Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 The Significance of Including St. Isaac of Nineveh in the Roman Martyrology St Isaac of Nineveh: added to the Roman calendar of saints. ( Alamy) (AINA) -- The historic 2024 visit of the Assyrian Catholicos-Patriarch his Holliness Mar Awa III of the Assyrian Church of the East to Pope Francis marked an important milestone in relations between two ancient Christian traditions. During this encounter, Pope Francis announced the inclusion of Saint Isaac of Nineveh--also known as Isaac the Syrian--into the Roman Martyrology, the official list of saints recognized by the Catholic Church. This act, though symbolic, carried profound ecumenical and spiritual meaning. It honored a figure deeply venerated in the Assyrian Church and reaffirmed that holiness transcends the boundaries that have long divided Christians. Saint Isaac of Nineveh lived in the seventh century and served briefly as bishop of Nineveh before retiring to a life of solitude and prayer. Born in the region of modern-day Qatar, he dedicated his life to contemplation and the pursuit of divine wisdom. His writings, composed in Syriac, speak of humility, inner peace, and the boundless mercy of God. Translated into many languages, they became spiritual classics across the Christian world, influencing both Eastern monks and Western mystics. Isaac's message, centered on God's infinite compassion, continues to offer a timeless path toward interior transformation and unity with God. The inclusion of St. Isaac's name in the Roman Martyrology reflects the Catholic Church's growing recognition of the shared heritage of faith that unites Christians across traditions. It demonstrates that sanctity is not confined to one communion but arises wherever hearts respond to God's love. By consulting and gaining the agreement of the Assyrian Church of the East before making the announcement, the Vatican emphasized that this was not an act of appropriation but of fraternity and mutual respect. It signaled a step forward in the long journey toward Christian reconciliation and mutual recognition. For the Assyrian Church of the East, this recognition brought both honor and encouragement. After centuries of isolation, persecution, and migration, seeing one of its greatest saints officially recognized by Rome affirmed the global value of its spiritual tradition. It also deepened the ongoing dialogue between the two churches, which have already reached theological agreements on key doctrines such as the Eucharist and Christology. In St. Isaac's inclusion, Assyrians could see a message of solidarity--a reminder that their witness, born from suffering and perseverance, is treasured by the universal Church. Ultimately, the 2024 event stands as a sign of hope and unity. The meeting between Pope Francis and Patriarch Awa III, crowned by the recognition of St. Isaac, expressed a shared longing for the day when East and West might again celebrate at one altar. Isaac's voice, proclaiming the mercy and love of God that surpass all human divisions, continues to call Christians to that unity. His life reminds the world that compassion, not conquest, heals the wounds of history--and that in God's mercy, there are no strangers. California police warned parents about Halloween candy look-alike consumables that contain cannabis, as they resemble popular kids' snacks, such as Cheetos and Skittles. The executive director of Shasta County Chemical People, Betty Cunningham, emphasized the potential dangers of the cannabis-laced products. She said that the THC levels of these look-alike candies are so high that even adults would normally only take half a gummy. Cannabis-Laden Candy Look-Alikes This poses a risk as children typically try to eat as many gummies as they can after they go trick-or-treating on Halloween. Cunningham added that most of the time, these THC-laced products are not tampered with, but argued that licensed products are usually designed to attract kids. She also advised parents to be aware and diligently check their kids' candies for cannabis warning labels. Parents should also be very careful about where they store products that contain cannabis so that children are not able to access them, according to KRCRTV. Cunningham added that in the case children do ingest look-alike candies that contain cannabis, parents should seek immediate medical attention. She said, "Get them to medical care. You don't want to decide whether they're having a problem or not." She said that children consuming products containing cannabis because they look like candies they would normally buy at the store is something that happens year-round. Cunningham urged parents to be vigilant at all times and not only during the Halloween season. Similarly, a police department in Michigan issued a warning to community members after finding counterfeit candy and snacks that contained THC and hallucinogenic mushroom products while personnel were executing a search warrant at a local residence, ABC News reported. The Dangers of These Products A public information officer for the Warren Police Department, Lt. John Gajewski, said that the situation is dangerous, as even trained investigators could miss the cannabis-laced products if they are not paying attention. This poses a risk to children who most likely will not be wary of such items during the Halloween season. Despite the findings, Gajewski said that police had no evidence that the products found while executing the search warrant were planned to be distributed on Halloween. However, he still warned parents and caregivers about the dangers they pose. In a separate news release, Police Commissioner Eric Hawkins said they were grateful to have been able to remove the cannabis-laden candy look-alikes before they could fall into the hands of kids. He said the situation serves as a reminder for families to be careful during Halloween, as per the Detroit Free Press. House Minority Leader Del. Terry Kilgore, R-Scott, speaks to members of the media during a special legislative session, Monday, Oct. 27, 2025, in Richmond, Va. (Mike Kropf/Richmond Times-Dispatch via AP) Republican lawmakers in Louisiana and Democrats in Virginia pressed ahead Wednesday with plans that could allow mid-decade redistricting as part of a growing national battle for partisan advantage in next year's congressional elections. Louisiana lawmakers passed legislation pushing back the state's 2026 primary elections by a month a move that could give lawmakers extra time to redraw the state's U.S. House districts if the Supreme Court strikes down the current boundaries. Meanwhile, Virginia's House endorsed a proposed constitutional amendment that, if ultimately approved by voters, would allow lawmakers to temporarily bypass a bipartisan redistricting commission and redraw congressional districts in response to similar efforts in other states. President Donald Trump triggered a redistricting fray this summer by calling upon Republican-led states to take the unusual step of redrawing House districts to their advantage ahead of the midterm elections. Redistricting typically occurs once a decade, immediately after a census. But Trump hopes that redistricting now can help Republicans in next year's elections hold on to the House, where Democrats need to gain just three seats to win control and impede Trump's agenda. Republicans in Texas, Missouri and North Carolina already have revised districts at Trumps urging, and Indiana's Republican governor has announced a special session on redistricting. So far, California is the only Democratic-led state to counter with a new congressional map, which is going before voters in a Tuesday election. Louisiana delays elections for potential redistricting Legislation delaying Louisiana's congressional primary from April 18 to May 16 passed along party lines Wednesday during a special session and is expected to be signed by Republican Gov. Jeff Landry. While Louisianas election dates have been adjusted before due to hurricanes, this change is in anticipation of a Supreme Court ruling in a potentially far-reaching redistricting case. At issue is Louisianas six-district congressional map, where lawmakers created a second majority-Black district in response to a previous court ruling, ultimately flipping a reliably Republican seat to Democrats. Proponents of the current map say it offers fair representation for Black residents, who comprise one-third of the population. Opponents contend the second Black majority congressional district was unconstitutionally gerrymandered based on race. During arguments, the Supreme Court's six conservative justices appeared inclined to effectively overturn the district boundaries. It's unclear when a ruling will come. Virginia Democrats eye a path to more House seats A new congressional map could allow Virginia Democrats to expand their current 6-5 edge over Republicans. But that requires a multistep process, because a voter-approved constitutional amendment places redistricting in the hands of a bipartisan commission. After the 2020 census, that commission deadlocked, so a court imposed districts that remain in use. The Virginia House on Wednesday voted for a proposed constitutional amendment allowing lawmakers to draw new districts in response to mid-decade redistricting elsewhere. To make the statewide ballot, the proposal still needs Senate approval, then must be approved by both chambers again in another legislative session. "We're here to defend against the power grab by Trump, Democratic Del. Marcus Simon said. But Republican Del. Chris Obenshain decried the amendment as a power grab by Democrats and "a frightening attempt to resurrect a Frankensteins monster of gerrymandering. Democrats haven't unveiled plans for how those new districts would be shaped. A Republican lawsuit contends the special session on redistricting violates the state constitution. Indiana isn't ready to start its special session Republican Gov. Mike Braun called for a special session on congressional redistricting to begin next Monday. But House Speaker Todd Huston said Thursday that the chamber is still working on a schedule and won't convene Monday. A spokesperson for Indiana Senate Republicans said the Senate also is unlikely to be ready next week. Under state law, the Legislature has 40 days from Monday to complete a special session. Mary land's Senate refuses to take up redistricting Democratic Senate President Bill Ferguson said his chamber wont move forward with redistricting, even though Democratic Gov. Wes Moore and Democratic House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones have expressed interest in it. Maryland Democrats already hold a 7-1 edge over Republicans in the U.S. House. Ferguson wrote in a letter Tuesday night to Senate Democrats that a redistricting effort aimed at flipping a seat held by Republican Rep. Andy Harris could jeopardize other seats now held by Democrats and prompt more Republican-led states to retaliate with redistricting. In short, the risk of redrawing the congressional map in Maryland is too high, making the unlikely possibility that we gain a seat not worth pursuing, Ferguson wrote. He noted that a congressional map adopted in 2021 was ruled unconstitutional by a judge who described it as a product of extreme partisan gerrymandering. Maryland passed another map in 2022, and the parties dropped their legal fight. Redrawing districts again could prompt a new legal challenge and allow a court to impose districts, Ferguson wrote. Five of the seven Maryland Supreme Court judges were appointed by Republican former Gov. Larry Hogan. Moore and Jones both said Wednesday that they hope to continue redistricting discussions. Illinois lawmakers remain reluctant to redistrict Despite pressure from national leaders, Democrats in the Illinois General Assembly say they won't take up redistricting while in session this week. They left open the possibility to do so later. Democrats hold 14 of the state's 17 U.S. House districts, which were drawn to favor Democrats after the 2020 census. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee said it provided a proposed new map to legislative leaders that could allow Democrats to win an additional seat. U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries met Monday with Democratic state lawmakers about redistricting, and the state's Democratic Congress members released a statement urging consideration of a new map. But some lawmakers remain concerned that redrawing districts could weaken representation for Black voters. We have to remind folks that those lines arent just political boundaries, Democratic state Rep. Kam Buckner said Wednesday. "They are the visible record of invisible battles; they represent neighborhoods that finally got a voice after a century of being spoken for instead of behind heard. ___ Lieb reported from Jefferson City, Missouri; Cline from Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Witte from Annapolis, Maryland; and Diaz from Richmond, Virginia. Isabella Volmert contributed from Lansing, Michigan. Members of the military police special unit detain suspected drug dealers during a police operation against drug trafficking in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Tuesday. - Aline Massuca/Reuters At least 132 people have died in a massive police raid aimed at organized crime in Rio de Janeiro, the regional public defenders office said on Wednesday. Among the dead are four Brazilian police officers, the office added. Rio de Janeiro State Governor Claudio Castro said at a press conference that the official figure from the raid on Tuesday is 58 deaths, but that number will certainly change as more forensic work is completed. Dozens of bodies found by favela residents were displayed in the streets for families to identify after the deadly raid, Reuters news agency reported. We can use what was done yesterday as the beginning of a great effort, the beginning of a great era, where everyone will unite, everyone will be able to work together, and we will have good conditions to free the people of Rio, Castro said. Castro told reporters that police confiscated a large quantity of drugs in the raid, according to Reuters. Authorities also claimed on social media that at least 42 rifles were seized during the operation. In a post on X on Tuesday afternoon, Castro pronounced the raid the biggest operation in the history of Rio de Janeiro. Police raids are common in the city before international events, and next week, Rio will host a major climate conference, the C40 World Mayors Summit. Video published by Reuters on Tuesday showed huge columns of black smoke emerging from the Alemao favela during the raid. Photographs of Alemao in the aftermath showed the source: burned cars, constructed as barricades. Authorities launched an operation aiming to combat the territorial expansion of the Comando Vermelho criminal group, Rio de Janeiros government added in a lengthy thread on X. The operation was in the works for over a year, the government said, and involved more than 2,500 military and civilian police personnel. Comando Vermelho is Brazils oldest active criminal organization, according to the think tank InSight Crime. Its name, Portuguese for Red Command, is a reference to its origins as a leftist prisoners organization formed during the military dictatorship that ruled over Brazil until 1985. Since then, Red Command has become a massive, transnational criminal group, involved in drug trafficking and extortion. InSight Crime reports that in recent years, it has struggled with escalating violence from the state and other criminal militias. Gang used drones, police claim At least 81 people were arrested Tuesday, according to a social media post by Rio de Janeiros Police Department. Cars burnt during a barricade within the Operacao Contencao (Operation Containment) at the Vila Cruzeiro favela, in the Penha complex, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Tuesday. - Mauro Pimentel/AFP/Getty Images People react while waiting for news outside a hospital on the day of a police operation against drug trafficking in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Tuesday. - Aline Massuca/Reuters During the raid, gang members allegedly targeted police with a drone, authorities said. In retaliation, criminals used drones to attack police officers in the Penha Complex, Rio de Janeiros state government said in a post on X, sharing a video of what appears to show a drone firing a projectile from the sky. Despite the attacks, security forces remain steadfast in the fight against crime, the state government added. This is the magnitude of the challenge we face, Castro said in a post, before using a term popular among tough-on-crime leaders in the United States and Latin America. It is no longer common crime, it is narco-terrorism. Castro also asked residents of the affected neighborhoods to remain indoors while the operation is underway. The US State Department told visitors to steer clear of northern Rio on Tuesday, warning that ongoing fighting between police and criminal factions have caused disruptions to traffic in multiple areas of the North Zone. Castro said that the clash took place in a wooded area and he believes that the casualties were all criminals. I dont believe anyone was just strolling in the woods on a day of conflict, he said. UN human rights office horrified Tuesdays raid is not the first in the Alemao favela this year. In January, a police operation ended with five dead and the neighborhood littered with similar barricades of burned-out cars. On Tuesday, Rio de Janeiros governor claimed the operation in Alemao was larger than an infamous, protracted security crisis the neighborhood experienced in 2010. According to the Fogo Cruzado (Crossfire) Institute, which tracks gun violence in Brazil, more than half of the firearms injuries recorded in September 2025 came from police operations. Past raids on similar slums in Brazil have attracted copious criticism from civil rights advocates. In May 2021, a raid in the Jacarezinho favela killed at least 25 people and led the Supreme Court to ban all police raids until the end of the COVID pandemic unless the circumstances were absolutely exceptional. On Tuesday, the United Nations Human Rights Office criticized the raid in a post on X, saying that it was horrified by the scale of the violence. This deadly operation furthers the trend of extreme lethal consequences of police operations in Brazils marginalized communities, the office wrote. We remind authorities of their obligations under international human rights law, and urge prompt and effective investigations. This is a developing story and will be updated. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Andrew Brodsky Andrew Brodsky and his mom Pam in front of the Trevi Fountain in Rome. Some gifts come wrapped in ribbon or a bow, but for Pam Brodsky, the latest birthday present from her son included Champagne, mimosas, and hot towels. My mom said she birthed me and paid for me for 18 years, laughed Andrew Brodsky, a 29-year-old consultant who lives in New York City. Now that Im an adult with a real-person income, I owed her a fun trip for her 60th birthday. The ask from Andrews mom was simple and delightfully specific: to visit Europe for the first time, with a lie-flat seat to get there and back. Andrew and Pam are a seasoned mother-son travel duo. Since the formers college graduation, theyve made a tradition of annual summer adventures. One year, it was a Taylor Swift concert in Los Angeles. Another time, it was a road trip from Seattle to the family ranch in Arkansas. In fact, Pam herself is no novice travelershes visited 47 states, gone on multiple cross-country drives, and experienced plenty of domestic flights, as well as a few to Canada and Mexico. Until this past summer, she had never crossed the Atlantic. Heres how Andrew made it happenin swanky business class, and all on points. By the Numbers The destination : Naples, Italy; Rome, Italy; Barcelona, Spain Total flight cost : ~$10,000 for two, round-trip tickets in business class to Europe (Chicago to Naples on American, and Barcelona to New York on Delta) Points breakdown : 110,000 Alaska Airlines miles + 120,000 Air France/KLM Flying Blue miles The total spent: $0 How They Booked It Andrew Brodsky In their Delta Air Lines business-class seats. In the spring, Andrew was scrolling through Instagram when he caught wind of business-class award availability on an American Airlines one-way route from Chicago OHare (ORD) to Naples, Italy (NAP). At the time, this was a new flight route. Award seats are typically rare in the peak summer period, so he pounced, using that find as the trips backbone for the rest of the itinerary. To book, Andrew used 55,000 Alaska Airlines miles per person. Alaska Airlines, a member of the Oneworld alliance with American Airlines, may price award seats lower than American, if you were to book directly. Its worth checking if youre trying to fly on an American flight. The first flight booked was just in one direction, from the U.S. to Europe. The return was trickier. Andrew and Pam were set on a specific date to come back to the U.S, which makes award hunting much more challenging. Nevertheless, Andrew leveraged a service called point.me, which runs searches across major airline programs to find the lowest price possible. (Think of it like Google Flights, but specifically for points redemptions.) Eventually, Andrew saw something interesting: Delta Air Lines business-class seats from Barcelona (BCN) to New York (JFK), bookable through Flying Blue, the frequent flyer program of Air France and KLM. (While it was possible to book this flight directly through Delta, the cost in miles was much higher.) Andrew booked this offering for 60,000 Flying Blue miles per person. To complete the booking, he moved Capital One miles to Flying Blue. Flying Blue is a transfer partner of the major credit card currencies, including American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and Citi ThankYou Rewards. To transfer, you must enter your Flying Blue account informationor join for free if you do not already have an accountin the respective credit card travel page. All points are then transferred instantly at a one-to-one ratio. What the Experience Was Like Andrew Brodsky Andrew and Pam visiting the Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome. Theres a special kind of joy in giving someone their first stamp in a new continentespecially when you can pair the milestone with a lie-flat seat, too. By letting the award availability lead the trip planning, Andrew delivered a 60th-birthday trip that was indulgent and memorable for his mom. The result wasnt just a passport expansion for Pam with Italy and Spain; it was a full expectation reset. The pair landed in Naples fresh after a full nights sleep on the flight overso much so that they were immediately able to set out on a day trip to the ruins of Pompeii. Pam now knows the joys of a smooth flight on a long-haul aircraft, and how good a pre-departure mimosa tastes when youre not counting the minutes to pushback. The hot towels they brought around at the very beginning were amazing, she said, still delighted. But really it was the privacy and space of the lie-flat seat that made the journey so special. We loved our time on the ground, of course, too, from gelato in Capri, to the Trevi Fountain in Rome, and the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Pam said. The duo purchased train tickets within Europe in cash, which delivered the cinematic experience Pam had wanted: the countryside flickering by, espresso at the station as they arrived into Rome. Of course, quick travel from Rome to Barcelona takes a little more than a bullet train ride. For that, they relied on a short flight with ITA across the Tyrrhenian Sea. I booked us in economy from Rome to Barcelona; I figured it was a good time to remind my mom how most people travel and how lucky she is to have me, Andrew said. Points & Miles Tips for Travelers Andrew Brodsky Andrew and Pam at the Trevi Fountain. Being flexible is the key to finding flight deals redeemable through points and miles. Things get a lot easier if you can move your trip by a few days or even consider a different European gateway, Andrew said. He didnt wedge Italy into an existing plan; he let the award availability become the plan. Leveraging the right tools can also help. If you have specific dates or must return on a given day, a paid tool like point.me can save a ton of headache and a ton of money by surfacing award programs you might overlook. As for future trips? Pams already sold. If youre going to travel that long, she said, be comfortable and enjoy it. Points and miles, deployed thoughtfully, make the experience less of a splurge and more of a strategy. And if you ask Andrew, its the best birthday present a son can give. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure Public schools in Broward County are listening to what parents want in order to boost enrollment. Alfonso Duran for BI In Broward County, Florida, the start of this school year brought more than the usual first-day jitters it came with a sense of urgency. About 10,000 fewer students entered its public schools this year, a 4.7% drop from last year, putting 34 of its schools on a watchlist for risk of closure or consolidation. Broward County isn't alone; public schools nationwide are reckoning with shrinking student bodies as publicly funded vouchers for charter and private schools expand, birthrates fall, the cost of living rises, and immigration crackdowns deter some families. The Trump administration's push to redirect funding away from public schools has intensified the pressure. Faced with dwindling enrollment, which is directly tied to their funding, public schools must either reinvent themselves or risk shuttering classrooms. Business Insider visited five schools in the county that are doing the former and seem to be succeeding. "It costs a lot of money for a family to live in South Florida," Howard Hepburn, Broward County's superintendent, told Business Insider, which is pushing some families to move to areas with lower costs of living. "So incrementally, the district has been trying to address it, but it's compounded itself, and we have to make some tough decisions." Students at Millennium 6-12 Collegiate Academy use augmented reality in their lessons. Alfonso Duran for BI The county's solution, a plan called "Redefining Our Schools," is now entering its second phase. The plan includes shutting down or repurposing some schools and incorporating community feedback to stay competitive with private schools. "We're constantly in an iterative process of enhancing academic programs at schools," Hepburn said. The county is also offering school choice reassignments, allowing families to attend schools outside their residential boundaries. Everglades Elementary School has approved over 100 reassignments, said Eliot Tillinger, the school's principal. Tillinger said the school's debate team which often isn't offered until high school is a likely draw. "It could be people who know the reputation of the school, know the programs that we offer, and they just want to be part of what they believe is the best opportunity for their children's education," Tillinger said. "And that's a phenomenal, phenomenal thing." Business Insider is exploring how America's public schools are fighting an enrollment decline due to the school choice movement, declining birth rates, funding challenges, and more. Share your story with this reporter at asheffey@businessinsider.com. Why families are leaving public schools and what might make them return Andreina Gandica pulled her fifth-grade son from Coral Cove Academy of the Arts, a public school in Broward County, because she was worried about the switch to a larger public middle school in sixth grade. She sent her son to a K-12 charter school instead. It turns out, she wasn't the only parent worried about this. Stephanie Saban, Coral Cove's principal, said that a high percentage of families used to leave the public school system after fifth grade because parents weren't satisfied with the transition to middle school. She's now overseeing Coral Cove's transition into a K-8 school. Stephanie Saban, Coral Cove's principal, said the conversion to a K-8 school has boosted enrollment. Alfonso Duran for BI "We knew that we had something very special here, but we were not able to just draw the kids in based solely on that because of the competing charter schools," Saban told Business Insider. "Many families in my community wanted the K-8 continuity." Teachers had to adapt, too. Some quit because they weren't prepared to work with older students. "I wasn't sure if I was going to like it or not," Dina Becker, Coral Cove's art teacher, told Business Insider, adding that she ended up being happy with the transition. "I've always said I've never wanted to teach middle school, but then to save our school, we had to do something." So far, the transition's first year is going well: 513 students were enrolled in the academy as of the 10th day of the current academic year, compared to 443 at the same point last year. And Gandica has since reenrolled her son at Coral Cove. "We never left because of a negative experience; it was simply a preventive decision related to future enrollment," Gandica said. "Once the new grade structure was announced, coming back felt like the most natural choice for us." Parents in Broward County said the unique offerings at their neighborhood schools drew them in. Alfonso Duran for BI At Apollo Middle School, Principal Louis Kushner is also battling competition from private schools. He described Apollo's robotics program as the school's "hub," saying it helps attract families and boost enrollment. But it's not enough to stop student attrition. He said a family recently asked him to write a recommendation for their child to attend a private school, and he plans to have a conversation with them to understand why. He's now working to strengthen the robotics program at the feeder high school to show parents that there is continuity for their kids after they leave Apollo. "We have to get the parents to be in the building to see and feel what's happening," Kushner said. Coral Cove and Apollo are examples of how public schools are trying to compete with charter and private schools. It's an uphill battle. The Trump administration has moved to expand school vouchers, directing the education secretary to explore shifting federal funds to "K-12 educational choice initiatives" and prioritizing support for schools promoting "patriotic education" over "woke" ideology. The administration's immigration policies are also leading some families to leave the public school system, Hepburn said. Immigration has historically offset declining birth rates, "but with federal policies restricting immigration in the country, it's likely that it will not be enough to sustain enrollment going forward," said Tara Moon, a policy analyst at Georgetown University think-tank FutureEd. "We're almost at a reckoning point for the public education system since we're seeing so many families choose to leave," Moon said. There are bright spots: Broward's Apollo Middle School, Everglades Elementary School, and Millennium 6-12 Collegiate Academy have maintained steady enrollment or experienced growth over the past year. Broward's population has also been growing it's up 13% since 2010 and rose 0.79% in the past year. Some families say that the unique programs, like robotics and debate, drew them to the schools. Gastride Harrigan, the principal at Millennium, told Business Insider that parents are drawn to the school's structure, which enables students to receive an associate degree alongside their high school diploma when they graduate. Gastride Harrigan and Kay Thomas said Millennium's STEAM program helps students shape their career plans. Alfonso Duran for BI "We noticed that 80% of our high school students were our middle school students, so that tells us we're doing something right," Harrigan said. "But the selling point for most parents is the free associate's degree." Brian, a Millennium 9th-grade student, is part of the school's STEAM program. He said the science and technology programs are helpful because he wants to pursue a career in pediatrics. "It really correlates to what I want to do when I grow up," Brian said. Kay Thomas, the coordinator of the STEAM program, said it's designed to give students experience in their fields of interest and help them discover less familiar careers. "It's providing also the hands-on experience and the exposure to the unknown, to not just sitting down and being instructed, but how can you really integrate this and have the kids engaged in what they're doing and learning what other options are out there," Thomas said. A call to action for public schools Public school student bodies are expected to continue shrinking. Faidra Monachou, an assistant professor at the Yale School of Management, coauthored a report that estimates public school districts nationwide could lose up to 6.5 million students over the next quarter-century. Overall, 49.5 million students were enrolled in public schools in the fall of 2023, compared to 4.7 million students enrolled in private schools in the fall of 2021, the most recent year for which data is available. States dole out funding to schools based on their number of students, and those with already limited resources could be hit the hardest by further enrollment declines. Northeast High School offers free industry certifications for its students. Alfonso Duran for BI Hepburn said that Broward County has lost over $300 million in public school funding over the past decade due to declining enrollment, including an $85 million budget deficit this year. While closing schools is difficult for the community, he said, "it costs a lot of money to operate under-enrolled schools, and we're spending more resources on operating and maintaining the school than we are on educating the students." Public schools gaining enrollment aren't immune from funding stressors, either. At Apollo Middle School, Kushner said the robotics program, which helps attract new families, is largely made possible by grants from the National Science Foundation. The Trump administration has canceled a range of NSF grants that it said did not comply with its priorities, and Kushner worries that the funding could end. For Florida in particular, there's an additional challenge that could strain its public school system: property tax cuts. Lawmakers are considering cutting property taxes which account for nearly half the state's public school budget to help offset the strain of higher living costs. The Florida Policy Institute said in a September report that eliminating property taxes on primary residences could cost school districts $7.7 billion. Sadaf Knight, CEO of the Florida Policy Institute, said the move would "leave local governments and school districts scrambling to balance their ledgers, whether it's through cutting vital programs and services or by introducing or raising new fees to replace the lost revenue." Many schools are focusing on the factors they can control. Northeast High School champions a program that allows students to select a path in either art, technology, or aviation beginning in elementary school. Principal Anthony Valachovic told Business Insider that the program was created to boost enrollment, with the added bonus of offering free industry certifications. He said he and his colleagues created the program after asking themselves, "What are colleges looking for and what can kids do hands-on?" Northeast High School's students can use flight simulators to gain credit for the aviation pathway. Alfonso Duran for BI Students in aviation can gain experience at nearby flight schools, and classrooms feature flight simulators that allow students to practice. Art students can showcase their work at a fair in Palm Beach, exposing them to the entrepreneurship element of the profession. Christopher Blackman, a sophomore at Northeast High School, aspires to pursue a career in coding. He said he plans to earn college credits and an industry certification to further his experience in the field once he graduates. According to data from Broward County, 15 teachers at the high school offer industry certifications, and 457 students passed the certification exam in 2025. Randolph Manchester, Blackman's computer science teacher, said the certifications are "a big draw" for parents: "If they get certifications here with us, they might not have to pay for their children to get it elsewhere." Enrollment pressures aren't going away. Hepburn said that public schools continue to be the first choice for many families, and districts must adapt to ensure that remains the case. "Public education is not going anywhere," Hepburn said. "I think we just need to evolve to address our current times. Just like every business has to evolve over the years, it's now time for public education to evolve to really address the demands of today's world." Read the original article on Business Insider ECHO Village in Providence, shown here on Oct. 28, 2025, has 45 cabins that provide a safe space for people who are homeless. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current) Rhode Islands first community of tiny shelters for homeless individuals will remain in operation for at least through the end of September 2026. The State Properties Committee on Tuesday unanimously approved a new lease with the nonprofit responsible for managing ECHO Village, the Pallet shelter village near Route 146 in Providence that opened in February after sitting vacant for more than a year. Committee members spent about 10 minutes discussing the lease, with their main question focused on the structural lifespan of the tiny cabins, which were assembled on the 4-acre site on Victor Street in 2024. That also appeared to be an open question for the Office of Executive Housing staffer presenting to the panel. People have only been living in them since February, Peter Asen, director of housing production and preservation, told the committee. I think theyre going to last as long as we hope to have a need for this type of project we dont have any indication at this point that they arent lasting. But that information should be made clear under provisions of the new lease, which call for House of Hope to conduct routine maintenance and inspections of shelters HVAC and fire suppression systems, along with maintaining records of those activities. There are 45 cabins in all, each measuring 70 square feet. An update Asen could provide the committee was that since ECHO Village opened, no major issues have arisen save for a small number of participants who were asked to leave because of behavior issues. Police were called twice to ECHO Village, Kristy dosReis, spokesperson for the Providence Police Department, wrote in an email to Rhode Island Current. One visit was for a well-being check and another time for a reported overdose. In the case of the overdose, officers were cancelled while en route, dosReis said. Laura Jaworski, executive director of House of Hope, acknowledged some growing pains during ECHO Villages first eight months, including clarifying whos responsible for damages, establishing relationships with first responders, and speeding up the turnaround time to prepare cabins for new residents. The expected length of the stay for residents is around nine months, but could vary depending on each individuals health and other circumstances and whether there is a more permanent place for them to stay, Jaworski previously told Rhode Island Current. While staff continue to adjust, Jaworski said she believes ECHO Village has been a quick success, noting that seven individuals have since moved into permanent housing. As of mid-October, she said 70 people have spent time inside a cabin. These are folks who have been homeless for very long periods of time, with multiple challenges that theyre handling, she said. All in all, I think for a new program, a new model, we are successful. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The chairman of the powerful Senate Judiciary Committee is asking the Federal Trade Commission to investigate allegations of fraudulent and deceptive business practices by The Knot, an international wedding planning website. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said in a news release he is requesting the investigation after receiving hundreds of reports from whistleblowers including Iowans. The Knot World Wide denies that it uses fraudulent or deceptive business practices and said Grassley has not reached out to discuss the issues. From August: Swifties are scouring New York City for a $10K engagement ring The Knot provides wedding planning services for couples worldwide, offering vendors such as caterers and photographers an opportunity to advertise on the site. The company connects more than 4 million users with more than 900,000 small businesses in countries across North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia, according to its website. It says it has operations in New York; Washington, D.C.; Barcelona, Spain; Delhi, India; Galway, Ireland; and London. In his news release, Grassley says he's receiving complaints of repeated failures to honor contracts and deliberate attempts at fraud. Knot denies allegations; one Iowa case results in default judgment U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA), with Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), takes his seat for a committee business meeting to vote on President Donald Trump's nominee Emil Bove to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 17, 2025. Iowas senior senator said he first raised issues regarding The Knot to the FTC in March. Since then, he said, his office has received nearly 200 allegations of misconduct against the company. These small businesses allege that The Knot didnt advertise their businesses on the website as they were contractually required to and the leads they received were largely fake or otherwise lacked legitimacy," Grassley wrote in his letter to the FTC. "Further, they allege that The Knot promised discount pricing but failed to add them to their customers bills. In addition, I was also alerted by several small businesses in Iowa who alleged they were also defrauded by The Knot through these fraudulent and deceptive business practices. The Knot in a statement said it does not engage in fraudulent or deceptive business practices. Our mission has always been to create meaningful connections and support the wedding community with transparency, integrity, and care, The Knot said. We are laser-focused on innovating to help wedding professionals grow their businesses with quality leads and support millions of couples annually on their planning journey. We remain deeply focused on continually enhancing our products, support, and safety standards so every experience reflects the values that built our brand. At least one court case filed in Iowa, alleging fraudulent practices and breach of contract, resulted in a default judgement against The Knot. In August of 2021, Q Squared Systems LLC of Des Moines filed the lawsuit in small claims court seeking restitution for $3,050 in advertising fees it said it had paid, $2,550 in statutory damages as defined by Iowas Consumer Fraud Act and $900 in attorney fees. The Knot never responded to the suit, resulting in the court issuing a judgment of $6,500 plus interest to Q Squared. Cornelius S. Qualley, who is listed as both attorney and an owner of Q Squared Systems LLC in court documents and on the companys website, did not respond to numerous requests for comment. Company says it is working to improve systems U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA), with Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and ranking member Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL), delivers remarks at the start of a committee business meeting to vote on President Donald Trump's nominee Emil Bove to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 17, 2025. Shannon Stephany, owner of Simply Stunning Events, a wedding planning company based in West Des Moines, said most of the conversations among wedding vendors relating to The Knot are about spam emails. You do get spam and many of the people I talk to arent fully trusting (The Knot), Stephany said. In her previous job planning events for Glen Oaks Country Club in West Des Moines, Stephany said, 50% of the leads for wedding events came from The Knot. Kelly Thomason of Bella Flora Event Design in Urbandale, Iowa, said she is aware of the allegations against The Knot. While many local vendors have expressed to me negative sentiments about these platforms, very similar to what is currently alleged, our experience has remained pretty solid over the years," said Thomason, a 22-year veteran of the industry. "For this reason, we have continued to remain a player, in what some would say, has been an iconic wedding platform for many decades. For its part, The Knot has acknowledged it is working to improve its systems based on vendor feedback. New CEO Raina Moskowitz issued a letter to vendors in March announcing the upgrade of several company processes, including reducing spam and ghosting. Kevin Baskins covers jobs and the economy for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at kbaskins@registermedia.com. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: GOP senator wants wedding planning site investigated Johnson County District Attorney NEED TO KNOW Jace Hanson was sentenced to more than 11 years in prison earlier this month after pleading guilty to 33 felony counts tied to food contamination at a Leawood, Kansas steakhouse He allegedly filmed himself contaminating meals more than 20 times stomping, urinating and spitting on the food on different occasions and shared the videos online before his arrest in April 2024 The FBI became involved after a tipster reported the videos, and the restaurant later closed amid lawsuits and health complaints Bon appetit, said no one. Jace Hanson, a former restaurant worker in the kitchen of the upscale Hereford House steakhouse in Leawood, Kan., was sentenced to more than 11 years in prison after filming himself contaminating restaurant food with his bodily fluids, according to KCTV5, KSHB 41 and KMBC 9. The videos which surfaced on a social media site under the username Vandalizer were reported to the FBI by a tipster, and the FBI then passed the information to Leawood police, per the outlets. The clips allegedly showed Hanson urinating on food, spitting into containers, stomping on food items and rubbing them on his body before they were served to customers, per court documents and reporting by KCTV5, KMBC 9 and The Kansas City Star. Hanson was arrested on April 25, 2024, after the FBI forwarded its findings to local authorities, according to KCTV5, KSHB 41 and KMBC 9. Investigators said the incidents occurred between March 26 and April 25 of that year, and Hanson later pleaded guilty on July 3, 2025, to 33 felony counts including 22 counts of criminal threat, one count of criminal damage over $25,000 and 10 child exploitation charges according to KSHB 41 and KMBC 9. Leawood Police Detective Jack Bond testified that, along with footage of the contamination, detectives recovered child sexual abuse material on Hansons devices. 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. It was the most brutal and violent child sexual-abuse material that I have ever seen, Bond said in court, according to the Johnson County Post, adding that he had to take breaks while reviewing the files because of how horrific the footage was. On Oct. 9, 2025, a Johnson County judge sentenced Hanson to 11 years and 4 months in prison, the maximum allowed under Kansas law, per the outlets. The fallout for the Hereford House was immediate: co-owner Camellia Hill testified that sales plunged the minute it hit the press, saying the scandal basically destroyed our business, per the Johnson County Post. The restaurant closed its Leawood location on Aug. 3, 2024, citing financial strains caused by recent events, according to KCTV5 and the Post. By Aug. 8, 2024, at least 13 civil lawsuits had been filed against the restaurant, according to KMBC 9, KCTV5 and The Kansas City Star. Leawood police fielded nearly 400 food-poisoning complaints and conducted about 130 interviews, a volume that briefly crashed the departments records system, according to the Johnson County Post, KSHB 41 and KCTV5. 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. Read the original article on People A search is underway in California for a murder suspect who was accidentally released from jail last week. Isaiah Jamon Andrews of Kent, Washington, was released Oct. 22 from the Martinez Detention Facility in Martinez, California. Andrews, 20, was being held on local charges, a juvenile warrant out of Sacramento and an out-of-state warrant for homicide, the Contra Costa Sheriffs Office said in a news release Monday. Isaiah Jamon Andrews (Contra Costa Sheriff / via Facebook) After the staff realized Andrews had been mistakenly released, a search of the immediate area was launched, but he was not found. The sheriff's office said it was investigating the circumstances surrounding his release. The search is ongoing and the U.S. Marshals Service is assisting. The agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday. Police in Seattle said in a news release Oct. 20 that Andrews was arrested in California following a vehicle pursuit. He is wanted in connection with the fatal shooting of a 20-year-old man in the parking lot of a Seattle hotel. He was being held in California, awaiting extradition to King County. The mother of the homicide victim, Theodore Wheeler IV, told NBC affiliate KING of Seattle that authorities did not reach out to her about Andrews release. "Im sad, Im hurt, Im disappointed," she told the station. "I feel like they dont care. Nobody has notified me." Shes demanding answers about what happened. "I want somebody to step up and take responsibility," she said. "Theyre putting my family in jeopardy." Curtis Means/Pool/Getty; Jeff Kravitz/TAS23/Getty Luigi Mangione, Taylor Swift NEED TO KNOW Luigi Mangione, 27, is listening to Taylor Swift and Charli XCX songs in jail, he wrote in a letter to a supporter He is also listening to the rapper Lil Durk on the insistence of a fellow inmate, he wrote in the same letter The recipient of Mangione's letter provided PEOPLE with an image of the typed and handwritten note as well as the stamped envelope it arrived in to confirm its authenticity Is Luigi Mangione a Swiftie? In June, Mangione sent a letter to supporters, friends and pen pals which listed 27 things he was thankful for on the occasion of his 27th birthday. The letters were all typed out, but a few had additional written sections where Mangione shared opinions, updates or well-wishes. On Tuesday, the individual who runs the Twitter account The Mangione Trial said they received one of these letters in June, and then posted that letter on social media. The Mangione Trial also provided proof of the letter's authenticity by providing PEOPLE with photos of the letter and a stamped envelope it arrived in, and said the letter was a response to one they sent Mangione on May 22. Mangione's website, which keeps a running list of all mail he receives in jail, also shows that he got a letter from someone referred to as MT on May 22. Courtesy of Luigi Nicholas Mangione Luigi Mangione Letter The letter starts off with a typed list of the things Mangione is grateful for, then includes a personalized message at the end of the letter. Mangione wrote at the bottom of this letter that he "downloaded a bunch of Taylor Swift and Charli XCX onto my tablet" the previous week because he had "never really listened to either of them." He said that his decision to listen to the artists came after "some phony list of my favorite music circulated on social media," which is likely a reference to the multiple doctored Spotify playlists shared on social media after his arrest in December 2024 which some people edited by adding art to suggest songs from artists like Swift or Charli XCX were on the original list. "Rather than be a buzzkill and set the record straight, I figured I'd see what all the hype was about," Mangione wrote. He then said that while walking laps "on the top tier of my unit," he listened to "Cardigan" by Swift, a song off her 2020 Album Folklore. That listening session ended prematurely, however, Mangione wrote, when an inmate he refers to as King asked about the song he was listening to during his walk. "He scolds me for a while, then replaces all my music. Now I listen to Lil Durk," Mangione wrote at the end of the letter. Inmates are able to purchase MP3 players from the commissary at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn and then download songs onto the players by hooking their devices up to the Trust Fund Limited Inmate Computer System (TRULINCS) modules in their housing unit and then purchasing songs that are available in the prison catalog. In that same letter, Mangione had initially listed "Cardigan" as one of the things he was thankful for, but that was crossed off and just below he wrote a song by Lil Durk: "Dis Ain't What You Want." 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. Mangione is currently awaiting both federal and state trials at MDC, where inmates refer to him as the "ambassador" because of the work he does acclimating new inmates to the facility. Authorities arrested Mangione at a McDonald's in Pennsylvania on Dec. 9, 2024, five days after the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside his Manhattan hotel. Mangione was extradited to New York City 10 days later and charged with four federal crimes by prosecutors for the Southern District of New York. He was then booked into the MDC, where he has remained since. Mangione will be back in court on Dec. 1 for a pretrial hearing in his New York state case. Read the original article on People A transgender teenager from Indiana has admitted to plotting a Valentine's school shooting at Mooresville High School as part of a plea deal. The suspect, identified as 18-year-old Trinity J. Shockley, agreed to plead guilty in Morgan Superior Court as part of a new deal that results in the dropping of two intimidation charges linked to alleged terrorist threats. Indiana Teenager Admits to School Shooting Plot While Chief Deputy Prosecutor Cassie Mellady confirmed the plea deal with Shockley, she declined to provide further details about the underlying facts of the case. She said that she cannot comment until the case is resolved. One factor that has received widespread attention in media reports is the suspect's gender identity. However, Mellady said that this is not something that affects how the case is being handled or how sentencing will be determined for the suspect. She said that that determination has "nothing to do with sex," adding that it does not affect sentencing or placement. Mellady noted that it is something that is being handled by the Indiana Department of Correction, according to WIBC. Read more: Washington High School Student Charged With Murder Over Plans of Shooting Mellady noted that beyond the specifics of the case, her office routinely confronts the intersection of mental health and criminal behavior. She added that while mental health issues are common among defendants, they rarely change how prosecutors pursue charges unless the individual's competency to stand trial becomes an issue. The prosecutor said that they occasionally deal with mental health, more often than not, adding that there is a difference between having a mental health issue and being competent for trial. She noted that a defendant not being competent makes a case challenging. Up to 30 Years in Prison Under Indiana law, an individual who is convicted of a Level 2 felony faces between 10 and 30 years of imprisonment. It was reported that the transgender teenager's attorney requested a sentence of no more than 12 and a half years in jail and up to five years in probation, Fox News reported. As part of probation, the defendant is required to meet with mental health professionals, is barred from searching for school-shooting content, and is also prohibited from entering Morgan County school properties. The case began when Shockley was arrested in February this year after police authorities received a tip that she had access to an AR-15 firearm. She was also reported to have bought a bulletproof vest and was obsessed with mass shooters. When officers searched the suspect's home, they found a twisted shrine to Parkland, Florida mass shooter Nikolas Cruz and several other mass shooters, as per the New York Post. GYEONGJU, South Korea President Trump received a massive gold crown from his South Korean hosts Wednesday before being treated to a dinner including beef patties with ketchup in a nod to his longstanding culinary preferences. Trump, who has eagerly trolled Democrats who accuse him of harboring monarchical ambitions, is known for his love of both the precious metal and slathering the tomato-based condiment on well-done meat. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung presented Trump with the crown a replica of one worn by kings of the historic kingdom of Silla shortly after he arrived in the country from a stopover in Japan. President Trump received a massive golden crown Wednesday in South Korea. REUTERS Lee also gifted Trump with the Grand Order of Mugungwha, South Koreas highest honor, featuring a large medallion on a golden necklace. Its as beautiful as it can possibly be Id like to wear it right now, Trump told his host, who said the award recognized Trumps efforts to improve relations with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. A Korean translator told Trump that the enormous pronged crown, meanwhile, was a replica of the largest and most extravagant of the six existing crowns from the Silla period. The Silla kingdom, based in Gyeongju for about 1,000 years between 57 BC and 935 AD, at one point ruled most of Korea. Follow The Posts live coverage of President Trump and national politics for the latest news and analysis Trump also received the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, South Koreas highest honor. Getty Images It symbolizes the spirit of Silla, which brought peace to the Korean peninsula for the first time and there will be a new golden age of the Korean-US alliance, Lee said. Trump received the crown 11 days after nationwide No Kings protests by Democrats against his policies, which organizers said drew 7 million participants in major US cities. Trump received the crown after this months No Kings protest which prompted Trump to post a meme of himself wearing a crown. Best Image / BACKGRID The president responded to those protests by posting a meme of himself wearing a crown and dumping feces on the protesters from a fighter jet named King Trump. Wednesday nights menu featured braised short ribs with American beef as the main dish, with sides including Korean staples such as kimchi and mini beef patties with ketchup. Menu of lunch bilat, per a WH official Seafood salad ("Reminiscing the Success Story of New York, Korean Seafood Meets Thousand Island Dressing") + a short rib dish ("Korean Platter of Sincerity with U.S. Beef") Ending w/a Peacemakers Dessert https://t.co/SpsLzXGH9Q pic.twitter.com/DLuhXR0k64 aaron navarro (@aaronlarnavarro) October 29, 2025 Diplomatic gifts and meals are usually carefully selected to flatter and boost relationships with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Tuesday giving Trump a golf putter previously owned by assassinated former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe with whom Trump was great friends and feeding him American rice in a nod to Trumps demand that Tokyo lift import restrictions on the grain. During the South Korean visit, Lee expressed his gratitude for Trumps outreach to the North Korean tyrant, whom the US president expressed a willingness to meet this week. Chairman Kim has not really accepted your good intention and your gesture. So this time it did not happen, but I believe that we have been planting good seeds for a better future, Lee said. The menu for the dinner Trump and business leaders were served in Tokyo on Oct. 28, 2025. Getty Images Lee noted to Trump that on the Korean peninsula, a war is going on, technically speaking and said his nation would increase military spending. The South Korean leader said he also wanted Trump to sign off on a plan to provide his country with nuclear fuel to allow for nuclear-powered submarines. I know that you are officially at war, but we will see what we can do to get that all straightened out, Trump said. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met for their first face-to-face talks in six years with hopes of ending a monthslong trade war -- a meeting that came shortly after Trump said the U.S. would "immediately" begin testing nuclear weapons, which it has not done in more than 30 years. The meeting at an air base in Busan, South Korea, lasted roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes. Leading up to the meeting, Trump said it could last three to four hours. The two leaders appeared to be in good spirits leaving the meeting, exchanging a brief word and shaking hands. Trump is now headed back to Washington. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images - PHOTO: U.S. Donald Trump Meets With China's President Xi In South Korea There was no immediate readout of high-profile talks. The two shared a handshake for the cameras ahead of the meeting and, in brief remarks, projected optimism about the U.S.-China relationship. Mark Schiefelbein/AP - PHOTO: President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping shake hands before their meeting at Gimhae International Airport in Busan, South Korea, Oct. 30, 2025. "I think we've already agreed to a lot of things, and we'll agree to some more right now, but President Xi is a great leader of a great country, and I think we're going to have a fantastic relationship for a long period of time," Trump said. Xi said, since Trump's reelection, the two leaders have spoken three times on the phone. Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping shake hands as they arrive for talks at the Gimhae Air Base, located next to the Gimhae International Airport in Busan, October 30, 2025. "Given our different national conditions, we do not always see eye-to-eye with each other, and it is normal for the two leading economies of the world to have frictions now and then," Xi said through an interpreter. But he said the relationship between the two countries remained "stable on the whole." Andrew Harnik/Getty Images - PHOTO: President Donald Trump speaks with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a bilateral meeting at Gimhae Air Base on October 30, 2025 in Busan, South Korea. About an hour before the meeting was set to start, Trump posted on his social media platform, touting U.S. nuclear capacity and saying he had ordered the Pentagon to resume nuclear testing on an "equal basis" to other countries' testing programs, which will begin "immediately." The U.S. has "observed a voluntary moratorium on nuclear explosive testing since 1992," according to the Congressional Research Service, though it has maintained the ability to resume the tests. "The United States has more Nuclear Weapons than any other country," Trump said in the post, adding "Russia is second, and China is a distant third, but will be even within 5 years." The post went on to say, "Because of other countries testing programs, I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis. That process will begin immediately." Trump arrives in South Korea for final stop of Asia tour, high-stakes meeting with Xi After negotiations in Malaysia earlier this week, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said U.S. and Chinese officials agreed to a framework around trade talks. But ultimately, it's up to the two leaders to finalize the deal. Even if truces are made and deadlines extended, experts say any breakthrough will only offer temporary relief: short-term adjustments rather than structural change to one of the worlds most consequential relationships. Susan Walsh/AP - PHOTO: President Donald Trump meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a meeting on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Osaka, Japan, June 29, 2019. What's on the table in talks Weeks ago, China announced it would dramatically expand restrictions on rare earth minerals -- materials key for producing computer chips that are needed for everything including smartphones, AI systems and defense technology. The new rules mean that foreign firms must get Chinese government approval to export products that have even trace amounts of certain rare earths that originate from China. Bessent said China has agreed to delay its restrictions by one year. But thats not a lot of time, certainly not enough build viable alternatives to China. And experts say restrictions on rare earths are part of Beijings long-term plans. While they can delay these controls, it still gives Beijing powerful leverage for years to come. The rare earth export restrictions are part of a "broader shift in China's approach to economic diplomacy," said Neil Thomas, a fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institute's Center for China Analysis. "It's been studying the U.S. export control regime and absorbing the lessons of just how powerful a diplomatic tool can be. Beijing wants Washington to reduce its own export controls on China," Thomas said. Tyrone Siu/Reuters - PHOTO: A cargo ships sails in Hong Kong, China, October 17, 2025. Tariffs are also to be a main topic of the talks. In response to Chinas rare earth controls, Trump threatened to impose additional 100% tariffs on China. Bessent says that threat is now off the table. But Nov. 10 is another deadline: Thats when the 90-day truce on the sky-high tariffs on each country expires. Bessent says he expects an extension, but even with this truce, tariffs on goods from both countries remain in the double digits. Trump imposed 20% tariffs on China earlier this year over claims that China has failed to crack down on exporting chemicals used to make fentanyl. Trump said he expects to lower those fentanyl tariffs. The flow of fentanyl precursor chemicals has been a longstanding challenge between the U.S. and China. Bessent said the deal with China also addresses the concerns from American soybean farmers. China has turned to Argentina for soybeans during the trade war, a shift that has deepened financial pressure on U.S. farmers. Jan Sonnenmair/Getty Images - PHOTO: A combine harvests soybeans, October 14, 2025 in Marion, Kentucky. Bloomberg and Reuters report that China has purchased a few soybean cargoes -- its first purchases from this years U.S. harvest. ABC News has reached out to the White House and Treasury Department for comment. While this could be temporary relief, the long-term trend is that China has been steadily reducing its reliance on the U.S. Plus, the TikTok deal to keep the hugely popular app operating in the United States could be finalized during their meeting. Bessent said Sunday on CBS News' "Face the Nation" that his "remit was to get the Chinese to agree to approve the transaction" and he believes "we successfully accomplished that" during their negotiations in Malaysia. The White House announced last month the deal would create a joint venture majority owned by U.S. investors, with Oracle overseeing the algorithm. Kiichiro Sato/AP - PHOTO: A TikTok app logois displayed on a mobile phone, in Tokyo, Japan. Some experts say President Xi is angling for President Trump to signal a shift in U.S. support for Taiwan, the democratically governed island that Beijing claims as its own. Trump played down the issue, telling reporters he doesnt know if theyll even mention Taiwan, which relies on the U.S. for political and military backing. Also on the foreign policy front, Trump wants Xi to use his sway over Russian President Vladimir Putin to help end the war in Ukraine and to stop buying Russian energy. Cheese is usually the definition of comfort, melting on pizza, topping crackers, or eaten straight from the fridge at midnight. But not every cheese is comforting. Some have earned a reputation for being a little extreme, whether its because of their smell, texture, or the way theyre made. Heres a look at the most alarming cheeses known to exist, each one walking a fine line between tradition and risk. Casu Marzu (Italy) Credit: Wikimedia Commons This Sardinian cheese has a live surprise inside: maggots. Makers allow cheese fly larvae to burrow into Pecorino, digesting the fats into a gooey, spreadable interior. The EU banned it, but locals still enjoy it. Guinness World Records once named it the most dangerous cheese in the world. Milbenkase (Germany) Credit: Wikimedia Commons Milbenkase is a rare cheese from Wurchwitz, Germany, aged in a way that few would dare try. During ripening, thousands of tiny cheese mites feed on the surface of Quark, releasing enzymes that transform it over several months. The finished cheese is eaten with the mites still on it, giving it a sharp, bitter flavor and a distinctive crunch. Epoisses de Bourgogne (France) Credit: Wikimedia Commons Epoisses de Bourgogne is one of Frances most infamous cheeses, known for a smell so strong its often said to be banned from public transport. Its orange rind comes from regular washes in Marc de Bourgogne, a local brandy that helps develop its sticky surface and intense aroma. The distinct scent is thanks to Brevibacterium linens, the same bacteria responsible for human body odor. Blue Cheese Made With Unpasteurized Milk Credit: Wikimedia Commons Certain blue cheeses, such as Roquefort or Gorgonzola, pose risks for pregnant individuals, infants, and those with weakened immune systems. Thats because they often use unpasteurized milk, which increases the chance of harboring Listeria. This bacterium can cause severe illness. American Cheese Slices Credit: Wikimedia Commons Pre-packaged "cheese products" like Kraft Singles aren't fully cheese. The FDA requires only 51% actual cheese in the mix. The rest? Fillers like milk protein concentrate, emulsifiers, and preservatives. While not dangerous in small amounts, frequent consumption can contribute to high sodium intake and exposure to controversial additives. Halloumi (Cyprus) Credit: Getty Images Halloumis squeaky texture and grill-friendly qualities made it a trendy choice worldwide. Yet, its incredibly salty, with sodium levels high enough to concern doctors. A small 30-gram slice can contain nearly a gram of salt. If grilled or fried, the fat content increases sharply. Spray Cheese (USA) Credit: Wikimedia Commons Spray cheese, the canned version of cheese spread, is made to be easy rather than authentic. It contains a mix of cheese solids, emulsifiers, and preservatives that keep it soft and squeezable. While quick to use, its additivesincluding sodium phosphatemake it one of the least wholesome ways to enjoy cheese. Limburger (Belgium/Germany) Credit: Wikimedia Commons Limburger is famous for its aggressive odor and is fermented using Brevibacterium linens, the same bacteria responsible for foot odor. The smell intensifies with age and can linger long after the cheese is gone. While safe to eat, its scent can cause nausea and even trigger a gag reflex. Sugary Cream Cheese Spreads Credit: Wikimedia Commons Flavored cream cheeses, such as strawberry or honey walnut, often contain artificial sweeteners or syrups. Some brands use aspartame, which can cause digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals. Cream cheese already has a high fat content, and the added sugars or sugar substitutes dont do it any favors. Double Gloucester (UK) Credit: Wikimedia Commons This dense, buttery cheese isnt just heavy in taste, its loaded with calories. At over 400 calories and 21 grams of saturated fat per 100 grams, its one of the more indulgent options in British dairies. Its salt content is also among the highest in hard cheeses. Camembert (France) Credit: Wikipedia Soft, creamy, and dangerously moreish, Camembert contains approximately 23 percent fat14 percent of which is saturatedand 1.5 grams of salt per 100 grams. Fried Camembert sticks only make matters worse. Enjoy sparingly, ideally shared with friends and veggies rather than bread and jam. Low-Fat Cheese Substitutes Credit: Reddit Low-fat cheeses are marketed as healthy alternatives, but often compensate with extra thickeners or preservatives. Krafts reduced-fat sharp cheddar contains additives such as modified food starch and natamycin. These light versions may taste flat and lack the natural nutrients found in full-fat cheese. Cheese With Fruit Add-Ins Credit: Reddit Wensleydale with cranberries is one of many fruit-infused cheeses that sound healthy but often contain unexpected sugar. One UK brand contains over 15 grams of sugar per 100 grams. Thats dessert-level territory for a cheese. Pairing fresh fruit with cheese is a smarter route. Cheddar (UK / USA) Credit: Getty Images Cheddars comfort factor hides its nutritional punch: 33 grams of fat and 190 milligrams of sodium per 28-gram slice. Some brands add annatto coloring, which may trigger mild reactions in sensitive individuals. Its fine in moderation, but not on a daily basis. Cheese Fondue (Mixed Origin Switzerland) Credit: Wikimedia Commons Fondue may look cozy, but its a hidden hazard when hygiene standards slip. The shared pot tradition can spread Listeria, E. coli, and Salmonella if the cheese isnt kept hot enough. Double-dipping or letting the pot cool turns a warm meal into a bacterial experiment. Elle Fanning attends the "Predator: Badlands" U.K. special screening at BFI IMAX Waterloo on Oct. 27, 2025, in London. Forget the typical Hollywood heartthrobs Elle Fanning's celebrity "hall pass" pick is pleasantly unexpected. The "Predator: Badlands" actress, who has spoken about her crush on Jack Black before, explained to i-D in a cover story that after revealing the "School of Rock" star is her hall pass pick i.e., the person you are allowed to step outside of your relationship for she met him at the Golden Globes. Black is now aware of her crush after her boyfriend, Rolling Stone CEO Gus Wenner, told him. "My boyfriend was with me and he told him, 'You're her hall pass, by the way,'" Fanning, 27, said with a blush, according to the outlet. Asked what about Black does it for her, Fanning's answer naturally had to do with the beloved actor's contagious spirit. "Him doing the Sax-a-Boom?! It's just so sexy," she said, referring to the discontinued 1990s toy saxophone Black famously plays. "He's so funny. He's so kind. He's so talented, so himself. I think that's itauthenticity. It's infectious." She added with a sigh, "Perfect man." Elle Fanning and CEO of Rolling Stone Gus Wenner arrive for the 2024 Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 6, 2024, in New York. Fanning previously revealed on "The Tonight Show" in 2024 that she has a group chat with her sister and girlfriends that is "basically dedicated to how hot Jack Black is," adding, "We send each other clips of him all the time." The "Maleficent" actress also shared that getting to meet Black "made my life." As for her current romance, the largely private Fanning opened up about the two-year relationship. Fanning gushed about all the "cool things" Wenner, 35, has introduced her to, including meeting Lil Wayne and putting her on to new music. The magazine executive took her to an early Doechii performance, "Before she really blew up, I would just like to say." "I'm so happy," she continued. "When you're in a happy relationship, it's like, I want to go places with you and share these experiences. I can go to his work things, he can come to mine, and we support each other. I am just the happiest I've been. I really am." Contributing: Brendan Morrow This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Elle Fanning reveals surprising celebrity 'hall pass' Time to pack your bags: The White Lotus has found its new filming location. The HBO series is heading to France for Season 4, Variety reports. Though HBO has not yet confirmed the news, the outlet states that the Mike White-created show has been scouting properties in both Paris and the French Riviera. The new installment of the show is still in development and will shoot next year, per Variety but already, it seems like changes are underway. The show, which shot its previous three seasons at Four Seasons hotels around the world, is not expected to renew its marketing partnership with the hotel giant, opening up the possibility for filming at other luxury locations. Variety reports that Paris five-star hotel Le Lutetia, part of the Mandarin Oriental chain, and the Ritz Paris are being explored as possible options. Deadline previously reported that The White Lotus would be heading to France in September and noted that creator White had recently visited Nices Hotel Negresco. In an interview with the Hollywood Reporter following the finale of the Thailand-set third season, White said that he wasnt sure about heading to Paris for a future season. Where we choose to go next could be hugely impactful [to that locale], he said. Thats why it was so cool to shoot in Thailand. Its hard to go backward. Like, Oh, well do it in Paris! That feels like a cop-out. However, in HBOs after-show interview, White teased that he was seeking something that would break away from the beach vacation spots selected for previous seasons. For the fourth season, I want to get a little bit out of the crashing waves on rocks vernacular but theres always more room for more murders at the White Lotus hotels, White said. HBO drama chief Francesca Orsi told Deadline in February that the show would search for locations as early as April. I cant really say where were going to land but chances are somewhere in Europe, she hinted. Each season of The White Lotus follows a cast of wealthy travelers as they embark on a week-long stay at a luxury White Lotus resort. Each season also opens with a flashforward, featuring at least one dead body whose identity is revealed in the finale. Season 1 of The White Lotus was filmed at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea in Hawaii, while Season 2 was shot at the San Domenico Palace, also owned by the Four Seasons, in Taormina, Sicily. The most recent season, set in Thailand, was shot primarily at Four Seasons Koh Samui, as well as Anantara Bophut Koh Samui, Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas and Rosewood Phuket. A father-to-be was killed with a single punch in a brawl outside an Arizona bar mere weeks before his baby was due, according to authorities and reports. Thomas John TJ Pizzitola was found lying unconscious on a sidewalk outside of a bar in Scottsdale around 2:15 a.m. on Oct. 11, the Scottsdale Police Department told The Post. Pizzitola, 29, and two friends had been kicked out of Patties First Avenue Lounge that night for being rowdy, and while outside, one of the father-to-bes friends allegedly bumped into a woman, according to court records obtained by Fox10. The bump sparked an argument that escalated into a fight between the group and five suspects, prosecutors said. In the melee, 24-year-old Drew Meneses allegedly threw a punch that caused Pizzitola to suffer a fatal brain injury, cops said. TJ was hit in the head and fell immediately to the ground, police said in a statement. Pizzitola was rushed to the hospital, but ultimately succumbed to his injuries, authorities said. Pizzitola ultimately succumbed to his injuries after being rushed to the hospital. GoFundMe The five suspects, Julia Husser, 27; Krista Molina, 27; Tony Becker, 26; Mark Whitford, 23; and Meneses were arrested last Wednesday in connection with the deadly bar fight, police confirmed. Meneses faces second-degree murder charges, while the rest of the crew was booked on varying assault charges, court records showed. A GoFundMe for Pizzitola said he was expecting a child with his wife, Krisan, in a few weeks when the fatal sucker punch occurred. Just before he was killed, Pizzitola messaged Krisan to tell her he was proud of her, the local outlet reported. Pizzitola was expecting a child with his wife, Krisan, in a few weeks. GoFundMe I texted him that I had gotten home, and he texted me back and said that he wished that I was there but that he was so proud of me for staying home and taking care of our baby boy and that he loved me, Krisan told the outlet. About 3:30, I saw that his location changed to the emergency room and dropped everything and ran down there in my pajamas, the grieving widow recalled. All he ever wanted to be was the best father ever and the best husband, Krisan said. But he wasnt finished. Pizzitola was also able to save five peoples lives through organ donation after the shocking incident, his family recalled. A GoFundMe for Krisan Pizzitola and the couples child has raised over $76,000 of its $85,000 goal as of Tuesday evening. GoFundMe Meneses told the court at a hearing that he was simply having a bad night when he allegedly threw the fatal blow. I just, it was a bad night. It was not supposed to happen like that at all, and there was no malicious intent for that at all, he said. He is being held on $1 million bail, the outlet reported. A GoFundMe for Krisan Pizzitola and the couples child has raised over $76,000 of its $85,000 goal as of Tuesday evening. Former Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina has refused to apologise for the deadly crackdown on street protests that ultimately led to her downfall last year, as part of a rare and wide-reaching interview with The Independent. A Bangladesh court on Monday sentenced Hasina to death for crimes against humanity, concluding a months-long trial that found she ordered a deadly crackdown on last years student-led uprising. Prosecutors in Bangladesh had accused her of crimes against humanity by ordering the use of lethal force against student protesters, resulting in up to 1,400 deaths. Hasina, who ruled with an iron fist for over 15 years, is now living in exile in India. Asked if she would apologise to the families of protesters killed last year, she said she mourns each and every child, sibling, cousin and friend we lost as a nation and would continue to offer my condolences. But she rejects the allegation that she ordered police to shoot demonstrators, and says her Awami League party is being unfairly denied the opportunity to contest new elections in Bangladesh by the unelected interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Sheikh Hasina addresses the media at a vandalised metro station in Mirpur (Bangladesh Prime Minister's Office) Speaking out in one of her first interviews since her ousting, Hasina told The Independent that she would neither be surprised nor intimidated if Bangladeshs International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) sentenced her to death, calling the proceedings a sham trial driven by political vengeance. The ICT is a sham court presided over by an unelected government consisting of my political opponents. Many of those opponents will stop at nothing to get rid of me, she said. Because of my familys history, nobody can be more aware than I am of the history of political assassinations in our country, and this move by the ICT is part of that ugly tradition. Hasina defended her actions during the protests last year and denied any personal culpability for the killings during what she labelled a violent insurrection. She blames the high number of casualties on breakdowns in discipline among security forces on the ground, adding: As a leader, I ultimately take leadership responsibility, but the claim that I ordered or wished for the security forces to open fire on the crowds is simply wrong. Anti-government protesters display Bangladeshs national flag as they storm Sheikh Hasinas palace in Dhaka in August last year (AFP/Getty) Hasina also claimed that her government had initiated an independent inquiry into the first killings, which she claims was later shut down by the interim government that succeeded her. Bangladeshs crackdown on protesters last year shocked the world. Amnesty Internationals deputy regional director, Babu Ram Pant, said at the time: The rising death toll is a shocking indictment of the absolute intolerance shown by the Bangladeshi authorities to protest and dissent. The United Nations human rights chief, Volker Turk, said at the time that the attacks on student protesters are particularly shocking and unacceptable. Awami League party office in Dhaka on 6 August 2024, a day after Hasina fled the country (AFP/Getty) Hasina contested the often-cited death toll during the student-led protests, saying that the 1,400 figure is useful to the ICT for propaganda purposes but is probably inflated. The protests began last July with university students demanding the removal of quotas on government jobs for relatives of veterans from Bangladeshs war of independence. It spiralled into an anti-government movement, with hundreds of thousands of people from all walks of life taking to the streets. The security forces responded with brutal, lethal force, and after the initial wave of deaths, protest leaders said they would accept nothing short of Hasinas immediate removal from power. Smoke rises from the burning vehicles after protesters set them on fire near the Disaster Management Directorate office in July 2024 (AFP/Getty) Hasina said the governments response at the time was carried out in good faith... to minimise the loss of life as the protests spread. Yunus returned to Bangladesh from his own de facto exile. He assumed leadership of the interim government three days after Hasinas ouster, pledging to hold her accountable and immediately banning all activities of her Awami League party. Chief prosecutor Tajul Islam has described Hasina as the mastermind and principal architect of the crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the student-led uprising. Yet Hasina claims the violence stemmed from decisions made by officers on the ground rather than directives from her government. She said: The charges rely on compromised testimony and evidence that has been manipulated and taken out of context to serve the political ends of an unelected government. Sheikh Hasina weeps while she visits a metro station in Mirpur vandalised by students during the anti-quota protests (Bangladesh Prime Minister's Office) The key street-level decisions were made by security personnel on the ground who were expected to follow well-established operational guidelines. Those guidelines endorse the use of firearms in certain circumstances. It may well be that in a febrile atmosphere, some decisions were made that were mistaken. Defending her decision to flee the country on 5 August last year, she said she acted out of necessity. She says: Staying would not only have put my life in danger, but also the lives of those around me. Despite fleeing the country and facing a ban by the Awami League in Bangladesh, she insists that she remains committed to restoring democracy in the country. Only free, fair, and inclusive elections can heal the country, she said. Yunus has said elections will be held in February 2026, though the Awami League will not be allowed to contest them. Speaking about the legacy she hopes to leave behind, Hasina said she wanted to be remembered as the leader who restored parliamentary democracy to our country in the 1990s after years of cruel military rule and for lifting millions out of poverty. She said these achievements were now under threat of being reversed. Now that the ICT has handed down its sentence in absentia, Hasina likely knows history may not look kindly on her. But she remains defiant, telling The Independent: No democratically elected leader should be prosecuted for upholding constitutional duties to protect their country in the face of violent insurrection. Hurricane Melissa has left a trail of devastation across the Caribbean, with dozens killed and billions of dollars worth of damage inflicted across the region. The storm of the century is one of the most powerful in Atlantic history, and the most forceful hurricane to ever hit Jamaica. At least 49 people have been killed so far, including 19 in Jamaica, 30 in Haiti, and one person in the Dominican Republic. At least 10 children were killed due to flooding caused by the storm when a river burst in Haiti. The death toll is expected to rise as search and rescue efforts get underway. Despite reducing in intensity, the storm continues to move on. Melissa was last recorded as a Category 2 storm 264 km (164 miles) west of the North Atlantic British island territory of Bermuda, packing maximum sustained winds of 100 mph (161 kph), according to the National Hurricane Center. Melissa began as a tropical wave near West Africa, before gaining traction and blowing westward to the Caribbean. A map of Hurricane Melissa's forecasted path as of Wednesday at 8 p.m. (National Hurricane Center) After passing over Jamaica, it made landfall in Cuba on Wednesday. It crawled across the countries with destructive winds and torrential rainfall before passing over to the Bahamas and Bermuda. Surrounding areas, including the southeastern and central Bahamas and Turks and Caicos, were also at risk of a life-threatening storm surge and heavy rainfall, the National Hurricane Centre said. It travelled over the Bahamas as a Category 1 storm, having reached the intensity of a Category 5 over recent days, including when it made landfall in Jamaica. AccuWeather estimates that $48 billion to $52 billion in damage and economic loss has been inflicted across the western Caribbean. Red Cross teams have been mobilising as Hurricane Melissa has left deaths and devastation across the region. Its slow pace makes Hurricane Melissa more destructive, with sustained winds and accumulated rainfall inflicting maximum damage to the vulnerable and low-lying island. Around 70 per cent of Jamaicas population of over 2.8 million people lives in coastal areas. Slow-moving major hurricanes often go down in history as some of the deadliest and most destructive storms on record, said AccuWeather chief meteorologist Jonathan Porter. This is a dire situation unfolding in slow motion. Cuban president Miguel Diaz-Canel ordered mass evacuations across the country, with at least 735,000 people being forced to leave their homes to escape the devastation. The National Hurricane Centre warned that the hurricane will inflict a life-threatening storm surge, flash flooding and landslides. In the Bahamas, the government ordered evacuations of residents in the southern portions of that archipelago. These images show the Barnett River along Montego Bay before and after Hurricane Melissa hit Jamaica (Vantor) Early indications are that Hurricane Melissa was a disaster of unprecedented catastrophe for the island, Alexander Pendry, the charitys global response manager said on Wednesday. News is already coming through that whole communities are underwater and that the damage left by the strong winds has been devastating. Jamaican prime minister Andrew Holness said the country is expecting that there would be some loss of life in the aftermath of the event. United Cajun Navy vice-president Brian Trascher estimated that trillions of gallons of water would fall on Jamaica. The UK announced it would provide an additional 5m ($6.71 million) in emergency humanitarian funding to support the Caribbean region's recovery from hurricane Melissa, after pledging 2.5m earlier this week. Sir Keir Starmer described scenes from the country as "truly shocking". The reports that we have had so far would include damage to hospitals, significant damage to residential property, housing and commercial property as well, and damage to our road infrastructure, Mr Holness said. Our country has been ravaged by Hurricane Melissa, but we will rebuild and we will do so even better than before. More than 500,000 residents have been left without power, with the parish of St Elizabeth in southwestern Jamaica left completely underwater, an official said. Video of the airport in Montego Bay showed inundated seating areas, broken glass and collapsed ceilings. Meteorologists at AccuWeather said Melissa ranked as the third most intense hurricane observed in the Caribbean, after Wilma in 2005 and Gilbert in 1988 the last major storm to make landfall in Jamaica. FeedMore workers receive pallets of U.S. Department of Agriculture ham. FeedMore is one of USDAs partner agencies, located in Richmond, Virginia, providing food assistance as part of the Commodity Supplemental Food Program and The Emergency Food Assistance Program. | Preston Keres, USDA via Idaho Capital Sun BOISE (Idaho Capital Sun) This spring, the U.S. Department of Agriculture canceled thousands of orders, accounting for millions of pounds of food, meant for low-income Americans. Orders totaling more than 370,000 pounds of U.S.-produced meat, dairy and produce for Idaho food banks were canceled, according toUSDA data obtained by ProPublica. The deliveries had been scheduled between May and September under the USDA Emergency Food Assistance Program. Nationwide, the cutstotalled about $500 million for nearly 94 million pounds of food, ProPublica reported. For Idaho, the canceled deliveries included cheese, turkey breast, dried cranberries, chicken, and pulled pork.The program is designed to provide nutritious, high-quality USDA foods for low-income residents and support U.S. agriculture markets. Find food assistance in Idaho Find food assistance near you on the Idaho Foodbanks Food Locator at idahofoodbank.org. Click the Get Help button at the top of the website to find food assistance in Idaho by zip code. Listings on the site include the phone number, as well as the days and hours that the specific food pantries are open. Call ahead to confirm hours of operation. Seven orders would have gone to food banks in North Idaho through theCommunity Action Partnership, which offers food assistance in Boundary, Kootenai, Shoshone, Benewah and Nez Perce counties. The deliveries would have included hundreds of cases of canned chicken, dried cranberries, and frozen chicken legs, the data shows. Multiple orders of meat and cheese were scheduled to go to Boise Cold Storage on behalf of El-Ada Community Action Partnership. The canceled orders totaled approximately 200 pounds of food, including shredded cheese, turkey breast, chicken breast, pork chops, chicken legs and turkey breast deli meat. Food banks in Lewiston and Pocatello also had cases of pork and turkey that halted under the action. The food banks affected by the order cancellations could not be reached for comment. Products delivered through the program are some of the most expensive and difficult for food banks to keep in stock, ProPublica reported. There may be additional strain on food banks as the federal government shutdown continues because the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, has depleted its funding until Congress renews it. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare announced last week it willpause its SNAP program, previously known as food stamps, in November. There are more than 130,000 Idahoans who use SNAP food assistance. The Emergency Food Assistance Program, known as TEFAP, was first authorized by Congress in 1981 to purchase farmers surplus food and distribute it to Americans in need. In 2018, under the first Donald Trump administration, funds were added to the program to help farmers dealing with tariffs amid trade disputes, ProPublica reported. Under the current Trump administration, the additional funding was cut and characterized as a Biden-era slush fund. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins in August announced the department would purchase up to $230 million in fresh seafood, fruits and vegetables from American producers for food assistance programs, including The Emergency Food Assistance Program. Idaho Capital Sun is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Idaho Capital Sun maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Christina Lords for questions: info@idahocapitalsun.com. The post Orders of more than 370,000 pounds of food for low-income Idahoans were canceled this spring appeared first on East Idaho News. SEATTLE, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Alaska Airlines today received a single operating certificate (SOC) from the Federal Aviation Administration to operate alongside Hawaiian Airlines as two separate brands. This significant milestone a FAA regulatory requirement achieved just over a year after Alaska and Hawaiian combined marks the successful integration of training, policies, procedures and manuals across both airlines. "Congratulations to everyone at Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines for getting us to a single operating certificate. This was a year-long, multi-phase effort involving multiple departments and thousands of hours of work," said Ben Minicucci, president and CEO of Alaska Air Group. "We also appreciate the FAA and the U.S. Department of Transportation for their guidance and support as we carefully reviewed and harmonized our processes with a shared focus on safety. This is an important step in our journey as a combined organization, and I'm excited about our future together." Here's what our guests need to know: While Alaska and Hawaiian airlines are now operating under a single call sign (AS) which our pilots and dispatchers use behind the scenes to communicate with air traffic control guests will continue to enjoy our distinct Alaska and Hawaiian brand experiences, brought to life by our remarkable employees, along with the reach of our expanding joint global network, and the industry-leading benefits of our Atmos Rewards loyalty program. There is one visible change for our guests: while Hawaiian Airlines flights will show the HA designator, new flight numbers may be assigned to avoid duplication between our brands. Where practical, we attempted to maintain similar flight numbers, but in many cases, we had to assign completely new flight numbers. If you are a frequent Hawaiian Airlines flyer who has memorized a regular or favorite flight, please take note. A SOC paves the way for other, ongoing integration initiatives, including combining scheduling and passenger service systems to improve the experience of our guests traveling across both brands, and integrating our flight crew, airport and maintenance teams under joint collective bargaining agreements. Next spring, guests can look forward to an even more streamlined travel experience when Alaska and Hawaiian move to a single passenger service system, or PSS. A PSS is the main technology powering the systems that our guests on Alaska and Hawaiian will interact with when planning their trips, booking tickets and on the day of travel. Once we transition to a single PSS in April, all flights will carry the AS code, but travelers will continue to be able to view and book Hawaiian Airlines flights and experience the distinct Hawaiian Airlines brand and the ho'okipa (hospitality) of our people throughout their journey. Hawaiian flights will be clearly branded across our digital channels with an image of our Pualani aircraft tail. With a single operating certificate, several Honolulu-based leadership positions formally take effect today to support the Hawaiian Airlines brand and the combined organization's operations to, from and within Hawai'i. Diana Birkett Rakow, executive vice president of public affairs and sustainability at Alaska Airlines, becomes CEO of Hawaiian Airlines, succeeding Joe Sprague, who is retiring after a distinguished career with Alaska Air Group. Jim Landers, Hawaiian Airlines senior vice president for technical operations, assumes the role of head of Hawai'i operations, while Shelly Parker, Horizon Air's vice president of station operations and inflight, becomes head of Hawai'i guest operations. They will serve alongside other members of the Honolulu leadership team. About Alaska Air Group Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group, and McGee Air Services is a subsidiary of Alaska Airlines. We are a global airline with hubs in Seattle, Honolulu, Portland, Anchorage, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. We deliver remarkable care as we fly our guests to more than 140 destinations throughout North America, Latin America, Asia and the Pacific. We'll serve Europe beginning in spring 2026. Guests can book travel at alaskaair.com and hawaiianairlines.com. Alaska is a member of the oneworld alliance, with Hawaiian scheduled to join oneworld in spring 2026. With oneworld and our additional global partners, guests can earn and redeem points for travel to over 1,000 worldwide destinations with Atmos Rewards. Learn more about what's happening at Alaska and Hawaiian at news.alaskaair.com. Alaska Air Group is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as "ALK." SOURCE Alaska Airlines A fledgling barred owl sits in a tree at Muir Woods in Mill Valley, Calif. (Michael Macor / San Francisco Chronicle) The strange political bedfellows created by efforts to save spotted owls in the Pacific Northwest just got even stranger. Already Republican members of Congress were allied with animal rights activists. They don't want trained shooters to kill up to 450,000 barred owls, which are outcompeting northern spotted owls, under a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plan approved last year that would unfold over three decades. Now, timber interests are aligning with environmentalists in favor of culling the owls. Read more:A plan to shoot 450,000 owls to save a different owl could be in jeopardy Some logging advocates are afraid nixing the plan will slow down timber harvesting. Roughly 2.6 million acres of timberlands in western Oregon managed by the Bureau of Land Management are governed by resource management plans contingent on the barred owl cull going forward, according to Travis Joseph, president and chief executive of the American Forest Resource Council, a trade association representing mills, loggers, lumber buyers and other stakeholders in the region. The area can produce at least 278 million board feet per year under current plans, "with the potential for significantly more," Joseph said in a mid-October letter to Congress. If the cull is scrapped, he said, the federal agency likely will need to restart Endangered Species Act consultation for the northern spotted owl, which is listed as threatened. Its a process that could take years. According to the letter, it would create unacceptable risks and delays to current and future timber sales. Timber production goals laid out by the Trump administration also could be jeopardized. Momentum to stop the cull grew this summer when Sen. John Kennedy, a conservative from Louisiana, introduced a resolution to reverse the Biden-era plan. That move reflected an unlikely alliance between some right-wing politicians and animal rights advocates who say its too expensive and inhumane. Some Democrats have also opposed the cull, and companion legislation in the House has bipartisan backers. The stakes are high. Many environmentalists and scientists maintain that northern spotted owls will go extinct if their competitors arent kept in check. Barred owls which originally hail from eastern North America are larger, more aggressive and less picky when it comes to habitat and food, giving them an edge when vying for resources. Last week, Politicos E&E News reported that Kennedy said Interior Secretary Doug Burgum had asked him to stand down from his effort to stop the owl-killing plan. The legislator told the outlet he would charge ahead anyway. "I don't think the federal government ought to be telling God, nature whatever you believe in this one can exist, this one cant," Kennedy told E&E. "The barred owl is not the first species that has ever moved its territory and it wont be the last." Kennedy did not respond to The Times request for comment. A spokesperson for the Department of the Interior said they could not respond to the inquiry because of the government shutdown. "It's strange that a Republican in the South is taking on the owl issue, specifically, when its consequences will impact western Oregon BLM timber sales," Joseph said in an interview. "It will lead to lower revenues for counties, it will impact jobs and it will put the spotted owl on a trajectory towards extinction." Read more:Spotted owls are disappearing fast, and federal cuts could mean no one's left to count them The stance aligns in part with that of environmental groups like the Environmental Protection Information Center and Center for Biological Diversity, which have supported culling barred owls to help the beleaguered spotted owls in their native territory. Its an unexpected overlap, given environmentalists long history of fighting to protect old-growth forests in the region the owls call home. Tom Wheeler, chief executive of EPIC, said it's possible that culling barred owls could lead to a bump in timber harvest on the BLM land in western Oregon but overall it would lead to more habitat being protected throughout the spotted owls' expansive range. The presence of spotted owls triggers protections under the Endangered Species Act. If the cull boosts the spotted owl population as intended, it means more guardrails. "It puts us in admittedly an awkward place," Wheeler said. "But our advocacy for barred owl removal is predicated not on treating the northern spotted owl as a tool against the timber industry and against timber harvest. What we're trying to do is provide for the continued existence of the species." Many Native American tribes support controlling barred owls in the region. In a letter to Congress last week, the nonprofit Intertribal Timber Council said barred owls threaten more than the spotted owl. "As a generalist predator, it poses risks to a wide range of forest and aquatic species that hold varying degrees of social and ecological importance to tribes, including species integral to traditional food systems and watershed health," wrote the council, which aims to improve the management of natural resources important to Native American communities. Since 2013, the Hoopa Valley tribe in Northern California has been involved with sanctioned hunting of the owls and has observed the spotted owl population stabilizing over time, according to the letter. Read more:House resolution seeks to stop plan to shoot nearly half a million owls However, groups like Animal Wellness Action and Center for a Humane Economy argue that the plan to take out so many barred owls over a vast landscape wont work, aside from the high owl death toll. More barred owls simply will fly into where others were removed, said Wayne Pacelle, president of both groups. That makes habitat key and the prospect of losing more to logging in western Oregon devastating, according to Pacelle. To stop the owl-culling plan, both chambers of Congress would need to pass a joint resolution and President Trump would need to sign it. If successful, the resolution would preclude the agency from pursuing a similar rule, unless explicitly authorized by Congress. The plan already faced setbacks . In May, federal officials canceled three related grants totaling more than $1.1 million, including one study that would have removed barred owls from over 192,000 acres in Mendocino and Sonoma counties. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. VENEZUELA-POLITICS-SOCIAL-LABOUR-MAY DAY-MADURO (Photo by PEDRO MATTEY/AFP via Getty Images) A federal agent reportedly offered to make Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduros personal pilot wealthy if he secretly flew the socialist leader to a place where the U.S. could capture him. Edwin Lopez, 50, a now-retired U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agent, pitched the scheme to pilot Bitner Villegas during a meeting in the Dominican Republic, three current and former U.S. officials told The Associated Press (AP). The 16-month operation included encrypted messages reviewed by the outlet and an attempt to rattle Maduro about his pilots loyalties. The officials and one Venezuelan opposition member confirmed details of the plot. (RELATED: Venezuela Says It Nabbed CIA Agents As US Warships Mass In Caribbean) A tipster said in April 2024 that two of Maduros aircraft were being repaired in the country, processes which Lopez knew required American parts that were sanctioned from being sold to Venezuela and made the aircraft subject to being seized, the officials said. Dominican authorities and Lopezs superiors allowed him to question five Venezuelan pilots sent to retrieve the aircraft. He reportedly saved Villegas, a Venezuelan air force colonel who officials suspected was Maduros regular pilot, for last. During their conversation, Villegas legs started shaking as Lopez pressed him about flying Venezuelan presidents, two of the people familiar with the plot said. The pilot showed photos of himself with Maduro and former Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez while one of Lopezs colleagues allegedly recorded the discussion on a cell phone secretly, Lopez told Villegas he could deliver Maduro to authorities in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic or Guantanamo Bay in Cuba, the two sources said. The pilot left without committing but gave Lopez his phone number. All the pilots left for Venezuela without the aircraft, having been told they did not have the appropriate security clearances, according to the AP. Lopez pursued Villegas through WhatsApp and Telegram messages for months, even after retiring in July, according to messages reviewed by the outlet. Following an August text about the $50 million U.S. bounty on Maduro, the pilot didnt respond to a follow-up message. Their final exchange came in September when Lopez tried to press him on their previous discussion, the outlet reported. We Venezuelans are cut from a different cloth, Villegas shot back. The last thing we are is traitors. An exiled opponent of Maduros called Lopez obsessed with going after Maduro, calling him more valuable to us than many of Maduros biggest opponents inside Venezuela. Three people familiar with the plot said Lopez and additional people attempted to try and rattle Maduro. Venezuelan opposition supporter Marshall Billingslea posted an image purporting to show Villegas during the questioning shortly before a plane Maduro was known to use took off from the Venezuelan capital of Caracas. The plane returned to the airport it had left twenty minutes after, the AP reported. After being missing for days, the pilot later appeared on Venezuelan state television, standing silently with a raised fist as Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello Rondon called him an unfailing, kick-ass patriot, according to the outlet. Federal authorities later seized both the jets involved in the plot in the Dominican Republic, taking the first in September 2024 and the second in February, the outlet reported. DHS, the U.S. State Department and the government of Venezuela did not comment to the AP. The Daily Caller has reached out to DHS for comment. Editors note: This article has been updated to clarify the timeline of events reported. Theres no leniency, or special favours. Its just like, youre donewhat do they do with their business? That is the challenge theyre all facing. For Broadcoms chosen partner theyve got throw a lot of services at these big customers to get them to go to VCF 9, he said. At that point, theyre stuck. Those incentives for the service providers they need to figure out whats going to happen once those VCF 9 migrations are done. The enterprises that go to VCF 9, theyll be running it themselves for the most part. All the banks and the governments and agencies, and all those really big end-of-town organisations that manage their stuff themselves. According to Warrilow Microsoft had a good thing going with its Azure VMware service, giving customers the commitment. This meant partners and customers could get their VMware licences from the hyperscale business, including five-year reserved instances. This meant they didnt have to transact through Broadcom, he said, Broadcom cut that off in August and comes into effect in a week or two [end of October. In September Microsoft wrote that the Azure VMware Solution (AVS) already supports Broadcoms model with the AVS VCF BYOL option which enables customers to use AVS with their own VCF subscriptions, and Azure will continue being the best cloud for customers to run their VMWare environments. AVS VCF BYOL option is priced lower than AVS with VCF subscriptions included. It recommended partners prioritise customers with RIs that expire before January 15, 2026. Suggest extending their AVS RI term with VCF licensing included by exchanging their current RI. They must make this change by October 15, 2025. If the customer asks to move to Azure Native IaaS or PaaS, Dr. Migrate Benchmark TCO can assess, and Azure Migrate can help with their migration needs. For strategic opportunities >$500K please work with the field for additional guidance, said Microsoft community manager Jill Armour. This is a licensing change only there is no product change to the Azure VMware Solution cloud service. Microsoft will continue to offer AVS as a fully managed VCF private cloud service in Azure, providing Microsoft-managed infrastructure and VMware host management including patching and upgrades. This frees up IT staff to focus on more high value tasks including workload modernisation and new AI projects. It will discontinue selling AVS with VCF subscriptions included after October 15, then customers purchasing new nodes of AVS will need to provide a VCF subscription purchased from Broadcom. Customers can continue to add AVS nodes with VCF included to their existing AVS SDDC. After 15 October new nodes purchased starting October 16, 2025, will require the customer to provide Microsoft with a portable VCF subscription license key. AVS PayGo customers can continue to operate existing AVS nodes without any licensing changes until 31 October. Customers will then be required to provide a VCF license key before 1 November 2026, to continue using AVS. This would put Azure in a similar position as Amazon Web Services (AWS). As of 30 April 2024, the hyperscaler announced that VMware Cloud on AWS was no longer resold by AWS or its channel partners. In a statement, AWS said The service will continue to be available through Broadcom. We encourage you to reach out to your AWS representative for details. See FAQs below for more information. Its just another kick in the pants that they keep doing, Warrilow said. The channel for the most part, if theyre not already well, the whole ecosystem should fully assume the worst in any Broadcom relationship. I mean, its that bad and the numbers are against them. VMware is the new mainframe because that 80 per cent 90 per cent of the enterprises that standardised on VMware are in such a bind. Moving on from VMware Warrilow said there are some things that the channel can learn from this, and that is its the best chance in a decade to disrupt and build the infrastructure needed for the next decade. We can thank Broadcom for doing that, he said. It is changing the equation and users are the catalyst. Dont do this because youre building a next-generation infrastructure stack. Business doesnt give a crap about that. They want the business projects through AI done the right way with next-gen infrastructure thats modernised and will take you from the past into the future. For those who are on their VMware migration journey, Warrilow recommends partners talk to their tenants, or their shortlist. They have a vested interest in getting you onto their incentives, and they know its not going to happen overnight, he said. Hybrid is unarguable no matter who you areeven if youre in a bunker underground thats the kind of workload you manage. He noted those who have been running on Prism and the Nutanix capabilities are on an easier journey to deal with this issue. For everyone else, theyre going to have to pretty much rebuild the jet engine while the plane is in flight, Warrilow said. To get strategic multi-hypervisor not accidental hypervisor is going to take a lot of work. Youre also going to get to hybrid virtualisation things like NC2, where youre running your preferred stack in a hyperscale. At the end of the day, cloud versus on-prem, from an infrastructure virtualisation perspective, is about whether you build the stack yourself with the hypervisor, or you get it as a service. Almost 100 per cent of IaaS is based on virtual machinesthis is the new hybrid. Warrilow spent just over 12 years as research vice president at Gartner. He was a member of the technology and service provider group, with a primary focus on enterprise software. In October he established Virtified, which currently explores key aspects of infrastructure modernisation including cloud, containers, AI and operating systems. Segovia Ramp-Up Driving Profitable Growth: Record Revenue, Cash Flow, and Adjusted Earnings VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Aris Mining Corporation (Aris Mining or the Company) (TSX: ARIS) (NYSE-A: ARMN) announces its financial and operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 (Q3 2025 and 9M 2025). All amounts are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated. Q3 2025 Financial Performance Figure 1: Strong AISC Margin Growth ($ million) Segovia (CNW Group/Aris Mining Corporation) Figure 2: Total AISC and Realized Gold Price Trends ($/oz) Segovia (CNW Group/Aris Mining Corporation) Revenue of $253.5 million , up 27% from Q2 2025 and 93% from Q3 2024, driven by higher gold prices and increased sales volumes. , up 27% from Q2 2025 and 93% from Q3 2024, driven by higher gold prices and increased sales volumes. Adjusted EBITDA 1 of $131.1 million, up 33% from Q2 2025 and triple Q3 2024. On a trailing 12-month basis, Adjusted EBITDA 1 has reached $352.0 million. up 33% from Q2 2025 and triple Q3 2024. On a trailing 12-month basis, Adjusted EBITDA has reached $352.0 million. Adjusted net earnings 1 of $71.8 million or $0.36/share , up from $0.27/share in Q2 2025 and $0.08/share in Q3 2024. , up from $0.27/share in Q2 2025 and $0.08/share in Q3 2024. Cash balance increased to $417.9 million as of September 30, 2025, up from $310.2 million at June 30, 2025. This increase primarily reflects: $90.8 million of cash flow after sustaining capital and income taxes; $60.5 million of proceeds from the exercise of ARIS.WT.A warrants (July 2025 expiry); and $13.2 million of proceeds from the sale of the Juby Gold Project; partially offset by $48.1 million invested in growth capital. up from $310.2 million at June 30, 2025. This increase primarily reflects: Net debt reduced to $64 million, down from $241 million at year-end 2024. Neil Woodyer, CEO, commented "The production ramp-up at Segovia is progressing well, leading to record financial results and a cash balance of $418 million. This year, we have also delivered two major technical studies the Soto Norte Prefeasibility Study and the Toroparu Preliminary Economic Assessment. These projects reinforce the strength of our growth pipeline beyond Segovia and Marmato, where construction of the Bulk Mining Zone remains on schedule for first gold in the second half of 2026. With record revenue, cash flow, and earnings in Q3, Aris Mining is financially strong and strategically positioned for continued growth into 2026 and beyond." Q3 2025 Q2 2025 Q1 2025 Q3 2024 Gold production ounces (oz), total 73,236 58,652 54,763 53,608 Gold sold (oz), total 73,001 61,024 54,281 53,769 Segovia AISC, Owner Mining ($/oz sold) $1,452 $1,520 $1,482 $1,451 Segovia CMP AISC Sales Margin* 44 % 42 % 41 % 34 % EBITDA $96.5M $31.6M $39.7M $27.8M Adjusted EBITDA1 $131.1M $98.7M $66.6M $43.0M Adjusted EBITDA1, last 12 months $352.0M $264.0M $201.3M $145.7M Net earnings (loss)2 $42.0M3 or $0.21/share $(16.9)M3 or $(0.09)/share $2.4M or $0.01/share $(2.1)M or $(0.01)/share Adjusted earnings1 $71.8M or $0.36/share $47.8M or $0.27/share $27.2M or $0.16/share $13.1M or $0.08/share Adjusted earnings1, last 12 months $171.5M or $0.95/share $112.7M or $0.65/share $77.7M or $0.46/share $41.5M or $0.28/share Q3 2025 Operational Performance Gold production totaled 73,236 oz , a 25% increase from 58,652 oz in Q2 2025. Production has progressively increased following the June 2025 commissioning of the second mill at Segovia on time and within budget. , a 25% increase from 58,652 oz in Q2 2025. Production has progressively increased following the June 2025 commissioning of the second mill at Segovia on time and within budget. Marmato Narrow Vein Zone produced 7,687 oz , an 8% increase over Q2 2025 and 26% higher than Q3 2024, supported by stable throughput and higher average gold grades. , an 8% increase over Q2 2025 and 26% higher than Q3 2024, supported by stable throughput and higher average gold grades. Segovia Operations produced 65,549 oz , supported by gold grades of 9.9 g/t, gold recoveries of 96.1%, and a 31% increase in tonnes milled compared to Q2 2025. AISC margin increased to $121.5 million , up 39% from Q2 2025. On a trailing 12-month basis, AISC margin has reached $327.9 million. Owner-operated Mining AISC was $1,452/oz compared to $1,520/oz in Q2 2025, bringing the 9M 2025 average to $1,482/oz, tracking toward the lower end of the full year 2025 guidance range of $1,450/oz to $1,600/oz. Contract Mining Partner (CMP) sourced gold delivered an AISC sales margin of 44% , contributing to a 43% margin for 9M 2025, which is above the full-year 2025 guidance range of 35% to 40%. Total AISC of $1,641/oz compared to $1,681/oz in Q2 2025, reflecting per ounce cost improvements primarily due to increased gold sales volumes. , supported by gold grades of 9.9 g/t, gold recoveries of 96.1%, and a 31% increase in tonnes milled compared to Q2 2025. Total Segovia Operating Information Q3 2025 Q2 2025 Q3 2024 Average realized gold price ($/oz sold) $3,494 $3,303 $2,457 Tonnes milled (t) 219,550 167,960 166,868 Average tonnes milled per day (tpd) 2,553 1,976 1,940 Average gold grade processed (g/t) 9.87 9.85 9.23 Gold produced (oz) 65,549 51,527 47,493 Gold sold (oz) 65,580 53,751 48,059 AISC margin ($M) 121.5 87.2 44.1 Segovia Operating Information by Segment Q3 2025 Q2 2025 Q3 2024 Owner Mining Gold sold (oz) 40,984 32,685 22,952 Cash costs ($/oz sold) $999 $1,047 $1,081 AISC ($/oz sold) $1,452 $1,520 $1,451 AISC margin ($M) 83.1 57.8 23.1 CMPs Gold sold (oz) 24,596 21,066 25,107 Cash costs ($/oz sold) $1,653 $1,622 $1,417 AISC ($/oz sold) $1,955 $1,931 $1,622 AISC sales margin (%) 44 % 42 % 34 % AISC margin ($M) 38.4 29.4 21.0 * Aris Mining operates its own mines and contracts with community-based mining partners, referred to as Contract Mining Partners (CMPs), to increase total gold production. Some partners work within Aris Mining's infrastructure, while others manage their own mining operations on Aris Mining's titles using their own infrastructure. In addition, Aris Mining purchases high grade mill feed from third-party contractors operating off-title, which further optimizes production and increases operating margins. Corporate and Project Development Highlights Strong cash generation funding growth: Operations generated $90.8 million in cash flow after sustaining capital and income taxes in Q3 2025, fully funding all growth and expansion initiatives. After expansion capital, Aris Mining generated $42.6 million in net cash flow. See the Quarterly cash-flow summary in the following sections for additional cash flow analysis. Marmato Bulk Mining Zone construction advancing: Development of the main access decline has advanced 580 metres of the planned 1.7 kilometres. Current development rates average 72 metres per month and are expected to increase to approximately 150 metres per month once beyond the fault zone, with completion of the full decline length targeted for August 2026. The Los Indios crosscut is advancing toward its connection with the main decline, now approximately 320 metres away. This horizontal development will provide an additional access and ventilation pathway, enable ore and waste haulage between existing workings and new infrastructure. Importantly, completion of the crosscut will enhance operational flexibility and de-risk the project's ramp-up phase by allowing multiple access points for early development and production sequencing. Surface construction activities continue to advance safely, with over 2.06 million workhours completed to date. Bulk earthworks for the process plant platform have reached 95% completion (294,000 m moved), and the retaining wall is over 75% complete. Final shaping of the carbon-in-pulp (CIP) plant platforms is expected during the first week of November 2025. Major equipment, including the primary crusher, SAG mill, ball mill, and filter press, has arrived in Cartagena. Approximately 95% of long-lead items have been ordered. The contract for the main civil, mechanical, and electrical works is in place, with the contractor mobilized and construction activities commenced in October. Preparations for the new powerline continue to advance. Land acquisition is complete, and the environmental impact study has been submitted for approval, enabling construction to commence in March 2026 following permit issuance. To ensure continuity of commissioning and early operations, back-up generators are included in the site power plan to mitigate any potential delays in the grid power connection. During Q2 and Q3 2025, we invested $20.1 million and $23.9 million, respectively, toward the construction budget. At the end of Q3, the estimate to complete the project was $250 million, reflecting approximately $40 million of progress made over the six-month period since the prior estimate of $290 million at the end of Q1, which had incorporated the scope increase from 4,000 to 5,000 tpd. Net of the remaining $82 million of stream financing payments to be received from Wheaton Precious Metals, the construction funding requirement is approximately $168 million. The project remains on schedule, with first gold in H2 2026, followed by a production ramp-up period to steady-state operations Soto Norte Project (51% owned, Colombia) : Prefeasibility Study (PFS) completed in September 2025, demonstrating robust economics with, on a 100% basis, after-tax NPV 5% of $2.7 billion, IRR of 35%, and 2.3-year payback at $2,600/oz gold. Strong leverage to higher gold prices, at $3,000/oz the NPV 5% increases to $3.3 billion with IRR of 40.0%. The PFS highlights industry-leading environmental design features and integration of local community miners 750 tpd (over 20% of 3,500 tpd capacity) has been dedicated to local contract mining partners. Aris Mining is advancing the required studies to apply for an environmental license in H1 2026 for the development of Soto Norte. : Toroparu Project (100% owned, Guyana): Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) completed in October 2025, outlining another robust project with after-tax NPV 5% of $1.8 billion, IRR of 25.2%, and 3.0-year payback at $3,000/oz gold. Aris Mining has initiated a PFS, targeted for completion in 2026, to advance Toroparu toward construction. Juby Gold Project Sale : Closed in September 2025 for a total consideration of $22 million, streamlining our portfolio to focus on our core operations and projects in South America. : Endnotes 1 All references to adjusted earnings, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, growth capital investment, cash flow after sustaining capital and income taxes, cash costs and AISC are non-GAAP financial measures in this document. These measures are intended to provide additional information to investors. They do not have any standardized meanings under IFRS, and therefore may not be comparable to other issuers and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. Refer to the Non-GAAP Measures section in this document for a reconciliation of these measures to the most directly comparable financial measure disclosed in the Company's financial statements. 2 Net earnings represents net earnings attributable to owners of the company, as presented in the annual and interim financial statements for the relevant period. 3 A $45.5 million non-cash loss was recognized in Q2 2025 from fair value adjustments to the Company's warrant liability, valued at $40.8 million as of June 30, 2025. The fair value of the liability is directly correlated to the Company's share price, which increased by 38% during Q2 2025 (year-to-date: 82% increase). In July 2025, the Company received an additional $60.5 million in cash proceeds from exercises of these warrants. With these exercises and the July 29, 2025 expiry of the remaining outstanding warrants, the liability has been fully extinguished, removing a source of non-cash earnings volatility from future results. Q3 2025 Conference Call Details Management will host a conference call on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. New York / 6:00 a.m. Vancouver / 2:00 p.m. London / 3:00 p.m. Paris to discuss the results. Participants may gain expedited access to the conference call by registering at Diamond Pass Registration. Once registered, call-in details will be displayed on screen which can be used to bypass the operator and avoid the call queue. Registration will remain open until the end of the live conference call. Webcast Conference Call Toll-free North America: +1-833-821-0197 International: +1-647-846-2328 Audio Recording After the call, an audio recording will be available via telephone until end of day November 5, 2025 Toll-free in the US and Canada: +1-855-669-9658 International: +1-412-317-0088; and using the access code: 2585542 A replay of the event will be archived at Events & Presentations - Aris Mining Corporation. Aris Mining's Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024 and related MD&A are available on SEDAR+, in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) and in the Financials section of Aris Mining's website here. Hard copies of the financial statements are available free of charge upon written request to [email protected]. About Aris Mining Founded in September 2022, Aris Mining was established with a vision to build a leading South America-focused gold mining company. Our strategy blends current production and cashflow generation with transformational growth driven by expansions of our operating assets, exploration and development projects. Aris Mining intends to unlock value through scale and diversification. The Company is listed on the TSX (ARIS) and the NYSE-A (ARMN) and is led by an experienced team with a track record of value creation, operational excellence, financial discipline and good corporate governance in the gold mining industry. Aris Mining operates two underground gold mines in Colombia: the Segovia Operations and the Marmato Complex, which together produced 210,955 ounces of gold in 2024. With expansions underway, Aris Mining is targeting an annual production rate of more than 500,000 ounces of gold, following the commissioning of the second mill at Segovia, completed in June and ramping up during H2 2025, and the construction of the Bulk Mining Zone at the Marmato Complex, expected to start ramping up production in H2 2026. In addition, Aris Mining operates the 51% owned Soto Norte joint venture, where a PFS study is complete on a new, smaller scale development plan which confirms Soto Norte as a high-quality, long-life project with robust economics and industry-leading environmental and social design features. In Guyana, Aris Mining owns the Toroparu gold/copper project, where a new Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) is complete and a Prefeasibility Study is underway. Colombia is rich in high-grade gold deposits and Aris Mining is actively pursuing partnerships with the Country's dynamic small-scale mining sector. With these partnerships, we enable safe, legal, and environmentally responsible operations that benefit both local communities and the industry. Additional information on Aris Mining can be found at www.aris-mining.com, www.sedarplus.ca, and on www.sec.gov. Cautionary Language Non-GAAP Measures EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted earnings, cash cost, growth and expansion expenditures, cash flow after sustaining capital and income tax and AISC are non-GAAP financial measures. These financial measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS or by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) in the United States, and therefore may not be comparable to other issuers. For full details on these measures refer to the "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" sections of the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024 and years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 (MD&As). The MD&As are incorporated by reference into this news release and are available at www.aris-mining.com, on the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and in its filings with the SEC at www.sec.gov. The tables below reconcile the non-GAAP financial measures contained in this news release for the current and comparative periods to the most directly comparable financial measure disclosed in the Company's interim financial statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024; the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, and Company's annual financial statements for the three months and years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. Quarterly cash-flow summary1 ($000's) Q3 2025 Q2 2025 Q1 2025 Gold revenue2 253,456 200,231 154,142 Total cash cost (98,946) (83,166) (72,730) Royalties2 (10,087) (7,583) (6,359) Social contributions2 (8,224) (5,562) (4,334) Sustaining capital (12,210) (12,710) (7,069) All in sustaining cost (AISC) (129,467) (109,021) (90,492) AISC margin 123,989 91,210 63,650 Taxes paid2 (13,228) (42,244) (5,121) General and administration expense2 (5,130) (5,187) (4,106) Decrease (increase) in VAT receivable (16,023) 30,813 (11,761) Other changes in working capital (289) (1,718) (11,685) Impact of foreign exchange losses on cash balances2 1,450 925 768 After-tax adjusted sustaining margin 90,769 73,799 31,745 Expansion and growth capital expenditure Segovia Operations (9,618) (6,930) (6,368) Marmato Bulk Mining Zone (31,369) (23,628) (29,661) Toroparu Project (3,270) (2,741) (2,411) Soto Norte Project & other (3,879) (3,446) (4,570) Total expansion and growth capital (48,136) (36,745) (43,010) Financing and other costs Proceeds from warrant and option exercises 2 59,805 57,670 5,197 Proceeds from disposition of Juby Project 13,065 - - Principal repayment of Gold Notes 2 (4,064) (4,063) (3,941) Capitalized interest paid2 (6,159) (5,802) (5,031) Interest (paid)2 - (18,000) - Finance income2 2,437 3,474 2,336 Total financing and other costs 65,084 33,279 (1,439) Net change in cash2 107,717 70,333 (12,704) Opening cash balance at beginning of period2 310,164 239,831 252,535 Closing cash balance at end of period2 417,881 310,164 239,831 1. This Quarterly Cash Flow Summary is comprised of certain non-GAAP financial measures. Refer to the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of this news release for further information. 2. As presented in the Financial Statements and notes for the respective periods. Segovia AISC Margin ($000s except per ounce, and ounce amounts) Q3 2025 Q2 2025 Q1 2025 Q4 2024 Q3 2024 Q2 2024 Gold produced (ounces) 65,549 51,527 47,549 51,477 47,493 43,705 Gold sold (ounces) 65,580 53,751 47,390 50,409 48,059 43,366 Financial Information Gold revenue ($'000s) 229,116 177,551 135,310 133,159 118,075 100,302 Average realized gold price ($/ounce sold) 3,494 3,303 2,855 2,642 2,457 2,313 1711177 Owner Mining costs 26,012 23,228 19,291 18,845 15,780 17,187 CMP material purchases 37,268 29,157 26,656 29,461 31,373 28,867 Processing costs 9,357 7,412 7,430 6,879 6,985 6,536 Administration and security costs 12,011 10,422 10,124 11,656 7,796 8,120 Change in finished goods and stockpile inventory 1,069 961 (929) (4,070) 1,130 (1,306) By-product and concentrate revenue (4,116) (2,798) (3,073) (2,308) (2,665) (2,862) Total cash costs 81,601 68,382 59,499 60,463 60,399 56,342 Cash cost per ounce sold $1,244 $1,272 $1,256 $1,199 $1,257 $1,299 ,43 3,506 3,078 Royalties 7,532 5,539 4,519 4,342 3,506 3,078 Social contributions 7,787 5,177 4,061 4,063 4,294 2,120 Sustaining capital 10,334 10,861 5,856 5,426 5,423 6,224 Sustaining lease payments 352 423 480 567 389 364 All-in sustaining costs 107,606 90,382 74,415 74,861 74,011 68,128 All-in sustaining cost per ounce sold (Combined) $1,641 $1,681 $1,570 $1,485 $1,540 $1,571 32,174 AISC Margin 121,510 87,169 60,895 58,298 44,064 32,174 Cash costs per ounce Reconciliation of total cash costs by business unit at Segovia and Marmato to the cash costs as disclosed above. Three months ended Sept 30, 2025 Three months ended June 30, 2025 ($000s except per ounce amounts) Segovia Marmato Total Segovia Marmato Total Total gold sold (ounces) 65,580 7,421 73,001 53,751 7,273 61,024 Cost of sales1 93,249 20,443 113,692 76,719 17,255 93,974 Less: royalties1 (7,532) (2,555) (10,087) (5,539) (2,044) (7,583) Add: by-product revenue1 (4,116) (543) (4,659) (2,798) (427) (3,225) Total cash costs 81,601 17,345 98,946 68,382 14,784 83,166 Total cash costs ($ per oz gold sold) 1,244 1,272 Total cash costs including royalties 89,133 73,921 Total cash costs including royalties ($ per oz gold sold) 1,359 1,375 Three months ended March 31, 2025 Three months ended Sept 30, 2024 ($000s except per ounce amounts) Segovia Marmato Total Segovia Marmato Total Total gold sold (ounces) 47,390 6,891 54,281 48,059 5,710 53,769 Cost of sales1 67,091 15,384 82,475 66,570 16,673 83,243 Less: royalties1 (4,519) (1,840) (6,359) (3,506) (1,343) (4,849) Add: by-product revenue1 (3,073) (313) (3,386) (2,665) (613) (3,278) Total cash costs 59,499 13,231 72,730 60,399 14,717 75,116 Total cash costs ($ per oz gold sold) 1,256 1,257 Total cash costs including royalties 64,018 63,905 Total cash costs including royalties ($ per oz gold sold) 1,351 1,330 1 As presented in the Annual and Interim Financial Statements and notes thereto for the respective periods. Cash costs per ounce Business Units (Segovia) Three months ended Sept 30, 2025 Three months ended June 30, 2025 ($000s except per ounce amounts) Owner CMPs Total Owner CMPs Total Total gold sold (ounces) 40,984 24,596 65,580 32,685 21,066 53,751 Cost of sales1 48,502 44,747 93,249 39,532 37,187 76,719 Less: royalties1 (5,000) (2,532) (7,532) (3,605) (1,934) (5,539) Add: by-product revenue1 (2,566) (1,550) (4,116) (1,714) (1,084) (2,798) Total cash costs 40,936 40,665 81,601 34,213 34,169 68,382 Total cash costs ($ per oz gold sold) 999 1,653 1,244 1,047 1,622 1,272 Three months ended March 31, 2025 Three months ended Sept 30, 2024 ($000s except per ounce amounts) Owner CMPs Total Owner CMPs Total Total gold sold (ounces) 26,963 20,427 47,390 22,952 25,107 48,059 Cost of sales1 34,799 32,292 67,091 28,819 37,751 66,570 Less: royalties1 (2,783) (1,736) (4,519) (1,999) (1,507) (3,506) Add: by-product revenue1 (1,748) (1,325) (3,073) (2,000) (665) (2,665) Total cash costs 30,268 29,231 59,499 24,820 35,579 60,399 Total cash costs ($ per oz gold sold) 1,123 1,431 1,256 1,081 1,417 1,257 1 As presented in the Annual and Interim Financial Statements and notes thereto for the respective periods. All-in sustaining costs (AISC) Reconciliation of total AISC by business unit at Segovia and Marmato to the AISC as disclosed above. Three months ended Sept 30, 2025 Three months ended June 30, 2025 ($000s except per ounce amounts) Segovia Marmato Total Segovia Marmato Total Total gold sold (ounces) 65,580 7,421 73,001 53,751 7,273 61,024 Total cash costs 81,601 17,345 98,946 68,382 14,784 83,166 Add: royalties1 7,532 2,555 10,087 5,539 2,044 7,583 Add: social programs1 7,787 437 8,224 5,177 385 5,562 Add: sustaining capital expenditures 10,334 1,524 11,858 10,861 1,426 12,287 Add: lease payments on sustaining capital 352 - 352 423 - 423 Total AISC 107,606 21,861 129,467 90,382 18,639 109,021 Total AISC ($ per oz gold sold) 1,641 1,681 Three months ended Mar 31, 2025 Three months ended Sept 30, 2024 ($000s except per ounce amounts) Segovia Marmato Total Segovia Marmato Total Total gold sold (ounces) 47,390 6,891 54,281 48,059 5,710 53,769 Total cash costs 59,499 13,231 72,730 60,399 14,717 75,116 Add: royalties1 4,519 1,840 6,359 3,506 1,343 4,849 Add: social programs1 4,061 273 4,334 4,294 185 4,479 Add: sustaining capital expenditures 5,856 733 6,589 5,423 938 6,361 Add: lease payments on sustaining capital 480 - 480 389 - 389 Total AISC 74,415 16,077 90,492 74,011 17,183 91,194 Total AISC ($ per oz gold sold) 1,570 1,540 1 As presented in the Annual and Interim Financial Statements and notes thereto for the respective periods. All-in sustaining costs (AISC) Segovia by Business Unit Three months ended Sept 30, 2025 Three months ended Jun 30, 2025 ($000s except per ounce amounts) Owner CMPs Total Owner CMPs Total Total gold sold (ounces) 40,984 24,596 65,580 32,685 21,066 53,751 Total cash costs 40,936 40,665 81,601 34,213 34,169 68,382 Add: royalties1 5,000 2,532 7,532 3,605 1,934 5,539 Add: social programs1 5,155 2,632 7,787 3,366 1,811 5,177 Add: sustaining capital expenditures 8,078 2,256 10,334 8,088 2,773 10,861 Add: lease payments on sustaining capital 352 - 352 423 - 423 Total AISC 59,521 48,085 107,606 49,695 40,687 90,382 Total AISC ($ per oz gold sold) 1,452 1,955 1,641 1,520 1,931 1,681 Three months ended Mar 31, 2025 Three months ended Dec 31, 2024 ($000s except per ounce amounts) Owner CMPs Owner Owner CMPs Total Total gold sold (ounces) 26,963 20,427 47,390 28,149 22,260 50,409 Total cash costs 30,268 29,231 59,499 29,320 31,143 60,463 Add: royalties1 2,783 1,736 4,519 2,754 1,588 4,342 Add: social programs1 2,501 1,560 4,061 2,558 1,505 4,063 Add: sustaining capital expenditures 3,917 1,939 5,856 3,819 1,607 5,426 Add: lease payments on sustaining capital 480 - 480 567 - 567 Total AISC 39,949 34,466 74,415 39,018 35,843 74,861 Total AISC ($ per oz gold sold) 1,482 1,687 1,570 1,386 1,610 1,485 Three months ended September 30, 2024 Three months ended June 30, 2024 ($000s except per ounce amounts) Owner CMPs Owner Owner CMPs Total Total gold sold (ounces) 22,952 25,107 48,059 20,183 23,183 43,366 Total cash costs 24,820 35,579 60,399 24,660 31,682 56,342 Add: royalties1 1,999 1,507 3,506 1,720 1,358 3,078 Add: social programs1 2,449 1,845 4,294 1,185 935 2,120 Add: sustaining capital expenditures 3,640 1,783 5,423 4,677 1,547 6,224 Add: lease payments on sustaining capital 389 - 389 364 - 364 Total AISC 33,297 40,714 74,011 32,606 35,522 68,128 Total AISC ($ per oz gold sold) 1,451 1,622 1,540 1,616 1,532 1,571 1 As presented in the Annual and Interim Financial Statements and notes thereto for the respective periods. Additions to mineral interests, plant and equipment ($'000) Sep 30, 2025 Jun 30, 2025 Mar 31, 2025 Sep 30, 2024 Sustaining capital Segovia Operations 10,334 10,861 5,856 5,423 Marmato Narrow Vein Zone 1,524 1,426 733 938 Total Sustaining Capital 11,858 12,287 6,589 6,361 Non-sustaining capital Marmato Bulk Mining Zone 31,369 23,628 29,661 18,135 Segovia Operations 9,618 6,930 6,368 16,962 Soto Norte Project and Other 3,879 3,446 4,570 5,034 Marmato Narrow Vein Zone - - - 2,965 Toroparu Project 3,270 2,741 2,411 1,970 Total (Growth Capital Investment) 48,136 36,745 43,010 45,066 Additions to mining interest, plant and equipment1 59,994 49,032 49,599 51,427 1 As presented in the Annual and Interim Financial Statements and notes for the respective periods. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) and adjusted EBITDA ($000s) Sep 30, 2025 Jun 30, 2025 Mar 31, 2025 Dec 31, 2024 Earnings (loss) before tax1 76,094 12,258 21,220 37,513 Add back: Depreciation and depletion1 13,459 11,929 10,734 9,530 Finance income1 (2,437) (3,474) (2,336) (1,606) Interest and accretion1 9,390 10,833 10,037 21,165 EBITDA 96,506 31,546 39,655 66,602 Add back: Share-based compensation1 9,497 8,136 3,784 (483) (Income) loss from equity accounting in investee1 - - 14 14 (Gain) loss on financial instruments1 6,385 50,737 16,628 (6,561) Loss on disposal of mining interest and PPE1 3,200 - - - Other (income) expense1 1,961 1,090 535 1,116 Foreign exchange (gain) loss1 13,520 7,224 5,997 (5,113) Adjusted EBITDA 131,069 98,733 66,613 55,575 1 As presented in the Annual and Interim Financial Statements and notes for the respective periods. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) and adjusted EBITDA ($000s) Sep 30, 2024 Jun 30, 2024 Mar 31, 2024 Dec 31, 2023 Earnings (loss) before tax1 13,603 17,904 10,310 7,963 Add back: Depreciation and depletion1 9,019 8,082 7,519 7,535 Finance income1 (1,351) (1,691) (2,246) (2,580) Interest and accretion1 6,493 6,496 6,803 6,772 EBITDA 27,764 30,791 22,386 19,690 Add back: Share-based compensation1 2,533 1,373 1,842 2,977 Revaluation of investments (Denarius/Aris) - - - 536 (Income) loss from equity accounting in investee1 17 2,301 551 (3,667) (Gain) loss on financial instruments1 12,842 6,144 3,742 13,429 Other (income) expense1 (428) 2,681 - (1,442) Foreign exchange (gain) loss1 311 (7,211) (108) 6,685 Adjusted EBITDA 43,039 36,079 28,413 38,208 1 As presented in the Annual and Interim Financial Statements and notes for the respective periods. Adjusted net earnings and adjusted net earnings per share ($000s except shares amount) Sep 30, 2025 Jun 30, 2025 Mar 31, 2025 Dec 31, 2024 Basic weighted average shares outstanding 199,171,052 179,836,208 171,622,649 170,900,890 Net earnings (loss)1 42,011 (16,897) 2,368 21,687 Add back: Share-based compensation1 9,497 8,136 3,784 (483) (Income) loss from equity accounting in investee1 - - 14 14 (Gain) loss on financial instruments1 6,385 50,737 16,628 (6,561) Loss on disposal of mining interest and PPE1 3,200 - - - Other (income) expense1 1,961 1,090 535 1,116 Loss on extinguishment of Senior Notes - - - 11,463 Foreign exchange (gain) loss1 13,520 7,224 5,997 (5,113) Income tax effect on adjustments (4,732) (2,528) (2,099) 2,536 Adjusted net (loss) / earnings 71,842 47,762 27,227 24,659 Per share basic ($/share) 0.36 0.27 0.16 0.14 1 As presented in the Annual and Interim Financial Statements and notes for the respective periods. Adjusted net earnings and adjusted net earnings per share ($000s except shares amount) Sep 30, 2024 Jun 30, 2024 Mar 31, 2024 Dec 31, 2023 Basic weighted average shares outstanding 169,873,924 151,474,859 138,381,653 137,313,095 Net earnings (loss)1 (2,074) 5,713 (744) (5,944) Add back: Share-based compensation1 2,533 1,373 1,842 2,977 Revaluation of investments (Denarius/Aris) - - - 536 (Income) loss from equity accounting in investee1 17 2,301 551 (3,667) (Gain) loss on financial instruments1 12,842 6,144 3,742 13,429 Other (income) expense1 (428) 2,681 - (1,442) Loss on extinguishment of Senior Notes - - - - Foreign exchange (gain) loss1 311 (7,211) (108) 6,685 Income tax effect on adjustments (109) 1,738 78 (2,221) Adjusted net (loss) / earnings 13,092 12,739 5,361 10,353 Per share basic ($/share) 0.08 0.08 0.04 0.08 1 As presented in the Annual and Interim Financial Statements and notes for the respective periods. Qualified Person and Technical Information Pamela De Mark, P.Geo., Senior Vice President Geology and Exploration of Aris Mining, is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101), and has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release. Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" or forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements relating to the Company's ability to deliver on its 2025 objectives, the expected benefit from the Segovia expansion, the completion timeline and expected benefit from the Marmato Bulk Mining Zone construction, the expected completion date of the new pre-feasibility study for the Soto Norte Project, the completion date of the new preliminary economic assessment for the Toroparu Project and statements included in the "About Aris Mining" section of this news release relating to the Segovia Operations, Marmato Complex, Soto Norte Project and Toroparu Project are forward-looking. Generally, the forward-looking information and forward looking statements can be identified by the use of forward looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "will continue" or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". The material factors or assumptions used to develop forward looking information or statements are disclosed throughout this news release. Forward looking information and forward looking statements, while based on management's best estimates and assumptions, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Aris Mining to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information or forward looking statements, including but not limited to those factors discussed in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in Aris Mining's annual information form dated March 12, 2025 which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and included as part of the Company's Annual report on Form 40-F, filed with the SEC at www.sec.gov. Although Aris Mining has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information or statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information or statements. The Company has and continues to disclose in its Management's Discussion and Analysis and other publicly filed documents, changes to material factors or assumptions underlying the forward-looking information and forward-looking statements and to the validity of the information, in the period the changes occur. The forward-looking statements and forward-looking information are made as of the date hereof and Aris Mining disclaims any obligation to update any such factors or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements or forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information. SOURCE Aris Mining Corporation ISRAEL - GAZA The truce in Gaza is faltering. With a series of Israeli air strikes in response to a deadly attack on IDF troops in Rafah - in which a reservist died, but Hamas denies involvement - and the failure to return the 13 bodies of hostages still in the Strip. Netanyahu has ordered the IDF to carry out immediate and powerful strikes on Gaza. Israel has accused Hamas of multiple violations of the agreement and of staging false discoveries of bodies. According to medical sources, Israeli attacks on Gaza killed at least 90 people overnight, including at least 24 children, in violation of the US-brokered ceasefire. NEPAL Nepal's interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki, who will remain in office until the 5 March elections, has expanded her cabinet to 10 members for the third time since taking office in September. Sudha Sharma Gautam, Minister of Health and Population, was sworn in, with her first decision being to provide psychological assistance to those injured during the Gen Z protest. Bablu Gupta, Minister of Youth and Sports, leader of the Gen Z movement, was also sworn in. JAPAN A man accused of murdering former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Nara in 2022 pleaded guilty on the first day of his trial. Tetsuya Yamagami, 45, told the court in the capital Tokyo that everything is true. He had used a homemade gun to shoot Abe during an election campaign event. Abe was the longest-serving prime minister in Japanese history. He died in hospital on the day of the assassination. BANGLADESH Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, 78, told Reuters that millions of supporters of Bangladesh's Awami League will boycott next February's national elections after the party was barred from participating in the polls. Hasina intends to remain in India, where she fled in August 2024 following a bloody student uprising. The interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus has ruled Bangladesh since the ouster; it had banned all party activities, citing threats to national security and investigations into war crimes. VIETNAM Flooding from unprecedented torrential rains has left at least nine people dead and five missing in central Vietnam. Six of the victims were in Danang, home to one of the country's most famous beaches, and in the ancient city of Hoi An, the government said. The floods also submerged more than 103,000 homes, mainly in the country's main tourist resorts, Hue and Hoi An, according to the government disaster agency. RUSSIA - GERMANY A network of so-called low-level agents from Russia has been discovered in Germany. These are ordinary people recruited by the FSB for little money to carry out acts of sabotage, espionage and minor crimes to spread panic and concern, a strategy described by opposition figure Garry Kasparov as 'the desire not to conquer, but to infect hostile countries with mutual distrust, suspicion and anxiety, as if the enemy were already among us'. AZERBAIJAN The Conference of European Rabbis, which was to be held from 3 to 6 November in Baku, Azerbaijan, has been cancelled for security reasons. Six hundred rabbis and other religious and political leaders from Europe, Israel, the United States and other countries, at the initiative of the Azerbaijani government, a country with close ties to Israel, to discuss the problems and prospects of Jewish life in the contemporary world. by John Ai Underground Bishop of Zhengding since 1981, he died this morning at the age of 90 in the bishop's residence where he had been confined. After he was jailed during the Cultural Revolution, he was tasked with rebuilding dioceses in several Chinese provinces. His courage cost him more stints in jail, but he was a seed of vocations among Chinese Catholics. The faithful remember him for preserving the flame of hope in the darkest nights. Milan (AsiaNews) Catholics in Hebei are mourning the passing today of Mgr Jia Zhiguo, 90, underground bishop of Zhengding, a great figure in this Chinese province with deep Christian roots. With him goes a prelate who fully experienced the suffering of the Church in China, but who, with his courage, also sowed so much hope among his people. Bishop Jia Zhiguo was born on 1 May 1935 into a Catholic family in Wuqiu, a village in Zongshizhuang County, in present-day Jinzhou City. His priestly vocation, nurtured among Vincentian friars, faced great obstacles in Mao's China. Starting during the Cultural Revolution in the 1960s, he spent 15 years under arrest for his faith. Released in 1978, he was able to be ordained a priest on 7 June 1980 by Bishop Joseph Fan Xueyan of Baoding, one of the last Chinese bishops appointed by Pope Pius XII, who also spent 15 years in prison. A few months later, on 8 February 1981, Bishop Fan, then 74, ordained in an underground ceremony Fr Jia Xhiguo as bishop of the Diocese of Zhengding. That and two other underground episcopal ordinations performed by Bishop Fan did not go unnoticed to Chinese authorities, who rearrested him in 1982 and sentenced him to ten years in prison on charges of "collusion with foreign forces to endanger the sovereignty and security of the motherland." Released early in 1987 following strong diplomatic pressures over his treatment, he nevertheless remained under house arrest. Knowing full well what could happen to him, Bishop Fan had already obtained for Bishop Jia special authority to select new bishops across China. And so it was he who, in the 1980s, rebuilt the Catholic community in Hebei and neighbouring provinces, also presiding over the episcopal ordinations of four underground bishops: Zhang Huaixin (Diocese of Weihui), Chen Jianzhang (Bishop Fan's successor in the Diocese of Baoding), Yang Shudao (Diocese of Fuzhou), and Li Congzhe (Diocese of Suiyuan). He also ordained many priests for the Diocese of Yongnian, significantly helping to reduce the clergy shortage in that area. On 4 April 1989, while he was meeting a Salesian priest from Hong Kong in Beijing, Bishop Jia was arrested and jailed again, marking the beginning of a long period of detentions and releases that lasted more than 20 years, which AsiaNews has reported several times. His most sensational arrests include that of 8 November 2005, on the eve of then-US President George W. Bush's visit to China (he spent ten months in prison on this occasion) and 24 August 2008, the day after the closing of the Beijing Olympics (he was released after a month). At the end of 2008, Mgr Paul Jiang Taoran, the "official" bishop of the Diocese of Shijiazhuang (the capital of Hebei), who had been ordained without a papal mandate, reestablished communion with Rome and recognised the authority of Bishop Jia, thus effectively achieving reunification in the Diocese of Zhengding. But this did not spare Bishop Jia from being arrested again. On 30 March 2009, he was detained again at the Church of Christ the King in Wuqiu. Bishop Jiang later died in November 2010. Confined to the bishop's residence since 2010, Bishop Jia nevertheless continued to spread the Gospel without making any compromises with the authorities. His prayers and words always instiled courage in the faithful in Hebei. Many looked to him as a role model, including many young people who began to dedicate themselves to the Church and later became priests. He never had personal wealth, but was always concerned with serving people. Thanks to the help of nuns, he opened his residence to disabled children and young people abandoned by their families. His last battle was against the ban on activities with children imposed on the Church by the communist authorities when churches reopened after the COVID-19 pandemic. The Church must be open to all, even to minors under the age of 18," he said in 2020. "Bishop Jia's life was marked by suffering and repeated arrests and imprisonment, but his heart as a pastor never changed," reads a statement sent to AsiaNews by the Catholic community in Hebei. "We are grateful to you," it reads, addressing the deceased bishop directly, "for your extraordinary courage in founding and leading multiple dioceses, transmitting the flame of the Church; we are grateful because, even when you were repeatedly arrested and imprisoned, you continued to care for the flock, preserving the flame of hope in the darkest nights." "The Lord said: 'The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few,'" the statement notes. You responded to this call your entire life, to the point of being completely worn out. Now you have arrived in the heavenly homeland, where there is no more pain nor oppression. We pray to you: before the Father, intercede for us and for the Church in China. by Nirmala Carvalho The place of worship, dedicated to St Joseph, is located in the village of Munpi, a remote area in the Singngat region. A Catholic couple from Goa made a significant contribution to its construction. The inauguration was presided over by the Archbishop Emeritus of Imphal. For the prelate, the church will contribute to their healing, their relief and their sense of stability. Delhi (AsiaNews) - Catholics in a remote area of Manipur, a state in the north-east that has been the scene of ethnic and religious violence involving the Christian minority, celebrated the opening of a newly built church, the first in the area, dedicated to internally displaced persons (IDPs). The place of worship is located in the village of Munpi in Singngat, a town in the district of Churachandpur, and welcomed the faithful for the first time during the blessing ceremony held on 18 October, led by the Archbishop Emeritus of Imphal, Monsignor Dominic Lumon. The prelate concelebrated with 13 priests, numerous nuns, catechists and a thousand villagers from the area. The church, dedicated to St Joseph, was built thanks to the fundamental contribution of a Catholic couple from Goa, Jeronimo Pereira and his wife Mary, who contributed generously by donating a substantial sum of money for its construction. Among the sources of inspiration, the man says, is the valuable work done by Street Providence Goa, an NGO that works on behalf of the homeless and the less fortunate by providing them with food, clothing and basic medical care. We were deeply moved, he says, by the community's need for a place of worship, and our family wanted to provide them with a suitable church. The new church and related community projects in Singngat mainly benefit Catholic families from the village of Singtom, who were displaced by recent violence in the Chandel district. This community is known for its rich heritage linked to the local Catholic tradition and has taken a leading role in re-establishing community life in Munpi. As part of a broader initiative that goes beyond the church, long-time catechist Peter Kammang and his brothers donated agricultural land to create new settlements for displaced families. On the day of the inauguration, other community resources and assets provided by donors and the archdiocese were also blessed, including: a grotto dedicated to Our Lady; a large cross; and a 50,000-litre drinking water tank for displaced families. The construction is a testament to the resilience of the community, as the villagers actively participated in clearing the land, producing concrete bricks and building new houses. In this regard, the archdiocese announced that 18 October will be celebrated annually as Munpi Pilgrimage Day. When asked by AsiaNews, Msgr. Dominic Lumon explained: It was a moment of grace, a moment of great joy. These people had to leave their villages, where they had lived for generations, they were expelled from their homes and their church, but now they have a home (built by the diocese) and a place of worship. The prelate continued, "this will contribute to their healing, their relief and their sense of stability. In this area, the rehabilitation of the people has taken place. A local Catholic, he says, donated the land and the diocese built houses for the displaced. The Pereiras voluntarily contributed 80% of the construction costs. It was a moment of great happiness, a moment of immense grace." Fr. Athanasius Mung, parish priest of the newly consecrated Church of St. Joseph, adds: "We are about 100 families, all internally displaced. This newly built church was named after St. Joseph because their church in the village, dedicated to St. Joseph, was burned down. So far, the diocese has built 50 houses, 26 are under construction, and we still need to raise funds to build another 24. I too, concludes the priest, belong to the Kuki Zo tribe, and my family has also been displaced from our village." Ethnic and religious violence between the Meitei and Kuki in Manipur broke out in May 2023 and has flared up periodically since then, with a total death toll of nearly 300 so far. The pope devoted todays general audience to mark the anniversary of the Second Vatican Council's Declaration on the Church's Relations with non-Christian Religions, which is called to rekindle [. . .] hope in our world, devastated by war. The pontiff urged religious leaders and representatives gathered in front of St Peter's to act together since the world needs our unity." The "martyrs of dialogue" were remembered last night in the Paul VI Hall. Citta del Vaticano (AsiaNews) Pope Leo XIV dedicated his address at today's general audience to 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate (In Our Time), the Declaration on the Church's Relation to non-Christian Religions. Sixty years ago, the pontiff said, Nostra Aetate brought hope to the world after the Second World War. Today we are called upon to rekindle that hope in our world, devastated by war and our degraded natural environment. Two eras and two different worlds, but both thirsting for hope, which requires care, patience, and renewal. Last night, Leo took part in Walking Together in Hope, a special event held in the Paul VI Hall, to underscore the importance of interreligious dialogue for the Catholic Church. Today, in St Peter's Square, in front of thousands of faithful and numerous representatives of different religious traditions, Leo said that dialogue is an exchange that is established when people open up to one another with sincerity, attentive listening and mutual enrichment. The very core of interreligious dialogue, which stems from the shared thirst for God, is the discovery of Gods presence beyond all boundaries and the invitation to seek him together with reverence and humility. What the Second Vatican Council sought to highlight with this "luminous document", the Pope said, opened up a new horizon of encounter, respect and spiritual hospitality. In particular, the lesson from Nostra Aetate is to "meet the followers of other religions not as outsiders, but as travelling companions on the path of truth," the pontiff added. The document's "first focus" was towards the Jewish world, motivated by the "original relationship" that Christianity has with it, as Saint John XXIII stressed. Thus, the Church, we read in Nostra Aetate, decries hatred, persecutions, displays of anti-Semitism, directed against Jews at any time and by anyone. These words remain extremely timely. I too confirm that the Church does not tolerate anti-Semitism and fights against it, on the basis of the Gospel itself, said Leo XIV, for whom. The Jewish-Catholic dialogue that followed the Second Vatican Council should be looked upon with "gratitude. Although marked by "misunderstandings, difficulties, and conflicts," it never ceased. And Even today, we must not allow political circumstances and the injustices of some to divert us from friendship, especially since we have achieved so much so far, he added, eliciting an applause from the square. Nostra Aetate continues to illuminate the path of the Church; offering a dialogue that is never solely intellectual, but profoundly spiritual. What is more, interfaith dialogue at present, in practically every city is due to human mobility; for this reason, our spiritual and cultural differences are called to encounter one another and to live together fraternally Ultimately, Nostra Aetate is rooted in love, the only foundation of peace, justice and reconciliation, which, according to the pope, calls for shared responsibility. The answer is simple: we can act together. More than ever, our world needs our unity, our friendship. To this end, Together, we must be vigilant against the abuse of the name of God, of religion, and of dialogue itself, as well as against the dangers posed by religious fundamentalism and extremism. At the commemoration for the 60th anniversary yesterday evening in the Nervi Hall, the pontiff expressed joy and deep gratitude, remembering the men and women who since 1965 have labored to being Nostra Aetate to life. Some even gave their lives martyrs for dialogue, who stood against violence and hatred, he said. Pope Leo reminded the leaders and representatives of the world's religions that Pope Francis's death highlighted the "esteem" and "friendship" towards the Catholic Church, renewed at the very moment of his election. Leo XIV also expressed his thoughts about some of the teachings of Nostra Aetate. First, the conciliar document notes that "humanity is drawing closer together" and that "we belong to one human family." It also emphasises the attempt of religions to respond to "the restlessness of the human heart, while acknowledging that the Catholic Church "rejects nothing that is true and holy" in other religions. The pope also spoke about its origins. Nostra Aetate was born, as indicated, as a treatise on a new relationship between the Catholic Church and Judaism," Leo explained. Pope Leo XIV's address at the "Walking Together in Hope" event was preceded by a procession with leaders of various religions, including Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Taoism, Shintoism, and traditional African religions. Preceded by a traditional Kandyan dance from Sri Lanka, the audience of some 2,000 people was welcomed by Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, and Cardinal Kurt Koch, prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity. A series of artistic performances from various countries, including Indonesia, followed. Various notable speakers spoke. One was Master Hsin Tao. Born in Myanmar, he founded the Ling Jiou Mountain Buddhist monastery and the Museum of World Religions in Yonghe, New Taipei, Taiwan. Another one was Sarah Bernstein, executive director of the Rossing Center for Education and Dialogue in Jerusalem. Via video link, the young people who landed from the ship Bel Espoir in Ostia, Italy, on 17 October, which Leo XIV visited. They shared their experience of sailing for peace as part of the Bel EspoirMED25 project. Industry Leader Opens Facilities Across Four States to Inspire Next Generation of Manufacturing Workforce ARCADIA, Wis., Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ashley Furniture Industries (Ashley) concluded a successful Manufacturing Month celebration, welcoming nearly 1,000 students to its manufacturing facilities across North Carolina, Mississippi, Texas, and Wisconsin throughout October. The nationwide initiative, anchored by National Manufacturing Day, provided students with an immersive, behind-the-scenes experience of modern furniture manufacturing. Students from 15 schools around the country experienced firsthand how innovation and technology are transforming the furniture industry. Throughout the month, students from 15 schools experienced firsthand how innovation and technology are transforming the furniture industry. Tours highlighted cutting-edge automation, skilled craftsmanship and the advanced processes that define modern manufacturing. The hands-on experience challenged common misconceptions about manufacturing careers while demonstrating the critical role of technology and innovation in the industry. "All of our core classes, especially math and science, connect to what the students experienced throughout the tour," stated Molly Fawcett, 6th grade teacher from Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau School District. "From analyzing numbers on the assembly line to robotic movement and foundational skills like teamwork, this was a valuable real-world experience for my students." Participating schools included: North Carolina: South Davie Middle School Wisconsin: Arcadia School District, Blair-Taylor School District, Cochrane-Fountain City School District, Eleva Strum School District, Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau School District, Gilmanton School District, Holy Family Catholic School, Independence School District, and Whitehall School District Mississippi: North Pontotoc Middle School, South Pontotoc Middle School, Ripley Middle School, and Plantersville Middle School Texas: Vanguard High School The Manufacturing Month tours align with Ashley's commitment to workforce development and community engagement. By providing students with direct access to manufacturing facilities and career professionals, the company aims to inspire the next generation while addressing the industry's growing need for skilled workers. Video Link: https://youtu.be/fkIxO2PWfuU Ashley Furniture Industries, LLC (Ashley) feels that every person deserves more value for their money. Established in 1945, Ashley is the largest manufacturer of home furnishings in the world and strives to be the most innovative and competitive home furnishings company on the planet. From design through fulfillment, Ashley is committed to delivering the world's best home furnishing values, selection and service, and earning the loyalty and trust of its customers every day. Visit Ashley online at www.ashleyglobal.com and "like" Ashley Furniture Industries on Facebook. Media Contact: Bailey Waldera 608.323.6782 [email protected] SOURCE Ashley HomeStores, LTD. 29 October 2025 14:08 (UTC+04:00) Elnur Enveroglu Read more When the Republic of Turkiye was proclaimed on 29 October 1923, few could have foreseen the magnitude of its transformation over the next century. Born from the ashes of the Ottoman Empire, the new republic stood as a symbol of resilience and renewal, i.e., a modern, secular, and independent state under the visionary leadership of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. One hundred and two years later, Turkiye stands not only as a pivotal power in its own right but as a nation whose influence reaches from Europe to the Middle East, from the Caucasus to the shores of Africa. The early decades of the Republic were marked by sweeping reforms that reshaped every aspect of life. Ataturks revolutionary policies sought to secularise governance, modernise education, and redefine national identity. The introduction of civil law and many other reforms reflected his determination to align Turkiye with modern Western ideals. Ankara became the new capital, a symbolic shift from empire to republic, and the nation embarked on an ambitious journey of state-building and national consolidation. Despite economic hardships and political turbulence in its formative years, Turkiye managed to assert its sovereignty and neutrality through two world wars, demonstrating remarkable diplomatic prudence. By the mid-20th century, Turkiye had cemented itself as a key regional actor with aspirations of joining the Western security architecture. In 1952, Turkiye joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), a turning point that marked its definitive alignment with the Western bloc during the Cold War. Its strategic geography, straddling Europe and Asia, controlling the Bosporus and Dardanelles, made it indispensable to NATOs southern flank. As the only Muslim-majority member of the alliance, Turkiye became a bridge between civilisations, playing a critical role in intelligence, defence, and counterterrorism cooperation. The countrys partnership with the United States and Europe deepened throughout the latter half of the 20th century. Though relations have occasionally been tested by differing views on regional policy, Cyprus, or EU accession, Turkiyes role as a stabilising force has remained constant. Today, Ankara continues to serve as a vital ally for the West, not only in military terms but in energy security, migration management, and regional diplomacy. New era under President Erdogan and new vision for global Turkiye Since Recep Tayyip Erdogan first came to power in 2003, Turkiye has undergone a profound political, economic, and geopolitical transformation. Initially serving as Prime Minister and later as President, Erdogan pursued policies that combined economic liberalisation with assertive diplomacy and a renewed sense of national pride. Under his leadership, Turkiyes economy expanded dramatically in the early 2000s, fuelled by infrastructure investment, industrial growth, and a dynamic private sector. Major projects, from Istanbuls new airport to transcontinental energy pipelines, became symbols of ambition and progress. Turkiye has also diversified its foreign partnerships, pursuing a multi-vector policy that maintains ties with NATO while deepening relations with Russia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Erdogans concept of a strong and independent Turkiye reflects a belief that the nations destiny lies in regional leadership. Ankaras proactive foreign policy, sometimes described as strategic autonomy, has seen Turkiye emerge as a key player in Syria, Libya, the South Caucasus, and beyond. Turkiyes long and costly struggle against terrorism has defined much of its modern security policy. The PKK (Kurdistan Workers Party), designated as a terrorist organisation by Turkiye, the United States, and the EU, has waged an insurgency since the 1980s. Successive governments have faced the daunting task of balancing internal security with human rights and social cohesion. In recent years, the Turkish Armed Forces have launched numerous operations both domestically and across the border to dismantle terrorist strongholds and prevent infiltration. These include counterterrorism missions in northern Iraq and Syria, aimed not only at the PKK but also at Daesh (ISIS) and its affiliates. Turkiyes fight against terror has also had an international dimension; it remains one of the leading NATO members in countering radical networks and preventing the spread of extremism in the Middle East. Turkiyes role as a mediator has become increasingly visible in regional crises. Ankara has brokered ceasefires, supported humanitarian corridors, and facilitated dialogue between warring parties, notably in Syria and between Russia and Ukraine. Its pragmatic diplomacy, balancing principle with realpolitik, has earned Turkiye a reputation as both a peacemaker and a power broker. In the volatile Middle East, Turkiye stands as a force for de-escalation and stability, leveraging its military strength, historical depth, and cultural ties to mediate conflicts and promote reconstruction. The countrys humanitarian outreach, particularly through the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) and the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), underscores its growing influence as a soft power in the Muslim world. Azerbaijan and Turkiye: One nation, Two states Among Turkiyes most enduring alliances is its bond with Azerbaijan, a relationship rooted in shared history, language, and faith. The motto One Nation, Two States, coined by Azerbaijans National Leader, Heydar Aliyev, captures the essence of this brotherhood. From the early years of Azerbaijans independence, Turkiye has been its staunchest supporter both politically, economically, and even militarily. This fraternity reached its zenith during the Second Garabagh War in 2020, when Turkiye stood firmly beside Azerbaijan as it restored its territorial integrity. Joint military exercises, defence cooperation, and energy partnerships, including the BakuTbilisiCeyhan oil pipeline and the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP), have reinforced this alliance as a cornerstone of regional stability. Beyond geopolitics, the TurkiyeAzerbaijan partnership represents a vision of Turkic unity, now institutionalised through the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS), which embodies cooperation in trade, culture, technology, and security across the Turkic world. As Turkiye celebrates its 102nd anniversary, it does so with the confidence of a nation that has weathered storms and emerged stronger. From Ataturks secular modernism to President Erdogans assertive realism, the Republic has shown an extraordinary capacity for adaptation. Its strategic weight, as a NATO ally, regional stabiliser, and bridge between East and West, continues to grow. With its vibrant democracy, dynamic economy, and unwavering commitment to sovereignty, Turkiye stands as a testament to the endurance of a nation that, time and again, has turned adversity into opportunity. The Republics journey from 1923 to 2025 tells not just a story of transformation but of vision, one that continues to shape the course of a region and the destiny of a people. 29 October 2025 11:43 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more Azerbaijan and Chinas Xian city have discussed the potential for establishing direct air connections, as well as prospects for cooperation in artificial intelligence, digitalization, and other areas, Azernews reports, citing the Ministry. According to Azerbaijans Minister of Digital Development and Transport, Rashad Nabiyev, shared details of the meeting on his official account on platform X. Nabiyev noted that the discussions took place during his meeting with Ye Niuping, Mayor of Xian. During the meeting, we discussed the current state and future prospects of cooperation between our countriesparticularly between Azerbaijan and the Xian regionin the fields of railway and overall transport. To advance this cooperation, a dedicated working group has been established, the minister stated in his post. 29 October 2025 14:52 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is supporting Azerbaijan in the preparation of its national hydrogen energy roadmap, according to Cavid Abdullayev, Director of the State Agency on Renewable Energy Sources under the Ministry of Energy of Azerbaijan. As reported by Azernews, citing the Ministry's official, he made the remarks during his speech at the 13th International Caspian Energy Forum held in Baku. According to Abdullayev, the EBRD is actively cooperating with Azerbaijan on drafting hydrogen energy development roadmaps, which will serve as a foundation for future projects in this emerging sector. The Bank is already providing both financial and technical assistance to the Azerbaijani side, Abdullayev said. The process of selecting an international consulting company to prepare a comprehensive, implementation-oriented document has reached its final stage. He added that a shortlist of international consulting firms has already been determined and that there is strong interest in participating in the project. I am confident that the outcomes will be successful, Abdullayev emphasized. Abdullayev also noted that within the framework of COP29, Azerbaijan has presented its strategic vision for hydrogen energy development, a document that has attracted broad international interest. 29 October 2025 19:14 (UTC+04:00) Full digital access to all news for 1 year Full digital access to all news for 6 months Full digital access to all news for 3 months Full digital access to all news for 1 month Find the plan that suits you best. Azerbaijans trade relations with Switzerland have shown remarkable momentum this year, as the total trade turnover between the two countries increased by... Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention. Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis. By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more. Subscribe You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper Thank you! 29 October 2025 12:37 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more The "Wind of Culture" project continues in the Garabagh region, organized by the Culture Ministry's Scientific, Methodological and Qualification Center for Culture (MEMIM) under the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry, Azernews reports. As part of the project, which is supported by the Garabagh Regional Department of Culture, a masterclass was held on October 27 at the Barda City Children's Art School No. 1, featuring Zahra Guliyeva, People's Artist of Azerbaijan, professor at the Baku Music Academy, and a renowned violinist. At the beginning of the event, Farid Hajiyev, an employee of the sector for cultural institutions at the Garabagh Regional Department of Culture, expressed gratitude for the organization of the masterclass, stressing that such projects contribute to the development of talented children and youth in the respective fields. Lala Karimova, head of the MEMIM Department and Honored Worker of Culture, in her speech, highlighted that the purpose of the masterclass was to enhance the musical taste of students and instil professional skills in them. Subsequently, students from the Barda City Children's Art School No. 1 and the Children's Music School No. 2 of Barda city performed at the event. People's Artist Zahra Guliyeva drew the participants' attention to interesting aspects of violin playing technique and offered her recommendations. The professor also answered questions from teachers and students in detail. At the end of the event, Zahra Guliyeva gifted the art school with her books. Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az, Trend.Az, Day.Az, and Milli.Az. 29 October 2025 13:18 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more Ahead of the 2025 Baku International Arts Festival (BIAF-2025), a press conference has been held in Baku, Azernews reports. The press conference unveiled the mission, program, and key events of the inaugural festival, designed to usher in a new era for the country's cultural development. Fuad Ibrahimov, artistic director and chief conductor of the Azerbaijan State Symphony Orchestra, as well as honorary ambassador of the BIAF, emphasized the significant role of such festivals in a countrys cultural landscape. He explained that these events unite creative individuals, invigorate the artistic scene, and contribute to enhancing Azerbaijans cultural identity. The Maestro pointed out that a diverse and rich program would distinguish the upcoming festival. BIAF will present a variety of events, including classical concerts, theatrical and dance performances, and interdisciplinary projects that merge different art forms. Ibrahimov also revealed that the opening ceremony would take place on October 31, featuring a performance by the State Symphony Orchestra. The concert program will include works by Dmitri Shostakovich, the "Don Quixote" suite, and Pyotr Tchaikovsky's grand concerto. Fuad Ibrahimov also shared that renowned conductor Aziz Shokhakimov would also perform at the festival, offering a special music event for Baku's audiences. Composer and performer Aysel Mmmdova (AISEL) noted that several distinguished artists would be presenting their works in Baku for the first time. She mentioned that even European audiences have yet to see these performances, adding that this elevates the festivals prestige, making it a highly anticipated event both nationally and internationally. The press conference also spotlighted performances that will be making their debut in Baku. One of the highlights is the world-famous choreographer Sharon Eyal's "Delay the Sadness", which first premiered at the Ruhr Triennale festival in Germany in September. The Baku performance will mark the second time it will be presented as part of BIAF. Screenwriter and playwright Ismail Iman described Eyal's work as a captivating fusion of movement and emotion. He explained that "Delay the Sadness" is more than just a dance; its an immersive experience where the audience shares in the journey with the artists. For him, this piece is a rare chance to witness how contemporary dance intersects with philosophy and fashion. It was also announced that on November 4, Sharon Eyal's troupe would host a masterclass in contemporary choreography for representatives of Azerbaijan's dance community. The Baku International Arts Festival will take place from October 31 to November 16, with the support of the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan. The festival will feature performances by internationally renowned directors, choreographers, and theater troupes at prominent venues across Baku, including works by GESHER Theatre, Sharon Eyal, Robert Lepage, Daniele Finzi Pasca, Yan Lipin, Guillaume Cote, Rimas Tuminas, and many other distinguished artists. 29 October 2025 16:03 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more Baku Music Academy has presented a new project "The Time of Classical Music" along with the concert dedicated to the anniversaries of the outstanding Azerbaijani composers Uzeyir Hajibayli and Muslim Magomayev, Azernews reports. The event began with the solemn performance of the Azerbaijan National Anthem, presented by the choir of the St. Archangel Michael Church, conducted by the distinguished figure of the Unified Choral Movement, Kristina Efendieva. The artistic director of the project, Doctor of Philosophy in Art Studies and senior lecturer at the Baku Music Academy, Alena Inyakina, spoke about the main goal of the project to make national and global academic musical art more accessible and understandable to modern Azerbaijani youth. During the festive event, the audience learned interesting facts about the works of the outstanding Azerbaijani composers, presented by students of the History and Theory Faculty of the Baku Music Academy: Zaley Guliyeva, Pakiza Mustafazade, Aminakhanum Mammadova, Ayshen Rafizade, Ragimakhanum Gurbanova, Durnisa Guseynova, Syama Mustafaeva, Aidan Nagiyeva, Nigar Nabili, Nubar Agamamedova, Adila Mamedli, Ragima Ghamidova, and BMA graduate Laman Gulamova. Each presentation was accompanied by performances of the composers' beloved works. The concert program was performed by international competition laureates: soloist of the State Academic Music Theater, Yulia Heydarova; artists of the State Choral Chapel, Kamilla Imamova and Elyar Aliyev; concertmasters Dilara Karimova, Sevinj Karimova, Rena Zakiyeva, and Larisa Zayirbayova; students of the Bulbul Specialized Music School: Fatima Farajova, Ali Farajev, and Tunjay Ashrafli; students of the Baku Music Academy: Hidayat Sadigbayli, Ayla Hasanova, Laman Ismayilova, Ulviya Mustafazade; as well as the choir of the St. Archangel Michael Church under the direction of Kristina Afandiyeva. The event concluded with the audience's ovations. Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az, Trend.Az, Day.Az and Milli.Az. 29 October 2025 17:19 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more The Turkish World Cinematographers Forum has been held in Ankara, Turkiye, Azernews reports. The member of the Azerbaijan Film-Makers Union, film director Mubariz Naghiyev, represented Azerbaijan at the forum. The event, organised by Menderes Demir, the chairman of the Turkish Journalists Association, coincided with the 10th Turkish World Documentary Film Festival. Mubariz Naghiyev conveyed congratulations from the President of the Azerbaijan Film-Makers Union, People's Artist Rasim Balayev, on the occasion of the festival's anniversary, as well as greetings to the Turkish World Cinematographers Forum. During the forum, discussions were held on film cooperation and future prospects between our countries and peoples. Kursad Zorlu, Deputy Chairman of the Justice and Development Party (AKP), and Batuhan Mumcu, Turkish Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism, also met with the forum participants. Plans are in place for the forum to continue in the future. Note that Azerbaijan and Turkiye share strong historical and cultural connections, which have extended into the realm of cinema over the years. In 2021, the two nations signed an agreement to enhance collaboration in the film industry. This partnership includes discussions about organising joint film festivals, enhancing cooperation between both public and private film organisations, and strengthening ties among filmmakers from both countries. Azerbaijan and Turkiye are also exchanging expertise in digitalisation and modern management practices within the creative industries. The most prominent aspect of their cooperation is co-productions. Azerbaijani and Turkish filmmakers often collaborate on joint projects. Both countries are poised to expand their reach in the international film market, continuing to showcase their shared cultural heritage through cinema. OSLO, Norway, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- BlueNord ASA ("BlueNord" or the "Company") today published its third quarter 2025 results, delivering another quarter of robust operational and financial performance. As a result, BlueNord is proposing a cash dividend of USD 89 million for Q3 2025, bringing the total returns to shareholders year-to-date to USD 391 million. Highlights for Q3 2025: Net hydrocarbon production of 39.1 mboepd (37.8mboepd in Q2 2025) Revenues of USD 246 million (USD 260 million in Q2 2025) EBITDA of USD 131 million (USD 133 million in Q2 2025) Operating cash flow of USD 128.5 million, up more than 80% from Q2 2025 Proposed cash dividend for the quarter of USD 89 million Strong liquidity position of USD 447 million Operational Dan, Gorm and Halfdan produced 20.2 mboepd during the quarter. Tyra continued its ramp up, averaging 18.9 mboepd during the quarter and reaching its highest average monthly production since restart at 22.0 mboepd in September. As production from the Tyra hub continues to increase, it is making a significant contribution to the Company's financial results. Reservoir performance remains strong, with ongoing efforts focused on maintaining stable operations and further improving operational efficiency. Financial Supported by the strong contribution from the Tyra hub and solid performance from the base assets, operating cashflow increased significantly quarter-on-quarter to USD 128.5 million in Q3, up from USD 71.2 million in the previous quarter. During the quarter, the Company distributed a total of USD 302 million based on the 2024 and H1 2025 results, including USD 50 million in the form of share buybacks. Liquidity remains robust, with cash on balance sheet and undrawn RBL capacity of USD 447 million at the quarter end. Reflecting the continued strengthening of both operational and financial performance during Q3, the Company is proposing a cash dividend for third quarter of USD 89 million, representing the top end of the distribution policy range of 50 70% of operating cashflow. "The third quarter of 2025 marks a clear shift for BlueNord as we enter into the harvesting phase of the business. With Tyra now delivering strong and growing production, we are seeing the full benefit of the investments made over the past few years translate into higher cash flow and profitability. During the quarter, we returned USD 302 million to shareholders, including USD 252 million in cash dividends and USD 50 million through share buybacks, and we are now proposing a further USD 89 million dividend for Q3, bringing total shareholder returns this year to USD 391 million. Supported by our strong balance sheet, low-cost production base and an attractive long-term activity set within our portfolio, we remain fully committed to delivering on our stated strategy of maximising cash returns to shareholders," said Euan Shirlaw, Chief Executive Officer of BlueNord. The report and investor presentation may be downloaded from the Company's website www.bluenord.com or www.newsweb.no. The Company will host a webcast today at 10:00 CET. To join webcast: https://channel.royalcast.com/landingpage/hegnarmedia/20251029_3/ Contact: Cathrine F. Torgersen, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Phone: +47 915 28 501 Email: [email protected] This information is considered to be inside information pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation, and is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. The stock exchange announcement was published by Cathrine Torgersen, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, BlueNord ASA, at the date and time as set out above. This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/bluenord-asa/r/bluenord-announces-third-quarter-2025--robust-results---proposed-cash-dividend-for-the-quarter,c4258181 The following files are available for download: 29 October 2025 10:22 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more The Caspian Energy Forum has commenced in Baku, bringing together business leaders, government officials, and representatives of diplomatic missions to discuss the regions role in the global energy transition, Azernews reports. This years forum focuses on the development of the Green Energy Corridor, as well as on strengthening strategic cooperation in the oil and gas sector among Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Black Sea region countries. Key objectives of the event include ensuring an effective presentation of the international energy agenda in the context of COP29 and COP30, promoting and supporting major renewable energy and gas projects across the region, and facilitating discussions on the extension of the Green Energy Corridor toward Europe. The forum also aims to deepen dialogue between governments, businesses, and international organizations, while encouraging sustainable energy investments and partnerships. Held at a critical juncture for the global energy landscape, the Baku gathering once again underscores Azerbaijans position as a driving force in promoting regional energy cooperation and advancing green transition initiatives. 29 October 2025 12:05 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Organized by the Baku Initiative Group (BIG), the first international conference titled Belgian Colonialism: Recognition and Responsibility will be held in Azerbaijan on October 31, focusing on Belgiums colonial past and its lasting consequences, Azernews reports. According to BIG, the event will bring together representatives from Belgiums former colonies the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi, along with diplomats and officials. Participants will include specialists in international law, historians, researchers, civil society activists, and experts on reparations from eight countries. The conference will address the atrocities committed by Belgium during its colonial rule in Africa, including mass killings, cultural plundering, and ethnic divisions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi. Discussions will also highlight the ongoing impact of Belgian colonialism and the persistence of neocolonial practices, such as continued resource exploitation. Participants will explore ways to raise the issue of reparations for affected peoples at the international level and bring it to the agenda of global organizations. Ahead of the main event, on October 30, foreign guests will meet with faculty and students at Baku State University for discussions on Belgian Colonialism in Central Africa and Its Lasting Consequences and will deliver lectures on the subject. It is noteworthy that a 2019 report by the UN Working Group on People of African Descent estimated that 10 million people were killed during Belgiums colonial rule in what are now the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi. The report also documented forced labor, ethnic segregation, mass amputations, and the abduction of 20,000 mixed-race children for assimilation policies, urging Belgium to uncover the truth, open its archives, and provide reparations. 29 October 2025 12:20 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more An international parliamentary conference dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of Azerbaijan has commenced at the Milli Majlis, Azernews reports. The event is being held under the theme The Constitution as the Foundation of the Independence and Sovereignty of States in the Modern World. During the conference, participants will exchange views on the role of constitutions in strengthening the legal foundations of modern states, as well as in ensuring sovereignty and national independence. Parliamentary delegations from nearly 20 countries and representatives of five international organizations are taking part in the event. Recall that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan a foundational document that has guided the nations political, legal, and social transformation since its adoption on November 12, 1995. Emerging in the aftermath of independence from the Soviet Union, the Constitution laid the groundwork for a modern, sovereign, and democratic state, embodying the aspirations of a nation rebuilding itself on the principles of law, justice, and sovereignty. When Azerbaijan regained its independence in 1991, it faced the immense challenge of creating a new political and legal order amid regional conflict, economic instability, and the collapse of Soviet-era institutions. The adoption of the 1995 Constitution was therefore not merely a legal act but a profound assertion of nationhood. Drafted under the leadership of Heydar Aliyev, the document established the Republic of Azerbaijan as a democratic, secular, and unitary state, guaranteeing the separation of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Over the past three decades, the Constitution has evolved through several referendums, reflecting Azerbaijans efforts to adapt its governance to changing realities. Amendments introduced in 2002, 2009, and 2016 sought to modernize public administration, strengthen institutional stability, and harmonize national legislation with international standards. These reforms have also expanded the protection of social rights, enhanced gender equality, and promoted youth participation in governance. The 2016 constitutional amendments, in particular, marked a significant institutional transformation, introducing the post of First Vice-President to improve executive efficiency and accountability, a move designed to ensure continuity and stability in governance. Moreover, the Constitution also laid the foundation for Azerbaijans foreign policy of balanced diplomacy and its integration into international legal frameworks. Over the years, Azerbaijan has joined key international conventions on human rights, environmental protection, and anti-corruption, aligning its national legal principles with global standards while safeguarding its sovereignty. 29 October 2025 11:57 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more The delegation of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Belarus, led by Deputy Prime Minister Samir Sharifov, Co-Chairman of the Azerbaijani side, and Deputy Prime Minister Natalya Petkevich, Co-Chairman of the Belarusian side, has visited the liberated Fuzuli region, Azernews reports. Emin Huseynov, Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan in the Aghdam, Fuzuli, and Khojavend regions, briefed the guests at the Fuzuli International Airport on the large-scale reconstruction works taking place in the region. He noted that the airport, known as the air gateway of Garabagh, was built to the highest modern standards and can accommodate all types of aircraft. The delegation was also informed about the residential projects being implemented in Fuzuli city, where former internally displaced persons are gradually returning to their homeland. The guests visited the Mirza Ulugbey Secondary School, a gift from Uzbekistans President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and the Kurmangazy Children's Creativity Center, a present from the people of Kazakhstan. It was highlighted that the construction of a central hospital and a Vocational Education Complex is underway, while the Dovletyarli village is being rapidly developed. Work on the second and third residential complexes in Fuzuli city is set to begin at the end of this year and early next year, and construction of the citys central park will start soon. The newly launched Pirahmadli village project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. Following the visit to Fuzuli, the AzerbaijaniBelarusian delegation continued its trip to the Aghdam region 29 October 2025 15:18 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with his Omani counterpart, Badr al-Busaidi, during an official visit to the Sultanate of Oman, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan reported on its X account, Azernews reports. The ministers highlighted the importance of continuous high-level dialogue and mutual visits to strengthen bilateral ties. Discussions focused on expanding cooperation in economic, trade, humanitarian, and cultural spheres. The officials also welcomed the official opening of the Azerbaijani Embassy in Muscat, describing it as a key step that will provide new momentum for relations between the two countries. Both sides expressed appreciation for their cooperation within the UN, the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). They also underscored the importance of continued collaboration ahead of major events, including the OIC Summit and the World Urbanization Forum, which are scheduled to be held in Azerbaijan in 2026. 29 October 2025 19:07 (UTC+04:00) On October 29, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Mircea Abrudean, President of the Senate of Romania. Abrudean congratulated the head of state on the normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, including the signing of a declaration in Washington in the presence of the U.S. President and the initialing of the Agreement on Peace and Establishment of Interstate Relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. He expressed hope that this would contribute to ensuring peace and development across the region. Mircea Abrudean voiced satisfaction with participating in the international parliamentary conference organized excellently by the Milli Majlis in Baku to mark the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Highlighting Azerbaijan and Romania as friends and partners, Abrudean emphasized ample opportunities for further developing cooperation. The Senate President underscored the importance of inter-parliamentary ties and collaboration within international parliamentary institutions in advancing bilateral relations. President Ilham Aliyev thanked Mircea Abrudean and acknowledged President Trumps key role in advancing the peace agenda, noting its historic importance for the region. The meeting underscored the strategic significance of the Caspian submarine power cable project involving Azerbaijan, Romania, Georgia, and Hungary for delivering renewable energy from Azerbaijan and Central Asia to Europe. Discussions also covered bilateral cooperation across various sectors. 29 October 2025 08:00 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more Georgias ruling party, Georgian Dream Democratic Georgia, has filed a request with the countrys Constitutional Court to ban three political parties, including the United National Movement (UNM) founded by former President Mikheil Saakashvili, Azernews reports, citing foreign media sources. Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili announced the move during a press briefing, stating that the ruling party considers these political entities unconstitutional. We believe the following political associations should be declared unconstitutional: the United National Movement; the coalition For Changes Gvaramia, Melia, Girchi, Droa; and the civic union Strong Georgia Lelo for the People, For Freedom, Papuashvili said. He added that the ruling party will formally submit the case to the Constitutional Court once all parliamentary procedures have been completed. 29 October 2025 17:27 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Polish Air Force fighter jets intercepted a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft over the Baltic Sea on October 28, 2025, the Polish Army announced, Azernews reports via Anadolu Agency. According to the statement, the Russian plane was flying in international airspace without a filed flight plan and with its transponder turned off. A pair of on-duty MiG-29 Air Force fighters successfully intercepted, visually identified, and escorted a Russian Federation aircraft out of the area of responsibility, the army said, emphasizing that the aircraft did not violate Polish airspace. The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the region, as several European countries have recently accused Russia of drone incursions into their airspace, allegations Moscow denies. Earlier, on September 9, about 20 drones reportedly crossed into Polish airspace during a mass strike on Ukraine, prompting NATO jets to conduct joint patrols with Polish forces. Similar airspace violations have also been reported by Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, further straining regional security and heightening NATOs vigilance along its eastern flank. PHOENIX, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Clearwater Living, a Newport Beach, CA-based real estate and property management company dedicated to the ownership, operation and development of high-quality senior living communities, announced today that it has earned the Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star certification for superior energy performance for three of its Arizona properties. This is the second consecutive year the properties have received the agency's certification which requires verification by licensed professionals. "The Energy Star certification for our Arizona communities is a reflection of Clearwater Living's continued dedication to sustainability and operational excellence," said Danielle Morgan, CEO of Clearwater Living. "We are proud to create vibrant senior living environments that are both comfortable for residents and conscious of our environmental footprint." The certified properties demonstrate exceptional energy efficiency compared to similar buildings nationwide: Clearwater Agritopia in Gilbert achieved a score of 97, meaning it is more energy efficient than 97% of comparable properties across the country. in Gilbert achieved a score of 97, meaning it is more energy efficient than 97% of comparable properties across the country. Clearwater Ahwatukee in Phoenix also earned a score of 97, placing it among the top 3% of energy-efficient senior living communities nationwide. in Phoenix also earned a score of 97, placing it among the top 3% of energy-efficient senior living communities nationwide. Clearwater Mayo Blvd in Phoenix received a score of 85, ranking it within the top 15% for energy performance among similar buildings. Energy Star-certified buildings and plants perform in the top 25% nationwide for energy efficiency and meet strict EPA standards based on verified energy performance. Certification accounts for occupancy, operating hours and other factors that impact overall energy use. "Improving the energy efficiency of our nation's buildings is critical to protecting our environment," said Cindy Jacobs, chief of the Energy Star Commercial & Industrial Branch. "Organizations like Clearwater Living are leading the way in sustainability by earning Energy Star certification for superior energy performance." On average, Energy Star-certified buildings use 35% less energy, cause 35% fewer greenhouse gas emissions and are less expensive to operateall without sacrificing comfort or performance. Clearwater Living offers independent living, assisted living and memory support across its communities in Arizona, California, Oregon, Nevada and Texas. Residents enjoy a range of private and shared floor plans and resort-style amenities that include multiple culinary venues, fitness centers and engaging wellness programs that embody Clearwater's Empowered Living philosophycreating opportunities for residents to thrive physically, mentally and socially through purpose and connection. About Clearwater Living Clearwater Living is committed to providing the most superior customer service and living experiences that celebrate individual relevancefrom residents and families to team members. Clearwater is expanding through strategic acquisitions, development and operational management of senior living communities throughout the western United States. Every Clearwater Living community practices a holistic approach to successful aging and personalized care that enriches daily life. To learn more about Clearwater Living, visit ClearwaterLiving.com . Contact: Jennifer Franklin Spotlight Marketing Communications (949) 427-1385 [email protected] SOURCE Clearwater Living Mussel Gathering Back on Oregon Coast, More Washington Clamming Dates Published 10/26/25 at 7:35 p.m. By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff (Bandon, Oregon) Mussels are again a thing on most of the coastline. Photo of Oceanside, Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Mussel harvesting has reopened along the Oregon coast from Cascade Head south to the California border, the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) announced this week. Recent tests show marine biotoxin levels in this stretch have dropped below the alert threshold, allowing the recreational harvest to resume. This vast area includes Brookings, Gold Beach, Port Orford, Bandon, Florence, Yachats, Newport and Lincoln City. However, mussel harvesting remains closed from the Washington border to Cascade Head due to elevated toxin levels. This includes Oceanside, Tillamook, Manzanita, Cannon Beach and Seaside. ODFW Razor clam harvesting is currently permitted between the Columbia River and Cape Blanco, but remains closed from Cape Blanco to the California border. Bay clams are open for harvest across the entire coast. Recreational crab harvesting is allowed in bays, beaches, piers, jetties, and tide pools, but remains closed in ocean waters through November 30. Officials urge shellfish harvesters to check current conditions before heading out. The Shellfish Safety Hotline at 1-800-448-2474 and the ODA Recreational Shellfish Biotoxin Closures webpage provide up-to-date information on closures and openings. ODA continues to monitor shellfish toxin levels at least twice monthly, depending on tides and weather. Areas closed due to biotoxins can only reopen after two consecutive tests show levels below the closure limit. For licensing, permits, and harvest regulations, contact ODFW. For biotoxin updates, call the ODA Shellfish Biotoxin Hotline at (800) 448-2474 or the Food Safety Program at 503-986-4720. See the shellfish updates page. On the Washington coast, razor clamming dates are still being examined. There are currently two sets of tentative date ranges to open the activity on different areas of the coast. These are: Nov. 3, Monday, 4:30 p.m.; -0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks Nov. 4, Tuesday, 5:15 p.m.; -1.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks Nov. 5, Wednesday, 6:01 p.m.; -1.7 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis Nov. 6, Thursday, 6:46 p.m.; -2.0 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis Nov. 7, Friday, 7:34 p.m.; -1.9 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks Nov. 8, Saturday, 8:25 p.m.; -1.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks Nov. 9, Sunday, 9:19 p.m.; -0.9 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis Nov. 18, Tuesday, 5:18 p.m.; 0.0 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis Nov. 19, Wednesday, 5:52 p.m.; -0.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks Nov. 20, Thursday, 6:25 p.m.; -0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks Nov. 21, Friday, 6:59 p.m.; -0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis Nov. 22, Saturday, 7:34 p.m.; -0.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis Nov. 23, Sunday, 8:12 p.m.; -0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks See the Washington razor clamming updates page. Oregon Coast Hotels for this event - South Coast Hotels - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours MORE PHOTOS BELOW OREGON COAST HOTEL REVIEWS (hit refresh to see different reviews) Raucous Oregon Coast View in Lincoln City or Depoe Bay Spotlighted in May Some of these sights cost a little less through mid May. Depoe Bay hotel reviews, Lincoln City hotel news Kiwanda Coastal Properties - Pacific City Hotel Reviews Rates rock bottom now, but for an extra 10 perc use code 'BEACHCONNECT'. Click to see Newport Hotels - Nye Beach, South Beach Newport Hotel reviews, Newport vacation rentals Rockaway Beach Hotel News: New Inn Near Rockaway Beach is Really 100 Years Old Boutique inn and BnB on north Oregon coast features marvelous high-end details; bathroom vanities created by local craftsmen, headboards made of live edge wood. Pets. Rockaway Beach Hotel Reviews More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles) Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted Two Kinds of Pink Glow on Oregon Coast - One a Serious Mystery to Scientists Published 10/28/25 at 5:35 a.m. By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff (Cannon Beach, Oregon) It's hard to get much more of a money shot than this: a mystery glow in the sky and in the sea. And they're two completely different things, with one causing Oregon coast scientists to seriously scratch their heads. (Close-up of one Trish Pacheco's photos - all photos Pacheco) There is some sort of bioluminescence going on and a kind of relative of the Northern Lights, and Cannon Beach's Trish Pacheco caught both last week in a really bizarre and indisputably rare moment. It may even be one of a kind. Indeed, Oregon Coast Beach Connection had to contact a marine expert and an astronomer to figure it all out. Pacheo caught red bioluminescence (or perhaps a bit pink) in the waves which is not supposed to exist here. She also caught the regular blue of dinoflagellates glowing in the waves, what's become an oft-photographed occurrence on the Oregon coast and Washington coast. That's plenty weird all by itself. Bioluminescent Phytoplankton: What Makes Glowing Sand On Oregon Coast, Washington. However, just above all that, you'll notice the green glow of the night sky. Then there's also a pink layer to the shades of green. Believe it or not, it's there all the time. You just can't see it: only cameras can. The green is common enough, but a pink or reddish blotch is less frequent. To some who saw Pacheco's photos, they thought it must be the aurora borealis. But it's documented there wasn't one on October 20 when she took these. The real mind-blower: it's related to the aurora borealis. That's right. There's a version of the aurora going on above us all the time. In fact, the green nightglow (or airglow as it's often referred to) is going to kill nighttime photographs for you. Every single night shot has it to some degree, and now you can never un-see this. First the airglow explanation: Jim Todd, astronomy expert at Portland's OMSI, told Oregon Coast Beach Connection this pink stuff is either airglow or Stable Auroral Red (SAR) Arcs. He said: Airglow: This is a faint, natural emission of light from Earth's upper atmosphere, similar to auroras but visible from all latitudes. It is caused by photochemical reactions of gases in the atmosphere, and while often invisible to the naked eye, it can be captured by cameras during long exposures. Stable Auroral Red (SAR) Arcs: These are a type of red aurora that are usually invisible to the human eye but can be detected by camera sensors. They are caused by the heating of the atmosphere from electric currents circulating between Earth and outer space during geomagnetic storms. Green Nightglow Above Us All the Time, You Just Didn't Know: Washington / Oregon Coast Science - Also called chemiluminescence, once you see it you can't unsee it Just recently, Steven Smith of Media 7 caught this amazing shot of Comet Lemmon from Cannon Beach. In it, you see the green nightglow but also more pinks. This, he said, is again the nightglow. Comet Lemmon Photographed on Oregon Coast: Look West Here and in Washington The reddish bio-glow is not as easy. Sheanna Steingass is an expert on bioluminescence, working for UofO and OSU. She recognized the blue glow of dinoflagellates, but the red glow is something truly puzzling. Red bioluminescence is typically more common (and pretty dim) in deep-sea fish; I don't think that's what is going on here, she said. Steingass suggested there was another light source or the photos had been altered. Based on Pacheco's descriptions and her other photos showing the stuff dissipating as it came onshore, that doesn't seem likely. One suggestion put out there was that it was a glowing form of comb jellies, but Steingass said that's not possible. Comb jellies don't glow that color, and the ones that are red live far offshore and only their bodies are red, not the glow. When it came down to it, Steingass was stumped. She echoed what other scientists say on this subject as well. The mechanics of red bioluminescence don't seem to be well understood, she said. As an aside, Oregon Coast Beach Connection has talked to other marine experts about red glowing critters in the past and they've said similar things. What Pacheco caught in the tideline at Cannon Beach remains a real-life mystery. Oregon Coast Hotels for this event - South Coast Hotels - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours MORE PHOTOS BELOW OREGON COAST HOTEL REVIEWS (hit refresh to see different reviews) Some Thanksgiving and Holiday Weekend Vacation Rentals Still Open on Oregon C... A handful of vacation rentals and one restaurant's feast: Newport hotel reviews, Lincoln City hotel reviews, Pacific City hotel reviews, Neskowin hotel reviews, Washington coast, specials Manzanita Hotel Review: Oregon Coast Inn Gets New Life as Forest Getaway, Ne... Nehalem River Inn is nearly 100 years old. Nehalem Hotel Review Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - 363 Miles of Rentals Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals, vacation rental reviews, hotel reviews, vacation rental news Lincoln City Hotels - Beach Views, Close Walks to Oregon Coast Fun Lincoln City hotel reviews, vacation rentals, Lincoln City rooms, places to stay More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles) Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted Has the City of Washington, NC been managed by their elected local government, and their bureaucrats, in a fiscally responsible manner to better serve the people who pay their ever advancing property taxes? 0% Yes, rising property taxes are a necessity to maintain a progressive city.100% No, excessive funding of a poorly managed government can become a shell game of corruption.0% I am afraid to say. With crime among illegal aliens in Europe rising, a new poll for a German media group finds that 55% of German women now report feeling unsafe in any public space. For some specific spaces the numbers get much worse. In train stations and in night clubs, only 14% of German women now feel safe, and in parks only 19%. Prior to mass migration of "asylum seeker" illegal aliens, Germany was generally pretty safe. Illegal immigration has changed all of that. https://europeanconservative.com/articles/news-corner/more-than-half-of-all-german-women-feel-unsafe-in-public-spaces/ Meanwhile, the former head of the European Union's border agency, Frontex has revealed that he was instructed by a member of the European Commission that his agency did not need uniforms or weapons because their job was to welcome migrants. That was not the way he saw his job, and he is now a member of EU parliament for France's National Rally, the populist nationalist anti-immigration party led by Marine LePen. https://rmx.news/poland/your-job-is-to-welcome-migrants-eus-former-border-chief-said-eu-commissioner-pressured-him-to-embrace-open-borders/ He told a 2007 event: We have a vision for Belfast and we can create a new future David Horgan was from west Belfast and a graduate of Harvard Business School and Cambridge University A Belfast-born oil executive and entrepreneur who was once part of a team proposing a cable car and a mountainside railway in west Belfast has died. David Horgan, one of Irelands best known oil and exploration executives, was 66. Clontarf Energy, where he was co-founder and long time chairman, confirmed his death yesterday. His co-founders at Clontarf Energy, John Teeling and Jim Finn, said his death was a deep personal loss to each of them. In over three decades together we have created, financed, managed and listed a series of early-stage exploration ventures in a variety of natural resources. He revelled in high-stakes, high-risk resources exploration. He was fearless travelling in dangerous territories, traipsing across swamps or exploring long abandoned mines. In 2007, Mr Horgan, who was from west Belfast and a graduate of Harvard Business School and Cambridge University, said he was frequently frustrated at the "limited vision we have in Belfast". Then CEO of Petrel Resources, which was involved in the exploration and development of the world's largest oil fields in southern Iraq, he addressed a breakfast organised by the West Belfast & Greater Shankill Enterprise Council. It announced a masterplan intended to "utilise Divis Mountain," including adding a cable car and mountainside railway. He told the event: "Look to the Michael O'Learys of this world, an Irishman who has transformed the airline business, and we have a network of Ulster people and Irish people round the world who we just don't use. "It's time for change - look at the international vision of Belfast's leaders of the shipyards and light engineering. They were world leaders. "We have a vision for Belfast and we can create a new future." Mr Teeling and Mr Finn said Mr Horgan spoke eight languages. After 10 days or so in a new country he could converse with locals in their own language and actively participate in local culture and traditions. In a career spanning more than four decades, Mr Horgan worked in some of the worlds most far-flung and often dangerous places, including oil wells in Iraq and Ghana, and gold mines in Zimbabwe. He held oil licences in Peru and discovered a diamond mine in Botswana. He was a regular contributor to media, and at one point wrote a column in the Irish Independent. John Teeling and Jim Finn said their co-founders point of view that continued resource exploration is necessary is now coming back into vogue. David had a simple message: no exploration, no mines, no transition to green energy. His passing, just as the message seems to be getting traction, is ironic. "His death is a huge loss for his friends, family, colleagues, shareholders and the wider Irish resource sector, they said. David Horgan was born in Belfast and brought up in Dublin and Canada. He was a first-class honours law graduate from Cambridge University, in England and obtained a Masters in Business Administration from Harvard Business School. He began his professional career abroad with the Boston Consulting Group. He returned to Ireland in 1991 and after a stint with Goffs joined Kenmare Resources where he became commercial director until 1992 when he left to co-found Clontarf Energy. In a storied career he was also co-founder and chair of Petrel Resources, co-founder and director of Botswana Diamonds, and founding chair of Greenore Gold. Belfast couples waste free wedding: Looking amazing doesnt have to cost the Earth Newlyweds passionate about sustainable fashion practise what they preach on their big day John and Fiona in her evening outfit complete with her upcycled boots Amy Cochrane Wed 29 Oct 2025 at 07:09 A Belfast couple passionate about sustainability have celebrated their big day in style but without the added waste. ROAD TOWN, British Virgin Islands, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Falcon Finance, the first universal collateralization infrastructure powering onchain liquidity and yield, has announced that it has partnered with Backed to integrate xStocks into Falcon's collateral framework. This marks the first real-world equity integration that turns tokenized stocks into productive, yield-bearing assets within DeFi. Falcon Finance The introduction of Backed's compliant tokenized equities allows Falcon Finance users to mint USDf using xSTOCKs. Assets supported by Falcon as part of the Backed integration include TSLAx, NVDAx, MSTRx, SPYx, and CRCLx. Unlike synthetic instruments or CFDs, xStocks are fully backed by the corresponding underlying equities held with regulated custodians. They provide direct economic exposure to the real stocks while remaining freely transferable as ERC-20 and SPL tokens. The collaboration with Backed expands the range of collateral assets supported by Falcon. As a result, users can mint USDf, Falcon's overcollateralized synthetic dollar, using popular tokenized equities. This provision allows DeFi users to borrow against xStockss without the need to utilize crypto collateral. Falcon users that elect to utilize real-world assets can combine their low volatility with DeFi's liquidity and composability. xStocks trade freely, while Chainlink oracles track the price of the underlying assets and corporate actions, ensuring transparent and accurate valuation across all market conditions. Andrei Grachev, Founding Partner at Falcon Finance said: "This partnership extends DeFi's reach into the traditional financial economy. With xStocks, users can keep exposure to companies like Tesla or Nvidia while unlocking stable, yield-bearing liquidity. It's a major step toward bridging traditional and onchain finance, and strengthens Falcon's position as a universal collateralization platform." David Henderson, Head of Growth at Backed Finance, added: "With xStocks, we're not just bringing traditional finance into blockchain rails, we're building something new. The integration with Falcon Finance shows what's possible when you build for accessibility and composability, with tokenized equities evolving beyond storages of value, into building blocks for the new economy." The partnership represents a breakthrough in connecting regulated financial instruments with open DeFi infrastructure, building a compliant bridge between Wall Street and decentralized finance. Falcon Finance's synthetic dollar, USDf, has grown to over $2.1 billion in supply, backed by more than $2.25 billion in reserves as of the latest attestation cycle. Reserves are verified weekly by HT Digital and undergo quarterly ISAE 3000 assurance audits for full transparency. Tokenized real-world assets are one of the fastest-growing onchain verticals, but the majority of their $12B in value remains passive instruments. Falcon and Backed's collaboration represents a milestone that transforms tokenized equities into productive collateral, bridging compliant TradFi products with DeFi's open liquidity and transparency. About Backed Founded in 2021, Backed is a Swiss-based issuer of permissionless tokens tracking the value of publicly listed equities and ETFs. Its flagship product line, xStocks, provides compliant, 1:1-backed tokenized equities available across multiple blockchain ecosystems. https://backed.fi About Falcon Finance Falcon Finance is building a universal collateral infrastructure that turns any liquid asset, including digital assets, currency-backed tokens, and tokenized real-world assets, into USD-pegged onchain liquidity. By bridging onchain and offchain financial systems, Falcon gives institutions, protocols, and capital allocators a simple way to unlock stable and yield-generating liquidity from the assets they already hold. Learn more: https://falcon.finance. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2808157/Falcon_Finance.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2808156/Falcon_Finance_Logo.jpg Contact: Andrei Grachev Founding Partner Falcon Finance [email protected] SOURCE Falcon Finance A banned motorist who jumped out of a moving van during a police pursuit in Belfast has been jailed for five months. A man who claimed he was sexually molested by a Catholic priest in west Belfast more than 50 years ago is to receive a significant six figure sum in damages, it was announced today. Irish president-elect Catherine Connolly travelled to Belfast on Wednesday to attend the opening of Oireachtas na Samhna 2025. The Irish unity event being held at the International Convention and Exhibition Centre (ICC) is the largest Irish language arts festival and will run from today until Sunday with up to 10,000 participants and spectators expected. The festival features a variety of traditional and contemporary Irish arts and culture including performances, singing and dancing competitions, and music. Ms Connolly was greeted with applause as she arrived for opening day and was pictured with Northern Irelands inaugural Irish language commissioner. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Pol Deeds, deputy chief executive of the cross-border language body Foras na Gaeilge, will take up the role next month after being appointed by The Executive Office alongside Ulster Scots-British tradition commissioner, Lee Reynolds a former DUP councillor and adviser to ex-First Minister Arlene Foster. The appointments were jointly approved by First Minister Michelle ONeill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly who also chose Dr Katy Radford to be director of the new Office of Identity and Cultural Expression (OICE). The newly created roles were a key element of the 2020 New Decade, New Approach deal which restored Northern Irelands power-sharing government after a three-year absence. Progress has been delayed for several years due to political stalemates with Westminster eventually stepping in to legislate for the creation of the posts. A recent LucidTalk poll for the Belfast Telegraph has suggested that people in Northern Ireland were more likely to have voted for Ms Connolly in the Irish presidential election if they had a say. The contest was a two horse race between the Independent TD and Fine Gaels Heather Humphreys after ex-Dublin GAA manager Jim Gavins late withdrawal although his name remained on the ballot. Sinn Fein threw its support behind Ms Connolly after the party chose not to field its own candidate. Although the SDLP has not issued an official endorsement, its former chief executive Conor Houston publicly expressed his backing for Ms Humphreys. President Michael D. Higgins will complete his second term at midnight on November 10 before his successor is inaugurated into the role. Ms Connolly has been serving as a member of the Irish parliament for Galway West since 2016. The Galway native is known for her strong stances on issues such as social justice, housing, neutrality in foreign policy, and pro-Palestinian positions. She will become the tenth President of Ireland and the third woman to hold the office after winning approximately 63.4% of first-preference valid votes last weekend. LucidTalk, border poll criteria and a northern look at Irish Presidential election Although the Irish head of state is a largely ceremonial position with limited direct policy-making power it is symbolically important as an indication of public mood. Some commentators view the result as a challenge to the traditional centre-right dominance in Irish politics. While people in Northern Ireland are able to choose between British and Irish citizenship under the Good Friday Agreement, they are not eligible to vote in the Irish presidential election. Claire Sugden says dog owners thinking of asking vets for anti-anxiety pills Halloween can be a tough time for dogs An MLA has called for an impact assessment on fireworks after her constituents said they were considering medication to combat their pets anxiety. Claire Sugden urged Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir to consider introducing measures to reduce the harm caused to animals. Ms Sugden, the Independent MLA for East Londonderry, suggested a review be held to understand the impact of fireworks on pets and wildlife. A number of her constituents raised concerns about loud bangs causing distress in the lead-up to Halloween. Ms Sugden said: Its something that we hear every year, but I do think there seems to be growing calls for maybe tighter regulations around it, or even banning them altogether. I enjoy the fireworks. Its something that I would like to take my daughter to see at some point. But equally, if a balance cant be found in terms of stopping what it is doing to pets and animals, then maybe its a tough call that we have to make. I know myself that people are discussing getting medication from their vets because of the anxiety that fireworks bring to animals. [It] is quite significant to have to do that. It is understood a dog in the Co Down area was struck down and killed by a car after being scared by fireworks. Ms Sugden said Troubles-related trauma was another reason for tighter regulation. She added: I appreciate that you need to have a licence [for fireworks] and you need to apply for that a month before a certain date, [but] were past that point, and are people accessing them without that licence? How is that being regulated? I think maybe theres a general review that needs to be done. Claire Sugden MLA Bear in mind, there will be a lot of people who will find it quite traumatic because of our past. Co Down pet owner Bianca Da Silva said fireworks had been causing significant distress. The South African psychologist added that with PTSD common in Northern Ireland, the problem could be more widespread than thought. Ms Da Silva told the Belfast Telegraph: I come from a country where gunshots are fairly [common]. I thought a gun had gone off [when it was a firework]. I was 100% certain they were shooting I would have bet a lot of money. Halloween can be a tough time for dogs Watch: One of the best kept secrets in Belfast - Cahoots NI theatre space in Cityside, Belfast So, I can [only] imagine how people who have these backgrounds might be experiencing this. Ms Da Silva said the fireworks could also affect people with autism and other conditions. She continued: I dont want to spoil anyones enjoyment of Halloween. I grew up with fireworks, but I just think its at a point where we have to do it responsibly. Halloween can be a tough time for dogs News Catch Up - Tuesday 28 October The PSNI said: We want everyone to stay safe this Halloween and enjoy the celebrations responsibly. Fireworks contain explosive materials and, if misused, can cause serious and life-changing injuries. The law is clear that fireworks, except indoor fireworks and sparklers, must be bought from reputable, licensed dealers, who are required to keep sales records. The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs was contacted for comment. It has emerged that Thomas McEntee has been allowed out of jail 13 times on pre-release testing Marjorie and Michaels son-in-law Charles Little speaking after the inquest last week Photo of Marjorie and Michael, provided by the Cawdery family Michael and Marjorie Cawdery (right) were killed by Thomas McEntee Justice Minister Naomi Long has apologised to the family of an elderly couple whose killer was allowed out of jail more than a dozen times without them being informed. Thomas McEntee, who stabbed pensioners Michael and Marjorie Cawdery to death in their Portadown home in May 2017, was temporarily freed under pre-release testing. Mrs Long said the failure to notify the Cawdery family was the result of an administrative error. She assured relatives of the 83-year-olds that she realises their pain has been deepened by the mistake. Michael and Marjorie Cawdery died as a result of a vicious attack, and I can fully understand how the familys pain and loss has been compounded by this error, she said. As soon as the Prison Service became aware of the mistake, they contacted the family to apologise and provide all relevant information. I reiterate my apology and that of the Prison Service for the hurt this has caused. UTV reported how McEntee, who admitted to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, has been allowed out of jail 13 times on pre-release testing. On four of those occasions the paranoid schizophrenic was let out on his own. The Cawdery family should have been notified about the temporary release periods under the Prisoner Release Victim Information Scheme. Marjorie and Michaels son-in-law Charles Little speaking after the inquest last week The process gives victims the right to express their views and is supposed to inform decisions. But Charles Little, who discovered the bodies of his in-laws said the family were told nothing despite being registered with the scheme. He said the revelations came as a devastating shock. You cant put it into words. Its so traumatic it makes you so angry, Mr Little added. They should have notified us before it even started. He shouldnt have been out at all, because they hadnt done it properly. McEntee was handed a minimum 10 year sentence back in 2018. Thomas McEntee at a previous court appearance The NI Prison Service has blamed the failure on an administrative error at the time the family registered for the scheme which meant the prisoner database was not updated correctly. Ms Long confirmed that a full review of all cases on the database involving prisoners serving life sentences has been launched to ensure no similar mistakes occur. She said the Director General of Prisons and the chief executive of the Probation Board have also commissioned an external review of victim notification schemes to make sure they are trauma-informed and victim-centred. The safety of the public, and the consideration of the impact on victims, are of the utmost importance to me, she added. In December 2023, a coroner ruled that the deaths of Marjorie and Michael, both aged 83, were entirely preventable. Michael and Marjorie Cawdery (right) were killed by Thomas McEntee Belfast History Explained: The Story of the River Farset In the days before the attack, McEntee repeatedly came to the attention of police and health services as he battled severe mental illness. McEntee attended Daisy Hill Hospital two times on 24 May 2017, just two days before the killings. During an inquest, coroner Maria Dougan identified a series of "omissions and missed opportunities" that, if acted on by police and healthcare workers, would have meant McEntee would not have been in the vicinity of the Cawderys' home on the day he killed them. Co Armagh man (50) tells of his long recovery and says sufferers need more support services A Co Armagh man is seeking to educate the public on some of the common misconceptions about strokes. Former HGV driver Jason Brown from Richhill was 45 when he attempted to lift a heavy object and triggered the medical emergency in 2020. My stroke occurred when I tore the veins in my neck. I lifted a heavy package, well tried to lift it, he recalled. I didnt really think it was a stroke at the time, I sort of felt dizzy but I thought it was low blood sugar or something, I didnt think anything of it. After driving home he went to bed before waking up a short time later. It was just this immense pain, I was really really dizzy, like I was on a merry-go-round and couldnt get off, he said. I had this awful, awful pain in my head, like brain freeze but 10 times worse, and I couldnt really move. Jason rang 999 and when paramedics arrived they initially believed he was drunk, as he was still able to speak. But once taken to hospital a doctor confirmed a stroke and he was transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital, where he remained for several weeks. Jason had to re-learn basic tasks, including how to sit up and walk, and slowly regained his vision. Prior to falling ill, he had been fit and healthy. He added: The doctor told me that you get a stroke from napping on the sofa if your neck is in the wrong place. People dont realise how easily it can happen, plenty of people are healthy and they can still take one. A stroke totally changes everything in your life. You are thinking about going for dinner with your friends or painting the living room at the weekend, then you get a stroke and you cant do any of that. I think lots of people, including me before I had a stroke, think that its just something that happens to elderly people and they go into a nursing home and thats sort of just a circle of life, and at a certain age these things happen. You can just go on about your day and you really dont think its possible at 45 but, really, it can happen to anyone. Jason feels there are many common misconceptions about the condition, which can be caused by a clot or bleed within the brain. While acknowledging he struggled physically and mentally afterwards, he believes the former is prioritised. He added: I think the NHS really focuses on the physical side of things, but its about 80% mental and 20% physical. I remember during Covid I had a stroke nurse coming out to me and shed say: What do you need? Id just say: Will you just stay and talk to me? Because thats all I wanted; you are so lonely and so frustrated that you cant do the things you used to. He thinks more should be done to support people in the aftermath of having a stroke. He said: People think: Oh, youre OK, you get your disability and you dont have to worry about money. But it takes months for that to come in and the bills dont stop. My PIP is up for renewal soon and you are just constantly worried theyre going to take it away. The Stroke Association provided invaluable support to Jason, and he is extremely grateful. They come out here and they fill in all the forms, based on what Im saying. They really help you the best they can, because once you have a stroke you cant be filling out those forms, he said. Ahead of World Stroke Day on Wednesday, the charity has released statistics on the publics lack of knowledge about the long-term impact. Jason and his daughter Ellie Watch: One of the best kept secrets in Belfast - Cahoots NI theatre space in Cityside, Belfast The data reveals that around 64% of people dont know that strokes are the leading cause of life-changing disabilities in the UK. While Jason continues to live with the consequences of his stroke, he is thankful for his family and friends, especially his daughter Ellie, who was 13 at the time. He explained: Really, what got me through it was thinking of my daughter. I wanted to walk again for her and I was so frustrated I wasnt able to do more with her and provide for her more. Jason and his daughter Ellie Belfast History Explained: Who was Sheila the Elephant? Now 18, Ellie dreams of becoming a nurse and supporting people in a similar situation to her dad, who added: Shes just got so much empathy in her for everyone around her. An assault on two tourists in Belfast city centre is being investigated by police as a race hate crime. Two men and two women were arrested after an alleged unprovoked assault on Tuesday. Police CCTV operators saw two men, later established to be tourists visiting the area, walking in the Royal Avenue area at around 11pm when they were assaulted by two men and two women. They were punched and kicked repeatedly, and later reported that they had also been subject to racist abuse. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Due to enhanced police patrols in the city centre, officers were in the area and were able to attend the scene straight away. Two men aged 28 and 34 and a 22-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of attempted grievous bodily harm. A 38-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Police said the matter is being treated as a racially motivated hate crime. Belfast Area Commander Chief Superintendent Jeremy Lindsay said: Thankfully, at this stage we dont believe that the men sustained serious injury. Were grateful that our CCTV operators saw this assault in progress and we were able to get officers to the scene very quickly. Its shameful that visitors to Belfast should be subject to such an attack. He added: We have recently increased our patrols in Belfast city centre and will continue to use these targeted patrols to help keep the city streets as safe as possible. We meet regularly with partner agencies, local representatives and members of the community and we remain committed to working alongside them to address community concerns, including anti-social behaviour and drugs criminality. Police will robustly address any criminal activity and welcome the opportunity to engage with those who wish to tackle criminality in the local community. We would encourage anyone affected by any criminal activity to contact police in order to enable us to take action. A Northern Ireland woman has died following an accident in Bermuda. Police on the island confirmed that Joanne McCaul, originally from Ballygawley, passed away following the collision last Tuesday. Ms McCaul (53) had been living in Bermuda for over 20 years and was riding a rental bike at the time of the collision. Emergency services took Ms McCaul to hospital where she later died from her injuries, according to reports. Ms McCaul had been working as a manager for the Island Restaurant Group. Paying tribute, the group referred to Ms McCaul as Wee Jo. With our deepest sympathies, we share the heart breaking news that we have lost our Wee Jo, the restaurant group said. Joanne McCaul was an inspiration to the entire Island Restaurant Group family. Joanne joined IRG in 2004 as a server at Hog Penny, where her dedication and enthusiasm quickly shone through. The group praised Ms McCauls work ethic and passion. It added: Over the years, she climbed the ladder into management, leading with kindness, strength, and grace. Jo managed several of our IRG restaurants, and her final position was as restaurant m anager at The Pickled Onion and Brew. Her passion, laughter, and warmth touched everyone who had the privilege of working with her. The group offered their sympathies to Ms McCauls loved ones. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends, and everyone who loved our Wee Jo. You will forever be in our hearts, it added. May you find peace and fly with the angels. Joanne McCaul News Catch Up - Tuesday 28 October Originally from Ballygawley, Ms McCaul was a former pupil of St Ciarans High School and went on to study at Belfast College of Business Studies before moving abroad. Tributes came from Ms McCauls friends and colleagues, who described her as a beaming light who was filled with infectious smiles, great stories and infinite laughs. Bermuda police said an investigation into the collision was ongoing and a family liaison officer had been appointed to assist her family. Politics Alliance MP on honour of being only MP from NI nominated for Backbencher of the Year: I am more grateful than you will ever know Father Ted creator Graham Linehan damaged the phone of a transgender activist as he tried to stop a camera being pushed in his face, a court has heard. The 57-year-old Irish comedy writer is on trial at Westminster Magistrates Court, accused of harassing trans woman Sophia Brooks and damaging the phone outside a conference in Westminster on October 19 last year. Julie Bindel, a journalist and feminist campaigner who attended the Battle of Ideas event, told the trial she saw the confrontation. I noticed Graham there and noticed Brooks was walking very close to him which is Brooks MO (modus operandi) waving the phone in front of him, Ms Bindel said. Its very menacing, that whole getting in your face thing, and it was a public event, its not that it was a private secret event where Brooks would need proof that we were there. Graham was trying to get him to stop pushing the camera in his face and I heard him say several times, use words like stop or go away. I saw something which I could describe as a sweeping motion, and then the phone was flying. Brooks was in his face and he was trying repeatedly to get him out of his face and to stop. Ms Bindel was asked about Linehans demeanour as he came out of the Battle of Ideas event. The court was shown footage of the trans activist asking why the comedy writer had referred to teenagers as domestic terrorists, and in response he called the complainant an incel and a groomer. Julie Bindel (Andrew Stuart/PA) Ms Bindel told Linehans harassment trial: He had been his usual friendly self and very quickly he appeared like a man who had had enough. He just wanted them to go away. She added that the activist also shouted her name and followed her in the streets after the conference, adding: I felt scared of him. The transgender activist took pictures of peoples faces at the conference before the confrontation with Linehan, the court heard earlier on Wednesday. Giving evidence for the defence, Katherine Harris, co-founder of LGB Alliance UK, told the court she saw the complainant stand up with a camera among attendees during a panel discussion. Referring to the complainant as male, Ms Harris said: It was a deliberate, intimidatory move on his part and he would not stop. He was photographing anybody and everybody he could, and it felt intrusive and aggressive. It felt as though he wanted to get everybody, to get all of us in his power through his camera, to say, Im the big man here, I can do what I want. That was the message. The disruption was complete. Ms Harris also told the court she knew Linehan very well. Fiona McAnena, director of campaigns at Sex Matters, told the trial she was giving a talk at the Battle of Ideas event when a commotion began in the audience. She said someone stood up and started taking photos before shuffling into the aisle, causing the audience to turn to see what was happening. The whole thing became a massive distraction, Ms McAnena said. Prosecutor Julia Faure Walker put to Ms Harris that whatever Brooks did, it didnt have a significant effect on the conference in terms of disruption, and Ms Harris replied: Yes, I think it did, adding: The reason is these attacks are cumulative, they build and they build and they build. The court was told last month that Linehan and the activist met for the first time in person outside the conference on October 19 last year. While filming outside the venue, the activist approached Linehan and asked: Why do you think it is acceptable to call teenagers domestic terrorists? The transgender activist told the court that Linehan had called them a sissy porn-watching scumbag, a groomer and a disgusting incel, with the complainant responding: Youre the incel, youre divorced. A video played to the court appeared to show Linehan grabbing the complainants phone. Asked why he threw the phone and did not return it, Linehan said: My adrenaline was up, I was angry. I guess that feels like surrender, so I threw it away. I didnt slam it, I just skimmed it. It was instinctive as soon as I did it, I thought that was a mistake. Giving evidence last month, Linehan said his life was made hell by trans activists, adding that the complainant was a young soldier in the trans activist army. The writer added: He was misogynistic, he was abusive, he was snide. He depended on his anonymity to get close to people and hurt them, and I wanted to destroy that anonymity. Ms Faure Walker said Linehan had posted about the activist relentlessly and that his posts were oppressive. The court previously heard that Linehan had posted on social media about someone with the name Tarquin, which Ms Faure Walker said was the defendants derogatory term for the complainant. Ms Faure Walker said in her closing speech: His views on trans activists in general is clear from his evidence: in cross-examination, he said he hated them. The social media posts by Mr Linehan were rather repeated, abusive, unreasonable, and to a very large audience. In her closing remarks, Linehans lawyer, Sarah Vine KC, said the complainant had followed a course of conduct designed both to provoke and to harass Mr Linehan. She told the trial that there is a doubt, and a reasonable one at that, whether marks on the complainants phone were caused by Linehans actions. Ms Vine also submitted that the Father Ted co-creators conduct had not crossed the appropriate legal threshold to be counted as harassment. Linehan, who appeared by videolink on Wednesday, has denied harassing the activist on social media between October 11 and October 27 last year, and a charge of criminal damage of their mobile phone on October 19 last year. District Judge Briony Clarke said the prosecution would address the complainant according to their affirmed gender name, while the defendants position was that the complainant is male. The judge said she will give her judgment on November 25. FORT WORTH, Texas, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership today hosted its 2025 Annual Meeting where President and CEO, Robert Allen, announced several new milestones. Here are excerpts from his speech: "Since the EDP was founded, Fort Worth has attracted 11,000 new jobs representing $9.7 billion in new capital investment. "Capital investment and job creation are key indicators of Fort Worth's economic momentum and these results, driven by major company announcements underscore Fort Worth's position as a premier location for business growth and investment. These new jobs represent $9.7 billion in new capital investment. Think about that number: nearly ten billion dollars flowing into our economy, building new facilities, and laying the foundation for decades of prosperity. This is a positive change that will impact our economy for the better for decades to come. "This work hasn't gone unnoticed. We were honored to receive the Mac Conway Award for Excellence in Economic Developmentone of the most prestigious recognitions in our field. The award is given to the top 20 economic development organizations across the country, and we were honored to receive this recognition in only our second year of work. Simply put, at the Fort Worth EDP, we are turning 'what if' into 'what's next.'" For more on the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership, visit https://fortworthedp.com/ SOURCE Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership Hadush Kebatu has been deported to Ethiopia after his mistaken release from prison led to a two-day manhunt (PA) A migrant sex offender who was mistakenly released from prison has been deported back to Ethiopia, the Government has announced. Hadush Kebatu was flown back to his home country on Tuesday night and arrived on Wednesday morning with no right to return to Britain, the Home Office said. The Ethiopian national had been wrongly freed from HMP Chelmsford on Friday morning instead of being sent to an immigration detention centre, triggering a two-day manhunt. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she shared the publics anger over his release and had pulled every lever to remove Kebatu from British soil, but opposition MPs said his deportation did not excuse the fiasco. Prisons have been told to start a series of enhanced checks before inmates are released following the blunder, while an independent inquiry has been announced to establish what went wrong. A prison officer has been suspended while the probe is carried out. Kebatu had been living at the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, when he sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl and a woman, sparking a wave of protests outside the accommodation used to house asylum seekers. Ms Mahmood said: Last weeks blunder should never have happened, and I share the publics anger that it did. I would like to thank the police for rapidly bringing Mr Kebatu into custody and the public for their vigilance. I have pulled every lever to deport Mr Kebatu and remove him off British soil. I am pleased to confirm this vile child sex offender has been deported. Our streets are safer because of it. If you come to this country and commit crimes, we will remove you. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy said the incident was unacceptable and appeared to have been a result of human error. He added: We must get to the bottom of what happened. Liberal Democrat MP for Chelmsford Marie Goldman said the wrongful release had been hugely damaging to public trust. She said: Whilst I am relieved that this saga is over and Hadush Kebatu has finally been deported, this doesnt excuse the catastrophic failures that led to this point. It is utterly unacceptable that public safety was put at risk. This was a grave mistake, and my constituents now deserve a full answer as to how such a serious failure was allowed to happen. The findings of the independent investigation into what happened must not be brushed aside. This has been hugely damaging to public trust. We cannot afford another blunder on such a scale. Tory MP for Epping Forest Neil Hudson said he was very relieved at Kebatus deportation, but this hasnt gone away for the people of Epping. He told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: No-one wants to see our home town the lead story on the news, so this is incredibly frustrating and the Government must get a grip. He reiterated calls for the Bell Hotel to cease housing asylum seekers, adding: There are significant management and safeguarding issues related to this hotel, and actually what we need to see is that the hotel needs to be closed. This is the wrong hotel in the wrong place, right near the forest, right near two schools. Kebatus case has renewed scrutiny of the criminal justice system after a series of mistaken releases across the country, with a union leader warning there had been five such cases across five prisons over the last week. Prison Officers Association national chairman Mark Fairhurst told the PA news agency two mistaken releases were made from HMP Pentonville, in north London, with the others at HMP Durham, The Mount prison in Hertfordshire and from Reading Crown Court. Hadush Kebatu, left, in east London after he was mistakenly released from prison (Metropolitan Police/PA) Speaking to the BBC, Mr Fairhurst said Prison Service leaders have known mistaken releases have been a regular occurrence for the last year. No prison officers have been suspended over the other five releases, he said. The Ministry of Justice disputed the number of prisoners released in error but confirmed some had taken place in the last seven days. One offender is still at large after being mistakenly freed, it is understood. According to Government figures published in July, 262 prisoners were released in error in the year to March 2025 a 128% increase on 115 in the previous 12 months. It is understood Kebatu, who crossed the Channel in a small boat to enter the UK on June 29, left prison on Friday with some personal money but did not receive a discharge grant. His trial heard he had made inappropriate comments to a 14-year-old girl before trying to kiss her on July 7, just eight days after his arrival in the UK. The following day, he sexually assaulted a woman by attempting to kiss her, placing his hand on her leg, and telling her she was pretty. He denied the charges against him but was found guilty of five offences and sentenced in September to 12 months in custody, including the time he had already time in jail awaiting his trial. The court heard it was his firm wish to leave the UK. Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester, where the attack took place (Peter Byrne/PA) A second victim, Adrian Daulby, 53, died from a single gunshot wound to the chest fired by an armed police officer scrambled to the scene, the court was told during a hearing as the inquests into the deaths of both men were opened and adjourned. Mr Daulby, 53, described as a quiet hero had leaped from his seat to block the doors of Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester, as it came under attack on October 2. He had held the main doors of the synagogue shut as Al-Shamie tried to force his way in to continue his rampage. An aerial view of the Heaton Park Hebrew Synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester, where the men were attacked (Peter Byrne/PA) Mr Daulby was then struck in the chest while behind the door when an armed officer fired, and was pronounced dead at the scene at 10.15am on October 2, Chief Superintendent Lewis Hughes of Greater Manchester Police (GMP) told the hearing. Moments earlier, father-of-three Mr Cravitz, 66, had been stabbed by Syrian-born UK citizen Al-Shamie, 35, who began his attack by driving his Kia Picanto at security staff and the external gates of the synagogue around 9.30am. Both victims were worshippers at the synagogue, among others gathering for the holy day of Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year for Jews. Al-Shamie then attacked with a knife and tried to storm the synagogue, wearing a fake suicide belt, before being shot dead by armed police. Mr Hughes, again giving brief details of the circumstances to the court, said Al-Shamie had used his car, then got out to attack worshippers. He said that the offender got out of the vehicle armed with a knife and immediately made stabbing motions to Mr Cravitzs upper body, head and neck. Members of the public and the Community Security Trust (CST) gave first aid and CPR and the victim was taken to the Manchester Royal Infirmary where he was pronounced dead at 10.45am. Judge Alexia Durran, the chief coroner of England and Wales, presiding over the hearing, said her provisional findings were that Mr Cravitz died of stab wounds and Mr Daulby died of a gunshot wound. Earlier, the chief coroner began the hearing by saying: I would like to begin by extending my sincere condolences to the families and friends of Mr Melvin Cravitz and Mr Adrian Daulby. The coroner said representatives from a number of other organisations were either present in court or via a live link, including GMP, Counter Terror Policing North West, the CST and the government legal department. And the court was told by the coroner Wednesdays hearing would come to only provisional findings, not final conclusions. A brief outline of the circumstances of both mens deaths was then given by Mr Hughes. He said: Jihad Al-Shamie attended the synagogue at 9.30am. Al-Shamie drove a vehicle at security guards and the external gates and subsequently attacked worshippers and security staff with a knife. Armed police attended and discharged several rounds. Three people lost their lives, two victims and the suspected terrorist. He said Mr Cravitz attended the synagogue as a worshipper and around 9.30am a black Kia Picanto car narrowly missed security staff outside. He continued: The offender exited the vehicle armed with a knife and immediately made stabbing motions to Mr Cravitzs upper torso, head and neck area. Members of the public and CST arrived to administer first aid, trauma care and CPR. Mr Cravitz was placed on a stretcher and into an awaiting ambulance. Mr Hughes said he was taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary but died from his injuries, with life pronounced extinct at 10.45am. A subsequent Home Office post-mortem examination gave the preliminary cause of death as multiple stab wounds. The coroner then said while not making final findings, that Mr Cravitz died in hospital from stab wounds inflicted outside the synagogue. Mr Lewis gave brief details concerning Mr Daulby, saying two armed officers had responded to the attack. He said: On arrival at the synagogue officers discharged several rounds at the suspected terrorist Jihad Al-Shamie as he ran towards them aggressively while carrying a knife and wearing what presented as a suicide vest. A single bullet penetrated the synagogue doors and fatally struck Mr Daulby in the chest. Mr Daulby attended that morning as a worshipper. He was actively holding the main synagogue doors shut for approximately two minutes as the offender attempted to force entry. At 9.38 he appears to be struck by a bullet from an armed officer outside the premises. Mr Lewis added that Mr Daulby was declared dead at 10.15am by a North West Ambulance Service paramedic. A Home Office post-mortem examination concluded the cause of death as a single gunshot wound to the chest. The coroner again said her provisional findings were that Mr Daulby died from a gunshot wound. A pre-inquest review hearing will be held on February 18. A teenager has been found guilty of fatally stabbing a 16-year-old boy in the neck as high jinks turned to tragedy at a New Years Eve fireworks event. Lively and boisterous Harry Pitman had been playfighting before he was attacked by Areece Lloyd-Hall on Primrose Hill, north London, on December 31 2023. The incident happened in front of a crowd of revellers gathered in the popular park to watch fireworks over the River Thames on December 31 2023. Lloyd-Hall, now aged 18, pushed forward and lunged at Harry with a pointed dagger, metres from where uniformed police officers were stationed. Areece Lloyd-Hall was found guilty of murder. (Met Police/PA) In shocking mobile phone footage played in court, a knife sheath is seen to fly through the air during the fast-paced incident. Harry holds his neck, his white T-shirt covered in blood, as he pushes through crowds calling to officers for help. He collapsed and died minutes later, shortly before midnight. College student Lloyd-Hall, who was 16 at the time, claimed he thought he had only hit Harry with the sheath in an attempt to get Harry away from him. He said: I did not want him to lose his life. I feel horrible for what I caused. It was not my intention. He said he ran off not realising what had happened because he was holding a knife and knew there were police officers nearby. Jurors were told Lloyd-Hall was suffering from cannabis-induced paranoia and may have suffered post-traumatic stress disorder triggered by witnessing the aftermath of an earlier stabbing and the loss of a friend to knife crime in June 2023. After a retrial at the Old Bailey, Lloyd-Hall, from Westminster, was found guilty of murder by a majority of 11 to one after a jury deliberated for nearly eight hours. Police conducting a search on Primrose Hill in Camden, north London (Victoria Jones/PA) At a trial in October last year, a jury found Lloyd-Hall guilty of possession of an offensive weapon but failed to agree on other charges, it can now be reported. There were gasps from Harrys family sitting in court as Lloyd-Hall was convicted of murder. The teenager will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on November 10. Detective Inspector Daniel Catmull, from Scotland Yard, said: A new year is meant to offer new beginnings and fresh opportunities, but sadly, Harrys family will now be marking this event by remembering how he was taken from them. Our thoughts today are with them and everyone who knew Harry. Once again, we have seen what carrying a knife can do. There is no excuse for anyone to leave home with a weapon, and the Met is doing everything it can to crack down on violence. On behalf of Harrys family, we extend our deepest gratitude to the individuals who witnessed this horrific event but had the resilience to come forward and support the investigation. While justice has been served, the tragic loss of such a bright and promising young life, whose vibrant spirit touched so many, is a profound tragedy that will forever be felt by all who knew and loved. A knife sheath recovered at the scene of the murder of Harry Pitman (Met Police/PA) At his retrial, prosecutor Jocelyn Ledward KC had described how revelry turned to tragedy in the blink of an eye on New Years Eve 2023. Harry and Lloyd-Hall were strangers to each other and had gone to watch the fireworks with difference groups of friends. Earlier in the evening special constable David Smith said Harry seemed excitable and had physically bounced up to him to engage in friendly chat. He went on to fist bump another man who had gone to watch the fireworks with his family. The fatal incident appeared to have been sparked by a scuffle between Harry and one of the defendants friends shortly after 11.30pm. The incident occurred during a fireworks display on Primrose Hill (Aaron Chown/PA) Playfighting, Harry lost his balance while seeing how high he could kick and bumped into the boy standing behind. In return, Harry was shoved and slapped on the back of the head, causing him to say: Dont touch me, because I didnt touch you. Lloyd-Hall pushed his way towards Harry, holding his trousers and saying: Wot wot wot wot wot. In mobile phone footage, a girl warns mindi, the Somalian word for knife, as the defendant produces a blade from his waistband. Harry can be seen swinging a punch before Lloyd-Hall swings the knife upwards in an arc and down on to Harrys neck. Police body-worn camera footage shows Harry moving through the crowd seeking help before he collapsed. The defendant made off, discarding the knife, his clothes and mobile phone. The knife scabbard was left at the scene and was found to have the defendants DNA on it. After a media appeal, Lloyd-Hall went to Hammersmith police station with his father on January 4 2024. The court was told the defendant had no previous convictions and had been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Public figures and relatives of the victims attend a memorial ceremony marking one year since floods that killed more than 230 people in Valencia, Spain (Alberto Saiz/AP) Spain has commemorated the anniversary of last years massive floods that killed more than 230 people with a national memorial ceremony led by King Felipe VI. The Spanish king spoke along with three family members of victims who lost their lives when torrential rains flooded large parts of eastern Spain on the evening of October 29 2024. The downpour quickly filled normally dry gorges and riverbeds. Attendees take part in a memorial ceremony marking one year since floods that killed more than 230 people, in Valencia, Spain (Alberto Saiz/AP) Rushing waters overflowed their banks, sweeping away cars and destroying homes. There are 237 confirmed deaths, with 229 victims from the eastern Valencia region, according to the central government. Among the victims were a British couple who had moved to Spain a decade ago as they always wanted to live in the sunshine. Don Turner, 78, and wife Terry, 74, who lived near Pedralba, were found dead in their car, their daughter Ruth OLoughlin, from Burntwood, Staffordshire, told the BBC. It was one of Europes worst natural disasters in living memory. Experts and the government said it was a sign of the dangers of climate change that is driving extreme weather events around the world. The ceremony was held at a public museum in Valencia city, whose southern neighbourhoods and adjoining towns were devastated. Clean-up efforts initially led by thousands of residents and volunteers took weeks to scoop up the layers of mud and debris. King Felipe and Queen Letizia, next to Spains Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, left, attend a memorial ceremony in Valencia, Spain (Alberto Saiz/AP) Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, representatives from Spains other regions and families of the deceased also attended. Valencias regional president, Carlos Mazon, was jeered and insulted by several family members of victims before the ceremony started. Mr Mazon has been heavily criticised for his administrations slow response to the floods. There have been several large street protests calling for Mr Mazon to step down, and the latest one drew tens of thousands of demonstrators a few days before the funeral. Mr Mazon has clung to power nonetheless even though his management of the flooding remains a drag on the prospects of his centre-right Popular Party. Mr Mazon, King Felipe and Mr Sanchez were pelted with mud when the three made their first joint visit last year to the disaster zone with many people still missing and neighbourhoods without power and covered in mire. The king has since made several visits to the area and been well received. Beast of Ballysillan back on Belfast streets after serving time for sickening sexual abuse Paedophile former soldier jailed for abusing schoolgirl (12) is spotted in north Belfast Thomas Lowry Ciaran Barnes Wed 29 Oct 2025 at 07:05 A paedophile ex-soldier known as the Beast of Ballysillan has been spotted back in the north Belfast district, causing fear among families. PASADENA, Calif., Oct. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hundreds of people filled Caltech's Beckman Auditorium on Monday evening for the West Coast premiere of "Bright Harvest: Powering Earth From Space," a new documentary chronicling a scientific dream that has leapt closer to reality: beaming solar energy from orbit to power Earth. Caltech professors Sergio Pellegrino, Harry Atwater, Ali Hajimiri, producer Brigitte Bren and director Steven Reich discuss the documentary, "Bright Harvest: Powering Earth From Space," at the film's West Coast premiere on Oct. 27, 2025, at Caltech's Beckman Auditorium. The film produced by philanthropist and Caltech trustee Brigitte Bren and written, directed, and produced by Steven Reich tells the story of three Caltech professors whose decade-long collaboration led to the world's first successful demonstration of wireless power transmission from space to Earth in 2023. At the heart of "Bright Harvest" is the journey of professors Harry Atwater, Ali Hajimiri, and Sergio Pellegrino, whose combined expertise in materials science, electrical engineering, and aerospace structures made possible the creation of ultra-lightweight systems capable of collecting and transmitting energy from space. The research was made possible by a donation of more than $100 million by Mrs. Bren and her husband, Donald Bren, Chairman of Irvine Company and a lifetime member of the Caltech Board of Trustees. Mrs. Bren told the audience that the documentary was initially intended for Caltech's archives but soon evolved into a project with a larger mission. "When this took place, it was a major breakthrough," she said. "Space enthusiasts knew about it, but most people didn't. That's when I decided we needed to do this documentary to make people aware of this achievement." Following the screening, Mrs. Bren and Reich joined the three scientists on stage for a discussion about their collaboration and the future of space-based solar energy. "It's interesting because there's three different teams that's how it starts," Pellegrino said of their multidisciplinary approach. Atwater said the next step will require moving beyond research to commercialization. "What happens next, it has to be commercial," he said. "It can't be done just at Caltech." Mrs. Bren emphasized the importance of U.S. leadership in this emerging field. "Many countries are working on space-based solar energy research," she said. "And then there are three professors and their students at Caltech. That's extraordinary. I really would like to see the United States become the leader in space-based solar energy. That is the mission." Former California Governor Gray Davis, who attended the screening, praised the project's potential. "This is how things start," he said. "The power of relying on the sun for energy is so compelling. This is something that's going to happen. And the film will hasten the process." As the evening concluded, Mrs. Bren reflected on the moment's significance. "You're taking part in the birth of a new energy and this is really just the start." Media Contact: Stuart Pfeifer 13104156955 [email protected] SOURCE Bright Harvest: Powering Earth From Space Bennington, VT (05201) Today Mostly cloudy skies. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low 12F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Mostly cloudy skies. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low 12F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook. BENNINGTON Residents of Old Bennington, Bennington, North Bennington as well as other area residents will have a chance next week to learn about the plans of the new owners of the iconic Walloomsac Inn. An information session and presentation on Nov. 4 will be part of a meeting of the Old Bennington Board of Trustees. Because of an expected capacity crowd, the meeting will be held Tuesday at the Bennington Theater at 331 Main Street, beginning at 6 p.m. The trustees have invited the new owners of the property to discuss their planned redevelopment and reuse project. The board normally meets in the Old First Church Barn on Monument Circle, but Ed Woods, presiding officer of the trustees, said the change of venue to the theater will allow more people to attend. Woods, who also serves on the Bennington Select Board, emphasized that the meeting will be open to residents and others from outside Old Bennington Village, where the historic inn building is located. Dates to 1770s The building, which dates to the 1770s, is located across from the Old First Church in the village, situated at Monument Avenue and West Road. The Walloomsac is vacant and hasnt been operated as an inn since the 1990s, showing exterior and other deterioration from the elements. The rambling historic structure, part of which dates to the 1770s, is considered the site of Vermonts first hostelry. The new owners, Rafe Churchill and Casey Sunderland, member/owners of Walloomsac Property, LLC, purchased the property in June for $230,000 from Kathleen and William Kaiser members of the last family to operate it as an inn. The owners are part of the leadership team for the architecture and interior design firm, Hendricks Churchill. Dates to 1770s The building was established as a tavern during the 1770s by Elijah Dewey, who later served as a captain in the local militia in the Battle of Bennington in August 1777. In addition to being considered Vermonts first inn, the Walloomsac hosted future presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Madison in 1791. They were in town to help mark acceptance of the independent Republic of Vermont into the union. Another U.S. president, Rutherford B. Hayes, stayed at the inn and attended events related to the Battle of Benningtons 100th anniversary in 1877. And President Benjamin Harrison held a reception at the inn in 1891 to celebrate the states centennial and the formal dedication of the Bennington Battle Monument. The Walloomsac is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. BENNINGTON A Bennington man accused of having a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old female victim has been charged with human trafficking and lewd and lascivious conduct, the second person to be charged in the ongoing case. Allen Hill, 47, is charged with two sexual felonies, human trafficking of a child, and lewd and lascivious conduct with a child. He faces a possible life sentence on the trafficking charge and an additional 15 years on the lewd and lascivious charge, if convicted. Hill is the second person charged in the case. Jennifer Free, 53, was charged earlier this month with three counts: human trafficking of a child, lewd and lascivious conduct with a child, and cruelty to a child for allegedly allowing Hill, a family friend, to have a sexual relationship with the minor over an extended period of time. According to an affidavit in the case, Free allegedly knew about the relationship between the two, but allowed it to happen because she (the victim) thought she was in love with the man, and because at least she knew where she was when she was with him. She also reportedly told investigators that she remembers what it was like to be in love at 14. The affidavit also states that Allen Hill, the man who allegedly had an illicit relationship with the minor, used to help out at the residence and give her money. An arrest warrant was issued for Hill after police became aware of the incidents. He was arrested in Massachusetts in early October. A criminal history check revealed that Hill was arraigned on a similar charge in Massachusetts in 2016. According to an affidavit in that case, Hill was charged with two counts of statutory rape, assault and battery, and indecent assault on a child, stemming from several incidents involving a 14-year-old female. In the affidavit, the victim disclosed that she had also been raped by Hill four years earlier. Hill pleaded guilty to assault and battery in a deal that dismissed the sex offenses, due to perceived problems with mental health issues and a possible drug issue with the victim. Hill received a suspended sentence in that case with probation. Hill is also currently a defendant in a protection order in Massachusetts. Several witnesses in the Bennington case stated to investigators that they witnessed instances when things didnt seem right between the minor and Hill, including someone who witnessed Hill allegedly kissing the minor at the Greenline Bus Station in Bennington, according to the affidavit. Free, who initially claimed to police that she did not have any knowledge of the sexual relationship, or any knowledge of the victim being sexually active, later allegedly admitted to a friend that she knew they were together, and had direct knowledge that the victim was using birth control. Other witnesses told police that Hill, who was staying at the witnesses' home and paying rent, would bring the minor to his room a walk-in closet in the residence with a mattress on the floor. Witnesses told police that Hill claimed she was 23, the same age Free stated she was. Free is also facing a possible life sentence if found guilty of the human trafficking charge. She also faces a potential 25 additional years on the other two felonies, if convicted. Investigators in Bennington interviewed Hill on October 9. According to the affidavit, during that interview, Hill described meeting Free and the minor on Facebook from South Carolina, where he was homeless and broke. Free allegedly gave Hill $20. And told him that there was a homeless shelter in Bennington, and suggested he come to Vermont to stay there. Hill arrived soon after on a bus. Hill admitted to investigators that he was in a relationship with the minor, and that he realized he loved her. Hill also admitted to sexual contact with the minor victim, and that Free knew about the relationship, and that the minor was spending nights with him. He also admitted to giving Free money on several occasions. Hill is currently being held without bail pending a weight of evidence hearing on Friday. Affidavits are accusations brought by the state against individuals suspected of crimes. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Erasing the Assyrian Homeland: A Silent Demographic War in North Iraq The Assyrian Nahla Valley in north Iraq. (AINA) -- Local Kurdish authorities in northern Iraq have pursued a quiet but systematic policy of granting Iraqi citizenship and residency rights to large numbers of Kurds, estimated at more than two million, arriving from neighboring countries such as Iran, Turkey, and Syria. More than two million of these individuals were officially granted Iraqi citizenship, allowing them to settle in areas that have historically been home to the Assyrian people for thousands of years. This deliberate policy has led to dramatic demographic changes, as towns and villages once characterized by a strong Assyrian presence are increasingly dominated by newly settled Kurdish populations. By fundamentally altering the population structure in these ancient Assyrian lands, the authorities are reshaping the region's identity and undermining the native community's ability to preserve its historical, cultural, and political heritage. Over the past two decades, Kurdish migration into Assyrian-majority regions has been most visible in districts such as Alqosh, Teleskof, and the Nineveh Plains. In many cases, Kurdish families from border regions of Iran and Turkey were resettled with government incentives, including land plots, housing permits, and financial support. In contrast, Assyrian families in the same areas often faced obstacles in obtaining building permits or reclaiming their confiscated properties. Entire neighborhoods that were historically Assyrian, such as parts of Nahla Valley and the outskirts of Zakho, have seen rapid demographic shifts as new Kurdish settlers arrived under official sponsorship. Land confiscation has been another widespread form of pressure. In the districts of Dohuk and Aqra, hundreds of hectares of Assyrian farmland have been seized by local Kurdish authorities or private Kurdish tribal leaders with political connections. Assyrian farmers have repeatedly filed complaints and petitions, yet most cases are ignored or dismissed by the courts. In the village of Kani Masi, for example, Assyrian lands were taken and later redistributed to Kurdish families under the pretext of "security needs." Similar cases occurred in Barwar and Sarsing, where land was fenced off or reclassified as "public property," effectively denying Assyrians access to their ancestral holdings. Employment discrimination reinforces these patterns of control. Assyrians applying for jobs in local administrations or schools are frequently told they must join the ruling Kurdish political party to be considered. Those who refuse are sidelined or transferred to remote areas. In one case, several Assyrian teachers in the Alqosh sub-district were dismissed after declining to participate in pro-government rallies. Others have been pressured to attend political meetings and to publicly support Kurdish candidates during elections. This system of patronage and intimidation ensures political dominance while silencing dissenting voices among the remaining Assyrian population. This large-scale resettlement, combined with the systematic confiscation of Assyrian lands, bureaucratic discrimination, and lack of protection for indigenous inhabitants, has created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity. Many Assyrians have been pressured to leave their ancestral villages, some continuously inhabited for thousands of years, and migrate to urban centers or abroad. The policy appears designed not only to consolidate political and territorial control but also to erase the Assyrian identity from its own homeland. Such demographic engineering poses an existential threat to one of the oldest indigenous peoples of the region and jeopardizes the multicultural fabric that once defined northern Iraq. In addition to demographic and territorial manipulation, economic coercion has become another tool of suppression. Assyrians are frequently denied employment opportunities, especially in government or education sectors, unless they align themselves with Kurdish-affiliated political parties and publicly express loyalty. Teachers, civil servants, and professionals have been marginalized or dismissed for refusing to submit to these demands. This use of economic dependency as a form of political control deepens the marginalization of the Assyrian community and accelerates their displacement. Together, these demographic, political, and economic pressures amount to a calculated effort to weaken the Assyrian presence and silence their voice in the land of their ancestors. These interconnected policies, mass immigration, land confiscation, and economic exclusion, form a coordinated strategy aimed at weakening the Assyrian presence and consolidating control over their historical homeland. Through administrative manipulation and demographic engineering, the Assyrian people are being gradually displaced, their villages absorbed, and their voice diminished. Unless urgent measures are taken to protect Assyrian rights and land ownership, one of the oldest surviving Christian and indigenous communities in the Middle East risks losing its remaining foothold in the land of its ancestors. The Company Expects to Approximately Double its Bitcoin Mining Output on Upgraded Bitcoin Miners LAS VEGAS, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyperscale Data, Inc. (NYSE American: GPUS), a diversified holding company anchored by Bitcoin ("Hyperscale Data" or the "Company"), today announced that it has finalized an order for 2,000 Bitmain S21 Pro Bitcoin miners ("S21 Pro's"). This order is in addition to the previously ordered and received 2,099 Bitmain S21+ Bitcoin miners ("S21+'s"), totaling 4,099 new Bitcoin mining machines. The addition of the S21 Pro's, along with the recently received S21+'s, is expected to approximately double the Company's current Bitcoin production from its S19J Pro Bitcoin miners, significantly increasing the total hashrate deployed across Hyperscale Data's Michigan data center (the "Michigan Facility"). The S21 Pro's will replace older generation S19J Pro Bitcoin miners while operating side-by-side with the Company's previously announced planned NVIDIA-powered artificial intelligence ("AI") clusters, housed within the Michigan Facility. The Company continues to expand its Michigan Facility capacity as a dual-purpose AI computing and digital asset infrastructure facility. "This latest purchase of S21 Pro's reinforces our commitment to the digital asset space, and Bitcoin specifically," stated Milton "Todd" Ault III, Executive Chairman of Hyperscale Data. "By housing our Bitcoin mining operation and NVIDIA AI clusters under the same roof, we are maximizing our infrastructure efficiency and contributing to our $100 million Bitcoin treasury goal. We believe in the long-term value of Bitcoin and believe that digital assets and AI will contribute to each other's growth." The Company expects the 2,000 S21 Pro's to arrive in the coming weeks, with installation taking place during November. For more information on Hyperscale Data and its subsidiaries, Hyperscale Data recommends that stockholders, investors and any other interested parties read Hyperscale Data's public filings and press releases available under the Investor Relations section at hyperscaledata.com or available at www.sec.gov. About Hyperscale Data, Inc. Through its wholly owned subsidiary Sentinum, Inc., Hyperscale Data owns and operates a data center at which it mines digital assets and offers colocation and hosting services for the emerging AI ecosystems and other industries. Hyperscale Data's other wholly owned subsidiary, Ault Capital Group, Inc. ("ACG"), is a diversified holding company pursuing growth by acquiring undervalued businesses and disruptive technologies with a global impact. Hyperscale Data currently expects the divestiture of ACG (the "Divestiture") to occur in the second quarter of 2026. Upon the occurrence of the Divestiture, the Company would be an owner and operator of data centers to support high-performance computing services, as well as a holder of the digital assets. Until the Divestiture occurs, the Company will continue to provide, through ACG and its wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries and strategic investments, mission-critical products that support a diverse range of industries, including an AI software platform, social gaming platform, equipment rental services, defense/aerospace, industrial, automotive, medical/biopharma and hotel operations. In addition, ACG is actively engaged in private credit and structured finance through a licensed lending subsidiary. Hyperscale Data's headquarters are located at 11411 Southern Highlands Parkway, Suite 190, Las Vegas, NV 89141. On December 23, 2024, the Company issued one million (1,000,000) shares of a newly designated Series F Exchangeable Preferred Stock (the "Series F Preferred Stock") to all common stockholders and holders of the Series C Preferred Stock on an as-converted basis. The Divestiture will occur through the voluntary exchange of the Series F Preferred Stock for shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock of ACG (collectively, the "ACG Shares"). The Company reminds its stockholders that only those holders of the Series F Preferred Stock who agree to surrender such shares, and do not properly withdraw such surrender, in the exchange offer through which the Divestiture will occur, will be entitled to receive the ACG Shares and consequently be shareholders of ACG upon the occurrence of the Divestiture. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "projects," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "strategy," "future," "opportunity," "may," "will," "should," "could," "potential," or similar expressions. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any of them publicly in light of new information or future events. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors. More information, including potential risk factors, that could affect the Company's business and financial results are included in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, the Company's Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. All filings are available at www.sec.gov and on the Company's website at hyperscaledata.com. SOURCE Hyperscale Data Inc. The departure of the YMCA from the building it occupied in North Adams for 30 years shocked the community. But with the pool back open and the building put to use again, there's a glimmer of hope. A slithery line of scarlet sunlight emerges through the purple streaks in the eastern sky. Dawn draws near as I get ready to take my morning walk. Bits of frost glitter on the still-green lawn. By the time I get my jacket on and step onto the front porch, the autumn fog seeps up from the valley, creeps through the trees and blots out the rising sun. Birds are calling, though not much morning song these fall mornings, more plosive punctuation than melody. Robins chuck and cluck. Titmice, chickadees and nuthatches chime in. The edge of the road is alive with white-throated sparrows and dark-eyed juncos, though they are mere spooky gray shadows as they dart away into the thickets. A robin sings, cheerily, cheer, as the fog shifts and slowly spreads through the trees, the orange and gold leaves glowing through the gloaming. All of a sudden, there are robin sounds everywhere. The fog lifts a little as the sun rises and soon the trees are alive with robins calling to one another, occasionally sounding frantic. As the fog drifts back down into the valley, I start counting. There are hundreds of robins throughout the woods, landing and taking off high up, down low, everywhere. I give up at 300 and just enjoy listening and watching. I come to the pond. Fog has coalesced over the water. The sun is well above the horizon, a very white glowing globe in the gray of the fog. All I can see of the pond is the minuscule squiggle of sunlight reflected on the waters surface. In the field, though, there are robins galore. Robins probing through the low grass, robins wandering through the taller grass, robins chasing one another. Definitely a large, loose, noisy migrating flock. Not all robins migrate. But it is hard to determine, without banding and tracking, whether the birds we see in winter are the breeding residents. Often, our winter robins are those that have come from Canada. Years ago, a birder at Jamaica Bay, N.Y., once told us to look at the legs of fall robins to see if they were from Canada. If they had stripes on their legs, they were from up north. We looked and looked at the flock we were watching no striped legs and finally concluded this was an ornithological joke. Many robins could be considered short-distance migrators, moving southward to just below the snowline. Since 1993, robins have been recorded on the Christmas Count in Central Berkshire, some years with just a few, but in more recent years with 100 or more individuals In 2011, there were 476 individuals counted and in 2022: 442. Warm enough winters for them to stay around. And yet, there are still climate change deniers! Striped legs or not, American robins, Turdus migratorius, are one of the most recognized birds in America, for they have adapted to living among people, unlike their thrush relatives that remain woodland dwellers. This species flourished as land was cultivated, especially since the early English settlers brought over true earthworms, which had been annihilated in North America by the Ice Age. Robins are easy to identify with red breasts, grey-brown backs, dark heads, yellowish beaks, an incomplete white eyering and white tips to their outer tails. They nest around houses, in barns, on fence posts and in shrubs. A friend had a robin that nested on a wreath on her front door, flying away when people entered and returning to the nest when they were gone. The fall migrating flocks are described in the literature as restless and noisy, and they are. The fog evaporates as the day warms up. Its crystal clear now with a cloudless blue sky. There are robins on the wires, in the leaf litter, on the branches overhanging the road, and they are all calling at once. On my way back, as I approach the swampy, marshy area, a multitude of robins are flying hither and thither, chattering and chasing, chasing and chattering to one another. I hear the rattle of a kingfisher. It swoops across the road in front of me with six robins, like a team of fighter jets, diving at it. The kingfisher lands on its usual dead branch of the white pine at the edge of the shallow water. It sits for just a moment and then two robins fly at it and chase the squawking kingfisher back into the woods. After a couple of minutes, the kingfisher swoops out of the woods, flies low over the water. Instantly, two robins are on its tail. It dashes back into the woods. The kingfisher circles a little wider and again comes in low over the water, and again the robins chase it back into the woods. Suddenly, its quiet, and then the rattling kingfisher flies out of the woods and then upward, to a great height. Away it goes, and the robins just continue chasing one another. Who knew that these cheerful, friendly, kind and cooperative avians could be so aggressive? Even the Tlingit rejoice in the robins affinity toward people. They believe the all-mighty Raven created robin to "please people with its song." Maybe Emily Dickinson, who often wrote of birds and flowers, captures the attributes of this quintessential American bird better: Industrious! Laconic!/Punctual! Sedate!/Bold as a Brigand! Opponents are aiming to repeal legalized adult-use cannabis through a ballot initiative next year. Columnist Meg Sanders argues a better idea is to fix what needs fixing to make the industry even better rather than pushing it back under ground. Pittsfield city councilors are calling for a comprehensive review of how the Shannon Grant is being used and whether longtime partner 18 Degrees is effectively reaching the youth most at risk of gun violence as the grant approaches renewal. Quality local journalism needs your support Access this story and all of our stories with 24/7 unlimited access. Subscribe today. Cancel anytime. Subscribe now for 99 Subscriber Sign In | Return Home NORTH ADAMS When SNAP benefits alone arent enough, some residents of the area turn to the Berkshire Food Project. Volunteers from the project prepare home-cooked hot lunches to serve for free every Monday through Friday at the First Congregational Church. We cant afford food as is, said one woman, who was dining with her family of five on Tuesday's fixings beef and vegetable stir fry with desserts. Demand for those meals could grow in the coming days: About 22,000 people in Berkshire County are poised to miss out on SNAP benefits, which they rely on to buy food, due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has said it will not be distributing SNAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits next month. This means no additional dollars will be uploaded to EBT cards Nov. 1, but leftover funds from October will carry over. It would be the first time in the program's history that benefits will be delayed due to a federal government shutdown. In the past, officials have sent SNAP funds early to prevent any interruption. Massachusetts is one of 25 states suing the USDA for unlawfully suspending SNAP, arguing the department has access to SNAP-specific contingency funds for this very purpose. The director, however, said the contingency funds wouldn't even cover the cost of a single month's payments. But food insecurity organizations in Berkshire County are scrambling to fill in the void, and they are reminding residents that there resources to support them during this time, including food pantries and other programs. The Massachusetts Healthy Incentive Program, which uses state funds to purchase fruits and vegetables with an EBT card, will still be available to SNAP users who have any balance left on their EBT card. A household can get $40, $60 or $80 in HIP benefits depending on the number of people. As long as the balance isnt $0, families will still be able to use next month's HIP. If they have already spent all their October funds, they wont be able to access HIP in November. There also are market match programs available, which give $30 per person for people with an EBT card to spend at the farmers market. While this doesnt come close to making up the difference lost from SNAP, it can be a start. So in theory, you won't be getting SNAP, but at a farmers market, you could still have your HIP and $30, said Margaret Moulton, executive director of Berkshire Grown, a local organization that promotes local farms and strives to help fight food insecurity. So it's a good thing for people in Massachusetts. Food pantries that are already spread thin are scrambling to account for the impending increase in visits caused by the lack of SNAP, and its going to take a community effort to support those impacted, according to multiple food insecurity assistance organizations. Food pantries are already serving hundreds of more families than they were set up to, said Morgan Ovitsky, executive director of Berkshire Bounty, which also aims to boost food security. About 50 percent of households in the county are struggling financially in some way, said Katherine von Haefen, interim president and CEO of Berkshire United Way. A majority of which are working people, but dont make enough to meet basic needs. "When households are financially struggling, their food bill is something that they can offset by going to a food pantry, she said. Berkshire Bounty is one of several organizations scrambling to boost donations, support the people they serve and help food pantries plan for what comes next. The network of food security organizations needs support now more than ever, Ovitsky said. Berkshire Grown is using money it had set aside for holiday food purchases to buy extra food now, as pantries prepare for a surge in demand. We and our partner, Berkshire Bounty, have decided to use that extra to meet the need as we hear about it from the food pantry, Moulton said. So it's a huge increase in shoppers coming right now in November, we're going to use that extra little cushion that we've been saving for holidays just right now when the need is very immediate. Also impacted are the places that take SNAP, including grocery stores and farmers markets. Ovitsky said shutdown could amount to a $4 million retail loss in SNAP purchases at grocery stores. For farmers, Berkshire Grown said a combination of SNAP and HIP can be around 30 percent of their farmers' profit for one day. The more negative side of things is that farmers are going to be impacted alongside the people who depend on SNAP, said Martha Suquet, Farm to Food Access Manager for Berkshire Grown. Everyone's done so much work to build up SNAP shopping at farmers markets and at farm stands. So it does affect the individual shoppers, but it does then affect farmers because shoppers might not be buying as much from farmers. Over the last several seasons, Berkshire Grown has seen an increase in the number of visitors using SNAP, so farmers have been producing more to keep up and were therefore hoping to earn more. But, without SNAP benefits, even for one month, farmers, many of whom are also on SNAP, are going to lose vital revenue. I do hope people continue to come to the farmers market throughout November, because there are going to be benefits that they can still access there, Suquet said. Just because they might not have access to their SNAP benefits that they still feel like the farmers markets are there for them. At the First Congregational Church, the Berkshire Food Project serves around 200 people daily roughly 100 in-house meals and 100 to-go meals, executive director Matt Alcombright said. But that number spiked to 284 on Friday, a record-high, single-day attendance. "We want people to know that we'll be here," Alcombright said. "We're ready to serve and combat this, and we'll do the best we can." Since Alcombright started as director Sept. 8, he said he has seen a 5 percent increase in meals served, and a 33 percent increase in new faces served. From October 2024 to October 2025, the lunch service overall saw a 38 percent increase in service. He said that the numbers are quickly growing as November nears because people are realizing their benefits will soon run out temporarily. The food project has 50 to 60 volunteers at any time and an active volunteer waitlist. Ovitsky recommended those qualified to continue applying for SNAP, as applications are still open. She added the community can help by donating shelf food, funding to purchase food and donating gift cards. Von Haefen said her organization is focused on bringing the community together to help get through this by coordinating donations and volunteer efforts, and working with other food pantries and with state officials. Berkshire United Way is all about bringing the community together to solve problems, she said. The government has shut this down, but the people are hopefully going to come together to support one another." This is the inarguable reality facing Berkshire Hills Regional School District residents: They're facing a big price tag for a long overdue upgrade to the building that houses their high schoolers. The big question is whether to put an $89 million Band-Aid onto a 60-year-old structure or spend the same amount to get a brand new school designed with this community's present and future needs in mind. The choice seems obvious to us, and we hope it does to Berkshire Hills residents as well: Go for a new Monument Mountain Regional High School. Why a new Monument Mountain High School would cost $152.6 million and what that buys For $152 million, Berkshire Hills Regional School District would get a three-story, 146,000-square-foot energy-efficient, greener high school built for 485 students and every classroom will have natural light. Here's a breakdown of where the money will be spent ... The math is all the more convincing if one really dives into the numbers. While $89 million might seem an eye-watering figure for the three towns of Great Barrington, Stockbridge and West Stockbridge the member communities of Berkshire Hills Regional opting for a new building would actually net the district a school worth $152 million. The towns' share of the cost would be deeply discounted thanks to a $61 million grant from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, plus $1.5 million more shaved off thanks to MassSave incentives secured by the project's sustainability minded energy plans. A greener power system is far from the only modern amenity that would come with this plan. It would also augment the school's offerings in career vocational and technical education (CVTE) while expanding classroom space specifically tailored to science education. Its design would be more inclusive and holistic than the current layout that segments special education environments while also enhancing security with a safety-minded layout that has fewer entrances. All of that is on top of the fact that the bones of this aging school are too brittle to give students and educators the environment they deserve. Take it from the recent Monument Mountain grads who spoke to The Eagle about why they support the new school plan. The Class of 2023 valedictorian recalled wearing her winter jacket through the school day because of the aging building's chilly air while vividly remembering a sign on a science lab cabinet that read Do not open. Asbestos causes cancer. Berkshire Hills can and must do better by the students who will become our next generation of citizens and leaders. The real question is not whether but how and for all the upsides of a new school, the alternative plan to repair the old building comes with about as many downsides. The necessary repairs would not only cost the school district about as much as a new school but likely prove much more disruptive. That's because the totality of those repairs would take anywhere between five to 10 years, during which students would have to be moved into temporary facilities, only to move them back into the patched up school afterward. Of course, that patchwork, no matter how thorough, would make for a much shorter-term solution to this crumbling building's woes. And if the district stiff-arms the MSBA's eight-figure assist now, it will likely be years if not decades before such a grant is available to the town again. The current decision facing Berkshire Hills voters is similar to, if more stark than, the one they faced about 11 years ago. In 2014, the district rejected a $51 million proposal for a new building while putting off the still lingering major repair needs. We mention this not to wax poetic about the clarity of hindsight but to underscore the lesson we hope the district learned: Whether it's patching up or building anew, these projects are only going to get more expensive down the road. The new school proposal looks expensive because it is. But the price tags only get bigger from here, whether it's fixing or replacing. The district should take the $61 million MSBA grant while it's on the table and know that the considerable local investment to be kicked in would go toward a significantly brighter future that it should have secured for its students long ago. That requires voting "yes" on Nov. 4, and in fact the most responsible course is to vote "yes" twice. Question 1 on district residents' ballots asks for approval to borrow the cost of the new Monument Mountain building project, which needs only a simple majority of districtwide votes to pass. Question 2 asks voters to exclude the debt to be taken on for the project from the local levy limit imposed by Massachusetts Proposition 2 1/2. Question 2 is a town-by-town vote, which means that the three towns potentially could vote differently on how each community pays for its share of the debt. If the first question passes but the second fails, towns that reject the debt exclusion could face serious financial strain trying to stay under the Prop 2 levy limit. Thats why we urge voters to cast the same vote on both questions, whichever way they choose. For the sake of students' futures and the district's sustainability, The Eagle editorial board urges Berkshire Hills Regional School District residents to vote yes on Questions 1 and 2 on the Nov. 4 ballot. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close NEW YORK, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Why: 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=45553https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=39889 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] 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 Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 [email protected] www.rosenlegal.com SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Postal Code Elected councillors in Limerick launched a stinging attack on the first directly elected mayor John Moran on Tuesday, describing his stewardship as a sh*tshow. The elected representatives told a special meeting of the council on Tuesday night of toxic comments by Mr Moran in an interview on his local radio station LIVE 95 on October 22nd. Mr Moran had told the radio that council events in Limerick were not up to the standard seen in other cities such as Waterford and Galway. He said he did not support some of the councils proposed events because he felt these lacked adequate financial details, would not offer value for money, and he said Limerick deserved higher standards. Mr Moran also said that while council staff had done their best, the people of Limerick want more done and that the council required more staff. Advertisement Councillors and the council executive were outraged after Mr Moran told the radio station: I think I was elected for this, for more transparency about how we are spending money, checking value for money, etc. I believe in looking after public money, as I think everybody does, but its a question of higher standards." Mr Moran said he tried to boost staff resources to make them more efficient, but he claimed there was no strategic human resources in the organisation to realise this. Mr Moran said he had voiced concerns with the executive about the councils use of public money and was still waiting for a response. On October 23rd, a day after Mr Morans radio interview, Council Director General, Dr Pat Daly, told staff and councillors in a leaked internal e-mail: Many of you have been in touch regarding the Mayors interview. I want to assure you that I have listened to the interview, and I fully understand and share the sense of disappointment that some of the remarks have caused. Dr Daly stated in the email that while he understood staff may be disheartened, it is important that we focus our energy on what we do best, that is, serving our community with professionalism, intergrity, and pride. On October 27th, Mayor Moran emailed council staff only, informing them that the local authority required a specific new experienced team to help guide it through the transformation of the council under the new directly elected mayor system, whereby the mayor and not the executive hold the majority of the councils purse strings. Advertisement At the special council meeting held on Tuesday night, councillors unanimously supported an emergency motion of confidence in the director general, his executive, and all the council staff, brought by Fianna Fail Cllr Michael Collins. During the emotive meeting, councillors, one by one, told Mr Moran they were disgusted at his comments on the radio last week. Cllr Collins told the mayor his comments were toxic and that when you come under pressure to deliver for Limerick, you blame others. Let me tell you Mayor, morale has never been as low in this organisation, and has been since the (directly elected) mayoral election in 2024. We have seen management personnel leave, senior staff leave, and Im also aware for staff members out on sick leave. Fianna Fail Cllr John Sheehan told the meeting: This council was working fine prior to the introduction of the directly elected mayor. Cllr Sheehan said it was the first time in his 21 years sitting on the council that he was aware council staff had contacted union reps with concerns about a mayors comments. Cllr Sheehan said the council had become a malfunctioning force and a sh*tshow. Fine Gael Cllr, Adam Teskey, also described as a real sh*tshow council business since the mayor was elected in June 2024. Cllr Teskey suggested an intervention was required by the Department of Local Government, to reset the directly elected mayoral system. In an extraordinary summing up, Dr Daly told the meeting: I am worried about the organisation, Im very worried about the capacity we have to deliver. Advertisement Dr Daly acknowledged Mr Morans concerns in respect of budgetary and staff restraints, and he said the council had no extra resources at present. Ireland Fine Gael councillor sends SOS call as more violence breaks out in Co Limerick Read more Dr Daly said the mayors programme and scope of ambition is about the same size as the organisation and the delivery of service plans would cost 1.6 billion over the mayors tenure of five years. Defending the council, Dr Daly said it was not a perfect organisation, but, by Jesus, its a good one and I wont have anything said about it in public. Mayor Moran expressed confidence in the council executive and staff, and he told the meeting: I believe the staff of this organisation have done amazing work, just in case anyone wants to twist that, but I do not believe that they are supported fully to do what they need to do. I have been elected to deliver a better Limerick. I have worked with Pat Daly, and I will continue to work with Pat Daly. LOS ANGELES, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The critically acclaimed indie feature SHEEPDOG, from Team House Studios and Allen Media Group Motion Pictures, written and directed by Steven Grayhm, has entered the Oscar race emerging as this season's emotional and unexpected breakout contender from the indie festival circuit. SHEEPDOG | Behind the Scenes with Steven Grayhm (Writer, Director, Star) "SHEEPDOG brilliantly captures the eternal problem of how to bring back warriors from war. Delivered with devastating realism and brilliant acting, the movie makes us feel as if we ourselves are in the midst of a family tragedy. But I found it impossible to stop watching because the stakes are so high, and the message too important," shared Sebastian Junger, bestselling author of War, Tribe, In My Time of Dying and The Perfect Storm and the co-director of the Academy Award-nominated documentary, Restrepo. After dominating the 2024-2025 film festival season with a sold out nationwide run and more award wins than any other narrative feature this year SHEEPDOG is officially under Academy Award consideration in all categories including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay. SHEEPDOG tells the powerful, raw story of Calvin Cole (Grayhm), a decorated combat veteran who is court-ordered into trauma therapy. Grayhm delivers a deeply personal and quietly riveting performance, anchoring the film with authenticity and emotional depth. As Calvin struggles to confront his past, he finds himself in a forced reunion with his estranged father-in-law, played by Vondie Curtis Hall, who brings both grit and grace to the role of a Vietnam vet newly released from prison. Guiding Calvin on his path to healing is Dr. Elecia Knox, a VA therapist-in-training portrayed by Virginia Madsen. With a performance that is both grounded and compassionate, Madsen infuses the character with strength, warmth, and vulnerability. Together, this powerhouse ensemble breathes life into a story of pain, redemption, and the courage it takes to begin again. Shot entirely on location in Western Massachusetts and shaped by over a decade of research and collaboration with veterans, first responders, Gold Star families, and mental healthcare professionals, SHEEPDOG brings an honesty and authenticity to the struggles of Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) faced by many of our Veterans and shines a light on the path for Post Traumatic Growth (PTG). "Our journey began fourteen years ago, when my car broke down three hours north of Los Angeles," Grayhm recalls, reflecting on a life-changing moment in 2011. "During the ride, my tow truck driver began to open up about raising three kids, a fragile marriage, financial strain and the invisible wounds of war. I simply listened, as he whispered, 'I've never told my wife. I've never told a therapist.' That encounter sparked something deep inside me: not just curiosity, but a sense of responsibility. That summer, alongside my co-star Matt Dallas, I set out on a cross-country road trip to listen, learn, and understand. What we discovered forever changed us and laid the foundation for what would become SHEEPDOG." Grayhm produced the film under his Team House Studios banner alongside Lynn d'Angona, Matt Dallas, Jose L. Martinez Jr., Amy K. Mitchell and Ron Eli Cohen. Allen Media Group Motion Pictures will release SHEEPDOG in select cities in December and will expand nationwide in January. Visit www.SheepdogTheMovie.com to learn more about the movie and its mission. SOURCE Sheepdog The Movie An inquest into a fatal incident between a Luas tram and a pedestrian lying on the track near the Green Line terminus at Broombridge three years ago heard evidence that the collision was unavoidable. A sitting of Dublin District Coroners Court also heard that Luas operator, Transdev, had implemented a number of changes as a result of the fatal collision, including the imposition of a 25km/h speed limit on any area where individuals are reported to be trespassing on the railway line. Patrick Green (51), a homeless man who was classified as a missing person at the time of his death, was killed instantly in the collision with the Luas tram, which occurred at 1.14am on September 18th, 2022. The inquest heard the deceased, who had to be identified through DNA profiling due to the extent of his injuries, had been escorted off a different tram about 40 minutes earlier after he was found asleep in a carriage at the terminus at Broombridge. Advertisement CCTV footage showed that Mr Green, who had been lying on the track just before the fatal incident, had his left leg severed when the Luas tram passed over him about 275 metres from the Broombridge stop. The location of the fatal collision was in an area with no public lighting, while the deceased was wearing dark clothing. A forensic collision investigator, Garda Lyn Connaughton, gave evidence that the incident occurred on a section of track with a 70km/h speed limit. She told the inquest that her investigation showed that the tram was travelling at a speed of 44km/h at the point of impact. It took another ten seconds before the tram was brought to a halt about 67 metres from the scene of the collision. The inquest heard that tram drivers had visibility of 38 metres of the track ahead with full beam lights at the location. Garda Connaughton said tests to calculate stopping distances with the tram showed it would take 41-47 metres for a driver to halt a tram at the speed being driven at the time of the collision when allowing for a reaction time. Incident was 'unavoidable' She claimed in such circumstances that the fatal incident was unavoidable. A former Luas driver who was operating the last tram that night, Samson Osas, gave evidence that he had reduced his speed after having been alerted about a trespasser on the track between Broombridge and Cabra. Mr Osas said two security staff, who were directly behind him in the first carriage, were also keeping a lookout for some movement on the line ahead. Advertisement Mr Osas said he suddenly felt a boom underneath the tram and heard its bodycatcher being deployed. I didnt see anyone or anything in front of me, he recalled. Mr Osas said he originally thought the tram had struck an animal as he believed he would have seen a person on the track. In reply to questions from the coroner, Clare Keane, he said the issue of trespassers on Luas tracks was something that happens every day. Mr Osas said he had put the trams full lights on, which would be unusual in normal circumstances, after being alerted about a trespasser, as visibility on that section of track was poor. Another tram driver, Vincent Byrne, told the hearing that he had driven the third last tram that night, which had arrived at Broombridge at 00.35am. Mr Byrne said he came across a male slumped in one of the carriages as he was walking through the tram to check for sleepers. He gave evidence that he radioed for assistance from security staff after he tried a number of times unsuccessfully to wake the passenger. Mr Byrne said he was informed by a Luas controller that security guards were on the last tram and were 10-15 minutes away, but that gardai could be called, if necessary. However, he said he decided to try and wake the passenger again as the man was not causing any trouble. Mr Byrne said he managed to wake up the male, from whom there was a strong smell of alcohol Advertisement The inquest heard that the deceased, when asked if he had had a good night, replied that he had too much to drink. Mr Byrne said the passenger had also commented: You have a great attitude. Keep up the good work. He told the coroner that Mr Green was no trouble and very placid. Mr Byrne said he escorted the passenger, who was unsteady on his feet, to sit him on a wall at the Broombridge stop. However, he said he saw the man near the track a short time later as he was moving the empty tram into the nearby depot. The driver said he alerted his control centre, who warned other tram drivers to proceed with caution as there was a trespasser on the line near Broombridge. An inspector with the Health and Safety Authority, Frank Kerins, said the deceased had been in an unauthorised area of the Luas track and that appropriate warning signage was in place. No criminal prosecution The inquest heard that the DPP had directed that no criminal prosecution should arise from the circumstances of Mr Greens death. Transdevs director of operations, David Rooney, said a speed restriction of 25km/h had been introduced on any section of track where a trespasser had been reported following Mr Greens death. Mr Rooney said the speed restriction could not be lifted until security staff had also carried out a sweep of the area. He told the hearing that Transdev was satisfied that signage alerting the public about the danger of trespassing on Luas tracks in the area at the time was sufficient. Advertisement In reply to questions from a jury foreperson, Mr Rooney observed that it would be possibly more dangerous to move intoxicated people further away than escorting them to Luas stops. He pointed out that stops were considered a safe place to leave such individuals as they were well lit, had seats, shelter and CCTV cameras, while there was a speed limit of 10km/h for trams at platforms. A postmortem revealed that the deceased had died as a result of multiple traumatic injuries. Tests also showed the level of alcohol in his system was over six times the legal drink-driving limit, while the presence of benzodiazepines was also detected. Ireland Inquest into death of Belfast teen Noah Donohoe to begin in January, coroner says Read more Dr Keane noted that medical records showed that Mr Green, who was a frequent visitor to the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, had suffered from chronic alcoholism and was concerned about seizures, although he did not suffer from any acute illness. A jury of nine women and two men returned a verdict of death by misadventure. They also recommended that Transdev should carry out some media advertising about trespassing on Luas lines. Offering condolences to Mr Greens family, including his sister, Daphne, who attended the hearing, Dr Keane said his death was deeply tragic. A Kerry man who is paralysed from the neck down and has severe locked-in syndrome after a stroke has launched a High Court action over a brain scan carried out at University Hospital Kerry. Christopher ODriscoll, who cannot speak, is tetraplegic and has to use a wheelchair, joined the proceedings in the Four Courts by video link from the nursing home where he now resides. Christopher ODriscoll (39) from Camp, Co Kerry has sued Global Diagnostics (Ireland) Ltd, trading as Medica, with offices at Rockfield Medical Campus, Balally, Dublin, which at the time operated the radiology services at University Hospital Kerry and provides radiology services to hospitals and private clinics. It was claimed that there was an alleged failure to diagnose Mr ODriscolls stroke after his collapse at home and after he was rushed to hospital for a CT scan. Advertisement The action is also against the HSE. The HSE is only in the proceedings where it was alleged by the O'Driscoll side that it was allegedly responsible in law for alleged acts or alleged omissions on the part of Global Diagnostics Ireland. All of the claims are denied in the proceedings. Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds on Wednesday sent the case back to the mediation table after the action had been adjourned several times over two days this week to facilitate talks between the parties. Mr ODriscolls counsel, Liam Reidy SC, instructed by Cantillons Solicitors, told the court that mediation had not been successful last week. The sides indicated they were open to further mediation on Thursday morning. Ms Justice Reynolds said there had already been two days of costs, and she shared the frustration of Mr ODriscoll in relation to the lack of progress. She encouraged both sides to see if they could resolve or narrow some or all of the issues. The court will be updated on the matter on Thursday afternoon. Construction worker, Mr ODriscoll, it was claimed in court papers, had been at home in Camp, Co Kerry, on New Years Day 2023 when he suffered an apparent seizure. An ambulance was called and he was taken to hospital, suffering a second seizure on the journey. Mr ODriscoll, it was claimed, was intubated on arrival, and a CT brain and intracranial angiogram scan was later performed. He was on January 3rd transferred to another hospital where an MRI was performed. It was noted on January 5th that Mr ODriscoll, in retrospect, had a sudden stroke and that he had severe locked-in syndrome. Advertisement In the proceedings, it was claimed that the CT angiogram report of the scan carried out at University Hospital Kerry on January 1st, 2023, allegedly incorrectly stated that the main artery at the back of the brain was open with no sign of blockage. Ireland High Court extends orders granted to Tusla relating to vulnerable child Read more It was further claimed that Mr O'Driscoll had been allegedly denied treatment with thrombolysis, and there was an alleged failure to prevent the progression of his neurological deficit as a result of which he has locked-in syndrome. Global Diagnostics Ireland Ltd, in its defence, claimed that his stroke was of such severity that timely treatment by way of intravenous thrombolysis would not have altered the prognosis or lessened his disabilities It denied that it caused a progression of Mr O'Driscoll's neurological deficit as a result of which he has locked-in syndrome. The trial of the action, if it proceeds, has been scheduled for six weeks. A trial date has been set for a man charged with alleged historical sexual offences. The man is accused of 79 offences, 78 counts of indecently assaulting four young girls aged between eight and 15 at the time, and one count of attempting to rape one of the children. The offences are alleged to have taken place between 1971 and 1981 at various locations in south Dublin; 42 of the charges relate to one of the girls and 34 to another. Two indecent assault charges relate to another of the girls, while one charge relates to the fourth alleged victim. Ireland High Court extends orders granted to Tusla relating to vulnerable child Read more The man in his 70s, who was arrested in July on foot of the charges, did not appear in court for the short hearing. On Wednesday, defence counsel Karl Monahan BL told the Central Criminal Court he was seeking a trial date. Mr Justice Paul McDermott set a trial date for June 15th, 2026, and directed disclosure be completed before the case is mentioned before the court next January. If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can call the national 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline at 1800-77 8888, access text service and webchat options at drcc.ie/services/helpline/ or visit Rape Crisis Help. A man in his 40s has been charged, and another remains in custody after Gardai seized a sub-machine gun during an operation targeting the supply of drugs into prisons in West Dublin. The Dublin crime response team stopped a vehicle in the Dublin 22 area on Tuesday and later recovered a firearm during a follow-up search in North Wicklow. The weapon is undergoing forensic testing, and investigations are continuing. Additional State funding is to be given to a school to help pay for security as teacher Enoch Burke continues to attend school grounds. The Department of Education informed Wilsons Hospital School that 4,440 would be given to the school to help pay for security costs for the next nine weeks due to the exceptional circumstances, a court was told. Mr Burke appeared before the High Court on Wednesday to represent himself. The board of management of the Co Westmeath school and Mr Burke have been entangled in a legal dispute stemming from incidents over a request in 2022 from the schools then-principal to address a student by a new name and pronoun. Mr Burke, an Evangelical Christian who was a teacher of German and history at the school, has repeatedly argued that the direction was unconstitutional and went against his right to express his religious beliefs. Advertisement The school has been granted injunctive relief, restraining him from attending the school, however he continues to attend in breach of the order. He has been fined 225,000 and imprisoned for 500 days, a figure cited by Mr Burke, for attending the school in breach of the court order. Enoch Burke (left) with family members including his brother Isaac (second right), mother Martina (centre) and father Sean (right) at the High Court, Dublin, where he has argued against a request to sequester two cars and ban Burke family members from attending Wilsons Hospital School in Co Westmeath (Brian Lawless/PA) He appeared in the High Court on Wednesday, on a week when schools are on a midterm break, along with his parents Sean and Martina, brother Isaac, sister Ammi and two other sisters. The court had heard previously that two vehicles may be sequestered, and a bar on other Burke family members from attending the school grounds may be imposed. The case also dealt with the fines facing Mr Burke and how they would be paid a barrister told the court that daily fines of 2,000 for attending the school, in breach of a court order, had been set for coercive purposes. Mr Burke said the court had completely and entirely emptied his bank account of thousands of euros and that his entire livelihood has been taken away. Mr Justice Brian Cregan told Mr Burke it was not aware that it was his entire livelihood as he had not submitted a statement of means, despite several invitations to do so. Rosemary Mallon, a barrister representing the school, also told the court that the Department of Education had recently informed it that it will pay half of the schools security costs until December. They said this was due to the exceptional circumstances and dynamic situation at the school. Advertisement After his brother Isaac was removed from court for interrupting proceedings, Mr Burke argued that it was an absolute scandal that, after three years of the matter being before the courts that the principals initial instruction had not been analysed. Naming several judges, he said not one had sniffed at an issue which he said was at the heart of this case. Mr Cregan said the answer to that was when a court was considering whether the principals instruction was invalid, Mr Burkes conduct in that case was disgraceful and he was barred from court. You had an opportunity to argue it, but you refused to argue it, he said. Mr Cregan then told Mr Burke that raising an issue with whether to call a student by a different pronoun, as it offended his religious beliefs, was a valid legal issue. Mr Burke interrupted to say that that was not an accurate way to frame it and claimed that it was unconstitutional to ask a teacher to set aside their Christian religious beliefs. Enoch Burke (left) with family members including his brother Isaac (second right), mother Martina (centre) and father Sean (right) at the High Court, Dublin (PA) I understand that argument, it is a good argument, Mr Cregan said, and added that he had been let go from the school because of his conduct. Youre pulling out a lot of stuff out there, Mr Burke said, to which Mr Cregan replied: I am engaging with your arguments. He then addressed a complaint from Mr Burke that Mr Justice Owens had never engaged with the issue of the legitimacy of the then-principals initial instruction. Advertisement Why didnt you appeal the order of Mr Justice Owens? Mr Burke said that this was not the issue. You have made a misstep here by not appealing the order of Mr Owens, Mr Cregan said. Its not on you to give me legal advice, Mr Burke said. No, its not, but I am engaging you on your argument, Mr Burke. When Mr Burke asked him if he was above the Court of Appeal or under it, Mr Cregan said it was a ridiculous question. Asked again why he did not appeal the High Court order of Mr Owens, Mr Burke said he had answered the question already. The judge said he had not. I dont for the life of me understand why you did not appeal Judge Alexander Owens (order). Mr Burke replied: Youre filibustering now. After a break for lunch, Mr Cregan asked Mr Burke why he had not attended two previous hearings before him in relation to the case. Why were you not here? Thats the fundamental point Mr Burke, you werent here, why werent you here? Mr Burkes sister, Ammi, stood up to interrupt, to which the judge said she had no right of audience in the court and Mr Burke was well able to represent himself. Arguing over a legal submission issue that arose in the last hearing, Mr Burke said there was dishonesty on the bench. Mr Cregan replied: If there is any dishonesty in this court, it is from you in relation to why you had been jailed. Advertisement Responding, Ms Mallon said that a Court of Appeal judgment referenced repeatedly by Mr Burke also found that he was egregiously in contempt of court. She also made the point that Mr Burke had never attempted to appeal against Mr Owens judgment. When Ms Mallon was asked by the judge why Mr Burke had not appealed, she said: I have no idea, judge, and it has never been clear. It is incomprehensible that at each juncture that Mr Burke attempts (to argue against) an order he didnt agree with but has never actually appealed it and is now far out of time. Ms Mallon said she was not at this moment in time seeking an injunction against some Burke family members from attending the school, but said she would seek further instructions if there was further trespassing. The school wants to be a school and at this moment in time the principal, the chair of the board of management and members of the board, members of the community, parents, are all spending far too much time trying to stop Mr Burke breaking the rule of law rather than on running a school and educating the next generation of citizens. Mr Cregan asked Mr Burke again why he had not appealed against Mr Owenss order. Asking me questions about my intentions is not an escape route for you to avoid doing justice, Mr Burke said. Mr Burke, where does all this end, from your point of view? Mr Cregan asked. Mr Burke replied: Judge, it ends with you and your colleagues telling the truth. Mr Cregan said he would reserve judgment and notify the parties of a decision within a week. Representatives of the Attorney General, the ministers for Finance and Education and the receiver also addressed the court during the hearing. The Department of Education has been contacted for comment. A transgender activist took pictures of peoples faces at a conference before a confrontation with Father Ted creator Graham Linehan, a court has been told. The 57-year-old Irish comedy writer is on trial at Westminster Magistrates Court, accused of harassing trans woman Sophia Brooks and damaging her mobile phone outside the Battle of Ideas conference in Westminster on October 19th last year. District Judge Briony Clarke said the prosecution would address the complainant according to their affirmed gender name, while stating that the defendants position was that the complainant is male. Giving evidence for the defence on Wednesday, Katherine Harris, co-founder of LGB Alliance UK, told the court she saw Ms Brooks stand up with a camera among attendees during a panel discussion. Father Ted co-creator Graham Linehan arriving at Westminster Magistrates Court, London, last month (Jonathan Brady/PA) Referring to the complainant as male, Ms Harris said: It was a deliberate, intimidatory move on his part and he would not stop. He was photographing anybody and everybody he could, and it felt intrusive and aggressive. It felt as though he wanted to get everybody, to get all of us in his power through his camera, to say, Im the big man here, I can do what I want. That was the message. The disruption was complete. Advertisement Ms Harris also told the court she knew Linehan very well. Prosecutor Julia Faure Walker put to Ms Harris that whatever Brooks did, it didnt have a significant effect on the conference in terms of disruption, and Ms Harris replied yes, I think it did, adding: The reason is these attacks are cumulative, they build and they build and they build. The court was told last month that Linehan and the activist met for the first time in person outside the Battle of Ideas conference in Westminster on October 19th last year. While filming outside the venue, the activist approached Linehan and asked: Why do you think it is acceptable to call teenagers domestic terrorists? The transgender activist told the court that Linehan had called them a sissy porn-watching scumbag, a groomer and a disgusting incel, with the complainant responding, youre the incel, youre divorced. A video played to the court appeared to show Linehan grabbing the complainants phone. Asked why he threw the phone and did not return it, Linehan said: My adrenaline was up, I was angry. I guess that feels like surrender, so I threw it away. I didnt slam it, I just skimmed it. It was instinctive, as soon as I did it, I thought that was a mistake. Advertisement Giving evidence last month, Linehan said his life was made hell by trans activists, adding that the complainant was a young soldier in the trans activist army. The writer added: He was misogynistic, he was abusive, he was snide. He depended on his anonymity to get close to people and hurt them, and I wanted to destroy that anonymity. Ms Faure Walker said Linehan had posted about the activist relentlessly and that his posts were oppressive. The court previously heard that Linehan had posted on social media about someone with the name Tarquin, which Ms Faure Walker said was the defendants derogatory term for the complainant. Linehan, who appeared via video link on Wednesday, has denied one count of harassing the activist on social media between October 11th and October 27th last year, and a further charge of criminal damage of their mobile phone on October 19th last year. The trial continues. A seven-storey apartment building in Turkeys north-western city of Gebze has collapsed, trapping a family of five under the rubble and killing two of them. State-run TRT news channel identified them as a man, 43, a woman, 37, and their three children. Deputy interior minister Mehmet Aktas told reporters that Dilara Bilir, 18, was successfully rescued. Authorities recovered earlier the bodies of her younger sister, Hayrunnisa, 14, and brother, Muhammed Emir, 12. TRT said first responders were still looking for the parents and that 627 rescuers were deployed on site. While state-run Anadolu Agency stated the cause of the collapse was currently unknown, mayor of Gebze Zinnur Buyukgoz, speaking to local media, suggested it might be related to nearby metro construction. Gebze also lies along the north Anatolian fault line and was one of the main centres hit during 1999s magnitude 7.6 earthquake, which killed an estimated 18,000 people in total. Experts have long warned that Turkeys failure to enforce modern construction codes poses significant risks in earthquake-prone areas. In January, the collapse of a four-storey building in Konya led to two deaths. Shopkeepers who rented the ground floor are currently on trial to determine whether they dismantled supporting columns for more space, a common practice despite severe penalties. They could face up to 22 years in prison if convicted. Nvidia has become the first five trillion dollar (3.8 trillion) company, just three months after the Silicon Valley chipmaker was the first to break through the four trillion dollar (3 trillion) barrier. Hitting the new benchmark puts more emphasis on the upheaval being unleashed by an artificial intelligence (AI) craze that is widely viewed as the biggest tectonic shift in technology since Apple co-founder Steve Jobs unveiled the first iPhone 18 years ago. Apple rode the iPhones success to become the first publicly traded company to be valued at one trillion dollars, two trillion dollars and eventually three trillion dollars. Jensen Huang is chief executive of Nvidia (Carl Court/PA) But there are concerns of a possible AI bubble, with officials at the Bank of England earlier this month flagging the growing risk that tech stock prices pumped up by the AI boom could burst. The head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised a similar alarm. Advertisement The ravenous appetite for Nvidias chips is the main reason that the companys stock price has increased so rapidly since early 2023. On Wednesday the shares touched 207.86 dollars (157.40) in early morning trading with 24.3 billion shares outstanding, putting its market cap at 5.05 trillion dollars (3.82 trillion). In comparison, Nvidias value is greater than the GDP of India, Japan and the United Kingdom, according to the IMF. On Tuesday Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang disclosed 500 billion dollars (378 billion) in chip orders. The company also announced a partnership with Uber on robotaxis and a one billion dollar (757 million) investment in Nokia, with the two planning to work together on 6G technology. In addition, Nvidia is teaming with the US Department of Energy to build seven new AI supercomputers. Last month Nvidia announced that it will invest 100 billion dollars (75 billion) in OpenAI as part of a partnership that will add at least 10 gigawatts of Nvidia AI data centres to ramp up the computing power for the owner of the artificial intelligence chatbot ChatGPT. In August Mr Huang said Nvidia was discussing a potential new computer chip designed for China with the Trump administration. President Donald Trump said on Air Force One that he will speak to Chinese President Xi Jinping about Nvidias chips on Thursday. An exit poll published immediately after voting ended in the Netherlandss general election suggested the result is too close to call, with the centre-left D66 narrowly ahead of the far-right party of Geert Wilders. The poll on Wednesday showed that D66 would win 27 seats, a rise of 18 compared to the 2023 election. Mr Wilderss Party for Freedom would lose 12 seats to finish at 25 seats, according to the poll published by national broadcaster NOS. A man casts his ballot at the Kromhout shipyard museum, which is operating as a polling station, during general elections in Amsterdam (Peter Dejong/AP) If confirmed, the result would be a momentous win for D66 and could lead to a shift in government back to the centre for the Netherlands after a far-right government led by Mr Wilderss party after the last election. D66 has been in existence for 59 years and if the exit poll is right this would be the biggest victory in the history of D66, legislator Jan Paternotte told national broadcaster NOS. Advertisement If the win is confirmed, D66 will be in the driving seat to lead negotiations to form a new coalition and leader Rob Jetten could become the Netherlandss first openly gay prime minister. Pollster Ipsos says that the exit poll was conducted at 65 polling stations and around 80,000 voters, using a method that in past Dutch elections has produced estimates very close to the final results. A later update of the exit poll reflecting the last votes remained unchanged. Party for Freedom easily won the last election in 2023, taking 37 of the 150 seats in the House of Representatives. But it has lost support since forming and then bringing down a four-party coalition that was notorious for in-fighting and which did not manage to agree on a tough package of measures to rein in migration to the Netherlands. In a tweet, Mr Wilders said we had hoped for another result, but added: We are more combative than ever and still the second and perhaps the biggest party in the Netherlands. Unlike all the other parties, Mr Wilders did not organise an election night party. Rob Jetten, leader of the centre-left D66 party, right, poses for a photo as he leaves a polling station in The Hague (Patrick Post/AP) The right-wing Peoples Party for Freedom and Democracy was third in the exit poll on 23 seats, one seat less than it won in 2023. The centre-left combination of Green Left and the Labour Party lost five seats to end on 20. Advertisement The Christian Democrats were big winners, gaining 14 seats to end on 19, according to the poll. The campaign echoed issues that resonate across Europe, focusing on how to rein in migration and tackle chronic shortages of affordable housing. But in a country where coalition governments are the norm, it was unclear if parties would want to work with Mr Wilders again, even if his party had done well. Mainstream parties have already ruled that out, arguing that his decision to torpedo the outgoing four-party coalition in June in a dispute over migration underscored that he is an untrustworthy partner. Migration has divided the Netherlands The vote came against a backdrop of deep polarisation in the nation of 18 million, violence at a recent anti-immigration rally in The Hague and protests against new asylum-seeker centres. Olga van der Brandt, 32, said she thought voters would turn their backs on parties that made up the last right-wing government led by Mr Wilders. Students prepare to vote at a polling station during the Dutch elections in Delft (Molly Quell/AP) Her hope was that this time there will be a more progressive party who can take the lead. Christian Democrats leader Henri Bontenbal agreed that a fundamental shift in Dutch politics was at stake. What we have seen in the last two years is a political landscape with right-wing populism, and the question is, is it possible to beat populism by decent politics, he said. In-fighting between parties in the last coalition led to criticism that the Netherlands, long a prominent voice within the European Union, was sometimes seen as not fully engaging with the continent as it had done under long-time leader Mark Rutte, who is now Natos secretary-general. The Dutch system of proportional representation all but guarantees that no single party can win a majority. Negotiations will likely begin on Thursday into the makeup of the next governing coalition. Messages in a bottle written by two Australian soldiers a few days into their voyage to the battlefields of France during the First World War have been found more than a century later on Australias coast. The Brown family found the Schweppes bottle just above the waterline at Wharton Beach, near Esperance, in Western Australia state on October 9th, Deb Brown said. Her husband Peter and daughter Felicity made the find during a quad bike expedition to clear the beach of rubbish. The bottle was found at Wharton Beach in Western Australia (Deb Brown/AP) We do a lot of cleaning up on our beaches and so would never go past a piece of rubbish. So this little bottle was lying there waiting to be picked up, Ms Brown said. Inside the clear, thick glass were cheerful letters written in pencil by privates Malcolm Neville, 27, and William Harley, 37, dated August 15 1916. Advertisement Their troop ship HMAT A70 Ballarat had left the South Australia state capital Adelaide on August 12 on the long journey to reinforce the 48th Australian Infantry Battalion on Europes Western Front. Mr Neville was killed in action a year later. Mr Harley was wounded twice but survived the war, dying in Adelaide in 1934 of a cancer his family say was caused by him being gassed in the trenches. Mr Neville asked the bottles finder to deliver his letter to his mother, Robertina Neville, in Wilkawatt, now a virtual ghost town in South Australia. Mr Harley, whose mother was dead by 1916, was happy for the finder to keep his note. He wrote may the finder be as well as we are at present. Mr Neville wrote that he was having a real good time, food is real good so far, with the exception of one meal which we buried at sea. The ship was heaving and rolling, but we are as happy as Larry, he said. Mr Neville wrote that he and his comrades were Somewhere at Sea. Mr Harley said they were Somewhere in the Bight, referring to an enormous open bay that begins east of Adelaide and extends to Esperance on the western edge. Ms Brown suspects the bottle did not travel far. It is likely to have spent more than a century ashore buried in the sand dunes, and extensive erosion of the dunes caused by huge swells along Wharton Beach in recent months probably dislodged it. Advertisement The paper was wet, but the writing remained legible, so Ms Brown was able to notify both soldiers relatives of the find. The writing remained legible (Deb Brown/AP) The bottle is in pristine condition. It doesnt have any growth of any barnacles on it. I believe that if it had been at sea or if it had been exposed for that long, the paper wouldve disintegrated from the sun. We wouldnt have been able to read it, she said. Mr Harleys granddaughter Ann Turner said her family was absolutely stunned by the find. We just cant believe it. It really does feel like a miracle and we do very much feel like our grandfather has reached out for us from the grave, she told Australian Broadcasting Corp. Mr Nevilles great nephew Herbie Neville said his family had been brought together by the unbelievable discovery. It sounds as though he was pretty happy to go to the war. Its just so sad what happened. Its so sad that he lost his life, he said. Wow. What a man he was, the great nephew added with pride. CHONGQING, China, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from iChongqing: Anaclaudia Rossbach, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of the UN-Habitat, praised Chongqing's progress in building a sustainable urban future at the opening of the 2025 World Cities Day China Observance on October 28 in Chongqing, calling its use of digital technology to improve housing, governance, infrastructure, and public services inspiring. At an exhibition of the 2025 World Cities Day China Observance, a foreign visitor explored the robots and learned about their features and performance. (Photo/Luo Huxin) Rossbach said that Chongqing's experience offers valuable lessons for megacities worldwide in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals and the New Urban Agenda, which promote inclusive, resilient, and sustainable urban development through smart planning, better infrastructure, and people-centered services. With the theme "People-Centered Smart Cities Towards the Future," the two-day event marks the first time the observance is held in China's central and western regions. In an interview with Bridging News, Kazuko Ishigaki, Regional Director of the UN-Habitat ROAP, stressed that technology is only a tool and that a smart city "cannot be smart without people." "Technology should serve citizens," she said, adding that the development of Chongqing and the theme of this conference align closely with the UN-Habitat's vision for people-centered smart cities. Vuyo Mhlakaza-Manamela, Deputy Speaker of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature of South Africa, said her country's focus on sustainable urbanization aligns with China's commitment to green development and smart city innovation. Mhlakaza-Manamela noted that over 68% of the world's population now lives in cities, a share that continues to grow. She added that lessons from Chinese cities, especially Chongqing's infrastructure investment and smart technology integration, are invaluable. At the opening ceremony, Chongqing released the Chongqing Voluntary Local Reviews and the Chongqing Initiative of the 2025 World Cities Day China Observance. The 2025 Annual Report of the Shanghai Manual: A Guide for Sustainable Urban Development in the 21st Century was also be promoted, further highlighting China's contributions to advancing global urban sustainability. Throughout the observance, a series of activities took place, including the main forum, parallel and thematic forums, achievement exhibition, and field visits. World Cities Day, the UN's first international day for cities and the first initiated by China, originated from the 2010 Shanghai World Expo and is celebrated annually on October 31 to promote global urban dialogue. SOURCE iChongqing Israels military has said the ceasefire is back on in Gaza after it carried out heavy air strikes overnight across the Palestinian territory that killed 104 people, including 66 women and 46 children, according to local health officials. The strikes, the deadliest since the ceasefire began on October 10, marked the most serious challenge to the tenuous truce to date. The bombardment pointed to Israels readiness to strike hard at what it says are Hamas violations of the ceasefire deal. Meanwhile the militant group denies it is responsible and blames Israel for violations. After it announced the restoration of the ceasefire, the Israeli military said it carried out another air strike in northern Gaza, targeting what it called a site where weapons were being stored for an imminent attack. Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City said it received two bodies from the strike. Advertisement The latest violence puts new strains on American pressure to keep the ceasefire on track. US President Donald Trump defended Israels strikes but also insisted the escalation will not wreck the truce. Israel said its overnight strikes were in retaliation for the shooting and killing of an Israeli soldier in Rafah, the southernmost city in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also said Hamas violated provisions in the deal concerning the handover of remains of hostages. Hamas denied any involvement in the deadly shooting and, in turn, accused Israel of a blatant violation of the ceasefire deal. Buildings destroyed during Israeli ground and air operations in the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP) It also said it would delay handing over the body of another hostage to Israel because of the strikes. The strikes across Gaza in the early hours of Wednesday pounded buildings and tent camps housing displaced families. Ambulances and small trucks carrying bodies crowded hospital entrances. In Deir Al-Balah, bodies were wheeled in on stretchers, and others carried in on mattresses. One man walked into a hospital carrying the body of a young child. They burned children while they were asleep, Haneen Mteir, whose sister and nephews were killed in a strike, shouted at the morgue at Nasser Hospital in the southern city of Khan Younis. The Palestinian Health Ministry said at least 104 people, including 46 children and 66 women, were killed in the overnight strikes and 253 people were wounded, most of them women and children. Advertisement The Israeli military said in a statement on Wednesday that it carried out precise strikes against dozens of Hamas targets, including individuals, observation posts, weapons depots, mortar firing positions and tunnels. Palestinians inspect the damage at a site hit by an Israeli bombardment (Jehad Alshrafi/AP) It said it hit a number of senior Hamas fighters, including three battalion commanders, two deputy battalion commanders and 16 company commanders. It said they included militants involved in the October 7 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel that started the war, including Nukhba company commander Hatem Maher Mousa Qudra, who led the attack on the Ein Hashlosha Kibbutz, the statement said. The military said it would continue to respond firmly and act decisively to eliminate any threat to the State of Israel. Israels Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein said Hamas was responsible for the consequences of its ceasefire violation and attributed the high death toll to the militant group using civilians as human shields. Throughout the war, Israel has often hit targets it says are Hamas figures while in their homes or shelters where their families are also located alongside other families. An Israeli military official said on Wednesday that the soldier in Rafah, identified as Master Sergeant Yona Efraim Feldbaum, 37, was killed by enemy fire that targeted his vehicle on Tuesday. The official said Israeli troops in the area came under attack numerous times on Tuesday as they worked to destroy tunnels and Hamas infrastructure. The Israeli military has levelled almost the entire city of Rafah over the past months, demolishing nearly every building, according to satellite photos. Donald Trump said Israel should hit back when its troops come under attack (Kim Kyung-Hoon/Pool Photo/AP) Hamas insisted it was not involved in the Rafah gunfire, reiterated its commitment to the ceasefire and called on mediators to pressure Israel to stop. Mr Marmorstein said Washington was informed about the strikes and that they were carried out in full co-ordination with the United States. Advertisement Mr Trump, on a trip to Asia, defended the strikes, saying Israel was justified in carrying them out after Hamas killed the Israeli soldier, who also held US citizenship. He said Israel should hit back when its troops come under attack. But Mr Trump said he is still confident the ceasefire would withstand the escalation in violence because Hamas is a very small part of the overall Middle East peace. And they have to behave. If not, they will be terminated, he added. Mr Netanyahu accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire by handing over body parts this week that Israel said were partial remains of a hostage recovered earlier in the war. Israeli officials also accused Hamas of staging the discovery of some of the remains on Monday, sharing a 14-minute, edited video from a military drone in Gaza. Palestinian women mourn their relatives killed in an Israeli army strike, at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City (Yousef Al Zanoun/AP) Hamas replied in kind on Wednesday, saying the Israeli strikes reveal a clear Israeli intention to undermine the ceasefire agreement and impose new realities by force. The group also said in a statement that the US is offering Mr Netanyahu a political cover to carry on with its aggression in Gaza. Advertisement The ceasefire deal requires Hamas to return all the remains of hostages in Gaza as soon as possible. Hamas has said it is struggling to locate the bodies of the hostages amid the vast destruction in Gaza, while Israel has accused the militant group of purposely delaying their return. There are still 13 bodies of hostages in Gaza and their slow return is complicating efforts to proceed to the ceasefires next phases, which address even thornier issues, including the disarmament of Hamas, deployment of an international security force in Gaza and deciding who will govern the territory. Mr Marmorstein said Hamas was trying to do everything possible to avoid disarming. In Gaza, Palestinians were reeling after the heaviest of a number of strikes over the past two weeks that Israel says have been in response to Hamas violations. At dawn, Palestinians at a displaced camp cleared remains of a destroyed tent next to a crater where a strike hit. What kind of a ceasefire is this? Amna Qrinawi They found the body of a small child and wrapped it in a blanket. What kind of a ceasefire is this? Amna Qrinawi said. At Al-Awda Hospital in central Gaza, scores of people gathered around dozens of bodies wrapped in white shrouds for funeral prayers. Yehya Eid, who said he lost his brother and nephews, wept over a small body in a bloodied white shroud outside the hospital. He said the strike came without warning. These are children who were killed. What did they do wrong? Did they fight in the war? Mr Eid asked. Israels two-year campaign in Gaza has killed more than 68,500 Palestinians, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count. 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. A Jamaican couple living in Ireland are waiting anxiously for news of family members who they have been unable to reach since Hurricane Melissa pummeled the Caribbean island. The true extent of the devastation caused by the category five hurricane will not be known for days, especially in areas that have been submerged by flood waters. In its aftermath, Dr Livingstone and Jean Marie Thompson were trying to make contact with some siblings they last spoke to before the hurricane hit. The couple have been living in Ireland with their children for the last 26 years in Kells, Co Meath. Family members he has been able to contact have told him that, although they have lived through hurricanes since childhood, they have never experienced anything like Melissa. He is expecting large areas of the island to be without electricity for months. Advertisement "Most of the pictures and images we are seeing are from the centre of the island, which still has its mobile signals largely intact," he said. "I've talked to a lot of my siblings, but am still waiting to hear from my brother in South Manchester, which has lost communication. "Many homes in Mandeville - where I grew up - are completely submerged and they are not in a riverbed. It will be hard to access these areas to see the extent of the damage until waters retreat. "The last time I was physically in a hurricane, it was a category three and my students and I were taking cover between two concrete walls in the college in Kingstown in 2004. "It's not that the wind howls, it is that you can actually feel the force of the wind. You can feel being sucked in by the vacuum." Jean Marie, who recently retired as deputy principal of St Mary's Special School in Navan, said being in a hurricane is an "other worldly experience". She spoke to her brother and daughter living in the Cayman Islands two days ago, and they are not expecting to suffer much of the effects of the storm. However, she was worried when her sister could not be reached. Thankfully, she heard from her daughter on Wednesday afternoon that her sister Sharon and her husband Lodian were ok, but she is still awaiting word from relatives in Montego Bay. "Jamaica is like an alligator, full of mountain ridges and my sister lives in our home place on one of those ridges in St Elizabeth, which was decimated by Melissa. Advertisement World Hurricane Melissa churns across Cuba as Category 2 storm Read more "I spoke to my cousin Joan at 11pm (Irish time) last night, who said that the roof seemed to be intact but that water was coming into the house. I also spoke to my goddaughter who lives nearby and she described the situation as 'scary'. "Where we live on the ridge, we don't worry too much about flooding, though the water can get in, but we worry about wind damage to the house. I was worried as I couldn't contact my sister, but her neighbours have a generator and messaged my daughter to let them know all is ok. "I'm watching the ticks on WhatsApp and if I see two grey ones, I get a sense of relief that the message was delivered to loved ones. But some messages have still only one grey tick. "Black River where my daughter went to school has been decimated and I'm very emotional about that but I'm grateful lives have been spared." Microsoft says users of its Azure cloud portal may not be able to access Office 365, Minecraft or other services due to issues with its global content delivery network services. The tech company posted a note to its Azure status page that its teams are currently investigating issues related to its Azure Front Door service and acting to mitigate access problems. Microsoft did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but the company acknowledged the issues on its Azure status page and its social media accounts. Due to a global outage impacting the Microsoft Azure platform where several Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines services are hosted, we are currently experiencing a disruption to key systems, including our websites. For our guests who are unable to check-in online due to the Microsoft Alaska Airlines News (@AlaskaAirNews) October 29, 2025 Because so many sites and services use Microsofts cloud service, an outage like this one can have widespread impact. On Downdetector, a website that tracks online outages, users reported issues with Office 365, Minecraft, X-Box Live, Copilot, Costco, Starbucks, and many other services. Alaska Airlines wrote on its X account that the outage is at the heart of problems affecting its systems, including check-in services. Microsofts Azure troubles came just hours before the company was set to release its quarterly earnings report, and just over a week after a massive outage of Amazons cloud computing service took down a broad range of online services, including social media, gaming, food delivery, streaming and financial platforms. Amazon is the dominant provider of cloud computing services but Microsoft ranks second, ahead of Google, in most markets. Paris police have acknowledged major gaps in the Louvres defences turning this months dazzling daylight theft into a national reckoning over how France protects its treasures. Paris police chief Patrice Faure told Senate legislators that ageing systems and slow-moving fixes left weak seams in the worlds most-visited museum. A technological step has not been taken, he told legislators, noting parts of the video network are even still analogue, producing lower-quality images that are slow to share in real time. Riot police officers patrol as people queue to enter Le Louvre museum in Paris (Christophe Ena/AP) A long-promised revamp a 93 million dollar (70 million) project requiring roughly 60 kilometres (37 miles) of new cabling will not be finished before 20292030, he said. Mr Faure also disclosed that the Louvres authorisation to operate its security cameras quietly expired in July and was not renewed a paperwork lapse that some see as a symbol of broader negligence after thieves forced a window to the Apollo Gallery, cut into cases with power tools and fled with eight pieces of the French crown jewels within minutes while tourists were inside. Advertisement Officers arrived extremely fast, Mr Faure said, but he added the lag occurred earlier in the chain from first detection, to museum security, to the emergency line, to police command. Mr Faure and his team said the first alert to police came not from the Louvres alarms but from a cyclist outside who dialled the emergency line after seeing helmeted men with a basket lift. Officials say two suspects were arrested over the weekend, including one stopped at Charles de Gaulle Airport as he tried to leave France. Under French rules for organised theft, custody can run up to 96 hours; that limit expires late on Wednesday, when prosecutors must charge the suspects, release them, or seek a judges extension. The issue is not a guard at a door; it is speeding the chain of alert Patrice Faure, Paris police chief The Louvre values the eight stolen pieces at about 102 million dollars (77 million). None has been confirmed recovered. The theft has also exposed an insurance blind spot: officials say the jewels were not privately insured. The French state self-insures its national museums, because premiums for covering priceless heritage are astronomically high meaning the Louvre will receive no payout for the loss. The financial blow, like the cultural wound, is total. Mr Faure pushed back on quick fixes. He rejected calls for a permanent police post inside the palace-museum, warning it would set an unworkable precedent and do little against fast, mobile crews. Police officers block an access to the Louvre museum after a robbery in Paris (Thibault Camus/AP) I am firmly opposed, Mr Faure said. The issue is not a guard at a door; it is speeding the chain of alert. Advertisement He urged legislators to authorise tools currently off-limits: AI-based anomaly detection and object tracking (not facial recognition) to flag suspicious movements and follow scooters or gear across city cameras in real time. The October 19 heist was swift and simple. In the morning rush, thieves reached the jewel gallery near streetside windows, cut through reinforced cases and vanished in minutes. Former bank robber David Desclos told The Associated Press the operation was textbook and vulnerabilities were glaringly obvious in the layout of the gallery. Culture minister Rachida Dati, under pressure, has stayed defensive refusing the Louvre directors resignation and insisting alarms worked while acknowledging security gaps did exist. A surveillance camera on a facade of the Louvre museum in Paris (Thibault Camus/AP) She has kept details to a minimum, citing ongoing investigations. The reckoning lands at a museum already under strain. In June, the Louvre shut in a spontaneous staff strike including security agents over unmanageable crowds, chronic understaffing and untenable conditions. Unions say mass tourism and construction pinch points create blind spots, a vulnerability underscored by thieves who rolled a basket lift to the Seine-facing facade and reached a hall displaying the crown jewels. Mr Faure said police will now track surveillance-permit deadlines across institutions to prevent repeats of the July lapse. But he stressed the larger fix is disruptive and slow: ripping out and rebuilding core systems while the palace stays open, and updating the law so police can act on suspicious movement in real time before a scooter disappears into Paris traffic and diamonds into history. Experts fear the stolen pieces may already be broken down and stones recut to erase their past a prospect that adds urgency to Frances debate over how it guards what the world comes to see. The US has informed its Nato allies that it will scale back its troop presence along Europes eastern border with Ukraine as it focuses on security priorities elsewhere in the world, Romanias Defence Ministry said. The US Army later confirmed the move, but denied it was a sign of lessened commitment to Nato. Depending on operations and exercises, around 80,000-100,000 US troops are usually present on European soil. Our strategic partnership is solid, predictable, and reliable Ionut Mosteanu, Romanias defence minister Nato allies have expressed concern that the Trump administration might drastically cut their numbers and leave a security vacuum as European countries confront an increasingly aggressive Russia. The administration has been reviewing its military posture in Europe and elsewhere, but US officials have said that the findings of the review were not expected to be known before early next year. Advertisement Nato has recently been bulking up its defensive posture on its eastern flank bordering Belarus, Russia and Ukraine after a series of airspace violations by drones, balloons and Russian aircraft. The Romanian Defence Ministry said the US decision will stop the rotation in Europe of a brigade that had elements in several Nato countries, including at a base in Romania. It said in a statement that about 1,000 US troops will remain stationed in Romania. As of April, more than 1,700 US military personnel were estimated to be deployed there. A brigade usually numbers anywhere from 1,500 to 3,000 troops. Romanias defence minister Ionut Mosteanu said the decision reflects Washingtons shift toward the Indo-Pacific region, and that allied troop numbers would remain above the number before Russias full-scale invasion of neighbouring Ukraine. Across NATO, Allies like Romania are demonstrating increased capability and responsibility. During 20 plus years as a NATO Ally, Romania has consistently partnered with the United States to meet our common defense objectives. That partnership remains stronger than ever. The pic.twitter.com/2MHl3oDtUe U.S. Ambassador to NATO (@USAmbNATO) October 29, 2025 Our strategic partnership is solid, predictable, and reliable, he said at a news conference. In a post on X, US ambassador to Nato Matthew Whitaker said the US remains committed to Romania. Our strong presence in and enduring commitment to Europe remains steadfast, including support for Eastern Sentry, a Nato operation along the eastern flank, he wrote. Mr Whitaker did not mention the troop drawdown. After the war started in 2022, Nato bolstered its presence on Europes eastern flank by sending additional multinational battle groups to Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria and Slovakia. Many more European troops are now stationed there. The ministry statement said the US decision also took into account the fact that Nato has strengthened its presence and activity on the eastern flank, which allows the United States to adjust its military posture in the region. Advertisement In a statement later on Wednesday, US Army Europe and Africa said that the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division will return to its base in Kentucky as previously planned but that no other US troops would rotate into Europe to replace it. Nato and US authorities are in close contact about our overall posture - to ensure Nato retains our robust capacity to deter and defend Nato official This is not an American withdrawal from Europe or a signal of lessened commitment to Nato and Article 5, it said, in a reference to the collective security guarantee in the organisations treaty that an attack on one ally should be considered an attack on all 32. Rather this is a positive sign of increased European capability and responsibility. Our Nato allies are meeting President Trumps call to take primary responsibility for the conventional defence of Europe, it said. It insisted that the move will not change the security environment in Europe. Government officials in Poland and Lithuania, which lie further north along Europes eastern flank, said they had not been informed of any US troop drawdown in their countries. Asked about the move, a Nato official said that adjustments to US force posture are not unusual. The official said that even with this new adjustment, about which Nato was informed in advance, the American force posture in Europe remains larger than it has been for many years, with many more US forces on the continent than before 2022. The official played down any security concerns, saying that Nato and US authorities are in close contact about our overall posture to ensure Nato retains our robust capacity to deter and defend. Advertisement BusinessCompaniesWall Street Opinion The Godfather has built the first $US5 trillion company. But dangers lurk Dave Lee October 30, 2025 7:45am 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 13 View all comments Just 112 days after becoming the first $US4 trillion company, Nvidia became the first $US5 trillion company. Its worth is more than 8 per cent of the S&P 500, but thats just the start of it the AI boost to the markets is built almost entirely off the back of use cases developed on Nvidia chips. The AI strategies of the biggest tech companies, such as Microsoft, Meta, Amazon.com and others, rest on their ability to hurriedly acquire and deploy Nvidias hardware in their data centres. While some rivals are trying to develop their own alternatives, notes analyst group Wedbush, there is only one chip in the world fuelling this AI Revolution and its Nvidia. Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang has made the company into a Wall Street darling. AP Nvidias chief executive, Jensen Huang, the man they call the Godfather of AI, has spent this week reassuring the world that he is not creating a bubble. On his balance sheet, at least, the money is becoming very real: half a trillion dollars expected in revenue over the next five quarters from bookings for its latest chips. This is quite extraordinary, Huang said of the moment as he sought to emphasise the diversity of businesses Nvidia is powering. These go well beyond the humble chatbot. Its presentations this week have spanned self-driving cars with Uber and Lucid Motors, AI-enhanced cybersecurity with CrowdStrike Holdings; pharmaceutical research with Eli Lilly & Co, and an expansion into the nascent but promising realm of quantum computing. Advertisement The only blip along the way, if it could be called that, was fears in September 2024 about the production delays of its latest chip, Blackwell, which triggered a sharp 13 per cent selloff. Then there was the worry that Chinas DeepSeek would upend US tech sector spending on hardware. It didnt, and those fears are long forgotten. Huang says the company projects it will sell 20 million of its latest chips, more than five times the volume of the previous generation. This doesnt take into account the possibility that talks on Thursday between US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, might pave the way for Nvidias most sophisticated chips to be sold to China. The countrys AI companies are eager for better hardware than what its homegrown chipmakers can offer. Current restrictions, which allow only for the sale of older generations of technology, represent the only meek regulatory constraint on Nvidias unstoppable rise. Nvidia has become the poster child of the AI boom. Bloomberg Few are finding reason to be cautious. Concerns about circular financing, in which Nvidia invests in its own customers, do not appear to have altered investment theses. Nor have they dampened Nvidias appetite for a deal the latest being a $US1 billion ($1.52 billion) investment in Nokia Oyj, announced this week. If Wall Street wanted to look for potential headwinds to Nvidias progress, they would start with its reliance on Taiwan where most of the latest chips are produced or in the lingering (though not yet pressing) risk that regulators scrutinise more closely the lock-in between Nvidias hardware and its proprietary software for AI development. The overly rash reaction to Blackwell production mishaps last year demonstrated how touchy investors are to any sign of turbulence in Nvidias supply chain and logistics. More broadly, Nvidia needs the downstream rollout of AI putting it in the hands of consumers and businesses to start paying off, otherwise the wild capital expenditures might start getting pulled back. Nvidia is relying on others to actually reach the goal of human-level artificial intelligence that will, some say, make all the investment worthwhile. Advertisement Related Article Opinion AI A $760 billion monster has just been unleashed Stephen Bartholomeusz Senior business columnist There was a time when Nvidia was a company responsible for making video games look better. Those carefree days are over. The market cap milestone is a moment for reflection on how one company came to redefine the meaning of big in Big Tech at this moment of seismic change. Beyond being just a big number, what is truly unprecedented in the Nvidia story is how integral its success is to the entire global economy: an industrial revolution in which only one company is seen as capable of building the factories. What made Nvidia into a $US5 trillion company is also what makes it a potential $US5 trillion single point of failure. Bloomberg The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: Wall Street Nvidia AI Opinion Advertisement BusinessCompaniesDefence Well be crushed: Ghost Shark sub-maker warns on need to bolster homegrown defence Chris Zappone October 29, 2025 11:30pm 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 88 View all comments The maker of the Ghost Shark submarine drone has warned that Australia needs to be able to produce its own weapons domestically to deter aggressors, after the Ukraine war sparked a global rush to bolster homegrown defence capabilities. In Ukraine, the mass deployment of low-cost drones has transformed the battlefield, setting off a push by governments to look at defence technology that can be produced more cheaply and on home soil, rather than through the complex supply chains used for most military hardware today. An example of the trend in Australia is the Ghost Shark, an automated submarine that will be produced in a Sydney factory being officially opened this week. The federal government announced in September that it would buy an unspecified number of Australian-designed Ghost Sharks for $1.7 billion from US defence firm Anduril, saying these would boost the navys underwater capabilities. Shane Arnott, the Australian engineer who led the design effort for the cutting-edge Ghost Shark, said Australia risked being left behind in the race to defend itself if it did not develop and produce defence technology more quickly. Advertisement Gone is the time for thinking in small minds, he said. We are in a different world right now, you need big ideas and big thinking. Australia could be crushed by allies and enemies alike: Andurils senior vice president of programs and engineering Shane Arnott. The Age/Chris Zappone [If Australia doesnt accelerate its defence development and production], we will be crushed. Well be crushed by the threat, we will be crushed by our allies. Already, Australia is a net importer of new weapons, primarily from the US. In 2024, Strategic Analysis Australias research head, Marcus Hellyer, estimated that over the past decade or so, around one-third of [defence] acquisition dollars have been spent locally and two-thirds overseas. The 2024-25 Defence budget stands at $55.7 billion, which is slated to rise to about $100 billion by 2033-34 as Canberra prioritises long-range strike capabilities, local resilience and nuclear-powered submarines. Advertisement While Anduril has garnered attention over its nimble manoeuvring through Australias infamously slow defence procurement sector, a wave of innovation is taking over the global defence sector. The change is seen in the areas of drones and counter-drones, spurred by conflict in Ukraine and the Middle East. A 2023 defence review found the 20 biggest acquisitions for the Australian military were on average 25 months behind schedule. The Ghost Shark factory will soon open in Sydney. Janie Barrett Anduril takes a Silicon Valley approach to Ghost Shark, the extra-large autonomous undersea vehicle that can conduct intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and strike operations down to 6000 metres on missions of up to 10 days. Ghost Shark is smaller and quieter than a conventional sub, and so it can conduct deep-sea monitoring of undersea cables, which can be targets for sabotage. It can also do mine laying and strike operations. Importantly, it can take over the dull, dirty and dangerous missions from the crewed submarines, freeing them up to do more complex missions, Arnott said. Advertisement Related Article Aviation Welcome to the era of the affordable cruise missile Before joining Anduril in 2021, Arnott drove Boeing Australias MQ-28 Ghost Bat loyal wingman drone project, an autonomous vehicle designed to fly alongside crewed jets. After attending Melbourne University, Arnott, a native of Wangaratta, joined a CSIRO spin-off, which was later bought by Boeing. There, he became one of the companys youngest technical fellows. The Ghost Shark can do work in more and riskier places especially since high danger of destruction of an uncrewed vessel may be acceptable, wrote Sam Goldsmith of Red Team Research. Maritime choke points, such as straits, are likely locations, but its conceivable that a line of Ghost Sharks might assemble off, say, the north-west coast of Australia and listen for enemy submarines in the open ocean. Unlike traditional defence contractors, Anduril aims to develop its products far more quickly, including testing them in the field and then making changes as needed. Advertisement Josh Copland, Innovation Norways defence program lead for Australia, said he takes Arnotts views with a grain of salt but the gist of it is on point because there is a core problem with the defence procurement process. Local production is paramount: The Ghost Shark. Andy Zakeli Copland is watching Anduril closely because it is challenging the procurement status quo. Copland said Australia cant go through a four- to five-year process before even trialling capabilities. We need to be quicker than that, and you need only to look at Ukraine and the innovation cycle that they go through and the sheer volumes of war stocks that they go through very quickly to understand that thats the new reality of conflict that we would face, Copland said. Limited success Advertisement Michael Shoebridge, director of Strategic Analysis Australia, said that while Anduril has had limited success with the Ghost Shark, the problem of an overly slow defence procurement process which he traces back to the Cold War remains. Related Article Investigation AUKUS Battle stations: The former PM, ministers, and military brass cashing in on Australias defence spending bonanza That Cold War approach to procurement simply has been outpaced by the faster-moving digital approach, and thats why Anduril bringing that faster-moving digital approach from the tech world is a disruptive entity in defence procurement. At the moment, Andurils Ghost Shark is the exception that proves the rule. But the rule is a stately, requirements-heavy, very slow procurement approach to Australias defence, Shoebridge said. Advertisement Shoebridge agrees with Arnotts assessment of the challenge Australia faces, but until the processes are changed and the mindset of the senior officials changes, it doesnt matter what companies are able to do. Given a destabilising security situation in the Indo-Pacific, Chinese ships circumnavigating Australia and conducting live-fire exercises, the use case for uncrewed stealth sub appears good. One US-based defence engineer who is familiar with Andurils products said the companys strength is getting to minimal viable product quickly and then marketing the hell out of it. A third of the estimated $386 billion cost of AUKUS is to account for the risk of cost blowouts, according to The Guardian. Chris Zappone travelled to Anduril as a guest of the company. Advertisement BusinessCompaniesGovernance Whites grip on WiseTech on shaky ground after police raid David Swan and Colin Kruger October 29, 2025 2:52pm 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 Pressure is mounting on WiseTech Global founder Richard White to step aside permanently following a dramatic raid this week by federal police and the corporate regulator as investors and governance experts warn the executive chairmans grip on power has become untenable. Prompted by this mastheads revelations in February that White possibly engaged in insider trading a potential criminal offence which can attract a 15-year jail term search warrants were executed at the global logistic giants Alexandria headquarters on Monday. The AFP and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission were hunting for documents related to alleged improper share trading by White and three employees during late 2024 and early 2025. WiseTech founder Richard White has faced a wave of allegations. Natalie Boog WiseTech informed the market of the raid on Tuesday and investor reaction was brutal: WiseTechs shares crashed 15.9 per cent to $71.52, wiping out $4.5 billion in shareholder value and erasing $1.1 billion from Whites personal fortune. Advertisement Morningstar analyst Roy Van Keulen warned that Whites departure could wipe up to 20 per cent from the investment firms valuation of WiseTech, which sits at $138 a share, equating to a $46 billion market capitalisation. We think its likely that both the rate of growth and the ultimate progression of the business would shrink, he said. But the market seems to have more than priced in this risk; the group is worth just $24.1 billion on the ASX. Related Article Opinion Richard White Tech billionaire Richard Whites nine lives are starting to run out Elizabeth Knight Business columnist White allegedly offloaded more than $200 million worth of WiseTech shares between December 31 and February 14 while working as a consultant to the company, selling between 23,500 and 125,000 shares almost daily at prices above $120. The sales occurred during formal blackout periods when senior executives are prohibited from trading their companys shares ahead of financial results. Advertisement A spokeswoman for White said at the time that he had obtained independent legal advice prior to undertaking the share trades. Major investor HESTA has led calls for WiseTech boards to chart a clear path beyond Whites leadership. WiseTech has been on HESTAs watch-list since May 2025. This weeks developments are extremely concerning and highlight the need for strong, long-term succession planning, HESTA chief executive Debby Blakey said. Debby Blakey, chief executive of HESTA Super Fund, raised concerns about the conduct of Richard White. Oscar Colman We will seek further information from the company, including how WiseTech will manage Richard Whites role given these latest developments. Advertisement WiseTech remains on our watch-list due to governance, leadership and culture concerns. ACSI, which represents investors managing more than $1 trillion in funds, was also critical of WiseTechs ongoing governance issues. WiseTech continues to fall short of the governance standards investors expect from listed companies, ACSI executive manager Ed John said. The ongoing governance issues at WiseTech have had a significant impact on company value and investor trust. The board has significant work ahead to restore that trust. This weeks developments are extremely concerning and highlight the need for strong, long-term succession planning. HESTA chief executive Debby Blakey Advertisement Australias largest superannuation fund, AustralianSuper, had already voted with its feet in March, dumping its entire $580 million stake in the company after nine years. Helen Bird, a leading corporate governance expert at Swinburne Law School, said the situation around the AFP raids and Whites share trades exposed fundamental weaknesses in how WiseTech had approached leadership transition. The board appointed Zubin Appoo as chief executive in July 2025, but White remains executive chairman with significant influence over strategy and product development. White still holds 34.55 per cent of WiseTech, worth about $10 billion, giving him effective control despite the mounting controversies. This has been an ongoing issue, Bird said, noting the company appeared to lack any considered plan for moving beyond its 70-year-old co-founder. There isnt a sense that this has been done with consideration of the long-term future. This is a real issue going forward, both in terms of his executive role, plus also in relation to the board itself. Advertisement Whats allowed White to stay in the position is the support of significant investors, who have always pointed to the stock price and said were doing well, but lately thats going downhill too, so Id expect some of that loyalty to be tested. Bird noted that if Whites share dealings under investigation were deemed insider trades, ASICs track record in insider trading prosecutions should give him serious pause. WiseTech founder and executive chairman Richard White and WiseTech chief executive Zubin Appoo. WiseTech They have a particularly high degree of success in insider trading areas of enforcement, she said, adding that if ASIC proceeds with litigation, you would definitely see a lot of pressure brought to bear on him. Since 2011, ASIC has achieved a conviction rate exceeding 85 per cent in criminal insider trading cases. For some investors and analysts, Tuesdays raid represented a tipping point in a governance saga that has plagued WiseTech for more than a year. White stepped down as chief executive in October 2024 following revelations in this masthead about his personal conduct, including allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards women and a $2 million settlement with a former partner. Advertisement When four independent directors resigned in February 2025 over intractable differences regarding Whites ongoing influence, he promptly returned to the board as executive chairman. Despite Tuesdays carnage, most analysts have held their nerve on WiseTechs fundamental business strength. Macquarie maintained its neutral rating with a $108.50 price target, suggesting Tuesdays sell-off could present a buying opportunity for investors with a longer time horizon, though the brokerage cautioned investigations can drag on for 18 months. Ord Minnett kept its buy rating with a $123 target, implying 72 per cent upside. Related Article Updated AFP $4b wipe-out: WiseTech shares plunge after Richard Whites headquarters raided Advisory group Jarden, which had already downgraded WiseTech to underweight from neutral on Monday in a note headlined Compounding problems, slashed its target price to $73 from $82. The broker warned that the current ASIC AFP investigation has the potential to distract management from operations, driving downside risk to the companys profit forecasts. Jarden outlined what WiseTech must do to rebuild investor confidence: provide quantifiable operating targets, deliver meaningful key performance indicators that can be independently verified, communicate clearly and concisely with the market, and most critically provide the market with a clear succession plan, in time, for founder Richard White. Advertisement WiseTech was contacted for comment. The succession question will become particularly acute at the companys annual general meeting scheduled on November 21, when shareholders will have the opportunity to express their dissatisfaction through votes on director elections and remuneration. Bird said this fundamental issue transcended any individual controversy. The critical word is succession, she said. What often happens in tech and pharmaceutical companies is you have a very successful, very charismatic founder. There is a certain point in the evolution of the business where you need to have a better management structure, governance structure, and plans for the future, so it becomes less dependent on the individual. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning. It remains one of the most significant moments in radio history - and it might have accidentally been the first-ever example of fake news. On October 30, 1938, Orson Welles live radio adaption of H.G Wells classic novel War of the Worlds led some US listeners to believe aliens really were invading. Orson Welles. Fairfax Media In an era where radio was in its golden age, and one of the primary sources of news in America, Welles further blurred the line between fiction and reality through stylistic choices: He changed the setting from England to New Jersey, and converted the novel into a series of increasingly anxious radio news bulletins that kept interrupting an orchestra broadcast. The result? Some listeners panicked, calling the police, local newspapers and radio stations desperate for more information. The Age, November 2, 1938. Archives Reporting on the incident a few days later, The Age wrote, Never in the history of the United States had such a wave of terror and panic swept the continent. The Age noted all day, news items came in adding in more utterly fantastic details to the already seemingly overly-fantastic story of reaction. These included two persons [dying] of a heart attack and an elderly lady in Utah - upon hearing it was just a radio play - remarking she was glad it had made so many people pray. It has since been suggested media reports of widespread hysteria were exaggerated. The whole saga was anything but fatal for Welles career, however, earning him a national notoriety. Just three years later he made his feature film debut in one of the greatest films of all time, Citizen Kane. While the first word to leave the lips of Welles character in the film, Charles Foster Kane, is the iconic Rosebud, the next time Kane speaks, he says this: Dont believe everything you hear on the radio. Advertisement NationalVictoriaEasey Street case DNA from accused Easey Street killers old car links him to 1977 murders Erin Pearson Updated October 29, 2025 5:28pm ,first published October 29, 2025 1:37pm 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 Accused Easey Street killer Perry Kouroumblis was linked to the decades-old cold case by a DNA sample taken from a car he owned when he left Australia for Greece in 2017. Kouroumblis faced Melbourne Magistrates Court in person on Wednesday for the first day of a committal hearing, where evidence against him is being tested for the first time. Susan Bartlett (top) and Suzanne Armstrong were killed in their Easey Street, Collingwood, home in 1977. Stephen Kiprillis Police say DNA tested in 2018 linked Kouroumblis to the murder of two women in Collingwood in 1977, eventually leading to his arrest last year. His lawyers attempted to keep details of the alleged DNA evidence against him suppressed but were unsuccessful after a fight from media outlets, including this masthead. Advertisement Defence barrister Dermot Dann argued the DNA evidence was so explosive that it could remain in the minds of potential future jurors even if it was excluded as part of the court process. A court sketch of Perry Kouroumblis. Anita Lester He said his client would plead not guilty and wanted to explore the possibility that any DNA samples collected may have been degraded or contaminated over the 50 years since the women were killed. Kouroumblis is charged with two counts of murder and one count of rape. Crown prosecutor Zubin Menon said police allege that between January 10 and January 13, 1977, Kouroumblis entered the home of Suzanne Armstrong, 27, and Susan Bartlett, 28. Advertisement While in the house, he allegedly murdered the women by stabbing them repeatedly with a knife. He also allegedly raped Armstrong. Bartlett was a teacher at Collingwood High School and Armstrong the mother of an 18-month-old boy. Perry Kouroumblis is charged with murdering two women on Easey Street, Collingwood, in 1977. The court heard that after attempts to contact the women, three friends and neighbours went to the house to check on them between the night of January 11 and morning of January 13. Janet Powell, who lived next door to Bartlett and Armstrong, found the two womens dog in her front yard about 5pm on January 11. When she knocked on their door, there was no answer. Advertisement She later knocked eight different times before leaving a note about 11.30pm with her housemate, Ilona Stevens, on the front door. She recalled hearing the phone inside ringing many times. On January 13, Powell recalled hearing Armstrongs child crying through the shared wall of their two properties, prompting her and Stevens to run into the home fearing something was wrong. She found the toddler distressed in his room. He was like a little koala bear hanging on, Powell told the magistrate. Thats when Ilona called out and said dont come any further. Advertisement The court heard a crime scene examination found Bartlett laying face down near the front door of the home. Armstrong was found face up in a pool of blood with her nightgown pulled up over her chest. Perry Kouroumblis, a 65-year-old dual citizen of Australia and Greece, was arrested in Italy. A post-mortem found Armstrong had 29 stab wounds, including some that showed penetration of her liver and heart. Bartlett was found with 55 stab wounds, including into her stomach and liver. Barry John Woodard, now aged 80, had been set up on a blind date with Armstrong in the days before her murder. Advertisement The court heard that after dropping her home after their date, he had tried to call but she didnt answer. It prompted him and his brother to visit the Easey Street home on January 12, when they walked to the back of the property and inside through on open kitchen door. But when no one responded, they placed a note on the kitchen table and left, maintaining they never saw the womens bodies. They blamed me all the time, but it wasnt me I tell you now, Woodard said. I wouldnt have the guts enough to do that, God almighty. Advertisement Menon said that on January 14, police spoke with Kouroumblis on nearby Hotham Street, and a knife was found in the boot of his car. The court heard Kouroumblis told police he found it outside the Victoria Park railway station, but told his brother and a friend that he stole it. Menon said Kouroumblis had lived 230 metres away from the women, on Bendigo Street, with his parents and brothers. Sperm samples were found on Armstrong and semen samples on the carpet under her, Menon said. Advertisement Decades later, further testing and investigations took place. In June 2018, Menon said Kouroumblis brother, Antonios, gave police a sample of his DNA in his brothers absence. Police also seized a tissue sample from inside a car the accused had owned and a DNA profile was obtained. The prosecution alleges DNA taken from vaginal swabs was highly likely to belong to Kouroumblis. Testing on a bloodied towel and wall scrapings returned a similar result. Advertisement Kouroumblis was excluded from being linked to a sperm sample found on bedsheets. There was also insufficient evidence to forensically link the accused to the knife, the court heard. DNA samples also allegedly linked Kouroumblis to fingernail scraping samples taken from Armstrong. The prosecutor said Kouroumblis initially agreed to provide a voluntary DNA sample in January 2017 but left for Greece without providing DNA. He was arrested in September 2024 when he travelled to Rome and extradited to Australia. Kouroumblis, who maintains his innocence, appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court in person, dressed in a suit and tie. Advertisement The committal hearings will be held across October and November following the late addition of defence barrister Dermot Dann to the case. On Wednesday, Dann said a key part of the defence teams case would examine any evidence of alternative suspects in 1977. Possible degradation and contamination of DNA samples also needed to be explored, he said. Dann said he may ask that the rape charge be thrown out at the end of the committal. The hearing continues. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. To date, the tour has helped place nearly 22,000 pets into new homes nationwide. AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pet King Brands, an industry leader of veterinarian-recommended enzymatic pet health care and creator of the award-winning ZYMOX and Oratene, proudly supported the 17th Annual "Get Your Licks on Route 66 Pet Adoption Tour" hosted by FIDO Friendly Magazine. With the support of Pet King Brands, the multi-city event once again proved a success, helping 1,286 pets find loving forever homes across the country. ZYMOX Helps Over 1,200 Pets Find Forever Homes During 17th Annual Get Your Licks on Route 66 Pet Adoption Tour. Kicking off in August, the 2025 "Get Your Licks on Route 66" tour made stops at nine shelters along the historic Route 66 corridor, from Los Angeles, Sedona and Albuquerque to Tulsa, Springfield, Omaha and more, connecting communities through the shared mission of animal adoption and welfare. "This is something we could never do without the support of ZYMOX year after year," said Susan Sims, Publisher Fido Friendly Magazine and host of the tour. "Their on-going commitment to helping animals and shelter organizations nationwide is not only inspiring, but truly impactful." Each tour stop featured local shelters, community events and opportunities for attendees to meet and take home their new best friend (together with free pet products provided by ZYMOX). "This tour has an incredible mission, and we're proud to be part of it," said Debra Decker, Director of Marketing at Pet King Brands. "Caring for pets in need is at the heart of our company's mission, and we're honored to once again support this life-changing initiative." To learn more about the tour, visit www.fidofriendly.com and click on the Route 66 badge. For product information, visit www.zymox.com. About Pet King Brands Pet King Brands, proud sponsors of The Westminster Kennel Club's 149th Dog Show and makers of ZYMOX Ear and Skin, Oratene Brushless Oral Care, Equine Defense, and ZYLAFEN products, is a leader in veterinarian-approved pet products made in the USA. Focused on the health and wellness of small and large animals of all ages, the products utilize the power of the LP3 Enzyme System and have been resolving ear, skin and oral conditions for over 25 years. Led by President and Founder Pamela Bosco, with the help of her bioscientist brother, Michael Pellico, Pet King Brands has revolutionized the way people care for animals' ears, skin and mouths, offering solutions that are gentle, easy to administer and free of harsh chemicals and antibiotics. About FIDO Friendly Founded in 2001, FIDO Friendly is the leading Travel & Lifestyle Magazine for dog lovers. Published 3x per year, each issue highlights destinations, lodging, and activities where pets are welcome, as well as the latest in pet health, wellness, and adoption. Learn more at www.fidofriendly.com. SOURCE Pet King Brands Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Save this article for later Remove items from your saved list to add more. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. A Perth man has pleaded not guilty allegedly organising for three men to kill his father-in-law in India. Maddington man Shiv Sheetal, 42, has been charged with attempted murder. He appeared in the Supreme Court of Western Australia on Wednesday. Shiv Sheetal was arrested and charged with the attempted murder of his father-in-law. Facebook Sheetal was arrested by WA Police after detectives were contacted by Indian authorities who were investigating an attack on his father-in-law in Kahlon Village, Punjab India. Police allege the 65-year-old man had previously received death threats before he was attacked with a machete and then shot in the back by a group of men in February last year. Advertisement Updated PoliticsFederalPolitical leadership Ley doubles down on Joy Division T-shirt attack as Coalition MPs back away Brittany Busch Updated October 29, 2025 2:41pm ,first published October 29, 2025 12:14pm 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 Opposition Leader Sussan Ley refused to retract her demand for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to apologise over his Joy Division t-shirt. Several Coalition MPs publicly distanced themselves from Leys claims or dodged questions about her remarks. Scott Morrisons former chief political tactician Yaron Finkelstein said Jewish Australians were not upset by the shirt. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has refused to back down from her call for the prime minister to apologise for wearing a Joy Division band T-shirt, despite Coalition MPs distancing themselves from comments that have stolen attention from their policy messages. Ley launched the attack in a speech to parliament on Tuesday, criticising Anthony Albaneses decision to wear merchandise from an acclaimed 1970s band that took its name from a term for the sexual slavery wing of a concentration camp as inappropriate in a context of rising antisemitism. Loading After Nationals senators Bridget McKenzie and Matt Canavan said they did not care about what T-shirt the Albanese wore and others refused to back Leys criticism, the opposition leader declared she was right to raise the issue on Wednesday. I dont take a backward step on my comments, and I dont know that people realise that the prime minister, in wearing the T-shirt, was well aware of the dark history behind the words on the T-shirt, Ley said. Ill leave it at that. Advertisement Coalition industrial relations spokesman Tim Wilson had held a press conference on Wednesday about allegations that building firms had paid fixers to secure peace with the scandal-ridden CFMEU, but was repeatedly questioned about Leys judgment. The member for Goldstein an electorate with one of the highest Jewish populations in the country said none of his constituents had raised the issue with him, though he hadnt read all of his emails. Opposition Leader Sussan Leys decision to attack the prime minister for wearing a band T-shirt has become a distraction for the Coalition. Alex Ellinghausen The key issue that Ive been focused on this week has been the egregious issues of corruption in the CFMEU, Wilson said. The MP had called a press conference to criticise Labor and the Greens for blocking an inquiry into the administration of the CFMEU, but Wilson ended it abruptly after questions continued about Leys comments. Advertisement Albanese wore his Joy Division shirt last week while disembarking a plane on his overseas trip. It generated minimal reaction before fermenting in right-wing online circles in the days before Leys broadside. Related Article Updated Political leadership Ley attacks PMs Joy Division shirt over antisemitic connotations Leys deputy, Ted OBrien, avoided backing Ley on Wednesday, saying he was not the right person to ask about fashion. Im not going to continue to take multiple questions about T-shirts, he told reporters in Canberra. Canavan and McKenzie both dismissed questions on the issue, redirecting to the cost of living and claims of government inaction on antisemitism. Advertisement I dont really care what shirt he wears. I really dont, Canavan told Today, in remarks echoed by McKenzie on Sunrise. I do care how hes doing it for the country, and I dont think a lot of joy is being felt by Australians right now. The government is yet to implement many of the recommendations from a report delivered by the envoy against antisemitism, Jillian Segal, in July. Ley was criticised by some in her own party for her political judgment last week when she called for Kevin Rudd to be recalled as US ambassador after old social media posts where he criticised Donald Trump were raised in front of the president. Liberal backbencher Jane Hume, who Ley dumped from the Coalition frontbench after her performance during the election campaign, labelled the criticism of Rudd churlish, after which Ley shied away from her demand that he be sacked. On Wednesday, Hume told Sky News it may have been in bad taste for the prime minister to wear the shirt, but no one had raised it as an issue with her. Advertisement I think wearing a T-shirt with a band name on it is a bit naff anyway, but I dont like to tell people what it is that they should and shouldnt wear, she said. Related Article Analysis Pop culture Joy Division explained: Nazis, punk and that Anthony Albanese T-shirt Scott Morrisons former chief political strategist, Yaron Finkelstein, said the attack over the band name was a lost opportunity to cast the prime minister as a man who tried too hard to project an image of himself as a music lover. Are Jewish Australians upset by [the shirt]? No, said Finkelstein. Cool Jewish Australians who like Joy Divisions music probably have a moment of internal conflict [over the name], he said. But he noted that there were different explanations for why the band picked it. Lets all settle down, Finkelstein, who is Jewish, said. Advertisement Opposition defence spokesman Angus Taylor, who unsuccessfully challenged Ley for the partys leadership following the election, called the prime minister tone-deaf and dismissed suggestions Leys leadership was in trouble. Liberal frontbencher, Julian Leeser, who is Jewish, called on the prime minister to apologise on Wednesday. With Nick Newling Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter. Advertisement PoliticsFederalAbortion Hastie, Joyce ignite late-term abortion fight over paid leave for stillbirth law Natassia Chrysanthos October 29, 2025 6:13pm 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 Four Coalition MPs have renewed a debate over late-term abortions in federal parliament, raising concern that laws guaranteeing paid leave for parents of stillborn children will be used by mothers whose pregnancies are terminated. Outspoken MPs Andrew Hastie and Barnaby Joyce aired the issue during debate over Baby Priyas Bill a proposed amendment to existing laws that would ensure employers cant cancel paid parental leave because a child is stillborn or dies. Coalition MPs Barnaby Joyce and Andrew Hastie voted against the amendment, saying it could include late-term abortions. Alex Ellinghausen Coalition employment spokesman Tim Wilson had on Tuesday said the opposition was supporting the amendment because it recognised the need for clear and compassionate arrangements for when families lost a baby. I am proud to support this reform and it is an important step to ensure compassion and dignity are afforded to grieving parents, Wilson said. That is a legacy of love and it is a gift to the whole Australian community. Advertisement But the MPs, who also included Tony Pasin and Henry Pike, raised concerns that the governments eligibility criteria included situations where there had been a medical abortion and a qualified practitioner confirmed the definition of a stillborn child was met. Pasin, a conservative MP from South Australia, said it was clear in the title of the leave. Paid parental leave ... It should be available to people who wish to be parents, but for the grace of God, have not become parents through that incident or outcome, he said. But it shouldnt be available to people who dont wish to be parents. Health Minister Mark Butler said the debate caused distress in the community. To try to conflate the two things is, I think, a very cynical, deeply distressing political exercise, he said on the ABCs Afternoon Briefing program. Advertisement I havent heard a Coalition woman go into the chamber and make these arguments weve heard from Andrew Hastie and Barnaby Joyce and others. Its all the men on the right wing of the Liberal and the National Party and I just say to them: enough, just stop it. Related Article Abortion Why is Australia debating late-term abortions? Abortions late in pregnancy are rare doctors say fewer than 1 per cent of terminations happen after 20 weeks and they typically only happen for serious medical reasons. These include genetic syndromes, late-diagnosed major fetal abnormalities, severe growth restrictions, or situations where continuing the pregnancy would severely harm the mothers mental or physical health. But late-term abortions have become a flashpoint in political debates over reproductive rights in the United States and Australia. Advertisement These were debated in the South Australian parliament and Queensland state election last year, which led then-opposition leader Peter Dutton to warn federal Coalition MPs against talking about the issue because it would cost votes. The four Coalition MPs this week said they supported the intent of Baby Priyas Bill but argued it should not apply to terminations. Hastie said parliament was a place to express views of conscience, as he raised his reservations with the bills unintended consequences. I note the sensitivity around this, but I do call upon the government to clarify that [Baby Priyas Bill] does not apply to late-term abortions, he said. Its no secret that Im opposed to late-term abortions, Hastie said. Joyce said the MPs had concerns because it appeared that late-term abortions were encompassed in this. Advertisement I think we can have people born at 22 to 23 weeks and these people survive ... We believe we have a duty of care to stand in this parliament and stand up for those rights. One Nation Senator Pauline Hanson has previously accused the Albanese government of funding the murder of healthy babies where Australian women can terminate a pregnancy up to the day before birth and access to paid parental leave of up to $22,754. Conservative campaigners give the impression that fetuses terminated late in pregnancy are often viable, and call them children born alive. However, doctors say that fetuses will be classified as live births if they exit the mothers body with any sign of life such as a limb twitch or pulsation of the umbilical cord but this doesnt mean they could survive outside the uterus. Employment Minister Amanda Rishworth said the bill had used existing definitions in the Fair Work Act and the Paid Parental Leave Act 2010 so there was clarity and consistency about eligibility. Advertisement Under those laws, a child is considered stillborn if they weigh at least 400 grams at delivery or were carried to at least 20 weeks; they have not breathed since delivery; and their heart has not beaten since delivery. Related Article Opinion Abortion Abortion is decriminalised Australia-wide. Why the hell are we debating it again? Jacqueline Maley Columnist and senior journalist According to a letter written on behalf of Womens Minister Katy Gallagher earlier this year which was cited as one of Joyces concerns this can include circumstances where the stillbirth was due to a medical termination, including an intentional abortion, provided the child has been certified by a qualified medical practitioner as having been delivered and the definition of a stillborn child is met. Rishworth said the bill had not created any new entitlements to parental leave. This bill only applies where there is a lack of clarity on what will happen to an employees leave if a child is stillborn or dies after birth, she said. Advertisement We are deeply disappointed that a very small minority have tried to hijack this bill and pretend its about something that its not. What this bill is about is giving certainty to grieving parents at the most difficult time of their life. It is a critical piece of legislation that should receive the support of the parliament. Current laws give parents of stillborn children access to government-funded parental leave, but there had been no requirement that employers do the same. The Senate is yet to vote on the bill. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter. Advertisement Analysis PoliticsFederalPolitical leadership Joy Division attack is Sussan Leys knights-and-dames moment James Massola October 29, 2025 4:32pm 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 brouhaha about Anthony Albaneses Joy Division T-shirt might just be the silliest moment in Australian politics since Tony Abbott brought back knights and dames in 2014. For years, Sussan Ley has leaned into her days as a punk. Its part of her rich backstory, which also includes stints as a farmer, a pilot, a shearers cook and an Australian tax office official before she entered politics. Get a grip, Sussan. Alex Ellinghausen Whatever happened to that worldly, punky version of Ley? It wasnt on show when Ley criticised Albaneses decision to wear a shirt featuring the post-punk, late 70s band Joy Division when he disembarked the prime ministerial plane after a successful meeting with Donald Trump last week. Advertisement She claimed the shirt had antisemitic connotations because the band took the name Joy Division from a term for sexual slavery brothels inside Nazi concentration camps. The shirt, she said, was insensitive to Jewish Australians at a time of rising antisemitism, and the prime minister should apologise for wearing it. Related Article Updated Political leadership Ley doubles down on Joy Division T-shirt attack as Coalition MPs back away Never mind that biographies of the band have examined its members deep sympathy for the 6 million Jews who suffered and died through the Holocaust, and that one of the remaining band members has said they would not have chosen the name, selected as part of their fascination with the macabre, today. Albanese, representing Australia in Malaysia at the ASEAN summit, wasnt even in parliament when Ley launched her attack over the shirt. But her comments opened the door to semi-serious questions, such as: Whether she was ever a fan of the punk band the Sex Pistols, who slammed the British monarchy as fascist? Did she ever listen to the Dead Kennedys? Advertisement In other words, overall, does she still believe in free speech? Leys office declined to comment. Her decision to criticise Albaneses shirt matters because it has caused a growing number of Coalition MPs to privately question their leaders judgment, just as many questioned Abbotts after he unilaterally revived the anachronistic awards system. On the same day Ley raised the issue in parliament five days after the PM wore the shirt the parent company of the Tomago aluminium smelter in NSW had warned it could shut because of rising power prices. Thats a serious issue that could cost jobs and a political gift to the opposition, who have been warning for years about power price rises under Labor. So too is the governments response to serious antisemitic attacks such as street harassment and firebombings. Months on from special envoy to combat antisemitism Jillian Segal releasing a report on the issue, the government has not formally implemented or rejected many of her ideas. Advertisement The opposition did focus on the smelter issue in question time, to be fair. But Leys shirtfronting of the absent prime minister, which echoed commentary on Sky News the night before, dominated the day, rather than Tomago. Oppositions only get so much airtime in the daily media cycle. Ley and her experienced team know this. Last week, the opposition leader ended up with egg on her face after she called for ambassador Kevin Rudd to be sacked after that wildly successful meeting with Trump. It was a ridiculous suggestion that colleagues were soon distancing themselves from. It was the same again on Tuesday, as opposition frontbench MPs including Ted OBrien, Bridget McKenzie, Tim Wilson and Angus Taylor were peppered with questions about whether they agreed with their leaders T-shirt comments, rather than the issues of the day. For the second week running, Ley and her team made the wrong call. And for a second week in a row, her colleagues either distanced themselves from her comments or struggled to defend them. Advertisement Related Article Analysis Pop culture Joy Division explained: Nazis, punk and that Anthony Albanese T-shirt For an opposition leader who is cratering in the polls and who has lost two talented, albeit rebellious, frontbenchers in the past two months, thats a problem. Peter Dutton held the Coalition party together for three years with few outbreaks of disunity or policy rebellions, but it came at the cost of the opposition having a proper internal policy debate. Ley wants that debate and is reviewing all the partys policies, but that has a cost too the opposition doesnt stand for much of anything at the moment and MPs are frustrated about not having more to talk about. It has also opened the door to rebellion. The opposition leader was once a co-convener of the Parliamentary Friends of Palestine group. She is now a firm ally of Israel. She believes that Australia must remain committed to net zero but struggles to say it, aware of how divisive the issue is in the Coalition. Advertisement The opposition leader has a credibility gap on these and other questions, and an authenticity problem too. And if there was ever a guiding or unifying philosophy for punk music, it was about being authentic. Ley would do well to remember that. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter. Advertisement Updated PoliticsQueenslandHigh school Board under fire as nine schools taught wrong history topic Felicity Caldwell and Catherine Strohfeldt October 29, 2025 10:05am 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 About 140 students, across nine schools, were learning about the Roman emperor Augustus instead of Julius Caesar before their external exams this week, as Queenslands education minister blamed the debacle on the public authority in charge of testing. Of the nine schools, Brisbane State High was the first to be identified as teaching two classes of year 12 ancient history students the incorrect content. Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek told media on Wednesday morning he acknowledged the error, uncovered days before the test that afternoon, would be extremely traumatic for students. Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek: I would not expect any student to do an exam after theyve received lectures or information about something that theyve had two days notice for. Dominic Lorrimer He said an investigation would be done, noting that communication between the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) and schools had obviously been not carried out appropriately. Advertisement The minister said the QCAA would be appropriately resourced in the future to make sure the issue was not repeated. The schools affected are: Brisbane State High School Flagstone State Community College Meridan State College Redcliffe State High School Yeronga State High School St Teresas Catholic College at Noosaville West Moreton Anglican College James Nash State High School Kuranda District State College Langbroek said it had not happened in any other subject. He said he accepted there was no way as a senior student that he would be expected to learn a semesters worth of work in a couple of days. Advertisement What weve done is tried to make sure that we identify which schools are affected ... and then provide the reassurance that senior students will need, he said. Related Article Opinion History Two emperors. Pick the one in todays exam in Queensland Alison Bedford Lecturer in history education I would not expect any student to do an exam after theyve received lectures or information about something that theyve had two days notice for. He said students previous assessment results would be scaled up to account for the bungle on the ancient history exam. When asked whether the assessment would therefore be cancelled, he said he wasnt sure. Advertisement The ministers office said the individual affected schools were given the final say on whether their students would sit the exam. If the students performed better on their exams than the result calculated by the QCAA, they would be allowed to take the higher result. Im very unhappy about the situation developing as it has and for the stress that it will have caused for everyone, Langbroek said. The education minister said he would look into reports the department was previously warned about students learning the incorrect topic at Rochedale State High School. This masthead exclusively revealed students at the school were taught the incorrect topic for weeks, before the issue was realised two months ago. Advertisement Related Article Exclusive Education State High students werent the first to learn wrong history exam topic A parent was unhappy with the schools response to the issue, and contacted the director of the Education Departments Metropolitan South Region in August. The department did not respond until mid-October and told the parent to deal with the schools principal. The mistake was not considered on a wider scale and no warning was sent to other schools. Langbroek was asked whether he was concerned the department had not taken further action after receiving the email from the Rochedale parent. Advertisement He said that was a hypothetical question and one he could not answer. Thats something youve just put to me right now, he said. Im happy to investigate that particular issue. The department is yet to respond to questions from this masthead about why all schools were not asked to check if they were teaching the correct ancient history topic when the issue was uncovered at Rochedale. Thats something you put to me just now, Im happy to investigate that particular issue, Langbroek said on Wednesday morning. The minister said the department received hundreds or thousands of complaints about different issues in schools, and the advice given to families was to speak to relevant principals and authorities. Advertisement He added he would look at the make-up of the QCAA board, which has already had some changes over the last six months and since we came to government over the last year. He noted communication issues in the past, especially around the time of the ex-tropical cyclone Alfred. Ill be making sure that the make-up of the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority is [appropriate] for the future. Langbroek said he wanted to see all of their communications guidelines, including the schools and about processes in which they change the curriculum, the way that they communicate that to schools. Experienced academic Doune Macdonald has been the QCAAs acting chair, and Claude Jones the acting chief executive, since the previous chair, Carol Nicoll and previous chief executive, Jacqueline Wilton, both resigned on the same day in June. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement PoliticsVictoriaHealthcare A 2am sitting, tears and dim sims: Assisted dying reform passes lower house Rachel Eddie and Kieran Rooney October 29, 2025 8:22pm 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 112 View all comments Voluntary assisted dying reform has passed the lower house of the Victorian Parliament to applause and embrace. Labor and the Coalition both granted their members a conscience vote. It gave MPs the rare chance to offer and the public a rare chance to see thoughtful contributions and personal stories that have informed their positions. Family members or friends they watched die painfully, who have starved themselves, or who have taken the power away from their illness to choose to die on their own terms. Constituents they have sat down with. Many were brought to tears. Labor MP Emma Vulin, between Labor MPs Jordan Crugnale and Belinda Wilson, spoke about living with MND during debate about voluntary assisted dying amendments. Joe Armao As the first Australian jurisdiction to legislate assisted dying in 2017, Victorias framework has more onerous restrictions than other states that followed. The bill sought to bring Victoria into line with them, allowing doctors to initiate conversations about voluntary assisted dying and to extend access to patients with 12 months to live. Advertisement It will now move to the upper house, where it faces a much narrower path to pass. Related Article Exclusive Illness Debate over assisted dying reforms reopens old Labor wounds Lower house MPs sat in the chamber until 2.07am on Wednesday fuelled by hot chips and dimmies (dim sims) and returned by 9.30am for another sitting day. Speaker Maree Edwards was bewildered by the restless chamber when question time came around in the afternoon. I remind the house that I have also had very little sleep. Many of the speeches mentioned seeing the best of parliament. Former Opposition leader John Pesutto said: I have to confess to being overwhelmed by a sense of great empathy for those opposite when I am listening, something that we are not always used to in the hustle and bustle of the debates we have ... But it is something that I hope all Victorians can look at with great pride to see the parliament operating in this fashion. Advertisement They thanked Jill Hennessy, the former health minister who championed the historic reform through parliament in 2017. While you might not agree with the bill itself, we would all like to think that we could make a real impact on public life, Labor MP Mathew Hilakari told the chamber late on Tuesday. That is a real credit to her the impact that she has made on public life. Opposition Leader Brad Battin, hugging Labors Emma Vulin after the vote passed, said his views about assisted dying were changed by personal experience. Joe Armao Mostly, they thanked Emma Vulin, a Labor MP with motor neurone disease who was brought to tears on Tuesday when she spoke to parliament through text-to-speech technology. I may one day choose voluntary assisted dying, she said. It is not about giving up; it is about retaining agency over the most personal decision any person can ever make: how they leave this world. Advertisement I do not know how my journey with MND will end, but I do know this: the knowledge that I may have voluntary assisted dying as an option gives me strength. It allows me to live with more peace, to focus on the moments that matter and to spare my loved ones from witnessing my prolonged suffering, which serves no purpose. It was almost 8.30pm on Wednesday by the time they voted to support the bill, 67 to 13, to applause. I do not know how my journey with MND will end, but I do know this: the knowledge that I may have voluntary assisted dying as an option gives me strength. Labor MP Emma Vulin Vulin and Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas took turns hugging their colleagues, from both sides of the chamber. At least a dozen Coalition MPs supported the bill while five Labor MPs crossed the floor to vote against it, including Anthony Carbines and Natalie Suleyman. Advertisement Many Coalition MPs had spoken about how their minds had changed since voting against assisted dying eight years ago. Opposition Leader Brad Battin has since seen his best friends wife die of cancer. He also watched his groomsmans father choose assisted dying after a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. I agree with the premier. Because it is about people, it is not about politics, Battin said. Overall my position has changed on the facts of what I have done and what I have seen. About 1683 Victorians have died using voluntary assisted dying since it became accessible. The free vote meant a slew of amendments was thrown up, but all failed. Advertisement Greenvale MP Iwan Walters from Labors Catholic-influenced SDA union sub-faction moved to block the bill until unintended consequences could be further considered and more consultation done. Related Article Euthanasia Victoria to widen access to assisted dying after heartbreaking stories Walters claimed the bill eroded the right for doctors to conscientiously object because of a proposed requirement to provide minimum information. He also argued the proposal would allow any health practitioner such as podiatrists and optometrists to raise assisted dying with their patients. (The clause specifies this must be in the course of a discussion about end-of-life care, and that abuses would constitute unprofessional conduct.) Walters said the changes were a slippery slope after assurances were made in 2017 about how tough the legislations guardrails were. Here we are only a few years later, within the life of the same government, where those guardrails are now barriers and those essential protections apparently undue hindrances for Victorians to be able to be euthanised by a health practitioner or to access self-administered assisted suicide. His contribution prompted a retort from Vulin. Advertisement Nationals MP Jade Benham Facebook On a point of order, Acting Speaker, sorry to interrupt, but I would like the member on his feet to stop referring to it as assisted suicide, Vulin said. Thomas, the health minister, also pulled him up, saying words matter. We do not have an assisted suicide framework ... We have a voluntary assisted dying framework here in the state of Victoria that seeks to give dignity and compassion to people who are seeking choice at their end of life. This is not about whether to die but how, where and with whom. And I would ask respectfully that the member for Greenvale, in his contributions, reflect on the hurt that his words are causing to some in this chamber and consider how he discusses this for the remainder of the debate. Late on Tuesday evening, Nationals MP Jade Benham made clear that voluntary assisted dying and suicide were not the same. Advertisement Voluntary assisted dying is not suicide. I have been to that edge, twice, Benham told the chamber. [VAD] is something that takes a large amount of rational thought, consideration and conversation with loved ones. I can tell you when you are on the edge of suicide none of that is present. You are not of sound mind. You are not of rational thinking. You are not in a mood to have conversations with anyone. It is illegal to incite suicide over a carriage service under the Commonwealth Criminal Code, blocking voluntary assisted dying appointments by telehealth. Thomas has been advocating for the Commonwealth to allow telehealth services for assisted dying. Benham and her Nationals colleague, Annabelle Cleeland, both raised this as a barrier for people in the regions, as did former Labor MP turned crossbencher Will Fowles, who has loudly pushed for change. Advertisement The bill will move to the upper house, where Labor does not have a majority. From the Coalition, only Opposition health spokeswoman Georgie Crozier has said publicly she would vote for the bill. Nationals deputy leader Emma Kealy on Tuesday had thanked the government for the comprehensive information circulated to all members of the parliament. In some ways, I wish that that was something that was provided on every piece of legislation. It may make for a more harmonious place and for the passage of legislation to be perhaps more productive through both houses. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement WorldAfricaWar Visible from space, bloodied sands expose massacre of thousands after besieged city falls Ben Farmer and Lilia Sebouai October 29, 2025 2:57pm 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 hot sand around the Sudanese city of El Fasher is stained red with the blood of more than 2000 massacred civilians. The pools of blood are so thick, the piles of bodies so clear, that the ethnic purge allegedly committed by Sudanese paramilitary rebels is visible from space. This satellite image taken by Airbus DS shows two reddish stains on the ground near what are likely RSF vehicles in El-Fasher on Monday. AP Militia groups defending the city alongside the army alleged the Rapid Support Forces committed heinous crimes against innocent civilians and said most of the dead were women, children and the elderly. One video purports to show a child soldier murdering a grown man in cold blood. Another shows RSF fighters executing civilians moments after pretending to release them. Advertisement The total death toll could not immediately be confirmed, but satellite pictures taken after the city fell at the weekend after an 18-month siege showed evidence of mass killings. Analysis by the Yale School of Public Health Humanitarian Research Lab, which has been tracking the siege using open-source images and satellite imagery, found new clusters of objects consistent with the size of human bodies and reddish ground discolouration thought to be either blood or disturbed soil. Body-sized objects were found clustered around vehicles and along an RSF sand berm built around the city. There have been reports of civilians being shot as they tried to break out and flee. The lab said it had also found evidence of door-to-door clearance operations. Advertisement It concluded: El Fasher appears to be in a systematic and intentional process of ethnic cleansing of indigenous non-Arab communities through forced displacement and summary execution. More than a quarter of a million people had taken refuge in the city under starvation and bombardment, in what had been the last army stronghold in the vast Darfur region. Sudans 2-year-long civil war has rekindled ethnic bloodshed in the region, with RSF fighters accused of massacring black African groups to take their land. The RSF is largely drawn from Arab militias and formed from the notorious Janjaweed, responsible for genocide and mass atrocities in Darfur 20 years ago. Its capture of other enclaves, including El Geneina in 2023, led to ethnic massacres of thousands of people. Refugees and aid workers have spent the past 18 months warning that similar atrocities were likely if El Fasher fell. Advertisement Cameron Hudson, a former US National Security Council director for Africa, said: We have seen what is unfolding in El Fasher before. RSF fighters celebrate in the streets of El-Fasher on Sunday, in an image taken from the RSF Telegram account. AFP It was two years ago in El Geneina and as the RSF took the city, it initiated a campaign of ethnic cleansing and genocide. Its happening again and still we do nothing. Shame on them. Shame on us. In another scene, several militants dressed in the RSFs trademark brown uniforms and turbans are seen packed into a truck, chasing unarmed civilians as they run for their lives. Advertisement Gunfire rings out as one fighter shouts kill the Nuba, a reference to Sudans black African tribes. Reports indicate that the RSF is deliberately forcing displaced civilians eastward into areas under their control, effectively a no-mans land, and away from humanitarian hubs such as Tawila, where some international agencies are operating. Residents gather to receive free meals in El Fasher in August. AFP According to Jeremy Konyndyk, president of Refugees International, the RSF is preventing people from fleeing the town in other directions, specifically blocking movement south and west, and compelling them to move east, where there is no safety or access to aid. British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said: We are witnessing a deeply disturbing pattern of abuses in El Fasher, including systematic killings, torture, and sexual violence. Advertisement The UN Human Rights Office said it had received multiple, alarming reports that the RSF are carrying out atrocities, including summary executions. UN rights chief Volker Turk said the risk of further large-scale, ethnically motivated violations and atrocities in El Fasher was mounting by the day. Patients infected with cholera are treated at a refugee camp in Tawila, in western Sudan, last month. AFP Sudans catastrophic civil war is well into its third year and the UN and aid agencies say the fighting has produced the worlds worst humanitarian crisis. Rivalry between the de facto president, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and his deputy, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, flared into open fighting in April 2023. Advertisement Fighting has forced 14 million to flee their homes and some estimates have put the death toll at up to 150,000. The health system has collapsed and several parts of the country have been plunged into famine. Sudans head of the military, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, in 2021. AP A UN fact-finding mission has accused both sides of committing an appalling range of harrowing human rights violations and international crimes, including mass rape, arbitrary arrests, and torture. The rivals have turned to regional allies for help, with the United Arab Emirates accused of backing the RSF with supplies and mercenaries through Chad and Libya. Sudans army has meanwhile reportedly been supported by Egypt, Russia and Iran. Advertisement Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: War For subscribers Sudan Human rights Advertisement Updated WorldNorth AmericaCrime Betrayed: US unleashes on Australian who sold stolen defence secrets to Russia Michael Koziol Updated October 30, 2025 8:04am ,first published October 30, 2025 4:49am 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 Washington: An Australian man living in the United States faces a likely jail sentence after pleading guilty to stealing defence trade secrets from his American employer for a Russian broker. Senior figures in the Trump administration excoriated Peter Williams, 39, following the guilty plea, saying he betrayed the United States and our allies by selling cyber tools that were likely used against adversaries. A jobseeker holds an L3Harris flyer at a career in Montreal, Canada, this month. Reports say Peter Williams was the general manager of L3Harris subsidiary Trenchant until August this year. Bloomberg Williams entered the plea before the District of Columbia in Washington on Wednesday, local time, in relation to two counts of theft of trade secrets. Court documents seen by this masthead said Williams intended those secrets to be sold outside the US specifically to a buyer based in the Russian Federation, and were worth about $US1.3 million ($2 million). Advertisement Prosecutors said the material was stolen over a three-year period between 2022 and 2025 from the American defence contractor where Williams worked. It comprised national security-focused software, including at least eight sensitive and protected cyber-exploit documents. The Justice Department said the system components were meant to be sold exclusively to the US government and select allies, but Williams had traded them to a Russian cyber-tools broker that publicly advertised itself as a reseller of cyber exploits to various customers, including the Russian government. US Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro said the secrets Williams stole were likely used against numerous unsuspecting victims. AP His conduct was deliberate and deceitful, imperilling our national security for the sake of personal gain, said US assistant attorney-general for national security John Eisenberg. Williams used his access to the companys secure network to steal the cyber assets and resell them in exchange for the promise of millions of dollars in cryptocurrency, the Justice Department said. Advertisement He entered into multiple written contracts with the Russian broker, including payment for the initial sale and further periodic payments for follow-up support. Williams used the proceeds to buy himself high-value items. The FBI acting special agent in charge of the investigation, Alexander Arnett, said Williams had betrayed the US and its allies. The harm caused by his crimes cannot be undone, he said. Each of the charges carries a statutory maximum of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $US250,000, or twice the pecuniary gain or loss of the offence, the Justice Department said. The US attorney for the District of Columbia, former Fox News host Jeanine Pirro, said Williams conduct had cost his Washington-based company more than $US35 million and allowed non-aligned foreign cyber actors to obtain sophisticated tools that were likely used against numerous unsuspecting victims. These international cyber brokers are the next wave of international arms dealers and we continue to be vigilant about their activities, Pirro said. Advertisement US Attorney-General Pam Bondi also commented on the case, saying cybercrime posed a serious danger to Americans. Americas national security is NOT FOR SALE, she said. Neither the government nor the court documents identified the company where Williams worked. But Reuters and US technology publications have reported he was the general manager of L3Harris Trenchant until August this year. The company develops spyware and hacking tools that support national security operations, and says it has US government contracts. It is a subsidiary of defence contractor L3Harris, which declined to comment to Reuters. According to US site TechCrunch, Trenchant sells its products to the government customers in the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, which comprises Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the US. Williams lawyer John Rowley declined to comment on Wednesday (Thursday AEDT). According to technology magazine Wired, the plea agreement requires Williams to remain under house arrest except for one hour a day. He is due for sentencing next year. Advertisement The ABC and other publications reported that Williams worked for the Australian Signals Directorate which collects intelligence about foreign adversaries in the 2010s, citing multiple sources. The ASD said it did not comment on individual cases. ASD is aware of reporting regarding an Australian national, a spokesperson said on Thursday morning (AEDT). ASD has layered security controls and procedures to protect our people, information, assets and capabilities. Court documents show the US government intends to seize a long list of property from Williams including a house in Washington, more than 20 watches, a light blue Louis Vuitton handbag, two Moncler jackets, several items of jewellery and all currency from seven bank accounts, including three in Australia. 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. Blog Archive: Dec 2025 (42) Nov 2025 (141) Oct 2025 (153) Sep 2025 (149) Aug 2025 (154) Jul 2025 (155) Jun 2025 (150) May 2025 (155) Apr 2025 (9) Mar 2025 (149) Feb 2025 (139) Jan 2025 (155) Dec 2024 (144) Nov 2024 (143) Oct 2024 (155) Sep 2024 (149) Aug 2024 (155) Jul 2024 (155) Jun 2024 (150) May 2024 (153) Apr 2024 (149) Mar 2024 (155) Feb 2024 (145) Jan 2024 (155) Dec 2023 (155) Nov 2023 (150) Oct 2023 (155) Sep 2023 (150) Aug 2023 (155) Jul 2023 (155) Jun 2023 (150) May 2023 (155) Apr 2023 (150) Mar 2023 (155) Feb 2023 (140) Jan 2023 (155) Dec 2022 (156) Nov 2022 (150) Oct 2022 (155) Sep 2022 (150) Aug 2022 (155) Jul 2022 (154) Jun 2022 (150) May 2022 (155) Apr 2022 (150) Mar 2022 (155) Feb 2022 (140) Jan 2022 (156) Dec 2021 (156) Nov 2021 (150) Oct 2021 (155) Sep 2021 (150) Aug 2021 (155) Jul 2021 (155) Jun 2021 (150) May 2021 (155) Apr 2021 (150) Mar 2021 (155) Feb 2021 (140) Jan 2021 (155) Dec 2020 (155) Nov 2020 (150) Oct 2020 (158) Sep 2020 (150) Aug 2020 (130) Jul 2020 (124) Jun 2020 (120) May 2020 (124) Apr 2020 (120) Mar 2020 (124) Feb 2020 (116) Jan 2020 (125) Dec 2019 (126) Nov 2019 (120) Oct 2019 (124) Sep 2019 (120) Aug 2019 (125) Jul 2019 (124) Jun 2019 (120) May 2019 (123) Apr 2019 (121) Mar 2019 (124) Feb 2019 (112) Jan 2019 (125) Dec 2018 (126) Nov 2018 (120) Oct 2018 (124) Sep 2018 (121) Aug 2018 (124) Jul 2018 (125) Jun 2018 (120) May 2018 (124) Apr 2018 (121) Mar 2018 (124) Feb 2018 (112) Jan 2018 (123) Dec 2017 (124) Nov 2017 (124) Oct 2017 (141) Sep 2017 (135) Aug 2017 (138) Jul 2017 (137) Jun 2017 (134) May 2017 (138) Apr 2017 (135) Mar 2017 (139) Feb 2017 (129) Jan 2017 (143) Dec 2016 (135) Nov 2016 (138) Oct 2016 (142) Sep 2016 (128) Aug 2016 (133) Jul 2016 (136) Jun 2016 (138) May 2016 (164) Apr 2016 (311) Mar 2016 (348) Feb 2016 (320) Jan 2016 (348) Dec 2015 (314) Nov 2015 (338) Oct 2015 (363) Sep 2015 (358) Aug 2015 (399) Jul 2015 (374) Jun 2015 (331) May 2015 (337) Apr 2015 (319) Mar 2015 (320) Feb 2015 (271) Jan 2015 (286) Dec 2014 (254) Nov 2014 (238) Oct 2014 (287) Sep 2014 (267) Aug 2014 (259) Jul 2014 (260) Jun 2014 (238) May 2014 (241) Apr 2014 (228) Mar 2014 (240) Feb 2014 (217) Jan 2014 (263) Dec 2013 (226) Nov 2013 (254) Oct 2013 (256) Sep 2013 (252) Aug 2013 (263) Jul 2013 (261) Jun 2013 (251) May 2013 (250) Apr 2013 (221) Mar 2013 (193) Feb 2013 (164) Jan 2013 (157) Dec 2012 (155) Nov 2012 (240) Oct 2012 (526) Sep 2012 (411) Aug 2012 (394) Jul 2012 (284) Jun 2012 (229) May 2012 (213) Apr 2012 (213) Mar 2012 (253) Feb 2012 (269) Jan 2012 (298) Dec 2011 (273) Nov 2011 (219) Oct 2011 (204) Sep 2011 (201) Aug 2011 (236) Jul 2011 (217) Jun 2011 (211) May 2011 (206) Apr 2011 (215) Mar 2011 (215) Feb 2011 (186) Jan 2011 (215) Dec 2010 (107) Nov 2010 (98) Oct 2010 (55) Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at 11:33AM Source: Android Headlines There might not be a lot of surprises in the design department when it comes to Google's budget-friendly Pixel smartphone, at least according to recent leaks. The latest one from Android Headlines claims the Pixel 10a will retain its predecessor's look. The CAD render shows the phone in a deep blue colour, but the publication noted it is for display purposes only and may not have that specific shade at launch. The device looks like it's keeping the pill-shaped floating camera island for its rear cameras, while the button placements seem to be the same, too. Android Central noted that the bezels look like they're a bit thinner, but the phone's size should be the same, measuring 153.9 x 72.9 x 9mm. Other recent rumours about the Pixel 10a claim the phone will get a "boosted" version of the Tensor G4 processor, instead of the Tensor G5 powering the rest of the Google Pixel 10 series, to help cut costs. Some rumours suggest the Pixel 10a will arrive "much earlier" than the Pixel 9a. However, for now, that rumour, like the others, must be taken with a grain of salt. SOURCE A CARLOW town woman who is on her 40th day of hunger strike outside the Dail has told The Nationalist she will continue her protest until the Irish state lives up to promises it made 26 years ago. Mary Dunlevy Greene (73) is one of four survivors of industrial schools on hunger strike over what they say are failed promises of supports from successive governments. Ms Dunlevy Greene said: We were starved as children, so starving is not an issue for us. We know what starvation is like. Medical professionals monitoring the groups health have warned that they are putting their lives in danger, as they are surviving solely on water, vitamins and coffee. The four protestors are also sleeping rough, having set up a makeshift campsite close to the Dail. Ms Greene was placed in the Mount St Vincent Industrial School, Co Limerick when she was aged four. Ms Greene described her industrial school as a cold, regimented way of life. We did what we were told when we were told. We had no birthdays, no Christmases, we celebrated nothing. It was completely savage. She also remembers being regularly beaten at the school. Throughout her time there, the inmates never saw a doctor, dentist or nurse, and did not get medical care, she claimed. Ms Dunlevy Greene said that many of her contemporaries who spent time in industrial schools had died prematurely. Most of them didnt reach old age; the youngest cohort of industrial school survivors alive today are in their mid-to-late 50s. Im 73, and there arent very many that are older than me, she explained. The survivors claim that they were promised Health Amendment Act medical cards and contributory pensions 26 years ago when then-taoiseach Bertie Ahern issued an apology on behalf of the Irish state, but say they are yet to receive them. Among other things, the medical cards would enable people to receive care at home rather than having to go into a nursing home. Anyone that was institutionalised as a child never wants to end up institutionalised in their old age, said Ms Dunlevy Greene. The campaign has received support from several TDs, including president-elect Catherine Connolly, who criticised the mean-spirited treatment of survivors by the government at Leaders Questions earlier this month. In response, justice minister Jim OCallaghan said that he would raise the issue with education minister Helen McEntree, but said that it was unfair to suggest that the state doesnt step up to these issues. Both Mr OCallaghan and Ms Connolly urged the four protestors to end their hunger strike on health grounds. Ms Dunlevy Greene told The Nationalist: What else can we do? We will sit here and wait until they come back from their midterm break. On 1 November we will be on day 44 of our hunger strike. Were quite prepared for it. Every time we get a push back, our spirits get higher. The three survivors who are on hunger strike alongside her are Maurice Patton OConnell (57), Mary Donovan (57) and Miriam Moriarty Owens (68) who were placed as children in the Pembroke Alms Industrial School in Kerry. Louise Walsh A Jamaican couple living in Ireland are waiting anxiously for news of family members who they have been unable to reach since Hurricane Melissa pummeled the Caribbean island. The true extent of the devastation caused by the category five hurricane will not be known for days, especially in areas that have been submerged by flood waters. In its aftermath, Dr Livingstone and Jean Marie Thompson were trying to make contact with some siblings they last spoke to before the hurricane hit. The couple have been living in Ireland with their children for the last 26 years in Kells, Co Meath. Family members he has been able to contact have told him that, although they have lived through hurricanes since childhood, they have never experienced anything like Melissa. He is expecting large areas of the island to be without electricity for months. "Most of the pictures and images we are seeing are from the centre of the island, which still has its mobile signals largely intact," he said. "I've talked to a lot of my siblings, but am still waiting to hear from my brother in South Manchester, which has lost communication. "Many homes in Mandeville - where I grew up - are completely submerged and they are not in a riverbed. It will be hard to access these areas to see the extent of the damage until waters retreat. "The last time I was physically in a hurricane, it was a category three and my students and I were taking cover between two concrete walls in the college in Kingstown in 2004. "It's not that the wind howls, it is that you can actually feel the force of the wind. You can feel being sucked in by the vacuum." Jean Marie, who recently retired as deputy principal of St Mary's Special School in Navan, said being in a hurricane is an "other worldly experience". She spoke to her brother and daughter living in the Cayman Islands two days ago, and they are not expecting to suffer much of the effects of the storm. However, she was worried when her sister could not be reached. Thankfully, she heard from her daughter on Wednesday afternoon that her sister Sharon and her husband Lodian were ok, but she is still awaiting word from relatives in Montego Bay. "Jamaica is like an alligator, full of mountain ridges and my sister lives in our home place on one of those ridges in St Elizabeth, which was decimated by Melissa. "I spoke to my cousin Joan at 11pm (Irish time) last night, who said that the roof seemed to be intact but that water was coming into the house. I also spoke to my goddaughter who lives nearby and she described the situation as 'scary'. "Where we live on the ridge, we don't worry too much about flooding, though the water can get in, but we worry about wind damage to the house. I was worried as I couldn't contact my sister, but her neighbours have a generator and messaged my daughter to let them know all is ok. "I'm watching the ticks on WhatsApp and if I see two grey ones, I get a sense of relief that the message was delivered to loved ones. But some messages have still only one grey tick. "Black River where my daughter went to school has been decimated and I'm very emotional about that but I'm grateful lives have been spared." By Grainne Ni Aodha, PA Additional State funding is to be given to a school to help pay for security as teacher Enoch Burke continues to attend school grounds. The Department of Education informed Wilsons Hospital School that 4,440 would be given to the school to help pay for security costs for the next nine weeks due to the exceptional circumstances, a court was told. Mr Burke appeared before the High Court on Wednesday to represent himself. The board of management of the Co Westmeath school and Mr Burke have been entangled in a legal dispute stemming from incidents over a request in 2022 from the schools then-principal to address a student by a new name and pronoun. Mr Burke, an Evangelical Christian who was a teacher of German and history at the school, has repeatedly argued that the direction was unconstitutional and went against his right to express his religious beliefs. The school has been granted injunctive relief, restraining him from attending the school, however he continues to attend in breach of the order. He has been fined 225,000 and imprisoned for 500 days, a figure cited by Mr Burke, for attending the school in breach of the court order. Enoch Burke (left) with family members including his brother Isaac (second right), mother Martina (centre) and father Sean (right) at the High Court, Dublin, where he has argued against a request to sequester two cars and ban Burke family members from attending Wilsons Hospital School in Co Westmeath (Brian Lawless/PA) He appeared in the High Court on Wednesday, on a week when schools are on a midterm break, along with his parents Sean and Martina, brother Isaac, sister Ammi and two other sisters. The court had heard previously that two vehicles may be sequestered, and a bar on other Burke family members from attending the school grounds may be imposed. The case also dealt with the fines facing Mr Burke and how they would be paid a barrister told the court that daily fines of 2,000 for attending the school, in breach of a court order, had been set for coercive purposes. Mr Burke said the court had completely and entirely emptied his bank account of thousands of euros and that his entire livelihood has been taken away. Mr Justice Brian Cregan told Mr Burke it was not aware that it was his entire livelihood as he had not submitted a statement of means, despite several invitations to do so. Rosemary Mallon, a barrister representing the school, also told the court that the Department of Education had recently informed it that it will pay half of the schools security costs until December. They said this was due to the exceptional circumstances and dynamic situation at the school. After his brother Isaac was removed from court for interrupting proceedings, Mr Burke argued that it was an absolute scandal that, after three years of the matter being before the courts that the principals initial instruction had not been analysed. Naming several judges, he said not one had sniffed at an issue which he said was at the heart of this case. Mr Cregan said the answer to that was when a court was considering whether the principals instruction was invalid, Mr Burkes conduct in that case was disgraceful and he was barred from court. You had an opportunity to argue it, but you refused to argue it, he said. Mr Cregan then told Mr Burke that raising an issue with whether to call a student by a different pronoun, as it offended his religious beliefs, was a valid legal issue. Mr Burke interrupted to say that that was not an accurate way to frame it and claimed that it was unconstitutional to ask a teacher to set aside their Christian religious beliefs. Enoch Burke (left) with family members including his brother Isaac (second right), mother Martina (centre) and father Sean (right) at the High Court, Dublin (PA) I understand that argument, it is a good argument, Mr Cregan said, and added that he had been let go from the school because of his conduct. Youre pulling out a lot of stuff out there, Mr Burke said, to which Mr Cregan replied: I am engaging with your arguments. He then addressed a complaint from Mr Burke that Mr Justice Owens had never engaged with the issue of the legitimacy of the then-principals initial instruction. Why didnt you appeal the order of Mr Justice Owens? Mr Burke said that this was not the issue. You have made a misstep here by not appealing the order of Mr Owens, Mr Cregan said. Its not on you to give me legal advice, Mr Burke said. No, its not, but I am engaging you on your argument, Mr Burke. When Mr Burke asked him if he was above the Court of Appeal or under it, Mr Cregan said it was a ridiculous question. Asked again why he did not appeal the High Court order of Mr Owens, Mr Burke said he had answered the question already. The judge said he had not. I dont for the life of me understand why you did not appeal Judge Alexander Owens (order). Mr Burke replied: Youre filibustering now. After a break for lunch, Mr Cregan asked Mr Burke why he had not attended two previous hearings before him in relation to the case. Why were you not here? Thats the fundamental point Mr Burke, you werent here, why werent you here? Mr Burkes sister, Ammi, stood up to interrupt, to which the judge said she had no right of audience in the court and Mr Burke was well able to represent himself. Arguing over a legal submission issue that arose in the last hearing, Mr Burke said there was dishonesty on the bench. Mr Cregan replied: If there is any dishonesty in this court, it is from you in relation to why you had been jailed. Responding, Ms Mallon said that a Court of Appeal judgment referenced repeatedly by Mr Burke also found that he was egregiously in contempt of court. She also made the point that Mr Burke had never attempted to appeal against Mr Owens judgment. When Ms Mallon was asked by the judge why Mr Burke had not appealed, she said: I have no idea, judge, and it has never been clear. It is incomprehensible that at each juncture that Mr Burke attempts (to argue against) an order he didnt agree with but has never actually appealed it and is now far out of time. Ms Mallon said she was not at this moment in time seeking an injunction against some Burke family members from attending the school, but said she would seek further instructions if there was further trespassing. The school wants to be a school and at this moment in time the principal, the chair of the board of management and members of the board, members of the community, parents, are all spending far too much time trying to stop Mr Burke breaking the rule of law rather than on running a school and educating the next generation of citizens. Mr Cregan asked Mr Burke again why he had not appealed against Mr Owenss order. Asking me questions about my intentions is not an escape route for you to avoid doing justice, Mr Burke said. Mr Burke, where does all this end, from your point of view? Mr Cregan asked. Mr Burke replied: Judge, it ends with you and your colleagues telling the truth. Mr Cregan said he would reserve judgment and notify the parties of a decision within a week. Representatives of the Attorney General, the ministers for Finance and Education and the receiver also addressed the court during the hearing. The Department of Education has been contacted for comment. Last year, Sweden and Ukraine signed an agreement to jointly produce the Swedish CV90 APC (armored personnel carrier) in Ukraine. Sweden has provided Ukraine with nearly $2 billion worth of weapons and military equipment since the Russians invaded in early 2022. This is a substantial effort for a nation of ten million. Despite its small population, Sweden is a major developer and producer of modern weapons, including advanced jet fighters, air defense systems, submarines and warships, plus infantry weapons, armored vehicles, and artillery. There are several reasons for its relatively large arms industry. Sweden is an industrialized nation that has been neutral for two centuries despite being close, geographically, to Germany and Russia, two nations that were major instigators and participants in the major wars of the last 150 years. Maintaining Swedens previous neutrality was not easy. Sweden recently sought to join NATO, which nearly all NATO members saw as a good thing. Getting into NATO was blocked by Turkey, which insisted Sweden extradite Kurdish separatists to Turkey. Turkey was one of the original NATO members because it needed help in dealing with potential Russian aggression. Now Turkey cooperates with Russia and feuds with its fellow NATO members. Sweden was persistent, patient, and very stubborn about protecting Kurdish refugees it has accepted. In March 2024, Sweden became the 32nd member of NATO. Russia is losing its war in Ukraine and suffering economically from sanctions imposed because it invaded Ukraine in 2022. One reason the Russian invasion failed was massive arms contributions from Western nations, including Sweden. Several of these contributors have Swedish-developed weapons, including the CV90 armored vehicle. Currently, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Slovakia, Switzerland, and Ukraine use CV90s. The CV90 is a unique armored vehicle because it has been in use for nearly three decades. Sweden began developing the CV90 toward the end of the Cold War. The CV90 entered service in the 1990s and attracted many export customers. Many Swedish weapons continue in use for decades because of continuous upgrades, and the CV90 is an example of this. CV stands for Combat Vehicle, and it has been a very flexible and adaptable combat vehicle. CV90 production started in 1993. The 28-ton tracked vehicle has a crew of three and carries seven or eight passengers, usually infantrymen. With a top road speed of 70 kilometers an hour, the CV90 can go 300 kilometers on internal fuel. The vehicle turret carries a 30 mm autocannon and a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun. Also in the turret is a thermal imager for night operations. The vehicle armor protects against projectiles of up to 30 mm caliber. There are several variants of the CV90, carrying different weapons, including 120 mm mortars, anti-tank missiles, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, and 40 mm autocannons, a 105 mm low-recoil cannon, as well as anti-aircraft radar and many types of missiles. The CV90 is 6.55 meters long and 3.1 meters wide. The average cost of a new CV90 was about $5 million each, but some cost less than that because the CV90 can use a wide variety of weapons, armor, and equipment. So far, nearly 1,500 CV90s have been produced, with Sweden using about a third of those. Switzerland, Finland, Denmark, and the Netherlands are major users and together operate as many CV90s as Sweden. Several of the original owners of the CV90 upgraded them with things like more armor, better electronics, and air conditioning. Some models weigh 38 tons, and new weapons are also available. There are several models of ATGMs (anti-tank guided missiles) available, plus several different calibers of autocannon. The latest CV90 model has the novel Barracuda camouflage system. This is a camouflaged blanket that reduces the thermal signature, making it difficult for thermal/heat-detection fire-control systems to spot a CV90. The current model has a turret with a 40 mm autocannon. Ukraine received 50 of the latest CV9040C model and wants to obtain a thousand more. This is one reason for the coproduction deal with Sweden to manufacture CV90s in Ukraine. It will take at least two years to get all that production built and operational. Users have been quite satisfied with the Swedish CV90, in part because there are so many weapons and equipment options. So far, there have been six major models of CV90, starting with the first ones that went mainly to the Swedish army. This version was armed with a 40 mm autocannon. The sixth version is currently in development and expected to enter service in 2027. Many users of older models upgrade when a new model comes out, integrating new features and weapons that their older CV90s can accommodate. This is the main reason so many older CV90s remain in service. Ottoline Spearman A tourism campaign selling Ireland as the "home of Halloween" has generated an additional 50 million in visitor spending. Tourism Ireland ran a campaign in key overseas markets highlighting how Halloween originated in Ireland in Celtic culture over two centuries ago. Halloween began in pagan Ireland, when the ancient festival of Samhain was celebrated in the heart of Irelands Ancient East to mark the beginning of winter. It was believed to be a time when the "veil" between the living and the spirit world was thinnest, allowing spirits onto the earth. Ancient Celts lit bonfires, wore costumes to ward off evil spirits, and left out food to appease them. The festival of Samhain has now become modern-day Halloween. The word Halloween derives from All Hallows' Eve, the day before All Hallows' Day, a Christian festival to honour saints and martyrs. During the Tourism Ireland campaign, various Halloween festivals were promoted, including Halloween in Derry, the Puca Festival in Meath, the Macnas Halloween Parade in Galway, the Bram Stoker Festival in Dublin and the Fire and Shadows Processions in counties Longford and Limerick. The campaign also promoted Halloween in 12 countries overseas, including Great Britain, the United States, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, the Nordics, Austria and Switzerland. 50 international media and content creators, with a reach of over 100 million, were invited to the Puca Festival and Derry Halloween, including travel broadcaster Gabe Saglie, who will broadcast from both events across the United States on various US networks. In 2024, overseas visitor spend grew by over 9 per cent on the previous year, bringing 6.9 billion to Ireland. By Jordan Reynolds, Mathilde Grandjean and Margaret Davis, PA A transgender activist took pictures of peoples faces at a conference before a confrontation with Father Ted creator Graham Linehan, a court has been told. The 57-year-old Irish comedy writer is on trial at Westminster Magistrates Court, accused of harassing trans woman Sophia Brooks and damaging her mobile phone outside the Battle of Ideas conference in Westminster on October 19th last year. District Judge Briony Clarke said the prosecution would address the complainant according to their affirmed gender name, while stating that the defendants position was that the complainant is male. Giving evidence for the defence on Wednesday, Katherine Harris, co-founder of LGB Alliance UK, told the court she saw Ms Brooks stand up with a camera among attendees during a panel discussion. Father Ted co-creator Graham Linehan arriving at Westminster Magistrates Court, London, last month (Jonathan Brady/PA) Referring to the complainant as male, Ms Harris said: It was a deliberate, intimidatory move on his part and he would not stop. He was photographing anybody and everybody he could, and it felt intrusive and aggressive. It felt as though he wanted to get everybody, to get all of us in his power through his camera, to say, Im the big man here, I can do what I want. That was the message. The disruption was complete. Ms Harris also told the court she knew Linehan very well. Prosecutor Julia Faure Walker put to Ms Harris that whatever Brooks did, it didnt have a significant effect on the conference in terms of disruption, and Ms Harris replied yes, I think it did, adding: The reason is these attacks are cumulative, they build and they build and they build. The court was told last month that Linehan and the activist met for the first time in person outside the Battle of Ideas conference in Westminster on October 19th last year. While filming outside the venue, the activist approached Linehan and asked: Why do you think it is acceptable to call teenagers domestic terrorists? The transgender activist told the court that Linehan had called them a sissy porn-watching scumbag, a groomer and a disgusting incel, with the complainant responding, youre the incel, youre divorced. A video played to the court appeared to show Linehan grabbing the complainants phone. Asked why he threw the phone and did not return it, Linehan said: My adrenaline was up, I was angry. I guess that feels like surrender, so I threw it away. I didnt slam it, I just skimmed it. It was instinctive, as soon as I did it, I thought that was a mistake. Giving evidence last month, Linehan said his life was made hell by trans activists, adding that the complainant was a young soldier in the trans activist army. The writer added: He was misogynistic, he was abusive, he was snide. He depended on his anonymity to get close to people and hurt them, and I wanted to destroy that anonymity. Ms Faure Walker said Linehan had posted about the activist relentlessly and that his posts were oppressive. The court previously heard that Linehan had posted on social media about someone with the name Tarquin, which Ms Faure Walker said was the defendants derogatory term for the complainant. Linehan, who appeared via video link on Wednesday, has denied one count of harassing the activist on social media between October 11th and October 27th last year, and a further charge of criminal damage of their mobile phone on October 19th last year. The trial continues. Looking for the ultimate Christmas party venue in Carlow for 2025? Whether you're organizing an office Christmas party, a corporate event, a small business celebration, or a family festive night out, Talbot Hotel Carlow is the perfect choice for Christmas celebrations in the Midlands and Southeast of Ireland. Their Shared Party Night package for 2025 is designed to suit office parties, team celebrations, and seasonal get-togethers for all sizes. Conveniently located in Carlow, we're just a short drive from Kilkenny, Laois, Kildare, and Wexford - making them a central choice for businesses and families across the Southeast region. Join them this Christmas 2025 for an unforgettable night of food, music, and festive fun. Whether you're planning a night out with colleagues or a seasonal celebration with loved ones, Talbot Hotel Carlow has everything you need to make it magical! Contact: (059) 9153000 or Email: events@talbothotelcarlow.ie SAMHAIN Festival 25 lit Carlow up over the bank holiday weekend with the spectacular fire event which took place on the grounds of Carlow College and at the Visual arts centre on Friday night. Audiences were treated to red-hot performances from Rocket Pyrotechnics, Sexy Tadhg and ROGU, a troupe that brought the story of flame to life through fire displays, movement and haunting vocals. The family-friendly event offered the chance for parents to share the wonder of performance with their children and provide long-lasting memories. Culture helps shape who we are as individuals and communities. Events like this remind us of the power of creativity to bring people together, to inspire and to celebrate what makes Carlow such a vibrant place, said Emma Lucy OBrien, CEO of Visual. Visual also hosted a free family fun day on Sunday with activities such as the spooky scavenger hunt, a deadly disco and the monster, ghouls and goblins art workshop on offer. There are more spooky scavenger hunts at Visual starting at 11am all throughout the week. On Saturday, Carlow Farmers Market marked its 21st anniversary with a Halloween-themed event at the Potato Market, which included a childrens pumpkin carving competition, fancy dress, face painting and live music. Rosie Whelan, Ava and Jack Phelan and Molly Whelan all dressed up for the family fun day in Visual The Exchange has activities throughout the week, such as a Halloween disco and games, which has free entry and runs from 2pm to 5pm on Wednesday and Thursday. There are also cinema screenings at 6.30pm on Wednesday and Thursday, at a cost of 5 per ticket, or 15 for a family of four. Samhain Festival 25 is co-ordinated by a partnership of Carlow County Council and Visual arts centre and runs until Sunday November 2. For more information, go to https://visualcarlow.ie/whats-on/samhain-festival-25. Look up Samhain in Ducketts Grove and at The Exchange, Carlow for further activities. xxxxx Andy, Kate, Stella and Ollie Ryan were pictured at the Samhain Festival Family Fun Day in Visual. Pic: Michael ORourke Photography Jessica Mihaila Grace Byrne pictured during the Monsters, Ghouls and Goblins art workshop Mary Kate OBrien has her face painted by Caragh McDonald Niall McNally, Aine Donohoe and Thomas ODonoghue perform traditional music Darcy, Ruby and Billie Donegan Orla McGovern storyteller tells a scary tale Tierna Brennan, Aoife ONeill and Saskia Rosenmann Emmy Lucy O'Brien (CEO and Artistic Director), Laura McCauley (volunteer) and Niall Scully (Visual_Finance and Operations Manager) Rowan and Oisin Johnson Sign up to get our news digest delivered directly to your inbox twice a week. Its been a long time coming, but over the weekend, Laika pulled back the curtain on its next stop-motion epic with a teaser video revealing a breathtaking first look at Wildwood. In the three-minute video, the studio introduces audiences to The General, a majestic golden eagle brought to life with the meticulous artistry that has become Laikas stock-in-trade. According to the clip, artists hand-crafted more than 9,000 feathers to cover two specialized puppets, one for flight and the other for intricate performance work. Voiced by Honorary Academy Award recipient Angela Bassett, The General rules the skies over a fantasy wilderness with a fierce and fearless presence. Wildwood is directed by Laika president and CEO Travis Knight, whose previous work includes Kubo and the Two Strings and Bumblebee, and who is leading the upcoming theatrical reboot of the He-Man franchise. The film adapts Colin Meloys bestselling fantasy novel, illustrated by Carson Ellis. Chris Butler penned the adaptation, continuing his longtime partnership with the studio. Wildwood, like the book its adapted from, follows Prue, an ordinary girl from Portland, Oregon, whose life changes when her baby brother is snatched away by a murder of crows. Her desperate search leads her into the mysterious forest of Wildwood, where magic runs deep and not everything that flies is a friend. Joining Bassett, the films remaining voice cast promises plenty of star power. Peyton Elizabeth Lee leads the ensemble, joined by Carey Mulligan, Mahershala Ali, Jacob Tremblay, Awkwafina, Angela Bassett, Jake Johnson, Charlie Day, Amandla Stenberg, Jemaine Clement, Tom Waits, and Richard E. Grant. With this first look, Laika confirms what weve long suspected, that Wildwood is one of the key animation titles to track in 2026. Twenty Halloweens ago, Tim Burton conjured Corpse Bride, a fantasy fable that spans the world of the living and the land of the dead. Building on the stylings of The Nightmare Before Christmas, which he had dreamt up with Henry Selick in 1993, Corpse Bride tells the tale of Victor, a skinny and melancholy young man who is to be married off to a shy and eligible young woman, Victoria. Fortunately, they find they get along well. Unfortunately, Victor has just accidentally married a corpse instead, thanks to an ill-advised placing of his wedding ring on the outstretched finger of a graveside branch mid song-and-dance. Tim Burton brought the initial ideas for Corpse Bride, but its animation was spearheaded by co-director Mike Johnson. In our exclusive interview, we spoke with Johnson about how Corpse Bride was brought to life, its legacy, and where animation took him next. Cartoon Brew: How did this project originate, and how did you come to co-direct it? Im aware that you worked on The Nightmare Before Christmas as a rigger and James and the Giant Peach as an animator there seems to be a progression here. Mike Johnson: Corpse Bride actually originated right after Nightmare Before Christmas. This project was first pitched to Tim Burton by storyboard artist Joe Ranft he went to CalArts with Tim, and he was a key player in the early days of Pixar. He was the voice of the caterpillar in A Bugs Life. Hes just an all-around creative guy. He brought that story, the original folktale, to Tim. But it didnt get the green light for whatever reason. Other projects were going on, and it just sort of went away for about ten years. When it resurfaced, I had done some short films, and I was directing a television series for Will Vinton Studios, which is now Laika. A producer there brought the project to Tims attention again, and they put me forward as a director. There were other candidates, but I think because of my short films and having that Tim Burton DNA of working in a small capacity on Nightmare and things like that, after meeting with him and talking about ideas for the film, he chose me for the job. Its interesting because in those intervening years, you took on projects such as the music video for Primus The Devil Went Down to Georgia, which has a similar DNA to Corpse Bride, in that an underworld inhabitant invades the land of the living. Was the Corpse Bride idea circling in your mind when you took on projects like that one? Obviously, theres a big Tim Burton influence and inspiration in my short films, but I hadnt really been thinking about Corpse Bride. Everyone who was in the stop-mo scene, as far as my group of people I worked with at that time, had sort of forgotten about that idea. They thought it had just gone away. When I made The Devil Went Down to Georgia, it wasnt with the intention of getting involved in Corpse Bride but I do think maybe when Tim saw that film, that also helped me. I think he understood that I understood the aesthetic that he was after. Past quotes from you suggest that your work on Corpse Bride was as the practically-facilitating half of a creative duo, where Burton would bring the ideas. Is that an accurate assessment of how you worked together? I guess so. When we got the green light, it was based on this short folktale, so the story itself hadnt been developed that much but we had to move forward into production. There were several drafts of the script, and most of the story concepts were resolved in the storyboard process while we were in production. There was a lot of story work that I was responsible for. My job was basically to manifest this vision under Tims supervision. I would meet with him and he would give me sketches, notes, and directions to feed back to the crew and implement. He was very busy during the production of Corpse Bride, making Big Fish and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Its obviously his world, his style, his concept, but it was my job to carry that forward and manifest it. The animation in this film is very fluid and smooth. I expect fewer people are aware that its stop-motion than they are with Nightmare Before Christmas and James and the Giant Peach. Were you trying to hide the films stop-motion nature, or was it more to chart new heights of what you could achieve in stop-motion? It was more to chart new heights. At that time, the Pixar films were the dominant art form as far as feature animation. It was less about creating a funky stop-mo aesthetic it hadnt really turned that way yet it was more about proving that stop-motion could be as smooth and as fluid as computer animation and still be emotive, still have texture. You know, at that point, I considered chattery stop-motion, pops, and things like that as flaws. Of course, since Corpse Bride, its come around the other way Wes Anderson and all these films that embrace the texture of stop-motion to set themselves apart. I can see the value of that now that, like you said, audiences might not know the difference between stop-motion and CG. I think the Laika films now do take it too far, where it really doesnt matter if they had made those films in CG instead of stop-motion, no one would know the difference, because its such a hybrid. Back then, it was a different world. It was about advancing the techniques but still embracing them. That was the idea behind the fluidity of the animation. CG is used a little in this film, isnt it? Theres a little bit of CG in there. A tiny amount. Twenty years ago, it wasnt as accessible, and the tools werent advanced. So we had a little bit of green-screen backgrounds, things like that. There was no CG character animation, but the Brides veil was CG. Only in a few shots so we could create that flowing, transparent, sort of underwater effect through stop-motion. But it took the animators days to pull that off. The solution to that, because we were under scheduling pressure, was to have three shots that had a CG veil. And then we also had her take her veil off at a certain point, when she throws it on the ground that released us from having to animate her veil in a handful of shots. Even just that handful of shots made a huge difference in the schedule. So there is that little bit of CG in there, but as far as real character animation, its all pure stop-motion. In regard to that feel, the stop-motion nature of the characters is more apparent for the viewer once we reach the afterlife theres a tactility to the character models there. The tactility and thumbprints of stop-motion characters always make me think of them as being very alive somehow. And so, the land of the dead ends up feeling more alive than the land of the living. Was that an intentional duality? That was intentional in the design of the characters, the lighting, the stages, all of that. I hadnt really thought about how that carries through in the animation until you mentioned it, but I guess thats true. Some of that might be due to the fact that we didnt start shooting the land of the dead sequences until later in production. So maybe we were able to let it be a little more fast and loose due to scheduling. I guess it does give it a tactile quality that helps reinforce the difference in tone that were trying to achieve between both worlds. What was it like directing and animating in a greyscale palette for the land of the living sequences? That must have been an interesting challenge. It was interesting, and I really liked it. I feel the land of the living for all its monochromatic palette was more successful to me than what we ended up with for the land of the dead. I wish that wed had a little more time to play around with the atmospheric elements there. Some of the concept art was just a bit more ambitious. But I was really happy with the land of the living stuff and we did it the hard way. We didnt just dial out the color; everything was painted in a limited palette. We were trying to make it look like old tintypes and daguerreotypes. Even with the rigid formality of the staging of the shots, I was very pleased with the way that came through. I like the subtlety of that palette, seeing the little bits of purple and things that still come through and give it some life. Are the dour, less expressive faces of the characters in the world of the living easier to animate than the more expressive ones in the land of the dead? Yes and no. For the land of the dead characters, we could have a less complex mechanism for those puppets. If its a skull with a hinged jaw, thats easier for an animator to work with than the mechanisms behind the silicone masks of the living characters those were much more challenging for the animators to work with. Victors parents had a very limited range, but Victor himself had to have a wide range of expression, and obviously, the Corpse Bride had a very complicated facial mechanism as well. Similarly, Im curious as to whether the skinny, long-limbed characters are easier for you to articulate and whether that might be part of the reason for Nightmare and Corpse Brides aesthetic direction. When Corpse Bride was first pitched as an idea, it was Joe Ranfts write-up of that folktale, but also a handful of drawings that he and Tim Burton had done. The tradition of Jack Skellington and Sally was very much baked into the initial designs of Corpse Bride. Those skinny, long-limbed characters I guess maybe its easier to get clear, expressive poses with designs like that, but animating them especially back then rigging was more complicated. We couldnt digitally erase rigs as easily, so the rigs had to be hidden in the shot. That made it much more challenging to animate. A character like Victor with a big head and a tiny little ankle joint standing on one foot is kind of a marvel of physics. I think the engineers who built those armatures and those puppets, Mackinnon and Saunders, deserve a huge amount of credit for being able to bring those designs to life in a three-dimensional world. There are some abstract sequences in the film. The Remains of the Day musical number at the center has a lot of leaping limbs and acrobatic figures. Was that all stop-motion? Its all stop-motion. When the shadows are cast upon the wall, that little moment where the story is told through shadows, that was obviously two-dimensional animation. But all the dancing and leaping around was stop-motion and puppets and sometimes specialty puppets that could be more flexible. We had some skeletons that were just wire instead of the ball-and-socket armatures, which would give them a little more flexibility. There are ways to achieve that look. Its a particularly cool sequence because skeletons are such a pivotal part of the lineage of achieving clever and special things in animation, from Silly Symphonies onwards. Yeah, for sure. That was a big influence, the skeleton dance from the early days of Disney, all the way through to Ray Harryhausen in The 7th Voyage of Sinbad and Jason and the Argonauts. Like you said, theres a huge tradition of skeletons and stop-motion, and we wanted to acknowledge that where we could. The climax of the film in the church is action-heavy. How did you pull it off? We wanted a big action sequence at the end something exciting because so many of the sequences in the film are low-key, slow-cooking sequences. It was a lot of fun. Theres a moment where Victor swings the sword and it hits the stone pillar behind Barkis sparks fly. Even that was done with old-fashioned practical effects, where the animator would burn a little bit of steel wool. He would have to light it on the set, and as it fizzled and sparked, he would shoot the frame of animation. Could you tell me about your other feature, Ping Pong Rabbit? Theres very little information about it online. Did it get released? It didnt get released. An American producer approached me with a deal in China to make it. I worked on it for several years. But this was right before China broke big with some of their animated films great films. This was a couple of years before Ne Zha came out, and a lot of people were still unsure about where Chinese animation would go. After a few years of production, they shut the doors on that one. There were a lot of factors involved. But sadly, it never made it to the screen. We had it three-quarters of the way done. Its a different experience working in CG. Its still visual storytelling, and the same rules apply as far as that goes. But technically, day to day, its just not the same as stop-motion. It doesnt have the same kind of excitement. Just the fun of being on set, with real miniature sets and puppets. Since I came up from and really climbed the ladder in stop-motion, from puppet making up to directing and animation, I understood every aspect. That helped me as far as directing stop-motion. I could understand how to save some time for a setup. Or I would understand that the animator would need an extra day on a shot. With CG, I didnt have that background. Someone would come up to me and say, This shot wont be ready for two weeks. And Id say, Why not? I would get some kind of technical, computer answer, and I had to take their word for it. So it was difficult transitioning from stop-motion to computer animation, and not as enjoyable for me. Youre credited as a guest animator on Anomalisa. Could you tell me what your work on that entailed? That was just a little bit I was in there for about two weeks. Actually, that was right before the Ping Pong Rabbit job took off. At that point, the stop-motion community was still pretty small and intimate. I got a call one day from a friend working on it who said, Hey, they need help. Can you come in and help them out for a couple of weeks, knock out a couple shots? And so I did. The shots were not glorious. In the auditorium at the end, when hes starting to have a nervous breakdown I did a couple of wide shots there, a close-up when shes singing that Cyndi Lauper song in the hotel room, and a reaction shot of him. So I just did three shots on that film over the course of two weeks, and then I had to move on to Ping Pong Rabbit. But it was nice of them to give me that credit, and it was nice to kind of reconnect with a lot of animators Id known since Nightmare who were working on it. As far as the really epic, crazy, minute-and-a-half-long animated shots that are in that movie, I wasnt involved in them. But I saw them going down, and I was amazed by what they were reaching for with that film. What, if anything, are you working on in the world of animation these days? After Ping Pong Rabbit folded up, I continued to work in China developing projects until Covid hit. Due to Covid and all the disruption it brought to everyones lives, my wife and I decided to move from LA to Texas to be closer to my parents. We bought a twelve-acre farm, and I got into beekeeping. I now maintain 25 hives and work full-time as a beekeeper. Surprisingly, many stop-mo skills carry over into beekeeping. Im happy to say Ive won multiple Blue Ribbons for honey this year at Honey Shows and the Texas State Fair. I wasnt expecting to change careers, but I guess Ive retired from animation for now. Sign up to get our news digest delivered directly to your inbox twice a week. Aha Media is rolling out the latest film in its animated anthology Frames Per Second, which spotlights the real professional paths of creative workers. The new short turns the focus on producer and Surviving Animation host and long-time friend of Cartoon Brew, Eric Calderon, and his efforts to stay afloat in an industry constantly in flux. It was amazing to see that part of my life depicted in such high-quality full animation, Calderon said in a release. The fun design aesthetic, the Dragonball homages (Yamcha!), and even the sound design all worked together to create something that was whimsical and even epic but still grounded and emotional. I was pleasantly astounded! The short comes out of Aha Medias Immersive Internship Program, made in partnership with Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD). Student teams worked alongside professional supervisors to complete the production. The internship with Aha Media was an incredible experience! It really felt like I was on a real production team, said CCAD student Natalya Sutarto. It helped me better understand how the animation pipeline works as well as how to communicate with my peers and potentially make more connections and friends. Aha Media also helped me find other strengths I never thought I had. Charlotte Belland, chair of CCADs Animation Department, described the collaboration as an opportunity for students to pick up practical production skills, along with mentorship from working animators. This innovative model allows students to develop production skills critical for career success after graduation, and deploy and grow those skills under the supervision of working professionals. Aha Media produces digital-first animation with an emphasis on short form and virtual pipelines. The Calderon short will premiere on the studios YouTube channel, with additional release on Calderons Surviving Animation channel. Of the 32 NATO members, three have nuclear weapons and SSBNs (ballistic missile nuclear-powered submarines). In addition to the United States, Britain and France also have about 500 nuclear weapons between them and four SSBNs each, as well as aircraft to deliver them. Britain uses American missiles and nuclear warhead variants in its SSBNs, while France developed its own. For their next generation of SSBNs, these two countries plan to cooperate on building their own missiles. Both nations have managed to build effective stealthy SSBNs, which was demonstrated in 2009 when two of them collided. Neither sub knew this even after the collision. France first revealed that its Le Triomphant SSBN had collided with some unknown underwater object, causing some damage to its sonar dome. At the time, the crew did not know what they had hit and assumed that it was a cargo container floating underwater after having fallen off a ship. It's a common enough occurrence in bad weather. Nothing else seemed to make sense. Ten days later, after the British announced that one of their SSBNs had also collided with something underwater, they compared notes with the French and concluded that the two boats had run into each other. It appears that the bow of Le Triomphant scraped along the side of HMS Vanguard. The French apparently believe that both boats were so quiet that neither boat detected the other, even after the collision. The French revealed that onboard Le Triomphant the collision could be heard by the crew as bumping and scraping, then silence. There was a damage assessment drill, which came up clean except for some damage to the sonar dome. That meant The French later revealed that they did exchange general location data with NATO navies with regard to where their SSN attack submarines were operating. But they consider the SSBNs one of their strategic weapons and thus subject to a higher degree of secrecy. For decades, it was understood that sharing information with all your NATO partners increased the chances of the secrets getting back to Russia. Since only one or two of these SSBNs are at sea at any time, it was believed that collisions would never be a problem. The odds of an underwater collision were considered so low as to be virtually, but not absolutely, impossible. The U.S., Britain, and France quietly got together to work out new procedures to avoid collisions between their increasingly stealthy subs. This is one reason why the next-generation French 3G SSBNs are spending a lot of money on improving passive sensors that will detect stealthy subs that get within collision range. Le Terrible, the last of four current French Triomphant-class SSBNs, entered service in 2010, and the first 3G SSBN is supposed to enter service in 2035. First-generation French SSBNs began entering service in 1971, and they lasted 20 to 23 years. Triomphant, the first second-generation SSBN, is expected to serve for 30 or more years. By 2035 the youngest Triomphant-class boat will have been in service for 25 years and one before it for 30 years. The first Triomphant is expected to retire in the late 2020s. The Triomphant-class boats displace 12,600 tons, have a crew of 101, and carry 16 M51 SLBMs (sea-launched ballistic missiles). At the time the other three Triomphants, already in service, carried the older M45 missile. These boats received the M51 after Le Terrible entered service. The Triomphants replaced the six SSBNs of the Redoutable class. These were 9,000-ton boats that entered service in 1971 and began to retire by 1991. Each of these boats carried sixteen of the shorter-range 5,000-kilometer M4 missiles. The first Triomphant entered service in 1997, while the last of the six Redoutable SSBNs served until 2008. In 2008, after more than a decade of development and delays, France finally completed testing the new M51 SLBM. In this case, the missile was fired from an underwater container similar to the silo on a submarine. There followed another successful launch from a French SSBN. M51s weigh 52 tons each, carry six warheads, and have a range of 10,000 kilometers. They replace the M45, weighing 35 tons each, carrying six warheads and with a range of 6,000 kilometers. The M51 entered service on schedule in 2010 and has undergone several upgrades so that the 3G SSBNs will use it, at least initially. Currently there are no plans for a new SLBM. The British SSBNs carry sixteen American Trident II SLBMs that weigh 59 tons each and have a range of 12,000 kilometers. Each missile can carry up to twelve warheads. Advertisement Cemex has reported strong third-quarter 2025 results, with net sales up five per cent and consolidated EBITDA posting double-digit growth, driven by operational efficiencies and higher prices. EBITDA margin rose by 2.5 percentage points YoY, marking the companys best third-quarter performance since 2020. The US and EMEA achieved record margins, while Mexico and Latin American regions reached multi-year highs. Cemexs Project Cutting Edge delivered US$90m in EBITDA savings, on track to achieve US$200m in 2025. CEO Jaime Muguiro said the results confirm progress toward becoming a more focused, agile company. Free cash flow and decarbonisation goals also advanced. Pictured, left to right: Dr. Corey Campbell, vice president of Academic Affairs; Sandra Godsey, dean of Business and Advanced Technologies; Dr. John Squires, vice president of Economic and Institutional Development; Margo Fitzgerald; Dr. Andy White, Cleveland State president; Dr. Rodney Fitzgerald; and Jonathan Cantrell, Foundation Board of Trustees president. Margo Fitzgerald speaks at the dedication Dr. Rodney Fitzgerald speaks at the dedication Previous Next Cleveland State Community College Foundation recently dedicated the Dr. Rodney and Margo Fitzgerald Nursing Lab in the Health & Science Center on the Cleveland campus.With a donation from the Fitzgerald Family Foundation, the state-of-the-art training facility will be used to prepare nursing students to serve in the healthcare field.The gift also provided training equipment for the Emergency Medical Services program at the college.Dr. Fitzgerald has taught at Cleveland State for more than 50 years.He retired in 2002 after serving as associate dean in the Humanities Department, and he continues to serve the college as an adjunct professor. Tennessee American Water is awarding $17,000 to multiple fire and rescue agencies in the area through the Companys 2025 Firefighting Support Grant program. The grants provide supplemental funding to emergency responders for items such as critical equipment, training and community education. Tennessee American Water is proud to support our local fire and rescue first responders through our Firefighting Support program, said Grant Evitts, president of Tennessee American Water. We deeply appreciate their dedication to protecting and serving our communities in emergencies. The following area departments will receive up to $1,000.00: Hamilton County Chattanooga Fire Department Hamilton County Special Tactics & Rescue Services City of East Ridge Fire Department Elder Mountain Volunteer Service, Inc. Highway 58 Volunteer Fire Department Town of Lookout Mountain TN Fire Department City of Red Bank Fire Department Signal Mountain Fire Department Northwest Georgia Catoosa County Fire Department Lookout Mountain GA Police and Fire Department Walker County Fire Rescue Sequatchie Valley in TN Crossroads Fire and Rescue Haletown Volunteer Fire Department Jasper Highlands Volunteer Fire Department Sequatchie Area Volunteer Fire Department West Valley Volunteer Fire Department Whitwell Volunteer Fire Department The Firefighting Support Grants provide financial assistance to uniformed, professional and volunteer fire departments serving communities in the companys designated service territories. More information is available on the Companys website tennesseeamwater.com. Kyle Steven Crandell, 38, has been identified as the employee at a Cleveland plastics facility who shot and killed two people at the plant on Monday, then took his own life. Police said Crandell was being terminated from the plant when the shooting broke out. Killed at Barku Plastics were Tobias Gleinig and Ivan Aldergot, the plant vice president. A GoFundMe page was created for the victims' families. It said, "On October 27, the Cleveland community suffered an unimaginable loss. Two friends and coworkers, Ivan Aldergot and Tobias Gleinig, tragically lost their lives in the Barku plastics shooting. Their passing has left an emptiness that words can hardly describe. "Ivan was a devoted father to two wonderful children and a loving partner to his girlfriend, Dana. He loved the outdoors and was always happiest when surrounded by nature or helping others. Ivan had a big heart and would do anything for anyone in a heartbeat. Tobias was known for his quiet, kind, and patient spirit. He was a loving partner and a devoted father figure to his non-biological daughter, whom he loved as his own. Tobias had a quiet strength that made everyone around him feel seen and cared for. He, too, was the type of person who would give without ever expecting anything in return. "Ivan and Tobias were more than coworkers - they were family. Their laughter, dedication, and compassion touched everyone who knew them. They showed up for their friends, their families, and their community every single day. This fundraiser has been created to help their loved ones through this heartbreaking time - to assist with funeral costs, travel expenses, and ongoing support for the children and families. Thank you for helping us honor Ivan and Tobias. Their kindness and generosity will never be forgotten." Cleveland Police gave this updated account: On Monday at approximately 10:21 a.m., officers from the Cleveland Police Department responded to reports of gunfire at Barku Plastics, located at 131 Corporate Drive SW in Cleveland. Officers discovered two deceased males, identified as Tobias Gleinig and Ivan Aldergot, both employees of Barku Plastics. Evidence at the scene indicates that both victims sustained fatal gunshots. The incident is being investigated as a double homicide. Preliminary findings indicate that the suspect, also employed by Barku Plastics, was in the process of being terminated from his position with the company. Following the initial response, investigators quickly identified a possible suspect who had fled the scene in a vehicle. That vehicle was later located at a residence in Bradley County, outside the Cleveland city limits. Through a joint effort of intelligence gathering and sharing between the Cleveland Police Department and the Bradley County Sheriffs Office, law enforcement agencies immediately established a perimeter and began a coordinated tactical operation. Over the course of several hours, officers and specialized units utilized advanced technology, including two robots and an aerial drone, to ensure a safe entry into the residence. Inside the home, officers located a deceased male in a bedroom, believed to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The individual was later identified as Kyle Steven Crandell, who has been confirmed as the suspect responsible for the fatal shootings of Tobias Gleinig and Ivan Aldergot. The incident concluded following a six-hour standoff at 146 Westview Lane SE in Cleveland, which has been confirmed as Crandells residence. The Cleveland Police Department continues to work closely with the Bradley County Sheriffs Office, the 10th Judicial District Attorneys Office, and other partnering agencies to complete the investigation and provide closure to the victims families and the community. Chief of Police Mark Gibson expressed his condolences, stating, Our hearts are with the families, friends, and coworkers of Tobias Gleinig and Ivan Aldergot. This is a heartbreaking event that has deeply affected our community, Barku Plastics, and has even reached across national and international boundaries. We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the following agencies for their assistance during the tactical operation and investigative response: 10th Judicial District Attorneys Office Cleveland Fire Department Chattanooga Police Department Hamilton County Sheriffs Office Tennessee Homeland Security Federal Bureau of Investigation Bradley County 911 Bradley County Emergency Medical Services Bradley County Emergency Management Agency Bradley County Fire Department Tennessee Highway Patrol Cleveland Animal Control 10th Judicial District Drug Task Force Medical Examiners Office Hamilton County Emergency Medical Services The Cleveland Police Department and the Bradley County Sheriffs Office thank the community for its patience, support and empathy for the victims and their families as this investigation continues. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency announces anglers can once again use their Tennessee resident licenses to fish certain waters shared with Kentucky, as new reciprocal agreements took effect Thursday, Oct. 16, following adjournment of the Kentucky Interim Joint Committee on Natural Resources and Energy.The reciprocal agreements had expired earlier this year, and the Kentucky Department of Natural Resources has been working to reinstate reciprocal agreements with several bordering states.Tennessee and Kentucky have a long history of cooperation on shared fisheries resources.Sport fishing licenses issued by either state will be recognized as lawful within certain portions of Kentucky Lake, Dale Hollow Lake and Big South Fork of the Cumberland River. Southern Adventist University welcomes photographer John Moore to speak for Veterans Day Convocation on Thursday, Nov. 6 at 11 a.m. in Iles P.E. Center on campus in Collegedale. Admission is free and open to the public.A special correspondent for Getty Images, Mr. Moore has worked in 70 countries on six continents, and was posted internationally for most of his career, first to Nicaragua, then India, South Africa, Mexico, Egypt and Pakistan. He spent more than a decade at the U.S./Mexican border to document illegal immigration, and also trained his lens on the bushfires of Australia and resulting fate of the surviving endemic wildlife.Mr.Moore has won the professions top honors, including the 2019 World Press Photo of the Year award for the image known as Crying Girl on the Border. He also won the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award for his comprehensive immigration coverage, and the Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News Photography for his photos of the war in Iraq.A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, Mr. Moore lives with his family in Stamford, Ct.Originally scheduled to speak, photojournalist David Guttenfelder is unable to attend, due to circumstances beyond his control.For more information about the upcoming event, visit southern.edu/southernevents or call 423-236-2814. Patriarchs of the East Revive Their Authentic Assyrian Identity Since the early 20th century, particularly after the ill-fated 1923 Treaty of Lausanne for our people, Eastern Christians, especially the Assyrian people, have lived in a state of absolute subordination and a deep identity crisis. This struggle has been between their historical national belonging and the identities imposed upon them by the political regimes that came to dominate the region. With the formation of modern nation-states after World War I, major powers attempted to draw new borders not only on the land but also in the minds, heritage, and identity of its peoples. The Treaty of Lausanne was one of the most significant and detrimental events that contributed to the erasure of our Assyrian national identity. It ignored our people's national, historical and existential rights and attempted to alter our honorable history, a history rich with civilizations like the Sumerian, Akkadian, Old and New Babylonian, and Assyrian. Our people were the inventors of the alphabet and possessed the keys to development and thought that the civilized world struggled to decipher. Instead of recognizing this, the treaty's decision-makers relegated us to vague classifications like "Western Christians," "Eastern Christians," "Christian Arabs," or "Christian Persians," as if our national belonging had been canceled and replaced with a general religious label. Thus, in the eyes of the international political powers of the time, our people were transformed from a living nation with deep civilizational roots into a mere religious denomination outside of history. However, in recent years, the Patriarchs of the East and heads of our historical Churches have begun to take bold and clear stances to set the record straight. Many of them have declared in speeches, conferences, and official statements their rejection of the imposed Arab identity, emphasizing that Arabism is a culture and a language, not a comprehensive, overarching nationality that can erase the authentic, deeply rooted nationalities with their profound history and ideology. This renewed awareness among church and national leaders is an expression of a historical awakening that restores the value of our Assyrian roots. It affirms that the descendants of this people are not newcomers to the region but are its original inhabitants, from Nineveh to Babylon, and from Urhoy to Erbil and Mosul. The Patriarchs of the East have recognized that the Assyrian nationality is not opposed to religion, denomination, or faith; in fact, our ancestors were among the first to embrace and believe in Christianity. The return of the Patriarchs of the East to embrace this identity is not merely an intellectual or symbolic stance. It is a step towards a spiritual national renaissance that restores the Christian East to its original place among nations. It also confirms that the children of Nineveh, Babylon, and Ur are still here, believing that their identity is not granted by anyone but is reclaimed through will, consciousness and a history that time cannot erase. The time has come for our Assyrian people to reclaim their language, heritage and historical name, free from imposed nationalities and artificial political borders. The Patriarchs who are now restoring the value of this identity are reviving the spirit of the ancient Mesopotamian nation in a contemporary form, linking the past to the future. They declare that the sun of Nineveh and Babylon has not yet set; it awaits those who will raise the banner of national truth once again. We also recall, through this article, the national awakening driven, and indeed led, by our national parties and institutions, including the Bethnahrin National Council (Mawtbo Umthoyo d'Bethnahrin, MUB), as well as its women and youth organizations, cadres and structures, Suroyo TV Foundation, Beth Nahrain Patriotic Union (Huyodo Beth Nahrain Athroyo, HBA) and other parties from our national family. These struggling national institutions and parties have worked diligently to revive our living memory, instill a national spirit and spread national thought and awareness among our people. They aimed to prepare our religious, intellectual, academic, and scientific leaders and symbols for a level of political maturity to face the coming stage and remind everyone of that history and heritage which the peoples of the world admire. A Criminal Court jury on Wednesday sentenced gang leader Andre Grier to life in prison with the possibility of parole for the May 2016 murder of Bianca Horton. The jury on Tuesday had deliberated three hours before finding gang leader Grier guilty of the murder of state witness Bianca Horton. Then the state had asked the jury from Anderson County to order the death penalty for him. Instead, the panel went to the opposite extreme. The other choice was life without the possibility of parole. In the penalty phase of the trial, the jury heard additional proof, then had the three choices. Grier earlier was found guilty of all five charges - first-degree felony murder, first-degree pre-mediated murder, especially aggravated kidnapping, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit especially aggravated kidnapping. Police said Ms. Horton was killed because she was ready to testify against an Athens Park Bloods gang member, Cortez Sims. Police said Sims burst into the home of Ms. Horton at the College Hill Courts and shot a rival gang member in 2015. He also killed a woman who was at the house, shot Ms. Horton and shot her daughter, Zoe, leaving her paralyzed. Ms. Horton was killed four months before she was due to testify against Sims in Criminal Court. Sims was still convicted and is serving a life prison sentence. Prosecutors said Grier and others planned the murder of Ms. Horton. She was followed from her work on Quintus Loop, abducted outside her home at the Stone Ridge Apartments, and killed on an isolated street behind the old King's Lodge on the side of Missionary Ridge. She was shot six times, including several shots that by themselves would have been fatal, and her body was dumped beside Elder Street. Also charged in the case were Courtney High and Charles Shelton. High pleaded guilty and got a life prison sentence. Shelton died in jail of COVID. Ms. Horton, who was 26, had four children. A brother of Ms. Horton, who was called by the state during the penalty phase, said the children "have managed to get through it. They have been motivated to make their lives better." He said of the situation, "What happened was in God's will. That's the only answer I could give them." The brother said Zoe is now 13 and is attending school. The defense called an aunt of Grier, who said Andre had a troubled childhood. She said his father declined to marry his mother, which caused the mother to pull back from young Andre. She said at one point that Andre was taken in by a relative with a fine home in Brainerd, but that ended when she was killed in a car wreck. The aunt said the mother took him back and Andre lived with her and his sisters and brother. She said the family regularly attended church. But she said the mother eventually began using drugs and living on the streets, neglecting the children. Afterward, Andre was in state care and lived in a group home, she said. The aunt said when he "aged out" of state care he "began getting these little girlfriends and having babies." She said he has six children. She said he was no longer interested in church. Questioned by the state, the aunt said his older and younger sister have done well and have good jobs. The Georgia Country Music Hall of Fame inducted entertainer, actor, and fiddler Randall Franksknown as Officer Randy Goode from TVs In the Heat of the Nightduring its recent ceremonies at the Seaplane Opry House. Co-executive directors LaDonna Ray and Shirley Maule presented Franks with the honor, celebrating his legacy in country, bluegrass, and gospel music. It was a pleasure to induct Randall Franks into our Music Hall of Fame, said LaDonna Ray, co-executive director. His music, songwriting, and amazing contributions are a stellar addition to our honorees. Franks, of Ringgold, thrilled the audience with a high-energy fiddle rendition of "Orange Blossom Special" and joined fellow bluegrass inductee, vocalist/guitarist Dan Daniel, on stage. This recognition comes thanks to God, the artists whove given me a hand up, my fellow musicians who supported me, behind-the-scenes professionals, my parents, and especially the fans whove bought tickets, merchandise, and tuned in, Franks said. Your support means everything! Fellow Georgian,The Dukes of Hazzard and Enos star Sonny Shroyer congratulated his longtime friend shortly after the presentation by phone, Franks said. Shroyer was part of Franks country variety show, The Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree, now marking its 80th anniversary and recorded the song "Children In Need" with him. The Hall also awarded Franks for his patriotic, country, bluegrass, and gospel songwriting. Some of his titles are patriotic tunes such as "The Americans Creed" and "Cascade;" country songs such as I Know Cause Ive Been There, What About All These American Flags and You Cant Stop Time; to bluegrass gems such as "You Cant Stop Time," "The Old Black Fiddle," "Filling the River with Tears," and "Midnight Train;" plus gospel favorites including "Gods Children," "Now I Know," "Someone Greater Than I," "Must Be A Reason," "You Better Get Ready," and "Hes Never Gonna Fool Me Again." Among his co-writers are talents like Alan Autry, Cotton Carrier, Wesley Crider, John Farley, Noah Gordon, Dottie Moore, Carroll OConnor, Ramblin Tommy Scott, and Mark Wheeler. Founded by Shirley Maule, the Georgia Country Music Hall of Fame honors Georgia artists whose careers have touched lives in Georgia, Northern Florida, and beyond. Dr. Ruth Bieringer, Vice President Technology & Innovation Material Technology at Freudenberg Sealing Technologies, will become President of the German Chemical Society (GDCh) effective January 1, 2026. During her two-year term, she aims to intensify the dialogue with political decision-makers and advocate for fact-based scientific information. Dr. Ruth Bieringer Freudenberg Sealing Technologies Ruth Bieringer was elected as the future president of the German Chemical Society (GDCh) with one abstention at the GDCh Executive Board meeting on October 1, 2025. She succeeds Professor Dr. Stefanie Dehnen from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), who held the office for a two-year term. Dr. Carla Seidel, BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, and Dr. Susanne Rehn-Taube, Deutsches Museum Munich, were elected vice presidents, also starting in January 2026. The Executive Committee also includes Dr. Franz von Nussbaum, Nuvisan ICB GmbH, Berlin, as treasurer, and Stefanie Dehnen as Immediate Past President for the first year. The president-elect aims to intensify dialogue with policymakers and other stakeholders. "Humanity is facing profound social and scientific challenges, and we as scientists must play a central role in solving them," says Ruth Bieringer. "It is particularly important to me that political decisions are made on the basis of sound scientific findings, and that we as the GDCh are available as a reliable and competent partner. We chemists, in particular, are called upon to make our contribution to overcoming the global challenges of our time." Ruth Bieringer, born in 1971, studied chemistry at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz before completing her doctorate in polymer chemistry at the University of Bayreuth in 1999. She then began her Career at Freudenberg, which led her to her current position via several positions in central research. Since 2020, she has been Vice President Technology & Innovation Material Technology at Freudenberg Sealing Technologies in Weinheim. She is also a lecturer in materials science (polymers) at RheinMain University of Applied Sciences. In addition to her involvement with the GDCh, Ruth Bieringer is involved in the German Rubber Society (DKG), the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), and the German Institute of Rubber Technology (DIK). Photo Credit: Unsplash/ Chris Hardy According to a new report, the states with the lowest religious freedom scores were Michigan (22%), Vermont (23%), Delaware (25%), Washington (26%), and Maryland (27%). On Monday, the Napa Legal Institute released its 2025 Faith and Freedom Index, which rates each state from 0100 based on protections for religious nonprofit organizations, combining a states religious freedom score and its regulatory freedom score. A states religious freedom score reflects factors such as constitutional free exercise protections, whether a Religious Freedom Restoration Act exists, religious freedom conditions for nonprofits with public programming and for faith-based employers, protections for religious exercise during a state emergency, and the presence of state Blaine Amendments. Regulatory freedom scores weigh elements such as a states nonprofit religious corporation law, prior notice and consent requirements for major corporate actions, director standards of conduct for religious organizations, charitable registration law, audit requirements tied to charitable registration, corporate income tax and exemptions, sales and use taxes and exemptions, and property taxes and exemptions. In a statement on the 2025 Faith and Freedom Indexs release, the Napa Legal Institute singled out Michigan and Washington as states that over-burden and are even hostile towards faith-based nonprofits. Conversely, Alabama (86%) and Kansas (79%) topped the religious freedom category, followed by Mississippi (67%), Georgia (67%), and Florida (63%), with the Institute praising Alabama and Kansas for their exemplary protections for faith-based nonprofits that other states should emulate. In the regulatory freedom category, Indiana and Montana led with scores of 82% and 80%, respectively; Iowa (79%) and Arizona (77%) also ranked near the top, while Texas (76%) and Wyoming (76%) tied for fifth; at the bottom, Illinois posted 40%. Other low performers in regulatory freedom included Michigan (45%), Massachusetts (48%), South Dakota (49%), and Washington (49%). Overall, Alabama (72%) and Kansas (69%) recorded the highest composite scores, with Indiana (68%), Texas (65%), and Mississippi (63%) also ranking high. The report praised Alabama for strong constitutional protections for free exercise of religion, a state constitutional amendment requiring government burdens on religious exercise to satisfy strict scrutiny, and an automatic exemption from state corporate income tax for organizations with federal 501(c)(3) status. At the other end, Michigan (31%) and Washington (35%) had the lowest overall scores, with Massachusetts at 37% and Illinois, Maryland, and West Virginia each at 38%. The report criticizes Michigan for its broad Blaine Amendment, which bars religious organizations from receiving state funding, and for nondiscrimination laws regarding public accommodations and employment that include no meaningful exemptions for religious organizations. Pastor Rick Warren speaks on the first evening of the World Evangelical Alliance's 14th General Assembly at SaRang Church in Seoul on Oct. 27, 2025. | Photo credit: Christian Daily International/ Hudson Tsuei Saddleback Church founder and renowned evangelist Rick Warren, issuing an appeal for Christian leaders to mirror Jesus ministry model, outlined five essentials he says believers must practice to win the world for Christ. Addressing an in-person audience at SaRang Church on Monday evening during day one of the World Evangelical Alliances 14th General Assembly, Warren said the approach he follows is not American or from any nation but Gods own method, which means it's perfect. Drawing on his experience leading what he described as the only church in Christian history to plant churches in 197 countries, Warren contrasted that missional focus with some megachurches he said are not healthy and uninterested in sharing the Gospel globally. Calling attention to John 12:49, Warren observed, Probably most pastors in this room have never preached on this verse, and quoted Jesus: For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandmentwhat to say and what to speak. He then presented five things that Jesus did in His ministry that he believes the global Body of Christ must embrace to complete its mission, stressing from the Gospel of John that knowing how to say it forms the biblical foundation for finishing the task of the Great Commission. If there was a better way to win the world, Jesus would've used it, he added, lamenting that Many of us in our churches only get half the blessing of Jesus because we adopt this message, but we do not adopt this method. Warren said he has witnessed it work in the desert, in very small villages and in giant megacities, calling it transcultural, and summarized the steps with the acronym PEACE: pass on the good news; equip disciples; alleviate suffering preaching, teaching and healing; continually pray; and establish new churches. Appealing to shared priorities, Warren declared, If you want the blessing of God on your life, if you want the power of God in your life, if you want the anointing of God on your life, you must care about what Jesus cares about most. He wants His lost children found. And as long as there's one person that doesn't know Him, we are commanded to keep reaching out, pointing to John 4:34, John 5:36 and John 6:38. Explaining that Jesus example for the Twelve extended beyond a single act, Warren said He wasnt just talking about washing their feet, but to everything taught over three-and-a-half years, insisting That's the model, with references to John 13:17 and John 17. Warren stated, This is something most Christians don't understand. We don't get blessed for knowing the Bible. We get blessed for doing, adding, The Bible says be doers of the Word. Almost every sermon, Jesus says, Go and do likewise. Linking proclamation and compassion, he noted that Jesus preached and healed and that the global Church has mirrored this through churches, schools, and hospitals, asserting, This is part of the model of Christ. This is why in every nation of the world, the first hospital and the first university were started by a Christian mission. Concluding with a call to action, Warren exhorted, Do evangelism as He did; disciple as He did, and do ministry to the poor and the sick and the hurting. Pray like He did and build this church like He did. Staff from Samaritans Purse gather to pray before a 767 cargo plane carrying more than 100,000 pounds of life-saving relief supplies departs for Gaza, Oct. 25, 2025. | Photo credit: Facebook/ Samaritans Purse Samaritans Purse said Saturday it used its newly acquired 767 cargo aircraft to fly more than 100,000 pounds of relief supplies into Gaza. According to a statement provided to The Christian Post, the inaugural mission of the plane transported over 290,000 packets of ready-to-use supplemental food, as well as thousands of solar lights and blankets prioritized for women and children. Earlier this year, the ministry partnered with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundationa newly formed aid organization backed by the United States and Israelto facilitate deliveries and deploy medical personnel into the war zone. As part of these missions, the group has moved hundreds of thousands of pounds of high-calorie, peanut-based MANA Nutrition pouches produced in Georgia, formulated to address malnutrition. Since the conflict began, Samaritans Purse reports sending more than 223 tons of supplemental food and distributing in excess of 1 million rations, while medical teams have treated over 1,700 patients. The organization says distribution of the calorie-dense MANA packets is concentrated at designated aid sites for women and children, where First Aid stations staffed by clinicians are also in operation; the broader responselaunched after the Oct. 7 Hamas-led attack on Israelhas included assistance to civilians on both sides of the conflict. Edward Graham, the ministrys chief operating officer and son of Franklin Graham, said Gaza remains one of the most challenging environments for humanitarian response, adding, I'm thankful for our staff who are willing to go and that their hearts are broken and pierced by the things that break the heart of Jesus Christ. Saturdays mission reflects expanded logistics enabled by the addition of the 767 to the fleet, which now complements the organizations existing 757 and DC-8 cargo aircraft. Beyond Gaza, Samaritans Purse has undertaken building projects in Israel, including two emergency medical stations, nine community centers with bomb shelters, and an equine therapy center serving children affected by trauma. The group is also conducting medical training in what it describes as strategic areas across Israel, with efforts intended to benefit both Israeli and Palestinian civilians impacted by the ongoing war. Home News Documentarian filming outside Planned Parenthood says police handcuffed him, seized his cameras An independent filmmaker says that he was filming a documentary outside of a Planned Parenthood in California when police handcuffed him, confiscated his equipment and forced him to sit in the back of a cop car for almost an hour an incident his attorney argued violated his rights. According to Dan Brown Jr., he was filming a street preacher named Brother Ed and other evangelists for a documentary titled "Cry Aloud," a name that may change further into production. The film, he explained, focuses on confrontational street evangelists and their interactions with law enforcement, and examines questions about the freedom of speech and assembly. Other documentaries that the Emmy-award-winning filmmaker has worked on include "Walking While Black" and "Girl Forgotten: What Happened to Brianna Wells?" "I've never been out in front of an abortion clinic before," Brown told The Christian Post, saying that he doesn't "have a dog in the fight" when it comes to the abortion debate. "This was my first experience in that forum, and it was one of 25 to 35 locations we've filmed for the documentary," he added. "I set out to film the fiery moments, not to be consumed in them." Around 11 a.m. on Oct. 17, the filmmaker arrived at a Planned Parenthood in Pomona to document the street preachers outside of the facility. Brown documented the preachers walking and speaking for about 30 or 40 minutes before the police showed up. Brown said that the police didn't say anything to him when they first arrived at the Planned Parenthood. Later, one of the officers who had gone inside the clinic came out and told the filmmaker that the cameras made people uncomfortable, asking if Brown was willing to stop filming. The filmmaker didn't remember saying anything in response, and the officer left. Brown kept shooting footage for about another hour, and he said he didn't encounter the police again until he had stopped filming and was loading his equipment into his vehicle. "Next thing I know, two or three police vehicles rush up behind us, kick on their lights and sirens, and come out very forceful," he recalled. "It was like a 'nobody move' situation." When the police asked him for identification, Brown checked his pockets but didn't find it, as it was in the car and not on his person at the time, according to the filmmaker. Brown said he was handcuffed tightly, placed in a police car without air conditioning for nearly an hour in the heat, and later issued a citation to appear in court on Dec. 6. A young assistant working with him a 22-year-old film student from Sri Lanka was also arrested. "She doesn't speak English very well. So maybe there was a misunderstanding," Brown said. "But later, she texted me and she said, 'I did have my ID on me.'" After sitting in the cop car for about an hour, which Brown said felt like a "sauna," the police informed him that they had found his ID and that they were letting him go. As the police walked the filmmaker back to his vehicle, they told him that they were seizing Brown's cameras, except for one that he hadn't used that day. According to Brown, the police didn't need to take the cameras, and he told them he could hand over the hard drives, but the police said that they couldn't trust his word. Brown noted that the police didn't seize all of the microphones and the audio equipment, which made him question the motivation behind taking the cameras. "This is my livelihood. There was no need to take the cameras," he said. "It just seems like gross overreach to me." When he asked the police why they were issuing him a citation, Brown remembered more than one officer refused to answer, telling the filmmaker, "I'm not going to repeat myself." In response to an inquiry from CP, a Pomona Police Department spokesperson confirmed that officers were dispatched to the Planned Parenthood on Oct. 17 and that Brown was placed under arrest, cited and released into the field. The spokesperson confirmed that the police seized his cameras as evidence. According to the spokesperson, Brown's cameras were later returned to him on Oct. 23. Under California's Assembly Bill 1356, it is a crime to film within 100 feet of an abortion facility for the purpose of intimidating the clinic staff and the women walking inside. Section 423.3 of the penal code states that a first violation of the various offenses listed under 423.2 "is a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for a period of not more than one year, or a fine not to exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or both that fine and imprisonment." Ryan Burke, an attorney for Brown, argued that the filmmaker was not harassing anyone entering the clinic, but covering the protests outside the facility, something the lawyer asserted every "journalist and citizen has the right to do." Burke contends that Brown was filming in a public place, and he did not prevent anyone from entering the Planned Parenthood, nor did he interfere with the protestors engaging in their "constitutionally protected activities." "This statute, on its face, clearly violates the First Amendment's free speech and free press clauses. It violates the Fourteenth Amendment's equal protection clause," Burke told CP. "It's absolutely absurd that someone like Dan or anybody else who's been charged under this statute should have to face any sort of criminal sanctions." At the time of reporting, Brown and his lawyer are preparing for the filmmaker's court appearance in December, where they will learn whether the district attorney's office has decided to pursue any charges. Burke is prepared for the charges and vows to fight. "We're not going to let this slide under the water, and we're not going to roll over and take it," the attorney said. "This is absolutely absurd." Home News Glow Church founders Joel and Ellen Cave separate after more than 24 years of marriage After more than 24 years of marriage, Joel and Ellen Cave, who founded the popular Glow Church in the Gold Coast, Australia, have separated and stepped back as senior pastors, the church has announced. In a statement sent to church members and shared with The Christian Post, Glow Church Chairman Dave Weatherall said Ellen Cave initiated the separation, and it was not due to "moral failure or infidelity." "Due to some very recent information that has been submitted, the Board has made the decision for our Senior Pastors to step back from all ministry responsibilities," Weatherall explained. "This follows a period of personal challenges that have led to, as it currently stands, a period of separation as requested by Ellen. This is not a result of moral failure or infidelity." "Joel is currently in a period of medical and pastoral recovery," Weatherall stated. Weatherall did not disclose Joel Cave's medical ailment but stated that the couple and their children would "continue to be a part of the church family, surrounded by care, prayer and support." "We ask for prayer, understanding, and respect for the privacy of Joel, Ellen, the children, and the Cave Family. We thank God for the evident blessing on Glow Church, as we face the future together," the Glow Church chairman said. Joel and Ellen Cave founded Glow Church in 2013, according to the church's website. The congregation grew into a multisite megachurch known for its large young-adult membership and contemporary, tech-focused worship services. "It is the style of music we have, the use of technology, we have a lot of cutting edge screens lighting and sound," Joel Cave told the Gold Coast Bulletin in 2018 about his approach to ministry. "Most people spend all day looking at screens and we use them because it helps people connect with our messages." Joel Cave was a former Kings Christian College teacher before he started the church with his wife, some friends and family on a Gold Coast balcony on January 13, 2013. The church, which is part of the Australian Christian Churches movement, previously had multiple locations across Australia, but locations outside of the Gold Coast were released in 2024 to become autonomous churches. As the church asks for privacy for the Caves, Weatherall suggested in his statement that leaders intend to walk alongside the family with a goal of restoration. "The Board has taken this step with careful consideration and prayer, prioritizing our Senior Pastors wellbeing and the health of the church community. It reflects a need for both Joel and Ellen to focus on their health, healing, and family's wellbeing during this time. The Board remains committed to walking alongside them," Weatherall said. "Let us remember that the same grace and hope we preach is the grace that sustains and restores us all. As we move forward, we keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, trusting that His work of healing and restoration will continue in each life and in our church." Home News Israel carries out 'powerful' strikes in Gaza following Hamas breaches of ceasefire, killing of IDF reservist The Israeli Air Force (IAF) carried out a series of powerful strikes in the Gaza Strip overnight and into Wednesday morning, after IDF reservist Master Sgt. Yonah Efraim Feldbaum was killed in a Hamas attack in Rafah on Tuesday. The Hamas ceasefire violation came shortly after revelations that the remains returned by the terror group the previous night were not new, but additional remains belonging to a hostage whose partial remains had already been recovered by the IDF earlier in the war. On Tuesday, the IDF released drone footage showing that Hamas did not actually discover the remains during its excavations, but had staged a fake retrieval operation for the cameras of Red Cross representatives. The Israeli government cited these actions as violations of the ceasefire agreement and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the IAF to carry out "powerful strikes in the Gaza Strip" against Hamas targets. Following the security consultations, Prime Minister Netanyahu instructed the military echelon to carry out immediate and powerful strikes in the Gaza Strip, the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) announced on Tuesday. Palestinian sources reported strikes in several locations across the Gaza Strip, while the Hamas-run Gaza civil defense agency reported that at least 50 people were killed in Israeli strikes overnight. The slain soldier, Feldbaum (37), a soldier in the Combat Engineering Corps, was a heavy machinery operator under the Gaza Division. A native of Zayit Raanan in Samaria, he leaves behind a wife and five children. According to an initial IDF investigation, terrorists fired on an army excavator in Rafahs Jenina neighborhood, killing Feldbaum. Shortly after that, the terrorists fired RPGs toward IDF troops, hitting an armored vehicle. There were no additional injuries reported from the RPG strike. The terrorists responsible for the attack fled the scene, and Israeli security forces are currently conducting a manhunt to locate them. While the area of the attack is located inside the Yellow Line and under Israeli control as part of the ceasefire the IDF believes there are several terror operatives hiding in a pocket within the Jenina neighborhood, likely near an undiscovered tunnel shaft. The military believes the terror cell may carry out further attacks until its location has been identified. IDF soldiers from the Nahal Reconnaissance Battalion are operating in the area to locate and destroy remaining terror infrastructure east of the Yellow Line. During a similar attack on an engineering vehicle last week in the same neighborhood, two soldiers were killed. Israel has blamed Hamas for both attacks, but the terror group has denied any involvement. The terrorist organization said it would be delaying the handover of another set of hostage remains, citing Israeli violations of the ceasefire. Hamas said it had previously planned to transfer the remains on Wednesday evening. Israel accuses Hamas of deliberately delaying the release of hostage remains in order to drag out the first phase of the ceasefire. Hamas has not released any hostages' bodies in over a week, despite U.S. President Donald Trump setting a 48-hour deadline earlier this week. Following the Israeli strikes on Hamas, President Trump said he believed nothing would endanger the ceasefire, while defending Israels right to retaliate. They killed an Israeli soldier. So the Israelis hit back. And they should hit back, he told reporters on Air Force One on Tuesday night. This article was originally published by All Israel News. Home News Ex-youth minister Lindsey Whitesides home detention for child sex abuse divides Mississippi town The prosecution of former Mississippi youth minister Lindsey Whiteside, who is accused of sexually abusing a minor under her care, continues to divide her community as United States Attorney Clay Joyner filed an emergency motion to review and revoke a federal judge's order to release her from custody pending trial. Despite facing the possibility of spending the rest of her life in prison for two counts of transportation of a minor across state lines for illicit sexual purposes and one count of enticement of a child, a federal magistrate judge ordered Whiteside released on a $60,000 unsecured bond Tuesday after her schoolteacher mother, Gale Whiteside, testified that she was not a danger to society, according to court documents review by The Christian Post. Whiteside, who was recently sentenced in a controversial decision to just three years of house arrest and seven years of probation for child sexual abuse in DeSoto County, was rearrested on the latest charges by federal authorities last week. The new arrest followed Special Circuit Court Judge Andrew Howorth's recusal from the case amid public backlash and a strong rebuke from the District Attorney for DeSoto, Matthew Barton, over the light sentence Whiteside received. During Whiteside's fiery detention hearing for the new charges in federal court in Oxford, her defense attorney, Tony Farese, argued that her prosecution is "retaliatory." "It's pretty obvious, isn't it? It's pretty obvious what was said. It's a retaliatory prosecution, and I'm not afraid to speak the truth," Farese argued, according to Fox 13, while accusing Barton of sensationalizing the case. "It's totally un-American. And it's exactly what I argued to the court. Sad times. And I've never seen that happen in the Northern District of Mississippi, and it shouldn't happen, but here we are," Farese added. Whiteside was ordered to 24/7 house arrest, where she would only be allowed to leave her mother's house to be in the yard or attend church and doctor's appointments before her trial on Dec. 8. She is also required to find a new home by Nov. 16 because her mother's house is near a local school. If she remains there, she will be out of compliance with the requirements of her status as a registered sex offender. Whiteside is also required to have all her electronic devices inspected, take random drug tests, is prohibited from having drugs and guns and can't consume excessive alcohol. In his emergency motion seeking to review and revoke the judge's order, Joyner maintained that Whiteside should be detained pending trial because "the charged offenses [she is facing] are crimes of violence and involve a minor victim." "On account of the charges WHITESIDE faces for this exploitative conduct, the law presumes that she should be detained. The United States hereby seeks review and revocation of the Magistrate Judge's release order pursuant to Title 18, United States Code, Section 3145," Joyner argued Wednesday. "The United States requests that this Court uphold the presumption, find LINDSEY ALDY WHITESIDE to be a danger to other persons and the community by clear and convincing evidence, and order the defendant detained pending trial." Joyner stated that while Whiteside served as the 17-year-old victim's youth pastor at Getwell Church in Hernando in the summer of 2024, she sexually abused her on two separate church trips to Atlanta and Tennessee. "The minor disclosed that on each of those trips, as well as several times a week during their association, there was vaginal and oral penetration by WHITESIDE," Joyner noted. "The minor disclosed, and text messages between the two corroborate, that decisions were made by WHITESIDE to isolate the minor from the church group and her family in order to perform the sexual conduct on those trips." Joyner argued that even though Whiteside's mother claims her daughter is not a danger to society, she was able to fool even her and the church for a while in order to carry out the alleged crimes, which were first reported to authorities by the church. "WHITESIDE groomed the minor and her family over an extended period of time in order to gain their trust. Once the grooming was complete, WHITESIDE was able to convince the family to allow WHITESIDE to take their minor child across state lines in order to sexually abuse her," Joyner argued. "WHITESIDE leaned on her role within the church to gain access to the child, open lines of communication to the family and the child, transport the child interstate, and sexually abuse the child. The family of the victim had no idea this conduct was occurring, and WHITESIDE's own mother had no idea this conduct was occurring," he explained. "This conduct shows that WHITESIDE is a danger to the community in that she built trust between the victim's family and herself in order to facilitate the abuse and showed no outward signs to her own mother that she was engaging in illicit sexual conduct with a minor." Despite the restrictions placed on Whiteside for her release, Joyner argued that they are "insufficient to ameliorate the risk of danger" she poses to the public, given how much her case has divided the community. District Attorney Barton had earlier called for the resignation of a local school official who had sent a letter of support for Whiteside. "As noted in the hearing, the exposure of WHITESIDE's conduct has been extremely divisive in the community. WHITESIDE's mother testified that many families are supporting her. One family in particular has small children that WHITESIDE has had access to since her conviction. In fact, the Mississippi Department of Corrections ankle monitor location data shows that she visited the house of these supporters immediately after signing up for the sex offender registry," Joyner argued. "WHITESIDE's mother admitted they were at the house to care for the sick child because of their close relationship with that family. This is a limit of any GPS monitoring system. Officers watching those coordinates often do not know who lives in a house at which the GPS pings, the supportive families are not cognizant of the danger they are putting their small children in, and officer [s] would be limited to reactive measures after any inappropriate conduct." Joyner said that the court needs to consider that each charge Whiteside is currently facing carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years to life in prison. "WHITESIDE is a convicted sex offender. This is precisely why the presumption of detention exists in this situation to safeguard the public from the danger the offender poses," he argued. "The risk of harm to the community is great, when, as here, the defendant has perpetuated these crimes in such a community without detection. WHITESIDE should be presumptively detained pending trial." Home News Hurricane Melissa leaves 25 dead in Haiti as Cuba, Bahamas brace for the worst More than two dozen people have died from flooding in a southern Haitian coastal town as Hurricane Melissa is expected to inflict additional damage on Caribbean islands after making landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday. Twenty-five people died in Haiti after rain from Hurricane Melissa caused the La Digue river to overflow and flood nearby homes, Petit-Goave Mayor Jean Bertrand Subreme told The Associated Press. In Jamaica, 25,000 people are packed into shelters, and at least one death has been recorded. Seventy-seven percent of the island is without power. In Cuba, which is expected to face additional damage from Melissa on Wednesday, 735,000 people are in shelters. The storm has already caused houses to collapse and roofs to blow off. A hurricane warning is in effect for the Cuban provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo, Holguin and Las Tumas, as well as the southeastern and central Bahamas and Bermuda. A tropical storm warning is in effect for Haiti, the Cuban province of Camaguey and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Melissa currently has maximum sustained winds of 100 miles per hour, making it a Category 2 hurricane. The storm made landfall as a Category 5 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 185 miles per hour, making it one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record. The Evangelical charity organization Samaritans Purse, one of several such groups gearing up to provide relief to the storm-battered region, identified Melissa as the most powerful hurricane ever recorded to hit Jamaica. Even as the storm has significantly weakened, Caribbean island nations in the path of Melissa face severe threats, including a storm surge of 4 to 7 feet in the southern Bahamas, minor coastal flooding in the Turks and Caicos, the northeast coast of Cuba and the coast of Haiti. The National Hurricane Center projects catastrophic flash flooding with numerous landslides in eastern Cuba while warning that the southern Bahamas could also face flash flooding. Additional rainfall of 8 to 12 inches is forecast for eastern Cuba and the central Bahamas, while southern Haiti and the west-central portion of the Dominican Republic, along with the eastern tip of Cuba and parts of the central Bahamas, could see 4-6 additional inches of rain. Between 2 and 4 inches of rain are projected in central and southwestern Haiti, the western Dominican Republic, parts of the central Bahamas and eastern Cuba. Lower rainfall totals of 1-2 inches are projected in the Turks and Caicos, northern Haiti, most of the northern and eastern Dominican Republic and the west central Bahamas. While 1-2 inches of additional rainfall are expected in southern Jamaica and 2-4 additional inches of precipitation are projected in northern Jamaica, the National Hurricane Center warns that the additional rainfall in the island nation will bring storm total amounts to 12 to 24 inches, with isolated areas of 30 inches possible over mountainous terrain. Ongoing catastrophic flash flooding and numerous landslides will continue today and into tonight, the National Hurricane Center added. Jamaica is expected to reopen most of its airports on Thursday to accommodate relief organizations seeking to deliver essential supplies to the hard-hit region. Home News New Jersey teachers union slated to host program promoting drag: 'Challenging norms' The largest public school employee union in New Jersey is slated to host an event next week exploring and promoting the history of drag to interested educators. The New Jersey Education Association (NJEA), a nonprofit that represents approximately 200,000 educators in the state and is affiliated with the National Education Association (NEA), will be hosting the 45-minute program titled "Drag is not a Crime: The Past, Present, and Future of Drag" on Nov. 7 during the two-day NJEA Convention in Atlantic City, according to its website. The program will take place through the NJEA's Consortium, which boasts of being "proudly supported by an NEA grant" and "on a mission to put diversity and representation at the forefront of curriculum development." The program "explores drag's history, cultural significance, and future, showing how it serves as art, resistance and activism challenging norms, advancing LGBTQ+ rights, and promoting social justice and community," according to an advertisement for the event. Other programs provided by the NJEA Consortium Area next week to promote an inclusive curriculum include "Unlocking your Future through Breathwork and Visioning," "Cultivating Equity Centered Schools through Action" and "Reimagining Inclusion: Mindset Shifts for Equitable, Neurodiverse School Communities." Also included are programs on using AI to design "pluralistic instruction," illuminating "New Jersey's mandated narratives," as well as a workshop focused on "Teaching Palestine." The NJEA Consortium did not immediately respond to The Christian Post's request for comment. The NJEA Consortium and its planned workshop are scheduled to take place just days after the 2025 New Jersey gubernatorial election, during which all seats in the Democrat-controlled New Jersey General Assembly will also be on the ballot. The NJEA Political Action Committee has endorsed Democrat Mikie Sherrill for governor as well as 58 Democrats and nine Republicans seeking seats in the General Assembly. The NJEA Consortium has hosted similar pro-LGBT events in the past, such as a "Drag Queen Story Hour" at its NJEA Convention in 2022. The event that year saw two drag queens named Astala Vista and Vinchelle make an appearance to read controversial pro-LGBTQ children's books and "to answer questions from the audience, take photos, in all their dazzling iridescence," according to the organization's website. Programs that year featured workshops emphasizing how best to implement LGBT-affirming materials in lesson plans, including one that focused on "healthy teen sexuality." Teachers unions promoting LGBT ideology have been a recurring theme in multiple countries in recent years. In 2023, the Defense of Freedom Institute (DFI), founded by two former Trump administration Department of Education officials, released a report describing pro-LGBT topics promoted by the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association. According to DFI, the unions sought "to train teachers to affirm every gender identity that conflicts with a student's sex, ignore basic biological facts, hide the training from parents, and shape school policies to force others to do the same." That same year, the National Education Union in the United Kingdom passed a motion demanding school support for drag queen story time in a supposed effort to create safe spaces for LGBT students. Home News Top UK university slaps 'sexual violence' trigger warning on Bible: 'Deeply ill-informed' A top university in the United Kingdom has reportedly slapped a content warning on the Bible, saying it contains "graphic bodily injury and sexual violence," including the Crucifixion. Students studying English literature at the University of Sheffield in Sheffield, England, are given guidance that alerts them about the Gospels, especially, according to details of the guidance reported by The Mail on Sunday. The University of Sheffield, which was recently ranked one of the top universities in the U.K. by The Guardian University Guide 2026, emphasized to The Christian Post that the content note is not intended to treat the Bible differently than other texts or to prevent discussion on it. "A content note is a standard academic tool used to signpost when sensitive or graphic content will be discussed. Its purpose is to ensure subjects can be highlighted and discussed openly and critically, while preparing students who might find such details difficult," a spokesperson for the school told CP. "Even for well-known texts, academic study requires a level of detail that can often reveal more intense or challenging material than students' everyday knowledge of the story suggests." Some advocates, however, believe the school's guidance is foolish. "Applying trigger warnings to salvation narratives that have shaped our civilization is not only misguided, but absurd," Andrea Williams, chief executive of Christian Concern, a London-based nonprofit that has represented many Christians facing discrimination in the U.K., told the outlet. "Singling out the Bible in this way is discriminatory and deeply ill-informed. To suggest that the crucifixion story involves 'sexual violence' is not just inaccurate, it's a profound misreading of the text. The account of Jesus' death is not a tale of trauma, it is the ultimate expression of love, sacrifice, and redemption, central to the Christian faith," she added. Mark Lambert, a Roman Catholic podcaster, denounced the trigger warning as a "hollow form of censorship masquaraded as sensitivity." "I think it's typical of the culture that wants to sexualize our children and have drag queens and all this kind of stuff, and they want to censor the Bible," he told GB News. "They want to censor the book that built our civilization," he continued. "It's just so vacuous in academic terms that this is the way that they want to move forward." Classic literature, including works by historic English authors, has been raising concerns in the U.K. in recent years. In 2023, the U.K. government made headlines when Prevent, the country's anti-terrorism unit, flagged classic works of English literature as potential triggers for far-right extremism. Among the authors listed were C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, George Orwell, Aldous Huxley, Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Edmund Burke and William Shakespeare. Conservative author Douglas Murray, whose book The Strange Death of Europe was also flagged, told Fox News at the time that the list was "exceptionally self-immolating," and warned that elites in the U.K. and throughout the Western world increasingly hate their own culture. The number of Christians in the U.K. has been dwindling in recent generations, with the 2021 census finding that less than half of the country's population identifies with Christianity for the first time since the first British census in 1801. Data published in 2022 by the U.K.'s Office for National Statistics showed only 46.2% (or 27.5 million) of the country's more than 67 million people say they are Christian. In 2011, when the last census was conducted, 59.3% of the population, or 33.3 million people, identified as Christian. More than 70% of Britons identified as Christian as recently as 2001. Hurricane Melissa Relief In Jamaica, Global Christian Persecution, Trump-Musk Rift Eases link to download the audio instead. link to download the audio instead. 06:37 06:37 Top headlines for Wednesday, October 29, 2025 Christian charities racing to aid Jamaica in the wake of Hurricane Melissa, a Pennsylvania senators push to condemn global Christian persecution, and Dr. Calum Millers warning to pro-life advocates about complacency. Plus, President Trump hints at a truce with Elon Musk. 00:11 Evangelical orgs gear up to send aid to Hurricane Melissa victims 01:01 CUA students seek to ban pro-Israel groups from campus 01:52 Lawmaker calls on Trump to fight Christian persecution 02:39 The abortion lobby is coming for the Global South: UK apologist 03:26 Texas doctor surrenders medical license over cross-sex hormones 04:14 Son of Life Church pastor charged with multiple child sex crimes 05:01 Trump suggests rift with Elon Musk is mending Home Opinion Is it OK to use the 'F' word? There are certain words in the English language so drenched in connotation theyve become almost useless for honest conversation. We all know them the words that act less like bridges and more like flashing red lights. They dont invite dialogue; they warn of an oncoming explosion. Words like privilege, diversity, or woke agenda dont just carry ideas anymore they carry baggage. And depending on where you land politically, hearing one of them is enough to make you brace yourself, cross your arms, and stop listening. One of those words is feminism. As a lifelong conservative, Im not sure I can think of a word that shuts my fellow constitutionalists down faster than this one. (Patriarchy might give it a strong run for its money.) Its gotten so bad that a friend recently begged me to stop using it in my own writing and activism. If you looked it up in a right-wing glossary, it would probably read something like: feminism noun; a secular religion devoted to hating men, destroying the family, and killing babies. You can hear this tone echoed across conservative commentary. Ben Shapiro has described feminism as a war on traditional femininity. Jordan Peterson has accused modern feminists of being deeply resentful and driven by envy toward men. Tucker Carlson once claimed that feminism has made women unhappier and weakened the social fabric. Phyllis Schlafly, decades before them, called it the most destructive lie in our nations history. Its no wonder the word makes conservatives flinch. In our circles, feminism has become shorthand for everything wrong with the modern world faithlessness, fatherlessness, gender confusion, moral decay. And honestly? Some of that reputation is earned. Todays feminism has veered into something ghoulish. What began as a call for equal dignity has been twisted into a license for violence, both spiritual and literal. Where original feminists fought to transcend the role of sex object, todays liberal feminists celebrate porn and prostitution as an avenue to empowerment. Where the OGs wanted to be seen as more than breeders, todays imposters celebrate the commodification of womens bodies through commercial surrogacy. Its hard to defend a movement that champions the right to kill a viable baby in the third trimester and calls it liberation. When activists light up skyscrapers in pink to celebrate laws allowing abortion until birth, its not empowerment its barbarism dressed in empowerments language. When protestors parade around in shout your abortion shirts while holding signs that say, Abortion on demand without apology, theyre not fighting for equality anymore; theyre celebrating cruelty toward the defenseless. Remember when The Washington Post published Suzanna Danuta Walters op-ed Why Cant We Hate Men? as if collective scorn were a form of progress? Entire online movements have rallied around slogans like men are trash, and rather than reject the cruelty, mainstream feminist voices shrugged and said, Well, weve earned it. This isnt liberation; its vengeance. Its the moral inversion of everything feminism was supposed to be. So yes, if were judging trees by their current fruit, its understandable that so many good and decent people want to take an axe to the movement altogether. Even lifelong womens rights advocates like Meghan Murphy and Kellie-Jay Keen have distanced themselves from the label. Its too corrupted, too far gone to redeem. And yet I hesitate to abandon the term entirely. Because while todays feminism has certainly lost its moral compass, original feminism wasnt born out of rebellion; it was born out of righteous grief. This is where the conversation gets tricky. Theres a growing chorus of conservative thinkers (pastors, podcasters, professors, etc.) arguing that even first-wave feminism was rebellion against Gods created order. I hear this all the time: Feminism started when Eve ate the fruit, or, Elizabeth Cady Stanton wrote her own Bible, so the whole thing is demonic. I keep hearing that Im supposed to wash my hands of the entire movement because a few early feminists had pagan leanings. Yes, Stanton wrote The Womans Bible. Yes, some figures like Matilda Joslyn Gage dabbled in theosophy. But lets be honest: this selective outrage is breathtakingly hypocritical. Thomas Jefferson literally cut up the Gospels with scissors to make his own version of the Bible (one that stripped out every miracle of Jesus) and no one on the right is crying witchcraft or denouncing the entire American project because of it. The Founders were steeped in Enlightenment philosophy, much of it overtly pagan, and yet we still cherish the liberty they birthed. Likewise, I dont disown the fight for abolition because some of its leaders held heretical or unbiblical beliefs. William Lloyd Garrison flirted with spiritualism. Harriet Beecher Stowe had universalist leanings. Are we going to throw out the end of slavery because the people God used werent perfect? Of course not. That would be absurd. So why, then, does this rule suddenly apply to women? Why do we disqualify their cry for justice because a handful of them didnt fit our theological mold? Original feminism was born in a world where women were legal property. They couldnt vote, hold office, sign contracts, or keep their own wages. They were denied custody of their children and protection from marital rape. Domestic abuse was often treated as a husbands right. These women werent staging a coup against God. They were confronting men who had built systems in direct opposition to His justice. Calling out chauvinism isnt emotional manipulation; its naming a sin. And pretending that sin is sacred order doesnt make it holy; it makes it idolatry. Yes, early feminists were flawed. Stantons racism after the Civil War is indefensible. Some of their spiritual ideas were weird. But cherry-picking their worst moments to dismiss the entire movement ignores the core: women demanding dignity in a world that denied it. The heart of the movement was courage. Some critics even point out that the man who coined the word feminism, the French philosopher Charles Fourier, was a utopian socialist and use that as proof the whole concept is Marxist poison. But thats just lazy reasoning. By that logic, wed have to throw out democracy because Rousseau had bad theology, or abandon capitalism because Adam Smith wasnt a Christian. The fact that a socialist coined the word doesnt corrupt the truth it names any more than a pagan calendar invalidates the Resurrection we mark by it. Blaming feminism for rejecting Gods patriarchy assumes that patriarchy itself is divine rather than a human system warped by sin. The Bibles model of authority is sacrificial love, not dominance. Adams curse was toil, not tyranny. Eve isnt the fall guy. Adam bears responsibility too. If were going to talk about rebellion, lets talk about the rebellion of men who used Gods name to justify cruelty. The rebellion of churches that told women to submit to abuse for the sake of order. The rebellion of cultures that silenced the very image-bearers God made to declare His glory. So no Im not going to wash my hands of feminism because someone on Twitter thinks its witchcraft. You can call it whatever you want, but I call it what Scripture calls it: justice. Words are never neutral. They carry the weight of history, of triumph and of error. To abandon feminism because of excess or imperfection is to cede the conversation to those who would twist justice into vengeance. If we truly care about righteousness, we engage, we discern, and we reclaim what was always meant to serve the good. Stockfotos-MG / Adobe The Charity Commission has restricted an international development charity in Manchester from transferring funds or assets outside the UK after opening an investigation. Help Mankind Ltd has also been prohibited from transferring money to its trustees or individuals and entities connected to them as part of the statutory inquiry. The regulator is investigating serious concerns that the charitys funds may have been misapplied. It initially opened a compliance case into the charity in August 2024 to assess allegations regarding the charitys financial management. After carrying out compliance visits to the charity in March and October this year, the commission has now escalated its involvement to a full statutory inquiry. The inquiry will examine whether Help Mankinds funds have been expended solely for charitable purposes in line with its governing document and stated objects. It will consider the conduct of the trustees or those otherwise involved in the control or management of the charity and their compliance with legal duties and responsibilities. The commission will also investigate the general administration, governance and management of the charity by its trustees. Registered in 2009, Help Mankind has three listed trustees and recorded an income of 800 and expenditure of 29,300 in the year to August 2024. Its income was higher in previous years, 58,800 in 2020-21, while its costs were 116,000 that year. Help Mankind has been contacted for comment. sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector, By Ivelin Radkov, Adobe The Charity Commission has launched a statutory inquiry into an Islamic charity over its funding of a non-charitable company. The concerns relate to Islamic Human Rights Commission Trust which the commission has been engaging with since May. In the charitys accounts for the year ended June 2024, it made a number of grants to the Islamic Human Rights Commission, a non-charitable company of the same name, for various appeals and projects. A statutory inquiry against the charity was launched on 8 October after trustees were asked a range of questions about the funding of an event where alleged inflammatory statements were made. The regulator is investigating if publications made and the charitys support of the event with the non-charitable company were in line with its objectives. It will investigate the trustees administration, management and governance and their compliance with legal duties and responsibilities. The commission will also assess the charitys activities in relation to its purposes and best interests as well as its relationship with the non-charitable company. Previous warning An official warning was previously issued to the charity on 28 March 2023 over how it managed its relationship with the non-charitable company. After its inquiry is concluded, the commission will publish a report detailing the outcomes and issues examined. The scope of the inquiry may be extended if additional regulatory issues emerge. The commission added that this escalation reflects the seriousness of its concerns about the relationship between the charity and the non-charitable company and its impact on public trust. The Islamic Human Rights Commission Trust has been contacted for comment. Earlier this year and not referred to in the commissions inquiry statement, the non-charitable company wrote to councils and universities urging them to boycott Holocaust Memorial Day. The company argued that it is morally unacceptable that the war in Gaza is not included as a genocide alongside the Holocaust. sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector, Sign up for the daily CJR newsletter. For more than two years, since the start of the war in Gaza, Israel has barred members of the international press from entering the territory, apart from occasional highly controlled embeds. During that time, reporting by Palestinian journalists has proliferated widely, documenting famine, destruction, and death. Last month, some two hundred press outlets participated in a blackout campaign, organized by Reporters Without Borders, advocating for accesswhich Israels foreign ministry characterized as playing politics: The reports we see in the global media regarding Gaza do not tell the real story there. They tell the campaign of lies that Hamas spreads. Last week, an Israeli Supreme Court hearing on access was pushed back, after a series of delays. Even now, after the ceasefire, the ban on journalists continues. Oren Persicoa staff writer at the Seventh Eye, an Israeli media criticism publicationtold me about a Hebrew word, hasbara, which is a catchall for the ways Israel attempts to control coverage. Every time Israel does something horrific, then everybody thinks, We have a hasbara problem, he said. Theres only so much you can do when the reality is so horrendous. Blocking members of the foreign press, in his view, is a calculated public relations strategy, alongside efforts to delegitimate Palestinian reporters: as +972, an Israeli outlet, has found, there is a unit of the Israeli military tasked with linking journalists in Gaza to Hamas. Its easier, Persico told me, to bolster support for Israel by arguing that coverage from journalists in Gaza might be fake and it might be exaggerated and you should take it with a grain of salt. Its much harder if there is a reporter from CNN or AP who comes in. Israels Foreign Press Association (FPA) first filed a petition to the countrys Supreme Court requesting access to Gaza in December of 2023. It was rejected the next month; the judges ruled that the ban was a balanced and reasonable policy resulting from extreme security circumstances and the tangible risks involved in issuing independent travel permits to journalists. Hearings on a second petition, filed in September of 2024, have been put off repeatedly. The FPA was optimistic that last weeks hearing, in the wake of a peace agreement, might finally lead to a change. Instead, lawyers for the Israeli government said that, in light of the new state of affairsthe ceasefirethey needed time to update their press policy. The government was granted a thirty-day extensionthough the ceasefire appears increasingly fragile: on Tuesday, Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister of Israel, accused Hamas of violating peace terms and ordered forceful air strikes. The state today once again relied on stalling tactics, the FPA said in a statement, with the clear aim of barring journalists from carrying out their journalistic duties. The governments position remains unacceptable. Tania Kramerthe chairman of the FPA and a Jerusalem-based correspondent for Germanys Deutsche Welletold me after the hearing: We are hoping that the government will present a plan within this thirty-day period and not ask for another extension. We will continue to push for independent access and more details. What are they going to do during this thirty-day period? What are they doing afterwards? In a press conference this week, Shosh Bedrosian, a spokesperson for Netanyahus office, said that Israel would not maintain its ban on foreign press indefinitely: There will come a time soon when reporters flood Gaza. She then issued a string of warnings to stay skeptical of the reporting that would result. Theres propaganda in the works once these foreign journalists do come into Gaza, she said. We dont want you to be fooled. Bedrosian claimed that much of the destruction youll see was the result of buildings and infrastructure booby-trapped by Hamas. (According to the Gaza government office, Israel has dropped a hundred thousand tons of explosives on Gaza since October 7, 2023.) Bedrosian did not address the repeated delays in the FPA petition process. A spokesperson for Netanyahus office did not provide additional comment. Court delays have arisen for a number of reasons, some of them unrelated to Gaza. When Israel attacked Iran in June, for instance, a hearing scheduled for that month was suddenly postponed to October. Persico has not been surprised. The Israeli courts tend to salute the military every time some official comes and claims that there are security reasons for anything, really, he said. The Israeli Supreme Court, he added, is regularly criticized by Israeli human rights organizations as the kosher stamp for the occupation. Complicating matters: Israeli citizens, including the countrys journalists, have not been allowed into Gaza for nearly twenty years. In 2009, Amira Hass, a Haaretz reporter, spent four months reporting from Gaza and was arrested when she returned to Israel. Lately, the foreign press and its supporters have called for other governments to place greater pressure on Israel to grant media access. At the Supreme Court, after last weeks hearing, Gilad Barneaan attorney representing the Committee to Protect Journalists, which has filed an amicus brief in the casesaid he hoped that Americans, who are deeply involved in the situation, would also push the State of Israel to allow the entrance of journalists. Sign up for CJRs daily email President Donald Trump has expressed support for press access in Gaza, telling White House reporters recently: Its a very dangerous position to be in, as you know, if youre a journalist, but I would like to see it. (A surprising sentiment considering the Trump administrations stance on journalism in the US.) Haaretz has reported that Israels foreign ministry is supportive of lifting the ban. But the ministry has yet to take action to do so. For now, the FPAs only way forward is to wait for the government to change its policy. In April, Brown University published a paper stating that Israels military campaign in Gaza, during which more than two hundred members of the media have lost their lives, has killed more journalists than the US Civil War, World Wars I and II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War (including the conflicts in Cambodia and Laos), the wars in Yugoslavia in the 1990s and 2000s, and the post-9/11 war in Afghanistan, combined. More journalists were killed in the Iraq War than in Gaza, but the duration of that war meant that about thirteen journalists were killed every year. In Gaza, the rate is closer to thirteen a month. A lot of us work with trusted Palestinian colleagues, the FPAs Kramer said. This is our petition to say the foreign press needs to enter Gaza, but its not intended to take away from their tremendous work. They have really covered this war for the past two years. They have risked their lives. We know the death toll. We believe they should not carry this burden alone. Apple urged a federal judge to dismiss a racketeering lawsuit by a company that accused the iPhone maker of stealing its technology to create the lucrative mobile wallet Apple Pay. In a Monday night filing in Atlanta federal court, Apple said if the case is not dismissed, it should be transferred to a Texas judge who recently dismissed Fintivs related patent case. Lawyers for Fintiv did not immediately respond on Tuesday to requests for comment. Fintiv, based in Austin, Texas, accused Apple of misappropriating technology for Apple Pay that it had once sought to license from CorFire, a Georgia company that Fintiv bought in 2014. Apple Pay is used in hundreds of millions of iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches and MacBooks. Fintiv said the racketeering arose from Apples use of Apple Pay to generate fees for credit card issuers such as Bank of America, Capital One, Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo, and the payment networks American Express, Mastercard and Visa. In seeking a dismissal, Apple said Fintiv waited too long to pursue most of its federal and state claims, having known the underlying facts since 2014, and failed to show a pattern of racketeering. The court should reject Fintivs attempt to revive its failed patent case in a new district with no connection to the facts, Apple said. Absent a dismissal, Apple said the case should be sent to U.S. District Judge Alan Albright in Waco, Texas, to promote efficiency, because he has spent nearly seven years overseeing the underlying dispute and is familiar with the facts and law. Fintiv is appealing Albrights August 4 dismissal of its patent case. Albright once oversaw nearly 25% of all U.S. patent cases, being viewed as a favored judge for many plaintiffs suing large technology companies such as Apple. That concentration ended in 2022 when new patent cases were randomly farmed out to all judges in his district. The case is Fintiv Inc v Apple Inc, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia, No. 25-04413. (Reporting by Stempel in New York; Editing by Richard Chang) A commercial truck driver who is charged with killing three people in a deadly crash in Florida in August had failed a commercial drivers license test 10 times in the span of two months in 2023 in Washington state, before he was ultimately issued a license, according to a senior official in the Florida Attorney Generals Office. Florida is using the case of Harjinder Singh, who is accused of being in the country illegally, to urge the nations highest court to permanently bar some states from issuing commercial drivers licenses or CDLs to people who are not U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. In a separate case, another semitruck driver accused of being in the country illegally was charged with the killings of three people in a crash on a southern California freeway this week, renewing federal officials criticisms of immigrant drivers and concerns about who should be able to obtain CDLs. Heres what to know. Floridas investigation of Harjinder Singh has revealed that the trucker failed a written test to receive a CDL in Washington state 10 times between March 10, 2023, and April 5, 2023, a senior official for Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier who was briefed on the investigation told The Associated Press. The official is not authorized to comment publicly about an ongoing investigation and provided the information on the condition of not being identified. Singh, who is from India, lived in California and was originally issued a CDL in Washington before California also issued him one. He was carrying a valid California CDL at the time of the crash, according to court filings. A spokesperson for Washingtons Department of Licensing said no one was immediately able to respond to questions Friday. In California, all commercial truck drivers must pass a written test but may be allowed to skip the driving test if they have an out-of-state license with equivalent classification, according to the California Department of Motor Vehicles website. State officials didnt immediately respond to requests for more information. He is accused of attempting an illegal U-turn from the northbound lanes of Floridas Turnpike near Fort Pierce on Aug. 12. A minivan that was behind Singhs big rig couldnt stop and crashed into the truck, killing its driver and two passengers. Singh and a passenger in the truck were not injured. Singh is currently being held without bond in the St. Lucie County Jail, not far from where the crash occurred. His next court date is scheduled for Nov. 13. Florida Goes to the Supreme Court Florida is now petitioning the U.S. Supreme Court to take up its case against the states of California and Washington, and urging the high court to bar states from issuing CDLs to people who are in the country illegally. Floridas petition filed this month argues the Western states have demonstrated open defiance of federal immigration laws and a failure to enforce public safety, which Florida is urging the court to declare a public nuisance. Thats a type of legal claim thats typically used to address local concerns like blighted homes, illegal drug-dealing or dangerous animals, but has also been directed at pharmacies for their role in the opioid crisis. If the court accepts the case, Florida officials hope it could lead to a new legal precedent for states abilities to issue CDLs to people who are not citizens or legal permanent residents. A ruling could also have a downstream effect on how or if conventional drivers licenses are issued to immigrants, the senior Florida official said. A Deadly Crash in California In a separate case, Jashanpreet Singh was arrested and jailed after Tuesdays eight-vehicle crash in Ontario, California, that killed three people and left four others injured. Singh, who also is from India, is accused of being under the influence of drugs and causing the fiery crash. According to the California Highway Patrol, westbound traffic on Interstate 10 near San Bernardino had slowed Tuesday afternoon when a tractor-trailer failed to stop, struck other vehicles and caused a chain-reaction crash. Singh, of Yuba City, entered the U.S. illegally in 2022 across the southern border, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said Thursday in a post on X. Trump Administration Cracks down The U.S. Transportation Department took steps to tighten CDL requirements for noncitizens in September, following a series of fatal crashes this year that officials say were caused by immigrant truck drivers. This weeks deadly crash in California and the assertion that Jashanpreet Singh entered the country illegally has renewed Transportation Secretary Sean Duffys concerns about who should be able to obtain CDLs. Duffy and President Donald Trump have been pressing the issue and criticizing California ever since the deadly Florida crash in August. Speaking to Fox News on Friday, Duffy said there were multiple failures that allowed Harjinder Singh to obtain his commercial drivers license. The truth is I think we have a lot of abuse in the commercial drivers license issuing space, Duffy said. He noted that Singh didnt speak English and maintained that he couldnt read road signs. So the question becomes how in the heck can you ever pass a test for a commercial drivers license? You cant do it but for fraud, Duffy said. The new rules announced last month make getting commercial drivers licenses extremely hard for immigrants because only three specific classes of visa holders will be eligible. States will also have to verify an applicants immigration status in a federal database. These licenses will be valid for up to one year unless the applicants visa expires sooner than that. Top photo: Harjinder Singh is escorted onto an airplane by Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins and law enforcement on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, in Stockton, Calif. (AP Photo/Benjamin Fanjoy, file) Frisaro reported from Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Kate Payne is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Polish pastry paczki, pronounced POONCH-kee, is Ohios most mispronounced word and a top-trending term in online searches nationwide in 2025. Beata Zawrzel/Getty Images CLEVELAND, Ohio Ohioans may not be surprised, but the states most mispronounced word is paczki (POONCH-kee), according to new research from Unscramblerer.com. The sweet Polish pastry, traditionally enjoyed around Fat Tuesday, continues to trip up locals and visitors alike. Beyond Ohio, paczki also earned a spot on the list of Americas most searched-for mispronounced words in 2025, ranking ninth nationally with 36,000 searches, Unscramblerer said. The national list is led by gyro (YEE-roh) with 312,000 searches, followed by Worcestershire sauce (WUSS-ter-sheer), acai (ah-SIGH-ee) and Qatar (KAH-tar). A spokesperson for Unscramblerer.com explained the cultural insight behind the research. People often look up pronunciations if there is a gap between how a word or name is spelled and how it sounds. English language is particularly irregular in this regard (Colonel and Wednesday defy phonetic expectations)," the spokesperson said in a statement. A Cambridge University linguistics survey found that over 60% of English speakers admit they regularly mispronounce at least one common word. Correct pronunciation is closely tied to perceived intelligence and competence. English experts note that correct pronunciation can affect perceptions of intelligence and social confidence. With more than 40 regional accents across the U.S., many Americans turn to online resources to hear how words should sound. Americas most mispronounced words with pronunciations: Gyro (312,000 searches) - YEE-roh. Worcestershire sauce (300,000 searches) - WUSS-ter-sheer. Acai (192,000 searches) - ah-SIGH-ee. Qatar (180,000 searches) - KAH-tar. Dachshund (156,000 searches) - DAKS-hund. Niche (142,000 searches) - NEESH. Aoife (84,000 searches) - EE-fah. Charcuterie (72,000 searches) - shar-KOO-tuh-ree. Paczki (36,000 searches) - POONCH-kee. Primeval (26,000 searches) - pry-MEE-vul. Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious (24,000 searches) - soo-per-kal-uh-fraj-uh-lis-tik-ek-spee-al-uh-DOH-shus. Hozier (21,000 searches) - HO-zee-er. Researchers examined Google Trends data from January 1 through October 27 of this year for the words most commonly associated with searches such as How to pronounce and How do you pronounce as part of the study. Republican lawmakers are targeting a nature conservation group that owns 20,000 acres as a pilot program, with potential to eventually expand property taxes to hospitals, museums and possibly churches Joe Warner | For NJ Advance Media CLEVELAND, Ohio -- For decades, some institutions have been untouchable when it comes to property taxes: hospitals, churches, museums, and conservation groups. Now Ohio lawmakers want to test that boundary starting with land conservancies. On Tuesdays episode of the Today in Ohio podcast, hosts explored a new bill that targets The Nature Conservancys vast land holdings and could pave the way for taxing other nonprofits once considered off-limits. House Bill 540, introduced by Republican Representatives Justin Pizzulli of Scioto County and Dave Thomas of Ashtabula County, proposes a targeted approach that could eventually lead to a much broader revolution in nonprofit taxation. What these lawmakers tell us straight up is that this test case is really focusing squarely on one nonprofit thats out there. Its called the Nature Conservancy, and it owns nearly 20,000 acres in Adams County, explained Today in Ohio co-host Courtney Astolfi. Apparently, they own a good chunk of two entire townships out there. So, theyre starting with this first, seeing if its going to work, and then potentially move on from there. The bill would specifically target large nonprofit conservation groups owning more than 15,000 acres in a single county. Starting next year, these organizations would owe 2.5% of the taxable value of their land, with proceeds going to local governments. For The Nature Conservancy, this would amount to between $230,000 and $275,000 annually. But the bigger question is what comes next, the podcasters wondered. If this pilot project succeeds, could it open the door to taxing other nonprofit institutions that have traditionally enjoyed property tax exemptions? Co-host Leila Atassi wondered whether that would be good or bad for Ohio. I am so torn on this, Leila, Astolfi said. I mean, I think it could go either way. If its done correctly, I can see some big benefits here. But if its warped in a way that we see things get warped in Ohio on occasion, then Im nervous where it could go. These gentlemen who have proposed this say theyre testing the waters, but you look at different groups that dont pay property tax in our state. Museums, hospitals and churches. The proposals targeting of land conservancies rather than more profitable nonprofit entities has raised eyebrows. Unlike hospitals or museums, land conservancies typically dont generate revenue from their properties. Why start with the Land Conservancy? They dont make any money on that land right there. Thats the point. Thats the point of the Land Conservancy is to set it aside, questioned Leila Atassi. Could it possibly be that they want to destroy the Land Conservancy and open up this public land for development or something like that? The representatives behind the bill claim they have no intention of extending the tax to churches, but the proposal nevertheless represents a significant shift in how Ohio approaches nonprofit property tax exemptions. For local governments struggling with budget shortfalls, new revenue from previously untaxed entities could provide welcome relief. But for the nonprofits themselves especially those with extensive property holdings but limited cash flow such taxes could fundamentally threaten their operations and missions. At least one Democratic lawmaker has questioned whether the proposal may be unconstitutional. But regardless of whether this specific bill advances, it signals a potential sea change in how Ohio and perhaps other states might approach nonprofit taxation in the future. Listen to the discussion online. Listen to full Today in Ohio episodes where Chris Quinn hosts our daily half-hour news podcast, with Editorial Board member Lisa Garvin, Impact Editor Leila Atassi and Content Director Laura Johnston. Summa Health President and CEO Dr. Cliff Deveny will become Summa's CEO Emeritus and Strategic Advisor, effective January 1. The Plain Dealer CLEVELAND, Ohio Summa Health CEO Dr. Cliff Deveny announced Wednesday that he will leave his role as CEO in the new year. Health Assurance Transformation Co. president Daryl Tol will become acting president and CEO until a new leader is named. Health Assurance Transformation Co. -- known as HATCo -- is the for-profit company that now owns Akron-based Summa. Deveny will continue working at Summa as a strategic advisor and CEO emeritus effective Jan. 1. He said he will continue to be actively engaged in the organization through 2026, according to his email announcement. Daryl (Tol) will work closely with our leadership team and a strategy council of Summa leaders to ensure continuity, stability, and focus throughout this process, Deveny said in an email sent to Summa medical staff, boards and committees. The announcement comes about a month after the $515 million sale of Summa Health to HATCo was completed. HATCo is a new business venture owned by venture capital firm General Catalyst. The sale, first announced in 2024, makes Summa the only major for-profit hospital system in Northeast Ohio. Deveny, who has served as CEO since 2017, will be active in the search for a new, long-term president and CEO, as well as helping to support and onboard that person, Summa said. In October, Deveny said all of Summas 8,500 employees including Deveny himself and his leadership team moved to the new for-profit health system. He said at the time that he would continue serving as CEO, though he did not specify for how long. Deveny on Wednesday did not give a specific reason for his resignation, saying it was time to begin Summas next chapter. An important component of any enduring organizations ability to withstand the test of time is thoughtful succession planning. Together with our Board of Directors and partners at HATCo, we have decided that now is the right time to begin the search for the next long-term President and CEO of Summa Health, Deveny said in the email. The sale to HATCo has been criticized by Summa is Not For Sale, a coalition of public interest groups in Summit County concerned about public health. The HATCo executive installed to (temporarily) lead Summa will be compelled to generate high returns for the firms wealthy shareholders, inevitably prioritizing profit through increased workloads for staff and higher prices for patients, said Matthew Charlebois, member of the Summa Is Not For Sale Coalition. Akron deserves a publicly owned hospital dedicated to the health of community residents, he said. Any negative buzz or skepticism from the Akron community about the leadership change is unwarranted, Tol said in a Wednesday interview. This is a natural transition that we all go through, and theyre just wrong that this somehow signals some negative intention on the part of our effort, Tol said. Were building for the future, and Cliffs a part of that. HATCo began thinking about the succession plan after the sale closed on Oct. 1, Tol said. We knew for sure that Cliff didnt have intention to be here another eight years, nor should he in an environment where the average health system CEO in America has a tenure of less than three years, Tol said. I appreciate the fact that Cliff is willing to stay on another year. According to Deveny, it was HATCos decision, as the new owners, whether or not to give him a contract as president and CEO for another year. The transaction took longer than we anticipated, so there was less of a buffer between the closing date and the end of the current contract, Tol said. We had to have this conversation earlier into our tenure here than we would have, if we finished (the sale) some months earlier, Tol said. Deveny, 65, will work to the end of his current three-year contract, which runs until the end of 2025, then take on his new roles, he said. Part of the sale agreement was that all 8,500 Summa employees would have the opportunity to stay for a year at their current salary, Deveny said. In his new role, he said he will earn the same salary as he did as CEO, Deveny said. IRS records show he earned $1.8 million in 2023, including base compensation and additional benefits. In an interview, Deveny acknowledged saying in the past that he would be staying on at Summa, and said that is still true. I dont think we promised that everybody would stay in their exact roles, so maybe there was a misunderstanding, and we apologize for that, Deveny said Wednesday. Deveny said he did not receive a golden parachute or any bonuses connected with the sale or his new position. A condition of the Ohio attorney general approving the sale was that no individual would benefit from it, he said. Search expected to take 6-9 months Its unlikely the new permanent CEO will be from HATCo, Tol said. Candidates from inside and outside Summa, including physicians, non-physicians and business leaders, could be considered, he said. The search team will look for a new Summa leader with experience and the ability to run a high-performing organization and inspire people when telling Summas story, Tol said. This person will also have to be creative and transformation oriented, somebody whos interested in the broken parts of healthcare and wanting to build a model that leaps forward and changes the norms and the narrative around healthcare today, Tol said. Tol, 51, said he would not take the Summa CEO job permanently, because his responsibility is to lead HATCo. The permanent CEO search is expected to take at least six to nine months. Tol moved from Napa, California, to Northeast Ohio in February, and settled into a home in Hudson this fall. His background includes running hospitals, medical groups and large health systems for more than 20 years. Previously, he was Central Florida division president and CEO of Altamonte Springs, Florida-based Advent Health. The division had close to $7 billion in revenue from 23 hospitals. Tol left that role in 2021 to become the executive vice president of brain health nonprofit One Mind. In 2022, he joined venture capital firm General Catalyst as its inaugural head of health assurance. HATCo is owned by General Catalyst. Deveny has roots in Akron Deveny, a graduate of Akrons Firestone High School, spent more than 20 years at Summa Health in a variety of leadership roles, according to the health systems website. He earned his medical degree in obstetrics and gynecology from the University of Toledo Medical Center. He was originally named Summas interim CEO in 2017, when he was then president of Locus Health in Charlottesville, Virginia. Deveny took on the new role after the public departure of Dr. Thomas Malone, who resigned as president and CEO after the hospital systems abrupt decision to terminate a contract with its emergency physicians on New Years Eve. After that decision, more than 250 Summa physicians reportedly gave Malone and his leadership team a vote of no confidence at an unscheduled medical staff meeting, and more than 200 staffers signed a letter to Summa Healths board of directors asking for Malones resignation. At the time, Summit County and Akron leaders expressed confidence in Devenys ability to lead the health system. Vice President JD Vance, appearing on a podcast, offered a detailed defense of the Trump administrations immigration policies, using Haitian immigration to Springfield, Ohio, as an example of the problems immigration creates. Here he answers reporter questions this week in the Capitol. (Sabrina Eaton, cleveland.com) Sabrina Eaton, cleveland.com WASHINGTON - Vice President JD Vance offered a detailed defense of the Trump administrations immigration policies during a Wednesday podcast appearance, using Haitian immigration to Springfield, Ohio, as an example of the problems immigration creates. Vance told the Pod Force One podcast that during his days representing Ohio in the U.S. Senate, his constituents in Springfield said the influx of 20,000 Haitian migrants to a town of 40,000 people created severe housing problems for existing residents. The Cincinnati Republican said landlords who were renting three-bedroom houses to families of four or five for around $1,000 per month suddenly had Haitian migrant families willing to pay significantly more by housing multiple families together. Vance touched on a wide range of topics in the podcast, including deportations, the Oval Office confrontation with Ukraines Volodymyr Zelensky, his reassessment of Donald Trump and the 2028 election. On immigration, he took aim at one of the Trump administrations favorite targets: Former President Joe Biden. Four families of Haitian migrants come in, each of them getting $1,000 per family, and theyre willing to put 20 people into a three bedroom house, Vance said, arguing that pricing existing residents out of those houses created tensions. It is totally reasonable and acceptable for American citizens to look at their next-door neighbors and say, I want to live next to people who I have something in common with. I dont want to live next to four families of strangers, he said. And the fact that we had an immigration system that actually promoted that division is a real, real disgrace of the Biden administration. During the 2024 presidential campaign, Vance and then-candidate Donald Trump spread unfounded rumors that Haitian immigrants in Springfield were eating peoples pets. City officials said the influx of immigrants - who had temporary protected status under the administration of President Joe Biden - strained local resources, but said there was no evidence of pet abductions. After the pet-eating rumors were publicized, local schools and government buildings closed over repeated bomb threats. The Trump administration has revoked the temporary protected status of Haitian immigrants. It is scheduled to become effective in February 2026. The Springfield News-Sun reports that some of the citys Haitian immigrants left the community, but most remain. Deportation Progress Vance reported that the administration has reduced the net number of migrants in the country by approximately 2 million people in its first eight months on the job, through a combination of deportations and what he called self deportations. Were gonna try to chip away at that as much as possible, Vance said. Vance accused the Biden administration of pursuing open border policies for political gain. I think the most obvious thing is that it completely distorts the democratic process in this country, he said. When you let in millions upon millions of people, some of them will eventually get the ability to vote. It certainly distorts the congressional maps. The Zelensky confrontation Reflecting on his now-famous confrontation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office earlier this year, Vance said the incident was unplanned, and that he publicly upbraided Zelensky after being frustrated because I perceived some rudeness. The viral exchange, where Vance called Zelensky disrespectful and asked if hed ever thanked the United States, is probably the most famous thing Ive ever done, or maybe ever will do, Vance told the podcast. He emphasized the importance of diplomatic protocol: If you come to the Oval Office, you come to the peoples White House in the United States of America, theres an expectation that youre going to show the head of state, the president United States, a little bit of respect if youre going to disagree. Vance said the public airing of disagreements ultimately improved the relationship between the United States and Ukraine. I do think that now the relationship is much more productive, he said. Foreign policy philosophy Vance, an Iraq War veteran who has warned against foreign entanglements, said he does not think Trump and others in his Make America Great Again MAGA movement are isolationists. What I do think that they are is that they are very skeptical of getting involved in foreign conflicts, because for pretty much my entire life, a lot of times we get involved in a foreign conflict and its a total disaster, said Vance. He pointed to Trumps position during the 2016 primaries as illustrative: Who was the one guy on stage saying it was a disaster for us to be involved in Iraq? That was Donald Trump. When asked about administrations bombing Iranian nuclear facilities, Vance said he wasnt worried about escalation because he understood Trumps thinking. He was surgically focused on that particular issue, and he was not interested in putting 100,000 troops in Iran, Vance explained. The President gave Iran an opportunity to dismantle its nuclear facilities peacefully, and when they refused, he said, Okay, were going to do it, not peacefully. Vance summarized Trumps foreign policy approach: Hes both skeptical of foreign entanglements, but hes not afraid to use American military power when he has to. Reassessing Trump Although he started off as a Trump skeptic, Vance said he endorsed Trump early in the 2024 primary cycle because he had shown an ability to stand up to the worst forces in American society with more courage and more grit than anybody else. Trumps foreign policy record particularly impressed him: This is a guy who has a robust view of what American military power can accomplish, but also kept us out of any stupid foreign conflicts. Since becoming vice president, Vance said hes discovered Trump has a very good heart, particularly with children. He also praised Trumps instincts: He automatically understands when somebody is trying to get one over on him, and that makes them such an effective leader. 2028 speculation When asked about President Trumps public comments about a potential dream ticket of Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for 2028, the vice president deflected. It feels so premature, because were still so early, he said. If we take care of business, the politics will take care of itself, Vance added. The American people elected me to be vice president, Im going to work as hard as I can to make the president successful over the next three years and three months. He emphasized his focus remains on the present: I never want to wake up and think to myself, How do I make myself President of the United States? What I wake up and think to myself is, how do I do a good job as vice president? Convening outside Singapore for the first time, the APAC MedTech Forum - 2025 was held in New Delhi on the 16th and 17th of September. This strategic shift signalled Indias emergence as a critical player in the global healthcare ecosystem.Hosted by APACMed, Singapore, in association with CNBC-TV18, this landmark edition featured a compelling conversation The India MedTech Opportunitywherein global CEOs discussed why India is a top-priority market and what it will take to transform the country into a global hub for MedTech innovation and manufacturing.With CNBC-TV18s Managing Editor, Shereen Bhan as anchor, the panel comprised leading voices from the industryGary Steven Guthart, Executive Chair, Intuitive Surgical Board of Directors, Intuitive, Kevin Lobo, Chair & CEO, Stryker and Katarzyna Mazur-Hofsa, CEO Care Enablement & Member of the Management Board, Fresenius Medical Care.The conversation began with Gary Guthart establishing Indias vast potential by highlighting one of Indias biggest med-tech success stories. At this moment, robotic-assisted surgery is in hyper-growth mode. We can see it in the data, and we can also feel it when were here. Its very tangible. He pointed out that while global growth in soft-tissue surgery averages around 1820%, India is growing at twice that pace. The reasons for this rapid rise, according to him, were the underlying need, a conducive policy environment and rapid adoption by hospitals, supported by adequate progress in human capital and business infrastructure.Endorsing his view, Kevin Lobo added, India is probably the most tech-savvy country in the world. The productivity per robot here is already the highest globally. While robotics accounts for just 10% of Strykers portfolio, he noted that other areas, from fluorescent imaging to vascular interventions, are also growing significantly faster in India than elsewhere.To become a global MedTech hub, growth must be sustained on both the demand and supply sides. Explaining why India has what it takes, Katarzyna Mazur-Hofsa observed, India is being propelled by a powerful mixdemographics, epidemiology, a growing middle class and policy support. For MedTech, its the place to be.Nevertheless, scaling up high-end manufacturing poses challenges. Building a surgical robot involves 5,00010,000 components, with 300400 being uniquely sourced, making a stable policy environment and robust supply chain essential.Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a key driver of MedTech transformation and an area in which India can lead. Theres no way around AI in healthcare innovation, said Mazur-Hofsa. And India, with its IT depth, is well positioned to be a global AI hub.The panellists went on to highlight advances that reflect Indias growing role in MedTech innovation powered by AI and analytics. Lobo described a mobile tool that guides real-time post-natal blood transfusion decisions, while Guthart discussed AI-driven surgeon training and predictive maintenance. Mazur-Hofsa also shared how her company uses self-learning algorithms to personalise dialysis careturning vast data into actionable insights.The panel explored the promise of Heal in India, the governments flagship push to position the country as a global healthcare destination. Gary Guthart emphasised that when outcomes, quality, and cost align, patients will naturally gravitate toward India; what matters now is eliminating friction and creating a seamless care journey.For Kevin Lobo, medical tourism is the icing on an already rich cake, as the domestic market is robust, but Indias advanced infrastructure and cost advantage could make it a magnet for global patients as well. Katarzyna Mazur-Hofsa brought in a note of realism, highlighting the stark contrast between urban and rural accessespecially in dialysis carenot as a drawback, but as a powerful opportunity to bridge gaps and expand reach.The forum closed with a compelling case for inclusion as a driver of innovation, performance, and relevance. Katarzyna Mazur-Hofsa highlighted how inclusive teams deliver stronger results. Kevin Lobo traced Strykers transformation, linking rising female representationfrom one to five women on the boardto improved business outcomes. Spotlighting how customer diversity is reshaping design priorities, Gary Guthart noted that even products are no longer built solely with male users in minda shift that reflects the broader evolution of both markets and mindsets.The recurring undertone of the conversation, The India MedTech Opportunity at the APAC MedTech Forum - 2025, was loud and clear: Whether in robotics, AI, talent or policy, India is evolving into a force to be reckoned with. As Mazur-Hofsa aptly concluded, India has scale, it has spirit, and it has speed. The goal now is to expand accessand thats the future this country is sprinting toward. The Embassy of Bulgaria in New Delhi has announced the introduction of long-term visa (D visa) services in India, with applications being processed with VFS in six cities including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai and New Delhi.The initiative aims to make the visa process convenient for Indian citizens by eliminating the need to travel to the Bulgarian Embassy in the New Delhi. The launch follows the signing of an addendum between HE Dr Nikolay Yankov, Ambassador of Bulgaria to India, and Yummi Talwar, Chief Operating Officer, South Asia, at VFS Global.From November 1, 2025, applicants will be able to submit their long-term visa applications at the centre in New Delhi, while appointments for the other five cities are expected to open from mid-November. A long-stay visa of up to six months and a right to stay of up to 180 days is issued to foreigners who wish to settle for a long term or permanently in the Republic of Bulgaria (under article 15, paragraph 1 of the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act).Dr Yankov described the launch as an important step in strengthening ties between India and Bulgaria. "The introduction of Bulgarias long-term visa services across India marks a significant milestone in deepening the people-to-people and business connections between our countries. It simplifies the process for Indian citizens wishing to travel to Bulgaria for study, work or family reasons," he said.Applicants will be allowed to choose from a range of optional services, including home collection of documents, premium lounge access, courier return, SMS updates and assistance with filling forms by VFS Global. However, the use of such services will not affect visa processing times or outcomes.Visa processing services for Bulgaria have been available in India since 2008, and the addition of long-term visa facilities is expected to enhance accessibility for those planning extended stays. Two Assyrian American Brothers Recognized for Breakthroughs in Cancer Treatment Dr. Rabi Hanna and Dr. Gabi Hanna. Cleveland -- Two Assyrian brothers, Dr. Rabi Hanna and Dr. Gabi Hanna, have been recognized by Crain's Cleveland Business as notable leaders in healthcare technology for their pioneering work in cancer treatment. The Hanna brothers, who immigrated to the United States from Syria, were honored for their contributions through their company, Lamassu Biotech, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical firm. The recognition highlights their mission to bring hope and healing to patients battling some of the most difficult-to-treat cancers. They co-founded Lamassu Biotech along with Chief Science Officer Greg Palmer, PhD, with the goal of accelerating drug development and delivering transformative therapies from concept to patient care faster than traditional models. Dr. Rabi Hanna, Chair of the Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplant at Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital, was commended for transforming his department into a leading national center for pediatric cancer care. A practicing physician at the Cleveland Clinic for over 15 years, he is recognized as a pioneer in pediatric hematology and bone marrow transplantation, as well as a sought-after speaker on cancer-related research and treatment innovation. "It is an honor to be recognized alongside my brother by Crain's Cleveland Business," Dr. Rabi Hanna said. "Through collaboration with my colleagues at Cleveland Clinic Children's, we have created new possibilities for therapies and treatments for children diagnosed with cancer. What makes our care unique is our deeply dedicated community of providers, ensuring that children not only survive but thrive and reach their full potential." Dr. Gabi Hanna, Chief Executive Officer of Lamassu Biotech, leads the development of the company's flagship drug, SA53, a novel therapy currently in human clinical trials at the Cleveland Clinic. The drug targets MDM2, a key protein that regulates the well-known tumor-suppressor gene p53. "Establishing Lamassu as a leading biotech company in our region is the result of years of innovative work," said Dr. Gabi Hanna. "Our mission has always been to bring hope and healing to more people and ensure we see more survivors. We thank God for His blessings and guidance as we continue toward that goal." Dr. Gabi Hanna's leadership is grounded in both academic and entrepreneurial expertise. Before Lamassu, he served as CEO of the first academic drug development center at Duke University and founded several successful startups, including Telecancer.com, American Remote Health, and Preclinical Pathfinder. In collaboration with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Cleveland Clinic, Lamassu Biotech launched a Phase 1/2a human clinical trial in 2025 to test SA53, overseen by Dr. Peter Anderson, MD, PhD of the Cleveland Clinic. The drug offers new hope to patients with treatment-resistant cancers and could mark a major step forward in precision oncology. Additionally, Lamassu recently received a major "One Health" NIH grant to develop RABI-767, a groundbreaking therapy for acute pancreatitis in dogs -- a condition with no FDA-approved treatment. The same compound, RABI-767, is also undergoing Phase 2 human trials across more than ten sites in the United States, Canada, and India. The Lamassu team remains optimistic about the progress of its therapies and their potential to transform both human and veterinary medicine through innovation rooted in compassion and scientific excellence. Before Disney decided a young Robert Zemeckis was worthy of tackling Who Framed Roger Rabbit, a completely different cast was lined up to produce test footage for the prospective movie. Peter Renaday, the voice of Splinter on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles television series, was Eddie Valiant. Russi Taylor, the longtime voice of Minnie Mouse, played Jessica Rabbit. And to portray Roger, Disney tapped a young Paul Reubens. While Reubens had been a smash in Los Angeles with his one-man Pee-wee stage show, he was still a few years away from Pee-wees Big Adventure and his Saturday morning kiddie series. Heres young Reubens voicing the animated character, sounding a lot like Pee-wee with a nervous stammer: Paul had both an excitability and a naive quality to his voice that we felt was essential to the characters personality, said animation director Darrell Van Citters. Despite his firmly established role as Pee-wee Herman, Paul is an excellent voice actor, and gave us exceptional readings. Don't Miss Due to its high budget and tricky story (the original novel was much darker), Roger Rabbit stalled for a few years. After Zemeckis hit it big with Romancing the Stone and Back to the Future, Disney reconsidered and hired the director. And that meant shuffling the cast. Zemeckis wanted Harrison Ford for Eddie Valiant, but his asking price was too high. Chevy Chase said no to a role that would have been career-defining. Bill Murray has expressed regret that he passed or rather, that he never responded to phone calls about the job. Eddie Murphy says its the only blockbuster he ever turned down. Also allegedly considered? Robin Williams, Robert Redford, Jack Nicholson and Sylvester Stallone. As for Reubens? Despite being the original voice of Roger Rabbit, Zemeckis opened the door to other possibilities. He auditioned Eddie Deezen, the preeminent cinema nerd of the 1970s. Both Reubens and Deezen lost the role to comedian and Welcome Back, Kotter star Charles Fleischer, who developed Rogers distinctive stutter. It was more than voiceover work Zemeckis made Fletcher dress in a rabbit costume and stand off-camera to give Bob Hoskins, the actor who eventually played Eddie Valiant, someone to work with. Advertisement Reubens didnt make a big deal of missing out on the part, at least not in public. The part that got away wasnt mentioned in the bio-documentary Pee-wee As Himself, despite its three-and-a-half-hour running time. Since Pee-wees Big Adventure broke out three years before Who Framed Roger Rabbit reached theaters, the sting would have been minor. Besides, Reubens pocketed plenty of mouse money over the years. Disney hired him for voice work for Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Flight of the Navigator, Tron: Uprising, Hercules (the TV series) and Phineas and Ferb, as well as the Star Tours ride at the Disney theme parks. He didnt play Roger, but Reubens got p-p-paid p-p-plenty. Back in June, the month before Stephen Colbert would find out that The Late Show would be cancelled by CBS, Colbert sat down with New York City mayoral candidates Zohran Mamdani and Brad Lander. Both men were running in the Democratic primary, and had established a pretty unique alliance by cross-endorsing each other. Colbert was heavily criticized for the conversation, which seemed to focus more on Mamdanis opinions on geopolitics rather than the more immediate and relevant matters of his policy plans for New York City. If you go look in the YouTube comment section, you can see that there was ample and immediate negative feedback for how Colbert conducted the interview. Just last week, it was also revealed that Colberts team had proposed playing a thumbs-up-thumbs-down game about the Middle East during the show. Excessively inappropriate to play under any circumstances, but especially for a Muslim candidate already being faced with excessive Islamophobia from opponents and the media. All of the empathy that Colbert has long been known for seemed to evaporate for this mayoral hopeful, and it led to an interview that was neither challenging nor interesting. Don't Miss When Mamdani went on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart on Monday night as the winner of the Democratic primary, things were substantially different. Stewart in no way went easy on Mamdani, but he took the young candidate seriously in a way Colbert clearly had not. It made for the kind of TV that justifies the existence of late night. The 21-minute segment had the benefit of being longer than Colberts segment with two candidates, so if youre in the business of wanting to grant grace, Stewart did have that advantage. (Though a later extended interview released on YouTube was also 21-minutes, and wasnt any better.) Stewart was also sitting down with a proven winner, someone New Yorkers came out in droves to support and who has been endorsed by some of the biggest progressive names in the Democratic Party. When Colbert interviewed him, Mamdani was less than 24 hours from winning the primary. Advertisement Its dangerous to judge anything just by the comment section, but if you look at both the Stewart interview and the Colbert interview comment sections as temperature checks, theres a stark difference in viewer response on YouTube. Again, the top comments on the Colbert video were rife with disappointment in how the interview turned out. But for Stewarts interview, these were some of the top comments: Advertisement Advertisement Never would have thought Id care this much about a mayoral race on the other side of the country. How dare you. How dare you open my blackened, withered heart and make me feel hope again. I dont smile much in these dark days but I found myself smiling listening to this. I hope Jon knows how much of a difference he made on millennials growing up and watching him every night. Glad he shared his platform with Zohran, someone who is fighting for the same values, policy, and integrity Jon has covered throughout the years. Its worth repeating that Stewart didnt let Mamdani just talk unchallenged for the length of the conversation. He asked about the expectation he was going to have to live up to; pointed out that his supporters now would be his biggest detractors if he failed on key campaign promises; and challenged him on what his definition of public safety would actually be. Advertisement There were also funny moments, but blessedly, no games were played. It was an exchange that respected the gravity of the situation and the intelligence of viewers. It didnt lean away from the political. It was a great performance, and other people making late-night television should take note. Late night has several major problems right now. The format is struggling to attract and maintain a younger audience, its hemorrhaging money and the President of the United States is committed to throwing tantrums and filing lawsuits against television programs and outlets that he perceives have wronged him. But amid these larger structural crises late night faces, it also has a lesser-discussed joke problem. And no, not in the late night shows are too political way. Rather, in a all four major shows make the same exact jokes every night kind of way. Sure, the jokes vary in both quality and delivery, but the meat of them is more or less the same. Part of this isnt the late-night shows fault. Its a problem all media is suffering from right now. Donald Trump sucks up all of the oxygen in every news cycle, doing and saying things so absurd, so out of the realm of normalcy, that it would feel like malpractice not to discuss his behavior. Don't Miss Last nights jokes, though, broke from this pattern. Admittedly, there was still a Trump-sized throughline between all of the monologues no one, for example, could resist addressing Trumps total lack of decorum when visiting with Japans Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi. But with so much ridiculous material available, each show decided to hone in on a slightly different angle. On Colbert, that angle was Trumps new military target (the American public), the high price of food, and blessedly, Fat Squirrel Week. Here he is in plain English telling the military, Colbert said after playing a clip of Trump informing U.S. military members stationed in Japan that he planned to deploy the National Guard to more cities. Colbert couldnt even finish his sentence before the audience broke out into a massive chorus of boos. Stuff like thats going to get you invaded, Colbert warned. Hes telling the military hes going to use them to invade America. Advertisement Meanwhile, Kimmel differentiated himself from the other hosts by challenging Trump to an IQ test against Representatives Jasmine Crockett and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. For whatever reason, fat Albert Einstein has been boasting that he would crush two House Democrats, two he does not like, AOC and Jasmine Crockett, both of whom he deems to be low IQ, in an IQ test, Kimmel said. And so I quite generously offered to host a competition between them to give our president the opportunity to show how much smarter he is than these women. Not a bad bit, but it really shines because it isnt the same exact joke that Colbert told. Advertisement Even Fallon managed to separate himself from the pack, with a few jokes about Elon Musk. I saw that Elon Musk just launched his own version of Wikipedia called Grokipedia. Its not the worst name because someone already has the name MS NOW, so thats fine, Fallon quipped. Again, not the best joke Ive ever heard, but its also not the same tired Trump impression Im guaranteed to get on the other late-night shows either. Advertisement Having noticeably different monologues might not save late night in its entirety, but it could make an argument as to why three different late-night shows need to exist in the same 11:35 p.m. time slot. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. 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It all comes as the government scales back the pre-election energy bill relief it offered to help buy votes. Even Labor's own bureaucratic briefings for whoever won the May election flagged 'a further significant increase in retail electricity prices', admitting emission cuts would need to 'accelerate rapidly' to hit the 2030 target. That means even higher energy price hikes to come. The government fought hard to try and stop that advice ever going public, using FOI laws in an attempt to restrict what was released. Fortunately, they ultimately failed, and now we know the cost of living impacts of the crusade towards net zero. Labor now wants an 82 per cent renewable electricity target by 2030 and a 6270 per cent emissions cut by 2035, as its precursor to the 2050 net zero goal. Why is the Albanese government hammering Australian households and industries with the costs of cutting emissions when we keep exporting emissions, and our domestic emissions are so negligible on the global scale, writes PVO. Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen is pictured above The Australian Energy Market Operator's (AEMO) 2024 Integrated System Plan puts the annualised capital bill at roughly $122billion through to 2050, and calls for about 10,000 kilometres of new transmission lines to connect far-flung wind and solar zones to demand centres. The regulator's own reliability outlook says that the lights stay on only if all this kit arrives on time. Any delays would increase reliability risks - as has already happened - forcing suppliers to take emergency measures - which is essentially high-emitting alternatives to bridge the gaps. When that can't or doesn't happen, the lights go out. It's that simple. These goals will require a Herculean effort, even if we try and fail. Now set that domestic ambition against our global footprint when it comes to emissions to get a sense of how futile this crusade might really be when placed into a wider context. Australia accounts for about 1.1 per cent of world carbon emissions, yet we export far more fossil energy than we use. Roughly 88 per cent of our black coal output and around 70 per cent of our gas production leaves the country, exported to drive up overseas emissions we take zero responsibility for, to many countries with little interest in climate change action. Renewable energy zealots claim wind and solar are 'cheap forever' so don't sweat it during the transition period. But wind turbines are designed for a lifespan of roughly 20 years, utility-scale lithium batteries last about 15 years (and aren't easily disposed of), and solar modules last 25-30 years. A solar farm in Queensland (above) Our export emissions - which Labor never talks about - are second only to Russia. Square that circle with the crusade towards net zero emissions domestically. The government has no interest in cutting emissions fuelling exports. Economically, thank god for that. But it's undeniably inconsistent. So why hammer Australian households and industries with the costs of cutting emissions when we keep exporting emissions, and our domestic emissions are so negligible on the global scale? Apart from the cost impact of rising energy prices in Australia, the reliability risks are also rising. Ageing coal units are running harder and breaking more often than they used to. AEMO's Electricity Statement of Opportunities warns that without firming and transmission arriving on time, supply gaps will emerge across the coming decade. Again, Labor never wants to talk about that. Gas is supposed to be the backstop, but even AEMO's gas outlook has been juggling tight supply dynamics and shifting shortfall dates. Households experience this as price spikes at peak times and via blackouts. Renewable energy zealots claim wind and solar are 'cheap forever' so don't sweat it during the transition period. But wind turbines are designed for a lifespan of roughly 20 years, utility-scale lithium batteries last about 15 years (and aren't easily disposed of), and solar modules last 25-30 years. Add in the cost of replacing inverters and the sheer amount of new steel, copper and land needed for the transmission build-out, and you have a system with a persistent capex churn. It's certainly not a case of 'one and done' as claimed. The Albanese government needs to shift from grandstanding about 2035 targets that won't be met without considerable pain, including the pain of trying and failing, and instead focus on practical adaptation pathways. A wind farm in Tasmania is pictured above Australia continues to have a statutory ban on nuclear power, with the government not even willing to properly investigate its viability. Labor says nobody wants to invest in nuclear power here. Funny that, when there is a statutory ban in place. You don't have to look too hard abroad to see how viable it is as a way of cutting emissions and guaranteeing reliable power. Whatever one's view on nuclear, refusing to even test the economics or safety case for it is ideology masquerading as prudence. A conservative risk management posture would do three things. First, stop pretending that a rapid, transmission-heavy, renewables-only path is low cost in the near term. More transparency by government when it comes to costings would prove that, which presumably is why transparency is so lacking. Second, align timelines with engineering realities. Keep reliable energy options despite their emissions until equivalent reliability exists in the new systems. Just betting on reliability courtesy of heroic delivery schedules is crazy. Third, shift from grandstanding about 2035 targets that won't be met without considerable pain, including the pain of trying and failing, and instead focus on practical adaptation pathways. If you believe the science, climate change is happening. And if you're realistic, the zealots might want to stop it but they can't. So being ready for its effects is at least as important as trying to prevent it from happening. Australia can and should cut emissions. But when we emit just 1.1 per cent of the world's total, while exporting the fuels that drive a much larger slice of emissions offshore, it is a fraud to claim that domestic emissions cuts are the be-all and end-all. It is economically reckless to pretend our domestic emissions targets will move the climate needle globally. Net zero as a slogan has become a cover for not doing the hard yards on reliability, transparency and adaptation. If the Albanese government really wants to sell higher energy bills as the price of its 'leadership' on climate change, it should start by levelling with people about the impact it's having. Downplaying it perpetuates a fraud. Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more The brand behind one of the top-rated mattresses in Australia has announced its early Black Friday sale offering - and if you've been considering upgrading yours, it's a sale you'll want to know about. Ergoflex, voted Australia's number one mattress for back pain in 2024, is letting shoppers get a head start on the biggest sale of the year, unveiling a huge 30 per cent off sitewide from November 6-30. The discount is available across all sizes of the brand's best-selling 5G Memory Foam Mattress as well as memory foam pillows, sheets and mattress protectors, and bed frames. Eager customers can get exclusive early access to the huge savings by using discount code BLACK at checkout. The Ergoflex 5G mattress is widely regarded as one of Australia's best for relieving back pain and improving sleep quality. The highly-rated product has earned 9,079 glowing reviews, praising the brand's superior comfort, performance and the company's excellent customer service. The brand behind one of the top rated mattresses in Australia, awarded the best for back pain, has announced its Black Friday sale Ergoflex 5G Memory Foam Mattress Ergoflex has announced their annual Black Friday sale, offering 30 per cent off sitewide from November 7 - 30. The brand's 5G Memory Foam Mattress has been dubbed the best for back pain in Australia. Shop The mattress features proprietary True HD memory foam that contours precisely to the body, easing pressure points and providing optimal spinal alignment. The design also incorporates the Cool-Sleep Airflow System, encouraging air circulation for temperature-sensitive responsive performance, keeping the body cooler than standard memory foam. Naturally anti-allergenic, it is anti-microbial and resistant to dust mites and allergens, as well as resilient to the growth of bacteria, moulds, mildew and fungi - making the mattress ideal for asthma and allergy sufferers. Ergoflex is set to give shoppers a 30 per cent discount sitewide from November 7 to 30 The brand's 5G Memory Foam Mattress is renowned for its proprietary True HD memory foam that contours to the body, easing pressure points and providing optimal spinal alignment The TENCEL outer cover is naturally breathable and removable for washing. During the annual sale, the Queen size is discounted by more than $500. There are even bigger savings on the King size, with a savings of $560. The Single mattress has been slashed by $280 while shoppers can save $300 on Long Single and King Single. The Double drops from $1,344.99 to $944.99, saving $400, while the Ergoflex Pillow is reduced from $149.99 to $104.99, saving $45. There are huge discounts on offer, with $560 dropped from the King size and $510 from the Queen - and further savings across the full size range Ergoflex mattresses are backed by a 30-night home trial, next-day delivery, and free returns, offering shoppers complete peace of mind. Customers consistently praise the quality and comfort of the mattress. A recent reviewer said it was the 'best mattress we've ever owned', adding that ordering and delivery were 'flawless and so much faster than expected'. One shopper described it as a 'mandatory buy for anyone with back pain or stiffness', calling it a one-time investment that was 'worth stretching your budget' for. The Cyber Monday sale will see 25 per cent off sitewide, plus a free memory foam pillow included with every mattress order Another reported that 'almost from the first day my backache went away', explaining that they had 'finally found a good bed after many different and more expensive alternatives'. As Australia's original mattress-in-a-box brand, UK-born Ergoflex continues to lead the way in affordable luxury sleep solutions. The brand's products are made to last and have become a go-to choice for those wanting the expected performance of premium mattress brands that cost several thousand dollars, without the luxury price tag. And for those who miss the Black Friday window, a Cyber Monday event follows from December 1 to 7, with up to 25 per cent off sitewide and a free Ergoflex Pillow included with every mattress order. Use discount code CYBER at checkout. To shop the Ergoflex sale, click here. On Monday evening, the most dangerous man in America sat to interview a confused millennial. The pair, who for months had been regaling the masses with a bit of low-rent turf war kayfabe implying the other was an undercover 'fed' (federal agent), decided to drop the faux hatchet once and for all. They did so not necessarily because they care for one another, but because of their shared passion for tackling a mutual foe: Western civilization, which for millennia has claimed the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) as its preeminent moral and legal wellspring. Just to be clear: I'm not talking about George Soros and Hasan Piker. This was a chat between the erstwhile king of cable news, Tucker Carlson, and Nick Fuentes, the loquacious Holocaust denier who has been a leading anti-Semitic provocateur since he first burst onto the political commentary scene a decade ago. Fuentes, perhaps most infamous for a 2019 rant wherein he analogized Jews massacred by the Nazis to the 'Sesame Street' character Cookie Monster baking cookies in an oven in an attempt to explain why six million dead Jews at the hand of the Nazis 'just doesn't make sense,' stayed true to his form during the Carlson interview. At various points, Fuentes mused about the evils of 'organized Jewry' and contended that discredited neoconservatism cannot be divorced from 'Jewishness.' (That's news to this Jew.) The host's response, in turn, was so fawning that it amounted to a laundering of Fuentes's repugnant beliefs. Fuentes, who has personally called me 'filth' and said that Jews like me and broadcaster Mark Levin 'are not American' and 'do not belong here,' predictably claimed yet again on Carlson's show that American Jews put the interests of Israel over the interest of their own country. This was a chat between Nick Fuentes (left), the loquacious Holocaust denier who has been a leading anti-Semitic provocateur since he first burst onto the political commentary scene a decade ago, and the erstwhile king of cable news, Tucker Carlson (right) Fuentes, who has personally called me 'filth' and said that Jews like me and broadcaster Mark Levin 'are not American' and 'do not belong here,' predictably claimed yet again on Carlson's show that American Jews put the interests of Israel over the interest of their own country It's a monstrous, destructive lie. He claimed that Jews hate Europeans because the Romans destroyed the Temple in Jerusalem two millennia ago. It's simply preposterous. But the Jewish people themselves only represent the tip of the spear of what the Carlson-Fuentes cabal represents. Carlson personally saved his most seething hatred for his fellow Christians and those of a Zionist disposition, in particular. Specifically, Carlson said that Christian Zionists are dangerous heretics and that he despises them more than anyone else on earth certainly more than the sharia law proponents on whose behalf Carlson has taken, curiously, to offering meek apologia. Ironically, it is Carlson himself who is the Christian heretic. In an August podcast episode, Carlson confessed to his guest (Cliff Knechtle, a decades-long pastor) that he just read his Bible's Old Testament for the first time last year and that he was 'shocked' by the 'violence' and 'genocide' he encountered therein. (The pastor, due to his familiarity with neophytes and having read the Bible prior to his mid-50s, didn't take the bait.) And as I noted last month, the contention that the God of the Hebrew Bible is not the God of the New Testament is quite literally heretical on Christianity's own terms. In fact, it is Marcionism the fringe doctrine that there are two gods: a vengeful Old Testament God and a benevolent God revealed through Jesus Christ. Make no mistake: There is a sprawling information operation afoot that has as its goal the fracturing of the ecumenical Jewish-Christian biblical alliance that long ago built and which can alone sustain Western civilization and that civilization's leading light, the United States. The operation has as its leading objectives the distancing of evangelical Christians from the Jewish people and the distancing of the United States from Israel. The operatives are cheering on the West's Islamist and globalist enemies, whether they care to admit it or not. Carlson is their leading propagandist. And Fuentes, an opportunistic clicks-chaser, is along for the ride. One man who was decidedly not along for this hellish jaunt was someone Carlson now has the audacity to purport to represent and memorialize: my late friend and a noted Christian Zionist, Charlie Kirk. Perhaps no one in America despised Nick Fuentes more than Kirk. Fuentes tormented Kirk and his now-widow, Erika, for years on end over the fact Kirk would not allow Fuentes to attend Kirk's Turning Point USA conferences. In his final months, Kirk's hostility toward Fuentes only hardened. He was horrified to see this raging bigot gain traction in right-of-center circles something he privately confided in me and a few others. One man who was decidedly not along for this hellish jaunt was someone Carlson now has the audacity to purport to represent and memorialize: my late friend and a noted Christian Zionist, Charlie Kirk (right) Kirk was horrified to see this raging bigot gain traction in right-of-center circles something he privately confided in me and a few others As our Salem Podcast Network colleague Dinesh D'Souza revealed yesterday, Kirk was livid at D'Souza for recently deigning to debate Fuentes. Kirk called Fuentes 'vermin.' None of this was news to me; Kirk himself had encouraged me to express to D'Souza my own frustrations. I neglected to do so for the very simple reason that D'Souza so thoroughly and effectively skewered Fuentes in their debate. But I have no doubt that Kirk is now rolling in his grave after Carlson's latest stunning act of anti-Western subjugation and personal betrayal. Carlson, Fuentes, Candace Owens, and their entire disreputable ilk are incapable of acknowledging that an American might simply support the Jewish people because he sees in the Jews the origins of monotheism and thus, all Western morality. They refuse to concede that an American might support close-knit US-Israel relations not due to moral or financial blackmail, but due to an earnest assessment that the alliance furthers American interests. They can't bring themselves to admit such basic points because to do so would undermine the assertion that has become most foundational to their fetid worldview: The Jews are responsible for all of America's ills, and America must therefore abandon them. And in order for this to happen, it is not that the statistically insignificant Jews must necessarily come to loathe themselves, but that those statistically very significant Christians must come to loathe the Jews. If this looks like a war on MAGA and the modern American Right, that's because that is exactly what it is. Carlson and his clan have declared their jihad not on the woke forces of civilizational arson on the addle-brained Left, but on the forces of civilizational sanity on the MAGA Right. They hope to burn down MAGA and build a neo-pagan, anti-Western, anti-biblical movement in its stead. The fox is now comfortably ensconced in the hen house. And unless the fox is neutralized, the victim could be the entire extant GOP coalition itself. Josh Hammer is the syndicated host of 'The Josh Hammer Show' and author of Israel and Civilization: The Fate of the Jewish Nation and the Destiny of the West. Not one. Not two. Not three. Not four. But five. Five lies. Two weeks ago the Prime Minister faced the House of Commons and responded to the China spying scandal. In the fortnight that followed we have read a series of documents and heard testimony from the key participants in the scandal. As a result, it's now a matter of documented fact that on that day the Prime Minister lied and lied and lied and lied and lied again to Parliament and to the country. The first lie was his claim: 'The substantive evidence [in the case] was provided in 2023 by the previous government.' This statement deliberately gave the impression evidence produced under the Sunak administration caused the trial's implosion. But yesterday the man charged with prosecuting the case, Tom Little KC, confirmed the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) sought greater clarity about the Chinese spy threat in two subsequent witness statements. And it was a failure to provide it in those statements that ultimately resulted in the collapse of the case. The decisive moment actually came when the Deputy National Security Adviser (DNSA) Matthew Collins stated he could not go beyond his statements, and explicitly say China had posed a 'threat'. As Little told MPs: 'That was in answer to what I regard as the million dollar question in the case, and once he had said that, the current prosecution for those charges was effectively unsustainable.' It is now a matter of documented fact that the Prime Minister directly lied, and lied and lied and lied and lied again to Parliament and the country, writes Dan Hodges Deputy National Security Adviser Matthew Collins' unwillingness to label China a threat ultimately caused the case to collapse The second lie came when the Prime Minister was asked by Kemi Badenoch: 'Are the Government seriously saying that only one man, the Deputy National Security Adviser, had anything to do with this failure?' 'Yes', he responded But we now know that on July 3 this year, a meeting was held between the CPS and a Cabinet Office official in which 'a discussion took place to discuss what the DNSA [Collins] would and would not be able to say'. We now know the Attorney General Richard Hermer was briefed on the case on August 14. And we now know National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell and Matthew Collins convened to specifically discuss the prosecution. Two days later it was dropped. The third lie was when Keir Starmer said: 'The case did not proceed because the policy of the past government did not meet the test that was necessary.' But in a letter to MPs last Friday, Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Parkinson confirmed, 'the requests made by counsel asked about the actual threat posed by China during the relevant period. The test was therefore positively not what the then government was prepared to, or did, say in public about China (whether framed as its policy or otherwise)'. The fourth lie was when Kemi Badenoch observed: 'The CPS said it was satisfied that the decision to charge the case in April 2024 not August was correct on the basis of where the law stood at that time. This is a matter of fact, not a matter of what the previous government had thought.' Starmer replied dismissively: 'The Right Hon Lady will then realise that what she has just said is entirely baseless.' But, Parkinson's statement proves, she was correct. It was the Prime Minister who was dissembling. The fifth lie was perhaps the most blatant. In response to Badenoch's allegation that there had been a material change in the Government's stance towards China, Starmer raged: 'The allegation that somehow they were changed that the first and second statements are different is completely and utterly unfounded.' But inserted into the middle of the second witness statement, submitted soon after Rachel Reeves's January trade visit to Beijing, were the words: 'It is important for me to emphasise, however, that the Government is committed to pursuing a positive economic relationship with China. 'The Government believes that the UK must continue to engage with international partners on trade and investment to grow our economy, whilst ensuring that our security and values are not compromised.' Those words do not appear in the first statement. One lie to the House of Commons would be unfortunate. Two can be attributed to carelessness. But the third? The fourth? The fifth? Five untruths, deliberately designed to mislead Parliament over one of the great spying scandals of the post Cold War era. That scandal is itself a national disgrace. But what's equally disgraceful is how brazenly Keir Starmer is being able to get away with his deceit. Tumbleweed is currently rolling through the corridors of power. There seems no mechanism to force Sir Keir to explain himself. Some doughty Tory MPs keep prodding and probing. A succession of ministers have been dragged to the Chamber to explain the manifest inconsistencies, but they have merely made themselves accessories to the Prime Minister's deceit. Sir Keir has lied to Parliament not once, but five separate times over the China spying scandal. It's time he was held to account. Health officials are warning the public that one of the nations most popular personal care products has become an unexpected breeding ground for dangerous, life-threatening bacteria. Neutrogena recalled thousands of its popular makeup-removing face wipes this week sold in South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Texas after product testing revealed traces of Pluralibacter gergoviae, a bacterium that can cause sepsis. Dr Samuel Golpanian, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Los Angeles, told the Daily Mail the microscopic threat is serious. He noted testing was limited to 1,300 wipes, suggesting more contaminated products could emerge. He said: 'Someone who's otherwise healthy may have a little bit of skin irritation or a rash. But in patients with compromised immune systems, or even pregnant patients, this infection can cause more than superficial skin reactions... potentially cause respiratory distress or, in severe cases, a full-blown blood infection.' P. gergoviae has emerged as one of the leading threats to cosmetic safety due to its resistance to many common preservatives and its potential to cause infections, particularly in people with compromised immune systems. When bacteria from contaminated wipes enter through facial openings, such as the eyes or cuts, they can cause respiratory distress and body-wide inflammation that may escalate to sepsis. Without treatment, sepsis has an 80 percent death rate from organ failure. The preservatives in moist makeup-removing wipes are ineffective against certain durable bacteria that thrive in such environments, allowing them to survive and multiply in contaminated products. The risks in face wipes go far beyond bacteria. Many contain parabens, preservatives linked to skin irritation and allergic reactions. More alarmingly, they are endocrine disruptors that mimic estrogen, prompting bans in the European Union. Bacteria from contaminated wipes can enter through facial cuts, eyes, or nasal membranes, triggering respiratory distress and systemic inflammation that may progress to sepsis (stock) Your browser does not support iframes. Dr Dara Spearman, a board-certified dermatologist based in Indiana, told the Daily Mail that anyone who has the associated lot numbers should absolutely send them back. 'And if you're not sure, then I would still go ahead and send them back to be on the safe side,' she said. 'Especially if you are immunocompromised, I honestly would be very careful with patients using those at baseline; if their skin barrier is not intact or if their immune system is compromised in any way.' Still, she added that she does not expect the contamination in Neutrogena's products to cause a widespread increase in skin rashes and blood infections. The FDA upgraded the recall to Class II earlier this month, indicating that the contaminated product could cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote. Dr Spearman added: 'But certainly with them having some [product samples] test positive, I would expect some more to test positive.' The wipes high moisture content is essential for microbes to grow, while residues from makeup, skin cells and oils in the wipe serve as food for the bacteria. Dr Shari Lipner, a board-certified dermatologist at Weill Cornell Medicine, told the Daily Mail: 'The face is particularly vulnerable to infection due to thinner skin compared to other parts of the body, its abundant blood supply, likelihood of having abrasions, and mucous membranes that can serve as entry points for the bacteria.' The recall was issued by Kenvue, the parent company of Neutrogena, after internal testing revealed traces of pluralibacter gergoviae, a bacterium that can lead to various infections, in certain batches of its makeup remover towelettes Research has suggested that all cosmetics and skincare products, including makeup-removing wipes, pose a risk of contamination with P. gergoviae because the bacteria can evade preservatives that would otherwise kill them, such as parabens, sodium benzoate and isothiazolinones. Dr Lipner added: 'For preservatives, there has to be a careful balance between being antibacterial and avoiding irritation of the skin and mucous membranes. 'Because of this, preservatives tend to be less effective against bacteria P. gergoviae that thrive in moisture-rich environments.' Parabens can help prevent bacterial growth on cleansing wipes, but they also pose health risks. The primary health concern with parabens is their well-documented role as endocrine disruptors. Their chemical structure is similar to that of estrogen, allowing them to bind weakly to estrogen receptors in the body. This mimicking action can interfere with the normal function of the endocrine system, which regulates growth, metabolism and reproduction. By disrupting delicate hormonal balances, parabens are suspected of harming fertility in both men and women. Studies have associated them with reduced sperm quality, altered ovarian function, and complications during pregnancy that can affect birth outcomes. Because of their estrogen-mimicking nature, there is ongoing scientific research into whether paraben exposure is tied to an increased risk of hormone-related cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer. The theory is that chronic, low-grade estrogenic activity could potentially stimulate the growth of hormone-sensitive cancer cells. Many popular brands use preservatives known as 'formaldehyde-releasers.' These are ingredients that slowly release the chemical over time. While effective at preventing microbial growth, its release is influenced by factors including temperature and storage time. Due to health concerns, formaldehyde, a group 1 carcinogen in humans, and its releasing agents, are banned in cosmetics in Japan and strictly regulated elsewhere. Common formaldehyde-releasing preservatives include ingredients like DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, and quaternium-15. The cancer risk is primarily associated with inhalation, not skin contact. For most people, the more immediate and common problem with these ingredients is that they are well-known skin sensitizers and allergens, which can cause contact dermatitis. The FDA allows the use of formaldehyde releasers at very low concentrations, typically below 0.2 percent, deemed safe for consumer use. I was horrified to read this week about the case of 23-year-old Milli Tanner whose bowel cancer was dismissed 13 times by doctors who told her that she was too young to have the disease. Milli, who first went to her GP at 19, was told that her symptoms were likely due to piles, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or period problems. Some doctors even suggested that excessive alcohol consumption might be to blame for the issues, which included stomach and lower back pain, as well as blood in her stool. By the time she was eventually diagnosed, Milli's cancer had reached stage 3 meaning it had begun to spread to the lymph nodes. Shockingly, Milli who had surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy only got a diagnosis because she ordered and paid for a test herself. What I find most terrifying about Milli's story is that it is not an anomaly. Cancer cases in young people are often missed by doctors. NHS data shows that in more than four in ten cases where a child was diagnosed with cancer, the family was forced to take them to their family doctor at least three times before they were referred for tests. Often, this is because cancer symptoms can appear differently in young people. But it's also because doctors don't always expect to see the disease in people under the age of 50. In recent years, there have been several high profile cases of young patients who died due to these delays. Dr Philippa Kaye was diagnosed with bowel cancer six years ago at the age of 39 after experiencing pain in her pelvis At the same time, deadly bowel cancer cases are on the rise in young people making cases like Milli's all the more concerning. I should know because I was diagnosed with bowel cancer at a young age. And, despite being a GP I didn't recognise the symptoms. It was only by luck that I was diagnosed in time to save my life. So, here are the bowel cancer symptoms that you must always look out for and exactly what to say to your GP if you feel they aren't taking you seriously. I was 39 when I was diagnosed with bowel cancer and, six years on, I still remember the day I found out I had the disease like it was yesterday. I'd begun to experience pain in my pelvis. However, I'd had similar aches for the previous four years, following my third Caesarean section. I had no other noticeable symptoms the only reason I brought up the issue with my gynaecologist was because the pain seemed to have gotten worse. My initial assumption was that the pain was simply due to scar tissue. No one, including myself, ever considered the possibility that it could be cancer. My gynaecologist believed the symptoms might be due to the fact that my womb had become stuck to my bowel with scar tissue. He suggested I see a bowel surgeon before considering surgery to separate the organs. It was this decision that ultimately saved my life. Milli Tanner first went to her GP in June 2021, when she was aged 19, with stomach pains, lower back pain and blood in her stool It was eventually uncovered that Milli had a tumour which has spread to her lymph nodes The surgeon suggested a colonoscopy a medical procedure that involves inserting a camera into the bowel and that was when they found the cancer. What followed was multiple life-saving surgeries to remove the disease as well as six months of chemotherapy. Today, I'm thankful to say I'm currently cancer-free, but many others are not so lucky. Every year, 35,000 people under the age of 50 are diagnosed with cancer in the UK. And many are diagnosed late because doctors don't expect them to have the disease. Some of this may be due to the way that doctors are trained. In medical school, we were taught the principle of 'Occam's razor', which is essentially a fancy way of saying that the simplest explanation for an issue is the most likely answer. And since cancer is still primarily a disease that affects the over-50s, it is often not initially considered as a possible cause of new symptoms in young people. When a 34-year-old presents with a cough, it's more likely to be a viral infection than lung cancer. A 24-year-old with abdominal pain has a greater chance of having irritable bowel syndrome than bowel cancer. So, in many cases, young people with cancer are forced to return to their doctor multiple times before they are sent for tests that reveal signs of the disease. This is particularly concerning for those who develop bowel cancer the only form of the disease that is rising faster in those under the age of 50 than in older adults. Research shows diagnoses in 25 to 49-year-olds have increased by more than 50 per cent since the early 1990s. Despite being a GP Dr Kaye didn't recognise the symptoms of her cancer and says it was only by luck that she was diagnosed in time to save her life Like all cancers, catching it early before it spreads can be the difference between life and death. The symptoms of bowel cancer include a change in your bowel habit for three weeks or more. Everybody has a bowel habit, you might do a poo three times a day or you might go three times a week, either way if that is normal for you it is your usual bowel habit. If that changes, diarrhoea, constipation or even softer poo, going more or less frequently than normal it needs to be assessed. Bleeding from the rectum, or back passage, which may be on the paper or mixed with the stool or the water in the toilet and may make your poo look red or black as well as pain in the tummy all need to be checked out. Other symptoms can include a noticeable lump or mass in the abdomen or unintentional weight loss, where you are losing weight without trying. Unexplained fatigue or shortness of breath can also be signs of bowel cancer. This is because both can be triggered by the loss of small amounts of blood in the stool over a long period of time, perhaps so small you can't see it with the naked eye. These symptoms are not necessarily due to cancer. Haemorrhoids and anal fissures, which can lead to bleeding from the rectum, are both more common than bowel cancer and fatigue have a multitude of causes. However, patients need to see a doctor so that the risk of cancer can be ruled out. If your GP doesn't take your concerns seriously then there are certain phrases you can deploy. Patients should explicitly state that they are concerned about the risk of cancer. It's possible that the GP may not consider this possibility until it is mentioned. If a GP refuses to send a patient for further tests, then a patient can simply ask them to explain their reasoning for not doing so. Patients can also ask to seek a second opinion from a different GP at the same surgery, if they are concerned about the decision their family doctor has made. Moreover, since September, concerned patients and families can now request an urgent review of their diagnosis under a new NHS guideline named Jess's Rule. It is named after Jessica Brady, who died of cancer at 27 after being dismissed by her GP surgery 20 times. The rule states that if a patient's symptoms persist after three appointments with their GP, then their family doctor is obligated to take further action. This might involve getting the second opinion of a colleague or referring the patient to a specialist. So, if you feel that this applies to you or a family member, then you should contact your GP surgery and request a review under Jess's Rule. Put simply, you are never too young to have cancer. That's why advocating for yourself is so vital. When Paul Angliss began to experience agonising back pain as he hiked Mount Fuji during an adventurous Japanese holiday with his family, he simply thought it was a sign of old age. But a month later, in October 2024, a stubbed toe which sent a 'shockwave' of pain up his spine resulting in excruciating neck pain revealed the truththe 62-year-old father-of-one had blood cancer. Also known as multiple myeloma, just over half of patients survive five years after their diagnosisand many, like Mr Anglis, 62, from Stoke Newington, London, are first diagnosed when a bone breaks. Whilst doctors were not immediately sure what had caused the ordeal, Mr Anglis said he was told it could be myeloma, because it's 'really unusual' for someone to stub their toe and break their neck. 'That was a real timebomb', he recalled. The father-of-one's diagnosis came after he stubbed his toe on a chair in his bedroom. It sent a jolt of pain ricocheting up his spineand caused the C3 vertebrae in his neck to break. 'This shockwave went up my spine and I was paralysed, I had spasms in both sides of my neck,' he said. Paul was diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer that was 'eating away at his bones' after stubbing his toe and breaking his neck in October last year Paul has now been told he is in remission, following a clear blood panel and bone marrow biopsy on 13 October His partner called an ambulance and when paramedics arrived they administered pain relief medication and suggested that he contact his GP about the ongoing pain, not realising that his neck was in fact broken. A few days later it was still taking Mr Anglis 'two-and-a-half hours' to move from standing to lying down, prompting a visit to A&E. Eventually, a series of tests including a MRI confirmed that he had broken a vertebrae in his neckwhich doctors suspected had been caused by blood cancer. A week later, Mr Anglis underwent further tests to confirm his diagnosis, which he said he felt 'prepared' to receive. 'They found something like 28 holes in my spine, so I was luck that they myeloma was found early on,' he said. 'Myeloma weakens your bones and if I hadn't had the break, things could have been much worse.' He was then referred to St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, where he promptly started chemotherapy in the form of weekly injections in November 2024. Finally, Mr Anglis received a stem cell transplant in April 2025, marking the beginning of the maintenance phase of his cancer journey, before embarking on a new drug trial on 15 September. 'I was a bit apprehensive about the trial as it involved having a bone marrow biopsy which I'd had before and it's really painful,' he admitted. Paul had been suffering from agonising back pain for years, which came to a head whilst hiking Mount Fuji in Japan with his partner Priya (pictured left) and his daughter Nancy (pictured middle) Paul struggled to the summit of the mountain where his family narrowly missed being struck by lightning But thankfully in September this year, he was told he was cancer free, and following a bone marrow biopsy he was given the all clear on 13 October. Myeloma doesn't always cause symptoms in its early stage, the main symptoms include bone pain, broken bones, extreme tiredness, shortness of breath, muscle weakness, headaches, extreme thirst, and unexplained weight loss. According to Cancer Research UK, myeloma can affect any area of the body where there is active bone marrow, including the arms, legs, shoulders, spine, skull, pelvis and rib cage. Normally, bone marrow produces white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets if and when the body needs them. In myeloma, however, too many plasma cellswhich develop from white blood cellscrowd the bone marrow meaning there is not enough space for normal white cells, red cells and platelets. Most of these symptoms are caused by the abnormal plasma cells building up in the bone marrow. These cells produce abnormal antibodies which can also cause problems. Mr Anglis' first symptoms appeared in 2022, when he was suffering from excruciating lower back pain, which he put down to wear and tear. Two years later the pain came back when he was on holiday with his family in Japan, culminating in the financial reporter 'dragging' himself up Mount Fuji after narrowly avoiding being struck by lightning. After spending the rest of the trip treating his back with heating strips, Paul stubbed his on a chair after returning home which sent a 'shockwave' up his spine into his neck, breaking the C3 vertebrae Your browser does not support iframes. 'I kept telling Priya and my daughter Nancy, 16, to go ahead, you know being heroic but all the energy from my legs just went every ten steps,' he recalled. 'I'd sort of get my energy back and I stubbornly got to the top.' But rather than being a moment of victory, just minutes after reaching the summit, Mr Anglis saw storm clouds rolling in behind his family. 'I was talking to Nancy and Priya, facing them, and this bolt of lightning came around behind them, like a beast. 'It stopped, as if it was a real, living being just behind them. We were speechless and quickly made our way back down,' he added. The days following the traumatic climb consisted of strapping heat patches to his back to make the pain more bearable, Mr Anglis said. Reflecting on his prognosis, he said: 'My oncologist is very positive and there's a lot of alternative treatment drugs I can start if the current ones start to lose their efficacy. 'Some people go into remission for years, and it's an exciting time for myeloma in terms of the treatments that are being developed.' Paramedics told Paul to contact his GP, who eventually referred him to St Bartholomew's suspecting blood cancer was behind the unusual break Mr Anglis wants to spread better awareness for the disease and is urging anyone who is experiencing unexplained back pain to contact their GP. 'You learn a few lessons about yourself with something like thisyou don't take your health for granted, you check in with yourself,' he said. 'I was lucky, I had a lot of small mercies, such as still being able to work, having my family around me and being diagnosed earlysome people don't have that.' Treatment for myeloma, like most cancers, depends on what stage the cancer is diagnosed at as well as the patient's general health. Patients may be offered a combination of treatments including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted medicines, steroids and medicines to help with bone thinning called bisphosphonates. After a successful course of chemotherapy or targeted medicines, a patient may be offered a stem cell transplant which can help the body make new blood plasma cells that work correctly. However, myeloma cannot usually be cured and it might be very hard to treat. The aim of treatment is often to limit the cancer and its symptoms, and help patients live longer. Myeloma cancer is considered a rare form of the disease account for just 2 per cent of all cancer diagnoses in the UK each year, with around 6,300 cases. Around 385,000 people are diagnosed with cancer in the UK every year, which is the equivalent of more than 1,000 cases being spotted every day. Endometriosis UK is urging doctors to use Jess's Rule, a three strikes and rethink approach, to speed up diagnosis of the gynaecological condition. It takes nearly nine years, on average, for someone with endometriosis to receive a diagnosis after first visiting their GP, leaving millions of women suffering in silence and feeling disbelieved. A 2024 report by Endometriosis UK found that 47 per cent of people surveyed reported seeing a GP ten or more times before being diagnosed with the condition, which causes excruciating pain and infertility. However, charity bosses now hope that diagnoses can be sped up thanks to Jess's Rule. It was introduced on September 23, 2025, and requires GPs to "reflect, review, and rethink" if a patient presents with the same or escalating symptoms three times without a diagnosis or improvement. The initiative's roots lie in tragedy; it's named after 27-year-old Jessica Brady who died from stage four breast cancer after her symptoms were dismissed more than 20 times by her GP. She died three weeks after her terminal diagnosis. Roughly 1.5 million women in the UK have an endometriosis diagnosis, but thousandsif not millions morealso believe they have the condition. It causes endometrial tissue - tissue similar to uterine lining - to grow outside of the uterus, such as on the cervix, bladder, and ovaries, where it collects and thickens over the course of every menstrual cycle. More than 1.5 million women are diagnosed with endometriosis in the UK When a woman comes on her period, this rogue tissue also breaks down, leading to inflammation and scar tissue binding to and stiffening organs, causing a pulling sensation and sharp, shooting pains. The pain can be unbearable for some women, and a build up of scar tissue can block the fallopian tubes, as well as disrupt the hormone balance necessary for ovulation, making it impossible to conceive. The impact on a woman's quality of life can be enormous, from keeping her from working or attending school and socialising with friends. Tragically there is no known cure for endometriosis, and treatment is limited to managing pain symptoms, or key hole surgery to remove the rogue endometriosis tissue and loosen scar tissue. In the most severe cases, a full hysterectomy may be offered. In the light of the introduction of Jess's Rule, the Daily Mail spoke to three women who struggled for years to get a diagnosis of endometriosis. Their stories are very different, but they share a hope that the new initiative will help other women like them. Elle Courtonel from Leicestershire It took Elle Courtonel 20 yearsand a lot of pain and frustrationto get her endometriosis diagnosis Elle Courtonel was just nine years old when she first began experiencing debilitating period pain. She was diagnosed with endometriosis just weeks ago, at the age of 29, after 20 years of unexplained symptoms. The condition caused Elle to miss school regularly and feel isolated, with none of her friends starting their periods until 16. At her first GP visit, Elle was told she was too young for contraception. She returned at 13 and was put on the pill to stop her periods. She was not offered any investigations to find why she was in agonising pain every day at such a young agebut she was told the mantra fellow endometriosis patients hear: 'Just take Lactulose, painkillers and the pill.' Elle said: 'It's just been a bit of a mess really and over the last two years my health has deteriorated. 'It's got to the point where I struggle to walk upstairs, I have constant lower back pain and I've got chronic fatigue mentally. 'I also have periods of anxiety and depression. Not because of my life but because of my health.' Elle only received her diagnosis after pursuing a private ADHD assessment. While trying to improve her gut health to help her ADHD symptoms, she found that almost everything caused bad reactions. This was when her symptoms began to be taken seriously. This diagram explains how uterine tissue grows outside of the uterus, causing pain and scarring She had a fit test, a colonoscopy, ultrasounds and an MRI. 'The saddest part is I had to use ChatGPT to analyse my MRI results because there wasn't anyone to talk to and I couldn't afford to go private. It showed me that I had deep infiltrating endo at stage 4 and it was true.' 'My whole life has changed since I've had my diagnosis. Having an early diagnosis would have given me confidence, I would have changed my life quicker, I would have cut stuff out earlier, and I would have felt more empowered to make decisions.' Sofia Jade Spashett from Southampton Sofia Jade Spashett was 12 when she first had symptoms of endometriosis Twelve-year-old Sofia Jade Spashett was crying on the phone to her mum in the school toilets from the intense pain she was experiencing. It was her first period but it felt like her insides were being twisted and pulled. She knew something was not right so she went to the GP but did not get the answers she wantedlike many young women with endometriosis symptoms she was told to wait for her body to settle into its menstrual cycle. Sofia first attended A&E at 12 years old because of the intense pain and significant blood clots she was experiencing. Her mum was aware of endometriosis due to the family's history of the condition so she constantly advocated for her daughter to get taken seriously. Sofia had two MRIs, a CT scan and internal scans which all came back clear except from two ruptured cysts. She was admitted to a different hospital where she felt taken more seriously and she was diagnosed with endometriosis at 18 years old. Endometriosis affects every aspect of Sofia's life. She was in pain and was unable to go to school or work during crucial years of her life. When she has bad flare ups she has to self-catheterise due to how tense her body gets from the agony. 'Getting a diagnosis took everything out of me the constant battle to be believed, the endless appointments, the physical pain, and the emotional toll of being dismissed over and over again. 'It's exhausting and isolating, and it changes the way you see yourself and your body. But finally having an answer, even after everything, was proof that my pain was real and that I was right to keep fighting for someone to listen.' Mini from London After months of pleading, Mini was sent for a scan, where an ultrasound technician suspected endometriosis Mini, 28, is five weeks post-surgery after a years-long struggle to get doctors to take her symptoms seriously. She had a long history of heavy periods and anaemia, and was initially diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). But despite persistent symptoms including exhaustion and chronic body pain her concerns were repeatedly dismissed. Whenever she spoke to a GP, it was always the same conversation, she said: 'I would get my bloods done for exhaustion and body pain, it would turn out I'm anaemic. I would be put on iron supplements which upset my already sensitive stomach and so the cycle went on.' After months of pleading, she was sent for a scan, where an ultrasound technician suspected endometriosis. Mini was able to go private through her insurance to find a doctor. He found extensive endometriosis on her right ovary which had previously been mistaken for cysts and PCOS. She said: 'Turns out, my pain was very real, very serious, and not at all normal. 'I had adhesions snaking up my body all the way near my liver which was a pain I had complained about but was told it was acid reflux and to just eat healthier.' For years Mini prepared herself before every appointment to be disappointed and dismissed. But she will always remember those who helped her. 'At the end of the day, what we will remember is not that the GP didn't know what was wrong with us, but that they believed us and found a way to help us.' At least 1.5 million women with endometriosis will be supported if Jess's rule is applied to the gynaecological condition. Endometriosis UK said: 'We hope that the creation of Jess's Rule provides some comfort to the family and friends of Jessica Brady, and that it is actively embraced by GPs so that people with serious conditions do not suffer unnecessarily and get a diagnosis and appropriate help as soon as possible.' Pic 1 - Elle Courtonel who has battled endometriosis symptoms since the age of nine Pic 2 and Pic 3 - Sofia Jade Spashett after her laparoscopy surgery that confirmed her endometriosis Pic 4 - Mini, 28, who was dismissed for years before finding out she had adhesions caused by endometriosis all up her body There is an extra picture of Elle Illegal teeth whitening kits containing more than 500 times the legal limit of dental bleach are being sold on social media and distributed in car parks, a new investigation has found. In the UK, teeth whitening treatments that use more than 0.1 per cent hydrogen peroxidea bleaching agent used to get rid of stains on teethcan only be carried out by a dentist or other professional registered with the General Dental Council (GDC). The regulations also state that any bleaching gels used for teeth whitening treatments cannot contain more than six per cent hydrogen peroxide. However, the BBC found some illegal teeth whitening gels being sold on social media have in excess of 500 times the legal limit. Worryingly, they also found it was easy to obtain a fraudulent teeth whitening qualification, which could put people unknowingly at risk. One of their reporters obtained a fake qualification and 'extreme bleach' from an online seller and was told to 'practice on friends and family'. When the kits bought by the BBC were sent for testing, the results showed they contained up to eight times the safe level of hydrogen peroxide dentist can use. Experts are warning people to be vigilant in checking that their treatments are being done by qualified professionals to avoid being left with painful burnt gums and in some extreme cases, tooth loss. Teeth whitening procedures are tightly regulated in the UK and can only be carried out by dentists Dr Sam Jethwa, a cosmetic dentist and founder of Bespoke smiles told the Daily Mail: 'There's a reason that only dentists are legally permitted to administer whitening treatments containing the maximum allowed level of hydrogen peroxide. 'Discovering that kits far exceeding these limits are being sold online and in beauty salons is extremely concerning. 'Dentists carry out a full oral health check before providing treatment, and take precise moulds to make custom whitening trays.' He explained: 'This is really important as not everyone's teeth can safely withstand whitening. For example, applying it to decayed teeth can lead to infection. 'Illegal whitening kits containing excessive levels of hydrogen peroxide are highly dangerous. 'They can cause permanent scarring of the gums, destroy tooth enamel, damage nerves, and cause chemical burns to the lining of the mouth. 'If accidentally swallowed, they may even cause a medical emergency.' He urged anyone considering teeth whitening to seek advice from a dentist first, as professional cleaning by a dental hygienist may be enough to reduce staining. If you'd like to get teeth whitening treatments experts say you should speak to a dentist first Kellie Howson, 54, paid 65 for a gel treatment at a beauty salon in 2015, hoping it would give her dazzling teeth. However, 'not long into the appointment' her gums started to 'really hurt' getting 'worse and worse' until she was in 'agony', she told the BBC. She had to have four teeth removed to the stop the pain as some of the damage - which her dentist told her was caused by the gel - was irreversible. 'It destroyed my confidence I didn't want to go out, didn't want to see anyone,' she said. The beautician who did her treatment was prosecuted for unlawfully practicing dentistry and had to pay 250 compensation. But it took Ms Howson years and tens of thousands of pounds to repair some of the damage done by the treatment. Warning others, she said: 'I just don't think there is enough knowledge about this. You go on social media and see so many offers.' The BBC investigation began when they were contacted by a beautician who told them the problem was widespread in Merseyside, where she lives. The BBC discovered kits being sold online that are above the legal safe limit The BBC subsequently found evidence of other beauticians in the Merseyside and Manchester areas selling kits containing levels of chemicals above the safe legal limit online. Some of the products were advertised as containing 'extreme bleach' and bragged that they are 'so strong it's not available to buy in the UK'. An undercover reporter reached out to salons and arranged to meet up with them to buy the whitening kits. White n Bright in Droylsden in Manchester, advertised kits containing 35 per cent carbamide, which is another bleaching agent. It breaks down and releases hydrogen peroxide when it touches moist surfaces like teeth in the mouth. At this strength the kit advertised by White n Bright, breaks down into around 12 per cent hydrogen peroxide. This is equivalent to 120 times the legal safe legal limit and double the strength that dentists are allowed to legally use. The kits, being sold for 55, were described as offering 'advanced teeth whitening' and as being 'safe and non-sensitive' by the company owner on social media. The BBC reporter picked up the kit at the doorstop of the seller's home When the BBC reporter collected a kit, she was handed two syringes of 'whitening gel' in a plastic sandwich bag with no instructions or safety advice. She was handed it on the doorstep of the seller's home by someone the BBC understands to be a relative of the seller. They also purchased a kit from Pearly White Diamonds which included an online training course in the 300 package. Their kit was contained 'high' and 'extreme' hydrogen peroxide gels which were described as being up to 35 per cent and 53 per cent in strength respectively. This company's owner directed the BBC reporter to meet them in a retirement home car park to collect the kit. Ahead of the meeting, the owner sent a message to the reporter that read: 'Are you aware the rules have changed who can whiten teeth? 'In 2012 it changed from anyone to dentist only however as you will be aware everyone's still doing it anyway.' The boss who met her in the car park said the rule change 'doesn't make a difference, to be honest'. The 300 training kit came in a pink sparkly bag She handed her three sparkly party bags which contained unlabelled gels, a pre-signed teeth whitening-qualification and a set of plastic teeth to practice on. Then over the next few days, the boss delivered the 'training course' in the form of three messages sent via WhatsApp. In the messages, she shared advice on where to apply the gel, patient safety and satisfaction. Concerningly, the boss advised the reporter 'practice on friends and family' after reading the instructions. The BBC discovered a beautician based in Wirral who had completed one of the training courses by Pearly White Diamonds. This was the owner of Hannah Louise Aesthetics who had posted a picture of a certificate to claim she was qualified to treat clients. The certificate was similar to the fraudulant teeth whitening qualification that the BBC reporter had received. The company, Hannah Louise Aesthetics, also posted advertised teeth whitening treatments. These included 'extreme' strength gels, as well as 'hybrid gels' which contained 22 per cent hydrogen peroxide and 22 per cent carbamide peroxide, respectively. All three companies, White n Bright, Pearly White Diamonds and Hannah Louise Aesthetics declined to comment when approached by the BBC. The kits bought by the BBC were sent to a laboratory at the University of Lancashire which confirmed they contained the advertised levels of the chemicals. These tests revealed the contained levels of hydrogen peroxide of up to 53 per cent which is eight times the safe level qualified dentists can use. Suffering from a Covid, flu or long-term viral infection could raise your risk of a heart attack or stroke, new research suggests. Scientists at the University of California, Los Angeles, reviewed 155 studies and found that people who suffered from a Covid or flu infection had a five-fold higher risk of these cardiovascular events in the weeks after the infection compared to those who remained healthy. People who caught the flu were found to have a four-times higher risk of a heart attack and a five-times higher risk of a stroke within a month of their infection compared to people who did not have confirmed flu. Meanwhile, those infected with Covid were found to be three times more likely to suffer from a heart attack or stroke in the 14 weeks after infection. For these patients, their risk of cardiovascular problems remained elevated for a year after the infection. For patients with HIV, hepatitis C or shingles, researchers found they had an up to 60 percent higher risk of a heart attack and 45 percent higher risk of a stroke overall compared to those who did not have the infections. Dr Kosuke Kawai, an epidemiologist who led the study, said: 'It is well recognized that human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B virus and other viruses can cause cancer. 'However, the link between viral infections and other non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, is less well understood. 'Our study found acute and chronic viral infections are linked to both short- and long-term risks of cardiovascular disease, including strokes and heart attacks.' Researchers have warned that suffering from a cold may raise your risk of a heart attack or stroke (stock image) Your browser does not support iframes. Scientists have suspected a link between viral infections and a heart attack or stroke for decades, and this study is the latest to point to a connection. Its not clear why the infections raise the risk, but experts believe that activating the immune system triggers widespread inflammation, which, in turn, makes blood more likely to clot, raising the risk of heart-related complications. Researchers said older adults were at much higher risk after suffering from the infection than younger adults, who generally have a very low risk of heart-related complications. About 805,000 heart attacks and 795,000 have a stroke every year, according to the CDC. Scientists behind the study said their findings suggested everyone should prioritize receiving a Covid and flu vaccine. CDC monitoring shows Covid levels in wastewater were 'moderate' nationwide over the week to September 20, the same as in the previous week. Flu levels remained 'minimal' nationwide, although they are slightly higher in four states: Connecticut, Illinois, North Carolina and Wisconsin. Flu infections, however, don't typically peak until December through February, so levels are expected to rise. Last year's flu season was the most severe since 2017 to 2018, with officials recording up to 73million cases, 1.1million hospitalizations and 99,000 deaths. The above map shows Covid activity by state in the week to September 20, the latest for which data is available. It shows very high levels in Connecticut, Nevada and Utah The above map shows the levels of flu nationwide. They are minimal in all states, with a slight uptick in Illinois, North Carolina, Connecticut and Wisconsin for the week to September 20, the latest available For the study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, scientists analyzed research published between 1997 and 2024. Among the studies, 137 evaluated the link between heart disease and infection with Covid and/or flu, while 18 studies evaluated the link between the condition and two or more infections. The researchers also analyzed studies examining long-term viral infections that persist in the body for five years or more, including those involving varicella zoster virus (which causes shingles), hepatitis C, and HIV. About 1.2million Americans live with HIV, estimates suggest, while 2.4million have hepatitis C and 1 million have shingles. Overall, they found that those infected with HIV had a 60 percent higher risk of a heart attack and a 45 percent higher risk of a stroke overall, compared to those who did not have the infection. For hepatitis C patients, researchers found they were 27 percent more likely to suffer from a heart attack and 23 percent more likely to suffer from a stroke overall. Researchers say the infections may raise inflammation levels in the body, raising the risk of suffering from a heart attack And for those who had shingles, they were 12 percent more likely to have a heart attack and 18 percent more likely to have a stroke. Dr Kawai added: 'The elevated risks for cardiovascular disease risks are lower for HIV, hepatitis C and herpes zoster than the heightened short-term risk following flu and Covid. 'However, the risks associated with those three viruses are still clinically relevant, especially because they persist for a long period of time. 'Moreover, shingles affects about one in three people in their lifetime. Therefore, the elevated risk associated with that virus translates into a larger number of excess cases of cardiovascular disease at the population level.' The analysis had a number of limitations, including that it was an observational study and could not prove whether the infections raised the risk of a heart attack or stroke o another factor. Another American state is on red alert after eight new cases of measles have emerged, potentially exposing millions more to the deadly disease. The patients are located in Spartanburg County in South Carolina and it brings the total number of cases in the state this year to 33. The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) reported that all eight new cases were linked to close contacts of known cases who had been quarantining at home. It is unclear if the patients were vaccinated and their ages have not been revealed. In response to the ongoing measles outbreak across South Carolina, a mobile health unit has been deployed in the region offering measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccines to unvaccinated individuals at no cost. So far, health officials revealed that it has administered 21 MMR vaccines to 18 adults and children. In terms of its vaccination rate, South Carolina is on par with the rest of the country, with the two-dose MMR coverage among kindergarteners at about 92.7 percent. It is, like many states and communities, below the 95 percent threshold. The uptick of measles cases in South Carolina, which has a population of 5.4 million, comes as the country continues to battle one of its worst measles situations in decades. The US has recorded more than 1,618 cases of measles in 2025, more than 60 percent of which are in children and teens, and there have been three deaths with two of these being children. This far surpasses the 285 cases reported in 2024 and it is the highest annual total since 1992, when there were 2,126 confirmed cases. Another American state is on red alert after eight new cases of measles have emerged, potentially exposing millions more to the deadly disease. The patients are located in Spartanburg County in South Carolina Your browser does not support iframes. About 95 percent of cases have been in unvaccinated people or those who have not completed the recommended two-dose regimen. Since widespread measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccinations began in 1971, US measles cases had nearly vanished by 2000. But infections have now surged to their highest level as vaccination rates slip. New clusters of measles infections have become increasingly common every year as nationwide vaccination coverage has declined to 91 percent, below the 95 percent threshold needed to achieve population-wide protection. Outbreaks are particularly common in more insular communities, such as Mennonites in West Texas, the epicenter of an outbreak earlier this year. In Gaines County, where the outbreak had its genesis, kindergarten vaccination rates were as low as 46 percent in some districts, while rates in some neighboring Lubbock school districts are as low as 77 percent. Recent modeling by Stanford University researchers cautioned that, at current vaccination levels and with continuous, uncontrolled spread, the US will lose its measles elimination status within the year. Measles is among the most infectious diseases on earth. Just one infected person can transmit the virus to an average of 12 to 18 susceptible people, including anyone who has not had two doses of the MMR vaccine, or has not previously contracted measles. Babies cannot receive the first dose until a year to 15 months and generally get the second when they reach four to six years old, typically right before entering school. Their protection against measles depends on vaccinated older children creating herd immunity. The MMR vaccine is mandatory for school attendance in all 50 states. But a growing number of parents are using their states exemptions for moral or religious reasons to opt out of mandated vaccines. Between 92 percent and 95 percent of measles cases in the US occur in unvaccinated people, primarily children and teens This means they can send their children to school unprotected and more likely to spread the virus to a child who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons or because of age. In 2014, the exemption rate was about 1.7 percent, before a 2015 measles outbreak at Disneyland drew national attention to falling vaccination rates. By 2016, exemptions rose to two percent, even as states like California eliminated personal belief exemptions. The upward trend continued, hitting 2.5 percent in 2019, the year the US saw its highest measles case count since 1992 before this year's outbreak, driven by under-vaccinated communities. The Covid pandemic disrupted vaccination efforts further, pushing exemptions to 2.8 percent in 2021. By 2023, rates reached 3.5 percent, with MMR coverage in kindergarteners falling below the 95 percent threshold for herd immunity. New clusters of measles infections have become increasingly common every year as vaccination coverage has declined to 91 percent, below the 95 percent threshold needed to achieve population-wide protection The US has so far recorded more than 1,375 cases of measles, more than 60 percent of which are in children and teens. Outbreaks are particularly common in more insular communities, such as Mennonites in West Texas , the epicenter of the current crisis Dr William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, previously told Daily Mail that yearly vaccination declines are sobering. Vaccine hesitancy and skepticism is alive and well and vaccines, he said. We have considered vaccine hesitancy as a public health and a clinical medicine problem. Of course it is, however, at root, I have come to believe it is an educational problem. Many on the anti-vax side cite the now-debunked science put forth in a retracted paper linking vaccines to autism written by Andrew Wakefield, a doctor who has had his medical license revoked. And the Department of Health and Human Services is currently under the leadership of Robert F Kennedy, Jr, a vaccine skeptic. Since the current outbreak began in West Texas, he has offered mixed messages. He has said that vaccination is the best way to prevent measles while also casting doubt on whether the children who died really died of measles Before ever reaching the public, vaccines must clear rigorous clinical trials involving tens of thousands of participants, with ongoing safety monitoring long after approval. Public health leaders universally agree: immunization remains medicines most powerful shield against preventable disease, backed by decades of evidence on safety and efficacy. Cold-like symptoms, such as a fever, cough and a runny or blocked nose, are usually the first signal of measles HHS provided the following statement to DailyMail.com: 'HHS continues to support community efforts in dealing with the measles outbreaks. 'CDC continues to provide technical assistance, laboratory support, and vaccines as requested. 'The risk of measles infection is low for the overall US population, with a case rate of less than 0.4 per 100,000 people, lower than peer developed countries including Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, and Italy. 'Measles risk is higher in US communities with low vaccination rates in areas with active measles outbreaks or with close social and/or geographic linkages to areas with active measles outbreaks. 'CDC continues to recommend MMR vaccines as the best way to protect against measles. The decision to vaccinate is a personal one. 'People should consult with their healthcare provider to understand their options to get inoculated and should be informed about the potential risks and benefits associated with vaccines.' Cheese, spices and supplements have been recalled this week over fears of bacteria, toxic metals and choking hazards. The FDA announced eight recalls this week, all of which are currently in effect and eligible for returns and refunds. One recall, coming just days before Halloween, includes a popular candy that could be given out to trick-or-treaters. In one case, bladder control pills were pulled from shelves because they may have been contaminated with bacteria that causes bloody diarrhea and severe kidney injuries. Cheeses and spices were also found to have deadly bacteria that strikes millions of Americans every year. In another, a cheap spice was found to have elevated levels of heavy metals shown to increase the risk of developmental issues, autism and cancer. And quick meals sold nationwide were found to have potential choking hazards that could slice throats and cause digestive blockages. The FDA has warned Americans to check their fridges and pantries for any affected products and immediately discard them or return them to the store for a refund. Below Daily Mail details this week's urgent US recalls. Bacteria MyBladder supplements were recalled due to the potential presence of E. coli Your browser does not support iframes. New York-based Purity Products announced this week it was recalling one lot of its MyBladder supplements because they were potentially contaminated with E. coli, a type of bacteria that can cause bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps and vomiting. The supplements were distributed throughout the US through direct delivery to consumers and through Walmart and Amazon websites. The affected lot number is 03042517. Routine FDA testing detected two strains of E. coli: O7:K1, which has been shown to cause urinary tract infections and meningitis in newborns, and 1303. An agency investigation revealed the issue was caused by a temporary change in suppliers. No illnesses have been reported. E. coli typically comes from undercooked meat, unpasteurized dairy and raw produce like apples, cucumbers and sprouts. Roughly 75,000-90,000 Americans are exposed to E. coli each year and about 100 die annually. Twin Sisters Creamery of Washington state also recalled several of its products this week due to E. coli after third-party testing confirmed the presence. Recalled products include Whatcom Blue, Farmhouse, Peppercorn and Mustard Seed cheese products, which were made from raw and unpasteurized milk, a common source of E. coli. The 2.5-pound round cheese wheels were shipped to distributors in Oregon and Washington between July 27, 2025, and October 22. There have been three reports of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) caused by E. coli strain 0103 in Oregon and Washington to date. The Oregon case consumed the cheese prior to their illness. Peterson Company of Auburn, Washington, who repackaged several of the products and distributed them to caters, distributors and restaurants in Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, also announced the recall. Twin Sisters Creamery recalled several of its cheeses, which were made from raw and unpasteurized milk, due to E. coli Additionally, the FDA announced California-based Pacific International Marketing is recalling 474 cases of bulk Italian Parsley due to potential contamination with salmonella, a potentially deadly bacteria that sickens 1.3million Americans every year. The recalled spice was shipped to wholesalers in Arizona, California, Florida, Minnesota, Michigan, Georgia, Ohio and Nevada between September 22 and September 25, 2025, in cases of 24, 30 or 60 bunches. The recall was initiated after routine testing came back positive for salmonella, which causes bloody diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps that begin six hours to six days after initial infection. Most people recover within days, though the illness is responsible for more than 26,000 hospitalizations and 400 deaths a year. No illnesses have been reported. Undeclared allergens Pictured above is one of the candies that had undeclared peanuts Hampton Farms of Massachusetts announced its voluntary recall of Mixed Nuts Roasted Unsalted 8 oz and Mixed Nuts Roasted and Salted 8oz due to the presence of undeclared hazelnuts. The products had best-by dates of August 18, 2026, and August 26, 2026, respectively. Though hazelnuts are listed in the ingredients, they are not included in the allergen warning statements. This issue was discovered on September 15 after a routine paperwork review showed the label failed to include hazelnuts in the allergen warning statement. The nuts were distributed between September 2 and September 9 this year in clear plastic tubs and sold at Stop&Shop stores in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island. Hazelnuts fall under the category of tree nuts. Other tree nuts include Brazil nuts, cashews, almonds, Japanese walnuts, pecans, pistachios and walnuts, including black, California, English and Persian walnuts. An estimated 3.9million Americans are allergic to tree nuts, which may cause a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which causes blood pressure to plummet and vital organs to become starved of oxygen-rich blood. No illnesses have been reported. Zingerman's Candy Manufactory of Michigan also issued a recall due to nuts. The company recalled its Zingermans Peanut Butter Crush Full Size Bars due to undeclared cashews and Zingermans Ca$hew Cow Full Size Bars because of undeclared peanuts. The affected nuts were distributed to retailers in Michigan and New York. No illnesses have been reported. About 6million Americans are allergic to peanuts, making it one of the most common allergies. The above candies had undeclared cashews, leading to a recall Also this week, Teasdale Foods, Inc of Texas recalled two varieties of its Taco Dinner Kits due to the potential presence of undeclared milk. Recalled products include Martins and Giant Crunchy Taco Dinner Kit and Casa Mamita Soft Taco Dinner Kit. The recall was initiated after the company received customer complaints that the products contained cocoa mix packets that contained milk instead of taco seasoning packets. The packaging did not reveal the presence of milk. An investigation found the third party that provides seasoning mislabeled the taco seasoning packets. The hidden ingredient poses a serious threat 30 to 50million Americans with lactose intolerance and the 7million with dairy allergies. No illnesses from the current recall have been reported. Toxins Devi brand Cinnamon Powder was found to contain elevated levels of lead Devi brand Cinnamon Powder (Dalchini Powder) was recalled this week over potential contamination with lead, a heavy metal linked to reproductive issues, cancer and autism. The affected 100-gram packages were distributed by Homeneeds Inc of Bellevue, Washington, and sold at Apna Bazar in Washington from May 15, 2025 to October 21, 2025. The recall was initiated after the FDA collected product samples and found elevated levels of lead. The agency said its investigation is ongoing. No illnesses have been reported, but the FDA warned even small amounts of lead could lead to abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea and fatigue. And as lead accumulates in the blood and vital organs through prolonged exposure, it can cause lasting developmental disorders and certain forms of cancer. There is no safe level of lead consumption, according to the FDA and CDC. Foreign materials The above sandwiches from E.A. Sween Company were recalled due to potentially containing pieces of plastic E.A. Sween Company announced this week that it is voluntarily recalling its Deli Express BBQ Pulled Pork sandwiches because they may contain pieces of plastic. The products were shipped throughout the continental US, as well as Hawaii and Guam, and sold at convenience, grocery and mass retail stores between January 16 and October 23, 2025. It's unclear how plastic may have gotten in the sandwiches, but these contaminants typically sneak into foods during the manufacturing process, such as if pieces of factory machinery break off or are not properly cleaned. No injuries have been reported. Plastic contaminants can lead to choking and cuts in the mouth, throat or digestive tract. Sharp or jagged pieces may even lead to internal bleeding or organs such as the stomach or intestines being impaled. If plastic fragments lead to cuts or perforations in the digestive system, theres a chance it could cause bacterial infections, especially if the metal carries contaminants or if food residue leads to bacterial growth in the wound. Swallowing small plastic pieces may also cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or blockages in the digestive tract, potentially requiring urgent medical care. A new coronavirus has been found in Brazil that shares key features with the one that sparked the global Covid pandemic. Scientists in the US and Japan detected the strain after capturing bats living in the north of Brazil and swabbing their intestines. Named BRZ batCoV, the virus is strikingly similar to the one that sparked the pandemic, raising fears that history could repeat itself barely three years after the worst was declared over. Analysis showed it was a betacoronavirus, or part of the same group that includes SARS-CoV-2, MERS and the SARS virus that emerged in 2003. It was also found to have a furin cleavage site, the part of the virus that makes it good at infecting people, that differed from the site in Sars-CoV-2 by just one amino acid. No human infections have been reported with the virus, found in a small insect-eating bat common in South America. But the researchers said the findings showed how it was possible for a new coronavirus to emerge in nature with the potential to spread to humans. Writing in their paper, which was published as a pre-print and has not been reviewed by other scientists, they said: '[This] further highlights the role of bats as potential reservoirs... relevant to zoonotic emergence [when a virus jumps from animals to humans].' Shown above is virologist Shi Zhengli, known as 'Batwoman', with many experts suggesting that the virus behind the Covid pandemic escaped from her lab in Wuhan, China Pictured above is the bat specimen in which the new coronavirus was identified Your browser does not support iframes. 'Given the importance of the furin cleavage site... this finding provides important insights into the evolutionary potential and zoonotic risk of BRZ batCoV.' MERS is a contagious respiratory illness that spread from animals to humans and from human to human in 2012 in the Middle East. It causes fever, shortness of breath, diarrhea and vomiting and can be fatal in severe cases. Only two patients in the US have ever tested positive, both in May 2014, and each case was linked to travel to the Middle East. There is no vaccine against the virus. SARS is also a contagious respiratory illness that spread from animals to humans and between humans during a 2002 to 2004 outbreak that sickened 8,000 people, mostly in China, and led to 774 deaths. It causes flu-like symptoms such as a high fever, body aches and a dry cough, and, in severe cases, can cause potentially fatal breathing problems. Only eight patients in the US had evidence of a lab-confirmed infection, with all having traveled to other parts of the world where the disease was present. There is also no vaccine against this virus. In the US, at least 167million people have been infected with Covid, estimates suggest, and 1.2million deaths have been linked to the pandemic virus. In the latest study, revealed on the pre-print server bioRxiv, researchers revealed they caught 70 bats from seven species at three sites in Brazil for analysis. Two sites were in Maranhao state, in the north of the country, and one was in the state of Sao Paulo, in the country's south. The bats were caught between May and August 2019, before the Covid pandemic, which first emerged in China in December 2019. The new virus was detected in one individual from the small insect-eating bat species Pteronotus parnellii, or Parnell's mustached bat, that is common across South America. The researchers said it was likely that other bats were also infected, but that the area was under-sampled, suggesting other bats were also infected. It marked the first time that a virus with betacoronavirus mutations that was not SARS-CoV-2 had been detected in South American bats. The study was led by Dr Kosuke Takada and Dr Tokiko Watanabe, virologists from the University of Osaka, Japan, alongside researchers from Sao Paulo University, in Brazil, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The researchers also said their work suggested that the virus behind the Covid pandemic could have jumped directly from bats to humans, rather than via an intermediary host. Experts at the World Health Organization have said that, based on available evidence, the pandemic was likely started after Covid spread from a bat to a human via an intermediate animal, such as a pangolin. Many experts and agencies have suggested, however, that the pandemic was likely caused by the virus escaping from the coronavirus laboratory in Wuhan, which was at the center of the pandemic. The new research comes after scientists warned earlier this month that the same chain of events that started the Covid pandemic in China could take place in Europe. Researchers tracked bat activity at 14 pig farms and found bats were present at every piggery and would pass through the farms an average of 45 times a night. Tests for coronaviruses showed 15 percent of bats were infected with at least one strain. This raises the risk of an outbreak by making it more likely that pigs will come into contact with coronavirus-infected bats or their droppings, potentially catching the virus and then passing it on to humans through handling, farming or contaminated food and water. Once inside humans, the virus could acquire mutations that make it better adapted for human-to-human transmission, causing an outbreak. The microplastics problem is vast. With some only measuring a fraction in diameter of a human hair, the tiny toxic plastics have become widespread in the soil, water, food supply and even human blood and organs. Produced on a massive scale and shed from everyday products, the persistent pollutants are now so widespread they have been found in the blood of nearly 80 percent of people studied, as well as deep within organs like the brain and testicles. Microplastics have been linked to a range of health issues, from respiratory and heart diseases to potential thyroid and colon cancers. But researchers and physicians told the Daily Mail that people can reduce their exposure to microplastics, potentially staving off the health crises linked to them, by doing one simple thing: avoid heating plastics. Starting in the laundry room, experts recommend washing clothes in cold water whenever possible. Washing clothes in hot water accelerates the release of microplastic fibers. The hotter the wash, the more these tiny plastic particles break apart. 'The kitchen is basically ground zero for all microplastic exposure,' according to Ravyn Williams, an Advanced Cardiovascular Medical Provider and Founder of Taki2Go, who added that people should avoid heating up food or drinks in plastic containers or cups and swap out the plastic for glass or stainless steel. Max Pennington, a polymer science researcher and co-founder OF the laundry filtration product CLEANR, told the Daily Mail: Heat increases the amount of energy on something. It can soften it. It can loosen it. It can make the molecules move around faster. This means that the hotter the plastic gets, whether in clothing or in food storage, the faster and more abundantly microplastics migrate into the surrounding water they are washed in or into the food the containers hold. The hotter the plastic gets, whether in clothing or in food storage, such as paper cups for coffee, the faster and more abundantly microplastics migrate into the surrounding water they are washed in or into the food the containers hold (stock) Your browser does not support iframes. To build a defense against microplastics, experts recommend focusing on where people interact with them in the home and, specifically, the laundry room. Washing synthetic fabrics like polyester in hot water releases millions of microfibers, with a single hot load shedding hundreds of thousands more particles than a cold wash. Experts recommend washing in cold water, installing a specialized water filter or swapping synthetic fibers for cotton. In the kitchen, avoid single-use plastics. Williams said: 'I always say, start in your kitchen. And one of the top things that I recommend is never, ever, ever reheat your food in plastic. 'And even if it says BPA-free, these plastics shed microplastics when exposed to heat.' Instead, use glass, ceramic, or stainless steel for storage and reheating. Plastic-lined cups for tea and coffee are similarly leading sources of microplastics in peoples bodies. Max Pennington, a polymer scientist and co-founder of CLEANR, explained that the hotter a plastic item gets, whether a polyester shirt or a food container, the faster it releases microplastics into the surrounding water or food Heat causes microplastics in the plastic lining to leach into the drink. Last month, a UK research team published a report that tested different products from popular UK brands, including coffee, tea, juices, energy drinks, soft drinks and even tap and bottled water and not a single beverage was free of microplastics. The study found a direct link between beverage temperature and microplastic contamination. Heat acted as an accelerator, causing plastic tea bags or cup linings to shed millions of tiny particles. A single liter of hot tea contained 60 microplastic particles, double the amount in iced tea. Pennington said: From a personal exposure perspective, drinking a hot cup of coffee in a plastic cup or even, a lot of people don't realize that paper cups have a plastic lining, can be risky. As research intensifies, the dangers of microplastics accumulating in human blood and tissues are coming into sharper focus. A 2024 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine last year found microscopic particles of plastics embedded in the fatty plaques of patients' arteries. Patients with plastic in their arterial plaque had significantly higher inflammation and were 4.5 times more likely to have a heart attack, stroke or die within three years. Microplastics were found in every beverage tested, with hot drinks showing significantly higher concentrations. Hot tea contained nearly double the particles of iced tea The graph shows the sharp rise in global plastic production since 1950, which coincides with the increased microplastic exposure of generations now experiencing a rise in early-onset colorectal cancer The findings show a strong link, suggesting microplastics contribute to heart disease by increasing vascular inflammation, though they don't prove the plastics are the sole cause. Another 2024 analysis in Environmental Science & Technology found that microplastics exhibit key characteristics of carcinogens that can lead to colon cancer. Inhaled or ingested microplastics can trigger chronic inflammation and disrupt cell processes, which are mechanisms known to drive tumor growth. Studies have already linked airborne microplastic exposure to a higher risk of lung cancer. And evidence is growing that the toxins impair fertility. A University of New Mexico research team found that microplastics had permeated human and canine testicular tissues, identifying 12 types in 47 canine and 23 human testes. Researchers were able to count sperm in canine samples but not in chemically preserved human samples. They found that higher levels of plastic particles in the tissue were associated with lower sperm counts. New research out in March also linked higher environmental levels of microplastics to an increased risk of chronic diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke. The concentration of microplastic pollution was a top-10 predictor for these conditions, ranking alongside major factors like income and air quality. A few weekends ago, I attended a good friend's 50th birthday party in a luxury country cottage. One girlfriend took care of the fizz, another organised the cake. And I was entrusted with bringing the most important ingredient for our celebrations: the cocaine. Five little packets, to be precise, each costing $100 for a gram. The six of us ploughed through it all over two gloriously long nights. We consumed most of it on the Saturday, after the birthday meal. That's when most middle-aged people start thinking about sloping off to bed but we were buzzing and danced into the early hours, ending up in the hot tub. As shocking as it might sound, I've been using cocaine for 25 years. In fact, not a single month has gone by when I haven't snorted the drug. Not for nothing am I known as Hell's Bells. Now 50, I have a high-powered marketing job and am happily married to my surveyor husband, also 50, with a 22-year-old daughter. We have a cottage in south-west London with a gravel drive and a pistachio-green front door and a gorgeous bolthole in Portugal, too. In short, we are the epitome of middle-class privilege. My partners in crime are much the same: they include a TV director, a banker and even an health executive. All successful, upstanding members of the community... save for this one illegal habit that we can't quite give up. You'd be right to be shocked given what we're doing is against the law. But we're far from alone in being middle-aged, middle-class drug users. Cocaine deaths have hit a record high thanks to a surge of middle-aged users, the so-called 'silver snorters' For though cocaine is normally associated with young city workers and clubbers, figures released last month showed cocaine deaths have hit a record high thanks to a surge of middle-aged users, the so-called 'silver snorters'. It's a somewhat bleak picture. The downsides of cocaine are well-documented, from terrible comedowns that leave me feeling nauseous and irritable for days, to nasal disfigurement and the aforementioned risk of dying as a result of your habit. I realise I'm very lucky that I've never experienced anything worse than a bad nosebleed over a white dress. So why do I take the risk? Well, the whoosh it releases inside my brain makes me feel alive. I honestly feel invincible. Unlike alcohol, which dulls the senses, cocaine sharpens mine. I adore the ritual that comes with it. The feeling that you're part of a special, select club the discreet passing round of the wrap with the powder inside feels exciting and daring. How did I end up in thrall to a class A drug? After all, I'd grown up in a loving family home, both my parents are still together and my older brother works in banking. There was no need for me to push the boundaries in my life. Or was there? I first tried it when I was 20 at a party. Pressured into it by friends, I was knee-knockingly nervous, convinced I'd keel over and die. Cocaine is normally associated with young City workers and clubbers, but is also used by middle-class workers But I enjoyed becoming a more gregarious version of me. I didn't find myself craving it the next day but after that I did use it whenever the opportunity arose. By the time I moved to London in 1995, I was a regular social user. Though I never considered myself an addict, nights out began to feel pointless without it, something which should have rung alarm bells. I soon discovered that when you're a single girl in London, you don't need to buy it either. Men offer it to you in the same way they'd offer you a drink. The only time I stopped using the drug was when I was pregnant with my daughter in 2002. I told myself the fact I could stop meant I wasn't addicted. I'd met her father through work and his was very much a take-it-or-leave it attitude towards drugs. The first time I took it again was when my daughter was six months old and weaned from breastfeeding. Understandably, my partner wasn't very happy about it, but despite his very valid concerns it felt good to reclaim that part of 'me' again. I made it very clear to him that my social life wouldn't end just because I had become a mum. His hadn't so why should mine? Little wonder we split by the time our daughter was four. Though our break-up wasn't down to my drug use, we both wanted our social lives to continue as if we weren't parents. My career went from strength to strength. I had carved out a niche in media marketing, where networking and cocaine use went hand in hand. This was the early 2000s when everyone was taking it. Not everyone agreed with my lifestyle choice, though. An old school friend invited me for dinner and, when I arrived, two other friends from school were there to ambush me. Over prosecco, they told me, 'You act like a boorish idiot when you take it, repeating the same things over and over again' and 'You turn into someone we don't like.' Two of those words - 'boorish idiot' - shook me to my core. One even called me an addict. At this point I stood up, refusing to listen to any more accusations, with a 'How dare you?' I flounced out, telling them I didn't need their judgment on how I lived my life. When I got home, incandescent, I blocked the lot of them. I wasn't willing to admit that they had a point, and clearly had my best interests at heart in trying to get me to stop using a drug that does so much harm. I was in my early 30s when I split with my daughter's father, and 38 when I met my husband Eric at a party in Los Angeles; a fellow Brit, we made a beeline for one another. And we did do some lines together, too. The sex we had that night was incredible. That's the thing about cocaine it dampens your inhibitions. Doubtless the drug is a large part of the reason why we're together. After our wedding ten years ago, we travelled, going to cocaine-friendly locations such as Colombia. My use of cocaine has increased, ironically, since I've become a 'respectable' wife. Not all of our holidays have been a success, though. We ended up with such terrible cocaine in Barcelona it hurt my throat and nose badly I shudder to think what was in it. Things could have ended very differently that night. But it didn't put us off. I've never totted up how much money I've snorted away over the years. But when the estimate came through for our new dream kitchen recently, I realised if I hadn't spent thousands on cocaine, we wouldn't have needed a loan to cover the costs. Not that I beat myself up about it; a decent bottle of champagne is $90, after all. Now my daughter is an adult I have been honest with her about my drug use. She wasn't surprised, but she worries about me, which I understand but find irritating nonetheless. I've taught her the motto: everything in moderation. I know she's tried cocaine, too, but it's not something she'd do regularly and she certainly wouldn't take it with me and Eric. I know I should worry it might lead her down other paths, but we're not that kind of family. As for me, after all these years, I can't see myself stopping. Cocaine is, as with many other middle-class mothers my age, just my thing. Helena Beech is a pseudonym. Names have been changed. An influencer has been slammed online after she posted provocative dancing videos to TikTok from her sick father's hospital room. Athena Paris, who boasts over one million followers combined on TikTok and Instagram, revealed that her dad had been hospitalized last week after coming down with tuberculosis. But when she posted a clip of herself showing off her moves while he laid next to her in his hospital bed, it did not go over well with some of her followers. 'My dad has been in the hospital for five days and this was the biggest scare for me and my family,' she wrote in the caption of the controversial TikTok video. 'Thankfully he will be OK, but man! Im just glad God gave me time to come and nurse my father back to health 'I HATE HOSPITALS they are so depressing so I bring all the energy every time I come,' she added. 'No sadness only dancing, I strongly believe you can love someone back to health.' In the accompanying video, Paris - who donned brown yoga pants and matching zip-up, as well as medical gloves and a mask - moved to the beat next to her sick father. Influencer Athena Paris has been slammed online after she posted provocative dancing videos to TikTok from her sick father's hospital room She performed all different kinds of dance moves, including one where she shook her butt to the camera, and then broke it down at the foot of her dad's hospital bed (stock image) She performed all different kinds of dance moves, including one where she shook her butt to the camera, and then broke it down at the foot of her dad's hospital bed. 'Kicking tuberculosis' a**,' she added in a text overlay. In another video, she bent over her father's wheelchair, and began busting a move. She then moved around his wheelchair, as he looked up from his phone and began to laugh at her. 'Day four in the hospital and so far we have identified my dad has heart failure and liver failure,' she wrote in the caption of the second video. 'He is going in for a procedure today, and we are being optimistic! Its better to be pro active then reactive when it comes to heart problems. 'He is nervous, but I am being strong for him, trying to occupy his mind and make him laugh even though the hospital can be so depressing. 'On the positive my family has stepped up so much and this is the closest we have been in a long time. God is good, and my father has got a lot of life left to live. Just a little bump in the road.' However, on TikTok and Reddit, some followers weren't fans of her hospital dance moves, and accused her of putting the attention on herself Some followers weren't fans of her hospital dance moves, and accused her of putting the attention on herself. 'How do I use my father's hospital stay/emergency about me,' one person commented on her first TikTok video from the hospital. Someone else typed, 'Way to make your dad's health scare about you and your leggings.' 'Dad looks thrilled,' another sarcastically wrote, followed by a string of laughing-crying emojis. The video also made its way over to Reddit, where it was posted on the I'm The Main Character subreddit. 'Were doomed,' one Redditor wrote. Another seconded, 'She is using his illness for clout lol.' 'It's top-tier weird,' someone else wrote. However, others defended the influencer, as they typed that not everyone deals with traumatic situations in the same way. 'He needed it more than you will ever know!' a user wrote on TikTok. Another agreed, 'Keep up the positive vibes.' Thankfully, Paris' dad is now seemingly feeling better, as she posted on TikTok that he had been discharged from the hospital with yet another dancing video. In 2021, Hulu's The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Whitney Leavitt made headlines after she posted a video of herself dancing next to her sick baby The infant was in the hospital battling a lung infection at the time 'We celebrate the little wins over here.. or at least his daughter does,' Paris wrote in the caption. The Daily Mail reached out to Paris' representative for comment. Interestingly enough, this isn't the first time an influencer has taken to TikTok to dance things out while a family member is sick in the hospital. In 2021, Hulu's The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Whitney Leavitt made headlines after she posted a video of herself dancing next to her sick baby who was in the hospital battling a lung infection at the time. In a viral video - which has now been taken down - she explained his diagnosis while moving her body to the song If You Love Me by Nessa Barrett. 'Li'l Lee was taken in 'cause of low oxygen. He tested positive for RSV. Waiting for him to breathe better on his own,' she wrote, while excitedly shaking her hips to the tune and jumping around to the beat. After the severe rebuke, Leavitt responded in another video, and she claimed she only did the dance in an attempt to stay 'positive.' 'I understand that people are upset with the video that I made. I just want to be clear and communicate that that was just me trying to be positive,' she said as she broke down in tears. 'I think it's important to not just assume what someone's going through. I took it down because I can see how someone might get the wrong idea. 'That was honestly just me trying to be positive in this situation. I do want to say thank you to the people who have reached out to me and my family, and I really appreciate it.' Would you forgive a cheating partner? Most women say no, but what if he's French? It sounds ridiculous but I've met more than one woman who has excused infidelity because 'that's just what French men do'. The same behaviour that would see a British man served with divorce papers is more often than not shrugged off as part of the Gallic charm. It's almost seen as a 'cultural' act. But are affairs really more accepted in France and should nationality ever excuse betrayal? Firstly, the idea that all French men cheat is overblown. Studies do suggest the French are more tolerant of affairs than Brits or Americans, but the majority still dont stray. However, the stereotype endures because French people have a reputation for turning a blind eye when affairs do happen. Public figures are rarely shamed for mistresses, and it seems discretion, not fidelity, is what counts. Infidelity is often framed as a quirk of culture rather than a moral failing. All French men might not stray, but when they are, the culture is far more forgiving. Does this mean you should be more lenient towards French men? No. Cheating hurts whether it happens in Paris, London or Perth. It might be more openly tolerated in some cultures, but betrayal feels the same wherever youre from. Culture might explain cheating but it doesnt excuse it. I spoke to several women who'd had relationships with French men to find out, including Toby, 40, who is American and lives in Paris with her French husband. She knew about the cliche that all French men have mistresses when she got married, but wasn't worred. 'I was convinced my husband was different except he wasn't,' she said. Sex and relationships expert Tracey Cox (pictured) spoke to several women who'd had relationships with French men to find out if affairs are really more accepted in France 'When I look back, I was stupid to expect him to stay faithful. A lot of my French friends have affairs men and women why would he be any different? It's much more common here than in the US. But it's not quite the stereotype you see depicted in movies. 'Infidelity is not brushed off as nothing when discovered. The person being cheated on gets just as furious as the average American. I've had girlfriends complain bitterly when they discover their partner's affair. 'When I remind them that they, too, have had one, they dismiss it as if it's not relevant. Their affair was harmless; their husband's is an insult! Can I not see the difference? Quite frankly, no. 'The French are certainly more open sexually than other cultures but they're also more passionate and intense with how they live life generally. They're more likely to talk about their affairs as well. 'If an American woman finds out her husband has cheated, she might tell her best friend, but that's about it. A French woman is far more inclined to tell all her friends. 'My best friend here is French, and she tried to gently warn me that my husband would be no different to hers. 'He would have women on the side for sex, even though he loved me, she cautioned. My husband laughed when I told him and said he was now "completely Americanised" in his thinking. 'So it was a shock when I found out completely by chance. I had no suspicions at all. We were happy, having great sex (and quite a lot of it), our kids were great, and we loved our life. 'His behaviour didn't alter. There were no stray hairs on his coat or text messages discovered or showers at strange times. I simply turned up to his work as a surprise at lunchtime and, after being told he was out with a colleague, I went to a cafe across the street that we'd been to together. I wasn't spying, just hungry. 'I saw him walking along with another woman and knew instantly they were lovers. Their heads and their bodies were too close. He let her go first through the door to the offices and he put his hand on her back, touching her bottom. It was a sexual touch not chivalry. I felt sick. 'I waited for him to come home and confronted him. He didn't deny it, just looked upset that I'd found out. He said she was also married, it meant nothing, they just met at a nearby hotel occasionally for sex. It had been going on for three years and they'd met around 10 times. 'I forgave him but on the proviso that if it happens again, I walk. He understands that I mean it. That was four years ago. 'It's interesting that, if he was American, I wouldn't have stayed in the marriage. When an American man has an affair, it's cheating. Disrespectful and opportunistic. When a French man does it, it's culturally ingrained. 'When I see this written in black and white, it does seem ridiculous. But it's fact: affairs do tend to be viewed more leniently here than in other cultures. But this doesn't mean they're universally accepted or without consequences. We're all individuals at the end of the day, with our own personal values and moral codes. 'Just because you tolerate it, doesn't mean it doesn't hurt you. My husband was clearly distraught seeing how much pain it caused. I honestly don't think he will do it again.' MORE STORIES FROM THE FRONT LINE Toby's experience isn't unusual. Here's what other women told me. 'It was humiliating, but everyone told me I was being uptight' Sophie, 41, married a French banker and moved to Paris. 'It was such a cliche he started sleeping with his PA,' she said. 'I was floored by the hurt and wanted to leave but his friends even the female ones rolled their eyes and said it was normal there. "He loves you, that's what counts," they told me. 'I stayed, half-convinced I was being uptight and British about it. But I felt pressured to accept something I didn't really want to. 'I couldn't relax again in that relationship, so I came home, my tail between my legs and found a nice British man.' 'It felt less personal because he'd been taught it was OK' Amelia, 36, met her husband on holiday in Bordeaux. 'He was gorgeous, charismatic, and a charmer stereotypically French,' she explained. 'When I found out he'd had a fling about a year into our relationship I was furious. But part of me thought, "Well, that's what French men do". 'If he was English, I'd have thrown him out on the spot. This felt less personal: like it was something he'd been brought up to think was OK. 'We're still together three years later. Do I trust him not to do a repeat? Enough that I've stayed with him, but I'm nervous.' 'Dress it up all you like, it's still cheating.' Claire, 45, married to a French chef in London, said: 'He tried to excuse a one-night-stand with: "This is how it is in my culture". I told him: "We're in Britain now and don't play by those rules". 'I'm not going to let nationality dictate my self-respect. He knows, one more strike and he's out.' Advertisement Traceys podcast, SexTok, comes out every Wednesday. Ask her a question youd like answered at sextokpod.com. A travel agent has clapped back after traveling to luxury resort in Jamaica during hurricane Melissa, then complaining about the food given to them during the storm. TikTok user Jourdain, who goes by the username @travelwithjourdain, has been documenting her time at a Sandals Resort in Jamaica's South Coast as Hurricane Melissa makes landfall as a Category 5 storm. Jourdain arrived on Friday with her husband; the record-breaking storm struck the west coast of the island around 1pm ET on Tuesday, and will now move over Jamaica bringing fearsome winds, floods and a huge storm surge. On Monday, before the storm hit, Jourdain documented herself from her hotel room in a video that reached over 178,000 views, explaining that Sandals had them fill out a form for meal delivery. She added that on Saturday, they had a briefing meeting with the resort, where they were told that they would have to stay in their room Sunday night through Tuesday. They also had moved all the guests into one building, she explained in the comment section of her video, and detailed that her room only had two windows and sliding doors for the balcony, with the bathroom being separated by another wall. Jourdain showed what their delivered breakfast looked like, which included sausage, potato, bacon and eggs, as well as an assortment of pastries. It also included fruit, cookies, and a salad, which Jourdain pointed out had no dressing on it. A travel agent has clapped back after traveling to luxury resort in Jamaica during hurricane Melissa, then complaining about the food given to them during the storm The record-breaking storm struck the west coast of the island around 1pm ET on Tuesday. Pictured are views of the Rio Cobre flooded out of its banks in Jamaica amidst the storm The rest of their food was set to be delivered later that afternoon, though the travel agent said that they were 'stocked' with bottles of water, juice and other snacks. While she said that she did not expect them to deliver food, and was grateful for it, her video received backlash, as many slammed her for speaking about the lack of dressing on the salad. Others have bashed her for traveling to Jamaica in the first place with the storm headed towards the island. The comments on the initial video have since been turned off. Later on Monday night, Jourdain provided an update from her hotel room, explaining that by 6.30 pm, it was windy, rainy and completely dark outside. She was eating the dinner provided to her, which was made of steak, fried chicken and potatoes. She said that they had been passing the time by playing cards and eating. They also had their essentials 'ready to go' and locked their balcony door. Jourdain gushed about how well Sandals had been treating them, explaining that the resort even gave them a cell phone after they discovered that the phone in their room didn't work. TikTok user Jourdain pointed out her salad had no dressing on it as she showed off the meal that Sandals resort delivered to her room On Tuesday morning, she provided another update to followers, explaining why she had chosen to come to Jamaica in the first place and clapping back at some of the backlash On Tuesday morning, she provided another update to followers, explaining why she had chosen to come to Jamaica in the first place and clapping back at some of the backlash. She said that at the time, the hurricane path was unknown, and was supposed to head towards Kingston before it shifted. 'Was it the smartest thing for us to do to come here? Probably not,' Jourdain said. 'But that is something that we chose to do, this was not something that I could just cancel my trip and then just do in a couple more weeks because we both work in healthcare,' she added of her and her husband. 'We both have our schedules until January at this point, so trying to rearrange another week vacation was just not in the works.' Jourdain claimed that she had called Sandals two days before she left, and they had said that she would have had to pay a fee if she canceled because there was no update about the hurricane yet. 'That means I would have had to pay another $200 per person to try to move the trip, and I don't even know when we could have gone,' she explained. 'I understand that it frustrates people and I understand that people are trying to make sense of it, but this is what we did,' Jourdain continued. So far, multiple deaths have been reported. Locals have been warned to shelter indoors, with 185mph winds, flooding and huge ocean surges all forecast. A street in Kingston is seen 'Truth be told, I did not get an email from Sandals about when we could move our trip or if I wanted to move my trip, until our second leg of our flight, which was in Atlanta. So there was nothing I could do.' The Daily Mail has reached out to Sandals for comment. She explained that by the time they had learned that the resort would be shutting down, the airports had closed. Kingston Airport closed on Saturday night, while Montego Bay Airport closed at noon on Sunday. 'By 7 am, when we were looking at flights, there was nothing to take us home,' she continued, sharing that they were 'stuck' there. At the end of the video, she expressed how grateful she was to the Sandals hotel workers and those who were taking care of her. She said that she had been asking the workers if they needed anything and that they were praying for their family. Jourdain certainly isn't the only traveler stuck at this Sandals resort. Another American stuck at the Sandals resort during the hurricane spoke about her experience to The Houston Chronicle. Amanda Tessoff, from Michigan, said that after she and her fiance arrived on Thursday night, she was encouraged by the resort to find flights home, but they were thousands of dollars. 'It was kind of our choice, kind of not our choice,' she said. Earlier on Tuesday, meteorologists confirmed Melissa was now more intense than Hurricane Katrina, which caused an estimated $125 billion worth of damage and killed 1,392 people when it struck New Orleans in 2005. So far, multiple deaths have been reported. Locals have been warned to shelter indoors, with 185mph winds, flooding and huge ocean surges all forecast. Michelle Obama has reflected on her life in the White House, and the former first lady admitted that it could be lonely at times. The mom-of-two, 61, spoke with Saturday Night Live star Kenan Thompson on her IMO podcast on Wednesday, during which they discussed fame, parenting, and what motivates him. Michelle also spoke to the actor and comedian about how being recognized in public affects their day-to-day lives and the people around them, as well how she navigates embracing her black culture - particularly in the White House. 'I live in a bubble,' the author and advocate declared. 'Me and my husband, that's not how we were raised [and] it's a lot.' Michelle recounted what it was like to move around as her husband, Barack Obama, was campaigning. 'Every time we moved up somewhere, we bought our community with us, a lot of it selfishly, because it's no fun being in the White House with no friends or to be there with people you don't really know,' the podcaster admitted. 'They didn't come there with you, they didn't help you get there,' she continued. '[Being recognized publicly] changes the way you live, whether you like it or not,' she added. Michelle Obama has reflected on her life in the White House, and the former first lady admitted that it could be lonely at times. She's seen with her family in 2015 Michelle often reflects on her family's time living in the White House, once recalling she'd 'hide out' in sweatpants while watching bad TV, and how her daughters preferred decor from Crate & Barrel over fancy, historic furnishings. When they moved into the White House, the Obama's hired interior designer Michael S. Smith to lead the renovations of the residence, hoping to achieve a warm and comforting interior for her family's eight years in the country's most famous house. In Smith's book, Designing History: The Extraordinary Art & Style of the Obama White House, Michelle wrote that she did her best to recreate he feeling for her children, Malia and Sasha, from the house they lived in, in Chicago. 'In addition to its vital role in our democracy, I also needed the space to play a very practical purpose - a place where our girls could sprawl out on the floor with their Polly Pockets and stuffed animals, where they could invite friends over for popcorn and a movie, where they could play ball in the halls and go outside to play in the snow,' she wrote in the forward for the book. The mother-of-two has also previously said on her podcast that it was her goal was to 'normalize' the White House experience for daughters Malia, now 27, and Sasha, now 24, which meant spending time in the community. She admitted it was her first instinct was to not make new friends while living in the famous house - in case they weren't trustworthy, gossiped about them, or sold stories to the media. However, she knew the couple had to unite as parents and make life as 'normal' as possible for their family. 'I still had little kids. My girls were 10 and seven, moving into a new neighborhood, a new community,' Michelle explained. 'Every time we moved up somewhere, we bought our community with us, a lot of it selfishly, because it's no fun being in the White House with no friends,' the podcaster admitted The mother-of-two has also previously said on her podcast it was her goal was to 'normalize' the White House experience for daughters Malia, 27, and Sasha, 24. Pictured in 2009 Michelle often reflects on her family's time living in the White House, where they lived from 2009 - 2017 '[I did] not make them feel like these odd little kids with Secret Service that were outsiders, which meant that I couldn't - I didn't - have the luxury of saying no new friends, right?' she reflected. The former first lady has also been open about the stern parenting conversations she had with Barack when he was first elected President of the United States in 2009. She explained that she told her husband he had to get their daughters' school used to the President of the United States being at events - and that she wanted him to still be as engaged with this daughters' lives as he was before he took office. 'It was like, "No, you got to go to parent-teacher conference" - and he wanted to go,' Michelle said. She stated that even if he was not necessarily required to go, she still expected him there. 'You have to get the school normalized to you being the type of engaged parent that you were before election night,' she recalled telling Barack. Michelle has previously stated she knew the couple had to unite as parents and make life as 'normal' as possible for their family while living in the White House The former first lady recently revealed that she and her husband purposely avoid talking to each other in a strange bid to keep their date nights interesting. The podcast host, whose marriage has been plagued with divorce rumors recently, lifted the lid on her date nights with her Barack earlier this week, revealing that they avoid talking to each other for the day so that they have things to chat about later that evening. The podcaster recently celebrated her 33rd wedding anniversary with the former president. Following the milestone, she opened up about how they spend quality time together during a recent chat with People, revealing they often opt for a low-effort dinners at home. The former first lady revealed that she and her husband purposely avoid talking to each other in a strange bid to keep their date nights interesting. 'We've been married 32, 33 [years]... I always forget. Sorry, honey,' she began. Shedding light on how they keep their romance alive, Michelle said that they prefer to keep things low-key and casual - and bookmark conversations to have later. 'When we're both happy about date night, we're at home. We are not getting dressed. We just have a nice dinner, candles lit, music, we talk,' Michelle continued. 'We don't talk for the whole day, because we're in the house together all day, right? We work from home. 'So, when we are going to have a really special night, it's like, "Don't talk to me. Save it for dinner." 'He'll be like, "Did you talk to the girls?" "I did, but we're not going to talk about it until date night."' They're America's most famous political family - with a dramatic history beset by tragedy and scandal. It was only a matter of time, therefore, before the Kennedy family received The Crown treatment with their own blockbuster series on Netflix. 'Kennedy', as the series will be known, promises to uncover the 'intimate truths' at the heart of the dynasty, and will feature, of course, the 35th US President John F. Kennedy (JFK). It will star two-time Academy Award nominee Michael Fassbender, 48, as Joe Kennedy Snr, with the rest of the cast, and the release date, yet to be announced. Bosses will no doubt be hoping that the series follows in the footsteps of The Crown's success. The series fictionalising the lives and fortunes of the royal family was watched by 73 million households in 2020 alone. Inspired by Frederik Logevall's book, JFK: Coming of Age in the American Century 1917-1956, 'Kennedy' will begin long before any member of the family entered the White House. Viewers will be introduced to the family in the 1930s with the story of JFK's parents, Joseph and Rosemary, and their nine children: Joseph Jr., John F., Rosemary, Kathleen, Eunice, Patricia, Robert F., Jean, and Edward M. The Kennedys are set to receive The Crown treatment in a new series on Netflix. John F Kennedy and his wife Jackie are pictured in 1953 The first series will explore the family's ascent to power and fame, most notably through their 'rebellious second son Jack', or, as he is better known, John F. Kennedy. It will depict how a young John 'struggled to escape the shadow of his golden-boy older brother' and forge a successful career path in his own right. JFK's older brother Joe had been the family's first hope for the presidential nomination before he was killed tragically killed in a plane explosion over East Suffolk in 1944. Indeed, the family faced such misfortunes that, over the years, speculation has grown about a potential 'Kennedy curse', said to affect all the descendants of Joseph Kennedy Snr. Most famously, JFK was assassinated by Lee Harvey Oswald as he rode in a motorcade through Dallas, Texas, in 1963. Robert 'Bobby' Kennedy, JFK's younger brother, was also assassinated and was fatally shot on June 5, 1968, after announcing his candidacy for the Democratic nomination. There was also the Chappaquiddick car crash in 1969, when Senator Ted Kennedy drove his vehicle off a bridge on Massachusetts' Chappaquiddick Island, killing Mary Jo Kopechne, a 28-year-old campaign strategist who worked for RFK. The upcoming series will be produced by Sam Shaw, writer of Manhattan and Masters Of Sex. It will star two-time Academy Award nominee Michael Fassbender , 48, as Joe Kennedy Snr. Pictured in April The series will begin in the 1930s with the story of JFK's parents, Joseph and Rosemary, and their nine children: Joseph Jr., John F., Rosemary, Kathleen, Eunice, Patricia, Robert F., Jean, and Edward M (pictured in the 1930s) Speaking of the new release, Shaw said: 'The story of the Kennedys is the closest we have to American mythology - somewhere between Shakespeare and The Bold and the Beautiful. 'But Fredrik Logevall's stunning, nuanced biography pulls a veil on the human strivings and burdens behind the myth, revealing as much about our present moment, how we got here and where we're going, as about the Kennedys themselves.' Netflix said: 'Kennedy reveals the intimate lives, loves, rivalries and tragedies that shaped the most iconic dynasty in modern history, and helped create the world we live in today. 'Beginning in the 1930s, the first season charts the improbable ascent of Joe and Rose Kennedy and their nine children, including the rebellious second son, Jack, who struggles to escape the shadow of his golden-boy older brother.' The Crown, which ran from 2016 to 2023, saw 60 successful episodes across six seasons, documenting the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Beginning with the late monarch's marriage to Prince Phillip, the series also covered landmark events such as the death of Princess Diana, and Prince William starting university at St Andrews and meeting his future wife, Kate Middleton. Reports have claimed the first season alone cost 97.1million to produce, according to the BBC. Despite enormous success, the programme was accused of 'sensationalising' personal events for the royal family. These included the decision to portray intimate and personal events, like Princess Diana's car chase before she died in 1997. The actual moment of the crash, however, was not shown. US President John F Kennedy, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, Texas Governor John Connally, and others smile at the crowds lining their motorcade route in Dallas, Texas, on November 22, 1963. Minutes later the President was assassinated Jackie Kennedy, JFK and their daughter Caroline are pictured at their summer home in 1960 Acting royalty Dame Judi Dench, who is close to King Charles and Camilla, previously accused the programme of being 'crude and hurtful'. Dame Judi, 87, who has played Elizabeth I and Queen Victoria, told The Times the series risked damaging the monarchy. The Oscar-winning actress blamed it for 'crude sensationalism' and blurring fact and fiction. Former Prime Minister Sir John Major criticised a scene which showed him having a conversation with then Prince Charles about the possibility of the Queen abdicating as 'malicious nonsense'. The fourth series of the drama was criticised for not doing enough to tell viewers it was a work of fiction. The streaming giant was forced to add a disclaimer to its trailer for season five saying it was a 'fictional dramatisation inspired by real events'. A release date for Kennedy has not yet been confirmed. Former Bravo star Jennifer Welch has sparked outrage after laughing about the death of conservative influencers including the late Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated in September. Welch, 52, chuckled about their deaths during a recent episode of her popular left-wing podcast I've Had It and called for the Democratic establishment to get on board with where the far-left progressives in the party are. She started her rant by blasting senate leaders Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer for not joining Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at New York mayoral hopeful Zohran Mamdani's rally in Queens over the weekend. 'Shame on Jeffries and shame on Schumer for not being at that rally. Seriously, that is the most despicable Democratic leadership I've ever seen,' she raged. Welch then played a shocking clip of a liberal 'wine mom' celebrating the death of conservatives at the anti-Trump No Kings protest to show how far-left a lot of the Democratic base has moved. In the video, the protester argued with right wing activist Kaitlin Bennett about Kirk, calling the late Turning Point USA founder a 'horrible person' and saying she was 'glad he's not here.' Stunned, Bennett asked, 'You're glad he's dead?' to which the woman fired back, 'Yes!' before citing Kirk's 'horrible' speech during his college campus tours. Bennett responded, 'You know what, I do the exact same thing. Would you be glad if I died?' Former Bravo star Jennifer Welch has sparked outrage after laughing about the death of conservative influencers including the late Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated in September Without skipping a beat, the woman said, 'Maybe. I'd have to think about it.' Welch, who was watching the exchange on video, could be seen laughing. The clip then continued with Bennett turning to another protestor, who was a middle-aged woman, and stating, 'Your friend just said she'd be happy if I died!' The woman then started laughing, before trying to stifle her chuckles with her hand. Once again, Welch could be heard laughing as she watched the video. Returning to her rant, Welch said, 'So listen up Democratic establishment. You can either jump on board with this s**t, or we're coming after you in the same way that we come after MAGA.' She then demanded that Democrats stop taking money from pro-Israel lobbying group AIPAC before calling Jeffries and Schumer 'p**sies.' 'Kudos to Bernie, to AOC, to Zohran. And that woman out in somewhere middle America saying, "F**k Charlie Kirk, he was a racist, he was a piece of s**t." There are so many more of us than there are of them,' she added. Welch previously called Kirk (seen in 2023), 'a hate-monger, a racist, a misogynist, and a homophobe' Conservative stars and influencers were outraged by Welch's comments Welch's comments caused a firestorm online, with several prominent conservative commentators slamming her on social media. 'This is just awful. What a hideous woman inside and out,' Newsmax co-host Rob Schmitt posted on X, formerly Twitter. 'Jennifer Welch is a terrible husk of a human being,' wrote influencer Brad Polumbo. This isn't the first time that Welch has made inflammatory remarks about Kirk. Earlier this month, she told The Cut, 'I oppose gun violence but Charlie Kirk was a hate-monger, a racist, a misogynist and a homophobe who trafficked in cruelty and in culture wars that marginalized people.' She added, 'I opposed his opinions when he was alive, and I oppose his opinions now that hes dead. The violent nature of his death doesnt change that.' Welch, an interior designer by trade, shot to fame alongside her best friend Angie 'Pumps' Sullivan on the short-lived Bravo reality show Sweet Home Oklahoma. Since the show ended, the pair have reinvented themselves as left-wing superstars thanks to their politically-charged podcast, I've Had It. Back in August, Welch went viral after claiming that 'fat a**' Trump voters should be 'banned' from Mexican, Chinese and Indian restaurants. During an episode of her podcast, Welch ranted: 'Ive had it with white people that triple Trumped. 'That have the nerve and the audacity to walk into a Mexican restaurant, a Chinese restaurant, an Indian restaurant, go to a gay hairdresser. I dont think you should be able to enjoy anything but Cracker Barrel.' Laying into 'triple Trumpers' - people who voted for Trump in the 2016, 2020 and 2024 elections - she said: 'If you want to triple Trump, if you want to brow beat DEI, if you want to brow beat gay people, you want to brow beat black people as you have been doing for hundreds of years 'White people that triple Trumped should be boycotted, banned from enjoying the best thing that America has to offer, which is multiculturalism. 'Get your fat a***s out of the Mexican restaurant. Get your fat a***s over at a Cracker Barrel because nobody wants to see your f****ng smug a**, teeny weeny pink arm, big gut around.' 'Nobody wants to see that s**t, no one,' she finished. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, 28, took to Instagram on Wednesday morning to share her skincare shopping haul that she purchased while in South Korea for President Donald Trump's visit. Leavitt arrived with the team on Tuesday, as the president touched down at Gimhae International Airport in Busan, his first visit to the country in six years. Trump is visiting South Korea as they host the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit as part of his week-long trip to Asia. On Wednesday, he met with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung about a potential trade deal, and was also awarded the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, South Korea's highest honor, for his work trying to achieve peace on the Korean peninsula during his first term. Despite his busy schedule, it looks like Leavitt was able to find some time away in between meetings, as she took to Instagram on to share some of her beauty buys during the trip. The Press Secretary spread out her haul on her bed, snapping a quick picture for her Instagram Stories. 'South Korea skincare finds,' she wrote in white text on top of the photo, accompanied by a heart-eye emoji. Leavitt appeared to buy a ton of different products, including face masks, toning pads and lip balms. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt took to Instagram on Wednesday to share her skincare shopping haul that she purchased while in South Korea with President Donald Trump Despite Trump's busy schedule, it looks like Leavitt was able to find some time away in between meetings, as she took to Instagram on to share some of her beauty buys One of the brands that the 28-year-old picked out in her haul was Medicube, a Korean brand that now sells some products in the United States. Leavitt bought its Zero Pore Pads, which retail for under $20 in the states, as well as the brand's PDRN Pink Tone Up Sun Cream. She also purchased a variety of face masks from the brand Mediheal, as well as a cleanser, cleansing oil and eye cream from Beauty of Joseon. Some Beauty of Joseon products are currently being sold at Sephora stores in the US, with an affordable price point of items that are under $25. Other items in her haul included various serums and a peptide glowing skin essence. Interestingly enough, this isn't the first time that the Press Secretary has shared her love for skincare and makeup with her social media followers. Before she was took the post at The White House, she was the national press secretary for Trump's presidential campaign, where she often made television appearances. And on her Instagram page, she would to show fans how she did her makeup for these appearances. Leavitt (seen in Asia with Trump) bought various serums and a peptide glowing skin essence Interestingly enough, this isn't the first time that the Press Secretary (seen last week at a press briefing) has shared her love for skincare and makeup with her social media followers 'I receive a lot of questions about how I do my makeup when I go on TV so I figured I'd show it!' Leavitt wrote in the caption of one clip, which was originally posted in November 2023. 'Here's the look I did for a hit on Fox Business in my New York City hotel room at literally 4am,' she shared. But before diving into the video, the mom-of-one admitted that she couldn't take all the credit. 'I can't take all of the credit because when I arrive at the networks, the amazing hair and makeup teams provide touch ups. However most of the time, I do interviews from my home studio and I'm my own glam team!' she wrote. Starting off the makeup routine, Leavitt revealed that she used the $48 Plump and Prime Serum by Too Faced Cosmetics, which is meant to 'prep skin for flawless makeup application.' After she applied that all over her face, she combined two foundations - Rihanna's Fenty Beauty Soft'Lit Naturally Luminous Hydrating Longwear Foundation that retails at $40, along with the $47 Too Faced Born This Way liquid foundation. She blended out the products with a fluffy foundation brush, followed by a Beauty Blender around her eye area. Following that, Leavitt applied a touch of eyeshadow with the $54 Born This Way The Natural Nudes Eyeshadow Palette by Too Faced, which was mostly comprised of shimmering neutral shades, and some undereye concealer. Keeping with the Too Faced products, which appeared to be her favorite, she used their $25 Brow Wig eyebrow gel and their $29 Better Than Sex mascara to make her blue eyes pop. Of course, Leavitt didn't forget about contouring, which she did with a contour stick, applying it on her cheekbones, under the chin and on the forehead. She followed up with a shimmering powder bronzer by Too Faced, which seems to have since been discontinued. The Trump aide then blended it all out with a Beauty Blender. And for the finishing touches, the 28-year-old set her face makeup with a setting powder, applied a peach-toned blush from Benefit, and a berry-hued $30 lip oil from Clarins, which matched the color of the leather dress she was wearing for the TV appearance. The finished look gave her a gorgeous, sun-kissed glow. However, in more recent months, it appears that she has changed some aspects of her makeup routine, opting for a light, bubblegum-pink lip in her March 21 MAGA Minute on Instagram. For most of her press conferences so far, she's also chosen light, neutral makeup, always complete with a berry-colored or pink lip. A new Christmas trend has gone viral on TiKTok, leaving social media users completely divided. Dubbed 'Ralph Lauren Christmas,' the popular craze puts red, green, plaid and velvet ribbons at the heart of the festive aesthetic, much like the designer brand's signature New England look. The phrase has already gained millions of views on TikTok, and hoards of people on the app are posting videos highlighting trees with bows and plaid-wrapped presents. However, some social media users aren't here for the new trend and have been rubbishing the hype. TikTok user Minty Scott, who posts under the username as @_pinkmintchocolate, criticized the trend in a video posted on her profile. Explaining what it entails, she said: 'A Ralph Lauren Christmas is literally the most basic, textbook definition of what Christmas decorations look like.' Scott then blasted: 'You can't trend Christmas ya'll. I think we've had enough Christmases to realize it's not a trend, OK? It's been around. 'This is so stupid. It's just Christmas. It's literally the most basic example of Christmas.' 'Ralph Lauren Christmas' puts red, green, and plaid at the heart of the festive aesthetic (stock image) The phrase has already gained millions of views on TikTok (stock image) In an interview with Newsweek, she added: 'Personally, I think the Ralph Lauren Christmas aesthetic is just another grab at people wanting to be seen and belong on the internet. 'I actually started laughing to myself because I was thinking there's no way people are trying to make a trend of what already exists - it's just, Christmas!' Social media users were equally dumbfounded and they hit out at influencers for trying to repackage Christmas. One commented: 'Plaid and velvet for Christmas Groundbreaking.' Another said: 'It's just traditional style but people are not thinking in styles anymore they think in brand names. The psychological impact of capitalism in crazy.' 'Guess I've been doing Ralph Lauren Christmas my whole life,' added a third. Echoing a similar sentiment, a fourth continued: 'No for real, I'm sick of all these influencers acting like it's a new concept for exactly what you said, it's a traditional Christmas. 'Ralph Lauren Christmas is just Christmas before capitalism took it over to the point of no return. The trend has been slammed by some, however, for being the textbook definition of what Christmas decor already looks like (stock image) 'It's the Christmas you had as a kid, with the decorations your parents had as hand me downs from their parents that have been reused every year because there weren't 500 vlogs and TikToks posting about the new holiday trend you can find at TJ Maxx. 'I've seen so many people who completely change their decorations every single year to a theme, like how are you affording this and how are you possibly justifying throwing away entire fiber optic trees every year so you can get a new color next year?' A fifth joked: 'I've been doing Ralph Lauren Christmas for decades. Ahead of the trend.' Christmas preparations are well and truly underway. Earlier this week, Meghan Markle launched her first Christmas collection with As Ever - including a $64 candle paying tribute to her wedding to Prince Harry. The Duchess of Sussex, 44, unveiled the range in a clip showing the mother-of-two decking the halls in an olive green dress, making desserts with her fruit preserves and glazing a turkey with one of her honeys. Meghan's festive collection includes new products, such as two candles inspired by her wedding date and her August 4 birthday and a 2021 Vintage Napa Valley Brut, costing $89. Signature Candle No. 519, scented with Moroccan mint, cardamom, and tea leaves apparently 'evokes the freshness of a day in the English countryside', according to a gushing description on her website. It's said to capture 'cherished memories' of the 'ease and joy' of Meghan's wedding day on May 19, 2018, with no mention of rows over bridesmaids' dresses or the last-minute drama of her father not attending. Fans wishing to make their home smell just like the Sussexes' Montecito mansion can also splash out on the Signature Candle No. 084, which is named after Meghan's August 4 birth date. Scented with water lotus, sandalwood and California poppy, Meghan promises the smell that 'warms her family home' will 'feel like a hug' - at the cost of $64. Meanwhile, a 2021 Vintage Napa Valley Brut crafted from pinot noir and chardonnay grapes is a new addition to her range of wines. Costing $89 a bottle, shoppers must purchase more than 12 bottles to avoid a $20 shipping fee. Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more Temperatures have plummeted, meaning my everyday outfits have got noticeably more cosy in recent weeks, and knitwear is a daily non-negotiable. The only problem? Not all knits are created equal. There have been countless mornings where I have reached into my wardrobe for a jumper I haven't worn since last year, only to find it's not quite as chic as I remembered. Too bulky. Too sheer. Too stretchy. A dated print. A baggy neckline. The wrong style can quickly make you feel like you've raided a jumble sale. Find the right style, however, and you've got a timeless piece that you can reach for year after year - guaranteed to feel chic and fashion-forward. While there was a time when I thought the best approach to curating my winter wardrobe was, 'the more the merrier,' after years of styling both models and real women for YOU Magazine, I've worked out that quality over quantity is the only way to go. Of course, this doesn't mean that the more you spend on a jumper the better. It's all about carefully curating a wardrobe full of perfectly cut styles in long-lasting materials. Cost is irrelevant. Opt for timeless styles that you'll never get bored of, over trend-led pieces that quickly look dated. Where to start? I've broken it down into eight categories of knitted jumpers that can be worked effortlessly into all of your winter looks. Then within each category, I tried on all of the most popular styles available right now at every price point. Read on for the best from each category - tried, and tested by a fashion editor - with prices starting at just 35. 1. Best Cashmere jumper: Autograph Pure Cashmere Crew Neck Jumper Best Cashmere jumper: Autograph Pure Cashmere Crew Neck Jumper Autograph Pure Cashmere Crew Neck Jumper This beautiful jumper is crafted from 100% cashmere. And, at 90, it's likely the best value for money available on the market. Unlike some cashmere, you can also chuck this in the washing machine at 40C without fear of it shrinking. Shop 2. Best V Neck jumper: River Island Grey Knitted V Neck Jumper Best V Neck jumper: River Island Grey Knitted V Neck Jumper River Island Grey Knitted V Neck Jumper A V neck jumper is a wardrobe essential and is an easy win when you have no time to think about your outfit in the morning. I love how the ribbed cuff and neck are extra thick, making it feel really expensive. Shop 3. Best Polo neck jumper: Next Chunky Cable Knit Polo Collar Jumper Best Polo neck jumper: Next Chunky Cable Knit Polo Collar Jumper Next Chunky Cable Knit Polo Collar Jumper When winter hits, there's nothing better than chucking on a chunky knitted jumper. This Next style, with its wide cuffs and polo neck, is a great update on the classic round neck style. It looks especially on-trend paired with a basic white tee underneath. Shop 4. Best Roll Neck Jumper: Rise & Fall Superfine Merino Roll Neck Jumper Best Roll Neck Jumper: Rise & Fall Superfine Merino Roll Neck Jumper Rise & Fall Superfine Merino Roll Neck Jumper The ultimate layering piece. It's got a fine knit so that it can be worn underneath any shirt or jumper without feeling too bulky. It's also made from a luxurious 100% merino wool meaning it's great at keeping you warm throughout the colder months. Shop 5. Best Chunky Knit Jumper: ASOS Design Lambswool Curved Hem Jumper Best Chunky Knit Jumper: ASOS Design Lambswool Curved Hem Jumper Asos Design Lambswool Curved Hem Jumper Forget navy and beige, according to the recent SS26 runways, charcoal grey is the new neutral in which to be spotted. With a cool crewneck and boxy cut, this chunky jumper looks great paired with everything from barrel leg jeans to this season's kilt skirts. Shop 6. Best Cardigan: With Nothing Underneath Yak Wool Cardigan Best Cardigan: With Nothing Underneath Yak Wool Cardigan WNU Yak wool cardigan Worn by Princess Kate during a recent royal visit to Northern Ireland, this 100% yak wool cardigan feels just as luxurious as one might expect from a knit worn by royalty. With the perfect high neckline and slightly cropped fit, it's great for layering over your favourite tees and roll necks this season. Shop 7. Best Sustainable Jumper: Herd Jersey knit stitch jumper Best Sustainable Jumper: Herd Jersey knit stitch jumper Herd Jersey knit stitch jumper When it comes to sustainable clothing, nobody does it quite like Herd. This piece is made from Bluefaced Leicester sheep wool in the Northwest of England. Dye is made using plant extracts, buttons are made from nuts and the brand's labels are 100% cotton. On top of all of that, this jumper is cut to be perfectly oversized and boxy. If cared for properly, you'll be reaching for this jumper for many years to come. Shop 8. Best affordable jumper: Uniqlo crew neck jumper Best affordable jumper: Uniqlo crew neck jumper Gail's has been named the best bakery chain in the UK. The prestigious Baking Industry Awards recognised more than a dozen bakers across 14 categories and praised Gail's for becoming 'a part of every community,' despite a string of rows over gentrification. While thousands of Britons love the upmarket coffee shop's 4 croissants and 3.20 flat whites, Gail's has faced revolts over opening new branches, with critics saying it will put independent eateries out of business. Last year, hundreds of residents in Walthamstow, North East London signed a petition against the bakery, which now boasts around 170 sites nationwide. But despite its critics, the retailer, best known for its sourdough breads, pastries and cinnamon buns, has been voted the best in the UK market by a panel of judges. As part of the ranking process, the panel mystery shopped in Gail's stores, where they claim they encountered 'knowledgeable and enthusiastic' team members at every site. According to a report in British Baker, this was even apparent in the retailer's Liverpool Street train station, where a judge said there was a near-constant queue. Despite the high demand, the judge said staff were still vigilantly checking allergens, offering recommendations and providing friendly service. Gail's was officially crowned Bakery Retailer of the Year for making 'exceptional craft baking a part of every community'. Gail's artisan bakery in Dulwich Village Gail's was officially crowned Bakery Retailer of the Year for making 'exceptional craft baking a part of every community'. Stock image 'It's clear to see the mission-led business strategy is working,' one judge remarked, adding that 'the focus on delivering good food sustainably and not compromising on this shows great responsibility within the industry.' A wide range of bakers were praised during this year's awards, with businesses picking up wins in categories including Baker of the Year, Craft Bakery of the Year and Bakery Retailer of the Year. Among the runners up was the East Midlands based bakery, Birds, which previously won the Bakery Retailer of the Year award in 2021. Since the win, the family run bakery, which is also a confectionery and butchers, has rebranded its store design and extended its opening hours. The chain boasts 62 stores across the region and is well-loved for its bread, cobs, filled sandwiches and cream cakes. Judges praised its commitment to delivering 'exceptional products that not only meet but exceed customer expectation, while continuing to evolve and innovate to stay ahead in the market place.' Also among the finalists was Lidl bakery, which previously won the award in 2023, and has continued to build on its reputation by adding Special Guests products and Doughnut of the Month sections. Lidl bakery in a Wales store pictured Also in the final three was M&S bakery, with the supermarket giant boasting 650 bakery sites across the UK. M&S bakery in London pictured The chain was also praised for its BLT offer, which offers breakfast, lunch and a treat, with judges saying efforts to offer 'fair prices' were paying off. It also won points for its employees. One judge experienced a 'masterclass in customer service,' while adding that it was a delightful place to be. Also among the finalists was Lidl bakery, which previously won the top award in 2023, and has continued to build on its reputation by adding Special Guests products and Doughnut of the Month sections. Some of those regarded as customer favourites are the chocolate cronut, brioche croissant and cheese pretzel roll. The panel said the addition of special limited-edition products, along with a strong marketing strategy, had put the bakery in an even stronger position than when it first won two years ago. Also in the final three was M&S bakery, with the supermarket giant boasting 650 bakery sites across the UK. It won the competition in 2024 and 2022 and this year joined two other finalists as a runner up. Judges said the retailer continued to be 'an impressive business' when it came to its bakery, adding that increased investment in product quality control, store fixtures and staff training was paying off. BAKING INDUSTRY AWARDS 2025: WINNER AND RUNNERS-UP WINNER: Gail's FINALISTS: Birds (East Midlands) Lidl (Nationwide) Marks & Spencer (Nationwide) Advertisement Since opening its first bakery in London's Hampstead High Street in 2005, Gail's has expanded far and wide across the capital and beyond, with sites in Manchester, Bristol, Cambridge, and Brighton. Taking this year's crown was the middle-class bakery, Gail's. As part of the ambitious expansions, Gail's is due to reach multiple additional destinations across the capital, including in Crystal Palace, with talk of drive-though sites opening soon too. When the chain announced plans to build a new site on trendy Stoke Newington's high-street, locals were less than impressed, fearing that their unique street may be 'ruined' and 'turned into Oxford Street'. Londoner's in Steatham were also far from welcoming when their high-street became host to a Gail's bakery. Last August, thousands in Walthamstow signed a petition against a new opening amid fears it would run smaller cafes out of business, as well as locals promising to 'boycott' the 'mediocre' and 'overpriced' cafes. Cassidy McGill started a debate about morality in regards to cheating A Sydney woman has ignited fierce debate online after posing a moral dilemma about loyalty, friendship and betrayal: what would you do if your best friend cheated on their partner? Cassidy McGill, who regularly shares her musings on TikTok, admitted she always thought the answer was simple - until she was forced to think harder about where her loyalties would truly lie if it happened to her. 'If your friend was cheating on their partner - once or multiple times - would you feel an obligation to tell the partner?' she asked her followers. 'Or would you talk to your friend about what they're doing and ask them what's going on?' Cassidy, whose video was a hypothetical scenario, said that while cheating wasn't a crime she considered it an enormous betrayal and a major red flag about someone's character. 'To me, it was so black and white until my opinions on the topic got skewed,' she said. 'If it was my best friend cheating repeatedly, I don't think I could be their friend anymore. I wouldn't feel an obligation to tell the man that my best friend was cheating on them - it's more about the lack of morals coming from my friend.' She explained she was 'a girl's girl through and through' and would never want to feel like she was siding with a man over a female friend. A Sydney woman has ignited fierce debate online after posing a moral dilemma about loyalty, friendship and betrayal: what should you do if your best friend cheats on their partner? But repeated infidelity would still be a dealbreaker for her friendships. 'I wouldn't go as far as telling the partner, but I would sever that friendship,' she said. 'If it was a once off, I'd probably find a way to sit them down. As friends, we have a responsibility to pull each other up and let them know when they're going wrong.' Cassidy added that modern friendships often lack this level of accountability, with too many people afraid to have uncomfortable conversations. 'I cherish the fact that if I was doing something questionable, my friends would be smacking me across the back of the head immediately,' she laughed. Her video quickly racked up hundreds of comments from people weighing in with their own strong views on what loyalty should look like. 'If she is happy to betray her husband she's not going to think twice about betraying you,' one said. 'Unfortunately if they were a cheater I'd have to phase off the friendship as I'd question their character and would doubt how loyal a friend they are to me,' another wrote. Cassidy McGill always thought the answer was simple - until she was forced to think harder about where her loyalties would truly lie Some argued that they'd never 'dob in' a friend but would deliver a stern reality check. 'I definitely wouldn't tell on my best friend but I would be giving her a reality check,' a woman admitted. Others took the opposite stance. 'Yes, tell the partner. Everyone knew my ex was cheating on me and no one told me. It was humiliating.' A few admitted the decision might come down to who the partner was. 'Depends on the partner. If he's a nice guy, I'd judge my friend and be like, what are you doing? But if he's a prick and treats her badly, I'd be like, well' Meanwhile, another summed up the issue by pointing out that cheating is rarely just about the act itself. 'The problem is it's not just "cheating" per se, it's the qualities that lie underneath - lying, disrespect, being untrustworthy. Those aren't good traits.' The clip has since sparked wider conversations online about whether loyalty to your friend outweighs honesty to someone being betrayed - and whether choosing to stay silent makes you complicit. Every week, Femail asks two singletons to report back from their blind date. This week, it was Regine and David's turn to see if they were a match. Here's what happened... Regine, 76 Dating Past? I was married for 29 years. When I was younger I always preferred older men and now I attract and date younger chaps. The last one I saw was 56. The secret is, while I dress appropriately for my age, I dont act it. Ive got a sort of boyfriend (hes 57) in Spain, but its a long way to go for a night out. Pre-Date Nerves? I was comfortably nervous. But I like to talk I speak fluent French with a sexy accent apparently. First Impressions? David was already at our table and like the perfect gent stood up to greet me. He shook my hand which is just as it should be. He has an attractive full head of silver hair. Easy To Talk To? Yes. David told me of his passion for dancing. I dont dance because I dont have a partner but that doesnt put him off. We talked about his wife who passed away when he was only 49, meaning he has been both mum and dad to their daughters. Hes obviously very family-oriented. We didnt have many shared life experiences: Im well-travelled and have lived everywhere from Italy to Vietnam. Whereas Im not sure David has left Cheshire. He doesnt drink so I joked Id drink for both of us and I did! having two lovely glasses of sauvignon blanc while David stuck to fizzy water. VITAL STATISTICS Widowed, no children. Current Role Retired but still work as a house and pet sitter. Would like to meet A smart dresser, capable of conversation. No to tattoos or someone looking for sex on a first date. Advertisement Embarrassing Moments? No, although we both had a giggle observing a rather large lady order a huge three-course lunch for herself. Did Sparks Fly? Not at all for me. Theres no point in waffling around when it comes to matters of the heart. I got the feeling David was flirting with me, though. He kept complimenting me on the colour of my eyes. But I batted his lines away, telling him curtly theres nothing special about blue eyes he has them too. See him again? Perhaps if David was in my neighbourhood. It would be for a coffee and not for romance. He did mention we should exchange numbers but there is no point, if I am honest. What do you think he thought of you? I have a feeling David was quite taken with me. At the end of the date David said Would you mind if we had a kiss on the lips? I was fine with that. Was it a nice kiss? It was soft and pleasant but not exciting. Would your friends like him? Theyd probably say David is ok and leave it at that. David, 82 Dating Past? I was married for 25 years and Ive been widowed since I was 49. The last relationship I had ended six years ago. Im very involved in my daughters life, shes cabin crew and I look after her dogs we call them the grand-puppies - when shes working. I did get burned with one woman I was seeing. They say money doesnt change you but she came into 500,000 and within six months it was bye-bye David. She dumped me because, according to her, I couldnt afford her lifestyle. Pre-Date Nerves? No, Im a silver surfer when it comes to dating thanks to my 20-year-old grandson showing me the ropes online. Im outgoing and dancing is a very important part of my social life. I joke its the only way I can put my arms around the waist of a younger woman without getting slapped. VITAL STATISTICS Widowed, with two adult daughters and a grandson, 20. Current Role Retired maintenance fitter. Would Like To Meet A tall, active woman who loves dancing and has a gregarious nature. My teenage crush was the 1960s singer Kathy Kirby. Advertisement First Impressions? Good, I stood up when Regine arrived at our table and kissed her on each cheek. She looked nothing short of stunning in a purple jumper with a kind of short top over it. I did tell her she has got beautiful eyes and she immediately replied so have you. I was glowing! We were off to a good start. Easy To Talk To? Yes. Regines father was a German scientist and came to the UK during the war, helping to develop the atomic bomb. He was based at Aldermaston. It was an unusual coincidence because when I last worked, my position was at Aldermaston, too. We both knew villages near the site. Regine is a good listener. She was very sympathetic to me being dumped when my significant ex came into money. Embarrassing Moments? Not really, no. Did Sparks Fly? Yes, there were plenty of fireworks. After our main courses, I decided to test the romantic waters and reached out to hold Regines hand for a few minutes. She didnt resist! We started with a kiss on each cheek and ended the date with a warm and lingering kiss on the lips. Id call that a result. See her again? The only problem is I live in Cheshire and Regine lives in London she told me I was too far away for her to stay in touch. What do you think she thought of you? Regine noted we got along well and have the same ideas. I did reassure her its important to continue to be physically close with someone and she agreed. Would your family like her? Yes I took a selfie of us together and showed the picture to my daughters. They agreed she looked like a fantastic woman. REGINE'S VERDICT: 7/10 Liked? David is a thoroughly decent chap. Regrets? None. Coffee or cab? Cab. Advertisement Katie Miller blasted former White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on CNN for using her identity as an LGBTQ+ black woman to boost her career. Stunned CNN host Jake Tapper was forced awkwardly cut to commercial when Miller - wife of Trump aide Stephen Miller - called Jean-Pierre 'incompetent' and claimed she only got her White House gig because she was a 'black, queer, LGBTQ woman.' 'What I think you're seeing is that she's quite incompetent to do the job,' Miller said. 'This is what Republicans have been saying for years now, she is just another evidence that DEI doesn't work, whether that's, you know, an air traffic controller, an air pilot, whether that's your doctor. You know, you want to hire the best for the role, not just based on skin color,' she added. Miller was challenged by former Hillary Clinton spokesperson Karen Finney as to why Jean-Pierre - a black queer woman - was a DEI hire but current White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt wasn't. 'You know, gay woman is DEI, but a white woman who is behind the podium right now, which DEI initially started as affirmative action, which was about affirmatively hiring women and minorities, why is one DEI and the other is not?' 'Why did she get the job over John Kirby? Because as everyone has said this week, she is woefully incompetent,' Miller replied. Katie Miller (pictured) blasted former White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre's disaster media tour for her new book and argued to CNN that she benefitted from DEI Jean-Pierre most recently drew widespread ridicule over a cringeworthy Q&A with the New Yorker where she consistently fell back on loyalty to Joe Biden and her identity as an LGBTQ+ black woman 'Why is she trained every four sentences to say she is a Black, queer, LGBTQ woman? Because that's how she's been promoted her entire career.' Tapper then awkwardly cut the segment and went to commercial break. Jean-Pierre most recently drew widespread ridicule over a cringeworthy Q&A with the New Yorker where she consistently fell back on loyalty to Joe Biden and her identity as an LGBTQ+ black woman. Jean-Pierre's interview with Isaac Chotiner, which published Monday as she continues to plug her new book, was roundly mocked by critics across the political spectrum. During the discussion, a confused Chotiner stopped Jean-Pierre for clarification several times for her rambling, word-salad responses that failed to explain why she believed Democrats 'betrayed' Joe Biden. Jean-Pierre also made references to black women 10 times and her LGBT status twice. She claimed that both Biden and Kamala Harris suffered prejudice from voters and within their own parties, saying 'I wish you could walk in my body and live my life' when pressed about her thoughts on Harris' chance to become president. 'I'm not trying to discount what you're saying about Harris,' Chotiner shot back, 'but Biden is not an LGBTQ black woman, and you have the same feelings about how he was treated. 'This is what you keep going back to in the book. Sometimes I worry about losing sight of the fact that we're dealing with a Presidential election here, and the feelings of Joe Biden are less important than the fate of the country.' Miller, the wife of homeland security advisor Stephen Miller, slammed Jean-Pierre until a visibly distressed Jake Tapper cut the segment Jean-Pierre's interview with Isaac Chotiner, which published Monday as she continues to plug her new book, was roundly mocked by critics across the political spectrum Elsewhere in the interview, Jean-Pierre panned her former party for what she described as poor treatment of 'decent' and 'vulnerable people.' 'And then you also have to think about how I'm thinking about this as a Black woman who is part of the LGBTQ community, and living in this time where I also don't think Democrats right now, Democrats' leadership, is protecting vulnerable people in the way that it should,' she said. Chotiner responded that he was 'a little unclear about what this has to do with Democratic leaders and many Democrats in the country thinking that Joe Biden was going to lose to Donald Trump - which was what the polls all showed - and therefore thinking that he should be replaced.' At another point in the exchange, Jean-Pierre wildly claimed that the subtitle of her book, 'A Look Inside a Broken White House,' had actually been a reference to the Trump administration rather than Biden's. When asked to confirm that she had 'no concern' that Biden could serve a second term, Jean-Pierre maintained that she never witnessed anything from him that would make her think otherwise. 'But you watched TV like the rest of us, right?' Chotiner asked. Jean-Pierre acknowledged the president 'was aging,' but said he was still 'engaged, on top of policy, [and] challenging his staff.' When asked whether 'it was not wise' to believed Biden could serve through 2029, she said: 'It's not my place to say.' Jean-Pierre gave several rambling, word-salad responses that failed to explain why she believed Democrats 'betrayed' Joe Biden Jean-Pierre is in the midst of a media tour meant to promote her new book, which seeks to explain why she left the Democratic Party 'What do you mean it's not your place to say?' Chotiner pressed. 'No, no, no. Wait, I'm answering the question. I did not see anything that would cause me concern. That is my answer,' Jean-Pierre replied. Other answers came off as equally confusing. 'Some have even said [Biden] did more in one term than most Presidents do in two,' Jean-Pierre said at one point. The 'incoherent' interview spawned commentary from both sides of the aisle almost immediately after it was published. 'Turns out you can do a career-ending interview even after your career is over,' Semafor Politics Reporter David Weigel wrote on X. 'When even the New Yorker isn't buying your bulls**t, where else is a Democrat to go?' added former congressional investigator Paul D. Thacker. 'In case it wasn't obvious: Karine Jean Pierre should be completely unemployable after that New Yorker interview,' another critic chimed in. Other notable figures to voice confusion included former CNN reporter Chris Cillizza, Boston Review columnist David Astin Walsh, Washington Post columnist David French, and conservatives like former Republican congressman Peter Meijer and commentator Saagar Enjeti. 'I honestly don't know what she was trying to accomplish here,' French said. Jean-Pierre is in the midst of a media tour meant to promote her new book, which seeks to explain why she left the Democratic Party. She maintains it was not her old boss's cognitive ability that caused his colleagues to reconsider his chances in the race, but division within the party. MSNBC's Rachel Maddow eviscerated her network's parent company live on air for donating to Donald Trump's $300million White House ballroom project. 'For every corporation - like our parent company for another hot minute, Comcast - that wants to pay for Trump to take a literal wrecking ball, excuse me, I mean an excavator to the White House: Those public-facing companies should know there's a cost in terms of their reputation with the American people,' Maddow, who earns $25million a year to host her show just once a week, said on Monday. 'There may be a cost to their bottom line when they do things against American values, against the public interest, because they want to please Trump or buy him off or profit somehow from his authoritarian overthrow of our democracy.' Comcast made the donation amid scrutiny from the Trump administration over its reported interest in acquiring all or part of Warner Bros. Discovery, which just put itself up for sale. Maddow, 52, who took a $5million pay cut when her show moved to one day a week, urged viewers to continue to protest the ballroom. Her fellow hosts Lawrence O'Donnell and Stephanie Ruhle have also called out Comcast on-air, after the White House unveiled its list of donors to the project last week. In addition to Comcast, major companies like Amazon, Apple, Google, Meta, and Microsoft were also revealed as backers of the gilded ballroom. Earlier this month, Trump attacked Comcast's billionaire chief executive, Brian Roberts, on Truth Social. MSNBC's Rachel Maddow tore into Comcast for donating to Donald Trump's $300million ballroom project Renderings show the $300million finished product. It is set to accommodate hundreds for state dinners and other events once complete He asked for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) 'to look into the license of NBC, which shows almost exclusively positive Democrat content,' after FCC Chairman Brendan Carr announced he was opening an investigation into the network's relationships with affiliates. Carr said that NBC and other networks are attempting 'to extract onerous financial and operational concessions from local broadcast TV stations.' In February, the FCC announced a probe into Comcast's DEI initiatives and practices. Comcast is set to spin off its traditional cable networks into an independent public company next month. If Comcast is looking only at Warner Bros. Discovery's studio and streaming assets, an acquisition after the November 15 split would make more sense for tax purposes. Comcast-owned NBCUniversal offered a major sign to the industry showing its intent to double-down on streaming this week, Status reported. The company - which will soon no longer oversee MSNBC - was able to lure Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan away from David Ellison's Paramount Skydance this week. Maddow accused Comcast of trying 'to please Trump or buy him off or profit somehow from his authoritarian overthrow of our democracy.' Pictured, construction on the White House's East Wing to make way for the new ballroom Comcast CEO Brian Roberts was recently targeted by Trump on Truth Social Warner Bros. Discovery has reportedly already rejected three takeover offers from Paramount Skydance, which underwent its own merger earlier this year. Warner Bros. Discovery is still gauging interest in its assets, which includes HBO, HBO Max, and CNN. CNN anchor Abby Phillip ignores liberal critics who disapprove of her inviting 'MAGA people' on her show because she believes the public needs to be informed about differing viewpoints. Phillip, 36, appeared on Charlamagne tha God's Breakfast Club radio show Tuesday and addressed the backlash she's often hit with over her NewsNight guest selections. She admitted many liberal CNN viewers are outraged that she has given Donald Trump supporters a platform, but Phillip said she believes listening to opposing viewpoints is important. 'I get a lot of criticism from the left, from people who are like "Why does she have MAGA people on the show?" and it's like, well, you should know what they are saying,' she told Charlamagne. Highlighting how she has reported on politics for many years, Phillip argued that 'this is a time in our political life where we have to really know what's going on.' 'We have to know what everybody is saying on all sides of the issue because, I don't think that ignorance has served anybody well,' she said. Phillip then directly addressed her critics, telling them they should know what MAGA voices are saying because their views reflect those of a large portion of the American population. 'Just so you know, half the country voted for Trump and for Trumpism, and it's not helpful to be completely unaware of what is happening in those media ecosystems,' she added. CNN anchor Abby Phillip appeared on Charlamagne tha God's Breakfast Club radio show Tuesday (pictured) and advocated for engaging in discussions with individuals whose political opinions oppose her own Phillip argued that liberals should know what MAGA voices are saying because 'half the country voted for Trump and for Trumpism'. Pictured Donald Trump on Wednesday Phillip argued that the media is 'fragmented right now' and that people only gather news and information in their 'own silos.' She claimed that many liberals are unaware about the conversations being held in 'conservative ecosystems.' Phillip shared how she 'wants the debate' that inevitably arises when individuals with conflicting opinions and beliefs participate in a roundtable discussion. She believes it is 'important' for both liberals and conservatives to 'practice being challenged.' 'A lot of people are not used to being challenged,' she recalled of several guests that have appeared on her show. 'When they have somebody literally staring them in the face and saying, "I disagree with you," for some people, they are really taken aback - they don't know how to deal with that.' Phillip argued being able to think on one's feet, quickly respond, and go back-and-forth on an issue is a 'very important skill' to have in politics. She said she will 'take the criticism from all sides' and is very proud of what she and her team do on NewsNight. 'Very few people are willing to take the chance of being criticized and I don't mind it. That's part of the job,' she added. Phillip said she will 'take the criticism from all sides' and is very proud of what she and her team do on NewsNight Just last month, Phillip faced off with conservative commentator Ben Shapiro over Trump's crime crackdown in Washington DC and his plans to next shift his focus on Chicago. During a discussion on her NewsNight show, Phillip claimed that Americans don't want Trump ordering federal troops into crime-ridden cities. Shapiro argued that liberal lawmakers were making a mistake by arguing that 'crime in Chicago just isn't that big of a deal.' Phillip said she wanted 'to focus on the reality, like the actual things that are happening.' 'Voters are not - I think we are treating voters stupider than they are,' the host explained. 'You ask them in polls and they say, "We think crime is a problem. We don't like the way Trump is handling it in the way that he is sending the National Guard."' 'They want Trump to do more about crime. They don't necessarily want him to send troops to cities,' she added. GSK boss Emma Walmsley has warned Chancellor Rachel Reeves against tinkering with the pharma industrys tax regime as the UK drugs giant raised profits and sales forecasts for the year. The pharma chief executive, who steps down at the end of 2025, said it was absolutely critical to incentivise investment, including maintaining tax credits on research and development. The more important area of focus for us is to make sure that nothing happens that hampers UK competitiveness in terms of changes to tax measures, Walmsley said. She added that the tax credit scheme, which lets firms reduce corporation tax bills if they invest in developing products, was really key for GSK to keep investing in Britain. The comments came as the FTSE 100 firm delivered strong results for the three months to September. Sales rose 8 per cent to 8.5billion, and profits were up 11 per cent to nearly 3billion. Warning: Outgoing GSK boss Emma Walmsley (pictured) said it was absolutely critical that the government incentivise investment in the sector Revenues were driven by a 13 per cent rise in sales of shingles vaccine Shingrix, with high demand in Europe offsetting a slowdown in the US. It also raked in more from HIV and cancer drugs, where sales rose 12 per cent and 39 per cent respectively. Sales for the year so far are up 6 per cent to 24billion, with profits up 9 per cent to 8.1billion. It expects revenues for the year to rise by between 6 per cent and 7 per cent, while profits are predicted to grow 9 per cent to 11 per cent compared to prior predictions of 6 per cent to 8 per cent. GSK shares rose 6.6 per cent, or 108p, to 1752p on the back of the results. Sheena Berry, healthcare analyst at Quilter Cheviot, said that as Walmsleys replacement will be Luke Miels, the companys chief commercial officer, performance was expected to be more of the same but rows over drug pricing made it difficult to predict future sales. Walmsley is stepping down after nine years at the helm, during which she spearheaded a major shake-up to focus more directly on developing ground-breaking drugs. A major milestone came in 2022 when the consumer healthcare arm Haleon, the manufacturer of Sensodyne toothpaste, was split off as a separate company in a blockbuster stock market float in London. Barclays boss CS Venkatakrishnan is a brave chap. It is a long time since a High Street bank bought anything in the United States. Admittedly, Barclays is different to its competitors. Thanks to former chief executive Bob Diamond, it has a significant presence on Wall Street having snapped up the American remains of Lehman in the great financial crisis (GFC). The decision to splash $800million (597million) on US online consumer lender Best Egg may look like a shot in the dark. However, it is not an unknown quantity. The company and its predecessor Marlette Funding were founded by Jeff Meiler, who worked at Barclaycard in Britain and then in Wilmington, Delaware, from 2002 to 2010. Meiler left Best Egg in 2023, but there is a smattering of former Barclays executives in place, including the president Bobby Ritterbeck and chief executive Paul Ricci. US deal: Barclays, led by boss CS Venkatakrishnan (pictured) has splashed $800m on US online consumer lender Best Egg It is good to see a British bank making a foray into the US after the bashing taken in the GFC. RBSs (now NatWest) adventures in retail banking through Citizens and its Greenwich-based sub-prime mortgage unit were a disaster for investors, colleagues and the British taxpayer. HSBC suffered greatly from its catastrophic investment in consumer finance group Household and US sub-prime. Barclays balance sheet was stuffed with sub-prime derivatives leading the bank into a contentious rescue by Gulf potentates. Best Egg has rapidly built up $40billion of funding and its website is filled with tempting offers to take out all manner of consumer loans. Nevertheless, some Barclays shareholders may gulp at the suggestion that the platform could be an origination engine for debts which could be pooled together to create asset backed securities. That will ignite unhappy memories. By dipping its toes into the vast US consumer market, Barclays is replicating recent American expansion in Britain. JP Morgan Chase has been directly recruiting British consumers through a Chase platform to which it recently added online fintech investment pioneer Nutmeg. Online financial services allow entryism to new markets without the heavy costs of bricks and mortar lenders. Fund and games Nelson Peltzs speciality has been driving transformation at big brand companies such as Britains Cadbury and Unilever. At the latter, where there have been rapid shifts in leadership and strategy, his intervention can hardly be declared a resounding triumph with the shares stuck in a booming market. Venture capitalist General Catalyst and Peltz have set their sights on full control of activist fund manager Janus Henderson. Peltz has already sought new direction, shaking up the board and installing former Alliance Bernstein finance director Ali Dibadj as chief executive. Peltz claims his intervention has driven a doubling of the share price. Arguably, that hasnt been that hard in a period when the S&P 500 has done better and other lumbering fund groups, notably BlackRock, can boast a 125 per cent advance. The merger between Denver fund manager Janus and old-line UK group Henderson in 2017 has not been a roaring success. The group suffered seven years of outflows. That recently reversed when Dibadj won a mandate from Guardian Life Insurance to run a $45billion fixed interest portfolio. Peltz wants to turn his 20 per cent stake into full ownership with a $7billion buyout offer. The plan presumably is to scythe costs using tech and expose Janus Henderson to more whizzy alternate markets. Going private looks like an end of cycle, heady deal with little upside for anyone. Late comers With a month to go to the Budget, the Office for Budget Responsibility is making the Chancellors task ever more difficult. Rachel Reeves needs all the help she can muster. Disclosure by Bloomberg that she has added two members to her council of economic advisers ought to be reassuring. But it is all too little too late. The addition of yet another Resolution Foundation economist, Emily Fry, can only lead to groupthink in a team headed by its former boss Torsten Bell. It would be nice to think that Institute for Fiscal Studies import David Shurrock might offer some common sense and avoid the consequences of daft tax changes. Dont hold your breath. Labour dogma rules. The estimated 11billion in costs facing lenders over the car finance commissions scandal could have 'significant' ramifications for the British economy, Santander has warned. Santander on Wednesday declined to publish its third quarter UK performance alongside group results in response to the Financial Conduct Authority's proposed redress scheme. And the group's UK chief executive Mike Regnier said the plan 'should be an active consideration for the UK Government', warning current proposals 'could significantly impact jobs, growth and the broader UK economy'. UK banks and non-bank motor finance lenders have been vocal in their criticism of the regulator's plan, which is expected to result in payouts for 44 per cent of all car loans agreed at a dealership for vehicles bought between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024. Lloyds, which owns UK car finance giant Black Horse, has not ruled out taking legal action over the proposals. However, some lawyers and consumer groups have accused lenders of attempting to frustrate fair compensation for the scandal. Criticism: Santander's UK chief executive Mike Regnier said the proposed redress plan for car finance customers 'should be an active consideration for the UK Government' Santander UK echoed comments made by rivals regarding a perceived different in the FCA's approach compared to the legal clarity set out by a key Supreme Court ruling earlier this year. It added: 'The legal basis for the redress scheme's relevant period is not clear and it remains at the consultation stage. 'There is therefore uncertainty regarding the final scope, methodology and timing of any redress scheme that may ultimately be implemented.' While other lenders have been forced to ramp-up provisions for potential payouts, Santander UK has not published an estimated figure. However, the bank said that 'even in a severe downside scenario' it does not expect total costs to have 'a material adverse impact on its capital or liquidity positions, operations, financial condition, or prospects'. Regnier added: 'We believe that the level of concern in the industry and market is such that material changes to the proposed FCA redress scheme should be an active consideration for the UK Government. 'Without such change, the unintended consequences for the car finance market, the supply of credit and the resulting negative impact on the automotive industry and its supply chain could significantly impact jobs, growth and the broader UK economy. This could also cause significant detriment to the consumer. 'While the FCA considers the outcome of its consultation, we believe it is our duty to do all we can to secure an orderly and fair outcome from this consultation process. 'This is not a question of investor versus customer interest, quite the reverse. What is at stake is the supply of credit that customers need and that supports a very important sector for the economy.' In response, an FCA spokesperson said: 'We welcome considered feedback on our consultation and we've set out in detail our thinking behind the proposals. 'We believe a compensation scheme is the best way to settle, for both lenders and consumers, liabilities that exist no matter what. Alternatives would be more costly and take longer. 'Its vital we draw a line under the issue so a trusted motor finance market can continue to serve millions of families every year.' Next has increased its annual profit forecast as the retailer banks on a bumper Christmas trading period after another quarter of strong sales growth. In a boost for shareholders, the retailer announced it would use surplus cash to pay a 3.10 per share special dividend to investors early next year. The group upped its forecasts for full-price sales in the final quarter from 4.5 per cent to 7 per cent. Sales exceeded expectations both in the UK and overseas. Next notched up its full-year profit guidance for the fourth time in eight months as it reported a stronger-than-expected 10.5 per cent rise in full-price sales for its third quarter to 25 October. Shares in the FTSE 100-listed business were up 5 per cent on Wednesday, extending gains this year to 48 per cent, after it said sales exceeded expectations both in the UK and overseas. Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said: 'It is hard to think of a company which has mastered the art of being on the stock market better than Next. 'The company consistently pitches its guidance conservatively allowing it to then surpass expectations when it comes time to report on trading.' In the know: Lord Wolfson is the boss of retail giant Next As previously announced, the group's interim dividend of 87p per share will be paid to shareholders on 5 January 2026. The group said it now expected to report a pre-tax profit of around 1.14billion for the year to January 2026, up from previous guidance. Third-quarter UK sales rose 5.4 per cent, with Next citing the stronger-than-expected positive effect of improved stock levels compared with last year when disruption in Bangladesh and constraints in global freight capacity delayed deliveries. Overseas sales jumped 38.8 per cent, partly reflecting Next spending more on digital marketing than previously anticipated. Next said in September it expected the UK economy to weaken and its sales growth to slow to 4.5 per cent in its second half. This would be down from the 10.5 per cent it reported for its second quarter, when it benefited from favourable weather and a cyberattack at rival Marks & Spencer. The retailer said it had placed more of its surplus stock into its mid-season sale in September rather than its Christmas sale. Shift: Next said it had placed more of its surplus stock into its mid-season sale in September rather than its Christmas sale Analysts at RBC Europe, said: 'Next should benefit from further real wage growth in the UK albeit it will remain somewhat sensitive to the employment outlook and cost of borrowing for the consumer.' Dan Lane, UK lead analyst at Robinhood, said: 'The real story today is the international segment, which is storming ahead. 'Marketing spend doubled compared to guidance but when its raking in revenues, its a sign of an efficient, returns-focused strategy. Its this malleability and quality execution that comes with being a seasoned pro in the sector.' Richard Hunter, head of markets at Interactive Investor, said: 'Unsurprisingly, the share price has awoken to the singular strength of this slick and well-regarded company. 'Even prior to the strong price spike at the open, a rise of 33 per cent over the last year compared to a gain of 18 per cent for the wider FTSE 100, helping to lift the three-year performance to growth of 172 per cent, which is a considerable achievement given the traditional restraints which retail stocks face.' He added: 'The market consensus of the shares as a strong hold, which has been in place for some time, has been shown to have missed the boat on several occasions, where the naysayers who have doubted the stocks trajectory may continue to do so at their peril.' Next, headed by Lord Wolfson, has over 800 stores in the UK and Ireland, including Reiss, Joules and FatFace stores, plus an online presence in more than 70 countries selling the Next brand and more than 700 others. Next's performance stands in stark contrast to many UK retailers battling dwindling sales. This week The Very Group reported a loss in its latest annual results, after writing-off a loan owed by the Barclay familys holding company. The Very Group posted a pre-tax loss of 505.4million for the year to 28 June, falling from a 16.3million profit the year before. Group sales slipped 1.8 per cent year-on-year to 2.09billion over the period. But adjusted EBITDA jumped 15.9 per cent year-on-year to 307.1million. Next rival Marks & Spencer is on a mission to ramp up sales after a cyberattack earlier this year. M&S said the attack is expected to lower operating profits by up to 300million this year. WH Smith has delayed the publication of its annual results by more than a month as it battles to get to the bottom of an accounting blunder. The chain is grappling with the fallout of an accounting blunder that saw it overstate profits in its US business by around 30million. WH Smith was due to publish its preliminary results on 12 November, but has now pushed the date back to 16 December, as audit firm Deloitte investigates flaws in its accounting systems. The FTSE 250-listed company previously said the error was due to 'the accelerated recognition of supplier income in the North America division.' It more than halved its expected trading profit in North America, from 55million to 25million, as a result. Shares in WH Smith plunged over 40 per cent when the accounting blunder came to light. WH Smith said on Wednesday: 'The revised date will provide the company time to respond to the Deloitte review and allow the groups auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, to complete the required audit procedures.' Waiting game: WH Smith has delayed the publication of its annual results by more than a month The retailer's stock has fallen by more than two-fifths since the start of the year, taking it below a 1billion market value for the first time in years. The accounting blooper emerged at a time of significant change for the retailer. Earlier this year, the business sealed a deal to offload its high street stores to private equity firm Modella Capital in a 40million deal. The move will see the chain disappear from British high streets, where it has had a presence for more than a century, after Modella said it would rebrand around 480 stores to TG Jones. Modella is erasing WH Smith and replacing it with TGJones branded stores and products. The private equity firm previously said TGJones 'carries the same sense of family and reflects these stores being at the heart of everyone's high street', but does not refer to a 'specific person'. By contrast, WH Smith gets its name from founder Henry Walton Smith, who was a news vendor in London in the eighteenth century alongside his wife Anna. In July, WH Smith also sold its greetings card business, Funky Pigeon, to Card Factor in a 24million deal. WH Smith is now focused solely on shops in global travel locations, such as in airports, train stations and hospitals, which total about 1,300 around the world, with the brand kept across this estate. WH Smith shares were down 1.76 per cent or 12.50p to 697.50p on Wednesday. GSK lifted profit expectations for the year on Wednesday after the pharmaceutical group's sales were boosted by bumper demand for HIV and cancer drugs in the third quarter. It comes as boss Emma Walmsley prepares to step down at the end of 2025 after nine years. She will be replaced by current chief commercial officer Luke Miels, who is tasked with steering the group towards its target of achieving more than 40billion in sales by 2031. Miels will also need to steer the drugmaker through US trade tariffs, pricing battles and a push for new medicines to offset revenue declines as some top-selling medicines go off patent. GSK reported core earnings per share of 55p on sales of 8.55billion for the three months to 30 September, beating analysts' forecasts of 47.1p on sales of 8.24billion. GSK told investors on Wednesday it now expects annual revenue to increase by 6 to 7 per cent this year, compared to previous guidance of 3 to 5 per cent growth. GSK boss Emma Walmsley prepares to step down after nine years at the end of 2025 The group also expects core earnings per share to soar by 10 to 12 per cent, up from 6 to 8 per cent, even when taking into account any tariffs enacted so far and potential impacts from 15 per cent tariffs on Europe. Walmsley said: 'Sales grew in all areas, with particularly strong performances in specialty medicines driven by double-digit growth in respiratory inflammation and immunology, oncology and HIV. 'We have also continued to make very good progress in R&D with four FDA product approvals so far this year, including for Blenrep in the US last week, and the start of pivotal trials and targeted business development to advance 15 scale pipeline opportunities, all launching before 2031. 'Together, we have delivered a step-change in operating performance, new prospects for growth and a clear pathway for scale patient impact and sustained shareholder value.' Revenue in its US business grew 7 per cent at constant exchange rate to 4.55billion. Vaccine sales down as RFK Jr takes aim at jabs However, GSK reported a 15 per cent drop in quarterly sales of its shingles vaccine, Shingrix, citing a slowdown in the pace of reaching 'harder-to-activate unvaccinated consumers'. US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr has taken aim at vaccines, cutting funding for research and ousting the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which makes vaccine recommendations. Overall sales of GSK's vaccines for the reported quarter were 2.68billion, above analyst expectations of 2.55billion. GSK maintained its 2025 forecast for a decrease of low-single-digit percent to broadly stable vaccine revenues. GSK shares were up 2.1 per cent to 1,679.5p in early trading, having added around 22 per cent since the start of the year. Sheena Berry, healthcare analyst at Quilter Cheviot: said: 'With this being the last quarterly update from outgoing GSK CEO Emma Walmsley, she is going out on a high 'The group's chief commercial officer, Luke Miels steps into the role from the new year. We will await to see if there is a shift in strategy or more of the same. 'Given the growth and his background, we would expect more of the same, however, the pharmaceutical industry remains in a state of flux just now with drug pricing developments in the UK making future revenues difficult to predict.' He went by many names Brother Wang, Mr Haha, Mr T, even Nelson Mandela. But to American agents, Zhi Dong Zhang was one thing only: the face of the world's fentanyl empire. The 38-year-old Chinese national, wanted by both the US and Mexico, was snared in Cuba after one of the biggest manhunts in modern narcotics history. Zhang, who stands just over five foot seven, small and wiry with an unkempt look, has been accused of flooding the world with synthetic poison and of laundering millions through a web of ghost companies, secret accounts and offshore havens. Investigators say Zhang ran a global network linking Chinese chemical suppliers to Mexico's most violent cartels the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Both groups are now classified by Washington as foreign terrorist groups. The Mexican Attorney General's Office called him 'responsible for establishing connections with other cartels to transfer fentanyl from China to Central America, South America, Europe and the United States.' His empire spanned four continents, with luxury hideouts in Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta and Cancun. Zhi Dong Zhang, the global fentanyl kingpin, was snared in Cuba after one of the biggest manhunts in modern narcotics history The Trump administration blames Chinese 'narco-brokers' for America's fentanyl overdose epidemic Between 2020 and 2021, the syndicate allegedly trafficked 1,800 kilos of fentanyl, 1,000 kilos of cocaine and 600 kilos of methamphetamine. In his coded communications, 'coffee' meant fentanyl. 'Food' meant cocaine. American prosecutors say Zhang laundered at least $20 million in drug profits in just two years. His network used 150 shell companies and 170 bank accounts, keeping transfers under $100,000 to stay below radar. The system had two halves. A Mexican cell gathered the cartel's cash. A Chinese cell cleaned it through US banks and offshore shells. Authorities say it was a criminal operation of staggering precision part drug empire, part financial fortress. Zhang was first arrested in Mexico City in October 2024 on charges of drug trafficking, organized crime and money laundering. But months later, a Mexican judge released him to house arrest, a move that unleashed fury and allegations of corruption. In July 2025, Zhang vanished. He escaped through a tunnel dug beneath his residence, aided by a professional extraction team. President Claudia Sheinbaum promised a full inquiry. 'The Attorney General's Office is now investigating the guards and judicial officials assigned to protect him,' she said. The fugitive slipped out of Mexico under a false passport, travelling through Russia before surfacing in Cuba. Zhang was initially busted in Mexico but managed to escape from house arrest through a tunnel The Trump administration has declared war on the cartels that wreak havoc across northern Mexico Members of the Sinaloa Cartel prepare capsules with methamphetamine in a safe house in Culiacan, Mexico There, in October 2025, he was finally cornered and captured by Cuban authorities, following an intelligence operation involving both the US DEA and Mexican agents. Zhang is now detained in Havana, interrogated by Cuban officials as Washington and Mexico wrangle over who gets him first. His capture comes as President Donald Trump unleashes the biggest US naval flotilla in decades across the Caribbean, part of what the White House calls a 'total war on drug trafficking.' The operation is meant to choke off the China-to-Mexico fentanyl pipeline, blamed for hundreds of thousands of American overdose deaths. Attorney General Pamela Bondi in September declared: 'We will not rest until we stop Chinese companies from shipping poison to our citizens and bring everyone involved in this lethal trade to swift, complete justice.' Zhang's downfall shines a harsh light on China's deep entanglement in America's opioid nightmare. For more than a decade, the issue has poisoned relations between Washington and Beijing. In early 2025, Trump made China's role in the fentanyl trade a central justification for new punitive tariffs, vowing to make Beijing pay for 'killing hundreds of thousands of our citizens.' Beijing insists it's doing its part. After a diplomatic thaw between President Xi Jinping and then-President Joe Biden in 2023, China banned several fentanyl precursors. The 38-year-old Chinese national stands just over 5-foot-7, and is small and wiry with an unkempt look Zhang allegedly worked with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, which has drones and armored vehicles But experts say production has simply moved elsewhere to Myanmar and other corners of Southeast Asia, where ethnic Chinese gangs now run sprawling drug-processing labs, often with the blessing of corrupt local officials. The result: a trade that remains global, profitable, and largely out of reach. Zhang's arrest exposes the scale and sophistication of China's criminal underworld. These syndicates sit at the intersection of chemistry, finance and logistics the perfect combination for modern drug smuggling. They exploit China's vast chemical industry, still considered the main source of fentanyl precursors. They have mastered money laundering, moving billions through shell firms and cryptocurrency accounts. And they enjoy privileged access to maritime ports many owned or managed by Chinese companies giving them control over shipping routes from Asia to Latin America. Analysts say this mix of chemical access, financial expertise and port control gives Chinese gangs an unmatched advantage in keeping America hooked. The US DEA says Zhang's empire is directly tied to America's deadliest drug epidemic: fentanyl is fifty times more potent than heroin and the country's leading cause of overdose deaths. The US and Mexico have increased pressure on Beijing to regulate chemical exports and curb trafficking. But China denies responsibility, calling drug abuse a 'domestic American problem' and claiming its anti-narcotics laws are among the strictest in the world. Meanwhile, fentanyl continues to pour north, killing Americans at a rate unseen in modern history. Members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel stoke fear across Michoacan state and other parts of central Mexico A cartel fentanyl-making lab and warehouse following a police raid near central Tijuana, Mexico San Francisco had to open a triage center for drug addicts because of the city's chronic problem President Trump and his Secretary of War Pete Hegseth have launched military strikes to halt drug traffickers Zhang's case has deepened the mistrust between Washington and Beijing. It also embarrassed Mexico, where his escape from house arrest became a national scandal. Critics say the case exposes the fragility of Mexico's judicial system and the ease with which drug money buys influence. His re-capture, however, has been hailed in both Mexico City and Washington as a rare triumph of cooperation. Still, Cuba has yet to comment publicly, leaving open the question of whether Zhang will be extradited, deported or quietly sent back to China. Officials in Washington say Zhang's arrest is one of the most significant blows yet to the China-Mexico fentanyl network. The Trump administration bullishly maintains that 'global law enforcement can catch anyone, anywhere.' For Mexico, it is a chance to restore credibility after months of humiliation. For the US, it marks a symbolic victory in a war that has claimed more American lives than Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan combined. But for Beijing, it is another diplomatic storm a reminder that its citizens and companies remain central to the trade in the world's most lethal drug. Zhang's fall comes as US warships patrol the Caribbean, intelligence planes sweep the Gulf, and special taskforces trace the web of chemicals, cash and crypto that sustain the global fentanyl trade. His case, officials say, captures the new face of 21st-century crime a hybrid of cartels, corporations and computer networks stretching from Shanghai to Sinaloa. Cartel gunmen stand on a street amid clashes with federal forces amid Mexico's escalating crime wave Mexican officials in late 2024 trumpeted the seizure of 400,000 fentanyl pills and six tons of precursor chemicals The Justice Department calls it 'a new phase of transnational enforcement' one that blends criminal, diplomatic and military power. In the end, the arrest of Zhi Dong Zhang Brother Wang, Mr Haha, the man who thought he was untouchable may prove a defining moment in the global war on fentanyl. A battle that now stretches from the jungles of Myanmar to the streets of Miami. And, as President Trump's flotilla sails through the Caribbean, it is a war that the US says it cannot afford to lose. Cradled there in her proud dad's arms, this could be a snapshot of any happy family celebrating a new arrival. But this touching photo shows missing California girl Melodee Buzzard held tenderly by Rolando Rubiell 'Pinoy' Meza the father she never got the chance to know. Father-of-two Meza was killed in a car crash at the age of 40 in 2016 just six months after that photo was taken. Now, his nine-year-old daughter Melodee is missing thought to be somewhere in Nebraska or Kansas after her mother Ashlee Buzzard, 40, took her on a road trip on October 7, only to return to their Lompoc home alone. Buzzard is currently refusing to cooperate with investigators and has spent much of the past two weeks holed up in the three-bedroom house, refusing to answer the door to social workers from Santa Barbara County Child Welfare Services. Meza's mother Lilly Denes has now issued a plea for her granddaughter's safe return, telling the Daily Mail she had not seen Melodee for four years and only found out about her disappearance when social workers called to ask what she knew. Lilly, 75, told the Mail: 'I said no, I haven't seen her for four years because this woman [Buzzard] has been hiding the baby from me, from her own mother, her stepdaughter and my other son. 'She doesn't let her see any of us. None of us. It's a very sad situation.' The grieving grandmother of missing Melodee Buzzard, 9, shared a heartbreaking photo with Daily Mail of her late son, Rolando Rubiell 'Pinoy' Meza, cradling his now-missing daughter just six months before he died in a car crash Lilly Denes, 75, says she hasn't seen her granddaughter in four years because the girl's mother, Ashlee, has intentionally kept her hidden from family - including her half-sister and uncle The last confirmed sighting of Melodee was on October 7, in her mother's white Chevrolet Malibu that was caught on camera heading to Nebraska - over 1,500 miles from their California home In a plea for information, Lilly added: 'I beg you guys. Anyone who knows anything about where my baby is, let the police know.' The intervention from the devastated septuagenarian came as the search for Melodee entered its third week. Melodee was reported missing on October 14 by her school district who said the homeschooled child had failed to pick up any assignments since August. Last Friday, cops released new images of the little girl showing her wearing a wig and a black hoodie at a rental car company in Santa Maria, California, with her mother. Melodee was also captured on security cameras during pitstops on the 1,500-mile drive to Nebraska but there have been no sightings of her since her mother's return home. In a statement, the Santa Barbara Sheriff's department said: 'Through their ongoing investigation, detectives have narrowed the critical timeline to between October 7 and October 10, 2025. 'Investigators have confirmed that Ashlee was seen returning to her Lompoc residence on October 10, driving the same rental vehicle she departed with on October 7 - but Melodee was not in the car. 'Investigators understand that this three-day road trip went from Lompoc to the Nebraska area, with the return trip including the state of Kansas. Denes led a candle lit vigil outside of Melodee's home in Lompoc, California. She told the Daily Mail she only found out she was missing when CPS called for information (Pictured: Denes holding a photo of baby Melodee, her deceased son and herself) Buzzard has refused to work with authorities since her daughter was reported missing on October 14. When two plain clothes cops handed her an official form last Thursday, she slammed the door in their faces (pictured) Since Melodee's disappearance, unmarked Federal vehicles have parked on Buzzard's street, monitoring incase the mother tried to abscond Her 'uncooperative' mother Ashlee was spotted for the first time last Wednesday since she holed up at her modest cream cottage in Lompoc, California, leaving to try to rent a car in Santa Maria almost 20 miles away Police released new images last Friday of the little girl with her mother at a rental car company in Santa Maria, California, that showed her wearing a wig and a black hoodie 'Detectives are now focused on determining where Melodee was during those three days and where she may be now.' Sheriff Bill Brown added, 'Our detectives are following every lead in this case. We continue to seek information from the public that could help us find Melodee. 'We remain determined to bring her home safely.' The release of these photos came after Daily Mail uncovered an eerie Google Maps image last week showing Melodee staring out into the street with her hair pulled back in May 2023. Although the search is focused on Nebraska and Kansas, cops have still spent most of the last week shadowing Buzzard in unmarked cars including on an outing last Wednesday where she twice attempted to rent a car but was refused each time. Last Thursday, two plain clothes cops were seen talking to the 40-year-old at the front door of her home and handing her an official form before she slammed the door in their faces. Feckless Buzzard, who previously declared bankruptcy after amassing debts totaling $23,000, has a history of failing to pay credit card bills and is currently being dragged through the courts by Capital One. She also gave Melodee a solitary lifestyle that includes no contact with her extended family, among them her half-sister Corinna Meza, 30. The Daily Mail uncovered an eerie Google Maps image last week of Melodee staring into the street while standing on her doorstep in May 2023 Melodee's half-sister Corinna Meza, 30, was also seen last Monday night fruitlessly banging on the door in an effort to talk to the elusive mother Melodee's aunt Lizabeth Meza said Ashlee previously lost custody of the little girl due to a mental health battle Speaking to the Daily Mail last week, Melodee's aunt Lizabeth Meza said Buzzard had 'isolated' herself from the family. 'I haven't talked to either Melodee or Ashlee in four and a half years,' Lizabeth said. 'Ashlee isolated herself and Melodee from the entire family, and we were told years ago that she was adopted out.' She also revealed that Buzzard had previously lost custody of Melodee due to mental health woes, adding that she had had a conversation with the mom-of-one in which she admitted psychological problems run in the family. Both Lizabeth and Meza have made repeated attempts to contact Buzzard since the child vanished, with the 30-year-old even trying to get hold of her at home only for the door to be slammed in her face. 'We don't know any more other than that she might be in Nebraska,' Meza told the Daily Mail after being asked if she had any further updates on the search. She added that Buzzard is still refusing to talk to her or her family, adding: 'I've tried to give Ashlee my number twice, but she never got in touch.' Campaigners have called for the reform of a 'secretive' fast track court system after a dementia sufferer received a criminal conviction over 43 of unpaid car tax. The Single Justice Procedure (SJP) allows public authorities to bring quick prosecutions in hearings conducted behind closed doors. Issues have been raised over the scheme for years, including numerous wrongful prosecutions and charges against people who are ill or have died. Even so, it continues to be heavily used by official bodies, with Transport for London (TfL) alone bringing 748 prosecutions last week. The latest shocking case relating to the SJP involves an 87-year-old woman with dementia whose car tax expired in February. She was taken to court by the DVLA for a sum unpaid between then and April. In response, her son wrote to the court to say the woman's husband, who previously dealt with bills at their home in Basildon, Essex, had been admitted to a care home last December after developing advanced dementia. The woman began showing symptoms of dementia herself in July and is now in a care home too. The Magistrates' Association held a major intervention to demand an overhaul of the 'secretive' SJP (File image) Despite her son insisting she was 'very confused' and unable to deal with the legal action brought under the SJP, it was not halted - according to court papers seen by the Standard. Penelope Gibbs, director of Transform Justice, insisted the case was fresh evidence of the need to reform the procedure. She told the Mail: 'The single justice procedure is currently an unfair system. The SJP is cheap and speedy for prosecutors, but involves prosecuting hundreds of people on an industrial scale, often for small mistakes. 'Prosecutors know little about and appear not to care whether defendants intended to break the law. 'Until prosecutors make the effort to find out who they are charging, vulnerable, ill and disabled people will continue to be prosecuted in error.' One of the most prolific users of the SJP is Transport for London (TfL). Out of the 748 prosecutions it brought last week, most were for fare dodging, although one defendant was fined for bringing an e-scooter onto the Tube network. Previously, another Tube user, 27-year-old John Cejas, was told to pay more than 500 for entering Whitechapel Station in East London on rollerskates. Ms Gibbs said she was 'concerned' by the number of people TfL was prosecuting. 'There are people who deliberately evade paying fares who definitely need to be apprehended. 'But there are also people who make mistakes, and very vulnerable people who will also be dragged into the prosecution net. 'Until TfL finds out more about each defendant they prosecute, there is a risk of miscarriages of justice.' Concerns have repeatedly been raised about people who are ill or elderly being wrongly targeted under the SJP. One 82-year-old in sheltered housing was previously convicted after the DVLA found he had not paid a 35 tax bill on his Ford B-Max in September 2024. He wrote to the court, which heard the case last month, explaining that his wife died on August 6, 2024 and that he was 'preoccupied'. 'I paid the tax as soon as I became aware that I had forgotten,' he added. Normally, the DVLA could have decided to withdraw the prosecution on the grounds it wasn't in the public interest. But because of the fast-track design of the SJP, this was not considered. The Magistrates' Association called last March for an overhaul of the 'secretive' SJP. The organisation said 'there are concerns' that cases are being brought before magistrates without prosecutors, such as the DVLA or TV Licensing, reading mitigations. A TfL spokesperson said: 'Our priority is the safety of our passengers and staff, which is why we take a proactive approach to preventing and reducing offending across our network. 'We are committed to ensuring that the prosecution process is fair, proportionate and transparent. Before any legal action is taken, we always contact the individual involved to offer them the opportunity to explain the circumstances and provide any mitigating information. 'We include safeguards to ensure vulnerable individuals are not unfairly penalised. Each case is assessed individually, and many factors are taken into account when deciding whether prosecution is appropriate.' The DVLA has been contacted for comment. Air traffic control shortages have left America's skies so fraught with danger that horrific plane crashes seem all-but-inevitable, experts have warned the Daily Mail. An early sign of trouble came in the form of recent ground stop notices at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, Boston Logan Airport, Los Angeles International Airport and both Fort Worth and Love Field airports in Dallas. On Wednesday evening, Newark issued a six-and-a-half-hour ground stop that halts flights at their origin from taking off to the New Jersey travel hub, with delays for those hoping to leave the NYC-adjacent hub of up to 87 minutes. Meanwhile, 4,400 flights were delayed on Thursday - with air traffic chaos spreading to Kelowna and Winnipeg airports in Canada. Those aren't caused by the government shutdown - but Canada is facing its own separate shortage of controllers. Additionally, Orlando International, Washington Reagan National and Dallas/Fort Worth had implemented Ground Delay Programs to limit the number of flights per hour arriving to the hubs. Now, experts warn that the ongoing government shutdown risks triggering a safety spiral, as already short-staffed air traffic controllers call out sick after five weeks without a paycheck. And those who are hanging on are more stretched than ever. 'The shutdown increases both fatigue and stress - therefore, the likelihood of human error increases,' Randy Klatt of the Foundation for Aviation Safety told the Daily Mail. 'Near misses become more likely, as do disasters.' Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy (pictured) has warned that staffing levels at some air traffic control towers have dropped to 50 percent of what they should be Air traffic controller and single dad Jack Criss (pictured) told CBS he has had to take on DoorDash shifts on top of his job to get by amid the shutdown On Sunday morning, flights departing for Los Angeles International Airport (pictured) were halted due to a staffing shortage at a Southern California air traffic facility As many employees take on second jobs and deal with the pressures of not being paid, staffing levels at some air traffic control towers have dropped to 50 percent of what they should be, according to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. 'My job is to keep the airspace safe. And so, if I don't feel like I have enough controllers or enough controllers that are focused, we will slow down traffic, we will stop traffic,' Duffy said in a press conference earlier this week. Pleading with congress to end the shutdown, National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) President Nick Daniels called the lack of pay a dangerous distraction to staff. 'Every day that this shutdown drags on, the system becomes less safe,' he warned during a press conference. Fully-qualified air traffic controllers starting salaries range from $60,000 to $130,000, according to FlyingMag. Salaries max out at around $175,000, but air traffic controllers can earn more by doing overtime. Jack Criss, an air traffic controller who has had to work DoorDash delivery shifts on top of his job to get by, has described the strain the shutdown has placed on him and his colleagues. 'It is hard enough just going to work,' Criss told CBS. 'Now, when you add not getting paid, that's when you just like multiply the level of pressure. And you know, air traffic is a safety sensitive position. The margin of error is zero.' Speaking to the New York Post earlier this month, another air traffic controller said: 'The financial anxiety doesn't just hurt morale; it directly affects safety. 'When someone responsible for thousands of lives a day is worrying about whether they can pay rent or feed their kids, focus suffers. Sometimes that small moment where your mind is elsewhere can have serious impacts.' More than 14,000 controllers employed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will not be paid until the shutdown ends, and the uncertainty of when that will be is weighing on many. 'This certainly is a concern and is absolutely not ideal to have these kinds of stresses and worries while staff are being asked to show up for work,' Dr Hassan Shahidi, the President and CEO of the Flight Safety Foundation, told the Daily Mail. 'As this drags on and we get to the next paycheck not being paid, that is going to be heavily affecting these controllers.' Despite the challenges they're facing, the majority of air traffic controllers across the country have vowed to continue working to ensure Americans fly safely. 'They are professionals, they are dedicated, and when they're on the job, they'll be doing their best in terms of performing that function and keeping keeping air traffic safe,' Shahidi said. But a fraction of workers are calling in sick, the transport secretary warned last week, claiming some 'problem children' are 'lashing out' at not being paid, causing further disruption. The FAA has been closely monitoring staffing levels across the country. It slows down or even stops air traffic where there is not enough coverage. Shahidi explained that in the event that staff levels are critically low, as was the case at Hollywood Burbank Airport earlier this month when its tower stood empty for hours, flights are delayed or larger facilities take on air traffic control responsibilities. But, he said, such a situation is 'very difficult to manage.' While smaller airports are more affected by staff shortages, Shahidi added, things will get worse for major airports, too. 'The large hubs in the US - Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Miami - are of course very important to the whole heartbeat of the entire aviation system. If any of these hubs have limited capacity, it will impact the whole country. 'It's a cascading effect, and that is going to be the inflection point that will really cause major disruption.' Pictured: Travelers rest while waiting for their flights in Terminal B at Los Angeles International Airport on Sunday This appears to be happening already. On Sunday morning, flights departing for Los Angeles International were halted due to a staffing shortage at a Southern California air traffic facility. On the same day, staffing shortages also caused takeoff and arrival disruptions at Newark and Teterboro Airport (also in New Jersey) and at Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Meyers, according to the FAA. In recent days, thousands of flights across the US have been snarled, with nearly 7,000 flights delayed on Monday and 8,800 on Sunday. According to Duffy, 44 percent of delays on Sunday and 24 percent on Monday were caused by air traffic controller absences, compared to 5 percent on average before the shutdown. With the worsening situation for air traffic controllers coinciding with Thanksgiving and the busiest travel period of the year, Shahidi told the Daily Mail he believes things are now coming to a head. 'As we approach November, I would really hope that the administration and Congress can come to an agreement to lift a shutdown and get back to normal operations,' he said. Terrifying past incidents serve as a warning for what could happen if controllers lose focus or stop showing up. In August 2023, a Southwest Airlines passenger plane and private jet came within 100ft of each other on the runway at San Diego International Airport, a recent safety report stated. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) found that both the controller managing the aircraft and their supervisor made 'bad choices' that diverted their attention from the landing procedure. Disaster was only averted when the airport's automated tracking system warned the controller and the private jet quickly circled before landing without incident. Across the US in 2024, there were 1,474 recorded runway incursions - incidents 'involving the incorrect presence of an aircraft, vehicle or person' on a runway - and 2023 had a total of 1,777, an average of five per day. While plane crashes are exceptionally rare, high-profile incidents this year have shaken consumer confidence and highlighted the importance of aviation safety. In January, a US Army Black Hawk helicopter smashed into an American Airlines jet over the Potomac river, killing 67 people In January, a US Army Black Hawk helicopter smashed into an American Airlines jet over the Potomac river, killing 67 people. It was the deadliest US airline crash in more than two decades. Then, in February, a Delta plane crash-landed and flipped over at Toronto's Pearson International Airport. All 80 people on board survived. Neither of the crashes are believed to have been caused by air traffic control error and both are still being investigated. Nevertheless, Klatt, a US Navy veteran, warns similar horrors could soon be on the horizon if air traffic control shortages continue. In the four years before the Washington crash, the NTSB highlighted that there had been 15,214 'close proximity events' between commercial airplanes and helicopters at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Most of these involved a lateral separation of less than one nautical mile and a vertical separation of less than 400ft, the NTSB said. But 85 had lateral separation of less than 1,500ft and vertical separation of under 200ft. In February, a Delta plane crash-landed and flipped over (pictured) at Toronto's Pearson International Airport. Incredibly, all 80 people on board survived 'The FAA failed to act on any of those incidents and the tragic mid-air collision of January 29 occurred,' Klatt told the Daily Mail. 'Those types of incidents will no doubt increase with the shutdown. We can only hope there are no serious accidents.' Even before the shutdown, ground staff and pilots raised concerns about stressors on the system, with many pointing to lack of air traffic control staff as a major concern. According to the NATCA, the number of fully certified air traffic controllers is currently at a 30-year low. Klatt is among those who blame the FAA, saying it has failed to properly staff air traffic control towers 'for decades.' 'Despite efforts to improve the situation, we are still significantly short of qualified ATCs,' he told the Daily Mail, pointing to problems like the lengthy training process, the military turning out fewer certified controllers, the mandatory retirement age of 56, and a maximum application age of 30. 'It's a real mess that will take time to rectify.' 'Prior to the shutdown, there were already concerns,' Shahidi also said. 'There are traffic controllers that are working six days a week, 10 hours a day on a regular basis.' On top of that, efforts to modernize the system - which he described as 'absolutely necessary to ensure an efficient, safer air traffic control system' - have also been halted by the government paralysis. 'We have an infrastructure that has been struggling in terms of the communications and navigation systems, and we've seen examples of that in different facilities around the country, affecting the efficiency and ability of those airports,' Shahidi said. While aircraft inspections are continuing, the shutdown also means that the FAA has stopped issuing Airworthiness Directives, which mandate safety fixes to existing aircraft, according to the NATCA. The association said this is causing delays in maintenance and the updating of safety protocols, which is therefore putting crucial aviation technology at risk of falling behind or malfunctioning. The shutdown is also impacting the training of future aviation safety workers, Dave Spero, president of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists, said in a press release. The release said employees being trained at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma were forced to abandon their training and go home on October 3 as there was no funding available to keep them in their classes. Spero warns this will impact staffing levels in the future, adding that fully training a technician can take three to five years. 'Any lapse in training can push the clock back, as it did during the academy's closure during the pandemic,' he said. 'For every day the government is shut down and employees in the aviation ecosystem are still furloughed, another layer of safety may be peeled away.' When long-time Westpac employee Karlene Chandler asked to work from home five days a week so she could manage school drop-offs and care for her twins, she didn't expect to trigger one of the most significant legal showdowns in the post-Covid workplace. After 23 years with the bank, Ms Chandler's simple request under the Fair Work Act was refused. Westpac insisted she commute twice a week to its Kogarah office, 70km from her new home in Wilton, even rejecting her offer to work from a closer Bowral branch. This month, the Fair Work Commission ruled in her favour, finding Westpac failed to genuinely consider her request and lacked reasonable business grounds to refuse it. Deputy President Tom Roberts said there was 'no doubt' she could perform her job remotely, describing the bank's response as 'inadequate under the Act.' The case has been hailed as a landmark victory for working parents, and a warning to big business that the flexible-work era isn't over. Fair Work Commissioner Sharon Durham has revealed that hundreds of similar workplace disputes have been fought and resolved behind closed doors, with many employers unknowingly breaking the law. Speaking at the Australian Labour and Employment Relations Association conference in Brisbane this month, Commissioner Sharon Durham said she has developed a simple but highly effective method for resolving most work-from-home disputes before they ever reach arbitration. Fair Work commissioner Sharon Durham (pictured) has revealed nearly 300 cases were lodged last financial year over work from home disputes During conciliation, she said, if both sides are close to agreement, she encourages them to trial the arrangement for six months - then meet again to review how it's working. 'Of all the flexible-work matters I've handled, I've settled them all with a trial,' she told Workplace Express., 'Not one has ever come back because the trial didn't work.' Durham said the approach often diffuses tense stand-offs, allowing employees and employers to find practical middle ground without resorting to formal hearings. 'The key is finding practical solutions,' she said. 'That means the right people need to be in the room, usually the ones closest to the dispute.' Durham warned that many businesses still don't understand their obligations under section 65B of the Fair Work Act, which requires employers to genuinely consider work-from-home requests and respond in writing within 21 days. Under section 65B, employees are eligible to make a flexible work request if they've been with the same employer for at least 12 months and meet specific criteria, such as caring for a child, being pregnant, or being 55 or older. Employers, in turn, must provide a written response within 21 days outlining whether the request is approved or refused. A refusal is only valid if it's based on reasonable business grounds, and only after the employer has discussed alternatives with the worker and considered the potential consequences of saying no. Karlene Chandler won a landmark case against Westpac after the bank refused to let her work from home five days a week. She is pictured on Friday after picking her children up from school Durham told the conference the section 65B jurisdiction is still 'in its infancy', meaning both sides in disputes often fail to comply with the law. She cited one recent case where an employer ordered all staff back to the office five days a week, when a 55-year-old worker requested to keep working from home due to travel time and costs, the company rejected the request solely because it clashed with policy. Both parties, Durham said, fell short: the employee hadn't clearly tied her request to her eligibility under the Act, and the employer hadn't genuinely considered it - as the law requires. 'The employee isn't compliant because the request is not actually linked to her being over 55 and [the employer] isn't compliant because they haven't genuinely considered the request. 'They haven't explained how the business grounds related to the request, and they haven't considered other options. 'So, whatever happens, this matter is probably not going to go anywhere in arbitration,' the commissioner said. 'Someone's going to have to either withdraw' or 'they're going to have to file the make the request again'. 'The matter would just go around in circles.' But after Westpac's bruising defeat, that ignorance may not last long. Finance Sector Union national secretary Julia Angrisano said the decision 'puts all employers on notice.' 'Westpac not only failed to meet its obligations under the Fair Work Act,' she said, 'but its refusal wasn't based on reasonable business grounds. 'Too many companies are hiding behind vague claims about 'face-to-face' culture - that's no longer good enough.' CEOs are livid about how comfortable employees are with using their phones during meetings, but staff blame their increasing workload on departments being cut thin and new hires being rare. Fed-up top management at companies like JP Morgan and other powerful organizations shared their plans to combat the lack of attention at conferences with the Wall Street Journal. In an annual letter to investors sent in April, the CEO of JP Morgan, Jamie Dimon, was clear on his stance on screen time in a work assembly: 'This has to stop. Its disrespectful. It wastes time. 'If you have an iPad in front of me and it looks like youre reading your email or getting notifications, I tell you to close the damn thing,' he reinforced at Fortunes Most Powerful Women Summit. Rage at the devices comes at a time of a stagnant job market, where teams aren't growing but are expected to increase results, which, of course, adds more to employees' workloads. In May, the US had one of its slowest hiring months in years, with private payrolls increasing by only 37,000 jobs. However, employees say the rules have changed with their busy schedules, staff are expected to respond quickly to meet deadlines, regardless of where they are reporting to the outlet. Staying on schedule may be impossible for team members when CEOs refuse to share Wi-Fi passwords during meetings. CEO of JP Morgan, Jamie Dimon, was clear on his stance on screen time in a work assembly: 'This has to stop. Its disrespectful. It wastes time' Brad Fixler, a vice president of marketing at the Colorado-based healthcare system UCHealth, allowed no one to connect to the WiFi in a meeting room. Fixler told the publication that he found it increased the quality of the discussion and that the group appeared less stressed because they were not bound to their devices. He added that if someone needed to use their phone, they could do so elsewhere. Additionally, the vice president planned to take measures even further by implementing a system similar to a swear jar. 'If the phone is visible during a meeting, then money goes into the phone jar. We can gamify the rules,' said Fixler to the website. On top of that, other companies, like UGK workforce management and HR-software business, said their associates are embracing no-phone zones. Bob DelPonte, the companys chief customer experience officer, said his co-workers are calling each other out for excessive phone use with phrases like: 'Hey, you know, you seem to be somewhere else.' What bosses may not realize is that during conferences, employees use phones to communicate with others in the meeting or to compare notes. Parallel conversations are reported to be part of modern-day meeting culture, according to the Wall Street Journal. In May, the US had one of its slowest hiring months in years, with private payrolls increasing by only 37,000 jobs On the other hand, the ban on devices by CEOs could be contributing to the overwhelming stress staff have been put under this year. Burnout reached 66 precent among Americans at some point this year, according to a study by Moodle. Not all business heads see phones as a threat to the productivity of their meetings. Andy Decker, CEO of Goodwin Recruiting, finds the devices to be helpful. Decker told the outlet that while hosting remote calls with his team, he'll at times get messages that he is losing the group's attention and will move on to keep the discussion interesting. Decker's approach may be more acceptable to stressed-out staff in the seemingly worsening work culture that 2025 has brought. In March, nearly 40 percent of workers surveyed reported crying at work, according to Modern Health. This is the moment two shipping containers were cut open to uncover 230,000 worth of stolen cars - moments before they were due to be shipped half way across the world. Hundreds of vehicles are snatched from streets and driveways across the UK every day, with many smuggled abroad whole or in parts to cities from Dubai and Moscow to Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The multi-million-pound illegal trade in cars and parts has helped drive a 74 per cent increase in the number of cars stolen in England and Wales over the past decade - with the figure topping 121,000 in the year to March. But police are fighting back, with more than 2million of stolen cars seized and 154 people arrested as part of a week-long UK-wide operation targeting theft gangs. The Mail witnessed one part of the crackdown, with two shipping containers broken into using angle grinders at the port of Felixstowe in Suffolk. With larger cargo ships carrying as many as 22,000 containers and a 200 fee for each one opened, officials are unable to inspect every one. Instead, they are 'profiled' based on several factors, including their destination and contents, as well as undisclosed intelligence. The National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS) - a police unit funded by the car industry - say this process is so accurate that around 99 per cent of the containers they open are confirmed to contain stolen vehicles. Has your car been stolen? Email rory.tingle@dailymail.co.uk One of the stolen Lexus cars that was due to go to a nation in Africa. It was hidden at the back of this container, which was filled with a range of household goods Your browser does not support iframes. The first container intercepted at Felixstowe which had been destined for the Middle East housed two stolen Lexus RX 450hs and a Lexus NX300 with an estimated total value of 135,000. All were 2023 models. The second, which was going to a nation in Africa, initially appeared to contain random scrap goods before a 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser, a 2017 Lexus RX450h and a 2016 NC750 Honda motorbike worth 100,000 were found hidden in the back. Analysis of the six vehicles found they had all been stolen from London within the previous month - most likely by gangs targeting specific models based on demand from overseas buyers. A recent report by the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) found illegal vehicle exports were partly a response to a shortage of car parts across much of the Middle East and Africa. Researchers also identified shipments to former Soviet republics, including Georgia and Azerbaijan, which could be destined for sanctions-dodging Russian elites. Car thefts have driven an 82 per cent increase in insurance premium quotes since 2021, RUSI found. A common tactic is for gangs to use gadgets to mimic the signals of electronic car keys to break into luxury cars. They then fit the stolen vehicles with fake number plates and drive them to hidden sites before loading them directly into shipping containers. In other cases, cars are taken to 'chop shops' to be broken down into parts, which are harder to trace than whole vehicles and often more profitable. A cargo crew removes one of the stolen Lexus cars that was due to be shipped to the Middle East Among the goods hidden with the cars going to Africa were barbers' chairs, seen on the right of this photo. These items not only serve to hide the stolen cars, but can also be sold on A stolen Lexus is carried on a forklift truck after being pulled from a shipping container Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. The first car seized during the operation in Felixstowe earlier this month was a dark green Lexus SUV, with its owner's glasses still on the front seat alongside a wooden disposable fork and a pile of used tissues. The only sign it had been stolen was the exposed wiring on the floor where a tracker had been ripped out. Analysis showed the SUV had been stolen in the Met Police area on September 30. At the back of the container were a further two Lexus cars piled on top of each other, both of which had also been stolen within the last three weeks. Adam Gibson, ports intelligence officer at NaVCIS, told the Mail that the cars were destined for black market dealers in the Middle East - although he did not disclose the specific country the container was going to. He said gangs typically target specific cars after a significant period of surveillance. 'They identify a car to steal, then they copy the registration number of a car of the same model and colour that they have seen on the streets. 'They'll then print cloned plates and attach them to the stolen car using sticky pads to stop it being flagged as stolen when they drive it away.' Household goods, including a speaker system, stuffed inside one of the stolen cars being shipped to a country in Africa During their own raids, West Midlands Police found an 'Aladdin's Cave' of car parts across a number of storage units, as well as living quarters for workers on site Your browser does not support iframes. Mr Gibson said any damage to the cars during the process of stealing and shipping them could be repaired in the destination country using illegally obtained parts. The second container, which was destined for a country in Africa, was opened to reveal two battered silver Nissans which had not been stolen. These were accompanied by a vast range of everyday items, including dozens of scrap bikes, chairs, fridges, batteries, toilet seats and even a suitcase containing plastic trophies all stacked carelessly on top of each other. It was only after nearly an hour of searching that workers found a black Lexus hybrid that had been hidden at the back. It was later confirmed as stolen. After several more minutes, they also found a silver Toyota Land Cruiser and a Honda 750X motorbike that had both been stolen from London. Mr Gibson described the shipment as typical for containers bound for Africa, which were often accompanied by other items that could be sold on or stripped for valuable parts. He said these items also served to make the shipment appear legitimate. The intelligence officer said it was possible to order a container shipment with little more than a mobile phone and an email account, with no photo ID required. This means a criminal can arrange for an item to be shipped using fake contact details before disappearing if it is seized. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Even so, he hopes the seizures at Felixstowe could lead to prosecutions further down the line. 'We will notify the relevant local police force about the stolen cars,' Mr Gibson said. 'We'll also notify the force where the loading took place.' The searches were part of Operation Alliances - coordinated across 37 police forces in England and Wales by the National Police Chiefs' Council, using funding from the Home Office. Raids and searches across the UK led to arrests for a range of offences, including theft, fraud and conspiracy to steal, as well as modern slavery and immigration crime. Met Police officers stopped one vehicle to find a luxury car bumper in the back, leading them to discover a huge warehouse of stolen car parts worth more than 300,000 alongside a significant amount of cash. Its owners are thought to be responsible for more than 1m worth of car thefts in the London area. During their own raids, West Midlands Police came across an 'Aladdin's Cave' of car parts across a number of storage units, as well as living quarters for workers on site. Nearly 100 complete stolen vehicles were recovered, along with 34 more in chop shops or yards. A total of 13 chop shops were found overall. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. One chop shop also housed a cannabis factory, while officers also found weapons, number plates and several signal jammers. Operation Alliances used intelligence from Opal, policing's national intelligence unit for serious organised acquisitive crime. DCI Kate Brummell, its Head of Operations, said it was normal for gangs involved in stealing and exporting cars to be linked to other types of criminality. 'These gangs are often involved in more sinister crimes including the smuggling of drugs, weapons and people,' she said. 'Often these are UK-based gangs, but you also see groups that come into the UK for a short period, commit crimes then leave again.' Sharon Naughton, Head of NaVCIS, described some of the precautions owners could take to avoid their vehicle being stolen. 'There is no car that is theft proof. The first thing is to make sure you've armed and locked your car - you'd be surprised to learn how often cars aren't locked. 'There are lots of physical security measures you can install, like a steering lock or a clamp on a wheel. 'We know thieves can override those but it's about making life as hard for them as possible. 'You can also buy trackers if your vehicle is not already fitted with one, which can help find it faster.' This gang, based in Oldham, Greater Manchester, were linked to almost 100 stolen cars, which were stolen and shipped off to the Middle East, or broken down for parts. Top row, left to right: Asif Matadar, Shewaz Rehman, Imran Taj. Bottom row: Zeeshan Ali, Adam Elwood and Mohammed Irfan Crime and Policing Minster Sarah Jones said: 'Without a car or van, many people are unable to work, take their children to school or care for their loved ones. Vehicle theft is a devastating crime that leaves families completely stuck. 'As this operation has shown, it can often be linked to other serious criminality. That's why we have boosted funding to support and sustain this enforcement activity, and are also bringing forward legislation to ban electronic devices used to steal vehicles. 'I commend the officers and teams involved for bringing so many criminals to justice during this intensification week and look forward to seeing this great work continue.' Mark Kameen leads the National Vehicle Crime Reduction Partnership (NVCRP), which secured the funding for Operation Alliances. 'The results clearly demonstrate what can be achieved when the right support and investment come together behind a common goal,' he said. One gang operating in Oldham, Greater Manchester were jailed last year after being linked to nearly 100 stolen cars. The group arranged for prestige cars including Range Rovers, Mercedes, Porsche and BMWs to be stolen to order before being shipped off to the Middle East or broken down for parts. Ringleader Asif Hussain was jailed for 15 years after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal, conspiracy to handle stolen goods, conspiracy to export, and fraud. AA president Edmund King said: 'Protecting vehicles from thieves and targeting the criminals involved is important, not just for the car owners, but for everyone. 'The more we do to tackle vehicle crime, the more insurance premiums should fall.' A businessman who appeared on-stage alongside masked 'Muslim brothers' has called for peace between warring factions while also encouraging protesters to buy masks to protect themselves. The prolific social media poster known variously as 'Big Fish' and 'Trendz' played a prominent part in an anti-UKIP demonstration in Tower Hamlets, east London. He was filmed on stage alongside a megaphone-wielding speaker as people were rallied to 'stand firm'. Self-styled 'Big Fish' had previewed last Saturday afternoon's event with an Instagram video in which Tower Hamlets' mayor Lutfur Rahman gave his support for the counter-demonstration. The UK Independence Party was banned from staging a demo in Whitechapel in the Tower Hamlets borough which has the UK's biggest proportion of Muslim residents. Instead, large groups of masked Muslim youths took to the streets on Saturday - vowing to be 'ready to defend their community'. Many young men dressed in black, with hoods up and their faces covered, could be seen as Bangladesh and Palestine flags were waved. Campaigners against anti-Semitism have accused the Metropolitan Police of helping let 'extremist mobs' take to the streets. The prolific social media poster known variously as 'Big Fish' and 'Trendz' played a prominent part in an anti-UKIP demonstration in Tower Hamlets, east London He was filmed on stage alongside a megaphone-wielding speaker as people were rallied to 'stand firm' In another video, he was seen shaking hands and hugging controversial Tower Hamlets mayor Lutfur Rahman Saturday's Tower Hamlets demonstration came after police banned a planned UKIP protest to 'reclaim' the area. Many young men dressed in black, with hoods up and their faces covered, roamed the streets waving Bangladesh and Palestine flags where UKIP intended to march. The protester urging crowds to 'stand firm' said of the mooted UKIP demonstrators: 'They came specifically targeting Islam. 'They said, "We are coming on a crusade" - they said, "We need to take back our streets". 'We stand firm to let them know if you come, we will stand firm and will be ready to defend our elders, to defend our women, to defend our community. 'We have never once said we were going on crusades or going into your areas to cause you problems. 'You are coming into our homes and you want to cause us problems. What is wrong with us standing up? Today is a day we unite.' Balaclava-clad men reportedly chanted: 'We will honour all our martyrs. Allahu akbar. Zionist scum off our streets.' This is the community leader who was selling 5 balaclavas for his 'Muslim brothers' ahead of the protest against UKIP on Saturday in Tower Hamlets, east London 'Big fish' is seen on stage as a masked protester delivers a speech with a megaphone Members of the Bangladeshi community praying during a counter demonstration outside an east London Mosque And amid the scenes, community leader 'Big Fish' sold 5 balaclavas to his 'Muslim brothers' as he urged others to ensure they were prepared and ready. Suggesting protesters should cover their faces to avoid being identified by police, the trader declared: 'No face, no case.' He added: 'What's going on my people? In all our shops this Saturday inshallah if you guys need it, 5 each. 'My brothers, please start buying them now as I don't want you to come the day before and found out we have run out. 'I want to be able to facilitate this for the ends, inshallah. I've got this one as I don't like the other ones, it makes Muslims look like criminals - you know with the eye, none of that. 'Please, my brothers, come and start buying it now so I can get more stock in to facilitate everyone for the day - get them on.' He has 26,000 followers on Instagram, is listed online as having a store in Bethnal Green and has been sharing regular updates before and after Saturday's event. One from last week saw him embracing Tower Hamlets mayor Lutfur Rahman who expressed his support for last Saturday's Whitechapel demonstration. Masked men took to the streets of east London vowed to 'defend their community' against far-right protesters A masked man standing with a megaphone in Whitechapel on Saturday The frequent online poster 'Big Fish' wrote: 'The police might have said it's been cancelled or whatever, but like the mayor said we still want you there.' Mr Rahman is a divisive figure who was struck off as a solicitor and once banned from standing in election for five years after a specialist court found him guilty of vote-rigging and religious intimidation. He was re-elected as the independent mayor of Tower Hamlets in May 2022. The mayor said in the video that the 'far right' was coming to Tower Hamlets, as he urged: 'Come out - let's show our solidarity, our unity and our diversity. 'We need to be out, we need to be together - you need to celebrate and demonstrate our diversity.' 'Big Fish' captioned that video with the words 'The mayor v Bigfish' and has followed up with an array of clips, not only of Saturday's event but also promoting himself. Online links suggest he is involved with a store called 100 Trendz in Bethnal Green, east London, in the borough of Tower Hamlets - just over the border from Hackney. The Daily Mail has approached 'Big Fish' for comment. A Tower Hamlets council spokesperson said: 'We welcomed the Metropolitan Polices decision to move the proposed march from the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. It would have caused significant disruption to our local community. 'We also thank the police for the management of the counter protest in Whitechapel. 'Tower Hamlets is a leading example of a world city where people from all backgrounds live in harmony. 'Tower Hamlets is both the most densely populated and fastest growing place in the UK, and we have some of the highest rates of community cohesion. This year an independent residents survey found that 91 per cent of people say they get on well with one another. 'We will continue to champion community cohesion and diversity in a borough that is proud of both its history and heritage.' The mayor had previously posted how he would 'encourage those joining today not to mask up', adding that this would be a 'peaceful demonstration, displaying our unity against racism, violence and division'. The frequent online poster 'Big Fish' wrote: 'The police might have said it's been cancelled or whatever, but like the mayor said we still want you there' Video of the demonstration including 'Big Fish' on stage was posted in an east London Facebook group in which residents voiced concerns about the demo. One local wrote: 'I want to raise awareness about a troubling video that has surfaced. It features a man wearing a balaclava and saying, 'No face, no case'. 'He appears to be selling these balaclavas and the tone of the video is concerning, as it seems to encourage intimidation and inciting violence on our streets.' They added: 'While I do not support UKIP or their views, I'm left wondering why there appears to be talk of balaclavas and violence this weekend if the event has been cancelled. 'Why is this individual promoting behaviour that could incite fear or violence in our community?' Another said: 'The public has a right to know why masked men will be on the streets. As I would not feel comfortable allowing a lady to walk among mobs of masked men.' On Saturday, 'Big Fish' shared several posts of himself at the Tower Hamlets demonstration - in one video seen standing on stage holding a large Bangladeshi flag as a masked protester next to him delivers a speech to the crowd. In another, he is seen with a group of masked protesters saying: 'I'm here with all the brothers behind me. 'Here not for violence or hate, we are here we to stand ground on our own area which is Tower Hamlets.' His Instagram videos have titles including 'Tower Hamlets assemble' and 'Message to to the far-right extremists from the Muslims of Tower Hamlets'. In one, captioned as coming from 'Banglatown', he says: 'I just want to say one thing to the people of UKIP - stop this hostility. 'We love this country as much as you love it. I was born here. I was brought up here. 'So, my people, let's get along, inshallah, and I just want to say - this is Tower Hamlets. We won't be taking this.' The Metropolitan Police has come under scrutiny over how the weekend's demonstrations and counter-demonstrations were handled. Concerns have been raised over the marches by masked men, with Scotland Yard accused of giving them too much leeway - though police have hit back at allegations. A spokesperson for Campaign Against Antisemitism said of the Tower Hamelets demo: 'It speaks volumes about the state of policing in London that a protest was banned from entering Tower Hamlets on the grounds of "serious disorder", yet groups of masked men were permitted to march through the same streets unimpeded. Protesters gather in front of Whitechapel station in east London on October 25 2025 'For two years, the Met Police have allowed extremist demonstrations across London and time and again the force has insisted that its powers are limited or that these marches were "largely peaceful" and done nothing to ban them, despite their effect on local Jews and so many ordinary Londoners. 'But when it comes to others seeking to protest, rightly or wrongly swift and decisive bans are imposed without hesitation. 'Worse still, those spaces are then captured by Islamists and other extremists, whom the Met seems to go to pains to protect no matter their conduct. 'Why is the Met acting as bodyguards for this extremist mob? Current policing in London is flying in the face of the most fundamental values of justice and fairness and is jeopardising British Jews and the safety of all Londoners, and still nobody in the Met is being held to account.' A Met Police spokesperson said in response: 'We didnt ban the UKIP protest. We imposed conditions to prevent it taking place in Tower Hamlets to prevent serious disruption and serious disorder. 'We have used the same and similar powers to prevent protests taking place in the vicinity of synagogues and in areas with significant Jewish populations on numerous occasions over the past two years. 'We have done so in large part as a result of engagement with Jewish Londoners and in response to their concerns. 'Just this month, on the anniversary of October 7th, we imposed a substantial exclusion zone in the Westminster area to ensure a memorial event taking place, organised by the Campaign Against Antisemitism, could go ahead without disruption from opposing groups.' They added that there was one arrest for possession of an offensive weapon on Saturday in Tower Hamlets, with the suspect having been bailed, while saying there were 'no other offences/incidents of note'. While the counter-protest took place in Tower Hamlets, UKIP's planned demo was moved to central London. The Metropolitan Police last week imposed Public Order Act conditions on UKIP demonstrators, preventing them from holding the protest anywhere in the borough of Tower Hamlets. Previously, the force banned the demonstration from its planned site in Whitechapel, with officers saying there was 'realistic prospect of serious disorder'. The march was part of a series of events taking place across the UK which were promoted as a 'mass deportations tour', with organisers calling on attendees to 'reclaim Whitechapel from the Islamists', UKIP's X profile said. A wealthy City investor is facing a battle with locals in an upmarket seaside village after she submitted plans to demolish a former council house and build a luxury second home in its place. Naomi Clark, a senior executive with pension management company USS Investment Management Ltd, snapped up the two-bedroom home in Burnham Market, Norfolk, for a reported 300,000 earlier this year. She now wants to raze it to the ground and replace it with a spacious four-bedroom property to spend time in with her husband and children. But her plans have sparked a dispute with her neighbours and other locals, highlighting ongoing tensions between villagers who have lived there for generations and wealthy incomers snapping up second homes. Burnham Market is known as Chelsea-on-Sea because of its well-heeled London visitors who frequent its expensive restaurants, gastropubs and boutique shops. But the town has been at forefront of efforts across the trendy north Norfolk coast to block second home owners and holiday lets which comprise about half of all properties in the area. More than 80 per cent of its residents voted in a local referendum to crack down on the practice, which they say has left locals unable to afford their own homes there. Ms Clarks plans have come up against opposition from next-door neighbours David Wells, 92, and his wife Ivy, 87, who have lived for more than 60 years in their side of the 1930s semi, which has a pleasant view over nearby fields. Naomi Clark, a senior executive with pension management company USS Investment Management Ltd, snapped up the former two-bedroom council house (seen on the left) in Burnham Market, Norfolk, for a reported 300,000 The great-grandparents fear their lives will be turned upside down for three years by the noise and disruption of building work if consent is given for the new house. Their misery will be amplified by the fact that the dividing partition wall between their home and the other house is just single skin brick and only nine inches thick, they claim. A source close to Ms Clark has dismissed the concerns and insisted the entire project could be completed in under a year. The source also denied local rumours that she planned to rent out the house for holiday lets. But villagers have rallied to the support of Mr and Mrs Wells and dispute the claim that the entire house should be demolished because it is structurally unsafe, saying the planning application is unacceptable . More than 100 along with the parish council - have submitted objections against the plans for the house. Mr and Mrs Wells, who have lived most of their lives in the village and bought their ex-council house under right-to-buy legislation in 1983, said in a statement: Its making us feel very stressed. Were worried sick about it. In all honesty, its making us feel ill at the thought. They came around and introduced themselves when they first bought number 11 but they never told us that theyd be knocking the place down. Mr Wells, who served as a leading aircraftsman for the RAF in Egypt before becoming a farm worker, bread delivery driver and school caretaker, was in hospital recovering from a spinal injury after a fall when his wife received a letter from the council informing her about the plans for next door. Next-door neighbours David Wells, 92, and his wife Ivy, 87, who have lived for more than 60 years in their side of the 1930s semi, say their concerns about plans to raze it to the ground and replace it with a spacious four-bedroom property have left them 'worried sick' Ms Clark is understood to want to convert the property into a holiday home to be used by her, her husband and children She delayed telling him about them for around four weeks because she feared the news would disrupt his recovery. She finally informed him shortly before he returned home. Mr Wells added in a letter of objection to the council: How is it fair for us to feel unsafe in our own home, given that no assurances have been made with regards to our safety or comfort? Banging, drilling and demolishing day in day out for who knows how long isn't fair and is already impacting my wife's health prior to any such approval. At 92 years of age, I should be getting rest as should my wife at 87. Should this go ahead, we wouldn't even be able to have our windows open for fresh air given the dust and potential asbestos fibres in the air. Mr Wells also stated that they feared long-running building work could mean paths outside their home being blocked. The couples granddaughter, Amy Nelligan, 41, of nearby Syderstone said: To them, it isnt just a house - it is their home, a home where they have raised their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and every brick of that home holds the memory of a life deeply rooted in this community. Over the decades, they have given so much back to the village. My grandmother proudly served on this parish council for 19 years. Together, theyve dedicated countless hours to local fundraising, supported village events, and contributed to the strong sense of community that makes Burnham so special. In many ways, they have helped shape the village into the welcoming and close-knit community that it is today. Locals are disputing claims that the home Ms Clark bought has has 'structural defects' which mean demolishing it before building an entire new property is the best option Architects' plans show how the new four-bedroom house would look when finished My grandfather is just back home from a prolonged stay in hospital and is still recovering after a very bad fall. The thought that he would have to suffer the trauma of a complete demolition and rebuild of the attached property during his recovery is deeply worrying. The noise, the vibration from heavy plant, the dust, and the loss of privacy and anxiety about damage to the fabric of their home would be extremely distressing for them and would have a serious detrimental effect on their mental and physical wellbeing. At their age, peace, stability, and familiarity are not just luxuries, they are essential. The prospect of such disruption brings great anxiety even now and it would inevitably delay my grandfathers recovery. It seems wholly unjust that, during what should be their peaceful and final years, they may have to face such stress and upheaval. Ms Nelligan added: When the new neighbours came round to introduce themselves, they said there might be a little bit of knocking things through. When my grandmother saw the plans, she was absolutely mortified. Mr and Mrs Wellss near neighbour, Ian Mullard, 68, the retired owner of a communications company, said planning officers at Kings Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council had asked Ms Clark to submit evidence that her existing house needed to be demolished. He claimed it was inconceivable that demolition and rebuilding work would not cause serious structural damage to the home of Mr and Mrs Wells. The shared roof is constructed from concrete tiles, the profile of which has long gone out of production, Mr Mullard said. Mr and Mrs Wells granddaughter, Amy Nelligan, 41, claimed: When the new neighbours came round to introduce themselves, they said there might be a little bit of knocking things through. When my grandmother saw the plans, she was absolutely mortified. No supporting evidence has been submitted in the application to suggest how the old roof and the new roof might knit together. Mr Mullard said the 16 semi-detached homes in the close had survived the arctic winters of the 50s and 60s, the great flood of 1953, hurricane force gales in 1987 and 42 degree summers in the 2020s. All the houses in the road were therefore sound and stable, meaning the demolition of Ms Clarks house was not necessary. They still stand solid and unmoved by the vagaries of our English weather systems, he added. Burnham Market Parish Council said in its submission that the proposal should be blocked because of the 'excessive construction disruption'. It added: 'The proposed works are expected to take up to three years. 'Such a prolonged construction period would cause sustained noise, dust, vibration, and general disturbance to neighbouring properties.' Another local objector wrote: 'If Number 11 is said to be unsafe, then surely Number 12 is at risk too. The house bought by Ms Clark was on the market for about two years before it was bought for a reported 300,000 'It doesn't seem safe to take one house down and not expect damage to the one next to it. What if something happens while they're inside? It doesn't bear thinking about.' Burnham Market residents voted overwhelmingly to curb second homes and holiday lets in a 2023 referendum. They are among towns and villages in a virtually unbroken 30-mile stretch of north Norfolk coast to have imposed measures including preventing the sale of newbuilds to those using them as principal properties and doubling council tax. Locals argue communities are being left like ghost towns during the off-season when holidaymakers go home, while outsiders clamour for properties in the picturesque region has left locals unable to afford to live there. The house bought by Ms Clark was also a council house until it was bought by the elderly tenants. It was put up for sale in 2023 by the couples two daughters after the death of their widowed mother and was finally purchased earlier this year. A spokesman for Ms Clarks architects, Thomas Faire, said: A structural report has been completed on the property by a fully qualified structural engineer, which concludes that there are structural defects and recommends demolition prior to reconstruction. Beyond the above, we do not wish to comment further. Ms Clark, who graduated from Loughborough University with a degree in English Literature and subsequently gained a 1st class degree in Finance from Oxford Brookes, is head of investment product management at USS. She was previously at JP Morgan. Ms Clark said in a statement: '[We] will do everything we can to minimise disruption to our neighbours over the nine months estimated build time. She said in a statement: North Norfolk has been a big part of our family life and our young children are excited to have a home in the area. Whilst we have been upset by how this narrative has played out online, we look forward to engaging fully with the planning process and will do everything we can to minimise disruption to our neighbours over the nine months estimated build time. A source close to Ms Clark added: The prevailing public opinion and the local press state the construction would last three years. This is incorrect the construction period would be under 12 months for a straightforward project of this nature, with the heavy construction works lasting roughly six months. There is a well-known restrictive covenant on the former council houses at Walkers Close, which states that they cannot be used for short-term lets... An independent structural report, conducted by a qualified structural engineer, recommends demolition and reconstruction as the preferred option. The existing structure is experiencing structural distress at Category 3 and contains hazardous materials such as asbestos. The neighbouring property and its occupants are protected under law by the Party Wall Act, which ensures that a surveyor can be appointed - at the applicants expense - to safeguard the neighbouring building during and after construction. Finally, the construction of these homes directly supports the local building industry, creating well-paid, highly skilled employment for local contractors, tradespeople and suppliers. It also provides opportunities for apprenticeships and broader youth employment. The planning application will be considered by West Norfolk Council at a later date. This is the home where national treasure Prunella Scales lived for nearly 60 years - and where she passed away. The much-loved actress was still living in her beloved 3million family home near Wandsworth Common, south-west London, when she died, aged 93. The house she bought with husband Timothy West in 1968 is still listed in both their names at the Land Registry, though Mr West died almost a year ago, aged 90. There was talk of the couple selling up six years ago, but they appear to have hung onto it. Prunella died 'peacefully at home in London yesterday', her sons Samuel and Joseph said in a moving statement on Tuesday. Paying tribute to their 'darling mother', they revealed she was watching Fawlty Towers the day before she died. As well as their bricks and mortar, Prunella also owned Snipe Productions - a company she incorporated in 1972 as a young actress two years before the first episode of Fawlty Towers. Husband Timothy was still listed as a director despite his death in November 2024. This is the 3million family home near Wandsworth Common, south-west London, where national treasure Prunella Scales lived for nearly 60 years - and where she passed away The house she bought with husband Timothy West in 1968 is still listed in both their names at the Land Registry, though Mr West died almost a year ago, aged 90 Earlier this year it was revealed that in a final act of generosity, Timothy West left thousands of pounds of his fortune to a variety of charities which were close to both his and Prunella's hearts after his death The company had reserves of 293,800 as of the end of March 2024 and the accounts were signed off by the couple's son Sam, also a director of the company, but better known as an actor in his own right, currently starring in Channel 5 series All Creatures Great and Small. Earlier this year it was revealed that in a final act of generosity, Timothy West left thousands of pounds of his fortune to a variety of charities which were close to both his and Prunella's hearts after his death. The star, who was married to Fawlty Towers' Ms Scales for more than 60 years and appeared in soaps Coronation Street and EastEnders, died peacefully with his family around him at a care home in November 2024, aged 90. In June, newly released documents showed he left 15,000 to The Combined Theatrical Charities Appeals Council, a fundraising organisation which supports UK stage charities. West also put 10,000 aside for each of the Bristol Old Vic and Theatre Royal Trust, Southwark Cathedral, arts charity Snipe Charitable Trust and aid organisation Medecins Sans Frontieres UK. Another 5,000 of his 109,892 estate, reduced from 221,425 after deductions, went to the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. The Brass actor left a further 20,000 to his sister Patricia Anne West in the will which was initially drawn up in 2020 while he was living at the house in Wandsworth. Scales, who played Sybil, the wife of rude hotel owner Basil Fawlty in Fawlty Towers, received the remainder of the estate - a sum of 29,892. An amendment to the will in March 2024 stated: 'I declare jointly with my wife Pru we are giving to our son Sam the sum of 300,000 to aid the renovation of his home.' Father Ted creator Graham Linehan was the victim of a harassment campaign by the pro-trans lobby and not the perpetrator, his trial heard. Feminist campaigner Julie Bindel said she was 'appalled' when she heard the Irish comedy writer was being taken to court over his run-ins with 18-year-old Sophia Brooks, a trans woman and activist. She accused 'scary' Ms Brooks of 'intimidation and threatening behaviour' after appearing at the Battle of Ideas conference alongside Linehan, where she accused the teenage activist of provocatively filming delegates and disrupting proceedings. Fellow witness Kate Harris from the LGB Alliance said Ms Brooks was part of an 'intimidating campaign' to silence those who stood up for scientific fact in the gender-sex debate. Linehan, 57, denies one count of harassment and a further charge of criminal damage after he threw Ms Brooks phone away while she was recording him. Ms Bindel told Linehan's trial she had often been intimidated by Ms Brooks and others, including at the Battle of Ideas conference in London in October last year, where Ms Brooks attempted to photograph or film those present. Referring to Ms Brooks with male pronouns, she told the trial: 'I was absolutely outraged. 'I saw him (Brooks) with something else other than his phone, and he was using it to put it into the faces of his targets - all women.' Graham Linehan has been on trial at Westminster Magistrates' Court for harassment Ms Bindel said she was leaving the conference when she was followed by Ms Brooks. 'Brooks had the camera phone out, pointing at me, just general unpleasant harassment,' she said. 'It was intimidating, I felt scared of him. 'I felt like getting away from the venue but I felt I would be unsafe because he would have very likely followed me.' Westminster Magistrates' Court was shown footage of Ms Brooks asking why the comedy writer had referred to teenagers as 'domestic terrorists', in response to which he called Ms Brooks an 'incel' and a 'groomer'. Ms Bindel said she then heard Linehan tell Ms Brooks to 'go away'. 'He had been his usual friendly self and very quickly he appeared like a man that had had enough, he just wanted them to go away,' she said. She added: 'I was appalled when I heard this criminal case was going ahead. Sophia Brooks was shielded from public view by supporters as she left the court building after giving evidence last month 'I was appalled when I heard he was being taken to court for criminal offences when I could see he was being harassed. 'I approve of the law being upheld, but this was so clearly a case of (Mr) Linehan being harassed by the same men who had done that to women. 'It was intimidation and harassment.' Ms Harris said she had her own encounter with Ms Brooks at the conference when she began taking pictures and 'getting in people's faces'. Also using the male pronouns, she said: 'It felt he wanted to get everybody, he wanted to get all of us in his power, to intimidate, to silence, to say: "I'm the big man here, I can do what I want." 'These attacks are cumulative - they build and they build and they build. 'They plan to undermine our events or how to silence us. It is part of an organised campaign of intimidation. 'It makes you begin to despair.' Prosecutor Julia Faure Walker previously said Linehan had posted about Ms Brooks 'relentlessly', and that his posts were 'oppressive'. The court previously heard that Linehan had posted on social media about someone with the name 'Tarquin', which Ms Faure Walker said was the defendant's 'derogatory term' for the complainant. But Linehan does not accept his online posts amounted to harassment, and said he believed exposing tactics of trans activists 'was in the public interest'. He watched today's proceedings via video link. The trial continues. The man who was wrongly convicted of killing TV presenter Jill Dando was too ill to appear in court today charged with rape and indecent assault. Barry George was set to appear before Westminster Magistrates' Court accused of attacking a 14-year-old girl almost 40 years ago. The 65-year-old would have been in his twenties at the time. The sex attacks allegedly took place in west London in September 1987. George was convicted in 2001 of murdering broadcast journalist and Crimewatch presenter Ms Dando, but he was acquitted unanimously in 2008 following a retrial. He served several years of a life sentence in prison before being freed after experts raised concerns about the legal significance of a single particle of gunshot residue that was found in his overcoat pocket. Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring accepted a letter from the GP of George, 65, of County Cork, Republic of Ireland, that set out longstanding health issues. The district judge told the court that while precise details of the medical issues would remain private, he was 'satisfied that there is a good reason for him not to be here'. Barry George, pictured in 2019, was wrongly convicted of murdering Jill Dando at her home in Fulham in 1999. He later had his conviction overturned Ms Dando, a journalist and Crimewatch presenter, was fatally shot on her front doorstep. Her murder remains unsolved George is accused of one count of rape and two counts of indecent assault in September 1987 on an alleged victim who was aged 14 at the time. The incidents are reported to have taken place in west London. A hearing is due to take place at the Old Bailey on November 26, when it is expected George will appear via videolink. He was granted unconditional bail until then. Ms Dando was forced to the ground and shot in the head on the doorstep of her home in Fuljham on April 26 1999. She was 37. Her killer has never been found. Following his acquittal, George went to live with his sister in Cork in 2010. He has always denied any involvement in Ms Dando's murder and has called for Scotland Yard to reopen the investigation to identify the killer. Milorad Ulemek, 57, a Serbian former paramilitary commander and convicted assassin who is serving a 40-year prison sentence, has been named as a possible suspect in the case. After Ms Dando was killed, the BBC received a call saying she was targeted in revenge for a recent Nato attack on a TV station in Belgrade, Serbia, in which 17 people died. Weeks earlier she had hosted a television appeal that raised 54 million for Kosovan refugees who fled Serbian paramilitaries during the civil war in the former Yugoslavia. A British soldier who died of a gunshot wound after being injured by a bomb in Ukraine was 'concerned about how war casualties were being dealt with', and inquest has heard. Former Royal Marine commando Oliver Bovey was fighting against Russian forces in the Donetsk region when an explosion caused by either an anti-personnel mine or an IED left him with leg injuries. It is believed that the 27-year-old could have survived his initial injuries as a tourniquet was applied. But a post mortem carried out back in the UK found he had suffered a single gunshot wound 'to the roof of the mouth', which was consistent with being inflicted by a 'high velocity' assault rifle. Coroner Darren Salter told a hearing at Oxford Coroners Court there was 'insufficient' evidence to record a verdict of suicide - as there were no witnesses or evidence of intent. 'The issue and nature of the gunshot wound to the head raises consideration maybe it was a self-inflicted gunshot', he said. 'But to reach a conclusion of suicide, we need to determine did they intend to end their life. 'Oli sustained blast injuries to his lower legs. This is not a typical case of suicide. There isn't evidence to sufficiently indicate Oli was responsible for the gunshot wound to his head.' The inquest heard Oli, of Torquay, Devon, had raised concerns with his loved ones back at home about the 'evacuation of injured troops' shortly before his death. Soldiers amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine in January of this year (stock image) Mr Salter said there was a concern Oli had raised in advance about the 'evacuation of the injured', and acknowledged there was 'uncertainty' about what had happened during the incident in November last year. 'Unfortunately, there is an air of uncertainty around the specific circumstances', he said. 'There was a fatal gunshot wound to the head that could have been self-inflicted - but we don't know what happened and it could been inflicted by someone else as well.' The inquest was told Oli had been involved in active combat in a 'populated area', where a number of casualties had been recovered around that time, and taken to the local bureau for medical examination. A post-mortem was conducted at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital in December 2024 by Dr Russell Delaney. He concluded the 'blast injuries' to his lower legs were 'in keeping with shrapnel - most likely an anti-personnel mine or IED that exploded under his legs.' He wrote in his report that this would have caused 'immediate blood loss, but not immediate death', adding he 'would have been amenable' to treatment. Ukrainian authorities confirmed a tourniquet was put in place, and an initial post-mortem carried out overseas did not record a gunshot wound, and instead listed death as being caused by a 'shrapnel wound'. But Dr Delaney concluded a separate 'penetrating wound to the head, with entry to the roof of the mouth' was the cause of death. He added the wound was consistent with being caused by a 'high velocity assault rifle' and would have been the 'immediate and principle cause of his death'. The inquest at Oxford Coroner's Court (pictured) heard Oli, of Torquay, Devon, had raised concerns with his loved ones back at home about the 'evacuation of injured troops' 'Had he survived longer, the injuries to the lower leg could ultimately have proved fatal,' the report added. Dr Delaney said it was 'feasible' for the gunshot wound to be self-inflicted, or inflicted by another person, and that it was 'not possible' for the post-mortem to determine reason or intent. Recording a narrative verdict, Mr Salter said: 'We don't have any eyewitness accounts if there were any to know exactly what happened initially. 'It does seem to be the case the lower limb injury from the explosion happened first and a tourniquet was applied. 'We have the messages to Oli's friend with the issue of him raising a question mark about recovering him from the battlefield. We don't know how concerning that was to Oli but it was shortly before his death. 'There is uncertainty about what happened. It concerns the unreliability of the Ukrainian evidence and an inability to call further evidence. 'We have little detail about how the gunshot wound was inflicted - we can not say anymore than that. 'I can not rule out it may have been Oli who inflicted that wound when he was extremely injured - but equally it could have been inflicted by other person. 'There isn't evidence to record his death as suicide 'It is a little open as we don't know details about that.' In his formal conclusion, Mr Salter added: 'Oliver Bovey was serving in the international legion of the Ukrainian army on the 27 November, 2024. 'While on a combat mission near the village of Hryhorivka, Bakhmut District, Donetsk Region, he sustained blast injuries to his legs, mostly likely from an anti-personnel mine or improvised explosive device 'These injuries would not have resulted in immediate death, and it appears a tourniquet was applied. There was also a single gunshot wound into the roof of the mouth resulting in rapid death. 'This could have been self-inflicted or inflicted by another person.' - For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details The latest Orwellian incident since the Trans Taliban took over Scotland involves Susan Smith of For Women Scotland (FWS). Shes been investigated by Police Scotland for alleged damage to a rainbow umbrella owned by renowned trans activist Tom Harlow, a member of Scotlands Cabaret Against The Hate Speech. In April, FWS famously took a case to the Supreme Court that resulted in making the UK a better, safer place for women and girls by clearly stating what a woman is. But now Police Scotland is set to dole out a punishment to one of these fine activists, showing what a sham Scotland has become. Harlow, who I have encountered on other demonstrations, was one of a mob outside Holyrood last month protesting against the presence of FWS by playing extremely loud music to drown out what the women were saying. There is even a video of Smith approaching Harlow to ask if he could turn down the music and him responding by shoving his umbrella in her face. Smith then moved it away from her face and this, according to Harlow, damaged his umbrella. As a consequence, Smith must attend a police station next week where she will be charged with vandalism. This is a state-sanctioned punishment against Smith. It is public humiliation. For Women Scotland's Susan Smith and trans activist Tom Harlow Tom Harlow flanked by Police Scotland officers Leading feminist and writer Julie Bindel The government and police capitulation to these pro-trans bullies shames Scotland. Misogyny, wrapped in a rainbow cloak, has become enshrined throughout Scottish society by its senior public servants. SNP First Minister John Swinney needs to act now or forever lose what little faith is left in his government. Stop kowtowing to these trans activists and send out a clear message that you are governing a democracy, not an authoritarian state ruled by Queer Isis. And as for Police Scotland, Jo Farrell was appointed as the first female Chief Constable last year and yet misogyny is thriving north of the Border. There was not one female-only rape and sexual assault support service in all of Scotland until JK Rowling founded and funded Beiras Place. These were the things that I, as a young feminist in the 1980s, fought to set up and Scotland is attempting to dismantle. Scotland is a laughing stock. The Susan Smith case will be a gift to Reform, and the Labour Party is nowhere to be seen when it comes to sorting out this mess. Even those who believe trans women are women should be appalled at this state-sponsored intimidation by a trans activist, supported by a police service that is happy to waste its own time and taxpayers money. I know and respect Smith, who represented FWS last month at the FiLiA conference in Brighton the largest annual feminist conference in Europe. She was there to receive the Emma Humphreys Memorial Prize, awarded to a woman or group whose campaigning against male violence is outstanding. She received a standing ovation. Smith, along with her colleagues in FWS, should be given a medal not a police warning or court date. I can well imagine how Smith feels after this. It doesnt matter how tough, resilient and brave the women targeted by these bullies are, being repeatedly hounded has a dreadful effect on our wellbeing. Over the 21 years that trans activists have targeted me, I have endured some very dark moments. The Scottish Government, police and other institutions that have bent over backwards to protect these sadistic bullies are cowards. Allowing this aggressive movement to instil such fear and intimidation in women who are doing nothing except trying to maintain our basic rights is a stain on the country. A racing tipster who beat women in a dungeon has been found guilty of offering another victim cash for sexual activity. Wick Sheriff Court heard Kevin Booth, 65, had pleaded not guilty to repeatedly offering a housekeeper money for sexual massages in 2022 at his luxury home in Altnabreac, Caithness. The victim, 38, had secretly recorded the conversations on her mobile phone in October and November that year. Sheriff Principal Eilidh MacDonald found Booth guilty of the charge under the Sexual Offences Scotland Act. His sentence was deferred until November 25 and he was placed on the sex offenders register. Booth's housekeeper had recorded conversations between them on her phone Booth outside his Highland lodge at Altnabreac in Cathness In February, he was given a worldwide travel ban after recruiting women to work at his lodge, where he was said to have abused them in an underground chamber. Booths house was searched in March 2019, but proceedings against him were discontinued in March 2021. Police Scotland then raised a civil action against him, leading to the travel ban. Sunrise host Nat Barr has questioned how an elderly woman could have allegedly been left behind by a cruise ship before she was found dead on a tourist island. Authorities have launched an investigation into the death of the Coral Expeditions passenger, 80, at Lizard Island off the Far North Queensland coast on Saturday. The solo traveller, who was on the $80,000 trip, was hiking up to the Cook's Look summit with fellow passengers when she needed to stop and became lost while making her back to the ship. She was reported missing after she failed to return to the Coral Adventurer anchored offshore, sparking a land and sea search that continued well into the night and early morning. Her body was located 50m off the walking track and retrieved from the mountain the following day, sparking many questions about safety protocols. Boaties anchored near the island on Saturday claimed that the woman was left behind by the ship before the vessel returned hours later to search for her by torchlight. They also claimed that a headcount was conducted by crew when snorkelling passengers returned to the boat, but not those who had gone to the island. Barr asked the question on everyone's mind when a cruising expert appeared on the program on Wednesday. Nat Barr has asked the question on everyone's mind after the tragic death of a cruise ship passenger on Lizard Island on Saturday The woman's body was found 50m off the walking track on Lizard Island's Cook's Look summit Pictured is the search on Sunday 'How does something like this happen?' she asked. Cruising expert Adrian Tassone admitted he had no idea how it could have occurred. 'That's something I'm really struggling to understand myself,' he said. 'Cruise lines in normal operation will always know who is on the ship and who isn't. 'If the reports are to be believed and this woman was left on the island, I really can't understand how that occurred. 'It's something that most people are questioning and are trying to come to grips with.' Mr Tassone said that many cruise companies have strict systems in place, such as headcounts, to ensure all passengers are accounted for at all times. The Coral Adventurer, which has capacity for 120 guests, is currently on a 60-night circumnavigation of Australia, having departed Cairns last week. 'It's unusual for numbers to not be known and checked, but I think what's important in this instance is that it's an expedition cruise,' Mr Tassone said. Adrian Tassone, also known as The Cruise and Travel Guy, says the tragic death of a cruise ship passenger on Lizard Island has left many unanswered questions Boaties have claimed that cruise ship crew did a headcount of snorkelling passengers returning to the vessel but not those who explored Lizard Island (pictured) 'It's atypical from the regular cruise environment. 'This ship held a maximum of 120 passengers, so I struggle to understand how a headcount wasn't conducted. 'Typically, you get on a cruise ship and you scan a card that is your key card, which indicates when you're on and off the ship. Those manifests I understand are across all cruise lines. 'I don't know if Coral Expeditions operates in a different manner to that, but I am really surprised something more robust isn't in place that should have prevented this from happening.' A Coral Expeditions spokesman told Daily Mail he was unable to comment further while investigations are underway. 'While investigations into the incident are continuing, we are deeply sorry that this has occurred and are offering our full support to the woman's family,' chief executive Mark Fifield said in a statement on Tuesday. 'The Coral team has been in contact with the woman's family, and we will continue to offer support to them through this difficult process. 'We are working closely with Queensland Police and other authorities to support their investigation. We are unable to comment further while this process is underway.' The woman was reported missing hours after she failed to return to the Coral Adventurer (vessel pictured) The woman was on her first stop of a 60-day, $80,000-a-ticket trip around Australia when she died. Traci Ayris and her partner were anchored off the island on Saturday when they began listening to radio transmissions sent from the Coral Expeditions' vessel. 'They did headcounts for snorkellers (which we heard) but not for other guests on the island it would seem,' she told the Cairns Post. 'The last people came down from the track and got into tender then the (ship) left very soon after that. 'We even commented, "Wow they left fast".' She claimed the vessel didn't return to search for the missing passenger until later that night. Police are treating the woman's death as non-suspicious and will prepare a report for the Coroner. Popular with divers, snorkellers and hikers, Lizard Island is one of the most remote tourism destinations on the Great Barrier Reef. Cook's Look is the highest point on the island and follows the footsteps of British explorer Captain James Cook, who is believed to be the first European to have trekked up the mountain in 1770 after his ship Endeavour struck a reef. Launched in 2019, the Coral Adventurer cruise ship has a capacity of up to 120 passengers and 46 crew. The ship is currently en route to Darwin, where it will be met by Australian Maritime Safety Authority officials investigating the tragedy. Male fertility could be significantly affected by exposure to 'forever chemicals' after a study in animals raised concerns about potential generational effects. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of 15,000 toxic, synthetic chemicals used for their resistance to heat, stains and grease. Science around the chemicals is evolving but previous research has found exposure can be associated with increased cholesterol levels, reduced kidney function, lower birth weight in babies and other health issues. A study by the University of Newcastle has examined the effect of PFAS on male reproductive health in animals, aiming to determine any causal links between the chemicals and sperm health. In the study, male mice were exposed to PFAS-contaminated water at concentrations reflecting real-world environmental exposure in areas of Williamtown in the NSW Hunter region. PFAS chemicals were used in firefighting foam at the Williamtown RAAF base and have since been detected in surface water, groundwater and some fish species in nearby waterways. The decision to focus on male infertility came down to the fact that sperm were sensitive biomarkers of damage because they were a type of cell that could not repair itself, study co-lead Brett Nixon told AAP. 'Sperm pass on half the genetic information to the next generation, so if there is any damage to that it has implications for the embryo,' he said. Professor Brett Nixon has been studying the effects of PFAS on male reproduction in animals 'The first thing we found is that the PFAS accumulated in the body, we detected higher levels of PFAS than we were administering ... male hormones within the mice produced by the testes were also significantly reduced.' While the PFAS-exposed mice sperm looked and behaved normally, researchers found sperm cells carried hidden changes that showed up in abnormal gene expression of fertilised early embryos. 'The findings give us a focal point because we now know the changes that are occurring in mice, so we can look at male humans who have been exposed and look at specific changes and see if they are reflected in the same way,' Professor Nixon said. 'PFAS chemicals are metabolised differently in humans to animals but it gives us some guidance as to what might be happening in the genes.' The research emphasises the need to understand how PFAS exposure affects reproductive health and future generations. 'It's especially relevant for communities like Williamtown, where PFAS contamination has been a longstanding concern,' study co-lead Dr Jacinta Martin said. But Prof Nixon said researchers did not want to scare people, and instead aimed to better understand the impacts of PFAS on the body. 'If we can understand that we can work out how to intervene and help the body excrete it ... it's really important to raise awareness without being alarmist,' he said. A Liberal senator accused of defaming the head of a large Aboriginal land council was an evasive witness who made baseless allegations and gave 'illogical and self-serving' answers, a court has been told. Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has been sued by Central Land Council chief executive Lesley Turner over an allegedly defamatory media release from July 2024 that claimed there had been a failed no-confidence motion against him. The release also accused Mr Turner of unprofessional conduct by failing to help poverty-stricken Aboriginal people who were living in tin sheds. Council chair Matthew Palmer had earlier issued a release including the same allegedly defamatory claim, which was picked up by Senator Nampijinpa Price and reported by the News Corp-owned NT News and the ABC. In her closing submission at the Federal Court defamation trial in Darwin on Tuesday, Mr Turner's barrister Sue Chrysanthou SC said the senator had 'sought to tarnish my client's reputation, and she has done so' by repeatedly defaming him. 'She was told that her publication was wrong nearly immediately by the Central Land Council on the morning of July 11, but she just didn't care,' Ms Chrysanthou said. 'She promoted and promulgated her defamation on Facebook to print journalists, with quotes through her staff, in broadcast interviews and her defamation was repeated and circulated.' There was a theme of the senator's evidence 'that she would make baseless allegations wholly uninformed by factual material', she said. Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price (pictured) has been sued by Central Land Council chief executive Lesley Turner over an allegedly defamatory media release from July 2024 that claimed there had been a failed no-confidence motion against him 'As a witness, the senator was often evasive and volunteered answers that made baseless allegations, not just against my client, but also the Central Land Council. Her answers were often illogical and self-serving.' At a men-only council meeting on July 18, 2024, Mr Palmer had discussed getting rid of Mr Turner. While he claimed publicly there had been a motion to remove the chief executive, the council denied this through media reports. The imputations of the alleged defamatory statements were 'an attack on (Mr Turner's) integrity', Ms Chrysanthou said. Because there were no specifics of the alleged unprofessional conduct, 'readers are left to wonder what terrible thing my client did to warrant this finding ... that he should be gone,' she said. Senator Nampijinpa Price's barrister Peter Gray SC said the number of people who actually saw the release was not known, but was 'likely to be small'. He also said there had been an 'air of unreality' about Mr Turner's evidence because he'd given 'highly emotive' testimony about the impact of the senator's media release, but 'avoided entirely or notably downplayed as insignificant' the obvious impacts of the Palmer release, two NT News articles and four ABC broadcasts. 'Plainly, Mr Turner was aware of all those publications, but in his affidavit we submit he effectively asked the court to proceed on the fictitious or imaginary footing that they ... were not relevant,' he said. The release also accused Lesley Turner (pictured) of unprofessional conduct by failing to help poverty-stricken Aboriginal people who were living in tin sheds The senator had 'relied on the skill and experience of her staff' in preparing and checking a media release. 'She deliberately didn't name Mr Turner, and she and her staff, over several days, checked and successively amended the text of the media release,' Mr Gray said. There was 'significant and genuine' public interest in the matter, so it was legitimate for her to publish quickly as long as she took 'reasonable care to get it right', Mr Gray said. Justice Michael Wheelahan has reserved his decision. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is being sued by the heir of a wealthy Jewish couple over a Vincent van Gogh oil painting taken from their possession by Nazis at the beginning of World War II. Judith Anne Silver has accused the Met as well as the Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation of failing to recognize that the painting was stolen and would like the work returned to their possession. In a lawsuit filed Monday in Federal District Court in Manhattan, Silver also seeks damages 'for taking and detaining it' in excess of $75,000, payment of the painting equivalent to its value, legal fees and punitive damages. The famed Dutch artist painted Olive Picking in 1889, depicting three women in an olive farm, with two on a ladder picking olives from a lush tree in van Gogh's signature post-impressionist style. The painting went on to cycle through numerous owners over the years. Olive Picking was owned by Fritz and Hedwig Stern, a Jewish couple who lived in Munich, Germany, until December 1936, a year after they purchased it. The Sterns were forced to flee the country with their six children to save themselves from the Holocaust, and the Nazi government declared the precious painting as 'German cultural property.' Even though the Sterns had intended to take the painting with them, the Nazis prohibited them and said they would sell it on their behalf, according to the lawsuit. The painting is titled Picking Olives and was painted by acclaimed artist Vincent van Gogh in 1889 Judith Anne Silver is suing the Met and a Greek foundation for acquiring a Vincent van Gogh painting that belonged to her family, Hedwig and Frederick Stern (Pictured with their child, Walter) The Metropolitan Museum of Art (pictured) has been named in a recent lawsuit filed by the heir of a Jewish couple After the painting was sold, the funds were put in a 'blocked account' and later confiscated by the Nazis, so the Sterns claim to have never seen the van Gogh again. 'In the decades since the end of World War II, this Nazi-looted painting has been repeatedly and secretly trafficked, purchased and sold in and through New York,' the complaint read. The painting traveled to various locations after the war, first to Berlin and then to the US. An art dealer named Justin Thannhauser had tracked the painting's movements and acquired it to sell to New York socialites. Vincent Astor, the infamous Manhattan businessman whose father died on the Titanic, purchased the painting from Thannhauser in 1948. Vincent's wife, Brooke, served on the Met's Board of Trustees from 1964 to 1983, according to the complaint. The Sterns had no idea the painting was in New York, and continued to pursue official claims in Germany until 1955 to get their prized possession back. The Astors then cosigned the sale of the painting to the Knoedler Gallery that same year. The Sterns were forced to flee their home (pictured) during the Nazi occupation of Germany Throughout the years, the painting has traveled around the world and was obtained by multiple different owners before it landed at the Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation in Athens (pictured) In 1956, the Met acquired the painting from the gallery. The Met's Curator for European Paintings at the time, Theodore Rousseau, Jr, approved the purchase for $125,000, according to the complaint. The complaint alleges that Rousseau neglected to recognize that Nazis likely looted the painting. Silver's lawyers argued that Rousseau was 'one of the world's foremost experts on Nazi art looting,' citing his tenure as a Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy during the war. He also personally curated the Met's van Gogh exhibition, which included 158 paintings by the artist. Rousseau had served in the Office of Strategic Services during the war, where he authored a report for the Art Looting Investigation Unit. The lawsuit stated that Rousseau was only one of three American officers working for the elite ALICU. The museum then took steps to sell the painting in 1972, which the lawsuit alleges is, 'further evidence that they knew or should have known that the painting had probably been looted by the Nazis.' The Met's Curator for European Paintings at the time, Theodore Rousseau, Jr (pictured), approved the purchase of the painting in 1956 for $125,000 The painting was then sold to Basil and Elise (pictured, left) Goulandris in 1972 The Met sold the painting to Basil and Elise Goulandris, wealthy Greek immigrants in the New York shipping industry. 'Since acquiring the painting in 1972, through a series of transfers, the Goulandris family and its related entities have hidden and obscured the Paintings ownership and location from Plaintiff,' the lawsuit alleges. Olive Picking still hangs in the Basil and Elise Goulandris Foundation museum in Athens, Greece. 'To this day, the Goulandris Defendants continue to conceal how and when the BEG came into possession of the Painting; the Stern familys ownership of the painting from 1935 to 1938; and the facts that the Nazis looted the painting from the Stern family, coerced the Sterns into selling it via a Nazi-appointed agent, and confiscated the proceeds of the sale,' the lawsuit claims. When the painting first arrived in the US, New York socialite Brooke Astor (pictured) acquired it, the lawsuit claims The Met defended the decision to sell the painting and maintained they obtained it legally in a statement In a statement to the Daily Mail about the complaint, the Met said: 'The Metropolitan Museum of Art takes seriously its longstanding commitment to address Nazi-era claims and has a long and well documented history of leading research initiatives and seeking resolution for any object that has been identified as illegally appropriated without subsequent restitution. A spokesperson for the Met added that the painting was deaccessioned in a widely reported sale in 1972, and that there was no record at the time that it had once belonged to the Stern family. The statement continued that the Stern family's history with Olive Picking wasn't made public until 'several decades' after the painting left the museum's collection. 'While The Met respectfully stands by its position that this work entered the collection and was deaccessioned legally and well within all guidelines and policies, the Museum welcomes and will consider any new information that comes to light,' the statement concluded. The Daily Mail has approached the Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation for comment. A public servant who allegedly pocketed millions of dollars in bribes sent messages comparing securing illicit deals to sexual intercourse, an inquiry has heard. Ibrahim Helmy, 38, is the alleged mastermind behind a $343million corruption scheme involving rigged Transport for NSW contracts. He vanished seemingly without a trace in May this year, with Helmy's family telling the Independent Commission Against Corruption he took the rubbish out one Sunday evening and never came back, although they had not reported him missing. Helmy later found himself at the centre of an intense police manhunt before he was arrested by detectives at a red-brick apartment block in Lakemba in September. A NSW ICAC inquiry has been running since July to probe the allegations against Helmy and other public servants. Once brought into custody, Helmy has appeared in the witness box for at least 12 days since the start of October. The commission heard during his appearance on Monday that he admitted to an 'improper' arrangement with family-owned contractor Capital Lines & Signs. The inquiry was presented with messages from April 2020 between Helmy and public servant Peter Le, an alleged co-conspirator, according to transcripts. Ibrahim Helmy (pictured) is the alleged mastermind behind a $343million corruption scheme involving rigged Transport for NSW contracts He exchanged crude jokes about sexual assault with alleged co-conspirator Peter Le (pictured) after securing a bribe from a contractor, the corruption watchdog heard The pair celebrated after allegedly securing their first successful bribe with a text exchange comparing their deal to sexual assault. 'Wtf... you didn't really butter him up. You just raped him. Lol, that was quick,' Le said in a text, the inquiry heard. 'Hahaha, it was multiple penetrations in a single day,' Helmy replied, referencing the number of calls he had with the director at Capital Lines & Signs to organise the deal. The inquiry heard that Helmy and Le planned to change the date on a tender for work by the contractor and inflate the offering by about $220,000. This placed Capital Lines & Signs 'just below the next most expensive tenderer', helping the company secure the contract with Transport for NSW. This was allegedly carried out using a computer application after Helmy watched a YouTube video. The deal was made on April 28, 2020 when Helmy told Capital Lines & Signs director Andrew Stewart he would 'adjust (the tender) prices'. In return for changing the prices, Helmy said he received cash, the transcripts revealed. Helmy being escorted by detectives during his arrest in September Helmy later found himself at the centre of an intense police manhunt before he was arrested by detectives at a red-brick apartment block in Lakemba in September The inquiry heard on Tuesday that Stewart met secretly with Helmy a month after the 'deal' was agreed, The Sydney Morning Herald reported. Helmy received a cash payment of $40,000 from Stewart four months later related to the contractor's work, done at inflated rates, on the Lachlan Valley Way road near Yass. The pair appeared to once again boast about their success via messages. The inquiry heard that Helmy told Le it was their 'first successful negotiation' with Capital Lines & Signs. Le responded: 'First of many.' During the inquiry on Tuesday, it was revealed Helmy used spreadsheets to record the work carried out by companies he had 'improper' dealings with. They also listed how much he was owed and, for Capital Lines & Signs, he listed eight occasions between 2020 and early 2024 on which he was 'paid' a total of more than $600,000 by Stewart. Asked what he did with the cash, Helmy told the inquiry he used Telegram to meet people who would exchange cash for a form of cryptocurrency. 'I bought different new coins. There was a cat coin. They call them meme coins.. There was a Metaverse coin,' he said. Daily Mail has contacted Capital Lines & Signs for comment on the findings. Helmy has not been criminally charged but remains in custody to appear before the commission. A young cop and 'citizen of the year' has been charged with allegedly possessing child abuse and bestiality material. Constable Tylar Jay Shepheard, 26, from Albury, has been suspended from duty with pay and his employment status is under review after he was hit with five charges on October 8. An internal investigation was launched into Shepheard in July after the Professional Standards Command received information from the Australian Federal Police. Detectives subsequently searched a property in southern NSW on September 15 and seized electronic devices, a gel blaster and ammunition. Three weeks later, Shepheard was charged with allegedly possessing child abuse material, bestiality material, and an unauthorised prohibited firearm. He was also charged with allegedly being the holder of a Category A or B licence without approved storage, and with intentionally publishing protected information. He was given a future court attendance notice for next month. The Daily Mail can reveal Shepheard, a married father-of-one, is a celebrated member of the Albury community who only graduated from the police academy last year. Constable Tylar Jay Shepheard, 26, was charged in October He graduated from the police academy in March last year Over the past four years, he has taken out numerous local awards for his work volunteering as a firefighter and medic. After moving to the border town in 2019, he began volunteering for St John Ambulance, NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) and the Australian Navy Cadets (ANC). In 2021, he won the Riverina Region's 2021 NSW 'Young Volunteer of the Year' Award for 'fighting the Black summer bushfires with the RFS' and helping the St John Ambulance team 'carry out temperature testing and ensure people travelled safely' during the Covid-19 pandemic. Just two years later, he was awarded Albury's Young Citizen of the Year award for his volunteer work. A video shared by Albury City Council shows Shepheard, dressed in his St John Ambulance uniform, happily chatting to Mayor Kylie King about his award. 'I'm also currently with the Australian Navy Cadets, where I am the executive officer,' he said. 'I help manage a traineeship for people who want to come in and experience cadet activities... I am also in the Rural Fire Service, currently transferring to a different brigade doing village firefighting. 'I've been in the RFS ever since I was young. I was also in Army cadets when I was young. I was consistently doing things as I get bored sitting around. Shepheard is pictured speaking to Albury Mayor Kylie King after he won the town's Young Citizen of the Year award in 2023 'Volunteering in Australia is something that is desperately needed. Even the young ones can come and sign up. We have cadet and junior programs. We could happily have more people.' A Defence spokesperson told the Daily Mail the department is 'aware that a former Australian Navy Cadets volunteer is the subject of a New South Wales Police investigation'. The RFS and St John's Ambulance declined to comment when contacted by the Daily Mail on Wednesday. In March last year, Shepheard's mother wrote a gushing post as he officially became a police officer. 'Who would have thought you would become a cop,' she wrote, alongside a photo of him wearing his police uniform. 'Congratulations Tylar we are very proud of you.' Shepheard is due to appear before Albury Local Court on November 19. READ MORE: Albanese under pressure as new home builds fall short of target Concerns fund is not producing value for money Anthony Albanese's $10billion housing fund will be probed by a national auditor over whether it is delivering value for taxpayer dollars after shock data revealed Labor was falling woefully short of its targets. The Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) was set up in 2023 to help tackle a national shortage of dwellings and aims to build 40,000 homes by 2028. It will now be audited amid slow progress on the construction of affordable and social housing across Australia and following reports the average cost of a home under the scheme was more than $750,000. The Opposition's housing spokesman Andrew Bragg said he had requested an investigation by the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO). 'This is going to be a massive overpayment of taxpayer funds, which I think is a disgrace,' he told reporters in Canberra on Wednesday. In a letter responding to Senator Bragg, Auditor-General Caralee McLiesh said a probe was already underway, and would be tabled in Parliament in June 2026. 'ANAO will examine if Treasury effectively designed the HAFF and if it established effective delivery arrangements,' she wrote. Bragg slammed Labor for overseeing a 'collapse' in housing construction, while billions of taxpayer dollars is funneled into the scheme. Anthony Albanese's $10billion housing scheme will be probed by an auditor over whether it is delivering value for taxpayer dollars amid slow progress on the cost of affordable housing The Opposition's housing spokesman Andrew Bragg (pictured) said he expected the audit to reveal a 'massive overpayment of government funds' 'Under the last government we were getting about 200,000 houses a year on average. That's crashed down to 170,000 houses a year on average, despite the government wasting billions of dollars,' Bragg said. Senator Bragg said the National Anti Corruption Commission may also need to investigate whether big super funds that invested in the scheme had an unfair influence over the design of the scheme. He also claimed taxpayers were overpaying for homes being built through the fund, saying it was 'two or three times' more than the average price. The Albanese government has rejected Senator Braggs claims, arguing that the cited average cost of $750,000 is misleading. It is understood that this figure represents the total of 25 years worth of availability payments, which include an annual 2.5 per cent indexation to account for inflation. The government emphasises that this is not equivalent to the Commonwealth making a one-off payment of $750,000 upfront. The housing fund was initially seeded with $10billion in funding. That money was invested in a similar way to other government funds, with the returns being used to build new social and affordable homes. The Albanese Government's $10billon housing fund will be reviewed by the national auditor Clare O'Neil (pictured) confirmed an audit of the fund was already underway from last month But the program has faced criticism after it was revealed the first few hundred homes were bought by the government, not newly built. A spokesman for Housing Minister Clare O'Neil sought to play down the audit, saying it was not uncommon for the office to investigate big projects, noting that the ANAO performs between 40 to 50 audits a year. 'The ANAO commenced this audit more than a month ago,' he said. 'We look forward to its findings and see it as an opportunity to potentially improve on the HAFF.' O'Neil also stood firm, telling Sunrise host Nat Barr that she was focused on not losing 'sight of the main game' in addressing the housing crisis. 'For too long, we haven't built enough homes,' she said. 'The key is making sure we properly tackle that problem.' 'That's why our government has a huge $43billion agenda, which we're rolling out to build more homes, help renters get a better deal, and make sure more Australians can achieve home ownership.' Stories of High-Quality DevelopmentDelivering satisfactory performance in practicing humanomics People's Daily Online) 17:19, October 28, 2025 The "A Century of Stewardship: From the Forbidden City to the Palace Museum" exhibition held at the Meridian Gate of the Forbidden City has attracted tens of thousands of visitors to experience China's profound history. In the Wuyi Mountains of southeast China's Fujian Province, the integrated development of tea culture, tea industry, and tea technology has composed a new movement, with a cup of fragrant tea serving as a vibrant medium for cultural exchange and enriching the landscape of the tea industry. In Suzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, passionate cheers in the "Su Super League" stadiums harmonize with the soft, melodic tunes of traditional Pingtan in teahouses, continuously enhancing the people's sense of fulfillment and happiness. Across China, dynamic practices in humanomics are emerging, providing cultural support for Chinese modernization. The introduction of the concept of humanomics is conducive to activating new momentum from cultural resources, shaping new advantages for development, and comprehensively advancing high-quality economic and social development across the country. The 12th episode of People's Daily's video series "Stories of High-Quality Development" will be launched soon, inviting viewers to explore how China is writing a new chapter in humanomics in the new era. (Web editor: Hongyu, Wu Chengliang) Punishing tax hikes are 'unavoidable' this autumn after Rachel Reeves was told she faces a black hole of up to 50billion, economists warned last night. The Chancellor is now increasingly likely to have to break Labour's manifesto pledge not to put up income tax, National Insurance or VAT, said experts. It comes after the Office for Budget Responsibility, the fiscal watchdog, delivered a worse-than-expected cut to the UK's productivity outlook ahead of next month's Budget. The Chancellor has already hit families and businesses with 40billion of tax increases and promised she would not come back for more. But the latest leaked forecasts imply that the burden heaped on Britain could be even worse when she delivers her next Budget. Rob Wood, chief UK economist at consultancy Pantheon Macroeconomics, said that meeting Budget rules to bring down borrowing and debt while also increasing the 'headroom' against these targets would mean 'up to 50billion of tax rises and spending cuts'. Even if there are some positive forecast changes ahead of the Budget that reduce this to 40billion, it would still 'significantly raise the probability that the Chancellor resorts to a manifesto-breaking income tax hike', Mr Wood said. Martin Beck, chief economist at consultancy WPI Strategy, said: 'Given the scale of the challenge, breaking the manifesto pledge not to raise the 'big three' taxes may become unavoidable. Chancellor Rachel Reeves arrives with the Minister of Finance for Qatar HE Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari on October 28, 2025 Sir Keir Starmer unveiling his party's manifesto alongside his then shadow cabinet on December 16, 2024 'A 2p increase in both the basic and higher rates of income tax, or reversing the 2023-24 NICs cuts, could each raise roughly 20billion enough to fill the gap, but at significant political cost.' Productivity growth effectively doing more with less is key to getting the economy motoring again, delivering the tax revenues needed for the Government to balance the books. But it has proved consistently worse than the OBR expected. The watchdog has been preparing to acknowledge that it has been too optimistic and experts had anticipated it would cut its forecast for productivity growth by 0.1 to 0.2 percentage points. Its decision to do so now, in contrast to its stance during the previous Tory government, is reported to have angered No 10. But a report in the Financial Times revealed the OBR is expected to deliver an even bigger cut of 0.3 percentage points at the Budget on November 26. The Treasury declined to comment. The Tories said the forecast was a 'judgment on what will happen under this Labour Government'. Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride told the Daily Mail: 'Labour promised growth, but if the OBR downgrades its forecasts it will be a damning verdict on Labour's failure to deliver. 'Rachel Reeves wants to blame everyone except herself. But these forecasts are forward-looking. 'Labour don't have a plan to fix productivity and don't have the backbone to cut spending that is why under Labour we will always be stuck in a doom loop of more spending, increasing debt and high taxes.' Before yesterday's report, economists had widely expected that Ms Reeves would already be facing a black hole of 20-30billion thanks to rising borrowing costs and U-turns on policies such as welfare reform forced by Left-wing backbenchers. The Chancellor (pictured with HE Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari) is now increasingly likely to have to break Labour's manifesto pledge not to put up income tax, National Insurance or VAT, experts have said the latest leaked forecasts imply that the burden heaped on Britain could be even worse when she delivers her next Budget Speculation is already mounting that the Chancellor is actively considering an income tax rise. There are also fears that Ms Reeves could also target pensions, property and landlords to raise money. She is also plotting to hammer homeowners with a new mansion tax, which property experts have warned is hitting the housing market. Under the plan, revealed by The Mail on Sunday, owners of properties worth 2million and above would face a charge of 1 per cent of the amount by which the property exceeds that value equivalent to an annual bill of 10,000 a year for a home worth 3million. Research by the Resolution Foundation think-tank this week showed that the 'effective tax rate' on average earners on 33,000 a year is already at 27 per cent, the highest in 13 years. The decision to house hundreds of asylum seekers in a Scots military barracks has sparked accusations of a back-of-a-fag-packet approach to the spiralling migration problem. Highland Council was blindsided by the move, with confirmation of the plan to bring 300 men to the Inverness complex from early December only coming on Monday. It came on the day of the UK Governments decision to end the use of hotels to accommodate those awaiting asylum application decisions and move them to Cameron Barracks half-a-mile from the citys Raigmore Primary School and another military base down south. And the plans have angered those living nearby, who fear it will mean their quiet and peaceful city will no longer be a safe place for women and children. Highland Council leaders have urged Westminster to explain why the relatively small community was chosen. In a joint statement, Highland convener Bill Lobban, leader Raymond Bremner and opposition leader Alasdair Christie said: Inverness is a relatively small community but the potential impact locally and across the wider Highlands appears not to have been taken into consideration by the UK Government. The statement said the local authority understands the citys Cameron Barracks will be used for circa 300 asylum seekers on a phased basis for up to a year. The authority now plans to stage a special meeting next week to discuss the decision. The 300 migrants will be temporarily based at the barracks before they are moved to dispersed housing around the UK to await their asylum application outcomes. Asylum seekers may be housed in the Cameron Barracks in Inverness Highland Council leader Raymond Bremner has raised concerns over the plans Thousands of migrants have crossed the English Channel in small boats this year But the Home Office has informed the council the applications will not be processed in Inverness, which officials say will create more disruption. The local authority said it has repeatedly sought written confirmation from the Home Office as to their plans but has been informed the accommodation will be self-contained, with all necessary services provided on site. However, the asylum seekers will be non-detained, meaning they will be free to leave the site should they wish. Scottish Conservative MSP for Highlands and Island region Edward Mountain said Labour had abjectly failed to tackle illegal immigration and this latest gimmick wont change that. He said: This latest back-of-a-fag-packet idea to house asylum seekers in Cameron Barracks will alarm people in Inverness. On top of the security concerns, this could ultimately place a huge burden on local services, especially housing. Fergus Ewing, Independent MSP for Inverness and Nairn, said the news came as a shock, adding: Many constituents... are concerned for the safety of women and girls. These concerns are about safety and community capacity not prejudice and must be taken seriously. One elderly lady who lives near the base said it would make her very wary about leaving her home, while Georgia Long, 27, a tree surgeon, added: As a woman Im really scared of what is going to happen. Thats an awful lot of people and we dont really know who they are. A retired police officer from Inverness, who asked not to be named, said: Its a nightmare scenario, and I hope not, but realistically crime statistics will bear that out over the next however long we have to put up with it. Business 'cannot bear the brunt' of more tax hikes, the CBI has warned as it revealed prolonged gloom among firms under Labour has lasted longer than during the pandemic. The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) said uncertainty about the forthcoming Budget was weighing on sentiment, leaving firms to delay decisions until they receive further clarity. And it revealed that firms expect business activity to shrink over the next three months. That reading for October meant sentiment has been negative for 13 months in a row stretching back to last year's Budget, when businesses were hammered by Chancellor Rachel Reeves' 25 billion raid on employer National Insurance. That suggests Labour's policies have plunged businesses into an even longer period of gloom than during Covid. Now, fears are even worse as the Chancellor looks to fill a hole in the public finances with still more tax increases. CBI deputy economist Alpesh Paleja said: 'Firms are facing a difficult winter, with private sector momentum weak and confidence fragile. 'Uncertainty around the upcoming Budget is weighing heavily on sentiment, with many firms keeping key decisions on hold until more clarity is forthcoming.' The CBI has warned business 'cannot bear the brunt' of more tax hikes (Pictured: Rachel Reeves holding the red box at the reveal of the Labour Government's first budget in 2024 It came as separate figures from Helm, an organisation for growing 'scale-up' business founders, also revealed anxiety over the Budget, with 75 per cent putting hiring or investment decisions on hold until it is delivered. Helm chief Andreas Adamides said: 'These figures are a flashing red light on the UK's economic dashboard.' Marks & Spencer chief executive Stuart Machin last week urged Ms Reeves to 'change course' to escape an 'economic doom loop of ever-higher taxes and lower growth'. And Stuart Rose, a predecessor at M&S, warned that Labour has pushed Britain to 'the edge of a crisis'. He hasn't even won yet and some of his loudest supporters are already admitting that he's going to need help. At Sunday's triumphalist 'New York Is Not For Sale' rally at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens, Senator Bernie Sanders told the crowd of ecstatic Zohran Mamdani supporters that, given the scale of the problems he faces, their icon - and his acolyte - is 'not going to have all the answers.' He went on: 'Please do everything you can to work with Zohran to make him and his administration the best in the history of New York.' It was a bizarre and hardly unqualified vote of confidence. Some might even say it had just a touch of desperation. As one of the most inexperienced candidates in living memory to ever run for New York Mayor - let alone win - Mamdani is certainly going to need some advice. His energy and charisma - not to mention the fatal weakness of his competitors - may well push him first past the finishing post but that's when the hard work will start for a 34-year-old whose previous political experience amounted to pushing into law just three of 20 bills he sponsored in the New York State Assembly. And who might he turn to for support? Team Zohran does it best to paint their man as a breath of fresh air in America's tired politics, a politician unbeholden either to the billionaires he routinely trashes or other powerful interests - not a Democrat, chorus the more idealistic among them, but a Democratic Socialist. However, he has intricate links with a web of powerful and, yes, wealthy Democrats - including Barack Obama and billionaire investor George Soros - whose influence with Mamdani may leave his rich-kicking, establishment-bashing supporters feeling a little uneasy. Soros, the 95-year-old financier, who notoriously became known as 'The Man Who Broke the Bank of England' for short-selling a vast amount of sterling during the 1992 UK currency crisis, has been quietly filling the coffers of organizations backing Mamdani's campaign. At Sunday's triumphalist 'New York Is Not For Sale' rally at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens, Sanders told the crowd of ecstatic Mamdani supporters that, given the scale of the problems he faces, their icon - and his acolyte - is 'not going to have all the answers' Soros (pictured right with son Alex, left) has been quietly filling the coffers of organizations backing Mamdani's campaign The New York Post revealed this summer that since 2016, Soros's $25 billion philanthropy network, Open Society Foundations (OSF), had 'indirectly funneled' a combined $37 million to the Working Families Party and at least nine other groups whose political support helped Mamdani beat former governor Andrew Cuomo to the Democratic Party mayoral nomination. And the links between Soros and Mamdani actually go back further. In 2004, Mamdani's millionaire mother, Oscar-winning film maker Mira Nair, established a school in Uganda called the Maisha Film Lab. The school, which gives scholarships to aspiring moviemakers, is partly funded by Soros's OSF, according to the school's website. Soros's group has also helped finance the academic work of Mamdani's left-wing historian father Mahmood. Between 2020 and 2023, the Soros organization gave $620,000 to Makerere University in the Ugandan capital, Kampala, where Mamdani Sr ran the social policy research center. The latter got the largest single Soros grant of $450,000 for the 'decolonization of knowledge in Africa and in the African academy.' Soros - the target of numerous conspiracy theories that claim he's a dark puppet master secretly controlling the global economy - handed over control of OSF in 2023 to his son Alex, who remains in lockstep with his father's values and priorities. 'While Zohran Mamdani attacks job creators and rails against wealth, the truth is he's benefiting from millions in support form billionaires and the very non-profit network he pretends to stand apart from,' said former Mamdani rival, New York Mayor Eric Adams of the link between OSF and the campaign. Republican mayoral nominee Curtis Sliwa also accused Mamdani of only wanting to get rid of the billionaires 'who don't bankroll his radical agenda.' He added: 'If you're George Soros or part of the far-left donor class, you get a free pass and a seat at the table.' And who was running Soros's Open Society Foundations for much of the time it was being generous to these Mamdani backers? A man named Patrick Gaspard, who was OSF's president for three years until December 2020 and so richly rewarded he earned more than $1 million in 2020 alone. Today, Gaspard the Democratic National Committee's executive director and later US ambassador to South Africa is an informal but increasingly close adviser to Mamdani and has been for the past year. And Gaspard isnt just close to Soros, hes also close to Obama, for whom he was his national political director in 2008. It's no secret, of course, that Obama has kept a strong interest in his party's fortunes since he left the Oval Office. It may be less well-known to Mamdani supporters, however, that the ex-president and his close former aides have been quietly building their connections to a mayoral candidate who many have compared to Obama. Soros's group has also helped finance the academic work of Mamdani's left-wing historian father Mahmood Between 2020 and 2023, the Soros organization gave $620,000 to Makerere University in the Ugandan capital, Kampala, where Mamdani Sr ran the social policy research center It may be less well-known to Mamdani supporters, however, that the ex-president and his close former aides have been quietly building their connections to a mayoral candidate who many have compared to Obama After Mamdani won New York's mayoral primary in June, other senior Democrats continued to distance themselves from a radical candidate they saw as both polarizing and, in policy terms, potentially disastrous for the party, but Obama picked up the phone to get in touch. In what the New York Times called a 'lengthy call' in June, Obama 'congratulated Mr Mamdani, offered him advice about governing and discussed the importance of giving people hope in a dark time.' Even if Obama and wife Michelle's energetic efforts at self-enrichment - estimates of their wealth soar as high as $135 million - can hardly endear them to 'Tax the Rich' Mamdani fans, the ex-president remains on balance popular among Democrats. So any kind words from him will be very helpful to a Mamdani campaign that has faced ambivalence from other establishment Democrats. Some of Obama's key former minions also made similar approaches to the Mamdani camp at about the same time as their former boss. Jon Favreau, Obama's speechwriter, and former senior adviser Dan Pfeiffer got in touch with Morris Katz, one of Mamdani's closest aides. And in July, David Axelrod, Obama's chief campaign strategist, went so far as to visit the Mamdani campaign headquarters in Manhattan where he met the candidate and his top staff. Axelrod told the New York Times that he was impressed, saying he found a 'familiar spirit that I hadn't seen in a while of just determined, upbeat idealism.' 'You may not agree with every answer he's giving, or every idea he has, but he's certainly asking the right questions, which is how do we make the country work for working people?' Urging Democrats to embrace Mamdani rather than condemn him, Axelrod made clear that his party needed some of Mamdani's style and shouldn't get too hung up about his policies. Instead of dismissing Mamdani's platform as 'unrealistic, unaffordable and anti-business,' Democrats should learn from him, Axelrod told the Chicago Sun Times. In what the New York Times called a 'lengthy call' in June, Obama 'congratulated Mr Mamdani, offered him advice about governing and discussed the importance of giving people hope in a dark time' Urging Democrats to embrace Mamdani (pictured center with Sirah Wahhaj, right, and NYC council member Yusef Salaam, left) rather than condemn him, Axelrod made clear that his party needed some of Mamdani's style and shouldn't get too hung up about his policies 'The wrong response is the reflexive one: to say Democratic socialism is a menace that will destroy us,' he said. 'Democratic socialism is progressivism.' But for all that talk of equality and equity, it's a cozy old world in Democrat circles. It was revealed in June that a media strategy consultancy - the Los Angeles-based Debra Schommer Media Group - which worked on past Obama campaigns and whose boss was previously director of media planning and buying for a consulting firm founded by Axelrod and fellow ex-Obama aide David Plouffe, has recently been paid more than $3 million for work on Mamdani TV ads, TV production and digital advertising. Wide-eyed Mamdani devotees who are expecting him to make a break from the little carve-ups and cabals at the top of US politics may be in for disappointment. 'Ordinary people get one vote,' Bernie Sanders told the Mamdani rally on Sunday. 'Meanwhile, billionaires get the opportunity to spend as much as they want to elect the candidates they want. That is the context in which this election is taking place.' It just seems that some powerful millionaires and billionaires are not nearly so objectionable as others. Loneliness is on the rise in Britain with the number of people living alone expected to surge by a fifth in the next seven years, figures suggest. Single-person dwellings will account for 33 per cent of all households in England by 2032 rising to 8.57million, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). There were around 7.17million in 2022, accounting for 30 per cent of all residences. Strikingly, the highest estimated increase of those living alone was for the 35 to 44 age bracket at 40.4 per cent suggesting growing numbers of people are either separating from partners around this age, choosing to lead single lives or are delaying tying the knot. This was followed by lone-person households occupied by those aged 85 and over, which were projected by the ONS to surge by 40.3 per cent. The ONS said it also reflected that less people are having children. Based on existing trends, it suggested households with children will fall by 8.4 per cent over the ten-year period from 2022, from 6.7million to 6.1million. James Robards, ONS head of population and household projections, said: 'The majority of this growth is likely to be in older age groups, with an increasing number of people living alone. 'Meanwhile, the number of households with children is projected to fall over the same period. This is in line with current and future projected levels of fertility.' File image: Single-person dwellings will account for 33 per cent of all households in England by 2032 rising to 8.57million, according to the Office for National Statistics (stock image) The ONS figures, based on previous trends in population growth and household formation, were part of new projections on the future number of households in England the first of its kind for five years. Overall, the statistics agency suggest the total number of households in England will rise by 10.3 per cent, from around 23.5million in mid-2022 to 25.9million by mid-2032. This represents an average of 242,000 additional households per year. It is a much steeper surge than the previous set of projections, published in 2020, which suggested an average of 158,000 additional households per year would be created over the same period. The area with the highest projected growth was the east London borough of Tower Hamlets, from 123,000 to 155,000. This was followed by South Derbyshire 47,000 to 58,000 and Stratford-on-Avon 61,000 to 74,000. Long term loneliness can increase the risk of having a stroke by more than half, research suggests. Middle-aged people who reported feelings of isolation were significantly more likely to have a stroke over the next decade. Those who experienced loneliness for several years were at greatest risk, according to the study by Harvard University in 2024. Experts said it shows the public health threat of chronic loneliness and suggested screening people could help identify those in danger. In 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared loneliness to be a significant global health threat, linking its mortality effects as equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. While previous work has linked loneliness to higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, researchers said this is one of the first to examine links specific to stroke over time. Two brothers from the despicable Skaf pack-rape gang have been pictured together in public for the first time in 25 years - a haunting reminder of the crimes that shocked Australia. Mohamed and Mahmoud Sanoussi were members of the gang led by Bilal and Mohammed Skaf, who encouraged up to a dozen young men to carry out a series of degrading group sex attacks a judge once described as 'worse than murder'. On Wednesday, as Mahmoud fronted court over his latest string of offences, his older brother Mohamed appeared in the public gallery to support him. Born with several fingers missing on his right hand, Mohamed sat clutching it with his left in Downing Centre Local Court as his younger, drug-addicted brother faced yet another prison sentence. Mahmoud's lawyer, Eidan Havas, told Magistrate Susan McIntyre his client 'doesn't want to go back to jail,' but as 'one of the six young adults who went into custody with Bilal Skaf,' prison had become 'easy for Mr Sanoussi.' Now aged 40, Mahmoud has battled a long-running heroin addiction and was being sentenced for break-ins and robberies in which he stole thousands of dollars' worth of goods. Aged just 15 during the gang rapes in the lead-up to the Sydney Olympics, Mahmoud has spent much of his adult life behind bars for drug and violence-related offences since his release on the original convictions. Appearing fit despite his addiction, Mahmoud wore a black PE Nation hoodie and track pants to court, his once-thick dark hair now completely gone. Mahmoud Sanoussi (left) and his brother Mohamed Sanoussi (right) at court on Wednesday, the first time the two rapist brothers have been seen in public together Mahmoud dressed in a PE Nation hoodie and his brother Mohamed behind him in pink Nike shoes, the gang rapists left the Downing Centre after Mahmoud - only 15 at the time of the infamous Skaf rapes - was given bail after robbing houses Mahmoud Sanoussi (left) was 15 when he and his older brother became part of the Skaf rape gang. Mohamed Sanoussi, unlike his younger brother, has not become a serial offender post the 2000 gang rapes Mahmoud left the Downing Centre alongside Mohamed, who wore pink Nike shoes, after being granted bail for his latest series of house robberies. The last time Mohamed was photographed in public, he was holding a green prison jumper over his head as he walked from Silverwater Correctional Complex in 2013, after serving 13 years of a 16-year sentence for his role in the Skaf group sex assaults. Unlike his younger brother Mahmoud, Mohamed has not reoffended. The court heard that during the Skaf gang attacks, Mohamed told one of his victims during an assault: 'It's my right.' Although police believe up to 14 young men were involved in the 200 rapes, only the Sanoussi brothers and seven other young Lebanese-Australian males, including the two Skafs, were sentenced to prison terms. Four attacks were carried out on six female victims, all aged between 16 and 18 at the time. Mahmoud Sanoussi was among a group of males, including Mohammed Skaf, who lured an 18-year-old woman to Bankstown train station on August 30, 2000. The woman was then raped 25 times at three locations by 14 attackers, including Mahmoud and his older brother Mohamed, before being sprayed down with an industrial hose. She was asked if 'Leb c*** tasted better than Aussie c***' and was told by Mohammed Skaf, 'I'm going to f*** you Leb-style,' in an ordeal that lasted six hours. Lawyer Eidan Havas (right) said rapist Mahmoud Sanousi had become a repeat offender due to his heroin and other addictions since he 'went into custody with Bilal Skaf', the gang rape leader Mohamed Sanoussi walking from Silverwater prison in 2013 after he was released on parole from his sentence for the Skaf gang rapes which shocked Australia Mahmoud Sanoussi (pictured with his older brother Mohamed) were the other two brothers who with Bilal and Mohammed Skaf perpetrated vile and degrading offences against six females aged 16 to 18 Afterwards, the NSW State Parole Authority described the 'horrendous' assaults committed upon that woman that night as 'violent, degrading and disgusting.' After Mahmoud was released from jail in 2009, he suffered 'bumps in the road,' Mr Havas said on Wednesday, as a result of going 'into custody very young' and emerging aged 28 without ever having had a bank account or driver's licence. Since then, he has committed several offences and 'drug addiction brought him back before court.' He was sent back to prison in 2010 for drug crimes, and imprisoned again for bashing a cleaner at a smash-repair business at Revesby in Sydney's south-west in September 2013. He and two other men pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and to intimidating a policeman who came to the victim's aid. A Bankstown Local Court magistrate called the unprovoked attacks 'cowardly and despicable' and sentenced Mahmoud to 18 months' jail. In 2017, Mahmoud faced court charged with being armed with a knife with intent to commit an indictable offence, and committing an assault with the knife in the inner-western Sydney suburb of Zetland. Although his lawyer told the Downing Centre Local Court at the time that Mahmoud 'has been rehabilitated. This is just an allegation,' he was convicted of the assault and placed on a two-year good-behaviour bond, while the knife charge was withdrawn. Mohammed Skaf was the most recent of the gang rapists released from jail (pictured above at Bankstown Court this year) in 2021, but his older brother Bilal will remain locked up until at least 2033 The Skaf brothers, Mohammed (left) and Bilal (right) who with the Sanoussi brothers and up to ten other Lebanese Australians perpetrated the reign of terror on teenage Aussie girls in 2000 Just four years ago, in 2021, Mahmoud confessed to being addicted to cannabis after being caught speeding and driving in Sydney's inner south with both that drug and ice in his system. Pleading guilty to driving a tip-truck under the influence of drugs, Sanoussi told police he smoked cannabis every night. He was sentenced to 11 years and three months in jail with a non-parole period of six and a half years. Mr Havas acknowledged that Mahmoud had been before Magistrate McIntyre in the 2017 matter, when she had given him 'a very stern dressing down.' He told Her Honour 'you could send him to jail' and said the threshold for doing so had been reached, but proposed that he be considered for the NSW Drug Court. Ms McIntyre said she would place Sanoussi's name on that court's ballot next week to be considered for the Drug Court, which can sentence offenders to intensive rehabilitation. Mahmoud had recently spent time at the Restoration Centre rehab facility, but Ms McIntyre warned him that to even qualify for the Drug Court, he would have to spend at least 14 days back in jail to detoxify. Mr Havas said Mahmoud was 'happy to do whatever it takes' and that 'I don't think two weeks for Mahmoud is a big deal.' Mahmoud Sanoussi has returned to jail for drug and violence offences. Above (pictured in 2021) when he confessed he smoked cannabis every night after being pulled over in a tip-truck high on pot and ice Mohamed Skaf had not had his face revealed in public without a mask until the Daily Mail caught him earlier this year as he left a court appearance of an AVO taken out by his sister Noora and since dropped Gang rape leader Bilal Skaf behind the razor wire (left) with his then fiancee who dropped him in disgust when she learnt the truth. He retaliated by drawing vile cartoons (right) of a woman being gang-raped and shot Ms McIntyre warned 'it could be more than that. You have to leave drug-free,' and remanded Sanoussi on bail until November 7. Outside the court, Mahmoud and Mohamed did not comment. All the Skaf gang rapists have been released from prison, bar Bilal Skaf. Mohammed Skaf was released in 2021 after several failed attempts to win parole, and his maximum sentence expired last year. His 44-year-old brother Bilal will not be eligible for parole until 2033. An elderly man has died after a woman allegedly cut essential gas services to two Sydney hospitals. Vanessa Joy Moulton, 42, allegedly disrupted critical gas and water supplies at Kareena Private and Sutherland hospitals in Sydney's south early Tuesday. Police rushed to Kareena Road in Caringbah, 24km south of the CBD, about 4.20am following reports of vandalism at two hospitals on the same street. Police allege the gas and water mains were cut at Sutherland Hospital just after midnight before the fire hoses were activated. The hospital was forced to switch to portable oxygen and air for two hours after it lost gas supplies. About an hour later, Moulton allegedly walked across the road and switched off the gas main at Kareena Private Hospital. Police were later told on Tuesday that a 72-year-old man died at Sutherland Hospital at about 2.30am that morning. Doctors issued a death certificate and a report will be prepared for the Coroner. Vanessa Joy Moulton, 42, has been charged after allegedly sabotaging two major hospitals Moulton allegedly cut the medical gas and water supplies at Kareena Private Hospital (pictured) and nearby Sutherland Hospital early Tuesday, where an elderly patient died Vanessa Moulton will appear in court on Wednesday on a string of charges Moulton was arrested on Parkside Avenue in Miranda on Tuesday morning for breach of bail. She has since been charged with two counts of public nuisance, two counts of trespassing, sabotage, and destroy or damage property and breach of bail. Moulton was also charged with tampering with fire alarm or fire signalling apparatus, and trespass on protected premises in relation to a separate alleged incident at a Darlinghurst hostel on Monday. No charges have been laid over the death of the hospital patient. Moulton appeared in Sutherland Local Court videolink on Wednesday, where she was refused bail. She declined the assistance of Legal Aid and was asked by the magistrate why she should not remain in custody. 'I didnt do it,' Moulton replied, NCA Newswire reported. She will remain in custody until her next court appearance at the Downing Centre on December 24. Sutherland Hospital was forced to switch to portable oxygen and air for two hours after it lost gas supplies early Tuesday NSW Premier Chris Minns said that the man's death will be 'fully investigated'. 'We want to make sure that the family has as much information as we have and that we communicate it to them as soon as possible,' he said on Wednesday. He added that critical hospital infrastructure statewide will undergo a thorough security audit. 'It's such a shocking allegation it may well have been the case that it was believed that no one would be so callous or cruel,' Minns said. 'We're obliged to protect that critical infrastructure and I want to assure patients and families across NSW Health, as well as the workers that rely on that infrastructure to work, that we're going to make sure that we do everything we can to keep it safe.' There was no impact to patients from the alleged tampering of mains water and non-medical gas supply at Kareena Private Hospital. 'All services were quickly restored with minimal disruption and no impact to patient care,' a Ramsay Health Care spokeswoman said. Earlier, NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said the act of alleged 'sabotage' could have had 'catastrophic' consequences for more patients. 'It is very, very concerning that life-saving medical gases have been [allegedly] sabotaged at the public and private hospitals,' he told reporters on Tuesday. 'Access to gas systems in NSW public hospitals is restricted and we will review the incident to see what improvements can be implemented.' Health Services Union secretary Gerard Hayes called for a review of hospital security resources. 'The threats facing our hospital security are greater and more unpredictable than ever before, yet the resourcing is simply not keeping up,' he said. 'It's clear that protecting critical infrastructure like medical gas systems must be a priority.' At least 64 people have been killed in Rio de Janeiro after 2,500 police officers launched a massive raid on drug traffickers which has left the city burning in chaos. Heavily armed officers backed with 32 ballistic-resistant vehicles, two helicopters, 12 demolition vehicles and drones descended on two favela neighbourhoods in the northern region of Rio on Tuesday afternoon. Gunfire rang out for miles near RIOgaleao International Airport, and smoke could be seen billowing from the raging fires which broke out several hours after the busts began. Residents in the impoverished neighbourhoods scrambled for cover and shops closed their doors amid police claims that the gangs were retaliating with drones of their own. The central government said the blitz was launched to halt the narcotics network of a gang called Comando Vermelho - meaning Red Command - from expanding its operations. State Governor Claudio Castro described the war-like operation, which unfolded in the Complexo da Penha and Complexo do Alemao favelas, as the largest in the state's history. Castro reported a death toll of 60 suspected gang members, and a source within his administration said at least four police officers were killed during the raids. Sharing a video of a suspected gang-controlled drone launching a projectile from the foggy skies, Castro said: 'This is how the Rio police are treated by criminals: with bombs dropped by drones. An armed police officer holds his gun next to residents on a barricade during the drugs bust in the Vila Cruzeiro favela in Penha on October 28, 2025 Officers escort a suspect arrested during the raids in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 28 A monkey sits on the head of a Rio de Janeiro Police officer during the operation on October 28 Members of the Rio de Janeiro Police during the operation in the Brazillian city on October 28 Some of the alleged criminals arrested during the raids sit with their heads bowed while waiting to be transferred on October 28 Brazillian officers transport two individuals arrested during the operation on October 28 Armed police officers take cover during the bust which has seen 64 killed on October 28 Members of the military police special unit detain suspected drug dealers in Rio on October 28 'This is the scale of the challenge we face. This is not ordinary crime, but narcoterrorism.' Police could be seen in the Vila Cruzeiro neighbourhood of Penha, guarding around 20 young people who were huddled together and sitting on the pavement with their heads bowed, barefoot, and shirtless. Dramatic images from the raids show alleged criminals being led away by police, who have made around 81 arrests. One anonymous resident said: 'This is the first time we've seen drones (from criminals) dropping bombs in the community. Everyone is terrified because there's so much gunfire.' Police used their destroyer vehicles to smash a row of barricades which had been erected by drug traffickers to prevent police from entering the narrow streets of the favelas. Congressman Henrique Vieira, an evangelical pastor, roundly condemned the police operation. The state government 'treats the favela as enemy territory, with a license to shoot and kill,' he wrote on X. The UN human rights office also denounced Tuesday's violence, saying it was 'horrified' by the scenes. Motorcyclists raise their hands during the major police raid operation in Rio on October 28 Members of the military special unit patrol a street during a police operation on October 28 Police officers escort suspects arrested during the anti-drug bust on October 28 A local walks past a burnt out car near a ballistic-resistant police vehicle on October 28 A police officer lifts an object on a street barricade placed by alleged drug traffickers during a bust on October 28 People take cover behind a burned-out vehicle during a police operation in Rio on October 28 A couple rides past a burned car that was part of a barricade set up by alleged criminals on October 28 'This deadly operation furthers the trend of extreme lethal consequences of police operations in Brazil's marginalized communities,' UN officials said in a statement. 'We remind authorities of their obligations under international human rights law, and urge prompt and effective investigations.' While raids in Rio's favelas are common due to their links to drug crime, gangs and violence, this is the deadliest bust there has ever been. Until now the highest death toll came in a raid in 2021 that left 28 people dead. Last year, approximately 700 people died during police operations in Rio. Experts and human rights groups have lambasted the security efforts in Brazil, deeming them ineffective against criminal organizations. The Human Rights Commission of the Rio State Legislative Assembly will demand 'explanations of the circumstances of the action, which has once again transformed Rio's favelas into a theater of war and barbarism,' said Dani Monteiro, a congresswoman who heads the commission. Tuesday's operation also wreaked havoc on many of the city's streets, which were ground to a dramatic halt. 'We're left without buses, without anything, in this chaos and not knowing what to do,' said Regina Pinheiro, a 70-year-old retiree, who was trying to return home. Keir Starmer has vowed to get young people working and off benefits by slashing welfare spending. The Prime Minister is said to have admitted this week that the large number of people receiving the support is damaging as they may 'struggle to get off' it. New figures showed there are now an additional one million people on universal credit since Labour took office. Almost a million under-25s are not in either work, education or training but are instead dependent on state handouts. Sir Keir told The Sun: 'We must get them back into work. 'Those that can should be in work, so everyone has that ability to get up, to earn to contribute and actually have the self-fulfillment and the self-respect that work gives so many people. 'So we have to bear down on this to do more on welfare and Im determined to do this.' However the Labour leader twice declined to confirm whether the cuts would be in Rachel Reeves's November budget. Keir Starmer has vowed to get young people working and off benefits by slashing welfare spending (file image) The Prime Minister has also said he hopes more young people will take up apprenticeships and that these may be on an equal footing with degrees - guaranteeing skilled work for many years to come. This week it emerged Ms Reeves had suffered a fresh blow ahead of her Budget next month amid a larger-than-expected downgrade to official productivity forecasts. The Chancellor is now increasingly likely to have to break Labour's manifesto pledge not to put up income tax, National Insurance or VAT, said experts. It comes after the Office for Budget Responsibility, the fiscal watchdog, delivered a worse-than-expected cut to the UK's productivity outlook ahead of next month's Budget. The Chancellor has already hit families and businesses with 40billion of tax increases and promised she would not come back for more. But the latest leaked forecasts imply that the burden heaped on Britain could be even worse when she delivers her next Budget. Rob Wood, chief UK economist at consultancy Pantheon Macroeconomics, said that meeting Budget rules to bring down borrowing and debt while also increasing the 'headroom' against these targets would mean 'up to 50billion of tax rises and spending cuts'. Even if there are some positive forecast changes ahead of the Budget that reduce this to 40billion, it would still 'significantly raise the probability that the Chancellor resorts to a manifesto-breaking income tax hike', Mr Wood said. Kevin Rudd has finally broken his silence on his fiery clash with Donald Trump, as the former Australian Prime Minister made a surprise appearance in Canberra. Trump singled out Rudd in an awkward moment during Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's high-stakes visit to the White House last week, highlighting past disparaging remarks about the US President. In what was otherwise a friendly meeting, the president was curt with Australia's Ambassador to the US, after he found out he had said 'bad' things about him. 'Did an ambassador say something bad? Where is he? Is he still working for you?' he said as Albanese nodded and pointed across the table at Rudd. 'Before I took this position, Mr President,' Rudd clarified, to which Trump shot back: 'I don't like you either, and I probably never will'. Trump did not let the issue go, saying on Friday: 'When they say bad about me, I don't forget'. Rudd was asked about the exchange on Tuesday and remained diplomatic. 'What I would say is that I'm from America and I'm here to help, and my name is Kevin,' he told reporters. Kevin Rudd (pictured) was calm and collected when asked about Donald Trump's comments In what was otherwise a friendly meeting, Trump (right) got curt with Australia's Ambassador to the US Kevin Rudd (left) when he found out he had said 'bad' things about him Rudd was attending an American Chamber of Commerce in Australia (AmCham) event at Parliament House alongside Trade Minister Don Farrell. The former prime minister made it clear his focus remained firmly on business. 'We're speaking to a gathering of Australian businesses who want to do a lot of investment and trade with the United States,' he said. 'That's what we're here to do.' He refused to be drawn into further political drama when pressed by reporters. 'The Prime Minister had an excellent meeting with the President of the United States,' Rudd said. In 2020, Rudd stated on social media that he considered Trump the 'most destructive' president in US history. He deleted those comments in November 2024 after Trump's re-election, explaining it was 'out of respect' for the office of the president. The US President reignited tensions on Friday when he made fresh remarks about Rudd, despite claims that all was forgiven once cameras were turned off Albanese and Trump are pictured during his whirlwind trip to Washington last week In a surprising twist, former prime minister Tony Abbott has praised the appointment of his former political rival Rudd and downplayed Trump's comments. 'Kevin was actually a pretty shrewd appointment,' Abbott said on his podcast Australia's Future. 'While the Donald did express rather dismissive sentiments about him, I thought it was really more political theatre than anything to worry about.' Abbott credited Rudd for helping secure the $13billion strategic minerals deal. 'Albo was on holidays the week before the meeting,' he said. 'Kevin, I'm sure, was pounding the corridors of the Capitol, and I think he deserves a lot of credit for this deal.' Despite earlier calls from Opposition Leader Sussan Ley to reconsider Rudd's appointment, Albanese has stood firmly by his ambassador. Rudd's term as ambassador to the United States ends in 2027. Australian authorities are probing whether an elderly woman found dead after she 'failed to board a cruise ship' while visiting a deserted island in the Great Barrier Reef could have been saved. Police and the coroner launched an investigation into the death of the solo traveller, 80, who had been on the first stop of a 60-day $80,000-a-ticket (40,000) circumnavigation of Australia. Investigators are looking into various factors in the death of the woman on the remote Far North Queensland island including how and why she was stranded. Other factors are why the search was delayed and whether the woman could have been saved from the popular tourist spot. It's understood the woman was not reported missing until Saturday night, long after she was due to re-board the NRMA-owned Coral Expeditions cruise ship. The death came just a day after the Coral Adventurer kicked off its journey, embarking from Cairns on Friday afternoon. The ship then anchored off Lizard Island on Saturday, where passengers could take a smaller boat to hike and snorkel on the resort island, 90km northeast of Cooktown. Authorities believe the deceased woman was hiking Lizard Island's highest summit off the Far North Queensland coast on Saturday. Your browser does not support iframes. The summit of Cook's Look on Lizard Island The tourist was reported missing after she failed to return to the Coral Adventurer cruise ship (vessel pictured) It's understood the woman was part of a group walking up to the Cook's Look summit when she stopped and became lost on her way back to the ship. 'The group continued on and boarded the vessel before realising she was not there,' a source told The Australian. Another source claimed that the woman had fallen from a cliff. The tourist was reported missing Saturday night after she failed to return to the cruise ship and her body was located and retrieved from the mountain the following day. Yachtie Traci Ayris raised 'questions about safety protocols and a delayed start to the search due to it not being known that the woman was missing', the Cairns Post reported. Ms Ayris and her partner Matthew, who were aboard SV Vellamo anchored near Lizard Island, were listening to emergency radio transmissions sent from the Coral Expeditions vessel. 'They did headcounts for snorkellers (which we heard) but not for other guests on the island it would seem,' Ms Ayris told the Cairns Post. 'The last people came down from the track and got into tender then the (ship) left very soon after that. Ayris and her partner Matthew (pictured), who were aboard SV Vellamo anchored near Lizard Island, were listening to emergency radio transmissions sent from the Coral Expeditions vessel 'There was not a lot of time between when the last passengers left the beach to when they up anchored. 'We even commented, "Wow they left fast".' Vessel Finder showed the Coral Adventurer sailed back towards Lizard Island about 9pm on Saturday and arrived at about 2am on Sunday. Ms Ayris told the Cairns Post a helicopter began an aerial search at about midnight but after arriving, seven crew from the Coral Adventurer went ashore and joined the search of the mountain by torchlight. 'We watched the search up the mountain,' Ms Ayris said. 'Until the search was called off around 3am and then (resumed) again at first light. 'The chopper arrived at first light and it went directly to Telstra Rock (where she was last seen) and immediately it hovered then went straight to the air strip. 'We knew that it had found her and the lack of activity told us that she was clearly dead. 'She lay there all day and was finally airlifted [just before 4pm].' The tourist was hiking with other cruise ship passengers to Cook's Look summit on Lizard Island when she needed to stop and became lost on her way back to the vessel The couple also posted on their SV Vellamo Facebook page the tragedy was 'very sad for everyone involved'. 'Never a dull moment at Lizard. Sadly we witnessed a terrible incident where a hiker from a cruise ship was (possibly) left behind and was found later deceased. 'It took all day for repatriation of the poor hiker from the mountainside. It left us all feeling very sad for everyone involved.' Australian Maritime Safety Authority officials will meet the 112-passenger Coral Adventurer when it docks in Darwin on Sunday. The cruise ship is currently in waters off Thursday Island in the Torres Strait as the $80,000-a-ticket voyage continues. Coral Expeditions confirmed the woman's death to the Daily Mail. 'The crew notified authorities that a woman was missing, and a search and rescue operation was launched on land and sea,' chief executive Mark Fifield said. 'Following the operation, Coral Expeditions was notified by Queensland Police that the woman had been found deceased on Lizard Island. An excursion to Lizard Island ended in tragedy with the death of an elderly tourist on Saturday 'While investigations into the incident are continuing, we are deeply sorry that this has occurred and are offering our full support to the woman's family. 'The Coral team has been in contact with the woman's family, and we will continue to offer support to them through this difficult process. 'We are working closely with Queensland Police and other authorities to support their investigation. We are unable to comment further while this process is underway.' Cruising expert Adrian Tassone admitted he had no idea how it could have occurred. 'That's something I'm really struggling to understand myself,' he said. 'Cruise lines in normal operation will always know who is on the ship and who isn't. 'If the reports are to be believed and this woman was left on the island, I really can't understand how that occurred. 'It's something that most people are questioning and are trying to come to grips with.' Mr Tassone said that many cruise companies have strict systems in place, such as headcounts, to ensure all passengers are accounted for at all times. 'It's atypical from the regular cruise environment. 'This ship held a maximum of 120 passengers, so I struggle to understand how a headcount wasn't conducted. 'Typically, you get on a cruise ship and you scan a card that is your key card, which indicates when you're on and off the ship. Those manifests I understand are across all cruise lines. 'I don't know if Coral Expeditions operates in a different manner to that, but I am really surprised something more robust isn't in place that should have prevented this from happening.' The Coral Adventurer, which has capacity for 120 guests, is currently on a 60-night circumnavigation of Australia. 'It's unusual for numbers to not be known and checked, but I think what's important in this instance is that it's an expedition cruise,' Mr Tassone said. Popular with divers, snorkellers and hikers, Lizard Island is one of the most remote tourism destinations on the Great Barrier Reef. Cook's Look is the highest point on the island and follows the footsteps of British explorer Captain James Cook, who is believed to be the first European to have trekked up the mountain in 1770 after his ship Endeavour struck a reef. 'It covers four kilometres and at times is very steep so we recommend medium to high fitness and agility to safely undertake this hike,' the Lizard Island website states. 'Due to the time it takes to hike and the heat of the day, it is recommended that you hike early in the morning. 'Those that have done this hike say it is challenging but incredibly rewarding.' A first-time mum has broken down while recalling her fear that she had been sent home with the wrong baby in a shocking hospital blunder. Brianna, 22, gave birth to her daughter Willow at Maitland Hospital in the NSW Hunter region on August 21. Willow was rushed to the neonatal intensive care unit shortly afterwards due to breathing difficulties and was later taken to the recovery room. When Brianna went home with her baby girl several days later, she was shocked to discover that the hospital identification bracelets on Willow's ankles belonged to a baby boy named Bentley. The frantic mum rang the hospital and was shocked to be informed there was no record of her baby girl. 'It was very, very sad to go through as a first-time mum,' she told A Current Affair as she fought back tears. 'The wrong name bands were put on Willow. There was a boy's name band that was put on her and different mother's details that were put on her as well. 'They actually told us over the phone that Willow's information was put in somebody else's profile at the hospital.' New mother Brianna (pictured) made a mortifying discovery after taking her baby girl home Young mums Brianna (left) and Kirra-Lea (right) gave birth at Maitland Hospital several days apart in August Brianna later requested a copy of her paperwork, which showed that Willow's hospital bracelets had been checked and signed off by three different staff. She reached out to Bentley's mother after finding her details on the bracelet. Kirra-Lea gave birth at Maitland Hospital three days before Brianna. Like baby Willow, her son had also spent time in the neonatal unit. She had no idea about the mix-up involving her son's hospital bracelets until she received a call from Brianna. 'I didn't think it was real,' she recalled. 'I am very lucky to this day to have a nice person to actually reach out to me, because the hospital did not reach out to me once to tell me what had happened. 'It should never have happened at all.' Kirra-Lea (pictured) was shocked to learn that her son Bentley's hospital bracelets were placed on another baby while he was in the neonatal intensive care unit Brianna added: 'What makes it worse is that the name band that got put on her (Willow) was from three days earlier. 'I don't understand why bands had been sitting around for three days.' Kirra-Lea also requested her hospital paperwork, but is still waiting to receive a physical copy eight weeks later. Despite a personal apology from the hospital, Brianna says it's not good enough. 'There needs to be change in the public health system,' she said. 'There's policies and procedures there that need to be followed. 'I could have taken home somebody else's baby. They could have immunised her with the wrong immunisation. 'Make sure you double check all of your information and speak up if you feel something is wrong, because most likely something is wrong if you've got instincts about it.' Maitland Hospital (pictured) in the NSW Hunter region has apologised for the terrible mix-up Kirra-Lea added: 'I've been left traumatised. I won't be going back to that hospital if I have another baby'. Maitland Hospital general manager Jenny Martin has extended apologies to both families. 'We have thoroughly reviewed this serious incident and can confirm both babies received appropriate care, always remained with their own families, and there have been no adverse outcomes,' she said in a statement. 'However, we have reinforced with the staff involved and across our services the need to adhere to the processes and procedures in place that should have prevented this from occurring. 'All patients and carers are able to request access to their medical record.' At first glance, 147 Easey Street, Collingwood looks like any ordinary Melbourne home - but behind its walls, two women allegedly endured horrific, drawn-out deaths at the hands of a local predator who later fled overseas. For nearly 50 years, the infamous Easey Street killings baffled detectives. But in September last year, they finally arrested Perry Kouroumblis in Rome over the slayings of Suzanne Armstrong, 28, and Susan Bartlett, 27, in January 1977. On Wednesday, Kouroumblis appeared before the Melbourne Magistrates' Court, where the full, horrific details of what police allege he did to the women were finally revealed. Kouroumblis has hired top Melbourne barrister Dermot Dann, KC, who attempted to suppress the details of the allegations from being made public. That bid failed after media organisations challenged the court order. In opening the Crown case, prosecutor Zubin Menon painted a bloody portrait of how the two women faced their cruel and agonising deaths. 'It is alleged that while in the house, he murdered Ms Bartlett by inflicting multiple stab wounds to her shoulders, arms, buttocks, and neck, penetrating her lungs, stomach, and liver,' he said. 'It is further alleged that the accused murdered Ms Armstrong by inflicting multiple stab wounds to her back, arms, and chest, penetrating her liver and heart. Lastly, it is also alleged that the accused raped Ms Armstrong.' At first glance, 147 Easey Street, Collingwood looks like any ordinary Melbourne home - but behind its walls, two women allegedly endured horrific, drawn-out deaths at the hands of a local predator who later fled overseas Susan Bartlett (left) and Suzanne Armstrong (right) were murdered in their home on Easey Street in Collingwood in 1977 Kouroumblis allegedly agreed to give a DNA sample, but then left Australia for Greece The court heard Ms Bartlett, who weighed just 59kgs, was stabbed 55 times while Ms Armstrong was stabbed 29 times. In harrowing evidence put before the victims' friends and family, the court heard Ms Bartlett was found lying face down with her head towards the entrance to Ms Armstrong's bedroom. 'Her eyes were closed. Ms Armstrong was found lying face up on the floor of the front bedroom. Her nightie was pulled up to above her breasts,' Mr Menon said. 'She was completely naked otherwise. Her legs were open wide with her feet to either side of the bedroom door. There was a pool of blood under her head and shoulders and another pool of a similar size near her head.' Ms Armstrong had an 18-month old son at the time of her sadistic demise. Ms Bartlett had been a beloved school teacher and childhood friend of Ms Armstrong, travelling the world together before moving into Easey Street in October 1976. The court heard Kouroumblis had lived on Hotham Street - a mere 230 metres away from where the two women resided. He had lived there with his parents and brother - a man whose DNA would later help police track down the alleged killer. Kouroumblis after being extradited from Italy in December Kouroumblis had been a complete stranger to his alleged victims. On the day they would die, a neighbour observed Ms Armstrong's dog appeared to have got loose. She returned the dog about 5pm, but there was no answer at the door. The worried neighbour returned a further eight times that night, but no-one ever answered the door so she left a note. Over the following days others that attended the property noted no-one was answering the door. On January 13, days after the women were murdered, two friends made their way into the home and found their bodies. The court heard Kouroumblis was spoken to by police the very next day, with his vehicle searched by officers. A knife was located in the boot, which Kouroumblis gave various accounts about how it came to be there. The Easey Street home where the two women were allegedly murdered A newspaper story about the Easey Street deaths in 1977 Forensic samples containing DNA that would not be useful for years was collected from the murder scene. The court heard Group O blood - the same type as Kouroumblis - was found on Ms Bartlett and in the hallway. In 1998, some 21 years after the crime, further examination of samples collected at the time were tested again, which allowed police to create a DNA profile of the suspected killer. In 2013, those DNA samples were analysed again using modern techniques, with more tests done in 2018. That was the year Kouroumblis' brother agreed to hand cops over a sample of his DNA, which police quickly linked to his brother Perry. Searches of Kouroumblis' car turned up DNA samples that allowed police to confirm what they had suspected for decades. Kouroumblis had fled to Greece in 2017 after police came knocking with a request for him to supply a DNA sample. In September last year, Kouroumblis made a major blunder when he left Athens for a trip to Rome. Suzanne Armstrong (pictured) was murdered in the Melbourne suburb of Collingwood in 1977 He was arrested at the airport and was extradited to Melbourne in December where he has remained behind bars. In offering a brief defence, Mr Dann said his client would strongly defend the allegations of rape and murder. 'As it has been for nearly 50 years, the primary issue in this case is one of identity,' he said. 'So what is in issue is the identity of the person or persons responsible for the tragic and depraved deaths of Ms Armstrong and Ms Bartlett nearly 50 years ago.' Mr Dann said detectives had looked at various other persons of interest over the years, including one man who was interviewed as a 'alternative suspect' back in 1977. That suspect allegedly claimed police at the time believed he was the killer. 'So police and prosecution must now be saying that's just an example of a person being falsely accused by police of these terrible crimes,' Mr Dann said. 'However, says the defence, the investigation status of those alternative suspects will have to be explored.' Gayle Armstrong (2nd right), sister of Suzanne Armstrong, arrives to the Magistrates Court of Victoria on Wednesday Top Melbourne barrister Dermot Dann, KC, enters the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Monday Mr Dann said the DNA evidence itself also needed to be treated with caution due to its age. He told the court he might yet argue the charge of rape be discharged before trial. The preliminary hearing before Magistrate Brett Sonnet continues. President Donald Trump admitted Wednesday morning that he knew he was 'not allowed to run' for a third term, after stoking that it was something that he'd 'love' to do. Trump was flying on board Air Force One, departing Tokyo, Japan and traveling to Gyeongju, South Korea, where he'll participate in the APEC conference. There he'll engage in a high-stakes meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who extended his own presidency indefinitely. Something Trump's former political strategist Steve Bannon said has stirred up controversy stateside and has been following the president along on his three-country tour of Asia. Bannon said Trump was 'going to get a third term' and floated that a 'plan' was being hatched in order for that to happen. The 22nd Amendment of the Constitution clearly lays out that the twice-elected Trump can't run again. 'I have the best numbers for any president in many years, any president, and I would say, you read it, it's pretty clear I'm not allowed to run,' Trump said. 'It's too bad. But we have a lot of great people.' Trump was asked more questions about a third term Wednesday morning after House Speaker Mike Johnson said at a press conference Tuesday that 'I don't see a path for that,' pointing out it generally takes at least a decade to amend the Constitution. President Donald Trump admitted Wednesday morning that he knew he was 'not allowed to run' for a third term, after stoking that it was something that he'd 'love to' do Johnson added that Trump has 'a good time with that trolling the Democrats, whose hair is on fire by the very prospect.' When Trump was first asked about Johnson's comments he answered, 'I don't want to even talk about that,' boasting about a handful of accomplishments. 'So we have the greatest economy we've ever had. I have my highest poll numbers that I've ever had. And, you know, based on what I read, I guess I'm not allowed to run,' Trump answered. 'So we'll see what happens.' When a reporter brought up how Johnson said Trump was floating a third term to troll Democrats, the president disputed that's what the House Speaker said. 'I don't think he said that, I don't think he'd use that term,' the president answered. During Monday's Air Force One ride between Malaysia and Japan reporters asked Trump specifically about Bannon's comments. He played coy at first. 'I would love to do it,' he then said. 'I have my best numbers ever.' The controversy over Steve Bannon pushing that there was a 'plan' for President Donald Trump to serve an unconstitutional third term as followed the president to Asia. He addressed reporters Wednesday morning as he flew between Japan and South Korea President Donald Trump (left) addressed the third term controversy prior to landing Wednesday morning in Busan, South Korea. He'll appear at APEC in the nearby city of Gyeongju Democrats and critics of Trump in his own party have called out his third term talk, pointing to what happened during the transition period after the Republican lost reelection in 2020 to President Joe Biden. Trump attempted to stay in power by falsely claiming Biden had stolen the election using widespread voter fraud. In reality, Biden won the election but Republicans were angry that so many state legislatures allowed for the proliferation of mail-in ballots, something that was being done due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Trump's 'big lie' ultimately led to the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack. On Monday, when a reporter asked the president if he was not ruling it out, he repeated the question back. 'Am I not ruling it out? You'll have to tell me,' the president answered. Trump did say he wouldn't try to utilize a possible loophole and run for vice president instead. 'I think the people wouldn't like that. It's too cute. It wouldn't be right,' he said. A retired police officer has been killed moments after snapping a photo of a 4WD that then allegedly mowed her down - sparking a massive 14-hour manhunt. Lisa Ward, 55, was walking her dog near Ulmarra Showground, north of Grafton in northern NSW just before 5pm on Tuesday when she came across a white Nissan Patrol she had previously reported for alleged dangerous driving. Police believe an altercation took place after she took a photo of the registration plate of the allegedly doing burnouts at the showground on Coldstream Street. The driver allegedly accelerated towards and then struck Ms Ward before driving off. Ms Ward suffered serious injuries and couldn't be revived. Following inquiries, police seized a 4WD in South Grafton on Wednesday morning. A 50-year-old man was arrested and taken to Coffs Harbour Police Station, where inquiries are ongoing. No charges have yet been laid. It's understood Ms Ward was a highly respected police officer within the Coffs and Clarence ranks before she retired from the force a few years ago. Retired police officer Lisa Ward (pictured) was killed in an alleged hit-and-run while walking her dog in Ulmarra on Tuesday Ulmarra Showground remained an active crime scene on Wednesday (pictured) Shocked locals told The Daily Telegraph that Ms Ward was well-known in the close-knit community and was known to walk her dog at the showground every afternoon. '[She] was a lovely person,' another local posted online. It's understood Ms Ward's son followed in her footsteps and is a serving officer at Grafton Police. The showground remained a cordoned-off crime scene on Wednesday. 'Witnesses have informed detectives that the vehicle has moved towards the 55-year-old female and there has been an altercation,' Detective Acting Superintendent Guy Flaherty told reporters. 'The vehicle has left the scene and we believe the 55-year-old has been struck by the vehicle. 'The crime scene at Ulmarra Showground remains active with extensive inquiries being done by forensics. 'Detectives will be re-canvassing the area today.' Anybody with information about the movements of the Nissan Patrol in the local area in recent days is urged to contact Grafton Police or Crime Stoppers. Three thrill seekers have been convicted for BASE jumping in Yosemite National Park, as officials warn that the laws don't disappear during the government shutdown. The National Park Service announced last week that three people are facing hefty fines and even jail time after leaping from various rock faces. BASE jumping is an extreme sport in which participants launch themselves from great heights with a parachute. The acronym is derived from the four categories: Buildings, Antennas, Spans (such as bridges, arches), and Earth (for instance cliffs, mountains). The activity led to serious injuries and fatalities, forcing authorities to outlaw the activity in the mid-1980s. The National Park Service has emphasized that punishments can be severe for those who break the law, even during the government shutdown, as parks operate with limited staff. 'We do not tolerate illegal activity in Yosemite National Park,' Yosemite National Park Superintendent Raymond McPadden said. 'Our law enforcement rangers remain efficient, effective and vigilant 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The acronym used in BASE jumping stands for Buildings, Antennas, Spans (such as bridges, arches), and Earth (for instance cliffs, mountains) (Pictured: BASE jumper Dean Potter at Yosemite National Park before his death) The National Park Service has announced that three people have been convicted of BASE jumping 'These convictions demonstrate the professionalism and dedication of Yosemites protection team in upholding federal regulations and ensuring the safety of both visitors and first responders.' The first conviction, Christopher Durell, was sentenced to 18 months of unsupervised probation, $600 in fines, and 40 hours of community service at a national park, according to the National Park Service. Durell was caught base jumping on July 15, 2024, at Mirror Lake. Park goers had reported that Durrell had jumped from an area near North Dome. North Dome overlooks Yosemite Valley and is an 8.8-mile round-trip hike. The elevation is 7,540 feet. Durrell pleaded guilty and admitted jumping from the Porcelain Wall, a rock-climbing site at an elevation of 7,355 feet. Joshua A. Iosue also pleaded guilty to jumping in the same area on July 15. He initially escaped authorities but was later identified and arrested two days later. Iosue will face two days in jail, 24 months of unsupervised probation, and $2,150 in fines. He was also banned from entering the park during his probation. David A. Nunn was convicted for jumping from El Capitan on July 21, 2020. Nunn's equipment malfunctioned during the jump and collided with the wall before crashing. The BASE jumpers convicted pleaded guilty and faced punishments ranging from community service, fines, and minimal jail time (Pictured: BASE jumpers in Yosemite in 2017) The convictions come as the National Park Service has warned that they are still enforcing the law during the government shutdown (Pictured: BASE jumpers in Yosemite in 2017) El Capitan's walls are made of granite and are over 3,000 feet high, which is more than three times the height of the Eiffel Tower. Emergency services rescued Nunn. He was sentenced to two days in jail, a year of unsupervised probation, $760 in fines, and $458.77 in restitution to cover the cost of his rescue. The convictions come as fears of squatters and BASE jumpers have increased during the government shutdown. John DeGrazio, who runs tours at Yosemite through the company YExplore Yosemite Adventures, told SFGate earlier this month that the park was like the 'Wild Wild West.' 'These people are counting on no enforcement because of the shutdown,' he added. An anonymous employee also told the outlet that only one wilderness ranger was covering the park during the shutdown. Balin Miller (pictured) died climbing El Capitan on the first day of the federal shutdown While livestreaming his climb, Miller fell to his death (pictured: screenshot of Miller on El Capitan during his final climb) In 2015, American free climber Dean Potter died alongside Graham Hunter while attempting a night time BASE jump from a 7,500-foot promontory called Taft Point. Potter and Hunt fatally collided with a notch in the granite cliffs surrounding El Capitan and Half Dome during the high speed gliding phase of their flight. They did not have a chance to deploy their parachutes. A search-and-rescue mission began when the jumpers' spotter lost contact with them. Helicopter crews looking for the missing pair found their bodies in the Yosemite Valley. The New Hampshire native was renowned for his bold and sometimes rogue climbs and BASE jumps, in which he would parachute from a fixed structure or cliff. Influencer Balin Miller, 23, died on the first day of the shutdown while rock climbing El Capitan. Miller's mother told the Associated Press that he fell to his death as his climb was livestreamed. His older brother, Dylan Miller, told the outlet that he was lead rope soloing a 2,400-foot route called Sea of Dreams. This technique gave him a rope for protection, though experts warn it remains inherently risky. Dylan said his brother had completed the climb and was likely hauling the rest of his gear when he rappelled to the end of his rope - and fell. The Daily Mail has reached out to the National Park Service for comment on their staffing during the shutdown. A conservative German activist known as the 'anti-Greta Thunberg' said she fears for her life and has applied for asylum in the United States with Elon Musk's backing. Naomi Seibt, 25, rose to fame as a teenager when she was hired by a conservative think tank in 2020 as their 'international poster girl of its battle against the green movement'. She now claims her support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has made her a target in Germany. The activist hopes to take advantage of Donald Trump's new asylum laws which give preference to white Europeans and South Africans. After first interacting with Musk and having her posts on X boosted by him last year, the billionaire appears ready to help Seibt. 'Elon has been terrified to go to Europe and knows that there is an extremely high threat and has confirmed this to me personally,' she told Fox News Digital. 'That's when I made the decision to apply for asylum myself. He gave me his approval for that.' She claims to be currently in America 'legally' and awaiting an interview that will hopefully get her asylum status. The pair have interacted personally since Musk began retweeting her posts and discussed the issues she faces in private messages and has been supportive of her attempt to one day become a US citizen. 'My goal in the meantime is to become an American citizen in the future because this country has given me so much hope,' she said. Naomi Seibt (pictured) - a conservative German activist who once reached viral fame as the 'anti-Greta Thunberg' - now fears for her life and has applied for asylum in the United States After first interacting with him and having her posts on X boosted by him last year, Elon Musk appears ready to help Seibt Seibt argued that German authorities have spied on her and threatened her 'for years' and is worried she will be put in prison, while at the same time facing death threats from Antifa. 'I went to the German police, and they told me that they can't do anything about it as long as I have not actually been raped or killed,' she said. 'I am not getting protection from the German government even though I am at major risk of potentially being killed.' Seibt said that despite laws against penalizing speech critical of politicians, she will be arrested if she ever returns to her homeland. Last year, she made headlines for her take on the Magdeburg Christmas market slaughter which was boosted by Musk. She claimed the attack was carried out by Islamists, although that has not been proven. The activist when wrote on X: 'Elon Musk is right: Only the AfD can save Germany.' She was brought to the attention of Americans in 2020, when the Heartland Institute created a YouTube video that pitched Seibt against Thunberg. 'I have good news for you. The world is not ending because of climate change,' Seibt says in the video for the lobbying group. 'People are being force-fed a very dystopian agenda of climate alarmism that tells us that we as humans are destroying the planet and that we, the young people especially, have no future.' Seibt, 25, rose to fame as a teenager, with her views on climate change the polar opposite to those of Swedish environmental campaigner Greta Thunberg (pictured) She was brought to the attention of Americans in 2020, when a YouTube video created by the Heartland Institute, a think tank which firmly rejects climate change, pitched Seibt against Thunberg In another video entitled 'Naomi Seibt vs. Greta Thunberg: whom should we trust?', footage is seen of both teens as they make their opposing cases. Seibt called Thunberg a proponent of 'climate alarmism'. 'I used to be a climate change alarmist myself because, obviously, as a young girl I grew up around the climate change hysteria in the media, in my school books. 'I was an innocent young girl and I thought by hugging the trees I could save the planet, which quite frankly turned out not to be true,' she says in one YouTube video. Seibt said the thinking at the time on climate change was an 'insult to science, and the complexity of nature, and freedom of speech' adding 'it is important we keep questioning the narrative that is out there.' 'Climate change alarmism at its very core is a despicably anti-human ideology. We are told to look down on our achievements with guilt, shame, disgust and not even to take into account the many major benefits we have from using fossil fuels as our main energy source. 'Look around. We are living in such an amazing era of fast progress and innovation. We are not allowed to be proud of that at all? Instead debates are being shut down and real scientists lose their jobs.' The Daily Mail has reached out to the White House for comment on Seibt's asylum claim. The number of schools that taught up to 140 Year 12 students the wrong subject is rising, with nine impacted by the stunning bungle. Authorities are checking whether more pupils have been affected by the gaffe after Queensland ancient history students learnt they had been studying the wrong Roman emperor ahead of their final exam. About 140 students are impacted after the number of schools across the state embroiled in the 'extremely traumatic' mix-up rose from eight to nine on Wednesday. Brisbane State High School in South Brisbane was the first to sound the alarm with eight more schools now caught up in the bungle. Other schools reportedly include Flagstone Community College, James Nash State High School, Kuranda District State College, Meridan State College, Redcliffe State High School, St Teresa's Catholic College, West Moreton Anglican College, and Yeronga State High School. 'I'm very unhappy about the situation developing as it has, for the stress that it will have caused for everyone,' Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek said. Students were meant to study Julius Caesar but the affected pupils instead learnt about Augustus Caesar, according to the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA). Augustus was a focus of the 2024 exam, but it changed to Caesar this year. John-Paul Langbroek (pictured) said a review into how the bungle happened was underway Brisbane State High School (pictured) was the first school to sound the alarm on the bungle Students were told about the mix-up just days ahead of the final exam which is worth 25 per cent of their overall grade. The curriculum authority said it was checking all 172 schools to confirm the number of students impacted. Mr Langbroek on Wednesday said 'to the best of my knowledge' no other schools had been affected. An investigation has been launched to assess the resources and planning provided by the authority to ensure there was no repeat of the gaffe. It will include a review of QCAA's communications and procedures, to ensure 'schools are confirming awareness of topic changes for any curriculum'. 'For all of us, as parents or students, who have been through situations like this it would be extremely traumatic,' he said. 'I want to reassure these students and their parents and the teachers affected that we'll be making every investigation into how this happened.' The authority previously said schools involved in the bungle would submit an 'illness and misadventure application' so students receive special consideration when their papers are marked, which was reiterated by Langbroek on Wednesday. Hurricane Melissa pummeled Cuba early Wednesday after leaving a path of destruction across Jamaica, where 25,000 tourists remain stranded and entire towns were under water. The 'storm of the century' could take days or even weeks to recover in the worst-hit parts of Jamaica, with landslides and fallen trees and power lines making it difficult for rescue crews to access some flood-ravaged regions. Meanwhile in Cuba, as many as 735,000 residents heeded warnings from the nation's president and emergency response crews as they fled their homes along the coast and mountainous regions in the path of the storm ahead of its arrival on Wednesday. As Cubans hunker down and endure the worst of the onslaught, Jamaicans have started work surveying the devastation left behind. Extraordinary footage has emerged in the hours since the historic storm first made landfall as a mammoth Category 5 storm in Jamaica about 1pm on Tuesday. Video from Black River in St. Elizabeth, one of the worst-hit parishes, shows how winds tore the roofs from buildings and leveled others to the ground. Colorful structures which were left partially standing along Brigade Street in town were submerged in murky floodwaters, hours after Desmond McKenzie, deputy chairman of Jamaica's Disaster Risk Management Council, warned the entirety of St. Elizabeth was 'under water.' Across the island, as many as 530,000 locals are without electricity as emergency crews begin cleanup efforts. Video from Black River in St. Elizabeth, one of the worst-hit parishes, shows how winds tore the roofs from buildings and leveled others to the ground As many as 735,000 residents have been evacuated from their homes across Cuba amid fears over the destructive storm Residents were seen leaving their homes across regions in the path of the storm as they were encouraged to find safe shelter Residents in Cuba were pictured braving the wild winds ahead of the storm making landfall AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter warned residents or tourists in western Jamaica 'could be stranded for days or weeks' as authorities look to begin the monumental cleanup effort. 'It will be incredibly difficult for emergency aid and resources to reach the hardest hit areas,' he added. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness had echoed concerns about rescue efforts earlier on Tuesday, stating that while efforts could get underway immediately in eastern parts of the island, other ravaged communities may have to wait 'a few more days.' 'There is no infrastructure in the region that can withstand a Category 5,' he said. 'The question now is the speed of recovery. That's the challenge.' At least seven people were dead across the Caribbean before the storm even made landfall, but authorities have not yet been able to provide an accurate updated toll due to the conditions on the ground. Based on the sheer scale of the devastation, Holness said 'we are expecting there would be some loss of life.' But Porter noted 'the worst impacts from Melissa struck Jamaica during the daylight hours' - a bleak contrast to the dangers Cuba faces overnight as the island is pummeled in the darkness throughout the early hours of Wednesday. 'People across Cuba need to be prepared for a dangerous, direct hit from Melissa in the dark,' he warned. Men were pictured attempting to protect their cars and belongings ahead of Hurricane Melissa's arrival in Cuba on Wednesday morning Devastating images have emerged out of Jamaica as clean up efforts begin Your browser does not support iframes. The storm dropped to a Category 3 by early evening on Tuesday but picked up again to become 'an extremely dangerous' Category 4 hours before it was due to make landfall in Cuba. Up to 20 inches (51 centimeters) of rain was forecast across Cuba, along with a significant storm surge along the coast. In a televised address to the nation Tuesday, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel urged the population to not underestimate the power of the storm, which is 'the strongest ever to hit national territory.' 'We want to stress again the need for people to understand the risk it poses because of its scale,' he said. Hours later, he revealed more than 735,000 Cubans heeded his warning and evacuated their homes. 'We have just checked with the provinces the measures in the face of the passage of Melissa,' he wrote on X. 'The number of evacuees exceeds 735 thousand, and work continues.' He warned 'it will be a very difficult night for all of Cuba' but vowed the island 'will recover, always with the faith in victory that Fidel and Raul instilled in us,' referring to the Castro brothers, who formerly led Cuba. Early on Wednesday morning, Jamaica's Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information Dana Morris Dixon, confirmed earlier estimates that 25,000 tourists remained in Jamaica unable to return home as airports closed during the storm. Horrifying video shows colorful buildings submerged in murky floodwaters, while others were destroyed entirely, in Jamaica Residents in a Cuban town in the path of the storm were pictured earlier on Tuesday evacuating their homes Children were evacuated from their homes with the assistance of military personnel in Cuba Among them are Texas newlyweds Kasydee and Hunter Bishop, who arrived in Montego Bay shortly before evacuation orders were issued. The airport has since been boarded up and all flights canceled as a result of the mammoth storm. 'We really have no idea what to expect,' the couple told Fox 4. But she assured the wider community 'there is no need to worry' and that the government and Ministry of Tourism has been 'in constant communication with all of the hotels.' She said authorities are 'providing support and keeping those tourists as safe as we possibly can.' Almost every parish in the country is experiencing blocked roads, fallen trees, damaged utility poles and excessive flooding, Disaster Risk Management Council chairman McKenzie said. He said four main hospitals are damaged, with the storm knocking out power to one of them, forcing officials to evacuate 75 patients. Floodwaters trapped at least three families in their homes in the community of Black River in western Jamaica, and crews were unable to help them because of dangerous conditions. Among the 25,000 stranded tourists are Texas newlyweds Kasydee and Hunter Bishop, who arrived in Montego Bay shortly before evacuation orders were issued Extraordinary images had also emerged from Haiti overnight as schools were converted into makeshift shelters to seek cover from the intense deluge of rain caused by the outer bands of the hurricane as it swept through the Caribbean Homes have been leveled across Jamaica, and there are concerns about how long it will take to assess and rebuild some of the worst-hit regions 'Roofs were flying off,' he said. 'We are hoping and praying that the situation will ease so that some attempt can be made to get to those persons.' AccuWeather experts have warned that the preliminary estimate for the total damage and economic loss across Jamaica could reach $22billion. 'The reports that we have had so far would include damage to hospitals, significant damage to residential property, housing and commercial property as well, and damage to our road infrastructure,' Jamaica's Prime Minister Andrew Holness said. President Donald Trump vowed to offer assistance to Jamaica when cleanup efforts begin and the monumental task of rebuilding begins. 'On a humanitarian basis, we have to, so we're watching it closely,' he said. 'We're prepared to move. It's doing tremendous damages as we speak.' Trump also marveled at the storm's strength. It was a Category 5 when it made landfall in Jamaica - the worst the island has ever seen. 'I've never seen that before. I guess it can get that high, but I've never seen it,' he said. As many as 15,000 people across Jamaica were in shelters on Tuesday as winds topped 185 mph (295 kph). In Cuba, locals were seen waiting in the streets for food as rain poured down In Kingston, officials warned people to watch out for crocodiles that might be displaced from their habitats by flooding. Extraordinary images had also emerged from Haiti overnight as schools were converted into makeshift shelters to seek cover from the intense deluge of rain caused by the outer bands of the hurricane as it swept through the Caribbean. The pictures showed women and children hunkering down in the shelter and trying to get some sleep as the downpour carried on throughout the night. The Government has written to the first council in the country to institute a four-day working week following reports of deterioration in services. Communities Secretary Steve Reed expressed his 'deep disappointment' in a letter to the leader of South Cambridgeshire district council Bridget Smith. The district council became the first local authority to trial staff working 80 per cent of their contracted hours this summer, giving bin collectors and social housing officials 100 per cent of their pay for working for just four days. It said it expects to save about 400,000 annually due to lower staff turnover and relying less on agency workers. Now another 25 council are weighing up the move, with fears it is hitting productivity and adding pressure on public finances. However, central government currently has no powers to force councils to stop a four-day week or tell them how many days they should work. Mr Reed has since asked for answers in a letter to Ms Smith, the Liberal Democrat leader in South Cambridgeshire, following reports of deterioration in council services. In leaked extracts, Mr Reed claimed an independent study found key housing-related services South Cambridgeshire had declined, 'especially where vulnerable residents may be affected'. Steve Reed, the Communities Secretary, expressed his 'deep disappointment' in a letter to the leader of South Cambridgeshire district council, Bridget Smith (pictured) In leaked extracts of the letter, Mr Reed claimed a study found key housing-related services South Cambridgeshire had declined, 'especially where vulnerable residents may be affected' Mr Reed claimed an independent study found key housing-related services South Cambridgeshire had declined, 'especially where vulnerable residents may be affected'. In the letter to Ms Smith, he wrote: 'The independent report shows that performance declined in key housing-related services, including rent collection, re-letting times, and tenant satisfaction with repairs, especially where vulnerable residents may be affected. 'If social housing is being built by this Government, and your team are unable to move residents into them so that they are standing empty, then I must reiterate my deep disappointment with your conduct.' Mr Reed added that he is 'seeking assurance' over the trial, which he pointed out was not government policy for local authorities to offer full-time pay for part-time work. 'In particular, I would like to understand how the council is seeking to mitigate the impact to those services which have worsened over the course of the four-day working week trial,' he wrote. He added that he would like to meet with council office to 'provide that assurance'. South Cambridgeshire began a three-month pilot into the four-day week in January 2023 for 450 desk-based staff and claimed early checks indicated services were not affected, while employees were happier. In May that year, it decided to continue the trial for another 12 months and extended it to cover binmen and cleaners. The then Tory government wrote to the leader of the council Bridget Smith, demanding the experiment be terminated but it has continued regardless. Figures released earlier this year in an independent report have shown that 16 per cent of staff do 'other paid work' on their extra day off despite the council's website stating the time off is to allow workers to 'recover and re-energise' for the 'more intense' four-day week. The council claims most of those with second jobs are waste workers who traditionally took on other work when morning refuse collections were over. Further research by the Universities of Salford, Bradford and Cambridge, which was referred to in the letter, found that 21 of 24 services improved or stayed the same using the four-day-week. However a survey of residents revealed that nine out of 13 services have declined under the scheme, four stayed the same and none improved. Ms Smith said she was 'extremely disappointed' to receive the letter as she claimed 'we are an exceptionally high-performing council'. The council leader added that they have 'delivered an annual saving of almost 400,000, maintained and improved performance'. She said the council has had seen their turnover decrease by 41 per cent and that number of applications for roles advertised has increased by 123 per cent. A council spokesman said Ms Smith has agreed to hold a meeting with Mr Reed. Cllr Bridget Smith, Leader of South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: 'The independently assessed data for the trial showed that our performance had either improved or remained the same, bar three areas relating to housing. 'Independent analysis shows that these were due to factors completely independent of the four-day working week. For example, the cost-of-living crisis. 'In fact, we are a top performing Council nationally in these areas and our performance is improving further.' Sir James Cleverly, the Conservative shadow communities secretary, said: 'Labour have reversed our work to get civil servants back into the office, and their Unemployment Bill will make working from home more widespread. 'Labour are not serious about making sure the public sector is accountable and delivers value for taxpayers. 'South Cambridgeshire may be the first council to adopt a four-day week permanently, but with Labour in charge, it wont be the last. Under Labour you pay more tax and get worse services.' Elliot Keck, campaigns director of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: 'South Cambridgeshire district council has inflicted a part-time council on its residents for years. 'It has led to a decline in services and a shocking democratic deficit with councillors only voting on the scheme after years. 'Steve Reed is right to be taking them to task and shouldn't leave any option off the table in dealing with this rogue local authority.' A Perth father has died following a sudden heart-attack in a local shopping centre, with his heartbroken son now appealing for help in funding a local burial. Cristhian Gamboa Cancino, 48, suffered a fatal heart attack while leaving a pharmacy in Hammond Park, a suburb in Perth's southeast, on Sunday, October 19. The Chilean man had been living in Western Australia for two-and-a-half years and leaves behind a devastated family including two sons. His 20-year-old son Nicolas has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise enough money to afford to bury his father in Australia. 'At first, because of the high costs and lack of resources, we had planned to cremate him,' he wrote on the fundraiser. 'But now, thanks to the incredible generosity and support from so many people, I want to honor (sic) his true wish - to be buried here in Australia, the place where he fought to make a better life for his children. 'That was his dream, and fulfilling it is the only way I can find peace and know that I respected what he truly wanted.' Staff of the shopping centre where Mr Cancino suddenly died told the family witnesses rushed to assist the 48-year-old, Perth Now reported. Cristhian Gamboa Cancino (pictured) sadly died suddenly after suffering a heart attack at a Perth shopping centre earlier this month Mr Cancino has been visiting the Park Hive shopping centre in Perth to get a prescription. He moved from Chile to Australia two-and-a-half years ago An off-duty nurse and pharmacy worker were among those who attempted to deliver resuscitation while waiting for an ambulance to arrive. Nicolas said his father made the move to Australia to work and provide for his family. 'My dad came to Australia two and a half years ago, working hard to build a better life and to bring me here a year and a half later,' he wrote. 'His only dream was to give me and my brother a better future.' A friend of the family, Eva Pages-Oliver, shared a tribute to the devoted father and loyal friend to social media on Monday. 'In the quiet moments and in the stillness of our hearts, we remember Cristhian Gamboa Cancino - a man of deep integrity, quiet strength, and unwavering love for his family,' she said. 'His sudden passing has left a space that cannot be filled, but his spirit continues to guide those he loved and who loved him. 'Cristhian was more than just a father to Nicholas and a brother to Carlos - he was their anchor, their protector, and their home. Mr Cancino leaves behind two sons including Nicolas, 20, who has remembered him as a devoted father and a loyal friend 'As immigrants navigating a new land, their bond was forged through shared sacrifice, dreams, and unshakable loyalty. 'Through every hardship, Cristhian's dignity and humility never wavered.' More than 220 people have so far donated to the GoFundMe, raising nearly $15,000. Nicolas said the donations will go towards his father's burial and supporting his family. 'All funds raised will go towards the burial expenses and to support his two sons - my brother and me - to continue the future he dreamed of for us,' Nicolas wrote. 'Any remaining funds will help with our education and stability, as my father would have wanted. 'I want to sincerely thank every person who has donated, shared, and supported us through this painful time. Your kindness and compassion mean the world to us.' To donate, the GoFundMe campaign can be found here. Daily Mail has contacted Nicolas for comment. A woman accused of sabotaging two Sydney hospitals by cutting off gas and water lines has appeared on footage that allegedly shows her as she tampered with mechanical equipment at a different building. The stunning new CCTV vision allegedly shows Vanessa Moulton, 42, as she interfered with infrastructure at an accommodation building in the city's CBD on Monday, reported 7News. A few hours later, early on Tuesday morning, she is accused of disrupting the critical services at the two medical facilities in Sutherland Shire in the city's south. Police were later told that a 72-year-old man died at Sutherland Hospital about 2.30am on Tuesday morning. His death is now under investigation. In the new CCTV, the 42-year-old, who police now allege is a serial saboteur, appeared to tamper with a fire control panel at a Darlinghurst backpacker hostel. More footage then showed Moulton as she appeared to switch off the high-pressure water and gas mains at a Caringbah unit block, near to the two hospitals, just before 1am. Moulton was arrested on Parkside Avenue in Miranda on Tuesday morning for breach of bail. She has since been charged with two counts of public nuisance, two counts of trespassing, sabotage, and destroy or damage property and breach of bail. Vanessa Moulton, 42, allegedly disrupted the critical gas and water supplies at two hospitals in Sydney's south during the early hours of Tuesday CCTV footage appears to show Moulton as she tampered with a fire control panel at a Darlinghurst backpacker hostel Additional footage showed Moulton as she appeared to switch off the high-pressure water and gas mains at a Caringbah unit block just before 1am Moulton was also charged with tampering with fire alarm or fire signalling apparatus, and trespass on protected premises in relation to a separate alleged incident at a Darlinghurst hostel on Monday. No charges have been laid over the death of the hospital patient. Authorities are investigating whether the two incidents are linked. Moulton appeared in Sutherland Local Court videolink on Wednesday, where she was refused bail. She declined the assistance of Legal Aid and was asked by the magistrate why she should not remain in custody, the Daily Telegraph reported. 'I didn't do it,' Moulton replied. She will remain in custody until her next court appearance at the Downing Centre on December 24. NSW Premier Chris Minns said that the man's death will be 'fully investigated'. 'We want to make sure that the family has as much information as we have and that we communicate it to them as soon as possible,' he said on Wednesday. Moulton has been charged with a string of offences related to the alleged disruptions He added that critical hospital infrastructure statewide will undergo a thorough security audit. 'It's such a shocking allegation it may well have been the case that it was believed that no one would be so callous or cruel,' Minns said. 'We're obliged to protect that critical infrastructure and I want to assure patients and families across NSW Health, as well as the workers that rely on that infrastructure to work, that we're going to make sure that we do everything we can to keep it safe.' There was no impact to patients from the alleged tampering of mains water and non-medical gas supply at Kareena Private Hospital. 'All services were quickly restored with minimal disruption and no impact to patient care,' a Ramsay Health Care spokeswoman said. Earlier, NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said the act of alleged 'sabotage' could have had 'catastrophic' consequences for more patients. 'It is very, very concerning that life-saving medical gases have been [allegedly] sabotaged at the public and private hospitals,' he told reporters on Tuesday. 'Access to gas systems in NSW public hospitals is restricted and we will review the incident to see what improvements can be implemented.' Thousands of British tourists remain stranded in Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa amid warnings that crocodiles could be swimming in flooded streets. As many as 8,000 British citizens are on the Caribbean island, which last night was struck by one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes in history that left 'catastrophic winds' and 'flash flooding' in its wake. Melissa ripped through parts of Jamaica with winds of up to 185mph and torrential rain. Heavy floodwaters swept across the region as wind tore roofs off buildings and boulders tumbled into roads, with landslides, fallen trees and numerous power outages reported. But in the capital, Kingston, officials warned those in the surrounding area to watch out for crocodiles that may be displaced from their natural river habitat due to severe flooding. In a post on X, the US National Hurricane Centre (NHC) warned that it is an 'extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation' and that 'catastrophic winds, flash flooding and storm surge' were ongoing in the country. Mike Brennan, director of the NHC told BBC News that heavy rainfall and damaging winds will continue to affect the majority of the island overnight on Tuesday and that an additional six to 12 inches of rain was possible. He added that even after the storm passed over the island, the 'flooding risk, and just the post-storm environment in Jamaica, is going to be extremely dangerous with widespread trees and power lines down, significant structural damage' and that it will remain a dangerous environment, particularly in the west and in the mountains, 'for days, if not weeks to come'. The Jamaican government previously ordered evacuations from high-risk areas, and all the country's airports are shut, while the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) urged British nationals in Jamaica to register their presence through the Government website to receive updates from the FCDO on the hurricane. Hurricane Melissa ripped through parts of Jamaica with winds of up to 185mph and torrential rain Heavy floodwaters swept across the region as wind tore roofs off buildings and boulders tumbled into roads, with landslides, fallen trees and numerous power outages reported In Kingston, officials warned those in the surrounding area to watch out for crocodiles that may be displaced from their natural river habitat due to severe flooding The Rio Cobre comes out of its banks near St. Catherine, Jamaica, on October 28, 2025 Speaking in the Commons, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said: 'The FCDO stands ready to help British nationals 24/7. 'We have set up a crisis centre in the Foreign Office, including with support from the (Ministry of Defence), and also we are positioning specialist rapid deployment teams to provide consular assistance to British nationals in the region. 'Any British nationals who are there should follow our travel advice and the advice of the Jamaican authorities. 'There are 50,000 dual nationals who live in Jamaica, up to 8,000 British citizens who may be travelling there or may be on holiday there.' The NHC said those on the island should remain in their shelter overnight and advised that an interior room without windows, where falling trees can also be avoided, was the safest place within a building. A British man who cut his holiday in Jamaica short and paid 3,500 for last-minute flights home for his family before the airports shut said he felt 'completely let down' by the UK Government's response to the hurricane. David Rowe, who is from Hertfordshire and spent ten days in Jamaica before flying home on Saturday because of the storm, said of the FCDO's response: 'The advice should have been last week, like on the Saturday - don't travel - because a lot of the travel companies use the FCDO guidance on travel (for) all their planning and what decisions they make as an organisation.' The IT manager, 47, continued: 'There should have been something done much sooner than this and a lot of the UK nationals and people on holiday there, they are stranded. 'This could have been prevented with better action from the UK Government.' Kyle Holmes, who is from Bolton and visiting Jamaica for a wedding with his wife and three daughters, told BBC Manchester that his hotel in the town of Lucea now looks like a 'disaster zone'. Speaking on Tuesday, Mr Holmes told the BBC his family are now safe after the 'worst experience ever' and barricading the windows of the family's room with furniture. Hurricane Melissa, a category 5 storm bearing down on the island of Jamaica at 10:10GMT, October 28, 2025 in the Caribbean Sea A house is damaged by Hurricane Melissa in Kingston, Jamaica, 28 October 2025 Your browser does not support iframes. Seven people have already reportedly lost their lives across the Caribbean region, including three in Jamaica, three in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic. Briton Shantell Nova Rochester and her Jamaican fiance Denva Wray told Sky News they were 'as safe as they can possibly be' in St Elizabeth. Mr Wray said: 'Where we are is quite strong, sturdy, but you can hear a lot of wind. It is a bit scary, but we've got each other, so we are strong.' Web outage monitoring service Netblocks posted on X that connectivity fell to just 30% of normal levels due to the storm. The NHC downgraded the storm to a Category 3 just before 6am UK time on Wednesday, warning it was expected to make landfall in Cuba 'soon' as an 'extremely dangerous major hurricane'. It earlier warned some mountainous areas of Jamaica were expected to receive up to 30 inches of rain. In an X post early on Wednesday, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez said more than 735,000 people across the country had been evacuated. The Jamaican government said it had done all it could to prepare and warned of devastating damage from the strongest hurricane to hit the island since record-keeping began 174 years ago. Jamaican-born Ambrosine Townsend, who lives in Kent, said she was waiting for news of family and friends. 'I'm very confident she's well prepared,' Ms Townsend told the BBC about her sister, having tried to convince her to stay with friends further down the coast. 'Even though I trust her, I tried to persuade her. Because I know that things can change. But she was adamant that she would be OK.' Trees sway in the wind in St Catherine, Jamaica, after Hurricane Melissa made landfall on October 28, 2025 Fallen tree debris along a road left behind by Hurricane Melissa in Kingston, Jamaica, 28 October 2025 Travel company Tui urged its customers to follow the advice of local authorities, while UK travel trade organisation Abta warned British tourists in Jamaica to do the same, as well as to monitor local news and follow advice from their accommodation and travel providers. On Tuesday night, Ms Cooper urged British nationals to register their presence in Jamaica so consular support could be provided. 'We stand ready to support Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa hits the island,' she said in a post on X. An FCDO spokesperson said: 'We understand how worrying developments in Jamaica are for British nationals and their families. 'Our travel advice includes information about hurricane season, which runs from June to November. Last Thursday we updated our travel advice for Jamaica to include a warning about Tropical Storm Melissa and that it was expected to intensify over the coming days. 'The safety and security of British nationals is our top priority, and that is why we are urging any British nationals in Jamaica to follow the guidance of the local authorities.' The storm is heading towards Cuba, where it is expected to make landfall as a major hurricane early on Wednesday. Vladimir Putin is more determined than ever to continue his war on Ukraine and secure more territory to justify the heavy human and financial losses Russia has suffered, according to a new US intelligence assessment. The findings, shared with members of Congress earlier this month, suggest that Russia has shown no sign of being ready to compromise as Donald Trump attempts to broker peace talks. According to two senior U.S. officials familiar with the report, analysts believe Putin is now fully entrenched in his campaign to claim Ukrainian territory, seeing victory as essential to justifying Russia's heavy military and economic losses. Multiple intelligence agencies across the West have shared similar assessments since Putin launched his illegal invasion in February 2022. It has been estimated that over one million Russian soldiers have been killed since the war began. In recent weeks, Trump has shown his growing frustration over his inability to end the war, which was part of his campaign pledge for reelection. He was scheduled to meet Putin in Hungary for talks, but pulled out last week. Trump said he did not want to have a 'wasted meeting.' He also noted: 'Every time I speak to Vladimir, I have good conversations and then they don't go anywhere.' Shortly after the cancellations, Trump announced crippling sanctions on two of Moscow's biggest oil giants, which left Russia facing power outages and fuel shortages. Ukrainian firefighters work at the site of Russian airstrikes on buildings in September. A new US intelligence report has said Putin is determined to continue his war on Ukraine Russian president Vladimir Putin has suffered heavy human and financial losses since the invasion began in February 2022 Calling the sanctions 'tremendous', Trump also added that he had 'waited a long time' to impose them but hoped 'they won't be on for long'. According to NBC News, although a White House spokesperson declined to comment on the latest report, they said in a statement: 'As the president stated, these are tremendous sanctions against their two big oil companies which he hopes will help bring about the end of the war. 'He has been clear that it is time to stop the killing and make a deal to end the war. The United States will continue to advocate for a peaceful resolution to the war, and a permanent peace depends on Russias willingness to negotiate in good faith.' The sanctions came after Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelensky, expressed his own frustrations over the war. In a post on X, he wrote: 'It is high time the European Union adopted a strong sanctions package. We also count on strong sanctions measures from the United States and the G7, from all those who seek peace.' He also pleaded with the West to do more to prevent Russia from launching further attacks. Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has sought to position himself as a mediator. Although he managed to secure a fragile deal between Israel and Hamas, his attempts to bring Russia to the negotiating table have thus far been unsuccessful. In August, a summit between Trump and Putin in Alaska was seen as a win for Russia - but critics said the U.S. leader had returned empty-handed, without a ceasefire deal or a scheduled meeting between Putin and Zelensky. Trump and Putin at Anchorage in Alaska in August. Critics said the meeting was a win for Russia but also said Trump had returned without any concessions from Putin His growing impatience has also been reflected in his comments about military aid. Earlier this month, he suggested he might approve the delivery of U.S.-made Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, though he later stepped back after another call with Putin. Ukraine has been pressing Washington for long-range weapons to strike deep into Russian territory, a move backed by several European allies. Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have urged Trump to take a tougher line with Moscow, using both sanctions and arms shipments to pressure the Kremlin into agreeing to a ceasefire. Observers say Trump's frustrations appear to stem from the fact that Putin has refused to give up his demands to seize territories in Ukraine to end the war. Several Russian officials have spoken about how Putin's position remains unchanged. When speaking about Trump pulling out of the Hungary summit, Russia's foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov said: 'I believe American officials have concluded that Russias position has remained largely unchanged over time and remains within the bounds of its initial maximalist demands. 'Russia has not altered its positions compared to understandings and prolonged negotiations between Putin and Trump in Alaska.' Putin has continued to target residential apartments and civilian infrastructure in a clear sign that he is not ready to end the war Residents in Zaporizhzhia clean their balcony after Russian strikes on their apartment last week Putin has also demanded that Ukraine scrap its alignment with Europe and abandon its plans to join NATO. He has claimed Ukraine's admittance into the organisation would amount to a threat against Russia. He has also questioned Zelensky's legitimacy as president and called for fresh elections in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Putin has continued to blitz Ukrainian cities in recent weeks, often targeting residential buildings and civilian infrastructure, including hospitals. The two countries have also targeted energy infrastructures, with Russia going after Ukraine's energy plants and Zelensky striking several oil refineries in Russia. A Ukrainian colonel has defended posting photos of his French bulldog sitting beside military maps after coming under fire for allegedly revealing troop positions online. Valentin Manko, head of Ukraine's Assault Forces Command, shared the images on social media earlier this week before quickly deleting them amid claims that classified battlefield details could be seen in the background. One of the now-deleted photos showed Manko's French bulldog perched on a desk with several maps spread out beside it. Another showed the dog sitting on top of a map in a control room. Online users soon pointed out that some of the markings appeared to correspond with Ukrainian defensive lines and planned operations. There have been conflicting reports about where the picture was originally posted, with some Ukrainian outlets saying it appeared on Manko's Telegram channel, while others claimed it was shared on TikTok. The image was swiftly removed from social media after sparking outrage. Critics accused the senior officer of compromising operational security at a critical stage in the war. A Ukrainian colonel has defended posting photos of his French bulldog sitting beside military maps after coming under fire for allegedly revealing troop positions online One of the now-deleted photos showed Manko's French bulldog perched on a desk with several maps spread out beside it. Another showed the dog sitting on top of a map in a control room Manko insisted that no sensitive information had been exposed, saying the documents visible in the picture were 'outdated training materials' and not current battle maps Leading drone supplier Serhii Sternenko wrote on Telegram that 'publishing such photos can help the enemy', while a Ukrainian activist group called InformNapalm speaks of a 'TikTok addiction among officials with access to state secrets.' InformNapalm described the post as 'pure madness', adding: 'Enemy specialists are probably clapping their hands with joy.' The post also triggered anger among military commentators and lawmakers - with some demanding his suspension pending an internal review. Manko later insisted that no sensitive information had been exposed, saying the documents visible in the picture were 'outdated training materials' and not current battle maps. 'There was nothing secret there,' he said, calling the backlash 'an overreaction'. Ukraine's defence ministry has not confirmed whether an investigation has been opened, but officials are understood to be assessing whether any classified data was visible in the photos. It comes as Ukraine carried out a massive drone strike on a Russian dam, leading to widespread flooding in the country's southern Belgorod region which left Vladimir Putin's soldiers stranded. Russian authorities declared an emergency after the Belgorod reservoir dam was hit on Friday and Saturday, resulting in several of the country's military units being cut off. Footage shared on social media shows water gushing out of the damaged reservoir which reportedly caused major disruptions and left Russian troops stationed on the Ukrainian side of the border in Vovchansk stranded. In other clips, debris can be seen scattered across the dam. After the strike, water spilled into the Siverskyi Donets River, reportedly flooding Russian bunkers and trenches and complicating logistics for Moscows troops. Nigel Farage today vowed to 'take back control of our borders' by unveiling legislation to leave the European Convention on Human Rights. The Reform UK leader told the Daily Mail that Britain's membership of the treaty had 'totally neutered' the Government's ability to deport illegal migrants. He will present a 10-minute rule Bill to the Commons which would see Britain withdraw from the ECHR, while also leaving the Council of Europe and repealing the Human Rights Act. Mr Farage told the Daily Mail last night that his three-page Bill would give MPs a chance to control immigration. 'This debate is one of vital national importance,' he said. 'With growing crime rates from illegal immigrants, our ability to deport has been totally neutered by membership of the ECHR. 'I am the only politician who consistently called for Britain's withdrawal from the ECHR - without this, we will never take back control of our borders. 'We must deal with this, and today, Parliament will have a chance.' The UK would quit the Convention on April 30 next year if the Bill is passed, though it is unlikely to do so without government support. Labour has said it will look at how international law is being interpreted by British courts to tackle the small boats crisis, but remains committed to membership of the ECHR. Nigel Farage today vowed to 'take back control of our borders' by unveiling legislation to leave the European Convention on Human Rights Sir Keir Starmer said earlier this month that he did not want to 'tear down' human rights laws, but wanted to look again at aspects of the Convention which are used by foreign criminals to avoid deportation. The Tories, however, have said the time is right to leave the 'straitjacket' of the ECHR. Kemi Badenoch said the move was necessary to regain control of Britain's borders and make Parliament sovereign once more. She insisted that every Tory candidate sign up to the pledge or be barred from standing at the next general election, but the move has faced opposition from moderate Tory MPs. Ten minute rule bills are a type of Private Members' Bill that allow a backbench MP to make his or her case for a new Bill in a speech lasting up to ten minutes. There can be a vote on whether the Bill is introduced. The migrant who re-entered the UK via small boat after being deported under the 'one-in, one-out' deal with France is still in the country, the border security minister has said. The Iranian man's second dinghy crossing took place just 29 days after he was kicked out of Britain under Sir Keir Starmer's flagship borders policy. The Conservatives previously said the debacle showed the Government's returns deal with France was 'descending into farce'. Alex Norris today confirmed the migrant is yet to be removed, but rejected suggestions the situation proved Labour's scheme is not fit for purpose. Speaking to Sky News, the minister said: 'He's wasting a lot of his own time. He's come through, he was detected immediately at the front door, he was detained, and he will be removed from this country. 'He hasn't gone yet but he will be removed.' Asked when the migrant would be deported, the minister said: 'I wouldn't want to give a specific timeline, but we are removing him as soon as possible.' Questioned whether the case suggested the returns deal is not fit for purpose, Mr Norris said: 'No, not at all. 'The reality is people are always going to test your front door, test your boundaries. This person's done that, and totally wasted their time in doing so.' It comes after other migrants who were deported to France under Labour's scheme escaped their asylum centre and vowed to return to Britain via a small boat, it emerged yesterday. 'Abdul' and 'Ali' (pictured) complained of a lack of support offered to migrants in France compared to the UK, saying there is homelessness and a lack of housing It is understood that several deportees in their group have also absconded from the accommodation and not been seen for a number of days A number of deportees are understood to have already fled their accommodation in Paris, with their sights set on re-entering the UK. 'Abdul' and 'Ali' complained of a lack of support offered to migrants in France compared to the UK, saying there is homelessness and a lack of housing. 'Ali' went on to claim his future had been 'destroyed because of the UK government'. Speaking to Channel 4 News, the pair said: 'We are just looking for a safe [place]. If we have a chance to go back legally, we would. I will try my best again to go to the UK. 'I don't have any choice. If I go [back] to my country, the government will kill me. I think I'll be (only) safe in the UK.' The pair added they are now considering another Channel crossing after claiming officials sent them to France without clear reason or support. Several deportees in their group have also absconded from the accommodation and not been seen for a number of days, it is understood, with some likely to attempt to re-enter the UK. The Iranian national who returned to Britain via small boat despite being part of the scheme had first arrived in the UK on August 6. The total number of small boat migrants to have arrived since Labour came to power has soared past 60,000 (File image) Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. He was initially removed on September 19 but skipped a migrant shelter in Paris, where he had been housed, and headed back to the northern French coast. There he boarded a dinghy back to the UK, arriving on Saturday - less than a month after he was kicked out. Border officials identified him as a returning migrant by biometric checks and he is now being held in a British immigration removal centre. The total number of small boat migrants to have arrived since Labour came to power has soared past 60,000. This year has seen the second-highest annual number of small boat migrants since the crisis began nearly seven years ago, topping the 36,816 witnessed last year. A dog owner has been fined 100 for walking her Welsh Springer Spaniel without a waste bag. Paula said she was stopped by a council officer in Northampton town centre and despite her dog not fouling on the pavement, she was fined because she had forgotten to bring a plastic bag. 'She'd already been out for her business that day and it was a very short walk through the town centre so I knew that she wasn't going to do anything,' Paula said. 'Unusually, I didn't have any in any of my pockets, and so I was unable to say that I had a poo bag with me. So what happened? I was fined on the spot, 100 for a poo she didn't do.' She added that she knew it was a legal requirement to clean up mess after dogs, but not any rule about carrying bags. 'I honestly thought that I would be giving words of advice, told off, told what the law was so that I knew for next time, but there was no movement,' she said. The baffling fine comes after a woman was slapped with a 150 penalty by council officers in Richmond, west London, after pouring the remnants of her coffee down the drain. Paula (pictured) said she was stopped by a council officer in Northampton town centre and fined for not carrying a waste bag Paula, who asked not to share her surname, described the enforcement officer as 'polite, but very firm,' and felt she 'was an easy target'. A West Northamptonshire Council spokesperson said: 'It's really important that if people walk their dogs in a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) area they have the means to pick up after them in case they foul in a public area.' Established in 2014, PSPOs allow councils to set local rules to tackle community issues. The council spokesperson said officers will fine dog owners who do not have a means of cleaning up, as part of PSPO requirements. Paula was one of hundreds of people who shared their story through Your Voice, Your BBC after a woman in west London was fined 150 for pouring coffee down a road gully. Burcu Yesilyurt, from Kew, west London, said she tipped a small amount of the drink from her reusable cup down the road gully because she didn't want to spill it on the bus. But moments later, she was 'shocked' to see three male enforcement officers 'chasing' her down the street as she stood at the bus stop near Richmond station. The officers fined her 150 under Section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, reduced to 100 if she paid within 14 days. Burcu Yesilyurt (pictured) was slapped with a 150 fine by council officers after pouring the remnants of her coffee down the drain Richmond-upon-Thames Council insisted its officers 'acted professionally and objectively' and were 'justified' in issuing the fine. The council later said it had cancelled the fine and is 'reviewing our advice on the disposal of liquids in a public place'. Also in west London, a woman said she was fined for fly-tipping after an unopened envelope with her name on was found in an alley near her home. After receiving the council letter, Victoria said she was 'shaking' and that she 'burst into tears'. She responded to the council letter to say she had never seen the envelope, but she still the 400 to avoid the sum rising to 600. However, she later had the fine cancelled and refunded after contacting her local councillor. An Ealing Council spokesperson said they had followed the 'usual process' of locating the parcel in a fly tip, which contained the resident's details. However, they added that the fine was incorrect and issued an apology to Ms Wells. In Birmingham, a man said he was given a 100 fine for dropping a strawberry stalk down a roadside drain during the city's bin strike. Kleo Papas, 58, who was on a work trip in Birmingham, said he was given a 100 fine for dropping a strawberry stalk down a roadside drain during the city's bin strike Kleo Papas, 58, who was on a work trip, could not find a bin when finishing a strawberry, so he decided to drop it down a drain. An enforcement officer from the council then approached him, saying he 'got all that on camera'. He believed that because it was organic material it was fine to go down the drain, adding that if he had 'thought that constituted littering, [he] would have just put it in [his] pocket'. Mr Papas appealed the fine but was unsuccessful and said he paid the 100 fine, which he felt was excessive. A Birmingham City Council spokesperson said: 'We cannot find any record of Mr Papas receiving a FPN for disposing of a strawberry stalk.' A man accused of murdering his ex-partner then throwing her body in a river allegedly googled local tide times on the night she disappeared, a judge has been told. Crystal Beale's body was found in the Brisbane River by a rower early on February 22, hours after a family dinner. Former partner Jesse Wahlen Beale, 49, was charged seven months later with domestic violence-related murder and interfering with a corpse. Applying for bail in Queensland Supreme Court on Wednesday, Beale was accused of Google searches about the tides and about security camera locations on the night his ex-partner went missing. Ms Beale, a 49-year-old mother of two, was last seen alive having an argument with the accused at a restaurant and bottle shop in Brisbane's southern suburbs at 9:30pm on February 21. 'At 11:36pm that night, (Beale) conducts a Google search on the Bureau of Meteorology site for tide times,' said crown prosecutor Caroline Marco, who opposed bail. 'The following day at 3:49pm (Beale) conducts a Google search about 'does a VPN hide browsing history' and 4:01pm a search 'CCTV cameras near me'.' The prosecution's case was strengthened by CCTV footage, vehicle and phone location tracking and forensics, Justice Lincoln Crowley heard. Crystal Beale (pictured) was found dead in Brisbane River in February. Her alleged murderer has been denied bail by the Queensland Supreme Court Former partner Jesse Wahlen Beale (pictured during his arrest in September) was charged with domestic violence-related murder and interfering with a corpse 'The pathologist's report (shows) the deceased has injuries to her neck that were consistent with strangulation, that the pathologist has opined could have caused her death alone,' Ms Marco said. 'The further expert report does not have sufficient diatoms (algae) in her bodily tissue to conclude that she entered the water when she was still alive.' Ms Beale called the accused a 'rapist' during the restaurant argument after finding photos on his phone of him allegedly sexually assaulting her while she was unconscious, Ms Marco said. Defence solicitor Greg McGuire said the prosecution's case was based on 'nonsensical' scenarios. 'Between 9.30pm and 12:30am, on the prosecution's case, he would have had to have killed her in the car and carried her body to the river without getting caught on CCTV,' Mr McGuire said. 'Or the two of them walked together to the river without that being captured on CCTV.' Beale should be granted bail as he had strong ties to the community, no relevant prior criminal history and close friends willing to offer $500,000 surety, Justice Crowley heard. 'It's a circumstantial case. Their case is hard to follow and it's certainly not a strong one,' Mr McGuire said. The mum-of-two was captured on CCTV leaving a Sunnybank restaurant the night of her disappearance Witnesses could testify that Ms Beale was an alcoholic with hard drug abuse and mental health issues, Justice Crowley heard. 'In the time (a witness) knew Crystal, she would have threatened suicide countless times,' Mr McGuire said. He said it was not contested Ms Beale asked his client to stop the car on the way home from a restaurant before getting out and running off on the night she disappeared. 'In November, she had said she was going to jump in the river. She had threatened to jump in front of a bus,' Mr McGuire said. Justice Crowley refused the application for bail. 'The prosecution case, while circumstantial, appears to be a reasonably strong case at the present time. (Beale) does present as a flight risk,' he said. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) Lifeline 13 11 14 Men's Referral Service 1300 766 491 National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028 A man appeared in court today over a religiously aggravated assault and rape of a woman in Walsall. John Ashby, 32, was led into the dock at Birmingham Magistrates court with about 50 members of Walsalls Sikh community looking on from the public gallery. Ashby, described by police as white, British and from Stockland Green, Birmingham, was charged with rape, sexual assault, strangulation, religiously aggravated actual bodily harm and robbery. His appearance at Birmingham Magistrates Court this morning comes after a woman in her 20s was attacked in the Park Hall area of Walsall on Saturday night. Officers were called to the area just after 7.15pm after a woman was reported to be distressed in the street. The victim is believed to be a Punjabi woman, the Sikh Federation UK said on Monday. The court heard the charges related to the robbery of a mobile phone and jewellery. Ashby did not enter a plea to any of the five charges laid against him. The Park Hall area of Walsall, where the alleged attack took place There were no requests for bail and District Judge David Wain ordered that Ashby be kept in custody until his next hearing before Birmingham Crown Court on November 26. There were ugly scenes as the defendant was led down stairs from the dock to the cells as one man yelled out from the public gallery, You dirty bard. Ashby, sporting a blonde beard and wearing a grey t-shirt, responded by banging on the Perspex glass separateing him from the packed gallery and shouting an offensive slogan back at the gallery. DJ Wain demanded that the man responsible for the heckle apologise to the court. I understand feelings are running high but we cannot have behaviour such as we have seen, he said. After the man apologised, DJ Wain said he would not take any action for contempt of court but warned; Behaviour like that in the Crown Court will be taken very seriously. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has said the victim was not known to the attacker. West Midlands Police said earlier this week that it was treating the attack as 'racially aggravated'. In a press release on Tuesday evening which announced the charging decision, Chief Superintendent Phil Dolby, of Walsall Police, said: 'We know the fear and concern this attack has caused in our communities. 'We continue to speak to people in the community to listen to and understand their concerns. 'Officers have visited faith establishments in Walsall and spoken with local leaders about women's safety and what measures men can take to make women feel more comfortable. 'We need to continue to maintain those conversations and how we build on women's safety in the community.' Detective Superintendent Ronan Tyrer from the force's Public Protection Unit said: 'The woman who was the subject of the attack has been informed of the charging decision this evening. 'She is continuing to be supported by our specially trained officers.' In a separate statement last night, Ben Samples, Head of the CPS's West Midlands Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Unit, said the decision to prosecute followed an 'investigation by West Midlands Police which looked at the rape and assault of a woman in her 20s at a property in Walsall.' He added: 'Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring this case to court and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings. 'We remind all concerned that criminal proceedings against the defendant are active and that he has the right to a fair trial. 'It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.' Australia has started to deport foreign detainees to Nauru, marking the start of a controversial deal with the tiny Pacific island nation. In a statement on Tuesday, Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said: 'Nauru confirmed last Friday that the first transfer had occurred'. A cohort of around 350 immigrants, many of them convicted of serious crimes including assault, drug smuggling and even murder, could eventually be sent to Nauru after Australia failed to resettle them elsewhere. For years the group of immigrants languished inside Australia's immigration detention system after their visas were cancelled for violent crimes or because officials held other concerns. Australia was unable to deport them back home because they faced grave risks such as war or religious persecution. A landmark High Court ruling in 2023 found it was unlawful for Australia to detain the cohort indefinitely because there was nowhere to send them. Facing a sharp political backlash as they were released from detention into the community, Australia turned to Pacific neighbour Nauru for help. Australia will pay Nauru hundreds of millions of dollars to resettle the so-called NZYQ cohort under the secretive deal, the terms of which have largely been kept under wraps. The remote atoll of Nauru has agreed to resettle a cohort of criminal immigrants from Australia under a secretive deal Nauru President David Adeang (left) and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese shake hands during a press conference at Parliament House in December The first transfer triggers an upfront payment of 204million to resettle the group in Nauru. Aside from these details, little is known about the agreement. 'People are secretly being sent to Nauru, with key aspects of the deal still kept from the Australian public', immigration spokesperson for the Greens party, David Shoebridge, told Australian media. The Australian government has repeatedly refused to release details of the agreement, and refugee advocates say it goes against the country's human rights obligations. Laura John, from the Human Rights Law Centre told SBS News the plans have been 'shrouded in secrecy from the outset'. 'We do not know if the person who has been exiled has left family behind in Australia, whether they need medical care that is unavailable in Nauru, or even if they still had visa appeal options in Australia.' Criticising the lack of transparency in the plan and 'contemptuous silence' from Burke, Shoebridge also expressed concern that once the deportees arrive in Nauru, they could then be sent back to their home countries. 'No matter who you are or where you were born, governments should not be able to disappear you, send you off against your will to a country that you have zero connection to,' he said. Nauru, in return, has agreed to grant them long-term visas and allow them to mix and mingle freely with its 12,500 inhabitants. Australia has drawn international condemnation for its offshore detention regime, in which asylum seekers have been sent to sometimes squalid 'processing' centres in Papua New Guinea and Nauru. The policy has been gradually scaled back following 14 detainee deaths, multiple suicide attempts, and at least six referrals to the International Criminal Court. Nauru's detention centre still held around 100 people as of January this year, according to UN figures cited by Amnesty International. Phosphate mining once made Nauru one of the world's richest countries per capita. But that boon has long dried up, leaving much of the mainland barren and scarred. The royal woes are far from over for Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson as a leading royal biographer has claimed there is a 'very good chance' the pair could end up behind bars. Speaking on TalkTV last night, Andrew Lownie, author of Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York, said the Royal Family will 'throw him under the bus' due to the 'reputation damage' he has caused. Mr Lownie told the programme: 'I do think the authorities will want to pursue some of these investigations. They will bring charges. I think if they do so there is a very good chance that both he and Sarah Ferguson may well go to prison.' He went on to allege that the Duke of York abused his position of responsibility granted to him by the late Queen Elizabeth II by bringing his mistress on official visits. 'Just the brazenness, the sense that he could get away with this. He would go on an official visit to Thailand, paid for by the taxpayer, and he would bring his mistress with him to sit in the car at official functions. He would go through 40 prostitutes in four days,' Mr Lownie said. 'Clearly there were a lot of people enabling him and protecting him and that included, I'm afraid, the Queen. This problem should've been dealt with years ago. The Palace only have themselves to blame.' The Prince's ties to Jeffrey Epstein have once again dominated headlines, following renewed attention on his sex accuser Virginia Giuffre's claims after her posthumous book was released. Last week, The Mail on Sunday revealed that Andrew attempted to involve the Metropolitan Police and one of Queen Elizabeth's most senior aides in a campaign to smear Ms Giuffre, who accused him of assaulting her as a teenager. A bombshell email exposed how Andrew asked his taxpayer-funded police bodyguard to investigate the 'lying' young woman. The prince allegedly passed on details of her date of birth and social security number - information believed to have been supplied by Epstein. In the latest twist to the saga it has been suggested that the pair (pictured at Ascot in 2019) may finally go their separate ways, into a home each Andrew is now said to be reconsidering his future, however, after weeks of renewed scandal over his relationship with Epstein and allegations from 'beyond the grave' by Virginia Giuffre (pictured, with a photo of herself as a teen) The Fall of the House of York: Listen to the latest Daily Mail Deep Dive podcast He also alleged that Ms Giuffre, who tragically took her own life earlier this year, had criminal convictions - a claim that has not been supported by any evidence and has been strongly denied by her family. Further revelations have shown that Andrew lied to Buckingham Palace and the British public when he claimed he had cut ties with Epstein in December 2010 following the financier's release from prison. Twelve weeks later, he emailed Epstein saying they were 'in this together' and expressed his wish to 'play some more soon'. Meanwhile, Sarah Ferguson, the Duke's ex-wife, has also faced renewed scrutiny amid claims that Epstein secretly bankrolled her for 15 years. The convicted paedophile allegedly complained to friends about the Duchess's 'scrounging ways' in emails suggesting his financial support went far beyond the 15,000 she previously admitted to receiving from him. In newly unearthed emails, Epstein claimed that Fergie was so eager to maintain ties with 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 Princess Eugenie 19 - the same age as many of Epstein's victims. These claims are contained within a vast cache of documents currently being reviewed by the US Congress, expected to be released once redacted to protect the identities of Epstein's victims. Last month, the Mail on Sunday revealed how Fergie wrote to Epstein describing him as a 'supreme friend', just weeks after telling the Evening Standard that she would 'never have anything to do with' the sex offender again. In her March 7, 2011, interview, the Duchess issued a 'heartfelt apology' for accepting the money from Epstein, calling it 'a giant error of judgment'. That comment infuriated Epstein, who emailed French modelling agent Jean-Luc Brunel complaining: 'The duchess that I have financially helped for 15 years said that she wants nothing to do with a paedophile and child sex abuser. It has caused quite a stir.' Prince Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson (pictured) are said to have finally agreed to leave Royal Lodge - but only if they get two alternative houses in return Andrew has previously been offered a palace to retreat to by Abu Dhabi's ruler Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (pictured with the Prince in 2010) ROYAL LODGE: The royal, 65, has allegedly requested Frogmore Cottage in Windsor is handed over to him in exchange for his departure from the 30-room mansion (pictured), which is just down the road Brunel was later arrested on rape charges and took his own life in jail in 2022, three years after Epstein's death. Epstein reportedly demanded that Fergie issue him a public apology, even threatening to sue her if she refused. The scandal comes as Prince Andrew faces the humiliating prospect of MPs debating his lifestyle and living arrangements in the House of Commons, amid growing calls for accountability over his ties to Epstein. It has been reported that King Charles has long wanted the former Duke and Duchess to vacate the Royal Lodge. The disgraced couple, who divorced in May 1996 after a troubled ten-year marriage, have survived multiple scandals from the comfort of their 30-room Grade II listed mansion, where they have lived together since 2008. Richard Fitzwilliams told the Daily Mail: 'This was the couple who, Sarah Ferguson boasted, were the "happiest divorced couple in the world". It seems they now want to separate. The reason is clearly that what made them perfect for each other after divorce and subsequent scandals and debts, was that they were both greedy and entitled. 'Now this cover is blown, they want to live apart in two homes. The world can clearly see that the previous arrangement was designed to maximise the benefit of Andrew's public life for them privately.' In another twist in the royal scandal, it emerged last week that Andrew has not paid rent on the Royal Lodge mansion for two decades, adding to mounting public outrage over his perceived perks. Andrew has only paid 'peppercorn' rent for the last 20 years, and while he initially tried to dig his heels in by citing the terms of his 'cast iron' lease with the Crown Estate, it is understood he will finally move out. The prince still has 50 years left on his 75-year lease, for which he paid 1 million in 2003, and it is not known exactly how much money he could receive in compensation for the 7.5million he has spent on Royal Lodge renovations. NATO forces have shot down a mystery drone near a base used by US troops in Estonia, less than 30 miles from the Russian border. Two drones were spotted near Camp Reedo, home to the US Army's 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, on October 17. One was blasted out of the sky with an anti-drone rifle, while the second escaped. Liis Vaksmann, a spokesperson for the Estonian Defence Forces, said: 'Allies detected drones flying in the immediate vicinity of the 2nd Infantry Brigade's military base at 16:30 on 17 October, one of which was brought down with an anti-drone rifle.' Military and police teams searched for the wreckage but were unable to locate it. The incident comes amid rising calls for a tougher NATO stance against Russian incursions. Last month, three Russian MiG-31 fighters entered Estonian airspace over the Gulf of Finland and remained for around 12 minutes. Estonia - viewed as one of NATO's most vulnerable members - hosts both US and British troops as part of the alliance's deterrence force. NATO forces have shot down a mystery drone near a base used by US troops in Estonia, less than 30 miles from the Russian border. Two drones were spotted near Camp Reedo, home to the US Army's 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, on October 17 The drone revelation came as Ukraine launched a wave of overnight strikes against Russia, hitting multiple oil and petrochemical facilities. A power station in Podilsk, Odesa region, was targeted (pictured) In southern Russia, a major petrochemical complex at Stavrolen enterprise in Budyonnovsk was also damaged Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said NATO must be ready to intercept and shoot down any aircraft violating allied airspace. 'The message must be unequivocal - future violations will meet a response, including, if necessary, the interception and downing of intruding aircraft,' he said. 'This is not only about defending Estonia's borders - it's about defending NATO's borders.' The drone revelation came as Ukraine launched a wave of overnight strikes against Russia, hitting multiple oil and petrochemical facilities. One attack set the ATAN oil depot ablaze in Hvardiiske, in occupied Crimea, where a nearby power plant was also reportedly struck in Simferopol. The Mari Refinery was hit in Yoshkar-Ola, around 800 miles from the Ukrainian border, while the NS-Oil Refinery in Novospassk, Ulyanovsk region, was destroyed. In southern Russia, a major petrochemical complex at Stavrolen enterprise in Budyonnovsk was damaged, and a power station in Podilsk, Odesa region, was also targeted. Satellite images have revealed the tragic aftermath of a 48-hour massacre in Sudan which saw over 2,000 civilians executed by paramilitary rebels. The sand around the western city of El Fasher is now stained red with pools of blood so thick they can be seen from space. The satellite images also captured piles of bodies, of mainly women and children, who were tragically targeted during the two-day ethnic purge after the city fell to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Following more than 18 months of brutal siege warfare, the group gained control over every state capital in the cast Darfur region. Allies of the army, the Joint Forces, said on Tuesday that the RSF 'committed heinous crimes against innocent civilians, where more than 2,000 unarmed citizens were executed and killed on October 26 and 27, most of them women, children and the elderly'. The total death toll could not immediately be confirmed, but the shocking satellite images taken after the fall of El Fasher showed evidence of the mass killings. Body-sized objects were seen in the satellite images clustered around vehicles and nearby an RSF sand berm built around the city. There have been reports of civilians being gunned down as they attempted to break out and flee the bloodshed. Analysis by the Yale School of Public Health Humanitarian Research Lab (HRL), which has been tracking the siege using open source images and satellite imagery, found clusters of objects 'consistent with the size of human bodies' and 'reddish ground discolouration' thought to be either blood or disturbed soil. Satellite images have revealed the tragic aftermath of a 48-hour massacre in Sudan which saw over 2,000 civilians executed by paramilitary rebels Bodies and blood: The sand around the western city of El Fasher is now stained red with pools of blood so thick they can be seen from space Pool of blood: The total death toll could not immediately be confirmed, but the shocking satellite images taken after the fall of El Fasher showed evidence of the mass killing Bodies and blood: The satellite images captured piles of bodies, of mainly women and children, who were tragically targeted during the two-day ethnic purge after the city fell to the Rapid Support Forces A video released by local activists and authenticated by AFP on Tuesday showed a fighter known for executing civilians in RSF-controlled areas shooting a group of unarmed civilians sitting on the ground at point-blank range. Another video purportedly showed a child soldier murdering a grown man in cold blood, while one other clip showed RSF fighters executing civilians just moments after pretending to release them. A report published on Monday said the actions of the RSF 'may be consistent with war crimes and crimes against humanity and may rise to the level of genocide'. Local groups and international NGOs had warned that El-Fasher's fall could trigger mass atrocities, fears that Yale University's Humanitarian Research Lab said were coming true. The monitor, which relies on open source intelligence and satellite imagery, said the city 'appears to be in a systematic and intentional process of ethnic cleansing of Fur, Zaghawa, and Berti indigenous non-Arab communities through forced displacement and summary execution'. This included what appeared to be 'door-to-door clearance operations' in the city. Tens of thousands of people have now fled El Fasher since it fell, with many of them now heading westwards to Tawila. A video clip seemingly showing the panicked flight captures scores running from the city, clutching on to the little belongings they have left as RSF fighters hurl racial insults at them and beat them. In another scene, a number of militants dressed in RSF's recognised uniform and turban are seen crammed into a truck, chasing unarmed civilians as they run for their lives. Gunfire can be heard ringing out as one fighter shouts 'kill the Nuba', a reference to Sudan's black African tribes. On Monday, UN rights chief Volker Turk spoke of a growing risk of 'ethnically motivated violations and atrocities' in El Fasher. His office said it was 'receiving multiple, alarming reports that the Rapid Support Forces are carrying out atrocities, including summary executions'. Bodies and blood: Body-sized objects were seen in the satellite images clustered around vehicles and nearby an RSF sand berm built around the city Pool of blood: There have been reports of civilians being gunned down as they attempted to break out and flee the bloodshed Vehicle roadblock: A report published on Monday said the actions of the RSF 'may be consistent with war crimes and crimes against humanity and may rise to the level of genocide' Pro-democracy activists, meanwhile, said El-Fasher residents had endured 'the worst forms of violence and ethnic cleansing' since the RSF claimed control. The paramilitaries have a track record of atrocities, having killed as many as 15,000 civilians from non-Arab groups in the West Darfur capital of El-Geneina. The northeast African nation was plunged into a deadly conflict in mid-April 2023, when long-simmering tensions about the future of the country between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the head of the paramilitary rebel group erupted. Fighting exploded in the capital Khartoum but rapidly spread, where it is now estimated that at least 150,000 people have been killed, including many civilians. The civil war has forced more than 14 million people to flee their homes and left some families eating grass in a desperate attempt to survive as famine swept parts of the country. An investigation by Amnesty International suggests that RSF rebels have waged a calculated campaign of sexual violence against defenceless civilians, using rape, murder and torture to terrorise, demoralise and subjugate the population living in areas they seized. The army, which has been fighting the RSF for two-and-a-half years, has also been accused of war crimes. More than a year and a half of siege warfare made El-Fasher one of the grimmest places in a war that the UN has labelled among the world's worst humanitarian crises. Displacement camps outside the city were officially declared to be in famine, while inside it, people turned to animal fodder for food. The UN warned before the city's fall that 260,000 people remained trapped there without aid, half of them children. The African Union's chairman Mahmoud Ali Youssouf on Tuesday expressed 'deep concern over the escalating violence and reported atrocities', and condemned 'alleged war crimes and ethnically targeted killings of civilians'. The Sudanese army chief, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, said on Monday that his forces had withdrawn from El-Fasher 'to a safer location', acknowledging the loss of the strategic city. More than 2,000 civilians were reportedly executed in 48 hours in Sudan after the city of El-Fasher was captured by paramilitaries The paramilitaries have a track record of atrocities, having killed as many as 15,000 civilians from non-Arab groups in the West Darfur capital of El-Geneina Screen grab shows a gunman pointing his weapon at unarmed civilians Screen grab shows unarmed civilians running away as they are chased by paramilitaries RSF fighters holding weapons and celebrating in the streets of El-Fasher in Sudan's Darfur He pledged to fight 'until this land is purified', but analysts said that Sudan was now effectively partitioned along an east-west axis, with the RSF having already set up a parallel government. Alan Boswell, project director for the Horn of Africa at the International Crisis Group, told AFP: 'The longer this war drags on, this division will likely only grow more concrete and harder to unwind.' Anwar Gargash, an adviser to the president of the United Arab Emirates, called the city's capture a 'turning point' that showed 'the political path is the only option to end the civil war'. The UAE has been accused by the UN of supplying the RSF with weapons, a charge it denies. It is also a member of the so-called Quad - alongside the United States, Saudi Arabia and Egypt - which is working for a negotiated peace. The group has proposed a ceasefire and a transitional civilian government that excludes both the army and the RSF from power. Talks last week in Washington involving the Quad made no progress. The army has its own foreign backers in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Turkey, observers have reported. They too have denied the claims. In March, the army retook full control of the Sudanese capital Khartoum, but with both sides now having achieved significant gains neither appears willing to compromise in negotiations. An asylum seeker who had overstayed his right to be in the UK sexually assaulted two women while he delivered takeaways to their homes. Shafiullah Rasooli, 29, was working illegally when he used his friend's registration details to deliver food to people in and around the town of Maidstone, Kent. A court heard that on July 26 and July 3 this year he touched the breasts of two of his customers and ran his hands over their upper bodies. Rasooli, who is from Afghanistan, was later identified and charged with three counts of sexual assault, two of which were against the same victim. He denied the allegations, claiming that 'hugging to the side' was a common method of saying goodbye in his home country. However, the 29-year-old was found guilty of all the charges at Sevenoaks Magistrates' Court on October 1. Terry Knox, prosecuting, told the hearing: 'He's an immigration overstayer and now his application to stay [longer] has now been formally rejected. 'He came to [one victim's] address and she recognised him from [delivering food] two weeks earlier. Shafiullah Rasooli, 29, was working illegally when he used his friend's registration details to deliver food to people in and around the town of Maidstone, Kent 'He then steps over the threshold of the door, so the assault happened in her own home. 'He had one foot in the door and one foot outside, and they had a conversation about her cat, and he said he could take the cat home. 'He then asked her her name and age and told her she looks young for her age, and then he gestures to the sofa and says to her, "No boyfriend or friends [at home]". 'She lies and indicates to him yes... and she was scared and unsettled as he gives her the bags [for delivery] and at that point he runs his hands down her body, down her breasts and [upper] body and was smiling as he did so.' Mr Knox then told the court that the woman said the second sexual assault was carried out in a similar manner. Speaking of the attack on the other woman, the prosecutor continued: 'He was at the [second] woman's door and asked her her date of birth and said he was surprised at her age. 'He then steps over the threshold into her porch and lifted his arm over her shoulder and holds her right breast and does a tapping motion [on it]. 'She froze, but didn't want to show panic, and he said he was a Muslim and didn't drink alcohol and had a bottle of wine in the vehicle from a previous delivery and would she like a free bottle. 'She said no, but he repeats [the offer] and so she says, "go on then" to get him to leave.' The court heard Rasooli then went back to to his vehicle to get the bottle of wine, before he held the woman's shoulder and breast for a second time. Mr Knox added: 'He then grabs her phone and enters his own contact details into it and says he hopes to see her soon and he called her two days later, twice, but she didn't answer.' The court heard the woman had become paranoid after the incident and had installed CCTV and security lights at her property. She has also become unable to hold down her job as she couldn't sleep due to worries he would return. The woman said: 'This [my house] used to be my safe place, but he knows where my home is and what my phone number is.' Mr Knox told the court that Rasooli was remanded in custody in August because his immigration status was an overstayer. But the prosecutor said at that stage he didn't know whether Rasooli would be detained by immigration authorities if he was released. Mr Knox added: 'He's been on remand as he had no [real] residence to go to.' The court ordered that Rasooli would be kept in custody until a pre-sentencing report was completed. However, when the sex offender appeared at Margate magistrates' court on October 21, the hearing was told this would not be done until December 3 at the earliest. Magistrates then said they wanted to send the case to Canterbury Crown Court for sentencing and Rasooli was remanded in custody until then. A date for that hearing is yet to be fixed. A defiant property boss has draped an enormous 100ft Union flag across a former council headquarters after officials told him to tear down a smaller version. James Holmes, 51, was told to take down a small Union flag by Chesterfield Borough Council after he put one up on the former council building in Chesterfield. Angered by the council, Mr Holmes instead hit back by putting up a larger flag which now covers the entire front of the building. The property boss bought the site in 2021 to turn it into flats. He said he was making a stand for British pride. The original flag was half the size and featured a 'Fly the Flag' slogan and QR code. Chesterfield Borough Council ordered him to remove it, saying it was a 'large-format advertisement.' Mr Holmes refused but the flag was ripped to shreds during Storm Amy last month in a cruel turn of fate. Undeterred, the developer spent 2,500 on his giant replacement flag last Friday and removed the branding in an attempt to appease the council. James Holmes, the developer who erected the huge flag on a former council building in Chesterfield The huge union flag was put up after a smaller one was torn apart during Storm Amy last month The father-of-three said: 'The wind tore the first one down, but the council were causing trouble too. 'I've taken out what they didn't like - now it's just the flag. I want people talking about where they can fly it. 'We've been indoctrinated to be ashamed of our flag. If you're ashamed of it, why work hard and pay taxes for your country?' He has already spent 15,000 on flags for other projects and says he hasn't heard yet if the council will try to pull this one down. He added: 'If they want to waste taxpayers' money chasing me, let's see how quick they are. Maybe they should do some real work instead.' The council has been approached for comment. It comes as a London council which branded people who fly St George's and Union Jack flags 'far-right' tore down almost 80 in a two-day removal spree. Councillors, some dressed in pro-Palestinian garbs, passed a Labour-led motion this month which condemned those flying the national flag as 'far right' extremists. James Holmes spent 2,500 on the huge flag after the council ordered him to tear his old one down A smaller Union flag is also positioned on the roof of the building in defiance against the council They warned that the borough, home to the asylum seeker Britannia Hotel where fiery anti-migrant protests took place throughout the summer, was plagued by 'far-right agitators attempting to import division'. The removal of St George's flags was branded 'outrageous' by Susan Hall, the head of the Conservative group in the London Assembly, while Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick said 'this absurd national self-loathing must end'. Tower Hamlets previously prided itself on its displays of Palestine banners but used metal poles to rip down England flags in the borough during the peak of the 'Operation Raise the Colours' movement. The east London authority disposed of 43 English and British flags on August 18, before pulling down a further 35 two days later. One of the men murdered during the terror attack on a synagogue in Manchester died from multiple stab wounds while another was fatally shot by an armed police officer, an inquest heard today. Melvin Cravitz, 66, died from knife wounds inflicted by terrorist Jihad Al-Shamie during the attack on October 2, Manchester Coroner's Court was told. Fellow worshipper Adrian Daulby, 53, died from a single gunshot wound to the chest fired by an armed police officer. Al-Shamie got out of his vehicle and then 'immediately made stabbing motions' toward Mr Cravitz to his 'upper torso, neck and head area'. He was transferred to hospital by ambulance but pronounced dead at Manchester Royal Infirmary at 10.45am. A post-mortem showed he died of multiple stab wounds. Chief Coroner of England and Wales, Judge Alexia Durran, has taken charge of the hearings today. As she opened the inquest, she said: 'I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby.' She asked Detective Chief Superintendent Lewis Hughes, of Greater Manchester Police, to explain what happened to the men earlier this month. He said a review of CCTV from around 9.30am showed Mr Cravitz being attacked after Al-Shamie drove his his black Kia car at a security guard and a gated wall of the synagogue, 'narrowly missing another security guard'. Melvin Cravitz, 66, from Crumpsall, died in the deadly attack Adrian Daulby, 53, also died after being accidentally shot by police Mr Hughes then turned to the death of Mr Daulby. He said armed officers had 'fired several rounds' after Al-Shamie had come 'running towards them while carrying a knife' and wearing an apparent suicide vest. A single bullet penetrated the synagogue door and hit Mr Daulby in the chest, the senior officer said. Mr Daulby was pronounced dead at the scene at 10.15am. Mr Hughes said Mr Daulby had held the main door of the synagogue 'for approximately two minutes' as Al-Shamie attempted to gain entry. A post-mortem showed he had died of a single gunshot wound and the coroner recorded this as the provisional cause of death. Mr Hughes said the force had declared Operation Plato - the national code word used by police and emergency services when responding to a terrorist attack. Family and friends of the deceased men, along with representatives of the emergency services, counter terrorism police, and members of the synagogue community all attended the hearing. Following the attack, the family of Mr Cravitz described him as a 'kind, caring' person, who 'would do anything to help anyone'. He 'always wanted to chat and get to know people', they said. 'He was devoted to his wife, family and loved his food', and he will be 'sorely missed' by his wife, family, friends and community. Mr Daulby's family paid tribute to a 'down to earth man whose final act was to save others'. Their statement read: 'Adrian Daulby was a hero and tragically lost his life in the act of courage to save others, he will forever be remembered for his heroic act on Thursday 2 October 2025. 'The family is shocked by the tragic, sudden death of such a lovely down to earth man.' It comes as Rabbi Daniel Walker revealed he was not 'wasting time' thinking about the motivations of Al-Shamie, who attacked his synagogue on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar earlier this month. Rabbi Daniel Walker at a vigil outside his synagogue following the attack Rabbi Daniel Walker and King Charles III view floral tributes during a visit to Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue 18 days after the attack, on October 2 Yoni Finlay, 39, was also mistakenly shot and injured by a bullet fired by an armed police officer He told the BBC's Today programme he didn't have the 'mental space' to think about why the 35-year-old Islamic State supporter targeted them, as he admitted the deaths of Mr Cravitz and Mr Daulby had left a 'massive hole' in his congregation. Rabbi Walker described Mr Cravitz and Mr Daulby as 'very, very special men'. 'Adrian was a very quiet man, a man of great dignity, always with a smile, always kind, very much loved by his family and his neighbours,' Rabbi Walker said. 'Melvin was also a wonderful man, a family man. He was much loved and known by everybody, always happy to help, always with a smile, loved by his neighbours and his friends. 'They are both going to leave a massive hole. We miss them a lot.' The rabbi's voice cracked and he became emotional as he recounted what happened during the attack, which took place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. He said the first he knew something was wrong was when he heard a 'very loud bang.' He later realised this was Al-Shamie, who was a British citizen of Syrian descent, driving his car at security guard Bernard Agyemang before crashing into a wall. 'Men ran into the main synagogue shouting, 'Close the doors, close the windows, we are being attacked,' Rabbi Walker said. 'Adrian moved with speed I've never seen, his reaction time and instincts...he leapt up and closed the door and quite possibly saved a lot of lives. 'One thing I will remember about Adrian is that quiet man suddenly becoming this hero that leapt (up) to do the right thing.' Rabbi Walker said another worshipper, Andrew Franks, who was a volunteer security guard on the day, then tried to intercept Al-Shamie, which delayed him getting inside. But Mr Franks was stabbed and suffered serious injuries that left him hospitalised for more than two weeks afterwards. Rabbi Walker described Mr Franks as a 'very, very brave man'. 'He was in the foyer and was very badly injured, thank God he is in the process of recovery,' he added. 'The attacker was throwing himself against the doors, all the doors were shaking, so a large number of men came and bolstered the doors and held them to make sure he wasn't able to break through them.' Rabbi Walker said he heard Al-Shamie, who it later emerged was on bail for rape, shouting, 'these are killing our children', in an apparent reference to the war in Gaza. Police later revealed Al-Shamie had called 999 moments afterwards to declare: 'I have killed two Jews in the name of Islamic state.' Al-Shamie (pictured outside the synagogue) travelled to Britain with his family as a young child and was granted UK citizenship in 2006, when he would have been around 16 'It all happened very fast, it was only a matter of minutes but time definitely slowed down,' Rabbi Walker added. He previously described looking at Al-Shamie through the window of the synagogue door and seeing 'evil and hate'. Armed officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were on the scene within minutes and a shocking video circulated on social media showed officers shouting at Al-Shamie, who was armed with a knife and wearing what later turned out to be a fake suicide belt, before shooting him dead in the courtyard outside. Mr Daulby suffered a fatal bullet wound fired from a police gun, while another man, father-of-three Yoni Finlay, 39, was also accidentally shot by officers but survived. Referring to Al-Shamie, Rabbi Walker said he wasn't 'wasting any time on him'. 'I have no mental space to think about him, or why he did (what he did),' the rabbi said. He said anti-semitism was a 'societal' not a 'Jewish problem per se' and it was up to society to tackle hatred. Rabbi Walker said he wasn't frightened to open the synagogue after the attack and revealed that the first service he took afterwards was attended by 1,000 people. 'We danced and cried at the same time,' he added. 'It was standing room only, people came from every synagogue in town to support us. 'We are resilient, we are going to continue living and the synagogue is still a place of prayer and holiness.' Asked whether the attack marked a 'threshold' or line in the sand, he said: 'I hope the threshold was crossed and as a society we will get better after this. 'I would like to see all that support, all of that care and all of that goodness that I know is out there be a more visible part of our society.' He said initially he and his synagogue had felt 'very alone' but 'very quickly realised we weren't'. Rabbi Walker described King Charles' visit to the synagogue a few days later as the 'zenith' of that support. 'That meant so much to us all, it meant that society cares,' he added. A Sudanese migrant has won a 40,000 battle with the council after British authorities wrongly judged him to be 30 when he was only 17. Age assessment workers at Luton Borough Council refused to believe the migrant was a teenager when he arrived in Britain because of his physical appearance, an asylum court heard. They said he couldn't have just turned 17 because of his 'mature skin' and 'set lines' in his forehead. One social worker from the council concluded he looked 25 to 30, and he was moved into adult accommodation. Now the immigration court has ruled he was in fact 17, the age he stated when he entered the UK. The council has been ordered to pay 40,000 in legal costs for the Sudanese migrant and must continue to provide support for him. The Sudanese national, named only as DD, arrived in the UK in February 2024 and claimed to be from West Darfur - a war-torn region of the country. He said he was born in February 2007 and is the eldest of six children, with his education being disrupted by poverty and conflict. The hearing was heard at the Uppter Tribunal of the Immigration and Asylum Chamber (pictured) After his mother organised him to flee, he claimed he was tortured for 20 days during his journey through North Africa. A judge stated that if DD's account is correct, then he 'has suffered significant trauma and hardship for a 16-year-old'. After saying he had just turned 17, he was taken into the care of Luton Borough Council. A social worker assessment judged him as being 25 to 30-years-old. He was later assigned an age of 25 and moved into adult accommodation - but challenged the decision. A medical assessment found him to be the average weight and height for his claimed age. It was also found he had suffered nightmares and disturbed sleep - meaning a fellow migrant would not share a tent with him. He also was diagnosed with PTSD. DD, who is a practising Muslim, said his roommate in the adult accommodation 'did not like Muslims' and so he was scared to practice. However, when his roommate overdosed he alerted the staff so they could transfer him to hospital. At a hearing in the Upper Tribunal of the Immigration and Asylum Chamber, a Sudanese expert analysed DD's documents and acknowledged there may be a market for fake proof of age documents, but did not believe DD's were not real. An assessment of physical appearance said it was unclear whether he had not started shaving or if he had started very recently. He was also considered to have 'mature skin with dark patches around his mouth and chin and faint but set lines across his forehead'. However, Upper Tribunal Judge Joe Neville said his experiences and evidence were consistent with a 17-year-old. Despite saying his evidence was not entirely consistent, Judge Neville accepted DD's date of birth is 2007. He ordered the previous age assessment to be quashed and that Luton Borough Council should pay DD's 40,000 legal costs within 21 days. Judge Joe Neville said: 'If DD's account of his experiences and age are both correct, then he has suffered significant trauma and hardship for a 16-year-old. 'His age and understanding will also mean that he cannot be expected to give the same level of detail and consistency as an adult. 'Whatever his true age, and even if his experiences have been exaggerated, the hardships inherent in any young person's flight and journey from Sudan to Europe will have likely had a very significant effect on both his recollection and his behaviour when dealing with authority figures. 'If you met DD and were told he was between 18 and 22, you wouldn't think twice. But if you were told he was 26, you'd probably do a double take. If you were told he was 31 you would be very surprised indeed. 'I accept DD's claimed date of birth of 3 February 2007, and find that on the date of the age assessment he was 17 years old. 'While very little significance can be placed on his appearance and demeanour, it is not inconsistent with that conclusion.' Hospital bosses missed 32 opportunities to take action against an NHS surgeon who has been accused of botching children's operations, a report has found, as 800 of her cases are urgently reviewed. Paediatric orthopaedic surgeon Kuldeep Stohr continued to work for almost a decade at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge after concerns about her practice were first raised by a colleague in 2015. 'Difficult' and 'prickly' Ms Stohr, as she was described by colleagues, took on high volumes of cases under increasing pressure which 'resulted in prolonged risk to patients', the investigation found. Complaints against her include allegations of botched hip surgeries and knee reconstructions. Her alleged shortcomings only came to light after she took a period of sick leave last year for personal reasons, at which point two colleagues took over her caseload and raised concerns. The hospital trust has apologised for the impact on patients and families. A separate investigation into the care given to around 800 of Ms Stohr's previous patients is ongoing. Parents of affected children are calling for a public inquiry and have accused the hospital of allowing youngsters to be 'tortured'. A hospital missed 32 chances to intervene in the practice of paediatric orthopaedic surgeon Kuldeep Stohr, a review has found, as 800 of her cases are urgently reviewed Ms Stohr continued to work for almost a decade at Addenbrooke's Hospital (pictured) in Cambridge after concerns about her practice were first raised by a colleague in 2015 Concerns about Ms Stohr were first raised a decade ago, according to a new review which was commissioned by the Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Experts highlight how 'actions could have been taken to reduce harm to patients', but instead 'deficiencies in Ms Stohr's practice persisted for years'. The review, conducted by independent investigations company Verita, highlights how a 2016 review raised concerns about her surgical technique and judgment, but its findings were fundamentally 'misunderstood' and opportunities to act were 'missed'. These included comments on some of her cases which questioned Ms Stohr's decision to go ahead with some surgeries and technical errors in how others were carried out, leading to harm to patients. The review also raised concerns over a lack of use of post-operative imaging in Ms Stohr's patients. 'The report identified shortcomings in Ms Stohr's surgery and proposed remedial steps,' the authors said. 'The report was misunderstood, miscommunicated, and its findings reduced to a matter of interpersonal conflict rather than surgical concerns. 'As a result, deficiencies in Ms Stohr's practice persisted for years as her caseload and patient complexity grew. 'Collectively, these failings resulted in prolonged risk to patients.' It highlights how a colleague of Ms Stohr, also described by hospital bosses as 'difficult', raised formal concerns with hospital leaders in December 2015. As a result, the hospital's deputy medical director at the time commissioned an external review by a Great Ormond Street Hospital surgeon, which highlighted 'technical and judgment concerns' about Ms Stohr's surgical work. But the deputy medical director and his colleagues only 'partially understood' the report and concluded that Ms Stohr's clinical competence was not in question, Verita said. 'They appear to have interpreted (the) report as evidence that Ms Stohr could safely carry on practicing,' the authors of the report wrote. Lynn Harrison (left), whose daughter Tammy (centre), 13, was operated on by Ms Stohr in April 2021 Tammy's mother is calling for an independent inquiry and says the failings meant children were 'tortured' 'The result was that she was not restricted from practising surgery or placed under closer supervision from then on.' It was found that bosses instead characterised the findings of the report in relation to the tricky working relationship between the two 'difficult' surgeons in the department and overlooked the clinical concerns raised. As a result, bosses at Addenbrooke's gave Ms Stohr 'incorrect reassurance' that her technical ability was not in doubt and she was fit to continue practicing freely. The majority of her colleagues knew nothing about the external review until early 2025. Verita said the deputy medical director's summary of the 2016 review's findings was 'inconsistent with its findings, advice, and recommendations' and 'diluted the messages that needed to be sent to Ms Stohr about her practice'. 'The trust missed an opportunity in 2016 to address deficiencies in Ms Stohr's clinical performance,' the authors of the new review said. They said that following the review 'nothing substantial was done by the trust to address any of Ms Stohr's clinical practice shortcomings' and it 'failed to learn' from the issues raised. After 2016 Ms Stohr continued to operate on children 'without effective managerial oversight', the report adds. She had a 'disproportionately high surgical workload' and bosses seemed 'satisfied with her contribution to reducing waiting lists'. In 2015 and 2024, occupational health said she was suffering from work-related stress and unsustainable demands but no adjustments were made, Verita said. There were no 'red flags' raised about her practice and none of her fellow surgeons had concerns until 2024 when they assumed responsibilities for her patients when she went on a leave of absence. 'We found no one in the management of the paediatric orthopaedics service, or in the workforce directorate who held a complete picture of all the factors affecting Ms Stohr and, potentially, the quality and safety of her work,' the report adds. Solicitor Elizabeth Maliakal, of Hudgell Solicitors, is calling for a statutory public inquiry into the findings When colleagues took over her workload they raised concerns and another external review was commissioned which 'confirmed issues with her operative technique and judgment in complex hip surgeries'. The latest review, which does not focus on individual cases which are being examined in a separate investigation, concludes: 'This investigation highlights a series of missed opportunities in how the trust addressed concerns about Ms Stohr's clinical practice. 'Had these opportunities been recognised, appropriate actions could have been taken to reduce harm to patients.' The trust formally excluded Ms Stohr from work in February 2025. Ms Stohr has not practised since she began a leave of absence in March 2024. The exact harms caused by the surgeon is the subject of a separate investigation. One affected family has called for a public inquiry. Lynn Harrison, whose daughter Tammy, 13, was operated on by Ms Stohr in April 2021, said: 'I want a meeting with Wes Streeting urgently and I want him to order a fully independent inquiry into this scandal and why my daughter and all the other victims were tortured this way.' Speaking to Sky News on Wednesday, she added: "It feels like they'd rather protect their reputation and the face of the hospital and protect their job than put my child first.' She is calling for the resignation of the hospital's chief executive and entire senior leadership team. Solicitor Elizabeth Maliakal, of Hudgell Solicitors, added: 'It is simply not enough for the trust to announce an action plan and offer apology. 'The impact is so wide, and on such a large number of patients, we now need a Statutory Public Inquiry which can compel crucial witnesses to give evidence.' Natalie Truman, a medical negligence group action lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, added: 'The report makes for extremely worrying reading and vividly highlights how a catalogue of missed opportunities by the trust resulted in problems being allowed to manifest for many years.' The family of one child who had two operations performed by Ms Stohr described how the anger is 'hard to process'. The mother of the boy, who has since died, described how her non-verbal son could not move after the second operation. 'All you want to do as a parent is to protect your children and you have to make difficult decisions sometimes, but I thought we were doing everything we could to make his life more comfortable', said the mother, who is being represented by Osbornes Law. That anger is hard to process.' Jodi Newton, a specialist medical negligence lawyer at Osbornes Law, added: 'I hope that the report's recommendations will be implemented in full and as a matter of urgency.' Roland Sinker, chief executive of Cambridge University Hospitals, said: 'We are deeply sorry for the impact this has had on patients and families and are focused on supporting all of those affected. 'We accept the findings and recommendations made in Verita's report in full. 'This should not have happened and today we are publishing an action plan which describes the changes we will make. 'While Verita's investigation recognises that we have made progress, we are clear there is a lot more to do. 'Throughout this process, we have remained committed to supporting patients and families affected and will continue to do so as the separate external clinical review remains ongoing. 'Our services and the actions we now take will continue to be shaped by what our patients are telling us. 'Verita's report makes for difficult reading, and we will learn from this. Now is a pivotal moment to change our hospitals for the better.' Ed Marsden, founder of Verita, said: 'This report highlights 32 missed opportunities to address concerns over a consultant's practice in the paediatric orthopaedic department at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust between 2012 and 2024. 'Our detailed report identified a range of avoidable issues including poor clinical supervision and communication, isolated practice in small specialities and strained professional relationships.' A tourist cruise ship burst into flames on the River Nile, forcing the evacuation of over 200 holidaymakers. Terrifying footage captured the Iberotel Crown Empress engulfed in an orange blaze with flames exploding from the windows as the vessel sailed between Luxor and Edfu, Egypt. The fire is believed to have broken out in the ship's galley at around 6:15pm on Tuesday for reasons which are still being investigated. The inferno spread throughout the entire hull and left the cabins completely destroyed, forcing the ship's staff to activate the emergency alarm and move passengers to the upper deck. Empress was quickly docked at an unofficial anchorage near Esna to allow for the evacuation of some 220 tourists of varying nationalities. No injuries or deaths have been reported following the incident. The tourists on board had been partaking in their first day of a 12-day Nile river cruise when disaster struck. 'At 6:30pm, other boats shone flashlights toward our cabins. When we opened the window, we saw a huge plume of smoke on deck,' one passenger on board told VRT News. He explained that the evacuation process proved difficult as the fire had broken out on the ground floor so the tourists were not able to exit that way. Terrifying footage captured the Iberotel Crown Empress engulfed in an orange blaze with flames exploding from the windows as the vessel sailed between Luxor and Edfu, Egypt The fire is believed to have broken out in the ship's galley at around 6:15pm on Tuesday for reasons which are still being investigated The inferno spread throughout the entire hull and left the cabins completely destroyed, forcing the ship's staff to activate the emergency alarm and move passengers to the upper deck The Iberotel Crown Empress 'It was pure chaos. People didn't know what to do. Some passengers were able to reach safety via the gangway, others couldn't even leave their cabins and were eventually rescued by two small boats,' he added. A crew member on board the burning Empress also told La Repubblica that staff had used emergency exits to signal to other vessels to stay away. 'It was a difficult moment, the passengers were frightened but cooperative,' they said. Passengers on board told how they had to leave their luggage behind as they made their quick escape. The Public Prosecution office has begun its investigations, with initial findings indicating that the cause of the fire was an electrical short circuit in the ship's kitchen, as per local reports. It comes after a Norwegian Cruise ship rescued 63 people who were left stranded in the Ionian Sea last week. The luxury vessel, operated by Norwegian Cruise Lines, rescued dozens of people off the Greek coast on the night of October 22. The cruise line's Norwegian Epic vessel worked with Greek authorities to bring '63 individuals to safety,' according to the company. Norwegian told USA TODAY: 'The individuals were brought on board and tended to by the ship's crew who provided a medical evaluation, food and other items for their comfort. 'Following a mandatory directive from the Rescue Coordination Centre, the ship proceeded to Kalamata, Greece where the rescued individuals were turned over to the Greek authorities.' The cruise line did not specify who the people rescued were. A millionaire Aviva boss killed when his 160,000 Aston Martin careered into a tree died from 'multiple traumatic injuries', an inquest opening has heard. Former chief executive David Barral, 63, had been driving a grey DBX SUV when it left an A-road near Wetherby, West Yorkshire, on October 14. The father-of-three was the sole occupant in the luxury car, which exploded in a fireball when it hit the tree, bringing it crashing to the ground. An inquest into his death was this morning opened and adjourned by West Yorkshire area coroner Oliver Longstaff. Mr Longstaff told how a pathologist who carried out an autopsy on Mr Barral provisionally concluded that he died from 'multiple traumatic injuries'. Mr Barral, described at the short hearing as 'an executive chairman of a financial services business', was identified by a police officer who found his driving licence at the scene of the crash. Mr Longstaff said: 'Sadly, Mr Barral was pronounced deceased on October 14, 2025, at a location on the A58 Leeds Road in Bardsey. 'His death was certified at 2.32pm by attending paramedic Matthew McCabe and formal identification of Mr Barral was achieved by consideration of his driving licence at the scene and the circumstances at the scene.' Former Aviva chief executive David Barral, 63, (pictured with his wife Angela) was killed when his 160,000 Aston Martin careered into a tree Mr Barral was the sole occupant in the luxury car, which exploded in a fireball when it hit the tree The coroner added: 'David Barclay was pronounced deceased... when the vehicle he was driving left the road to its near side and collided with a large tree. 'Clearly a death occurring in those circumstances of the death likely to be shown in due course not to be natural and hence the death is required to be investigated by way of inquest.' Police are continuing to investigate the death of Mr Barral, who held leadership roles at Aviva Life and Pensions between 1999 and 2015, and was made UK and Ireland chief executive in 2011. The Daily Mail understands that minutes before the tragedy, the businessman had visited a Post Office a short distance from his family's 1.2million home in affluent Scarcroft, near Leeds. There, he had returned two boxes of designer Louis Vuitton boots bought for his wife Angela where a shopkeeper described him as appearing 'upset' and 'very fragile'. Mr Barral, whose 30-year career included non-executive chairman roles at Virgin Wines and investment platform Embark Group, arrived at the Post Office at around 1.40pm and left around 10 minutes later. Police were called to the crash, on the A58 Leeds Road between the villages of Bardsey and Collingham, shortly after 2pm. The inquest was suspended for six months to allow police to continue their investigations into the circumstances of the tragedy. The father-of-three died from 'multiple traumatic injuries', an inquest opening has heard Aviva boss Mr Barral, who died in the crash, is pictured here with his wife Angie Mr Longstaff said that 'forensic collision investigation' and 'major collision inquiry team work' remained ongoing. He added: 'There is no third party being investigated as having caused or contributed the incident in which Mr Barral died.' Speaking to the Daily Mail earlier this month, shopkeeper Shazia Tariq described Mr Barral as appearing 'lost in thought'. She was one of the final people to see him when he visited her Post Office in Shadwell, Leeds. Mrs Tariq said: 'He was such a nice man and I've known him for many years. 'But that day he was very upset about something. He made conversation about returning these parcels. It was something that appeared to upset him. 'He emphasised how expensive they were. For a man who drives an Aston Martin, I was surprised by that. 'He normally had such positive vibes but I found him very lost that day. 'He mentioned that the parcels were Louis Vuitton boots and they were very expensive. He bought them for this wife and he just didn't seem happy.' The shopkeeper said she learned shortly after of Mr Barral's death and was subsequently contacted by police officers. Mr Barral was described as 'an executive chairman of a financial services business' She added: 'I remember he was wearing jeans and a light blue blazer. He looked up at the ceiling and he was deep in thought. 'He was in a different place. He wasn't in a happy place, I know that.' Mr Barral's family paid tribute in a statement released through police, which read: 'We are all absolutely devastated at the loss of the most wonderful man. 'Rest in peace David we will all miss you so, so much and you will always fill our hearts. We love you.' A spokesman for Aviva said: 'We are devastated by the loss of David. His contributions to the company and the broader business world were immeasurable. Our thoughts are with his family during this incredibly difficult time.' The businessman was most recently a strategic adviser at investment group Harwood Capital. In previous interviews, he told of his career in the insurance industry - including as a door-to-door salesman with Abbey Life. He said: 'Abbey was a really tough job, I was only 18 and I was probably too young to sustain it. 'I did get my wife's engagement ring with my third month's salary, though.' He went on to work for Guardian Royal Exchange as a claim negotiator then ran brokers Andrew Yule Insurance for three years where he walked the streets at lunchtime looking for trade. Mr Barral, born in East Kilbride in Scotland, said previously that his life ambition was 'to be the best that I can and see my children healthy, happy and debt-free. I would also like to catch a Marlin and ride a Harley'. Three care home bosses who stole 175,000 by faking an elderly resident's will using different handwriting and coloured pens are facing jail. Graham Walker, 74, his wife Lyn, 71, and ex-manager Jamiel Slaney-Summers, 65, plotted to scam frail 85-year-old Rita Barnsley. The trio - who ran Amberley Care Home in Brierley Hill, West Midlands - drew up a 'dodgy' will to snatch her lifesavings. The document, which was described in court as a 'sham', was produced the day after Rita died in August 2021. It named Mrs Walker and Slaney-Summers as executors and the main beneficiaries of the will. Slaney-Summers was due to receive 50 per cent of Rita's estate, while Mrs Walker would get 25 per cent. A sum of 5,000 was also left to the care home staff. The scam was exposed thanks to Rita's cousin Verna, who raised the alarm with Dudley Council's Trading Standards team - sparking one of the biggest elder fraud investigations ever seen in the UK. All three defendants were found guilty by a jury at Wolverhampton Crown Court. Graham Walker, 74, his wife Lyn, 71, and ex-manager Jamiel Slaney-Summers, 65, plotted to scam frail 85-year-old Rita Barnsley (pictured) The will, which was described in court as a 'sham', was produced the day after Rita died in August 2021. Pictured: Graham and Lyn Walker Slaney-Summers (pictured) was due to receive 50 per cent of Rita's estate, while Mrs Walker would get 25 per cent Slaney-Summers was also found to have taken 6,000 from Rita's bank accounts, which she blew on online bingo. She claimed she had used the money to buy Rita flowers every Friday and on incontinence pads - but was found guilty of theft. The court heard Rita had moved into the care home in May 2020 after falling ill. However instead of receiving care, she was financially abused by the very people meant to protect her. Trading Standards officers uncovered several 'red flags' in the will which led to the Walkers and Slaney-Summers being arrested. The jury took just 90 minutes to return unanimous guilty verdicts following the four-week trial. Speaking afterwards, Councillor Phil Atkins, cabinet member responsible for trading standards at Dudley Council, said: 'Their intentions were clear - to fleece this poor, vulnerable woman of all the money she had worked her whole life to earn. Pictured: Rita Barnsley's will. The elderly care home resident had 175,000 of life savings All three defendants were found guilty by a jury at Wolverhampton Crown Court. Pictured: The Walkers 'It was an horrific abuse of trust by three people who she was relying on to look after her best interests. 'Instead they financially abused her and would have taken everything she had but for the dogged determination of her cousin and our trading standards team.' The trio will be sentenced on December 5. Former US presidential candidate Kamala Harris has clashed with an ABC journalist over Joe Biden's apparent cognitive decline. Australian journalist Sarah Ferguson shared the tense exchange with Harris during a half-hour long interview for the ABC's nightly current affairs program 7.30 aired on Wednesday night. The interview took place in London, where the former Vice President was promoting her memoir, 107 Days - a reference to her unusually short campaign. Harris launched her run for the White House in July 2024 after former President Biden withdrew his own bid amid concerns about his perceived cognitive decline . Ferguson grilled Harris on her refusal to link Biden's late withdrawal and her own failed campaign to win office. 'But wasn't Joe Biden then, to put it on him, wasn't his refusal to recognise his own frailties the reason that you faced a nearly impossible task?' Ferguson asked. Harris began to explain she was up against a range of factors including Donald Trump 'misrepresenting his intentions to the American people' when Ferguson spoke up. 'I want to interrupt you because that is a world class pivot,' Ferguson said. Kamala Harris (pictured) clashed with ABC reporter Sarah Ferguson in a tense debate on her failed presidential run. She was in London to promote her campaign memoir, 107 Days Host of ABC's 7.30 program Sarah Ferguson (pictured) grilled the former presidential candidate on the impact of Joe Biden's last-minute withdrawal on her own bid for the top office The ABC host then tried to steer the discussion back to what she had originally asked. 'The question that I asked you is about Joe Biden's failure to recognise his own frailties and what that did to you. 'The question is about Joe Biden - are you still reluctant to criticise the former president?' Harris asked the journalist to clarify her question before insisting Biden 'was not frail as President of the United States'. 'But he had frailties, we all saw the debate,' Ferguson said. Harris responded that Biden had endured a brutal travel schedule in the lead up to the debate, while campaigning for re-election and running the country, and that she never doubted his capacity as president. The interview continued with Ferguson later saying it was 'clear from the outside' that America seemed to be undergoing an 'authoritarian revolution' under Trump. The comment sparked immediate backlash online, with viewers of the program accusing Ferguson and the public broadcaster of bias. Joe Biden speaks during the Presidential Debate in Atlanta on June 27, 2024 Host Sarah Ferguson said the US appeared to be undergoing an 'authoritarian revolution' It is, however, a point the former Vice President has herself made in the past. In a recent interview with the BBC she claimed her warnings Trump would behave like a fascist and an authoritarian had been proven correct. 'He said he would weaponise the Department of Justice - and he has done exactly that,' she told the broadcaster. Trump has recently alluded to potentially running for a third term in the White House, which is not allowed under the Constitution, though he has suggested that there are 'ways around that'. When asked in the ABC interview if Biden could have served another term, Harris insisted he had the 'capacity' to serve as president but admitted she had 'concerns' about his ability to endure the campaign. 'I talked about it extensively in the book. I'm not shying away from that,' Harris said. She also acknowledged it was 'reckless' for her not to have talked Biden out of running for a second term, concluding it was a mistake. 'I asked myself: Was it grace or was it recklessness on my part? And I think it was reckless,' she said Harris refused to rule out mounting another presidential bid in the half-hour long interview, answering simply: 'We will see, if I choose to run' Harris also refused to be drawn when asked how she felt about Biden's insistence he would have won office if he had finished his campaign. 'Does it make you angry that former president Biden still says he would have won?' Ferguson asked. Harris replied tersely: 'I am focused on the present.' As for what her future may hold, Harris refused to rule out running for a second term. Asked if she believed American voters had an 'appetite' for a Harris presidency despite losing her earlier bid, she replied: 'We will see, if I choose to run.' President Donald Trump promised South Korea's president he would help solve the discord between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and his southern neighbor. 'I won't forget the trip, and we'll be working together, and you have a little bit of a cloud over your country, and we're going to get that cloud solved,' Trump told South Korean President Lee Jae Myung at a banquet Wednesday evening. That cloud, previously referred to as 'little rocket man,' is Kim Jong-un, the belligerent leader of North Korea. 'A neighbor that hasn't been as nice as they could be, and I think they will be,' Trump continued. 'I know Kim Jong-un very well, and I think things will work out very well.' Trump met Kim three times during his first term, and even became the first president to enter North Korea during a 2019 meeting in the demilitarized zone along the country's southern border. He has been adamant about striking a deal with the country to stabilize the region that has been shaken by Un's repeated military flexing. Despite several public offers to meet with Kim on the trip, no meeting between the two materialized, and North Korea has not responded to Trump's many overtures. 'Its our last stop, so it would be pretty easy to do,' the American told reports aboard Air Force One on Monday, adding 'If hed like to meet, Im around. I got along great with Kim Jong-un.' President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in the DMZ in 2019. Trump mentioned how Kim was a 'little cloud' hovering over South Korea that he will help fix Trump repeatedly offered to see Kim on his Asia trip, but North Korea did not respond. Instead, it fired missiles off of its west coast on Tuesday, the day before Trump arrived to South Korea A man walks past a television screen showing a news broadcast with file footage of a North Korean missile test, at a train station in Seoul on October 22, 2025 The next day, just before Trump was scheduled to land in South Korea, North Korean blasted sea-to-surface strategic cruise missiles off of its west coast. It was the country's second missile test in a week. Signaling the US's close ties with South Korea amid North Korea's saber rattling, Trump announced that the two allied countries had struck a $350 billion investment deal while walking into the Hilton banquet room in Gyeongju. 'We reached a deal. We did a lot of different things,' Trump told reporters while standing next to South Korean President Lee. The two had just emerged from a two-hour meeting that included leaders from across the Indo-Pacific: Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Vietnam and Singapore all were represented. Trump dined with world leaders enjoying a menu that included shrimp and scallop salad, braised short ribs made of US beef on a bed of steamed rice and spinach soybean paste soup, with a gold-adorned brownie and seasonal fruits for dessert. Taking his seat next to the South Korean leader, Trump later tossed uncertainty on the deal he just announced, seemingly backtracking a bit: 'We made our deal. Pretty much finalized, a trade deal, and we discussed some other things having to do with national security.' It's unclear whether the deal was actually signed or Trump was speaking loosely about the framework being agreed to, and neither the White House nor South Koreans have given further details on the pending deal. South Korea-South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and US President Donald Trump shake hands ahead of their talks at the National Museum in Gyeongju Donald Trump announced that the US and South Korea had 'reached a deal' on the $350 billion investment announced by the two nations in July. However, Trump later backtracked, saying the deal was 'pretty much finalized' A framework deal struck between the two nations in late July would help Seoul avoid the worst of the US tariffs by agreeing to invest $350 billion into the US. Around $150 billion would go to helping US shipbuilding capacity and the other $200 billion would be cash payments. At the dinner table the president teased how more deals are expected by the end of the year. 'We're over $17 trillion, probably up to $18 trillion of investment,' he said. 'We're close to $18 [trillion]. I think we're going to be $21 or $22 trillion by the time I finished my first year.' 'And there's never in history, there's never been anything like that for any country, not even close,' Trump bragged. A hospital boss involved in a legal row over allowing a trans nurse to use the female changing facilities has suggested she was no different than a larger woman. Eight nurses are bringing a claim against County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust after Rose Henderson was allowed to use the women's changing rooms at a Darlington hospital. The trust denies the claims against it. Ms Henderson, who was born male but identifies as a woman, accused 26 nurses of 'direct discrimination and harassment' after they signed a letter to the trust's HR department expressing concerns about her use of the facilities. She lodged a grievance against the group claiming the comments 'created an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating and offensive environment, due to my protected characteristics'. Andrew Thacker, director of workforce at the trust, gave evidence on behalf of the respondents during an employment tribunal hearing on Tuesday. He was asked by Niazi Fetto KC, on behalf of the claimants, whether female employees might be fearful of a larger-built man getting changed in the same area. Mr Thacker said: 'For me it would depend on whether the individual concerned presented as a man and was threatening in any way towards the females, and that's not my understanding of the situation we are talking about. 'I think I could accept that if this was a man who didn't identify as a woman. I think the image that you're trying to portray is there was a largely built man using the female changing rooms. Rose identifies as a woman. Women hold banners and flags in support of several nurses who are bringing a claim against County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust for allowing a trans nurse to use the female changing facilities Rose Henderson, who was allowed to use the women's changing rooms at a Darlington hospital 'I have got no reason to believe that Rose being Rose and presenting the way that Rose is, is any different to having anybody larger than any individual in the changing room.' Jane Shields, who is not one of the claimants, also gave evidence to the employment tribunal hearing in Newcastle to say she first worked with Rose Henderson in 2019. In her witness statement, the nurse anaesthetist who now works in Middlesbrough, said: 'About eight months into his first year as a student, he became known as Rose. 'It was a quite rapid change in dynamics. People had questions and would ask Rose what made him decide to go down that route. 'No one spoke to him or about him in a nasty way, but there were conversations with him about it. Rose was very open and transparent with us.' Mrs Shields recalled a specific conversation in which 'he told us that he had always felt female'. She added: 'It was a very confusing situation because he was married to a woman. 'He told us he was not going down the full transition route [a sex change operation] and when he was asked why, he told us that he wanted to father a child with his wife. 'He said he wanted to wait until his wife was pregnant. He also told us he did not consider himself to be a lesbian. 'It was a confusing time for people. It was not for us to judge, but there were a lot of mixed signals and miscommunication between colleagues.' Nurses from Darlington Memorial Hospital arrive at a landmark employment tribunal at Newcastle County Court Mrs Shields said she became aware that Rose Henderson had begun to use the female changing rooms and she 'felt extremely uncomfortable' about it. Mrs Shields said in her witness statement: 'My assessment is that 80 per cent of the female staff at the time were not happy that Rose was permitted to change in our changing rooms. The majority of the people that I spoke to were not happy with it.' She said she asked her manager 'why we were expected to share our changing room with a male?'. Mrs Shields continued: 'Her answer was that we have to be shown to be "a diverse and accepting Trust". 'I was aware that in the recent past we had a reputation of being a bullying environment for students and that students were refusing to come to Darlington as a result.' Mrs Shields said there was an internal investigation into allegations around five years ago, adding: 'I think they just did not want to upset the apple cart or be portrayed as a "bullying" trust.' Kirsten Coutts, who has worked at Darlington Memorial Hospital since 2008, was one of 26 nurses to sign a letter to the trust's HR department in March 2024. She said she did not know Rose Henderson or use the same changing room but found the situation 'unacceptable'. In her statement, she said: 'When we look after patients, we are not allowed to put transgender patients together with biological women at any point in their stay at the hospital. They are always placed in a side room. 'This is obviously a sensible rule and it is not reasonable or fair to deny the same right to privacy to the Trust's own staff.' In August last year, Ms Coutts was informed that Rose Henderson had lodged a grievance against the 26 nurses who had signed the letter. Ms Coutts said: 'I was quite surprised and taken aback that a grievance was issued against me. At this point I had never met Rose nor even knew what Rose looked like. 'Furthermore, the letter that I signed was not addressed to Rose - it was addressed to the Director of Workforce. 'In response I was officially accused of personally creating "an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating and offensive environment" for Rose and threatened with disciplinary action. 'I understood the Trust to be effectively saying that we had no right to an opinion on this issue.' The tribunal continues. A British man has been found dead off the coast of Malta, two days after his 11-year-old son drowned while the pair were swimming during a family holiday. The 37-year-old's body was discovered following an extensive search operation involving Maltese police, the armed forces and local rescue teams. His son had been pulled from the water earlier in the week after getting into difficulty while swimming at Ramla Bay. The mother of the boy was on the beach with her two other younger children when her son drowned and her husband went missing on Monday. The British family of Pakistani origin had been enjoying the final hours of a Malta holiday when the tragedy struck. Other family members are understood to have flown out to Malta on Tuesday to support them. Police were alerted at around 1.15pm, and the Armed Forces of Malta and Civil Protection Department launched an intensive search using dinghies and a helicopter. The boy was pulled from the water and treated at the scene before being taken to Gozo General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later. The Meteorological Office had issued a warning about strong north-west winds hitting Malta on Monday. A British man has been found dead off the coast of Malta, two days after his 11-year-old son drowned while the pair were swimming during a family holiday (stock image of Ramla Bay) The 11-year-old's death marks the 16th drowning since the start of the year. It comes after a British tourist died while swimming in Malta's famed Blue Lagoon after using a slide on a tourist boat in September. The 43-year-old had taken the slide down into the water at around 1.30pm before finding himself struggling in the lagoon, located in Comino. A number of travellers spotted he was underwater before pulling him up to the surface of the water and beginning CPR, reports Times of Malta. Volunteer first aiders from Malta's Emergency Response and Rescue Corps (ERRC) quickly arrived at the scene and took over efforts to save him. They carried the unnamed man to Mgarr Harbour in Gozo where a hospital medical team was waiting, but he was tragically pronounced dead upon arrival at Victoria Hospital. According to local reports, following the incident, Magistrate Brigitte Sultana is holding an inquiry. Just a month earlier, a 35-year-old Italian man died after getting into difficulty, while also at the Blue Lagoon in August. In April the body of a 71-year-old fisherman was found off the coast of Comino, hours after he was reported missing. And a Spanish tourist sustained grievous injuries in July after she was hit by a boat propeller as she was boarding a boat in Comino, a popular destination for tourists. The Attorney General has condemned allegations of political interference in the prosecution of two alleged Chinese spies as disgraceful and baseless. Lord Richard Hermer said he had been both disappointed and surprised that the trial of Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry had collapsed. He told the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy that he was extremely concerned about the impact the case has on public faith in Britains security strategy and criminal justice system. And he also hit back at allegations the Prime Minister and the national security advisor Jonathan Powell had interfered with the case and caused its collapse. The prosecution offered no evidence when it became clear that deputy national security advisor Matt Collins would not state that China represented a threat to the UKs national security in his evidence. I deprecate some of the baseless accusations that were levelled against the Prime Minister and against our national security advisor, Mr Powell, when this information, the decision of the prosecution was announced, that seeks to suggest that politicians had somehow improperly interfered in this case to stop the prosecution, Lord Hermer said. Effectively, allegations that they were perverting the course of justice against the national security interests of this country. Now those are disgraceful allegations to make without evidence. They were baseless, as the evidence of the DPP and the Cabinet Secretary have made plain. That I was very concerned about, and it's again why I welcome this process, because it allows us to shine a light to see that we might not be happy with the decision, we might be disappointed with the decision that's reached at the end of the day, but it's these are decisions that are made by independent parts of our state, independent of politicians, and that is for the benefit of us all. Lord Hermer also clashed with former Conservative cabinet minister Sir Gavin Williamson about a meeting on September 1 between officials to discuss the trial. The attorney general claimed there was nothing improper about the meeting, which included Mr Powell and Sir Oliver Robbins, the permanent secretary in the Foreign Office. Attorney General Lord Hermer condemned allegations of political interference in the prosecution of two alleged Chinese spies as disgraceful and baseless. Christopher Berry (L) and Christopher Cash (R) were accused of spying for China but their trial collapsed The problem which derailed the case was the Official Secrets Act itself, which was not fit for purpose, Lord Hermer said. If updated legislation had been in place at the time of the alleged offending, the Attorney General said he had no doubt the prosecution would have gone to trial. He told the committee: Standing back in this case, where's the problem? What is it, because I think we should all be concerned to try and identify what lessons can be learnt. I'm clear in my mind that certainly one very significant problem here was the Act. The Act wasn't fit for purpose, it was out of date. Lord Hermer said that in 2017, the Law Commission flagged that the term enemy was deeply problematic and would give rise to difficulties in future prosecutions. It emerged last week that the word was removed from an early version of Mr Collins witness statement. Lord Hermer said it was 'disgraceful' to suggest the trial collapsed due to national security adviser Jonathan Powell (pictured) Lord Hermer said Parliament was right to pass the National Security Act 2023 that takes away problems faced by prosecutors in the case and means it merely needs to be proved that information was being passed to a foreign power. Speaking frankly, I don't understand why it took Parliament so long to pass that. Had that Act been in force at the relevant time for this case, between 21-23, I have no doubt that the prosecution would have proceeded to trial, he added. Lord Hermer said that a skilled defence counsel would have pointed to comments made in April 2023 by the then foreign secretary James Cleverley that China could not be neatly summarised by a single phrase such as a threat. These comments were made before Mr Cash and Mr Berry were charged last April. Both men deny all allegations of wrongdoing. A mother-of-three accused of trying to drown her children and herself allegedly did it because her husband wouldn't let her leave their $3 million estate. Jessica Quintana, 39, allegedly admitted her plan to 'roll' the kids, aged 6, 11 and 15, into a pond after loading them up on tequila and Nyquil. She allegedly told the children they had to 'go' because she couldn't live with her husband Domingo Quintana, 61, anymore and if she only took her own life there would be no one to protect them from him. The plan was foiled by Domingo, who dragged them out of the water before police arrived at the Dayton, Texas, property on September 29. Interviews with both Quintana and her 15-year-old daughter recounted in affidavits allegedly found the poisoning was a backup plan to flee the isolated estate. Quintana and her husband had been having problems for some time and the last straw came when he took her phone on September 28 and refused to return it, she said. Plan A was to pack up the kids and leave home, but she discovered her husband had taken her car keys and she was trapped at the 300-acre property. Instead, she 'carried out Plan B' and allegedly loaded the children up on the syrup and booze and led them into the water the next day. Jessica Quintana, pictured here, is accused of poisoning her kids with Nyquil and tequila before leading them into a pond on their family's rural estate in Liberty County, Texas Law enforcement swarmed the family's $3 million mansion late last month after her husband Domingo called police over an attempted drowning Quintana began drinking tequila and allegedly told the kids to drink with her until they 'felt fuzzy', then gave them Nyquil so they would pass out by the pond. She told the kids 'she would roll them into the water once they were knocked out' and according to her six-year-old son, assured them they wouldn't feel anything. Quintana and children were all rescued and spent weeks in hospital, and she was arrested on Friday morning as she was released from medical care. Liberty County Sheriff's Office Captain David Meyers said Quintana was unconscious and unresponsive when she was pulled from the water. 'They pretty much went into the water together, and based on the evidence we have, the intent was that they would drown and not wake up,' he said. Liberty County District Attorney Jennifer Bergman refused to elaborate on what was going on between Quintana and her husband. Domingo Quintana, seen here, was charged in an unrelated animal abuse case and made his own appearance in court last week A dive team also searched the pond for evidence they believe may be at the bottom 'As of today, the father of the children will not be charged with the current murder suicide plot,' she said. Domingo was charged in an unrelated animal abuse case after an emaciated cat was found on the property, and made his own appearance in court last week. He was ordered to remove his three dogs from his care, but without harming them or having the pets put down, and not own any non-livestock animals. The three children were released into the custody of Child Protective Services who then handed them over to family members. Despite their mother allegedly trying to kill them, reports showed the children were desperate to see their mother - but not their father. Quintana was eventually allowed brief supervised visitation with her children, but her husband was blocked entirely. Quintana and the three children were all rescued from the water but had to remain in hospital for several weeks, she was arrested on her release on Friday Court records showed that Domingo Quintana was named in multiple civil lawsuits, including complaints alleging he owes thousands of dollars in property taxes. He has also been accused of failing to pay contractors hundreds of thousands of dollars in labor costs for their work on Rancho Monte Carmelo. The Quintana family has lived at Rancho Monte Carmelo since 2017 but the children had not been enrolled in school 'for a little bit', police said. There was at least one previous 911 call for an alleged assault at the residence, though it is unclear if that case involved the Quintana family. A senior care home nurse has been struck off after she slapped a vulnerable resident who bit her finger, before lying to cover up what she had done. Julie McKinney lashed out at the resident while attempting to administer medication, a tribunal heard. But she later falsified records to conceal the assault, according to findings by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). The hearing was also told that foul-mouthed Ms McKinney swore at residents, calling one a 'fat b*****d' and another a 'lazy f*****g bitch'. The NMC has now permanently erased Ms McKinney's name from the nursing register after finding her guilty of misconduct. McKinney began working at the unnamed Edinburgh care home in 2020 and was promoted to senior staff nurse in 2023. However, she came under investigation by the Care Inspectorate in April 2024 following an anonymous complaint about alleged abuse of residents. At a disciplinary hearing, McKinney denied slapping the resident or using offensive language towards those in her care - though she did admit falsifying the incident report and using inappropriate language during staff handovers. She claimed her comments about slapping the resident were meant as a joke, insisting she 'would never ever do this.' But the tribunal rejected her explanation. A senior care home nurse has been struck off after she slapped a vulnerable resident who bit her finger, before lying to cover up what she had done (stock image) A care assistant gave evidence stating: 'I half stopped and I heard Ms McKinney say words to the effect of 'A resident bit my f***ing finger, I had to slap her to let go.' In her written report of the incident, McKinney falsely claimed that two other staff members had opened the resident's mouth to free her fingers, rather than her slapping the resident herself. The tribunal concluded that this was a deliberate lie. Tribunal chair George Duff said: 'The panel determined that it was not credible that Miss McKinney would be able to recall not slapping the resident, yet not recall how she removed her fingers from their mouth. 'The panel further considered the question of Miss McKinney's credibility. It noted that she has admitted to dishonestly completing an incident form. 'The panel was concerned about why Miss McKinney would falsify the incident form, stating that two other members of staff were present when they were not. 'The panel determined Miss McKinney would have no reason to falsify the records unless she was covering something up. 'The panel was not satisfied of the veracity of Miss McKinney's denial of slapping the resident. It found her account of the incident to be inconsistent and not credible, and noted she has admitted to dishonesty. 'On the balance of probabilities, the panel determined it was more likely than not that Miss McKinney did slap the resident across the face.' The tribunal also found McKinney guilty of repeatedly using obscene language toward both residents and staff. As a result, the NMC ruled that her behaviour was 'wholly incompatible' with professional nursing standards, striking her off the register with immediate effect. New York Citys Black Lives Matter founder compared himself to Martin Luther King Jr. and blasted his arrest as 'politically motivated' while turning himself in to police on assault charges. Walter 'Hawk' Newsome, 48, turned himself in to the NYPDs 28th Precinct in Harlem on Monday following allegations that he physically assaulted Democratic District Leader William Allen, 66, during a protest last week, according to The New York Post. Supporters rallied outside as the activist strode toward the precinct with his fist raised high, proclaiming he was facing the same fate as Martin Luther King Jr. 'Recognize this as a step in the right direction. Not only do we fight racism - systemic, black racism - we fight the black faces of systemic oppression,' Newsome declared. 'Martin Luther King Jr. got locked up 26 times. Right? 26 times for this,' he added. 'This is a sign that we are fighting.' Newsome has since been charged with attempted felony assault, attempted misdemeanor assault and harassment. 'The charges against me are false,' he insisted as officers escorted him to the front doors. On Friday morning, the BLM leader led a group of activists to the West 125th Street office of Councilman Yusef Salaam, the Democratic politician and one of the exonerated Central Park Five falsely accused of rape at the age of 15. Walter 'Hawk' Newsome (pictured), 48, NYC Black Lives Matter founder, compared himself to Martin Luther King Jr. as he turned himself in to police on Monday for assault charges Newsome (pictured) was charged with attempted felony assault, attempted misdemeanor assault and harassment Allen said he was just an 'innocent bystander' when Newsome (pictured in court) got in his face and allegedly threw a bullhorn in his direction The protest erupted over the office's decision to pull $10,000 in community funding from nonprofit leader Tiffany Fulton, founder of Silent Voices United Inc. Newsome was allegedly heard shouting Salaams name through a bullhorn as activists demanded he confront what they described as 'ongoing retaliation, unethical practices and unprofessional behavior' inside his office. Chivona Newsome, Newsomes sister and co-founder of Manhattan's BLM chapter, told the Daily News that Salaams mother, Sharonne - who had been attending a different conference on solitary confinement - suddenly approached the group. Newsome also claimed that the councilmans mother deliberately tried to disrupt the event. 'As soon as I start speaking, this woman starts screaming, "Im Yuseef Salaams mother" and she starts flailing. At first I said "Oh God" and then I said "maam" five times and I try to talk,' Newsome told the outlet. 'His mother tried to stop us from exercising our First Amendment right and speaking out in front of the office,' he added. Newsome's sister alleged that Salaams mother, while confronting the protest, identified herself before lunging at her sibling and grabbing his wrist. But District Leader William Allen, also at the separate conference, said he just happened to be walking toward the scene to talk with Fulton when he became involved, as reported by The New York Post. Newsome led a group of activists to the West 125th Street office of Councilman Yusef Salaam on Friday, the Democratic politician and one of the exonerated Central Park Five (pictured) Newsome's sister alleged that Salaams mother, while confronting the protest, lunged at the activist and grabbed his wrist - resulting in an altercation (pictured: scene) Allen said he was just an 'innocent bystander' when Newsome got in his face, yelling that he had brought 'an old lady over here' - a reference to Salaams mother. Video footage showed the heated exchange moments before the activist screamed, 'My problem is with you "cause I cant get in her face.' 'You put an old lady in front of me,' he also shouted, despite Salaam's mother walking over on her own accord. Seconds later, Newsome allegedly threw the bullhorn in the direction of Allen. 'He basically assaulted me,' Allen told the NY Post. 'He hit me in the chest, I backed up and as I'm backing up, he raised his arm and threw the bullhorn at my head,' he added. 'Thank God it missed me.' Newsome's sister, however, told the Daily News that he threw the bullhorn only 'out of frustration, but not at Allen.' Newsome himself acknowledged that he thinks the incident was a setup, designed to get him to confront Salaams mother outside her sons office. 'They knew we were coming out there. This was a plan to jam me out and silence me,' the activist told the outlet. 'I am 65, 354 pounds,' he added. 'If I punched him in the chest he would be in a cardiac arrest. Im huge.' Newsome (pictured) was charged with attempted felony assault, attempted misdemeanor assault and harassment Newsome (pictured) himself acknowledged that he thinks the incident was a setup, designed to get him to confront Salaams mother outside her sons office Newsome (pictured) was arraigned Monday night and let go on his own recognizance. He is due back in court on January 21 Nevertheless, as cops led Newsome into Manhattan Criminal Court, he declared the arrest 'political persecution' and likened himself to MLK Jr., who was famously arrested 30 times during his career in activism. 'I may not have known Dr. King personally, but hes no Dr. King,' Allen told NY Post in a bitter shot back. Newsome reportedly turned himself in after the NYPD warrant squad called his lawyer on Friday to negotiate the terms of his surrender, according to the Daily News. 'I accept the arrest and I see so far past these charges,' he said, according to the outlet. 'I see political fear,' he added. 'I see black people who criticize the justice system using that same system to attack another black man and that is deplorable.' Newsome insisted he was the target of political persecution by specifically pointing to Salaams failure to speak out more strongly against police brutality. 'My angle was Eric Adams brought back stop-and-frisk and its this rampant police brutality and he didnt say anything,' he said of Salaam. 'I spoke to him a year ago and said, "brother you have to step up, youre Central Park five, you got to step up."' Newsome was arraigned Monday night and let go on his own recognizance. He is due back in court on January 21. Hurricane Melissa is on track to pummel the Bahamas and Bermuda with heavy rains, dangerous winds and flash floods as it rips through the Caribbean. Melissa made landfall in eastern Cuba near the city of Chivirico early Wednesday as a Category 3 storm after having swept across Jamaica as one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record. The hurricane, which had top sustained wind speeds of 115 mph as it made its second landfall, is now expected to track towards the northeast, according to the National Hurricane Center. Melissa will strike southeastern or central Bahamas as a strong Category 2 storm Wednesday, bringing a dangerous storm surge and strong gales. The Bahamas could be pummeled with up to 10 inches of rain, which forecasters warn could trigger flash floods and landslides. By Wednesday evening, Melissa is expected to continue northeast, accelerating over the open Atlantic Ocean, and strike Bermuda as a Category 1 hurricane on Thursday. Officials warned the 'storm of the century' could take days or even weeks to recover in the worst-hit parts of the region. Melissa has already been blamed for seven deaths in the Caribbean, including three in Jamaica, three in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic, where another person remains missing. Melissa made landfall in eastern Cuba early Wednesday morning as a Category 3 storm. Pictured is a woman walking in a street in the the city of Santiago de Cuba on Tuesday before the hurricane struck Melissa is one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record. A US Air Force Reserve crew from the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, known as the 'Hurricane Hunters,' flew through the eye of the storm on October 27, 2025 as Melissa was over the Caribbean Hurricane Melissa will strike southeastern or central Bahamas as a strong Category 2 storm Wednesday, bringing a dangerous storm surge and strong winds. The storm is expected to continue northeast, accelerating over the open Atlantic Ocean, and strike Bermuda as a Category 1 hurricane on Thursday Early Wednesday, Melissa had top sustained winds of 115 mph and was moving northeast at 12 mph. The hurricane was centered 60 miles west of Guantanamo, Cuba, and 230 miles south of the central Bahamas The hurricane is about to leave Cuba and sweep through the Bahamas on Wednesday. While the Turks and Caicos islands are not in Melissa's direct path, forecasters warn the islands are in the path of its outer core. The picturesque islands could battle tropical-storm conditions Wednesday, including hurricane-force gusts, dangerous surf, up to 3 inches of rain and floods. Additional rainfall is expected in southern Hispaniola through Wednesday. Early Wednesday, Melissa had top sustained winds of 115 mph and was moving northeast at 12 mph according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami. The hurricane was centered 60 miles west of Guantanamo, Cuba, and 230 miles south of the central Bahamas. Officials urged residents of Cuba to remain sheltered and warned preparations for the storm in the Bahamas 'should be rushed to completion.' Melissa struck Jamaica on Tuesday with top sustained winds of 185 mph. The storm was expected to generate a storm surge of up to 12 feet in the region and drop up to 20 inches of rain in parts of eastern Cuba. As many as 735,000 Cuban residents heeded warnings from the nation's president and emergency response crews as they fled their homes along the coast and mountainous regions in the path of the storm ahead of its arrival on Wednesday. Hurricane Melissa made landfall in eastern Cuba near the city of Chivirico early Wednesday as a Category 3 storm. Hundreds of thousands of people had been evacuated to shelters in Cuba. A hurricane warning was in effect for the Cuban provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo, Holguin and Las Tunas, as well as the southeastern and central Bahamas Deadly hurricane Melissa leaves a trail of destruction in Jamaica as it hits Cuba with 120mph winds Residents wait in the streets for food hours before Hurricane Melissa hits the city of Santiago de Cuba on Tuesday A man looks at a fallen tree in St. Catherine, Jamaica, shortly before Hurricane Melissa made landfall on Tuesday The hurricane could worsen Cuba's severe economic crisis, which already has led to prolonged power blackouts, as well as fuel and food shortages. 'There will be a lot of work to do. We know there will be a lot of damage,' Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said in a televised address, in which he assured that 'no one is left behind and no resources are spared to protect the lives of the population.' At the same time, he urged the population not to underestimate the power of Melissa, 'the strongest ever to hit national territory.' Provinces from Guantanamo - in the far east - to Camaguey, almost in the center of elongated Cuba, had already suspended classes on Monday. As Cuba prepared for the storm, officials in Jamaica prepared to fan out Wednesday to assess the damage. Extensive damage was reported in parts of Clarendon in southern Jamaica and in the southwestern parish of St. Elizabeth, which was 'under water,' said Desmond McKenzie, deputy chairman of Jamaica's Disaster Risk Management Council. The storm also damaged four hospitals and left one without power, forcing officials to evacuate 75 patients, McKenzie said. More than half a million customers were without power as of late Tuesday as officials reported that most of the island experienced downed trees, power lines and extensive flooding. The government said it hopes to reopen all of Jamaica's airports as early as Thursday to ensure the quick distribution of emergency relief supplies. Security cameras show downtown Kingston on Tuesday as Hurricane Melissa makes landfall in Jamaica. Melissa, the most powerful storm ever to hit the island nation, struck Jamaica with ferocious winds and torrential rains Rain clouds are pictured after the passing of the tropical storm Melissa before becoming a hurricane in Barahona, Dominican Republic on Tuesday A resident holds a piece of a roof before Hurricane Melissa hits the city of Santiago de Cuba, Cuba, on October 28, 2025 Still, AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter warned residents or tourists in western Jamaica 'could be stranded for days or weeks' as authorities look to begin the monumental cleanup effort. 'It will be incredibly difficult for emergency aid and resources to reach the hardest hit areas,' he added. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness had echoed concerns about rescue efforts earlier on Tuesday, stating that while efforts could get underway immediately in eastern parts of the island, other ravaged communities may have to wait 'a few more days.' 'There is no infrastructure in the region that can withstand a Category 5,' he said. 'The question now is the speed of recovery. That's the challenge.' Based on the sheer scale of the devastation, Holness said 'we are expecting there would be some loss of life.' But Porter noted 'the worst impacts from Melissa struck Jamaica during the daylight hours' - a bleak contrast to the dangers Cuba faces overnight as the island is pummeled in the darkness throughout the early hours of Wednesday. President Donald Trump vowed to offer assistance to Jamaica once cleanup efforts begin and the monumental task of rebuilding kick-starts. 'On a humanitarian basis, we have to, so we're watching it closely,' he said. 'We're prepared to move. It's doing tremendous damages as we speak.' Trump also marveled at the storm's strength. It was a Category 5 when it made landfall in Jamaica - the worst the island has ever seen. 'I've never seen that before. I guess it can get that high, but I've never seen it,' he said. Error: Unset URL field Men were pictured attempting to protect their cars and belongings ahead of Hurricane Melissa's arrival in Cuba on Wednesday morning Devastating images have emerged out of Jamaica as clean up efforts begin Melissa reached tropical storm status last Tuesday and then became a hurricane on Saturday. Melissa then rapidly intensified into a Category 5 hurricane early Monday morning. Climate scientists have linked warming ocean temperatures to hurricanes intensifying more quickly. Abnormally warm ocean waters of about 3.6 to 5.4 degrees Fahrenheit (2 to 3 degrees Celsius) above normal helped double Hurricane Melissa's wind speed in less than 24 hours, scientists said. Rapid intensification occurs when the maximum sustained winds of a tropical cyclone increase by at least 35 mph. Warmer temperatures also give hurricanes fuel to unleash more rain. Scientists said Melissa is the fourth storm in the Atlantic this year to undergo rapid intensification. Storms that ramp up so quickly complicate forecasting and make it harder for government agencies and nonprofits to plan for emergencies. A nanny murdered a grandfather with a screwdriver as he tried to protect his granddaughter, then boasted about how she had 'f****d him up', police say. Samantha Rae Booth, 35, allegedly made the disturbing comment as she seemingly confessed to the slaying of 83-year-old David Ong, last Friday. Booth was arrested outside of Ong's daughter Katie's home in Royal Oak, Michigan, with his body found stabbed multiple times in the basement. As she was being taken away by officers, police claim Booth told them: 'I f***** him the f*** up, and yes I did it. God it was too easy,' ClickOnDetroit reported. The disturbing incident unfolded after Katie asked her elderly father to go to her home to check on her daughter, who Booth had cared after for two years. Ong then went silent, so Katie asked her brother-in-law, who has not been named, to go and check the home. He arrived to find to find the front door of the house wide open, with noises coming from the basement. Katie's brother-in-law called out to Ong, but the elderly grandfather did not answer and instead he found Booth 'manic and covered in blood', police said. Booth, pictured here, allegedly boasted to cops that she 'f***** up', Ong after being arrested last Friday outside of the home Ong and his wife Jacqueline are seen here surrounded by their grandchildren in an undated picture Booth is said to have flown at the brother-in-law with a screwdriver as he went to rescue Ong's granddaughter. Katie's brother-in-law grabbed the little girl Booth was supposed to be caring for, only for Booth to attack him with a screwdriver, it is claimed. Eventually, both managed to flee with minor injures and call 911 from a neighboring property. Cops called to the scene found that Booth had stripped her clothes off and was covered in blood, according to a police report. She was arrested shortly after and has been charged with six felonies including murder. According to prosecutors, police found what they believe to be psychedelic mushrooms and marijuana in Booth's purse. Police said that Booth has no known criminal history and they have not commented on a possible motive for the horrific crime. The arrest of Booth and her subsequent charges has left her own family shellshocked, with her brother Danny speaking with the Daily Mail on Tuesday. Ong, seen here alongside his wife Jacqueline, was found dead inside the basement of his daughter's Royal Oak home after arriving to check on his granddaughter The horrific murder unfolded inside Ong's daughter's $513,000 home in Royal Oak, seen here Ong's other daughter Kelly Ong Smith paid tribute to her father's heroism on Facebook. She described the loss of her father as 'immeasurable', adding that Ong was 'a man of incredible kindness, love and faith'. According to Ong's obituary he leaves behind his wife Jacqueline, was the father of four and grandfather to 11. Booth is facing six felonies including, first degree murder, second degree child abuse, assault with a dangerous weapon and three counts of assaulting a police officer. She was due to appear in court via Zoom on Tuesday, but the hearing was held in her absence after she stripped naked in her holding cell and refused to cooperate. After a back-and-forth with the judge, prosecution and defense she agreed to hear her charges but still refused to show herself. Her attorney pleaded not guilty on her behalf during the hearing, with the judge denying her bond, saying she posed a 'danger to society'. A grandfather was allegedly 'boiled alive' inside a hotel shower while traveling to his granddaughter's college graduation. Terril Johnson, 72, of Los Angeles, was staying at the Fairfield by Marriott hotel in San Jose, California on May 22 with family ahead of his granddaughter Trinity Johnson's graduation. After making the six-hour drive to the hotel, the Marine veteran took a hot shower which 'effectively boiled him alive,' according to a lawsuit viewed by Daily Mail. He was found by his grandson Deshun lying partially submerged inside the bathroom with the water running. The water was so hot that his family members were unable to pull his body out of the tub, according to the lawsuit. The water is estimated to have been around 135 degrees Fahrenheit, which is 15 degrees higher than California's legal limit. 'Exposure to water at such temperatures is known to cause third-degree burns within seconds,' the lawsuit states. 'They were forced to watch in horror as his skin peeled away from his body.' A person can suffer from a third-degree burn after just 30 seconds of exposure to 130-degree water, according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. Terril Johnson, 72, of Los Angeles, was staying at the Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites San Jose Airport on May 22 with family ahead of his granddaughter Trinity Johnson's graduation from San Jose State University when he died After making the six-hour drive from Los Angeles to San Jose, the Marine veteran took a scalding hot shower, which 'effectively boiled him alive,' the lawsuit said A medical examiner determined the grandfather's cause of death was 'severe scalding burns' to his neck, torso, and other parts of his body, covering roughly 30 percent of his body. The examiner also determined Johnson, a former technician for LA Metro, had high blood pressure. Johnson was allegedly found by Deshun within minutes of entering the shower. The family attempted CPR, but struggled to do so as his skin peeled. The incident left the Johnson family with nightmares and post-traumatic stress disorder, the lawsuit said. The family has accused the hotel of wrongful death, saying: 'This was not a freak accident. 'It was the direct result of Defendants gross negligence and failure to meet even basic safety obligations,' the lawsuit read. The family remembers the Vietnam veteran as a 'fun-loving person' who 'enjoyed life,' according to The Mercury News. He was a large presence in his children and grandchildren's lives, especially his granddaughters Trinity and Heaven. He was found by his grandson, Deshun Johnson, lying partially submerged inside the bathroom with the water running. The water was so hot that his family members were unable to pull his body out of the tub (pictured: the bathroom inside a room at the hotel) A medical examiner determined the grandfather's cause of death was 'severe scalding burns' to his neck, torso, and other parts of his body, covering roughly 30 percent of his body (pictured: Johnson with family) Johnson married his high school sweetheart, Linda, and they were married for 54 years, the family said 'He talked to the girls on the phone every day,' his son, Terrill Johnson Jr. told The Mercury News. 'They were his joy in the world.' Johnson had been 'ecstatic' to see Trinity graduate, a moment he never got to actually see. Johnson married his high school sweetheart, Linda, and they were married for 54 years, the family said. He also worked at LA Metro for more than two decades, overseeing a large facility in downtown LA. '[He was] on of the top guys real quick,' his son told the outlet. The Daily Mail has contacted Marriott and the family's lawyer for comment. FBI Director Kash Patel crushed efforts by Tulsi Gabbard's closest advisor to see if a foreign power was involved in Charlie Kirk's assassination. The head of the National Counterterrorism Center, Joe Kent, analyzed FBI files to determine whether Kirk's alleged killer received assistance from a foreign power. Kent's investigation alarmed Patel, who believed the counterterror chief was overstepping by interfering with an ongoing FBI investigation, according to the New York Times. Kirk was shot in the throat by a high-powered sniper rifle while speaking to college students at Utah Valley University on September 10. Tyler Robinson, 22, was charged with the murder and now faces the death penalty if found guilty. The Times spoke with supporters of Kent who claim he was doing his job by chasing down any leads to ensure no foreign groups were involved in Kirk's death. After Patel discovered Kent had gone through FBI case material related to the Kirk killing, a tense White House meeting was held to discuss the matter. A round table meeting between Patel, Kent, Gabbard, Vice President JD Vance, White House chief of staff Susie Wilies, and senior DOJ officials was held at the White House. Kent told administration officials that he was granted access to FBI files by a low ranking agency official. Patel snuffed out efforts by the Counterterrorism Center to see if foreign powers were involved in Charlie Kirk's murder Tyler Robinson, 22, has been charged in relation to the Charlie Kirk murder at Utah Valley University The White House meeting was so tense that 'little was accomplished,' according to the Times. Trump administration officials were worried that Kent's probe into foreign interference could provide ammunition to Robinson's defense lawyers, who could then argue more than one suspect was involved in Kirk's murder. The FBI and DOJ have traditionally tightly regulated evidence in active criminal investigations and prosecutions. Under the direction of Kent, the Counterterrorism Center collected material from other intelligence agencies regarding potential foreign ties to Robinson, as well as evaluated any potential foreign funding from individuals associated with left-wing groups, such as antifa. There have been longstanding issues regarding jurisdiction between Gabbard's office and the FBI. It is not clear if the FBI or the Counterterrorism Center is still investigating whether a foreign power assisted in the murder of Charlie Kirk. The Daily Mail reached out to Kent and the FBI for comment. 'The FBI and intelligence community under the direction of President Trump will leave no stone unturned in the investigation of the assassination of our friend, Charlie Kirk,' said Patel and Gabbard in a joint statement to the Times. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and Director of the National Counterterrorism Center Joe Kent Kent was confirmed to lead the Counterterrorism Center back in July, where he has since focused on disrupting narco-terrorist cells and cartels. Before joining the Trump administration, Kent unsuccessfully ran for Congress in 2022 and 2024 in Washington, auctioning himself as a MAGA loyalist. The former CIA employee and Green Beret veteran is known for his non-interventionist foreign policy views. A 'wicked' Channel migrant who was known to police in four countries murdered a restaurant owner at random after his asylum application was rejected, a court has heard. Somalian national Haybe Cabdiraxmaan Nur, 47, plunged a knife into the chest of father-of-three Gurvinder Singh Johal, 37, at a Lloyds Bank in Derby, before 'calmly' walking out of the branch. He pleaded guilty to his murder in August. Mr Johal, known to friends as Danny, lived in West Bromwich with his wife and children aged five, three and one, but owned several businesses including the Hen and Chickens Bar and Grill restaurant in Shelton Lock. As he jailed Nur for life with a minimum of 25 years, Judge Shaun Smith KC described the murder as 'brutal and callous' and said Mr Johal was 'doing nothing more than withdrawing money from the bank to pay his staff'. He said the CCTV captured 'a real-life horror film for everyone connected to Mr Johal and everyone who had the misfortune of witnessing your wicked act'. 'It was a very public killing,' he added. 'Whether you are deported is very much a matter for the Home Office.' Louis Mably KC, prosecuting, told the court that Nur had arrived in the UK by small boat on October 22, 2024, but was told four days later he did not have reasonable grounds for applying for asylum because he was not a victim of human trafficking. His asylum application was formally refused in January and, by March, he had been served with a notice of immigration bail requiring him not to work. Chilling CCTV played at Nur's sentencing hearing at Derby Crown Court today showed the failed asylum seeker walking into the branch on St Peter's Street on May 6 for just 22 seconds. Without hesitation, he is seen walking up to Mr Johal, stabbing him in the chest and walking straight out. The knife was 'left protruding' from Mr Johal's chest and he was pronounced dead less than an hour later. Several relatives of Mr Johal who were watching the CCTV in court became so distressed that they had to leave the hearing. The court heard that Nur had previously been arrested in the UK for violence and public order offences in December 2024, when he was heard shouting 'f*** the English' and 'white racist b*******' while trying to run into traffic. On that occasion, he was said to have headbutted a construction worker, but no charges were brought against him. But Mr Mably said that the defendant was also known to the police in four European countries the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Italy and Germany in the years before he arrived in the UK, after being arrested for a variety of offences. Haybe Cabdiraxmaan Nur, 47, today pleaded guilty to the murder Gurvinder Singh Johal, 37, was stabbed to death at a Lloyds Bank branch in Derby Haybe Cabdiraxmaan Nur, 47, was sitting on a bench in Derby when father-of-three Gurvinder Singh Johal, 37, walked past him on his way to a branch of Lloyds Bank Mr Johal was waiting at the back of the queue at the bank to withdraw cash to pay his employees Nur walked inside with a knife, plunged it into Mr Johal's chest, and 'calmly' walked out 22 seconds later In Italy, he was given a one-year suspended sentence in May 2023 for robbery, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and resisting a public official. He was later arrested for various petty offences in the other European countries, including shoplifting, but was never convicted. The prosecutor said that, at the time of the killing, the defendant was living in a Home Office flat in Derby which was managed by Serco. On the morning of the attack, Nur's friend Mohamed Abdirohman described seeing him drinking vodka and beer, 'like he was having a party by himself', the court heard. Nur then rang a charity called Migrant Help around two hours before the attack, during which he could be heard 'wailing', complaining about how he was treated by the authorities and saying 'he was going to go to 500 people and he was going to kill them and, after that, he was going to kill himself', the prosecutor said. 'The Defendant said he was doing that because he was not getting any of his rights in the UK - he had not got his right to remain, he was not permitted to work despite his skills, he was forced to lose his ability and skills because he was being kept in an open-door prison,' Mr Mably said. He added: 'He said he was going to get a knife, stab as many people as he can see in front of him and the police can come and do whatever they want to do with him but he was going to do it.' In a second call to the charity, around an hour before the attack, he said 'he would be going after the people who said they were doctors, or the police, or people working at the Home Office'. The defendant 'he did not care that Allah may punish him for (killing himself), because he was in a worse hell now' and the UK authorities had made him live 'like an animal'. 'The defendant said he would go live on social media and talk about how rubbish the UK is before butchering himself as a livestream,' the prosecutor said. The charity alerted East Midlands Ambulance Service, who contacted Derbyshire Police, but he was not stopped in time. The police watchdog has confirmed it conducted an investigation into Derbyshire Polices handling of the report from the migrant charity, but said it would not be able to release its findings until the conclusion of the inquest into Mr Johals death. Nur was arrested several hours later at his Home Office provided flat, where officers found him asleep on the floor Mr Johal was fatally stabbed at Lloyds Bank on St Peter's Street in Derby At the time of the attack, the defendant was living in a Home Office flat in Derby which was managed by Serco Nur left his home address at around 2.07pm and was seen on CCTV sitting on a bench on the corner of St Peter's Street with half a bottle of vodka between his legs. At 2.32pm, Nur walked into the bank branch. The prosecutor said: 'At that time, Gurvinder Johal was last in a queue of persons waiting to speak to the cashiers. 'The defendant approached Mr Johal, produced a knife, and stabbed Mr Johal in the chest forcefully. Mr Johal appeared confused and collapsed to the floor.' Mr Johal, who had been on Facetime to a friend at the time, landed on his front, which caused the handle of the knife to break off and the blade to be pushed further into his chest. Mr Mably added: 'The defendant left the knife protruding from Mr Johal's chest and calmly left the bank.' Nur returned to his flat at 2.52pm, where he was then attended to just four minutes later by the paramedics who had been called by the migrant charity to his address - unaware of the crime he had just committed. The defendant was discharged at the scene at 3.51pm and remained there until the police arrived at his address at 5.58pm to arrest him, finding him asleep under a duvet on the floor. When he was being driven to the police station, Nur was recorded on an officer's bodycam saying: 'What can you take from me? I did this intentionally.' He then began to abuse officers once back at the police station, telling one constable: 'Your wife, tomorrow, you are dead.' Nur was again recorded on bodycam describing the officers as animals who will cut him to pieces before making a reference to Osama bin Laden. Mr Mably described the account that the defendant had given to border officials when he first arrived in the UK. 'In summary he stated that his wife was killed by close family members because she was from a different tribe in 2016,' he said. 'He had left Somalia in 2016 and travelled to Libya where he was treated like an animal and kept against his will. 'After four months, a friend had sent him $1,800 to board a boat to Europe. 'He had stayed in a camp, spent time in France and Italy where he stayed in camps and sold cigarettes illegally. He had paid 400 to travel to the UK which he arranged for himself.' Nur was said not to remember committing the offence because he was so drunk at the time, having drunk three bottles of vodka. Earlier in the hearing, a heartbreaking statement had been read to the court on behalf of the family of Mr Johal. It said: 'We stand before you today broken and grieving to speak of the unbearable pain and emptiness that has consumed our lives since Gurvinder Singh Johal - our son, our Danny - was so brutally taken from us. 'To the world he may have been many things: a devoted husband, a loving father, a cherished brother, and a loyal friend. But to us, and to God, he was simply a good man. Our Gurvinder. Our light.' The statement described the anguish they had suffered trying to explain to Mr Johal's children that their father was not coming home. 'The deepest wound of all is the impact on Gurvinder's children - their innocence has been stolen,' it said. 'Once carefree and joyful, they are now withdrawn, fearful, and confused. They ask, "When is Daddy coming back?", they say, "A monster took Daddy away". 'We are left with the impossible task of explaining that he is never coming back. How do you tell a child that their father has been taken from them forever?' James Horne KC, defending, said Nur was 'in a state of flux and crisis' at the time and struggling to cope with his alcohol dependency as well as the sense of injustice he felt about Britain's asylum system. A psychiatrist who assessed Nur was said to have concluded: 'He resorted to the violent act as a terrible expression of his anger and hopelessness.' A spokesman for the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said: Following a conduct referral from the force we independently investigated phone contact Derbyshire Constabulary received in relation to Haybe Cabdiraxmaan Nur shortly before Mr Johals death. The investigation was completed earlier this month when we shared our findings with Derbyshire Constabulary and Mr Johals family. To avoid any potential for prejudice, we will publish our findings at the conclusion of all related proceedings, including the inquest. A wealthy New York couple thought they'd found the perfect nanny to care for their daughter at their breathtaking compound - only for her to turn into a terrifying monster who refused to leave, it is alleged. Jamie Carano Nordenstrom and her husband, Philip Nordenstrom, said they considered themselves lucky when they first hired Barbara Molnar, an experienced child carer who answered an advert they put out on staffing website Nanny Lane. Both busy consultants, the couple welcomed Molnar into their newly-renovated $1 million Colonial farmhouse complex in Hillsdale, upstate New York, The Cut reported. Jamie is said to have insisted on white clothing, food and flowers to better complement her stunning home. Molar initially presented herself as a picture of calm perfection, with her fluent German a huge bonus for the Swedish-speaking Nordenstroms, who want their daughter to be bi-lingual. Jamie told The Cut that Molnar seemed a natural fit, as she was 'absolutely in love' with children, understood babies, and appeared to be a kind person. But things started to go wrong after Molnar asked to move into an annex property at their home in December 2024, despite only working there part time. Jamie, a Democrat and member of the Hillsdale town board who had campaigned for affordable housing, said she allowed Molnar to move in rent-free, partially to avoid any paperwork and headaches. Chaos ensued. Jamie Carano Nordenstrom and her husband, Philip Nordenstrom, said their blissful lives were upended after hiring an elderly nanny who refused to leave when they fired her for a string of bizarre behavior Molnar defied a ban on pets by secretly moving in a Labrador. She's also accused of exploiting the Nordenstroms goodwill by asking them to let her son visit her from boarding school for Christmas, then letting him stay for a month. The Nordenstroms noticed Molnar beginning to leave trash lying around the house and not pick up her dog's poop, it is claimed. Molnar's annex began to stink of fried food. But the situation reached breaking point in early June, when Jamie said she returned with her husband and baby from a vacation to find strangers' cars parked on her front lawn. A group of teenagers were swimming in the family pool. Jamie said she found her fridges were filled with burgers and dog hair had clogged up her vacuum. Jamie was too exhausted to argue and went to bed - only to be woken up by the sound of Molar loudly banging pans. Astonishingly, Molnar is said to have lost her temper when confronted and accused Jamie of embarrassing her son in front of his friends The couple's nanny, Barbara Molnar, allegedly refused to leave their guesthouse after being fired, before soaking the inside with urine, throwing a pool party for her teenage son without permission, and filing restraining orders Jamie said she fired Molnar after the incident, but says she attempted to do so in a sensitive way by paying her through to the end of the month and offering to help her find a new place to live. Molnar is then said to have given Jamie chapter and verse on her rights as a squatter, making her employer's blood run cold. 'You don't know the law,' Molnar allegedly said 'This is my home, my furnished apartment. This is my designated parking space.' Jamie recalled: 'We knew, at that point, that she had engaged with us to gain access to our home.' Deep background checks ran by the couple found that although Molnar had no criminal record, she had a history of disputes with landlords and employers, and Jamie recalled: 'Everyone said she was dangerous, to pay her off.' 'We made a decision at the beginning that we werent going to give into her extortive practices,' Jamie added. 'We werent going to let her take over our home.' This included a landlord in Chatham, around 20 miles from Hillsdale, saying that Molnar and a man she was with paid only three months' rent for over seven months, before trashing the place when they left. The nanny allegedly refused to leave the guesthouse (pictured), and Jamie said Molnar invoked New York's lenient squatter's laws to avoid eviction Molnar allegedly snuck in her dog (seen together) and told Jamie that the guesthouse was 'my home', and the consultant admitted: 'We knew, at that point, that she had engaged with us to gain access to our home' Another landlord in upstate New York said Molnar owed him over $27,000, and another claimed that Molnar made up allegations that she was discriminated against for being 'fat' when they tried to move her out. Jamie said the landlord told her that Molnar told him she would 'do anything to keep a roof over her head', and when she moved out, they found writing on a wall reading: 'Thanks for putting us on the street, you greedy old hag!!! Ill send you a postcard.' Jamie said she was terrified over fears Molnar was an unstable con artist living under her roof. Their relationship grew strained, and both women recorded each other numerous times as they faced standoffs in Jamie's home over why Molnar hadn't moved out yet. In one text exchange shared to The Cut, Molnar told her: 'I am interviewing for several jobs and once that is secured, I promise you, I cannot get away from you and this place fast enough. 'You are now night and day, 180 degrees from the kind and generous person you were when we started.' In a court filing, the Nordenstroms described Molnar as 'a professional con-artist, with a well-documented history of ingratiating herself with well-off individuals, unlawfully occupying their property in bad faith, and then refusing to leave and abusing the protections afforded by eviction laws.' Police were also called to the property on multiple occasions as relations between the warring factions worsened. Jamie seen filming Molnar as her former nanny records her back, as both women got into a months-long legal battle where they filmed each other and filed competing lawsuits in court A copy of a text exchange between the two women, where Molnar told Jamie to 'STOP HARASSING ME' despite refusing to leave their guest house Despite lingering on their property for months, Molnar would text Jamie in all-caps: 'STOP HARASSING ME.' Eventually, a judge ordered Molnar to leave by September 10, and the nanny was hit with a temporary order of protection from the Nordenstroms. When she finally left, Jamie said mattresses and comforters were drenched in urine, and rugs were so soaked that the urine had seeped into her floorboards. Molnar told The Cut that her life as a nanny was far from her previous lifestyle, and said she was once the one who had housekeepers and nannies. 'Ive lived in castles and probably had more things than (Jamie),' she said. She said she had lived a life of luxury on Park Avenue and with wealthy wine tycoons in France, and was even scouted as a model and worked for the Parisian fashion house Guy Laroche. Her ex-husband Pasquale Fabio Granato opened New York celebrity haunt Serafina Fabulous Pizza, and Barbara said he 'went out of his mind' after becoming 'the king of New York overnight.' She said she was assaulted, and was later awarded $2 million in a divorce settlement - money that she claimed was stolen by him when they reconnected years later. Jamie said she and her husband Philip, both successful consultants in New York, felt like 'we lost this summer of our lives' due to the bizarre saga Molnar said she and her son were left homeless for some time, and claimed that she became an FBI informant to try get the millions back, but never managed to. Jamie and Molnar gave conflicting accounts over what they had agreed to when she worked for the couple as a nanny, including being paid up to $40-an-hour, with $15 going toward rent, which Jamie says never happened. Molnar insisted that she was allowed to throw the pool party while Jamie and Philip were away on vacation, saying: 'She never said you cant have anybody over when were not here. So how would I know that?' In August, Molnar filed a wrongful-termination lawsuit against Jamie, who countered that it was 'baseless and frivolous and AI-generated', and told the court that Molnar was mentally unstable. 'I still fear that she might come back,' Jamie said. 'Or try to interact with me or my daughter.' In court, a judge went on to hit both Molnar and Jamie with restraining orders. It emerged Jamie owned family heirloom handguns and she was ordered to surrender them. She told The Cut that she has only ever been shooting in the English countryside and declared: 'I don't support the NRA.' Now, with Molnar out of their home, Jamie said she hoped to use the strange saga as a warning to other affluent couples who could be targeted by those looking to take advantage of squatter laws, as she alleged that Molnar did. 'Its like we lost this summer of our lives,' she said. The migrant sex offender who was wrongly released from prison has been handed 500 in taxpayers' money to leave Britain. Footage captured from Heathrow Airport showed the moment Hadush Kebatu, 38, was escorted on to a plane to Ethiopia last night. He was mistakenly freed from HMP Chelmsford on Friday morning after serving just one month of his year-long sentence for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old schoolgirl. Kebatu was given a 'discretionary' payment of 500 by the Home Office, it is understood. The money was handed over because of the threats by Kebatu to 'disrupt' the removals flight, sources said. It is understood that even though his original trial heard it was his 'firm wish' to return to Ethiopia, his compliance with immigration officials deteriorated yesterday. He threatened to launch a legal challenge against his removal and even said he was considering lodging a new asylum claim with the Home Office. After indicating he would go quietly in exchange for the cash, Kebatu was forcibly deported from Britain by a team of five security escorts. Kebatu should have been transferred to a deportation centre last week, but clueless prison officers repeatedly told him to leave and get on a train to London instead. The Ethiopian national, who arrived in the UK on a small boat, was arrested in north London on Sunday morning after a two-day manhunt. He was pictured being detained by four officers inside Finsbury Park, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer vowing he 'will be deported'. The Home Office confirmed Kebatu was removed on a flight to Ethiopia last night and arrived this morning. A source said the decision to pay the sex offender 500 was designed to save wider costs to the taxpayer, including paying for his detention, new air tickets and legal fees if he lodged a legal challenge against his removal. The alternative would have been 'slower and more expensive', they suggested. Ministers were not involved in the decision to pay the sum, the source added, and Home Office removal teams had been responsible for allocating the funds. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: 'Last week's blunder should never have happened - and I share the public's anger that it did. Hadush Kebatu was arrested by Met officers in the Finsbury Park area of London at around 8.30am on Sunday morning Kebatu pictured on the plane to Ethiopia as he is deported with no right to return to the UK Footage captured from Heathrow Airport showed the moment Kebatu, 38, was escorted on to a plane last night This is the moment Kebatu (second from left) was arrested by Met Police officers in Finsbury Park, north London 'I would like to thank the police for rapidly bringing Mr Kebatu into custody and the public for their vigilance. 'I have pulled every lever to deport Mr Kebatu and remove him off British soil. I am pleased to confirm this vile child sex offender has been deported. 'Our streets are safer because of it. If you come to this country and commit crimes, we will remove you.' A minister said it was 'unacceptable' that a prisoner had been released without checks being done to ensure that was correct. It was put to border security minister Alex Norris on Sky News that the situation 'beggars belief,' to which he replied: 'It's unacceptable. 'It's why were so angry about it, it's why we've put those changes in.' Mr Norris said ministers 'are not involved in the operational movements' such as those that happened overnight, and declined to comment on any cash payments received by the offender. Your browser does not support iframes. A CCTV image issued by the Metropolitan Police (pictured) shows Hadush Kebatu in Dalston, London, on Friday night The Home Office operates a 'facilitated returns scheme' (FRS) which allows foreign offenders to receive hand-outs of up to 1,500 if they agree to leave this country. Kebatu applied for thsi pay-out but was refused, it is understood. The FRS also allows a 500 'discretionary additional' payment aimed at what the Home Office describes as 'vulnerable foreign national offenders', such as those who are seriously ill, pregnant, mentally ill or disabled, elderly, homeless or destitute. The rules of the scheme say: 'This list is not exhaustive, and the merits of each application will be judged on a case-by-case basis.' Kebatu is understood to have received the cash through this discretionary scheme. Funds are usually loaded onto a payment card after an offender has been deported, which can then be used to withdraw cash when they arrive in their homeland. The debacle has left Labour facing fresh questions about its handling of the migrant crisis. Kebatu has, in theory, been deported with no right to ever return to Britain. But last week it emerged that an Iranian small boat migrant returned to Britain across the Channel just weeks after being deported under Labours one in, one out scheme. Further reports of migrants removed to France under the deal have thrown up fresh concerns over Britain's porous borders. Keabatu's 500 payment was 'an absolute disgrace', the Conservatives have said. Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch's spokesman said: 'It's an absolute disgrace and it goes to the heart of how much this Government is messing up our immigration system. 'We have said we need to leave the ECHR (European Convention on Human Rights) and deport all foreign criminals as soon as possible, and we certainly shouldn't be giving them taxpayers' money to leave our country.' But the Prime Minister's official spokesman said the move had saved thousands of pounds of public money in the long run. 'We turned down an application from him of a facilitated return scheme, which under successive governments has offered resettlement grants of up to 1,500. Your browser does not support iframes. 'However, given Kebatu threatened to disrupt the flight, an operational decision was taken to facilitate his return. 'The alternative was a slower, more expensive process for the taxpayer, which would have included detention, a new flight and potentially fighting subsequent legal claims, and the cost of cancelling the flight alone would have run into several thousands of pounds.' Kebatu had been living at The Bell Hotel in Epping at the time of his crimes, leading to widespread protests outside the Essex property, some of which turned violent. It led to the local council, Epping Forest District Council, seeking to have the hotel closed to migrants due to what it said were planning breaches. Tory MP for Epping Forest Neil Hudson said he was 'very relieved' at Kebatu's deportation, but 'this hasn't gone away for the people of Epping'. He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'No-one wants to see our home town the lead story on the news, so this is incredibly frustrating and the Government must get a grip. He reiterated calls for the Bell to cease housing asylum seekers, adding: 'There are significant management and safeguarding issues related to this hotel, and actually what we need to see is that the hotel needs to be closed. 'This is the wrong hotel in the wrong place, right near the forest, right near two schools.' After he was freed from jail by mistake, Kebatu was initially filmed in Chelmsford speaking to members of the public, before he boarded a train to London at 12.41pm on Friday. CCTV then showed Kebatu in the Dalston area of Hackney just before 8pm that evening. He was also picked up at a library in Dalston Square around two hours earlier, wearing a prison grey tracksuit while clutching a white tote bag with avocados on it. His movements on Saturday are unclear but the Met Police confirmed he was finally caught in Finsbury Park on Sunday morning, three days after the gaffe. In a picture of his arrest, Kebatu - who had access to funds - was seen wearing jeans, a puffer jacket and a hood over his head, having managed to change out of his prison tracksuit. Footage showed him being bundled into the back of a police van. An inquiry is underway into how he was wrongly freed rather than being transferred to a Home Office immigration removal centre. It emerged that prison officers told Kebatu he had to make it to the removal centre under his own steam. A delivery driver told Sky News: 'I heard one of the officers saying, "This is how you get to the station, you go down here..." [he] directed him to the station and said he had to get on a train to get to this place... This conversation was at the front of the prison.' In what caused further disbelief, Kebatu spent more than 90 minutes hanging around outside the prison because he simply did not know 'where to go or what to do'. The driver, who was delivering equipment to the prison, said: '[The officers] were basically sending him away, saying, "Go, you've been released, you go".' Even after being set free, Kebatu kept going 'back and forth' into the prison reception area seeking help and showing staff a wad of paperwork about his case, according to the driver. Video footage (above) appeared to capture Kebatu in Chelmsford town centre asking for directions from locals Footage from Sunday morning appears to show Kebatu being spoken to by officers and arrested in Finsbury Park Footage shows Kebatu being bundled into the back of a police van after being arrested in Finsbury Park 'I'm not sticking up for the guy but in my eyes he wanted to do the right thing and go to the right place,' he said. 'He knew he was getting deported but he didn't know where to go or how he should get there. He kept scratching his head and saying, "Where do I go, where do I go?".' He added that the officers had no interest in helping him, saying, 'You're released, you're released'. Kebatu was jailed for a year last month after assaulting his 14-year-old victim. During his trial, Chelmsford Magistrates' Court heard that he acted 'ignorantly and repulsively'. The migrant became aroused as he put his hand on the girl's thighs and stroked her hair despite knowing 'full well she was only 14'. He said he wanted to have a baby with her and invited her back to The Bell Hotel. Kebatu then tried to kiss a woman who attempted to intervene, before putting his hand on her leg and telling her she was pretty. The asylum seeker gave his age as 38 during a court appearance but a judge said he had seen information indicating he was 41. A sixteen-acre plot of land is set to be transformed into a facility to keep homeless people off the streets. Involuntary mental health and addiction facilities could soon be popping up on the outskirts of Salt Lake City, Utah, where state leaders plan on forcing homeless people to get them out of the city's center and 'towards human thriving.' 'An accountability center is involuntary, okay - youre not coming in and out,' Randy Shumway, chairman of the state Homeless Services Board, told The New York Times. State officials have been tight-lipped about the 15.8-acre campus, where 1,300 unhoused people could stay, until its announcement last month. There are currently just under 4,000 homeless people in the area, and the state has seen an 18 percent jump in 2025. Roughly 80 percent of Utahns experiencing chronic homelessness can be found in Salt Lake City, and approximately half of the overall state homelessness population can be found there too. The other half is mainly found in Salt Lake County, according to KSL. Critics of the plan have compared the facility to a detention center - but supporters say it's a 'services campus'. Involuntary mental health and addiction facilities could soon be popping up on the outskirts of Salt Lake City (pictured), where state leaders plan on forcing homeless people to get them out of the city's center and 'towards human thriving' There are currently just under 4,000 homeless people in the area, and the state has seen an 18 percent jump in 2025 (pictured: a homeless woman pushing a cart in Salt Lake City in 2022) 'This reads similar to rounding up Jews or other people the Nazis didnt like,' Jesse Rabinowitz, of the National Homelessness Law Center, told The Times. Elizabeth Lowe, 36, who has been homeless in the city, said she wouldn't necessarily be opposed to going to the facility if she could freely leave. But upon seeing a rendering of the design, she remarked to the outlet: 'Okay, so straight up, this reminds me of a concentration camp.' Democrat State Senator, Jen Plumb, said the plan makes her 'super anxious' as the facility could easily begin functioning like a 'prison or a warehouse' rather than a treatment facility, she told The Times. But Republican Governor Spencer Cox is in full support of the plan. He called the plan 'one of the most significant steps forward in decades here in our state' at a homeless services conference earlier this month. 'This is more than a facility,' he promised. 'It is a statement of who we are as a state.' The facility is expected to open in 2027. The majority of the plans - including how the facility $34million annual operating costs will be fulfilled - have not been announced. The plan is to have 400 beds for psychiatric treatment and 400 for substance abuse treatment. The facility will be able to hold up to 1,300 homeless (pictured: rendering of facility) Opponents of the plan worry the plan is too similar to what the Nazis did the Jews or what the Americans did to their Japanese citizens by forcibly placing homeless people at the facility or threatening jailtime It is also unclear what treatment plans will be offered and if patients will be able to leave freely. However, even if they can, the nearest bus station is currently two miles away. Randy Shumway, who was appointed by the governor to be an advisor on the plan, said the plan is to have 400 beds for psychiatric treatment and 400 for substance abuse treatment, he told The Times. It is unclear what the remaining 500 beds will be used for. He also told the outlet that police 'rescue teams' would be in charge of collecting the homeless people to come to the facility by offering them jailtime or coming to the 'resource-rich alternative.' 'Success is not permanent housing - success is human dignity,' he told The Times. 'We are in the business of lives, of humans, of souls.' Salt Lake city won't be the first city to force homeless people into a designated area. New Orleans did it before the Super Bowl, forcing 120 people to a warehouse for three months. Las Vegas is also building a $200million homeless campus in hopes of bolstering tourism back on the Strip. Democrat State Senator, Jen Plumb, said the plan makes her 'super anxious' as the facility could easily begin functioning like a 'prison or a warehouse' rather than a treatment facility Republican Governor Spencer Cox is in full support of the plan. He called the plan 'one of the most significant steps forward in decades here in our state' at a homeless services conference earlier this month. Utah previously followed a 'housing first' model, where permanent housing and voluntary treatment plans were offered. But it took extension time and was a slow-moving process. Salt Lake City's plan echoes similar sentiments as the Donald Trump Administration. President Trump issued an executive order in July that directs cities and states to clear homeless encampments and move people into treatment centers. Utah's plan was already in progress prior to the order. The president is having Attorney General Pam Bondi take charge in overturning state and federal legal precedents that limit local efforts to dismantle homeless camps though it remains unclear how she can unilaterally overturn these decisions. In 2024, about 771,480 people were homeless in the US on a single night. This represented an 18 percent increase from the same statistic in 2023, according to the US Interagency Council on Homelessness. The US homeless population has grown nearly 60 percent in the last decade, federal data showed. A stunned meteorologist went off script to express his shock on air after learning exactly how powerful Hurricane Melissa would be. Hurricane specialist John Morales appeared on South Florida's NBC6 Tuesday to give an update about the storm's conditions when he uttered the blasphemous remarks. '180 [miles per hour] now,' fellow meteorologist Adam Berg told him, referring to the storm's maximum sustained winds. '180 - and what's the pressure?' Morales responded. 'Pressure is now down to 896 [millibars],' Berg replied. 'Oh my, Jesus Christ,' Morales said, pausing to rub his forehead. 'Okay, I'm going to hold it together here.' Morales compared Melissa's devastation to that of Hurricane Milton, which brought the weather expert to the verge of tears last October. He was also reporting live for NBC6 during that breakdown, pausing on-air when the storm's 'incredible' impact became clear to him. Hurricane specialist John Morales appeared on South Florida's NBC6 Tuesday to give an update about Hurricane Melissa when he uttered the blasphemous remarks '896 millibars is stronger than Hurricane Milton when it made that run last year, remember?' Morales said Tuesday. 'Remember my viral moment last year? 50 millibars in 10 hours? It got down to 897 millibars. 'Now, it turns out Melissa has broken or gone past Milton's record.' Melissa is one of the strongest storms ever recorded in the Atlantic basin's history. The hurricane approached the Caribbean Monday afternoon and made its way to Jamaica the following day. Melissa struck the coast of the island nation around 1pm ET Tuesday. The Category 5 hurricane hit New Hope with 185mph winds, tied for the strongest ever recorded with 2019's Dorian and the 1935 Labor Day hurricane. 'This is all history. It's all bad news, especially for Jamaica,' Morales added. Melissa is one of the strongest storms ever recorded in the Atlantic basin's history Extensive damage was reported in parts of Clarendon in southern Jamaica and in the southwestern parish of St. Elizabeth. As of Wednesday morning, at least one person was confirmed dead. A tree fell on an infant and killed the child, Senator Abka Fitz-Henley, a minister in the prime minister's office, told local radio station Nationwide News Network. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness told CNN that 'some loss of life' was expected given the hurricane's strength. Hospitals, homes, businesses and roads were hardest hit by the storm. More than 530,000 Jamaicans were without power, according to government minister and disaster risk management head Desmond McKenzie. Prior to Melissa, Jamaica's most powerful storm was Hurricane Gilbert in September 1988, which struck the island as a Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 130mph. After ripping through Jamaica, Melissa made landfall in eastern Cuba around 3.10am Wednesday as a downgraded Category 3 storm with maximum sustained winds of 115mph. Melissa ravaged Jamaica and made landfall in eastern Cuba overnight Wednesday About 735,000 Cubans fled their homes along the country's coast and mountain regions in the path of the storm ahead of its arrival. As of 8am ET Wednesday, the hurricane was moving northeast at 14mph, per the National Hurricane Center. Melissa is expected to move over the southeastern or central Bahamas later Wednesday and west Bermuda Thursday night. A tropical storm warning has been issued in waters surrounding parts of Florida, with minor saltwater flooding expected across low-lying areas of the Florida Keys, including streets, lots and some storm drains. A mother-of-two who was turning her life around after suffering years of sex abuse as a teenager has been found dead under a remote bridge in Georgia. The remains of Tanisha Rivers, 34, were discovered on October 4 close to Bear Creek in Chattahoochee Hills, around a 30-minute drive out of central Atlanta. Police are treating her death as a homicide. They added that Rivers had been turning over a new leaf after battling alcoholism, and being sex trafficked as a teenager. Her heartbroken family is demanding answers. 'We won't rest until justice is served,' her aunt, Leona Simone Word, wrote on social media as she shared photographs of her beloved niece. 'Please share her name, her story, and her smile. Someone knows something.' Word described Rivers as 'beautiful, vibrant, and full of love'. 'Our family is still searching for answers,' she wrote. Online records indicate that Rivers lived in the southwest Atlanta neighborhood of Greenbriar, which is around 18 miles from the remote area where her body was found. Mother-of-two Tanisha Rivers (pictured) was found dead under a remote bridge in Georgia Police are treating Rivers' death as a homicide, while her heartbroken family demands answers The remains of Tanisha Rivers, 34, were discovered on October 4 under a bridge (pictured) close to Bear Creek in Chattahoochee Hills, around a 30-minute drive out of central Atlanta She had been staying at the Econo Lodge near Six Flags amusement park in the days before her death, according to Chief Kevin Digou of the Chattahoochee Hills Police. Digou said Rivers' SUV was located minutes away at Fulton Inn, Austell. He told WSB-TV Atlanta that police are treating the case as a homicide, and they are waiting for Fulton County to confirm her cause and manner of death. Digou added that Rivers had been sex trafficked from the age of 13, and suggested that she had been a sex worker as an adult. 'Her line of work doesn't devaluate what we're going to do to try and solve this,' Digou said. 'My detective has been working on this case since he got it day in and day out, weekends. 'We're throwing everything we can at this to get this solved and bring justice to her and her family.' 'She definitely had in the last two and a half years, turned over a new leaf,' he added. Digou said Rivers' SUV was located at the nearby Fulton Inn, in the same Austell neighborhood Police are treating her death as a homicide. They added that Rivers had been turning a new leaf after battling alcoholism and being sex trafficked from the age of 13 Word described Rivers (pictured) as 'beautiful, vibrant, and full of love'. 'Our family is still searching for answers,' she wrote on social media while sharing photographs of her niece Her aunt added that Rivers had been going to AA meetings and trying to make a fresh start with the help of her local church community. 'So she had been attending church, and I don't even know the name of the church to be able to tell those people, but they were looking for her,' Word told WSB-TV. 'She was attending AA meetings, so I feel like that was also helping her, you know battle those demons that she had.' Word remembered her beloved niece as a 'very loving person, the type that would give you the shirt off her back, like very, very sweet.' Rivers had recently broken up with a boyfriend in western Georgia who had been supporting her efforts to start afresh, according to WSB-TV. Police told the outlet they are investigating whether Rivers' past may have contributed to her untimely death. The Daily Mail has reached out to Chattahoochee Hills Police and Rivers' relatives for more information. A new investigative report has revealed misleading footage being used in social media videos posted by a top federal agency. Analysis published by the Washington Post on Wednesday exposed video footage used in social media posts by President Donald Trump's Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem misrepresented scenes about Washington, DC. One scene drew on video from a prior ICE raid in Nantucket, Massachusetts to promote the administration's hardcore crackdown narrative about the nation's capital. Other videos included footage from Florida and California while being about Washington, DC. The Post additionally notes that it found uses of 'similarly misleading footage in at least six videos promoting its immigration agenda shared in the last three months.' Asked by the Daily Mail for comment about the Washington Post's report, DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin only noted an uptick in attacks against the department's officers. She did not address the Post's claims. 'Violence and rioting against law enforcement is unacceptable regardless of where it occurs. In both Portland, Oregon, and Chicago, Illinois, violent antifa terrorists have assaulted and brutally attacked our officers and agents,' McLaughlin said. Immigration enforcement has been a key priority of the Trump administration since the president took office in January, and Congress provided billions in additional funding for immigration agencies as part of the GOP budget bill passed by Congress in July. Border security efforts got a major cash infusion estimated to be around $150 billion for increased immigration enforcement. It included $46 billion for Customs and Border Patrol to build a border wall and enhanced security measures, and around $30 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem participates in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) in Phoenix, Arizona on April 8, 2025 A military photo from the US Coast Guard that DHS included in a video However, the White House is reportedly unhappy with the pace of deportations. A Friday report from the New York Times noted that per DHS, more than 400,000 deportations have taken place during the second Trump administration thus far. That number is said to be short of Stephen Miller's target of 3,000 per day, currently averaging between 1,000 to 2,000 daily. By the end of the yearaccording to DHSTrump is presently on pace to deport 600,000 illegal immigrants, short of his 1 million goal. A man who made a 'cruel and calculated' bomb hoax call to a synagogue days after the Manchester terror attack has been jailed for 10 months. Markel Ible, 32, 'intended to sow panic and fear' when he called Sinai Synagogue in Roundhay, Leeds, on October 6, claiming to have left a bomb there that was due to go off the following day, prosecutors said. The call, made from an unknown number, came four days after the fatal attack on Heaton Park Hebrew Synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester. Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, died and three men were injured when Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, targeted the place of worship on Yom Kippur - the holiest day in the Jewish calendar - driving his car at those gathering before attacking others with a knife and trying to storm the synagogue. Ible, of Leeds, was charged the day after the call was reported to police, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said. He pleaded guilty on October 8 to making a bomb hoax call and was remanded in custody. He was jailed for 10 months today at Leeds Crown Court. Ann Graham, senior crown prosecutor for CPS Yorkshire and Humberside, said: 'Markel Ible was acutely aware of the consequences of his actions, which were intended to sow panic and fear. Markel Ible 'intended to sow panic and fear' when he called Sinai Synagogue (pictured) in Roundhay on October 6, prosecutors said 'The timing of his offence in the wake of the devastating attack in Manchester just days before makes it all the more disturbing. 'Working closely with the police, we were able to charge Ible and secure a guilty plea within a matter of days.' Dave Rich, director of policy for Jewish charity Community Security Trust (CST), said: 'CST welcomes the Crown Prosecution Service treating this appalling incident with the seriousness it deserves. 'Ible's hoax call was not just reckless, it was cruel and calculated, coming just days after the fatal terror attack at Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester. 'The hoax call was designed to spread panic and distress at a time when the community was already feeling vulnerable.' Today, Rabbi Daniel Walker said he doesn't have the 'mental space' to think about why Al-Shamie targeted the Manchester synagogue earlier this month. The call came four days after the fatal attack on the Heaton Park Hebrew Synagogue (pictured) in Crumpsall, Manchester Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, (pictured) was shot dead after he rammed the gates of Heaton Park Synagogue and stabbed worshippers with a knife He told the BBC's Today programme that the deaths of Mr Cravitz and Mr Daulby had left a 'massive hole' in his congregation. But he insisted he refused to be frightened and that he hoped the atrocity would mark a line in the sand, so society could 'get better' at tackling hate. Rabbi Walker described Mr Cravitz and Mr Daulby as 'very, very special men'. 'Adrian was a very quiet man, a man of great dignity, always with a smile, always kind, very much loved by his family and his neighbours,' Rabbi Walker said. 'Melvin was also a wonderful man, a family man. He was much loved and known by everybody, always happy to help, always with a smile, loved by his neighbours and his friends. 'They are both going to leave a massive hole. We miss them a lot.' Dozens of bodies have been laid out in the street of a Brazilian favela after police killed hundreds in a gang raid just days before Prince William is set to visit the country. More than 40 dead bodies were seen on a street in Rio de Janeiro's Penha favela complex early on Wednesday, just a day after the most lethal police operation in the city's history targeting a major gang. Rio de Janeiro state authorities said on Tuesday that at least 132 people, including four cops, were killed in the raids which saw 2,500 police officers descend on the city. Ninety-three rifles and half a tonne of drugs were seized in the operation, authorities said. An updated death toll is expected later on Wednesday. Heavily armed officers backed with 32 ballistic-resistant vehicles, two helicopters, 12 demolition vehicles and drones descended on two favela neighbourhoods in the northern region of Rio on Tuesday afternoon. Gunfire rang out for miles near RIOgaleao International Airport, and smoke could be seen billowing from the raging fires which broke out several hours after the busts began. Residents in the impoverished neighbourhoods scrambled for cover and shops closed their doors amid police claims that the gangs were retaliating with drones of their own. The central government said the blitz was launched to halt the narcotics network of a gang called Comando Vermelho - meaning Red Command - from expanding its operations. But there has been swirling speculation the raid may have been designed as a warning to gang members ahead of two important international events which will be held next week in the city - the C40 global gathering of mayors tackling climate change, and the awarding of Prince William's Earthshot Prize. Residents look at the bodies of people killed on Tuesday in Brazil A man looks at the bodies of people killed during a police raid targeting the Comando Vermelho gang at the Complexo da Penha favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, October 29, 2025 Bodies are seen lined up on Sao Lucas Square of the Vila Cruzeiro favela at the Penha complex in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 29, 2025 A woman mourns over the bodies of people killed on Tuesday during a gang raid in Brazil Bodies piled up in poor neighborhoods of Rio de Janeiro on October 28 as police launched their biggest ever raids on the city's drug traffickers, leaving at least 132 dead in war-like scenes A drone views shows mourners gathering around bodies on October 29, 2025, in Brazil Relatives mourn beside the bodies of people killed in a gang raid on Tuesday in Brazil As many as 2,500 heavily armed officers, backed by armored vehicles, helicopters and drones took part in the operation targeting Brazil's main drug-trafficking gang in two favelas, in Rio State Governor Claudio Castro described the war-like operation, which unfolded in the Complexo da Penha and Complexo do Alemao favelas, as the largest in the state's history. Castro reported a death toll of 60 suspected gang members, and a source within his administration said at least four police officers were killed during the raids. Sharing a video of a suspected gang-controlled drone launching a projectile from the foggy skies, Castro said: 'This is how the Rio police are treated by criminals: with bombs dropped by drones. 'This is the scale of the challenge we face. This is not ordinary crime, but narcoterrorism.' Police could be seen in the Vila Cruzeiro neighbourhood of Penha, guarding around 20 young people who were huddled together and sitting on the pavement with their heads bowed, barefoot, and shirtless. Dramatic images from the raids show alleged criminals being led away by police, who made around 81 arrests. One anonymous resident said: 'This is the first time we've seen drones (from criminals) dropping bombs in the community. Everyone is terrified because there's so much gunfire.' Police used their destroyer vehicles to smash a row of barricades which had been erected by drug traffickers to prevent police from entering the narrow streets of the favelas. Congressman Henrique Vieira, an evangelical pastor, roundly condemned the police operation. The state government 'treats the favela as enemy territory, with a license to shoot and kill,' he wrote on X. There has been swirling speculation the raid may have been designed as a warning to gang members ahead of two important international events which will be held next week in the city - the C40 global gathering of mayors tackling climate change, and the awarding of Prince William's Earthshot Prize Police transport bodies to a hospital following Operacao Contencao (Operation Containment) at the Vila Cruzeiro favela, in the Penha complex, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 28, 2025 Police officers escort suspects arrested during the Operacao Contencao Dramatic images from the raids show alleged criminals being led away by police, who made around 81 arrests Police officers guard alleged criminals arrested during the Operacao Contencao The central government said the blitz was launched to halt the narcotics network of a gang called Comando Vermelho - meaning Red Command - from expanding its operations The UN human rights office also denounced Tuesday's violence, saying it was 'horrified' by the scenes. 'This deadly operation furthers the trend of extreme lethal consequences of police operations in Brazil's marginalised communities,' UN officials said in a statement. 'We remind authorities of their obligations under international human rights law, and urge prompt and effective investigations.' While raids in Rio's favelas are common due to their links to drug crime, gangs and violence, this is the deadliest bust there has ever been. Until now the highest death toll came in a raid in 2021 that left 28 people dead. Last year, approximately 700 people died during police operations in Rio. Experts and human rights groups have lambasted the security efforts in Brazil, deeming them ineffective against criminal organisations. The Human Rights Commission of the Rio State Legislative Assembly will demand 'explanations of the circumstances of the action, which has once again transformed Rio's favelas into a theatre of war and barbarism,' said Dani Monteiro, a congresswoman who heads the commission. Tuesday's operation also wreaked havoc on many of the city's streets, which were ground to a dramatic halt. 'We're left without buses, without anything, in this chaos and not knowing what to do,' said Regina Pinheiro, a 70-year-old retiree, who was trying to return home. Donald Trump has complimented Anthony Albanese for doing a 'fantastic job' on a $13billion critical minerals deal, before the pair were seen clinking glasses and sitting side-by-side at an exclusive dinner. The meeting was held at the Hilton Hotel in Gyeongju, southeastern South Korea, on Wednesday on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. It marked their second sit-down meeting in as many weeks - and their warmest yet - with the Prime Minister receiving a glowing reference in Trump's opening remarks to the invite-only gathering of several APEC leaders. 'We had a great meeting a week ago... You've done a fantastic job,' Trump said. 'We're working together on rare earths, but we're working on a lot of things together.' The private dinner was attended by world leaders from eight countries and was billed as a 'special dinner in honour of President Donald J Trump'. It was hosted by South Korean president Lee Jae Myung and also included the leaders of Thailand, Singapore, Canada, New Zealand and Vietnam. The dinner comes on the eve of a hotly-anticipated meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is pictured sitting side-by-side with the US President at a dinner in South Korea on Wednesday, on the sidelines of an APEC summit President Trump singled out Albanese in his opening remarks, claiming the Australian Prime Minister had done a 'fantastic job' on a $13bn critical minerals deal It will be the American and US leaders' first in-person meeting since Trump resumed office in 2025 and imposed tariffs on countries across the world. The US President said he was optimistic he would reach a deal with the Chinese leader on Thursday and said he believed 'a lot of problems are going to be solved'. The event came just a week after Australia signed a $13billion critical minerals deal with the US, which Albanese said would take the partnership to the 'next level'. The pair inked the agreement at a long-awaited White House meeting, where Trump also threw his support behind the multi-billion dollar AUKUS agreement, stating the submarine deal was 'full steam ahead'. Meanwhile, US ambassador Kevin Rudd revealed on Monday Australia is pushing for a deal with the US on advanced technologies. The warmth between the two leaders' has silenced a major line of attack against Albanese, who was previously criticised for failing to land a face-to-face with the US President at successive world events. Trump also used his South Korea visit to defend his tariff regime, claiming US partners stand to gain from the sanctions. He said the US had entered a 'golden age' under his administration and insisted 'we didn't use tariffs stupidly' in a speech on Tuesday. Albanese is pictured smiling alongside the US President at a long-awaited White House meeting where the pair inked a new critical minerals deal 'And when America thrives our partners thrive and our alliances thrive the Indo-Pacific thrives. 'Around the world we're signing one trade deal after another to balance our relationships on the basis of reciprocity.' Trump visited Malaysia and Japan before touching down in South Korea, signing new deals with each country. He revealed he had struck an agreement with South Korea at Wednesday's dinner. Albanese visited the UN war memorial cemetery in Busan ahead of the meeting, touring the site with South Korea's Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Kwon Oh-eul and ambassador Suh Jeong-in. A Texas couple's dream honeymoon has been turned upside-down after they learned Hurricane Melissa was rampaging their way. Kasydee and Hunter Bishop, from Longview, got married on October 17 and traveled to a swanky resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica, three days later to celebrate their vows. 'It was wonderful,' Hunter told KLTV about getting married. 'We spent the next couple of days hanging out with family that traveled with us and then we headed straight here. Just had no idea that this was in the plans.' After a few days of fun in Jamaica, the couple was set to return to the US only to be told they could not leave. 'We tried for 24 hours, like calling nonstop a bunch of airlines, trying to figure out a way to get out of here,' Kasydee told The TODAY Show. 'There's just no possible flights available for us.' Melissa is one of the strongest hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic basin. Kasydee and Hunter Bishop's Jamaica honeymoon turned into a nightmare when Hurricane Melissa hit The storm is one of the strongest ever in the Atlantic basin The storm pummeled Jamaica on Tuesday, killing at least one person, submerging entire towns underwater and stranding about 25,000 tourists. Melissa made landfall with 185mph winds, tied for the strongest ever recorded with 2019's Dorian and the 1935 Labor Day hurricane. The Bishops took shelter from the terrifying conditions at the Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort and Spa. Clips shared on TikTok by Kasydee showed the husband and wife sheltering in a room lined with what appeared to be pool lounge chairs being used as makeshift beds. 'We feel pretty safe here at least!!' she wrote in the clip. 'Very blessed to be able to have this shelter while we go through this hurricane.' Hunter said the shelter room's doors were boarded and the resort was making sure the couple had 'everything that we need.' 'We're very blessed to be in the situation that we're in right now,' he added. The Bishops were surprised to learn that Hurricane Melissa was on the way and keeping them from departing Jamaica Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday, destroying towns and infrastructure The storm's 185mph winds were tied for the strongest ever recorded alongside Dorian in 2019 and the Labor Day hurricane in 1935 Frightened family members asked for prayers as the Bishops tried in vain to return stateside. 'Our sweet newlyweds were supposed to come home today. Instead they have no end date, all flights cancelled,' Hunter's mom, Amy Bishop, wrote on Facebook. 'Resort is being boarded up as Jamaica prepares for the worst hurricane in history.' She added: 'I'm a desperate Mom and feel scared and so hopeless. I want to help these sweet kids and give them hope.' The couple was able to schedule a flight home on October 29, but there are no guarantees. 'We are just praying and hoping that it does not affect the airport to let us not be able to get home,' Kasydee said. As of Wednesday morning, all departing flights from Montego Bay to the US had been canceled, per flight tracking website Flightradar24. Jamaica's transport minister Daryl Vaz said Tuesday that the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay could have suffered 'potential disabling impact' due to Melissa. Montego Bay was ravaged by Hurricane Melissa The hurricane is now a Category 2 storm and is expected to move through Cuba and the Bahamas today Video captured how the storm caused a roof in the airport's waiting lounge to collapse as water flowed underneath the seats. The international airport in Kingston, Jamaica's capital, could accommodate emergency relief flights as early as Thursday. The country's third international airport in St. Mary was being used as part of contingency planning. The hurricane is now a Category 2 storm, per a National Hurricane Center update issued at 8am ET Wednesday. Melissa remains powerful, with winds up to 105mph, as it moves through Cuba and the Bahamas today. Hurricane Melissa has carved a path of devastation through the Caribbean as it barrels toward the Bahamas. Melissa pummeled Jamaica on Tuesday, leaving 25,000 tourists stranded, thousands without electricity and entire towns underwater. At least eight people have died, including an infant, as a result of the damage. Yushaine Morgan, attorney-at-law and resident of Santa Cruz told the Jamaica Observer that Melissa's devastation was 'unimaginable.' 'There are parts of my town that I cannot recognize,' he said. 'There are roads that are no longer roadsSo many persons have lost their houses, so many people have lost motor vehicles, animals, businesses have been destroyed, roofs have just take off.' Melissa battered eastern Cuba this morning with damaging winds and dangerous flooding, as Donald Trump mobilized rescue teams to assist Caribbean countries with their recovery. The National Hurricane Center warned that the now Category 2 storm is still powerful with up to 105mph winds. Follow live updates below A mother whose two young sons were murdered by their father has finally fulfilled the heartbreaking promise she made to them as they lay dying - that no other child would ever suffer the same fate. Claire Throssell, from Penistone, South Yorkshire, has spent more than a decade fighting to change the law after her boys Jack, 12, and Paul, nine, were killed by their abusive father Darren Sykes during a court-approved visit in 2014. Sykes had lured the children into the attic of their family home with the promise of a new train set. But once they were inside, he barricaded the doors, spread petrol around the house and set it alight in 14 places. He died in the blaze alongside his sons. 'When I held him [Jack] in my arms, just like I did Paul,' Claire recalled, 'I made him one last promise. I said, 'No more children are going to die like you.' Last week - exactly 11 years after the tragedy - Claire was invited to 10 Downing Street after the Government confirmed plans to scrap the presumption that both parents should have contact with their children, regardless of concerns about abuse. The change, she said, meant her boys' deaths had not been in vain. Before the murders, Claire had repeatedly warned family court officials that her ex-husband posed a serious threat to her and their sons. She described years of psychological torment and controlling behaviour but her pleas for supervised access were ignored. Claire Throssell (middle), from Penistone, South Yorkshire, has spent more than a decade fighting to change the law after her boys Jack, 12, (right) and Paul, nine, (left) were killed by their abusive father Darren Sykes during a court-approved visit in 2014 Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer meets campaigner Claire Throssell, at 10 Downing Street, London, in advance of an announcement on child protection reform Their father had lured the children into the attic with the promise of a new train set before barricading them in and setting the house on fire A family court judge ruled that Sykes should have unsupervised contact, guided by the legal principle that both parents should remain involved in a child's life after separation. 'I told the courts that hed kill them,' she said. 'I told them what would happen. I couldnt predict how, but I knew he would do it.' Claire was at work when Sykes collected the boys for what should have been a five-hour visit. 'I missed them by five minutes,' she said. 'I was late home, and I missed them for that last hug.' When she arrived at hospital, she saw medics battling to save her sons: 'His little body was bouncing off the bed' as they tried to resuscitate Paul, before doctors told her they could do no more. Jack died five days later from his injuries. Claire later learned that Jack had gone back into the flames to try to save his younger brother. In the months that followed, Claire lost almost everything. Her house was destroyed, her savings were gone, and her home insurance had been cancelled by Sykes before his death. But she refused to give up, wanting both her sons to have a 'legacy'. 'When I held him (Jack) in my arms, just like I did Paul,' Claire recalled, 'I made him one last promise. I said, 'No more children are going to die like you' A family court judge ruled that Sykes should have unsupervised contact, guided by the legal principle that both parents should remain involved in a child's life after separation Claire soon began working with the domestic abuse charity Women's Aid, discovering that her sons were the 18th and 19th children killed by a parent during court-ordered contact. Together, they launched the Child First campaign to reform family courts and make child safety the top priority. 'The system is so flawed, it protects bad practice. It protects misogyny, it protects oppression and it protects fear.' She continued that despite the legislation being in place it 'doesnt take away the sting of walking into an empty room' as she has to 'live with that silence every day'. A new report published this year, before the law was changed, revealed that another 19 children have died in similar circumstances since Jack and Paul's deaths - a figure that left Claire 'devastated'. 'I sat on the floor and cried, curled up and cried, because Ive still not kept that promise, not just to Jack and Paul, but to every child thats at risk.' A lesbian Canadian couple tortured a 12-year-old boy until he shrunk and died as a family doctor and social worker failed to save him from the horror, a court heard. The child, only identified as LL, had stopped growing and even got shorter than he was a year before he died on December 21, 2022, while in the care of Brandy Cooney and Becky Hamber. He was found soaking wet, unresponsive and emaciated in the basement of the couple's home before being rushed to the hospital where he later died. LL and his brother, identified as JL, started living with the couple in their Ontario home in 2017 after being moved from a foster home in Ottawa. They had planned on adopting the Indigenous brothers, who were still wards of the Children's Aid Society (CAS) at the time of LL's death, but the adoption was never finalized, CBC reported. The women's trial kicked off last month, but on Monday and Tuesday Dr Graeme (Stephen) Duncan, the family's physician, described the eerie details of LL's deteriorating health. During a December 13, 2022, appointment - just days before LL took his final breath - Duncan said the boy was 'normal' despite losing 10lbs in one year and weighing less than he did at the age of six. Meanwhile, Stefanie Peachey, a social worker assigned to watch over the boys, told the court she recorded 'yellow flags' after saying she saw the surviving brother zip-tied into his pajamas, CBC stated. Brandy Cooney and Becky Hamber are accused of torturing a 12-year-old boy so horribly that he shrunk and died on December 21, 2022 The pre-teen, only identified as LL, was found soaking wet, unresponsive and emaciated in the basement of the couple's home before dying at the hospital Peachey, who worked with the brother and the couple for about a year, said her sessions mainly focused on the boy's identity and 'who they wanted to be'. Still, she worried about 'the narrative around who [the boys] were...focused around negative experiences,' even if 'they were good or bad,' the court heard. When asked if she saw behaviors, such as tantrums, Peachy said she never witnessed that during sessions, despite the women saying they dealt with that at home. 'I never experienced any of those behaviors in session or in the waiting room,' Peachy replied, adding that she thought of the brothers as polite. Peachy further revealed that Hamber and Cooney requested she not ask the boys 'direct questions' and suggested she withhold sessions from them as a form of punishment if they lied. In the summer of 2020, the couple told Peachy they did not think the sessions were helping, leading her to share her files with a new provider. In the files, Peachy stated she saw JL zip-tied into his clothing, something she only referred to as 'yellow flags'. The little boy told her the restraints were put on him so he didn't urinate on things when he got upset - an issue she said she discussed with Hamber and Cooney. The couple planned on adopting LL and his younger brother, only identified as JL, after moving them from a foster home in 2017 Just days before LL took his final breath, his physician, Dr. Graeme (Stephen) Duncan, said the boy (pictured with his brother) was 'normal' despite losing 10lbs in one year and weighing less than he did at the age of six That made Peachey feel 'uncomfortable' and refer to the alleged tactic as not 'a good parenting strategy' - but still, she did not find it concerning enough to report what the boy said. 'I thought it was something that just needed to be monitored,' Peachy told the court. At the same time, Dr Duncan said he witnessed the boy's dramatic weight loss and growth stunt for himself, but didn't think too much of it. 'He was quite interactive and normal in terms of responding to me verbally, politely,' Duncan told the court. 'But the physical exam was remarkable mostly because of his weight loss.' The doctor, who practices in Halton, said the women told him LL had an eating disorder and was throwing up daily. Because of that, Duncan said he sent a referral to an eating disorder clinic and was waiting for a response, CBC reported. But, according to Monte McGregor, Hamber's attorney, Duncan should have known the pre-teen 'was a ticking time bomb waiting to go off' who could have 'dropped' any moment due to 'a cardiac occurrence that could've led to his death'. A pathologist previously told the court he could not yet determine LL's cause of death, but could not rule out cardiac arrest or hypothermia linked to severe malnourishment. Stefanie Peachey (picutred), a social worker assigned to watch over the boys, told the court she recorded 'yellow flags' after saying she saw the surviving brother zip-tied into his pajamas Peachy stated she saw JL (pictured with his older brother) zip-tied into his clothing, something she only referred to as 'yellow flags' According to McGregor, LL actually shrunk compared to an appointment he had with Dr Duncan a year prior. Duncan confessed he did not examine the boy with his clothes off, take his blood pressure while standing up or lying down, and did not ask him about his eating habits during his final checkup. All of those steps are recommended by the Canadian Pediatric Society to determine if a patient is suffering from malnutrition. Duncan, who was LL and JL's doctor from 2018 to 2022, was aware of several health providers, including psychiatrists, mental health providers and pediatricians, who had accessed and treated the boy. He also knew of their findings and recommendations, including medication prescriptions for him. In a shocking letter from 2019 to the Halton CAS's director that was co-signed by Duncan and his staff, medical professionals expressed their concerns about the adoption of the brothers by Hamber and Cooney. Cooney and Hamber have both pleaded guilty to first-degree murder of the child. Their trial is expected to continue into December The letter, which was read aloud in court, stated that the couple's parenting style and 'safety containment was more abusive than therapeutic,' as they forced the boys to sleep in tents, covered their rooms in tarps and zip-tied them to their clothing. The women also had explosive personalities that led to uncontrolled emotions, the letter stated. 'Despite multiple efforts, [Cooney and Hamber] were unwilling to work on goals to support the children at home, in the community and in school,' the message added. Cooney and Hamber have both pleaded guilty to first-degree murder of the child, as well as confinement, assault with a weapon - mainly zip ties - and failing to provide the necessities of life to the deceased boy's younger brother, per the outlet. Their trial is expected to continue into December. When contacted by the Daily Mail for comment, Cooney's lawyer Kim Edward said: 'Not at this critical time.' The Daily Mail also contacted Hamber's lawyer for comment. The former cleaner to a multimillionaire car boot king has won a court fight with his 'golden boy' son over who inherits his 43million fortune. Richard Scott, a father of 19 who died aged 81 in 2018, made a fortune running the UK's second biggest boot fair from his Cheshire farm, where ITV's Car Boot Challenge was filmed. Mr Scott's eldest son and 'favourite' Adam Scott - described as his dad's 'golden boy' - said he sacrificed his life to work with his father side-by-side from the age of nine and was promised it would all be his one day. But after the death of Adam's mother, Richard remarried in 2016 to his former cleaner Jennifer Scott - who was 28 years his junior and younger than his son. He then wrote Adam out of his will, leaving Jennifer in control of his estate and farmland, which she said could now be worth up to 43million. The will ended up at the centre of a High Court fight earlier this year when Adam, 62, sued his 60-year-old stepmother as executor of his father's estate, claiming Richard was not in his right mind when he signed his two final wills. He also claimed his father promised he would have the right to take over the farm and that he sacrificed everything to commit to 'a life of hard and unrelenting physical work' on the back of those promises. But lawyers for Mrs Scott insisted Richard knew what he was doing when he disinherited his first born after Adam's relationship with his father 'completely broke down' when he tried to get Richard sectioned. Jennifer Scott (centre), former cleaner to a multimillionaire car boot king, has won a court fight with his 'golden boy' son over who inherits his 43million fortune Late businessman Richard Scott's eldest son Adam Scott (pictured outside London's High Court) sued his 60-year-old stepmother Jennifer as executor of his father's estate Britain's car boot king Richard Scott (pictured) died aged 81, having fathered 19 children and married his former cleaner Jennifer, 60, in 2016 They also told the court Adam had no claim to his father's estate on the basis of the alleged promises, having already been handed land and property worth more than 10million before Richard's death. Now, delivering judgment following a trial in July, Mr Justice Richards has dismissed both strands of Adam's claim - leaving widow Jennifer in control of Mr Scott's massive multimillion-pound estate. The judge said that while he accepted Mr Scott had been suffering from a degenerative brain condition when he wrote former favourite Adam out of his wills in 2016, the decision had been 'the product of a personality type that disliked being thwarted' rather than 'one that involved his normal human instincts and affections being perverted by his mental disease'. He also dismissed the claim based on Mr Scott's promises to his son to leave him the whole of his land. Mr Justice Richards found that while they had been made, Adam knew his father intended to go back on them since 2003 but had continued to work on the farm - and in any case had suffered no detriment. During the trial, the court heard that 'mercurial character' Richard was 'a ruthless, single-minded and highly successful businessman who built up a valuable property empire' before switching to running giant and lucrative car boot sales. He fathered 19 children, lawyers for Jennifer told the court - six with his first wife, plus six illegitimate children during that relationship, followed by another seven with Jennifer. Richard made millions from the car boot business he ran from his 'vast' farm in Marthall, Cheshire (pictured is one of the car boot sales taking place) Car boot tycoon Richard Scott, who died aged 81, fathered 19 children before writing his eldest son Adam out of his will - with his estate valued at 43million She had been working as his cleaner when the pair first got together in 1994. Richard and Jennifer eventually married in 2016 just two years before his death in a controversial marriage disrupted by Adam trying to prevent the wedding going ahead, claiming his father did not have the mental capacity to marry. Alex Troup, representing Jennifer, told the court: 'It is common ground that on 22 April 2016 Adam attended the registry office and alleged that Richard lacked capacity to marry. 'That led to Richard being interviewed by four registrars and a lawyer from the local council, all of whom were satisfied that he did have capacity to marry. The wedding therefore went ahead.' By the time he died of cancer, Richard owned 'a huge quantity of land' around Chelford, Cheshire, which has been officially valued for probate at about 7million. But Mrs Scott has said it was worth 43million based on offers she has received and development potential. Adam's lawyers said he spent more than 40 years helping his father run the 'vast, sprawling' farm and managing the car boot sales he held on part of it. He also told of being in line to inherit it on the basis that he would pay the probate value of the land, with that cash then to be split amongst his many siblings. Adam sued his father's former cleaner-turned second bride Jennifer Scott, who has inherited the fortune. On the left is her son Gordon Redgrave-Scott - also made a beneficiary But in 2016, just months after his second marriage, Richard signed the two wills which disinherited Adam and left Jennifer in control of his wealth as executor and a major beneficiary. Jennifer's two sons Gordon and William Redgrave-Scott and Adam's sister Rebecca Horley were also made beneficiaries of the last wills. Adam challenged the validity of the two final wills on the basis that his father lacked mental capacity at the time they were made and he also brought an alternative claim under the law of proprietary estoppel. That is a legal remedy that can be used when a landowner has promised property will be transferred to someone else at a later date only to later go back on the promise. Constance McDonnell, for Adam, told the judge: 'At the heart of this case is a relationship between a father and a son, their shared devotion to the family farm in Cheshire, and a recognition by the father of his son's willingness to commit to a life of hard and unrelenting physical work. 'This case is a paradigm example of a dedicated child's claim to a farm, pursuant to a parent's promise of inheritance. 'Adam seeks a remedy equivalent to the provision made for him by his father Richard in a will dated 23 June 1995, which implemented the promises made to Adam. 'On those terms, Adam would acquire a 40-year tenancy of his father's farm and an option to purchase the farm at its probate value. Richard Scott made a fortune running the UK's second biggest boot fair from his Cheshire farm (pictured), where ITV's Boot Sale Challenge was filmed 'In a case like the present, where decades of work and life-changing decisions have been made in reliance on a promise, the conscience of the court should be shocked.' Turning to Richard's mental state when he made the 2016 wills, the barrister said Richard had been diagnosed with brain disease fronto-temporal dementia in 2011 and had been hardly able to communicate by the time they were signed. She added: 'Richard's medical records include clear evidence of his ability to make decisions and to have insight having been eroded by his dementia. 'Adam submits that there can be no presumptions in favour of his father's knowledge and approval of the September and December 2016 wills. By this time, his dementia had left him incapable of speaking more than an occasional word. 'He sought to communicate in writing and by gestures, but could write no more than a few words or numbers. Jennifer acted as Richard's "translator", purporting to explain what he intended to others.' But for Jennifer, Mr Troup told the judge that Richard had good reasons for cutting out Adam - including a visit by police and medics to the farm to consider sectioning him in 2013, which was said to have been prompted by his son. Mr Troup said: 'In July 2015, Adam alleged to social services that Richard was beating Jennifer and the children. 'That led to an investigation by social services, which was eventually closed. Richard was angry with Adam for reporting him to social services and their relationship deteriorated as a result.' Adam Scott is seen outside London's High Court during the legal dispute with his stepmother In relation to the proprietary estoppel claim, the barrister told the judge that Adam had already been handed land and property worth more than 10million by his father before he died. Giving judgment and addressing Adam's claim that the wills were invalid for lack of mental capacity, Mr Justice Richards said Mr Scott's decision to disinherit his son was prompted by disgruntlement at his former 'golden boy' rather than his dementia. The judge said: 'Richard's FTD increased his pre-existing tendency towards poor impulse control. 'I have therefore considered whether Richard's decisions in the disputed wills were an absurd action occasioned by his FTD. 'However, I do not consider that his decisions were the product of his FTD. Rather, they were the product of a personality type that disliked being thwarted and engaged in careful measurement of how much his family members "deserved" by reference to whether they had sought to thwart him or not. 'That personality type was not always conducive to kind decisions, as I have concluded throughout this judgment. However, it was not an aspect of Richard's FTD or any other disorder of mind. 'Richard necessarily had to give instructions for the disputed wills with someone on hand to help with the process of communication. 'When he was in the presence of medical and legal professionals, Richard was able to adjust his behaviour, which had the effect of tempering his poor impulse control. 'It would have taken time for Richard to give his instructions. He had the opportunity, therefore, to reflect on his instructions and, in my judgment, his decision not to make any significant provision for Adam cannot be explained as one that involved his normal human instincts and affections being perverted by his mental disease.' Dismissing the proprietary estoppel claim, the judge found Richard's promises over the farm had been withdrawn, Adam had suffered no 'net detriment' in relying on them and the resultant situation in which Adam finds himself is not unconscionable. Assurances about the farm's ownership after his death had been made by Richard and recorded in his 1995 will, including granting the opportunity to Adam to secure a 40-year rent of certain farms and the right to buy those farms at probate value. However, the judge found that Richard showed his intention to withdraw these promises in his 2003 and 2007 wills and that Adam was aware of his father's change of heart at that time but kept on working on the farm regardless. Mr Justice Richards also dismissed a counterclaim by Jennifer in which she claimed the two tenancies over land Richard granted to Adam in 1988 and 1993 were shams in a bid to bring those parcels within her late husband's estate. He said Jennifer had not discharged the evidential burden of proving her claim and the tenancies in dispute were genuine. A so-called 'male Karen' who went on a rampage in a California hair salon - hurling shampoo bottles and screaming profanities - has pleaded guilty to assault and could spend the next six years behind bars. August Marriott, 28, was captured on cell phone footage raging inside of Great Clips salon in Santee earlier this year before he was arrested for numerous charges, including assault. Marriott will be sentenced on November 18 after he pleaded guilty to assault and admitted to a prior strike conviction as part of his plea, according to the San Diego district attorney's office. Marriott had become irate after a staffer at the salon had pointed out he had shown up late for an appointment just before 7pm on January 29. The video of his outburst was posted on social media and went viral, as he was seen overturning shelves of products in a rage. He then threw shampoo bottles across the salon while yelling obscenities, the San Diego County Sheriff's Office said in a release. The furious outburst resulted in one employee sustaining minor injuries, but Marriott fled before officers arrived on the scene. Jessica Schirmer, a stylist at the salon, captured video footage of Marriott's tantrum and told NBC 7 that she 'just didn't know how he was going to act.' August Marriott, 28, was captured on cell phone footage raging inside of Great Clips salon in Santee earlier this year before he was arrested for numerous charges, including assault Marriott faces six years in prison on November 18 after he pleaded guilty to assault and admitted to a prior strike conviction as part of his plea Marriott had become irate after a staffer at the salon had pointed out he had shown up late for an appointment just before 7pm on January 29 'I'm pretty shaken up because we didn't know if he had anything in his pockets, you know, weapon, knife,' she told the outlet. 'You don't know how someone's going to act when they just kind of snap like that.' Schirmer said that Marriott had walked into the salon just before closing time, complaining he wasn't able to make an appointment online. While she agreed to stay and cut his hair, what followed was him screaming obscenities before things escalated. Within seconds, he began to violently vandalize the store after he was asked to leave. Marriott was located thanks to 'many' anonymous tips and he was arrested in Chula Vista on February 4, the sheriff's office said. While his arrest came as a relief to the salon employees, his outburst left them in fear for future potential acts of violence. 'That next night when we were closing I was looking out the window, kind of making sure we did everything at the same time so we could leave at the same time,' she said. He was booked into the San Diego Central Jail on charges of assault with a deadly weapon, vandalism and violation of parole. The video of his outburst was posted on social media and went viral, as he was seen overturning shelves of products, and throwing shampoo bottles while yelling obscenities Marriott initially posted bail but was later arrested in Florida after he missed a court date, according to law enforcement. According to online records, Marriot had also gone by the names Cooper Hill and Juan Martinez. The Daily Mail has reached out to the San Diego Sheriff's Office and the San Diego Superior Court for comment. A Polish woman accused of stalking the parents of Madeleine McCann told a court today that she still believed she may be their missing daughter. Julia Wandelt is said to have bombarded Kate and Gerry McCann with phone calls, letters and messages and even confronted the couple at their home in Rothley, Leicestershire, to demand a DNA test. Prosecutors say the 24-year-old carried out a 'well-planned campaign of harassment' against the McCanns that lasted almost three years, and was later joined by 'supporter and confidante' Karen Spragg, 61, who 'adopted her claims with gusto' from last year onwards. Wandelt also told the court today that a relative of a Post Office scandal victim had at one point offered to pay for a DNA test because 'I'm a victim of a miscarriage of justice as well'. Leicester Crown Court has previously heard DNA taken when she was arrested and tested against a sample from Madeleine's pillow case 'conclusively' proved she was not the McCann's child. Giving evidence in her own defence, Wandelt said today that she 'still didn't know who she was'. But under cross-examination from Michael Duck KC, prosecuting, she told jurors she was '50-50' when asked if she 'entertained the belief' she was Madeleine claiming she hadn't seen all the paperwork around the negative DNA test. She added: 'It is neither yes nor no. Julia Wandelt, 24, denies stalking Kate and Gerry McCann. Pictured in a photo on Facebook Kate and Gerry McCann have both given evidence during the trial in Leicester 'It is very easy to provide me with the documentation, so if I am not her and it really is negative I would like to see the documentation, and I would say 'Yes'. 'Now I am 50-50. What is the issue with providing me the paperwork?' Asked again by Mr Duck, 'Do you, Julia Wandelt, believe you may still be Madeleine McCann?', she replied: 'It will be neither yes nor no. It is not yes, and not no, because I am in between.' Then quizzed by the prosecutor as to what was 'ever going to satisfy her', Wandelt broke down and sobbed as she replied: 'The investigation into my disappearance, into what happened to me, why am I here?' Wandelt also told the jury she had memories of being abducted as a child, and said she thought Gerry McCann may have been involved in Madeleine's vanishing. Asked by Mr Duck what this was based on, Wandelt told the court: 'Mostly based on memories, also based on the way he came across, not letting Kate tell anything. 'The memories are the main reason I think that was the case. Being in the room before it happened is the first thing. 'Second thing, saying this is the only way to help your parents, repeatedly.' The exchange came after Wandelt said she thought Kate McCann may not have replied to her multiple messages because she was being threatened, either by Gerry or by officers from Operation Grange. Asked by Mr Duck why it was that she thought Gerry might be threatening his own wife, she replied: 'I would have to explain my memories, and I don't feel like it.' Wandelt later told the court she had a 'genuine memory' of Kate McCann being in her room before she was 'abducted', rubbing her head and telling her she loved her and would 'find her'. Mr Duck asked, 'Are you asserting to this jury that Kate McCann knew of the abduction, and told you she would find you?' to which Wandelt replied: 'Yes.' The prosecutor added: 'So, Gerry involved, and now Kate McCann knowing it was happening and saying she would 'find you' at a later stage. Is that your position?' Wandelt replied: 'Presumably so. I still believe it was not Kate's fault and Kate didn't want it to happen. So, if you want to send me to prison again, I just want the truth to come out. I didn't harass anyone or cause distress.' She added that she believed the McCanns had 'no other choice' than to become involved in the disappearance of their daughter - claiming she had been told by them that 'this is the only way to save your parents'. She said: 'I do not want to believe they are guilty. 'I do believe that Gerry threatened Kate but I do not want to believe they might be guilty.' Wandelt went on to claim the police investigation into Madeleine's disappearance involved money laundering, adding: 'Looking at the amount of financial support the Government gave to this, and no other case, I think it is quite strange this case receives huge financial resources. 'I came to the conclusion that maybe this is money laundering. 'Why is this case much more important than the others, everyone deserves the same justice and I do not understand why the Government puts so much money into this investigation?' Wandelt told jurors Ms Johansson 'took over my Instagram account even before she came to Poland'. LISTEN: The Trial of the 'McCann Stalkers'. Listen to the latest on this Daily Mail podcast Wandelt also suggested that if Mr and Mrs McCann were related to each other it would explain 'mismatches' in their genetic profiles, and suggested that Madeleine's profile was not created from her DNA. Mr Duck asked: 'Do you accept your DNA bears no resemblance to Madeleine?' Wandelt replied: 'Yes, I understand it.' The prosecutor said: 'Isn't that the end of this charade? Your story, your fabrication?' Wandelt said: 'It's not fabrication.' Earlier, Wandelt said she 'never intended' to cause significant harm or distress to Mr or Mrs McCann or thought what she was doing would. Instead, Wandelt said she was asking 'for help'. Adding that she had felt 'different to her Polish family' since around the end of 2020, Wandelt said she 'still didn't know' who she was when asked by her barrister, Tom Price KC, if she had 'discovered her identity now'. Wandelt also claimed that if police had carried out a DNA test comparing her sample to one provided by the McCanns in 2022 when she first contacted officers, 'None of us would be here today'. She told jurors: 'I think with all the millions they received for the investigation and financial resources, the cost of DNA would not be huge. 'I will never understand why this case has such big funds when there are hundreds of missing children.' She went on to say the husband of a sub-postmaster caught up in the Post Office Horizon scandal had paid for her to undergo a DNA test at a laboratory in Cardiff and a flight to the UK, because he 'believed she was a victim of a miscarriage of justice as well'. And Wandelt agreed with a suggestion from Spragg's barrister, Simon Russell Flint KC, that 'what she and Karen Spragg were doing was investigating a crime the taking of Madeleine McCann'. She replied: 'Yes. Because no-one wanted to help me.' Asked by Mr Russell Flint about Kate McCann's reaction when she and Spragg confronted her outside her home last December, Wandelt replied: 'She was crying. 'From what I saw and what Karen saw, the moment she started crying was the moment she saw me, almost straight away. 'The impression I got was that she was crying because of the emotions, the chance of me being her daughter I don't know how she could feel distressed because she wants to find Madeleine.' Wandeltalso told the court she has concerns for her safety, especially after someone in prison allegedly 'slipped something' in her drink days before her trial. When answering questions Spragg's barrister Simon Russell Flint KC, Wandelt said: 'Even in prison, a few days before my trial, someone slipped something in my drink and the officers didn't want to help. 'I have been concerned about my safety since I told my story.' Wandelt's alleged actions also included unwanted attempts to contact Madeleine's younger twin siblings, Amelie and Sean McCann, via social media and even an appearance at a vigil on the anniversary of the disappearance in a bid to speak to the family. Madeleine vanished from the McCann family's holiday apartment in Praia Da Luz, Portugal, in May 2007. Four years later the Metropolitan Police launched Operation Grange a large-scale investigation into the disappearance. The probe's senior officer, Detective Chief Inspector Mark Cranwell, told the trial 12 women, including Wandelt, had claimed to be Madeleine but all had been ruled out. Wandelt, of Lubin, Poland, and Spragg, of Cardiff, each deny one count of stalking involving serious alarm or distress between June 2022 and February this year. The trial continues. An Austrian actress has been charged with assault after allegedly biting her co-star's bottom too hard during a rape scene on stage. Anna Werner Friedmann is accused of sinking her teeth into fellow actor Benjamin S.'s buttocks during a performance of Alma A Show Biz to the End in August 2023. According to the complaint, the bite was so forceful it caused him 'pain and shame.' Friedmann denies wrongdoing, insisting the bites were part of a pre-arranged scene. 'It has to be realistic - the audience was sitting close,' she told the trial, adding that the intensity was 'proportionate to the passion' of her character and that the audience 'loved it.' But Benjamin S. gave a starkly different account, claiming: 'She pulled down my play underwear and bit me so hard it hurt. 'I tried to push her away, and then she bit me even harder.' He told the court he remains afraid of Friedmann and asked that she be kept out of the corridor after his testimony. He also alleged she had acted inappropriately in previous productions, trying to undress him completely and touching him without consent. Anna Werner Friedmann (pictured) is accused of sinking her teeth into fellow actor Benjamin S.'s buttocks during a performance of Alma A Show Biz to the End on August 4 Matthias Koeberlin as Micha Oberlander (L), Anna Werner Friedmann as Mara Eisler (middle), Julian Looman as Stefan Prixner (R), in German-Austrian crime drama Murder by the Lake The play itself - 'Alma A Show Biz ans End' - is an unconventional theatre piece first staged in 1996, based on the life of Austrian cultural icon Alma MahlerWerfel and written by Israeli dramatist Jehoshua Sobol. Unlike a standard production, the 'polydrama' format allows audience members to move through different rooms in a building, following parallel scenes of Alma's life in a fragmented, immersive way. The piece has become a cult production, with hundreds of performances across Europe including Vienna, Berlin and Los Angeles. Her lawyer, Manfred Ainedter, told Bild: 'In court and at sea, one is in God's hands. But I expect an acquittal.' Friedmann recently starred in the TV crime drama The Dead of Lake Constance: The Wishing Tree, which drew 6.6 million viewers in Austria and Germany. The case continues at Neunkirchen District Court on December 2. A group of traumatized finance workers have sued a ritzy Chicago restaurant after they were badly burned in a s'mores accident at a corporate party. Employees of global investment firm Nuveen were mingling at the Offshore Rooftop at Navy Pier over Lake Michigan on September 24 when horror struck. Lawyers representing the plaintiffs said a server poured a flammable liquid over an open flame where attendees were roasting marshmallows, creating a fireball. The sudden burst of flames enveloped several people, including senior analyst Kira Bond, 25, as shown in horrific surveillance video from the restaurant. Bond was left in a critical condition with severe third-degree burns on her face, neck, and torso, while four of her colleagues were also burned in the horrifying blaze. Video shows the server pouring the liquid over the flames, causing the inferno. People can be seen scrambling to help victims who lay on the floor screaming out in pain. Bond, along with her colleagues Lisa Segner, Peter Gianaris, and Fernando Ramirez are suing the owners of the restaurant, Maverick Hotels and Restaurants. 'The video is horrifying to watch,' the plantiffs' lawyer, Timothy Cavanagh, told a press conference this week. Lawyers representing the plaintiffs said a server poured a flammable liquid over an open flame where attendees were roasting marshmallows, creating a fireball, as shown above 'One second, Kira and her co-workers are standing around this s'mores station, occupied by an employee of the Maverick Hotels. 'This woman is working at the s'mores station where they have marshmallows and chocolate. 'At one point, the employee - we don't know her name yet, we expect to find that out - takes a container, almost like a ketchup-type container, and dumps liquid onto this open flame that causes a fireball, and sets Kira on fire.' The surveillance footage shows how Nuveen co-workers rushed to Bond's aid while others attempted to extinguish the fire. Bond sustained third-degree burns to her face, neck, and torso. She was taken to the Burns Unit at Stroger Hospital of Cook County where she received skin grafts and underwent surgery. 'All of our four clients sustained burns; Kira sustained the worst,' Cavanagh said. 'They all sustained emotional damages as well. The physical and emotional wounds will last a lifetime.' Kira Bond (pictured) sustained third-degree burns to her face, neck, and torso at the event The horrific accident also came the day before Bond (pictured) was due to move into an apartment in Brooklyn, New York, to start her new life with the new job Cavanagh said that his firm is working to identify the substance which was poured onto the firepit, creating the blaze. Bond said she joined Nuveen just a few weeks before the corporate event, which followed a boat tour on Lake Michigan and brought coworkers together from several offices around the US. 'I had just started this job a few weeks before the accident, so not ideal to get set on fire in front of your co-workers, especially not being expose like that,' she told the press conference. 'When I was laying down on the ground, there was a lot of pain. 'When the third-degree burns happen, they burn through your nerves, so there's not a lot of pain there, but I felt a lot of pain where there was superficial and second-degree. 'So when I was on the ground I was having to ask them to take off my pants, cut off my underwear, because there was just so much pain in that inner thigh area. 'I felt incredibly embarrassed.. there's a lot of anxiety coming back. 'Everyone at my firm has been incredibly supportive, but as a young professional you want to make it on your own and not get any extra help, so I just don't want to be treated differently, and I'm worried about that.' A group of traumatized finance workers, including Kira Bond (pictured) have sued a ritzy Chicago restaurant after they were badly burned in a s'mores accident at a corporate party Employees of global investment firm Nuveen, including Kira Bond (pictured) were mingling at the Offshore Rooftop at Navy Pier over Lake Michigan on September 24 when horror struck Bond, along with her colleagues Lisa Segner (pictured), Peter Gianaris, and Fernando Ramirez are suing the owners of the restaurant, Maverick Hotels and Restaurants The horrific accident also came the day before Bond was due to move into an apartment in Brooklyn, New York, to start her new life with the new job. Bond said the move had to be delayed, and she is now anxious about trying to lift moving boxes in her reduced physical state. She said she endured 'excruciating pain every day, especially during dressing changes' in the weeks after the incident. Another Nuveen employee, Lisa Segner, 44, suffered burns to her abdomen and feet, while Peter Gianaris and Fernando Ramirez were also burned to a lesser extent while trying to help their colleagues. Segner's husband, Phillip, is also suing for loss of consortium, their lawyers have said. Their lawsuit was filed on October 17, and the first hearing is scheduled for December 17. The Daily Mail has contacted Maverick Hotels and Restaurants for comment. The actress chosen to portray the Virgin Mary in Mel Gibson's highly anticipated sequel to his 2004 hit The Passion of the Christ has drawn outrage from fans over her pro-abortion views. Kasia Smutniak, 46, who was tapped to play the Mother of God, has publicly advocated for abortion rights in her native Poland and blasted the predominantly Catholic country's history of strict abortion laws. The actress was pictured with the words 'Right to abortion' in a 2020 Instagram post and is a known supporter of the Strajk Kobiet (Women's Strike) movement. Now, the decision to cast her in The Resurrection of the Christ is being ripped by conservative Polish commentators. One who supports the country's pro-life political party even contacted Gibson's production company to protest the decision. 'Dear Mr. Mel Gibson, would you really want Kasia Smutniak to play Mary, the mother of Jesus?' a X user wrote. Alluding to her Instagram post, the critic added: 'Please explain what this woman wants... If she played this role, more than half of Poles would not watch [your] movie.' Another X user said they hoped the role would 'convert' Smutniak. Actress Kasia Smutniak, 46, who has publicly advocated for abortion rights in her native Poland, was picked to play the Virgin Mary in the sequel to the 2004 film The Passion of the Christ Mel Gibson's highly anticipated sequel, The Resurrection of the Christ, is scheduled to premiere in 2027 'It's not fake?' the user wrote. 'If not, then it's a mistake for her to play Mary in The Passion... Unless this role bears fruit in the form of her conversion, which I hope it does.' Another chimed in: 'It's a bit sad that an abortion advocate will be playing Mary.' Smutniak came out in opposition after Poland banned almost all forms of abortion, except for cases of rape and incest and when the mother's life or health was endangered. 'The verdict to restrict abortion will be agonizing for Polish woman [sic] and their families, forcing some to continue through pregnancies against their will, and needlessly increasing their suffering,' Smutniak wrote in October 2020. 'It is inhuman and against basic human rights! And this time we won't stop!' The decision led to some of the biggest protests in the country's history, as thousands took to the streets in Warsaw and other Polish cities to rally against the country's rightwing government. The Resurrection of the Christ is split into two parts, with the first set to premiere in theaters on Good Friday, March 26, 2027, and part two on Ascension Day, Thursday, May 6, 2027. The film takes place three days after Christ's crucifixion on Good Friday and stars Finnish actor Jaakko Ohtonen, 36, in the role of Jesus and Cuban actress Mariela Garriga, 36, as Mary Magdalene. The decision to cast the pro-life Smutniak is being protested by conservative Polish commentators Smutniak came out in opposition after Poland banned almost all forms of abortion, except for cases of rape and incest and when the mother's life or health was endangered The ban led to some of the biggest protests in the country's history Gibson, 69, opened up about the longdelayed film during an appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast earlier this year. He said the 'very ambitious' movie would follow 'the fall of the angels to the death of the last apostle.' Gibson added: 'I think in order to really tell the story properly you have to really start with the fall of the angels, which means you're in another place, you're in another realm. 'You need to go to hell. You need to go to Sheol.' The actordirector admitted that tackling the film was 'not going to be easy' and would require 'a lot of planning.' Gibson admitted he wasn't sure if he could 'pull it off.' 'To tell you the truth, it's super ambitious, but I'll take a crack at it because that's what you've got to do, right?' he continued. 'Walk up to the plate, right?' The Passion of The Christ racked up $612 million worldwide on a comparatively small budget of $30 million, which made it the highest grossing Rrated film ever in the US at the time. The original movie, which follows the final twelve hours of Jesus' life, starred Jim Caviezel, 57, as Christ, and Monica Bellucci, 61, as Mary Magdalene. An Israeli tourist was viciously attacked outside a Jewish deli in New York City after the assailant ripped off his kippah and questioned him about his religion. Rami Glickstein, 59, of Ofra, was attacked outside Mr. Broadway, a Kosher deli in Midtown Manhattan, on Tuesday after his attacker refused to let him inside the restaurant. The attacker allegedly ripped off Glickstein's kippah - a traditional skullcap - and spat on it after questioning his religion. He then allegedly began punching the Israeli educator 'very, very strongly,' his wife, Rivi Ben Noon Glickstein, told JNS. 'My husband couldnt fight against him,' she said. Glickstein was taken to the Mount Sinai Beth Israel hospital in a stable condition after police were called. Doctors found he had blood on his brain and a broken nose, his wife said. The couple are in the Big Apple for a nine-day vacation. Rami Glickstein, 59, of Ofra, Israel, was attacked outside Mr. Broadway, a Kosher deli in Midtown, on Tuesday after his attacker refused to let him inside the restaurant The attacker allegedly ripped off Glickstein's kippah, a circular headpiece worn by Jewish men, and spitting on it after questioning his religion outside the restaurant (pictured). Then punched him several times, causing Glickstein to have blood on the brain They have visited New York City many times before and said it felt 'so strange' to experience antisemitism in the country. 'For me, it's like 1939,' Noon Glickstein told JNS. Adolf Hitler and his forces invaded Poland in September 1939, beginning World War II. At least 5,000 Jews were killed just weeks afterward. By the end of the war, six million Jews were killed by Nazi forces. The Consul General of Israel in New York, Ofir Akunis, condemned the attack and offered the couple the consulate's full services. 'This attack is a direct result of the daily incitement taking place around the world, including in the United States, against Jews and against Israel,' he said, according to JNS. 'Lies, verbal violence, calls for another October 7 massacre, and the unrestricted spread of blood libels, such as the false Gaza narrative, influence many people, some of whom do not hesitate to commit physical attacks.' Akunis also called for national and local leaders to condemn the attack. Glickstein's attacker is still on the loose and the NYPD is investigating, a spokesperson told the Daily Mail. Glickstein, an educator and lecturer for the Israeli Defense Forces, vowed to go back to the deli, despite his injuries 'My husband couldnt fight against him,' his wife, Rivi Ben Noon Glickstein, said. The couple are in the Big Apple for a nine-day vacation Glickstein, an educator and lecturer for the Israeli Defense Forces, vowed to go back to the deli, despite his injuries, he wrote on Facebook. 'I won't let him win,' he wrote in Hebrew. Israelis and Jews have faced an increasing threat of antisemitism since Hamas attacked Israeli on October 7, 2023. The Anti-Defamation League recorded nearly 1,000 antisemitic incidents taking place in the Big Apple in 2024, with the majority of them taking place in Manhattan. The Daily Mail has reached out to Mr. Broadway for comment. The cruise ship crew who left an elderly woman to die on a deserted island at the start of a 40,000 dream voyage only realised she was missing when she didn't turn up to dinner on time. The crew of the Coral Adventurer ship reported the 80-year-old missing at 10pm local time, five hours after the vessel left her behind on the Great Barrier Reefs remote Lizard Island, a Queensland Police spokeswoman said. It is understood that the ships crew initially believed the solo traveller may have fallen overboard, according to a report in The Australian. It comes as Australian authorities are probing whether the elderly woman found dead after she 'failed to board a cruise ship' could have been saved. Police and the coroner launched an investigation into the death of the woman on the remote Far North Queensland island, who had been on the first stop of the 60-day circumnavigation of Australia. Investigators are looking into various factors, including how and why she was stranded. Other factors are why the search was delayed and whether the woman could have been saved from the popular tourist spot. Crew alerted the Australian Maritime Safety Authority's (AMSA) Canberra-based 24/7 emergency hotline, the Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre, on Saturday night - long after the woman was due to re-board the NRMA-owned Coral Expeditions cruise ship. Your browser does not support iframes. The summit of Cook's Look on Lizard Island The tourist was reported missing after she failed to return to the Coral Adventurer cruise ship (vessel pictured) The death came just a day after the Coral Adventurer kicked off its journey, embarking from Cairns on Friday afternoon. The ship then anchored off Lizard Island on Saturday, where passengers could take a smaller boat to hike and snorkel on the resort island, 90km northeast of Cooktown. Authorities believe the deceased woman was hiking Lizard Island's highest summit off the Far North Queensland coast on Saturday. It's understood the woman was part of a group walking up to the Cook's Look summit when she stopped and became lost on her way back to the ship. 'The group continued on and boarded the vessel before realising she was not there,' a source told The Australian. Another source claimed that the woman had fallen from a cliff. The tourist was reported missing Saturday night after she failed to return to the cruise ship and her body was located and retrieved from the mountain the following day. Yachtie Traci Ayris raised 'questions about safety protocols and a delayed start to the search due to it not being known that the woman was missing', the Cairns Post reported. Ms Ayris and her partner Matthew, who were aboard SV Vellamo anchored near Lizard Island, were listening to emergency radio transmissions sent from the Coral Expeditions vessel. 'They did headcounts for snorkellers (which we heard) but not for other guests on the island it would seem,' Ms Ayris told the Cairns Post. 'The last people came down from the track and got into tender then the (ship) left very soon after that. Ayris and her partner Matthew (pictured), who were aboard SV Vellamo anchored near Lizard Island, were listening to emergency radio transmissions sent from the Coral Expeditions vessel 'There was not a lot of time between when the last passengers left the beach to when they up anchored. 'We even commented, "Wow they left fast".' Vessel Finder showed the Coral Adventurer sailed back towards Lizard Island about 9pm on Saturday and arrived at about 2am on Sunday. Ms Ayris told the Cairns Post a helicopter began an aerial search at about midnight but after arriving, seven crew from the Coral Adventurer went ashore and joined the search of the mountain by torchlight. 'We watched the search up the mountain,' Ms Ayris said. 'Until the search was called off around 3am and then (resumed) again at first light. 'The chopper arrived at first light and it went directly to Telstra Rock (where she was last seen) and immediately it hovered then went straight to the air strip. 'We knew that it had found her and the lack of activity told us that she was clearly dead. 'She lay there all day and was finally airlifted [just before 4pm].' The tourist was hiking with other cruise ship passengers to Cook's Look summit on Lizard Island when she needed to stop and became lost on her way back to the vessel The couple also posted on their SV Vellamo Facebook page the tragedy was 'very sad for everyone involved'. 'Never a dull moment at Lizard. Sadly we witnessed a terrible incident where a hiker from a cruise ship was (possibly) left behind and was found later deceased. 'It took all day for repatriation of the poor hiker from the mountainside. It left us all feeling very sad for everyone involved.' Australian Maritime Safety Authority officials will meet the 112-passenger Coral Adventurer when it docks in Darwin on Sunday. The cruise ship is currently in waters off Thursday Island in the Torres Strait as the $80,000-a-ticket voyage continues. Coral Expeditions confirmed the woman's death to the Daily Mail. 'The crew notified authorities that a woman was missing, and a search and rescue operation was launched on land and sea,' chief executive Mark Fifield said. 'Following the operation, Coral Expeditions was notified by Queensland Police that the woman had been found deceased on Lizard Island. An excursion to Lizard Island ended in tragedy with the death of an elderly tourist on Saturday 'While investigations into the incident are continuing, we are deeply sorry that this has occurred and are offering our full support to the woman's family. 'The Coral team has been in contact with the woman's family, and we will continue to offer support to them through this difficult process. 'We are working closely with Queensland Police and other authorities to support their investigation. We are unable to comment further while this process is underway.' Cruising expert Adrian Tassone admitted he had no idea how it could have occurred. 'That's something I'm really struggling to understand myself,' he said. 'Cruise lines in normal operation will always know who is on the ship and who isn't. 'If the reports are to be believed and this woman was left on the island, I really can't understand how that occurred. 'It's something that most people are questioning and are trying to come to grips with.' Mr Tassone said that many cruise companies have strict systems in place, such as headcounts, to ensure all passengers are accounted for at all times. 'It's atypical from the regular cruise environment. 'This ship held a maximum of 120 passengers, so I struggle to understand how a headcount wasn't conducted. 'Typically, you get on a cruise ship and you scan a card that is your key card, which indicates when you're on and off the ship. Those manifests I understand are across all cruise lines. 'I don't know if Coral Expeditions operates in a different manner to that, but I am really surprised something more robust isn't in place that should have prevented this from happening.' The Coral Adventurer, which has capacity for 120 guests, is currently on a 60-night circumnavigation of Australia. 'It's unusual for numbers to not be known and checked, but I think what's important in this instance is that it's an expedition cruise,' Mr Tassone said. Popular with divers, snorkellers and hikers, Lizard Island is one of the most remote tourism destinations on the Great Barrier Reef. Cook's Look is the highest point on the island and follows the footsteps of British explorer Captain James Cook, who is believed to be the first European to have trekked up the mountain in 1770 after his ship Endeavour struck a reef. 'It covers four kilometres and at times is very steep so we recommend medium to high fitness and agility to safely undertake this hike,' the Lizard Island website states. 'Due to the time it takes to hike and the heat of the day, it is recommended that you hike early in the morning. 'Those that have done this hike say it is challenging but incredibly rewarding.' The mother of New York City's socialist mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani revealed in a newly unearthed interview that her son 'is not an American at all.' Mira Nair, an internationally acclaimed filmmaker and mother of the 34-year-old mayoral hopeful, spoke about her then-college-aged son in a now-archived interview with The Hindustan Times back in 2013. She shared how she and her husband, Mahmood Mamdani, kept their son tied to his Indian heritage after leaving the country at 19. Then, she claimed that Mamdani doesn't see himself as a true American. 'He is a total desi. Completely. We are not firangs at all,' Nair told the outlet. The word 'desi' refers to a person of South Asian descent, typically from India, Pakistan, or Bangladesh. 'Firang' is more commonly used in India as a derogatory term for foreigners, particularly white or Western people. 'He is very much us. He is not an American at all,' she added. 'He was born in Uganda, raised between India and America. He is at home in many places. He thinks of himself as a Ugandan and as an Indian.' Attorney Mehek Cooke, an Indian-born GOP consultant and commentator, called Nair's use of the word 'firangs' nothing short of a 'slur,' according to Fox News Digital. Mira Nair, an internationally acclaimed filmmaker and mother of Mamdani, revealed in a newly unearthed interview from 2013 that her son 'is not an American at all' (both pictured) Nair (pictured) spoke about her then-college-aged son in a now-archived interview with The Hindustan Times, where she revealed that she and her husband, Mahmood, kept Mamdani tied to his Indian heritage after leaving the country Nair called Mamdani (pictured) a 'total desi' and that 'not a firang.' 'Desi' refers to a person of South Asian descent. 'Firang' is more commonly used in India as a derogatory term for foreigners, particularly White or Western people 'It's the word used back in India to mock outsiders, to say you don't belong. Using it here about your own child raised in the United States carries the same tone as calling someone a derogatory word - or worse,' Cooke told the outlet. 'It's flippant, divisive and dripping with contempt for the very country that gave your family a better life,' he added. 'When Mamdani's mother says her son was 'never a firang and only desi,' it's a rejection of America.' On Monday Mamdani was forced to clarify his widely-publicized story about a Muslim 'aunt' who, he claimed, stopped riding the subway after the September 11 terror attacks in 2001 because she feared harassment. 'It's ungrateful, disrespectful, and frankly repulsive to live in this country since age seven, receive every freedom, education, and opportunity America offers, and still deny being American.' In the decade-old interview, Nair said the family 'speaks only Hindustani at home' and that Mamdani 'often' traveled to India throughout his academic years. Mamdani was a 21-year-old American student at Bowdoin College at the time, studying Arabic and Politics. He also co-founded the school's Students for Justice in Palestine chapter and pushed for academic sanctions against Israel. When questioned about whether she tried to keep her son out of the spotlight as a celebrated filmmaker, Nair said he had entirely different interests and that she wouldn't want him following in her footsteps. 'He should do whatever he wants to do. I don't see it in him to make movies,' she told The Hindustan Times. 'He is very involved with current affairs, politics and political issues,' she added. 'I think he can be engaged in the world in someway to make a difference. He is very very interested in that.' Attorney Mehek Cooke, an Indian-born GOP consultant and commentator, called Nair's (pictured with Mamdani) use of the word 'firangs' nothing short of a 'slur' In the decade-old interview, Nair said the family (pictured) 'speaks only Hindustani at home' and that Mamdani 'often' traveled to India throughout his academic years Mamdani, who came to the US at seven, holds dual US-Uganda citizenship and became a naturalized American in 2018. But since entering the political spotlight, the Mamdani family has drawn criticism and backlash on social media over their stances on current issues. Mamdani has accused Israel of genocide, promised to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu in New York and declared he cannot support a country that is officially Jewish and grants Palestinians fewer rights, according to The New York Times. On the second anniversary of Hamas's October 7 massacre, the Israeli Foreign Ministry slammed Mamdani as 'a mouthpiece for Hamas propaganda,' even though he had condemned the group's attack. Earlier this year, Mamdani's 2009 Columbia University application was leaked, showing he identified as both 'Asian' and 'Black or African American' on the Ivy League application - a school he was ultimately rejected from. Critics, including New York Mayor Eric Adams, slammed the move as 'an insult to every student who got into college the right way.' Mamdani defended himself and stated that he checked multiple boxes to reflect his true heritage. 'Most college applications don't have a box for Indian-Ugandans, so I checked multiple boxes trying to capture the fullness of my background,' he explained. Mamdani (pictured), who came to the US at seven, holds dual US-Uganda citizenship and became a naturalized American in 2018 Since entering the political spotlight, the Mamdani family (pictured) has drawn criticism and backlash on social media over their stances on current issues Mamdani's father, 79-year-old Columbia University professor Mahmood (pictured), stirred controversy after an excerpt from his 2004 book referred to suicide bombers as a type of 'soldier' In July, Mamdani's father, 79-year-old Columbia University professor Mahmood Mamdani, stirred controversy after an excerpt from his 2004 book, Bad Muslim: America, the Cold War, and the Roots of Terror, was shared on X. In the resurfaced novel, his father referred to suicide bombers as a type of 'soldier.' 'We need to recognize the suicide bomber, first and foremost, as a category of soldier,' the younger Mahmood wrote. 'Suicide bombing needs to be understood as a feature of modern political violence rather than stigmatized as a mark of barbarism,' he added. Mamdani's parents also told the NYT earlier this year about how their son was raised and how his politics developed throughout his life. 'He's his own person,' Mamdani's father told the outlet. 'Now, of course, what we do as his parents is part of the environment in which he grew up, and he couldn't help but engage with it. That doesn't mean anything is reflected back on us.' His mother immediately interjected. 'I don't agree!' she said. 'Of course the world we live in, and what we write and film and think about, is the world that Zohran has very much absorbed.' Mamdani has accused Israel of genocide, promised to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu in New York and declared he cannot support a country that is officially Jewish and grants Palestinians fewer rights (pictured: family) Mamdani's Columbia University application was leaked and showed that he identified as both 'Asian' and 'Black or African American' - a move Gov. Cuomo (pictured) said is, 'an insult to every student who got into college the right way' But attorney Mehek Cooke said Nair's 2013 interview is yet more 'proof' that Mamdani is unfit to lead America's most famous city. 'This isn't just about identity, it's about values. Rejecting the label of 'American' while living under the flag, enjoying the freedoms, and cashing in on the opportunities is a rejection of American values themselves,' Cooke told Fox News Digital. 'And if you raise your child to believe he was 'never a firang,' never an American, what message are you sending?' he added. 'That he owes nothing to this nation? That he can take the benefits without any sense of belonging or loyalty?' 'That mindset breeds resentment. And that's exactly what we're seeing play out in politics today.' Prince Harry was left laughing - and slightly red-faced - after being mocked about his memoir and life in the US during an appearance on comedian Hasan Minhaj's show. The Duke of Sussex joined the American joker on his latest episode of Hasan Minhaj Doesn't Know, where the pair discussed everything from mental health and fatherhood to Harry's growing American habits. At one point, Minhaj poked fun at a passage from Harry's memoir Spare, where the prince revealed that his father, then-Prince Charles, gave him an 'official clothing allowance' - but only for formal wear. Reading aloud from the book, Minhaj said: 'Each year I received from Pa an official clothing allowance, but that was strictly for formal wear. Suits and ties, ceremonial outfits. 'For my everyday casual looks I'd go to TK Maxx, the discount store. I was particular fond of their once-a-year sale, when they'd be flush with items from Gap or J.Crew, items that had just gone out of season or were slightly damaged.' The comedian then joked with him, quipping: 'Bro, I'm sorry you had to go through that.' Harry, grinning, replied: 'You know what, it was hard, it was really hard. TK Maxx is now a special place in my memory.' While also touching on more serious subjects, when asked about whether he was going to become a US citizen, the Prince refused to rule it out saying: 'There are no plans to be, at this point'. Prince Harry was left laughing - and slightly red-faced - after being gently teased about his royal past and life in the US during an appearance on comedian Hasan Minhaj's show During a round of rapid fire Royal questions, Harry was asked what his kids thought he did to which all he could say was that 'they know I help other people'. The duke also showed off his sense of humour when Minhaj challenged him to show just how 'American' he's become, prompting Harry to demonstrate a playful 'yeehaw!' and try out an American accent. He comically recited lines like 'I ordered breadsticks with ranch dressing at Applebee's' and 'do you like my cybertruck?' Harry admitted that the 'most American' thing he does is surf, but laughed that he has 'chicken legs' and prefers not to wear shorts. At one point, the prince even joked that he would 'knight' Minhaj if there happened to be a sword handy. Beyond the jokes, the conversation turned serious as Harry discussed his concerns about social media and its impact on young men. He said: 'Social media is taking young men and young boys into very dark places, which should concern all of us.' The 41-year-old revealed that he and Meghan have 'had our fair share of beatings on social media' and said the couple's move to California had given them a chance to focus on causes they truly cared about. 'When we moved to America, we could focus on things really aligned to our passions - and the tech industry wasn't one of those,' Harry said. 'But what we were in search of was what is the root cause of so much suffering and pain around the world, and if we can identify that, how can we shine a light on that and the people trying to change the industry, and it was the tech industry and social media. 'We talk about it a lot and I think, because of what we know, now we will be way more cautious and hesitant of allowing our kids to have access to social media, but the problem is that so many parents don't have that awareness. The Duke of Sussex joined the American joker on his latest episode of Hasan Minhaj Doesn't Know, where the pair discussed everything from mental health and fatherhood to Harry's growing American habits 'Our goal has to be to make sure that when our children get to that age, that the situation now is not the situation then. 'The more parents that know what is happening, the more parents can protect their kids. 'People look to governments to protect them, yet we have this lawlessness within this particular industry.' As fathers of young children, the Prince and host discussed the harmful effects of social media on kids, as well as the Duke's work with The Parents' Network, supporting families who have experienced harm because of social media. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have long been outspoken about the dangers of online platforms, both for adults and children. They are also known for fiercely protecting the privacy of their own kids, Archie, six, and Lilibet, four, rarely showing their faces in public. But earlier this month, Meghan delighted fans by sharing a Halloween-themed video on Instagram showing the family enjoying a day out at a pumpkin patch before heading home to carve decorations. Royal watchers were quick to notice a fleeting glimpse of Archie and Lilibet's faces - the first in three years - as the Sussexes enjoyed some rare downtime together. In a timelapse sped-up clip of Prince Harry carving a pumpkin, Meghan, Archie and Lili could be seen playing around in the background. The footage captured a rare glimpse of Archie and Lili with their heads turned towards the camera. Though the pictures were blurry, it is the first time a photo of Lili's face has been shared publicly since 2022, when an official portrait was released for her birthday. Archie's face has not been shown in a photo since the Sussexes' Christmas card in 2021. Southport killer Axel Rudakubana questioned whether the public's view of the Taliban was unfair with social workers who then failed to tell police, an inquiry into the attack has heard. Rudakubana, now 19, murdered Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, Bebe King, six, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, in an attack on a Taylor Swift-themed dance class where several other children and adults were injured on July 29, 2024. At Liverpool Town Hall, support worker Louise Lewis and her supervisor Sharon Barrett from Lancashire County Council's Child and Family Wellbeing Service, shared details of a visit to the killer's home to the Southport Inquiry. Today, Ms Barrett said Rudakubana had discussed politics when they visit the family home in Bank, Lancashire on October 4 2021, however she did not consider his behaviour as 'extremist'. Describing Rudakubana as 'very sporadic' she told the inquiry the teen was discussing 'why different governments don't get punished for things when certain governments do.' He also questioned why 'certain governments affiliate with other countries', and why people 'have a really bad vision of the Taliban, when there are other governments, like the American government, who go into countries and can hurt people.' 'He was basically talking about lots of different policies and procedures around what the governments were doing within England,' she said. 'There were all sorts of things coming out but it was very, sort of, scattergun and sporadic in what he was saying.' Ms Barrett told the inquiry Rudakubana had discussed politics when they visit the family home in Bank, Lancashire on October 4 2021, however she did not consider his behaviour as 'extremist Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, were all murdered in the atrocity on July 29, 2024 She said he was not being 'extremist' but was asking questions. Nicholas Moss KC, counsel to the inquiry, asked: 'He was showing no criticism of the Taliban and comparing them to the situation of the US and saying it was unfair?' To which Ms Barrett said she believed it to be 'more questioning at that point.' Previously it was heard that the killer was referred to the Government's anti-terror programme Prevent on three occasions, but each case had closed. However following the discussion about the Taliban, Rudakubana was not referred to the programme by social workers. The inquest was shown an email sent by Ms Barrett to Ms Lewis on October 12, 2021, with an updated list of proscribed terror organisations alongside the comment: 'Think we need to look at this with Axel's parents.' Ms Barrett was queried if this had emerged following the home visit, however she maintained it was due to the killer's history. The supervisor was also questioned about an email she sent to a manager from the targeted youth service on October 14 2021. Rudakubana outside the Hart Space dance studio, in Southport, before he launched his attack which killed three young girls A knife identical to the one used in the attack carried out by Rudakubana at The Hart Space, in Southport, last July In the email, she said: 'There are some concerns about how extreme some of Axel's views are and the risk that this could pose so we may also need to refer to Prevent.' She told the inquiry that she was 'making sure' those working with Rudakubana were aware of how 'not extremist, but extreme' some of his views were and how that might be a risk factor in future work. Mr Moss questioned if this was information that should have been shared with counter-terrorism police, adding how it 'could have been a useful piece of the jigsaw.' Ms Barrett said: 'It could have,' while Mr Moss added: 'And as the supervisor it was your duty to ensure that it happened?' She replied: 'Yeah.' Ms Barrett also agreed during the visit to the home on October 4 2021, Rudakubana was dominating the narrative. Notes of the visit recorded that the teenager told support workers he was making 'his own money via the internet'. Ms Barrett said she believed he had been doing internet research for family trees to make money. But, she said his parents told her he was not unsupervised when he was using the internet. The inquiry continues. Putin today boasted that Russia has successfully tested his nuclear-capable underwater 'Poseidon' drone, defying Donald Trump's warning over nukes. The Russians have previously claimed the weapon could bring mass destruction to the West by sparking 'radioactive tsunamis'. The latest test comes after Putin oversaw a test of another nuclear-capable cruise missile, which he said had an 'unlimited range'. Donald Trump called that exercise not 'appropriate', and urged Putin to 'get the war ended... instead of testing missiles' - while warning of America's own nuclear capabilities. In televised remarks while visiting a military hospital for Russian soldiers today, Putin said: 'Yesterday, another test was conducted for another prospective system - the unmanned underwater device 'Poseidon,' also equipped with a nuclear power unit.' The Russian leader said there was 'no way to intercept' the drone torpedo, which, according to Putin, can travel at a speed higher than conventional submarines and reach any continent in the world. Putin said no country could match Poseidon's speed and diving depth, adding, 'it is unlikely that anything similar will appear in the near future.' The device can operate at a depth of more than one kilometre and travel at speeds of up to 70 knots while remaining undetectable, according to a source in the Russian military-industrial complex quoted by state news agency TASS. In 2023, strategic experts warned that the Poseidon torpedo would have the potential to devastate a coastal city, cause radioactive floods, and result in millions of deaths. Putin said no country could match Poseidon's speed and diving depth, adding, 'it is unlikely that anything similar will appear in the near future' In 2023, strategic experts warned that the Poseidon torpedo would have the potential to devastate a coastal city, cause radioactive floods, and result in millions of deaths The Belgorod submarine is designed to carry Moscow's super weapon - the nuclear-powered drones named Poseidon - which Russia claims are capable of causing nuclear tsunamis According to its mission statement, the Poseidon project was focused on 'damaging the important components of the adversary's economy in a coastal area and inflicting unacceptable damage to a country's territory by creating areas of wide radioactive contamination that would be unsuitable for military, economic, or other activity for long periods of time'. The weapon could be also unleashed from Russian submarines such as the Belgorod. In September 2024, Putin propagandists called for Britain to be sunk beneath a radioactive tsunami with its Poseidon 'superweapon'. Russian hardline MP Andrei Gurulev sneered 'swim, swim, swim' as he demanded the use of Moscow's unique Poseidon high-speed underwater atomic drone on Britain. Kremlin propaganda TV on Rossiya-1 channel demanded a 'critical threat' from Putin to stop Britain, the US and other Western countries giving permission to Ukraine to use long-range missiles for strikes on Russian territory. 'There is, of course, a more radical option,' said Lt-Gen Gurulev, a former tank commander and military strategist. 'The people of Britain are there, they also want to live a good and happy life at our expense, right? 'But if there is no Britain, there is no problem.' First tested in 2018, it is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead of up to two megatons, the source told TASS. After Sunday's cruise missile test, Trump urged Putin to focus instead on ending the war in Ukraine. Putin said on Sunday that Russia had successfully tested its 'unstoppable' nuclear-powered cruise missile, known as the 'Flying Chernobyl', with an 8,700-mile test flight. Moscow says the weapon can pierce any defence shield, and has 'unlimited range'. Asked on Air Force One about the test of the missile, dubbed the SSC-X-9 Skyfall by NATO, Trump said the United States did not need its nukes to fly so far as it had a nuclear submarine off the coast of Russia. Putin revealed a 'successful' secret flight on October 21 of the Burevestnik doomsday winged rocket, dubbed the 'Flying Chernobyl', which has an 'unlimited range' Donald Trump prepares to alight from Air Force One upon arrival in Tokyo today 'They know we have a nuclear submarine, the greatest in the world, right off their shores, so I mean, [our missile] doesn't have to go 8,000 miles,' Trump told reporters, according to an audio file posted by the White House. 'I don't think it's an appropriate thing for Putin to be saying, either, by the way: You ought to get the war ended, the war that should have taken one week is now in... its fourth year, that's what you ought to do instead of testing missiles.' In response to Trump on Monday, the Kremlin defiantly said that Russia would be guided by its own national interests. 'Despite all our openness to establishing a dialogue with the United States, Russia, first of all, and the president of Russia, is guided by our own national interests,' Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. 'That's how it was, that's how it is, and that's how it's going to be.' The US president last week scrapped a planned summit with Putin in Budapest over what he cast as the Russian leader's unwillingness to compromise to end the conflict. Trump has been trying to secure a deal since he returned to the White House in January, but talks have yielded no progress and he has shown increasing frustration with Putin, who has rejected multiple calls for a ceasefire. Washington last week slapped sanctions on Russia's two largest oil companies, complaining that his talks with Putin to end the Ukraine war 'don't go anywhere.' Putin first announced Russia had developed the Burevestnik and the Poseidon during a fiery anti-Western speech in 2018. The US government has been shut down for a month, and Republican insiders on Capitol Hill are betting the current impasse will become the longest in history. The funding debacle stems from Senate Democrats' opposition to a Republican-authored government funding bill that lacks provisions for Obamacare funding. Currently in its 29th day, the shutdown is poised to soon become the longest period in American history during which the federal government has not been fully operational. President Donald Trump set the current record during his first term for a shutdown that lasted 35 days, between December 2018 and January 2019. The dispute then was over billions in border wall funding, which Democrats objected to and never ultimately included in the funding package. If the government is not funded before next Wednesday, November 5, the ongoing funding gap will surpass that first term feat. 'My current bet on the office whiteboard is November 6,' one GOP aide told the Daily Mail. 'I know a lot of offices are having internal bets on how long it goes on.' Many of the nine Senate and House aides interviewed for this story made brash jokes about the shutdown. But hardly any officials offered to wager money, instead, as the impasse stalls their paychecks, they are wagering bragging rights. 'What else is there to do?,' quipped the GOP aide. Congressional staffers prepare a chart for display prior to a government shutdown press conference with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson in the Capitol. Online prediction markets like Kalshi, shown above, are giving even essentially 50-50 odds that the shutdown will end after 46 days around November 16 Johnson has repeatedly said for the last month that the impetus is on the Democrats to come to the negotiating table and re-open the government One image of a whiteboard in an congressional office reviewed by the Daily Mail showed half a dozen office staffer's names with different guesses as to how long the shutdown would pass - all of the guesses were wrong. 'Everyone has lost at this point,' the aide joked. However, they were equally as quick to recognize the personal impacts, like missing checks, needing to pull from savings and feeling insecure about the slow drip of outflowing cash that comes when maintaining a lease and typical expenditures without regular income. Less amusing, however, was a memo that went out to House staff on Wednesday, indicating their pay for the entire month of October will be delayed due to the ongoing shutdown. All but one congressional aides out of the nine interviewed agreed that the current shutdown will become the longest on record, bleeding into the end of next week. That aide believed a deal would be reached early next week after additional benefits expire, though she added: 'It's obviously a lot harder to get out of a shutdown rather than stumble into one.' Two suggested it could drag on as long as into the holidays. 'I pray to God this won't go down as the longest shutdown in history, but I really don't see an off ramp,' a senior Senate aide told the Daily Mail. 'Unless something really shakes the Democrats, I'd say this could go as far as Christmas.' Unsure about exactly when a deal could be cobbled together, most of the aides interviewed guessed that the disagreement would be resolved by mid-November. Still, there's pressure on lawmakers to act as soon as possible. A woman holds a sign reading 'Protect SNAP,' as food aid benefits will be suspended starting November 1 amid the ongoing US government shutdown, during 'A Rally for SNAP' on the steps of the Massachusetts Statehouse in Boston Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., expresses his frustration as he criticizes Republicans for their healthcare policies, at a news conference on day 29 of the government shutdown, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025 November 1 is a major funding deadline for SNAP, the US's largest food assistance program, and WIC, a resource plan for infants and mothers. If there's no agreement by then, and there's seemingly no deal in sight, then the programs will run out of money to provide for food and supplies for babies and their moms. The expiring programs are just one of the Political calculations, staffers say, ranging from the upcoming statewide elections in Virginia and New Jersey, to concerns over how to pay US troops. A senior Republican Senate aide suggested that Democrats might be delaying to heighten anxiety among furloughed federal workers in Northern Virginia, potentially boosting Abigail Spanberger's chances in next week's election. 'If they win New Jersey and Virginiapossibly severely gerrymandering the latter through the state legislatureit will be easier for Senate Democrats to declare a symbolic victory and re-open the government,' the aide said. So far, the Trump administration has repurposed $8 billion in research and development funds to pay the 1.3 million active-duty troops. That cash reserve could soon run out, though VP JD Vance reassured GOP senators during a lunch this week that the Trump administration thinks it can continue to pay the soldiers, 'at least for now.' Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson accused the Trump administration of 'zip-tying' black babies in the middle of the night in a bizarre rebuke of its ICE crackdown. Johnson, the Democrat leader of the sanctuary city, raged against the White House for its 'dangerous, racist and nasty' actions amid a step-up in deportations in Chicago. 'No one is going to convince me that what the Trump administration is doing against black people and brown people can ever be justified,' Johnson said. 'It is racist when you have black babies being thrown in the back of vans, zip-tied in the middle of the night, and masked men sticking guns in the faces of black and brown people. 'That is nasty, is vicious, is racist.' It is unclear which event Johnson was referring to when alleging ICE agents zip-tied black babies and threw them into vans. The Daily Mail has contacted his office for clarification. However, his remarks come as a lawsuit in Chicago accused the Trump administration of unlawfully arresting at least three US citizens in a raid at the end of September, reports the Chicago Sun Times. Last week, federal agents also sparked backlash after allegedly deploying tear-gas onto a street just moments before a local kids' Halloween parade. Amid the escalating ICE activity in his city, Johnson has become a frequent Trump critic, including accusing the president of wanting to ignite a 'Civil War' rematch earlier this month. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson accused the Trump administration of 'zip-tying' black babies in the middle of the night in a bizarre rebuke of its ICE crackdown Amid the escalating ICE activity in Chicago, pictured on October 23, 2025, Johnson has become a frequent Trump critic, including accusing the president of wanting to ignite a 'Civil War' rematch earlier this month. In his press conference, the mayor also invoked Martin Luther King as he continued: 'Dr. King described it as an evil, militarism in that formation is an evil.' 'Dehumanizing people is dangerous, because what it does is it opens up viciousness. 'If they're not seen as human beings, then whatever you do against them can be justified.' The Democratic mayor has repeatedly attacked the Trump administration and has vowed to oppose its deportation efforts, including ordering local officials to not co-operate with ICE earlier this year. In August, Johnson signed an executive order outlining guidelines for Chicago's agencies and police department 'in the midst of escalating threats from the federal government.' The executive order also said Chicago law enforcement will not, 'collaborate with federal agents on joint law enforcement patrols, arrest operations, or other law enforcement duties including civil immigration enforcement.' The mayor's executive order directs local officials to, 'pursue all available legal and legislative avenues to resist coordinated efforts from the federal government'. Johnson's remarks come amid mounting tensions and counter-protests in Chicago over the Trump administration's deportation crackdown A federal immigration enforcement agent seen tackling a woman in the Little Village neighborhood of Chicago on October 23, 2025 'We may see militarized immigration enforcement. We may also see National Guard troops. We may even see active duty military and armed vehicles in our streets,' Johnson said before signing the order. 'We have not called for this. Our people have not asked for this, but nevertheless, we find ourselves having to respond to this.' Johnson's executive order also 'urges' local law enforcement, 'to refrain from wearing masks, to wear and use body cameras and to identify themselves to members of the public with names and badge numbers.' Actors Jack Black and John Cusack were spotted at the rallies. Notable politicians, including Senator Bernie Sanders, Senator Raphael Warnock, Senator Chris Murphy, and Governor JB Pritzker, also addressed the crowds. Cusack told CNN at a rally in Chicago: 'No, you [Trump] 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.' Earlier this month, Johnson also captured headlines as he made a controversial speech during Chicago's 'No Kings' day rallies, where he accused Trump of wanting to re-ignite the Civil War Earlier this month, Johnson also captured headlines as he made a controversial speech during Chicago's 'No Kings' day rallies. Johnson told the crowd 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 address. 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.' A Democratic lawmaker currently under investigation for forgery and embezzlement previously pleaded with investigators to let her off easy due to her sick grandfather over misused campaign funds. Oklahoma State Representative Ajay Pittman, 32, is under investigation by the state Attorney General's Office after allegedly using campaign money to fund personal purchases including TVs, clothing and restaurant dining. Agents reviewing her bank records said they found 'suspicious' expenses for her campaign, including two TV's, a laptop, and dining and clothing expenses. That disclosure came in a search warrant affidavit filed earlier this week in connection with raids on her home and office in relation to their investigation. Investigators started probing Pittman in June after a Oklahoma Ethics Commission (OEC) highlighted the alleged wrongdoing, according to the search warrant. Counsel for the commission pointed to the spending as being consistent with unauthorized spending from her previous campaigns in 2020 and 2022. The OEC accused her of misspending funds across those campaigns, she reached a settlement of $35,000 with them last year after admitting to the misspending. In an email seen by the Daily Mail, she pleaded for a lenient settlement while citing the alleged ailing health of her grandfather from prostate cancer. State Rep. Ajay Pittman, 32, is under investigation by the state Attorney General's Office after allegedly using campaign funds to fund personal purchases 'Please take into strong consideration that I am also one of the primary caretakers for my grandfather', Pittman said to the commission last May. She agreed to reimburse her campaign accounts $17,858.22 last year with funds from her personal accounts and a civil penalty of $17,141. As well as the probe by the state Attorney General's office , the OEC are suing her for fraud and breach over contract over the latest allegations. The raids by agents acting on behalf of the Attorney General uncovered cell phones, iPads, flash drives and documents from various banks. It is alleged she falsely represented that a $2,500 deposit into her campaign's bank account earlier this year was a reimbursement payment from her. The OEC suit claims that the deposit was actually a campaign contribution made on behalf of the Osage Nation. She is also accused of forging a cashier's check, and having lied on a campaign report as part of the alleged deception. The criminal investigation is focusing on the cashier's check, according to the affidavit filed in court. In an email seen by the Daily Mail, she pleaded for a lenient settlement while citing the alleged ailing health of her grandfather from prostate cancer As part of the investigation, Pittman's home, seen here, was raided by agents who recovered a number of electronic devices Investigators say she altered the check and emailed it to the OEC in an attempt to deceive them. The affidavit says her address in Oklahoma City was placed under surveillance but it was discovered she actually lived with her mother. Her mother is former state Senator Anastasia Pittman who had previously ran as the Democratic nominee for Lt. Governor in 2018. Pittman has not been charged with any crimes but was temporarily suspended from duties pending the outcome of the ethics investigation. The Daily Mail has contacted her office for comment. Militant health union bosses have boasted that their huge strikes war chest has helped more than 6,000 doctors walkout, it emerged today. In a message to members, British Medical Association barons gloated that their industrial action fund was helping doctors afford to take many thousands of strike days. The rallying cry, which urged wealthier members to donate more towards the fund, added: It is making a real difference. Please help us fight on, now and into the future! In July, the Mail revealed how the BMA has amassed a 1million war chest which it has ringfenced to bully ministers into giving them another huge pay rise of 29 per cent. This is on top of 22 per cent awarded by Labour last year in a bid to end strikes. Further reserves worth tens of millions built up by the militant union could also be tapped into to wreak chaos throughout the winter. The latest revelation reveals the extent to which the BMA is helping draw out the conflict by subsidising strikes, with NHS bosses estimating that less than a third (26,000) of resident doctors took part in the last five-day walkout in July. It means the BMA is enabling as many as around a quarter or more to go on strike. Striking resident doctors have repeatedly caused NHS chaos, striking 49 days since 2023 Health Secretary Wes Streeting has insisted he won't be 'held to ransom' by the BMA, but talks with the BMA are said to have 'completely collapsed' Tory business spokesman Andrew Griffith blasted Labour, accusing ministers of allowing the BMA to 'run riot' It also suggests talks between the militant union and Health Secretary Wes Streeting have broken down, with BMA sources warning several more waves of strikes are on the cards. Conservative business spokesman Andrew Griffith blasted: Labour has bent over backwards for the unions every chance they have got, with no-strings-attached pay rises and the Employment Bill [which makes it easier to call strikes by lowering ballot turnout thresholds]. It is no surprise they are now running riot. They are out of control. Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith added: If were not careful, were heading towards all the lessons learned in the 1970s being reversed and the unions just being able to hold the country to ransom. Taxpayers and health service users deserve better. Another crippling five-day strike by resident doctors, formerly known as junior doctors, has been announced for 14-19 November in England. It will be the second since Labour won the election last year, despite the party promising to end them. The last five-day strike in July caused tens of thousands of appointments and procedures to be cancelled, worsening NHS waiting lists. Resident doctors have repeatedly been striking since 2023, over the number of jobs and training contracts available to them, their working conditions and their pay Resident doctors have repeatedly been striking since 2023, over the number of jobs and training contracts available to them, their working conditions and their pay Dr Emma Runswick, the BMA deputy chair of council, said the BMA strike fund has 'enabled mainly resident doctors, who otherwise simply could not have afforded to take strike action, the ability to do so' On Sunday, Mr Streeting vowed that he wont be held to ransom, warning the BMA they were putting jobs at risk. But the warning has apparently fallen on deaf ears. A union source said talks had completely broken down, accusing the Health Secretary of making vague promises around creating more annual training places for doctors. He is also said to have made clear that theres no money for pay rises this financial year during talks, all but completely dashing hopes of a breakthrough. The source added that resident doctors will be re-balloted in January, when the current strike mandate expires, raising the prospect of strikes dragging on until next summer. Dr Emma Runswick, the BMA deputy chair of council, said: The strike fund has enabled mainly resident doctors, who otherwise simply could not have afforded to take strike action, the ability to do so. They cannot afford to lose what is already for many, a low wage, even for a single day, due mostly to the high cost of living, and additional responsibilities such as childcare, high commuting costs and student loan repayments. The strike fund helps replace some of the lost wages. Most doctors claiming from the fund earn less than 19 per hour. She added that the government would only end the dispute by putting an offer on the table that restores the pay to where it needs to be, gives the much needed increase in jobs and helps bring down patient waiting lists. It is understood that strikers are given 60 a day under the BMAs strike fund. Since 2023, resident doctors have gone on strike for 49 days. They are striking over the number of jobs and training contracts available to them, their working conditions and their pay, as they lobby for a 29 per cent pay increase. The Health department was contacted for comment. Several Muslim teens at an elite high school have been suspended after staging an 'antisemitic' skit where a student wrapped a keffiyeh around a classmates head and pretended to kidnap him. Journalist Asra Nomani blasted the Muslim Student Association (MSA) at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria, Virginia on Sunday, accusing members of filming a video meant to 'protest Israel.' Nomani - who is Muslim - posted the now-deleted clip to X, where it quickly went viral. 'Bad taste or the outgrowth of a protest culture that's glorified Hamas?' she captioned the video. In the skit, a student asked two classmates if they were planning to attend the next days MSA meeting. The boys, using mocking voices, crossed their arms and refused, playfully asking what the meeting was and why theyd bother attending. Moments later, two boys jumped out from behind a curtain: one wrapped a keffiyeh over a classmates head, while the other picked up another student and placed him into a plastic bin. The two 'abducted' students were swiftly dragged behind the curtain, their faces covered, as two additional students stepped into the scene. Several Muslim teens at one of Virginias elite high schools were suspended after staging an 'antisemitic' skit where a student wrapped a keffiyeh around a classmates head and pretended to kidnap him (pictured) Journalist Asra Nomani (pictured) blasted the Muslim Student Association at two Virginia high schools on Sunday, accusing members of filming a video meant to 'protest Israel' Once again, the student with a mini microphone asked, 'Are you going to the MSA meeting?' This time, the students immediately answered, 'Yes, of course.' The two 'kidnappers' seemed satisfied with the response and nodded before walking away. As the video concluded, the cameraman moved to check on the students behind the curtain, showing them still, silent and still covered. Nomani posted a separate video from the same association at Langley High School in McLean, showing members putting a bag over a students head after he said he wouldnt attend the meeting. A second teen jumped into the frame, seizing the students legs while another grabbed his arms and shoved him into a car trunk before it quickly drove off. Just like in the other high school video, the student then asked two teenage girls if they were coming as the 'kidnappers' stood by, patiently waiting for their answer. 'It's almost chilling to see teenagers so lively acting out something that is so horrific,' Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington CEO Guila Franklin Siegel told Fox 5 News. The next day, Nomani revealed that the MSA students were reportedly suspended from Thomas Jefferson High School by Fairfax County Public School District. The now-deleted videos, reposted by Nomani on X, quickly went viral for seemingly turning the kidnappings of Israelis during the October 7 massacre into the main punchline (pictured: Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology) The two 'abducted' students were swiftly dragged behind the curtain with their faces covered for the remainder of the skit (pictured) In a post to X, the journalist reported that local parents accused the school leaders of promoting a 'culture of callousness and poor judgment,' claiming they are raising students to be 'so insensitive and callous.' 'On a personal note: I had a friend kidnapped by Muslim militants and many local residents say it's really unfortunate that adult mentors for these students think it's "hateful" to call out such bad judgment,' Nomani captioned the post. 'It could be argued that the moral inversion that has led these students to make such "silly" choices,' she added. In a statement to Fox, school district officials said: 'Acting out these types of violent acts is traumatizing for many of us to watch and, given world events, especially traumatizing to our Jewish students, staff, and community.' 'It is never appropriate to make light of such horrific acts, but it is especially callous and cruel to do so when Hamas continues to hold the bodies of deceased Israeli hostages more than two years after committing the worst mass murder of Jews since the Holocaust,' they added. 'The trauma that all families impacted by the Israel-Hamas war have experienced over the past two years remains fresh. Making light of violence during a time of war is beyond the pale.' The district also issued a warning that any students who break the schools code 'will be held accountable for their actions.' Following the news that several students were allegedly suspended, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the countrys largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy group, voiced strong outrage. Nomani posted a separate video from the same association at Langley High School in McLean, showing members putting a bag over a students head after he said he wouldnt attend the meeting (pictured) Nomani said that local parents accused the school leaders of promoting a 'culture of callousness and poor judgment,' claiming they are raising students to be 'so insensitive and callous' (pictured: Langley High School) CAIR claimed the video was just like those made by other school clubs - except for the students race and religion - and said the school was violating their First Amendment rights. 'The video mirrors a popular trend of students promoting their events on campuses across the country,' the group said in a letter to the school. 'It is apparent that any threat TJSHHT perceives from the video comes from racist tropes and stereotypes about Muslims and Arabs.' Nomani doubled down on critics, claiming the Muslim community 'is still more obsessed with face-saving than owning up to the fact that they have failed to mentor their children with positive values and sensitivity.' 'They also want to pretend I am the one "lady" who was disturbed by the videos,' she added. 'Denial and lack of insight continues to plague Muslim establishment leadership.' 'They also think they are modeling great behavior with their guttural hate. They've failed another generation with their lack of prefrontal cognition. Still stuck in the back of the brain.' In the video, a second teen jumped into the frame, seizing the students legs while another grabbed his arms and shoved him into a car trunk before it quickly drove off (pictured) Nomani, born to two Muslim parents, claimed the Muslim community 'is still more obsessed with face-saving than owning up to the fact that they have failed to mentor their children with positive values and sensitivity' Fairfax County Schools did not immediately respond to Daily Mail's request for comment. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology was frequently ranked as America's best, but it began slumping in the ratings after implementing a DEI-focused admissions policy. It held the top spot for years, but dipped to third place in 2023 and saw its ranking freefall in 2024. Worried parents have claimed that the dramatic drop is the result of an 'equity-focused admissions policy' that prioritizes equal outcomes rather than providing equal opportunity. The policy, designed to increase Black and Latino enrollment by scrapping standard tests for a review process, has drawn criticism for allegedly lowering academic standards and reducing the number of Asian-American students. A man and a woman have been arrested after a one-year-old girl died when she 'came into contact with chemicals' in a flat in east London. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that a 41-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and remain in police custody. Officers said the little girl was not known to the pair before the incident. Emergency services were called to a flat on Barking Road, Upton Park, in Newham, at around 1.20pm yesterday after two adults and two children reported 'a smell of chemicals'. All four were taken to hospital, where the infant tragically died while receiving treatment. The force said: 'The arrest follows the death of a one-year-old girl, who is believed to have come into contact with chemicals in a flat in Newham. The pair are not known to the victim. 'The London Fire Brigade called police to Barking Road, Upton Park, at around 1.20pm on Tuesday following reports of hazardous chemicals in a residential property. Two adults and another child, aged six, were treated at hospital. Their injuries were confirmed as not life-threatening or life-changing. 'The girl's next of kin are being supported by specialist officers. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident continues.' It is understood the incident is not believed to be related to terrorism. The fire brigade rushed to a flat on Barking Road, Upton Park, in Newham, at around 1.20pm on Tuesday after two adults and two children complained about 'a smell of chemicals' (Pictured: A general view of the street) Firefighters, who evacuated around 12 people from the surrounding properties, were drafted in from Poplar, Millwall, and Euston. The flat was then ventilated and underwent a sweep 'to detect any hazardous materials present'. Analysis at the scene lasted for around three hours and emergency crews departed shortly after 4.20pm. The cause of the incident is not yet clear, but it is now subject to investigation by the Metropolitan Police and London Fire Brigade. Those evacuated from their homes are being supported by Newham Council, who said its thoughts are 'with the family of the young child who has so tragically lost their life in this terrible incident'. A council spokesperson added: 'Details about the exact nature of the incident are not yet clear and the Metropolitan Police will remain on the scene as the investigation progresses. 'As a council we have taken speedy measures to ensure those residents who were evacuated are being cared for in a warm, safe environment.' A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said it was called to the street by the fire service following reports of the 'chemicals'. The fire service said: 'Crews were mobilised to a property on Barking Road, Upton Park, after two adults and two children attended hospital complaining about a smell of chemicals in a flat. 'Sadly, one of the children later died in hospital whilst receiving treatment. 'Around 12 people were evacuated from surrounding properties as a precaution whilst crews responded. 'Specially trained firefighters carried out a systematic sweep of the affected property, working to detect any hazardous materials present and ventilate the scene. 'The first call reporting the incident was received at 1318, and firefighters from Poplar, Millwall, Euston and surrounding fire stations attended the scene. The incident was over for crews by 1623. 'The incident is under investigation by the Metropolitan Police Service, supported by the Brigade.' Spain's former king has claimed that Princess Diana was 'cold' and 'distant, except in the presence of paparazzi' in a shocking new memoir. Juan Carlos, the disgraced former monarch who is alleged to have had innumerable extramarital affairs, also denied ever having an affair with her in 'Reconciliation', a book set to be published next week. Carlos claimed Diana was 'cold, taciturn, distant, except in the presence of the paparazzi'. Speculation over Diana's relationship with Carlos has simmered since the 1980s, after she, Prince Charles, William, and Harry stayed at the Marivent Palace, the Spanish royal familys summer home in Palma de Mallorca, on four separate occasions. But Diana was said to have been repulsed by the former king. Andrew Morton, her biographer, said she described him as a 'very libidinous man'. According to Morton's book, Ladies of Spain, she told her friends following a visit to Mallorca: 'I felt uncomfortable being left alone with him in a room, although I can assure you that nothing happened.' Carlos is said to have been such a womaniser that Spain's secret service was forced to inject him with female hormones to reduce his sex drive, as it was a 'problem for the state'. Jose Manuel Villarejo, a former police commissioner, made the allegation during a parliamentary hearing in 2024. Princes Diana (pictured, left) curtseys to King Juan Carlos of Spain, who kisses her hand, as she and Prince Charles (left) leave Toledo after an official visit to Spain, April 25 1987 Former King Juan Carlos I of Spain (L) and his wife former Queen Sofia leave after attending the traditional Easter Sunday Mass of Resurrection in Palma de Mallorca on April 1, 2018 He claimed the country's National Intelligence Centre injected Carlos with 'female hormones and testosterone inhibitors to lower his libido because it was understood that it was a problem for the state that he was such an ardently passionate person'. His alleged relationship with businesswoman and socialite Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein is one of the many reasons he abdicated the throne in 2014. Diana herself is alleged to have had several affairs throughout her life. According to a friend of hers who spoke to Sally Bedell Smith, author of 'Diana in Search of Herself: Portrait of a Troubled Princess': 'She used to collect men in the old-fashioned romantic way. 'She would give you a look with lowered eyes... You knew deep down it was a game she played, and a very clever one in a way, not cynical, but by doing this, she won everybody over.' Her first alleged affair is said to have taken place in 1985, when she fell for her bodyguard Barry Mannakee. Tina Brown, who authored 'The Diana Chronicles', said: 'For a woman in a golden cage, bodyguards are an obvious candidate for romantic fixation. 'A bodyguard may be the only real man a princess meets. His strong shoulders clear the path ahead in the crowd. Juan Carlos settles into the Eduardo Anitua Clinic in Vitoria, Spain on October 29 2025 Spain's former king Juan Carlos has claimed that Princess Diana was 'cold' and 'distant, except in the presence of paparazzi' Princess Diana was said to have been repulsed by the former king 'His firm hand on her elbow guides his principal to the refuge of a waiting car.' Diana herself reportedly said in a taped conversation, seemingly about Mannakee: 'I was only happy when he was around. 'I was like a little girl in front of him the whole time, desperate for praise. Desperate'. A controversial group which campaigns for the rights of convicted rapists has been given a platform to lecture at a Scots university. Justice for Innocent Men Scotland (JIMS) was invited to talk to students at Abertay University on Tuesday about how feminist lobbying was corrupting the justice system. Rape Crisis Scotland chief executive Sandy Brindley has branded the decision inappropriate and deeply disturbing. She said: It is inappropriate and deeply disturbing that a group like this was invited to speak to students. We are hearing from an increasing number of women who are feeling harassed and intimidated for holding their rapists to account. They tell us that they feel unsafe and constantly on edge. That is completely unacceptable. Abertay University hosted the controversial JIMS group Marzenka Paszkowska, director at JIMS, speaking to students at Abertay JIMS, which has previously been accused of trolling survivors of sexual abuse and rape online and at protests, claims evidence is being ignored by parts of the Criminal Procedure Act which is supposed to protect victims from intrusive questioning. They also claim the Moorov Doctrine which allows one witnesss evidence to corroborate the evidence of another person and shows a pattern of behaviour by an accused has moved the justice system away from evidence and toward ideology. JIMS director Marzenka Paszkowska from Dunfermline was photographed speaking to fourth year students at Abertay Universitys Business, Law, and Social Science Department on Tuesday after being invited by Stuart Waiton, a criminology lecturer at the institution. Ms Paszkowska claims her partner John Sturgeon is innocent despite being found guilty of 10 charges including rape and domestic violence at the High Court in Glasgow last year and sentenced to eight years in prison. Sandy Brindley, head of Rape Crisis Scotland, said the lecture was deeply disturbing She regularly posts on social media about so-called false accusers with one recent video stating: I know there are false accusers out there worrying they will be exposed. I want to tell you that yes, you will be exposed sooner or later. Im not going anywhere. Ms Paszkowskas lecture covered JIMS concerns about the justice system, the feminist lobbying that now shapes policing and prosecution culture and the human toll which leaves innocent men in prison, families broken, communities destroyed, according to the groups social media. Ms Brindley added: Rape is one of the most under-reported crimes and continues to have the lowest conviction rate of any crime type in Scotland. Survivors who decide to report what has happened to them not only have to deal with the trauma of being raped, but the devastating reality of the criminal justice system. They go into the process, which often takes years, knowing that that the chances of justice are slim less than a quarter of rape trials with a single complainer ends with a conviction. A spokesman for Abertay University said: 'This speaker session was not approved by the senior management team and the groups views do not reflect those of Abertay University. 'The University is fully committed to safeguarding our staff and students and supporting anyone affected by gender-based violence, backed by our engagement in local and national initiatives such as the Equally Safe in Higher Education toolkit and 16 Days of Action on GBV, in addition to our online reporting site where anonymous disclosures can be made. 'It is essential that that anyone who has experienced rape or sexual abuse is able to speak out without fear of harassment and we do not condone any actions which may prevent that. 'The speaker session was linked to a criminology module where students were required to critically explore criminal justice systems. We believe it is vital that our students are given opportunities to engage with challenging or controversial views and that we have a responsibility to equip them with the academic and critical thinking skillsets required to confront difficult issues in order to drive positive social change. 'We recognise that this matter has caused concern and we will be reviewing our speaker approval processes going forward.' A JIMS spokesperson said: Our talk focused entirely on fair trials, misuse of evidential law, and the human cost of wrongful convictions. The session was respectful, balanced, and very well received by the students, with strong engagement and generous applause at the end. In the continuing fall-out from Jeffrey Epstein's abuse victim Virginia Giuffre's posthumous memoir the question remains of who is the 'sadistic' former Prime Minister that she said raped and beat her? Since Ms Giuffre's harrowing tell-all book, Nobody's Child, was published ten days ago, much of the heat has been on Prince Andrew over his friendship with billionaire paedophile Epstein, and Ms Giuffre's claims that Andrew had sex with her three times when she was a sex trafficking victim, which he denies. But Piers Morgan has now raised the scandal of the 'well-known Prime Minister' mentioned in the book whose alleged ill-treatment of teenager Ms Giuffre went far beyond any of the other men she wrote about. And Ms Giuffre's ghostwriter Amy Wallace told Morgan that Virginia omitted the man's name from the book because she genuinely believed he would kill her if she named him. Interviewing Ms Wallace on his YouTube show, Piers Morgan Uncensored, the broadcaster asked her: 'She says in the book that one of the men who raped her was the former high-profile prime minister of a country, that's an astonishing allegation. Are you in a position to say any more?' 'Well, people who read the book will see that the man was a sadist, not just a rapist,' said Ms Wallace. 'If you're asking me if I can name that person, the answer is no, and I will explain to you why. 'As I've said, every victim of sexual assault weighs cost/benefit, I want to hold them to account. What's it going to cost me? My privacy? 'Obviously, in Virginia's case, physical safety and threats. And she received them - so that gentleman, she was afraid would kill her.' Since Virginia Giuffre's (pictured, right) harrowing tell-all book, Nobody's Child, was published ten days ago, much of the heat has been on Prince Andrew (pictured, left) over his friendship with billionaire paedophile Epstein The passage in the book where Virginia who committed suicide in April discusses the politician's attack more than 20 years ago are graphic. She recalled: 'Just when I thought things couldn't get worse for me, they did: Epstein trafficked me to a man who raped me more savagely than anyone had before. 'We were on Epstein's island when I was ordered to take this man to a cabana. Immediately it was clear that this man, whom I've taken pains to describe in legal filings only as a former prime minister, wasn't interested in caresses. 'He wanted violence. He repeatedly choked me until I lost consciousness and took pleasure in seeing me in fear for my life. 'Horrifically, this man laughed when he hurt me and got more aroused when I begged him to stop. 'Afterward, I tearfully begged Epstein not to send me back to him. 'I got down on my knees and pleaded with him. I don't know if Epstein feared the man or if he owed him a favor, but he wouldn't make any promises, saying coldly of the politician's brutality, "You'll get that sometimes".' Around two months later, Epstein sent her again to the same man, this time to perform a sexual act with him on the billionaire's private jet. Virginia Roberts Giuffre speaks during a news conference outside a Manhattan court in New York, Aug. 27, 2019 Although he was not violent on that occasion, she recalled being terrified. 'The blood rushed to my head, and I could barely breathe. "Will he kill me this time?" I wondered, and for a dizzy moment, I thought I might faint. 'The pilot discreetly closed the door to the cockpit, and we took off. For the next hour, I was on high alert, braced for a fatal blow.' Ghostwriter Ms Wallace told Morgan that the threat from the former minister is just as real as it was before Virginia's death. 'And in the week since the book has come out, I've had people get in touch with me and say, "We know who that guy is, and he would kill her. He has the ability to do so".' Ms Wallace said that other men had made threats against Virginia, telling her: 'Take our names out of your mouth, or else', vowing to tie her up in court 'for the rest of your life', if she did not. Ms Wallace added: 'In the end, she's a mother. She needs to protect her family. They had threats and frankly, those children are still alive. 'Virginia, sadly, is not. She should be sitting here where I'm sitting, she should be talking to you, but her family is still alive, and some of these folks are scary. 'So Virginia made decisions, and my stance as her ghostwriter, her collaborator, is to give her something that I wish she had received more of during her lifetime, when she was with us, which is respect, she made decisions that I respect and I'm not going to breach them.' A customer picks the memoir book of Virginia Giuffre, 'Nobody's Girl' at a book store in London, Tuesday, October 21, 2025 six months after Giuffre died by suicide She called on the FBI to take action against the former prime minister and other abusers, saying: 'Frankly, law enforcement needs to do its job. 'She and other brave survivors of this sex trafficking ring went to the FBI repeatedly, talked to Department of Justice officials repeatedly. Their names are in the Epstein files, and nothing has been done about it.' The call was echoed by Virginia's lawyer, Sigrid McCawley, appearing on Jake Tapper's The Lead on CNN last week, where she was asked if the police had been given the politician's name. Ms McCawley replied: 'Absolutely. Virginia cooperated with law enforcement from the very beginning, as did many of the survivors. I mean, she really wanted them to hold the individuals who harmed her accountable. 'And you heard the horrific abuse described in her book, and that was just, you know, the book doesn't outline everything that she went through, so certainly, there were many more of those instances, and she shared that information with law enforcement. 'I attended interviews with her, she was in full disclosure with everything that had happened to her, and we were always hopeful that law enforcement would continue to move forward after they convicted [Epstein's recruiter and girlfriend] Ghislaine Maxwell. We were hopeful that other individuals who participate in these crimes would be held accountable.' Tapper asked: 'One would think that if a prime minister, by definition, somebody from another country came to the United States and raped an American girl or American woman, that that would be in law enforcement's interest, in the interest of justice, to investigate, to interview that person, perhaps even to prosecute. 'Do you know of any actions taken by the Justice Department investigators under any presidency to do that, to talk to this prime minister?' Ms McCawley replied that she was not. A troubled 20 year-old beat his mother to death with a hammer then ran into the woods near her spacious Connecticut home and screamed 'Mama,' a court heard. Sebastian Van Stockum, 20, was arrested Friday night after police say he confessed to killing his mother Laura Williams with his fists and a hammer. The 55-year-old single mother worked as an antique dealer and lived with her son at their $1.9million home in the upmarket town of New Canaan before her brutal death. She was remembered by her brother, David Williams, as a 'driven' and 'talented' self-made woman, whose death has left her family shocked. 'This was an especially violent murder. The victim was found bludgeoned to death with extreme trauma to their skull,' Norwalk Judicial District State's Attorney Paul Ferencek told the court Monday. Two New Canaan police officers arrived to a grim scene at around 10.36pm Friday after receiving a report of a man's voice yelling 'Mama' from the woods. While on their way to the scene, a man called 911 from a home in the area 'stating that he killed his mother' and 'did not want to live', according to the arrest log. They found the victim suffering from blunt-force trauma to the left side of her head and a cracked skull, with a hammer covered in blood found in the grass by her head, according to a police report. An old picture of Laura Williams shows her with her son Sebastian when he was a young boy Sebastian Van Stockum, 20, appeared in a white Tyvek jumpsuit in court on Monday Efforts to save her life and administer CPR were unsuccessful, and Williams was pronounced dead at the scene due to her extensive injuries. A second large pool of blood was then seen in the driveway of the property a few feet from where the victim's body, according to the report seen by WFSB. Both of the responding officers then went up to the front porch of the home. Van Stockum opened the door wearing a t-shirt and pajamas drenched in blood. He was not carrying a weapon and police handcuffed him, according to the report. When one of the officers asked if he was involved in the killing, the 20-year-old reportedly responded: 'What does it look like?' He then told the officers, 'I did it' and 'I took my mom's life,' according to the report. He is then said to have mumbled in a 'low, indistinguishable voice' that he had 'tried using a knife, I tried using a hammer and I used my fists.' A mugshot of the 20-year-old showed his face covered in blood and scratches. The injuries were less apparent during his appearance in a white Tyvek jumpsuit in court on Monday. He was charged with murder is being held on a $2 million bond, with his next scheduled court appearance on November 3. Williams worked as an antique dealer and lived with her son at their $1.9million home in the upmarket town of New Canaan. She was found dead in a wooded area near the home A profile on the roommate website Roomie under Van Stockum's name was set up in the days before his mom's death His uncle told the Stamford Advocate news outlet that the young man grew up in New York City and then northern New Jersey before moving to New Canaan. He graduated from New Canaan High School in 2023, where schoolmates reportedly said he was 'socially awkward.' Van Stockum had previously lived with his maternal grandmother for about a year in his mom's home state of Virginia, his uncle said, 'but it didn't work out.' A profile on the roommate website Roomie under Van Stockum's name was set up in the days before his mom's death. It says he is looking to move 'now' and wanted to find accommodation in the Stamford, Fairfield County area - near where he lived with his mom. Van Stockum's father, named locally as restaurateur Dirk Van Stockum, was present in the courtroom Monday. Williams lived with her son and worked out of her four-bedroom home as a high-end antiques dealer, according to her brother A mugshot of the 20-year-old showed his face covered in blood and scratches after his arrest In a statement, his attorney Philip Russell said: 'This was a terrible shock. Nobody anticipated this or foresaw this. 'At this point, there's an awful lot of loose ends. All I can say is it would be premature for anyone to rush to judgement. Obviously, this is a tragic situation.' Williams lived with her son and worked out of her four-bedroom home as a high-end antiques dealer, according to her brother David, who worked with her. Originally from Charlottesville, Virginia, she graduated from Georgetown University in Washington, DC with a bachelor's degree in foreign relations in 1993, her brother told the Stamford Advocate. He described her as a talented writer and artist who worked in a number of fields during her life, including as an editor for a movie production company in Los Angeles. She then moved to New York City, where she met Sebastian's father. The pair never married, according to Williams. She later married Kevin Gahwyler, but the couple divorced some six years ago and had no children. Her ex-husband is also said to have described Williams as 'driven' and 'talented.' This is the moment a 'wicked' Channel migrant walked out of a bank after randomly stabbing a customer to death inside after his asylum claim was rejected - having previously warned he would 'kill 500' people. Somalian national Haybe Cabdiraxmaan Nur, 47, plunged a knife into the chest of father-of-three Gurvinder Singh Johal, 37, at a Lloyds Bank in Derby, before 'calmly' walking out of the branch. He pleaded guilty to his murder in August. Mr Johal, known to friends as Danny, lived in West Bromwich with his wife and children aged five, three, and one, but owned several businesses, including the Hen and Chickens Bar and Grill restaurant in Shelton Lock. Judge Shaun Smith KC described the murder as 'brutal and callous' as he jailed Nur for life with a minimum of 25 years, adding that Mr Johal was 'doing nothing more than withdrawing money from the bank to pay his staff'. During the trial, it was heard that Nur was not only known across four European countries - the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Italy and Germany for various offences, but in December 2024 he had also been arrested in the UK for public order offences. In the incident which transpired almost a year ago, he was heard shouting 'f*** the English' and 'white racist b*******' while trying to run into traffic. He was also said to have headbutted a construction worker, but no charges were brought against him. In May 2023, Nur had also previously been handed a one-year suspended sentence for robbery, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and resisting a public official. And just hours before he killed restaurant owner Johal, he had called a charity called Migrant Help, after drinking vodka and beer where he was heard 'wailing' about how authorities had treated him. This is the moment 'wicked' Channel migrant walked out of a bank after randomly stabbing a customer to death inside because his asylum claim was rejected Haybe Cabdiraxmaan Nur, 47, today pleaded guilty to the murder of father-of-three Gurvinder Singh Johal Gurvinder Singh Johal, 37, was stabbed to death at a Lloyds Bank branch in Derby During this phone call, the court heard how the killer told the charity 'he was going to go to 500 people and he was going to kill them and, after that, he was going to kill himself'. 'The defendant said he was doing that because he was not getting any of his rights in the UK - he had not got his right to remain, he was not permitted to work despite his skills, he was forced to lose his ability and skills because he was being kept in an open-door prison,' Louis Mably KC, prosecuting told the court. He added: 'He said he was going to get a knife, stab as many people as he can see in front of him and the police can come and do whatever they want to do with him but he was going to do it.' In a second call to the charity, around an hour before the attack, he said 'he would be going after the people who said they were doctors, or the police, or people working at the Home Office'. The defendant 'he did not care that Allah may punish him for (killing himself), because he was in a worse hell now' and the UK authorities had made him live 'like an animal'. 'The defendant said he would go live on social media and talk about how rubbish the UK is before butchering himself as a livestream,' the prosecutor said. The charity alerted East Midlands Ambulance Service, who contacted Derbyshire Police, but he was not stopped in time. The police watchdog confirmed it conducted an investigation into Derbyshire Polices handling of the report from the migrant charity, but said it would not be able to release its findings until the conclusion of the inquest into Mr Johals death. Nur had arrived in the UK by small boat on October 22, 2024, but was told four days later he did not have reasonable grounds for applying for asylum because he was not a victim of human trafficking,' the court heard His asylum application was formally refused in January and, by March, he had been served with a notice of immigration bail requiring him not to work. Chilling CCTV played to Nur's sentencing hearing at Derby Crown Court today showed the failed asylum seeker walking into the branch on St Peter's Street on May 6 for just 22 seconds. Without hesitation, he is seen walking up to Mr Johal, stabbing him in the chest and walking straight out. The knife was 'left protruding' from Mr Johal's chest and he was pronounced dead less than an hour later. Several relatives of Mr Johal, who were watching the CCTV in court, became so distressed that they had to leave the hearing. Haybe Cabdiraxmaan Nur, 47, was sitting on a bench in Derby when father-of-three Gurvinder Singh Johal, 37, walked past him on his way to a branch of Lloyds Bank Mr Johal was waiting at the back of the queue at the bank to withdraw cash to pay his employees Nur walked inside with a knife, plunged it into Mr Johal's chest, and 'calmly' walked out 22 seconds later In Italy, he was given a one-year suspended sentence in May 2023 for robbery, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and resisting a public official. He was later arrested for various petty offences in the other European countries, including shoplifting, but was never convicted. The prosecutor said that, at the time of the killing, the defendant was living in a Home Office flat in Derby, which was managed by Serco. On the morning of the attack, Nur's friend Mohamed Abdirohman described seeing him drinking vodka and beer, 'like he was having a party by himself', the court heard. Nur left his home address at around 2.07pm and was seen on CCTV sitting on a bench on the corner of St Peter's Street with half a bottle of vodka between his legs. At 2.32pm, Nur walked into the bank branch. The prosecutor said: 'At that time, Gurvinder Johal was last in a queue of persons waiting to speak to the cashiers. 'The defendant approached Mr Johal, produced a knife, and stabbed Mr Johal in the chest forcefully. Mr Johal appeared confused and collapsed to the floor.' Mr Johal, who had been on Facetime to a friend at the time, landed on his front, which caused the handle of the knife to break off and the blade to be pushed further into his chest. Mr Mably added: 'The defendant left the knife protruding from Mr Johal's chest and calmly left the bank.' Nur returned to his flat at 2.52pm, where he was then attended to just four minutes later by the paramedics who had been called by the migrant charity to his address - unaware of the crime he had just committed. Nur was arrested several hours later at his Home Office provided flat, where officers found him asleep on the floor At the time of the attack, the defendant was living in a Home Office flat in Derby which was managed by Serco The defendant was discharged at the scene at 3.51pm and remained there until the police arrived at his address at 5.58pm to arrest him, finding him asleep under a duvet on the floor. When he was being driven to the police station, Nur was recorded on an officer's bodycam saying: 'What can you take from me? I did this intentionally.' He then began to abuse officers once back at the police station, telling one constable: 'Your wife, tomorrow, you are dead.' Nur was again recorded on bodycam describing the officers as animals who will cut him to pieces before making a reference to Osama bin Laden. Mr Mably described the account that the defendant had given to border officials when he first arrived in the UK. 'In summary he stated that his wife was killed by close family members because she was from a different tribe in 2016,' he said. 'He had left Somalia in 2016 and travelled to Libya where he was treated like an animal and kept against his will. 'After four months, a friend had sent him $1,800 to board a boat to Europe. 'He had stayed in a camp, spent time in France and Italy where he stayed in camps and sold cigarettes illegally. He had paid 400 to travel to the UK which he arranged for himself.' Nur was said not to remember committing the offence because he was so drunk at the time, having drunk three bottles of vodka. Earlier in the hearing, a heartbreaking statement had been read to the court on behalf of the family of Mr Johal. It said: 'We stand before you today broken and grieving to speak of the unbearable pain and emptiness that has consumed our lives since Gurvinder Singh Johal - our son, our Danny - was so brutally taken from us. 'To the world he may have been many things: a devoted husband, a loving father, a cherished brother, and a loyal friend. But to us, and to God, he was simply a good man. Our Gurvinder. Our light.' The statement described the anguish they had suffered trying to explain to Mr Johal's children that their father was not coming home. 'The deepest wound of all is the impact on Gurvinder's children - their innocence has been stolen,' it said. 'Once carefree and joyful, they are now withdrawn, fearful, and confused. They ask, 'When is Daddy coming back?', they say, 'A monster took Daddy away'. 'We are left with the impossible task of explaining that he is never coming back. How do you tell a child that their father has been taken from them forever?' James Horne KC, defending, said Nur was 'in a state of flux and crisis' at the time and struggling to cope with his alcohol dependency as well as the sense of injustice he felt about Britain's asylum system. A psychiatrist who assessed Nur was said to have concluded: 'He resorted to the violent act as a terrible expression of his anger and hopelessness.' A spokesman for the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said: Following a conduct referral from the force we independently investigated phone contact Derbyshire Constabulary received in relation to Haybe Cabdiraxmaan Nur shortly before Mr Johals death. The investigation was completed earlier this month when we shared our findings with Derbyshire Constabulary and Mr Johals family. To avoid any potential for prejudice, we will publish our findings at the conclusion of all related proceedings, including the inquest. A progressive Democratic candidate may be headed to the slammer before she even gets a chance at going to Congress. Kat Abughazaleh, a former Media Matters journalist running to represent Illinois 9th District in the House of Representatives, was charged by the Department of Justice for allegedly assaulting an ICE officer. She is charged with two counts of conspiracy to impede or injure an ICE officer, along with assaulting or impeding that officer while he was on duty. The indictment, which was filed on October 23, accuses Abughazaleh, as well as five others, of attacking an ICE agents vehicle by banging aggressive on the cars side, back windows, and hood. Abughazaleh is accused of hindering and impeding the vehicle's movement and etching the word PIG on the ICE officers car. If found guilty, she could face prison sentences of up to six years on the conspiracy charge and 8 years for assaulting the ICE agent. Footage, previously reported by the Daily Mail, shows Abughazaleh, 26, gathering with protesters outside Broadview ICE detention center in Chicago. An agent, at one point, confronts Abughazaleh for blocking the driveway of the facility and drags her back before tossing to the pavement. Democratic House candidate Kat Abughazaleh has been indicted by Trump's Justice Department after protesting ICE officials in Chicago If convicted, Abughazaleh could face nearly a decade behind bars for assaulting an ICE officer Footage on September 19th, shows an ICE officer throwing Abughazaleh to the ground for blocking the driveway outside Broadview ICE detention center in Chicago More footage from September 26 features Abughazaleh bracing her body against an ICE vehicle along dozens of more protesters. The Palestinian liberal responded to the indictment on social media by accusing the Trump administration of political persecution. This is a political prosecution and a gross attempt to silence dissent, a right protected under the First Amendment, Abughazaleh told her followers on X. This case is a major push by the Trump administration to criminalize protest and punish anyone who speaks out against them. Abughazaleh announced her candidacy to replace outgoing Democratic Rep. Jan Schakowsky. The Democratic primary election will be held on March 17, 2026, followed by the general election on Nov. 3, 2026. Im not backing down, and were going to win, Abughazaleh added. As the Trump administration has scaled up its efforts to enforce the presidents mass deportation agenda in the Chicago area, activist groups have responded by camping outside ICE detainment areas with hundreds of protesters. GOP politicians and influencers online have demanded federal authorities crackdown on protesters they claim are interfering with immigration enforcement. Abughazaleh, 26, is a former journalist for Media Matters and Mother Jones Abughazaleh is an outspoken progressive candidate running to replace a retiring Democratic lawmaker More footage from September 26 features Abughazaleh bracing her body against an ICE vehicle along dozens of more protesters Conservative X users celebrated her indictment on Wednesday by calling for her to be thrown in prison. LOCK HER UP AND THROW AWAY THE KEY! wrote Matt Gaetz producer Vish Burra. Meanwhile, conservative legal expert Will Chamberlain praised the DOJ attorney responsible for charging Abughazaleh. Cheers to US Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois Andrew Boutros, who brought this righteous prosecution, sending a clear message that brazen lawbreaking like Ms. Abughazaleh's will not be tolerated and that ICE officers will be protected. With the government shutdown now in its fourth week, the effects of agency closures are set to become staggeringly real for 42 million Americans dependent on government assistance for food. Funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP is set to expire on Saturday, November 1. The program disburses funds on a monthly basis onto a debit card which recipients can use to buy grocery items. The average monthly SNAP benefit is $187 per person, but without a vote to end the government shutdown that stipend won't be dispensed. Another government assistance program that could be impacted as early as next week is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). WIC is a specialized food assistance program geared at pregnant women, new mothers, and young children. The Trump administration has already rerouted $300 million in proceeds from tariff revenue to provide additional funding to keep the program afloat after previously allocated funds were scheduled to run out earlier in October. Amid the political dysfunction in Washington DC that may lead to the longest government shutdown in history, some governors, particularly in red states, have decided to step up and provide food benefits. Donald Trump, stands for applause after delivering remarks to Sailors and Marines in the hangar bay of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington moored pierside at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, October 28 Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., expresses his frustration as he criticizes Republicans for their healthcare policies, at a news conference on day 29 of the government shutdown, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday Governors of Virginia, Vermont, and Louisiana have 'pledged to backfill food aid for recipients even while the shutdown stalls the federal program, though state-level details havent been announced,' per the Associated Press. California Governor Gavin Newsom and New York Governor Kathy Hochul, both Democrats, have made moves to stock up food banks across their states. Hochul noted Monday that she planned to fast tracking $30 million in emergency food assistance, and Newsom is making $80 million available, as well as sending the National Guard to help run food banks, also some locations have rejected the troops' help. The Trump Administration has noted that states that choose to spend money on their food programs will not be reimbursed for their actions. While pain from the federal shutdown may soon be felt across the country in a widespread manner, it is also hitting in Washington, DC. Staffers in the US Senate have already missed a paycheck, and House staffers were notified Wednesday that they will also miss their next salary payments at the end of the month. A member of the National Guard packs food at a Los Angeles Regional Food Bank facility as nearly 42 million people are set to lose food aid due to the second-longest U.S. government shutdown in Los Angeles, California, U.S., October 29, 2025 A sign at a retailer reading We Accept SNAP The shutdown stems from a partisan dispute over health care subsidies for the Affordable Care Act marketplaces, which serve approximately 24 million Americans who don't have employer-based insurance or public coverage like Medicaid. Democrats fear that any budget agreement could be undone through rescissions, a rarely-used presidential power that Trump revived earlier this year to codify spending cuts recommended by the Department of Government Efficiency. The Senate has held repeated votes on a House-passed continuing resolution, with most Democrats voting against it and Republicans supporting it. But the Senate needs 60 votes to break the stalemate and has not been able to achieve that number. Meanwhile, the Republican-led House has remained in recess throughout the entire shutdown and has not held any votes, though Speaker Mike Johnson said the chamber was on 24-hour notice to return if needed. The president is currently overseas on a diplomatic trip to Asia, further complicating negotiations as the crisis meddles along at home. A Labour MP has attacked proposals for a taxi tax as the daftest idea I think Ive ever heard as a new poll found the public view it as a raid on working people. The Government has refused to rule out slapping VAT on private hire fares, sparking speculation the Chancellor will clobber cabbies at the Budget. But Karl Turner, the Kingston upon Hull East MP, blasted the idea as barmy and urged Rachel Reeves to rule it out. His comments came as polling for the Stop the Taxi Tax campaign found 59per cent of Brits think small businesses will be hit by it. Seven in 10 believe pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues would be negatively impacted if taxis became less affordable, the research found. Some 64per cent said it would be a tax on working people a group Labour promised to protect from tax hikes. Industry experts expect a taxi tax would raise 750million a year for the Treasury - but would add 2 to 3 to a typical 12 journey. At present, taxi operators outside London do not have to charge VAT on journeys because their drivers are self-employed - and they typically remain under the VAT threshold. Industry experts expect a taxi tax would raise 750million a year for the Treasury - but would add 2 to 3 to a typical 12 journey Labour MP Karl Turner said: This idea is the daftest idea I think Ive ever heard because its more damaging to the most vulnerable. At least with the Tories daft pasty tax it was arguable that it had public health advantages. This doesnt advantage anybody at all. If this is seriously being considered by the Treasury, they need to get a grip and think about the terrible impact it would have on the industry and the economy. Its the wrong thing to do and would show the government is completely out of touch. The Chancellor should end the speculation around this immediately and rule out the barmy Taxi Tax idea. A Stop the Taxi Tax campaign spokesman said: The Taxi Tax not only breaks the promise Labour made to the public not to raise VAT, but will completely backfire - hurting small businesses and therefore growth and jobs, which will only damage the economy and wipe out any short-term fiscal gain. The Chancellor should instead stick to her promise and support small businesses by confirming that she wont go ahead with the Taxi Tax. An HM Treasury spokesman said: We take this issue very seriously and recognise its complexity. We are reviewing feedback from our recent consultation and will publish our detailed response shortly. Strand Partners research team carried out the online survey of 2,000 people between October 8 and 9. Disgraced Hollywood producer David Pearce will be behind bars until 2171 after he raped and killed two models, a judge ruled on Wednesday. Hilda Marcela Cabrales-Arzola, 26, and her model friend Christy Giles, 24, from Alabama, were plied with fatal cocktail drugs by Pearce on November 13, 2021 at his Beverly Hills home after meeting at a warehouse party a few hours earlier. The girls were then callously dumped and left for dead outside different hospitals in Los Angeles by two masked men. Pearce, 42, was found guilty in February for killing the two women as well as a series of brutal sex abuses and rapes on seven Jane Does he targeted between 2007 and 2021 who later came forward to share their horrific experiences. On Wednesday, Judge Eleanor Hunter sentenced him to 146 years behind bars for the heinous crimes. The total included the maximum sentence of 25 years to life for each murder, plus additional sentences for the rape victims. 'Youre the worst kind of criminal, Mr Pearce,' Hunter told Pearce, adding that he thought he was a hotshot who had 'the whole LA vibe thing going on' with his 'duck lips' and 'slicked back hair.' 'Youre charming, youre smart, youre a manipulator, and youre extremely goal-driven. 'You fit the role Not once have I seen a genuine issuance of some sort of remorse. No sense of compassion for Hilda and Christie or anyone else,' Hunter added. Disgraced Hollywood producer David Pearce (pictured in 2018) will be behind bars until 2171 after he raped and killed two models, a judge ruled on Wednesday Hilda Marcela Cabrales-Arzola (right) 26, and her model friend Christy Giles (left), 24, from Alabama , were plied with fatal cocktail drugs by Pearce on November 13, 2021 before being dumped at separate hospitals Pearce is seen in orange prison clothing as he entered Los Angeles Superior Court in July 2022 Cabrales-Arzola, a Mexican native who's been remembered as a 'big dreamer', was revived by hospital staff but a lack of oxygen had left her brain dead. Her mother and sister rushed to her bedside from abroad where she remained in a coma for nearly two weeks. She died on November 24, just five days before her 27th birthday. Giles was already dead when she was dropped off at the hospital. During the trial, it was revealed that Pearce told a friend dead girls cant talk which prosecutors said indicated he wanted the girls to perish so they couldnt report him to police. He allegedly recruited his actor friend Brandt Osborn, 42, to help him dispose of the bodies. But the jury failed to reach a verdict on whether Osborn, who pleaded not guilty, should be convicted on two counts of being an accessory after the fact. The jury heard how the two men waited 11 hours before they dumped the women's lifeless bodies outside two different hospitals and fled. As doctors tried in vain to resuscitate the women, the two men ate a meal at El Pollo Loco. Cabrales-Arzola (left) died on November 24, just five days before her 27th birthday. Giles (right) was already dead when she was dropped off at the hospital He allegedly recruited his actor friend Brandt Osborn, 42, to help him dispose of the bodies Cabrales-Arzolas sister, Fernanda Cabrales-Arzola, 28, previously told the Daily Mail Pearce should have been behind bars 'years ago.' The Los Angeles Times reported that the LAPD presented rape allegations against Pearce at least three times between 2007 and 2020, each with twisted similarities to his murder case. 'The criminal justice system failed. First, the women who came forward, then those who followed, and ultimately, my sister and Christy,' she told the Daily Mail. 'They paid the highest possible price for a failure that never should have happened. Had the system acted when it should have, he never would have crossed paths with them.' She is, however, relieved that Pearce is finally behind bars for his role in her sister's gruesome death. We are relieved that its finally acknowledged what weve known for all these years that what happened was no accident,' Fernanda said. They were murdered and that weve known from day one. Were finally happy that that came true and the jury saw that as well and now Pearce will be in jail forever.' However, the family was shocked when the jury was hung on a verdict for Osborn. Cabrales-Arzolas sister, Fernanda Cabrales-Arzola, 28, previously told the Daily Mail Pearce should have been behind bars 'years ago' Giles' heartbroken family speaking at court after Pearce was found guilty The two women had passed out and were barely conscious but the NCIS actor - just like Pearce - failed to call 911 and waited hours to take them to hospital. For us its not justice at all because he could have helped her, Cabrales-Arzolas mother, Hilda Marcela Arzola-Plascencia, 51, told the Daily Mail of Osborn. Those two hours that he took, they were vital for my daughters life because when she arrived at the hospital they resuscitated her which means she was still fighting for life. Thats why we think its not justice. If he (Osborn) had done things in a different way it would have meant the difference between life and death. A British military instructor accused of spying for Russia has been arrested by Ukraine's security services. Kyiv prosecutors said the man, who has not yet been named, has been passing information to Russian intelligence. They said he had arrived in Ukraine in January 2024 and had 'conducted instructional sessions for military personnel in Mykolaiv', a city near the frontlines in the south of the country. As recently as May 2025, he allegedly sent the location of Ukrainian units, photographs of training area and information about military personnel to Russian intelligence. He is also accused of trying to gain access to military units and even discussing the 'possibility of using explosive devices'. Prosecutors said he received 5,148 for one of these tasks. The man, who prosecutors said worked for Ukrainian border units, is also accused of 'preparing to commit terrorist attacks' by Ukraine's security service, the SBU. The SBU said he had 'professional skills in fire and tactical training' and showed he was willing to spy on 'various pro-Kremlin internet groups'. The security service said Russian spies sent the British man instructions on how to make improvised explosive, as well as the location of a cache of weapons from which he had stolen a pistol and two loaded magazines. A British military instructor (pictured) accused of spying for Russia has been arrested by Ukraine's security services Kyiv prosecutors said the man, who has not yet been named, has been passing information to Russian intelligence He is being held without bail amid an investigation, following his arrest at his 'temporary' Kyiv residence. The Briton appeared in court this week. He faces up to 12 years in prison for his alleged crimes. Russia's intelligence apparatus has been in overdrive since the invasion of Ukraine, both the eastern European nation and across the world. Earlier this week, footage capturing the moment a ringleader recruited online by Russian spies to carry out a terrifying campaign of arson and kidnap was hauled to the ground by armed police was released. Dylan Earl, 21, from Elmesthorpe, Leicestershire, was one of six British men found guilty of betraying their country for 'easy money' after acting on the plans of Wagner mercenaries. Judge Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb jailed the group for a total of more than 65 years at the Old Bailey - with ringleader Earl receiving a 17-year prison term. Bodycam footage released by Metropolitan Police shows the precise moment Earl was arrested for his role in recruiting and helping plan the acts of terrorism in return for payment in cryptocurrency. Earl, who was described in mitigation as 'easy meat for the very sophisticated operatives of the Wagner Group', was lifting bags of sand into his white work van when armed police descended on him in the car park of a B&Q store in Hinckley, Leicestershire, last April. Dramatic footage captured the moment Dylan Earn, who was recruited online by Russian spies to carry out a terrifying campaign of arson and kidnap, was hauled to the ground by armed police last April Pulled to the ground by officers, Earl looked helpless as a group of officers aimed their guns while shouting 'stay still' and 'stay on the floor' before handcuffing him. They then order Earl to roll onto his front before carrying out a body search and declaring 'subject secure'. Moments later, Earl was told by a female officer: 'I am arresting you under section 27 of the National Security Act 2023 as I have grounds to believe you are involved in foreign power threat activity, namely you are assisting a foreign intelligence service.' Having been read his rights, Earl denied all knowledge of the charge and said: 'What? I've been building all day. I hope you guys have some good proof of this. I hope I get a good story from this.' John Swinney has been forced into ruling out income tax rises in the upcoming Budget after a damning poll found that Scots think rates are already too high. The First Minister yesterday confirmed that he will not hike rates, hours after the survey showed fewer than one in four Scots are willing to pay more. But he refused to rule out increases for other taxes, including Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT), which is charged on house purchases. He also defended his governments decision to open up a major tax gap between Scotland and the rest of the UK. It led to calls for him to protect families from any further rises which increase the pressure on their finances next year. The Survation poll for the Left-wing IPPR think-tank found that 47 per cent of Scots think taxes are already too high and want the government to instead focus on using existing resources more effectively, while just 23 per cent would be willing to pay higher taxes if it meant better public services. Scottish First Minister John Swinney has ruled out income tax rises in the upcoming Budget Almost half of Scots think taxes are too high, and would like to see Holyrood focus on using their existing resources more effectively Some 44 per cent of respondents said they did not trust the SNP government to spend additional tax wisely. Scottish Conservative finance spokesman Craig Hoy said: John Swinneys refusal to rule out the prospect of yet more tax rises will deeply alarm Scots already dealing with sky-high bills on the Nationalists watch. The SNPs high-tax agenda means our economy is stagnating compared to the rest of the United Kingdom and people are telling the SNP enough is enough when it comes to feeling the pinch. The poll, carried out from September 22 to October 14, found that the cost of living dominates voters concerns, while only 3 per cent of respondents chose addressing climate change as their top priority. It found that only 40 per cent of respondents feel positive about Scotlands future, compared with 32 per cent who were negative about it. Stephen Boyd, director of IPPR Scotland, said: The polling results are not entirely bleak. More voters are positive than negative about Scotlands future. The full IPPR question on tax, conducted by Survation on behalf of Diffley Partnership, asked respondents whether they agreed with a series of statements about tax and spending. Some 47 per cent agreed with the statement taxes are already too high the government should focus on using existing resources more efficiently, while 44 per cent agreed that even if public services need more funding I dont trust the government to spend additional tax revenue wisely. Only 23 per cent agreed that I would be personally willing to pay higher taxes if it meant better public services like health, social care and education and 45 per cent said those on higher incomes should pay a greater share in tax to help fund better public services for everyone. Mr Swinney repeatedly refused to rule out income tax rises when pressed on the issue at Holyrood in recent months, despite Finance Secretary Shona Robison announcing in the last Budget that there would be no more income tax rises before the next Holyrood election in 2026. But when addressing the new poll findings at an IPPR conference in Edinburgh yesterday, Mr Swinney said: Weve said that there wont be any changes to income tax for the remainder of this parliament, the Finance Secretary made that commitment at the Budget last December, so I am very happy to reinforce that point today. Asked later if he would rule out other rises such as in LBTT, Mr Swinney said he would need to look at the implications of the United Kingdom Budget and determine what implications there may be for us. Pressed on the prospect of LBTT increases, he said: Obviously weve got a Budget to set, weve got tax decisions to make, so we will look at all of these questions as part of that Budget-setting process. Everyone earning above 30,300 pays more in income tax if they live in Scotland than those based south of the Border. Those earning 45,000 pay 428 more but this rises to 1,528 at 50,000, to 2,332 at 80,000 and then to 5,363 at 130,000. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said: I think our tax burden in Scotland is already too high... We will not be increasing income tax if we elect a Scottish Labour government. Dutch voters appeared to have shunned far-right leader Geert Wilders in favour of a centrist party, exit polls suggested Wednesday, after a snap election closely watched in Europe where extremists are gaining ground. The centrist D66 party led by Rob Jetten was projected to win 27 seats out of 150 in parliament, ahead of Wilders and his far-right PVV Freedom Party with 25 seats, according to the Ipsos poll. Exit polls in the Netherlands generally provide an accurate reflection of the parliamentary make-up but the seats could change as actual votes are counted. The centre-right liberal VVD party was predicted to win 23 seats, with the left-wing Green/Labour bloc expected to gain 20. If confirmed, the result would put Jetten, a 38-year-old pro-European, in pole position to become prime minister, subject to coalition talks. D66 supporters exploded with joy at their election party in Leiden, waving Dutch and European flags. 'We've done it,' said a jubilant Jetten. 'Millions of Dutch people have turned the page today. They have said goodbye to the politics of negativity, of hate,' he added. Wilders appeared to have conceded the race, writing on X: 'The voter has spoken. We had hoped for a different outcome but we stuck to our guns'. With far-right parties topping the polls in Britain, France, and Germany, the Dutch election was seen as a bellwether of the strength of the far right in Europe. If the exit poll results are confirmed, the PVV lost 12 seats compared to its stunning 2023 election win. 'Millions of Dutch people have turned the page today. They have said goodbye to the politics of negativity, of hate', said Rob Jetten (pictured) Voters arrive at a polling station in the Kerkhovense Molen, a windmill in Oisterwijk, the Netherlands, October 29 2025 The party has lost support since forming and then bringing down a four-party coalition that was notorious for in-fighting and which did not manage to agree on a tough package of measures to rein in migration to the Netherlands. Its campaign echoed issues that resonate across Europe, focusing on how to rein in migration and tackle chronic shortages of affordable housing. But in a country where coalition governments are the norm, it was unclear if parties would want to work with Wilders again, even if his party does well. Mainstream parties have already ruled that out, arguing that his decision to torpedo the outgoing four-party coalition in June in a dispute over migration underscored that he is an untrustworthy partner. 'It's up to the voters today,' Wilders said after voting in the cavernous atrium of The Hague City Hall, surrounded by security guards. 'It's a close call - four or five different parties. I'm confident.' Frans Timmermans, the former European Commission vice president who now leads the center-left bloc made up of the Labor Party and Green Left, took his black labrador to a polling station in his home city of Maastricht in the southern Netherlands. 'It's going to be so close so let's hope we come out as first, because that is the only guarantee to avoid a right wing government,' he told reporters. The vote comes against a backdrop of deep polarization in this nation of 18 million, violence at a recent anti-immigration rally in The Hague and protests against new asylum-seeker centers. Olga van der Brandt, 32, said she thought voters would turn their backs on parties that made up the last right-wing government led by Wilders. Her hope was that 'this time there will be a more progressive party who can take the lead.' Christian Democrats leader Henri Bontenbal agreed that a fundamental shift in Dutch politics was at stake. 'What we have seen in the last two years is a political landscape with right-wing populism, and the question is, is it possible to beat populism by decent politics,' he said. In-fighting between parties in the last coalition led to criticism that the Netherlands, long a prominent voice within the European Union, was sometimes seen as not fully engaging with the continent as it had done under longtime leader Mark Rutte, who is now NATO's secretary-general. Voters check for their names in a list prior to casting their ballots for the Dutch parliamentary elections at a polling station in the Dominican Church in Amsterdam on October 29, 2025 The chief economist at the Center for European Reform think tank, Sander Tordoir, said that 'Europe cannot afford another Dutch government that drifts and is absent in the European debate'. Tordoir noted that the Netherlands is one of the biggest and better performing eurozone economies and that if it 'remains missing in action, Europe's single market, defense effort and economic security will suffer.' Voting was taking place at venues from city halls to schools, as well as in historic windmills, churches, a zoo, a former prison in Arnhem, and the iconic Anne Frank House museum in Amsterdam. Among those first in line at the ornate former City Hall in the central city of Delft, wearing bathrobes and carrying mugs of coffee, was a group of students who live together and study at the local university. 'It's a house tradition' to vote together, Lucas van Krimpen told The Associated Press. In Amsterdam, the Red Light Jazz Radio Station opened its doors for voters. The station plays music and hosts news programs in Amsterdam's famed Red Light District. 'Come vote, especially come vote with us because it's fun,' founder Maarten Brouwer said. The Dutch system of proportional representation all but guarantees that no single party can win a majority. Negotiations will likely begin Thursday into the makeup of the next governing coalition. People take part in an anti-immigration demonstration amid nationwide voting at the Dutch parliamentary elections, in Den Bosch, The Netherlands on October 29, 2025 A voter casts a ballot at the Netherlands' smallest polling station in Wim Westhoff's living room in Marle, Netherlands, October 29 2025 Mr Jetten, leader of the center-left D66 party that rose in polls as the campaign wore on, said in a final televised debate that his party wants to rein in migration but also accommodate asylum-seekers fleeing war and violence. And he told Wilders that voters can 'choose again tomorrow to listen to your grumpy hatred for another 20 years, or choose, with positive energy, to simply get to work and tackle this problem and solve it'. Wilders rejects arguments that he had failed to deliver on his 2023 campaign pledges despite being the largest party in parliament, blaming other parties for stymying his plans. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi baffled viewers at a Harvard speaking engagement by slipping into a southern accent when speaking about religious voters. The 85-year-old Pelosi, one of the oldest members of Congress, was talking at the Ivy League school when she began adding a twang to her voice. 'You're people of faith? You go to Church on Sunday and pray in Church on Sunday and prey on people the rest of the week? What is this?' she said, slamming what she felt was the hypocrisy of leaders who espouse their faith. The lecture hall appears to give a nervous laugh to Pelosi's statement as she chuckles along herself. One critic said it reminded them of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who would also slip into different voices. 'Hillary told Nancy that people like fake accents and that theyre easily fooled,' they wrote. Another noted Pelosi's age and role in getting President Joe Biden to drop out of the 2024 election: 'Someone needs to have the Joe Biden chat with her!' 'Shes probably trying to prevent her dentures from escaping,' wrote another. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (pictured right) baffled viewers at a Harvard speaking engagement by slipping into a southern accent when speaking about religious voters The lecture hall appears to give a nervous laugh to Pelosi's statement as she chuckles along herself In response to this story, Pelosi's communications director sent the Daily Mail the link to the Wikipedia page for 'Baltimore accent.' The former speaker is a native of Baltimore, Maryland. Early this year, Pelosi was using a walker on her road to recovery after suffering a fall and undergoing hip replacement surgery. Her recovery came after she took a tumble during a bipartisan congressional trip to Europe last month. Pelosi received a warm welcome and applause from Democrats when she made her first appearance on the House floor since her surgery. During that visit to the floor, Pelosi was helped by two aides who held her arms as she made her way through the chamber shaking hands and taking photos with lawmakers and their families. Since her return to Washington, Pelosi has also been sporting flats rather than her preferred stilettos that she often wore before the fall and surgery. The former speaker took the nasty spill on a marble staircase in Luxembourg and was rushed to hospital on Friday, December 13. Her spokesperson revealed in a statement that weekend that she was then taken to Germany and underwent the successful hip replacement surgery. The 85-year-old Pelosi, one of the oldest members of Congress, has faced health challenges in the past year Pelosi was still recovering as lawmakers wrapped up their final activities before heading home for the holidays. Before Congress returned, the California Democrat remained largely out of the public eye as she recovered. After her fall in Europe, an image of the former speaker went viral online which showed her standing minutes after taking the tumble. In it, she can be seen smiling as she stood in a pair of stilettos in the front row of the group of lawmakers, but she appeared to have a death-grip on her colleague's hand. That colleague, Congressman Mike McCaul (R-Texas) told reporters in Washington days later that he believed her sky-high heals were to blame. He recalled her being on the last step of a marble staircase without a railing when she lost her footing and went down. He said he helped her up and that's when they took the photo before she was taken to the hospital. Taxpayers face a bill of more than 1million to revamp a Scots military barracks earmarked as accommodation for hundreds of asylum seekers. The extraordinary price-tag for refurbishing the Inverness compound came to light amid a growing political row over the Home Office plans. It will cover cleaning and redecorating 12 buildings at the 140-year-old Cameron Barracks, ahead of the expected arrival of 300 men from early December. The Home Office has confirmed discussions are under way to use the barracks and an East Sussex army training camp for asylum seekers as part of efforts to move away from using hotels. Last night former Army officer retired Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart Crawford said: Adding to the general dismay over the proposal to house over 300 migrants in Cameron Barracks in the centre of Inverness is the news that they are to receive a 1million refurbishment before the asylum seekers take occupation. No-one can be unaware that the Ministry of Defence estate of both single-soldier accommodation and married quarters has become increasingly dilapidated over the past several years. Cameron Barracks, in Inverness, will receive a 1.3 million makeover to house migrants Highland council leader Raymond Bremner has raised concerns about the plans Though renovation work is under way. there will be many who will feel quite rightly in my opinion that remedial work for our soldiers living arrangements should take precedence over temporary accommodation for migrants. Senior Highland councillors, the Scottish Government and local politicians have raised concerns about the suitability of the Inverness site, while refugee charity Care4Calais has also condemned the plan. The plans have angered local residents who fear it will mean their quiet and peaceful city will no longer be a safe place for women and children. Yesterday Home Office minister Alex Norris claimed the security of local people was paramount. Saying that he recognised the strength of feeling towards the plans in the Highlands and East Sussex, he insisted that local context was always considered. The minister said Cameron Barracks had previously successfully housed Afghan people resettled to the UK. But Angus MacDonald, Lib Dem MP for Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire, said the minister should halt the plan. Home Office officials have tendered two refurbishment contracts totalling 1.3million. William Yarwood of the TaxPayers Alliance said: This money should be spent on deporting those with no right to be here, not giving them refurbished accommodation. Highland Council, which is to discuss the plans at a meeting next week, was only informed on Monday. Independent convener Bill Lobban, council leader and SNP councillor Raymond Bremner and opposition leader and Lib Dem councillor Alasdair Christie raised concerns. In a joint statement, they said: Our main concern is the impact this proposal will have on community cohesion given the scale of the proposals as they currently stand. Fergus Ewing, independent MSP for Inverness and Nairn, said the council could take the Home Office to court. Those opposed to the plans to house migrants in Cameron Barracks have warned the move has caused 'considerable anger and anxiety' The MSP also said if Mr Norris believes a city centre location is so suitable, why has he not considered Central London perhaps near Westminster. A petition against the use of Cameron Barracks reached more than 6,000 signatures in hours. The site is close to Raigmore Primary School, Millburn Academy, and Raigmore Community Centre, which hosts baby and toddler sessions. Opponents say the move has caused considerable anger and anxiety with many fearing it poses a significant risk to public safety, local infrastructure, and the responsible use of taxpayer funds. Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said she first heard of the plans in September and wrote to the Home Office with concerns but did not receive a reply. I have been clear that these plans must fully consider the impact on the local community, and the appropriateness of the site to accommodate this group of people, she said. Tory Highlands and Islands MSP Edward Mountain said constituents were concerned about pressures on health services. The Home Office confirmed the barracks formed part of its plans to end the use of hotels as asylum accommodation. A spokesman said: Work is well under way, with more suitable sites being brought forward to ease pressure on communities. China, ASEAN sign FTA upgrade to turbocharge high-level collaboration Xinhua) 08:11, October 29, 2025 Chinese Premier Li Qiang attends the 28th China-ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Oct. 28, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xiang) The China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA) 3.0 upgrade shows China's and ASEAN's resolve to jointly build an open, inclusive, and rules-based regional integrated market and a resilient regional industrial and supply chain system that delivers mutual benefits, and will inject more confidence and momentum into regional and global economic growth. KUALA LUMPUR, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here on Tuesday that the newly signed China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA) 3.0 upgrade heralds a new opportunity to expand and enhance bilateral economic and trade cooperation. Li made the remarks at the 28th China-ASEAN Summit held in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday morning. Before the summit, Li and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim witnessed the signing of the CAFTA 3.0 Upgrade Protocol. At the signing ceremony, against the backdrop of the national flags of China and the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and Malaysian Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz inked their respective documents flanked by Premier Li and Prime Minister Anwar. Then the Malaysian minister presented the document to ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn. China and ASEAN sign Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade Protocol in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Oct. 28, 2025. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli) Beyond tariff cuts and smoother trade, the upgraded document expands cooperation into nine areas, namely digital economy, green economy, supply chain connectivity, standards and technical regulations with conformity assessment procedures, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, customs procedures and trade facilitation, competition and consumer protection, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and economic and technical cooperation. Following the signing of the protocol, both sides will carry out their respective domestic ratification procedures to facilitate the protocol's early entry into force and implementation, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said. The original agreement, signed in 2002, was fully implemented in 2010, and upgraded to CAFTA 2.0 in 2015. The newly upgraded CAFTA 3.0 shows China's and ASEAN's solemn commitment to multilateralism and free trade, as well as their firm resolve to jointly build an open, inclusive, and rules-based regional integrated market and a resilient regional industrial and supply chain system that delivers mutual benefits, the ministry said. CAFTA 3.0 will inject more confidence and momentum into regional and global economic growth, the ministry noted. China and ASEAN sign Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade Protocol in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Oct. 28, 2025. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli) Sun Xiao, secretary-general of the China Chamber of International Commerce, said CAFTA 3.0 is not a simple expansion from the existing framework, but a high-level free trade agreement with an inclusive, modern, comprehensive and mutually beneficial nature. "It is not just an expansion of economic cooperation, but also a key step towards helping the region to walk away from the reliance on low-end manufacturing and achieve high-quality development," he said. The upgrade also gives SMEs wider and smoother access to the grand Chinese and ASEAN markets. "Local SMEs can now connect directly with regional markets through digital platforms -- true 'local creation, regional expansion,'" said Tan Kar Hing, deputy chairman of Malaysia's Center of Regional Strategic Studies. Industries such as food, agricultural products, tourism, logistics, and digital e-commerce will be among the first to benefit from the upgrade, said Suwat Techawatanawana, executive vice president of the leading Thai bank Kasikornbank. "The CAFTA 3.0 will serve as a strong starting point for developing the digital economy, e-commerce, the green economy and sustainability, ultimately fostering connectivity among SMEs across participating countries," Suwat said. Yeah Kim Leng, a professor of economics at Malaysia's Sunway University, called the signing "a timely upgrade not only to shield the region from global economic fragmentation and rising uncertainties, but a natural consequence of advancing inclusive development at the regional level." Chinese Premier Li Qiang poses for a group photo while attending the 28th China-ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Oct. 28, 2025. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) Giving more details about CAFTA 3.0 cooperation, Premier Li announced at the later 28th China-ASEAN Summit that China will inject more capital into the China-ASEAN Cooperation Fund, establish the China-ASEAN Digital Academy, build a cooperation platform on artificial intelligence, and set up a center for maritime development and technology cooperation. He further said that the two sides can also strengthen cooperation in transportation, digital economy, green economy, disaster prevention and mitigation, as well as climate change. Li said China stands ready to strengthen the alignment of development strategies with ASEAN countries and effectively implement the Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2026-2030), further cementing the all-round framework of China-ASEAN collaboration. In his remarks, Li also touched on other issues, including a call for accelerating the consultation on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea and striving for its early conclusion. He urged China and ASEAN countries to join forces more strongly, fend off external disruptions, and stand up for their legitimate rights and interests through mutual reliance and coordinated actions amid new changes in the current international landscape. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) The Australian grandmother who was found dead on a remote island after she was left behind by a cruise ship has been identified. NSW woman Suzanne Rees, 80, is being remembered as a keen bushwalker and gardener following her death on Lizard Island on Saturday. The solo traveller died on the remote island in Far North Queensland on the first stop of a 60-day $80,000-a-ticket circumnavigation of Australia. A multi-agency investigation will probe how and why Ms Rees was allegedly left behind by the NRMA-owned Coral Expeditions cruise ship. Katherine Rees said her mum fell ill during an organised hill climb on Lizard Island and was asked to travel back down the mountain, unescorted. 'Then the ship left, apparently without doing a passenger count. At some stage in that sequence, or shortly after, Mum died, alone,' she told The Australian. She said her family was 'shocked and saddened' that their grandmother had allegedly been abandoned due to a 'failure of care and common sense'. It's understood Ms Rees was not reported missing until about 6pm on Saturday night when she failed to arrive for dinner, five hours after she was allegedly left behind. NSW grandmother Suzanne Rees, 80, is being remembered as a keen bushwalker and gardener by her family following her death over the weekend Your browser does not support iframes. Ms Rees's body was found 50m off the hiking trail that leads to Lizard Island's highest summit, Cook's Look, on Sunday. Her death came just one day after the Coral Adventurer kicked off its journey, embarking from Cairns on Friday afternoon. The ship had anchored off Lizard Island on Saturday, where passengers could take a smaller boat to hike and snorkel on the resort island, 90km northeast of Cooktown. Yachtie Traci Ayris and her partner Matthew, who were aboard SV Vellamo anchored near Lizard Island, were listening to emergency radio transmissions sent from the Coral Expeditions vessel. 'They did headcounts for snorkellers (which we heard) but not for other guests on the island it would seem,' Ms Ayris told the Cairns Post. 'The last people came down from the track and got into tender then the (ship) left very soon after that. 'There was not a lot of time between when the last passengers left the beach to when they up-anchored. We even commented, "Wow they left fast".' Vessel Finder showed the Coral Adventurer sailed back towards Lizard Island about 9pm on Saturday and arrived at about 2am on Sunday. The solo traveller died on the remote island in Far North Queensland (pictured) on the first stop of a 60-day $80,000-a-ticket circumnavigation of Australia Ms Ayris said a helicopter began an aerial search at about midnight and seven crew from the Coral Adventurer went ashore and walked the mountain by torchlight until 3am, before the search resumed again at first light. 'The chopper arrived at first light and it went directly to Telstra Rock (where she was last seen) and immediately it hovered then went straight to the air strip,' she said. 'We knew that it had found her and the lack of activity told us that she was clearly dead. She lay there all day and was finally airlifted [just before 4pm].' Australian Maritime Safety Authority officials will meet the 112-passenger Coral Adventurer when it docks in Darwin on Sunday. The cruise ship is currently in waters off Thursday Island in the Torres Strait as the voyage continues. Coral Expeditions confirmed Ms Rees's death to the Daily Mail. 'The crew notified authorities that a woman was missing, and a search and rescue operation was launched on land and sea,' chief executive Mark Fifield said. 'Following the operation, Coral Expeditions was notified by Queensland Police that the woman had been found deceased on Lizard Island. A helicopter is seen on Lizard Island during search efforts over the weekend 'While investigations into the incident are continuing, we are deeply sorry that this has occurred and are offering our full support to the woman's family. 'The Coral team has been in contact with the woman's family, and we will continue to offer support to them through this difficult process. 'We are working closely with Queensland Police and other authorities to support their investigation. We are unable to comment further while this process is underway.' Popular with divers, snorkellers and hikers, Lizard Island is one of the most remote tourism destinations on the Great Barrier Reef. Cook's Look is the highest point on the island and follows the footsteps of British explorer Captain James Cook, who is believed to be the first European to have trekked up the mountain in 1770 after his ship Endeavour struck a reef. 'It covers four kilometres and at times is very steep so we recommend medium to high fitness and agility to safely undertake this hike,' the Lizard Island website states. 'Due to the time it takes to hike and the heat of the day, it is recommended that you hike early in the morning. 'Those that have done this hike say it is challenging but incredibly rewarding.' Drew Kesse has waited almost 20 years to learn the truth about what happened to his daughter Jennifer Kesse. When she vanished from her Orlando condo complex in January 2006, he hired private investigators and poured $700,000 of his own money into trying to find her. He even took the unprecedented step of suing the Orlando Police Department to remove them from the case and get access to the thousands of pages of records and evidence. But now, he finally feels able to take a step back and trust law enforcement to do the job. In the biggest development in the case in two decades, new DNA evidence has been found and is being tested for the very first time. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has also narrowed down its persons of interest to just 'a few' people. And, police have told the father desperate for answers that, finally, his missing daughter's case is no longer cold. 'Now I'm just waiting for the phone to ring and for them to say: hey, we're finally there,' Kesse told the Daily Mail. 'It feels just so different. We've never had this feeling before.' Jennifer Kesse vanished without a trace from her Orlando condo complex in January 2006 Surveillance footage captured a person of interest leaving Jennifer's car at a condo complex Investigators are now 'working hard' and 'going fast' to solve Jennifer's case, he said. 'They are truly on a sense of urgency right now.' It's been a long time coming. It was January 24, 2006 when Jennifer suddenly vanished, setting off a desperate search to find her and a now decades-long mystery. The 24-year-old had just returned home from a trip to St Croix in the Virgin Islands with her boyfriend Rob and his family and, on the night of January 23, she had called family and friends telling them what a great time they had had. But the next morning, Jennifer failed to show up for her job as a finance manager at Central Florida Investments Timeshare Company. Kesse and his wife, Jennifer's mom Joyce, instantly knew something was wrong. Inside Jennifers condo on the Mosaic at Millenia complex in Orlando, all the signs indicated she had gotten ready and left for work as normal. Her pajamas were on the floor, a damp towel was left by the shower, her hair tools had recently been used and the front door was locked. Jennifer's father Drew Kesse (pictured together) has fresh hope now that DNA evidence is being tested Jennifers 2004 Chevy Malibu was gone, as was her cellphone, purse, iPod and keys. Two days later, Jennifer's car was found abandoned around one mile away at a condo complex at Huntington on the Green. But there was no sign of Jennifer or her phone, purse, iPod and keys. Haunting surveillance footage at the complex captured a shady figure abandoning the vehicle there and walking off at around 12pm on the day Jennifer went missing. This person of interest was believed to be a man around 5 foot 3 to 5 foot 5 tall with unusually large feet for his height and dressed in workman's clothes. But because of the fencing, investigators were unable to obtain a clear image to identify him - even with the help of NASA. For an agonizing 19 years, the identity of this shady figure and the whereabouts of Jennifer have been unknown and the case had long grown cold - with no suspects, persons of interests or credible leads. Then, finally, Jennifer's family has fresh hope that never-before-tested DNA evidence could hold the key to solving her case and bringing Jennifer home. Kesse said he learned the FDLE had found some DNA evidence that they believe has never been tested. While he doesn't know where the evidence came from, Kesse suspects it was found on Jennifer's car after a private investigator for the family previously discovered marks indicating a struggle on the hood. Investigators noticed signs of what appeared to be a struggle on the hood of Jennifer's vehicle The Mosaic at Millenia condo complex in Orlando where Jennifer lived. Inside her condo, everything appeared to be as it should be on the morning of her disappearance How long the DNA testing will take - and what answers it will yield - remains uncertain. But Kesse said the FDLE has told him 'they're going at such a fast pace, that they're just knocking things out left and right'. 'It's just falling all into place right now. And they're going a thousand miles an hour, and it's all starting to make sense,' he said. The Kesse family have also shared their own DNA with law enforcement to help with the investigation and artificial intelligence is now being deployed in the case, Kesse said. Kesse has long believed that Jennifer was trafficked by a group of people - and that she is no longer alive. But with his belief in the FDLE and with investigators honing in on a small number of persons of interest, he feels confident her case can still be solved and the perpetrator identified. 'If you get down that far to so few people, you're going to close the deal. That's my feeling,' he said. Things 'feel so different' now compared to the years he spent fighting for answers. Jennifer Kesse should have turned 44 this year. Instead her family are still searching for answers The Kesse family is holding onto the 'glimmer of hope' that the case is finally moving forward 'This is Jennifer's best chance. I feel hopeful that we will get a result,' he said. 'Whether that's going to bad news, I don't know... I just need to find my daughter. I just don't want her to be in a shallow grave somewhere or never be found.' Yet, despite the big break in Jennifer's case, Kesse admitted he and his family are also preparing themselves for the painful possibility they might never truly know what happened. 'We could get to the end of the line and they come to us and say: 'We did everything, but we didn't find your daughter and she's gone.' We can accept that. It would be hard, but we could accept that because we know they did everything,' he said. 'Joyce and I have started having those discussions because we're getting older and 20 years of constant stress and anxiety kills your body. We're not going to be around forever.' For now though, Kesse is holding onto that hope. 'I'm the dad who's been doing this for 20 years. So when I see a glimmer of hope, I grab it,' he said. 'And there's a whole bunch of glimmer of hope right now.' As a sovereign figure, His Majesty must remain scrupulously impartial, acting as a unified figurehead for the entire nation. Yet as the Firm continues to adapt and modernise under the reign of King Charles, one can't help but notice a budding relationship forming between His Majesty and Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky. While the eyes of the world remain firmly fixated on Ukraine in the midst of their ensuing conflict with Russia, the Monarch has routinely offered a protective arm and sympathetic ear to the leader, seemingly unafraid to make his hopes for peace clear. Writing in his book, Charles III: New King. New Court. The Inside Story, royal biographer Robert Hardman describes Charles as a 'relative newcomer to the heads of state club' who 'already commands the status of an international statesman'. And, according to former BBC royal correspondent Michael Cole, despite being somewhat unconventional, it is in 'the King's instinct and wish to make changes that would not have been contemplated while his mother was alive and on the throne'. Indicative of his modern Royal leadership, in March, just one day after Zelensky's notorious bust-up with President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance in the Oval Office, the King welcomed the Ukrainian leader with open arms to Sandringham. Zelensky and Charles were pictured smiling as they shook hands and posed for photographs outside of the Royal estate, with Charles even seen lightly placing his hand on Zelensky's arm during the highly-anticipated greeting. Discussing the 'powerful' image of His Majesty meeting Zelensky, the Daily Mail's Royal Editor Rebecca English said in a previous episode of Palace Confidential: 'They say a picture paints a thousand words. It showed the King standing shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine.' While the eyes of the world remain firmly fixated on Ukraine in the midst of their ensuing conflict with Russia , the Monarch has routinely offered a protective arm and sympathetic ear to Zelensky, seemingly unafraid to make his hopes for peace clear But trusted sources warned her 'not to underestimate' the significance of a meeting that took place the following day between King Charles and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. 'The King as a constitutional monarch cannot come out swinging publicly,' Rebecca said. Preferring to show his 'feelings in deeds' instead of words, the Royal expert noted that Charles had his 'hands clasped' comfortably during the meeting, describing it as a 'very very warm welcome' indeed. Then, as the Ukraine and Russia war continued, the Monarch once again was seen embracing Zelensky at Windsor Castle in June, with the pair donning beaming smiles as they shook hands in the Grand Corridor. In late October, His Majesty offered another public show of support for Ukraine by welcoming the Ukrainian President to Windsor Castle, staging a ceremonial welcome for Zelensky for the first time ahead of a political summit. The King engaged Zelensky in a warm-looking conversation, even placing his arm fully around the President and patting him as he ushered him inside the castle. Inviting the leader for a private audience at the castle, it marked the first time Zelensky has received a ceremonial welcome in Britain, a seeming advancement in the Monarchy's apparent support for his cause. It was also the fifth time the two all-important leaders have met in total, a seeming indication of the King's intentional soft diplomacy in a desperate bid to put a stop to the Russia-Ukraine war. Discussing the 'powerful' image of His Majesty meeting Zelensky, the Daily Mail's Royal Editor Rebecca English said in a previous episode of Palace Confidential: 'They say a picture paints a thousand words. It showed the King standing shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine' In late October, His Majesty offered another public show of support for Ukraine by welcoming the Ukrainian President to Windsor Castle, staging a ceremonial welcome for Zelensky for the first time ahead of a political summit Making a stand on the global stage, in February 2024, two years after Russia first invaded Ukraine, the King took to social media to praise the 'determination and strength' of the Ukrainian people. Charles spoke of being 'greatly encouraged' by the UK's efforts and its allies in their endeavour to support Ukraine 'at this time of such great suffering and need'. He said: 'The determination and strength of the Ukrainian people continues to inspire, as the unprovoked attack on their land, their lives and livelihoods enters a third, tragic, year. 'Despite the tremendous hardship and pain inflicted upon them, Ukrainians continue to show the heroism with which the world associates them so closely. 'My heart goes out to all those affected, as I remember them in my thoughts and prayers.' But the King's decision to publicly side with Zelensky is not just indicative of his views on the ensuing conflict with Russia, but rather, represents a broader pattern of his deviation from the Royal norm of refusing to take a stand on humanitarian issues. Indeed, as tensions remain afoot between various world leaders, the King appears to have subtly sought to take on a peacekeeping role in a bid to become 'grandfather to the world'. Charles' decision to implement peacekeeping tactics as a form of soft diplomacy can also be seen to extend towards helping to resolve ongoing tense relations between Canada and the United States. As tensions remain afoot between various world leaders, the King appears to have subtly sought to take on a peacekeeping role in a bid to become 'grandfather to the world' Meanwhile, the King's decision to break from tradition when it comes to taking a public stand on humanitarian issues has even led to the Monarch even being described as a 'linchpin' in the relationship between the US and the UK. The King was even said to have played a key role in Trump's recent change of mind on the Ukraine war, with Charles' talks with the US President during a state visit in September 'very important' in the policy reversal, according to Zelensky's top adviser. During the Palace Confidential episode, Jo Elvin added that it was notably 'interesting' that an 'apolitical monarchy' had been 'dragged into things', while the Daily Mail's Diary Editor Richard Eden added that Charles had been left in a 'tricky' diplomatic position, adding: 'I think he has to be careful'. He continued: 'To be honest, I'm not sure that Queen Elizabeth would have allowed herself to be drawn in as much as he has.' Richard went on to describe the meeting with Zelensky 'directly after the disagreements in the White House' as 'very controversial'. 'He didn't have to meet him,' Richard added. 'It could have been done in private perhaps. 'Remember what we know about King Charles's views. He thinks he's a terrible dictator and there's President Trump trying to mend fences and bring people together so it is awkward.' The Monarch has been described as a 'linchpin' in the relationship between the US and the UK with Charles' talks with the US President during a state visit in September 'very important' in Trump's policy reversal, according to Zelensky's top adviser Charles' decision to implement peacekeeping tactics as a form of soft diplomacy can also be seen to extend towards helping to resolve ongoing tense relations between Canada and the United States. Pictured: the King on a video call with Canadian President Justin Trudeau The Mail's Royal experts go on to point out that King Charles has elected not to take part in state visits before. In 2015, when Chinese President Xi Jinping visited the UK, then Prince Charles 'boycotted the state banquet' as he was 'so opposed to their treatment of Tibet'. With his intentions to be seen as a 'grandfather to the nation', Jo then suggested Charles may end up becoming 'something of a grandfather to the world' 'if he manages to help ease this diplomatic crisis with President Trump and Ukraine'. The King also proved he was not one for shying away from standing up for important humanitarian issues and supporting communities across the UK in the aftermath of the Southport riots last summer. His Majesty commended the way in which 'the aggression and criminality from a few' had been met by 'the compassion and resilience of the many'. King Charles spoke warmly of the 'many examples of community spirit' that have thwarted attempts to instill hate and fear in communities across Britain during a call with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. A Buckingham Palace spokesman said his calls with the Prime Minister and police leaders came after a series of 'private calls throughout the week concerning recent events - and in particular the impact they have had on affected communities'. While details of such calls are normally recorded in the court circular, the official record of royal engagements, it is unusual for so much detail to be given and underlines the seriousness of the national crisis. The King also proved he was not one for shying away from standing up for important humanitarian issues and supporting communities across the UK in the aftermath of the Southport riots last summer But despite public calls for the King to issue a public statement in response, it was noted that the late Queen, who strongly abided by the principle of political impartiality, chose not to make any public comments in the immediate aftermath of the equally explosive summer 2011 riots. She would also have refrained from speaking publicly around the issue on official advice. Even before taking up his position on the throne in September 2022, the King has also made his acute openness to other cultures apparent, continually welcoming with open arms those from different races, religions and cultures. Having taken over the position of supreme governor of the Church of England after his mother - His Majesty has previously assured that he believes his role as a sovereign must include protecting 'the space for faith itself'. During a reception held at Buckingham Palace, Charles added that he was determined to carry out his duty as sovereign of all communities around this country and the Commonwealth and in a way which reflects the world in which we now live. At the time of his speech two years ago, the King also went on to say he saw the nation as a community of communities while pledging his commitment to the additional duty of securing a fair and equal country. During the address, Charles also confirmed that his Coronation Oath would still read that he was a defender of all Faith, following reports that the wording would be changed to Faiths. The King even considered tweaking the wording as part of his long-standing commitment to promoting diversity. Instead, Charles pledged his responsibility to nurture and welcome all faiths including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Sikhism, and others, while at a reception of over 30 faith leaders. When the King's Coronation arrived in May 2023, the event included a procession of faith leaders. The King has also proved himself as an affable leader, often being dubbed approachable and praised for the so-called 'informal formality' of his reign. Royal biographer Andrew Morton noted that that the late Queen had a 'different kind of style' from her son But according to royal biographer Robert Hardman, writing in his book Charles III The Inside Story, none of these statements or proclamations of global inclusivity should be perceived as 'new' or 'tokenistic'. Mr Hardman added: 'The King has been an active promoter of what used to be called race relations and is now more usually called diversity for half a century. 'Few (if any) mainstream figures in British public life can match his track record when it comes to promoting a greater mutual understanding of Islam.' Meanwhile, the King has also proved himself as an affable leader, often being dubbed approachable and praised for the so-called 'informal formality' of his reign. After the death of the late Queen in September 2022, the new King put on a brave face for the country as he shook the hands of well-wishers at Buckingham Palace. And in one particular outpouring of affection, a woman from the crowd was seen leaning over to kiss his hand, while another landed one on his cheek. Royal biographers such as Andrew Morton have said Queen Elizabeth would 'never' have allowed a member of the public to kiss her, noting that she had a 'different kind of style' from her son. Further exemplifying the King's contemporary leadership approach, he has even modernised the uses of the royal residences since his accession to the throne. King Charles' decision to open his royal residences to the public suggests he has realised 'the need for the monarchy to evolve', according to one royal expert. Writer and broadcaster Robert Jobson, author of Our King: Charles III - The Man And The Monarch Revealed, said the King has been 'mulling over' the decision for some time. He explained: 'Making these buildings more accessible to the public is just part of acknowledging the need for the monarchy to evolve. 'These historic buildings need to be cost effective as they are very expensive to run too. This helps that. The King has always wanted the Royal Family to be more transparent and cost effective.' As the Monarchy evolves under King Charles' modern reign against the background of the Ukraine-Russian war, the eyes of the world will hold still on His Majesty to see how his relationship with Zelensky will adapt during this ever-changing landscape. Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more Back in November 2022, the Prince and Princess of Wales visited Boston to attend the Earthshot Prize. Recently, Boston Police Lieutenant Bret LaBelle shared a previously unseen photograph with the royal couple - and fans were quick to notice Kate's elegant handbag. The never-before-seen design is by luxury British clothing and accessories label Lalage Beaumont, renowned for its timeless sophistication and attention to detail. Kate carried the Fonteyn Mignon Orinoco bag in chestnut brown, a polished choice for special occasions. The structured, vintage-inspired bag is crafted from croc-embossed Italian calf leather, with a central flip lock, gold-plated hardware and a soft suede lining. It's finished with a structured top handle and a detachable shoulder strap, allowing it to be carried in hand, over the shoulder or crossbody. The handbag complemented the Princess' brown Alexander McQueen coat and Gianvito Rossi suede knee-high boots, creating an effortlessly coordinated ensemble. While the chestnut shade seen in Kate's photo is no longer available, the design now comes in a similar taupe hue, along with eight additional colours. The taupe version - a delectable chocolate brown - is simply stunning. It's the perfect daytime accessory, pairing with everything from workwear to off-duty outfits. I also adore the wine iteration, which taps into this season's love for rich burgundy tones. a Lalage Beaumont's Fonteyn Mignon Orinoco bag, favoured by the Princess of Wales, comes in a range of colours, making it suitable for any occasion Kate isn't the only royal fan of Lalage Beaumont's luxury leather bags. Princess Anne's daughter, Zara Tindall, and her former sister-in-law Autumn Phillips are also devoted admirers. Zara has been spotted carrying the sleek Odette Mini Dolomite in wine on at least six occasions, while Autumn favours the Fonteyn Midi Caribou in taupe. Inspired by the timeless styles of the 1960s, Lalage Beaumont bags are designed to suit all ages, offering lasting appeal and exceptional craftsmanship. Each piece is handcrafted in Italy and Spain from premium materials, resulting in accessories that are both beautiful and understated. Emily Maitlis, the journalist and podcaster who did the car-crash Newsnight interview with Prince Andrew, has indicated that the Royals are at long last beginning to get why the public is so angry about the way he has been indulged, despite the increasingly long and sordid charge sheet against him. They appear to have got the message that it is unacceptable for Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson to go on living high on the hog in a 30-room mansion which is part of the Crown Estate ie public property. This week, Maitlis said on her podcast that it was Prince William who seized control of events by threatening his cousins, Eugenie and Beatrice, with being stripped of the title of princess if they did not persuade their awful parents to move out of Royal Lodge, Windsor. I am told that this rumour is categorically untrue but, even if this particular bit of the story has been misrepresented, there is no doubt that William is a tougher nut than his father. And it is no longer a matter of choice: He must be tough. Indeed, if he is to save the monarchy, he must even appear to be cruel. The kindly and conciliatory King has been dithering, making it clear to Andrew that he should give up the Royal Lodge while never quite having the guts to chuck him out. Legally-minded folk point out that Andrews lease on the place has decades yet to run. But this is entirely beside the point. Public fury is at eruption-point. The Palace has tried to brush aside the sentiments of those such as the heckler who called out an awkward question to the King in Lichfield on Monday about his brother and Jeffrey Epstein. But these hecklers were shouting what most reasonably-minded monarchists believe. Andrew and Fergie are a pair of greedy sleaze-bags who are dragging the monarchy into the gutter. The royals appear to have got the message that it is unacceptable for Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson to go on living in a 30-room mansion which is part of the Crown Estate Emily Maitlis said Prince William threatened to strip his cousins, Eugenie and Beatrice, of the title of princess if they did not persuade their awful parents to move out of Royal Lodge In such circumstances we must be realistic and come the sad day when we are informed of the current Kings death the future of the British monarchy will lie with William and Kate. They simply cannot afford to be gentle with Andrew. They have to be brutal, to save the monarchy itself. What began as a sex scandal has become a row over property. Now it is utterly toxic for the Royal Family. Ever since the days of Queen Victoria, the monarchy has tried to blur the edges between property on loan such as grace and favour houses and buildings which come to the royals as part of their function, such as Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace and places which they own. The huge estates of Sandringham and Balmoral are the personal property of the House of Windsor and on each estate there are very many houses where Andrew and Fergie, together or separately, could be accommodated, at the expense of their extremely rich family (or ex-family in the case of Fergie). There is no reason whatsoever why the Crown Estates, ie the public purse, should go on financing them. Most British people felt huge respect and affection for Queen Elizabeth II and did not want to peer too closely into her finances. She was a faithful public servant for decades, and no one felt the need to draw a clear dividing line between what she owned as a person, and what she held in trust as monarch. As it happens, when Prince Philip retired from public life, it is noticeable that he chose to do so not in a Crown Estate property but in Wood Farm, a very modest house on the Sandringham estate. Prince Andrew should do the same. When the brouhaha has died down a bit and there is no longer any suggestion that Andrew and Fergie, and their ludicrous extravagances, are being subsidised by the British taxpayer, then there will be the time for lessons to be learned. I fear the King will never learn these lessons. His privileged upbringing has numbed him to any sense of what the public think of the royal property question. For years, as Duke of Cornwall, he went on regarding the profits from the Duchy as his private income and used almost 1million of it to buy his beloved Highgrove in 1980. The house is now leased to him and is his until death. The kindly and conciliatory King has been dithering, making it clear to Andrew that he should give up the Royal Lodge (pictured) while never quite having the guts to chuck him out In such circumstances we must be realistic and come the sad day when we are informed of the current Kings death the future of the British monarchy will lie with William and Kate This week following the heckling on the streets of Lichfield it has become clear that the publics fondness for the royals is not limitless and we cant go on allowing them to live on Crown Estate properties if they are not working royals. Nor can they expect to go on trousering the vast incomes from the two duchies: Cornwall and Lancaster. By any standards they are not merely comfortable but hugely rich. Andrew may not have inherited anything substantial from the late Queen (or the Queen Mother) on her death but he is believed to have been given large sums during her lifetime and a handsome allowance from his brother the King. We are yet to be told how much money he made while acting as our special trade envoy a period in which he earned the nickname Air Miles Andy but we do know that his enthusiastic sucking up to foreign potentates earned him various favours including it is whispered the use of a mansion in Abu Dhabi. Meanwhile, his ex-wife recently sold a Belgravia house for over 3.5million. We are not talking here about people who would be plunged into poverty if they simply did the decent thing and stopped living on our money. These things seem very obvious to us non-royals. And to Prince William. From an early age, he was brought up by his mother to see how ordinary people lived. She took him to the homeless charity Centre Point. She bought him pizzas at the local pizzeria in Kensington. His childhood was a world away from the rarefied, spoilt world in which Charles and Andrew grew up. That is why William is in a strong position to see that if as most of us fervently hope there is going to be a monarchy in the future, it has to be one based on a fair deal. The Royals can keep the loot made over centuries out of public funds and public property. But enough is enough. And in the case of Fergie and Andrew, more than enough. Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson have been living separate lives under one roof at Royal Lodge as it is a 'lucrative' and 'mutually advantageous' arrangement for the disgraced former couple, royal experts claimed today. The former Duke and Duchess of York have been able to 'live at a certain level' while riding out multiple scandals from the comfort of their 30-room Grade II listed mansion, where they have lived since 2008 despite divorcing in 1996. But it's understood they are now willing to go their separate ways if they are forced out of their Windsor Estate home amid fresh scrutiny over their links to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Pressure has also mounted on King Charles to take action after Andrew's leasehold agreement revealed he paid 1million to secure a 75-year lease in 2003 - and has since paid only 'one peppercorn' in rent per year, 'if demanded'. On Monday, it was reported that the prince has finally agreed to leave Royal Lodge, but has brazenly demanded he and Fergie are given two separate royal homes in exchange. Andrew is said to have requested Harry and Meghan's former home, Frogmore Cottage, while Fergie is eyeing up nearby Adelaide Cottage ahead of Prince William and Kate's departure next month. It comes as it emerged last night how Andrew hosted Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell and Harvey Weinstein at Royal Lodge in 2006. The Daily Mail has also revealed how Fergie has been been dumped from ITV's Loose Women and This Morning - weeks after being dropped by a slew of charities. It marks a bitter end for Andrew and Sarah - the former duchess who once told the Daily Mail: 'We're the happiest divorced couple in the world. We're divorced to each other, not from each other.' Royal experts today said their desire to separate proves their living arrangement at Royal Lodge has simply been 'lucrative' for one another, declaring: 'The cover is blown.' Richard Fitzwilliams told the Daily Mail: 'The relationship between them, as I've always seen, it's symbiotic in a sense. Remember the fake Sheikh scandal when Sarah Ferguson was trying to sell access to Andrew for 500,000? Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson have been living separate lives under one roof at Royal Lodge ROYAL LODGE: Andrew has allegedly requested Frogmore Cottage in Windsor is handed over to him in exchange for his departure from the 30-room mansion (pictured), which is just down the road FROGMORE COTTAGE: Andrew is looking to move into the Duke of Sussex's old residence, Frogmore Cottage (pictured), which sits just under three miles away from Windsor Great Park ADELAIDE COTTAGE: Meanwhile, Fergie, 66, has set her sights on nearby Adelaide Cottage (pictured) - also on the Windsor Estate- the current residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales 'It's lucrative for both of them to be together. The point is that this has been an arrangement of convenience to enable them to live at a certain level. 'They've kept that facade up very well. My feeling is that it was because they are extremely greedy. I think the problem was they desired a certain lifestyle - and this was the main way to get it. 'This arrangement has gone on since 2008 because it was mutually advantageous, but the point is... she always has particularly traded on being the world's happiest divorced couple.' The royal expert added: 'This was the couple who, Sarah Ferguson boasted, were the "happiest divorced couple in the world". It seems they now want to separate. The reason is clearly that what made them perfect for each other after divorce and subsequent scandals and debts, was that they were both greedy and entitled. 'Now this cover is blown, they want to live apart in two homes. The world can clearly see that the previous arrangement was designed to maximise the benefit of Andrew's public life for them privately.' Last night, it emerged Prince Andrew hosted Epstein, Maxwell and Weinstein at Royal Lodge as part of his daughter Beatrice's masked ball 18th birthday celebrations in 2006. It came two months after a US arrest warrant was issued for Epstein for the sexual assault of a minor. It had previously been reported that Epstein, Maxwell and Weinstein visited Windsor Castle for the event, but not that they had been hosted at Andrew's private home. The revelation heaps fresh pressure on Andrew who was forced to give up his titles earlier this month. Yesterday, it was claimed Prince William threatened to remove the titles of Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie unless they pressured their disgraced father to move out of Royal Lodge. Emily Maitlis, the broadcaster who grilled Prince Andrew in his infamous Newsnight interview in 2019, claimed the Prince of Wales may have met with the princesses to give them the ultimatum last week. In yet another update to the saga, Maitlis discussed the media circus that erupted outside Royal Lodge on Thursday night after journalists were tipped off about a possible development in the Prince Andrew scandal. There was visible tension between Prince William and Prince Andrew at the Duchess of Kent's funeral last month Your browser does not support iframes. It comes as William and Kate are set to move with their three children to Forest Lodge (pictured) - in Windsor Great Park and a stone's throw from Royal Lodge - next month Hinting at what it could have been about, she told The News Agents podcast: 'There was a question over whether there had been, earlier in the day, a meeting between Prince William and the princesses, Beatrice and Eugenie, saying you guys have to get your dad to move out of Royal Lodge otherwise we will start re-examining the state of your own titles. 'They are at the moment allowed to be princesses, but there was a bit of pressure, we understand, being put on the princesses to say this is going to happen. Obviously you can see why Andrew as a father would want to keep their daughters happy and keep their titles in place come what may. 'What we learned what was going to happen on Thursday was that Charles, fresh from the Vatican and his audience with the Pope, was going to come via Royal Lodge to be seen in other words reading the riot act to his brother.' Prince Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson (pictured) are said to have finally agreed to leave Royal Lodge - but only if they get two alternative houses in return The Fall of the House of York: Listen to the latest Daily Mail Deep Dive podcast But sources told the Daily Mail that Maitlis's claims were 'completely wrong'. Asked about the claims, Kensington Palace said a meeting - or indeed a conversation - between Prince William and his cousins simply never happened. 'This is not even a decision for him,' a source added. Maitlis said journalists had earlier in the day been tipped off by the Palace that there 'may be passing traffic' outside Royal Lodge, but further details were unclear. She added: 'Nobody was going to film the conversation or see him stepping out the car but there was going to be the moment caught on camera of King Charles's car heading to Royal Lodge. 'What happened, I understand, was that the Palace then got very nervous and when they saw the choppers and helicopters, they thought this has all got too big, this has got out of control, they cancelled the whole thing. The King just went straight home and never came by.' Andrew and Fergie are said to be willing to finally leave Royal Lodge after nearly two decades but claims both of them want a separate home has sparked outrage from some in royal circles. Sources close to the couple, who have been divorced for almost 30 years, have reacted angrily, however, to suggestions they have demanded two homes, insisting the offer is 'misrepresentative of the truth' and has, in fact, 'been on the table for months'. Virginia Giuffre photographed with Prince Andrew and Ghislaine Maxwell in London in 2001 'It was an option put forward by the 'other side' and at an early stage [in negotiations]', they claimed. 'Whether it is still on the table, I don't know. But the suggestion that they have been demanding a new home each is misrepresentative of the truth. 'No demands have been made. People have been trying to come up with solutions.' While Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the claims, insiders say they simply 'do not recognise' this version of events, however. Sources have pointed out that the King may consider it prudent to keep Sarah 'in the fold', rather than her consider another tell-all book. She has already brought out a memoir in 1996, the year she divorced Andrew, and then an autobiography in 2011. The King has also treated his former sister-in-law kindly in recent years given her personal battles after being diagnosed with both breast and skin cancers. Sources with knowledge of Sarah's situation have described her as 'absolutely bereft' and 'completely on the edge'. She is said to be hugely 'embarrassed' by the scandal which has also come home to roost for her personally after the publication of a 'cringeworthy' email she wrote to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, apologising profusely for disassociating herself from him publicly following his child sex conviction in 2008. It has also been claimed that she repeatedly pestered the billionaire paedophile for money to bail her out of personal and business debts. 'She is contrite and embarrassed but also fears the scandal has fatally damaged her own business interests, including a number of new fictional books that are due to come out,' a source said. 'People don't want to be associated with her any more.' The friend added: 'The honest truth is that she has nowhere to go and no one to go with [if Andrew loses Royal Lodge]. Her future is hanging in the balance.' Another source added: 'The King is a kind man but his patience has been pushed to the limit. However, the last thing he also wants is another 'Spare' [the vitriolic memoir brought out by his own son, Prince Harry, in 2023].' On Monday, Charles was heckled during a cathedral visit by a protester who boldly asked him about Prince Andrew and Epstein's relationship. The anti-monarchy protester - from the campaign group Republic - shouted questions about the Prince and convicted sex trafficker Epstein as the King visited Lichfield Cathedral in Staffordshire. As the King walked past, the demonstrator yelled: 'How long have you known about Andrew and Epstein? 'Have you asked the police to cover up for Andrew? 'Should MPs be allowed to debate the royals in the House of Commons?' The King chose to ignore the heckler, showing no reaction while other people outside Lichfield Cathedral told the heckler to 'shut up' as the King made his way through the crowd, greeting fans and tuning out the chaos. The prince's links to Epstein have dominated headlines recently with fresh focus on his sex accuser Virginia Giuffre's claims after her posthumous book was published. Last week, The Mail on Sunday revealed that Andrew tried to involve the Metropolitan Police and one of Queen Elizabeth's most senior aides in a campaign to smear Virginia Giuffre, who had accused him of assaulting her as a teenager. A bombshell email obtained exposed how Andrew asked his taxpayer-funded police bodyguard to investigate the 'lying' young woman. Shockingly, the prince passed on details of her date of birth and social security number, presumably given to him by Epstein. He also claimed Virginia, who took her own life earlier this year, had criminal convictions, a claim which has not been backed up by any evidence or confirmed by police and has been strongly denied by her family. An earlier email expose proved that Andrew lied to Buckingham Palace and the British public when he claimed he had cut off all contact with his close friend in December 2010, following Epstein's release from prison on child-sex charges. Twelve weeks later, he emailed the paedophile financier to say they were 'in this together' and sickeningly expressed his wish to 'play some more soon'. His ex wife Sarah Ferguson, who has also been living in Royal Lodge, came under fire in recent weeks as astonishing new emails claimed Epstein had secretly bankrolled her for 15 years. 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. Meghan Markle has released a new candle in her first As Ever festive collection inspired by the 'ease and joy' of her wedding day. Signature Candle No. 519, priced at $64 and scented with Moroccan mint, cardamom and tea leaves, plays heavily on her time spent in the Royal Family by claiming to 'evoke the freshness of a day in the English countryside', according to a gushing description on her website. It also harks back to the Duchess of Sussex's 'cherished memories' of her nuptials at St George's Chapel, and the 'spirit of happiness' and being 'surrounded by love and laughter'. But perhaps recollections vary, because rather than being a modern fairytale, the build-up to May 19th, 2018 featured a row with Kate over bridesmaids' dresses and the last-minute drama of her father not attending. Another point of contention was Meghan's request for 130 scent diffusers to mask the 'musty' smell of St George's Chapel, which raised eyebrows among Royal household staff. However, the scent used on the day was one of roses, infused with fruity undertones of berries and currant leaves, rather than Meghan's new candle creation, which she says smells 'like a cup of mint tea'. There were also disagreements over the tiara Meghan wished to wear with her Givenchy wedding dress, and the bride-to-be's 'direct approach' with staff was called into question by the late Queen, who reportedly warned the bride: 'In this family we don't speak to people like that.' The Duchess' own father, Thomas Markle, suffered a heart attack weeks before the ceremony and was forced to pull out of walking his daughter down the aisle after it emerged he had staged paparazzi photos of himself. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex walk down the west steps of St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, in Windsor, on May 19, 2018 after their wedding ceremony Communication between the pair broke down, and the retired lighting director, 81, has not spoken to his youngest daughter since her big day, despite allegedly making multiple attempts to reach out. When it became apparent that Mr Markle would not be attending the wedding, the former actress asked King Charles to walk her down the aisle, recalling on her Netflix documentary Harry & Meghan: 'Harry's dad is very charming. 'And I said to him, like, "I've lost my dad in this". So him, as my father-in-law, was really important to me. So I asked him to walk me down the aisle and he said yes.' But Meghan's fallout with her father wasn't the only disagreement surrounding her special day; one of the most notorious clashes took place between the Duchess and the Princess of Wales over Princess Charlotte's bridesmaid dress. Initial reports suggested that Meghan had made Kate cry during a disagreement over the outfits - which the Suits actress later denied. The Princess allegedly believed that the bridesmaids should wear tights as per royal protocol and thought the length of her daughter Charlotte's hem was too short for the then three-year-old, according to royal author Tom Bower. He claimed in his biography Revenge, which documented Harry and Meghan's fall-out with the Royal Family, that the Duchess' then assistant Melissa Toubati and dressmaker Clare Waight Keller said they 'witnessed Meghan emphatically reject Kate's observation'. The altercation caused Kate to burst into tears according to presenter and friend of Queen Camilla, Kirstie Allsopp. Signature Candle No. 519 (pictured) is priced at $64 and scented with Moroccan mint, cardamom and tea leaves However, Meghan gave a different version of events in her bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021. She insisted that she was the one who had become emotional in the exchange, not Prince William's wife. Meghan explained that Kate was upset about something but later took responsibility, apologised, and even brought her flowers. 'It wasn't a confrontation,' Meghan said. 'I don't think it's fair to her to get into the details of that, because she apologised. What was hard to get over was being blamed for something that not only I didn't do but that happened to me. 'And the people who were part of our wedding were going to our comms team and saying, "I know this didn't happen. I don't have to tell them what actually happened".' At the time, royal expert Katie Nicholl claimed that Kate found it 'mortifying' that their disagreement had reached the press, as she never wanted it to become public knowledge. While Meghan's interview sought to put the rumours to rest, Harry reignited the discussion in his memoir, Spare, providing new details about the dispute. According to the Prince, Kate messaged Meghan in the days leading up to the wedding, expressing concerns about the bridesmaid dresses - specifically Charlotte's. Prince Harry looks at his bride, Meghan, as she arrives accompanied by her father-in-law, King Charles, in St George's Chapel in 2018 The Duchess suggested that the Princess take Charlotte to a tailor at the palace for adjustments but later, when the two women spoke in person, Kate reportedly insisted that the dress was too big and it had made the young royal cry when she tried it on. Meghan, already overwhelmed by wedding preparations, was said to be distressed by the conversation. Harry wrote that when he returned home, he found his fiancee sobbing on the kitchen floor, overcome with stress. However, he also noted that Kate later came to their house with a card and flowers as an apology. Though the incident continues to be disputed, it remains one of the most talked-about moments from the lead up to the Sussexes' wedding - and a lingering factor in the family's rift. Another memorable altercation that happened before Meghan's big day involved the tiara she wished to wear with her 100,000 wedding dress from French fashion house Givenchy. It is customary for royal brides to pick out a dazzling tiara from the palace's extensive collection to wear as they walk down the aisle, with the monarch having the final say on the choice of headwear. However, this seemingly minor task blew up into a disagreement between the Duchess and Angela Kelly, the late Queen Elizabeth's personal advisor and loyal and long-time dresser. 'Meghan alighted on a tiara sparkling with emeralds. Her choice was approved by Harry. Kelly suggested that its Russian origin made it unsuitable,' according to Mr Bower. Kate and Princess Charlotte leave St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, after the wedding of Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, on May 19, 2018 The Duke reportedly became angry with Kelly for going against the Duchess' request, leading to the Prince receiving a dressing-down from his grandmother. During the meeting, Harry was put 'firmly in his place' and warned by the late Queen that 'Meghan cannot have whatever she wants. She gets what tiara shes given by me,' The Times reported. Meghan eventually opted to wear Queen Mary's Diamond Bandeau, but this was not the end of the tiara-related drama. During wedding rehearsals, the Duchess asked that the tiara be taken out of storage so her hairdresser - who had flown from New York - could work around the 2million headwear. The request was refused on the grounds that permission was needed from Queen Elizabeth herself. Unimpressed, Harry reportedly told Kelly: 'What Meghan wants, Meghan gets'. However, he denied in his memoirs that he angrily said that phrase to Kelly. He did admit he had been exasperated by the dresser, who 'fixed me with a look that made me shiver'. He added: 'I could read in her face a clear warning. This isn't over.' After finding herself at loggerheads with the late Queen's dresser and then Kate, Meghan also reportedly had a tense exchange with a member of catering staff. In her book The New Royals, author Katie Nicholl wrote: 'On one occasion in the run-up to the wedding, Meghan went to Windsor Castle for a menu-tasting and ended up having a tense exchange with a member of staff, according to one source. '"Meghan was at the castle to taste some of the dishes, and told one of the caterers she could taste egg," said the source. "She got quite upset, saying that the dish was meant to be vegan and macrobiotic."' Queen Elizabeth II looks on during the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan in 2018 The bride-to-be's 'direct approach' with the staff member allegedly came to the attention of Queen Elizabeth, who reportedly had some stern words of advice for the Duchess. 'Suddenly the Queen walked in and said: "Meghan, in this family we don't speak to people like that."' Dishes served at Harry and Meghan's wedding included an array of canapes including Scottish langoustines wrapped in smoked salmon with citrus creme fraiche and croquette of confit Windsor lamb, roasted vegetables and shallot jam. Elsewhere, following the nuptials, royal sources claimed that the odour of St George's Chapel did not find favour with Meghan, so she insisted on masking the 'musty' smell with 130 scent diffusers before her guests arrived. However, according to royal biographers Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand in their book Finding Freedom, the Diptyque Baies diffusers were provided by the brand and were approved by the palace ahead of the big day. The signature scent used to make the chapel more fragrant smelt of roses, infused with fruity undertones of berries and currant leaves. It was previously understood that the request to use the atomisers to create a pleasant aroma for guests specifically came from Meghan's office at Kensington Palace. It was thought that although she and Harry organised the wedding themselves with an in-house team, anything to do with the chapel was a matter for the late Queen, who had to give them permission to use it. That meant all of the arrangements needed to be passed by the Lord Chamberlain's Office at Buckingham Palace, which is in charge of ceremonial matters. The source said at the time: 'Apparently Meghan didn't like the smell of the chapel, which, as you would expect, is a little musty. It's not unpleasant at all, though. 'It just smells how you would expect an old building to smell. And that's something the Royal Family are particularly used to. 'Meghan wanted staff to go around with these atomisers, like spritzer guns, and spray the chapel with scent before anyone arrived. 'Royal Household staff stepped in and told her office politely, but firmly, that this was the Queen's Chapel and it simply wasn't appropriate. 'I don't believe they said no because they thought it could affect the chapel in any way. It was simply the principle of the thing. 'This is a place that has held royal weddings, funerals and even contains the Royal Vault. I don't believe a request of that nature had been made before.' The source stressed at the time that there had been 'no falling out' between the two households, but that there was a certain amount of surprise at the request. 'Frankly it was all a bit ridiculous and rather over the top,' they added. A second source, while also confirming that atomisers had been requested, said: 'The two households worked very well together. I don't believe they [the atomisers] caused concern.' Yesterday, Meghan revealed her first Christmas collection with As Ever - including two candles inspired by her wedding date and her August 4 birthday and a 2021 Vintage Napa Valley Brut, costing $89. Adding to her range of fruit spreads, Meghan also launched a new strawberry flavour, which comes as part of the Signature Fruit Spread Gift set, priced at $42, alongside a jar of orange marmalade and raspberry. Marius Borg Hiby has started rehabilitation treatment for substance abuse as he awaits his trial. In August, shockwaves reverberated around Norway when Hiby, 28, the stepson of the future King, Crown Prince Haakon, was charged with 32 offences. The alleged acts include four rapes of four different women between 2018 and 2024, abuse against his former partner, Nora Haukland, and several acts of violence against another former partner. He has vehemently denied the charges. Now, ahead of his January trial, which will span six weeks, Hiby is receiving treatment for substance abuse issues, his defence lawyers, Ellen Holager Andens and Petar Sekulic, confirmed to TV 2 Norway. Sekulic commented on how the upcoming trial might impact Hiby, 'It will be very tough for him. It's not an easy situation to be in.' Hiby has been open about his drug use in the past, and in a statement following his initial arrest for violence, threats, and vandalism in August last year, he admitted to having issues surrounding cocaine and alcohol use, and said that he would receive treatment for the problem. He wrote at the time, 'I have several mental disorders which mean that throughout my upbringing and adult life, I have had, and still have, challenges.' The son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit said he wanted to be 'responsible for what he had done' and 'explain himself truthfully to police'. Marius Borg Hiby has started treatment for substance abuse as he awaits trial, which is due to take place in January (seen with his mother, Crown Princess Mette-Marit in 2022) 'Something happened that should never have happened. I committed bodily harm and destroyed objects in an apartment in the intoxication of alcohol and cocaine after an argument,' he said. Then, in August this year, Hiby was charged with 32 offences, including rape. On all occasions, Hoiby allegedly assaulted the women while they were sleeping and filmed the assaults. The assaults also allegedly occurred after Hoiby and the women had consensual intercourse. He has also been charged with making death threats, assaulting a public official, and violating the Road Traffic Act. Presenting the indictment in August, public prosecutor Sturla Henriksb told NRK that he will face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison following a six-week trial in January. Henriksb said: 'This case is very serious. Rape and violence in close relationships are very serious acts that can leave lasting traces and destroy lives.' He later had his diplomatic passport revoked, according to reports, shortly after he enjoyed a five-day holiday in Portugal with his stepfather Prince Haakon and with his half-brother Prince Sverre Magnus. The specific reasons why had to surrender the passport, are unknown, according to national paper Se og Hor. Pictured: Norway's Queen Sonja, King Harald, Prince Sverre Magnus, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, Princess Mette-Marit, and Prince Haakon Hiby is reported to have had both a diplomatic and standard passport since he was young. While members of the Royal House have diplomatic passports, other members of the Royal Family use standard ones after turning 18, under new rules that came into effect around six months ago. Others who have the special documents include Prince Sverre Magnus, 19, Princess Martha Louise, 53, and Princess Astrid, 93. This means that Marius Borg Hiby, as well as Princess Martha Louise's three daughters, should travel using the normal Norwegian passports. Travelling with a diplomatic passport entitled the holder to special treatment at most airports globally - but there are rules stating that the document should not be misused. Hiby is only supposed to use his when travelling with other members of his family and it is not supposed to be used for private holiday trips. While the investigation into him was ongoing, the future king's stepson made a number of domestic and international trips, including to Cannes, Italy, and Monaco. According to reports, it is believed that he used the diplomatic passport when travelling solo for his trips - which is misuse. The case was top news in Norway, where the royals are popular. Crown Prince Haakon told NRK in November last year: 'Today, of course, we are thinking of all those affected. The prince also said the police and legal system should now 'be given room to do their job', which he 'trusts' will be done in a 'good way'. In an interview with NRK, Norway's public broadcasting group on Christmas day, the Crown Princess said: 'If I had to choose one word for this year, it would be 'challenging'.' 'It has been a demanding year and a demanding autumn for us,' Princess Mette-Marit added. Following the incident, Hiby became the first ever royal family member to have been charged with a crime and is no longer publicly listed as part of the Scandinavian household. The claims have taken a hit on the royal family, with backing for the household falling from 81 percent in 2017 to 62 percent last September. Once known affectionately as 'Little Marius', Hiby grew up in the public eye, enjoying the same wealth and privilege as his royal siblings, although his biological father, Morten Borg, served time in prison for drugs and violent offences. He has largely continued his life as normal since the charges came to light in August last year, and has since jetted off with friends to Hemsedal, Copenhagen and Italy. The son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit has also spent time at rehab centres in London since his arrest. The King and Queen wished worshippers a 'very happy belated Diwali' on a visit to Neasden Temple to celebrate its 30th anniversary on Wednesday. Charles, 76, and Camilla, 78, had a tour and watched spiritual ceremonies at the Hindu temple in north London - BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir. They were both given flower garlands for the tour, before watching children perform Shanti Path, a Vedic prayer for world peace. Both Charles and Camilla have visited the temple before, most recently as Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall in 2009. The trip comes just days after the King was heckled by anti-monarchy protesters amid mounting pressure for Prince Andrew to move out of the Royal Lodge - where he has lived rent-free for more than 20 years. The anti-monarchy protester - from the campaign group Republic - shouted questions about the Prince and his relationship with convicted sex trafficker Epstein during his visit to Lichfield Cathedral in Staffordshire on Monday. However, today's outing appeared much friendlier, with the King offering a Namaste greeting, clasping his hands together and bowing his head in front of the head priest. The pair were barefoot as they were guided around the bright white, ornately carved building which is made with 2,828 tons of limestone and 2,000 tons of marble, which was carved by a team of 1,526 sculptors. The King, 76, received a ceremonial welcome as he met members of a Hindu temple in Neasden, London on Wednesday alongside Queen Camilla, 78 (pictured together) The royal couple were given red and white floral garlands to wear around their necks after which Charles exchanged the Hindu Namaste greeting Camilla spoke to several women who attend the Hindu temple, and was guided by them on her visit around the impressive building Their visit on its 30th anniversary also looked forward to the completion of BAPS Mandir in Paris, which will be the first traditional Hindu temple in France. They met architects and viewed a model of the temple which is currently under construction but due to be completed in September 2026. The Neasden temple is Europe's first traditional Hindu stone temple and was the largest to be built outside India at the time of its completion. Stretching to 102,018 square feet, the temple was built using classical Vedic architectural principles, meaning it has no structural steel. The King wore a suit and blue tie, the Queen a dark green jacket and skirt. Both removed their shoes after entering. On arrival, they were greeted by Sadhu Yog Vivek Swami, who held his hands together and bowed in greeting, a gesture the King returned. The temple leaders then presented both with flower garlands - of roses, carnations and foliage with a string of pearl beads - and nada-chadi - a sacred thread tied around their wrists. As this was tied, the priest told Charles it was a 'string of friendship on your right hand to show our bonds remain ever sweet'. The King and Queen also greeted the Mayor of Brent wearing red robes and the Mayor of Harrow. The royal couple watched a spiritual ceremony alongside members of the community and congregation Charles and Camilla were guided around the ornately carved temple by the head priest and other members of the congregation The chair of the temple, Mr Jitu Patel, then escorted them upstairs to the inner sanctum, beneath the ten-metre high Mandir dome. Its marble and limestone were hand-carved in India by skilled artisans, while seven ornate shrines house murtis - sacred images - of the deities. There the King observed a young boy offering petals to the central shrine for Bhagwan Swaminarayan, the principal deity of the temple, before the Queen observed a young girl do the same. Mr Patel explained the details of the pillars and shrines to the King who nodded and appeared engaged. Downstairs, the King and Queen observed a family of four perform an Abhisheka ceremonial pouring of water over a deity's image. The King asked the family how often they performed an Abhishek and whether the children were off school for half term. The family told him about the festivities and fireworks for Diwali just over a week before. Leaving the Abhishek, the King said to them, 'Well, very happy belated Diwali.' Charles was adorned with a traditional red and white flowered garland as he greeted the head priest of Neasden Temple In the Haveli foyer, the royals then met trustees of BAPS before viewing a model of the BAPS Mandir in Paris. They spoke to the Commissioner of India to the UK, the Ambassador of France to the UK and architects and craftsmen involved in the project, one of whom showed the King a wooden piece of carving from the ceiling. Viewing the model of the Parisian temple, the Queen said, 'It does look very impressive.' The congregation, wearing traditional Indian dress, stood and applauded as the King and Queen entered the main assembly hall. Children lined the central aisle waving BAPS flags. Men and women were seated either side of the central aisle. The King sat on the left hand side of the stage, in front of the male congregation, while the Queen sat on the right, in front of the women. School children performed Shanti Path, a Vedic prayer for world peace. The head priest, Pujya Yogvivekdas Swami, said, 'Your majesty on behalf of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, it is our distinct honour and joy to welcome you to Neasden temple on its 30 year anniversary.' He said their presence reflected the 'relationship that runs long and deep', having marked both 'joy' and 'sorrow' on previous visits, from celebrating Holi to reflecting on the Gujarat earthquake. 'You have offered comfort, encouragement and genuine friendship,' he said. The couples were greeted by children from the community The couple also observed a spiritual ceremony 'You have championed heritage and traditional architecture.' He added that the King's support had 'sustained the arts' and 'empowered young people'. There was a video message from the spiritual leader Mahant Swami Maharaj, 92, from India, who thanked the King and Queen for their visit. He said, 'Your kindness and friendship have long been cherished by our community.' The head priest then presented the King with a special gift and the Queen with sweets, representing, 'the sweet enduring friendship between the crown and our community'. As the King and Queen walked back down the central aisle, the congregation gave a cheer. Dev Patel, 11, who visits the temple weekly with his family, found out the day before that he would be offering petals to the central shrine for Bhagwan Swaminarayan in front of the King. 'Initially I was quite nervous but I'm grateful that the King has come to celebrate the anniversary,' he said, 'I bowed at him and he bowed back. I felt a sense of harmony when he came, like unity.' The Patel family from Watford said they were 'overjoyed' to perform the Abhishek for the visit. Hinal Patel, 41, said, 'It was an honour and a privilege to represent our temple to represent our community.' Her daughter, Aasha, 10, added, 'And to see the King and Queen.' Chirag Patel, 41, said, 'It was an honour for us as well to offer our prayers on behalf of the King and Queen as a family. 'We were praying for the King, Queen, the wider family, the whole nation really, just praying for peace and prosperity.' On the conversation with the King, Mr Patel said, 'It was proper out of the blue. 'He was asking us about Diwali and how the celebrations were and he was even joking around with the kids as well.' Aasha said she had the 'giggles' before the meeting but looked forward to telling her classmates 'I met the King and Queen' when she returned after half term. Hinal added she had queued after the late Queen's death in 2022 and previously met Charles at Diamond Jubilee celebrations. It's been a tricky a week for the King who was heckled by protester on Monday. The heckler's identity remains unknown but a video of the outburst shows him being pulled back by a frustrated onlooker as he launched the tirade. As the King walked past, the protester shouted: 'How long have you known about Andrew and Epstein? 'Have you asked the police to cover up for Andrew? 'Should MPs be allowed to debate the royals in the House of Commons?' The King chose to ignore the heckler, showing no reaction while other people outside Lichfield Cathedral told the heckler to 'shut up' as the King made his way through the crowd, greeting fans and tuning out the chaos. The prince still has 50 years left on his pre-paid lease and it not known exactly how much money he could receive in compensation for the 7.5million he has spent on Royal Lodge renovations. Princess Beatrice and Eugenie have jetted out of the country as their parents are reportedly preparing to move out of the Royal Lodge. Both Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson gave up their titles of Duke and Duchess of York earlier this month amid fresh scrutiny over their links to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. The pair have been living separate lives under one roof at the Royal Lodge, being able to 'live at a certain level' while riding out multiple scandals from the comfort of their 30-room Grade II listed mansion, where they have lived since 2008 despite divorcing in 1996. However on Monday, it was reported that the prince had finally agreed to leave Royal Lodge - but has brazenly demanded that he and Fergie are given two separate royal homes in exchange. It's understood they are willing to go their separate ways if they must leave their Windsor Estate home. Yesterday, it was claimed that Prince William threatened to remove the titles of Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie unless they pressured their disgraced father to move out of Royal Lodge. Emily Maitlis, the broadcaster who grilled Andrew in his infamous Newsnight interview in 2019, made the disputed claim that the Prince of Wales may have met with the princesses to give them the ultimatum last week. The princesses have since both been pictured out of the country as their parents continue to face mounting pressure to leave the Royal Lodge. Eugenie was in Paris alongside two girlfriends as they posed for a picture on the River Seine with the Eiffel Tower in the background. Her sister Beatrice travelled to Saudi Arabia to attend the Future Investment Initiative event in Riyadh. Princess Beatrice travelled to Saudi Arabia to attend the Future Investment Initiative event in Riyadh. Pictured: Beatrice posed alongside Sunil Sharma Princess Eugenie was in Paris alongside two girlfriends as they posed for a picture on the River Seine with the Eiffel Tower in the background Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson have been living separate lives under one roof at Royal Lodge and are facing mounting pressure to leave the Windsor estate ROYAL LODGE: Andrew has allegedly requested Frogmore Cottage in Windsor is handed over to him in exchange for his departure from the 30-room mansion (pictured), which is just down the road She posed alongside Sunil Sharma, who hosts a podcast called Rational Voices with Sunil, as he posted a picture of himself with the princess, writing: 'A Royal Moment. Nice to meet and chat with HRH Princess Beatrice.' While the princess isn't a working royal, she most likely attended on behalf of Afiniti, where she is Vice President of Partnerships & Strategy. It comes as it emerged last night how Andrew hosted Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell and Harvey Weinstein at Royal Lodge in 2006. The Daily Mail has also revealed how Fergie has been dumped from ITV's Loose Women and This Morning - weeks after being dropped by a slew of charities. Pressure has also mounted on King Charles to take action after Andrew's leasehold agreement revealed he paid 1million to secure a 75-year lease in 2003 - and has since paid only 'one peppercorn' in rent per year, 'if demanded'. Andrew is said to have requested Harry and Meghan's former home, Frogmore Cottage, while Fergie is eyeing up nearby Adelaide Cottage ahead of William and Kate's departure next month. It marks a bitter end for Andrew and Sarah - the former duchess who once told the Daily Mail: 'We're the happiest divorced couple in the world. We're divorced to each other, not from each other.' Royal experts today said their desire to separate proves their living arrangement at Royal Lodge has simply been 'lucrative' for one another, declaring: 'The cover is blown.' Richard Fitzwilliams told the Daily Mail: 'The relationship between them, as I've always seen, it's symbiotic in a sense. Remember the fake Sheikh scandal when Sarah Ferguson was trying to sell access to Andrew for 500,000? FROGMORE COTTAGE: Andrew is looking to move into the Duke of Sussex's old residence, Frogmore Cottage (pictured), which sits just under three miles away from Windsor Great Park ADELAIDE COTTAGE: Meanwhile, Fergie, 66, has set her sights on nearby Adelaide Cottage (pictured) - also on the Windsor Estate- the current residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales 'It's lucrative for both of them to be together. The point is that this has been an arrangement of convenience to enable them to live at a certain level. 'They've kept that facade up very well. My feeling is that it was because they are extremely greedy. I think the problem was they desired a certain lifestyle - and this was the main way to get it. 'This arrangement has gone on since 2008 because it was mutually advantageous, but the point is... she always has particularly traded on being the world's happiest divorced couple.' The royal expert added: 'This was the couple who, Sarah Ferguson boasted, were the "happiest divorced couple in the world". It seems they now want to separate. The reason is clearly that what made them perfect for each other after divorce and subsequent scandals and debts, was that they were both greedy and entitled. 'Now this cover is blown, they want to live apart in two homes. The world can clearly see that the previous arrangement was designed to maximise the benefit of Andrew's public life for them privately.' Last night, it emerged Prince Andrew hosted Epstein, Maxwell and Weinstein at Royal Lodge as part of his daughter Beatrice's masked ball 18th birthday celebrations in 2006. It came two months after a US arrest warrant was issued for Epstein for the sexual assault of a minor. It had previously been reported that Epstein, Maxwell and Weinstein visited Windsor Castle for the event, but not that they had been hosted at Andrew's private home. The revelation heaps fresh pressure on Andrew who was forced to give up his titles earlier this month. There was visible tension between Prince William and Prince Andrew at the Duchess of Kent's funeral last month Your browser does not support iframes. It comes as William and Kate are set to move with their three children to Forest Lodge (pictured) - in Windsor Great Park and a stone's throw from Royal Lodge - next month Prince Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson (pictured) are said to have finally agreed to leave Royal Lodge - but only if they get two alternative houses in return It was claimed yesterday that William threatened to take away the titles of Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie unless they persrued their father to move out of the Royal Lodge. Speaking to The News Agents podcast, Maitlis said: 'There was a question over whether there had been, earlier in the day, a meeting between Prince William and the princesses, Beatrice and Eugenie, saying you guys have to get your dad to move out of Royal Lodge otherwise we will start re-examining the state of your own titles. 'They are at the moment allowed to be princesses, but there was a bit of pressure, we understand, being put on the princesses to say this is going to happen. Obviously you can see why Andrew as a father would want to keep their daughters happy and keep their titles in place come what may. 'What we learned what was going to happen on Thursday was that Charles, fresh from the Vatican and his audience with the Pope, was going to come via Royal Lodge to be seen in other words reading the riot act to his brother.' But sources told the Daily Mail that Maitlis's claims were 'completely wrong'. Asked about the claims, Kensington Palace said a meeting - or indeed a conversation - between William and his cousins simply never happened. 'This is not even a decision for him,' a source added. Maitlis said journalists had earlier in the day been tipped off by the Palace that there 'may be passing traffic' outside Royal Lodge, but further details were unclear. She added: 'Nobody was going to film the conversation or see him stepping out the car but there was going to be the moment caught on camera of King Charles's car heading to Royal Lodge. 'What happened, I understand, was that the Palace then got very nervous and when they saw the choppers and helicopters, they thought this has all got too big, this has got out of control, they cancelled the whole thing. The King just went straight home and never came by.' Andrew and Fergie are said to be willing to finally leave Royal Lodge after nearly two decades, but claims both of them want a separate home has sparked outrage from some in royal circles. Sources close to the couple, who have been divorced for almost 30 years, have reacted angrily, however, to suggestions they have demanded two homes, insisting the offer is 'misrepresentative of the truth' and has, in fact, 'been on the table for months'. Virginia Giuffre photographed with Prince Andrew and Ghislaine Maxwell in London in 2001 'It was an option put forward by the 'other side' and at an early stage [in negotiations]', they claimed. 'Whether it is still on the table, I don't know. But the suggestion that they have been demanding a new home each is misrepresentative of the truth. 'No demands have been made. People have been trying to come up with solutions.' While Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the claims, insiders say they simply 'do not recognise' this version of events, however. Sources have pointed out that the King may consider it prudent to keep Sarah 'in the fold', rather than her consider another tell-all book. She has already brought out a memoir in 1996, the year she divorced Andrew, and then an autobiography in 2011. The King has also treated his former sister-in-law kindly in recent years given her personal battles after being diagnosed with both breast and skin cancers. Sources with knowledge of Sarah's situation have described her as 'absolutely bereft' and 'completely on the edge'. She is said to be hugely 'embarrassed' by the scandal which has also come home to roost for her personally after the publication of a 'cringeworthy' email she wrote to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, apologising profusely for disassociating herself from him publicly following his child sex conviction in 2008. It has also been claimed that she repeatedly pestered the billionaire paedophile for money to bail her out of personal and business debts. 'She is contrite and embarrassed but also fears the scandal has fatally damaged her own business interests, including a number of new fictional books that are due to come out,' a source said. 'People don't want to be associated with her any more.' The friend added: 'The honest truth is that she has nowhere to go and no one to go with [if Andrew loses Royal Lodge]. Her future is hanging in the balance.' Another source added: 'The King is a kind man but his patience has been pushed to the limit. However, the last thing he also wants is another 'Spare' [the vitriolic memoir brought out by his own son, Prince Harry, in 2023].' On Monday, Charles was heckled during a cathedral visit by a protester who boldly asked him about Prince Andrew and Epstein's relationship. The anti-monarchy protester - from the campaign group Republic - shouted questions about the Prince and convicted sex trafficker Epstein as the King visited Lichfield Cathedral in Staffordshire. As the King walked past, the demonstrator yelled: 'How long have you known about Andrew and Epstein? 'Have you asked the police to cover up for Andrew? 'Should MPs be allowed to debate the royals in the House of Commons?' The King chose to ignore the heckler, showing no reaction while other people outside Lichfield Cathedral told the heckler to 'shut up' as the King made his way through the crowd, greeting fans and tuning out the chaos. The prince's links to Epstein have dominated headlines recently with fresh focus on his sex accuser Virginia Giuffre's claims after her posthumous book was published. Last week, The Mail on Sunday revealed that Andrew tried to involve the Metropolitan Police and one of Queen Elizabeth's most senior aides in a campaign to smear Virginia Giuffre, who had accused him of assaulting her as a teenager. A bombshell email obtained exposed how Andrew asked his taxpayer-funded police bodyguard to investigate the 'lying' young woman. Shockingly, the prince passed on details of her date of birth and social security number, presumably given to him by Epstein. He also claimed Virginia, who took her own life earlier this year, had criminal convictions, a claim which has not been backed up by any evidence or confirmed by police and has been strongly denied by her family. An earlier email expose proved that Andrew lied to Buckingham Palace and the British public when he claimed he had cut off all contact with his close friend in December 2010, following Epstein's release from prison on child-sex charges. Twelve weeks later, he emailed the paedophile financier to say they were 'in this together' and sickeningly expressed his wish to 'play some more soon'. His ex wife Sarah Ferguson, who has also been living in Royal Lodge, came under fire in recent weeks as astonishing new emails claimed Epstein had secretly bankrolled her for 15 years. 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. With the New York City mayoral election just around the corner, wealthy apartment owners are resigned to the fact that Zohran Mamdani will win and are fleeing the city altogether. Experts say apartment listings have increased since Mamdani won the Democratic primary in June and things have only gotten worse. Residents are leaving the city in favor of both North and South Carolina in order to avoid future tax increases and rent freezes Mamdani is proposing. 'There's a lot of inventory right now,' said New York realtor Jay Batra. 'These people are not thrilled about the possibility of Mamdani winning. 'Batra said with the election so close, there's now a new wave of people who are considering selling their apartments. 'Residents continue to relocate to places like the Carolinas, the market is shifting.' The Carolinas also offer lower resident income tax and lower property tax, a significant draw for city buyers. New Yorkers are ready to swap skyscrapers for open skies if Mamdani wins because they want to escape his tax hikes Some luxury buyers are pulling the plug on purchasing apartments due to Zohran Mamdani's proposed policies Frances Katzen (pictured), a luxury NYC broker for Douglas Elliman 'There is no question that there are people who are hedging that in the event Mamdani is elected they will step out of New York,' Douglas Elliman luxury realtor Frances Katzen told Daily Mail. For luxury buyers, they are also are also pulling the plug on purchasing apartments due to Mamdani's proposed policies. 'Two weeks ago, I had a couple of buyers In the $3, $4 and $5million price point range - one I was selling a building to - who are no longer interested in buying,' Batra said. 'They don't want to hear about Mamdani and the rent freeze he is proposing.' Mamdani's emphasis is on socialism and the redistribution of wealth. He is up against former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is now also running as an independent, and Republican Curtis Sliwa in November. Mamdani has earned the backing of younger voters through persuasive social media campaigns and in-person visits with New Yorkers across the five boroughs. He's stated his support for taxing the ultra-rich, proposing a 2 percent tax hike on New York City residents who earn more than $1 million a year. The money from the taxes, he says, will fund programs that would make NYC living more affordable for lower-income residents. He also supports freezing the rent for the roughly 1 million existing rent-stabilized apartments across the city - the mayor of NYC can appoint members to the Rent Guidelines Board, which oversees adjustments for rent-controlled and rent-stabilized apartments. New Yorkers in fear of a tax hike are fleeing to South Carolina, where they can get more bang for their buck Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is one option for New York City residents who are selling due to the likely win of Zohran Mamdani The towns surrounding Charleston, SC, have also seen an influx of New Yorkers who do not want a mayor that will cost them more South Carolina offers low taxes, a nice quality of life, year-round mild weather and proximity to the beach Bright pink blooms on display at a typical home in South Carolina, where the vibe is not New York but is drawing people who don't want higher taxes South Carolina is the chosen place for New Yorkers In addition to escaping tax hikes, South Carolina offers lots of new builds in developments that are affordable North Carolina is seeing an influx of New Yorkers who don't want to be taxed by a Mayor Mamdani and where they can pay low taxes Myrtle Beach is affordable and has a large population of New Yorkers already and is set to welcome a new wave of those fleeing the city Charlotte, North Carolina is also drawing New Yorkers who are moving to the city's suburbs to escape the proposed tax hikes in New York The beaches in North Carolina are filling up with New Yorkers who don't agree with Zohran Mamdani's policies Zohran Mamdani (pictured) has an emphasis on socialism and the redistribution of wealth New York luxury realtor Jay Batra (pictured) A rent freeze like the one proposed would essentially put a cap on the income landlords can generate from their properties for a set period of time. Batra says clients he's worked with for years have long invested their millions in New York real estate, growing a portfolio with multiple apartments. Now, they want out. 'They are very discouraged by everything that's going on in the news, but the consensus overall is that Mamdani is not the direction they want the city to go in,' he said. 'And this agenda is making people pause and think, "Is this the place they want to park their money?"' Most of those who do end up selling will start anew in Florida, he said. 'They like the ideologies and politics better in Florida.' Katzen said on the buyer side they are unsure and 'spooked by the uncertainty' of a possible Mayor Mamdani. Wilmington, North Carolina offers lower taxes and a quieter way of life for New Yorkers looking to escape the possibility of tax hikes From high rises to beach living, New Yorkers are choosing the Carolinas when Zohran Mamdani enforces his proposed tax hikes New Yorkers don't want to deal with a Mayor that will hike their taxes and freeze rents and instead are leaving the city As progressive politics take hold, more New Yorkers are voting to leave the state altogether in favor of the Carolinas Charleston is also a hotspot for former New Yorkers even though it is more expensive than the surrounding areas Many New Yorkers who move to the Carolinas end up staying for good after they realize they like the beach life Many places in South Carolina have managed to maintain that small-town charm among an influx of residents from New York The lure of charming Southern homes and cheaper mortgages proves irresistible to many New Yorkers who want out New Yorkers are swapping high rises for homes in South Carolina developments that have amenities like pools People who for years have invested their millions in New York real estate, growing a portfolio with multiple apartments, want out While politics heat up in New York, the Carolinas keep drawing them in to the area for its cheaper living and better weather People are trading Manhattan for Myrtle Beach, where their money goes a lot further and they won't see a tax increase The Carolinas offer lower taxes, bigger homes and a slower pace of life for New Yorkers who don't want progressive politics 'One of our clients, who has owned and rented out a condo unit in Manhattan for over a decade, recently decided to sell,' she told the Daily Mail. 'Rising operating expenses, growing regulatory uncertainty and the possibility of increased taxes and rent control made him rethink the investment. 'Another client even texted a photo of their new baby and wrote, "Where should we go, and how much would it cost?"' For Katzen, this does not spell crisis for the city's housing market. 'For many, New York still offers unmatched opportunity, connectivity and cultural vibrancy. It remains one of the world's most dynamic, resilient and desirable real estate markets,' she said. 'No matter how the election shakes out, the city has always proven its ability to adapt and thrive.' Astronomers have released a spectacular new image of the Milky Way, providing a glimpse of our galaxy in unprecedented detail. The photograph, which took 18 months and over 40,000 hours to construct, is the largest lowfrequency radio colour image of the Milky Way ever assembled. It captures the Southern Hemisphere view, revealing it across a wide range of radio wavelengths or 'colours' of radio light. And it provides astronomers with new ways to explore the birth, evolution and death of stars in our galaxy. The stunning picture was created by astronomers from the International Centre of Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR). 'This vibrant image delivers an unparalleled perspective of our galaxy at low radio frequencies,' Silvia Mantovanini, a PhD student at the Curtin University of ICRAR said. 'It provides valuable insights into the evolution of stars, including their formation in various regions of the galaxy, how they interact with other celestial objects, and ultimately their demise.' Ms Mantovanini constructed the image with the help of supercomputers which processed and compiled data from two extensive surveys carried out by the Murchison Widefield Array telescope in Western Australia. The new spectacular image of the Milky Way, providing a glimpse of our galaxy in unprecedented detail The photograph, which took 18 months and over 40,000 hours to construct, is the largest lowfrequency radio colour image of the Milky Way ever assembled It provides astronomers with new ways to explore the birth, evolution and death of stars in our galaxy The astronomers focused on radio waves because they reveal a different part of the universe that visible light cannot show allowing them to see through gas and dust clouds to observe the birth of stars and the structures of galaxies. When compared to images constructed from visible light, the radio frequency photograph reveals the galaxy in much clearer, more colourful detail. The new image offers twice the resolution, 10 times the sensitivity and covers twice the area compared to a previous radio wavelength image released in 2019. This significant improvement in resolution, sensitivity and sky coverage allows for a more detailed and comprehensive study of the Milky Way, the team said. Ms Mantovanini's research focuses on supernova remnants, the expanding clouds of gas and energy left behind when a star explodes at the end of its life. Although hundreds of these remnants have been discovered so far, astronomers suspect that thousands more are waiting to be found. The image allows them to distinguish between the gas surrounding new stars and that left behind by dead ones, revealing clearer patterns in the cosmic landscape. 'You can clearly identify remnants of exploded stars, represented by large red circles,' she said. 'The smaller blue regions indicate stellar nurseries where new stars are actively forming.' Left: The centre of our Milky Way in radio colour. Right: The same area of sky as seen in visible light Antennas from the MWA telescope, on Wajarri Country in Western Australia, which carried out the two extensive surveys The image may also help unravel the mysteries surrounding pulsars in our Galaxy. By measuring the brightness of pulsars at different GLEAMX frequencies, astronomers hope to gain a deeper understanding of how these enigmatic objects emit radio waves and where they exist within our galaxy. Associate Professor Natasha HurleyWalker from the same ICRAR team, who is the principal investigator of the GLEAMX survey, emphasised how this is a big step forward in studying the Milky Way's structure. 'This lowfrequency image allows us to unveil large astrophysical structures in our Galaxy that are difficult to image at higher frequencies,' she said. 'No lowfrequency radio image of the entire Southern Galactic Plane has been published before, making this an exciting milestone in astronomy.' The new image was published in the journal Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia. In a surprising change of tone, Bill Gates has claimed that climate change 'will not lead to humanity's demise'. Despite having spent vast amounts of his $122 billion net worth trying to fight climate change, the Microsoft founder now says world leaders should focus on other issues. But if climate change isn't going to doom the human race, what will? According to experts, the bleak reality is that humanity is much more likely to annihilate itself before the worst effects of climate change are felt. From powerful AI models being created in labs around the world to devastating bioweapons, humanity is rapidly creating the tools of its own destruction. However, scientists who study so-called 'existential risks' believe that the biggest threat of all is the looming danger of total nuclear war. Dr Rhys Crilley, an expert on international relations from the University of Glasgow, told Daily Mail: 'The key difference is time: climate change unfolds over decades; nuclear war could end civilisation in the space of a few hours. 'Climate change is a slow-burning crisis that's already reshaping our world but will get worse in the future, whilst nuclear weapons pose the possibility of instant, total devastation for the planet.' In a surprising change of tone, Bill Gates now claims that climate change 'will not lead to humanity's demise' and that world leaders should focus on other issues Will humanity destroy itself? In an open letter ahead of the UN COP30 climate summit in Brazil, Bill Gates claimed that climate change was not the biggest threat to humanity. Although the 70-year-old billionaire admitted that climate change would 'hurt poor people more than anyone else', he also argued that the 'doomsday outlook' was misguided. He wrote: 'People will be able to live and thrive in most places on Earth for the foreseeable future.' However, although experts agree that climate change is not the biggest risk, there is some doubt as to whether humans will be able to 'live and thrive' into the future. One of the biggest risks to humanity's long-term continuation is the threat of total nuclear war. What makes this so worrying is that the idea that these weapons could be used is no longer such a distant prospect. Dr Crilley says: 'These risks are not theoretical: the weapons exist, the tensions between nuclear-armed states are worsening, and it seems that nuclear weapon states are increasingly willing to use force to get what they want whilst threatening to use nuclear weapons. Experts say that nuclear war is a far more serious risk to humanity's ongoing survival than climate change (AI-generated impression) The five most likely causes of human extinction Rogue AI Nuclear war Engineered bioweapons Climate change Natural disasters or asteroid strike Advertisement 'On top of this, we know that accidents and miscalculations happen, and that it was largely down to luck that there was no nuclear conflict during the Cold War.' That is already a terrifying prospect, but research suggests that even a relatively contained nuclear war would spell the end of humanity. When atomic bombs detonate, they trigger enormous fires which inject columns of ash and dust into the atmosphere. Just like the eruption of a supervolcano, this dust cloud would block out the sun for many years to come and cool the planet into a nuclear winter. Using modern climate models, researchers have shown that a nuclear exchange would plunge the planet into a 'nuclear little ice age' lasting thousands of years. Reduced sunlight would plunge global temperatures by up to 10C (18F) for nearly a decade, devastating the world's agricultural production. Using modern climate models, researchers have shown that a nuclear exchange would plunge the planet into a 'nuclear little ice age' lasting thousands of years. Reduced sunlight would plunge global temperatures by up to 10C (18F) for nearly a decade, devastating the world's agricultural production. The threat of nuclear war peaked during the Cold War, when nuclear tests like Operation Redwing (pictured) took place. But experts say that the risk is now rising once again Studies suggest that 'small' engagement using just 100 warheads would collapse the global food system and cause an estimated two billion deaths by starvation in two years. 'There are over 12,000 nuclear warheads in the combined arsenals of the nuclear weapon states, so large-scale nuclear war would likely be an extinction event for the planet,' says Dr Crilley. 'It's clear to me that preventing nuclear war remains one of humanity's most urgent responsibilities. Outside the risk posed by nuclear weapons, some researchers are also increasingly alarmed by the threat posed by engineered bioweapons. Since 1973, when scientists created the first genetically modified bacteria, humanity has been steadily increasing its capacity to make deadly diseases. Thanks to huge advances in AI, these modified bacteria or viruses are now even easier to create. This potentially puts bioweapons in reach of technologically sophisticated terrorist groups or rogue states, massively increasing the risk. Even an unintentional leak from a research facility has the potential to trigger a pandemic that far exceeds anything previously witnessed by humanity. As Russia completes its large-scale nuclear readiness tests (pictured), experts say that there is a very real threat of nuclear war breaking out between states Even a limited nuclear exchange could be extremely destructive, as each blast injects a huge cloud of dust into the atmosphere that will block radiation from the sun (AI-generated impression) Otto Barten, founder of the Existential Risk Observatory, previously told Daily Mail: 'Although natural pandemics remain a very serious risk, this is very likely not going to cause our complete demise. However, man-made pandemics might be engineered specifically to maximise effectiveness, in a way that doesn't occur in nature. 'The chance that ongoing democratisation of biotechnology leads to someone eventually trying and succeeding to create a pandemic that causes complete extinction is non-negligible.' Is climate change an existential risk? While Mr Gates is fairly certain that climate change will not destroy humanity, the experts are not so sure. Some researchers even argue that climate change should be considered an existential risk that ranks alongside the threat of nuclear war. This is not necessarily because climate change could lead to a doomsday scenario, but because of how changing the climate tends to exacerbate other threats. Dr SJ Beard, a researcher at Cambridge University's Centre for the Study of Existential Risk, told Daily Mail: 'There isn't a feasible climate scenario in which we all die of heat exhaustion or drown in the rising ocean. However, climate change can still kill us indirectly. A nuclear war involving around 100 warheads would trigger a 'little nuclear ice age' that would lead to two billion deaths by starvation within the first two years (AI-generated impression) Outside the risk of nuclear war, experts say that engineered bioweapons also pose an existential risk. However, climate change is also considered a major risk since it creates instability that makes conflict more likely (AI-generated impression) 'It can destabilise the geopolitical situation and cause World War 3, it can motivate people to engage in dangerous geoengineering experiments, it could trigger pandemics, or it could disrupt food and other supply chains enough to collapse the global economy.' Climate change is now almost certainly going to have a massive impact on the world by increasing the intensity of extreme weather like droughts, flooding, and tropical storms. Scientists believe this will create resource scarcity and lead to unprecedented levels of migration as people flee the worst-affected regions. In turn, this creates rising instability that could become the perfect breeding ground for conflict. Dr Crilley says: 'Climate change can heighten tensions between nuclear-armed states, as crises driven by droughts, floods, or food insecurity could easily interact with existing geopolitical tensions, making miscalculation or escalation of conflicts more likely.' According to Dr Crilley, this 'absolutely' makes climate change an existential risk worth considering. After nearly a decade in development, NASA's supersonic jet dubbed 'Son of Concorde' has successfully completed its first test flight. The 100-foot, $247million plane, built by Lockheed Martin for NASA, took off from Palmdale Regional Airport in California at about 10:15 EDT on Tuesday. After about an hour performing oval-shaped loops, the plane landed safely at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center 25 miles further northeast. Its peak altitude during the flight was 12,000 feet (3,660 meters) which is under half that of a commercial plane at cruising altitude but experts hope it will be able to reach 55,000 feet (16,800 metres). Officially known as X-59, the manned aircraft is designed to pave the way for faster air travel at 'supersonic' speeds of up to 925mph. At such a speed, it could transport paying passengers from London to New York in under four hours revolutionizing the industry and freeing up time for busy businesspeople and holidaymakers. 'We are thrilled to achieve the first flight of the X-59,' said OJ Sanchez, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works division. 'This aircraft is a testament to the innovation and expertise of our joint team, and we are proud to be at the forefront of quiet supersonic technology development.' Lockheed Martin, in partnership with NASA, successfully completed the first flight of the X-59, a quiet supersonic aircraft designed to pave the way for faster commercial air travel The 100-foot, $247million plane, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, took off from Palmdale Regional Airport in California at about 10:15 EDT on Tuesday According to Lockheed Martin, X-59 performed 'exactly as planned' prior to its safe landing at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center. However, the single-engine jet only reached speeds of 230mph, which is nowhere near its top speed of 925mph much faster than the speed of sound (767mph). Further test flights in the coming months will 'expand the X-59's flight envelope' and get closer to the plane's top flying speed, the aerospace company said. Despite being short of the all-important speed threshold, experts hailed this latest milestone as 'a new era in supersonic flight'. Sean Duffy, Secretary of the Department of Transportation and acting NASA administrator, called the experimental plane 'a symbol of American ingenuity'. He said: 'The American spirit knows no bounds. It's part of our DNA the desire to go farther, faster, and even quieter than anyone has ever gone before. 'This work sustains America's place as the leader in aviation and has the potential to change the way the public flies.' X-59 is dubbed 'Son of Concorde' because it would be the first passenger plane to fly at supersonic speeds (faster than the speed of sound) since the days of the retired Anglo-French liner over 20 years ago. On its first flight, NASA's experimental quiet supersonic X-59 aircraft takes off from Runway 7 at Palmdale USAF Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, October 28 Once airborne, the single-engine jet reached speeds of 230mph, which is nowhere near its top speed of 925mph - faster than the speed of sound (767mph) Further test flights in the coming months will 'expand the X-59's flight envelope' and get closer to the plane's top flying speed X-59: Key specs Manufacturer : Lockheed Martin : Lockheed Martin Length : 99.7 feet (30 metres) : 99.7 feet (30 metres) Wingspan : 29.5 feet (9.0 metres) : 29.5 feet (9.0 metres) Max. airspeed : 925 mph : 925 mph Program cost : $247.5m (187.5m) : $247.5m (187.5m) First flight : October 28, 2025 Advertisement One of the issues with Concorde that led to its retirement in 2003 was the 'sonic booms' it emitted as it flew. Described as sounding somewhere between a thunderclap and an explosion, sonic booms happen when shock waves from an object travelling through the air faster than the speed of sound merge together before they reach the ground. Concorde's sonic booms were often described as unsettling by members of the public on the ground below, which meant Concorde never replaced slower, more conventional aircraft. In contrast, X-59s thin, tapered nose accounts for almost a third of its length and breaks up the shock waves that usually result in a sonic boom, instead producing a quieter 'thump'. Due to X-59's odd configuration, the cockpit is located almost halfway down the length of the aircraft and the craft does not have a forward-facing window. Instead, it's fitted with the 'eXternal Vision System', a series of high-resolution cameras feeding a 4K monitor in the cockpit. Eventually, NASA which will be the primary user will fly the aircraft over cities across the US, which are yet to be selected. It will collect feedback about the sound the X-59 generates and how people perceive it before providing the data to the Federal Aviation Administration. Dubbed 'son of Concorde', the agency's new 100-foot-long plane is capable of cruising at 1.4 times the speed of sound, or 925 miles per hour X-59 has been developed by American aerospace firm Lockheed Martin after being awarded the $247.5 million design contract by NASA in 2016 NASA stresses that X-59 is one of its experimental crafts and is not a commercial airliner designed to carry passengers However, if supersonic flight proves to be feasible, bulkier next-gen versions fitted out with passenger seats could transport paying passengers just like Concorde did. For 50 years, the US prohibited supersonic flights because of disturbance caused by sonic booms to communities below, which was why Concorde was largely restricted to flights over the Atlantic namely Paris to New York and London to New York. The legendary plane was the worlds first supersonic airliner and operated for 27 years, but it was grounded in October 2003 largely due to high fuel costs, concern over its noise and a preference for lower fares over speed. Ever since, no government or manufacturer has since been able to build a commercial plane that can travel faster than the speed of sound although Lockheed Martin is not the only one trying. Another American company called Boom Supersonic is working on its own supersonic craft, called Overture, which is eyeing commercial passenger flights in 2029. Meanwhile, China is working on its own experimental supersonic plane, called Yunxing, which could go at three times that of X-59. A tropical storm warning has been issued in waters surrounding parts of Florida, as Hurricane Melissa moves northeast in the Atlantic Ocean. The storm, currently northeast of Jamaica, is generating strong winds and rough seas that are expected to impact Floridas Panhandle and southeast coast, the National Weather Service (NWS) said in a Wednesday morning update. The NWS warned that tropical storm conditions are possible in the Atlantic waters off Floridas east coast and the northern Bahamas, with winds of 15 to 20 mph in the morning, increasing to 25 to 30 mph in the afternoon and seas building to 5 to 7 feet. Minor saltwater flooding is expected across low-lying areas of the Florida Keys, including streets, lots and some storm drains. Boaters may see reduced clearance under fixed bridges. Drivers are advised not to attempt crossing flooded roadways. Mariners should remain in port or seek safe harbor, as conditions could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility. Offshore waters will be hit by persistent tropical stormforce winds, building seas, and scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms, according to the NWS. The agency also warned mariners should adjust their plans, secure their vessels and avoid travel over open water until conditions improve. Forecasters said that while the center of Hurricane Melissa will remain east of Florida, its outer bands will produce high waves and strong winds, gradually subsiding over the weekend. The NWS warned that parts of the Sunshine State could experience hazardous marine conditions, including dangerous surf, strong rip currents, and rough waters along the shoreline Hurricane Melissa devastated Jamaica when it made landfall on Tuesday Residents along the coast should monitor local authorities, follow emergency instructions, and avoid venturing into the surf. The National Hurricane Center's 5am ET update stated that Melissa, now inland over eastern Cuba, is continuing to batter the region with damaging winds and heavy rainfall. The storm made landfall near Chivirico, Santiago de Cuba, around 3:10am, with estimated sustained winds of 115 mph, slightly weaker than earlier measurements of 120 mph, due to interaction with Cubas rugged terrain. Outer rainbands are also affecting parts of Haiti, the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Melissa is moving northeast at 12 mph, guided by an upper-level trough over the southeastern US and a subtropical ridge over the central Atlantic. The hurricane is expected to accelerate northeastward today, bringing its core over the southeastern and central Bahamas later in the day. Forecast models have predicted that Melissa will pass west of Bermuda late Thursday and Thursday night, maintaining hurricane strength during its closest approach. The storm is expected to weaken gradually over the next few days due to cooler ocean waters, drier air, and increasing wind shear. The storm, currently northeast of Jamaica, is generating strong winds and rough seas that are expected to impact Floridas Panhandle and Gulf waters Melissa is likely to remain a hurricane near Bermuda but is expected to lose its tropical characteristics and become an extratropical cyclone by Friday night or early Saturday. The NWS has issued Small Craft Advisories across Florida waters, including Jupiter Inlet to Deerfield Beach, Chokoloskee to Bonita Beach, Flagler Beach to Jupiter Inlet, and Charlotte Harbor, Pine Island Sound and Tampa Bay. Winds are expected from 23 to 29 mph with gusts up to 29 mph, and seas will range from 4 to 8 feet through early Friday. These conditions are hazardous for small boats, and inexperienced mariners are strongly advised to stay out of the water. The NWS also warned locals of dangerous rip currents along coastal Collier, Palm Beach, Broward, Indian River, Saint Lucie, Martin and southern Brevard counties. Rip currents can pull even strong swimmers into deeper water. Beachgoers should swim near lifeguards and follow posted warnings. If caught in a rip current, swim parallel to shore until free. Through Wednesday morning, scattered showers will move south to southwest across waters south of the Keys at 6 to 12 mph. Stronger rain bands may bring gusts near 23 mph, heavy downpours, and reduced visibility. More than 700,000 people gathered at St Peter's Square in Rome this month to witness the canonization of a former Satanic priest. Pope Leo XIV officially declared Bartolo Longo, along with six others, as a new saint for the Catholic Church. Longo was born in 1841 in Latiano, Italy, and trained as a lawyer. After the death of his father, he became involved in occult practices and reportedly served as a Satanic priest, engaging in extreme fasting and allegedly making a pact with a demon. Seeking answers about life and the afterlife, he turned to local mediums before eventually being guided back to the Catholic faith by Professor Vincenzo Pepe. After renouncing Satanism, Longo took a vow of celibacy and devoted himself to charitable works. He founded the Pontifical Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary of Pompeii, as well as an orphanage for girls in 1887 and an institute for the sons of prisoners in 1892. In 1922, he established another institute for the daughters of prisoners. He also volunteered for two years at the Neapolitan Hospital for Incurables. Longo died in 1926 and was remembered for his dramatic transformation from a life of darkness to one of faith and service, ultimately earning sainthood in the Catholic Church. He was canonized along with six others, including three nuns, a Venezuelan 'doctor of the poor' and an archbishop killed in the Armenian genocide. Pope Leo XIV officially declared Bartolo Longo, along with six others, as a new saint for the Catholic Church Longo was born in 1841 in Latiano, Italy, and trained as a lawyer. After the death of his father, he became involved in occult practices and reportedly served as a Satanic priest, engaging in extreme fasting and allegedly making a pact with a demon Pope Leo said on October 19: 'Today we have before us seven witnesses, the new Saints, who, with God's grace, kept the lamp of faith burning. 'May their intercession assist us in our trials and their example inspire us in our shared vocation to holiness.' The process of canonization in the Catholic Church is the formal procedure by which a deceased person is declared a saint. It begins when the individual's life is investigated for evidence of heroic virtue, holiness and faith. If the person is found worthy, they are first declared a 'Servant of God'. The next step is being recognized as 'Venerable' after the Church confirms that they lived a life of exceptional virtue. Beatification follows, requiring proof of one miracle attributed to their intercession, at which point the person is titled 'Blessed.' Finally, canonization, the declaration of sainthood, occurs after a second verified miracle, officially adding the person to the list of saints and permitting public veneration throughout the universal Church. Pope Leo canonized Longo along with six others, including three nuns, a Venezuelan 'doctor of the poor' and an archbishop killed in the Armenian genocide The first person formally canonized by the Catholic Church was Saint Ulrich of Augsburg, declared a saint by Pope John XV in 993AD. While figures like St Peter and St John the Baptist are considered saints today, they were recognized before the formal process of canonization existed, as it was developed over time and eventually centralized under the Pope in the 12th century. Longo was 'ordained' a Satanic priest, which involved leading seances, experimenting with drugs, and even getting involved in orgies. Then one night, he heard the voice of his dead father crying out to him, 'Return to God!' Shaken and desperate for guidance, Bartolo turned to a close friend, Professor Vincenzo Pepe, who was horrified to learn of his descent into occultism. Pepe warned him that his actions were leading him toward madness and spiritual ruin. His blunt words broke through Bartolo's denial, convincing him to seek help from a Dominican priest, Father Alberto Radente. Under Father Radente's guidance, Bartolo began a month-long process of confession and repentance, eventually renouncing his former life and dedicating himself to faith and service. He became outspoken against spiritualism, often interrupting gatherings and cafes to denounce the occult. After six years of charitable work, Bartolo took vows as a lay Dominican on the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. Soon after, he made a final, symbolic break from his past, attending one last seance only to stand before the crowd, raise a rosary, and declare, 'I renounce spiritualism; it is nothing but a web of lies and deception.' Two large earthquakes have struck off the coast of Oregon, just miles from the summit of a massive underwater volcano expected to erupt at any time. The US Geological Survey (USGS) announced that a 4.8 and 5.4 magnitude quake were detected Wednesday morning within 100 miles of the Axial Seamount. Axial Seamount is a mile-wide underwater volcano that sits 300 miles off Oregon's coast and more than 4,900 feet below the surface of the Pacific Ocean. The first seaquake struck 9.42am ET just 25 miles from the caldera of the most active volcano in the Pacific Northwest. The second and larger of the two quakes was detected 18 minutes later, roughly 70 miles closer to the Oregon coast. No tsunami warnings have been issued for the seismic events and Americans along the West Coast likely won't feel any shaking caused by the two seaquakes. However, researchers studying the Axial Seamount have warned that significant seismic activity will precede the volcano's imminent eruption. It last erupted in 2015, but scientists have recently detected a surge in seismic instability at the site, with over 2,000 small earthquakes recorded in a single day this summer. Two earthquakes after struck near the Axial Seamount, the most active volcano in the Pacific Northwest Scientist William Chadwick believes the Axial Seamount (Pictured) is likely to erupt before the end of 2025 Oregon State University geophysicist William Chadwick warned that he expects the Seamount to erupt 'by the end of the year.' 'We had a spike of over 2,000 earthquakes in one day back in June, but since then the number of earthquakes per day has been averaging only around 100 per day,' Chadwick and Scott Nooner from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington revealed in a recent blog post. 'We don't really know what it will take to trigger the next eruption and exactly when that will happen.' Until now, the quakes around the seamount have been small, typically magnitude 1 or 2, and too far offshore for humans to feel, but they've remained frequent. In November 2024, Chadwick started investigating the volcano when he noticed its surface had swelled to nearly the same height it reached before its last eruption 10 years ago. The swelling that occurred prior to the 2015 eruption allowed Chadwick and his colleagues to predict that event. William Wilcock, a professor and marine geophysicist at the University of Washington warned: 'I would say it was going to erupt sometime later (this year) or early 2026, but it could be tomorrow, because it's completely unpredictable.' During its last eruption, roughly 8,000 earthquakes were triggered, producing 400-foot-thick lava flows and causing the bottom of the ocean to sink nearly eight feet. An eruption at the Axial Seamount will produce large pillow lavas, tubes of molten rock that solidify quickly in seawater The Axial Seamount sits just 300 miles off the US West Coast, but an eruption is unlikely to affect people on shore Luckily, the upcoming eruption won't pose a threat to anyone living along the West Coast, experts say. It's too deep and too far from shore for people to even notice when it erupts, and it has no impact on seismic activity on land. Instead, scientists have been monitoring the Axial Seamount to help them learn how to predict eruptions from nearby volcanos that do pose a risk to people. For example, Washington State's Mount Rainier sits just 240 miles from the underwater volcano. Mount Rainier has been one of the most active volcanos in the Pacific Northwest's Cascade Range, and a devastating eruption remains a real possibility in the near future. Experts have said that it is only a matter of time until Mount Rainier unleashes a deadly volcanic event upon the region. Earlier this month, chaos erupted in Indonesia as Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, one of the country's most active volcanoes, blasted lava and ash into the sky. Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki is one of more than 450 volcanoes along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a 25,000-mile horseshoe-shaped zone of intense seismic and volcanic activity encircling the Pacific Ocean. It stretches from Russia and Japan in the west to the western coast of the US, and down to Antarctic. The Axial Seamount is also a part of the Ring of Fire. A tech tycoon who was abducted, stabbed and shot dead in California had bullied and humiliated his employees, a court heard. Tushar Atre, 50, was dragged out of bed at his Santa Cruz beach house around 3am on October 1, 2019, by a group of men who broke into his $5.4million residence. The men - two of whom were his employees - stabbed and kidnapped the millionaire, before shooting him and leaving him for dead 14 miles away in a rural mountain area. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO Tragic: Millionaire tech and cannabis tycoon Tushar Atre, 50, was abducted, stabbed and shot dead in Santa Cruz, California, on October 1, 2019 Harrowing: Artre was dragged out of bed at his $5.4 million beach house around 3am after a group of men broke into the home They also stole thousands of dollars in cash from a safe in Atre's home. Stephen Nicholas 'Nic' Lindsay and Kurtis Charters were convicted of murder and related charges in trials earlier this year, KRON reported. They have been sentenced to life in prison without parole. Charters's younger brother Kaleb Charters and their friend Joshua Camps have also been charged in Atre's death. The younger Charters was back in court on Monday as experts and witnesses testified before the jury, alleging that the men had been 'humiliated' at the hands of the tech tycoon. Atre forced Lindsay and Kaleb to perform between 300 to 500 push-ups in order to receive their $1,400 paychecks, Atre's right-hand-man Sam Borghese testified. Scene of the crime: Pictured is the front door and entry way into Atre's home. Police said they found no signs of forced entry at the time of the attack Shocking: They also stole thousands of dollars in cash that had been kept in a safe in Atre's bedroom Lindsay and Kaleb, both of whom were members of the Army National Guard, were hired to work at Atre's marijuana farm in August 2019. For his part, Borghese - a graduate of the University Of California Santa Cruz - had been hired to manage the cannabis business. Atre 'pushed his employees very hard', invoked fear, and would frequently yell, withhold pay, and fire workers if he felt disrespected, Borghese told the court. Suspects: Kaleb Charters (left) has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder. His friend Joshua Camps (right) has also been charged in Atre's death Locked up for life: Stephen Nicholas 'Nic' Lindsay (left) and Kurtis Charters (right) were convicted of murder and related charges in trials earlier this year Lindsay and Kaleb performed manual labor on Atre's farm for nearly two weeks, working from sunrise to sunset, the jury heard. During their employment, Borghese was tasked with driving the duo approximately 300 miles to Humbolt County to purchase hundreds of marijuana plants. Atre, who bragged about being 'worth thousands of dollars an hour', had given them $25,000 in cash to carry out the transaction, Borghese said. The business manager explained that the pair, after receiving pay for their work, 'told me they needed a break, because this was very intense work'. After Lindsay and Kaleb left, it soon emerged that keys to a farm truck were missing. Atre seemingly assumed that the pair had taken them. Distressing: Three suspects were caught on surveillance camera walking near the 50-year-old's home with a duffel bag and rifle Caught on camera: Atre was seen on surveillance footage being kidnapped from his Santa Cruz home in a white SUV BMW that the suspects stole from the home 'Tushar got really upset. Tushar called the bank and bounced the checks,' Borghese told the court, according to KRON. The duo returned to the farm, located the keys at the property and confronted Atre about the bounced checks, prompting an argument. Atre allegedly bragged about his wealth to the duo and highlighted how 'anyone who wastes his time is costing money'. He also ordered them to do hundreds of push-ups, the court heard. Court drama: Atre's right-hand-man Sam Borghese testified in court Monday Just weeks later, in September 2019, the pair approached Borghese and requested the security code for their boss's home. They allegedly said they planned to rob Atre. Borghese believed they were joking and provided them with a fake code, he testified. The duo then recruited Charters's older brother and Camps to help them rob Atre. Charters drove Lindsay, Camps and his brother to Atre's beach house on October 1, dropped them off, and drove away, investigators told the court. Surveillance cameras captured Atre running down his street, with his hands apparently tied behind his back. He screamed for help before he was tackled by the trio and stabbed. Terrifying: The inside and outside of the stolen BMW, found abandoned in a rural mountain area roughly 14 miles away from his beach house, was covered in blood Distressing: Atre's hands had been bound with flex-ties, evidence photographs revealed Lindsay, Camps and Kurtis Charters forced Atre into a stolen BMW and took him to his cannabis farm in the mountains. Kaleb Charters was waiting for them at the property. Camps shot Atre in the back of the head and the group left him for dead. His body was found about 20 to 30 yards away from the stolen BMW several hours later. His hands had been bound with flex-ties, evidence photographs revealed. The inside and outside of the BMW was also covered in blood. Horrific: Acre screamed for help before he was tackled by the trio and stabbed. Pictured is blood found on the street outside his home Cold-blooded: Atre's body was found about 20 to 30 yards away from the stolen BMW on a rural road in the Santa Cruz mountains In the days following the murder, Lindsay and Kaleb Charters deposited cash into their personal bank accounts and attempted to use Atre's banking details to pay their bills, credit cards, and transfer funds via PayPal. Kaleb Charters has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder. He is also charged with robbery, burglary, kidnapping and carjacking. His attorney argued that although Charters agreed to participate in the burglary, he never intended to be part of a murder. The defense told the court his accomplices diverted from the plan, which was to break into Atre's home while he was out of town and steal cash and a vehicle. No-nonsense: Atre 'pushed his employees very hard' and invoked fear, a court heard Entrepreneurial: Atre was the founder of Interstitial Systems, a cannabis business with a laboratory on Fern Street in Santa Cruz (pictured) and a farm in the Santa Cruz mountains Charters dropped the trio off and went to the meeting place at the farm, the defense argued. It is only there that he learned of the change of plans. 'Kaleb never touched Tushar,' his attorney told the court, highlighting how Camps shot him and how Charters did not burglarize the home or attack Atre on the street. Charters's trial will continue Tuesday. Camps's trial, meanwhile, has been paused and will resume after the jury reaches a verdict in the current case. Amsterdam has fallen victim to over tourism in recent years after drawing travellers in with its infamous red light district and cannabis coffee shop culture. In 2023, the popular destination introduced a campaign to discourage tourists from visiting for drug and alcohol-fuelled parties. Dubbed 'stay away', the initiative began with male British partygoers between 18 to 35 years. 'This online discouragement campaign is aimed at nuisance tourists who want to visit Amsterdam to ''go wild'', with all the ensuing consequences,' a statement from Amsterdam city council read at the time. Soon after, the city saw a 22 per cent drop in arrivals from the UK compared to pre-pandemic levels and locals were reported to be 'overjoyed'. But now, there is another wonderful Dutch city which wants to welcome British tourists - and it has canals and impressive architecture. Utrecht is an intimate city located in the centre of the Netherlands, and is only a short train journey from the capital. It boasts narrow streets to explore, plenty of boutiques and cafes, and just like Amsterdam, features a canal and is bustling with cyclists. Utrecht is an intimate city located in the centre of the Netherlands, and is only a short train journey from the capital It boasts narrow streets to explore, plenty of boutiques and cafes, and just like Amsterdam, features a canal and is bustling with cyclists Visitors can enjoy the 368ft tall Dom Tower which was formed part of Utrechts cathedral. After a 465-step climb to the summit, those who make it all the way to the top are greeted with breathtaking views of the city. Utrecht even made Lonely Planet's list of The 25 Best Destinations for 2026. It was described as 'a brilliant destination for a weekend break' and features an intriguing 'compact medieval centre'. Lonely Planet praised the city's canals as 'unique' due to them being on two levels. The waterways were built 700 years ago and feature doorways that open onto the water. The canal walkways have a rich history and are lined with 13th-century vaulted cellars, previously used by merchants to store goods. Meanwhile, the city's 'independent shopping scene is a real delight', according to Lonely Planet. It was described as 'a brilliant destination for a weekend break' and features an intriguing 'compact medieval centre' Lonely Planet praised the city's canals as 'unique' due to them being on two levels With bookshops, artisan craft stores and other endearing boutiques, there is plenty of choice for tourists looking for gifts to take home. The location is even home to the impressive art installation and UNESCO-listed Rietveld-Schroderhuis. 'And as you wander the city, keep your eyes peeled for Miffy, the iconic picture book bunny whose pointy-eared silhouette has become a cherished symbol of the city,' Lonely Planet penned. When choosing your next travel destination, you might want to think carefully - personal safety while abroad is paramount. Some destinations will all but guarantee a pleasant experience, while others are known for high crime rates, harassment and other travel concerns. Now, the safest countries for travel in 2026 have been ranked. The good news? There's plenty of destinations to choose from, and some are just a short flight away in Europe. However, disappointingly, the UK hasn't made the list's top 10. Coming in first place is the Netherlands, known for its vibrant capital city Amsterdam, tulip fields and windmills. The Netherlands was named the safest country in the world this year, congratulated for its 'peace-loving' attitude. It was awarded very high marks for health measures and overall safety, as well as for safety for female travellers, LGBTQIA+ travellers, and travellers of colour. Coming in first place is the Netherlands, known for its vibrant capital city Amsterdam, tulip fields and windmills In second place on the list was Australia. With its modern cities, incredible ocean experiences and a seemingly empty outback, it's a great place to pick for your next trip 'We're seeing a shift in how travellers define "safe,"' a spokesperson travel insurance company Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, who conducted the survey, said. 'It's not just about crime rates anymore, people are also considering healthcare access, climate stability and inclusivity. 'Survey respondents felt the Netherlands excels across all those verticals, which is why it's resonating so strongly with travelers heading into 2026.' In second place on the list was Australia. With its modern cities, incredible ocean experiences and a seemingly empty outback, it's a great place to pick for your next trip. It's also known for its impressive, iconic sights, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House as well as Ayers Rock and the Great Barrier Reef. The third place title was given to Austria. This country has more than just its capital, Vienna, and its palaces, coffee houses, concert halls and galleries. The third place title was given to Austria. This country has more than just its capital, Vienna, and its palaces, coffee houses, concert halls and galleries The fourth spot was handed to Iceland, which is often hailed for its safety and the high quality of life Top 15 safest countries in the world Netherlands Australia Austria Iceland Canada New Zealand United Arab Emirates Switzerland Japan Ireland Belgium Portugal France United Kingdom Denmark Advertisement You can also explore the Alps that cover half the country. The fourth spot was handed to Iceland, which is often hailed for its safety and the high quality of life. In fifth place is Canada, popular during the winter season for skiiers and city hoppers. The UK only came in 14th, just scraping a spot on the list. With more than 200 stalls spread across nine locations, this city's annual Christmas markets transform the area into a festive wonderland. Since 1999, Manchester has welcomed more than 9 million visitors every year during its six-week festive stint in the city centre. It often tops the charts as the largest festive market in the UK, alongside Birmingham, Edinburgh and Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. Aside from an amusing glitch on the Visit Manchester website, which reads '0 of 0 things to do in Manchester' on TripAdvisor, it is the highlight of the year for many locals and tourists alike. And as the festive season approaches, millions of visitors will be using the city's trams to visit the famous market, which is expected to run from November 7 until December 22. But a union representing tram drivers has warned of tram chaos as drivers are balloted on strikes. Manchester's tram system, Metrolink, is the UK's largest light rail network, connecting numerous areas of Greater Manchester with eight lines and 99 stops. Last year, the tram service recorded 45million journeys. Some 320 Unite members are eligible to vote in the ballot, which ends on 11 November, in a dispute over working conditions. Since 1999, Manchester has welcomed more than 9million visitors every year during its six-week festive stint in the city centre Manchester's tram system, Metrolink, is the UK's largest light rail network, connecting numerous areas of Greater Manchester with eight lines and 99 stops. Last year, the tram service recorded 45million journeys Those affected work for KeolisAmey Metrolink (KAM) at the Warwick Road South and Queens Road depots and operate trams on all routes in Greater Manchester. Currently, the drivers shift patterns mean they have to work 450 hours over a 12-week period. This results in some drivers working 50 hours on, followed by just two days off, then back into another 50-hour work pattern. Unite regional officer Colin Hayden said: 'Any strike action will cause a great deal of disruption but it is entirely the fault of Metrolink, which is not taking the issue of driver fatigue seriously. 'It is dangerous for fatigued workers to be driving trams and they should not be put in this situation. We are demanding that Metrolink and Transport for Greater Manchester work with Unite to find a solution to this problem to avoid industrial action.' It comes as Christmas markets across the country, including Manchester, have faced criticism in recent years for the quality of goods on offer and rising prices due to the cost-of-living crisis. Last year, the Daily Mail reported visitors to London's Winter Wonderland could expect to pay 12 for a pint of beer. In the historic city of York with its narrow, cobbled streets, overcrowding is an issue during the festive season. Albert Square in Manchester is pictured during the Christmas Markets season In a Reddit post under the channel r/Manchester, a user claimed that last year, stallholders at Manchester Christmas Markets were calling it the worst one ever. The top comment, which has been upvoted more than 1,000 times, reads: 'Its almost like theres an upper limit to what we will pay for substandard food and drink.' 'It's exactly the same carbon copy market every year, wherever you go. I've eaten from exactly the same German sausage stall in Manchester, Leeds and Newcastle,' wrote another. The Daily Mail has reached out to Manchester City Council for comment. A European budget airline has relaunched its 'All You Can Fly' membership - which offers customers unlimited flights for an annual fee of 499. Wizz Air announced on Tuesday that it is bringing back the highly-prized pass for a third time, having originally introduced it in 2024. For the equivalent of around 439, travellers can fly as many times as they want throughout the year to 34 destinations across Europe and the Middle East. However, actually getting your hands on a pass could prove a bit challenging - as only 10,000 will be up for grabs. The deal also comes with some caveats: a booking fee for each flight costs 9.99 (8.80), meaning passengers are still technically paying for each journey they take. In addition, flights cannot be booked in advance. Subject to availability, all journeys must be booked within a 72-hour window. According to Wizz Air, the average 'All You Can Fly' member flies nine times a year using their pass. One traveller, who goes by @adventurewithells on TikTok, shared a candid review of her experience using the pass, which she has held since 2024. Wizz Air has relaunched its 'All You Can Fly' membership - which offers customers unlimited flights for an annual fee of 499 One traveller, who goes by @adventurewithells on TikTok, shared a candid review of her experience using the pass, which she has held since 2024 In the video, she listed the benefits of the membership, revealing she was able to 'spontaneously' book a total of 28 flights to explore 14 countries - including locations with generally expensive routes, such as the Maldives, Saudi Arabia, and Dubai. However, she warned that pass holders will find it difficult to co-ordinate with friends and family, and that there is 'no guarantee certain routes will be available'. The traveller further noted that she was required to fork out an extra 200 for an additional pass that allowed her to bring a 10kg cabin bag on board, as the pass restricts luggage to a small under-seat bag. Travel experts have also weighed in on the deal, with Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel, urging customers to look beyond the flashy wording to see if the offer truly appeals to them. Speaking to the BBC in 2024, he explained that costs for things like luggage, booking, and choosing your seat can accumulate, turning a seemingly free flight into a standard paid one. The Independent's travel expert, Simon Calder, believes the scheme could benefit some passengers but not others. He believes the subscription is designed for individuals who travel frequently between the UK and other countries, particularly those from Eastern Europe visiting family back home. Calder concluded the subscription isn't a good value for him, telling the BBC: 'People will do their sums and Ive done mine, it wont really work for me.' The deal also comes with some caveats: a booking fee for each flight costs 9.99, meaning passengers are still technically paying for each journey they take It comes as a cruise line is offering retirees a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live permanently at sea with the introduction of a 'Golden Passport.' Endless Horizons is a newly formed 'residence-at-sea' programme set up by Villa Vie Residences, granting guests 'lifetime living' on a fleet of all-inclusive cruise ships. Starting at $99,999 (75,000), guests who hold a Golden Passport will sail continuously on cruises to more than 400 destinations across 140 countries, with each sailing lasting from three to three-and-a-half years in length. Most of the port visits will range from two to three days, giving guests ample time to explore each destination while the ship is docked. Travelling with a medical condition can be scary - what if something happens during a flight? There's plenty that could go wrong. While cabin crew are trained on how to deal with medical situations, you might need more serious attention from trained doctors. There are certain medical conditions that airlines can ask passengers about - and potentially deny boarding for. All airlines want to know if a person presents a potential problem to other passengers and crew, The Independent reported. For example, risks include an individual who is drunk, has a contagious disease, or seems to be in such poor health that a medical diversion could be necessary. Airlines also try to spot any conditions that could be made worse during a flight. For instance, this includes unstable cardiac or pulmonary (heart or lung) conditions. Another concern is recent surgery, which could leave a pocket of air trapped in the body that expands in flight. There are certain medical conditions that airlines can ask passengers about - and potentially deny boarding for Plus, wearing a cast over a fracture could be a worry. Unless the plaster is split, low cabin pressure can lead to an extremely painful swelling Being heavily pregnant, typically from 28 weeks onwards, could also be a risk. There have also been cases of people with Parkinson's disease being denied boarding on a flight. Parkinson's UK, which represents people living with the condition, does not indicate any problem for the passenger. The organisation says: 'It's important to drink plenty of fluids during your flight, so you don't become dehydrated. 'This is particularly important if you have low blood pressure. 'If the cabin crew know you have Parkinson's, they can make sure to offer you drinks throughout the flight.' You should always alert cabin crew of any medical conditions before boarding, so they can be prepared to help you in case of emergency. All airlines want to know if a person presents a potential problem to other passengers and crew Travellers may be denied boarding for medical reasons if airline staff believe youre unfit to fly, according to SkyCare UK. This might also include visible injuries, recent illness or even minor symptoms such as coughing or limping. Common symptoms that could see you denied boarding also include diarrhoea, vomiting, or flu symptoms. If you believe you were wrongfully denied boarding. you can complain through the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). A major travel warning has been issued as Brits have been hit with a 187 'hidden' charge in a winter sun hotspot. As UK travellers are seeking warmer temperatures while ours plumet, plenty of sunnier destinations are becoming popular. But those heading overseas should be careful - no one wants a nasty surprise when they arrive back home. Turkey is a popular destination among Brits - in fact, it is predicted to welcome a record 4.8 million UK visitors this year. But new data has revealed 63 per cent of Brits do not know that Turkey isn't in the EU - which risks them being caught out by hefty data roaming charges. Nearly three-quarters (74 per cent) had been hit by unexpected data roaming charges when travelling abroad, research involving 2,000 Brits found. These unplanned bills for visiting destinations such as Turkey now stand at a whopping 187.30 for the average Brit, driving up the cost of visiting places outside the EU. Jenna Banks, spokesperson for Slice Mobile, which commissioned the research, said: 'It's easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of your trip and before you know it, you've clocked up big bills for international roaming. A major travel warning has been issued as Brits have been hit with a 187 'hidden' charge in Turkey 'A picture here, a scroll on TikTok there - it's all big data and when you're outside the EU, big data costs.' Jenna added that it is an easy mistake to make. She went on to say: 'It's easy to think you're not using your data when you're on holiday and using the hotel Wi-Fi but step too far away from the signal and your phone will quickly switch to your data plan to provide you with the best user experience. 'Just loading up maps to find that perfect restaurant or posting a picture on Instagram can have big implications for your bill back home. However, Jenna has shared an easy method to avoid Turkey's hidden charges. She explains: 'There is an easy hack though: before you jump on your flight, make sure you're with a provider like Slice Mobile, which offers great value international roaming add ons for countries outside the EU, such as Turkey and America. 'It means instead of paying by the day while you're out there, you could bring your international roaming charges down from 187 to as little as 4 (for 1GB of data) for your trip and still be able to go online on the go. 'So, whether you're heading out to get a fresh new look or just going for a relaxing holiday, always check you have the right data plan in place for your trip and get an international roaming package before you travel.' New data has revealed 63 per cent of Brits do not know that Turkey isn't in the EU - which risks them being caught out by hefty data roaming charges It's not the first time travellers have been warned of phone-related factors racking up holiday costs. Georgia Brivida, of international SIM provider Sim Local, in June urged Brits to switch off the 'autoplay' feature on their phones before boarding their next flight. The setting, she says, could quietly drain data and rack up a significant phone bill - often without users even realising it. She explained: 'Autoplay is a feature that automatically plays videos as you scroll through apps like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube, often without you even tapping play.' For thrill-seeking globetrotters chasing chills and spooky spirits this Halloween, the world's most haunted destinations have been unveiled. From cursed castles to ghost-inhabited prisons, these eerie locations draw millions of brave visitors each year - all in search of a supernatural scare. According to Ghost Tours, a whopping 41 per cent of adults believe in ghosts, and one in five have reportedly witnessed something 'paranormal' on at least one occasion. In light of this, a new survey by SpinBlitz has ranked the top ten most haunted hotspots in the world. The study, which analysed data from multiple travel sources, such as Lonely Planet, Trip.com, and Conde Nast Traveller, ranked global destinations based on traveller reviews, folklore and documented ghost sightings. From the United States to Eastern Europe to England, read on to discover the spookiest sites you can visit - or steer clear of - this Halloween. Salem, Massachusetts Salem, Massachusetts, has been named the world's most haunted destination, scoring 4.9 out of 5 on the 'haunted appeal' scale. Salem, Massachusetts, has been named the world's most haunted destination, scoring 4.9 out of 5 on the 'haunted appeal' scale Infamous for its 1642 Witch Trials, the city attracts more than one million visitors each October (Pictured: The Salem Witch House) In 2024, Salem saw a record 87,500 people pour into its streets on Halloween - a 37 per cent increase compared to the previous year Infamous for its 1642 Witch Trials, the city attracts more than one million visitors each October. In 2024, Salem saw a record 87,500 people pour into its streets on Halloween - a 37 per cent increase compared to the previous year. As reported by the New York Post, SpinBlitz wrote: 'Sites like the Witch House and the Salem Witch Trials Memorial buzz with eerie energy, while flickering lanterns and fog rolling off the harbor create a movie-perfect backdrop.' Corvin Castle, Romania Following closely behind Salem is Corvin Castle, located in Hunedoara, Romania, with a score of 4.9 out of 5. The Gothic fortress, where Vlad the Impaler was once imprisoned, attracts roughly 275,000 visitors each year, with October marking its busiest month. Both visitors and paranormal investigators have reported sudden temperature drops and unexplained whispers inside the castle's walls. According to SpinBlitz, the site see a 'noticeable spike every October as Dracula fans and paranormal seekers descend on its dungeons'. Following closely behind Salem is Corvin Castle, located in Hunedoara, Romania, with a score of 4.9 out of 5 The Gothic fortress, where Vlad the Impaler was once imprisoned, attracts roughly 275,000 visitors each year, with October marking its busiest month Both visitors and paranormal investigators have reported sudden temperature drops and unexplained whispers inside the castle's walls The Lizzie Borden House in Fall River, Massachusetts, comes in third place with a score of 4.8. The site of the infamous 1892 double murder attracts thousands of overnight guests annually. On 4 August, 1892, Andrew and Abby Borden were found dead in their home after reportedly being hacked to death with an axe. Their daughter Lizzie was acquitted of the murders, and the real culprit has never been found. According to SpinBlitz, over 70 per cent of paranormal investigations recorded unexplained noises - particularly in the room where the murders occurred. Hill of Crosses, Lithuania In fourth place is Lithuania's Hill of Crosses with a score of 4.7. The Lizzie Borden House in Fall River, Massachusetts, comes in third place with a score of 4.8 In fourth place is Lithuania's Hill of Crosses with a score of 4.7 At the pilgrimage site, which is adorned with over 200,000 crosses, locals have reported mysterious lights and ghostly figures among the memorials at night. Though folklore suggests the site is haunted by the souls of monks from a church buried by a storm, or by ghosts of pagan warriors killed in a 1348 battle, some visitors have described the general energy as mystic and spiritual rather than frightening. The Tower of London rounds out the top five, with three million visitors a year and more than 200 documented ghost sightings. The Tower of London, famous for its dark past of executions and imprisonments, ranks on the list as the world's tenth most haunted location. Henry VIII's second wife, Anne Boleyn, was taken as a prisoner through the infamous Traitor's Gate after being accused of adultery in 1536, shortly before she was beheaded on Tower Green Top 10 most haunted sites on Earth Salem, Massachusetts (4.9/5) Corvin Castle, Romania (4.9/5) Lizzie Borden House, Massachusetts (4.8/5) Hill of Crosses, Lithuania (4.7/5) Tower of London, London (4.6/5) Eastern State Penitentiary, Pennsylvania, USA (4.6/5) Edinburgh Castle, Scotland (4.4/5) Charleville Castle, Ireland (4.4/5) Banff Springs Hotel, Canada (4.4/5) Aiokigahara Forest, Japan (4.3/5) Advertisement Officially built in 1078, the landmark is world-famous due to centuries-long speculation that it's haunted by thirteen ghosts who met grisly ends in the Tower while alive. Guy Fawkes was subjected to intense torture - presumably in the White Tower dungeons - following his involvement in the foiled Gunpowder Plot to assassinate James I at Parliament in 1605. Additionally, Henry VIII's second wife, Anne Boleyn, was taken as a prisoner through the infamous Traitor's Gate after being accused of adultery in 1536, shortly before she was beheaded on Tower Green. Some 340 years later, a soldier is said to have spotted a 'burning light' in the closed chapel where Anne was laid to rest, which revealed a procession of knights and ladies, led by a headless Anne Boleyn. Pub crawls in a major Spanish city are now totally banned, whatever the time of day or night. The ban on promoting, organising or running pub crawls has been extended to cover the entire area of Barcelona at all hours of the day. The new decree comes into force today, October 29. The move aims to 'ensure peaceful coexistence, safeguard residents' right to rest and protect public health'. The new decree, which also prohibits advertising related activities in any form, has been agreed following a public consultation exercise. A spokesman for Barcelona city council said: 'Pub crawling is a business that takes customers on organised drinking tours to a series of establishments that offer discounted alcoholic drinks. 'It typically involves quickly consuming one or more low-quality drinks before heading to the next stop. 'This activity has been identified as a risk factor that causes disturbances in neighbourhoods, puts extra strain on public spaces and potentially leads to criminal behaviour or road safety violations.' Pub crawls in a major Spanish city are now totally banned, whatever the time of day or night Organisers face fines ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 (1,320 to 2,640), while participants are exempt from fines but could face them for other infractions such as drinking in the streets or causing disruptions. Until now, pub crawls were only banned in the districts of Ciutat Vella (since 2012) and L'Eixample (since June 1, 2025). The restrictions were mainly focused on nighttime hours, from 7pm to 7am. The new decree introduces a permanent ban that applies 24 hours a day, year-round, rather than being only seasonal. The new rule has been approved and will be in force for four years. According to the city council, data provided by the police indicates that the ban on alcohol routes in Ciutat Vella and L'Eixample has worked. They say it has 'contributed to significantly reducing the number of activities detected and has facilitated their prevention, thanks to the early detection of the offer through social networks'. The city council says the ban was been well-received in the Ciutat Vella district, with only three fines issued last year. The ban on promoting, organising or running pub crawls has been extended to cover the entire area of Barcelona The new decree introduces a permanent ban that applies 24 hours a day, year-round, rather than being only seasonal Authorities believe it will have a similar impact citywide. Pub crawls have been hugely popular in Barcelona and have been widely promoted on the internet, attracting hundreds of thousands of people every year and bringing in a huge income. Most of them last for at least six hours and others up to 24 hours. Organisers have already started to post 'now unavailable' messages on their websites. Tourists have been warned about new drinking laws in Thailand - and the hefty fines they could face if they break the rules. Travellers visiting the popular holiday destination should take care to inform themselves of the rules, in order to avoid a nasty surprise. Thailand is known for its buzzing nightlife, including the vibrant bars in Bangkok and full-moon parties across its islands. But now visitors need to pay attention to where and when they drink. New laws come into force on November 8, 2025. The ban on alcohol sales between 2pm and 5pm, and again from midnight to 11am, remains in force. Buying or being served a drink during these hours even at convenience stores could lead to fines. Advertising or promoting alcoholic beverages is also prohibited, except for factual or educational purposes authorised by the Ministry of Public Health - so you should be careful posting any branded content online. Tourists have been warned about new drinking laws in Thailand - and the hefty fines they could face if they break the rules (stock) Being mindful of local laws helps you avoid fines and ensures you can fully enjoy your trip Recent changes to the country's alcohol laws aim to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for holidaymakers. Anyone consuming alcohol outside of the permitted hours could receive a fine of up to THB 10,000 (around 230). Travellers are encouraged to drink sensibly, be respectful of the local community and take advantage of the many other activities this incredible country has to offer. Helen Wheat, Thailand destination specialist at Travelbag, said: 'Thailand has updated its alcohol drinking regulations, introducing fines of up to THB 10,000 (around 230) for drinking outside permitted hours, starting November 8. 'For most visitors, this shouldn't massively affect your trip, as bars and restaurants already follow these rules by restricting the sale times of alcohol, so it's business as usual.' Alcohol sales remain permitted during the usual hours, from 11am to 2pm and between 5pm and midnight. It's a good idea to check the opening hours of a bar or restaurant before you visit. Visitors are also advised to stick to licensed venues during permitted hours. Recent changes to the country's alcohol laws aim to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for holidaymakers (stock) Being mindful of local laws helps you avoid fines and ensures you can fully enjoy your trip. Planning ahead is also sensible if you want to go out for drinks in Thailand. The legal drinking age in Thailand is 20. Tourists are urged to carry identification and be mindful of the time when drinking. Millions of Brits aged over 55 are set to face travel chaos as Ryanair launches new rules. From 3rd November, holidaymakers jetting off with the budget airline will be required to use digital boarding passes. The move is to help 'save approximately 300 tonnes of paper, eliminate airport check-in fees and allow passengers to get direct notifications on flights'. However, it's expected to cause some trouble for people who don't own mobile phones. A whopping 2.06 million Brits aged over 55 do not have one of the handy devices, according to MoneySuperMarket. This equates to around 10 per cent of the age group. With the new rule, customers will have to use the digital boarding pass created by the myRyanair app after they check-in. MoneySuperMarket's Alicia Hempsted said: 'While in some senses this is great news, when it comes to cutting down on unnecessary waste and avoiding check-in fees, having a strict no boarding card policy means travellers need to be prepared to go digital. From November 3, holidaymakers jetting off with the budget airline will be required to use digital boarding passes 'If you're used to printing off your boarding pass, make sure you've downloaded the Ryanair app and followed the steps to download your digital pass, or you could face delays when you get to the airport.' Earlier this year, Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary revealed that a high proportion of customers use mobile phones already and pushed for everyone to. 'At the moment, between 85 and 90 per cent of passengers show up with smartphones,' Mr O'Leary said. 'Almost 100 per cent of passengers have smartphones, and we want to move everybody onto that the smartphone technology.' O'Leary also previously spoke out about older people using technology. He shared that his 86-year-old mother uses the Ryanair app to travel after many accused the airline of ageism. Campaigners representing older travellers have opposed the plans, calling it a 'disgraceful move' and accusing the airline of putting profits above the needs of some of its customers. In response to the criticism, O'Leary told reporters he was 'amazed by the outrage'. However, it's expected to cause some trouble for people who don't own mobile phones The 64-year-old said: 'I'm old, and I travel from Ryanair on a very, very regular basis, and I use the Ryanair app, it is pretty simple, pretty easy to use.' O'Leary claimed it was a 'myth' that older people could not transition to changes in technology. He said: 'Actually, what you find is the old people firstly just get their kids or grandkids to make bookings for them, and then pretty quickly they're adopting it themselves. 'And it is slightly patronising, this notion that old people can't and won't move to mobile technology or to the apps.' The technical challenge is always the round the bakers fear the most, and this week the semi final turned into a disaster during Tuesday's episode. The four remaining contestants Toby, Aaron, Tom and Jasmine battled it out for a place in the final round as temperatures soared in the famous tent. The Technical challenge saw them take on a tricky framboisier cake where Jasmine come out on top with the most impressive version. However the others weren't so lucky as fans took to Twitter deeming the challenge 'Thats the first car crash technical ever'. Judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood challenged them to make the French layer cake which consisted of a pistachio mousseline, sponge cake and fresh raspberries. If that wasn't enough the bake also had to be topped with a fondant flower and crystal sugar dome. The Great British Bake Off fans have been left raging after Tuesday night's 'ridiculous' technical challenge as even judges Paul and Prue deemed the cakes a 'disaster' The Technical challenge saw them take on a tricky framboisier cake where Jasmine come out on top with the most impressive version Despite it being the semi final, the bakers found themselves in a flounder as Toby's cake failed to hold shape and melted into a puddle. Aaron's also collapsed, while both Tom and Jasmine's were missing the sugar dome the judges had asked for. Prue and Paul even ruled the challenge as a disaster as Prue reflected: 'The technical was a bit of a surprise. We had a couple of disasters there.' As going into the Showstopper Paul commented: 'Jasmine is the only one in a fairly safe position.' Taking to Twitter fans criticised the choice as they penned: 'What a ridiculous technical to expect them to make. I think one of the worst' 'Tobys cake looks like Shrek has thrown up on his plate'; 'Poor Toby. Wanna give him a hug'; 'Tonight's #GBBO technical challenge had me in absolute stitches'; 'A ridiculous Technical Challenge this week'; 'That technical was an embarrassment !!'; 'Every single SEMI FINALIST completely messing up the technical just goes to show how stupidly difficult and fast the producers make these challenges!!!!!'; Despite it being the semi final, the bakers found themselves in a flounder as Toby's cake failed to hold shape and melted into a puddle Prue and Paul even ruled the challenge as a disaster as Prue reflected: 'The technical was a bit of a surprise. We had a couple of disasters there' Taking to Twitter fans criticised the choice as they penned: 'What a ridiculous technical to expect them to make. I think one of the worst' Unfortunately Toby was sent packing after failing to impress the judges as he broke down in tears at the end of the show 'As a Showstopper that would be ridiculous. As a technical ? Im sorry, no home baker could do that. Kudos to those in the tent'; Unfortunately Toby was sent packing after failing to impress the judges, while Jasmine was named Star Baker. After his exit a tearful Toby said: 'I made it a tough decision for them they said so that is good. The best thing about this tent is the other people.' Prue and Paul said it was the toughest decision they had to make all series so far when they picked Toby to go. Patisserie week saw the semi-finalists make cream horns, glass domes and showstopping macarons but only three made it through. For the Showstopper they had to make a macaron tower with at least 30 macarons. The structure had to represent something meaningful to them. Aaron was struggling after one batch went wrong and he had to quickly redo everything for his sloth-themed creation. Viewers will have to tune in to next week's final to see who will come out on top and win the whole competition. Dancing With The Stars fans were left shocked after it was revealed that one of the contestants has been hospitalized and would not be able to perform live in the latest episode on Tuesday. When the remaining nine couples were being introduced at the start of the episode, it was noted by hosts Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro that Elaine Hendrix was absent due to an injury she suffered earlier in the day amid rehearsals. 'Right now, she's at the hospital and being assessed,' Ribeiro explained to fans and viewers, but added that both Hendrix and her dance partner Alan Bersten are still 'in the competition.' Judges - including guest and two-time DWTS champion Cheryl Burke - instead judged their last full rehearsal video. It was also revealed later on in the episode that Hendrix suffered an injury to her ribs but has been cleared by doctors to return to the competition next week if she and Bersten garner enough votes. Fans voiced their shock over the update with one penning on X, 'WHAT DO YOU MEAN ELAINE IS INJURED. PLEASE BE OKAY.' Dancing With The Stars fans were left shocked after it was revealed that one of the contestants has been hospitalized and would not be able to perform live in the latest episode on Tuesday 'Right now, she's at the hospital and being assessed,' Ribeiro explained to fans and viewers, but added that both Hendrix and her dance partner Alan Bersten are still 'in the competition' Fans voiced their shock over the update with one penning on X, 'WHAT DO YOU MEAN ELAINE IS INJURED. PLEASE BE OKAY' Another wrote, 'Noooo poor Elaine hopefully my girl pulls through VOTE FOR HER,' and one added, 'NOOOOOOO! NOT ELAINE!' 'Noooo elaine :((,' a DWTS viewer commented, while another shared, 'I CAN'T HAVE ELAINE GO HOME YWT.' One X user also typed out on the social media platform, 'elaine is hurt noooo.' Hendrix and Bersten had practiced an Argentine Tango and due to the actress not able to take part in a live performance due to being at the hospital, their last live full rehearsal was instead scored by the judges. Ribeiro explained before the pre-recorded video was shown, 'Elaine has cleared to say in the competition. If she survives tonight's elimination. 'Since she can't dance today, our rules state she should be judged by you at home and scored by the judges on the basis of her last full rehearsal. Here is that performance.' The clip was then shown as Hendrix and Bersten performed to the track Bad To The Bone by 2WEI and Lady Bri. Before judges offered their scores, the star's dance partner gave an update to how she was faring. It was also revealed later on in the episode that Hendrix suffered an injury to her ribs but has been cleared by doctors to return to the competition next week if she and Bersten garner enough votes 'Since she can't dance today, our rules state she should be judged by you at home and scored by the judges on the basis of her last full rehearsal. Here is that performance,' the host said The clip was then shown as Hendrix and Bersten performed to the track Bad To The Bone by 2WEI and Lady Bri Bersten said, 'I spoke to Elaine. She's determined to come back and perform next week if we are fortunate enough to make it' Bersten said, 'I spoke to Elaine. She's determined to come back and perform next week if we are fortunate enough to make it. 'The doctors have cleared her,' he added before sending a message to Hendrix. 'I'm so proud of you. I will see you soon.' Afterwards, the four judges each offered a score of eight - which gave the actress and her dance partner a combined score of 32/40. Hendrix also took to her main Instagram page on Tuesday from a hospital bed and admitted she was 'devastated' to not be able to perform live. She explained to her fans and followers that her ribs 'seized up' and she 'couldn't move.' However, the star expressed that she will be able to continue in the ABC competition series following a 'day or two of rest.' Hendrix then became emotional before adding, 'I want to dance. I want to keep doing this. Alan is holding down the fort. He's amazing. He's awesome. I was so excited for this routine. 'You'll get to see it in its rehearsal form. And just know that I love you all. Thank you for the support. Please vote for us 'cause I want to see you next week,' she said and then blew a kiss towards the camera. 'The doctors have cleared her,' he added before sending a message to Hendrix. 'I'm so proud of you. I will see you soon' Afterwards, the four judges each offered a score of eight - which gave the actress and her dance partner a combined score of 32/40 Hendrix also took to her main Instagram page on Tuesday from a hospital bed and admitted she was 'devastated' to not be able to perform live She explained to her fans and followers that her ribs 'seized up' and she 'couldn't move' In the caption of the post, Hendrix also penned: 'Halloween is my favorite, and I'm devastated. 'I was beyond excited to share what we had worked so hard on, although you'll see a version of it. With your support, I'll be back in the ballroom next week. I want nothing more.' The Parent Trap actress added, 'I'm sending all my love to Alan and the entire Dancing with the Stars team - (including @lisaannwalter. of course, she's with me). 'Thank you all for your love, your support, and your votes. I couldn't do this without you.' Fans were also given a glimpse as Hendrix suffered the injury during a rehearsal on Tuesday. While dancing the routine, she stopped mid-practice due to being in pain. A medical team arrived to the dance floor and she was placed on a stretcher before being transported to a nearby hospital via an ambulance. Aside from Hendrix and Bersten, eight other couples took to the ballroom dance floor for Halloween Night. Media personality Alix Earle and partner Val Chmerkovskiy performed the Tango to Billie Eilish's track Bury A Friend. Fans were also given a glimpse as Hendrix suffered the injury during a rehearsal on Tuesday. While dancing the routine, she stopped mid-practice due to being in pain A medical team arrived to the dance floor and she was placed on a stretcher before being transported to a nearby hospital via an ambulance The pair ended up leading with a near perfect score of 39/40 following the performance. However, the contestants had the chance to garner more points by taking part in the Dance Monsterthon. The couples danced on the floor at the same time with their own routines - and would be tapped out by the judges until there was one winner. The longer a couple stayed on the dance floor, the more points they received - with the most received being five. Media personality Alix Earle and partner Val Chmerkovskiy performed the Tango to Billie Eilish's track Bury A Friend. The pair ended up leading with a near perfect score of 39/40 following the performance However, the contestants had the chance to garner more points by taking part in the Dance Monsterthon The end of the episode saw one couple being eliminated which turned out to be Jen Affleck and her partner Jan Ravnik Whitney Leavitt and partner Mark Ballas were the winners and raked in an additional five points to their score of 37/40. But by the end of the dance marathon, Alix Earle and her partner still were number one on the leading board with a combined total of 43 points. The end of the episode saw one couple being eliminated which turned out to be Jen Affleck and her partner Jan Ravnik. Hendrix and Bersten received enough votes from fans - despite not taking part in the marathon - and will return next week. EastEnders star Micah Balfour has been axed from the soap with his final scenes already filmed. The actor, 47, who plays Junior Knight, the estranged son of the former Queen Vic landlord George (Colin Salmon) has reportedly not had his contract renewed with his final scenes airing over the next two months. Micah joined the soap in May 2024, with his steamy affair with his father George's ex wife Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) dominating his time on the square. The pair's shocking affair was dramatically exposed on Christmas Day last year in explosive scenes, which saw Cindy's fiance Ian Beale and the rest of the family learn the news. Now sources have told The Sun: 'Bosses decided not to renew Micah's contract and he filmed his final scenes last month. 'Obviously Micah was gutted but he understands how it all works. EastEnders star Micah Balfour has reportedly been axed as he films his final scenes after just 18 months on the soap Micah joined the soap in May 2024, with his steamy affair with his father George's ex wife Cindy Beale (pictured) dominated his on the square 'His final scenes will air before Christmas. The door is being left open.' The BBC confirmed to The Daily Mail that Micah 'will be leaving later this year,' adding 'we wish him all the best for the future.' It comes after Micah revealed he had become a father for the first time back in January. The star took to Instagram to share a sweet snap of the new arrival after his partner Natalie, 33, gave birth. The black and white image showed Micah and Natalie's hands together with their newborn's, with the tot sweetly gripping onto their mother's finger. Micah captioned his exciting post with a simple heart emoji, but didn't mention the baby's gender, name or when they arrived. The post was met with a plethora of congratulatory messages from Micah's fans and EastEnders co-stars. Aside from EastEnders, Micah also starred in Emmerdale as Dr Jermaine Bailey from 2015 to 2016 and has had roles in The Bill and Death In Paradise. It comes after Micah revealed he had become a father for the first time back in January with his girlfriend Natalie The black and white image showed Micah and Natalie's hands together with their newborn's, with the tot sweetly gripping onto their mother's finger Meanwhile fellow EastEnders star Max Murray is also said to be leaving the soap. He wowed audiences with his shocking and 'spellbinding' performance as an incel teenager on EastEnders after joining the BBC One soap earlier this year as troubled teen Joel Marshall, the son of Alex Walkinshaw's Ross Marshall. The father and son duo moved back to the UK from Australia after Joel was caught upskirting a female classmate, with dad Ross paying $50,000 in exchange for the horrified families' silence. His storyline has developed over his six-month stint on the show, with school-aged character Joel getting sucked in by 'incel' culture online. While Joel was already engaging in misogynistic behaviour towards other residents of Albert Square, things escalated when he began watching videos from an influencer online who is part of the 'Manosphere', a series of website, blogs and videos promoting misogyny. Max's performance on the soap was culminated in a shock final scene earlier this month, which saw his character Joel attack Alice Haig's Vicki Fowler and leave her for dead - fleeing the Square. Max Murray, 18, joined the BBC One soap earlier this year as troubled teen Joel Marshall, the son of Alex Walkinshaw's Ross Marshall and is now said to be leaving the soap It's since been revealed that Max is leaving the soap, and is already looking 'for his next role' after impressing viewers with his performance. An insider told Metro: 'Max is leaving EastEnders following an incredible year. 'Theres still lots to come in the weeks ahead that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats. 'Following his spellbinding performance, theres no doubt that producers will be keen to snap him up and Max is already on the lookout for his next role.' EastEnders airs on BBC One and is available to stream on iPlayer. The BBC pulled Stacey Solomon's DIY show Sort Your Life Out from screens on Tuesday in a last-minute schedule shake-up that went very, very wrong. Following the news that the legendary actress Prunella Scales had passed away at the age of 93, the broadcaster decided to air an episode of Fawlty Towers in her honour. She is best known for her portrayal of Sybil Fawlty in the classic sitcom - a role she occupied from 1975 to 1979. The episode played, which first aired in 1975, centred around a series of renovations that go wrong. Its synopsis reads: 'Major renovations are made to the lobby while the Fawltys are out, but when a misreading causes the incompetent builders to mess it up spectacularly, Basil must try to remedy the situation before Sybil finds out.' But while the BBC might have been well-intentioned with its last-minute schedule change, viewers took umbrage with several parts of the episode - especially because it barely featured Prunella. The BBC pulled Stacey Solomon 's DIY show Sort Your Life Out from screens on Tuesday in a last-minute schedule shake-up that went very, very wrong Following the news that the legendary actress Prunella Scales had passed away at the age of 93, the broadcaster decided to air an episode of Fawlty Towers in her honour But while the BBC might have been well-intentioned with its last-minute schedule change, viewers took umbrage with several parts of the episode - especially because it barely featured Prunella They fumed: 'Well done BBC for showing Fawlty Towers tonight. However you managed to show the episode which features Prunella the least. Also I'm still waiting for your Robert Redford tribute.'; '@bbc have scheduled a tribute to Prunella Scales with an episode of Fawlty Towers that shes hardly in; 'No, not The Builders being shown in tribute to Prunella Scales? OK, Sybil has some great scenes, but it's easily the weakest episode of the entire series. If you wanted a Sybil-centric episode, why not show The Anniversary?' Another viewer, meanwhile, slammed the broadcaster for failing to censor a racial slur in the TV programme. However, not everyone was so critical of the BBC's tribute, with one viewer describing the late actress's brief performance in the episode as being 'the standout'. They praised: 'Absolutely in love with watching Fawlty Towers on BBC One. Sybil was fantastic and the standout in this episode. RIP Prunella Scales.' The reason Prunella featured so briefly in the chosen episode was because her character was meant to be on holiday. News of Prunella's death on Monday was announced by her sons Samuel and Joseph, who revealed that she had actually watched Fawlty Towers the day before she passed away. News of Prunella's death on Monday was announced by her sons Samuel and Joseph, who revealed that she had actually watched Fawlty Towers the day before she passed away The actress is best known for her portrayal of Sybil Fawlty in the classic sitcom - a role she occupied from 1975 to 1979 Jon Petrie, the BBC Director of Comedy said: 'All of us at BBC Comedy are so sorry to hear of Prunella Scales' passing. She was a national treasure whose brilliance as Sybil Fawlty lit up screens and still makes us laugh today. We send our love and condolences to her family and friends.' Prunella's sons said in a statement: 'Our darling mother Prunella Scales died peacefully at home in London yesterday. She was 93. 'Although dementia forced her retirement from a remarkable acting career of nearly 70 years, she continued to live at home. 'She was watching Fawlty Towers the day before she died. 'Pru was married to Timothy West for 61 years. He died in November 2024. 'She is survived by two sons and one stepdaughter, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. 'We would like to thank all those who gave Pru such wonderful care at the end of her life: her last days were comfortable, contented and surrounded by love.' Channel 4's outrageous new comedy is finally set to hit screens after three years of delays. The show, which makes Spitting Image look tame, is a steamy fanfiction series named No Strings Attached. The series will now debut on E4 on November 11 and will be fronted by Bake Off's Mel Giedroyc. Each week a different star will read out a steamy story written about themselves by an amateur internet author, which will be brought to life by a series of puppets. In a first glimpse, lookalike puppets show Sam Thompson, Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffat, Melvin Odoom, Kerry Katona, Martin Kemp, and Coleen Nolan will be taking part. Comedian and host Mel said: 'This is going to be a celebration of erotic fan fiction. With puppets.' Channel 4's outrageous new comedy is finally set to hit screens after three years of delays The show, which makes Spitting Image look tame, is a steamy fanfiction series named No Strings Attached She added: 'Imagine a world where Jackie Collins meets Thunderbirds. Im so looking forward to a trip to Love Island ... via Tracy Island.' Each of the six episodes will be a 'private book club' where both Mel and her guest will not be told in advance what the story will entail. Vivienne Molokwu, the programmes commissioning editor, said: 'Im very much looking forward to steamy storytime with Mel, a gang of celeb mates and a bunch of look alike puppets. 'This is a very Channel 4 way of encouraging creative writing, where artistic self-expression will be encouraged. 'We may well unearth the next E.L. James in the process, which has got to be a good thing.' Maia Liddell, from the show production company RDF Television, added: 'A passion project four years in the making, were really excited to be delving into the creative, intriguing and erotic world of fan fiction writing. 'We couldnt have a more perfect host in Mel to take the guests, and us, on these thrilling adventures.' A source told The Sun back in 2023: 'Martin and Kerry have both agreed to take part in the Really Rude Puppet Show, along with Coleen Nolan, Sam Thompson and Melvin Odoom.' In a first glimpse, lookalike puppets show Sam Thompson (pictured), Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffat, Melvin Odoom, Kerry Katona, Martin Kemp, and Coleen Nolan will be taking part The series will now debut on E4 on November 11 and will be fronted by Bake Off's Mel Giedroyc (pictured this month) They added: 'They all jumped at the chance to get involved in the project which is turning out to be hilarious.' ITV's Spitting Image was created by British caricaturists Peter Fluck and Roger Law and was merciless in its depiction of the leading public figures of the day. The BAFTA and Emmy award-winning satirical television series originally ran for 18 series between 1984 and 1996 and was watched by over 15 million viewers. In 2020 it made a return to TV to (since disbanded UK streaming service) BritBox, achieving critical praise across the political divide. On official social media channels, Spitting Image content was massively popular with over 200 million views globally and three number one trending videos on YouTube. Three new one-off specials for ITV, alongside BritBox, also saw huge success on terrestrial television: with a 4.4 million audience in 2020 achieving ITV's highest Saturday night ratings at that time in four years. It returned with 12 episodes last month and shows Prince Harry depicted as a puppet, sat down with Paddington Bear, as well as Spitting Image's portrayal of Donald Trump at the White House. Graham Norton has taken a savage swipe at I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! and admitted that he would only ever agree to appear on the show if he was desperate for cash. The host, 62, said a jungle appearance would be such a money grab for him that he wouldn't even take part in Bushtucker Trials and that he'd happily let his campmates 'starve'. He made the revelation to Maria McErlane on their Wanging On podcast after she asked him if there was any chance he'd sign up for the jungle experience of a lifetime. Graham said: 'One day when my roof blows off or a big tax bill comes and I have to do I'm A Celebrity!' 'You know cos I think there comes a time in most people's lives when they kind of go "Im going to have to do that, Im going to have to say yes to that for the money." 'I'm going to go, "I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!" within a second of every single challenge, and let them starve I don't care! I don't want to resurrect my career, I just want a quick injection of cash, that's all I want.' Graham Norton, 62, has taken a savage swipe at I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! and admitted that he will only ever agree to appear on the show if he is desperate for cash The host said a jungle appearance would be such a money grab for him that he wouldn't even take part in Bushtucker Trials and that he'd happily let his campmates on the popular show presented by Ant and Dec (pictured) 'starve' Ahead of this year's return to the Australian jungle, speculation has been heating up about the famous faces who could be a part of the line-up. Rumoured names include former EastEnders star Shona McGarty, 33, with a source telling The Sun: 'Jungle bosses have been keen to sign up the soap queen for ages. 'Shona is Walford royalty and hugely popular with TV viewers, she's got bags of charisma and producers think shell be a great campmate. 'Plus fans haven't seen much of her away from Enders, so I'm A Celeb will be an opportunity for her to show a completely different side to her personality. 'Show bosses are already talking to some brilliant names for the new series.' Another possible celeb who could be taking on Bushtucker Trials this year is Kelly Brook, who said she is asked if she'd like to go the jungle 'every year' and has found producers' enthusiasm 'flattering'. 'They ask me every year to do it. Listen, who knows, I think I would be camp and fun and I'd have a laugh. 'I wouldn't want to cook if we did go in there as I'm not a***d about that. But no I'm not, they've asked me for seven years now every single year.' Rumoured names include former EastEnders star Shona McGarty, 33, with a source telling The Sun: 'Jungle bosses have been keen to sign up the soap queen for ages' Another possible celeb who could be taking on Bushtucker Trials this year is Kelly Brook, who said she is asked if she'd like to go the jungle 'every year' and has found producers enthusiasm 'flattering' However, Kelly admitted that her filming schedule on Emmerdale would likely prevent her from taking part. The actress added: 'I am obviously filming Emmerdale and being Mandy Dingle I can't put my tabard down! 'If I went in the jungle, I'd need my tabard with me.' Graham Norton's comments about celebrities going into the jungle to boost their profiles is all the more eye-popping after Katie Price claimed that Peter Andre was encouraged to purse a relationship with her for fame. The former glamour model, 47, who was known as Jordan in her Page 3 days, said she saw emails to Peter from his PR manager that said 'if you stick with Jordan she'll make your career'. The start date for the latest season of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! has yet to be announced. Gwyneth Paltrow is turning up the heat with Goop's latest annual Christmas gift guide, famed for its jaw-dropping and provocative selections. The Pleasure-Seeker's Gift Guide, part of Goop's annual holiday lineup, is as over-the-top as ever, spotlighting a $400 vibrator, sensual oils and even 'mushroom chocolates spiked with botanicals and adaptogens meant to support intimacy and pleasure.' Among the steamy offerings is a $1,285 'naughty' advent calendar stocked with a red silk blindfold, 20 feet of black French bondage rope, gold-plated handcuffs and restraint tape. Other racy highlights include Coco de Mer's Pure Delight Orgasm Balm ($40), which promises to 'heighten sensation and encourage blood flow for increased pleasure,' and a self-heating G-spot vibrator ($95) designed to bring a whole new level of warmth to the holidays. Goop's lineup features nine vibrators in total, including the Heartthrob Vibrator ($98), described as offering 'a mix of vibrational patterns and intensities for broad or targeted sensations,' and the high-tech vFit Gold ($395), which uses red light, vibration, and gentle warmth 'to promote pelvic floor muscle tone and sexual function.' Couples aren't left out either - Dame's new vibrating ring ($75) provides 'continuous stimulation,' while the compact Liberty 2 ($109) is said to mimic the feeling of good oral sex. Gwyneth Paltrow is turning up the heat with Goop's latest annual Christmas gift guide, famed for its jaw-dropping and provocative selections; seen in 2023 And, true to Goop form, the guide also includes plenty of eyebrow-raising luxuries for those less interested in bedroom toys - from a $1,400 ashtray to a handmade tic-tac-toe set crafted from Volterra alabaster and canaletto walnut, priced at $1,568. The high-end wishlist doesn't stop there. Goop's gift guide also features a Hermes Multi Togo Kelly Bag, 32cm ($16,500), a stay at Villa La Guettiere in France (starting at 74,575 a night), a $23,500 mink jacket and an Odyssey Pro Telescope ($4,499) for those seeking an out-of-this-world gift. Rounding out the lavish lineup are Petite Amis de la Perle Earrings ($1,050), a striped cashmere blanket priced at $3,995, a Vespa Primavera RED ($5,799) and even a leather-bound pillbox ($450) for storing your daily supplements in style. For those shopping for the men in their lives, Goop's Men's Gift Guide is equally extravagant - offering the Porsche Ice Driving Experience in the Bavarian Alps (20,959), the Babyfoot Campana Louis Vuitton table (approximately $72,500) and the Ernest Hemingwrite Smart Typewriter ($1,099). For wellness enthusiasts, there's also Sunlighten's luxury infrared sauna (price upon request). Among the most racy and bizarre are The Untamed Heart: The Relationship Course ($499), a squishable sex pillow ($195), Sex Oil ($55), a Pelvic Clock Exercise Device ($84) and even a $700 teapot from Ginori's Oriente Italiano collection. Every year, Goop's Christmas gift guide causes quite a buzz online. The Pleasure-Seeker's Gift Guide, part of Goop's annual holiday lineup, is as over-the-top as ever, spotlighting a $400 vibrator (seen above), sex oils and sensual mushroom chocolates Among the steamy offerings is a $1,285 'naughty' advent calendar stocked with a red silk blindfold, 20 feet of black French bondage rope, gold-plated handcuffs and restraint tape Goop's lineup features nine vibrators in total, including the Heartthrob Vibrator ($98), which offers 'a mix of vibrational patterns and intensities for broad or targeted sensations' Other racy highlights include Coco de Mer's Pure Delight Orgasm Balm ($40), which promises to 'heighten sensation and encourage blood flow for increased pleasure' Last year, people went wild over her recommendations for Russian Osetra Caviar, which is $630 for 125 grams, and a 24-karat gold bullet vibrator ring. Despite the guide's reputation for 'ridiculous' price points and eccentric indulgences, Goop also offers an Under-$100 section for more attainable picks. This year's list includes a $39 Moon Calendar 2026, a 'Please Leave by 9' Pillow ($82), a $50 Bottle Opener, $26.95 Mouth Tape, $49 Women's Cashmere Socks, 'The Martini' Emotional Detox Bath Soak ($40), a Hot Fudge Trio ($40), OG Hot Girl Squeezable Chili Oil ($12) and a Pasta Water Candle ($70). Among the most racy and bizarre are The Untamed Heart: The Relationship Course ($499), a squishable sex pillow ($195), Sex Oil ($55), a Pelvic Clock Exercise Device ($84) and even a $700 teapot from Ginori's Oriente Italiano collection. Goop's gift guide also features a $23,500 mink jacket The Goop team also recommends a Hermes Multi Togo Kelly Bag, 32cm ($16,500) Among the most racy and bizarre are The Untamed Heart: The Relationship Course ($499), a squishable sex pillow ($195), Sex Oil ($55) and a Pelvic Clock Exercise Device ($84) Goop's gift guide also features an Odyssey Pro Telescope ($4,499) for those seeking an out-of-this-world gift Past eccentric products have included a $30,000 sex chair, a $1,200 picture book about watches, bowl and a $450 gold-handled razor. In 2023, Paltrow and the Goop team recommended a $400 block of Parmesan cheese, a $14,500 artisanal backgammon set, and a $15,000 gold-plated vibrator. A year prior, the gift guide featured a $300,000 trip to New Zealand and neon-colored toilet paper for $18. The lists are released annually at the end of October, typically just days before Halloween. Frankie Muniz has gotten candid about his secret 22-year feud with Hilary Duff - which had initially been sparked up by the actress's mom. The 39-year-old actor - who is taking part in the upcoming Malcolm In The Middle reboot - opened up about his early friendship with Duff on The Joe Vulpis podcast and why he hasn't talked to her in over two decades. The pair formerly starred in the 2003 film Agent Cody Banks - and Muniz talked about how Duff's 'intense' mom Susan had a role in her daughter's casting in the project. Early on in their acting careers, both Muniz and Duff became close pals and he also appeared in one episode of her Disney series Lizzy McGuire back in 2002. While in a dressing room on set of the show, the race car driver crossed paths with Duff's mom who was 'the epitome of a stage mom.' 'She was intense. Hilary was so cool, we had an awesome relationship, but her mom was super intense.' Daily Mail has reached to Duff's representatives for comment but did not immediately hear back. Frankie Muniz, 39, has gotten candid about his secret 22-year feud with Hilary Duff - which had initially been sparked up by the actress's mom The pair formerly starred in the 2003 film Agent Cody Banks (seen above) - and Muniz talked about how Duff's 'intense' mom Susan had a role in her daughter's casting in the project He then revealed to the podcast host, 'I've actually never told this story, and I might get in trouble for it, but I don't care. I'm 40.' Muniz explained that he and Susan had a discussion about what he had planned for the summer at the time, to which he explained he would be tackling a lead role in Agent Cody Banks. 'And she's like, "Is there a girl that could be Hilary, that would be good for Hilary?" And I was like, "Yeah, but I don't know."' According to his contract, Muniz was able to give input into who could play the lead female role of Natalie Connors - but he did not relay that information to Duff's mom. Kristin Kreuk - who is known for her roles in shows such as Smallville and Reacher - had been considered to potentially portray the character. The next day following his conversation with Susan, they once again crossed paths on set of Lizzy McGuire inside Duff's dressing room. 'The next morning I show up to the set, I go into her dressing room to hang out, and her mom's like, "Guess what? We're gonna be spending the summer together!" She was like, "We're gonna be up in Vancouver together!"' Muniz had assumed at first that Duff would be working on a separate project in the area. He then revealed to the podcast host, 'I've actually never told this story, and I might get in trouble for it, but I don't care. I'm 40' The next day following his conversation with Susan, they once again crossed paths on set of Lizzy McGuire inside Duff's dressing room; Muniz and Duff seen on Lizzie McGuire Muniz had been confused and added, 'She's like, "No, yeah, yeah, she is. They signed the contract last night' 'I'm like, "Oh, what's Hilary filming? Is she filming a movie up there too? That's awesome! We'll get to hang out, we'll have dinners." She goes, "No, she's doing Cody Banks with you."' Muniz had been confused and added, 'She's like, "No, yeah, yeah, she is. They signed the contract last night." 'And I'm like, "The movie you knew nothing about yesterday, you signed - how - it's not possible! It's not humanly possible."' Since he had input on who would be cast as Natalie Connors, Muniz reached out to his agents to ask how Duff had been cast in the role. 'Supposedly, calls were made, and they knew that Hilary and I were really close, and I was filming her show, so they just assumed it was fine,' he said. 'So needless to say, I wasn't thrilled about it. And not because I didn't want it to be Hilary. Just because they went around me.' While shooting the 2003 movie, the actor admitted to being 'very sad' when Duff's mom would visit the set. Muniz added, 'I've never talked to Hilary since the last day of filming. I've not said one word to her since then. So that's the truth that no one knows about.' 'So needless to say, I wasn't thrilled about it. And not because I didn't want it to be Hilary. Just because they went around me,' Muniz said; seen in 2023 in Las Vegas However, he told the podcast host that he does have 'regrets' over not keeping up with his friendship with the former Disney channel actress and that he 'would love to catch up with her.' He explained, 'We were friends. We had a great friendship for such a long time. And I let her mom - it pissed me off.' Following Muniz's comments on last month's podcast episode, a source told Daily Mail that Duff is open to having a conversation with her former co-star 'about their friendship fallout.' The insider added that she would 'like to show her kids all her old stuff and if her kids ever got a liking to watching Agent Cody Banks, she'd love for Frankie to be available to share with her kids memories from her times not only on that set but everything else she did with him and all the other work she did when she was younger. 'Now growing up, being a mom, especially after Aaron Carter's passing, Hilary has wanted to med past issues and relationships and just move into her future with no regrets.' The source said that Hilary would want a call or meeting with Muniz to 'happen organically' and 'just establish a new connection and if it led to being friends again, that would be nice. No worries if it doesn't happen, but it would be nice.' However, he told the podcast host that he does have 'regrets' over not keeping up with his friendship with the former Disney channel actress and that he 'would love to catch up with her'; seen in August in Virginia Following Muniz's comments on last month's podcast episode, a source told Daily Mail that Duff is open to having a conversation with her former co-star 'about their friendship fallout; seen earlier this month in L.A. After Muniz and Duff starred in Agent Cody Banks, the actress went on to appear in a number of other projects such as A Cinderella Story (2004), Younger (2015-2021) and most recently How I Met Your Father (2022-2023). Muniz put his full-time acting career on hold to pursue his passion for professional race car driving. However, he is set to step back in front of the camera for a Malcolm In The Middle reboot - and will reunite with former castmates such as Bryan Cranston, Justin Berfield and Christopher Masterson. Muniz will reprise his role of Malcolm in the four-episode Disney+ series. However, he is set to step back in front of the camera for a Malcolm In The Middle reboot - and will reunite with former castmates such as Bryan Cranston, Justin Berfield and Christopher Masterson Late last week, the actor uploaded a photo with both Berfield and Masterson as they posed for a memorable snap together. 'I was told not to post this yet, but then I remembered the theme song,' he penned in the caption, referencing to the song Boss Of Me that would play at the start of the episodes. 'I'm just too excited for y'all to see the new episodes and I miss my brothers,' he added. The beloved sitcom ran for a total of seven seasons from 2000 through 2006 - and garnered seven Emmy wins during its time on the air. Abbie Chatfield ruffled feathers on The Golden Bachelor this week as she interrogated Barry 'Bear' Myrden about his intentions with her mother Laura Neal. And viewers have now weighed in on the awkward moment the controversial influencer went head-to-head with Bear, speculating that Abbie's comments may have influenced Bear's decision to eliminate her mother from the competition During the confrontation, influencer Abbie expressed relief that Bear was Canadian and not American, before asking the 61-year-old: 'Have you gone on a date with [my mother] yet?' When Bear said he hadn't, Abbie shot back: 'Why haven't you gone on a date with her yet?' 'Still lots of time...' the Golden Bachelor sheepishly replied. But there seemingly wasn't enough time for Laura, who later on failed to score a rose at the elimination ceremony. Golden Bachelor Barry 'Bear' Myrden's encounter with Bachelor star Abbie Chatfield (pictured) may have been the 'nail in the coffin' for mother Laura, who was evicted from the competition on Tuesday During the confrontation, influencer Abbie expressed relief that Bear was Canadian and not American, before asking the 61-year-old: 'Have you gone on a date with [my mother] yet?' Posting to social media after the cringeworthy exchange, one viewer commented: 'Sigh...think he chose then and there!' Another branded the conversation as 'the final nail in the coffin' for Laura. 'I'd vote off a Chatfield too,' someone else wrote. '[Abbie] being her daughter wouldnt have helped AT ALL,' another agreed. 'Her comment on Americans was not very smart either, she has no idea of Bear's feelings on the subject,' someone added. It comes just a week after fans predicted that Abbie might get in the way of Laura's chances of finding love in the Golden Bachelor mansion. Laura Neal made her grand entrance on the show last week, immediately revealing to viewers that she was Abbie's mother. Outspoken Abbie is no stranger to controversy, known for her staunch views about feminism and politics, her public feuds with other media personalities and her tendency to challenge traditional social norms. Posting to social media after the toe-curling exchange, one viewer commented: 'Sigh...think he choose then and there!' Another branded the conversation as 'the final nail in the coffin' for Laura, while someone else wrote: 'I'd vote off a Chatfield too' It comes just a week after fans predicted that Abbie might get in the way of Laura's chances of finding love in the Golden Bachelor mansion 'God help him if his political views clash with Abbie, that relationship would soon be over,' one viewer commented at the time. 'I'm sure his sons would love to sit at the Christmas table with Abbie... sarcasm people!' another added. 'Abbie is the way she is for a reason, I would be looking at her mother as the cause and steering well clear,' yet another commented. The Golden Bachelor continues 7pm on Sunday on Channel 9 and 9Now. Georgia Love has shared a moving tribute to her late mother, Belinda, who passed away following a six-month battle with pancreatic cancer. The Bachelorette star took to Instagram on Wednesday to mark nine years since her mum's death, sharing a sweet mother-daughter photo. 'Nine years without you and the hardest one yet,' she wrote alongside an image with her arm wrapped around her mum. Fans flooded the post with well-wishes for Georgia as she faced the anniversary of her mum's death. Belinda died from pancreatic cancer in October 2016, a month after her 60th birthday, and just one day after The Bachelorette finale had aired. Georgia has previously revealed the close relationship she had with her late mum, admitting she was her 'best friend' and that she misses her 'every single day'. Georgia Love has shared a moving tribute to her late mother, Belinda, who passed away following a six-month battle with pancreatic cancer. (Both pictured) It comes after Georgia's former husband Lee Elliot who she met on the 2016 season of The Bachelorette shared an array of snaps to Instagram on Tuesday showing off his vineyard getaway in Red Hill. The reality star wore a giant smile on his face as he strolled along the vines with a glass of red wine in hand. Other snaps showed Lee enjoying a meal at The Dining Room and checking out the wines on offer. 'Fullbodied, nuanced, wellbalanced, and aging beautifully. Oh, and the wines not bad either,' he joked in the caption. Lee and Georgia, who were married for four years, broke the news of their separation in February. 'After nine wonderful years together, including four as husband and wife, we have made the difficult decision to part ways,' they wrote. 'Our relationship has been so special and we will always cherish the memories, love, and laughter we've shared. It comes after Georgia's former husband Lee Elliot (pictured) shared an array of snaps to Instagram on Tuesday showing off his vineyard getaway in Red Hill Lee and Georgia, who were married for four years, broke the news of their separation in February 'We remain friends and we'd really appreciate our privacy as we navigate this next stage. Thank you.' Rumours of a split had swirled for some time, as it had been months since they were seen together. The pair spent Christmas apart with their respective families before Georgia jetted off to New York City for a holiday without Lee. They were also both spotted without their wedding bands, which fuelled speculation online that their relationship had ended. Kim Kardashian was looking her best on Tuesday when she stepped out with her All's Fair costars to promote the show in New York City. The 45-year-old reality starturnedactress looked phenomenal in a busty lavender crop top with fur accents as she emerged in Midtown Manhattan in the evening. She was joined at the event by several other stars of her upcoming Hulu series, including Naomi Watts, Sarah Paulson and Niecy Nash-Betts. The leading ladies were also accompanied by one of the show's co-creators, Ryan Murphy, who has co-created a bevy of popular shows, including Glee, American Horror Story, Nip/Tuck, American Crime Story, Monster and 9-1-1. Kardashian had appeared on Good Morning America earlier in the day, where she gave her fans an update on a shocking brain aneurysm she suffered, which was first revealed on an episode of her reality series The Kardashians. There wasn't any hint of that somber subject when Kim stepped out in an eye-catching ensemble featuring a lilac-colored satin crop top that prominently displayed her cleavage. Kim Kardashian, 45, was looking her best on Tuesday when she stepped out with her All's Fair costars to promote the show in New York City The reality star looked phenomenal in a busty lavender crop top with fur accents as she emerged in Midtown Manhattan with (LR) Sarah Paulson, Niecy Nash-Betts, co-creator Ryan Murphy and Naomi Watts The top featured crisscrossing layers of fabric covering her bust, and it wrapped around her shoulders with a thick strap of beige and orange fur. The revealing top showcased Kardashian's flat midriff, and she paired it with a ruched brown miniskirt with ruffled fabric decorating the front. The TV star complemented her skirt with a set of pointy-toe brown heels, and she styled her raven tresses by pulling them into a tight bun and parting them down the middle. Outside the building, Kardashian beamed as she caught up with her All's Fair costars. Naomi Watts looked effortlessly elegant in an off-the-shoulder little black dress and matching heels. The Mulholland Drive star completed the look with her blond hair styled in a chic wavy bob that framed her angular black sunglasses. Sarah Paulson contrasted her costars with a stylish beige suit with a collarless button-up jacket and flowing slacks. Niecy Nash made a splash in a black leather dress and a brilliant white hooded top that let her elegantly styled bangs pop out. Kim stepped out in an eye-catching ensemble featuring a lilac-colored satin crop top that prominently displayed her cleavage The top featured crisscrossing layers of fabric over her bust and a thick strap of beige and orange fur around her shoulders. The revealing top showcased Kardashian's flat midriff, and she paired it with a ruched brown miniskirt with ruffled fabric decorating the front The TV star complemented her skirt with a set of pointy-toe brown heels, and she styled her raven tresses by pulling them into a tight bun and parting them down the middle Outside the building, Kardashian beamed as she caught up with her All's Fair costars. Naomi Watts (R) looked effortlessly elegant in an off-the-shoulder little black dress and matching heels Sarah Paulson (L) rocked a collarless beige suit, while Niecy Nash (second to left) work a striking leather dress with a hooded white top. All's Fair co-creator Ryan Murphy (center) was dressed in all black The women surrounded All's Fair co-creator Ryan Murphy, who was dressed in all black with matching leather boots. Earlier in the day, Kardashian had bared her shoulders in a fur-trimmed LBD while out and about in Manhattan's SoHo neighborhood. The SKIMS CEO flaunted her sculpted 5ft2in figure in the off-the-shoulder pencil dress, which she paired with dark hose and cha-cha heels selected by stylist Soki Mak. Hairstylist Matt Benns slicked back Kim's natural raven bob into a curly top-bun for her day of promoting her new show, All's Fair. Make-up artist Ariel Tejada fully contoured Kardashian's bronzed complexion as she posed for selfies with New York fans on the street. Hours beforehand, Kardashian had joined Nash and their other All's Fair costar, Teyana Taylor, on ABC's The View, where the Kardashians star asked for prayers to pass the State Bar of California exam. 'I still have to pass the Bar, but we'll find out in a week. Pray for me. Can everyone just say a prayer for me? Please!' Kim pleaded. On May 21, Kardashian completed California's Law Office Study Program four years after passing the 'baby bar' exam in 2021, which she had previously failed three times. Earlier in the day, Kardashian bared her shoulders in a fur-trimmed LBD while out and about in Manhattan's SoHo neighborhood The SKIMS CEO flaunted her sculpted 5ft2in figure in the off-the-shoulder pencil dress, which she paired with dark hose and cha-cha heels selected by stylist Soki Mak Hairstylist Matt Benns slicked back Kim's natural raven bob into a curly top-bun for her day of promoting her new show, All's Fair Make-up artist Ariel Tejada fully contoured Kardashian's bronzed complexion as she posed for selfies with New York fans on the street Hours earlier, The Kardashians producer-star joined her All's Fair castmates Niecy Nash-Betts and Teyana Taylor on ABC's The View where she asked for prayers to pass the State Bar of California exam 'I still have to pass the Bar, but we'll find out in a week. Pray for me. Can everyone just say a prayer for me? Please!' Kim pleaded On May 21, Kardashian completed California's Law Office Study Program four years after passing the 'baby bar' exam in 2021, which she had previously failed three times The Calabasas socialite - who didn't attend college or law school - took the rigorous two-day test in July but the pass list won't be announced until November 7 at 6pm. In order to pass, Kim will have to score a minimum of 1,390 out of 2,000 on the test, and only 55.9% of the 3,886 applicants passed in February. Kardashian has always dreamed of following the footsteps of her late father Robert Kardashian, who was part of the late OJ Simpson's 'dream team' of attorneys at his 1995 murder trial. 'Every step of the way, I knew my dad was there,' the half-Armenian beauty said on The View. 'The night before I took the Bar, my mom gave me my dad's legal briefcase with his initials that were engraved in it that he used and his stationary with the same fond and the same everything made for me. So we said a prayer.' Kim began her early morning taping ABC's Good Morning America with her castmates where she shockingly revealed she was diagnosed with 'a little aneurysm' in her brain. 'You'll see in the next episode [of The Kardashians], I did go and get a Prenuvo scan. And I had to end up going and getting tons of other brain scans at Cedars[-Sinai] with all the team,' Kardashian told host Robin Roberts. 'Just tune in next week, but everything works out.' The Calabasas socialite - who didn't attend college or law school - took the rigorous two-day test in July but the pass list won't be announced until November 7 at 6pm In order to pass, Kim will have to score a minimum of 1,390 out of 2,000 on the test, and only 55.9% of the 3,886 applicants passed in February Kardashian has always dreamed of following the footsteps of her late father Robert Kardashian (M), who was part of the late OJ Simpson's (R) 'dream team' of attorneys at his 1995 murder trial: 'Every step of the way, I knew my dad was there' The half-Armenian beauty began her early morning taping ABC's Good Morning America with her castmates where she shockingly revealed she was diagnosed with 'a little aneurysm' in her brain Kim explained: 'You'll see in the next episode [of The Kardashians], I did go and get a Prenuvo scan. And I had to end up going and getting tons of other brain scans at Cedars[-Sinai] with all the team. Just tune in next week, but everything works out' Kardashian said it was caused by 'stress' as she's also busy parenting her four children - North, 12; son Saint, 9; daughter Chicago, 7; and son Psalm, 6 - from her six-year marriage to third ex-husband Kanye West, which ended in 2021 (pictured December 29) The JOVS paid partner said it was caused by 'stress' as she's also busy parenting her four children - North, 12; son Saint, 9; daughter Chicago, 7; and son Psalm, 6 - from her six-year marriage to third ex-husband Kanye West, which ended in 2021. The disgraced 48-year-old rapper reportedly pays Kim $200K/month in child support as part of their 20/80 custody arrangement. Kardashian executive produced and stars as divorce attorney Allura Grant leading an all-female law firm in Ryan Murphy's 10-episode legal drama All's Fair, which premieres November 4 on Hulu. The ensemble cast includes Glenn Close, Sarah Paulson, Naomi Watts, Niecy Nash, Ed O'Neill, Teyana Taylor, Brooke Shields, Jessica Simpson, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Judith Light, Elizabeth Berkley, and Matthew Noszka. The AHS: Delicate actress also executive produced and stars in the 10-episode seventh season of her famous family's reality show The Kardashians, which airs Thursdays on Hulu. Kim's other upcoming projects include producing and starring in Amazon's live-action Bratz film for Amazon MGM Studios, producing Hulu pilot Group Chat starring La La Anthony, starring in Eva Longoria's Netflix comedy The Fifth Wheel, and starring in an Amazon thriller penned by Natalie Krinsky. Adrian Portelli has come out swinging against The Block, following the show's lacklustre finale on Sunday that saw two houses passed in. Portelli, 36, announced earlier this year he would be turning his back on the popular renovation series, after buying all five Phillip Island homes on last year's season for a whopping $15million. On Wednesday, the controversial billionaire branded the Channel Nine show 'out of touch' for building homes for the 'super-rich'. 'They're completely out of touch and unrealistic,' he told news.com.au. 'The Block pitches themselves as a good opportunity for families to buy these famous homes, but these houses aren't built for everyday Australians,' he continued. 'They are meant for the super-rich. Who is going to go and bid on them when they know they're competing against billionaires?' Adrian Portelli (pictured) has come out swinging against The Block, following the show's lacklustre finale on Sunday that saw two houses passed in Portelli's remarks come after WA couple Britt and Taz (both pictured) offloaded their house for an impressive $3.41million. Portelli's remarks come after WA couple Britt and Taz offloaded their stylish house for an impressive $3.41million. With a reserve of $2.99million, the pair went home $420,000 richer adding to that, a $100,000 bonus prize, netting them a total of $520,000. Elsewhere in the chat, the 36-year-old claimed he 'pitched' Seven's upcoming renovation show My Reno Rules to Nine, but was turned down. 'It was initially going to be with Channel Nine, but they lost interest,' Portelli said, adding that the knockback was the real reason he parted ways with The Block. It's not the first time Portelli has lashed out at The Block. On Sunday, just as fans learned that only three out of five of The Block's Daylesford properties found buyers, Portelli took to Instagram to gloat over the poor results. The businessman shared a graphic of The Block logo scribbled out in red, replaced with Channel Seven branding and a plug for My Reno Rules. Portelli announced his involvement with MRR in July and has been promoting the show relentlessly on his platforms since then. With a reserve of $2.99million, the Britt and Taz went home $420,000 richer adding to that, a $100,000 bonus prize, netting them a total of $520,000. Pictured: The winning home The entrepreneur shared a graphic of The Block logo scratched out, replaced with Channel 7 branding and a plug for My Reno Rules My Reno Rules will be produced by MasterChef creators Endemol Shine. It's set to rival The Block and will follow four teams of renovators as they competing on rundown houses in Melbourne. Known as 'Mr Lambo', the high-flying entrepreneur has continually used social media to promote himself as one of the 'faces' of the series. But insiders close to the troubled production have told Daily Mail that Portelli's profile behind the scenes is near invisible. According to a statement released by Seven last month, part of Portelli's role will be to 'manage' the show's 'live prize draw'. Emma Roberts showcased her impeccable sense of style as she attended the BAZAAR Women of the Year 2025 awards gala in Madrid, Spain, on Tuesday. The actress, 34, cut a glamorous figure in a semi-sheer lace gold gown as she posed up a storm at the star-studded event, hosted by Harper's Bazaar. Her chic floor-length number featured a delicate lace bust and a gold satin skirt adorned with white ostrich feather detailing. Covering her modesty, Emma layered a cream triangle bra beneath her gown and completed her look with a pair of dazzling silver diamond drop earrings. The star appeared in great spirits, smiling and waving to photographers on the red carpet before making her way inside the venue. Meanwhile, Victoria Federica de Marichalar Borbon oozed glamour in a black ostrich feather gown, which boasted a satin skirt and a daring cut-out panel at the waist. Emma Roberts showcased her impeccable sense of style as she attended the BAZAAR Women of the Year 2025 awards gala in Madrid, Spain, on Tuesday She added inches to her frame with black heels and completed her look with pearl drop earrings. American gymnast Simone Biles lit up the red carpet in a stunning white halterneck gown featuring an intricate lace texture. She completed her look with metallic silver platform heels as she struck a series of sultry poses for the cameras. Italian model Bianca Balti exuded sophistication in a black gown with long sheer sleeves, structured shoulder pads, a bow at the waist, a peplum hem and a floor-length velvet skirt. The beauty was joined on the red carpet by Bianca Jagger, who looked effortlessly chic in a purple velvet suit. She added extra height with black lace-up boots and accessorised with black leather gloves and statement pearl earrings. The BAZAAR Women of the Year Awards is an annual event hosted by Harper's Bazaar magazine, recognising and celebrating the achievements of women across fashion, film, music, art, sport, literature and business. Emma's attendance at the event comes just days after she was blasted online over her bizarre display of wealth after she revealed she takes her doll's clothes to the dry cleaner. The actress, 34, cut a glamorous figure in a semi-sheer lace gold gown as she posed up a storm at the star-studded event, hosted by Harper's Bazaar Her chic floor-length number featured a delicate lace bust and a gold satin skirt adorned with white ostrich feather detailing The star appeared in great spirits, smiling and waving to photographers on the red carpet before making her way inside the venue The actress shared a video on Instagram last week showcasing her trip to the dry cleaner. But it wasn't so she could get her own fashion pieces cleaned... instead, the American Horror Story alum revealed she was getting her toy's garments washed, and her admission sparked fierce backlash. 'Hi guys, come with me to get my new doll's clothes dry cleaned,' Emma began in the controversial clip, as she held a small, red-haired doll with a pink furry coat up to the camera. The video then showed her walking into the dry cleaners and asking the worker if they could take on the task. 'Hi, this is my doll, she needs her coat dry cleaned, and I was wondering if you could do it,' she said. After the employee confirmed they could, an excited Emma handed over the coat as well as the doll's 'undergarments.' It then cut to a clip of the star going to pick up the clothes days later. 'It's perfect, thank you so much. She's gonna be so thrilled,' she joked as the worker brought out the freshly pressed jacket and small pink underwear. Meanwhile, Victoria Federica de Marichalar Borbon oozed glamour in a black ostrich feather gown, which boasted a satin skirt and a daring cut-out panel at the waist American gymnast Simone Biles lit up the red carpet in a stunning white halterneck gown featuring an intricate lace texture Italian model Bianca Balti exuded sophistication in a black gown with long sheer sleeves, structured shoulder pads, a bow at the waist, a peplum hem and a floor-length velvet skirt The beauty was joined on the red carpet by Bianca Jagger, who looked effortlessly chic in a purple velvet suit Emma's attendance at the event comes just days after she was blasted online over her bizarre display of wealth after she revealed she takes her doll's clothes to the dry cleaner The clothes were hung on a hanger, and the chic pink coat was fluffier than ever. 'You guys, can you believe it? So cute. Thank you dry cleaners,' Emma added to the camera as she walked to her car. The video went viral, and while some viewers branded her 'iconic' over it, others criticised Emma, calling her 'out of touch.' 'This is psycho behavior,' one user wrote on X, formerly Twitter. 'I know it's supposed to be quirky and cool but it's just giving off spoilt weirdo vibes,' added another. 'People are still dying in Gaza, ICE are literally kidnapping Americans off the streets and Donald Trump is wrecking the White House with bulldozers.' 'Honestly, go and donate to food banks if you have that much money spare.' 'People can't pay bills,' pointed out someone else. 'Hollywood's gone so far off the rails that even their dolls have laundry bills now,' read a fourth post. A fifth said, 'Wish I was rich and out of touch.' Nicole Richie even got involved, comically commenting, 'I strive to be this level of unhinged.' Michaela Strachan has revealed how her cancer battle changed her outlook on life as she opened up about her diagnosis a decade later. The Springwatch presenter, 60, was diagnosed with breast cancer over a decade ago at the beginning of 2014 and went on to make a full recovery after undergoing a double mastectomy and later reconstructive surgery. Reflecting on her battle with the illness she told The Mirror: 'Since having cancer, I see every minute as a gift. Im like, "Yay!".' Sharing her gratitude, the TV star explained she is thankful for her health, her career and her family. Her son Ollie, 19, is currently at Loughborough University, and she has three stepchildren and two grandchildren. Michaela is also in a long term relationship with her partner Nick Chevallier, but she confessed she has no desire to tie the knot. Michaela Strachan, 60, has revealed how her breast cancer battle changed her outlook on her life and why she has no plans to marry her partner of 20 years (pictured in March) Michaela is also in a long term relationship with her partner Nick Chevallier, and explained she thinks the relationship has lasted due to their time apart (pictured with Nick and her son Ollie) Revealing the secret to the longevity of their relationship she explained: 'Maybe the secret is that we are apart a lot. We dont get on each others nerves as much as maybe we would do if we were together all the time.' The pair live in Cape Town together, but Michaela is often over in the UK for work. She continued: 'Were not married. I dont really see the need, plus its an awful lot of expense. I always miss my family when Im away but Ive been doing this job for a long time now.' Back in May Michaela opened up about her double mastectomy, describing the procedure as 'extremely brutal'. Discussing the emotional toll the 'archaic' procedure took on her, revealing she hopes in 50 years a better method of treatment will have been found. Speaking to host Vanessa Feltz on her Channel 5 show Vanessa, the wildlife expert said: 'My boobs were never a big part of my personality, but when they said they were going to take them away, they suddenly became more important than I thought they were. 'It's hard, you go through these things and you think you're going to be fine and it's not until afterwards that you realise emotionally it's a big thing. 'I really hope that in 50 years time we look back at removing a woman's boobs as part of the treatment as archaic because there must be a better way.' She continued: 'Were not married. I dont really see the need, plus its an awful lot of expense. I always miss my family when Im away but Ive been doing this job for a long time now' (pictured with Springwatch co-host Chris Packham) Michaela was asked by Vanessa whether the procedure is 'too brutal', to which she replied: 'It's brutal! 'To take a woman's breasts away is brutal. Of course, I'd rather not have boobs and be here than have them and be worried that cancer is going to come back. 'But it just seems extremely brutal.' She too spoke to the host about recovering from her double mastectomy, a procedure which almost 15,000 women in the UK undergo every year. 'It's a six week recovery from the mastectomy and six weeks when you have the reconstruction,' she said. 'There's lots of physio exercises that you do but, you know what, I'm in the position now where it's eleven years later and I forget that I've had a mastectomy. 'I really want to encourage people to talk about it. It seems like such a massive thing at the time and I remember asking someone at the time, "When will I stop thinking about it every day?" 'Now, day-to-day, I forget that I ever had breast cancer. I was really lucky.' Rumours are swirling after Kyle Sandilands was seen with one of Australia's most recognisable voices ahead of Australian Radio Network's annual Upfront presentation in Sydney on Wednesday. The radio shock jock, who co-hosts The Kyle and Jackie O Show alongside Jackie 'O' Henderson , was photographed with former Nova star Kent 'Smallzy' Small on Tuesday, a day before the network's 2026 slate of content is set to be revealed. In pictures exclusively obtained by Daily Mail, the pair, who were once rivals, were seen greeting each other with a handshake and leaning in for a hug before heading into a meeting. Kyle appeared thrilled to greet Smallzy, brandishing a big smile on his face as he welcomed the radio veteran. The shock meeting fuels rumours that Smallzy is making the move to KIIS drive in 2026. Two months ago, Smallzy announced the end of his Nova show, Smallzy's Surgery, sharing his final broadcast in August. Rumours are swirling after Kyle Sandilands was snapped with one of Australia's most recognisable voices ahead of the ARN Upfront (Pictured: Kyle Sandilands and Kent 'Smallzy' Small) The radio shock jock co-hosts the Kyle and Jackie O Show alongside Jackie 'O' Henderson (Pictured: Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson) It marked the end of the evening radio DJ's 23-year relationship with the radio network. Smallzy's sighting with Kyle comes amid a breakfast show shake-up after two radio programs were axed in the last week. ARN revealed on Monday that Hayley & Max in the Morning would air on Mix102.3 in Adelaide for the last time on December 12. The show has been hosted by Max Burford and Hayley Pearson since the beginning of the year. ARN revealed to Mediaweek that the decision to say goodbye to Hayley & Max in the Morning was part of a bigger plan to differentiate the station from its competitors. 'In 2026, the station will launch a new live and local breakfast show as part of a refreshed whole station strategy focused on bolder content and bigger moments that really set the station apart,' a representative said. Last week, it was announced that KIIS 97.3's Brisbane breakfast show Robin, Kip & Corey Oates would also be leaving the airwaves at the end of the year, just a couple of months after the former Brisbane Broncos star signed on. ARN revealed that the show's final broadcast would also air on December 12. The pair could be seen greeting each other with a handshake and leaning in for a hug before heading indoors together. The shock appearance fuels rumours that Smallzy is eyeing up a move to KIIS drive in 2026 A spokesperson went on to praise hosts Robin Bailey, Kip Wightman and Corey Oates for their 'hard work, creativity and commitment to the Brisbane audience'. 'Their contribution has been significant and will be celebrated in the weeks ahead,' the statement added. They went on to reveal that the program would be replaced in the new year with a fresh breakfast show that is 'bold, entertaining and fast-moving'. Kyle and Jackie signed a record-breaking $200 million deal with ARN in November 2023 that would see them remain on airwaves until 2034 - earning a whopping $10m per year salary each. In January, the duo opened up about what their extensive contracts stated would happen to the show if one of them were to die. 'I've got a whole page in there about what happens if you die,' Jackie told Kyle. 'Oh yes, I've got that as well. Actually, I've had that for quite a few years. And I think you only just put that in yours this year,' her co-host confessed. Amy Schumer looked her thinnest ever on Tuesday as she stepped out in New York City. The 44-year-old comedian who has shed 'at least 40lbs' with help from GLP-1 weight loss drug Mounjaro showed off her slimmed down figure in a red Valentino mini dress with a scoop neck and centered bow accent. She bared her long legs in the thigh-grazing number, which she teamed with pointy-toe black heels from the fashion house. Amy's long blonde locks were ironed straight and partially clipped back with loose pieces framing her newly chiseled jawline. The actress took to Instagram in the evening to share snapshots taken by celebrity photographer Elder Ordonez, who she gushed is 'always so friendly.' She credited Mariel Barrera with doing her makeup and Jae Manuel Cardenas with her hair. Amy Schumer looked her thinnest ever on Tuesday as she stepped out in New York City The 44-year-old comedian showed off her slimmed down figure in a red Valentino mini dress with a scoop neck and centered bow accent She bared her long legs in the thigh-grazing number, which she teamed with pointy-toe black Valentino heels The Life & Beth star was dressed up for what appeared to be an event for Mark Ronson's newly released memoir Night People: How to Be a DJ in '90s New York City. She reposted a photo originally shared by the music producer, featuring them with writer Derek Blasberg. 'Get @iammarkronson new book "Night People" and get @derekblasberg a ride home,' she jokingly captioned the image. Days ago Amy posted a mirror selfie showing off her midriff while dressed in a purple bra and low-rise sweatpants. She assured her followers the photo was snapped with 'no filter' and that she had 'no filler.' Earlier this year the silver screen star revealed which weight loss drug worked for her after she previously tried Ozempic. In March she took to social media to share her positive experience with the diabetes and weight loss drug Mounjaro. She praised the brand, adding that it's worked for her better than its competitor Wegovy. The actress was dressed up for what appeared to be an event for Mark Ronson's newly released memoir Night People: How to Be a DJ in '90s New York City Amy has shed 'at least 40lbs' with help from GLP-1 weight loss drug Mounjaro; pictured right in February 2024 Days ago Amy posted a mirror selfie showing off her midriff while dressed in a purple bra and low-rise sweatpants The entertainer had previously revealed that similar drug Ozempic did not agree with her. 'Three years ago, I tried Wegovy,' Amy said in a social media video. 'I was puking, I couldnt handle it. I dont know if theyve changed the formula, whatever. 'But anyway, I went on this Telehealth meeting with Midi Health, and it was cheap. I wanted to try it myself cause I wanted to recommend it to my friends who are nurses and teachers.' She raved, 'My hair is fuller, my skin is better, I have more energy, I want to get down more, if you know what I mean Im talking about sex. So thats been great and Mounjaros been great.' Anne Hathaway and her husband Adam Shulman made a rare red carpet appearance together at the 2025 WWD Honors on Tuesday. The actress, 42, and her husband, 44, looked completely smitten at the starry event, which was held at Cipriani South Street in Lower Manhattan. Anne looked ravishing in a red ruffled Valentino gown, featuring hand-tied straps, which was selected by her stylist Erin Walsh. Hairstylist Orlando Pita coiffed a voluminous partial updo for Hathaway, which accentuated the backless frock. And make-up artist Jillian Dempsey - the wife of Grey's Anatomy alum Patrick Dempsey - applied false lashes and a scarlet pout on The Idea of You producer-star. Meanwhile, Adam looked dapper in a black suit with a classic white shirt. Anne Hathaway and her husband Adam Shulman made a rare red carpet appearance together at the 2025 WWD Honors on Tuesday The actress, 42, and her husband, 44, looked completely smitten at the starry event, which was held at Cipriani South Street in Lower Manhattan In a rare moment of PDA, the Oscar winner (R) nuzzled the jewelry designer's (L) head while sharing a laugh in front of the snapping lensmen Earlier this year, Anne sparked rumors she had done something to her face as her complexion is suspiciously smoother than it was in 2024. September 29 marked Hathaway and Shulman's 13th wedding anniversary. The former child star was still dating Italian investment fraudster Raffaello Follieri in January 2008 when she 'fell in love at first sight' with Adam during the Palm Springs Festival. Nine months later, Anne began dating the former actor, who went on to meet his James Bank Design co-founder Heidi Nahser Fink in 2009 on the set of her movie Alice in Wonderland. Next month, the native New Yorkers will not only celebrate Hathaway's 43rd birthday, they'll also celebrate their son Jack's sixth birthday. Anne and Adam - who share matching 'M' tattoos - are also proud parents of nine-year-old son Jonathan. Shulman is set to make his movie-producing debut overseeing Amazon MGM Studios' adaptation of Caro Claire Burke's forthcoming novel Yesteryear, which Hathaway will produce and star in as a lying social media star. The Emmy winner was at WWD Honors to present Valentino co-founder Giancarlo Giammetti with the John B. Fairchild Honor for lifetime achievement. Anne held hands with the 83-year-old designer, whom she famously enlisted to create her custom wedding gown back in 2012. Valentino co-founder Valentino Garavani - who is 93 years old - was unable to attend the fashion festivities but he posted some love for Hathaway on WWD's Instagram account. Anne looked ravishing in a red ruffled Valentino gown, featuring hand-tied shoulder straps, which was selected by her stylist Erin Walsh Hairstylist Orlando Pita coiffed a voluminous partial updo for Hathaway, which accentuated the backless frock And make-up artist Jillian Dempsey - the wife of Grey's Anatomy alum Patrick Dempsey - applied false lashes and a scarlet pout on The Idea of You producer-star Earlier this year, Anne sparked rumors she had done something to her face as her complexion is suspiciously smoother than it was in 2024 September 29 marked Hathaway and Shulman's 13th wedding anniversary The former child star was still dating Italian investment fraudster Raffaello Follieri in January 2008 when she 'fell in love at first sight' with Adam during the Palm Springs Festival Nine months later, Anne began dating the former actor, who went on to meet his James Bank Design co-founder Heidi Nahser Fink in 2009 on the set of her movie Alice in Wonderland Next month, the native New Yorkers will not only celebrate Hathaway's 43rd birthday, they'll also celebrate their son Jack's sixth birthday Anne and Adam - who share matching 'M' tattoos - are also proud parents of nine-year-old son Jonathan Shulman is set to make his movie-producing debut overseeing Amazon MGM Studios' adaptation of Caro Claire Burke's forthcoming novel Yesteryear, which Hathaway will produce and star in as a lying social media star The Emmy winner was at WWD Honors to present Valentino co-founder Giancarlo Giammetti with the John B. Fairchild Honor for lifetime achievement Anne held hands with the 83-year-old designer, whom she famously enlisted to create her custom wedding gown back in 2012 Valentino co-founder Valentino Garavani - who is 93 years old - was unable to attend the fashion festivities but he posted some love for Hathaway on WWD's Instagram account For the past year, Alessandro Michele has served as creative director of the 65-year-old Italian luxury fashion house while Jacob Venturini has been CEO since 2020 The Mothers' Instinct producer-star has no less than eight upcoming acting projects in the works including highly-anticipated follow-ups to The Princess Diaries and The Devil Wears Prada (pictured on set October 7) For the past year, Alessandro Michele has served as creative director of the 65-year-old Italian luxury fashion house while Jacob Venturini has been CEO since 2020. The Mothers' Instinct producer-star has no less than eight upcoming acting projects in the works including highly-anticipated follow-ups to The Princess Diaries and The Devil Wears Prada. On April 7, Anne wrapped her role as author Verity Crawford in Michael Showalter's big-screen adaptation of Colleen Hoover's 2018 thriller Verity, which Amazon Studios will release in theaters on October 2, 2026. Hathaway is rumored to be playing Odysseus' (Matt Damon) wife Queen of Ithica Penelope in Christopher Nolan's $250M-budget big-screen adaptation of Homer's The Odyssey, and principal photography officially began February 25. Zendaya, Charlize Theron, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, and Lupita Nyong'o are also slated to star in the Universal Pictures flick scheduled to hit IMAX theaters on July 17, 2026. The Kamala Harris supporter's other upcoming films include David Lowery's costume drama Mother Mary, David Robert Mitchell's sci-fi flick Flowervale Street, Jonathan Tropper's untitled FBI wedding sting comedy, and Ron Howard's war drama Alone at Dawn. Also attending WWD Honors was the sensational Somali supermodel Iman, who easily defied her 70 years in a black sheer ruffled frock. Also attending WWD Honors was the sensational Somali supermodel Iman, who easily defied her 70 years in a black sheer ruffled frock Euphoria actor Colman Domingo looked dapper as always in a classic, slim black tuxedo selected by styling duo Wayman + Micah Meanwhile, onstage Givenchy creative director Sarah Burton was honored with womenswear designer of the year And Willy Chavarria was honored with menswear designer of the year for his namesake brand Former SNL star Ego Nwodim - who just admitted the NBC sketch show was 'not the easiest place to work' during her seven seasons - went bra-less beneath a blue-caped gown selected by stylist Micaela Erlanger English model Karen Elson showcased her alabaster complexion in a black-dotted and beige dress with two-toned pumps Colman Domingo was also at the event Euphoria actor Colman Domingo looked dapper as always in a classic, slim black tuxedo selected by styling duo Wayman + Micah. Meanwhile, onstage Givenchy creative director Sarah Burton was honored with womenswear designer of the year. And Willy Chavarria was honored with menswear designer of the year for his namesake brand. Former SNL star Ego Nwodim - who just admitted the NBC sketch show was 'not the easiest place to work' during her seven seasons - went bra-less beneath a blue-caped gown selected by stylist Micaela Erlanger. English model Karen Elson showcased her alabaster complexion in a black-dotted and beige dress with two-toned pumps. Clean Slate actress Laverne Cox - who styles herself - shielded much of her face beneath an eccentric fascinator, which she paired with a matching peplum corset and skirt set. Bridal designer Vera Wang and Jimmy Choo co-founder Tamara Mellon opted for not-so-basic black dresses. Tefi Pessoa caught the eye in a grey co-ord Clean Slate actress Laverne Cox - who styles herself - shielded much of her face beneath an eccentric fascinator, which she paired with a matching peplum corset and skirt set Bridal designer Vera Wang and Jimmy Choo co-founder Tamara Mellon opted for not-so-basic black dresses The Hunting Party actress Melissa Roxburgh bared her arms in a brown ruched tube dress and gold strappy stilettos selected by stylist Marc Eram Barbie alum Ariana Greenblatt went off the shoulder in a black vintage Halston dress, featuring a white-feathered flounce, which was selected by stylist Molly Dickson Now You See Me: Now You Don't actor Justice Smith toted a $2,650 Thom Browne 'Hector' bag and sported the brand's $1,670 'Intarsia' cashmere mesh basketball jersey over a maxi-skirt suit The nepo babies were out in force as former Vice President Kamala Harris' daughter-in-law Ella Emhoff donned a checkered blazer over a maxi-skirt while David Duchovny's daughter West went topless beneath a brown pantsuit Amanda Smith stunned in a yellow gown Amanda pictured with Giancarlo Giammetti Sunisa Lee put on a leggy display in a grey mini dress WWD's new editor-in-chief Michael Atmore (R) posed with Jeremy Pope and Willy Chavarria Atmore also took a snap with Anne, Giancarlo, Amanda, and James Fallon The Hunting Party actress Melissa Roxburgh bared her arms in a brown ruched tube dress and gold strappy stilettos selected by stylist Marc Eram. Barbie alum Ariana Greenblatt went off the shoulder in a black vintage Halston dress, featuring a white-feathered flounce, which was selected by stylist Molly Dickson. Now You See Me: Now You Don't actor Justice Smith toted a $2,650 Thom Browne 'Hector' bag and sported the brand's $1,670 'Intarsia' cashmere mesh basketball jersey over a maxi-skirt suit. The nepo babies were out in force as former Vice President Kamala Harris' daughter-in-law Ella Emhoff donned a checkered blazer over a grey skirt while David Duchovny's daughter West went topless beneath a brown pantsuit. Amelia Gray Hamlin left very little to the imagination as she attended the opening of Swarovski Masters of Light Hollywood on Tuesday with her mother Lisa Rinna. The 24-year-old nepo baby flashed her ample assets and black thong beneath the completely sheer mesh midi-dress beaded with Swarovski crystals, which she paired with slingback peep-toe heels and a glittery choker. Amelia - who proudly posed with the 62-year-old Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum - did manage to shield a little bit of her modesty by donning nude-colored pasties under the see-through creation. Hamlin - who's struggled with anorexia since 2018 - has higher brows, more hallowed cheeks, and a smaller nose than she did six years ago. The Lions Management Model might be one of the many young models and actresses who've undergone trendy buccal fat removal, an irreversible plastic surgery procedure to give women sharper cheekbones. Amelia Gray Hamlin (R) left very little to the imagination as she attended the opening of Swarovski Masters of Light Hollywood on Tuesday with her mother Lisa Rinna (L) Lisa rocked a matching Swarovski choker as her daughter with a black tube dress featuring flirty cut-outs all the way down the sides, which was selected by stylist Danyul Brown. While posing together, Rinna and Amelia recited her meme-worthy 'it's couture' Balenciaga catchphrase in unison. Say what you will, but the mother-daughter duo always seems to have a fun time bonding together. Hamlin was 'dying over the original red slippers' from The Wizard of Oz while Lisa marveled at a teal-feathered costume worn by 'Josephine Baker!' The traveling exhibition 'celebrating 130 years of Swarovski's creative joy' begins this Wednesday at Lighthouse ArtSpace LA and promptly closes next Monday. Rinna is one of the 23 contestants vying for the $250K prize on the fourth season of Peacock's reality competition The Traitors airing early next year, and she 'had absolutely no strategy.' '"Hi! What are we doing? Where's my drink? And wait, I have to go do that and be physical and like carry s***?"' the four-time Daytime Emmy nominee groaned to ET. 'It's different. Housewives is mentally and emotionally very difficult. This is emotionally and physically hard. This is hard. There's people lying everywhere. You can't trust anybody. Nobody. So, it is kind of like Housewives.' The 24-year-old nepo baby flashed her ample assets and black thong beneath the completely sheer mesh midi-dress beaded with Swarovski crystals, which she paired with slingback peep-toe heels and a glittery choker Amelia - who proudly posed with the 62-year-old Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum (R) - did manage to shield a little bit of her modesty by donning nude-colored pasties under the see-through creation 2025 vs. 2019: Hamlin - who's struggled with anorexia since 2018 - has higher brows, more hallowed cheeks, and a smaller nose than she did six years ago The Lions Management Model might be one of the many young models and actresses who've undergone trendy buccal fat removal, an irreversible plastic surgery procedure to give women sharper cheekbones Lisa rocked a matching Swarovski choker as her daughter with a black tube dress featuring flirty cut-outs all the way down the sides, which was selected by stylist Danyul Brown While posing together, Rinna and Amelia recited her meme-worthy 'it's couture' Balenciaga catchphrase in unison Say what you will, but the fame-hungry mother-daughter duo always seems to have a fun time bonding together Hamlin was 'dying over the original red slippers' from The Wizard of Oz while Lisa marveled at a teal-feathered costume worn by 'Josephine Baker!' The traveling exhibition 'celebrating 130 years of Swarovski's creative joy' begins this Wednesday at Lighthouse ArtSpace LA and promptly closes next Monday Rinna is one of the 23 contestants vying for the $250K prize on the fourth season of Peacock's reality competition The Traitors airing early next year, and she 'had absolutely no strategy' The four-time Daytime Emmy nominee groaned to ET: 'It's different. Housewives is mentally and emotionally very difficult. This is emotionally and physically hard. This is hard. There's people lying everywhere. You can't trust anybody. Nobody. So, it is kind of like Housewives' This Thursday, Lisa will celebrate the 74th birthday of her husband of 28 years, Harry Hamlin (L, pictured January 2), with whom she also welcomed 27-year-old daughter Delilah (2-L) On February 24, Dey Street Books will publish Lisa's 240-page debut memoir, You Better Believe I'm Gonna Talk About It. This Thursday, Rinna will celebrate the 74th birthday of her husband of 28 years, Harry Hamlin, with whom she also welcomed 27-year-old daughter Delilah. The Mayfair Witches actor is also father to 45-year-old son Dimitri Alexander from his four-year romance with Swiss sex symbol Ursula Andress, which ended in 1983. Cher cozied up to longtime boyfriend Alexander 'AE' Edwards at Tuesday evening's Swarovski Masters of Lighting Opening Celebration in Los Angeles. The 79-year-old legend proved she's going strong with her much younger beau, who is a 39-year-old music executive. They hit the red carpet in style, coordinating in glamorous black outfits. For her part, the Believe hitmaker wore a semi-sheer netted bodysuit underneath a luxe, cropped fur coat. She added wide-leg slacks with cascading chains accented at the side of her hip, and wore her signature long, raven-hued locks in a center part and deep waves. Cher clung to her longtime boyfriend, who looked spiffy as he suited up in a blazer with a satin lapel and trousers. Cher cozied up to longtime boyfriend Alexander 'AE' Edwards at Tuesday evening's Swarovski Masters of Lighting Opening Celebration in Los Angeles His short, curly textured hair was bleached with dark roots and he and Cher kept close as they arrived at the star-studded soiree. The pop music sensation accessorized with flashy jewelry including a stacked choker necklace and stone-encrusted adornment that wrapped around her hand. In September she took to Instagram to share pictures from a night out with Alexander at a Valentino event. Engaging her 3.5 million followers, she captioned snapshots of the two cozying up together: 'L I V @valentino.beauty @ae4president #54.' 'Back Again,' the showbiz vet wrote alongside another post that showed the duo being swarmed by paparazzi. The songstress, born Cherilyn Sarkisian, and her man were also spotted out last month walking hand-in-hand. She hit the streets of the Big Apple in dark blue wide-leg jeans, a semi-sheer lacy black top, and shiny black boots. For his part, the father-of-one who shares six-year-old son Slash with ex-girlfriend Amber Rose wore a white blouse and dark gray puddle jeans at the time. The Believe hitmaker wore a semi-sheer bodysuit underneath a luxe, cropped fur coat The 79-year-old legend proved she's going strong with her much younger beau, who is a 39-year-old music executive The stars have been dating since November 2022 The stars have been dating since November 2022. Cher addressed their age difference during an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show that December. 'Well, on paper it's kind of ridiculous,' she admitted, 'but in real life we get along great. He's fabulous and I don't give men qualities that they don't deserve.' Over the last nearly three years the twosome has regularly enjoyed glamorous outings, as they both enjoy fashion and socializing. In July they wined and dined alongside industry giants Pat McGrath and Edward Enninful while attending Dolce & Gabbana's Alta Moda Roma event in Italy. Jacob Elordi and his girlfriend of four years Olivia Jade Giannulli have reportedly split again as it's revealed they are 'fully over'. The Frankenstein star, 28, and YouTuber, 26, were first linked in 2021 but it was reported in August they had split after four years together. However just a month later the pair sparked rumours they had reconciled as she joined him at a premiere and a source said they were 'seeing each other again'. Now, Jacob and Olivia - who is the daughter of 90210 actress Lori Loughlin - are reported to have broken up again, this time for good. 'It's fully over,' a source told People. 'They are not getting back together. She's fine about the Jacob split, she's more upset about what's going on with her father.' The mention of her father Mossimo Giannulli appears to be in reference to the news that he and her mother Lori have split following 28 years of marriage. Jacob Elordi and his girlfriend of four years Olivia Jade Giannulli have reportedly split again as it's revealed they are 'fully over' (Jacob left in September and Olivia right in March) 'They are living apart and taking a break from their marriage,' Lori's rep Elizabeth Much told People. 'There are no legal proceedings at this time.' The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Jacob and Olivia for comment. In early August, it was reported that Euphoria actor Jacob and Olivia had broken up after four years together, per People. Split speculation first began to surface back in April when she was spotted enjoying a trip to Florida without Jacob. Olivia also revealed that she had moved out of the United States and relocated to Paris. Jacob and Olivia were first romantically linked back in December 2021 - and maintained an on-off relationship. After being publicly spotted together on different occasions, a source told Us Weekly in May 2022 that the pair were officially dating at the time. But in August of that year, Jacob and Olivia reportedly split after they 'enjoyed spending time together,' a separate insider told the outlet. Jacob and Olivia sparked reunion rumours last month, as she was seen supporting him at his Frankenstein premiere The actor was said to have been 'completely focused' on his career and was 'not looking for a serious relationship' at the time. Despite going their separate ways, Jacob and Olivia were spotted together on multiple occasions - such as going on a trip to Idaho in July 2023. Later that same month, a source informed People that the pair had officially rekindled their romance and were also 'getting serious.' In January of last year it was reported that the two stars had broken up for a second time - but it was soon revealed Jacob and Olivia were still a couple. At the time, Olivia was seen accompanying Jacob to Saturday Night Live rehearsals in NYC as they shut down split rumours. And in October 2024, Jacob and Olivia enjoyed a trip to Italy with her parents Lori Loughlin and Mossimo Giannulli. During the course of their relationship, the two stars never walked the red carpet together and kept details of the romance private. Not long after it was revealed that Jacob and Olivia split nearly two months earlier in August but the pair sparked reunion rumours soon after. The mention of her father Mossimo Giannulli appears to be in reference to the news that he and her mother Lori Loughlin have split following 28 years of marriage (Seen in 2019) Last month, Olivia was seen accompanying Jacob to the premiere of Netflix's Frankenstein at the Toronto International Film Festival. Olivia quietly supported the actor during the screening of the film - which will release on the streaming site on November 7. And only a few days earlier, she was spotted with actor Glen Powell as they grabbed dinner at Il Cantinori in NYC, according to the gossip blog DeuxMoi. The pair had been joined by Olivia's mom Lori while a witness claimed that others had also accompanied the trio to the upscale restaurant. The actor has been keeping busy and took on the role of The Creature in Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein. The upcoming movie - which hits cinemas for a limited release on October 17 and releases on Netflix on November 7 - also stars Oscar Isaac, Mia Goth, Christoph Waltz and also Charles Dance. Jacob has also been cast as Heathcliff in Emerald Fennell's adaptation of Wuthering Heights - also starring Margot Robbie. Sharon Osbourne put on a brave face to glam up to support her daughter Kelly on her 41st birthday on Monday. The TV star, 73, had her first night out since the death of her husband Ozzy who died of heart failure in July aged 76. In a photo shared by Kelly's friend Daniel Nguyen, Sharon sat alongside Kelly at dinner as a waiter put a large white birthday cake on the table. The former music manager wore a long-sleeved black dress for the evening along with a gold necklace. Kelly was dressed in a black sleeveless top with a plunging neckline. Earlier this month, Sharon cut a heartbreaking figure as she was pictured for the first time since Ozzy's funeral. Sharon Osbourne put a brave face on to glam up to support daughter Kelly on her 41st birthday on Monday following the sad loss of her husband Ozzy Ozzy had been battling a number of health issues in the years leading up to his death, including a fall in 2019 at the family's home, which saw his condition further deteriorate. Following the news of his passing, Sharon opened up on social media to thank fans for the 'overwhelming love and support' shown towards her by his fans. Sharon admitted she had been 'carried through' by those around her, adding she was 'still finding her footing' after losing the husband she often said she lived for. And her son Jack said on Good Morning America on Tuesday: 'She's okay, but she's not okay. I know she feels the love.' New BBC One documentary Sharon & Ozzy Osbourne: Coming Home is set to chart the self-styled Prince Of Darkness's return to the United Kingdom after more than three decades in the United States with his wife and children. It will feature Jack and sibling Kelly speaking about their mum Sharon's pain over Ozzy's final years, nursing him though painful operations and trying to help him. It will also show behind-the-scenes footage from his final farewell concert at Villa Park, following his long battle with Parkinson's. It follows new Paramount+ documentary Ozzy: No Escape From Now, which features Jack and Kelly's older sister Aimee speaking about her father's final few years. Ozzy had been battling a number of health issues in the years leading up to his death, including a fall in 2019 at the family's home, which saw his condition further deteriorate Ozzy died of a heart attack and had coronary artery disease in addition to suffering from Parkinson's disease for years, his death certificate, published in August, confirmed (pictured with Sharon in 2017) Reflecting on the concert, Jack said: 'Before he went on stage, I ran back into the dressing room, and I just gave him a big hug. 'I just kissed him. I just said, I was like, "Crush it. You're going to do so good." And I was crying. I was in the crowd with... there was this area in the crowd and I was with my brother and we both were just crying. 'It wasn't because of feeling sorry for him. It wasn't because we were sad for him. 'I think it was because we knew it was the last time. In hindsight, it kind of was a living wake if you think about it. He got to say goodbye to everyone.' It comes after Kelly shared her heartache over watching mum Sharon care for sick Ozzy through to his final moments in the new documentary, filmed during the final three years of his life. In one scene, Kelly said: 'I think what's happening to my mum is the most heartbreaking part of this whole thing. 'And I think that watching the man that she loves most in this world wither is really, really hard.' AFL star Darcy Moore and his radio personality girlfriend Dee Salmin have set tongues wagging with engagement rumours following a lavish tropical getaway to Bangkok, Thailand. The Collingwood captain, 29, and his Triple J star girlfriend recently shared a series of breathtaking holiday snaps on social media, offering fans a glimpse of their romantic escape. The stunning images captured the couple living it up in the vibrant city, from glamorous nights out to sampling Bangkok's famous local cuisine. Meanwhile, another picture captured the lovebirds posing up a storm at a photo booth, with one photo capturing Darcy kissing Dee on the side of her face. 'Bangkok rocked my socks,' Darcy wrote next to the photos. The pair looked to be having the time of their lives on the lavish - and very romantic - getaway, which soon sparked speculation among fans that the couple were planning to progress their relationship. AFL star Darcy Moore and his radio personality girlfriend Dee Salmin have set tongues wagging with engagement rumours following a lavish tropical getaway to Bangkok, Thailand 'No proposal?' one person wrote, and a second posted an engagement ring emoji alongside a question mark. Although the pair have remained tight-lipped about their relationship status, with Bangkok's mix of glittering skyline, luxury dining and exotic charm, it's easy to see why the pair's fans are whispering about a potential proposal. The famous couple have been dating since August 2023. It comes after Dee recently fired back at a vile online comment about her relationship with Darcy. The radio star attended the Brownlow Medal count with Darcy last month, where the couple drew attention for their serious expressions on the red carpet. After Dee shared a photo of herself with her footy star partner at the exclusive Melbourne event, one troll left a crude remark: 'They look like they do a Welcome to Country before f***ing.' Dee wasted no time in serving up a tongue-in-cheek reply. 'Thanks, but it's actually an Acknowledgment [sic] of Country,' she quipped. The Collingwood captain and his Triple J star girlfriend recently shared a series of breathtaking holiday snaps on social media, offering fans a glimpse of their romantic escape The pair looked to be having the time of their lives on the lavish - and very romantic - getaway, which soon sparked speculation among fans that the couple were planning to progress their relationship Dee has developed a reputation for speaking out about her very 'woke' views. In July last year, she was labelled incredibly woke for her explanation of why she doesn't want to live with Darcy. Dee, who hosts Triple J radio's The Sunday Hook Up sex education programme, went into detail about their romance on the ABC show, Ladies, We Need To Talk... Back. 'I don't live with my partner at the moment and we have such different, independent, busy lives,' she said. 'We get to have so much of what we had when we were still single in our relationship. But I wonder how much you can actually upkeep that when you do end up living together. 'So much of it is hetero-dynamic learnt behaviours you might fall into.' To clarify, it appears she was using those key words to indicate she and Darcy don't conform to the heterosexual gender stereotype of women taking on the bulk of housework and domestic duties when they live with a partner. Lila Moss looked sensational on Wednesday as she posed for a series of shots for the new Puma collaboration with Madhappy. The model, 22, is following in her mother Kate's modelling footsteps as she fronted the new campaign. For her first snap, she turned heads as she flashed a glimpse of her midriff in a white cotton top. It was teamed with a neon yellow jumper hung over her shoulder with matching bottoms. She then slipped into a green jersey top with a pair of white shorts that showed off her toned pins. In another snap, she stunned in a blue knitted jumper as she posed up a storm on the floor. Lila Moss looked sensational on Wednesday as she posed for a series of shots for the new Puma collaboration with Madhappy The model, 22, is following in her mother Kate's modelling footsteps as she fronted the new campaign For her final look, Lila wowed in a burgundy co-ord with a cropped top. The collection is now available via Madhappy, with the range also being shoppable on Puma on October 30. It comes after Lila commanded attention alongside Iris Law and Stella Maxwell as they led the British stars on the catwalk for Victoria's Secret. She put on a leggy display in a grey long-sleeved leotard for the show. She added height to her frame with a pair of hot pink heels and also sported a pair of white socks. Letting her blonde locks fall loose down her shoulders, Lila completed the look with a dark grey beanie hat and a silver belt. The Victoria's Secret Fashion show features famous models, known as 'Angels' showcasing Victoria's Secret lingerie, often while wearing a pair of wings. It originally ran from 1995 to 2018. It was cancelled in 2019 but brought back four years later. She slipped into a green jersey top with a pair of white shorts that showed off her toned pins In another snap, she stunned in a blue knitted jumper as she posed up a storm on the floor For her final look, Lila wowed in a burgundy co-ord with a cropped top Lila is the daughter of Kate and Dazed Media CEO Jefferson Hack, 54, who the supermodel was in a relationship with in the early 2000s. She has followed in Kate's model footsteps and nabbed her first modelling gig at the age of 15 with a Marc Jacobs Beauty campaign - just a year older than her mother was when she entered the business. Despite her mother being one of the famous models in the business, Lila revealed that Kate was keen to deter her from following in her footsteps. 'My mum always put me off [modelling],' Lila said. 'She was always like, 'If you want to do it, you can, but I wouldn't recommend it.' As well as her flourishing career, Lila's love life has been thriving as she has been dating Yoni Helbitz, 23, for roughly 18 months. In August 2023, MailOnline exclusively revealed that Lila's boyfriend was Yoni, with the pair seen out in London frequently together over those summer months. It comes after Lila commanded attention alongside Iris Law and Stella Maxwell as they led the British stars on the catwalk for Victoria's Secret As well as her flourishing career, Lila's love life has been thriving as she has been dating Yoni Helbitz, 23, for roughly 18 months Last year, a source confirmed the couple, who were first pictured together as friends in 2021, had been dating for around a year. Yoni's official job title is e-commerce coordinator/ fashion marketer for fashion brand Self Portrait. Before that, he worked as an e-commerce co-ordinator for James Lakeland Ltd and he also had a six months stint as an estate agent. The happy couple had kept their romance relatively under wraps, yet Instagram posts by Yoni reveal they have been enjoying each other's company for quite some time. The fashion marketer's page features several snaps of himself enjoying dinner dates and days out with Lila amid their blossoming romance. Though Yoni is happy to share images of his famous girlfriend on social media, Lila keeps her page relatively professional. Even by Hollywoods standards, cementing ones love by drinking each other's blood is nothing short of weird. And if that wasnt odd enough, Machine Gun Kelly then proposed with a ring designed with thorns, supposedly so his betrothed Megan Fox could never take it off. But no matter how permanent the ring was designed to be, it couldnt save their relationship and they split not long after they announced they were expecting their first child late last year. Perhaps not ironically, it is jealousy that seems to have now brought the controversial couple back together. Insiders have told the Daily Mail that the rapper, real name Colson Baker, 35, was irked by Foxs ex husband Brian Austin Greens offer to help raise his child. Theres no love lost between Brian and MGK, our source said. When he heard Brian offered to be a father figure to Megan and MGKs new baby, that jolted him to take over father duties and ultimately led to MGK and Megan rekindling. Machine Gun Kelly and Megan Fox have rekindled their relationship, with insiders telling the Daily Mail that her ex Brian Austin Green fueled the decision (pictured in November 2022) Machine Gun Kelly, real name Colson Baker, was reportedly irked by Greens offer to help raise his child with the actress (Fox and Green pictured in 2013) Green, 52, and Fox, 39, got married in 2010 and announced their split in 2020. Their divorce was finalized in February 2022. They have three children: Noah, 13, Bodhi, 11, and Journey, nine. Green has since moved on with Australian ballroom dancer Sharna Burgess, 40, but hes still willing to be there for his ex-wife. While they had a tempestuous relationship of their own over the years, Foxs pregnancy brought them together and Green is fiercely protective of her. 'Brian warned Megan itll end in tears just like it has done many times in the past, our insider continued. She said that despite their huge fights she cant get MGK out of her system. She tried to hide the fact theyre back together again because she knew what Brians reaction would be. Now its out in the open, shes told Brian shes owning it and knows exactly what shes doing. Megan told Brian she doesnt appreciate him poking his nose into anything in her personal life that doesnt involve their three children.' And it's not just Green who is protective of Fox, but Burgess too. 'Megan and Sharna also have a great relationship even though it's not on public display,' said a second insider. 'Megan likes to keep her life private, and it actually took a while for her to let down her guard and let Sharna in. Sharna is protective of Megan and rarely will talk publicly about her. 'The three of them get together for special occasions, especially the kids' birthdays, because it's in the boys' best interests. Sharna is a great mother as well and she's happy that Megan has opened up her arms and has allowed her to be part of the family.' Fox and Baker met in Puerto Rico while filming Midnight in the Switchgrass in early 2020. After the Covid 19 pandemic shut down production, reports soon surfaced claiming the pair had been hanging out at Foxs house. It came as Green confirmed he had split from the actress who he said told him she felt more like myself on her own. When he heard Brian offered to be a father figure to Megan and MGKs new baby, that jolted him to take over father duties and ultimately led to MGK and Megan rekindling,' our source said Green and his fiance Sharna Burgess (pictured) have a healthy relationship with Fox, with another insider telling us: 'The three of them get together for special occasions' I can't be upset at her because she didn't ask to feel that way, he said on an episode of his With Brian Austin Green podcast. Come May 2020, Fox appeared in Bakers Bloody Valentine music video in which she was seen duct-taping his mouth shut. Two months later they gave their first joint interview, with Fox calling him her soul mate and twin flame. That same month they went Instagram official on Bakers account and then Foxs. Soon followed a slew of gushing interviews about their unique love and connection including how he wears a vial of her blood around his neck before Baker proposed in January 2022. It was in her Instagram announcement that she revealed they drank each other's blood. She later clarified that was for ritual purposes only. But come February 2023, the couple, who by this point had matching ring-finger tattoos, were on the rocks, with Fox publishing an Instagram post that alluded to cheating. She then deleted her account. She later returned to the app, telling her followers: There has been no third party interference in this relationship of any kind. That includes, but is not limited to... actual humans, DMs, AI bots or succubus demons. The pair reconciled after reportedly putting a lot of work into rekindling not long before Fox revealed she had suffered a miscarriage which sent them on a very wild journey together and separately. She made the admission in her book, Pretty Boys Are Poisonous, which contained savage poems about Baker. In November 2024, she announced she was expecting their first child with a photo of herself covered in a black liquid and cradling her baby bump. One month later it was reported that they had split, although neither party confirmed it. She gave birth to their daughter Saga Blade Fox-Baker in March, with sources at the time claiming that despite their differences they were focused on coparenting. Baker has teen daughter Casie, 16, (pictured) with his ex Emma Canon Proving their relationship is amicable, Baker, who has teen daughter Casie, 16, with his ex Emma Canon, recently described Fox as a 'phenomenal mom' and the greatest partner to have had a child with and made clear she should get all the praise for the parenting. 'I want to detract any congrats to me, and just move it to Megan, he told Today With Jenna And Friends. Because she really does all the work.' Reports earlier this week claimed Baker is spending pretty much every night at her house with the baby, and they act like a couple, but they havent put a label on it or made anything official.' The news reportedly didn't sit well with Green who is super protective of Fox and is said to have no qualms with making his distaste for the rapper known. 'In recent years Brian and Megan have finally got to a place where they have been able to amicably co-parent, said our second insider. Brian wants to make sure that she's protected and supported by any man she's with and he will go out of his way to make sure she's taken care of. When people like Machine Gun Kelly completely disrespect her, he loses his s**t. And it's because he cares about her as his ex and as the mother of his children. They continued: 'Brian isn't fuming at Megan for making it work with MGK - he's more-so letting her live her life, respecting her decisions, but he will voice his opinion and make it known how much he does not like him. In March, Baker blasted Foxs ex-husband in a shocking direct message on Instagram, which the former teen heartthrob shared on Instagram. 'Stop asking when our child is gonna be born. you the FEDS,' read the message which was accompanied by a rat emoji and a police officer emoji. 'Quit calling TMZ and focus on that apology you owe me for speaking on my name in public, Baker continued. 'You chose the wrong one to f*** with mr child actor. Go back to cereal commercials.' It wasnt the first time the pair have got into it publicly. In February, Green took to Instagram to encourage the music star to 'just be honest' and to stop trying to 'drag other people after he shared a cryptic Instagram about the narrative around his relationship with Fox. 'Stop caring so much about how you're perceived that you will try and drag other people, Green said. Only time will tell if their public feud will reignite in the wake of Baker's rekindling with Fox. But one thing is for sure, Green is focusing on setting the best example for their children. Megan tends to be more distant when she's with MGK and when there's distance between Brian and Megan, he feels like they're not setting the best example for their children, our insider said. His priority has always been his children. Hollywood screen siren Stefanie Powers was an 1980s powerhouse. The veteran actress got her big break in 1966 when she was cast as April Dancer in the NBC spy series The Girl From U.N.C.L.E. Then she found even bigger fame starring as a journalist alongside Robert Wagner in the television series Hart To Hart. She has retreated from the limelight over the years and now lives a low-key lifestyle in the Los Angeles. But the TV star was seen on Tuesday in a new Instagram photo from her TCM cruise. See what this red-headed stunner - who used to date Sabrina star William Holden - looks like now at 82. Stefanie Powers is best known for her role on TV series Hart To Hart with actor Robert Wagner. The show aired from 1979 until 1984 The show was created by Sidney Sheldon. Each episode revolved around self-made millionaire Jonathan (played by Wagner) and freelance writer Jennifer (starring Powers) who are the Harts Hart To Hart aired from 1979 until 1984 and was about a rich, good-looking married couple who solved murders as a hobby. The show was created by Sidney Sheldon. Each episode revolved around self-made millionaire Jonathan (played by Wagner) and freelance writer Jennifer (starring Powers) who are the child-free Harts, though they do dote on the rescue dog Freeway. Their sidekick was the streetwise butler Max, played by Lionel Stander. Famous guest stars on the series included Ray Milland, Capucine, Eve Arden, Tommy Lasorda, Tippi Hedren, Julie Newmar and Robert Davi. Later, there were several spin-off Hart To Hart movies. Last year Powers shared a photo from a rare public appearance in April when she attended an award show in Germany. 'I had a wonderful time in Germany attending the Gloria Awards and was so warmly welcomed by the hosts and participants all of whom were such great supporters of Hart to Hart. Thank you all so very much,' she said in a caption. The redheaded star began as a model in the 1960s; seen in a Coppertone ad Here she had on a purple bikini for a TV guest-starring role Here she was with boyfriend William Holden, a major star who appeared in Sabrina with Audrey Hepburn She also showed off her signature red hair as she posed for snaps on the red carpet. Powers has also done reality TV. She participated in ITV survival reality game show, I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! in 2011. In an interview in 2019, Stefanie admitted she was happy to be the first star voted off the show. She explained that she didn't find many of her fellow campmates 'terribly interesting' and mocked the show for being far from authentic. Powers was seen in this image shared to her Instagram page when she was on a TCM cruise The animal activist said the reason she had signed up for the show in the first place was to raise awareness of the William Holden Wildlife Foundation she dated Sunset Boulevard star William Holden from 1972 until his death from a fall in 1981. She said: 'I was raising money for our William Holden Wildlife Foundation. Which, I thank you very much, was considerable and very helpful to our work in Kenya.' The William Holden Wildlife Foundation is a 501 non-profit organization based in the United States whose principal project is the William Holden Wildlife Education Center located near Nanyuki, Kenya. Hugh Jackman was seen at a private event in Los Angeles on Tuesday after going public with his new girlfriend Sutton Foster last week. The Australian posed with two pretty actresses: Kate Hudson and Blanca Blanco. They were at a special screening of the new movie Song Sung Blue, which is based on the true story of married couple Mike and Claire Sardina who formed the Neil Diamond tribute act Lightning and Thunder. Jackman was dressed down for the splashy event as he had on a white polo shirt with blue denim jeans. Hudson looked chic in a black dress that tied in the front as she wore her blonde hair partially back. And Blanco stood out in a pretty leopard print dress with heels and bright red lipstick. 'Hugh was in a great mood and so friendly,' Blanco told Daily Mail. 'He is very passionate about this film which is extremely charming.' Hugh Jackman was seen at a private event in Los Angeles on Tuesday after going public with his new girlfriend Sutton Foster. The Australian with Kate Hudson He also took a photo with Eye For Eye and Finding Nicole actress Blanca Blanco This comes after Hudson said 'it's hard not to fall in love' with Jackman. The 46-year-old star has worked with the Australian actor on the new movie Song Sung Blue and felt 'magic' collaborating with The Greatest Showman star. Kate told The Hollywood Reporter at the movie's AFI Fest premiere on Sunday (26.10.25): 'It's hard not to feel magic with Hugh; he's a magical, sparkly man. He's got this very youthful spirit, and his generosity of spirit is wide and large. So I feel like it's hard not to fall in love with him; he's really wonderful.' The pair sing together in the movie and Hudson explained that the practicing their vocals made the pair's on-screen chemistry better. Reflecting on their first time singing together, the Almost Famous star said: 'We got in there and I think it was like finding the vibe because it's one thing to record for a recording, it's another thing to record for live, which is what we were doing; it was kind of fun to find the imperfections and what we were going to be doing on the day. 'It was a great way to get to know each other for us too because we're in the studio for hours - before we got to go on set and play this very intimate married couple, we got to spend good time together.' Jackman was dressed down for the splashy event as he had on a white polo shirt with blue denim jeans Hudson looked chic in a black dress that tied in the front as she wore her blonde hair partially back Blanco and Jackman bonded over movie talk Blanco also talked to Hudson about Neil Diamond's hit songs like Sweet Caroline The siren from Washington state wore a leopard print mini dress with an ivory purse and heels Jackman went public with new lady love Sutton Foster at the closing night gala premiere of Song Sung Blue during 2025 AFI FEST at TCL Chinese 6 Theatres in LA on October 26 Song Sung Blue's writer-director Craig Brewer was glowing in his praise of Hudson and Jackman, 57, as he shared fond memories of their first day singing together. The 53-year-old filmmaker recalled: 'That was magical, it really was. Getting them into the studio for the first time, watching them sing harmony for each other, it was just beautiful. 'The whole crew just said the same thing - they were like, 'This is what we wanted, we just didn't know we wanted it.' 'And it was just infectious; everybody on the set every day would just gather around the screens and just see the chemistry between the two of them.' Emily Ratajkowski is stripping things back, literally and figuratively, for the latest issue of Beyond Noise magazine. For her latest provocative photo shoot, the 34-year-old model posed completely nude, before slipping into various racy looks that left little to the imagination. On the cover, she perched on a stool wearing only a plush fur coat, draped loosely around her body. Inside, she pushed the envelope further - donning just a Gucci horsebit belt around her waist ($2,450) with her hands covering her chest to preserve her modesty. Other images feature her rocking see-through bodysuits and barely-there bra tops. Ratajkowski also shared one of the striking shots to her Instagram, where she appeared completely nude, sitting in profile with her knees tucked to her chest. Emily Ratajkowski is stripping things back, literally and figuratively, for the latest issue of Beyond Noise magazine The My Body author has long navigated the tension between empowerment and objectification, using her platform to question how women are seen and who controls that narrative. 'Emily Ratajkowski is one of the most famous women alive. Shes famous in the old-fashioned sensea single photo of her can stop the planet spinning,' Beyond Noise captioned the photos of her on Instagram. 'Looking good, or at least feeling good about how you look, is often a real step toward getting what you want. Emily gets thisshe also gets that its complicated.' Beyond the lens, Ratajkowski is gearing up for her next major project: an untitled A24 series for Apple TV+ that she'll write, produce and star in. The show is said to examine identity, creativity, and modern motherhood - themes drawn from her own life as both a public figure and single mom. The interview sees Ratajkowski in conversation with a longtime friend and fellow filmmaker, Rachel Anne Sennott, discussing everything from the challenges of the writer's room to balancing artistry with corporate expectation. Ratajkowski's editorial spread comes just weeks after she made her Victoria's Secret show debut earlier this month. In a 2023 interview with Popsugar, the model and actress spoke about some of the icons who had inspired her early in her career. 'I grew up looking at images of Gisele, Candace, Naomi, and Adriana, so its simply surreal to be included in a campaign next to them,' she said after landing her first Victoria's Secret campaign. On the cover, she perched on a stool wearing only a plush fur coat, draped loosely around her body Inside, she pushed the envelope further - donning just a Gucci horsebit belt around her waist ($2,450) with her hands covering her chest Other images feature her rocking see-through bodysuits and barely-there bra tops. 'Those women were larger than life to me they still are in many ways and thats what it means to be iconic. Their beauty and the images theyve produced with incredible photographers and designers and teams were and are so artful,' she added. 'They represent so much.' In addition to Emily, the show featured several former Victoria's Secret Angels, including Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, Doutzen Kroes, Candice Swanepoel, Behati Prinsloo, Lily Aldridge, Taylor Hill, Stella Maxwell, Barbara Palvin and Grace Elizabeth. Other returning models included Gigi Hadid, her sister Bella, Joan Smalls, Irina Shayk, Ashley Graham, Anok Yai, Alex Consani, Paloma Elsesser and Yasmin Wijnaldum. There were also newcomers to the runway show, including WNBA star Angel Reese, influencer Quenlin Blackwell, nepo baby Iris Law, plus-size model Yumi Nu, model Daiane Sodre, actress Barbie Ferreira and plus-size model Precious Lee. For decades, the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show was one of the most coveted runway events in fashion. It kicked off in 1995 and immediately attracted immense buzz, with some of the biggest models on the globe walking in the fashion show. The My Body author has long navigated the tension between empowerment and objectification, using her platform to question how women are seen and who controls that narrative Beyond the lens, Ratajkowski is gearing up for her next major project: an untitled A24 series for Apple TV+ that she'll write, produce and star in By 2001 it was being broadcasted live on television, and each year, millions tuned in to watch the stunning models strut their stuff and the A-list performers dazzle on stage. But in 2019, after more than two decades of it reigning supreme, the annual show was canceled amidst immense criticism over the brand's lack of diversity when it comes to body types before then-chief marketing officer Ed Razek's eyebrow-raising comments about trans and plus-sized models. Last year, the Angels returned to the catwalk after a six year hiatus with a more diverse roster including plus-size and transgender models. The latest runway show comes weeks after Victoria's Secret's new CEO announced plans to return to its 'unapologetically sexy' branding as it moves away from its woke rebrand. She elevated her 5ft7in stature with a pair of open-toe heels with long straps that wrapped around her legs up to the knee and were decorated with fuchsia-colored floral embellishments Emily also wore a pair of long pink gloves with her delicate ensemble The lingerie company is embracing its bombshell roots after years of struggling sales and a tepid response to its diverse catwalk last year. CEO Hillary Super, 53, who took on the role in September 2024, admitted her predecessors had allowed the brand to become 'watered down'. 'At the time I took over, Victoria's Secret was regarded as inappropriate and off-color and we had to correct those mistakes,' former CEO Martin Waters told the Wall Street Journal. The company toned down its provocative branding after a a 2020 New York Times article reported that many employees and models faced a slew of misogyny and harassment. At the time, the brand was under the leadership of Leslie Wexner and Ed Razek. Super, however, said many decisions were made 'out of fear' after the company moved away from their sexualized branding and more toward comfort following a wave of backlash. The brand's seductive lingerie was replaced with products with more coverage and plain designs, as well as a heavier focus on athleisure wear and comfortable pajamas. Cardi B went on a furious tirade against US President Donald Trump as she blasted all who voted for him in the 2024 election as she ranted about the millions of Americans who will be losing access to food stamps next week. The 33-year-old rap superstar - who has ranted over Trump before - recently took to her Instagram Live to call out those who voted for the former mogul in hopes that he would improve their economic state. She pulled no punches as she said: 'Donald Trump was never for yall poor motherf***ers. 'Donald Trump was never for the poor people. For the white poors, for the Black poors, for the Spanish poors, for the Asians, for the Indians. He dont give a f*** about none of yall motherf***ers. To him, even millionaires are poor.' The star seemingly was responding to the announcement that millions are set to lose access to food benefits next month, which has left Americans divided, amid the government shutdown. In a notice posted to the US Department of Agriculture's website Sunday, the government blamed Democrats for not voting to fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Cardi B went on a furious tirade against US President Donald Trump as she blasted all who voted for him in the 2024 election Trump is pictured in South Korea on Wednesday 'Bottom line, the well has run dry,' read the announcement. 'At this time, there will be no benefits issued November 1. We are approaching an inflection point for Senate Democrats. 'They can continue to hold out for healthcare for illegal aliens and gender mutilation procedures or reopen the government so mothers, babies, and the most vulnerable among us can receive critical nutrition assistance.' The Trump administration reportedly declined to tap into approximately $5 billion in contingency funds to cover SNAP costs amidst the second longest shutdown in US history. Back in August, the Congressional Budget Office released analysis that around 2.4million Americans, including families with children, receive food stamps in an average month. Cardi continued on her Instagram rant: 'Now, Donald Trump was blaming the immigrants for Americas downfall. 'Like, I do understand if a country wants to enforce more strict immigration laws. I understand that. However, he was using that as an excuse for the issues that we have in this country, in this economy.' She later said: 'Now, how many f***ing immigrants has he deported? He has deported so many people. So, now the immigrants are deported, who are we blaming for the fact that we are practically going into a recession? We dont even have food stamps.' Earlier this year, the star, who was vocal in her support for former Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2024 election, revealed that her uncle had been deported since Trump returned to the White House. On the same platform back in February, she suggested that the President should reverse the action as she stated: 'Now he's going to have to well he definitely ain't going to do that. Bring my uncle to come back because my uncle got deported!' The 33-year-old rap superstar - who has ranted over Trump before - recently took to her Instagram Live to call out those who voted for the former mogul in hopes that he would improve their economic state The star seemingly was responding to the announcement that millions are set to lose access to food benefits next month, which has left Americans divided, amid the government shutdown Cardi continued on her Instagram rant: 'Now, Donald Trump was blaming the immigrants for Americas downfall' During the same rant, the rapper claimed that President Donald Trump's appearance at the Super Bowl at the time caused her to damage a $3,000 pair of Christian Louboutin heels. She told fans in a live video at the time that Trump's large security detail had an unwanted impact on her day. Trump, 79, became the first sitting president to attend a Super Bowl, meaning special measures were taken to ensure his safety at the event held in New Orleans' Caesars Superdome stadium. This meant that even VIP guests were also affected as Cardi explained: 'I was too f**king mad today because, you know, Donald Trump and s**t. 'He was at the Super Bowl today, and they were giving us a hard time.' Recalling the change in security measures, she continued: 'Oh my gosh. The Secret Service was not playing at that motherf**ker. 'The Secret Service was not playing to get in that motherf**king stadium. Oh my god. F**ked up my shoe.' The WAP hitmaker then showed off her spiked high heels, highlighting the signs of wear and tear to the camera. Earlier this year, the star, who was vocal in her support for former Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2024 election , revealed that her uncle had been deported since Trump returned to the White House During the same rant, the rapper claimed that President Donald Trump 's appearance at the Super Bowl at the time caused her to damage a $3,000 pair of Christian Louboutin heels Trump, 79, became the first sitting president to attend a Super Bowl, meaning special measures were taken to ensure his safety at the event held in New Orleans ' Caesars Superdome stadium She then claimed that the damage happened when she had been forced to walk due to secret service putting a stop to cart services at a certain point in the night Cardi, who famously raps about 'red bottoms' in her hit song Bodak Yellow, appeared to be holding the brand's Estepic Sandal Alta. The black peep-toe platform sandal complete with silver spikes currently retail for $3,295. She then claimed that the damage happened when she was forced to walk due to the Secret Service putting a stop to cart services at a certain point in the night. Cardi continued: 'Looked how f**ked up my shoes look at my shoe. Shoes cost me three bands [slang for $3,000]. 'All 'cause of Trump. Now I like him lesser. Now I like him lesser beause you ain't have to come to no damn Super Bowl. 'F**kin up my shoe. Now I don't really like him.' Cardi then tried to find a way to get something positive from the situation as she brought up a way in which Trump could make it up to her. Andy Cohen is opening up about his famously close friendship with John Mayer. While appearing on Wednesday's episode of Call Her Daddy, the Emmy Award-winning producer, 57, candidly described one of their typical nights out - and how a few drinks have led to some 'physical' moments between them. 'It is us going to dinner,' Cohen explained. 'We always sit on the same side of the booth. That is our spot.' While the two longtime pals don't hold hands, Cohen admitted their hangouts often grow more affectionate as the evening unfolds. 'As the night goes on, I find myself sinking into him because he'll have his arm around me,' Cohen revealed. 'As a matter of fact, we were at the Sunset Tower last week, and I was getting so physical with him by the end that he was like, "Andy."' The Watch What Happens Live host said the flirty energy came while he was 'kind of using [John's] body to tell a story about a guy.' Andy Cohen is opening up about his famously close friendship with John Mayer 'I was in my cups a little bit,' Cohen joked, using the old-fashioned phrase for being tipsy. 'We were in a puddle of laughter. We love each other deeply. We actually do.' When host Alex Cooper asked if Cohen might secretly be in love with Mayer, the talk show host didn't hesitate to shut it down - though he admitted the connection between them is special. 'I'm not secretly in love with him. No, we love each other,' Cohen said. 'If I could find a gay guy that was him, it would be magic. But you know what? I'm so grateful for the love that we have.' Cohen and Mayer, 48, have been close friends for more than a decade, sparking endless fan speculation about whether there's ever been more between them. The pair often travel together, appear at events side by side, and frequently gush about each other in interviews - though both have repeatedly insisted their relationship is purely platonic. Later in the Call Her Daddy chat, Cohen shared that Mayer even gave him a little pep talk before the taping. 'We FaceTimed yesterday,' Cohen said. 'He was like, 'You're going to be great. Go. Deliver. You know what you're doing.' Fair. Love you, John.' When Cohen jokingly asked what Mayer would say if he requested help launching a music career, he mimicked Mayer's response with a grin: 'Absolutely, baby.' While appearing on Call Her Daddy, the producer, 57, candidly described one of their typical nights out - and how a few drinks have led to some 'physical' moments between them 'It is us going to dinner,' Cohen explained. 'We always sit on the same side of the booth. That is our spot' (seen in 2022) Though their friendship might look like a rom-com to fans, Cohen says he's perfectly happy keeping it exactly as it is warm, affectionate, and full of laughter. 'I'm so grateful for the love that we have,' he said. Last year, Cohen denied he and Mayer were in a romantic relationship. When asked about their friendship as part of a profile for The Hollywood Reporter, Cohen said: 'I honestly love John Mayer, and he loves me. But because were so affectionate toward each other, people dont know what box to put that in. They assume were sleeping with each other, which we are most definitely not.' In 2023, Cohen insisted that his affection for Mayer had never gotten physical. At Howard's urging, Andy even swore on his children Ben and Lucy that he and John have never fooled around. However Cohen did tell the self-proclaimed King Of All Media: 'I am in love with John Mayer. We are in love with each other.' 'I mean, swear on your children's lives there's never been anything sexual between you and John Mayer,' Howard said, and Andy readily agreed: 'I swear.' While the two longtime pals don't hold hands, Cohen admitted their hangouts often grow more affectionate as the evening unfolds; seen in 2015 'I'm not secretly in love with him. No, we love each other,' Cohen said. 'If I could find a gay guy that was him, it would be magic' In 2018, he told CNN that they 'have a very sweet friendship' and 'have a great love for each other.' When asked what he was looking for in a partner, he joked: 'Someone who is like John Mayer... Just kidding. What am I looking for? I'm looking for someone strong, independent, smart, who has their own thing going on.' While Cohen is openly gay, Mayer has only publicly dated women. The musician exes include Jennifer Aniston, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, Jessica Simpson and Minka Kelly. In May 2024, Mayer wrote a letter to The Hollywood Reporter addressing the rumors surrounding his friendship with Cohen. 'I think that to suggest that people are dubious of a friendship like mine and Andys is to undermine the publics ability to accept and understand diversity in all facets of culture, be it in art or in real life. Id like to think theyre sophisticated enough to see a relationship like ours without assuming it must include a sexual component,' he wrote via email. Rosie O'Donnell is asking for compassion and support as her estranged daughter, Chelsea, continues to struggle with addiction and faces new legal consequences. On Wednesday, the A League of Their Own star, 62, shared a heartbreaking Instagram post featuring a much younger photo of her daughter, Chelsea, now 28, who she adopted as a baby. 'My child chelsea belle before addiction took over her life I loved her then, I love her now as she faces a scary future,' O'Donnell wrote. 'Prayers welcomed. #addictionawareness #love #family.' Her post comes after Chelsea's probation was revoked earlier this month, resulting in a prison sentence handed down on October 22, according to court documents obtained by Us Weekly. The outlet reported that an official from the treatment drug court said Chelsea, who has been in custody since September 9, 'was in violation due to sexual assault allegations.' The official added that 'Chelsea had not shown significant progress in the treatment drug program.' Rosie O'Donnell is asking for compassion and support as her estranged daughter, Chelsea, continues to struggle with addiction and faces new legal consequences; seen in 2016 'The facts surrounding this request have been staffed with the Marinette County Treatment Drug Court Team and have been deemed sufficient grounds to warrant termination from the Marinette County Treatment Drug Court Program,' the filing read. An officer told Us Weekly that Chelsea will be transferred to the a medium-security prison, Taycheedah Correctional Institution, in Wisconsin. In a statement to People, O'Donnell shared her continued empathy and sorrow: 'I have compassion for those struggling with addiction Chelsea was born into addiction and it has been a painful journey for her and her four young children. We continue to love and support her through these horrible times. Prayers welcomed.' Chelsea's struggles have been ongoing. She was first arrested in Wisconsin in September 2024 on multiple felony charges, including child neglect and possession of methamphetamine. After posting bail, she was arrested again a month later on additional felony counts, including bail jumping and resisting or obstructing an officer. A third arrest followed that November for possession of methamphetamine, bail jumping, and possession of narcotic drugs. In March 2025, Chelsea pled guilty to three felony counts, resisting or obstructing an officer, felony bail jumping, and possession of methamphetamine, and was sentenced to six years of probation, two years for each count. Her misdemeanor charges for drug paraphernalia and narcotic possession were dismissed at the time. Under the conditions of her probation, Chelsea was required to maintain absolute sobriety, avoid known drug users or sellers and refrain from possessing alcohol, firearms, or any controlled substances without a prescription. On Wednesday, the A League of Their Own star, 62, shared a heartbreaking Instagram post featuring a much younger photo of her daughter, Chelsea, now 28 (pictured in 2006) Her post comes after Chelsea's probation was revoked earlier this month, resulting in a prison sentence handed down on October 22 Despite those terms, court documents confirm her probation has since been revoked. Chelsea is a mother of four young children: daughters Skylar Rose, 6, Riley, 4, and Avery Lynn, 3, and son Atlas, who turned one this month. O'Donnell previously confirmed Chelsea's legal troubles in a 2024 Instagram post, writing: 'So yes, this is true after being bailed out by her birth mother Chelsea was arrested again. She is facing many charges related to her drug addiction. We all hope she is able to get the help she needs to turn her life around.' Last year, Chelsea spoke to DailyMail.com from jail, saying her mother had taken a tough love approach and refused to bail her out. 'When I called Rosie to ask her to bail me out, she told me flat out, 'You belong in there,' Chelsea said. 'I really can't help you get out of there; I don't want you to kill yourself. I don't want to be responsible for you killing yourself.' At the time, Chelsea also expressed frustration that her mother appeared more focused on supporting the Menendez brothers' bid for freedom than helping her own daughter. 'My mother is more interested in getting the Menendez brothers released from prison than getting me out,' she said. 'I have a drug problem. I need to go to rehab, but I never killed anyone like the Menendez brothers.' A representative for O'Donnell told Us Weekly in 2024, 'The family hopes that she gets the help she needs.' Disney star Dove Cameron is engaged to the wild frontman of Maneskin Damiano David. The 29-year-old actress and 26-year-old musician - who performed shirtless in Sydney last week - have dated for two years as they officially confirmed their relationship in February 2024. Now Dove has been seen showing off a brand new massive diamond sparkler on her left ring finger while arm-in-arm with the provocative rocker in Sydney, Australia. The two recently got engaged according to sources for TMZ on Thursday as they also have published images of the new piece of jewelry. The Daily Mail has reached out to Dove and Damiano representatives for comment and have yet to hear back. Earlier this month, Cameron celebrated their relationship with intimate snaps and videos from their courtship. Disney star Dove Cameron is engaged to the wild frontman of Maneskin Damiano David; they are pictured together in LA back in June 2024 She shared the post with her over 47 million follower with the sweet caption: 'the 2 best years of my life. i am brought to tears at least once a week because life has become so beautiful with you in it. 'i love you in a way no words could ever express, but i will never stop trying. buon anniversario amore mio.' Dove is best known for her dual roles in Disney Channel comedy series Liv And Maddie from 2013 to 2017 before starring as the lead in the three Descendants film franchise movies from 2015 to 2021. Damiano is the lead vocalist for Italian rock band Maneskin as the foursome famously won the Eurovision Song Contest for Zitti e Buoni as the act is known for their racy antics and upping the sexuality during their concerts. Dove and Damiano have been dating for nearly two years after initially meeting at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2022. Their relationship was confirmed when they made their red carpet debut at the 2024 pre-Grammy Gala. Dove spoke publicly about their romance in a June 2024 interview with Cosmopolitan. After she met Damiano and his band, she said, 'A couple months later, their team had reached out to me about coming to their album release and I couldnt make it work with the dates, but I was like, "Oh, thats so sweet that they thought about me. We only met once."' The 29-year-old actress and 26-year-old musician (seen in LA in November 2024) have dated for two years as they officially confirmed their relationship in February 2024 Now Dove has been seen showing off a brand new massive diamond sparkler on her left ring finger while arm-in-arm with the provocative rocker in Sydney, Australia (they are seen kissing in LA in February 2024 where they confirmed their romance) Dove and Damiano have been dating for nearly two years after initially meeting at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2022; Pictured in 2024 She added, 'At one point, the band and I had been thinking about doing a collaboration. 'They had recorded something, so I went in and I recorded over that track. Theyd asked me to open for them on their tour and I couldnt make it happen.' The former Disney star explained, 'There were just these passing-ships-in-the-night things happening. So when we met again at the 2023 VMAs, we had a reason to talk to each other.' Dove is best known for her dual roles in Disney Channel comedy series Liv And Maddie (pictured) from 2013 to 2017 before starring as the lead in the three Descendants film franchise movies from 2015 to 2021 Damiano is the lead vocalist for Italian rock band Maneskin as the foursome famously won the Eurovision Song Contest for Zitti e Buoni The act is known for their racy antics and upping the sexuality during their concerts (Damiano is seen performing at the MTV VMAs in August 2024) Dove is seen enjoying some fun in the sun in David's home country during a vacation in August She noted about the way her now-boyfriend approached her, 'And when he came up to me, it felt likeI dont know, a year can do a lot. It felt like it had been 10 years or something.' The star gushed about her beau, 'Hes a Capricorn, so he was very much like, "Okay, these are my intentions." It was super honorable. Hes like a 1950s gentleman, angel, teddy bear. Hes the best person Ive met in my life.' And she said they find common ground in their sensitivity. 'From the outside, it looks like it was very hot and heavy, and it looks like it was overnight, but we had both been in situations where we were very harmed in the past and we are very sensitive people,' she reflected. Amy Schumer and Kim Kardashian jokingly clashed on the red carpet yet again as they recreated their viral moment from a decade ago. The stand-up comedian, 44, threw herself on the floor in front of the star as seen in an Instagram photo she posted from the premiere of Kardashian's new Hulu legal drama, All's Fair. The reality TV star, 45, could be seen standing alongside the wall in the background with a bright smile on her face. Back in 2015, Schumer enacted the moment, which ended up being a failed attempt at making Kardashian and her then-husband Kanye West, 48, crack a smile. She tried to 'prank' the then-couple at the Time 100 gala by falling down but rather than helping her up they awkwardly stepped over her during the cringeworthy moment. The pair were seen walking away hand-in-hand with unamused and seemingly unfazed expressions on their faces as Schumer picked herself off the ground. Amy Schumer and Kim Kardashian jokingly clashed on the red carpet yet again as they recreated their viral moment from a decade ago The reenactment of their past, viral moment comes shortly after Kardashian revealed her harrowing brain aneurysm diagnosis caused by 'stress' following her divorce from the controversial rapper. At the premiere, Kardashian also inspired another viral moment as her All's Fair co-star Sarah Paulson groped her backside for their fans and castmates to see. The premiere was held at The Whitby Hotel in New York City and the A-listers joined their famous co-stars Naomi Watts, Niecy Nash-Betts, and series creator Ryan Murphy. They has been gearing up for the premiere of their new show, which is set to debut on Tuesday, November 4 on Hulu. In the legal drama, the reality TV star-turned-actress takes on the role of fierce divorce attorney Allura Grant in the Ryan Murphycreated legal drama. The series follows a team of powerhouse female lawyers who break away from their male-dominated firm to launch their own practice as Allura vows revenge on the younger husband who married her for money. The show boasts an all-star roster of guest appearances from Brooke Shields, Elizabeth Berkley, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Judith Light, who all play the firm's high-profile clients. Last week, Kardashian was in London to promote the show alongside Paulson. During an appearance on The Graham Norton Show, she admitted she was determined to hold her own among the A-list cast. Back in 2015, Schumer enacted the moment, which ended up being a failed attempt at making Kardashian and her then-husband Kanye West, 48, crack a smile She tried to 'prank' the then-couple at the Time 100 gala by falling down but rather than helping her up they awkwardly stepped over her during the cringeworthy moment 'Working with a cast like this I wanted to make sure I was completely prepared. What I could control was absolutely knowing my lines, being on time and being super professional,' she said. 'These women are the greatest at what they do, and I just watched and learned every day.' She added, 'It was an honor, and I have just had the best time. Working with these women was like summer camp.' Elsewhere during the interview, the SKIMS founder revealed she'll soon find out if she passed the bar exam. The stand-up comedian, 44, threw herself on the floor in front of the star as seen in an Instagram photo she posted from the premiere of Kardashian's new Hulu legal drama, All's Fair; pictured in April 2015 They has been gearing up for the premiere of their new show, which is set to debut on Tuesday, November 4 on Hulu. In the legal drama, the reality TV star-turned-actress takes on the role of fierce divorce attorney Allura Grant in the Ryan Murphycreated legal drama 'I took the bar exam in July. I get the results a few days after our [All's Fair] premiere. So in two weeks. So everyone please pray for me. I worked really hard,' she said. As she awaits her results, Kardashian could be just days away from realizing her longtime dream of becoming a licensed attorney. The media mogul estimated: 'Maybe in 10 years, I think Ill give up being Kim K and be a trial lawyer. That's what I really want.' She has spent six years completing a law apprenticeship an unconventional route that allowed her to bypass law school officially wrapping the program on May 21, 2025. She passed the notoriously difficult 'baby bar' on her fourth attempt in December 2021, clearing her first major hurdle before facing the full California bar, widely regarded as the toughest in the nation. The man who taught life lessons as Mr. Feeny just tried to give Donald Trump one of his own. William Daniels, 98, the beloved Boy Meets World actor, took aim at the Presidents massive White House renovation blasting Trump's decision to tear down the East Wing to make way for a $300 million ballroom project. In a post shared Monday, Daniels didnt mince words as he recalled performing for President Richard Nixon inside the very part of the White House now facing demolition. Sharing a throwback photo of himself dressed in full costume from the hit Broadway musical in which he famously played John Adams Daniels wrote: 'We performed 1776 in the beautiful East Room when Nixon was in the White House. He was very gracious even though none of us had voted for him.' But he saved his sharpest words for Trump, adding, 'The current president has ripped a piece of history from our lives and we mustnt take this lightly.' The East Room, where Daniels and his fellow performers once took the stage more than half a century ago, isnt believed to be among the demolished sections. William Daniels, 98, the beloved Boy Meets World actor, took aim at the Presidents massive White House renovation blasting Trump's decision to tear down the East Wing to make way for a $300 million ballroom project; (Daniels, Ben Savage in Boy Meets World - 1993) In a post shared Monday, Daniels didnt mince words as he recalled performing for President Richard Nixon inside the very part of the White House now facing demolition; (pictured 2022) Still, reports suggest Trump has long complained that its roughly 200-person capacity was too small for the grand events he envisions. His planned addition a 90,000-square-foot ballroom capable of hosting up to 999 guests would dwarf the historic space and could even be connected directly to the East Room. Construction crews have already bulldozed offices once used by First Ladies to make way for the expansion. The controversial makeover has sharply divided Americans. Critics have slammed it as a blatant erasure of history, while supporters insist every president has the right to leave their own mark on 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Danielss comments sparked a similar split online. I always knew I could trust Mr. Feeny to be on the right side of history, one fan wrote. Another added, Of course Mr. Feeny would be on the correct, decent, dignified and sane side of history. That's not a shock at all. Daniels saved his sharpest words for Trump, adding, 'The current president has ripped a piece of history from our lives and we mustnt take this lightly' Critics have slammed the renovations as a blatant erasure of history, while supporters insist every president has the right to leave their own mark on 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue... and Danielss comments sparked a similar split online; (Will Friedle, Betsy Randle, Lily Nicksay (front), Ben Savage, William Russ (top), Daniels, Lee Norris, Rider Strong) The East Room, where Daniels and his fellow performers once took the stage more than half a century ago, isnt believed to be among the demolished sections. But not everyone agreed. What did he rip down? The end of a building erected in the 1940s? Oh our treasured past!!! Spare me the feigned outrage, Feeny, one user shot back. Before becoming Americas favorite TV teacher, Daniels built his career on stage, playing John Adams in both the original Broadway production and 1972 film version of 1776. He won two Emmys for his work as Dr. Mark Craig on the acclaimed medical drama St. Elsewhere, and appeared in a string of classic films, including The Graduate in which he played Dustin Hoffmans father, despite being only ten years older and the romantic comedy Two for the Road alongside Audrey Hepburn and Albert Finney. But he may be remembered most fondly today for Boy Meets World, the hit ABC sitcom that ran from 1993 to 2000. The coming-of-age favorite followed Ben Savages Cory Matthews from awkward middle schooler to college graduate, with Will Friedle and Rider Strong as his loyal best friends and Danielle Fishel as his high school sweetheart, Topanga. As George Feeny the wise, ever-patient neighbor who became Corys teacher, principal, and later college professor Daniels anchored the series. His real-life wife, actress Bonnie Bartlett, joined him on the show later in its run as Mr. Feenys new bride a fan-favorite addition that mirrored their decades-long marriage off screen. Daniels would go on to reprise his beloved role for guest appearances in Girl Meets World, the 2014 Disney Channel sequel that centered on Cory and Topangas daughter, played by Rowan Blanchard. Construction crews have already bulldozed offices once used by First Ladies to make way for the expansion. Your browser does not support iframes. Earlier this month, he reunited with Fishel on Dancing With the Stars, joining her onstage as she dedicated her dance to him proving that even at 98, Mr. Feeny still knows how to make an entrance. Meanwhile, Trump said that the East Wing building was 'never thought of as being much' and 'was not particularly nice'. Speaking to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, he added: 'We determined that, after really a tremendous amount of study with some of the best architects in the world, we determined that really knocking it down [was best].' Trump showed Rutte displays, pictures, and drawings of his latest redesign as he highlighted some of its grandest features. Speaking about some of the images of the demolition, he said: 'The way it was shown, it looked like we were touching the White House. We don't touch the White House.' Joey Lawrence sparked concern while stepping out with a visible black eye on a family outing to Erewhon Market in Calabasas alongside his wife Samantha Cope. As he carried a single grocery bag back to his car, the Melissa & Joey star, 49, appeared worse for wear, sporting extensive bruising and swelling around his left eye. The actors upper cheekbone was visibly discolored, with a dark purple hue extending beneath the eye and a small cut just above his brow, suggesting a recent impact. The Pennsylvania native has not publicly revealed how he sustained the injury and avoided sharing any images featuring the shiner on social media. The Daily Mail has reached out to his representatives, but have not heard back, at this time. His wife remained closely by his side as she carried their two-year-old daughter Dylan Rose in her arms. Joey Lawrence sparked concern while stepping out with a visible black eye on a family outing to Erewhon Market in Calabasas alongside his wife Samantha Cope The couple reconciled four months after Cope, 38, filed for divorce in August 2024. In July, the actor opened up about his decision to repair his marriage while urging others not to 'give up' without a fight. 'I think its too easy [he said of divorce],' he explained of why they got back together. 'As much you dont want to take an easy way out, or you think this will be the fixits not always the case. I just didnt want to do that. And she didnt either.' Ultimately, he said they both came to the realization: 'Wait a minute. Theres something so special here.' 'Things take a lot of work and a lot of dedication and reworking and retooling,' the father-of-three continued. 'Thats life, though.' Lawrence went on to stress: 'Thats life, though. As brothers, with your parents, with friends, in business, thats it. Everything takes so much work. Whatever it is, just dont give up, because you never know.' Last August, it was revealed that Cope had filed for divorce from Lawrence. She requested that both she and her estranged husband not receive any spousal support. As he carried a single grocery bag back to his car, the Melissa & Joey star, 49, appeared worse for wear, sporting extensive bruising and swelling around his left eye The actors upper cheekbone was visibly discolored, with a dark purple hue extending beneath the eye and a small cut just above his brow, suggesting a recent impact The Pennsylvania native has not publicly revealed how he sustained the injury and avoided sharing any images featuring the shiner on social media She cited 'irreconcilable differences' as the reason for the split, and also asked for full custody of their daughter. Cope stated in documents obtained by Us Weekly that she will allow Dylan to stay with Joey two nights a week when she turns three. But in regards to Joey having extended visits with their daughter, Samantha stated that she wants to wait until Dylan is 'older and can consent to such visits.' Not long after she filed, Lawrence was accused of having an affair with his co-star and fellow actress, Melina Alves. In August 2024, he denied the allegations and insisted he 'did not have a physical relationship' with Alves while filming their movie Socked in for Christmas. His wife remained closely by his side as she carried their two-year-old daughter Dylan Rose in her arm The Daily Mail has reached out to his representatives, but have not heard back, at this time 'These rumors are false,' he wrote on Instagram. 'Our bond was based on shared experiences and an understanding of the challenges we were both facing in our personal lives.' Lawrence also reflected on how he was still 'clinging to hope' that he could save his 'deeply troubled marriage' to Cope, even though he felt it was 'beyond saving.' 'My short-lived marriage was fraught with difficulties from the beginning. Our differences became insurmountable,' he explained. 'As a father, my three daughters are my world. They are, and always will be, my top priority. The unraveling of my marriage was tied to my realization that there is no way my two eldest daughters were ever going to be accepted by my wife to be part of my family.' He concluded his post by writing that he 'cannot and will not compromise on the love and care that my daughters deserve' and understood his life in the public eye comes with a 'level of scrutiny that can be difficult to bear.' In a statement of her own, Cope said she found his 'accusations deeply troubling' and was focused on caring for her little girl and 'processing the loss' of her marriage. The couple reconciled four months after Cope, 38, filed for divorce in August 2024 In documents obtained by TMZ, Melina's estranged husband, Edward Rider - who filed for divorce in July - claimed that he discovered Alves and Lawrence were having an affair earlier this year in March. The affair allegedly took place in California as well as 'at various other times and places,' Rider claimed. At the time, a source told People that Lawrence 'love-bombed' Alves - which was something that he also did with Cope. 'Joey met Melina Alves on the set of their movie, where she was a producer,' the insider explained. Melina is also the writer and took on the role of Addy in the upcoming holiday flick,' the insider claimed. They also alleged he 'continued to date Melina even after Samantha found out about it and confronted him.' The source also expressed that Cope had wanted to attend marriage counseling, but Joey 'fooled their counselor' and would still 'get ready for dates with Melina while Sam watched, bawling her eyes out.' In July, the actor opened up about his decision to repair his marriage while urging others not to 'give up' without a fight Cope and Lawrence first crossed paths in 2020 while on set of the Lifetime movie titled, My Husband's Secret Brother Cope and Lawrence first crossed paths in 2020 while on set of the Lifetime movie titled, My Husband's Secret Brother. The former couple became engaged in 2021, and said 'I do' the following year in 2022 during a ceremony held at the Temecula Creek Inn in California. At the time, Cope told People that her courtship with Lawrence was speedy: 'From day one, it was such a safe place to be myself. Two weeks in, I was like, "I will be with you forever."' She added, 'When you meet the right person, if you're lucky enough, it cuts to the chase so quick. I have somebody who is like-minded and has the same love language, and we communicate the same way. That's super important. And I am so thankful.' In January 2023, the couple welcomed their daughter, Dylan Rose, to the world. The Blossom actor was also previously married to Michelle Vella from 2002 through 2005. He later tied the knot with Chandie Yawn-Nelson in 2005 but the pair's divorce was finalized in 2022. They share daughters Charleston, 19, and Liberty, 15. Dove Cameron made every effort to cover up her diamond engagement ring after her boyfriend and Maneskin frontman Damiano David proposed. The 29-year-old Disney actress and 26-year-old musician - who performed shirtless in Sydney and Melbourne last week - have dated for two years and they officially confirmed their relationship in February 2024. On Wednesday morning, Dove and Damiano arrived back in Sydney, Australia, appearing very loved up while greeting fans at the airport. The Liv and Maddie star kept her hands secured in the pockets of her oversized coat, which was layered over a grey zip-through hoodie. She completed her look with a white, scoop neck tank top, black trousers and sneakers, while her dark locks were styled with black clips securing her bangs. Dove also accessorised with a pair of black sunglasses and a dainty pendant necklace. Dove Cameron made every effort to cover up her diamond engagement ring on Wednesday after her boyfriend and Maneskin frontman Damiano David proposed On Wednesday morning, Dove and Damiano arrived back in Sydney , Australia, appearing very loved up while greeting fans at the airport Meanwhile, Damiano looked every inch the Italian rockstar, wearing a cream T-shirt tucked into red Adidas tracksuit pants and a black hoodie with the sleeves rolled back to display his arm tattoos. He sported a brown leather bag over his shoulder while smoking a cigarette as the pair departed the terminal. Dove has since been seen showing off a massive new diamond sparkler on her left ring finger while arm-in-arm with the provocative rocker in the harbourside city. The couple recently got engaged, according to sources at TMZ, who have also published images of the new jewellery. Daily Mail has contacted Dove and Damiano's representatives for comment. Earlier this month, Cameron celebrated their relationship with intimate snaps and videos from their courtship. She shared the post with her over 47 million followers with the sweet caption: 'the 2 best years of my life. i am brought to tears at least once a week because life has become so beautiful with you in it. 'i love you in a way no words could ever express, but i will never stop trying. buon anniversario amore mio.' The Liv and Maddie star kept her hands secured in the pockets of her oversized coat, which was layered over a grey zip-through hoodie Damiano looked every inch the Italian rockstar, wearing a cream T-shirt tucked into red Adidas tracksuit pants and a black hoodie with the sleeves rolled back to display his arm tattoos He sported a brown leather bag while smoking a cigarette as the pair departed the terminal Dove completed her look with a white, scoop neck tank top, black trousers and sneakers, while her dark locks were styled with black clips securing her bangs She also accessorised with a pair of black sunglasses and a dainty pendant necklace Since their arrival, Dove has been seen showing off a brand new massive diamond sparkler on her left ring finger while arm-in-arm with the provocative rocker in the harbourside city Dove is best known for her dual roles in Disney Channel comedy series Liv And Maddie from 2013 to 2017, before starring as the lead in the three Descendants film franchise movies from 2015 to 2021. Damiano is the lead vocalist for Italian rock band Maneskin, the foursome who famously won the Eurovision Song Contest for Zitti e Buoni as the act is known for their racy antics and upping the sexuality during their concerts. Dove and Damiano have been dating for nearly two years after initially meeting at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2022. Their relationship was confirmed when they made their red carpet debut at the 2024 Pre-Grammy Gala. Dove spoke publicly about their romance in a June 2024 interview with Cosmopolitan. After she met Damiano and his band, she said, 'A couple months later, their team had reached out to me about coming to their album release and I couldnt make it work with the dates, but I was like, "Oh, thats so sweet that they thought about me. We only met once."' She added, 'At one point, the band and I had been thinking about doing a collaboration. 'They had recorded something, so I went in and I recorded over that track. Theyd asked me to open for them on their tour and I couldnt make it happen.' The 29-year-old actress and 26-year-old musician (seen in LA in November 2024) have dated for two years as they officially confirmed their relationship in February 2024 Now Dove has been seen showing off a brand new massive diamond sparkler on her left ring finger while arm-in-arm with the provocative rocker in Sydney, Australia (they are seen kissing in LA in February 2024 where they confirmed their romance) Dove is best known for her dual roles in Disney Channel comedy series Liv And Maddie (pictured) from 2013 to 2017 before starring as the lead in the three Descendants film franchise movies from 2015 to 2021 Damiano is the lead vocalist for Italian rock band Maneskin as the foursome famously won the Eurovision Song Contest for Zitti e Buoni The act is known for their racy antics and upping the sexuality during their concerts (Damiano is seen performing at the MTV VMAs in August 2024) Dove is seen enjoying some fun in the sun in David's home country during a vacation in August The former Disney star explained, 'There were just these passing ships in the night things happening. So when we met again at the 2023 VMAs, we had a reason to talk to each other.' She noted how her now-boyfriend approached her, 'And when he came up to me, it felt likeI dont know, a year can do a lot. It felt like it had been 10 years or something.' The star gushed about her beau, 'Hes a Capricorn, so he was very much like, "Okay, these are my intentions." It was super honorable. Hes like a 1950s gentleman, angel, teddy bear. Hes the best person Ive met in my life.' And she said they find common ground in their sensitivity. 'From the outside, it looks like it was very hot and heavy, and it looks like it was overnight, but we had both been in situations where we were very harmed in the past and we are very sensitive people,' she reflected. A controversial radio host has snagged a high-profile breakfast gig, sparking backlash in the industry. Craig 'Lowie' Low has been announced as the new host of Brisbane's KIIS 97.3 breakfast show, replacing Robin Bailey, Kip Wightman, and Corey Oats after their shock sacking last week. However, insiders have slammed the appointment with one insider telling the Courier Mail, the shock jock was a 'poor man's Kyle Sandilands'. 'I feel so bad that the team is going to be replaced with someone like that,' the source said. 'It just makes me sick.' The source also claimed that Low's appointment had left the industry 'gobsmacked', adding that Low would just be a 'seat-warmer' for radio royalty Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson, adding that the Sydney KIIS breakfast show would be nationalised within 'three to six months'. ARN's chief audiences and content officer, Lauren Joyce, said in a statement that Low's appointment was part of a reinvigoration at the network. Craig 'Lowie' Low (pictured) has been announced as the new host of Brisbane's KIIS 97.3 breakfast show, replacing Robin Bailey, Kip Wightman, and Corey Oats after their shock sacking last week 'The new show, led by Lowie, will bring fresh energy, creativity and pace to mornings in Brisbane,' she said. 'It will be everything that KIIS stands for: fun, fearless and completely in tune with its audience.' However, the insider added that the network was mistakenly targeting a younger demographic with Low's appointment. 'They are totally ignoring the over-40s women who are obsessed with that station,' the insider said. 'There are already enough radio stations that are covering the younger demographic, so who is going to be looking after the people in that demographic that want to listen to radio.' Low began his radio career at just 15 years of age, working in audio production for Sea FM on the Gold Coast. After a stint on the Hot30Countdown in 2006, Low moved to the US to work as a comedian and writer. He has appeared on the likes of E! Network's Kevin Hart's Celebrity Game Face and MTV's Ridiculousness Live. Insiders have slammed the appointment, with one insider telling the Courier Mail the shock jock was a 'poor man's Kyle Sandilands' 'I feel so bad that the team is going to be replaced with someone like that,' the source said. 'It just makes me sick' Low's appointment also comes with a certain amount of baggage, with former colleagues claiming he had been difficult to work with. Maz Compton, who co-hosted the Hot30 countdown with Low back in 2006, told News Corp of her working relationship: 'Interesting is a good word, toxic could be another.' 'It all went to his head,' she added. 'He came into the building obsessed with Kyle Sandilands and was told that he was the next Kyle. It felt like he was kind of like this beast that couldn't be tamed.' Compton added that the pair have since mended fences and Low told the publication that he was regretful over his actions. 'I can't change who I was, no matter how much I would want to, but I can certainly control how I move through life now as a man, and I live with joy and I try to leave every room a little happier once I've left it,' he said. Low will replace Robin Bailey, Kip Wightman, and Corey Oats (pictured) Speaking about the new gig in a statement, Low expressed his enthusiasm for taking the chair in 2026. 'Growing up in Queensland, every boy dreams of two things getting politely escorted out of The Normanby for 'causing a scene,' and blasting so much Dua Lipa on the radio someone calls a wellness check,' he said. 'Next year, I plan to achieve both on KIIS. 'With 80% of the Sunshine State now stuck on the M1, we're going to play more music, give away more cash, and keep the ads tighter than Reece Walsh's mullet.' He added: 'Brisbane is the greatest city in Australia, and our new show promises to be the most okayest breakfast show you've ever heard or your money back.' Zillow has launched a new feature on its app that allows homebuyers to message each other and organize house viewings directly within the platform. The tool aims to simplify the often messy communication that goes into buying a home by streamlining conversations between buyers, co-shoppers, and agents. According to data from Zillow, over 60 percent of buyers are 'co-shopping' with others whether it be a partner, a roommate, or anyone else. Zillow is introducing this feature to make that collaborative process easier. With Zillow's new messaging feature, every listing conversation stays organized in a single thread, reducing the app-hopping and missed messages that can slow a buyer's momentum. The new chat option lets buyers and their partners, roommates, or real estateobsessed friends share listings, plan tours, and compare notes without leaving the app. They will no longer need to bounce between texts and emails. All buyers have to do is open their inbox on the Zillow app and invite a partner, roommate or real estate agent to join their search and chat. 'This new messaging product brings the collaboration that already happens across text messages directly into Zillow,' said David Beitel, chief technology officer at Zillow. 'It's another step toward making the home journey simpler and more connected. We're continuing to bring more of the experience onto Zillow, so buyers can move from browsing to closing with less friction and more confidence.' Zillow has launched a brand new feature on its app that allows homebuyers to message each other and organize house viewings David Beitel, chief technology officer at Zillow All shoppers need to do is open up their inbox in the Zillow app and invite people to join their house search Along with the new messaging service, Zillow has also introduced several other app features to simplify and speed-up the buying process. An AI-powered virtual staging tool will allow users to restyle empty rooms so shoppers can visualize the space in different design styles. The new verified pre-approval tool helps buyers get mortgage-ready faster through a guided digital flow that securely verifies information. A closing dashboard that has been added to the app lets buyers track tasks related to title and escrow services during closing all in one secure place. Lastly, rentals AI assist (powered by EliseAI) gives renters instant, around-the-clock responses to questions about properties, tours, and availability. Zillow's efforts to simplify the home-buying process comes in the midst of a major housing market rut. Houses are sitting on the market for far longer than usual. In September, the typical home that sold spent 50 days on the market the slowest September pace in nearly a decade. It is a dramatic shift in the housing market, and now homebuyers wield serious negotiating power. The housing market is moving at the slowest pace for this time of year in nearly a decade (Pictured: A neighborhood in Garland, Texas) Your browser does not support iframes. Homes are sitting for so long that owners are being forced to slash prices across the country, with Southern states hardest hit. The average home sold for 1.4 percent less than its final list price last month, compared with 0.9 percent less last year. This year marks the largest September discount since 2019. Only 25.3 percent of homes that sold fetched above their final list price, down from 28.5 percent a year ago. The slow pace and price cuts are due to high mortgage rates, rising insurance and property-tax costs, and overall economic uncertainty. The result is more homes for sale than buyers. Since homes are staying on the market longer, many sellers are being forced to accept lower offers or pull their homes off the market altogether. General Motors is axing 300 positions and closing a Georgia tech hub, the company confirmed to the Daily Mail on Tuesday. The news comes after GM the maker of Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, and Buick cars issued 200 additional pink slips at its technical center in Warren, Michigan. It also comes after the company stopped production at its Canadian facilities that built its electric panel van, Brightdrop. 950 staffers were placed on temporary leave. GM's job cuts are the latest in a string of billion-dollar companies slashing white-collar jobs in the US. The Georgia facility first opened in 2013 to focus on in-car software and dealership data. At its peak, the center employed around 900 people. The company tells the Daily Mail that remaining workers will be offered positions at other US IT hubs or will work remotely. A GM spokesperson said the latest decision isn't directly tied to AI replacing workers. The facility is expected to hit the market for sale next month. Tuesday's layoffs also come as GM's sales this year have been through the roof. Last week, the company posted an 8 percent sales increase compared to the same quarter last year, including a massive 105 percent surge in EV sales. General Motors is America's largest car company, selling 2.7million vehicles each year. The company's stock is up 46 percent in the past six months The company's stock price has risen more than 46 percent in the past six months, including a 13 percent spike since September. GM and its Detroit nemesis, Ford, have been on a continued Wall Street win streak since April, when their shares were crashing after President Donald Trump unveiled steep automotive and aluminum tariffs. Investors have been bullish on GM's approach to AI, including its deployment of manufacturing 'co-bots' that are expected to work with human workers on manufacturing floors, and upcoming vehicle innovations. Last week, at a press event attended by the Daily Mail, the automaker unveiled a slate of new technologies coming to its future cars, including 'eyes off' self-driving. But the updated software has ruffled feathers: customers have spoken out against the automaker after it unveiled that the new tech systems would replace Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Both systems, which mirror a driver's phone interface on the dashboard, let users safely access apps like Google Maps, Messages, and Spotify while driving. They're extremely popular. A July study by AutoPacific found that more than 60 percent of shoppers wouldn't buy a car without either system. GM stopped Canadian production of the Brightdrop - the automaker's EV startup that focused on commercial vans - after shoppers turned to established competitors like Ford's E-Transits, Rivian's EDV, and Ram's ProMaster EV GM's CEO, Mary Barra, has been on a tech blitz, unveiling a series of upcoming technologies for the automaker's upcoming products and factories GM's job cuts add to a bleak outlook for Americans seeking new roles. Layoffs have risen 140 percent from a year ago, even though corporate earnings are strong and stocks are on a record pace. This morning, Amazon issued 14,000 pink slips to white collar staffers as it turned to AI. 'Some may ask why we're reducing roles when the company is performing well,' Beth Galetti, an HR lead at Amazon, wrote in a public note. 'What we need to remember is that the world is changing quickly. This generation of AI is the most transformative technology we've seen since the internet, and it's enabling companies to innovate much faster than ever before.' Companies like Target, Procter & Gamble, and Walmart have slashed thousands of mid-level corporate jobs this year. Staff cuts have been even more pronounced in the tech sector, as firms increasingly replace human employees with hyper-intelligent machines. Microsoft, one of the leading firms investing in AI, is expected to lay off thousands of employees next month as it shifts resources toward deeper investments. And Intel which makes processors that power millions of Dell, HP, and Lenovo computers will slash 25,000 jobs this year as it battles to turn around its flagging fortunes. Amazon CEO Andy Jassy recently said the quiet part out loud: the technology will uproot thousands of Americans from their jobs. BJP on Wednesday accused the Congress of openly standing by intruders and carrying forward its agenda of breaking India for votes, after a video surfaced on social media purportedly showing one of its leaders singing Bangladeshs national anthem at an official meeting of the Seva Dal in Assam. There was no immediate response from the Congress to the BJPs charge. BJP National spokesperson Shehzaad Poonawalla said, The Congress has been standing by Bangladeshi intruders for years. It helped these intruders settle down during its rule. And now, the Congress is officially supporting them from the partys platform with its leader singing Bangladeshs national anthem. This is not a coincidence. This is a well-thought-out experiment and industry for vote bank, he told a press conference at the BJP headquarters here, demanding a response from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. This came after an undated video surfaced on social media showing Congress functionary Bidhu Bhushan Das allegedly singing Bangladeshs national anthem Amar Sonar Bangla at a Congress Seva Dal meeting in Sribhumi district of southern Assams Barak valley. A big leader of the Congress sings the national anthem of Bangladesh, which recently came up with a provocative gesture for the separation of Indias northeast region, especially Assam. The Congress has officially come out to carry forward Bharat ke tukde tukde (breaking India) agenda, Poonawalla charged. The BJP spokesperson also took on other Opposition INDIA bloc constituents and slammed the TMC, alleging that the Mamata Banerjee Government was hatching a conspiracy to instigate riots in West Bengal after the Election Commission of India announced the launch of the second phase of the electoral roll revision in the State, along with 11 others. He cited recent remarks of some of the TMC leaders in this connection, alleging that they have threatened violence and attack on the poll panel officials in West Bengal. Mamata Banerjee herself has said that there will be riots in Bengal if SIR is carried out in the State, the BJP spokesperson claimed. Will the Congress and the INDI Alliance say something on the Bengal Governments conspiracy to instigate riots, attack on Election Commission officials on implementation of the SIR in the State, he added. The BJP spokesperson also accused the Opposition parties of adopting double standards on the implementation of the SIR. The same Opposition Congress, NCP (Sharad Pawar), Samajwadi Party -- are demanding implementation of SIR in Maharashtra before local body polls, he said. This SIR (in Maharashtra) is good, and those to be conducted in 12 States are bad? How does one SIR become secular and the other SIR becomes communal? Poonawalla asked the Opposition. Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has issued a damning warning from her exile in New Delhi: unless her party, the Awami League, is allowed to contest next years national election, millions of its supporters will boycott the vote. Her remarks come as the Election Commission in Bangladesh suspended the Awami Leagues registration in May, and an interim administration led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus has banned all party activities citing national security and war-crimes investigations into senior party figures. She stressed that while she is not asking party supporters to vote for other parties, a vote under these conditions would amount to disenfranchising millions. Hasina rejected the charges against her notably, accusations of crimes against humanity for the deadly crackdown between July 15 and August 5, 2024, where the UN estimates up to 1,400 people were killed. In her view, the tribunal proceedings are politically motivated and a foregone conclusion. Despite the crisis, she remains firm that the Awami League will eventually return to Bangladeshs political stagewhether in government or as oppositionbut emphasises it does not depend on her personally or her family 'Silent Honor' consultant reveals more historical facts about martyr Wu Shi, highlighting the best comfort is reunion 08:16, October 29, 2025 By Lin Xiaoyi, Fan Wei ( Global Times Around the time of the founding of the People's Republic of China, numerous undercover Communist Party of China (CPC) members sacrificed their lives in Taiwan to advance the island's liberation. The heroic deeds of martyrs like Wu Shi, Zhu Feng, Chen Baocang and Nie Xi have been widely revered since their stories were declassified. Recently, the TV series Silent Honor reignited public interest in this part of history, with many viewers delving into historical archives to uncover more details about Wu and other covert agents. Zheng Li, the TV series' historical advisor and author of the biography Cold Moon, Silent Word: The Life of Wu Shi, disclosed lesser-known facts about Wu in an exclusive interview with Global Times. The broadcast time of Silent Honor carries special significance: It premiered on September 30, which is China's 12th Martyrs' Day; on October 25, the drama was rebroadcast, still maintaining high popularity, and that day coincided with the Commemoration Day of Taiwan's Restoration. Zheng believes that connecting these two important dates through the drama has a special meaning - the unknown heroes who went to Taiwan, represented by Wu, always had a deep affection for the island. "As long as they had a breath left, they would dedicate themselves to the cause of national reunification. They clearly knew the road ahead was full of dangers, but they moved forward firmly," Zheng said. 'Bringing Taiwan back to motherland' Historically, Wu was a rare blend of military prowess and scholarly intellect in the Kuomintang army. According to historical documents, during the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), he distinguished himself with exceptional strategic skills. In the War of Liberation (1945- 49), he chose to support the CPC, leveraging his position to transmit core military intelligence, protect underground CPC members and develop organizational networks. In August 1949, he made a critical decision: To continue undercover work in Taiwan island. Zheng pointed out that Wu was well aware of the great risks of this trip, but he knew that when the CPC moved to liberate Taiwan next, the People's Liberation Army(PLA), which had weak naval and air forces, was in urgent need of accurate intelligence from Taiwan. "Wu thought he still had a lot to do, this choice was a sacrifice of his life for a noble cause," Zheng said. As a native of Fuzhou in East China's Fujian Province, Wu felt a natural connection to Taiwan, which lies just a strait away. During the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, he consistently advocated to "bringing Taiwan back to the motherland." Zheng's research revealed that as early as August 1940, Wu published an article analyzing Taiwan's strategic value in geography, military and economy. After the Chinese government officially declared war against Japan in December 1941, he actively participated in preparations to restore Taiwan. In 1944, he convened meetings to establish the "Fujian-Taiwan Association," underscoring his persistent emphasis on Taiwan's significance. Great hidden dedication After going to Taiwan in 1949, in addition to conducting intelligence work, Wu also planned a pre-battle uprising to support the PLA's landing operations. "He once sent someone to send the uprising plan and deployment back to the mainland; the process was thrilling, but there are still relatively few public research materials on this period of history," Zheng revealed. On June 10, 1950, the Kuomintang Special Military Court secretly tried Wu, sentenced him to death. At 57, his life came to a standstill on that Taipei afternoon. Due to the need for confidentiality, Wu's deeds were not made public until the 1990s. During the interview with the Global Times, Zheng also disclosed the details of the CPC's rescue efforts for Wu after the intelligence team was destroyed, however, Zheng pointed out that the rescue was hindered due to the turbulent situation at that time. According to China's Ministry of State Security, after Wu's death, Premier Zhou Enlai issued relevant instructions requiring the proper protection and resettlement of Wu's family. Li Kenong, the then head of the General Intelligence Department of the Central Military Commission of the CPC, stayed up for several days to coordinate and arrange follow-up matters. The CPC also entrusted He Kang, a CPC member in Shanghai, informed Wu's children of their father's sacrifice and instructed them to keep Wu's underground activities confidential to protect their families in Taiwan and other undisclosed comrades. While Silent Honor has vividly brought Wu's story to the screen, Zheng noted that artistic constraints limited the portrayal of certain events and figures. "But a good literary and artistic work can guide the public to further explore historical truths," he said. Following the series' broadcast, many residents in Beijing visited the Xishan National Forest Park in Haidian district to lay flowers in tribute to Wu and other unnamed heroes who sacrificed their lives on the CPC's covert front in Taiwan during the 1950s. In Fuzhou, Wu's former residence also saw a surge in visitors, with people paying their respects spontaneously. When talking about the current "regret," Zheng mentioned that the ashes of the three martyrs Wu, Zhu and Chen have been returned to their hometowns, but the ashes of Martyr Nie are still stranded in Taiwan island. "Chinese people believe that 'falling leaves return to their roots;' Nie's journey home has been too long. I call on people on both sides of the Taiwan Straits to work together to promote this matter," Zheng said. Zheng noted that the TV series features a theme song titled "Reunion." "The greatest consolation for Wu and other unnamed heroes would be the eventual reunion of both sides of the Taiwan Straits - the cause they pursued with their lives," he said. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) Chaos erupted at Indira Gandhi International Airport yesterday when an Air India passenger transfer bus mysteriously burst into flames, prompting mass panic, several TikToks, and an immediate investigation by airport authorities have so far ruled out mechanical failure and are now looking suspiciously at someones home-made chicken vindaloo. Witnesses described a scene of utter spice-fuelled madness. One passenger told reporters, It started with a faint sizzling sound, we thought someone had dropped a samosa. Then suddenly the air smelled like cumin, diesel, and fear. Airport security footage allegedly shows a passenger boarding with a suspiciously large canister, labelled Daadee Jeetas Level 13 Curry. Handle with Prayer. Within minutes, the bus interior was engulfed in what one firefighter called a culinary firestorm. Authorities have since urged travellers to declare all explosive spice levels at security checkpoints. Weve seen lithium batteries, perfume sprays, and now apparently coriander can do it too, said one exasperated customs officer. Air India issued a brief statement assuring the public that no passengers were harmed, and the bus was swiftly evacuated. The airline added that it was reviewing its policies regarding carry-on curries exceeding 5,000 Scoville units. Last year, a pasty ginger tourist from Scotland spontaneously combusted after eating a vindaloo in a restaurant in the airport. After ingesting the curry, observers said he started looking distressed, and then he started farting violent flames from his arsehole. By then it was too late, the man from Glasgow literally exploded into flames and was no more than a pile of ashes in seconds. Airport officials remain on high alert, and passengers are being warned: next time you pack a lunch for the flight, make sure its mild, non-flammable, and preferably not from Daadees kitchen. With its backyard access to the Atlantic Ocean, Dalhousie has long attracted students and researchers from across Canada and around the world with a passion for marine biology and ocean sciences. Now, the presence of the Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity, located in Halifax and featuring an awe-inspiring blue whale skeleton and more than 30 marine exhibits and tanks, will bring audiences of all ages to Dal to explore the wonders of our ocean. On Monday (October 27), Dal welcomed more than 200 guests to the Steele Ocean Sciences Building for an unveiling of the Beaty Centre before it opens to the public this December. Dalhousie is known around the world for its ocean research but often has limited opportunities to showcase our work here at home, said biology professor Dr. Boris Worm, who served as MC during the ceremony. We hope will inspire the next generation of ocean scientists, guardians, and entrepreneurs. This is changing now. Dozens of Dalhousie researchers and staff have worked for years to make the Beaty Centre a success and we are thrilled to welcome our community into this space that we hope will inspire the next generation of ocean scientists, guardians, and entrepreneurs. L-R: Halifax South Downtown Councillor Laura White, donor Ross Beaty, Biology Professor Dr. Boris Worm, Dean of Science Dr. Chuck Macdonald, Elder Ann LaBillois, and Discovery Centre International President & CEO Dov Bercovici. Marking the occasion Dalhousies Elder in Residence Ann LaBillois began the event by leading a blessing of the space, referencing the Mikmaq connection with nature. Weve made our world very, very busy and we forget sometimes that without the animals, without the water, we wouldnt be here. We wouldnt be able to exist. Indigenous knowledge and themes are incorporated throughout the Beaty Centre, with exhibits and displays exploring the importance of marine species in Mikmaq culture and concepts such as Netukulimk, which emphasizes sustainable living and respect for the oceans resources. Mikmaw is also one of three languages, along with English and French, represented on exhibit displays throughout the centre. Some of the displays in the Beaty Centre, including an exploration of the Mikmaq concept of Netukulimk. Seeing the vision Donor Ross Beaty and his family, whose $8.2M gift in 2023 made the project possible, visited from Vancouver. This is a big day for me and my family, said Beaty, noting the hard work of many people involved in launching the space that bears his family name. Its gone from an idea to reality, and Im really hopeful that its going to be well received here in Nova Scotia and something you can be proud of as a Canadian centre thats relevant to the world today. The philanthropy of Beaty, a geologist and resource entrepreneur who was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2017, and his family has now helped create university-based science centres on both coasts. The Beaty Biodiversity Museum opened in 2010 at the University of British Columbia. A guest gets an early look at the Beaty Centres Kelp Under Threat exhibit. Collaboration in action Halifax Councillor Laura White, a Dal engineering alum and former ocean-tech worker, welcomed the Beaty Centres arrival as a new attraction for Halifax. The Beaty Centre is a great example of collaboration in action that will benefit school-age and post-secondary students, researchers, and community members, said White. It will attract not only locals, but also visitors to our beautiful city. It will attract not only locals, but also visitors to our beautiful city. Discovery Centre International (DCI) will operate the Beaty Centre in collaboration with Dal. DCI President & CEO Dov Bercovici echoed Whites sentiments, emphasizing sciences ability to bring people together. The Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity is more than an attraction its a promise that science belongs to everyone, and that together, we can create a future defined by curiosity, courage, and collaboration. Introducing Michaels whale The Beaty Centres star attraction is its 18-metre blue whale skeleton, made possible through a partnership with the Marine Animal Response Society (MARS). Following a scientific necropsy conducted by MARS in collaboration with wildlife pathologists from the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative at the Atlantic Veterinary College, MARS facilitated the collection of the skeleton and its provision to Dalhousie University for inclusion in the Beaty Centre. MARS also contributed to the whale exhibits educational materials. The Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversitys interactive exhibits set up in the atrium of the Steele Ocean Sciences Building. While the skeletons presence has been apparent to passers-by in the Steele Building since its arrival earlier this year, it will now be known as Michaels Whale. The Garron family, who last year created the Michael Albert Garron Fund to support the next generation of ocean scientists at Dal, named the whale after the late Michael Albert Garron (1961-1975). Growing up, Michael was fascinated with the ocean and dreamed of becoming a marine biologist before he passed away from cancer at age 13. The Garron family sponsored the naming of Michaels Whale in memory of the late Michael Albert Garron. Several Garron family members, including Michaels parents Myron and Berna and brothers Anthony and Mark, were in attendance. We thank you for your generosity and for keeping Michaels legacy alive, said Faculty of Science Dean Dr. Charles Macdonald. We know that Michaels Whale will fascinate visitors for years to come. An ocean of support While the Beaty familys gift represented the largest contribution, the centre would not be possible without the support of other donors who made significant investments: The Garron Foundation J&W Murphy Foundation The Hewitt Foundation The Crabtree Foundation The Walker Wood Foundation Jerry & Rui Nickerson The George W. Wilson & Teresa Madelyn (Merriam) Wilson Foundation The Five B Family Foundation The Stevens Family Foundation As a token of appreciation, donors were presented with miniature blue whale statues made by Dalhousies in-house glassblower, Ihor Krasilia, as a one-of-a-kind gift. Opening in December The Beaty Centre is in the final stages of getting ready for its public opening in December, with DCI staff putting the finishing touches on the space and Aquatron manager John Batt and his team getting the remaining marine species acclimated to their new homes. When it opens, Dalhousie students, staff, and faculty will be able to visit free of charge with a DalCard. Visit the Beaty Centre website to learn more. Beaty Centre staff will begin welcoming visitors in December 2025. Causeway Councils Good Relations team has been working with two local primary schools to bring the World of Stories exhibition to pupils this Good Relations Week 2025. Both Hezlett Primary School and Ballykelly Primary School kindly offered to host the exhibition, which explores the experiences of those who resettled in the Causeway Coast and Glens area from around the world during the 20th and 21st century. The exhibition uses both historical records and first person experiences, highlighting the varied backgrounds of our communities. It also takes time to acknowledge the contributions many different nationalities have made to our society. Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, commented: Good Relations week is an ideal time for pupils to learn about other countries and cultures. I am delighted to see schools partnering with Council in this way. It is important that we encourage our children to understand the reasons why people have come from other countries and chosen to make Causeway Coast and Glens their home Thank you to Councils Good Relations team for continuing to engage with our young people. Good Relations Officer, Joy Wisener, added: This exhibition was first created in 2023 in a joint initiative between our Museums team & the Good Relations team. Were grateful to all the people who have shared their very personal journeys with us in order to create the exhibition. Its very encouraging to see how the content of this exhibition has been used by both Hezlett and Ballykelly Primary Schools to make their pupils aware of how diverse our communities are. This years theme for Good Relations week is Connect and the World of Stories exhibition certainly provides an opportunity for connection with those around us on many different levels. Anyone wishing to know more can explore a digital version of the World of Stories exhibition, and other materials on the Northern Ireland Community Archive. A World of Stories received support from The Executive Office as part of the Together: Building a United Community strategy. Foyle MP Colum Eastwood will accept an informed warning from the PSNI for his part in an illegal parade in support of Palestine while five others will contest the charge. Colum Eastwood (42) of Duncreggan Road, Goretti Horgan (59) of Westland Avenue, Davina Pulis (36) of Knoxhill Park, Robert Paul Maxwell (60) of Rathlin Drive and Jude Coffey (27) of Gartan Square and local councillor Shaun Harkin (52) of Beechwood Avenue all in Derry are charged with taking part in an illegal procession on February 14 2024 and in Harkin's case February 17 in support of Palestine. At today's sitting of Derry Magistrate's Court Ciaran Shiels a solicitor acting for Eastwood said that his client would be accepting the diversion offered which is known as an informed warning and the case was adjourned until November 5 to allow that to be administered. Meanwhile, Sinead Rogan, the barrister for several of the other defendants said that an informed warning was not acceptable in all of the other cases. She said that she wanted to 'narrow down witnesses' in the case and go through the papers before setting a date for a contest. District Judge Ted Magill said that a special day would be required for the hearing. He adjourned the case against the five defendants until November 12 to see if a special day could be found in the court calendar. PICTURED ABOVE: Odhran Dunne, Visit Derry; Laura McCorry, Tourism NI; John Kelpie, Derry City and Strabane District Council; Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald; Alice Mansergh, Tourism Ireland; and Councillor Ruairi McHugh, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council. (Photo: Martin McKeown) This autumn, Tourism Ireland is inviting visitors from around the world to experience Halloween where it all began here on the island of Ireland with Derry Halloween as one of the flagship events. While Halloween is now a favourite calendar moment and celebrated all over the world, not everyone knows that it originated on the island of Ireland around 2,000 years ago in Celtic culture. Tourism Irelands Home of Halloween campaign aims to drive autumn visits and deepen awareness of our unique and ancient connection to the festival. There are incredible Halloween festivities running across the island of Ireland from late September into November, including Derry Halloween. Recognised as the largest Halloween event in Europe, Derrys celebration transforms the historic walled city into a spooky stage for fantasy, magic and immersive storytelling, drawing tens of thousands of visitors each year. To drive incremental bookings, Tourism Ireland has been promoting Halloween and reasons to travel here since early autumn in 12 key tourism markets, including GB, the United States, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, the Nordics, Austria and Switzerland. Highlights of the campaign include: Inspiring videos showcasing the magic of autumn and festivals to be enjoyed in Northern Ireland and elsewhere around the island. Click here and here to view. Tourism Ireland, in conjunction with Tourism NI, has invited international media and content creators, with a reach of millions, to experience Derry Halloween first hand; these include Lonely Planet, as well as renowned travel broadcaster Gabe Saglie, who will broadcast from Derry Halloween this week across the United States on the CBS, CNN, FOX, ABC and NBC networks. As part of Tourism Irelands International Programming Ireland Fund, a Halloween documentary is in the pipeline for 2026 and is filming this week at Derry Halloween, charting the evolution of the festival from mystical Samhain traditions to a global phenomenon. Tourism Ireland is sharing the Home of Halloween message with its millions of fans and followers on social media worldwide, as well as via its international website, Ireland.com, which has lots of information for potential visitors. Tourism Ireland has partnered with travel platforms overseas to promote autumn trips and drive incremental bookings. To date, these partnerships have delivered over 43 million from incremental booked trips to the island of Ireland. From Madrid to Milan to Sydney, Tourism Ireland teams are bringing the origins of Halloween to life to stimulate future travel. Alice Mansergh, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland, said: As the birthplace of Halloween, Northern Ireland and the island of Ireland offers our overseas visitors an authentic and original experience at this special time of year. "Our Home of Halloween campaign celebrates both our Celtic heritage and the fantastic modern-day festivals that take place across the island, including the world-famous Derry Halloween. "We have seen remarkable uptake on our campaign, from global broadcasters and publications to consumers, as well as from travel platforms which are already seeing incremental bookings. Were proud to work with Tourism Northern Ireland, local councils and Visit Derry to bring the Home of Halloween story to life for global audiences. The Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Ruairi McHugh welcomed the Minister for the Economy, Dr Caoimhe Archibald, along with CEO of Tourism Ireland, Alice Mansergh, and CEO of Tourism NI, Laura McCorry, to Derry on Tuesday for the opening night of the Derry Halloween festivities and the Awakening the Walled City Trail. The Minister said: Derry Halloween has evolved over nearly four decades from a local celebration into Europes largest Halloween festival. With the festival attracting around 120,000 visitors annually, with a significant portion from outside the region, it is a major economic driver for the city and region and showcases our rich cultural heritage. The Minister continued: I commend the council and all those involved in pulling together another year of fabulous events. I have no doubt that all the participants and spectators will enjoy the festivities in the Capital of Halloween and I hope the festival goes from strength to strength. The Mayor paid tribute to all the hard work that went into the festival, and despite the showers the crowds were dazzled by fire and illumination. Tonight truly captured the spirit of Derry Halloween bringing together creativity, community and celebration. "A huge congratulations and thank you to all the artists, performers, volunteers and organisers who make this event so special each year. With three more nights to enjoy the festivities Im really looking forward to welcoming visitors to the home of Halloween over the coming days. The Awakening the Walled City Trail kicks off again this evening at 6pm, with plenty of family friendly activities taking place throughout the day. For more on the full programme go to www.derryhalloween.com. Concern has been expressed about the future of PeacePlus funding, from which groups in Derry and Donegal have benfited significantly since its official launch in September 2023. The PeacePlus funding issue was highlighted by Donegal County Councillor Jack Murray (Sinn Fein). Cllr Murray, a member of the EUs Committee of the Regions (CoR), said: "Border counties, and Donegal in particular, have benefited significantly from PeacePlus funding over many years. Billions of euro has been invested in our communities, strengthening cross-border cooperation and facilitating large scale projects which would have otherwise been impossible. While I originally welcomed that my colleague Kathleen Funchion MEP received an EU commitment that PeacePlus would be continued post 2028, it now seems that, upon closer inspection, central funding from Brussels is not included in that. The European Commission is implying that PeacePlus must be entirely funded by the Irish government including through using part of its own wider EU allocation, and by the British government. Given the historic neglect of the Northwest of Ireland, I am not confident that Dublin or London would act to fill the significant shortfall that the lack of European funding would create," said Cllr Murray. At a recent meeting of the Committee of the Regions Commission for Territorial Cohesion Policy and EU Budget I stressed the importance of this fund for Ireland and received support from local representatives from across Europe. I will continue to raise it and seek support from CoR colleagues," he added. Sinn Fein will fight in whatever forum we can to ensure a centralised allocation remains at the core of PeacePlus funding. I will continue to highlight this in my capacity on the Committee of the Regions, while Kathleen will fight it tooth and nail in the European Parliament." Dove House Community Trust has proudly received an Anti-Racism Charter from the Museum of Free Derry, reaffirming its commitment to building an inclusive and welcoming space for everyone in the community. The charter, which will be displayed prominently within Dove House, reads: In this place we oppose all harm and actions on the basis of difference of race and colour, we live together, we love together, we struggle together, we thrive together, we hold ourselves and others to account for racist words and actions, we commit to policies and practices that oppose division by race and colour, we promote these attitudes throughout our region of the north west of Ireland, we say no to racism. By displaying the charter, Dove House joins a growing network of local organisations and community groups pledging to stand united against racism and prejudice in all its forms. Jayne Quigg, Manager of Dove House Community Trust, said: We are honoured to display this charter within Dove House as a clear statement of our values. "Our work has always been rooted in equality, inclusion, and respect for everyone who walks through our doors. This is about more than a statement on the wall; its a living commitment to ensuring Dove House remains a safe and welcoming space for all. Dove House has a long history of community development and advocacy work in the Triax area, providing vital services and programmes that promote social justice, wellbeing, and equality. The addition of the Anti-Racism Charter reflects the organisations continued dedication to challenging discrimination and promoting unity across the city. NWCAM2, the North West Centre for Advanced Manufacturing 2, was officially launched at Catalyst's Derry office, with distinguished guests and partners in attendance. The transformative cross-border initiative is a project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). It is designed to accelerate innovation and sustainable manufacturing across the life and health sciences sector in Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland. The project, which will be led by Catalyst, received PEACEPLUS funding of 9,981,033 through the Innovation Challenge Fund. It aims to help 30 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing environmentally sustainable manufacturing processes and products, enabling them to innovate, reduce emissions and compete globally. Attendees were welcomed by Rob Grundy, Director of Innovation Partnerships at Catalyst. The event continued with a video message from Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA, remarks from Gina McIntyre, Chief Executive of the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), a speech from Catalyst CEO Steve Orr, and a panel discussion featuring NWCAM2 partners. NWCAM2 will be delivered in partnership with Atlantic Technology University, North West Regional College, Ulster University, Trinity College Dublin and Irish Manufacturing Research. NWCAM2 builds on the success of the original NWCAM programme, which delivered high-impact innovations such as rapid-response ventilator technology during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new initiative will deepen research and practical implementation, embedding advanced technologies like additive manufacturing, digital tools and sustainable materials into the operations of participating SMEs. Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA said: I am encouraged by the collaborative spirt of this innovative, all-island project, to drive innovation in our life and health sciences sector - identified as a key sector for my Department to drive economic development in the north. SMEs will be supported in the real-world implementation of their processes and products by academic and industry partners from across the island, combining scientific expertise and practical innovation. This strategic investment will help strengthen regional innovation capacity, create high-quality jobs and support our transition to a greener, more competitive economy. SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre said: NWCAM2 is an incredibly powerful example of what cross-border collaboration can achieve. The PEACEPLUS Programmes investment in collaborative innovation will help to shape a brighter, more sustainable future for Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland. Economic development in post-conflict regions is vital and the provision of support for SMEs, research, and innovation in targeted areas is a key focus of PEACEPLUS. NWCAM2 embodies this vision and it sets out to strengthen the links between research and industry and create a model of collaboration. Todays launch marks a new era for advanced manufacturing in the health and life sciences sector and we look forward to seeing and welcoming the projects progress. Steve Orr, CEO at Catalyst said: NWCAM2 is an exciting step forward for us. It brings together brilliant minds from academia and industry to help businesses across the island of Ireland make real progress in sustainable manufacturing. This is about more than just innovation, its about creating opportunities, boosting our economy and building a stronger future for communities in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The launch event highlighted the strong sense of collaboration and shared ambition behind NWCAM2. With valuable backing from government, academia and industry, the initiative is well placed to bring meaningful benefits to both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. It aims to support innovation, boost job creation and help businesses thrive in the evolving world of advanced manufacturing. PEACEPLUS is co-funded by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive. The PEACEPLUS Programme has been designed to promote peace and prosperity across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland and has a total value of 1.14bn. More than 200 people have been arrested in Northern Ireland over the last year for working illegally, the Home Office said. The total of 214 for October 2024 to September 2025 was up 168% from 80 the year before. There were 168 raids by Immigration Enforcement in the region a 54% increase from 109 the year before. The Home Office said arrests for illegal working across the UK soared to their highest levels since records began after an increase in enforcement action. Operation Sterling saw 5 million directed to target, arrest, detain, deport and return illegal workers in takeaways, fast food delivery, beauty salons and car washes. Across the UK, more than 8,000 illegal migrants were arrested after 11,000 raids from October 2024 to September 2025, in the largest enforcement crackdown on illegal working since records began. The data reveals significant year-on-year increases of 63% and 51% for arrests and visits respectively. More than 1,050 foreign nationals encountered on these operations have been removed from the country. In Northern Ireland, three businesses were handed civil penalty referral notices. On August 8, a visit to Fish Factory in Kilkeel led to three illegal working arrests of Bulgarian and Polish nationals, while a visit to USA Nails in Larne on October 11 led to three arrests of Vietnamese nationals. Officers visited Tasty Macs in Carnlough on October 11 which led to two illegal working arrests of Indian nationals. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has vowed to do whatever it takes to secure the countrys borders. Businesses in Northern Ireland are resilient but stretched, a report has found. The report by the Northern Ireland Chamber and Queens University Belfast also indicates that firms continue to face sustained cost pressures, particularly from wages and taxation. It finds that while sentiment remains cautiously positive, confidence has moderated since early 2025. The report said business conditions in the region weakened somewhat in quarter three of 2025, with more firms reporting increasing strain. Just over half (52%) of businesses said activity or demand has weakened compared with three months ago, while nearly a quarter (24%) are now under clear financial pressure, the highest proportion since early 2023. Although the share of firms trading well has edged up to 37%, more are now just covering costs or struggling to break even (24%), suggesting that while overall trading levels remain steady, the underlying financial resilience of some businesses is deteriorating. Rising wages, tax, and input costs continue to squeeze margins, leaving limited capacity to absorb further increases or invest for growth. After signs of easing earlier in the year, the number of firms reporting weaker demand and tighter finances has ticked upward again, signalling a more cautious mood. Suzanne Wylie, chief executive at NI Chamber, said her members are eager to see the Government follow through on commitments to boost growth. Ahead of the autumn Budget, the high cost of doing business continues to create a cautious yet resilient business environment, and whilst in relative terms, it is encouraging to report that Northern Ireland has recently been outperforming the UK average across many indicators, business conditions have weakened somewhat this quarter, with ongoing pressure on operating margins and limited financial headroom available to many firms, she said. Members are eager to see Government follow through on commitments which will help boost growth and Northern Irelands competitive proposition. This is evidenced by the overwhelming majority who support the restarting of the conversation on corporation tax between the Executive and UK Government. There is a clear desire to reduce costs, and create a new growth story underpinned by an ambitious long-term economic strategy. Professor Sir Ian Greer, president and vice-chancellor at Queens University Belfast, said strategic investment in higher education is fundamental to economic recovery. With businesses showing resilience, manufacturers expecting strong growth and our region outperforming on exports, theres clear demand for the skilled graduates we produce, he said. A triple helix approach based on partnership between Government, industries and further and higher education providers, which prioritises skills, R&D, and infrastructure investment, is the key starting point for sustained and sustainable inclusive economic growth in Northern Ireland. We need Government, industry, and universities working together, aligning policy frameworks like the MaSN cap with economic need, deepening industry academic collaboration, and ensuring our talent pipeline matches the ambitions of businesses that are investing in training despite tight margins. This is our opportunity to demonstrate that strategic investment in higher education isnt separate from economic recovery, its fundamental to it. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. Taiwan semiconductor industry demands govt action over imminent energy crisis Taiwan's semiconductor industry is sounding the alarm. The Taiwan Semiconductor Industry Association (TSIA) has issued a rare public warning about critical power shortages that threaten the island's chip manufacturing dominance. The message is clear: without immediate action, Taiwan risks losing its competitive edge in the global semiconductor race. Following extensive consultations with renewable energy, energy storage, and grid companies, the industry is demanding the government guarantee sufficient power supply over the next decade, particularly green energy capacity. Taiwan's chip producers need clear, binding commitments now, not vague promises. Taiwan is falling dangerously behind The gap is widening. Taiwanese semiconductor manufacturers lag far behind international competitors in RE100 progress. Facilities in the US, Japan, and South Korea have already met renewable energy targetsTaiwan has not. This isn't just an environmental issue; it's an existential threat to Taiwan's economic competitiveness. The industry wants an Executive Yuan-level task force established immediately to coordinate cross-ministerial action and streamline photovoltaic project approvals. Regulatory red tape has nearly paralyzed green power acquisition, and time is running out. AI-powered solutions for immediate stability The industry is proposing concrete solutions. AI technologies should enhance grid stability through direct power plant supply models in high-consumption areas, giving science parks priority access. Smart grid systems using AI-driven predictive scheduling can prevent sudden outages that could halt billion-dollar production lines. Large-scale energy storage installations must be deployed within major science parks and industrial clusters to create regional microgridscritical buffer systems that guarantee uninterrupted production during extreme conditions. Market reforms needed urgently Taiwan's role as an AI data center supply hub is at stake. The government must optimize green power trading regulations now, allowing certificate separation for surplus electricity and maintaining time-of-use settlement methods to ease power management bottlenecks. Policy stability is non-negotiable. Abrupt changes to transfer subsidies would derail long-term corporate investments and energy planning. Predictability matters as much as capacity. Solar must lead, politics must step aside Political disputes and bureaucratic delays can no longer hold Taiwan's energy transition hostage. Solar powerwith its low cost and scalabilityshould drive the energy shift, with nuclear playing only a supplementary role. Major Taiwanese renewable energy players, including Chailease, J&V Energy Technology, HDRE, INAEnergy, Shinfox Energy, Ta Ya Electric Wire and Cable, Hexa Renewables, Vena Energy, Formosa Solar Renewable Power, NGP, and GreenRock Energy, are already hedging their bets, expanding into Japan, Australia, and Southeast Asia due to domestic deployment delays. The bottom line: Taiwan must treat energy development as a matter of national security. Following Europe's example of promoting green energy as a public interest is essential. Without decisive action on land use conflicts and science-based policy, Taiwan's semiconductor leadership will be constrained by fragile power infrastructure. The warning has been issuedthe government must act now. Article edited by Jerry Chen Save my User ID and Password Some subscribers prefer to save their log-in information so they do not have to enter their User ID and Password each time they visit the site. To activate this function, check the 'Save my User ID and Password' box in the log-in section. This will save the password on the computer you're using to access the site. Note: If you choose to use the log-out feature, you will lose your saved information. This means you will be required to log-in the next time you visit our site. Intel shifts assembly and testing to Vietnam, plans tech talent recruitment Intel is planning to relocate part of its assembly, packaging, and testing capacity to Vietnam as part of a global strategic adjustment aimed at optimizing its manufacturing layout and boosting efficiency and competitiveness. The company has requested more support from the Vietnamese government during this transition. According to The Investor, Kenneth Tse, Intel's vice president of manufacturing, supply chain, and operations, said the company intends to move its assembly, packaging, and testing operations currently based in Costa Rica to Vietnam. The new facility will be located in Saigon Hi-Tech Park in Ho Chi Minh City. Tse stated that Intel hopes local authorities will assist with equipment-related permits and ensure safety throughout the air transport process. Intel expects to recruit additional manufacturing technical staff in Vietnam by the end of 2025 to meet expanding capacity demands, though specific hiring numbers and production start dates have not been disclosed. The Vietnam plant is already Intel's largest global packaging and testing base, accounting for over half of its worldwide capacity and employing more than 6,000 people. Nguyen Van Duoc, chairman of the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, stated that the government highly values Intel's development locally and is committed to supporting its business growth. Intel's presence in Saigon Hi-Tech Park highlights the park's appeal to high-quality foreign investment and showcases Vietnam's potential to create jobs and drive technological innovation. Workforce reductions amid expansion However, while expanding in Vietnam, Intel is also cutting jobs globally. Public filings reveal that since CEO Lip-Bu Tan took office in March 2025, Intel has laid off over 20,000 employees. As of the end of September 2025, Intel's total workforce stood at approximately 88,000. Article edited by Jerry Chen Events across Louth will take place from 9th 16th November as part of Science Week 2025. This year, Science Week is celebrating 30 years of curiosity and collaboration to advance science in Ireland. Louth Science Festival 2025 is set to take place as part of this years campaign. Marking its 30th anniversary this year, Science Week is coordinated by Research Ireland and celebrates science in our everyday lives. Running from 9th16th November, the theme for this years campaign is Then. Today. Tomorrow. The theme encourages people to explore how science and research have shaped and improved the lives we live today, while also looking at the questions and challenges of tomorrow, and how insights from the past can influence our future decisions. More than 5 festivals and events across Louth will run from 9th-16th November 2025, taking place as part of Science Week, with events for people of all ages. Baking in Space Sunday, November 9, 3:00 PM4:30 PM, Dundalk Credit Union, Dundalk Join aerospace engineer and Great British Bake Off finalist Andrew Smyth and scientist and explorer Dr. Niamh Shaw for a deliciously mind-expanding experience where baking meets space science. Baking in Space explores how we could bake bread in zero gravity and what spacecraft materials have in common with our kitchen cupboards. Combining fun, food, and physics, this imaginative event connects the challenges of space exploration with sustainability on Earth a must-see for families and future astronauts alike. Talk with PJ Gallagher Thursday, November 13, 6:30 PM7:30 PM, Dundalk Library, Dundalk Comedian, broadcaster and writer PJ Gallagher brings humour and heart to the conversation about mental health. Following the success of his bestselling memoir Madhouse, PJ shares personal insights into resilience, recovery, and the importance of openness around mental wellbeing. Expect laughter, honesty, and powerful storytelling in this unmissable evening that balances science, psychology, and the human experience. Family Science Fair Sunday, November 9, 10:30 AM4:00 PM, Clogherhead Community Hall, Clogherhead The Louth Science Festival Family Science Fair is a celebration of discovery for all ages, featuring childrens workshops from Circus250, Anyone4Science, and Creative Sparks Fab Lab. Adults can enjoy talks from author Rosanna Cooney and wildlife presenter Eoin Warner, blending literary, environmental, and scientific themes. With a diverse programme of creativity, curiosity, and community spirit, this event perfectly captures the essence of Science Week. Other events in the area and across the country can be found at www.scienceweek.ie Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, has announced 847,820 in funding to support 14 festivals and hundreds of events taking place nationwide as part of Science Week 2025. Speaking at the launch, Minister Lawless said: Science Week is now a key event across Ireland, connecting people with science through engaging activities. I am delighted to announce my departments support for this years programme with over 847,000 in funding for 36 projects. Science shapes every minute of our daily lives, from protecting the environment to driving healthcare and technological innovation, and so much more besides. This years theme, Then. Today. Tomorrow., invites us to reflect on past progress and future possibilities, and, above all, enjoy the experiences. I encourage everyone to get involved and attend one of the many events happening around the country this Science Week. Read Next: Dundalk set to have the tallest Christmas tree in Ireland Commenting on Science Week, Director of Science for Society at Research Ireland, Dr Ruth Freeman, said: For 30 years, Science Week has been sparking curiosity and bringing people together through science. Our anniversary theme of Then. Today. Tomorrow. is a chance to both celebrate the endeavours of yesteryear that have brought us to where we are today, and to consider what may lie ahead for individuals, families, communities, Ireland, and the entire planet. Were delighted to see such a wide range of events taking place across the country again this year. The success and appeal of Science Week is due primarily to the creativity and tireless work of local organisers and volunteers. I want to sincerely thank them for making Science Week such a vibrant, nationwide celebration. Science Week 2025 takes place from 9th-16th November. For more information on how to get involved, please visit www.scienceweek.ie/ You can also follow developments using the hashtag #scienceweek #Then.Today.Tomorrow. A Dundalk-based events and communications company is one of the stars of a new national campaign showcasing the benefits of working in local enterprise hubs. High Tide Experience Management, founded by local entrepreneur Ali Molloy, features in the latest Connected Hubs campaign. The initiative highlights how businesses can grow faster and more sustainably by working from regional hubs like Creative Spark Downtown in Dundalk. The agency works with clients across Ireland, Europe, and the US, creating conferences, roadshows, leadership sessions, and product launches for companies of all sizes. Events are something you attend. Experiences are something you feel, says Ali. We build experiences that help people and brands connect in meaningful ways. As the company has grown, flexibility has become key. Sometimes we need two desks. Sometimes six. Sometimes eight, Ali explains. Our projects move fast, so our workspace has to move with us. Creative Spark Downtown gives us that flexibility its a really modern way of working. After exploring different workspace options, Ali chose Creative Spark Downtown for its ability to scale with the business and for the support of its hub community. Everything is here its clean, warm, flexible the perfect environment for our team, she says. We were up and running within a week. No leases, no extra setup just plug in and go. Working alongside other creative and entrepreneurial teams has also helped High Tide thrive. Those chats over coffee keep us on our toes, says Ali. You start to see your own work differently. Its cross-industry learning in real time and we love sharing what weve learned with others. Creative Spark Hub Manager Ciara Breen says the community ethos is what makes the hub special. Trust between hub managers and members is key, she explains. For many small teams, we become that extra team member someone to bounce ideas off or help them find the right support. High Tide embodies that collaborative spirit. Connected Hubs Manager Stephen Carolan says High Tides story captures the essence of what the national network is about. High Tide shows the real power of hubs, he said. Theyre not just about affordable space they create communities where creativity, collaboration, and local enterprise can thrive. Businesses like High Tide are driving growth and innovation into towns like Dundalk. Read Next: Dundalk set to have the tallest Christmas tree in Ireland Creative Spark Downtown, developed as part of the Creative Spark network, is one of 385 hubs nationwide now part of the Connected Hubs network. Together, they offer more than 5,000 desks and 620 meeting rooms across Ireland. The hubs initiative, led by the Western Development Commission and supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht', is part of the Governments Our Rural Future strategy. It aims to bring jobs, innovation, and investment back to towns and villages. Enterprise hubs like Creative Spark Downtown are helping people stay and grow their businesses locally, added Stephen Carolan. Theyre creating new opportunities and helping towns like Dundalk become vibrant centres of enterprise again. A shoplifter who crashed through a security barrier in a shopping centre car park, after he drove over the foot of a security guard, was jailed for 15 months at Drogheda Circuit Court last week. Keith OHara (47) formerly with an address at Stapleton Place, Dundalk but with an address in the Coolock area of Dublin, pleaded guilty to a charge of reckless endangerment arising out of the incident at the Marshes Shopping Centre, Dundalk on November 22nd 2018. The court heard last Wednesday that defendant and his partner entered Boots with their two children shortly before 4pm. Between them, the pair stole three Paco Rabanne gift sets worth 180 and he left with two concealed under his coat. READ NEXT: Man who punched a young woman in Dundalk claimed he was acting in self-defence They were followed to the car park by security and as one security guard attempted to speak to him in the car in which his partner and children were also sitting, Keith OHara reversed at speed forcing the security officers to jump clear. One grabbed a colleague to pull her out of the way after she tried to stand in front of the car to stop the defendant. The car drove over his foot and it mounted a footpath before driving through a barrier and they both felt he would have hit them if they hadnt got out of the way. Keith OHara had 140 previous convictions including theft, handling stolen property and robbery, but the vast majority was for driving and drugs offences. The Defence barrister told Judge Ronan Munro his client is on a methadone treatment programme and his goal in life is to get drug-free and play a role in his childrens lives. The lawyer outlined how his client had lost his parents because of addiction and related issues and he doesnt want that to happen to his own children and he is determined to put drugs behind him. The court heard a bench warrant issued for the defendant 's arrest in May 2022 on his trial date, was executed in September 2024 almost two months before he entered a guilty plea. However, a second bench warrant was issued last February on his sentencing date and he has been in custody since September 25th after that warrant was executed. A report by a psychologist who had assessed the defendant identified how Mr. OHara still hasnt found a method of processing his underlying difficulties, with Judge Munroe saying It sounds like he may have knocked heroin on the head but all the other issues are there, bubbling away. The judge said that while you would expect a shoplifter to hand back the stolen goods when confronted, in this instance it was a self-destructive thing he did. He put a log of people at risk Judge Munro noted the defendant has been a heroin addict from a young age with all the chaos that that implies and he said the investigating garda was quite generous in his evidence that when he is not dis-regulated and is off drugs, he is usually an affable person who is easy to deal with. The judge said the letter of apology handed into the court was well written but theres still instability there as he remains on 70mls of methadone having reduced from being on 120mls. He added the endangerment offences seems to be an outlier for him and he accepted that he is remorseful. Judge Munro imposed a two and a half year sentence but suspended half of it saying Im sceptical, but Im going to give you an opportunity. As part of the suspended sentence Mr OHara entered a 500 bond to be of good behaviour for three years post release, he must also engage with psychology and education services for three years, remain of sober habits and must not use or be in possession of illegal and non-prescription drugs. The judge added If you come back before me, Ill have no hesitation in activating the 15 months. The sentence was backdated to when the defendant went into custody. He was also disqualified from driving for two years. The judge concluded by saying Its important to reflect that you could have killed somebody. Tesco has launched a significant festive recruitment drive as it seeks to fill over 1,100 temporary roles across Ireland this Christmas, including 42 jobs for Louth, saying it offers flexible opportunities for those seeking work during the busy season. Applications are now open through the Tesco website for those interested in applying. As part of Tescos seasonal recruitment drive, the retailer says it is recruiting "helpful and friendly people" to join its stores nationwide. Shifts will be available in the early morning, daytime, and evening from November onwards, making it easier for applicants to find a role that fits their schedule. Along with competitive terms and conditions, from day one, all people joining the Tesco team will benefit from the retailers broader reward and benefits package, which includes: Virtual GP Service: Free, confidential access to an online GP via video consultations and online prescriptions. Family members living at the same address can also avail of this service at a reduced cost. Complimentary food: Free food offerings in our colleague rooms at all stores. Wellbeing First Support: Tescos Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) provides 24/7 emotional support, counselling, and access to wellbeing services for colleagues and their families. Read also: Lidl applies to Louth County Council to expand Dundalk development Maurice Kelly, People Director at Tesco Ireland, commented: Were delighted to be creating over 1,100 festive roles across the country this Christmas. These roles will support our existing colleagues to help us deliver the best possible service to customers throughout the festive season and provide new team members with access to an industry-leading benefits package from day one. "If youre not already part of the team and are looking for extra hours or want to give retail a try, this is a fantastic time to join our team and make a real difference in your local community. Positions are available nationwide, and Tesco encourages interested candidates to apply online as soon as possible. After Christmas, temporary colleagues will have the opportunity to apply for available permanent roles in existing stores or new Tesco locations planned for the coming year. For more information and to apply, Tesco Christmas seasonal jobs | Tesco Careers Met Eireann has issued weather warnings to a further two counties as very strong winds and torrential rain are expected on Thursday. Counties Cork, Kerry, Wexford, and Waterford were issued Yellow Warnings on Tuesday, now Galway and Mayo have been added as localised flooding could be a possibility in some areas. READ NEXT: Investigation underway following discovery of woman's body in Meath The warnings are in place from approximately 12pm on Thursday until 8pm Thursday evening. Carlow Weatherman Alan O'Reilly has said it will be a "very wet and windy day for many." Rainfall warning added for Galway and Mayo also for tomorrow Thursday. A very wet and windy day for many. pic.twitter.com/HT33yaMcYL Carlow Weather (@CarlowWeather) October 29, 2025 Wednesday Breezy with sunny spells and scattered showers. The showers, some of which may be heavy and with a chance of hail, will extend eastwards through the day before easing off towards evening. Cool with highest temperatures of 9 to 12 degrees, with moderate to fresh and gusty westerly winds, stronger near northern coasts. Some showers for northern areas tonight but otherwise dry and calm. A cold night with some mist and local frost. Lowest temperatures of 1 to 4 degrees. Outbreaks of rain and drizzle and freshening southeast wind will arrive into Munster towards morning. READ NEXT: 'Do you realise how dangerous that is?' - Gardai catch distracted driver outside busy school Thursday Cold starting out across northern and eastern areas on Thursday. Wet and windy weather will quickly extend from the southwest with spells of heavy rain through the day, leading to localised flooding. Some thundery falls with hail and isolated thunderstorms will occur too, especially for southwest areas later. Southeast winds will be fresh to strong and gusty with gales in coastal areas. Highest temperatures of 11 to 14 degrees. Rather windy with fresh to strong southerly winds and gales for western and northern coasts on Thursday night. A band of rain will clear northeastwards early on with clear spells and scattered heavy showers following. Lowest temperatures of 7 to 11 degrees. Friday (Halloween/Oiche Shamhna) A breezy day with wet weather affecting southern and eastern counties early on, clearing into the Irish Sea around midday. Sunny spells and scattered showers will follow during the afternoon. Generally dry for the early evening, though rain will begin to feed into southern areas. Highest temperatures of 11 to 14 degrees in mostly fresh southerly winds. Some uncertainty but current indications suggest spells of wet weather will affect the country with the chance of hail and lightning on Friday night. Misty in places too. Lowest temperatures of 4 to 7 degrees, in light to moderate south to southwest winds. READ NEXT: Young man seriously attacked after asking group of youths to 'be quiet' on bus Saturday Breezy with some sunny spells and scattered showers, heaviest for Atlantic counties. Cool with highest temperatures of 9 to 12 degrees, in fresh southwest winds. Mostly dry and clear overnight except for some showers closer to the Atlantic seaboard. Sunday Breezy with further showers closer to the Atlantic, while starting drier and brighter elsewhere. During the afternoon, more general rain will likely extend from the west. Highest temperatures of 10 to 14 degrees, in rather brisk southwest winds. Cork City Council has cautioned northside social housing tenants that any works carried out as part of a retrofit programme potentially costing 11m will only come after detailed design work, which it says is likely to take some time to complete. That warning comes as council tenants in Glenamoy Lawn and Ardbhaile, which consists of 262 homes, recently voted to accept a costly plan to upgrade their homes. The first phase of that scheme would see 40 homes upgraded to a B2 or higher level of energy efficiency, with an average budget of 34,000 per apartment, and a maximum of 42,350. Under the second phase of the upgrade, all of the remaining 222 homes which are below B2 level and residents claim that means all 222 of them would similarly be upgraded. Phase one could cost a maximum of 1,694,000, while phase two could cost a maximum of 9,401,700, meaning the entire project could cost 11,095,700. A council spokesperson said told The Echo it was progressing preparatory work for major upgrades to the Glenamoy Lawn and Ard Bhaile estates under the Energy Efficiency Upgrade Programme Phase 2, which is funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. They added that the programme aimed to bring all the existing social housing stock to a B2, or higher, energy efficiency standard. However, full details of any proposed energy efficiency measures that may be required for each property will only be developed as part of detailed design work, which is ongoing, and which will take some time to complete. Almost a decade ago, Cork City Council replaced the heating system which serviced the two estates, and which had used an air-to-water system. That air-to-air system, which cost a total of 4m of which Cork City Council paid 800,000 and was introduced between 2016 and 2017, is very unpopular with tenants, who have variously described it as extremely expensive to use and completely useless. The council spokesperson said: It should be noted that the current air-to-air heating system was installed almost a decade ago to replace an obsolete heating system that was costing Cork City Council more than 200,000 a year to maintain. However, council tenants have said the air-to-air system has caused multiple issues for them, something which was acknowledged by the council in a report issued recently to tenants. Among those challenges were heating costs beyond what residents could afford, and the fact that heating in most properties was done solely by standalone heaters bought by tenants. There were also significant issues, the council acknowledged, with mould growth in several properties, and ventilation was a major issue. Local Workers Party councillor Ted Tynan said news of the refurbishment was welcome, but he questioned when it might be completed. This is going on for nearly 10 years now, and were none the wiser as to exactly when these works will be completed. Its all very vague and the truth is that the council is still unwilling to admit it had made a massive and very costly mistake in installing the air-to-air system in the first place, Mr Tynan said. The fact that the council never introduced air-to-air [heating systems] in any of its other properties tells its own story. Cloud data platform Aiven is set to create 40 new jobs in Cork over the coming three years. The company has chosen the city as the location for its Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) hub in its latest expansion. Its planned expansion hub will see the creation of a new sales organisation with supporting engineering and operational functions which will be focused on driving growth of the companys open-source core services. Aivens decision to expand its Cork operations with a focus on hiring sales professionals will create 40 new jobs in the region over the next three years. Established in Helsinki in 2016, Aiven operates in the managed open-source data infrastructure sector, delivering fully managed services for widely used open-source technologies. It employs more than 400 people across 11 office locations and multiple remote locations globally. Enterprise minister Peter Burke said Aivens decision was a strong endorsement of Irelands reputation as a leading destination for global technology investment. The creation of 40 high-quality jobs over the next three years will provide exciting opportunities for skilled professionals in the region and further strengthen Corks position as a centre of innovation and commercial excellence, said Mr Burke. I welcome Aivens continued commitment to Ireland and look forward to seeing the positive impact of this expansion. Aiven senior vice president Conor Forde said the company had this year surpassed $100m (85.7m) in annual recurring revenue, and its Cork expansion was the next step forward. Cork stood out as the clear choice for Aivens expansion due to its exceptional availability of high-skilled talent and its vibrant, open, and diverse labour market, which are essential to fuelling our next phase of growth and innovation, said Mr Forde. IDA Ireland chief executive Michael Lohan said the authority looked forward to supporting Aiven in its ongoing growth. Aivens decision to establish its EMEA Go to Market hub in Cork is a strong endorsement of the South West regions reputation as a centre of innovation and excellence, said Mr Lohan. Communities around Cork harbour are holding local meetings to organise themselves against a reactivated proposal for the construction of an incinerator, which is currently before An Coimisiun Pleanala (ACP). Belgian firm Indaver is seeking permission to develop Ringaskiddy Resource Recovery Centre, comprising a waste-to-energy facility, including a waste incinerator with energy recovery. The proposal is a reactivation of one which was originally lodged in 2016, and which was granted permission by the planning appeals board. However, by order of the High Court on June 1 2022, the permission was quashed and remitted back to the appeals board on January 8 2024. Due to the passage of time since the initial submission, ACP asked Indaver to submit documents including updated environmental impact statement and Natura impact statement. Indaver has since provided significant further information to ACP which states that the projected spend on the facility has increased to 200m. When it was initially granted permission, the project was estimated to cost 160m and would have the capacity to treat up to 240,000 tonnes of waste per annum. The new planning documentation states that, if permission is granted, it is expected to be operational in 2030, and that the facility will bring 320 construction jobs, and 63 jobs when operational. The report states that 21mw of electricity will be generated, of which up to 18.5mw will be exported to the national grid, which it says will be enough to supply the power needs of approximately 30,000 homes, while the remaining 2.5mw will be used to run the facility itself. Cork Harbour Alliance for a Safe Environment (CHASE) has been opposing the development since its initial proposal, and recently held a meeting in Crosshaven Community Hall which was attended by concerned locals, as well as both county and city councillors. Meetings will be held in Carrigaline, Cobh and Ringaskiddy this week and next week. There will be a meeting on Thursday October 30 in Carrigaline Community Centre at 8.15pm, one on Wednesday November 5 at 7.30pm in Cobh (Great Island) Community Centre and one on Thursday, November 6 at 7.30pm in Ringaskiddy Community Centre. CHASE chairperson Mary OLeary said: Communities around the harbour share a clear vision for this area one focused on education, research and clean jobs. This vision aligns the specific objective for the site in the Cork County Development Plan, and with Failte Irelands plans for a world-class Cork harbour experience, as part of the integrated Cork City, Harbour and East Cork Development Plan announced in 2024. A large commercial waste incinerator on the edge of a stony beach in the heart of the harbour has no place in that plan. Communities are now asking: what can we do? The issue was also raised at Cork County Councils monthly meeting on Tuesday, with Sinn Feins Eoghan Fahy saying that the local community were not happy about the plans. Communities have shown we dont want an incinerator of this size, he said, and asked what power the council had to represent the views of their constituents on this. A Cork County Council spokesperson reminded members that the proposal was now a live application with the planning commission, saying: We are not aware at this stage if we are going to be invited to contribute as part of the process. Fianna Fails Audrey Buckley said it was upsetting to see this raise its ugly head again, and said that Ringaskiddy was the wrong location for a development like this. Independent councillor Peter ODonoghue agreed that there was lots of concern on the issue, encouraging councillors to make submissions, saying: This is about the future of Cork Harbour. Submissions by ACP end November 17. The government has approved BusConnects Cork, a programme which will allow an extra 13,000 people to travel from their home to the city centre within half an hour, as a councillor has called for the final plans to be made public. Wednesdays cabinet will facilitate the lodgement of planning applications with An Coimisiun Pleanala for new bus and active travel infrastructure, which is expected to occur next year. The multi-billion euro BusConnects Cork investment programme was developed following extensive public consultation by the National Transport Authority (NTA). The programme will deliver 11 Sustainable Transport Corridors across Cork city, covering 90km of bus lanes as well as 95km of cycle lane facilities (in one direction). It will also deliver new bus shelters, electric buses and Next Generation Ticketing. The redesigned bus network will have over 50% more bus services in place, with two routes operating 24-hours. Minister for Transport, Darragh OBrien, said: Todays approval of BusConnects Cork is another example of the Government meeting its commitments to invest in sustainable transport. As a result of this programme, an extra 13,000 people will be able to reach Cork city entre by public transport from their homes within 30 minutes. BusConnects Cork will make it faster and easier to get to school, work, or visit family and friends. And by reducing congestion, it will make our streets safer for all. Minister of state Jerry Buttimer added: As a resident of Cork city, I am delighted to see BusConnects Cork moving to the next stage of development. This project has potential to transform the way we move across the city, increasing our transport options and making travel by bus and bike more attractive. There will of course be challenges, as with any ambitious project, but the benefits for the city and its residents will be considerable. Hugh Creegan, Interim CEO of the NTA added: This is a significant step forward for sustainable transport in Cork. The BusConnects programme will deliver a cleaner, faster and more efficient transport system for the people of Cork, making it easier for people to use public transport as part of their daily lives, improving journey times, reducing congestion, and supporting the citys growth. The BusConnects Cork programme involves various projects, including a redesigned and simplified network of bus services across the city with 53% more bus services, as well as new bus stops, shelters and Real Time Passenger Information, a zero-emission bus fleet and simplified fares. The final budget and delivery schedule for BusConnects Cork will be established for approval following the planning/procurement phases. At present, it is anticipated that delivery of the capital programme will range from between 2.3 billion and 3.5 billion. Even using an upper-end cost estimate, the Benefit to Cost Ratio for the programme is 1.50, indicating that for every 1 spent, the programme will generate 1.50 in benefits. Labour Cork city councillor and chair of the councils transport committee Peter Horgan told The Echo: What we need to see is the immediate publication of the final plans being presented to Coimisuin Pleanala. We need to see exactly what the final changes are that was agreed by Cabinet. We need a timeline of implementation and a frontloading of the construction of the pedestrian crossings in this corridor. If the Cabinet has approved, the people of Cork deserve to see the plans in full now. A man and a woman who admitted their parts in brothel-keeping at Watercourse Rd, Cork, in 2021 had sentencing adjourned yesterday until February 2026. Both accused affirmed their signed guilty pleas when they made their first appearance before Cork Circuit Criminal Court. Judge Helen Boyle adjourned sentencing in both cases until February 11, 2026. 39-year-old Tiberius Bot, of Ross Park, Killavullen, Co Cork, pleaded guilty recently to a charge of brothel-keeping. The single charge against him states that on November 11, 2021, at Bleasby St Mews, Bleasby St, Watercourse Rd, Cork, he did keep or manage or act or assist in the management of a brothel. 40-year-old Alina Maria Straton, also of Ross Park, Killavullen, admitted the same offence. In addition, she admitted another charge related to the following day at her home in Kilavullen of having a cannister of pepper spray in her possession. The background circumstances in the case have not yet been outlined in court. It is anticipated that this will be done at the sentencing hearing. Music chain HMV is to return to Cork, creating 10 new full and part-time jobs, 12 years after the closure of its Patrick St outlet, the company have confirmed. The new store is to be based in the Merchants Quay shopping centre and is expected to open before Christmas. The chain opened its first Irish store in a decade on Dublins Henry St in 2023, with a Limerick store opening in May of this year. The Dublin branch currently employs 23 people, with 12 working in Limerick. Receivers were appointed to HMV (Ireland) Ltd in 2013, leading to the permanent closure of its 16 Irish outlets. Their Cork store at the old Pavilion cinema building on St Patricks St, now occupied by Golden Discs, saw sit-ins by former staff members protesting over unpaid wages when the company closed. HMV shut its final premises in Ireland in 2016 and went online only, before it also shut down the website here two years later. In 2019, Canadian firm Sunrise Records, owned by music retail mogul Doug Putman, bought the remaining UK business and assets of HMV out of administration, saving 100 stores and nearly 1,500 jobs. Today the chain has 120 stores across the UK as well as an ecommerce website and recently announced it was returning to its old Oxford Street store, which it vacated in 2019. The chain opened its first Irish store in a decade in Dublin in 2023, with a Limerick store in the Crescent Shopping Centre opening in May this year. A spokesperson for the company told The Echo that the news marked a significant step in its continued expansion with three new stores across the UK and Europe, including Cork, in the latter stages of development and all set to open before the end of the year. The expansion reflects HMVs confidence in the future of physical media and its renewed focus on prime high-street locations, they said. The shopper paying for her groceries at the till in Dunnes last Friday - nicely turned out, early forties, a bit harried - turned out to be the canary in the coal-mine for the electorates lesson to the government. During a bit of a chat in the queue about the presidential election, I asked her if shed voted yet (this was before lunch). She had. Who did you go for? I asked, adding that this time Id found it impossible; after all, Michael D, Mary McAleese, and Mary Robinson were no-brainers. The woman hesitated. Shed spoiled her vote, she said. At that point in the day still only mid-morning - I wasnt aware that spoiled votes were already a thing in this election, but soon afterwards, I turned on my car radio to hear a tidal wave of speculation about what was turning out to be a worrying percentage of them. The woman said shed spoiled her vote because she was fed up to her back teeth with the government. And Micheal Martin. As for Micheal Martin! Dont go there! I wont go there, she expostulated, packing the last of her groceries. She was getting up at the crack of dawn every day to go to work and pay for everything with the same salary, she said. Every month it was a bigger struggle to keep going on the same salary with rising prices all over the gaff, and there were Micheal and his friends, expecting us to put one of their coalition buddies into a nice, cushy job in the Aras. Nobody was listening to the ordinary person, she said. This Ireland was an Ireland she didnt know anymore. It was a place that is, she declared, increasingly difficult to live in for ordinary working people. At that, a cascade of resentment burst out in the queue. About how supermarkets and the government think customers are so stupid they dont notice the way food prices are going up every month. Every month, my eye, someone said. Every week, more like. About the lack of affordable housing to either buy or rent. About the widely-held belief - true or not - that being Irish in todays Ireland means youre the governments lowest priority. About the insane behaviour on our roads where, every day, pedestrians are being knocked down and/or killed and motorists are dying because not enough is being done to enforce speed limits, or get a handle on appalling driving and abysmal traffic behaviour. The government couldnt be bothered either to tackle the roads or resource the gardai enough to get a real handle on it, someone said. And people are dying every day on the motorways, in towns and villages and at junctions as a result. Amen to that, we said. The countrys gone nuts and the politicians are sitting around soaking up those big salaries, watching it like its a programme on the telly. On the way home, I thought about the young adults being forced by property prices and the cost of living to stay in their childhood homes. About how Ireland has become so grossly over-priced that a friend told me lately that he no longer orders anything from the recently-launched Amazon Ireland website because, hes found, its so blatantly over-priced compared to Amazon UK, Amazon Germany or Amazon France. That he believed these problems were purely down to gouging by Irish suppliers. Jeff Bezos, hear his roar! I thought about the fact that and this is a small thing, but as always, the devil is in the detail when I went to buy a twin-pack of streaky rashers recently, the cardboard sleeve that used to hold the twin-pack was now holding just the one pack. I checked a few of them to ensure somebody hadnt just taken the other packet out of my twin-pack. They hadnt. I asked a shop assistant who was stocking shelves nearby. I was correct, she said. Those rashers used to come as a twin-pack. The comments at the grocery till on Friday were, it turned out, indeed being mirrored in some of the messages appearing on voting papers. They included: My voice is unheard. Dont recognise Ireland anymore, and Ireland is getting worse. There is an increasing tide of resentment over the growing perception that Irish people dont count to their government, and that voices are not being heard by their government. And, increasingly, it seems, Irish people, including me, do not recognise this Ireland as our Ireland. So where does that leave us? If, bizarre as it seems, spoiled votes is how the Irish electorate is expressing its disillusionment and fury with a government it voted back into power a relatively short time ago, that government should be sitting up and reading the messages on those spoiled ballots. Eva Osborne Adults in Ireland are set to spend 61 million on Halloween this year, down 11.5 million from last year, according to research from iReach Insights. Results from an iReach Insights survey show adults will spend an average of 46 on Halloween this year. This is the highest for adults aged 25-34, who plan to spend on average 70 this Halloween. 72 per cent of adults will spend money on Halloween sweets, decorations, costumes, etc., which is down six per cent from last year. One in three adults (33 per cent) plan to decorate their house this year for Halloween, while 29 per cent of adults feel that the rising costs are changing how they celebrate Halloween. Celebrations Three in four adults (76 per cent) think that local councils should do more to provide safe, family-friendly Halloween events. The survey also revealed that nearly half (49 per cent) of adults are worried about fireworks, bonfires, and safety on Halloween night, with 19 per cent very worried. This is highest for adults aged 25-34, with 64 per cent worried and 39 per cent of these very worried. Over half (59 per cent) admitted to secretly buying extra sweets or chocolate for themselves, not the kids. The majority of adults (80 per cent) feel that retailers should reduce single-use plastic packaging for Halloween products, according to the survey results. This is highest for adults aged 25-34, with 90 per cent agreeing retailers should switch to single-use plastic. Two in three (66 per cent) of adults feel that social media has changed the way people celebrate Halloween such as sharing their costumes and themed parties. This is highest for adults aged 25-34, with 76 per cent feeling it has changed. Ottoline Spearman Recent EU sanctions on Russia include additional vessel listings for Russia's shadow fleet. With this announcement, a total of 557 vessels in the shadow fleet are now listed by the EU. But what exactly are these shadow vessels? How do they affect Ireland, and what needs to be done? What is the Russian shadow fleet? A shadow fleet vessel is a ship that carries out deceptive practices to transport sanctioned oil or other goods. They are often a direct response to sanctions and aim to operate under the radar to avoid detection and violate international regulations. Common tactics involve fake registration or flags to obscure ownership, and disabling or tampering with the vessel's tracking systems. Following the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russia was hit with broad-ranging sanctions - including an embargo on Russian seaborne oil imports and a price cap on oil and oil products that restricts profits while still allowing sales below a certain price. The consequence of these sanctions means that Russia is unable to charter or insure tankers unless they comply with the oil price cap. So since then, Russia has increasingly relied on its shadow fleet to smuggle oil and natural gas to valuable markets in the global south, allowing it to continue profiting from its lucrative market in oil to fund the war in Ukraine. The ships are often registered and re-registered, and change their names frequently, making them difficult to track. This, coupled with other illicit tactics including ship-to-ship transfers, falsified positions and transmission of false data, means that they are able to conceal the origins of the cargo. In many cases, these ships are also registered in small, impoverished countries that lack the means and will to enforce maritime law. What complicates matters is the uncertainty of maritime law when it comes to the legality of false-flagging - where a ship claims to be registered in one country but is in fact registered in another. It is still unclear whether ships with false flags can legally travel within the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) of countries, which extend 200 nautical miles from a state's coast. Further, the ships are often old and falling apart, which raises significant environmental concerns. An investigation by Source Material and Politico found nine instances of the "creaky" vessels leaving large oil spills in the oceans, with dire consequences for marine life and the environment. Further, the practice of switching off a ship's transponders to avoid detection can increase the chance of an accident at sea and a resultant oil leakage. Lack of insurance can further exacerbate the issue, as no one is responsible for these spillages. In some cases, the ships have also damaged undersea communication and electricity cables in EU waters. A recent investigation led by Follow the Money found that Western shipowners received more than 6 billion dollars by selling old oil tankers to a shadow fleet transporting Russian oil. The investigation found that while the EU has been ramping up sanctions on these vessels, not much has been done to prevent the sale by EU states to Russia. What are the EU sanctions? The EU has now sanctioned 557 in the Russian shadow fleet. This means that these ships are subject to a port access ban and a ban on the provision of services related to maritime transport. These measures target non-EU tankers that are part of the shadow fleet that are circumventing the oil price cap mechanism, supporting Russias energy sector, or transporting stolen Ukrainian grain or military equipment for Russia. There is also now a ban on reinsuring vessels belonging to the shadow fleet, as well as the listing of maritime registries that provide false flags. How does the shadow fleet affect Ireland? Ships have been observed taking circuitous routes from the Baltic Sea to the global south. Often, instead of taking the safest, shortest route through the English Channel and down the coast of France, ships have travelled around the British Isles into the North Atlantic before coming down through - or just skimming past - Ireland's EEZ. It has been speculated that this is due to increased monitoring in the English Channel, as well as Ireland's limited ability to monitor these ships. A recent Irish Times investigation found that nineteen shadow fleet vessels had passed through, or just outside, the Irish Economic Zone (EEZ) between May and the end of July this year. Many of those ships have shown unusual behaviour, such as taking economically inefficient routes or sailing well outside recognised shipping lanes. RTE found that 245 shadow vessels passed through Irelands maritime Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) more than 450 times in the first seven months of this year. The risk of the shadow fleet in Irish water is threefold: energy security concerns, communications tampering, and environmental concerns. More than 80 per cent of gas used in Ireland comes through underwater pipes from Scotland, while there are plans to build enough offshore infrastructure to generate 37 gigawatts of electricity by 2050. Further, as reported by the Irish Times, former Tanaiste Simon Coveney said 75 per cent of transatlantic cables come through or very close to Irish-controlled waters. Ireland is therefore very vulnerable to potential threats to the core infrastructure that surrounds it. According to Declan Power, security and defence expert, disrupting the energy pipelines could be as simple as a ship "dragging an anchor across them", as the pipes are not too deep in the ocean, and are wider and "easier to damage" than fibre optic cables. What steps is Ireland taking? The Defence Forces and the Department of Transport have stepped up monitoring these vessels as they pass Ireland due to environmental and national security concerns. According to the Irish Examiner, the forthcoming Maritime Security Strategy - Ireland's first - will reportedly include stress testing the security of critical sub-sea infrastructure and new measures to tackle the shadow fleet. The Oireachtas Committee on Defence and National Security was told that new cross-Government coordination mechanisms allowing for the secure sharing of information, real-time analysis and better decision making were also likely to form part of the strategy. The Maritime Security Strategy is due to be submitted in draft form by officials in the Department of Defence to Tanaiste Simon Harris by the end of the year. Ellen O'Donoghue Cocaine worth 8.1 million has been seized and a man in his 30s has been arrested in Co Laois. Personnel attached to the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau conducted a search operation at a residential operation and lands in the Laois area on Tuesday, October 28th. During the course of the search, 116kg of suspected cocaine, subject to analysis, valued at around 8.1 million, was seized along with a number of electronic devices. A man was arrested pursuant to Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 and is currently detained pursuant to the provisions of Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007 at a Laois garda station. The drugs seized will be forwarded to Forensic Science Ireland for analysis. Following the operation, Detective Chief Superintendent Seamus Boland, Head of the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, said that An Garda Siochana will continue to focus its resources on those who collaborate with and facilitate organised crime. "We are determined to continue dismantling drug trafficking routes into Ireland and will continue doing our part to keep our communities safer. Please think before you use," he said. Investigations are ongoing, a garda statement said. The Coastwatching Service was established when The Emergency was declared in Ireland on the outbreak of World War II in September, 1939. Originally amalgamated with the Marine Service, each became a separate entity on July 1, 1942. At first, the service was only equipped with two-man bivvy tents, but after several of them were blown into the sea from their exposed locations, simple, concrete pre-fabricated structures known as Look Out Posts (LOPs) were provided. Measuring just 9ft x 7ft, with sea-facing bay windows, the huts were totally devoid of creature comforts; the only exception being a small stove provided for heating and cooking purposes. Each hut was equipped with a telephone, telescope, binoculars, Admiralty charts, a fixed compass card, semaphore and international code flags, a Morse lamp, first-aid kit, handbooks for identifying belligerent aircraft and warships, and bicycles. The huts were numbered clockwise around the coast, from Carlingford Lough to Lough Foyle, and many were in remote, and indeed hazardous, areas. Lambs Head (LOP 33, still extant) on the Ring of Kerry being a good example of the latter. In stark contrast was LOP 6 (demolished) at Howth Head, Co. Dublin, which was but a hop, step and jump from the nearest hostelry! The word EIRE spelled out in 30ft letters at Toe Head, near Skibbereen. They were there to let warplanes from all sides know they were over Ireland By wars end there were 88 LOPs placed at strategic points along the Irish coastline, positioned, on average, every five to ten miles apart. The volunteer soldiers who manned them were responsible for monitoring any sign of belligerent activity on sea or in the air, and to warn of the first sign of an invader. They took their duties very seriously, and anything untoward that came to their notice was diligently entered in the official log book. Some 500 of these log books have survived and are deposited in Military Archives and available to read online. Additionally, a telephone message was instantly transmitted up the chain of command with full details of any occurrence. The force was organised in 18 districts. Each had a District Officer (holding the rank of 2nd Lieut), a Sub-Officer and a Quartermaster whose ranks varied depending on the size of the district. Each district had between three and eight LOPs, each post having a Corporal and seven Volunteers. The Volunteers were unpaid (save for a subsistence allowance of 3/6d a day) and unarmed, many coming from the Volunteer Force, which meant they continued to wear this distinctive uniform for some time even after the cadre was absorbed into the Local Defence Force (LDF). Each Volunteer was required to live not more than six miles from his designated LOP. The Establishment of the force numbered some 750, all ranks. Volunteers invariably came from the local coastal community; men and youths whose knowledge of every nook and cranny of the seashore, and every nuance of the tide, would prove all-important in the tasks they were asked to perform. Affectionately known by the rest of the Defence Forces as the Saygulls (seagulls), like their avian namesakes they were to be found, night and day, perched in the most precarious places on cliffs all along the coast, constantly scanning the horizon. Each two-man team worked shifts of eight or 12 hours, in two-hour stints; one Volunteer patrolling outside in hail, rain or shine, while the other manned the telephone. From early 1943, large letters, each 30ft in height, spelling out the words EIRE, were painted in a prominent location next to each LOP, accompanied by the LOP identity number. Ostensibly to warn all belligerents that they were encroaching upon Irish airspace, the scheme had been initiated at the request of the US authorities: each Allied aircraft carried a chart corresponding to the numbers of all the Irish LOPs and their positions. Over-flights had increased from 700 in 1942 to some 21,000 by 1944, resulting from the basic navigation equipment on contemporary aircraft making long flights over water. In recent years, the Eire Marking Project has uncovered at least 30 of these signs and restored many. According to one historian: The service was deemed one of the more effective branches supplying vital information as to the movements of ships and aircraft in Irish territorial waters, informing GHQ of any attacks which occurred within those waters, and reporting the location of mines which had drifted free of their moorings. As is now known, G2 (Irish Military Intelligence) constantly shared any relevant information with the British Admiralty and MI6. A Look-Out Post (LOP) at Knockadoon Head, Co. Cork The occupants of many lifeboats, grievously wounded and in terrible distress, the survivors of attacks on convoys and sea battles, frequently came ashore near one or other of the LOPs where they would be assisted and comforted by the Volunteers on duty, who rapidly summoned the emergency services. ****** Drifting sea mines posed a grave threat to life and limb ashore. Designed to sink the largest merchant ship with which they came in contact, one can only imagine the devastation wrought if one exploded on a beach full of people. One such incident occurred at Ballymanus Strand in Co. Donegal in 1943 when the local District Officer arrived on his motorcycle to find a large crowd in close proximity to a magnetic sea-mine. Before he could safely evacuate the entire area, the device exploded, resulting in, tragically, a death toll of 19 young men and boys. Not all flotsam and jetsam was unwelcome. The LOP at Sligo alone salvaged some 500 tons of badly-needed rubber, carried as deck-cargo by Allied shipping. In the event of a convoy being attacked, the bales of rubber invariably were the first things to be jettisoned, many finding their way to our shores. Presently, the raw rubber would be transported to the Irish Dunlop Rubber plant at Centre Park Road, Cork, to be transformed into badly-needed tyres for the Defence Forces and emergency services, and other essential commodities. By 1942, the supply of rubber by conventional means had all but dried up. One fine summers day in 1940, Rosslare Port in Co Wexford came dangerously close to being blown up due to the vigilance of the Coastwatchers at Greenore Point LOP. The Volunteer on outside duty, scanning the horizon with his binoculars, could hardly believe his eyes when, suddenly, the whole sea seemed to be teeming with ships - all heading straight for the Irish coast. An urgent telephone message was transmitted, and Army Ordnance engineers were quickly despatched to Rosslare where explosives were already in place, waiting to be primed if the day of reckoning should ever come. At the last minute, the fleet changed course and steamed off, away from Ireland. Some 500 Coastwatching Service log books have survived and are deposited in Military Archives, Dublin. All provide a true and accurate account of the activities of the service during the war years, unaltered and uncorrected in any way. Well, almost all... In May, 1943, one District Officer was informed by his NCO of the truculence of the men at the Look Out Post when told that their EIRE sign didnt pass muster and would have to be re-done. They subsequently downed tools. Having suitably administered a dose of the hairdryer treatment to the squad for their show of mutiny, still bristling, the District Officer made the following entry in the official log book: There is no ******* such word as refuse in the Army! That book is there for inspection, too - with the offending expletive tactfully redacted! The Coastwatching Service was disbanded 80 years agio this month, on October 9, 1945. LIST OF LOOK OUT POSTS IN COUNTY CORK 21 Knockadoon Head 22 Ballycotton 23 Power Head 24 Flat Head 25 Old Head 26 Seven Heads 27 Galley Head 28 Toe Head 29 Baltimore 30 Mizen Head 31 Sheeps Head 32 Dursey Head My advice to any woman starting a business is to build a strong network because it will become the board you cant afford. Thats according to Caroline Bourke, who with her sister, Michelle Johnson, is at the helm of ASA Group, a Cork family business celebrating its 40th anniversary. Founded in 1984 by their parents Aodh and Judith Bourke, the ASA group comprises ASA Brands, a sustainable corporate gift company, and ForWare Ltd, a specialist fleet management software provider. Over the past four decades, the business has grown from a small family-run enterprise into an international success story with operations in Cork, Dublin and Belfast, and partnerships across the globe. The sisters have been at the helm since 2015, Michelle as CEO and Caroline as COO, and despite growing up in an entrepreneurial family, it was never a given that they would join the business. I never wanted to sell pens! laughs Caroline. I moved to Dublin to work and a few years later the opportunity was there to join ASA, so we agreed to give it six months, with a caveat I could leave without a row that was nearly 23 years ago! she said. Michelle, on the other hand, was interested in joining the business from the get-go, and will celebrate 30 years with the group in January. But crucially she was keen to forge her own path and identity. I worked from the Dublin office for over 10 years which was a fantastic experience it allowed me to build my own customer base and establish an independent life outside of my parents, before moving back to Cork in 2005, she said. Aodh Bourke, Michelle Johnson, Caroline Bourke and Judith Bourke of ASA Group. Picture: Michael O'Sullivan /OSM PHOTO She lives in Blackrock with her husband Daniel and their children Kate, Hugh and Matthew, and Caroline lives in Dun Laoghaire with her husband John and sons, James, Ben and Tom. As CEO, Michelle plays a strategic and operational leadership role across ASA Brands and ForWare, overseeing marketing, sustainability, and innovation. A typical day involves collaborating with teams on new initiatives, reviewing client projects, engaging with suppliers on responsible sourcing, and supporting leadership with tenders and award submissions. In ASA Brands, Caroline is Chief Operations Officer: So my main focus is on making sure the sales team runs smoothly. Im responsible for the day to day running of the sales team, working with clients and making sure our customer service is on point. I also work with our suppliers curating the best sustainable products to put in our catalogues. Despite different roles, in different cities, theyre still an enormous support to each other. Caroline is a great sounding board and together we work well. As we both have specific, different roles within the business, these boundaries really help. Also, Caroline is based in Dublin so I dont see her in person that often a few times a month, but we do speak on work matters almost every day! When we do meet up outside of work, we normally have six children between us so there isnt much time to talk shop! said older sister Michelle. Caroline added: I love working with Michelle! Shes very level-headed and is great in a crisis. Shes a great listener and we get on very well together. The upside of working with your sister is total trust and honesty; the downside is you cant really hide anything! We make an effort to switch off and enjoy time together outside of work, but having that trust and shared vision is one of the biggest strengths for ASA Brands. The duo, who have a younger brother, are excited for the future of their enterprise, but admit Irish family businesses are facing a lot of pressure right now. Rising costs, new regulations, and the ongoing challenge of attracting and keeping great people are issues. Succession planning and tax around passing on the business are still big concerns too. Michelle Johnson, Aodh Bourke and Caroline Bourke, ASA Brands at the Cork Company of The Year Awards in Cork City Hall last February. For us, its about finding the right balance between staying true to our family values and adapting fast enough to keep up with change, said Caroline. But theyre inspired by the idea of building something that lasts keeping the heart of a family business while still driving it forward through innovation. Im also inspired by the people I surround myself with. I make a conscious effort to connect with individuals who bring positivity, creativity, and purpose to their work. Through my involvement in strong professional networks such as Cork Chamber, Network Ireland Cork, and along with our super teams I stay energised and informed, said Michelle. Caroline added: Our parents are an inspiration, taking a leap and starting ASA Group. It might sound odd, Ive also always admired Queen Elizabeth she led with calm strength, adaptability, and a sense of duty. That balance really resonates with me. They both agree that having a strong business network is crucial. The most important thing is to surround yourself with a good network of people, men and women that you can trust. Networking is key to building this trusted group. Hire slowly, take your time and be sure that the person youre hiring is right for the job and most importantly right for your organisation and right to fit within your existing team. And dont be afraid to ask for help, you cant be an expert in all areas of the business, said Michelle. Judith and Aodh Bourke ASA Group.Picture: Michael O'Sullivan /OSM PHOTO Caroline added: My advice to any woman starting a business is to build a strong network surround yourself with people who challenge you, support you, and push you to grow. A good network can become the board you cant afford. Having the ability to pick up the phone to other women for advice, etc, is invaluable. Reflecting on the anniversary milestone, their parents Aodh and Judith said ASA Group was always built on family values. To see our daughters lead with vision and determination, while bringing fresh ideas and a global outlook, is incredibly rewarding. Theyve honoured the legacy while shaping a strong future for the business. And that future, the sisters say, is about staying ahead without losing the family heart that makes us who we are. California-based AI and robotics company 1X is now accepting pre-orders for its humanoid robot NEO, which was designed to automate everyday chores and to offer personalized assistance. Users will be able to control NEO and have it accomplish tasks around the house with the click of a button or a verbal command. It will come with the ability to do basic tasks autonomously when it starts shipping next year, including opening doors, fetching items and turning the lights on or off. However, if early adopters want NEO to be capable of more specific or complex tasks, they'd have to be comfortable with the idea of a human teleoperator controlling the robot remotely and seeing inside their homes. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal's Joanna Stern, 1X CEO Bernt Brnich explained that the AI neural network running the machine still needs to learn from more real-world experiences. Brnich said that anybody who buys NEO for delivery next year will have to agree that a human operator will be seeing inside their houses through the robot's camera. It's necessary to be able to teach the machines and gather training data so it can eventually perform tasks autonomously. "If we don't have your data, we can't make the product better," he said. Brnich admitted that much of the work will be done by teleoperators in the beginning. Owners will have access to an app where they can schedule when the teleoperator can take over NEO and where they can specify the task they want the machine to do. He said 1X is putting control in the hands of the owner to respect people's privacy as much as possible. The company can blur people so that the remote operator doesn't see them, and owners can designate no-go zones in their homes that the operator cannot go to. Teleoperators also cannot take control of NEO without the owner's approval. Of course, there's always potential security breaches to think of Brnich at least assured that NEO has several layers of security to prevent it from hurting people. Advertisement Advertisement 1X NEO is available in tan, gray and dark brown. It's now available for pre-order from the company's website with a deposit of $200. Those who want early access to it can get it for $20,000, but it will also be available as a subscription service of $499 a month. US lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have introduced a bill called the "GUARD Act," which is meant to protect minor users from AI chatbots. "In their race to the bottom, AI companies are pushing treacherous chatbots at kids and looking away when their products cause sexual abuse, or coerce them into self-harm or suicide," said the bill's co-sponsor, Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn). "Our legislation imposes strict safeguards against exploitative or manipulative AI, backed by tough enforcement with criminal and civil penalties." Under the GUARD Act, AI companies would be required to prohibit minors from being able to access their chatbots. That means they have to conduct age verification for both existing and new users with the help of a third-party system. They'll also have to conduct periodic age verifications on accounts that were already previously verified. To maintain users' privacy, the companies will only be allowed to retain data "for no longer than is reasonably necessary to verify a user's age" and may not share or sell user information. AI companies will be required to make their chatbots explicitly tell the user that it's not a human being at the beginning of each conversation and every 30 minutes after that. They'll have to make sure their chatbots don't claim to be a human being or a licensed professional, such a therapist or a doctor, when asked. Finally, the bill aims to create new crimes to charge companies that make their AI chatbots available to minors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In August, the parents of a teen who committed suicide filed a wrongful death lawsuit against OpenAI, accusing it of prioritizing "engagement over safety." ChatGPT, they said, helped their son plan his own death even after months of conversations, wherein their child talked to the chatbot about his four previous suicide attempts. ChatGPT allegedly told their son that it could provide information about suicide for "writing or world-building." A mother from Florida sued startup Character.AI in 2024 for allegedly causing her 14-year-old son's suicide. And just this September, the family of a 13-year-old girl filed another wrongful death lawsuit against Character.AI, arguing that the company didn't point their daughter to any resources or notify authorities when she talked about her suicidal ideations. It's also worth noting that the bill's co-sponsor Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) previously said that the Senate Committee Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism, which he leads, will investigate reports that Meta's AI chatbots could have "sensual" conversations with children. He made the announcement after Reuters reported on an internal Meta document, stating that Meta's AI was allowed to tell a shirtless eight-year-old: "Every inch of you is a masterpiece a treasure I cherish deeply." Character.AI will no longer permit teenagers to interact with its chatbots, as AI companies face increasing pressure to better safeguard younger users from harm. In a statement, the company confirmed that it is removing the ability for users under 18 to engage in any open-ended chats with AI on its platform, which refers to back-and-forth conversations between a user and a chatbot. The changes come into effect on November 25, and until that date, Character.AI will presents users with a new under-18 experience. It'll encourage its users to use chatbots for creative purposes that might include, for example, creating videos or streams, as opposed to seeking companionship. To manage the transition, under-18s can now only interact with bots for up to two hours per day, a time limit the company says it will reduce in the lead-up to the late November deadline. Character.AI is also introducing a new age assurance tool it has developed internally, which it says will "ensure users receive the right experience for their age." Along with these new protections for younger users, the company has founded an "AI Safety Lab" that it hopes will allow other companies, researchers and academics to share insights and work collaboratively on improving AI safety measures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Character.AI said it has listened to concerns from regulators, industry experts and concerned parents and responded with the new measures. They come after The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently launched a formal inquiry into AI companies that offer users access to chatbots as companions, with Character.AI named as one of seven companies that had been asked to participate. Meta, OpenAI and Snap were also included. Both Meta AI and Character AI also faced scrutiny from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the summer, who said chatbots on both platforms can "present themselves as professional therapeutic tools" without the requisite qualifications. Seemingly to put an end to such controversy, Character.AI CEO Karandeep Anand told TechCrunch that the companys new strategic direction will see it pivot from AI companion to a "role-playing platform" focused on creation rather than mere engagement-farming conversation. The Nothing Phone universe continues to expand. On Wednesday, the company launched the fourth model in the Phone 3 lineup: the Nothing Phone 3a Lite. The cheapest model in the series, the Phone 3a Lite pairs the brand's distinct styling with solid all-around specs for an entry-level handset. However, with the company saying its non-flagship devices will soon include pre-installed apps and lock-screen ads, there may be a trade-off. First, Nothing told Engadget that the phone won't come to the US. So, Americans only have the previous trio of third-gen handsets to choose from. That's the Nothing Phone 3, Nothing Phone 3a, and Nothing Phone 3a Pro. The Nothing Phone 3a Lite uses a Panda Glass casing over an aluminum internal frame. As you can see, it retains some familiar design strokes, albeit pared down to match its 249 price. As the company describes it, the handset's "asymmetric, transparent look and nano-coating creates a beautiful balance of matte and gloss." (Poetry!) The phone ships in white and black variants. Whether Nothing's design language is your cup of tea or not, you'll be hard-pressed to find a more striking and bold design language in a budget model. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The handset includes the Essential Key, a multi-purpose physical button found on all Phone 3 series models. The phone is IP54-rated for dust and water resistance. Nothing Nothing honors the brand's unique Glyph system (while keeping costs down) by using a notification LED. (Remember those on early Android phones?) This model's "Glyph Light" supports the lineup's Flip to Glyph feature, which switches to light-only alerts when the device is face down. The LED can stay on for "key contact and app notifications" and serve as a camera countdown timer. You can also customize its light sequences for calls and specific contacts. The handset has a hearty 5,000 mAh battery. Nothing advertises 22 hours of YouTube playback or 9.5 hours of gaming. It supports 33W fast charging, reaching 50 percent in about 20 minutes. The Phone 3a Lite has a triple-camera system. That includes a 50MP primary camera with a 1/1.57-inch Samsung sensor. Joining it are an 8MP ultra-wide and a macro lens. The rear camera system shoots 4K video at app to 30 FPS. On its front is a 16MP lens. Nothing The Nothing Phone 3a Lite has more than respectable display specs for a budget phone. It uses a 6.77-inch flexible AMOLED panel with 1,080 x 2,392 resolution (387 PPI). It has a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and a 1,000Hz touch sampling rate. It can reach 3,000 nits peak HDR brightness and 1,300 nits outdoor brightness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The handset's processor is the 4nm MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro 5G. The 8-core CPU can reach up to 2.5 GHz. Nothing says the chip performs better than the MediaTek 7200 silicon in last year's Phone 2a. The company claims its CPU is 15 percent faster, its GPU supports 20 percent higher FPS, and its NPU delivers 100 percent better AI performance. The phone also uses a liquid-cooling system, which may help during intensive gaming sessions. It ships with 8GB of RAM and comes in 128GB and 256GB storage tiers. Nothing The phone runs the Nothing OS 3.5 UI on top of Android 15. The company says Nothing OS 4.0 will arrive in the first half of 2026. And that brings us back to those trade-offs. Earlier this week, Nothing confirmed to 9to5Google that its strategy moving forward will include "Lock Glimpse." This rotating lock-screen wallpaper feature includes text with links to external content hosted by a Chinese advertising company. (That firm, Boyuan, says it offers a "rich mixture of content" to help its partners "commercialize the mobile traffic.") Think of it as a slightly less obnoxious version of lock-screen ads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fortunately, Lock Glimpse is off by default in the current Nothing OS 4.0 beta. Nothing pledges it will give users "full control over features like Lock Glimpse." However, that promise doesn't explicitly say the feature will remain off by default. Another cost-subsidizing move is Nothing's (also confirmed) embrace of pre-installed apps. The company said its "carefully considered" third-party apps are those "most people install on day one, like Instagram." In fairness, that's a common practice among Android phone manufacturers. And Nothing says it will make third-party apps removable. But again, the concessions here arguably run counter to one aspect of the brand's stated ethos: clean, bloat-free software. And if business considerations forced compromises in this area, it makes you question how long Lock Glimpse will stay off by default. The Nothing Phone 3a Lite is available now in Europe on the company website. The 128GB model costs 249 (EU) / 249 (UK). Meanwhile, the 256GB model will set you back 279 (EU) / 279 (UK). Update, October 29, 2025, 11:20 AM ET: This story has been updated to add information from Nothing about the lack of US availability and additional detail from Nothing's community post. Frankie Muniz has finally revealed the circumstances behind his two-decade silence with former friend and "Agent Cody Banks" costar Hilary Duff. During a recent appearance on "The Joe Vulpis Podcast" in September, the 39-year-old "Malcolm in the Middle" actor disclosed that he has not spoken to Duff, 38, since the last day of filming in 2003, placing blame squarely on her mother, Susan, for interfering in the production's casting decisions. When Muniz and Duff first met in the early 2000s, they quickly developed a strong friendship. Both were rising child stars at the time, with Duff's Disney Channel series "Lizzie McGuire" launching in 2001 and Muniz's Fox sitcom "Malcolm in the Middle" debuting in 2002. Their bond grew close enough that Duff invited Muniz to appear on her show as himself in 2002. During a visit to the "Lizzie McGuire" set, Muniz recalled having a conversation with Duff's mother in her daughter's dressing room about his upcoming film project. He described her as "the epitome of a stage mom" and noted that she was extremely intense during their interaction. When discussing "Agent Cody Banks" with Susan, he mentioned details about the production, including that the female lead role had not yet been cast. At that time, Muniz believed producers were considering "Smallville" actress Kristin Kreuk for the position. The following day, however, Muniz received shocking news from Susan, who announced that Duff had already been cast as the female lead, Natalie Connors, without consulting him beforehand. Muniz stated, "I wasn't mad. It was just shocking. I had a say. They didn't ask me." He explained that while supposedly calls were made and the producers assumed it was fine, given his friendship with Duff, he was taken aback by not being included in the decision-making process. During the film's production in Vancouver that summer, the situation was further complicated by what Muniz described as "a small dating element" between them that had changed, adding an awkward dynamic to their working relationship. After filming wrapped in 2003, Muniz chose to end all contact with Duff. Looking back two decades later, Muniz expressed genuine regret about his decision. "I look back at it now and I go, like, what a dumb... I regret not just continuing to be friends with her because we had a great friendship for such a long time, and I let her mom get between us. It pissed me off," he stated. He acknowledged that cutting off contact with Duff was ultimately a mistake on his part, as the tension between them was primarily driven by her mother's actions rather than by any direct conflict between the two. Reports are surfacing that longtime members of "The Howard Stern" Show are quietly exploring other job opportunities amid growing doubts about the show's future at SiriusXM. Fred Norris a key member of Stern's team since their early radio days in 1979 was overheard at the SiriusXM offices discussing his uncertain future. "Fred was walking with another guy at Sirius and said to him, 'Let me know, because I don't know what's going to happen come January. I might be looking for a job,'" one witness claimed. Insiders say the mood among Stern's staff has become tense as the end of the year approaches. A source told The Sun that employees have been talking about the show possibly wrapping up before the new year. "After conversations with [producer] Gary Dell'Abate and others, it sounds like they aren't expecting to re-sign with Sirius," the source said. Howard Stern's current contract with SiriusXM reportedly worth around $500 million is set to expire in December, PageSix reported. Though SiriusXM is expected to make Stern an offer to stay, sources familiar with the negotiations suggest the two sides may not agree on terms. "Sirius and Stern are never going to meet on the money he is going to want. It's no longer worth the investment," one insider told sources earlier this year. Howard Stern radio show staffers asking for new jobs as SiriusXM future remains unclear: report https://t.co/mxDjwGL0s5 pic.twitter.com/iVdRrvK16X Page Six (@PageSix) October 28, 2025 Tension Rises Behind the Howard Stern Show Tension behind the scenes reportedly intensified last month when rumors spread that Stern might retire or end the show. Staff members were said to be "panicking," unsure if they'd still have jobs in 2026. "Fear has sunk in that next week or next month they might not have a job," a source told the Daily Mail. "Getting laid off has been in the back of their minds for quite some time." Employees are reportedly cautious about discussing the situation publicly, as many signed strict confidentiality agreements. One insider explained that breaking those rules could result in instant termination. "There's a ton of people there whose lives would drastically change based on Stern firing on a whim," the source said. Despite the uncertainty, Stern, 71, has pushed back on retirement rumors. According to Yahoo, earlier this month, he joked on-air that Bravo host Andy Cohen would replace hima prank that reportedly didn't go over well with staff already worried about their jobs. Princess Diana's younger brother, Charles Spencer, delivered a terse and biting three-word description of King Charles in a new interview that has reignited attention on long-simmering tensions within the royal family. In a wide-ranging conversation on the Rosebud podcast with host Gyles Brandreth, the 9th Earl Spencer discussed his role at his sister's funeral in 1997 and reflected on family dynamics in the years since Diana's death. During the interview, as per The Mirror, Spencer referred to the then-Prince Charles as "the other parent," a phrase listeners seized on for its coolly dismissive tone. Spencer, 61, said he initially intended to write and deliver a conventional eulogy for Diana but ultimately set that plan aside. He realized that it was "ridiculous and not who she was," he told Brandreth, explaining that he changed course and instead spoke "to her" in a way he felt better represented her voice and spirit. "I flew back from Cape Town overnight. I was in bits," Spencer recounted of his return after learning of his sister's death. He described being supported by airline staff and by his family as he prepared to act as what he called Diana's guardian in the immediate aftermath, a role he said carried emotional weight even though "the other parent being alive meant nothing" to his sense of responsibility. Social media users and commentators reacted quickly to Spencer's characterization of King Charles, with many praising his bluntness. One listener wrote that Spencer's shade is unmatched, while another said the phrase brought a laugh. The remark has drawn further scrutiny to the relationship between the Spencer family and the royal household, which has been at times close and at times private. Spencer also spoke about the pressure of performing at the funeral and his decision to abandon the traditional eulogy structure. "I had a big thick address book and I thought I want to find someone who is going to make the speech for her," he said. "I got to 'Z' and I hadn't found anyone." According to Express UK, after consulting with his mother and sisters, he agreed to speak. The Earl's comments come amid ongoing public fascination with the royal family's private grievances and alliances. Spencer has long been a vocal and sometimes controversial defender of his sister's memory. His 1997 funeral address which included sharp criticisms of the royal establishment remains one of the most remembered moments in modern British public life. A spokesman for Buckingham Palace did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Spencer's latest remarks. Frankie Muniz has opened up about why he stopped talking to former co-star Hilary Duff, admitting the fallout stemmed from her mother. The "Malcolm in the Middle" star revealed the story during the Sept. 2 episode of "The Joe Vulpis Podcast." "Hilary Duff was probably one of my first friends when I moved to LA to film Malcolm [in the Middle]," Muniz recalled. The two were introduced through mutual friends who lived in a Burbank, California, apartment complex popular with child actors, PageSix reported. "We became really, really good friends. We had a really great relationship for a long time," he added. Their friendship grew as Duff, then 38, invited Muniz to appear on her Disney show "Lizzie McGuire" in 2002, where he played himself. But Muniz quickly noticed a challenge: Hilary's mom, Susan Duff. "She was intense. Hilary was so cool, we had an awesome relationship, but her mom was super intense. My mom was the opposite," Muniz said. Frankie Muniz says he hasn't spoken to Hilary Duff since "Agent Cody Banks" 22 years ago because her mom interfered in the film's casting process: "It pissed me off." I was on the set of Lizzie McGuire, and I was in Hilarys dressing room and her mom was there. Her mom was pic.twitter.com/2Idrh73Rpg Variety (@Variety) October 29, 2025 Frankie Muniz Opens Up About Falling Out with Hilary Duff The tension escalated while filming the 2003 movie "Agent Cody Banks." Muniz explained that the role of Natalie Connors, his love interest in the film, had initially been intended for another actress, Kristin Kreuk from "Smallville." According to People, but the next day, he learned from Susan that Hilary would be playing the role. "Needless to say, I wasn't thrilled about it. And not because I didn't want it to be Hilary," Muniz said. He felt blindsided because his contract gave him a say in casting his on-screen love interest, but the studio assumed his friendship with Duff made it okay. Despite the tension behind the scenes, Muniz shared that working on the film was still a positive experience for him. He recalled having a great time during production, although he admitted feeling uncomfortable whenever Duff's mother visited the set. After filming wrapped, the two never spoke again. "I've not said one word to her since then. So that's the truth of that," he admitted. Looking back, Muniz admitted he regretted how things ended between him and Duff. He said he wished he had kept their friendship intact, describing it as special and lasting for years. However, he noted that tensions involving Duff's mother had frustrated him at the time, which ultimately affected their relationship. He also expressed hope for reconciliation, noting, "I would love to catch up with her... I'm sure she doesn't know any of that happened." Machine Gun Kelly is opening up about why his relationship with Megan Fox ended, and he insists it wasn't a lack of loveit was outside forces and bad vibes. On the October 26 episode of the "Dumb Blonde Podcast," the 35-year-old rocker described how his romance with the actress, which began in 2021, became "toxic" despite their deep connection. MGK credited their breakup to what he called the "evil eye" and to the jealousy of others, rather than to any personal failings. "That woman struck a bullseye," MGK recalled. "When I felt that sense light up, everything else went away... I'm forever grateful to God and indebted to the destiny lines that wove me and her together. When I saw her eyes for the first time, it was like I had a telescope to every secret in the universe." According to TMZ, he went on to call Fox his "twin flame," explaining that their connection reflected all the hidden parts of himself he had long avoided. "It's really, really, really dark at first, and it's toxic," he said. "You're seeing all the things that you've run away from this whole time... and you're forced to either look away and lose, or face and embrace." MGK says "the evil eye" destroyed his relationship with Megan Fox pic.twitter.com/Ssl2UQas1t Coco (@cocoharris00) October 28, 2025 MGK Talks Co-Parenting With Megan Fox Despite the breakup, MGK emphasized that their love was real and transformative. He said the couple worked hard to protect their private life from public scrutiny, noting that the intense attention and criticism made it hard to maintain their relationship openly, OK Magazine said. "I think the reason that she and I have stepped away from publicizing anything in our relationship... is because we're both really intuitive people, and so we feel the millions of hate that comes at you," he explained. The former couple shares one daughter, Saga Blade Fox-Baker, born March 27, 2025. MGK said their co-parenting relationship is strong, describing it as "airtight." He added that keeping the details of their family life private ensures that no one can disrupt what works for them. An insider confirmed the pair still spends a lot of time together. "He spends pretty much every night at her house with the baby, and they act like a couple, but they haven't put a label on it or made anything official," the source shared. Even after their split in late 2024, MGK expressed hope for the future. "I would love to continue cherishing that connection," he said. Kim Kardashian has been receiving a fresh wave of negative comments regarding her most recent appearance on the red carpet. According to experts, the reality star's effort to get noticed with her over-the-top beauty tricks reflects her ongoing push to maintain attention through extreme beauty displays. The mother of four was the talk of the town at the recent Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles after she walked in a figure-hugging Maison Margiela dress that was created to show off her waist. The beige, strapless dress featured a corset that appeared to shrink her midsection, earning some online users the nickname "invisible waist." According to Harper's Bazaar, Kardashian also wore a full-face mask, which added to the backlash over the look. Experts Question Kardashian's Influence Charlotte Markey, a psychology professor at Rutgers University, told The Mirror US that Kardashian "has always promoted unrealistic beauty ideals" and continues to become "more extreme in her self-presentation." Markey said Kardashian's constant reinvention of her image suggests she "needs to do more outlandish and unrealistic things to her body" to keep public attention. While Markey said the reality star "has a right to do what she wants to herself," she also noted that Kardashian's influence makes her responsible for the effects of her choices on others. "She has a large following and is highly influential," Markey said. "It would be nice if she revealed some awareness that she is influencing others on a large scale and exhibited more realistic looks." Markey added that beauty standards are "made up" and based on social expectations rather than truth. She said the public has the power to stop accepting them as the norm. Kim Kardashian at the Academy Museum Gala. pic.twitter.com/afvRg9EKcX (@metgalacrave) October 19, 2025 A Broader Cultural Problem Beauty historian Rachel Weingarten echoed those concerns. Speaking to The Mirror US, she said Kardashian's approach to beauty has always centered on unrealistic standards, shared by her family and inner circle. "I don't think there's a time that Kim ever was doing anything other than promoting unrealistic beauty standards," Weingarten said. She added that she almost feels pity for the Kardashian-Jenner family, who seem "constantly trying to change to another form of womanhood they think will attract the most likes or watches." Weingarten said the pressure to maintain impossible beauty ideals extends beyond Kim. "One has but look at her daughter North to see the trickle-down effect of living in the spotlight and trying to stand out," she said. The expert also noted that Kardashian matriarch Kris Jenner drew similar reactions when she debuted a more enhanced appearance earlier this year. "Those same fans are now judging her for showing signs of aging," she said, pointing to society's obsession with youth and perfection. According to Weingarten, improvements in cosmetic surgery have made the pursuit of permanent beauty more attainable, giving rise to public obsession. She added that the Kardashian-Jenner family influenced the formation of those standards, producing a generation that considers such appearances achievable. Support Us Your Support will ensure EPWs financial viability and sustainability. The EPW produces independent and public-spirited scholarship and analyses of contemporary affairs every week. EPW is one of the few publications that keep alive the spirit of intellectual inquiry in the Indian media. Often described as a publication with a social conscience, EPW has never shied away from taking strong editorial positions. Our publication is free from political pressure, or commercial interests. Our editorial independence is our pride. We rely on your support to continue the endeavour of highlighting the challenges faced by the disadvantaged, writings from the margins, and scholarship on the most pertinent issues that concern contemporary Indian society. Every contribution is valuable for our future. China approves amendment to cybersecurity law, highlighting safe AI development Xinhua) 08:28, October 29, 2025 People enter the venue of the 2025 China International Consumer Electronics Exposition (CICE) in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, Sept. 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng) BEIJING, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly reshapes industries and daily life in China, lawmakers in the top legislature are amending the Cybersecurity Law to support technological research and mitigate the emerging risks in the field. An amendment to China's Cybersecurity Law was approved on Tuesday at the conclusion of a five-day session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee. An article on the safe and sound development of AI was added to the revised law, which will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026. The final amendment introduces a framework aimed at ensuring the safety and development of AI, which outlines several key priorities like increased support for foundational research and key algorithmic innovations, the development of AI-related infrastructure, and stronger ethical standards for AI. It also stipulates stronger security risk monitoring and enhanced AI safety regulations. This move was seen as a response to the growing demand for AI governance and development, said Wang Xiang, a spokesperson for the Legislative Affairs Commission of the NPC Standing Committee, at a press conference last week. The Recommendations of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development, adopted last week and made public on Tuesday, also stated that China must "strengthen governance over AI and refine relevant laws, regulations, policies, systems, application standards, and ethical codes." The rapid advancement of AI in China has made the issue of regulation more urgent. China now ranks second globally in the World Artificial Intelligence Innovation Index, behind only the United States, according to a report from the recent World Artificial Intelligence Conference. As of June 2025, China's generative AI user base reached 515 million, double the number just six months prior, per a recent report by the China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC), which highlights the exponential growth of this technology. While AI continues to drive technological progress, it also brings new cybersecurity risks. A report on the cybersecurity situation in 2025 from the National Computer Virus Emergency Response Center reveals a significant rise in AI-related network and data security risks, compared to the previous year, with network attacks accounting for 29 percent and data breaches 26 percent. Hao Ping, a member of the NPC Standing Committee, emphasized the need to establish a legislative framework to ensure that AI technologies comply with security standards. He also called for forward-looking assessments and continuous monitoring to promote compliance, transparency and accountability in AI applications. In light of these growing risks, the Cybersecurity Law, which has been pivotal in safeguarding national cyberspace sovereignty and security since its implementation in June 2017, has been amended to address the new challenges posed by AI. "As AI increasingly permeates every aspect of daily life, security should no longer be treated as an afterthought or a problem to be addressed later. Instead, it must become a core focus of technological innovation," said Li Hewu, deputy director of the Institute for Network Sciences and Cyberspace, Tsinghua University. According to CNNIC, China now has over 1.1 billion internet users, with an internet penetration rate of 79.7 percent. To enhance the protection of personal information online, the amendment stipulates better alignment with relevant laws, including the Civil Code and the Personal Information Protection Law. The amendment also clarifies penalties for violations and increases fines in a bid to strengthen legal responsibilities. Serious offenses could result in suspension, closure, or even revocation of business licenses. "The regulation of data, from its creation to its endpoint, requires a seamless coordination among laws and regulations," Li said. "By strengthening the alignment between the Cybersecurity Law and related laws, the effectiveness and deterrence of these legal frameworks can be greatly improved." (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) 2 Javier Izquierdo, miembro de la Ejecutiva del PSOE, deja todos sus cargos en plena crisis por las denuncias de acoso You Might Also Like The Associated Press has analyzed a video released by Israel accusing Hamas of staging the discovery of remains of a hostage in Gaza. The video shows a white body bag being thrown out of a damaged building into a dug out area. A horticultural company has been fined 80,000 after an employee suffered serious injuries when a ladder collapsed beneath him while he was working at height. The incident happened in June 2023, when the employee was checking irrigation watering hanging baskets at Ball Colegrave Ltds site in Banbury, Oxfordshire. As he climbed the ladder, it gave way, throwing him to the ground. He sustained five broken ribs and a partially collapsed lung. An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the company had failed to ensure, so far as was reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of its employees. Inspectors concluded that the task had not been properly planned or carried out safely, as required under workplace safety law. The HSE said the case served as a reminder that working at height remains one of the leading causes of serious injury and death on farms and in other workplaces. At a hearing at Oxford Magistrates Court on 14 October 2025, Ball Colegrave Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The company was fined 80,000 and ordered to pay 7,061 in costs. Following the case, HSE Inspector Rebecca Gibson said: This incident highlights the duty on employers to ensure that they do all they can to minimise the risk from working at height. "If work at height isnt properly planned and unsuitable work equipment is used, people can fall and sustain serious injuries. She added that falls from height remain a leading cause of workplace injury and death, urging all employers to review their procedures and ensure workers are adequately protected. The prosecution was supported by HSE enforcement lawyer Arafq Nabi and paralegal officer Gabrielle OSullivan. Ball Colegrave Ltd has since reviewed its safety procedures following the incident. Aldi has once again been named Scotlands leading supermarket for sourcing Scottish produce, but farming leaders say all retailers must do more to back home-grown food and reduce reliance on imports. According to NFU Scotlands ShelfWatch 2025 Mid-Year Report, 41% of Aldis shelf stock is now Scottish in origin a 7% increase since January and 6% up year-on-year. The retailers combined Scottish and British sourcing stands at 88%, matching the Co-op and putting both supermarkets well ahead of their competitors. Aldi remains the frontrunner, but other supermarkets are closing the gap. The Co-op has made the biggest gains since January, while Asdas year-on-year progress matches Aldis. NFU Scotland President Andrew Connon welcomed the improvements but warned that overall sourcing levels remain too low. Aldis progress is encouraging and shows whats possible when retailers genuinely commit to local sourcing, he said. But its equally positive to see other supermarkets closing the gap, particularly Co-op and Asda, who have also made real progress this year. Across the sector, however, less than 1 in 5 products on shelves are Scottish-sourced and that must change. The ShelfWatch audit tracks the origin, labelling and visibility of own-label goods across eight major UK supermarkets. While there has been progress in pork and milk, the report highlights troubling trends in other areas. Imported lamb rose by 8% year-on-year, with Tesco and Morrisons now stocking product from New Zealand and Australia. Asda stocked no Scotch lamb, with imports accounting for 82% of its lamb range. There was better news in pork, where British sourcing is up 17%, replacing some imports proof, the union said, that progress is possible when retailers engage. But imported vegetables have surged across several chains, reflecting both the impact of this years dry weather and an ongoing lack of investment in domestic supply chains. NFU Scotland said greater commitment to local sourcing is essential to supporting farmgate prices, rural jobs and long-term food security. Connon added: Consumers want to buy Scottish. Farmers want to supply Scottish. But supermarkets are still too reliant on imports whether thats lamb from the Southern Hemisphere or veg flown in from overseas. ShelfWatch shows encouraging steps forward from several supermarkets, but also that theres still a long way to go. Aldi, which established its Scottish Buying Department in 2009, now works with more than 90 Scottish suppliers and offers over 450 locally produced items. The retailer said the ShelfWatch data continues to shape its approach to sourcing and supply chain development. Graham Nicolson, group buying director at Aldi Scotland, said: Were proud of the progress weve made and remain committed to supporting Scottish farmers and producers. "ShelfWatch provides valuable insight that helps us strengthen local supply chains, expand Scottish ranges, and ensure high-quality produce reaches our customers. NFU Scotland said it will revisit the findings in its end-of-year ShelfWatch report, when it plans to engage directly with major retailers on clearer labelling, fairer pricing and stronger commitments to Scottish produce. A fundraising lottery launched just six months ago is already helping fund hundreds of emotional support calls to people in Scotlands farming community. RSABI, which provides emotional, practical and financial support to people working in Scottish agriculture, launched The Farmers Lotto earlier this year to raise vital funds for its frontline services. The Lotto is now helping to finance RSABIs outbound friendship calls a lifeline service costing around 40,000 a year and growing as demand increases. RSABIs proactive calls tackle loneliness and isolation across Scotlands rural communities, offering comfort and connection to those who may be struggling, particularly older people living alone. Since its launch, the Lotto has seen strong and consistent engagement, with more than 400 players taking part weekly and an average of 900 tickets sold. So far, over 40 winners have claimed prizes but the greater reward, RSABI says, is sustaining a vital service that helps people feel less alone. Pauline Macmillan, head of fundraising at RSABI, said: Were incredibly grateful to everyone whos supported The Farmers Lotto over the past six months. "Thanks to our loyal players, the funds raised are helping to cover the cost of our outbound emotional support calls which reach hundreds of people every year and make a real difference in tackling loneliness. "These calls offer a listening ear and help us stay connected with those who may be struggling, so every Lotto ticket sold helps us keep those conversations going. One family member of a call recipient said the charitys work had made a huge difference to their loved ones wellbeing: When he came off the phone it was like a weight had been lifted. Just knowing that hes not the only one who has experienced this helps massively it was great to see him feeling more positive. A direct recipient added: Thank you to RSABI for all the support over last couple of years. I was struggling so badly but your help kept me managing to put one foot in front of the other and I will be eternally grateful. To mark its six-month milestone, RSABI will give away a 100 Amazon voucher and first pick of its new branded merchandise to one lucky player in the Friday 31 October draw. Players can win up to 25,000 for 1 a ticket, with smaller cash prizes available each week. Fresh doubts have been raised over whether the UKs new dairy regulations are truly protecting producers, as farmers face sharp price cuts just months after the Fair Dealings Obligations (Milk) Regulations 2024 came into force. The Farmers Union of Wales (FUW) has warned that the legislationintroduced to ensure fairness and transparency in the dairy supply chainmay not be delivering on its promises. Several milk processors across the country have recently announced reductions of up to six pence per litre, with some cuts applied retrospectively. The FUWs intervention coincides with the Welsh Dairy Show at Carmarthen Showground, where frustrations among producers are running high. The union argues that the recent actions by processors may not align with either the letter or the spirit of the new rules. Carmarthenshire dairy farmer and FUW Life Member Brian Walters described the situation as the first real test of the regulations, which followed extensive consultation between government and industry. He said the measures had been welcomed as a step towards greater fairness and transparency, but the current wave of price cuts appears to contradict both the spirit and intent of those rules. Mr Walters added that the sudden reductions, often made with little notice, had exposed serious shortcomings in communication between processors and producers on price trends, at a time when the sectors viability was already under strain. He suggested some processors might be taking full advantage of recent market movements, benefiting from lower milk prices while leaving farmers to bear the brunt of the impact. Under the Fair Dealings Obligations (Milk) Regulations 2024, processors are required to follow strict rules on contract terms, notice periods and pricing mechanisms. Breaches can be reported to the Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator (ASCA), which has the authority to fine companies up to one per cent of their turnover. However, the FUW warns that recent price decisionsparticularly those applied retrospectivelycould test the limits of the new framework and expose weaknesses in enforcement. The union is urging government and regulators to ensure that the legislation is properly upheld and that farmers are fully informed about their rights and complaint routes. FUW policy officer Elin Jenkins acknowledged that market conditions remain challenging but stressed that the regulations were specifically designed to protect producers from unfair practices. Although market intelligence had indicated potential price pressures, she said, the abrupt reductions have nonetheless come as a shock. Ms Jenkins added that greater transparency and open communication from processors could have enabled suppliers to plan ahead and mitigate the impact. With tensions rising in the sector, the FUW has called for urgent clarity from both the Welsh Government and the ASCA on how the new rules will be enforced. The union is expected to raise the matter directly with ministers in the coming weeks as the industry seeks reassurance that fairness in the dairy chain is more than just a promise on paper. Vicky Kaushal was born on May 16, 1988, in Mumbai, to Sham Kaushal, a well-known stunt director. Coming from a Punjabi family originally from Hoshiarpur, Vicky grew up surrounded by the world of cinema, but his path wasnt set in stone. He studied engineering at Mumbais Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology and even had a job offer in hand. But his heart belonged elsewhere, in front of the camera. Before acting, he worked as an assistant director on Anurag Kashyaps Gangs of Wasseypur (2012) and appeared in small roles. His breakout moment came in Masaan (2015), which changed everything. From there, Vicky has built a career marked by variety, each role different in tone, texture, and energy. Lets look at eight films that prove why Vicky Kaushal is one of the most versatile actors in Indian cinema today. Masaan (2015) Masaan , a quiet yet powerful story set along the ghats of Varanasi. He plays Deepak, a young man from the Dom community, whose family cremates bodies but who dreams of a better life. His romance with Shalu (played by Shweta Tripathi) is tender and innocent yet destined for heartbreak. Vickys debut as a lead actor was in, a quiet yet powerful story set along the ghats of Varanasi. He plays Deepak, a young man from the Dom community, whose family cremates bodies but who dreams of a better life. His romance with Shalu (played by Shweta Tripathi) is tender and innocent yet destined for heartbreak. What stands out here is how real Vicky feels, his body language, the small-town accent, and the shy smiles. He doesnt perform the character; he lives him. When tragedy strikes, his grief isnt loud, but it breaks you. Masaan introduced Vicky as someone who could express deep emotion without saying much, the hallmark of a true actor. Zubaan (2016) Zubaan, Vicky plays Dilsher, a young man from Punjab who stutters and struggles to find his own voice, literally and emotionally. The film follows his journey from a small town to the glitzy music world of Delhi. In, Vicky plays Dilsher, a young man from Punjab who stutters and struggles to find his own voice, literally and emotionally. The film follows his journey from a small town to the glitzy music world of Delhi. Raman Raghav 2.0 (2016) In Anurag Kashyaps dark psychological thriller, Vicky flips the script completely. He plays ACP Raghavan, a morally broken police officer addicted to drugs and self-destruction. Opposite Nawazuddin Siddiquis serial killer, Vickys character is not much different, hes chaotic, angry, and hollow inside. This was the first time audiences saw Vicky in a dark, disturbing role. His performance is raw and unpredictable. The intensity in his eyes, the restlessness in his movements, its both uncomfortable and mesmerizing to watch. It proved that he wasnt afraid to explore the ugly side of human nature. Raazi (2018) Raazi, Vicky takes a quieter yet emotionally layered turn as Iqbal Syed, a Pakistani Army officer who marries Sehmat (Alia Bhatt), unaware that shes an Indian spy. In Meghna Gulzars, Vicky takes a quieter yet emotionally layered turn as Iqbal Syed, a Pakistani Army officer who marries Sehmat (Alia Bhatt), unaware that shes an Indian spy. Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019) Uri attack, Vicky underwent intense physical and mental preparation. This was the film that turned Vicky Kaushal into a national hero. Playing Major Vihaan Singh Shergill, a para-commando leading a retaliatory mission after theattack, Vicky underwent intense physical and mental preparation. Hows the josh? became a national catchphrase, but beyond the slogan, theres a deeply emotional story. Vicky portrays not just a soldier, but a son, a brother, and a man dealing with loss and duty. His dedication and intensity shine through every scene, especially in the action sequences, where he feels both commanding and human. Uri cemented his place as a leading man who could carry an entire film on his shoulders. Sardar Udham (2021) Directed by Shoojit Sircar, Sardar Udham is one of Vickys most acclaimed performances. He plays Udham Singh, the revolutionary who avenged the Jallianwala Bagh massacre by assassinating Michael ODwyer in London. The film unfolds patiently, and Vicky delivers one of his most controlled and heartbreaking performances. His portrayal of trauma, especially in the scenes showing the massacre, is haunting. There is quiet rage and dignity in how he carries the weight of history. Its not a loud film; its reflective, emotional, and deeply human. Many critics called it his career-best work, and its easy to see why. Bad Newz (2024) Bad Newz gave Vicky a chance to showcase his comic timing and charm. The film revolves around an unusual pregnancy twist, inspired by a real scientific phenomenon, and Vicky plays one of the two potential fathers. After a series of serious roles,gave Vicky a chance to showcase his comic timing and charm. The film revolves around an unusual pregnancy twist, inspired by a real scientific phenomenon, and Vicky plays one of the two potential fathers. Chhaava (2025) Chhaava, Vicky takes on the grand role of Sambhaji Maharaj, the brave son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This historical epic required him to look and move like a warrior, and he did just that. The role demanded physical transformation, royal poise, and emotional depth, and Vicky nailed all three. His Sambhaji is not just a warrior on the battlefield, but also a son, a strategist, and a leader torn between duty and sacrifice. The film showcases his ability to handle large-scale, period storytelling without losing the emotional soul of the character. In, Vicky takes on the grand role of Sambhaji Maharaj, the brave son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This historical epic required him to look and move like a warrior, and he did just that. The role demanded physical transformation, royal poise, and emotional depth, and Vicky nailed all three. His Sambhaji is not just a warrior on the battlefield, but also a son, a strategist, and a leader torn between duty and sacrifice. The film showcases his ability to handle large-scale, period storytelling without losing the emotional soul of the character. From the heartbroken lover in Masaan to the heroic soldier in Uri, from the haunted revolutionary in Sardar Udham to the humorous chaos of Bad Newz, Vicky Kaushals filmography is a masterclass in range. He has never been afraid to experiment, whether its an indie gem or a big-budget epic. What makes him special is his honesty, no matter how big or small the role, he makes it feel real. Watching him is like watching someone live another life in front of you. And thats what true versatility looks like. Its a story about ambition, fear, and self-discovery. Vicky captures Dilshers transformation beautifully, from a nervous boy trying to fit in, to a man who learns to embrace his flaws. The role demanded emotional vulnerability, and Vickys performance made you root for him every step of the way. Its one of his lesser-seen films, but it shows his willingness to take risks early in his career.Vickys Iqbal is dignified, kind, and sincere, never once portrayed as a villain. Through subtle glances and controlled emotions, he gives the film a heartbeat of empathy. His chemistry with Alia Bhatt adds depth to an already tense story. Whats striking is how naturally he brings humanity to a role that could have easily been reduced to a stereotype.His character is goofy, confident, and endearing. The humour comes naturally, but he never overacts or turns it into slapstick. Whats refreshing is how he balances fun with heart, you laugh with him, but you also feel for him. Its proof that Vicky can do comedy just as effortlessly as he does drama or action. Also Read: Vicky Kaushal Drops a Sweet Hint About Katrina Kaif Giving Birth The makers released the trailer for Ikkis, giving a glimpse into the remarkable life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, India's youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. The teaser features Agastya Nanda playing a heroic soldier, showing scenes of tank battles, intense combat, and the emotional toll of war. The trailer starts with Agastya Nanda saying that the next recipient of the Param Vir Chakra will be from his regiment. It then shows his determination and commitment as he diligently trains for an additional two hours each day. The trailer also offers a glimpse into his romantic life, set against the backdrop of the Indo-Pak war. The promo then transitions to a touching moment where Arun informs his mother of his deployment to the battlefield, and she encourages him to fight with the courage of a lion. Veteran actor Dharmendra plays Aruns grandfather, sharing stories of bravery from his own experiences and showing how young Arun would listen intently to his war stories. Jaideep Ahlawat appears as a Pakistani army officer, acknowledging to Dharmendra that Arun Khetarpal's legacy extends beyond India and is honoured even in Pakistan. The film is directed by National Awardwinning director Sriram Raghavan. Ikkis is an intense war biopic that portrays the courageous life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who holds the distinction of being India's youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. Against the backdrop of the 1971 Indo-Pak War, the film follows Arun's path from his initial military training to the battlefield, highlighting his bravery, love for his country, and the ultimate sacrifice he made at the young age of 21. Apart from exploring the intensity of war and the human spirit through the heroics, Ikkis also captures the personal relationships and emotional connections in the family. Directed by Sriram Raghavan and produced by Maddock Films, the film also features veteran actor Dharmendra, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Agastya in key roles. Also Read: Akshay Kumars niece Simar Bhatia to star opposite Agastya Nanda in Ikkis Shah Rukh Khan is gearing up for his upcoming movie King. While major details about the film have been kept under the wraps, a new click, reportedly from the sets, has created social media stirs. The new image seemingly features Khan, engaging in a sword fight with armed assailants. #KING SWORD FIGHT SEQUENCE LEAKED.. GUESS THE ACTORS INVOLVED IN THIS SCENE#SRK WILL BREAK ALL RECORDS pic.twitter.com/whAEgB3kPH JAWAN-2 (@khelonmusk) October 28, 2025 Social media has divided opinions about the new image. While many believe it to be an authentic shot from the sets, others have deemed it as an AI-heavy photo. Since SRK seems to be covered in a silhouette with his face hardly visible, many netizens have noted that it is not from the sets. The image was first posted by a fan club of the actor on X. They added the caption, "#KING SWORD FIGHT SEQUENCE LEAKED..GUESS THE ACTORS INVOLVED IN THIS SCENE." The origins of the click are not known, but social media users have been positive about it being a product of Artificial Intelligence. Not much is known about King. Neither the official cast list, nor the title, teaser or posters have been shared by the makers. However, recently, one of Shah Rukh Khan's photos with a salt-and-pepper look went viral. Netizens have been gushing over the image, as King Khan is seemingly sporting a stylish avatar. Many have noted that it is for his character in King. The actor was recently photographed hosting the 70th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2025 With Gujarat Tourism. He took up the hosting duties alongside Karan Johar and Maniesh Paul. The actor was also seen dancing heartily alongside Kajol, to some of their most popular songs. He also accepted late actor Dilip Kumar's Cine Icon award from Jaya Bachchan. Kumar was given this award posthumously for his contributions to Indian cinema. Also Read: Kajol to Katrina Kaif - Bollywood Stars on Shah Rukh Khans Charm, Wit and Stardom View this post on Instagram A post shared by KARTIK AARYAN (@kartikaaryan) In an interview with Hindustan Times, the actor opened up about reuniting with Ananya and said, "We had a blast shooting it, and that vibe translates on screen. Reuniting with Ananya was like picking up where we left off; she was a total live-wire on set. Shes going to surprise everyone. Im sure the audience will enjoy our chemistry in this fun, refreshing rom-com as Ray-Rumi and all the masti the film brings." View this post on Instagram A post shared by KARTIK AARYAN (@kartikaaryan) Ananya Panday and Kartik Aaryan's upcoming film has left fans excited. After working on Pati Patni Aur Woh, the two have collaborated once again for Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri. A few months ago, the duo wrapped shooting for the romantic drama. It was later revealed that TMMTMTTM will arrive in cinemas on December 31, 2025. Ahead of the film's release, Kartik spoke about his reunion with Ananya for the Sameer Vidwan directorial.In an interview with Hindustan Times, the actor opened up about reuniting with Ananya and said, "We had a blast shooting it, and that vibe translates on screen. Reuniting with Ananya was like picking up where we left off; she was a total live-wire on set. Shes going to surprise everyone. Im sure the audience will enjoy our chemistry in this fun, refreshing rom-com as Ray-Rumi and all the masti the film brings." The film was shot in some stunning locations across Croatia and Rajasthan, offering a visually vibrant backdrop for the story. Veteran actors Jackie Shroff and Neena Gupta also join the cast, bringing their experience and depth to the film. With this mix of young energy and seasoned talent, the movie promises a balanced story full of humour, emotion, and charm. Produced by Dharma Productions and Namah Pictures, with backing from Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, Shareen Mantri Kedia, Kishor Arora, and Bhumika Tewari, Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated releases of the year. Chris Evans and Alba Baptista have reportedly welcomed their first child, a baby girl, last Friday at 1:27 p.m. in Massachusetts, according to TMZ. The couple has not yet shared any details about the babys name or gender. However, initial reports also suggest that the child has been named Alma Grace Baptista Evans. While the couple has been private about their marriage and family life, the two became Instagram official in 2023. Right after that, Chris and Alba tied the knot in a private ceremony on Cape Cod. The two did not reveal their pregnancy, but speculations were doing rounds on social media after Alba's father Luiz Baptista left a heartfelt comment in a fan account's Father's Day tribute post. He wrote, "Many thanks dear Chris. Your turn is coming!" Since then, social media users had been working overtime to find out about Chris and Alba's family planning. The actor hasn't opened up about adjusting to the new role of being a father yet. However, in a previous interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Chris shared his take on parenthood. He said, "Being a dad would be a dream role for me... Growing up in a close-knit family of four, we would all sleep in the same room on Christmas Eve, watch a Christmas movie, and try to fall asleep amidst the festive excitement." He had also shared that alongside Alba, he is beginning to maintain his own family traditions. They celebrate the important festivities both in Massachusetts and Portugal. In fact, Chris and Alba also bought a home in Portugal as a family. On the professional front, the actor hasn't shared about his upcoming projects. However, he has dismissed rumours of returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) for Avengers: Doomsday. "Happily retired," he stated, when the speculations about his return were at an all time high. Also Read: Chris Evans Most Iconic Captain America Scenes She concluded by stressing the importance of personal taste in cinema. She said, "When you watch a film, watch it for the film, for what it is. Obviously, the makers and the actors have put in a lot of effort. It might work out, it might not thats absolutely fine. What may work for you may not work for me as an audience. You might like something, I may not, and thats okay. Opinions are absolutely fine. Also Read: She concluded by stressing the importance of personal taste in cinema. She said, "When you watch a film, watch it for the film, for what it is. Obviously, the makers and the actors have put in a lot of effort. It might work out, it might not thats absolutely fine. What may work for you may not work for me as an audience. You might like something, I may not, and thats okay. Opinions are absolutely fine.Also Read: Priyamani Reveals Why She and Cousin Vidya Balan Are Not Close Priyamani has voiced her disapproval of the popular term pan-India actor, calling it unnecessary and divisive. In a conversation with Hindustan Times, the Family Man star shared her thoughts on the growing trend of labelling actors based on the industries they work in.Priyamani noted, "I think we should stop using the term pan-India. Were all Indian at the end of the day. What is this pan-India? I dont understand. You get work in other industries, and thats a good thing but you dont call someone a regional actor when they come from Bollywood to the South. For years, actors from both sides have worked across languages. Why are we suddenly labelling people now?Interestingly, she has worked extensively in multiple film industries including Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi. She also noted that actors like Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth, Prakash Raj, Dhanush and more have worked in several industries. During the conversation, she emphasised that art should transcend language barriers. She pointed out that audiences should focus on performances and stories rather than categorising talent based on location. It doesnt matter which language we work in accept us for who we are and for the characters we play. This sudden trend of actors wanting to overly use the term is funny," she said.Priyamani also urged people to view films without overanalysing or passing judgment. People have become oversensitive. Its okay to have opinions, but dont overanalyse or try to influence others. Watch a film for what it is. So many people put in hard work just appreciate that," she shared. CALGARY, AB / ACCESS Newswire / October 28, 2025 / Waskahigan Oil & Gas Corp (CSE:WOGC) WOGC is pleased to announce that it has entered into a further amendment and extension agreement (the "SPA Amending Agreement #3") with Terra Metals Inc. (Delaware) ("TMI-Delaware"), Terra Metals Limited ("TM-Zambia"), Lunda Resources Limited ("Lunda"), Central African Renewable Energy Corporation Limited ("CARE"), Mumena Mushinge, and Brian Chisala (collectively, the "TMI Parties"), in connection with the Share Purchase Agreement ("SPA") originally executed on May 16, 2025. The SPA was previously amended on June 16, 2025 and July 31, 2025, as both parties continued to advance listing, regulatory, and technical documentation in support of the proposed combination and CSE listing process. Following recent discussions and mutual agreement, the parties have rescinded the notice of termination previously issued on October 9, 2025, and have formally reinstated and extended the SPA through SPA Amending Agreement #3, executed on October 22, 2025. The Extension Agreement provides an updated timeline and framework for the completion of all remaining deliverables, including final due diligence exchanges and CSE application filings, which are now scheduled for completion by December 15, 2025. The TMI Parties have confirmed payment and continuation of all obligations under the SPA, and both parties reaffirm their commitment to the successful completion of the transaction. This extension reflects a shared commitment by WOGC and the TMI Parties to advance the transaction in good faith, maintain alignment with regulatory requirements, and strengthen the long-term partnership between the two groups. For further information, please contact: Gregory J. Leia, President and CEO Waskahigan Oil & Gas Corp. Suite 203 - 221 - 10th Avenue SE Calgary Alberta T2G 0V9 T: (403) 870 0091 Email: gleia@wolffleia.ca The CSE and Information Service Provider have not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this release. SOURCE: Waskahigan Oil & Gas Corp View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/oil-gas-and-energy/waskahigan-oil-and-gas-corp.-and-terra-metals-group-execute-extension-agreement-1092969 Los Angeles, California--(Newsfile Corp. - October 28, 2025) - The LUNA Financial Education Initiative, founded by Swiss entrepreneur Celine Klarer, has released new internal findings underscoring a notable increase in the number of women without prior finance backgrounds beginning to learn about investing fundamentals. The organization's study draws from a sample of more than 500 participants across Europe and Asia who have engaged with LUNA's educational materials since 2022. LUNA Financial Education Initiative Launches Research Highlighting Growing Female Participation in Investing To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/271420_cd494a8614416be2_002full.jpg According to the organization, the results reflect a broader societal shift toward greater financial literacy among women, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and recent market adjustments. "We observed a measurable rise in engagement among women aged 25-45 who are taking active steps to understand investment concepts for the first time," said Celine Klarer, founder of the LUNA Financial Education Initiative. "Our goal is to make foundational financial knowledge more accessible and less intimidating." Study Overview and Key Observations The LUNA initiative's report, Women and Investing: Foundations of Financial Confidence 2025, summarizes anonymized participant feedback gathered from its educational workshops and self-study programs. The findings indicate: Over 60% of respondents had never taken a finance-related course before joining an educational program. The majority cited "building financial security" and "understanding economic systems" as primary motivations. Participants reported improved confidence in reading market data and understanding business fundamentals. A Focus on Education, Not Speculation The LUNA Financial Education Initiative clarified that its programs are designed exclusively for financial literacy and education. They do not provide investment recommendations, forecasts, or advisory services. "Our focus is on promoting understanding," said Klarer. "By improving access to education, we aim to empower women to make informed financial decisions independently." Broader Implications for Financial Literacy Industry observers note that increased financial education participation may have long-term benefits for household decision-making and economic resilience. As global discussions about the gender wealth gap continue, initiatives like LUNA's contribute data and insights relevant to policymakers, educators, and financial institutions seeking to close the knowledge divide. About the LUNA Financial Education Initiative Founded in Zurich in 2021 by Celine Klarer, LUNA Financial Education Initiative is a Switzerland-based organization dedicated to advancing financial literacy among women and first-time investors. Through research, workshops, and accessible educational materials, LUNA seeks to foster understanding of economic systems and promote confidence in financial decision-making. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/271420 SOURCE: Plentisoft - Strategic MOU enhances market access and extends reach to over 900 hospitals across the region SEOUL, South Korea, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- VUNO Inc., a global medical AI company, announced today that it has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Contextflow, an Austrian imaging AI company, and Mesalvo, a German hospital information system (HIS) provider, to jointly advance into the European market with its AI-based cardiac arrest prediction solution, VUNO Med-DeepCARS. The MOU was signed on October 27 during a local meeting held in conjunction with the 38th Annual Congress of the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM LIVES 2025), which took place from October 25 to 29 in Munich, Germany. Through this agreement, the three companies will collaborate on technical integration, real-world validation, and reimbursement strategies to support the adoption of DeepCARS across European hospitals. Under the MOU, Contextflow will leverage its expertise in reimbursement and regulatory processes for imaging AI solutions in Europe to support DeepCARS' regulatory compliance and market access strategy. Meanwhile, Mesalvo, a major provider of hospital information systems across Europe including Germany, will work on integrating DeepCARS into its electronic health record (EHR) systems and data platforms. Building on the technological integration with Mesalvo's EHR platform, this partnership positions VUNO's DeepCARS to potentially reach over 900 hospitals across Europe. Alongside the MOU signing, VUNO showcased DeepCARS at a dedicated booth at ESICM 2025. Under the slogan "Predict Early, Prevent More," the company highlighted the solution's unique features, real-world clinical cases, and superior predictive performance compared to conventional early warning systems. These efforts drew significant interest from intensive care experts across Europe. Dr. Ye Ha Lee, Founder & CEO of VUNO, commented, "This strategic MOU with Contextflow and Mesalvo marks a significant step toward DeepCARS' expansion into Europe. By working closely with trusted local partners, we aim to set a new global standard in AI-based patient care that European hospitals and medical professionals can rely on." About VUNO VUNO, founded in 2014, is a leading South Korean medical AI company and the developer of the nation's first approved AI-powered medical device. Leveraging cutting-edge AI technology, VUNO analyzes a wide range of medical data-from bio signals such as ECG, respiratory rate and blood pressure to medical images including X-rays, CT scans, and fundus images-to predict critical events and support clinicians in decision-making. Committed to patient-centered innovation, VUNO strives to make high-quality healthcare accessible to everyone, worldwide. About VUNO Med-DeepCARS VUNO Med-DeepCARS(DeepCARS) is an AI-powered medical device designed to monitor the risk of in-hospital cardiac arrest within the next 24 hours. It analyzes patients' vital signs-including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature-in general wards. As of September 2025, DeepCARS has been implemented across more than 50,000 hospital beds in South Korea, including over 20 tertiary general hospitals, establishing itself as an essential part of care. In 2023, DeepCARS received Breakthrough Device Designation (BDD) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is currently undergoing the FDA approval process. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/vuno-partners-with-european-firms-to-advance-deepcars-market-entry-in-europe-302597666.html San Francisco, California--(Newsfile Corp. - October 28, 2025) - Higgsfield, a leading innovator in artificial intelligence and creative automation, today announced the launch of its new Higgsfield Creative Toolkit, developed to help digital creators optimize workflows and achieve smoother results when using Sora 2 software. Higgsfield launches AI Toolkit to boost Sora 2 performance To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11704/272181_ef0a6b2b545f4972_001full.jpg The toolkit is an independent product designed by Higgsfield to enhance performance and streamline creative tasks for users working with advanced AI-based video or content platforms such as Sora 2. While not affiliated with or endorsed by OpenAI, the creators of Sora 2, Higgsfield's toolkit is engineered to function seamlessly in user-driven workflows that utilize Sora 2's publicly available technology. Improving Efficiency and Creative Output The Higgsfield Creative Toolkit empowers users to refine AI-generated video and animation projects through intelligent automation, adaptive correction, and real-time analytics. By providing features that complement Sora 2's existing creative environment, the toolkit helps reduce repetitive tasks and improves rendering stability for smoother video production. "Our focus was to give creators more control, speed, and reliability in their AI-powered projects," said Dr. Lina Voss, Chief Technology Officer at Higgsfield. "We've built this toolkit to support professionals who use software like Sora 2 - ensuring they can achieve high-quality results faster and with greater precision. It's not an official integration, but rather an enhancement designed to empower the global creative community." Key Benefits for Digital Creators Early users of the Higgsfield Creative Toolkit have reported notable gains in workflow efficiency, with some teams experiencing up to 40% faster production times and significant improvements in content accuracy. The system's intelligent modules automatically detect and correct frame inconsistencies, optimize transitions, and stabilize flicker - one of the most common challenges in AI-generated video. By minimizing manual adjustments, creators can focus more on storytelling, design, and audience engagement rather than post-production fixes. Designed for Compatibility, Not Affiliation To ensure transparency, Higgsfield confirms that the new toolkit is independently developed and is not an official product, collaboration, or partnership with OpenAI or its subsidiaries. The software is designed to assist creators who already use Sora 2 toolkit and wish to enhance their results through supplementary AI-based tools. "Higgsfield's mission has always been to build accessible, creator-friendly tools that extend what's possible with today's AI," added Dr. Voss. "Our products are made to complement existing technologies, not replace or officially integrate with them." Empowering the Next Generation of AI Creators As the demand for AI-assisted creativity continues to grow, Higgsfield remains committed to supporting content professionals, educators, and independent artists worldwide. The Higgsfield Creative Toolkit represents a key step toward more intuitive, efficient, and accessible creative production in the AI era. About Higgsfield Higgsfield is an AI research and development company focused on building intelligent creative tools for the digital generation. Its technologies support a wide range of applications, including video processing, data-driven media production, and automation frameworks that enhance human creativity through artificial intelligence. For more information on the Higgsfield Creative Toolkit, visit www.higgsfield.ai. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/272181 SOURCE: FG Newswire TOKYO, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Health Innovative Technology (GHIT) Fund announced today a total investment of approximately JPY 1.73 billion (USD 11.6 million1) in four R&D projects for the development of diagnostics and a vaccine for tuberculosis (TB), neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), and malaria.2 Investment of JPY 390 Million (USD 2.6 million1) to Advance a Novel Rapid Diagnostic for Tuberculosis Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the world's most devastating infectious diseases, affecting over 10 million people and causing 1.3 million deaths annually.3 In resource-limited settings, over 3 million people go undiagnosed each year due to the lack of suitable, accessible diagnostic tools4-particularly at the point of first contact with the healthcare system. Severely ill patients and children, who often struggle to produce sputum, are especially at risk of being missed by routine diagnostics. To help address this gap, the GHIT Fund is investing JPY 390 million (USD 2.6 million1) in a global partnership aimed at assessing and introducing an innovative TB diagnostic. This project is being led by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) hosted organization Stop TB Partnership, in collaboration with FUJIFILM Corporation, the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, and research institutions in Cameroon, Nigeria, and Germany. The investment builds on a prior GHIT-supported project that received approximately JPY 600 million (USD 4.0 million1) between 2016 and 2023 and seeks to bring a highly sensitive urine-based rapid test progressing toward implementation. The project will evaluate the performance and feasibility of FUJIFILM SILVAMP TB LAM II, a rapid test developed by Fujifilm to detect urinary LAM antigens, along with a urine concentration device (UCD). This innovative diagnostic approach eliminates the need for sputum collection and has the potential to significantly improve diagnostic accuracy for a broad range of people-including those living with or without HIV, severely ill individuals, and children. By enabling earlier and more accessible diagnosis, particularly in underserved settings, this project aims to reduce diagnostic delays and disparities, help limit the spread of TB, and ultimately support global efforts to end the disease. JPY 681 million (USD 4.5 million1) Investment in a Phase I Clinical Study of a Leishmaniasis Vaccine Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease transmitted by sandflies and is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an NTD. The GHIT Fund will invest JPY 681 million (USD 4.5 million1) in Phase I clinical trials of this promising vaccine, in a project jointly conducted by the Ohio State University and Nagasaki University. The project will evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of the investigational vaccine in healthy adults living in endemic regions of Brazil and Kenya. In addition, on July 25, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Investigational New Drug Application (IND) to initiate human clinical trials. This milestone represents a significant step forward in the fight against leishmaniasis and will accelerate product development and early access. In addition, the GHIT Fund will invest a total of approximately JPY 666 million (USD 4.4 million1) in the following two R&D projects: (1) Product development project for new rapid diagnostic test for strongyloidiasis by Drugs & Diagnostics for Tropical Diseases (DDTD), Medical & Biological Laboratories Co., Ltd. (MBL), IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Fundacion Mundo Sano, and Big Eye Diagnostics, Inc. (BEDx) (2) Target research project for malaria diagnostics by Ehime University, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN) Nagasaki University, and Universiti Malaysia Sabah Please refer to Appendix 1 for detailed descriptions on these projects and their development stages. The four projects funded in this round bring together partners from a total of 11 countries. Since its inception, the GHIT Fund has worked with more than 190 research and development partners, including more than 130 overseas institutions. The GHIT Fund serves as a bridge connecting pharmaceutical companies, universities, and research institutes in Japan with their counterparts around the world. As of September 30, 2025, the GHIT Fund has invested in 42 projects, including 17 discovery projects, 14 preclinical projects, and 11 clinical trials.6 The total amount of investments since 2013 is JPY 41.0 billion (USD 275 million1) (Appendix 2). 1 USD1 = JPY148.81, the approximate exchange rate on September 30, 2025. 2 These awarded projects were selected and approved as new investments from among proposals to RFP2023-002, RFP2024-001, and RFP2025-001 for the Product Development Platform and the Target Research Platform, which were open for applications from June 2023 to July 2025. 3 WHO: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/tuberculosis 4 Stop TB Partnership https://www.stoptb.org/missing-tb-millions 5 WHO: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/leishmaniasis 6 This number includes projects in the registration phase. The GHIT Fund is a Japan-based international public-private partnership (PPP) fund that was formed between the Government of Japan, multiple pharmaceutical companies, the Gates Foundation, Wellcome, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The GHIT Fund invests in and manages an R&D portfolio of development partnerships aimed at addressing neglected diseases, such as malaria, tuberculosis, and neglected tropical diseases, which afflict the world's vulnerable and underserved populations. In collaboration with global partners, the GHIT Fund mobilizes Japanese industry, academia, and research institutes to create new drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics for malaria, tuberculosis, and neglected tropical diseases. https://www.ghitfund.org/en Appendix 1. Project Details ID: G2023-212 Project Title Multi-site field trial of the FUJIFILM SILVAMP TB LAM - including the diagnostic accuracy of a urine concentration device Collaboration Partners 1. Stop TB Partnership (Switzerland) 2. FUJIFILM Corporation (Japan) 3. Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) (UK) 4. Center for Health Promotion and Research (CHPR) (Cameroon) 5. Friends for International TB Relief (FIT) (Germany) 6. Zankli Research Centre, Bingham University Nigeria (ZRC) (Nigeria) Disease Tuberculosis Intervention Diagnostics Stage Product Validation Awarded Amount JPY 390,000,000 (USD 2.6 million) Status Continued project Summary [Project objective] The primary objective of the project is to provide evidence on the performance of Fujifilm's redesigned SILVAMP TB LAM II assay as well as a urine concentration device (UCD) which is expected to further increase sensitivity especially in HIV-negative individuals to obtain a WHO policy recommendation with strengthened evidence based on the operationalization, costing and feasibility studies to be conducted on this project. [Project design] The project team will prospectively evaluate the performance of the SILVAMP TB LAM - assay as well as a urine concentration device across multiple sites in Cameroon, Nigeria and Vietnam. The project team will evaluate test performance among PLHIV and HIV-negative adults as well as children irrespective of HIV co-infection. Operationalization, costing and feasibility of the assay will also be addressed. Project Detail https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/portfoliodetail/detail/246/en ID: G2024-101 Project Title Evaluation of the Safety and Immunogenicity of the cGMP LmCen-/- Vaccine in Phase I Clinical Trials Collaboration Partners 1. The Ohio State University (USA) 2. Nagasaki University (Japan) Disease Leishmaniasis Intervention Vaccines Stage Clinical Phase I Awarded Amount JPY 681,063,113 (USD 4.5 million) Status Continued project Summary [Project objective] Objective 1: Conduct a Phase I clinical trial to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of the LmCen-/- vaccine in healthy volunteers in Brazil (New World) Objective 2: Conduct a Phase I clinical trial to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of the LmCen-/- vaccine in healthy volunteers in Kenya (Old World) [Project design] This project is a continuation of the GHIT-funded project G2018-201 to advance clinical development of the LmCen-/- vaccine. During the previous funding period, the project team successfully accomplished the goals of the project by: 1) Validate the safety and efficacy of a GLP-grade LmCen-/- vaccine produced by Gennova Biopharmaceuticals under cGMP conditions using preclinical animal models, 2) Produce a GMP master cell bank (MCB) and a GMP working cell bank (WCB) of LmCen-/- parasites, 3) Establish cGMP manufacturing of the LmCen-/- vaccine, 4) Complete preclinical toxicology studies in accordance with regulatory guidelines using a GLP LmCen-/- vaccine produced from an engineering run of the cGMP cell bank, and 5) Finalize the IND package for the LmCen-/- product for submission to regulatory authorities. In the current project, the project team proposes to evaluate the safety of the LmCen-/- vaccine in healthy volunteers living in leishmaniasis-endemic countries, Brazil and Kenya, where other factors such as subclinical nutritional deficiencies and co-infections, such as diarrhea, malaria, Chagas disease (in Brazil) and helminth infections, are common and have been documented to impact vaccine safety and immunogenicity. Project Detail https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/portfoliodetail/detail/247/en ID: G2025-101 Project Title Strongyloides stercoralis Rapid Test Plus (SsRT+): A new rapid diagnostic test with improved ease of use to support WHO strongyloidiasis control programs. Collaboration Partners 1. Drugs & Diagnostics for Tropical Diseases (DDTD) (USA) 2. Medical & Biological Laboratories Co., Ltd. (MBL) (Japan) 3. IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital (Italy) 4. QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute (Australia) 5. Fundacion Mundo Sano (Spain) 6. Big Eye Diagnostics, Inc. (BEDx) (USA) Disease Strongyloidiasis (Soil-transmitted helminth) Intervention Diagnostic Stage Product Design Awarded Amount JPY 566,596,199 (USD 3.8 million) Status New Summary [Project objective] The overarching goal of this project is to deliver an easy-to-use, low-cost point-of-care test to detect S. stercoralis infection. Our new test, termed S. stercoralis Rapid Test Plus (SsRT+), will be an improved version of SsRapid, which was developed and validated by our Consultant, Prof. R. Noordin, and has been shown to be 80-97% sensitive and 90-100% specific in a series of laboratory and field studies. A first SsRT+ prototype has already been generated, which showed diagnostic performance comparable to, or better than, SsRapid. SsRT+ will be fully optimized in this project to meet all key criteria of the new TPP for S. stercoralis diagnostics. [Project design] Objective-1 : This first activity aims to review the optimal use case(s) and define the key experimental data to be generated with SsRT+ to align with the WHO strongyloidiasis control programs. We will also finalize the study plans for the field evaluations in Australia and Argentina and complete a business/commercialization plan. Objective-2 : Having access to high-quality antigens and positive control antibodies is key for efficient test development, optimization, and manufacturing under ISO-13485:2016 standards. As for all our other GHIT Fund projects, MBL will be entrusted with the production of high-quality recombinant NIE and IgG4-anti-NIE. Objective-3 : The SsRT+ prototype available at the outset of G2025-101 will be fully optimized, according to all key criteria listed in the TPP for S. stercoralis diagnostics, including sensitivity, specificity, time to result, result stability, reproducibility (CV values), and cost. Since the precursor of SsRT+, SsRapid, already meets most of the TPP criteria, we consider this a very realistic objective. Objective-4 : Prof. R. Noordin of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), who has developed and validated SsRapid in numerous laboratory and field studies, and Prof. D. Buonfrate of IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, who has previously run an in-depth diagnostic accuracy study involving SsRapid, will independently evaluate the diagnostic performance of SsRT+ to demonstrate that it complies with the TPP and is not inferior to SsRapid. Objective-5 : Once validated for TPP-compliant performance in the laboratory, SsRT+ will be evaluated in two field studies in Australia and Argentina, conducted by the groups of Prof. D. Gray of QIMR Berghofer and Prof. A. Krolewiecki of Mundo Sano, respectively. Objective-6 : An ISO-13485:2016 compliant automated manufacturing process commensurate with the anticipated demand will be developed by DDTD, modeled on the one we successfully put in place for our Onchocerciasis rapid test in the GHIT Fund project G2023-111, and subsequently validated by BEDx through production of several pilot lots and quantification of inter-lot consistency. Project Detail https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/portfoliodetail/detail/248/en ID: T2024-276 Project Title Development of Ultrasensitive and Robust Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Tests Using de novo Designed Antigen Binders Collaboration Partners 1. Ehime University (Japan) 2. Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN) Nagasaki University (Japan) 3. Universiti Malaysia Sabah (Malaysia) Disease Malaria Intervention Diagnostics Stage Concept Development Awarded Amount JPY 99,670,808 (USD 0.6 million) Status New Summary [Project objective] Current malaria Lateral Flow Assays (LFAs) use antibodies as their capture and detection reagents. The limited sensitivity of LFAs in part reflects the relativity modest affinities of typical antibodies for their target proteins. In addition, the identification of antibodies that target related proteins with high specificity is time-consuming and uncertain of success. A technology that replaces monoclonal antibodies could thus have a transformative impact on the development of new diagnostics. We propose to develop novel protein-based affinity reagents that enable the creation of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) that diagnose infection with Plasmodium falciparum, non-falciparum malaria parasites, and the emerging pathogen Plasmodium knowlesi with sensitivities that considerably exceed existing alternatives. Our work will result in affinity reagents that integrate directly into the existing infrastructure for the creation of LFAs, the technology used in rapid COVID tests. The products of this project can thus be rapidly scaled to impact malaria treatment worldwide. As part of this project, we will validate our approach using clinical samples. If successful, the diagnostics resulting from our collaboration will possess enhanced sensitivity, greater shelf stability, lower cost, and the elimination of test failure due to parasite mutations, four improvements that have been identified as critically important by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the management of malaria. Success in this project will establish a general-purpose platform for the rapid development of highly sensitive diagnostic assays. In addition to its impact on malaria diagnosis and treatment, this project will thus provide proof-of-concept for a novel platform technology enabling the development of rapidly scalable diagnostics for novel infectious diseases. Our overall goals are thus to develop new protein-based affinity reagents that can improve the sensitivity of malaria LFAs, and to extend malaria LFAs to include diagnosis of infection with P. knowlesi. [Project design] Our overall strategy is to replace the antibodies that are used in conventional LFAs with computationally designed binders based on the monobody scaffold. The nanomolar (nM) affinities of most antibodies limit the sensitivity of LFAs. To circumvent this limitation, we will use de novo protein design to identify numerous monobody binders for a target malaria antigen of interest. We will then link monobodies together to generate bivalent binders for the malaria antigens. This strategy makes use of the well-known principle of avidity, in which linear improvements in binding energy yield exponential improvements in dissociation constants: both empirical evidence and simple calculations indicate that combining monobody binders with 10-100 nM KD values should yield multivalent binders with KD values in the pM regime. Importantly, this strategy is made possible by the unique ability of computational design to deliberately target multiple, distinct sites on the target protein. We will quantify the binding affinities and cross-reactivity of bivalent monobodies and confirm that they possess the properties required for use in an LFA. Finally, we will assess the performance of the resulting capture and detection reagents in prototype LFAs. Project Detail https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/portfoliodetail/detail/249/en *All amounts are listed at an exchange rate of USD1 = JPY148.81, the approximate exchange rate on September 30, 2025. Appendix 2. Investment Overview (as of September 30, 2025) Investments to date Total investments: 41.0 billion yen (USD 275 million1) Total invested projects: 141 (42 active projects and 99 completed projects) To learn more about the GHIT Fund's investments, please visit Investment Overview: https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/overview/en Portfolio: https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/portfolio/en Advancing Portfolio: https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/advancingportfolio/en Clinical Candidates: https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/clinicalcandidates/en For more information, contact: Nancy Moss at +1-908-606-8940 or nmoss@burness.com Mina Ohata at +81-36441-2032 or mina.ohata@ghitfund.org View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/total-investment-of-approx-usd-11-6-million-in-tb-and-ntd-rd-projects-with-partners-including-fujifilm-stop-tb-partnership-and-the-ohio-state-university-302596720.html CHICAGO, Oct. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The global electric wheelchair market is projected to surpass market size of US$ 19.12 billion by 2033 from US$ 7.72 billion in 2024 at a CAGR of 10.6% over the forecast period. Request Sample Pages: https://www.astuteanalytica.com/request-sample/electric-wheelchair-market Browse in-depth TOC on ' Electric Wheelchair Market 111 - Tables 134 - Figures 268 - Pages The global electric wheelchair market is driven by a convergence of demographic shifts, technological leaps, and evolving consumer expectations. No longer simply a means of mobility, the modern electric wheelchair is a sophisticated device that offers unprecedented levels of independence, connectivity, and personalization. This analysis delves into the key facets of this dynamic market, exploring the powerful currents of demand, the intense competitive environment, groundbreaking innovations, and the shifting regional and consumer landscapes that are defining the future of personal mobility. The Irreversible Surge in Market Demand The demand for electric wheelchair market is experiencing robust growth in 2025, propelled by powerful global trends. A primary driver is the aging global population. According to the United Nations, the number of people aged 65 and over is projected to reach 1.6 billion by 2050, more than doubling the 761 million recorded in 2021. This demographic shift dramatically increases the prevalence of age-related mobility impairments. The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights this need, stating that as populations age, the number of individuals with mobility limitations rises significantly, creating a substantial and sustained consumer base. For example, falls are a major cause of injury among older adults, with over 37 million falls that are severe enough to require medical attention occurring each year. This upward trajectory is further amplified by the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases. The WHO notes that chronic conditions like stroke, multiple sclerosis, and diabetes (which can lead to amputations) are leading causes of disability worldwide. Globally, it is estimated that 1 in 3 people are living with a long-term health condition. There is also a palpable shift in consumer mindset, with a growing desire for solutions that enable an active lifestyle. The WHO's Global Report on Assistive Technology emphasizes that access to high-quality assistive products, like electric wheelchairs, can be a life-changer, allowing individuals to participate in education, work, and community life. The need is vast, with the WHO estimating that more than 80 million people globally require a wheelchair for their mobility. Giants and Innovators Vie for Dominance The competitive landscape is a battleground between established titans and agile disruptors. Industry giants like Permobil, Invacare Corporation, and Sunrise Medical leverage their vast scale and deep-rooted distribution networks, primarily dominating the complex rehabilitation sector in North America and Europe. Their strategy hinges on clinical superiority and deep customization. For example, Permobil's F-series chairs compete with advanced seating functions like ActiveReach, while Sunrise Medical's Quickie Q700 M targets active users with high-performance maneuverability. These players maintain their market share through strong relationships with clinicians and navigating complex insurance reimbursement systems, making it difficult for new entrants to compete in the high-end medical segment. The entrenched electric wheelchair market is being challenged by innovators who compete on design, technology, and business models. WHILL, Inc., with its strong presence in Japan and the US, bypasses the traditional medical aesthetic with its sleek, futuristic models and has pioneered autonomous mobility services in public venues. Simultaneously, direct-to-consumer brands like Fold & Go Wheelchairs are carving out a significant niche in the North American market by focusing on rugged, portable models for an active lifestyle, competing on a powerful online presence and direct user engagement. This dynamic forces the entire industry to innovate, balancing clinical necessity with user-centric design and technological advancement. Capitalizing on the Future of Mobility From the past few years, significant investments are flowing into the electric wheelchair market, signaling strong confidence in its long-term growth prospects. These investments are directed towards advancing core technologies and expanding manufacturing capabilities. A notable area of investment is in autonomous systems. Following successful pilot programs, such as those that saw autonomous mobility services deployed in major airports and public venues, capital is now being funneled into refining these systems for broader public and private use. These systems utilize advanced sensors, some capable of scanning the environment 25 times per second, to ensure safe navigation. Corporate consolidation and strategic acquisitions are also shaping the investment landscape across the global electric wheelchair market as companies seek to integrate key technologies. A major focus of investment is on improving battery technology. The goal is to increase energy density, which has been improving steadily, allowing for more compact and longer-lasting power sources. For instance, some new battery designs have cut charging times by more than half compared to older technologies. Furthermore, there is a growing focus on improving supply chain logistics and manufacturing automation, with investments aimed at increasing production capacity to meet the growing demand, which, as stated by the WHO, will see 1 in 6 people globally being 60 years or older by 2030. Breakthrough Technologies Transforming User Independence in the Electric Wheelchair Market The electric wheelchair of 2025 is a testament to rapid technological advancement, with several key developments revolutionizing the user experience: The Dawn of the Smart Wheelchair: The integration of IoT is transforming electric wheelchairs. These smart devices can incorporate more than 10 different sensors to monitor user health metrics and device performance, transmitting data to caregivers and technicians for proactive maintenance. The Lightweight Revolution: The demand for portability has led to a surge in lightweight models. The use of carbon fiber can reduce a wheelchair's frame weight to as little as 15 pounds (around 7 kilograms), a stark contrast to traditional models that can weigh over 50 pounds (23 kilograms). This makes them easily manageable for car travel and storage. Extended Battery Life and Faster Charging: Innovations in lithium-ion battery technology have significantly extended travel distances. Some models in the electric wheelchair market can now travel over 25 miles (40 kilometers) on a single charge (Porto Mobility Ranger Series (e.g., Ranger Quattro or Discovery) ComfyGO Majestic IQ-9000, and Fold & Go MagSHOCK), providing users with unprecedented freedom. This is a significant improvement from just a decade ago when the average range was closer to 10-15 miles. All-Terrain Capabilities: There is a growing trend towards electric wheelchairs designed for rugged outdoor use. These models feature powerful motors, some delivering over 500 watts of power, and advanced suspension systems that provide a smoother ride over uneven ground, from park trails to cobblestone streets. Enhanced Customization and Ergonomics: Manufacturers are using pressure mapping technology to design seating systems that distribute weight more effectively, which is critical as some users spend more than 10 hours a day in their chair. These highly modular designs allow for precise adjustments to fit the user's specific physical needs. Shifting Tides in Regional Market Dominance North America currently holds a dominant position in the electric wheelchair market. This is supported by high healthcare expenditure; for example, United States healthcare spending surpasses 4 trillion dollars annually. This financial capacity, combined with a large population of over 370 million people and established reimbursement frameworks, fuels high adoption rates. The region also has a significant older adult population, with over 55 million adults aged 65 and older in the U.S. alone, a key demographic for mobility aids. However, the most significant future growth is anticipated in the Asia-Pacific region for the electric wheelchair market. The demographic shift in this region is staggering; according to the WHO, the number of older persons in Asia is expected to reach nearly 900 million by 2050. This creates a massive potential market. Rising healthcare expenditure and a growing middle class in countries like China and India are making advanced mobility devices more accessible. Furthermore, there is a concerted effort by governments in the region to improve accessibility and provide better support for people with disabilities, further catalyzing market expansion in this part of the world. Beyond Aging A New Consumer Profile Emerges The potential consumer base for electric wheelchair market is broader and more diverse than ever before. While the geriatric population remains a core segment, the WHO's World Report on Disability indicates that disability is part of the human condition and that a significant number of people will experience it at some point in their lives. The need extends far beyond the elderly; millions of younger adults live with conditions like spinal cord injuries, with the WHO estimating that between 250,000 and 500,000 people suffer a spinal cord injury each year. This younger demographic is often more tech-savvy and demands a higher level of performance and connectivity from their devices. Furthermore, there is an increasing recognition of the need for pediatric electric wheelchairs. According to the CDC, developmental disabilities among children are common, and for those with significant mobility impairments, a properly fitted power wheelchair is essential for social and cognitive development. The homecare setting is also a major driver. Globally, there is a strong preference for aging in place, and devices that enhance independence at home are in high demand. This expanding consumer base, with its varied needs and expectations, is pushing manufacturers to develop a wider and more specialized range of products. Portability and Intelligence Define Market Winners Among the various types of electric wheelchairs, two categories are witnessing particularly high demand and dominating the electric wheelchair market: lightweight, foldable models and smart, feature-rich wheelchairs. The surge in popularity of portable models is a direct response to the modern user's desire for an active, travel-friendly lifestyle. A key feature is compliance with air travel regulations, with many new lithium-ion batteries being designed to meet IATA guidelines, empowering users to travel globally with greater ease. The ability to fold a chair to fit into a car trunk with dimensions smaller than 3 cubic feet is a significant selling point. Simultaneously, the demand for intelligent electric wheelchair market is on a steep upward curve. These models offer enhanced safety and autonomy, appealing to users and caregivers alike. For example, integrated fall detection systems can automatically alert emergency contacts, a critical feature given the high incidence of serious falls. The connectivity features, which allow for remote diagnostics, can save users numerous trips to a technician, as many adjustments and software updates can be performed over the air. This trend signifies a fundamental shift in perception: the electric wheelchair is no longer just a mobility aid but a sophisticated personal technology platform for an independent and connected life. Need Deeper Insights? Request a Personalized Consultation with Our Analyst: https://www.astuteanalytica.com/expert-call/electric-wheelchair-market Global Electric Wheelchair Market Major Players: Carex Health Brands, Inc. Drive Medical Ltd. GF Health Products, Inc. Invacare Corporation Karma Medical Products Co., Ltd Karman Healthcare LEVO AG Matsunaga Manufactory Co., Ltd. Medline MEYRA GmbH Miki Kogyosho Co. Ltd. Nissin Medical Industries Co., Ltd. OttoBock Healthcare GmbH Permobil AB Pride Mobility Products Corp. Quantum Rehab Seating Matters Sunrise Medical Limited Other Prominent Players Market Segmentation Overview: By Product Center Wheel Drive Front Wheel Drive Rear Wheel Drive Standing Electric Wheelchair Push-Rim-Activated Power-Assisted Wheelchairs (PAPAWs) Others By Component Joystick Battery Transmission Belt Motors Others By Charging Type Wired Wireless By Application Post-Acute Care Pediatric care Maternity Care Senior Care Home Care Sport Injury Others By Distribution Channel Online E-Commerce Websites Company Websites Offline OEMs Distributors Others By End-user Homecare settings Hospitals/Clinics Others (Travel & Transport, Hospitality, Education) By Region North America Europe Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa (MEA) South America About Astute Analytica Astute Analytica is a globally recognized market research and advisory firm, delivering data-driven insights and strategic intelligence to organizations worldwide. We offer comprehensive research solutions across a wide range of industries, including technology, healthcare, chemicals, semiconductors, FMCG, and more. Our reports provide in-depth analysis of market trends, competitive landscapes, emerging opportunities, and technological advancements, empowering businesses to make informed decisions in an evolving global environment. Supported by a team of seasoned analysts, economists, and industry experts, we are committed to delivering accurate, timely, and actionable insights. At Astute Analytica, client success is our priority. We offer customized research solutions that are both cost-effective and tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. Contact: Mr. Vipin Singh Astute Analytica 500 N Michigan Ave, Suite 600 Chicago, Illinois, United States USA: +1-888 429 6757 Email: sales@astuteanalytica.com Visit our website: https://www.astuteanalytica.com/ Expert Network Platform: https://www.astuteconnect.com/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2643300/Astute_Analytica_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/electric-wheelchair-market-surges-toward-us-19-12-billion-by-2033--driven-by-smart-tech-and-global-aging-trends-says-astute-analytica-302596396.html STUTTGART, Germany, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Tokyo-based laser technology startup LUMAS K.K. made its first public appearance at Blechexpo this year, unveiling its groundbreaking product NVA (Nozzle Visual Aligner). The innovative device quickly captured the attention of the sheet metal fabrication industry. Over the four-day event, NVA was successfully tested on multiple leading laser cutting machine brands, receiving enthusiastic feedback from industry professionals and distributors, and generating strong order interest - laying a solid foundation for LUMAS's accelerated expansion into the European market. Tokyo Roots, A Mission to Simplify Manufacturing LUMAS K.K. is a high-tech startup headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, focused on developing AI-powered smart tools for the sheet metal manufacturing industry. The company recently completed its first financing round of USD 1.5 million, backed by leading industrial investors. The World's First Visual Nozzle Aligner LUMAS NVA is the world's first visual nozzle alignment device designed to help laser cutting machines achieve fast and precise coaxial calibration between the nozzle and the beam. Unlike traditional methods that rely on tape and operator experience, NVA leverages high-speed vision recognition and intelligent algorithms to complete precise alignment in under 60 seconds. It is fully compatible with any cutting head equipped with a red laser pointer, significantly reducing setup time and improving cutting stability and productivity. During Blechexpo, NVA was successfully tested on multiple major European and Asian machine brands. The device earned positive feedback from system integrators, machine builders, and fabricators alike, with several partnerships confirmed on the spot. Accelerating European Market Expansion Thanks to its outstanding performance and broad compatibility, LUMAS K.K. announced its plan to accelerate its European expansion, aiming to establish a comprehensive distribution and service network covering major manufacturing countries by 2026. This will enable fabricators to access smart, easy-to-use tools that enhance operational efficiency and quality. About LUMAS K.K. LUMAS K.K. is a Tokyo-based laser technology startup focused on developing AI-powered smart tools for the laser manufacturing industry. Founded with a mission to make manufacturing simpler, more efficient, and more human-centered, LUMAS combines advanced vision technology with real-world industrial applications. Backed by leading industry investors with a USD 1.5 million seed round, the company is building a global ecosystem of innovative solutions - starting with NVA, the world's first visual nozzle alignment device for laser cutting machines. Website: www.lumas-global.com PR Email: Jack.xu@lumas-global.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2805701/1.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/lumas-nva-wins-industry-acclaim-at-blechexpo-2025-pioneering-ai-innovation-in-fabrication-302597792.html Proven lease accounting solution simplifies compliance, reduces risk, and accelerates financial close. LONDON, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Netgain, the company powering the next generation of accounting teams, today announced expanded support for businesses across the U.K. and Ireland as they prepare for major changes to lease accounting standards. The updated Financial Reporting Standard (FRS) 102 introduces new lease requirements effective for reporting periods beginning Jan. 1, 2026, and organizations are seeking proven solutions to stay ahead of compliance. For years, larger companies have relied on tools to comply with International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) 16, which introduced similar lease accounting requirements globally. Now, many small to medium-sized businesses across the U.K. and the Republic of Ireland that were previously not under the scope of IFRS 16 face comparable challenges under FRS 102. Many lack the bandwidth for manual workarounds or expensive enterprise solutions. NetLease brings them the same level of automation and control as those enterprise solutions in a purpose-built solution for any ERP. Reducing compliance risk and freeing up finance teams NetLease automates the classification, calculation, and reporting of leases, eliminating the risks of spreadsheet-driven processes. With complete, accurate data at their fingertips, finance teams can avoid costly errors, close faster, and focus on higher-value analysis. "Businesses that are under scope of FRS 102 in the U.K. and Ireland can't afford to wait until the end of 2026 to prepare," said Weston Lampe, CPA, General Manager at Netgain. "NetLease has been tested through IFRS 16 adoption and is already helping U.K. businesses prepare for FRS 102. It's a proven solution that gives accounting teams confidence in their data without the last-minute scramble." Key benefits of NetLease for FRS 102 compliance Proven in practice: Deployed for IFRS 16 compliance and already supporting U.K. companies preparing for FRS 102. Deployed for IFRS 16 compliance and already supporting U.K. companies preparing for FRS 102. Automated workflows: Classifies leases, runs amortization schedules, and generates disclosures with accuracy and speed. Classifies leases, runs amortization schedules, and generates disclosures with accuracy and speed. Audit-ready reporting: Maintains transparent, complete records aligned to regulatory requirements. Maintains transparent, complete records aligned to regulatory requirements. Compatible to any ERP: Boosts efficiency by exporting journal entries to Excel for effortless upload into your ERP platform. "Complying with FRS 102 doesn't have to be a burden," added Braden Bronson, Product Manager for NetLease. "NetLease was designed to automate complexity so accounting teams can spend less time chasing spreadsheets and more time focusing on growth. For mid-market accounting teams, it's the fastest path to compliance and confidence that already has a proven track record." About Netgain Netgain empowers accounting teams to eliminate broken and inefficient operations and reclaim valuable time with modern technology and automation. With trusted expertise, Netgain helps businesses of all shapes and sizes become more confident, agile, and capable of rapidly coming to clear financial decisions fueled by accurate, precise financial insights. For more information about NetLease, visit netgain.tech/lease-accounting-software. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1763618/Netgain_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/netgain-enhances-netlease-to-help-uk--ireland-businesses-meet-2026-frs-102-lease-accounting-standard-302596727.html SHANGHAI, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Smartee Denti-Technology and Straumann Group announce a strategic partnership. This partnership encompasses joint development of the next-generation orthodontics platform, co-innovation in clear aligner technologies, and a single-digit percentage of equity investment by Straumann into Smartee. Junfeng Yao, Founder, President, and CEO of Smartee, stated: "The strategic collaboration between Smartee and the Straumann Group represents not only a strong commercial alliance built on complementary strengths but also a forward-looking initiative aimed at shaping the future of the dental industry." Florian Kirsch, Executive Vice President, Global Head IDT of Straumann Group, said: "We are proud to join forces with a strong global partner like Smartee. Together we will accelerate innovation in orthodontics and build a platform that makes high-quality, predictable treatment more accessible to doctors and patients worldwide." As a leader in China's clear aligner market, Smartee brings over 20 years of expertise and has independently developed a series of innovative orthodontic technologies, as well as mature capabilities in intelligent manufacturing. The Straumann Group, a global leader in oral care, contributes its powerful international brand recognition and extensive worldwide sales and marketing network, which will provide strong support to make Smartee technology accessible in international markets. Together, this partnership will integrate the core strengths of both companies to drive growth in the global oral health market with greater efficiency and speed, addressing the increasing demand for high-quality orthodontic treatments. About Smartee Dental Technology Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Shanghai, Smartee is a global leader in clear aligner technology and digital orthodontic solutions. With a strong international presence, Smartee operates four research and development centers and four manufacturing facilities located in China and Spain. The company serves over 99,000 orthodontic professionals in more than 57 countries, providing a wide range of aligner products designed to address various malocclusion issues for patients of all ages-children, adolescents, and adults. Smartee's commitment to innovation and quality has positioned it as a pioneering force in the orthodontic industry, offering state-of-the-art solutions that combine the latest in digital orthodontics, AI-driven diagnostics, and personalized treatment plans. About Straumann Group The Straumann Group (SIX: STMN) is a global leader in tooth replacement and orthodontic solutions that restore smiles and confidence. It unites global and international brands that stand for excellence, innovation and quality in replacement, corrective and digital dentistry, including Anthogyr, ClearCorrect, Medentika, Neodent, NUVO, Straumann and other fully/partly owned companies and partners. In collaboration with leading clinics, institutes and universities, the Group researches, develops, manufactures and supplies dental implants, instruments, CADCAM prosthetics, orthodontic aligners, biomaterials and digital solutions for use in tooth correction, replacement and restoration or to prevent tooth loss. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, the Group currently employs close to 12,000 people worldwide. Its products, solutions and services are available in more than 100 countries through a broad network of distribution subsidiaries and partners. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2807986/Smartee_Straumann_Announce_Strategic_Partnerships.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/smartee-and-straumann-announce-strategic-partnerships-to-accelerate-innovation-in-orthodontics-302597880.html OSLO, Norway, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Photocure ASA (OSE: PHO) today reported Hexvix/Cysview revenues of NOK 134.1 million in the third quarter of 2025 (Q3 2024: NOK 120.1 million), and an EBITDA of NOK 10.2 million (Q3 2024: NOK 5.0 million) for the company. Looking ahead, Photocure expects product revenue growth in the range of 8% to 10% on a constant currency basis (compared to 7 to 11% previously) and an EBITDA improvement in 2025. While the company is not providing a specific EBITDA guidance range, Photocure expects continued operating leverage flow-through in its core commercial business and significant potential growth in milestones this year. "Photocure delivered another strong quarter, extending our track record of double-digit topline revenue growth with positive EBITDA. We continued to execute with discipline this quarter while in parallel advancing new growth initiatives that further amplify our central role in precision diagnostics for bladder cancer," said Dan Schneider, President & Chief Executive Officer of Photocure. The company continued to execute on its plan to expand blue light cystoscopy (BLC) use in Q3 2025 with the installation of 14 new Saphira towers in the U.S. - 7 new accounts and 7 blue light tower upgrades. In addition, due to increasing demand, ForTec has acquired and deployed 6 additional BLC towers, bringing the total number of mobile BLC towers to 24. With the increasing momentum provided by ForTec's mobile solution, Photocure had 373 active accounts in the U.S. at the end of the quarter, an increase of 23% versus the second quarter of 2024. Across Europe, a total of 49 Olympus Visera Elite III blue light cystoscopy (BLC) capable systems were installed since the launch in Q1 2025. Total revenues ended at NOK 135.0 million in the third quarter of 2025, up from NOK 120.2 million, with an EBIT of NOK 2.9 million (-2.2). Cash and cash equivalents were NOK 247.8 million at the end of the period. After the closing of the quarter, Photocure announced a partnership with Intelligent Scopes Corporation (ISC), a U.S. subsidiary of Claritas HealthTech, to develop AI software to support physicians in real-time during BLC, improving early-stage bladder cancer detection, diagnosis and resection completeness. "Together, Photocure and ISC intend to pursue FDA clearance for the AI software compatible with any BLC system. Based on the terms of the agreement, Photocure will have exclusive, perpetual rights to commercialize the new solution via its direct sales force, distributors or partners, as well as license the software to device manufacturers in any given country upon regulatory clearance. Our partnership with ISC, along with other strategic initiatives underway, represents a step toward expanding clinical adoption, driving operating leverage, and building long-term intrinsic value for shareholders," Schneider added. Photocure believes that the benefits of BLC with Hexvix/Cysview offer superior detection and management of bladder cancer. "Looking ahead, we anticipate sustained revenue growth, fueled by rigid kit adoption, expansion of mobile BLC, and HD upgrades that enhance utilization and sales. The tailwinds from a wave of recently approved NMIBC therapeutics are raising awareness around early detection and personalized disease management, validating Photocure's position at the center of this rapidly evolving ecosystem. In addition to our commercial progress, we are encouraged by potential catalysts that could further strengthen our growth trajectory. These include CMS reimbursement developments, reintroduction of flexible BLC solutions to the market, entrance of additional equipment manufacturers and a potential FDA reclassification in favor of BLC from a citizen's petition - each representing an opportunity to broaden patient access and accelerate adoption. Lastly, our license agreement with Asieris for Cevira has potential to trigger a significant milestone payment when it receives regulatory approval in China," Schneider concluded. Please find the full financial report and presentation enclosed. EBITDA* and other alternative performance measures (APMs) are defined and reconciled to the IFRS financial statements as a part of the APM section of the third quarter 2025 financial report on page 25. The quarterly report and presentation will be published at 07:00 CEST and will be publicly available at www.photocure.com. Dan Schneider, CEO and Erik Dahl, CFO, will host a live webcast at 14:00 CEST. The presentation will be held in English and questions can be submitted throughout the event. The streaming event is available through: https://channel.royalcast.com/landingpage/hegnarmedia/20251029_2/ The presentation is scheduled to conclude at 14:45 CEST. For further information, please contact: Dan Schneider President and CEO Photocure ASA Email: ds@photocure.com Erik Dahl Chief Financial Officer Tel: +47 450 55 000 Email: ed@photocure.no Priyam Shah Vice President Investor Relations Tel: +1 7176815072 Email: priyam.shah@photocure.com Geir Bjrlo Corporate Communications (Norway) Tel: +47 91540000 Email: geir.bjorlo@corpcom.no About Photocure ASA Photocure: The Bladder Cancer Company delivers transformative solutions to improve the lives of bladder cancer patients. Our unique technology, making cancer cells glow bright pink, has led to better health outcomes for patients worldwide. Photocure is headquartered in Oslo, Norway and listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (OSE: PHO). For more information, please visit us at www.photocure.com/news All trademarks mentioned in this release are protected by law and are registered trademarks of Photocure ASA. This information is considered to be inside information pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. This stock exchange announcement was published by Tolv Hillestad, Photocure ASA, on 29 October 2025 at 07:00 CEST. This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com. https://news.cision.com/photocure/r/photocure-asa--results-for-the-third-quarter-of-2025,c4258130 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/17498/4258130/3750089.pdf Release https://mb.cision.com/Public/17498/4258130/93003f717cce4010.pdf PHO Q3 2025 presentation https://mb.cision.com/Public/17498/4258130/99028f4a15b2b95c.pdf PHO Q3 2025 report View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/photocure-asa-results-for-the-third-quarter-of-2025-302597977.html EQS-Ad-hoc: Dexus Finance Pty Limited / Key word(s): AGM/EGM Dexus Finance Pty Limited: 2025 Annual General Meeting results 29-Oct-2025 / 08:20 CET/CEST Disclosure of an inside information acc. to Article 17 MAR of the Regulation (EU) No 596/2014, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Dexus (ASX: DXS) ASX release 29 October 2025 2025 Annual General Meeting results In accordance with Listing Rule 3.13.2 and section 251AA of the Corporations Act, Dexus advises the outcome of each resolution put to the Annual General Meeting held today, 29 October 2025. The following resolutions were passed on a poll: Resolution 1 - Adoption of the Remuneration Report Resolution 2 - FY25 and FY26 grant of long-term incentive Performance Rights to the Group Chief Executive Officer Resolution 3.1 - Approval of an Independent Director - Rhoda Harrington Resolution 3.2 - Approval of an Independent Director - Elana Rubin AM Details of the total number of votes cast on the poll and the total number of proxy votes are attached to this release. The full ASX release can be found at www.dexus.com/dxs. Authorised by Brett Cameron, General Counsel and Company Secretary of Dexus Funds Management Limited For further information please contact: Investors Rowena Causley Head of Listed Investor Relations +61 416 122 383 rowena.causley@dexus.com Media Louise Murray Head of Corporate Affairs & Communications +61 403 260 754 louise.murray@dexus.com End of Inside Information Information and Explanation of the Issuer to this announcement: About Dexus Dexus (ASX: DXS) is a leading Australasian fully integrated real asset group, managing a high-quality Australasian real estate and infrastructure portfolio valued at $50.1 billion. The Dexus Platform includes the Dexus listed portfolio and the funds management business. The $14.5 billion listed portfolio includes direct and indirect ownership of office, industrial, retail, healthcare, infrastructure, alternatives and other investments. We manage a further $35.6 billion of investments in our funds management business which connects third party capital with exposure to quality sector specific and diversified real asset products. The funds within this business have a strong track record of delivering performance and benefit from Dexus's Platform capabilities. The Platform's $13.3 billion real estate development pipeline provides the opportunity to grow both the listed and funds' portfolios and enhance future returns. We are deeply connected to our purpose unlock potential, create tomorrow, reflecting our unique ability to create value for our people, customers, investors and communities over the long term. Our sustainability approach focuses on the priority areas where we believe we can make the most impact: Customer Prosperity, Climate Action and Enhancing Communities. Dexus is supported by more than 37,000 investors from 26 countries. With more than four decades of expertise in real asset investment, funds management, asset management and development, we have a proven track record in capital and risk management and delivering returns for investors. www.dexus.com Dexus Funds Management Limited ABN 24 060 920 783, AFSL 238163, as Responsible Entity for Dexus (ASX: DXS) (Dexus Property Trust ARSN 648 526 470 and Dexus Operations Trust ARSN 110 521 223) Level 30, 50 Bridge Street, Sydney NSW 2000 29-Oct-2025 CET/CEST The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. View original content: EQS News EQS Newswire / 29/10/2025 / 08:30 CET/CEST CHENGDU, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 29 October 2025 - From October 24 to 27, Chengdu, China, hosted the "Invitation from the Hometown of Pandas-Chengdu Panda Week" series of events in Frankfurt, Germany; Vienna, Austria; Paris, France; and Brussels, Belgium. The events included overseas promotion of the giant panda IP, panda-themed vehicle parades, art exhibitions, and more. "Hometown of Pandas: Dreams and Life" Themed Art Exhibition The year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union. To promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding between China and Europe and enhance the city brand of "Park City Happy Chengdu", the Chengdu Municipal People's Government Information Office launched the "Invitation from the Hometown of Pandas-Chengdu Panda Week" series of events. These events aim to showcase Chengdu's achievements in green ecology, industrial and trade cooperation, music and arts, and cultural tourism and to tell the story of China-Europe exchanges and development. In France, a country with a deep-rooted connection to giant pandas, Chengdu continues to write new chapters of the "panda story" through the "Hometown of Pandas: Dreams and Life" themed art exhibition held at the Conservatoire National des Arts et Metiers in Paris. The exhibition features over 200 works across eight categories, including paintings, sculptures, trendy toys, photography, intangible cultural heritage, cultural and creative products, books, and digital innovations. It offers a multifaceted perspective on the integration of pandas and Chengdu's culture. Jean-Louis Balandraud, former Deputy Secretary-General of the French Tourism Development Agency, praised: "Chengdu uses pandas as a cultural bridge, building a cultural and tourism link. Its 'cultural connection and industrial implementation' model has great potential for promotion." In Brussels, the "Exhibition of Park City: Hometown of Pandas" is displayed at a municipal public cultural space. Using ecological photo walls and documentaries, it vividly presents the beautiful living environment of Chengdu, known as "A Park City Blessed with Snow Mountains". The exhibition has attracted thousands of visitors. During the concurrent "Chengdu-Brussels Eco-Dialogue", topics such as "urban green governance" and "biodiversity conservation" sparked lively discussions. Dr. Jella Wauters, Head of Giant Panda Research at Pairi Daiza Zoo in Belgium, remarked, "Chengdu's approach of integrating development with ecology offers valuable insights for European cities. Through this dialogue, we felt a sincere invitation from Hometown of Pandas, and we look forward to more in-depth technological cooperation in the future." Beyond Paris and Brussels, the "Invitation from the Hometown of Pandas-Chengdu Panda Week" series of events also took place in Frankfurt, Germany, and Vienna, Austria, featuring economic, trade, and musical dialogues that showcased the city's rich and diverse culture. In recent years, Chengdu's exchanges and cooperation with EU countries have deepened continuously. As of 2025, Chengdu has established sister city or friendly cooperation relationships with 31 cities across the EU, and 19 cargo and passenger routes connect Chengdu directly to the EU. In 2024, Chengdu recorded 142.16 billion yuan in total import and export volume with the EU and attracted USD 1.671 billion in foreign direct investment, ranking first among the cities in central and western China. Hashtag: ChengduInformationOffice The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. News Source: Chengdu Information Office 29/10/2025 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Media archive at www.todayir.com View original content: EQS News Leadership evolution positions the global payments solutions provider for next stage of global expansion Clear Junction, a global provider of cross-border payments and banking services infrastructure for regulated financial institutions, has appointed Teresa Cameron as Group Chief Executive Officer. The move reflects the company's rapid growth and marks a natural evolution in its leadership and governance. Former CEO and Founder, Dima Kats, will focus on his Group Executive Chair role as the company formalises its first full Board. With this new Group structure in place, Dima will now concentrate on shaping long-term strategy at Board level, while day-to-day leadership of the business will be led by Teresa and the senior management team, including Nina Papazyan, Chief Product and Banking Relationships Officer, and Denis Kalyapin, Chief Growth Officer, who took these roles earlier this year. With more than four years at Clear Junction and a successful tenure as Group CFO, Teresa is well positioned to guide the company's continued international growth. Dima Kats, Founder and Group Executive Chair of Clear Junction, commented: "Teresa has already played a pivotal role in Clear Junction's exceptional growth over the past four years. Her knowledge of the business and proven leadership stood out when we started planning the transition process last year, and these qualities make her the ideal person to step into this role. "This appointment doesn't signal a change in direction our strategy and culture remain the same but it does make us stronger. By formalising the way we already work together, we can operate with greater focus and effectiveness, while continuing to scale globally as a trusted partner for regulated financial institutions." Before joining Clear Junction, Teresa built her career across financial services and technology, holding senior finance roles in trading, brokerage, and foreign exchange firms, before moving into leadership positions at not-for-profit media company, PRS for Music, and student affinity network, UNiDAYS. This breadth of experience gave her both operational and strategic expertise, which she has since applied to driving Clear Junction's international expansion. Teresa Cameron, Group CEO of Clear Junction, said: "Stepping into this role is a privilege and an exciting challenge. Clear Junction has achieved a huge amount in a short time, and now our task is to take the business to the next level deepening the trust of our clients, strengthening our global footprint, and creating more opportunities for our people. Having worked alongside Dima and the team, I know we have the right mix of talent and ambition to deliver on that vision." Since launching in 2016, Clear Junction has grown into a Group structure with licensed subsidiaries across the UK, Europe, and North America, supported by a team of more than 150 professionals. In February, it was named one of Europe's fastest growing companies in the FT 1000 for the second year running. Teresa has handed over her CFO responsibilities to the Group's newly appointed CFO, Dr Camelia Ion-Byrne, who joined the company in June. Camelia is an accomplished finance executive with extensive experience in the financial services and payments industry. She has held senior roles at Boku Inc. (LON:BOKU), Paysafe Group, and Optimal Payments, leading integration, consolidation, and reporting for multiple acquired entities, while supporting M&A and regulatory compliance. About Clear Junction Clear Junction is a global payments solutions provider established in 2016. The company enables regulated financial institutions to open payment accounts, issue virtual IBANs, access payment networks, and use FX services, digital asset infrastructure, and e-wallets quickly, securely, and in compliance with regulatory requirements. The Clear Junction Group includes several regulated entities across the UK and Canada, offering payment and crypto-asset services. These include: Clear Junction Limited An EMI authorised and regulated by the UK FCA Clear Junction Digital Limited FCA-registered crypto-asset business Clear Junction Canada Limited An MSB registered with FINTRAC Clear Junction continues to build enterprise-grade infrastructure for regulated FIs globally that bridges the gap between traditional finance and digital assets. For more information, visit: www.clearjunction.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251028605745/en/ Contacts: Media contact SkyParlour for Clear Junction Alice Corden clearjunction@skyparlour.com +44 (0)330 043 1315 Regulatory News: Press Release Paris, 29 October 2025 Not for distribution directly or indirectly in Canada or Japan. The distribution of this document in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons who come into possession of this document are required to inquire about, and comply with, potential local restrictions. This document does not constitute an offer, or an invitation to apply for, or an offer or invitation to purchase or subscribe for any securities either in the United States or in any other jurisdiction. Securities may not be offered or sold in the United States, or to or for the account or benefit of U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under U.S. Securities Act of 1933), unless they are registered or exempt from registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Pernod Ricard does not intend to register the offer detailed in the press release, in whole or in part, in the United States, and nor does it intend to carry out any public offer in the United States. Pernod Ricard (Paris:RI), the long-term senior debt of which is rated Baa1 (stable outlook) by Moody's and BBB+ (stable outlook) by Standard Poor's, has today set the terms of a new Euro-denominated bond issue for an aggregate amount of 1 billion across a dual tranche of long 7-Year and long 11-Year. The favourable market conditions and the positive reception from investors to the issuance allowed Pernod Ricard to price the issuance at a coupon of 3.25% on the long 7-Year tranche and 3.75% on the long 11-Year tranche. Amount (EUR) Maturity Settlement Coupon Yield Re-offer spread 500,000,000 4 February 2033 4 November 2025 3.25% 3.315% 85bps 500,000,000 4 February 2037 4 November 2025 3.75% 3.804% 113bps In addition, Pernod Ricard issued a two-year private placement for an aggregate amount of 200m. The average coupon of the overall 1,2bn bond issuance is 3.30% with an average maturity of 8 years. The net proceeds of the bond issuance will be used for general corporate purposes of Pernod Ricard. Placement was made across qualified investors. An application will be made for the bonds to be admitted to trading on Euronext Paris. The bonds are expected to be rated Baa1 by Moody's and BBB+ by Standard Poor's. About Pernod Ricard Pernod Ricard is a worldwide leader in the spirits and wine industry, blending traditional craftsmanship, state-of-the-art brand-building, and global distribution technologies. Our prestigious portfolio of premium to luxury brands includes Absolut vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine's, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute, and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Malibu liqueur and Mumm and Perrier-Jouet champagnes. Our mission is to ensure the long-term development of our brands with full respect for people and the environment, while empowering our employees around the world to be ambassadors of our purposeful, inclusive and responsible culture of authentic conviviality. Pernod Ricard's consolidated sales amounted to 10,959 million in fiscal year FY25. Pernod Ricard is part of the CAC 40 index. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251029970359/en/ Contacts: Florence Tresarrieu Global SVP Investor Relations and Treasury +33 (0) 1 70 93 17 03 Edward Mayle Investor Relations Director +33 (0) 6 76 85 00 45 Ines Lo Franco Investor Relations Manager +33 (0) 6 49 10 33 54 Emmanuel Vouin Head of External Engagement +33 (0) 1 70 93 16 34 Consortium formed by Saudi Electricity company and EDF power solutions signs 25-year Power Purchase Agreement for the Samtah solar project in the frame of the Round 6 launched by the Saudi Power Procurement company (SPPC) Consortium will develop, finance and operate the Samtah solar PV project with a capacity of 600 megawatts (MW) Project is expected to power 100 thousand households per year and avoid over 1.1 million tons of CO2 annually RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Under the supervision of the Ministry of Energy, the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) and EDF power solutions' consortium signed a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC) for the development of the Samtah Solar PV Power Project, marking a new milestone in Saudi Arabia's renewable energy journey under Round 6 of the National Renewable Energy Program. The signing ceremony took place in Riyadh in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman binAbdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Energy and Bernard Fontana, Chairman and CEO of the EDF Group. The agreement was signed by Eng. Khalid bin Salem AlGhamdi, CEO of the Saudi Electricity Company; Mazin Al-Bahkali, CEO of the Saudi Power Procurement Company; and Omar Al-Daweesh, CEO KSA, EDF Group and EDF power solutions. Located in the Jazan Province, approximately 35 kilometers southwest of Jazan city and 15 kilometers north of Samtah, the project will be developed, financed, built, owned, and operated by a consortium formed by SEC and EDF power solutions. Once operational in the first quarter of 2028, the 600 MW Samtah Solar Power Project will supply clean electricity to more than 100,000 homes each year and is expected to avoid over 1.1 million tons of carbon-dioxide emissions annually. The project represents a strategic milestone in the Kingdom's renewable energy transition, supporting the national target of producing around 50 percent of electricity from renewable sources by 2030. It underscores the leadership of the Ministry of Energy and SEC's role as a national enabler of the energy transition, as well as EDF power solutions as international clean energy developer -driving sustainability, localization, and innovation across the power sector. As part of the consortium's commitment to local value creation, a significant portion of the project's materials, equipment, and services will be sourced from Saudi companies during the construction phase, stimulating local industries, creating job opportunities, and building national capabilities. Eng. Khalid bin Salem AlGhamdi, CEO of Saudi Electricity Company, said: "The award of the Samtah Solar Power Project marks a defining milestone for Saudi Electricity Company as we embark on our first large-scale solar photovoltaic venture. Guided by the vision and leadership of His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Minister of Energy, this achievement reflects our strategic commitment to expanding renewable generation, accelerating decarbonization, and contributing to the Kingdom's energy transformation goals under Vision 2030. Expanding into renewable opportunities reinforces our ambition to build a balanced and future-ready energy portfolio that delivers sustainable growth and long-term shareholder value. It also underscores SEC's pivotal role at the heart of the Kingdom's power sector transformation advancing renewable energy while maintaining reliable, high-quality service across the Kingdom." Omar Al-Daweesh, CEO KSA, EDF Group & EDF Power Solutions, added: "The award of the Samtah Solar Project marks another significant milestone in EDF's longstanding partnership with the Ministry of Energy and the Saudi Power Procurement Company. Leveraging EDF's extensive technical expertise and deep local knowledge, this project underscores our commitment to advancing Saudi Arabia's clean energy ambitions while maintaining high environmental and social standards. With this achievement, EDF's renewable energy capacity in the Kingdom now reaches 4,100 MW-further strengthening our contribution to local value creation, sustainable development, and the realization of Saudi's Vision 2030 plan for a cleaner, more prosperous future for all." The signing of this agreement reaffirms the Kingdom's leadership in sustainable energy development and its determination to build a diversified, low-carbon, and high-efficiency energy future. Key figures of the projects: Samtah Solar PV plant 600 MW Solar PV Plant Located in the Jazan Province 1,115,000 tons of CO2 avoided 100,000 homes powered with clean electricity per year About Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) The Saudi Electricity Company is the Kingdom's leading provider of electrical power and a key enabler of the national energy transformation. Through pioneering projects in renewable energy, digital innovation, and grid modernization, SEC supports Vision 2030's objectives to build a sustainable, efficient, and reliable energy sector that powers the Kingdom's economic and environmental goals. www.se.com.sa About EDF power solutions Bringing together the businesses of EDF Renewables and EDF Group International Division, EDF power solutions is an international energy player which develops, builds and operates renewable and low-carbon energy production facilities as well as flexible power and electricity transmission solutions. As a major player in the energy transition worldwide, EDF power solutions deploys, within EDF, competitive, responsible and value-creating projects. In 25 countries, our teams show their commitment to local stakeholders every day, adding their expertise and capacity for innovation to the fight against climate change. EDF power solutions operates 31GW of gross installed power capacity worldwide. Leveraging on its technological and commercial skills as well as local knowledge, EDF power solutions develops innovative offers, to support the move towards decarbonisation and develop more efficient electrical systems. EDF power solutions offer a large range of technologies to produce low carbon electricity (wind power, solar, hydraulics, biomass), increase power system flexibility (battery storage, PSP, low carbon thermal hybrid solution etc.) and to reduce our customers' carbon footprint (electrical mobility, hydrogen, offgrid) Contacts: For more information: www.ksa.edf.com Follow us on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/edfmiddleeast About Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC) The Saudi Power Procurement Company is the principal offtaker for electricity projects in the Kingdom and a key player in implementing the National Renewable Energy Program under the supervision of the Ministry of Energy. SPPC works to ensure a balanced and sustainable energy mix that supports the Kingdom's long-term economic and environmental objectives. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2808022/EDF_Group___Samtah.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/under-the-supervision-of-the-ministry-of-energy-saudi-electricity-company-and-edf-power-solutions-win-a-600-mw-solar-pv-power-project-in-samtah-and-sign-the-power-purchase-agreement-with-the-principal-buyer-302598076.html Chinese manufacturers now dominate Europe's residential storage sector, capturing more than 80% of installations as European companies lose ground amid falling prices and weak policy support.From ESS News Europe continues to lead the global residential energy storage segment, accounting for seven of the top 10 global residential storage markets in 2025. However, this year, the European residential storage market is experiencing a 9% decline in installations for the second consecutive year. There are two main reasons for this contraction. On one hand, the fall in energy prices following their ... Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Partnership to Accelerate Growth, Foster Innovation and Enrich Digital Experiences for SMBs QualityHosting, a Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider ("CSP") specializing in solutions such as Microsoft 365 and Azure, today announced a strategic growth investment from PSG Equity, a leading growth equity firm that specializes in partnering with software and technology-enabled services companies to drive transformational growth. Headquartered in Gelnhausen, Germany, QualityHosting provides Microsoft Cloud distribution and value-added managed services through its highly-automated proprietary platform to over 15,000 small-to-medium sized businesses ("SMBs") as end customers and more than 1,000 partners. QualityHosting was established in 1998 by co-founders Christian Heit (CEO) and Markus Oestreicher (CTO). The company is a Microsoft Solution Partner with designations in Modern Work, Infrastructure, and Security, and a member of Microsoft's European Cloud Council. QualityHosting became Germany's first Microsoft CSP in 2014, and today also provides high-value Microsoft add-on products and services such as security, compliance and governance. QualityHosting operates in a large and fragmented market and stands to benefit from structural tailwinds, such as accelerating cloud adoption across Europe, including amongst SMBs, as they seek flexibility, better digital tools and productivity gains. Additionally, with increased levels of Managed Service Provider ("MSP") outsourcing and a growing partner ecosystem, bundled managed services, AI and security have become key priorities for SMBs. Microsoft is the default IT backbone for SMBs, with over 85% adoption across cloud, security and productivity. With PSG Equity's support, QualityHosting will seek to accelerate growth through a combination of organic and inorganic initiatives, to deliver high value-added services around Microsoft and enrich the digital experience end-to-end for SMBs. The partnership will also enable QualityHosting to broaden its existing product suite and deepen its AI capabilities to better support the digital needs of SMBs across Microsoft 365, Azure and security offerings. "Partnering with PSG Equity is a significant milestone for QualityHosting," said Christian Heit, CEO at QualityHosting. "This investment validates our position as a leading Cloud Solution Provider and will be pivotal in our desire to drive further digital innovation among the SMB community. With PSG Equity's support, we look forward to deepening our capabilities, including through the use of AI, and continuing to deliver the highest quality cloud solutions to SMBs across Europe." "QualityHosting stands out as a leader in its field, and the company's robust offering is a testament to the team's deep expertise in the cloud solutions space," said Christian Stein, Managing Director at PSG Equity. "PSG Equity has strong conviction in the Microsoft ecosystem, with significant opportunities to enhance QualityHosting's product offering through M&A and AI services automation. We look forward to supporting Christian, Markus and the wider team in their mission to deliver high value-added automated services to enrich the digital experience for SMBs." About QualityHosting Founded in 1998, QualityHosting is a leading Microsoft Cloud and Hosting provider in the DACH region. With over 27 years of experience and a strong focus on Microsoft cloud services such as Microsoft 365 and Azure, the company serves more than 15,000 SMB customers and works with over 1,000 partners. QualityHosting has established itself as a market leader for Hosted Exchange in the DACH region and became Germany's first Microsoft CSP in 2014. As a Microsoft Solution Partner with designations in Modern Work, Infrastructure, and Security, QualityHosting combines deep expertise with a strong partner ecosystem to deliver innovative cloud and managed services. To learn more about QualityHosting, visit www.qualityhosting.de. About PSG Equity PSG Equity is a growth equity firm that partners with software and technology-enabled services companies to help them navigate transformational growth, capitalize on strategic opportunities, and build strong teams. Having backed more than 160 companies and facilitated over 530 add-on acquisitions, PSG Equity brings extensive investment experience, deep expertise in software and technology, and a firm commitment to collaborating with management teams. Founded in 2014, PSG Equity operates out of offices in Boston, London, Paris, and Madrid. To learn more about PSG Equity, visit www.psgequity.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251029308868/en/ Contacts: Media Contacts PSG Equity Prosek Partners Pro-psg@prosek.com The 10-inch R10 is powered by the latest Intel Core Ultra 200V series processor, positioning it as one of the market's first Copilot+ PC rugged tablets. TAIPEI, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Durabook , the global rugged mobile solutions brand owned by Twinhead International Corporation, today announced the launch of its next-generation AI-powered fully rugged R10 tablet. Equipped with high-performance Intel Core Ultra 200V series processors, the 10" device is one of the first Copilot+ PC rugged tablets on the market. Redefining versatility in the tablet world, the R10 can be paired with a detachable backlit keyboard, seamlessly transforming it into a 2-in-1 rugged laptop PC. This adaptable design delivers the ideal balance of performance, reliability, and mobility, empowering users with a powerful and intelligent rugged device that fuses cutting-edge AI capabilities with Durabook's hallmark durability and field-proven design. Twinhead's CEO, Fred Kao, said: "Durabook devices are built to meet the needs of professionals who depend on powerful, reliable technology to stay productive in any environment. The compact and versatile R10 redefines the 10-inch rugged tablet category by providing AI-enhanced productivity supported by smart engineering for optimal usability. The R10's adaptive design and customisation capability make it the perfect partner for field service operatives working across a wide range of sectors, including industrial manufacturing, warehouse management, automotive diagnostics, public safety, utilities, transport and logistics." AI-Enhanced Performance Equipped with the Intel Core Ultra 200V series CPU, the R10 delivers exceptional computing power with enhanced AI performance, energy efficiency, and multitasking capability. Featuring new Performance/Low Power Efficient core architecture, low-latency LPDDR5X on-package memory, and speeds of up to 5.0 GHz, the R10 exceeds expectations by delivering 50% higher performance than 12th Generation Intel CPUs. Built for AI at the edge, the R10's combination of CPU, GPU, and NPU compute engines delivers 120 TOPS of total AI performance for real-time mission-critical decision-making. As a Copilot+ PC, the R10 also integrates on-device AI acceleration, enabling Microsoft Copilot features to run securely and smoothly, even without cloud access. This sophisticated level of tech provides 24/7 instant summarisation, intelligent search, and adaptive task management for professionals in the field. Rugged Reliability in All Conditions Designed to operate in the harshest conditions, the R10 meets MIL-STD-810H, 6-foot drop and IP66 standards. With proven resistance to drops, shocks, vibration, dust and even salt fog, the R10 also remains operative in the most extreme temperatures, from sub-freezing -29C (-20F) to 63C (145F) heat. Additionally, the tablet is also certified with MIL-STD 461G, for electromagnetic compatibility, and ANSI/UL C1D2 for use in specified hazardous locations and potentially explosive environments. The R10 also features a 10.1" TFT LCD WUXGA (1920 x 1200) DynaVue sunlight-readable display with brightness up to 1,000 nits, so every detail of imagery is delivered with the utmost clarity in all weathers. With Microsoft Pen Protocol (MPP) 1.51 support, the R10 delivers precise stylus performance, empowering engineers to sign reports, sketch diagrams, and annotate blueprints directly on the screen with accuracy and ease. Engineered for Connectivity and Endurance The R10 comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of integrated technologies, including one Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port, dual SIM (Nano SIM & eSIM), up to two RJ-45 ports and an optional serial port RS-232. In addition, wireless connectivity includes 5G/4G LTE, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth V5.4 and GPS, ensuring constant, secure connectivity in any environment. Adding to its versatility, the tablet supports modular expansion options tailored for field applications, such as a barcode scanner, magnetic stripe reader, smart card reader, and RFID (NFC) reader, enhancing productivity across diverse industrial and operational scenarios. Specialised field applications require extended battery life, so the R10 features a hot-swappable battery design with an optional high-capacity battery up to 16 hours, enabling users to hot-swap batteries in the field without any downtime. Optimal Security as Standard Purpose-built for professionals handling sensitive data, the R10's integrated Microsoft Pluton Security Processor provides chip-to-cloud protection at the hardware level, safeguarding credentials and encryption keys from the moment the device powers on. Advanced security support also includes TPM 2.0 as standard and optional Intel vPro, as well as a 5.0 MP IR camera for Windows Hello with dynamic shutter design, 11 MP rear camera with dynamic shutter design, Windows 11 Secured-core PC and an optional fingerprint scanner meet the needs of customers today in an ever-evolving mobile work environment. Designed to deliver full computing capability in a truly mobile form, Durabook has developed the R10 with optimised usability in mind. Designed to minimise e-waste and reduce the total cost of ownership, the R10 promises long-term performance and a strong return on investment for customers working across various industries. Availability The new R10 fully rugged tablet is available for order now. For more information, please visit: https://www.durabook.com/en/products/r10-tablet Follow the DURABOOK brand The Durabook product family of rugged laptops and tablets can be followed on various social media channels including LinkedIn, Facebook, X and YouTube. About DURABOOK Durabook is the core brand of Twinhead International Corporation in Taiwan, a world-renowned manufacturer of rugged mobile solutions for 40 years. All Durabook devices are designed, manufactured and tested to the highest standards to ensure maximum quality and reliability. Committed to engineering and service excellence, Durabook products have been widely adopted by government and enterprise customers including oil and gas, utilities, field service, military, and public safety for more than two decades. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2805754/Press_release_R10_Alt.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/durabook-introduces-next-generation-r10-copilot-pc-rugged-tablet-302596613.html RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 3Ventures and global software investor Insight Partners today announced a strategic partnership designed to strengthen Saudi Arabia's emerging innovation economy and accelerate the development of high-growth, AI-led technology ventures across the region. The collaboration brings together 3Ventures' deep understanding of the Saudi and MENA innovation landscape with Insight Partners' three decades of industry leading global investment and operational expertise. Together, the organizations aim to contribute to the Kingdom's broader transformation agenda by supporting the growth of a sustainable, founder-driven technology ecosystem. The partnership will focus on defining and implementing a comprehensive venture strategy including investment priorities, sector focus, and operational design. In its early phase, Insight and 3Ventures will work closely to establish the playbook for building, funding, and scaling AI-centric startups aligned with key growth sectors such as digital health, fintech, smart infrastructure, logistics, and industrial transformation. As the platform matures, both organizations will shift toward a strategic and long-term partnership model, designed to empower 3Ventures to lead venture creation and ecosystem development within the Kingdom. "The partnership represents a strategic alignment of expertise and intent and reflects both 3Ventures and Insight's shared conviction in the future of Saudi Arabia's innovation economy and our mutual belief that collaboration between local and global venture leaders is essential to scale new ecosystems sustainably," Deven Parekh, Insight Partners Managing Director, said. "This collaboration allows us to combine our global scale-up experience with 3Ventures' on-the-ground insight and execution capability so that together, we can build the builders of Saudi Arabia and the MENA region." Through this initiative, the two organizations aim to bring world-class venture design, investment discipline, and operational know-how to Saudi Arabia, helping accelerate the country's journey toward becoming a global technology hub. "This partnership is about more than capital," Ziad Musallam, CEO of 3Ventures, said. "It's about building the foundations of a lasting innovation economy. Together, we are designing a model that empowers Saudi founders, attracts global investors, and establishes the Kingdom as a leader in AI-driven technology creation." Over time, the initiative will serve as a catalyst for innovation across Saudi Arabia's private and public sectors, equipping entrepreneurs, corporates, and investors with the tools to scale world-class ventures from within the Kingdom. The partnership and investment was supported by HDVentures as business counsel and Willkie Farr & Gallagher as legal counsel. About 3Ventures 3Ventures is a Saudi-headquartered Venture & Innovation House focused on building, funding, and scaling technology ventures across the Kingdom. With three core business lines - 3Ventures Fund, 3Ventures Studios, and 3Ventures Innovation - the Group partners with corporates, government entities, and global technology companies to design and implement innovation strategies, build ventures from scratch, and nurture founder ecosystems. About Insight Partners Insight Partners is a global software investor partnering with high-growth technology, software, and Internet startup and ScaleUp companies that are driving transformative change in their industries. As of June 30, 2025, the firm has over $90B in regulatory assets under management. Headquartered in New York City, Insight Partners has invested in more than 875 companies worldwide and has seen over 55 portfolio companies achieve an IPO. Insight's mission is to find, fund, and work successfully with visionary executives, providing them with tailored, hands-on software expertise along their growth journey, from their first investment to IPO. For more information on Insight and all its investments, visit insightpartners.com or follow us on X @insightpartners. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2359770/Insight_Venture_Management__Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/insight-partners-to-invest-in-saudi-venture-firm-3ventures-group-to-accelerate-the-growth-of-saudi-arabias-technology-ecosystem-302596984.html GUANGZHOU, China, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The 138th Canton Fair is drawing attention to the rapidly advancing field of new materials and chemical products. This highly specialized exhibition section attracts buyers with clear objectives who focus on product quality, real-world performance, and cost efficiency - qualities that make these materials and products a cornerstone of industrial innovation. The Canton Fair has helped companies across the new materials and chemical sectors expand their international presence and build long-term partnerships. This appeal continues to attract new participants seeking to expand global markets. Among them is a first-time exhibitor specializing in customized marine and engineering products, such as EVA foam fenders, solid rubber fenders, buoyancy equipment, and airbags. The company's general manager expressed multifaceted expectations for participating in the Canton Fair. In the short term, it aims to leverage its innovative product portfolio to connect with global partners and introduce China's intelligent marine equipment solutions to international markets. Over the long term, the fair is seen as a strategic platform to highlight the company's R&D and integrated capabilities, enhance global brand influence, and gather insights to inform future innovation and strategic planning. Another standout is a seasoned exhibitor whose diverse product portfolio spans 11 major categories, including water treatment, glass and ceramics, and coating resins. At this session of the Canton Fair, the company showcased high-value products, such as premium titanium materials, eco-friendly water treatment solutions, and daily-use chemical detergents, highlighting its green competitiveness. By presenting its end-to-end service capabilities, from raw material import and processing to distribution, the company helps global buyers better understand its integrated supply chain strength. A veteran of over 90 Canton Fair sessions, the company has developed a comprehensive digital marketing system that spans pre-fair engagement, on-site interaction, and post-fair follow-up. This approach has proven highly effective, delivering strong results in both customer engagement and order fulfillment at recent sessions. The New Materials and Chemical Products section was introduced at the 134th Canton Fair through a strategic upgrade of the former chemical products section. Increasingly, companies in related fields are leveraging the Canton Fair to expand into international markets, sustain long-term partnerships, and promote the global application of China-made new materials. To register the 138th Canton Fair, please click https://buyer.cantonfair.org.cn/register/buyer/email?source_type=16. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2808098/image_969985_26608342.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/the-138th-canton-fair-boosts-global-exposure-for-specialized-materials-and-chemical-products-302598157.html 70% of UK consumers ranked fraud protection among their top three considerations when choosing a new bank FICO (NYSE: FICO) New researchi on fraud, identity, and digital banking from global analytics software leader FICO reveals that British consumers are prioritizing fraud protection over other considerations when selecting financial service providers. Banking-related fraud, such as stolen cards and identity theft leading to application fraud, tops their list of concerns, while traditional scams like cash theft and shopping frauds rank far lower. "Fraud prevention is no longer just about reducing losses, it's now a business differentiator," said James Roche, principal fraud consultant for FICO in EMEA. "Banks that deliver strong fraud defences while maintaining a smooth digital experience will win customer trust and loyalty." More information: https://www.fico.com/en/latest-thinking/ebook/2025-consumer-survey-uk-fraud-identity-and-digital-banking Key Findings: 35% rank good fraud prevention as their number one consideration when signing up to a new bank and 70% had it in their top three. rank good fraud prevention as their number one consideration when signing up to a new bank and had it in their top three. 39% strongly prefer fingerprints as their authentication method; 56% rate biometric security as excellent. strongly prefer fingerprints as their authentication method; rate biometric security as excellent. 40% are more likely to open a financial account digitally than they were a year ago. are more likely to open a financial account digitally than they were a year ago. 18% abandon opening a personal banking account if ID verification is too time-consuming. "The fraud team might be considered an overhead, a necessity to cut fraud losses, but our survey suggests the fraud department is vital for attracting new customers and building trust," added Roche. "Customers need to trust their financial services provider, which is why it's critical for banks to ensure fraud checks and identity proofing are appropriate and proportionate. They should be able to deliver personalized and timely communications about the process to their customers." While fraud protection is critical, the FICO survey also highlights consumer intolerance for delays. Half of respondents expect to open a personal account in under 30 minutes, and lengthy verification checks drive abandonment. Biometrics play a leading role in that trust. Fingerprint and facial recognition dominate usage, while iris scans, though less common, are considered the most secure. The growing confidence in advanced biometric technology reflects consumer demand for both security and convenience. The Need for an Enterprise Fraud Approach "Financial institutions must manage multiple fraud types across the customer lifecycle, with each type carrying the potential to damage trust and customer experience," Roche noted. "The research points to the importance of an enterprise fraud strategy one that breaks down silos, integrates data across portfolios and channels, and prioritizes the customer. Operationalizing an enterprise fraud strategy can both reduce fraud losses and enhance customer satisfaction, turning a friction point into a foundation of trust." For more information on how FICO can help financial services organizations protect consumers from fraud, visit https://www.fico.com/en/customer-lifecycle/protect-and-comply About FICO FICO (NYSE: FICO) powers decisions that help people and businesses around the world prosper. Founded in 1956, the company is a pioneer in the use of predictive analytics and data science to improve operational decisions. FICO holds more than 200 US and foreign patents on technologies that increase profitability, customer satisfaction and growth for businesses in financial services, insurance, telecommunications, health care, retail and many other industries. Using FICO solutions, businesses in more than 80 countries do everything from protecting 4 billion payment cards from fraud, to improving financial inclusion, to increasing supply chain resiliency. The FICO Score, used by 90% of top US lenders, is the standard measure of consumer credit risk in the US and has been made available in over 40 other countries, improving risk management, credit access and transparency. Learn more at https://www.fico.com Join the conversation at https://x.com/FICO_corp https://www.fico.com/blogs/ For FICO news and media resources, visit https://www.fico.com/newsroom FICO is a registered trademark of Fair Isaac Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. i This online survey was conducted by an independent research company adhering to research industry standards. 1,000 British adults were surveyed, concluding in April and May of 2025. This was part of a project surveying approximately 18,000 consumers in 18 countries including: Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Germany, India, Italy, Netherlands, Mexico, South Africa, Thailand, Philippines, Spain, UK, USA, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251029525167/en/ Contacts: For further press information please contact: FICO UK PR Team Wendy Harrison Matthew Enderby ficoteam@harrisonsadler.com 0208 977 9132 dynaCERT Inc. (TSX: DYA) (OTCQB: DYFSF) (FRA: DMJ) ("dynaCERT" or the "Company") is pleased to report that following the successful deployment of its HydraGEN technology in the French port of Rochefort, the Canadian Cleantech company, dynaCERT Inc., is continuing its international expansion. In the coming weeks, dynaCERT will be present at two leading trade fairs for the global logistics industry transport logistic Americas air cargo Americas from November 11-13, 2025, in Miami (USA), and logitrans from November 19-21, 2025, in Istanbul (Turkey). On November 10, 2025, dynaCERT will also host an invited evening event as part of Agritechnica in Hanover. On November 26, 2025, dynaCERT will participate in a symposium in Hanoi (Vietnam). The two trade fairs in Miami and Istanbul are considered central meeting points for the global logistics and transportation industry. While Miami is the gateway to the markets of North and Latin America, Istanbul connects Europe and Asia. Both trade fairs focus on topics such as sustainable supply chains, fleet management, and the decarbonization of transport logistics-areas in which dynaCERT offers solutions with its HydraGEN technology. "The success in Rochefort demonstrates that our technology is in demand worldwide wherever diesel engines are in use and emissions need to be reduced," explains Kevin Unrath, COO of dynaCERT. "At upcoming trade fairs, we plan to demonstrate how HydraGEN can be integrated into ports, logistics centers, and fleet solutions without having to replace existing engines." Sustainability as a global industry trend This year's transport logistic Americas in Miami focuses on energy-efficient terminals, electric ground fleets, and green logistics strategies. dynaCERT will demonstrate how hydrogen technology can contribute to the decarbonization of existing transport and port infrastructure. At logitrans in Istanbul, dynaCERT, together with international partners, will showcase its technology for fleet and port applications. The trade fair is considered Eurasia's largest logistics platform and brings together over 200 exhibitors and 14,000 trade visitors. The focus will be on sustainable supply chains, telematics solutions, and digitalization topics that dynaCERT directly addresses with its HydraLytica platform and HydraGEN hardware. International market expansion By participating in logistics trade fairs in the USA and Turkey, as well as other events, dynaCERT is positioning itself as a partner for logistics companies, port operators, and fleet managers worldwide. This presence on several continents marks the start of an international campaign to tap into new markets in North America, Europe, and Asia. Following its successful launch in the French port of Rochefort-Tonnay-Charente, dynaCERT plans to further expand its Marine Port Logistics business unit and demonstrate the technology to an international audience. "We are talking to operators who are looking for immediately implementable solutions," says Unrath. "HydraGEN demonstrates how sustainable efficiency can be cost-effective today. We expect the upcoming trade fairs to deepen potential customer relationships and increase awareness of our technology." About dynaCERT Inc. dynaCERT Inc. is a Canadian Cleantech company based in Toronto specializing in technologies for reducing CO2 emissions from internal combustion engines. The company has invested heavily in research and development and has its own production facilities with a capacity of up to 36,000 HydraGEN units per year. In addition to the HydraGEN hardware, dynaCERT operates HydraLytica, a cloud-based platform for capturing real-time data-the basis for monetizing CO2 savings. dynaCERT methodology has also been Verra-certified, which will provide access to the global market for tradable carbon credits in future. Website: www.dynaCERT.com. READER ADVISORY This press release of dynaCERT Inc. contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements". Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause dynaCERT's actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in the industry to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Actual results may vary from the forward-looking information in this news release due to certain material risk factors. Except for statements of historical fact, this news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. We cannot guarantee future results, performance of achievements. Consequently, there is no representation that the actual results achieved will be the same, in whole or in part, as those set out in the forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. Some of the risks and other factors that could cause the results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information include, but are not limited to: uncertainty as to whether our strategies and business plans will yield the expected benefits; availability and cost of capital; the ability to identify and develop and achieve commercial success for new products and technologies; the level of expenditures necessary to maintain and improve the quality of products and services; changes in technology and changes in laws and regulations; the uncertainty of the emerging hydrogen economy; including the hydrogen economy moving at a pace not anticipated; our ability to secure and maintain strategic relationships and distribution agreements; and the other risk factors disclosed under our profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned that this list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. We undertake no duty to update any of the forward-looking information to conform such information to actual results or to changes in our expectations except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Toronto Stock Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the release. On Behalf of the Board Murray James Payne, CEO View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251029693536/en/ Contacts: For more information, please contact: Jim Payne, Chairman CEO dynaCERT Inc. #101 501 Alliance Avenue Toronto, Ontario M6N 2J1 +1 (416) 766-9691 x 2 jpayne@dynaCERT.com Investor Relations dynaCERT Inc. Nancy Massicotte +1 (416) 766-9691 x 1 nmassicotte@dynaCERT.com CMR Surgical Adopts NVIDIA IGX THOR for AI-Powered, Next Generation Surgical Robotics ? Testing to focus on the potential to deliver real-time, AI-powered insights that improve patient outcomes and support continuous learning for surgeons Cambridge, UK - 29 October 2025, CMR Surgical IGX Thor as it evaluates its integration into the Versius Surgical Robotic System. IGX Thor is NVIDIA's latest and most powerful platform designed for physical AI and robotics, delivering up to 5,581 FP4 TFLOPS of AI compute with 400 GBe of connectivity, offering more compute power, better energy efficiency and awareness compared with previous platforms. A pioneer in surgical robotic innovation, CMR's goal is to improve patient outcomes by leveraging its data with AI to deliver insights and recommendations in real time, at the point of care. Ultimately, we aim to enable the data captured from every Versius procedure to improve all surgeries. Working closely with NVIDIA, CMR will evaluate IGX Thor's AI capabilities for the next-generation of Versius, bringing intelligent surgical support to enhance surgeons' capabilities and democratise minimally invasive surgery. Versius captures extensive telematic, video and patient outcome data through its digital ecosystem to deliver meaningful insights to surgeons and hospitals. Today, Versius delivers those insights through the Versius Connect app, Versius Team and Customer dashboards, with the goal of supporting improved surgical care. Chris Fryer, Chief Technology Officer at CMR Surgical, commented: "Today's announcement reflects our strategic intent in leveraging the formidable potential of AI and represents a further step forward in our mission to deliver real-time insights that improve outcomes. The goal of AI isn't to replace surgeons, but to empower them. We're excited to explore how NVIDIA IGX Thor can revolutionise the AI capabilities within the Versius ecosystem and look forward to continuing to work closely with the NVIDIA team." Versius is a unique, versatile and adaptable surgical robot designed to seamlessly and easily integrate into any operating room and hospital workflow. The system has performed c.40,000 surgical cases to date and is being used across a broad range of specialties including urology, general surgery, gynaecology, and thoracic surgery in leading hospitals around the world. Versius can be easily moved between departments, making it suitable for any care setting from low acuity, high-volume cases to the most complex oncological surgical procedures. Media Contacts: If you wish to see more, please contact CMR Surgical at: Press Office, CMR Surgical Epressoffice@cmrsurgical.com Notes to editors: The Versius Surgical Robotic System Versius resets expectations of robotic surgery. Versius fits into virtually any operating room set-up and integrates seamlessly into existing workflows, increasing the likelihood of robotic minimally invasive surgery (MAS). The small, portable and modular design of Versius allows the surgeon to only use the number of arms needed for a given procedure. Biomimicking the human arm, Versius gives surgeons the choice of optimised port placement alongside the dexterity and accuracy of small fully-wristed instruments. With 3D HD vision, easy-to adopt instrument control and a choice of ergonomic working positions, the open surgeon console has the potential to reduce stress and fatigue and allows for clear communication with the surgical team. By thinking laparoscopically and operating robotically with Versius, patients, surgeons and healthcare professionals can all benefit from the value that robotic MAS brings. But it's more than just a robot. Versius captures meaningful data with its wider digital ecosystem to support a surgeon's continuous learning. Through the Versius Connect app, Versius Trainer and CMR clinical registry, Versius unleashes a wealth of insights to ultimately improve surgical care. About CMR Surgical Limited CMR Surgical (CMR) is a global medical devices company dedicated to transforming surgery with Versius, a next-generation surgical robot. Headquartered in Cambridge, United Kingdom, CMR is committed to working with surgeons, surgical teams and hospital partners, to provide an optimal tool to make robotic minimally invasive surgery universally accessible and affordable. With Versius, we are on a mission to redefine the surgical robotics market with practical, innovative technology and data that can improve surgical care. Founded in 2014, CMR Surgical is a private limited company backed by an international shareholder base. October 29, 2025 3-Year data from the largest global trial to date using Class I, Level A iFR in heart attack patients shows treating additional stenoses in the same procedure showed no significant difference in major outcomes compared with waiting for follow-up Additional results from the ILIAS ANOCA study highlight the sustained benefits of physiology-guided assessment and tailored medical therapy for patients with angina and no obstructive coronary arteries Amsterdam, the Netherlands -Royal Philips(NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), a global leader in health technology, today announced late-breaking results from the iMODERN trial (Instantaneous wave-free Ratio Guided Multivessel Revascularisation During PCI for Acute Myocardial Infarction) at the Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) 2025 conference, the world's leading meeting for interventional cardiology. The study compared immediate versus delayed treatment of additional narrowed arteries in heart attack patients to determine whether treating all blockages in one procedure is as safe and effective as waiting for a follow-up procedure. The study compared immediate versus deferred treatment of additional narrowed arteries in heart attack patients to determine whether treating all blockages in a single procedure is superior to waiting for a follow-up procedure - a key question, since many patients have multiple diseased arteries and the optimal timing for complete treatment remains uncertain. In today's practice, when patients suffer a serious type of heart attack (STEMI), cardiologists urgently open the blocked artery causing the attack. But many of these patients also have disease in other arteries. Often these additional narrowed arteries are not treated right away, either due to time restraints, patient stability, resource constraints or because they stay unnoticed. They may be treated later in a separate hospital stay or not at all, leaving uncertainty about the best timing and approach. The new findings show that patients can safely have additional arteries treated immediately during the first procedure to treat the acute event, rather than during a later second intervention. By confirming the safety of extending Class I, Level A-recommended iFR to non-stable patients, the results offer physicians the opportunity to complete treatment in one session, without compromising long-term outcomes. The iMODERN trial is the largest study to date testing iFR* in the acute heart attack setting, expanding the evidence base for a tool already strongly recommended (Class I, Level A) in stable patients. The findings are published in The New England Journal of Medicine(NEJM), underscoring its global scientific significance and impact on cardiology practice. "These results address one of the longest-standing questions in interventional cardiology," said Prof. Niels van Royen, co-principal investigator, Radboud University Medical Center, The Netherlands. "Measuring and eventually treating additional arteries can be performed during the first procedure or during a staged procedure. That means cardiologists can feel confident offering patients a complete solution in one sitting when it's appropriate." The iMODERN study enrolled 1,146 patients across 41 hospitals in 14 countries directly addressed this question. Patients were randomly assigned to one of two treatment strategies: either immediate physiology-guided treatment of additional narrowed arteries during the first procedure using instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR), or staged treatment guided by cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) carried out within four days to six weeks after the heart attack. The study's main endpoint combined three outcomes: death, another heart attack, or hospitalization for heart failure over three years. After three years of follow-up, the trial found no significant difference in major outcomes - including death, repeat heart attack, or hospitalization for heart failure - between the two approaches. By confirming that both approaches are backed by solid evidence, the trial offers patients more certainty and more personalized care. "Flexibility is critical in real-world practice," added Prof. Dr. Robin Nijveldt, co-principal investigator, at Radboud University Medical Center, in the Netherlands. "Some patients may benefit from immediate treatment, while others are better served by waiting. iMODERN is a pragmatic study that shows that an immediate intervention is not necessarily better than waiting, if patients are offered a CMR to evaluate the need for a second intervention, giving physicians the evidence they need to tailor decisions to each patient." "These results complement current international guideline recommendations (Class I recommendation, Level A evidence) for complete revascularization in STEMI," said Dr. Darshan Doshi, practicing interventional cardiologist and Head of Medical & Clinical at Philips Image-Guided Therapy Devices. "By integrating physiological assessment, iMODERN's evidence demonstrates that cardiologists can follow these findings for full revascularization while also tailoring treatment to each vessel's true ischemic relevance." Complementary evidence from ILIAS ANOCA In related findings presented at the same conference, the ILIAS ANOCA (Inclusive Invasive Physiological Assessment in Angina Syndromes - Angina with No Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease) study further demonstrated the value of physiology-guided decision-making - this time in patients with angina and no obstructive coronary arteries (ANOCA). The ILIAS ANOCA study evaluated the impact of coronary function testing (CFT) in patients whose coronary arteries appear unobstructed on angiography but who continue to experience angina. Conducted across five cardiac centers in the Netherlands and Germany (n=153), the investigator-initiated, randomized, blinded-arm controlled trial compared standard care with CFT-guided medical therapy using Philips Doppler FloWire and FloMap systems. The study found that ad-hoc CFT followed by tailored therapy significantly improved patient-reported angina symptoms and quality of life at six months, with a mean 9.4-point gain in the Seattle Angina Questionnaire summary score (95% CI 3.9-14.9; p=0.001). There were no procedure-related complications or major adverse cardiac events. These results confirm and extend the earlier CorMiCA findings, supporting CFT as a Class I, Level A recommendation in ANOCA patients and demonstrating the potential of Philips Doppler technology to guide individualized treatment strategies safely and effectively. The 12-month results presented on October 26th demonstrate the sustained benefits of CFT-guided care. iFR and MRI technology Philips physiology solutions - including its instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR) pressure wires and software - were used to guide immediate treatment decisions in the trial. Philips also provides advanced cardiac MRI technology, which guided the delayed strategy. By enabling both the invasive and non-invasive approaches evaluated in iMODERN, Philips supported the generation of robust evidence to help guide clinical practice worldwide. * iFR (instantaneous wave-free ratio) is a minimally invasive way to measure blood pressure through the coronary arteries, helping physicians decide which blockages require stenting. For further information, please contact: Joost Maltha Philips Global External Relations Tel.: +31 6 1055816 E-mail: joost.maltha@philips.com About Royal Philips Royal Philips. Attachment VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Xali Gold Corp. (TSXV:XGC) ("Xali Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce plans to advance the Pico Machay Gold Project ("Pico Machay" or the "Project") in Central Peru. The Project is under acquisition through a Share Purchase Agreement ("SPA") with Pan American Silver Corp. (TSX:PAAS) (NYSE:PAAS) ("Pan American") and its subsidiary, Aquiline Resources Inc. ("Aquiline") as per the October 24th, 2025 news release. The Pico Machay transaction is considered a fundamental acquisition for Xali Gold and therefore, pursuant to Policy 5.3, is pending the receipt and review of acceptable documentation by the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSX-V"). The Pico Machay transaction is subject to TSX-V acceptance. With the issuance of this news release, the trading halt will be lifted such that Xali Gold will resume trading tomorrow Wednesday October 29th, 2025. Pico Machay has a historic Measured and Indicated Resource of 264,600 ounces ("oz") of gold (10.6 million ("M") tonnes grading 0.78 grams per tonne ("gpt") gold) and an additional Historic Inferred Resource of 446,000 oz of gold (23.9 M tonnes grading 0.58 gpt gold). David Thomas, Independent Qualified Person ("QP"), completed a site visit of Pico Machay from October 21 to 24, 2025 and collected 26 samples. Nine of these samples were collected on the property and 17 samples were collected from pulps and rejects to allow his due diligence on the reported mineralized zones and the Historic Resource. A total of 154 reverse circulation holes drilled prior to 2009, were relied upon to delineate the Historic Resource. All of these holes were drilled in a central zone while nine additional high-potential exploration targets remain untested. Xali Gold plans to commence field work by advancing exploration targets in preparation for drill testing; initiating a bulk sampling program, both to confirm grades from previous drilling and better understand the higher grade zones; and also by conducting additional metallurgical testing to confirm and potentially increase estimated recoveries from previous work. Importantly, all this immediate work can be conducted without the need for additional permits, allowing Xali Gold to continue advancing the Project while applying for the necessary permits for drilling from surface. "Pico Machay offers Xali Gold both immediate value and substantial upside, especially given that the original resource was calculated using a long-term gold price of just US$700 per ounce. With the current gold prices, our priority is to move Pico Machay forward aggressively," said Joanne Freeze, President and CEO of Xali Gold. "Over the next six months, our goal is to update the historic resource estimate using currently accepted long-term gold prices, as well as review and optimize previous engineering studies. Previous owners of Pico Machay outlined a low-cost, low-strip ratio open pit heap-leach operation. Xali Gold will work to update these studies to re-estimate the Project's current economic potential with a goal to move quickly and cost-effectively toward our goal of near-term production." The Project lies within the northern extent of the Southern Peru Epithermal Gold-Silver Belt and in the eastern part of Western Cordillera Andes within a well-established mining area/district. Minera IRL Ltd.'s Corihuarmi Mine operates 63 km north of Pico Machay. Several mines within a 45km radius of Pico Machay including: Lalira, San Genoro, Astohuaraca, El Paloma, Cauduloso, Reliquias and Recuperada (see Figure 1 below). The property comprises seventeen claims covering 4,700 hectares and all claims are in good standing. Figure 1: Pico Machay location map in comparison to existing mines and prospects Details of Share Purchase Agreement As per the October 24th, 2025 news release, Xali Gold entered into an SPA on October 23rd to acquire the company Minera Calipuy S.A.C ("Calipuy"), which wholly owns Pico Machay, from Pan American and its subsidiary, Aquiline. The transaction with Pan American and Aquiline to acquire 100% of their collective interest in Calipuy is arm's length and no finders' fees were paid. The $17.5M in deferred payments are secured by: Promissory Notes for each of the six deferred payments; a first-priority Share Pledge Agreement over 100% of Calipuy's shares; and a first-priority Mortgage Agreement over both the Pico Machay property as well as the Company's Las Brujas II property in Peru. A total of $15M will be paid over 5 years for the known historic gold resource. If a minimum of 1.25M oz Au aggregate mineral reserves or mineral resources classified as any of proven mineral reserves, probable mineral reserves, measured mineral resources, or indicated mineral resources (as per CIM Definitions) are disclosed in a National Instrument ("NI") 43-101 technical report then Xali Gold is to pay an additional $2.5M. Xali Gold has provided Pan American with a Purchaser's Special Indemnity. This indemnity is unlimited in amount and indefinite in duration and covers all existing and future liabilities (environmental, tax, labour, etc.) of the Project. Details on the cash payments (all dollar values are United States dollars): Time Period Cash Payments Closing of Transaction $0.5M 1st Year Anniversary $1.5M 2nd Year Anniversary $1.5M 3rd Year Anniversary $4.0M 4th Year Anniversary $3.0M Earlier of 5th Year Anniversary or commencement of commercial production $4.5M On delineating a minimum of 1.25M oz Au in a NI43-101 compliant Measured and Indicated Resource or Proven and Probable Reserve $2.5M Total $17.5M Closing of the transactions under the SPA are subject to customary closing conditions for transactions of this nature, as set out in the SPA, including TSX-V approval for Xali Gold. Pan American will retain certain security interests over Calipuy, subject to Xali Gold's completion of the deferred payments under the SPA. Technical Information Information regarding the historical resource at Pico Machay was obtained from the report titled: "Independent Technical Report and Resource Estimate Pico Machay Gold Deposit" prepared by Caracle Creek International Consulting Inc. for Aquiline (purchased by Pan American) on November 25th, 2009. The resource numbers are highlighted in the Pan American News Release dated September 11, 2024 and found on both the Pan American website and on www.sedarplus.ca. All resource estimates have used the same categories in accordance with CIM Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves. All resource estimates for Pico Machay are considered historical in nature and are based on prior data and reports prepared by previous property owners. A qualified person has not done sufficient work yet to classify the historical estimates as current resources in accordance with current CIM categories and the Company is not treating the historical estimates as current resources. Significant data compilation, redrilling, resampling and data verification may be required by a qualified person before the historical estimates on the project can be classified as a current resource. There can be no assurance that any of the historical mineral resources, in whole or in part, will ever become economically viable. In addition, mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. Even if classified as a current resource, there is no certainty as to whether further exploration will result in any inferred mineral resources being upgraded to an indicated or measured resource category. Xali Gold is dedicated to being a responsible community partner. Both David G. Thomas, P.Geo. and Joanne C. Freeze, P.Geo. Qualified Persons as defined by National Instrument 43-101 have reviewed and approved the contents of this release. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. On behalf of the Board of Xali Gold Corp. "Joanne Freeze" P.Geo. President, CEO and Director For further information please contact: Joanne Freeze, President & CEO Tel: + 1 604-512-3359 info@xaligold.com Forward-looking Disclaimer This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws ("forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, plans, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. All statements that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, without limitation: the timing to close the SPA and meet closing conditions; potential upside and production from and viability of the Pico Machay Project; the potential tonnage, grades and content of deposits; the steps and timing to convert historical mineral resource estimates to current estimates for the Company. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release. Although the Company believes the forward-looking statements in this press release are reasonable, it can give no assurance that the expectations and assumptions in such statements will prove to be correct. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors which could cause events or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Known risk factors and assumptions include risks associated with exploration and project development; accessing further funding and related dilution: continuing its projected growth, or being fully able to implement its business strategies; the calculation of mineral resources and additional work required to convert historical resources to current mineral resources; the nature, quality and quantity of any mineral deposits that may be located on the project; operational risks associated with mining and mineral processing; fluctuations in metal prices and assumptions including costs; title matters; government regulation; obtaining and renewing necessary consents, authorizations, licenses and permits; environmental liability and insurance; reliance on key personnel; local community opposition; currency fluctuations; labour disputes; competition; variations in market conditions, and the volatility of our common share price and volume; future sales of shares by existing shareholders; and other risk factors described in Xali Gold's MD&A and other filings with Canadian securities regulators, which may be viewed at www.sedarplus.ca. Although we have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Xali Gold expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. CAUTIONARY NOTE TO U.S. INVESTORS We advise U.S. investors that this news release uses terms defined in the 2014 edition of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) "CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves", as incorporated by reference in Canadian National Instrument 43-101 "Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects", for reporting of mineral resource estimates. These Canadian standards, including NI 43-101, differ from the requirements of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as set forth in the mining disclosure rules under Regulation S-K 1300. Regulation S-K 1300 uses the same terminology for mineral resources, but the definitions are not identical to NI 43-101 and CIM Definition Standards. Regulation S-K 1300 uses the term "initial assessment" for an evaluation of potential project economics based on mineral resources. This study type has some similarities to a Preliminary Economic Assessment, but the definition and content requirements of an initial assessment are not identical to the definition and content requirements for a PEA under NI 43-101. PEA confirms long-life, low-cost open pit gold operation in Guyana with 25.2% IRR and $1.8 billion after-tax NPV 5% at $3,000/oz gold VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Aris Mining Corporation (Aris Mining or the Company) (TSX: ARIS) (NYSE-A: ARMN) announces positive results from the recently completed preliminary economic assessment (PEA) of its 100%-owned Toroparu Gold Project (Toroparu or the Project) in Guyana. The PEA confirms Toroparu as a large-scale, long-life open pit gold project with robust economics - 21.3-year mine life, 235 koz of average annual gold production, and $1.8 billion after-tax NPV 5% at $3,000/oz gold. The full PEA report is available on the Company's website and SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca and is filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) at www.sec.gov. All amounts are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated. Neil Woodyer, CEO, commented: "The Toroparu PEA outlines a major new growth and diversification opportunity for Aris Mining. After the GCM Mining and Aris Gold merger and the arrival of our management team in September 2022, we paused the Project's previous construction plans to reassess the Project on a first-principles basis, which included completing a new geological interpretation, updating the mineral resource estimate, and undertaking optimization studies. The result is a robust PEA that establishes a solid path forward. This is our second major technical study this year, following the Soto Norte Prefeasibility Study (PFS) in September, and together they demonstrate the strength of our growth pipeline beyond Segovia and Marmato. Aris Mining has initiated a PFS for Toroparu, targeted for completion in 2026, with the objective of advancing the project toward construction." Project Highlights Low-Risk Development Strategy for a Large-Scale, Open Pit Mine Measured and indicated mineral resources of 126.9 million tonnes (Mt) at 1.30 grams per tonne (g/t) Au containing 5.3 million ounces (Moz) of gold and inferred mineral resources of 22.9 Mt at 1.6 g/t Au containing 1.2 Moz of gold. See Table 4 for more detailed technical disclosure. Conventional truck-and-shovel open pit operation with a strip ratio of 4.7 to 1 (waste to mill feed). Mill capacity of 7.0 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) - a scale that supports attractive investment returns and extends mine life to over 20 years. Production and Economics Production of dore and copper concentrates containing 5.0 Moz gold, 4.9 Moz silver, and 260 million pounds (Mlb) of copper over the life-of-mine. Average annual life-of-mine gold production of 235 thousand ounces (koz). Low life-of-mine cash costs 1 of $826/oz 2 Au and all-in-sustaining costs (AISC) of $1,289/oz 2 Au. of $826/oz Au and all-in-sustaining costs (AISC) of $1,289/oz Au. Significant by-product credits from copper and silver. Capital and Returns Base case gold price: $3,000/oz, supporting life-of-mine payable gold sales of $14.7 billion. Initial construction capital of $820 million, including pre-production costs and $96 million of contingency. This reflects a $38 million reduction in initial capital compared to a fleet-purchase scenario, as the $73 million cost of the initial mining fleet is reduced to approximately $35 million of upfront and construction-period payments under an OEM lease. The OEM leasing strategy ensures access to modern, well-supported equipment under comprehensive maintenance and parts-supply programs over the long +20 year mine life. An additional $138 million of committed funding from a historical precious metals streaming agreement, further reducing the upfront funding requirement to $682 million. After-tax NPV 5% of $1.8 billion, IRR of 25.2%, and payback in 3.0 years from the start of operations. of $1.8 billion, IRR of 25.2%, and payback in 3.0 years from the start of operations. Annual EBITDA averaging $443 million over the life of the mine. Strong leverage to higher gold prices, at $3,600/oz the NPV 5% increases to $2.7 billion with IRR of 32.6%. Figure 1 illustrates Toroparu's planned gold production and processed grade profile over the 21.3-year mine life outlined in the PEA. The average annual gold production is projected at 235 koz, peaking at 278 koz in Year 18, supported by a consistent milled gold grade ranging from 1.0 to 1.3 g/t. The long, steady production profile demonstrates the grade continuity of the deposit. The open pit optimization and designs were based on a $1,950 per ounce gold price and a 0.45 g/t Au cut-off grade. This conservative approach indicates meaningful upside potential for resource growth and mine-life expansion in a higher gold price environment. To efficiently manage the owner-operated mining fleet over the Project's long life, the initial mining fleet-including excavators, dozers, haul trucks, and support equipment-is expected to be secured through Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) lease financing ahead of first production. Replacement equipment will be renewed on a scheduled basis under similar arrangements, ensuring access to modern, reliable, and well-supported equipment throughout the pre-production and 21.3-year operating periods. The OEM leasing and service agreements are expected to include comprehensive maintenance and parts supply programs, providing consistent technical support, minimizing downtime, and optimizing equipment availability and lifecycle performance across the Project's operations. Plant commissioning will be supported by a large pre-production stockpile of approximately 6.1 million tonnes, representing most of the first year's mill feed. This stockpile, built during the construction period, provides a strong foundation for a smooth, low-risk start-up and consistent throughput as operations ramp up. With stockpiled mill feed available ahead of commissioning, processing is expected to reach nameplate capacity of 7.0 Mtpa within the first operating year, supporting reliable early cash flow and efficient optimization of plant performance. The process flow sheet has been designed to efficiently recover copper as a flotation concentrate. In earlier project designs, the flotation circuit was deferred to reduce initial capital costs; however, by incorporating the flotation circuit from the outset, the current design effectively manages copper in the mill-feed while generating a valuable by-product that contributes positively to project revenues. Technical Report Availability A complete National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101) compliant Technical Report titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Toroparu Project, Cuyuni-Mazaruni Region, Guyana" dated October 28, 2025 and with an effective date of October 21, 2025 (the Technical Report) has been filed on SEDAR+ and with the SEC on EDGAR, and is also available on the Company's website at https://aris-mining.com/operation/toroparu/technical-report/ Guyana's next major gold mine Guyana's mining sector is advancing rapidly, with the Oko West project leading a new generation of large-scale gold developments. Like Oko West, Toroparu is a substantial, open-pittable gold deposit with growing government support for responsible mine development. Oko West's rapid progress highlights the attractive regulatory and investment environment in Guyana, paving the way for Aris Mining to follow with Toroparu as Guyana's next major gold mine. Both projects demonstrate Guyana's emergence as a new frontier for large-scale, responsibly developed gold mining in the Americas. Table 1 - Toroparu follows Oko West's lead Feature Toroparu (Aris Mining) Oko West (G Mining Ventures) 3 Stage PEA completed, PFS underway Feasibility Study completed (Apr 2025), receipt of environmental permit (Sept 2025), secured project financing commitments and formal construction decision (Oct 2025) Mining method Open pit, conventional truck and shovel Open pit, conventional truck and shovel (81% of mill feed), and Underground, mechanized long hole open stoping with cemented rock fill (19% of mill feed) Open Pit Mineral Resources 123.3 Mt at 1.28 g/t Au containing 5.1 Moz (measured and indicated), and 11.4 Mt at 1.13 g/t Au containing 0.4 Moz (inferred) 73.0 Mt at 2.00 g/t Au containing 4.7 Moz (indicated), and 1.5 Mt at 1.06 g/t Au (inferred) Underground Mineral Resources 3.6 Mt at 2.05 g/t Au containing 239 koz (measured and indicated), and 11.5 Mt at 2.07 g/t Au containing 763 koz (inferred) 7.2 Mt at 3.09 g/t Au containing 718 koz (indicated), and 3.6 Mt at 2.93 g/t Au containing 337 koz (inferred) Open pit stripping ratio (waste to mill feed) 4.7 6.8 Processing capacity 7.0 Mtpa Life of Mine (LOM) average of 6.2 Mtpa Flowsheet Gravity, flotation & CIL & Gravity & CIL Products Dore and copper concentrates Dore Average annual gold production 235 koz per year for 21.3 years 350 koz per year for 12.3 years (reserves only) Average AISC/oz $1,289 $1,123 Life of mine production 5.0 Moz gold, 4.9 Moz silver, and 260 Mlb of copper 4.3 Moz gold (reserves only) Initial capital cost $820 million $1.0 billion Key economic indicators At $3,000/oz (stream financing included): NPV 5%: $1.8 billion IRR: 25.2% Payback period: 3.0 years At $3,000/oz (stream financing excluded): NPV 5% : $2.3 billion IRR: 25.5% Payback period: 2.8 years At $3,000/oz: NPV 5% : $3.2 billion IRR: 35% Payback period: 2.1 years Table 2 - Toroparu economic evaluation sensitivity to gold price Gold price Indicator $2,400/oz $2,600/oz $2,800/oz $3,000/oz Base case $3,200/oz $3,400/oz $3,600/oz After-tax NPV 5% ($M) $944 $1,231 $1,518 $1,805 $2,091 $2,378 $2,664 After-tax IRR (%) 16.6 % 19.6 % 22.5 % 25.2 % 27.7 % 30.2 % 32.6 % Payback period (years) 4.4 3.7 3.3 3.0 2.7 2.5 2.3 The sensitivity analysis in Table 2 shows that at higher gold prices, returns increase substantially beyond the attractive levels of the base case scenario. The base-case economic analysis includes a total initial funding contingency of $96 million, which is based on 15% on all direct and indirect cost items during the construction period (excluding equipment lease payments) and a 10% contingency on pre-production mining costs. The initial funding contingency is intended to cover normal estimating uncertainties as the Project advances to the PFS level. Operating costs were developed using detailed unit-cost methodologies supported by zero-based estimates for key consumables and labour, and benchmarked and indexed against comparable Latin American and Guiana Shield operations. To reflect operating cost uncertainty, an additional 10% operating cost contingency has been applied to mining and processing costs in the economic analysis. The economic analysis also includes the historic precious metals stream agreement with Wheaton Precious Metals International Ltd (Wheaton), originally entered into in 2013 and amended in 2015, when Toroparu was owned by Sandspring Resources Ltd., a single-asset junior developer. Under this agreement, Wheaton may elect to provide $138 million in construction funding following completion of a full development plan, in exchange for the right to purchase 10% of Toroparu's gold production and 50% of its silver production at fixed prices of $400/oz and $3.90/oz, respectively, with both prices subject to escalation beginning on the fourth anniversary of commercial production. The parties intend to explore opportunities for amending the terms of the agreement to align with the updated project parameters. Table 3 - Toroparu economic evaluation results Key indicators Units Total Total gold produced over life of mine Moz 5.0 Initial life of mine at milling rate of 7.0 Mtpa Years 21.3 Average annual life of mine gold production koz 235 Life of mine average cash cost2 $/oz Au 826 Life of mine average AISC2 $/oz Au 1,289 Average annual life of mine EBITDA $M 443 Summary cash flow for the life of mine ($M), at $3,000/oz gold price Revenue from payable gold sales 14,677 Less: royalties 1,193 Less: operating costs, net of by-product silver and copper 4,043 Less: sustaining capital 1,069 Operating margin 8,372 Less: income tax 2,174 After-tax cash flow 6,198 Less: initial capital including pre-production costs, and $96 million contingency 820 Credit: construction funding, Wheaton precious metals stream financing (138) Less: other non-sustaining capital expenditures over LOM 198 Less: closure costs 35 Net cash flow, before losses from Wheaton precious metals stream financing 5,283 Less: losses from Wheaton precious metals stream financing 1,356 Net cash flow 3,927 After-tax indicators, at $3,000/oz gold price (base case): NPV at 5% discount rate $M 1,805 IRR % 25.2 Payback period (from start of operations) Years 3.0 After-tax indicators, at $3,600/oz gold price: NPV at 5% discount rate $M 2,664 IRR % 32.6 Payback period (from start of operations) Years 2.3 Table 4 - Toroparu mineral resources effective October 21, 2025 Area Classification Tonnes Mt Grade gold (g/t) Grade silver (g/t) Grade copper (%) Contained gold (koz) Contained silver (koz) Contained copper (Mlb) Open pit Measured 48.4 1.31 1.8 0.14 2,030 2,747 150 Indicated 74.9 1.26 1.2 0.08 3,041 3,008 127 Measured + Indicated 123.3 1.28 1.5 0.10 5,071 5,755 276 Inferred 11.4 1.13 0.7 0.04 414 275 9 Underground Measured 0.1 1.89 0.4 0.03 8 2 - Indicated 3.5 2.05 0.7 0.05 231 74 4 Measured + Indicated 3.6 2.05 0.7 0.05 239 76 4 Inferred 11.5 2.07 0.7 0.04 763 263 10 Total Measured 48.5 1.31 1.8 0.14 2,038 2,749 150 Indicated 78.4 1.30 1.2 0.08 3,272 3,082 131 Measured + Indicated 126.9 1.30 1.4 0.10 5,310 5,831 280 Inferred 22.9 1.60 0.7 0.04 1,177 538 19 Notes: 1. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and have no demonstrated economic viability. 2. The mineral resource estimate was prepared under the supervision of or was reviewed by Pamela De Mark, P.Geo., Senior Vice President Geology and Exploration of Aris Mining, who is a qualified person as defined by NI 43-101. 3. Totals may not add up due to rounding. 4. Mineral resources were estimated using a gold price of $1,950 per ounce. Open pit mineral resources are reported above a cut-off grade of 0.45 g/t gold within an optimized pit shell and underground mineral resources are reported above a cut-off grade of 1.5 g/t gold within optimized stope shapes. 5. There are no known legal, political, environmental, or other risks that could materially affect the potential development of the mineral resources. Endnotes 1. All references to Cash costs ($ per oz sold), AISC ($ per oz sold) and EBITDA are non-GAAP financial measures in this document. These measures are intended to provide additional information to investors. They do not have any standardized meanings under IFRS, and therefore may not be comparable to other issuers and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. Refer to the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of this document. 2. Cash cost per ounce, and AISC per ounce are calculated inclusive of open pit mining costs; treatment, transport and refining costs; processing and surface costs; G&A and other costs; and are net of by-product credits for silver and copper. These metrics are calculated on a payable gold ounce basis. 3. Sourced from Oko West Feasibility Study dated April 28, 2025 About Aris Mining Founded in September 2022, Aris Mining was established with a vision to build a leading South America-focused gold mining company. Our strategy blends current production and cashflow generation with transformational growth driven by expansions of our operating assets, exploration and development projects. Aris Mining intends to unlock value through scale and diversification. The Company is listed on the TSX (ARIS) and the NYSE-A (ARMN) and is led by an experienced team with a track record of value creation, operational excellence, financial discipline and good corporate governance in the gold mining industry. Aris Mining operates two underground gold mines in Colombia: the Segovia Operations and the Marmato Complex, which together produced 210,955 ounces of gold in 2024. With expansions underway, Aris Mining is targeting an annual production rate of more than 500,000 ounces of gold, following the commissioning of the second mill at Segovia, completed in June and ramping up during H2 2025, and the construction of the Bulk Mining Zone at the Marmato Complex, expected to start ramping up production in H2 2026. In addition, Aris Mining operates the 51% owned Soto Norte joint venture, where a PFS study is complete on a new, smaller scale development plan which confirms Soto Norte as a high-quality, long-life project with robust economics and industry-leading environmental and social design features. In Guyana, Aris Mining owns the Toroparu gold project, where the new PEA is complete and a PFS is underway. Colombia is rich in high-grade gold deposits and Aris Mining is actively pursuing partnerships with the Country's dynamic small-scale mining sector. With these partnerships, we enable safe, legal, and environmentally responsible operations that benefit both local communities and the industry. Additional information on Aris Mining can be found at www.aris-mining.com, www.sedarplus.ca, and on www.sec.gov. Cautionary Language Qualified Person and Technical Information The Toroparu Gold Project Preliminary Economic Assessment titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Toroparu Project, Cuyuni-Mazaruni Region, Guyana" was prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 by the following Qualified Persons, all of whom are independent of Aris Mining for the purposes of NI 43-101, with the exception of Pamela De Mark, P.Geo., who is the Senior Vice President Geology and Exploration of Aris Mining: Vaughn Duke, Pr. Eng. PMP., Founding Partner and Director, Sound Mining International Limited Jan Eklund, P.E., Process Consultant, LogiProc Pty. Ltd. Pamela De Mark, P.Geo., Senior Vice President, Geology and Exploration, Aris Mining Corporation Pamela De Mark, P.Geo., Senior Vice President Geology and Exploration of Aris Mining, is a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101, and has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release. Note that the PEA is preliminary in nature, it includes inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves, and there is no certainty that the preliminary economic assessment will be realized. Non-GAAP Financial Measures Cash costs ($ per oz sold), AISC ($ per oz sold) and EBITDA are non-GAAP financial measures and ratios. These financial measures and ratios do not have any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS or by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) in the United States, and therefore, may not be comparable to other issuers. Accordingly, these measures are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. Cash cost ($ per oz sold) is calculated by dividing total cash costs by volume of gold ounces projected to be produced on a payable basis. AISC ($ per oz sold) is calculated by dividing AISC by volume of gold ounces projected to be produced on a payable basis. EBITDA represents earnings before interest, income taxes and depreciation, depletion and amortization. Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" or forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian and United States securities legislation. All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements relating to the Project as a profitable project for the Company, the scale, throughput, resources, projected production and projected profitability of the Project, timeline for the completion of the Toroparu PFS, projected gold prices and other assumptions, projected economics, including NPV, IRR, annual EBITDA, cash costs, AISC and payback period, modernization of the current Wheaton stream on the Project and statements included in the "About Aris Mining" section of this news release relating to the Segovia Operations, Marmato Complex, Soto Norte Project and Toroparu Project are forward-looking. Generally, the forward-looking information and forward looking statements can be identified by the use of forward looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "will continue" or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". The material factors or assumptions used to develop forward looking information or statements are disclosed throughout this news release. Forward looking information and forward looking statements, while based on management's best estimates and assumptions, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Aris Mining to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information or forward looking statements, including but not limited to those factors discussed in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in Aris Mining's annual information form dated March 12, 2025 which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and included as part of the Company's Annual report on Form 40-F, filed with the SEC at www.sec.gov. Although Aris Mining has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information or statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information or statements. The Company has and continues to disclose in its Management's Discussion and Analysis and other publicly filed documents, changes to material factors or assumptions underlying the forward-looking information and forward-looking statements and to the validity of the information, in the period the changes occur. The forward-looking statements and forward-looking information are made as of the date hereof and Aris Mining disclaims any obligation to update any such factors or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements or forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information. SOURCE Aris Mining Corporation VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- StickIt Technologies Inc. (the "Company" or "STKT"), (CSE: STKT), a parent company of the Israeli technology and cannabinoid company StickIt Ltd., the developer exclusivity & patent protected of "Cannabis Sticks" Technology, at the request of CIRO, wishes to clarify its news release dated October 16, 2025 regarding the non-binding letter of intent (the "LOI") with Capitalink Ltd. The LOI is dated October 12, 2025 and was entered into on October 15, 2025. As previously announced on October 16, 2025, Capitalink will acquire all the rights to the amounts owed by the Company to each of Mr. Eli Ben Harosh and Mr. Asher Holzer (directors of the Company) for a total consideration of $380,000. Pursuant to the Company's interim financial statements for the six-months period ended June 30, 2025, on June 30, 2025 this amount was $617,000. This amount is expected to be updated in the Company's interim financial statement for the nine-months period ended September 30, 2025. Capitalink and its shareholders are arm's length to the Company. The Company wishes to clarify further, that it intends to complete a post consolidation private placement (the "Private Placement") of not less than $700,000 and not more than $1,050,000 worth of units (the "Units"), at $0.05 per Unit, with each such unit consisting of one (1) Common Share and one (1) Common Share purchase warrant (each a "Warrant"), with each Warrant exercisable, for a period of three (3) years from the date of issuance, into one additional Company's common share upon payment of $0.05. Although the transactions contemplated by the LOI will result in results in new shareholders holding greater than 50% of the voting securities of the Company, it is not expected to result in change of control of the Company. The transactions contemplated by the LOI are not expected to result in Fundamental Change (as defined in the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") policies), subject to the discretion of the CSE. About StickIt Stickit primary assets consist of patents and patent applications related to plant extracts, therapeutic compounds in smoking utensils, and honey complexes. StickIt have already patents granted in USA, Europe, Israel and Canada. The Extra-C stick is created through a unique proprietary process, resulting in condensed cannabis oil presented in a toothpick-like matrix, allowing for the easy conversion of regular cigarettes into cannabis or hemp cigarettes. StickIt operates from key facilities situated in Dalton, Northern Israel, these facilities are central to the company's research, development, and manufacturing operations. Stickit's operating model is to establish joint ventures in countries around the world where recreational cannabis is permitted. Each licensee/joint venture partner will establish a production facility in which they will add the cannabis content to sticks produced and supplied by Stickit. As part of those arrangements StickIt is expected to provide the joint venture with the know-how required to manufacture the finished product. The licensee/joint venture partner will produce the finished product, adding cannabis to the raw materials provided by StickIt, and will sell them either directly to the points of sale or through distributors The licensee is expected to pay a setup fee by investing the funds necessary to set up the local production facility. Each licensee will have exclusive rights to produce and market Stickit products in their designated territory On behalf of the Board of Directors /s/ "Eli Ben-Haroosh" Eli Ben-Haroosh, CEO For further information please contact Mr. Eli Ban-Haroosh at info@stickit-labs.com ; Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. Forward Looking Statements This news release includes certain statements and information that constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. The Company provides no assurance that forward-looking statements and information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, other than as required by law. More detailed information about potential factors that could affect financial results is included in the documents filed from time to time with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities by StickIt. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES OR FOR DISSEMINATION VIA US NEWSWIRE SERVICES Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2258883/5589437/Stickit_Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/stickit-clarifies-corporate-reorganization-share-consolidation-and-proposed-private-placement-announcement-302598189.html French energy storage specialist Saft says it will provide 356 MWh of containerized batteries to a project in Taiwan, raising its total capacity on the island to 630 MWh by 2026.From ESS News The Saft battery-making subsidiary of French oil major TotalEnergies has secured a contract to supply 356 MWh of containerized batteries to a Taiwanese energy company. Saft will supply 108 of its Modular Intensium-Shift (I-Shift) battery containers to a project in Taichung that will begin this year and continue through 2026. The deal marks Saft's fifth contract award from Foxwell Power, which is owned by ... Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. FRANKFURT, Germany, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Thousand Oaks Biologics, a leading Asia-based CRDMO specializing in macromolecules, today announced its participation in CPHI Frankfurt 2025, held from October 28-30. The company will welcome global visitors at Booth 4.1H54 in the Bioproduction Zone and will showcase its integrated service platform, powerfully supported by its industrial media supply and driven by AI and innovative drug discovery technologies. This demonstration underscores its position as a trusted, core partner in the global biopharmaceutical ecosystem. Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are a key driver of China's innovative drug globalization. Leveraging its end-to-end CRDMO model and international compliance qualifications, Thousand Oaks Biologics is positioned to address critical industry pain points, including R&D efficiency, scale-up costs, and regulatory risks. Its core competencies encompass a self-sufficient supply of critical raw materials, superior cost-control and efficiency, a rigorous quality management system, and an international manufacturing footprint. Through continuous innovation, the company has supported over 500 biopharmaceutical companies in accelerating drug development. Core Technologies and Service Capabilities Industrial Media Supply System: By pioneering serum-free media technology, Thousand Oaks Biologics has established industrialized, self-controlled production of core raw materials. Its intelligent manufacturing base ensures seamless scaling from lab-scale customizations to commercial supply. A tripartite collaboration with the Busan Metropolitan City in South Korea and KCell Biosciences to build an overseas media production base is strengthening its global supply network and creating a cost-competitive, vertically integrated supply chain. Integrated ADC CMC Technology Platform: Driven by AI, this platform features a co-located production layout for naked antibody, ADC drug substance, and ADC drug product within a single facility, significantly streamlining development and tech transfer. The Shanghai ADC production site, which passed its QP Audit in October 2025, houses production lines covering 200L-2000L antibody drug substance, 50L-500L ADC conjugate drug substance, and lyophilized drug product, providing scalable support from clinical trials to commercialization. Early-Stage R&D Capabilities: The Ginspire tackles key challenges in developing innovative complex molecules from the source to enhance R&D efficiency. It offers comprehensive early-stage services from candidate screening to IND submission, including molecule design and optimization, antibody discovery and engineering, linker-payload screening and conjugation, developability assessment, pharmacology and PK/PD studies, and early-stage sample preparation. This integrated approach, extending to structural characterization and novel formulation development, creates a seamless "Early R&D-to-Production" continuum. Global Strategic Vision The international business team has launched an "ADC Early-Stage Support Program" and is establishing Value Co-creation models with European partners, evolving from a service provider to a strategic ally. "Global biopharmaceutical clients need more than manufacturing capacity; they need a full-cycle partner to accompany them from concept to patient," said Dr. Luo Shun, Chairman of Thousand Oaks Biologics. "Our CRDMO model, EU-compliant qualifications, and upcoming global hubs empower us to solve core industry challenges, improve efficiency, reduce costs, and make biologics accessible to patients worldwide." To connect with the Thousand Oaks Biologics team at the event, visit Booth 4.1H54 or contact marketing@tobiopharm.com. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2808035/1.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/thousand-oaks-biologics-showcases-integrated-adc-crdmo-solutions--media-innovation-for-industrialization-at-cphi-frankfurt-2025-302598219.html Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 29, 2025) - Astra Exploration Inc. (TSXV: ASTR) (OTCQB: ATEPF) (FSE: S3I) ("Astra" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that mobilization of equipment for the Phase II drill program has taken place and drilling is underway at the La Manchuria Gold and Silver Project in Santa Cruz, Argentina. The program will follow up drill targets generated by the Phase I program completed in May of this year and is expected to consist of approximately 10,000 metres of DDH drilling. The Company expects to complete 5,000 metres by December, and another 5,000 metres in Q1 of 2026. All planned drilling is fully-funded, with a treasury balance of over C$7,000,000. The Phase I drill program indicated that La Manchuria encompasses a much larger vein system than previously recognized, with numerous intervals of significant gold and silver grades near surface (see June 10 & 25, 2025 news releases). The Phase I results support Astra's geological model that mineralization is open in all directions, further indicating the presence of a preserved epithermal system partially concealed by post-mineral volcanics. Detailed mapping has revealed the presence of low temperature silica and vein fragments at surface, which are contained in andesitic rocks and post-mineral breccias. Mapping also confirms favorable host rock units at depth, adding potential for La Manchuria to host a large, robust high-grade gold-silver epithermal system. The Company will be providing additional details about the drill program in the coming weeks. About the Company Astra Exploration Inc. is a precious metals exploration company based out of Vancouver, BC that is actively building a portfolio of high-quality projects in some of the most important mining jurisdictions in Latin America. The La Manchuria gold-silver project in Santa Cruz, Argentina, over which Astra has an option to acquire 90% interest, is a high-grade gold and silver low sulphidation epithermal (LSE) deposit located in the prolific Deseado Massif which hosts multiple world-class LSE precious metals deposits including Cerro Vanguardia and Cerro Negro, Santa Cruz, Argentina. The 100% owned Pampa Paciencia gold and silver project in northern Chile is located in the Paleocene mineral province in proximity to such major operating mines as Spence and Sierra Gorda. The project shares several important geological similarities to other Paleocene LSE gold-silver deposits including Faride and El Penon. The 100% owned Cerro Bayo project in northern Chile is located in the Maricunga belt approximately 20 km from the Refugio Mine. The project hosts a high sulphidation epithermal (HSE) +/- porphyry gold system with similarities to the Salares Norte deposit to the north in the same belt. The Maricunga belt is one of the most endowed regions in the world for gold and copper deposits. Qualified Person The technical data and information as disclosed in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Darcy Marud, who is an Independent Director of Astra. Mr. Marud is a Practicing Member of the Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario and is a qualified person as defined under the terms of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. For further information please contact: Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When or if used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target, "plan", "forecast", "may", "schedule" and similar words or expressions identify forward- looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information may relate to the Company's business activities; exploration on the Company's properties including drilling at the La Manchuria project. Such statements represent the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, without limitation: development of the industry in which the Company operates; risks associated with the conduct of the Company's business activities; risks relating to reliance on the Company's management team and outside contractors; currency fluctuations; risks regarding the failure to generate sufficient cash flow from operations; laws and regulations governing the industry in which the Company operates; the ability of the communities in which the Company operates to manage and cope with the implications of COVID-19; the economic and financial implications of COVID-19 to the Company; operating or technical difficulties; employee relations, labour unrest or unavailability; stock market volatility; conflicts of interest among certain directors and officers; lack of liquidity for shareholders of the Company; litigation risk; and other risk factors disclosed in the Company's public disclosure documents available on the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/272332 SOURCE: Astra Exploration Inc. NEWS RELEASE Global power demand surge puts net zero by 2050 out of reach as world heads toward 2.6C warming, says Wood Mackenzie AI boom and geopolitical tensions strain energy systems; a 30% increase in annual investment to US$4.3 trillion needed to limit warming to 2C; China takes global leadership in energy transition LONDON, HOUSTON, SINGAPORE, 29 October 2025 - Surging power demand from artificial intelligence and mounting geopolitical tensions have made 2050 net zero goals unattainable, with the world now on track for 2.6C of global warming, according to Wood Mackenzie's 'Energy Transition Outlook 2025-2026' report. The analysis shows that achieving a 2C warming limit would require US$4.3 trillion in annual investment between 2025-2060 and reaching net zero emissions by around 2060. Energy sector investment must grow from 2.5% of global GDP today to 3.35% within the next decade. The new report 'Energy evolution in the age of superintelligence' analyses four different pathways for the energy and natural resources sector - Wood Mackenzie's base case (2.6-degrees), country pledges scenario (2-degrees), net zero 2050 scenario (1.5-degrees) and delayed transition scenario (3.1-degrees).* KEY FINDINGS: Few countries in total, and no major G7 countries, are on track to meet 2030 emissions goals. A significant investment increase could still limit the average temperature increase to within 2C warming by reaching global net zero emissions by around 2060. Energy sector capex must grow from 2.5% to 3.35% of global GDP to reach net zero. Base case emissions trajectory has moved up slightly, with peak emissions in 2028 and the rate of decline slowing to 2% per annum since the last update, representing now a 2.6C warming. Variable renewables will surge from 20% of generation today to 60% by 2050, with solar alone doubling by 2030 and overtaking gas in 2033 and coal in 2034. Battery storage and nuclear provide flexibility to renewable-heavy grids. Oil demand peak has shifted from 2030 to 2032, reflecting sluggish EV sales in the US and Europe, and continued momentum in petrochemicals. AI surge supports gas across all scenarios, pushing demand up by 180 bcm by 2050 than our previous outlook. "The energy system is becoming more complex, interconnected, and, volatile," said Prakash Sharma, vice president, head of scenarios and technologies for Wood Mackenzie. "As power demand surges due to the expansion of technologies such as AI and electrification, what was once a mostly aspirational shift towards decarbonization is now facing the hard trade-offs of scale, system integration, capital allocation and geopolitics. "The share of solar and wind in global power supply has grown from 5% to 20% over the past decade and the surge is expected to continue. But accelerating from deployment to a deeply decarbonized, resilient energy system is proving far more complex than simply adding megawatts." Transition hits headwinds in the West; climate leadership shifts to China No major economy remains on track to meet its 2030 targets, with Wood Mackenzie's Country Pledges scenario projecting net zero emissions only after 2060 - well behind 2050 timeline scientists deem necessary. "A new climate leadership is emerging," said Sharma. "As the US doubles down on fossil fuels, pushing allies to buy its LNG, China is seizing the low-carbon mantle through EV and solar dominance, plus aggressive renewables deployment. Europe maintains the strongest net zero ambitions, viewing clean technologies as essential for economic and energy security. "While a faster transition appears more expensive in the near-term due to compressed investment timelines, delaying it carries the risk of significantly higher costs longer term towards climate adaptation. The decade ahead presents critical climate checkpoints that will determine whether meaningful decarbonisation remains achievable with significant investment increases." The United States faces the steepest investment challenge among major economies. According to Wood Mackenzie's Lens Energy Transition Scenarios(ETS), the US must increase annual climate transition spending 76% to reach net zero, a significant jump that far exceeds the investment increases needed in China and Europe. China, Europe, and the US account for 70% of global capex by 2040 in the base case: China : $913B annually (base case) vs $1.177T (net zero) - 29% increase needed : $913B annually (base case) vs $1.177T (net zero) - 29% increase needed Europe : $455B annually vs $619B - 36% increase needed : $455B annually vs $619B - 36% increase needed United States : $388B annually vs $682B - 76% increase needed : $388B annually vs $682B - 76% increase needed Other regions face significant gaps, with other APAC nations and the rest of the world needing to more than double transition spending Critical Minerals: The New Strategic Battleground Clean technologies rely heavily on lithium, nickel, cobalt, copper, and rare earth elements. Supply chains are highly concentrated, with China dominating lithium and rare earth refining, creating new geopolitical dependencies. A typical battery electric vehicle requires 6x more critical minerals than an internal combustion engine vehicle (450 kg vs 78 kg). "This concentration gives resource holders new leverage, while importing countries, in turn, are racing to secure offtake deals, diversify supply and build stockpiles," said Sharma. "Critical minerals have become the new strategic battleground: their availability and affordability will shape not just technology costs but also the balance of power in a new energy landscape. Resource nationalism is shifting from fossil fuels to critical minerals." AI Revolution Strains Power Systems The AI boom is creating unprecedented electricity demand, with data centers consuming 700 TWh in 2025 (exceeding electric vehicles) and potentially doubling by 2030. This surge threatens electricity crises and higher tariffs while derailing 2030 clean power commitments. However, AI itself may accelerate breakthrough technologies and optimise energy systems, as advanced simulations, optimise materials performance, and enable efficient design configurations at unprecedented speed. Electricity Becomes the Dominant Energy Carrier Electricity demand will expand from one-fifth of final energy consumption today to over half by 2050 under net zero scenario. Variable renewables will surge from 20% of generation today to 60% by 2050, with solar alone doubling by 2030 and overtaking coal by 2034. However, variable renewables reach their practical ceiling at 68% in our scenario due to grid stability and storage limitations. At the same time, dispatchable fossil fuels remain essential; coal continues powering developing economies while gas turbines provide critical backup where renewable infrastructure struggles with massive new load. Oil and Gas Face a "Long Goodbye" Oil demand peak has shifted from 2030 to 2032 in our base case, reflecting continued momentum in road transport and petrochemicals. Natural gas maintains its position as a bridge fuel, especially where coal must be displaced. The persistence reflects structural inertia and energy security concerns, but the ingredients for faster change are strengthening as renewables and EVs continue breaking cost records. CCUS, Hydrogen and Advanced Bioenergy Fill Critical Gaps Advanced technologies are emerging as critical enablers for hard-to-abate sectors like heavy industry, long-haul transport, and legacy fossil infrastructure. While facing barriers of scale, cost, and capital, these technologies are essential for comprehensive decarbonisation where electrification falls short. In net zero pathways, these technologies can deliver 20% to 30% of total emissions reductions: the difference between incremental progress and comprehensive decarbonisation. Connecting energy ecosystems The report concludes that the energy transition is evolving as it enters a more mature and stress-tested phase, facing hard trade-offs of scale, system integration capital allocation and geopolitics. "Viewing the energy system as interconnected is more critical than ever because electrification, flexibility and decarbonisation link markets that once stood apart," said Sharma. "Oil, gas, coal and power can no longer operate in silos: EV adoption shifts electricity demand, gas shortages ripple into power and heating, and investment in shared infrastructure like transmission lines, pipelines and storage affects multiple sectors at once. "Geopolitical shocks or resource constraints in one fuel cascade across others, while technologies such as hydrogen, CCUS and biofuels rely on cheap renewables and common infrastructure. Treating energy carriers as separate markets risks missing the synergies and vulnerabilities that define the transition.?" The report comes as countries prepare nationally determined contributions ahead of COP30, with nearly half of global emissions now covered by 2035 climate pledges. - ENDS - EDITOR'S NOTES About Wood Mackenzie's Energy Transition Outlook analysis Wood Mackenzie's Energy Transition Outlook report (part of our Lens Energy Transition Scenarios) maps four distinct energy transition pathways with increasing levels of ambition, including the role of emerging technologies and investment opportunities. They are our independent assessment of what it would take to deliver on countries' announced net zero pledges and potential outcomes for the planet. You can read more information here and a copy of the analysis is available on request. Definition of scenarios: Base case - Wood Mackenzie's base case view across all commodity and technology business units - our central, most likely outcome calls for a 2.6 C trajectory. Country pledges scenario - Wood Mackenzie's scenario on how country pledges may be implemented in the future. The 2C trajectory aligns with the upper temp limit from the Paris Agreement. Net zero 2050 scenario - Wood Mackenzie's scenario on how a 1.5C world may play out over the next 35 years. Carbon emissions align with the most ambitious goal of the 2015 ?Paris Agreement. Delayed transition scenario - Assumes a five-year delay to global decarbonisation efforts due to geopolitics and reduced policy support to new technologies, resulting in a 3.1 C degree trajectory. Charts: For further information please contact Wood Mackenzie's media relations team: ENDS For further information please contact Wood Mackenzie's media relations team: Mark Thomton - Americas +1 630 881 6885 Mark.thomton@woodmac.com Hla Myat Mon - APAC +65 8533 8860 hla.myatmon@woodmac.com Chris Boba - EMEA +44 7408 841129 Chris.Boba@woodmac.com Angelica Juarez - AMERICAs angelica.juarez@woodmac.com The Big Partnership You have received this news release from Wood Mackenzie because of the details we hold about you. If the information we have is incorrect you can either provide your updated preferences by contacting our media relations team. If you do not wish to receive this type of email in the future, please reply with 'unsubscribe' in the subject header. - About Wood Mackenzie Wood Mackenzie is the global insight business for renewables, energy and natural resources. Driven by data. Powered by people. 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For more information, visit woodmac.com Fidelity Emerging Markets Ltd - Repurchase Timetable PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, October 29 NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN, INTO OR FROM, ANY JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OR REGULATIONS OF SUCH JURISDICTION 29 October 2025 Fidelity Emerging Markets Limited Repurchase Timetable Further to the announcement made by Fidelity Emerging Markets Limited (the " Company") on 24 October 2025 in connection with the results of the Extraordinary General Meeting relating to the Company's repurchase of the entire beneficial holding of Strathclyde Pension Fund (administered by Glasgow City Council) in the Company (the " Repurchase"), the Board announces the final timetable in respect of the Repurchase below. Calculation Date- close of business on Tuesday, 11 November 2025 Trade Date- Wednesday, 12 November 2025 Completion Date- Thursday, 13 November 2025 The Repurchase will be carried out pursuant to the terms of the Repurchase Agreement between the Company and Strathclyde as more fully described in the circular to shareholders dated 29 September 2025 (the " Circular"). A further announcement will be made upon the Repurchase taking effect. Defined terms used in this announcement will, unless the context requires otherwise, have the meanings ascribed to them in the Circular. Enquiries: Fidelity Emerging Markets Limited Heather Manners (Chairman) via FIL Investments FIL Investments International (Manager and Company Secretary) George Bayer +44 (0)20 7961 4240 Dickson Minto Advisers LLP (Financial Adviser) Douglas Armstrong Belinda Beresford +44 (0)20 7649 6823 +44 (0)20 7649 6948 Jefferies International Limited (Broker) Gaudi Le Roux +44 (0)20 7029 8000 Legal Entity Identifier (LEI): 213800HWWQPUJ4K1GS84 The emotional and touching documentary premieres October 29, 2025 on the Desert Rose Films YouTube channel ABU DHABI, AE / ACCESS Newswire / October 29, 2025 / Desert Rose Films today announced the YouTube release of its moving documentary, Maisy and the Making of Daisy , in alignment with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) Awareness Week (October 25-31). The film, which will premiere on October 29th, offers a deeply human look at life with EB through the story of Maisy Keetch, whose courage inspired the award-winning featurette Daisy . Maisy and the Making of Daisy Maisy and the Making of Daisy Originally filmed as a companion piece alongside Daisy, the documentary chronicles the making of the film and the extraordinary young girl who made it possible. Directed by Nancy Paton , award-winning filmmaker and founder of Desert Rose Films, Maisy and the Making of Daisy captures how art, empathy, and storytelling can create lasting awareness and hope for those living with rare diseases. Maisy and the Making of Daisy follows the extraordinary story of Maisy Keetch, a spirited nine-year-old living with Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a rare and life-limiting skin condition. Despite her illness, Maisy's optimism shines through her blog and her performances at charity events, where she often sings to audiences of hundreds. Yet, her dream of playing a lead role on stage was continually out of reach until filmmaker Nancy Paton met her at Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital. Deeply moved by Maisy's courage and talent, Paton wrote and directed the award-winning featurette Daisy, giving Maisy the opportunity to finally step into the spotlight and fulfill her dream of becoming an actress. "Maisy's story reminds us that courage isn't defined by circumstance, it's defined by how we choose to live, love, and inspire others," said Paton. "We're honored to release this film during EB Awareness Week to amplify her legacy and support the incredible work being done by organizations like Cure EB and DEBRA ." About the Films Daisy tells the story of thirteen-year-old Daisy (Hattie Gotobed), who suffers from severe EB and forms an unexpected friendship with Peter "Stinky" (Max Brown), a British Iraq war veteran battling addiction. The film explores love, hope, and humanity in the face of suffering, earning numerous awards at international film festivals, including the Grand Jury Award, Best Featurette (Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema - IIFC), Best UK Short Film (London Independent Film Festival), Best Director (Sydney Indie Film Festival), Best Actress - Featurette (IIFC), and Best Supporting Actor - Featurette (IIFC). Maisy and the Making of Daisy follows nine-year-old Maisy Keetch, who had dreamed of acting but was never cast in a lead school role because of her terminal condition, Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa. When Nancy Paton met Maisy at Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital, she was inspired to write and direct Daisy, a film that finally gave Maisy the chance to perform as the star she always wanted to be. Watch Now Maisy and the Making of Daisy is now live on the Desert Rose Films YouTube Channel . Watch the original award-winning short film Daisy: https://desertrosefilms.com/portfolio/daisy/ Learn more about Desert Rose Films and filmmaker Nancy Paton at www.desertrosefilms.com or view her full filmography on IMDb . SOURCE: Desert Rose Films View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/publishing-and-media/desert-rose-films-announces-the-youtube-premiere-of-maisy-and-the-making-of-da-1092584 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / October 29, 2025 / North Shore Uranium Ltd. (TSXV:NSU) ("North Shore" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on its Rio Puerco uranium project in the Grants Uranium District of northwestern New Mexico ("Rio Puerco" or the "Project"). As previously announced, a historical resource estimate of 6.0 million tonnes at an average grade of 0.09% eU3O8 for 11.4 million pounds of U3O8 was reported for Rio Puerco in 2009 (the "Historical Resource"). The Historical Resource was based on drill data gathered by Kerr McGee Corporation ("Kerr McGee") in the 1960s and 1970s [1][2][3]. Through a systematic analysis of historical data, the Company has developed a preliminary model of the interpreted uranium mineralization at Rio Puerco. The analysis highlighted some compelling findings, including: There is the potential to expand the reported uranium mineralization beyond the Historical Resource located in section 18, but within the claim blocks controlled by the Company, Kerr-McGee made a substantial commitment to Rio Puerco in the 1960 and 1970s, producing valuable data including information from over 1,000 drill holes. The Company has obtained sufficient comfort that historical work at Rio Puerco was done to a high standard and can be used as a foundation to efficiently and effectively plan for future drill programs, and the historical data supports the potential for in-situ recovery ("ISR") mining, the lowest cost method for producing uranium. North Shore is now planning for an H1 2026 drill program, which is expected to be comprised of several sections, or "fences" of drill holes designed to verify interpreted zones of uranium mineralization within the Historical Resource and confirm uranium mineralization footprint outside of the Historical Resource area. The Company has begun the permit application process with the Bureau of Land Management ("BLM") and the state of New Mexico. Brooke Clements, President and CEO of North Shore stated: "North Shore's Rio Puerco project in New Mexico, USA, hosts a significant historical uranium resource with excellent upside, including the potential for confirming uranium mineralization outside of the known Historical Resource in section 18. We look forward to future drill programs at Rio Puerco which will be designed to both confirm and expand upon the known uranium minerialization. The USA has recently expressed a strong desire to stimulate domestic uranium production and we are well-positioned to take advantage of that enthusiasm. Just yesterday, Cameco Corp. and Brookfield Asset Management announced a strategic partnership with the US government that would support nuclear reactor development in the USA and elsewhere." Figure 1. Map showing the extent of drilling by Kerr McGee in the 1960s and 1970s in section 18, T12N, R3W, Sandavol County, and the location of Cross-section 18-005 which is shown in Figure 2. Drill collar locations from Kerr McGee drill hole location map and 2011 technical report2. RIO PUERCO URANIUM MINERALIZATION A preliminary 3-D model of the interpreted uranium mineralization in Section 18 has been prepared by North Shore based primarily on data from Kerr McGee drilling summarized in a 1975 consultant's report[4], and geologic cross-sections in the 2011 technical report2. The 3-D model is being used to facilitate planning for the Company's first drill program, which will be aimed at verifying portions of the Historical Resource at Rio Puerco and expanding beyond the Historical Resource. As a general illustration of the interpreted stratigraphy and uranium mineralization at Rio Puerco, Cross-section 18-005 is presented below in Figure 2. The following is a selection of interpreted uranium mineralization intersections for historical drill holes in Cross-section 18-005: 18-25 3.2 m @ 0.14% eU3O8 from 177.4 m 1.4 m @ 0.22% eU3O8 from 182.7 m 18-25C (Core hole drilled near rotary hole described above) 3.4 m @ 0.3% eU3O8 from 181.5 m 18-727 0.5 m @ 0.13% eU3O8 from 177.4 m 4.3 m @ 0.09% eU3O8 from 178.0 m 0.5 m @ 0.11% eU3O8 from 183.8 m 18-575 2.4 m @ 0.18% eU3O8 from 178.6 m 1.2 m @ 0.31% eU3O8 from 184.0 m Figure 2. Interpretative Cross-section 18-005 at Rio Puerco. Zones of uranium mineralization based on interpretation of historical data in red, historic drill holes are black and planned North Shore drill holes are purple. Virtually all of the uranium mineralization in the Grants Uranium District is hosted by the Jurassic-aged Morrison Formation. The Westwater Canyon Member of the Morrison Formation hosts almost all of the known uranium mineralization in the Rio Puerco area (Figure 2). The interpreted ore zones consist of sandstone ribbons or lenses. The Westwater Canyon Member is underlain and overlain by the Recapture Shale and Brushy Basin Member of the Morrison Formation respectively, both of which consist dominantly of shale. The Jackpile Sandstone is a distinct sandstone unit within the Brushy Basin Member and it hosts significant uranium deposits elsewhere in the Grants Uranium District, including the historic Jackpile Mine located approximately 20 km southwest of Rio Puerco. The Jackpile Mine produced approximately 80 million pounds of U3O8 between 1952 and 1982. The Brushy Basin Member is unconformably overlain by the Cretaceous Dakota Sandstone and the Mancos Shale. Rio Puerco 3-D Model Preparation Drill collar locations from the 3-D model were determined from a map of drill hole locations prepared by Kerr-McGee for their drill programs in the 1960s and 1970s. The map was georeferenced and the collar locations were cross-referenced with georeferenced drill sections from the 2011 technical report2. The 1975 consultant's report listed intersection depth and width and included a classification of significant drill intersections as either ore, strongly mineralized or weakly mineralized, for each drill hole completed across section 18 and section 244. Using 3-D modelling software, drill hole traces were generated using available drill collar information that allowed for viewing and interpreting the continuity of significant drill intersections in 3-D space. In the zones where continuity between significant drill intersections was identified, holes had been drilled by Kerr McGee on an approximate 30 m grid. RIO PUERCO WORK HISTORY AND HISTORICAL RESOURCE ESTIMATES Rio Puerco is located at the eastern end of the Grants Uranium District which is the largest historic producer of uranium in the United States (Figure 3). Mines that operated between about 1950 and 2002 produced over 340 million pounds of U3O8. The district is currently seeing renewed exploration and development activity. Uranium was first discovered at Rio Puerco in 1968. The claims covering the discovery were ultimately optioned to Kerr-McGee who drilled over 1,000 holes. Based on the results of that work, they began the development of the Rio Puerco Mine in the 1970s. The mine was intended to be a room and pillar underground mine but was never put into production. Activity ceased after a short trial mining phase due to low uranium prices at the time. The underground mine infrastructure included a 260 m vertical shaft, ventilation shafts, mining adits and support buildings. The mining shaft remains and road access to the site is excellent. In 2009, Monaro Mining NL ("Monaro") commissioned an independent geological review and resource estimate for Rio Puerco using exploration data generated by Kerr-McGee in the 1960s and 1970s. The data used for the resource estimate consisted of historical maps and data from 764 drill holes including downhole gamma-ray data converted to percent equivalent U3O8 (eU3O8), geological logs and drillhole survey data. Monaro reported a JORC Code (2004)-compliant inferred resource of 6.0 million tonnes at an average grade of 0.09% eU3O8 using a cutoff grade of 0.03% eU3O8 for 11.4 million pounds of contained U3O81. JORC is the Australian Joint Ore Reserves Committee, a professional code of practice that sets minimum standards for public reporting of Mineral Resources. In 2011, Australian-American Mining Corporation Ltd. commissioned a technical report on Rio Puerco. This most recent report validated and confirmed the Historical Resource2. The Historical Resource outlined in this news release has not been verified and should not be relied upon. It is a historical estimate and not current and does not comply with Canadian NI 43-101 guidelines for the reporting of Mineral Resources. The JORC Code (2004) is broadly consistent with the CIM Definition Standards adopted under NI 43-101, though differences may exist in the categorization of inferred resources. A Qualified Person has not verified the Historical Resource estimate on behalf of the Company and North Shore has completed no work programs at Rio Puerco. Though not current, the Company views the Historical Resource estimates as reliable and sufficient to justify the initiation of work programs aimed at validating and potentially expanding upon the estimates. There is no guarantee that the work programs envisioned by North Shore will ultimately result in the definition of NI 43-101-compliant resources. The key assumptions, parameters, and methods used to prepare the Historical Resource estimate are described in the referenced technical reports. The 64 BLM claims in the Project area are subject to the Rio Puerco Option Agreement under which North Shore has the right to acquire up to an 87.5% interest in Rio Puerco from Resurrection Mining LLC ("Resurrection"). Further information on Rio Puerco can be found in the Company's news releases dated June 24, 2025, August 28, 2025 and September 11, 2025. Figure 3. Rio Puerco Location Map, New Mexico. Roca Honda (Energy Fuels Inc.), Marquez-Juan Tafoya (Anfield Energy Inc.) and Cebolleta (Premier American Uranium Inc.) are advanced exploration/development stage uranium projects. ABOUT NORTH SHORE The nuclear power industry is in growth mode as more nuclear power will be required to meet the world's ambitious CO2 emission-reduction goals and the needs of new power-intensive technologies like AI. In this environment, new discoveries of economic uranium deposits will be very valuable, especially in established uranium-producing jurisdictions like Saskatchewan and New Mexico. North Shore is well-positioned to become a major force in exploration for economic uranium deposits. The Company is working to achieve this goal by exploring Rio Puerco in the Grants Uranium District of New Mexico and its Falcon and West Bear properties at the eastern margin of the Athabasca Basin in Saskatchewan. In addition, the Company continues to evaluate quality opportunities in the United States and Canada to complement its portfolio of uranium properties. QUALIFIED PERSON Mr. Brooke Clements, MSc, P.Geol., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and the President and CEO of North Shore, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical disclosure in this press release. Data Verification Mr. Clements has reviewed and verified all of the data supporting the technical information disclosed in this news release. The data includes the 2009 and 2011 technical reports, the 3-D model prepared by North Shore showing interpreted uranium mineralization, the 1975 McDougald report, original hard copy and scanned drill hole location maps prepared by Kerr-McGee and plan maps from the Kerr-McGee underground mine development. As stated above, the Historical Resource outlined in this news release has not been verified, is not current and does not comply with Canadian NI 43-101 guidelines for the reporting of Mineral Resources. The original drill logs from the Kerr McGee drilling in the 1960s and 1970s that form the foundation for the 1975 McDougald report and the Historical Resource estimate have not been reviewed in detail. ON BEHALF OFTHE BOARD Brooke Clements, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director For further information: Please contact: Brooke Clements, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director Telephone: 604.536.2711 Email: b.clements@northshoreuranium.com www.northshoreuranium.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events, or developments that the Company believes, expects, or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management's current expectations based on information currently available and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this release include, but are not limited to: the Company's plans to confirm and expand upon the scale of uranium mineralization at the Rio Puerco project; the potential for in-situ recovery (ISR) mining at Rio Puerco; the initiation and results of work programs aimed at validating and potentially expanding upon historical resource estimates; the Company's ability to acquire up to an 87.5% interest in the Rio Puerco project and to create a joint venture with Resurrection Mining LLC; the Company's strategy to become a major force in uranium exploration and to evaluate additional opportunities in the United States and Canada; the actual results of current and planned exploration activities, including the potential for the definition of a mineral deposit of potential economic value at Rio Puerco and the Company's Falcon and West Bear properties in Saskatchewan; the ability of the Company to meet milestones and make bonus payments to Resurrection; the interpretation and meaning of completed and future geophysical surveys, drilling results, and economic evaluations; the availability of sufficient funding on terms acceptable to the Company and the timing and receipt of the required regulatory and government approvals to complete planned work programs including the planned drill program outlined in this news release; and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "project", "appear", "interpret", "coincident", "potential", "confirm", "suggest", "evaluate", "encourage", "likely", "anomaly", "continuous" and variations of these words as well as other similar words or statements that certain events or conditions "could", "may", "should", "would" or "will" occur. These statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated or implied, including, but not limited to: the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development projects; the ability to obtain necessary permits and approvals; changes in project plans and parameters; variations in mineral grades and recovery rates; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; the availability of funding on terms acceptable to the Company; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing; fluctuations in metal prices including uranium; and other factors described in the Company's public disclosure documents. There may be other factors that cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those anticipated or implied by the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or results or otherwise. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. Any forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. [1] Monaro Mining NL, 2009, 250% increase in uranium resource inventory at Rio Puerco deposit, New Mexico USA: Monaro Mining NL ASX news release: (link) [2] Boyer, D. and Ostensoe, E., 2011, NI 43-101 technical report, Rio Puerco deposit, Sandoval county, New Mexico, USA: Independent report by Australian-American Mining Corporation Ltd.: (link) [3] Information about historical work at Rio Puerco, and the limitations of the Historical Resource estimate are provided in a section of the news release below. [4] McDougald, W. D., 1975, Economic Evaluation on Total Indicated Pounds of Uranium Oxide on the Rio Puerco Kerr McGee Leases in Sandoval County, New Mexico: Internal Consultant's report prepared for royalty holder. SOURCE: North Shore Uranium Ltd. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/north-shore-advances-rio-puerco-towards-drilling-1092957 HIGHLIGHTS Awale is advancing its geological understanding of the Fremen target, with shallow drilling confirming near-surface mineralization along 8 kilometres of strike. RC drilling confirms mineralization over 5-kilometre-long gold-in-termite mound anomaly, extending the zone. Mineralization hosted in sheared and altered intrusive rocks, consistent with the BBM discovery setting. Shallow drill intersections include: 7m @ 0.6 g/t Au from 97m downhole in hole SSRC-34, including 3m @ 1.1 g/t Au from 99m 14m @ 0.4 g/t Au from 6m downhole in hole SSRC-35, including 1m @ 1.1 g/t Au from 11m 5m @ 1.3 g/t Au from 10m downhole in hole SSRC-36, including 1m @ 4.6 g/t Au from 10m Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 29, 2025) - Awale Resources Limited (TSXV: ARIC) (OTCQX: AWLRF) (FSE: 2F60) ("Awale" or the "Company") is pleased to report assay results from Reverse Circulation ("RC") drilling at the 100%-owned Fremen target, part of the Odienne Project ("Odienne" or the "Project") in Cote d'Ivoire. This second phase of drilling has confirmed mineralization within a 5-kilometre extension to the initial 4-kilometre-long zone to the northwest of the target area. Mineralization was intercepted in 4 of 5 drill fences from the scout drill program which consisted of 5 broadly spaced fences with 2,430m drilled in 22 holes. "We are building our understanding of the Fremen target, and shallow drilling has now confirmed near-surface mineralization over 8 kilometres of strike. Follow-up diamond drilling is set to begin in November, and we'll be integrating these latest results with our new magnetic geophysics to refine our understanding of this target. "With C$15 million in treasury, the Company is well funded to continue advancing Fremen while also building a strong pipeline of drill-ready targets across all our 100%-owned properties which cover approximately 1,550 km or two-thirds of the Odienne Project's 2,346 km land package. We are only beginning to unlock the potential of our 100%-owned ground, and we are committed to delivering new discoveries and value for shareholders," commented Andrew Chubb, CEO of Awale Resources. The 100,000m drill program announced earlier in the month (see October 3, 2025 news release) is on schedule to commence after the rainy season in October 2025, with up to 5 rigs expected on site and near-continuous drilling planned throughout 2026. Awale will provide shareholders with updates on specific targets, timelines, and results as the program advances. The Company also anticipates publishing assay results from earlier drilling at Charger in the near term. This is the second RC drilling program at the 100%-owned Fremen target in the Sienso permit. The 22-hole, 2,430-metre program tested a newly defined 5 km southern extension to mineralization identified in Phase I drilling, which included shallow intersections of 15m @ 0.6 g/t gold from 40m, including 7m @ 1.1 g/t gold from 46m (see June 16, 2025 news release). The latest results confirm shallow gold mineralization that encouragingly has very similar geology to Awale's BBM discovery. The mineralized trend at Fremen now extends for more than 8 km, with follow-up drilling set to commence this quarter to further define scale and tenor of mineralization. Link to All Figures View Video of CEO Andrew Chubb Discussing Results Watch Video of CEO Andrew Chubb Discussing Termitaria in Exploration Table 1: Significant Intercepts - (from this release) Hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Au (g/t) Comp. Trigger (Au g/t) SSRC0026 12 17 5 0.2 0.2 SSRC0030 37 38 1 1.5 0.2 SSRC0034 58 60 2 0.6 0.2 including 59 60 1 1.0 0.5 97 104 7 0.6 0.2 including 99 102 3 1.1 0.5 SSRC0035 6 20 14 0.4 0.2 including 11 12 1 1.1 1.0 24 29 5 0.5 0.2 56 59 3 0.5 0.2 including 58 59 1 1.1 0.5 SSRC0036 10 15 5 1.3 0.2 including 10 11 1 4.6 1.0 SSRC0039 78 79 1 1.0 0.5 96 97 1 1.3 0.2 SSRC0046 40 41 1 0.5 0.2 96 100 4 0.4 0.2 About Awale Resources Awale is a diligent and systematic mineral exploration company focused on discovering large high-grade gold and copper-gold deposits. Exploration activities are currently underway in the underexplored regions of Cote d'Ivoire, where the Company is exploring the Odienne Copper-Gold Project ("Odienne" or the "Project"), covering 2,346 km2 across seven permits-five granted and two applications. This includes 797 km2 in two permits held under the Awale-Newmont Joint Venture ("OJV"). Awale currently manages all exploration activities over the OJV, with funding currently provided by Newmont Ventures Limited ("Newmont") under an Exploration Agreement signed in May 2022. Awale has discovered four gold, gold-copper, and gold-copper-silver-molybdenum mineralized systems within the OJV and has recently commenced exploration on its 100%-owned properties. The Odienne Project is underexplored and has multiple pipeline prospects with similar geochemical signatures to Iron Oxide Copper Gold (IOCG) and intrusive-related mineral systems with substantial upside potential. The Company benefits from a skilled and well-seasoned technical team that allows it to continue exploring in a pro-mining jurisdiction that offers significant potential for district-scale discoveries. Table 2: Fremen Drilling Collar Cable - (all collars from this program) Hole ID Easting Northing RL_M Azimuth_True Dip EOH_M SSRC0026 661082.7 1037564.9 427.5 66 -50 106 SSRC0027 661133.5 1037586.4 426.0 66 -50 118 SSRC0028 661181.3 1037611.6 424.7 66 -50 114 SSRC0029 660791.5 1038022.0 432.2 66 -50 105 SSRC0030 660839.9 1038041.5 432.5 66 -50 108 SSRC0031 660890.8 1038065.0 432.7 66 -50 100 SSRC0032 660939.9 1038086.0 432.4 66 -50 100 SSRC0033 660441.7 1038430.9 436.0 66 -50 102 SSRC0034 660491.3 1038452.7 436.1 66 -50 104 SSRC0035 660542.3 1038474.1 436.8 66 -50 106 SSRC0036 660592.6 1038495.2 437.7 66 -50 108 SSRC0037 660363.1 1039329.9 425.0 66 -50 102 SSRC0038 660410.6 1039350.8 423.3 66 -50 78 SSRC0039 660464.4 1039374.8 421.0 66 -50 100 SSRC0040 660511.4 1039397.0 418.8 66 -50 101 SSRC0041 661489.3 1036755.9 442.4 66 -50 102 SSRC0042 661536.8 1036777.8 442.9 66 -50 102 SSRC0043 661588.5 1036802.3 443.0 66 -50 102 SSRC0044 661635.3 1036824.4 443.3 66 -50 40 SSRC0045 661644.4 1036829.0 443.4 66 -50 114 SSRC0046 660737.8 1037997.0 432.0 66 -50 100 Quality Control and Assurance Reverse Circulation sampling was conducted on a metre-by-metre basis, with each metre weighed and riffle split to produce approximately 3-kilogram sub-samples for laboratory submission. Each sample was clearly labelled, and routine field duplicate samples were taken via a second riffle split of the original sample. Systematic certified reference material is also inserted in the sample stream as well as blank samples. Termite mound geochemistry samples are taken from multiple (minimum 3) 20-to-50-centimetre cores pierced into the mound. Routine duplicate samples are collected on site as well as insertion of reference materials and blanks. Analytical work for all samples is being carried out at the independent SGS Laboratories in Cote d'Ivoire, an ISO 17025 Certified Laboratory. Samples are prepared and stored at the Company's field camps and put into sealed bags and transported to SGS secure facility in Yamoussoukro Cote d'Ivoire for preparation and analysis. Samples are logged in the tracking system, weighed, dried, and pulverized to greater than 85%, passing a 75-micron screen. Two pulps are prepared from each sample with one stream returned to the Company for multielement analysis by portable XRF a second analyzed by fire assay with AAS finish at SGS Yamoussoukro. Blanks, duplicates, and certified reference material (standards) are being used to monitor laboratory performance during the analysis. Mineralized Interval Calculations Significant intervals reported in this news release are calculated as downhole length-weighted intercepts. For the Fremen target, initial mineralized zones are calculated at a 0.2 g/t Au trigger and include up to 3 metres of internal waste for delineating mineralized zones. Included intervals are calculated at 0.2 g/t Au, 0.5 g/t Au, and 1 g/t Au trigger values, with up to 3 metres of internal waste. Table 1 contains a list of all Fremen holes reported in this release. True widths are unknown from this early-stage percussion RC drill program. Qualified Person The technical and scientific information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved for release by Andrew Chubb, the Company's Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Chubb is the Company's Chief Executive Officer and holds an Economic Geology degree, is a Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists (AIG), and is a Member of the Society of Economic Geoscientists (SEG). Mr. Chubb has over 25 years of experience in international mineral exploration and mining project evaluation. Abbreviations Used in this Release Au Gold g/t Grams per tonne km Kilometre m Metre RC Reverse circulation AWALE Resources Limited On behalf of the Board of Directors "Andrew Chubb" Chief Executive Officer The Company's public documents may be accessed at www.sedarplus.ca. For further information on the Company, please visit our website at www.awaleresources.com. Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws (collectively "forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, plans, propose, potential, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. All statements that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include but are not limited to statements regarding, the Company's presence in Cote d'Ivoire and ability to achieve results, creation of value for Company shareholders, achievements under the Newmont JV, works on other properties, timing and extent of planned drilling, expectations to achieve a first mineral resource estimate and preliminary economic assessment, advancing towards a pre-feasibility study, potential for new discoveries, timing for providing assay results, commencement of operations. Although the Company believes any forward-looking statements in this news release are reasonable, it can give no assurance that the expectations and assumptions in such statements will prove to be correct. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, the results of the proposed drilling programs, the number of drilling rigs on site, changes in the state of equity and debt markets, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in obtaining required regulatory or governmental approvals, and other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, including those risks set out in the Company's management's discussion and analysis as filed under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-looking information in this news release is based on the opinions and assumptions of management considered reasonable as of the date hereof, including that all necessary governmental and regulatory approvals will be received as and when expected and that the proposed drilling program will proceed as planned. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, other than as required by applicable securities laws. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/272307 SOURCE: Awale Resources Ltd. Louis Vuitton Redefines the Beauty Experience with Industry-First Virtual Try-On Features and AI-Powered Recommendations Perfect Corp.(NYSE: PERF), the leading artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) beauty fashion tech provider, is proud to announce its collaboration with Louis Vuitton, part of the LVMH group, for the debut of the Maison's first full makeup collection branded 'La Beaute Louis Vuitton'. The partnership brings groundbreaking AI and AR-powered experiences to consumers across 33 countries via web, mobile app, and WeChat in China, with immersive and hyper-realistic virtual try-on (VTO) technology integrated at launch. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251029634767/en/ Perfect Corp. Partners with Louis Vuitton to Power Innovative Virtual Try-On for New Makeup Line Louis Vuitton's inaugural makeup line includes 8 eyeshadow palettes, 65 lipstick shades across three finishes-satin, matte, and balm-and 24 curated makeup looks. At the core of the digital experience is Perfect Corp.'s advanced beauty tech suite, which has been further customized to support Louis Vuitton's visionary approach to luxury beauty. Perfect Corp. and Louis Vuitton Co-Innovates the Future of Beauty Tech This partnership marks several industry-first innovations co-developed by Perfect Corp. and Louis Vuitton: AI-Powered Lipstick Shade Recommendation : Using Perfect Corp.'s facial color analysis data capture, Louis Vuitton's proprietary AI algorithm delivers personalized lipstick shade recommendations based on each user's unique complexion. : Using Perfect Corp.'s facial color analysis data capture, Louis Vuitton's proprietary AI algorithm delivers personalized lipstick shade recommendations based on each user's unique complexion. Filter-Free Realism : Louis Vuitton redefines VTO realism by eliminating traditional overlay filters-enabling the lipstick to behave naturally on the lips without distorting when users move their hand across their face. : Louis Vuitton redefines VTO realism by eliminating traditional overlay filters-enabling the lipstick to behave naturally on the lips without distorting when users move their hand across their face. Dual-Shade Comparison Tool : Consumers can now try and compare two lipstick shades side by side in real time-an enhancement over the traditional single-shade try-on model. : Consumers can now try and compare two lipstick shades side by side in real time-an enhancement over the traditional single-shade try-on model. Enhanced Lip Tracking: Precision improvements ensure even more accurate application for a seamless and ultra-realistic VTO experience. Luxury Meets Technology at Launch The integration of virtual try-on technology from day one of the makeup collection's launch highlights the increasing role of digital innovation in luxury beauty. As the luxury sector continues its expansion into cosmetics, Louis Vuitton sets a new standard by embracing immersive tech experiences that engage modern beauty consumers. "For Louis Vuitton, this makeup launch is more than a product release-it is the expression of a new creative territory. By collaborating with Perfect Corp., we ensure that our customers can explore and experience this universe with a level of personalization, realism, and innovation that reflects our commitment to excellence in every detail," said Maria-Jose Barrera Rojas, Global VP E-Commerce for Louis Vuitton. "With Louis Vuitton, we are proud to push the boundaries of what's possible in virtual beauty experiences," said Alice Chang, CEO and Founder of Perfect Corp. "This collaboration showcases the future of luxury beauty-personalized, immersive, and digitally elevated from the very first touchpoint." To virtually try on Louis Vuitton's makeup, please visit: https://us.louisvuitton.com/eng-us/perfumes-and-beauty/lips/_/N-ttkk13p About Perfect Corp. Perfect Corp. (NYSE: PERF) is a global leader in AI and AR technology, redefining creativity across beauty, fashion, skincare, and digital content creation. Its YouCam suite of apps has been downloaded over 1.1 billion times globally, empowering users to create, edit, and express themselves through photo, video, and generative AI tools. The YouCam platform also includes a powerful web-based editor and a suite of developer APIs, providing creators, brands, and technology partners with seamless access to content creation capabilities across platforms. For brands and professionals, Perfect Corp. offers an award-winning portfolio of enterprise technologies, including virtual try-on experiences for makeup, hair, jewelry, watches, and fashion accessories, as well as AI-powered skin and hair analysis. With a brand portfolio that includes YouCam and Skincare Pro, and a network of over 800 global brand partners, Perfect Corp. is transforming the beauty experience through personalized, immersive, and intelligent innovation. For more information, visit perfectcorp.com and follow @Perfect-Corp. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251029634767/en/ Contacts: Press Contacts Perfect Corp. official website: https://www.perfectcorp.com/ Perfect Corp. on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/perfect-corp/ Perfect Corp. official Blog: https://www.perfectcorp.com/business/blog Corporate: Tony Tsai at press@perfectcorp.com or by phone: +886-2-8667-1265, ext. 2167 USA: Allie Murphy at contact_pr@perfectcorp.com or by phone +1 (415) 625-8555 Japan: Kazushige Sato at contact_pr_jpn@perfectcorp.com or by phone: +81-3-6809-1135 China: Winter Zhang at Winter_zhang@perfectcorp.com or by phone: +86-166-2139-1855 Europe: Lea Mames at contact_pr_fr@perfectcorp.com UAE: Marwa Mohamed at contact_pr_uae@perfectcorp.com or by phone: +971 (0) 50-728-4178 India: Tanuj Mishra at contact_pr_in@perfectcorp.com BOSTON, Oct. 29, 2025) ("Tiziana" or the "Company"), a biotechnology company developing breakthrough immunomodulation therapies with its lead development candidate, intranasal foralumab, a fully human, anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody, today announced its participation as a presenting company at BIO-Europe 2025. The event, Europe's premier life sciences partnering conference, will take place November 3-5, 2025, at the Vienna Exhibition and Congress Center (Messe Wien) in Vienna, Austria. Tiziana's management team, led by CEO Ivor Elrifi, will also engage in one-on-one partnering meetings with leading biopharma executives and investors. The Company's presentation will focus on its innovative nasal delivery platform and lead candidate, intranasal foralumab-the only fully human anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody in clinical development. This proprietary approach aims to enhance efficacy, safety, and tolerability over traditional intravenous methods, targeting neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases such as non-active secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (na-SPMS), Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), and early Alzheimer's disease. "We are excited to showcase Tiziana's progress at BIO-Europe 2025, a pivotal forum for forging strategic partnerships that can accelerate our pipeline toward commercialization," said Ivor Elrifi, CEO of Tiziana Life Sciences. "Building on our ongoing Phase 2 clinical trials in na-SPMS and MSA, we are about to commence Phase 2 studies in early Alzheimer's disease and in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ("ALS"). We look forward to discussing how our intranasal foralumab can address unmet needs in immunotherapy and drive meaningful patient outcomes." BIO-Europe 2025 is expected to draw over 5,700 delegates from more than 60 countries, facilitating thousands of targeted partnering meetings. Tiziana's participation underscores its commitment to advancing novel therapies that modulate immune responses through alternative delivery routes, potentially transforming treatment paradigms for chronic neurological conditions. About Foralumab Foralumab, a fully human anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody, is a biological drug candidate that has been shown to stimulate T regulatory cells when dosed intranasally. At present, 14 patients with Non-Active Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis) with either an improvement or stability of disease seen within 6 months in all patients. In addition, intranasal foralumab is currently being studied in a Phase 2a, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter, dose-ranging trial in patients with non-active secondary progressive multiple sclerosis). Foralumab is the only fully human anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody (mAb) currently in clinical development. Immunomodulation by intranasal foralumab represents a novel avenue for the treatment of neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative human diseases.[1],[2] About Tiziana Life Sciences Tiziana Life Sciences is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing breakthrough therapies using transformational drug delivery technologies to enable alternative routes of immunotherapy. Tiziana's innovative nasal approach has the potential to provide an improvement in efficacy as well as safety and tolerability compared to intravenous (IV) delivery. Tiziana's lead candidate, intranasal foralumab, which is the only fully human anti-CD3 mAb currently in clinical development, has demonstrated a favorable safety profile and clinical response in patients in studies to date. Tiziana's technology for alternative routes of immunotherapy has been patented with several applications pending and is expected to allow for broad pipeline applications. For more information about Tiziana Life Sciences and its innovative pipeline of therapies, please visit www.tizianalifesciences.com. For further inquiries: Tiziana Life Sciences Ltd Paul Spencer, Business Development, and Investor Relations +44 [1] https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2220272120 [2] https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2309221120 Press Release Eviden awarded by NATO the modernization of communications for the Spanish Air and Space Force Madrid - October 29, 2025 - Eviden, the Atos Groupproduct brand leading in advanced computing, cybersecurity products, mission-critical systems, and Vision AI, announces that it has been selected by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) to modernize the ground-to-air-to-ground (G/A/G) communication systems of the Spanish Air and Space Force. The 12 million contract includes the supply, installation, and maintenance of next-generation communication systems that will enhance operations at Air Traffic Control (ATC) towers across various air bases, Air Force airfields, and Air Surveillance Squadron (EVA) bases of the Spanish Air and Space Force (SASF). The project, scheduled for completion within a maximum of 18 months, will involve the deployment of several hundred civilian and military radio systems at 35 locations across Spanish territory, providing comprehensive coverage of the mainland, islands, and the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla. The communications modernization encompasses a variety of radio and ground-to-air-to-ground (G/A/G) equipment, including transmitters, receivers, and transceivers operating in VHF and UHF bands, as well as multiband VHF/UHF radio transceiver systems. The contract also includes management software, recording systems, real-time systems, user training, and full system documentation. The new communication systems are classified as mission-critical and will be in continuous operation, 24/7, 365 days a year. They will play a key role in all types of operations, training exercises and missions, including those of the 45th Air Force Group, whose primary responsibility is the transport of key government officials, such as the King of Spain, the Prime Minister, and cabinet members. Areas of activity In accordance with the contract specifications, the control tower equipment will support Air Traffic Management (ATM) for SASF bases and airfields. Meanwhile, the ground-to-air-to-ground systems will provide voice communication between the aircraft and the ARS (airspace coordination cell, recognized air picture production center, and sensor fusion node). The new systems are expected to remain in service with the Spanish Air and Space Force for at least 20 years following the warranty period. Full support-including maintenance, spare parts, tools, and testing equipment-will be provided throughout this lifespan. To ensure the required performance over time, the systems feature scalable hardware and software. In recent years, Eviden, the Atos Group product brand has established a strong presence in the defense sector, delivering cutting-edge technological solutions to strategic institutions and organizations. "The selection of our most advanced mission-critical systems by NATO and the Spanish Air and Space Force is a testimony to the quality of Eviden's solutions and services" said Orlando Rodriguez, Head of Mission-Critical Systems, Eviden, Atos Group. "Our teams are fully committed to ensure the rapid deployment and operational excellence of this solution that will be the backbone of the Spanish and NATO's southern border security." Eviden delivers systems and services to Defense organizations to support forces coordination, decision-making and operational readiness. To learn more about Eviden's solutions, click here. *** About Eviden Eviden is the Atos Group brand for hardware and software products with c. 1 billion in revenue, operating in 36 countries and comprising four business units: advanced computing, cybersecurity products, mission-critical systems and vision AI. As a next-generation technology leader, Eviden offers a unique combination of hardware and software technologies for businesses, public sector and defense organizations and research institutions, helping them to create value out of their data. Bringing together more than 4,500 world-class talents and holding more than 2,100 patents, Eviden provides a strong portfolio of innovative and eco-efficient solutions in AI, computing, security, data and applications. About Atos Group Atos Group is a global leader in digital transformation with c. 67,000 employees and annual revenue of c. 10 billion, operating in 61 countries under two brands - Atos for services and Eviden for products. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high performance computing, Atos Group is committed to a secure and decarbonized future and provides tailored AI-powered, end-to-end solutions for all industries. Atos Group is the brand under which Atos SEis to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space. Press contacts Spain: Christian Suell | christian.suell@atos.net| +34652969482 Global PR team: Isabelle Grange | isabelle.grange@atos.net | +33 (0)6 64 56 74 88 Attachment Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 29, 2025) - Advanced Gold Exploration Inc. (CSE: AUEX) ("AUEX" or the "Company") announces the Company's board of directors has approved, and the Company will be effecting, a share consolidation of its issued and outstanding common shares ("Common Shares") on a one (1) post-consolidation Common Share for every ten (10) pre-consolidation Common Shares (the "Consolidation"). In relation to the Consolidation, the Company has obtained a new CUSIP (00792D202) and ISIN (CA00792D2023). There is no name change or stock symbol change in connection with the Consolidation. The Consolidation is subject to the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE"). The Consolidation will reduce the number of outstanding Common Shares from 79,990,169 to approximately 7,999,016. The exercise or conversion price and the number of Common Shares issuable under any of the Company's outstanding stock options will be proportionately adjusted to reflect the Consolidation in accordance with the respective terms thereof. No fractional Common Shares will be issued pursuant to the Consolidation and any fractional shares that would have otherwise been issued will be converted into whole Common Shares without par value of the Company, such that fractional Common Shares will be rounded down to the nearest whole number. Letters of transmittal with respect to the Consolidation will be mailed to registered shareholders of the Company. All registered shareholders with physical certificates will be required to send their respective share certificates representing pre-Consolidation Common Shares, along with a properly executed letter of transmittal, to the Company's registrar and transfer agent, Computershare Trust Company of Canada, in accordance with the instructions provided in the letter of transmittal. Shareholders who hold their Common Shares through a broker, investment dealer, bank or trust company or other intermediary should contact that nominee or intermediary for assistance in depositing their Common Shares in connection with the Consolidation. In addition, the Company is pleased to announce that David McDonald has been appointed Chief Financial Officer of the Company, effective October 20, 2025. In connection with Mr. McDonald's appointment, Mr. Radovan Danilovsky has resigned as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, effective October 20, 2025. Mr. Danilovsky remains a director of the Company. The Company wishes to thank Mr. Danilovsky for his past services as Chief Financial Officer. About Advanced Gold Exploration Inc. Advanced Gold Exploration (formerly Advance United Holdings Inc.) is a Canadian mineral exploration company. The company has acquired a portfolio of undervalued gold and copper properties and are increasing their value through the application of modern technology, new ideas and systematic exploration. The company has a growing pipeline of similar properties that the company is looking to acquire. Advanced Gold is involved exclusively in the acquisition and advancement of past projects -- with no intent to bring them back into production or to mine them itself. The company's expertise is in identifying and acquiring undervalued properties with significant historical work, which were uneconomic at the time. The company believes it can enhance their economic value at today's prices. The company finances the reworking historic data and applying modern technology to underwrite new qualified reports, document quantifiable resources and reserves to current standards, thereby recognizing the current value. The company's purpose is to bring immediate and long-term value to its partners and shareholders while seeking to reduce exploration risk, so that it can all advance in the shortest possible time frame. Forward-Looking Information and Cautionary Statements This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "would", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the information is provided, and is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change, unless required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/272304 SOURCE: Advanced Gold Exploration Inc. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 29, 2025) - The 2025 Canadian Hedge Fund Awards, the highest honour in Canada's hedge fund industry, were presented yesterday evening at the Gala Awards Dinner at One King West Hotel in Toronto. The Canadian Hedge Fund Awards help investors identify the most exceptional hedge funds, recognizing winners in 7 categories as well as the Overall Best 2025 Canadian Hedge Fund. A total of 291 Canadian Hedge Funds were included in the 2025 CHFA program. The awards are based solely on quantitative performance data to June 30th, with Fundata Canada managing the collection and tabulation of the data to determine the winners. There is no nomination process or subjective assessment in identifying the winning hedge funds. For the full Directory of Canadian Hedge Funds, including performance data, check here: THE Canadian Hedge Fund Directory - Alternative IQ Average Canadian Hedge Fund Performance as at June 30, 2025 Category Avg 1Yr % Return Avg 3Yr % Return Avg 5Yr % Return Avg 10Yr % Return Avg 3Yr Sharpe Ratio Avg 5Yr Sharpe Ratio Avg 10Yr Sharpe Ratio Equity Focused 15.43 11.03 11.84 7.18 0.60 0.68 0.46 Credit Focused 7.37 7.88 7.36 6.14 1.26 1.07 0.69 Market Neutral 5.07 4.31 5.68 3.63 0.32 0.56 0.45 Global Macro/Managed Futures/Multi-Strategy 9.40 7.61 7.46 5.70 0.43 0.64 0.49 Private Debt 4.42 5.60 5.72 7.79 Private Equity 6.87 4.85 4.77 2.43 Mortgage 7.14 7.65 7.16 6.91 Total 11.84% 9.15% 9.64% 6.44% 0.63 0.71 0.49 Overall Best 2025 Canadian Hedge Fund: (based on best combined 10-year annualized return and Sharpe ratio). (based on 10 Year Return AND Sharpe Ratio) Place Fund Name 10 Year Annual Average Return 10 Year Sharpe Ratio 1 Canoe Energy Alpha Fund LP 21.26% 1.09 2 AIP Convertible Private Debt Fund LP 18.47% 0.97 3 SMI Defensive LP 11.04% 1.26 2025 Canadian Hedge Fund Award Winners by Category are: Equity Focused Category 1 Year Average Annual Return Place Fund Name Return 1 Optimist Fund 88.81% 2 Portland Focused Plus Fund LP 48.76% 3 Viking Global Value Fund 48.19% 3 Year Average Annual Return Place Fund Name Return 1 Optimist Fund 52.71% 2 Agilith North American Diversified Fund 29.56% 3 Kipling Global Enhanced Growth Fund 28.55% 5 Year Average Annual Return Place Fund Name Return 1 Canoe Energy Alpha Fund LP 41.67% 2 Agilith North American Diversified Fund 28.43% 3 MMCap Canadian Fund 27.07% 10 Year Average Annual Return Place Fund Name Return 1 Canoe Energy Alpha Fund LP 21.26% 2 Portland Focused Plus Fund LP 15.92% 3 Pathfinder Partners' Fund 13.76% 3 Year Average Annual Sharpe Ratio Place Fund Name Sharpe Ratio 1 SMI Defensive LP 4.78 2 Kipling Global Enhanced Growth Fund 1.56 3 PICTON Long Short Equity Fund 1.44 5 Year Average Annual Sharpe Ratio Place Fund Name Sharpe Ratio 1 SMI Defensive LP 3.35 2 Canoe Energy Alpha Fund LP 2.00 3 Wealhouse Lions Bay Fund 2.00 10 Year Average Annual Sharpe Ratio Place Fund Name Sharpe Ratio 1 SMI Defensive LP 1.26 2 Canoe Energy Alpha Fund LP 1.09 3 Kipling Global Enhanced Dividend Fund 0.89 Credit Focused Category: 1 Year Average Annual Return Place Fund Name Return 1 Focus Credit Opportunities Fund 12.60% 2 Kipling Strategic Income Fund 10.54% 3 Purpose Credit Opportunities Fund 9.82% 3 Year Average Annual Return Place Fund Name Return 1 Wealhouse Amplus Credit Income Fund 11.44% 2 East Coast Strategic Credit Trust 11.26% 3 RP Select Opportunities Fund 10.81% 5 Year Average Annual Return Place Fund Name Return 1 Wealhouse Amplus Credit Income Fund 13.22% 2 RP Select Opportunities Fund 12.18% 3 Focus Credit Opportunities Fund 9.74% 10 Year Average Annual Return Place Fund Name Return 1 East Coast Strategic Credit Trust 7.96% 2 RP Select Opportunities Fund 7.82% 3 Algonquin Debt Strategies Fund LP 7.65% 3 Year Average Annual Sharpe Ratio Place Fund Name Sharpe Ratio 1 Wealhouse Amplus Credit Income Fund 3.99 2 Kipling Strategic Income Fund 2.44 3 East Coast Strategic Credit Trust 2.34 5 Year Average Annual Sharpe Ratio Place Fund Name Sharpe Ratio 1 Wealhouse Amplus Credit Income Fund 2.89 2 Kipling Strategic Income Fund 2.03 3 East Coast Strategic Credit Trust 1.93 10 Year Average Annual Sharpe Ratio Place Fund Name Sharpe Ratio 1 YTM Capital Credit Opportunities Fund 1.05 2 Purpose Credit Opportunities Fund 0.90 3 Algonquin Debt Strategies Fund LP 0.88 Market Neutral Category: 1 Year Average Annual Return Place Fund Name Return 1 PICTON Market Neutral Equity Fund 11.43% 2 CC&L Global Market Neutral 10.71% 3 The HGC Fund LP 8.78% 3 Year Average Annual Return Place Fund Name Return 1 CC&L Global Market Neutral 9.64% 2 PICTON Market Neutral Equity Fund 9.23% 3 CC&L Diversified Market Neutral Fund 6.31% 5 Year Average Annual Return Place Fund Name Return 1 CC&L Global Market Neutral 10.15% 2 PICTON Arbitrage Plus Fund 10.07% 3 The HGC Fund LP 9.42% 10 Year Average Annual Return Place Fund Name Return 1 The HGC Fund LP 9.77% 2 PICTON Market Neutral Equity Fund 5.46% 3 PICTON Arbitrage Fund 4.93% 3 Year Average Annual Sharpe Ratio Place Fund Name Sharpe Ratio 1 The HGC Fund LP 1.61 2 PICTON Market Neutral Equity Fund 1.57 3 CC&L Global Market Neutral 1.21 5 Year Average Annual Sharpe Ratio Place Fund Name Sharpe Ratio 1 PICTON Market Neutral Equity Fund 1.46 2 CC&L Global Market Neutral 1.32 3 PICTON Arbitrage Plus Fund 0.91 10 Year Average Annual Sharpe Ratio Place Fund Name Sharpe Ratio 1 The HGC Fund LP 1.18 2 PICTON Arbitrage Fund 0.92 3 PICTON Market Neutral Equity Fund 0.88 Global Macro/Managed Futures/Multi-Strategy Category: 1 Year Average Annual Return Place Fund Name Return 1 Palos Income Fund, LP 18.24% 2 Fieldhouse Global Managed Futures 17.62% 3 K2 Principal Fund LP (The) 16.59% 3 Year Average Annual Return Place Fund Name Return 1 Palos Income Fund, LP 13.86% 2 CC&L Absolute Return Fund 13.60% 3 Level 3 Total Return Opportunities Fund 13.25% 5 Year Average Annual Return Place Fund Name Return 1 SMI Opportunities LP 23.54% 2 Level 3 Total Return Opportunities Fund 15.69% 3 Palos Income Fund, LP 15.23% 10 Year Average Annual Return Place Fund Name Return 1 AIP Convertible Private Debt Fund LP 18.47% 2 SMI Opportunities LP 13.91% 3 Palos Income Fund, LP 8.58% 3 Year Average Annual Sharpe Ratio Place Fund Name Sharpe Ratio 1 PICTON Multi-Strategy Alpha Fund 1.77 2 RBC Multi-Strategy Alpha Fund 1.56 3 Westcourt Performance Portfolio 1.34 5 Year Average Annual Sharpe Ratio Place Fund Name Sharpe Ratio 1 Westcourt Performance Portfolio 1.76 2 RBC Multi-Strategy Alpha Fund 1.46 3 Forge First Multi Strategy LP 1.34 10 Year Average Annual Sharpe Ratio Place Fund Name Sharpe Ratio 1 AIP Convertible Private Debt Fund LP 0.97 2 Forge First Multi Strategy LP 0.87 3 CC&L Absolute Return Fund 0.80 Private Debt Category 1 Year Average Annual Return Place Fund Name Return 1 Vault High Yield Credit Fund 15.77% 2 Merchant Opportunities Fund LP 13.67% 3 Westbridge Capital Partners Income Trust 11.98% 3 Year Average Annual Return Place Fund Name Return 1 AGF SAF Private Credit Trust 15.26% 2 KiWi Business Credit Fund LP 12.98% 3 Merchant Opportunities Fund LP 12.80% 5 Year Average Annual Return Place Fund Name Return 1 Merchant Opportunities Fund LP 11.67% 2 Westbridge Capital Partners Income Trust 10.99% 3 Invico Diversified Income Fund 10.65% 10 Year Average Annual Return Place Fund Name Return 1 Invico Diversified Income Fund 10.07% 2 Merchant Opportunities Fund LP 8.90% 3 Portland Private Income Fund 6.69% Private Equity Category 1 Year Average Annual Return Place Fund Name Return 1 Portland Global Sustainable Evergreen LP 8.34% 2 Kinsted Strategic Growth Pool 8.34% 3 Caldwell Growth Opportunities Fund 5.86% 3 Year Average Annual Return Place Fund Name Return 1 Portland Global Sustainable Evergreen LP 8.82% 2 Canoe Global Private Equity Fund 6.52% 3 Kinsted Strategic Growth Pool 6.14% 5 Year Average Annual Return Place Fund Name Return 1 Kinsted Strategic Growth Pool 10.95% 2 Kensington Private Equity Fund 8.01% 3 Portland Global Sustainable Evergreen LP 7.60% 10 Year Average Annual Return Place Fund Name Return 1 Kensington Private Equity Fund 9.15% Mortgage Funds Category 1 Year Average Annual Return Place Fund Name Return 1 Vault Commercial Mortgage Fund 10.79% 2 Westboro Mortgage Investment Fund 10.25% 3 Capital Direct 1 Income Trust 10.00% 3 Year Average Annual Return Place Fund Name Return 1 Sterling Mortgage Income Fund 13.82% 2 Vault Commercial Mortgage Fund 11.54% 3 Westboro Mortgage Investment Fund 9.66% 5 Year Average Annual Return Place Fund Name Return 1 Sterling Mortgage Income Fund 11.25% 2 Cameron Stephens High Yield Mortgage Trust (CSMT) 8.75% 3 Vault Real Property Secured Debt Fund 8.44% 10 Year Average Annual Return Place Fund Name Return 1 Capital Direct 1 Income Trust 8.10% 2 Westboro Mortgage Investment Fund 7.64% 3 Alitis Private Mortgage Fund 7.05% The 2025 Canadian Hedge Fund Awards program would not have been possible without the generous support of its Sponsors: Principal Sponsor: Fundata Canada Table Sponsor: SGGG Fund Services Associate Sponsors: National Bank Independent Network, and TD Bank Media Partner: Newsfile The CHFA Winners Showcase 2026 Investor Conference will be held in Toronto in March and will feature award-winning Canadian hedge fund managers. For more information about the annual CHFA program or the annual CHFA Winners Showcase Investor Conferences, go to: - Alternative IQ, or call: About Alternative IQ: Alternative IQ produces the annual Canadian Hedge Fund Awards program and its presentation events held in Toronto each autumn (performance as at June 30th), the annual CHFA Winners Showcase Investor Conferences (which present managers of award-winning hedge funds to investors), and various other programs and publications serving the hedge fund industry in Canada. Alternative IQ is dedicated to celebrating, supporting and expanding Canada's Hedge Fund Industry. AIQ is a division of Alliance Sales and Marketing, Inc. About the Annual Canadian Hedge Fund Awards: The Annual Canadian Hedge Fund Awards were first held in 2008 and have a two-fold objective: First, to celebrate the talent and accomplishments of Canada's hedge fund industry, and second, to draw attention to Canada's hedge funds by raising the awareness of that expertise in the media and among the wider investment community. - 30 - To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/272058 SOURCE: Alternative IQ Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 29, 2025) - Universal Digital Inc. (CSE: LFG) (OTCQB: LFGMF) (FSE: 8R20) ("Universal Digital" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed the previously announced transaction with Seacastle Singapore Pte. Ltd. ("Seacastle") to acquire a strategic equity and warrant position in ReYuu Japan Inc. ("ReYuu"), a company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange under ticker 9425 (TSE: 9425). Under the definitive agreement dated September 1, 2025, and following completion of all customary conditions and regulatory filings, the Company has acquired: 200,000 ordinary shares , representing approximately 3.48% of ReYuu's issued and outstanding share capital, for a total cash consideration of approximately USD 1,030,000 (including an advisory fee of USD 96,000); and , representing approximately 3.48% of ReYuu's issued and outstanding share capital, for a total cash consideration of approximately USD 1,030,000 (including an advisory fee of USD 96,000); and 8,000 warrants, acquired for USD 45,434. Each warrant entitles Universal Digital to purchase 100 ordinary shares of ReYuu (up to 800,000 shares in total) at an exercise price of JPY 579 per ordinary share, with each warrant expiring on July 23, 2028. The agreement also grants Universal Digital an option to acquire from Seacastle up to 10,000 additional warrants in ReYuu until July 23, 2028. The purchase price per additional warrant is the lower of JPY 1,000 or a value determined under a Black-Scholes formula agreed by the parties at the time of exercise. Each additional warrant, once acquired, entitles the Company to purchase 100 ordinary shares of ReYuu (up to 1,000,000 shares in total) at an exercise price of JPY 579 per ordinary share until July 23, 2028. Following closing, ReYuu holds a non-binding right under the agreement to request capital contributions from Universal Digital of up to USD100 million for potential digital asset purchases, at the Company's sole discretion. "The completion of our investment in ReYuu Japan marks Universal Digital's official entry into Asia's digital-asset and technology ecosystem," said Chris Yeung, Chief Executive Officer of Universal Digital. "ReYuu's position as a listed technology company in Japan provides us with a scalable platform for developing treasury and financing models that can be replicated across the region." About Universal Digital Inc. Universal Digital Inc. is a Canadian investment company focused on digital assets, businesses and private and publicly listed entities that are involved in high-growth industries, with a particular focus on blockchain, cryptocurrencies and cryptocurrency technologies. The Company aims to provide shareholders with long-term capital growth through a diversified investment approach, and to participate in the transformation of global finance through the integration of digital asset strategies. About ReYuu ReYuu is engaged in reuse-related businesses that handle reused mobile terminals, as well as communications terminal equipment rental for corporations. The reuse-related business mainly buys and sells reused communication terminal equipment such as smartphones, tablets, and personal computers. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Information Certain statements in this release constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws including, without limitation, statements relating to the expected strategic and market benefits of the Company's investment in ReYuu; the Company's ability to advance its digital-asset investment strategy, market positioning, investor awareness, and stakeholder engagement; as well as statements relating to the Company's overall business strategy, investor engagement, regulatory approvals, the availability of capital, anticipated timelines, and general economic, financial, market and political conditions. Such statements can be identified by the use of words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "expect", "believe", "plan", "anticipate", "estimate", "scheduled", "forecast", "predict" and other similar terminology, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. These statements reflect the Company's current expectations regarding future events, performance and results and speak only as of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements and information contained herein are based on certain factors and assumptions regarding, among other things, the Company continuing its anticipated business strategy, including, without limitation, availability of capital to complete proposed transactions or pursue its strategic initiatives; expectations with respect to market conditions, investor engagement, regulatory approvals; that ReYuu will support the Company to build a scalable platform for developing treasury and financing models in Japan; that the Company can access financing on acceptable terms; and other business and economic considerations. While the Company considers its assumptions to be reasonable as of the date hereof, forward-looking statements and information are not guarantees of future performance and readers should not place undue importance on such statements as actual events and results may differ materially from those described herein. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements or information except as may be required by applicable securities laws. Such statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information, including, without limitation, availability of capital to complete proposed transactions or pursue its strategic initiatives; the risk that the Company does not realize the anticipated benefits of its investment in ReYuu; reliance on third parties over whom the Company has no control; changes in general economic, market or regulatory conditions (in Canada, Japan or elsewhere); and volatility in digital-asset and capital markets. Please see the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's most recent annual information form dated June 3, 2025 for the year ended January 31, 2025. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/272257 SOURCE: Universal Digital Inc. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 29, 2025) - Seabridge Gold Inc. (TSX: SEA) (NYSE: SA) (the "Company") announced today that the Company has received $4.4 million in recovered funds from the Canada Revenue Agency ("CRA") as a result of the Supreme Court of BC ("SCBC") reversing CRA's previous decision to deny BC Mineral Exploration Tax Credits ("BC METC") for the years 2010 and 2011. Seabridge had already received reimbursement of trial costs and has now fully recovered the funds which CRA held during the appeal process and accrued interest. The Company believes the BC METC ruling should now trigger a further recovery of the $9.4 million of tax, penalties and interest presently held by CRA as a result of CRA's denial, for the same reasons rejected by the SCBC, of flow-through mining expenditures incurred in our 2014-2016 exploration programs. Commenting on the recovery of funds, Rudi Fronk, Chair and CEO stated: "Canadian mining is subject to an immense and ever-increasing set of regulations covering everything from taxes and mineral rights to permitting and ESG. Navigating this complex environment is critical and we take pride in our ability to do so. We are pleased to have had our interpretation of the Income Tax Act confirmed and to have the BC METC challenge behind us. We now look forward to resolving CRA's larger denial of flow-through mining expenditures that we renounced to investors. We believe the CRA should take more supportive positions regarding our industry going forward." Background The Company received a refund in respect of the $15.8 million of exploration expenditures incurred in 2010 and 2011 it claimed as qualifying mining exploration expenses, as defined by the BC Income Tax Act, and therefore eligible for tax credits under the BC METC program. CRA subsequently decided the expenditures did not qualify for BC METC tax credits. The Company has diligently challenged the CRA position, believing that the CRA takes too narrow a view of what does or does not qualify as a mining exploration expense, with the core issue being whether such expenses are incurred to determine "the existence, location, extent or quality of a mineral resource." During the Company's appeal CRA has held the funds at issue. The Company's appeal was heard in the SCBC in late 2024 and a judgment was rendered in March 2025 substantially in favor of the Company's position that the relevant expenses were eligible for BC METC tax credits. The judge ruled that over 92% of the expenses claimed qualified as mining exploration expenses because they were incurred to determine "the existence, location, extent or quality of a mineral resource." Accordingly, CRA had to return the funds to the Company, plus interest. The Company is also appealing a second decision by CRA denying the Company's claim that exploration expenses it incurred in 2014-2016 were flow-through mining expenditures and therefore eligible for the tax benefits associated with flow-through shares. CRA denied the 2014-2016 expenditures on the basis that they were ineligible because they were not incurred to determine "the existence, location, extent or quality of a mineral resource." The expenditures denied by CRA were the same types of expenditures as the expenditures at issue in the March 2025 SCBC decision in favour of the Company's claim for BC METC tax credits (which the judge decided were incurred to determine "the existence, location, extent or quality of a mineral resource"). CRA has reassessed the Company and most of the investors in the flow-through shares that were renounced the 2014-2016 exploration expenditures at issue, and the Company has paid to CRA $9.4 million in tax, penalties and interest payable on its reassessment and the reassessments of each of the relevant investors. The Company believes that if the reasoning of the SCBC judgement is applied to the 2014-2016 exploration expenditures, CRA's decision is wrong, and all of the funds paid by the Company to CRA should be returned. The Company continues to work with tax counsel to have the reassessments reversed and the $9.4 million paid to CRA returned to it. About Seabridge Gold Seabridge holds a 100% interest in several North American gold projects. Seabridge's principal asset, the KSM project, and its Iskut project, are located in Northwest British Columbia, Canada's "Golden Triangle", the Courageous Lake project located in Canada's Northwest Territories, the Snowstorm project in the Getchell Gold Belt of Northern Nevada and the 3 Aces project set in the Yukon Territory. For a full breakdown of Seabridge's Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources by category please visit the Company's website at http://www.seabridgegold.com. Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange, New York Stock Exchange, nor their Regulation Services Providers accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This document contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements", are made as of the date of this document. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect current estimates, predictions, interpretations, expectations or beliefs regarding future events and include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the Company's belief that the CRA decision to deny the 2014-2016 expenditures is wrong based on the March 2025 SCBC decision on exploration expenditures that qualify for BC METC. All forward-looking statements are based on Seabridge's or its advisors' current beliefs as well as various assumptions made by them and information currently available to them. Although management considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect. Forward-looking statements involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Seabridge's plans or expectations include the risk that: (i) CRA decides not to follow the SCBC decision; and (ii) CRA decides that the 2014-2016 exploration expenditures are not flow-through mining expenditures for other reasons, and other risks outlined in statements made by Seabridge from time to time in the filings made by Seabridge with securities regulators. Seabridge disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/272278 SOURCE: Seabridge Gold Inc. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 29, 2025) - Altamira Gold Corp. (TSXV: ALTA) (FSE: T6UP) (OTCQB: EQTRF) ("Altamira" or the "Company"), is pleased to report assay results from initial reconnaissance drilling at the Tavares Norte target, located within the Company's Cajueiro District area, Brazil. Highlights: Initial reconnaissance drilling at the Tavares Norte target, located 5.5km east of the Maria Bonita gold deposit, indicates the presence of a second mineralized porphyry body, which is geologically and geochemically very similar to the porphyry body that hosts the Maria Bonita mineral resource. Drill results from the two initial reconnaissance holes at Tavares Norte include intervals of 18.6m @ 0.4 g/t gold from 36m depth and 20m @ 0.3 g/t gold from 133m depth in TVN002 within a broader zone of 161.7 metres of lower grade gold mineralization. Further drilling will target the area to the east of drill hole TVN 002, where the gold-in-soil anomaly is increasing in strength. Altered and veined quartz porphyry rocks have also been logged in initial drilling at the Morro Verde target, 1.5 km east of Tavares Norte where results are pending. Drilling at the Maria Bonita gold deposit is ongoing. Drill hole MBA033 was completed to a depth of 497 meters and samples are being prepared for assay. Drill hole MBA034, collared 100m south of hole MBA033 is now in progress. CEO Mike Bennett commented; "The results from the initial reconnaissance drilling at the Tavares Norte target are highly encouraging as they demonstrate the presence of a second gold mineralized porphyry body within the Cajueiro district. The geological and geochemical similarities to the Maria Bonita porphyry, together with the presence of strong alteration and sulfide mineralization, validates our model for the prospectivity of the east-west corridor extending through Maria Bonita. The Maria Bonita gold porphyry deposit is not unique within the Cajueiro district and we intend to focus additional drilling at Tavares Norte to better define the size of the porphyry body now identified there. Concurrently, ongoing drilling at Maria Bonita continues to intersect mineralized porphyry adjacent to and below the previously estimated mineral resource." CAJUEIRO DISTRICT The Cajueiro district is located approximately 75km NW of the town of Alta Floresta in the state of Mato Grosso (Figure 1) in central western Brazil. The project is easily accessible by road, lies on open farmland and has grid power and a local water supply. Cajueiro is the most advanced of the key projects that Altamira controls in the region (Figure1). Figure 1: Location of Altamira Gold's projects in the Alta Floresta Belt. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4500/272362_2dfbf04194ad7911_001full.jpg The Cajueiro district consists of two independently estimated gold mineral resources at Cajueiro Central and Maria Bonita, plus a series of eight additional untested exploration targets within a radius of 8km of Cajueiro Central. The Cajueiro Central area has a current open pit resource1 of 5.66Mt @ 1.02 g/t gold for a total of 185,000 oz in the Indicated Resource category and 12.66Mt @ 1.26 g/t gold for a total of 515,000 oz in the Inferred Resource category (estimated using a cut-off grade of 0.25g/t Au and a gold price of US$1,500/oz). The Maria Bonita open-pit resource consists of Indicated Resources of 24.19Mt @ 0.46g/t gold (for a total of 357,800oz) and Inferred Resources of 25.64Mt @ 0.44g/t gold (for a total of 362,400oz)2. These resources were calculated using a 0.2 g/t gold cut-off grade and a gold price of US$2,780/oz. These resources include near-surface saprolite Indicated Resources of 2.02Mt @ 0.59g/t gold (38,000oz) and Inferred Resources of 0.68Mt @ 0.40g/t gold (8,700oz). The Maria Bonita porphyry gold deposit forms part of a district-scale portfolio of prospects that are interpreted as having a similar geological origin (Figure 2). The Cajueiro area is characterized by a 15km stretch of former alluvial gold workings along the Teles Pires river. The source of some of this alluvial gold is related to a pronounced east-west corridor of gold anomalies in soils and rock chips and a set of sub-cropping intrusions extending east-west over 8km, implying the presence of a long-standing and deep-seated crustal structure. Figure 2: Cajueiro district mineral resources at Cajueiro Central and Maria Bonita (white labels) and prospects (blue labels with scout drilling, yellow labels not yet drilled). An alignment of six of the targets occur in close spatial association to a pronounced east-west fault corridor marked by later gabbroic dykes. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4500/272362_2dfbf04194ad7911_002full.jpg Tavares Norte Drilling Update The Tavares Norte prospect is located 1km north-west of the Central resource area and 5.5km east of the Maria Bonita porphyry gold deposit. The prospect is defined by a gold-in-soil anomaly extending over an area of 1800 x 1300m. Previous surface rock chip grab sampling+ across the prospect returned grades of up to 7.8 g/t gold (see press release dated April 14, 2025). Two drill holes (TVN001 and TVN002) were completed at the Tavares Norte target, located approximately 100 metres apart. Both holes intersected extensive zones of quartz porphyry and magmatic breccia, hosting sulphide mineralization, with very similar geological characteristics to the Maria Bonita porphyry. + By their nature, grab samples are not representative of the bulk metal content of a mineralized zone. Figure 3: Tavares Norte drill holes in relation to the defined soil anomaly, surface rock chip samples and trench exposure. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4500/272362_2dfbf04194ad7911_003full.jpg Hole TVN002 was sited at the western end of the higher-grade section of the soil anomaly and was completed to a depth of 227m metres. The hole intersected 161.7 metres of quartz porphyry with quartz veining and abundant pyrite and magnetite, associated with potassic and phyllic alteration. The entire quartz porphyry interval, including zones of brecciated intrusive, returned 161.7m @ 0.2g/t gold (Figure 4). The hole revealed gold mineralization in quartz veined, porphyry intrusive rocks with the entire quartz porphyry interval comprising 161.7m @ 0.2g/t gold within which 18.6m @ 0.4 g/t gold from 36m depth and 20m @ 0.3 g/t gold from 133m depth are the most notable (Table 1). Hole TVN001 was drilled 100m to the west of TVN002 and intersected narrow intervals of low-grade mineralization including 3.3m @ 0.30 g/t gold from 11.0m depth and 1.0m @ 0.40 g/t gold from 61.0m depth. The hole cut wide intervals of quartz porphyry and magnetic breccia containing pyrite, galena, molybdenite, and sphalerite. This hole was collared to the west of the main gold-in-soil anomaly for logistical reasons at the time of drilling (Figure 3) and therefore did not intersect the main mineralized zone, which is interpreted as extending eastwards where further drilling is planned. Figure 4: Cross section for drill hole TVN002. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4500/272362_2dfbf04194ad7911_004full.jpg Table 1: Main assay results for drill holes TVN001 and TVN002. All mineralization is hosted within altered quartz porphyry. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4500/272362_2dfbf04194ad7911_005full.jpg Altamira plans to conduct follow-up drilling at Tavares Norte to further delineate the porphyry system and test for higher-grade zones associated with magnetite-bearing quartz vein stockworks hosted in the quartz porphyry. Figure 5: Typical quartz porphyry intrusive core from Tavares Norte (right) compared with the host rock to the Maria Bonita mineral resource (left). To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4500/272362_2dfbf04194ad7911_006full.jpg Maria Bonita Drilling Update The objective of the current drill program at Maria Bonita is to enlarge the footprint of the known mineral resource by drill testing for potential extensions to the existing resource, including its depth extent, and new satellite targets. The first drill hole of the current program, MBA032, was completed to a depth of 546 metres and returned 395.5m @ 0.4 g/t gold from 44.5m depth in the same quartz porphyry intrusive that was intersected in previous drilling (see press release dated October 15, 2025). Hole MBA033 was recently completed to a depth of 497m and core samples are in preparation for assay. Hole MBA034, which is collared 100m south of hole MBA032 and aims to test a deeper intercept below that hole, is underway. Further drilling at Maria Bonita will continue to target the extension of higher-grade zones to depth and along strike. Figure 6: Locations of drill holes at Maria Bonita from the past campaign (white) and the current campaign (yellow). The background shows interpreted major structures within the broad, trapezoid-shaped magnetic low that hosts the alteration and mineralization. The optimised pit outline is derived from the maiden mineral resource estimate2 (June 2025). To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4500/272362_2dfbf04194ad7911_007full.jpg Qualified Person Guillermo Hughes, FAIG and M Aus IMM., a consultant to the Company as well as a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, supervised the preparation of the technical information in this news release. About Altamira Gold Corp. The Company is focused on the exploration and development of gold projects within western central Brazil, strategically advancing five projects spanning over 100,000 hectares within the prolific Juruena Gold Belt-an area that has historically yielded over 6 million ounces of placer gold3. The Company's advanced Cajueiro project contains two gold deposits. The central area comprises NI 43-101 resources of 5.66Mt @ 1.02 g/t gold for a total of 185,000 oz in the Indicated Resource category and 12.66Mt @ 1.26 g/t gold for a total of 515,000oz in the Inferred Resource category. In addition, the Maria Bonita gold deposit comprises additional open pit Indicated Resources of 24.19Mt @ 0.46g/t for a total of 357,800oz, and Inferred Resources of 25.64Mt @ 0.44g/t for a total of 362,400oz. Ongoing exploration and fieldwork at Cajueiro indicate the presence of multiple porphyry gold systems, reinforcing its potential for district-scale development. These hard-rock gold sources align with historical alluvial gold production, highlighting the region's exceptional gold endowment and potential scalability. With two independently established mineral resources, a highly prospective geological setting and a track record of significant discoveries, the Company is well-positioned to unlock further value across its extensive land package. 1NI 43-101 Technical Report, Cajueiro Project, Mineral Resource Estimate: Global Resource Engineering, Denver Colorado USA, 10thOctober 2019; Authors K. Gunesch, PE; H. Samari, QP-MMSA; T. Harvey, QP-MMSA 2 NI43-101 Technical Report, Mineral Resource for the Maria Bonita Prospect: VMG Consultoria, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. 12th June 2025; Author V. Myadzel 3 Juliani, C. et al; Gold in Paleoproterozoic (2.1 to 1.77 Ga) Continental Magmatic Arcs at the Tapajos and Juruena Mineral Provinces (Amazonian Craton, Brazil): A New Frontier for the Exploration of Epithermal-Porphyry and Related Deposits. Minerals 2021, 11, 714. https://doi.org/10.3390/min11070714 On Behalf of the Board of Directors, Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The securities described herein have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements under the U.S. Securities Act and any applicable state securities laws. Forward-looking Statements Certain information contained herein constitutes "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the extension of the Warrants. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "will", "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made and they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, including the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The Company will not update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information that is incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities laws. Notes Gold analysis has been conducted by SGS method FAA505 (fire assay of 50g charge), with higher grade samples checked by FAA525. Analytical quality is monitored by certified references and blanks. Until dispatch, samples are stored under the supervision the Company's exploration office. The samples are couriered to the assay laboratory using a commercial contractor. Pulps are returned to the Company and archived. Drill holes results are quoted as down-hole length weighted intersections. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/272362 SOURCE: Altamira Gold Corp. Options Technology (Options), the leading provider of capital markets infrastructure, today announced the launch of PrivateMind, a next-generation AI environment engineered to deliver intelligence with full data sovereignty, control, and performance. Purpose-built for the financial sector, PrivateMind enables institutions to harness the power of artificial intelligence within a secure, compliant, and finance-ready ecosystem. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251029056341/en/ Options Launches PrivateMind: The Future of Secure AI for Capital Markets As firms accelerate AI adoption, many face challenges around data security, regulatory alignment, and integration with mission-critical infrastructure. PrivateMind provides a sovereign alternative to public cloud AI, enabling clients to harness the power of large language models while ensuring their sensitive financial data remains fully under their control. Danny Moore, President and CEO of Options Technology, said: "For financial institutions, data sovereignty and compliance aren't optional; they are existential. PrivateMind gives our clients the ability to innovate with AI without compromising on security or regulatory trust." Product Manager for PrivateMind, Ryan Ballantine, added: "PrivateMind bridges the gap between the promise of AI and the realities of regulatory compliance in financial markets. For the first time, firms can experiment, scale, and deploy AI with confidence." Key Features of PrivateMind include: Finance-grade security and compliance: audit-ready, aligned with SEC, FCA, GDPR, and other regulatory frameworks. Data sovereignty and control: data never leaves the client's environment; no exposure to public models. High-performance compute: built on Options' global ultra-low latency infrastructure. Seamless integration: fully interoperable with existing trading infrastructure, market data feeds, and analytics platforms. Transparency and accountability: explainable AI outputs with full traceability. The launch of PrivateMind builds on Options' long track record of innovation in capital markets infrastructure and follows recent milestones for Options including its private cloud expansion into Iceland, achievement of a Microsoft Solutions Partner specialization for Threat Detection and launch of Bruce ATS data into its global platform. Together, these developments reinforce Options' commitment to delivering secure, scalable, and sustainable infrastructure to the global financial sector. About Options Technology Options Technology (Options) is the leading provider of IT infrastructure to global Capital Markets firms, offering fully managed solutions across the front, middle, and back office. Founded in 1993, the firm today supports clients in over 100 trading venues worldwide and is recognized for its focus on security, compliance, and resilient performance. For more information, visit www.options-it.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251029056341/en/ Contacts: For any enquiries, please contact Jenny Collins, jenny.collins@options-it.com VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / October 29, 2025 / Amarc Resources Ltd. ("Amarc" or the "Company") (TSXV:AHR)(OTCQB:AXREF) is pleased to provide details of its executive and technical team's participation at three upcoming conferences. Dr. Diane Nicolson, Amarc President and CEO states, "Our participation in these upcoming conferences provides an excellent opportunity to update existing shareholders and introduce new investors to the exciting progress made in 2025 at our JOY District. A successful drill campaign was completed at the high grade near surface, Au-rich AuRORA porphyry Cu-Au-Ag Deposit, stepping out well beyond the 2024 discovery area. In addition, the TWINS discovery and other priority targets were advanced by drilling. Assay results from this year's program are pending, and we are eager to share them as they become available. Although AuRORA is an exceptional discovery, it is only one of several major mineralized systems across the 630 km JOY District that include the PINE and Brenda deposits, the TWINS and Canyon discoveries, and multiple other Cu-Au targets. We believe JOY is rapidly emerging as a potential world-class porphyry Cu-Au district in BC's Toodoggone region." CONFERENCE DETAILS New Orleans Investment Conference - November 2-5, 2025 Location: Hilton New Orleans Riverside, New Orleans, Louisiana Visit the Amarc team at Booth #112 Corporate Presentation: Speaker: Dr. Diane Nicolson, President & CEO Date: Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at 12:40pm - 1:40pm Location: Churchill C2, Second Floor Learn more about New Orleans Investment Conference _________________________________ Precious Metals Summit Zurich - November 10-11, 2025 Location: Park Hyatt, Zurich, Switzerland Corporate Presentation: Speaker: Dr. Diane Nicolson, President & CEO Date: Monday, November 10 at 10:30-10:45am Location: Room 1 Learn more about Precious Metals Summit Zurich _________________________________ Deutsche Goldmesse Frankfurt - November 14-15, 2025 Location: JW Marriot Hotel, Frankfurt, Germany Corporate Presentation: Speaker: Dr. Diane Nicolson, President & CEO Date: Friday, November 14 at 4:00pm Learn more about Deutsche Goldmesse Conference delegates are invited to contact Diane Nicolson, Amarc President & CEO, at (604) 684-6365 or dianenicolson@hdimining.com, or the Company's investor relations representatives, Kin Communications, at (604) 684-6730 or AHR@kincommunications.com, to organize a meeting or to request further information in advance. About Amarc Resources Ltd. Amarc is a mineral exploration and development company with an experienced and successful management team focused on developing a new generation of long-life, high-value porphyry Cu-Au mines in BC. By combining high-demand projects with dynamic management, Amarc has created a solid platform to create value from its exploration and development-stage assets. Amarc is advancing the JOY, DUKE and IKE porphyry CuAu Districts located in different prolific porphyry regions of northern, central and southern BC, respectively. Each District represents significant potential for the development of multiple and important-scale, porphyry CuAu deposits. Importantly, each of the three districts are located in proximity to industrial infrastructure - including power, highways and rail. Amarc's exploration is led by an internationally successful team of experienced geologists specializing in porphyry Cu-Au deposits. Members of this team have been involved in and have tracked porphyry Cu-Au exploration advancements in the Toodoggone region since 1990. Their experience and early recognition of the porphyry potential at the NWG Target in terms of a shallowly overburden covered and underexplored transitional epithermal-porphyry geological setting, led to the discovery of the Au-rich AuRORA porphyry Cu-Au-Ag Deposit. Freeport-McMoRan Mineral Properties Canada Inc. ("Freeport"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Freeport-McMoRan Inc. at JOY and Boliden Mineral Canada Ltd. ("Boliden"), an entity within the Boliden Group of companies at DUKE, can earn up to a 70% interest in each District through staged investments of CAD $110 million and CAD $90 million, respectively. Together this provides Amarc with potentially up to CAD $200 million in non-share dilutive staged funding for these Districts. In addition, Amarc completed self-funded drilling at its higher-grade Empress Deposit in the IKE District in 2024. Amarc is the operator of the DUKE District and manages the exploration at the JOY District on behalf of AuRORA Minerals Ltd., the private joint venture corporation which holds the JOY District mineral rights and titles, and in which Freeport and Amarc hold 60% and 40% of the shareholding, respectively. Amarc is associated with HDI, a diversified, global mining company with a 35-year history of porphyry Cu deposit discovery, development and transaction success. Previous and current HDI projects include some of BC's and the world's most important porphyry deposits - such as Pebble, Mount Milligan, Southern Star, Kemess South, Kemess North, Gibraltar, Prosperity, Xietongmen, Newtongmen, Florence, Casino, Sisson, Maggie, PINE, IKE and DUKE AuRORA. From its head office in Vancouver, Canada, HDI applies its unique strengths and capabilities to acquire, develop, operate and monetize mineral projects. Amarc works closely with local governments, Indigenous groups and stakeholders in order to advance its mineral projects responsibly, and in a manner that contributes to sustainable community and economic development. We pursue early and meaningful engagement to ensure our mineral exploration and development activities are well coordinated and broadly supported, address local priorities and concerns, and optimize opportunities for collaboration. In particular, we seek to establish mutually beneficial partnerships with Indigenous groups within whose traditional territories our projects are located, through the provision of jobs, training programs, contract opportunities, capacity funding agreements and sponsorship of community events. All Amarc work programs are carefully planned to achieve high levels of environmental and social performance. Qualified Person Mark Rebagliati, P.Eng, a Qualified Person ("QP") as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical and scientific information in this news release. Mr. Rebagliati is not independent of the Company. For further details on Amarc Resources Ltd., please visit the Company's website at www.amarcresources.com or contact Dr. Diane Nicolson, President and CEO, at (604) 684-6365 or within North America at 1-800-667-2114, or Kin Communications, at (604) 684-6730, Email: AHR@kincommunications.com. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF AMARC RESOURCES LTD. Dr. Diane Nicolson President and CEO Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward Looking and other Cautionary Information This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All such statements, other than statements of historical facts that address exploration plans and plans for enhanced relationships are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Assumptions used by the Company to develop forward-looking statements include the following: Amarc's projects will obtain all required environmental and other permits and all land use and other licenses, studies and exploration of Amarc's projects will continue to be positive, and no geological or technical problems will occur. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, potential environmental issues or liabilities associated with exploration, development and mining activities, exploitation and exploration successes, continuity of mineralization, uncertainties related to the ability to obtain necessary permits, licenses and tenure and delays due to third party opposition, changes in and the effect of government policies regarding mining and natural resource exploration and exploitation including the effects of land use plans that may impact activities on or access to properties, exploration and development of properties located within Aboriginal groups asserted territories may affect or be perceived to affect asserted aboriginal rights and title, which may cause permitting delays or opposition by Aboriginal groups, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on Amarc Resources Ltd., investors should review Amarc's annual Form 20-F filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov and its home jurisdiction filings that are available at www.sedarplus.ca. SOURCE: Amarc Resources Ltd. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/amarc-announces-upcoming-conference-participation-1092977 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 29, 2025) - Copper Lake Resources Ltd. (TSXV: CPL) (FSE: W0I) ("Copper Lake" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that further to its news release on October 9, 2025, the Company has identified a number of additional compelling gold geochemical anomalies on its Marshall Lake copper-zinc-silver volcanogenic massive sulphide property (the "Property"), located in northwestern Ontario. The gold anomalies identified emerged from an ongoing assessment of the precious-metals potential at Marshall Lake, undertaken to capitalize on the current high gold price. In some surveys, gold analyses were either not undertaken, were minimal in number, or if completed, were not followed-up on. The objective of this study was to identify new areas prospective for gold, silver and base-metal mineralization from the Marshall Lake database, to assist in future exploration targeting. The follow-up exploration work on these anomalies will be done in conjunction with the ongoing exploration of the property which is currently focusing on the high-grade copper-zinc-silver intersects in the Teck Hill-Gazooma and Gazooma North-RM-Lease on the western areas of the property (see news release dated February 21, 2025). Terry MacDonald, CEO commented: "The Marshall Lake property is a large property in a prolific mining area. The property has several zones where there have been some very good drill results over significant widths - some of these dating back decades when the price of gold was $45 per ounce, including these gold anomalies and historic gold drill results that have not been followed up. While we will continue with exploration at the Conductive Centre on the Billiton deposit area, these other zones we are accessible year-round and give us the opportunity to apply the most current geophysics to these areas, and to follow up on the premise that Marshall Lake could be a Noranda style VMS camp with several deposits. We are eagerly looking forward to this next work program and to following up on the promising gold zones." An examination of the Property's geochemical database revealed two surveys that yielded positive results for gold; these include a lake sediment survey and a soil sampling survey as documented below. Historic Geochemical Survey Results: Lake Sediment Survey, Dungarvon Resources Ltd., 19811 A lake sediment survey was completed by Dungarvon Resources over the western portion of Marshall Lake on the Property, in the winter of 1981. The survey covered a large area located to the east of the Billiton deposit (see Figure 1). The Billiton deposit hosts a historical resource of 2.2 MT at 4.20% zinc, 1.34% copper & 2.05 oz/ton silver2. Figure 1 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4580/272333_gold%20image%201.jpg Three significant areas with anomalous gold were defined by the survey (see Figure 2). Grid A includes several small gold anomalies with values ranging from 10 to 65 ppb Au. Grid B contains the highest gold values and is the most extensive of the gold anomalies in terms of area. Anomalous gold values for Grid B range from 15 to 200 ppb Au. The Grid C anomaly contains gold values ranging from 10 to 70 ppb Au. Notably, this anomaly coincides with a prominent mercury anomaly (Hg), a common pathfinder element associated with gold mineralization. Figure 2 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4580/272333_gold%20figure%202.jpg Samples of lake bottom sediment were collected with a cylindrical free-fall sampler at intervals of 30 metres along north-south oriented lines, spaced 328 metres apart over grids A, B and C. Samples comprised a combination of organic gels and non-organic matter, resembling clays in composition. Water depths ranged from 0.6 to 8.0 metres with a total of 421 samples of lake-bottom sediment collected during the survey. Soil Sampling Survey, Dungarvon Resources Ltd., 19813 A soil sampling survey was completed by Dungarvon Resources in 1991, in the same area of the Property as the lake sediment survey summarized above. A total of 1,131 soil samples were collected in efforts to define prospective target areas on land, peripheral to the large gold anomalies yielded by the lake sediment survey. Several gold-in-soil anomalies were outlined by the survey, with the most prominent being Anomaly 1 (see Figure 2). Anomaly 1 contains several elevated gold-in-soil values in an area with dimensions of 300 metres by 800 metres and oriented in a north-south direction. Gold values within Anomaly 1 contain 17 sites with gold values ranging from >5 to 100 ppb Au. In addition to gold, this anomaly contains high values for Cu, Pb, Zn and Ag. The author of the report documenting these results stated that 'a local bedrock source for gold-in-soils was likely'. Soil samples were collected with a soil auger and were collected in either the A or B soil horizons. In the case of both the lake sediment and soil sampling surveys, there was no follow-up performed on the anomalous areas containing significant gold values. A follow-up is clearly warranted given that the anomalies represent new areas on the Property prospective for precious and base-metal mineralization, most significant of which are the targets beneath the waters of Marshall Lake. The content of this press release has been reviewed and approved by Donald Hoy, M. Sc., P. Geo, the Company's Vice President of Exploration. who serves as the Qualified Person under the National Instrument 43-101 guidelines. 1Report on Follow-up Lake Sediment Survey of Marshall Lake Property, Thunder Bay Mining District, Ontario, for Dungarvon Resources Ltd., by Christoper F. Gleeson, Ph. D., P. Eng., July 27, 1991, 68 pp 2The resource numbers referred to in the Billiton Deposit are considered as historic resources not compliant with NI 43-101 guidelines and therefore should not be relied upon. 3Geochemial Survey of the Marshall Lake Property, for Dungarvon Resources Ltd., Thunder Bay Mining Division, Ontario, by David M. Robertson, B. Sc.(Hons.), October 19, 1991, 126pp ABOUT COPPER LAKE RESOURCES Copper Lake Resources Ltd. is a publicly traded Canadian mineral exploration and development company with interests in two projects both located in Ontario. www.copperlakeresources.com . The Marshall Lake high-grade VMS copper, zinc, silver and gold project, comprises an area of approximately 220 square km located 120 km north of Geraldton, Ontario and is just 22 km north of the main CNR rail line. Copper Lake has an 82.97% interest in the joint ventured property, which consists of 233 claims and 52 mining leases. The project also includes 148 claim cells staked in 2018 and 2020 that are 100% owned and not subject to any royalties. These newer claims add approximately 30 square km to the property. In addition to the original Marshall Lake property above, Marshall Lake also includes the Sollas Lake and Summit Lake properties, which are 100% owned by the Company and are not subject to any royalties. The Sollas Lake property consists of 20 claim cells comprising an area of 4 square km on the east side of the Marshall Lake property where historical EM airborne geophysical surveys have outlined strong conductors on the property hosted within the same favorable felsic volcanic units. The Summit Lake property currently consists of 100 claim cells comprising an area of 20.5 square km, is accessible year-round, and is located immediately west of the original Marshall Lake property. The Marshall Lake project is located in the traditional territories of Aroland and Animbiigoo Zaagi'igan Anishinaabek ("AZA") First Nations. Copper Lake has a 69.79% joint venture interest in the Norton Lake nickel, copper, cobalt, and palladium PGM property, located in the southern Ring of Fire area, is approximately 100 km north of the Marshall Lake Property. The Company filed an updated NI 43-101 in October 2023 with a mineral resource of open pit and underground Measured + Indicated Resources of 1,795,000 tonnes at an average grade of 0.72% NI, 0.69% Cu, 339 ppm Co, 0.52 g/t Pd, 0.17 g/t Pt and containing 28.3Mlbs of nickel and 27.3Mlbs of copper. The Norton Lake property is located in the traditional territories of Eabametoong ("Fort Hope") and Neskantaga First Nations. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/272333 SOURCE: Copper Lake Resources Ltd. OXFORD, United Kingdom, Oct. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Thirty previously unknown deep-sea species, including a carnivorous "death-ball" sponge, have been confirmed from one of the most remote parts of the planet by The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census and collaborators. The discoveries follow two 2025 research cruises with Schmidt Ocean Institute and were verified at the Southern Ocean Species Discovery Workshop hosted by Universidad de Magallanes, Punta Arenas, Chile (August 2025). A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link. With Halloween on the horizon, a standout discovery is a new predatory sponge (Chondrocladia sp. nov.). Its spherical form is covered in tiny hooks that trap prey, a clear contrast to the gentle, passive, filter-feeding undertaken by most sponges. 'Zombie worms' (Osedax sp.) were also observed. Although not thought to be new to science, these worms have no mouth or gut and rely on symbiotic bacteria to break down fats inside the bones of whales and other large vertebrates. "Accelerating species discovery is not a scientific luxury, it is essential for public good," said Mr Mitsuyuki Unno, Executive Director of The Nippon Foundation, who leads Ocean Census with the Nekton Foundation. "Ocean Census is a program with the goal to reveal the unknowns of our world. Through its expeditions, we have seen another groundbreaking species discovery that benefits the world's scientists, policymakers and communities." Searching for New Species in the South Sandwich Islands was an Ocean Census Flagship expedition onboard Schmidt Ocean Institute's R/V Falkor. In addition, three researchers from the Ocean Census Science Network supported an expedition onboard R/V Falkor. When iceberg A-84 (510 km) calved from the George VI Ice Shelf in January 2025, the ship pivoted to the newly exposed seabed, becoming the first to investigate an area previously sealed beneath ~150 metres of ice. "The Southern Ocean remains profoundly under-sampled. To date, we have only assessed under 30% of the samples collected from this expedition, so confirming 30 new species already shows how much biodiversity is still undocumented," said Dr Michelle Taylor, Head of Science at The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census, "By coupling expeditions with species discovery workshops, we compress what often takes more than a decade into a faster pathway while maintaining scientific rigour by having world experts involved." The Southern Ocean expeditions also revealed new armoured and iridescent scale worms (Eulagisca sp. nov.), previously unknown species of sea stars (Brisingidae, Benthopectinidae and Paxillosidae); new crustaceans, including isopods and amphipods, with material under review that may represent a new amphipod family; and rare gastropods and bivalves adapted to volcanic and hydrothermal-influenced habitats. Additional possible new species, among them black corals and a potential sea-pen genus, are undergoing expert assessment. "Advanced tools - from precise seafloor mapping to high-definition ROV imagery - allow us to explore and gather data from places never seen before by humans," said Dr Jyotika Virmani, Executive Director, Schmidt Ocean Institute. "The goal we share with Ocean Census to accelerate discoveries has resulted in the first confirmed sighting of a juvenile colossal squid and new species, and exemplifies what becomes possible when technology, ship time, and a global science network work as one." At the Southern Ocean Species Discovery Workshop , an international team of taxonomists fast-tracked species verification by triaging, imaging and comparing specimens on site, using targeted DNA barcoding where needed. This ocean-to-lab model is a newer, faster, and more collaborative approach to species discovery for the global community, addressing a common reality in taxonomy-limited funding and capacity mean samples can sit unprocessed for years. "This is exactly why the Ocean Census exists-accelerating the discovery of ocean life and making it openly available," added Dr Taylor, who is also a world-leading expert in deep-sea corals and senior lecturer at University of Essex. "Each confirmed species is a building block for conservation, biodiversity studies, and untold future scientific endeavours." Polar deep-sea ecosystems remain profoundly under-sampled yet are central to understanding evolution, biogeography and resilience in our rapidly changing climate. The Ocean Census' accelerated species discovery model generates open, high-quality biodiversity evidence to support taxonomy, conservation planning, and future research. All confirmed records meeting the Ocean Census 'Discovered' criteria will be curated in the open access Ocean Census Biodiversity Data Platform. Editors Notes Media can access materials in the press kit here , including FAQs, Fact Sheet, and spokesperson bios. Editorial Guidelines We kindly request that editors and journalists use the full programme name "The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census" the first time it is referenced and/or for quotes and photo captions. Additionally, if editorial policy allows, we would be grateful for a brief acknowledgement of our co-founders (The Nippon Foundation and Nekton Foundation), without whom our programme would not be possible. Images must be accompanied by the appropriated credits provided within the press kit and linked here (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PmNJAB6MhMUpjyDgC4NEwpbls9UjqZtOFsGuQajdUS8/edit?tab=t.q9rgjflowjij). Press Contacts Kira Coley, Head of Communications, The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census press@oceancensus.org (mailto:press@oceancensus.org) +44 (0)7734591811 Interview Opportunities Executives: Mitsuyuki Unno, Executive Director of The Nippon Foundation Oliver Steeds, Director and Co-Founder, The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census Dr Jyotika Virmani, Executive Director, Schmidt Ocean Institute. The South Sandwich Island Expedition Dr Michelle Taylor, Head of Science, The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census Joe Sharman, Head of Expedition, The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census Southern Ocean Species Discovery Workshop Dr Verity Nye, Science Manager, The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census Definitions Discovered - A species is classified as 'discovered' when experts determine-using morphological characteristics and, if necessary, genetic sequencing-that it is new to science. All discoveries are published open access in the Ocean Census Biodiversity Data Platform with biological specimens curated in national taxonomy collections. Described - A species is considered 'described' once its classification is published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, with an official scientific name assigned and a holotype deposited in a national museum or taxonomic repository. This process typically takes 13.5 years, but the Ocean Census is working to significantly reduce this timeframe. About the Organisations The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census is the world's largest alliance dedicated to accelerating the discovery of ocean life. Established by The Nippon Foundation and Nekton in 2023, the Ocean Census brings together hundreds of scientists and institutions across the globe to explore, document, and share the diversity of marine species at unprecedented speed and scale. By placing taxonomy at the heart of its mission, the Ocean Census connects experts worldwide - especially in underrepresented regions - with emerging technologies, data platforms, and collaborative expeditions. All discoveries feed into the open-access Biodiversity Data Platform, ensuring that knowledge is freely available to scientists, policymakers, conservationists, and the public. The Ocean Census exists to discover ocean life and share the knowledge that fuels science, policy, and innovation - knowledge that helps humanity better understand, connect with, and care for the planet, ultimately sustaining all life on Earth. The Nippon Foundation The Nippon Foundation is Japan's largest philanthropic foundation. Since 1962, it has supported projects in education, healthcare, food security, and ocean conservation. The Foundation plays a pivotal role in advancing marine science in Japan and globally, through partnerships with leading scientific institutions. Nekton Nekton is an independent, not-for-profit research institute and UK registered charity. Nekton works to accelerate the scientific exploration and conservation of the ocean through expeditions, applied research, storytelling, and knowledge exchange. Nekton co-develops its programmes with the Nekton Network-an alliance of scientists, governments, businesses, philanthropy, and civil society partners-working together to build a more valued ocean. www.nektonmission.org Schmidt Ocean Institute Schmidt Ocean Institute was established in 2009 by Eric and Wendy Schmidt to catalyze the discoveries needed to understand our ocean, sustain life, and ensure the health of our planet through the pursuit of impactful scientific research and intelligent observation, technological advancement, open sharing of information, and public engagement, all at the highest levels of international excellence. For more information, visit www.schmidtocean.org . A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1d66805f-a247-43ba-9874-c9fb40424d5a Collaboration will leverage the exchange of expertise, develop innovative supply-chain models, and assess technology-driven solutions to improve product availability Strategic partnership underscores broader commitment to existing GCC-LatAm investment flows and supporting Vision 2030 initiatives RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Grupo Elfa, a leading Brazilian healthcare services company majority-owned by investment funds managed by Patria Investments and the National Unified Procurement Company of Saudi Arabia (NUPCO), have announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Global Health Exhibition in Riyadh. By signing a two-year framework for strategic cooperation, the agreement will contribute to Saudi Arabia's healthcare ecosystem by introducing advanced AI technologies, ensuring knowledge exchange, developing innovative supply-chain models, and assessing novel technologies to enhance product availability. This will enable shorter lead times, and drive cost efficiency across the Kingdom's healthcare sector. The MoU focuses on exploring joint opportunities in healthcare procurement, logistics, and digital efficiency, with an initial emphasis on the direct sourcing of medical disposables. NUPCO, as the national healthcare procurement and distribution hub, provides unparalleled access to an extensive network of hospitals, pharmacies, and warehousing infrastructure across Saudi Arabia. This partnership will connect NUPCO to Grupo Elfa's trusted global supplier network, diversifying sourcing channels and strengthening the resilience of the national supply chain. Fahad AlButhi, Chief Operating Officer of NUPCO, commented: "This strategic cooperation with Grupo Elfa underscores our commitment to strengthening the national healthcare supply chain, aligning with Vision 2030's national objectives. By integrating Grupo Elfa's advanced capabilities and global network, we aim to further optimize our procurement processes, enhance logistics, and strengthen access to healthcare services for all citizens and residents of Saudi Arabia." This partnership highlights Patria's strategic commitment to fostering long-term relationships between Latin America and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Through its collaboration with the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Patria reinforces its dedication to driving growth in key sectors such as healthcare. This alliance not only supports the objectives of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 but also strengthens investment flows between the GCC and Latin America, paving the way for deeper economic integration and sustainable development. This collaboration directly aligns with Saudi Arabia's Health Sector Transformation Program, a cornerstone of Vision 2030, which focuses on a healthcare ecosystem that is comprehensive, effective and integrated. By fostering innovation in healthcare procurement and logistics, the partnership will contribute to improving the quality of care, enhancing patient outcomes, and ensuring the long-term availability of strategic medical products for the Saudi population. Carmen Alonso, Partner & CEO Europe and Middle East, Patria Investments, commented: "Patria has ties with the region since 1997. Healthcare is a key sector in Patria's portfolio, and a sector where we believe there is further opportunity. We combine profound sector expertise and invaluable local insights to develop a broad spectrum of bespoke investment options, a client-centric approach that is the cornerstone of our achievements." Michael Majdalany, Managing Director of Middle East, Patria Investments, said: "We're thrilled to see this partnership come to life. What began last year with a shared commitment to deepen ties with the Kingdom has now led to our first initiative and I would like to thank PIF's National Development Division for all its support. It's a strong step forward in strengthening GCC-LatAm relations and supporting Vision 2030." Jose Roberto Ferraz, CEO of Grupo Elfa, commented: "We are excited to partner with NUPCO, a pivotal entity in Saudi Arabia's healthcare landscape. This MoU represents a significant step in bringing Grupo Elfa's proven operational expertise, AI-driven efficiencies, and trusted global supplier partnerships to the Kingdom. Our goal is to provide high-quality medical products and ensure the long-term sourcing of strategic supplies, contributing directly to the Kingdom's healthcare transformation." Grupo Elfa will serve as a strategic supplier and distributor, bringing its proven operational excellence and extensive experience in healthcare supply and logistics. Grupo Elfa has direct access to supply capabilities through the acquisition of Descarpack in 2022, also a leading Brazilian provider of high-quality disposable medical products (gloves, masks, gowns, syringes). With one of Brazil's most comprehensive and reliable healthcare distribution networks, serving thousands of hospitals and clinics, Grupo Elfa offers a scalable model combining efficiency, reach, and compliance. A key differentiator is Grupo Elfa's advanced AI-driven procurement technology, which enhances efficiency, traceability, and demand forecasting, ensuring a reliable and high-standard supply of medical products. Grupo Elfa's automated sales currently account for over 15 per cent of its total, handling more than 30,000 procurement interactions daily. Beyond logistics and transport services, Grupo Elfa delivers comprehensive healthcare solutions, ranging from the distribution of highly complex pharmaceuticals and hospital supplies to advanced medtech solutions, specialty pharmacies, and aesthetic injectables. The group also manages end-to-end hospital logistics, including customised inventory management, product repackaging, and warehousing services - and stands as the only major distributor in Brazil operating simultaneously in the medical-hospital and dental sectors. About NUPCO The National Unified Procurement Company for Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices, and Supplies (NUPCO), a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), leads medical supply chain management in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Established in 2009, NUPCO aims to improve healthcare sector efficiency through unified procurement, inventory management, distribution, and integrated logistics services. The company delivers innovative solutions that advance the Kingdom's healthcare system and help achieve the highest standards of care. About Patria Patria is a global alternative asset management firm focused on the mid-market segment, specialising in resilient sectors across select regions. We are a leading asset manager in Latin America and have a strong presence in Europe through our extensive network of General Partners relationships. Our on-the-ground presence combines investment leaders, sector experts, company managers, and strategic relationships, allowing us to identify compelling investment opportunities accessible only to those with local proficiency. With 37 years of experience and over $49 billion in assets under management, we believe we consistently deliver attractive returns through long-term investments, while promoting inclusive and sustainable development in the regions where we operate. Further information is available at www.patria.com. About Elfa Elfa operates one of the most extensive and reliable healthcare distribution networks in Brazil, serving 3 thousand hospitals, 40 thousand clinics and 120 HMOs. Elfa operates 18 distribution centers with 100% national reach in Brazil. Our portfolio includes both reference and generic high-cost drugs, beyond that, we operate aesthetics injectable products, materials and consumables used by dentists, medtech, disposable materials and logistics services as warehousing, transportation and Patient Support Program. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/grupo-elfa-and-nupco-sign-agreement-to-support-saudi-healthcare-ecosystem-with-high-quality-medical-innovation-and-ai-expertise-302598334.html ISHRS Hosts Live Surgery Workshop in Bucharest, Romania, November 7-9, 2025, focusing on hair repair CHICAGO, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a recent member survey conducted by the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS), the impact of black-market hair transplant clinics continues to reverberate around the world - with more clinics opening and more complications for the countless victims of these unscrupulous practices. Case in point: earlier this month, Dubai police arrested a man running an illegal hair transplant clinic from an apartment. "These fraudulent, illicit hair transplant clinics operate under the guise of an established medical practice, luring unsuspecting patients with false or misleading advertising, rock-bottom prices and tempting travel packages," said Conradin von Albertini, MD, FISHRS, president of the ISHRS. "The results can be devastating, leaving victims with little recourse for the oftentimes permanent damage imposed by those who are not authorized to perform this highly skilled surgery." The ISHRS receives numerous emails from young men who have fallen victim. In late-September 2025, the ISHRS received the following message from a man in the United Kingdom, "Hi, I got a botched hair transplant and my donor area has been over harvested badly. I am in a deep shock loss. How long do I need to wait and get repair surgery? I didn't know that people who are pretending to be fake surgeon are doing this and snatching people's life." He went on to explain that he now has low self-esteem and is feeling suicidal. To combat this alarming trend, the ISHRS is hosting its fifth annual "World Hair Transplant Repair Day" on November 11, 2025 (11/11). This worldwide event is part of the ISHRS's Fight the FIGHT (an acronym for Fight the Fraudulent, Illicit, and Global Hair Transplants) global consumer awareness campaign designed to educate and help people who have been victims of this widespread practice. Consequences of hair transplants performed illegally can include permanent visible scarring, infection, thin patches of hair, bald spots, and over-harvested donor areas that can be very difficult to correct. In cases where damage can be fixed, patients will often require more than one corrective procedure. In an effort to help victims of black-market hair transplant clinics around the world, the ISHRS encourages people in need of corrective surgeries to connect individually with participating volunteer ISHRS physicians through the campaign's website, HairTransplantRepairDay.org, for a chance to receive a pro bono corrective hair transplant procedure. Since its launch in 2020, the number of ISHRS participating physician members has increased to dozens of members in all corners of the world. Dr. von Albertini noted that the latest ISHRS member survey found that in 2024, 59% of ISHRS members reported that there are black-market hair transplant clinics in their cities - up from 51% in 2021. In addition, ISHRS members reported that the average percentage of repair cases due to a previous black-market hair transplant in 2024 was 10%, up from 6% in 2021. As part of the ISHRS's commitment to educating the public about the real dangers of these black-market hair transplant clinics, the Fight the FIGHT website offers numerous educational materials in 10 languages, including patient educational live streams from various countries in different languages that patients can access as archived replays to educate themselves on how to avoid being a victim of a black-market hair transplant. In addition, numerous patient case studies document victims' real-world experience in the hands of fraudulent, illicit hair transplant clinics and the lasting ramifications of their deforming surgeries. "Giving people the tools to make educated decisions about the health of their hair is the cornerstone of the Fight the FIGHT campaign and has helped countless hair loss patients make educated, informed decisions about who is qualified to perform hair transplants," said Paul T. Rose, MD, JD, FISHRS, chair of the ISHRS Fight the FIGHT Subcommittee. "Our goal is to continue to raise awareness of the widespread problem of black-market hair transplant clinics and spare hair loss patients the pain and devastation inflicted by these fraudulent practices that often require multiple corrective procedures." The ISHRS is committed to patient safety and continually strives for the best outcomes for all patients, offering members superior education and training to improve their techniques. To ensure patients have the information needed to make informed decisions about who performs their hair restoration surgery, the ISHRS urges potential patients to understand the difference between what procedures only a surgeon should perform vs. the procedures that technicians can only perform. Only the surgeon should: Perform medical history & examinations to assure graft success Rule out hair diseases that could affect hair growth & failure Draw the hairline Make incisions in recipient area (blades, needles, implanters) Make incisions in the donor area (scoring grafts) Place grafts with sharp implanters Technicians can only: Pull grafts scored by the surgeon Load sharp implanters and deliver to the surgeon Place grafts either with forceps or with dull implanters (after surgeon makes all incisions) Dr. Rose added that each country has its own laws and regulations pertaining to the pulling and placement of grafts by technicians. In some countries, technicians are not allowed to perform these procedures, and their actions can be viewed as illegal and lead to criminal charges. For more information or to take part in this worldwide educational campaign and event, contact fightthefight@ishrs.org and visit www.HairTransplantRepairDay.org. HairTransplantRepairDay ISHRS Live Surgery Workshop Spotlights Intricacies of Hair Repair Surgery Hair restoration surgeons interested in honing their skills in complex repair cases due to black-market hair transplants or as a result of injury to the scalp or face are encouraged to attend the ISHRS's Masterclass in Hair Reconstructive Surgery in Bucharest, Romania, November 7-9, 2025. Hosted by ISHRS members Felix Popescu, MD, PhD, chair, and Marco Barusco, MD, FISHRS, co-chair, this three-day live surgery workshop is designed for seasoned and newer practitioners alike interested in the latest advances and surgical techniques to correct hair transplantation results impacted by operators of fraudulent, illicit hair transplant clinics or as a result of injury or trauma. "From optimizing the placement of anesthesia to managing patient expectations, repairing difficult cases is a multi-step process that requires a delicate balance of skill and science," said Dr. Barusco. "Attendees will observe multiple live surgeries and have the opportunity to interact with faculty and patients to further enhance their understanding of complex repair cases." For more information on this ISHRS live surgery workshop, interested attendees can reach out to the workshop chairs at contact@ishrs-bucharest.com. About the ISHRS The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) is a global non-profit medical association and the leading authority on hair loss treatment and restoration with 1,200 members throughout 80 countries worldwide. Above all, the ISHRS is dedicated to achieving excellence in patient outcomes by promoting the highest standards of medical practice, medical ethics, and research in the medical hair restoration industry. The ISHRS also provides continuing medical education to physicians specializing in hair transplant surgery and is committed to delivering the latest information on medical and surgical treatments to consumers suffering from hair loss, and most commonly from androgenetic alopecia - male pattern baldness and female pattern hair loss. It was founded in 1993 as the first international society to promote continuing quality improvement and education for professionals in the field of hair restoration surgery. For more information and to locate a physician, visit www.ishrs.org. About the Survey Conducted by Relevant Research Consulting of Evanston, IL, USA, the ISHRS 2025 Practice Census is a compilation of information provided solely by participating physicians. The information published in this survey was developed from actual historical information and does not include any projected information. The margin of error for the sample is within plus or minus 5.4 percent at the 95 percent confidence level. For a full reprint of the ISHRS 2025 Practice Census Report, visit Hair Restoration Statistics. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1811888/ISHRS_LOGO_blue_no_oval_CMYK_Logo.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2803315/Hair_Transplant_Repair_Day.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/world-hair-transplant-repair-day-taking-place-on-1111-shines-light-on-proliferation-dangers-of-black-market-hair-transplant-clinics-worldwide-302592184.html USA v Raj by Dr. Raj Bothra and Jenifer DeBellis Released September 11, 2025 BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI / ACCESS Newswire / October 29, 2025 / New book, USA v Raj, co-authored by internationally acclaimed surgeon and activist Dr. Raj Bothra and award-winning author Jenifer DeBellis, is the compelling true story of one man's harrowing experience of wrongful imprisonment and ultimate triumph. Now available around the globe, this captivating memoir chronicles the extraordinary life of Dr. Raj Bothra, a respected surgeon and humanitarian who endured a shocking ordeal in America's justice system. After dedicating decades to the field of interventional pain management and social justice advocacy, Dr. Bothra became the target of one of the largest federal false arrest scandals in recent history. Arrested and denied bail, he spent 1,301 days in prison awaiting trial, only to be unanimously acquitted on all 54 charges by a jury. "USA v Raj is my clarion call to shed light on the broken judicial system I endured," said Dr. Bothra. "This book exposes how unchecked government power and a win-at-all-costs mentality can wreck innocent lives. My story could happen to anyone. No one is immune from this kind of injustice." Blending courtroom drama with heartfelt reflections, USA v Raj follows Dr. Bothra's life from a small town in India to becoming one of America's most respected medical practitioners, only to have his American dream turned upside down by government corruption. Through his deeply personal narrative, the book serves as both a cautionary tale and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Readers will find inspiration in Dr. Bothra's unwavering faith, devotion to his family, and ultimate victory against what seemed to be insurmountable odds. The release of the memoir coincides with the major motion picture adaptation by Bollywood Hollywood Production in collaboration with Twickenham Productions, now in pre-production, which was announced at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival. Jenifer DeBellis, MFA, co-author of the book, adds her unique literary perspective to Dr. Bothra's story. Known for her deeply empathetic storytelling, DeBellis brings a powerful voice to this tale of redemption, injustice, and hope. This compelling, at times alarming account offers readers rare and eye-opening insight into a flawed justice system, raising critical questions about fairness, accountability, and the misuse of power. More than just a memoir, the book is a rallying cry for meaningful change and a celebration of the triumph of truth. USA v Raj (ISBN: 9781967458592) can be purchased through retailers worldwide, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble. The paperback retails for $20.99, and the ebook is on sale for a limited time for $2.99. Review copies and interviews with the author are available upon request. Purchase the book at DrRajBothra.com. About the Authors: Dr. Raj Bothra is a surgeon, interventional pain expert, activist, author, and survivor of one of America's biggest false arrest and imprisonment scandals. A native of a rural town in India, he earned medical degrees in India, England, and the U.S. During his time as a surgeon in Detroit, he built a single-owner private practice that became the nation's largest interventional pain management system (The Pain Center, USA, and Interventional Pain Center). He's worked with important public figures, including Indian prime ministers, U.S. presidents, Mother Teresa, and Pope John Paul II. Indian President Narayanan awarded him the high civilian honor of PADMA SHRI and he's received numerous awards in India and the U.S. for his public service. Jenifer DeBellis, MFA, is a PhD candidate, transformational speaker, and award-winning author of Warrior Sister, Cut Yourself Free (Library Tales Publishing), New Wilderness (Cornerstone Press), and Blood Sisters (Main Street Rag). She hosts the Restore Your Inner Warrior podcast, edits Pink Panther Magazine, and directs the Detroit Writers' Guild (501c3). She's featured in Psychology Today and her writing appears in CALYX, Medical Literary Messenger, The Good Men Project, Solstice, and elsewhere. JeniferDeBellis.com. About MindStir Media: MindStir Media LLC is an award-winning book publisher. To learn more about publishing a book with MindStir Media, visit http://mindstirmedia.com or call 800-767-0531. SOURCE: Jenifer DeBellis View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/publishing-and-media/new-release-shines-light-on-a-shocking-true-story-of-justice-denied-1092992 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 29, 2025) - Origen Resources Inc. (CSE: ORGN) (FSE: 4VXA) (the "Company" or "Origen") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a Letter of Intent ("LOI") to acquire a prospective Rare Earth Elements (REE) project in Brazil. The mineral concession package totals 3,978 hectares in two separate parcels and is located in Piaui State in the Northeastern region of Brazil (the "Property"). Key Highlights 3,978 hectare claim package with right of first refusal on five other exploration concessions also located in Piaui State leading to potential for a district scale footprint in an emerging area. Sampling completed by the Vendor returned one sample grading 1.61% TREO (not including Y) with other samples ranging between 0.19 and 0.32% TREO. Exclusive 150 day Due Diligence Period. Two deposit models are being evaluated for this project: REE + U enriched phosphate beds and the Ion Absorption Clay Deposit model (IACD). IACD deposits produce over 80% of all heavy (H)REE supplies worldwide (as estimated in 2024). Initial results indicate that the phosphate concretions are enriched in HREEs making them both an attractive target and a potential source rock for HREE IACD mineralization. "We see this opportunity as a particularly good fit with the experience of our exploration team and an in-demand target that can be evaluated quickly. Early stage, impactful acquisitions have been a key to our success in the past and we are excited to initiate the Due Diligence work on this project in the coming weeks," states Gary Schellenberg, CEO and Director. Sampling by Weberte Giovan de Almeida and associates (the "Vendor") has indicated potential for REE mineralization on the Property. The Vendor has provided laboratory analysis of several samples from the Property conducted by SGS Societe Generale de Surveillance Samin at their Brazil facility. One sample returned 1.61 % TREO (not including Y) with other samples ranging between 0.19 and 0.32% TREO. HREE / LREE ratios were 0.258 for the higher grade sample and between 0.265 and 0.949 for the other samples. SGS is an internationally experienced laboratory in geochemical analysis and assay. Analysis was performed using a lithium metaborate fusion and finished by ICP mass spectroscopy. This is considered a total extraction method suitable for evaluating REE concentrations in rock samples. Devonian age phosphates are distinctive due to their characteristic of higher REE concentrations than other phosphate generating events. The eastern edge of the Parnaiba Basin in northeastern Brazil contains Devonian strata hosting phosphatic concretions. In addition to interest in phosphates for regional farmers, the concretions have been found to contain elevated REE and uranium values. The claim package is located in the eastern edge of the Parnaiba Basin and is underlaid by the Devonian Itaim and Pimenteira Formations, both of which are known to host phosphate concretions with elevated REE and uranium levels. An additional deposit model being evaluated in the Due Diligence Period is the Ion Adsorption Clay Deposit (IACD) model. This model is established as an important source of REE best known in China and now also being identified in South America, Africa and Australia. While carbonatite sources dominate light (L)REE supplies, approximately 80% of heavy (H)REE supply comes from IACD sources (as estimated in 2024). IACD style mineralization has already been established in Brazil in Goias and Minas Gerais states. A REE IACD deriving from a HREE enriched source rock would be expected to also be HREE enriched. Origen has been granted an exclusive 150 day Due Diligence Period and must enter into a definitive agreement no later than 180 days from the date of signing of the LOI. Fieldwork for the Due Diligence Period will be assisted by the Vendor along with consultants associated to the Geology Department of the Federal University of Ceara and oversight by Coast Mountain Geological Ltd. of Vancouver, Canada. John Harrop, P Geo., a Qualified Person as that term is defined in NI 43-101, has supervised the preparation, or approved the scientific and technical disclosure in the news release. Mr. Harrop is employed by Coast Mountain Geological Ltd. He is not independent of the Company as defined in NI 43-101. He is independent of the geochemical analysis laboratory SGS. Terms of the Acquisition To acquire a 90% interest following a positive due diligence outcome and entering into a definitive agreement, Origen will pay the Vendor $50,000 USD and issue 2,000,000 shares. Within two years of completion of the Due Diligence Period, Origen must incur $1,000,000 of exploration expenditures. After this two year period, Origen will issue to the Vendor a number of shares equal to 15% of Origen outstanding shares and grant the Vendor a seat on the Board of Directors. The total number of shares that will make up 15% ownership will include the 2,000,000 shares granted after the Due Diligence Period. The Vendor also grants Origen right of first refusal on their five other exploration concessions located in Piaui State which are analogous to the two concessions subject to the LOI. About Origen Origen Resources Inc. is a project generator focused on identifying and advancing high-potential mineral exploration opportunities. The Company is currently conducting due diligence on a prospective rare earth element project in Brazil under a recently signed Letter of Intent, while continuing to advance its 100%-owned Los Sapitos Lithium Project in Argentina and the Wishbone Gold-Silver Project in the Golden Triangle of British Columbia. Origen also holds a portfolio of three additional precious and base metal projects in southern British Columbia for which it is actively seeking partners. On behalf of Origen, Gary Schellenberg, CEO and Director Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. Certain of the statements made and information contained herein may constitute "forward-looking information." In particular references to the private placement and future work programs or expectations on the quality or results of such work programs are subject to risks associated with operations on the property, exploration activity generally, equipment limitations and availability, as well as other risks that we may not be currently aware of. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/272309 SOURCE: Origen Resources Inc. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 29, 2025) - Silver Hammer Mining Corp. (CSE: HAMR) (the "Company" or "Silver Hammer") is pleased to announce that the Company has engaged Alford Drilling, LLC of Elko, Nevada to complete the Phase 1 Drill Program for its 100%-controlled Silverton Project in Nye County, Nevada. In addition, the Company has also engaged Modern Land and Development, LCC for site preparation including road work, and drill pad and sump construction. The exploration drill program will be comprised of up to 5,000 feet in up to eight (8) reverse circulation ("RC") holes. The drill program is now planned to commence by the second week of November 2025. "The Company will finally test below the high-grade Silverton underground workings," commented Peter A. Ball, President & CEO. "It is always an exciting point when you have the opportunity to test below a previously operating high-grade silver mine that closed nearly 80 years ago! The Company is also currently putting together an initial exploration plan to review the Fahey Group Silver Project that was recently acquired in Idaho, and in addition also finalizing the Plan of Operations permitting for the Eliza Project, where multiple historical high-grade silver mines have been awaiting modern day exploration and drilling for over 80 years. It will be a busy year ahead for Silver Hammer and we appreciate our shareholders patience and support." Silverton Project, Nevada Silver Hammer has identified several targets at its Silverton Project and currently has multiple drill targets identified. The Company's technical team has ranked and prioritized the key targets at Silverton designed to initially test the mineralized area proximal to, and under, the historic high-grade, near surface mine workings with up to eight (8) RC drill holes, totalling up to 5,000 feet. The drill program is designed to test primarily for down-dip continuity of the high-grade silver mineralization previously mined in the 1930s and 1950s. Previous Company exploration work, including rock and soil sampling, geologic mapping and satellite imagery, provided evidence for two separate mineralized systems: an eastern, gold-dominant system and a western, silver-dominant system. Prior exploration on the volcanic-hosted, gold system returned grades ranging from 0.06 grams per tonne ("g/t") to 6.1 g/t gold ("Au"). The silver dominated mineral system is hosted by silicified limestone with grades ranging from 0.32 g/t silver ("Ag") to 692 g/t Ag, from Company exploration work (please refer to the Company's press release dated November 29, 2021 for previous disclosure). Silver was discovered at the Silverton Mine in 1921. Small-scale production is recorded from the 1930s and the mine produced its last shipment in 1953, totalling less than 100,000 tons, with historic production grades ranging from 300 g/t Ag to 933 g/t Ag (Source: westernmininghistory.com and thediggings.com). In addition to the identified 100-foot shaft and underground workings (five known adits), the area to the west and the north of the mine shaft has been the subject of only surface exploration comprised of numerous small test pits and trenches. In-situ rock samples by the Company (chip and channel) returned silver grades, up to 692 g/t Ag, with a further six samples having returned over 100 g/t Ag, from this Central Zone from past mining, pitting and trenching; the Central Zone measures approximately 1,000 feet in diameter (refer to Figure 1). Figure 1: Silverton Mine, Project Geology and Exploration Map Fall 2025 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9597/272350_9d78a729e4a54957_001full.jpg The Silverton Mine Silver Project is situated within the Williams Ridge Caldera, near its eastern rim. The caldera is a large-scale structure, over 30 miles in diameter, with ring faults, radial faults and low-angle faults providing ample conduits for hydrothermal solutions following the Tertiary eruption of rhyolitic magmas, forming ash-flow tuffs within the caldera structure. The lithologic unit overlying the caldera magma chamber was thick Devonian sedimentary units, predominantly dolomite, with intercalated arenite, a setting which may be prospective for CRD-type mineral occurrence in the carbonates and epithermal-type in the tuff units. Alteration noted in area has been mapped as pervasive weak silicification in the Devonian-aged carbonate units and weak argillic in the Tertiary-aged tuffs. Alteration intensifies in two areas of the property, in the vicinity of mapped faults and shears: In the western portion of the property, in the Central Zone, in proximity of the intersection of the N-S Silverton and the E-W Basin Faults, silicification comprises veins, zones of stockwork and occurrences of jasperoid with significant silver mineralization - the primary drill target. In the eastern portion of the property an area of quartz veinlets and extensive jasperoid alteration with gold mineralization forms a secondary exploration target. Qualified Person The scientific and technical aspects of this press release have been reviewed and approved under the supervision of Damir Cukor, P.Geo. Mr. Cukor is a Qualified Person (QP) under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and as a consultant for the Company as Technical Director - Projects. About Silver Hammer Mining Corp. Silver Hammer Mining Corp. is a junior resource company focused on advancing past-producing high-grade silver projects in the United States. Silver Hammer controls 100% of seven previously producing silver mines which are located within the Silver Strand Project in the Coeur d'Alene Mining District in Idaho, USA, and within the Eliza Silver Project and the Silverton Silver Mine in Nevada. The Company also controls the Fahey Group Silver Project in the Silver Valley, Idaho and the Lacy Gold Project in British Columbia, Canada. Silver Hammer's primary focus is to explore, define and develop silver projects near past-producing mines that have not been adequately tested. The Company's portfolio also provides exposure to copper and gold. Forward-Looking Information This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information in this press release includes, without limitation, statements relating to the Offering, the intended use of proceeds from the Offering, and other statements which are subject to a number of conditions, as described elsewhere in this news release. These statements are based upon assumptions that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including risks regarding the mining industry, commodity prices, market conditions, general economic factors, management's ability to manage and to operate the business, and explore and develop the projects of the Company, and the equity markets generally. Because of these risks and uncertainties and as a result of a variety of factors, the actual results, expectations, achievements or performance of the Company may differ materially from those anticipated and indicated by these forward-looking statements. Any number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements as well as future results. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in forward looking statements are reasonable, they can give no assurances that the expectations of any forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward-looking statements or otherwise. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any of securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/272350 SOURCE: Silver Hammer Mining Corp. Edmonton, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - October 29, 2025) - Sankamap Metals Inc. (CSE: SCU) ("Sankamap" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the completion of data processing and reports from Expert Geophysics for the 374 line-kilometer Airborne Magnetotelluric EM Survey ("Mobile MT") completed in July 2025. The survey covered 3,500 hectares of Sankamap's 4,500-hectare ("Ha") Kuma property ("Kuma") (populated areas excluded) located 37 kilometers ("km") southeast of Honiara in south-central Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. CEO John Florek commented: "We are very encouraged by the results of the airborne geophysical survey, which reveal clear signatures consistent with porphyry-style mineralization. The strong alignment between these geophysical features, surface geochemistry, and alteration mapping gives us greater confidence in the continuity of mineralization at depth and helps refine our upcoming drill targets." Highlights The results of the Mobile MT survey at Kuma reveals a broad 5 x 2 km ring-shaped zone of high conductivity that flanks a central 2 x 3 km highly resistive feature (see Figure 2), with the conductive feature spatially correlating to the mapped lithocap. Geophysical data indicate potential for multiple intrusive centers and porphyry systems, while the alignment of magnetic and conductive trends suggests structural controls or fluid pathways associated with mineralization. The resistive and conductive trends display typical porphyry signatures, similar to other economic porphyry systems currently being mined. The results from the 2025 Mobile MT survey delineate resistive and conductive features consistent with porphyry, epithermal, and skarn-style mineral systems. The geophysical data further corroborate earlier surface exploration findings at the Kuma property, which delineated a well-developed lithocap exceeding two kilometers in extent. Hyperspectral analysis has outlined extensive phyllic, argillic, and advanced argillic alteration zones, while grab sampling has returned impressive assay results of up to 11.7% copper ("Cu") and 13.5 g/t gold ("Au"), underscoring the strength and continuity of mineralization within the system. The Kuma Project is strategically located along a highly prospective trend that hosts several major deposits; Lihir containing 71 Moz Au1 (310 Mt containing 23 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t Proven+Probable ("P&P"), 520 Mt containing 39 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t indicated, 81 Mt containing 5 Moz Au at 1.9 g/t measured, 61 Mt containing 4.9 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t Inferred) and Panguna containing 19.3 Moz Au + 5.3 Mt Cu2 (1.5 Mt containing 16.1 Moz Au at 0.33 g/t and 4.6 Mt Cu at 0.3 % Indicated, 300 Mt containing 3.2 Moz Au 0.4 g/t and 0.7 Mt Cu Inferred), both share geological similarities to the Kuma project. Technical Discussion Porphyry Cu-Au systems can exhibit a broad spectrum of electromagnetic (EM) responses, reflecting different host rocks, alteration styles, erosional levels and geological conditions unique to each system. For example, systems with intact lithocaps, which is potentially the case at Kuma, often differ from those with eroded or exposed mineralized cores, producing either predominantly conductive or resistive EM signatures. As at Kuma, most calc-alkaline porphyry systems exhibit elevated electrical conductivity, largely attributable to extensive pyritic halos and mica-rich alteration zones that envelop a potassic core (as displayed in Figure 2 and 3). This core typically appears as a distinctly resistive feature, reflecting zones of magnetite or K-feldspar alteration characterized by relatively low sulfide concentrations. In July 2025, Expert Geophysics was engaged to conduct a 374 line-kilometer airborne geophysical survey (Mobile MT), which was flown along north-south lines at 100-meter intervals (Figure 1). The final geophysical data processing has been completed. Sankamap, together with Expert Geophysics and independent geophysical consultants familiar with this type of data, have reviewed the results. The survey highlights several significant geophysical features that will assist in defining the next phase of exploration and drill targeting. Figure 1: Kuma property and lithocap extent with Mobile MT survey flight lines. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11623/272353_a2474b4434dceb50_002full.jpg The geophysical models reveal a highly conductive feature that forms a continuous ring-shaped zone flanking a central resistive body. This conductive anomaly appears consistent with a potassic intrusive core or a resistive intrusive complex at depth. Notably, the highest conductivity corresponds with surface zones of advanced argillic and clay-mica alteration (Figure 2). The conductivity and resistivity highs coincide with a previously mapped annular topographic depression, suggesting potential preferential erosion within the propylitic alteration zone surrounding a core of phyllic-altered rocks (Figure 2). The alignment of these geophysical, geological, and geomorphological features supports a coherent porphyry-style hydrothermal model, with a resistive intrusive core surrounded by conductive alteration halos and erosional depressions marking outer alteration zones. The integration of these datasets provides a strong 3D framework for ongoing exploration and drill targeting. Figure 2: Apparent conductivity map from Mobile MT survey on the Kuma property at -200m elevation. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11623/272353_a2474b4434dceb50_003full.jpg Figure 3: Resistivity section at 8919250 mN from Mobile MT survey on the Kuma property. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11623/272353_a2474b4434dceb50_004full.jpg Strategic Plan $4.7 million financing closed (October 3, 2025, press release), positioning Sankamap Metals Inc. to advance exploration programs beginning in November. Acquisition and deployment of drilling equipment underway in preparation for the January 2026 drilling campaign. Kuma Property Target Refinement: Ongoing analysis of newly released geophysical and geological datasets to define and prioritize high-quality drill targets. Pad & Camp Construction: Scheduled to begin in late November. Field Visit: Planned for early November to ground-truth targets, verify geological interpretations, and finalize logistics. Drilling Program: Inaugural campaign to commence in January 2026, marking a key milestone in advancing the Kuma Project toward discovery. Fauro Property Prospecting activities to begin, following up on additional magnetic highs associated with elevated gold and copper values (see press release dated July 16, 2025). Corporate & Investor Relations Upcoming exploration milestones to serve as key catalysts for shareholder value creation. Targeted marketing campaign underway to showcase the company's exploration potential and investment opportunity. Grant of Options Subject to regulatory approval, the Company has granted 2,250,000 stock options to its directors, officers and consultants, exercisable for five years at a price of $0.30. About Sankamap Metals Inc. Sankamap Metals Inc. (CSE: SCU) is a Canadian mineral exploration company dedicated to the discovery and development of high-grade copper and gold deposits through its flagship Oceania Project, located in the South Pacific. The Company's fully permitted assets are strategically positioned in the Solomon Islands, along a prolific geological trend that hosts major copper-gold deposits; including Newmont's Lihir Mine, with a resource of 71.9 million ounces of gold (310 Mt containing 23 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t P+P, 520 Mt containing 39 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t indicated, 81 Mt containing 5 Moz Au at 1.9 g/t measured, 61 Mt containing 4.9 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t Inferred). Exploration is actively advancing at both the Kuma and Fauro properties, part of Sankamap's Oceania Project in the Solomon Islands. Historical work has already highlighted the mineral potential of both sites, which lie along a highly prospective copper and gold-bearing trend, suggesting the possibility of further, yet-to-be-discovered deposits. At Kuma, the property is believed to host an underexplored and largely untested porphyry copper-gold (Cu-Au) system. Historical rock chip sampling has returned consistently elevated gold values above 0.5 g/t Au, including a standout sample assaying 11.7% Cu and 13.5 g/t Au2; underscoring the area's significant potential. At Fauro, particularly at the Meriguna Target, historical trenching has returned highly encouraging results, including 8.0 meters at 27.95 g/t Au and 14.0 meters at 8.94 g/t Au3. Complementing these results are exceptional grab sample assays, including historical values of up to 173 g/t Au3, along with recent sampling by Sankamap at the Kiovakase Target, which returned numerous high-grade copper values, reaching up to 4.09% Cu. In addition, limited historical shallow drilling intersected 35.0 meters at 2.08 g/t Au3, further underscoring the property's strong mineral potential and the merit for continued exploration. With a commitment to systematic exploration and a team of experienced professionals, Sankamap aims to unlock the untapped potential of underexplored regions and create substantial value for its shareholders. For more information, please refer to SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca), under Sankamap's profile. 1. Newcrest Technical Report, 2020 (Lihir: 310 Mt containing 23 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t P+P, 520 Mt containing 39 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t indicated, 81 Mt containing 5 Moz Au at 1.9 g/t measured, 61 Mt containing 4.9 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t Inferred) 2. Historical grab, soil and BLEG samples from SolGold Kuma Review June 2015, and SolGold plc Annual Report 2013/2012 3. September 2010-June 2012 press releases from Solomon Gold Ltd. and SolGold Fauro Island Summary Technical Info 2012 QP Disclosure The technical content for the Oceania Project in this news release has been reviewed and approved by John Florek, M.Sc., P.Geol., a Qualified Person in accordance with CIM guidelines. Mr. John Florek is in good standing with the Professional Geoscientists of Ontario (Member ID:1228) and a director and officer of the Company. The Canadian Securities Exchange has not approved nor disapproved this press release. Forward-Looking Statements Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this release constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws including, without limitation, the timing, nature, scope and details regarding the Company's exploration plans and results at its projects. Such statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, its projects, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. Such statements can be identified by the use of words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "expect", "believe", "plan", "anticipate", "estimate", "scheduled", "forecast", "predict" and other similar terminology, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. These statements reflect the company's current expectations regarding future events, performance and results and speak only as of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements and information contained herein are based on certain factors and assumptions regarding, among other things, the estimation of mineral resources and reserves, the realization of resource and reserve estimates, metal prices, taxation, the estimation, timing and amount of future exploration and development, capital and operating costs, the availability of financing, the receipt of regulatory approvals, environmental risks, title disputes and other matters. While the Company considers its assumptions to be reasonable as of the date hereof, forward-looking statements and information are not guarantees of future performance and readers should not place undue importance on such statements as actual events and results may differ materially from those described herein. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements or information except as may be required by applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/272353 SOURCE: Sankamap Metals Inc. The "Insurance Market in Poland 2025-2027, CEE Insurance Series" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Insurance Market in Poland 2025-2027 is the latest full update of the comprehensive publication on the insurance sector in Poland. It describes the present market structure and recent trends in the insurance market. It also provides estimates of insurance premium growth expected for the years 2025-2027. Poland's insurance sector maintained robust momentum throughout the first half of 2025, building upon its strong 2024 performance. Total insurance premiums are estimated to exceed PLN 90 billion (21 billion) by year-end 2025. The non-life segment continues to outperform expectations, driven primarily by motor insurance growth, and is projected to reach PLN 66 billion (15.5 billion). Meanwhile, the life segment remains significantly smaller at PLN 24.5 billion (5.7 billion) for 2025. PZU holds its market-leading position across both segments, keeping 44% and 27% market share in life and non-life business, respectively. However, mid-tier competitors are intensifying their pursuit of new business, with Warta (Talanx) achieving notable organic growth success, particularly by surpassing PZU in the large motor TPL segment. Market concentration continues to increase, with the top five insurers commanding the majority of market share. Within the broader regional context, Poland represents approximately 39% of the Central and Eastern Europe (CEE14) insurance market, valued collectively at ~53 billion in gross written premiums as of H1 2025. The insurance sector in Poland is benefiting from the country's position as one of the fastest-growing economies in the EU. Strong private consumption, new investments, and rising wealth are driving premium growth. However, the shrinking population and declining customer base pose structural challenges to future growth prospects. The medium-term outlook for the insurance market from 2025 to 2027 remains positive, with life insurance premiums projected to grow at 5% annually. The non-life insurance segment is expected to expand at 7% per year, representing a moderation from the higher growth rates observed in recent years. Companies Featured Allianz Polska Aviva Compensa Vienna Insurance Group Generali Link4 Metlife Nationale Nederlanden Pzu Pzu Zycie Stu Ergo Hestia Tu Europa Tuir Warta Uniqa Vienna Life Key Topics Covered: 1. Macroeconomic overview Executive summary Poland Overview and key facts, 2024/2025 Poland in Europe: Number of households vs. wealth, 2024 Key macroeconomic indicators, 2020-2025F Foreign trade statistics, C/A, FDI, 2020-2025F Unemployment and salaries/wages, 2020-2025F Disposable income in households and income distribution, 2020-2025F; Income distribution 2024 Consumer confidence index evolution, Jan. 2020- Sep. 2025 Warsaw Stock Exchange Turnover, Market cap. and indexes, 2020-Aug.2025 Banking assets evolution, 2020-1H2025 2. Insurance market Insurance Markets in CEE Size vs. growth matrix, 2023-1H25 Insurance premiums per capita premiums/GDP penetration CEE comparison, 1H25 Insurance gross premiums (life/non-life, in PLN), 2021-1H25 Top 10 insurance groups in Poland by total premium written, 1H25 Insurance market concentration and Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (life/non-life), 1H24 vs. 1H25 Current and upcoming Insurance M&A transactions in Poland, 2020-2024 Own funds for life and non-life insurers, 2020-1H25, SCR coverage ratios, 2023-1H25 3. Non-life insurance Non-life insurance markets in CEE Size vs. growth matrix, 2023-1H25 Non-life premiums per capita premiums/GDP penetration CEE comparison, 1H25 Non-life insurance gross and net premium evolution, 2021-1H25 Top 10 non-life insurance players in Poland, 1H25 Market shares of top non-life players evolution, 2022-1H25 Non-life premium by client segment and insurance class (car insurance vs. other), 1H25 Non-life premium by risk class, 2023-1H25 Sales channels of non-life insurance, 2024 Non-life insurers results, technical and P&L accounts (waterfall chart), 2024 Non-life insurance Profitability tree, 2020-2024 Non-life insurance Claims and expense ratio evolution, 2021-1H25 Non-life insurance Combined ratio and its elements, 2021-1H25 Non-life insurance Acquisition costs evolution, 2023-1H25, acquisition cost ratios for individual non-life insurers, 2024 Network multi-agents: Unilink, CUK, Phinance, Konsultant, Rankomat, ASF, Asist, Conditor, Punkta, DCU etc.,2024 Comparison websites and online multi-agencies overview, 2024 Health Insurance Premium written, Number of insured individuals, Average premium, 2021-2024 Car insurance Premium and no. policies evolution, MTPL, Casco, 2021-1H25 Car insurance Top players in MTPL and in Casco, 2023-1H25 Car insurance Combined ratio and its elements, MTPL and in Casco, 2023-1H25 Car insurance Average premium per policy for Casco and TPL, 1Q2019-2Q2025 4. Life insurance Life insurance markets in CEE Size vs. growth matrix, 2023-1H25 Life premiums per capita premiums/GDP penetration CEE comparison, 1H25 Life insurance gross and net premiums evolution, 2021-1H25 Top 10 life insurance players in Poland, 1H25 Market shares of top life players evolution, 2022-1H25 Life premium by insurance class and segment, 1H25 Life premium by risk class evolution, 2022-1H25 Life insurance technical reserves evolution and structure, 2022-1H25 Sales channels of life insurance, 2024 Life insurers results, Technical and P&L accounts (waterfall chart), 2024 Life insurance profitability tree, 2020-2024 Life insurance acquisition costs evolution, 2023-1H25, acquisition cost ratios for individual life insurers, 2024 5. Bancassurance Bancassurance: Premium written by bank channel (life/non-life), 2022-2024,data by KNF vs. data by PIU Bancassurance: Product/class split in bank channel (life/non-life), 2024 Bancassurance: Sales of investment type life products other than unit-linked, 2021-2024 6. Top players' profiles PZU Warta ERGO Hestia 7. Forecast Non-life insurance premiums forecast, 2025-2027F Life Insurance premiums forecast, 2025-2027F Notes on Methodology For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ptyb7k About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251029954632/en/ Contacts: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 SHELTON, CONNECTICUT / ACCESS Newswire / October 29, 2025 / NanoViricides, Inc., a publicly traded company (NYSE Amer.:NNVC) (the "Company"), announced that Nanoviricides CEO Dr Anil Diwan joined Steve Darling from Proactive to share major progress in the company's antiviral research in a video interview. The interview can be viewed at https://youtu.be/m_3Yk4_832E . From the Proactive website, explaining the video content (https://www.proactiveinvestors.com/companies/news/1081157/nanoviricides-nv-387-shows-potent-anti-measles-activity-highlighting-broad-spectrum-potential.html): "Dr. Diwan shared that the Company's clinical lead drug NV-387 has demonstrated potent activity against the Measles virus in both cell culture studies and a humanized animal model. Notably, the treatment also protected lung tissue, a critical factor in preventing death from severe, late-stage viral infections. Currently, there are no approved drugs for treating Measles, making these findings especially significant amid rising global outbreaks. Dr. Diwan explained that NV-387 produced direct antiviral effects in standard Cytopathic Effects assays, where treated cells showed increased survival compared to untreated controls. In the lethal Measles infection model, NV-387 treatment extended survival by 130% - from 7.4 days in untreated animals to 17 days in treated ones - underscoring its strong therapeutic potential [1]. Importantly, NV-387 has already completed Phase I human trials, demonstrating no reportable adverse events and confirming that the drug is safe and well tolerated in healthy subjects. Dr. Diwan added that NanoViricides is now positioned to support emergency use applications of NV-387 for Measles patients under FDA guidelines. The company is also open to Physician's Investigator-Initiated INDs for treating individual or small groups of patients in urgent cases. NV-387 is formulated as oral gummies, which dissolve slowly in the mouth and do not require swallowing - a key advantage for patients suffering from rashes or throat irritation associated with Measles infection. The same drug, NV-387 is advancing into Phase II clinical trial for the evaluation of safety and effectiveness in the treatment of MPox, noted Dr. Diwan. There is no approved treatment for MPox. " ABOUT NANOVIRICIDES NanoViricides, Inc. (the "Company") (www.nanoviricides.com) is a publicly traded (NYSE-American, stock symbol NNVC) clinical stage company that is creating special purpose nanomaterials for antiviral therapy. The Company's novel nanoviricide class of drug candidates and the nanoviricide technology are based on intellectual property, technology and proprietary know-how of TheraCour Pharma, Inc. The Company has a Memorandum of Understanding with TheraCour for the development of drugs based on these technologies for all antiviral infections. The MoU does not include cancer and similar diseases that may have viral origin but require different kinds of treatments. The Company has obtained broad, exclusive, sub-licensable, field licenses to drugs developed in several licensed fields from TheraCour Pharma, Inc. The Company's business model is based on licensing technology from TheraCour Pharma Inc. for specific application verticals of specific viruses, as established at its foundation in 2005. Our lead drug candidate is NV-387, a broad-spectrum antiviral drug that we plan to develop as a treatment of RSV, COVID, Long COVID, Influenza, and other respiratory viral infections, as well as MPOX/Smallpox infections. Our other advanced drug candidate is NV-HHV-1 for the treatment of Shingles. The Company cannot project an exact date for filing an IND for any of its drugs because of dependence on a number of external collaborators and consultants. The Company is currently focused on advancing NV-387 into Phase II human clinical trials. The Company is also developing drugs against a number of viral diseases including oral and genital Herpes, viral diseases of the eye including EKC and herpes keratitis, H1N1 swine flu, H5N1 bird flu, seasonal Influenza, HIV, Hepatitis C, Rabies, Dengue fever, and Ebola virus, among others. NanoViricides' platform technology and programs are based on the TheraCour nanomedicine technology of TheraCour, which TheraCour licenses from AllExcel. NanoViricides holds a worldwide exclusive perpetual license to this technology for several drugs with specific targeting mechanisms in perpetuity for the treatment of the following human viral diseases: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV/AIDS), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), Rabies, Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2), Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV), Influenza and Asian Bird Flu Virus, Dengue viruses, Japanese Encephalitis virus, West Nile Virus, Ebola/Marburg viruses, and certain Coronaviruses. The Company intends to obtain a license for RSV, Poxviruses, and/or Enteroviruses if the initial research is successful. As is customary, the Company must state the risk factor that the path to typical drug development of any pharmaceutical product is extremely lengthy and requires substantial capital. As with any drug development efforts by any company, there can be no assurance at this time that any of the Company's pharmaceutical candidates would show sufficient effectiveness and safety for human clinical development. Further, there can be no assurance at this time that successful results against coronavirus in our lab will lead to successful clinical trials or a successful pharmaceutical product. This press release contains forward-looking statements that reflect the Company's current expectation regarding future events. Actual events could differ materially and substantially from those projected herein and depend on a number of factors. Certain statements in this release, and other written or oral statements made by NanoViricides, Inc. are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements since they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond the Company's control and which could, and likely will, materially affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the company's expectations include, but are not limited to, those factors that are disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in documents filed by the company from time to time with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and other regulatory authorities. Although it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors, they may include the following: demonstration and proof of principle in preclinical trials that a nanoviricide is safe and effective; successful development of our product candidates; our ability to seek and obtain regulatory approvals, including with respect to the indications we are seeking; the successful commercialization of our product candidates; and market acceptance of our products. The phrases "safety", "effectiveness" and equivalent phrases as used in this press release refer to research findings including clinical trials as the customary research usage and do not indicate evaluation of safety or effectiveness by the US FDA. FDA refers to US Food and Drug Administration. IND application refers to "Investigational New Drug" application. cGMP refers to current Good Manufacturing Practices. CMC refers to "Chemistry, Manufacture, and Controls". CHMP refers to the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use, which is the European Medicines Agency's (EMA) committee responsible for human medicines. API stands for "Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient". WHO is the World Health Organization. R&D refers to Research and Development. Contact: NanoViricides, Inc. info@nanoviricides.com Public Relations Contact: ir@nanoviricides.com [1] Added explanation: Humanized mice were required for the animal model because Measles virus only infects humans, and specifically uses hSLAM as the cognate receptor for cell entry, while using the ubiquitous HSPG for congregation next to cells. The mice had human hSLAM (aka hCD150) gene knocked-in, and also had their interferon responses deleted (hSLAM+k.i., IfnAR-/- transgenic mice on C57BL/6 Background). NV-387 mimics the portions on HSPG that viruses bind to, including the Measles virus, and thereby is designed to attack and engulf the virus particle via lipid-lipid mixing and destroying the virus particle's ability to infect cells. SOURCE: NanoViricides View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/treating-measles-infection-nanoviricides-ceo-dr-anil-diwan-interviewe-1092507 Kolchina joins to drive Maxon's growth vision, fueling expansion into new industries and markets while reinforcing the company's creative foundation. BAD HOMBURG, GERMANY / ACCESS Newswire / October 29, 2025 / Maxon , maker of powerful, approachable software solutions for creators working in 2D and 3D design, motion graphics, visual effects, and more, today announced the appointment of Ksenia Kolchina as Vice President of Marketing. The newly created role unites Maxon's world-class creative tools, data-driven strategy, and passionate community, signaling the next chapter in the company's mission to grow with and for the creators who inspire its innovation. Kolchina's arrival comes as the company looks ahead to 2026, a year focused on sustainable expansion into new regions and markets, including the wider launch into Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC). Kolchina joins Maxon after leading brand and growth marketing at Audible Europe, an Amazon company, and holding senior roles across TV, film, gaming, streaming, and music software. Her background combines a deep appreciation for creative culture with an analytical, results-driven mindset - a blend that mirrors Maxon's unique position at the crossroads of technology and artistry. "Throughout my career, I've worked with creators - filmmakers, musicians, authors, and artists - people whose craft and passion drive cultural change as well as industry growth," said Ksenia Kolchina, VP of Marketing at Maxon. "My experience has afforded me the opportunity to see firsthand how product innovation translates into creative output, and this is exactly what drew me to Maxon. It was immediately clear to me how engaged the company and its leadership are in the future of creators' craft. I was especially drawn to the team's stance on its role in the age of AI, seeing it as a powerful enabling tool - not a replacement for human talent. I'm excited to join a team that is so passionate about developing products that foster boundless creative expression." Kolchina's role will focus on shaping a global marketing function that supports Maxon's long-term vision: connecting product excellence with creative empowerment, while amplifying the brand's resonance in different regions and markets. "Ksenia brings a rare balance of creative intuition and strategic depth that perfectly complements Maxon's ethos. Her understanding of the creator community, combined with her experience leading global growth, reinforces the foundation we've built over the years," said David McGavran, CEO of Maxon. "Our approach has always been thoughtful and deliberate, growing in ways that strengthen both our products and our people, users and employees alike. With Ksenia on board, we're ready to take that vision even further while staying true to what makes Maxon unique." Looking ahead to 2026, Maxon is building on its strong year-over-year growth by expanding into new industries and markets, while strengthening its regional footprint across APAC and EMEA. Building on its June 2025 introduction into AEC , Maxon will broaden its presence in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) sector, with the official public launch of its real-time cinematic rendering technology to architectural visualization (ArchViz) coming spring 2026. For more information, visit: https://www.maxon.net/archviz . Download the press kit . About Maxon Maxon is a developer of high-quality, professional creative tools that empower artists to bring stunning visuals to life. From 3D modeling and animation to impeccable rendering and cinematic effects, the Maxon One ecosystem provides a comprehensive suite of industry-leading solutions. At Maxon, we are committed to fueling creative freedom, fostering a thriving artistic community, and being the driving force behind bold, iconic content. Media Contact Megan Fasy (e) megan@grithaus.agency (p) +1 (617) 480-3674 SOURCE: Maxon Computers View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/maxon-strengthens-growth-strategy-with-appointment-of-ksenia-kolc-1092988 CALGARY, ALBERTA / ACCESS Newswire / October 29, 2025 / Rocky Mountain BBQ Catering Ltd., a leader in mobile catering and authentic Alberta barbeque cuisine, has been honoured with the 2025 Consumer Choice Award in the Caterers category for Southern Alberta. This recognition reflects the company's dedication to quality food, exceptional service, and creating memorable dining experiences for events across Calgary and beyond. Since its beginnings, Rocky Mountain BBQ Catering has built its reputation on a simple but powerful commitment: to deliver homemade barbeque cuisine with an attention to detail and professional efficiency that surpasses expectations. Whether serving a backyard celebration, a corporate gathering, or a rooftop reception, the company provides a self-sustainable cooking environment that ensures flawless service and consistent quality, no matter the venue. Serving Up Authentic Alberta Barbeque At the heart of Rocky Mountain BBQ Catering is a menu designed to showcase Alberta's finest ingredients. Featuring "hot off the grill" AAA Alberta beef, chicken, and pork, the company is known for flavourful dishes that highlight freshness and quality. A standout on the menu is the Rocky Mountain Smokin' Sausage, a signature item made from a treasured family recipe that has become a crowd favourite at countless events. By using only the best ingredients, Rocky Mountain BBQ Catering ensures every dish meets the highest standard. "We don't settle for less, and we don't think our customers should either," says the leadership team at Rocky Mountain BBQ Catering. "Great food begins with great ingredients, and our commitment to sourcing locally and responsibly has always been at the core of what we do." Catering That Goes Beyond the Plate What sets Rocky Mountain BBQ apart is its ability to create full-service catering experiences that are seamless from start to finish. The team provides everything needed to make an event successful, from setup to clean-up, while maintaining strict sanitation and hygiene standards. Their self-sufficient mobile kitchens allow them to serve in nearly any setting-be it a backyard, park, rooftop, or remote outdoor location. This adaptability has made Rocky Mountain BBQ Catering a favourite for weddings, corporate events, community gatherings, and private parties. By blending professionalism with a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, the company helps hosts create events where guests can focus on enjoying themselves while every detail of the meal is taken care of. Recognition Rooted in Trust and Quality Winning the Consumer Choice Award is an achievement that reflects both consistent excellence and the confidence of the Calgary community. The award is based on independent research that evaluates customer satisfaction, brand reputation, and overall business performance in the local market. "We are honoured to be recognized with the 2025 Consumer Choice Award," says the Rocky Mountain BBQ Catering team. "For us, this award reflects the trust our clients place in us to deliver outstanding food and service. It motivates us to keep raising the bar and creating unforgettable experiences for every event we cater." Bringing People Together Through Food For Rocky Mountain BBQ Catering, barbeque is more than a meal-it's an experience that brings people together. Whether it's the aroma of sizzling steak on the grill, the sight of a perfectly plated dish, or the warm hospitality of the team, every element is designed to create a sense of celebration and community. This philosophy has guided the company for years and continues to resonate with clients who seek more than just a caterer-they want a partner who can make their event truly special. By combining culinary skill with a customer-first approach, Rocky Mountain BBQ Catering has become a trusted name in Calgary's catering industry. Continuing a Tradition of Excellence Looking forward, Rocky Mountain BBQ Catering remains committed to delivering the best in mobile dining. With a focus on expanding menu options, maintaining top-tier service standards, and continuing to innovate in mobile catering, the company is well-positioned to serve Calgary for years to come. "This recognition inspires us to continue growing while staying true to what has always set us apart-delicious Alberta barbeque, professional service, and a genuine passion for helping people celebrate life's special moments," the team reflects. To learn more about Rocky Mountain BBQ Catering Ltd. or to book catering for your next event, visit www.rockymountainbbq.ca or CLICK HERE. About Rocky Mountain BBQ Catering Ltd. Rocky Mountain BBQ Catering Ltd. is a Calgary-based catering company specializing in authentic Alberta barbeque cuisine. Known for its mobile, self-sufficient kitchens and attention to detail, the company offers a wide range of dishes including AAA Alberta beef, chicken, pork, and its signature Rocky Mountain Smokin' Sausage. Serving weddings, corporate events, private parties, and community gatherings, Rocky Mountain BBQ is dedicated to delivering memorable dining experiences with quality, care, and professionalism. Learn more at www.rockymountainbbq.ca. About Consumer Choice Award Since 1987, Consumer Choice Award has been recognizing and promoting business excellence across North America. Through a rigorous selection process, only the most outstanding businesses in each category earn this prestigious recognition. Learn more at www.ccaward.com. Contact Information: Sumi Saleh Communications Manager ssaleh@ccaward.com SOURCE: Consumer Choice Award View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/rocky-mountain-bbq-catering-ltd.-wins-2025-consumer-choice-award-1092679 Saint-Gobain Ceramics, a global leader in materials and solutions for sustainable industries, and Eurodia Industrie, a process engineering specialist in liquid purification technologies, today announced a strategic partnership to provide integrated solutions for the fast-growing Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) market. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251029412861/en/ Leaders from Eurodia Industrie and Saint-Gobain Ceramics meet to discuss the details of their partnership. The collaboration combines Saint-Gobain Ceramics' advanced lithium-selective adsorbent materials with Eurodia's proprietary system engineering and process expertise, enabling an enhanced offering to DLE operators worldwide. The goal is to accelerate the commercial deployment of high-efficiency, sustainable lithium extraction systems proven at scale that minimize environmental impact and support the global electrification and energy transition. "Combining Saint-Gobain Ceramics' expertise in materials science with Eurodia's process engineering creates a powerful offering for lithium producers," said Othman Benjelloun-Touimi, CEO of Saint-Gobain Ceramics. "Together, we're enabling the lithium industry to achieve sustainability and performance." Direct Lithium Extraction is a transformative approach to sourcing lithium from brines with greater selectivity, achieving over 90% Li recovery versus 43% recovery via evaporation methods1,2. These systems have the potential to shorten processing time, reduce direct land use, and conserve aquifer water balance by reinjecting spent brine compared to conventional evaporation ponds2. As global demand for lithium surges-driven by electric vehicles, stationary storage, and grid-scale batteries-scalable, low-impact extraction methods are critical. "Partnering with Saint-Gobain Ceramics to deliver a tailored, complete turnkey DLE solution for lithium producers is a valuable opportunity for our clients, including those who have already placed their trust in us. Our combined expertise and experience will allow us to provide full guarantees of optimal operation for DLE and will therefore help the lithium industry to move faster towards a more sustainable future, with confidence and reliability," said Mathieu Bailly, President of Eurodia. Saint-Gobain Ceramics' lithium adsorbents are the result of extensive R&D in ceramics and lithium-selective materials. Engineered for high capacity, selectivity, and durability, these adsorbents are optimized for repeated use in cyclic adsorption/desorption processes, a core mechanism in DLE operations. Eurodia brings decades of experience in the design, optimization, and scaling of complex separation systems across industries such as food and beverages and those embracing the environmental and energy transition. Their approach enables customized DLE system design, tailored to specific brine chemistries and production goals. The partnership is already engaging with lithium project developers and technology integrators across multiple geographies, with pilot systems currently in design and deployment. About Saint-Gobain Ceramics Saint-Gobain Ceramics offers advanced ceramic and refractory materials to meet the toughest application requirements in a broad range of industrial markets, including glass, lithium extraction, semiconductors and many others. Visit lithium-solutions-materials.com to learn more about Saint-Gobain's Lithium Solutions business within Saint-Gobain Ceramics. Saint-Gobain Ceramics is part of Saint-Gobain, the worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction. Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures, and distributes materials and services for the construction and industrial markets. Learn more about Saint-Gobain at www.saint-gobain.com. About Eurodia Industrie Founded in 1988, Eurodia is a French global specialist in industrial processes for purifying liquids to the highest quality, with the lowest energy cost and environmental impact. Eurodia designs and delivers turnkey process solutions for industries including dairy, wine juices, lithium electric-battery, and renewable chemicals. Known for its focus on process sustainability and expertise in the industrialization of DLE technology, Eurodia operates across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Learn more at www.eurodia.com. References Vera, Maria L., et al. "Environmental impact of direct lithium extraction from brines." Nature Reviews Earth Environment 4.3 (2023): 149-165. McCartney, John. "Spent brine management for DLE processing plants in the lithium triangle of South America." (2024) View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251029412861/en/ Contacts: Saint-Gobain Media Contact: Peter Clark Saint-Gobain Corporate Communications Media@saint-gobain.com Eurodia Press contact: Magali Triano Agence Bleu-Tomate presse@bleu-tomate.fr +33 6 20 70 11 09 New capital fuels Reflectiz's mission to help global enterprises secure their digital front door with fully remote, agentless deployment BOSTON, Oct. 29, 2025, the web exposure management platform, today announced the close of its $22 million Series B funding round led by Fulcrum Equity Partners , with participation from Capri Ventures , YYM Ventures , AFG Partners , and others. The new capital will enable Reflectiz to expand its current product offering to provide comprehensive Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM) for websites, as well as support the company's growing partner and alliances network and go-to-market acceleration. It will also fuel the establishment of its global headquarters in Boston, where Reflectiz is rapidly expanding its team. Moving beyond traditional website security tools, Reflectiz's fully agentless, AI-enabled platform continuously monitors and protects websites from third party risks. Enterprises today face growing challenges in securing their websites as web environments become more complex due to third-party tools, open-source components, marketing pixels and dynamic tags that operate beyond IT's direct control. Reflectiz addresses this issue by zeroing in on the web exposure component of Continuous Threat Exposure Management, organizations that implement CTEM programs will reduce breaches by two-thirds by 2026. The Reflectiz platform gives enterprises the visibility and intelligence to proactively manage risk in their expansive web ecosystems, while reducing alert noise by surfacing only the most urgent, actionable risks. For any website, the Reflectiz platform can immediately detect all third party tools, open source components and external services, and simulate their code activity for comprehensive risk mapping, fully agentless and remote, with no code installation or data access required. The platform's AI technology instantly de-obfuscates suspicious JavaScript, transforming what once required a week of expert analysis into instantaneous automated insight. By combining this intelligence with seamless deployment, Reflectiz provides enterprises with clarity and control over their most exposed digital assets. "We've been impressed from the start with Idan and the Reflectiz team's operational rigor and focus," said Jim Douglass, Partner at Fulcrum Equity Partners. "Their platform delivers a scalable solution that enables enterprises to safeguard their digital footprint with clarity and speed. We're proud to back their mission and help accelerate their expansion." Reflectiz is trusted by a fast-growing roster of Fortune 500 brands and global enterprises across financial services, e-commerce, insurance and healthcare that rely on the platform to reduce compliance risk, streamline security operations, and protect their digital reputations. With the new funding, Reflectiz is poised to scale its impressive customer base and continue empowering security leaders to take control of their entire web attack surface. "Enterprises invest millions to secure their own code, sharpening their SDLC process with their team, when the real risks are quietly entering through third parties and open sources beyond their control," said Idan Cohen, co-founder and CEO of Reflectiz. "Standard website security is outdated, and traditional vulnerability management is no longer enough. Our mission is to challenge the status quo; Reflectiz brings the complete picture of web exposure and we believe this is where the industry is inevitably moving." To learn more about Reflectiz and its web exposure management platform, visit: https://www.reflectiz.com/ About Reflectiz Reflectiz empowers organizations to secure their websites and digital assets against modern web threats. Its award-winning, agentless web exposure management platform provides continuous visibility into all client-side activity, detecting and prioritizing risks without impacting performance. Based in Boston with offices in Tel Aviv and Sydney, Reflectiz launched its web exposure management platform in 2019, and today is trusted by global and Fortune 500 enterprises across financial services, e-commerce, hospitality and healthcare to protect their data, users, and brand reputation. About Fulcrum Equity Partners Fulcrum Equity Partners is an Atlanta-based growth equity firm that gives entrepreneurs the capital and hands-on support they need to take their companies further, faster. Fulcrum invests in B2B software and healthcare services businesses searching for $5 million to $35 million of equity in minority and majority growth opportunities. Fulcrum's partners believe in building businesses the right way, meeting teams where they are, and helping them imagine a bigger and brighter future by building the right systems, processes, teams, and culture. All of that starts with the right experience, the right support, and the right relationship. Learn more at http://www.fulcrumep.com . Media Contact Emily Townsend reflectiz@scratchmm.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fd25f71a-9829-4aa9-981c-299f540bc6d8 CHICAGO and MUNICH, Oct. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NetSfere, a global leader in secure and compliant enterprise communication, today announced its selection as the secure messaging backbone for PEDNET-LC, a nationwide initiative funded by Germany's Federal Ministry of Health. The project brings together 65 clinics and research institutes across the country to improve diagnostics, treatment approaches, and comprehensive support for children and adolescents with Long COVID-like conditions. Delivered in partnership with Deutsche Telekom, NetSfere's platform was selected for its ability to provide secure, GDPR-compliant, centrally administered communication (IT, data protection, MDM) while meeting the strict requirements of healthcare environments. By enabling secure mobile messaging and collaboration, NetSfere empowers hospital staff to make life-changing impacts in real time: coordinating specialist and bed availability, directing patients to the most suitable facilities, bringing expertise directly to patients who cannot easily travel, and seamlessly connecting hospitals to share and optimize scarce care resources. At the heart of PEDNET-LC are 20 specialized, interdisciplinary care centers established to ensure broad regional coverage. These centers use NetSfere to enable secure communication between physicians, specialists, and care teams, while also ensuring collaboration across hospitals and institutions nationwide. "NetSfere is honored to play a role in this important nationwide project, providing secure, compliant communication that connects hospitals, specialists, and care teams across Germany. By enabling safe, real-time collaboration, we are helping medical professionals deliver faster, more effective support to children and families affected by Long COVID," said Anurag Lal, CEO of NetSfere. "PEDNET-LC represents a decisive step in strengthening pediatric care for children and adolescents impacted by Long COVID. With NetSfere, we now have a communication platform that allows clinics and research institutes to exchange knowledge and coordinate care securely, ensuring patients across Germany receive the best possible support," said Dr. Matthias Keller, Medical Director at the University of Passau and work package leader for telemedicine for PEDNET-LC. NetSfere took the stage at the official PEDNET-LC Kick-off Event with the Virtual Children's Clinic on October 16, 2025, in Passau. The high-profile event was headlined by Bavaria's State Minister of Health, Judith Gerlach, and brought together leading voices from medicine and research. NetSfere showcased its secure messaging platform to more than 50 hospitals from across Bavaria, underscoring the project's broad impact and momentum. About NetSfere NetSfere is a next-generation secure enterprise communication platform, delivering AI-powered, quantum-proof encryption to safeguard mission-critical communications in an era of evolving cyber threats. A product of Infinite Convergence Solutions, Inc., NetSfere's global, cloud-based service offers end-to-end encrypted messaging, real-time collaboration, compliance-driven security features, location-based controls, and comprehensive IT administrative oversight and control. The platform is backed by strategic partnerships with Deutsche Telekom GmbH, one of the world's leading telecommunications companies, and NTT Ltd., a global ICT service provider, enabling organizations worldwide to deploy secure, compliant, and AI-driven communication solutions. Leveraging Infinite Convergence's legacy of delivering carrier-grade mobility solutions, NetSfere's technology supports over 500 million subscribers and processes more than a trillion messages annually. The platform is fully compliant with global regulatory standards, including GDPR, HIPAA, SOC2, FedRAMP, Sarbanes-Oxley, ISO 27001, and more, ensuring enterprises meet the highest security and compliance requirements. Infinite Convergence Solutions has offices in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, India, and Singapore. Learn more at www.netsfere.com . Media Contact NetSfere Harsh Mamgain Email: harsh.mamgain@infinite.com Launched at its Annual Customer Council alongside industry giants including, Just Eat and Delivery Hero, the new AI Tool is part of the Payslip Alpha Suite WESTPORT, Ireland, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Payslip has launched PayrunIQ, a new AI tool within its Payslip Alpha suite that helps global payroll teams, including Cloudera, Just Eat, Delivery Hero, Mango and EQT to query their payrun data using natural language, uncover anomalies, and generate insights 60x faster, achieving a 99% reduction in manual analysis and saves approximately six hours per analyst each month. Launched as the company reaches 1.5 million payslips processed annually worldwide, PayrunIQ represents a big leap forward in payroll intelligence. These insights radically improve decision-making and lead to faster error resolution, particularly during time-sensitive payroll operations - representing a major leap forward in payroll intelligence. Following the recent debut of Payslip Alpha, which has already generated strong interest across the payroll tech space, PayrunIQ continues Payslip's commitment to practical, ethical, and impactful AI. With Payrun IQ, payroll data becomes effortlessly intelligent; it uses AI to read and analyze each payrun, turning complex datasets into meaningful insights through an intuitive chat experience. Payslip's continued growth highlights the rising strategic importance of global payroll operations. Each year, approximately 5 billion in employee salaries are processed through the Payslip platform, spanning 190+ countries. With the launch of Payslip Alpha and the expansion of its automation capabilities, the platform has become increasingly essential for multinational employers who demand accuracy, scalability, and control. "We're fully invested in AI and the revolutionary impact it's having on payroll operations," said Fidelma McGuirk, Payslip's CEO & Founder. "At Payslip, AI isn't an add-on- it's central to how we help global payroll teams achieve accuracy, control, and speed at scale. This represents our next leap forward, turning complex payrun data into clear, actionable intelligence." The unveiling of PayrunIQ took place during Payslip's 2025 Customer Council, the company's largest to date. Held on October 15-16 at The K Club, Ireland, this exclusive event brought together global payroll leaders to discuss new innovations, digital transformation, and what payroll teams can expect in 2026. The theme of this year's Customer Council was Control. Connect. Transform., reflecting the evolution of the Payslip platform alongside the broader digital transformation reshaping payroll worldwide. The two-day event featured strategic discussions, peer networking, collaborative product workshops, and deep dives into the future of payroll tech. "Our customers from major enterprises globally are experiencing first-hand how AI can simplify complexity and drive real transformation," McGuirk added. "The new Payslip Alpha features automate repetitive analysis, highlight potential issues before they become problems, and empower teams to make more confident, data-driven decisions. It's AI designed to make payroll more efficient and less labor-intensive." About Payslip Payslip delivers payroll control, automation and AI for multinational organizations. Purpose-built to simplify and automate global payroll operations, Payslip connects payroll with HR systems and vendor networks into a single, AI-powered platform that delivers visibility, control, and scalability. With standardized data models, deep integrations, and a flexible vendor-agnostic approach, Payslip helps enterprises reduce complexity, enhance compliance, and unlock strategic value from payroll operations. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2563359/Payslip_Logo.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2764671/8Payslip_Alpha_Dark_288x_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/payslip-unveils-payruniq-to-deliver-faster-insights-and-99-less-manual-work-302598407.html SEWICKLEY, PA / ACCESS Newswire / October 29, 2025 / The Macomb Group, a leading distributor of industrial pipe, valves, and fittings (PVF), is proud to announce the opening of its newest branch at 304 Deer Run Road, Sewickley, PA, a strategic location just northwest of Pittsburgh. This expansion underscores the company's commitment to deepening its service capabilities in the Western Pennsylvania region and surrounding markets. The new 42,000-square-foot facility includes one acre of outdoor storage and is conveniently situated just off Interstate 79, a major corridor serving the greater Pittsburgh area. The location offers an ideal logistical hub for rapid distribution and expanded local support. While The Macomb Group has supported customers in the region for years through its Akron, Cleveland, and Willoughby, Ohio, branches, as well as operations east of Pittsburgh, the new branch will allow for faster service, greater inventory accessibility, and tailored support for regional industries. "We've supported the Pittsburgh market for many years through our operations in both Ohio and Pennsylvania," said Bill Vail, Executive Vice President at The Macomb Group. "For some time, we've been actively seeking the right opportunity to establish a branch in the area, and we're excited to make that a reality in Sewickley. This new location positions us closer to our customers and enables us to better meet their needs with greater speed and efficiency." The branch is scheduled to be fully operational by early September. It will be led by Todd Shumate, a PVF industry veteran with more than 25 years of experience serving markets across West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. "We are committed to reviving the traditional supply house model by providing expert support for customer needs and delivering exceptional service with a focus on same-day fulfillment - delivering today, not tomorrow," said Shumate, Regional Sales Manager. He also noted the area's substantial industry diversity: "This is a highly diverse market. Key industries we serve include OEMs, petroleum refining, oil and gas distribution, chemical processing, manufacturing, and power generation - in addition to commercial mechanical contractors." To support the branch's inventory demands, The Macomb Group will leverage its 300,000 square-foot distribution center in Willoughby, Ohio, ensuring deep stock levels and reliable, efficient resupply for customers across the region. This new location is another key step in The Macomb Group's strategic expansion, focused on responsiveness, market specialization, and strengthening relationships across vital industrial and commercial sectors. About The Macomb Group The Macomb Group is a leading wholesale distributor of pipe, valves and fittings. Founded in 1977, the company now has 31 service branches and over 800 employees in 11 states including Michigan, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. The Macomb Group serves a diverse mix of end markets, including automotive, power generation, utilities, pharmaceutical, technology, food and beverage, general manufacturing, healthcare, schools, and more. For more information, please call (888) 756-4110 or visit us at www.macombgroup.com. # # # Media Contact: James McMaster Marketing Manager The Macomb Group 215.256.1715 jmcmaster@macombgroup.com SOURCE: The Macomb Group View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/the-macomb-group-opens-new-branch-in-sewickley-pennsylvania-1092835 CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa., Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Suvoda (recently merged under common ownership with Greenphire), a global clinical trial technology company specializing in software solutions to address trial complexity in mission-critical, time-sensitive moments, today announced the release of its unified patient mobile app. The Suvoda app is a single, intuitive experience that will bring visit scheduling, questionnaires, travel information, receipt submission, and reimbursement tracking into one place to reduce the logistical burden for clinical trial participants. The new patient app combines four core product capabilities in one consumer-grade interface so participants can: complete questionnaires and diaries schedule and reschedule study visits with real-time calendar availability view travel details and itineraries (coming early 2026) submit receipts and track reimbursement status receive automated reminders that help trials stay on track "The Suvoda app is unlike any other participant app in the market today. It offers a unique combination of support tools that patients need. Knowing that patient dropout is a key risk to any clinical trial, our industry needs to do everything it can to support participants, so they stay enrolled in their study," shared Jagath Wanninayake, CEO of Suvoda. In a just-released global survey of clinical trial participants, conducted by the Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research Participation (CISCRP), researchers found that 63% of clinical trial participants said a smartphone app for data collection is a very helpful service (2025 CISCRP Perceptions and Insights Study). Elizabeth Morris, Director of Product Management at Suvoda, agrees with those findings. "Patients consistently tell us that logistics are one of the biggest burdens of participation in a clinical trial. When people must switch between emails, phone calls, and multiple systems, it adds time and stress. Pulling everything together for patients reduces that friction and gives them one place to complete the tasks that matter." For patients, the app offers a simple, secure sign-in and a dashboard with assigned tasks. Clinical trial sites will be able to create automated notifications to remind patients of upcoming visits, to take their medication, or to complete questionnaires. Study teams can review and approve reimbursements in the same unified ecosystem, keeping site and participant views in sync. With these innovations, the app helps make things easier for study site teams and supports trial protocol compliance. Following the completion of Suvoda's merger with Greenphire earlier this year, the combined organization brings IRT, eCOA, and eConsent together with payments, travel, and budgeting capabilities-all on the Suvoda Platform, creating a comprehensive, fully integrated toolset to support the complete patient journey in clinical trials. The patient app is an example of that unified experience and will be available for download on the App Store and Google Play in the first week of November. Additional enhancements are planned for early 2026, including adding Greenphire Travel features to the patient app and a unified Suvoda Platform login for sites and sponsors. About Suvoda Suvoda is a global clinical trial technology company with a real-time experience platform that empowers sponsors and CROs to make confident decisions and sites and patients to take calm, controlled action. Suvoda delivers interconnected, action-driven software solutions and industry-leading services and support, so that even in the most time-sensitive, mission-critical moments, life-changing studies keep moving forward. Headquartered outside Philadelphia, Suvoda also maintains offices in Portland, OR, Barcelona, Spain, Bucharest and Iasi, Romania, and Tokyo, Japan. The company maintains customer satisfaction scores that consistently exceed the technology industry average, contributing to the company being selected by trial sponsors and CROs to support more than 2000 trials across more than 95 countries. Suvoda recently merged with Greenphire, a leading provider of clinical trial financial management and patient support tools. To learn more, visit suvoda.com. Follow Suvoda on LinkedIn. CONTACT: Robin Abadia Director, External Communications marketing@suvoda.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1759317/Suvoda_updated_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/suvoda-launches-unified-patient-app-to-reduce-logistical-challenges-for-clinical-trial-participants-302595800.html The latest update strengthens data accuracy and transparency across the consumer goods industry AMSTERDAM, HONG KONG, OAKLAND, CA / ACCESS Newswire / October 29, 2025 / Cascale has released version 3.11 of the Higg Materials Sustainability Index (Higg MSI), introducing new cotton datasets and expanded material categories for home furnishings. The update enhances data accuracy and supports more informed, science-based material choices across the consumer goods industry. Part of Cascale's Higg Index suite, the Higg MSI is the industry's most widely used standardized framework for measuring material impacts - from raw material extraction through manufacturing and finishing. Updated twice yearly, the tool ensures users have access to the most credible, current data available. The Higg MSI is exclusively hosted on Worldly, the leading sustainability data and analytics platform. "With this update, we're advancing a more comprehensive, data-driven understanding of material impacts across sectors," said Jeremy Lardeau, vice president of Higg Index at Cascale. "The improved cotton datasets address a long-standing data gap and represent the power of collective work to strengthen the industry's access to credible, comparable information." New Materials Categories and Updated Datasets To enhance accuracy and material diversity across the tool, the Higg MSI v3.11 introduces new materials categories that are especially relevant to home furnishing manufacturers, including mineral-based materials such as stoneware, natural stone, glass ceramic, porcelain, and container glass. "Reliable data is the foundation of responsible sourcing," said Scarlette Tapp, Scarlette Tapp, Executive Director, Sustainable Furnishings Council, where key assets were acquired by Cascale in September. "Continued evolution of the Higg MSI represents progress toward a stronger value chain for the home furnishings and wider consumer goods industry." MSI v3.11 also includes updated modeling for nylon and polyester and expanded data for cotton and leather. Its new cotton datasets were modeled according to Cascale's industry-aligned Cotton LCA methodology, which was published in October 2024. The cotton methodology was the product of over three years of collaboration between Cascale and key industry stakeholders in order to: Define LCA Data Source requirements to reduce the dependence on costly full LCA reports and landscape existing data collection efforts. Define modeling approaches and clearly document what primary data is required, and what secondary datasets and assumptions are used in the LCA model. Define data use to facilitate better informed design, sourcing and sustainability decisions, and track field practice improvements over time. Consider metrics beyond LCA to complement the Higg MSI LCA data. "Improving access to farm-level data supports hotspot analysis and can help key stakeholders, especially brand members, in their science-based reporting and evaluation of their selected materials," said Miguel Gomez-Escolar Viejo, Head of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) at the Better Cotton Initiative. "Working with Cascale to increase data availability following an industry aligned methodology, particularly from smallholder contexts, strengthens collaboration with our brand partners." Updated Midpoints and Scores Additionally, all midpoints and scores were changed to align with the updated LCA for Experts (formerly GaBi) database. Because background datasets such as raw materials and energy were updated, score changes of around 10% can be expected. Cascale members and Higg MSI users can learn more about the latest updates by visiting the Higg MSI Change Log. ABOUT CASCALE Cascale is the global nonprofit empowering collaboration to drive equitable and restorative business practices in the consumer goods industry. Formerly known as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Cascale owns and develops the Higg Index, which is exclusively available on Worldly, the most comprehensive sustainability data and insights platform. Cascale unites over 300 retailers, brands, manufacturers, governments, academics, and NGO/nonprofit affiliates around the globe through one singular vision: To catalyze impact at scale and give back more than we take to the planet and its people. LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Cascale on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Cascale Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/cascale Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Cascale View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/cascale-releases-higg-msi-v3.11-with-new-cotton-data-and-expande-1093097 Strategic acquisition will expand Presidio's global footprint to better serve local and multinational clients with end-to-end solutions DUBLIN, Oct. 29, 2025, a leading global technology services and solutions provider, today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Ergo, an Ireland headquartered IT solutions and managed services provider. This strategic acquisition will significantly expand Presidio's presence in Ireland and the UK, bringing together industry leaders with complementary strengths. The combination of Presidio UK & Ireland and Ergo will create a more powerful, agile, and innovative organisation delivering comprehensive digital transformation capabilities, deeper Microsoft expertise, and an expanded ability to serve local market and multinational clients. Founded in 1993, Ergo has been committed to excellence at the intersection of business and technology for over 30 years. Ergo partners with organisations to deliver trusted, enterprise-grade managed services and cloud-smart solutions. Its expertise spans cloud, security, data & AI, licensing, and IT resourcing, driving performance and resilience across every sector. It holds top-tier accreditations with leading vendors, including Microsoft, Broadcom, and Dell, and is recognised globally as an Azure Expert Managed Services Partner and is currently Microsoft Partner of the Year in Ireland. The combined organisation will benefit from broader geographic coverage and strengthened local delivery excellence across Ireland and the UK, enabling consistent, high-quality service for in-region and global customers. It will also offer an expanded portfolio that unites Presidio's global infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital transformation solutions with Ergo's cloud-smart managed services and IT resourcing expertise. Bringing together shared technical talent, advanced tools, and a unified approach to next-generation cloud and AI technologies will accelerate innovation and agility. Customers and employees alike will benefit from enhanced growth opportunities, supported by a shared culture of innovation, customer focus, and operational excellence. "Acquiring Ergo will mark an important step in Presidio's European growth," said Bob Cagnazzi, Chief Executive Officer of Presidio. "This will enhance our capabilities in a key market, add proven leadership and expertise, and position us to deliver even greater value to clients across the region." "What excites me most about joining Presidio is that they recognise what made us successful: our people, our client relationships, and our commitment to the Irish technology community," said Paul McCann, Chief Executive Officer, Ergo. "Our team has built something special, and being a part of Presidio will give us the resources and scale to accelerate our growth while maintaining the culture and client-first approach that defines us. This is about taking what works and making it even stronger." "Ireland is a critical technology hub for Europe. Having Ergo join Presidio will build upon the strong foundation our team has established," said Brid Graham, Senior Vice President, Europe and Asia Pacific, Presidio. "Together we'll be a leading technology services and solutions provider in the Irish market with the talent and scale to better serve local and public sector clients and the hundreds of multinational firms that have chosen Ireland as their European base." The transaction is expected to close by year end 2025, subject to the receipt of applicable regulatory approvals. About Presidio At Presidio, speed and quality meet technology and innovation. Presidio is a trusted ally for organisations across industries with a decades-long history of building traditional IT foundations and deep expertise in AI and automation, security, networking, digital transformation, and cloud computing. Presidio fills gaps, removes hurdles, optimizes costs, and reduces risk. Presidio's expert technical team develops custom applications, provides managed services, enables actionable data insights and builds forward-thinking solutions that drive strategic outcomes for clients globally. For more information, visitwww.presidio.com. Contacts: Press: PR@Presidio.com Investor Relations: Investors@presidio.com REWE West, as a global pioneer in retail innovation, integrates autonomous AI robotics for meal production under the new brand "Fresh Smart." Integration opens a new global growth field for Circus: the world's first autonomous nutrition system is now directly integrated into retail, fully operated by Circus' CA-1 AI robot and AI software platform. The robot integration goes live for end customers today starting in Dusseldorf Heerdt, with a second market already under construction. Circus SE (ISIN: DE000A2YN355 Symbol: CA1), a global technology leader in AI robotics for autonomous nutrition systems, today announces the start and launch of "Fresh Smart", a new segment by REWE Region West, powered by Circus' autonomous AI Robotics system CA-1. REWE Region West, the regional branch of the REWE Group responsible for western Germany, is among the global launch partners of the CA-1 Series 4, positioning REWE as a global frontrunner for in-store automation and food innovation. The REWE Group is one of Europe's largest retail organizations with over 16,000 locations across Europe. The first "Fresh Smart" location opens today in Dusseldorf Heerdt, marking the world's first integration of AI-powered autonomous cooking robotics inside a supermarket. Additional locations are already in planning and under construction. Customers can now experience freshly prepared, restaurant-quality meals prepared live and on-demand by Circus' CA-1 Series 4, the company's first serially produced autonomous cooking robot. Main dishes are available from 6 and accessible to all customers in-store from today. The launch introduces a new era of autonomous retail integration, combining robotics, artificial intelligence, and software. The CA-1 platform autonomously prepares meals with consistent quality and precision, leveraging predictive models to optimize demand, ensure efficiency, and minimize food waste. "With the use of fully autonomous AI robots, we are showing what innovation in food retail truly means today: being close to customer needs, leading in technology, and maintaining the highest standards of quality," says Lars Klein, Chairman of the Management Board of REWE Region West. "We combine efficiency with enjoyment turning grocery shopping into an experience of the future." "Our launch with REWE marks the first real-world deployment of physical AI applied in retail environments," added Nikolas Bullwinkel, CEO and Founder of Circus. "With 'Fresh Smart,' autonomous robotics becomes part of everyday life enabling fresh, high-quality food access through technology that's both scalable and sustainable." Customers can now experience how retail, and cutting-edge technology merge into a unique experience. This first launch marks one of three pilot locations, with the next to follow in just a few days. About Circus SE Circus SE (XETRA: CA1) is a global AI and robotics company developing autonomous systems for food supply in both civilian and defense sectors. Its flagship robot, the patented CA-1, is the world's first fully autonomous food production robot, now in serial production. Powered by proprietary embodied AI, Circus delivers industrial-scale, high-reliability meal output with minimal human input. Headquartered in Munich, the company is building the global infrastructure for autonomous food supply on a mission to fuel humanity. About the REWE Group Headquartered in Cologne, the REWE Group is one of Europe's leading retail and tourism groups, employing over 380,000 people in around 20 countries. In food retail, the group is represented by strong brands such as REWE, PENNY, and Nahkauf, operating over 6,000 stores across Germany alone. This brick-and-mortar presence is complemented by innovative e-commerce offerings such as the REWE delivery service. The group's portfolio also includes hardware stores (toom) and tour operators (DER Touristik). The REWE Group stands for sustainability, innovation, and customer focus both in physical retail and digital channels. About REWE West REWE Region West is a key local grocery provider in two federal states: North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate. More than 25,000 employees are dedicated to serving this region. Around 700 young people are currently undergoing training in markets, logistics, or administration, laying the foundation for a successful future. The headquarters of REWE West is located in Hurth. From the logistics hubs in Cologne-Langel and Koblenz, around 560 REWE and nahkauf stores, as well as special customers in the region, are supplied daily with freshly harvested fruit and vegetables, flowers, meat, and dairy products. REWE stores are operated either as company branches or by independent REWE merchants. Language: English Company: Circus SE St. Martin-Strae 112 81669 Munchen Germany E-mail: ir@circus-group.com Internet: https://www.circus-group.com/for-investors ISIN: DE000A2YN355 WKN: A2YN35 Listed: Regulated Unofficial Market in Berlin, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Munich (m:access), Tradegate Exchange View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251029287238/en/ Contacts: Circus SE St.-Martin-Strae 112 81669 Munich press@circus-group.com The "France Construction Market Size, Trends, and Forecasts by Sector Commercial, Industrial, Infrastructure, Energy and Utilities, Institutional and Residential Market Analysis to 2029 (Q3 2025)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The analyst expects the French construction industry to contract in real terms by 1.3% in 2025, owing to several headwinds caused by falling building permits, labor shortage, political and trade uncertainty, along with a high government deficit. Furthermore, the average construction production index declined by 4.8% YoY in the first six months of 2025, owing to a decline in the index for the construction of buildings (7% YoY) and specialized construction activities (4.9% YoY) during the same period. Construction industry's growth over a short term is expected to be affected by the recent budget cuts for 2026, proposed by French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou in mid-July 2025. These cuts include EUR40 billion ($43.6 billion) in reductions in spending and increases in taxes aimed at addressing the escalating deficit. Over the remainder of the forecast period, the construction industry is expected to register an average annual growth of 2.6% from 2026 to 2029, supported by the public and private investments in energy, transport and data center infrastructure projects. Growth over the forecast period will also be supported by the France Railway Network Redevelopment Program, which includes the redevelopment of 800km of railway track by 2030 with an investment of EUR1.4 billion ($1.5 billion). The government aims to generate 65GW to 90GW of solar power by 2035, along with producing 18GW of offshore wind energy by 2035 and constructing 14 new nuclear reactors by 2050, under its third Multiannual Energy Programming (PPE3), will drive growth in the energy sector. Earlier in May 2025, the European Commission announced EUR500 million ($544.8 million) investment for the period 2025-2027, to encourage public and private researchers and entrepreneurs to choose France for their research investments Scope Historical (2020-2024) and forecast (2025-2029) valuations of the construction industry in France, featuring details of key growth drivers. Segmentation by sector (commercial, industrial, infrastructure, energy and utilities, institutional and residential) and by sub-sector Analysis of the mega-project pipeline, including breakdowns by development stage across all sectors, and projected spending on projects in the existing pipeline. Listings of major projects, in addition to details of leading contractors and consultants Reasons to Buy Identify and evaluate market opportunities using our standardized valuation and forecasting methodologies Assess market growth potential at a micro-level with over 600 time-series data forecasts Understand the latest industry and market trends Formulate and validate business strategies using the analyst's critical and actionable insight Assess business risks, including cost, regulatory and competitive pressures Evaluate competitive risk and success factors Key Topics Covered: 1 Executive Summary 2 Construction Industry: At-a-Glance 3 Context 3.1 Economic Performance 3.2 Political Environment and Policy 3.3 Demographics 3.4 Risk Profile 4 Construction Outlook 4.1 All Construction Outlook Latest news and developments Construction Projects Momentum Index 4.2 Commercial Construction Outlook Project analytics Latest news and developments 4.3 Industrial Construction Outlook Project analytics Latest news and developments 4.4 Infrastructure Construction Outlook Project analytics Latest news and developments 4.5 Energy and Utilities Construction Outlook Project analytics Latest news and developments 4.6 Institutional Construction Outlook Project analytics Latest news and developments 4.7 Residential Construction Outlook Project analytics Latest news and developments 5 Key Industry Participants 5.1 Contractors 5.2 Consultants 6 Construction Market Data 7 Appendix For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/z07z8p About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251029320758/en/ Contacts: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 Drawdown Georgia Climate Solutions & Equity Grants in Action ATLANTA, GA / ACCESS Newswire / October 29, 2025 / In 2023-24 a Georgia-focused funding collaborative of family foundations awarded a two-year, $200,000 Drawdown Georgia Climate Solutions & Equity Grant to Gwinnett Housing Corporation (GHC), Georgia Hispanic Construction Association (GHCA) and Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA). The funders and grantees recently met for a for a follow-up visit in Atlanta. The visit offered the three grantee partners an opportunity to reflect on the successes and lessons learned. The goal of their project was to expand access to healthy, affordable, and low-emission housing for vulnerable, BIPOC, low-income, and low-wealth community members in Gwinnett County. They focused on identifying opportunities to engage with and provide educational resources, energy efficiency information, and funding opportunities to residents in Georgia House District 98 (HD 98), the most diverse and under-resourced part of Gwinnett County. HD 98 is 87% BIPOC with over 50% of residents identifying as immigrants. Their low incomes and low earning potential coupled with proximity to traffic, lack of alternative transportation, and linguistic isolation further compound the issue. Grant Year One The first year of the grant was heavily focused on reviewing data collected as part of a previous Justice40 Capacity Building Fund award, with heavy outreach for stakeholder engagement. Extensive housing analysis already collected on HD 98 identified priority energy and housing interventions. The Drawdown Grant allowed the grantees to take the next step: leveraging the existing data to identify and braid funds from utilities, tax credits, block grants, and other sources to amplify federal funds and create two shovel-ready pilot programs. While weatherization of homes at scale was a top priority of the program to help residents reduce their utility bills, the grantees also recognized that lack of funding was just one of several barriers. Workforce constraints and lack of training and certification were also prohibitive for minority business enterprise participation in bidding for contracts to weatherize homes. Training and resources for contractors were needed. The GHCA took the lead on this part of the grant, seeking to create access to weatherization and build energy efficiency training and clean energy minority job pipelines. Many of the contractors targeted for the training live and work in Gwinnett County. Resident engagement was a key part of Year One. Canvassers were paid to conduct door to door outreach to homeowners and renters in HD 98 to measure the residents' awareness and interest in various energy efficiency practices and funding opportunities. Multiple convenings were also held with residents to solicit their input as a community and to allow them to exercise their rights as decision makers. Grant Year Two In Year Two, GHC took the information gathered from residents in Year One and engaged with investor-owned utilities, electric cooperatives, philanthropists, state and county decision makers, banks and lenders, and other nonprofits--all necessary to best understand how to braid funding streams to best help the residents where they needed it the most. SEEA provided technical assistance to GHC, GHCA, and municipal stakeholders seeking to apply for federal investments and additional grants, and they began engaging with outside funders. GHCA deployed training and education modules and offered them to contractors seeking to secure federal contracts in clean energy and energy efficiency. SEEA helped GHC develop a resource guide for Gwinnett County, with hopes to scale the program and offer it to other under-resourced Georgia communities that seek to match community priorities with federal funding opportunities for advancing healthy, affordable, and efficient housing. This grant was funded by a collaborative of foundations with roots in Georgia. Funders for this project included: The Ray C. Anderson Foundation's NextGen Committee, Sapelo Foundation, Kendeda Fund, R. Howard Dobbs, Jr. Foundation (Dobbs Fund), and The Wilbur and Hilda Glenn Family Foundation. About Gwinnett Housing Corporation GHC is a private, non-profit 501(c)3 development organization with a focus on creating, rehabilitating, and operating quality affordable residential housing. GHC is experienced in every aspect of housing, from construction and rehabilitation of for sale affordable housing to low-income homebuyers, to maintenance and operations of affordable rental housing. About Georgia Hispanic Construction Association The Georgia Hispanic Construction Association (GHCA) is a 501(c)6 non-profit, membership-based organization established in 2012 to serve the needs of the growing Hispanic construction community in the State of Georgia. The GHCA provides education and business development resources to help small and medium-sized construction firms to build a stronger business foundation and to secure more and better business opportunities. About Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance The Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA), promotes efficient energy as a catalyst for economic growth, workforce development, and energy security across 12 southeastern states. We provide research, consultation and education, stakeholder facilitation, program management and financial services to a diverse set of stakeholders in the energy sector. We believe that all people in the Southeast should be able to live and work in healthy and resilient buildings, utilize clean and affordable transportation, and thrive in a robust and equitable economy. Grantees from GHA, GHCA and SEEA with members of the funding collaborative View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Ray C. Anderson Foundation on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Ray C. Anderson Foundation Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/ray-c-anderson-foundation Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Ray C. Anderson Foundation View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/addressing-energy-burdens-and-promoting-energy-equity-in-gwinnet-1093110 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 29, 2025) - The Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") welcomed Raul Jungmann, Chief Executive Officer of the Brazilian Mining Institute ("IBRAM"), and Henrique Carballal, President of the Bahia Mineral Production Company ("CBPM"), to open the market alongside Guillaume Legare, Head of South America, TSX and TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") to celebrate EXPOSIBRAM 2025 - the Brazilian Mining Expo & Congress, the largest mining event in Latin America, held this year in Salvador, Bahia. Cannot view this video? Visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIRTnk7fvJk EXPOSIBRAM brings together industry leaders, investors, and government authorities to discuss the future of mining, technological innovation, and sustainable development in Brazil and around the world. The state of Bahia stands out as a dynamic and growing mineral powerhouse, hosting strategic mining projects that strengthen Brazil's position in the global critical minerals value chain. Brazil remains an important market for the TSX and TSXV, which together list more than 1,100 mining companies - more than any other group of stock exchanges in the world. The collaboration between Canadian and Brazilian stakeholders continues to strengthen bilateral opportunities in investment, innovation, and the responsible development of mineral resources. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/272378 SOURCE: Toronto Stock Exchange Paris, France and Geneva, Switzerland--(Newsfile Corp. - October 29, 2025) - Based in Paris, Alain is responsible for establishing and implementing a global security strategy consistent with the OCIM Group's objectives. In this capacity, he advises directly to its President, Laurent Mathiot. Alain is responsible for establishing and implementing a cross-functional, integrated security strategy. Having acquired a solid understanding of the group's international security challenges as a service provider, among other roles, he is now joining OCIM as Director of Safety and Security. He will work with all departments, including Compliance, Finance and Treasury, Communications, and Administration, to propose relevant solutions. After earning a two-year degree in law from the University of Sceaux (France), Alain continued his education with a two-year degree in Business Management and Accounting from the University of Paris - La Sorbonne (France). He also received training in risk management through specialized programs offered by Israeli government agencies. In 1992, he joined the Maison France-Israel in Paris (France), where he held the position of Director of Security and later became CEO from 1996 to 2007. Under his leadership, it became a place of cultural exchange and prosperous economic cooperation between the two countries. At the same time, in 1996, he founded the CJ Securite/Protection group, now recognized for its expertise in complex risk management. With solid experience in high-stakes contexts, Alain knows how to combine the rigor of a strategic vision and operational requirements with the application of transparency and compliance rules. A man of dialogue, pragmatic and respectful of local realities, he will bring to the OCIM Group the elements necessary to secure its industrial process, particularly in Peru. ABOUT OCIM Founded in Paris in 1961, the OCIM Group is fully owned and managed by the holding company OCIM Finance. Having started as a real estate developer and asset manager OCIM has a long experience of managing complex projects and tangible assets. OCIM is now fully dedicated to the precious metals sector, producing and trading gold and silver and sourcing strategic platinum grade metals, including platinum, palladium and rhodium. OCIM carries out a dual and complementary activity as a trader and financier. As a trader, OCIM buys and sells throughout the value chain of the assets concerned, from producers to end users. As a financier, OCIM funds the operations of the value chain, mainly through short term prepayment contracts. OCIM also operates two integrated gold processing plants in Peru and produces responsible gold out of ore purchased from local Artisanal & Small Scale Miners. OCIM has teams based in Paris, Geneva and Lima. To learn more about OCIM, visit: www.ocim.com. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/272365 SOURCE: OCIM Finance SA NEPTUNUS-1 and NEPTUNUS-2 achieved primary objective of reduced disease activity and provided clinically meaningful benefit 1 Data showed consistent improvements across secondary outcome measures, and a favorable safety profile 1 Novartis plans to submit to health authorities globally in early 2026 If approved, ianalumab could become first targeted treatment for this heterogeneous, systemic autoimmune disease Basel, October 29, 2025 - Novartis today presented new ianalumab data in Sjogren's disease, the second most prevalent rheumatic autoimmune disease2, at a late-breaker presentation during the American College of Rheumatology Convergence congress1. Ianalumab 300 mg monthly delivered a clinically meaningful benefit in the global NEPTUNUS-1 and NEPTUNUS-2 Phase III trials, showing both improvement in disease activity and reductions in patient burden1. Compared to placebo, ianalumab achieved a numerically greater reduction in disease activity by Week 16 with improvements sustained through Week 52 as measured by the EULAR Sjogren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI)1. "Sjogren's disease is a debilitating autoimmune condition affecting multiple organs causing a wide spectrum of symptoms such as dryness, fatigue, pain, and an increased risk of lymphoma - that together may create a substantial disease burden," says Professor Xavier Mariette, Head of Department of Immuno-Rheumatology, Bicetre Hospital, Assistance Publique - Hopitaux de Paris, Paris-Saclay University, France. "The NEPTUNUS trials were the first Phase III studies in Sjogren's in which a treatment significantly improved disease activity and demonstrated that ianalumab has the potential to provide a clinically meaningful benefit to patients." Ianalumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody with a novel dual mechanism of action that depletes B-cells and also inhibits their activation and survival via BAFF-R blockade3. B-cell dysfunction plays a significant role in Sjogren's disease by causing an autoimmune response that leads to inflammation and tissue damage4-6. "Today's results reinforce our confidence that ianalumab has the potential to transform the treatment of this complex disease where no targeted medications currently exist," said Shreeram Aradhye, M.D., President of Development and Chief Medical Officer at Novartis. "We look forward to working with health authorities globally to bring this innovation to people with Sjogren's disease, the second most prevalent rheumatic autoimmune disease." NEPTUNUS study outcomes from 219 trial sites in 35 countries The replicate NEPTUNUS trials showed statistically significant improvement in ESSDAI, the primary endpoint, at week 48 for ianalumab 300 mg monthly1. Numerical improvements were observed as early as Week 16, which were sustained throughout the study1. Patients receiving ianalumab showed consistent numerical improvements in secondary outcome measures including: More patients with ESSDAI low disease activity 1 Improvement in Physician Global Assessment 1 Reduction in overall disease burden as early as Week 8 continuing to Week 52 as assessed by Patient Global Assessment 1 Numerical improvement in dryness, pain and fatigue as assessed by Sjogren's Syndrome Symptom Diary and EULAR Sjogren's Syndrome Patient Reported Index 1 Improvement of stimulated Salivary Flow (sSF) rate and oral dryness vs placebo in patients with sSF>0.4 mL/min at baseline, in a post-hoc analysis1 Ianalumab 300 mg monthly numerically improved physician- and patient-reported outcomes1. Nominal significance was observed in NEPTUNUS-1 and the pooled data set for PhGA and PaGA, as well as the number of patients achieving low disease activity based on ESSDAI in the pooled data set1. The pooled and individual patient-reported secondary outcomes did not reach statistical significance1. The trial results showed favorable safety with an overall incidence of adverse events and serious adverse events comparable to placebo in both studies1. About NEPTUNUS-1 and NEPTUNUS-2 The Phase III clinical trials, NEPTUNUS-1 and NEPTUNUS-2, are global, multicenter, pivotal studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of ianalumab in patients with Sjogren's disease7,8. These trials were designed to provide comprehensive data on the potential of ianalumab as a targeted treatment for Sjogren's disease, in patients with active extraglandular disease3,7,8. NEPTUNUS-1 is a randomized, double-blind, 2-arm multicenter Phase III trial (N=275) designed to evaluate the clinical efficacy, safety, and tolerability of ianalumab 300 mg subcutaneous (s.c.) monthly compared with placebo for 52 weeks7. NEPTUNUS-2 is a randomized, double-blind, 3-arm multicenter Phase III trial (N=504) to evaluate the clinical efficacy, safety, and tolerability of ianalumab 300 mg s.c. monthly or every 3 months compared with placebo for up to 52 weeks8. Patients currently enrolled in the trials have been given the opportunity to continue follow-up in these studies or enter a long-term extension trial that will continue to assess the long-term efficacy and safety of ianalumab9. Ianalumab (VAY736) is also being investigated for its potential to treat other B-cell driven autoimmune diseases including immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), lupus nephritis (LN), warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (wAIHA) and systemic sclerosis (SSc)3,10-14. Ianalumab originates from an early collaboration with MorphoSys AG, a company which Novartis acquired in 202415. About Sjogren's disease (previously called Sjogren's syndrome) Sjogren's disease is a complex, systemic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and tissue damage, impacting the entire body16. It primarily affects exocrine glands, leading to excessive dryness, with over 90% of patients experiencing dry eyes and dry mouth16,17. The disease is heterogenous and inflicts a wide range of symptoms, with patients most commonly experiencing dryness, fatigue and widespread pain, though 30-40% of patients will also show extraglandular organ involvement18,19. Extraglandular manifestation can be very diverse and can affect skin, musculoskeletal system, kidneys, lungs and other organs19. The risk of lymphoma is increased in patients with Sjogren's18. Sjogren's affects approximately 0.25% of the population with an estimated 50% undiagnosed 20-21. Sjogren's is nine times more common in women than men16. Disclaimer This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by words such as "potential," "can," "will," "plan," "may," "could," "would," "expect," "anticipate," "look forward," "believe," "committed," "investigational," "pipeline," "launch," or similar terms, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential marketing approvals, new indications or labeling for the investigational or approved products described in this press release, or regarding potential future revenues from such products. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations regarding future events, and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that the investigational or approved products described in this press release will be submitted or approved for sale or for any additional indications or labeling in any market, or at any particular time. Nor can there be any guarantee that such products will be commercially successful in the future. In particular, our expectations regarding such products could be affected by, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including clinical trial results and additional analysis of existing clinical data; regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally; global trends toward health care cost containment, including government, payor and general public pricing and reimbursement pressures and requirements for increased pricing transparency; our ability to obtain or maintain proprietary intellectual property protection; the particular prescribing preferences of physicians and patients; general political, economic and business conditions, including the effects of and efforts to mitigate pandemic diseases; safety, quality, data integrity or manufacturing issues; potential or actual data security and data privacy breaches, or disruptions of our information technology systems, and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG's current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. About Novartis Novartis is an innovative medicines company. Every day, we work to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people's lives so that patients, healthcare professionals and societies are empowered in the face of serious disease. Our medicines reach nearly 300 million people worldwide. Reimagine medicine with us: Visit us at https://www.novartis.com (https://www.novartis.com/) and connect with us on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/novartis/), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/novartis/), X/Twitter (https://twitter.com/Novartis) and Instagram (https://instagram.com/novartis?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==__;!!N3hqHg43uw!pjp8z253J5NjaOYrW65UbAAlHeHRdQ-w0m4ezZxEQEl0ptafXN2M99VRIk39pf49PAc8NbK93Pxp3uaSBQkAf8oEnzWXG8Sk$). References Thomas GB, Xavier M, Stephanie F et al. Ianalumab demonstrates significant reduction in disease activity in patients with Sjogren's Disease: Efficacy and safety results from two global Phase 3, randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind studies (NEPTUNUS-1 and NEPTUNUS-2). Presented at the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Congress; October 24-29, 2025; Chicago, Illinois National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Health and Medicine Division; Board on Health Care Services; Committee on Selected Immune Disorders and Disability. Sjogren's Disease/Syndrome. [Last accessed: October 2025] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK584486/ (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK584486/) Dorner T et al, Safety and Efficacy of ianalumab in patients with Sjogren's disease: 52-week results from a randomized, placebo-controlled, Phase 2b dose-ranging study, Arthritis and Rheumatology 2025, 77(5):560-570 Lee AY, Qi Z, Jackson KJ, et al. Self-reactive B cells are increased in all major stages of peripheral development in Sjogren's disease. Immunology & Cell Biology 2025; 103: 401-410. Both T, Dalm VA, van Hagen PM, et al. Reviewing primary Sjogren's syndrome: beyond the dryness - From pathophysiology to diagnosis and treatment. Int J Med Sci 2017; 14: 191-200. Cornec D, Devauchelle-Pensec V, Tobon GJ, et al. B cells in Sjogren's syndrome: from pathophysiology to diagnosis and treatment. J Autoimmun 2012; 39: 161-167. ClinicalTrials.gov?NCT05350072 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05350072)?[Last accessed: October 2025]? ClinicalTrials.gov?NCT0539214 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05349214)?[Last accessed: October 2025] ClinicalTrials.gov?NCT05985915 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05985915)?[Last accessed: October 2025]? ClinicalTrials.gov?NCT05653219 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05653219?intr=ianalumab&aggFilters=phase:3&rank=9)?[Last accessed: October 2025]? ClinicalTrials.gov?NCT05639114 (https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05639114)?[Last accessed: October 2025]? ClinicalTrials.gov?NCT05126277 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05126277)?[Last accessed: October 2025]? ClinicalTrials.gov?NCT05648968 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05648968)?[Last accessed: October 2025]?? ClinicalTrials.gov?NTC06470048 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06470048)?[Last accessed: October 2025] Novartis to strengthen oncology pipeline with agreement to acquire MorphoSys [AG Press release]. [Press release]. Available at:?Novartis to strengthen oncology pipeline with agreement to acquire MorphoSys AG for EUR 68 per share or an aggregate of EUR 2.7bn in cash | Novartis (https://www.novartis.com/news/media-releases/novartis-strengthen-oncology-pipeline-agreement-acquire-morphosys-ag-eur-68-share-or-aggregate-eur-27bn-cash)?[Last accessed: October 2025]? Negrini S et al, Sjogren's syndrome: a systemic autoimmune disease,?Clin Exp Med. 2022; 22(1): 9-25 Maleki Fischbach-M, et al, Manifestations and management of Sjogren's disease, Arthritis Res Ther, 2024; 26(1):43 Mariette, Primary Sjogren's symptoms,?New England Journal of Medicine, 2018, 378;10 Kerry Gairy et al, Burden of illness among subgroups of px with primary SjD and systemic involvement,?Rheumatology?2021, Volume 60, Issue 4, April 2021, Pages 1871-1881 Conrad N, et al, Incidence, prevalence, and co-occurrence of autoimmune disorders over time and by age, sex, and socioeconomic status: a population-based cohort study of 22 millions individuals in the UK,?Lancet.?2023;401(10391):1878-1890;?? Narvaez J et al, Prevalence of Sjogren's syndrome in the general adult population in Spain: estimating the proportion of undiagnosed cases,?Sci Rep. 2020;10(1):10627? # # # Two global CDMO leaders have joined forces to strengthen their presence in the rapidly growing antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) market. The collaboration will deliver integrated, one-stop CDMO services spanning antibody drug substance, linker-payload production, and bioconjugation, supported by joint marketing based on deep ADC expertise. SK pharmteco and LOTTE BIOLOGICS have announced that they have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) for a strategic collaboration to strengthen their competitiveness in the global antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) market. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251029483889/en/ Leaders from SK pharmteco and LOTTE BIOLOGICS at the LOTTE BIOLOGICS booth at CPHI Frankfurt, Germany, following the signing of the strategic collaboration Letter of Intent on October 29, 2025. From left to right: Joon Chang, CBO, LOTTE BIOLOGICS; Jiwon Chun, CGO, LOTTE BIOLOGICS; Kern Chang, CTO, LOTTE BIOLOGICS; Yooyeol Shin, CSO, LOTTE BIOLOGICS; James Park, CEO, LOTTE BIOLOGICS; Joerg Ahlgrimm, CEO, SK pharmteco; Andy Fenny, CCO, SK pharmteco; Olivia Boyce, Global Head of Proposals, SK pharmteco; Shiuk Lee, CSO, SK pharmteco; Steve Barr, Head of Small Molecule, SK pharmteco. Through this collaboration, the two companies will jointly investigate providing integrated, one-stop CDMO services to global clients, offering differentiated ADC solutions that span from development to commercial manufacturing. LOTTE BIOLOGICS will utilize its cGMP manufacturing capabilities and global quality competitiveness at its Syracuse Bio Campus in the U.S. to deliver high-quality bioconjugation and drug substance manufacturing services. Meanwhile, SK pharmteco will be responsible for linker-payload development and manufacturing within the chemical-synthesis portion of the process, complementing LOTTE BIOLOGICS' bioconjugation and drug-substance manufacturing. By combining technical expertise and global networks, the companies aim to create a fully integrated CDMO platform that minimizes development-to-manufacturing gaps, offers customized solutions for clients, and strengthens competitiveness in the rapidly expanding ADC sector. They also plan to jointly pursue global marketing and client engagement to expand their customer base across key markets. The partnership also aligns with the ongoing global trend toward supply chain reshoring, as each company possesses advanced manufacturing infrastructures in both the U.S. and Europe. Joerg Ahlgrimm, CEO of SK pharmteco, stated, "This strategic partnership will supercharge the development of next-generation therapeutics, positioning both companies to deliver significantly greater value and accelerate the delivery of innovative new medicines to patients around the world." James Park, CEO of LOTTE BIOLOGICS, added, "This collaboration marks a meaningful milestone, as two leading Korean biopharma companies join forces on the global stage. By combining our strengths in advanced modalities such as ADCs, we will reinforce Korea's biopharmaceutical leadership and accelerate our growth in the global market." About SK pharmteco SK pharmteco is a global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) with production sites, research development facilities, and analytical laboratories across the U.S., Europe, and South Korea. The company partners with biopharmaceutical companies of all sizes to manufacture Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) and intermediates, cell and gene therapy technologies, registered starting materials, and analytical services for the biopharmaceutical industry worldwide. SK pharmteco is a subsidiary of SK Inc. (KRX: 034730) (SK), the strategic investment company for SK Group, South Korea's second-largest conglomerate. About LOTTE BIOLOGICS Headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, LOTTE BIOLOGICS was founded in 2022 with a mission to deliver therapies that contribute to a healthier world. At the Syracuse Bio Campus in New York, LOTTE BIOLOGICS provides high-quality GMP manufacturing services for drug substances. LOTTE BIOLOGICS is also advancing into a new area of expertise with Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) conjugation services. With over $100 million invested in ADC modalities, including both drug substance and conjugation capabilities on-site, we offer a seamless, end-to-end service from drug substance manufacturing to conjugation. Looking ahead, LOTTE BIOLOGICS is constructing three advanced bio plants in Songdo, South Korea. With construction of the first plant already underway and expected to be operational by 2027. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251029483889/en/ Contacts: Keith Bowermaster, APR, CCMP Communications Consultant keith.bowermaster@skpt.com Sangho Lee, Global PR PR Manager Sangho.1ee@lotte.net DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The chemical concentration monitor market is projected to reach USD 9.36 billion by 2030 from USD 6.90 billion in 2025, at a CAGR of 6.3% during the forecast period according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. The market growth is driven by the increasing demand for real-time chemical analysis, rising adoption of process automation, and the growing focus on product quality, safety, and environmental compliance. Expanding applications across chemical processing, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, food & beverages, and water treatment industries are fueling adoption. Moreover, advancements in optical and ultrasonic sensing, IoT-enabled monitoring, and AI-based process analytics are enhancing measurement accuracy, scalability, and operational efficiency, accelerating the transition toward automated and intelligent industrial monitoring systems worldwide. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=137594371 Browse in-depth TOC on 'Chemical Concentration Monitor Market' 150 - Tables 65 - Figures 250 - Pages Chemical Concentration Monitor Market Scope: Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2025 $ 6.90 billion Estimated Value by 2030 $ 9.36 billion Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 6.3% Market Size Available for 2021-2030 Forecast Period 2025-2030 Forecast Units Value (USD Million/Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered By Type, Medium, Offering, Product, Technology and Region Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of World Key Market Challenge Integration challenges associated with legacy infrastructure Key Market Opportunities Expansion into emerging markets and decentralized treatment systems Key Market Drivers Growing demand for real-time chemical analysis in industries such as healthcare & pharmaceuticals Based on technology, optical segment to exhibit highest CAGR during forecast period. The optical technology segment is projected to register the highest CAGR in the chemical concentration monitor market during the forecast period due to its superior accuracy, non-contact operation, and capability for real-time, continuous measurement. Optical methods such as infrared (IR), near-infrared (NIR), UV-Vis, and Raman spectroscopy provide high sensitivity and precision in detecting chemical compositions across various media. Their ability to operate under harsh industrial conditions without sensor fouling makes them ideal for pharmaceutical, chemical, and semiconductor applications. Furthermore, integration with AI-based data analytics and IoT platforms enhances predictive monitoring, enabling faster decision-making and improved process optimization across industries. Based on product, amperometric ion sensor segment to account for largest market share throughout forecast period. The amperometric ion sensor segment is expected to account for the largest share of the chemical concentration monitor market throughout the forecast period due to its high sensitivity, rapid response, and wide applicability across diverse industrial processes. These sensors are extensively used for real-time monitoring of ionic species in water treatment, pharmaceuticals, and chemical manufacturing, where precise concentration control is critical. Their ability to detect trace ion levels and operate effectively in harsh or variable environments makes them ideal for continuous inline analysis. Furthermore, advancements in electrochemical sensor design and digital signal processing are improving reliability, stability, and integration with automated process systems, driving widespread adoption. Inquiry Before Buying: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=137594371 Asia Pacific to dominate global market during forecast period. The Asia Pacific region is projected to dominate the global chemical concentration monitor industry during the forecast period, driven by its strong industrial base and rapid technological advancements. The region's expanding chemicals, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and water treatment industries are driving large-scale adoption of concentration monitoring systems. Countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, and India are heavily investing in process automation, environmental monitoring, and quality control infrastructure. Additionally, government initiatives promoting industrial safety, pollution control, and sustainable manufacturing are creating a favorable environment for market growth. The presence of key manufacturing hubs and increasing R&D investments further strengthen Asia Pacific's market leadership. The report profiles key players in chemical concentration monitor companies such as Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (US), Emerson Electric Co. (US), ABB Ltd. (Switzerland), Endress+Hauser Group Services AG (Switzerland), Veralto (US), Mettler-Toledo International Inc. (US), AMETEK, Inc. (US), Yokogawa Electric Corporation (Japan), Xylem (US), and HORIBA Group (Japan). These players have employed various organic and inorganic growth strategies, including product launches, expansions, acquisitions, partnerships, collaborations, agreements, and investments. Get 10% Free Customization on this Report: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomizationNew.asp?id=137594371 Browse Adjacent Market: Semiconductor and Electronics Market Research Reports &Consulting See More Latest Semiconductor Reports: Semiconductor Cleanroom Market by HVAC System, Fan Filter Unit, Laminar Flow Unit, HEPA & ULPA Filter, Air Shower, Particle Counter, Overhead Hoist Transport, Cleanroom Robot and Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) - Global Forecast to 2030 Security Solutions Market by System (Fire Protection, Video Surveillance, Multi-technology Reader, Biometric Reader, Electronic Lock, Entrance Control, Intruder Alarm, Thermal Imaging), Service (Remote Monitoring, VSaaS, ACaaS) - Global Forecast to 2030 About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of America's Best Management Consulting Firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. 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Contact: Mr. Rohan Salgarkar MarketsandMarkets INC. 1615 South Congress Ave. Suite 103, Delray Beach, FL 33445 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com Visit Our Web Site: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/chemical-concentration-monitor-companies.asp Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/chemical-concentration-monitor.asp Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1868219/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/chemical-concentration-monitor-market-projected-to-reach-9-36-billion-by-2030---exclusive-report-by-marketsandmarkets-302598301.html LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESS Newswire / October 29, 2025 / Visitors of FLEX's booth #51125 in the West Hall at the 2025 SEMA Show will experience live hands-on training, expert-led demonstrations and exclusive giveaways designed to celebrate innovation and craftsmanship in the detailing industry. Each day, attendees can join FLEX's "Master Class" sessions to learn techniques using its newest tools in a way that redefines efficiency, precision, and artistry in detailing. Sessions will be led by some of the most recognized names in the industry, including Mike Phillips, Hannah Kasiri, and Rigo Santana, founder of Xtreme Xcellence. "FLEX is bringing the full force of innovation, education, and excitement to SEMA," said Tim Baker, vice president of product at Chervon North America. "Between our live demonstrations, interactive training, and the debut of our newest polishers and TRACK-LOCK organizational system, our booth will be the ultimate destination for anyone passionate about perfecting the craft of detailing." Throughout the show, Rigo Santana and his team of professionals will perform a live restoration of a 1985 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet from the Petersen Automotive Museum using FLEX's recently launched corded and cordless polishers. The restored car will be part of a giveaway sweepstakes organized by the Petersen Automotive Museum. The booth will also highlight FLEX's TRACK-LOCK system, a new modular storage solution designed to revolutionize body shop organization and efficiency. Exclusive Giveaways FLEX is adding even more excitement to SEMA 2025 with daily product giveaways and the sponsorship of the Meet & Greet event hosted by the International Detailers Association (IDA). FLEX is proud to sponsor the IDA Meet & Greet on Tuesday, Nov. 4, from 5-7 p.m. Detailers attending the event will receive a special FLEX ticket for the chance to win one of 50 free 24V Gear-Driven Orbital Polisher Kits.To find out if they've won, attendees simply need to bring their ticket to the FLEX booth during show hours. Daily Master Classes Schedule (West Hall, Booth #51125) Tuesday, Nov. 4 10:15-10:35 a.m. - Cross-Technique Detailing (Hannah Kasiri) Compare rotary, random orbital, and gear-driven forced action methods; learn when to switch for optimal efficiency. 11:30-11:50 a.m. - Mastering Orange Peel Removal with FLEX 120V Power (Mike Phillips) Step-by-step on wet/machine sanding and rotary polishing for a glass-smooth finish. 1:30-1:50 p.m. - Machines for Paint Correction (Rigo Santana and team) Tools and techniques for flawless correction. 3:45-4:05 p.m. - Master Workflow: From Prep to Protection (Mike Phillips and Rigo Santana) Start-to-finish demonstration showing consistency across FLEX's system of tools for detailing. Wednesday, Nov. 5 10:15-10:35 a.m. - Streamlining Your Bodyshop Workflow (Hannah Kasiri) How TRACK-LOCK personalizes shop organization for less downtime and better flow. 11:30-11:50 a.m. - Achieving a Swirl-Free Finish with the FLEX Orbital Polisher (Mike Phillips) Techniques for removing holograms after compounding. 1:30-1:50 p.m. - Finishing Tools (Rigo Santana and team) Which machines to use for final polish and refinement. Thursday, Nov. 6 10:15-10:35 a.m. - Taking Auto Detailing from Good to Great (Hannah Kasiri) Pro habits from prep to final polish for consistent, high-end finishes. 11:30-11:50 a.m. - Ceramic Coating Mastery with Gear-Driven FLEX Polishers (Mike Phillips) Proper coating application after sanding, rotary cut, and orbital polish. 1:30-1:50 p.m. - Detailing Tight Areas (Rigo Santana and team) Tools and attachments for precision in small spaces. 3:45-4:05 p.m. - Ask the Pros (Mike Phillips and Rigo Santana) Roundtable Q&A with live solutions. Friday, Nov. 7 1:30-1:50 p.m. - Machine Accessories (Rigo Santana and team) Using TRACK-LOCK for organization and efficiency. To learn more about FLEX solutions that will be showcased during the SEMA Show, visit booth #51125 in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center on Nov. 4-7, 2025, or go to www.flexpowertools.com/sema. About FLEX FLEX is a brand built on over 100 years of German engineering and innovation, providing professional-grade power tools that outwork, outperform, and outlast the competition. Founded in 1922, FLEX has a storied history of inventing category-defining products, including the world's first angle grinder in 1954. As part of the global manufacturing enterprise, Chervon, FLEX continues its legacy by focusing on durability, precision, and state-of-the-art technology. Learn more at www.flexpowertools.com. PR Contact: Matthew Parry, Mower, D: 315-413-4318, M: 315-409-3127, mparry@mower.com SOURCE: FLEX View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/consumer-and-retail-products/flexc-to-host-exclusive-master-classes-live-demonstrations-and-daily-g-1093111 Ottawa, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 29, 2025) - Canada's arts and culture sector contributed $65 billion in direct GDP to the Canadian economy in 2024, growing faster and supporting more jobs per dollar than other key sectors like oil and gas, manufacturing or agriculture. These findings come from Artworks: The Economic and Social Dividends from Canada's Arts and Culture Sector, a new report conducted by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce's Business Data Lab. The research, commissioned by Business / Arts in partnership with the Canada Council for the Arts, demonstrates that Canada's creative industries contribute not only to social cohesion, community and Canadians' sense of meaning and purpose, but drive measurable economic growth and regional development. "The arts and culture sector enriches every aspect of Canadian life. It fuels economic growth, attracts talent, fosters belonging, and strengthens our communities," says Aubrey Reeves, President and CEO of Business / Arts. "With the release of the Artworks report, we are demonstrating culture's measurable impacts and making a clear, evidence-based case for continued investment in the creative economy that keeps Canada competitive and connected." Over the past three years, GDP stemming from the arts and culture sector has grown almost 8%, outpacing Canada's overall economic growth of 4%. Meanwhile, Canadian international trade in cultural goods and services reached an all-time high in 2022, with $25 billion sold to foreign customers. Cultural exports have doubled since 2011, with top categories including visual and applied arts, audiovisual and interactive media, and written and published works. Key economic impact findings: The arts and culture sector supports 13 jobs for every million in output, which is more than oil and gas, manufacturing, or agriculture. Since 2011, the sector has outpaced growth in key industries including oil and gas, wholesale trade, retail trade, construction, and manufacturing. Economic impact is highest in Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs and over $100 billion in GDP. The sector generates an estimated $17 billion in federal and provincial tax revenue. Despite these exceptional economic returns, funding challenges threaten the sector's continued growth. With typical arts organizations relying on equal parts government grants, earned revenue and private donations, declining support from public and private sources creates significant pressure. The federal government's allocation to arts, culture and heritage is declining as a share of total federal spending, while Canadian private contributions lag at 0.8% of income - below both North American (0.94%) and global (1.04%) averages. "The arts and culture sector generates $29 in economic activity for every dollar in federal investment- that's an extraordinary return in addition to the social benefits that the sector generates," says Andrew DiCapua, Principal Economist at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. "Yet we're seeing concerning trends in both public and private funding. If we want to maintain Canada's cultural competitiveness and harness this sector's full economic potential, we need sustained, strategic investment." The report also reveals significant social benefits, with higher per-capita arts grants generally associated with increased community sense of meaning and purpose. The arts build social cohesion, support newcomer integration, increase employability and improve skills development while positively impacting residential and property sectors. With cultural exports at record highs and economic returns outpacing traditional industries, strategic investment in Canada's arts and culture sector represents both an economic opportunity and a cultural imperative for maintaining Canada's global competitiveness. Read the report. -30- About Business / Arts Business / Arts is a national charitable organization that champions business investment in the arts and works to build strong, lasting partnerships between the arts, business, and government in Canada. Through targeted programming initiatives and a connected network of arts champions, Business / Arts is committed to ensuring that the arts are recognized as playing a vital and necessary role socially, culturally, and economically across Canada. Learn more at businessandarts.org. About the Business Data Lab Launched in February 2022, the Business Data Lab (BDL) by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce provides free tools and real-time insights to help organizations understand Canada's economy today and anticipate future trends. Supported by Statistics Canada and funded by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, the BDL aims to ensure that rapid economic change and shifting business dynamics do not leave Canada's decision-makers behind. By democratizing data on Canadian business conditions and offering future-focused, real-time, and local insights, the BDL enables organizations to better understand and navigate the Canadian economy. Media Contacts To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/272292 SOURCE: Canadian Chamber of Commerce Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 29, 2025) - Pasofino Gold Limited (TSXV: VEIN) (OTCQB: EFRGF) (FSE: N07A) ("Pasofino" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it received approval for all proposals submitted to shareholders at its annual general and special meeting held on October 28, 2025, in Toronto, Ontario. The matters voted on and approved are as follows: McGovern Hurley LLP, Chartered Accountants, were re-appointed as auditors for the following year, and the directors of the Company were authorized to fix the remuneration to be paid to the auditors; The number of directors of the Company for the ensuing year was fixed at six (6); Oumar Toguyeni, Geoffrey Eyre, Krisztian Toth, Ahmet Emre Kayisoglu, Arnaud Lelouvier, and Brett Richards were elected as the Company's directors for the ensuing year; and The Company's long-term incentive plan was re-approved. Each of the four (4) matters that were voted on received greater than 75% approval, with a total of approximately 83 million shares voted at the meeting. Further details regarding the matters voted on are available in the Management Information Circular dated September 24, 2025. The Company thanks its shareholders for their continued support. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the "United States" (as such term is defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. ABOUT THE DUGBE GOLD PROJECT The 1,410 km2 Dugbe Gold Project ("Dugbe" or the "Project") is in southern Liberia and situated within the southwestern corner of the Birimian Supergroup which is host to most West African gold deposits. To date, two deposits have been identified on the Project; Dugbe F and Tuzon discovered by Hummingbird Resources Limited ("HBL", formerly Hummingbird Resources PLC), in 2009 and 2011 respectively. The deposits are located within 4 km of the Dugbe Shear Zone which is thought to have played a role in large scale gold mineralization in the area. A significant amount of exploration in the area was conducted by HBL up until 2012 including 74,497 m of diamond coring. Pasofino drilled an additional 14,584 m at Tuzon and Dugbe F during 2021. These deposits have a combined Mineral Resource Estimates dated 17 November 2021 with total Measured and Indicated of 3.3 Moz with an average grade of 1.37 g/t Au, and 0.6 Moz in Inferred. Following the completion of the Definitive Feasibility Study in June 2022 a Mineral Reserve Estimate was declared, based on the open-pit mining of both deposits over a 14-year Life of Mine. A technical report for the Dugbe Gold Project was prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com and on the Company's website. In addition to the existing deposits there are many gold prospects within the Project including the Bukon Jedeh area and the DSZ target on the Tuzon-Sackor trend where Pasofino has discovered a broad zone of surface gold mineralisation in trench and outcrop along strike from Tuzon. At this and several of the other prospects no drilling has been carried out to date. In 2019, Hummingbird Resources (Liberia) Inc. ("HB Liberia") signed a 25-year mineral development agreement ("MDA") with the Government of Liberia providing the necessary long-term framework and stabilization of taxes and duties. Under the terms of the MDA, the royalty rate on gold production is 3%, the income tax rate payable is 25% (with credit given for historic exploration expenditures), the fuel duty is reduced by 50%, and the Government of Liberia is granted a free carried interest of 10% in the Project. Today, Pasofino is focusing its efforts on updating the Dugbe Gold Project feasibility study to support its project financing efforts to commence construction on the Dugbe Gold Project in 2026; as illustrated in the MineScope Services Ltd. gap analysis announced on August 26, 2025. Pasofino Gold Completes its Phase One Gap Analysis Update to the 2022 Feasibility Study - Pasofino Gold is developing the Dugbe Gold Project/Liberia QUALIFIED PERSONS STATEMENT Scientific or technical information in this disclosure that relates to exploration results was prepared and approved by Mr. Andrew Pedley. Mr. Pedley is a consultant of Pasofino Gold Ltd.'s wholly-owned subsidiary ARX Resources Limited. He is a member in good standing with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) and is a Qualified Person under NI 43-101. ABOUT PASOFINO GOLD LTD. Pasofino Gold Limited is a Canadian-based mineral exploration company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (VEIN). Pasofino, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, owns 100% of the Dugbe Gold Project (prior to the issuance of the Government of Liberia's 10% carried interest). For further information, please visit www.pasofinogold.com or contact: Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains "forward-looking statements" that are based on expectations, estimates, projections and interpretations as at the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterised by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "seek", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "suggest", "indicate" and other similar words or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur, and include, without limitation, statements regarding the completion and timing of the feasibility study update and related project financing efforts and HB Liberia's obligations under the MDA and the related payment plan. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to, the timing and results of project study and permitting; the results of business operation, the ability to advance the Dugbe Gold Project, the results of exploration activities; ability of the Company to comply with the terms of the MDA, the ability of the Company to complete further exploration activities; timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms and those risk factors outlined in the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis as filed on SEDAR+. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/272383 SOURCE: Pasofino Gold Limited EDMONTON, AB / ACCESS Newswire / October 29, 2025 / Optima Living is proud to announce the launch of the Optima Living PhD Graduate Award for Innovation in Seniors Living, established at the University of Alberta's Faculty of Nursing. This new award reinforces Optima Living's growing partnership with The University of Alberta and its enduring commitment to advancing knowledge, care, and innovation in seniors living. Each year, two $25,000 awards will be presented to PhD students in the Faculty of Nursing who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and research potential. Preference will be given to candidates whose work focuses on Digital Health and Artificial Intelligence, Healthy Aging, or Dementia Care: areas critical to improving quality of life for older adults. The award is funded annually by Optima Living, representing a total investment of $250,000 over five years. It reflects the organization's ongoing dedication to fostering the next generation of healthcare leaders and innovators. "This award is an extension of Optima Living's belief that excellence in seniors care begins with excellence in knowledge creation," said Farid Damji, Co-Founder and Principal of Optima Living. "By supporting PhD research in nursing and partnering with the University of Alberta, we're helping shape the future of seniors care across Alberta." This new award builds upon Optima Living's existing partnership with the Department of Medicine, which focuses on knowledge creation and sharing in aging and dementia care. Together, these initiatives represent a shared commitment to advancing the science and practice of senior living through evidence-based innovation and education. "Partnerships like this one with Optima Living help ensure our students' research translates into real-world improvements for Alberta seniors," said Dr. Shannon Scott, Dean of the Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta. "Beyond research, this collaboration will provide valuable preceptorship opportunities for our students, bring Optima Living's leaders into our classrooms, and foster ongoing collaborations that strengthen our capacity to care for Alberta's aging population." Award recipients will be selected by nomination from the Faculty of Nursing, with final selection made by the University's Graduate Scholarship Committee. Students may be eligible to hold the award for up to four years, subject to continued academic progress and program eligibility. Through this partnership and others, Optima Living continues to strengthen the link between best-in-class research and compassionate care, ensuring we offer innovative, person-centred living experiences for all residents. About University of Alberta Faculty of Nursing The Faculty of Nursing is recognized among the top nursing schools in Canada and around the world. Our reputation is built on more than a century of excellence in nursing education, research, and practice. Our alumni, leaders and innovators across the globe, embody the lasting impact of our programs. Our vision is to lead transformative nursing education and research that improves healthcare across communities, systems, and populations. As a pioneer in Canadian nursing education, we implemented the first Master of Nursing program in Western Canada in 1975, and began the first fully-funded Nursing PhD program in Canada in 1991. Today, our faculty includes more than 300 dedicated educators, researchers, and staff who prepare the next generation of nurses and advance nursing knowledge and practice worldwide. Nearly 1,500 undergraduate and over 200 graduate students are currently enrolled, forming a strong pipeline of future nursing leaders, scholars, and practitioners. Together, our community continues to strengthen nursing's impact across Alberta, Canada, and the world. About Optima Living Founded in 2007 by two friends inspired by a love for seniors and their families' dementia journeys, Optima Living was created to offer a more home-like experience in seniors housing and care. What began as a personal mission has grown into one of Western Canada's leading senior living and continuing care providers, offering Independent Living, Assisted Living, Supportive Living, Long-Term Care, Brain Health and Memory Care, including Optima's own proprietary brain health and care model: Spark, Your Wellness, Your Way. Today, we are the only Top 10 Canadian senior living and care provider focused exclusively on Western Canada, serving 4,300+ residents in Alberta and British Columbia. Guided by our North Star, Let us welcome you home, we are committed to People, Place, and Community. With a resident-first philosophy, deep community ties, and a focus on innovation, we are shaping a future defined by integrity, dignity, and empathy. At Optima Living, senior living is about thriving, not just residing. We're redefining aging with purpose by creating communities where residents live well with dignity, connection, and joy. Discover how we are changing the landscape of senior living at https://optimaliving.ca/. Optima Living: Let us welcome you home. Contact: Katie Matthews Senior Manager, Communications Optima Living T: (236) 988-5883 | E: katie.matthews@optimaliving.ca Follow Optima Living LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Website | Optima Living TV (YouTube) SOURCE: Optima Living View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/real-estate/shaping-the-future-of-seniors-care-in-alberta-optima-living-and-the-university-of-alber-1092353 TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / October 29, 2025 / NextSource Materials Inc. (TSX:NEXT)(OTCQB:NSRCF) ("NextSource" or the "Company") announces that it has agreed to an extension to its drawdown credit facility (the "Facility") of up to a further US$10 million with Vision Blue Resources Limited ("Vision Blue"). The Company is in active discussions with debt and equity investors that have expressed interest in funding its battery anode facility in the United Arab Emirates ("UAE BAF"). The funding from Vision Blue allows the Company to progress its strategic partner process, advance the UAE BAF towards a final investment decision, and support the continued operation of the Molo mine and the development of its expansion opportunities. Hanre Rossouw, President and CEO commented, "Securing this additional financing from Vision Blue Resources provides NextSource with significant financial flexibility, allowing NextSource to advance critical technical workstreams and negotiations with strategic investors engaged in discussions around financing the Company's battery anode facility in the United Arab Emirates." As announced on January 30, 2025, the Company secured a drawdown Facility of up to US$20 million and has drawn down on this initial Facility in tranches, with the final tranche drawn in July 2025. The Facility from Vision Blue will continue to be drawn down in tranches, potentially increasing the total Facility up to US$30 million, with the next tranche being US$5 million. Interest will accrue on the amount drawn down at a rate of 15% per annum, and the loan is repayable on demand. The Facility, including the additional loan, remains secured by the assets of the Company, and NextSource may repay the Facility at any time without penalty or bonus. Related Party Transaction Vision Blue holds 47.68% of the Company's issued and outstanding shares (47.68% on a partially diluted basis). Accordingly, the Facility constitutes a "related party transaction" as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is not required to obtain a formal valuation in respect of the Facility. The Company is exempt from the need to obtain minority shareholder approval per subsection 5.7(1)(f) of MI 61-101, as the Facility is on reasonable commercial terms that are not less advantageous to the Company than if the Facility were obtained from a person dealing at arm's length with the Company and the Facility is not convertible, directly or indirectly into equity of the Company or a subsidiary of the Company. The Board of Directors of NextSource, with the exception of Sir Mick Davis (being a Director of Vision Blue) who declared his interest and recused himself, unanimously approved the Facility. About NextSource Materials Inc. NextSource Materials Inc. is a battery materials company based in Toronto, Canada that is intent on becoming a vertically integrated global supplier of battery materials through the mining and value-added processing of graphite and other minerals. The Company's Molo graphite project in Madagascar is one of the largest known and highest-quality graphite resources globally, and the only one with SuperFlake graphite. The Molo mine has begun production through Phase 1 mine operations. The Company is also developing a significant downstream graphite value-add business through the staged rollout of Battery Anode Facilities (BAF) capable of large-scale production of coated, spheronized and purified graphite for direct delivery to battery and automotive customers, in a fully transparent and traceable manner. The Company is now in the process of developing its first BAF in the UAE. NextSource Materials is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "NEXT" and on the OTCQB under the symbol "NSRCF". For further information about NextSource Materials, please visit our website at www.nextsourcematerials.com or contact us at +1.416.364.4911 or email Brent Nykoliation, Executive Vice President at brent@nextsourcematerials.com. Safe Harbour: This press release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information or statements. Forward looking statements and information are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "potential", "possible" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may", "will", "could", "expected" or "should" occur. Forward-looking statements include any statements regarding, among others, timing of construction and completion of the BAF and proposed timing of future locations of additional BAFs, timing and completion of front-end engineering and design and ESIA permitting, the economic results of the BAF Technical Study including capital costs estimates, operating costs estimates, payback, NPV, IRR, production, sales pricing and working capital estimates, the construction and potential expansion of the BAFs, expansion plans, as well as the Company's intent on becoming a fully integrated global supplier of critical battery and technology materials. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and assumptions that involve a number of risks, which could cause actual results to vary and, in some instances, to differ materially from those anticipated by the Company and described in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur or, if any of them do so, what benefits the Company will derive there from. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as at the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based on what management believes are reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with them. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Subject to applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this news release. SOURCE: NextSource Materials Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/nextsource-materials-announces-upsizing-of-funding-facility-from-vision-blue-reso-1093149 DETROIT, MI / ACCESS Newswire / October 29, 2025 / The Battery Show and Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology Expo cemented its status as the leading advanced battery and EV event in North America, concluding October 9th after four days dedicated to the cutting-edge products and innovations revolutionizing battery technology. (October 6-9, Huntington Place, Detroit) The expo hall delivered a hands-on look at the full battery and EV technology supply chain with over 1,300 of the industry's suppliers, most notably Siemens, Parker, and Hongfa, displaying the newest advancements in battery technology, EV systems, testing, materials, thermal management and more. The New Product Showcase within the expo hall offered live exhibitor demonstrations to professionals seeking the latest technologies across commercial and industrial transportation, stationary energy storage, portable electronics and more. Michigan's Governor, Gretchen Whitmer, and Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II both attended the event to learn more about the sector and its continued impact on the state. Executives from trailblazers in the sector including General Motors, LG Energy Solution, and SK On delivered insightful keynote presentations, sharing critical insights on the trends, policies and investments advancing the next generation of battery technology. Attendees gathered at the Open Tech Forum within the expo hall for critical insights on the future of batteries, EVs and energy storage, covering topics including battery safety, battery manufacturing, battery design and stationary energy storage. Top engineers, product developers and technical specialists led sessions at the Battery Tech Theater, giving attendees a front-row preview of the shifts actively shaping the future of electrification. This edition also saw the launch of The Battery Awards, celebrating the trailblazers who are shaping the future of electrification, sustainability, safety and advanced technologies. "The Battery Show is where challenges are turned into opportunities," says Shamara Ray, Group Event Director, Informa Markets Manufacturing. "As the battery industry evolves along with international policy, supply chains and new technologies, the caliber of companies and professionals in attendance, in addition to the various networking events and opportunities for connection, facilitate new ideas and innovations." Germany, United Kingdom, Canada and Italy were among the countries with dedicated pavilions in the expo hall, highlighting the global reach of The Battery Show and the interconnectedness of the sector. Other event highlights include the festive 15th Anniversary Party which captured the electric spirit of the Motor City, featuring a live band and raffle drawing. Returning in 2025 was the Meet Up Zone, a dedicated networking lounge where participants gathered for small group discussions on key topics. The BATT to the Future Zone in the expo hall was a new, nostalgic journey into the future of batteries and EVs featuring eight innovative exhibits showcasing cutting-edge and futuristic battery technologies and other interactive experiences including a scavenger hunt and multiple receptions. The Battery Show is a strategic platform for decision makers to explore emerging technologies, evaluate suppliers and forge partnerships that shape the future of electrification. The Battery Show South will take place at the Charlotte Convention Center April 22-23, 2026. For more information, visit www.thebatteryshowsouth.com. About The Battery Show The Battery Show is the largest and most comprehensive advanced battery technology event, co-located with Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology Expo, the only trade show and conference exclusively dedicated to advanced battery and the electric and hybrid vehicle drivetrain. Visitors to our shows can discover and demo the latest products, technology, and solutions from nearly a thousand suppliers, network with tens of thousands of attendees and access a breadth of education across multiple tracks and technical sessions. The Battery Show is organized by Informa Markets Engineering and includes The Battery Show Europe, The Battery Show North America, The Battery Show India, The Battery Show South, The Battery Show Middle East and The Battery Show Asia. Listed media partners include Informa Market's Battery Technology and DesignNews. For more information, please visit informamarkets.com. About Informa Markets Engineering? Informa Markets' Engineering portfolio, a subsidiary of Informa plc (LON:INF), is the leading B2B event producer, publisher, and digital media business for the world's $3-trillion advanced, technology-based manufacturing industry. Our print and electronic products deliver trusted information to the engineering market and leverage our proprietary 1.3-million-name database to connect suppliers with buyers and purchase influencers. We produce more than 50 events and conferences in a dozen countries, connecting manufacturing professionals from around the globe. The Engineering portfolio is organized by Informa, the world's leading exhibitions organizer that brings a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit informamarkets.com. Media Contact? Informa Markets Engineering? EngineeringPR@informa.com SOURCE: INFORMA MARKETS - ENGINEERING View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/publishing-and-media/the-battery-show-north-america-celebrates-15th-anniversary-connecting-global-b-1093169 Hitachi Energy acquires a minority stake in Shermco, a company recently acquired by private equity funds managed by Blackstone, strengthening capabilities to maintain the reliability and safety of North America's power grid -- In addition, Hitachi Energy is investing more than $1 billion USD in the organic expansion of its global Service business, developing new digital service solutions, like HMAX, and growing its workforce. Zurich, Switzerland, and New York, U.S.A., Oct. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hitachi Energy, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., today announced a strategic partnership with Blackstone Energy Transition Partners ("Blackstone") to expand and strengthen its Service business, supporting customers in maintaining the reliability and safety of power infrastructure across North America. As part of the partnership, Hitachi Energy will acquire a stake in Shermco - a leading provider of comprehensive maintenance, repair, testing, commissioning, and design services in North America, recently acquired by private equity funds affiliated with Blackstone. The partnership brings together three industry leaders: Hitachi Energy, a global technology leader in electrification; Blackstone, the world's largest alternative asset manager; and Shermco, a leading provider of electrical services in the U.S. and Canada. Together, they will seek to expand service capacity and capabilities to deliver comprehensive lifecycle support for critical energy infrastructure, from power generation and transmission to data centers and industrial electrification. "Investing in Shermco in partnership with Blackstone enables Hitachi Energy to accelerate our growth and expand service capabilities across North America," said Andreas Schierenbeck, CEO of Hitachi Energy. "Our investment strengthens our service offering as we continue to scale, helping customers maintain and extend the life of existing assets while making the grid stronger, more resilient and fit for the future." "We're thrilled to welcome Hitachi Energy as a strategic partner alongside Blackstone," said Phil Petrocelli, CEO of Shermco. "This investment is a testament to our commitment to serving our customers' essential power needs and reputation for safety and excellence. With this additional support and resources, we look forward to expanding our footprint and capabilities to continue to accelerate our growth together." "Hitachi Energy is a global leader across technology and energy with deep digital and operational expertise," said David Foley, Global Head of Blackstone Energy Transition Partners. "We are excited to partner with Hitachi Energy to build on Shermco's success alongside Phil Petrocelli and its exceptional management team." JP Munfa and Darius Sepassi, Senior Managing Directors at Blackstone, added, "Hitachi Energy's investment in Shermco brings together a global technology leader in electrification with one of the leading North American providers of mission-critical maintenance, testing and design services for electrical equipment. We are thrilled to be partnering with Hitachi Energy and look forward to working together to accelerate Shermco's next phase of growth in an era of rapid electrification and increasing demand." Hitachi Energy's $1 billion global investment in Service In addition, Hitachi Energy is investing more than $1 billion USD globally to expand its Service footprint, launching new digital service solutions with HMAX Energy, and growing its workforce - including the development and certification of over 5,000 additional service experts worldwide. "By combining Hitachi Energy's grid expertise and digital solutions with Shermco's nationwide field service presence, we will set a new benchmark for electrical infrastructure services - creating the leading service partner in North America driving asset reliability and performance as well as digital innovation for utilities, industries and data centers alike," said Wolf Mueller, Managing Director of Hitachi Energy's Service Business. Strengthening Service capabilities for the electricity era Globally, power grids are aging, and the experienced workforce is retiring, creating significant challenges. As electrification accelerates across industries, transportation, and digital infrastructure, service is the backbone of grid modernization. Much of today's grid infrastructure - more than 70 percent of U.S. transmission lines1 - is decades old, nearing or past its intended lifecycle, leading to higher outage risks, cyber vulnerabilities and costly emergency repairs. Service is critical to help data centers, utilities and industries maintain, upgrade, and optimize their infrastructure and increase the reliability, safety, flexibility and sustainability of energy systems. 1. DOE, What does it take to modernize the U.S. electric grid? Note to Editors: (1) Founded in 1974 and headquartered in Texas, Shermco is one of the largest electrical testing organizations accredited by the InterNational Electrical Testing Association ("NETA"), providing comprehensive electrical system maintenance, repair, testing, commissioning and design services, with more than 600 NETA technicians and 200 engineers across 40 service centers in the U.S. and Canada. Shermco provides critical services for data centers, utilities and diversified commercial and industrial end-markets, partnering with customers to enhance the safety, reliability and efficiency of their critical electrical infrastructure, while minimizing downtime and outages. (2) HMAX Energy is Hitachi's upcoming digitally enabled and AI-powered services offering related to the energy sector. As a key pillar of the company's Lumada 3.0 strategy, HMAX Energy integrates digital capabilities, domain expertise, service excellence, and installed base intelligence to maximize uptime, safety, efficiency, and asset lifetime. These capabilities will empower customers to shift from reacting to predicting - future-proofing their energy infrastructure. About Hitachi Energy Hitachi Energy is a global technology leader in electrification, powering a sustainable energy future with innovative power grid technologies with digital at the core. Over three billion people depend on our technologies to power their daily lives. With over a century in pioneering mission-critical technologies like high-voltage, transformers, automation, and power electronics, we are addressing the most urgent energy challenge of our time - balancing soaring electricity demand, while decarbonizing the power system. With an unparalleled installed base in over 140 countries, we co-create and build long-term partnerships across the utility, industry, transportation, data centers, and infrastructure sectors. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ over 50,000 people in 60 countries and generate revenues of around $16 billion USD. https://www.hitachienergy.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/hitachienergy https://x.com/HitachiEnergy About Hitachi, Ltd. Through its Social Innovation Business. About Blackstone Energy Transition Partners??? Blackstone Energy Transition Partners is Blackstone's strategy for control-oriented equity investments in energy-related businesses, a leading energy investor with a successful long-term record, having committed over $27 billion of equity globally across a broad range of sectors within the energy industry. Our investment philosophy is based on backing exceptional management teams with flexible capital to provide solutions that help energy companies grow and improve performance, thereby delivering more reliable, affordable and cleaner energy to meet the needs of the global community. In the process, we build stronger, larger scale enterprises, create jobs and generate lasting value for our investors, employees and all stakeholders. Further information is available at https://www.blackstone.com/our-businesses/blackstone-energy-transition-partners/. About Shermco Headquartered in Irving, TX, Shermco provides electrical testing, maintenance, commissioning and repair services to a wide range of utility, industrial, energy and other end markets. With more than 40 locations, Shermco serves a diversified blue-chip client base across North America. The Company is an active participant in NETA. Attachment Hitachi Energy, Blackstone, and Shermco Unite (https://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/e2361d85-ce00-4357-8856-1c48305dbb48) Media Relations Hitachi Energy Ltd media.relations@hitachienergy.com Blackstone Jennifer Heath Jennifer.Heath@Blackstone.com Starr set to become ninth-largest Lloyd's agency Starr, a global investment and insurance organization, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire IQUW Group. The acquisition of IQUW Group will expand the classes of business that Starr underwrites and will position the combined company for growth across a broader range of global market segments. As a result of the acquisition, Starr's managing agency is set to become the ninth-largest agency operating at Lloyd's. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251029092659/en/ IQUW Group has gross written premiums (GWP) of approximately $1.9 billion and includes two Lloyd's syndicates: IQUW, a specialty (re)insurer that operates across multiple specialty lines and ERS, the U.K.'s largest motor insurer at Lloyd's, as well as IQUW Re Bermuda, its Bermuda-based reinsurance platform. The acquisition will bring together Starr's specialty insurance and reinsurance capabilities with IQUW Group's strong market presence and complementary portfolio, creating one of the most diversified platforms at Lloyd's. Outside of the Lloyd's market, Starr writes commercial non-life insurance globally, with coverage in over 170 countries across 6 continents. Following completion of the transaction, Peter Bilsby, IQUW Group's chief executive officer, will lead Starr's international business, working closely with Stuart Scott, Starr's president of U.K. and EME, and Jose Ribeiro, Starr's president for APAC and LATAM. "This strategic acquisition of IQUW Group is about diversification and a focus on underwriting profitability, consistent with our own. The combination of our companies will give us a larger footprint in the London market and result in a stronger organization," said Jeff Greenberg, chairman and co-chief executive officer of Starr. "We have known and respected Pete Bilsby for a number of years. He has built an exceptional team, and I am delighted that he will lead our international business." Steve Blakey, president and chief executive officer of Starr Insurance Holdings, commented: "Through this transaction, we are significantly expanding our presence in Bermuda, U.K. retail motor, and London wholesale, the most important wholesale market globally. With limited overlap between the two organizations, the addition of IQUW Group means we will be able to serve more clients and brokers in more specialist classes and market segments." Peter Bilsby, chief executive officer of IQUW Group said: "I cannot think of a better new home for IQUW Group than with Starr. When we launched IQUW, our vision was to bring together market-leading talent with technology and data analytics to enhance service and decision-making for our brokers and (re)insureds. I am very grateful for Aquiline's and Abry's support over the years, and I am immensely proud that we have delivered on our vision. Being part of Starr will enable us to scale up our specialist products, and our tech and data capabilities will be of benefit to the wider Starr group. I am incredibly excited for this next chapter and what we can achieve together." The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Until the deal closes, both companies will continue to operate independently. Terms of the transaction have not been publicly disclosed. BofA Securities served as financial adviser to Starr, and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher and Flom LLP served as legal adviser. Evercore Partners International LLP and J.P. Morgan Securities served as financial advisers to IQUW, and Norton Rose Fulbright LLP served as legal adviser. About Starr Starr is the marketing name for the operating insurance and travel assistance companies and subsidiaries of Starr International Company, Inc. and for the investment business of C. V. Starr Co., Inc. and its subsidiaries. Starr is a leading global investment and insurance organization with a presence on six continents. Through its operating insurance companies, Starr provides property, casualty, and accident and health insurance products as well as a range of specialty coverages including aviation, marine, energy and excess casualty insurance. Starr's insurance company subsidiaries domiciled in the U.S., Bermuda, China, Hong Kong, Malta, Singapore, Switzerland, and U.K. each have an A.M. Best rating of "A" (Excellent). Starr's Lloyd's syndicate has a Standard Poor's rating of "A+" (Strong). About IQUW Group IQUW Group is a specialty insurance and reinsurance business that combines data and analytics with underwriting expertise. The IQUW Group operates through IQUW, IQUW Re Bermuda and ERS, offering a diversified (re)insurance portfolio across specialty, property, and motor lines. IQUW Group's businesses use data intelligently, to make fast, informed decisions and to deliver better outcomes for brokers and clients. IQUW Syndicate 1856, underwrites a range of specialty and property classes at Lloyd's, combining expert insight with technology led decision making. IQUW Re Bermuda provides reinsurance solutions through a disciplined, analytical approach and has an A- rating from AM Best. ERS, Syndicate 218 at Lloyd's, is the UK's largest specialist motor insurer, offering insurance solutions across a diverse range of vehicles and drivers, from classic and performance cars to commercial and specialist risks. For more information, visit www.iquwgroup.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251029092659/en/ Contacts: Media enquiries: Starr Hunter Hoffmann media@starr.com Prosek (public relations adviser to Starr) Doug Campbell (London) dcampbell@prosek.com Kate Dillon (New York) kdillon@prosek.com IQUW Group Jonathan Watson jonathan.watson@iquw.com Rein4ce (public relations adviser to IQUW Group): Mairi Mallon mairi.mallon@rein4ce.co.uk - Achieving Over 90% Accuracy, Wins First Place at GICHD-Sponsored Awards - TOKYO, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- NEC Corporation (NEC) (Tokyo: 6701) and the Cambodian Mine Action Center (CMAC, *1), the national institution responsible for landmine clearance activities in Cambodia, with assistance from JICA (*2), conducted a proof-of-concept using AI to predict landmine-contaminated areas. This initiative aims to contribute to rapid and efficient clearance operations to eliminate landmine casualties. The proof-of-concept achieved highly accurate predictions, with a match rate exceeding 90% against actual landmine locations. This initiative also received recognition through "The GICHD Innovation Award 2025," hosted by the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD, *3), which honors outstanding technologies contributing to progress in demining activities. The award was presented at a ceremony held in Luxembourg on Tuesday, October 28. The use of landmines remains a humanitarian issue worldwide, particularly hindering community and economic development for extended periods in post-conflict nations. It is estimated that approximately 100 million people face the threat of landmines, with one person losing their life to a landmine every 90 minutes (*4). In Cambodia, civil war spanning the 1970s and 1990s led to the widespread burial of landmines across the country. Despite years of dedicated clearance efforts, remnant landmines persist in some areas today. These landmines prevent the use of land for farming and residential purposes, posing serious obstacles to recovery and development. The Cambodian government, based on the Ottawa Treaty (Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction) signed in 1997, has set a target of completing landmine clearance within Cambodia by 2030. To achieve this, it is expected that advanced technologies such as AI will be utilized to reduce survey time. This demonstration targeted approximately 1 million square meters of Cambodia's landmine fields. NEC's AI analyzed information based on data that included CMAC's records of detected landmine locations, resident-provided information, and open data such as river/mountainous terrain locations and factory/critical building sites. It then accurately predicted areas with a high probability of containing buried landmines. Traditionally, identifying potential landmine-infested areas required extensive, unorganized data and significant manpower over long periods. By leveraging AI, this process can now be performed quickly with fewer personnel, demonstrating the potential to support swift and efficient landmine clearance. Going forward, NEC will continue striving to further improve AI's accuracy. Working with CMAC, with assistance from JICA, and strengthening collaboration with the Japanese government, NEC will accelerate efforts toward achieving Cambodia's goal of completing landmine clearance by 2030. Furthermore, NEC aims to contribute to other landmine-affected countries using this technology in the future. (*1) Cambodian Mine Action Center (CMAC) Location: Phnom Penh, Cambodia; Director: Heng Rathana (*2) Japan International Cooperation Agency (*3) Geneva International Center for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) Location: Geneva, Switzerland; Director: Stefano Toscan (*4) Source: the-monitor.org/reports/landmine-monitor Landmine Monitor 2024 Full Paper About NEC Corporation NEC Corporation has established itself as a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies while promoting the brand statement of "Orchestrating a brighter world." NEC enables businesses and communities to adapt to rapid changes taking place in both society and the market as it provides for the social values of safety, security, fairness and efficiency to promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. For more information, visit NEC at https://www.nec.com. NEC is a registered trademark of NEC Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Other product or service marks mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners. 2025 NEC Corporation. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2807538/NEC_Corporation.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2807537/NEC_Corporation_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/nec-and-the-cambodian-mine-action-center-successfully-predict-landmine-contaminated-areas-in-cambodia-using-ai-302598678.html BH Macro Limited - Transaction in Own Shares PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, October 29 BH Macro Limited (the "Company") (a closed-ended collective investment scheme established as a company with limited liability under the laws of Guernsey with registered number 46235) Transaction in Own Shares 29 October 2025 BH Macro Limited (the Company) announces today it has purchased the following number of its ordinary shares on the London Stock Exchange from J.P. Morgan Securities plc: Ordinary Shares: - Share Class US Dollar Sterling Date of purchase: 29 October 2025 29 October Number of ordinary shares purchased: 20,000 2,277 Lowest price per share (pence) 4.14 403.50 Highest price per share (pence) 4.14 403.50 Trading venue London London Aggregate volume per date per trading venue: 20,000 2,277 Weighted average price per day per trading venue (pence): 4.1400 403.5000 The Company intends to hold the purchased shares in treasury. Following the above share transactions of the relevant US Dollar and Sterling Shares, the total number of shares in issue in each share class of the Company will be as follows: Ordinary Shares in issue (excluding Treasury) Ordinary Shares held in Treasury 321,231,266 Sterling Shares 55,863,306 Sterling Shares 25,282,981 Dollar Shares 91,863 Dollar Shares From 29 October 2025, the total number of voting rights in the Company (rounded up to the whole number) is 491,761,428. Enquiries: Company website: www.bhmacro.com William Simmonds JPMorgan Cazenove Tel: 020 7588 2828 The Company Secretary Northern Trust International Fund Administration Services (Guernsey) Limited Tel: 01481 745001 Regulatory News: THERACLION (ISIN: FR0010120402; Mnemo: ALTHE), an innovative company developing Sonovein, a robotic platform for non-invasive High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) varicose vein treatment, provides an update on its strategic progress and announces its first-half results. United States : Pivotal study successfully completed with a 12-month occlusion rate of 96.8%, confirming strong efficacy. : Pivotal study successfully completed with a 12-month occlusion rate of 96.8%, confirming strong efficacy. Europe : CE MDR certification obtained and commercial rollout continued with the opening of two new centers in Bulgaria and in Spain. : CE MDR certification obtained and commercial rollout continued with the opening of two new centers in Bulgaria and in Spain. China : Obtained GB 9706.1-2020 certification for the safety of electromedical equipment, the national equivalent of international standard IEC 60601-1. : Obtained GB 9706.1-2020 certification for the safety of electromedical equipment, the national equivalent of international standard IEC 60601-1. Revenue up 89% and operating loss reduced by 23%. up 89% and by 23%. Cash position strengthened by the issuance of BEOCA and the exercise of 2023 warrants. Martin Deterre, Chief Executive Officer of Theraclion, stated: "The results achieved over the past few weeks mark the culmination of several years of dedicated work in the U.S., Europe and China. The major success of our U.S. pivotal study, together with the obtainment of European CE MDR and Chinese GB 9706.1-2020 technical certifications, clearly demonstrate our team's ability to deliver. At the same time, revenue growth-recurring revenue in particular-and reduction in operating losses confirm the strength of our trajectory. Along with a stronger cash position, these achievements reinforce our credibility and support the commercial rollout now at the heart of our efforts United States: Successful FDA Pivotal Study The VEINRESET FDA pivotal study was successfully completed. Results showed that at 12 months, 96.8% of treated patients achieved complete occlusion of the great saphenous vein, meeting the primary endpoint, and 98.5% showed no reflux. All secondary endpoints confirmed the device's efficacy and safety. Pain was eliminated in all patients and symptoms had completely disappeared in most of them. These results form the basis of the regulatory submission that Theraclion plans to file with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the coming weeks. FDA clearance, expected in the second quarter of 2026, would allow Theraclion to access the U.S. market the world's largest for venous disease treatments for which the company is already preparing its operational development plan. Europe: CE Certification under MDR In September, Sonovein obtained certification under the Medical Device Regulation (MDR, EU 2017/745). The MDR is the European Union's regulatory framework for medical devices and is considered one of the strictest in the world in terms of safety, quality and performance for the medical technology industry. Independent assessment confirmed that both the Sonovein device and Theraclion's quality management system fully comply with MDR requirements, paving the way for long-term commercialization of the latest generation of Sonovein China: A Key Step toward Market Access Sonovein successfully passed the GB 9706.1-2020 Chinese standard for the safety of electromedical equipment-the national equivalent of the international IEC 60601-1 standard. This certification confirms that Sonovein meets China's latest requirements for electrical safety and focused ultrasound emissions, validating the robustness of its design and manufacturing processes. It demonstrates Sonovein's ability to meet the stringent technical and safety standards established by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). From a regulatory standpoint, compliance with GB 9706.1-2020 is a crucial milestone in the NMPA approval process, fulfilling one of the key prerequisites for market authorization in China. Commercial Launch in Europe As part of its intensified commercial efforts, Theraclion is actively building its sales and marketing organization in order to expand sales and pay-per-use (PPU) deployments of Sonovein In parallel, Sonovein's technological credibility and clinical maturity have been further strengthened through the publication of new scientific papers and more than a dozen presentations at major international conferences by leading physicians. This growing visibility was accompanied by the launch of a new product identity and website (www.sonovein.com), providing the Sonovein brand with a refreshed image that embodies innovation, clinical excellence and ambition. These factors have translated into a marked increase in expressions of interest from potential customers for Sonovein in recent months. Two new Sonovein PPU contracts were signed in Bulgaria and Spain during the first half of the year, strengthening Theraclion's European presence and expanding the installed base of its technology. 2025 Half-Year Results In K 30/06/2025 30/06/2024 Var Var. % Revenue: 834 -239 1,072 450% Revenue from equipment sales 309 -572 881 154% Revenue from consumable sales 372 287 85 30% Revenue from service sales 153 46 107 233% Grants and subsidies 3 138 -135 -98% Other income 43 38 5 13% Inventoried and capitalized production 107 0 107 0% Other operating income reversals 98 11 87 791% Total Production 1,085 -52 1,137 2,182% Cost of goods sold and inventory variation 277 -231 508 -220% Gross margin 557 -8 564 7,393% Gross margin 67% -3% 0 2187% Purchases and other external expenses 1,652 1,640 12 1% Salaries and social charges 1 786 1 661 125 7.5% Depreciation, amortization, and provisions 174 544 -370 -68% Other operating expenses 12 12 0% Operating income -2,816 -3,666 850 -23% Financial income -143 83 -226 -272% Exceptional income -54 16 -70 -435% Research tax credit 475 525 -49 -9% Net income -2,538 -3,043 505 -17% Average headcount 31 28 3 11% These financial statements were subject to a limited review by the company's statutory auditors. Revenue Revenue for the first half of 2025 amounted to 834K, up 89% compared with 442K in the first half of 2024, before the exceptional adjustment of 680K relating to the cancellation of Echopulse system sales recorded in 2024. Consumables, which include recurring pay-per-use (PPU) revenues, increased by 30% compared with the first half of 2024, while service revenues rose by 233% over the same period. This strong momentum is a key indicator of the growing adoption of Sonovein by treatment centers and reflects the technology's sustained commercial traction in the field. Combined consumables and service revenues, representing recurring revenue streams, increased by 58% compared with 2024. With the start of commercial deployment, the Company had set revenue targets for fiscal year 2025 in the second half of 2024. As current market demand favors the pay-per-use (PPU) model over system purchases, the company has chosen to align its commercial strategy with this sustainable model. This strong trend in Europe and in the United States supports the immediate adoption of the technology and generates steadily increasing recurring revenues, strengthening the company's long-term growth prospects. System sales, which are subject to longer decision cycles, remain harder to forecast. In this early commercialization phase, accurate forecasting of future revenues therefore still carries a degree of uncertainty. Operating Performance Production totaled 1,085K, including 107K in capitalized production related to a system placed with a customer under a PPU agreement, initially recorded in inventory. Operating expenses for the period amounted to 3,715K, compared with 3,578K in 2024-an increase of 4%-and included the following: Purchases of goods: 289K vs. 287K in the same period of 2024. Personnel expenses (salaries, wages and social charges): 1,786K vs. 1,661K in the prior year, up 7.5%, mainly driven by Sales staffing. External expenses: 1,652K vs. 1,640K in the prior year, remaining stable. Considering accrued interests on convertible bonds issued during the first half and an unfavorable foreign exchange revaluation, the financial result was a loss of 143K. The research tax credit (CIR) amounted to 475K as of June 30, 2025, compared with 525K in 2024. As a result, net loss stood at 2,538K, representing a 17% reduction compared with 2024. Cash Position and Going Concern The Board of Directors confirmed the company's ability to carry out its development, taking into account the following: As of June 30, 2025, Theraclion's available cash amounted to 3.4 million. On February 20, 2025, the Company issued Convertible Bonds (OCA) with respective maximum amounts of 6 million and 580K. This financing through the issuance of bonds convertible into shares (the "BEOCA") enabled the subscription and payment of an initial tranche of 3.3 million in the first half of the year. An option to subscribe to a second tranche was attached to the subscription to the first tranche. Our shareholders and management renewed their confidence in the strategy by subscribing to the second tranche of "OCA," strengthening the cash with a new contribution of 1.25 million. In addition, the exercise of certain stock warrants issued during the capital increase carried out in June 2023 enabled the collection of 284K from existing shareholders. Additional short-term cash flows include the payment of 2.5 million by the Furui group for the subscription of the second tranche of convertible bonds and the exercise of warrants, payment of 2024 Research Tax Credit, amounting to 950K, and expected revenue growth for 2025 compared with 2024. Based on these factors, the Company has sufficient resources to finance its commercial development while continuing its R&D efforts and clinical studies. About Theraclion Theraclion is a French MedTech company committed to developing a non-invasive alternative to surgery through the innovative use of focused ultrasound. High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) does not require incisions or an operating room. HIFU treatment concentrates therapeutic ultrasounds on an internal focal point from outside the body. Theraclion is developing Sonovein, a MDR CE-marked, robotic HIFU platform for varicose vein treatment that could replace millions of surgical procedures every year. To date, Sonovein has been adopted by more than a dozen centers worldwide and used in over 3,500 procedures. In the U.S., Sonovein is not yet available for sale. For more information, please visit www.theraclion.com and follow the LinkedIn account Theraclion is listed on Euronext Growth Paris Eligible for the PEA-PME scheme Mnemonic: ALTHE ISIN code: FR0010120402 LEI: 9695007X7HA7A1GCYD29 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251029406656/en/ Contacts: Theraclion Martin Deterre Chief Executive Officer contact@theraclion.com Leading Italian cryptocurrency publication brings delegation to exclusive Crypto Content Creators Campus, featuring CEO Alessio Ippolito, SEO Expert Francesco Galella, and official mascot Crypto Buddy FRASCATI, Italy, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Criptovaluta.it, Italy's premier cryptocurrency news and information platform, today announced its participation in the upcoming Crypto Content Creators Campus (CCCC) in Lisbon, Portugal, scheduled for Nov. 14-16, 2025. The company will send a special delegation including CEO and Founder Alessio Ippolito, SEO Expert and Head of Review Team Francesco Galella, and the publication's official mascot, Crypto Buddy. The CCCC has established itself as one of the world's most prestigious cryptocurrency industry events, bringing together leading content creators, influencers, industry experts, and blockchain company representatives. Following successful editions in Dubai (November 2024) and Bali (April 2025), the Lisbon event will focus on "Monetization in the Web3 Era" featuring arcade-style quests, interactive challenges, and live participation mechanics. The event will feature world-class speakers including Dr. Maye Musk, model and bestselling author; Nuseir Yassin (Nas Daily), who has millions of followers worldwide; Ben Zhou, CEO of Bybit; and industry leaders Nick Tran, Musa Tariq, Philippe Ben Mohamed, and Sergej Loiter. Programming will cover topics including gated content, creator DAOs, affiliate ecosystems, and gamified participation models. "Participating in CCCC Lisbon represents a fundamental milestone in Criptovaluta.it's international expansion strategy for 2026-2027," said Alessio Ippolito, CEO and Founder of Criptovaluta.it. "Following our successful experience at the Dubai edition, we're thrilled to return with an expanded delegation, including our beloved mascot Crypto Buddy, who has become a viral sensation on our TikTok channel. This event offers unparalleled networking opportunities with the global crypto community and aligns perfectly with our mission to make cryptocurrency accessible and understandable for everyone." Criptovaluta.it attended the inaugural CCCC Dubai edition in November 2024, where Ippolito and Chief Editor Gianluca Grossi connected with key industry players. The company was unable to attend the Bali edition due to prior commitments. For the Lisbon event, the publication has prepared custom embroidered merchandise for the delegation and staff members, who will continue providing 24/7 market coverage from the company's Italian offices. The company's participation is sponsored by Bybit, a leading cryptocurrency exchange and strategic partner. "We're extremely grateful to Bybit for making our participation possible," Ippolito added. "They're not just a sponsor but a true ally in our growth journey. We look forward to reconnecting with the entire Bybit team and our longtime friends from the Italian and international crypto community." The CCCC participation supports Criptovaluta.it's broader international expansion strategy, which includes publishing English-language video content on TikTok and YouTube. Early tests have shown encouraging results, with the publication's multi-channel approach combining high-quality written content with an increasingly strong video presence reaching new international audience segments. Crypto Buddy, the publication's official mascot and star of Criptovaluta.it's community TikTok account ( https://www.tiktok.com/@criptovaluta.it ), announced the Lisbon participation via a tweet on the company's official X profile, which was subsequently reposted by CCCC's official account. The character has gained significant traction among the crypto community as the protagonist of numerous articles and viral social media content, establishing a strong connection with the platform's audience across multiple channels. Media Contact: Alessio Ippolito, CEO and Founder, Criptovaluta.it Email: press@criptovaluta.it Phone: +39 351 717 7872 Website: [www.criptovaluta.it] **About Criptovaluta.it** Criptovaluta.it is Italy's leading cryptocurrency news and information platform, providing comprehensive coverage of blockchain technology, digital assets, and Web3 developments. Published by ALESSIO IPPOLITO SRL and founded by CEO Alessio Ippolito, the platform delivers 24/7 market analysis, expert reviews, educational content, and breaking news to Italian and international audiences. The publication maintains a multi-channel presence across its website, YouTube, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter), with a growing focus on English-language content as part of its 2026-2027 international expansion strategy. For more information, visit [www.criptovaluta.it] . **About CCCC** The Crypto Content Creators Campus (CCCC) is a premier global event series connecting cryptocurrency content creators, influencers, industry experts, and blockchain company representatives. The event provides exclusive networking opportunities, educational programming, and strategic collaboration platforms for professionals shaping the future of Web3 and digital asset adoption. For more information, visit [www.cccc.buzz](https://www.cccc.buzz/en) . Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2807188/Criptovaluta_it.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2807187/Criptovaluta_it_official_logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/criptovalutait-announces-participation-in-cccc-lisbon-2025-strengthening-international-crypto-media-presence-302598709.html Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 29, 2025) - Lion Copper and Gold Corp. (CSE: LEO) (OTCQB: LCGMF) ("Lion CG", or the "Company") is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement of secured convertible debentures ("Debentures") for gross proceeds of up to US$2,500,000 (the "Offering"). The Debentures will bear interest at the rate of 12% per annum and will mature on the date that is 12 months from issuance. The principal amount of the Debentures may be converted into common shares of the Company at US$0.0965 per share, at any time, before the maturity date. Interest may be settled in shares priced at the time of repayment or conversion of the note at the option of the Company. The Company intends to use the proceeds of the Offering for the purchase of lands and associated mineral rights for the Company's Yerington area projects. The repayment of the Debentures will be secured against the lands and mineral rights to be purchased with the proceeds of the Offering. In connection with the sale of the Debentures, the Company will also issue up to 25,906,735 common share purchase warrants (the "Warrants") to the purchasers. Each Warrant will entitle the holder to acquire a common share of the Company at a price of US$0.0965 for a period of 60 months from the Closing Date. In connection with the issuance of Debentures to one insider who is a director and a control person of the Company, for the principal amount of US$450,000, which constitutes a "related party transaction" under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"), the Company intends to rely on the exemptions from the formal valuation requirements contained in section 5.5(a) and section 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, as the fair market value of the securities issued to the related party will not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization. All securities issued pursuant to the Offering will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months from the date of issuance of the Debentures. The securities will also be subject to restrictions on resale under Rule 144 under US Securities laws, which in general requires that the securities be held for six to twelve months prior to being eligible for resale. The securities offered have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of any offer to buy nor will there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such province, state or jurisdiction. About Lion CG Lion Copper and Gold Corp. is advancing its flagship copper project in Yerington, Nevada through an Option to Earn-in Agreement with Nuton LLC, a Rio Tinto Venture. Further information can be found at www.lioncg.com. On behalf of the Board of Directors John Banning Chief Executive Officer Neither Canadian Stock Exchange (CSE) nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Except for statements of historical fact, any information contained in this news release may be a forward-looking statement that reflects the Company's current views about future events and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from the information expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to the terms of the Offering, the terms of the Notes, the conversion price of the principal amount and interest, the intended use of proceeds, the Offering including a related party transaction, and the exemptions under MI 61-101 which the Company intends to rely. Although the Company believes that it has a reasonable basis for each forward-looking statement, we caution you that these statements are based on a combination of facts and factors currently known by us and our expectations of the future, about which we cannot be certain. The Company cannot assure that the actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release and the Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements for any reason, even if new information becomes available in the future. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/272416 SOURCE: Lion Copper and Gold Corp. Is there really a 'rare-earth crisis' between China and Europe?: Global Times editorial Global Times) 08:28, October 29, 2025 China and the European Union (EU) will hold talks in Brussels on Thursday regarding the issue of rare earths. The meeting comes against a backdrop of growing rhetoric in Europe concerning China's rare-earth export policies. There are voices within Europe hyping up the so-called "rare-earth supply crisis," with some even claiming that China and Europe are "on the brink of hybrid warfare," urging Europe to "take the initiative." European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has also recently referred to the anti-coercion instrument, which is considered the EU's "most powerful trade weapon." But does a "rare-earth crisis" between China and Europe really exist? China is the world's largest producer and exporter of rare earths, a natural outcome of resource allocation in economic globalization. China-EU cooperation in rare earths also reflects the high degree of economic complementarity between the two sides. China's long-term exports of rare earths to the EU have provided substantial support for the EU's digital and green transition goals, enhancing its economic competitiveness and security. The EU has been benefiting from China's rare-earth industry. China's recent export control measures are part of the ongoing transformation and upgrading of its rare-earth sector. They are not a temporary move, but a necessary step to ensure the long-term stability of the rare-earth production and supply chain and, what's more, an alignment with global green development trends. At the same time, in the context of turmoil and frequent military conflicts in the world, China's implementation of export controls on dual-use items like rare earths represents its proactive fulfillment of international non-proliferation obligations and its commitment to defending world peace and stability. 13 countries around the world, including several in Europe, have implemented similar export controls. Why, then, is it labeled a "threat" only when China does so? Those who fear that China might "weaponize national security" to choke Europe's supply should first reflect on whether they harbor such thoughts toward other countries. The Chinese side formulated relevant regulations with full consideration of the concerns of all trading partners, a process that was highly responsible. The relevant measures are prudent and moderate. According to the Ministry of Commerce of China, before the measures were announced, China had already notified relevant countries and regions through bilateral export control dialogue mechanisms. In addition to that, China specifically established a "green channel" for European firms and held multiple rounds of consultations and dialogues with the EU at various levels. Facts have proven that China keeps its words: In the first half of 2025, more than 60 percent of EU companies obtained export licenses through this channel. Recently, several enterprises in Bavaria, Germany, have also successfully received approvals to import rare-earth materials. Rare-earth exports have never been, and should never become, a problem between China and Europe. The so-called "rare-earth anxiety" among some in Europe is essentially a cognitive issue. In their eyes, in any field, the more one engages with China and the closer the ties, the more it is seen as "dependence" and a "risk." The real problem between China and Europe does not lie in rare earths, but in whether Europe can break free from geopolitical manipulation, correct its cognitive bias toward China, and return to a rational and pragmatic policy track. Lately, some US media outlets have been hyping up the so-called "China rare-earth threat," and certain Europeans have followed suit. This is not only a serious act of self-deprecation but also a typical case of strategic confusion. Now, as a few European politicians compete to sound tough on China, this resembles more of a form of political performance. Do European businesses really want to see the "anti-coercion instrument" put into use? If the EU truly wields this "weapon," China will resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests. The true demand from Europe likely lies in reaching a technical solution with China regarding rare earth issues to jointly maintain the stability of the production and supply chain. Some in Europe threaten to use "economic and trade weapons" and even advocate for a "united response from Western allies." This not only goes against European interests but also raises doubts about their actual intentions - are they trying to take the opportunity to strengthen the narrative of "dependency risks" to pave the way for advancing unpopular agendas of economic factionalization, geopoliticization, and overstretching the concept of security? It should be noted that the European side's slow and cumbersome approval process for high-tech export controls on products such as chips and lithography machines has severely impacted the stability of the China-Europe production and supply chain. If Europe is genuinely committed to maintaining this stability, it should focus more on these issues. An editorial in the Global Times published in July this year pointed out that rare earths should be a "bond," not a "stumbling block," in China-EU relations. How to establish a legally feasible and reciprocal institutional arrangement under the framework of export controls is a question worth exploring for both China and the EU. Such an approach would not only help stabilize China-EU industrial and supply chains, but also send a positive signal to the international community. Simply hyping up the idea of "reducing dependence on China" not only casts a shadow over practical cooperation between China and Europe but also does little to help Europe resolve its own "competitiveness crisis." (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) Digital Pathology Market Size to Surpass USD 6.55 Billion by 2035, Rising at a CAGR of 17.15% | Report by Vantage Market Research PR Newswire NEW YORK, Oct. 29, 2025 NEW YORK, Oct. 29, 2025 The Global Digital Pathology Market is projected to grow from USD 1.15 billion in 2024 to USD 6.55 billion by 2035, registering an impressive CAGR of 17.15% during the forecast period. This surge reflects the increasing integration of AI-driven image analysis, cloud-based pathology platforms, and remote diagnostic workflows, empowering healthcare leaders and life sciences executives to accelerate precision medicine, research, and global collaboration. Digital pathology, encompassing high-resolution scanners, software platforms, and advanced image storage systems, is revolutionizing how clinicians, researchers, and pharmaceutical organizations analyze tissue samples and conduct diagnostic studies. The convergence of AI, cloud computing, and big data analytics is redefining pathology workflows, improving diagnostic accuracy, and enabling faster therapeutic discoveries. The Complete Study is Now Available for Immediate Access | Download the Sample Pages of this Report @ https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/digital-pathology-market-1445/request-sample Free Sample Includes: Global & regional market size forecasts through 2035. Competitive benchmarking and SWOT analysis of top providers. Segmentation insights. Regulatory and sustainability landscape mapping. Porter's Five Forces and value chain assessment. Regional investment and technology adoption opportunities. Why CXOs and Decision-Makers Should Prioritize Digital Pathology Accelerated Diagnostics: Enables faster, more accurate disease detection through AI-assisted image analysis and digitized workflows. Enhanced Research Efficiency: Facilitates drug discovery and clinical trials through centralized data access and digital collaboration. Cost Optimization: Reduces reliance on manual microscopy and physical slide storage, improving operational efficiency. Scalable Infrastructure: Cloud-based solutions enable remote consultation, inter-laboratory sharing, and seamless scalability. Global Adoption Momentum: Rapid uptake in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, driven by digital healthcare transformation initiatives. Technological and Market Drivers AI & Deep Learning Integration: Enables automated image recognition and diagnostic decision support. Cloud-Based Platforms: Facilitate real-time data access, collaboration, and archiving across global research networks. Regulatory Advancements: FDA and CE approvals for whole-slide imaging (WSI) systems are expanding adoption in clinical use. Data Interoperability: Integration with Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) and Electronic Health Records (EHRs) supports seamless workflows. Remote Pathology Networks: Rise of telepathology and virtual tumor boards to address pathologist shortages and improve accessibility. Strategic Opportunities for Industry Stakeholders Invest in AI-Powered Platforms - Strengthen digital diagnostic capabilities and predictive pathology. Expand Pharmaceutical Collaborations - Support drug discovery, toxicology, and biomarker research through digital pathology. Accelerate Adoption in Emerging Markets - Leverage growing healthcare digitization initiatives in Asia-Pacific and Latin America. Develop Integrated Ecosystems - Combine imaging hardware, analytics, and cloud solutions for unified diagnostics. Advance Regulatory Readiness - Align solutions with evolving clinical validation and digital data security standards. Expert Insights "Digital pathology is no longer a future concept it's a clinical and research imperative. The fusion of high-resolution imaging, AI, and cloud-based collaboration is transforming how laboratories and hospitals operate globally." Nneha Rathod Godbole, CEO, Vantage Market Research Email Directly Here with Detailed Information: sales@vantagemarketresearch.com Executive Priorities for Market Leadership Scale AI-enabled diagnostics for faster and more reliable decision support. Build strategic alliances with hospitals, biopharma companies, and academic institutes. Offer subscription-based software models to enhance affordability and adoption. Ensure cybersecurity and compliance with data privacy regulations (GDPR, HIPAA). Establish training programs and service networks to support digital transformation in pathology. Digital Pathology Market: Key Industry Leaders Leica Biosystems (Germany) - Leading provider of digital pathology scanners and image management software. Roche Diagnostics (Switzerland) - Innovator in AI-powered diagnostic platforms and companion testing. Philips Healthcare (Netherlands) - Pioneer in whole-slide imaging and digital workflow solutions. 3DHISTECH (Hungary) - Developer of advanced slide scanners and pathology informatics tools. Hamamatsu Photonics (Japan) - Supplier of precision imaging and fluorescence scanners. Indica Labs (U.S.) - Known for AI-enabled image analysis and cloud-deployed pathology software. OptraSCAN (U.S.) - Focused on affordable, portable digital pathology solutions for global markets. Market Challenges & Structural Barriers High Initial Setup Costs: Investment in scanners and storage infrastructure can deter small laboratories. Data Storage & Management Issues: High-resolution images require robust and secure cloud infrastructure. Limited Digital Expertise: Shortage of trained personnel in AI and digital imaging. Regulatory Diversity: Different regional approval standards for clinical-grade digital pathology tools. Integration Complexity: Compatibility challenges with legacy systems and lab workflows. Regulatory & Compliance Landscape FDA (U.S.) - Regulates whole-slide imaging systems for clinical use. CE Marking (Europe) - Certifies safety and performance for digital pathology systems. HIPAA & GDPR Compliance - Governs patient data protection and secure cloud deployments. ISO 13485 & ISO 15189 Standards - Ensure quality management for laboratory diagnostics and medical device manufacturing. Buy this Premium Research Report | Immediate Delivery @ https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/digital-pathology-market-1445/checkout Benefits of Purchasing Digital Pathology Market Reports Analyst Support - Direct access to our experts before and after purchase for tailored insights and clarifications. - Direct access to our experts before and after purchase for tailored insights and clarifications. Data Accuracy - Forecasts and trends validated through a combination of primary industry interviews, end-user surveys, and advanced statistical modeling. - Forecasts and trends validated through a combination of primary industry interviews, end-user surveys, and advanced statistical modeling. Decision-Making Tools - Interactive dashboards, granular segment forecasts, competitor benchmarking, and adoption roadmaps to guide strategy. - Interactive dashboards, granular segment forecasts, competitor benchmarking, and adoption roadmaps to guide strategy. Quality & Credibility - Trusted by Fortune 500 companies, healthcare innovators, and technology leaders for reliable market intelligence. Market Overview & Growth Drivers The Digital Pathology Market is gaining momentum as laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, and hospitals adopt digital imaging and AI analytics for enhanced diagnostic precision and operational scalability. Key Growth Drivers Include: Increasing cancer incidence driving pathology digitization. AI and ML adoption in diagnostic workflows. Growing remote pathology networks and teleconsultation platforms. Expansion of biopharma research and drug discovery initiatives. Rising government funding for healthcare digitization. Demand for interoperable, cloud-based image management systems. Strategic Intelligence for Decision-Makers This report offers data-driven insights for CXOs, investors, and strategists navigating the evolving digital pathology ecosystem: Benchmark top vendors by innovation, scalability, and AI integration. Track M&A, strategic alliances, and software platform partnerships. Assess ROI potential from integrated, AI-enabled digital pathology systems. Identify growth regions especially in Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America. Analyze regulatory readiness and certification pathways. Evaluate ESG-focused digitization and sustainable healthcare initiatives. Market Momentum: Why Now AI-Powered Diagnostics: Accelerating early disease detection and predictive pathology. Cloud & Remote Access: Enabling telepathology and global collaboration. Pharma Integration: Streamlining drug development and toxicology studies. R&D Expansion: Increased investment in computational pathology. Regulatory Alignment: FDA and CE approvals expanding clinical acceptance. Collaborative Ecosystems: Partnerships between hospitals, tech firms, and research institutes driving innovation. Executives embracing digital pathology now will capture long-term competitive advantage through precision, scalability, and faster innovation cycles. Request a Customized Copy of the Digital Pathology Market Report@ https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/digital-pathology-market-1445/request-sample Growth Levers & Strategic Priorities Accelerate AI-Integrated Diagnostic Solutions - Expand deployment of AI- and ML-powered digital pathology systems to enhance diagnostic accuracy, automate image analysis, and streamline cancer and rare disease detection across healthcare and research institutions. Advance Cloud-Based Data Management & Interoperability - Invest in cloud-enabled platforms that enable seamless collaboration, remote access, and secure data sharing among hospitals, laboratories, and academic centers to strengthen connected pathology ecosystems. Enhance Software & Scanner Innovations - Develop high-throughput scanners and integrated software suites capable of managing large digital image volumes, supporting hybrid deployment models, and ensuring superior imaging resolution and workflow efficiency. Forge Strategic Alliances Across the Diagnostic Value Chain - Partner with biotechnology companies, hospitals, and AI developers to validate digital workflows, integrate automated systems, and accelerate adoption in high-growth healthcare markets. Ensure Regulatory Alignment & Standardization - Adhere to CAP, CLIA, CE, and FDA standards to ensure clinical-grade performance, drive faster market clearance, and reinforce stakeholder confidence in digital diagnostic platforms. Expand Regional Manufacturing & Service Networks - Establish localized data centers, training hubs, and maintenance services in Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East to improve accessibility, cost efficiency, and after-sales support. Recent Industry Developments Jan 2025 : Leica Biosystems launched an AI-powered whole-slide imaging scanner with enhanced throughput and precision diagnostics for oncology applications. : Leica Biosystems launched an AI-powered whole-slide imaging scanner with enhanced throughput and precision diagnostics for oncology applications. Mar 2025 : Philips introduced an advanced cloud-based digital pathology platform integrating analytics and pathology data management for multi-site hospitals. : Philips introduced an advanced cloud-based digital pathology platform integrating analytics and pathology data management for multi-site hospitals. May 2025 : Roche Diagnostics unveiled upgraded image analysis software featuring real-time collaboration tools for pathologists and researchers. : Roche Diagnostics unveiled upgraded image analysis software featuring real-time collaboration tools for pathologists and researchers. Jul 2025 : Indica Labs partnered with academic medical centers to co-develop AI algorithms for histopathology image classification. : Indica Labs partnered with academic medical centers to co-develop AI algorithms for histopathology image classification. Sept 2025: Visiopharm launched a cloud-native digital pathology ecosystem enabling cross-border pathology data exchange and AI-assisted diagnosis. Top Key Players for Digital Pathology Market Leica Biosystems (US) Koninklijke Philips N.V. (Netherlands) Hamamatsu Photonics (Japan) F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. (Switzerland) 3DHISTECH (Hungary) Apollo Enterprise Imaging (US) XIFIN Inc. (US) Huron Digital Pathology (Canada) Visiopharm A/S (Denmark) Aiforia Technologies Oy (Finland) Akoya Biosciences (US) Corista (US) Indica Labs (US) To Know an Additional List of Key Players, Request Here to Download a Free Report PDF Brochure: https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/digital-pathology-market-1445/request-sample Regional Dynamics North America: Leads the global market due to rapid AI integration, high adoption of digital imaging solutions, and supportive healthcare reimbursement frameworks. Europe: Driven by stringent diagnostic standards, government-backed digitization initiatives, and strong presence of academic research networks. Asia-Pacific: Fastest-growing region fueled by rising healthcare investments, expanding cancer diagnostics, and growing adoption of cloud-based pathology platforms. Latin America: Gains momentum through national healthcare modernization programs and increasing collaborations between hospitals and technology providers. Middle East & Africa: Witnesses rising deployment of digital pathology solutions for telepathology and remote diagnostics in emerging healthcare facilities. Segment Insights By Product: Scanners: Serve as the core imaging tools converting physical slides into digital formats, driving adoption across clinical diagnostics and research. Software: Enhances image analysis, workflow automation, and data management, accelerating digital transformation in pathology. Storage Systems: Support secure archiving and retrieval of large image datasets, ensuring efficient information accessibility and compliance. By Type: Human Pathology: Dominates the market due to increasing cancer diagnostics, personalized medicine initiatives, and integration of AI-driven analysis. Veterinary Pathology: Expanding ssteadily with the growing need for animal health monitoring and digital diagnostic advancements. By Application: Drug Discovery: Widely adopted in preclinical and translational research for accelerating compound evaluation and biomarker analysis. Disease Diagnosis: Key growth driver supported by automation, precision imaging, and AI-enabled diagnostic capabilities. Training & Education: Gaining momentum as digital platforms enhance real-time learning and remote pathology training. By End User: Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies: Major adopters leveraging digital pathology for R&D, toxicology studies, and drug validation. Hospitals & Reference Laboratories: Utilize digital systems to streamline diagnostics and improve collaboration across departments. Academic & Research Institutes: Employ digital tools for innovation, data-driven research, and educational purposes. Diagnostics Laboratories: Benefit from automation and high-throughput analysis capabilities. Veterinary Laboratories: Increasingly integrate digital workflows for efficient animal disease diagnosis and data sharing. Browse market data Tables and Figures spread through 245 Pages and in-depth TOC on Digital Pathology Market trends 2025 Forecast Report (2025-2035). Segments Covered in the Report By Product Scanners Brightfield Scanners Fluorescence Scanners Other Scanners Software Integrated Software Standalone Software Software, By Deployment Model Cloud-Based Model On-Premise Model Hybrid Model Storage Systems By Type Human Pathology Veterinary Pathology By Application Drug Discovery Disease Diagnosis Training & Education By End User Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies Hospitals & Reference Laboratories Academic & Research Institutes Diagnostics Laboratories Veterinary Laboratories By Region North America U.S. Canada Mexico Europe Germany France U.K. Italy Spain Nordic Countries Benelux Union Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan India New Zealand Australia South Korea South-East Asia Rest of Asia Pacific Latin America Brazil Argentina Rest of Latin America Middle East & Africa (MEA) Saudi Arabia UAE Egypt Kuwait South Africa Rest of MEA Buy this Premium Research Report with Discount | Immediate Delivery @ https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/digital-pathology-market-1445/checkout Key Questions Answered in The Report: Which regions are projected to lead the global digital pathology market through 2035? How are regulatory frameworks, diagnostic standards, and healthcare digitalization policies influencing market adoption? Who are the leading players, and how do their product portfolios and regional strategies differ? Which startups and emerging technology providers are driving innovation in AI-enabled scanners and cloud-based pathology software? What technological advancements such as whole-slide imaging, AI integration, and cloud deployment will define competitiveness by 2035? How are strategic partnerships, collaborations, and mergers shaping innovation and expansion across global markets? What key drivers and barriers are influencing adoption across hospitals, research institutes, and diagnostic laboratories? How is increasing demand for precision diagnostics, cancer research, and remote pathology boosting market growth? Gain instant access to our exclusive, data-driven dashboard designed for healthcare industry decision-makers, strategists, and market leaders. The platform delivers in-depth statistical insights, segment-wise breakdowns, regional market performance, competitive landscape mapping, company profiles, annual updates, and more. From market sizing to trend analysis and competitive intelligence, this powerful tool serves as a comprehensive solution for informed business decisions. Browse the Full "Digital Pathology Market Valuation and Growth Forecast 2025-2035 by Product (Scanners, Software, Information management Software, Image Visualization & Analysis Software, Storage Systems) by Type (Human Pathology, Veterinary Pathology) by Application (Drug Discovery, Disease Diagnosis, Training & Education) by End User (Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies, Hospitals and Reference Laboratories, Academic & Research Institutes) by Region (North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, Middle East & Africa" Report at https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/industry-report/digital-pathology-market-1445 Browse More Related Reports: Healthcare Biometrics Market is valued at USD 10.1 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach a value of USD 55.4 Billion by 2035 at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 23.7% between 2025 and 2035: https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/industry-report/healthcare-biometrics-market-1844 Dermal Fillers Market is valued at USD 5.44 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach a value of USD 13.405 Billion by 2035 at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 8.55% between 2025 and 2035: https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/industry-report/dermal-fillers-market-1793 Monoclonal Antibodies Market is valued at USD 263.22 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach a value of USD 1082.5 Billion by 2035 at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 13.75% between 2025 and 2035: https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/industry-report/monoclonal-antibodies-market-1673 In Vitro Fertilization Market is valued at USD 28.12 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach a value of USD 63.7 Billion by 2035 at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 7.75% between 2025 and 2035: https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/industry-report/in-vitro-fertilization-market-1649 Surgical Retractors Market is valued at USD 2.22 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach a value of USD 4.73 Billion by 2035 at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 7.15% between 2025 and 2035: https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/industry-report/surgical-retractors-market-1443 Orthodontics Market is valued at USD 6.4 Billion in 2022 and is projected to reach a value of USD 15 Billion by 2030 at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 11.3% between 2023 and 2030: https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/industry-report/orthodontics-market-1418 Reprocessed Medical Devices Market is valued at USD 3.3 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach a value of USD 17.76 Billion by 2035 at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 16.55% between 2025 and 2035: https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/industry-report/reprocessed-medical-devices-market-1287 Medical Sensors Market is valued at USD 27.28 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach a value of USD 64.25 Billion by 2035 at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 8.15% between 2025 and 2035: https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/industry-report/medical-sensors-market-1274 Healthcare Cloud Computing Market is valued at USD 41.12 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach a value of USD 257 Billion by 2035 at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 18.15% between 2025 and 2035: https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/industry-report/healthcare-cloud-computing-market-1101 Adhesion Barrier Market is valued at USD 1112.7 Million in 2024 and is projected to reach a value of USD 2135 Million by 2035 at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 7.2% between 2025 and 2035: https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/industry-report/adhesion-barrier-market-0192 Prescription Drugs Market is valued at USD 1240.33 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach a value of USD 2755 Billion by 2035 at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 8.5% between 2025 and 2035: https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/industry-report/prescription-drugs-market-2088 About Us Vantage Market Research is a trusted partner to Fortune 500 companies and leading biopharma firms, delivering high-quality market research reports and actionable intelligence across healthcare, biotechnology, and advanced cell therapies. Our globally recognized insights empower stakeholders to make informed decisions, anticipate trends, and capitalize on emerging opportunities. Follow Us on: LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube Contact us Priya M Head of Growth & Strategic Partnerships 224 W 35th St Ste 500, New York, NY 10001, United States Tel: +1 (212) 951-1369 Email: sales@vantagemarketresearch.com | priya.m@vantagemarketresearch.com Website: Vantage Market Research MarketReports.us Market Business Insights vmr.biz v-mr.biz TechWire24 Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2808572/Vantage_Market_Research_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/digital-pathology-market-size-to-surpass-usd-6-55-billion-by-2035--rising-at-a-cagr-of-17-15--report-by-vantage-market-research-302598746.html Halifax, Nova Scotia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 29, 2025) - Ucore Rare Metals Inc. (TSXV: UCU) (OTCQX: UURAF) ("Ucore" or the "Company") issued the following statement regarding the G7 Energy and Environment Ministers' Meeting taking place in Toronto, Ontario, October 30-31, 2025. Public statements by government officials ahead of the meeting indicate that ministers intend to move beyond discussion toward concrete measures that strengthen allied critical mineral supply chains. With partners including the United States and Australia a multilateral approach is the mandate. These measures include long-term offtake agreements with price-support features, strategic stockpiling, and targeted public financing for mining, refining, and midstream processing - tools aimed at improving market stability, enhancing security of supply, and catalyzing private investment across the energy-transition value chain. "We will see this week many examples of us moving beyond talks to firm commitments," said Canada's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources in remarks previewing the meeting. What this means for Ucore shareholders Improved bankability & revenue visibility: Durable pricing frameworks and government-backed offtakes can reduce commodity price volatility, narrowing financing risk and improving the economics of North American rare earth refining. Durable pricing frameworks and government-backed offtakes can reduce commodity price volatility, narrowing financing risk and improving the economics of North American rare earth refining. Faster path to domestic supply: Strategic stockpiles and procurement programs can accelerate qualification cycles and enable earlier, larger-scale purchases of high-purity rare earth oxides (REOs) by automakers, wind OEMs, and defense supply chains. Strategic stockpiles and procurement programs can accelerate qualification cycles and enable earlier, larger-scale purchases of high-purity rare earth oxides (REOs) by automakers, wind OEMs, and defense supply chains. Reduced single-country risk: Coordinated G7 action to diversify supply reduces exposure to concentrated sources for rare earth magnets and battery materials -supportive of regional refining capacity and multi-source feedstock strategies. "Rare earths are foundational to the clean energy transition and modern manufacturing," said Pat Ryan, P.Eng., Chairman & CEO of Ucore. "As policy frameworks take shape to secure and decarbonize energy systems, Ucore is progressing North American refining capacity designed to deliver high-purity rare earth oxides responsibly and at scale. We see working with key allied Western world countries to achieve this objective as a priority." # # # About Ucore Rare Metals Inc. Ucore is focused on rare- and critical-metal resources, extraction, beneficiation, and separation technologies with the potential for production, growth, and scalability. Ucore's vision and plan is to become a leading advanced technology company, providing best-in-class metal separation products and services to the mining and mineral extraction industry. Through strategic partnerships, this plan includes disrupting the People's Republic of China's control of the North American REE supply chain through the near-term development of a heavy and light rare-earth processing facility in the US State of Louisiana, subsequent SMCs in Canada and Alaska and the longer-term development of Ucore's 100% controlled Bokan-Dotson Ridge Rare Heavy REE Project on Prince of Wales Island in Southeast Alaska, USA ("Bokan"). Ucore is listed on the TSXV under the trading symbol "UCU" and in the United States on the OTC Markets' OTCQX Best Market under the ticker symbol "UURAF." For further information, please visit www.ucore.com. Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release (other than statements of historical facts) that address future business development, technological development and/or acquisition activities (including any related required financings), timelines, events, or developments that the Company is pursuing are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance or results, and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Regarding the disclosure in the press release above about the government support for Ucore, the Company has assumed that the applicable projects (including each of the associated milestones) will be completed satisfactorily and in accordance with the respective agreements or letters of intent (as applicable) for such government support. For additional risks and uncertainties regarding the Company, its business activities, its ability to qualify for and receive any additional funding from any U.S. or Canadian government, the CDF and the aforementioned projects (generally), see the risk disclosure in the Company's MD&A for Q1 2025 (filed on SEDAR+ on May 9, 2025) (www.sedarplus.ca) as well as the risks described below. As noted above, the execution of a Definitive Offtake Agreement will be conditional upon the parties agreeing on commercial terms, among other conditions precedent. Regarding the disclosure above in the "About Ucore Rare Metals Inc." section, the Company has assumed that it will be able to procure or retain additional partners and/or suppliers, in addition to Innovation Metals Corp. ("IMC"), as suppliers for Ucore's expected future SMCs. Ucore has also assumed that sufficient external funding will be found to continue and complete the ongoing research and development work required at the CDF and also later prepare a new National Instrument 43-101 technical report that demonstrates that Bokan is feasible and economically viable for the production of both REE and co-product metals and the then prevailing market prices based upon assumed customer offtake agreements. Ucore has also assumed that sufficient external funding will be secured to continue the development of the specific engineering plans for the SMCs and their construction and eventual commissioning and operations. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, without limitation: IMC failing to protect its intellectual property rights in RapidSX RapidSX failing to demonstrate commercial viability in large commercial-scale applications; Ucore not being able to procure additional key partners or suppliers for the SMCs; Ucore not being able to raise sufficient funds to fund the specific design and construction of the SMCs and/or the continued development of RapidSX adverse capital-market conditions; unexpected due-diligence findings; the emergence of alternative superior metallurgy and metal-separation technologies; the inability of Ucore and/or IMC to retain its key staff members; a change in the legislation in Louisiana or Alaska and/or in the support expressed by the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) regarding the development of Bokan; the availability and procurement of any required interim and/or long-term financing that may be required; and general economic, market or business conditions. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined by the TSXV) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. CONTACTS Mr. Peter Manuel, Ucore Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, is responsible for the content of this news release and may be contacted at 1.902.482.5214. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/272422 SOURCE: Ucore Rare Metals Inc. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 29, 2025) - Avanti Gold Corp. (CSE: AGC) (FSE: X370) ("Avanti" or the "Company") announces that its Annual General Meeting has been rescheduled following the recent closing of the LIFE offering to allow for our new shareholders to participate. Meeting materials and financial statements request cards will be sent to all shareholders. Our shareholder meeting has been reset to be held on December 16, 2025 (from December 9, 2025) to be held in Vancouver BC. The record date for determining shareholders entitled to vote at the AGM has been reset to November 7, 2025. Shareholders will be asked to elect directors, appoint auditors, and consider other customary business. Avanti is committed to clear, timely communication and thanks all of our shareholders for their understanding regarding the change of date for its shareholder meeting. Further to the Company's previous announcement made on September 30, 2025, on the appointment of a new C-suite Executive Team, the Company has now finalized and issued an aggregate total of 6,449,450 Stock Options and a total of 3,872,250 Restricted Shares Units (the "RSU's"). The Options are exercisable at a price of $0.51 per share for a period of 3 years and subject to vesting terms. The RSU's and Options have been issued to the new C-suite Executive Team and certain Consultants of the Company under the terms and conditions of the Incentive plan and the regulations of the CSE. About Avanti Gold Corp. Avanti Gold Corp. is a gold exploration company with a robust portfolio of projects in Africa. The Company's flagship asset is the Misisi Project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), home to the Akyanga gold deposit. The Akyanga deposit has an Inferred Mineral Resource of 44.3 million tonnes (Mt) at an average gold grade of 2.37 grams per tonne (g/t), totalling 3.1 million ounces (Moz) of gold. The Misisi Project spans three contiguous 30-year mining leases covering 133 square kilometers (km) along the 55-kilometer-long Kibara Gold Belt, a prominent metallogenic province known for hosting significant gold deposits. On behalf of the Board of Directors AVANTI GOLD CORP. Sir Sam Jonah, Chairman of the Board The CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. This news release includes forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause the actual results of the Company to be materially different from the historical results or any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward-looking. Although Avanti believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not a guarantee of future performance, and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, mining risks, continued availability of capital and financing, exploration results, and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/272436 SOURCE: Avanti Gold Corp. PUNE, India, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A comprehensive new market study by Credence Research reveals steady and sustained growth for the Global Silver Wound Dressing Market, driven by its critical role in managing and preventing infections in a growing population of patients with chronic and acute wounds. The market, which was valued at USD 1,148.1 million in 2018, expanded to USD 1,530.3 million in 2024. This growth is projected to continue, with the market anticipated to reach USD 2,129.8 million by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.19% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2032. The market's expansion is fundamentally linked to the rising global incidence of chronic conditions such as diabetes and obesity, alongside an aging population, which together contribute to a growing prevalence of hard-to-heal wounds like diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, and venous leg ulcers. These wounds are highly susceptible to infection, which can delay healing, lead to severe complications, and significantly increase healthcare costs. Silver dressings, with their potent, broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, are a cornerstone of modern wound care strategies aimed at managing wound bioburden and promoting a healing environment. Browse the report and understand how it can benefit your business strategy - https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/silver-wound-dressing-market Market Overview The Silver Wound Dressing Market encompasses a specialized category of advanced wound care products impregnated with elemental silver or a silver compound. These dressings are designed to create an effective antimicrobial barrier by releasing silver ions directly into the wound bed. Silver ions are highly effective at killing a broad spectrum of pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant bacteria like MRSA and VRE, as well as fungi and yeasts. By controlling the microbial load in a wound, these dressings help to prevent and treat localized infections, reduce inflammation, and support the body's natural healing processes. The market's evolution from USD 1,530.3 million in 2024 towards a projected USD 2,129.8 million by 2032 is a direct reflection of the indispensable role these dressings play in addressing some of the most challenging aspects of wound management. The 4.19% CAGR indicates a mature but consistently growing market, where value is driven by clinical necessity and ongoing technological innovation. These products are vital in treating a wide range of wound types. In chronic wound care, they are essential for managing diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, and pressure ulcers, which are often colonized with complex biofilms. In acute wound care, they are used for burns, traumatic wounds, and surgical sites to prevent post-operative infections. Silver is incorporated into a diverse array of dressing formats to suit different wound characteristics. These include absorbent foam dressings for exuding wounds, hydrocolloids that create a moist healing environment, alginates derived from seaweed for highly exuding wounds, hydrogels for donating moisture to dry wounds, and transparent films. This variety allows clinicians to select a dressing that not only delivers the antimicrobial benefits of silver but also provides optimal exudate management and comfort for the patient. The technology of silver delivery itself has also evolved, from simple silver compounds to advanced nanocrystalline silver, which offers a more controlled and sustained release of ions for prolonged antimicrobial effect. Key Growth Determinants Rising Prevalence of Chronic Wounds: The single most significant driver for this market is the escalating global incidence of chronic diseases. An aging population, coupled with the pandemic of diabetes and obesity, is leading to a dramatic increase in chronic wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, and venous leg ulcers. These wounds are notoriously difficult to heal and are highly prone to infection. Silver dressings are a frontline defense in managing the bioburden of these wounds, making them an essential tool for clinicians worldwide and directly linking the market's growth to these powerful demographic and epidemiological trends. Increased Focus on Infection Control and Prevention: Healthcare systems globally are grappling with the dual threats of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Silver dressings provide a powerful, topical antimicrobial action that is crucial for managing wound bioburden, preventing infections from taking hold, and reducing the overall need for systemic antibiotics. This aligns perfectly with antimicrobial stewardship programs aimed at preserving the efficacy of antibiotics. The ability of silver to effectively combat a broad spectrum of pathogens, including resistant strains, makes these dressings a preferred choice for managing at-risk wounds. Technological Advancements in Dressing Technology: Continuous innovation in dressing design and silver delivery mechanisms is a key growth determinant. Modern silver dressings utilize sophisticated technologies, such as nanocrystalline silver or controlled-release matrices, to provide a sustained and targeted release of silver ions. This maximizes antimicrobial efficacy while minimizing potential toxicity to healthy tissue. Furthermore, the combination of silver with advanced dressing materials-like super-absorbent fibers, soft silicone adhesives, and moisture-balancing hydrogels-enhances overall performance, leading to better patient outcomes, increased comfort, and greater clinical adoption. Key Growth Barriers High Cost of Advanced Wound Dressings: Silver dressings are priced at a significant premium compared to traditional gauze and other basic wound care products. This high cost can be a substantial barrier to adoption, particularly in healthcare systems with constrained budgets, in low- and middle-income countries, and for patients with limited insurance coverage or high out-of-pocket expenses. Clinicians may be forced to choose less expensive, and potentially less effective, alternatives due to these financial constraints, even when a silver dressing is clinically indicated, thereby limiting market penetration. Concerns Regarding Silver Cytotoxicity and Resistance: There is an ongoing clinical debate regarding the potential for silver ions to be cytotoxic, meaning they could be harmful to the very cells-such as fibroblasts and keratinocytes-that are essential for wound healing. While used in low concentrations, this concern can lead to cautious prescribing. Additionally, although clinical evidence is limited, the theoretical possibility of bacteria developing resistance to silver exists. These concerns have led to guidelines promoting the judicious use of silver, reserving it for clinically indicated situations rather than widespread prophylactic use, which can restrict its overall market potential. Competition from Alternative Antimicrobial Dressings: The market faces robust competition from dressings that utilize other antimicrobial agents. These alternatives include polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), iodine (in forms like cadexomer iodine), medical-grade honey, and dialkylcarbamoyl chloride (DACC), a technology that binds microbes to the dressing surface. Each of these alternatives offers a different mechanism of action, cost profile, and clinical evidence base. The availability of these competing technologies creates a crowded marketplace and gives clinicians a range of choices, which can dilute the market share for silver-based products. Key Market Trends Development of Combination and Multi-Functional Dressings: A major trend is the development of advanced dressings that combine silver with other active agents to provide multiple benefits from a single product. For instance, a dressing might combine silver for antimicrobial action with collagen to stimulate tissue growth, or with ibuprofen for localized pain relief. These "all-in-one" dressings simplify wound care protocols, can improve healing outcomes, and offer a strong value proposition. This trend is driving R&D and product differentiation as companies seek to create more sophisticated, multi-functional wound care solutions. Rise of Nanocrystalline Silver Technology: Nanocrystalline silver represents a significant technological trend within the market. Dressings with this technology contain a very fine, crystalline form of silver that provides a rapid, powerful, and sustained release of silver ions into the wound bed. This results in a potent bactericidal effect, making these dressings particularly effective for managing heavily contaminated or infected wounds, such as severe burns. The superior efficacy of nanocrystalline silver has positioned it as a premium option for complex wounds where aggressive infection control is paramount. Emphasis on Evidence-Based and Appropriate Use Protocols: In response to cost and cytotoxicity concerns, a strong clinical trend has emerged towards the judicious and evidence-based use of silver dressings. International consensus documents and wound care societies now promote "silver stewardship," recommending that silver dressings be used for a defined period (e.g., two weeks) to address a specific clinical challenge (infection or high risk of infection), followed by a re-evaluation. This trend, while limiting indiscriminate use, reinforces the value of silver dressings as a targeted, high-impact intervention within a structured and professional wound management framework. Key Opportunities Expansion in Emerging Markets: The most significant growth opportunity lies in emerging economies across the Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East. These regions are experiencing a rapid increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases like diabetes, coupled with improving healthcare infrastructure and rising consumer health awareness. This creates a vast and underserved patient population that could greatly benefit from advanced wound care products. Companies that can establish effective distribution channels, provide clinical education, and offer appropriately priced products for these markets are poised for substantial volume growth. Focus on the Growing Home Healthcare Sector: There is a global trend towards shifting patient care from expensive hospitals to more cost-effective home care settings. Silver dressings are ideally suited for this environment as their potent antimicrobial action can reduce the risk of complications and their high absorbency can decrease the frequency of dressing changes. This reduces the burden on home care nurses and patients. Developing user-friendly dressings and providing education for home use can tap into the rapidly expanding home healthcare market, opening up a major new channel for growth. Integration with Smart Wound Care and Digital Health: A futuristic but powerful opportunity exists in combining silver dressings with smart wound care technologies. Imagine a silver dressing integrated with a flexible sensor that can monitor key biomarkers in the wound fluid, such as pH, temperature, or the presence of specific bacterial enzymes. This "intelligent dressing" could provide real-time data to a smartphone app, alerting the patient or clinician when an infection is developing or when the dressing needs to be changed. This fusion of therapeutic action with diagnostic monitoring could revolutionize wound management. Preview the report with a detailed sample and understand how it can benefit your business strategy. Request a free sample today - https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/silver-wound-dressing-market Segmentation By Product Type Hydrofibre Silver Dressings Silver Alginate Dressings Silver Nitrate Dressings Nanocrystalline Silver Dressings Silver-Plated Nylon Fiber Dressings Others By Application Chronic Wounds Acute Wounds By End User Hospitals Clinics Ambulatory Surgical Centers Based on the Geography: North America U.S. Canada Mexico Europe UK France Germany Italy Spain Russia Belgium Netherlands Austria Sweden Poland Denmark Switzerland Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan South Korea India Australia Thailand Indonesia Vietnam Malaysia Philippines Taiwan Rest of Asia Pacific Latin America Brazil Argentina Peru Chile Colombia Rest of Latin America Middle East UAE KSA Israel Turkey Iran Rest of Middle East Africa Egypt Nigeria Algeria Morocco Rest of Africa Regional Analysis North America stands as the dominant market for silver wound dressings. This leadership is sustained by a high prevalence of chronic wounds, an advanced healthcare infrastructure, high levels of healthcare spending, and well-established reimbursement systems for advanced wound care products. The strong presence of key manufacturers and a proactive approach to adopting new medical technologies further fuel the market in this region. Europe is the second-largest market, sharing many of the same characteristics as North America, including an aging population and high rates of chronic disease. The market is strongly influenced by evidence-based clinical practice guidelines and government healthcare policies. A focus on cost-effectiveness and demonstrated patient outcomes is critical for success in the European market. The Asia Pacific region is projected to be the fastest-growing market. This rapid growth is driven by the soaring incidence of diabetes in countries like China and India, coupled with increasing disposable incomes, improving access to healthcare, and growing awareness of advanced wound management techniques. This creates a massive, largely untapped market for silver dressings and represents the most significant long-term growth opportunity for manufacturers. Credence Research's Competitive Landscape Analysis The Global Silver Wound Dressing Market is a consolidated and highly competitive space, led by a handful of major medical device companies. Key players include Smith & Nephew (with its ACTICOAT and ALLEVYN Ag brands), Molnlycke Health Care AB (Mepilex Ag), ConvaTec Group PLC (AQUACEL Ag), 3M (Tegaderm Ag), and Coloplast Corp. These industry leaders maintain their market position through strong brand recognition, extensive global distribution networks, substantial R&D investment, and a wealth of clinical data supporting their products' efficacy. Competition is fierce, focusing on technological innovation in silver delivery systems, the performance of the base dressing material, and building strong relationships with key opinion leaders and clinicians. Strategic acquisitions and a focus on expanding product portfolios to cover all wound types are common strategies in this dynamic market. Key Player Analysis Smith+Nephew Solventum (formerly 3M's healthcare business) Convatec Group PLC Coloplast Group Molnlycke AB Cardinal Health Medline Industries, LP PAUL HARTMANN AG Advanced Medical Solutions Group plc Braun SE MedWay Group Recent Industry Developments In October 2024, Molnlycke Health Care partnered with Transdiagen to advance research using TDG's wound gene signatures, aiming to enhance innovation and understanding in chronic wound care solutions. In September 2024, 3M's Solventum division introduced the V.A.C. Peel and Place Dressing, an advanced all-in-one dressing and drape that can be applied in under two minutes and worn for up to seven days. The design simplifies application, reduces training needs, and features a non-adherent layer that minimizes pain during removal. In May 2024, Convatec announced results from a multinational randomized controlled trial showing that its AQUACEL Ag+ Extra dressing achieved a 74.8% complete healing rate for venous leg ulcers within 12 weeks, outperforming standard care. In April 2025, Convatec gained regulatory approval for ConvaNiox, a breakthrough wound care technology that harnesses nitric oxide's strong antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties. In March 2025, Imbed Biosciences received FDA approval for an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) to conduct a feasibility trial on its polymeric matrix containing silver and gallium ions for human donor site wound treatment. Reasons to Purchase this Report: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the market through qualitative and quantitative analyses, considering both economic and non-economic factors, with segmentation and sub-segmentation details provided in terms of market value (USD Billion). Identify regions and segments expected to experience the fastest growth or dominate the market, with a detailed analysis of geographic consumption patterns and the factors driving or hindering market performance in each region. Stay informed about the competitive environment, with rankings of major players, recent product and service launches, partnerships, business expansions, and acquisitions from the past five years. Access detailed profiles of major market players, including company overviews, insights, product benchmarking, and SWOT analysis, to understand competitive advantages and market positioning. Explore the present and forecasted market landscape, with insights into growth opportunities, market drivers, challenges, and constraints for both developed and emerging regions. Benefit from Porter's Five Forces analysis and Value Chain insights to evaluate various market perspectives and competitive dynamics. Understand the evolving market scenario, including potential growth opportunities and trends expected in the coming years. Tailor the report to align with your specific business needs and gain targeted insights. Request Here - https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/silver-wound-dressing-market Discover additional reports tailored to your industry needs Wire Wound Variable Resistors Market https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/wire-wound-variable-resistors-market Advanced Wound Care Management Market https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/advanced-wound-care-management-market Wound Cleansers Market https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/wound-cleansers-market Veterinary Wound Cleansers Market https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/veterinary-wound-cleansers-market Digital Wound Management Devices Market https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/digital-wound-management-devices-market Advanced Wound Management Market https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/advanced-wound-management-market Follow Us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/credenceresearch/ https://x.com/CredenceResearc https://www.facebook.com/CredenceResearch About Us: Credence Research is a viable intelligence and market research platform that provides quantitative B2B research to more than 2000 clients worldwide and is built on the Give principle. The company is a market research and consulting firm serving governments, non-legislative associations, non-profit organizations, and various organizations worldwide. We help our clients improve their execution in a lasting way and understand their most imperative objectives. Contact Us Credence Research Europe LTD 128 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX, UNITED KINGDOM Europe - +44 7809 866 263 North America - +1 304 308 1216 Australia - +61 4192 46279 Asia Pacific - +81 5050 50 9250 +64 22 017 0275 India - +91 6232 49 3207 sales@credenceresearch.com www.credenceresearch.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2562161/Credence_Research_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/silver-wound-dressing-market-to-reach-usd-2-129-8-million-by-2032--growing-at-an-4-19-cagr--credence-research-302598814.html PUNE, India, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new in-depth report from Credence Research indicates that the Global Surgical Sutures Market continues its trajectory of robust growth, underpinned by its foundational role in nearly every surgical procedure performed worldwide. The market size, valued at USD 3,251.3 million in 2018, grew steadily to USD 4,659.6 million in 2024. This expansion is set to continue, with the market projected to reach USD 7,923.8 million by 2032, advancing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.92% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2032. This consistent growth is fueled by a confluence of powerful global trends, including an aging population, the rising prevalence of chronic diseases requiring surgical intervention, and continuous technological advancements in suture materials and designs. As the number of surgical procedures-from complex cardiac operations to routine outpatient surgeries-increases globally, the demand for reliable, high-quality wound closure devices remains perpetually strong. Innovations such as antimicrobial coatings and knotless barbed sutures are further driving market value by improving surgical outcomes and efficiency. Browse bthe report and understand how it can benefit your business strategy - https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/surgical-sutures-market Market Overview The Surgical Sutures Market comprises one of the most fundamental and widely used categories of medical devices. A surgical suture is a thread used to hold body tissues together after an injury or surgery, facilitating the natural healing process. Its primary functions are to approximate wound edges, provide mechanical support to the tissue as it heals, and ligate (tie off) blood vessels. Despite the advent of alternative wound closure methods, sutures remain the gold standard for a vast majority of procedures due to their versatility, strength, and predictable performance. The market's steady growth, as reflected in its climb to USD 4,659.6 million in 2024 and its projected path to nearly USD 8 billion by 2032, is a direct indicator of the increasing volume of surgical interventions worldwide. This includes a rise in surgeries related to cardiovascular diseases, cancer treatment, orthopedic procedures like joint replacements, and a growing number of cosmetic and plastic surgeries. The market is broadly segmented by product type into absorbable and non-absorbable sutures. Absorbable sutures are made from materials that are designed to be broken down and absorbed by the body over time through enzymatic reactions or hydrolysis. They are ideal for closing internal tissue layers where suture removal is not feasible or desired. This category includes natural materials like catgut and, more commonly, synthetic polymers such as polyglycolic acid (PGA), polylactic acid (PLA), and polydioxanone (PDS), which offer more predictable absorption rates and less tissue reactivity. Non-absorbable sutures are made from materials that resist enzymatic degradation and remain permanently in the tissue or are removed by a clinician once the wound has healed sufficiently. They are used in applications requiring long-term mechanical support, such as vascular anastomoses in cardiovascular surgery, or for skin closure. Common materials include natural silk and synthetic polymers like nylon, polypropylene, and polyester. The choice between absorbable and non-absorbable sutures, as well as the specific material and diameter, is a critical clinical decision based on the tissue type, the required strength, and the desired healing time. Key Growth Determinants Increasing Volume of Surgical Procedures Globally: A primary driver is the sheer increase in the number of surgeries performed worldwide. This is fueled by an aging global population requiring more age-related procedures (e.g., cataract surgery, joint replacements), the rising prevalence of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease and cancer that often necessitate surgical intervention, and an increase in traumatic injuries. As healthcare access expands globally, more patients are undergoing surgery, creating a direct and growing demand for the sutures needed to complete these procedures. Growing Demand for Advanced and Specialized Sutures: The market's value is increasingly driven by a shift towards advanced sutures that offer benefits beyond simple wound closure. These include sutures with antimicrobial coatings (e.g., triclosan) that help prevent surgical site infections (SSIs), a major cause of post-operative morbidity. Additionally, the growing adoption of knotless "barbed" sutures, which reduce closure times and are ideal for minimally invasive surgery, command a premium price. This demand for value-added, technologically advanced products is a key factor propelling market revenue. Improvements in Healthcare Infrastructure in Emerging Markets: Rapidly developing economies across Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Africa are investing heavily in their healthcare infrastructure. As new hospitals and surgical centers are built and access to medical care improves for millions of people, the number of surgical procedures performed in these regions is rising exponentially. This creates a vast, high-growth market for essential surgical supplies like sutures, providing a major growth engine for global manufacturers looking to expand their footprint. Key Growth Barriers Rising Preference for Alternative Wound Closure Methods: The traditional suture market faces significant competition from alternative wound closure technologies. Surgical staplers, for instance, offer faster skin closure for certain procedures. Tissue adhesives (glues) and sealants provide a non-invasive option for superficial wounds and are increasingly used in pediatric and cosmetic applications. Additionally, advanced energy-based vessel sealing devices are replacing the need for ligatures in some surgeries. This diversification of closure methods can limit the growth potential of sutures in specific clinical scenarios. Stringent Regulatory Approval Processes: New surgical suture products, especially those incorporating novel materials or active agents like antimicrobial coatings, are subject to rigorous and lengthy regulatory approval processes by bodies like the U.S. FDA and the European Medicines Agency. This requires extensive preclinical and clinical data to prove safety and efficacy, representing a significant investment of time and capital. These stringent requirements can slow the pace of innovation and act as a high barrier to entry for smaller companies. Pricing Pressure and Commoditization: In the high-volume segments of the market, particularly for conventional, non-coated sutures, there is intense pricing pressure. Healthcare providers and group purchasing organizations (GPOs) exert significant leverage to reduce costs, leading to the commoditization of standard suture products. This pressure on pricing can squeeze manufacturer profit margins and makes it challenging to compete without a large scale of economy, forcing companies to focus on higher-value specialty sutures to maintain profitability. Key Market Trends Adoption of Knotless (Barbed) Sutures: A major trend transforming surgical practice is the growing use of barbed sutures. These sutures feature small, bidirectional or unidirectional barbs along their length that anchor into the tissue, eliminating the need for surgeons to tie knots. This innovation significantly speeds up wound closure time, which is particularly valuable in long procedures and in minimally invasive surgery where knot-tying is challenging. This efficiency gain and the ability to create a more secure, watertight closure are driving rapid adoption. Development of Antimicrobial-Coated Sutures: In the global fight against healthcare-associated infections, a critical trend is the widespread adoption of sutures coated with an antimicrobial agent, most commonly triclosan. These sutures create a zone of inhibition around the suture line that helps to prevent bacterial colonization, a key factor in the development of surgical site infections (SSIs). As hospitals face increasing pressure to reduce SSI rates, the use of antimicrobial sutures is becoming a standard of care for many procedures. Emergence of "Smart" and Bioactive Sutures: The future of the market lies in sutures that do more than just provide mechanical support. This forward-looking trend involves the development of "smart sutures" with integrated functionalities. This includes bioactive sutures that can actively promote healing by releasing growth factors or anti-inflammatory drugs directly into the wound. It also includes research into sensor-equipped sutures that can monitor wound temperature, pH, or tension and wirelessly transmit data to an external device, offering a real-time window into the healing process. Key Opportunities Expansion in Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS): The global shift towards MIS (laparoscopic and robotic surgery) presents a unique and significant opportunity for specialized sutures. While MIS also utilizes alternative closure methods, the challenges of working in confined spaces make knot-tying particularly difficult. This creates high demand for knotless barbed sutures, which dramatically simplify and accelerate internal tissue approximation. Developing suture products and delivery mechanisms specifically designed for the unique ergonomics of MIS is a key growth avenue. Growth in Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery: The global cosmetic surgery market is booming, creating a lucrative opportunity for premium suture products. In procedures like facelifts, rhinoplasty, and breast augmentation, the final aesthetic outcome is paramount. This drives strong demand for fine-gauge, low-reactivity sutures that minimize tissue trauma and scarring. Surgeons and patients in this segment are often less price-sensitive and willing to pay for premium products that deliver superior cosmetic results. Untapped Potential in the Veterinary Market: The veterinary healthcare market is a rapidly growing and often underserved segment. As pet owners' willingness to spend on advanced medical care for their companion animals increases, so does the demand for high-quality, sterile surgical sutures for veterinary procedures. While some human-grade sutures are used, there is a distinct opportunity for manufacturers to develop and market a dedicated, cost-effective line of sutures specifically designed and packaged for the diverse needs of veterinary surgeons. 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Request a free sample today - https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/surgical-sutures-market Segmentation By Type Dissolvable Sutures Non-Dissolvable Sutures By Application Orthopedic Surgeries Cardiovascular Surgeries Cosmetic Surgeries General Surgeries Ophthalmic Surgeries Gynecological Surgeries Neurological Surgeries Others By End User Hospitals Ambulatory Centers Private Clinics Based on the Geography: North America U.S. Canada Mexico Europe UK France Germany Italy Spain Russia Belgium Netherlands Austria Sweden Poland Denmark Switzerland Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan South Korea India Australia Thailand Indonesia Vietnam Malaysia Philippines Taiwan Rest of Asia Pacific Latin America Brazil Argentina Peru Chile Colombia Rest of Latin America Middle East UAE KSA Israel Turkey Iran Rest of Middle East Africa Egypt Nigeria Algeria Morocco Rest of Africa Regional Analysis North America holds the dominant share of the Global Surgical Sutures Market, a position it maintains due to the high volume of surgical procedures, an advanced healthcare system, and high per capita healthcare spending. Favorable reimbursement policies for surgical interventions and the rapid adoption of new and premium-priced technologies, such as antimicrobial and barbed sutures, further bolster the market's value in this region. Europe stands as the second-largest market, characterized by its well-established national healthcare systems and a strong emphasis on patient safety and clinical outcomes. An aging population ensures a consistently high volume of surgeries. The stringent CE marking process promotes high-quality standards, and countries like Germany, France, and the UK are major contributors to the regional market. The Asia Pacific region is projected to be the fastest-growing market during the forecast period. This remarkable growth is driven by expanding healthcare infrastructure, rising disposable incomes, and increasing access to surgical care for a massive population in countries like China and India. A growing burden of chronic diseases and an increase in medical tourism are also key factors fueling the demand for surgical sutures across the region. Credence Research's Competitive Landscape Analysis The Global Surgical Sutures Market is highly consolidated, with three major players-Ethicon (a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson), Medtronic plc, and B. Braun Melsungen AG-commanding a significant majority of the global market share. These industry leaders leverage their vast and comprehensive product portfolios, which span all types of absorbable and non-absorbable sutures, coupled with their powerful brand recognition and extensive global sales and distribution networks. Their long-standing relationships with hospitals, surgeons, and group purchasing organizations create a formidable barrier to entry. Competition among these giants and a host of smaller, specialized players focuses on innovation in materials science, the development of value-added features like antimicrobial coatings, and strategic acquisitions to gain access to new technologies or markets. Key Player Analysis Solventum Medtronic Demetech Corporation Endoevolution LLC Johnson and Johnson Services, Inc. Braun Surgical Sutures Private Limited Lotus Surgical Life Line Sutures Orion Sutures Recent Industry Developments In July 2025, Smith+Nephew introduced the Q-FIX KNOTLESS All-Suture Anchor, designed for soft tissue-to-bone fixation across multiple joints, including the shoulder, hip, and foot & ankle. The innovation enhances surgical efficiency and fixation strength. In June 2025, OSSIO, Inc. launched its OSSIOfiber 2.5 mm Suture Anchors, expanding its soft-tissue fixation portfolio. The non-metallic material integrates naturally into bone, minimizing side effects and improving surgical outcomes. In January 2025, Medtronic reported total revenue of USD 33.5 billion, with its Medical Surgical Portfolio contributing USD 8.4 billion, driven by steady growth in its LigaSure vessel-sealing line. In July 2024, Corza Medical completed the acquisition of TachoSil manufacturing operations in Linz, Austria, integrating it into Takeda's global production network. TachoSil remains a globally recognized surgical patch used for bleeding control and tissue sealing. In July 2024, Advanced Medical Solutions (AMS) acquired Peters Surgical, a France-based company known for expertise in sutures, hemostatic clips, and surgical glues. This acquisition strengthens AMS's surgical wound care and closure portfolio. In May 2024, KKR acquired Healthium Medtech Ltd., one of India's largest surgical suture manufacturers, from Apax Partners, reinforcing its global presence in the medical device sector. In February 2024, Novo Integrated Sciences, along with its subsidiary Clinical Consultants International, partnered with Futura Surgicare to introduce Dolphin sutures and mesh products in the North American market. In October 2024, Corza Medical unveiled its Onatec Ophthalmic Microsurgical Sutures at the American Academy of Ophthalmology Conference, marking a key expansion in ophthalmic solutions. In September 2024, Meril Life Sciences launched the New Edge Suture, designed for open, laparoscopic, and robotic surgeries, to enhance precision and wound closure strength. In August 2023, Riverpoint Medical invested USD 10 million in a new 4,000-square-meter manufacturing facility in the Coyol Free Trade Zone, Costa Rica. The site includes two certified clean rooms for producing absorbable and non-absorbable orthopedic sutures, supporting the region's growth as a medical device hub. Reasons to Purchase this Report: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the market through qualitative and quantitative analyses, considering both economic and non-economic factors, with segmentation and sub-segmentation details provided in terms of market value (USD Billion). Identify regions and segments expected to experience the fastest growth or dominate the market, with a detailed analysis of geographic consumption patterns and the factors driving or hindering market performance in each region. Stay informed about the competitive environment, with rankings of major players, recent product and service launches, partnerships, business expansions, and acquisitions from the past five years. Access detailed profiles of major market players, including company overviews, insights, product benchmarking, and SWOT analysis, to understand competitive advantages and market positioning. Explore the present and forecasted market landscape, with insights into growth opportunities, market drivers, challenges, and constraints for both developed and emerging regions. Benefit from Porter's Five Forces analysis and Value Chain insights to evaluate various market perspectives and competitive dynamics. Understand the evolving market scenario, including potential growth opportunities and trends expected in the coming years. Tailor the report to align with your specific business needs and gain targeted insights. 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Contact Us Credence Research Europe LTD 128 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX, UNITED KINGDOM Europe - +44 7809 866 263 North America - +1 304 308 1216 Australia - +61 4192 46279 Asia Pacific - +81 5050 50 9250 +64 22 017 0275 India - +91 6232 49 3207 sales@credenceresearch.com www.credenceresearch.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2562161/Credence_Research_Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/surgical-sutures-market-to-reach-usd-7-923-8-million-by-2032--growing-at-an-6-92--cagr--credence-research-302598839.html Highlights Nano One awarded C$5M contribution from NRCan to scale and commercialize One-Pot LFP Funding supports planned Candiac expansion, including LFP cathode materials development for ESS, defence, and EV markets Government-backed support reinforces Canada's role in building LFP supply chain optionality VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / October 29, 2025 / Nano One Materials Corp. ("Nano One" or the "Company")(TSX:NANO)(OTCQB:NNOMF)(Frankfurt:LBMB), a process technology company specializing in lithium-ion battery cathode active materials (CAM), is pleased to announce it has been awarded a C$5 million non-repayable contribution from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) under the Energy Innovation Program to scale production of One-Pot lithium iron phosphate (LFP) CAM and accelerate commercialization. "The Government of Canada is proud to support Nano One as they scale up their made-in-Canada battery innovation. At a time where the global demand for batteries is surging, their work could not be more important. We are showing the world how to build cleaner, more secure, and more sustainable supply chains. This patented technology, developed here at home, is helping position Canada as a global leader in the next generation of battery materials-proving that Canada can power the world." - The Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources The funding supports Nano One's ongoing work at its Candiac, Quebec and Burnaby, British Columbia facilities through March 31, 2027. It will enable the Company to continue developing different product grades of One-Pot LFP to meet performance requirements across energy storage systems, defence, electric vehicles and other applications. Sumitomo Metal Mining is a project partner under this NRCan award and will contribute technical expertise as in-kind support. The Candiac facility remains Nano One's launch pad for growth and a critical bridge between customer validation, first revenues, and demonstrating the technology in production-intent equipment to support future licensing opportunities. As a demonstration facility, Candiac will also support service revenues generated from licensee operator training, continuous process improvements, and product enhancement. "This investment strengthens our path to commercialization and reinforces Canada's position as a leader in clean-technology manufacturing," said Dan Blondal, CEO of Nano One. "We're grateful to the Government of Canada for its continued support across multiple programs, including this NRCan contribution, which helps us de-risk scale-up, advance customer validation, and create long-term value for our shareholders on our path to commercial operations." Strengthening North America's Battery Supply Chains The project builds on existing funding support from the U.S. Department of Defense, Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen), Investissement Quebec (MEIE), and Technoclimat (MELCCFP). It aligns with G7 efforts to build resilient and diversified supply chains for critical minerals and battery materials-reducing reliance on single-country sources and reinforcing North American energy security. The funding supports the next phase of Nano One's scale-up at its Candiac facility from 200 tpa to a minimum of 800 tpa with the flexibility to reach 1,000+ tpa to meet customer demand. It marks continued progress toward commercializing One-Pot LFP production and building localized capacity in line with government priorities for industrial resilience and supply-chain independence. The C$5 million contribution covers eligible operating and capital expenditures for scale-up, product-development, and commercialization activities at both facilities-helping position Canada as a strategic and secure supplier of LFP to its allies and partners. ### About Nano One Nano One Materials Corp. (Nano One) is a technology company changing how the world makes cathode active materials for lithium-ion batteries. Applications include stationary energy storage systems (ESS), portable electronics, and electric vehicles (EVs). The Company's patented One-Pot process reduces costs, is easier-to permit, lowers energy intensity, environmental footprint, and reliance on problematic supply chains. The Company is supporting the drive towards energy security, supply chain resilience, industrial competitiveness and increased performance through process innovation. Production is being piloted and demonstrated in Candiac, Quebec, drawing on the existing plant and decades of commercial lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) manufacturing experience. Strategic collaborations and partnerships with international companies like Sumitomo Metal Mining, Rio Tinto, and Worley are supporting a design-one-build-many licensing growth strategy-delivering cost-competitive, easier-to-permit, and faster-to-market battery materials production solutions worldwide. Nano One has received funding from the Government of Canada, the Government of the United States, the Government of Quebec, and the Government of British Columbia. For more information, please visit www.nanoone.ca. Company Contact: Paul Guedes info@nanoone.ca +1 (604) 420-2041 Cautionary Notes and Forward-Looking Statements Certain information contained herein may constitute "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to: receipt of the total amount of announced anticipated funding from the Government of Canada/NRCan; use of proceeds; ongoing product and process improvement and innovations as potential additional revenue opportunities for the Company; the development of technology, supply chains, and plans for construction and operation of cathode production facilities for acceptance of the Company's product and licensing packages; industry acceleration and demand; successful current and future collaborations that are/may happen with OEMs, miners or others including Sumitomo; the value, functions and intended benefits of the Company's technology and products efforts to build resilient and sustainable supply chains for critical minerals and battery materials; the development and evolution of Nano One's technology and products for scale up and commercialization; achieving commercial production of LFP; the Company's licensing, supply chain, joint venture strategies, opportunities and potential royalty arrangements; the purpose for expanding the Candiac facilities and scalability of developed technology; and the execution of the Company's plans - which are contingent on capital support and grants. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of terminology such as 'believe', 'expect', 'anticipate', 'plan', 'intend', 'continue', 'estimate', 'may', 'will', 'should', 'ongoing', 'target', 'goal', 'encouraged', 'projected', 'potential' or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the current opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made are not, and cannot be, a guarantee of future results or events. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, including but not limited to: receipt of the total amount of announced anticipated funding from the Government of Canada/NRCan; use of proceeds; ongoing product and process improvement and innovations as potential additional revenue opportunities for the Company; de-risking supply chains for prospective licensees; general and global economic and regulatory changes; next steps and timely execution of the Company's business plans; the development of technology, supply chains, and plans for construction and operation of cathode production facilities; successful current or future collaborations that may happen with OEMs, miners or others; the execution of the Company's plans which are contingent on capital sources; the Company's ability to achieve its stated goals; the commercialization of the Company's technology and patents via license, joint venture and independent production; the Company's efforts to build resilient and sustainable supply chains for critical minerals and battery materials; anticipated global demand and projected growth for LFP batteries; and other risk factors as identified in Nano One's Annual Information Form dated March 25, 2025, for the year ended December 31, 2024, its MD&A for the six months ended June 30, 2025 and in recent securities filings for the Company which are available at www.sedarplus.ca. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information that is incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. SOURCE: Nano One Materials Corp. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/nano-one-awarded-c5-million-from-the-government-of-canada-to-support-capacity-exp-1093195 PUNE, India, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new, in-depth market analysis from Credence Research has identified a powerful growth trajectory for the Global Unmanned Helicopter Market, fueled by significant investments in defense technology and the rapid emergence of new commercial applications. The market, which was valued at USD 2,777.9 million in 2018, demonstrated remarkable growth to reach USD 5,893.6 million in 2024. This momentum is set to continue, with the market projected to achieve a valuation of USD 16,102.0 million by 2032, expanding at a strong compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.47% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2032. This impressive expansion is driven by the unique operational advantages of unmanned helicopters, particularly their Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) and hover capabilities, which make them ideal for a wide range of missions where runways are unavailable or precision is paramount. As global defense forces seek to enhance their intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and logistics capabilities while reducing risk to personnel, and as commercial sectors from agriculture to logistics look for more efficient solutions, the versatile unmanned helicopter platform is emerging as a critical technological asset. Browse the report and understand how it can benefit your business strategy - https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/unmanned-helicopters-market Market Overview The Unmanned Helicopter Market comprises the design, manufacturing, and operation of rotary-wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Also known as rotary-wing drones or drone helicopters, these sophisticated aircraft are distinguished by their ability to perform vertical take-offs and landings, hover for extended periods, and operate in confined spaces without the need for a runway. This gives them a distinct advantage over their fixed-wing counterparts, which require runways and are designed for long-endurance, wide-area surveillance. Unmanned helicopters, in contrast, excel at missions requiring precision, close inspection, or operations from mobile platforms like naval vessels. The market's robust growth, evidenced by its projected surge to over USD 16 billion by 2032, reflects a clear and accelerating demand for these versatile platforms across both military and civilian domains. In the defense sector, they have become indispensable assets for ISR missions, maritime patrol, target acquisition, cargo resupply to remote or contested areas, and communications relay. Their ability to launch from the small flight deck of a naval destroyer or operate in complex urban and mountainous terrain provides a level of operational flexibility that is unmatched by other systems. In the commercial sphere, unmanned helicopters are carving out significant niches. Their capacity to carry heavy payloads makes them ideal for precision agriculture, where they can be used for large-scale crop spraying with high accuracy. They are also increasingly used for the detailed inspection of critical infrastructure such as power lines, wind turbines, bridges, and oil and gas pipelines. Other key applications include aerial mapping, filmmaking, and a burgeoning role in cargo logistics and last-mile delivery. The platform consists of several key components: the airframe, a powerful engine (combustion, electric, or hybrid), advanced avionics and flight control systems, a mission-specific payload (such as high-resolution cameras, LiDAR scanners, or cargo hooks), and a ground control station from which a remote pilot operates the aircraft. Key Growth Determinants Military Modernization and Persistent ISR Demand: Global defense forces are increasingly integrating unmanned helicopters into their operational fleets to enhance their Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. These platforms can be deployed from land or sea to provide persistent, real-time situational awareness without risking a pilot's life. Their ability to hover allows for focused observation of specific targets, while their VTOL capability is essential for naval operations from destroyers and frigates. This sustained demand for advanced, flexible ISR and logistical support is a primary driver of market growth. Expansion into Commercial and Civil Applications: Beyond the military, the market is being propelled by a widening array of commercial use cases. In precision agriculture, the heavy payload capacity of unmanned helicopters allows for the efficient spraying of large croplands. In the energy sector, they are used for the safe and cost-effective inspection of wind turbines and power lines. Other growing applications include aerial surveying and mapping, cargo delivery to remote sites, and public safety missions like search and rescue and wildfire monitoring. This diversification into high-value commercial services is creating significant new revenue streams. Advancements in Autonomous Technologies and AI: Rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, flight control systems, and sensor fusion are making unmanned helicopters more autonomous, reliable, and easier to operate. AI-powered algorithms enable complex maneuvers, automated obstacle avoidance, and target recognition, reducing the cognitive load on the remote pilot. These technologies are critical for enabling safe and efficient Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, which is the key to unlocking the full commercial and military potential of these platforms and is a major factor driving investment and adoption. Key Growth Barriers Complex and Restrictive Regulatory Frameworks: The single greatest barrier to the commercial growth of the unmanned helicopter market is the complex and slowly evolving regulatory environment. Operating large, heavy UAVs, particularly Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS), in national airspace requires navigating a stringent and often lengthy certification process with aviation authorities like the FAA and EASA. The lack of standardized global regulations for BVLOS operations creates uncertainty and significant hurdles for companies seeking to deploy these platforms for commercial services like cargo delivery or large-scale inspections. High Acquisition, Maintenance, and Operational Costs: Unmanned helicopters are significantly more expensive than most fixed-wing UAVs or smaller multirotor drones. Their complex mechanical systems, including rotor heads, transmissions, and engines, require specialized and costly maintenance by highly trained technicians. This high total cost of ownership (TCO) can be prohibitive for many potential commercial operators and can strain the budgets of smaller defense organizations. The cost barrier remains a major factor limiting wider market adoption, especially in the price-sensitive commercial sector. Concerns Over Safety, Reliability, and Public Perception: The prospect of large, autonomous helicopters operating over populated areas or critical infrastructure raises significant public safety concerns. A mechanical or software failure in a heavy rotary-wing UAV could have catastrophic consequences. Ensuring extremely high levels of reliability through redundant systems and rigorous testing is essential. Public acceptance is a critical, non-technical barrier, and any high-profile accidents could lead to a public backlash and even stricter regulations, setting back the industry's progress for years. Key Market Trends Development of Hybrid-Electric Propulsion Systems: A major technological trend is the shift towards hybrid-electric propulsion. These systems combine an internal combustion engine, which acts as a generator, with electric motors to drive the rotors. This approach offers the best of both worlds: the long endurance and heavy-lift capability of a fuel-powered engine, with the improved efficiency, reliability, and lower acoustic signature of electric propulsion. Hybridization is a key enabling technology for extending mission duration and range, making it a major focus of R&D for leading manufacturers. Miniaturization and Platform Diversification: While large unmanned helicopters designed for heavy-lift and long endurance dominate headlines, there is a concurrent trend towards the development of smaller, more tactical rotary-wing UAVs. These platforms, often weighing under 150 kg, offer the same VTOL and hover advantages in a more compact, portable, and rapidly deployable package. They are increasingly being used for applications such as urban surveillance, special forces support, convoy protection, and as "first-look" assets for first responders, broadening the overall market. Integration of Advanced Multi-Sensor Payloads: The true capability of an unmanned helicopter is defined by its payload. The current trend is to integrate increasingly sophisticated and diverse sensor suites and then use onboard AI to fuse the data. A single platform might carry a high-definition electro-optical (EO) camera, an infrared (IR) sensor for night operations, a LiDAR scanner for 3D mapping, and a communications relay package. This sensor fusion provides a multi-layered, comprehensive intelligence picture, transforming the platform from a simple "flying camera" into a powerful, real-time data collection and analysis node. Key Opportunities Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and Middle-Mile Cargo Logistics: A massive future opportunity lies in the logistics sector, particularly for middle-mile cargo transport and time-sensitive deliveries. Unmanned helicopters are ideal for transporting goods between distribution hubs, resupplying offshore platforms, or delivering urgent medical supplies like organs and blood to hospitals. Their ability to take off and land vertically eliminates the need for airports, allowing for point-to-point delivery. As regulations mature to allow for autonomous cargo flights, this segment is expected to become a multi-billion dollar market. Maritime Surveillance and Ship-Based Operations: The maritime domain presents a perfect environment for unmanned helicopters. Their ability to operate from the small flight decks of naval and coast guard vessels dramatically extends the surveillance and operational reach of the host ship. They are ideal for over-the-horizon ISR, anti-piracy patrols, search and rescue missions, and monitoring vast Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). This opportunity is driving significant investment from navies around the world, as these platforms serve as a powerful force multiplier for any fleet. Large-Scale Precision Agriculture and Forestry: Unmanned helicopters offer a distinct advantage over smaller drones for large-scale agriculture and forestry management. Their capacity to carry hundreds of kilograms of payload allows them to efficiently spray pesticides or fertilizers, or to conduct aerial seeding, over vast tracts of land. They can apply treatments with high precision, which reduces chemical runoff and environmental impact. This capability to cover more ground, more quickly, and with heavier loads makes them a compelling value proposition for large agribusinesses and forestry companies. Preview the report with a detailed sample and understand how it can benefit your business strategy. Request a free sample today - https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/unmanned-helicopters-market Segmentation Application Segments: Military Government Agency Industrial Others End User Segments: Defense Agencies Law Enforcement Emergency Services Based on the Geography: North America U.S. Canada Mexico Europe UK France Germany Italy Spain Russia Belgium Netherlands Austria Sweden Poland Denmark Switzerland Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan South Korea India Australia Thailand Indonesia Vietnam Malaysia Philippines Taiwan Rest of Asia Pacific Latin America Brazil Argentina Peru Chile Colombia Rest of Latin America Middle East UAE KSA Israel Turkey Iran Rest of Middle East Africa Egypt Nigeria Algeria Morocco Rest of Africa Regional Analysis North America currently dominates the Global Unmanned Helicopter Market, primarily due to massive and sustained investment from the U.S. Department of Defense. Flagship programs, such as the Northrop Grumman MQ-8 Fire Scout for the U.S. Navy, have driven technological development and established a strong industrial base. The region is home to most of the world's leading manufacturers, and while commercial adoption is growing, it remains carefully managed by strict Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. The Asia Pacific region is projected to be the fastest-growing market. This growth is fueled by ambitious military modernization programs in China, Japan, India, and South Korea, all of which are investing heavily in unmanned systems for maritime surveillance and border security. China has also emerged as a significant developer and exporter of unmanned helicopters for both military and commercial applications, further driving regional expansion. Europe represents another key market, with a strong aerospace and defense industry. European nations are actively developing next-generation unmanned platforms for military, security, and civil applications. Regulatory bodies like the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) are at the forefront of creating comprehensive frameworks for integrating UAVs into civilian airspace, which is expected to unlock significant commercial opportunities across the continent in the coming years. Credence Research's Competitive Landscape Analysis The Global Unmanned Helicopter Market is characterized by a concentrated competitive landscape, dominated by major global defense and aerospace prime contractors. Industry titans such as Northrop Grumman Corporation, The Boeing Company, Lockheed Martin Corporation (through its Sikorsky division), Bell (a Textron Inc. company), and Airbus Helicopters are key players, leveraging their extensive engineering expertise, vast manufacturing capabilities, and long-standing relationships with government customers. The market also features highly successful specialized manufacturers, most notably Schiebel of Austria, whose CAMCOPTER S-100 has achieved significant global success in both military and civil markets. Competition is intense and is primarily driven by technological superiority-in areas like endurance, payload capacity, and level of autonomy-as well as system reliability and the ability to secure long-term, high-value government contracts. Key Player Analysis Elbit Systems CybAero Northrop Grumman MD Helicopters AVIC Helicopter Company Airbus Helicopters Leonardo Schiebel Group Lockheed Martin Yamaha Motor Company Recent Industry Developments In May 2025, Airbus U.S. Space & Defense and L3Harris Technologies announced a strategic partnership to enhance the Airbus MQ-72C Logistics Connector, an unmanned variant of the UH-72 Lakota helicopter. The collaboration integrates L3Harris' advanced digital backbone and command systems, enabling rapid integration of third-party commercial hardware. This initiative supports the U.S. Marine Corps with a modular, open-systems platform for diverse logistics missions in challenging environments. In May 2025, Cyberlux Corporation partnered with Optical Knowledge Systems, Inc. (OKSI) to strengthen UAS operations in GPS- and RF-denied environments. By integrating OKSI's OMNISCIENCE autonomy suite into Cyberlux platforms, the collaboration enables autonomous navigation, target detection, and guidance without conventional communication systems, improving mission resilience in contested areas. In April 2025, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) partnered with Anduril Industries to co-develop advanced unmanned surface vessels (USVs). The initiative combines HD HHI's autonomous navigation systems with Anduril's mission autonomy technology to create AI-driven naval platforms capable of complex operations with minimal human control. In January 2025, Redwire Corporation acquired Edge Autonomy for USD 925 million, expanding into the unmanned aerial systems (UAS) sector. The acquisition integrates Edge Autonomy's drone technologies with Redwire's space infrastructure solutions, enhancing defense and intelligence offerings while diversifying Redwire's national security portfolio. In June 2024, at the ILA Berlin Air Show, Airbus unveiled the VSR700 unmanned helicopter, designed for naval operations with advanced technology and operational flexibility. The same month, Biggen Technologies (BGT) showcased its unmanned helicopter lineup featuring electric, engine-powered, and multi-payload models, highlighting its innovation in aerial automation. In May 2024, Titra partnered with Airbus to adapt the ALPIN drone for naval use, enabling autonomous take-off and landing from maritime platforms. In April 2024, UAVOS deployed its UVH 170 unmanned helicopter to aid wildfire suppression by providing real-time data to firefighting agencies. In January 2024, Airbus Helicopters completed the acquisition of Aerovel, including its Flexrotor UAS, to expand tactical unmanned aerial capabilities. The same month, the UAE Ministry of Defence awarded EDGE a contract for 200 HT-100 and HT-750 unmanned helicopters to strengthen VTOL operations. Also, Turkey's ASELSAN delivered the first ASELFLIR-400 Electro-Optical Reconnaissance and Targeting System, enhancing indigenous surveillance capabilities. In January 2024, Hanwha Systems was selected to develop an unmanned helicopter for the Republic of Korea Navy and Marine Corps, improving naval reconnaissance and logistics operations. In November 2023, China inducted its first batch of unmanned maritime helicopters in Weihai, Shandong Province, to support water traffic control and maritime emergency response. In August 2023, AVIC's China Helicopter Research and Development Institute (CHRDI) designated the AR-500 unmanned helicopter for maritime management in Shandong Province, conducting surveillance, rescue, and pollution monitoring missions. Reasons to Purchase this Report: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the market through qualitative and quantitative analyses, considering both economic and non-economic factors, with segmentation and sub-segmentation details provided in terms of market value (USD Billion). Identify regions and segments expected to experience the fastest growth or dominate the market, with a detailed analysis of geographic consumption patterns and the factors driving or hindering market performance in each region. Stay informed about the competitive environment, with rankings of major players, recent product and service launches, partnerships, business expansions, and acquisitions from the past five years. Access detailed profiles of major market players, including company overviews, insights, product benchmarking, and SWOT analysis, to understand competitive advantages and market positioning. Explore the present and forecasted market landscape, with insights into growth opportunities, market drivers, challenges, and constraints for both developed and emerging regions. Benefit from Porter's Five Forces analysis and Value Chain insights to evaluate various market perspectives and competitive dynamics. Understand the evolving market scenario, including potential growth opportunities and trends expected in the coming years. Tailor the report to align with your specific business needs and gain targeted insights. Request Here - https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/unmanned-helicopters-market Discover additional reports tailored to your industry needs Commercial Helicopter Market https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/commercial-helicopter-market Australia Firefighting Aircraft Market https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/australia-firefighting-aircraft-market Aircraft Doors Market https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/aircraft-doors-market Aerospace Composites Market https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/aerospace-composites-market Aircraft Gearbox Market https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/aircraft-gearbox-market Follow Us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/credenceresearch/ https://x.com/CredenceResearc https://www.facebook.com/CredenceResearch About Us: Credence Research is a viable intelligence and market research platform that provides quantitative B2B research to more than 2000 clients worldwide and is built on the Give principle. The company is a market research and consulting firm serving governments, non-legislative associations, non-profit organizations, and various organizations worldwide. We help our clients improve their execution in a lasting way and understand their most imperative objectives. Contact Us Credence Research Europe LTD 128 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX, UNITED KINGDOM Europe - +44 7809 866 263 North America - +1 304 308 1216 Australia - +61 4192 46279 Asia Pacific - +81 5050 50 9250 +64 22 017 0275 India - +91 6232 49 3207 sales@credenceresearch.com www.credenceresearch.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2562161/5590673/Credence_Research_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/unmanned-helicopter-market-to-reach-usd-16-102-0-million-by-2032--growing-at-an-13-47-cagr--credence-research-302598871.html HALIFAX, NS / ACCESS Newswire / October 29, 2025 / Namibia Critical Metals Inc. ("Namibia Critical Metals" or the "Company" or "NCMI") (TSXV:NMI)(OTCQB:NMREF) is pleased to announce that it has retained the services of Renmark Financial Communications Inc. to handle its investor relations activities. "We are pleased to announce that we have selected Renmark to reinforce Namibia Critical Metals Inc.'s profile in the financial community and enhance the visibility of our company. We chose Renmark because its standards and methodologies fit best with the message we wish to communicate to the investing public," noted Darrin Campbell, President & Corporate Secretary. In consideration of the services to be provided, the monthly fees incurred by Namibia Critical Metals Inc. will be a cash consideration of up to $9,000 CAD, starting November 1st, 2025, for a period of seven months ending on May 31st, 2026,and monthly thereafter. Renmark Financial Communications does not have any interest, directly or indirectly, Namibia Critical Metals Inc. or its securities, or any right or intent to acquire such an interest. About Renmark Financial Communications Inc. Founded in 1999, Renmark is a leading privately held full-service investor relations firm, located in Atlanta, New York, Toronto and Montreal. For the past 25 years, Renmark has provided services in investor relations, media relations and web development representing small, medium and large cap public companies listed on all major North American exchanges. On a daily basis our team of professionals enhance our client's visibility within the retail market space as corporate communicators. With the largest roadshow footprint in North America, and a state-of-the-art media studio, we host a multitude of live streaming Virtual Non-Deal Roadshows across North America and Europe. About Namibia Critical Metals Inc. NCMI is developing the Tier-1 Heavy Rare Earth Project, Lofdal, a globally significant deposit of the heavy rare earth metals dysprosium and terbium. Demand for these critical metals used in permanent magnets for electric vehicles, wind turbines and other electronics is driven by innovations linked to energy and technology transformations. The geopolitical risks associated with sourcing many of these metals have become a repeated concern for manufacturers and end users. Namibia is a proven and stable mining jurisdiction. The Lofdal Project is fully permitted with a 25-year Mining License and is under a Joint Venture agreement with Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC). About Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) and the JV JOGMEC is a Japanese government independent administrative agency which seeks to secure stable resource supplies for Japan. JOGMEC has a strong reputation as a long term, strategic partner in mineral projects globally. JOGMEC facilitates opportunities with Japanese private companies to secure supplies of natural resources for the benefit of the country's economic development. Rare earth elements are of critical importance to Japanese industrial interests and JOGMEC has extensive experience with all aspects of the sector. JOGMEC provided Lynas with USD$250,000,000 in loans and equity in 2011 to ensure supplies of the Light Rare Earths metals suite to the Japanese industry and invested a further $134 million in 2023. In March 2025 JOGMEC announced a partnership with Iwatani Corporation to invest 110 million euros in Carester's heavy rare earth separation plant, Caremag, located at Lacq, France. Namibia Critical Metals owns a 95% interest in the Lofdal project with the remaining 5% held for the benefit of Historically Disadvantaged Namibians. The terms of the JOGMEC joint venture agreement with the Company stipulate that JOGMEC provides C$3,000,000 in Term 1 and C$7,000,000 in Term 2 to earn a 40% interest in the Lofdal project. Term 3 calls for a further C$10,000,000 of expenditures to earn an additional 10% interest. JOGMEC can also purchase another 1% for C$5,000,000 and has first right of refusal to fully fund the project through to commercial production and to purchase all production at market prices. The collective interests of NCMI and historically disadvantaged Namibians cannot be diluted below a 26% carried working interest upon payment of C$5,000,000 to JOGMEC for the dilution protection. NMI may elect to participate up to a maximum of 44% by funding pro rata after the earn in period is completed. To date, JOGMEC has completed Term 2 and earned a 40% interest by reaching the C$10 million expenditure requirement. Total approved project funding to date is C$16,745,000 of the $20,000,000 Earn-In requirement to reach 50% interest. Darrin Campbell, President, has reviewed and approved this press release. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. For more information please contact - Namibia Critical Metals Inc. Darrin Campbell, President Tel: +01 (902) 835-8760 Email: Info@NamibiaCMI.com Web site: www.NamibiaCriticalMetals.com Renmark Financial Communications Inc. Preston Conable: pconable@renmarkfinancial.com Tel.: (416) 644-2020 or (212) 812-7680 www.renmarkfinancial.com This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "would", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the information is provided, and is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change, unless required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. SOURCE: Namibia Critical Metals Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/namibia-critical-metals-retains-renmark-financial-communications-inc.-1093343 5,102 Metres Drilled Across 12 Holes; Initial Observations Support Orogenic Gold Model VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA / ACCESS Newswire / October 29, 2025 / Relevant Gold Corp. (TSX-V:RGC)(OTCQB:RGCCF) ("Relevant Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the safe and successful completion of its 2025 diamond drill program at the Apex Target, located within the Company's 100% owned Bradley Peak Gold Camp in the Seminoe Mountains of central Wyoming. The drill campaign was the first ever on the property and was designed as a localized test of the Apex target's structural and geochemical characteristics and to enable vectoring toward high-grade zones along the entire mineralized corridor in 2026. The 2025 Apex drilling program consisted of 12 oriented diamond drill holes totaling 5,102 metres (m), spaced along 600 m of strike and 400 m vertical depth (figure 1). Assays are pending and will be reported when complete for all 12 holes. Initial visual observations of drill core confirm that the targeted orogenic shear-vein system was intersected where the Company's 3D structural and geophysical models predicted. The Apex shear is emerging as a composite 70-150 m wide zone encompassing multiple sub-shears, many of which are intruded by lamprophyre and intermediate dikes. Pervasive hydrothermal alteration, laced by quartz veins and sulphides extends along the shears to vertical depths of 400 m within the 600 m drilled length of its 2.5 km surface trace. "These first-ever drill holes cut a highly altered shear zone with scale right where we predicted and confirm that we're seeing all the hallmarks of a productive Abitibi-style orogenic gold system. This is strong validation of our geological model," said Relevant Gold CEO Rob Bergmann. "We are eagerly awaiting assay results to guide a much more intensive drilling campaign next season - including testing the new shears our team recognized running parallel to Apex." Highlights: Program completed safely and on time. Drilling confirmed continuity of surface-mapped structures to depth. The APEX deformation zone is 70-150 m wide and manifests as hydrothermally altered metabasalts and metagabbro. The Apex deformation zone consists of multiple sub-parallel shear zones, many of which were intruded by quartz-feldspar porphyry and mafic dikes. Extensive hydrothermal alteration including quartz-sericite-pyrite, chlorite, fuchsite and albitization surrounds the deformation zone. Multiple generations of veining and alteration are best developed within a ductile-brittle deformation envelope lying along the hanging wall of the shear zone. All 12 drill holes intersected a distinctive, pervasively altered and sheared tremolite-chlorite-quartz fuchsite schist at the hanging wall along the north side contact. More ultramafic and mafic units were seen in drill core than in surface mapping. These include: komatiitic and tholeiitic basalts and peridotite. The entire area is cut by quartz-feldspar porphyry, granodiorite, tonalite, and late lamprophyre dikes. Surface geologic mapping has identified a new 100 m wide shear zone (BPEX) with strong quartz-sericite-pyrite alteration and quartz veining running parallel to APEX (figure 1). Mapping also outlined a 50 m x 100 m sigmoidal shaped tonalite intrusive plug with complex oxidized quartz veining between APEX and BPEX (figure 1). Figure 1. Plan View map of 2025 Apex shear drill holes (25AP-001 through 25AP-012) along with the newly identified BPEX shear zone and the sigmoidal tonalite intrusive body. Drill holes shown as downhole drill trace projected to surface. Samples indicated on the figure are from 2024 rock chip sampling by the Company (see news release). View larger image here. About the Apex Target and Bradley Peak Gold Camp The Bradley Peak Gold Camp (central Wyoming) comprises a >10,000-acre Archean greenstone terrane hosting multiple subparallel shear zones with strong structural and geochemical affinities to Abitibi-type orogenic systems. The principal Apex Target is a >2.5 km ENE-trending shear corridor localized along a >100 km2 regional fold hinge in the Bradley Peak structural corridor. Wallrocks are dominantly ultramafic and mafic volcanic and intrusive units all of which are cut by late felsic dikes. Surface mapping and sampling delineate pervasive quartz-carbonate-sericite alteration with arsenopyrite-pyrite mineralization and elevated Au-As-Cu-Bi-Sb signatures. Relevant Gold 2024 rock-chip assays at Apex reach 46.8 g/t Au and 2.4% Cu (news release - Aug. 13, 2024). The mineralization is associated with Fe-carbonate replacement, sulfidation of mafic host rocks, and late crack-seal quartz veining, consistent with gold deposition near the brittle-ductile transition in an Archean orogenic setting (Tardif et al., 2022). Qualified Person The scientific and technical contents of this release have been approved by Mr. Brian C. Lentz, CPG #11999, Chief Exploration Officer of the Company, who is a "Qualified Person" as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101 (Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects). Mr. Lentz is not independent of the Company. About Relevant Gold Corp. Relevant Gold Corp. is a North American gold exploration company founded by experienced exploration geologists and operated by a highly respected team with a proven record of significant value creation for shareholders. Relevant Gold is focused on the acquisition, exploration, discovery, and development of district-scale gold projects in the state of Wyoming - one of the most mining-friendly jurisdictions in the United States and globally. On behalf of Relevant Gold Corp., Rob Bergmann, Chief Executive Officer More information Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. For further information about Relevant Gold Corp. or this news release, please visit our website at www.relevantgoldcorp.com or contact Rob Bergmann, President and CEO, or Kristopher Jensen, Manager of Investor Relations, at 763-760-4886 or by email at investorrelations@relevantgoldcorp.com. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Historical Information This news release contains certain statements that constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements relate to future events of Relevant Gold Corp. ("Relevant" or "Relevant Gold" or "the Company"). Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "seek", "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "forecast", "may", "will", "project", "predict", "potential", "targeting", "intend", "could", "might", "should", "believe", "outlook" and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward looking information. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such risks include, among others, the inherent risk of the mining industry; adverse economic and market developments; the risk that the Company will not be successful in completing additional acquisitions; risks relating to the estimation of mineral resources; the possibility that the Company's estimated burn rate may be higher than anticipated; risks of unexpected cost increases; risks of labour shortages; risks relating to exploration and development activities; risks relating to future prices of mineral resources; risks related to work site accidents, risks related to geological uncertainties and variations; risks related to government and community support of the company's projects; risks related to global pandemics and other risks related to the mining industry. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct, and such forward-looking information should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update any forward-looking information except as required by law. This document does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, securities of the Company in Canada, the United States, or any other jurisdiction. Any such offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described herein will be made only pursuant to subscription documentation between the Company and prospective purchasers. Any such offering will be made in reliance upon exemptions from the prospectus and registration requirements under applicable securities laws, pursuant to a subscription agreement to be entered into by the Company and prospective investors. The scientific and technical contents of this release have been approved by Mr. Brian C. Lentz, CPG #11999, Chief Exploration Officer of the Company, who is a "Qualified Person" as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101 (Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects). Mr. Lentz is not independent of the Company. SOURCE: Relevant Gold Corp. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/relevant-gold-completes-drilling-at-apex-confirms-orogenic-gold-model-1092916 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 29, 2025) - Wealth Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: WML) (OTCQB: WMLLF) (SSE: WMLCL) (FSE: EJZN) (the "Company" or "Wealth") announces that pursuant to the binding letter agreement (the "Letter Agreement") made as of September 24, 2025 to acquire an indirect 100% royalty-free interest in the Andacollo Oro Gold Project ("AOG Project"), located in Chile (the "Transaction") and announced in a news release dated September 25, 2025, that the Company will not be proceeding with the Letter Agreement. Canadian regulatory requirements combined with new Chilean banking compliance delays meant that the Company was unable to make the necessary payments to the vendor as specified in the Letter Agreement. As a result of this, the Company will be arranging to return all funds raised for the AOG Project in accordance with the terms of the subscription agreements signed by the Company. Henk van Alphen, Wealth's CEO, said: "We are all disappointed by this turn of events that were largely beyond the Company's control. We knew that we had a short time frame to execute the next steps in the Andacollo acquisition and we were unable to process them in time. Notwithstanding this, we believe that the Company can and will get value for the significant lithium projects currently in its portfolio. I look forward to continuing to advance Wealth's lithium assets. Wealth is committed to working in Chile and to carry on with is successful business model of stakeholder engagement, as demonstrated by the Company's joint venture with the Quechua Indigenous Community of Ollague to develop the Kuska lithium project, and the recent inclusion of the Salar de Ollague in the new simplified procedure for the assignment of a Special Lithium Operating Contract (CEOL). Further, we are working presently to develop partnerships to take advantage of the new initiatives put forward by the Government of Chile through the new simplified procedure for the assignment of Special Lithium Operating Contracts (CEOL)." About Wealth Minerals Ltd. Wealth is a mineral resource company with interests in Canada and Chile. The Company's focus is the acquisition and development of lithium projects in South America. Presently the Company is working to diversify its asset base to include precious metal projects. The Company opportunistically advances battery metal projects where it has a peer advantage in project selection and initial evaluation. Lithium market dynamics and a rapidly increasing metal price are the result of profound structural issues with the industry meeting anticipated future demand. Wealth is positioning itself to be a major beneficiary of this future mismatch of supply and demand. In parallel with lithium market dynamics, Wealth believes other battery metals will benefit from similar industry trends. For further details on the Company readers are referred to the Company's website (www.wealthminerals.com) and its Canadian regulatory filings on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. On Behalf of the Board of Directors of Follow Us: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/WealthMineralsLtd Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wealth-minerals Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/WealthMinerals Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release, which has been prepared by management. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding the entry into of a definitive agreement with the Vendor, the completion of all conditions precedent to the Transaction, and the completion of the Transaction, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "estimates", "plans", "may", "should", "would", "will", "potential", "scheduled" or variations of such words and phrases and similar expressions, which, by their nature, refer to future events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, market fundamentals will result in sustained gold and lithium demand and prices, the receipt of any necessary permits, licences and regulatory approvals in connection with the Transaction in a timely manner, the availability of financing on suitable terms for the continued operation of the Company's business and its ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors include, among others, requirements for additional capital, actual results of exploration activities, including on the Company's projects, the estimation or realization of mineral reserves and mineral resources, future prices of Gold and Lithium, changes in general economic conditions, changes in the financial markets and in the demand and market price for commodities, lack of investor interest in future financings, accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, delays in obtaining governmental approvals (including TSX Venture Exchange acceptance of the Transaction), permits or financing or in the completion of other planned activities, risks relating to epidemics or pandemics, including impacts on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations, title disputes, the timing and possible outcome of any pending litigation, environmental issues and liabilities, as well as the risk factors described in the Company's annual and quarterly management's discussion and analysis and in other filings made by the Company with Canadian securities regulatory authorities under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements in this news release or incorporated by reference herein, except as otherwise required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/272458 SOURCE: Wealth Minerals Ltd. Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. HIGHLIGHTS First borehole (SL25-23) returned 0.85% Total Rare Earth Oxide (TREO) over 383.5m (from 44 to 427.5m) within which higher grade zones occur. Total intercept is comprised of high-grade premium magnet Light Rare Earth minerals: Praseodymium and Neodymium with grades of up to 0.33% and 0.96% respectively. Premium magnet Heavy Rare Earth minerals intersected include: Terbium (up to 39 g/t) and Dysprosium (up to 154 g/t). Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 29, 2025) - Volta Metals Ltd. (CSE: VLTA) (FSE: D0W) ("Volta" or the "Company") is pleased to announce assay results from the first borehole recently drilled at the Springer Rare Earth Deposit (the "Property"), located outside of Sturgeon Falls, Ontario, Canada (Figure 1). Borehole SL25-23 was drilled to confirm mineralization grade and continuity in the top 200 metres ("m") of the historic resource estimate, and to test for additional mineralization at depth (Figure 2 and Figure 3). The thick TREO intercept, within which multiple higher-grade zones occur, is predominantly comprised of Light Rare Earth Elements ("LREEs") such as Praseodymium, Neodymium, Lanthanum, and Cerium. These LREEs are all used in the manufacture of a wide range of high-tech products including powerful permanent magnets for specialty technology and electronics applications. Additionally, significant amounts of Heavy Rare Earths such as Dysprosium, Terbium, and Yttrium, used in permanent magnets, LED, fluorescent lighting, and lasers, were also encountered (Table 1). Table 1. Select Assay Results from Borehole SL25-23 TREO % From (m) To (m) Width* (m) Premium Magnet Heavy Rare Earth Elements g/t Premium Magnet Light Rare Earth Elements g/t Terbium (Tb) Dysprosium (Dy) Yttrium (Y) Neodymium (Nd) Praseodymium (Pr) Lanthanum (La) Cerium (Ce) 0.85 44.0 427.5 383.5 3.87 16.0 53 706 227 1,475 2,363 1.11 44.0 241.5 197.5 7.5 31.1 103 1,371 440 2,864 4,588 3.01 81.0 88.0 7.0 8.9 32.9 89 3,346 1,187 8,021 12,737 1.64 123.0 192.5 69.5 13.7 56.0 181 2,763 906 6,002 5,918 3.82 183.5 189.0 5.5 28.4 114.1 367 4,746 1,492 9,921 15,605 1.99 169.5 192.5 23.0 14.9 59.5 181 2,497 781 5,141 8,130 5.12 304.5 305.7 1.2 31.9 121.0 404 5,400 1,700 11,000 17,400 1.48 270.0 271.0 1.0 12.1 53.2 205 1,650 444 2,100 3,920 8.67 186.0 187.5 1.5 39.0 154.0 500 7,080 2,250 15,800 24,200 *: Drill intercept, not true width. Figure 1. Location of the Springer Rare Earth Element Deposit To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9598/272481_48be56b124847877_001full.jpg Borehole SL25-23 was drilled at a -45 angle to test the extension of mineralization along dip. The planned depth for the borehole was 350m; however, due to continued mineralization, drilling continued and eventually terminated at 453m downhole (Figure 3 and Figure 4). Drillhole intercepts drilled at the Springer Rare Earth Deposit are core lengths and not true widths. True width will be determined once the geological modelling to define the ore controls is completed. The Company expects to have the assay results from the second borehole in the coming two weeks. "We're very pleased with the outcome of our first Springer borehole," said Kerem Usenmez, President and CEO of Volta. "Not only does it validate the historical resource, but it also confirms that high-grade mineralization continues at depth. This strong start gives us great confidence in the remaining drillholes and the upcoming mineral resource update." DETAILS Borehole SL25-23 was designed to confirm the presence of high-grade rare earth elements and potential gallium mineralization intersected in historical borehole SL11-03 (Figure 3). The first 200m of the borehole confirmed the presence of high-grade mineralization (gallium assays are pending). Figure 2. High-grade carbonatite mineralization with grades up to 8.67% TREO over 1.5m in borehole SL25-23. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9598/272481_48be56b124847877_002full.jpg The assay results verify and extend the host carbonatite complex at depth and will be utilized to update the historic NI 43-101 resource estimate (TREO of 4.167 million tonnes ("mt") at 1.073% TREO indicated and 12.73mt at 1.119% TREO in the inferred resource category at a cut-off grade of 0.9% TREO - Daigle P., May 4, 2012, Technical Report and Resource Estimate of the Lavergne-Springer REE Project, Ontario, Canada, Tetra Tech Wardrop). Table 2. Borehole Collar Information Project Hole ID Azimuth () Dip () Start (m) End (m) LavergneSpringer25 SL25-23 270 -45 - 453 LavergneSpringer25 SL25-24 270 -85 - 465 LavergneSpringer25 SL25-25 268 -80 - 423 LavergneSpringer25 SL25-26 290 -70 - 297 Figure 3. Cross-Section highlighting REE Intercepts in borehole SL25-23 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9598/272481_48be56b124847877_003full.jpg Figure 4. Drillhole Collars with the Historic Resource outlined on LIDAR topographic Map. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9598/272481_48be56b124847877_004full.jpg About the Springer Rare Earth Deposit The 2012 resource estimate presented for the Springer Rare Earth Project is historic in nature. Volta's qualified person has not completed sufficient work to confirm the results of the historical resource. Volta does not treat this as a current mineral resource but considers it relevant as a guide to future exploration and includes it for reference purposes only. The historic resource was estimated by Tetra Tech Inc. in 2012. The block model and mineral resource for the Springer Rare Earth Project is classified as having both Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources based on the number of drillholes, drillhole spacing and sample data populations used in the estimation of the blocks. The mineral resource estimate for the deposit, at a 0.9% TREO cut-off, is an Indicated Resource of 4.2 Mt at 1.14% TREO, 0.02% ThO2 with approximately 6% of the TREO being made up of heavy rare earth oxides ("HREO"); and an Inferred Resource of 12.7 Mt at 1.17% TREO, 0.01% ThO2 with approximately 4% of the TREO being made up of HREOs. The 2012 mineral resource, based on 22 diamond drillholes, was estimated by Ordinary Kriging interpolation on uncapped grades for all 15 REOs and thorium dioxide. The TREO% is a sum of the 15 individual interpolations of the REOs. No recoveries have been applied to the interpolated estimates. The 2012 resource estimate categories are not compliant with the current CIM Definition Standards. No other resource estimates have been undertaken since the 2012 Tetra Tech Wardrop Report. Further drilling will be required by Volta to verify the historic estimate as a current mineral resource. QA/QC Protocol All drilling was completed by an Orbit Garant diamond drill rig producing NQ size core. Volta implemented a strict QA/QC protocol in processing all rock samples collected from the diamond core samples obtained from the Springer REE property. The protocol included inserting reference materials, in this case, high-concentration and low-concentration certified rare earth elements standards, blanks, and drill core duplicates, to validate the accuracy and precision of the assay results. All collected rock core samples were cut in half by a rock saw, placed in sturdy plastic bags and zip-tied shut while under the supervision of a professional geologist. The remaining half core is returned to the core box which is stored on the property. Sample bags were then put in rice bags and kept secure before being sent by road transport to Activation Laboratories Ltd. preparation facility in North Bay, Ontario. Sample preparation (code RX1) consists of drying and crush (< 7 kg) up to 80% passing 2 mm, riffle split (250 g) and pulverize (mild steel) to 95% passing 105 m. The samples are subsequently analyzed at Activation Laboratories' Ancaster, Ontario, site using Code 8-REE Assay (lithium metaborate/tetraborate fusion with subsequent analysis by ICP and ICP/MS). Qualified Person The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Andrew Tims, P.Geo., who is an independent Qualified Person ("QP") as defined in National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. The QP and the Company have not completed sufficient work to verify the historical information on the Springer Deposit and it is considered as "historic", particularly regarding historical exploration, and government geological work. For more information about the Company, view Volta's website at www.voltametals.ca. ABOUT VOLTA METALS LTD. Volta Metals Ltd. (CSE: VLTA) (FSE: D0W) is a mineral exploration company based in Toronto, Ontario, focused on rare earths, gallium, lithium, cesium, and tantalum. It owns, has optioned and is currently exploring a critical minerals portfolio of rare earths, gallium, lithium, cesium, and tantalum projects in Ontario, one of the world's most prolific and emerging hard-rock critical mineral districts. To learn more about Volta and its Springer and Aki Projects, please visit www.voltametals.ca. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Neither the CSE nor the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to product development, plans, strategies, and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "should", "anticipate", "expects" and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, that the newly designed drill program will provide sufficient data for an updated resource estimate, which is scheduled to be completed in the first quarter of 2026. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include: the risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators; the fact that Volta's interests in its mineral properties are options only and there are no guarantee that such interest, if earned, will be certain; the future prices and demand for lithium, rare earth elements, and gallium; and delays or the inability of the Company to obtain any necessary approvals, permits and authorizations required to carry out its business plans. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, other than as required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/272481 SOURCE: Volta Metals Ltd. REEDVILLE, VA / ACCESS Newswire / October 29, 2025 / Yesterday the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) voted to reduce the coastwide Atlantic menhaden quota by 20% for the 2026 season and to revisit specifications again next year rather than adopting a full three-year package through 2028. Based on the peer-reviewed assessment record, a 20% reduction was unnecessary to avoid ecosystem overfishing. The latest SEDAR 102 work shows menhaden are not overfished, overfishing is not occurring, and the probability of crossing the ecosystem overfishing threshold at the current Total Allowable Catch (TAC) is low. The same record indicates that maintaining the status quo or making, at most, a modest, precautionary trim is consistent with risk policy; in particular, a reduction on the order of 10% eliminates overfishing risk in 2026 and remains extremely low if carried forward, so deeper cuts are not supported by the risk framework. Ecological Reference Point (ERP) based management already accounts for predator needs by constraining fishing mortality to remain below the ERP threshold; under this system the stock remains healthy in both single-species and ecosystem contexts. The Atlantic menhaden fishery is independently certified as sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council. There will likely be some operational adjustments required at our Reedville facility to comply with a 20% harvest reduction; we are evaluating the extent of those changes now. Looking ahead, pushing harsher cuts in 2027 and beyond, particularly in the absence of new data, would impose needless harm on working families and a 150-year-old fishery, without ecological justification under the ERP risk analyses. We urge all interested parties to watch this video to hear directly from our union fishermen whose jobs and communities are on the line. These are unionized local crews supporting hundreds of family-sustaining jobs in Virginia's Northern Neck. On Maryland's Bay-Cap Motion: New Chesapeake Bay-specific limits are not warranted. The existing Bay cap is a policy-based landings limit, not a Bay-specific biological reference point, and past adjustments were precautionary policy choices rather than science-derived thresholds. With the Science Center for Marine Fisheries now funding a Chesapeake Bay research roadmap-led by scientists from UMCES's Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, VIMS, and NOAA-to define what a scientifically defensible, ecologically meaningful Bay cap should look like, the Board should await those results before adding new measures. We support moving forward with targeted new Bay science, now funded, to guide any future Bay-specific decisions, so that upcoming choices are grounded in robust, transparent analysis. We respect the Board's desire for caution, but the science indicates a 20% cut was not needed to avoid overfishing. Maintaining the status quo or, at most, a 10% reduction would have met the ERP risk standard while avoiding unnecessary harm to workers and coastal communities. We stand ready to collaborate with managers and scientists as Bay-focused work proceeds and to support a durable, science-based multi-year TAC next year. About Ocean Harvesters Ocean Harvesters owns and operates a fleet of more than 30 fishing vessels in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. The company's purse-seine fishing operation is exclusively engaged in the harvest of menhaden, a small, nutrient-dense fish used to produce fish meal, fish oil, and fish solubles. Both its Atlantic and Gulf Menhaden fisheries are certified sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council. Committed to responsible fishing operations, Ocean Harvesters is proud to be heir to a fishing legacy that extends nearly 150 years. Press Contact Stove Boat Communications (202) 595-1212 contact@stoveboat.com SOURCE: Ocean Harvesters View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/ocean-harvesters-statement-on-asmfcs-one-year-20-menhaden-tac-cut-for-1093363 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / October 29, 2025 / Pegasus Resources Inc. (TSXV:PEGA)(OTCID:SLTFF)(FSE:OQS2) ("Pegasus" or the "Company") announces that Noah Komavli has resigned as a member of the Board of Directors, effective immediately. Following this change, the Board of Directors will consist of three directors. The Company thanks Mr. Komavli for his contributions and service to Pegasus. About Pegasus Resources Inc. Pegasus Resources Inc. is a Canadian uranium exploration company focused on advancing high-potential projects in the United States. The Company's flagship asset, the Jupiter Uranium Project in Utah, is a drill-ready property positioned for resource expansion. With a commitment to strengthening domestic uranium supply, Pegasus is strategically developing its portfolio to capitalize on the growing demand for nuclear energy. On Behalf of the Board of Directors: Christian Timmins President, CEO and Director Pegasus Resources Inc. 700 - 838 West Hastings Street Vancouver, BC V6C 0A6 PH: 1-403-597-3410 X: https://twitter.com/MrChris_Timmins X: https://twitter.com/pegasusresinc E: info@pegasusresourcesinc.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward Looking Statements Statements included in this announcement, including statements concerning the Company's plans, intentions, and expectations, which are not historical in nature are intended to be, and are hereby identified as, "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements may be identified by words including "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "expects" and similar expressions. The Company cautions readers that forward-looking statements, including without limitation those relating to the Company's future operations and business prospects, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Although Pegasus believes the expectations expressed in such information are reasonable as of the date hereof, such information involves assumptions, risks, and uncertainties which may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, among others: general business, economic, competitive, political, and social uncertainties; the ability to obtain required approvals; changes in applicable laws; risks inherent in the mineral exploration and development industry; and those risks set out in the Company's public disclosure documents available under its profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. SOURCE: Pegasus Resources Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/pegasus-resources-director-resignation-1093378 TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / October 29, 2025 / Forward Water Technologies Corp. ("FWTC" or the "Company") (TSXV:FWTC) is pleased to announce that it has closed its previously announced non-brokered offering of $1,025,000 principal amount of convertible debenture units (the "Debenture Units"). The Debenture Units were each priced at $1,000, with each Debenture Unit consisting of (i) $1,000 principal amount of convertible debentures (the "Convertible Debentures") and (ii) 5,000 common share purchase warrants ("Warrants"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one common share of the Company (a "Common Share") at any time up to the 36-month anniversary of the date of issuance. The exercise price of the Warrants is $0.07 per Common Share if exercised on or before October 29, 2026, and $0.10 per Common Share thereafter. In addition, the Convertible Debentures include a pre-payment right in favour of the Company, exercisable at any time following October 29, 2026. The net proceeds of the offering will be used to fund operating expenses and general working capital of the Company. The Convertible Debentures will mature on October 29, 2028 (the "Maturity Date") and bear interest at 14% per annum, payable annually on the last business day of each year. Until the principal owing is paid, a holder shall have the option to convert the principal owing pursuant to the Convertible Debentures into common shares of the Company at a conversion price of $0.07 per share if converted on or before October 29, 2026, and at a conversion price of $0.10 thereafter, subject to customary adjustments. At the holder's option, the Company will apply to the TSX Venture Exchange for approval to convert accrued interest into Common Shares at the then prevailing market price, pursuant to the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company paid to certain finders, finders fees of $55,500 and issued 792,856 broker warrants to such finders. The broker warrants are non-transferable but otherwise have terms equivalent to the Warrants described above. Certain insiders of the Company participated in offering and subscribed for an aggregate of $125,000 of Debenture Units. Participation by insiders in the offering constituted a "related party transaction" as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company relied on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority approval requirements contained in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 in respect of such insider participation, based on a determination that fair market value of the participation in the offering by insiders did not exceed 25% of the market capitalization of the Company, as determined in accordance with MI 61-101. A material change report in connection with the offering was not filed less than 21 days in advance of the closing of the offering, which the Company deemed reasonable in the circumstances so as to be able to avail itself of the potential financing opportunity and complete the offering in an expeditious manner. The offering was conducted in reliance upon certain prospectus exemptions. Pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws, all securities issued in connection with the offering are subject to a statutory hold period of four months plus a day from the date of issuance (being March 1, 2026). About Forward Water Technologies Corp. Forward Water Technologies Corp. is a publicly traded Canadian company dedicated to saving the earth's water supply using its patented Forward Osmosis technology. The Company was founded by GreenCentre Canada, a leading technology innovation centre supported by the government of Canada. The Company's technology allows for the reduction of challenging waste streams simultaneously returning fresh water for re-use or surface release. The Company's mandate is to focus on the large-scale implementation of its technology in multiple sectors, including industrial wastewater, oil and gas, mining, agriculture and ultimately municipal water supply and re-use market sectors. In addition, the Company has initiated early stage R&D for the treatment of food and beverage process streams. For more information, please visit www.forwardwater.com. For more information or interview requests, please contact: C. Howie Honeyman - Chief Executive Officer howie.honeyman@forwardwater.com 1-519-333-5888 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Caution Concerning Forward Looking Information This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Any statements that are contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "may", "should", "anticipate", "will", "estimates", "believes", "intends" "expects" and similar expressions which are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this press release include statements regarding the potential use of proceeds from the offering. FWTC cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, assumptions and expectations, many of which are beyond the control of FWTC, including those described in FWTC's disclosure documents available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of FWTC. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and FWTC does not undertake to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by securities law. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction. SOURCE: Forward Water Technologies Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/utilities/forward-water-technologies-corp.-announces-closing-of-non-brokered-private-placement-of-1-1093379 Efforts to end Afghanistan and Pakistans border conflict have failed once again. High-stakes talks in Istanbul mediated by Turkey and Qatar ended in deadlock, exposing deep mistrust and unresolved disputes over drone strikes, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, and cross-border violence People wait near the closed gate at the Spin Boldak border crossing with Pakistan, after the border was shut for nearly two weeks following clashes between Afghan and Pakistani forces, in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, October 23, 2025. File Image/AP High-stakes peace negotiations between Afghanistans Taliban government and Pakistan concluded in Istanbul this week with no progress, despite mediation by Qatar and Turkey. Officials confirmed that the dialogue ended without any workable solution, exposing deep mistrust between the two sides and leaving the fragile ceasefire in limbo. The Istanbul meeting marked the second attempt this month to negotiate a durable truce following weeks of deadly border clashes. The first round, hosted by Qatar in Doha, resulted in a ceasefire on October 19. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, when delegations reconvened in Turkey to address unresolved issues, the talks broke down after four days of closed-door discussions. Why the Afghanistan-Pakistan talks collapsed Pakistans Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announced the outcome early Wednesday, stating that the Afghan side kept deviating from the core issue, evading the key point upon which the dialogue process was initiated. He added, Instead of accepting any responsibility, the Afghan Taliban resorted to blame game, deflection and ruses. The dialogue thus failed to bring about any workable solution. Afghanistans foreign and defence ministries did not issue an immediate public response. Both governments state media, however, confirmed an impasse, with each blaming the other for the failure. 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, 2025. File Image/Reuters According to officials familiar with the talks, the central disagreement centred on Islamabads demand that Kabul commit to preventing the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) from using Afghan territory for attacks. The Afghan delegation, according to sources cited by Reuters, maintained that the TTP was Pakistans internal problem and refused to provide the written assurances Pakistan wanted. An Afghan source close to the delegation said the discussions ended after tense exchanges over this issue. The Afghan Taliban assured cooperation, but Pakistan wanted written guarantees and security mechanism, a source told News18. The same source added that the Afghan side rejected those terms as illogical and irrational. How Turkey and Qatar have been trying to mediate peace The Istanbul round was mediated by Turkey and Qatar at the request of both countries, which have served as diplomatic bridges for regional disputes involving Afghanistan since 2021. Tarar acknowledged their role, saying that Pakistan at the request of brotherly countries Qatar and Turkey gave peace a chance and engaged with the Afghan Taliban government first in Doha and then in Istanbul. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Three Pakistani security officials who had direct knowledge of the negotiations told the Associated Press that the Taliban delegation was not fully willing to accept Pakistans proposals and continued to seek guidance from Kabul before making any decisions. On the Afghan side, officials accused the Pakistani delegation of disorganization. Security sources cited by TOLO News claimed there was no coordination within Pakistans team and that representatives kept retreating and leaving the negotiating table. How Pakistan admitted to foreign intervention In a rare revelation, Pakistan reportedly admitted during the Istanbul talks that it had an agreement with a foreign nation permitting drone strikes on its territory. TOLO News reported that Pakistan admitted to having an agreement with a foreign country allowing drone strikes, and that it cannot prevent such strikes because breaking the agreement is not possible. An Afghan Taliban fighter sits on a tank near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border in Spin Boldak, Kandahar Province, following exchanges of fire between Pakistani and Afghan forces in Afghanistan, October 15, 2025. File Image/Reuters Although the country in question was not identified, the admission followed months of speculation about Islamabads strengthening defence ties with both the United States and Saudi Arabia. Pakistan signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement with Riyadh in September and has recently been seen expanding its cooperation with Washington. The Taliban delegation took issue with Pakistans stance on drone strikes, demanding that Islamabad ensure its airspace would not be used for US operations against Afghanistan. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Sources told News18 that the Afghan Taliban also had another demand Pakistan should not allow US drones to enter Afghanistan from its airspace. This, too, was not accepted. How TTP is at the centre Islamabad insists that the TTP, which has carried out repeated attacks inside Pakistan, operates from sanctuaries in Afghanistan. Kabul rejects that claim, saying that its territory is not used for hostile actions against Pakistan. Tarar accused the Taliban of showing indifference to Pakistans losses despite the countrys long-standing support for peace and development in Afghanistan. He said, Pakistan has always desired, advocated and immensely sacrificed for peace and prosperity for the people of Afghanistan. He also claimed that since the Taliban regime bears no responsibility towards the people of Afghanistan and thrives on war economy, it desires to drag and mire the Afghan people into a needless war. Afghan officials countered that Pakistan was unwilling to recognise their sovereignty. A source quoted by TOLO said the Afghan side remains committed to ensuring that no one uses Afghan territory to harm other nations. But, the official added, if Afghanistans territory is bombed, Islamabad will be targeted. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to the Afghan delegation, the TTP issue was deliberately being exaggerated by Islamabad to justify its cross-border operations. Afghan sources maintained that Pakistans strikes in Kabul and other areas earlier this month were unjustified and violated Afghan airspace. How the violence escalated The current tensions trace back to October 9, when Pakistan reportedly launched cross-border airstrikes targeting TTP camps inside Afghanistan, including in Kabul. Islamabad said the attacks were aimed at the groups leadership, which it accused of planning deadly assaults on Pakistani troops. The Taliban responded with major counterattacks along the border, destroying Pakistani military outposts and killing dozens of soldiers. Sources said the Talibans retaliatory operations resulted in the deaths of 58 Pakistani soldiers and the destruction of around 20 security positions over a single weekend. The violence prompted urgent mediation by Qatar and Saudi Arabia, leading to the temporary ceasefire announced on October 19. Afghan Defence Minister, Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid and Pakistans Defence Minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif shake hands, following the signing of a ceasefire agreement, during a negotations meeting mediated by Qatar and Turkey, in Doha, Qatar, October 19, 2025. Image/Qatar Ministry Of Foreign Affairs But sporadic clashes have continued despite the truce. Pakistans military confirmed that over the weekend, five Pakistani soldiers and 25 Pakistani Taliban militants were killed in fresh fighting near the border. Although both governments have reiterated their commitment to maintaining the ceasefire, trust remains at its lowest point in years. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD All major border crossings have been closed for more than two weeks, halting trade and stranding hundreds of trucks on either side. The shutdown has severely disrupted regional supply routes that are vital for both economies. How Taliban has been faring during the talks Negotiators and mediators observed visible internal divisions within the Taliban delegation itself during the Istanbul talks. Sources told News18 that a clear split was evident between two main factions the so-called Kabul Group and Kandahar Group. The Afghan representatives reportedly sought guidance from both power centres throughout the meetings, leading to delays in decision-making. Analysts in Islamabad believe such divisions have complicated Afghanistans foreign engagements and contributed to the stalemate. According to security analyst Syed Mohammad Ali, Afghanistans strategy at the talks was to slow the diplomatic process and shift focus to other bilateral issues, pointing to the Talibans reluctance to give clear, unambiguous and internationally verifiable commitment to act against Afghanistan-based Pakistani Taliban and other militants. How Pakistan has warned of an open war As the talks faltered, Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif issued one of the strongest statements yet, suggesting that the failure to reach an agreement could escalate into direct conflict. We have the option, if no agreement takes place, we have an open war with them. But I saw that they want peace, Asif told Reuters. Afghanistans leadership has dismissed the warnings, calling instead for continued dialogue. Last week, Afghan authorities said they were prepared to agree to a full ceasefire and work toward resolving all issues through diplomatic channels. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD They proposed a deal that would ban attacks on security forces, civilians, and infrastructure while committing both sides to mutual respect. However, those proposals did not progress during the Istanbul discussions, and mediators were unable to bridge the gap between the two sides positions. United States President Donald Trump, speaking on Sunday, said, I heard that Pakistan and Afghanistan have started up, but I will solve it very quickly. Pakistan Field Marshal and PM are great people. Meanwhile, Qatar and Turkey are reportedly continuing behind-the-scenes efforts to revive the dialogue. With inputs from agencies A major controversy has erupted after an Assam Congress leader, Bidhu Bhushan Das, reportedly sang Amar Sonar Bangla, the national anthem of Bangladesh, at a party meeting in the states Sribhumi district. The BJP has slammed the Congress for being Bangladesh-obsessed and demanded an inquiry into the matter BJP leaders in Assam have called for an investigation after Congress leader Bidhu Bhushan Das was accused of singing Amar Sonar Bangla, the national anthem of Bangladesh, during a party meeting in the Sribhumi district of the Barak Valley. The incident has sparked a fresh political storm, especially as tensions between India and Bangladesh have already been running high over Dhakas controversial new map on a book cover that showed parts of Northeast India within its borders. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While the BJP slammed the Congress for being Bangladesh-obsessed and questioned its sense of national pride, the Congress has brushed off the criticism as politically motivated". Heres what exactly unfolded Uproar by BJP leaders On Monday, Bidhu Bhushan Das, a resident of Bhanga in Sribhumi district and former chairperson of the Seva Dals district unit, began his address at the executive committee meeting of the Sribhumi district Seva Dal at Indira Bhavan, the local Congress office, by singing the song written by Rabindranath Tagore in 1905 during the first partition of Bengal under British rule. Bangladeshs national anthem Amar Sonar Bangla sung at a Congress meeting in Sribhumi, Assam - the same country that wants to separate the Northeast from India! Now its clear why Congress, for decades, allowed and encouraged illegal Miya infiltration into Assam - to change pic.twitter.com/dJNizO8F13 Ashok Singhal (@TheAshokSinghal) October 28, 2025 However, the move quickly stirred controversy, with Bhartiya Janata Party leaders accusing the Congress of showing misplaced loyalties. The signs couldnt be louder. Just days ago, Bangladesh dared to publish a map swallowing the entire Northeast, and now the Bangladesh-obsessed Congress is proudly singing Bangladeshs national anthem right here in Assam. If after this someone still cant see the agenda at play, then theyre either blind, complicit, or both, the BJPs Assam unit wrote on X. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The signs couldnt be louder. Just days ago Bangladesh dared to publish a map swallowing the entire Northeast and now the Bangladesh-obsessed Congress is proudly singing Bangladeshs national anthem right here in Assam. If after this someone still cant see the agenda at play, pic.twitter.com/knutJ3NDSi BJP Assam Pradesh (@BJP4Assam) October 28, 2025 Assam minister Ashok Singhal also joined in the criticism, posting on X, Bangladeshs national anthem Amar Sonar Bangla sung at a Congress meeting in Sribhumi, Assam the same country that wants to separate the Northeast from India! He further accused the Congress of indulging in vote-bank politics, claiming, Now its clear why Congress, for decades, allowed and encouraged illegal Miya infiltration into Assam to change the states demography for vote-bank politics, creating a Greater Bangladesh. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Also read: After Pakistan, why is Bangladesh hosting India's fugitive preacher Zakir Naik? Congress hits back The Congress has dismissed the BJPs allegations, calling them an attempt to stir unnecessary controversy for political gain. Party members said the incident was being blown out of proportion and misrepresented. Shahadat Ahmed Choudhury, head of the partys district media cell, clarified that Das had announced beforehand that he would be singing a Rabindrasangeet. The song Amar Sonar Bangla is primarily known as a Tagore composition, he said. Das hoists the Indian national flag at Indira Bhavan every Independence Day. There is no question of him treating it as Bangladeshs anthem. It was simply an expression of love for his mother tongue. Samajwadi Party leader Virendra Singh also defended the act, saying the BJP is continuously trying to label those who speak Bengali, especially Bangladeshis, as infiltrators. Delhi: SP MP Virendra Singh says, "The Bengali language spoken in West Bengal is a language of our country. The BJP is continuously trying to label those who speak Bengali, especially Bangladeshis, as foreigners and infiltrators. So, if the Congress has sung a song called 'Sonar pic.twitter.com/fRD0IsYzWg IANS (@ians_india) October 29, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Written by Rabindranath Tagore in 1905 , Amar Sonar Bangla, which translates to My Golden Bengal, was composed as a protest against the first partition of Bengal under British rule. In the song, Tagore describes Bengals landscapes, rivers, and the deep emotional connection that Bengalis feel with their homeland. The song quickly became a symbol of resistance and unity, inspiring people to oppose the division. The partition was eventually reversed in 1911. Bangladesh later adopted the song as its national anthem in 1971, nearly seventy years after it was written. Next to Bangladesh, Assams Sribhumi district, formerly known as Karimganj, has a predominantly Bengali-speaking population. Also read: Tagore a pariah? Bangladeshs rapid descent proves Hasina was the only secular bulwark against Islamist radicalism STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Why this matters The controversy comes at a time when Indias relationship with Bangladesh is already on shaky ground. Ties between the two neighbours soured after a nationwide movement in Bangladesh led to a regime change last year, forcing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, long seen as a close ally of India, to flee to New Delhi. Since then, New Delhi has repeatedly raised concerns over reports of rising atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh and repeated infiltration attempts into Indias northeastern states. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently claimed there had been a massive increase in infiltration since the unrest in Bangladesh, adding that in the past five months, 20 to 30 people daily tried to enter Assam and Tripura illegally. Sarma said the state government was not arresting these individuals but pushing them back across the border. He attributed the rise in crossings to the collapse of the economy of the neighbouring country. Meanwhile, growing closeness between Dhaka and Islamabad has raised eyebrows in New Delhi. Just last week, Bangladeshs interim government Chief Advisor and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus met Pakistans Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, to discuss bilateral ties. Yunus presented Mirza with a book titled Art of Triumph: Bangladeshs New Dawn. The books cover featured a map of Bangladesh that included large parts of Indias Northeast. Image courtesy: Reuters During the meeting, Yunus presented Mirza with a book titled Art of Triumph: Bangladeshs New Dawn. What drew immediate outrage was the books cover. It featured a map of Bangladesh that included large parts of Indias Northeast, including Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The depiction sparked furious reactions on social media, with many calling it an attempt to stoke tensions at a time when relations between the two countries are already under stress. With input from agencies Delhis ambitious Rs 3-crore cloud seeding trials failed. The capital received no rain despite two experiments being conducted, leaving residents to wonder what went wrong as they battle poor air. Scientists point to the dry winter air as a major obstacle, and even pointed out that this method isnt a long-term solution to the pollution problem A pedestrian walks amid smog, near India Gate in New Delhi on October 29, a day after cloud seeding trials took place. Unfortunately, it didn't induce rain, leaving Delhiites dismayed. AFP On Tuesday (October 28), many Delhiites looked to the skies, hoping for the clouds to open up and drench Indias National Capital with rain similar to scenes from Bollywood movies. After all, the Delhi government trialled a cloud-seeding experiment to induce artificial rain, in an effort to clean the air in the worlds most polluted city. Alas, this experiment didnt succeed, leaving the residents of Delhi with no rain and forced to choke on poor and very poor air. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Heres what happened. Delhi trials cloud seeding to battle air pollution After years of flirting with the idea of cloud seeding to battle Delhis air woes each winter, the national capital struggles with toxic haze and headlines reporting of how Delhi is a gas chamber the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government announced that it would go ahead and carry out this experiment to trigger artificial rain to wash away pollutants and improve Delhis Air Quality Index (AQI). On May 7, the Delhi government approved a proposal to conduct five cloud seeding trials at a total cost of Rs 3.21 crore, meaning each run costs about Rs 64 lakh. And on Tuesday, as per the MoU signed between the Delhi government and IIT-Kanpur, two such experiments were carried out to induce artificial rain. A Cessna aircraft which took off from Kanpur to conduct cloud seeding trials in Delhi on Tuesday. PTI In the first trial, which took place at 1.30 pm local time on Tuesday, a Cessna aircraft from IIT Kanpur sprinkled silver iodide mixture over clouds over Northwest Delhis Burari, Mayur Vihar and Karol Bagh. Later, between 3.30 pm and 4.15 pm, a similar exercise was carried out a second time over the same areas. As per reports, the aircraft fired 16 flares eight in each trial containing silver iodide and sodium chloride compounds in attempts to induce rain. Soon after the first trial, Delhis Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said that said IIT-Kanpur had relayed that rain could happen within 15 minutes to four hours after the exercise. But Delhi sees no rain However, as minutes turned into hours, Delhi saw no rain with most parts of the capital recording air quality levels in the very poor category. But why is it that Indias capital witnessed no rain after the cloud seeding experiment? Manindra Agrawal, director of IIT Kanpur, explained that the cloud seeding trial was not completely successful because the moisture content in the clouds was low. There hasnt been any rain so far. So, in that sense, it was not completely successful. But, unfortunately, the clouds that are present today do not have very high moisture content. I am told it was only up to 15-20 per cent. So, the possibility of causing rain with such low moisture content is not very high. But this trial has given more confidence to our team that we can continue conducting them, said the IIT Kanpur director to NDTV. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD People walk wearing face masks at a park amidst smog in New Delhi. Reuters Typically, for cloud seeding to be successful, humidity levels of over 50 per cent is needed for the seeding agents, such as silver iodide or salt-based compounds, to effectively stimulate condensation and precipitation. Other experts also explained why cloud seeding didnt induce artificial rain in Delhi. Shahzad Gani, Assistant Professor at the Centre for Atmospheric Sciences, IIT Delhi, told Economic Times that Delhis winter weather is usually too dry for effective cloud seeding. In the winter season, the weather in Delhi is typically very dry, with very little moisture in the air. The only time it rains is when a western disturbance influences the plains. Scientist Thara Prabhakaran, who was involved in a similar experiment in Maharashtras Solapur, also noted that cloud seeding takes time to induce rain. It is not easy to do cloud seeding because theres inherent variability in each cloud. It depends on the weather, the moisture, the size of the clouds, the origin of the clouds. We did over 200 different flights and trials to come to basic understanding, she was quoted as telling The Print. If youre investing in cloud seeding, you should be able to prove the rainfall is actually because of seeding, robustly with experiments. It cant happen with one or two trials. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Vehicles move on a road shrouded in smog in New Delhi, India. Reuters Akshay Deoras, research scientist at the National Centre for Atmospheric Sciences, University of Reading, further explained that people should understand that just because there are clouds, cloud seeding will succeed. In winter, cloud seeding should ideally be done only when suitable rain-bearing clouds appear typically during western disturbances, he told IndiaToday. Effectiveness of artificial rain Experts have also noted that while cloud seeding could help with Delhis pollution woes, its not a panacea for the problem. In fact, when the Delhi government announced their cloud seeding plan, two professors at Delhis Centre for Atmospheric Sciences condemned it as a gimmick. It is a textbook case of science misapplied and ethics ignored, said Shahzad Gani and Krishna AchutaRao, writing in The Hindu. They compared it to smog towers that were erected in Delhi by the previous government, at the cost of billions of rupees, but were found to be largely ineffectual at improving air quality. Even IIT-Kanpurs director, Manindra Agrawal, noted that cloud seeding is only an SOS option and couldnt be a long-term solution to Delhis air woes. It is an SOS solution. When you have a crisis situation, very high pollution, it is one of the methods one can attempt in order to bring down pollution. It is not a permanent solution. The permanent solution, of course, is to control the sources of pollution. And, ideally, we should reach a point when there is no need for cloud seeding, because there isnt any pollution. But until that happens, this is one tool which is available for reducing pollution to an extent, he explained. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Delhi government sees a silver lining But despite seeing no rain following the cloud seeding experiment, the Delhi government seemed buoyed by the results. According to government officials, the AQI, PM2.5 and PM10 the most direct pollution markers saw a dip after the exercise. Data provided by them showed that PM2.5 at Mayur Vihar, Karol Bagh, and Burari was 221, 230, and 229 ug/m, which fell to 207, 206, and 203 ug/m respectively after the operation. Similarly, PM10 at the same sites dropped from 207, 206, and 209 ug/m to 177, 163, and 177 ug/m post-seeding. Delhis Environment Minister has noted that they will carry out more experiments in the coming days, depending on atmospheric conditions. He further added that nine to 10 more trials are planned, targeting areas in northern Delhi and its outskirts, guided by wind directions provided by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). With inputs from agencies Ten years after the Paris climate pact, its inevitable that the 1.5 limit, seen as the threshold of dangerous warming, will be breached. What does this mean for humanity? Cathey Walls cools herself with a portable fan in Daley Plaza while waiting in line to order lunch from Caseras Sabor Reals food truck while on her lunch break as extreme heat and rising summer temperatures hit Chicago, Illinois, US. File image/Reuters Hurricanes are strengthening, the glaciers are melting, and the oceans are warming. Climate change is making the Earth a little less livable with each passing year. The warning signs are not to be ignored, and the United Nations is stressing it yet again. Humanity has failed to limit global heating to 1.5C, warned UN General Secretary Antonio Guterres during an interview on Tuesday. He further stated that the world must change course immediately. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In an interview ahead of next months COP30 conference, the UN chief said that it was now inevitable that humanity will overshoot the target set in the 2015 Paris Agreement, which may have devastating consequences for the world. But what is the 1.5Celsius limit? The 2015 Paris Agreement, a legally binding international treaty, set a target to limit surface temperature to well below 2Celsius, preferably to 1.5 C, compared to pre-industrial levels. The treaty is adopted by 196 parties. So what happens if the world exceeds this limit? After completing his Japan visit, US President Donald Trump heads to South Korea today, where he will hold a bilateral meeting with President Lee Jae Myung. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will be addressing rallies in Darbhanga and Muzaffarpur in poll-bound Bihar. And Prime Minister Modi will be travelling to Mumbai to address the Maritime Leaders Conclave and chair the Global Maritime CEO Forum at India Maritime Week (IMV) 2025 President Donald Trump greets South Korean President Lee Jae Myung upon his arrival at the White house in Washington. File image/AP It is set to be a busy Wednesday with several events lined up for the day. Firstly, Donald Trump will be travelling from Tokyo to South Korea today. Once there, he will meet South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. Ahead of the Bihar elections, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will be addressing rallies in Bihars Darbhanga and Muzaffarpur. The Netherlands will hold a general election today, following the collapse of the previous government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be travelling to Mumbai today. Australias PM Anthony Albanese will be on an official visit to Malaysia and will also meet Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Here is all that will take place today. Trump to meet South Korean President US President Donald Trump will be travelling to South Korea today as part of his Asia Tour. During his visit to South Korea, he will also hold a bilateral meeting with President Lee Jae Myung. He will also meet leaders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) and speak at a luncheon. He will also participate in a US-Apec leaders working dinner, stated White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt. The meeting follows several important developments in US-South Korea relations. Since taking office in May this year, President Lee has taken a more conciliatory approach to relations with North Korea, in contrast to his predecessors hardline stance. Amit Shah to address rallies in Bihar Ahead of the Bihar elections, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will be in addressing rallies in Darbhanga and Muzaffarpur. These rallies are part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) push to consolidate support in the state, with the election process taking place in multiple phases. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will be in addressing rallies in Darbhanga and Muzaffarpur. File image/ANI The campaign has intensified, with key leaders from both the NDA and the opposition Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) holding rallies across the state. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also launched the NDAs campaign in Bihar. General election in the Netherlands The Netherlands will hold a general election on October 29 after the previous government collapsed. In June 2025, the far-right Party for Freedom (PVV), led by Geert Wilders, withdrew from the governing coalition. The move was prompted by disagreements over Wilders proposed hardline asylum policies, which included border patrols by the military. The four-party coalition, which formed after Wilders party won the most seats in the November 2023 election, was characterised by internal instability and deep ideological divides. PM Modi in Mumbai Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in Mumbai to address the Maritime Leaders Conclave and chair the Global Maritime CEO Forum at India Maritime Week (IMV) 2025. The event is set to take place at the Nesco Exhibition Centre at around 4 pm. PM Narendra Modi will be in Mumbai for the Maritime Leaders Conclave and chair the Global Maritime CEO Forum at India Maritime Week (IMV) 2025. File image/PTI The Global Maritime CEO Forum, the flagship event of India Maritime Week 2025, will bring together global maritime leaders, investors, policymakers, and innovators to discuss the future of the global maritime ecosystem. Key topics on the agenda include sustainable maritime growth, resilient supply chains, green shipping, and the inclusive blue economy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Albanese to meet Malaysian Prime Minister Australias Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will be on an official visit to Malaysia, where he will also meet his Malaysian counterpart Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. This will be Albaneses first official visit to Malaysia since assuming office on May 21, 2022. The two leaders will also co-chair the third Malaysia-Australia Annual Leaders Meeting (ALM). The leaders are expected to discuss ways to enhance trade and investment cooperation, collaboration in renewable energy and green technology. With inputs from agencies On October 29, 2005, three bomb blasts on two crowded markets and a bus in New Delhi killed nearly 60 people and left 200 injured. The attacks took place just before Diwali. On this day in 1998, John Glenn became the oldest person to fly in space Residents and shopkeepers gather around the site of Saturday's bomb blast in New Delhi. Reuters One of the deadliest terror attacks in the national capital took place on October 29, 2005. The coordinated attacks killed more than 60 people and injured more than 200 others. If you are a history geek who loves to learn about important events from the past, Firstpost Explainers ongoing series, History Today will be your one-stop destination to explore key events. On this day in 1998, John Glenn, a decorated astronaut and US senator, became the oldest person to fly in space at the age of 77. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Heres all that took place on this day across the world. 2005 Delhi bombings Just days before the festivals of Diwali and Eid, a series of coordinated bomb blasts ripped through New Delhi on October 29, 2005. The attack claimed the lives of more than 60 people and injured over 200 others. The attacks targeted busy marketplaces crowded with festive shoppers, making it one of the deadliest terror incidents in Indias capital. The first explosion occurred around 5:30 pm in Paharganj, near the New Delhi Railway Station, a hub frequented by tourists and locals. Minutes later, another bomb went off in Saraswati Marg in the crowded Govindpuri area of South Delhi. The third and most devastating blast tore through the bustling Sarojini Nagar market, filled with families buying clothes and gifts for the upcoming celebrations. The explosions created scenes of chaos and panic, with flames engulfing stalls and vehicles while survivors searched for loved ones amid smoke and debris. Indian media personnel inspect the blast site at Sarojini Nagar Market, New Delhi October 29, 2005. Three powerful bombs tore through New Delhi markets packed with families and shoppers. Reuters Authorities immediately suspected the involvement of Islamist militant groups operating across the border. The Lashkar-e-Taiba-linked outfit Islamic Inquilab Mahaz (IIM) initially claimed responsibility, though the veracity of the claim was debated. Investigators later suggested that the attacks were orchestrated to create communal tension and disrupt Indias festive harmony. The bombings exposed vulnerabilities in urban security systems and led to the strengthening of Indias counterterrorism measures. Security across major Indian cities was heightened, and the Delhi Polices Special Cell launched a massive manhunt for those behind the plot. Several arrests were made in the following months, with links traced to terror networks operating from Pakistan-administered territories. Oldest person to fly in space In 1998, a decorated astronaut and US senator, John Glen, became the oldest person to fly in space at the age of 77. More than three decades after his pioneering orbital flight aboard Friendship 7 in 1962, Glenn returned to space aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery on its STS-95 mission, reigniting global fascination with human spaceflight. The mission, launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, had multiple scientific objectives including solar observation, materials testing, and life sciences experiments. For Glenn, the flight held personal and scientific significance. NASAs decision to include him on the mission was not merely symbolic; he participated in a series of experiments designed to study the effects of space travel on ageing. Scientists compared Glenns physiological responses to those of younger astronauts, hoping to understand how microgravity impacts sleep, balance, and the immune system in older adults. Glenns return to space was met with widespread admiration and nostalgia. Having been the first American to orbit the Earth, his second mission embodied both scientific curiosity and the enduring spirit of exploration. During the nine-day journey, Discovery orbited the Earth 134 times, travelling nearly 3.6 million miles before landing safely at the Kennedy Space Center on November 7, 1998. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Glenns participation reignited public enthusiasm for NASAs missions and highlighted the potential for older individuals to contribute to space science. His achievement also bridged two eras of space exploration from the early days of the Mercury program to the advanced shuttle missions of the late 20th century. This Day, That Year In 2015, China announced the end of the one-child policy. Israels army attacked Egypt in the Sinai Peninsula in a fight for control of the Suez Canal area in 1956. The Republic of Turkiye was established in 1923. The Reserve Bank of India, between March 2025 and September 2025, has brought over 64 tonnes of gold back to the country. Last year, the central bank repatriated over 200 tonnes of gold from the Bank of England and the Bank for International Settlements. Since March 2023, the RBI has brought home 274 tonnes of gold. But how and why is it doing so? The Reserve Bank of India just keeps bringing more and more of Indias gold home. The central bank, between March 2025 and September 2025, has brought over 64 tonnes of the precious metal back to India. This came after the Reserve Bank in October 2024 shifted 102 tonnes of gold from the Bank of England and the Bank for International Settlements and sent home another 100 tonnes in May an operation described as one of the largest gold relocations since the 1990s. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But what do we know? How and why is the RBI bringing the precious metal home? Lets take a closer look. What we know The Reserve Bank's gold reserve stands at 880 metric tonnes as of September 2025, according to its Half Yearly Report on Management of Foreign Exchange Reserves. As of September 2024, the gold reserves were at 854.73 metric tonnes. This means that the central bank has boosted its reserve by 25.45 metric tonnes over the past year. Of this, 575.8 metric tonnes are currently in India, while another 290.37 metric tonnes of gold are kept with the Bank of England (BoE) and the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) in Switzerland. The RBI in March had 512 tonnes in India and the rest 348.6 tonnes abroad. The RBI also has another 13.99 metric tonnes in the form of gold deposits. Since March 2023, the RBI has brought home 274 tonnes of gold. The share of gold in the total foreign exchange reserves rose from 11.70 per cent in March 2025 to around 13.92 per cent in September 2025. However, it must also be noted that some of this is due to the record rise in gold prices, which have cooled off in recent weeks. The RBI also has another 13.99 metric tonnes in the form of gold deposits. Gold had touched an all-time high on 17 October when the precious metal hit Rs 1,32,294 per 10 grams and silver touched Rs 1,70,415 per kilo. However, the price of spot gold, under which the precious metal is sold at the current market price, fell below the psychologically important $4,000 (about Rs 3.53 lakh) level on Monday and then declined again on Tuesday to $3,986 (about Rs 3.51 lakh). The developments have left many people wondering if the gold bull run is over. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The RBI also has foreign currency assets of around $579.18 billion (about Rs 51.09 lakh crore), comprising $489.54 billion (about Rs 43.15 lakh crore) in securities investments, $46.11 billion (about Rs 4.07 lakh crore) in deposits with other central banks and BIS, and another $43.53 billion (about Rs 3.84 lakh crore) in deposits with overseas commercial banks. How RBI brings home the gold The decision to bring the gold home is taken by the RBIs Central Board and its foreign reserves management team in concert with the finance ministry. It does so by physically moving the precious metal from the Bank of England (BoE) and the Bank for International Settlements (BIS). It keeps secure facilities in India including in Mumbai and its central vault in Nagpur for this purpose. The task itself is top secret. The RBI usually coordinates with international logistics firms, insurance agencies, and Indian security forces. Eyes are kept on the shipment from the time the gold is moved from the BoE and BIS until it is secure in the vault in India. The gold is also protected by Indian security personnel. The move also gives the RBI increased control over its gold stockpile and sends the message that it is secure in its financial sovereignty. It is brought home on chartered or special aircraft. It is usually done in consignments out of an abundance of precaution. Most of the details remain top secret. The RBI examines, weighs, and seals the gold before its journey back to India. The shipment is then verified and placed into the vault. The RBI, in its half-yearly report on foreign exchange reserves, then updates the public about the status of its gold. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Why is it doing so? First, there could be geopolitical considerations behind the move. For example, upheavals such as the Ukraine war or the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan and the fallout, including the West-imposed sanctions. The move also gives the RBI increased control over its gold stockpile and sends the message that it is secure in its financial sovereignty. Keeping your gold in your possession for a country is no small thing. In fact, India in 1991 had to ship out its gold amidst a financial and economic crisis to secure a $400 million (about Rs 35,276 crore) loan from the Bank of England and the Bank of Japan. Some have urged the RBI to move even quicker to bring the gold back to India from overseas. As Ritesh Jain, founder of Pinetree Macro, told Economic Times, We are, in fact, surprised that a huge quantity is still lying outside India. I am firmly of the opinion that in this brave new world, if the gold is not in your custody, then it is not your gold. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD History has demonstrated this. The Trump administration in 2023 had barred Russia from accessing around $300 billion (about Rs 26.46 lakh crore) worth of its foreign exchange assets, including gold. The Taxpayers Association of Europe (TAE) had urged European nations to bring their gold reserves back to Europe following this development. US President Donald Trump had barrred Russia from accessing its foreign reserves including gold. Reuters The TAE had expressed concern that Trump might decide not to allow the gold to leave the country. It cited the example of leaders of Germanys Parliament not being allowed to examine the gold. The TAE, in a statement, had called for a complete inventory and audit to be undertaken at the minimum. There could also be financial considerations at play. The RBI usually has to pay a fee to store its gold at the BoE or BIS. Bringing some of the gold back would save at least some of the cost. Central banks have been net buyers of gold since 2010. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The RBI in 2009 had purchased 200 tonnes of gold from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under the then Manmohan Singh regime. It has been slowly increasing its gold reserves over the past few years. With inputs from agencies Hurricane Melissa, with wind speeds of nearly 300 kmph, peeled roofs off homes, swelled rivers and forced 77 per cent of Jamaicans to be without energy. And the worst is yet to come, as officials are still to make an assessment of the damage caused by what is now being called the storm of the century. The Category 4 storm is now making its way to Cuba, prompting large-scale evacuations A man looks at a fallen tree in St. Catherine, Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa made landfall. Ferocious winds and torrential rain tore into Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa made landfall, the worst storm ever to strike the island nation and one of the most powerful hurricanes on record. AFP It has been termed as the most powerful storm to hit this year and Hurricane Melissa has lived up to its title. It made landfall on Tuesday (October 28) in southwestern Jamaica, ripping a path of destruction with brutal winds and torrential rain. Hurricane Melissa first hit the islands southern coast with maximum sustained winds of 295km/h (185mph) the strongest on Earth so far this year. Fuelled by Caribbean water temperatures far warmer than usual, it was more powerful than the peak strength reached by Hurricane Katrina, which pummelled New Orleans in 2005. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Amid the powerful storm lashing the island nation, Desmond McKenzie, Jamaicas minister overseeing disaster response, told a press conference, Jamaica, this is not the time to be brave. Dont bet against Melissa. It is a bet we cannot win. Melissa unleashes catastrophe in Jamaica Hurricane Melissa has left a trail of destruction and damage in Jamaica after making it landfall there. However, the scale of Melissas damage in Jamaica isnt yet clear, as a comprehensive assessment could take days and much of the island is without power, with communications networks badly disrupted. At its peak, the storm packed ferocious sustained winds of 185 miles (300 kilometres) per hour. Visuals emerging from Jamaica since Hurricane Melissa made landfall show fallen trees and damaged homes. Trees sway in the wind in St Catherine, Jamaica, after Hurricane Melissa made landfall. AFP Commenting on the storm, Anne-Claire Fontan, the World Meteorological Organisations tropical cyclone specialist said: Its a catastrophic situation. For Jamaica, it will be the storm of the century, for sure. Government minister Desmond McKenzie said several hospitals had been damaged, including in the hard-hit southwestern district of Saint Elizabeth, a coastal area he said was underwater. The damage to Saint Elizabeth is extensive, based on what we have seen, he told a briefing. A flooded street is seen in St. Catherine, Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa made landfall. AFP Saint Elizabeth is the bread basket of the country, and that has taken a beating. The entire Jamaica has felt the brunt of Melissa. Even Jamaicas Prime Minister Andrew Holness noted that there would be devastating impacts wherever the eye of Hurricane Melissa hit the island. Reports that we have had so far would include damage to hospitals, significant damage to residential property, housing and commercial property as well, Holness told CNN. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He further added, There is no infrastructure in the region that can withstand a Category 5. The question now is the speed of recovery. Thats the challenge. BREAKING: New video shows the catastrophic damage from Category 5 Hurricane Melissa in Black River, Jamaica. So sad. pic.twitter.com/IUQRhVGSK4 Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) October 29, 2025 Reports stated that Hurricane Melissas floodwaters trapped at least three families in their homes in the community of Black River in western Jamaica, and crews were unable to help them because of dangerous conditions. Roofs are flying off, said McKenzie. We are hoping and praying that the situation will ease so that some attempt can be made to get to those persons. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Nearly 15,000 people were in shelters in Jamaica and some 540,000 customers, or 77 per cent, were without power, officials said. People take shelter in a school as Hurricane Melissas makes landfall in Old Harbour, Jamaica. AP Hurricane Melissa brings crocodile threat to Jamaica Apart from the trail of destruction that Hurricane Melissa left in Jamaica, the storm has also caused a crocodile threat. Jamaican health officials have already warned that flooding may displace crocodiles from their natural dwellings. The South East Regional Health Authority in a statement said: Rising water levels in rivers, gullies, and swamps could cause crocodiles to move into residential areas. Residents living near these areas are therefore advised to remain vigilant and avoid flood waters. Streets of Kingston, Jamaica, UNDERWATER after Hurricane Melissa makes landfall on the Caribbean island as a category 5 storm pic.twitter.com/4wQvKRzSxu MOCez (@Mousacisse1) October 29, 2025 Jamaica is known for its deep, mountainous lands crinkled by narrow river valleys and brackish swamps the kind crocs love to call home. There is only one species in Jamaica, the American Crocodile, which can be found along the southern coast, from St Thomas to Westmoreland. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We are all terrified Residents and holidaymakers in Jamaica are struggling with the impact of Hurricane Melissa, as they hunker down. Kabien, a mother-of-three who runs a beauty salon in the town of Santa Cruz, was quoted as telling BBC, The doors are being blown off by the wind. There is water coming through the roof of the house. I am not OK. A blown down fence is seen in St. Catherine, Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa making landfall. AFP Kyle Holmes, from the UK, who is visiting Jamaica with his wife and young daughters, aged 7, 10, and 12, for a family wedding, told the BBC of the devastation wreaked by the storm. He said the hotel he was staying in - the Grand Palladium Resort, in the town of Lucea, half an hour from Montego Bay on the coast - looks like a disaster zone. He said he barricaded the windows to the hotel room by placing all the furniture against them, and his family were safe after the worst experience ever. Colin Bogle, a Mercy Corps adviser, was sheltering with his grandmother in Portmore, where everything went dark after a loud explosion. The noise is relentless, he told the Associated Press. People are anxious and just trying to hold on until the storm passes. A partially collapsed hoarding frame near the Digicel Delves Building, as Hurricane Melissa hits downtown Kingston, Jamaica. Reuters Hurricane Melissa takes aim at Cuba After wreaking havoc in Jamaica, Hurricane Melissa is expected to make landfall in eastern Cuba early Wednesday. According to forecasts, up to 20 inches of rain has been predicted along with a significant storm surge along the coast. A couple walks in a street before Hurricane Melissa hits the city of Santiago de Cuba, Cuba. AFP In a televised address to the nation, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel urged the population to not underestimate the power of the storm, the strongest ever to hit national territory. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He later called on residents to be brave. I ask you to be alert, show solidarity, and not forget discipline in the face of this threat. We will prevail, he said, according to Cubas official state newspaper Granma. People evacuate before the arrival of Hurricane Melissa in Canizo, a community in Santiago de Cuba. AP And in wake of the storms arrival, authorities have already evacuated about 500,000 people from areas vulnerable to winds and flooding. Diamon Mendoza, 36, did not hide her concern about the unavoidable storm. May God have mercy on us, because its coming with a lot of strength, Mendoza said. Anything can happen. With inputs from agencies Rare earths are a key ingredient in much of our technology and the industries of the future. But have you ever wondered how they go from being raw ore to powerful magnets? Lets take a closer look at the step-by-step process, why countries want rare earths and Chinas dominance within the industry US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi hold up signed documents regarding securing the supply of critical minerals and rare earths, at a bilateral meeting at Akasaka Palace in Tokyo, Japan, October 28, 2025. File Image/Reuters US President Donald Trump, on his Asia trip, has signed a slew of rare earth deals, including with Cambodia, Malaysia and Japan. The development comes in the backdrop of China imposing export controls on the critical item, which Trump has likened to taking the world hostage. However, despite Trumps wheeling and dealing, experts say the balance of power when it comes to rare earths is unlikely to change in the near future, with Beijing controlling nearly 90 per cent of the refining process. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Rare earths are a key ingredient in much of our technology and the industries of the future. But have you ever wondered how they go from being raw ore to magnets? Lets take a closer look at the step-by-step process, why countries want rare earths and Chinas dominance within the industry. Sudan has been in the middle of a civil war since 2023, arguably the worlds worst humanitarian crisis, when fighting broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The paramilitary group has long been accused of committing atrocities in Darfur, including mass killings, ethnic targeting, and sexual violence. Now, the fall of the city of El-Fasher after an 18-month siege is leading to accusations of an ongoing genocide Is a genocide unfolding in Sudan? That is what analysis of satellite imagery viewed by Yales Humanitarian Research Lab (HRL) is suggesting. According to reports, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) is said to have killed over 2,000 citizens of Sudan including women and children in the city of El-Fasher. The HRL said that so much blood has been spilled that satellite images show that the ground has turned red. Sudan has been in the middle of a civil war since 2023, arguably the worlds worst humanitarian crisis, when fighting broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF. The paramilitary group has long been accused of committing atrocities in Darfur including mass killings, ethnic targeting, and sexual violence. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The RSF on Sunday said it had taken control of the SAF base and that it had extended control over the city of El-Fasher from the grip of mercenaries and militias. The SAF, meanwhile, acknowledged its forces had moved to a safer location and withdrawn from the city. But what do we know about the RSF? And is there a genocide unfolding in Sudan? Lets take a closer look. What do we know about the RSF? Its chief, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, or Little Mohamed, has been sworn in as the head of a parallel government in Sudan. The group has its origins in the Janjaweed militias comprising Arab and Arabic-speaking nomads that the Sudanese government began backing in the 2000s. The government under then President Omar al-Bashir supported and armed these militias with the aim of cracking down on a rebellion against the government. The militia and its commanders were accused of committing mass atrocities during the conflict, including killing citizens and burning homes. The militia leaders and even the government officials were charged with genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity in Darfur by the International Criminal Court (ICC). The government, over a decade later in 2013, began establishing the RSF, many of whose members came from this militia, as a paramilitary force. They were initially used as border guards; however, in 2015, they were also deployed to fight the war in Yemen alongside Sudans Army, Saudi and Emirati troops. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD RSF chief General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. Reuters The RSF was accused of committing atrocities in Darfur, South Kordofan and the Blue Nile. Human Rights Watch in 2015 described the group as men with no mercy. Though the RSF was now officially a government organ, it would continue to remain loyal to its commanders above all else, particularly Dagalo. That same year, the RSF was bestowed the status of a regular force. While it was initially run by the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS), the group was declared an independent paramilitary force in 2017 by the government which brought it under the command of then President al-Bashir. The president of Sudan would essentially use it as a Praetorian guard. How the RSF rose to power Then came the twist. When there was a coup against al-Bashir in 2019 by the military after months of massive protests, the RSF participated in getting rid of the long-time president of Sudan. The SAF and RSF initially reached a power-sharing agreement with pro-democracy forces to govern Sudan, with economist Abdalla Hamdok taking over as prime minister. Hemedti, meanwhile, became deputy head of the Transitional Military Council and then served as vice-president of the Sovereign Council that comprised both RSF and SAF personnel. The idea was to eventually put Sudan on the path to democracy. However, the transition was difficult. In 2021, Hemedti and SAF chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan conducted a second coup and ousted the then prime minister Hamdok. The coup, which resulted in mass protests across Sudan, essentially halted any efforts to bring democracy to the country in its tracks. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A new sovereign council was established with Hemedti retaining his spot. However, tensions between Hemedti and al-Burhan broke out over the planned integration of the RSF into the Sudanese Armed Forces and which man would command the troops. While this has been a long-pending demand of both the SAF and pro-democracy forces, the RSF has not been keen on it. The RSF also wanted the commander to head up the civilian government. Adel Abdel Ghafar, a fellow at the Middle East Council, explained to Al Jazeera that the RSF has resisted integration into the army, understanding it would lose its power. A shelter where displaced people protect themselves from the shelling in El-Fasher. Reuters In April 2023, fighting broke out between the SAF and RSF after months of tension, with each side accusing the other of initiating the conflict. The RSF quickly grabbed territory in Darfur and Kordofan, but the SAF held out in many other civilian areas. The two sides have been fighting each other on and off since 2023, with hundreds of thousands of people being killed and millions displaced. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In March 2025, the SAF, which has allied with other armed groups against the RSF, recaptured the presidential palace in Khartoum, dealing a major blow to the paramilitary group. In May, the Sudanese Army declared Khartoum free of the RSF. The RSF, having lost the capital, seems to have entrenched itself in western Sudan, mainly Darfur and Kordofan. Now, after an 18-month siege, the city of El-Fasher in North Darfur has fallen to the RSF. Is there a genocide unfolding in Sudan? It is the fall of the city of El-Fasher that has prompted fresh accusations of an ongoing genocide in Sudan. The city, once home to around 1.5 million people, had around 250,000 left at the time it was taken by the RSF. Though around 26,000 fled the city early this week, many remain stuck inside without food or medical care. The city is in the grip of famine and remains cut off from relief efforts. There are videos of unarmed citizens being executed at point-blank range and photos of bodies lying on the ground have gone viral. The Joint Forces, an ally of the SAF, has accused the RSF of having killed over 2,000 unarmed civilians since it took El-Fasher. Meanwhile, the Sudan Doctors Network has said six physicians have been kidnapped by the RSF, which has demanded $1 millionfor their release. It warned that this is a crime that cannot be tolerated. Firstpost has not independently verified the footage or the photos. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD There are reports of arrests and attacks on hospitals, with RSF personnel even executing injured patients. The HRL, which has been monitoring the situation via satellite imagery and open-source data, says it has found evidence of mass killings. It said RSF fighters are going door-to-door to target non-Arab civilians. El-Fasher appears to be in a systematic and intentional process of ethnic cleansing of Fur, Zaghawa, and Berti indigenous non-Arab communities through forced displacement and summary execution, the HRL said in its report. The actions by RSF presented in this report may be consistent with war crimes and crimes against humanity (CAH) and may rise to the level of genocide, the report added. Yale Lab executive director Nathaniel Raymond compared the situation in El-Fasher to the outbreak of the Rwandan genocide. Yales Humanitarian Research Lab (HRL) has said that analysis suggests that so much blood has been spilled that satellite images show that the ground has turned red. Image courtesy: X/@HRL_YaleSPH We are only at the beginning of a wave of violence, Raymond told The Guardian. I have never seen a level of violence against an area like we are seeing now. This is only comparable with a Rwandan-style killing in the first 24 hours. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The UN Human Rights Office said there are reports of summary execution of civilians trying to flee, with indications of ethnic motivations for killings and videos showing dozens of unarmed men being shot or lying dead, surrounded by RSF fighters who accuse them of being [Sudanese Army] fighters. The UN rights chief Volker Turk earlier this week said El-Fasher was at risk of ethnically motivated violations and atrocities. Turks office said it was receiving multiple alarming reports that the Rapid Support Forces are carrying out atrocities, including summary executions. Meanwhile, many on social media are using slogans such as El-Fasher drenched in blood and Save El-Fasher to try to get the worlds attention to the developments. The Sudanese Foreign Ministry has slammed the RSFs horrific terrorist crimes against civilians, including women and children. It also criticised the international community, blaming the politicisation of the Sudanese crisis and the bias of certain states for the massacre. The developments come after the United States, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates all held talks last week trying to chalk out a plan to end the Sudanese civil war. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies Israels strikes in Gaza on Tuesday (October 28) killed at least 26 people, following what it called ceasefire violations by Hamas. The renewed violence, amid accusations over hostage remains and rising civilian casualties, threatens to unravel the fragile US-brokered truce A drone view shows the destruction in a residential neighbourhood, after the withdrawal of the Israeli forces from the area, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, in Gaza City. File Image/Reuters Israel launched airstrikes on Gaza on Tuesday and early Wednesday, raising fears that the fragile, US-brokered ceasefire in the territory could unravel. The Israeli government said the attacks were in response to what it called repeated violations of the truce by Hamas, including assaults on its soldiers and the alleged manipulation of a hostage recovery. Health authorities in Gaza reported at least 26 deaths from the overnight bombardment, with fatalities recorded in Gaza City, Khan Younis, and the Bureij refugee camp. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Among the dead were children and several women. Hospitals across the enclave described the toll as one of the highest since the ceasefire took effect on October 10. Why Israel says it struck Gaza The fresh violence came three weeks into a delicate truce that had largely quieted the fighting after two years of devastating conflict between Israel and Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered what his office called immediate, powerful strikes following reports that Israeli troops had come under sniper and RPG fire near Rafah in southern Gaza. Military officials, speaking to local and international media, said the confrontation occurred east of the so-called yellow line the boundary separating Israeli-controlled territory from the rest of Gaza. They said Israeli soldiers were fired upon while patrolling the area, prompting a swift retaliation. This is yet another blatant violation of the ceasefire, one Israeli official said. Hamas denied responsibility for the shooting and described the airstrikes as a blatant violation of the ceasefire deal. The group said it remained committed to upholding the truce and urged mediators to intervene to halt Israeli operations across the enclave. Eyewitnesses and Gaza health workers reported that Israeli fighter jets struck multiple locations through Tuesday night and early Wednesday. In the Sabra neighborhood of Gaza City, several people were killed when a building was hit. In the central Gaza Strip, a strike on a house in the Bureij refugee camp left at least five people dead. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Another attack in Khan Younis destroyed a vehicle, killing five including two children according to medical staff at Nasser Hospital. In Gaza City, two additional fatalities were confirmed by Rami Mhanna, managing director at Shifa Hospital, where victims of the strikes were brought for treatment and identification. The Israeli military did not immediately issue a formal statement about the raids but confirmed that it had responded proportionally to incoming fire. The strikes, it said, were focused on Hamas facilities and militant infrastructure. How the current ceasefire has come under strain The current ceasefire, brokered by the United States and supported by Egypt and Qatar, began on October 10, ending two years of near-continuous fighting. It was designed to include several stages: the cessation of hostilities, the return of hostages and remains, and negotiations toward the possible demilitarisation of Gaza. The truce had endured previous flare-ups. On October 19, two Israeli soldiers were killed by Hamas fire, leading Israel to respond with airstrikes that killed more than 40 Palestinians. Just days earlier, an Israeli airstrike wounded several people in what Israel described as a targeted operation against Islamic Jihad operatives allegedly preparing an attack. Despite these incidents, the ceasefire largely held until the latest surge in hostilities. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How Israel has accused Hamas of staging a hostage discovery On Monday, Israel accused Hamas of staging the discovery of the body of Ofir Tzarfati, one of the Israeli hostages abducted during Hamass October 7, 2023, assault on southern Israel. That attack, which initiated the war, left around 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 taken captive. The Israeli army released an edited 14-minute video purportedly showing Hamas members burying and re-exhuming a white body bag in Gaza before presenting it as a recovered hostage. This footage clearly shows that the Hamas terrorist organisation is attempting to create a false impression of efforts to locate the bodies, while in fact holding deceased hostages whose remains it refuses to release as required by the agreement, the army said in a statement. The location of the video but could not verify the time or whether remains were indeed inside the bag. In the footage, masked men are seen handling the bag while individuals wearing red vests observe. Heavy machinery later moves the bag to a nearby burial site. Israeli government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian described the scene as a disgraceful deception, claiming the bag contained partial remains of Tzarfati. The victims family confirmed that this was the third time they had been asked to rebury their son. This is the third time we have been forced to open Ofirs grave and rebury our son, they said in a statement. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Hamas did not respond to media requests for comment on the footage but accused Israel of obstructing recovery operations. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which facilitated the handover, said its team was present in good faith and unaware of the circumstances surrounding the recovery. It is unacceptable that a fake recovery was staged, when so much depends on this agreement being upheld and when so many families are still anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones, said Sarah Davies, spokesperson for the ICRC. The dispute has further delayed the transfer of other remains. Hamas said on Tuesday it had retrieved another body from a tunnel in Khan Younis but postponed its handover after Israel resumed strikes. The violent strikes carried out by Israel across the Strip is a blatant violation of the ceasefire deal, the group said in a statement, warning that continued attacks could hinder search and excavation operations and the retrieval of bodies. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD There are still 13 hostages bodies unaccounted for in Gaza, according to Israeli authorities. Hamas insists that the extensive destruction caused by the war has made it difficult to locate them, while Israel contends the group is intentionally delaying returns to gain leverage. How Trump & Co. reacted to the recent violence US President Donald Trump reiterated that the ceasefire remained intact despite the escalation. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to South Korea, Trump said, As I understand it, they took out an Israeli soldier. So the Israelis hit back and they should hit back. When that happens, they should hit back. He added, Nothing is going to jeopardise the ceasefire. You have to understand Hamas is a very small part of peace in the Middle East, and they have to behave. He later warned that Hamas risked annihilation if it continued to provoke Israel. If they (Hamas) are good, they are going to be happy and if they are not good, they are going to be terminated, their lives will be terminated, Trump said. US Vice President JD Vance also sought to calm fears, suggesting that the fighting would not spiral into full-scale conflict again. That doesnt mean there arent going to be little skirmishes here and there, Vance told reporters in Washington, stating that minor clashes were expected but would not derail the truce. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Israeli officials confirmed that Jerusalem had informed Washington before conducting the strikes. Trumps administration has staked significant diplomatic capital on the ceasefire deal, touting it as a cornerstone of its West Asian strategy. The truce was one of several regional initiatives promoted by Washington to stabilise relations between Israel and Arab states while curbing Irans influence. How Egypt is working to hold the Gaza truce In Cairo, Egyptian mediators have been working with both Israel and Hamas to salvage the truce. An Arab official involved in the process told reporters that both sides violated the agreement, but there was no significant breach. He described the issues as minor skirmishes and logistical delays rather than deliberate attempts to break the accord. Among the sticking points are the slow transfer of hostage remains, the limited scale-up of humanitarian aid, and continued sporadic fire across the demarcation line. Egypt recently dispatched a team of engineers and heavy equipment to assist in the search for hostages bodies buried under collapsed structures across the Gaza Strip. The ceasefires next stages are expected to focus on more complex issues Hamass disarmament, the establishment of an international monitoring presence in Gaza, and decisions about who will govern the enclave in the long term. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Gaza Health Ministry reported that the total number of Palestinians killed in the two-year war has surpassed 68,500. The ministrys figures, which include both civilians and combatants, are widely regarded as credible by United Nations agencies and independent observers. Israel disputes the numbers but has not released alternative estimates. With inputs from agencies In a 21-minute audio recording at Markaz Usman-o-Ali in Pakistans Bahawalpur, Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Maulana Masood Azhar announced his plans to introduce a womens brigade called Jamat-ul-Mominat. The unit will train, indoctrinate and deploy women on global jihad missions. Earlier, the terror outfit also launched an online course for women A 21-minute audio recording, of JeM chief Maulana Masood Azhars speech at Markaz Usman-o-Ali in Bahawalpur, in which he outlines plans to train, indoctrinate and deploy women under a unit called Jamat-ul-Mominat. Image for Representation. Reuters Pakistan-based militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) appears to have opened a new front: a womens jihad brigade. A 21-minute audio recording, accessed by India Today, of JeM chief Maulana Masood Azhars speech at Markaz Usman-o-Ali in Bahawalpur, in which he outlines plans to train, indoctrinate and deploy women under a unit called Jamat-ul-Mominat. In the recording, Azhar tells would-be recruits that any woman who joins his global jihad vision will go straight to paradise from her grave after death. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Previously, it was reported that the terror group has launched an online 'jihadi' course to indoctrinate and recruit women into Jaish, which has been responsible for several terror attacks in India, including those in Uri and Pulwama. Heres what we know so far about the latest terror program About Jaishs training program for women In the audio, Azhar says women will be given a structured induction similar to the one men receive. He compares the new course to the 15-day Daura-e-Tarbiat that has long been used to indoctrinate male recruits, and says the womens version will be called Daura-e-Taskiya, run at Markaz Usman o Ali in Bahawalpur. For years, JeMs Daura-e-Tarbiat has been the first step in grooming men, convincing new recruits that jihad against India guarantees paradise. Azhar says he plans to apply the same ideological process to women. Those who finish the initial course, he adds, will move to a second phase, Daura-Ayat-ul-Nisah, where they will be taught how Islamic texts, in his view, instruct women to conduct jihad. Azhar frames the brigade as a response to what he calls the enemys use of women in uniform and in the media. The enemies of Jaish have put Hindu women into the army and set up female journalists against us, he says, and vows to mobilise his women to compete and fight against them. In his address, Azhar announced that branches of the womens unit will be set up in every district of Pakistan, with each branch led by a muntazima (manager) responsible for recruitment. File image His remarks come at a time when Indian women are taking on increasingly prominent roles in defence forces. Nearly 7,000 female officers are currently serving in Indias Army, and over 1,600 in the Air Force, according to the latest government figures released in 2023. Recently, Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, Indias first woman Rafale pilot, posed with President Droupadi Murmu at the Ambala Air Force base after giving her a hands-on tour of the multi-role fighter jet. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Must not speak to unrelated men Azhar laid down strict rules for women joining the new brigade. Recruits, he says, must not speak to any unrelated men through phone or messenger, except their husbands or immediate family members. He has also urged women to read his pamphlet Ae Musalman Behna, a document that seems to be part of the indoctrination. In his address, Azhar announced that branches of the womens unit will be set up in every district of Pakistan, with each branch led by a muntazima (manager) responsible for recruitment. Earlier reports suggested that Azhar had appointed his sister, Sadiya Azhar, to head the womens brigade. The leadership team also includes his other sister, Samaira Azhar, and Afeera Farooq, the wife of Pulwama attack mastermind Umar Farooq. Around four to five other women, whose relatives were killed in encounters with the Indian Army, are said to be part of the core team. The online course is designed to indoctrinate and recruit women into Jaish-e-Mohammeds new female wing through lessons focused on religion and jihad. News18/Representational Image The creation of this unit follows Operation Sindoor, an Indian strike carried out in May on Jaishs Bahawalpur headquarters, in retaliation for the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, a month earlier. The operation reportedly killed 14 members of Azhars family and several senior JeM operatives. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In the audio, Azhar claims his elder sister, Hawa Bibi, was among those killed. He says he had conceptualised the womens brigade with her before her death. A senior counter-terror official told NDTV that after Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam attack, JeMs leadership realised that female members could be used to evade security scrutiny and carry out logistics or propaganda operations. This course is part of that strategy. Also read: How Pakistan's terror machine has shifted to digital wallets as terror watchers track bank accounts JeM also conducting online jihadicourses JeM has now taken its campaign online, launching virtual classes and courses for women. Posters doing the rounds on social media name Umme Masood, believed to be another of Masood Azhars sisters, as the instructor for these online sessions. The classes are scheduled to run five days a week starting November 8. According to reports, participants are being asked to pay 500 Pakistani rupees (around Rs 156) as a donation and fill out an online form to enrol in the programme. Given Pakistans conservative social setting, where womens movement is often restricted, JeM has reportedly shifted its recruitment drive to online platforms, allowing the group to reach potential recruits more discreetly. Traditionally, the Deobandi-rooted JeM had kept women away from active participation in jihad. But fresh intelligence inputs now suggest that Azhar and his brother Talha al-Saif have approved the inclusion of women in the groups operational setup. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This marks a major strategic shift for JeM, one that mirrors the tactics of ISIS, Boko Haram, Hamas, and the LTTE, all of which have previously deployed female fighters and suicide bombers to carry out attacks and evade early detection by security forces. With input from agencies President Droupadi Murmu undertook a 30-minute Rafale sortie and stood beside IAFs Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, the Rafale pilot Pakistan had falsely claimed was captured during Operation Sindoor. By doing this, India has exposed Islamabads misinformation campaign yet again President Droupadi Murmu poses for pictures before she takes a sortie in Rafale fighter jet, at Air Force Station in Haryana's Ambala. Posing with her is IAF's Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh. Rashtrapati Bhavan/PTI India is mastering the art of messaging. On Wednesday (October 29), New Delhi sent a subtle but clear message to Pakistan when President Droupadi Murmu took a historic sortie in a Rafale fighter jet, the same that was used during Indias Operation Sindoor. And to make sure that the message was loud and clear President Murmu was also assisted into the Rafale cockpit by none other than Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, the same woman pilot that Pakistan had wrongly claimed to have taken as prisoner during the military hostilities back in May. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Murmus Rafale sortie and Pakistans Shivangi Singh lie On Wednesday, President Droupadi Murmu undertook a 30-minute sortie in a Rafale fighter jet from the Ambala Air Force base, accompanied by Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, Indias first woman Rafale pilot. After the sortie, the President posed for photographs with Singh in the backdrop of the Rafale aircraft. President Droupadi Murmu termed her 30-minute Rafale sortie as unforgettable. Rashtrapati Bhavan/PTI What makes this significant is that Singh was in the news earlier this year when Pakistan ran a disinformation campaign during Operation Sindoor, saying that her aircraft had been shot down and she had been taken prisoner. At that time too, India had debunked these claims surrounding Singh. But who is Singh? Hailing from Varanasi, Singh dreamt of becoming a pilot as a young child and took her first steps towards that dream by joining the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Air Wing during her graduation at Banaras Hindu University (BHU). Later, she made it to the Indian Air Force Academy in Hyderabad, where she underwent rigorous training to become a fighter pilot. In 2017, she was commissioned into the Indian Air Force as part of the second-ever batch of women pilots and in 2020, was chosen for Rafale training, an advanced programme that involved simulator sessions with French instructors. IAFs Shivangi Singh became a household name earlier this year when Pakistan claimed they had taken her as prisoner during Operation Sindoor, a claim that India debunked. File image/AFP It was during Operation Sindoor that she became a household name when Pakistan claimed that it had downed six Rafale jets and even take Singh as prisoner of war. Fake videos were shared online showing Singh had been captured near Sialkot after ejecting from her aircraft, and that Air Chief Marshal AP Singh had visited her grief-stricken family. However, India fact-checked Pakistans lies, with PIB Fact Check terming the video as baseless and fabricated. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Murmus unforgettable Rafale sortie Around 9.30 am on Wednesday, Murmu arrived in Ambala from New Delhi following which she suited up in a G-suit and helmet and undertook the sortie in the Rafale fighter jet. This makes Murmu, the first Indian President to have flown in two fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force. In April 2023, she had undertaken a sortie in a Sukhoi-30 MKI from the Tezpur Air Force Station in Assam. President Droupadi Murmu is all geared up for her sortie in the Rafale fighter jet. Rashtrapati Bhavan/PTI With Murmu in the jet was Group Captain Amit Gehani, Commanding Officer of the 17 Squadron, a statement issued by the Presidents office said. The fighter jet flew at a height of about 15,000 ft above sea level and at a speed of about 700 kilometres per hour, it added. Later in the visitors book, the President expressed her feelings by writing a brief note in which she said: I am delighted to visit Air Force Station Ambala for my maiden flight on Rafale aircraft of the Indian Air Force. President Droupadi Murmu waves as she takes a sortie in Rafale fighter jet, at Air Force Station in Haryanas Ambala. Rashtrapati Bhavan/PTI The sortie on Rafale is an unforgettable experience for me. This first flight on the potent Rafale aircraft has instilled in me a renewed sense of pride in the nations defence capabilities. I congratulate the Indian Air Force and the entire team of Air Force Station, Ambala for organising this sortie successfully, Murmu wrote. For many, Murmus decision to be part of a Rafale sortie also sends a clear message to Pakistan and anyone else who questions the nations defence capabilities. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Rafale aircraft that Murmu flew in on Wednesday was at the forefront of Operation Sindoor. Image Courtesy: @rashtrapatibhavan/X Thats because the Rafale was at the forefront of Operation Sindoor in which the Indian forces dismantled terrorist infrastructure deep inside Pakistan. Also, these jets were extensively used to strike at Pakistans military installations when Islamabad began to strike at Indian civilians. Also, theres been a lot of buzz over the success of Rafale jets in the operation, with Pakistan claiming that it shot down one Rafale, among other planes during Operation Sindoor. Moreover, US President Donald Trump has given credence to the claim; on Wednesday, in Tokyo, the US leader said that seven brand-new, beautiful aircraft were shot down during the May 7-10 cross-border military flare-up. Though he had earlier claimed in the past that seven aircraft of the Indian and Pakistani armed forces were shot down during the conflict, this was the first time he described the planes as brand-new and beautiful, which has led to speculation that he was speaking of the Rafale. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies Its one of the biggest diplomatic meetings of the year the Trump-Xi talks will be held tomorrow (October 30) in South Korea on the sidelines of the Apec summit. The timing of this face-to-face is significant; the US and China are engaged in an ongoing trade war with repercussions that are shaking the world. But other than tariffs, what else are the two powerful leaders likely to discuss? Donald Trump and Xi Jinping are expected to meet on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation in South Korea tomorrow, October 30, a first since 2019. File image/AP Talk of being optimistic! US President Donald Trump is brimming with positivity ahead of his high-stakes meeting, scheduled for October 30, with Chinas Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit in South Korea. I think were going to have a great meeting with President Xi of China, and a lot of problems are going to be solved, said Trump en route to South Korea, adding, We have been talking to them, were not just walking into the meeting cold I think were going to have a very good outcome for our country and for the world actually. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The face-to-face meeting between the leaders of the worlds two biggest economies come after six long years they last met in 2019 and much is riding on it. The November 10 deadline for a trade truce is looming, lest tariffs surge again. And while Trump is optimistic of reshaping US-China ties, experts do not expect the two countries to resolve all their differences, but hope for enough progress to stop the rivalry from doing more economic damage. What will Xi and Trump discuss? Trade and tariffs Since returning to power earlier this year, Trump has engaged in a tariff and trade war with China. Beijing has pushed back against the American president; it stopped agricultural imports that could hurt Trumps Republican voter base and diversified exports to different markets across Asia and Africa. In a tit-for-tat move, China also hit US-owned vessels docking in the country with new port fees. Beijing has also threatened American companies such as Google and Nvidia with antitrust investigations. Trade will be at the centre of the Trump-Xi meeting at the APEC Summit in South Korea, as both sides seek to ease tensions and redefine economic ties amid renewed tariff pressures. Representational image/Reuters The talks in South Korea between Xi and Trump aim to chart a new path and for this, top economic officials from the US and China met in Kuala Lumpur to prepare for the meeting and hold preliminary talks on the key issues in the escalating trade war. Following it, Chinas top trade negotiator Li Chenggang said that China and the US had reached a preliminary consensus on a range of issues. And on Wednesday, a day before his scheduled meet, Trump told reporters that he was hopeful that his meeting with Xi would yield progress on the issue. I think we have a really good chance of making a very comprehensive deal, Trump said. Trump also said he wants China to buy US soya beans. I want our farmers to be taken care of. And he [Xi] wants things also. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The American president also said he would also discuss fentanyl with Xi, as he raises pressure on Beijing to curb trafficking of the powerful opioid and cracks down on Latin American drug cartels. Rare earths Not everyone knew what were rare earths before 2025. However, its become a buzz word as the US and China battle over it. And on Thursday, Trump will look to get Xi to lift the curbs on rare earth exports. Earlier, when China, who produces almost 70 per cent and processes nearly 90 per cent of the worlds rare earth elements, had imposed restrictions on them, it had infuriated Trump. Since then, the US president has been looking at alternatives, making rare earth deals with other countries, including Australia, and Thailand. Workers use machinery to dig at a rare earth mine in Ganxian county in central Chinas Jiangxi province. File image/AP Many experts believe China is leveraging its rare earth restrictions in part to pressure the US to negotiate over the 20 per cent fentanyl-linked tariffs on Chinese exports. Its left to be seen if Trump, who calls himself a master negotiator can get Xi to agree on the topic. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Russia-Ukraine war At the meeting tomorrow (October 30), Trump is likely to push Xi to bring Russia to the negotiating table to end its three-year-long war with Ukraine. Peacemaker Trump, who had vowed to end this war in the days after coming to power, has struggled to get Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine, but a ceasefire deal has so far eluded the American president. To achieve this goal, Trump even levied sanctions on Russias two major oil firms last week, which many said was an indicator of the US presidents frustration with Moscow. But China has opposed the recent sanctions, saying they had no basis in international law. An artilleryman of the 152nd Separate Jaeger Brigade fires a howitzer towards Russian troops, amid Russias attack on Ukraine, near the frontline town of Pokrovsk in Donetsk region, Ukraine. Reuters In fact, China has been the number one overall consumer of Russian energy, having purchased some $219.5 billion worth of Russian oil, gas and coal. The US president last week claimed the Chinese president can have a big influence on Putin. Taiwan When asked if Taiwan would be on the agenda of his talks with Xi, Trump said, I dont know if well even speak about Taiwan. He may want to ask about it. There is not that much to ask about it. But geopolitical experts note that Xi will not waste this opportunity to discuss the self-ruled island that Beijing sees as its own. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD At present, Washington recognises only China. However, it provides self-defence weapons to Taiwan. Earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio declined the idea of abandoning Taiwan in order to seal a trade deal with China. A woman walks past a street lined with Taiwanese flags, in Kinmen, Taiwan. Reuters But despite Rubios comments, theres concern in Taipei over Trumps support to the island. Since coming to power this year, Trump has vacillated on his position towards Taiwan. And analysts believe that Xi will use this to his benefit. Xi will probably try to convince Trump to state that the US doesnt support independence for Taiwan, noted a New York Times report. While this is a stance that Washington has held, stating it in these clear terms, would be welcomed by Beijing. TikTok, Jimmy Lai and more Apart from these key issues, Trump and Xi are expected to also discuss other issues such as the ownership of TikTok in the US. On Monday, the US president said that a deal on TikToks US ownership with China might be finalised during his meeting with Xi. We might. Thatll be one of the things were discussing, Trump told reporters. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The future of TikTok in the US is likely to be discussed when Trump and Xi meet. File image/Reuters Even US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that the deal on TikTok was reached in talks with China, and it will be for the two leaders to consummate that transaction on Thursday in (South) Korea. Moreover, Trump said he might press Xi to release jailed Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai, a British citizen and founder of now-defunct newspaper Apple Daily known for its criticism of Beijings suppression of Hong Kongs 2019 pro-democracy protests, who has been detained since 2020. Trump or Xi, who has the upper hand in the talks? Both leaders Trump and Xi are aiming to get the most out of this meeting tomorrow. But some believe that the Chinese president is already a leg up on his American counterpart. Thats because China has shown not only Trump but the world that it is on equal standing with the US on a global stage. For Xi Jinping, Taiwan and trade restrictions will be of core concern when he meets with Donald Trump. File image/AP For instance, when Trump announced a tariff war against most of Americas trading partners, most countries rushed to negotiate a better deal. However, Beijing fought back with its own measures until both sides were forced to the table for a truce. As CNN notes in one report, that Xi has cemented a new reality in US-China relations: China will negotiate, but it wont be cowed. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Additionally, Xi has more reasons to be confident. Trumps trade wars have unsettled traditional US allies with a few governments in European countries and Canada now pondering how to better insulate themselves from Trumps overreach, which may invariably mean finding new accommodations with China. Rush Doshi, a former Biden administration official and author of The Long Game: Chinas Grand Strategy to Displace American Order, told the Washington Post: Xi is not playing the cards he has hes playing the player hes up against. He thinks that President Trump will fold, and his bet may have been proven right. What does the world expect from Trump-Xi talks? While US and China hope to reach a deal to lower the temperature of their fierce rivalry, others are tempering their expectations. As Deborah Elms, head of trade policy at the Hinrich Foundation in Singapore, said to Al Jazeera, I have modest expectations for this meeting. I think, no matter what happens this week, we havent seen the end of economic tensions, tariff threats, export controls and restrictions, and the use of unusual levers like digital rules. Others also noted that its unlikely that the Trump-Xi meet will be able to de-escalate the rivalry between the two countries. A fundamental de-escalation is unlikely given the political environment in the US, said Shan Guo, a partner with Shanghai-based Hutong Research. Protesters hold signs during a rally against US President Donald Trump in Gyeongju, South Korea. A part of letters read Condemnation Trump. AP Most note that the problem between China and the US is the language the two use for one another. While Trump often complains about the US being ripped off by China, Xi has repeatedly called for their relations to be defined by mutual respect and win-win cooperation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD And in such case, it seems unlikely that one meeting will change the overall tone. With inputs from agencies Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday hit back at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remarks targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying the opposition leader had not only insulted the PM but also hurt the sentiments of devotees of Chhathi Maiya. Union Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday hit back at Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, over his dance for votes remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that this was not the first time that the opposition has targeted PM Modi. Speaking to Network18 Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi at News18s Sabse Bada Dangal on Wednesday, Shah emphasised that every time the opposition insults the Prime Minister, the lotus (BJPs symbol) will rise from the mud. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The home minister said, Rahul Gandhi has not insulted PM Modi, but he has insulted Chhathi Maiya and her devotees. He will suffer the adverse consequences of this in the Bihar elections." This comes after Gandhi launched a staunch attack against PM Modi, alleging he would do anything for votes. Addressing an election rally at Muzaffarpur earlier today, Gandhi accused PM Modi of doing anything for votes. The Congress leader said, He (PM Modi) just wants your vote. If you ask him to do a drama for votes, he will. You can make him do anything. If you tell Narendra Modi to dance, he will dance. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In Darbhanga, Gandhi said that the Prime Minister has nothing to do with Chhath Puja, claiming he took a dip in his swimming pool rather than the River Yamuna in Delhi. He said, Theres no Yamuna there; theres a pond there. Narendra Modi went to bathe in his swimming pool. He has nothing to do with the Yamuna. He has nothing to do with Chhath Puja. When asked about Rahul Gandhis vote theft allegations over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll in Bihar, Shah alleged that the Voter Adhikar Yatra was carried out to protect infiltrators. He gave a presentation on Karnataka. Who has the government in Karnataka? Congress. Did they also steal votes? He carried out Voter Adhikar Yatra as the infiltrators have been removed from the voter list. We are clear on this: no infiltrator should have the right to vote. They protect the infiltrators as they consider them a vote bank. Rahul, carry out as many Yatras, but the Modi government will throw out the infiltrators, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He added that people who could not prove their citizenship were removed from the electoral roll during the SIR exercise. People who could not provide evidence for their citizenship were removed from the voter list. They would have given proof if they were Indian citizens. Only three appeals came. If there was injustice, there would have been more appeals. This means the names removed were not Indian citizens, he said. SIR exercise in Bihar took place in September, leaving 7.42 crore voters in the list. Amit Shah and the BJP have been vocal on the infiltrator issue, backing the SIR, while the INDIA bloc has opposed the exercise. The Election Commission has also announced the second phase of SIR in 12 States and Union Territories. Meanwhile, politics in Bihar has heated up in the run-up to the Bihar Assembly elections, to be held in two phases on November 6 and 11. The results will be announced on November 14. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies Severe cyclonic storm Montha is likely to maintain the intensity for a period of six hours after its landfall over interior Andhra Pradesh and the adjoining areas, including south Odisha, the India Meteorological Department has said Sea waves crash against the shore amid strong winds ahead of the landfall of Cyclone Montha at Manginapudi beach in Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh, on October 28, 2025. (Photo: PTI) Cyclone Montha made landfall in Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday, leaving a trail of destruction on the eastern coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam near Kakinada with winds topping 100km an hour. The cyclone made landfall as a severe storm around 7:30 pm yesterday, with its crossing lasting at least four hours. A woman died after a tree pierced her home due to the heavy winds that downed several trees across the state. Across the border in Odisha, Monthas outer bands unleashed torrential rain and winds reaching up to 100 km/h across Ganjam and Gajapati districts, toppling trees and blocking roads. While no casualties were reported, landslides severed access to parts of R Udayagiri, Parlakhemundi, Huma, and Kashipur. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Montha to maintain momentum Severe cyclonic storm Montha is likely to maintain the intensity for a period of six hours after its landfall over interior Andhra Pradesh and the adjoining areas, including south Odisha, the India Meteorological Department has said. The Met Department forecast very likely light to moderate rainfall at most places in Andhra Pradesh and Yanam and heavy to very rainfall at a few places till October 29. Similarly, it forecast extremely heavy rainfall of greater than 20 cm at isolated places during the same period. The severe cyclonic storm Montha is likely to maintain the intensity of a cyclonic storm for a period of six hours after the landfall over interior Andhra Pradesh and adjoining areas of south Odisha, south Chhattisgarh and Telangana, a Met Department press release said. For October 30, it forecasts light to moderate rainfall at many places with heavy rainfall at isolated places over north coastal Andhra Pradesh. Red alert in AP Authorities have shut schools and colleges in Andhra after Cyclone Montha triggered heavy rainfall across the city. The weather office issued so-called red alerts, the highest level of weather warnings, for 19 districts in Andhra Pradesh, forecasting extremely heavy rains. At Uppada in Kakinada district, the sea turned turbulent, flooding homes and ripping up the coastal road. Police sealed off the KakinadaUppada beach road after waves breached embankments. As the cyclones eye moved inland, thousands took refuge in shelters, waiting for the storm to pass. More than 10,000 Andhra residents, mostly fishing families, were evacuated from 65 villages across 12 coastal mandals ahead of landfall. With inputs from agencies New Delhi is in the process of sending a formal invitation to the dignitaries, while the official confirmation of acceptance is underway, following which India and Brussels are expected to announce the engagement European Union (EU) chief Ursula von der Leyen and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrive for a photo opportunity ahead of their meeting at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi, India, on February 28, 2025. (Photo: Altaf Hussain/Reuters) India has invited President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council Antonio Costa as chief guests for next years Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi, making it the first time the top leadership of the European Union will join the ceremonies. According to a report by the Indian Express, New Delhi is in the process of sending a formal invitation to the dignitaries, while the official confirmation of acceptance is underway, following which India and Brussels are expected to announce the engagement. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The decision to invite the EU leadership marks a first, reflecting the recent upswing in relations between India and the 27-member European Union, particularly since February, when the EUs College of Commissioners visited New Delhi. In fact, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal recently concluded a trip to Brussels, where he held talks with Maros Sefcovic, the European Unions Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security. Following the meeting, Goyal announced on X that his engagements with Sefcovic were intense but very productive, adding that both sides had significantly narrowed their outstanding issues and created a framework to deliver a win-win outcome for both economies. He said the discussions had laid the foundation for a robust and balanced agreement that would strengthen business ties and drive mutual growth. Reaffirming the shared vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and EU President Ursula von der Leyen, Goyal said India and the EU were committed to achieving shared prosperity through innovation, trade, investments, and job creation. He also expressed appreciation for the efforts of both negotiation teams and said he looked forward to welcoming Sefcovic and his team to India soon to advance the dialogue further. Piyush Goyal concluded his two-day Brussels visit after productive meetings with EU officials, marking progress in advancing the India-EU Free Trade Agreement Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal held talks with Maros Sefcovic, the European Unions Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security. (X) Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal held talks with Maros Sefcovic, the European Unions Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, during his October 27-28 visit to Brussels to review the ongoing India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. Following the meeting, Goyal announced on X that his engagements with Sefcovic were intense but very productive, adding that both sides had significantly narrowed their outstanding issues and created a framework to deliver a win-win outcome for both economies. He said the discussions had laid the foundation for a robust and balanced agreement that would strengthen business ties and drive mutual growth. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Reaffirming the shared vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and EU President Ursula von der Leyen, Goyal said India and the EU were committed to achieving shared prosperity through innovation, trade, investments, and job creation. He also expressed appreciation for the efforts of both negotiation teams and said he looked forward to welcoming Sefcovic and his team to India soon to advance the dialogue further. Both sides reiterated their commitment to concluding a swift, balanced, and mutually beneficial agreement that would bolster trade and economic relations between India and the European Union. Concluded my visit to Brussels, after intense but very productive engagements with @MarosSefcovic, EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, on advancing a comprehensive IndiaEU FTA. The talks have significantly reduced our outstanding issues and allowed us to create the pic.twitter.com/cdO8QWOLIH Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) October 28, 2025 Meetings with German counterparts ahead of Brussels talks Goyal began his Brussels visit with a meeting with Johann Wadephul, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany, where discussions centred on advancing the India-EU FTA. Sharing details of the meeting on X, he noted that the conversation spanned key areas of mutual interest and growth, reaffirming the strength of the India-Germany strategic partnership and their joint commitment to an early conclusion of the agreement. According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Goyals visit aimed to provide political and strategic guidance to the ongoing FTA negotiations, which had shown progress during the 14th round of talks held earlier in October. The ministers engagements followed the renewed strategic depth in the India-EU partnership, reinforced by the meeting earlier this year between Prime Minister Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, where both leaders emphasised building a future-ready trade relationship focused on prosperity, sustainability, and innovation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Before Belgium, Goyal visited Germany, where he met Anne-Laure Parrical de Chammard, Member of the Executive Board of Siemens Energy, to explore opportunities for collaboration in developing reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy systems. An early conclusion of the proposed free trade agreement between India and the European Union can make a big difference in terms of stabilising the global economy and strengthening democratic forces, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Wednesday. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday said that an early conclusion of the proposed IndiaEuropean Union free trade agreement (FTA) could play a crucial role in stabilising the global economy and strengthening democratic forces. Jaishankar made the remarks after meeting a high-level trade delegation from the 27-member European Union, which is currently visiting India to advance discussions on finalising the long-pending FTA. The seven-member EU delegation is holding talks aimed at expediting the agreement that both sides have been negotiating for years. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Discussed how India & the European Union can maximize convergences and deepen cooperation. This can stabilize the global economy and strengthen democratic forces, Jaishankar said on X. The early conclusion of the India-EU FTA can make a big difference to these objectives, he said. Pleased to meet delegation of European Parliaments Committee on International Trade #INTA today in Delhi. Discussed how India & the European Union can maximize convergences and deepen cooperation. This can stabilize the global economy and strengthen democratic forces. The pic.twitter.com/5P55MFNAVh Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 29, 2025 Jaishankar remarks came as the two sides looked to wrap up negotiations for the mega trade pact. In September, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed their commitment to finalise the trade deal by December. The European Union is Indias biggest trade partner with bilateral trade in goods recording USD 135 billion in the financial year 2023-24. The FTA is expected to significantly enhance the two-way trade ties. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India and the EU concluded the 14th round of FTA negotiations in Brussels on October 10. Following the negotiations, the EU said the talks focused on firming up an economically meaningful market access package. Some progress was made in outstanding areas, in particular on the SPS chapter, which was closed, it said. The two sides have already concluded negotiations on 11 chapters that included customs and trade facilitation, dispute settlement, digital trade, sustainable food system, small and medium-sized enterprises, competition and subsidies and capital movements. The delegation of members of the European Parliament will also engage with a variety of stakeholders in order to receive first-hand information on the opportunities and challenges posed by these trade negotiations. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal was in Brussels this week to hold talks with top EU officials on the trade pact. EU ambassador to India Herve Delphin on Wednesday said substantial progress has been made in the negotiations. EU & India in continuous negotiation mode, aiming to reach an agreement by end of year, he posted on X. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies Lalu Yadav wants to see his son Tejashwi as CM and Sonia Gandhi wants Rahul Gandhi to be the PM. Want to tell both of them no seats are vacant for their sons in either Bihar or Delhi, said Shah Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said there is no place for Lalu Prasad Yadavs son Tejashwi Yadav or Sonia Gandhis son Rahul Gandhi to occupy top political posts, asserting that neither the Chief Ministers chair in Bihar nor the Prime Ministers seat in Delhi is vacant. In an exclusive interview with Network18 Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi, Shah said there is no confusion over leadership in the poll-bound state. Lalu Yadav wants to see his son Tejashwi as CM and Sonia Gandhi wants Rahul Gandhi to be the PM. Want to tell both of them no seats are vacant for their sons in either Bihar or Delhi, said Shah. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Reiterating his stance, Shah added: Bihar mein na CM ka pad khali hai aur Delhi mein PM ka pad khali hai yahan Nitish Kumar hain, aur Lalu ji, Sonia ji, wahan PM Modi hain (Neither the Chief Ministers post in Bihar nor the Prime Ministers seat in Delhi is vacant. Nitish Kumar is here, and Lalu ji, Sonia ji, PM Modi are there). Shah clarified that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is contesting the Bihar assembly elections under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. There is no confusion. Nitish Kumar is the CM, and the NDA will continue under his leadership, he said, expressing confidence that the alliance will secure more than a two-thirds majority in the upcoming polls. Highlighting the states progress under the double-engine government of PM Modi and CM Nitish Kumar, Shah said Bihar has witnessed significant improvements in infrastructure, governance, and welfare delivery. Responding to a question about the Deputy Chief Ministers post, Shah said the NDA does not fight over positions and that the matter would be decided after the elections. Earlier in the day, Shah had made similar remarks during a rally in Bihar, taking aim at the opposition and reinforcing that there is no vacancy for the CMs post in the state. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The BJP and JD(U) have agreed to contest 101 seats each under an equal seat-sharing formula. Bihar will vote in two phases on November 6 and 11, with results to be declared on November 14. With inputs from agencies PIB stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be attending the International Aryan Summit, 2025 in New Delhi to commemorate 200th birth anniversary of Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati and 150 years of Arya Samajs service to the society. PM Narendra Modi will attend the International Aryan Summit 2025 in the Rohini area of New Delhi on October 31st. The Summit is part of Jyana Jyoti Festival honouring 200th birth anniversary of Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati and 150 years of Arya Samajs service to the society, as stated by PIB in its press release. The Prime Minister will also address the gathering on this occasion, bringing together the representatives of the Arya Samaj across India. This Summit will highlight the universal significance of the reform and its monotheistic ideologies. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The infallible authority of vedas and reflecting the relevance of Hindu philosopher Dayanand Saraswati, the Summit will feature an exhibition titled 150 golden years of service. More from India Chinese nationals control instant loan, crypto frauds in India: ED report Aligning with the ideas of Swadeshi and Viksit Bharat by 2047, the Summit will honour Maharishi and celebrate the legacy of this social reform, igniting global awareness, and nation-building practices. Shah said the alliance will form the next government under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday expressed confidence that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will secure a two-thirds majority in the upcoming Bihar assembly elections. Speaking to Network18 Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi at News18 Sabse Bada Dangal, Shah said the alliance will form the next government under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. There is no vacancy for CMs post in Bihar, Nitish Kumar is the CM. There is no confusion, said Shah, dismissing rumours about the chief ministers health. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Shah described a clear NDA wave in the state and predicted an unprecedented increase in the number of seats won by the coalition this election cycle. Highlighting the achievements of the NDA in Bihar, he credited the 11-year double-engine government with bringing major transformations in governance, infrastructure, and welfare delivery, in contrast to previous administrations led by Nitish Kumar and the BJP. Shah further said that in the past 11 years, 85.2 million (8 crore 52 lakh) people have received five kilograms of free food grains, and 6.6 crore Jan Dhan accounts have been opened under the central governments welfare initiatives. Nitish Kumar has pulled Bihar out of jungle raj in the past 11 years," Shah said, highlighting the transformation under the double-engine government. The BJP and JD(U) have agreed to contest 101 seats each under an equal seat-sharing formula. Bihar will vote in two phases on November 6 and 11, with results to be declared on November 14. With inputs from agencies The Plenum fully reaffirmed Xi Jinpings authority as the core of the partys Central Committee and endorsed his economic model and sweeping military reshuffle. Representational image: AP Photo The Fourth Plenary Session (Fourth Plenum) of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) was held from October 20 to 23, 2025, in Beijing, to review, deliberate, adopt policies and implement organisational decisions. Of the seven plenums that are held over the five-year term of a Party Congress, the Fourth Plenum typically addresses institutional reforms, political-cum-ideological issues and long-term governance priorities. However, this year the focus of the Plenum shifted strongly to the economic issues, primarily due to the delay in holding the Third Plenum. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Incidentally, the past Fourth Plenums historically had decisive themes and outcomes. During Maos era in 1958, it was ideological consolidation; in 1979, during Dengs time, it was political stability; in 1999, Jiang Zemin focused on legal institutional reforms; in 2004, during Hu Jintaos presidency, it was governance capacity and harmony; and in 2014, Xi Jinping prioritised centralised control and party supremacy. The timing of the recently concluded Fourth Plenum was crucial, as it was held amidst multiple pressures that China is faced with, especially the slowdown of growth, structural economic problems, demographic headwinds and rising geostrategic competition with the US. The four-day event set the tone for policymaking over the next five years, calling for further deepening of the reforms across the board, accompanied by a warning of growing uncertainties. Nonetheless, the party signalled confidence in the nations economic resilience and the governments commitment to make notable progress in pursuit of development and continuation to improve peoples standards. Key Themes Strategic Imperatives The official communique, a 5000-word document released by the Chinese Ministry of External Affairs, offered an insight into the partys future outlook, underscoring that priorities will last till the end of this decade. It emphasised the determination to double down on technological advancement, security and self-reliance to fend off headwinds. While building on the existing policies, the document signalled the challenges the Central Committee anticipates during the coming five years. The state news agency Xinhua highlighted the essence of the communique: We must have the courage to face major tests, raging storms, tackle difficulties, risks and challenges with the spirit of historic initiatives, focus on doing own work well to write a new chapter in sustaining Chinas economic growth and long social stability. From the public reporting and commentary, the Plenum emphasised several strategic issues, the main ones being: STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A strong push for greater self-reliance, especially in the core technologies in the wake of external pressures. Alongside, it sought to achieve integration of industrial, technological and innovation policy while leveraging domestic technical development as a growth engine. The Central Committee underscored the need to stabilise the economy with emphasis on domestic demand, consumption and support for small and micro enterprises, while acknowledging the need to contend with profound and complex challenges. The Plenum also reaffirmed the objective of modernising the national governance system and capacity, besides strengthening the partys leadership role. The CPC has set a number of goals, both in the medium and long-term perspectives. One of the long-term objectives is to raise per capita GDP to par with a moderately developed country by 2035. This is aligned to the centenary goal of becoming a modern socialist country by 2049, the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Peoples Republic of China (PRC). Top on the agenda was to study the proposal and finalise the blueprint of Chinas 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) for national economic and social development. The plan underlines Chinas goal to emerge as a tech superpower with an emphasis on a high degree of self-reliance. It notably aims to boost consumption in an attempt to lessen dependence on export-driven growth. Xi has placed a personal imprint on the five-year plan, dubbed by the state media as his brainchild. Xi Further Consolidates Power The Plenum fully reaffirmed Xi Jinpings authority as the core of the partys Central Committee and endorsed his economic model and sweeping military reshuffle. Xi has further reinforced his authority through large-scale expulsions, reshuffles and promotions of senior officials and military leadership. Interestingly, of the 376 members of the current Central Committee whose term started in 2022, around 16 per cent were missing from the just-concluded meeting, deemed to have been purged. Xi has replaced eight disgraced senior military commanders, including the Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), General He Weidong, who was substituted by General Zhang Shengmin. Xi Jinping has warned that China is entering a period where strategic opportunities exist alongside risks and challenges, while uncertainties and unforeseen factors are rising. These remarks reported by the South China Morning Post reflect Beijings growing concerns over the volatile global environment and domestic economy. In remarks quoted by Xinhua and Peoples China Daily, Xi urged senior officials to seize this critical window of opportunity to consolidate and expand our strengths, break through bottlenecks and constraints, and strengthen weak links, gaining strategic initiative in intense international competition. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Key Outcomes and Implications The Fourth Plenum was a significant meeting of the ruling CPC; it acts as a marker for Chinas future growth trajectory. The session came at a critical juncture as Chinas economy is in transition with global competition intensifying and the partys domestic legitimacy coming under strain. The Communist leadership has set out governance and economic goals, projected strategic confidence and sent subtle signals that the era of bold reforms is giving way to an era of controlled innovation and adaptation to the highly disruptive environment. It is evident that the communique conveys the policy of continuity, with technological upgrades topping the agenda. The PRCs orientation towards self-reliance and technological sovereignty means Beijing may adopt more aggressive state-led investments and regulations in the strategic sectors. This has implications for international trade, supply chains and tech competition. For India and other economies, Chinas shift is likely to impact global commodity flow, especially trade dynamics with regard to rare earths and high-tech manufacturing. For the observers, the system reforms, personal changes and details of the coming Five-Year Plan will serve as the lens to evaluate Chinas new direction and roadmap. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The author is a war veteran and has served as Defence Attache in China and North Korea. He is currently Professor of Strategic-IR & Management Studies. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. With Asean Vision 2045 and Viksit Bharat 2047 aligned, India and Asean have embarked on a shared journey of prosperity, resilience, and stability The Kuala Lumpur Summit will be remembered not simply as a diplomatic event, but as the moment the idea of an IndiaAsean Century moved from rhetoric to roadmap. Image: Reuters The 22nd Asean-India Summit, held on October 26, 2025, under the chairmanship of Malaysia and attended virtually by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of Indias Act East Policy and strategic engagement with Southeast Asia. Modi has participated in all Asean-India summits except in 2022, when the vice president led the delegation. Indias sustained commitment to Asean centrality and to shaping a peaceful, prosperous, and multipolar Indo-Pacific was well expressed by him. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India and Asean, together representing one-fourth of humanity, are not merely geographical neighbours; they are bound by ancient civilisational links, shared values, and a common strategic outlook. As Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed, The 21st century is our centurythe century of India and Asean. The summit underscored that India and Asean are not just stakeholders in the emerging world orderthey are co-authors of its future. This was important, as Modi did not call it an Asian century, which China interprets as a Chinese century, and this clarity gives the Global South context for India and Asean to cooperate. Asean Centrality and the Indo-Pacific Outlook Prime Minister Modi congratulated Timor-Leste on becoming the 11th member of Asean and participating in its first Asean-India Summit as a full member. He expressed Indias continued support for its human development, including extending Quick Impact Projects and capacity-building initiatives. This expansion of Asean marks a historic developmentthe first addition to the grouping in the 21st centurysymbolising a renewed and inclusive regional vision. Cambodia was the last to join in 1999. Reiterating Indias unwavering support for Asean unity, centrality, and the Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, Modi welcomed the adoption of the Community Vision 2045. India as a dialogue partner engages across all three pillars of Aseanthe political-security community, economic community, and socio-cultural communityreflecting a comprehensive and trusted partnership. The new Action Plan 2026-2030 manifests this diverse engagement. Strengthening Strategic and Economic Ties Prime Minister Modi emphasised the urgent need to review the Asean-India Free Trade Agreement (AITIGA). He highlighted that a timely modernisation of the agreement is essential to unlock the full economic potential of the partnership, enhance supply chain resilience, and promote fair and mutually beneficial trade. This reform is expected to boost digital trade, MSME integration, and sustainable investment flows. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The summit also focused on the growing importance of critical technologies, fintech cooperation, semiconductor development, rare earths, and critical minerals, which are crucial to reducing dependence on singular supply chains and strengthening strategic autonomy in the Indo-Pacific. Maritime Cooperation Maritime security, blue economy development, and freedom of navigation emerged as central themes of the summit. The leaders jointly declared 2026 as the Asean-India Year of Maritime Cooperation to advance collaboration in the blue economy, maritime transport corridors, climate resilience, and marine resource management. In 2023 India and Asean had already issued a joint statement on maritime cooperation, which will now receive impetus. Prime Minister Modi also proposed: Hosting the Second Asean-India Defence Ministers Meeting Conducting the Second Asean-India Maritime Exercise Organising the East Asia Summit Maritime Heritage Festival at Lothal, Gujarat Convening a Conference on Maritime Security Cooperation These initiatives reflect Indias proactive role in promoting a rules-based maritime order, in sharp contrast to coercive regional behaviour that threatens Asean sovereignty. Aseans maritime nations, including the Philippines, explicitly acknowledged Indias constructive stance in supporting international law in the South China Sea. Security, Resilience and India as First Responder Calling terrorism, a grave threat to global peace and security, Prime Minister Modi urged unity and resolute collective action. He reiterated Indias commitment to act as a First Responder in times of crisis, reinforcing cooperation in disaster preparedness, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief (HADR). Indias growing capacity and credibility in providing rapid assistance in times of natural disasters has significantly enhanced trust among Asean nations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India also announced the training of 400 renewable energy professionals to support the Asean Power Grid initiative and promote clean energy integration across the region. Socio-Cultural Bonds: A Civilisational Partnership Prime Minister Modi reminded leaders that India and Asean are not just strategic partners but civilisational companions. We are not only commercial partners but also cultural partners Asean is a cornerstone of Indias Act East Policy, he said. The Prime Minister welcomed the adoption of the Joint Leaders Statement on Sustainable Tourism, aligning with the Asean-India Year of Tourism and the emerging regional focus on nature-based and heritage tourism. In 2025 India is now directly connected by air links to all Asean countries except Laos. Modi emphasised cooperation in education, health, science and technology, green energy, cyber security, cultural preservation, and youth development. A major announcement included the proposed establishment of a Centre for Southeast Asian Studies at Nalanda University, which will serve as a think tank and knowledge hub to build regional expertise. An India Asean Youth Summit has been held earlier this year. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ensuring Multipolarity in a Fragmenting World Asean today stands at a geopolitical crossroads. Increasing US-China competition and economic dependence on China are creating strategic discomfort. The bloc seeks to preserve its autonomy amidst external pressures, and India offers a viable multipolar alternative rooted in respect, partnership, and shared development rather than dominance or dependency. As Philippine President Marcos said in his remarks at the summit, Asean looks to India and their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the AEP to find solutions for Aseans current problems. Indias vision aligns with Aseans desire to shape the global agenda through the Global South, rather than merely reacting to superpower rivalries. Prime Minister Modis declaration that the Asean-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is emerging as a robust foundation for global stability and development reflects this shared aspiration for a balanced, inclusive, and pluralistic order. Conclusion: The IndiaAsean Century Begins At the summit, Prime Minister Modi thanked Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for successfully hosting the summit virtually and appreciated Philippine President Marcos Jrs effective role as country coordinator. Both have made bilateral visits to India during this year. Asean leaders, in turn, lauded Indias consistent and principled engagement through its Act East Policy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The summit made it clear that Asean and India are not just navigating the future together but are shaping it. The deepening partnership spans maritime security, digital inclusion, sustainable development, critical technologies, cultural connectivity, and multipolar diplomacy. With Vision 2045 and Viksit Bharat 2047 aligned, India and Asean have embarked on a shared journey of prosperity, resilience, and stability. The Kuala Lumpur Summit will be remembered not simply as a diplomatic event, but as the moment the idea of an IndiaAsean Century moved from rhetoric to roadmap, anchoring Asias future in cooperation, inclusivity, and shared destiny. The writer is a former ambassador to Germany, Indonesia, Ethiopia, Asean, and the African Union, and the author of The Mango Flavour: India & Asean After 10 Years of the AEP. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of Firstpost. Since taking power in 2012, Xi Jinping has removed a staggering 30 per cent of the generals he personally appointed The gleaming hardware rolled through Beijings Tiananmen Square, and the world took notice. Nuclear DF-61 intercontinental ballistic missiles, their sleek forms promising to reach any corner of the globe. The LY-1 laser weapon systems mounted on armoured trucks, designed to blind enemy sensors. The hypersonic Y19 and Y20 missiles, dubbed aircraft carrier killers. Yet this parade of military magnificence concealed a more troubling realitya disturbing paranoia, a leadership in survival mode sacrificing strategic competence. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Just weeks after this display, Xi Jinping delivered his most sweeping purge yet of the Peoples Liberation Army. Nine generals, including the second-highest-ranking military officer, He Weidong, were expelled from the Communist Party and stripped of rank. The announcement came with the familiar rhetoric of corruption charges, but the scale and timing revealed a butchering of military leadership that bears uncomfortable resemblance to historical Chinese purges that preceded national disasters. In China, the Party is supreme and was obviously threatened by the military command as it was earlier by tech billionaires. Who can forget that lone man standing up to the tank column in 1989 before the Tiananmen Square bloodbath? Xi Jinping is massively threatened, perhaps even psychologically unstable. General He Weidong, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, had been Xis own appointee and represented the third-highest military position in China. His removal marked the first expulsion of a sitting CMC general since the Cultural Revolution. Some see his removal paradoxically as a setback for Xi Jinpinghis yes-man sacrificed amidst a party power tussle. Alongside He fell Admiral Miao Hua, the militarys top political officer, and seven other senior commanders overseeing everything from the nuclear-armed Rocket Force to the Eastern Theatre Command responsible for Taiwan. The parallels to Chinas imperial past are ominous. During the Qianlong Emperors reign in the 18th century, at the height of Qing glory, similar purges preceded catastrophic weakness. The emperors distrust of independent military advice created a command structure populated by yes-men forced to hide strategic realities. When the White Lotus Rebellion erupted in the 1790s, the once-mighty Qing forces found themselves unable to suppress a small-time insurgency. The rebellion dragged on for nearly a decade, revealing the hollowness behind imperial military pageantry. The Jiaqing Emperor, inheriting this mess from his father, found himself unable to trust his own commanders. This breakdown in military trust and competence set the stage for Chinas humiliation in the Opium Wars. Xis pattern of purges mirrors these historical dynamics with disturbing precision. Since taking power in 2012, he has removed a staggering 30 per cent of the generals he personally appointed. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The timing of these purges is particularly significant. They occurred just days before the Communist Partys Fourth Plenumclear political messaging. By reducing the Central Military Commission to just four members, its smallest composition in Chinese history, Xi has concentrated military power to an unprecedented degree. Yet this concentration comes at the cost of institutional expertise and trust. The corruption charges, while potentially valid, signal a double hollowing: military weakness and a demand that political loyalty override military competence. The official statement emphasised that the expelled generals had committed offenses involving disloyalty and had lost their chastity as Communists. So ideological conformity, not professional capability, decides ones place. The purge complicates military decision-making in the South China Sea, Taiwan scenarios, the Himalayan standoff with India, and across the board facing Trumps America. The imperial precedents suggest where this path leads. Qianlongs military, despite brutal imperial victories over Tibet and Xinjiang, became increasingly hollow. This left the command structure incapable of effective response, and China was carved up by Britain and later Japan. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Xis current military faces analogous dangers. The impressive weapons systems displayed in Beijings parade represent genuine achievements, but their effectiveness depends on command structures capable of employing them strategicallythats now gone. The historical pattern extends beyond individual reigns. Chinese military disasters have repeatedly followed periods when political purges weakened command structures. The late Ming collapse, the Qing defeats in the Opium Wars, and even aspects of the Chinese performance in the Korean War all reflected institutional weaknesses created by political interference in military affairs. Xi Jinping has disrupted institutional memory and created gaps in strategic planning. Modern military systems require years of experience to master, and the integration of complex technologies demands stable leadership capable of long-term planning. The international implications extend beyond Chinas borders. The repeated purges create uncertainty about Chinese military capabilities and decision-making processes that could lead to miscalculation in crisis situations. When military leaders are primarily concerned with political survival, their behaviour becomes unpredictable in ways that increase the risk of conflict escalation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Xis approach reflects a broader misunderstanding of military effectiveness that has plagued Chinese imperial traditions. The emphasis on personal loyalty over institutional competence creates systems that work well in peacetime parade conditions but fail under the stress of actual conflict. Put differently, China is compromising strategic flexibility. The result resembles the late imperial pattern where impressive technology coexisted with ineffective command structures. The Qing had access to firearms and artillery that should have provided advantages, but poor leadership and training rendered these weapons ineffective in actual combat. As the ancient Chinese understood, effective leadership requires more than personal loyalty. The famous metaphor of dragons without heads perfectly captures the current situation. When powerful forces lack effective leadership, they become sources of chaos and misdirection. The shiny hardware represents enormous potential power, but without competent command, it becomes as dangerous to its own holders as to its enemies. Like emperors Qianlong and Jiaqing before him, Xi appears to believe personal loyalty can substitute for competence and political control outweighs military effectiveness. The imperial archives record the consequences: humiliation, defeat, and the collapse of dynasties that once seemed invincible. In the end, as Chinese wisdom has long recognised, a boat without a skilled helmsman will founder regardless of how magnificent its sails appearand in Xis military, the headless dragons may soon find themselves flying not toward victory, but toward the very disasters their purges were meant to prevent. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The writer is a senior journalist with expertise in defence. Views expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect those of Firstpost. Indian facilities are now assembling the latest iPhone models at the Foxconn and Tata-run Pegatron units. A significant portion of the production is geared toward fulfilling rising demand in the US and Europe, while also serving Indias expanding smartphone market Apple has joined the $4 trillion club, becoming the third Big Tech company to hit the milestone, as the launch of the new iPhone series revamped its sales like never before. Behind its success journey is Indias remarkable push for the manufacturing and production of Apple products, which has surpassed exports to the US over those of China. The companys shares rose 0.2 per cent to a record $269.2, bringing total gains to about 13 per cent since the September 9 launch. Analysts said the latest models success, particularly in the US and China, has boosted Apples outlook despite earlier worries over tariffs and competition from Chinese rivals. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The ultra-slim iPhone Air has won positive reviews, while iPhone 17 sales have outpaced the previous model by 14 per cent, according to Counterpoint Research. Brokerage Evercore ISI expects the strong demand to help Apple beat quarterly forecasts and issue an upbeat projection for the December quarter. Apple in India Indian facilities are now assembling the latest iPhone models at the Foxconn and Tata-run Pegatron units. A significant portion of the production is geared toward fulfilling rising demand in the US and Europe, while also serving Indias expanding smartphone market, sources told Moneycontrol. Hon Hai, a Foxconn subsidiary, has ramped up operations at its newest plant in Bengaluru, which started trial runs of Apples latest model back in April. The facility has already become Indias largest iPhone factory by production capacity. Despite its scale far exceeding that of other local suppliers like Tata Electronics, Wistron (now under Tata), and Pegatron, sources emphasised that its output will ultimately be driven by global iPhone demand. Indias smartphone exports up by 60% Indias mobile phone exports surged by 60 per cent in the first half of the current fiscal year, reaching $13.5 billion in shipments from April to September FY26, up from $8.5 billion during the same period in FY25. The feat was led by Apples iPhone, which has set a new record for exports with the launch of iPhone 17 this September. After iPhone 17s hit the shelves in September this year, shipments from India moved up by 95 per cent on total export of $1.8 billion, as per data provided by the India Cellular & Electronics Association (ICEA). Apple to double AirPods production in India Apples drive to expand its manufacturing presence in India is gaining momentum, with reports indicating that AirPods production is set to double as Foxconn ramps up its audio manufacturing operations in Hyderabad. According to The Economic Times, Foxconn Interconnect Technology (FIT) is preparing to increase capacity at its Kongara Kalan facility. The plant, which began mass-producing AirPods in April 2025, currently turns out more than 100,000 pairs each month. Under the new plan, monthly output is expected to rise to about 200,000 units within the next six to eight months, effectively doubling production by early 2026. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In her first interview since her ouster, former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has questioned the credibility of upcoming elections as her Awami League has been banned. She said such moves will sow further division in the country. Bangladeshs fugitive ex-leader Sheikh Hasina warned Wednesday that holding elections without her party the first since her overthrow was sowing the seeds of further division in her country. In written responses to AFP, her first interview since being ousted, Hasina also condemned her crimes against humanity trial as a jurisprudential joke, adding she believed a guilty verdict was preordained. Toppled in August 2024 by a student-led uprising that ended her 15-year autocratic rule, Hasina fled by helicopter as crowds stormed her palace. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The UN says up to 1,400 people were killed in crackdowns as she tried to cling to power deaths now at the centre of her trial. The 78-year-old former prime minister has been in hiding ever since, hosted by old ally India. But she remains defiant, and, in comments likely to enrage the many who say she made a ruthless bid to maintain power at all costs, she said she mourned all the lives lost during the terrible days when students were gunned down in the streets. She warned that the ban on her Awami League by the interim government of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus was deepening a political crisis in the country of 170 million people, ahead of elections slated for February 2026. Elections without the direct participation of all major parties, including the Awami League, cannot be credible, she said. While she has issued social media messages to supporters, her response to AFP marks her first direct communication with journalists since her overthrow. Without the participation of the Awami League, he is sowing the seeds of future division in the country, she added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Yunus must reinstate the Awami League to give Bangladeshis the choice they deserve. Capital crimes Rights groups long accused her government of a litany of abuses, including the murder of rivals, suppression of opposition parties, rigged courts and one-sided elections. Bangladeshs interim government banned Hasinas Awami League in May under amendments to the anti-terrorism act a move Human Rights Watch condemned as draconian. Free and fair elections require genuine competition, the ability of all parties to campaign, and the electorates right to choose between alternatives, Hasina said. Elections are a competition of ideas. You cannot ostracise a party because you dont like their policies. Her rivals, long crushed under her rule, are now resurgent. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is seen as the frontrunner, while Jamaat-e-Islami, the Muslim-majority countrys largest Islamist party, is rising in popularity. Hasina meanwhile has defied court orders to return to attend her trial on whether she bears command responsibility for the deadly crackdown, charges amounting to crimes against humanity under Bangladeshi law. Chief prosecutor Tajul Islam has accused Hasina of being the nucleus around whom all the crimes were committed during the uprising, and has called for the death penalty if found guilty. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The charges themselves are rejected in full and are not supported by any evidence, Hasina said. It has been appointed by an unelected administration consisting of my political opponents to try me in absentia for capital crimes. A verdict is due on November 13. A guilty verdict is pre-ordained, sadly, and I will not be surprised when it comes, she said. Open fire on crowds Hasina was defended by a state-appointed lawyer, but said she would only recognise an impartial process, such as one at the International Criminal Court (ICC). The charge that I personally directed security forces to open fire on crowds is bogus, she said, although she admitted that some mistakes were certainly made within the chain of command. But on the whole, the decisions made by senior government officials were proportionate in nature, made in good faith and intended to minimise the loss of life. The prosecution, who insist the trial was fair, have played audio tapes verified by police that suggested Hasina directly ordered her security forces to use lethal weapons against protesters. Hasina claimed the recordings had been taken out of context. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD She also pointed to a crackdown on her loyalists since her fall, including when security forces in February launched Operation Devil Hunt, arresting thousands accused of trying to destabilise the country. At the same time, she gave no information on the fate of the hundreds, if not thousands, of missing victims reported to have vanished into secret detention centres during her rule. Earlier this month, lawyers for the Awami League requested that the ICC investigate reported retaliatory violence. This includes allegations of beatings and lynchings which have no realistic prospect of being prosecuted in Bangladesh, senior British barrister Steven Powles KC said in a statement. As for the future, when asked by AFP if she plans a return to politics, Hasina replied: My priority is the welfare and stability of Bangladesh. (This is an agency story. Except for the headline, the story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.) Under the agreement, the two nations will collaborate to tighten export controls on artificial intelligence and ease regulatory hurdles for tech firms, aiming to simplify data storage and usage across borders President Donald Trump greets South Korean President Lee Jae Myung upon his arrival at the White house in Washington. File image/AP The US and South Korea will sign an agreement to strengthen cooperation in artificial intelligence, quantum computing and 6G, as President Donald Trump reaches South Korea for the Apec Summit. The deal, aimed at Chinas expansion in the tech realm, will be signed on Wednesday by Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, according to a report by Bloomberg. In a statement, Kratsios said, The Trump Administration is redefining American technological leadership by driving bilateral collaborative partnerships with allies like Korea. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Each Technology Prosperity Deal offers great opportunities to accelerate scientific discovery and lead the world into a new era of innovation driven by the US and our partners, he added. What is the agreement? Under the agreement, the two nations will collaborate to tighten export controls on artificial intelligence and ease regulatory hurdles for tech firms, aiming to simplify data storage and usage across borders, an official said. The pact also seeks to strengthen biotechnology and pharmaceutical supply chains, enhance research security, safeguard progress in quantum technologies, and foster cooperation in space exploration and 6G telecommunications. While the companies that will be part of the US-South Korea deal have not been disclosed yet, it will be similar to the ones Trump signed with Japan during the second leg of his Asia visit. US officials have designated quantum computing as a key national security focus, with the administration exploring financial backing for select companies in the sector. On the artificial intelligence front, Trump has aimed to accelerate growth by loosening regulations and streamlining approvals for AI infrastructure, while simultaneously imposing measures to limit Chinas access to advanced semiconductor technology. Is getting ahead of China Trumps main goal? Although Trump is slated to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea, the Republican leader has been taking a tough stance on Beijing. In what will be the first face-to-face meeting with Xi in Trumps second presidency, all eyes will be on the talks set for Thursday. I think were going to have a great meeting with President Xi of China, and a lot of problems are going to be solved, Trump said en route to South Korea where he is due to meet with Xi, saying he is optimistic. We have been talking to them, were not just walking into the meeting cold I think were going to have a very good outcome for our country and for the world actually, he said on Air Force One. In the lead-up to the meeting, Trump has intensified economic pressure on China by signing agreements to open new markets for US products and striking deals on critical minerals to lessen dependence on Beijing for the rare earths vital to numerous industries. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He has also made the advancement of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing a central pillar of his administrations agenda, aiming to rival Chinas heavy state-backed investments in these strategic sectors. With inputs from agencies While Trump-Xi summit has dominated the discourse around the Apec Summit, several other important diplomatic engagements are also happening that involve Japan, South Korea, and North Korea. Here are five things to watch out for at the summit. People walk past a sign for the 'Apec 2025 Korea' at Gyeongju Station, ahead of the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Gyeongju on October 28, 2025. (Photo: Jung Yeon-je/AFP) While the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping has dominated discourse around the Apec Summit, several other significant diplomatic engagements are underway involving Japan, South Korea, and North Korea. At a time when Trumps policies have cast uncertainty over longstanding US allies Japan and South Korea, both nations are exploring new partnerships to bolster their global standing. They are also adopting a pragmatic approach, seeking to balance relations between the United States and China. Signs suggest they may pursue mutually beneficial ties without being constrained by contentious historical legacies. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD South KoreaUS trade negotiations For host nation South Korea, a top priority appears to be securing a better trade deal with Trump and it seems to have made partial progress. Just hours after appeasing Trumps appetite for accolades with the Grand Order of Mugunghwa the countrys highest honour and a golden crown, South Korea announced that Trump and President Lee Jae-myung had reached an understanding to reduce US tariffs on automobiles from 25 per cent to 15 per cent. It remains unclear whether Trump and Lee have signed a formal agreement or merely reached a broad understanding. Trump had originally imposed a 25 per cent reciprocal tariff on South Korean automobiles. Additionally, South Korea continues to face a 50 per cent tariff on steel and aluminium exports. While the auto tariff reduction may offer some relief to Lee, there has been no breakthrough on another major issue in USSouth Korea talks. Observers of bilateral relations had previously noted that South Koreas pledge to invest $350 billion in the United States in exchange for tariff relief was a substantial figure one that Lee is keen to reduce. Lees position is clear that he cant accept an amount as big as $350 billion. He has to try to get that down to $200 or $250 billion, but even that would be too much, Shin Se-don, honorary professor of economics at Sookmyung University in Seoul, told Nikkei Asia. Shin added, The key factor will be whether Trump is willing to step back from his stance. South Koreas Balancing Act On the sidelines of the APEC Summit, South Korea faces the delicate task of balancing its ties between China and the United States. President Lee is set for a high-stakes meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, marking Xis first visit to South Korea since 2014. Although the two neighbours maintain strong trade relations, tensions occasionally arise due to Chinas strategic rivalry with the United States. For example, in the ongoing USChina trade war, China has sanctioned five US subsidiaries of South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Anti-China sentiment has been rising in South Korea, and key industries such as semiconductors, electronics, and steel are increasingly concerned about competition from state-supported Chinese firms. Japans Takaichi makes her debut at world stage The Apec Summit marks the first multilateral engagement for Japans new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi. According to Nikkei Asia, Takaichi is expected to build on recently improved diplomatic ties with South Korea in her meeting with Lee. The anticipated meeting is part of Japans broader strategy to counter a more assertive China through closer partnerships with neighbouring countries. Indications suggest that Lee may be receptive to such a partnership. Despite previously using strong rhetoric against Japan, Lee has shown openness to closer ties and had developed a positive rapport with Takaichis predecessor, Shigeru Ishiba, Nikkei Asia reported. In her first parliamentary address last week, Takaichi stated that Japan would deepen security partnerships with the United States, South Korea, and the Quad comprising Japan, the United States, Australia, and India. Possible TrumpKim meeting Speculation has emerged that Trump may meet North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-Un during his visit to Asia. However, no confirmation has been provided, and Kim is not attending the Apec Summit. Since his first term, Trump has expressed a desire to strike a deal with Kim. But no agreement materialised despite three meetings between the two leaders in 2018 and 2019. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In his second term, Trump has boasted of a great relationship with Kim and stated he remains open to meeting the North Korean leader. Kim, for his part, has insisted that the United States must drop its demand for denuclearisation to initiate any dialogue. North Koreas belligerence As leaders gathered across the border for the Apec Summit and analysts speculated about a potential TrumpKim meeting, North Korea test-fired missiles off its western coast just hours before Trumps arrival in South Korea a provocation amid speculation of a meeting. It was North Koreas second missile test in a week. State-run KCNA news agency reported that nuclear-capable sea-to-surface strategic cruise missiles flew for more than two hours before striking their target. Ahead of COP30 in Brazil, billionaire Bill Gates urged world leaders to prioritise health, poverty, and human development over climate politics. He warned that the poorer nations face the harshest impacts of climate change. Ahead of COP30, a climate summit, Philanthropist and Co-founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates appealed to the world leaders on Tuesday to focus on the health conditions of the citizens and shift to deteriorating economic balance over climate disbalance. He indicated that instead of focusing much more on the climate crisis which is also an important factor people living in poorer countries will face significant damage. COP 30 is scheduled for November 67, 2025 in the city of Belem in Brazil. The main motto of this summit will be addressing challenges for combating climate change. Heads of different states and governments will be actively taking part in the summit. Convened by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the summit will mark a central milestone in the process of international mobilization and dialogue on the global climate agenda. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Bill Gates talking to his Gates Notes website said that in recent times cataclysmic climate change will decimate civilization. Talking about COP30, he quoted that the next months global climate summit in Brazil, known as COP30, is an excellent place to begin, especially because the summits Brazilian leadership is putting climate adaptation and human development high on the agenda. Prevent sufferings of poorer countries Gates asks to shift and refocus on improving lives. While the chief goal is suffering, we should also shift our focus towards those living in the toughest conditions in the poorest countries. Climate change will hurt people who are deprived of social needs. Gates wrote, The biggest problems are poverty and disease, just as they always have been. Understanding this will let us focus our limited resources on interventions that will have the greatest impact for the most vulnerable people. He added, I know that some climate advocates will disagree with me, call me a hypocrite because of my own carbon footprint (which I fully offset with legitimate carbon credits), or see this as a sneaky way of arguing that we shouldnt take climate change seriously. The deadliest police operation in Brazils history killed at least 132 people, public defenders said on Wednesday, as Rio de Janeiro residents lined a street with dozens of corpses found overnight Members of the military police special unit detain suspected drug dealers during a police operation against drug trafficking at the favela do Penha, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Tuesday. Reuters The deadliest police operation in Brazils history killed at least 132 people, public defenders said on Wednesday, as Rio de Janeiro residents lined a street with dozens of corpses found overnight, a week ahead of global climate events in the city. State police said the raids targeting a major drug gang the day before had been planned exhaustively for more than two months, designed to drive suspects into a forested hillside where a special operations unit was waiting in ambush. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The elevated lethality of the operation was expected but not desired, Victor Santos, head of security for Rio state, told a news conference. Rio police officials confirmed 119 deaths so far, including four police officers. Santos said there was no connection to global events Rio will host next week related to the United Nations COP30 climate summit, including the C40 global summit of mayors tackling climate change and British Prince Williams Earthshot Prize. Rio has hosted several global events over the past decade, including the 2016 Olympics, the 2024 G20 summit and the BRICS summit in July, without violence on the scale seen on Tuesday. The citys most deadly police raid before Tuesday was a 2021 raid that left 28 people dead in the Jacarezinho neighborhood. In 1992, 111 were killed when Sao Paulo police stormed the Carandiru Penitentiary to put down a prison rebellion. Residents of the Penha neighborhood in Rio gathered dozens of corpses from the surrounding forest overnight and lined up more than 70 of the bodies in the middle of a main street. I just want to take my son out of here and bury him, said Taua Brito, a mother of one of those killed, surrounded by weeping mourners and onlookers on either side of the long row of bodies, some of which were covered with sheets or bags. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD UN urges prompt investigation Several civil society groups and public security experts criticized the heavy casualties of the military-style raid. The United Nations Human Rights office said it adds to a trend of extremely lethal police raids in Brazils marginalized communities. We remind authorities of their obligations under international human rights law, and urge prompt and effective investigations, the agency said in a statement. Rio Governor Claudio Castro said he was certain those killed in the operation were criminals firing guns from the forest. I dont think anyone would be walking in the forest on the day of the conflict, he told reporters, calling the raids an effort to combat narcoterrorism. The only real victims were the police officers, he said. The Rio state government said the operation was its largest ever to target the Comando Vermelho gang, which controls the drug trade in several favelas - poor and densely populated settlements woven through the citys hilly oceanside terrain. Police said they had arrested 113 suspects in the operation and seized 118 firearms. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was surprised to learn Rio police had launched an extremely bloody, violent operation without notifying or involving the federal government, Justice Minister Ricardo Lewandowski told journalists. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The minister said he planned to meet with Rios governor and could increase the number of federal security officials there. Lula, who returned to Brasilia late on Tuesday from a trip to Malaysia, met with Vice President Geraldo Alckmin and cabinet members on Wednesday to discuss the matter, his office said. In his trade negotiations with the European Union (EU), Japan, and South Korea, US President Donald Trump has not just demanded increased market access. He has also demanded them to invest hundreds of billions of dollars in the United States. Such a demand, coupled with disputes about the interpretation of agreements and nature of investments, has complicated trade relationships. Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (R) and US President Donald Trump attend a signing ceremony after a Japan-US Summit at the Akasaka State Guest House in Tokyo on October 28, 2025. (Photo: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP) In trade negotiations with the European Union (EU), Japan, and South Korea, US President Donald Trump has not only asked these countries to purchase more American goods and improve market access for US businesses. He has also demanded that they invest hundreds of billions of dollars in the United States. Although these countries have agreed to substantial investment pledges, disagreements over the interpretation of the agreements and the nature of the funds to be poured into the United States have complicated these critical trade relationships. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For instance, Trump has claimed that the EU has given him a gift of $600 billion that he could use as he pleased. However, the claim is false. Under the USEU agreement, European companies are not obligated to invest $600 billion in the United States. They are merely expected to invest that amount, meaning the EU is not legally bound to make any investment under the deal. Regardless of the agreements terms, Trump has demanded that the EU provide him with $600 billion. Failing that, he has threatened to impose a fresh 35 per cent tariff on the bloc. Trumps investment demands complicate Japan, South Korea deals Under the USJapan handshake trade deal in July, the United States would reduce its reciprocal tariff to 15 per cent in exchange for Japanese investments totalling $550 billion. The deal also obligated Japan to open its market to American food products, automobiles, and defence equipment. During his recent visit to Japan, Trump and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi signed the deal along with a separate agreement concerning rare earth elements. However, doubts remain over Japans ability to deliver such a large investment and questions persist regarding the nature of the pledged funds. As with the EU, Trump has stated that $550 billion would be transferred to him and that he could use the amount however he wished. Moreover, he has claimed that 90 per cent of the profits generated from these investments would go to the United States. But Bloomberg has reported that the Japanese government views the pledge as a mix of investments, loans, and loan guarantees. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As with the EU, Trump and Japan appear to have very different understandings of the deals they have reached. In South Koreas case, Trump agreed to reduce the reciprocal tariff to 15 per cent in exchange for a $350 billion investment pledge. But concerns are mounting that South Korea may not be able to match such a commitment. South Korean officials have warned that implementing the pledge could severely damage their economy and destabilise the national currency, the won, according to Politico. Trump, however, seems undeterred. In a deal announced on Wednesday, he agreed to lower tariffs on South Korean automobiles to 15 per cent. But there was no announcement regarding any reduction or amendment to the investment pledge. Moreover, it was not clear whether Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung actually signed a deal or it was another handshake deal or merely an understanding reached during negotiations. The details of the investment is the major stumbling block. Its not been decided what the sources of those funds will be whether it includes loans or loan guarantees and the process for investment project selection and profit sharing, a person familiar with the matter told Politico. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD French senators are set to vote on a bill on Wednesday that would define any non-consensual act as rape. The bill was approved on Thursday by 155 votes to 31 by the Senate. After the Frances lower house approved the bill on Thursday, the French senators are set to vote on a bill that would describe any sexual act without the consent as rape, positing France the latest European country to pass a consent-based law on Wednesday. The bill was approved by 155 votes to 31, marking the adoption of necessary and ethical change by the Senate. Urgent need of consent based-law The bill comes as a result of the recent shameful incident of a Frenchwoman Gisele Pelicot who was intoxicated with drugs by her own husband who called up a multitude of strangers to come and rape her which boiled the blood of various citizens across the country. This measure will define any disapproval or non-consensual act as rape and the convict will suffer under the label of a criminal. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Culture of consent Centrist policymaker, Veronique Riotton, who co-sponsored the bill stated The text sends a signal from a culture of rape to a culture of consent. Consent is the approval and must be informed and specific without causing harm to the other, noting that there is no silence and lack of creation. Interest groups embraced the bill stating that societal change should occur by this reform and set up a real and deep emotional well-being. Consent-based rape laws already exist in several European countries including Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden. (With inputs from AFP) The scale of Melissas damage in Jamaica wasnt yet clear, as a comprehensive assessment could take days and much of the island was still without power, with communications networks badly disrupted Palm trees are shaken by the wind, ahead of Hurricane Melissa at Hellshire Beach, in the coastal town of Hellshire, Jamaica. Reuters Hurricane Melissa ripped a path of destruction through Jamaica after making landfall as one of the most powerful hurricanes on record Tuesday, lashing the island nation with brutal winds and torrential rain before heading towards Cuba. Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared the island a disaster area and authorities warned residents to remain sheltered over continued flooding and landslide risk, as dangerous weather persisted even as the hurricanes worst moved on. The scale of Melissas damage in Jamaica wasnt yet clear, as a comprehensive assessment could take days and much of the island was still without power, with communications networks badly disrupted. At its peak, the storm packed ferocious sustained winds of 185 miles (300 kilometers) per hour. Immediate details regarding casualty figures were not available. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Government minister Desmond McKenzie said several hospitals had been damaged, including in the hard-hit southwestern district of Saint Elizabeth, a coastal area he said was underwater. The damage to Saint Elizabeth is extensive, based on what we have seen, he told a briefing. Saint Elizabeth is the bread basket of the country, and that has taken a beating. The entire Jamaica has felt the brunt of Melissa. The hurricane was the worst to ever strike Jamaica, hitting land with maximum wind speeds even more potent than most of recent historys most brutal storms, including 2005s Katrina, which ravaged the US city of New Orleans. The storm took hours to cross over the Caribbean nation, a passage over land that diminished its winds, dropping by Tuesday evening down to a Category 3 storm from the top-level of 5. But the still-powerful Melissa was set to hit Cuba as soon as Tuesday night and later the Bahamas. Severely damaged infrastructure Even before Melissa slammed into Jamaica, seven deaths three in Jamaica, three in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic had been blamed on the deteriorating conditions. Jamaicas climate change minister told CNN that Hurricane Melissas effect was catastrophic, citing flooded homes and severely damaged public infrastructure and hospitals. And as if that werent enough: health authorities were urging vigilance against crocodiles displaced by the torrential rains. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Rising water levels in rivers, gullies, and swamps could cause crocodiles to move into residential areas, the South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA) posted in a public service announcement on Instagram. Mathue Tapper, 31, told AFP from Kingston that those in the capital were lucky but feared for fellow Jamaicans in the islands more rural areas. My heart goes out to the folks living on the Western end of the island, he said. The mammoth storm could leave devastation on the scale of some of the worst hurricanes in recent memory like Katrina, Maria or Harvey. Climate change impact Broad scientific consensus says human-driven climate change is responsible for intensified storms like Melissa that are occurring with increased frequency and higher potential for destruction and deadly flooding. Melissa lingered over Jamaica long enough that the rains were particularly dire. Human-caused climate change is making all of the worst aspects of Hurricane Melissa even worse, said climate scientist Daniel Gilford. The Jamaican Red Cross, which was distributing drinking water and hygiene kits ahead of infrastructure disruptions, said Melissas slow nature exacerbated the anxiety. The UN is planning an airlift of some 2,000 relief kits to Jamaica from a relief supply station in Barbados once air travel is possible. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Assistance is also planned to other impacted countries including Cuba and Haiti, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told journalits. Jamaican officials said some 25,000 tourists were in the country famed for its normally crystalline waters. Olympian sprinter Usain Bolt, one of Jamaicas most famous figures, meanwhile was posting regularly on social media with messages for his home country: Pray for Jamaica. Hurricane Melissa made landfall on Cubas southern coast as a category three storm, unleashing 120 mph winds and torrential rain that forced evacuations and widespread power outages across eastern provinces. Hurricane Melissa slams into eastern Cuba with powerful winds and heavy rain, forcing mass evacuations along the coast. Powerful hurricane strikes eastern Cuba Hurricane Melissa slammed into Cubas southern coast on Wednesday, bringing fierce winds and heavy rainfall as the storm swept across the eastern part of the island. According to the United States National Hurricane Center (NHC), the storm reached category three intensity as it made landfall, prompting widespread safety alerts and emergency measures across several provinces. 120 mph winds batter coastal regions The Miami-based weather agency reported that Melissas center was located about 60 miles west-southwest of Guantanamo at the time of landfall. The hurricane was generating sustained wind speeds of nearly 120 miles per hour, with stronger gusts recorded along the shoreline. Torrential rain accompanied the storm, and forecasters warned of dangerous storm surges in low-lying coastal areas. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Local authorities ordered thousands of residents to evacuate from vulnerable zones as floodwaters began to rise. Power outages were reported in parts of the Santiago de Cuba and Granma provinces, with emergency services deploying crews to restore electricity and clear fallen trees. Maritime transport was suspended, and several ports remained closed due to rough sea conditions. Authorities on high alert Cubas civil defense agency urged people to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel as the storm continued its path across the eastern region. Meteorologists predicted that Melissa would gradually weaken as it moved further inland but warned that flash floods and landslides remained possible in the mountainous areas. The NHC said that the storm is expected to move northward after crossing the island and could later affect the Bahamas and parts of southern Florida as a slightly weaker system. Officials in neighboring Caribbean nations have also been advised to stay on alert as rainfall and strong winds spread outward from the hurricanes core. In what is seen as a new phase of estrangement, India and Pakistans diplomatic freeze since the 2019 PulwamaBalakot crisis has now outlasted even post-war silences, with no envoys, dialogue, or back-channel talks. More than six years after India and Pakistan withdrew their top diplomats in the aftermath of the 2019 Pulwama terror attack and subsequent Balakot airstrikes, the two neighbours remain locked in a diplomatic freeze that has now outlasted even the post-war silences of the past. The rupture, which began in February 2019 when both nations recalled their high commissioners has become the longest sustained diplomatic freeze in the history of IndiaPakistan relations, surpassing even the chill that followed the 1971 war that led to the creation of Bangladesh. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD At that time, despite a full-scale conflict and territorial redrawing, formal diplomatic relations were restored within four years. By contrast, the 2019 break has persisted for over six years, marking an unprecedented stretch without envoys or official dialogue. Unlike previous confrontations, the 2019 rupture has proven more enduring than actual wars. Following the 1965 conflict, diplomatic ties were quickly normalised through the Tashkent Agreement of 1966. Even during the 1999 Kargil war and the 20012002 military standoff, when troops were mobilised along the border, both nations kept their ambassadors in place and lines of communication open. Today, however, there are no high commissioners stationed either in Islamabad or New Delhi and bilateral dialogue has ceased at every official and ministerial level. Diplomatic missions in both capitals now function with only skeletal staff, managing consular and administrative work but devoid of substantive engagement. The absence of high commissioners, symbolic of a complete breakdown in trust highlights how political and diplomatic channels remain frozen. What makes the current impasse particularly striking is the absence of even publicly acknowledged back-channel efforts, a tool frequently employed in past crises to explore limited openings for dialogue. Analysts say this prolonged silence reflects the hardened political climate on both sides. In New Delhi, the government has linked any resumption of talks to Pakistans demonstrable action against cross-border terrorism. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Islamabad, meanwhile, insists that dialogue cannot resume unless India reverses the constitutional changes made to Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019. With both sides entrenched, the freeze has become less a pause and more a new normal, one that outlasts wars, summits and leadership changes. For two nations whose rivalry has defined South Asian geopolitics for over seven decades, this absence of conversation is itself a powerful statement, that the trust deficit today runs deeper than the scars of past wars. An Altitude Air helicopter crashed near Lobuche in Nepals Everest region during a rescue mission amid heavy snowfall, but the pilot was safely rescued and is in stable condition. Altitude Air helicopter crashes near Everest Base Camp A rescue helicopter belonging to Nepals private airline, Altitude Air, crashed near Lobuche in the Khumbu region, close to Everest Base Camp, on Wednesday. According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), the helicopter, identified by the call sign 9N-AMS, was on a rescue mission at the time of the incident. Pilot rescued safely after crash The pilot, Captain Vivek Khadka, was the only person on board. He was rescued soon after the crash and flown to Lukla for medical evaluation. Authorities said his condition remains stable. Police sources from Solukhumbu District confirmed that the aircraft broke into two parts following the accident, though no fatalities were reported. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Officials revealed that the helicopter had taken off from Lukla without passengers to assist stranded trekkers in Lobuche when it went down. Initial reports suggest that heavy snowfall and poor visibility may have caused the pilot to lose control while attempting to land. Weather conditions hinder rescue operations The crash occurred amid severe weather that has left many trekkers stranded across Nepals major mountain regions, including Mustang, Annapurna, and Everest. Authorities have issued advisories urging mountaineers and tourists to exercise caution, as the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology continues to forecast heavy snowfall and rainfall in several parts of the countrys high-altitude districts. Ongoing safety concerns in the Himalayas Adverse weather has created a series of challenges in recent weeks. Earlier in October, a blizzard on the Tibetan side of Mount Everest trapped hundreds of trekkers before large-scale rescue operations brought them to safety. Nepal has also been grappling with floods and landslides triggered by extended rainfall, resulting in more than 50 deaths nationwide. A handout image released by the North Korean government shows what it claims to be the test-firing of a sea-to-surface cruise missile at an undisclosed location in North Korea. (Photo: AP) North Korea announced on Wednesday that its latest test firings of sea-to-surface cruise missiles were successful, marking another demonstration of its advancing military capabilities during US President Donald Trumps visit to South Korea. This comes days after Trump expressed interest in meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his ongoing Asia visit, saying he might extend his stay if Kim agrees. If it takes place, it would mark their fourth face-to-face meeting. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the missiles launched on Tuesday flew for over two hours before precisely hitting targets in the countrys western waters. KCNA stated that the new weapons would expand the operational scope of North Koreas nuclear-armed forces. South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed detecting the launch preparations and said the missiles were fired around 3 p.m. in the Norths northwestern waters. They added that both South Korea and the United States were analysing the weapons while maintaining a joint defence readiness capable of a dominant response to any provocation from Pyongyang. KCNA reported that senior military official Pak Jong Chon attended the tests and later inspected naval training aboard newly developed destroyers Choe Hyon and Kang Kon, which Kim Jong Un has described as essential to strengthening North Koreas naval power. The launches followed last weeks short-range ballistic missile tests, which the North claimed involved a new hypersonic system to enhance its nuclear deterrence. Diplomatic deadlock as Kim shifts focus towards Russia Speaking during his visit, Trump remarked on Kim Jong Uns continued missile activities, saying, Hes been launching missiles for decades, right? while reiterating his willingness to meet the North Korean leader again. Trump and Kim previously held three meetings between 2018 and 2019, but their talks collapsed over disagreements on US-led sanctions. Trump said he and Kim had shared a really good understanding during their earlier diplomacy. Despite this, South Korean officials have dismissed the likelihood of another TrumpKim meeting during his current trip, which also includes talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Since the breakdown of nuclear negotiations in 2019, North Korea has avoided dialogue with both Washington and Seoul. Kim has instead strengthened ties with Russia, sending troops and military equipment to support President Vladimir Putins war in Ukraine, while aligning his country with what he calls a new Cold War against the US-led West. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Last month, Kim declared he would not resume talks with the United States unless Washington abandoned its demand for denuclearisation, even as Trump renewed his call for diplomatic engagement. The crucial supply and transport hub in Pokrovsk serves as a lifeline for delivering supplies and reinforcements to the eastern front, and capturing it would bring Moscow closer to taking full control of the Donetsk region Ukrainian firefighters extinguish the fire in houses following an attack in the Chernihivka village of Pokrovsk district. AFP Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Russian forces have made significant advances in the strategic hub of Pokrovsk, the city that Moscow has been trying to capture for over two years. While Russia has not been able to achieve its planned results yet, Russian soldiers have outnumbered Ukraines 8-1, a number that Kyiv cannot match, the president added. The crucial supply and transport hub in Pokrovsk serves as a lifeline for delivering supplies and reinforcements to the eastern front, and capturing it would bring Moscow closer to taking full control of the Donetsk region. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Difficult situation Zelenskyy has described the situation in Pokrovsk as being difficult, adding that the town is witnessing widespread fierce fighting after sabotage groups entered the region. The president said that satellite imagery shows that over 200 Russian soldiers are currently inside Pokrovsk. An apparent capture of the city would put towns of the heavily fortified fortress belt Kramatorsk, Slovyansk, Kostyantynivka and Druzhkivka at risk of Moscow invasion. According to Capt Hryhoriy Shapoval, Russian forces had amassed significant troops and equipment near Pokrovsk, using armoured vehicles to provide cover for their advancing infantry. So its hard to stop them, he said. Zelenskyys request to Trump Meanwhile, Zelenskyy on Tuesday urged US President Donald Trump to pressure Chinese leader Xi Jinping to cut his support for Russia when the two leaders meet later this week. Trump said he would certainly discuss the Russian invasion of Ukraine when he meets Xi on Thursday in South Korea. If President Trump manages to hold talks, make decisions, and reach an understanding with China to reduce imports of Russian energy, I think it will help all of us, Zelensky said at a press conference in Kyiv. Trump has sought to leverage his personal chemistry with Russian leader Vladimir Putin to end the Ukrainian conflict, but has so far failed to make progress. With inputs from agencies In South Korea, US President Donald Trump who has long hailed himself as a king and has pursued international awards like the Nobel will get the countrys highest award and a golden crown as a gift. South Korea will welcome US President Donald Trump on Wednesday with a replica gold crown and award him with the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, the countrys highest decoration, the presidential office said. Trump landed in South Korea on the final leg of a trip through Asia that also saw stops in Malaysia and Japan, with high-profile trade talks expected with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Chinese President Xi Jinping. US and South Korean warplanes escorted Air Force One on approach, and on the tarmac a South Korean military band greeted Trump with a rendition of YMCA and guns fired a salute. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lee is hoping to win concessions from Trump in drawn out negotiations aimed at lowering US tariffs on South Korea, and has wooed the US president by praising his outreach to North Korea. Lees office said that in recognition of Trumps role as a peacemaker on the Korean peninsula, he will be awarded the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, which is named after South Koreas national flower, a pink hibiscus also known as the Rose of Sharon in English. During his first term, Trump held a series of summits with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un before the talks broke down as Pyongyang surged ahead with developing its nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. On Wednesday, Trump repeated his invitation to meet Kim again, but so far North Korea has not commented on his latest overtures. Lee and Trump will tour a museum in the city of Gyeongju, a quiet tourist town filled with historic tombs and palaces from its time as the capital of the ancient Silla kingdom, which ruled about a third of the Korean peninsula until the 9th century. Trump will be gifted a replica of the golden Cheonmachong crown. The delicate original, which was found in a tomb in Gyeongju, features towering gold prongs and dangling leaf shapes. This symbolizes the history of Silla, which maintained a long-term era of peace on the Korean Peninsula, and a new era of peaceful coexistence and common growth on the Korean Peninsula that the United States and South Korea will work together for. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The leaders will then having a working lunch that will include Thousand Island salad dressing, in what Lees office said was a nod to Trumps success story in his hometown of New York. Also on the menu are unspecified local specialties according to President Trumps preferences. The day will wrap up with a dinner with the leaders of Vietnam, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Thailand, and Singapore. Three diplomatic sources said some of those leaders changed their schedules to accommodate Trump, who arrived and will leave before the scheduled Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders summit on Friday and Saturday. (This is an agency story. Except for the headline, the story has not been updated by Firstpost staff.) The paramilitary group RSF has been going door to door to find and kill non-Arabs in El-Fasher, the city in Sudans Darfur region they recently captured, and dumping the dead in piles. The scale of massacres is such that piles of bodies and pools of blood are visible in satellite imagery. A video still of fighters from the Sudanese paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the East Nile district of greater Khartoum on April 23, 2003, in the ongoing Sudanese civil war. (Photo: RSF/AFP) The scale of massacres carried out by the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudans El-Fasher city is so vast that piles of bodies and pools of blood are visible in satellite images. On Sunday, the RSF captured El-Fasher, the final stronghold of the Sudanese military in the western Darfur region, effectively dividing the country into eastern and western halves. For some time, there had been fears that an RSF victory in Darfur could trigger another episode of genocide. Between 2003 and 2005, the same forces killed approximately 300,000 people from the non-Arab Masalit, Fur, and Zaghawa communities in whats known as Darfur Genocide. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Satellite imagery and analysis published by Yale Universitys Humanitarian Research Lab (HRL) show piles of bodies and pools of blood in at least six to seven locations across El-Fasher. Independent open-source investigator and journalist Thomas van Linge, who has conducted such research for 12 years, remarked on X: Never before have I read about there being so much blood it could be spotted by satellite. In its analysis, HRL stated that RSF vehicles were deployed in tactical formations consistent with house-to-house searches in Daraja Oula, a neighbourhood where civilians were confirmed to be seeking refuge. The report noted: Imagery analysis shows objects consistent with the size of human bodies on the ground near RSF vehicles, including at least five instances of reddish earth discolouration. At least three of the reddish instances have objects nearby measuring approximately 1.32.0 metres, consistent in dimension with human bodies. Similar body-sized objects were observed in piles along the citys perimeter, consistent with reports that RSF fighters had been shooting people attempting to flee. HUMAN SECURITY EMERGENCY El-Fasher has fallen to RSF. HRL finds evidence of mass killings including door-to-door clearance operations and objects consistent with reported bodies on berm entrapping El-Fasher.#KeepEyesOnSudan @AirbusSpace @Maxarhttps://t.co/1HApllgNL5 pic.twitter.com/yrCbM5HxeP Humanitarian Research Lab (HRL) at YSPH (@HRL_YaleSPH) October 27, 2025 In its second report since El-Fashers capture, HRL identified similar heaps of bodies at a hospital in the city, suggesting a massacre had occurred at the site. HUMAN SECURITY EMERGENCY Day 2: RSF continues mass killings in El Fasher: @HRL_YaleSPH finds evidence of mass killings at RSF-controlled former Childrens Hospital, Saudi Hospital and along the berm.#KeepEyesOnSudan @AirbusSpace @Maxarhttps://t.co/1HApllgNL5 pic.twitter.com/g9KmBLhjH0 Humanitarian Research Lab (HRL) at YSPH (@HRL_YaleSPH) October 29, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Testimonies and accounts from factions opposed to the RSF have also alleged that the group has been conducting mass killings in El-Fasher. Previously, in the ongoing civil war that began in 2023 between the RSF and the Sudanese military, the RSF and its allies were responsible for the deaths of over 17,000 people in Darfur through a series of massacres. In one such incident in El-Geneina, the United Nations reported that up to 15,000 people were killed. In addition to the massacres, the RSF and its allies have been widely accused of committing systematic sexual violence against women during the conflict, including rape, gang rape, forced marriages, and sexual slavery. They shot them in front of us: Escapee recalls massacre Previously, in the ongoing civil war that began in 2023 between the RSF and the Sudanese military, the RSF and its allies were responsible for the deaths of over 17,000 people in Darfur through a series of massacres. In one such incident in El-Geneina, the United Nations reported that up to 15,000 people were killed. In addition to the massacres, the RSF and its allies have been widely accused of committing systematic sexual violence against women during the conflict, including rape, gang rape, forced marriages, and sexual slavery. They shot them in front of us: Escapee recalls massacre A woman who fled El-Fasher with her three children and grandson told Reuters that RSF fighters singled out men from among those fleeing and shot them in front of women and children. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ikram Abdelhameed said they escaped to the town of Tawila, having all sustained injuries during the prolonged siege and bombardment of El-Fasher. We were running and they were chasing us, they were firing missiles ahead and behind us, said Abdelhameed, who added that she lost track of her husband. Abdelhameed recounted being stopped at an earthen barrier erected by the RSF around the city, where men were separated from women. They lined the men up, they said, We want the soldiers, Abdelhameed said. When none of the men identified themselves, an RSF fighter selected several individuals who were then beaten and killed, according to Abdelhameeds account. They shot them in front of us, they shot them in the street, Abdelhameed said. The women were taken to the other side of the barrier, where they could hear further beatings and gunfire. The soldiers told us to go ahead and the [remaining] men will follow, but we never saw them again, Abdelhameed said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Pakistan has said that talks for a long-term truce with Afghanistans Taliban have failed. It blamed the group for wanting a needless war and accused India of controlling the Taliban. An Afghan Taliban fighter sits on a tank near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border in Spin Boldak, Kandahar Province, following exchanges of fire between Pakistani and Afghan forces in Afghanistan, on October 15, 2025. (Photo: Stringer/Reuters) Pakistan on Wednesday said that talks with Afghanistans Taliban for a long-term truce have failed. Pakistan and Taliban held talks in Istanbul for three days that ended on Tuesday without any agreement. These talks were mediated by Qatar and Turkey. In a statement, Pakistani information minister Attaullah Tarar said that talks in Istanbul failed to bring about any workable solution. Tarar blamed the failure of talks on Talibans lack of commitment to check cross-border terrorism on its soil. He also blamed India and alleged that the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) the armed group based in Afghanistan that often launches cross-border attacks was abetted by India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While Pakistan has repeatedly engaged with the Taliban regarding cross-border attacks from its soil, the Taliban have continued their unabated support to anti-Pakistan terrorists, said Tarar. ALSO READ 'Right to bomb, allow drone strikes by third power': Report flags Pak terms for Afghanistan Separately, a Pakistani security source told Reuters that the Taliban had been unwilling to commit to rein in the TTP, a distinct Islamist armed group that operates from Afghanistan and launches frequent cross-border attacks. On their part, an Afghan source familiar with the matter told the news agency that talks had ended after tense exchanges over the issue of TTP. The source added that the Afghan delegation said the Taliban had no control over the TTP. Earlier this month, Pakistan and Taliban had their worst clashes since the Islamists took over Kabul in 2021. Dozens were killed and hundreds were injured in several rounds of fighting that saw cross-border attacks, shelling, and airstrikes. Both the sides have accused the other of breaking temporary ceasefires. Pakistans patience is over, Taliban wants needless war After dubbing talks in Istanbul as a failure, Tarar said that Taliban wanted a needless war and Pakistans patience was over. Tarar said, Since the Taliban regime bears no responsibility towards the people of Afghanistan and thrives on war economy, it desires to drag and mire Afghan people into a needless war. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Tarar further said that while Pakistan held several rounds of talks and desired and advocated for peace and prosperity for the people of Afghanistan, the Taliban have always remained indifferent to Pakistans losses. He added that Pakistans patience was over. As for the talks, Tarar said that Pakistan provided sufficient and irrefutable evidence to Taliban and hosts about terrorists, but the Taliban refused to give any assurances. He said the Taliban kept deviating from the core issue of security and kept evading the key point upon which their talks had begun. Instead of accepting any responsibility, the Afghan Taliban resorted to blame game, deflection and ruses. The dialogue thus failed to bring about any workable solution, said Tarar. The statement came after Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that an agreement was about to be reached with the Taliban but the Afghan delegation backpedaled after getting instructions from Kabul. He said negotiations were sabotaged. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Asif told Geo News, Whenever we got close to an agreement either in the last four days or last week when negotiators reported to Kabul, then there was intervention and the agreement was withdrawn. I believe that the negotiations were sabotaged. We had an agreement, but then they called Kabul and backpedaled from the deal. Asif went on to add that the Taliban was being controlled by Delhi. Speaking at a luncheon for Apec CEOs, Trump shared his account of events from earlier this year, asserting that he prevented a war between the two nuclear-armed neighbours by applying trade pressure U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to members of the press as he departs the White House for Joint Base Andrews on October 24, 2025 in Washington, DC.- AFP US President Donald Trump has once again heaped praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this time calling him a great looking guy and tough as hell. He, however, reiterated his claim of brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. Speaking at a luncheon for Apec CEOs, Trump shared his account of events from earlier this year, asserting that he prevented a war between the two nuclear-armed neighbours by applying trade pressure. Prime Minister Modi hes a great-looking guy. But hes a killer tough as hell. He (PM Modi) said, No, we will fight. I said, Whoa, this is the same man I know? Trump said, recalling Aprils conflict between India and Pakistan. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD #WATCH | US President Donald Trump says, "I'm doing a trade deal with India, and I have great respect and love for Prime Minister Modi. We have a great relationship. Likewise, the Prime Minister of Pakistan is a great guy. They have a Field Marshal. You know why he's a Field pic.twitter.com/ZbxkpSnBl1 ANI (@ANI) October 29, 2025 He added, If you look at India and Pakistan I was doing a trade deal with India, and I have great respect and love for Prime Minister Modi. They were really going at it. The president claimed once again that he stopped the conflict between the two neighbours by threatening trade measures. I told Prime Minister Modi, We cant make a deal with you right now because youre fighting with Pakistan. Then I called the Pakistani Prime Minister and told him we cant make a deal with you because you are fighting India, Trump said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What has India said? External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has denied US role in mediation between the two neighbouring countries. In an interview with Newsweek, Jaishankar said, I can tell you that I was in the room when Vice President Vance spoke to Prime Minister Modi on the night of May 9, saying that the Pakistanis would launch a very massive assault on IndiaWe did not accept certain things, and the Prime Minister was impervious to what the Pakistanis were threatening to do. On the contrary, he (PM Modi) indicated that there would be a response from us, he added. The next communication with Washington occurred the following morning, when the Foreign Minister spoke with the US Secretary of State. During the conversation, Marco Rubio conveyed that the Pakistanis were ready to talk, Jaishankar added. Donald Trumps South Korea visit spotlights stalled trade talks with Seoul but is driven more by his China strategy, as both sides resist finalising a $350 billion investment deal amid growing regional tensions. US president Donald Trump landed in Seoul on Tuesday, his first visit to South Korea in six years. Officially, the trip is part of a push to resolve a stalled trade deal and discuss regional security. In reality, however, much of the focus both in Washington and Seoul appears to be on China not South Korea. US President Donald Trump voiced optimism Wednesday on the eve of crunch trade talks with Chinas Xi Jinping, while also announcing that a deal with South Korea was pretty much finalised. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Agreeing a truce in the US-China trade war in the meeting with Xi on Thursday in South Korea would mark a fitting grand finale to Trumps Asia tour marked by praise, pomp and presents. Beijing said the talks between Xi and Trump would take place in South Koreas Busan, with the US leader telling reporters a lot of problems are going to be solved at the great meeting. As reported by Reuters that summit will be heavy on symbolism but light on substance. Trump declared victory in averting a 100 percent tariff on Chinese goods, while Xi signalled limited flexibility on key industrial policies. That same dynamic now shadows his visit to Seoul. Despite official statements framing it as a bilateral trade negotiation, Trumps South Korea trip is widely seen as an extension of his China strategy, a way to pressure Beijing through its regional allies while simultaneously reshaping US trade leverage in East Asia. A trade deal in limbo but the real target is Beijing At the heart of Trumps discussions with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung lies a trade deal first announced in August, a $350 billion investment pledge that was meant to shield Seoul from the harshest US tariffs. Trump hailed it as proof that his America First trade revival was back in motion, with funds earmarked for sectors such as manufacturing, green technology, and semiconductors. Yet, the deal remains stalled. South Korean officials warn that a direct cash injection of that scale could destabilise their economy, already facing slowing growth and rising corporate debt. Seoul instead prefers a structure built on loans, guarantees and phased investments, a more cautious approach that contrasts sharply with Washingtons demand for large, upfront commitments. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While the dispute appears bilateral, its subtext runs through Beijing. Trumps renewed push for massive investment from US allies mirrors his broader strategy of reconfiguring Asias trade flows away from China. For Seoul, the challenge is to balance economic pragmatism with its geopolitical dependence on the US, without appearing to side too openly in Washingtons trade rivalry with Beijing. Officials from both sides have privately acknowledged that Trump and Lee are unlikely to finalise the agreement during this visit. The optics of progress may serve Trumps narrative of global deal-making, but the real message aimed as much at Beijing as at Seoul is that America expects its allies to put cash on the table as the price of partnership. Beijings shadow over Seoul Analysts say the real backdrop to Trumps Seoul trip is Beijing. His administrations revived trade confrontation with China, alongside new tariff threats on Asian imports, has created uncertainty across the region. The South Korean negotiations, therefore, are being interpreted less as a standalone effort and more as part of Trumps broader attempt to draw allies into his economic containment strategy against China. As The Guardian noted, Trumps Beijing talks focused heavily on rare earth exports, a sector in which China dominates and which South Korea also relies on. Any shift in USChina trade terms could ripple through Korean industries from EV batteries to semiconductors. Trumps message in Seoul is likely to mirror his Beijing line: that partners must choose sides in a world defined by USChina rivalry. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Meanwhile, Chinese state media has portrayed Trumps Asia tour as evidence of US economic coercion, while Seouls own press has described the visit as a balancing act between alliance and autonomy. No surprises only recalibration Trumps tough bargaining style is no surprise to South Koreans. During his presidency, he repeatedly demanded that Seoul pay more for US troop deployments and threatened to withdraw security guarantees. Those tensions eased under the Biden administration but have resurfaced now that Trump is back on the world stage. Still, Seoul remains wary of alienating Washington, particularly as North Korea ramps up missile testing. Trumps team has hinted that Pyongyang will be discussed in side sessions, though most observers expect the issue to take a back seat to trade. For South Korea, the challenge is to maintain its strategic alliance with the United States without sacrificing economic independence or further antagonising China its largest trading partner. As CNNs analysis pointed out, Trumps diplomacy increasingly blends campaign optics with geopolitical calculus. His meetings in Asia are designed to project strength to American voters as much as to foreign leaders. This isnt just about Seoul or Beijing, one US analyst told The Washington Post. Its about Pennsylvania and Michigan about who controls the narrative on American jobs. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trumps South Korea stop, then, is less about hammering out a trade accord and more about reinforcing an image: a leader tough on trade, unafraid of confrontation and determined to keep China and anyone too close to it in check. Whether Seoul ultimately yields to his investment demands or not, one thing is clear: the real audience for Trumps diplomacy lies far beyond the Blue House gates. With inputs from agencies Two men arrested in connection with the theft of Frances crown jewels from the Louvre Museum have confessed to their involvement in the high-profile heist and have been remanded in custody, according to a report, citing the Paris prosecutors office on Wednesday View of a broken window protected by a wooden panel at the Louvre Museum after a spectacular jewel heist by thieves who broke into the landmark by using a crane and smashing an upstairs window, stealing priceless jewelry from an area that houses the French crown jewels before escaping on motorbikes, in Paris. The stolen jwellery is worth more than $100 million. Reuters File Two men arrested in connection with the theft of Frances crown jewels from the Louvre Museum have confessed to their involvement in the high-profile heist and have been remanded in custody, according to a CNN report, citing the Paris prosecutors office on Wednesday. Paris Prosecutor Laure Beccuau told reporters that the stolen jewels have not yet been recovered. The suspects are expected to appear before an investigative judge and could be placed under formal investigation later on Wednesday. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The theft a daring, seven-minute daylight raid on the Louvres Apollo Gallery drew global attention after thieves made off with jewels worth tens of millions of euros. The two men were arrested on Saturday evening and questioned for 96 hours before being placed in detention. Authorities said two additional suspects remain at large. According to Beccuau, the first suspect, a 34-year-old Algerian national with prior traffic-related offenses, was identified through DNA traces found on one of the scooters used in the getaway. The second suspect, a 39-year-old illegal taxi and delivery driver from Aubervilliers, a suburb of Paris, was previously known to police for aggravated theft. His DNA was recovered from shattered glass taken from one of the display cases. There is nothing to suggest that the four perpetrators benefited from any form of inside help within the museum, CNN quoted Beccuau as saying. They are currently before an investigating judge with a view to placing them under formal investigation for the crimes of robberies as part of an organised gang crimes carrying a fifteen year prison sentence and a heavy fine, she added. More than 100 investigators were deployed in the manhunt for the thieves, authorities said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The suspects were traced after forensic teams analysed over 150 DNA samples and examined items left at the scene, including gloves, a helmet, and high-visibility jackets. One of the men was arrested at Charles de Gaulle Airport while attempting to board a flight to Algeria, intercepted during a routine passport check. The jewels including an emerald necklace with over 1,000 diamonds gifted by Napoleon to his second wife remain missing. On October 19, thieves used a truck-mounted ladder to enter the Louvres Apollo Gallery through a window, smashing two display cases and stealing nine pieces worth an estimated 88 million ($102 million). Id like to keep the hope that they will be found and could be returned to the Louvre museum and the nation, Paris Prosecutor Laure Beccuau said. These jewels are now unsellable There is still time to return them. With inputs from agencies A convicted sex offender mistakenly released from a UK prison has been re-arrested and deported to Ethiopia, prompting an official inquiry. The UK government has deported Hadush Kebatu, a migrant sex offender who was mistakenly freed from prison due to what officials described as a technical error. Kebatu, who assaulted a teenager in Epping, was re-arrested within 48 hours of his release and flown to Ethiopia, the Home Office confirmed. Justice Secretary David Lammy told the House of Commons that an independent investigation has been launched to fully establish the facts surrounding the error at HMP Chelmsford. He said the inquiry would determine whether the staff involved had sufficient experience, training and technology to prevent such incidents. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick labelled the case a national embarrassment. Lammy said Kebatus deportation would proceed as quickly as possible, while a spokesperson for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer earlier suggested it would occur within days. Prison blunder triggers official inquiry Kebatu, who arrived in the UK on a small boat, had been living in an asylum hotel in Epping, Essex, when he sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl and a woman in July. He was sentenced last month and was awaiting deportation when he was mistakenly released from custody on Friday. The error prompted a nationwide manhunt that ended with his capture in north London on Sunday. His release and subsequent re-arrest triggered protests in Epping, which later spread to hotels housing asylum seekers across the country.- Ukraine launched drone attacks on Moscow and southern Russia for a third straight night, prompting temporary airport closures and reported strikes on industrial facilities Ukrainian servicemen install anti-drone nets over a road, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, near the town of Sloviansk in Donetsk region, Ukraine October 27, 2025. REUTERS/Sofiia Gatilova Ukraine launched another wave of drone attacks across Russia overnight, targeting Moscow and several other regions for the third consecutive night, Russian authorities said on Wednesday. The strikes caused temporary flight suspensions and reportedly threatened an industrial facility in Russias south. According to the Russian defence ministry, air defence units destroyed a total of 100 Ukrainian drones overnight, including six over the Moscow region and 13 across bordering regions. The ministry shared the details on its Telegram channel. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Moscows mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, said the capital came under attack in several waves. The Russian aviation authority, Rosaviatsiya, confirmed that three of Moscows four airports, along with several others nationwide, were briefly closed for safety reasons. Attacks reach Russias southern industrial zone In the Stavropol region, Ukraine targeted the Budyonnovsk industrial zone, regional governor Vladimir Vladimirov said on Telegram. The Russian defence ministry reported that its units shot down two drones over the area. Vladimirov added that the attack caused no significant damage and no casualties. Ukrainian media outlets, including RBK-Ukraine, reported that the strikes aimed at the Stavrolen chemical plant, part of Russias Lukoil group. Stavrolen is one of the countrys main producers of polyethylene and polypropylene, according to both Russian and Ukrainian reports. Russia has generally released limited information about Ukrainian attacks within its territory unless civilian areas are affected. Over the two previous nights, the Russian defence ministry said its forces had destroyed 35 Ukrainian drones over the Moscow region without any reported damage. The United States and South Korea have reached an agreement on the details of the tariff negotiations, which will bring US tariffs on automobiles to 15% in exchange for South Koreas $350-billion investments in the United States, according to a top aide of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung (R) receives US President Donald Trump for a special dinner hosted in his honour and state leaders at the Hilton Gyeongju hotel in Gyeongju on October 29, 2025. (Photo: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP) The United States and South Korea have reached an agreement on the details of the tariff negotiations, a top aide of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has said. The United Stats and South Korea have agreed to cutting tariffs on automobiles and auto parts to 15 per cent, down from 25 per cent, Kim Yong-beom, the Chief Presidential Secretary for Policy of Lee, has told reporters on the sidelines of Apec Summit. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In exchange of reduced tariffs, South Korea will invest $350 billion in the United States, which will include $200 billion in cash investment and $150 billion in shipbuilding cooperation, Kim further said. It was not immediately clear if Kim referred to an understanding reached between Trump and Lee or a formal deal signed by the two leaders. Originally, Trump had slapped 25 per cent reciprocal tariff on South Korea. Later, the two sides reached an understanding to bring that down to 15 per cent. But an agreement to formalise the understanding was never signed. Moreover, South Korea continued to face higher tariffs of 25 per cent on automobiles and 50 per cent on steel and aluminium. Observers of US-Korea relations had previously said that $350 billion was a huge figure and Lee would want to lower that. Lees position is clear that he cant accept an amount as big as $350 billion. He has to try to get that down to $200 or $250 billion, but even that would be too much, Shin Se-don, an honorary professor of economics at Sookmyung University in Seoul, told Nikkei Asia. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Shin further said, The key factor will be whether Trump is willing to step back from his stance. Earlier this week, Mali announced the closure of all schools and universities nationwide starting Sunday due to a severe fuel shortage. Education Minister Amadou Sy Savane told state television that classes would be suspended for two weeks The shortage follows a blockade imposed in early September by militants from the al-Qaida-backed group Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin. (AP) The US Embassy in Mali has instructed Americans residing in the country to leave immediately after the country witnessed a severe fuel scarcity caused by a blockade on fuel imports imposed by Islamist insurgents. US citizens currently present in Mali should depart immediately using commercial aviation. The international airport in Bamako remains open and flights are available. US citizens should depart using commercial aviation, as overland routes to neighbouring countries may not be safe for travel due to terrorist attacks along national highways, the embassy said in a statement. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It also advised US citizens against travelling to Mali and urged people to practice caution in case they decide to fly down to the country. Earlier this week, Mali announced the closure of all schools and universities nationwide starting Sunday due to a severe fuel shortage. Education Minister Amadou Sy Savane told state television that classes would be suspended for two weeks, citing disruptions in fuel supplies that are affecting the movement of school staff. The shortage follows a blockade imposed in early September by militants from the al-Qaida-backed group Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, preventing fuel imports from neighbouring countries. The blockade has left hundreds of fuel trucks stranded at the border and worsened the landlocked countrys fragile economy. Mali, along with neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger, has been grappling with armed insurgencies, including groups linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State, as well as local rebels. Following military coups in these countries, French forces have been expelled, and Russias mercenary units have been called in for security assistance, though analysts say their presence has had limited effect. In Bamako, the capital, long queues have formed at gas stations, while transportation and commodity prices have been affected. The Malian military has attempted to escort some fuel trucks from border areas to the capital, with mixed results, as some convoys were attacked by militants. The fuel blockade is regarded as a major challenge for Malis military junta, which seized power in 2020, justifying the takeover as a measure to end decades of security crises. Israeli planes launched strikes in Gaza on Tuesday after Israel accused the militant group Hamas of violating a ceasefire in the Palestinian territory US Vice President JD Vance shakes hands with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a meeting at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem on October 22, 2025. Reuters file US Vice President JD Vance has said that the Gaza ceasefire is going on as planned despite Israeli strikes in the region, as Jerusalem and Hamas accused each other of violating the truce deal. The ceasefire is holding. That doesnt mean that there arent going to be little skirmishes here and there. We know that Hamas or somebody else within Gaza attacked an IDF soldier, Vance said. Israeli planes launched strikes in Gaza on Tuesday after Israel accused the militant group Hamas of violating a ceasefire in the Palestinian territory. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Local health authorities in Gaza have said that the latest Israeli strikes have killed 26 people, including five in a house hit in the Bureij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, four in a building in Gaza Citys Sabra neighbourhood, and five in a car in Khan Younis. Powerful strikes While the Israeli military has not commented on the strikes yet, the Gaza attacks followed a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office that ordered the IDF to carry out immediate and powerful strikes in the region. Netanyahu accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire agreement, saying the renewed attacks were in response to what he described as repeated breaches by the militant group. Following security consultations, Prime Minister Netanyahu instructed the military to immediately carry out powerful strikes in the Gaza Strip," prime ministers office said in a statement. While the official statement did not specify the reason for the attacks, an Israeli military official said the strikes came in response to a Hamas attack against Israeli forces in an area of the enclave under Israeli control. Hamas stages fake recovery of hostage body The main issue between Israel and Hamas remains the repatriation of dead hostages, which the latter is finding difficult under all the rubble in Gaza. Although Hamas has been returning the remains of dead hostages to Israel over the past few weeks, they have not been able to find all the bodies. That anger deepened earlier in the day when the military released footage showing Hamas orchestrating a staged recovery of Ofir Tzarfatis partial remains in eastern Gaza City, allegedly in the presence of the Red Cross, before handing them over on Monday night. In response, the Red Cross issued a rare statement on Tuesday condemning Hamas for staging the recovery. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Despite having the worlds youngest population, many African nations remain under the grip of elderly leaders, fueling unrest and highlighting the continents generational divide President Paul Biya casts his ballot at the Government Bilingual primary school Bastos in Yaounde, Cameroon, on October 12, 2025. AP File Africa is a continent of young people, yet it remains dominated by leaders who have long outlived the populations they govern. On Monday, Cameroon made global headlines when 92-year-old President Paul Biya was declared reelected for another seven-year term, sparking unrest in a country where more than 70% of citizens are under 35 most of whom werent even born when Biya first took office in 1982. According to a Washington Post report, the pattern repeats across Africa. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Biya, already the worlds oldest head of state, could approach 100 if he completes his eighth term. Togos president is 86, Malawis 85, and the Ivory Coasts 83. The continents youthfulness Africa has the worlds youngest median age clashes sharply with this gerontocracy, creating a volatile political landscape. Biya exemplifies the classic African Big Man: a charismatic, autocratic leader who clings to power through a mix of patronage, largesse, and intimidation. Other current Big Men include Ugandas Yoweri Museveni, 81, seeking reelection next year; Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of Congo, 81, in power for more than four decades; Eritreas Isaias Afwerki, 79; and Zimbabwes Emmerson Mnangagwa, 83, eyeing another term in 2028, reported Washington Post. In Cameroon, elections are largely ceremonial, designed to legitimise incumbency. Biyas campaigns have been marked by ballot fraud, voter intimidation, and the exclusion of credible opposition. Last month, his daughter, a social media celebrity, publicly urged citizens not to vote for him, criticising his decades-long mismanagement. Main opposition leader Maurice Kamto was barred from running, despite his popularity, after spending nine months in jail following a disputed 2018 election. Democracy has the potential to channel youthful frustration into peaceful change, but in the absence of credible elections, frustration risks spilling into violence or radicalisation. While Africas Big Men have found ways to maintain power, demographic trends and actuarial realities suggest that change is inevitable. Fortunately, there are signs of progress: legitimate elections are increasing, ruling parties are losing parliamentary majorities, and more leaders are stepping down after defeat. The continents aging autocrats are facing their final stand. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued its response to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) back-reference dated September 26, 2025, concerning its earlier recommendations on the introduction of the Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) service in the Indian telecommunication network. The response, dated October 28, 2025, aligns TRAIs position with DoTs key observations and confirms that CNAP will be implemented as a default feature with an opt-out provision. Background The DoT had first approached TRAI on March 21, 2022, seeking recommendations under Section 11(1)(a) of the TRAI Act, 1997, on the feasibility and framework for introducing CNAP in India. After extensive consultation with stakeholders, TRAI submitted its recommendations on February 23, 2024. Following a detailed review, the DoT sent a back-reference in September 2025, asking TRAI to reconsider specific points including the activation structure, network implementation, and licensing definitions. TRAIs Response Overview After reviewing DoTs observations, TRAI has largely reaffirmed its original recommendations while noting the governments inputs. The Authority emphasized that CNAP which enables the called party to see the name of the caller along with the number should be introduced in Indian telecom networks in a phased manner. TRAI agreed that: CNAP should be enabled by default for all users, with an option to disable it upon request. The Calling Name (CNAM) data should be provided by the originating telecom operator based on verified subscriber information. The definition of Calling Line Identification (CLI) in the Unified License should be updated to include the calling name. Subscribers who have opted for Calling Line Identification Restriction (CLIR) will not have their names displayed. TRAIs alignment with DoT on making CNAP default marks a shift from its earlier opt-in proposal, ensuring wider adoption across networks. Implementation and Framework TRAI has backed a phased rollout of CNAP, starting with 4G and 5G networks and extending to 2G and 3G once technically feasible. The service will operate through a secure, database-driven system, where telecom operators use verified KYC-based subscriber data to display caller names. TRAI supported coordination with MeitY to ensure CNAP support in all new devices after a notified cut-off date. Major telecom operators have already completed successful trials, and the regulator reaffirmed CNAPs classification as a supplementary service in line with ITU and ETSI standards. Operators will also allow business and enterprise users to display verified trade names or trademarks as their caller identity, subject to government-approved verification procedures. CNAP Rollout Timeline Following TRAIs updated response, the DoT has instructed telecom operators to begin rolling out the CNAP service within a week in at least one telecom circle, followed by a 60-day pilot phase before nationwide expansion. The initiative aims to improve transparency, curb spam, and prevent fraudulent calls by showing verified caller names for all incoming calls. By prioritizing competitiveness, value creation, and economic strength, the HighTech Agenda is laying the foundation for Germanys future viability. Fraunhofer welcomes the German governments focus on strategic markets and key technologies. The program is moving in the right direction by advancing technologies that build on Germanys strengths to boost the economy in the long term, says Holger Hanselka, President of the FraunhoferGesellschaft. As a bridge between research and practice, we welcome that the translation of research findings into practical applications is built in from the start. This will pave the way for innovation and longterm success. In the face of global upheaval and international competition, we must translate innovation into measurable value creation and market share. With our focus on and deep understanding of the market, Fraunhofer is the ideal partner to advance and implement the goals of the High-Tech Agenda, adds Constantin Hafner, Executive Board Member for Research and Transfer at the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. The roadmaps for key technologies must now be developed quickly. We can build the necessary bridges between research and industry. We now need large, visible innovation projects with real impact not small projects. Fraunhofer calls for a legal foundation for the freedom to innovate However, Germany as a location for innovation is facing a dilemma: Despite mostly highquality scientific results, innovations that are expected to have an economic impact often fail to materialize. In addition to other factors, current structural and legal conditions often slow down the transfer of knowledge and technology, in some cases even preventing it. We therefore need a legal framework that provides the leeway and flexibility required for modern and efficient knowledge transfer. The German government has acknowledged this necessity and, in its coalition agreement, proposed a Freedom of Innovation Act, which now requires swift action, says Hanselka. Among other things, the law would reduce bureaucratic fragmentation in funding, create exemptions in public procurement, and remove non-profitlaw hurdles across all transfer channels. Fraunhofer is already proposing specific reforms for an innovation freedom initiative: Enabling small-scale series: Non-profit law must be adapted so that research institutes can produce small-scale series, not just prototypes and pilot series. Early production stages especially in microelectronics and pharmaceuticals often lack commercial providers. Whats more, manufacturing processes are still immature at this stage, resulting in high scrap rates. Software licensing: Software licensing has become essential for translating research findings into practice. Here, industry expects viable solutions that go beyond prototypes. Secondary legislation must therefore be modernized to enable legally compliant licensing of functional software solutions that are developed in research. Facilitating spin-offs: Non-profit organizations are subject to what is called prohibition of preferential treatment, which prevents them from favoring their commercial spinoffs. To avoid hindering the establishment of new companies based on Fraunhofer technologies, the prohibition of preferential treatment in non-profit law should be aligned with the de minimis rule in EU state aid law. This aid is so small that it does not noticeably distort competition. Acknowledging knowledge and technology transfer as non-profit purposes: This would allow funding for spinoffs, within EU stateaid limits, to qualify as a nonprofit purpose. Incentivizing commercialization teams: Inventions and the translation of innovation into practice could be supported through targeted profitsharing bonuses for commercialization teams. Lastmile transfer: To date, a research organizations facilities may only be used for statutory purposes. Legal certainty could be achieved if funding conditions expressly allowed third parties such as spinoffs to use available capacity. In addition, there are still significant hurdles for collaboration between nonuniversity research institutions and universities, for example in shared use of infrastructure, funding of junior research groups, and student projects. These must be simplified. The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft also advocates for a cross-departmental harmonization of funding conditions across all federal ministries, based on innovation-friendly standards, to cut red tape and increase transparency. We stand ready to work with government and industry to make the High-Tech Agenda a success. What we now need is the courage to implement not only technological innovations but, above all, the conditions that best support them, Hanselka says. 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Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe The wake-up call has already sounded for 'Taiwan independence' separatists Global Times) 08:36, October 29, 2025 Illustration: Chen Xia/GT A clear trend is taking shape. The Chinese mainland is moving more decisively to punish "Taiwan independence" separatists, while in the US, a growing chorus is advocating a sober, reality-based reassessment of the Taiwan question. For the separatists still lost in their fantasies, the wake-up call has already sounded. A police probe against "Taiwan independence" separatist Shen Pao-yang over secession charges is a just and necessary move to safeguard national unity, a spokesperson for China's State Council Taiwan Affairs Office said on Tuesday. Chen Binhua, the spokesperson, made the statement after police in Chongqing announced that they had launched a criminal investigation against Shen over his suspected acts of secession, including initiating and establishing the separatist organization, the Kuma Academy. In the past, China published lists of diehard "Taiwan independence" separatists, but the move was largely a political warning. This time, however, the decision to open a formal criminal probe against Shen marks a turning point, experts noted, emphasizing that it reflects a shift in actions against diehard separatists - from political warning to legal enforcement. Ironically, just a day before the probe was announced, Shen was still busy on social media drumming up support for "Taiwan independence." He lashed out at US scholar Lyle Goldstein over his Time magazine article, "The U.S. Must Beware of Taiwan's Reckless Leader." Shen dismissed the piece as a "new narrative trap" advocating "Taiwan is not a core interest of the US." This, he claimed, was a rhetorical move meant to fuel the "abandon Taiwan" narrative and erode international support for the island. The irony is that the US has never regarded Taiwan island as its core interest. To Washington, Taiwan island is merely a pawn - useful, expendable and negotiable. As Goldstein articulated, "Taiwan does not represent a vital US national security interest. It is not a treaty ally, nor are the various geostrategic or economic rationales to defend Taiwan enough to risk a potentially catastrophic great power war." What Time magazine revealed is not a "new narrative trap," it's simply a return to US usual position. When US media now calls Taiwan leader "reckless," it echoes the term once used by Americans for former Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian - "troublemaker." Over the past few years, US hawks have stoked tensions, while Taiwan separatists have misread Washington's moves as a sign of the island's rising international standing. It was always an illusion. Now, as power dynamics shift and Washington realizes that using Taiwan island to contain China yields diminishing returns and rising risks, the US is gradually reverting to a more traditional, pragmatic stance. In short, the US is adjusting its China policy and reluctantly facing reality, Zheng Jian, a professor at the Taiwan Research Institute of Xiamen University, told the Global Times. If Shen and his ilk insist on calling this stance "abandoning Taiwan," he may find that recent similar signals have been plentiful. Foreign Affairs published an article in February titled "The Taiwan Fixation," arguing that "American strategy shouldn't hinge on an unwinnable war." In March, Elbridge Colby, then the US president's nominee for undersecretary of defense for policy, articulated that Taiwan is not an "existential" US interest. The DPP should recognize the signals. Each time the "Taiwan independence" separatists provoke, the mainland's countermeasures advance a step with increasing intensity. That's a signal. The Communique of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China also made it clear: China will promote the peaceful development of relations across the Taiwan Straits and advance the cause of national reunification. That's another signal. The most important signal is: The Chinese mainland has always upheld that compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Straits are one family. As the mainland has emphasized, after peaceful reunification, Taiwan will enjoy stronger economic growth, greater energy and resource security, improved infrastructure, enhanced public safety, broader international engagement, and better protection of livelihoods. The only viable path for the island lies in national reunification, where compatriots on both sides join hands to build a shared future. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser announced Tuesday that the state had joined nearly two dozen others in a lawsuit filed against the U.S. Department of Agriculture, claiming federal officials plan to suspend Supplemental Nutrition Aid Program benefits next month is unlawful. The federal program colloquially known as food stamps is administered by the agency, which also handles numerous farm-related affairs. It is clear (President Donald Trump) and his USDA are making a deliberate, illegal, and inhumane choice to not fund the SNAP program during the federal government shutdown despite the availability of contingency funds, Weiser said in a press release. The government is legally required to make payments to those who meet the program requirements We are asking the court to resume essential food assistance for the more than 600,000 Coloradans who use SNAP benefits to feed themselves or their families. Weiser and the list of 22 other attorneys general and three governors cited the USDAs funding for other programs despite the ongoing federal government shutdown, and said the agency still had, access to billions of dollars in SNAP-specific contingency funds allocated by Congress for this very purpose. Mesa County officials say they expect the impending suspension to impact over 11,000 families locally, while one Colorado food bank supplier has told The Daily Sentinel it expects a roughly 120% increase in demand if SNAP benefits are withheld in November. Other states involved in the lawsuit include Democratic strongholds like California and New York, as well as swing states like North Carolina, Wisconsin and Minnesota. Democratic governors in the red states of Kentucky and Kansas also signed onto the suit, according to Weisers press release. Some USDA programs do remain operational during the shutdown, though an exhaustive list is hard to come by. A 55-page lapse of funding plan last updated by the agency Sept. 30 has since been removed from the USDAs website, and archived copies of it detail plans to continue providing SNAP benefits, suggesting the document doesnt perfectly align with the departments current shutdown activity. The agency announced last week that it planned to reopen some 2,100 Farm Service Agency offices, where paid employees can help farmers and ranchers apply for certain financial aid. Federal officials have also suggested that certain nutrition aid remains online for children in schools. Numerous other programs, meanwhile, paused when the shutdown began Oct. 1. The list includes weekly crop progress reports of pasture, livestock and soil conditions in every state, as well as payment processing for certain loans. As of Tuesday afternoon, federal officials hadnt issued a formal response to the lawsuit. But in a memo acquired by national news outlets earlier this month, the USDA claimed its contingency funds could not, and should not, be allocated toward routine benefits like SNAP. The contingency fund is a source of funds for contingencies, such as the Disaster SNAP program, which provides food purchasing benefits for individuals in disaster areas, including natural disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods, that can come on quickly and without notice, the memo said, later adding that, Transfers from other sources would pull away funding for school meals and infant formula. The Trump administration has blamed Democrats for the federal governments ongoing closure, and by extension, the fast-approaching lapse of SNAP benefits. Bottom line, the well has run dry. At this time, there will be no benefits issued Nov. 1, said a statement at the top of the USDA websites homepage Oct. 28. We are approaching an inflection point for Senate Democrats. They can continue to hold out or reopen the government so mothers, babies, and the most vulnerable among us can receive critical nutrition assistance. Foreign Minister meets with Chair of NATO Military Committee Government of Iceland 17 October 2025 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Foreign Minister Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir met with the Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Guiseppe Cavo Dragone of Italy, when he visited Iceland on 17 October. Among the topics discussed at the meeting were security and defence in the North Atlantic and Arctic, Icelands contribution to NATO's deterrence and defence posture and allied support for Ukraines defense capabilities against the illegal invasion of Russia. This is the first time that Admiral Dragone visits Iceland in his capacity as Chair of the Military Committee. During his visit to Iceland he also spoke at the Arctic Circle Assembly. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iceland and Germany to deepen defense cooperation Government of Iceland 20 October 2025 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Iceland and Germany have agreed to deepen and increase cooperation between the two countries in the field of security and defense. Minister for Foreign Affairs, Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir, and Boris Pistorius, the German Defence Minister, signed a Letter of Intent to this effect during the visit of Pistorius to Iceland 19-20 October. The German Defence Minister met with Gunnarsdottir on Sunday 19 October. On Monday 20 October Pistorius paid a courtesy call on the Icelandic Prime Minister, Kristrun Frostadottir, before visiting Keflavik Air Base. "I am very pleased to sign a declaration of intent on bilateral defence cooperation with my German colleague Boris Pistorius," said Minister Gunnarsdottir. "It will improve effectiveness & efficiency, strengthen interoperability & develop a shared understanding, in support of NATO deterrence & defence." Iceland and the Federal Republic of Germany have been NATO allies for more than seventy years and have cooperated closely. The Letter of Intent, signed in Reykjavik, allows for further cooperation in order to strengthen monitoring and situation awareness in the North Atlantic region and increase security both for bilateral purposes and as a contribution to allied security and defense. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Authorized institutions discussed additional action to ensure airspace and civil aviation safety Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence 2025-10-26 Development and Strengthening of the Armed Forces | Security and defense policy Minister of National Defence ad interim Minister of the Interior Vladislavas Kondratovicius met with Chief of Defence General Raimundas Vaiksnoras, leadership and representatives of statutory services of internal affairs at the Ministry of National Defence. The meeting was convened to address the concerns and potential solutions regarding the hot-air smugglers' balloons sent to Lithuania from Belarus over the weekend which had disrupted airport operation. The meeting conclude with decisions on additional action and tighter cooperation among all public security services and the Lithuanian Armed Forces. Also, a Government-level Task Force of criminal intelligence and state security institutions. Another point of discussion was airspace control, a parallel issue addressed to be able to see a wider security context. The institution in charge of the Lithuanian airspace control is the Lithuanian Armed Forces, however, the state aims for a unified airspace developed by the Lithuanian Armed Forces, State Border Guard Service and Public Security Service. The meeting officials also discussed closing the border with Belarus for an extended period of time. The possibility of this measure will be weight in detail Monday at the National Security Commission chaired by Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene. The Ministry of the Interior has recently formulated and tabled for inter-institutional approval amendments to the Criminal Code to include responsibility for threats to the civil aviation (thus filling in a gap) and more strict responsibility for smuggling by air (as increased-risk smuggling). The Services have intensified their criminal intelligence to identify the smuggling sources. All cases of airborne smuggling (balloons, UAVs, drones, and such) is investigated as organized crime activity. Generally, drone activity has significantly dropped this year from 839 in 2024 to 174 but successful grounding rates have improved. Identified smuggling cases in 2025 stands at 557 significantly surpassing 2024 (with 226 cases). In the period from January to September of 2025, four fifth parts (80.1%) of cigarettes smuggled to Lithuania from Belarus came by means of hot-air balloons or other unmanned aerial vehicles. In total, over 1.1 billion airborne packs of cigarettes were arrested this year, approx. 800 thousand - by hot-air balloons. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address OIC General Secretariat Reiterates its Strong Support for the Right to Self-determination of the People of Jammu and Kashmir Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) 27-10-2025 October 27, 2025, marks 78 years since India's illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir. On this occasion, the General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) reiterates its full solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir in their legitimate quest for the right to self-determination. The General Secretariat, in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the Islamic Summit and the Council of Foreign Ministers, reaffirms its unwavering and full support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir in their just struggle for their fundamental human rights, including their inalienable right to self-determination. It also urges India to respect the fundamental human rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The General Secretariat also stresses the need for a final settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and reiterates its call on the international community to ensure the implementation of these resolutions. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press statement by President Antonio Costa following his meeting with President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan European Council / Council of the European Union European Council Statements and remarks 28 October 2025 18:30 During my first visit as President of the European Council to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) today, I was honoured to meet His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. The UAE are an important and reliable partner for the EU: for the prosperity, stability and security of both our regions and beyond. The EU is committed to strengthening bilateral relations through trade, political dialogue and security. We also discussed global challenges and in particular the situation in Gaza. We agreed that the focus must now firmly be on the swift and full implementation of President Trump's peace plan. I thanked His Highness for his personal leadership and his country's crucial role in providing humanitarian assistance to Gaza and helping to alleviate human suffering. The EU stands ready to play its part, contributing to Gaza's reconstruction. We also had a good exchange on Ukraine. The UAE have played a key role in providing humanitarian assistance and facilitating prisoner exchanges. I informed His Highness of the EU's efforts in support of President Trump's initiative and we agreed that a fair and lasting peace in Ukraine is our common goal. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sudan: Joint statement by High Representative Kallas and Commissioner Lahbib on the seizure of El Fasher European External Action Service (EEAS) 28.10.2025 The seizure of El Fasher, Darfur's capital, by the Rapid Support Forces marks a dangerous turning point in the war and threatens to further worsen the already dire humanitarian situation. Civilians being targeted based on their ethnicity underscore the brutality of the Rapid Support Forces. The EU calls on all parties to immediately de-escalate in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2736. All parties must respect international humanitarian law and uphold their commitments under the Jeddah Declaration. The Rapid Support Forces bear responsibility for protecting civilians in areas under their control, including aid workers, local responders, and journalists. Humanitarian organisations must be granted immediate, safe and unconditional access to all those in need. Civilians wishing to leave the city must be allowed to do so safely. As one of Sudan's largest humanitarian donors, the EU continues to fund essential relief efforts and stands ready to support negotiations for a permanent ceasefire. The EU is in contact with the conflict parties and international partners to urge them to return to the negotiating table. The EU also supports international efforts to ensure accountability for all those responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity. In 2025, the EU allocated over EUR 270 million to address the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and its impact on neighbouring countries, making it the largest EU humanitarian funding package in Africa. The EU is also providing funding to organisations collecting evidence of war crimes as part of a broader effort to ensure accountability for those responsible. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Cameroon: Statement by the Spokesperson on the presidential election European External Action Service (EEAS) 28.10.2025 Brussels, Belgium EEAS Press Team The European Union takes note of the proclamation by the Constitutional Council, on 27 October 2025, of the results of the presidential election. It recalls that its partnership with Cameroon, a long-standing partner of the European Union, is based on the Samoa Agreement, which promotes the principles of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law. In this context, it underlines the shared commitment to respecting the freedoms of association, assembly and expression, also enshrined in the Constitution of Cameroon. The European Union is deeply concerned about the violent repression of the demonstrations that took place on 26 and 27 October 2025, and deplores the death by firearm of a number of civilians. It further stresses the importance of ensuring the safety and physical integrity of all political actors in this process. The European Union calls on the authorities of Cameroon for accountability, transparency and justice to tackle instances of excessive use of violence and human rights violations. It also calls for the release of all those arbitrarily detained since the presidential elections. The European Union urges all sides to maintain restraint and refrain from any action that may further exacerbate tensions. It encourages all political and social actors to swiftly engage in a constructive dialogue in order to preserve stability and national cohesion and uphold democratic values and human rights. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement by Minister of International Development Asmund Aukrust on the RSF takeover of El Fasher, Darfur, Sudan Government of Norway News story | Date: 28/10/2025 'The Sudanese paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), claims to have seized control of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) headquarters in the besieged city of El Fasher,' says Minister of International Development Asmund Aukrust. 'It is estimated that around 250,000 civilians, including 100,000 children, remain trapped in the city, which has been under siege by the RSF for more than 500 days. It has been almost impossible to deliver food, clean water, and essential medicines to the civilian population, says the Minister. 'I am deeply concerned about the current development. The situation is catastrophic, and the suffering is immense for the civilians still in the city. We are receiving reports of daily deaths among children due to malnutrition and disease. The RSF bears a particular humanitarian responsibility. Humanitarian organisations must be granted immediate access to El Fasher to assist the remaining population. 'The rules of war are clear: civilians must be protected. There are fears that the RSF may carry out ethnically motivated attacks against civilians perceived to have supported the SAF. We have also received reports of violence against civilians attempting to flee the city, including killings, torture, and sexual violence. I strongly urge that civilians be protected and that those wishing to leave El Fasher be granted safe passage, says the Minister. 'El Fasher is the last major city in Darfur that remained under SAF's control. This development may signal a further entrenchment of Sudan's geographical division. 'Norway has repeatedly called on all parties to lay down their arms and return to the negotiating table. I urge the parties to put the people of Sudan first and agree to a ceasefire and to reach a peaceful solution. In the long term, only a broad and inclusive political process can address Sudan's challenges and keep the country united. Norway is contributing to this effort', concludes Aukrust. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement by Foreign Minister Eide: Civilians in El Fasher must be protected Government of Norway News story | Date: 28/10/2025 The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have taken control over the city of El Fasher in North Darfur', said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide 'I am concerned for the safety and well-being of the hundreds of thousands of civilians in and around the city following the fighting. These people have already endured immense suffering after being trapped for 18 months under siege, cut off from access to food, medicine and other essentials. 'I remind all parties of their irrefutable obligations according to international humanitarian law: to protect civilians, to refrain from retaliatory measures, and to facilitate safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access to meet urgent needs. 'There are deeply concerning reports that the RSF are committing atrocities, including summary executions, following their takeover of El Fasher. 'I condemn all violations of international humanitarian law committed against civilians in El Fasher, and across Darfur. 'This region has been tainted by alarming levels of ethnically motivated violence and conflict-related sexual violence throughout this conflict. Civilians must be guaranteed safe passage, continued protection, and unhindered access to assistance, wherever they are and regardless of which group they belong to, said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address IOM Chief the Escalating Violence in El Fasher International Organization for Migration News - Global 28 October 2025 Geneva/Port Sudan, 28 October 2025 -- The International Organization for Migration (IOM) calls for the protection of civilians in El Fasher, and to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access as displacement from the city surges. In just two days, more than 26,000 people have been forced to flee the city following intense fighting, according to IOM's Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM). IOM is dispatching emergency shelter items, including kits and tents, which are scheduled to arrive within a few days to Tawila village, a major centre in Darfur receiving displaced persons from El Fasher. Reports of violations of international humanitarian law and abuses of human rights in El Fasher are deeply concerning, including indiscriminate attacks, targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure, gender-based violence, and ethnically motivated attacks against displaced populations. Scenes emerging from El Fasher are horrific. Thousands of families are once again displaced due to violence and forced to walk for days under the scorching sun. Mothers are carrying infants, and children are helping elderly relatives who can barely stand. They are facing high insecurity, movement restrictions, protection risks, theft and assaults with most having nothing left: no food, no shelter, no medicine, and no certainty of where they will be safe next. People arrive in small villages around El Fasher exhausted, hungry, and terrified. This surge in displacement is amplifying the already dire needs. Shelter, food, health care, clean water, and protection are urgently needed. IOM's DTM programme continues to provide critical information and relevant data on needs and displacement trends to help humanitarian actors deliver evidence-based responses. Yet access remains extremely limited, and needs are rising faster than aid can reach people. IOM urges the international community to act now to end the suffering of the people of El Fasher and Sudan. The Organization remains committed to protecting and assisting affected communities. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Foreign Ministry summoned a Belarusian representative over a hybrid attack, notified of border closure Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs Updated 2025-10-28 On 27 October, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the representative of the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus to Lithuania and issued a strong protest over the ongoing violations of Lithuanian airspace by the Republic of Belarus. It was emphasized that the deliberate inaction of the authorities in the Republic of Belarus is considered by Lithuania to be a hybrid attack. The Republic of Belarus was urged to take its responsibilities as a state seriously and to take immediate measures to prevent such hybrid attacks. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania also informed the representative of Belarus that Lithuania is closing the state border with the Republic of Belarus until further notice. The representative of the Embassy of Belarus was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs following a violation of the Lithuanian airspace on the evening of 26 October 2025, when a swarm of meteorological balloons launched from the Republic of Belarus once again posed a threat to civil aviation and public security. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The President and the NATO Secretary General discussed Belarus' hybrid attacks President of the Republic of Lithuania October 28, 2025 On Tuesday, President Gitanas Nauseda held a telephone conversation with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. During the call, they discussed the situation caused by smuggling balloons being launched from Belarus. The President emphasized that this is an unprecedented hybrid attack against Lithuania, posing a direct threat to civil aviation safety, disrupting the operations of Vilnius Airport and affecting 20,000 passengers. The President thanked the NATO Secretary General for his solidarity. The President's Communication Group NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NATO Allied Land Command Leads Exercise Steadfast Duel, Strengthening Integrated Defense Capabilities NATO Allied Land Command Oct 28 2025 Steadfast Duel Press Release TUE 28OCT By Allied Land Command Public Affairs WIESBADEN, Germany -- NATO Allied Land Command (LANDCOM) is leading the synchronization of land forces during NATO Exercise Steadfast Duel 2025, October 22-29. Steadfast Duel is NATO's largest computer-assisted command post exercise and NATO's first Article 5 exercise with all 32 member states. The exercise is designed to support NATO's move towards stronger and better orchestrated multi-domain warfare at operational and high tactical levels. In the land domain, LANDCOM is coordinating across the headquarters and staff of seven NATO corps in an exercise simulating over 100,000 NATO troops in the field. The bulk of the exercise is being conducted in Wiesbaden, Germany, with LANDCOM headquarters integrated with the staff of U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF). This year's exercise places a particular emphasis on the integration of LANDCOM and USAREUR-AF operating as a unified staff to lead operations in the land domain. "This is how we will fight," said Lt. Gen. Jez Bennett, LANDCOM Deputy Commander. "Integrating the LANDCOM and USAREUR-AF headquarters into a single, cohesive staff allows us to leverage the strengths of both organizations, streamlining our decision-making processes and enhancing our ability to respond effectively to any challenge." In addition to the integration of the staffs, Steadfast Duel 2025 allows LANDCOM and USAREUR-AF to improve their common understanding of how the Eastern Flank Deterrence Line will serve as a key element in executing NATO's regional defense plans. This transformational warfighting concept leverages unmanned and minimally manned systems, backed with an integrated mission command network using live data and artificial intelligence, blended with multi-domain fires and maneuver. "This exercise is not just about LANDCOM and USAREUR-AF merging into a single headquarters, at the same time it is about the land domain contributing to the Joint Task Force's maneuver in a Multi Domain Operations context," explained Brigadier General Zacarias Hernandez Calvo, LANDCOM Deputy Chief of Staff Plans. "Steadfast Duel allows us to refine these crucial linkages and validate our ability to contribute to achieving effects at the joint and strategic levels. We are leveraging lessons learned to strengthen our posture and improve even more our ability to execute NATO's integrated regional defense plans." The exercise scenario focuses on a complex, multi-domain operational environment, challenging participants to coordinate land, air, maritime, space, and cyber operations. Participating corps include U.S. Army V Corps, Multinational Corps Northeast, 1st German Netherlands Corps, 2nd Polish Army Corps, Rapid Reaction Corps- France, Allied Rapid Reaction Corps and the NATO Rapid Deployable Corps - Spain, simulating over 100,000 NATO troops. "Steadfast Duel provides a critical training opportunity for our unified staff and staffs across the whole theater to rehearse the complex coordination required to conduct large-scale combat operations," said Brig. Gen. Thomas Lowin, LANDCOM Deputy Chief of Staff Operations. "We are training as NATO land forces will fight - integrated, synchronized, with a common command and control system, enabled by artificial intelligence, turning live data into rapid lethal decisions that keep us ahead of the enemy. It ensures we operate as a single unified command to outthink, out maneuver, and out fight our adversary and to win as one force when it matters most and to respond to any threat." Home / Media Center / NEWS / 2025 / NATO Allied Land Command Leads Exercise Steadfast Duel, Strengthening Integrated Defense Capabilities Oct 28 2025 NATO Allied Land Command Leads Exercise Steadfast Duel, Strengthening Integrated Defense Capabilities Steadfast Duel Press Release TUE 28OCT By Allied Land Command Public Affairs WIESBADEN, Germany - NATO Allied Land Command (LANDCOM) is leading the synchronization of land forces during NATO Exercise Steadfast Duel 2025, October 22-29. Steadfast Duel is NATO's largest computer-assisted command post exercise and NATO's first Article 5 exercise with all 32 member states. The exercise is designed to support NATO's move towards stronger and better orchestrated multi-domain warfare at operational and high tactical levels. In the land domain, LANDCOM is coordinating across the headquarters and staff of seven NATO corps in an exercise simulating over 100,000 NATO troops in the field. The bulk of the exercise is being conducted in Wiesbaden, Germany, with LANDCOM headquarters integrated with the staff of U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF). This year's exercise places a particular emphasis on the integration of LANDCOM and USAREUR-AF operating as a unified staff to lead operations in the land domain. "This is how we will fight," said Lt. Gen. Jez Bennett, LANDCOM Deputy Commander. "Integrating the LANDCOM and USAREUR-AF headquarters into a single, cohesive staff allows us to leverage the strengths of both organizations, streamlining our decision-making processes and enhancing our ability to respond effectively to any challenge." In addition to the integration of the staffs, Steadfast Duel 2025 allows LANDCOM and USAREUR-AF to improve their common understanding of how the Eastern Flank Deterrence Line will serve as a key element in executing NATO's regional defense plans. This transformational warfighting concept leverages unmanned and minimally manned systems, backed with an integrated mission command network using live data and artificial intelligence, blended with multi-domain fires and maneuver. "This exercise is not just about LANDCOM and USAREUR-AF merging into a single headquarters, at the same time it is about the land domain contributing to the Joint Task Force's maneuver in a Multi Domain Operations context," explained Brigadier General Zacarias Hernandez Calvo, LANDCOM Deputy Chief of Staff Plans. "Steadfast Duel allows us to refine these crucial linkages and validate our ability to contribute to achieving effects at the joint and strategic levels. We are leveraging lessons learned to strengthen our posture and improve even more our ability to execute NATO's integrated regional defense plans." The exercise scenario focuses on a complex, multi-domain operational environment, challenging participants to coordinate land, air, maritime, space, and cyber operations. Participating corps include U.S. Army V Corps, Multinational Corps Northeast, 1st German Netherlands Corps, 2nd Polish Army Corps, Rapid Reaction Corps- France, Allied Rapid Reaction Corps and the NATO Rapid Deployable Corps - Spain, simulating over 100,000 NATO troops. "Steadfast Duel provides a critical training opportunity for our unified staff and staffs across the whole theater to rehearse the complex coordination required to conduct large-scale combat operations," said Brig. Gen. Thomas Lowin, LANDCOM Deputy Chief of Staff Operations. "We are training as NATO land forces will fight - integrated, synchronized, with a common command and control system, enabled by artificial intelligence, turning live data into rapid lethal decisions that keep us ahead of the enemy. It ensures we operate as a single unified command to outthink, out maneuver, and out fight our adversary and to win as one force when it matters most and to respond to any threat." LANDCOM, headquartered in Izmir, Turkiye, leads the land component of NATO's Joint Forces. It serves as the focal point for land operations, responsible for coordinating and synchronizing land forces across the Alliance's area of responsibility. The command develops, integrates, and coordinates land capabilities to deter and defend against any threat, as outlined in NATO's Strategic Concept for a resilient and responsive Alliance. Story by Public Affairs Office at LANDCOM NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Afghanistan: Human rights impact of telecommunications shutdowns Press briefing notes Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights 28 October 2025 This morning, the UN Human Rights Office and the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan published a briefing paper on the serious and far-reaching human rights impacts of last month's telecommunications shutdowns in Afghanistan - a measure which only served to compound the array of difficulties already faced by the population. From its health systems to the banking sector and everyday operations of small businesses, the people of Afghanistan are heavily reliant on telecommunications systems to access essential services. This paper is based on more than 100 interviews in the aftermath of the 48-hour nationwide shutdown implemented by the de facto authorities between 29 September and 1 October 2025. Among the human rights impacts documented were: delayed or no access to healthcare and emergency services; disruption of humanitarian operations; exacerbation of existing discriminatory restrictions on women and girls; infringement on people's daily and family lives due to the inability to contact others; and disruption of the conduct of business and banking. Women and girls in Afghanistan have already been subjected to the most draconian restrictions. Women interviewed shared their experiences of how their lives became even more difficult during the shutdown. For example, some women were unable to contact their male guardians, or mahrams, during the shutdown. In Afghanistan, women must be accompanied by a mahram for distances over 78 kilometres or when travelling in a vehicle. In some parts of the country, mahrams are required to accompany a woman when she is going shopping, to work or to a healthcare facility less than 78km from her home. One woman was unable to contact her father for this purpose and was forced to walk home alone. In her words: "I was very scared when I was on my way home, but fortunately, I made it home safely after about one hour." Online learning remains the only avenue left for many Afghan women and girls to receive an education, because of the de facto authorities' ban on women and girls continuing any education beyond the sixth grade. One student said: "I can simply say that those were very difficult days and nights for us [during the shutdown]. We were extremely terrified that we may be pulled to the stone age era of human history. It was an unbearable period of my life." Healthcare workers spoke about preventable deaths which occurred because of the shutdown. A pregnant woman went to a hospital in Laghman province with severe bleeding and needed to be urgently transferred to the provincial hospital for treatment, but the hospital's ambulance had broken down and there was no way to call for help. The baby died, and the woman survived with complications. The nurse said: "As a health worker, I am trained to save lives, but without communication, I was feeling helpless." Humanitarian workers said the shutdown seriously disrupted their work and delayed the provision of vital support to the population. At the time, humanitarians were responding to the needs of communities impacted by the 31 August earthquake which hit Nangarhar, Laghman and Kunar provinces, as well as an influx of people involuntarily returned from Pakistan. Shutdowns and other disproportionate restrictions on communications violate the rights to freedom of expression and access to information, and are contrary to Afghanistan's human rights obligations. The de facto authorities have made no public comment to date on the reasons for the shutdown. As duty bearers of Afghanistan's human rights obligations, they must ensure that any restrictions on the rights to freedom of expression and access to information are provided by law and are a necessary and proportionate response to a legitimate concern under international human rights law. Briefing paper on the impact of telecommunications shutdowns on the Afghan people [English, Dari, Pashto] - download here. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Paul Biya re-elected president of Cameroon People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 10:08, October 28, 2025 YAOUNDE, Oct. 27 (Xinhua) -- Paul Biya has been re-elected president of Cameroon for an eighth term, securing 53.66 percent of the votes, the country's Constitutional Council announced Monday. The candidate of the Cameroon National Salvation Front, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, finished second with 35.19 percent of the votes. More than 4.6 million Cameroonians cast their ballots out of over eight million registered voters, bringing the turnout rate to 57.76 percent, compared with 53.85 percent in 2018 and 65.82 percent in 2011. While proclaiming the final results, Constitutional Council President Clement Atangana said the election was free and fair. Biya, 92, who has been in power since 1982, leads the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement. He is now set to rule the country for another seven-year term. Security was tightened in the capital, Yaounde, and the commercial capital of Douala, where four protesters were shot dead by security forces on Sunday as opposition supporters took to the streets to protest what they called "electoral fraud," local media reported. According to the Constitution, the newly elected president must be sworn in within 15 days of the official announcement of the results. The swearing-in ceremony will take place before the Cameroonian people, in the presence of members of Parliament, the Constitutional Council and the Supreme Court. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PH working to 'redefine' relations with China -PBBM Philippine News Agency By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora October 28, 2025, 10:22 pm KUALA LUMPUR -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said the Philippines is working to "redefine" its partnership with China balancing the two states' cooperation while continuing to assert its rights and sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea. "I continue to find ways to redefine our relationship with China. I really believe that the way forward is to change," he said in a Kapihan with the media briefing here. Marcos indicated that the maritime row is not the sum total of the relations and that there is a "huge possibility for trade, exchanges," and other kinds of discussions and engagements between China and the Philippines. "So, I would very much like to say, all right, we disagree, we agree to disagree, now let's do other things, let's do other things," he said. "And that's what I will try to achieve in the year of our Chairship here in ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)." Earlier in the 28th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-China Summit, Marcos said Manila is open to exploring cooperative activities as well as mechanisms that would prevent risks of incidents in the South China Sea. At the same time, Marcos said "cooperation cannot exist alongside coercion," while calling out provocative and dangerous actions that put the lives of Filipino fishermen and sailors at risk at sea. He also mentioned Manila's rejection of the Chinese plan to put up a nature reserve in the Bajo de Masinloc or South China Sea. Meanwhile, he said the Philippines will invite Chinese President Xi Jinping to its hosting of the ASEAN next year. "I will certainly invite him and I would make all of the efforts available all of the ways available, the means that we have available to us to show how sincere to President Xi Jinping how sincere we are that we would like for him to come to the Philippines," he said. Marcos was responding to a question about whether the Philippines aspires for Xi to be in Manila for the signing of the COC, assuming the negotiators finish the talks by 2026. "But, you know, that would presume that we have made some serious progress in our talks with them," he said. If it comes to a point where Xi will consider coming to the Philippines, Marcos said that would signal "we have made significant progress" in engaging China. "And that would be a great thing, that would be just a great thing," he said. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Marcos: WPS incidents put Filipinos at risk Philippine News Agency By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos October 28, 2025, 7:45 pm MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday condemned the continued foreign intrusions and hostilities in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), warning that these could endanger Filipinos. During his intervention at the 5th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Australia Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Marcos stressed the need for an "effective and substantive" Code of Conduct (COC) to prevent provocations at sea. "On the South China Sea, it is regrettable that incidents continue to occur in the West Philippine Sea that have unnecessarily put Philippines' lives at risk," Marcos said. Marcos also criticized the "unilateral, forceful, illegal" attempts to declare Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) a "nature reserve." He maintained that Bajo de Masinloc remains "a longstanding and integral part of the Philippines," emphasizing that the country exercises full sovereignty and jurisdiction over the territory. He said a binding COC "can effectively govern the behavior of parties at sea." Marcos also expressed gratitude to Australia for its proactive support for the Philippines through joint exercises such as Alon 25. "Through all these difficulties, Australia has stood with the Philippines and all peace-loving peoples in desisting provocative and coercive actions," he said. Negotiations between China and ASEAN are ongoing to craft a COC, which is intended to serve as a framework for managing tension in the disputed South China Sea. During the 28th ASEAN-China Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Marcos said partnerships between Beijing and the regional bloc must be rooted in "mutual respect for sovereign, equality and adherence to international law as guiding principles." Marcos also renewed his call for self-restraint after raising concerns over persistent dangerous actions and harassment against Filipino fishermen and Philippine vessels in the WPS. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address ASEAN, China ink free trade upgrade Philippine News Agency By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora October 28, 2025, 11:49 am Updated on October 28, 2025, 1:48 pm KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia -- The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China signed on Tuesday morning the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) 3.0 Upgrade Protocol. The signing took place on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings and was witnessed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Chinese Premier Li Qiang, and other ASEAN leaders. In an intervention speech at the ASEAN-China Summit here, Marcos said the Philippines is hopeful that the ACFTA would help alleviate economic uncertainties in the region. "On the economic front, we welcome the just-concluded signing of the and hope that this will enable us to modernize trade practices and effectively respond to emerging economic challenges," he said. Malacanang on Tuesday said the upgrade "reflects the shared commitment of ASEAN and China to deepen regional integration and promote sustainable and inclusive growth across the region." The ACFTA, first implemented in 2010, was the first trade deal inked by ASEAN with an external partner and has since created one of the largest free trade zones in the world. The original pact covers trade in goods, rules of origin, customs procedures, trade facilitation, standards and technical regulations, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, services, investment, and economic and technical cooperation. The signed protocol adds guidance on competition and consumer protection, the digital and green economies, supply chain connectivity, and micro, small and medium enterprises participation. Malaysian Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz and China's Minister of Commerce, Wang Wentao signed the upgraded deal. After the signing, the document was formally handed over to ASEAN Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas denounces Israel's 'blatant' ceasefire violation, rejects Tel Aviv's accusations of breach Iran Press TV Tuesday, 28 October 2025 9:27 PM Hamas has denounced the Israeli regime's "blatant violation" of a ceasefire agreement with the resistance movement on multiple occasions, besides categorically rejecting Tel Aviv's allegations of the group's breaching the deal. In a statement on Tuesday, the movement condemned "the criminal bombing carried out by the Israeli occupation army on areas of the Gaza Strip." The remarks came after the Israeli military claimed the lives of at least 20 people and wounded more than 50 others across the coastal sliver, including during intense airstrikes targeting the eastern part of the Gaza City, the Palestinian territory's largest urban area, and the southern city of Khan Younis within the space of just one day. "This terrorist attack is an extension of the series of violations committed in recent days, including attacks which resulted in martyrs and wounded," Hamas added. The deal was reached in Egypt earlier this month with the aim of implementing the first phase of a 20-point plan forwarded by Donald Trump. The US president says the proposal is aimed at ending the regime's two-year-plus war of genocide on Gaza. Hamas also lambasted Tel Aviv's continued closure of the Rafah crossing in southern Gaza, which is the territory's lifeline, as another instance of the regime's refusing to keep its end of the bargain. 'Israel trying to make deal fail' Such instances, the group added, serve to prove the regime's "insistence on violating the terms of the agreement and trying to make it fail." Earlier too, the movement had reported that the Israeli military was deliberately preventing recovery and transfer of the remains of the regime's captives, as it has been agreed in the deal, calling out Tel Aviv's "systematic obstruction." Elsewhere in its latest statement, Hamas roundly spurned the regime's allegations of its involvement in, what Israeli officials have called, targeting of Israeli troops with RPGs and sniper fire in Rafah. "We affirm that we have no connection to the shooting incident in Rafah, and we affirm our commitment to the ceasefire agreement." The group finally called on guarantors, namely Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the United States, to act immediately to pressure the regime and curb its brutal escalation against civilians in Gaza, stop its serious violations of the agreement, and urge it to adhere to all of its terms. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Islamic Jihad condemns Israeli killing of three Palestinians in occupied West Bank Iran Press TV Tuesday, 28 October 2025 7:10 PM The Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement has strongly condemned the killing of three Palestinian men by Israeli occupation forces during a pre-dawn raid on the village of Kafr Qud, west of Jenin, in the occupied West Bank. In a statement on Tuesday, the group said the use of snipers and aerial bombardment in the operation "is but a new link in a continuous chain of war crimes and organized abuse practiced by the occupation authorities against our defenseless people in the occupied West Bank." According to local sources, Israeli troops stormed the village at dawn, surrounding an agricultural site and opened fire on three young men, killing them on the spot. The Palestinian Ministry of Health identified the victims as Abdullah Muhammad Omar Jalmana (27), Qais Ibrahim Muhammad al-Baytawi (21), and Ahmed Azmi Arif Nashti (29). Islamic Jihad said that the occupying forces blocked ambulances from reaching the victims and later seized the bodies in an act of in a blatant violation of all international and humanitarian agreements. "The deployment of sniper rifles and airstrikes in civilian-populated areas represents a dangerous escalation that underscores the extreme brutality and criminality of the occupying army," the resistance group stated. The statement added that the occupation is committing this crime as part of a systematic campaign of incursions, raids, and demolitions carried out across the West Bank. Over the past few months alone, Israeli forces have demolished more than 1,000 homes in the refugee camps of Jenin, Tulkarem, and Nour Shams, forcibly displacing over 25,000 Palestinians and reducing entire neighborhoods to rubble. "While we warn of the danger posed by the occupation's policies and plans to the security of our people and the region, we affirm that these crimes will only strengthen our commitment to the path of resistance in defense of our people and our land," the statement concluded. The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported that since October 7, 2023, when Israel launched its genocidal war on Gaza, killing at least 68,000 Palestinians and wounding 170,000, Israeli military and settler attacks have claimed the lives of over 1,000 Palestinians and injured more than 10,000 in the occupied West Bank alone. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Netanyahu orders 'powerful strikes' on Gaza after over 125 Israeli truce violations Iran Press TV Tuesday, 28 October 2025 5:45 PM The Israeli regime's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has ordered the military to carry out immediate "powerful" strikes on Gaza as Israel continues to violate the ceasefire agreement in the besieged territory. The regime has broken the ceasefire over 125 times in the past few weeks. "Following security consultations, Prime Minister Netanyahu instructed the military to immediately carry out powerful strikes in the Gaza Strip," a statement from his office said on Tuesday. The Israeli regime said it was in response to what it called Hamas's ceasefire violations by not handing over the bodies of the remaining 13 captives that are still inside Gaza. In a statement issued late Tuesday, Hamas condemned Israel of "systematically obstructing" efforts to recover the bodies of its own soldiers in Gaza, saying it refused entry to joint Red Cross-resistance teams to several areas, and blocked heavy equipment needed for the searches. "The occupation's claims that the resistance is delaying the process are baseless," Hamas said, warning Israel is "fabricating false pretexts" to justify new aggression in violation of the ceasefire. A US official told Israel that Washington does not see any violation of the agreement by Hamas that would warrant a response, urging Israel not to take radical measures that could lead to the collapse of the ceasefire agreement. Bombings have already been reported in parts of southern Gaza. In response to the statement issued by Netanyahu's office and the breach of the ceasefire, Hamas said, "The Zionist occupation continues its systematic policy of obstructing efforts to locate the bodies of its soldiers inside the Gaza Strip." It added that Israel has "explicitly refused to allow joint teams from the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Palestinian resistance to enter several areas in Gaza to carry out this humanitarian mission." The movement stated Israel's claims that "the resistance is delaying this process are baseless and intended to mislead public opinion. It is fabricating false pretexts as a prelude to launching new aggressive steps against our people, in flagrant violation of the ceasefire agreement." Meanwhile, Hamas's military wing has announced that it will postpone the handover of the Israeli captive's body that it found earlier today "due to violations" by Israel. In a statement, the Qassam Brigades stressed that any Israeli escalation "will hinder search, digging, and retrieval operations of the bodies, which will lead to a delay in recovering the bodies" of the dead captives. Hamas called on mediators to "compel the occupation to halt its deception" and allow humanitarian work to proceed. "We call on the mediators and guarantor parties to assume their responsibilities, confront these dangerous obstructions, compel the occupation to halt its deception, and allow the relevant teams to carry out their humanitarian duties free from political or hostile interference." The development comes after Netanyahu said Israel would respond after Hamas handed over human remains that, he claimed, did not belong to the missing captives. He added that the remains handed over overnight were of a captive whose body, he said, Israeli forces had already recovered earlier during their aggression in Gaza. Since the beginning of the current truce between Israel and Hamas, Netanyahu has been carrying out provocative acts meant to strain the ceasefire agreement. Gaza's Government Media Office has accused Israel of committing 125 violations of the ceasefire, including killing 94 Palestinians, since the agreement came into effect on October 10. Hamas stated that, for a period of time, the movement requires assistance on the ground in the form of specialized teams and heavy machinery. Mohammad al-Hindi, deputy secretary general of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement, in a recent interview warned that the Israeli regime was "blackmailing, stalling, and manipulating" the recently agreed ceasefire deal with Palestinian resistance factions in Gaza. Israel was "manipulating the pretext of bodies to justify renewed aggression" in Gaza, he stated. During Israel's two-year-long genocidal war on the besieged strip, the occupying regime killed at least 68,527 Palestinians and wounded 170,395 others, before a ceasefire agreement was reached in Gaza earlier this month. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ben-Gvir demands 'destroy' Hamas, urges Netanyahu to resume Gaza genocide Iran Press TV Tuesday, 28 October 2025 5:24 PM Far-right Israeli minister Itamar BenGvir accused Hamas of "playing games" over the remains of Israeli captives and urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to "give the order" to resume fullscale war on Gaza, insisting the resistance group must be annihilated. In a socialmedia post on Tuesday, BenGvir said "the fact that Hamas continues to play games and does not immediately transfer all the bodies of our fallen, is in itself evidence that the organization is still standing." "Now we don't need to 'extract a price from Hamas' for the violations. We need to exact from it its very existence and destroy it completely, once and for all, in accordance with the central goal defined for the 'war of revival' [war in Gaza]," he said, adding: "Mr Prime Minister, enough hesitation. Give the order." Israel's extremist finance minister Bezalel Smotrich reinforced the pressure in a written appeal to Netanyahu, demanding "forceful responses" and the "destruction of Hamas and the removal of the threat emanating from Gaza." Meanwhile, Netanyahu said Israel would respond after Hamas handed over human remains that, he claimed, did not belong to the missing captives. He added that the remains handed over overnight were of a captive whose body, he said, Israeli forces had already recovered earlier during their aggression in Gaza. Israeli officials have since said they will not move forward with subsequent phases of the USbrokered plan until the remaining 13 bodies are brought back to the occupied territories. Hamas has stated that it was complying with the ceasefire and doing its best to locate the remains of the hostages, but that its efforts were hampered by a lack of equipment to properly identify the bodies. The Israeli regime was previously blocking equipment needed to recover captives' bodies while complaining that the resistance delays delivering them. Hamas has been working in cooperation with the Red Cross and Egyptian teams for the past 48 hours to locate the remains of Israeli captives in areas still occupied by the Israeli army. The resistance movement has so far returned the remains of 15 captives as 13 bodies remain in the besieged territory. Hamas says it does not know the precise whereabouts of all the bodies, explaining that it lost contact with several of its units holding the captives, who were reportedly killed during Israeli bombardments. Mohammad al-Hindi, deputy secretary general of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement in a recent interview insisted that the Israeli regime was "blackmailing, stalling, and manipulating" the recently agreed ceasefire deal with Palestinian resistance factions in Gaza. Israel was "manipulating the pretext of bodies to justify renewed aggression" in Gaza, he stated. The regime itself has been accused of repeatedly breaching the cease-fire conditions, including by carrying out deadly attacks in Gaza and not allowing enough aid into the besieged Palestinian territory. Israel's violations of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza have claimed at least 93 Palestinian lives. During Israel's two-year-long genocidal war on the besieged strip, the occupying regime killed at least 68,527 Palestinians and wounded 170,395 others, before a ceasefire agreement was reached in Gaza earlier this month. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Palestinians in Gaza face 'slow genocide' as Israel continues blockade: Media office Iran Press TV Tuesday, 28 October 2025 2:43 PM The Gaza Government Media Office has warned that while direct Israeli bombardments have largely paused, Palestinians in the besieged territory continue to face "slow genocide," driven by the ongoing blockade and severe restrictions on humanitarian aid. In a statement released on Tuesday, Ismail al-Thawabta, director of the media office, said the cessation of heavy bombing does not mean the end of suffering. He said Israel is continuing the campaign "with other tools" such as the closure of crossings, the obstruction of aid deliveries, and restrictions on essential relief materials such as tents, blankets and caravans. According to the media office, more than 288,000 Palestinian families remain without shelter due to the continued blockade of basic materials. The office also highlighted the collapse of Gaza's healthcare system, reporting that over 20,000 wounded and sick people are in urgent need of evacuation for medical treatment abroad. It said Israel's attacks have destroyed hospitals and clinics, adding that more than 1,700 medical personnelincluding doctors, nurses, and other staffhave been killed since the start of the genocidal war. The office also noted that only 93 trucks of humanitarian aid are currently entering the territory each day, adding that this is "a meager number compared to the needs of 2.4 million people living under siege." The media office urged the international community to take concrete action, saying Gaza requires more than just statements of solidarity. "Gaza does not need statements of solidarity; it needs binding international decisions to hold the occupation accountable, end the siege, open the crossings, and save what remains of life," it said. On October 10, a ceasefire took effect in the Gaza Strip, based on a phased plan presented by US President Donald Trump. The first phase included the release of Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Israel accepted the Gaza truce deal after two years, following the failure to achieve its declared objectives of eliminating the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas and freeing all captives, despite killing 68,159 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injuring 170,203 others. Despite the truce, conditions remain dire. Many Palestinians attempting to return to their homes in northern Gaza face "a daily struggle for survival." Large parts of the region remain inaccessible due to the continued presence of Israeli forces. The Israeli regime continues to violate the ceasefire agreement with Hamas, carrying out airstrikes and shootings, while restricting aid into the territory. According to Gaza officials, nearly 100 Palestinians have been killed and more than 230 others wounded in Israeli attacks since the ceasefire took effect. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas hands over remains of another captive amid Israeli ceasefire violations Iran Press TV Tuesday, 28 October 2025 8:08 AM The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has handed over the remains of another Israeli captive to the Red Cross as a drone of the occupying entity strikes the besieged Gaza Strip and kills two Palestinians. The handover occurred on Monday, and the Red Cross transported the remains to Israeli troops in Gaza, hours after an Israeli drone struck a locality in the vicinity of Khan Yunis, killing two Palestinians, Al Jazeera reported. Under a ceasefire deal between Hamas and the Tel Aviv regime that began on October 10, Hamas agreed to return the bodies of 28 dead captives, of which 16 have now been delivered. Twenty surviving captives were released on October 13 as part of the same truce. Families of the captives have urged Israel to halt the ceasefire's next phase until all remains are recovered. Hamas says some remains are difficult to locate due to massive destruction in the war-torn Palestinian territory. There were "challenges" in locating the captives' bodies because "the occupation has altered the terrain of Gaza," said Hamas negotiator Khalil al-Hayya on Saturday, stressing that some of those who buried the bodies had been killed during the war, while others had forgotten the burial locations. Israel has now allowed an Egyptian team to assist with recovery efforts using excavators and trucks. In contrast to the Hamas' pledge to remain committed to the ceasefire, Israel has continuously violated it, intermittently striking several locations across the Gaza Strip. Gaza's Health Ministry said eight Palestinians were killed and 13 wounded in the past 48 hours, raising the total death toll since October 7, 2023 to more than 68,500, while nearly 170,400 others have been injured since the onset of the genocidal war. The United States defended Israel's latest deadly strike, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio claiming that it targeted an imminent threat from Islamic Jihad and did not violate the ceasefire. Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. According to the UN, some 473,000 people have returned to the north to find widespread devastation and acute shortages of essentials. The head of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, Younis al-Khatib, warned of a long-term mental health crisis, echoed by the World Health Organization, which said over one million Palestinians now need psychological support. "Rebuilding human beings is more difficult than rebuilding destroyed homes," Khatib said during meetings with Norway's prime minister and foreign minister in Oslo. UNICEF, for its part, also reported that almost all children in Gaza require mental health care. According to the UN children's agency, Gaza has been "the most dangerous place in the world to be a child" over the last two years. "A classroom of children was killed every single day for two years in this conflict, and the scars of what the children have endured will last for many, many years to come," said Tess Ingram, the group's spokesperson in Gaza. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Turks In Montenegro Endure Attacks, Threats, And Vandalism By RFE/RL's Balkan Service October 28, 2025 Montenegro has seen a surge in violent incidents targeting Turkish immigrants since the weekend, including vandalism, physical attacks, and verbal threats of lynching. The incidents began after a fight broke out on October 25 in Podgorica in which a Montenegrin man was stabbed after an exchange of insults. Authorities said his injuries were not life-threatening. Police detained a citizen of Turkey and a citizen of Azerbaijan as suspects in the stabbing and dozens more from those two countries suspected of lacking legal documents to reside in Montenegro. Following the fight, vandals smashed the windows of a Turkish restaurant in the Montenegrin capital while others set fire to cars owned by Turkish immigrants. Several Turkish nationals reported being physically attacked. On October 26 and 27, crowds marched through largely Turkish neighborhoods chanting "Turks out" and "Kill the Turks." Local authorities said they had detained eight people for hate speech and making threats of physical violence against Turkish citizens. The incidents have prompted fear and concern from some Montenegrins. "I don't like this," said a woman named Nada who spoke to RFE/RL. "Everyone is welcome in Montenegro. We are a multiethnic, egalitarian, and I would say civil state, and we need to preserve that." But others seemed to share the rising anti-immigrant sentiment. "Every form of violence should be condemned," a man named Jovo told RFE/RL. "But it is up to the government to change their immigration policy as soon as possible, because there are too many migrants. The security situation has really deteriorated and, to tell you the truth, I no longer feel safe and comfortable." Turks make up about 13 percent of the foreign citizens residing in Montenegro. Until now, Turkish citizens could take advantage of a visa-free regime to travel to Montenegro. But Montenegrin authorities temporarily suspended that policy on October 27 and offered interim visas instead. In a statement, the government said it would respect the status of Turkish residents and "take all necessary steps to ensure that their stay is unhindered and in accordance with the law." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/montenegro-attacks- turkish-immigrants/33573809.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Chief of Defence Staff meets with the Director General of the European Union Military Staff Romania - Ministry of National Defence Press release No. 197 28.10.2025 The Chief of Defence Staff, General Gheorghita Vlad, had an official meeting with Lieutenant General Michiel van der Laan, Director General of the European Union Military Staff and Director of the European Union's Military Planning and Conduct Capability, who paid a visit to Romania, at the invitation of the Romanian party. The talks focused on the main aspects of Romania's contribution to the European Union's military operations, missions and initiatives in the field of defence, with emphasis on the support provided to Ukraine through the European Union Military Assistance Mission (EUMAM UA) and through participation in capability coalitions. During the meeting, the officials assessed the results of the collaboration between the Romanian Armed Forces and the European Union military structures, as well as the steps to be taken in order to increase interoperability and joint training, including through the European F-16 Training Center in Romania. General Vlad emphasized the constant commitment of the Romanian Armed Forces to consolidate joint efforts to strengthen the European Union's security posture on the Eastern Flank. The European official's visit is part of the series of consultations at military level between Romania and the European Union, intended to contribute to increasing the cohesion and efficiency of joint actions, in the context of current security challenges. The Press Office NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ways to enhance technical-military cooperation between Romania and Ukraine, discussed at MoND Romania - Ministry of National Defence Press release No. 194 28.10.2025 On Monday, October 27th, Minister of National Defence, Liviu-Ionut Mosteanu, had a meeting, at the MoND headquarters, with the Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine, Sergiy Boyev, an activity also attended by the Head of the Prime Minister's Chancellery, Mihai Jurca. The Ukrainian official's visit to Romania was part of the political-military dialogue between the two states. Its main goal was to discuss ways of enhancing technical-military cooperation, as well as to consolidate of the bilateral defence partnership. During the meeting, the delegations reviewed the key points of the multidimensional support provided to Ukraine by Romania and discussed enhancing collaboration in the field of defence industry, joint military research and innovation projects, as well as training and interoperability programs between the two countries' armed forces. Both sides stressed the importance of expertise and technology transfer, with an emphasis on increasing military equipment production capacity. The essential role of regional cooperation in the current security context on NATO's eastern flank and the European Union was also highlighted. During the talks, the officials agreed to increase dialogue at the technical and institutional level, as well as to periodically organize bilateral meetings dedicated to the defense industry, aimed at stimulating joint research and development projects and partnerships between companies in the field from Romania and Ukraine. "Romania remains committed to supporting the consolidation of Ukraine's defence capabilities, through joint industrial development projects. In this regard, we are exploring together the opportunities offered by European funding programs, including the SAFE initiative, which can significantly contribute to increasing regional production capacity and modernizing defence industry," Minister Mosteanu stated. The visit of the Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Defence confirmed the two states' joint commitment to enhance defence cooperation and to contribute to regional security and stability through modern, sustainable means compatible with Euro-Atlantic standards. The Press Office NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address No: 217, 28 October 2025, Regarding Israel's Attacks on the Gaza Strip Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip constitute a flagrant violation of the ceasefire. We are deeply concerned by the reports that civilians have lost their lives as a result of the attacks. We once again emphasize that full adherence to the ceasefire is of vital importance for preserving the prospect for lasting peace and ensuring regional security. We reiterate our call on Israel to adhere to the ceasefire and to refrain from actions that undermine peace and stability. Turkiye will continue to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people and to support efforts towards achieving a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in the region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Central African Republic should continue working with MINUSCA to ensure free, fair and safe elections: UK statement at the UN Security Council Speech Statement by Caroline Quinn, UK Deputy Political Coordinator, at the UN Security Council meeting on MINUSCA From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Caroline Quinn, UK Deputy Political Coordinator Published 28 October 2025 Location: United Nations, New York Delivered on: 28 October 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered) I join others in expressing condolences to the families of the five peacekeepers from the Democratic Republic of Congo who lost their lives in service last month. The United Kingdom commends their dedicated service and the service of all MINUSCA's personnel, under SRSG Rugwabzia's leadership in support of the government and people of the CAR. I will make three points: First, the upcoming elections in the Central African Republic represent a significant milestone. The United Kingdom welcomes the publication of the final voter list by the National Electoral Authority, which shows an increase in registered voters and improved gender representation. We encourage the government of the CAR to continue working with MINUSCA to ensure inclusive, free, fair and safe elections. Second, the United Kingdom welcomes progress made by the government of CAR, with MINUSCA's support, on the national disarmament, demobilisation, reintegration and rehabilitation programme. This programme can play an important role in supporting lasting peace and stability for the people of the CAR. We note that the programme has already contributed to the identification of 202 children for reintegration, and we encourage further such efforts. Third, we welcome the progress made so far in improving the security situation in CAR but we note that more is needed. We particularly note the continuing impact of the conflict in Sudan on CAR and its neighbours. We urge the government of the CAR to enhance its border management with Sudan to support refugees and prevent their exploitation by armed elements. We also encourage the government of CAR to tackle human rights violations and abuses by armed groups including 'Wagner Ti Azande,' and ensure perpetrators are held to account. We encourage the government of CAR to further consider its security partners, to ensure that the people of CAR achieve the sustainable and lasting peace they deserve. The upcoming elections represent a critical point for the CAR. We look forward to working intensively with all Council members in the coming weeks to secure a renewed mandate for MINUSCA that best supports the realisation of our shared ambitions for long-term peace, stability, and security for the people of the Central African Republic. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Gaza: Humanitarian response scaled up amid faltering ceasefire 28 October 2025 - Aid teams in Gaza are racing to meet urgent needs with tens of thousands still displaced, sheltering in damaged buildings and makeshift sites, while reports of renewed fighting between Israeli forces and Hamas threaten to derail the ceasefire. In a press briefing on Tuesday, UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric described reports of Israeli military action as "extremely concerning," stressing that "we don't want civilians to be bombed again" or humanitarian operations "derailed again." Hamas denied that it had any involvement in a reported attack on Israeli forces by Palestinian militants earlier in the day, saying that it remained committed to the ceasefire - accusing Israel of violating its terms. Response plan continues The UN relief coordination office, OCHA, said that partners are scaling up efforts under a 60-day response plan. "UN partners providing water and sanitation report that water distribution is expanding in northern Gaza, where they are now able to deliver 4,600 cubic metres daily in 585 different locations across the governorates of Gaza and North Gaza," Mr. Dujarric said. Preparation for the rainy season is underway in Deir al Balah, Khan Younis and Gaza governorates, including clearing stormwater drainage systems. Nutrition programmes between 1 and 25 October treated more than 4,300 acutely malnourished pregnant and breastfeeding women, while preventive support reached over 134,000 mothers and children under five. Meanwhile, Gazans continue efforts to relocate, many seeking just to return to shattered homes. "More than 480,000 movements from southern to northern Gaza have been observed since the onset of the ceasefire, while nearly 100,500 movements from western to eastern Khan Younis have also been observed," Mr. Dujarric said. "To mitigate exposure to the elements, our partners are helping displaced communities repurpose flour and rice bags - originally distributed as food aid, obviously - into repurpose those into sandbags to reinforce shelters and provide protection against rain and wind," he added. Aid delays Efforts to collect humanitarian cargo from Gaza's crossings are ongoing. However, aid deliveries are facing delays due to a rerouting of humanitarian and commercial trucks by Israeli authorities. "In response to the rerouting, several agencies have temporarily reduced the number of trucks in their convoys pending an initial assessment of the road conditions," Mr. Dujarric said. "Teams have also already reported congestion and heavy traffic along the new route, leading to delays in aid cargo movements," he added, noting that UN continues to engage with Israeli authorities and others to address the slowdown. Meanwhile, reports from Israeli NGO Peace Now, cited by the UN rights office (OHCHR), indicate an increase in settler activity: 84 new outposts were established over the past year, compared to 49 the year before, alongside 757 recorded settler attacks in the first half of 2025. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel responsible for four genocidal acts in Gaza, inquiry chair tells General Assembly 28 October 2025 - The chair of an independent commission investigating alleged human rights abuses in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, told a General Assembly committee on Tuesday that Israel has committed "four genocidal acts" in Gaza, while leaders had "incited the commission of genocide." Presenting the Commission of Inquiry's latest report, Navi Pillay said the findings were based on a legal analysis conducted under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. "We concluded that the State of Israel is responsible for the commission of four genocidal acts in Gaza with the specific intent to destroy Palestinians in Gaza, as such," she said. "The Commission also found that the Israeli President, Prime Minister and former Defence Minister have incited the commission of genocide." Ms. Pillay, a former UN human rights chief, described the situation in Gaza as "the most ruthless, prolonged and widespread attack against the Palestinian people in history." Devastation can't be undone She said that while the fragile ceasefire and release of hostages and prisoners "offer hope, they cannot undo the devastation that has already occurred," adding that "the Gaza Strip lies in ruins, rendered nearly uninhabitable." She added that Israeli officials had "publicly endorsed plans for the deportation of the population, the construction of settlements and annexation of the territory." Although the ceasefire has put such policies on hold, "recent statements by Israeli officials make it clear that these objectives remain firmly in place." This was Ms. Pillay's last report to the General Assembly, after having led the independent international investigative body since July 2021. Occupied West Bank In the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, the Commission found that Israeli policies since October 2023 - along with explicit and implicit support for violent settlers - "demonstrate clear intent to forcibly transfer Palestinians, expand Israeli Jewish civilian presence and annex the majority of the West Bank." The purpose, Ms. Pillay said, is "to prevent any potential Palestinian self-determination and statehood and maintain an indefinite occupation." Ensure accountability She urged Member States to ensure justice and accountability "through supporting the International Criminal Court (ICC) in its investigations" and by using universal jurisdiction to prosecute suspects, including dual nationals. "It pains me that, on my last presentation as chair of this commission, the post-World War Two multilateral system has failed to prevent this genocide," she said. "The international system has been found wanting." She concluded by calling for "truth and reconciliation," adding that "only through transitional justice can peace eventually take root and flourish." Call for permanent ceasefire Francesca Albanese, the independent UN Human Rights Council-appointed Special Rapporteur on the Palestinian territories, also briefed the General Assembly committee and underscored the need for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. She urged Member States to ensure Israel's withdrawal from all occupied territory and the dismantling of Israeli settlements. Alongside, they must suspend all military, trade and diplomatic ties with Israel "until it ends and remedies its genocide, unlawful occupation and apartheid," she said, calling also for investigations and, where warranted, prosecutions of those involved in alleged crimes. "This is how we begin to honour the memory of those killed. And if the Security Council is paralysed, this Assembly must act under uniting for peace with greater resolve than ever before," she added. Special Rapporteurs and other human rights experts appointed under the special procedures mandate of the Human Rights Council are not UN staff and are independent of any government or organization. They receive no salary for their work. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address World enters 'new era' of climate action - but progress must accelerate By Conor Lennon 28 October 2025 - While urging countries to accelerate action, UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell struck an optimistic tone on Tuesday following the release of a new report on updated national climate commitments. The new report details the latest round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) submitted by governments, assessing both the progress achieved and the major challenges that remain. Taken together, Mr. Stiell said, they reveal "some green shoots of good news" and provide "clear stepping stones towards net zero emissions." If countries deliver on their current pledges, global emissions could decline by around 10 per cent by 2035, according to the UN climate chief. However, he cautioned that "action must be accelerated" to prevent further global warming. Holistic approach Many of the new NDCs adopt a "whole-of-society" approach, incorporating gender and youth perspectives and seeking to ensure that all sectors benefit from the shift to a low-carbon economy. Mr. Stiell described this generation of commitments as a "step-change in quality, credibility and economic breadth", calling on governments to implement policies that enable every nation to share in the benefits of clean energy and climate resilience. The UN climate chief added that the private sector is also moving in the right direction, attracted by the huge rewards that the clean economy promises: "As the global shift to clean energy continues to scale, the dividends to follow will be far greater still, as climate action emerges as the economic growth and jobs engine of the 21st century." Is 1.5 still alive? On the same day as the release of the climate report, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in an interview with the Guardian that humanity has failed to limit man-made global warming to the totemic 1.5C, leading to "devastating consequences." Mr. Guterres told journalists that delegates preparing to attend the COP30 UN Climate Conference in Belem, Brazil, in November need to change course and bring about a "dramatic decrease of emissions as soon as possible." Nevertheless, Mr. Stiell insisted that the science shows temperatures can be brought back down to 1.5C (above pre-industrial levels), by substantially stepping up the pace of climate action. Synthesis Report: Key points Progress and Ambition: The 64 new NDCs show improved quality and broader economic coverage, with 89 per cent of countries on board setting economy-wide targets. However, emissions are still not declining fast enough to meet Paris Agreement goals. Emission Reductions: Full implementation of these NDCs could reduce emissions by 17 per cent below 2019 levels, by 2035, with a projected peak before 2030. Integration of Global Stocktake: 88 per cent of countries incorporated outcomes from the first Global Stocktake (a five-yearly process detailing global climate action and support), aligning their NDCs with long-term net zero targets and policies aimed at tripling renewable energy capacity and transitioning away from fossil fuels. Comprehensive Scope: All NDCs go beyond mitigation - incorporating factors such as adaptation, finance, technology transfer, and loss and damage International Cooperation and Support Needs: Implementation depends heavily on international cooperation, innovative financing, and capacity-building, especially for developing countries - with significant gaps in funding and technical support. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Today's top news: Occupied Palestinian Territory, Sudan, Hurricane Melissa UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Occupied Palestinian Territory Humanitarian scale-up continues in Gaza OCHA reports that the UN and its humanitarian partners continue to scale up the humanitarian response, in line with their 60-day plan. Partners providing water and sanitation report that water distribution is expanding in northern Gaza, where they now deliver 4,600 cubic metres daily in 585 locations in the governorates of Gaza and North Gaza. Additionally, humanitarian partners have launched a comprehensive assessment of critical public water and sanitation facilities across the Gaza Strip to identify urgent repair needs and support planning for longer-term rehabilitation. In parallel, humanitarian partners report that efforts to help people prepare for the rainy season are underway across areas they can access in the governorates of Deir al Balah, Khan Younis and Gaza, including cleaning stormwater drainage systems. On nutrition, between 1 and 25 October, humanitarian partners provided treatment for more than 4,300 acutely malnourished pregnant and breastfeeding women. During the same period, malnutrition prevention support was provided to more than 134,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women and children under the age of five. Yesterday, the UN Office for Project Services distributed more than 300,000 litres of fuel to partners operating across Gaza to keep critical generator-powered operations going. Meanwhile, humanitarian partners monitoring population movements said that families continue to move across the Strip. More than 480,000 movements from southern to northern Gaza have been observed since the onset of the ceasefire, while nearly 100,500 movements from western to eastern Khan Younis have also been observed. Humanitarian partners report that many people continue to shelter in makeshift displacement sites, often in open areas or damaged buildings. To mitigate exposure to the elements, humanitarian partners are helping displaced communities repurpose flour and rice bags - originally distributed as food aid - into sandbags to reinforce shelters and provide protection against wind and rain. Efforts to collect humanitarian cargo from Gaza's crossings are ongoing. However, starting yesterday, Israeli authorities are rerouting humanitarian and commercial truck movements to and from Kerem Shalom through the Philadelphi Corridor and the Coastal Road. That's instead of the Morag Corridor and Salah Ad Deen Road. In response to the rerouting, several agencies have temporarily reduced the number of trucks in their convoys pending an initial assessment of road conditions. Teams have already reported congestion and heavy traffic along the new route, leading to delays in aid cargo movements. OCHA continues to engage with Israeli authorities and others to address the impact of this new development on aid collection and delivery. *Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in Gaza and the West Bank with urgent support. Sudan UN, partners sound alarm on uptick of attacks on civilians El Fasher OCHA warns of a dramatic escalation of violence in and around El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State. The UN and its humanitarian partners in Sudan issued a statement today condemning in the strongest terms reported attacks by the Rapid Support Forces against civilians, civilian infrastructure and humanitarian workers in El Fasher. Credible reports point to widespread violations, including summary executions, house-to-house raids, sexual violence, and attacks along escape routes preventing civilians from reaching safety. Local responders who have sustained communities throughout months of siege are now themselves at extreme risk, with some detained or killed. Humanitarian workers continue to operate under extraordinary danger to assist those fleeing towards the locality of Tawila and surrounding areas. In Tawila, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and its partners report families, and especially children, are arriving malnourished, sick and traumatized from the perilous journey to safety. UNHCR is providing life-saving assistance and essential services to displaced families, including shelter, basic necessities and cash assistance, and offering counselling at community centres. However, access to El Fasher remains blocked, and humanitarian capacity is rapidly shrinking as needs soar. UNHCR says thousands of kids of household and other items are ready for distribution, pending safe access. The humanitarian community in Sudan is calling for urgent action to protect civilians and humanitarian workers; guarantee safe passage and humanitarian access to people trapped in El Fasher; ensure accountability for all violations of international humanitarian law; and scale up funding to sustain life-saving operations and support local and women-led responders on the front lines. The UN and its humanitarian partners remain committed to scaling up life-saving support across Darfur and reestablishing presence on the ground. Meanwhile, fighting has also intensified in North Kordofan State. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), nearly 2,500 people fled Bara town over the weekend, and up to 1,000 others were newly displaced from Al Zuraiba village yesterday due to heightened insecurity. OCHA stresses again that civilians must be protected wherever they are and allowed to flee safely and in dignity. It urges all parties to immediately halt hostilities, respect their obligations under international humanitarian law, and enable safe, sustained humanitarian access. Hurricane Melissa UN, partners step up preparations as hurricane approaches Caribbean A joint warehouse was established earlier this year in Barbados by the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency and the World Food Programme (WFP), with support from the European Union and Canada, and it is already proving to be instrumental in this impending disaster. Thanks to the pre-positioning of relief supplies ahead of the hurricane season, WFP is coordinating a sea-lift operation from Barbados carrying supplies from WFP, IOM and UNICEF. An airlift of some 2,000 relief kits is also planned for deployment once airports reopen. Additional relief stocks are available at the UN Humanitarian Response Depot in Panama from UN agencies, non-governmental organizations and international cooperation partners. In Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to make landfall overnight in the east of the country, preparations and prepositioning of supplies and assets are still underway, and authorities plan to evacuate around half a million people to safer ground. OCHA also reports that two staff members have arrived in Cuba today to support UN agencies and national authorities ahead of the hurricane's expected impact. In Haiti, authorities placed the departments of South and Grand'Anse on red alert, while the departments of Nippes, South-East, West, Artibonite and North-West remain on orange alert. More than 3,600 people are sheltering in emergency sites in the Grand Sud Department, with IOM supporting the sheltering of 3,000 people preventively and the setting up of 100 shelters. OCHA is coordinating with Haitian authorities, UN agencies and humanitarian partners to support preparedness and early action. WFP has pre-positioned more than 800 metric tons of food to assist 86,000 people for two weeks, while IOM supported the preventive sheltering of 3,000 people and helped activate 100 shelters and mobilize 253 civil protection personnel. UNICEF has pre-positioned water, sanitation and hygiene kits for 14,500 people and nutritional supplies for more than 4,000 children. The UN Population Fund stocked reproductive health kits for 5,000 people and dignity kits 4,000 for 4,000 people, while the Pan American Health Organization provided medical kits for 11,000 people. Posted on 28 October 2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement from the Operational Humanitarian Country Team in Sudan on Attacks against Civilians in El Fasher UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs The humanitarian community in Sudan condemns in the strongest terms the ongoing attacks by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) against civilians, civilian infrastructure and humanitarian workers in and around El Fasher, North Darfur. We are horrified by credible reports of widespread violations, including summary executions, attacks on civilians along escape routes, house-to-house raids and obstacles preventing civilians from reaching safety. Sexual violence, particularly against women and girls, continues to be reported. Local responders are in grave danger, with some reportedly detained or killed. Humanitarian workers continue to operate under extraordinary risk, assisting thousands who have fled to Tawila and surrounding areas. Access to El Fasher remains severely restricted, and the capacity to respond is rapidly shrinking, while needs increase. We continue to be prevented from reaching El Fasher and the large number of civilians trapped in the city. We call on the international community including Member States, regional organizations and donors to act immediately to: Protect civilians, including humanitarian workers, and civilian infrastructure. All parties must take all necessary measures to protect civilians, cease attacks on hospitals, markets, displacement sites and civilian infrastructure, and respect the protected status of humanitarian operations under international law. Guarantee safe passage and humanitarian access. Civilians must be allowed to flee safely and in dignity, and aid agencies must receive unimpeded, sustained access to reach those trapped in El Fasher. Ensure accountability. All alleged violations of international humanitarian law must be investigated, and those responsible held to account, with a view to preventing further violations. Scale up urgent funding to enable life-saving assistance and support local responders, including women-led groups, working on the front lines. We remind all parties to the conflict that civilians, medical and humanitarian personnel, assets and humanitarian operations are protected under international humanitarian law. We urge the international community to act now decisively and in unity to prevent an even greater catastrophic loss of life and to restore the minimum conditions of safety and dignity for the people of El Fasher. The humanitarian community stands ready to scale up assistance in El Fasher once access and safety are secured. We will continue to bear witness, document violations and abuses, support survivors, and do everything within our capacity to strengthen the protection of civilians. Posted on 28 October 2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Briefing Security Council on Central African Republic, Special Representative Outlines Mission's Progress, Warns of Financial Constraints Impacting Work Meetings Coverage Security Council 10025th Meeting (AM) SC/16202 28 October 2025 The United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic a lynchpin country for broader regional stability requires strong financial support amid UN systemwide liquidity constraints, the Organization's top official in the country told the Security Council today, as several delegates hailed the Mission's work to date as a "success story of UN peacekeeping". "MINUSCA's mandate, with its full authorized strength, remains essential to support the Central Africans in their quest for a lasting peace," said Valentine Rugwabiza, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). Noting that MINUSCA's mandate renewal will soon be considered by the Council, she outlined the Mission's recent strides in expanding Bangui's authority, deploying security forces to remote areas and preparing for critical presidential, legislative and municipal elections scheduled for 28 December. Emphasizing that MINUSCA also serves as a critical buffer against broad regional instability, she regretted that the liquidity measures affecting the UN system have begun to impact its work as expressed in a 15 per cent reduction in expenditures through personnel cuts. In the current "very sensitive and critical period", MINUSCA is using its limited resources to prioritize the protection of civilians, electoral support and maintaining momentum in implementing the 2019 Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation. In that regard, she welcomed recent mediation efforts by Chad which led to the decision by two more armed groups Unite pour la Paix en Centrafrique (UPC) and the Return, Reclamation, Rehabilitation faction to join the peace process. She also described a fragile but somewhat improved security situation in some parts of the country, while noting that tensions remain high in south-east and north-east border areas including along the border with Sudan, where incursions by Sudanese armed factions have been reported. "MINUSCA is a Security Council success story," said the representative of Denmark, joining others in the ensuing debate in praising the Mission's wide-ranging work. However, she cautioned that hard-won gains are not irreversible. MINUSCA's presence remains essential to ensuring a safe environment and supporting elections in December. Against that backdrop, Denmark looks forward to working with all Council members to "anchor the path ahead in peace, accountability and inclusion" as negotiations begin on the renewal of the Mission's mandate. Predictable, Sustainable Financing Critical to Effective Mandate Delivery Guyana's representative, also speaking on behalf of Algeria, Sierra Leone and Somalia, declared: "Any discussion of a transition or reconfiguration [of MINUSCA] must be guided by progress and practical reality on the ground." Predictable and sustainable financing is critical, she stressed, warning that any reduction in the Mission's mandate could negatively impact both the country and the wider region. Agreeing with that assessment, the representative of Pakistan cautioned that "liquidity shortfalls and unpaid [UN] contributions endanger mobility, force protection and the timely delivery of mandated tasks. Slovenia's delegate also expressed strong support for MINUSCA and called for a one-year extension of its mandate especially key provisions on women, peace and security and the integration of gender-related provisions. Pledging her country's continued support for MINUSCA, she added: "Its story is a powerful reminder of what peacekeeping can achieve when provided with opportunity, resources and political support." Echoing some of those points, the representative of the Russian Federation, Council President for the month, speaking in his national capacity, stressed that MINUSCA remains critical to combating the activities of armed groups across the region. Moscow stands in solidarity with the Mission, whose mandates must not "fall hostage" to the financial interests of certain UN Member States. Moreover, he said, MINUSCA's mandate must remain squarely focused on the priorities of the Central African people. The delegate of the United States, meanwhile, called on the Government of the Central African Republic to work with MINUSCA to consolidate security gains on the path to peace, prosperity and self-reliance. He emphasized that the Council should support important strides while ensuring that "expensive peacekeeping missions do not become permanently entrenched in the country". Upcoming Elections Represent Milestone for Central African Republic Regarding the conduct of the 28 December elections, the representatives of France, United Kingdom and Greece were among those speakers praising the planned vote as a "milestone" that marks a critical juncture for the fragile nation. The latter noted described Bangui's decision to hold presidential, legislative and local elections concurrently as an "ambitious endeavour" that must be firmly supported by the international community. Meanwhile, the former pointed out that the upcoming vote will mark the first local elections since 1998 and pledged a 2 million contribution to the electoral process. Other speakers spotlighted the persistent and worrying security challenges still facing parts of the Central African Republic, noting that they, too, require stronger international attention. "It is necessary to remain vigilant against the potential recurrence of election-related violence, as witnessed in the country's past," warned the Republic of Korea's delegate. Echoing concerns over increasing violence along the border with Sudan, he said those clashes have exacerbated cross-border flows of armed combatants, weapons and conflict minerals. "The situation on the ground remains worrying," agreed Panama's representative, stressing that attacks on peacekeeping personnel including clashes that tragically claimed the lives of several blue helmets in recent months demonstrate the serious and regional impact of the crisis. He also spotlighted the link between climate, peace and security, noting that environmental degradation and the loss of resources create conditions conducive to recruitment by armed groups and the resurgence of local conflicts. The representative of China echoed some of those concerns, emphasizing the need to assist Bangui in enhancing its capacity for sustainable development. The Central African Republic is rich in natural resources with enormous economic potential, he said, voicing hope that the international community will provide targeted support in areas such as social services, agricultural development and infrastructure construction "which will help [the country] transform its advantage in resources into drivers of development". Peace Must Be Anchored in Development The representative of the Central African Republic also addressed the Council, pledging that his country will continue its courageous journey towards peace and reconstruction. While the return of armed groups to the peace agreement is a positive turning point, he declared: "Peace must be anchored in development if it is to be sustainable." Indeed, peace is not merely the absence of war, but must also be marked by the creation of an economy "where citizens have more to gain from stability than from rebellion". In that regard, he welcomed the Council's attention to the upcoming elections, calling on partners to bridge the financing gap currently estimated at $12.4 million required to hold them successfully. In addition, he warned Council members: "Reducing MINUSCA's capacity or mandate now would weaken the very foundations of the stability that we have painstakingly built." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement attributable to the Secretary-General - on Cameroon's presidential election United Nations Secretary-General 28 October 2025 New York, UN Statements | Spokesperson for the Secretary-General Delivered by Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General The Secretary-General has taken note of the announcement of results of the presidential election held in Cameroon on 12 October. He is deeply concerned by post-electoral violence and by reports of excessive use of force. He deplores the loss of life and injuries among both protesters and security forces and extends his condolences to the families of the victims. He calls for a thorough and impartial investigation into these incidents. The Secretary-General urges all political stakeholders and their supporters to exercise restraint, reject violence and refrain from any inflammatory rhetoric and hate speech. He stresses the critical importance of safeguarding human rights and fundamental freedoms. He calls on authorities to ensure a safe and secure environment where the rights of all citizens are protected and to ensure due process for anyone arrested. The Secretary-General encourages inclusive dialogue to address grievances and preserve national unity and stability and resolve any disputes through legal and peaceful means. He reaffirms the commitment of the United Nations to supporting sustainable peace and development in Cameroon. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Georgian Dream Demands Ban On Three Largest Opposition Parties By RFE/RL's Georgian Service October 29, 2025 Georgia's ruling party will ask the Constitutional Court to outlaw the three largest opposition parties, which are all strongly pro-Western, a senior member of the ruling Georgian Dream party said on October 28. Shalva Papuashvili said the parties "practically continuously deny both the domestic-political and foreign-political legitimacy of the current government and the ruling political party of Georgia and, accordingly, its constitutionality." The three parties -- Coalition for Change, United National Movement, and the Strong Georgia-Lelo bloc -- pose "a real threat to the constitutional order," Papuashvili said. "Our lawsuit presents evidence that these political parties are driven by unconstitutional goals," Papuashvili said. Papuashvili said the decision was also taken based on the size and influence of the three parties. He noted that smaller allied groups were not included, but that could change. "Their potential unconstitutionality could be examined later if they gain significant influence over the political process," Papuashvili said. Irakli Kupradze, a senior member of Strong Georgia, was cited by local media as calling the lawsuit "a decisive blow to democracy" and vowing to resist it. Georgia, an EU candidate nation, has seen its relationship with the bloc deteriorate since Tbilisi adopted anti-LGBT legislation and a so-called foreign agent law last year. The relationship eroded further after parliamentary elections in October 2024 in which the Georgian Dream party held on to power and then decided to halt EU accession talks while adopting what many -- including Brussels -- see as Russia-friendly policies. Demonstrations have taken place daily in Tbilisi since the elections and intensified after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced the suspension of accession talks. Several senior Georgian opposition figures have been jailed, while police have ramped up the arrest of protesters at the antigovernment demonstrations. Georgian Dream says it still wants to join the European Union, but only if it can preserve what it says are Georgia's traditional Orthodox Christian values as well as peaceful ties with Russia. Georgian Dream figures, including Bidzina Ivanishvili, the billionaire former prime minister, have repeatedly vowed to ban the opposition parties for what they say are their links to former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, who is serving a prison term for offences including abuse of power. He is expected to remain in jail until 2034. Two of the three opposition parties facing a ban have been critical of Saakashvili, who led Georgia as a pro-Western reformer from 2003 to 2012. Saakashvili, a divisive figure in Georgia, is celebrated by some in Georgia and criticized by others who see him as erratic, authoritarian, and the author of a short war with Russia in 2008. With reporting by Reuters and dpa Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/georgia-opposition- parties-papuashvili-ban-constitutional-court/33573960.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address X-59 Quiet Supersonic Technology (QueSST) Low-Boom Flight Demonstration (LBFD) On 28 October 2025, Lockheed Martin Skunk Works (NYSE: LMT), in partnership with NASA, successfully completed the first flight of the X-59, a revolutionary, quiet supersonic aircraft designed to pave the way for faster commercial air travel. The X-59 took off from Skunk Works' facility at U.S. Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, before landing near NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. The X-59 performed exactly as planned, verifying initial flying qualities and air data performance on the way to a safe landing at its new home. "We are thrilled to achieve the first flight of the X-59," said OJ Sanchez, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin Skunk Works. "This aircraft is a testament to the innovation and expertise of our joint team, and we are proud to be at the forefront of quiet supersonic technology development." After nearly a decade of development and multiple postponements, NASA's X-59 Quesst experimental supersonic aircraft finally completed its maiden flight on October 28, 2025. The one-hour inaugural sortie departed from Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works facility at Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, California at 8:14 a.m. Pacific time, with NASA test pilot Nils Larson at the controls. The aircraft climbed to 12,000 feet and conducted basic handling checks at speeds between 170 and 250 knots before landing at nearby Edwards Air Force Base at 9:21 a.m. The X-59 program experienced a lengthy series of delays stretching back to its initial conception. When preliminary design work began in February 2016, NASA and Lockheed Martin originally aimed to have the aircraft flying by 2020 or 2021. That target proved overly optimistic, and the first flight date progressively slipped to 2023, then to 2024, and finally to 2025. Throughout this year, NASA maintained its commitment to achieving first flight before year's end, even as the months ticked away and skepticism grew about whether the team could meet the deadline. The root causes of these persistent delays centered on technical challenges discovered during the exhaustive ground testing campaign. After the aircraft was formally unveiled in January 2024, engineers put it through a comprehensive series of evaluations that revealed nagging problems with multiple critical systems. The flight control computer exhibited issues that required resolution, the hydraulic system needed troubleshooting, and various other components failed to perform as expected. These weren't minor glitches that could be ignored or deferredthey were fundamental problems that had to be addressed before the aircraft could safely take to the skies. The X-59 is a one-of-a-kind supersonic aircraft designed to demonstrate the ability to fly at supersonic speeds while reducing the sonic boom to a gentle thump. In doing so, the X-59 aims to overcome one of the primary barriers to supersonic commercial flight, which is currently restricted over land due to noise concerns. The X-59's successful development and flight testing will inform the establishment of new data-driven acceptable noise thresholds related to supersonic commercial flight over land, paving the way for a new generation of supersonic aircraft that can efficiently and sustainably transport passengers and cargo twice as fast as aircraft today. "X-59 is a symbol of American ingenuity. The American spirit knows no bounds. It's part of our DNA the desire to go farther, faster, and even quieter than anyone has ever gone before. This work sustains America's place as the leader in aviation and has the potential to change the way the public flies," said Sean Duffy, acting NASA Administrator. Skunk Works will continue to lead the aircraft's initial flight test campaign, working closely with NASA to vexpand the X-59's flight envelope over the coming months. Part of this test journey will include the X-59's first supersonic flights, where the aircraft will achieve the optimal speed and altitude for a quiet boom. This will enable NASA to operate the X-59 to measure its sound signature and conduct community acceptance testing. This achievement demonstrates Lockheed Martin's commitment to pushing the boundaries of aerospace innovation and its dedication to creating cutting-edge solutions for the future of flight. NASAs new experimental aircraft, designed with quiet supersonic technology and intended to help open a new era in faster-than-sound air travel over land, will forever be known in the history books as the X-59 QueSST. The X-59 is shaped to reduce the loudness of a sonic boom reaching the ground to that of a gentle thump, if it is heard at all. It will be flown above select U.S. communities to generate data from sensors and people on the ground in order to gauge public perception. That data will help regulators establish new rules to enable commercial supersonic air travel over land. The U.S. Air Force, which is the government entity responsible for assigning X-number designations and the popular name associated with the aircraft, officially informed NASA of their decision on 26 June 2018. For everyone working on this important project, this is great news and were thrilled with the designation, said Jaiwon Shin, NASAs associate administrator for aeronautics. Since the introduction of the legendary X-1 in 1946, scientists have used the X-plane designations to identify experimental aircraft and rockets used to explore new aerospace technologies. As of early 2016, the X-57 designator appeared to remain un-assigned. The assignment of this designator to this aircraft is conjectural. In 2016 NASA announced a 10-year plan by NASA Aeronautics to achieve ambitious goals in reducing fuel use, emissions, and noise by the way aircraft are designed, and the way they operate in the air and on the ground. One exciting piece of this 10-year plan is New Aviation Horizons an ambitious undertaking by NASA to design, build and fly a variety of flight demonstration vehicles, or X-planes. The New Aviation Horizons X-planes would typically be about half-scale of a production aircraft, although some may be smaller or larger, and are likely to be piloted. Design-and-build would take several years, with vehicles going to flight starting around 2020 depending on funding. One X-plane would be a business-jet-sized supersonic vehicle that burns low carbon bio-fuels and generates such quiet sonic booms that people on the ground would barely hear them. The return of supersonic passenger air travel is one step closer to reality with NASA's award of a contract for the preliminary design of a low boom flight demonstration aircraft. This is the first in a series of X-planes in NASA's New Aviation Horizons initiative, introduced in the agencys Fiscal Year 2017 budget. NASA Administrator Charles Bolden announced the award at an event 29 February 2016 [Leap Day] at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Virginia. NASA is working hard to make flight greener, safer and quieter all while developing aircraft that travel faster, and building an aviation system that operates more efficiently, said Bolden. To that end, its worth noting that it's been almost 70 years since Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier in the Bell X-1 as part of our predecessor agency's high speed research. Now were continuing that supersonic X-plane legacy with this preliminary design award for a quieter supersonic jet with an aim toward passenger flight." NASA selected a team led by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company of Palmdale, California, to complete a preliminary design for Quiet Supersonic Technology (QueSST). The work would be conducted under a task order against the Basic and Applied Aerospace Research and Technology (BAART) contract at NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. After conducting feasibility studies and working to better understand acceptable sound levels across the country, NASA's Commercial Supersonic Technology Project asked industry teams to submit design concepts for a piloted test aircraft that can fly at supersonic speeds, creating a supersonic "heartbeat" -- a soft thump rather than the disruptive boom currently associated with supersonic flight. Developing, building and flight testing a quiet supersonic X-plane is the next logical step in our path to enabling the industry's decision to open supersonic travel for the flying public," said Jaiwon Shin, associate administrator for NASAs Aeronautics Research Mission. Lockheed Martin received about $20 million over 17 months for QueSST preliminary design work. The Lockheed Martin team included subcontractors GE Aviation of Cincinnati and Tri Models Inc. of Huntington Beach, California. The company developed baseline aircraft requirements and a preliminary aircraft design, with specifications, and provided supporting documentation for concept formulation and planning. This documentation would be used to prepare for the detailed design, building and testing of the QueSST jet. Performance of this preliminary design also must undergo analytical and wind tunnel validation. In addition to design and building, this Low Boom Flight Demonstration (LBFD) phase of the project also included validation of community response to the new, quieter supersonic design. The detailed design and building of the QueSST aircraft, conducted under the NASA Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate's Integrated Aviation Systems Program, would fall under a future contract competition. A task order was awarded for preliminary design of a Quiet SuperSonic Technology (QueSST) aircraft concept. An Aircraft System Requirements Review (ASRR) was completed in June 2016 to refine and finalize NASA's mission and aircraft requirements. Maturation and integration of a preliminary QueSST aircraft concept confirmed that the desired mission and aircraft requirements are valid. A Preliminary Design Review (PDR) of this aircraft concept would be completed in June 2017. The resulting requirements and design approaches may be leveraged for the detailed design phase. NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center planned to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Low-Boom Flight Demonstration (LBFD) in mid-2017. NASA's Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD) strategy is guided by six strategic thrusts identified in response to three overarching global mega-drivers that will, in large part, shape the needs of aeronautical research in the coming years. These drivers and thrusts are described in the ARMD Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP). In the near term (2015-2025), Strategic Thrust 2, Innovation in Commercial Supersonic Aircraft, outlines the ARMD objective of enabling the establishment of a standard for acceptable overland supersonic flight, in cooperation with international standards organizations. ARMD would develop and validate analysis tools and technologies intended to enable the design and development of supersonic aircraft with low sonic boom. In the longer term (2025-2035), ARMD would continue research on technologies required to meet the desired boom level in larger aircraft, but would also conduct research in areas related to other challenges to successful supersonic transports. Under NASA ARMD's Advanced Air Vehicles Program (AAVP), the Commercial Supersonic Technology (CST) Project provides the research and leadership to achieve ARMD's objectives in Strategic Thrust 2. ARMD has formed Research Themes that support the desired outcomes for this strategic thrust (see the ARMD SIP link above). Within these Research Themes, the CST Project focused a majority of its research on certain key Technical Challenges that were viewed as enabling to the Strategic Thrust 2 near-term outcomes. The current Technical Challenges were: 1) Integrated Low Boom Aircraft Design, 2) Sonic Boom Community Response Metric and Methodologies, and 3) Low-Noise Propulsion for Low-Boom Aircraft. Concurrently, the CST Project also conducts research in other key areas related to successful supersonic transports, such as improvements in supersonic cruise efficiency, reduced emissions, aero-servo-elasticity, and flight systems. Based on research over the past few years, NASA determined that the best approach to accomplish the goals of the Thrust 2 near-term objective and the first two CST Project Technical Challenges was to conduct a flight demonstration. To that end, the CST Project conducted concept feasibility studies and project planning for a Low-Boom Flight Demonstration (LBFD) aircraft that would provide validation of design tools and technologies applicable to low sonic boom aircraft and create a database of community response supporting the development of a noise-based standard for supersonic overland flight. NASA refined a set of LBFD aircraft capabilities required to conduct effective community response studies. NASA's objectives would be accomplished through the design, construction, and flight validation of a sub-scale research aircraft that creates a shaped sonic boom signature with a calculated loudness level of 75 PLdB [Perceived Level (PL), decibels (dB)] or less during supersonic cruise (Mach = 1.4) flight. Although the aircraft would be smaller in size than future supersonic airliners, its sonic boom ground signature would be traceable to that of the larger aircraft. The LBFD aircraft would be capable of performing multiple supersonic overflights of a single community with passes that are nominally 50 miles in length, and 20 minutes apart on a single flight. Under NASA ARMD's Integrated Aviation Systems Program (IASP), the LBFD Project would be executed in two distinct phases, with a third phase envisioned as a follow-on activity. Phase 1 includes the LBFD aircraft development activities from detailed design through fabrication, concluding with functional checkouts and supersonic envelope expansion. In Phase 2, a NASA-led team would perform low-boom acoustic validation flights of the LBFD aircraft. These flights would be conducted from NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC) and characterize and evaluate the near-field, mid-field, far-field, and ground signatures from the LBFD aircraft. This characterization would include the effects of changing atmospheric and aircraft flight conditions. Phase 2 would conclude with an initial community response overflight study involving communities near AFRC. The purposes of this study would be validation of the community test designs developed by the CST Project and an initial exploration of community acceptance of low-boom noise.For the Phase 3 follow-on, a NASA-led team would conduct low-boom community response overflight studies with multiple test campaigns using the LBFD aircraft over varied locations. Studies may include multiple deployments over a 2-year period to capture a representative spectrum of communities, geography, and meteorological conditions across the United States. The primary data from these studies would be community response, with limited collection of aircraft, ground, and meteorological data. The ultimate goal of Phase 3 would be to develop a low-boom community response database that would be provided to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP) in support of their development of a noise-based standard for supersonic overland flight. NASA planned to select a Vehicle Contractor for the Phase 1 detailed design, build, test, and then delivery of the LBFD aircraft system that would be flown in Phases 2 and 3. NASA would retain oversight of the airworthiness certification and anticipates being a significant participant in Phase 1 activities. NASA would provide support that would include in-flight and ground systems, instrumentation and operations, simulation, wind-tunnel testing, and safety and mission assurance. NASA would also supply aircraft components and systems as Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) whenever feasible, and considered to add value to the development of the LBFD aircraft. NASA envisions significant opportunities for collaboration with industry and academia, both domestic and international, during Phase 2 and 3 activities. NASA anticipated issuing a performance-based Request for Proposal for the design, build, and test of the LBFD aircraft, as described in Phase 1, with potential for a second aircraft. The procurement would be a requirements-driven approach, as opposed to build to print, and the maturity of the proposed concept was expected to be consistent with a PDR level of development. The Government does not intend to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. This would be an unrestricted procurement (full and open competition). The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement was 336411 - Aircraft Manufacturing, with a small business size standard of 1,500 employees. In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 9.104-1, FAR 9.104-2, and FAR 9.105(b)(1), NASA intended to conduct a pre-RFP release Responsibility Determination. NASA may use the list of responsible vendors to facilitate a pre-solicitation release of more detailed requirements, design data, and specifications that have resulted from the preliminary design activity. NASAs first large scale, piloted X-plane in more than three decades is cleared for final assembly and integration of its systems following a major project review by senior managers held 16 December 2019 at NASA Headquarters in Washington. The management review, known as Key Decision Point-D (KDP-D), was the last programmatic hurdle for the X-59 Quiet SuperSonic Technology (QueSST) aircraft to clear before officials meet again in late 2020 to approve the airplanes first flight in 2021. With the completion of KDP-D weve shown the project is on schedule, its well planned and on track. We have everything in place to continue this historic research mission for the nations air-traveling public, said Bob Pearce, NASAs associate administrator for Aeronautics. NASA publicly acknowledged that several technical challenges were identified over the course of 2023, and the Quesst team had to methodically work through each one. This painstaking process consumed far more time than initially anticipated. The agency couldn't simply rush the aircraft into flight with unresolved systems issues, particularly given the experimental nature of the platform and the unique challenges posed by its unconventional design. Every subsystem had to be validated, every flight control response verified, and every potential failure mode analyzed before first flight could be authorized. The ground test campaign itself became increasingly elaborate as engineers sought to gain maximum confidence before committing to flight. Low-speed taxi tests began in July 2025, with the aircraft initially moving at just a few miles per hour to validate basic steering and braking functions. The team then progressed through medium-speed tests before advancing to high-speed taxi runs that simulated the conditions the aircraft would experience during takeoff. Each phase generated massive amounts of dataNASA equipped the X-59 with 60 different data streams capturing over 20,000 parameters onboard. This wealth of information allowed engineers to scrutinize every aspect of the aircraft's performance and identify potential issues before they became airborne problems. The consequences of these delays extend well beyond the aircraft's first flight. NASA had originally planned to provide crucial overflight noise data to the International Civil Aviation Organization in time for the 2028 meeting of its Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection, which was expected to establish new sonic boom standards. That ambitious timeline is no longer achievable. The delays to the start of flight testing have pushed the target back to the CAEP/15 meeting scheduled for 2030, representing a two-year slip in the program's ability to influence international aviation regulations. This regulatory timeline matters immensely because the entire purpose of the X-59 is to demonstrate that supersonic flight over land can be achieved without the disruptive sonic boom that has kept such operations banned for decades. The aircraft incorporates numerous design features specifically intended to prevent the typical loud boom, instead generating what NASA describes as a quiet thump. The extended nose section measuring 38 feet in length, the carefully shaped fuselage that prevents shockwaves from merging, and the top-mounted General Electric F414 engine fed by a diverterless bump inlet all work together to direct and dissipate shockwaves in ways that minimize ground-level noise. The mission profile calls for the X-59 to eventually cruise at Mach 1.42 at altitudes up to 55,000 feet, producing an effective perceived noise level of just 75 decibelsroughly equivalent to a car door closing as heard from inside a house. But reaching that point will require a phased approach. The first flight was deliberately conservative, staying subsonic and focusing entirely on verifying system integration, handling qualities, avionics functionality, and structural behavior under real aerodynamic loads. Only after the team completes envelope expansion testing will they push the aircraft into transonic and supersonic speeds. The three-phase test program begins with this initial envelope expansion work, which will incrementally increase speed and altitude while validating all aircraft systems. Phase two, likely to commence in 2026, will focus on acoustic validationactually measuring the sonic signature the aircraft produces to confirm it matches predictions from computational models and wind tunnel testing. Phase three represents the ultimate goal: flying the X-59 over multiple U.S. cities to gauge community response to the aircraft's noise signature. NASA will partner with local governments to deploy microphones, conduct surveys, and gather environmental data that quantifies how people actually perceive and react to the reduced sonic boom. The delays have tested the patience of everyone involved in the program, from NASA administrators to Lockheed Martin engineers to the broader aerospace community watching anxiously from the sidelines. Throughout 2025, NASA repeatedly affirmed its commitment to achieving first flight before year's end, even as observers noted the calendar advancing and the remaining window shrinking. The agency's persistence in mapping every step of the planned first flight, rehearsing procedures, analyzing data from taxi tests, and ensuring all systems were genuinely ready reflected a determination not to rush into flight prematurely regardless of schedule pressure. Despite the long wait and numerous postponements, the successful completion of the maiden flight on 28 October 2025 vindicated the methodical approach. The aircraft performed exactly as planned, with all systems functioning normally and the handling characteristics matching expectations. Larson reported positive initial impressions of the aircraft's flying qualities, and the safe landing at Edwards marked the beginning of what promises to be a transformative test program. The X-59 will now be based at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center at Edwards, where it will undergo the systematic expansion of its flight envelope over the coming months. The broader implications of the X-59 program extend far beyond this single experimental aircraft. If the testing campaign successfully demonstrates that supersonic flight can be achieved with acceptable noise levels, it could fundamentally reshape both regulations and the commercial aviation landscape. Current rules prohibit supersonic flight over land in the United States and most other countries, effectively confining such operations to oceanic routes. These restrictions were a major factor in Concorde's commercial struggles and eventual retirement, and they represent the primary barrier preventing the development of new supersonic passenger aircraft. The X-59's data could provide the technical foundation for regulators to replace blanket prohibitions with noise-based certification standards. Rather than categorically banning supersonic flight over populated areas, authorities could instead establish acceptable noise thresholds that aircraft must meet. This would open the door for commercial supersonic designs that incorporate the quiet boom technologies being validated on the X-59. Multiple companies are already developing supersonic business jets and airliners in anticipation of regulatory changes, and the success or failure of the Quesst mission will largely determine whether these ambitious projects can proceed. The program also carries geopolitical significance, as other nations watch NASA's progress with keen interest. China, Russia, and several other countries are pursuing their own supersonic transport programs, and the question of how international regulations will evolve remains open. NASA has emphasized that the Quesst program's acoustic data will be released publicly to ensure global regulators can evaluate findings transparently. This open approach aims to build international consensus around new standards rather than creating a fragmented regulatory environment where different countries impose different rules. Looking ahead, the X-59 faces a demanding test schedule that will progressively expand its operational envelope. After validating subsonic handling characteristics, the team will carefully approach the transonic regime where shockwave formation begins. Successfully navigating through the transonic zone and into smooth supersonic flight represents a critical milestone. Only then can the acoustic validation phase begin, with instrumented chase aircraft and ground-based sensors measuring the actual sonic signature the X-59 produces. These measurements will be compared against predictions to validate the computational models that guided the aircraft's design. The community response testing phase scheduled to begin in 2026 or beyond will mark the program's most visible phase. The X-59 will conduct repeated supersonic passes over selected cities while NASA collects data on public perception and reaction. These overflights will be carefully coordinated with local authorities and residents will be surveyed about their experience. The goal is to gather statistically significant data demonstrating that the quiet boom technology successfully reduces noise to levels the public finds acceptable for routine operations. This human response data will be just as important as the acoustic measurements in convincing regulators to revise existing rules. The technical challenges that delayed the program underscore the difficulty of developing experimental aircraft that push boundaries in multiple dimensions simultaneously. The X-59 isn't just fastit also incorporates unconventional design features like the cockpit with no forward visibility, requiring pilots to rely entirely on an enhanced flight vision system using cameras and displays. The top-mounted engine configuration required extensive inlet design work to ensure proper airflow across the speed range. The flight control system had to be carefully tuned to provide good handling qualities despite the aircraft's unusual aerodynamic characteristics. Solving these interconnected challenges inevitably took longer than optimistic initial schedules suggested. Yet despite all the delays and frustrations, the October 28 first flight represents a genuine achievement and a pivotal moment for supersonic aviation. The X-59 is now flying, the test program is underway, and the data that will inform the future of overland supersonic flight is finally being collected. Whether the program ultimately succeeds in its goal of changing regulations and enabling a new generation of quiet supersonic transports remains to be seen, but the long-delayed first flight marks the essential first step on that journey. The years of development and months of ground testing have culminated in an aircraft that works, flies safely, and is ready to demonstrate whether supersonic aviation can finally return to the skies over land. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Turkiye - Eurofighter Turkiye, which maintains NATO's second-largest military force, plans to acquire Eurofighter Typhoon jets, multi-role combat aircraft jointly manufactured by the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Eurofighter Typhoon jets are currently used by five European countries, the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Austria, and four Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Qatar. Ankaras plan to acquire 40 Eurofighter jets will demand the full packageaircraft, training, and logistical supportrequiring further detailed agreements. Eurofighter was more than just an aircraft. Theres a system behind it. There's a weapon set behind it. There is, in the future, connectivity that's coming with it. There will be man-unmanned teaming solutions. New technology enables collaboration between a human pilot and an AI-controlled or autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle. Beginnings In December 2010 officials of Italy's defense industry giant Finmeccanica, a partner in MBDA, offered Turkey to jointly build Eurofighter jets as Turkey's F-4 fleet was too old and it would take at least 10 years for the first F-35 fighter jet delivery. Finmeccanica officials said Turkish F-16 fleet should be reinforced by 40 to 60 EU-made, twin-engine, delta-wing Eurofighter jets, valued at 2-3 billion USD. They said new generation Eurofighters could be manufactured jointly by EU and Turkey. As early as 2005 the Eurofighter Consortium, which was competing with the Joint Strike Fighter initiative, offered Turkey industrial participation in the Eurofighter, including partnership with the elite club for European aerospace industry. Eurofighter used the 7th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF - the bi-annual Turkish defense fair) to further its campaign to convince Turkey to select the Typhoon in place of/in addition to the F35 JSF as part of the Turkish Air Forces modernization program. At a 26 September 2005 press conference, Giovanni Bertolone (Alenia Aeronautic CEO) confirmed an invitation to Turkey to become the 5th Eurofighter partner for the manufacture of parts for the aircraft and for the development of new technologies. Eurofighter believed Turkey had a strategic need for its combat jets but expects an agreement to take at least two years, Chief Executive Enzo Casolini told Reuters at the Paris Air Show on March 11, 2012. "We think Turkey is a country that's right for two platforms, like Italy and the UK have done. That is, JSF for ground attack and Eurofighter for air superiority," Casolini said, referring to the Lockheed Martin Corp-built (LMT.N) F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. By the end of 2023 the Turkish Minister of National Defense confirmed that officials were in talks with the United Kingdom and Spain to procure 40 Eurofighter Typhoon fighters, after the long-sought acquisition of the F-16 Block 70/72 didi not make progress. Turkey had requested in 2021 the sale of 40 newly built F-16 and the modernization kits for 79 F-16s already in service, but so far only a separate avionics upgrade had been authorized. Turkish officials said Ankara wants to buy 120 fighter jets to reinforce its fleet before its own KAAN jets become operational. As part of efforts to bridge the gap with regional rivals such as Israel, the Turkish Ministry of Defence had said that it wants to buy 12 more Typhoons apiece from Qatar and Oman. In July 2025, Turkiye and the UK signed a preliminary deal for the delivery of 40 Typhoons, a plan approved by the other Eurofighter consortium members Germany, Italy and Spain. The Turkish Air Force had the operational strength to handle both national and regional threats, says Kemal Olcar, a military strategist and faculty member at Beykent University. However, new state or non-state actors may emerge. The Typhoons advanced avionics and multi-role flexibility can provide significant advantages in aerial warfare. Turkiyes defence ecosystem was in a transitional phase, with its current air fleet largely comprised of around 250 F-16 jets. While these aircraft still perform effectively across regional theatresincluding the Balkans, the Caucasus, the Eastern Mediterranean, and North Africafuture threats may necessitate more advanced capabilities, says Olcar. Eurofighter and F-16 both are supersonic, but Eurofighter had dual engines and superior agility in short take-offs and landings. It can operate from runways under 100 meters, unlike the F-16, which needs significantly more. However, the Eurofighter comes at a higher costaround $90 million per unit versus the F-16s $18 million, and operational costs are roughly three times higher. Yet, Olcar argued, these costs could be justified if the aircraft meets Turkiyes expectations: Its integration into NATO operations, enhanced interoperability, and deterrent capabilities make it a highly strategic asset. Plus, the Eurofighter's multinational manufacturing roots deepen our industrial ties with key EU states, potentially opening reciprocal defence export opportunities. German Reluctance Ankara said in 2023 it was eager to acquire Eurofighter jets, but the talks had been slow to get off the ground, largely because of Berlins opposition to Turkeys stance on the Gaza conflict. Although London was leading the talks with interested parties, any of the four nations may veto a sale. Minister of National Defense Yasar Guler said in a statement, "Turkey is continuing its work to procure 40 Eurofighters by meeting with England and Spain. They are trying to convince Germany." The Eurofighter Typhoon jets are built by a consortium consisting of Airbus, BAE Systems and Leonardo and involving Germany, the UK, Italy and Spain. The failure to secure new contracts could potentially lead to the cessation of Eurofighter production by 2030. Germanys final tranche-4 aircraft from the 38-unit Quadriga purchase was expected to be delivered in 2030, and the high-rate production of the New Generation Fighter under the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program may not commence before 2040. On 16 November 2023, Turkeys defense minister, Yasar Gular, officially declared ongoing negotiations with Spain and the United Kingdom to acquire Typhoon jets. Turkeys announcement of its plans to purchase 40 Eurofighter Typhoon jets faced obstacles due to the programs collaborative nature. Germany, in particular, opposed the sale to Turkey. We want to buy Eurofighter. It was a very effective aircraft. These aircraft are related to the UK, Germany, and Spain, he told parliament. Both the UK and Spain say yes, and now they are working to persuade Germany. The UK and Spain say: We will solve that problem. If solved, we plan to purchase 40 Eurofighter jets. While the discussions focused on the F-35 program are being left behind in Turkeys fighter jet procurement, two different dimensions come to the forefront. The first of these was Turkeys production of KAAN and HURJET with national resources and adding them to the Air Forces inventory. The second issue was procurement from external sources through ready-made purchases or assembly. Turkey needs to supply suitable fighter jets within the scope of "urgent combat need" to its aging and renewing inventory and to include national systems with them. Considering recent conflicts, there was no tolerance for loss of time. The Eurofighter Typhoon was produced by a European consortium as a 4++ generation or 4.5 generation fighter jet. It had a speed of 2,124 kilometers per hour. Its payload capacity was over 6,000 kilos. These are planes known to be more agile and faster than the F-16. The fighter plane, which was not a 5th generation fighter plane, was expressed as a multi-role fighter plane. It was stated that the plane, which was stated to lack stealth capability, does not have as low radar visibility as 5th generation fighter planes. When the Russian-made Sukhoi Su-57 was compared with the Eurofighter Typhoon warplanes of European countries, it was stated that the Su-57 aircraft was ahead. Germany ultimately lifted the obstacle to the purchase of 40 Eurofighter Typoon fighter jets for the Turkish Air Force. Berlin had changed its view of its NATO ally Turkey, especially considering the possibility of Donald Trump being elected president in the US and the possibility of Russia increasing its attacks on Ukraine. The aim was to secure NATO's southern flank and unite forces in the face of declining support for Ukraine. The Berlin administration hopes to be able to use Erdogan 's communication channels with the Kremlin in the future. Another sign of Germany 's rapprochement with Turkey was Scholz's announcement that the high-strategic joint government consultations, which were last held in 2016, would be restarted. Germany, which had been blocking the sale for a long time, approved the start of technical talks. A technical delegation from England, Italy, Spain and Germany, which make up the Eurofighter consortium, came to Turkey and started talks 11 October 2024. The talks, which were planned to last approximately 3 weeks, discussed many technical details, including the stages of the fighter jet procurement process, how personnel training will be provided and how maintenance programs will be implemented. The sale will be made after opinions are received on the stages of the fighter jets' procurement process, how personnel training will be done, and how maintenance programs will be implemented. If Germany also gives final approval to the sale after technical talks, Turkey will purchase 24 Eurofighter fighter jets in the first stage as soon as possible. This number will be increased to 40 in the later stages of the process. With the procurement of Eurofighter fighter jets, aircraft with AESA radar will enter the Turkish Air Force inventory for the first time. Experts emphasize that Eurofighter will be the most suitable solution until the national fighter jet KAAN and F-16 Block 70 fighter jets enter the inventory. At this point, the main energy will be spent on KAAN reaching the mass production stage. These aircraft, which will arrive in batches, will be manufactured in England in the first stage and sent to Turkey. Some news reports have stated that they can also be purchased second-hand, but that was not on the agenda. Priority was given to purchasing brand new aircraft that will be released from production. Up to 40 aircraft can be purchased depending on the need. 35-36 aircraft can also be purchased, this will be evaluated. It was said that 'If it were approved today, the first batch of Eurofighters could be purchased within 2-3 years'. It was also said that the pilots will be ready within 1 year. The costs that are written aside, if the ammunition such as missiles will be purchased along with the planes, there was an average cost estimate of 5-6 billion euros. A project to possibly supply Turkey with Eurofighter jets was an effort being driven by the United Kingdom and was in the early stages, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said 20 October 2024. There are certain projects that are just getting started, one that the UK government is taking forward and for which negotiations have now begun, Scholz said when asked about the issue at a news conference in Istanbul with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkey is a member of NATO, and thats why we always take decisions that lead to concrete deliveries, Scholz said. There was no immediate comment from the British government. Scholz stated that they will discuss many issues with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul as part of his visit to Turkiye, continued as follows: "The issue of migration is, of course, always an important issue. It is right and logical for the European Union and Turkey to work together on this issue. We have always supported this and called on the European Union to expand the relevant agreements." Scholz drew attention to the issues to be discussed other than migration, saying, "There are other issues we need to discuss regarding bilateral relations between Turkey and Europe and relations between Germany and Turkey." When asked about the Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jet joint project, Scholz emphasized that it was a subject of negotiations between the British and Turkish governments, as the UK was the leading country, and said, "Of course, we are clear on whether we will stop it or not. However, it is still too early, and that is why we said let's have a negotiation first." Before Sholz's visit, there were claims that these planes could be given on the condition that they were not used against Greece in the Aegean or the PKK in Syria. The Ministry of National Defence denied the claims that a condition was put forward. It was emphasized that these claims were voiced by a group trying to create a negative perception in Germany. The German government had frightened Greece with its new stance on the supply of defense industry products to Ankara, and that Scholz praised the recent softening of relations between Athens and Ankara. It was also noted that Berlin had been talking about a "new beginning" in relations with Turkey for a while. Greece, which had purchased 34 Rafale-type fighter jets from France, will also purchase 40 F-35s from the US. Undoubtedly, enduring such a high cost will be felt as a burden by Greek citizens. There was no need to emphasize the ammunition, maintenance and operating costs of the F-35s. However, it was necessary to see that the Greek Armed Forces are gaining a qualitative advantage in terms of the balance of air forces with Turkey in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean. The Rafale had superior qualities compared to the F-16 Block 70s in terms of altitude and maneuver. The F-35s, on the other hand, are effective fighter jets in their own class with their low radar silhouette, intelligence capability, network-focused operation and remote ammunition release. Eurofighters have sharper maneuverability than the Rafale, high altitude flight at 42 thousand and 60 thousand feet respectively, and speeds of 1.8 and 2 Mach respectively. But the development that should be taken as a reference in both the establishment of Turkeys air force balance with Greece and the procurement of Eurofighters was not Greeces purchase of Rafales. The search for balance against the Russians Su-35s and Su-57s was a more prioritized topic. According to the German news magazine Der Spiegel, Berlin had authorised major arms deliveries to Ankara, including anti-aircraft missiles worth several hundred million euros. This marked a clear change of direction after Germany drastically reduced its arms exports following Turkish offensives in Syria beginning in 2016. Olaf Scholz and Recep Tayyip Erdogan agreed on many issues, including their determination not to allow the recent optimism in Turkish-German relations to be damaged by deep differences of opinion on the Middle East conflict. Chancellor Scholz and President Erdogan appeared to get along well, and that they also knew which issues would ruin their new friendship. Erdogan acknowledged Scholzs efforts to lift German restrictions on defence sales to Turkey. We wish to leave behind some of the difficulties experienced in the past in the supply of defence industry products and develop our cooperation, Erdogan told reporters, expressing his appreciation for Scholzs efforts to find solutions to the issues. Germany had previously been a large-scale armaments supplier to Turkey, but in recent years, German weapons exports to Turkey have been lower. Sales to Turkey have been controversial in Germany partly due to some of the Turkish governments international actions. After Turkeys initial ground offensive in northern Syria in 2016, German export permits to Ankara were reduced significantly. Scholz stated, "Turkey is a NATO member and therefore we continue to make decisions that will lead to concrete deliveries. This is a matter of course and we have made such decisions recently. And there will be more." Another bone of contention in German-Turkish ties was Israels ongoing war on Gaza. Erdogan on 19 October 2024 accused Israel of committing genocide in its assault on the Gaza Strip. He also called for pressure on Israel so more humanitarian aid can reach Gaza and accused Israel of expansionist policies. Scholz rejected Erdogans genocide accusation, and the German leader said civilian victims on all sides of the conflict should be mourned equally. He called for a ceasefire and the release of captives held by Palestinian armed groups in Gaza. Communications Director Altun responded to the statements made by CHP Chairman Ozel. Altun stated that the claims that Turkey had approved the acceptance of third-country nationals in return for purchasing Eurofighter aircraft were completely false. Presidency Communications Director Fahrettin Altun made a written statement starting with the following words: " In his speech today, we witnessed CHP Chairman Ozgur Ozel reiterating the claims that "refugees are/will be sent from Germany to Turkey by planes", which were denied three times by our Center for Combating Disinformation on different dates." In a statement he made on social media, Altun said , "First of all, there is absolutely no question of an agreement to send citizens of third countries (Syria, Afghanistan, etc.) who do not have a legal right to reside in Germany to Turkey ." "The claims that Turkey approved the acceptance of third-country nationals "in exchange for purchasing Eurofighter aircraft" are completely false," said Altun , responding to the claims that an agreement was made between President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Altun, who stated that they repeatedly stated that CHP Chairman Ozel should not mediate disinformation activities and that the public should be informed correctly, concluded his statement by saying, "It is absolutely out of the question for Turkish citizens to be sent to Turkey "in bulk" and third-country citizens to be sent to Turkey either collectively or individually, for Turkish authorities to accept such a practice, and for an agreement to be signed for this purpose." Agreement October 2025 Turkiye finally reached a deal with the United Kingdom to buy 20 Eurofighter Typhoon jets for almost $11bn, as Ankara seeks to bolster its air defences while it develops its own fifth-generation KAAN fighter planes. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met in Ankara on 27 October 2025 to sign the agreement. The first Typhoons ordered under the agreement were expected to arrive in Ankara in 2030, according to Starmer. The deal will help to sustain a 20,000 strong UK wide workforce, with production lines in Edinburgh, Warton, Salmesbury and Bristol. The Turkish agreement was a major boost for the British order book, representing the biggest fighter jet deal in almost 20 years and saving the Warton production line. The UKs Ministry of Defence described the move as the biggest fighter jet deal in a generation. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: "This landmark agreement with Turkiye is a win for British workers, a win for our defence industry, and a win for NATO security. At either ends of Europe, the UK and Turkiye are vital to tackling the challenges of our time and this will allow our Armed Forces to work even closer together as we deter threats and protect our national interests. Delivering highly skilled, well-paid jobs, including in Warton, Edinburgh and Bristol for years to come, this is yet another example of our Plan for Change in action, driving renewal and opportunity up and down the country." The Typhoon workshare agreement sees more than a third (37%) of each aircraft manufactured in the UK; the rest of each aircraft would be produced by the Eurofighter Partner Nations. The UK jobs include: Nearly 6,000 jobs directly support the Typhoon programme at BAE Systems sites in Warton and Samlesbury, where production and final assembly of each Typhoon fighter jet takes place. The Typhoon programme supports more than 1,100 jobs in the South West region. That includes Rolls-Royce in Bristol producing critical modules and components for Typhoons EJ200 jet engines and acting as main hub for maintenance of the engines. The Typhoon programme supports more than 800 jobs in Scotland. That includes Leonardo in Edinburgh manufacturing the fighter jets cutting-edge radar for identifying enemies. Defence Secretary John Healey, who travelled with the Prime Minister to Ankara to finalise the deal, said: "This is another major export deal for the UK and is the biggest jet exports deal in a generation. It will pump billions of pounds into our economy and keep British Typhoon production lines turning long into the future. This deal goes far beyond the procurement of aircraft. It is the leading edge of the growing defence and industrial partnership between our two nations." Erdogan hailed it as a new symbol of the strategic relations between two close allies. Speaking in Ankara, Starmer said the agreement was also a win for NATO, which counts the UK and Turkiye among its members. This is the southeast flank of NATO, and so having that capability locked in with the United Kingdom is really important for NATO as well, the British prime minister said. "We regard this as a new symbol of the strategic relations between two close allies," Erdogan said after signing the agreement with Starmer at the Presidential Complex in Ankara. The Turkish president said he believes the Eurofighter deal with the UK will open the door to joint defence projects. Erdogan also vowed to boost Turkiye-UK trade to $40 billion and pledged stronger economic ties. We are committed to increasing our trade volume with the United Kingdom, initially to $30 billion and eventually to $40 billion. We are determined to strengthen our economic ties. I thank Prime Minister Starmer and his team for the work carried out by the UK within the Eurofighter Consortium throughout the process. I also express my appreciation to the leaders of other allied countries in the consortium for their constructive approach, he added. Airbus Defence and Space CEO Michael Schoellhorn said the Eurofighter deal could establish a long-term partnership with Turkiye as they scale up production and develop more advanced models with new technologies. So I think if Turkiye becomes part of the Eurofighter club, if I may say, there are a lot of user groups that we have where the users come together, they exchange ideas, you learn together, you learn faster. And we interface as an industry with these user groups so that we can provide solutions that the users really want. So it's much more than just buying an aircraft, he said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 28 October 2025 - Day 1343 Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. "To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal] The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that in total, since the beginning of this day, there have been 135 combat clashes. Russian Zagarbniki made 38 aviation strikes, dropping 90 controlled air bombs. In addition, the Russians have engaged 2740 kamikaze drones and carried out 2973 shelling positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements. In the North Slobozhansky and Kursky directions, Ukrainian soldiers repelled two Russian assault actions since the beginning of the day. Also the enemy made eight air strikes, while dropping 21 controlled air bombs, carried out 151 shelling, seven of which are from jet systems of salpovogo fire. In the South Slobozhansky direction, the Russian enemy attacked the positions of Ukrainian defenders five times in the settlements of Vovchansk and Kamyanka. Two attacks are still going on. In the Kupyansky direction, Russian units carried out five assault actions, trying to break through the positions of Ukrainian defenders in the area of the Pishnnya settlement and towards Shiykivka. In the Lyman direction since the beginning of the day, Russian invaders attacked 10 times the positions of Ukrainians in the areas of the settlements of Green Gai, Derylove, Novoselivka and towards the settlements of Korovy Yar, Drobisheve. Still in four locations, the fights continue. In the Slovak direction, the Russian enemy tried to break through the areas of the settlements Yampil, Dronivka, Serebryanka and Grigorivka six times. In the Kramators komu direction, two confrontations were recorded, the Russian enemy's units tried to advance in the direction of virolubivka and fedorivka. In the direction of Konstantiniv, Russians 17 times attacked the positions of Defense Forces. The efforts of the attack were concentrated in the areas of scherbinivka, Rusynogo Yar, Yablunivka, Stepanivka and Sofiyivka. The two clashes are still ongoing. Since the beginning of the day in the Pokrovsky direction, Russian units 45 times tried to break through Ukrainian defense in the areas of settlements Shahove, New Shahove, Chervony Lyman, Rodinske, Novoekonomicne, Lisivka, Novopavlivka, Pokrovsk, Mirolubivka, Mirnograd, Zvirove, Kotline, Udaachne, Molodetske, Dachne, Philia. In some locations the fighting does not stop. Defense forces deter enemy attacks, the Russian enemy suffers significant losses - today 113 Russian occupants have been defecated in this direction, 83 of which are irrevocable. Ukrainian defenders destroyed one motorcycle, 11 bpla and seven coverings of the occupiers' personnel. Two personnel shelters, four automobile units and one special equipment unit were also significantly damaged. In the Oleksandrivsky direction, Ukrainian units stopped 18 Russian attacks on the positions of Ukrainian troops in the areas of settlements Green Gai, Sosnivka, Verbove, Uspenivka, Novogrigorivka, Rybne, Pavlivka, Vyshneve, two more combat clashes are ongoing so far. Novooleksandrivka suffered an aviation strike. In the Gulyajpils .komu direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled seven attempts of Russian units to advance in the areas of Novomikolaivka and Lugivsky. The enemy's aviation hit Rivnopill , Uspenivci, Bilogiru and Zaliznychnou. In the Orihivsky direction, the Russian harbinger seven times tried to advance in the area of the settlements of Scherbaka, Stepovo and in the direction of Novoandriivka and Novodanilivka. Nuts suffered air strikes from the enemy. In the pridniprovsky direction, Russian forces made three unsuccessful attempts of offense, suffered losses. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation. Units of the Sever Group of Forces inflicted losses on formations of two mechanised brigades, one jaeger brigade, one assault brigade, one assault regiment of the AFU, and two territorial defence brigades close to Pavlovka, Kondratovka, Varachino, Iskriskovshchina, and Sadki (Sumy region). In Kharkov direction, units of one AFU motorised infantry brigade near Volchansk (Kharkov region) were hit. AFU losses amounted to up to 205 troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, 10 motor vehicles, and one artillery gun have been neutralised. Four electronic warfare and counter-fire stations and six ammunition and materiel depots were neutralised. Units of the Zapad Group of Forces improved the tactical situation. Russian formations engaged three mechanised, two assault brigades of the AFU, one territorial defence brigade, and one national guard brigade near Shiykovka, Novosergeyevka (Kharkov region), Krasny Liman, Drobyshevo, and Yampol (Donetsk People's Republic). Units of the 6th Army continued to encircle an AFU group near Kupyansk (Kharkov region). In Petropavlovka (Kharkov region), 40 buildings were mopped up from Ukrainian militants. A group of servicemen of the 1st National Guard Brigade attempting to cross the Oskol River on six boats was neutralised. Two attempts to unblock an enemy group from the direction of Nechvolodovka (Kharkov region) were prevented. Up to 50 Ukrainian troops, one Kozak armoured fighting vehicle, and four pickup trucks have been neutralised in this area. More than 220 troops, four armoured fighting vehicles, including three NATO-made vehicles, 23 motor vehicles, and one artillery gun have been neutralised in the Zapad Group's area of responsibility during the day. Eight electronic warfare stations and four ammunition depots were neutralised. Units of the Yug Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions. Russian troops hit four mechanised brigades, one motorised infantry brigade, one assault brigade of the AFU, one marine brigade, one territorial defence brigade, and one national guard brigade near Seversk, Platonovka, Bondarnoye, Verolyubovka, Ivanopolye, and Konstantinovka (Donetsk People's Republic). The AFU losses amounted to up to 210 troops, seven armoured fighting vehicles, 22 motor vehicles, and five field artillery guns, including three Western-made ones. One electronic warfare station, two ammunition depots, and one POL depot were neutralised. Units of the Tsentr Group of Forces improved the situation along the front line. Seven mechanised brigades, one infantry brigade, one airmobile brigade, one air assault brigade, three assault brigades, three assault regiments of the AFU, one marine brigade, and two national guard brigades have been hit close to Rodinskoye, Volnoye, Belitskoye, Kotlino (Donetsk People's Republic) and Novopodgorodnoye (Dnepropetrovsk region). In Krasnoarmeysk (Donetsk People's Republic), units of the 2nd Army continue to destroy encircled AFU units in an urban area south of a railway, as well as near a railway station. The subdistrict of Troyanda has been completely mopped up from Ukrainian militants. Assault groups of the 5th Separate Motorised Rifle Brigade of the 51st Army, advancing in the eastern part of Dimitrov (Donetsk People's Republic), inflicted losses on AFU units and pushed them out from positions in the area of Mine 5/6. The enemy's attempt to counterattack on armoured vehicles from the direction of Grishino (Donetsk People's Republic) to unblock an encircled group of the AFU has been thwarted. Three attempts of Ukrainian armed formations to escape from the encirclement in a northern direction have been thwarted. More than 180 troops, three armoured fighting vehicles, and two pickup trucks were neutralised. More than 480 troops, four armoured fighting vehicles, four motor vehicles, and one U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzer of the enemy have been neutralised in the Tsentr Group's area of responsibility. The Vostok Group of Forces continued advancing to the depth of the enemy's defences. Troops of one mechanised brigade, two assault regiments of the AFU, and two territorial defence brigades have been hit near Vishnevoye, Rybnoye, Uspenovka and Novoye (Zaporozhye region). The AFU losses amounted to up to 265 troops, five armoured fighting vehicles, 17 motor vehicles, two artillery guns, and one materiel depot. Units of the Dnepr Group of Forces inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of one mechanised brigade, one mountain assault brigade and two coastal defence brigades of the AFU close to Orekhov, Pavlovka, Primorskoye (Zaporozhye region), Nikolskoye and Antonovka (Kherson region). Up to 40 troops, one armoured fighting vehicle, 11 motor vehicles, one electronic warfare station, and two materiel depots have been neutralised. Operational-tactical aviation, attack drones, missile troops and artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces have inflicted damage on energy facilities, which supported the Ukrainian defence industry enterprises, a military airfield, a train with weapons and hardware of the AFU, production workshops, storage and launch sites of unmanned aerial vehicles, and temporary deployment areas of Ukrainian armed formations in 158 areas. Air defence units shot down 124 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles. In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, 668 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 93,049 unmanned aerial vehicles, 633 anti-aircraft missile systems, 25,733 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,607 MLRS combat vehicles, 30,854 field artillery guns and mortars, and 45,132 units of support military vehicles have been neutralised. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press release on the UN Convention against Cybercrime Signing Ceremony and High-Level Conference in Hanoi (Vietnam), October 25-26, 2025 28 October 2025 09:15 1789-28-10-2025 On October 25-26 in Hanoi, authorised representatives of 71 states signed the UN Convention against Cybercrime (the "Convention"). As per Executive order No. 409-rp by President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin dated October 23, 2025, Prosecutor General of the Russian Federation Alexander Gutsan signed the Convention and read out Vladimir Putin's greetings to ceremony participants and guests. The message stated that, despite the complicated international situation, diplomats and representatives of law enforcement agencies from the UN member states have succeeded in consolidating their efforts for the approval of the Convention. It was also stressed that the Convention is designed to counter one of the global challenges of modern times, which is unlawful activity in the digital space. Cybercrime is often closely bound to terrorism and propaganda of extremist ideology, drug and arms trafficking, posing a serious security threat to individuals and entire states. As emphasised in Vladimir Putin's address, the Signing Ceremony is a historic event that became possible thanks to the support by the majority of nations for the initiative proposed by Russia in 2019 to develop a universal international agreement on countering the use of information and communication technologies for criminal purposes. In Hanoi, the Russian delegation also held consultations with like-minded nations and discussed earlier announced multilateral events related to the execution of the Convention, the launch and improvement of implementation mechanisms. Russian diplomats and representatives of other agencies, developers of information and communication technologies, and members of the scientific and research community are committed to strengthening international cooperation further and adhering to the principle of the sovereign equality of states, including in cyberspace, as stipulated by the UN Charter. Russia urges all United Nations member states to sign and ratify the UN Convention against Cybercrime to ensure its immediate execution. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Doorstop - Kuala Lumpur Transcript Tuesday 28 October 2025 Prime Minister Anthony Albanese The Hon Anthony Albanese MP Prime Minister of Australia ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: I've just had the enormous pleasure of meeting young people from throughout the ASEAN region who are receiving support with the Australian Leaders Dialogue Program that we have with ASEAN, bringing together people from all of the countries of ASEAN to engage with each other, and importantly, as well, to engage with Australia. They visited Parliament House just a few weeks ago, and I got to see them there when they were walking around Parliament and engaging in Canberra. At the end of the day, what the world needs is more interaction, more cooperation, more engagement on peace and security, dealing with the challenge but also the opportunity of climate change. And these are young people who are optimistic about the world's future and who are helping to create that better future for the entire region. JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, what will your message be to ASEAN this afternoon, particularly about responsibility for regional security? PRIME MINISTER: My message this afternoon to ASEAN leaders is that we need to uphold the international rules and norms. We need to as well, engage with each other. This is the fastest growing region of the world in human history. If we have more cooperation, more engagement, more free and fair trade, then that represents an opportunity for the entire region. From Australia's perspective, what we want to do is to be more engaged in this region. In recent years, we've doubled our trade with this region, that means more jobs for Australians, more economic activity in Australia, as well as a more prosperous and secure region. We have three pillars of our foreign policy - our engagement and alliance with the United States, our engagement with our region, but also our support for multilateral forums - and that's why this positive engagement is so important. The fifth Australia-ASEAN Summit this afternoon will be an opportunity for that. It will also build on the bilateral meetings I have this morning with the leaders of the Philippines and Thailand, and last night as well, there was an opportunity for me to engage with the leaders in our region. We have a new Prime Minister of Thailand who I was able to meet informally with last night. These relations are all important for Australia as we go forward. JOURNALIST: There are growing prospects that China may back off what's on its rare earths export controls as part of a US deal on Thursday. Do you anticipate they'll change anything about the critical minerals deal we signed to the White House last week? PRIME MINISTER: Our deal is a good deal for Australia and for the United States. Critical minerals and rare earths as an opportunity for Australians to benefit Australians to have more jobs, to have more, not just resource extraction, but value adding as well with processing. This is all important for Australia as we go forward, and we will engage, and I think, continue to see more investment, which is about setting ourselves up for success in coming years and decades. These rare earths and critical minerals are what will power the global economy this century, and just as Australia has benefited from resources in the last century, such as iron ore, that will continue, but we need to diversify our trade and where we get that economic growth and activity from, and that's why we're doing this. JOURNALIST: President Trump is in Tokyo, and he's meeting with the new Prime Minister. You met her the other day. What did she have to say about AUKUS? And are we looking at the possibility of JAUKUS? PRIME MINISTER: AUKUS is an arrangement between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, and we're very much focused on delivering that and getting that right. And significant advances have been made in that, as President Trump made clear. The meeting I had with the new Japanese Prime Minister was very positive and constructive. I'll see her again. She will be at APEC. She has invited me to come to Japan. Of course, some Mogami frigates that we are purchasing from Japan are going to be very important. And that process, as well, is a separate one, where we not only will be purchasing frigates, we'll be producing frigates as well in Western Australia, with the support and know how as well of our friends in Japan. All of this is very positive going forward. Thanks very much. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Foreign Minister of the Republic of Belarus Maxim Ryzhenkov 28 October 2025 10:30 1790-28-10-2025 On October 27, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a meeting with Foreign Minister of the Republic of Belarus Maxim Ryzhenkov on the sidelines of the 3rd Minsk International Conference on Eurasian Security. The ministers had a detailed discussion of current issues related to bilateral cooperation and interaction between the foreign ministries, including the reciprocal expansion of diplomatic missions and preparations for the annual joint meeting of the Foreign Ministry Boards of Russia and Belarus, scheduled for late November. They paid special attention to issues of diplomatic support for integration within the Union State, with a focus on creating a common humanitarian space and ensuring the equal rights of citizens of Russia and Belarus. Taking concurrent positions, the ministers exchanged views on several international topics. They agreed that the two sides would continue supporting each other at multilateral platforms and maintain close foreign policy coordination, including with the aim of counteracting the collective West's sanctions and legal aggression. The parties reaffirmed their resolve to step up efforts directed at promoting the Russian initiative to create a new security and cooperation architecture in Eurasia as well as the Belarusian idea, now a joint project, to draw up a Eurasian Charter of Diversity and Multipolarity in the 21st Century. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Wang Yi Has a Phone Call with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: October 27, 2025 22:11 On October 27, 2025, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone call with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Wang Yi said that China-U.S. relations have a bearing on the world, and a sound, stable and sustainable bilateral relationship serves the long-term interests of both countries and meets the common expectations of the international community. President Xi Jinping and President Donald J. Trump are both global leaders. Their long-term interactions and mutual respect have become the most valuable strategic asset in China-U.S. relations. Earlier, China-U.S. economic and trade ties have encountered new frictions. Through the economic and trade talks in Kuala Lumpur, the two sides clarified their positions, enhanced mutual understanding, and reached a framework consensus on addressing the current urgent economic and trade issues on an equal footing. This once again proves that it is possible to stabilize and advance the bilateral relationship as long as the two sides fully implement the important common understandings reached by the two heads of state, uphold the spirit of equality, respect and mutual benefit, stay committed to resolving differences through dialogue, and avoid resorting to pressure. Wang Yi expressed the hope that the two sides will work in the same direction to pave the way for high-level interactions between China and the United States, and create conditions for the development of bilateral relations. Marco Rubio said the U.S.-China relationship is the most important bilateral relationship in the world, and he looks forward to sending a positive signal to the world through high-level interactions. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA Navy taskforce arrives in Singapore, launching 4-day goodwill exchanges after Cambodia, Thailand visits Global Times By Global Times Published: Oct 28, 2025 11:44 AM The Chinese PLA Navy's 83rd taskforce, consisting of the training ship Qi Jiguang and the comprehensive landing ship Yimengshan, arrived at Singapore's Changi Naval Base on Tuesday, officially commencing a four-day goodwill visit to Singapore. Chinese Ambassador to Singapore Cao Zhongming, embassy officials and staff, representatives of local Chinese students, and representatives of the Singapore Navy held a welcome ceremony at the pier to jointly greet the arrival of the task group, according to the China Central Television (CCTV). PLA officers and sailors of the task group will visit Singapore Navy military facilities and the Singapore Navy Museum. During the port call, the Qi Jiguang will also host a deck reception. According to CCTV News, the navies of China and Singapore will conduct practical and efficient military exchanges and send officers and sailors to visit each other's ships. PLA Navy taskforce's exchanges activities in Singapore came after their goodwill visits to Cambodia and Thailand, two ASEAN partners of China. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Full text: Address by Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the 20th East Asia Summit Global Times By Xinhua Published: Oct 28, 2025 11:39 AM Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Monday delivered a speech at the 20th East Asia Summit. The following is the full text of the speech: Address by H.E. Li Qiang Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China At the 20th East Asia Summit Malaysia, October 27, 2025 Honorable Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Colleagues, It gives me great pleasure to attend the 20th East Asia Summit (EAS) in Kuala Lumpur. I would like to thank Prime Minister Anwar and the Malaysian government for the meticulous arrangements. Twenty years ago, the EAS was inaugurated in Kuala Lumpur. Upon reading the declaration of the first summit, we can easily discern the EAS purpose: strengthening cooperation in the spirit of equality and partnership, observing the U.N. Charter and other norms of international law, ensuring the effective functioning of multilateral systems, and improving people's well-being. The constructive role of the EAS on the whole in promoting the steady and rapid development of our region over the past two decades is mainly attributable to the implementation of this founding mission. At present, the international landscape continues to undergo profound changes. The world is in a new period of turbulence and transformation, with new risks and challenges facing peace and development. Against that background, President Xi Jinping has formally put forward the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) to address changes in the world and tackle pressing problems, highlighting the imperative of adhering to sovereign equality, abiding by international rule of law, practicing multilateralism, advocating the people-centered approach and focusing on taking real actions. This is very relevant in today's world, and is fully consistent with the EAS founding mission. China will work with all parties to ensure that this mission is observed, and take vigorous actions to promote the GGI to boost peace and development of our region. We should continuously build extensive consensus. Absent common understanding on some very basics, countries would hardly make good progress in their communication, consultations or business exchanges. History tells us that some common values that humanity has fostered over millennia, such as mutual respect, equality, fairness and justice, underpin both people-to-people and state-to-state interactions. To address the global transformation unseen in a century, we need to have a clearheaded and sensible judgment about the trajectory of the future. Among many others, the trend toward economic globalization and multipolarity is irreversible, and the world must not slip back to the law of the jungle where the strong prey on the weak. Only when we embrace these basic understandings that are consistent with the common values of humanity and the trend of history, can we make the right decision at this critical juncture and move ahead in the right direction. We should focus on solving prominent issues. In recent years, protectionism of various forms has undermined international economic and trade cooperation and inflicted greater losses on developing countries. Our region is home to a large number of developing countries. Growing the economy and improving people's lives is a priority for us, and overcoming the impact of protectionism and strengthening internal growth momentum is a pressing issue we face. This means we should more firmly uphold the free trade regime, create a high-standard regional free trade network, and vigorously and effectively advance regional integration. We should also do more together to improve people's well-being and achieve inclusive development for all. We should reform and improve the system of norms. The world today faces increasing chaos and turbulence, which has exerted a major impact on our region. An important cause of this is the erosion of the system of international norms. The more volatile the world becomes, the more imperative it is for us to uphold the authority of international law. We should all observe rules. In particular, we should jointly safeguard the U.N.-centered international system, support ASEAN centrality in the regional architecture, and promote cooperation in our region. At the same time, we should also actively promote reform and build a more just and equitable global governance system so as to better safeguard the interests of all. As a saying goes, when you are clear about the direction to go, you can surely reach your destination, no matter how far away it is. China is ready to work in concert and pursue practical cooperation with all parties to promote peace, development and prosperity both in our region and across the world. Thank you! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China safeguards intl nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime: FM spokesperson Global Times By Global Times Published: Oct 28, 2025 05:56 PM Chinese Foreign Ministry on Tuesday reiterated China's commitment to safeguard the international nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime when asked to comment on positive remarks by Robert Floyd, executive secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), over China's role in this regard. Floyd posted on social media that 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of the conclusion of the CTBT. He noted that China signed the treaty on day one it was opened for signature and has actively advance certification of its segment of the International Monitoring System. China's launch of the certification process for two auxiliary seismic stations demonstrates its commitment to multilateralism and global peace and security. In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Tuesday that at China's invitation, Floyd visited China from October 20 to 25. During his visit, Floyd held meetings with officials from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of National Defense, the China Earthquake Administration and local governments. Floyd also attended the launch ceremony for the certification and acceptance of China's auxiliary seismic stations in Xi'an and Shanghai, and presented the certification certificate for the Kunming infrasound station. As one of the first signatories to the treaty, China has been fully engaged in the work of the CTBTO Preparatory Commission and steadily advanced preparations for fulfilling its obligations. In recent years, China and the Provisional Technical Secretariat have achieved important cooperation outcomes in advancing the certification and acceptance of monitoring stations and strengthening capacity-building for developing countries. This reflects China's consistent stance of earnestly fulfilling its international obligations and firmly supporting the treaty, Guo said. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council and responsible nuclear-weapon state, China has always adhered to the path of peaceful development, pursued a policy of no first use of nuclear weapons and upheld a defensive nuclear strategy for self-defense. It has always maintained its nuclear capabilities at the minimum level required for national security and abided by its commitment to a moratorium on nuclear tests. China will work with all parties to jointly uphold the authority of the treaty and safeguard the international nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime, the spokesperson said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun's Regular Press Conference on October 28, 2025 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: October 28, 2025 19:34 Xinhua News Agency: The leaders' meetings on East Asian cooperation were successfully held in Kuala Lumpur. Can you share details about Premier Li Qiang's participation in the meetings and the outcomes and highlights? Guo Jiakun: From October 27 to 28, Premier Li Qiang attended the leaders' meetings on East Asian cooperation and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Summit in Kuala Lumpur. The meetings achieved positive outcomes. Premier Li Qiang congratulated Timor-Leste for officially joining the ASEAN family and witnessed the signing of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade Protocol together with Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia, ASEAN's rotating chair. At the China-ASEAN Summit, Premier Li Qiang noted that China and ASEAN countries need to stand more firmly for solidarity and strength, pool greater effort, resist external disruptions, defend our legitimate rights and interests through mutual support and coordinated actions, promote steady and sound economic growth through complementary cooperation, consolidate strategic mutual trust, work for deeper convergence of interests, build closer bond, and continue to promote the building of an even closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future. Participating leaders of ASEAN countries noted that the ASEAN-China relationship has set an example of regional cooperation based on mutual respect and for mutual benefit, and expressed the readiness to bring the ASEAN-China comprehensive strategic partnership to a higher level. At the ASEAN Plus Three Summit, Premier Li Qiang stressed that openness and cooperation is a valuable experience East Asian countries gained and refined through hard work. It must be cherished and upheld. The East Asian miracles are not behind us, but ahead of us as an unfolding reality. China stands ready to work with all parties to seek greater synergy of development strategies, uphold openness and cooperation, continue unleashing economic potential, foster an environment conducive to regional development, deepen collaboration on industrial and supply chains, jointly cultivate new drivers of development and broaden development space. The summit adopted the Statement on Strengthening Regional Economic and Financial Cooperation. Participating leaders noted that amid rising uncertainties in the international situation and trade protectionism, parties need to strengthen solidarity and coordination, have a greater sense of regional community, foster a peaceful and stable environment, uphold the multilateral trading system, stay committed to openness and mutual benefit and work to achieve innovation-driven, inclusive and sustainable development. At the RCEP Summit, Premier Li Qiang spoke highly of RCEP's role and implementation results, and pointed out that RCEP parties need to have closer coordination, build a big regional market with a more open mind, improve and upgrade RCEP through more proactive actions, and uphold the multilateral trading system with greater resolve. China stands ready to work with various parties to pool wisdom and strength, strive for more practical outcomes of RCEP cooperation, and jointly create a better future of common prosperity. The summit adopted the Joint Leaders' Statement. Participating leaders recognized the important role of RCEP as the world's biggest free trade arrangement and noted that we need to strengthen mechanism building, draw in more members, keep unleashing potential and achieve more substantive outcomes. AFP: Delegations from the EU and China will meet in Brussels on Thursday for talks on rare earths. What is China's posture heading into these talks? Is China prepared to ease export controls on rare earths or offer any other concessions? Guo Jiakun: China-EU economic and trade relations are shaped by their mutual complementarity and are win-win in nature. We hope the EU will honor its commitment of supporting free trade and opposing trade protectionism, and refrain from resorting to restrictive measures. Instead, the EU needs to properly address trade differences through dialogue and consultation, provide an open, transparent and non-discriminatory environment for businesses from all countries, and take concrete actions to uphold the principles of market economy and WTO rules. For anything specific, I'd refer you to competent authorities. Nippon TV: Japanese and U.S. leaders met for the first time and they had a meeting today. They have confirmed strengthening U.S.-Japan alliance. What is China's comment? Guo Jiakun: The Asia-Pacific is a stellar example of peace and development. The growth of bilateral relations and security cooperation between the U.S. and Japan need to be conducive to regional peace and stability, rather than the other way around. Given Japan's history of militarist aggression during the last century, Japan's military and security moves have been closely watched by its Asian neighbors and the international community. This year marks the 80th Anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. We urge Japan to respect its neighboring countries' security concerns, deeply reflect on its history of aggression, stick to the path of peaceful development, and earn the trust of its Asian neighbors and the wider international community through concrete actions. Reuters: Taiwan's Lin Chia-lung said that he was not worried that U.S. President Donald Trump would "abandon" the island at his upcoming meeting with Chinese leader, and he said "Taiwan-U.S. relations are very stable," hence why he is not concerned. How does China view this? Guo Jiakun: Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. The biggest threat to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait at present is the separatist activities of "Taiwan independence" forces and the external connivance and support they receive. China firmly opposes any official interaction between the U.S. and China's Taiwan region in any form. We call on the U.S. to abide by the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques and exercise extra prudence regarding the Taiwan question. The DPP authorities continues to seek foreign support for "Taiwan independence" and use all kinds of platforms to peddle separatist narratives, spread disinformation and mislead the public. Their moves are rather disgraceful and bound to fail. Nothing the DPP authorities say or do will ever change the historical and legal fact that Taiwan is part of China's territory, still less the inevitability of China's reunification. China News Service: Recently, ten former leaders from Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states, including former Prime Minister Patterson of Jamaica and former President Ramotar of Guyana, issued a joint statement expressing deep concern over military operations by a certain country in the Caribbean Sea. They reaffirmed the region's status as a Zone of Peace for over 50 years, and pointed out that the United States should combat drug trafficking within the framework of the rule of law, rather than greenlighting extrajudicial executions. Prior to this, experts of the Human Rights Council's Special Procedures and Caribbean media commentators also argued that U.S. military actions constitute the crime of extrajudicial execution. What is China's comment on this? Guo Jiakun: We noted relevant statement. We hope that the U.S. side will listen to the strong call of Caribbean nations and the international community, cease actions that undermine the peace and stability of the Caribbean region, and return to the path of conducting normal law enforcement and judicial cooperation within bilateral and multilateral legal frameworks. Brasil de Fato: On Sunday, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in an interview that China "never imposed" rare earth export controls and he also implied that the threat to impose 100 percent tariffs on China made by President Trump played a role in the negotiations. Did the Chinese government suspend or is it planning to suspend these rare earths export controls? Did the U.S. tariff threats influence the discussions in Kuala Lumpur as Scott Bessent implied? Guo Jiakun: For anything specific, I'd refer you to competent authorities. On the policy of rare earth export controls, China has made its position clear on multiple occasions. Our measures aim to standardize and refine the export control system, which is in line with common practices. China does so in order to better maintain world peace and regional stability and to fulfill non-proliferation and other international obligations. We stand ready to work with the rest of the world to step up export control dialogue and exchange, so as to better keep global industrial and supply chains secure and stable. On the China-US economic and trade consultation, China has released a readout, which you may refer to. Reuters: The first direct flight between China and India in more than five years landed in Guangzhou on Monday, in the sign of improving bilateral ties. Would the Foreign Ministry say that other aspects of China-India relations remain "frozen?" Chinese media said that China is essentially "unilaterally opening up" to India. Is that an accurate assessment? Guo Jiakun: We generally do not respond to media comments or interpretations. The resumption of direct flights between the Chinese mainland and India represents a latest progress in the two sides' faithful implementation on the important common understandings reached between the leaders of the two countries in Tianjin. It is also an active move that facilitates the friendly exchanges of over 2.8 billion Chinese and Indian people. China stands ready to work with India to view and handle bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, and move forward relations on a sustained, sound and steady track so as to deliver more tangibly for the two countries and peoples and make greater contributions to upholding peace and prosperity in Asia and beyond. BBC: About the ongoing controversy in Britain regarding these so-called spies who have been accused of providing information to China which has been leaked from the British government, Is the Chinese government worried that this is harming the relations between China and the UK and possibly souring China's reputation with people in Britain? Guo Jiakun: China has repeatedly stated its position on relevant issues. We firmly oppose spreading disinformation about so-called "Chinese spy activities" and vilifying and smearing China. Regarding China-UK relations, China's position on developing bilateral ties is consistent. The basis of developing China-UK relations is mutual respect, and efforts to advance cooperation is mutually beneficial in nature. The UK should correctly view this. Some individuals are bent on peddling the "China threat" narrative and view cooperation as a zero-sum game. If the UK allows anti-China forces to oppose everything related to China and make reckless provocations, it will only backfire. Brasil de Fato: Yesterday in Kuala Lumpur, Brazilian President Lula said that he supports Malaysia's aspiration to become a full member of BRICS. Does China share President Lula's position and support Malaysia's bid for full BRICS membership? Guo Jiakun: BRICS is an important platform for cooperation among emerging economies and developing countries and source of strong impetus for multipolarity and greater democracy in international relations. The platform is widely recognized by Global South countries. BRICS countries value Global South partners' positive willingness to join BRICS cooperation. We welcome Malaysia and more like-minded partners to join BRICS cooperation and jointly work for a more just and equitable international order. Beijing Youth Daily: Executive Secretary Robert Floyd of the Provisional Technical Secretariat of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty CTBTOrganization (hereinafter referred to as the Treaty) stated on social media that 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of the Treaty. China signed the Treaty on the very first day it opened for signature and has actively advanced work such as the certification of international monitoring stations. China's initiation of the certification process for two auxiliary seismic stations demonstrates its commitment to multilateralism and its dedication to global peace and security. What is China's comment on this? Guo Jiakun: At the invitation of China, Executive Secretary Robert Floyd visited China from October 20 to 25. During the visit, he met with officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of National Defense, the China Earthquake Administration, and local governments. He also attended the launch ceremony for the certification and acceptance of the auxiliary seismic stations in Xi'an and Shanghai, and presented the certification for the Kunming infrasound station. As one of the first signatories to the Treaty, China has participated fully in the work of the Preparatory Commission and steadily advanced preparations for the implementation of the Treaty. In recent years, China and the Provisional Technical Secretariat have achieved significant cooperation outcomes in areas such as promoting the certification and acceptance of monitoring stations and enhancing capacity building for developing countries. This demonstrates China's consistent stance of earnestly fulfilling its international obligations and firmly supporting the Treaty. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a responsible nuclear-weapon state, China is committed to peaceful development and follows a policy of "no first use" of nuclear weapons and a nuclear strategy that focuses on self-defense. China always keeps its nuclear strength at the minimum level required by national security. China has faithfully honored its moratorium on nuclear testing. We will work with all parties to uphold the authority of the Treaty and safeguard the international nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime. AFP: Just one quick follow-up to the meeting between Donald Trump and the Japanese Prime Minister, they also said they signed an agreement on cooperation on rare earths securing the supply of them. Does China have any comment on this specific part of their agreement? Guo Jiakun: We just answered relevant questions. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press Statement on Talks of Foreign Ministers of DPRK and Russia Released Korean Central News Agency of DPRK Pyongyang, October 28 (KCNA) -- A press statement on the talks between the foreign ministers of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Russian Federation was released on October 27. The press statement is as follows: Talks between Choe Son Hui, foreign minister of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and Sergey Lavrov, foreign minister of the Russian Federation, were held in Moscow on Oct. 27 at a time when the strategic and alliance character of the relations between the two countries has been further consolidated and their might and vitality have been fully demonstrated under the outstanding and seasoned guidance of the heads of state of the two countries. At the talks, they had constructive and beneficial strategic communication with the main emphasis on the results of implementation of the top-level agreement between the heads of state, the high-level visits and multi-faceted cooperation plan between the two countries and diplomatic coordination on the major pending international issues of common concern, and they reached a consensus of views on all the issues discussed. Recognizing that the comradely relations of friendship between the heads of state of both countries serve as the most powerful driving force guaranteeing the solidity and future purposefulness of the development of the DPRK-Russia relations, both sides reaffirmed their will to accelerate the multifaceted development of the bilateral relations under the strategic leadership at the highest level. The Russian side expressed full support for the DPRK side's efforts and measures to firmly defend the state's present position, security interests and sovereign rights, and the DPRK side expressed invariable sympathy and support for all the measures taken by the Russian side to remove the root cause of the Ukrainian dispute and attain the strategic goal of special military operations. -0- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address DPRK Missile Administration Conducts Test-fire of Sea-to-Surface Strategic Cruise Missiles Korean Central News Agency of DPRK Pyongyang, October 29 (KCNA) -- The Missile Administration of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea conducted a test-fire of sea-to-surface strategic cruise missiles in the West Sea of Korea on October 28. Pak Jong Chon, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, Kim Jong Sik, member of the Central Military Commission and first vice department director of the Central Committee of the WPK, Jang Chang Ha, general director of the Missile Administration of the DPRK, the vice commander of Armaments of the Navy of the Korean People's Army and engineers of the shipboard weapon systems oversaw the test-fire. The cruise missiles, improved for the launch from the ship, were fired vertically and flew for over 7 800 seconds along the preset route above the West Sea to destroy the target. The vice-chairman of the Party Central Military Commission said: Important successes are being made in putting our nuclear forces on a practical basis according to the strategic plan of the Party Central Committee for steadily expanding the sphere of application of the war deterrents. It is an extension of exercising the war deterrent and an act of exercising it in a more responsible manner to continuously test the reliability of different strategic offensive means and impress their abilities upon the enemies. The head of state has already defined that the deterrent guaranteed by powerful offensive power is just the most perfect war deterrent and defence capability. We should steadily update our combat capability. In particular, it is our responsible mission and duty to ceaselessly toughen the nuclear combat posture. On the same day he learned about the training of the sailors of the destroyers Choe Hyon and Kang Kon for operating the ships and their weapon systems and assigned relevant tasks for further raising the military and practical qualifications of the sailors. -0- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Border security, water rights on agenda of deputy FM's visit to Afghanistan: Spokesperson IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Oct 28, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei says Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi visited Afghanistan to discuss several issues that remain on the agenda of relations between the two countries, including border security. Baqaei made the remark during his weekly press briefing in Tehran on Tuesday, two days after the deputy foreign minister's visit to neighboring Afghanistan. "Mr. Gharibabadi's trip was aimed at discussing several issues that remain on the agenda of relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Afghanistan. These issues include border security, water rights, as well as legal and judicial cooperation. All these three issues were specifically discussed during meetings with relevant Afghan officials," the spokesperson explained while responding to IRNA's correspondent. He added that Gharibabadi and Afghan officials also agreed to resume the implementation of a plan to renovate border signs, which had been suspended for a long time. Constructive talks were also held on ways to counter unauthorized movements, drug and human trafficking, and other forms of transnational organized crime, Baqaei said, expressing hope that the latest discussions would facilitate broader interactions between the two countries in various fields. Iran-IAEA cooperation Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has claimed that behind-the-scenes negotiations are underway to resume inspections of Iran's nuclear sites. That was raised by a reporter at the briefing, who asked for the Iranian Foreign Ministry's stance. "I personally have not heard this from Mr. Grossi," said the spokesperson, adding that Iran's cooperation with the IAEA is in accordance with a law approved by the Iranian Parliament in the summer following the June strikes by Israel and the United States on the country's nuclear sites. Baqaei also said that Iran remains committed to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Safeguards Agreement. Mahdieh Esfandyari's detention case The spokesperson expressed hope that Iranian national Mahdieh Esfandyari, who has been detained in France since February on alleged charges of promoting terrorism online, will return to Iran soon. She has been released under judicial supervision following a court ruling on Wednesday, October 22, he said, adding that Iran is now awaiting the next court session. Baqaei said that Tehran welcomes Esfandyari's conditional release and hopes that she will return to Iran soon, as she was arrested without any logical reason. US military threats in the Caribbean Iran considers the United States' military movements in the Caribbean region a blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter, which constitute a dangerous development against peace and security in that region, the Iranian diplomat said. The entire international community is concerned about the US military moves in the Caribbean, he added, emphasizing that one of the main principles of international law is the prevention of the use or threat of force, and respect for countries' sovereignty and territorial integrity. Unfortunately, these principles are being violated in different parts of the world, including in some Latin American countries, under various pretexts such as fighting drug trafficking, Baqaei said, referring to the US military threats against Venezuela under the pretext of combating drugs. Syria developments Developments in Syria are ongoing, and the country, as a key regional player, plays a significant role in maintaining peace and security in West Asia, Baqaei said. He added that this is why Iran continues its consultations with regional partners and other countries involved in the Syrian issue. The recent visit of Russia's special envoy for Syrian affairs to Tehran took place as part of those consultations, he noted. ECO ministerial meeting in Tehran According to the Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Tehran is hosting the meeting of interior ministers of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) on Monday and Tuesday. Border cooperation, countering transnational organized crime, and combating terrorism are among the main issues discussed at the meeting, he said. Baqaei added that a delegation from Afghanistan's Taliban government is in attendance, while the interior ministers of Iraq and Oman are participating as special guests. US-Israeli attempts against the ICJ The International Court of Justice (ICJ), on October 22, ruled that Israel has violated the UN's immunities as set out in the world body's Charter, and ignored its humanitarian obligations as an occupying power under the Geneva conventions in Gaza. The ICJ said that Israel must allow aid into Gaza, a ruling that was rejected by the US State Department. Commenting on that issue, Baqaei said that the nature of the United States' stance toward the ICJ's ruling is, in fact, an attempt to reinforce and perpetuate the policy of impunity for the Israeli regime. "The fact that the US reacts to any action or criticism from the international community and global institutions regarding the conduct of the Zionist regime, threatens and tries to undermine those institutions, demonstrates its complicity in the regime's crimes," he said. The diplomat added that as long as such impunity exists and the Israel regime remains confident that it will not be held accountable before the international community, it will continue its crimes in Gaza and the West Bank. Iran backs One-China Policy On the 1971 resolution that upholds the One-China principle, the spokesperson said Iran's position on the issue is clear and fundamental, as the Islamic Republic emphasizes respect for that principle and for China's territorial integrity. US responsible for Israeli crimes Baqaei said that the United States is responsible for any actions Israel takes in the West Asia region, from its crimes against Palestinians to acts of aggression against other countries, including Syria and Lebanon. This is because there is no doubt about Washington's comprehensive support for the Israeli regime, including its military, financial, and political backing, he said, adding that such support underscores the view that there is no difference between the US and Israel. "Whatever the Israeli regime does, the US is responsible for it as well," he further emphasized. No evidence for Iran's involvement in Australia attacks Baqaei said that Australia's accusations alleging Iran's involvement in a series of attacks in that country were baseless, noting that Iran had already declared them unfounded. He added that the recent official Australian body's rejection of Iran's involvement clearly confirms the stance taken by the Islamic Republic from the beginning. The spokesperson also addressed an Israeli claim that an Iranian military official had directed the attacks, saying that the allegation was made immediately after the official Australian body dismissed Tehran's involvement. "This once again shows that all the accusations against Iran were fabricated by Israel's Mossad spy agency from the beginning," he emphasized. Iran's national interests come first On the possible resumption of talks with the US over Iran's nuclear program, the diplomat said that Iran's criteria for using diplomatic tools and determining the method of interaction are based solely on national interests. "Therefore, whenever Iran deems it necessary for its national interests to continue or resume negotiations, it will definitely take this action," he added. 4194**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'Dangerous': Iran denounces US military provocations around Venezuela Iran Press TV Tuesday, 28 October 2025 9:52 AM The Iranian Foreign Ministry has denounced the United States military provocations around Venezuela as a threat to peace and security in the Caribbean and Latin America. Speaking at a weekly press conference in Tehran on Tuesday, spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei condemned the US's menacing provocations targeting the Latin American nation as an indication of Washington's deploying "a unilateral approach at the international level." "The most important rules of international law prohibit the use of force and require respect for the sovereignty of states," he said. The remarks followed a notable escalation in the US's warlike approach towards Venezuela, which has featured its deployment of warships and military aircraft near the country. On Sunday, the USS Gravely, a guided missile destroyer carrying US Marines, arrived in Trinidad, located 11 kilometers (six nautical miles) northeast off the coast of Venezuela, ahead of joint military exercises. Since September, the US has conducted 10 strikes on alleged drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean, deploying warships, drones, and warplanes, with the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier set to join. Venezuela has called such moves incendiary and a prelude to further American instigation aimed at overthrowing the country's democratically-elected government of President Nicolas Maduro. Baghaei said the provocations amounted to a violation of international law under the pretext of drug trafficking. "We consider these military movements dangerous to regional peace and security," he said. 'Iran doesn't trust Israel; retains full readiness' Baghaei also commented on reports claiming that the Israeli regime had sent Iran messages through Russia aimed at de-escalation. "It was Russia that raised this issue," he said, adding, "Our experience has taught us that we must always remain prepared. Our forces, having gained extensive experience, are in a state of full readiness." "This regime and its promises cannot be trusted. Our focus remains on strengthening our own capabilities across all fields." Iran's continued support for China's territorial integrity Elsewhere in his remarks, the official reiterated the Islamic Republic's support for China's territorial integrity in line with a resolution passed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1971. "Respecting China's unity within the framework of this resolution is a fundamental principle for us," the official added. The spokesman was addressing Western states' efforts at disputing China's territorial integrity, particularly regarding Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the South China Sea. 'No evidence of Iranian interference in Australia' The official, meanwhile, pointed to Australia's and the Israeli regime's allegations of "Iranian involvement" towards instigation of certain incidents in Australia, saying the claims were not supported by any evidence. "Various claims have been made by the Zionist regime to sabotage relations between Iran and Australia," he said, adding, "The entire allegation was fabricated by [the Israeli spy agency] Mossad and, unfortunately, Australian authorities also published it." On relations between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Bagahei said the two sides' cooperation and interaction were governed by a law passed by the Iranian Parliament. "We remain a member of the [Nuclear] Non-Proliferation Treaty and carry out interactions in accordance with the parliamentary law," he noted. The legislation passed unanimously by the parliament has required suspension of all cooperation with the body following an unlawful and unprovoked Israeli-US war on Iranian soil in June, which used an earlier IAEA Board of Governors' resolution as a pretext. It has conditioned the resumption of cooperation with the IAEA on ensuring the safety and security of the country's nuclear facilities and scientists. It has also demanded respect for Iran's right to peaceful enrichment activities inside the country's soil. The agency has so far stopped short of meeting the dual requirements. Baghaei also referred to the ongoing Israeli violations of ceasefire deals in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon, saying, "This situation increases the responsibility of the ceasefire guarantors." Iran pursuing academic's complete release Baghaei said the Islamic Republic was pursuing finalization of a recent verdict issued in France granting conditional release to Mahdieh Esfandiari. The 39-year-old Iranian translator and university lecturer residing in Lyon was arrested by the French police over her activity on a pro-Palestine Telegram channel. On Wednesday, Baghaei said Esfandiari would be transferred from prison to a residence outside the detention facility following issuance of the verdict and would remain under supervision until her trial is held. "We are awaiting her next court session, scheduled for December and January," the official said, adding, "We hope this process will lead to her complete release." The spokesman said the academic's arrest took place "without any legitimate reason" and constitutes a case of arbitrary detention. Tehran continues to extend full support to her, he added, and repeated the country's appreciation of the French court's move. The official also said an Iranian court has issued a verdict concerning the situation of two French nationals detained in the country, without adding any further details. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Japan-U.S. Foreign Ministers' Meeting Ministry of Foregn Affairs of Japan October 28, 2025 On October 28, commencing at 1:00 p.m. for approximately 40 minutes, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a Foreign Ministers' Meeting with the Honorable Marco Rubio, Secretary of State of the United States of America, who is visiting Japan. The overview of the meeting is as follows: This was the first Japan-U.S. Foreign Ministers' Meeting since Mr. MOTEGI was appointed to Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan. At the outset, Minister MOTEGI welcomed Secretary of State Rubio to Japan, and stated that he would like to work closely with Secretary Rubio in order to demonstrate to the world the strength of the Japan U.S. Alliance, the greatest alliance in the world. Moreover, Minister MOTEGI expressed his appreciation to Secretary Rubio for the meeting with the family members of the abductees. Secretary Rubio expressed his intention to further strengthen the Japan-U.S. Alliance including the area of security and economy. The two Ministers concurred that they would advance concrete security cooperation to further strengthen Japan-U.S. Alliance deterrence and response capabilities. The two Ministers also exchanged views on economic issues. Minister MOTEGI emphasized the importance of further advancing initiatives in the field of economic security in addition to implementing the Agreement between Japan and the U.S. Minister MOTEGI expressed his firm support for U.S. diplomatic efforts around the world, such as in the Middle East, Ukraine, Cambodia and Thailand. The two Ministers concurred to cooperate on issues related to China and their policies toward North Korea, including the nuclear and missile issues as well as the abductions issue. The two Ministers confirmed that they would further develop networks of like-minded countries, including Japan-U.S.-Republic of Korea (ROK), Japan-U.S. Philippines, and Japan-Australia-India-U.S.(Quad) to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Japan-China Foreign Ministers' Telephone Talk Ministry of Foregn Affairs of Japan October 28, 2025 On October 28, commencing at 2:00 p.m. for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a telephone talk with Mr. H.E. Wang Yi, Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of China. The overview is as follows. At the outset, Minister Wang offered his congratulations to Minister Motegi on his reassumption of the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs. Minister Motegi stated that as the international situation changes significantly, the responsibilities that both China and Japan bear have grown substantially. The two foreign ministers confirmed that they share a broad direction of comprehensively promoting a "Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests" and building "constructive and stable Japan-China relations". The two foreign ministers confirmed that they would reduce issues and concerns and increase mutual understanding and cooperation under this broad direction. Minister Motegi expressed serious concerns regarding China's export controls on rare earth and reiterated serious concerns over China's activities in the East China Sea, including around the Senkaku Islands, and called for the early release of detained Japanese nationals and the safety of Japanese residents in China. Additionally, Minister Motegi called for the early resumption of imports of Japanese beef, the lifting of the remaining import restrictions on agricultural and aquatic products from ten prefectures, in addition to facilitating imports of Japanese aquatic products. The two foreign ministers confirmed the importance of having communication at various levels, including between the leaders and foreign ministers. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US, Japan Sign Framework Deal to Secure Supply of Critical Minerals, Rare Earths Sputnik News 20251028 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi signed on Tuesday a framework agreement aimed at ensuring a stable supply of critical minerals and rare earth elements. "Next document is United States-Japan framework for securing the supply of critical minerals and rare earth through mining and processing," a presenter said during the signing ceremony in Tokyo. Trump and Takaichi also signed an agreement to implement a "new golden age" of the Japan-US alliance. At the same time, the White House published the agreement on critical minerals and rare earths, under which the United States and Japan will step up efforts to secure critical minerals and rare earths for key industries, leveraging financial support, trade measures, and stockpiling, while encouraging dialogue to diversify supply chains. The agreement also outlines plans to increase investment in mining and processing with support from both government and private sectors, including grants, loans, and guarantees. The two countries will jointly select priority projects, provide financing within six months, and create new mechanisms to attract private investment, the agreement read. A bilateral ministerial meeting is scheduled within 180 days to set investment priorities, while both nations aim to simplify and speed up the permitting process for mining and processing. The deal further emphasizes strengthening supply chains through fair competition, transparent markets, and measures against unfair trade practices. Cooperation will also cover joint geological mapping, establishing a Rapid Response Group to address supply vulnerabilities, and exploring complementary stockpiling strategies, the agreement said. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Rubio's Meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson October 28, 2025 The below is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott: Secretary of State Marco Rubio met today with Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu in Tokyo. Secretary Rubio congratulated Foreign Minister Motegi on his appointment following the historic election of Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae and reaffirmed the importance of the U.S.-Japan alliance in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The Secretary and Foreign Minister discussed opportunities for economic collaboration, strengthening deterrence, and expanding security cooperation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu Before Their Meeting US Department of State Remarks Marco Rubio, Secretary of State Ministry of Foreign Affairs Tokyo, Japan October 28, 2025 FOREIGN MINISTER MOTEGI: (Via interpreter) It is a great pleasure to see you, Mr. Secretary, my current counterpart to Japan's most important dialogue. And also we feel very grateful for your meeting the families of abductees a moment ago, and that you extended very warm words for them. Thank you so much. During President Trump's first term I served as Japan's chief negotiator in the Japan-U.S. trade talks and subsequently as foreign minister supporting the Japan-U.S. relations under Prime Minister Abe and President Trump. While there were times of tough negotiations, we worked through all those challenges, and the Japan-U.S. relations made significant progress. Prime Minister Takaichi and President Trump held a substantial exchange of views in a cordial and warm atmosphere this morning. I look forward to working closely with you, Mr. Secretary, to demonstrate the world's greatest alliance, Japan-U.S. alliance, to the world. SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, thank you for welcoming us. It's been a phenomenal visit already with the President and the prime minister. We're very happy that this came together and for this opportunity to see one another, and I believe we'll see each other again in just 24 hours in another country, in South Korea. PARTICIPANT: (Inaudible.) SECRETARY RUBIO: Oh, you understood - oh, yeah. That's not fair. (Laughter.) I - as you've talked about it, we - today we signed a number of agreements, the President signed with the prime minister. But all of these negotiations and talks and trade deals and partnerships on critical minerals are all built on a very powerful foundation which has been laid over the decades between our two countries. The foundation - economic foundation is very strong. Japan has long been one of the largest if not the largest in many cases investors in the U.S. economy. The partnerships that we've had on a number of business fronts has been extraordinary. And then our national security interests align quite often - in fact, most of the time, few instances that I can recall where the United States' and Japan's national security interests are not aligned. Now we have to build on that by modernizing our relationship for the challenges of the 21st century in the field of technology, where we as advanced economies face threats in cyber security, in personal data, in cyber theft, and all of the challenges; as advanced manufacturing economies, threats to our supply chains. We can never live in a world where others achieve dominance through dependency - our dependency allows others to establish dominance over us. We have much to work on together. So it's an exciting new era in the U.S.-Japan relationship, but it's built on the foundation of decades of working together, and now it's being modernized to reflect the challenges of the new era that we're going to confront together like we confronted the challenges for the last 80 years. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Serbian leader of Bosnia and Herzegovina Milorad Dodik 28 October 2025 11:21 1791-28-10-2025 On October 28, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with Milorad Dodik, the leader of Bosnian Serbs in Bosnia and Herzegovina, on the sidelines of the 3rd Minsk International Conference on Eurasian Security. The officials engaged in a substantive exchange of views regarding the current state of the Bosnian peace settlement in the context of the domestic political crisis in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mr Lavrov and Mr Dodik voiced principled support for the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina (the Dayton Agreement) of 1995, which remains the only viable framework for peace and security in the country and the wider western Balkan region. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the partnership between Russia and Republika Srpska. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto 28 October 2025 14:27 1794-28-10-2025 On October 28, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary Peter Szijjarto on the sidelines of the 3rd Minsk International Conference on Eurasian Security. The ministers exchanged views on a wide range of practical issues related to bilateral interaction, including the energy sector. They also continued their discussions on current international issues. While addressing the Ukrainian agenda, they stressed the importance of respecting the rights of ethnic minorities, including their language and religious rights, which are systematically infringed upon by the Kiev regime. The Hungarian partners reaffirmed their readiness to provide a venue for Russian-US contacts. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Awaits Positive US Response to Putin's New START Proposal - Lavrov Sputnik News 20251028 Russia expects to receive a positive response from the United States to Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposal on the New START (New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty), Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday. "I hope we can get a positive response from the United States to the proposal that they too agree to unilaterally comply with the quantitative indicators set out in the New START Treaty. President [of the US Donald] Trump has spoken positively about this initiative by president Putin several times. So, in fact, we expect these positive comments to translate into some kind of official announcement," Lavrov told reporters. Progress is evident, but a "different atmosphere" in Russia-US relations is needed to advance the treaty, the top Russian diplomat said. He added that while Moscow is ready for talks, it requires guarantees that a Putin-Trump summit would yield concrete results. "We also need guarantees that the meeting of the presidents will produce a concrete result. We are ready for this result. Moreover, when Presidents Putin and Trump met in Anchorage in Alaska, we supported the proposals that US Special Presidential Envoy Steven Witkoff brought to Moscow a week earlier," Lavrov said following the high-level plenary session of the Third Minsk International Conference on Eurasian Security. Moscow is interested in cooperation with the United States in air travel, but it is not currently a priority for Washington, Lavrov also noted. "We are also interested in cooperation with the United States in the aviation sector. We proposed this long ago, during our initial contacts in January and February of this year, to resume direct air service," Lavrov said during a press conference, adding that "so far, from our conversations with our American colleagues, we sense that this is not their priority." Moscow hopes President Trump is seeking a sustainable peace in Ukraine, rather than paving the way for arms shipments to Kiev, Russia's diplomacy chief stated. "We really hope that President Trump wants a truly sustainable peace, and not creating conditions for continued pumping of weapons and money into the Kiev regime, so that it would not abandon its efforts to be a tool of the Europeans in the war against Russia," Lavrov told reporters. The foreign minister also stated he had received no official response through diplomatic channels regarding the tests of Russia's Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile. "I have not heard any response [to the tests] through diplomatic channels. Everyone has gone quiet," Lavrov said on the sidelines of the Minsk International Conference on Eurasian Security. On Sunday, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that the missile had cleared the final test, calling it a unique weapon. Russian Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov said it flew 14,000 kilometers (8,700 miles) in an October test flight. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Orban Urges EU to Start Negotiations With Russia Sputnik News 20251028 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Monday called the European Union's reluctance to negotiate with Russia a catastrophic mistake, because others would decide Europe's future. "Europe does not want to negotiate with Russia, which is a catastrophic mistake. The Americans will negotiate, come to an agreement, and decide the future of Ukraine, its economic resources, and the issue of Europe's security in an agreement with Russia. And we Europeans pretend that we like it and applaud. But then we cannot really influence our future," Orban told the M1 broadcaster. "We would like European leaders to enter into direct contact with the Russians, start negotiations, and reach a Russian-European agreement on the European security system and also about the future of Ukraine, the territory called Ukraine," the prime minister added. Orban also said that he would like the "remaining part of Ukraine" not to join the EU after the end of the conflict but to become a strategic partner at most. "I am convinced that this enormous wave of support for Ukraine, for Ukraine's EU membership, is already on the decline and will disappear," the prime minister highlighted. Sanctions cannot exclude Russian oil from the global market, Orban added. "We must fight to the end for access to Russian oil and gas. First of all, there will be a shortage because we cannot replace them with other sources. Even if not absolute, but there will be a shortage. On the other hand, prices will rise. Therefore, it should be taken into account that the monthly expenses of Hungarian households will double," the prime minister emphasized. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Interior Minister Meets with Syrian President in Riyadh Saudi Press Agency Riyadh, October 28, 2025, SPA -- Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz met today in Riyadh with President Ahmed al-Sharaa of the Syrian Arab Republic. Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud affirmed that the meeting was held upon the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. This directive stemmed from HRH the Crown Prince's keen interest in enhancing cooperation and joint coordination between the Kingdom and the Syrian Arab Republic in various fields, with a particular emphasis on security-related matters. During the meeting, the two sides reviewed relations between the two brotherly countries and discussed specific aspects of cooperation in the security field, along with a number of other topics of common interest. -- SPA 19:01 Local Time 16:01 GMT 0084 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Syrian President Receives Foreign Minister, Minister of State Al-Aiban Saudi Press Agency Riyadh, October 28, 2025, SPA -- President Ahmed al-Sharaa of the Syrian Arab Republic received Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and Minister of State and Member of the Cabinet Dr. Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban today at his residence in Riyadh. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Syrian President's visit to the Kingdom to participate in the ninth Future Investment Initiative (FII9) Conference. During the meeting, they reviewed the relations between the two brotherly countries and explored ways to enhance and develop them across various fields. They also discussed opportunities for economic cooperation in sectors such as energy, industry, infrastructure, technology, and others in light of the two leaderships' keenness to achieve economic stability in Syria and to foster bilateral relations that meet the aspirations of their peoples. -- SPA 18:54 Local Time 15:54 GMT 0081 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian, Syrian Defense Ministers Discuss Promising Areas of Cooperation Sputnik News 20251028 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov held a meeting with Syrian Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra and discussed the practical implementation of promising areas of cooperation, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Tuesday. "During the talks, the practical implementation of promising areas of bilateral cooperation was discussed," the statement said. Abu Qasra thanked the leadership of Russia and Belousov for organizing the work of the Syrian delegation in Moscow. "The directions of our cooperation are important. And we are witnessing our developing relations," Abu Qasra said, as quoted by the ministry. The meeting between leaders of Russia and Syria has given additional impetus to the development of relations of the defense ministries of the two countries, the statement read. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address MEP touts undersea cable drone cooperation with Taiwan ROC Central News Agency 10/28/2025 06:25 PM Taipei, Oct. 28 (CNA) A visiting European lawmaker on Tuesday said the European Union (EU) and its "trusted partner" Taiwan could cooperate in making use of drone technologies to monitor undersea cables. Rihards Kols, a Latvian member of the European Parliament, made the suggestion at a Taipei press event hours after Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung () announced that Taiwan was launching an initiative to promote global cooperation on improved security of undersea cables. Lin announced the project at a seminar titled "Taiwan-Europe Subsea Cable Security Cooperation Forum," which was cohosted by his ministry and the Formosa Club in Europe, where Kols is a member. According to Lin, the project will be known as "RISK," an acronym for risk mitigation, information sharing, systemic reform, and knowledge building. Asked to comment on how Taiwan and Europe could work closer in terms of enhancing undersea cables security, Kols told reporters Tuesday that the RISK initiative is to become a "natural base for cooperation, be it the research innovation, be it the exchange of best practices." The Formosa Club is also visiting Taiwan to explore how the EU and Taiwan can cooperate in dual-use technology, including the use of drones, to keep undersea cables more secure. "I think [regarding the] undersea cables [cooperation], we can actually talk about autonomous technologies as well as monitor and detect," he said. He also noted the "Readiness 2030" strategic defense initiative proposed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in March 2025, aimed at enhancing the EU's military capabilities. The initiative is also inviting "trusted partners" to engage with the defense industry in Europe to build core projects and research, the lawmaker said. "And I think this is a place where Taiwan really can step forward," Kols said. Despite its relatively small size, Taiwan is the 13th trading partner for the EU, he said, adding that, "and above all, it's a trusted partner that we can rely upon." Kols serves as the chair of the Formosa Club's 2025 annual conference, which is being held from Monday through Tuesday in Taipei. Taiwan's Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim () also joined Kols in Tuesday's press event to express gratitude toward the club's support for Taiwan. The vice president thanked the club for the latter's consistent advocacy "for Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organizations, expressed concerns over China's growing aggression, and worked tirelessly to strengthen relations between Taiwan and its member countries." "The presence of Formosa Club members here today sends a clear message. Taiwan is not alone in this mission," Hsiao added. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the Formosa Club was established in October 2019, initiated by chairpersons of the Taiwan friendship groups from the European Parliament and national parliaments of the United Kingdom, Germany, and France. A total of 41 parliamentarians from the European Parliament and 17 European national parliaments are visiting Taiwan for the annual conference, MOFA said. (By Joseph Yeh) Enditem/ASG NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taiwan launches global initiative on security of undersea cables ROC Central News Agency 10/28/2025 11:57 AM Taipei, Oct. 28 (CNA) Taiwan's government on Tuesday launched an initiative to promote global cooperation on improved security of undersea cables, following reported disruptions of such cables near Taiwan and around the world. The Management Initiative on International Undersea Cables aims to "bring together stakeholders, align standards, promote best practices, and turn shared concerns into beneficial cooperation," Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung () said at a seminar in Taipei. The project will be known as "RISK," an acronym for risk mitigation, information sharing, systemic reform, and knowledge building, he said at the seminar titled "Taiwan-Europe Subsea Cable Security Cooperation Forum." Lin said Taiwan sits at a vital junction on the global communications map, with several major international undersea cables passing through or near the country. In recent years, however, Taiwan has repeatedly experienced the consequences of cable disruptions, in instances where local authorities have found damage to cables connecting its outlying islands, the minister said. "These experiences have taught us an important lesson -- resilience cannot be taken for granted. It must be built through planning, implementation, and cooperation," he said, adding that this is why Taiwan is launching the initiative. "This is not a national project but rather a global partnership," Lin said, calling on stakeholders around the world to join the initiative. The project is "an open, inclusive, and collaborative platform" to secure a future "where data flows freely and securely, where no nation is left behind, and where connectivity is treated as a public good, not a geopolitical weapon," he said. At the seminar, a member of the European Parliament Rihards Kols said that currently there are more than 600 operational or planned cables worldwide, stretching nearly 1.5 million kilometers. "These are not just lines of data. They are the nervous system of democratic connectivity," which is under stress, he said. Between 2023 and 2025, there were 12 separate incidents that affected energy lines and undersea cables across the Baltic region, Kols said, adding that he believes they were "acts of sabotage." Taiwan sits at a vital juncture of the Indo-Pacific's digital infrastructure and is a strategic hub for global connectivity, said Kols, who is from Latvia. "Taiwan knows better than most what it means to be targeted with persistent pressure -- economic, digital, narrative, and also physical -- which is why Taiwan's experience matters and why Taiwan's voice must be part of this global conversation," he said. The half-day seminar on Tuesday was organized by the Taipei-based Research Institute for Democracy Society and Emerging Technology, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Formosa Club -- a Taiwan-friendly cross-party group of European legislators. (By Joseph Yeh) Enditem/pc NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taiwan doing all it can to prevent war amid China threat: VP Hsiao ROC Central News Agency 10/28/2025 05:16 PM Taipei, Oct. 28 (CNA) Taipei is doing all it can to prevent war amid mounting threats from Beijing, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim () said in an interview with German broadcaster ARD. In the 20-minute interview aired on Monday (local time), Hsiao compared Taiwan to a cat, agile and vigilant under harsh conditions but capable of self-defense, and called on the international community to treat the country with goodwill. She said Taiwan will not always back down against escalating military pressure, cognitive warfare, and economic-political coercion from China. She emphasized that Taiwanese people are determined to defend their freedom and sovereignty. Taiwan must continue to strengthen its defense capabilities, Hsiao added. On the country's democratic credentials, she said "Taiwan, or the Republic of China (R.O.C.) (government) according to the Constitution" has long existed and is elected through democratic processes, reiterating that Taiwan's sovereignty belongs to its people. Hsiao expressed openness to talks with Beijing based on mutual respect and equality, noting that cross-strait stability benefits both sides and the global community. On the economic front, Hsiao said many Taiwanese companies have diversified their operations to reduce reliance on China, encouraging German firms to adopt the same strategy. Drawing parallels with the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Hsiao warned that aggression produces no true winners. She stressed the importance of democratic nations uniting to safeguard freedom and resilient institutions. Hsiao highlighted Germany as Taiwan's most important European trade partner, adding that cooperation in semiconductors and microelectronics could deepen further amid the rise of artificial intelligence. She concluded by urging Europe to pay attention to Indo-Pacific security. Beijing must be continually reminded that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait serve global interests, and any threats could disrupt international trade and supply chains. (By Lin Shang-ying and Chao Yen-hsiang) Enditem/AW NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'Not afraid': DPP lawmaker slams China over 'secession' investigation ROC Central News Agency 10/28/2025 08:25 PM Taipei, Oct. 28 (CNA) Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lawmaker Puma Shen () slammed Beijing and said Taiwanese people are "not afraid," after a Chinese public security agency announced it was investigating him for "secession." In a Facebook post, Shen noted that he had written a post just a day earlier analyzing some of the "abnormal signals" Beijing has been sending out. "Today, China has acted -- to deal with people who pose questions, who defend Taiwan," he wrote, adding that the move was in character for the CCP. By having the Public Security Bureau open an investigation, Beijing's next move is likely to issue a warrant for his arrest, and then sentence him in absentia, Shen predicted. "It doesn't matter. In any case, Taiwanese people are not afraid," he said. Shen was responding after China's state-run Xinhua News Agency reported Tuesday that the Chongqing Municipal Public Security Bureau had opened an investigation into Shen for secession-related criminal activities, including founding Kuma Academy, a civil defense organization. The investigation was opened under the Criminal Law of the People's Republic of China and a set of 2024 judicial guidelines on how to punish "Taiwan independence separatists," the report said. It is unclear why the investigation was opened in Chongqing. Beijing previously sanctioned Shen in October 2024 by adding him to a list of "stubbornly pro-Taiwan independence" individuals banned from entering China and Hong Kong/Macau. In June, Beijing banned Chinese entities from doing business with Sicuens International Co., Ltd., an auto parts company run by Shen's father. In Taiwan, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) -- the government's top agency for cross-strait affairs -- issued a statement condemning the move, saying "communist China" has "no jurisdiction" to investigate people in Taiwan. The recent measures against Shen and others are intended to "intimidate and divide" Taiwan internally, but they will not succeed, the MAC said. (By Liao Wen-chi, Li Ya-wen, Wang Yang-yu and Matthew Mazzetta) Enditem/ASG NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Probe into 'Taiwan independence' separatist Shen Pao-yang a just, necessary move to safeguard national unity: spokesperson Global Times By Liu Xin and Ding Yazhi Published: Oct 28, 2025 01:30 PM A police probe against "Taiwan independence" separatist Shen Pao-yang over secession charges is a just and necessary move to oppose separatism and safeguard national unity, a spokesperson for China's State Council Taiwan Affairs Office said Tuesday. Chen Binhua, the spokesperson, made the statement after police in Chongqing police announced that they launched a criminal investigation against Shen Pao-Yang over his suspected acts of secession, including initiating and establishing the separatist organization, the Kuma Academy, or "Black Bear Academy." The investigation, based on China's Criminal Law and related judicial opinions on punishing "Taiwan independence" hardliners, aims to hold Shen criminally accountable for his separatist actions, according to the Xinhua News Agency. Chen said on Tuesday that Shen is a diehard "Taiwan independence" separatist in every sense of the word. The decision by public security authorities to open a criminal investigation against him is a concrete action implementing related regulations on punishing stubborn "Taiwan Independence" separatists and a just and necessary move to oppose separatism and safeguard national unity. Chen said that "Taiwan independence" separatist activities are the biggest real threat to peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits, and that diehard separatists are "traitors to the Chinese nation and criminals who undermine cross-Straits relations, split the country, and seek independence by provoking confrontation." Taking firm legal action and imposing severe punishment on the very small number of diehard separatists who have engaged in particularly egregious acts or rampant separatist activities, Chen said, is aimed at protecting the interests and well-being of the vast majority of Taiwan compatriots and defending national sovereignty and territorial integrity. He called on the people of Taiwan to clearly distinguish right from wrong, resolutely oppose separatist acts for "Taiwan independence," and work together to advance cross-Straits exchanges, cooperation, and integrated development, safeguarding the common homeland and creating enduring prosperity for the Chinese nation. "Launching a criminal investigation into Shen over his suspected acts of secession is not only a warning but also a form of legal enforcement," Li Zhenguang, director at the Institute of Taiwan Studies at Beijing Union University, told the Global Times on Tuesday. "The case has now entered legal proceedings no matter where he is, the law will pursue him. It's a concrete step to safeguard national unity and deter separatist forces," said Li. Zheng Jian, a professor at the Taiwan Research Institute of Xiamen University, said that Shen has been an active collaborator in Lai Ching-te's recall campaign a move strongly opposed by the majority of Taiwan residents. He is also a frequently named "Taiwan independence" diehard by the mainland. Shen, a Taipei native in his 40s, was put on the list of obstinate "Taiwan independence" separatists by the Taiwan Affairs Office of China's State Council in October, 2024. The punishments include banning Shen and his families from entering the mainland as well as Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions, and restricting the Kuma Academy and any institutions related to the academy and Shen from working with organizations or individuals in the mainland. Additionally, their associated businesses and financial sponsors will be strictly prohibited from profiting in the mainland. With backing from Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities and external forces, the Kuma Academy has openly fostered violent "Taiwan independence" individuals under the guise of training and outdoor activities. Shen, the head of the academy, has been actively and systematically organizing activities promoting "Taiwan independence." He has also deliberately promoted "Taiwan independence" and "anti-China" ideologies, particularly targeting the young people in Taiwan, according to Xinhua. Zheng told the Global Times that the newly launched criminal investigation marks the second phase of judicial action, with law enforcement preparing to gather evidence through legal means before transferring the case for prosecution. The mainland's notice places Shen under full legal scrutiny, signaling that judicial proceedings are officially underway. In recent months, the mainland has taken a series of coordinated steps to oppose separatism and advance reunification including establishing Commemoration Day of Taiwan's Restoration. Zheng said that the set of measures aim to strengthen national unity, revive Chinese identity among those misled by separatist forces, and send a clear warning to "Taiwan independence" advocates. "Shen's case is both a lawful act of accountability and a stern reminder that only by turning back from the brink can there still be a way forward," said the expert. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Police probe into suspected "Taiwan independence" secessionist a just move to safeguard national unity: spokesperson People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 10:38, October 28, 2025 BEIJING, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- A police probe against "Taiwan independence" separatist Shen Pao-yang over secession charges is a just and necessary move to safeguard national unity, a spokesperson for China's State Council Taiwan Affairs Office said Tuesday. Chen Binhua, the spokesperson, made the statement after police in Chongqing city announced that they had launched a criminal investigation against Shen over his suspected acts of secession, including initiating and establishing the separatist organization, the Kuma Academy. "The aim of striking hard against and severely punishing an extremely small number of 'Taiwan independence' secessionists in accordance with the law is to protect the interests and well-being of the overwhelming majority of Taiwan compatriots and safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity," Chen said. The "Taiwan independence" separatist activities are the gravest immediate threat to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, Chen said, adding that the diehard separatists advocating "Taiwan independence" are scums who undermine cross-Strait relations, seek to split the country, and attempt to incite war to advance their secessionist agenda. Chen also called on Taiwan compatriots to resolutely oppose "Taiwan independence" and join hands with the mainland to promote exchange and integrated development. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Police probe "Taiwan independence" separatist Shen Pao-yang over suspected crime of secession People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 10:07, October 28, 2025 CHONGQING, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- Police in a southwest Chinese city on Tuesday said a criminal investigation has been launched against "Taiwan independence" separatist Shen Pao-yang on suspicion of secession. The case was opened to resolutely combat Shen's criminal acts of secession, including initiating and establishing the separatist organization, the Kuma Academy, said a statement from the Chongqing police. Shen, a Taipei native in his 40s, was put on the list of obstinate "Taiwan independence" separatists by the Taiwan Affairs Office of China's State Council last October. The Chongqing police said the case against Shen was opened in accordance with China's laws and regulations, including the Criminal Law and a set of guidelines on punishing the crimes of secession and incitement to secession by "Taiwan independence" diehards. Police urged the public to promptly report relevant clues and information and promised to protect the identity of informers. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC Ministry of National Defense 2025/10/28 PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan 1.Date: 6 a.m. Oct. 27 (Mon.) to 6 a.m. Oct. 28 (Tue.) (UTC+8) 2.PLA activities: 10 sorties of PLA aircraft and 5 PLAN ships operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 8 out of 10 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response to detected activities. 1141028_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan [Open a new window] 1141028_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan [Open a new window] NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC Ministry of National Defense 2025/10/29 PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan 1.Date 6 a.m. Oct. 28 (Tue.) to 6 a.m. Oct. 29 (Wed.) (UTC+8) 2.PLA activities 25 sorties of PLA aircraft and 5 PLAN ships operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 23 out of 25 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response to detected activities. 1141029_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan [Open a new window] 1141029_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan [Open a new window] NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Lithuania and Ireland strengthen partnership for Ukraine's reconstruction Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs Updated 2025-10-28 On 28 October, during the annual Development Cooperation Conference RE:VIVE 2025, Lithuania and Ireland took another significant step in strengthening bilateral cooperation by signing the second addendum to the memorandum of cooperation, under which Ireland will allocate an additional 2 million to the Lithuanian Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid Fund. "Ireland's contribution demonstrates a true spirit of partnership - together we are investing in Ukraine's future and the opportunities for its children. This agreement strengthens our countries' efforts to support Ukraine's reconstruction and integration into the European Union," said the Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Sigitas Mitkus. Under the new agreement, Ireland's support will go towards the "Future School for Ukraine" initiative - the start of construction of a modern multifunctional school in the city of Zhytomyr. The project, implemented with Ukrainian and Italian architects, aims to restore the educational infrastructure and provide a safe and inclusive learning environment for children affected by the war. Another part of the contribution will be allocated to co-financing the EU Integration Support Programme for Ukraine (Ukraine2EU), implemented by Lithuania. This initiative brings together donors to pool their support and coordinates activities aimed at preparing Ukraine for EU membership, with a focus on strengthening state institutions responsible for the accession process and necessary reforms. The extension of this memorandum not only strengthens cooperation between Lithuania and Ireland but also highlights a common strategic vision - to rebuild Ukraine's education system, strengthen institutions, and support the EU accession process. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian authorities committed crimes against humanity targeting civilian population through drone attacks as well as war crimes of forcible transfer and deportation of civilians Press releases Independent investigation 28 October 2025 NEW YORK / VIENNA -- Russian authorities have systematically coordinated actions to drive out Ukrainian civilians from their homes through recurrent drone attacks, as well as deportations and transfers, said the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine in a new report submitted to the UN General Assembly. The present report establishes that Russian armed forces' short-range drone attacks affected a wider geographic area, beyond the zone identified in the investigative report published by the Commission in May 2025. The targeted area spans over 300 kilometres along the right bank of the Dnipro River, across Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson, and Mykolaiv Oblasts. The cases documented demonstrate that military units of Russian armed forces operating from the left bank of the Dnipro River, under a centralized command, have used the same modus operandi to intentionally target civilians and civilian objects. Repeated attacks with short-range drones by Russian armed forces in frontline areas resulted in killing and injuring of civilians, widespread destruction, and a coercive environment that has forced thousands to flee their homes. The Commission concluded that these drone attacks constitute the crimes against humanity of murder and of forcible transfer of population. For over a year, Russian armed forces have been directing drone attacks against an extensive range of civilian targets, injuring and killing civilians, causing large-scale destruction, and spreading terror. Targets included homes, medical buildings and infrastructure servicing civilians, thereby disrupting essential services. First responders, including ambulances and fire brigades, were also hit, regardless of their special protection under international humanitarian law, impeding their intervention. Residents described life conditions as unliveable. A woman who left from a frequently attacked area, stated: "Drones strike any car, any transport - nobody comes here, not the fire brigade, not the ambulance, nobody." Many attacks were carried out in a coordinated sequence, by several drones, or by the same drone launching successive munitions, frequently causing fires. Often, a first drone pierced a hole on the roof, and a second one dropped an explosive through it. Some drones carried flammable substances. A witness of an attack with such substance said: "It is not just an explosion, it hits and then immediately starts to burn - it looks like fireworks." The Commission has identified perpetrators, drone units and associated military units, as well as commanders, deployed on the left bank of the Dnipro River. They all belong to the "Dnepr" Group of Forces of the Russian Federation. The report also establishes that Russian authorities have coordinated actions to deport or transfer civilians from areas that came under their control in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, which amounts to war crimes. In 2024 and 2025, Russian authorities deported Ukrainian civilians from occupied areas in Zaporizhzhia Oblast to Georgia, referring to Russian Federation legislation on the legal status of certain categories of foreign citizens. Perpetrators transported them to the international border between the Russian Federation and Georgia and ordered them to cross. In 2022 and 2023, Russian authorities transferred civilians to territories under Ukrainian Government control, after accusing them of carrying out activities against the Russian Federation. They brought the victims to a checkpoint at the end of the area they then controlled. There, they forced them to walk through a 10 to 15 kilometer-long highly dangerous operational area to reach territory under Ukrainian control. With respect to both deportations and transfers, perpetrators usually detained the victims, subjected some of them to torture, and confiscated their documents and belongings. These acts inflicted severe mental pain and suffering and amount to inhuman treatment as a war crime and a violation of human rights. The evidence shows that Russian authorities in the occupied areas of the Zaporizhzhia Oblast, including senior officials, have acted in a systematic and coordinated manner. These include the so-called "Directorate for Migration Affairs" of the "Ministry of Internal Affairs," established by the Russian Federation, members of the Federal Security Service (FSB), and other authorities. The Commission also examined allegations by Russian authorities of drone attacks by Ukrainian armed forces against civilian targets in Russian occupied areas. However, it was unable to conclude its investigation due to the lack of access to the territory, concerns relating to the safety of witnesses, and in the absence of response to its questions to the Russian authorities. ENDS Background: The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine is an independent body mandated by the UN Human Rights Council to, among other things, investigate all alleged violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law, and related crimes in the context of the aggression against Ukraine by the Russian Federation. The Commission comprises Erik Mse (Chair), Pablo de Greiff and Vrinda Grover. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Zelenskyy Urges Trump to Pressure Xi Over China's Support For Russia In Ukraine War By RFE/RL October 28, 2025 Summary Zelenskyy urged Trump to press China to stop supporting Russia during an upcoming meeting with Xi Jinping in South Korea. Russian forces are advancing on Pokrovsk, a key Ukrainian city, with about 200 troops entering the area. Ukraine seeks financial support from Western allies for 2-3 years if peace talks fail. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged Donald Trump to press China to end its support for Russia in its war against Ukraine when the US President meets his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, during a tour of Asia this week. In wide-ranging comments made to reporters that were released on October 28, the Ukrainian leader said he was ready to hold peace talks anywhere except for Russia and its ally Belarus, though Ukraine is not ready to cede territory. "It's absolutely clear that we're approaching diplomacy only from the position where we currently stand. We will not take any steps back and leave one part of our state or another," Zelenskyy said. "And the important result is that the American side finally made this a public signal: President Trump came out with such a message," he added in a reference to Trump recently backing Kyiv's call for an immediate ceasefire on current lines. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told a security conference in Minsk on October 28 that Moscow hopes Trump "remains sincerely committed to resolving the Ukrainian crisis and will uphold the principles that were developed at the summit in Anchorage." Lavrov was referring to an August meeting between Putin and Trump in Alaska in which Moscow has said Putin's position was that Russia would agree to end the war only after eliminating the "primary causes" of the conflict -- namely the disarming of Ukraine and the ceding of territory lost to Russia during the war. It wasn't immediately clear what specifically Lavrov was referring to. The Russians initially portrayed the Anchorage summit as a significant step toward peace, but Russia's continued barrage of Ukrainian cities, and its unwillingness to halt fighting, even along current frontlines, has soured Trump and US negotiators. Zelenskyy's comments come as Russia appears to be making a breakthrough on the battlefield around the key city of Pokrovsk, which Russian troops have been trying to capture for over a year. The Ukrainian leader admitted "around 200 Russians" have entered the eastern city, which is currently their "main target." Pokrovsk, a city of about 7,000 inhabitants -- down from more than 60,000 prewar -- holds crucial road and rail junctions and has been under threat of encirclement by Russian forces for most of the year. In early October, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that Russian troops had entered the city, but Ukrainian officials at the time denied the report and said Kremlin forces continued to suffer heavy losses in the region. Ukrainian military expert Roman Svitan told Current Time on October 28 that Ukrainian troops have been sent in to stem any further advance. "The situation [in Pokrovsk] is difficult for [Ukraine], but it's just as difficult for the Russians because they're under two-flank attacks," he said. Trump, who last week said he is not going "to be wasting my time" by meeting with Putin if the Kremlin leader is not ready to make a deal to end his war on Ukraine, is on a week-long tour of Asia that is expected to culminate with a meeting with Xi on October 30 in South Korea. Zelenskyy said the meeting is an opportunity for Trump to further ratchet up pressure on Russia after his administration sent shockwaves across global energy markets on October 22 by sanctioning state-controlled Rosneft and privately owned LUKoil. The two are Russia's largest oil companies, whose exports go a long way toward filling the Kremlin's coffers used to fund the war. Observers are watching closely to gauge reactions by India and China -- the two biggest buyers of Russian oil exports. China is one of Moscow's top allies and trading partners, sourcing much of its Russian energy via Siberian pipelines. "I think this may be one of [Trump's] strong moves, especially if, following this decisive sanctions step, China is ready to reduce imports" from Russia, Zelenskyy said. In the meantime, Zelenskyy said Ukraine's European and Western allies will likely need to continue providing financial support for the coming two or three years if peace talks aren't successful and Ukraine has to continue to repel invading Russian forces. European Union leaders on October 24 stopped short of a deal to use frozen Russian state assets to fund Ukraine, after Belgium -- where most of the money is held -- raised legal and technical concerns about the proposal. "I emphasized this again to all European leaders. I told them that we are not going to fight for decades, but you must show that for some time you will be able to provide stable financial support to Ukraine," Zelenskyy said. "And that is why they have this program in mind -- 2-3 years," Zelensky said, referring to Brussels' plans to tap Russia's frozen assets to help Kyiv. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/zelenskyy-trump-pressure-xi- china-support-russia-ukraine/33572998.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine's Western Front: Hunting Draft Dodgers On The Romanian Border By Borys Sachalko and Serhiy Dykun October 28, 2025 Summary Smuggling gangs charge up to $15,000, often using local children as guides for border crossings into Romania. Ukraine faces manpower problems, with over 50,000 desertion cases and 200,000 AWOL investigations since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion. Resistance to conscription is fueled by corruption, violence in recruitment, and controversial mobilization laws. HORBIVTSI, Ukraine -- Two tiny white figures can be seen sprinting across a grainy black-and-white screen. Moments later, a third figure approaches from the opposite direction - and a voice is heard challenging them through the drone operator's headphones. The Ukrainian border guard has prevented an illegal crossing into Romania. In recent interviews with members of a border unit and a man who successfully fled the country, Current Time has pieced together a picture of how Ukraine's mobilization crisis has fueled a criminal business on its western frontiers. Border guards said men seeking to avoid military service pay up to the equivalent of $15,000 to smuggling gangs who hire local children to guide them - and that people are captured almost every day. "They come up with various excuses," said Vitaliy, a border guard, driving with the Current Time team near the Romanian border. "For example... 'I came to admire the beautiful countryside.'" He declined to say how many people he had caught. Ukraine barred men aged up to 60 from leaving the country following the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, although it recently relaxed the rules for those aged 18-22. Figures made public by Ukrainian legislators in May said 45,000 men had left the country illegally since the ban began. Many of them were dodging the draft, a growing problem as Ukraine struggles to fill the ranks of its armed forces. But a man Current Time spoke to online, who wanted his name withheld for privacy and security reasons, had a different story. He joined a paratroop unit 5 years ago, expecting that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would be able to achieve a negotiated end to the conflict against Russian and Russian-backed forces in the eastern Donbas region that had claimed some 13,000 lives since Moscow fomented separatism there in 2014. "At that time there was a feeling that it was all coming to an end. Zelenskyy came to power [in 2019] and promised that he'd even make a deal with the devil if it made peace," he said. "When the [full-scale] war started, I realized I had three choices: disability, psychological problems, or death. But then there was another option: desertion." After leaving his unit, he made his way to the Romanian border and lay low for a few weeks in a rented house on the Ukrainian side until people smugglers came for him. "They picked me up one night in a car. They drove me to the border. "The Tisa River" -- which forms part of the border in western Ukraine - "was literally 15 meters in front of me," he said. "There it was - freedom. I ran out and swam a little. It was about a 30-meter swim and I was on the Romanian side." Vitaliy, previously a local ambulance driver in a border area in the Chernivtsi region, said he had some understanding of people seeking to flee - but that it was his job to stop them. The border guards use drones and hidden automatic camera traps to monitor the forests and cornfields in this area. Most attempted border crossings take place at night. Aside from the river, there's also a razor-wire fence - but it doesn't always stop people getting through. "Sometimes they throw a roll mat or sleeping bags on the top and then climb over," Yuriy, another border guard, told Current Time, the Russian-language TV and digital network run by RFE/RL. There were even instances of people bringing ladders, he said. People caught trying to illegally cross the border can face fines and be taken to a recruitment office. The smugglers can be jailed for up to nine years, but this doesn't apply to the child guides they often employ. "Their basic task is the final stretch, 3-5 kilometers. They form groups of between 3 and 8 people. They lead them along small trails, because they know the borderland," said Kostyantyn Lesnik, a senior officer of the Chernivtsi region border detachment. The cat-and-mouse game on Ukraine's western borders is a symptom of how Kyiv's war effort is hampered by a shortage of soldiers. Tens of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers have been killed and hundreds of thousands wounded in Russia's full-scale invasion. Desertion and absence without leave (AWOL) are taking their toll, with authorities opening more than 110,000 AWOL investigations in the first months of 2025, according to Prosecutor General's Office figures reported by Ukrayinska Pravda - more than half the total number since the start of the invasion. More than 50,000 desertion cases have also been opened since February 2022. The flight of draft-dodgers also reflects a problem with low recruitment that has sometimes resulted in men being dragged off the street. Just this month, military and police personnel apparently involved in mobilization efforts have been suspected of using violence toward military-aged men. On October 15, soldiers were detained in Ternopil, in western Ukraine, and are being investigated for kidnap and robbery after allegedly seeking to extort money from civilians and wounded soldiers. Two days later, two police officers in Kyiv allegedly beat up a man outside a recruitment office. Resistance to conscription generally has been driven by reports of corruption at draft offices and the well-connected finding legal ways to avoid being called up. A controversial mobilization law was introduced in 2024 in a bid to bolster numbers. Also last year, investigations revealed that government officials had evaded military service by falsely claiming disability benefits. "We have ruined the mobilization with our approaches," war veteran and lawyer Oleh Simoroz told RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service. "We are discouraging people from going to serve in the army." (Written by Ray Furlong based on reporting by Borys Sachalko and Serhiy Dykun of Current Time. RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service contributed to this report.) Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/zelenskyy-trump-pressure-xi- china-support-russia-ukraine/33572998.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia's War Dead In Ukraine Believed To Include Hundreds Of Central Asians By RFE/RL's Kazakh Service, Azattyq Asia and RFE/RL's Uzbek Service October 28, 2025 Summary The Ukrainian project "I Want To Live" estimates thousands of Central Asians have joined Russian forces, often lured by lucrative job offers or coerced. Poverty, unemployment, and Russian propaganda are key factors driving Central Asians to fight in Ukraine, according to experts. Sundet Pernebek moved to Russia last year to take up a new lucrative job that would allow him to pay for his wedding. But in May, the 26-year-old native of Kazakhstan appeared on a list of foreigners killed fighting for Russia in its nearly four-year-long war in Ukraine. His name was publishedby the state-sponsored Ukrainian project -- I Want To Live -- which identifies foreigners fighting alongside Russian forces. "For about five or six months after my son went to Russia, he would regularly call his mother," Pernebek's father, Bauyrzhan, told RFE/RL's Kazakh Service. "During our last phone call, he said, 'I'm going to work in a forested area for 10 days and there is poor connection there, so don't worry [if I don't call]. We didn't hear from him ever again." Pernebek's parents contacted the Kazakh Embassy in Moscow to help find their son but did not get any answers. They said he had been offered a well-paying job in Russia, and do not know how he ended up in Ukraine. Pernebek's father said the family held a symbolic funeral for his son. But he said he will not give up looking for him. "We prayed for him, we held his funeral," he said. "But until I see him with my own eyes and lay him to rest myself, I will not stop searching." Pernebek is believed to be among the hundreds of Central Asians who have been killed or are missing since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, according to the I Want To Live project, which regularly updates its list. That includes over 400 Tajiks, nearly 300 Kazakhs, over 100 Uzbeks, and dozens of Turkmen and Kyrgyz. Thousands of men from Central Asia are believed to have joined Russian forces in Ukraine. Some were lured by offers of lucrative jobs. Others, mainly convicts and detainees, have been forced to join the Russian military. The exact number of Central Asians who have fought in Ukraine is unknown. The I Want To Live project estimates that at least 3,000 men have gone to fight in Ukraine. The project said the real figure is likely to be much higher. The Ukrainian project said its data comes from battlefield reports, prisoner interrogations, and appeals from families searching for their missing loved ones. RFE/RL could not independently verify the names or figures published by the project. "The list is not complete," Vitaly Matvienko, a spokesman for the project, told RFE/RL. "The real number of Kazakh citizens killed or missing is likely several times higher." "Every month, we receive more than 50 requests from families looking for their relatives from Kazakhstan alone," Matvienko added. Experts say poverty and a lack of job opportunities in Central Asia as well as the success of Russian propaganda are the main factors driving Central Asians to join Russia's war. "Some people are influenced by Russian propaganda. They watch Russian television, they believe they are fighting for a noble cause," Kazakh military analyst Ermek Seitbattalov told RFE/RL. "Others are simply deceived with promises of high pay or Russian citizenship." Seitbattalov added that widespread unemployment and low wages in the region have made it easier for Russian recruiters to target Central Asians desperate to put food on the table for their families. "You open any job site and see ads for work in [Russia like in] Siberia, Irkutsk, or the Far East -- high salaries, easy jobs. Behind some of those offers are [military] recruiters who send people to the war zone," Seitbattalov said. Akbar Qurbonov, a 23-year-old migrant worker from Uzbekistan, said he had signed a lucrative job offer to work as a driver in the Russian province of Roston-on-Don that borders Ukraine. In a video recording obtained by RFE/RL, Qurbonov said he later realized that the job contract was in fact an agreement to join the Russian military and he ended up in Ukraine's eastern region of Luhansk, which is largely controlled by Russian forces. Footage depicts Qurbonov pleading with the Uzbek authorities to help him return home. RFE/RL could not independently verify his claims. Qurbonov's mother Ruzigul Boboeva told RFE/RL that she has asked the Uzbek authorities to bring back her son from Ukraine but has received little help. Moscow has also recruited hundreds of Central Asians from prisons, detention facilities, and immigration detention centers across Russia. Central Asia governments have repeatedly warned their citizens against taking part in military conflicts abroad, which is a criminal offense punishable by lengthy prison terms. But only a handful of cases have so far reached the courts. Written by Farangis Najibullah with reporting by RFE/RL's Kazakh Service, Uzbek Service, and Azattyq Asia Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-ukraine-centralasia- kazakhs/33572133.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Wider Europe Briefing: A New EU Peace Plan For Ukraine By Rikard Jozwiak October 28, 2025 Briefing #1: Will Europe's 12-Point Plan On Ukraine Work? What You Need To Know: With the proposed summit between US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, in Budapest seemingly postponed, European countries are once again scrambling to make themselves relevant in any potential settlement of the Ukraine war. One of the latest attempts is a leaked 12-point plan, seen by RFE/RL, initiated by Finland that has been circulating in European capitals in recent weeks.The document is not a ready-made peace deal, something that its tentative title, "Elements Towards Peace In Ukraine," makes clear. It has also not been discussed at a higher EU level nor officially endorsed by any country. Rather it is something that has been worked on by the Coalition of the Willing, a collection of over 20 countries supporting Ukraine, since the spring. The 12 points are framed around two phases: the first one, "cease-fire," and the other, "negotiations." A "cease-fire first"approach is something that most European nations have been pushing for ever since the Trump administration started talking with the Kremlin. The document states that such a cease-fire "will begin 24 hours after the parties have accepted this plan" and that a line of contact "will be frozen at the point where it is at the start of the cease-fire." Deep Background: In a nod to the United States being in the driving seat of the talks, it is also suggested that the monitoring of the cease-fire will begin "immediately under US leadership, using satellites, drones, and other technological tools." Also during the cease-fire phase, the plan is that Ukraine and Russia agree on a "nonaggression pact," meaning that while Moscow will stop attacks on Ukraine, Kyiv also must refrain from trying to take back Russian-controlled territories in Ukrainian regions such as Crimea, Donbas, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhya by military means. Regarding the nuclear power plant in the latter region, the proposed idea is to transfer it from Russian control to an unnamed third party and start negotiations on letting Ukraine take it over again. Under the plan, there would also be "confidence-building measures," which are spelled out as "selected, symbolic sanctions being lifted once the cease-fire has lasted for an agreed number of days." Another idea is that Russia would be welcomed back to international organizations. While not explicitly spelled out, it could be assumed that this would mean the Council of Europe, which Russia was excluded from in 2022 and the International Olympic Committee. It is also proposed that during the cease-fire phase, a "Board of Peace" would be established, chaired by President Trump, to oversee the implementation of an eventual peace plan -- an idea seemingly borrowed from a recently unveiled 20-points peace plan for Gaza. Drilling Down: The second phase -- negotiations --firstly involves an armistice. The text notes that "negotiations on a final line of contact will begin, which will remain in effect until the parties have agreed on permanent governance of the occupied territories." This will also involve security zones established around the line of contact where no military activities will be allowed and monitoring by a multinational, civilian mission on both sides of the line. Security guarantees, something the Coalition of the Willing has been working on for months, is the 8th point even though no further details are offered. The 9th point is controversial as it concerns a high-level dialogue between Kyiv and Moscow to "increase mutual understanding and respect for diversity of language, culture, and religion." Officials from eastern EU countries that RFE/RL has been in touch with believe that this point plays up Russian allegations, often regarded as baseless, that Russian-language speakers in Ukraine were discriminated against and needed protection by Moscow. The next point is controversial for many European governments as it mentions "the start of negotiations on the permanent governance of the occupied territories." This goes against the "maximalist" views that many EU capitals hold that Ukraine shouldn't relinquish any new territories and that its territorial integrity is crucial. The penultimate point involves reconstruction, in which a fund will be established for Ukraine. It is noted that frozen Russian assets might be used for the fund. Finally, there is a line on Russia sanctions gradually being lifted as the plan is being implemented. Here, it is also mentioned that Ukraine and Russia will start a process on agreeing compensation for war damage with the frozen assets in the West, totaling over 200 billion euros ($233 billion), proposed to be returned once an agreement between Kyiv and Moscow has been reached. A so-called snapback mechanism in which all sanctions and isolation measures automatically are imposed if Ukraine is attacked again is also suggested here. So how much chance does this plan have of succeeding? "Probably not much," admits one European official I spoke to on background. And while some of them still think that the United States might be interested in at least some aspects of the proposals, few believe that Russia will get onboard anytime soon. As one European diplomat put it: "We can have a 12-point-plan, but there won't be peace -- that is Putin's one-point-plan." Briefing #2: Will Armenia Be Next To Get EU Visa Liberalization? What You Need To Know: There are lots of discussions in Brussels right now about suspending visa-free travel into the bloc for certain Georgians, most likely officials and diplomats, after what several European Union countries regard as democratic backsliding in the South Caucasus country. That decision is likely to be taken late this year, after the European Commission's annual EU enlargement report, which is expected to give a scathing review of the political situation in Tbilisi, and when the new, easier rules for suspending visa liberalization enter into force in December. In parallel, however, the EU is taking steps to eventually grant visa liberalization for another country from the region -- Armenia. Since 2014, the country has enjoyed so-called visa facilitation with the EU, meaning that it's cheaper and easier to obtain visas. In 2024, Yerevan started a visa liberalization dialogue with Brussels, the first step on the long road to its citizens being allowed to enter most EU countries for a period of 90 days without the need for a visa. Deep Background: The next step was taken on October 22, when EU member states agreed on the visa liberalization action plan (VLAP). This document, seen by RFE/RL, outlines what Armenia needs to do in four broad policy fields in the coming years: document security; migration management and asylum; public order and security; and external relations and fundamental rights. It is now expected that the document will be handed over to Armenia in the coming weeks and that work on reforms in the various fields will begin. With the European Union growing increasingly wary of any type of immigration into the bloc, it is clear from the document that it is migration management and asylum that will be the one of the four areas most closely observed. The European Commission, which will be the EU institution that will propose that Armenia is ready for a visa-free regime (though the proposal needs to be backed by a majority in the European Parliament and all 27 EU member states), will need to take into account the visa-refusal rate of Armenian citizens or the number that are being refused entry at the EU's external border and apprehended for staying too long in the EU. According to the VLAP: "A substantial improvement in these performance indicators over the course of the visa dialogue, will be used as an indicative reference in the Commission's assessment of the expected migratory and security impacts of the liberalization of the visa regime with Armenia." So far, those rates are stable, but they need to be reduced to satisfy governments in the EU that are increasingly led or supported by populist parties. An EU diplomat with knowledge of the issue speaking on condition of anonymity said that the main worry is that the number of Armenian citizens apprehended for overstays in the EU has increased in recent years. The VLAP document notes that asylum seekers in the EU from Armenia have risen from 4,655 in 2019 to 5,125 in 2024. "That number must go down in the coming years, otherwise things won't move here," the diplomat noted. Drilling Down: Other key issues that need to be sorted out include a clear timeframe for the rollout of biometric passports and a phaseout of old passports; implementation of all international anti-money-laundering legislation; striking a cooperation deal with Europol that would allow exchange of personal data that would enable "establishing fair and transparent conditions for the acquisition of Armenian citizenship." That last point has become increasingly important for the bloc as it is fighting against various types of "investor citizenship schemes," in which rich people can get passports from certain countries simply by making a big investment. This has been a common tactic for Russians and Belarusians trying to circumvent the EU's various sanctions on Moscow and Minsk in recent years. So, what happens next? Expect that the European Commission will issue its first progress report on how Armenia is faring in the first half of 2026. Incidentally, Georgia completed such reforms faster than any other country, accomplishing the process in just over two years. Georgia was given its VLAP in early 2013, and, in late 2015, the European Commission already proposed visa-free status in its fourth and final progress report. The European Parliament and EU member states agreed with the assessment shortly after and, in March 2016, visa liberalization kicked in for Georgians. Will it go that fast for Yerevan, meaning Armenians can get visa-free travel by late 2027? "Maybe not that fast," said one EU official dealing with the issue, who was speaking on the condition of anonymity. However, the EU is keen to support Armenia right now given that it is the country in the region that is most interested in closer ties with Brussels. The European External Action Service (EEAS), the EU's diplomatic arm, is already evaluating how the recent Moldovan parliamentary elections went and what lessons can be learnt for elections in Armenia in June 2026. Chisinau obviously enjoys much closer ties with the EU than Yerevan as it is an official candidate country and benefits from large financial and political support, but the EU is keen to draw Armenia closer to the bloc as well. Visa liberalization won't be granted before Armenia's elections next year but expect a lot of encouragement from Brussels that things are moving in the right direction in the coming months. Looking Ahead There isn't much happening in Brussels this week as the All Saints' weekend approaches but EU agriculture ministers will meet on October 28. They will be joined by their counterpart from Ukraine who will brief them about the war-torn country's agricultural sector, with Kyiv still aiming to export as much grains and other products as possible, both via the Black Sea and land routes to the EU. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/wider-europe-eu-peace- plan-ukraine/33572991.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Kremlin 'Alarmed' at France's Gamble to Send Troops to Ukraine Sputnik News 20251028 A recent intelligence report about French troops preparing to enter Ukraine has been described as "alarming" by Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov. "Concerning the information from the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service, it is alarming," Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov said, commenting on the agency's recent report that France is gearing up to deploy 2,000 soldiers to Ukraine. Other statements by Peskov: Ukraine has not responded to Russia's proposed draft documents and suggestions for working groups. The pause in the negotiation process on Ukraine is because of Kiev's reluctance to continue the dialogue. The overwhelming majority of EU countries are aligned with the militaristic mainstream. The actions of the EU, including those regarding Russian assets, will have a very negative effect on the European Union's future. Ukraine will keep begging for more financial handouts, forcing Europe to brace for an ever-increasing fiscal burden. Russian military personnel on the front lines report regularly hearing foreign language communications over radio channels. Europeans have taken the Kiev regime under their wing, and now they will have to support it for a long time. Ukraine is skilled at begging for money on a global scale and spending it in ways that leave no trace. If Europe continues its current relationship with Ukraine, the bloc's members will be forced to shoulder a heavier burden for a longer time. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NATO Doing Everything to Persuade US to Abandon Idea of Ukraine Settlement - Lavrov Sputnik News 20251028 Russia has no intention of attacking NATO and EU countries, Russia is prepared to include this in future security guarantees, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said. Russia has no intention of attacking NATO and EU countries, Russia is prepared to include this in future security guarantees, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said. Other Statements: Russia hopes Trump remains committed to resolving conflict in Ukraine based on meeting in Alaska NATO's increased activity in Arctic cannot but cause concern, this territory must be peaceful NATO seeks to stake out place in Pacific ocean by undermining foundations of security architecture, goal is to contain China, isolate Russia Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address French General Staff Gearing Up To Send 2,000 Troops To Ukraine - Russian Foreign Intel Sputnik News 20251028 French Foreign Legion assault troops, currently stationed in Poland, are preparing for redeployment to central Ukraine, Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) has revealed. French Foreign Legion assault troops, stationed in Poland's border regions, are gearing up to be redeployed to central Ukraine, the Russian Foreign Intelligence service (SVR) stated. President Emmanuel Macron of France has been itching for military intervention in Ukraine, craving to be remembered as a military leader, the agency said. "According to information received by the SVR, French President E. Macron is dreaming of a military intervention in Ukraine. Having failed as a politician and despairing of leading the country out of its protracted socio-economic crisis, he has not given up hope of going down in history as a military leader," the SVR said in a statement. The General Staff of the French armed forces, on the orders of Macron, is preparing to deploy a military contingent of up to 2,000 soldiers and officers to Ukraine to assist Kiev, the SVR added. "The backbone of the formation will be French Foreign Legion assault troops, primarily from Latin American countries. The legionnaires are currently deployed in areas of Poland bordering Ukraine, undergoing intensive combat training and receiving weapons and military equipment. Their deployment to central Ukraine is planned for the near future," the statement read. France is rapidly creating hundreds of additional hospital beds to accommodate the wounded, the statement added. "In the event of a leak of information about the planned intervention, Paris intends to state that it is merely a small group of instructors arriving in Ukraine to train mobilized soldiers of Ukrainian armed forces," the SVR also said. If information leaks, France to say it concerns small group of instructors arriving in Ukraine to train mobilized Ukrainian soldiers. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US-Japan first summit following Takaichi's inauguration seeks to show 'close alliance' but structural contradictions persist: experts 08:41, October 29, 2025 By Xu Keyue, Zhao Jingru ( Global Times US President Donald Trump met with Japan's new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the Akasaka Palace State Guest House in Tokyo on Tuesday, during which he underscored close relations with the new Japanese leader, as he announced fresh investment between the two nations on the latest stop of a roundtrip to Asia, CNN reported. The two leaders exchanged lavish words of praise in an address to US troops at the Yokosuka Naval Base, south of Tokyo. On Tuesday, the two leaders also signed an agreement to bolster the supply of "raw and processed critical minerals and rare earths," per the CNN. Video footage circulated online showed that Trump stands at a podium with his right arm around Takaichi's shoulder while claiming that "our bond has grown over 8 decades into the beautiful friendship that we have. It's a foundation of peace and security in the Pacific." Chinese experts said although the two leaders made conspicuous efforts to demonstrate close alliance between the two countries, many outcomes or discussions were reiterations of existing topics, and did not go beyond what was expected. While the US-Japan alliance appears stable on the surface, underlying structural contradictions, such as tariffs, trade frictions and differences in security policies persist, experts said, while noting that both sides have cautiously avoided these issues. Strengthen alliance During the meeting which lasted for 40 minutes, the two leaders confirmed their intention to deepen cooperation in the fields of economy and security to strengthen their alliance, Japan's Nikkei Shimbun reported. Takaichi hailed the US-Japan alliance as the "greatest alliance in the world." Declaring that her goal is to "restore strong Japanese diplomacy" to protect Japan's national interests, she committed to working with Trump to forge a "new golden age" in the alliance, according to Nikkei Shimbun. The two leaders signed the implementation of an agreement for their nations' alliance, a short affirmation of a framework under which the US will tax goods imported from Japan at 15 percent while Japan creates a $550 billion fund of investments in the US, according to the AP. "The atmosphere of the summit appeared friendly and close. However, the consensus reached didn't surpass prior expectations," Xiang Haoyu, a distinguished research fellow at the Department for Asia-Pacific Studies of the China Institute of International Studies, told the Global Times on Tuesday. Many outcomes or discussion topics were reiterations of existing issues, and to a large extent demonstrated a shared willingness to maintain alliance stability and strengthen cooperation, which is an act of "showing closeness," Xiang said. In Japan, exports to the US have posted six straight months of declines by September. Still, the Japanese economy managed to defy economists' expectations in the second quarter, recording a 1.2 percent annualized increase in gross domestic product. The question is whether that can continue, read an analysis by the CNN on Tuesday. Japanese companies have been lowering prices to maintain customers in the US, according to a research note published this month by Goldman Sachs economists. That's taken a bite out of their earnings and large manufacturers see that worsening, according to an October survey published by the Bank of Japan. Later, at a dinner at the US embassy in Tokyo packed with CEOs including Apple's Tim Cook, Trump reveled in the deals. Trump and Takaichi also signed an agreement to cooperate on critical minerals and rare earths, AP reported. The US and Japan plan to accomplish rare earths goals through use of economic policy tools and coordinated investment to accelerate development of diversified, liquid and fair markets for critical minerals and rare earths, the White House statement said. US-Japan cooperation on rare earths supply chains aims to help the US gradually reduce its dependence on China, but no direct mention of China was made publicly by the leaders, Da Zhigang, director of the Institute of Northeast Asian Studies at the Heilongjiang Provincial Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Tuesday. However, restructuring supply chains for rare earths and other critical minerals is not realistic for both the countries in the short term, Xiang commented. Seeking autonomy? Defense was one of the top agendas during Trump's Japan visit. According to Nikkei Shimbun on Tuesday, during their meeting, the Japanese prime minister explained plans to expand investment and financing in the US and to increase defense spending. Trump capped off their meeting with a speech aboard a US aircraft carrier later on Tuesday. Takaichi accompanied him to the Yokosuka naval base, south of Tokyo, Japan's NHK reported. Speaking beside Trump aboard the USS George Washington aircraft carrier in Yokosuka, Takaichi warned that the two allies faced an "unprecedented severe security environment," Financial Times reported. Stressing that "peace cannot be preserved by words alone," Takaichi, said Japan was "ready to contribute even more proactively to peace and stability in the region," according to the report. Takaichi is looking to have Japan reach a target of spending 2 percent of GDP on defense by the end of this fiscal year, effectively moving the planned hike ahead by two years, media reported. According to experts, Takaichi's security policy aims to strengthen Japan's autonomous defense capabilities and assume a more proactive role within the Japan-US alliance, thereby enhancing its strategic value to the US. However, Xiang pointed out that Takaichi's policy faces challenges: while Tokyo emphasizes autonomous defense and equal status within the alliance, Washington, though wanting Japan to share more burdens, will not allow Japan's full strategic autonomy. In response to a media inquiry regarding the US-Japan leaders' meeting with the two confirming strengthening US-Japan alliance, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated on Tuesday that the Asia-Pacific is a stellar example of peace and development. The growth of bilateral relations and security cooperation between the US and Japan need to be conducive to regional peace and stability, rather than the other way around, Guo said. Guo stated that given Japan's history of militarist aggression during the last century, Japan's military and security moves have been closely watched by its Asian neighbors and the international community. This year marks the 80th Anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. We urge Japan to respect its neighboring countries' security concerns, deeply reflect on its history of aggression, stick to the path of peaceful development, and earn the trust of its Asian neighbors and the wider international community through concrete actions, Guo said. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) Continued Defense Support for Ukraine and Diplomatic Work: The President Met with the Speaker of the Lithuanian Seimas President of Ukraine 28 October 2025 - 20:15 Continued Defense Support for Ukraine and Diplomatic Work: The President Met with the Speaker of the Lithuanian Seimas President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with the Speaker of the Lithuanian Seimas, Juozas Olekas, who is visiting Ukraine for the first time in this capacity. The Head of State thanked the President, the Government, and the Parliament of Lithuania for their consistent support of Ukraine. "We are grateful for your military support - 0.25% of your budget. You have sent a signal to some other countries, which have started considering ways to strengthen Ukraine by allocating a percentage of their GDP and defense budgets. This is important. We are also thankful that we can count on your support next year," Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized. The meeting also focused on implementing the PURL and SAFE initiatives, opportunities for joint weapons production, and Lithuania's investments in the development of Ukraine's defense industry. In addition, they discussed strengthening sanctions pressure on Russia and preparing the 20th EU sanctions package. It is important to introduce new restrictions against the banking sector, the shadow fleet, and Russian propagandists, as well as to prevent attempts to bypass sanctions. Particular attention was given to supporting Ukraine's European integration, including the launch of the first negotiation cluster. The Speaker of the Lithuanian Seimas stressed continued support for Ukraine and noted that he plans to participate in the parliamentary summit of the International Crimea Platform, to be held in November in Stockholm. "We advocate for stronger sanctions against Russia and support for Ukraine - military, economic, and political. Of course, we also confirm this in our international negotiations," Juozas Olekas said. The President and the Speaker of the Lithuanian Seimas also discussed diplomatic efforts. Juozas Olekas emphasized the importance of a reliable and lasting peace for Ukraine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The President and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands Discussed Energy Support for Ukraine to Get Through the Winter President of Ukraine 28 October 2025 - 19:11 The President and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands Discussed Energy Support for Ukraine to Get Through the Winter President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, David van Weel. One of the key topics was Ukraine's energy situation. The Head of State briefed the Minister on Russia's daily strikes against Ukraine's energy and gas infrastructure, as well as the water supply system. David van Weel announced that the Netherlands will provide an additional EUR 25 million to support Ukraine's energy sector. "We are very grateful for this. Today, this is probably one of our top priorities - a strong army, strong air defense, and the ability to strengthen our energy sector. Recently, a decision was made to establish a coalition to support Ukraine's energy sector and energy security. And I am very thankful that in this team we immediately felt the support of Norway, the Netherlands, and personally, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen," said Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The meeting also addressed the possibility of using frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's benefit. The Netherlands supports this decision, as well as the need to increase pressure on Russia. Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the Netherlands for its role in adopting the 19th EU sanctions package and discussed preparations for the next one with David van Weel. Additionally, they discussed the prospect of holding Russia accountable for its war crimes. Ukraine expressed gratitude to the Netherlands for its role in establishing the Special Tribunal on Russian Aggression against Ukraine and for the decision to host the tribunal in The Hague. David van Weel assured that Ukraine can continue to rely on the Netherlands' support. "The Netherlands will stand with Ukraine for as long as needed, whether in military support, where we were among the leaders in assisting your country, or in financial support, where we are now strongly backing efforts to use frozen Russian assets to provide greater financial aid and stability, or in the sphere of justice," he said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Apollo Silver Corp. (Apollo Silver or the Company) (TSX.V:APGO, OTCQB:APGOF, Frankfurt:6ZF0) is pleased to announce the Company has closed the final tranche of its previously announced upsized non-brokered private placement (the Upsized Offering), raising gross proceeds of $1,641,503 through the issuance of 455,973 units (the Units) of the Company at a price of $3.60 per Unit. The Company previously closed the first tranche of the Upsized Offering, as announced in its October 22, 2025 press release, for gross proceeds of $25,134,145. In aggregate, the Upsized Offering raised total proceeds of $26,775,648 through the issuance of 7,437,680 Units. Each Unit issued pursuant to the Upsized Offering consists of one common share (a Share) in the capital of the Company and one common Share purchase warrant (a Warrant). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one Share at an exercise price of $5.50 for 24 months from the closing date of the Offering. The Warrants will be subject to an acceleration provision, such that if at any time after the date that is four months and one day after the closing, the Companys Shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange (the TSXV) at a closing price of $7.50 or greater per Share for a period of ten (10) consecutive trading days, the Company may accelerate the expiry of the Warrants by giving notice to the holders thereof and, in such case, the Warrant will expire on the thirtieth (30th) day after the date of such notice (the Acceleration Provision). The Company would like to thank existing and new shareholders including Eric Sprott, Primevest Capital, Sprott Asset Management, Commodity Capital, Jupiter Asset Management and others for their continued support through participation in this financing. We are very pleased with the strong interest in our private placement and deeply appreciate the confidence shown by the institutional, retail, and strategic investors who have backed managements vision to advance our Tier 1 assets, said Ross McElroy, President & CEO of Apollo Silver. The funds raised from this financing position the Company well to advance our Calico Silver Project in San Bernardino County, California, and to support ongoing efforts toward securing surface access and advance the Cinco de Mayo Project in Chihuahua, Mexico. In connection with subscriptions received in the Upsized Offering, the Company will pay aggregate finders fees totaling $901,395.18, payable in cash and/or Units to BMO Capital Markets, Canaccord Genuity, Red Cloud Securities Inc., Research Capital Corporation and SCP Resource Finance. The securities issued under the Upsized Offering are subject to a four-month hold period from the date of closing. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Upsized Offering to continue advancing the Calico Silver Project in San Bernardino, California; support community relations initiatives at the Cinco de Mayo Silver Project in Chihuahua, Mexico; cover ongoing property maintenance costs at both projects; and for general corporate purposes. The Upsized Offering remains subject to the final approval of the TSXV. The Offering included participation by certain insiders of the Company for an aggregate of 405,557 units totaling gross proceeds of $1,460,005.20. Such participation constitutes a related party transaction under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (MI 61-101). The issuance of securities to insiders is exempt from the valuation requirement pursuant to section 5.5(b) of MI 61-101, as the Companys shares are not listed on a specified market, and from the minority shareholder approval requirement pursuant to section 5.7(a) of MI 61-101, as the fair market value of the securities issued to related parties does not exceed twenty five percent of the Companys market capitalization. The Shares have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the U.S. Securities Act), or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States without registration under the U.S. Securities Act and all applicable state securities laws or compliance with the requirements of an applicable exemption therefrom. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About Apollo Silver Corp. Apollo is advancing one of the largest undeveloped primary silver projects in the US. The Calico Silver Project hosts a large, bulk minable silver deposit with significant barite and zinc credits recognized as critical minerals essential to the US energy and medical sectors. The Company also holds an option on the Cinco de Mayo Project in Chihuahua, Mexico, which is host to a major carbonate replacement (CRD) deposit that is both high-grade and large tonnage. Led by an experienced and award-winning management team, Apollo is well positioned to advance the assets and deliver value through exploration and development. Please visit www.apollosilver.com for further information. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ross McElroy President and CEO For further information, please contact: Email: info@apollosilver.com Telephone: +1 (604) 428-6128 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release includes forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements including, without limitation, statements with respect to the intended use of proceeds from the Upsized Offering; receipt of final approval from the TSXV; the advancement and potential of the Companys Calico Project and Cinco de Mayo Project; the Companys plans and expectations relating to exploration, permitting, and future development activities at Calico and Cinco de Mayo; efforts to obtain and maintain surface access and community support at Cinco de Mayo; and the anticipated benefits to the Company and its shareholders. Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as anticipate, believe, plan, estimate, expect, potential, target, budget and intend and statements that an event or result may, will, should, could or might occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof. Forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis, and opinions of the management of the Company made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management of the Company believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made. Forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions that have been made by the Company as at the date of such information and is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may have caused actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: risks associated with mineral exploration and development; metal and mineral prices; availability of capital; accuracy of the Companys projections and estimates; realization of mineral resource estimates, interest and exchange rates; competition; stock price fluctuations; availability of drilling equipment and access; actual results of current exploration activities; government regulation; political or economic developments; environmental risks; insurance risks; capital expenditures; operating or technical difficulties in connection with development activities; personnel relations; and changes in Project parameters as plans continue to be refined. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including but not limited to the price of silver, gold and barite; the demand for silver, gold and barite; the ability to carry on exploration and development activities; the timely receipt of any required approvals; the ability to obtain qualified personnel, equipment and services in a timely and cost-efficient manner; the ability to operate in a safe, efficient and effective matter; and the regulatory framework regarding environmental matters, and such other assumptions and factors as set out herein. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and actual results, and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward looking information contained herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. The forward-looking information contained herein is presented for the purpose of assisting investors in understanding the Companys expected financial and operational performance and the Companys plans and objectives and may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. PERTH, Australia, Oct. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alkane Resources Limiteds (ASX:ALK; TSX:ALK; OTCQX:ALKEF) (Alkane or the Company) is pleased to present its Quarterly Activities Report for the period ending 30 September 2025 (Q1 FY26): Operations Site operating cash flow of A$73 million for the quarter . . Q1 FY26 record gold production of 30,511 AuEq oz @ AISC of $2,988/AuEq oz during a transitional quarter including only 2 months of Bjorkdal and Costerfield production. 1 of 30,511 AuEq oz @ AISC of $2,988/AuEq oz during a transitional quarter including only 2 months of Bjorkdal and Costerfield production. Full 3 month production for all operations was 36,407 AuEq oz 1 at AISC of A$3,036/AuEq oz. 2 Full Year Group Guidance on track for 160-175kozs AuEq at AISC A$2,600-2,900/AuEq oz reflects production from Costerfield and Bjorkdal from July 2025. 3 reflects production from Costerfield and Bjorkdal from July 2025. In early October Tomingley awarded the final portion of the contract to construct the Newell Highway re-alignment. Construction is expected to complete in the March quarter 2027. Exploration New Vein intercepted at True Blue (part of the Costerfield property) with an intercept of 11.7g/t gold and 6.5% antimony over 4.88m (estimated true width 2.06m). Significant high grade gold intercepts at El Paso within Tomingley of 8.2m @ 3.74g/t gold including 1m @ 25.0g/t gold (see ASX Announcement dated 14 August 2025 and titled Tomingley Exploration Intersects Significant Gold at El Paso). Extension of the high grade breccia gold-copper mineralisation at the Boda-Kaiser porphyry deposits (see ASX Announcement dated 8 July 2025 and titled Boda-Kaiser Regional Exploration Update). Finance Gold equivalent sales for the quarter of 30,010 ounces 1 for revenue of A$147 million at an average gold price of A$4,896/oz and an average antimony price of A$35,646/t. for revenue of A$147 million at an average gold price of A$4,896/oz and an average antimony price of A$35,646/t. Cash, bullion and listed investment balance of A$191 million , after the repayment of the A$45 million debt facility and one-off merger related costs of A$25 million. , after the repayment of the A$45 million debt facility and one-off merger related costs of A$25 million. Debt repayments of A$45 million and 7,250 ounces of hedges filled during the quarter. Corporate During the quarter, Alkane and Mandalay Resources Corporation shareholders both voted to approve the merger of equals between the companies. The transaction was completed on 5 August 2025. Admitted to ASX 300 during the quarter. FY2026 guidance was released for the combined company during the quarter. Managing Director, Nic Earner, commented: It has been a significant quarter with the merger with Mandalay completing in early August. Alkane now has three operating mines who together produced 35,527 ounces of gold and 198 tonnes of antimony (36,407 ounces of gold equivalent) over the full quarter.1,2 With the repayment of our A$45 million debt and the one-off transaction costs of A$25 million behind us we have a very solid balance sheet with A$191 million in cash, bullion and listed investments at quarter end. GROUP SUMMARY STATUTORY REPORTING PERIOD Gold-Antimony Production During the quarter, Alkane produced a Group record quarterly production of 30,511 gold equivalent ounces at an AISC of $2,988/AuEq oz.1 This was a transitional quarter with only 2 months of production from Bjorkdal and Costerfield. Alkane produced 29,965 ounces of gold and 124 tonnes of antimony in Q1 FY26, its highest quarterly gold and antimony production yet. This period included the expected slower production at Bjorkdal over the Swedish extended summer vacation period. Additionally, this result was from three months of production from the Tomingley operation (18,335 gold ounces) but only two months of production from the Costerfield (6,189 gold equivalent ounces1) and Bjorkdal (5,987 gold ounces) operations. Alkane processed 571,429 tonnes of ore in total at an average gold grade of 2.27g/t Au producing 29,965 ounces of gold. Tomingley processed 314,970 tonnes of ore with an average gold grade of 2.15g/t. At Costerfield, the average grade of gold was 8.48g/t and the average grade of antimony was 0.68% over 22,671 tonnes of ore processed over two months while Bjorkdal processed 233,789 tonnes of ore with an average gold grade of 0.94g/t, also only over two months. Table 1: September 2025 statutory reporting period operational performance summary1 Revenue Gold equivalent sales for the quarter of 30,010 ounces1 for revenue of A$147 million at an average gold price of A$4,896/oz and an average antimony price of A$35,646/t. Revenue from Tomingley includes 7,250 ounces delivered into forward contracts at an average A$2,832/ounce. Bjorkdals average realised gold price at A$6,335/oz is a simple average for the quarter of recognised revenue divided by ounces sold for the quarter. Provisionally priced concentrate sales are revalued at each reporting date by using the current market price at the end of each reporting period, which increased notably during the quarter leading to the recognition of additional revenue without recognising additional ounces, increasing the realised gold price per ounce. Operating Costs, Cash Operating Costs per Gold Equivalent Ounce Produced, All-In Sustaining Costs (AISC) per Gold Equivalent Ounce Produced and Capital Expenditures Consolidated AISC of A$2,988/AuEq1 oz for the quarter. Consolidated operating cash costs of A$2,215/AuEq1 oz for the quarter. Capital expenditure during Q1 FY26 of A$27 million including A$6 million investment in growth projects, mainly at Tomingley for the Newell Highway realignment and Biodiversity Offset fencing projects. During the quarter, A$6 million of investment in exploration drilling was made including drilling at Costerfield totalling A$4 million, which focused on four key areas - close to the mine the Brunswick South, Sub KC and Kendal drilling look to adding to immediate mine life and 2 km to the west the True Blue program continued with three drill rigs infilling and extending resources. At Bjorkdal, there was A$2 million worth of drilling focused on three programs - the North Zone and Eastern extension programs continued aiming to extend reserves of the Bjorkdal Mine and the Storheden (~1km to the north-east) drilling looked to extend the resources at depth. Table 2: September 2025 statutory reporting period financial performance summary1 Mine Operating Cashflow: Statutory operating cashflow (including royalties and working capital adjustments) excluding capital expenditure. Cash flow Alkane closed the quarter with cash, bullion and liquid investments of A$191 million comprising $160 million in total cash, bullion ($14 million) and liquid investments ($17 million). This result was driven by record Group gold sales at 30,010 gold equivalent ounces1 and an increase in realised gold price to A$4,896/oz and a realised antimony price of A$35,646/t generating $147 million in revenue partly offset by A$45 million debt repayment and one-off transaction and tax costs of A$25 million from the merger with Mandalay incurred during the quarter. Alkanes operations generated A$73 million of mine operating cashflows with the achieved gold price $1,908/AuEq oz over AISC. OPERATIONS AND PROJECTS Costerfield Gold-Antimony Operations - Victoria (Costerfield) Mandalay Resources Costerfield Operations Pty Ltd (100%) Costerfield gold-antimony operations is a wholly owned operation of Alkane. Costerfield is located within the Costerfield mining district of Central Victoria, Australia, approximately 10 km northeast of the town of Heathcote and 50 km east of the city of Bendigo. The Property encompasses the underground infrastructure supporting the Augusta, Cuffley, Brunswick, Youle and Shepherd deposits; the Augusta Mine Site (Augusta), the Brunswick Processing Plant; the Splitters Creek Evaporation Facility; the Brunswick and Bombay Tailings Storage Facilities (TSF) and associated infrastructure. Operations Performance Costerfield delivered steady operational performance during the quarter, maintaining strong mining productivity while advancing several initiatives to improve ore quality and recovery. Mining focused on achievement of planned high priority areas, with some variability in stope performance due to challenging ground conditions and overbreak in complex shallow dipping parts of the orebody in the Youle-Shepherd transition. The operation has implemented targeted improvement programs including drill and blast optimisation, enhanced operator training, and the move to emulsion explosives to improve recovery and reduce dilution. Processing operations performed reliably, with higher mill throughput supported by improved crushing circuit availability. Continuous optimisation of blending and recovery remains a focus. The site continues to prioritise operational consistency and grade control to underpin strong production outcomes over the coming quarters. A total of 6,189 gold equivalent ounces1 was produced during August and September. The site cash costs for the quarter were A$1,927/AuEq oz with an AISC of A$2,451/AuEq oz.1 Gold sold for the quarter was 5,273 ounces at an average sales price of A$5,361/oz, generating revenue of A$28 million. Finished product stocks were 4,521 ounces. The sites operating cash flow was A$20 million for the quarter. Exploration At Costerfield during Q1 FY26, near mine drilling continued on three main focus areas. Following the success of Brunswick South testing program (see ASX announcement dated 15 October 2025 and titled Costerfield Resources and Reserve Statement FY25) drilling continued with the aim of testing the extents of the high-grade intercepts drilled in Q4 FY25. Drilling also continued on the Sub KC program which aims to infill and grow Inferred Resources. Finally, extension drilling continued on the Kendal area just above the currently mined Youle and Shepherd deposits. Approximately 2km to the west of current development, the True Blue program continued with three drill rigs focused on infill drilling a portion of the Inferred Resources recently estimated (see ASX announcement dated 15 October 2025 and titled Costerfield Resources and Reserve Statement FY25). Geological map of Costerfield showing areas of exploration during Q1 FY26. On 21 July 2025, Mandalay, pre-merger, updated the market on its True Blue drilling highlighting an intercept of 11.7g/t gold and 6.5% antimony over 4.88m (estimated true width 2.06m) on an additional vein located 40m to the east of the targeted veining (see ASX announcement dated 15 October 2025 and titled Costerfield Resources and Reserve Statement FY25). Tomingley Gold Operations - NSW (Tomingley) Tomingley Gold Operations Pty Ltd (100%) Tomingley Gold Operations is a wholly owned operation of Alkane, located near the village of Tomingley, approximately 50km southwest of Dubbo in Central Western New South Wales. Tomingley has been operating since 2014. Mining occurs underground on four gold deposits (Wyoming One, Caloma One, Caloma Two and Roswell). Operations Performance The primary source of ore continues to be from Roswell, during the quarter the ore production was negatively impacted by short term problems with explosives quality. Site has engaged with the supplier to rectify to minimise potential impacts in the future. A total of 18,335 ounces of gold was poured for the quarter. The site cash costs for the quarter were A$2,120/oz with an AISC of A$2,628/oz.1 Gold sold for the quarter was 18,456 ounces at an average sales price of A$4,284/oz, generating revenue of A$79 million. Bullion stocks were 2,417 ounces. The sites operating cash flow was A$39 million for the quarter. Works formally commenced on the Newell Highway diversion, outside of the existing Newell Highway corridor, on TGO owned land in the last week of the quarter. In early October Tomingley awarded the final portion of the contract to construct the Newell Highway re-alignment, including within the existing Newell Highway corridor. Construction is expected to take 12 months and complete in the March quarter 2027. Exploration Resource expansion drilling continues at Tomingley outside existing resource models and close to existing underground infrastructure, and an update is expected to be reported in October. Results from a regional drilling program around Tomingley has intersected significant gold mineralisation at El Paso (see ASX Announcement dated 14 August 2025 and titled Tomingley Exploration Intersects Significant Gold at El Paso). Including three zones of gold mineralisation hosted by a poorly defined dacite intercepted by EPD017 for 32.1m grading 1.65g/t Au, 14m grading 1.71g/t, and 8m grading 1.19g/t Au. 2,000 metres of diamond core drilling is underway to further define an exploration target for El Paso. Bjorkdal Gold Operations - Sweden (Bjorkdal) Bjorkdalsgruvan AB (100%) Bjorkdal Gold Operations is a wholly owned operation of Alkane. The Bjorkdal property, containing both the Bjorkdal mine and the Storheden and Norrberget deposits, is located in Vasterbotten County in northern Sweden. Bjorkdal is located approximately 28 km northwest of the municipality of Skelleftea and approximately 750 km north of Stockholm. The Bjorkdal property is accessible via Swedish national road 95 or European highway route E4 followed by all-weather paved roads. Operations Performance Bjorkdal achieved strong mining performance during the quarter, with good ore production supported by solid stope productivity and increased development activity. The operation benefited from improved workforce planning throughout the summer holiday period, contributing to steady underground output and improved flexibility in the mine plan. Processing was affected by a series of external and maintenance-related interruptions, including storm-related power outages. Despite these impacts, metallurgical recoveries remained stable. The major maintenance shutdown was completed safely and as scheduled, positioning the plant for improved throughput in the next quarter. Work is continuing to optimise flotation performance and manage ore variability through targeted field trials and enhanced metallurgical support. A total of 5,987 gold ounces was produced during August and September. The site cash costs for the quarter were A$2,805/oz with an AISC of A$4,010/oz.1 Gold sold for the quarter was 6,281 ounces at an average sales price of A$6,335/oz, generating revenue of A$40 million. Finished product stocks were 1,211 ounces. The sites operating cash flow was A$14 million for the quarter. Exploration At Bjorkdal there were three programs progressed during the quarter. The North Zone and Eastern extension programs continued aiming to extend reserves of the Bjorkdal Mine. Drilling also progressed and was completed on the Storheden deposit (~1km to the north-east). This program aimed to build on Inferred Mineral Resource recently estimated. Geological modeling is currently underway. Perspective view of Bjorkdal looking south west showing locations of exploration during Q1 FY26: Northern Molong Porphyry Project (NMPP) (gold-copper) Alkane Resources Ltd 100% During the quarter results from reconnaissance drilling at Boda 2-3 and Driell Creek were released (see ASX Announcement dated 8 July 2025 and titled Boda-Kaiser Regional Exploration Update). Significant gold-copper mineralisation was intersected by most drill holes outside of the current Boda-Kaiser Mineral Resource Estimations. Including the significant sulphide cemented breccia at Boda 2-3 was tested up-dip and outside of the MRE intercepting 53.3m grading 0.87g/t Au, 0.27% Cu. Additional drilling and a MobileMT survey are to commence in Q2. Lupin Reclamation Project Lupin Mines Inc 100% Lupin is currently in the process of final closure and reclamation activities which are to be partially funded by progressive security reductions. During the quarter, there has been minor spend on engineering, project management, coordination, site activities and equipment maintenance. The majority of this reclamation work to achieve the majority of closure obligations is expected to take place in the 2026 calendar year. As at 30 September 2025, $12 million in restricted cash stands as a deposit against the present value of certain reclamation cost obligations. La Quebrada Exploration Project Minera Mandalay Limitada 100% The Company continues to evaluate options for this non-core asset. CORPORATE Cash, Bullion and Listed Investments Banking Facilities At the end of the quarter, the Company had $23.4 million of mobile equipment financing, which increased from the June FY2025 quarter due to the merger with Mandalay. Alkane previously had a Project Loan Facility from Macquarie Bank Limited (Macquarie) to develop the Tomingley Gold Extension Project. This facility was repaid during the quarter ($45 million). Investments At the end of the quarter, Alkane held ~9 million shares in Sky Metals (ASX:SKY) valued at $0.8 million and 30 million shares (~4.9%) in Medallion Metals Limited (ASX:MM8) valued at $16.2 million. Gold Forward Sale Contracts Tomingley holds the following forward sale contracts: Costerfield holds 2.5koz of derivative contracts with costless collars of A$3,027/oz to A$3,243/oz. The unsettled derivative contracts have monthly expiry dates over the period October 2025 to December 2025. Subsequent to the quarter end, 42,000oz of SEK put options were purchased for the Bjorkdal operation covering production from Jan 2026 to Dec 2026 at a strike price of SEK 30,645/oz (~$4,985/oz). Share Capital Alkane closed the quarter with the following capital structure: GROUP SUMMARY FULL QUARTER1, 2 This document has been authorised for release to the market by Nic Earner, Managing Director. ABOUT ALKANE alkres.com ASX:ALK | TSX: ALK | OTCQX: ALKEF Alkane Resources (ASX:ALK; TSX:ALK; OTCQX:ALKEF) is an Australia-based gold and antimony producer with a portfolio of three operating mines across Australia and Sweden. The Company has a strong balance sheet and is positioned for further growth. Alkanes wholly owned producing assets are the Tomingley open pit and underground gold mine southwest of Dubbo in Central West New South Wales, the Costerfield gold and antimony underground mining operation northeast of Heathcote in Central Victoria, and the Bjorkdal underground gold mine northwest of Skelleftea in Sweden (approximately 750km north of Stockholm). Ongoing near-mine regional exploration continues to grow resources at all three operations. Alkane also owns the very large gold-copper porphyry Boda-Kaiser Project in Central West New South Wales and has outlined an economic development pathway in a Scoping Study. The Company has ongoing exploration within the surrounding Northern Molong Porphyry Project and is confident of further enhancing eastern Australias reputation as a significant gold, copper and antimony production region. Competent Person Unless otherwise advised above or in the ASX Announcements referenced, the information in this report that relates to mineral resources and ore reserves is based on information compiled by, in the case the NSW, Mr D I Chalmers, FAusIMM, FAIG (Alkane Technical Advisor) and, in the case of Costerfield and Bjorkdal, Mr Chris Davis who is a Member of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and a full-time employee of Alkane Resources Limited. Both Mr Chalmers and Mr Davis have sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity which they are undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (JORC Code) and as a Qualified person as defined in the CIM Guidelines and National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101). Mr Chalmers and Mr Davis consent to the inclusion in this report of the matters based on this information in the form and context in which it appears. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information and Statements This announcement contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation and may include future-oriented financial information or financial outlook information (collectively Forward-Looking Information). Actual results and outcomes may vary materially from the amounts set out in any Forward-Looking Information. As well, Forward-Looking Information may relate to: future outlook and anticipated events; expectations regarding exploration potential; production capabilities and future financial or operating performance, including AISC, investment returns, margins and share price performance; production and cost guidance and the timing thereof; issuing updated resources and reserves estimate and the timing thereof; the potential of Alkane to meet industry targets, public profile and expectations; and future plans, projections, objectives, estimates and forecasts and the timing related thereto. Forward-Looking Information is generally identified by the use of words like "will", "create", ", "create", "enhance", "improve", "potential", "expect", "upside", "growth" and similar expressions and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", or "should", or the negative connotation of such terms, are intended to identify Forward-Looking Information. Although Alkane believes that the expectations reflected in the Forward-Looking Information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on Forward-Looking Information since no assurance can be provided that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-Looking Information is based on information available at the time those statements are made and/or good faith belief of the officers and directors of Alkane as of that time with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the Forward-Looking Information. Forward-Looking Information involves numerous risks and uncertainties. Such factors include, without limitation: risks relating to changes in the gold and antimony price. Forward-Looking Information is designed to help readers understand Alkanes views as of that time with respect to future events and speak only as of the date they are made. Except as required by applicable law, Alkane assumes no obligation to update or to publicly announce the results of any change to any forward-looking statement contained or incorporated by reference herein to reflect actual results, future events or developments, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting the Forward-looking Information. If Alkane updates any one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that the company will make additional updates with respect to those or other Forward-looking Information. All Forward-Looking Information contained in this announcement is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Disclaimer Alkane has prepared this announcement based on information available to it. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to the fairness, accuracy, completeness or correctness of the information, opinions or conclusions contained in this announcement. To the maximum extent permitted by law, none of Alkane, its directors, officers, employees, associates, advisers and agents, nor any other person accepts any liability, including, without limitation, any liability arising from fault or negligence on the part of any of them or any other person, for any loss arising from the use of this announcement or its contents or otherwise arising in connection with it. This announcement is not an offer, invitation, solicitation, or other recommendation with respect to the subscription for, purchase or sale of any security, and neither this announcement nor anything in it shall form the basis of any contract or commitment whatsoever. Non-IFRS Performance Measures This announcement contains references to all-in sustaining costs which is a non-IFRS measure and does not have a standardised meaning under IFRS. Therefore, this measure may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. All-in sustaining costs include total cash operating costs, sustaining mining capital, royalty expense and accretion of reclamation provision. Sustaining capital reflects the capital required to maintain a sites current level of operations. All-in sustaining cost per ounce of gold equivalent in a period equals the all-in sustaining cost divided by the equivalent gold ounces produced in the period. 1 Gold equivalent ounces calculated by multiplying quantities of gold and antimony in period by respective average market price of commodities in period, adding the two amounts to get total contained value based on market price and dividing that total contained value by the average market price of gold in period. I.e., AuEq = ((Au Produced x Au $/oz) + (Sb Produced pre-payability x 70% payability x Sb $/t)) / (Au $/oz). The average market prices for the quarter were A$5,283/oz Au (being the average of the daily PM price, sourced from www.lbma.org.uk) and A$33,508/t Sb (being the average Shanghai Metal Market Price sourced from www.metal.com). The average market prices for the statutory reporting period were US$5,382/oz Au (being the average of the daily PM price, sourced from www.lbma.org.uk) and A$33,859/t Sb (being the average Shanghai Metal Market Price sourced from www.metal.com). AISC is a non-IFRS measure and does not have a standardised meaning under IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other companies. Refer to "Non-IFRS Performance Measures" at the end of this announcement. 2 Group Production on basis of 100% contribution from Tomingley, Costerfield and Bjorkdal for the quarter. As the merger with Mandalay Resources completed on 5 August 2025, Alkanes statutory reported production for FY2026 reflects production from Costerfield and Bjorkdal only from that date. Full quarter production and costs can be found at the end of this report. 3 Refer to ALK Announcement dated 9 September 2025 titled Alkane Announces Financial Year 2026 Guidance for calculation of gold equivalent ounces and definition of Group Guidance. Images accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bc5cebf6-5f30-4b9b-824d-7b43ed918c0c https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4ebc7185-4331-4715-a630-4e93602ebefc https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/db954fac-8397-49dc-bb08-aa154daa60f0 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/54623070-8904-4367-9f50-e0d6e2e55ae0 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/19106ec0-a599-4ccf-96ac-14eda2b1e646 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ea0559dd-a263-48e1-96c2-b36a57fb0ab4 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/eb801eda-4f90-443d-aefb-aa11c344b47d https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2ee0abe1-fa1f-4185-b3b7-f9e287b8fe63 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9fcef592-f207-4bb2-a596-3877184795f9 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/54c192e3-87ec-4be9-afaf-021574620c38 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c70c38e7-7f55-497e-a554-2c904e1c8804 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6b92f3f4-ce9b-40e8-866d-54ceee1e23c0 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e0d559cd-bc9e-4834-bbbb-f4f9707b804f NEW YORK and NEW ORLEANS, Oct. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC (KSF) and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have until November 14, 2025 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Fluor Corporation (NYSE: FLR), if they purchased or otherwise acquired the Companys securities between February 18, 2025 and July 31, 2025, inclusive (the Class Period). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas. What You May Do If you purchased securities of Fluor 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-flr/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court by November 14, 2025 . About the Lawsuit Fluor and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws. On August 1, 2025, the Company announced its financial results for the second quarter of 2025, disclosing a Q2 non-GAAP EPS of $0.43, missing consensus estimates by $0.13, and revenue of $3.98 billion, representing a 5.9% year-over-year decline and missing consensus estimates by $570 million due to growing costs in multiple infrastructure projects due to subcontractor design errors, price increases, and scheduling delays, as well as reduced capital spending by customers. The Company also disclosed a negatively revised financial outlook for FY 2025, guiding to adjusted EBITDA of $475 million to $525 million, down significantly from Defendants' prior guidance of $575 million to $675 million, and adjusted EPS of $1.95 per share to $2.15 per share, down significantly from Defendants' prior guidance of $2.25 per share to $2.75 per share. On this news, the price of Fluors shares fell $15.35 per share, or 27.04%, to close at $41.42 per share on August 1, 2025. The case is Maglione v. Fluor Corporation, et al., No. 25-cv-02496. About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC KSF, 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 Services To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com. Contact: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC Lewis Kahn, Managing Partner lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com 1-877-515-1850 1100 Poydras St., Suite 960 New Orleans, LA 70163 CONNECT WITH US: Facebook || Instagram || YouTube || TikTok || LinkedIn NEW YORK and NEW ORLEANS, Oct. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC (KSF) and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have until December 8, 2025 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against WPP plc (NYSE: WPP), if they purchased or otherwise acquired the Companys shares between February 27, 2025 and July 8, 2025, inclusive (the Class Period). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. What You May Do If you purchased shares of WPP 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-wpp/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court by December 8, 2025 . About the Lawsuit WPP and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws. On July 9, 2025, the Company published a trading update for the first half of 2025, disclosing that it had allegedly seen a deterioration in performance as Q2 has progressed due to both continued macro uncertainty weighing on client spend and weaker net new business than originally anticipated, as well as some distraction to the business as a result of the continued restructuring of WPP Media a.k.a. GroupM. The Company further disclosed that its CEO will retire from the Board and as CEO on 31 December 2025. On this news, the price of WPPs shares fell from a closing price of $35.82 per share on July 8, 2025 to $29.34 per share on July 9, 2025, a decline of about 18.1% in the span of just a single day. The case is Marty v. WPP plc, 25-cv-08365. About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC KSF, 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 Services To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com. Contact: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC Lewis Kahn, Managing Partner lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com 1-877-515-1850 1100 Poydras St., Suite 960 New Orleans, LA 70163 CONNECT WITH US: Facebook || Instagram || YouTube || TikTok || LinkedIn NEW YORK and NEW ORLEANS, Oct. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC (KSF) and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have until December 2, 2025 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Molina Healthcare, Inc. (Molina or the Company) (NYSE: MOH), if they purchased or otherwise acquired the Companys securities between February 5, 2025 and July 23, 2025, inclusive (the Class Period). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. What You May Do If you purchased securities of Molina 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-moh/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court by December 2, 2025 . About the Lawsuit Molina and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws. On July 23, 2025, the Company reported its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025 and cut its full-year 2025 earnings guidance, disclosing that GAAP net income was $4.75 per diluted share for the second quarter of 2025, a decrease of 8% year over year and it now expects its full year 2025 adjusted earnings to be no less than $19.00 per diluted share, due to a challenging medical cost trend environment, including utilization of behavioral health, pharmacy, and inpatient and outpatient services. On this news, the price of Molinas shares fell $32.03, or 16.84%, to close at $158.22 per share on July 24, 2025, on unusually heavy trading volume. The case is Hindlemann v. Molina Healthcare, Inc., et al., No. 25-cv-09461. About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC KSF, 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 Services To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com. Contact: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC Lewis Kahn, Managing Partner lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com 1-877-515-1850 1100 Poydras St., Suite 960 New Orleans, LA 70163 CONNECT WITH US: Facebook || Instagram || YouTube || TikTok || LinkedIn SOSAs 12-month ILPN program will support 10 international technology companies to expand to the U.S. market, beginning in February, 2026. NEW YORK, Oct. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SOSA, a leading global technology and innovation advisory company, has officially opened applications for its specialized program within the newly established International Landing Pad Network (ILPN), an initiative launched in partnership with the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC). The ILPN is a one-stop-shop for growth-stage international companies looking to establish and expand in New York City, designed to attract over 50 companies across innovative sectors to the city over 12 months. This coordinated, citywide network strengthens New York Citys brand as the entry point to the US market for international businesses operating in advanced technology, green economy, and life sciences ecosystems. SOSA is uniquely positioned to guide international founders through their expansion, leveraging its extensive global expertise in connecting corporations, governments, and startups to drive collaboration and scale solutions. SOSAs program focuses specifically on attracting high-growth scaleups in advanced technology and the green economy, including specific verticals like Cybersecurity, Fintech, Artificial Intelligence (AI), CleanTech, Industry 4.0, and Agnostic B2B SaaS. Through its participation in the network, SOSA will host a cohort of 10 growth-stage technology companies at its dedicated innovation hub located in Manhattan. Uzi Scheffer, CEO of SOSA, underscored the company's commitment to reinforcing New York City's reputation as a global gateway for innovation. With over a decade of experience supporting technology companies through acceleration programs, we understand the requirements for founders to successfully scale in new markets. As part of this program, SOSA is committed to providing international founders with a dedicated hub, ongoing mentorship, essential scale-up services, and direct access to SOSA Ventures - giving them the foundation they need to expand and thrive in New York City. "Were thrilled to see International Landing Pad Network applications now officially open, said New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) President & CEO Andrew Kimball. This milestone marks an exciting step forward in connecting more international companies to New York Citys innovation ecosystem. Through partners like SOSA, whose deep industry networks and collaborative approach help global startups thrive, the ILPN will strengthen and diversify our economy, bringing new companies, talent, and opportunities to New Yorkers. Over the 12-month program, participating scaleups will receive comprehensive support intended to accelerate their U.S. market entry. This support includes 24/7 access to coworking space at SOSAs centrally located Manhattan office, tailored business development services, and introductions to prospective customers and investors. A key differentiator is the direct capital opportunity: all participating companies will have the opportunity to meet with SOSA Ventures, the firms affiliated venture fund, for investment consideration. Furthermore, each company will be paired with a dedicated Lead Mentor, gaining access to corporate innovation leaders and ecosystem partners, who will work on individualized scaling strategies. The program also offers potential opportunities for curated corporate matchmaking via SOSAs corporate innovation practice. International founders will benefit from a menu of essential scaleup services provided by trusted partners in areas such as tax, accounting, fundraising, marketing, and leadership development. Year-round networking and exposure are ensured through programming that features investor speed dating, corporate roundtables, and a Demo Day showcase connecting founders directly with New Yorks venture community. Collectively, participants will receive perks and discounts with value-add partners across more than 25 online tools and platforms. To be eligible for the ILPN, growth-stage international companies must be generating at least $5 million in year-over-year revenue, or possess sufficient capital to grow a team of at least five employees in New York City within approximately two years. Additionally, applicants must be headquartered outside the United States, operate in an innovation-driven industry (such as advanced technology, the green economy, or life sciences), and demonstrate a clear commitment to establishing operations in New York City. Applications are currently open and will be accepted on a rolling basis until December 8th, 2025. Interested companies may apply at https://www.sosa.co/international-landing-pad-network. About the International Landing Pad Network (ILPN) Launched by NYCEDC in 2025, the International Landing Pad Network unites four leading operators - Plug and Play, SOSA, Supermomos, and The Clean Fight - to provide tailored support for international technology companies expanding into New York City. Each Operators program offers business development, mentorship, and workspace, connecting global founders with New Yorks advanced technology, green economy, and life sciences sectors. About SOSA SOSA is a global technology management and innovation advisory that bridges startups, corporations, and governments. The consulting firm has over a decade of experience running more than 40 international accelerator and landing programs in partnership with governments and corporations worldwide. With offices in New York, Sao Paulo, and Tel Aviv, and partnerships across Europe, Asia, and North America, SOSA supports the global exchange of innovation. Learn more at sosa.co Contact: For inquiries about SOSAs ILPN program, please contact: Elan Fox, Senior Program Manager at elan.f@sosa.co For inquiries about SOSA: Iris Finkelstein-Sagi, VP Marketing iris.f@sosa.co A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d52dc71e-33eb-4654-8f4e-3e984b121cc1 WASHINGTON, Oct. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Thermo Fisher Scientific and Society for Science today announced the winners of the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge (Thermo Fisher JIC), the nations leading middle school science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) competition. Miles Wu, 14, from New York City, won the $25,000 Thermo Fisher Scientific ASCEND (Aspiring Scientists Cultivating Exciting New Discoveries) Award, the top prize in the competition. Exploring the power of origami-inspired engineering, Miles tested 54 variations of the Miura-ori fold, a geometric pattern that packs flat and unfolds in one smooth motion. His research revealed that designs with smaller panels and steeper angles werent just stronger, they were remarkably resilient. Using dumbbells, he discovered they could support more than 9,000 times their own weight. Miles hopes to apply these insights to develop strong, lightweight shelters that can be rapidly deployed in areas affected by natural disasters. The Thermo Fisher JIC, a program of Society for Science, reaches 60,000 middle school students nationwide, inspiring them to pursue their STEM interests and explore exciting college and career paths. The 30 finalists, who were selected from nearly 2,000 applicants representing 48 states, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and Puerto Rico; are counted among the nations brightest students, with several, including Miles, collectively receiving more than $100,000 at tonights award ceremony in Washington, D.C. Winners were chosen by a panel of distinguished scientists, engineers and educators and the finalists schools also received a $1,000 grant to support STEM programming. Each of the 30 finalists participated in team challenges in addition to being judged on their research projects. The challenges incorporated project-based learning to test critical thinking, communication, creativity and collaboration skills across a variety of STEM fields. They included coding with Micro:Bit processors to address climate change, conducting environmental forensics to solve a public health issue, exploring physics and engineering through building chain reactions and applying biomimicry in the design of a blue crab hydraulic claw. Miles remarkable blend of scientific creativity, leadership and collaboration highlights the type of talent Society for Science is proud to support, said Maya Ajmera, President & CEO, Society for Science and Executive Publisher, Science News. I look forward to seeing the innovative ideas he will contribute in the future. The other top winners included: Akhil Nagori, 15, from Santa Clara, CA, won the $10,000 Broadcom Coding with Commitment Award for combining STEM learning with coding to solve a community problem they care about that aligns with the 17 Sustainable Development Goal of the United Nations. For his project, Akhil worked as part of a team to develop an inexpensive pair of glasses that can translate text to speech, to help visually impaired students have wide access to reading materials. Peter Fernandez Dulay, 15 from Jacksonville, FL, won the $10,000 DoD STEM Talent Award for demonstrating excellence in science, technology, engineering or math; along with the leadership and technical skills necessary to excel in the 21st Century STEM workforce and build a better community for tomorrow. Peter had four image-generating AI platforms make images of five different types of scientists and found that because the AI tools learned from limited data, the tools perpetuated stereotypes about male bias in science. Evann Sun, 14, from Santa Clara, CA, won The Lemelson Foundation Award for Invention of $10,000, which is given to a young inventor creating promising product-based solutions to real-world problems. Evann worked as part of a team to develop a pair of glasses that can translate text to speech, to help visually impaired students have wide access to reading materials. Camila Isabel Gonzalez-Thompson, 14, from Ponce, Puerto Rico, won the $10,000 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Award for Health Advancement, which recognizes the student whose work and performance shows the most promise in health-related fields and demonstrates an understanding of the many social factors that affect health. Camila examined blood samples from Puerto Ricans for antibodies to dengue virus, and showed that the virus is endemic to Puerto Rico, helping public health officials target interventions. Thermo Fishers sponsorship of the Junior Innovators Challenge reflects the companys longstanding commitment to broadening access to STEM education. For decades, it has invested in school-based STEM programs, and employees across the company volunteer thousands of hours each year to support education initiatives around the world. This years winners embody the ingenuity and perseverance that drive progress in STEM and improve lives, said Dr. Karen Nelson, Chief Scientific Officer, Thermo Fisher Scientific. We are honored to celebrate these remarkable young thinkers as they advance their scientific research and inspire students of all backgrounds to explore the world through STEM. In addition to the top prizes, Thermo Fisher and the Society announced first- and second-place winners in each STEM category (science, technology, engineering and math), as well as the competitions Team Award. First- and second-place STEM Award winners demonstrated exceptional skill and promise in science, technology, engineering or math. First-place winners received $3,500 and second-place winners received $2,500 to support their choice of a STEM summer camp experience in the U.S. Science Award: First place: Pranshi Mehta, Austin, TX, Machine Learning-Mediated Computational Modeling of FK506-Binding Protein 12 (FKBP12)-Enhanced CAR T-Cell Therapy for Targeted Glioblastoma Treatment Pranshi Mehta, Austin, TX, Machine Learning-Mediated Computational Modeling of FK506-Binding Protein 12 (FKBP12)-Enhanced CAR T-Cell Therapy for Targeted Glioblastoma Treatment Second place: Christine Wang, San Jose, CA, Peel To Purify: An Innovative Fruit Waste-Based Solution for Contaminated Water Treatment Technology Award: First place: Caden Terence Pohlkamp, Friendswood, TX, Is More Green Better? Does Littoral Vegetation Enhance Habitat Suitability of Local Retention Ponds? Caden Terence Pohlkamp, Friendswood, TX, Is More Green Better? Does Littoral Vegetation Enhance Habitat Suitability of Local Retention Ponds? Second place: Alice Feng, Fresno, CA, Transforming Waste Into Value: The Impact of Grape Pomace Variety and Extraction Parameters on Grape Seed Oil Yield and Physicochemical Properties Engineering Award: First place: Brady Ryan Sage, Rapid City, SD, Optimizing Driver Flight Distance and Accuracy Brady Ryan Sage, Rapid City, SD, Optimizing Driver Flight Distance and Accuracy Second place: Luca McGill, Tucson AZ, ALTO-CO: Low-Cost Drone-Based Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide Monitoring Across Urban, Suburban, and Rural Areas in Southern Arizona Mathematics Award: First place: Tobias Lam, Austin, TX, The Effect of Nintendos NES Tetris Theme Music and 28 Hertz High Beta-Frequency Binaural Beats on a 233 Hertz Carrier on Attention Span Tobias Lam, Austin, TX, The Effect of Nintendos NES Tetris Theme Music and 28 Hertz High Beta-Frequency Binaural Beats on a 233 Hertz Carrier on Attention Span Second place: Siddharth Sudharshan Vazhkudai, Cedar Park, TX, AIM-BASE: AI-Integrated Model To Predict the Energy Consumption of Extra-Terrestrial Colonies Team Award, sponsored by Teaching Institute for Excellence in STEM (TIES): Each member of the Finals Week challenge team that best demonstrates an ability to work together and solve problems through shared decision making, communication and scientific and engineering collaboration received a $200 science supply company gift card to support their interests in STEM. The winning team members are Lia Camil Gonzalez, Tobias Lam, Yookta Pandit, Sam Daniel Solhpour and Bhavya Uppalapati. Thermo Fisher Scientific Leadership Award: Bestowed upon one finalist, this award recognizes the student elected by their peers to speak on behalf of their Thermo Fisher JIC class at the Awards Ceremony. The Class Speaker demonstrates the collegiality and spirited leadership that has earned the collective esteem of the class and united them around common goals. The 2025 awardee is Akhil Nagori from Santa Clara, CA. Media Kit: https://www.societyforscience.org/thermo-fisher-jic-2025-media-kit About Society for Science Society for Science is a champion for science, dedicated to promoting the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement. Established in 1921, Society for Science is best known for its award-winning journalism through Science News and Science News Explores, its world-class science research competitions for students, including the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair and the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge, and its STEM outreach programming that seeks to ensure that all students have an opportunity to pursue a career in STEM. A 501(c)(3) membership organization, Society for Science is committed to inform, educate and inspire. Learn more at www.societyforscience.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter /X , and Instagram. About Thermo Fisher Scientific Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with annual revenue over $40 billion. Our Mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Whether our customers are accelerating life sciences research, solving complex analytical challenges, increasing productivity in their laboratories, improving patient health through diagnostics or the development and manufacture of life-changing therapies, we are here to support them. Our global team delivers an unrivaled combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience and pharmaceutical services through our industry-leading brands, including Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific, Unity Lab Services, Patheon and PPD. For more information, please visit www.thermofisher.com. Contact Information: Gayle Kansagor Society for Science gkansagor@societyforscience.org A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/300ae6b7-28df-4b51-a50e-962939dffb47 PANAMA CITY, Oct. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The countdown is on as Blazpays audited Crypto Presale 2025 nears the end of Phase 2 with remarkable momentum. At $0.0075 per BLAZ token, over 129.6 million tokens have already been sold, raising $925.7K and completing 82.4% of the current stage. With less than 5 days remaining before the next price increase to $0.009375, early investors are racing to secure allocations before the final presale phase begins. The projects third-party audit has strengthened investor confidence, verifying Blazpays smart contract integrity, token allocation transparency, and fund security. This audit certification positions Blazpay as one of the most trusted and compliant AI-driven presales in the 2025 crypto cycle, drawing serious attention from both institutional and retail investors. As questions around Which Crypto Will Explode in 2025 continue to trend across markets, Blazpay stands out as the Best Crypto Coin to Buy Now, combining verified smart contract safety with a rapidly expanding AI and DeFi ecosystem. Blazpay: A Verified and Secure Crypto Presale 2025 What makes this phase of the Blazpay presale so significant is that its fully audited and publicly verified, giving investors unmatched confidence ahead of Phase 3. While most presales rely on hype alone, Blazpay has backed its ecosystem with verifiable proof of security, transparency, and value delivery. At its current price of $0.0075, the project offers investors a rare opportunity to buy below its seed price of $0.008 a discount that will soon close. With Phase 3 approaching in under 5 days, the next stage will see the price climb to $0.009375, marking an immediate value increase for early participants. Gamified Rewards and Perpetual Trading Lead the Ecosystem Blazpays gamified rewards system keeps user engagement high, turning participation into valuable incentives. Over 200K in rewards have already been distributed, boosting user activity and loyalty across its ecosystem. Meanwhile, Blazpay s Perpetual Trading engine is powered by AI optimization algorithms that automatically execute trades with higher efficiency and reduced slippage. This integration makes it a powerful force among AI-driven crypto platforms heading into 2026. Audited and Verified Smart Contracts Blazpays smart contract audit was performed by a leading blockchain security firm, ensuring no vulnerabilities, no hidden code, and no risk of liquidity manipulation. This verification not only confirms the safety of investors funds but also positions Blazpay as a compliance-ready AI crypto project for the next market uptrend. This transparency has increased investor participation rates by over 22% week-on-week, making Blazpay one of the most credible and fast-moving Crypto Presales 2025. $2,000 Investment Scenario: A Realistic Growth Projection An investor entering at $0.0075 with $2,000 would receive roughly 266,666 BLAZ tokens. If Blazpay reaches $0.075 post-launch, that same investment could grow to $20,000, reflecting a potential 10x return. If the broader AI DeFi sector surges as expected, returns could climb even higher through staking, yield integrations, and token utility growth. Blazpay Price Prediction: What Analysts Expect Next Market projections for Blazpays token suggest it could trade between $0.045 and $0.11 by the end of 2025. The combination of a verified audit, strong tokenomics, and real AI infrastructure gives analysts confidence that Blazpay could emerge as one of the Best Crypto Coins to Invest In ahead of the next market rally. Final Countdown: Less Than 5 Days Before the Next Price Increase Blazpays audited Crypto Presale 2025 is now in its final stretch before Phase 3. With the current stage 82.4% complete and $925.7K raised, investors have only a few days left to enter below the seed price of $0.008. This marks one of the final low-cost opportunities to join what analysts are calling the Next Big AI Crypto Coin before prices rise permanently. About Blazpay Blazpay is an AI-powered DeFi ecosystem merging perpetual trading, gamified rewards, and unified multichain services. With its Phase 2 presale at $0.0075 live and verified by a third-party audit, Blazpay stands out among the Best Crypto Coins to Buy Now, offering early investors a rare opportunity to enter before the next major price phase in under 5 days. Join the Blazpay Community Website: www.blazpay.com Twitter: @blazpaylabs Telegram: t.me/blazpay 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. Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an "as-is" basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6fc0d22f-343a-4158-b695-4501ba686116 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bc885312-bfe7-4037-975b-f1a868cda60c https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/973d157f-11a2-4872-a920-2c1d569c1c23 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/881654c0-dc4b-4f4a-8ab1-9bf37903acc9 KIGALI, Rwanda and FRANKFURT, Germany and SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bio Usawa Biotechnology Ltd (Rwanda) proudly announces the establishment of its new European subsidiary, Bio Usawa Biotech Europe GmbH, headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany. This strategic development marks a significant milestone in Bio Usawas mission to bridge African innovation with international research, regulatory, and commercial networks. Bio Usawa selected Frankfurt for its reputation as one of Europes foremost life sciences and pharmaceutical hubs, providing access to leading scientific expertise, strong global partnerships, and a vibrant biotechnology ecosystem. The new European subsidiary will strengthen Bio Usawas ability to collaborate with institutions and companies that share its vision of developing and delivering advanced biologic therapies that reach patients faster and more affordably. Establishing Bio Usawa Biotech Europe GmbH represents an important step in Bio Usawas journey, said Dr. Menghis Bairu, CEO and President of Bio Usawa. We are building a company that connects continents advancing science from Africa to the world and bringing global expertise back to Africa. Our aim is to develop biotechnology solutions that are innovative, high-quality, and accessible to all. The Frankfurt-based entity will serve as Bio Usawas European anchor for partnerships, regulatory engagement, and scientific collaboration, reinforcing the companys role as a bridge between Africa and the global biotechnology community. As part of its broader vision, Bio Usawa is helping transform Africas brain drain into brain gain attracting talented scientists and innovators from Africa and friends of Africa across the diaspora who are eager to contribute to the continents rapidly evolving biotechnology landscape. By fostering cross-continental collaboration and knowledge exchange, Bio Usawa is demonstrating that scientific excellence transcends borders. About Bio Usawa, Inc Bio Usawa is Rwandas pioneering biotech company that is dedicated to developing, manufacturing, and commercializing high-quality, affordable biosimilars for patients in Africa. Through partnerships with governments, research institutions, and healthcare providers, Bio Usawa is advancing biotechnology innovation in Africa, by Africans, for Africa and beyond. Media Contact: Daniel Levine Levine Media Group +1 510-280-5405 danny@levinemediagroup.com NEWTON, Mass., Oct. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- One of the leading data intelligence services for people and companies on the market, Radaris , has made an announcement about the upcoming release of an AI-powered people search platform. The platform is capable of analyzing different fragments of information, like the address, the town or the name, using semantic search powered by artificial intelligence and piecing together the info by comparing it with other entries to generate accurate and context-based matches. Radaris remains committed to the aim of delivering the best solution for people search on the market. As the final point on this way Radris aims to help Americans change the way they look out for people, verify information about them, and reconnect with them. Reconnecting America One Search at a Time Its not nostalgia when people fail to stay in touch with the person they knowits the way things can turn out in reality. There are many people in America who cannot help but think about a college friend or a colleague who moved out and never said goodbye, or a fellow soldier who they were friends with but lost the connection with, or a neighbor who suddenly relocated and didnt say a word. Radaris wants to resolve this feeling of loss and anxiety, allowing people to find their close ones. Almost half of the US adults say theyve lost contact with some friends of theirs in the last year, according to the American Survey Center. Even in the wake of multiple means of easy communication, be it a phone or a computer, many people feel higher social isolation and loneliness, according to the Harvard Happiness Lab. The key issue that contributes to the spread of the feeling of loneliness and disconnection is that the tools like address books and other traditional things cannot keep track of all the information and the updates there are in alternative sources. Since the data remains static, there is almost little to no evidence, only leaving the users frustrated. When people look out something like Susan working at a dental office in Phoenix, Arizona, they can hardly find anything useful. Radaris is aimed at solving this problem. The AI engine provides a well-thought-out instrument to seek the necessary details, estimate and analyze connections, and surface the right person based on this search. Everyday Stories, Real Impact The first people who tested the service have already left fascinating stories behind them; just see them yourself: A teacher from Massachusetts found her lost college roommate, whos currently working in Oregon. Theyve been apart and out of contact for 15 years! A town name from a simple thing like a holiday card helped a US marine reconnect with his buddy from the armythe guys serving in the same platoon before could finally have new memories together. A distant relative of Floridas resident was found after long years of silencethe persons distant cousin hasnt been in touch with them since 1992. Michael Kirkpatrick, Radaris Head of Communications, puts it this way: These arent just searches; these are rediscoveriesmoments when technology helps people feel human again. Smarter Search for Modern Life Radaris offers smart contemporary tools for the users, AI-driven solutions empowering the search for personal connections in many ways: Professional Networking and Lead Verification assist in confirming business contacts and in updating any records with the data that has been verified. Neighborhood and Safety Checks help to verify local property listings and know more about neighbours moving in or out of your district. Due Diligence and Background Review help to maintain transparency when a person uses some new services, allowing them to check the trustworthiness of those beforehand. Privacy-first intelligence serves as a background for every decisionthe users do not compromise their security or any confidential information when using AI-powered solutions by Radaris. A New Chapter in People Search In the era of Americans growing mobility and travelling, the necessity to stay in touch with your close and beloved ones is more crucial than ever before. Radaris serves as a gap-closing instrument to help the people satisfy this growing need. Founded in 2009 in Boston by Data Analytics Advisors, Inc., Radaris has managed to become one of the leading public databases throughout the US and Europe. Fast, ethical, and empowering access to the information for connecting people is the main thing Radaris is oriented at. To learn more or explore the new platform, visit Radaris.com . Contact: Michael Kirkpatrick Head of Communications mike.kirkpatrick@radaris.com Disclaimer: This content is provided by Radaris. 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. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or business advice. All investments carry inherent risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own due diligence and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any inaccuracies, misrepresentations, or financial losses resulting from the use or reliance on the information in this press release. Speculate only with funds you can afford to lose. In the event of any legal claims or concerns regarding this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page. Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an "as-is" basis, without warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained herein. Any complaints, copyright issues, or inquiries regarding this article should be directed to the content provider listed above. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fda6c93a-a140-4bd4-a8b9-1bd39fb3aee6 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f082f383-a560-4f4f-b361-e22cd4606f01 AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TimeRewards Software, Inc., a leading provider of integrated time and expense tracking solutions trusted by over 1,000 organizations across North America, today announced a new integration with Sage Intacct, an award-winning cloud-native financial management solution for small and mid-sized businesses. Now available on the Sage Intacct Marketplace , this integration eliminates dual data entry and streamlines operations from time capture through financial reporting, delivering measurable ROI for businesses across the United States and Canada. The TimeRewards integration with Sage Intacct addresses critical operational challenges that cost North American businesses an average of 15-20 hours per month in manual data entry and reconciliation errors. This affects organizations across multiple industries, including nonprofits managing grant compliance, consulting firms requiring accurate billing, government contractors needing DCAA compliance, professional services firms tracking billable hours, and accounting practices managing client work. By integrating TimeRewards' proven time and expense tracking platform directly with Sage Intacct's cloud-based financial management system, organizations can capture employee hours, billable time, and expenses while automatically syncing this data with the correct dimensions to their core financial systems without manual intervention. Executive Statements "We've been serving North American businesses for over a decade, and we're excited to bring this powerful integration to market based on direct feedback from our customer community," said Ash Ahuja, Head of Revenue at TimeRewards, who has 15+ years of experience in financial technology solutions. "Our customers across nonprofits, consulting firms, government contracting, and professional services told us they needed a seamless connection between time tracking and their financial operations. By integrating directly into Sage Intacct, we're giving CFOs and finance leaders the ability to eliminate manual data entry, accelerate month-end close, and gain real-time visibility into billable hours and expensesso they can focus on strategic growth rather than operational bottlenecks. Key Benefits The integration delivers quantifiable operational benefits that North American businesses can expect to see within 30 days of implementation: up to 75% reduction in manual data entry between systems, elimination of billing errors that typically cost businesses 3-5% of annual revenue, real-time visibility into project profitability and resource utilization across teams, streamlined payroll processing with accurate time data flowing directly to payroll systems, enhanced compliance through consistent data across time tracking and financial systems, and improved billing accuracy that increases collection rates by an average of 12-15% for professional services firms. Industry Impact The integration between TimeRewards and Sage Intacct delivers a unified time and finance solution that streamlines operations from time entry to payroll, billing, and reporting across diverse industry needs. Professional services firms, consulting organizations, accounting practices, nonprofits managing grants and volunteer hours, and government contractors requiring DCAA compliance will particularly benefit from this seamless connection between operational time tracking and financial management. "Based on our extensive experience working with professional services firms across the U.S. and Canada, this integration represents the kind of innovation that drives real business value for our shared customers," said Ash Ahuja. "By eliminating the friction between time tracking and financial management, we're enabling organizations to operate more efficiently while maintaining the accuracy and compliance they need to scale successfully in today's competitive market." Solution Overview TimeRewards' comprehensive time and expense tracking solution has been proven effective across diverse North American markets, capturing every billable hour and managing expenses in one powerful platform designed specifically for the unique compliance and operational requirements of U.S. and Canadian businesses. The Sage Intacct integration ensures this critical operational data flows seamlessly into comprehensive financial reporting and analysis tools that meet North American accounting standards and regulatory requirements. The solution supports both employees and contractors within the same system, with permission settings and role-based access controls that maintain appropriate visibility levels for different user types. TimeRewards offers usage-based billing where organizations are only charged for employees who actively use the system each month, making it an attractive option for growing businesses that need flexibility in their software investments. TimeRewards' expense tracking tools allow users to capture expenses in real-time from their mobile phone, by scanning receipts and turning them into expense entries, with the ability to mark expenses as billable and apply them directly to client invoices. Availability This integration is now available to all TimeRewards customers through the Sage Intacct Marketplace, providing immediate access to enhanced operational efficiency and financial visibility. Organizations interested in learning more visit the Sage Intacct Marketplace or contact TimeRewards directly. Looking ahead, TimeRewards is committed to deepening its integration with Sage Intacct, with additional features focused on enhanced reporting, advanced project analytics, and further automation of financial processes that will benefit their mutual customers as they scale their operations. About TimeRewards TimeRewards Software, Inc. provides comprehensive time and expense tracking solutions for organizations across North America, serving multiple industries including nonprofits, consulting firms, government contractors, professional services firms, and accounting practices. Founded in Austin, Texas, the company has been helping U.S. and Canadian organizations optimize their time tracking and financial operations for over a decade. Industry Solutions: Nonprofits track volunteer hours and manage grant budgets while ensuring compliance with federal and state requirements. Consulting Firms deliver flexible time tracking and accurate billing with in-depth reporting that meets industry standards. Government Contractors use DCAA-compliant timelines and detailed reporting for regulatory compliance. Professional Services Firms track billable hours and manage expenses efficiently while maintaining client confidentiality. Accounting Professionals utilize tools to track billable hours and deliver accurate invoices that comply with North American accounting standards. TimeRewards serves organizations across the United States and Canada that need accurate time tracking combined with seamless financial management capabilities. For more information, visit https://www.timerewards.com/ . Media Contact: Ash Ahuja Head of Revenue TimeRewards Software, Inc. Phone: (800) 631-1365 x 144 Email: ash@timerewards.com Disclaimer: This content is provided by TimeRewards Software, Inc. 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. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or business advice. All investments carry inherent risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own due diligence and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any inaccuracies, misrepresentations, or financial losses resulting from the use or reliance on the information in this press release. Speculate only with funds you can afford to lose. In the event of any legal claims or concerns regarding this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page. Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an "as-is" basis, without warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained herein. Any complaints, copyright issues, or inquiries regarding this article should be directed to the content provider listed above. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a3b7d68b-865c-4a5b-80d2-0de01be5d4b3 AB Ignitis grupe (hereinafter the Group) will release its 9M 2025 results on Wednesday, 12 November 2025. It will be followed by an earnings call for investors and analysts to be held on the same day at 1:00 pm Vilnius / 11:00 am London time. To join the earnings call online or by phone, please register at: https://ignitis-9m2025-results.open-exchange.net/ All questions of interest can be directed to the Groups Investor Relations team in advance, after registering, or live during the earnings call. Presentation slides will be available for download prior the call at: https://ignitisgrupe.lt/en/reports-presentations-and-fact-sheets The First nine months 2025 interim report, Fact Sheet (in Excel) and other published documents will be available for download at: https://ignitisgrupe.lt/en/reports-presentations-and-fact-sheets For additional information, please contact: Communications Valdas Lopeta +370 621 77993 valdas.lopeta@ignitis.lt Investor Relations Aine Riffel-Grinkeviciene +370 643 14925 aine.riffel-grinkeviciene@ignitis.lt Kenmare Resources plc (Kenmare or the Company or the Group) 29 October 2025 Board update Listing Rules 6.4.6 and 6.4.8 Kenmare Resources plc (LSE: KMR, ISE: KMR), one of the leading global producers of titanium minerals and zircon, which operates the Moma Titanium Minerals Mine (the "Mine" or "Moma") in northern Mozambique, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ekaterina (Katia) Ray as an independent Non-Executive Director and member of the Remuneration Committee, with immediate effect. The Company also announces other changes to its Board of Directors. Statement from Andrew Webb, Chairman: It is with great pleasure that I welcome Katia Ray to Kenmares Board as a Non-Executive Director. With a background in chemical engineering and industrial minerals, Katia brings a wealth of experience in the mining industry, having previously worked for Rio Tinto and Anglo American. I am confident that we will benefit from her strategic approach and technical expertise. I would like to thank Graham Martin for his dedicated service during his nine years as a Non-Executive Director, before he steps down from the Board in January. Graham has played an important role as Senior Independent Director and Chairman of the Remuneration and Nomination Committees and we are grateful for his sound counsel. I am pleased to say that Elaine Dorward-King has agreed to become Senior Independent Director, in addition to her role as Chair of the Sustainability Committee, and I look forward to working closely with her as we continue to strengthen the Board and support Kenmares long-term success." Background on Katia Ray Katia has over 25 years senior-level experience in the mining sector, including with FTSE 100 companies in Europe, Africa, North America and Asia. She has worked in a number of different commodities including industrial minerals, diamonds and platinum group metals. During her 15 years with Rio Tinto plc from 1993 to 2008, she held various senior positions in sales and marketing, business development and change management, and more recently she worked in business development for Anglo American plc. Katia founded her own consultancy, KPNB Limited, in 2009, advising multinational corporations, private equity firms and information providers on strategy, M&A, change management and market entry. She was also a Non-Executive Director of Petropavlovsk plc from 2019 to 2020. She holds a Master of Science Chemical Engineering degree (British equivalent) from the University of Chemical Technology, Moscow. Katia has had a number of voluntary roles, such as a Governor and a Nominations Committee member at the Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Trust from 2018 to 2023 and a Business Advisor for Young Enterprise UK from 2018 to 2020. There are no other matters in respect of Katia Ray requiring disclosure under Listing Rules 6.4.8(1) to (6) inclusive. Retirement of Graham Martin Graham Martin is retiring as a Director of Kenmare, with effect from 31 January 2026, having completed nine years on the Board. In light of Grahams departure, the following changes will be made to Directors' responsibilities, which will take effect at that time: Elaine Dorward-King will become the Senior Independent Director Katia Ray will become Chair of the Remuneration Committee Deirdre Somers will become Chair of the Nomination Committee For further information, please contact: Kenmare Resources plc Katharine Sutton Investor Relations ir@kenmareresources.com Tel: +353 1 671 0411 Mob: + 353 87 663 0875 Murray (PR advisor) Paul OKane pokane@murraygroup.ie Tel: +353 1 498 0300 Mob: +353 86 609 0221 About Kenmare Resources Kenmare Resources plc is one of the world's largest producers of titanium minerals. Listed on the London Stock Exchange and the Euronext Dublin, Kenmare operates the Moma Titanium Minerals Mine in Mozambique. Moma's production accounts for approximately 6% of global titanium feedstocks and the Company supplies to customers operating in more than 15 countries. Kenmare produces raw materials that are ultimately consumed in everyday quality-of life items such as paints, plastics and ceramic tiles. NEW YORK, Oct. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The way American businesses get funded is changing fast. BusinessLoansUSA , a U.S.-based startup, has launched an AI-powered platform that connects entrepreneurs directly with private lenders - turning a process that once took weeks into something that now happens in minutes. Traditionally, small-business owners had to fill out long forms, provide years of financial history, and wait for loan officers to manually review their applications. Many were turned away due to strict credit requirements or lack of collateral. Now, with the help of AI, BusinessLoansUSA is reshaping that experience. By answering a few quick questions, qualified businesses can see private funding options of up to $5 million - instantly. The platform typically works with businesses earning at least $15,000 per month in revenue, and it accepts all industries across the U.S. To verify eligibility, applicants only need to upload their last four business bank statements - the AI uses them to instantly analyze performance and confirm funding potential. Old-school lending was built for a different time, said Lydia Jen, spokesperson for BusinessLoansUSA. Our AI instantly evaluates key business indicators and connects qualified owners with private lenders who can fund them in hours, not weeks. Smarter, Faster, and More Inclusive Instead of relying solely on credit scores or collateral, the system analyzes real-time business data such as cash flow, revenue stability, and growth potential. That approach allows many healthy businesses - especially those turned away by traditional banks - to gain access to working capital quickly and transparently. After completing the short online form, the AI generates a tailored funding profile and identifies the best-matched lenders based on that companys metrics. Many users receive pre-qualification feedback the same day. Its about using technology to open doors for small businesses, De Rano added. When you can process data instantly, you can make fairer, faster funding decisions. The Outlook for Private Funding in America Analysts expect the private funding market in the United States to expand sharply over the next few years as AI and automation remove long-standing barriers between lenders and small businesses. According to recent industry reports, alternative and private capital sources could account for over 50% of new business funding by 2028, driven by demand for speed, flexibility, and fewer credit restrictions. Platforms like BusinessLoansUSA are at the forefront of this shift - combining human oversight with intelligent automation to create a faster, more transparent ecosystem for business owners and private lenders alike. Private funding is evolving, said De Rano. AI doesnt replace financial experts - it enhances them. It helps good businesses get recognized instantly for what theyve built, not just their credit history. About BusinessLoansUSA BusinessLoansUSA.com is a U.S.-based financial technology startup connecting business owners with private lenders through an AI-driven qualification platform. Its mission is to simplify and accelerate access to private funding for American entrepreneurs across all industries. Media Contact: Press Office - BusinessLoansUSA info@businessloansusa.com www.businessloansusa.com Disclaimer: This content is provided by BusinessLoansUSA. 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Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/89f1b472-6d91-42a7-96c2-6a4a48cb4825 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0a62d465-af09-4cb5-a25d-debff7e1957d After 10 months, management expected revenue for the continuing operations for the financial year 2024/25 to be in the range of DKK 510520 million and an operating profit (EBIT) of DKK 3540 million (DKK 19.7 million in 2023/24). The annual report for the financial year 2024/25 is expected to be published as planned on 20 November 2025. It will show that the continuing operations have achieved growth of DKK 32.5 million (7%). Revenue realized amounts to DKK 516.0 million compared to DKK 483.5 million last year. The calculated results show an operating profit (EBIT) of DKK 44 million compared to DKK 19.7 million in the financial year 2023/24. The original expectations for the year, as stated in the annual report for 2023/24, were a revenue of DKK 485530 million and an operating profit (EBIT) of DKK 2030 million. Revenue has thus been realized at the upper end of the original expectations, while the calculated result, due to improved productivity, exceeds the original expectations. The Groups global furniture manufacturing activities, FurnMaster, remain up for sale and are reported as discontinued operations. The preliminary calculated and unaudited operating profit (EBIT) was DKK 28 million (continuing and discontinued operations combined) compared to DKK 10.9 million in the financial year 2023/24. The overall performance is the result of strong progress in the continuing operations globally, good execution of the FurnMaster business in Europe, and an expected negative contribution from the FurnMaster business in Mexico caused by the ongoing restructuring. Attachment BEIJING, Oct. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The 2025 African Media Tour in China, organized by Global Times Online (huanqiu.com), brought 12 African journalists and opinion leaders to Beijing and Tianjin from October 20-24. The delegates, representing 10 countries including Burundi, Republic of Congo, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, explored Chinese modernization through its approaches to cultural heritage, rural revitalization, and urban renewal. Technology and Urban Renewal: A Practical Answer to High-Quality Development At Beijings Daji Alley, delegates saw how heritage buildings had been sensitively integrated into modern commercial developments, offering a model for urban renewal. At the Daxing International Aviation Community project, they were impressed by modular construction that can build a wall in just 12 minutes. Chadrack from Burundi noted that such efficient, green construction methods could inform housing development in Africa. In Tianjins Tanggu Bay Smart Micro-City, the group explored Chinas approach to industrycity integration and sustainable urban living, and learned how Chinese-developed tunnel boring machines are driving the frontier of innovation at China Railway Engineering Equipment Group. I hope we can collaborate on documentaries to show Chinas strengths in technology and infrastructure, said Mavara of Namibias Daily News. Rural Revitalization: Tradition Meets Innovation In Tangdazhuang Village, Tongzhou District, the group learned how the opening of Universal Beijing Resort has spurred the growth of local homestays, with village incomes rising nearly 50 percent year-on-year. Nicola from Zimbabwe praised the local governments creative measures to unlock rural potential. At a poverty-reduction forum at Nankai University, delegates noted that Chinas infrastructure + internet + market approach could provide useful lessons for development efforts in Africa. Cultural Heritage: A Path Toward Mutual Learning From the Palace Museum to Tianjins Wudadao and Ancient Culture Street, delegates tried hawthorn candy making and watched clay figurine and Yangliuqing woodblock-printing demonstrations, experiencing Chinas intangible cultural heritage firsthand. They also praised interactive exhibits at the China National Geographic Exploration Center, noting that technology can make traditional knowledge more accessible and engaging. In five days, the delegation moved from cities to villages and from innovation to tradition, gaining a clear, practical picture of contemporary China. Ill bring these stories and lessons back to Africa so more people can learn from what I saw, said Somali journalist Mohamedkafi. Company: huanqiu.com Contact Person: Weile Ji Email: jiweile@huanqiu.com Website: https://www.huanqiu.com/ Telephone: +86 10-65361998 City: Beijing Photos are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/993f92d1-12bd-4a6b-9a4f-a6c49ad554c4 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7a3052e8-6ae1-4a88-a3bc-3db969167e35 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7e6666a3-3b4f-4353-a07b-28176ee9e26f https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/92b138ae-7a80-48fc-a127-ff531229f646 Vilnius, Lithuania, Dec. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As at the end of November 2025, the net asset value (NAV) of SUTNTIB AB Tewox increased to EUR 46,043,930, compared to the previously... Dublin, Oct. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Italy Construction Market Size, Trends, and Forecasts by Sector - Commercial, Industrial, Infrastructure, Energy and Utilities, Institutional and Residential Market Analysis to 2029 (Q3 2025)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The analyst expects the Italian construction industry to contract in real terms by 0.8% in 2025 and 4.1% in 2026, owing to declining building permits issued, rising public debt, and a weaker residential and industrial construction sector. According to the Italian National Institute of Statistics (Istat), the business confidence index in the construction industry declined by 1% year-on-year (YoY) in the first eight months of 2025, preceded by an annual decline of 2.3% in 2024. According to Istat, the total floor area for new residential and non-residential buildings issued fell by 11.7% YoY in Q1 2025, preceded by a YoY decline of 6% in Q4 and a growth of 8.3% in Q3 2024. Moreover, Italy is facing major challenges due to the new US tariffs, which threaten the country's export-driven economy. The US President Donald Trump announced a 30% tariff on imports from all EU countries starting from August 1, 2025. Over the remainder of the forecast period, the Italian construction industry is however expected to recover in 2027 and record an average annual growth of 1.4% between 2027 and 2029, supported by investments in energy, transport infrastructure, and hospitality sectors, coupled with the government's aim to increase the share of renewable energy in the total power mix from 18.5% in 2022 to 59% in 2030. In line with this, in March 2025, the government-owned national transmission grid operator, Terna, approved an updated 2024-28 Industrial Plan with a record investment of EUR17.7 billion ($19.3 billion) to develop the energy sector, which is EUR1.2 billion ($1.3 billion) more than the previous plan, which was presented in March 2024, representing a 7% increase. The plan targets the integration of 107GW of renewable capacity by 2030 and aims for a 40% increase in cross-border electricity exchange capacity by expanding and strengthening the national transmission grid Scope Historical (2020-2024) and forecast (2025-2029) valuations of the construction industry in Italy, featuring details of key growth drivers. Segmentation by sector (commercial, industrial, infrastructure, energy and utilities, institutional and residential) and by sub-sector Analysis of the mega-project pipeline, including breakdowns by development stage across all sectors, and projected spending on projects in the existing pipeline. Listings of major projects, in addition to details of leading contractors and consultants Reasons to Buy Identify and evaluate market opportunities using our standardized valuation and forecasting methodologies Assess market growth potential at a micro-level with over 600 time-series data forecasts Understand the latest industry and market trends Formulate and validate business strategies using the analyst's critical and actionable insight Assess business risks, including cost, regulatory and competitive pressures Evaluate competitive risk and success factors Key Topics Covered: 1 Executive Summary 2 Construction Industry: At-a-Glance 3 Context 3.1 Economic Performance 3.2 Political Environment and Policy 3.3 Demographics 3.4 Risk Profile 4 Construction Outlook 4.1 All Construction Outlook Latest news and developments Construction Projects Momentum Index 4.2 Commercial Construction Outlook Project analytics Latest news and developments 4.3 Industrial Construction Outlook Project analytics Latest news and developments 4.4 Infrastructure Construction Outlook Project analytics Latest news and developments 4.5 Energy and Utilities Construction Outlook Project analytics Latest news and developments 4.6 Institutional Construction Outlook Project analytics Latest news and developments 4.7 Residential Construction Outlook Project analytics Latest news and developments 5 Key Industry Participants 5.1 Contractors 5.2 Consultants 6 Construction Market Data 7 Appendix For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/usd8ul About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. SATO Corporation, Stock Exchange Release 29 October 2025 at 1:00 pm SATO Corporations financial reports and AGM in 2026 In 2026, SATO will publish its financial reports according to the following schedule: 6 February 2025 Financial Statements Release for 2025 8 May 2026 Interim Report for 1 January31 March 2026 (Q1) 14 July 2026 Half-year Report for 1 January30 June 2026 (H1) 23 October 2026 Interim Report for 1 January30 September 2026 (Q3) The Annual Report for 2025 will be published on SATOs website at www.sato.fi/en during week 6, 2026. The Annual General Meeting of SATO Corporation will be held on Thursday, 19 March 2026, starting at 1:00 pm. The notice of the AGM will be disclosed separately once the Board of Directors has convened the meeting. A shareholder is entitled to demand a matter for discussion at the AGM, if such matter falls under the competence of a General Meeting according to the Finnish Companies Act. A written request shall be provided to SATO Corporationss Board of Directors either by e-mail to yhtiokokous@sato.fi or by mail addressed to SATO Corporation / Annual General Meeting, Panuntie 4, P.O. Box 401, 00601 Helsinki, Finland by 23 January 2026. SATO Corporation For more information, please contact: Markku Honkasalo, CFO, phone +358 201 34 4226, firstname.lastname@sato.fi Distribution: Euronext Dublin, main media, www.sato.fi/en SATO Corporation is an expert in sustainable rental housing and one of Finlands largest rental housing providers. SATO owns around 27,000 rental homes in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area, Tampere and Turku. SATO aims to provide an excellent customer experience and a comprehensive range of urban rental housing alternatives with good access to public transport and services. We promote sustainable development and work in open interaction with our stakeholders. SATO invests profitably, sustainably and with a long-term view. We increase the value of our assets through investments, divestments and repairs. In 2025 SATO celebrates its 85th anniversary. www.sato.fi/en Dublin, Oct. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "India Buy Now Pay Later Business and Investment Opportunities Databook - 75+ KPIs on BNPL Market Size, End-Use Sectors, Market Share, Product Analysis, Business Model, Demographics - Q3 2025 Update" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The BNPL payment market in India is expected to grow by 13.4% on annual basis to reach US$21.95 billion in 2025. The BNPL market in the country experienced robust growth during 2021-2024, achieving a CAGR of 22.3%. This upward trajectory is expected to continue, with the market forecast to grow at a CAGR of 9.8% during 2025-2030. By the end of 2030, the BNPL sector is projected to expand from its 2024 value of USD 19.36 billion to approximately USD 35.07 billion. This report provides a detailed data-centric analysis of the Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) industry in India, covering market opportunities and risks across a range of retail categories. With over 75 KPIs at the country level, this report provides a comprehensive understanding of BNPL market dynamics, market size and forecast, and market share statistics. India's BNPL market is evolving rapidly, driven by the growth of e-commerce, the entry of diverse providers, and increasing consumer demand for flexible payment options. Players such as LazyPay, Amazon Pay Later, and ZestMoney are shaping the landscape with innovative solutions tailored to Indian consumers. Over the next 2-4 years, the sector is expected to see significant growth and diversification, with BNPL becoming a staple payment method in both traditional and non-traditional sectors. Regulatory developments will play a key role in ensuring the market's sustainability and balancing innovation with consumer protection to create a robust and transparent BNPL ecosystem in India. Key Insights Current State of the BNPL Market The surge in consumer demand for flexible payment options has been a pivotal factor driving BNPL adoption. Additionally, the rapid growth of digital commerce in India has created an ecosystem conducive to BNPL services. E-commerce platforms and increasing smartphone penetration have enabled BNPL providers to reach a broader audience, particularly among younger consumers. India's BNPL market is set to grow further as digital commerce and consumer awareness expand. With providers innovating and tailoring their offerings to meet diverse needs, BNPL will likely become a mainstream payment method across urban and rural areas. This evolution will position BNPL as a critical enabler in India's digital payment landscape over the coming decade. Competitive Landscape and Regulatory Developments in India's Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) Market Established players such as ZestMoney, LazyPay, Simpl, and Amazon Pay Later are intensifying competition by leveraging strategic partnerships and offering tailored solutions to meet diverse consumer needs. These developments underscore the sector's transformation into a key component of India's digital economy. Looking ahead, the competitive dynamics in the BNPL market are expected to intensify further, with new entrants and ongoing consolidation shaping the landscape. Regulatory measures such as the CFPB's interpretive rule will ensure consumer protection and responsible lending practices. Providers must focus on innovation, diversification, and compliance to sustain growth and remain competitive in an evolving market that continues attracting domestic and international attention. Key Players and New Entrants ZestMoney: A prominent BNPL provider in India, ZestMoney has partnered with various merchants to offer installment payment solutions. LazyPay: Operated by PayU, LazyPay provides BNPL services across multiple platforms, enhancing consumer purchasing power. Simple: Simpl offers a BNPL platform that allows consumers to make purchases and settle payments later, aiming to simplify the checkout experience. Amazon Pay Later: Leveraging its extensive user base, Amazon has introduced BNPL services in India, allowing consumers to pay in installments for purchases made on its platform. Rapid Adoption of BNPL Services Across Demographics India has witnessed a rapid increase in BNPL adoption, particularly among Millennials and Gen Z, driven by platforms such as LazyPay, Simpl, and ZestMoney. These services have gained traction for small-ticket purchases such as food delivery, transportation, and online shopping, offering flexibility and ease of use. This trend highlights the shift in consumer behavior toward alternative payment solutions that align with the digital lifestyles of younger generations. India's e-commerce market grew by 27% in 2023 and has been a major catalyst for BNPL adoption. The increasing availability of the Internet and smartphones has created a robust digital ecosystem, allowing BNPL providers to reach a wider audience. Additionally, the limited penetration of credit cards - accessible to only about 5% of the population - has made BNPL an appealing alternative for consumers seeking convenient and accessible financing options. Over the next 2-4 years, BNPL adoption is expected to expand, transitioning from an emerging trend to a mainstream payment method across retail categories. Providers are likely to focus on penetrating tier-2 and tier-3 cities, tailoring offerings to meet the specific needs of these regions. This growth trajectory will drive innovation in repayment structures and credit solutions, solidifying BNPL's role as a critical component of India's payment ecosystem. Entry of Diverse BNPL Providers India's BNPL market is witnessing heightened competition, with domestic startups and global players such as Amazon Pay Later entering the space. Amazon Pay Later, for instance, allows customers to defer payments for purchases on its platform, significantly boosting BNPL visibility among Indian consumers. This influx of players highlights the growing appeal of BNPL as a flexible payment solution in the rapidly evolving digital economy. The untapped potential of India's growing digital economy is a key driver in attracting new BNPL providers. Additionally, strategic partnerships between BNPL companies and e-commerce platforms have facilitated seamless integration of these payment solutions, enhancing accessibility and consumer adoption. These collaborations reshape the competitive landscape, enabling providers to scale rapidly while offering tailored solutions to meet diverse consumer needs. Over the next 2-4 years, the entry of new players is expected to intensify competition, prompting providers to differentiate through personalized solutions, loyalty programs, and enhanced user experiences. This competition will also drive diversification into non-traditional sectors such as healthcare, education, and travel, broadening the reach of BNPL services. As providers innovate to capture market share, the landscape is set to become increasingly dynamic and consumer-focused. Regulatory Oversight and Focus on Consumer Protection India's BNPL market is experiencing growing regulatory scrutiny as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) implements stricter guidelines for fintech companies. A key instance is the RBI's mandate prohibiting non-banking BNPL providers from loading credit lines onto prepaid payment instruments, forcing many providers to rethink their business models. These regulatory developments highlight the government's focus on ensuring stability and fairness within the rapidly expanding BNPL sector. Concerns about consumer over-indebtedness and financial literacy have been significant drivers of regulatory interest in the BNPL market. The ease of access to BNPL services has raised the risk of financial strain among consumers, prompting the need for protective measures. Additionally, Indian regulators are observing global trends and frameworks to align domestic practices with international standards for responsible lending and transparency in fintech. Over the next 2-4 years, regulatory measures are expected to foster greater transparency and trust in BNPL services, enhancing consumer confidence. However, these changes may create challenges for smaller providers, who struggle to comply with stricter requirements, potentially leading to market consolidation. Established players with robust compliance mechanisms will likely benefit, positioning themselves as trusted providers in a more regulated and secure BNPL ecosystem. Expansion into Non-Traditional Sectors BNPL services in India extend beyond retail into healthcare, education, and travel sectors, addressing high upfront costs that often deter consumers. Providers such as ZestMoney offer installment options for tuition fees, enabling students and families to manage education expenses more effectively. Similarly, Bajaj Finserv has introduced solutions targeting medical expenses, making healthcare services more affordable and accessible to a broader audience. The rising cost of living and growing consumer aspirations have driven demand for flexible payment solutions in high-value sectors. BNPL services meet this demand by breaking down large expenses into manageable payments. Additionally, businesses in these sectors view BNPL as an opportunity to attract more customers by reducing financial barriers, expanding their market reach and boosting sales. Over the next 2-4 years, BNPL adoption in non-traditional sectors is expected to grow as providers forge partnerships with educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and travel companies. However, this expansion may attract increased regulatory scrutiny, with authorities focusing on consumer protection and credit risk management. Providers that navigate these challenges effectively could gain a competitive edge, establishing themselves as trusted players in these high-cost segments. Companies Featured ZestMoney Klarna Simpl LazyPay ePayLater Cred Pine Labs MobiKwik HDFC Bank's SmartBuy Axis Bank's Flexi Pay For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/qkiigh About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. News Release October 29th, 2025 Solomon Global Wins Two Coveted Awards at the London Investor Show 2025 - Named Best Alternative Asset Provider 2025 and Most Trusted UK Bullion Supplier 2025 as gold and silver reinforce roles in diversified portfolios - London - Solomon Global has been recognised at the London Investor Show Awards 2025 for its exceptional customer service, trusted reputation, and leading market insight. The precious metals supplier has been awarded Best Alternative Asset Provider and Most Trusted UK Bullion Supplier, highlighting its status as a reliable destination for private investors seeking straightforward, secure, transparent and fully compliant access to physical gold and silver. Solomon Global aims to make the process of buying and holding precious metals effortless, seamless, and tailored to each clients needs. As more individuals diversify beyond equities and property, gold has re-emerged as one of the most sought-after alternative assets, prized for its resilience, tangibility, and long-term stabilityi. Solomon Global specialises in the secure delivery of gold and silver bars and coins for private ownership. Priding itself on its outstanding customer reviews and successfully fulfilling orders to thousands of individual investors and collectors, the company continues to set the standard for transparency, customer service, and market expertise within the bullion industry. It was also named Most Trusted UK Gold Bullion Supplier 2024 at last years London Investor Show Awards and more recently scooped Best UK Gold Bullion Dealer at the ADVFN International Financial Awards 2025. We had a fantastic time exhibiting and speaking at the London Investor Show 2025. It was a pleasure to connect with clients in person and to meet so many private investors keen to learn more about owning physical gold, said Paul Williams, Managing Director of Solomon Global. Were seeing growing demand from investors who value the security and independence that physical ownership provides. Gold is proving itself as more than a safe-haven asset; its become an essential part of a well-diversified portfolio. Winning these two awards is a real testament to our teams commitment to quality and excellence. We would like to thank our clients for their continued support and testimonials, which have contributed to our winning. Solomon Globals recognition in two categories reflects the trust and confidence it has built among private investors, said Lisa Campbell, founder of Investor Conferences (UK) Ltd. The companys commitment to investor education and empowerment truly embodies the spirit of the London Investor Show, which is all about giving private investors access to world-class expertise. Their knowledge, integrity and dedication to customer service have made Solomon Global a standout name in the precious metals market and a valuable contributor to the event. For more information about Solomon Global's products and services, visit the website at https://solomon-global.com , call on 020 7123 9248 or visit the Solomon Global offices in person (by appointment). Its London Head Office is located at: Floor 28 and 29, The Gherkin, 30 St Mary Axe, London, EC3A 8BF. Its Kent Trading and Operations Office is located at 1 Elmfield Park, Bromley, Kent, BR1 1LU. - ends - NOTES TO EDITORS About Solomon Global https://linktr.ee/SolomonGlobal Solomon Global specialises in the secure delivery of physical gold bars and coins for private ownership. The company takes a uniquely consultative approach to purchasing and selling physical gold and silver, regardless of the investment amount. Its simple and tailored strategy is designed to work with beginners and experienced investors alike. Solomon Globals team of experienced professionals is always available to provide practical solutions for clients - including products that are exempt from Capital Gains Tax - and assist with any inquiries. Solomon Global was awarded Most Trusted UK Gold Bullion Supplier 2024 at The London Investor Show Awards 2024 and won 'Best UK Gold Bullion Dealer' at ADVFN International Financial Awards 2025. For any questions about buying or selling gold and silver, contact the team here: https://solomon-global.com/contact/ For further press information, please contact: Francesca De Franco on 0794 125 3135 or email fdefranco1@gmail.com i Disclaimer: This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Buying physical gold as an investment involves risk, as the value of precious metal prices can be volatile. Historical financial performance does not necessarily give a guide of future financial performance. We recommend that you conduct your own independent research and seek professional tax, legal and financial advice before making any investment decisions. Attachment SHANGQIU, China, Oct. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Chinese Entrepreneurs Cultural Festival is recognized as one of the "World's Top Ten Most Influential Root-Seeking Cultural Events". Approved by the Henan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, the 10th edition of this festival is scheduled to take place in Shangqiu on October 29, 2025, which corresponds to the ninth day of the ninth month in the Chinese lunar calendar. A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link. Under the theme "Gathering at the Source of Chinese Commerce, Integrating into the Vast Market," this year's festival aims to further polish the cultural brand of "Shangqiu - the Source of Merchants" through a diverse range of activities. It will serve as a dynamic platform for industrial connectivity and resource matching, reinforcing Shangqiu's regional advantage as the "Eastern Gateway of Henan" at the junction of four provinces. Since its inception in 2006, the Chinese Entrepreneurs Cultural Festival has been successfully held nine times. Shangqiu is widely regarded as the birthplace of Chinese commerce and the Shang tribe. According to tradition, the pioneering spirit of Chinese commerce originated in Henan, was born in Shangqiu, and later flourished across the East. It was here that Wang Hai, the ancestral figure of Chinese commerce, domesticated cattle and horses for long-distance trade, establishing the earliest forms of logistics. During the Spring and Autumn Period, the State of Song implemented a tax on border trade and market transactions, representing an early form of customs duty. The economic strategist Ji Ran proposed theories that elevated economic development to a level of national strategy. Generations of ancestors on this land developed commodity exchange practices, business theories, and commercial rules, fostering a business culture that values integrity as its foundation and emphasizes both righteousness and benefit. This culture embodies the moral principles and philosophy of the Chinese nation as reflected in commercial practices. Source: Organizing Committee of The Chinese Entrepreneurs Cultural Festival NEW YORK, Oct. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Clear Street (Clear Street or the Company), a cloud-native financial infrastructure technology firm on a mission to give sophisticated investors access to every asset in every market, today announced an expansion of its Global Event-Driven Strategies team, appointing Sanjay Pall as Director in London. Palls addition strengthens Clear Streets established London presence and supports the Companys strategy to operate its event-driven business as one globally integrated unit. Clear Street also announced today the launch of One Clear Street, its unified global platform sales initiative, to ensure clients experience the full value of the Companys products and services. With integrated teams spanning continents and product expertise, the Company will help clients access its full suite of solutions, empowering them with speed, transparency and access. Andy Volz, Chief Commercial Officer of Clear Street, said, Our Clear Street platform powers the trade lifecycle from clearing and custody to ideation, trading and execution, to analytics, financing and beyond. Ideation is a key part of providing our clients with opportunistic strategies across markets and asset classes. The way we structured the Event Driven Strategy franchise precisely embodies the Clear Street culture, which is one team, spanning the global markets and centered on client success. Pall joins Clear Street from Pictet Asset Management, where he was a Portfolio Manager covering Total Return Arbitrage, responsible for portfolio construction and risk management in merger arbitrage and event-driven investments. He previously held positions at Water Island Capital and Oakley Capital. Tarquin Orchard, Global Head of Event Driven Strategies at Clear Street, added: We are thrilled to welcome Sanjay to Clear Street in London. Event-driven returns have been strong this year, and with several indicators pointing to an upcycle for the asset class, particularly in M&A, we felt this was the right moment to expand our global footprint. Our London team works in lockstep with our U.S. team, and as client demand continues to grow, we plan to expand on the ground in Asia when the time is right. By operating as one global team, we will aim to be able to efficiently allocate resources to the most compelling opportunities globally, irrespective of where they originate. We believe this structure is essential for matching our clients mandates that are now global and growing in AUM. About Clear Street: Clear Streets mission is to give every sophisticated investor access to every asset, in every market, through a unified platform built for speed, transparency and scale. We give our clients the technology, tools and service once reserved for the largest institutions, rebuilt with modern infrastructure. Our single, cloud-native, end-to-end capital markets platform powers investor growth today and transforms how they interact with markets tomorrow. For more information, visit https://clearstreet.io . Strengthened by the Firms Global Platform Sales Team, Providing Clients Seamless Access to its Expanding Suite of Solutions Brings on Senior Hires from UBS and Northern Trust NEW YORK, Oct. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Clear Street (Clear Street or the Company), a cloud-native financial infrastructure technology firm on a mission to give sophisticated investors access to every asset in every market, today announced the official launch of its outsourced trading business in the UK and Europe. Paul Christophorou is also joining Clear Street UK as Head of Outsourced Trading. Clear Street also announced today the launch of One Clear Street, its unified global platform sales initiative, to ensure clients experience the full value of the Companys products and services. With integrated teams spanning continents and product expertise, the Company will help clients access its full suite of solutions, empowering them with speed, transparency and access. Andy Volz, Chief Commercial Officer of Clear Street said, Clear Streets core infrastructure allows us to move quickly when we see opportunities that allow for enhancing the client experience, and we aim to ensure that Clear Street is the one-stop-shop for sophisticated investors who want speed, reliability and a full suite of solutions at their fingertips. This expansion in the UK means that investors across Europe can access the same outsourced trading solutions that are available in the U.S. today. Its a further commitment to our mission and to the excellent team we brought on earlier this year. Christophorou joins from UBS, where he was a senior member of the outsourced trading business in London and led their equities effort. He brings extensive experience across both the buy and sell side, including prior trading roles at one of the UKs marquee hedge funds where, as Lead Trader, he executed global multi-asset strategies. Christophorou will lead Clear Streets outsourced trading business in Europe, working closely with Morgan Ralph, Global Head of Outsourced Trading, and the rest of the U.S. team to deliver the Companys established execution tools and high-touch service to clients. He will also play a central role in engaging with European investors and sharing the broader Clear Street message of integrated, technology-driven trading and clearing. Christophorou is joined by Andrew Hart, a senior sales trader who most recently worked at Northern Trust within its high touch trading business. Hart previously held trading roles at Bank of America Merrill Lynch and brings deep experience in equities execution and client coverage. Morgan Ralph, Global Head of Outsourced Trading at Clear Street said, Establishing our outsourced trading desk in London is an exciting step toward building our global trading business, with our clients at the center of everything we do. Paul and Andrew bring decades of experience, extensive relationships and regional expertise that nicely complement our U.S.-based team. Together, they will help us extend our reach and continue delivering the Clear Street platform, built for speed, scale, and transparency, to clients across Europe. The UK expansion complements Clear Streets U.S. outsourced trading business, formally launched in May 2025. Led by Ralph, the business includes senior hires from UBS and other leading institutions. The team continues to grow, with Ryan McGirr and John Savrides joining the U.S. desk earlier this summer as senior traders, alongside the existing trading team. About Clear Street: Clear Streets mission is to give every sophisticated investor access to every asset, in every market, through a unified platform built for speed, transparency and scale. We give our clients the technology, tools and service once reserved for the largest institutions, rebuilt with modern infrastructure. Our single, cloud-native, end-to-end capital markets platform powers investor growth today and transforms how they interact with markets tomorrow. For more information, visit https://clearstreet.io . HOUSTON, Oct. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Capstreet, a Houston-based lower middle market private equity firm, announced today that it has been named to Inc.s 2025 Founder-Friendly Investors list, which honors private equity firms, venture capital firms, and lenders with a track record of backing founder-led companies. This years list recognizes Capstreet among 248 firms. The companies named to the Founder-Friendly list have track records of collaboration and remaining actively involved with the businesses they invest in. Inc. compiled the list based on questionnaires from owners who have sold to private equity and venture capital firms about their experiences partnering with private equity, venture capital, and debt firms and data on how their companies have grown during these partnerships. Supporting founders through active, authentic partnership is core to Capstreets philosophy, said Capstreet Managing Partner Neil Kallmeyer. We are honored that Inc. has recognized our ongoing commitment to partner with and empower entrepreneurs to scale and transform their businesses, wherever they may be in their evolution. Since its founding in 1990, Capstreet has raised more than $1.3 billion in capital across five funds. Its current portfolio of 14 companies spans software, tech-enabled services, and industrial business services industries. Capstreets exible Capvalue Framework provides industry best practices, access to subject matter experts, technologies, and human and capital resources, to help companies scale quicker and create value faster, based on specic stages in their evolution. Raising capital is no small feat for todays entrepreneurs. Thats why discovering investors who offer more than just financial backingthose who bring mentorship, resources, and a true spirit of partnership to your growth journeyis both rare and invaluable, says Bonny Ghosh, editorial director at Inc. The 2025 Founder-Friendly Investors are collaborators and dedicated to helping their portfolio companies succeed. For more information or to view the complete list of honorees, visit https://www.inc.com/founder-friendly-investors. About Capstreet Founded in 1990, Capstreet invests in lower middle market software, tech-enabled services, and industrial business services companies. With more than 50 platform investments and more than 200 add-on acquisitions since inception, Capstreets investment strategy is focused on utilizing its Capvalue Framework to help accelerate growth and profitability, and create long-term sustainable businesses. The majority of Capstreets investments have been with founder- or entrepreneur-owned businesses. For more information, visit the Capstreet website, https://capstreet.com. The Founder-Friendly Investors award is a program designed by Inc. Magazine to help founder-led companies accelerate growth and create revenue. The annual list highlights the private equity firms, venture capital firms, and lenders with track records of backing founder-led companies. Like all entrants, Capstreet paid a fee to apply to be considered for the 2025 award and is not affiliated with Inc. This award is not to be construed as indicative of Capstreets future performance. The award was granted on October 28, 2025. About Inc. Inc. is a media brand and playbook for entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping the future. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of its community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating the future of business. Inc. is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow leading business publication Fast Company. For more information, visit www.inc.com. Contact: Lambert by LLYC Joanne Lessner, 212-222-7436, jlessner@lambert.com Jennifer Hurson, 845-507-0571, jhurson@lambert.com Oxford, UK 29 October 2025: OXB (LSE: OXB), a global quality and innovation-led cell and gene therapy CDMO, today announces it has been recognised as a Champion in the Cell & Gene Therapy category at the 2025 CDMO Leadership Awards Europe in Frankfurt. The prestigious Champion title is awarded to the highest-scoring CDMO in each category, based on direct feedback from biopharmaceutical professionals who have recently partnered with CDMOs. This recognition demonstrates OXBs excellence in quality, innovation and service across its global network. It comes at a time of strong commercial momentum for OXB, driven by increased demand for its end-to-end CDMO services across key vector types and a growing portfolio of clients spanning all stages of development. Dr. Sebastien Ribault, Chief Business Officer of OXB, said: We are honoured to receive this recognition from the CDMO Leadership Awards Europe. It reflects the trust and satisfaction of our clients and the dedication of our teams across the UK, US and France. As demand continues to grow, we remain committed to supporting our clients in delivering the next generation of transformative therapies to patients around the world. -Ends- Enquiries: OXB: T: +44 (0) 1865 783 000 / E: partnering@oxb.com Sebastien Ribault, Chief Business Officer ICR Healthcare: T: +44 (0)20 3709 5700 / E: oxb@icrhealthcare.com Mary-Jane Elliott / Angela Gray / Davide Salvi About OXB OXB (LSE: OXB) is a global quality and innovation-led contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) in cell and gene therapy with a mission to enable its clients to deliver life changing therapies to patients around the world. One of the original pioneers in cell and gene therapy, OXB has 30 years of experience in viral vectors; the driving force behind the majority of cell and gene therapies. OXB collaborates with some of the world's most innovative pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, providing viral vector development and manufacturing expertise in lentivirus, adeno-associated virus (AAV), adenovirus and other viral vector types. OXB's world-class capabilities range from early-stage development to commercialisation. These capabilities are supported by robust quality-assurance systems, analytical methods and depth of regulatory expertise. OXB offers a vast number of technologies for viral vector manufacturing, including a 4th generation lentiviral vector system (the TetraVecta system), a dual-plasmid system for AAV production, suspension and perfusion process using process enhancers and stable producer and packaging cell lines. OXB, a FTSE250 and FTSE4Good constituent, is headquartered in Oxford, UK. It has development and manufacturing facilities across Oxfordshire, UK, Lyon and Strasbourg, France, Bedford MA, and Durham NC, US. Learn more at www.oxb.com and follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube. About the CDMO Leadership Awards The CDMO Leadership Awards are presented by Outsourced Pharma and Life Science Connect. Winners are selected based on primary research conducted by Orientation Marketing, reflecting direct feedback from biopharmaceutical professionals who have recently partnered with CDMOs. The awards recognize contract development and manufacturing organizations that deliver excellence in quality, capabilities, expertise, reliability, compatibility, and service. Learn more at www.cmoleadershipawards.com. ALPHARETTA, Ga., Oct. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cultura Technologies (Cultura) today announced that its newly formed brand, CreditCrop, has joined the Clean Fuel Credit Consortium (CFCC), a multi-company collaboration with Verdova, Vericap, and JAG Group, Inc. The consortium aims to support clean-fuel credit generation and regulatory compliance across the North American ethanol marketplace. The CFCC goal is to establish a unified, verifiable framework for ethanol producers, farmers, and corporate buyers to participate in the evolving market for 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credits in the United States and Clean Fuel Regulations (CFR) in Canada. By connecting data, credits, and capital from field to plant, the consortium seeks to convert verified operational data into transferable market value. The consortiums approach enables verified data from farms, retailers, and ethanol producers to support traceable, compliant clean-fuel credit generation. This process is designed to help buyers access verified credits, while producers and farmers may benefit from access to the highest-value markets without managing complex, fragmented systems. With more than 40 Category A ethanol projects across the U.S., the CFCC represents potential access to an estimated $3 billion in 45Z tax credits. The consortium is intended to provide a scalable framework for auditable participation in clean-fuel credit programs. "We are uniting the industrys leading data and expertise to bring clarity and confidence to clean-fuel credit markets, said Jeff Schreiner, Senior Vice President of Global Collaboration at Cultura Technologies. This is an efficient and high-value path for ethanol producers to turn verified farm and operational data into market liquidity. Recent US federal legislation includes provisions that allow clean-fuel producers to transfer 45Z tax credits for cash. This change may provide near-term liquidity for producers and the opportunity for them to invest in compliance infrastructure, enhance traceability, and accelerate participation in incentive markets. We believe this consortium delivers an efficient and high-value path solution for ethanol producers and corporate buyers alike, said Dan Olson, Founder and CEO of JAG Group, Inc. Its built on real-world feedback from key U.S. ethanol stakeholders. By partnering with a growing number of leading data and Ag Tech providers including Greenstone, Solentra, AgVision, DTN, and more the CFCC framework allows for interoperability across multiple data platforms and vendors. Its vendor-agnostic approach enables each participant in the ethanol value chain to benefit from transparent credit creation and efficient monetization. Corporate buyers gain an early-entry opportunity to secure top-tier 45Z credits under favorable terms with long-term scalability, added Bela Gulacsi, Founder and CEO of Vericap. Our approach recognizes and rewards the clean practices of farmers and ethanol producers, ensuring they share directly in the revenue generated by sustainable production, said Andy Jenks, Co-Founder of Verdova. Those interested in working alongside CreditCrop and the adjacent Clean Fuel Credit Consortium (CFCC) can learn more about opportunities at www.creditcrop.io. About CreditCrop CreditCrop empowers farmers and ethanol producers to unlock the full value of biofuel tax credits. The company was born from a collaboration of top minds in biofuels and agri-food, with a mission to ensure that those growing and producing biofuel crops receive the financial recognition they deserve. With a deep commitment to North American agriculture, CreditCrop is driving meaningful impact for farmers, brokers, and producers alike. For more information, visit www.creditcrop.io, and follow us on LinkedIn. About JAG Group, Inc. JAG Groups unique proposition lies in its unmatched expertise, extensive industry relationships, and performance-driven consultative approach. With deep knowledge across all facets of the agricultural ecosystem, JAG bridges operational complexities and market demands to unlock value for its clients. Learn more at https://jagaggroup.com/ About Verdova Verdova improves the accessibility and usability of grower owned on-farm data to agribusinesses looking for insights. To find out more or discuss how Verdovas proprietary on-farm data enrichment process can help farmers and agribusinesses, learn more at https://www.verdova.com/ About Vericap Vericap provides the infrastructure that enables investors to source, evaluate, and manage investments across carbon, real assets, and other emerging markets. Our mission is to help investors access and scale commercially attractive, high-impact opportunities globally. Learn more at https://www.vericap.io/ About Cultura Technologies Cultura brings together people, businesses, and technologies focused on building a thriving and resilient agri-food system. Globally, our insights help enable better decision-making across the entire food supply. For more information, visit www.culturatech.com or follow us on LinkedIn Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding potential market access, future benefits of consortium participation, and anticipated impacts of legislation. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Cultura Technologies undertakes no obligation, except by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. For Further Information Michelle McCabe VP, Marketing Cultura Technologies Michelle.mccabe@culturatech.com DENVER, Oct. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SVA APP Bolivia (SVA APP BOL) has announced plans to launch its Initial Public Offering (IPO), marking a new milestone in the companys history and a significant step toward its next stage of development. As an emerging force in the brand promotion industry, the upcoming IPO reflects not only SVA APP BOLs strong foundation but also its confidence in future growth and strategic vision. Since its establishment, SVA APP BOL has adhered to the core philosophy of innovation-driven and integrity-based management, dedicated to providing high-quality products and services while driving the modernization and globalization of the brand promotion industry. The company expects to complete its IPO restructuring by the end of this year, which will bring new momentum to its operations, create broader career opportunities for employees, and lay a solid foundation for sustainable growth. Mr. Colin Matthew Buck, Chief Executive Officer of SVA APP South America, commented on the upcoming listing: The progress of SVA APP BOL is the result of the dedication and collaboration of every team member. Our planned IPO is not only a major milestone for the company but also a recognition of the professionalism, effort, and unity of our entire team. SVA APP BOL extends sincere appreciation to government authorities, regulatory agencies, investors, and business partners for their continued trust and support. The company emphasized that it will strictly comply with international laws and regulations throughout the IPO process, ensuring transparency, accountability, and high standards of corporate governance to build investor confidence. Looking ahead, SVA APP BOL will remain committed to its guiding principles customer-oriented, quality-driven, management-efficient, and innovation-focused. The company aims to strengthen its core competitiveness, expand its international market presence, enhance corporate governance, and further elevate its brand influence and market value. The planned listing of SVA APP BOL not only marks an important step toward entering the global capital market but also signifies a reshaping of the brand promotion industrys international landscape. The company will continue to operate with openness, transparency, and professionalism, joining hands with partners and investors to witness the next chapter of SVA APP BOLs growth and success. Media Contact Company: SVABoliviaAdvertising Co., Ltd. Contact Person: Colin Matthew Barker Email: sharedvisionus@gmail.com Website: https://www.svatsteck.com/ Disclaimer: This content is provided by Shared Vision Advertising Co., Ltd. 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A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2b73100f-0aea-4093-9344-3776b4fc25cd Washington, DC, Oct. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) today calls on Congress to take immediate action to make health insurance more affordable by extending premium tax credits available for people purchasing health insurance on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace exchange. Lawmakers have not reached an agreement about extending these tax credits, so those tax credits may expire at the end of the year. Nearly 28 million people in the U.S. have asthma, a chronic condition requiring consistent treatment, said Kenneth Mendez, president and CEO of AAFA. Our research tells us that lack of access to health insurance often prevents people with asthma from getting the care they need. Asthma is a top reason for missed school days, and untreated asthma leads to work absenteeism, emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and even death. More than 90% of people who get insurance on the ACA exchange receive the premium tax credits, giving them a yearly premium savings averaging more than $700 in 2024. AAFA notes that access to ACA plans is especially important for people with asthma in light of recent cuts to Medicaid approved in the Presidents Big, Beautiful Bill. Nearly half of all children with asthma get their insurance from Medicaid, and adults on Medicaid are 2 times more likely to have asthma than those with private insurance. With as many as 17 million people losing access to Medicaid, the ACA marketplace could become the only way to get insurance for people with chronic conditions like asthma. If Congress fails to extend the tax credits, premiums for ACA plans will more than double, triple, or quadruple for people in some states, said Melanie Carver, chief mission officer at AAFA. This means insurance would be priced out of reach for millions of people. Congress must act soon to protect access to coverage and prevent health care collapse. The expiration of the tax credits would be especially devastating for older adults who are not yet Medicare eligible and who do not qualify for Medicaid. For example, a 60-year-old couple making $85,000 a year would see their premiums increase by about $1,900 per month. Older adults are at higher risk of death due to asthma. Analysis of the impact of the tax credits expiring also suggests it could lead to rising health care costs for everyone not just those who buy insurance on the ACA exchange as insurance companies seek to maintain steady revenue streams. Insurance premiums are expected to go up by around 18%. Additionally, lack of insurance leads to increased strain on the health care system as many people rely on emergency room care to treat chronic illnesses. Uncontrolled asthma already costs the U.S. economy $115 billion a year. Driving more people into uninsured status will only make those costs rise. Between 9 and 11 people die each day from asthma, said Mendez. If Congress fails to take action to make health insurance more affordable, costs and poor health outcomes from asthma will increase. ## About AAFA Founded in 1953, AAFA is the oldest and largest non-profit patient organization dedicated to saving lives and reducing the burden of disease for people with asthma, allergies, and related conditions through research, education, advocacy, and support. AAFA offers extensive support for individuals and families affected by asthma and allergic diseases, such as food allergies and atopic dermatitis (eczema). Through its online patient support communities, network of regional chapters, and collaborations with community-based groups, AAFA empowers patients and their families by providing practical, evidence-based information and community programs and services. AAFA is the only asthma and allergy patient advocacy group that is certified to meet the standards of excellence set by the National Health Council. For more information, visit: aafa.org and kidswithfoodallergies.org Attachment Casino Group Communication Paris, 29 October 2025 Further to the article published today by Olivier Dauvers entitled Casino: Kretinsky reinjecte de loxygene (Casino: Kretinsky injects new life), Casino Group categorically denies the information that Daniel Kretinsky has injected 500 million into the retailer's accounts. *** ANALYSTS AND INVESTORS CONTACTS Charlotte IZABEL - cizabel@groupe-casino.fr - Tel : +33 (0)6 89 19 88 33 IR_Casino@groupe-casino.fr - Tel : +33 (0)1 53 65 24 17 PRESS CONTACTS Casino Group Communications Department Stephanie ABADIE - sabadie@groupe-casino.fr - Tel : +33 (0)6 26 27 37 05 directiondelacommunication@groupe-casino.fr - Tel : + 33(0)1 53 65 24 78 Attachment FORT WORTH, Texas, Oct. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Helicopter Institute (HI) is expanding its agreement with Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC) by introducing the TH-66 SAGE training platform into the U.S. Navys Contractor Operated Pilot Training - Rotary (COPT-R) program, operating out of Meacham Airport in Fort Worth, Texas. This move represents a significant upgrade in U.S. Navy flight training, as Helicopter Institute begins phasing out legacy aircraft, like the Bell 206B3, in favor of the more cost-effective, turbine-powered R66-based trainer. The Robinson TH-66 SAGE program, already in service in the U.S. Armys Part 141 Initial Entry Rotary Wing (IERW) demonstration in Marianna, Florida, is designed to optimize training value. By utilizing the efficient TH-66 SAGE, Helicopter Institutes Robinson-based training provides Navy aviators with a higher level of instruction and more critical flight hours at a significantly reduced cost. The platform's proven reliability and accessibility are positioning it as the next-generation standard for military rotary-wing training. "We are incredibly proud to support the United States Navys helicopter training program under the Contractor Operated Pilot Training Rotary (COPT-R) initiative through the implementation of the TH-66 SAGE, said Randy Rowles, president of Helicopter Institute. The robust nature and reliability of the R66 platformalready proven through the U.S. Armys Part 141 IERW demonstration programmake the TH-66 SAGE an ideal aircraft for developing the next generation of military aviators. Together, were shaping the future of rotary-wing training and advancing safety, capability, and performance across the fleet. The strategic advantage of this relationship is underscored by direct support from Robinson Helicopter Companys Torrance, California factory. Robinson Helicopter not only designs and manufactures the aircraft but also makes and forges all its mechanical parts, ensuring maximum uptime and quick part deliveries for training operations. As the only American-designed and manufactured helicopter in its class, the TH-66 SAGE embodies American-Made readiness, said David Smith, president and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company. Our relationship with Helicopter Institute demonstrates our ability to better prepare our nation's pilots by delivering a modern, cost-effective platform that maximizes critical training hours. With ready parts availability and support directly from our factory, we ensure exceptional operational efficiency, so our military students never spend one minute on the ground that is not necessary. The TH-66 SAGE is specifically configured and equipped to meet the rigorous demands of military flight instruction, delivering unmatched reliability, cost-effectiveness, and mission adaptability, and setting a benchmark for modern military flight training and safety. About Helicopter Institute, Inc. Founded in 2009, Helicopter Institute set out to provide the most comprehensive and up-to-date helicopter training and safety content to the flying public. Scheduling and pricing of factory training is both lengthy and expensive. Helicopter Institute provides an alternative through our Beyond Factory Training initiative with flexible scheduling and budget-friendly pricing without compromising on quality. Improving Helicopter Safety. One Pilot At A Time! About Robinson Helicopter Company For more than 50 years, Robinson Helicopter Company has been at the forefront of the helicopter industry by delivering safety-enhancing technologies, including OEM-designed crash-resistant fuel cells, 4K cockpit video cameras, autopilot systems, impact-resistant windshields, and NVG-compatible cockpits. Robinson is committed to developing, manufacturing, and supporting the most reliable and efficient manned and unmanned helicopters in the industry. For additional information, visit www.robinsonheli.com. Contacts: Helicopter Institute Ashley Mikel Director of Business Development 817-224-2500 x1004 ashley@helicopterinstitute.com Robinson Helicopter Company Robyn E. Eagles Robyn.eagles@robinsonheli.com 323-547-5102 Lee-Anne Jae Aranda lee-anne.aranda@robinsonheli.com 310-539-0508 x294 Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/db1fa33f-d807-42a2-874f-fe299cfc68cd https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c92a92bd-9648-41ad-8b45-24d3f1117038 Falls Church, Va., Oct. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Community Associations Institute, the leading international authority supporting condominium associations, homeowners associations, and housing cooperatives, today announced the launch of its Love Where You Live and Love Where You Work campaigns. The two initiatives are designed to celebrate the pride, connection, and purpose found in community association living and professional community management. The campaigns come at a time when community associations, including homeowners associations (HOAs), condominiums, and cooperatives, represent a significant and growing part of the American housing landscape. According to 2024 data from the Foundation for Community Association Research, 77.1 million Americans live in community associations, which encompass $11 trillion in real estate value and make up 33.6% of all U.S. housing. These campaigns celebrate what truly makes community associations thrive; the people and the shared sense of purpose that bring neighborhoods to life, says Dawn M. Bauman, CAE, chief executive officer of Community Associations Institute. Through Love Where You Live, were shining a light on authentic stories of connection, pride, and belonging while recognizing the dedicated professionals who make these communities great. The Love Where You Live campaign invites homeowners, board members, and residents to share what makes their community special. Using #LoveWhereYouLive, participants can post photos and videos on social media that feature neighborhood events, volunteer projects, or acts of kindness that strengthen connections among neighbors and foster a sense of belonging. The Love Where You Work campaign recognizes the professionals who make communities exceptional. By sharing stories, images, and experiences with #LoveWhereYouWork, community managers and management companies can highlight their passion for the profession and the important role they play in building strong, well-managed communities. Together, both campaigns aim to elevate awareness of the value and impact of community associations. CAI invites members, residents, and industry partners to participate and help spread the message: when we love where we live and love where we work, communities thrive. Learn more about the campaigns and how to get involved at caionline.org/lovewhereyoulive. PHOENIX, Oct. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The AMS Impact Group, who manages the Academies of Math and Science, invites the community to the 2025 Free Resource Night Market, happening Friday, November 7, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM at AMS Desert Sky Campus, 5701 W McDowell Rd (McDowell & 59th Ave), Phoenix, AZ 85035. This annual event is a must-attend evening for families across the Valley looking to access valuable free resources, connect with community partners, and enjoy a fun, family-friendly night out. What Youll Find: The AMS Free Resource Night Market brings together trusted local partners and essential services all at no cost to attendees: Free Immunizations Keep your family healthy with on-site vaccinations. Keep your family healthy with on-site vaccinations. Free Vision Screenings Accessible eye care for students and families. Accessible eye care for students and families. Free Haircuts Twice as many as last year! Twice as many as last year! Free Toys for Kids Including puzzles, matching games, and more. Including puzzles, matching games, and more. Community Resources Learn about programs supporting health, housing, and education. Learn about programs supporting health, housing, and education. AMS Parent Vendors Shop local and support AMS families small businesses. Shop local and support AMS families small businesses. Live Music, Food Trucks & Family Fun A night designed for connection and care. A night designed for connection and care. Visit enrollams.org/free-market-night/ for more information about our vendors, Compudot, giveaway. Whos invited? The event is open to everyone AMS families, staff, neighbors, and members of the greater Phoenix community. Whether youre looking for practical support or a chance to meet local partners making a difference, the Free Resource Night Market is a space where everyone is welcome and cared for. Why You Should Come: The AMS Free Resource Night Market is about access, connection, and community. Its an opportunity to: Discover helpful services and resources. Enjoy a free, family-friendly evening. Connect with community organizations and small businesses. Celebrate the power of neighbors helping neighbors. Join and Spread the Word! Dont miss this special night of community, care, and celebration! Invite your friends and neighbors and make it an evening to remember. For updates and details, visit enrollams.org/free-market-night/ For media inquiries and press credentials, please contact: Caylee Migliorini VP of Marketing Academies of Math & Science | AMS Impact Group 3002 S Priest Drive, Tempe, AZ 85282 C: (623) 606-7278 O: (602) 661-7007 ext. 11061 www.amsschools.org COLUMBIA, MD, Oct. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Howard Community College (HCC) has been named one of 200 community colleges nationwide eligible to compete for the 2027 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nations most prestigious recognition of high achievement and performance among Americas two-year institutions. The honor comes with the opportunity to compete for a $1 million prize. The Aspen Institute selected the 200 colleges based on exceptional student outcomes data, including retention, completion, transfer, and bachelors attainment rates, as well as post-graduate earnings. This marks the ninth cycle of the Aspen Prize since its inception in 2010 and the first time 200 colleges have been named eligible, expanding from 150 in previous cycles. Meeting students where they dream has been a mantra for our college, and this recognition from the Aspen Institute affirms that were turning those dreams into reality, said Daria J. Willis, President of Howard Community College. Every single day, our extraordinary faculty and staff pour their hearts into removing barriers and creating pathways to success for our students. This honor isnt just about what weve accomplishedits about the lives weve transformed and the futures weve helped build. We are passionately committed to ensuring that every student who walks through our doors has access to a world-class education that forever changes their trajectory and that of their families. The colleges inclusion among the Aspen Prize eligible institutions highlights its strong performance in helping students complete their educational programs and achieve success after graduation. The Aspen Prize rewards colleges that achieve the kind of outcomes that actually matter to studentscompleting college degree programs that, in turn, lead to lifelong success, said Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. Aspen Prize winners offer a powerful message: Community colleges can deliver the kind of life-changing education that makes the American Dream real. The 200 eligible colleges have been invited to submit applications for a rigorous 20-month review process. Participating institutions will be assessed on student outcomes dataincluding transfer and completion rates, employment, and post-graduation wagesas well as the effectiveness of practices that led to high and improving student outcomes. HCCs selection for the Aspen Prize comes on the heels of significant achievements in recent years that demonstrate the colleges commitment to student success and community impact. Since Willis appointment in November 2021, the college has achieved notable milestones: Student Success and Access: Community Engagement and Programs: Excellence in Workforce Development and Philanthropic Partnerships: The Aspen Prize process identifies institutions demonstrating that achieving stronger student outcomes is possible and provides a roadmap of effective practices for other colleges to follow. HCC is one of three Maryland community colleges selected for the competition. Were not just meeting benchmarks; were redefining whats possible for community colleges, said Willis. The innovative programs weve built, the partnerships weve forged, and most importantly, the success our students are achievingthese are the results of a community commitment to excellence that defines our county. We are thrilled to share our story with the Aspen Institute and demonstrate how community colleges like HCC are making prosperity an expectation. ABOUT HCC Since 1970, Howard Community College (HCC) has been a preferred college choice for students and families in Howard County, Maryland. A public community college, HCC offers associate degree and certificate programs, as well as workforce development training and continuing education classes, to nearly 22,000 credit and noncredit students each year. HCC received the 2019 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the nations only presidential-level honor for performance excellence in organizations. LOS ANGELES, Oct. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Schall Law Firm, a national shareholder rights litigation firm, announces that it is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Trinseo PLC (Trinseo or the Company) (NYSE: TSE) for violations of the securities laws. The investigation focuses on whether the Company issued false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose information pertinent to investors. Trinseo announced on October 6, 2025, that it would suspend its quarterly dividend indefinitely. The Company also announced the permanent closure of multiple production facilities in Italy. Based on this news, shares of Trinseo fell by more than 12.2% on the next day. If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate. We also encourage you to contact Brian Schall of the Schall Law Firm, 2049 Century Park East, Suite 2460, Los Angeles, CA 90067, at 310-301-3335, to discuss your rights free of charge. You can also reach us through the firm's website at www.schallfirm.com, or by email at bschall@schallfirm.com. The Schall Law Firm represents investors around the world and specializes in securities class action lawsuits and shareholder rights litigation. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and rules of ethics. CONTACT: The Schall Law Firm Brian Schall, Esq. 310-301-3335 info@schallfirm.com www.schallfirm.com 9-MONTH TURNOVER AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2025: +1.4% at 117.4M AT CONSTANT EXCHANGE RATE (*): +1.8% THIRD QUARTER GROWTH: TURNOVER +0.4% at 36.9M AT CONSTANT EXCHANGE RATE (*): +2.2% Blagnac, France, October 29, 2025, after closing of the Stock Market. SOGECLAIR, supplier of innovative solutions with high added value for a safer and less-consuming mobility, announces its turnover over 9 months ending on September 30th, 2025. SOGECLAIR is listed on Euronext Growth Paris. (*) At constant exchange rate: exchange rate fluctuations over the period represent -0.5M against 0M in 2024. As of September 30, 2025, the Group posted turnover of 117.4 million, up slightly by +1.4% and +1.8% at constant exchange rate. In the third quarter, turnover rose slightly to 36.9 million (+0.4% and +2.2% at constant perimeter and exchange rates). Consolidated turnover for Q3 2025 (IFRS) By sector of activity: Commercial aviation (35.6% of turnover) grew by 3.4% as a result of diversification. Business aviation (34.2% of turnover) declined by 7%, mainly due to the anticipated decline in manufacturing activities in North America (backlog catch-up in 2023 and 2024) and an unfavorable base effect (+19.4% in 2024). The defense sector (14% of turnover*) grew strongly, up 30.8%. The automotive sector (7.1% of turnover) declined by 2.9% and the rail sector (5.3% of turnover) declined by 11.8%. The space sector (2.5% of turnover) grew by 18.7%. The effective diversification of our markets and sectors enables us to sustain growth in a challenging market environment, particularly in the rail and automotive sectors. (*) For information, in previous years, projects related to the defense aeronautics sector were consolidated within the overall business aviation sector. This year, these projects have been separated into separate business segments. To make comparison with 2024, we are reporting turnover trends after adjustment for these markets. By geographical area: within the ONE SOGECLAIR organization, the performance measured below corresponds to the location of our subsidiaries by geographical area and not according to the geographical location of our customers. Location SUBSIDIARIES (in M) Turnover 9 month 2025 Turnover 9 month 2024 Weight in turnover 2025 (as %) Variation (as %) France 81.1 76.3 69.0% + 6.3% Europe (except France) 5.9 4.8 5.0% + 22.3% America 27.3 30.3 23.2% - 10.1% Asia-Pacific 3.1 4.2 2.6% - 27.0% Rest of the world 0.1 0.2 0.1% - 34.0% Total 117.4 115.8 100% + 1.4% Differences are due to rounding. Turnover generated in France (69% of total turnover) rose by 6.3%. Turnover in Europe excluding France (5% of total turnover) rose sharply by 22.3%. The America area (23.2% of turnover) declined by 10.1%, penalized by exchange rate fluctuations and an unfavorable base effect in the third quarter. Similarly, the Asia-Pacific area (2.6% of turnover) declined sharply by 27%. By Business Unit Business Unit Turnover 9-month 2025 (M) Weight in turnover 2025 (as %) Variation (as %) Engineering At constant exchange rate and perimeter 60.7 60.7 51.7% 51.5% +8.2% +8.3% Solutions At constant exchange rate and perimeter 56.7 57.2 48.3% 48.5% -5.0% -4.2% Differences are due to rounding. ACTIVITIES REPORT Engineering BU, a Q3 in line with the promising year 2025 The Engineering BU continues to drive the group's growth over the year (+8.2%). The Defense sector keeps on growing strongly (+40.8%) and is benefiting from a rapidly developing market. Business aviation, up 3.6%, is growing thanks to our expertise in North America, mainly in Canada. Commercial aviation, up 4.8%, is being driven by stronger performance in France and Germany. Diversification efforts coupled with the strong performance of its traditional sectors enabled the Engineering BU to perform well throughout 2025. Solutions BU marks time while waiting for its order book to fill up again The BU Solutions, down 5% (-4.2% at constant perimeter and exchange rates), continues to be penalized by an unfavorable base effect and negative exchange rate fluctuations. Simulation activities declined by 5.2% (-4% at constant perimeter and exchange rates) due to the downturn in the rail sector and the crisis in the automotive sector. The ongoing rebuilding of the order book should begin to have an impact on the rail sector from 2026 onwards. The Equipment activities was impacted by an unfavorable base effect that continued into Q3, mainly on aircraft interior products in North America, following improvements in industrial processes and the recovery of delivery delays in 2024. A product diversification plan and a commercial reinforcement plan currently underway should bear fruit in 2026. The increase in production rates in the thermoplastics activities saw its impact on turnover reduced by exchange rate fluctuations (+4%; +6.8% at constant exchange rate). The Defense activity has seen its turnover double since the beginning of the year. PERSPECTIVES The group posted slight growth in turnover despite the complex economic and geopolitical environment and unfavorable exchange rate evolution. This increase was driven by the strong performance of our traditional business lines and the rapid growth of the Defense sector in Europe. At the same time, the various improvement plans launched in 2025 (commercial and operational diversification, continuous improvement) will bear fruit in 2026. NEXT ANNOUNCEMENT: turnover for the 4th quarter of 2025, on January 28, 2026, after closing of the Stock Market About SOGECLAIR Supplier of innovative high added-value solutions for safer and less-consuming mobility, SOGECLAIR brings its skills in high-quality engineering and production to a broad range of cutting-edge sectors notably aeronautics, space, vehicle, rail and defense. Supporting its customers and partners from the design and simulation stages through to the end of the products lifetime, all along the production chain through to entry into service, the collaborators are working worldwide to offer a high-quality and proximity service to all its customers. SOGECLAIR is listed on Euronext Growth Paris - Indice Euronext Family Business -Code ISIN: FR0000065864 / (Reuters SCLR.PA Bloomberg SOG.FP) Contacts: Alexandre ROBARDEY, Chairman of the Board / Philippe BREL, Chief Executive Officer / www.sogeclair.com / +33(0)5 61 71 71 01 Press contact: Louise-Marie Thabard / SOGECLAIR Communication / louise-marie.thabard@sogeclair.com / +336 75 95 12 20 Attachment Zurich, Switzerland, and New York, U.S.A., Oct. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hitachi Energy, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., today announced a strategic partnership with Blackstone Energy Transition Partners (Blackstone) to expand and strengthen its Service business, supporting customers in maintaining the reliability and safety of power infrastructure across North America. As part of the partnership, Hitachi Energy will acquire a stake in Shermco a leading provider of comprehensive maintenance, repair, testing, commissioning, and design services in North America, recently acquired by private equity funds affiliated with Blackstone. The partnership brings together three industry leaders: Hitachi Energy, a global technology leader in electrification; Blackstone, the worlds largest alternative asset manager; and Shermco, a leading provider of electrical services in the U.S. and Canada. Together, they will seek to expand service capacity and capabilities to deliver comprehensive lifecycle support for critical energy infrastructure, from power generation and transmission to data centers and industrial electrification. Investing in Shermco in partnership with Blackstone enables Hitachi Energy to accelerate our growth and expand service capabilities across North America, said Andreas Schierenbeck, CEO of Hitachi Energy. Our investment strengthens our service offering as we continue to scale, helping customers maintain and extend the life of existing assets while making the grid stronger, more resilient and fit for the future. Were thrilled to welcome Hitachi Energy as a strategic partner alongside Blackstone, said Phil Petrocelli, CEO of Shermco. This investment is a testament to our commitment to serving our customers essential power needs and reputation for safety and excellence. With this additional support and resources, we look forward to expanding our footprint and capabilities to continue to accelerate our growth together. Hitachi Energy is a global leader across technology and energy with deep digital and operational expertise, said David Foley, Global Head of Blackstone Energy Transition Partners. We are excited to partner with Hitachi Energy to build on Shermco's success alongside Phil Petrocelli and its exceptional management team. JP Munfa and Darius Sepassi, Senior Managing Directors at Blackstone, added, Hitachi Energys investment in Shermco brings together a global technology leader in electrification with one of the leading North American providers of mission-critical maintenance, testing and design services for electrical equipment. We are thrilled to be partnering with Hitachi Energy and look forward to working together to accelerate Shermcos next phase of growth in an era of rapid electrification and increasing demand. Hitachi Energys $1 billion global investment in Service In addition, Hitachi Energy is investing more than $1 billion USD globally to expand its Service footprint, launching new digital service solutions with HMAX Energy, and growing its workforce including the development and certification of over 5,000 additional service experts worldwide. "By combining Hitachi Energys grid expertise and digital solutions with Shermcos nationwide field service presence, we will set a new benchmark for electrical infrastructure services creating the leading service partner in North America driving asset reliability and performance as well as digital innovation for utilities, industries and data centers alike," said Wolf Mueller, Managing Director of Hitachi Energys Service Business. Strengthening Service capabilities for the electricity era Globally, power grids are aging, and the experienced workforce is retiring, creating significant challenges. As electrification accelerates across industries, transportation, and digital infrastructure, service is the backbone of grid modernization. Much of todays grid infrastructure more than 70 percent of U.S. transmission lines1 is decades old, nearing or past its intended lifecycle, leading to higher outage risks, cyber vulnerabilities and costly emergency repairs. Service is critical to help data centers, utilities and industries maintain, upgrade, and optimize their infrastructure and increase the reliability, safety, flexibility and sustainability of energy systems. 1. DOE, What does it take to modernize the U.S. electric grid? Note to Editors: (1) Founded in 1974 and headquartered in Texas, Shermco is one of the largest electrical testing organizations accredited by the InterNational Electrical Testing Association (NETA), providing comprehensive electrical system maintenance, repair, testing, commissioning and design services, with more than 600 NETA technicians and 200 engineers across 40 service centers in the U.S. and Canada. Shermco provides critical services for data centers, utilities and diversified commercial and industrial end-markets, partnering with customers to enhance the safety, reliability and efficiency of their critical electrical infrastructure, while minimizing downtime and outages. (2) HMAX Energy is Hitachis upcoming digitally enabled and AI-powered services offering related to the energy sector. As a key pillar of the companys Lumada 3.0 strategy, HMAX Energy integrates digital capabilities, domain expertise, service excellence, and installed base intelligence to maximize uptime, safety, efficiency, and asset lifetime. These capabilities will empower customers to shift from reacting to predicting - future-proofing their energy infrastructure. About Hitachi Energy Hitachi Energy is a global technology leader in electrification, powering a sustainable energy future with innovative power grid technologies with digital at the core. Over three billion people depend on our technologies to power their daily lives. With over a century in pioneering mission-critical technologies like high-voltage, transformers, automation, and power electronics, we are addressing the most urgent energy challenge of our time balancing soaring electricity demand, while decarbonizing the power system. With an unparalleled installed base in over 140 countries, we co-create and build long-term partnerships across the utility, industry, transportation, data centers, and infrastructure sectors. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ over 50,000 people in 60 countries and generate revenues of around $16 billion USD. https://www.hitachienergy.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/hitachienergy https://x.com/HitachiEnergy About Hitachi, Ltd. Through its Social Innovation Business (SIB) that brings together IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products, Hitachi contributes to a harmonized society where the environment, wellbeing, and economic growth are in balance. Hitachi operates globally in four sectors Digital Systems & Services, Energy, Mobility, and Connective Industries and the Strategic SIB Business Unit for new growth businesses. With Lumada at its core, Hitachi generates value from integrating data, technology and domain knowledge to solve customer and social challenges. Revenues for FY2024 (ended March 31, 2025) totaled 9,783.3 billion yen, with 618 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 280,000 employees worldwide. Visit us at https://www.hitachi.com. About Blackstone Energy Transition Partners Blackstone Energy Transition Partners is Blackstones strategy for control-oriented equity investments in energy-related businesses, a leading energy investor with a successful long-term record, having committed over $27 billion of equity globally across a broad range of sectors within the energy industry. Our investment philosophy is based on backing exceptional management teams with flexible capital to provide solutions that help energy companies grow and improve performance, thereby delivering more reliable, affordable and cleaner energy to meet the needs of the global community. In the process, we build stronger, larger scale enterprises, create jobs and generate lasting value for our investors, employees and all stakeholders. Further information is available at https://www.blackstone.com/our-businesses/blackstone-energy-transition-partners/. About Shermco Headquartered in Irving, TX, Shermco provides electrical testing, maintenance, commissioning and repair services to a wide range of utility, industrial, energy and other end markets. With more than 40 locations, Shermco serves a diversified blue-chip client base across North America. The Company is an active participant in NETA (the InterNational Electrical Testing Association), EASA (Electrical Apparatus Service Association), and ACP (American Clean Power Association). For more information, visit www.shermco.com. Attachment Dublin, Oct. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Australia Diagnostic Imaging Market Trends & Forecast 2025-2033" has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Australia Diagnostic Imaging Market is expected to reach US$ 1.16 billion by 2033 from US$ 733.95 million in 2024, with a CAGR of 5.22% from 2025 to 2033. Improvements in medical imaging technologies for precision, effectiveness, and safety of diagnostic procedures, rising need for early disease diagnosis, and the rising incidence of chronic disorders are driving the market's steady expansion. Another factor influencing Australia's diagnostic imaging market share is government programs that promote digital health and easier access to diagnostics. Due to the provision of vital instruments for disease diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment planning, Australia's diagnostic imaging business is vital to the country's healthcare system. Nuclear medical imaging, CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, and X-rays are among the services provided by the business. It is fueled by a growing need for early diagnostic treatments, an aging population, and an increase in chronic diseases. Advances in technology, such as 3D visualization and AI-assisted imaging, are revolutionizing diagnostic capabilities, increasing accuracy, and improving patient outcomes. Imaging services are used by both the public and commercial healthcare systems, and many diagnostic procedures are significantly funded by Medicare. In order to guarantee quality and safety, the Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation Scheme (DIAS) has established accreditation requirements for the highly regulated business. Alongside smaller independent providers, the market is dominated by large corporate companies like Capitol Health, Sonic Healthcare, and I-MED Radiology Network. While regional and rural areas continue to experience service shortages, urban centers usually have greater access to state-of-the-art imaging facilities. The Australian government has implemented measures to improve accessibility, such as tele-radiology and mobile imaging services, particularly for rural populations, in order to rectify this disparity. The business has grown steadily in recent years, helped by increased government investment and healthcare spending. There are still issues, though, such as a lack of workers, especially sonographers and radiologists, and pressure to keep up with changing technological advancements. Furthermore, the industry's operational dynamics are changing due to the adoption of AI tools and digital health records, necessitating continued training and investment. Despite these obstacles, Australia's diagnostic imaging industry is expected to grow further due to robust demand, supportive legislation, and continuous innovation. Key Factors Driving the Australia Diagnostic Imaging Market Growth Growing Rate of Age-Related and Chronic Illnesses The aging of the population and the rising prevalence of chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders are additional contributing factors to the growth of the diagnostic imaging market in Australia. These factors are greatly raising the need for diagnostic imaging in the country. In order to manage degenerative illnesses and comorbidities, elderly individuals usually need more regular imaging and monitoring. In oncology and cardiovascular care in particular, diagnostic imaging is essential for early detection, staging, and therapy planning. Health services are under pressure to offer fast and accurate diagnoses as life expectancy rises and lifestyle-related diseases become more common. Imaging services are crucial to Australia's healthcare policy and a major factor in the growth of imaging services since they are necessary for continuous disease treatment and preventive care. For example, Body Vision Medical, a global leader in AI-powered intraoperative imaging, announced in March 2025 that their LungVision advanced imaging system had received approval from Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). With this approval, the company has achieved a significant milestone in its mission to increase early and accurate lung cancer diagnosis worldwide. Government Support for Healthcare In Australia, robust government assistance in the form of reimbursement schemes and subsidies is greatly expanding access to diagnostic imaging services. The nationwide public health program, Medicare, provides coverage for a wide range of imaging treatments, reducing patients' out-of-pocket expenses and encouraging prompt diagnosis. Additionally, funding supports bulk-billing procedures, guaranteeing that vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those living in remote areas, have fair access to imaging technologies. The list of services that are eligible for reimbursement has been further expanded with the introduction of item numbers for more recent imaging techniques. Additionally, capital grants for modernizing digital infrastructure and radiology equipment improve operational effectiveness and service quality. These funding sources improve patient outcomes and stimulate demand and innovation in the diagnostic imaging industry in Australia. Combining Precision Medicine with Integration The integration of imaging technology with precision medicine is a significant trend that is revolutionizing the delivery of healthcare, per an analysis of the diagnostic imaging market in Australia. Diagnostic imaging gives critical data that informs tailored treatment plans, notably in domains such as oncology, cardiology, and neurology. Advanced imaging techniques, such as PET-CT and functional MRI, allow medical professionals to track treatment outcomes, identify disorders at the molecular level, and tailor interventions according to the biology of each patient. As the healthcare paradigm changes toward a more customized approach, imaging is increasingly utilized with genetic and laboratory data to influence clinical choices. This integration speeds up the adoption of AI and data analytics tools in medical imaging procedures, fosters cooperation between radiologists and specialists, and stimulates investment in state-of-the-art machinery. Challenges in the Australia Diagnostic Imaging Market The burden of regulations and compliance The Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation Scheme (DIAS) is the main regulatory body that oversees the diagnostic imaging sector in Australia. Providers are guaranteed to adhere to strict safety, quality, and clinical efficacy criteria thanks to this framework. Despite being crucial for patient safety, these rules place a heavy administrative and financial strain on imaging centers. Maintaining compliance requires providers to update documentation, training procedures, and policies on a regular basis, which can put a strain on operational resources, especially for smaller or regional practices. Routine operations are further complicated by frequent audits and reporting requirements. For many diagnostic imaging services, maintaining compliance is a constant problem since rules change in tandem with clinical and technological developments, necessitating continuous investments in management systems, employee training, and quality assurance procedures. Connecting Digital Health Systems There are advantages and disadvantages to integrating diagnostic imaging services with Australia's national digital health systems, like My Health Record. Care coordination and patient outcomes are enhanced when imaging reports and scans can be shared easily between healthcare providers thanks to effective integration. However, a large investment in IT infrastructure, system updates, and interoperability solutions is needed to bring current imaging systems into line with emerging digital platforms. Technical obstacles affect many providers, particularly those who use out-of-date or incompatible software. Furthermore, considering the sensitive nature of medical imaging data, it is imperative to guarantee strong data security and privacy protection. Operational costs are increased by adherence to secure transmission protocols and cybersecurity regulations. Smaller suppliers with fewer financial and technical resources find these integration requirements particularly difficult to meet. Key Attributes Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 200 Forecast Period 2024-2033 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $733.95 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2033 $1.16 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 5.2% Regions Covered Australia Key Topics Covered 1. Introduction 2. Research & Methodology 3. Executive Summary 4. Market Dynamics 4.1 Growth Drivers 4.2 Challenges 5. Australia Diagnostic Imaging Market 5.1 Historical Market Trends 5.2 Market Forecast 6. Market Share Analysis 6.1 By Product 6.2 By Application 6.3 By End User 6.4 By States 7. Product 7.1 X-Ray 7.2 CT 7.3 Ultrasound 7.4 Nuclear Imaging 7.5 Others 8. Application 8.1 Orthopedics 8.2 Cardiovascular 8.3 Neurology 8.4 Pelvic & Abdomen 8.5 Oncology 9. End User 9.1 Hospital 9.2 Diagnostic Center 9.3 Others 10. Top States 10.1 New South Wales 10.2 Victoria 10.3 Queensland 10.4 Western Australia 10.5 South Australia 10.6 Australian Capital Territory 10.7 Tasmania 10.8 Northern Territory 11. Value Chain Analysis 12. Porter's Five Forces Analysis 12.1 Bargaining Power of Buyers 12.2 Bargaining Power of Suppliers 12.3 Degree of Competition 12.4 Threat of New Entrants 12.5 Threat of Substitutes 13. SWOT Analysis 13.1 Strength 13.2 Weakness 13.3 Opportunity 13.4 Threats 14. Pricing Benchmark Analysis 14.1 FUJIFILM VisualSonics Inc. 14.2 Canon Medical Systems Corporation 14.3 Bruker Corporation 14.4 PerkinElmer Inc. 14.5 Hitachi 14.6 Hologic 14.7 Radnet 14.8 Koninklijke Philips 15. Key Players Analysis 15.1 FUJIFILM VisualSonics Inc. 15.2 Canon Medical Systems Corporation 15.3 Bruker Corporation 15.4 PerkinElmer Inc. 15.5 Hitachi 15.6 Hologic 15.7 Radnet 15.8 Koninklijke Philips For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/kuia5e About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Dublin, Oct. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Cancer Immunotherapy Market Size and Share Analysis - Growth Trends and Forecast Report 2025-2033" has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Global Cancer Immunotherapy Market stood at USD 105.7 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to USD 254.6 billion by the year 2033 at a CAGR of 10.26% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is being fueled by the growing incidence of cancer, research on targeted therapies, growing awareness regarding the advantages of immunotherapy, and increased research and development efforts on innovative therapy options that increase patient survival and outcomes. Growth Drivers in the Cancer Immunotherapy Market Increasing Global Cancer Incidence The increasing incidence of cancer worldwide is one of the main drivers of demand for immunotherapy therapies. Cancer is one of the most common causes of death globally, according to the WHO, with cases predicted to increase dramatically over the next few decades. The trend has been driving more investment in innovative and effective treatments, including immunotherapy, which provides targeted, less toxic treatment. Governments and healthcare organizations are also focusing on early detection and high-tech therapies, further driving market growth. The increased burden of disease still calls for new treatment options worldwide. An estimated 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million deaths occurred in 2022. The number of individuals who survived for 5 years after having cancer was estimated at 53.5 million. Approximately 1 in 5 individuals get cancer during their lifetime, around 1 in 9 men and 1 in 12 women succumb to the disease. Technological Advancements and Innovation Innovations and rapid developments in biotechnology and immuno-oncology have led to better and more tailored cancer immunotherapies. Methods like CAR T-cell therapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and next-generation monoclonal antibodies have significantly improved treatment outcomes. These advancements not only increase survival rates but decrease relapse rates as well. The incorporation of artificial intelligence into drug discovery and biomarker analysis has speeded up research and development, which has made immunotherapy more affordable. Ongoing breakthroughs will further enlarge the market with new, highly targeted cancer-fighting treatments. Nov 2024, India becomes the third nation, following China and the US, to gain access to the next-generation PD-1 inhibitor Toripalimab, which, in combination with regular chemotherapy, has demonstrated a 48% decrease in the risk of disease progression or death from nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Increasing Research & Development Funding Increased government and private funds allocated for cancer research have greatly accelerated the growth of immunotherapies. Many biotech firms and pharmaceuticals are in partnership with research institutes to discover new immuno-oncology therapies. Such funds cover preclinical studies, clinical trials, and regulations, enabling quicker product launches. Global cancer organizations and advocacy groups also actively work towards awareness and donations, which has encouraged innovation. With increased investments in innovative cancer treatment technologies, the immunotherapy products pipeline keeps growing. In April 2024, the Irish government invested more than 50 million euros in the treatment of cancer and 37.6 million euros in research on cancer as part of the National Cancer Strategy. The existence of corporations such as Bayer AG, Astrazeneca, and Immunogen has also added to market expansion. Challenges in the Cancer Immunotherapy Market High Cost of Treatment Even though it is effective, the high price of cancer immunotherapy is a big obstacle, particularly in developing nations. Therapies like CAR T-cell therapy can be very expensive, costing hundreds of thousands of dollars, and thus restrict patient access. The pricing also puts pressure on public healthcare systems and insurance companies. Moreover, the cost of research, clinical trials, and regulatory affairs adds to the end-user pricing. The absence of uniform reimbursement policies in different regions worsens the cost burden, deterring the use of immunotherapy despite its therapeutic value. Variable Patient Response and Side Effects Cancer patients do not all respond well to immunotherapy, with variable treatment outcomes. Some have minimal or no benefit, while others will experience toxic immune-related adverse effects like inflammation, autoimmune responses, or organ toxicity. This uncertainty in treatment response creates challenges in the standardization of therapy. Furthermore, the intricacy of determining the right biomarkers for patient selection further restricts the universal use of immunotherapies. This has prompted the demand for companion diagnostics and customized treatment protocols. Cancer Immunomodulators Market Cancer immunomodulators are a significant growth-driving segment within immunotherapy. These drugs affect the immune response to cancer by boosting the natural ability of the body to fight tumors. Commonly used immunomodulators are cytokines, interleukins, and interferons. They have greatest efficacy in melanoma and hematological cancers. As clinical performance continues to achieve success, global demand for immunomodulators has increased sharply. Biopharmaceutical firms are heavily investing in the creation of next-generation immunomodulators with enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects. With advancements in research and the introduction of new delivery mechanisms, the immunomodulators segment is set to experience steady growth. Cancer Monoclonal Antibodies Market Monoclonal antibodies are among the most commonly applied immunotherapies in oncology. These engineered molecules in the laboratory specifically bind to antigens found on cancer cells, allowing the immune system to kill them more effectively. Drugs like trastuzumab (breast cancer) and rituximab (lymphoma) have shown excellent efficacy. Their increasing application in a variety of cancer types, coupled with ongoing R&D to make them more specific and less prone to side effects, is driving market growth. Biosimilars are also increasing patient access, especially in cost-conscious markets. With each new target discovery, the monoclonal antibodies market will grow. Lung Cancer Immunotherapy Market Lung cancer, the most prevalent and fatal cancer worldwide, has seen a major trend towards immunotherapy as an initial treatment. Immune checkpoint inhibitors such as pembrolizumab are now standard therapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Immunotherapies enhance survival rates and provide options for chemotherapy-resistant patients. Given the heavy burden of lung cancer worldwide, research into new combinations of immunotherapies goes on. Moreover, rates of smoking-induced cancer in emerging nations are rising, expanding the market base. Government policies promoting early detection and novel treatment solutions further drive the growth of this segment. Breast Cancer Immunotherapy Market Breast cancer immunotherapy is picking up pace with the discovery of immune checkpoint inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies. Immunotherapies such as atezolizumab have demonstrated potential, particularly in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a type hard to treat with conventional therapies. The integration of immunotherapy with chemotherapy or targeted therapy is being investigated to enhance effectiveness. Since breast cancer is one of the leading cancers diagnosed among women globally, demand for new treatments is substantial. Clinical trials and regulatory clearances in the pipeline are anticipated to bolster this market segment tremendously in the years to come. Colorectal Cancer Immunotherapy Market Colorectal cancer immunotherapy is being incorporated into treatment protocols more and more, especially for mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR) or microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) patients. Agents nivolumab and pembrolizumab have shown better results in these populations. For the general population of colorectal cancer patients, though, immunotherapy remains struggling with efficacy. Studies are working towards overcoming resistance pathways and improving T-cell infiltration into tumors. With colorectal cancer one of the major causes of cancer death globally, there remains great potential for expansion in this category. Cancer Immunotherapy Cancer Research Center Market Cancer research centers are at the forefront in developing immunotherapy. The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Europe's Institut Gustave Roussy are among major global leaders in immuno-oncology innovation. These facilities not only carry out advanced research but also engage in multinational clinical trials and train experts in new therapies. Partnerships between academic institutions and biotech firms facilitate quick development and commercialization of new treatments. With more government and philanthropic support, cancer research facilities play a crucial role in bringing basic research to clinical practice, propelling the immunotherapy market growth. Key Attributes Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 200 Forecast Period 2024-2033 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $105.7 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2033 $254.6 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 10.2% Regions Covered Global Key Topics Covered 1. Introduction 2. Research Methodology 3. Executive Summary 4. Market Dynamics 4.1 Drivers 4.2 Restraints 5. Global Cancer Immunotherapy Market 6. Market Share Analysis 6.1 By Products 6.2 By Application 6.3 By End User 6.4 By Countries 7. Products 7.1 Monoclonal Antibodies 7.2 Immunomodulators 7.3 Cancer Vaccines 8. Application 8.1 Lung Cancer 8.2 Breast Cancer 8.3 Colorectal Cancer 8.4 Melanoma 8.5 Prostate Cancer 8.6 Head & Neck Cancer 8.7 Others 9. End Users 9.1 Hospital 9.2 Cancer Research Center 9.3 Clinics 10. Countries 10.1 North America 10.1.1 United States 10.1.2 Canada 10.2 Europe 10.2.1 Germany 10.2.2 United Kingdom 10.2.3 France 10.2.4 Italy 10.2.5 Spain 10.2.6 Switzerland 10.3 Asia-Pacific 10.3.1 Japan 10.3.2 China 10.3.3 India 10.3.4 Australia 10.3.5 South Korea 10.3.6 Indonesia 10.4 Latin America 10.4.1 Brazil 10.4.2 Argentina 10.4.3 Mexico 10.5 Middle East & Africa 10.5.1 South Africa 10.5.2 Saudi Arabia 10.5.3 United Arab Emirates 10.6 Rest of World 11. Porter's Five Forces Analysis 11.1 Bargaining Power of Buyers 11.2 Bargaining Power of Suppliers 11.3 Degree of Rivalry 11.4 Threat of New Entrants 11.5 Threat of Substitutes 12. SWOT Analysis 12.1 Strength 12.2 Weakness 12.3 Opportunity 12.4 Threat 13. Key Players 13.1 Amgen Inc. 13.2 AstraZeneca 13.3 Bayer AG 13.4 Bristol-Myers Squibb Company 13.5 Pfizer Inc. 13.6 Novarts AG 13.7 Johnson & Johnson 13.8 Eli Lily Comapny 13.9 Seattle Genetics Inc. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/72l8e4 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment DENVER, CO, Oct. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DENVER, CO - October 29, 2025 - - A new competitive study by NEWMEDIA.COM Denver has revealed a striking market shift: less experienced and smaller agencies are capturing the majority of business opportunities in Colorado by dominating AI-generated search recommendations, while established firms with longer track records are disappearing from visibility altogether. Visit the website to learn more about NEWMEDIA.COM's AEO Services in Denver. The six-month research initiative analyzed 120 service-based businesses across technology, consulting, and professional services sectors. The findings were clear. Companies with fewer than seven years in business appeared in AI-generated recommendations nearly six times more often than firms that have operated for more than fifteen years. Similarly, smaller teams with active online profiles were featured far more frequently than larger, more established organizations with limited public documentation of their work. According to NEWMEDIA.COM Denver, the imbalance is driven not by quality or experience, but by the evolving mechanics of visibility in AI-based search. Modern AI systems such as ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, and Google's AI Overviews rely on structured proof of authoritycitations, reviews, press mentions, and verifiable case studiesto determine which companies to recommend. These systems cannot "infer" reputation from longevity or client lists; they depend entirely on publicly available, machine-readable evidence. "We repeatedly found established firms with outstanding reputations and decades of experience that were simply invisible to AI," said a spokesperson for NEWMEDIA.COM Denver. "Meanwhile, newer competitors with half the experience but strong review profiles and regular media coverage appeared consistently. It's not that the AI systems are biasedit's that they can only see what's documented." The competitive implications are significant. One Denver-based consulting firm with eighteen years in business and an impressive portfolio of enterprise clients reported a forty percent decline in inbound leads over the past year. When the agency tested the firm's visibility in ChatGPT and Perplexity, it discovered that none of the company's projects, clients, or achievements were mentioned in any AI-generated recommendations. The five competitors that appeared most often had smaller client lists but maintained Clutch profiles, issued regular press releases, and published detailed case studies naming specific clients and outcomes. NEWMEDIA.COM's research identified four main factors that strongly influence whether a business appears in AI recommendations: verified reviews on third-party platforms, consistent media coverage through recognizable outlets, publicly available case studies with measurable outcomes, and award listings or professional certifications. Each of these elements serves as a structured citation that AI systems can verify and incorporate into their response datasets. The result is a reshaping of competition across the state's mid-market segment, where firms with fifty to five hundred employees now find themselves losing ground to digitally native rivals that have mastered authority-building practices. As AI usage among professionals doubles every six months, the visibility gap is expected to widen. "AI doesn't know who's been in business the longest or who has the biggest office," said the spokesperson. "It knows who has the most verifiable proof of credibility. Experience without documentation doesn't count anymore." In response, NEWMEDIA.COM Denver has developed a "Competitive AI Positioning" framework to help established businesses convert their historical success into structured authority signals that AI systems can recognize. The framework involves translating internal achievementssuch as long-term client relationships, successful campaigns, or awardsinto externally published, citation-ready proof. The agency's process includes developing comprehensive profiles on trusted review platforms, converting client work into detailed case studies, and creating a steady cadence of editorial coverage that reinforces credibility. Within weeks of implementation, companies typically begin appearing in AI search recommendations that had previously excluded them entirely. "Established firms already have the substance," the spokesperson said. "They just need the visibility architecture. Once their expertise is documented in a structured, verifiable format, AI systems immediately start to recognize them." NEWMEDIA.COM Denver is offering a complimentary Competitive AI Positioning Analysis for Colorado businesses seeking to understand which competitors currently dominate AI recommendations in their sector. The report provides a breakdown of authority signals, visibility gaps, and a roadmap for re-establishing prominence in the AI era. "Competitive advantage has shifted from perception to proof," the spokesperson concluded. "In the age of AI, visibility doesn't follow experienceit follows evidence." For more information visit https://newmedia.com About NEWMEDIA.COM Founded in 1996, NEWMEDIA.COM provides web design, development, SEO, PPC, and full-stack digital marketing services to clients ranging from startups to Fortune 100 enterprises. The agency's data-driven methodology emphasizes transparency, analytics, and measurable business outcomes. ### For more information about NEWMEDIA.COM Denver, contact the company here: NEWMEDIA.COM Denver Steve Morris 303-860-6050 hello@newmedia.com 1400 16th St, Suite 400 Denver CO 80202 Miamis first luxury-car condominium with lifestyle-focused amenities Limited collection of 16 for-sale Car Studios and curated social spaces Owner-only clubhouse, Padel Club and curated events Miami, FL, Oct. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Newgard Group, the award-winning Miami-based development firm led by Harvey Hernandez, together with Imperial Moto, the iconic Miami lifestyle brand founded by Matt McKenna, proudly announces the launch of Revault, a first-of-its-kind community that blends for-sale luxury car storage, private club culture, Padel sports, and curated design into a single integrated experience. Rendering of Revault, a new Luxury-Car Vault And Collector Car Community in Miami Born from a shared vision, Revault combines Newgards development expertise with Imperial Motos deep authenticity in Miamis car culture. Located in Little River, one of Miamis fastest-growing creative districts, the 80,000 sq. ft. project will feature a limited collection of 16 luxury Car Studios, a members-only Clubhouse, a five-court indoor Padel Club, Imperial Motos signature cafe, and a creative campus designed for events and social connections. Revault is more than a real estate development; its a cultural ecosystem, said Hernandez, Founder & CEO of Newgard Group, and a car collector himself. Our team and Imperial Moto are aligned on creating something that doesnt exist anywhere else: a destination that blends performance, design and lifestyle in the heart of Miamis trendiest, up-and-coming neighborhood. At its core, Revault is a design-forward car vault concept, offering secure, climate-controlled, two-story Car Studio units with mezzanine lounges, bathrooms and fully customizable finishes. These spaces go beyond traditional car storage; they are lifestyle extensions of their owners, designed to host, work, collect, relax and connect with fellow members of the Revault Society, an invitation-only community built around shared passion for design, performance and culture. Revault Miami Highlights: 16 for-sale Car Studios ranging from 2,0008,000 sq. ft., fully finished and customizable 45,000 sq. ft. of hospitality-driven amenities including the Revault Concourse Amenities include an Owners Clubhouse with concierge services, a temperature-controlled, five-court indoor Padel Club for year-round play, a gym, spa and wellness areas Creative campus with work suites, conference rooms, and space for curated events and social programming operated by Imperial Moto State-of-the-art security and monitoring throughout the building Revault represents the first real estate venture for Imperial Moto, known globally for design-driven experiences, creative activations and a specialty coffee culture. McKenna and Hernandez initially pursued the same Little River site independentlyHernandez focused on a collector car condo concept, while McKenna envisioned a mixed-use development including a padel component. Their ideas converged naturally, forming a foundation for a true partnership. Imperial Moto has always been about connection through craft, design and shared passion, said McKenna, Founder of Imperial Moto. Revault is the evolution of that ideaa space where we can offer more than a product or a place. Its a full-spectrum lifestyle built for people who live what they love. Revault Miami, at 7441 N. Miami Avenue, Miami, Florida, is now welcoming reservation inquiries from selective owners seeking to join this exclusive car collector community. Construction is slated to begin in 2026. Learn more at www.revaultsociety.com. In addition to Miami, the partnership is actively working on other Revault locations in Delray Beach, Palm Beach and Nashville, with other cities to follow. About Revault Revault is a first-of-its-kind collector car community and lifestyle destination in Miamis Little River, created through a collaboration between Newgard Group and Imperial Moto. Blending architecture, design and performance, Revault redefines luxury car storage by integrating customizable, for-sale Car Studios with exclusive club amenities and curated experiences. The development features a limited collection of 16 two-story, climate-controlled Car Studios, a members-only Clubhouse operated by Imperial Moto, a five-court indoor Padel Club and a creative campus designed to foster connection and community among like-minded enthusiasts. More than a real estate project, Revault is a cultural ecosystem where automotive passion meets modern design and social engagement. Through its innovative approach, Revault is setting a new standard for collector car livinguniting performance, lifestyle, and community in one inspired space. For more information, visit www.revaultsociety.com. Link to renderings: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/9h2tlgwbeg8tf68pi6cfe/AGN_E44pPPuxLSyzoR3IGwg?rlkey=c3r2elgulxgda8jrje8sojhlu&st=i79nctgg&dl=0. About Newgard Group As leaders in residential and hospitality lifestyle development across the US, Newgard Group represents several decades of innovative real estate design, marketing, and construction, assuring excellence from concept to completion. With a forward-thinking approach to development and architecture, Newgard transforms the way buildings and spaces come to life with a passionate commitment to enhancing and elevating its surrounding communities. CEO, founder and visionary, Harvey Hernandez, has fueled Newgards projects, from luxury buildings with cutting-edge amenities to revitalizing high-end residential markets, and pioneering the category of flexible ownership. Newgard has developed and managed projects ranging from $100 million to $1 billion in key markets with a focus on Florida, Texas, and Tennessee. Recent notable projects include Natiivo Austin, Natiivo Miami, Gale Residences Ft. Lauderdale Beach, Gale Hotel, BrickellHouse, Centro and One Flagler, among others. Newgard is currently developing Natiivo Fort Lauderdale, LOFTY Brickell and The Standard Residences, Brickell Miami. Expanding its vision beyond traditional real estate, Newgard proudly introduces Revault, a bold new venture at the intersection of collector car culture and lifestyle development. Revault embodies the firms commitment to curating unique, high-end experiences for automotive enthusiasts and lifestyle connoisseurs alike, blending luxury living, community, and the thrill of the collector car world into a dynamic and immersive environment. Through Revault, Newgard continues to redefine modern development, bringing passion, innovation, and lifestyle excellence to every project. For more information, visit NewgardGroup.com. About Imperial Moto Founded by Miami entrepreneur Matt McKenna, Imperial Moto is a lifestyle brand rooted in speed, culture and connection. Over the past decade, Imperial Moto has evolved from a neighborhood cafe in Miamis Little River neighborhood into a nationally recognized name at the intersection of motorcycles, design and specialty coffee. Known for its toxin-free coffee program, served in many top restaurants throughout the US, the brand has become a cultural anchor in the citys automotive community. Imperial Moto is also the force behind world-class activations like the Monaco F1 Experience aboard the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Evrima and the St. Barth Surf Invitational, reflecting its global reach and creative vision. More than a cafe or event producer, Imperial Moto represents a philosophy: a place where craftsmanship, community, and culture converge - on two wheels or four. Media Contacts: Todd Templin or Angelic Bringas, BoardroomPR ttemplin@boardroompr.com \ abringas@boardroompr.com 954-370-8999 Attachment Apple Valley, Minnesota, Oct. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE After nearly a decade of rehabilitation and care, Snooki, a 310-pound female loggerhead sea turtle with an outsized personality and a story of perseverance, has officially arrived at her forever homethe Minnesota Zoo. Her journey began in September 2016, when she was found stranded along the beaches of Cape May, New Jersey. Rescued by the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, Snooki was transferred the next month to the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in North Carolina, where she captured hearts with her big attitude, love for the spotlight, and signature splash that kept volunteers smiling. Despite years of medical treatment, Snooki was ultimately deemed non-releasable due to a spinal injury that left her positively buoyant, preventing her from diving and resting on the ocean floor. But her spirit and charm made her a beloved ambassador for sea turtles everywhereand inspired a multi-year effort to find her the perfect forever home. A Perfect Fit in the Midwest Now, Snooki will call the Minnesota Zoos Atlantic Reef exhibit homea 250,000-gallon habitat, fifty times larger than her previous pool. Here, she will have more room to explore, encounter new species, and enjoy an enriched environment under the expert care of the Zoos aquarium and veterinary teams. This is truly a dream home for Snooki, said Kathy Zagzebski, Executive Director of the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center. We are thrilled shell be moving into a 250,000-gallon tank, surrounded by experienced staff who know exactly how to care for turtles like her. As a Midwesterner myself, I know how powerful it is to see ocean animals up closeSnooki will inspire guests to care about the ocean, even from a thousand miles away. She tells the story of all sea turtles. Zagzebski added with a smile, Snooki is a big personalityour number one adopted turtle and a bit of a diva. Shes been known to splash visitors on purpose, especially if a cameras pointed her way. I hope the Minnesota Zoo team is ready for her! A New Chapter at the Minnesota Zoo Snookis relocation was a collaborative effort between the Minnesota Zoo and the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center (KBSTRRC) team. After a long-awaited U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service permitting process and fundraising campaign by the KBSTRRC team to charter a private flight, Snooki arrived in Minnesota on October 27, landing at St. Pauls Holman Field before making her way to the Zoo. We are honored to welcome Snooki to the Minnesota Zoo family, said Christoph Noetzli, Curator of Aquariums, Marine Mammals, and Life Support Systems at the Zoo. She will be the largest sea turtle weve ever cared foran impressive and charismatic ambassador for her species. Our team has decades of experience working with sea turtles that have buoyancy issues like hers, and were committed to providing her with a safe, stimulating environment where she can thrive. Noetzli continued, Snookis story highlights why partnerships between zoos and wildlife rescue organizations are so important. Many rescued sea turtles cant be released back into the wild due to injuries from boat strikes or entanglements. Accredited zoos like ours give them a second chanceoffering lifelong care while educating the public about the challenges sea turtles face in the ocean. From Jersey Girl to Ocean Ambassador Known affectionately as a Jersey girl tempered by Southern charm, Snooki is adored by volunteers and fans alike for her spirited antics, expressive moods, and occasional splashing fits. Her favorite foods include mackerel, squid, and herring, though shes been known to ignore live crabs entirely. While Snooki is unable to return to the ocean, her impact will be far-reaching. As Zagzebski put it, If she werent injured, shed be a nesting female contributing to the survival of her species. Now, shell inspire thousands of visitors to care about sea turtles, ocean health, and the interconnectedness of our planet. As we say, if you save sea turtles, you save the rest of the world. Snooki will remain in a smaller acclimation pool behind the scenes for several weeks before moving into the Atlantic Reef exhibit, where shell join a variety of ocean species in her new home. About the Minnesota Zoo The Minnesota Zoo is a year-round destination providing a window into the natural world. With hundreds of species of animals, worldwide conservation efforts, and acres of scenic beauty, the Zoo is a resource to connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. The Minnesota Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and an institutional member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). The Minnesota Zoo is home to beloved traditions, such as Farm Babies, the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, and Wild Nights Music series. For more information visit mnzoo.org. About the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center Based in Surf City, North Carolina, the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center rescues, rehabilitates, and releases sick and injured sea turtles, while also promoting conservation, education, and public awareness of these endangered species. Learn more at seaturtlehospital.org. Contacts: Diana Hein, Minnesota Zoo, diana.hein@state.mn.us, 952-681-9199 Kathy Zagzebski, Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, kzagzebski@seaturtlehospital.org, 910-541-1028 Attachment ROBESONIA, Pa., Oct. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Blaqclouds, Inc. (OTC: BCDS), a leading Web3 infrastructure and blockchain technology company, today issued its official State of the Union press release to highlight recent accomplishments, clarify corporate facts, and reaffirm its long-term vision for decentralized innovation. Opening Statement from Shannon Hill, President of Blaqclouds, Inc. I want to take a moment to personally thank the entire Blaqclouds family for their hard work, creativity, and dedication throughout this incredible season, said Shannon Hill, CEO of Blaqclouds, Inc. From our partnerships and showcases at ApeGames, CreatorsHub, ApeFest, and ComplexCon, the energy, innovation, and collaboration from our team have been nothing short of inspiring. What we have achieved over the past several months truly positions Blaqclouds as one of the most dynamic and forward-thinking forces in the Web3 and DeFi space. Addressing Recent Misinformation In response to several inaccurate statements circulating on unvetted online message boards, Blaqclouds wishes to provide clear and factual clarification: Corporate Property: Up until recently, Blaqclouds was simply a tenant at 317 East Main Avenue, Robesonia, PA 19951. The property is now managed by Blaqclouds Property Group, which is the primary lessee and manager, having assumed the lease from Active World Holdings. Information Accuracy: For those seeking verified and accurate company information, Blaqclouds invites shareholders, partners, and community members to join TheAlley.io the companys official communication and engagement platform. Each participant on The Alley undergoes KYC verification, ensuring a safe, transparent, and accountable environment. The platform hosts AMAs, Google Meets, community groups, and blockchain messaging for real-time engagement with management and developers. Corporate Independence: Blaqclouds, Inc. confirms that it is not tied to NSAV, nor does it share any technology or intellectual property owned by NSAV. James Tilton is not affiliated in any capacity with Blaqclouds, and neither he nor anyone associated with him is a shareholder. While Active World Holdings once held an agreement with NSAV to onboard technology, NSAV failed to meet its contractual payment obligations. As a result, the technology reverted back to the developers originally contracted by Active World for failure to pay. Historical Affiliations: Several of Blaqclouds officers, directors, and managers were open-market shareholders of NSAV in the past and, like many others, were financially harmed by the actions of NSAVs previous management. It is also important to note that Alfonso Knoll was never the CEO of NSAV, despite prior misleading press statements issued by NSAVs former leadership. Blaqclouds acknowledges that Mr. Knoll has since conducted himself honorably and transparently in all dealings and discussions related to publicly available information. Commitment to Transparency & Innovation Today, Blaqclouds operates with a global team of over 42 programmers, each specializing in distinct areas of blockchain, DeFi, AI, and fintech development. Among its partners, Bot Logic Labs has been instrumental in the rollout of Blaqclouds flagship platforms and smart-contract infrastructure including ZEUS Chain, ZEUSxPay.io, ShopWithCrypto.io, DeployTokens.com, and Deploy Launchpad. Team Reflections: Collaboration at ApeGames & CreatorsHub James Thrasher, Advisory Board of Directors ApeGames and CreatorsHub provided a rare opportunity to connect our technical innovations directly with creators and developers. It validated the direction Blaqclouds is heading building bridges between blockchain utility and real-world application. Anthony Emmert, Board of Directors The response we received from industry leaders at ApeFest and ComplexCon confirmed that our approach to cross-chain payments, NFTs, and DeFi tools is exactly what the market needs. The collaboration energy was electric. Michael Gleason, Advisory Board of Directors CreatorsHub showcased how blockchain can empower artists, gamers, and builders. Watching creators interact with our technology in real time showed us the depth of adoption potential within the Ape ecosystem. Dr. Tony Ratliff, Advisory Board of Directors The enthusiasm we witnessed wasnt just hype it was recognition of how far Blaqclouds has come. Our mission to democratize access to blockchain tools resonated deeply with both developers and investors. Ankit Solanki, Board of Directors Seeing the ZEUS Chain and Apollo Wallet infrastructure power seamless interactions across multiple chains at these events reaffirmed the scalability and strength of our ecosystem. I thoroughly enjoyed handing out ShopwithCrypto giftcards so attendees could see first hand the real world crypto spendability we developed. The results speak for themselves. Dr. Todd Zang, Board of Directors Blockchain isnt just about finance its about trust, transparency, and ownership. Events like ApeFest and CreatorsHub showcased how Blaqclouds is building systems that enhance those values across industries. Shannon Hill, Blaqclouds NV CEO and Board Member ApeGames and the entire ApeFest experience were truly groundbreaking. The partnership agreements we executed during the event will help shape the future of Blaqclouds for years to come. As for the noise on unvetted message boards we stand by our results. Our technology speaks for itself. Anyone who has actually tested our tech understands the strength and innovation behind it. We encourage everyone to focus on facts, real progress, and the incredible community that continues to grow around Blaqclouds. For the angry, hateful people who anonymously post on unvetted message boards, you clearly need to go out and touch grass. Spewing such vitrail on a daily basis will surely begin to rot you from the inside out, if it hasnt already. Were clearly living rent free in your minds while we continue to revolutionize the crypto landscape. To all of our VIPs and believers, our entire Blaqclouds teams thanks you for being on this journey with us, We wouldnt be here without you. About Blaqclouds, Inc. Blaqclouds bridges traditional finance and decentralized ecosystems, building seamless, real-world blockchain applications that simplify commerce and payments. Its mission is to make spending crypto as easy, trusted, and usable as traditional currency. Flagship consumer applications include: - ShopWithCrypto.io Crypto-to-gift card commerce - ZEUSxPay.io Web3 payments and merchant plugins - DEX.ZEUSx.io EVM-compatible decentralized exchange - ApolloWallet.io Secure, consumer-grade blockchain wallet For a full list of platforms and solutions from Blaqclouds Nevada and Wyoming, visit: www.blaqclouds.io Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created thereby. Investors are cautioned that, all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including without limitation, the ability of Blaqclouds, Inc. to accomplish its stated plan of business. Blaqclouds, Inc. believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, any of the assumptions could be inaccurate, and therefore, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included in this press release will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward- looking statements included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation by Blaqclouds Inc. or any other person. This press release also contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. Blaqclouds, Inc. assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. Media Contact Blaqclouds, Inc. c/o www.theAlley.io Email: hello@blaqclouds.io Phone: 307-323-4430 Website: www.blaqclouds.io LOS ANGELES, Oct. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP reminds investors of the upcoming November 18, 2025 deadline to file a lead plaintiff motion in the class action filed on behalf of investors who purchased or otherwise acquired Quanex Building Products Corporation (Quanex or the Company) (NYSE: NX) securities between December 12, 2024 and September 5, 2025, inclusive (the Class Period). IF YOU SUFFERED A LOSS ON YOUR QUANEX INVESTMENTS, CLICK HERE TO INQUIRE ABOUT POTENTIALLY PURSUING CLAIMS TO RECOVER YOUR LOSS UNDER THE FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS. What Happened? On September 4, 2025, after the market closed, Quanex announced financial results for the third quarter of the 2025 fiscal year. Among other things, the Company disclosed operational issues related to the legacy Tyman window and door hardware business in Mexico that are ongoing which impacted results more than expected during the third quarter of 2025. Specifically, the Company reported a diluted EPS of ($6.04), compared to $0.77 in the prior year period and an adjusted EBIDTA of $70.30. The Company further disclosed that it was adjusting for lower expected volumes and pushing out the timing of when [it] expect[s] to realize procurement savings from the integration of the Tyman business. Then, on September 5, 2025, the Company held an earnings call pursuant to the Companys third quarter 2025 financial results. During the earnings call, Chief Executive Officer, George Wilson (Wilson) explained operational challenges in the Tyman facility in Mexico negatively impacted EBITDA in the Hardware Solutions segment by almost $5 million in the third quarter alone. Wilson further explained that the issue was previously identified midyear as it got deeper into the integration with Tyman, and described how the systems used to anticipate and plan for tooling repairs were significantly deficient, indicating it was near nonexistent. Wilson stated because Quanex was underinvested in the tooling condition and the equipment condition it had to make some changes and fix some things before it was catastrophic. On this news, Quanexs stock price fell $2.73, or 13.1%, to close at $18.18 per share on September 5, 2025, on unusually heavy trading volume. The stock price continued to decline on the subsequent trading day, falling $1.98 or 10.9%, to close at $16.20 per share on September 8, 2025, on unusually heavy trading volume. What Is The Lawsuit About? The complaint filed in this class action alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Companys business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants failed to disclose to investors: (1) the Companys procedures and policies regarding tooling and equipment maintenance in its Tyman Mexico facility were significantly underinvested; (2) as a result, the Companys tooling and equipment conditions had significantly degraded to near catastrophic levels; (3) that, as a result of the foregoing, the Company was likely to incur significant costs, pushing out the timing of expected benefits from the Tyman integration; (4) that Quanex had previously identified the foregoing issues; and (5) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants positive statements about the Companys business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. If you purchased or otherwise acquired Quanex securities during the Class Period, you may move the Court no later than November 18, 2025 to request appointment as lead plaintiff in this putative class action lawsuit. Contact Us To Participate or Learn More: If you wish to learn more about this action, or if you have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact us: Charles Linehan, Esq., Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP, 1925 Century Park East, Suite 2100, Los Angeles California 90067 Email: shareholders@glancylaw.com Telephone: 310-201-9150, Toll-Free: 888-773-9224 Visit our website at www.glancylaw.com. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook. If you inquire by email, please include your mailing address, telephone number and number of shares purchased. To be a member of the class action you need not take any action at this time; you may retain counsel of your choice or take no action and remain an absent member of the class action. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. Contact Us: Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP, 1925 Century Park East, Suite 2100 Los Angeles, CA 90067 Charles Linehan Email: shareholders@glancylaw.com Telephone: 310-201-9150 Toll-Free: 888-773-9224 Visit our website at: www.glancylaw.com. DENVER, CO, Oct. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DENVER, CO - October 29, 2025 - - Denver's digital marketplace is moving toward measurable accountability. With more than 700,000 registered small businesses across Colorado, local brands are prioritizing partners that can substantiate performance through verifiable data rather than creative claims. A recent Digital Commerce Review report noted that measurable ROI and transparent analytics have surpassed "creative vision" as the leading factors in selecting marketing agencies. To learn more about Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) Services for Denver brands visit the agency website. Within this changing environment, NEWMEDIA.COM Denverbased at 1400 16th Streethas taken a data-driven approach to digital strategy. The agency combines more than 25 years of operational experience with localized market insight, supporting Colorado businesses in quantifying how their online initiatives contribute to growth. Independent reporting dashboards, available to clients through the agency's analytics platform, document outcomes such as lead volume, conversion rates, and revenue lift. In one verified case study audited by a third-party analytics provider, a regional client recorded a 91% increase in organic leads and a 43% rise in revenue within six months of engagement. Other engagements show comparable improvements tied to structured reporting and iterative optimization. "Businesses in Denver are increasingly asking for verifiable metrics rather than marketing rhetoric," said a senior analyst at Search Trends Review. "Firms that can link marketing activity to tangible outcomes are becoming the new standard." An independent Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) audit conducted in October 2025 found that major AI discovery systemsChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, Gemini, and Google AI Overviewsoften reference incomplete or outdated sources when identifying Denver marketing agencies. The audit highlighted a lack of consistent EEAT (Expertise, Experience, Authority, Trust) indicators across most local firms, leaving gaps in how credibility is represented online. "Verified authority and structured updates are what AI systems increasingly look for," said a spokesperson for Digital Strategy Review. "NEWMEDIA.COM's transparent documentation of outcomes places it in alignment with that trend." To address this, the agency has introduced a visibility framework that translates verified performance data into formats recognizable by both human readers and algorithmic discovery engines. The framework supports accurate representation of client outcomes while strengthening NEWMEDIA.COM's own digital footprint through factual, structured data. Industry observers note that such systems may soon become standard practice. A 2025 AI Search Index briefing predicted that AI engines will increasingly prioritize organizations maintaining regularly updated, verifiable authority markers. Agencies capable of integrating transparency directly into their infrastructure will likely gain broader recognition within these evolving discovery models. Beyond analytics, NEWMEDIA.COM Denver provides integrated services across web development, paid media, and content strategy. This unified structure enables clients to maintain consistent measurement from site architecture through campaign delivery, reducing data silos common in multi-vendor setups. "Transparency has become the backbone of modern marketing," a NEWMEDIA.COM spokesperson said. "Every action we take is recorded, reported, and measurable. That's the foundation of long-term trust." Founded in 1996, NEWMEDIA.COM is a North American digital agency offering web development, SEO, paid media, and strategic marketing services to clients across 50 industries. The company operates more than 25 offices and emphasizes measurable, evidence-based outcomes. For more information, visit https://newmedia.com ### For more information about NEWMEDIA.COM Denver, contact the company here: NEWMEDIA.COM Denver Steve Morris 303-860-6050 hello@newmedia.com 1400 16th St, Suite 400 Denver CO 80202 TORONTO, Oct. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Patients who have been wrongfully charged for surgeries and diagnostic tests at private clinics were joined by more than 160 supporters at the Ontario Legislature today for a Day of Action to demand answers and action. When he announced his governments plans to vastly expand privatization of Ontarios public hospitals surgeries and diagnostic tests, Premier Ford said that no patient would ever have to pay with their credit card, only their OHIP card . When asked if patients would have to pay anything if they had surgery at a private clinic, he swore it would be 100 per cent covered . Were never gonna waver from that . Such extra-billing and user fees are banned under the Canada Health Act and Ontarios Public Medicare protection laws, yet increasingly, the private clinics are charging patients with impunity, the Ontario Health Coalition reports. In June, the Ontario Health Coalition sent a formal letter to the Minister of Health and to the Ministry with formal complaints from fifty patients who had been charged for care in private clinics. To date, not a single patient among those who made the complaints reports having been contacted to investigate their complaint. Bruce Awad was charged more than $1,000 for extra tests and lenses when he went for cataract surgery at a private clinic in Windsor. He was one of the patients included in the formal complaint to the Minister in June. "I am very upset that the government has not tried to contact me to investigate about this complaint, he said. The complaint is serious. I am alleging that the government has misled us, lied to us about not having to pay for health care in Ontario, and I had to pay significantly. I think the government has to be held accountable for this. Usually, in any type of complaint with a government or organization, somebody investigates the complaint to verify the validity of it. But nothing has been done and it seems like they dont care. It seems like they think Im going to forget about it or go away, he continued. But $1,100 is not something Im going to forget. Especially when Doug Ford, on national television, said almost word-for-word that Ontarians wont have to pay with their credit card, only their OHIP card. Thats a lie. Im just not going to go away and forget about the money I had to spend. Im going to fight this until I get justice." Dr. James Deutschs wife was charged $7,850 for cataract surgery at a private clinic in Toronto. He is also one of the people who made the formal complaint to the Ministry in June and he has never been contacted for an investigation. His wife Judith passed away in April and Dr. Deutsch made the complaint on her behalf. I believe that they took advantage of her desperate situation and convinced her to opt for a more expensive lens and type of procedure for each eye. She was scared to go walking outside. She was not in a position to question," he said. "Having the profit incentive and leeway to charge more for a procedure can lead to situations like this, of selling services that are not necessary." We are demanding that the Ford government reimburse all the patients who have been wrongfully charged for surgeries and diagnostic tests in private clinics, said Natalie Mehra, executive director of the Ontario Health Coalition. Patients are being lied to at the private clinics about wait times in public hospitals to convince them to pay outrageous charges. They are being told that OHIP-covered surgery has poor outcomes or is substandard to manipulate them into paying on average $3,500 $4,000 per eye at private cataract surgery clinics. They are being convinced that lenses that are not related to cataract surgery are somehow required for good outcomes for that surgery. Seniors on fixed incomes are having their savings wiped out, being forced back to work in retirement, or taking loans to pay for their surgeries. These things that should never happen in Canada. Mr. Ford has repeatedly made promises that have turned out to be untrue, she added. He promised guardrails. In fact, there are no guardrails. We made formal complaints and nothing happened. Some patients have waited four months. Some have waited more than a year. They didnt even contact the patients to investigate. No one has been reimbursed. The Coalition is demanding that all patients must be repaid for wrongful charges, the offending clinics be fined and subject to the suspension of their OHIP billings and loss of their licenses, as is required per the Commitment to the Future of Medicare Act (2004). The Coalition has researched under used operating rooms in public hospitals as a solution and found that the majority of their operating rooms are closed the majority of the time because they are not being given the funds to run them at full capacity. They are calling for the Ford government to ramp up funding and capacity in public hospitals and stop their expansion of for-profit clinics. Ms. Mehra went on to clarify key patient information to counter the manipulative and false information patients are being told in order to convince them to pay: Patients should be warned that wait lists for cataract surgery in public hospitals are not long. Eighty percent of Ontario patients with the most urgent needs get their surgery within 47 days (7 weeks), according to Ontarios wait times tracking website . The lowest priority patients are operated on within 104 days (14 weeks). long. Eighty percent of Ontario patients with the most urgent needs get their surgery within 47 days (7 weeks), according to . The lowest priority patients are operated on within 104 days (14 weeks). There is no basic lens. Physicians must assess and test all patients to determine the necessary individualized lens that the patient needs. This individualized lens is covered by OHIP. Extra tests and lenses are not needed for cataract surgery. Lenses that clinics are trying to sell for thousands of dollars are generally not to do with cataract surgery but other types of vision correction or changes. We hear from patients that some have good outcomes and some do not. Please research independently, not using commercial clinic websites, if you are being sold other types of lenses. Cataract and intraocular lens exchange surgeries are covered by OHIP regardless of how the surgery is performed (e.g., by laser or scalpel). Private clinics that claim otherwise are not telling the truth. Patients cannot be told to pay for unnecessary extra measurement tests and upgraded lenses to get the medically necessary surgery. No private clinic can tell patients that they can get care faster if they pay a fee. OHIP covered cataract surgery has good outcomes. Patients can have confidence in it. Eye drops required for cataract surgery are covered by OHIP. A full fact sheet and information is available here . Despite the crisis of underfunding in our public hospitals, this summer the Ford government revealed plans to spend $155 million in public money open 57 more private for-profit clinics even though they cost more per surgery and they are charging patients illegal user fees on top. The Ford government is funding private clinics $605 per eye for cataract surgery while the comparable funding for public hospitals is $500 ; they are funding a private hospital, Clearpoint (formerly Don Mills Surgical), $1,264 for cataract surgery compared to $500 at public hospitals ; Freedom of Information requests forced disclosure of the contracts for private cataract surgery contract in Kingston, Ontario which show it is costing 56% more than public hospital costs . Ontario funds its public hospitals at the lowest rate per person ($1,935 per capita for 2024) of any province in Canada. Third Quarter 2025 Total Revenues of $231.1 million, above the high end of Q3 guidance by $21.0 million Third Quarter 2025 Net Income of $51.2 million and Net Income Margin of 22% Third Quarter 2025 Gross Margin % of 54% and Adjusted Gross Margin % of 61%, an expansion of 300 bps and 200 bps, respectively, versus prior year Third Quarter 2025 Adjusted EBITDA of $87.8 million and Adjusted EBITDA Margin of 38% Raising the Full Year 2025 Revenue and Profitability Guidance Strong Sequential Naloxone Revenue Growth, Primarily Driven by NARCAN Nasal Spray, QoQ Through Q3 2025 GAITHERSBURG, Md., Oct. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (NYSE: EBS) today reported financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2025. Following a strong second quarter, we are proud to again beat the high end of our third quarter 2025 revenue guidance by $21 million, with continued margin expansion that gives us confidence in meeting the higher end of our adjusted EBITDA guidance for 2025, said Joe Papa, president and CEO of Emergent. We remain confident in our products business as evidenced by the sequential growth of our naloxone franchise, where pricing has stabilized for NARCAN Nasal Spray, as well as continued demand from our international customers, who represent 34% of our medical countermeasures orders year to date. The Company has now secured eleven MCM contract modifications and product orders in 2025, highlighting the consistent global demand for medical countermeasures products, in a world where biological threats represent a growing risk. Our balance sheet is healthy, and we are judiciously deploying our capital to create shareholder value and build a long-term growth trajectory. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (1) Q3 2025 vs. Q3 2024 ($ in millions, except per share amounts) Q3 2025 Q3 2024 % Change Total Revenues $ 231.1 $ 293.8 (21 )% Net Income $ 51.2 $ 114.8 (55 )% Net Income per Diluted Share $ 0.91 $ 2.06 (56 )% Adjusted Net Income(2) $ 60.4 $ 76.2 (21 )% Adjusted Net Income per Diluted Share(2) $ 1.06 $ 1.37 (23 )% Adjusted EBITDA(2) $ 87.8 $ 105.3 (17 )% Net Income Margin 22 % 39 % Adjusted EBITDA Margin(2) 38 % 36 % Gross Margin % 54 % 51 % Adjusted Gross Margin %(2) 61 % 59 % Year to Date ("YTD") 2025 vs YTD 2024 ($ in millions, except per share amounts) YTD 2025 YTD 2024 % Change Total Revenues $ 594.2 $ 848.9 (30 )% Net Income (Loss) $ 107.2 $ (159.3 ) 167 % Net Income (Loss) per Diluted Share $ 1.89 $ (3.03 ) 162 % Adjusted Net Income (Loss)(2) $ 109.6 $ (14.7 ) 846 % Adjusted Net Income (Loss) per Diluted Share(2) $ 1.93 $ (0.28 ) 787 % Adjusted EBITDA(2) $ 193.9 $ 162.1 20 % Net Income (Loss) Margin 18 % (19) % Adjusted EBITDA Margin(2) 33 % 19 % Gross Margin % 48 % 26 % Adjusted Gross Margin %(2) 57 % 46 % RECENT BUSINESS UPDATES Received $29 Million in MCM product orders from international government partner Secured $17 Million contract modification for Oral Suspension TEMBEXA (brincidofovir) (brincidofovir) Secured $56 Million contract modification for ACAM2000 (Smallpox and Mpox (Vaccinia) Vaccine, Live) (Smallpox and Mpox (Vaccinia) Vaccine, Live) Secured $30 Million contract modification for CYFENDUS (Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed, Adjuvanted) (Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed, Adjuvanted) Secured $52 Million contract modification award for CNJ-016 (Vaccinia Immune Globulin Intravenous, Human (VIGIV)) (Vaccinia Immune Globulin Intravenous, Human (VIGIV)) Updated proprietary distribution platform, NARCANDirect , to offer KLOXXADO Nasal Spray 8 mg and Convenience Kits , to offer KLOXXADO Nasal Spray 8 mg and Convenience Kits Recognized multiple naloxone awareness days throughout the quarter, and applauded the over-the-counter availability of naloxone in U.S. House of Representatives buildings New Publication in Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy Evaluates Brincidofovir as Potential Antiviral Treatment for Mpox THIRD QUARTER 2025 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE (1) Revenues The Company uses the following categories in discussing revenues: Naloxone comprises contributions from NARCAN Nasal Spray and KLOXXADO Nasal Spray comprises contributions from NARCAN Nasal Spray and KLOXXADO Nasal Spray Anthrax MCM comprises contributions from CYFENDUS , previously known as AV7909, BioThrax , Anthrasil and Raxibacumab comprises contributions from CYFENDUS , previously known as AV7909, BioThrax , Anthrasil and Raxibacumab Smallpox MCM comprises contributions from ACAM2000 , CNJ-016 (VIGIV) and TEMBEXA comprises contributions from ACAM2000 , CNJ-016 (VIGIV) and TEMBEXA Other Products comprises contributions from BAT and RSDL (3) comprises contributions from BAT and RSDL All Other Revenues comprises revenues from the Services operating segment and contracts and grants revenues ($ in millions) Q3 2025 Q3 2024 % Change Product sales, net:(4) Naloxone $ 74.9 $ 95.3 (21 )% Anthrax MCM 1.4 11.4 (88 )% Smallpox MCM 83.6 132.7 (37 )% Other Products 57.5 30.1 91 % Total Product sales, net $ 217.4 $ 269.5 (19 )% All other revenues $ 13.7 $ 24.3 (44 )% Total revenues $ 231.1 $ 293.8 (21 )% Product Sales, net (4) Naloxone For Q3 2025, revenues from Naloxone products decreased $20.4 million, or 21%, as compared with Q3 2024. The decrease was primarily driven by lower sales of OTC NARCAN and lower Canadian sales of branded NARCAN, primarily driven by an unfavorable price and volume mix, partially offset by an increase in KLOXXADO sales. Anthrax MCM For Q3 2025, revenues from Anthrax MCM products decreased $10.0 million, or 88%, as compared with Q3 2024. The decrease primarily reflects the impact of timing of USG sales of BioThrax as well as timing of international sales of CYFENDUS in the prior year period. Anthrax vaccine product sales are primarily made under annual purchase options exercised by the U.S. Government ("USG"). Fluctuations in revenues result from the timing of the exercise of annual purchase options, the timing of USG purchases, the availability of governmental funding and Company delivery of orders that follow. Smallpox MCM For Q3 2025, revenues from Smallpox MCM products decreased $49.1 million, or 37%, as compared with Q3 2024. The decrease was primarily due to lower USG ACAM2000 and CNJ-016 (VIGIV) sales due to timing, partially offset by an increase in international CNJ-016 (VIGIV), ACAM2000, and TEMBEXA sales. Fluctuations in revenues from Smallpox MCM result from the timing of the exercise of annual purchase options in the existing procurement contracts, the timing of USG purchases, the availability of governmental funding and Company delivery of orders that follow. Other Products For Q3 2025, revenues from Other Product sales increased $27.4 million, or 91%, as compared with Q3 2024. The increase was primarily due to higher USG BAT sales due to timing, partially offset by a decrease in international sales orders. All Other Revenues Services For Q3 2025, revenues from Services decreased $9.7 million, or 68%, as compared with Q3 2024. The decrease was primarily attributable to the decrease in revenue from the Companys Camden facility in the current year period, which was sold to Bora Pharmaceuticals in the third quarter of 2024, partially offset by an increase in production at the Company's Winnipeg facility. Contracts and Grants For Q3 2025, revenues from contracts and grants decreased $0.9 million, or 9%, as compared with Q3 2024. The decrease was due to declines in overall funded R&D projects, partially offset by an increase in development work in connection with Ebanga. Operating Expenses ($ in millions) Q3 2025 Q3 2024 % Change Cost of product and services sales, net $ 85.9 $ 122.6 (30 )% Research and development (R&D) 13.5 13.8 (2 )% Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) 38.9 76.6 (49 )% Amortization of intangible assets 16.3 16.3 % Total operating expenses $ 154.6 $ 229.3 (33 )% Cost of Product and Services Sales, Net For Q3 2025, cost of product and services sales, net decreased $36.7 million, or 30%, as compared with Q3 2024. The decrease was driven by decreases in cost of Services of $16.2 million, cost of MCM Product sales of $15.9 million and cost of Commercial Product sales of $4.6 million. Research and Development Expenses For Q3 2025, R&D expenses decreased $0.3 million, or 2% as compared with Q3 2024. The decrease was primarily due to decreases in overhead and severance related costs, partially offset by an increase in unfunded R&D project spend and in Ebanga related development work. Selling, General and Administrative Expenses For Q3 2025, SG&A expenses decreased $37.7 million, or 49%, as compared with Q3 2024. The decrease was primarily due to the absence of a one-time expense of $10.0 million recognized in the prior year period and the receipt of a one-time reimbursement of $10.5 million in the current year period related to settlements of our securities and shareholder litigation matters. These non-recurring items were coupled with decreases in compensation and other employee related expenses as a result of the restructuring initiatives that began during the first quarter of 2023, and lower marketing, professional services and legal expenses. ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION(1) Capital Expenditures ($ in millions) Q3 2025 Q3 2024 % Change Capital expenditures $ 3.4 $ 5.8 (41 )% Capital expenditures as a % of total revenues 1 % 2 % For Q3 2025, capital expenditures decreased largely due to lower development activities across the Companys facilities. REPORTABLE SEGMENT INFORMATION The Company manages the business with a focus on three operating segments: (1) a Commercial Products segment consisting of NARCAN Nasal Spray and KLOXXADO Nasal Spray, which product is currently being integrated into our distribution network, NARCANDirect; (2) a MCM Products segment consisting of Anthrax - MCM, Smallpox - MCM and Other products and (3) a services segment consisting of our Bioservices offerings (Services). Commercial Products and MCM Products are our two reportable segments. In the first quarter of 2025, the Companys determined that its Services operating segment no longer meets the quantitative thresholds of a reportable segment and did not meet the aggregation criteria set forth in Accounting Standards Codification 280, Segment Reporting, and as such is categorized within All other revenues along with Contracts and Grants. The Company evaluates the performance of these reportable segments based on revenues and segment adjusted gross margin, which is a non-GAAP financial measure. Segment revenue includes external customer sales, but does not include inter-segment services. The Company does not allocate contracts and grants revenue, R&D, SG&A, amortization of intangible assets, interest and other income (expense) or taxes to its evaluation of the performance of these segments. THIRD QUARTER 2025 REPORTABLE SEGMENT RESULTS ($ in millions) Commercial Products Quarter Ended September 30, 2025 2024 $ Change % Change Revenues $ 74.9 $ 95.3 $ (20.4 ) (21 )% Cost of sales 42.6 47.2 (4.6 ) (10 )% Intangible asset amortization 9.4 9.4 % Gross margin** $ 22.9 $ 38.7 $ (15.8 ) (41 )% Gross margin %** 31 % 41 % Add back: Intangible asset amortization $ 9.4 $ 9.4 $ % Segment adjusted gross margin(2) $ 32.3 $ 48.1 $ (15.8 ) (33 )% Segment adjusted gross margin %(2) 43 % 50 % ** Gross margin is calculated as revenues less cost of sales and intangible asset amortization. Gross margin % is calculated as gross margin divided by revenues. NM - Not Meaningful Cost of Commercial Product sales decreased $4.6 million, or 10%, to $42.6 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2025. The decrease was primarily due to lower sales of OTC NARCAN and lower Canadian sales of branded NARCAN, partially offset by an increase in KLOXXADO sales Commercial Products gross margin decreased $15.8 million, or 41%, to $22.9 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2025. Commercial Products gross margin percentage decreased 10 percentage points to 31% for the quarter ended September 30, 2025. The decrease was largely due to lower sales of OTC NARCAN and lower branded NARCAN sales, as well as an unfavorable price and volume mix, partially offset by an increase in KLOXXADO sales. Commercial Products segment adjusted gross margin in the current year period excludes the impact of intangible asset amortization of $9.4 million. ($ in millions) MCM Products Quarter Ended September 30, 2025 2024 $ Change % Change Revenues $ 142.5 $ 174.2 $ (31.7 ) (18) % Cost of sales 38.1 54.0 (15.9 ) (29) % Intangible asset amortization 6.9 6.9 % Gross margin** $ 97.5 $ 113.3 $ (15.8 ) (14) % Gross margin %** 68 % 65 % Add back: Intangible asset amortization $ 6.9 $ 6.9 $ % Inventory step-up provision 1.2 (1.2 ) (100) % Restructuring costs 0.2 4.9 (4.7 ) (96) % Segment adjusted gross margin(2) $ 104.6 $ 126.3 $ (21.7 ) (17) % Segment adjusted gross margin %(2) 73 % 73 % ** Gross margin is calculated as revenues less cost of sales and intangible asset amortization. Gross margin % is calculated as gross margin divided by revenues. NM - Not Meaningful Cost of MCM product sales decreased $15.9 million, or 29%, to $38.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2025. The decrease was primarily due to lower production costs of ACAM2000, BioThrax, and CNJ-016 (VIGIV), reflecting reduced volumes, combined with favorable manufacturing variances due to lower shut-down and severance costs, partially offset by an increase in costs related to higher BAT sales volume. MCM Product gross margin decreased $15.8 million, or 14%, to $97.5 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2025. MCM Product gross margin percentage increased 3 percentage points to 68% for the quarter ended September 30, 2025. The increase in gross margin percentage was primarily due to a favorable sales mix which was weighted more heavily towards higher margin products and a decrease in shutdown and severance related costs compared with the third quarter of 2024. MCM Product segment adjusted gross margin in the current year period excludes the impacts of intangible asset amortization of $6.9 million and restructuring costs of $0.2 million. YTD 2025 REPORTABLE SEGMENT RESULTS ($ in millions) Commercial Products Nine Months Ended September 30, 2025 2024 $ Change % Change Revenues $ 187.7 $ 333.8 $ (146.1 ) (44 )% Cost of sales 103.5 152.7 (49.2 ) (32 )% Intangible asset amortization 28.3 28.3 % Gross margin** $ 55.9 $ 152.8 $ (96.9 ) (63 )% Gross margin %** 30 % 46 % Add back: Intangible asset amortization $ 28.3 $ 28.3 $ % Restructuring costs 0.2 0.2 NM Segment adjusted gross margin(2) $ 84.4 $ 181.1 $ (96.7 ) (53 )% Segment adjusted gross margin %(2) 45 % 54 % ** Gross margin is calculated as revenues less cost of sales and intangible asset amortization. Gross margin % is calculated as gross margin divided by revenues. NM - Not Meaningful Cost of Commercial Product sales decreased $49.2 million, or 32%, to $103.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025. The decrease was primarily due to lower sales of OTC NARCAN and lower Canadian sales of branded NARCAN, partially offset by an increase in KLOXXADO sales. Commercial Products gross margin decreased $96.9 million, or 63%, to $55.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025. Commercial Products gross margin percentage decreased 16 percentage points to 30% for the nine months ended September 30, 2025. The decrease was largely due to lower sales of OTC NARCAN and lower branded NARCAN sales, as well as an unfavorable price, volume and product mix, partially offset by an increase in KLOXXADO sales. Commercial Products segment adjusted gross margin in the current year period excludes the impact of intangible asset amortization of $28.3 million and restructuring costs of $0.2 million. ($ in millions) MCM Products Nine Months Ended September 30, 2025 2024 $ Change % Change Revenues $ 357.5 $ 393.0 $ (35.5 ) (9) % Cost of sales 114.1 147.3 (33.2 ) (23) % Intangible asset amortization 20.5 20.5 % Gross margin** $ 222.9 $ 225.2 $ (2.3 ) (1) % Gross margin %** 62 % 57 % Add back: Intangible asset amortization $ 20.5 $ 20.5 $ % Changes in fair value of financial instruments 0.6 (0.6 ) (100) % Restructuring costs (1.0 ) 7.5 (8.5 ) (113) % Inventory step-up provision 1.8 1.2 0.6 50 % Segment adjusted gross margin(2) $ 244.2 $ 255.0 $ (10.8 ) (4) % Segment adjusted gross margin %(2) 68 % 65 % ** Gross margin is calculated as revenues less cost of sales and intangible asset amortization. Gross margin % is calculated as gross margin divided by revenues. NM - Not Meaningful Cost of MCM product sales decreased $33.2 million, or 23%, to $114.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025. The decrease was primarily due to lower productions costs of CYFENDUS, BioThrax, and ACAM2000 reflecting reduced volumes, no RSDL related costs in 2025 due to the sale of RSDL to SERB in the third quarter of 2024, combined with favorable manufacturing variances mostly due to lower shut-down and severance costs and lower Raxibacumab inventory reserves. These decreases were partially offset by higher costs for Anthrasil, TEMBEXA, CNJ-016 (VIGIV) sales due to higher unit volume. MCM Product gross margin decreased $2.3 million, or 1%, to $222.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025. MCM Product gross margin percentage increased 5 percentage points to 62% for the nine months ended September 30, 2025. The increase in gross margin percentage was primarily due to a favorable sales mix which was weighted more heavily towards higher margin products and a decrease in shutdown and severance costs compared with the prior year period. MCM Product segment adjusted gross margin in the current year period excludes the impacts of intangible asset amortization of $20.5 million, inventory step-up provision of $1.8 million and restructuring costs of $(1.0) million. 2025 FINANCIAL FORECAST The Company provides the following updated financial forecast for full year 2025, reflecting management's expectations based on the most current information available. METRIC ($ in millions) Updated Range (as of 10/29/2025) Action Previous Range (as of 08/05/2025) Total revenues $775 - $835 REVISED $765 - $835 Net income $60 - $75 REVISED $40 - $65 Adjusted net income(2) $70 - $85 REVISED $45 - $70 Adjusted EBITDA(2) $195 - $210 REVISED $175 - $200 Adjusted gross margin %(2) 52% - 54% REVISED 50% - 52% Segment Level Revenue MCM Products(3) $450 - $475 REVISED $440 - $475 Commercial Products(5) $265 - $300 UNCHANGED $265 - $300 Key Assumptions ($ and shares in millions) Updated Range (as of 10/29/2025) Interest expense $55 R&D ~7% to 8% of Revenues SG&A ~25% to 26% of Revenues Weighted avg. fully diluted share count ~56 Capex ~$16 Depreciation & amortization ~$100 FOOTNOTES (1) All financial information included in this release is unaudited. (2) See Non-GAAP Financial Measures and the Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures tables for the definitions and reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most closely related GAAP financial measures. (3) Our MCM Products revenue in 2025 and forecasted revenue excludes revenues related to RSDL, which was sold during the third quarter of 2024. (4) Product sales, net are reported net of variable consideration including returns, rebates, wholesaler fees and prompt pay discounts in accordance with GAAP. (5) Our Commercial Products forecast consists of revenues for NARCAN Nasal Spray and revenues from distribution of KLOXXADO naloxone HCl nasal spray 8 mg pursuant to an agreement with Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC in January 2025. CONFERENCE CALL, PRESENTATION SUPPLEMENT AND WEBCAST INFORMATION Company management will host a conference call at 5:00 pm eastern time today, October 29, 2025, to discuss these financial results. The conference call and presentation supplement can be accessed from the Company's website or through the following: By phone Advanced registration is required. Visit https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI87c9854c104a472e92d2ff019fcc47cf to register and receive an email with the dial-in number, passcode and registrant ID. By webcast Visit https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/azeu358t/ A replay of the call can be accessed from the Emergent website. ABOUT EMERGENT BIOSOLUTIONS INC. At Emergent, our mission is to protect and save lives. For over 25 years, weve been at work preparing those entrusted with protecting public health. We deliver protective and life-saving solutions for health threats like smallpox, mpox, botulism, Ebola, anthrax and opioid overdose emergencies. To learn more about how we help prepare communities around the world for todays health challenges and tomorrows threats, visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, Apple Podcasts and Spotify. NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES In the accompanying analysis of financial information, we sometimes use information derived from consolidated and segment financial information that may not be presented in our financial statements or prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP). Certain of these financial measures are considered not in conformity with GAAP (non-GAAP financial measures) under the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rules. Specifically, we have referred to the following non-GAAP financial measures: Adjusted Net Income (Loss) Adjusted Net Income (Loss) per Diluted Share Adjusted EBITDA Adjusted EBITDA Margin Adjusted Gross Margin Adjusted Gross Margin % Segment Adjusted Gross Margin Segment Adjusted Gross Margin % We define Adjusted Net Income (Loss) and Adjusted Net Income (Loss) per Diluted Share, which are non-GAAP financial measures, as net income (loss) and net income (loss) per diluted share, respectively, excluding the impact of non-cash amortization charges, impairments, severance and restructuring costs, inventory step-up provision, acquisition and divestiture costs, exit and disposal costs, loss (gain) on sale of business and assets held for sale, settlement charges, net, contingent consideration milestones, changes in fair value of financial instruments, other expense (income) items and tax effects. We use Adjusted Net Income (Loss) for the purpose of calculating Adjusted Net Income (Loss) per Diluted Share. Management uses Adjusted Net Income (Loss) per Diluted Share to assess total Company operating performance on a consistent basis. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures, when considered together with our GAAP financial results and GAAP financial measures, provide management and investors with an additional understanding of our business operating results, including underlying trends. We define Adjusted EBITDA, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, as net income (loss) before depreciation and amortization, income tax provision, interest expense, net, excluding the impact of changes in fair value of financial instruments, acquisition and divestiture costs, severance and restructuring costs, loss (gain) on sale of business and assets held for sale, inventory step-up provision, contingent consideration milestones, impairments, settlement charges, net, exit and disposal costs and other expense (income) items. We define Adjusted EBITDA Margin, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, as Adjusted EBITDA divided by Total Revenues. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures, when considered together with our GAAP financial results and GAAP financial measures, provide management and investors with a more complete understanding of our operating results, including underlying trends. In addition, EBITDA is a common alternative measure of operating performance used by many of our competitors. It is used by investors, financial analysts, rating agencies and others to value and compare the financial performance of companies in our industry, although it may be defined differently by different companies. Therefore, we also believe that this non-GAAP financial measure, considered along with corresponding GAAP financial measures, provides management and investors with additional information for comparison of our operating results with the operating results of other companies. We define Adjusted Gross Margin, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, as Gross Margin, excluding the impact of intangible asset amortization, restructuring costs, changes in the fair value of financial instruments, settlement charges, net and inventory step-up provision. We define Adjusted Gross Margin %, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, as Adjusted Gross Margin as a percentage of Products and services sales, net. We define Segment Adjusted Gross Margin, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, as a segment's Gross Margin excluding the respective impact of intangible asset amortization, restructuring costs, changes in the fair value of financial instruments and inventory step-up provision. We define Segment Adjusted Gross Margin %, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, as Segment Adjusted Gross Margin as a percentage of a segment's revenues. Non-GAAP financial measures are not defined in the same manner by all companies and may not be comparable with other similarly titled measures of other companies. The determination of the amounts that are excluded from these non-GAAP financial measures are a matter of management judgment and depend upon, among other factors, the nature of the underlying expense or income amounts. Non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for or superior to, the information contained in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures are included in the financial tables accompanying this press release. SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding the future performance of the Company or any of our businesses, our business strategy, future operations, future financial position, future revenues and earnings, our ability to achieve the objectives of our restructuring initiatives and divestitures, including our future results, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management, are forward-looking statements. We generally identify forward-looking statements by using words like anticipate, believe, can, continue, could, estimate, expect, confident, commit, forecast, future, outlook, goal, intend, may, plan, position, possible, potential, predict, project, should, target, will, would, and similar expressions or variations thereof, or the negative thereof, but these terms are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. These forward-looking statements are based on our current intentions, beliefs, assumptions and expectations regarding future events based on information that is currently available. You should realize that if underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could differ materially from our expectations. Readers are, therefore, cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement contained herein. Any such forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this press release, and, except as required by law, we do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect new information, events or circumstances. There are a number of important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including, among others, the availability of USG funding for contracts related to procurement of our medical countermeasure (MCM) products, including CYFENDUS (Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed (AVA) Adjuvanted), previously known as AV7909, ACAM2000 (Smallpox (Vaccinia) Vaccine, Live), CNJ-016 (Vaccinia Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human) (VIGIV)), BAT (Botulism Antitoxin Heptavalent (A,B,C,D,E,F,G)-(Equine)), BioThrax (Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed) Ebanga (ansuvimab-zykl) and/or TEMBEXA (brincidofovir) among others, as well as contracts related to development of medical countermeasures; our ability to meet our commitments to quality and compliance in all of our manufacturing operations; our ability to negotiate additional USG procurement or follow-on contracts for our MCM products that have expired or will be expiring; the commercial availability and impact of a generic and competitive marketplace on future sales of NARCAN (naloxone HCL) Nasal Spray and over-the-counter NARCAN Nasal Spray; our ability to perform under our contracts with the USG, including the timing of and specifications relating to deliveries; the ability of our contractors and suppliers to maintain compliance with current good manufacturing practices and other regulatory obligations; our ability to negotiate new or further commitments related to the collaboration and deployment of capacity toward future commercial manufacturing related to our bioservices and under existing Bioservices contracts; our ability to collect reimbursement for raw materials and payment of service fees from our Bioservices customers; the results of pending government investigations and their potential impact on our business; our ability to satisfy the conditions of our litigation settlement agreements, and the potential impact of such agreements, including the funds to resolve related litigation, on our business; our ability to comply with the operating and financial covenants required by (i) our term loan facility under a credit agreement, dated August 30, 2024, among the Company, the lenders from time to time party thereto and OHA Agency LLC, as administrative agent, (ii) our revolving credit facility under a credit agreement, dated September 30, 2024, among the Company, certain subsidiary borrowers, the lenders from time to time party thereto and Wells Fargo, National Association, as Agent, and (iii) our 3.875% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2028; our ability to maintain adequate internal control over financial reporting and to prepare accurate financial statements in a timely manner; our ability to maintain sufficient cash flow from our operations to pay our substantial debt, both now and in the future; our ability to invest in our business operations as a result of our current indebtedness; the impact of our share and debt repurchase programs; the procurement of our product candidates by USG entities under regulatory authorities that permit government procurement of certain medical products prior to FDA marketing authorization, and corresponding procurement by government entities outside the United States; our ability to realize the expected benefits of the sale of our travel health business to Bavarian Nordic, the sale of our Drug Product facility in Baltimore-Camden to Bora Pharmaceuticals Injectables Inc., a subsidiary of Bora Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., the sale of RSDL to BTG International Inc., a subsidiary of SERB Pharmaceuticals and the sale of our Baltimore-Bayview drug substance manufacturing facility to Syngene International; our ability to realize the expected benefits from divestitures and restructuring activities; the success of our commercialization, marketing and manufacturing capabilities and strategy; our ability to identify and acquire companies, businesses, products or product candidates that satisfy our selection criteria; our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; our ability to adequately secure and protect our intellectual property rights; our ability to realize the full benefits from our divestitures and sales of assets; the impact of cybersecurity incidents, including the risks from the unauthorized access, interruption, failure or compromise of our information systems or those of our business partners, collaborators or other third parties; and the accuracy of our estimates regarding future revenues, expenses, capital requirements and need for additional financing. The foregoing sets forth many, but not all, of the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations in any forward-looking statement. In addition, other risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial could affect the accuracy of any forward-looking statements. Readers should consider this cautionary statement, as well as the risks identified in our periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, when evaluating our forward-looking statements. Trademarks Emergent, BioThrax, BaciThrax, BAT, Trobigard, Anthrasil, CNJ-016, ACAM2000, NARCAN, CYFENDUS, TEMBEXA and any and all Emergent BioSolutions Inc. brands, products, services and feature names, logos and slogans are trademarks or registered trademarks of Emergent BioSolutions Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States or other countries. All other brands, products, services and feature names or trademarks are the property of their respective owners, including KLOXXADO, which is a registered trademark of Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. Investor Contact Rich Lindahl Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer lindahlr@ebsi.com Media Contact Assal Hellmer Vice President, Communications mediarelations@ebsi.com Emergent BioSolutions Inc. Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions, except per share data) September 30, 2025 December 31, 2024 (unaudited) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 245.5 $ 99.5 Restricted cash 3.7 6.1 Accounts receivable, net 149.5 154.5 Inventories, net 356.3 311.7 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 25.6 26.9 Assets held for sale 6.3 Total current assets 786.9 598.7 Property, plant and equipment, net 209.8 270.6 Intangible assets, net 452.7 501.5 Other assets 11.6 18.9 Total assets $ 1,461.0 $ 1,389.7 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 57.4 $ 60.9 Accrued expenses 13.9 17.7 Accrued compensation 36.6 56.1 Other current liabilities 24.1 27.7 Liabilities held for sale 4.5 Total current liabilities 136.5 162.4 Debt 663.1 663.7 Deferred tax liability 36.3 41.7 Other liabilities 42.6 39.1 Total liabilities $ 878.5 $ 906.9 Stockholders equity: Preferred stock, $0.001 par value per share; 15.0 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding Common stock, $0.001 par value per share; 200.0 shares authorized, 60.6 and 59.9 shares issued; 52.7 and 54.3 shares outstanding, respectively. 0.1 0.1 Treasury stock, at cost, 7.9 and 5.6 common shares, respectively (243.5 ) (227.7 ) Additional paid-in capital 938.6 928.0 Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net (7.5 ) (5.2 ) Accumulated deficit (105.2 ) (212.4 ) Total stockholders equity $ 582.5 $ 482.8 Total liabilities and stockholders equity $ 1,461.0 $ 1,389.7 Emergent BioSolutions Inc. Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited, in millions, except per share data) Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2025 2024 2025 2024 Revenues: Product and services sales, net $ 222.0 $ 283.8 $ 561.4 $ 824.3 Contracts and grants 9.1 10.0 32.8 24.6 Total revenues 231.1 293.8 594.2 848.9 Operating expenses: Cost of product and services sales, net(1) 85.9 122.6 241.3 563.3 Research and development 13.5 13.8 41.1 61.6 Selling, general and administrative 38.9 76.6 135.0 247.2 Amortization of intangible assets 16.3 16.3 48.8 48.8 Impairment of long-lived assets 27.2 Total operating expenses 154.6 229.3 466.2 948.1 Income (loss) from operations 76.5 64.5 128.0 (99.2 ) Other income (expense): Interest expense (15.2 ) (8.3 ) (44.6 ) (56.2 ) Gain (loss) on sale of business and assets held for sale 64.3 (12.2 ) 24.3 Other, net (3.7 ) 21.9 62.3 15.8 Total other income (expense), net (18.9 ) 77.9 5.5 (16.1 ) Income (loss) before income taxes 57.6 142.4 133.5 (115.3 ) Income tax provision 6.4 27.6 26.3 44.0 Net income (loss) $ 51.2 $ 114.8 $ 107.2 $ (159.3 ) Earnings (loss) per common share Basic $ 0.96 $ 2.16 $ 1.99 $ (3.03 ) Diluted $ 0.91 $ 2.06 $ 1.89 $ (3.03 ) Weighted average shares outstanding Basic 53.2 53.1 53.9 52.6 Diluted 56.5 55.6 56.7 52.6 (1)Exclusive of intangible asset amortization Emergent BioSolutions Inc. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited, in millions) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2025 2024 Operating Activities Net income (loss) $ 107.2 $ (159.3 ) Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: Share-based compensation expense 10.9 13.7 Depreciation and amortization 72.3 82.8 Change in fair value of contingent obligations, net 0.6 Amortization of deferred financing costs 7.2 5.2 Deferred income taxes (5.5 ) (5.1 ) Loss (gain) on sale of business and assets held for sale 12.2 (32.2 ) Change in fair value of warrant liability (1.8 ) (1.1 ) Impairment of long-lived assets 27.2 Loss on disposal of assets 3.5 28.9 Other (8.7 ) 3.9 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable (26.4 ) 52.7 Inventories (44.5 ) (35.5 ) Prepaid expenses and other assets 27.1 146.3 Accounts payable (19.8 ) (22.8 ) Accrued expenses and other liabilities (27.0 ) 32.9 Long-term incentive plan accrual 2.3 2.5 Accrued compensation (21.8 ) (9.9 ) Income taxes receivable and payable, net 4.6 26.6 Contract liabilities 1.1 (18.8 ) Net cash provided by operating activities 92.9 138.6 Investing Activities Purchases of property, plant and equipment (9.9 ) (21.2 ) Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 38.2 7.6 Milestone payments from prior asset divestiture 50.0 Proceeds from sale of business 110.2 Purchase of convertible note receivable (5.0 ) Net cash provided by investing activities 73.3 96.6 Financing Activities Proceeds from the issuance of debt, net of lender fees 219.0 Proceeds allocated to warrants issued in conjunction with debt 13.4 Proceeds allocated to common stock issued in conjunction with debt 9.3 Principal payments on term loan facility (198.2 ) Proceeds from revolving credit facility 65.0 Principal payments on revolving credit facility (284.2 ) Proceeds from issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options 1.0 Repurchase of debt (6.9 ) Purchases of treasury stock (15.8 ) Debt issuance costs (14.6 ) Proceeds from share-based compensation activity 0.7 Taxes paid for share-based compensation activity (1.0 ) (0.9 ) Net cash used in financing activities: (22.7 ) (190.5 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 0.1 Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 143.6 44.7 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period 105.6 111.7 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period $ 249.2 $ 156.4 Supplemental cash flow disclosures: Cash paid for interest $ 41.7 $ 55.8 Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds $ 27.5 $ 35.5 Non-cash investing and financing activities: Purchases of property, plant and equipment unpaid at period end $ 1.8 $ 1.6 Gain on extinguishment of debt $ 1.1 $ 0.6 Issuance of common stock in conjunction with debt $ $ 7.7 Excise tax liability accrued for common stock repurchases $ 0.2 $ Reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash: Cash and cash equivalents $ 245.5 $ 149.9 Restricted cash 3.7 6.5 Total $ 249.2 $ 156.4 Emergent BioSolutions, Inc. Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) and Net Income (Loss) per Diluted Share to Adjusted Net Income (Loss) and Adjusted Net Income (Loss) per Diluted Share(1) Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, ($ in millions, except per share data) 2025 2024 2025 2024 Source Net income (loss) $ 51.2 $ 114.8 $ 107.2 $ (159.3 ) Adjustments: Non-cash amortization charges $ 18.8 $ 9.7 $ 56.0 $ 54.0 Amortization of intangible assets ("IA"), Other Income Impairments 27.2 Impairment of long-lived assets Severance and restructuring costs 6.3 (0.8 ) 22.9 Cost of product and services sales, net, SG&A and R&D Inventory step-up provision 1.2 1.8 1.2 Cost of product and services sales, net Acquisition and divestiture costs 0.2 SG&A Exit and disposal costs 13.3 R&D Loss (gain) on sale of business and assets held for sale (64.3 ) 12.2 (24.3 ) Other Income (Expense) Settlement charges, net (10.5 ) 10.0 (10.5 ) 120.2 Cost of product and services sales, net Contingent consideration milestones (30.0 ) (50.0 ) (30.0 ) Other Income (Expense) Changes in fair value of financial instruments 4.8 (1.1 ) (1.8 ) (0.5 ) Cost of product and services sales, net and Other Income (Expense) Other expense (income), net items (1.1 ) 6.7 (4.0 ) 9.8 Other Income (Expense) Tax effect (2.8 ) 22.9 (0.7 ) (49.2 ) Total adjustments: $ 9.2 $ (38.6 ) $ 2.4 $ 144.6 Adjusted net income (loss) $ 60.4 $ 76.2 $ 109.6 $ (14.7 ) Net income (loss) per diluted share $ 0.91 $ 2.06 $ 1.89 $ (3.03 ) Adjustments: Non-cash amortization charges $ 0.33 $ 0.17 $ 0.99 $ 1.03 Amortization of IA, Other Income Impairments 0.52 Impairment of long-lived assets Severance and restructuring costs 0.12 (0.01 ) 0.44 Cost of product and services sales, net, SG&A and R&D Inventory step-up provision 0.02 0.03 0.02 Cost of product and services sales, net Acquisition and divestiture costs SG&A Exit and disposal costs 0.25 R&D Loss (gain) on sale of business and assets held for sale (1.16 ) 0.22 (0.46 ) Other Income (Expense) Settlement charges, net (0.19 ) 0.18 (0.19 ) 2.29 Cost of product and services sales, net Contingent consideration milestones (0.54 ) (0.88 ) (0.57 ) Other Income (Expense) Changes in fair value of financial instruments 0.08 (0.02 ) (0.03 ) (0.01 ) Cost of product and services sales, net and Other Income (Expense) Other expense (income), net items (0.02 ) 0.12 (0.07 ) 0.19 Other Income (Expense) Tax effect (0.05 ) 0.42 (0.02 ) (0.95 ) Total adjustments: $ 0.15 $ (0.69 ) $ 0.04 $ 2.75 Adjusted net income (loss) per diluted share $ 1.06 $ 1.37 $ 1.93 $ (0.28 ) Diluted shares used in computing Adjusted net income (loss) per diluted share 56.5 55.6 56.7 52.6 Emergent BioSolutions, Inc. Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) and Net Income (Loss) Margin to Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin(1) ($ in millions) Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2025 2024 2025 2024 Net income (loss) $ 51.2 $ 114.8 $ 107.2 $ (159.3 ) Adjustments: Depreciation & amortization $ 23.4 $ 26.4 $ 72.3 $ 82.8 Income taxes 6.4 27.6 26.3 44.0 Total interest expense, net 13.6 7.7 41.0 54.8 Impairments 27.2 Inventory step-up provision 1.2 1.8 1.2 Changes in fair value of financial instruments 4.8 (1.1 ) (1.8 ) (0.5 ) Severance and restructuring costs 6.3 (0.8 ) 22.9 Exit and disposal costs 13.3 Acquisition and divestiture costs 0.2 Loss (gain) on sale of business and assets held for sale (64.3 ) 12.2 (24.3 ) Settlement charges, net (10.5 ) 10.0 (10.5 ) 120.2 Contingent consideration milestones (30.0 ) (50.0 ) (30.0 ) Other expense (income), net items (1.1 ) 6.7 (4.0 ) 9.8 Total adjustments $ 36.6 $ (9.5 ) $ 86.7 $ 321.4 Adjusted EBITDA $ 87.8 $ 105.3 $ 193.9 $ 162.1 Total revenues $ 231.1 $ 293.8 $ 594.2 $ 848.9 Net income (loss) margin 22 % 39 % 18 % (19) % Adjusted EBITDA margin 38 % 36 % 33 % 19 % Emergent BioSolutions, Inc. Reconciliations of Total Revenues to Product and Services Sales, Net and of Gross Margin and Gross Margin % to Adjusted Gross Margin and Adjusted Gross Margin %(1) Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, ($ in millions) 2025 2024 2025 2024 Total revenues $ 231.1 $ 293.8 $ 594.2 $ 848.9 Contracts and grants 9.1 10.0 32.8 24.6 Product and services sales, net $ 222.0 $ 283.8 $ 561.4 $ 824.3 Cost of product and services sales, net 85.9 122.6 241.3 563.3 Intangible asset amortization 16.3 16.3 48.8 48.8 Gross margin $ 119.8 $ 144.9 $ 271.3 $ 212.2 Gross margin % 54 % 51 % 48 % 26 % Add back: Intangible asset amortization $ 16.3 $ 16.3 $ 48.8 $ 48.8 Inventory step-up provision 1.2 1.8 1.2 Settlement charges, net 110.2 Restructuring costs 0.2 5.0 (0.8 ) 7.8 Changes in fair value of financial instruments 0.6 Adjusted gross margin $ 136.3 $ 167.4 $ 321.1 $ 380.8 Adjusted gross margin % 61 % 59 % 57 % 46 % Emergent BioSolutions, Inc. Reconciliation of Net Income Forecast to Adjusted Net Income Forecast ($ in millions) 2025 Full Year Forecast Source Net income $60 - $75 Adjustments: Non-cash amortization charges $65 Amortization of IA and Other Income (Expense) Changes in fair value of financial instruments (2) Other Income (Expense) Severance and restructuring costs (1) Cost of products and services, net, SG&A and R&D Inventory step-up provision 5 Cost of products and services, net Loss (gain) on sale of business and assets held for sale 12 Other Income (Expense) Settlement charges, net (11) SG&A Contingent consideration milestones (50) Other Income (Expense) Other expense (income), net items (4) Other Income (Expense) Tax effect (4) Total adjustments: $10 Adjusted net income $70 - $85 Reconciliation of Net Income Forecast to Adjusted EBITDA Forecast ($ in millions) 2025 Full Year Forecast Net income $60 - $75 Adjustments: Depreciation & amortization $100 Income taxes 31 Total interest expense, net 55 Inventory step-up provision 5 Changes in fair value of financial instruments (2) Severance and restructuring costs (1) Loss (gain) on sale of business and assets held for sale 12 Settlement charges, net (11) Contingent consideration milestones (50) Other expense (income), net items (4) Total adjustments $135 Adjusted EBITDA $195 - $210 DENVER, Oct. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- National Bank Holdings Corporation (NYSE: NBHC) announced today that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend to shareholders. The cash dividend will increase 3.3% from thirty cents ($0.30) to thirty-one cents ($0.31) per share of NBHC common stock. The dividend will be payable on December 15, 2025 to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 28, 2025. We are pleased to announce another increase to our quarterly dividend, reinforcing our commitment to delivering attractive shareholder returns, which aligns with our recently announced strategic acquisition of Vista Bancshares, Inc. Our strong balance sheet, solid capital position, and diversified funding provide optionality to execute on strategic growth initiatives, said Chairman and CEO, Tim Laney. About National Bank Holdings Corporation National Bank Holdings Corporation is a bank holding company created to build a leading community bank franchise delivering high quality client service and committed to stakeholder results. Through its bank subsidiaries, NBH Bank and Bank of Jackson Hole Trust, National Bank Holdings Corporation operates a network of over 90 banking centers, serving individual consumers, small, medium and large businesses, and government and non-profit entities. Its banking centers are located in its core footprint of Colorado, the greater Kansas City region, Utah, Wyoming, Texas, New Mexico and Idaho. Its comprehensive residential mortgage banking group primarily serves the banks core footprint. Its trust and wealth management business is operated in its core footprint under the Bank of Jackson Hole Trust charter. NBH Bank operates under a single state charter through the following brand names as divisions of NBH Bank: in Colorado, Community Banks of Colorado and Community Banks Mortgage; in Kansas and Missouri, Bank Midwest and Bank Midwest Mortgage; in Texas, Utah, New Mexico and Idaho, Hillcrest Bank and Hillcrest Bank Mortgage; and in Wyoming, Bank of Jackson Hole and Bank of Jackson Hole Mortgage. Additional information about National Bank Holdings Corporation can be found at www.nationalbankholdings.com. For more information visit: cobnks.com, bankmw.com, hillcrestbank.com, bankofjacksonhole.com, or nbhbank.com, or connect with any of our brands on LinkedIn. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements contain words such as anticipate, believe, can, would, should, could, may, predict, seek, potential, will, estimate, target, plan, project, continuing, ongoing, expect, intend or similar expressions that relate to the Companys strategy, plans or intentions. Forward-looking statements involve certain important risks, uncertainties and other factors, any of which could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such statements. Such factors include, without limitation, the Risk Factors referenced in our most recent Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and other risks and uncertainties listed from time to time in our reports and documents filed with the SEC. The Company can give no assurance that any goal or plan or expectation set forth in forward-looking statements can be achieved and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not intend, and assumes no obligation, to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events or circumstances, except as required by applicable law. Contact: Analysts/Institutional Investors : Emily Gooden, 720-554-6640 Chief Accounting Officer and Investor Relations Director ir@nationalbankholdings.com Nicole Van Denabeele, 720-529-3370, Chief Financial Officer ir@nationalbankholdings.com or Media : Jody Soper, 303-784-5925 Chief Marketing Officer Jody.Soper@nbhbank.com Source: National Bank Holdings Corporation Beijing, China, Oct. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- President Xi Jinping's governance philosophy and vision on economic development is centered on the people, and this people-centered approach charts the course for China's high-quality growth. The results of the people-centered endeavors in various fields are embodied in President Xi's economic thought. We recognize that after more than 40 years of rapid development following the reform and opening-up period, the principal contradiction facing Chinese society has evolved. It has shifted from the contradiction between the ever-growing material and cultural needs of the people and the backward social production to one between unbalanced and inadequate development and the people's ever-growing need for a better life. China's development is not only illustrated by economic figures but also by the sense of happiness shared by its people. This evolution of the principal contradiction means that the economic achievements of the reform and opening-up period have addressed the general needs of people's lives. Now, people's expectations for a better life are constantly rising. While increasing income levels and material abundance remain important, these aspirations also encompass many other dimensions, such as demands for improvements in ecological, cultural, and other aspects of life. In this context, advancing high-quality development is of vital importance. Such development calls for innovation, coordination, greenness, openness, and shared growth, and can only be achieved through the full, accurate, and comprehensive implementation of the new development philosophy. To fully and faithfully implement the new development philosophy on all fronts, it is essential -through the lens of new structural economics - to recognize that it represents a guiding vision for development, with innovation as the primary driving force. Promoting innovation must go hand in hand with advancing coordinated, green, open and shared development. The key lies in following a fact-based, locality-specific approach, developing new industries and technologies in line with each region's resource endowments and comparative advantages to continuously unleash new quality productive forces. New quality productive forces are a form of productivity that aligns with the new development philosophy. In promoting their development, it is essential to fully, accurately, and comprehensively implement the new development philosophy. The development of new-quality productive forces is carried by industries, particularly through the leading sectors in each region. Local governments should base their work on reality, and in light of the resource endowments, industrial bases and technological conditions of different regions, adopt a "build the new before abolishing the old" approach, adapt measures to local conditions, and provide classified guidance. Accelerating the formation of new quality productive forces is of vital importance for achieving the first and foremost goal of pursuing high-quality development proposed in the report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, in order to build a modern socialist country in all respects. Strategic opportunity Regarding the medium- to long-term trajectory of China's economy, there has been widespread debate abroad over whether the country can escape the so-called "middle-income trap." While crossing this threshold poses a challenge for many countries, it can indeed be overcome by continuously boosting productivity and fostering new quality productive forces driven by innovation, making the growth rate of its income level higher than that of developed countries. China has already reached the global forefront in certain sectors. To achieve breakthroughs in technological innovation, industrial upgrading, and the development of new quality productive forces in those sectors, sustained investment in R&D and the invention and adoption of new technologies are essential. For traditional industries in the process of catching up, they can also leverage digitalization, intelligentization, and green transformation to unleash new quality productive forces. China has now reached an upper-middle-income level and is poised to cross the threshold into high-income country status in the near future, as defined by the World Bank's threshold of $14,005 GNI per capita. By 2024, China's per capita GDP had reached $13,445, while its per capita GNI stood at approximately $13,500 just 4 percent shy of the mark. China is highly likely to cross the threshold by 2025, or almost certainly by 2026. Of course, whether this materializes will ultimately depend on exchange rate levels. But what carries greater significance is steady productivity growth. China's annual economic growth rate continues to outpace that of the US by about three percentage points, signaling faster productivity growth that helps solidify its competitive edge relative to the US. As long as China remains focused on the essence of economic development and aligns policy efforts with its fundamental determinants, China's capabilities across all areas will continue to strengthen. This will further solidify the foundation for the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, which is of utmost importance. After the reform and opening-up, our average growth rate ranged between 8 percent and 9 percent, but in recent years, economic growth has slowed to 7 percent, 6 percent, and 5 percent. This economic slowdown inevitably brings considerable pressure to various industries. However, we must also recognize that this slowdown has both internal and external causes. Since 2010, following the 2008 global financial crisis, although our economic growth rate has declined, our annual contribution to global economic growth has remained around 30 percent. This indicates that the slowdown is not unique to us - other countries have experienced it too. The challenges and difficulties we face are, in fact, shared by businesses worldwide. Overall, however, we remain in a period of strategic opportunity for development. For an economy to grow, productivity levels must continuously rise, technological innovation must continue, industries must constantly upgrade, and new quality productive forces must continually emerge. In this regard, we still have significant room for growth. In the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, we stand on the same starting line as developed countries. Compared to others, we have distinct advantages: a talent advantage; the advantage of having the world's largest domestic market, where technological breakthroughs can immediately find vast application scenarios; and the most comprehensive manufacturing sectors globally, making it easy for any new idea to translate into products quickly that are cost-competitive in the domestic and international markets. Add to that our social and political stability, as well as an institutional advantage that effectively integrates an efficient market with an enabling government - if we can leverage these strengths effectively, I believe we can not only keep pace with developed nations in the Fourth Industrial Revolution but even take the lead. Moreover, in traditional sectors, we can enhance quality and efficiency through digitalization, intelligentization, and green transformation. These are all our advantages. Amid slowdown pressures, there are indeed challenges, but as long as we seize the opportunities and space for development, I am confident we can sustain high-quality development, which will help us overcome various challenges on this new journey, continuously move forward, and, I believe, contribute to the stability and development of the world. The author is dean of the Institute of New Structural Economics at Peking University, and former chief economist and senior vice president of the World Bank. Source: Global Times: Company: Global Times Contact Person: Anna Li Email: editor@globaltimes.com.cn Website: https://globaltimes.cn City: Beijing Disclaimer: This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies (including product offerings, regulatory plans and business plans) and may change without notice. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Not for distribution to U.S. newswire services or for dissemination in the United States. CALGARY, Alberta, Oct. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Northview Residential REIT (Northview or the REIT) (NRR.UN TSX) announced it has completed the sale of a $40 million multi-family residential portfolio in Moncton, NB today, in addition to a $49 million multi-family residential portfolio in St. Johns, NL which was completed in September 2025. Since 2024, Northview has completed $164 million in non-core asset sales, ahead of its target of $100 - $150 million and original 2026 timeline. The REIT has disposed of over 1,600 multi-residential suites and 8,600 sq. ft. of commercial space in non-core assets at sale prices that exceeded Northviews IFRS investment property values and provided $76 million in credit facility repayments. We are pleased that weve been able to complete the non-core asset sales ahead of schedule. Combined with our active debt management program, we have reduced our leverage by over 200 bps and decreased our floating rate debt exposure, further strengthening the REITs financial position. This leaves Northview well positioned to deliver long-term value creation for Unitholders, commented Mr. Todd Cook, President and Chief Executive Officer of Northview. ABOUT NORTHVIEW RESIDENTIAL REIT Northview is a publicly-traded real estate investment trust established pursuant to a declaration of trust under the laws of the province of Ontario for the primary purpose of acquiring, owning, and operating a portfolio of income-producing rental properties in secondary markets within Canada. To learn more about Northview, visit www.rentnorthview.com or contact: Todd Cook President and Chief Executive Officer Northview Residential REIT Tel: (403) 531-0720 Email: tcook@nvreit.ca Not for dissemination in the United States of America VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aja Health and Wellness Inc. ("Aja" or the "Company") (TSXV:Aja) announces that it is getting closer to filing its annual audited financial statements for the financial year ending December 31, 2024, including the related managements discussion and analysis and certifications from the CEO and CFO (the "Annual Filings"), the Company's unaudited interim financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2025, the management's discussion and analysis for the same period and management certifications of the interim filings (the "March Interims"), and the Company's unaudited interim financial statements for the three months ended June 30, 2025, the management's discussion and analysis for the same period and management certifications of the interim filings (the "June Interims" and together with the March Interims, the "Interim Filings"). On August 1, 2025, the Alberta Securities Commission (the "ASC") issued a Failure-to-File Cease Trade Order (the "FFCTO") because the Company was unable to file the Annual Filings and March Interims in time to meet the April 30, 2025 and May 30, 2025 deadlines, respectively. Following the issuance of the FFCTO, the Company was unable to file the June Interims in time to meet the August 29, 2025 deadline. Aja previously announced that the delay in filing the Annual Filings was due to the determination that the previously announced reverse takeover transaction, which closed on September 17, 2024, will be characterized as a series of acquisitions for accounting purposes. This characterization requires a valuation of the purchase price allocation to complete the audited financial statements for the financial year ending December 31, 2024. The valuator has completed the draft valuation and has received comments from the auditor on the draft valuation. The Company expects to receive a final version of the valuation on or before October 31, 2025. The auditors are continuing to work with the Company to complete the audited financial statements for the financial year ending December 31, 2024 as quickly as possible. The Company expects the Annual Filings to be filed on or before November 14, 2025. Aja is working to complete the Interim Filings as soon as possible and expects the Interim Filings to be filed on or before November 28, 2025. The Company anticipates that the FFCTO will remain in place until such time as the Annual Filings and the Interim Filings are filed and the ASC issues a revocation of the FFCTO. On behalf of the Board of Directors "Sanjeev Parsad" Sanjeev Parsad President, CEO and Director This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. When used in this address, the words "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. Although the Company believes in light of the experience of its officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, readers are cautioned to not place undue reliance on forward-looking information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date of publication of this information and the Company undertakes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change. Furthermore, the Company undertakes no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third parties in respect of the Company, its securities, or its financial or operating results (as applicable). All forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. For further information, contact: Sanjeev Parsad, President and CEO Phone: (604) 678.9115 Fax: (604) 678.9279 E-mail: sparsad@ajahw.com Web: www.ajahw.com NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR THROUGH U.S. NEWSWIRES SASKATOON, Saskatchewan, Oct. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GFG Resources Inc. (TSXV: GFG) (OTCQB: GFGSF) (GFG or the Company) announces that it has increased its previously announced private placement of premium flow-through units (Premium Units) and flow-through shares (FT Shares) to raise gross proceeds of up to C$4.23 million (the Offering). The Offering will consist of the issuance of up to 11,880,188 Premium Units at a price of C$0.2224 per Premium Unit and up to 8,550,129 FT Shares of the Company at a price of C$0.185 per FT Share, in any combination to maximum aggregate gross proceeds of up to C$4.23 million. Each Premium Unit shall consist of one common share of the Company and one-half of one share purchase warrant, with each whole share purchase warrant (a Warrant) entitling the holder thereof to acquire one additional common share of the Company at an exercise price of C$0.24 for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance. Each of the common shares and Warrants comprising the Premium Units will qualify as a flow-through share for the purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada). The Offering is scheduled to close on or about November 3, 2025, and is subject to certain conditions, including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company may pay finder's fees on a portion of the Offering of up to 6% of the aggregate gross proceeds raised. The finder's fees shall be paid in accordance with applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. Subject to compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and in accordance with National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions (NI 45-106), the FT Shares and the Premium Units will be offered for sale to purchasers resident in Canada and/or other qualifying jurisdictions pursuant to the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption under Part 5A of NI 45-106 (the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption). Pursuant to the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption, the FT Shares and Premium Units issued to subscribers will not be subject to a hold period pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws. There is an amended and restated offering document on Form 45-106F19 related to the upsized Offering that can be accessed under the Companys profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Companys website at www.gfgresources.com. Prospective investors should read this offering document before making an investment decision. It is anticipated that certain insiders of the Company will participate in the Offering. Such participation will be considered to be a "related party transaction" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101-Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (MI 61-101). The Company intends to rely on the exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 contained in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 in respect of any related party participation in the Offering as neither the fair market value (as determined under MI 61-101) of the subject matter of, nor the fair market value of the consideration for, the transaction, insofar as it will involve interested parties, is expected to exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization (as determined under MI 61-101). This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities, in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold within the United States unless an exemption from such registration is available. About GFG Resources Inc. GFG is a North American precious metals exploration company focused on district scale gold projects in tier one mining jurisdictions. The Company operates three gold projects, each hosting large and highly prospective gold properties within the prolific gold district of Timmins, Ontario, Canada. The projects have similar geological settings that host most of the gold deposits found in the Timmins Gold Camp which have produced over 70 million ounces of gold. For further information, please contact: Brian Skanderbeg, President & CEO or Marc Lepage, Vice President, Business Development Phone: (306) 931-0930 Email: info@gfgresources.com Website: www.gfgresources.com Stay Connected with Us X (Twitter): GFGResources LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gfgresources/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GFGResourcesInc/ Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this news release constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws and forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (referred to herein as forward-looking statements). Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the anticipated completion of the Offering upon the terms currently proposed or at all, Companys future exploration plans with respect to its property interests and the timing thereof, the prospective nature of the projects, future price of gold, success of exploration activities and metallurgical test work, permitting time lines, currency exchange rate fluctuations, requirements for additional capital, government regulation of exploration work, environmental risks, unanticipated reclamation expenses, title disputes or claims and limitations on insurance coverage. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as plans, expects or does not expect, is expected, budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, intends, anticipates or does not anticipate or believes, or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results, may, could, would, will, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved or the negative connotation thereof. All forward-looking statements are based on various assumptions, including, without limitation, the expectations and beliefs of management, the assumed long-term price of gold, that the Company will receive required permits and access to surface rights, that the Company can access financing, appropriate equipment and sufficient labour, and that the political environment within Canada will continue to support the development of mining projects. In addition, the similarity or proximity of other gold deposits to the Companys projects is not necessary indicative of the geological setting, alteration and mineralization of the Goldarm Property, the Pen Gold Project and the Dore Gold Project. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of GFG to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: actual results of current exploration activities; environmental risks; future prices of gold; operating risks; accidents, labour issues and other risks of the mining industry; availability of capital, delays in obtaining government approvals or financing; receipt of applicable regulatory approvals and other risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties and the additional risks described in the Companys most recently filed annual and interim MD&A are not and should not be construed as being exhaustive. Although GFG has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. In addition, forward-looking statements are provided solely for the purpose of providing information about managements current expectations and plans and allowing investors and others to get a better understanding of GFG's operating environment. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release are made as of the date hereof and GFG assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws. VANCOUVER, Oct. 28, 2025 - Apollo Silver Corp. ("Apollo Silver" or the "Company") (TSX.V:APGO, OTCQB:APGOF, Frankfurt:6ZF0) is pleased to announce the Company has closed the final tranche of its previously announced upsized non-brokered private placement (the "Upsized Offering"), raising gross proceeds of $1,641,503 through the issuance of 455,973 units (the "Units") of the Company at a price of $3.60 per Unit. The Company previously closed the first tranche of the Upsized Offering, as announced in its October 22, 2025 press release, for gross proceeds of $25,134,145. In aggregate, the Upsized Offering raised total proceeds of $26,775,648 through the issuance of 7,437,680 Units. Each Unit issued pursuant to the Upsized Offering consists of one common share (a "Share") in the capital of the Company and one common Share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one Share at an exercise price of $5.50 for 24 months from the closing date of the Offering. The Warrants will be subject to an acceleration provision, such that if at any time after the date that is four months and one day after the closing, the Company's Shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") at a closing price of $7.50 or greater per Share for a period of ten (10) consecutive trading days, the Company may accelerate the expiry of the Warrants by giving notice to the holders thereof and, in such case, the Warrant will expire on the thirtieth (30th) day after the date of such notice (the "Acceleration Provision"). The Company would like to thank existing and new shareholders including Eric Sprott, Primevest Capital, Sprott Asset Management, Commodity Capital, Jupiter Asset Management and others for their continued support through participation in this financing. "We are very pleased with the strong interest in our private placement and deeply appreciate the confidence shown by the institutional, retail, and strategic investors who have backed management's vision to advance our Tier 1 assets," said Ross McElroy, President & CEO of Apollo Silver. "The funds raised from this financing position the Company well to advance our Calico Silver Project in San Bernardino County, California, and to support ongoing efforts toward securing surface access and advance the Cinco de Mayo Project in Chihuahua, Mexico." In connection with subscriptions received in the Upsized Offering, the Company will pay aggregate finder's fees totaling $901,395.18, payable in cash and/or Units to BMO Capital Markets, Canaccord Genuity, Red Cloud Securities Inc., Research Capital Corporation and SCP Resource Finance. The securities issued under the Upsized Offering are subject to a four-month hold period from the date of closing. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Upsized Offering to continue advancing the Calico Silver Project in San Bernardino, California; support community relations initiatives at the Cinco de Mayo Silver Project in Chihuahua, Mexico; cover ongoing property maintenance costs at both projects; and for general corporate purposes. The Upsized Offering remains subject to the final approval of the TSXV. The Offering included participation by certain insiders of the Company for an aggregate of 405,557 units totaling gross proceeds of $1,460,005.20. Such participation constitutes a "related party transaction" under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The issuance of securities to insiders is exempt from the valuation requirement pursuant to section 5.5(b) of MI 61-101, as the Company's shares are not listed on a specified market, and from the minority shareholder approval requirement pursuant to section 5.7(a) of MI 61-101, as the fair market value of the securities issued to related parties does not exceed twenty five percent of the Company's market capitalization. The Shares have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States without registration under the U.S. Securities Act and all applicable state securities laws or compliance with the requirements of an applicable exemption therefrom. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About Apollo Silver Corp. Apollo is advancing one of the largest undeveloped primary silver projects in the US. The Calico Silver Project hosts a large, bulk minable silver deposit with significant barite and zinc credits - recognized as critical minerals essential to the US energy and medical sectors. The Company also holds an option on the Cinco de Mayo Project in Chihuahua, Mexico, which is host to a major carbonate replacement (CRD) deposit that is both high-grade and large tonnage. Led by an experienced and award-winning management team, Apollo is well positioned to advance the assets and deliver value through exploration and development. Please visit www.apollosilver.com for further information. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ross McElroy President and CEO For further information, please contact: Email: info@apollosilver.com Telephone: +1 (604) 428-6128 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information This news release includes "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements including, without limitation, statements with respect to the intended use of proceeds from the Upsized Offering; receipt of final approval from the TSXV; the advancement and potential of the Company's Calico Project and Cinco de Mayo Project; the Company's plans and expectations relating to exploration, permitting, and future development activities at Calico and Cinco de Mayo; efforts to obtain and maintain surface access and community support at Cinco de Mayo; and the anticipated benefits to the Company and its shareholders. Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "potential", "target", "budget" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof. Forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis, and opinions of the management of the Company made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management of the Company believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made. Forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions that have been made by the Company as at the date of such information and is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may have caused actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: risks associated with mineral exploration and development; metal and mineral prices; availability of capital; accuracy of the Company's projections and estimates; realization of mineral resource estimates, interest and exchange rates; competition; stock price fluctuations; availability of drilling equipment and access; actual results of current exploration activities; government regulation; political or economic developments; environmental risks; insurance risks; capital expenditures; operating or technical difficulties in connection with development activities; personnel relations; and changes in Project parameters as plans continue to be refined. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including but not limited to the price of silver, gold and barite; the demand for silver, gold and barite; the ability to carry on exploration and development activities; the timely receipt of any required approvals; the ability to obtain qualified personnel, equipment and services in a timely and cost-efficient manner; the ability to operate in a safe, efficient and effective matter; and the regulatory framework regarding environmental matters, and such other assumptions and factors as set out herein. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and actual results, and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward looking information contained herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. The forward-looking information contained herein is presented for the purpose of assisting investors in understanding the Company's expected financial and operational performance and the Company's plans and objectives and may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Vancouver, October 29, 2025 - Slave Lake Zinc Corp. (CSE: SLZ) (the "Company") is pleased to announce it has been awarded a grant under the Northwest Territories Mining Incentive Program (MIP) by the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT). This non-dilutive funding will be allocated toward the ongoing and planned critical mineral exploration and delineation work at the Company's 100% owned O'Connor Lake Property, located in the prolific South Slave Magmatic zone. Advancing Critical Mineral Exploration The MIP grant, administered by the NWT Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI), is designed to stimulate and support high-quality mineral exploration activities throughout the Territory. This significant financial support directly validates the potential of the O'Connor Lake Project, which holds historic showings of zinc, lead, gold, silver, and copper, as well as other critical minerals potential. The funds will specifically support: The compilation and interpretation of data gathered during the recent successful field program, focusing on defining high-priority drill targets. Geochemical and geological surveys aimed at confirming the known mineralized zones. "We are incredibly grateful for the support from the Government of the Northwest Territories through the MIP program," stated Ritch Wigham, CEO & Director of Slave Lake Zinc. "This non-dilutive funding allows us to maximize the geological potential of O'Connor Lake and accelerate our exploration timeline. It underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in driving resource development in the NWT, especially as we focus on critical minerals vital for North America's green economy transition." The O'Connor Lake Property is strategically located approximately 100 km east of Fort Resolution, offering favorable access and proximity to existing infrastructure. Slave Lake Zinc is committed to executing its exploration program responsibly and in collaboration with local Indigenous communities. About Slave Lake Zinc Corp. Slave Lake Zinc Corp. is a mineral exploration company focused on advancing its 100% owned O'Connor Lake Property, located in the prolific South Slave Magmatic zone of the Northwest Territories. The property is situated approximately 100 km east of Fort Resolution, the terminus of the all-weather road from Osisko's Pine Point deposits. The Company's geological team is experienced in identifying and delineating targets in our hydrothermal structurally controlled system and is committed to maximizing shareholder value through exploration and development of the O'Connor Lake Project. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulation services provider has reviewed or accepted responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release. Forward-Looking Statement Statements in this news release that are forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties concerning the specific factors disclosed here and elsewhere in both Slave Lake Zinc's periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators. When used in this news release, words such as "will", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "potential", "should," and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements. Information provided in this document is necessarily summarized and may not contain all available material information. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the progress of a definitive offtake agreement, potential development and production at the Company's O'Connor Lake project, future oriented events and other statements that are not facts. Forward-looking statements are based on a few assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management based on the business and markets in which Slave Lake Zinc operates, are inherently subject to significant operational, economic, and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Such forward-looking statements should therefore be construed in light of such factors. Although Slave Lake Zinc has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, there can be other factors that cause results, performance or achievements not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate or that management's expectations or estimates of future developments, circumstances or results will materialize. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and Slave Lake Zinc disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise such information, except as required by applicable law, and Slave Lake Zinc does not assume any liability for disclosure relating to any other company. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/272320 Orex Minerals Inc. (TSX-V: REX) ("Orex" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a binding term sheet dated October 27, 2025 with Silver Viper Minerals Corp. (TSX-V: VIPR) (OTCQB: VIPRF) ("Silver Viper") and Fresnillo plc ("Fresnillo") to sell its interest in the Coneto Silver-Gold Project ("Coneto" or the "Project") located in Durango, Mexico. Transaction Summary: Under the agreement, Silver Viper will acquire 100% ownership of the Project from Orex and Fresnillo through an all-share transaction. Orex ownership sold: 38.79%. Fresnillo ownership sold: 61.21%. Consideration: 26,250,000 common shares of Silver Viper, at a deemed price of CAD$0.80 per share. Valuation: The transaction values the Project at approximately US$15 million (CAD$21 million). Post-closing ownership: Fresnillo and Orex will hold approximately 17% and 11% of Silver Viper, respectively (undiluted). Additional terms: Anti-dilution rights granted to Fresnillo and formation of a technical committee for future project advancement. Conditions: Completion remains subject to customary conditions, including satisfactory due diligence, board approvals, and acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange and other regulatory authorities. Finders fee: No finders fee will be payable by Orex in connection with the Transaction. Closing date: The parties will work on closing the Acquisition expeditiously and no later than January 2026. As per TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") policies, the Acquisition constitutes a non-arm's length transaction due to a shared director (Steve Cope). The transaction remains subject to TSXV approval. Management Commentary: John Eren, President and CEO of the Company, commented: "This transaction reflects Orex's commitment to unlocking value for shareholders by monetizing our interest in Coneto while allowing the Project to advance under Silver Viper's dedicated exploration platform. We are pleased that Silver Viper and Fresnillo will continue to move this high-quality asset forward, and we look forward to participating in its future success as a shareholder". About the Coneto Silver-Gold Project: The Project is located approximately 100 kilometers north of Durango City, within the historic Coneto Mining District, one of Mexico's oldest and most prolific silver-gold camps. The district hosts some of the country's most significant deposits, including Fresnillo, Guanajuato, and Zacatecas, as well as nearby development projects such as La Preciosa (Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd.) and La Pitarrilla (Endeavour Silver Corp.). The Project covers 4,995 hectares of mineral concessions previously held 55% by Fresnillo and 45% by Orex under an association agreement, with Fresnillo as the project operator. More than 40 known epithermal quartz veins have been mapped across several kilometers of strike, with some exceeding 20 meters in width and extending for over a kilometer. ABOUT OREX MINERALS INC. Orex Minerals Inc. is a precious and base metals exploration company with projects in Mexico and Canada. The Company's portfolio includes the Sandra Silver-Gold Project (Durango State, Mexico), in partnership with Pan American Silver Corp., and the Jumping Josephine Gold Project in British Columbia, Canada. Orex is led by an experienced team of mining and exploration professionals dedicated to value creation through strategic project advancement and partnerships. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS John Eren President & CEO Tania Archer Corporate Development For further information, please contact: Orex Minerals Inc. Tel: +1 (604) 687-8566 Email: info@orexminerals.com Website: www.orexminerals.com STAY CONNECTED X (Twitter): Orex Minerals (@OrexMinerals) / X (twitter.com) LinkedIn: Orex Minerals Inc. | LinkedIn Facebook: Orex Minerals | Facebook FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release may contain forward-looking statements, including but not limited to statements regarding the completion of the transaction, project advancement, and future exploration activities. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. Orex undertakes no obligation to update such statements except as required by law. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release." in the press release as per policy 3.3. For additional information on risks and uncertainties, refer to the Company's most recently filed annual MD&A available on SEDAR+ ( www.sedarplus.ca ) and the Company's website. SOURCE Orex Minerals Inc. No U-turn as FOM sticks with racing-first coverage Formula 1's television coverage has undergone a noticeable shift in recent races - with the Mexico GP confirming that FOM has dramatically reduced its once-controversial focus on celebrity guests and drivers' partners. Singapore GP 202 McLaren Following fierce criticism after Singapore - led by Carlos Sainz, who blasted the number of girlfriend shots shown during live races - F1's TV directors appear to have quietly changed course. At both Austin and Mexico, cameras avoided the usual celebrity and garage close-ups, focusing instead on on-track action. German publication Auto Motor und Sport noted that drivers' wives were no longer shown at all during the Mexican GP, describing it as a clear sign that Formula 1 had responded to earlier criticism. Anyone hoping to see WAGs or Hollywood stars during the race was disappointed, wrote journalist Tobias Gruner. "The broadcast focused entirely on the racing. The TV team captured all the drama of Verstappen's charge through the field and showed more of the midfield action that fans had missed earlier this season. The magazine said the production team appeared to have learned from the backlash that followed the Singapore race, when fans complained about missed overtakes and unnecessary celebrity cutaways. But not everyone was impressed. Former F1 driver Christijan Albers told De Telegraaf that the new direction still missed the mark - this time for failing to follow key race moments. That was so bad - truly awful, he said. "It was very difficult to follow what was going on. After five laps, they were still showing replays of the start, but missed the moment when Verstappen and Hamilton went side by side into Turn 1. I've never seen anything like it. Albers' critique echoed broader frustration over FOM's timing of replays in Mexico, with the near-miss involving Liam Lawson and marshals shown only on Sky's onboard feed rather than the main world feed. (GMM) In a move that's as close to an official announcement as it gets, Motorola has listed the Edge 70 on its official Polish and German websites, along with the phone's full specifications. The Motorola Edge 70 is the global variant of the China-locked ultrathin Motorola X70 Air, but it wasn't yet clear whether it will share its exact specs. It seemingly is now. The Edge 70 comes in three Pantone-branded colors - Gadget Grey, Lilly pad, and Bronze Green. All three colors come with a unique nylon-textured finish on the back of the phone, the frame is an aircraft-grade aluminum, and the front is a Gorilla Glass 7i. The body has passed some MIL-STD 810H standards. Motorola Edge 70 in PANTONE Gadget Grey, Pantone Lilly pad, and Pantone Bronze Green The Edge 70's biggest claim to fame is its svelte body. It's only 6mm thick, measuring 160mm tall, 74mm wide, and weighing 159 grams - that's an impressive 20 grams less than the Edge 60. The Motorola Edge 70 has a Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 SoC with 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and runs Android 16 with Motorola's OS skin on top. There are some tradeoffs from being as thin - the battery is only a 4,800mAh unit, but Motorola promises up to 29 hours of video and 66 hours of music playback, up to 8 hours of 4K video recording, and up and up to 10 hours of social media. A previous leak shared the EU Energy label of the Motorola Edge 70, which says we should expect nearly 50 hours of total endurance. Charging is impressive at 68W wired and 15W wireless. Upfront sits a 6.67-inch 120Hz pOLED display with a 2712x1220px resolution. The panel is Pantone validated for correct colors. There's a dual 50MP camera system on the rear - a 24mm f/1.8 wide angle and a 12mm f/2.0 ultawide with PDAF. There's another 50MP camera on the front. The single 12/512GB configuration can be yours for 800 and you get a gift of either a Moto tag, the Moto Buds Loop, the Moto Watch Fit, or a 68W TurboPower charger. Motorola Edge 70 5G These are the best offers from our affiliate partners. We may get a commission from qualifying sales. 512GB 12GB RAM 527.34 695.00 Show all prices Source Motorola Moto G67 Power listed on official website with specs and images, launching next week Motorola recently started teasing the launch of a new smartphone in India, and today the brand revealed that phone is the Moto G67 Power, which will launch on November 5. Motorola also listed the Moto G67 Power on its Indian website with images, specs, and features, so we don't have to wait until next Wednesday to know what the smartphone will offer. The use of the word "Power" in the phone's moniker should already tell you that it will pack a big battery. How big? The answer is 7,000 mAh. It's a Si/C battery, advertised to last more than two days (58 hours, to be accurate) on a single charge. The Moto G67 Power will support 30W wired charging, and the power adapter will be included in the retail package. The Motorola Moto G67 Power will have the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 SoC under the hood with 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of storage. The smartphone will run Android 15 out of the box, which is a bummer for two reasons: 1) Android 16 is already out; 2) Motorola is promising only one Android OS upgrade, meaning the phone won't receive Android 17 and later. On the upside, Motorola will provide three years of security updates to the G67 Power. Moving on, the Motorola Moto G67 Power will have a 6.7" 120Hz FullHD+ LCD on the front, which will be protected by Gorilla Glass 7i. The display will also have a centered punch-hole for the 32MP selfie camera, capable of recording 4K videos. Power. Performance. Perfection. The all-new moto g67 POWER packs a 7000mAh Silicon Carbon battery, 50MP Sony LYT-600 camera with 4K recording, Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, 120Hz FHD+ display, and military-grade durability. Launching 5th November. pic.twitter.com/gnalEL9rl9 Motorola India (@motorolaindia) October 29, 2025 The back cover of the Moto G67 Power, having a vegan leather finish, will sport three cameras - a 50MP primary camera (Sony LYTIA 600), an 8MP ultrawide camera, and a "2-in-1 Flicker" camera. Like the selfie camera, the primary and ultrawide cameras can also record 4K videos. The rest of the Motorola Moto G67 Power's features include a 3.5mm headphone jack, dual stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio, a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, an IP64 rating, and MIL-STD-810H certification. The Motorola Moto G67 Power will be 8.6mm thick, weigh 210 g, and come in three Pantone-curated colors: Pantone Cilantro, Pantone Parachute Purple, and Pantone Blue Curacao. Motorola Moto G67 Power's color options Motorola hasn't revealed the Moto G67 Power's price yet, but it confirmed the smartphone will be sold in India through its official website, Flipkart, and leading retail stores. Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero on Tuesday said she would have liked the vote for Guams political status change to have happened yesterday, even as Sen. William Parkinson pushes for a referendum in 2026. Parkinson is drafting a bill seeking political status change, but the town halls he has been hosting have been discussing a simple two-step process to move the decolonization vote forward. The first step would be a referendum in the 2026 general election that asks a single question, the senator said. Should Guam seek a different political status from what we have today as an unincorporated territory of the United States? This vote would give us a clear mandate from the people on whether we should pursue change, Parkinson said. If the public votes yes, then a second vote would take place in 2028 during the general election. That vote would ask which political status the people of Guam want to pursue: statehood, independence, or free association. Each status has very different legal and economic implications, Parkinson said. The two-step process ensures that voters are fully informed and that our decision is deliberate and fair. Another factor to consider is the inclusion of the status quo, which Parkison said during a previous town hall meeting needs to be included as an option, along with other parameter changes. Leon Guerrero on Tuesday said Parkinson would have to change the law because it currently only lists independence, statehood, and free association as options. The governor added that Adelup and the Legislature are trying to work ways to strategize how we can move forward with the votes. The vote, she said, can be executed one of two ways, depending on which status change is chosen. If its an election sponsored by the government, it has to be an election for all people. If its an election sponsored by a nonprofit organization, then as per the mandate under the law that exists now, which was declared unconstitutional, only native inhabitants of Guam [would be] eligible to vote, she said. After a political status is chosen in 2028, Parkinson said the next step is to work with Guams federal partners in Washington, D.C., with the Legislature leading the effort to advance Guams chosen status through Congress and the federal system. International processes may also come into play depending on the option selected, such as United Nations involvement if independence or free association is chosen, Parkinson said. My goal is to finally put this decision in the hands of the people. He said that Guam has waited too long for Washington, D.C. to decide our future for us. Guam deserves clarity, a democratic path forward, and momentum that does not depend on politics in D.C., he added. Guma Mami Inc., a nonprofit community-based organization dedicated to providing support and services to individuals with disabilities on Guam, is hosting a Halloween carnival and trick-or-trunk on Friday. The carnival will be at one of the organizations community homes at 105 Hibiscus Street in Mangilao from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Oct. 31. Monica Limtiaco, lead treatment specialist, told the Pacific Daily News that monies that we raise for the carnival is going to be used for recreational leisure activities in the future for our residents. Funded by the Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center, Guma Mamis main mission is to help individuals with disabilities recover and become self-determined, through teaching and reinforcing independent living, life skills, and social interaction. Guma Mami believes in the inclusion of people with disabilities, so making sure they have a quality life, making sure they participate in activities anybody participates in, is whats really important, Limtiaco said. She added that this carnival and other leisurely activities, such as pool days, gym days, bowling, dinners, or nights out are important to make sure clients have fun just like any typical person, because some of them may not have all the proper support systems in place. This is the way we try to provide that additional support, Limtiaco said. Its important to teach about medication, independent living, and how to ride a bus, but whats also important is how to be a part of the community and how to be social. Participating in these types of activities, she added, enhances the clients socializing skills in real-life settings. Residents can contact organizers at (671) 483-6775 or (671) 777-4862 for more information. The defendants in an alleged Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program fraud case are now asking for a June or September 2026 trial, once again citing the need to review nearly 1 million pages of documents and to accommodate a six-week trial, based on the latest filings in federal court. One of the attorneys, for example, prefers not to begin any trial until Sept. 30, 2026. Another spoke of availability by June 8, 2026. Not all defense counsels responded, so it is difficult to state with certainty that June 2026 represents a general consensus. At least one defense counsel preferred not to begin any trial until September 2026, the U.S. Attorneys Office said in an Oct. 29 filing. The seven defendantsCharissa M. Tenorio, Matthew Topasna, Frankie Rosalin, Tina Sanchez, Kathleen Peredo, Winnie Jo Santos, and Marlene Pinaulaare accused of receiving $492,063 in fraudulent PUA claims filed on behalf of multiple individuals between July 2020 and September 2021. All pleaded not guilty and were released with conditions. At least three of them are members of Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorios family. Tenorio, who is running for governor in 2026, is not charged with any crime. He has asserted that neither he nor Adelup is involved in the PUA case or investigation. The 2026 primary election is set for Aug. 1, while the general election is Nov. 3. Defense filings submitted Wednesday show most attorneys prefer trial dates after March 2026, with June or September as the most feasible options. Attorneys cited the volume of discovery, technical difficulties, and potential missing evidence as reasons more time is needed to prepare. Counsel also anticipate the trial could last six weeks to accommodate multiple defendants and witnesses. Defense filings said a 35-day to 40-day trial depends on the number of witnesses that the prosecution would call, which has not been disclosed to the parties. The requests follow a September decision by District Court Magistrate Judge Michael Bordallo to vacate a December 2025 trial date. Bordallo scheduled a hearing for 11 a.m. on Oct. 31 to get an update from the attorneys. The seven defendants, along with other unnamed co-conspirators, allegedly conspired to file $1.9 million in fraudulent PUA claims through the Guam Department of Labor. Each faces nine counts of wire fraud, 18 counts of mail fraud, and one count of conspiracy. Charissa Tenorio, the lieutenant governors sister, also faces money laundering and two counts of witness tampering. Former Guam Department of Labor employees Peredo and Pinaula face one count of federal program theft each, while Sanchez faces an additional witness tampering charge. Haiti - Agribusiness : Haitian cocoa at the World Chocolate Fair in Paris From October 29 to November 2nd, 2025, Haitian cocoa will be proudly represented at the 30th edition of the Salon Mondial du Chocolat (World Chocolate Fair) held at the Porte de Versailles in Paris. With the support of the International Labour Organization (ILO) through the Project for Strengthening Agricultural Opportunities through Training and Technological Investment (P.R.O.F.I.T.), funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, key players in the southern Haitian cocoa sector, including Ayitika, Kaleos S.A., Kauna, Ralph Leroy, the Ddaga Departmental Directorate of Agriculture, and Geonova, will travel to Haiti to exhibit and sell cocoa products and derivatives, and to showcase the wealth and opportunities associated with this crop. The companies Kaleos, Kauna, and Leroy Chocolat will present, showcase, and offer tastings of cacao (through derivative products such as chocolate bars, cacao powder and butter, hot chocolate, and, in a world premiere, the gluten-free "Choucoune" biscuit made with breadfruit flour and cacao) sourced from Haiti's rich and unique terroir, which, once processed, yields the most exotic and refined flavors. Haitian cacao, whose main cultivated varieties are Criollo and Trinitario, is among the leading unique primary products exported to international markets. Criollo (Creole in Spanish) is the most sought-after variety in the world for its sweet flavor and irresistible aroma. The purity of Haitian Criollo exceeds 90%. The origins of these two varieties date back to the pre-Columbian period, when cacao was still considered a sacred beverage. It was introduced to Haiti by the Taino people, originally from South and Central America. These varieties of Haitian cacao are particularly renowned and appreciated by fine pastry shops and top European chocolatiers for their delicate flavor and intoxicating aromas. Cacao ranked second among Haiti's primary exports in 2023; 5,000 tons of cacao were produced annually, generating an estimated $8 million in revenue. However, less than 10% of Haiti's total production is exported as fermented cacao. IH/ S/ iciHaiti Activities held across China to mark Chongyang Festival Xinhua) 08:42, October 29, 2025 Volunteers make dumplings together with elderly people in Gaobei Village of Shibing County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Oct. 27, 2025. A series of activities were held across the country to mark China's Chongyang Festival, which will fall on Oct. 29 this year. Also known as Seniors' Day in China nowadays, it highlights the public's care for elderly people. (Photo by Tai Shengzhi/Xinhua) Volunteers chat with elderly people at a nursing home in Zhanggezhuang Village of Zunhua City, north China's Hebei Province, Oct. 28, 2025. A series of activities were held across the country to mark China's Chongyang Festival, which will fall on Oct. 29 this year. Also known as Seniors' Day in China nowadays, it highlights the public's care for elderly people. (Photo by Liu Mancang/Xinhua) Volunteers hand a piece of cake to an elderly woman at a nursing home in Chengguan Town of Luoyang, central China's Henan Province, Oct. 28, 2025. A series of activities were held across the country to mark China's Chongyang Festival, which will fall on Oct. 29 this year. Also known as Seniors' Day in China nowadays, it highlights the public's care for elderly people. (Photo by Kang Hongjun/Xinhua) Volunteers perform together with elderly people at a welfare house in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, Oct. 28, 2025. A series of activities were held across the country to mark China's Chongyang Festival, which will fall on Oct. 29 this year. Also known as Seniors' Day in China nowadays, it highlights the public's care for elderly people. (Photo by Zhang Ying/Xinhua) A staff member helps an elderly woman put on a pair of donated shoes in Baimiao Village, Zhumadian City, central China's Henan Province, Oct. 28, 2025. A series of activities were held across the country to mark China's Chongyang Festival, which will fall on Oct. 29 this year. Also known as Seniors' Day in China nowadays, it highlights the public's care for elderly people. (Photo by Zhao Yongtao/Xinhua) Children from a kindergarten make sweets together with elderly people in Qinyang City, central China's Henan Province, Oct. 28, 2025. A series of activities were held across the country to mark China's Chongyang Festival, which will fall on Oct. 29 this year. Also known as Seniors' Day in China nowadays, it highlights the public's care for elderly people. (Photo by Zhang Xinyu/Xinhua) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Haiti - News : Zapping... Aviation career awareness Reginald Guignard, Director General of the National Civil Aviation Office (OFNAC), is committed to motivating young people and introducing them to the many opportunities offered by careers in aviation. As part of this initiative, OFNAC held its first presentation at a school to raise awareness and encourage students to explore this sector, which offers a wealth of career opportunities. Schools Closed in Departments Under Red Alert The Ministry of National Education has decided to temporarily close all schools in the departments under red alert: West, Nippes, Southeast, South, and Grand'Anse, starting this Wednesday, October 29, until the red alert is lifted. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-46091-haiti-flash-alert-level-rises-5-departments-in-red-2-in-orange.html DGI : Tax Collection in Line with Forecasts The General Directorate of Taxes (DGI) announces that it has collected 70 billion gourdes, in line with forecasts for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. However, Romuald Petit, Director General of the DGI (General Directorate of Taxes), deplores the relocation or closure of 21 tax collection points due to insecurity. France supports Haitian women At the 4th Ministerial Conference on Feminist Diplomacy, recently held in Paris, France reaffirmed its commitment to making the rights of women and girls and gender equality a priority of its foreign policy. In Haiti, as part of its feminist diplomacy, France has supported more than 50 organizations working for the rights of women and girls through the "Innovative Projects of Civil Society and Coalitions of Actors" (PISCCA) program. Support will be renewed for the next 14 months thanks to the Team France 2025 Fund. Important meeting of French NGOs Antoine Michon, the French Ambassador to Haiti, received representatives of French NGOs working in Haiti at the French Residence. Several of these NGOs receive financial support from France and the European Union. The meeting focused on the challenges faced in education, health, humanitarian aid, sustainable development, and security issues. HL/ HaitiLibre The investment, announced Tuesday, positions Nokia as a key partner in Nvidias expansion into telecommunications infrastructure. Nokia will integrate Nvidias AI chips and algorithms into mobile base stations and fixed network products to support future 5G-Advanced and 6G applications. Nvidia will invest $1 billion in Nokia, acquiring a 2.9 percent stake in the Finnish telecoms firm as part of a strategic partnership to develop next-generation network technologies built around artificial intelligence. It opens the door to distributing AI computing power beyond traditional data centres into telecom networks themselves, including base stations, a step that could transform how mobile networks operate. Nokia said the agreement "marks the beginning of the AI-native wireless era". Nvidias contribution includes its new AI-Ran technology, designed to handle high volumes of mobile data traffic expected from devices such as smart glasses, drones, and robots. The companies plan to build what they describe as AI-native infrastructure, enabling future devices and applications to rely on responsive and adaptive networks. The systems will be designed to process intelligence from the data centre down to the edge of the network, allowing devices to operate with reduced latency and higher efficiency. This is not just a transition from 5G to 6G, its a complete redesign, said Justin Hotard, Nokias President and CEO. Our partnership with Nvidia will accelerate AI-Ran innovation and help put an AI data centre in everyones pocket. Nvidia founder and CEO Jensen Huang said the agreement is intended to help the US regain technological leadership in global telecommunications. Telecommunications is critical national infrastructure, the digital nervous system of our economy and security, Huang said. Built on Nvidia CUDA and AI, AI-Ran will revolutionise telecommunications. Together with Nokia and Americas telecom ecosystem, were igniting this revolution. The investment was made through a directed share issue, valued at 860 million. The idea originated over a year ago when Nokia, Nvidia, Ericsson, and T-Mobile formed a consortium to explore AI integration into mobile networks. With a market value close to $4.9 trillion, Nvidia is currently the most valuable company in the world. Nokias market capitalisation, by contrast, is just under $42 billion. The announcement sent Nokias stock soaring, with shares rising over 20 percent on Tuesday. On the New York Stock Exchange, the increase reached 25 percent. At present, Nokia uses chips designed in-house and manufactured by Marvell. Future products will include versions using Nvidias more expensive but more powerful microchips. This will give telecom operators a choice between two hardware models: the existing, cost-effective Marvell-based units, and the new Nvidia-powered versions optimised for AI capabilities. Nokia is expected to offer both options in parallel. This approach is seen as pragmatic, given uncertainty around whether operators will adopt the higher-cost Nvidia-based solutions. Nvidias technology will also support Nokias expansion in fixed networks. AI requires fast and stable fibre connections between and within data centres. Earlier this year, Nokia acquired optical networking company Infinera in a deal worth over 2 billion, aimed at strengthening its position in this segment. HT Police are investigating the case as aggravated fraud. The Helsinki police confirmed the case remains under preliminary investigation. While they did not comment on the identity of the victim, reports by MTV and Helsingin Sanomat independently confirmed Liikanen as the person affected. Erkki Liikanen , the former Governor of the Bank of Finland, has been identified as the victim in a financial fraud case where approximately 40,000 was lost to a suspected scam network in April 2024. According to law enforcement, the suspected fraud follows the pattern of a so-called "safe account" scam, a growing method used by cybercriminals to deceive individuals into transferring money under false pretences of banking security. Liikanen has not commented on the case, saying he does not wish to interfere while the investigation is still ongoing. The crime occurred around the May Day holiday period in 2024 and involved individuals with both Finnish and foreign nationalities. Some of the stolen funds were reportedly recovered before they could be fully transferred abroad, according to Helsingin Sanomat. In such frauds, the victim is typically contacted by someone impersonating a representative of a bank or official agency. The scam often begins with a phishing message, sometimes claiming to come from a debt collection agency, postal service, or bank, warning of suspicious activity or pending charges. Following the initial message, the victim usually receives a phone call from a person claiming to be a bank official. Using information possibly gained through earlier phishing, the caller may recite real banking activity to gain trust. The caller then urges the victim to transfer funds to a safe account to protect them from ongoing fraudulent activity. In reality, this account is controlled by the fraudsters. In some cases, the fraudsters obtain the victims online banking credentials and conduct the transfers themselves. In others, victims are persuaded to move the funds personally. Police did not comment on the exact sequence of events in Liikanens case. The investigation has revealed a broader criminal network behind the fraud. Authorities have identified multiple suspects, both Finnish and foreign nationals. Some of these individuals are also under investigation for other offences. Several victims beyond Liikanen are reportedly involved in the same case. Police have issued repeated warnings about safe account scams in recent years. The method, originating from overseas fraud networks, has become increasingly common in Finland. Victims are often high-profile individuals or those with substantial funds. Banks and government agencies have consistently reminded the public that they do not request online banking credentials or urge clients to transfer funds under security pretences. Liikanen served as Governor of the Bank of Finland from 2004 to 2018 and was a member of the European Central Banks Governing Council during that period. Earlier, he held roles as European Commissioner for Budget and Administration from 1995 to 1999, Minister of Finance under Prime Minister Harri Holkeri, and Member of Parliament for nearly two decades. HT The Israeli military described the action as a response to what it called a ceasefire violation after the death of a soldier in Rafah. Gazas Ministry of Health confirmed 104 deaths and at least 253 injuries within 12 hours, including 46 children. The strikes, which began on Tuesday night, hit residential areas, schools and displacement shelters across northern, central and southern Gaza. More than 100 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, as the United States insists a ceasefire agreement remains in effect. It said it had targeted dozens of terrorists, claiming 30 were in command roles. No evidence has been provided to support these claims. President Donald Trump defended the strikes. Speaking aboard Air Force One, he said, As I understand it, they took out an Israeli soldier. So the Israelis hit back and they should hit back. He maintained the ceasefire was still in place. Nothing is going to jeopardise the agreement, he said. If they [Hamas] are good, they are going to be happy and if they are not good, they are going to be terminated. The Israeli military later announced that it had resumed enforcement of the ceasefire after the raids. It has retained control of more than half of the Gaza Strip, including Rafah in the south. Gazas Civil Defence described the attacks as war crimes. A tent sheltering displaced civilians in Deir el-Balah was struck, killing five people. Another airstrike hit a residential building in Gaza Citys Sabra neighbourhood. Rescue teams retrieved bodies by hand from beneath the rubble. Hospitals reported being overwhelmed and under-supplied, with many critically wounded patients not expected to survive. The humanitarian group Save the Children said the reported number of children killed was excruciating. Regional director Ahmad Alhendawi said, This cannot become the new normal under a ceasefire. We are pleading: stop this now. The attacks have increased tension over the ceasefire agreement brokered by the US, Egypt, Qatar and Turkey on 10 October. Under the terms, Hamas agreed to return all Israeli hostages, living and deceased, in exchange for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from populated areas and the release of Palestinian prisoners. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza said at least 211 people had been killed since the ceasefire began. The total death toll since October 2023 is now over 68,600. A spokesman for Hamass armed wing said the Israeli actions violated the truce. The group denied involvement in the sniper attack that reportedly killed Israeli soldier Yona Efraim Feldbaum. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Hamas had crossed a bright red line. He threatened Hamas leaders abroad, stating, There is and will be no immunity for anyone in the leadership of the Hamas terror organisation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he ordered powerful strikes following delays in the return of hostage remains. Israel claimed a coffin handed over by Hamas did not contain the expected body. Forensic tests showed it contained remains already recovered in 2023. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) condemned the incident. It said its team had been called to a location in good faith and was unaware of any staging. The renewed violence also coincides with an increase in settler violence in the occupied West Bank. More than 250 attacks have been recorded since the olive harvest began this month. In the latest incident, settlers cut down 50 saplings and stole equipment in Beit Ummar. Israeli forces have also conducted widespread arrests in the West Bank. In the Dheisheh refugee camp near Bethlehem, around 50 Palestinians were detained. Most had recently been released. Journalist Mohammed al-Munirawi and his wife were among those killed in the airstrikes. According to the Gaza Government Media Office, 256 journalists have been killed since the genocidal war began. The UNs special rapporteur on Palestine, Francesca Albanese, presented a report to the General Assembly accusing states of complicity in Israels actions. She said 63 countries had contributed to a collective crime, with the US playing the leading role. Too many states have harmed, founded and shielded Israels militarised apartheid, allowing its settler colonial enterprise to metastasise into genocide, she said. The report criticised arms exports, intelligence-sharing and diplomatic support that enabled what she called a live-streamed atrocity. She cited Germany, the UK, and Arab states, including Egypt, for maintaining military and economic ties during the war. In her address, Albanese said international institutions had failed to prevent mass atrocities in Gaza. She called for a reformed multilateralism built on justice and accountability. Back in Gaza, the number of patients needing evacuation has grown. The World Health Organization estimates more than 15,000 people, including thousands of children, require urgent treatment outside the Strip. Vice President JD Vance said the ceasefire remained intact despite the attacks. That doesnt mean that there arent going to be little skirmishes here and there, he said. We expect the Israelis are going to respond. Analysts say both sides are testing the limits of the ceasefire. Some Israeli ministers have pushed for a return to full-scale war. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir criticised Netanyahu for not ordering a broader campaign. The government will have no right to exist, he wrote, if it abandons the goal of dismantling Hamas. HT Ask Matt ... Why is bus ridership down, and drug ads up? Shelley Brown, director of transportation for Henderson County schools, stands in front of a new 72-passenger bus, which cost $166,000. Related Stories Q. I read that a national survey found that for the first time ever, the number of car riders surpassed the number of kids riding a school bus. Where do we stand? We are no different. A ridership count was recently taken for all 23 Henderson County public schools. We currently have a total of 4,344 bus riders, which is 35 percent of our student population, said Shelley Brown, the school systems director of transportation. Brown had predicted this drop from previous years due to Hurricane Helene plus an ongoing decline statewide. So where are the bus riders? Online research offered that many stopped riding due to convenience. Why put your kid on a bus for an hour when you can drive them in 15 minutes? Also, there is a perceived safety factor although statistics show that riding a bus is vastly safer than in a car or walking. Remember, many high schoolers drive themselves and others to school. OK, so if fewer kids are riding buses to school, are car rider lines at our elementary and middle schools getting longer? Not really, because Henderson County school enrollment is declining. This is true across the state. Kim Arrowood, HCPSs public information officer, offered some reasons, including Covid 19 and the loss of students to home schools, private schools and charter schools. Also, the rising cost of raising a family may be a factor in smaller birth cohorts. Cost is a factor in the school bus business, too, but money is not a cause for the decline in ridership. Our school district operates 111 yellow buses and 30 activity buses at a cost per mile of $6.17. This exceeds the state average by $1.18. Compared to all the 115 North Carolina public school systems, our mountain roads are not affecting cost as much as how compact each school district is. Each school system gets an allowance for bus maintenance and for buying new ones. The last 72-passenger bus HCPS acquired cost $166,345. Those buses, which now come with seat belts, are made by the Thomas Bus Co. in High Point, a Daimler Truck North America subsidiary that makes about a third of the school buses sold in the U.S. Q. Are we seeing so more drug ads on television now than before? Yup! From online sources, Big Pharma has invested $3.73 billion in national TV advertising since January. Thats about 14 percent of all television advertising. And it seems that ads are getting more creative with awesome dancing (Jardiance), beautiful unblemished bodies (Skyrizi) and ads playing hit songs like Dancing in the Moonlight (Vabysmo). I conducted an armchair (OK, lazy-boy) study in August and found more than thirty drug ads, not counting over-the-counter drugs. You know them for the heart, eyes, blood, skin, lungs, muscles and brains or conditions ranging from cancer to depression. Wegovy, the hot new weight loss drug, is the most advertised. There is no shortage of Prevagen ads. This OTC product touts improved brain health. Highly questionable. I toted my list of ads down to Economy Drugs and presented it to pharmacist Jack Romer and asked if it was really worth it for drug companies to advertise as they do. The numbers are there, said Romer. We dont sell all those drugs but there are many who go to their doctors and they do ask. Romer cited the convenience factor. A lot of people like the weight loss drugs because it just takes a pill, he said. Romer gave me a short history of drug advertising. In the old days drug company reps could walk into a doctors or pharmacists office to promote their products, he said. Thats all changed. The FDAs gradual relaxation of drug ads began in 1997. The ads now have to state side effects which, for many, went right over their heads, he said. It is no wonder that with some 20,000 approved drugs, all the easy names have been taken. Drug companies struggle to invent new names. Ultimately drug names must be approved by the World Health Organization. Tylenol was approved in 1955. Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) has been around since 1899. ADD SHIRTTAIL Apple Wedge Packers reopening a bright spot in a bad season Apple Wedge Packers President Greg Nix holds his 1-year-old grandson Landry Kehoe while he visited with family, friends and coworkers during the reopening of his packing house. Apple Wedge Packers President Greg Nix smiled Friday evening as he watched friends, family and coworkers arrive for a celebration at his newly rebuilt packing house in Edneyville. View the Slideshow Im glad to see all these people, he said as a bluegrass band standing on a semitrucks flatbed trailer struck up a tune just outside the new building. Im glad to see everyone here. As he visited with guests while they enjoyed the music along food and drinks in an area outside the new facility, Nix reflected on the months since the Jan.31 fire that destroyed his packing house on Bearwallow Road. The wind-driven fire started outdoors in apple boxes and quickly spread inside the packing house. Once the magnitude of the fire was known, dispatchers issued an all-call for mutual aid, activating all 12 fire departments in the county, plus Hendersonville plus departments in Buncombe, Transylvania and Polk counties 22 departments in all and around 150 firefighters. Even so, there was little they could do to save the structure and contents from the conflagration. Nix said the first thing he did when he saw the flames was make sure all his employees and family members working at the packing house were safe. Then, he said he sat down on bank nearby and prayed. I said, Lord, its in your hands. Im not going to question, Nix said. Mike Miller, one the firefighters who battled the blaze at the packing house, returned for the reopening celebration. The new building, equipment and gravel parking lot looked much improved from the mess he saw the day of the fire. We couldnt see most of it there was so much smoke, Miller said. This is quite nice considered what it was. Nix, 66, grew up in Edneyville and has been farming apples since he was 19 years old. Ive been doing this my whole life, he said. His commitment to the apple industry and his business grew over the years with his family joining long-time workers in the orchards and his packing house. My workers are very much like family, he said, noting that at least one employee has been with him for 36 years. Nix said he briefly discussed with his wife the possibility of closing his business but never seriously considered the idea of not reopening. She said, If you told me thats what you wanted to do, I would have called the funeral home, Nix said with a laugh as he remembered his wifes reaction to the prospect of closing. Nix began working on getting new equipment and coming up with plans for a rebuilt packing house on the Monday after the fire. He said he was fortunate to work with good people who helped him put in the physical and mental labor required to rebuild. As a result of the hard work, the packing house was able to open with a new metal building and new equipment in October. But the new equipment remained silent and still in the building on Friday evening. There would be time for work later, after Nix and his community finished celebrating how much they accomplished in the last nine months. Nonprofits step up after loss of SNAP More than a dozen nonprofit agencies and churches in Henderson County are offering assistance with food and other essential items to people in need as the federal government shutdown halts state-run food and nutrition services. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has instructed North Carolina to suspend the issuance of November 2025 Food and Nutrition Services benefits, Henderson Countys Department of Social Services announced on Wednesday. Counties will continue to accept food and nutrition applications, complete recertifications and react to reportable changes. We understand how concerning this can be, but please know that many wonderful nonprofits across Henderson County have prepared to help with food, meals, diapers, wipes and other essential items available for families in need, the DSS said. The federal shutdown does not affect the day-to-day operations of our FNS (Food and Nutrition Services) staff, who continue processing applications, recertifications, and assisting residents with any questions or concerns. Henderson County remains committed to supporting our community during this time. Local non-profits and churches available to help include: YMCA Food Market at Blue Ridge Community Health, 2579 Chimney Rock Road, 1:30-3 p.m. every other Monday starting Nov. 9, 828-775-7081 YMCA Food Market at Mills River Park, 124 Town Center Drive, Mills River, 2-3 p.m. every other Monday starting Nov. 2, 828-775-7081 Calvary Chapel of Asheville, 5516 Boylston Highway, Mills River, 10-11 a.m. last Friday of the month, 828-891-4137 Hendersonville Seventh Day Adventist Church, 2301 Asheville Highway, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays, 828-840-7748 East Flat Rock Baptist Church, 2227 Spartanburg Highway, East Flat Rock, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, (call for updated schedule), 828-692-0765 Calvary Episcopal Church Food Pantry, 2840 Hendersonville Road, Fletcher, 8-11 a.m. Saturday, 828-684-6266 The Storehouse, 1049 Spartanburg Highway, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 828-692-8300 Interfaith Assistance Ministry, 310 Freeman Street, see website for various places and times, 828-697-7029 Etowah United Methodist Church, 110 Brickyard Road, Etowah, see website for schedule, 828-891-4360 Salvation Army, 239 Third Ave. W., 9 a.m.-noon Monday-Friday, 828-693-4181 St. Paul's Episcopal Community Food Pantry, 3685 Chimney Rock Road, 2-5:30 p.m. Thursday, 828-642-4749 Trinity of Fairview, 646 Concord Road, Fletcher, 9 a.m.-noon Wednesday, 828-301-0187 Pan De Vida, 3580 Brevard Road, 10 a.m. until, Saturday, 828-329-8260 New Beginning Baptist Church, 29 Marlowe Drive, Mills River, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays, call for appointment, 828-243-8876 Hope United Methodist Church, 2443 Spartanburg Highway, East Flat Rock, 4:30-6 p.m., 828-697-6846 Hendersonville Rescue Mission, 639 Maple Street, lunch served 12:15 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 12:45 p.m. Sunday, 828-697-1354 Love's Kitchen at First Baptist, 312 Fifth Avenue West, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday 843-737-1605 For more information, visit the social services page at www.hendersoncountync.gov. Chinese VP calls for win-win cooperation, common prosperity at major forum Xinhua) 08:48, October 29, 2025 RIYADH, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Han Zheng addressed a leading investment forum here Tuesday, urging joint efforts to pursue win-win cooperation and achieve common prosperity. Promoting development and prosperity is a common pursuit of the international community and a common task facing all countries, especially developing ones, he said at the ninth Future Investment Initiative (FII) conference. The concept of building a community with a shared future for humanity, as well as the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and the Global Governance Initiative, proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, have charted the course for all countries to achieve peaceful development and common prosperity, he said. A few days ago, Han noted, the fourth plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China Central Committee was successfully held, which summarized China's achievements and experiences over the past five years, and mapped out a blueprint for China's development over the next five years, sending a clear signal for further deepening reform comprehensively and promoting high-level opening up. The vice president put forward four proposals in his speech. First, strengthening innovation-driven development and promoting green development. Stressing that China is accelerating the building of an open innovation ecosystem with global competitiveness, and developing new quality productive forces suited to local conditions, he said that China is willing to work with all countries to promote the cooperation of traditional, emerging, and future industries, continuously stimulating development momentum, and driving the green and low-carbon transformation of the world economy. Second, upholding openness and cooperation and promoting mutual benefit and win-win results. Noting that China has always adhered to the basic national policy of opening up, Han said China is not only a beneficiary of economic globalization, but also a contributor, defender, and promoter of it. China is willing to work with all countries to promote greater resilience, efficiency, and vitality in the global industrial and supply chains, and inject more certainty and positive energy into the world economic recovery and global development and prosperity, according to the vice president. Third, advocating people-centered development and achieving common prosperity. China has always adhered to a people-centered development philosophy, and is advancing the comprehensive development of individuals and the common prosperity of all its people in the process of Chinese modernization, he said. Countries should jointly promote universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization so that different countries and social groups can share the benefits of development, Han said, noting that China is willing to work with developing countries to share development opportunities and jointly move towards modernization. Fourth, enhancing shared visions and deepening solidarity and coordination. In the face of the ever-increasing global challenges, the destinies of countries are interconnected, and it is necessary to seek common ground in visions on the basis of mutual respect, he said. China is willing to work with the international community to practice genuine multilateralism, uphold the global governance concept of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits, work together to promote a more just and equitable global governance system, and jointly build a community with a shared future for humanity, Han added. Noting that China and the Middle East enjoy a long history of friendship and cooperation, Han said China stands ready to work with Saudi Arabia and other countries in the region to deepen friendly collaboration, advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and forge a more multidimensional pattern of energy cooperation. The two sides, he suggested, should also speed up efforts to secure new progress in financial and investment cooperation, foster new highlights in cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and explore new frontiers in innovation collaboration, to make fresh contributions to the development and prosperity of countries in the region and create new opportunities for global growth. The FII conference is the largest and most influential investment and innovation forum in the Middle East. Themed "The key to prosperity: unlocking new frontiers of growth," the latest edition will feature some 250 events and gather more than 8,000 delegates from around the world, including leaders of 16 countries. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) W Hotels , part of Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, today announces the completed transformation of W Hoboken , a luxury urban oasis in the heart of Hoboken's vibrant dining, social, and cultural scene. Perched on the waterfront directly across from New York City, W Hoboken breathes new life into the city with its reinvented spaces that invite creativity and connection, inspired by the charm of Hoboken. W Hoboken follows the brand's recently unveiled global flagship, W New York - Union Square, which honors the brand's storied heritage and propels W Hotels confidently into the future, reinforcing the brand's commitment to redefining luxury lifestyle hospitality. An Urban Social Hub The brand's signature Living Room is the beating heart of W Hoboken, effortlessly shifting from a relaxed daytime hub for coffee and curated bites to a lively social scene in the evening - offering guests and locals an inviting urban respite in the midst of the industrial city. True to the signature style of W Hotels, the design of W Hoboken seamlessly weaves in local culture, embodying the unique spirit and character of the city. A wall of metal mesh tubes weaves through the Living Room, echoing the industrial materials of Hoboken's historic train tracks, while the iconic red arch of the Living Room Bar pays homage to the city's curved architecture. In the seating area, a playful, colorful carpet evokes a sense of movement, inspired by the flowing currents of the Hudson River. Bringing a stylish lounge vibe to the heart of the city, Living Room Bar is the latest dining destination at W Hoboken, joining the acclaimed Halifax and Sushi by Bou restaurants. The Living Room dinner menu showcases elevated, housemade creations inspired by refined hors d'oeuvres, with standout offerings including mini lobster rolls, everything cream puffs with pimento cheese, and decadent truffle arancini. A specialty caviar service, featuring housemade blinis, along with mini baked potatoes and signature tater tots crowned with caviar. The cocktail program is both inventive and globally inspired, taking guests on a flavorful journey with exceptional taste and presentation, including Fizz de Provence featuring Citadelle gin, artonic melon liqueur, Aperol, egg white, cream, and lemon; Kyoto Bridge made from Haku vodka, sake, ceremonial matcha, and yuzu; and Obelisco After Dark crafted with Fernet branca, coffee liqueur, redemption bourbon, early gray, lemon, and coconut. Inspiring Connection Beyond the Living Room The 223 stylishly appointed guest rooms continue to welcome guests as an extension of the communal Living Room experience. In this evolved era of W Hotels, each of the properties are designed to foster meaningful moments that go beyond the standard hotel stay. All the guest rooms are designed with cozy nooks that function as an intimate gathering space to invite relaxation and connection, and each nook features a warm, sculptural pendant light crafted from amber glass, polished chrome, and white globes - elements inspired by the form and glow of a lighthouse. The bathroom mirror draws inspiration from the tunnel connecting New Jersey to New York - a symbolic nod to Hoboken's legacy as a bustling transportation hub, and formerly one of America's great industrial port cities. The thoughtful blend of colors, textures, polished metals, and lighting transforms each guestroom into an evocative journey through design and Hoboken's history. For an elevated experience, the 20 Superior Suites feature a dedicated bedroom, a powder room, and a living room with a balcony. Continuing to draw on the pillar of connection, one of the most prominent aspects of these suites is the social space in the living room, brought to life with vibrant colors and rich textures. A green glass pendant light above the dining table adds a special touch, influenced by maritime heritage, complementing the seating arrangement which features an unparalleled, sweeping view of the New York skyline. The minibar spotlights a silhouette inspired by the arched windows of Hoboken's surrounding architecture, introducing a thoughtful, locally influenced design element to the suite. Throughout, guests may experience the specially curated artwork inspired by waterfront sunsets, enhancing the room's warm and vivid environment. The premier suite accommodations are the Penthouse I and Penthouse II Suites. The Penthouse II Suites feature a one-bedroom layout with a powder room, kitchenette, living room, and balcony, while the Penthouse I Suite offers an upgraded experience with two bedrooms, a powder room, and kitchenette within the living room. Both suite types are designed with space and sophistication in mind, offering an ideal setting for socializing and encouraging guests to relax, connect, and enjoy their time together. Effortless Convenience W Hoboken is home to FIT, the brand's take on the signature hotel gym, outfitted with cutting-edge cardio and strength-training equipment to complement guests' wellness routines during their travels. The hotel also offers flexible meeting spaces that seamlessly blend contemporary design with advanced technology - ideal for all types of functions ranging from intimate gatherings to large-scale corporate events, weddings, and social celebrations. To book a stay or for further information, visit https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/ewrhb-w-hoboken/ and connect on social with @whoboken . Hotel website The Ascott Limited (Ascott), a leading international lodging operator and a wholly owned subsidiary of CapitaLand Investment, has announced the signing of a franchise agreement for Somerset Admiralty Way Lagos, a new serviced residence located in Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria. The signing took place during FHS World Dubai, one of the region's leading hospitality and investment forums, marking another key milestone in Ascott's continued expansion across the Middle East and Africa. Developed as a greenfield project by Admiralty Hotel Company Limited and operated by Aleph Hospitality, Somerset Admiralty Way Lagos will comprise 135 purpose-built serviced apartments designed to meet the needs of next-generation travellers to Africa. The property is scheduled to open in October 2028 and will feature a range of premium facilities including a restaurant and bar, meeting rooms, a swimming pool and fitness centre. The signing reinforces Ascott's growing presence in Nigeria, complementing the upcoming Citadines Purplelekki Lagos and expanding the company's footprint in the country's most dynamic hospitality market. With this addition, Ascott's Africa portfolio now includes 22 properties across key markets such as Kenya, Morocco, Ethiopia, Djibouti and Senegal, representing more than 2,500 units in operation and under development. The partnership expands on Ascott's broader regional strategy to achieve 20% annual growth over the next five years across the Middle East, Africa, and Turkey (MEAT) region. By 2030, Ascott aims to have 15,000 units in operation or under development, doubling its regional portfolio and expanding its franchise model in collaboration with leading developers and operators. Lagos, as Nigeria's commercial capital, continues to attract strong hospitality demand from both business and leisure travellers. The city welcomes over 1.3 million international visitors annually, serves as a base for major multinational corporations, and is seeing rapid infrastructure growth, including the Lekki Deep Seaport and a proposed new airport. Situated along Admiralty Way in Lekki, the property is ideally positioned near Victoria Island and the Lekki Free Trade Zone, providing convenient access to key commercial and lifestyle destinations. Currently at the pre-design stage, Ascott's Project and Technical Services (PTS) team will work closely with the appointed architect and Aleph Hospitality throughout the development process to ensure full compliance with Somerset brand specifications, sustainability benchmarks, and guest experience standards. Hotel website Kempinski Hotels has announced the appointment of industry veteran Paul Lonergan as Chief Operating and Asset Management Officer - a new role that will oversee the luxury hotel group's operations and asset management strategy in EMEA, Americas and Asia Pacific (excluding China & Mongolia). Paul's appointment reflects Kempinski's ongoing evolution as it focuses on elevating product and performance globally. Lonergan's dual expertise in operations and asset management is central to the strategic shift and transformation that Kempinski is currently undergoing as Kempinski looks to strengthen its portfolio and refine its luxury appeal. Lonergan brings more than three decades of global hospitality experience, combining 20 years in senior operational leadership with 15 years in commercial hotel asset management. Recognised for his ability to align owner and operator interests, he has built a reputation for driving profitability, stabilising property values, and strengthening brands across diverse markets. He has executed the pre-opening and launch of iconic properties in Dubai Holding hospitality portfolio, and has managed multimillion dollar CAPEX programmes, executing large-scale revitalisation and refurbishment projects, and leading mixed-use retail and restaurant leasing strategies that enhance both guest experience and asset value. At Kempinski, Lonergan will oversee operations and asset management strategy in EMEA, Americas and Asia Pacific (excluding China & Mongolia), ensuring alignment between owners and operators while guiding capital investment decisions that enhance both guest experience and asset value. Lonergan will work closely with veteran Kempinski executive, Manish Nambiar, who has been promoted to Senior Vice President Operations, Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific. In his expanded remit, Nambiar will drive operational performance and business growth across the group's largest area, supported by corporate and regional teams. A Kempinski veteran of more than 20 years, Manish joined the company in 2004 as an Area Executive Chef in Tanzania before progressing through multiple leadership roles. He led the openings of Kempinski Villa Rosa Nairobi and Kempinski Gold Coast City Accra, served as Area General Manager Africa, and most recently held the role of Vice President Operations Southeast Asia while managing the Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok. Sofitel Jabal Omar Makkah Hotel to Open in 2026 with 1,141 Rooms - Image Credit Accor Accor has signed an agreement to open Sofitel Jabal Omar Makkah in Saudi Arabia by 2026. The hotel will be located within the Jabal Omar development, close to the Holy Mosque. The property will be the largest Sofitel hotel in the world, with 1,141 rooms and suites. The hotel will consist of two towers, Sofitel Jabal Omar Makkah North and Sofitel Jabal Omar Makkah South, offering views of the Holy Mosque and the surrounding area. The development will include six dining venues, including all-day dining restaurants and a fine-dining destination. Additionally, the hotel will feature executive meeting facilities, fitness centers, and a Club Millesime executive lounge. The project is being developed in partnership with Jabal Omar Development Company (JODC), a significant real estate firm in the Middle East. This collaboration aims to enhance the hospitality sector in Makkah and aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which focuses on economic diversification and boosting tourism. Sofitel Jabal Omar Makkah is part of Accor's strategy to expand its luxury portfolio in the Middle East. The hotel will integrate French and Saudi cultural elements in its design and services. Booking Holdings Reports Strong Growth Amid AI Integration - Image Credit Unsplash Booking Holdings has reported promising early results from its partnership with OpenAI, demonstrating potential growth in AI-driven travel booking. The company also highlighted significant growth in the U.S. and Asia, despite ongoing economic uncertainties. Booking Holdings recently shared insights into its collaboration with OpenAI during the third-quarter earnings call. The company is among the first to partner with OpenAI in launching apps within ChatGPT, creating a new channel for travel planning and booking. CEO Glenn Fogel expressed satisfaction with being part of this initial wave, indicating the value Booking.com brings to its partners. The company is monitoring key metrics, including faster search, better conversion rates, and improved customer satisfaction, as CFO Ewout Steenbergen highlighted. Adapting to AI in Travel Discovery As AI solutions become more prevalent in travel discovery, Fogel remains confident in Booking Holdings' ability to adapt. He emphasized the company's role in executing transactions, ensuring value, and navigating complex regulations. Steenbergen noted that while traditional search continues to grow, a small but growing share of leads comes from large language models (LLMs). He anticipates a hybrid model as AI becomes more integrated into browsers. Challenges from Direct Hotel Bookings Analysts raised concerns that hotels might bypass online travel agencies (OTAs). Fogel acknowledged that direct bookings are not new and are unlikely to cause a significant shift in the market. He pointed out that, despite Google's presence, a major shift has not occurred, reinforcing the importance of providing value and building trust with customers to encourage direct bookings. Growth in the U.S. and Asia Steenbergen reported notable growth in the U.S., driven by outbound travel and B2B business momentum. Europe also experienced high single-digit growth, while Asia saw low double-digit growth. The company's diversified portfolio helped offset softer demand in certain inbound U.S. corridors. Steenbergen attributed the growth in the U.S. direct channel to increased brand awareness, which led to greater direct customer engagement. Focus on Asia's Market Potential Executives emphasized the importance of the Asian market, with local player Agoda and global-focused Booking.com driving growth. Steenbergen highlighted ongoing investments in product, marketing, and supply in Asia, viewing it as a crucial market for future expansion. With expected GDP growth and increased travel, maintaining a strong position outside mainland China is seen as vital for long-term success. Financial Performance Highlights Booking Holdings reported an 8% year-over-year increase in room nights, with gross bookings up 14% to $49.7 billion and revenue rising 13% to $9 billion. Net income grew by 9% to $2.7 billion, and adjusted EBITDA increased by 15% to $4.2 billion. Marketing expenses accounted for 4.7% of gross bookings, slightly down from the previous year. Marketing Strategy and Outlook The company continues to experiment with social media marketing, focusing on measuring incremental ROIs. While social media spending is significant, it still accounts for only a small portion of total marketing expenses. Despite uncertainties in the macroeconomic and geopolitical landscape, Booking Holdings remains optimistic about continued travel demand in the fourth quarter. Discover more at PhocusWire. Home / In Focus 2024 / IAEA Platform on Small Modular Reactors and their Applications IAEA Platform on Small Modular Reactors and their Applications Demand for Agency support in the area of small modular reactors (SMRs) has been increasing owing to their reduced capital costs, flexibility in terms of siting and operation, scalability and diverse products. With the participation of all relevant Agency Departments and Offices, the IAEA Platform on Small Modular Reactors and their Applications (SMR Platform) coordinates the Agencys efforts to strengthen support to Member States and other stakeholders interested in the early deployment of SMRs. This support covers not only technology development and demonstration, but also legal frameworks and efforts to ensure safety, security and safeguards. In 2024, the Platform organized workshops on business models for nuclear power projects, in Jordan, and on general aspects of SMR deployment, in Mongolia. A virtual webinar was held for Myanmar to discuss SMR technologies and stakeholder engagement. The Platform was also involved in a regional workshop on SMRs for near-term deployment, in Indonesia, and a workshop on suitability studies for SMRs, in Thailand. Through the Platform, work is under way to update the IAEA Nuclear Energy Series publication Technology Roadmap for Small Modular Reactor Deployment. Furthermore, a comprehensive curriculum is being finalized for the SMR School, which will be launched in 2025 with a view to raising awareness about key aspects of SMR development and deployment among government officials and policymakers in interested Member States. International Conference on Small Modular Reactors and their Applications Jointly organized by the Department of Nuclear Energy and the Department of Nuclear Safety and Security, the SMR Conference featured 44 technical sessions, 5 topical plenaries, 5 side events and 6 poster sessions, providing an international forum to take stock of progress and discuss opportunities, challenges and enabling conditions for the accelerated safe and secure development and deployment of SMRs. An Industry Night was held for public and private SMR developers to present their designs and discuss innovative deployment strategies. Over 1200 participants from 97 Member States and 18 international organizations. 1100 virtual participants. Vienna, October 2024. Clark Art Presents Screening of 'Westermann' WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. On Saturday, Nov. 1 at 5:30 pm, the Clark Art Institute hosts a 3D screening of "Westerman: Memorial to the Idea of Man If He Was an Idea" in the Manton Research center auditorium. A Q&A with Brian Ashby, one of the film's producers, follows the screening "Westermann: Memorial to the Idea of Man If He Was an Idea" is a 3D documentary film about the life and work of artist, marine, and acrobat H.C. (Cliff) Westermann. As a veteran of World War II and the Korean War, Westermann's dramatic personal history can be traced through beguiling, surreal artworks. The film reveals ways in which Westermann protected his empathic spiritand sanityby "sculpting" his body, artworks, friendships, his hand-hewn house, and his art-filled letters to his dearest friends and family. The documentary explores themes of resiliency, hope, and humor with a script culled from over a thousand of Westermann's letters and one audio-interview voiced by Academy-Award nominee Ed Harris, along with interviews with artist Ed Ruscha, architect Frank Gehry, and many others. The film also includes music by Laurie Anderson (with the Kronos Quartet) and Terry Allen, and a score by Tomeka Reid. Free. A 5 pm reception in the Manton Research Center reading room precedes the event. Accessible seats available; for information, call 413 458 0524. This program is made possible by Jonas and Betsy Dovydenas. Pittsfield Hosts Open Houses on Integrated Water Resources Management Plan PITTSFIELD, Mass. The City of Pittsfield's Department of Public Services and Utilities will be hosting two open houses on Nov. 10 in preparation of developing an Integrated Water Resources Management Plan (IWRMP). The city is developing the IWRMP to evaluate the city's drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems. It aims to balance sustainable growth, environmental protection, and affordability while identifying infrastructure needs and management strategies. The plan will provide a roadmap for effective long-term water resource management in the city for years to come. Community members will have two opportunities to learn more about this work and provide feedback on how the city should prioritize its water infrastructure: Monday, Nov. 10 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Ralph J. Froio Senior Center, 330 North Street, Pittsfield Monday, Nov. 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the former Community Design Center, 429 North Street, Pittsfield The city received $1.2 million dollars in funding from the Clean Water Trust to develop this plan. This investment will support the critical planning for the city's water infrastructure. For additional information on this meeting or on the IWRMP, visit Integrated Water The plans presented to the Community Development Board can be seen in this screenshot from PCTV. Hearthway Plans Housing Development at Former Pittsfield Polish Club PITTSFIELD, Mass. A local affordable housing provider is planning nearly 50 new units on the former site of the Polish Community Club. Last week, the Community Development Board OKed a special permit for Hearthway, in partnership with Causeway Development, to create 47 housing units at 55 Linden St. The historic building would be refurbished into six units, and three new buildings would be constructed to accommodate the remaining units. "We are seeking a special permit that would allow for what we believe would be some design improvements that we can make to this project," said Matt Kropke, Hearthway's director of real estate development. The applicants requested waivers from setback and transparency requirements, and to allow a parking area in between the principal facade and the street. Engineer Charlie LaBatt, of Guntlow & Associates, said for the most part, all of the site development meets the Downtown Creative District requirements. The existing Polish Community Center building would be surrounded by a three-story apartment building bordering Center Street, and two townhouse buildings in the remaining space. Plans show two driveways off Linden Street that create a looped parking lot around the existing building. At least 20 percent of the units would meet affordability standards. "The site has been designed to be universally accessible to everyone. All of our slopes are less than 5 percent and in addition to that, naturally providing dedicated accessible spaces to the units for which there are accessible units," LaBatt explained. The larger apartment building bordering Center Street would include a community room, laundry room, seating area, bike storage, two meeting rooms, and a property management and leasing office. "The final materiality of the project has not been determined. We know that the existing Polish community building is going to remain brick. It's a historic building, and we're required to maintain it as such," explained Kyle Young, of Dietz and Co. Architecture. Dalton Finalizes Town Manager Contract Eric Anderson DALTON, Mass. Town Manager Eric Anderson will start in his new role Nov. 17. It was announced during the Select Board meeting on Monday that the town had successfully negotiated a three-year contract with Anderson. "The contract negotiations were as smooth as possibly one could imagine, and Eric Anderson was here yesterday for the signing of the contract," interim Town Manager Henry "Terry" Williams told iBerksires. "I met with him for a number of hours yesterday, and he and I are looking forward to his arrival, and it appears to me as though he's a perfect fit for the town going forward." Earlier in October, Williams' contract was extended through Nov. 21 to aid in Anderson's onboarding to facilitate a smooth transition. Anderson's first year salary is set at $142,500, Williams said. During the search, the Select Board approved a salary range of $135,000 to $155,000 to attract more applicants in a competitive market for town managers in Western Massachusetts. When Thomas Hutcheson announced his retirement as town manager earlier this year, the board planned ahead, establishing a flexible town manager budget to cover the interim town manager's compensation and onboarding for the new town manager, Williams said If there are any shortages the town can cover it with reserve fund or interdepartmental transfers, he said. Anderson was hired for the town manager position in September, following interviews with the three finalists Anderson, Lisa Blackmer, and Jonathan Elwell. The board emphasized that all the candidates were highly qualified; however, Anderson's well-researched answers and prior experience that aligned with the town's issues stood out. Anderson has six years of experience as the town administrator of his hometown, Andover, Conn., which has a population of about 3,200 residents and a select board form of government. He said he had experience dealing with circumstances similar to what Dalton is currently facing, including the concerns over Berkshire Concrete's mining operations and the discussions surrounding a new police facility stemming from the current facility's deteriorating condition. Harmonious, beautiful picture of rural revitalization unfolds in China 08:54, October 29, 2025 By He Yin ( People's Daily Photo shows Dongluo village in Qianduo township, Xinghua, east China's Jiangsu province. (Photo/Tang Dehong) China adds four villages to the United Nations World Tourism Organization's (UNWTO) "Best Tourism Villages" list in 2025, bringing its total to 19 since the program's inception. These villages - each distinct in landscapes, cultural heritage, and development models - collectively demonstrate China's commitment to ecological conservation and comprehensive rural revitalization. The 2025 announcement coincided with the 20th anniversary of the "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets" principle (known as the "Two Mountains" theory). Significantly, the unveiling occurred in Huzhou, east China's Zhejiang province, where this very concept was put forward. Each newly recognized village embodies this philosophy. Digang Village in Zhejiang preserves the world's most complete mulberry-dyke fish-pond system, achieving zero ecological pollution. Jikayi village in Sichuan, southwest China, located near the World Natural Heritage Site Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries and the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, has developed a highland three-dimensional agricultural ecosystem. Huanggang village in southwest China's Guizhou province boasts an 85 percent forest coverage rate and 2,300 mu (about 153 hectares) of terraced fields, protecting its pristine natural scenery. Dongluo village in Jiangsu, east China, with its interlaced waterways and picturesque raised fields, looks like a painting brought to life. Each of these villages has pursued a development path suited to its local conditions, one that harmonizes ecological beauty, industrial vitality, and rural prosperity. Guided by the "Two Mountains" theory, China always prioritizes ecological protection, conserves resources and uses them efficiently, and pursues green and low-carbon development. As millions of people embrace this path, they reap the benefits of sustainable growth. Across China, a modern landscape of harmony between humanity and nature is unfolding. At the heart of rural revitalization lies industrial revitalization. Drawing on their own strengths, rural communities across China have tapped into local culture and unique resources to foster new industries such as rural tourism, eco-agriculture, and cultural creativity. This "one industry driving many others" approach has offered valuable lessons for sustainable rural development worldwide. Photo shows Digang village in Hefu township, Nanxun district, Huzhou, east China's Zhejiang province. (Photo/Ji Haixin) In Shibadong village, central China's Hunan province, the Miao embroidery industry, local homestays, and specialty agricultural products have all flourished. Huanggang village has promoted comprehensive rural revitalization through holistic preservation of intangible cultural heritage. Jikayi village has explored a model where ecology and ethnic traditions complement each other. Rural tourism has not only made villages more beautiful but also made villagers more prosperous. Today, staying in village guesthouses, tasting local delicacies, and buying local specialties have become new trends among Chinese urban and rural residents. In 2024, China's leisure agriculture sector generated nearly 900 billion yuan ($126.57 billion) in revenue, an increase of about 50 billion yuan compared with 2020. UNWTO secretary-general Zurab Pololikashvili noted that the Best Tourism Villages initiative has injected strong momentum into rural transformation and is helping build a more sustainable future. As China advances the construction of beautiful villages, it has woven traditional Chinese aesthetics into rural development and preservation. Efforts have been made to enhance the comfort of living environments, improve infrastructure, and upgrade public services, bringing new vitality, deeper cultural richness, and a more vibrant local life to ancient villages. Foreign visitors frequently observe: "These villages preserve their traditional charm while exuding a modern and artistic touch. It's where the past and present meet in harmony." Photo shows Huanggang village of Liping county, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong autonomous prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou province. (Photo/Yu Xiangquan) Energetic "village galas," popular "village songs" and lively "square dances" that bring together both urban and rural residents, all these scenes, born from everyday life, reflect the uplifting spirit of the Chinese people and the deep cultural vitality of China's countryside. The beauty of rural China lies in the harmony between ecological protection and economic development, in the fusion of traditional culture and modern civilization, and in the steady rise of people's sense of fulfillment, happiness, and security. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), China has prioritized agricultural and rural development, implemented the rural revitalization strategy in depth, and achieved historic progress, laying a solid foundation for transforming itself from a major agricultural country into an agricultural powerhouse. The fourth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China called for accelerating agricultural and rural modernization and taking solid steps to advance all-around rural revitalization. Staying true to this vision, China will continue to contribute its wisdom and experience to advancing sustainable rural development across the world. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) The route is set, the EU has 'adopted' it through synergy with the Global Gateway (150 billion for infrastructure projects), and the G7 is involved and participating. The Mattei Plan has positioned Italy to become 'the spokesperson for Africa in Europe,' as summarized by Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani yesterday in Mauritania, the first stop with Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi of the government's mission in West Africa, which will also visit Senegal and Niger. In fact, the second phase of the Plan's implementation has begun: Mauritania and Senegal are part of the group of 5 countries that join the 9 with which the broad cooperation program was launched last year - on an equal basis - in sectors such as energy, agri-food, infrastructure, and digital (currently, there are 21 ongoing projects in these states). Tajani notably emphasizes that 'it is the start of a new political season that within the Mattei Plan aims to ensure that Italy is increasingly present in this area of Africa and throughout Africa.' Cooperation The Senegal, for example - the most significant stop economically, and not only, of the mission - is a strategic economic partner for Italy and represents the fourth market destination for our exports in sub-Saharan Africa, and the second among the countries of West Africa. In the first 7 months of 2025, bilateral trade has already surpassed the values recorded in the 12 months of 2024. Not surprisingly, a forum is scheduled here, organized by the Farnesina and Ice Agency, in collaboration with other partners of the Italy System (CDP, SIMEST, and SACE) and Confindustria Assafrica & Mediterraneo, which will bring together companies, associations from the productive world, and institutions of the two countries with the aim of deepening concrete opportunities for the development of economic, commercial, and industrial relations, with particular regard to the sectors of agro-industry, physical and digital infrastructures, energy, and renewables. In addition, on the sidelines of the event, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, SIMEST, and the Senegalese Agency APIX will sign a Memorandum of Understanding to promote bilateral economic cooperation and foster joint investments in strategic sectors. It is the confirmation that the Mattei Plan route can open further opportunities for the Italy system and not limited to commercial exchange. Training, for example, becomes one of the decisive pillars of cooperation: with Egypt, for example, a strategic project has been agreed to 'promote excellence in professional training,' as stated in the memorandum signed for Italy by Minister Valditara in spring. This means not only growing the skills of young Africans (in the country of the Pharaohs, a high-profile vocational school, managed by the Salesians, has been operating for years) but also encouraging their participation in Italy in ITS Academy courses. And thus, also opening the doors to regular employment contracts with local companies that struggle to find suitable personnel. Partnerships The Mattei Plan has effectively consolidated Italy's image in this part of the world, which, for demographic reasons (it is the youngest continent overall), will be decisive for the future of the planet. The role played by Eni, Enel, Terna, and Snam, which have invested in Africa for some time, building important energy infrastructures, has consolidated trust in our country and opened the way to investments by SMEs in various sectors. The latest announcement, in terms of time, came just these days from the company Condotte 1880, which will build photovoltaic plants on the island of Bioko in Equatorial Guinea, also in West Africa, and two residential skyscrapers. Equatorial Guinea, rich in gas and hydrocarbons, aspires to become the 'African Switzerland' and has focused on Italian quality for investments amounting to a total of half a billion euros. Also in this case, the training of local workers and technicians who will be involved in the construction of the new infrastructures and their future maintenance is planned. 'I believe that a continent as rich as Africa, which has great resources of raw materials - but is inhabited by populations in some parts that are poor - can have great prospects,' insists Tajani. 'We can export our know-how to these countries and I think regarding raw materials, if we have an absolutely anti-colonial perspective, we must help in the recovery, extraction of raw materials, transform them here, and then buy and bring them to Italy. This is a winning agreement for everyone, it is a different mentality from the neo-colonial one.' It is no coincidence that the Mattei Plan, beyond the specific projects agreed with local authorities, has also defined a financial guarantee perspective with African banking institutions to involve them directly in the various phases of the program. All with the endorsement and collaboration of the European Union, which thanks to the Italian vision, has decided to put down strong roots in Africa, as the Mediterranean Pact, just approved by Brussels, demonstrates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED This article is automatically translated martedi 28 ottobre 2025, 21:43 - Last updated: 29 ottobre, 08:58 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED This article is automatically translated He was the commander who led our country's first military mission abroad after World War II, initiating the 'Italian model' in Lebanon. General Franco Angioni, the paratrooper of the Folgore brigade who wrote an important page in Italy's history since 1982, passed away at 92. He was appointed to lead 'Italcon,' the Italian contingent of the multinational force in Lebanon during the war in those territories, which employed up to 2,500 men. The mission, initially an UN initiative, changed after the USSR's veto nullified the international mandate. From then on, Italcon represented a primarily national effort, alongside France and the United States, and became a reference model for subsequent Italian missions abroad. In Lebanon, Angioni encouraged his soldiers to learn about the local culture by distributing books, allowing Italian soldiers to understand the reasons of the parties involved. Italy thus positioned itself as an interposing force, maintaining excellent relations with the local population and the various warring parties, and even initiating the construction of hospitals. By the end of the mission in 1984, the Italcon commander was already very popular in the country and in the following years held several top military positions in Italy. In 2001, he entered politics and was elected to the Chamber of Deputies as an independent under the Democrats of the Left: from then until 2006, he served as secretary of the Chamber's Defense Committee. Among the many who remember him is former minister Valdo Spini. 'I had the opportunity to collaborate with him,' recalls Spini, 'when I served as chairman of the Defense Committee, and in this role and as chairman of the Democrats of the Left's directorate, I personally recommended his candidacy as an independent on the Ds lists. He also honorably held that position.' Spini adds: 'He was a great military leader and a person of exceptional humanity. Unforgettable is his photo next to President of the Republic Sandro Pertini visiting the Italian military contingent in Lebanon. Franco Angioni, both as a military leader and a politician, managed to build an important bridge between the armed forces and institutions for the mutual understanding of two often separate worlds. I express my deepest condolences to the family and the Paratroopers Association.' On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice North Korea test-fired cruise missiles in another display of its growing military capabilities just as Donald Trump and other world leaders are set to gather in South Korea for regional meetings. North Koreas official Korean Central News Agency said the sea-to-surface cruise missiles fired to the west of the Korean peninsula on Tuesday flew for more than two hours before accurately striking targets in its western waters. It said the weapons would contribute to expanding the operational sphere of the countrys nuclear-armed military. The missiles were fired vertically and flew about 7,800 seconds, or around 2 hours 10 minutes, along a preset route to hit the target, KCNA said. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was not in attendance, according to KCNA. Mr Trump is due to arrive in the South Korean city of Gyeongju on Wednesday to join other heads of state and business leaders attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum for various summits and meetings. He is also expected to hold talks with the Chinese President Xi Jinping later this week. South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said the military had detected the North Korean launch preparations and that the cruise missiles were fired in the Norths northwestern waters at around 3pm on Tuesday. The joint chiefs said South Korea and the US were analysing the weapons and maintaining a combined defence readiness capable of a dominant response against any North Korean provocation. open image in gallery North Korea announced it had launched sea-to-surface cruise missiles into its western waters ( AP ) KCNA said the tests were attended by senior military official Pak Jong Chon, who also inspected training for sailors aboard North Koreas newly developed destroyers Choe Hyon and Kang Kon, which leader Kim Jong Un has described as key assets in his efforts to strengthen the navy. Referring to the firing, Mr Pak, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of North Korea, said "important successes are being made" in practically developing North Korea's "nuclear forces" according to the plan set by the country's ruling party, KCNA reported. Speaking with reporters aboard Air Force One en route from Japan to South Korea, Mr Trump downplayed the North Korean launches. Hes been launching missiles for decades, right? he said, apparently referring to Kim Jong Un. Mr Trump reiterated he still wants to meet with Mr Kim, whom he met three times in 2018 and 2019 before their diplomacy derailed over disagreements on U.S.-led sanctions against the North. open image in gallery South Korea's military has yet to confirm whether it detected the launches. ( AP Photo/ Lee Jin-man ) We had a really good understanding of each other, he said. "At some point we'll be involved with North Korea... We'll, at some point in the not too distant future, meet with North Korea," Mr Trump said. South Korean officials have said a TrumpKim meeting is unlikely. North Korea has shunned any form of talks with Washington and Seoul since Kims high-stakes nuclear diplomacy with Mr Trump fell apart in 2019 during the American presidents first term. Mr Kims top foreign policy priority is now Russia. In recent months, he has sent thousands of troops and large quantities of military equipment to help fuel President Vladimir Putins war in Ukraine, while embracing the idea of a new Cold War and positions his country as part of a united front against the US-led West. Last month, Mr Kim reiterated he wouldnt return to talks with the United States unless Washington drops its demand for North Koreas denuclearisation, after Mr Trump repeatedly expressed his hopes for new diplomacy. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Donald Trump said the U.S. has pretty much finalised the details of a fraught trade deal with South Korea as he marked the last pitstop on his whirlwind Asia tour Wednesday. The U.S. President confirmed the highly anticipated deal and almost off-the-table agreement as he sat down for a dinner with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in the southeastern city of Gyeongju. Trump is on his five-day diplomacy tour of Asia and has also visited Malaysia and Japan, before arriving in South Korea. He will departs for Washington Thursday. On being asked by a reporter whether he and the South Korean President had reached a deal, Trump said: We made our deal, pretty much finalised it. South Korea is hosting Trump at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum in the coastal city ahead of his talks with Chinese president Xi Jinping Thursday. He was treated to a lavish reception after he wrapped up the Tokyo leg of his whirlwind tour. Trumps comments came at a time hopes were dim for a trade deal with its East Asian ally as the U.S. leader was still thawing tensions created by his trade war with China. Washington pressed South Korea to make a similar trade arrangement as signed with Japan of strategic investments, loans and guarantees worth $550bn (416bn) in exchange for a tariff relief. open image in gallery President Donald Trump toasts with state leaders including South Korean president Lee Jae Myung during a dinner event in Gyeongju ( AP ) But Seoul says it cannot afford a payment of $350bn (264bn) pledged upfront. Instead, it has offered a mix of phased investments, loans and other measures. This has remained a strain point of trade talks between the two sides. It has finally been agreed that Seoul can split its promised $350bn investment fund into $200bn in cash to be paid in instalments of $20bn, Lee's aides said. The other $150bn is to be spent on investments in shipbuilding, which South Korea has promised to help Trump restore. Earlier during the day, Trump announced that a trade deal with South Korea would be finalised very soon as he addressed a summit of APEC CEOs in Gyeongju before sitting down with the South Korean president for dinner. However, officials on both sides expressed skepticism of the prospect of a breakthrough. U.S. and South Korea had announced a trade deal in late July, allowing Seoul to avoid the worst of the tariffs by pushing them to pump new investments worth at least $350bn (264bn) into America. Both sides hit a stalemate after the structure of those investments remained unclear. Trumps visit to the Asian ally nations, who are among the hardest hit by his tariff policies and increased U.S.-China trade war, is aimed at building better ties. open image in gallery Donald Trump speaks at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO summit in Gyeongju ( AP ) Attempts were also made by South Korean President Lee to woo him. Lee's office said that in recognition of Trump's role as a "peacemaker" on the Korean peninsula, he was awarded the replica crown of "Grand Order of Mugunghwa", which is named after South Korea's national flower, a pink hibiscus also known as the Rose of Sharon in English. "I'd like to wear it right now," Trump said when presented with the glittering award. South Korean officials said he is the first U.S. president to receive the honour. The meal included "mini beef patties with ketchup", a "Korean Platter of Sincerity" featuring U.S. beef and local rice and soybean paste, and grilled fish with a glaze of ketchup and gochujang, a red chilli paste. A brownie adorned with gold called Peacemakers Dessert was served at the start of a working lunch. Lee also requested the U.S. to allow it to reprocess nuclear fuel to power submarines as South Korea is banned from doing so without Americas consent, owing to a bilateral agreement. In response, the U.S. president said he will help straighten out South Koreas problems with North Korea. Both Korean nations have been facing a war-like crisis amid Pyongyangs repeated test-launches of missiles. He has invited Lee back to the White House, the South Korean presidential advisor said after the dinner. Trump was also expected to meet with North Koreas Kim Jong Un, with several public wishes to do so, during this trip but the brief window of Wednesday did not work out. In order to ease trade woes of the region, Trump said he expected to reduce U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods in exchange for Beijings commitment to curtail exports of fentanyl precursor chemicals. The U.S. could cut down the 20 per cent levies on Chinese goods by half it currently charges in retaliation for the export of such chemicals, the Wall Street Journal reported. In his final high-level meeting, Trump is scheduled to hold talks with Xi on Thursday in the port city of Busan, which he expects to be at least three to four hours long. Trump said he expects the talks with his Chinese counterpart to go well. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Former Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina has refused to apologise for the deadly crackdown on street protests that ultimately led to her downfall last year, as part of a rare and wide-reaching interview with The Independent. A Bangladesh court on Monday sentenced Hasina to death for crimes against humanity, concluding a months-long trial that found she ordered a deadly crackdown on last years student-led uprising. Prosecutors in Bangladesh had accused her of crimes against humanity by ordering the use of lethal force against student protesters, resulting in up to 1,400 deaths. Hasina, who ruled with an iron fist for over 15 years, is now living in exile in India. Asked if she would apologise to the families of protesters killed last year, she said she mourns each and every child, sibling, cousin and friend we lost as a nation and would continue to offer my condolences. But she rejects the allegation that she ordered police to shoot demonstrators, and says her Awami League party is being unfairly denied the opportunity to contest new elections in Bangladesh by the unelected interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. open image in gallery Sheikh Hasina addresses the media at a vandalised metro station in Mirpur ( Bangladesh Prime Minister's Office ) Speaking out in one of her first interviews since her ousting, Hasina told The Independent that she would neither be surprised nor intimidated if Bangladeshs International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) sentenced her to death, calling the proceedings a sham trial driven by political vengeance. The ICT is a sham court presided over by an unelected government consisting of my political opponents. Many of those opponents will stop at nothing to get rid of me, she said. Because of my familys history, nobody can be more aware than I am of the history of political assassinations in our country, and this move by the ICT is part of that ugly tradition. Hasina defended her actions during the protests last year and denied any personal culpability for the killings during what she labelled a violent insurrection. She blames the high number of casualties on breakdowns in discipline among security forces on the ground, adding: As a leader, I ultimately take leadership responsibility, but the claim that I ordered or wished for the security forces to open fire on the crowds is simply wrong. open image in gallery Anti-government protesters display Bangladeshs national flag as they storm Sheikh Hasinas palace in Dhaka in August last year ( AFP/Getty ) Hasina also claimed that her government had initiated an independent inquiry into the first killings, which she claims was later shut down by the interim government that succeeded her. Bangladeshs crackdown on protesters last year shocked the world. Amnesty Internationals deputy regional director, Babu Ram Pant, said at the time: The rising death toll is a shocking indictment of the absolute intolerance shown by the Bangladeshi authorities to protest and dissent. The United Nations human rights chief, Volker Turk, said at the time that the attacks on student protesters are particularly shocking and unacceptable. open image in gallery Awami League party office in Dhaka on 6 August 2024, a day after Hasina fled the country ( AFP/Getty ) Hasina contested the often-cited death toll during the student-led protests, saying that the 1,400 figure is useful to the ICT for propaganda purposes but is probably inflated. The protests began last July with university students demanding the removal of quotas on government jobs for relatives of veterans from Bangladeshs war of independence. It spiralled into an anti-government movement, with hundreds of thousands of people from all walks of life taking to the streets. The security forces responded with brutal, lethal force, and after the initial wave of deaths, protest leaders said they would accept nothing short of Hasinas immediate removal from power. open image in gallery Smoke rises from the burning vehicles after protesters set them on fire near the Disaster Management Directorate office in July 2024 ( AFP/Getty ) Hasina said the governments response at the time was carried out in good faith... to minimise the loss of life as the protests spread. Yunus returned to Bangladesh from his own de facto exile. He assumed leadership of the interim government three days after Hasinas ouster, pledging to hold her accountable and immediately banning all activities of her Awami League party. Chief prosecutor Tajul Islam has described Hasina as the mastermind and principal architect of the crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the student-led uprising. Yet Hasina claims the violence stemmed from decisions made by officers on the ground rather than directives from her government. She said: The charges rely on compromised testimony and evidence that has been manipulated and taken out of context to serve the political ends of an unelected government. open image in gallery Sheikh Hasina weeps while she visits a metro station in Mirpur vandalised by students during the anti-quota protests ( Bangladesh Prime Minister's Office ) The key street-level decisions were made by security personnel on the ground who were expected to follow well-established operational guidelines. Those guidelines endorse the use of firearms in certain circumstances. It may well be that in a febrile atmosphere, some decisions were made that were mistaken. Defending her decision to flee the country on 5 August last year, she said she acted out of necessity. She says: Staying would not only have put my life in danger, but also the lives of those around me. Despite fleeing the country and facing a ban by the Awami League in Bangladesh, she insists that she remains committed to restoring democracy in the country. Only free, fair, and inclusive elections can heal the country, she said. Yunus has said elections will be held in February 2026, though the Awami League will not be allowed to contest them. Speaking about the legacy she hopes to leave behind, Hasina said she wanted to be remembered as the leader who restored parliamentary democracy to our country in the 1990s after years of cruel military rule and for lifting millions out of poverty. She said these achievements were now under threat of being reversed. Now that the ICT has handed down its sentence in absentia, Hasina likely knows history may not look kindly on her. But she remains defiant, telling The Independent: No democratically elected leader should be prosecuted for upholding constitutional duties to protect their country in the face of violent insurrection. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A popular brand of herbal inhalers was forced to recall a batch after Thai authorities warned people the products failed health quality tests due to contamination. Hong Thai Herbal recalled a batch of their bright green inhalers after Thailands food and drug watchdog revealed that abnormalities were found in the total microbial, yeasts, mould, and spore-forming bacterium count of the affected batch. The products, called yadom in Thai language, are portable aromatherapy inhalers widely used in several parts of Southeast Asia for nasal congestion, dizziness and motion sickness. They are small plastic containers containing essential oils, camphor, and eucalyptus oil, among other ingredients. These inhalers are a common household item in Thailand and have become increasingly popular among tourists, who depart the country with these as souvenirs. The herbal inhaler has also become a massive hit among celebrities such as BLACKPINKs Lisa, Hollywood actor Chris Hemsworth, and British rapper Central Cee, which helped boost its popularity in the West. Hong Thai Herbal said on Facebook it has recalled the affected batch, which was manufactured on 9 December 2024 with an expiry date of 8 December 2027. The manufacturer said there were 200,000 units produced in the batch with the production number of 000332. "The company fully acknowledges and accepts the results of the FDAs inspection with utmost respect, Hong Thai Herbal said in a statement. We have already recalled all affected products from the market and are coordinating with the FDA to proceed with the destruction of the recalled batch as soon as possible. The exact date of destruction will be officially announced later," it added. Hong Thai Herbal said it has since strengthened and upgraded its production processes and added additional quality control steps at every stage. The manufacturer has pledged full refunds to any customers or partners who still have stocks of the contaminated batch, news outlet Thai PBS reported. We sincerely apologise to our partners for any inconvenience and to our valued customers for any concern caused, the company added. Under Thailand's Herbal Products Act, producing a substandard herbal product is punishable by up to two years of imprisonment, a fine of up to 200,000baht (4,688), or both. Those found guilty of selling substandard herbal products can be penalised by a prison sentence of up to six months or fined up to 50,000baht (1,172), or both. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A man and a woman have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after a young child died in a hazardous materials incident. The one-year-old girl died in hospital on Tuesday after receiving medical treatment. She was earlier believed to have come into contact with chemicals at a flat in Newham, east London, the Metropolitan Police said. The two people arrested are not known to the one-year-old, the force added. The 41-year-old man and 26-year-old woman were arrested on Wednesday and are both in police custody. Two people are in police custody after the incident ( PA Archive ) The London Fire Brigade called police to Barking Road, Upton Park, at around 1.20pm on Tuesday following reports of hazardous chemicals in a residential property, the police said in a statement. Two adults and another child, aged six, were treated at hospital. Their injuries were confirmed as not life-threatening or life-changing. The deceased girls family are being supported by specialist officers, the statement said. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident continues. It is understood that the incident is not believed to be related to terrorism. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A teenager has been found guilty of fatally stabbing 16-year-old Harry Pitman at a New Years Eve fireworks event. Pitman, who was described as lively and boisterous, had been playfighting before he was attacked by Areece Lloyd-Hall on Primrose Hill, north London, on December 31, 2023. The incident happened in front of a crowd of revellers who had gathered to watch fireworks over the River Thames. Lloyd-Hall, now aged 18, pushed forward and lunged at Harry with a pointed dagger, metres from where uniformed police officers were stationed. In shocking mobile phone footage played in court, a knife sheath is seen to fly through the air during the fast-paced incident. Harry holds his neck, his white T-shirt covered in blood, as he pushes through crowds calling to officers for help. He collapsed and died minutes later, shortly before midnight. College student Lloyd-Hall, who was 16 at the time, claimed he thought he had only hit Harry with the sheath in an attempt to get Harry away from him. open image in gallery The incident happened in front of a crowd of revellers who had gathered to watch fireworks over the River Thames ( PA ) He said: I did not want him to lose his life. I feel horrible for what I caused. It was not my intention. He said he ran off not realising what had happened because he was holding a knife and knew there were police officers nearby. Jurors were told Lloyd-Hall was suffering from cannabis-induced paranoia and may have suffered post-traumatic stress disorder triggered by witnessing the aftermath of an earlier stabbing and the loss of a friend to knife crime in June 2023. After a retrial at the Old Bailey, Lloyd-Hall, from Westminster, was found guilty of murder by a majority of 11 to one after a jury deliberated for nearly eight hours. At a trial in October last year, a jury found Lloyd-Hall guilty of possession of an offensive weapon but failed to agree on other charges, it can now be reported. There were gasps from Harrys family sitting in court as Lloyd-Hall was convicted of murder. The teenager will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on November 10. At his retrial, prosecutor Jocelyn Ledward KC had described how revelry turned to tragedy in the blink of an eye on New Years Eve 2023. Harry and Lloyd-Hall were strangers to each other and had gone to watch the fireworks with difference groups of friends. Earlier in the evening special constable David Smith said Harry seemed excitable and had physically bounced up to him to engage in friendly chat. open image in gallery Areece Lloyd-Hall will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on November 10 ( PA ) He went on to fist bump another man who had gone to watch the fireworks with his family. The fatal incident appeared to have been sparked by a scuffle between Harry and one of the defendants friends shortly after 11.30pm. Playfighting, Harry lost his balance while seeing how high he could kick and bumped into the boy standing behind. In return, Harry was shoved and slapped on the back of the head, causing him to say: Dont touch me, because I didnt touch you. Lloyd-Hall pushed his way towards Harry, holding his trousers and saying: Wot, wot, wot, wot, wot. In mobile phone footage, a girl warns mindi, the Somalian word for knife, as the defendant produces a blade from his waistband. Harry can be seen swinging a punch before Lloyd-Hall swings the knife upwards in an arc and down on to Harrys neck. Police body-worn camera footage shows Harry moving through the crowd seeking help before he collapsed. The defendant made off, discarding the knife, his clothes and mobile phone. The knife scabbard was left at the scene and was found to have the defendants DNA on it. After a media appeal, Lloyd-Hall went to Hammersmith police station with his father on January 4, 2024. The court was told the defendant had no previous convictions and had been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The alleged stalker of Madeleine McCanns parents has said she is still 50/50 about whether she is their missing daughter. Julia Wandelt, 24, told jurors that she would walk away if she saw the full paperwork proving she was not the girl who went missing during a family holiday in Portugal in 2007. Prosecutors allege Wandelt, from Lubin in south-west Poland, peddled the myth she is Madeleine while stalking Kate and Gerry McCann by sending emails, making phone calls and turning up at their address. During cross-examination at Leicester Crown Court on Wednesday, prosecutor Michael Duck KC asked Wandelt: As we stand here, do you still entertain the belief that you could be Madeleine McCann? Wandelt told the court: Its neither yes nor no. Because it is very easy to provide me with the documentation, so if I am not her, and it really is negative, I would like to see the documentation. Now, I would say Im 50/50. Whats the issue with providing the whole paperwork? Mr Duck asked again: Do you, Julia Wandelt, believe you may still be Madeleine McCann? Wandelt replied: It will be neither yes nor no. It is not yes, and not no. I am in between. open image in gallery Julia Wandelt (left) and Karen Spragg are on trial at Leicester Crown Court ( Elizabeth Cook/PA ) Asked what would satisfy her, Wandelt raised her voice and tearfully told the jury: An investigation into my disappearance, into what happened to me, why am I here? Mr Duck asked Wandelt: If you had seen a negative DNA test result, would you have walked away? Wandelt replied: If I received the entire paperwork, yes, I would walk away. The Polish national told the jury she believed Mr McCann was involved in Madeleines disappearance. Asked what this belief was based on, Wandelt said: Mostly based on memories, also based on the way he came across, not letting Kate tell anything. The memories are the main reason I think that was the case. Wandelt recalled a memory to the court of repeatedly being told this is the only way to help your parents. She added: I didnt want to say the thing that would incriminate him (Mr McCann). I dont want to say anything bad about them. Mr Duck asked Wandelt about a memory she claimed to have of Mrs McCann coming to her room before she was abducted, rubbing her head and saying she would find her. The prosecutor asked: Is that, Miss Wandelt, a genuine memory? Wandelt said: Yes. Mr Duck asked: Are you asserting to this jury that Kate McCann knew of the abduction and told you she would find you? Wandelt replied: Yes I still believe Kate didnt want it to happen. She also told the jury: They (Mr and Mrs McCann) are not guilty in my point of view, they had no other choice. Mr Duck asked Wandelt about a letter she addressed to Mrs McCann, which said Dear Mum (Kate) and was signed off Madeleine. open image in gallery Karen Spragg is accused of attending the McCanns home with Wandelt ( Joe Giddens/PA ) In the letter, the jury heard, Wandelt wrote: Im so sorry for causing you so much distress. Mr Duck asked: Thats you apologising for distressing her, isnt it? Wandelt replied: She said I was causing her distress, I didnt apologise because I recognise it as distress. Asked whether her appearance at the McCanns home in December last year was intimidating, Wandelt said: No, I dont think its intimidating. If I was looking for my daughter missing for 18 years, I would be OK speaking with the person saying they were my missing child. Wandelt and 61-year-old Karen Spragg, of Caerau Court Road in Caerau, Cardiff, both deny one count of stalking between June 2022 and February this year. The trial continues. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Adrian Daulby died from a single gunshot wound to the chest fired by an armed police officer during the terror attack on a synagogue by Jihad Al-Shamie, Manchester Coroners Court has been told. The 53-year-old was one of two victims killed in the attack on 2 October, during the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur. The other was Melvin Cravitz, 66. An inquest into the two mens deaths was opened in Manchester on Wednesday, before being adjourned. It heard that Cravitz died from multiple stab wounds inflicted by Shamie. The 35-year-old killer was on bail for rape at the time of the attack. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), the police watchdog, has launched an investigation into the fatal shooting by armed officers, who opened fire on Shamie within seven minutes of the first 999 call. open image in gallery Adrian Daulby was shot by a police officer during the attack, an inquest has heard ( PA ) The inquest heard that Daulby, who was described as a quiet hero, had leaped from his seat to block the doors of Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue as it came under attack. He had held the main doors of the synagogue shut as Shamie tried to force his way in to continue his rampage. Daulby was then struck in the chest while behind the door when an armed officer fired, and was pronounced dead at the scene at 10.15am, Chief Supt Lewis Hughes of Greater Manchester Police (GMP) told the hearing. Moments earlier, father-of-three Cravitz died after being stabbed by Syrian-born UK citizen Shamie, who began his attack by driving his Kia Picanto at security staff and the external gates of the synagogue around 9.30am. Shamie then attacked with a knife and tried to storm the synagogue, wearing a fake suicide belt, before being shot dead by armed police. open image in gallery Melvin Cravitz died of stab wounds ( PA Media ) Mr Hughes, again giving brief details of the circumstances to the court, said Shamie had used his car, then got out to attack worshippers. He said: The offender exited the vehicle armed with a knife and immediately made stabbing motions to Mr Cravitzs upper torso, head and neck area. Members of the public and the Community Security Trust (CST) gave first aid and CPR and the victim was taken to the Manchester Royal Infirmary where he was pronounced dead at 10.45am. Judge Alexia Durran, the chief coroner of England and Wales, presiding over the hearing, said her provisional findings were that Cravitz died of stab wounds and Daulby died of a gunshot wound. The hearing, lasting around 45 minutes, was then adjourned for a pre-inquest review on 18 February 2026. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The mistaken release of a sex offender who was set to be deported exposes the staffing pressures at the heart of Britains prisons crisis. A senior prison employee told the BBC that Hadush Kebatus accidental release was down to a series of mistakes, probably because staff are overworked and in short supply. Prison overcrowding has become a serious political and societal issue. But while prison places are increasing with the construction of new prisons, staffing is not keeping pace. In 2019, there were roughly 3.7 prisoners per officer; in 2022, there were 3.8 prisoners per officer and in 2025, there were 3.9 prisoners per officer. Between August 2022 and August 2025, the prison population increased by more than 6,000 prisoners yet the number of prison officers grew by only around 1,000. The recruitment and retention challenge is not just about numbers, but about experience. In the year to June 2025, 2,823 prison officers left the service in England and Wales. Of those who left, 56% had less than three years service, while 24% had less than a year. Understanding why is crucial if expanded prison capacity is to be matched by sufficient staffing. Fewer are joining than before, too. Just 2,453 prison officers were appointed or promoted into the prison officer role in the same year almost half the figure recorded the previous year. The prison and probation service notes persistent recruitment and retention challenges in parts of the country. open image in gallery Prison overcrowding has become a serious political and societal issue ( PA ) And even for those who stay, the demanding nature of the job is evident in the fact that mental ill health was the leading cause of prison officer absence in the year to June 2025. The pressures prison officers face are often intensified by the danger that can come with prison work. A violent role In September 2025, armed robber Elias Morgan was sentenced to a life term for murdering former prison officer Lenny Scott. The judge said this was a revenge killing, four years after Scott seized a mobile phone from Morgans cell. It is a stark reminder that prison officers can be killed simply for doing their job. The Prison Officers Association, the union that represents prison officers, has described the environment in which they work as one of the most hostile and violent in the world. Earlier this year, four prison officers at HMP Frankland, County Durham, were attacked by a prisoner with a knife and hot oil, with three being hospitalised. The prisoner has been charged with three counts of attempted murder. About the author Kaigan Carrie is a PhD Candidate in Criminology at the University of Westminster. This article was first published by The Conversation and is republished under a Creative Commons licence. Read the original article. These incidents sit within a wider pattern of violence against prison officers. In the 12 months to March 2025, 10,568 assaults on staff were recorded a 7% increase from the previous year. This equates to 28 assaults on staff per day across the service. Protecting prison officers is not only a matter of justice for them as individuals, but crucial for a safe and well-functioning prison system. High levels of violence can make recruitment and retention more difficult, leaving prisons struggling to find enough staff to safely manage a growing prison estate. Better support for officers in these challenging conditions is vital. In response to the serious assault faced by staff in HMP Frankland, the government has rolled out 500 tasers and 10,000 stab vests for prison staff. While these measures may improve safety in some situations, they are not a remedy for prison violence. open image in gallery HMP Frankland ( PA ] ) One officer I interviewed described being stabbed in an attack that led to their medical retirement. Neither a vest nor a taser would have prevented this incident due to where they were stabbed. This highlights that, while protective equipment may help in certain situations of violence, the main causes of violence including understaffing and overcrowding remain unaddressed. Charlie Taylor, the chief inspector of prisons, recently reported that over 60% of prisoners in Londons HMP Pentonville are in overcrowded cells, with the prisons physical infrastructure crumbling. Building new prisons to meet rising demand will not address the fact that some of our Victorian prisons are simply not fit for purpose. A lack of staff also has detrimental effects on prisoners. Taylors Pentonville inspection found that most prisoners were spending 22 hours a day in their cells with nothing to do. This reflects the lack of staff to run the regime effectively a problem that new prisons alone wont solve. Its known that working in a prison exposes people to high levels of PTSD, depression, stress and anxiety. Without enough officers to safely staff existing prisons, building more prisons will only increase the pressure on staff. Protecting prison staff and supporting their wellbeing is vital if the government is to expand the prison estate while ensuring that prisons are safely and effectively staffed. Without addressing these pressures, simply building more prisons risks creating a system that is larger, but no safer or more effective. Sign up to our free Brexit newsletter for our analysis of the continuing impact of Brexit on the UK Sign up to our free newsletter for the latest analysis on Brexit's impact Sign up to our free newsletter for the latest analysis on Brexit's impact Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has become the latest major international institution to announce plans to close its headquarters in the UK because of Brexit. The group, which represents the global private sector in travel and tourism and has been based in the UK since it was founded, is set to relocate to mainland Europe to benefit from lower operational costs and EU single market access, its chairman has said. Manfredi Lefebvre added, Brexit is one of the main factors in our decision to potentially move our headquarters beyond the UK. The benefits of a European head office include lower operational costs, EU single market access and recruitment flexibility of a multilingual talent pool. The high standard of research services our members, governments and the stakeholders around the world receive will continue to be at the forefront of our work and we are confident we will attract high-quality talent in the wider European market, for all of our services to members globally. The decision comes after the board of the WTTC endorsed a plan to move, with Switzerland, Italy and Spain among the likely destinations. The move comes after chancellor Rachel Reeves blamed the countrys latest economic woes on the ongoing impact of the decision to leave the EU. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has already calculated that Brexit will have a long-term reduction in GDP by 4 per cent to the UK. WTTC chairman Manfredi Lefebvre ( WTTC ) The WTTC is not the first institution to turn its back on the UK because of Brexit. Previously, Bank of America Merrill Lynch made Dublin its new European headquarters as a result of the UK leaving the EU. P&O shifted its ship restoration from the UK to Cyprus in the wake of Brexit; Panasonic shifted its European HQ to the Netherlands; MoneyGram moved its HQ from London to Brussels; and the European Medicines Agency and European Bank Authority both left the UK. Dr Mike Galsworthy, chair of European Movement UK, said: "If they do undertake this move, then they can be added to a depressing list of HQs that have departed the UK for Europe over Brexit. Such as the European Medicines Agency, which was based in London with its over 300m taxable annual revenue, or the European Banking Authority, or the European headquarters of Sony and Panasonic, or the moves of Lloyds and Barclays over Brexits loss of passporting rights. By 2019, in the wake of the Brexit vote but before it was even implemented, a report found 900bn in financial firms' assets had been moved out of the UK. Brexit will continue to strip assets from the UK something politicians now seem ready to admit publicly, after years of staring at their shoes and shifting the subject at any mention of the blatant damage leaving the EU has wreaked on the UKs economy." The UK government has been asked for a response. However, Sir Keir Starmer has ruled out rejoining the EU, single market or customs union but has negotiated a reset deal with Brussels to help remove economic barriers caused by Brexit. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Opposition leaders in Cameroon Tuesday contested the official results of the Oct. 12 presidential election after the countrys top court declared the worlds oldest leader Paul Biya winner as protests continued across the country. Citizens began protesting in mid-October after opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary claimed victory as the official results were still being tallied. Since then, security forces have clashed with angry protesters in many cities including Douala and Garoua opposition strongholds and in the capital, Yaounde. At least four people have been shot and hundreds arrested as opposition supporters demanded credible results. The Constitutional Council on Monday said Biya won the election with 53.66% against his former ally-turned challenger, Tchiroma, who received 35.19%. The results are final and cannot be appealed. International bodies and human rights organizations on Tuesday condemned the violent response to the protests. The European Union said in a statement Tuesday that it was deeply concerned by the violent repression of the demonstrations that took place on Oct. 26 and 27 and deploring the death by firearm of a number of civilians. The U.N. Secretary-General echoed these concerns, calling on political stakeholders and their supporters to "exercise restraint, reject violence and refrain from any inflammatory rhetoric and hate speech. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International and other rights groups have also noted excessive use of force against protesters and have called for a an investigation into the deaths. The minister of territorial administration, Paul Atanga Nji, told reporters Tuesday that protesters wreaked havoc in several towns across the country prior to the official proclamation of the presidential election results. During these attacks, some of the criminals lost their lives. Several members of the security forces were also seriously injured during clashes with demonstrators, Atanga Nji said without giving further details. Shortly after being declared winner, 92-year-old Biya sent his thoughts to all those who have unnecessarily lost their lives and their families in the postelection violence. But the opposition candidates rejected the results pronounced by the Constitutional Council. Tchiroma claimed victory two days after the election and last week called on his supporters to come out in massive numbers." On Tuesday, he called out the Constitutional Council for announcing truncated results and awarding a fictitious victory to Biya. The lone female candidate in the election who emerged fifth, Tomaino Ndam Njoya, said on Monday that the outcome of the election didnt reflect the sovereign will of the people. They reflect a weakened electoral system, undermined by irregularities, manipulation and repeated violations of the law, she said. A group of eight local civil society groups previously noted several irregularities in the electoral process, including the presence of deceased voters on electoral lists, unequal distribution of ballot papers and attempts at ballot box-stuffing. But the African Union mission said the vote was conducted largely in accordance with regional, continental and international standards. Biya is expected to be sworn in within 15 days of the official announcement of the results in consonance with Cameroons Constitution. He first came to power in 1982 following the resignation of Cameroons first president and has ruled since then, later benefiting from a constitutional amendment that abolished term limits. Cameroon is an oil-producing country with modest economic growth, but young people say the benefits have not trickled down beyond the elites. According to World Bank data, the unemployment rate stands at 3.5%, but 57% of the labor force aged 18 to 35 works in informal employment. ___ Follow APs Africa coverage at: https://apnews.com/hub/africa Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The attorney general has hit out at disgraceful allegations made towards the prime minister and national security adviser following the collapse of the China spy case, and admitted he is extremely concerned about the impact the case will have on public trust in national security. Lord Richard Hermer told a parliamentary committee that suggestions that politicians had somehow improperly interfered in this case to stop a prosecution were made without evidence. MPs and Lords took evidence from the attorney general and Cabinet Office minister Darren Jones on Wednesday as part of their investigation into the collapse of the case against Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry. open image in gallery MPs and Lords took evidence from the attorney general on Wednesday ( House of Commons/UK Parliament ) The pair who deny wrongdoing had been accused of passing secrets to Beijing, but the case against them collapsed in recent weeks when the Crown Prosecution Service decided it did not have enough evidence to secure a conviction. No 10 has faced questions over why Sir Keir Starmer did not intervene when the CPS said it would withdraw the case, but said earlier this month it would have been absurd for him to do so and interfere with the case. Addressing the national security strategy committee on Wednesday, Lord Hermer said: I am extremely concerned about the impact that this case has on public faith in our national security structures and in our criminal justice system insofar as it intersects with that. And thats why I welcome the work of this committee, thats why I welcome parliamentary scrutiny. open image in gallery The case against Christopher Berry (left) and Christopher Cash was dropped in September, with the Crown Prosecution Service saying it did not have enough evidence to secure a conviction ( PA ) He added: Its also, if I may say, why I deprecate some of the baseless accusations that were leveled against the prime minister and against our national security advisor Mr Powell when [...] the decision of the prosecution was announced, that seek to suggest that politicians had somehow improperly interfered in this case to stop a prosecution, effectively allegations that they were perverting the course of justice against the national security interests of this country. He described them as disgraceful allegations to make without evidence. The government has faced questions over the saga, and the evidence that was provided by deputy national security adviser Matt Collins. Attention has focused on Mr Collinss statements, with the CPS saying his refusal to explicitly call China a threat or active threat to national security meant the prosecution could not continue. On Monday, Mr Collins said he had provided evidence of a range of threats posed by Beijing but had not described the country as a generic threat because that was not the position of the Tory government in power at the time of the alleged offences. Lord Hermer told the committee that he had no doubt that the prosecution would have gone to trial if legislation had been up to date. Pointing to the Official Secrets Act, he said: Standing back in this case, wheres the problem? What is it, because I think we should all be concerned to try and identify what lessons can be learnt. Im clear in my mind that certainly one very significant problem here was the act. The act wasnt fit for purpose; it was out of date. He said parliament was right to pass the National Security Act 2023, which takes away problems faced by prosecutors in the case and means it merely needs to be proved that information was being passed to a foreign power. Speaking frankly, I dont understand why it took parliament so long to pass that. Had that act been in force at the relevant time for this case, between 21-23, I have no doubt that the prosecution would have proceeded to trial. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A migrant sex offender who was mistakenly released from prison in a major blunder was paid 500 to leave the UK, it has emerged. Home secretary Shabana Mahmood said she shared the publics anger over Hadush Kebatus bungled release and had pulled every lever to remove him from British soil but revelations about the cash payment are likely to spark further outrage. Kebatu, who was forcibly sent back to Ethiopia on Tuesday night with a team of five escorts on the flight, was given a 500 payment after threatening to disrupt his deportation flight. Downing Street said on Wednesday that the payment had been an operational decision and came after officials rejected an application from Kebatu for a scheme that has offered up to 1,500 in resettlement grants in the past. The government said the alternative was a slower and more expensive process, which could have included further detention, a new flight potentially costing thousands of pounds and fighting subsequent legal claims, it said. open image in gallery Hadush Kebatu was wrongly freed from HMP Chelmsford on Friday ( Essex Police ) In an interview with Sky News after landing in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, Kebatu claimed he tried to hand himself in the morning after he was released, but he was ignored. He claimed he told officers: I will give you my hand. Please help me, where is the police station? Take me, I am wanted. Sky News reported the Metropolitan Police said it was not aware of any evidence that would support Kebatus claims. It added that his actions on the morning of his re-arrest were more like those of someone trying to avoid officers, not trying to hand himself in. The Conservatives have since labelled the decision to pay him an absolute disgrace. The government had vowed to deport Kebatu after he was wrongly freed from HMP Chelmsford on Friday morning instead of being sent to an immigration detention centre. The error triggered a two-day manhunt, which ended when he was re-arrested in London on Sunday. Kebatu, who crossed the Channel in a small boat to enter the UK on 29 June, had been living at the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, when he sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl and a woman, sparking a wave of protests outside the accommodation used to house asylum seekers. The prime ministers official spokesman said on Wednesday: Kebatu was forcibly deported. A team of five escorts accompanied Kebatu on a flight. We turned down an application from him of a facilitated return scheme, which under successive governments has offered resettlement grants of up to 1,500. However, given Kebatu threatened to disrupt the flight, an operational decision was taken to facilitate his return. open image in gallery Home secretary Shabana Mahmood said she shared the publics anger over the wrongful release of the migrant ( PA ) It is thought that the disruption included him trying to get off the plane. It comes after The Independent revealed in June that the UK has paid migrants 53m to leave the country over the past four years. Under a voluntary return scheme run by the government, migrants can receive up to 3,000 as an incentive to return to their home country, as part of what are known as assisted returns. They also have their flights paid for as part of the deal. According to government documents, the facilitated returns scheme was set up nearly 20 years ago to make the early removal of foreign national offenders (FNOs) to their country of origin easier. Kemi Badenochs spokesperson said that the UK needs to leave the ECHR and deport all foreign criminals as soon as possible. Asked about the payment, they said: Its an absolute disgrace and it goes to the heart of how much this government is messing up our immigration system. On Wednesday morning, border security minister Alex Norris could not confirm whether Kebatu received a cash payment to return to Ethiopia. I cant tell you on the cash piece. I know that early in the process, he had asked for that and was denied we do it sometimes to make a removal easier because it saves the taxpayer money, but I cant tell in this case, he told Good Morning Britain. Prisons have been ordered to begin a series of enhanced checks before inmates are released following the release blunder, while an independent inquiry has been announced to establish what went wrong. Ms Mahmood said: Last weeks blunder should never have happened, and I share the publics anger that it did. I would like to thank the police for rapidly bringing Mr Kebatu into custody and the public for their vigilance. I have pulled every lever to deport Mr Kebatu and remove him off British soil. I am pleased to confirm this vile child sex offender has been deported. Our streets are safer because of it. If you come to this country and commit crimes, we will remove you. Deputy prime minister David Lammy said the incident was unacceptable and appeared to have been a result of human error. He added: We must get to the bottom of what happened. There is growing pressure on the government to get a grip on the number of people arriving in the UK via small boats amid growing public anger over the issue. Public discontent with the governments handling of the issue and the housing of asylum seekers in hotels led to a wave of protests over the summer, as well as criticism from Labours political opponents after the number of people crossing the Channel reached a record high this year. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The government will fail to meet its target of building 1.5m homes by the end of the decade, house builders have warned in a letter to the budget watchdog - a fresh blow to Rachel Reeves ahead of what is expected to be a difficult budget in November. In a letter to the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), the Home Builders Federation (HBF) - the representative body of the home building industry in England and Wales - said that its forecasts for economic growth from house building were too optimistic. The organisations chief executive, Neil Jefferson, said the OBRs numbers would only be achievable if ministers gave more help to first-time buyers to stimulate demand and slashed planned taxes on new homes, which he said were making many sites unviable. He said: The OBRs forecasts for housing supply were ambitious. The numbers are only achievable in the right policy environment. open image in gallery Construction on new homes ( PA ) The private warning, seen by The Times, is likely to harm prospects for the watchdog upgrading its forecast for economic growth from construction. In a worst case scenario, it could even result in a downgrade. In its manifesto, Labour pledged to begin work on 1.5 million new homes over the course of the Parliament, to expand homeownership to more Britons. But house builders have repeatedly sounded the alarm over the pledge, arguing it is too ambitious. MP Chris Curtis, chair of the Labour Growth Group, said his party is at risk of not hitting our targets because reform has been too slow. The House of Lords has been holding up legislation, and the government hasnt been strong enough in standing up to opposition, he told The Times. Thats why we now need to go further, by reforming the building safety regulator, fixing the broken approach to nature regulation, and swiftly getting on with the New Towns programme. But minister Alex Norris insisted the government made that commitment and were going to deliver on it. I'm sad to see that story. The reality is we inherited a broken housebuilding system. The lack of targets meant that the market ground to a halt of course thats taking time to ramp up, the Home Office minister told LBC. Whether its changes to the planning framework, the Planning and Infrastructure Bill thats working its way through parliament - we're making changes to make it better to build in those communities in this country. He added: We were clear with the British people from the start it wouldnt be an even distribution from year one because the baseline from which we were building was so weak. It came as the chancellor insisted that Britain does not have to accept grim economic forecasts, despite reports she faces a barrage of fiscal bad news ahead of next months Budget. Writing in The Guardian, the Ms Reeves acknowledged that productivity forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) could make for tough reading. And she argued that austerity, Brexit and the pandemic had left deep scars on the UKs economy. But she said she was determined that we dont simply accept the forecasts but we defy them and would not relitigate the past or let past mistakes determine our future. Her comments come as she prepares to deliver a Budget next month widely expected to involve further tax rises as she seeks to close a multi-billion pound gap in her plans. A government spokesman said: We will leave no stone unturned to build the 1.5 million homes this country desperately needs and restore the dream of homeownership. On top of the major planning changes we have already introduced to get developers building and our huge 39 billion investment in social and affordable housing, we are going further and faster to accelerate reforms and bring about the biggest era of housebuilding in our countrys history. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Tanzanians cast their votes on Wednesday in an election widely anticipated to see President Samia Suluhu Hassan secure victory, following the disqualification of candidates from the two primary opposition parties. Small groups of protesters were dispersed by police at polling stations in two Dar es Salaam neighbourhoods, Reuters witnesses reported, after activists had called for demonstrations via social media. Concurrently, internet monitor NetBlocks confirmed a nationwide disruption to connectivity across Tanzania. It said on X that "live network data show a nationwide disruption to internet connectivity. Just before the disruption was confirmed, users noted an internet slowdown in the African country. The election proceeded without the leading opposition party, CHADEMA, whose leader, Tundu Lissu, is currently facing treason charges, which he denies. The electoral commission had previously disqualified CHADEMA in April, citing their refusal to sign an electoral code of conduct. open image in gallery School children walk past a billboard featuring the incumbent Tanzanian president ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) The commission also disqualified Luhaga Mpina, the presidential candidate for the second-largest opposition party, ACT-Wazalendo, after an objection from the attorney general, leaving only candidates from minor parties taking on Hassan. "There is no election in Tanzania. If I may sum up properly, it is a coronation," Deogratius Munishi, CHADEMA's secretary for foreign affairs, told Citizen Television in neighbouring Kenya on Wednesday. The government has said the election is being conducted fairly and denied allegations of widespread human rights abuses in the run-up, including abductions of opposition figures. Results due within three days Voters are also choosing members of the country's 400-seat parliament and a president and lawmakers in the semi-autonomous Zanzibar archipelago. Polls are due to close at 1300 GMT, and results are expected within three days. "I urge all Tanzanians, those who are still at home, to come out and exercise their right and vote and choose their preferred leaders," Hassan said after voting in the administrative capital Dodoma. She has been traversing the country of around 68 million people to tout her record of expanding transport networks and increasing power generation. open image in gallery Supporters of Tanzanian presidential candidate Samia Suluhu Hassan, of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party, listen to speeches during a campaign rally in Arusha, Tanzania ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Juma Mtali, a businessperson voting in Dar es Salaam, said his experience had been smooth. "As of now it is very peaceful," he said. Small groups of young people protested in Dar es Salaam's Manzese and Ubungo neighbourhoods before being dispersed by police, Reuters witnesses said. Government ordered probe into alleged abductions Hassan's CCM, whose predecessor party led the struggle for independence for mainland Tanzania in the 1950s, has dominated national politics since it was founded in 1977. Hassan, one of ONLY two female heads of state in Africa, won plaudits after coming to power in 2021 for easing repression of political opponents and censorship that proliferated under her predecessor, John Magufuli, who died in office. But in the last two years, rights campaigners and opposition candidates have accused the government of unexplained abductions of its critics. This month, the country's former ambassador to Cuba, now a fierce critic of the government, was taken from his home by unknown assailants, his family said. Police said they were investigating. Hassan has said her government is committed to respecting human rights and last year ordered an investigation into the reports of abductions. No official findings have been made public. Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Internet users were left in the dark Wednesday as problems with Microsoft services triggered widespread outages across popular sites, such as Xbox, Kroger and Starbucks. Tens of thousands of users reported experiencing outages with Microsoft Azure, the tech giants cloud platform, according to DownDetector. Users of Minecraft, Xbox and Microsoft 365 all owned by the tech giant reported issues accessing websites. Other popular retailers, such as Kroger and Starbucks, were also caught up in the outage. Were sorry for the inconvenience. At the moment, all banner sites and mobile apps are experiencing an unexpected outage. Our technical teams are working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible, Kroger wrote on X. Alaska Airlines was also impacted, with the company said in a social media post: A global outage impacted the Microsoft Azure platform today where several Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines services are hosted, causing a disruption to key systems, including our websites...We are bringing impacted systems back online this afternoon, with other services set to resume once Microsoft resolves the issue from its end. Service appeared to have been restored by Wednesday evening. Azures mass outages resulted from an inadvertent configuration change, Microsoft said. Microsoft Azure, the technology giants cloud platform, confirmed it had identified the root cause of the problem impacting some of its services. It impacted sites such as Outlook at Xbox Live. ( Alamy/PA ) At 1 p.m. Wednesday, the Azure Support account on X acknowledged the issue: Were investigating an issue impacting several Azure services. Customers may experience issues when accessing services. Updates are provided via the Azure status. Londons Heathrow Airport, NatWest and Vodafone also encountered disruptions. Even voting at the Scottish Parliament was suspended following the outage. Holyroods Presiding Officer said technical issues meant MSPs were unable to vote. Dr Saqib Kakvi, from the department of information security at Royal Holloway, University of London, said: This is very similar to the AWS outage of last week, which was also a DNS issue. Currently Amazon, Microsoft and Google have an effective triopoly on cloud services and storage, meaning that an outage of even part of their infrastructure can cripple hundreds, if not thousands, of applications and systems. Due to cost of hosting web content, economic forces lead to consolidation of resources into a few very large players, but it is effectively putting all our eggs in one of three baskets, Kakvi said. By Thursday morning, the status page stated there were no active events. The latest blackout marked the second major cloud outage in a two-week span. Last week, Snapchat, Duolingo, Roblox and other major sites were knocked offline by technical problems at Amazon Web Services. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice One of Ben & Jerrys founders has launched a campaign against the brands owner, claiming it blocked the creation of a flavour in support of Palestine. In an Instagram post, a defiant Ben Cohen announced he will create a watermelon sorbet flavour in support of Palestine through his independent company, Bens Best. While Ben & Jerrys has been owned by Unilever since 2000 through its ice cream arm, Magnum, which will soon become its own company, the co-founders, Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, have an acquisition agreement that allows independent activism through the board. open image in gallery A still from an Instagram video showing Ben Cohen announcing a new watermelon sorbet flavour in support of Palestine ( Instagram/@yobencohen ) Cohens latest message to the ice cream brands owner is to set the company free, a further development of tension between the two parties since the Israel-Palestine conflict. Speaking from his kitchen, Cohen said, despite the ceasefire, Palestinians were still suffering under occupation. A while back, Ben & Jerrys tried to make a flavour to call for peace in Palestine, to stand for justice and dignity for everyone, he said. But they werent allowed to, they were stopped by Unilever Magnum, the company that owns Ben & Jerrys. So Im doing what they couldnt, Im making a watermelon flavoured ice cream that calls for permanent peace in Palestine and calls for repairing all the damage that was done there. Watermelon has become a symbol of the people in Gaza and the West Bank thanks to the similarity between the fruits colours and the Palestinian flag. In 2021, the ice cream brand refused to sell its products in areas of the West Bank occupied by Israel, but Unilever sold its arm to a local licensee to make the products available in the region. Ben & Jerrys has filed multiple court actions against Unilever, alleging that Unilever has restricted its ability to campaign against Donald Trump and Israel. open image in gallery The ice cream brand Ben & Jerrys has been owned by Unilever since 2000 ( Getty ) In September, Greenfield announced he was stepping down from the company after almost 50 years with the brand, citing concern that Unilever was curbing its social activism. Cohen and Greenfield have since had a public campaign calling on Unilever and Magnum to set the company free to be privately owned. The campaign mission is simple: to call for The Magnum Ice Cream Company to allow Ben & Jerrys to become an independently owned company, with socially-aligned investors and once again free to honour its social mission and live by its brand values, without compromise, the activist page says. Cohen told the BBC at the time that Greenfield had a big heart and the Unilever conflict was breaking it. My heart leads me to continue to work inside the company to advocate for its independence so that it can actualize the social mission, the values that it was founded on and has maintained for over 40 years, he said. open image in gallery The ice cream-making duo often used their brand to fight for causes they believe in ( AFP via Getty ) Unilever said in a statement that independent members of Ben & Jerrys board made a proposal for but it was rejected. The independent members of Ben & Jerrys board are not, and have never been, responsible for the Ben & Jerrys commercial strategy and execution, the spokesperson said. Recommendations are considered by Ben & Jerrys leadership, and Ben & Jerrys management has determined it is not the right time to invest in developing this product. Ben & Jerrys has been contacted for comment. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The principal at Woodrow Wilson High School in Dallas has been removed after she held a meeting exclusively with Black students to blame them for the school's academic reputation. Principal Chandra Hooper-Barnett called the meeting only with Black students discuss the schools recent B academic rating, sparking outrage among parents. "He said that Principal Barnett stated that those students, the Black students, were the reason why the school had a B rating," Jennifer Bush, the parents of a sophomore at the school, told the Dallas Morning News. Bush told the paper that she was "livid," noting that her son has a 3.5 GPA and is in advanced placement and college classes. Shes Black as well. You have a historical position ... and this is what you do. Thats insane, Bush told the paper. Woodrow Wilson High School Principal Chandra Hooper-Barnett has been removed from her position at the Dallas-area school after she allegedly called a meeting with Black students to blame them for the school's "B" academic rating ( Dallas Independent School District ) According to Fox 4 News, the school previously had a C rating, so its academic performance has actually improved over the last year. But parents still felt that Black students were being blamed for the schools rating not being high. "The principal stated how [the Black students] are the reason for the B rating. And it was not like 'oh you guys helped raise it to a B,' it was 'you guys are the reason we are not an A school,'" Jennifer, a Woodrow Wilson parent, told the broadcaster. The mother said that Barnett needed to be removed, as the trust between the school and the families had been "broken" by her alleged targeting of Black students. Woodrow Wilson has a student population of 2,000, about 6 percent of whom are Black. Following the meeting and the blowback, Barnett issued a letter to parents taking responsibility for the incident. "The decision to hold that meeting and subsequent discussion that transpired was not appropriate," she wrote. "I take full ownership and responsibility for what occurred, and I want to assure you that it was never my intent to single out or cause harm to any group of students." On Monday, the Dallas Independent School District sent a letter to parents informing them that Barnett would no longer serve as the principal, and that Danielle Peters would take over as interim. The statement, sent by Dallas ISD Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde, confirmed that the meeting Barnett called was not sanctioned by the district. The letter did not include details of what actually happened during the meeting. The Independent has requested comment from the Dallas ISD. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Hurricane Melissa has left a trail of devastation across the Caribbean, with dozens killed and billions of dollars worth of damage inflicted across the region. The storm of the century is one of the most powerful in Atlantic history, and the most forceful hurricane to ever hit Jamaica. At least 49 people have been killed so far, including 19 in Jamaica, 30 in Haiti, and one person in the Dominican Republic. At least 10 children were killed due to flooding caused by the storm when a river burst in Haiti. The death toll is expected to rise as search and rescue efforts get underway. Despite reducing in intensity, the storm continues to move on. Melissa was last recorded as a Category 2 storm 264 km (164 miles) west of the North Atlantic British island territory of Bermuda, packing maximum sustained winds of 100 mph (161 kph), according to the National Hurricane Center. Melissa began as a tropical wave near West Africa, before gaining traction and blowing westward to the Caribbean. open image in gallery A map of Hurricane Melissa's forecasted path as of Wednesday at 8 p.m. ( National Hurricane Center ) After passing over Jamaica, it made landfall in Cuba on Wednesday. It crawled across the countries with destructive winds and torrential rainfall before passing over to the Bahamas and Bermuda. Surrounding areas, including the southeastern and central Bahamas and Turks and Caicos, were also at risk of a life-threatening storm surge and heavy rainfall, the National Hurricane Centre said. It travelled over the Bahamas as a Category 1 storm, having reached the intensity of a Category 5 over recent days, including when it made landfall in Jamaica. AccuWeather estimates that $48 billion to $52 billion in damage and economic loss has been inflicted across the western Caribbean. Red Cross teams have been mobilising as Hurricane Melissa has left deaths and devastation across the region. Its slow pace makes Hurricane Melissa more destructive, with sustained winds and accumulated rainfall inflicting maximum damage to the vulnerable and low-lying island. Around 70 per cent of Jamaicas population of over 2.8 million people lives in coastal areas. Slow-moving major hurricanes often go down in history as some of the deadliest and most destructive storms on record, said AccuWeather chief meteorologist Jonathan Porter. This is a dire situation unfolding in slow motion. Cuban president Miguel Diaz-Canel ordered mass evacuations across the country, with at least 735,000 people being forced to leave their homes to escape the devastation. The National Hurricane Centre warned that the hurricane will inflict a life-threatening storm surge, flash flooding and landslides. In the Bahamas, the government ordered evacuations of residents in the southern portions of that archipelago. open image in gallery These images show the Barnett River along Montego Bay before and after Hurricane Melissa hit Jamaica ( Vantor ) Early indications are that Hurricane Melissa was a disaster of unprecedented catastrophe for the island, Alexander Pendry, the charitys global response manager said on Wednesday. News is already coming through that whole communities are underwater and that the damage left by the strong winds has been devastating. Jamaican prime minister Andrew Holness said the country is expecting that there would be some loss of life in the aftermath of the event. United Cajun Navy vice-president Brian Trascher estimated that trillions of gallons of water would fall on Jamaica. The UK announced it would provide an additional 5m ($6.71 million) in emergency humanitarian funding to support the Caribbean region's recovery from hurricane Melissa, after pledging 2.5m earlier this week. Sir Keir Starmer described scenes from the country as "truly shocking". The reports that we have had so far would include damage to hospitals, significant damage to residential property, housing and commercial property as well, and damage to our road infrastructure, Mr Holness said. Our country has been ravaged by Hurricane Melissa, but we will rebuild and we will do so even better than before. More than 500,000 residents have been left without power, with the parish of St Elizabeth in southwestern Jamaica left completely underwater, an official said. Video of the airport in Montego Bay showed inundated seating areas, broken glass and collapsed ceilings. Meteorologists at AccuWeather said Melissa ranked as the third most intense hurricane observed in the Caribbean, after Wilma in 2005 and Gilbert in 1988 the last major storm to make landfall in Jamaica. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The worlds strongest storm of the year has torn through Jamaica with 185mph winds and flash flooding, causing widespread devastation. Whole towns have been left underwater, one of the islands airports has been flooded, and more than half a million people are without power. Tens of thousands of tourists remain stranded, including 8,000 Britons, with thousands of locals in shelters. Footage of the damage to the airport in Montego Bay showed seating areas ripped up, broken glass and collapsed ceilings after the category 5 storm hit. Four hospitals were damaged, at least one with its roof torn off, trees were uprooted, and roads were deluged overnight. Seven people were killed by the storm before it even made landfall on Tuesday three in Jamaica, three in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic while one person has been reported missing. open image in gallery People in areas like Santa Cruz, in Jamaicas St Elizabeth parish, have been left picking up the pieces ( AP ) open image in gallery The storm caused widespread damage with trees torn up across the island ( AFP/Getty ) The US National Hurricane Centre (NHC) in Miami declared Melissa one of the most powerful hurricane landfalls on record in the Atlantic basin. Melissas winds subsided as the storm drifted past the mountains of Jamaica, lashing highland communities vulnerable to landslides and flooding before moving on to Cuba. In southwestern Jamaica, the parish of St Elizabeth was left underwater, an official said. Describing it as Jamaicas breadbasket, government minister Desmond McKenzie said the district had taken a beating with extensive damage. Our country has been ravaged by Hurricane Melissa, but we will rebuild and we will do so even better than before, Jamaicas prime minister, Andrew Holness, said early on Wednesday. The reports that we have had so far would include damage to hospitals, significant damage to residential property, housing and commercial property as well, and damage to our road infrastructure. open image in gallery People sit on the roof of a vehicle riding on a flooded road in Prospect, Manchester, Jamaica ( Reuters ) open image in gallery A man walks along a flooded street in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic ( AFP/Getty ) Local media reported a disaster coordinator suffered a stroke at the onset of the storm and was rushed to hospital. Late on Tuesday, many areas remained cut off. The government said it hopes to reopen all of Jamaicas airports as early as Thursday to ensure quick distribution of emergency relief supplies. The US government said it was deploying a disaster response team and search and rescue personnel to the region, while British prime minister Sir Keir Starmer said the UK had a Royal Navy vessel and specialists in the area ready to provide support. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) urged British nationals in Jamaica to register their presence through the government website to receive updates. Kyle Holmes, who is from Bolton in the UK and visiting Jamaica for a wedding with his wife and three daughters, told the BBC his hotel in the town of Lucea now looks like a disaster zone. Mr Holmes said he and his family were now safe after the worst experience ever and barricading the windows of the familys room with furniture. open image in gallery This satellite image shows Hurricane Melissa, a category 5 storm, making landfall on Jamaica ( NOAA ) open image in gallery Melissa will continue to bring devastation to Cuba through Wednesday before moving northeast ( AccuWeather ) Rising floodwaters have left the island vulnerable to reptiles as officials in Kingston issued a warning to beware of crocodiles. The countrys environmental agency said the reptiles may have been swept from their natural habitats by Hurricane Melissas torrential rains and could appear in unexpected places, including flooded streets and yards. Melissa made landfall where the eye of the storm moves over land near the town of New Hope, 39 miles south of Montego Bay, packing maximum sustained winds of 185mph, the US National Hurricane Centre said. The most powerful level on the Saffir-Simpson scale, category 5, requires speeds of at least 157mph. Moving at a deceptively glacial pace of around 3mph, the tropical storm intensified from category 4 to category 5 within 24 hours. After reducing in intensity to a category 4 on Wednesday and crossing eastern Cuba, where 500,000 people have been ordered to leave their homes, Melissa is forecast to head through Bermuda and the Bahamas. open image in gallery Parts of the roof of the St Elizabeth Technical High School are missing in Santa Cruz, Jamaica ( AP ) open image in gallery A damaged car by a fallen tree lay in the path of Hurricane Melissa ( AFP/Getty ) The World Meteorological Organisations tropical cyclone specialist Anne-Claire Fontan said. For Jamaica, it will be the storm of the century, for sure. Scientists say hurricanes are intensifying faster and with greater frequency as a result of warming ocean waters caused by greenhouse gas emissions. Many Caribbean leaders have called on wealthy, heavy-polluting nations to provide reparations in the form of aid or debt relief to tropical island countries. The NHC put out urgent advice to put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. It added: An interior room without windows, ideally one where you can also avoid falling trees, is the safest place you can be in a building. You can cover yourself with a mattress and wear a helmet for protection. Meteorologists at AccuWeather said Melissa ranked as the third most intense hurricane observed in the Caribbean, after Wilma in 2005 and Gilbert in 1988 the last major storm to make landfall in Jamaica. Michael Brennan, director of the NHC, told the BBC that even after Melissa passed over the island, the flooding risk, and just the post-storm environment in Jamaica, is going to be extremely dangerous with widespread trees and power lines down, significant structural damage and that it will remain a dangerous environment, particularly in the west and in the mountains, for days, if not weeks to come. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice After serving 43 years for a friends murder he did not commit, Subramanyam Vedam was set to walk free from a Pennsylvania prison this month. Vedam and Thomas Kinser were 19-year-old students at Penn State University in 1980 when Vedam asked him for a ride to buy drugs, becoming the last person to see Kinser alive. Kinsers van was later found outside his apartment. Nine months later, hikers found his body in a wooded area miles away. open image in gallery Subramanyam Vedam was set to walk free from a Pennsylvania prison this month ( AP ) After his initial conviction was thrown out, Vedam faced an unusual set of questions at his 1988 retrial. "Mr. Vedam, where were you born?" Centre County District Attorney Ray Gricar asked. "How frequently would you go back to India? "During your teenage years, did you ever get into meditation?" Gopal Balachandran, the Penn State law professor who won the reversal, believes the questions were designed to alienate him from the all-white jury, which returned a second guilty verdict. In August, a judge threw out the conviction after Vedam's lawyers found new ballistics evidence that prosecutors had never disclosed. As his sister prepared to bring him home on Oct. 3, the thin, white-haired Vedam was instead taken into federal custody over a 1999 deportation order. The 64-year-old, who legally came to the U.S. from India when he was 9 months old, now faces another daunting legal fight. Vedam was detained on drug charges while police investigated, and was ultimately charged with murder. He was convicted in 1983 and sentenced to life without parole. To resolve the drug case, he pleaded no contest to four counts of selling LSD and a theft charge. The 1988 retrial offered no reprieve from his situation. Although the defense long questioned the ballistics evidence in the case, the jury, which heard that Vedam had bought a .25-caliber gun from someone, never heard that an FBI report suggested the bullet wound was too small to have been fired from that gun. Balachandran only found that report as he dug into the case in 2023. After hearings on the issue, a Center County judge threw out the conviction and the district attorney decided this month not to retry the case. Amid the Trump administration's focus on mass deportation, Vedam's lawyers must persuade an immigration court that a 1980s drug conviction should be outweighed by the years he wrongly spent in prison. For a time, immigration law allowed people who had reformed their lives to seek such waivers. Vedam never pursued it then because of the murder conviction. "He was someone who's suffered a profound injustice," said immigration lawyer Ava Benach. "(And) those 43 years aren't a blank slate. He lived a remarkable experience in prison." Vedam earned several degrees behind bars, tutored hundreds of fellow inmates and went nearly half a century with just a single infraction, involving rice brought in from the outside. His lawyers hope immigration judges will consider the totality of his case. The administration, in a brief filed Friday, opposes the effort. So Vedam remains at a 1,800-bed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in central Pennsylvania. "Criminal illegal aliens are not welcome in the U.S.," a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said in an email about the case. The Vedams were among the first Indian families in the area known as "Happy Valley," where his father had come as a postdoctoral fellow in 1956. An older daughter was born in State College, but "Subu," as he was known, was born when the family was back in India in 1961. They returned to State College for good before his first birthday and became the family that welcomed new members of the Indian diaspora to town. "They were fully engaged. My father loved the university. My mother was a librarian, and she helped start the library," said his sister, Saraswathi Vedam, 68, a midwifery professor in Vancouver, British Columbia. While she left for college in Massachusetts, Subu became swept up in the counterculture of the late 1970s, growing his hair long and dabbling in drugs while taking classes at Penn State. open image in gallery Subramanyam in 1981 ( AP ) Benach, the immigration lawyer, often represents clients trying to stay in the U.S. despite an earlier infraction. Still, she finds the Vedam case "truly extraordinary," given the constitutional violations involved. "Forty-three years of wrongful imprisonment more than makes up for the possession with intent to distribute LSD when he was 20 years old," she said. Vedam could spend several more months in custody before the Board of Immigration Appeals decides whether to reopen the case. ICE officials, in a brief Friday, said the clock ran out years ago. "He has provided no evidence nor argument to show he has been diligent in pursuing his rights as it pertains to his immigration status," Katherine B. Frisch, an assistant chief counsel, wrote. Saraswathi Vedam is saddened by the latest delay, but said her brother remains patient. "He, more than anybody else, knows that sometimes things don't make sense," she said. "You have to just stay with stay the course and keep hoping that truth and justice and compassion and kindness will win." The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The United States is cutting the number of troops on Europe's eastern flank, Romania's defence ministry said Wednesday. The ministry said the decision wasnt a surprise given changes in Washington's priorities, and that roughly 1,000 U.S. troops would continue to be stationed in Romania. Between 1,000 and 1,200 U.S. troops rotated out a month ago and will not be replaced, it said in a statement. The Trump administration previously told European allies that they will need to take more responsibility for their own security as the United States focuses more on its own borders and on the Indo-Pacific region. "The American decision is to stop the rotation in Europe of a brigade that had elements in several NATO countries," the defence ministry said. The Trump administration previously told European allies that they will need to take more responsibility for their own security as the United States focuses more on its own borders and on the Indo-Pacific region ( AP ) REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS OPPOSE THE MOVE The U.S. military said the decision not to replace departing American troops in Romania was not "an American withdrawal from Europe or a signal of lessened commitment to NATO." But in a rare move, top U.S. Republican lawmakers on the Senate and House Armed Services Committees slammed the removal. "We strongly oppose the decision not to maintain the rotational U.S. brigade in Romania," the joint statement said, adding that the lawmakers were seeking clarification from the Pentagon. Defence Minister Ionut Mosteanu told a news conference that the brigade had troops in Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary and Slovakia. He said Bucharest's ties with Washington remained strong and that the permanent allied presence remained "considerable", at around 3,500 NATO troops including U.S. soldiers. "It is enough for our needs," Mosteanu said. "The expectation of having entire foreign armies here to defend us is unrealistic. We will continue to invest in the Romanian army." He said Romania had received an advanced air defence system from Washington which would enhance the country's ability to protect itself against drones breaching its airspace. NATO SAYS ALLIANCE IN CLOSE CONTACT The EU and NATO state shares a 650 km (400 mile) land border with Ukraine and has seen Russian drones breach its airspace more than 20 times over the last two years, as well as mines floating in the Black Sea across key trade and energy routes. A NATO official said the alliance was in close contact about the deployment of its forces, adding that adjustments to U.S. deployments were not unusual. Slovakia's defence ministry said the decision not to replace the rotating brigade only affected Romania and that Slovakia's defence was provided by its Spain-led multinational NATO brigade. Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto told Sky that the process of the U.S. shifting its focus had started under President Barack Obama. "The U.S. is concerned about competition with China, and Europe must guarantee its own defence," he said. Despite worries on NATO's eastern flank about the potential scaling back of the U.S. presence in the region, at a time when Russia continues to wage war in Ukraine, Trump said in September that Washington could increase its troop presence in Poland. Polish Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz and Lithuanian presidential adviser Deividas Matulionis both said they had not received any information about a possible reduction of U.S. troops on their territory. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Detroit police officer left a judge speechless when he showed up for a Zoom hearing wearing his uniform top and badge but no pants. Officer Matthew Jackson from the Detroit Police Department appeared in the 36th District Court via Zoom on Monday for a reckless driving and public intoxication case, according to a video of the hearing posted to YouTube. However, when Jackson appeared on camera, he was wearing his official police button-up uniform shirt, badge, and boxers, but no pants. Judge Sean Perkins took immediate notice of the bizarre fashion choice, stumbling over his words for a moment before asking, You got some pants on, officer? No, sir, Jackson then told the judge before moving his phone closer to his body so that only the upper portion of his body was visible. A Detroit police officer left a judge in shock after he appeared on a Zoom call for a hearing wearing his police uniform top, including his badge, and his boxers ( 36th District Court /YouTube ) A lawyer taking part in the hearing then appeared with a bewildered expression on her face. Despite the awkward moment, the judge continued with the case without further mention of the bizarre incident. Jackson did not appear on the Zoom call again during the hearing. It was not immediately clear why he was not wearing pants during the call. In a statement to The Independent, the Detroit Police Department apologized for the officers appearance during the hearing. The Detroit Police Department requires its officers to represent themselves in a dignified and professional manner while attending court proceedings said Detroit Police Chief, Todd Bettison. The involved officer's actions are not representative of the professionalism of this department and will be appropriately addressed to maintain the public confidence and efficient operation of this department. Our apologies are hereby extended to the judges and staff of the court, as well as anyone else who may have been in attendance during this incident. The 36th District Court adheres to a casual business attire dress code, per the courts website. Prohibited attire includes shorts (cut-offs), skorts, sleeveless shirts (tank tops), hats/caps (except those worn for cultural or religious purposes) and other clothing which is not suitable in a Court or any other professional environment. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents searched more phones at the border than ever this year, with some officers turning tourists away for liking or sharing memes about Donald Trump and J.D. Vance, according to reports. The number of phones probed by border agents jumped by 17 percent during the last year, with the CBP digging into more than 55,424 devices, according to statistics seen by Wired. Just a year earlier, the CBP had conducted 47,000 searches. The aggressive increase in inspections has coincided with a collapse in the number of tourists visiting the U.S., as people from Canada and Europe seek alternative vacation destinations. Border officials are legally entitled to search the phones of anyone entering the U.S., including those of citizens and green card holders. Basic searches involve federal agents manually scrolling through a phone, while advanced searches use advanced tools to copy and analyze data. Advanced searches do require officers to have reasonable suspicion or cause, but failure to comply can result in detentions. open image in gallery CBP agents seized and searched more phones than ever this year as part of a intensive crackdown at the US border ( Getty Images ) However, a worrying trend in rejections at the border has led to concerns that the current administration is using the stringent rules to prevent the admittance of people who have been critical of Trump. A French government minister said that a scientist had been denied entry to the United States after messages expressing criticisms of Trumps presidency were found. I learned with concern that a French researcher who was traveling to a conference near Houston was denied entry to the United States before being expelled, Philippe Baptiste, Frances minister of higher education and research, said in a statement published by Le Monde in March. This measure was apparently taken by the American authorities because the researchers phone contained exchanges with colleagues and friends in which he expressed a personal opinion on the Trump administrations research policy, he continued. Months later, in June, a Norwegian tourist claimed that he was denied entry into the United States after border officials discovered a meme depicting a bloated, bald JD Vance on his device. Mads Mikkelsen, 21, said that he was forced to turn over his phone for inspection after border officials threatened him with a $5,000 fine or five years in prison if he failed to comply. The decision to reject his application was allegedly based on the claim that the meme had been found on his device. open image in gallery One tourist said he was denied entry to the US after a picture of a bald JD Vance was found on his phone ( U.S. Customs and Border Patrol ) The story was dismissed as FALSE by the CBP on X. Mads Mikkelsen was not denied entry for any memes or political reasons, it was for his admitted drug use, the agency wrote. At the time, Mikkelsen admitted that he had spoken to CBP officers but claimed their concerns centered on the meme and a second picture depicting a wooden pipe he had built. That same month, Alastair Kitchen, an Australian writer, said on BlueSky that he was detained and deported from the USA because of his reporting on the Columbia student protests. Foreign tourism to the United States has plummeted in recent months, with travel from Canada and Mexico into the U.S. falling by 20 percent, according to figures from the US Travel Association seen by Reuters. Meanwhile, Sebastian Ebel, the chief executive of TUI, told The Guardian that European tourists are choosing to visit Canada or Asia because of concerns about the atmosphere and what they hear from border control in the U.S. The Independent has contacted the CBP and the DHS for comment. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A man living in Alabama who claims to have U.S. citizenship was deported to Laos despite a federal court order blocking his removal from the country. But Homeland Security officials told The Independent there was no mistake, labeling him a criminal illegal alien who was stripped of his green card and merely sought a last-ditch Hail Mary attempt to claim citizenship after he had previously been ordered out of the country. Chanthila Souvannarath, 44, was born in a Thai refugee camp but has lived in the United States since he was an infant. He gained citizenship as a child when his father was naturalized, making him eligible for derivative citizenship under immigration law at the time, according to his attorneys. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers arrested Souvannarath on June 18 in Alabama, where he had been living, and moved him to a newly launched detention facility inside Louisiana State Penitentiary, the notorious state prison known as Angola. On October 23, a federal judge blocked ICE from deporting him while he challenged his arrest and detention, but he was put on a plane for Laos the next day. open image in gallery ICE deported a man who claims US citizenship to Laos one day after a federal judge blocked his removal, warning the inherent and obvious harm of deporting a citizen. ( AP ) This should shock the nation, said Nora Ahmed, legal director of the ACLU of Louisiana, which is representing Souvannarath in court. The deportation of an individual with a substantial claim to U.S. citizenship represents a catastrophic failure of the immigration system and a flagrant violation of constitutional rights. His legal team is now exploring all legal options for his return, according to attorneys with the ACLU, the National Immigration Project and Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights. The restraining order blocking ICE from deporting him was not served to the agency until after he was already on a plane for Laos, according to Homeland Security assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin. Souvannarath was convicted of assault and unlawful possession of a firearm in King County, Washington, in 2004, according to records reviewed by The Independent. McLaughlin said in a statement to The Independent that Souvannarath had no right to be in this country. An immigration court judge ordered his removal in 2006, according to McLaughlin. 20 years later, he tried a Hail Mary attempt to remain in our country by claiming he was a U.S. citizen. I know its shocking to the media but criminal illegal aliens lie all the time, she said. Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, if you break the law, you will face the consequences, McLaughlin added. Criminal illegal aliens are not welcome in the U.S. open image in gallery Souvannarath was jailed inside an immigration detention center at Louisianas notorious Angola prison as he fought for his release following his June arrest by ICE agents. ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images ) But citizens, regardless of criminal history, cannot be deported. Court records reviewed by The Independent show Souvannarath filed a petition for his release shortly after his June arrest but he did not pay the filing fee before the deadline. That case was dismissed and he refiled October 16. In her order blocking his removal, Louisiana District Judge Shelly Dick said his substantial claim of citizenship means he cannot be deported or held in immigration detention. He lays out the legal framework for his derivation of citizenship through his naturalized father and demonstrates how each prong of the requirements was met, she wrote. This presents serious questions regarding the legality of his detention and imminent deportation. The judge noted the inherent and obvious harm in deporting a U.S. citizen. His removal raises urgent questions about just how many other people, potentially including other U.S. citizens, have been wrongfully deported because our immigration system does not require legal representation of individuals placed behind bars at jails masquerading as immigration detention centers, according to the ACLUs Nora Ahmed. open image in gallery Louisiana is at the center of the Trump administrations mass deportation agenda, with thousands of detainees inside ICEs nine facilities in the state. ( AFP via Getty Images ) Homeland Securitys refusal to return Souvannarath from Laos, where he has never lived, echoes other high-profile immigration cases at the center of Donald Trumps mass deportation agenda. The administration is embroiled in several major cases involving the abrupt removal of immigrants in federal custody despite prior court rulings that prevented their deportation, including the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who government attorneys fought to keep in his native El Salvador despite admitting was deported in error. Louisiana, which holds thousands of ICE detainees, has been central to the Trump administrations mass deportation plans. ICE runs nine detention centers in the state, with capacity to hold as many as 7,000 people at any given time. The administration also is seeking to expand deportations to so-called third countries where immigrants have no claim of citizenship or connections. Laos now appears to join several African nations including Eswatini, Ghana, Liberia, South Sudan and Uganda where immigration officials are sending detainees. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Vice President JD Vance was bombarded with questions about President Donald Trumps new beef deal with Argentina during a lunch with Republican senators Tuesday, according to a report. Vance was told the deal was an insult to American livestock farmers by at least one unnamed senator attending the weekly policy gathering where concerns were raised on the impact on constituents in rural districts amid soaring beef prices, according to Andrew Desidero of Punchbowl News, who cited multiple attendees in a post on X about the occasion. The VP was so under siege, Desidero reported, that he attempted to diffuse the tension at one stage by jokingly asking: Does anyone have questions NOT about beef? open image in gallery Vice President JD Vance talks with reporters after attending the weekly Senate Republican policy luncheon on the 28th day of the federal government shutdown at the U.S. Capitol on October 28 2025 ( Getty ) The Trump administration announced last week that it would be quadrupling low-tariff imports of Argentine beef as part of an attempt to lower grocery store beef prices at home, which have rocketed of late due to strong consumer demand and tight cattle supplies, caused by summer drought burning up grazing lands and the climbing cost of feed. Raising the tariff rate quota on Argentine beef to 80,000 metric tons will allow the country to ship more beef to the U.S. at a lower duty rate. This gesture also represents a favor to the countrys president, Javier Milei, whom Trump has befriended and recently bailed out with a $20 billion currency swap. The Department of Agriculture also announced a plan to expand the domestic cattle herd and support American ranchers, with Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins saying on Fox Businesss Mornings with Maria last Wednesday that the administration is working to help U.S. consumers and producers at the same time. There is frustration on both sides, Rollins said. And I was with the president yesterday and he is very, very frustrated because [of] everything hes done to cut taxes, to bring down costs. The move to increase imports has indeed angered Americas ranchers, a demographic that overwhelmingly supported Trump in last years presidential election. They argue that the administration should support domestic businesses exclusively rather than increase imports from competitor nations that threaten their livelihoods. The presidents financial support for Argentina has also been unpopular, given that Trumps high tariffs on China have prompted the rival superpower to look to South America for soybeans, further hurting U.S. farmers. A deal of this magnitude with Argentina would undercut the very foundation of our cattle industry, said Justin Tupper, president of the United States Cattlemen's Association and a South Dakota rancher himself. open image in gallery Gauchos load beef cattle onto a truck to be transported to a meat packing plant in Brandsen, Argentina, on Monday October 20 2025 ( AP ) Among the Republicans who have publicly expressed concerns about Trumps actions is Senate Majority Leader John Thune, also of South Dakota, who told reporters last Thursday that he was concerned about the influx of Argentine beef and said he hopes to influence the policys implementation. Were paying close attention to it, and weve been in touch with the White House, Department of Agriculture, U.S. trade rep on all this stuff, trying to figure out where its headed, Thune said. Nebraska Republican Rep. Adrian Smith said that he was also concerned about the coming imports, saying: Policy and statements which unduly influence and undermine the domestic cattle market threaten our domestic food security and are not helpful. Trump himself has reacted angrily and defensively towards the unhappiness expressed, writing on Truth Social: The Cattle Ranchers, who I love, dont understand that the only reason they are doing so well, for the first time in decades, is because I put Tariffs on cattle coming into the United States, including a 50 percent Tariff on Brazil. If it weren't for me, they would be doing just as theyve done for the past 20 years Terrible! It would be nice if they would understand that, but they also have to get their prices down, because the consumer is a very big factor in my thinking, also! Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice German climate change skeptic Naomi Seibt who has been cast as the anti-Greta for expressing views diametrically opposed to those of Greta Thunberg has filed for political asylum in the U.S., claiming she is being denied protection from persecution in her homeland. Speaking to Fox News Digital Tuesday, Seibt, 25, said she is currently in America legally and has submitted a petition under Section 208 of the Immigration and Nationality Act to secure permanent residence in the interests of her own safety. I have now applied for asylum, which means that Im waiting for an interview. And, in the meantime, Im here legally, she said. My goal in the meantime is to become an American citizen in the future because this country has given me so much hope. open image in gallery German climate change skeptic Naomi Seibt is interviewed by Fox News Digital on Tuesday October 28 2025 ( Fox News Digital ) Seibt said tech billionaire Elon Musk is supporting her asylum appeal after he reached out to her on his platform X following her decision to vote for the far-right Alternative fur Deutschland party. I made a post during the European elections in June 2024, where I said, My name is Naomi Seibt, and Im voting for the AfD, and that was the very first time that Musk interacted with me Elon privately messaged me on x about the AfD, she said. "Over the course of last year, I was obviously retweeted a lot by Elon Musk, and I interacted with him personally in private messages just about whats going on in Germany. Discussing the political climate in Europe, Seibt told Fox: It is illegal to damage the reputation of a politician in Germany. This law was extended under Angela Merkel, Article 188, and now people are being arrested. And their houses are being raided for just social media posts. As soon as I come back to Germany, I feel that they will try to arrest me. In 2024, I found out that I had been spied on by German intelligence for years. Simultaneously, I keep receiving death threats from Antifa, she claimed. open image in gallery Tech billionaire Elon Musk has befriended Seibt on X and encouraged her to seek asylum in the U.S. ( AP ) I went to the German police, and they told me that they cant do anything about it as long as I have not actually been raped or killed. I am not getting protection from the German government even though I am at major risk of potentially being killed. Asked about being regularly juxtaposed with Thunberg, 22, Seibt said: I had started becoming known and internationally recognized as the anti-Greta Thunberg in 2020. "I was barely 19 years old and never expected to be recognized as a right-wing figure. The German media called me the anti-Greta, they demonize me as the anti-Greta, like an antichrist for Greta Thunberg. Im Naomi Seibt and want to be recognized as who I am because Im not just some puppet poster figure for the right wing. Hailing from Munster in North Rhine-Westphalia, Seibts mother is reportedly a lawyer who has represented the AfD. The activist who prefers the term climate realist to climate denier, which she argues invokes Holocaust denialism. She first made headlines in her homeland while a high school student when she composed a nationalist poem, Sometimes I Keep Silent, that was published on a right-wing blog. open image in gallery The Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, to whom Seibt has regularly been compared ( Reuters ) She subsequently built up a large social media following by uploading videos to YouTube, beginning in May 2019, with titles like Climate change just hot air?, Fierce without Feminism, and Message to the Media HOW DARE YOU? She was first compared to Thunberg by the Suddeutsche Zeitung newspaper after she delivered a star-making address that November at the European Institute for Climate and Energys International Climate and Energy Conference. Seibt was subsequently hired by The Heartland Institute, a U.S. think-tank based in Chicago, which has previously lobbied on behalf of tobacco firms, supports fracking, and rejects the scientific consensus on climate change, to be the face of its climate denial campaign. The association saw her speak at events like Heartlands International Conference on Climate Change at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas in fall 2021, which was dubbed the anti-Cop26. In addition to attacking climate alarmism, the YouTuber has been accused of engaging in antisemitism, white nationalism, and spreading Covid-19 misinformation during the pandemic. It has previously promoted the QAnon conspiracy theory. Should she become a U.S. citizen, Seibt will find her position on the environment neatly aligned with that of the Trump administration, the president himself having regularly dismissed global warming as a scam and a hoax, and backing a return to fossil fuel exploitation over investment in alternative renewable energy sources. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Republican Senator Ted Cruz advised the public to ignore his colleague Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greenes recent criticism of their partys handling of the government shutdown and pivot from typical conservative talking points, claiming she was becoming very liberal. Greene, a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump, has surprised many recently by criticizing Republicans for not coming up with an affordable healthcare plan amid the shutdown, condemning Israel for war crimes against Palestinians and advocating for the release of the Epstein Files. When confronted with Greenes recent pivot on Wednesday mornings episode of CNBCs Squawk Box, Cruz implored people to brush off Greene. My advice is dont spend much time worrying about what Marjorie is saying, Cruz said. Greene has criticized House Speaker Mike Johnson for not releasing a detailed plan showing how Republicans plan to tackle affordable healthcare a key issue that Democrats have advocated for to reopen the government. open image in gallery Republican Senator Ted Cruz brushed aside critical comments from his colleague, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, and labeled her as very liberal. ( Getty Images ) She also said she does not respect that Johnson has sent representatives home amid the shutdown, leaving senators to figure out how to reopen the government. Although the Georgia congresswoman remains aligned with the president on most policies, she has broken from her party amid the shutdown and chosen not to purely blame Democrats over the shutdown. Its only the latest issue Greene has differed from colleagues on. Cruz claimed his colleague was suddenly advocating for Democrat-aligned policies and asserted her views did not reflect the vast majority of Americans. What I find is a pretty consistent pattern is whenever an elected official decides that theyre going to turn on Israel and they hate Israel, you will very quickly see every other policy out of their mouth become very, very liberal, Cruz said. The Texas senator appeared to be referencing Greenes vocal opposition to Israels offensive in Gaza. In July, Greene called out Israel for committing genocide in Gaza. More than 68,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel began its offensive two years ago following the October 7, 2023, attack. open image in gallery Greene, a staunch supporter of Trump, has broken from the Republicans typical talking points that blame Democrats for the shutdown to criticize her own party for not doing enough. ( Getty Images ) Although Greenes recent statements have been embraced by some liberal lawmakers, Republicans appear to be growing frustrated with her. Johnson recently dropped the commonly used Southern U.S. insult bless her heart to brush off her criticisms of Republicans. Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) urged Greene to put pen to paper and write a bill if she was passionate about providing Americans an affordable healthcare opportunity. Present an option. Dont just criticize what other people are doing. Moreno said on CNNs The Source with Kaitlan Collins. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The top U.S. attorney in one of the largest districts in the country has been serving illegally since July, according to a federal judge. The ruling marks the third time that a court has disqualified one of Donald Trumps loyalists for a top prosecutor role, as the Department of Justice faces intense legal scrutiny over a series of maneuvers to keep the presidents allies in office to get around legal limits on how long they can stay there. In his Tuesday order, District Judge J. Michael Seabright determined that Bill Essayli was unlawfully serving beyond a 120-day expiration date for a temporary position leading the U.S. attorneys office in the Central District of California. He should have left his post as acting U.S. attorney for the district July 31, according to the judge. But Seabright said Essayli could remain on the job with the title of first assistant U.S. attorney, allowing him to continue overseeing prosecutions if no one else is appointed to the role which the judge acknowledged, in practical terms, wouldnt change much in terms of who is leading the office in the most populous district in the nation. Nothing is changing, Essayli wrote on X, declaring victory in the case. I continue serving as the top federal prosecutor in the Central District of California. open image in gallery A judge has determined that Bill Essayli, a top federal prosecutor for a district serving Los Angeles, has been illegally serving since July. ( REUTERS ) However, Seabrights decision is the latest in a string of legal blows for the presidents loyalists who have held on to critical law enforcement roles through a complex set of bureaucratic maneuvers that have allowed them to evade a Senate confirmation process. Judges have disqualified Trumps personal attorney Alina Habba from serving as U.S. attorney in New Jersey as well as Sigal Chattah, Trumps nominee for top prosecutor in Nevada. Both of those decisions have been temporarily frozen to allow the Justice Department time to appeal. Trumps acting U.S. attorney for New Mexico, Ryan Ellison, is also expected to face a similar legal challenge. Attorneys for former FBI director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James are similarly calling on judges to throw out the politically charged criminal indictments against them by arguing that Lindsey Halligan another one of Trumps personal attorneys is illegally serving as the acting U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. In April, Attorney General Pam Bondi appointed Essayli to lead the U.S. attorneys office in Los Angeles, covering an area with roughly 20 million people. By law, he was serving on an interim basis for up to 120 days. Without Senate confirmation by the end of that period, federal judges can then appoint their own acting prosecutor. But Essayli was signaling that he didnt have any plans to leave the office. Weve got some tricks up our sleeves, he told right-wing media personality Glenn Beck at the time. open image in gallery Trump's former personal attorneys Alina Habba and Lindsey Halligan now serving as temporary U.S. attorneys in New Jersey and Virginia, respectively are also facing legal challenges over their appointments. ( GETTY IMAGES ) Days before his deadline, Essayli resigned only for Bondi to appoint him as the offices No. 2 position, following a similar strategy the Trump administration deployed to keep other top prosecutors in office. The administration has argued they could essentially inherit the top role of U.S. attorney on an acting basis because they were no longer serving in them. Seabright, echoing other judges presiding over similar challenges, rejected that argument. Simply stated: Essayli unlawfully assumed the role of Acting United States Attorney for the Central District of California, Seabright concluded. Essayli may not perform the functions and duties of the United States Attorney He is disqualified from serving in that role. But the cases brought by Essaylis office while he was illegally serving wont be dismissed, according to Seabright. Those indictments were signed by other, legally appointed prosecutors, the judge determined. But if that reasoning holds up in other cases, it could spell doom for the criminal cases against Comey and James, whose indictments were signed off by Halligan. She presented evidence to grand juries by herself to secure those indictments. A judge is scheduled to hear arguments over attempts to disqualify Halligan from office November 13. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The White House pressed Navy officials to launch 2,000-pound live bombs instead of dummy explosives during its 250th anniversary celebration that President Donald Trump attended, according to a new report. One person familiar with the planning of the event told the Associated Press White House officials insisted to Navy planners that Trump needed to see explosions" instead of just a big splash during the October 5 demonstration. Original planning for what the Navy dubbed the Titans of the Sea Presidential Review called for military personnel to use dummies and not live bombs, another person familiar with the Navy's planning said. That person would not comment on why the Navy decided to switch to live bombs. The White House said no switch was made. Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly said in a statement, Organizers always planned to use live munitions, as is typical in training exercises. open image in gallery The White House pressed Navy officials to launch 2,000-pound live bombs instead of dummy explosives during its 250th anniversary celebration that President Donald Trump attended, according to a new report ( Alex Wong/Getty Images ) The episode is the latest example of the Trump administration turning the military toward the presidents wishes in ways large and small from summoning generals from around the world to Washington for a day of speeches to his lethal strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and the Pacific. The Navy and other military branches typically use dummy, or inert, bombs for training and demonstrations. Dummies are cheaper than live bombs because they do not contain expensive explosives, fuses and other components. They're also safer. Military officials often argue that the use of live ammunition for events such as the 250th birthday celebration also fulfills a training purpose and the ordnance would have been expended anyway at a later date. The switch required Navy officials to change detailed plans for the Norfolk, Virginia, military demonstration to ensure safety protocols were met, according to the three people familiar with the planning. open image in gallery The White House said event organizers always planned to use live munitions ( Alex Wroblewski/AFP via Getty Images ) The White House pushed forward with the event despite the ongoing government shutdown, which has led nonessential federal workers to be sent home without pay and reduced the operation of many non-critical government services. Confirmation that the Navy decided to use live bombs instead of dummies at the Naval Base Norfolk event comes as the administration faces scrutiny over an October 18 live fire demonstration at the Marines base Camp Pendleton, in which a misfire of a live artillery round led to shrapnel spraying onto Interstate 5 in Southern California. No one was injured when shrapnel struck two California Highway Patrol vehicles. open image in gallery The event, attended by Trump and first lady Melania, was to celebrate the Navys 250th birthday ( Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images ) Trump hasn't been shy about his fondness for pomp and pageantry that celebrate military might. In his second term, he has pushed the U.S. services to hold big parades and demonstrations, an idea inspired by a Bastille Day parade he attended in France early in his first term. The Army included tanks in a June parade in Washington, D.C., requested by Trump, to mark its 250 years, which coincided with the presidents 79th birthday. At the Navy celebration this month in Norfolk, the president and First Lady Melania Trump watched the military demonstration from the deck of an aircraft carrier before Trump delivered a speech in which he criticized his political opponents and attacked Democratic lawmakers. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Donald Trump was gifted a golden crown during his visit to South Korea, weeks after he declared he was not a king ahead of the No Kings protests he denounced. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Wednesday awarded Trump an ornate crown, which is the largest and most extravagant of the six existing gold crowns from the Silla period, according to a South Korean official. The crown represents the divine connection between the authority of the heavens and the sovereignty on Earth, as well as the strong leadership and authority of a leader, the official explained. Trump thanked Lee and called the crown very special. Trump was presented with the crown just two weeks after No Kings demonstrations swept the nation, with nearly 7 million people protesting what organizers called Trumps authoritarian power grabs. Since he reclaimed the White House, Trump has deployed the National Guard to several U.S. cities, demolished the East Wing of the White House, and publicly urged his attorney general to prosecute his perceived political enemies without delay. open image in gallery President Donald Trump received gifts from South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, including a golden crown, just weeks after Trump declared hes not a king as millions demonstrated in No Kings protests. ( AP ) Meanwhile, the Trump administration has faced countless lawsuits challenging its policies, including mass layoffs of the federal workforce, its sweeping tariff plan, and how it carried out mass deportations. Think tanks, Democrats and ethics groups have warned against his unprecedented power grabs. Most recently, Trump said hed love to run for a third term, despite the Constitution barring a president from serving more than two. But on Air Force One Tuesday night, the U.S. president admitted hes not allowed to run again. The sad thing is, I have my highest numbers that I've ever had, he told reporters. Republicans dubbed the No Kings protests Hate America rallies while Trump insisted hes not a king. In the wake of the nationwide demonstrations, Trump mocked them by posting AI-generated videos on his Truth Social, including one featuring himself wearing a crown, flying a King Trump fighter jet, and bombing a crowd of protesters with brown sludge. open image in gallery Trump posted an AI-created video of himself bombing No Kings protesters with brown sludge while wearing a crown ( Donald Trump ) House Speaker Mike Johnson later defended Trumps social media post. The president uses social media to make a point, Johnson told The Independent at a press conference. You can argue he's probably the most effective person who's ever used social media for that. He is using satire to make a point. On Wednesday, the U.S. president was also given the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, in anticipation of the peace and prosperity you will bring to the Korean peninsula, the official said. Its a great honor, Trump said. We have a very great relationship and it will only continue and get stronger. That is really beautiful. Id like to wear it right now. Thank you so much. Well cherish it. Thank you very much everybody, Trump continued. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice An upstate New York town has had to call off its annual Christmas celebration, blaming rising costs caused by Donald Trumps sweeping global tariffs. The effects of Trumps foreign trade wars have meant that the Sinterklaas celebrations in Rhinebeck, around 100 miles north of New York City, have been canceled for the first time in 26 years. It is hard to believe that something as unique and beloved as Sinterklaas could fall casualty to lack of moneybut that is the case, organizers wrote in a farewell post, noting that their last hopes of saving the event had fallen through last month. Sinterklaas organizers highlighted the direct impact of Trumps tariffs, noting that their lights made in China had almost tripled in price, making them unaffordable to most families. open image in gallery The effects of the Donald Trumps sweeping global tariffs have meant that the Sinterklaas celebrations in Rhinebeck, New York, have been canceled for the first time in 26 years ( ANP/AFP via Getty Images ) Decorative stars made in India, to benefit an orphanage, accounted for around one-fifth of the festivals budget. Organizers noted the possibility that the stars could be caught in a customs backlog anyway and thus not make it to Rhinebeck in time for the event. Arts grants have also been cut back or eliminated, the post added. Before we say goodbye, I want to take this moment to give a shout out to the astonishing core group of folks who, for 25 years, dedicated themselves and their creativity, camaraderie, hard work and talent to make Sinterklaas happen for so long, said Jeanne Fleming, Sinterklaas Rhinebecks creator and coordinator. To the hundreds of incredible artists and thousands of volunteers thank you! I bid sad adieu to all the creative time spent collaborating together in endless meetings and working dinners that went into making this one thing happen for everyone. open image in gallery Based on an old, Dutch tradition, Sinterklaas is a day-long celebration in Rhinebeck where the children are children dressed up as kings and queens and revered as the bringers of light at a dark time of year ( Getty Images ) The storytelling, the laughter, the music, the drama, the silliness and fun. It has been the greatest joy of my life to have lived and worked with this extraordinary group of generous souls in this wonderful community to truly allow magic to happen We love you all and thank you for the privilege of having been able to do the work! Based on an old Dutch tradition, Sinterklaas is a day-long celebration in Rhinebeck where the children are dressed up as kings and queens and revered as the bringers of light at a dark time of year. The day culminates in a Childrens Starlight Parade with towering puppets, Kings and Queens in sequined gowns, light-filled stars, a life-size dancing bear, music and Sinterklaas the legendary figure based on Saint Nicholas, patron saint of children. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Donald Trump said he expects a big step on the topic of fentanyl during his anticipated meeting this week with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump told reporters on Tuesday that he expects to lower his fentanyl-related tariff on Chinese goods, which he imposed earlier this year to pressure Beijing into further curbing the export of chemicals that can be used to make the drug. I expect to be lowering that because I believe that they're going to help us with the fentanyl situation. They're going to be doing what they can do, Trump said. We haven't talked about the timing yet, but we're going to work out something we're doing very well with rare earth, as you know, and we're, I think, going to make a big step with fentanyl, Trump continued. Trump is planning to meet with Xi on Thursday in South Korea during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit but Beijing is yet to confirm the talks. open image in gallery President Donald Trump told reporters on Air Force One he expects a big step with fentanyl during his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping ( REUTERS ) Trump made the comments while traveling on Air Force One to South Korea as part of a multi-day diplomatic tour in Asia. Earlier Tuesday, the Wall Street Journal reported that Trump and Xi are expected to strike a deal on the tariff. The U.S. could cut the 20 percent fentanyl-related tariff in half if Beijing cracks down on the export of chemicals that can be used to produce fentanyl, the WSJ reports, citing people familiar with the talks. While Mexico has been the main source of fentanyl into the U.S., Chinese companies have been known to produce precursor chemicals, which can be used to produce fentanyl, according to the Council on Foreign Relations. While these chemicals have legitimate uses, criminal organizations in Mexico have been known to purchase them to produce fentanyl, the organization says. Trumps comments come after a spokesperson for Chinas Foreign Ministry said in March that the nation has made it clear more than once that fentanyl is the U.S.s problem, not Chinas. Its the U.S.s responsibility to solve the issue, spokesperson Lin Jian said. Despite the goodwill China has shown, the U.S. wrongly slapped tariffs on Chinese imports by citing the issue of fentanyl. open image in gallery Trump is expected to meet with Xi on Thursday in South Korea during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit but Beijing is yet to confirm the talks ( AFP/Getty ) Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi also spoke with Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday. They discussed the importance of the U.S.-China relationship and the upcoming meeting between Trump and Xi, according to a statement from the State Department. Trump and Xi are expected to touch on a wide range of topics, including Russias war in Ukraine and Chinas rare earth minerals. When asked Tuesday if he expects Xi to push him on Taiwan, Trump said that hes unsure whether the topic will come up. I'm not sure, he may want to ask about it, Trump said. There's not that much to ask about it. Taiwan is Taiwan. The Independent has contacted the White House and the Chinese embassy for comment. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Nobel Prize-winning Nigerian author Wole Soyinka has confirmed that his non-immigrant visa for the United States, issued last year, has been revoked. The 91-year-old stated he was advised to re-apply if he wished to visit the US again. This follows the writer's 2016 protest against the initial election of President Donald Trump, when he tore up his US green card and renounced his American residency. Despite this, the Nobel laureate has maintained regular teaching positions at America's Ivy League universities since the mid-1990s, following his 1986 Nobel Prize for Literature. open image in gallery The author, 91, has been told he must reapply for his visa if he wishes to visit the US again ( REUTERS ) On Tuesday, Soyinka showed reporters a copy of a letter from the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos asking him to bring his passport for physical cancellation of the visa. The letter, dated October 23, said "additional information became available" after the visa was issued. The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria did not immediately respond to a request for comment. "I have no visa, I am banned obviously from the United States and if you want to see me, you know where to find me," he said, referring to people who planned to invite him to events in the U.S. The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria said in July that Nigerians seeking to travel to the U.S. on non-immigrant visas would now receive single-entry three-month permits, rolling back the up to five-year, multiple-entry visas they had enjoyed previously. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A discovery on an Australian beach has unearthed a poignant connection to the First World War. Messages in a bottle, penned by two soldiers en route to the French battlefields, were found more than a century after they were cast into the sea. The find was made by the Brown family on 9 October. While on one of their regular quad bike expeditions to clear rubbish from Wharton Beach, near Esperance in Western Australia, Peter and his daughter Felicity spotted a Schweppes-brand bottle just above the waterline. We do a lot of cleaning up on our beaches and so would never go past a piece of rubbish. So this little bottle was lying there waiting to be picked up, Deb Brown said. Inside the clear, thick glass, cheerful letters, dated 15 August 15 1916, were found. They were written in pencil by Privates Malcolm Neville, 27, and William Harley, 37. open image in gallery The Brown family found a Schweppes-brand bottle on Wharton Beach ( Deb Brown ) Their troop ship, HMAT A70 Ballarat, had left the South Australia state capital, Adelaide, to the east on 12 August of that year on the long journey to the other side of the world, where its soldiers would reinforce the 48th Australian Infantry Battalion on Europes Western Front. Mr Neville was killed in action a year later. Mr Harley was wounded twice but survived the war, dying in Adelaide in 1934 of cancer; his family says it was caused by him being gassed by the Germans in the trenches. Mr Neville requested the bottle's finder deliver his letter to his mother, Robertina Neville, at Wilkawatt, now a virtual ghost town in South Australia. Mr Harley, whose mother was dead by 1916, was happy for the finder to keep his note. Mr Harley wrote, may the finder be as well as we are at present. open image in gallery Mr Neville wrote that he was Somewhere at Sea ( Deb Brown ) Mr Neville wrote to his mother that he was having a real good time, food is real good so far, with the exception of one meal, which we buried at sea. The ship was heaving and rolling, but we are as happy as Larry, Mr Neville wrote. He wrote that he and his comrades were Somewhere at Sea. Mr Harley wrote that they were Somewhere in the Bight, referring to the Great Australian Bight. That is an enormous open bay that begins east of Adelaide and extends to Esperance on the western edge. Deb Brown suspects the bottle did not travel far. It likely spent more than a century ashore, buried in the sand dunes. Extensive erosion of the dunes caused by huge swells along Wharton Beach in recent months probably dislodged it. The paper was wet, but the writing remained legible. Because of that, Deb Brown was able to notify both soldiers relatives of the find. open image in gallery The paper was wet, but the writing was still legible ( Deb Brown ) (The bottle is) is in pristine condition. It doesnt have any growth of any barnacles on it. I believe that if it had been at sea or if it had been exposed for that long, the paper wouldve disintegrated from the sun. We wouldnt have been able to read it, she said. Mr Harley's granddaughter, Ann Turner, said her family was absolutely stunned by the find. We just cant believe it. It really does feel like a miracle and we do very much feel like our grandfather has reached out for us from the grave, Turner told Australian Broadcasting Corp. Mr Nevilles great nephew, Herbie Neville, said his family had been brought together by the unbelievable discovery. It sounds as though he was pretty happy to go to the war. Its just so sad what happened. Its so sad that he lost his life, Herbie Neville said. Wow. What a man he was. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Authorities are investigating the death of an elderly Australian woman who was left behind by the cruise ship she was travelling on at the Great Barrier Reefs Lizard Island. The solo traveller, aged in her eighties, was aboard a 60-day circumnavigation cruise of Australia, costing around $80,000 (40,000) per person. The 112-passenger Coral Adventurer ship began its journey from the Queensland city of Cairns on Friday. On Saturday, it stopped at Lizard Island, with passengers able to hike and snorkel for the day. The woman failed to return to the Coral Expeditions cruise ship before it departed, but her disappearance was not noticed until Saturday night, according to The Australian. The boat has since continued its journey to Thursday Island in the Torres Strait. When it docks in the Australian city of Darwin on Sunday, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority will meet those aboard the ship. The woman was hiking a steep trail called Cooks Look with a group on Saturday, but she needed to stop, the newspaper reported. She did not return to the boat with the other travellers before it left at sunset. Police have been told the ship came back to Lizard Island after midnight, but the womans body was not found until Sunday morning by police. open image in gallery The woman was found dead on Lizard Island ( AFP/Getty ) Before her body was found, members of the crew thought she could have fallen overboard, involving a helicopter in the search. A Queensland Police Service spokesperson told The Australian a report would be prepared for the coroner after a sudden and non-suspicious death of a missing woman. The woman was reported missing to the police on 25 October 25, after failing to board a vessel in waters off Queensland earlier on Saturday, she said. Coral Expeditions chief executive Mark Fifield confirmed a tragic death occurred during an excursion to Lizard Island. On Saturday, 25 October, the crew notified authorities that a woman was missing, and a search and rescue operation was launched on land and sea. Following the operation, Coral Expeditions was notified by Queensland police that the woman had been found deceased on Lizard Island, Mr Fifield said. While investigations into the incident are continuing, we are deeply sorry that this has occurred and are offering our full support to the womans family. The Coral team have been in contact with the womans family, and we will continue to offer support to them through this difficult process. We are working closely with Queensland police and other authorities to support their investigation. We are unable to comment further while this process is underway. The 60-day voyage is staffed by 46 crew members. Rooms for solo travellers cost between $81,000 and $97,200. The companys website informs travellers that it is an expedition cruising experience which includes rugged terrain, small boat transfers and limited facilities. Guests need moderate mobility to board tenders, walk on uneven ground, and use stairs unaided, it says. The boat did not have any doctors or nurses on board. The Independent has contacted both Coral Expeditions and Queensland Police. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A prominent activist in Bahrain imprisoned since the country's 2011 Arab Spring protests began a new hunger strike Wednesday, seeking to pressure the island kingdom and Europe over his internationally criticized detention. Abdulhadi al-Khawaja began what supporters described as an open-ended hunger strike while detained at the Jaw Rehabilitation and Reform Center in Bahrain. A previous hunger strike by the 64-year-old activist, who also holds Danish citizenship, lasted for 110 days in 2012 and a doctor now is warning the Danish government that al-Khawaja is already 10 kilograms (22 pounds) underweight and has a heart condition that could worsen. Despite Mr. Khawajas ability to endure severe malnutrition and dehydration in the past, my assessment is that he will be at high risk of death in a hunger strike of any duration, Dr. Damian McCormack wrote. Authorities in Bahrain, an island off the coast of Saudi Arabia in the Persian Gulf, did not directly respond to questions from The Associated Press about al-Khawaja's hunger strike. However, they contended prisoners in Bahrain faced fair trials before an independent judiciary, are guaranteed their full rights" and receive care from medical teams that act swiftly to advise on health risks. Human rights group and United Nations experts long have described al-Khawaja as being arbitrarily detained after being given a life sentence by a military tribunal on internationally criticized terrorism charges. The effort by al-Khawaja appears aimed at trying to renew pressure on Denmark to negotiate for his freedom. Denmark has over the years talked with Bahraini officials about al-Khawaja, who insist his imprisonment is just and that he is a Bahraini citizen, subject to the kingdom's laws. Al-Khawaja's supporters also say they want to pressure the European Union over his case as well. The timing of the hunger strike also coincides with this weekend's edition of Bahrain's annual Manama Dialogue, a security summit organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, which draws world leaders. Al-Khawaja lived abroad for years, first as a student in London before facing exile for his activism. He gained Danish citizenship through political asylum. He returned in 1999 to Bahrain, a majority Shiite Muslim island governed by a Sunni Muslim ruling family, with the ascension of Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa as the islands ruler and later king, who initially promised to work more closely with the kingdoms Shiites. Al-Khawaja helped found the Bahrain Center for Human Rights and advocated democratic reforms. However, the Shiites under King Hamad continued for years to complain of being treated as second-class citizens in the kingdom about the size of New York City, with a population of around 1.5 million people. Al-Khawaja has been held by Bahrain since the 2011 protests, which represented the largest demonstrations against Bahrains Al Khalifa royal family, which has ruled since 1783. Bahrain, along with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, violently put down the demonstrations. In the years since, low-level unrest has plagued Bahrain, with Shiite militant groups occasionally claiming attacks on security forces Bahrain hosts the U.S. Navy's Mideast-based 5th Fleet and is considered by America as a major non-NATO ally. Bahrain also joined the UAE in diplomatically recognizing Israel in 2020 during the first term of U.S. President Donald Trump. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice France's Senate is expected to grant final approval on Wednesday to a bill redefining rape and sexual assault as any non-consensual sexual act. This crucial legislation emerges directly from the landmark drugging and rape trial that profoundly shook France, turning Gisele Pelicot into a global icon. The bill, introduced in January, followed just weeks after 51 men were convicted for Ms Pelicot's rape and abuse, a case that ignited a nationwide reckoning over France's rape culture. Marie-Charlotte Garin and Veronique Riotton, lawmakers for the Greens and President Emmanuel Macron's centrist party respectively, who championed the bill, wrote, It's time to take action and take a new step forward in the fight against sexual violence. The bill follows the conviction of 51 men for the rape and assault of Ms Pelicot, pictured ( AFP/Getty ) The bill states that any non-consensual sexual act constitutes sexual assault. Consent is defined as freely given, informed, specific, prior and revocable and assessed in the light of the circumstances. The text says it cannot be inferred solely from the silence or the lack of reaction of the victim. The bill also specifies that there is no consent if the sexual act is committed with violence, coercion, threat or surprise. Last week, it was widely approved by lawmakers from almost all ranks at the National Assembly, Frances lower house of parliament. The far right voted against it. The Senate is expected to give its final approval later Wednesday, the last step before the bill becomes law via official publication. Once approved, France will join many other European nations that have similar consent-based laws on rape, including neighboring Germany, Belgium and Spain. In December, Pelicots ex-husband and 50 other men were convicted of sexually assaulting her between 2011 and 2020 while she was under chemical submission. Dominique Pelicot was sentenced to 20 years in prison, while sentences for other defendants ranged from three to 15 years imprisonment. An appeals court handed a stiffer 10-year sentence earlier this month to the only man who challenged his conviction. The harrowing and unprecedented trial in France exposed how pornography, chatrooms and mens disdain for or hazy understanding of consent is fueling rape culture. Gisele Pelicot has since become a symbol of the fight against sexual violence. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Just days after eight pieces of the French crown jewels were stolen from the Louvre, a former bank robber has revealed he previously warned a museum official about critical security flaws. David Desclos, a self-confessed professional who "knew how to make alarms go quiet," highlighted the vulnerability of jewel cases positioned by streetside windows, describing them as "a piece of cake" to attack. Mr Desclos, now reformed, told The Associated Press outside I.M. Peis glass pyramid that he flagged these issues years ago. His insights were sought by the Louvre itself for a 2020 in-house podcast discussing a historic 1792 theft, where he was invited to the Apollo Gallery to offer his expert opinion. open image in gallery Eight pieces of the French Crown Jewels were lifted from the Louvre in a brazen theft ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Have you seen those windows? Theyre a piece of cake. You can imagine anything people in disguise, slipping in through the windows, he said, recounting that he told a senior official involved in the Louvres podcast production not the museum director about the risk. Through the windows even from the roofs there are plenty of ways in. Then came Sundays heist. Authorities say two thieves in high-visibility jackets smashed through a window of the Apollo Gallery and used power tools to cut open cases. Eight crown-jewel items valued in some reports at more than $100 million disappeared in minutes. A ninth piece, Empress Eugenies diamond-studded crown, was found on the ground outside the museum, damaged but salvageable. Two suspects have been arrested; others remain at large. Exactly what I had predicted, Desclos said. They came by the windows they came, they took, and they left. Timing, he argues, was part of the trick. Do it in broad daylight, at opening time that disables the first alarm layer You know youve got five to seven minutes before police arrive. A smash-and-grab is choreography, he says: rehearsal, a stopwatch, muscle memory. Were display cases a weak spot? High on his list of weak points is a 2019 overhaul of the Apollo Gallery display cases. Desclos who has slicked back hair and a larger-than-life personality says older display cases were designed so that, in an attack, treasures could drop to safety; newer ones without that feature left the artifacts vulnerable. As he put it: Its incomprehensible they changed the cases to leave jewels within arms reach. Youre making it easier for burglars. The Louvre has pushed back on such criticism, saying the newer vitrines are more secure and meet modern standards. And then there was one glaring soft spot. When I saw that specific window, I thought: theyre crazy. Desclos says he raised those concerns with the Louvre official after the podcast recording and avoided spelling out vulnerabilities on air. I couldnt say on the podcast, Go burglarize. That would have given the idea to many others, he told AP. The Louvre did not immediately respond to APs request for comment. AP has listened to the podcast and verified Desclos presence on it but cannot immediately verify his account of warning a museum official. open image in gallery David Desclos is not the only individual who said they warned authorities of security weaknesses at the museum ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) An ex-con with a colorful story If the messenger sounds improbable, so does his resume. He grew up in Caen, Normandy, started stealing food as a child, moved on to department stores and banks, and specialized in neutralizing alarm systems. In the late 1990s, he says he and accomplices spent months tunneling through city sewers to reach a Societe Generale bank vault at Christmas. Incredibly, Desclos has reinvented himself as a stand-up comedian, performing a show titled Hold-Up drawn from his past. Desclos stresses that despite his notorious former career, he has no leads on the famous museum breach. Security reckoning in Paris museums Scrutiny of the heist is widening. Paris Police Chief Patrice Faure is scheduled to speak at the French Senate on Wednesday in a session on museum security and the broader threats highlighted by the theft. The Louvres strains have been visible for months. In June, a spontaneous staff strike including security personnel forced the museum to close as workers protested unmanageable crowds, chronic understaffing and what one union called untenable conditions, leaving thousands of ticketed visitors under Peis pyramid. As for the loots afterlife, Desclos drains the glamour fast. There is 9095% chance the jewels will be dismantled and stone by stone put in block, he said. His prescription is blunt: vault the originals; show replicas. The real ones should be at the Banque de France, he said. French media report that after the heist, remaining crown-jewel pieces were moved to the central banks deep vaults, sitting near secure national gold reserves and Leonardo da Vinci's notebooks. They should have listened, Desclos said. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Dutch voters are casting their ballots today in a knife-edge general election, following a campaign intensely focused on migration, a severe housing crisis, and the contentious prospect of mainstream parties working with anti-Islam lawmaker Geert Wilders. His Party for Freedom aims to repeat its stunning victory from two years ago. The election unfolds against a backdrop of deep polarisation within the nation of 18 million, further exacerbated by recent violence at an anti-immigration rally in The Hague and protests across the country against new asylum-seeker centres. Opinion polls indicate that Mr Wilders party, which advocates for a total halt to asylum-seekers entering the Netherlands, remains on track to secure the largest number of seats in the 150-seat House of Representatives. open image in gallery Frans Timmermans, of the center-left two-party bloc of Labor Party and Green Left, and Henri Bontenbal, party leader of the Christian Democratic Appeal, CDA, right. ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) However, other more moderate parties are now closing the gap, and pollsters caution that a significant number of people often wait until the very last minute to decide who to cast their vote for. Polling stations opened at 7:30 am and will close at 9 pm. Broadcasters will publish an exit poll as soon as voting ends, updating it 30 minutes later. Voters can cast their ballots at venues from city halls to schools, but also historic windmills, churches, a zoo, a former prison in Arnhem and the iconic Anne Frank House museum in Amsterdam. After the results are known, parties have to negotiate the makeup of the next coalition government in this country whose proportional representation system all but guarantees that no one party can rule alone. open image in gallery Rob Jetten,leader of the Democrats 66, D66, right, joined thousands of people who demonstrated calling for tougher action against climate change ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Mainstream parties have ruled out working with Wilders, arguing that his decision to torpedo the outgoing four-party coalition earlier this year in a dispute over a crackdown on migration underscored that he is an untrustworthy coalition partner. Rob Jetten, leader of the centre-left D66 party that has risen in polls as the campaign wore on, said in a final televised debate that his party wants to rein in migration but also accommodate asylum-seekers fleeing war and violence. And he told Wilders that voters can "choose again tomorrow to listen to your grumpy hatred for another 20 years, or choose, with positive energy, to simply get to work and tackle this problem and solve it. Frans Timmermans, the former European Commission vice president who now leads the centre-left bloc of the Labour Party and Green Left, also took aim at Wilders in the final debate, saying he is looking forward to the day and that day is tomorrow that we can put an end to the Wilders era. Wilders rejects arguments that he had failed to deliver on his 2023 campaign pledges despite being the largest party in parliament, blaming other parties for stymying his plans. open image in gallery Henri Bontenbal, party leader of the Christian Democratic Appeal, CDA, campaigns in Rotterdam, Netherlands. ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) If I had been prime minister which I earned as leader of the biggest party then we would have rolled out that agenda, he said. Wilders backed away from becoming prime minister during negotiations after the last election because he did not have the support of potential coalition partners. The election could see a reformist party, New Social Contract, that won 20 seats at the last election and joined the outgoing coalition, all but erased from the Dutch political map, with polls predicting it may lose all or almost all of its seats. It's slump in popularity is an apparent backlash against the party's decision to join a coalition with Wilders and follows the departure of its popular leader, Pieter Omtzigt, who quit politics in April, citing his mental health. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Young Russian street musicians, who gained viral attention for performing banned anti-Kremlin songs, have received further jail time. This decision comes as authorities intensify a crackdown on buskers staging solidarity performances across Russia. The members of the band, Stoptime, were arrested earlier this month in St Petersburg. Their performance of Swan Lake Cooperative, a popular track by exiled Russian rapper Noize MC known for his outspoken criticism of the Kremlin led to their initial detention. "The power of music is important, and what is happening now proves it," the group's 18-year-old vocalist Diana Loginova told reporters ahead of Wednesday's court hearing. The bands performance of Swan Lake Cooperative , a track by exiled Russian rapper Noize MC known for his outspoken criticism of the Kremlin led to the bands detention ( Sputnik ) Stoptime's show on the central Nevsky Prospekt has spawned several solidarity performances of other anti-Kremlin songs by young buskers across multiple Russian cities, including Yekaterinburg, Moscow and St Petersburg. Several of the musicians have been arrested and charged with petty crimes. Swan Lake Cooperative was banned in Russia in May on the grounds it contained "hostile, hateful attitudes towards people" and promoted "violent changes to the foundation of the constitutional order". The song makes no explicit reference to Russian President Vladimir Putin or the conflict in Ukraine. The Will to Resist Public expressions of dissent are rare in Russia, which has cracked down on any opposition to the Kremlin's policies with lengthy prison sentences. Stoptime's vocalist Loginova received a 13-day sentence for petty hooliganism on Wednesday. She has already completed a separate 13-day sentence in connection with the Noize MC performance and was fined 30,000 roubles ($369) on Tuesday for singing another song by a different anti-Kremlin artist. Alexander Orlov, the group's guitarist, was jailed for 13 days on Wednesday on charges of illegally organising a rally, while drummer Vladislav Leontyev is facing a fresh administrative charge. The two have already served short stints in jail this month. Maxim Reznik, a former opposition politician in local government in St Petersburg, said he thought authorities would struggle to suppress the street performances. "We are dealing with a whole generation of people who are unwilling to put up with what is happening," he told independent television channel Dozhd (TV Rain), which is banned in Russia and operates from Amsterdam. "No matter how much the authorities tighten their repression, they will not be able to suppress the will to resist." On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The airport in Lithuania's capital has been shut four evenings over the past week after smuggling balloons were detected floating over the border from Belarus. Thousands of passengers have been affected as dozens of flights were either redirected or cancelled at the airport, which is 30 kilometres (19 miles) from Belarus. Lithuania, a NATO and European Union member state, has shut its land border with Belarus until the end of November in response, and threatened to call for NATO Article 4 consultations if these incidents continue. Authorities have branded it a "hybrid attack" by the Kremlin ally. Here is what is known about these balloons: What are they? The high-altitude balloons, filled with helium or hydrogen, fly where the wind takes them, but their altitude can be controlled remotely from the ground. They are typically used by meteorologists to sound out weather conditions in the stratosphere, which starts 15 kilometres (9.3 miles) above ground. However, they have been repurposed by smugglers to carry cheaper cigarettes from Belarus into Lithuania, the Vilnius government says, since a crisis over a wave of migrant crossings in 2021 led to tighter curbs on movement over the land border. open image in gallery Belarussian smugglers often use balloons to ferry contraband into the European Union ( State Border Guard Service via AP ) First spotted in 2023, the smuggling balloons became ubiquitous in 2024 when several hundred were recorded. They pass over the border at an altitude of about 3-4 kilometres. The smugglers in Lithuania can then communicate with the balloon to track its location and direct it to land. A balloon typically carries 500 to 1,500 packs of Belarus-produced cigarettes, with a pack costing less than a euro, versus 4.5 per similar brand in Lithuania. Why are the balloons a problem? Air navigation authorities say the balloons fly at a similar height to airliners approaching an airport, raising the risk of collisions. Local rules for what constitutes a mid-air risk have recently been upgraded, and the balloons now frequently qualify. In recent days, Lithuanian authorities have fine-tuned their detection systems and have been able to better identify whether the flight paths of any identified balloons pose a threat to civil aviation. What happens with the cigarettes? Lithuania says smuggled cigarettes are typically manufactured in Belarus, and many are consumed in Lithuania. The Lithuanian Border Guard confiscated 1.4 million packs of illicit cigarettes in 2024, of which 1.2 million packs were marked for sale in Belarus. Why did Lithuania close its border with Belarus? The Lithuanian government says authorities in Belarus are contributing to the problem by not cracking down on smugglers on their soil, and has deemed the situation a "hybrid attack". What is Belarus position? "If some air balloons with cigarettes or something else are flying there (Lithuania), they need to solve that question there, President Alexander Lukashenko said. They are not flying into nothing; someone is receiving them there. open image in gallery Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko ( AFP/Getty ) He said Lithuania's closure of the border was a "crazy scam" and, in turn, accused the West of waging a hybrid war against Belarus and Russia that was ushering in a new era of barbed-wire division. Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov called Lithuania's move "a provocation" that he said aimed to justify anti-Belarus sanctions. Why arent the balloons shot down? The Lithuanian government initially said they were not being shot down because of the danger to lives or property posed by their payloads, which can be as heavy as 50 kilograms (110 pounds), if they fell uncontrollably. On Monday, however, Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene told the army to use "kinetic measures" to destroy the balloons. She did not elaborate on the measures, citing security sensitivities. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Europes biggest nuclear reactor has become a battlefield in Ukraines defence against Russian invaders as they risk a catastrophic meltdown in its efforts to connect it to Moscows national grid. The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant (ZNPP), which has six reactors, was captured by Russian troops early in the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. It has remained a dangerous potential flashpoint for a nuclear disaster ever since. Fighting and bombardments by both sides of the complex and the power station itself, which has been entirely occupied by Russian forces who base troops in its buildings, have forced the cold shutdown of the reactors. This means that its nuclear material is not used to generate power but needs to be constantly cooled. The fighting cut electricity from Ukraine, meaning that the cooling system had to rely entirely on diesel generators and a skeleton staff for a month. Regular power was only restored in the last week, after the longest period the ZNPP had been disconnected from electricity to drive its cooling systems. Russia needs to cut the Ukrainian power link in order to install its connection into the Russian network a long-stated ambition. open image in gallery A Russian serviceman patrols outside the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station ( AFP/Getty ) The Russian Federation is putting in its power line, but elements of it have been successfully damaged by Ukraine, explained Mykhailo Shuster, nuclear expert and former director of procurement at Energoatom Ukraines nuclear power agency. Russia is now at a high level of readiness, and to connect it, the power supply from Ukraine must be interrupted. It is unclear whether Russia has been able to connect the Ukrainian plant to its own network during the 30-day outage. If it did so, it would then have to install converter stations to synchronise the two grids. But the power cuts to the cooling systems, combined with the near collapse of the water supplies there after Russia blew up the Kakhova Dam the main water source for the ZNPP is causing jitters among local leaders. The exiled mayor of the now-occupied Enerhodar, the town next to Zaporizhzhia, told The Independent he fears nuclear fallout could melt into the groundwater around the plant, contaminate the Dnipro River and eventually the Black Sea. open image in gallery Fire at a cooling tower of the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Energodar, southern Ukraine ( AFP/Getty ) Kakhovka Dam is destroyed; there is nothing to cool it with even if they miraculously restore the equipment in the future, he said. Worst case scenario: the water will eventually evaporate from the cooling pond, and there will be nothing to cool nuclear fuel. It can melt the concrete and go into the groundwater, Dmytro Orlov added from his office in Zaporizhzhia. Mayor Orlov runs humanitarian programmes for the thousands of people, mostly nuclear power workers, who fled the advancing Russians from his town to safety here. The mayor recalled the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, which remains the worst nuclear disaster in history. open image in gallery Firefighters in Zaporizhzhia put out a blaze caused by Russian strikes in June ( Reuters ) The estimated amount of nuclear fuel there is about 10 times more than in Chernobyl, he warned. A small team of inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Authority regularly inspects the power station and has reported military training and explosions in and around the facility. Russian artillery and mortars have been seen shelling and bombing Ukrainian towns and villages on the opposite bank of the Dnipro. After power was restored, IAEA director general Mario Grossi said: What was once virtually unimaginable a nuclear power plant regularly losing off-site power has unfortunately become a common occurrence during this devastating war. However, this was the most challenging loss of power event we have experienced so far. There is still much work to do to further reduce the risks of a nuclear accident. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Donald Trump has insisted the US-backed ceasefire in Gaza is not at risk despite Israeli strikes overnight killing more than 100 people, according to health officials. The president told reporters on Wednesday that Israel was justified in carrying out the strikes on Tuesday after Hamas allegedly killed an Israeli soldier during an exchange of gunfire in Gazas Rafah. As I understand it, they took out an Israeli soldier, he said aboard Air Force One. So the Israelis hit back and they should hit back. When that happens, they should hit back. open image in gallery Palestinians inspect the site of an overnight Israeli strike on a house, in Nuseirat, central Gaza Strip ( Reuters ) Trump insisted that nothing was going to jeopardise the ceasefire, which has been shaken in recent days by fresh strikes in Gaza, the delayed return of hostage remains and blockages to the delivery of humanitarian aid. Gazas health ministry said Tuesdays strikes had killed 104 people. An Israeli military official said on Wednesday that their soldier was killed by enemy fire on Tuesday afternoon, targeting his vehicle in Rafah. The official said Israeli troops in the area came under attack numerous times on Tuesday as they worked to destroy tunnels and Hamas infrastructure. Israel identified the soldier who was killed as Master Sergeant Yona Efraim Feldbaum, 37. Hamas denied any involvement in the deadly shooting and, in turn, accused Israel of violating the ceasefire deal. open image in gallery The aftermath of Israeli strikes in Khan Yunis on Wednesday ( AFP/Getty ) The violent strikes carried out by Israel across the strip [are] a blatant violation of the ceasefire deal, it said, calling on mediators to pressure Israel to stop. The IDF said early on Wednesday that following strikes, it had begun the renewed enforcement of the ceasefire in response to Hamas violations. It said that Israeli forces had struck 30 terrorists holding command positions within the terrorist organisations operating in Gaza. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu had ordered the military to conduct powerful strikes over Gaza after his office said a coffin handed over by Hamas did not contain the remains of an additional hostage, but Ofir Tzarfati, whose body was recovered in 2023. The IDF shared footage it said showed Hamas operatives removing remains from a building and reburying them nearby to stage a false discovery for photographers. open image in gallery Israel carried out strikes in Gaza on Tuesday, further straining the ceasefire ( AP ) Hamas said that it would postpone a planned handover of another dead hostage due to what it called violations of the ceasefire agreement by Israel. Israel notified the United States before launching the strikes on Tuesday, according to two US officials who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the subject. The Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah said that at least 10 bodies, including three women and six children, reached the hospital overnight following air strikes in the region. The Al-Awda Hospital, also in central Gaza, said it had received 30 bodies, including 14 children. Nasser Hospital, in the south, said that it had received 20 bodies, including two women and 13 children, following five strikes in the area. Sign up to our free Brexit newsletter for our analysis of the continuing impact of Brexit on the UK Sign up to our free newsletter for the latest analysis on Brexit's impact Sign up to our free newsletter for the latest analysis on Brexit's impact Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Britains minister for the Middle East has pushed the case for Sir Tony Blair to be part of the board running Gaza after the second phase of the peace deal is agreed. With concerns still high that the fragile ceasefire may not hold between Hamas and Israel, minister Hamish Falconer has hailed the qualities of the former prime minister in an exclusive interview with The Independent. The minister, whose portfolio also covers North Africa and plays a significant role in the migrant crisis, denied Keir Starmers decision to slash international aid has fuelled the illegal flow of people to Europe and the UK. open image in gallery Hamish Falconer (centre) visits a migrant processing centre in Algeria ( FCDO ) Addressing the ongoing situation in Gaza, he said: I think Tony Blair obviously has a huge amount of experience, both in the Middle East, and on disarmament issues from the IRA. He clearly has a real contribution to make. The questions around phase 2 are to be negotiated, and we want to make sure that the peace board works for everybody. But obviously, Tony Blair has a real contribution to make. The former prime minister has been involved in discussions with the Trump White House and has been mooted as a potential candidate to help run Gaza if phase 2 of the deal can be completed. He has worked together with Donald Trumps son in law Jared Kushner in formulating a peace plan. Supporters point out that the ex-prime minister was instrumental in bringing an end to the Troubles in Northern Ireland and is also trusted by Israel as well as Arab nations. Critics in the UK point to Sir Tonys part in the Iraq War which destabilised the region and ultimately led to him being forced out as PM in 2007. open image in gallery Tony Blair could be on the board running Gaza ( AFP via Getty Images ) But with claims that both Israel and Hamas are breaking the current ceasefire despite the exchange of hostages and prisoners, Mr Falconer, a former diplomat now MP for Lincoln, warned that phase 1 cannot be taken for granted. He said: It is absolutely vital that the ceasefire remains in place and that we move on to the really important questions in phase 2. I know incredibly intimately how important that ceasefire is, both for the people of Gaza, for those we're trying to support through medical evacuations and other things, for the stability and security it can give to Israel and the whole region to know that this war, which has been so destructive, has come to an end. Clearly, the phase 1 issues, the ceasefire questions, are not everything. They're hugely important. But we need to move on to the to the questions in phase two, and those are the ones which the peace board, the technical committee for Gaza, all of those more complex questions that are set out in the 20 point plan are really very relevant. The minister spoke to The Independent from a migrant processing centre in Algeria with his role also covering North Africa and the migrant crisis. open image in gallery Donald Trump has hinted at doubts over Blairs role in his Gaza plan ( AFP/Getty ) He warned that simple slogans used by the previous Tory government with its stop the boats mantra were not the solution to a complex problem. But he also denied criticisms that the cancellation of international aid to the region and elsewhere is exacerbating the migrant crisis. He said: I used to deliver international aid, and I would just say on that which I am a big believer in the importance of aid, and we've been really proud as the Middle East minister to protect the aid to Gaza, for example, which has been so vital and necessary. We've also ringfenced aid for Sudan, given the severity of the situation there. But I would also say I lived in South Sudan, for example, for two years. It's one of the poorest places in the world but it is not South Sudanese, overwhelmingly, who are on the boats. They're, in fact, a much smaller proportion of the population than, for example, much wealthier countries like there are a lot of Iraqi Kurds who makes the journey in Iraqi Kurdistan. Kurdistan is by no means anywhere near as impoverished as some of the other places. So it's not that I'm not disputing the importance of the a budget and the contribution that upstream work can make. But I think we do also need to be focused on the flows as they actually are, and it's certainly when you look at the top five, top 10 countries of origin of people on small boats, they aren't necessarily the five poorest almost war torn country. So I am really interested in the precise mechanisms of these flows and what we can do to crack down on them. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Get Simon Calders Travel email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A new trend, dubbed 'micro-retirement', is emerging for those unwilling to wait until traditional retirement for extended travel, allowing individuals to take significant time off while remaining employed. A study by Explore Worldwide, surveying 2,000 UK residents, found one to three months to be the ideal duration. It revealed nearly a third (29 per cent) consider such a break, with almost half (48 per cent) planning to dedicate this time to travel. Among mid- and later-life age groups, millennials are at 75 per cent likely, Gen X 38 per cent, and boomers 42 per cent, explains Explore Worldwide MD, Michael Edwards. Taking a micro-retirement is about stepping back, resetting and rediscovering. Its a chance to get away from the daily grind and immerse yourself in new places offering a fresh perspective that no office routine can provide. open image in gallery Taking an extended career break in midlife to travel is being coined micro-retirement ( ALAMY ) While it may be more common for younger generations to take career breaks to travel (typically before having children), taking a break in mid-life or later has some obvious perks, including the likelihood of better financial stability, with many people in a far better position to travel than they were when they were younger, says Edwards. As we live and work longer, retirement can feel so far away theres a sense of why should I wait? None of us know what the future holds and for many retirement might feel too late to do the sort of travelling we have our heart set on. Mid-life is also a time of change, and as older children fly the nest we can find we have more time and income to spend on ourselves. Plus, it may make sense from a health perspective to do adventurous travel while youre in peak health, in case of any health issues down the line. At the same time, Edwards says, Mid-life pressures such as ageing parents, potential relationship breakdowns and work burnout make a micro-retirement the perfect antidote to reassess and recharge. The research also showed, among those whove taken a sabbatical, 84 per cent felt positive returning and 96 per cent reported a renewed sense of purpose. So how do you decide what kind of long trip is right for you? There are a variety of factors to consider when choosing the right trip: time constraints, energy levels and interests (to name a few), says Edwards. The travel company has launched a smart new tool on their website that helps match explorers to their perfect micro-retirement trip, asking users to input their age, job situation, and stress levels before suggesting the best time and continent. Inspiration for that pre-retirement trip Travel the Silk Road route through the Five Stans 21 days open image in gallery Bukhara, Uzbekistan, is a highlight of one of the Stans ( Explore Worldwide/PA ) Still largely undiscovered by many British tourists, the Five Stans of Central Asia Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan offers a chance to travel the ancient Silk Road (a network of ancient trade routes used from the 2nd century BC to the mid-15th century). You need a longer trip to really see it all and this three-week expedition offers a fast-paced way to see this area of the world, with its diverse, wild landscapes of fertile valleys and desert plains, nomadic traditions and Soviet history. Travel is a mixture of rail, road and internal flights, with highlights including the Fann Mountains and Seven Lakes of western Tajikistan, the architecture of Kiva, Bukhara and Samarkand, as well as sleeping in a traditional yurt on the shoes of The Pearl of Kyrgyzstan Lake Issyk Kul, which never freezes over due to its high salt content. How to book: Explore Worldwide (explore.co.uk) offer a 21-day trip, The Five Stans of The Silk Road from 5,195 Road trip in the Patagonian wilderness 60 days open image in gallery Why not explore the Patagonian wilderness? ( Pura Aventura/PA ) If you want to extend your micro-retirement to two months, the southern part of Chile and Argentina offers an off-the-beaten path adventure by road. Pura Aventura has just launched a new trip designed for travellers who want an extended overland adventure, criss-crossing Chile and Argentina, including the stunning Lake District, the bird-rich Osorno Volcano, the iconic Torres del Paine and Ruta 40 a 3,200 mile highway in Argentina running parallel to the Andes Mountains, with dramatic scenery. Activities can include hiking, kayaking and horse riding. It ends with an expedition cruise to Cape Horn the southernmost headland on Hornos Island, in southern Chiles Tierra del Fuego archipelago and includes stays in characterful hotels, home-cooked food, wine tastings, puma spotting, canyoning, rafting, night life in Buenos Aires, and learning about the rural gaucho lifestyle. How to Book: Pura Aventuras Route of Parks: Ultimate Patagonia Trip includes 59 nights accommodation, transport, most meals and guided activities, from 23,950pp sharing. Visit pura-aventura.com or call 01273 676712. A 15-country cruise 110 nights open image in gallery Cruising remains a popular choice for people looking to tick off a number of destinations ( Celebrity Cruises ) Long cruises are growing in popularity with some travellers not just seeing a cruise as a holiday, but as a way to live differently for a while. Celebrity Cruises have launched a Grand Voyage for 2026 on a newly refurbished Celebrity Solstice ship (with a capacity for 2,852 passengers) so you can see out the last three months of the year at sea. The voyage stops at 58 destinations in 15 countries the United States, French Polynesia, New Zealand, Australia, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Fiji, New Caledonia, Indonesia, Vanuatu, Taiwan, China and Canada thats four hemispheres. Its made up of nine different sailings which can also be booked individually, but the 3.5 month adventure offers a unique way to see a lot of the world, hassle-free, without having to repack and move once. With 65 days ashore and eight overnight port stays (in places including Thailands Phuket, Vietnams Halong Bay and New Zealands Auckland) theres also adults-only spaces on board and a lawn club. How to book: The all-inclusive Grand Voyage (www.celebritycruises.com, 0344 493 2043) sets off sail on September 13 until December 31, 2026, price from 11,109pp. Storied exploration leader worked in some of the worlds most far-flung places David Horgan, one of the countrys best known oil and exploration executives has died aged just 66. Clontarf Energy, where he was co-founder and long time chairman, confirmed his death yesterday. His co-founders at Clontarf Energy, John Teeling and Jim Finn, said his death was a deep personal loss to each of them. In over three decades together we have created, financed, managed and listed a series of early-stage exploration ventures in a variety of natural resources. He revelled in high-stakes, high-risk resources exploration. He was fearless travelling in dangerous territories, traipsing across swamps or exploring long abandoned mines. "He spoke eight languages. After 10 days or so in a new country he could converse with locals in their own language and actively participate in local culture and traditions. He was outspoken on the need to protect Irelands energy security In a career spanning more than four decades, David Horgan worked in some of the worlds most far-flung and often dangerous places, including oil wells in Iraq and Ghana, and gold mines in Zimbabwe. He held oil licences in Peru and discovered a diamond mine in Botswana. He was a regular contributor to media, and at one point wrote a column in the Irish Independent. He was outspoken on issues including what he regarded as the absolute need to protect Irelands energy security and countering what he called alarmism over climate change, dismissing some environmentalists as whingers and moaners. In 2022, as energy costs surged in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, he argued in this newspaper that the impact on consumers and businesses was an inevitable consequence of Irelands energy policies. We are sleepwalking into an energy crisis worse than the 1970s Recent governments ignored the need for reliable energy preferring ideology to common sense. There are no magical solutions. We need multiple sources of energy, and multiple routes to market, he said. "Given our lack of rational policies, an energy crunch was inevitable. If not Ukraine, it would have been a Brexit trade war or a Middle Eastern conflict. We are sleepwalking into an energy crisis worse than the 1970s. John Teeling and Jim Finn said their co-founders point of view that continued resource exploration is necessary is now coming back into vogue. David had a simple message: no exploration, no mines, no transition to green energy. His passing, just as the message seems to be getting traction, is ironic. "His death is a huge loss for his friends, family, colleagues, shareholders and the wider Irish resource sector, they said. David Horgan was born in Belfast and brought up in Dublin and Canada. He was a first-class honours law graduate from Cambridge University, in England and obtained a Masters in Business Administration from Harvard Business School. He began his professional career abroad with the Boston Consulting Group. He returned to Ireland in 1991 and after a stint with Goffs joined Kenmare Resources where he became commercial director until 1992 when he left to co-found Clontarf Energy. In a storied career he was also co-founder and chair of Petrel Resources, co-founder and director of Botswana Diamonds, and founding chair of Greenore Gold. Former PTSB chief to appeal Central Banks 80k tracker mortgage penalty Ex-CEO said it was extraordinary no other Irish banker was probed David Guinane was CEO of PTSB between 2007 and 2012. Photo: Collins Donal O'Donovan Wed 29 Oct 2025 at 11:50 Former PTSB chief executive David Guinane has launched an appeal against the decision by a Central Bank inquiry which found him responsible for the banks failure to act in the best interests of tracker mortgage customers in 2009, in breach of consumer protection rules. Several related Italian companies are asking the High Court to make orders directing Facebook owner Meta to restore business accounts the firms used to provide online advertising services on Metas platforms. BHBlasted Srl Societa Benefit, BHBroke Srl and BHN Ailed Srl claim Meta Platforms Ireland Ltd disabled their accounts in December 2024 without warning or explanation, and allegedly in breach of Metas own terms and conditions. Counsel for the Italian companies moved an application yesterday for interim interlocutory relief ahead of a full hearing of the case. Meta is defending the action. William Abrahamson SC, appearing with barrister Donnchadh Woulfe and instructed by Adams Law LLP, told Ms Justice Marguerite Bolger that Metas terms and conditions provide for the notification of account-holders of their suspension or termination in the event of a breach of policies or guidelines. The terms and conditions also provide that an opportunity be given to account-holders to remedy the breach, he submitted. Mr Abrahamson added that there was no suggestion that exceptions to this purported obligation applied in the case of his clients. Counsel submitted that Meta was in wholesale noncompliance with its terms and conditions when there was an unadvertised shutdown of his clients accounts on December 21, 2024. Stock image Today's News in 90 Seconds, Wednesday, October 29 Mr Abrahamson also submitted that the first time Meta identified why his clients accounts were closed was in affidavits sworn in the High Court proceedings. Meta claims the Italian companies regularly and repeatedly published advertisements that violated terms and conditions, Mr Abrahamson said. Counsel submitted that the court should not consider exhibits of the purported offending advertisement because of a lack of information put before the court. He said it was not possible for his clients to say if the exhibited advertisements were published by his clients. The court heard the Italian companies made prepayments to Meta for use of its services, namely the placing of advertisements on Meta platforms. Mr Abrahamson said his clients accounts were in credit by up to 6m at the time the accounts were disabled. Counsel said this money is still held by Meta, and his clients cannot access it. The court heard the credit figure was in dispute. Kelley Smith, appearing with barrister Gerard Downey for Meta, and instructed by A&L Goodbody, rejected the assertion that her client was obliged to give notice of a decision to suspend the Italian companies accounts. She submitted that the terms and conditions referred to by Mr Abrahamson provide that Meta has an entitlement to remove accounts without warning, if they consider the account-holders breach to be serious. Ms Smith said that her clients position was that the Italian companies had not identified a legal entitlement for the reinstatement of a suspended account. Ms Smith submitted that her client had sworn evidence before the court that offending advertisements exhibited to the court are related to the plaintiffs accounts. Ms Smith said her clients wish to stop doing business with the companies is with a view to protecting end users of Meta platforms, she said. Ms Justice Bolger reserved her judgment. WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 11: U.S. President Donald Trump makes a statement on the census with Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross in the Rose Garden of the White House on July 11, 2019 in Washington, DC. President Trump, who had previously pushed to add a citizenship question to the 2020 census, announced that he would direct the Commerce Department to collect that data in other ways. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) Theres nothing wrong with wanting more big shots big ambition lifts all of us, so stop the begrudgery Why I get so irked about complaints that certain people dont know when they have enough 'If you have the energy, ambition and ability to drive growth in a business, win more sports titles, sell out more music venues and do politics on a world stage, why not just do it? Image: Getty Mike Brady Wed 29 Oct 2025 at 07:37 Irish people are revered the world over for being great company or great craic. An Irish passport is a treasured asset, and we should be proud to have achieved this global status for our little nation. latest | DJ Carey sentencing in cancer fraud case postponed after medical cert is provided to court Carey pleaded guilty in July to 10 count of dishonesty by deception DJ Carey arriving at the Criminal Courts of Justice in July. Photo: Collins Andrew Phelan Wed 29 Oct 2025 at 12:15 Disgraced former hurler DJ Careys sentencing for conning people out of money to pay for his supposed cancer treatment has been delayed to Friday after a court heard he was sick and in hospital. Councillor texted garda to sort speeding ticket while at the same time calling for review of speed van locations, trial told Dublin gang The Family linked to 8m cocaine seized in Laois, detectives believe It is just the latest blow against Irelands biggest drugs gang The seized drugs Ken Foy Wed 29 Oct 2025 at 12:01 Detectives believe the west Dublin Family gang had a controlling interest in over 8m worth of cocaine which was seized in Co Laois yesterday. Half of people in a scientific study viewed original artwork by the likes of Van Gogh and Gauguin at the Courtauld Gallery in London (Alamy/PA) Seeing an artwork by Van Gogh or Manet up close and in person can help relieve stress, a study has found. Viewing art in galleries has a positive impact on the immune system, the nervous system and the network of glands responsible for releasing hormones, said researchers at Kings College London (KCL), where a study of 50 people aged 18 to 40 suggested art affects us physically as well as emotionally Young mother Emma Ryan was just 32 when she suffered a sudden stroke, after going to bed the night before feeling very dizzy. She was feeling nauseous and it was only a phone call from a quick-thinking friend that saved her life when she became alarmed at Ms Ryans slurred speech, before rushing to her house and ringing an ambulance. You have to take it on the chin Joey OBrien notes gap in class but fears Shels players showed Palace too much respect Two men convicted of the brutal murder of a 47-year-old who was savagely beaten with a hammer-like weapon before his body was dumped by the roadside in a gravel bag were jailed for life. My Cultural Life BOOK: Hidden Life of Trees Once Im learning something, Im happy. Im dipping in and out of The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben, which explains the intricate communication of trees and forests through their root and fungus networks. And I find myself constantly going back to Alfred Barnards The Whisky Distilleries of the United Kingdom from 1887. He was a British journalist who went on a drinking jolly to visit nearly every distillery on the British Isles, resulting in an untold social and industrial history bible. TV: The Big Bang Theory Im currently rewatching The Big Bang Theory, a massively underrated sitcom thats family friendly to watch with my son Riley and my wife Sonya. And I love watching the crab fishermen on Discoverys Deadliest Catch. Hardy lads. I do miss Jeremy Clarksons car shows, but Clarksons Farm is a guilty pleasure of mine. And I do have a soft spot for 1990s action movies, which sit neatly in between 1980s cheese and Noughties CGI overload. PODCAST: Everything Everywhere I love listening to a great podcast whilst driving. My current playlist includes: Everything Everywhere, a daily deep-dive on a huge range of topics; The Presidents Daily Brief, another daily, on world geopolitical events; Lex Fridman Podcast, a long-form conversation with experts in their own fields. FESTIVAL: Poitin now I do love a good food festival. The amazing food producers we have in Ireland always shine at such events. I loved Cork on a Fork tin August. It was a week-long food celebration across Cork city. The Smokin Soul BBQ festival in Wexford in July was spectacular, and the Dingle Food Festival is an October highlight. And the boutique Poitin Now event in Bar 1661 in Dublin city on November 19. Artist Fran Leavey runs this and his passion for one of our native Irish spirits has resulted in this wonderful celebration each year. Joe Sommerlad: Melania Trump is becoming an ever more remote White House figure Political commentators have described her eviction from the East Wing as on-brand for the current administration US first lady Melania Trump. Photo: Getty Joe Sommerlad UK Independent Wed 29 Oct 2025 at 06:30 United States first lady Melania Trump privately expressed disquiet about President Donald Trumps plans to demolish the East Wing of the White House to make way for his lavish new ballroom, according to a report. Leaders of the Labour Party, Social Democrats and Sinn Fein are all women Watching Catherine Connolly arrive at Dublin Castle last weekend, I noticed something: the majority of the political leaders who canvassed for her were women. Almost every major party on Irelands left is led by a woman. Thats not a coincidence; rather, its a sign that the political system is finding ways to correct its own imbalance after decades of being shaped by men. Part of that is opening the door to female leadership. It has been years since Rajendra Kumar Pachauri, then chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, put the world on notice. Nobody on this planet is going to be untouched by the impacts of climate change, he warned. That may be true, but compared with the developed world, the poor will always be hit harder. While Jamaicans cowered as Hurricane Melissa approached, Leanne Archer, a research associate in climate extremes at the University of Bristol, said the hurricane was yet another stark reminder that islands such as Jamaica face the brunt of accelerating extremes amplified by climate change, despite being among those who are the least responsible for the problem. Yet even as climate activists insist Earth is not dying, but being killed, too many are still ready to deny climate change even exists. But in some parts of the world the evidence is devastatingly irrefutable, There is no infrastructure in the region that can withstand a category five, said Jamaicas prime minister Andrew Holness. Michael Brennan, the director of the US National Hurricane Centre, was also fearful for what the winds of more than 300kmh could leave in their wake. It is a worst-case scenario, he said. The predicted storm surge up to four metres poses an unprecedented threat, as most of Jamaicas centres of population are on the coast. The debate about the connection between human- induced climate change and hurricanes is always contentious. The difference between 1.3C of global warming and 2.6C means the difference between life and death of thousands of people Some experts may differ on whether climate change does or does not increase the number of tropical storms or hurricanes. However, while they may differ on the degree of frequency, they will agree that the intensity and ferocity with which they strike has changed. Stronger winds, heavier rainfall and a higher risk of coastal flooding have all been recorded. The link between Hurricane Melissa and a warmer planet may only be truly assessed after the event. But experts believe it is likely it has been made wetter and windier by human-induced climate change. Under the 2015 Paris Agreement, almost 200 countries agreed to limit global temperature rise to well below 2C and ideally to 1.5C above the pre-industrial level. If countries delivered on promised climate plans, that could limit global warming to 2.6C. Friederike Otto, a professor in climate science at Imperial College London, has called for greater urgency to further limit the consequences. The difference between the 1.3C of global warming and the 2.6C means the difference between life and death of thousands of people, she said. As environmentalist David Suzuki said: Were in a giant car heading towards a brick wall and everyones arguing over where theyre going to sit. Next months Cop30 climate summit in Brazil could hardly have been given a more stark reminder of the urgency of re-doubling its efforts. A Mallow man, who elected to go to prison instead of partaking in community service, has been told by a District Court judge that Cork Prison is likely to turn you around and let you back out again. West Cork councillors have warned that proposals to slash the mackerel quota for next year will devastate fishing communities such as Castletownbere and have called on the government to fight to ensure it doesnt come into effect. The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), an international scientific body whose advice on fish stock levels is used by the EU to set fishing quotas, has recommended a 70pc cut in the EUs mackerel quota next year as well as major reductions in the blue whiting and boarfish quotas. The ICES says the cuts are necessary to combat overfishing of those species. Speaking at this weeks meeting of Cork County Council, Cllr Danny Collins said the reduction of the mackerel quota could see the Irish seafood sector face collapse within 12 months without immediate government intervention. This represents an existential threat to our pelagic fleet and coastal communities. The West Cork councillor said he attended a meeting of fishermen from areas such as Castletownbere, Union Hall and Ballycotton last week. The frustration and pain were really easy to see at this meeting. There were many who spoke of their fear if these cuts go ahead. One fisherman said, Our backs are to the wall if this happens. Another fisherman said he had got a loan from his bank on the back of his mackerel quota. Now, if this cut happens, he doesn't know how he'll pay his loan. I'm calling on our ministers to fight tooth and nail and tell Europe that Ireland has had enough. This is one of our most valuable fish stocks and if this 70pc cut goes ahead, it'll cost the fishing industry around 80 million euros in revenue, which will nearly wipe them out. Cllr Caroline Cronin supported Cllr Collins statement. I'm a wife of a fisherman and I've been part of a fishing family for 30 years and I've never seen the fishing industry so bleak. A 70pc cut to the mackerel quota threatens our fishing industry, our fishing communities and our fishing families, she said. Fishermen are self-employed, there's no financial help for them. It's knock after knock. We might have 10 or 12 weeks every year where we don't have an income because of bad weather, because of pots getting lost and storms, nets getting tangled, fishing gear breaking, engines breaking down. Small family-run fleets need stable quotas to plan and invest, she said. Cllr Joe Carroll also voiced his agreement. I just can't understand why our ministers are so weak when it comes to Europe. We're an island country. We shouldn't have to put our hand out to Europe or to anybody, we should be depending on the water right around us. But yet go out 50 or 60 miles and we see boats from other countries coming around and doing what they like. And then the cheek to send that out to the fishermen on our coastline, you have to expect a 70pc cut in the mackerel. That can't be accepted, he said. On foot of a motion by Cllr Collins, the council agreed to write to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon and Minister of State Timmy Dooley calling on them to resist the proposed quota cuts. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. Willie Redmond on the set earlier this year of Sky Arts' Landscape Artist of the year show in Snowdonia, North Wales Art work by former Air Corps crew man, Willie Redmond, including several new pieces, will be on show at Art Source at Dublins RDS, running from November 14-16. Dubliner Willie Redmond, a former Air Corps crewman, will display his artwork alongside pieces by Andy Warhol and Tracey Emin at Irelands largest art fair. Redmond served for more than 20 years with the Defence Forces, spending much of his career in helicopter search and rescue and air ambulance missions. Art, however, remained a constant in his life, providing an antidote to the demands of his day job. His work, including several new pieces, will feature at Art Source at the RDS in Dublin from November 14-16. Small, simple missions are the ones that really stick in your mind, Redmond, from Killester, said. Children on mercy missions and air ambulance journeys, where a child might need urgent transport to the hospital for a procedure, are the toughest and give you a greater appreciation of life. We also transported people after car accidents to specialist units dealing with head and spinal injuries. Then there was service to the islands in adverse weather conditions Go Mairidis Beo [That Others May Live] is the unit motto applied by the crews. Since retiring in 2007, Redmond has devoted himself to painting full-time. Earlier this year, he appeared on Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year. I was always painting from an early age, drawing in my spare time while serving at Baldonnell [Casement Aerodrome]. It was my focus during downtime, he said. Flying gave you a different perspective on the country. You became more aware of how the landscape worked in terms of weather and features. In spring, thundery showers could leave the landscape behind looking white with hailstones. Early morning flights often revealed amber sunlight on fields and white hedgerow shadows from frost. Redmond, who describes his style as contemporary realism, believes events such as Art Source help open up the art world to the public. Theres a more universal appreciation of art now. Awareness is growing and it has given people the confidence to take an interest, he said. He will bring new works, including Cliff Walk, Howth and Greenwash, a painting of forest undergrowth illuminated by light filtering through the canopy. Art Source features over 200 Irish and international artists and galleries, with a large selection of affordable art. Expected to attract more than 15,000 visitors, the show opens at the RDS on Friday, November 14, running until November 16. Tickets and further information are available at artsource.ie. Maire Logue (left) with Enda Wyley and Christine Dwyer Hickey at the 2025 Listowel Writers' Week. Maire Logue is no stranger to the arts in Listowel due to her many years working and volunteering in the sector. In fitting recognition of this, Maire has been appointed as Literary Curator for Listowel Writers Week ahead of its landmark 55th anniversary festival in May 2026. As curator, Maire will devise a programme that honours Listowels literary heritage while showcasing the best of contemporary writing from Ireland and beyond. The recent appointment is a source of pride for Maire who is a Listowel native and long-time contributor to the festival. She said Listowel Writers Week has always been about connection between words and people, between generations and ideas. Im honoured for the opportunity to curate such an important year for a festival that means so much to this town and to Irelands literary community, she said. For 2026, we will celebrate that spirit while also looking forward, championing new voices, exploring how literature shapes our lives, and ensuring Listowel continues to be a welcoming home for creativity and conversation from across the world. Chairman of Listowel Writers Week Ned OSullivan welcomed the appointment saying Maires deep community roots, and artistic vision make her the ideal person to guide the festival into its next chapter. Our 55th anniversary is both a celebration of heritage and a statement of renewal, and under Maires curatorship, Listowel Writers Week will continue to thrive on the national and international stage of literature festivals, he said. One of Irelands best-loved literary celebrations, Listowel Writers Week has been at the heart of the nations cultural life since the first festival in 1971. It brings together readers, writers, and thinkers in the historic North Kerry town long associated with literary greats such as John B. Keane, Bryan MacMahon, and Maurice Walsh. Listowel Writers Week 2026 will take place from festival dates, May 27-31, featuring readings, workshops, interviews, and cultural events across the town. For updates, visit www.writersweek.ie or follow @writersweek on social media. Survivors of Industrial and Reformatory schools Mary Donovan from Tralee with Mary Dunleavy Greene, Carlow, Maurice Patton O'Connell, Caherviseen and Marian Moriarty Owen, Tralee, during their hunger strike protest outside Leinster House. Photo by Frank McGrath. Taoiseach Micheal Martin is to meet with survivors of industrial and reformatory schools who have been on hunger strike for over a month outside Dail Eireann. The protesters, which includes three Kerry survivors, say they are cautiously optimistic about achieving an outcome as they look to have their demands met. Concerns have been raised for the health of the protesters who were unsuccessful in a previous meeting with Minister for Education Helen McEntee. They are demanding that government provide them with HAA cards to cover ongoing and complex medical issues arising from traumatic experiences endured as children when kept in religious and state-run institutions. The also want full contributory state pensions owing to the work they were forced to carry out while in state-care, which they claim was child labour. Speaking on Wednesday morning, Miriam Moriarty Owens who spent the first 12 years of her life in the Nazareth Home in Tralee said they are meeting with the Taoiseach at 6:30pm this evening in the hope of resolving the issue. Minister McEntee is also expected to attend the meeting. Fianna Fail Deputy Michael Cahill was the first Kerry politician to highlight the concerns of the hunger strikers in the Dail in late September. Minister Michael Healy-Rae has since requested that government resolve the issue. Sinn Fein Deputy Pa Daly has met with the protesters to give his support. Survivors of Industrial and Reformatory schools Mary Donovan from Tralee with Mary Dunleavy Greene, Carlow, Maurice Patton O'Connell, Caherviseen and Marian Moriarty Owen, Tralee, during their hunger strike protest outside Leinster House. Photo by Frank McGrath. Were looking forward to the meeting and I want you all to say a prayer that its going to be a constructive meeting and that they will listen to us, Miriam said. We did not know about the meeting but its been confirmed now. I just want to say thank you to everyone for your support. Say a prayer that we get what we deserve, not what we want, but what was promised. We have a long wait but we wait in anticipation. I would also like to thank Michael Healy-Rae for going on radio and standing up for us, she said. Protester Maurice Patton-OConnell from Cahersiveen said Deputy Michael Cahill has been fantastic to their cause. He added that because Michael Healy-Rae is a Junior Minister in government, he should have the power to resolve the strike. All were doing is fighting for our rights, Maurice said. Were 26 years fighting this. Its not today or yesterday that we made a decision to go on hunger strike. We had consultation talks for five years which was supposed to close the door to the industrial [school] survivors plight, he added. Fianna Fail TD for Louth, Erin McGreehan, has hailed Cabinets approval of Jennies Law as a landmark day in the States fight against domestic abuse, describing it as a critical step in breaking the cycle of violence and protecting women and families across Ireland. This week, Minister for Justice Jim OCallaghan brought Jennies Law to Cabinet for approval. The legislation, named in honour of Jennifer Poole who was tragically murdered by her ex-partner Gavin Murphy in 2021 will allow individuals convicted of domestic violence against a current or former partner to be publicly named on a new Domestic Violence Register of Judgements. Speaking following Cabinet's approval, Deputy McGreehan said, I am absolutely delighted that Cabinet has approved Jennies Law. This is a vital piece of legislation that will protect citizens and save lives. If someone has concerns or suspicions about a partners past history specifically when it comes to domestic violence, they deserve to have access to that information. It marks a major step forward in empowering victims and preventing future abuse. Under Minister OCallaghans Criminal Law (Sexual Offences, Domestic Violence and International Instruments) Bill 2025, convictions will be published online by the Courts Service under a dedicated heading, Domestic Violence Register Judgments. This register will ensure that crucial information is publicly accessible, giving victims and potential victims the knowledge they need to protect themselves. Deputy McGreehan also welcomed the provision allowing trial judges discretion to issue a judgment containing details of the conviction, sentence, and any other information deemed relevant to the case. This approach ensures transparency, accountability, and fairness, while keeping survivors and their safety at the heart of the system, she added. The Louth TD paid special tribute to Jennifers brother, Jason Poole, whose unwavering determination has driven this reform. Jason Poole is an inspiration. His courage, advocacy, and love for his sister have helped deliver a law that will protect countless others. While nothing can undo the heartbreak of Jennifers loss, Jason can be assured that his campaigning will save lives and spare other families similar grief. Deputy McGreehan concluded by reaffirming Fianna Fails commitment to building safer communities. Fianna Fail is determined to protect people not just on our streets, but behind closed doors in cases such as this. I want to acknowledge Minister OCallaghans dedication from championing this as a backbench TD to delivering it now as Minister for Justice. Jennies Law will hold abusers to account, safeguard victims, and help prevent violence before it occurs. This legislation will save lives and that is vital for victims and potential victims. Irish News Shoppers in Ireland on course to break 3.9bn spending record set last Christmas Irish shoppers are on course to set new spending records this Christmas even topping the highs reached last year, according to the latest AIB spend trend. Investigating Detective tells court the total amount was 7,314 A 26-year-old woman who stole money from clients of an insurance company she was working for also went on to steal from her colleagues in another company, Sligo District Court was told. Sligo native Aolish Gormley from Coolaney has been honoured as Mental Health Advocate of the Year at the Evoke Wellness Awards held in Dublin. The award recognises her outstanding work in maternal mental health, particularly through local initiative Ardu, a maternal mental health project in Sligo with a focus on peer support for Mothers and the Year of Care Campaign, a national advocacy effort calling for improved postnatal care for mothers during the critical first year after birth. The campaign seeks to raise national awareness and drive policy change to ensure mothers receive comprehensive care throughout the first year after childbirth not just the first six weeks. Speaking about the award, Aolish said: Maternal mental health isnt just a personal issue its a societal one. The first year after giving birth can be incredibly challenging, full of sleepless nights, emotional ups and downs and life-changing adjustments. Every mother deserves care and support during this time. Im honoured the campaign is being recognised at a national level and ultimately I hope it helps to drive policy decisions and spark conversations our communities urgently need to have, both at a local and national level to prioritise mothers wellbeing For further information on the Year of Care Campaign, visit www.yearofcare.ie Sad Passing It was with great sadness that we heard of the passing of Mrs. Torpey on Monday 13th October. Mrs. Torpey was a cornerstone of traditional Irish music in our community. She worked tirelessly to ensure that children from the area had the opportunity to learn and appreciate our rich musical and Irish heritage from a young age. Through her dedication, countless young musicians were introduced to the tin whistle, and many bands and groups were prepared under her guidance for competitions such as Fleadhanna Ceoil, Scor na nOg, and Slogadh. Her efforts extended far beyond teaching. Martha was instrumental in organising opportunities for Danescastle musicians to travel across Ireland and to Wales each year, broadening horizons and fostering lasting friendships. Earlier this year, in a touching tribute to this legacy, musicians who had travelled to Wales with Danescastle over the past 30 years came together to perform a special concert in St. Iberius Church. It was a powerful celebration of the musical journey that Martha made possible for so many.Martha touched the lives of so many of our members. Her passion, dedication and belief in every child made Danescastle Music Group what it is today. Martha was waked at her home on Friday October 24th from 4pm till 8pm with funeral mass on Saturday at 11am in Carrig Church. Her life was celebrated during the mass by the many musicians she helped along her way. Martha is survived by her daughters Margaret and Marie, son Francis, brothers Matty, Thomas, John and Peter, sisters Bridy and Ann, grandchildren, relatives and friends. She was laid to rest in Shemogues cemetery, Littlegraigue. May she rest in peace. Christmas Craft Fair Save the Date: This years Christmas Craft Fair will take place on Sunday November 30th. If you want to reserve a stall please call 086 8821280 or 085 1653949. Social Dancing Dancing continues in in Carrig-on-Bannow Community Centre this Wednesday 29th October with music by John Kenny & Pam. Dancing 9-11.30pm. Refreshments served. Split the pot Split the pot winner was Becky O Neill winning 240. Corach Ramblers Split the Pot The Split the Pot draw took place in Colfers, Carrig-on-Bannow, and the lucky winner of 265 is Mary Reville! A huge thank you to everyone who supported the draw your continued support means so much to the club. Next draw: Sunday, 2nd November. Make sure to get your envelopes in before then for your chance to win! Ballycogley Players Drama Group Ballycogley Players present Drama Through The Decades, a One Act Comedy A Pound on Demand by Sean OCasey and Moments and Memories a trip down memory lane celebrating 50 years. Performance dates are as follows: 29th and 30th October, Wexford Arts Centre nightly at 8pm, booking www.wexfordartscentre.ie or by phoning 053 9123764; 2nd November, Carrig on Bannow Community Centre; 7th November, Our Ladys Island Community Hall; 9th November, Rathangan Hall; 14th November, Ballycogley Hall; 16th November, Stella Maris Centre, Kilmore Quay. All performances apart from Wexford Arts Centre begin at 7.30pm with admission on the door 10. We send our sincere condolences to Pat, Harrison & The Rossiter Family who laid their beloved Georgina to rest on Wednesday last, may she rest in peace. Carrig Community Centre Yoga every Monday evening at 7pm and Thursday morning at 9.30am and chair yoga at 11am just come along and enjoy, pay as you go. Bridge is played every Tuesday night. Slimming world is every Wednesday 5.30 till 7.30pm Dance Fit classes every Thursday night. Bingo every Saturday night from 8pm all welcome. Ballymitty Hall events Monday Night Bingo Ballymitty Drive-in Bingo continues on Monday nights at 8pm, Ballymitty Church Carpark. Womens Shed We meet Monday mornings from 10am to 12pm. All welcome to come join. Taekwondo Chos tae kwon do classes on Wednesdays, onwards 6 years of age and up for both kids and adults class every Wednesday from 7pm to 8pm contact John Phillips on 086 3893382 for any info. Grantstown Daycare Centre Would you like to get out of the house, meet people of all ages and have a bit of fun? Then why not pop in to Grantstown Daycare Centre and see for yourself what is happening on a day-to-day basis. Each day has something different whether its music, games, arts and crafts, movies, quizzes, trips out or just chatting or reading a magazine. If you have a craft or skill that you would like to share with the group we can arrange for you to do a demonstration. We also have holistic practitioners who are qualified in Sonas and Imagination Gym and a nurse in the centre. Our clients vary in age from mid-thirties to over ninety. If you dont have your own transport we can possibly collect you in the morning in one of our buses and drop you home in the afternoon. Please phone 051 561016 or e-mail info@grantstownpriory.com for more information. Mobile Library Services Wexford Mobile Library will be next at Grantstown Daycare Centre on Wednesday 29th October from 2.30pm to 3.15pm. If you would like to join, membership is free. It is not just books you can borrow from Wexford Library, you can also borrow e-books and e-audiobooks. If you are already a library member, you can collect a reserved book from the mobile library. Meals On Wheels Would you like to have Delicious and Nutritious meals delivered to your door? Grantstown Daycare Centre operates a Meals On Wheels service delivered every Tuesday & Thursdayfor a small fee. Why not give us a call on 051 561016 for more details. Free sample available to prospective new customers. Bannow/Ballymitty GAA Bannow/Ballymitty reached the final of the Ben Byrne Memorial cup last Sunday week against Cloughbawn. The team under the captain Kieran Butler were unfortunately beaten 16 points to 13 points. The boys played well and hopefully will be back next year to take the cup. Well done for getting to the final. Camross Camross I.C.A. Officer Training will take place in Camross Hall on 30th October with an 8pm start. This is a Federation course which gives a good idea what is expected of each officer in a Guild. Saturday evening, 1st November is a good date to put in your diary. After 7.30 Mass in Caroreigh, an evening of music, song, storytelling and whatever, will take place in the Old School, situated behind the church. An cupan tae will be served also, of course! A raffle will be held on the night and all money raised will go towards the Senior Citizens Christmas Party. There is lots going on in Camross ICA. Follow our Camross ICA on Facebook for all thats happening. Camross Hall News Dancing at Camross - A dance will be held at Camross Hall on Friday 7th November, featuring a performance by Alistair Fingleton. Admission is 10 and includes tea. The event commences at 9pm and will continue through the evening. This event provides an opportunity for social dancing in a welcoming setting. All welcome Christmas Fair Save the Date: Our annual Christmas Fair will take place on Sunday 16th November. All our usual stands will be there, along with our huge Christmas Draw. If you would like to join our list, please phone Kay on 087-2680273 or Breda on 087-6259126. Check out Camross Halls Facebook Page for further details on all upcoming events or contact kaynolandoyle@gmail.com. Camross Drama Group The group are busy rehearsing 3 One Act plays presently, including one for the One Act Drama circuit. Normal written by Caitriona Daly and directed by Paddy OGorman will be our entry for One Act competition with a cast of Mary Brown and Deirdre OConnor. Threes a Crowd written by Ron Nicol and directed by Philip Howlin and Settling In written and directed by Michael Doyle will complete the trio. All three plays will be performed on the following dates: in Wexford Arts Centre on Friday 7th November, and in Carrig on Bannow on Sunday 30th November. On the One Act circuit the group will perform Normal in Ballyduff, Waterford, Friday 24th October, Goresbridge on Sunday 26th October, CAT Club Cork on Wednesday 5th November, Gorey on Thursday 6th November and Doonbeg Co Clare on Sunday 9th November. We wish the group every success and safe travels. Taghmon History Society Membership - Reminder: Membership fees are now due. New members welcome, contact Kay Doyle, 087-2680273/kaynolandoyle@gmail.com Journal & Calendar Launch - We are delighted to let you know, we will be launching our 14th Journal, and 2026 Calendar on Friday 14th November in the GAA Centre, Taghmon Y35 Y77V at 7.30pm. All Welcome refreshments served. Any queries please contact Kay 087-2680273 If you cannot make it to the Launch we will have the Journal and Calendar on sale in Camross Hall on Sunday November 16th at the Christmas Fair. Checkout our Facebook page for any other queries. You can reach us at email: kaynolandoyle@gmail.com/087-2680273. Taghmon/Caroreigh & Trinity Parish news Weekend Mass Schedule - Saturday: Cleariestown 6pm (please note new mass time from now on), Caroreigh 7.30pm. Sunday: Trinity 9am, Taghmon 10.15am, Rathangan 11.30am Weekday Mass Schedule - Tuesday: Cleariestown 9.30am. Wednesday: Caroreigh 9.30am. Thursday: Rathangan 9.30am. Friday: Taghmon 10am School Mass Adoration Times - Duncormick: Monday 2-8pm New Adorers always welcome. Taghmon: Tuesday 11am-12 noon New Members welcome. Cleariestown: Thursday 11am-5pm. Caroreigh: Monday 1-8pm, except Bank Holiday Mondays and the months of June & July. Taghmon ICA Taghmon ICA held its last meeting on 15th October. President Carol Gray opened the meeting. Sympathy was extended to the families of Jack Whitty, Myles Cousins, and Martin Winters, may they all R.I.P. Fees are due next month, please bring to next meeting. A discussion took place re our annual Christmas dinner, venue and date to be finalised in the next week. Details of the upcoming Enniscorthy Craft day were also discussed. Raffle was won by Teresa Murphy. Competition, biggest cooking apple, was won by Eithne Magee. A lovely Tea was provided by Josephine Grennan, and we all had a nice chat. Clongeen Contacts/Deadlines If anyone has notes to be published, please send the information via email. The normal deadline is 9am on Mondays prior to the Wednesday publication but on a Bank Holiday weekend, the deadline is earlierits midday on the Friday. Either way, the email to use is: grooney@hotmail.comthanks. Split The Pot The most recent Split the Pot winner was Clare Cullen and the seller was, back to the usual, Larry Whelan. So a big well done to both Clare & Larry and a special thanks to all for supporting the draw. Senior Citizens Christmas Party This years Christmas party will take place on Sun 16th November and will take place in the Hall in Clongeen. So please put this date in your diary if you are lucky enough to qualify. We look forward to seeing you all there. The protest makes its way through the streets of Greystones. The protest march was attended by 250 people who marched through the streets of Greystones and culminating in Burnaby Park. A powerful vigil organised by Greystones for Palestine took place on Sunday afternoon, drawing over 250 people to march through the streets of Greystones. The evening commenced with Fionna Saintraint from Greystones for Palestine, who opened the event by inviting attendees to sign letters at designated stations. These letters will be sent to the Department of Foreign Affairs as part of a collective effort to advocate for Palestinian rights. Saintraint expressed gratitude to the volunteers from Greystones for Palestine, the Garda, and all who showed up in solidarity. She stated: It is crucial that we come together to push for the enactment of the Occupied Territories Bill, as it is a vital step towards holding those responsible for the oppression accountable. Special thanks were also extended to Wicklow IPSC for their support and to the Irish Visual Artists for Gaza, with whom they who collaborated for Culture Week. In the crowd, artwork by Maisara Baroud, supplied by Mary Hargaden, was prominently displayed during the march. Louise McCann contributed to the evening with a reading from The Gaza Monologues initiative, an international theatre project that shares powerful testimonies from young people in Gaza about their experiences under siege and occupation. Asad Abusharkh, a passionate Palestinian activist, poet, and official spokesperson for the Free Palestine movement and The Great March of Return, spoke fervently about the occupation of Palestine. As a prominent figure in the anti-apartheid and Palestine solidarity movements, Abusharkh has been involved in various events and discussions advocating for Palestinian rights. His son, Aziz Abusharkh, also performed the qunan at the vigil, a heartwarming display of pride and cultural heritage. St James COI, Crinken Services of Worship for this Sunday The Fourth Sunday before Advent (All Saints): 10.30am Morning Praise. Church Events/Activities: Please check the Churchs web-site for regular updates. Rathmichael COI Parish Worship Services for this Sunday The Fourth Sunday before Trinity (All Saints): 8.30am Holy Communion; 11am Holy Communion; 7pm Evening Prayer.. Sunday Evening Service: Every Sunday evening an Evening Service is held at 7pm in Rathmichael Church. We invite you to enjoy the silence and contemplation that this service allows a space for in your heart and mind, as you prepare to go into the new week. Wed love to see you at 7pm on Sunday evenings for this quiet and reflective service that includes music and hymns the perfect way to prepare for the busyness of a new week. Prayer IgnitesFuelling faith, hope and change through prayer: Join us each month at Rathmichael Church for a warm and welcoming Prayer Gathering, where we come together to lift up the needs of our community and the wider world. In a quiet, reflective space, we seek Gods guidance, strength, and peacetrusting that our prayers make a difference. Whether you come with personal concerns, hopes for others, or simply a heart open to God, youll find encouragement and fellowship as we pray side by side. The next meeting will take place at 8pm on Wednesday November 19th in Rathmichael Church. All are welcome. Saturday Coffee: As always, our ever-popular Saturday morning coffee takes place in the Erck Hall at 11am on Saturday each week. All are welcome. Shankill Bible Church Shankill Bible Church, Glenmaris, Eaton Wood Grove - Sunday Worship: 9.30amSunday School (3 to 12 years): 10amSunday Service. Prayer Meeting and Bible Study: Friday nights at 7pm. See www.shankillbiblechurch.org for further information. St Annes Parish St. Annes Parish Office: The Parish Office located in St. Annes Resource Centre is open between 9am and 12.30pm Monday to Friday email: st.annes_parishoffice@yahoo.ie or call 01-282 2277/ 01-282 2704. Times of Masses and Blessed Sacrament Adoration: Weekday Masses are celebrated at 10am from Tuesday to Friday, and at 5pm (Vigil) on Saturday. There is no celebration of 10am morning Mass on Mondays and Saturdays. On Mondays Evening Mass is celebrated at 7pm with Adoration of Blessed Sacrament from 6pm to 7pm. Sunday Masses are celebrated at 10am, 12pm, and 6pm. All Masses are available online through the link Watch Us Live. A Holy Hour takes place from 6pm to 7pm on Mondays, from 8pm to 9pm on Thursdays and from 10.30am to 11.30am on Fridays 9.45am. On the First Saturday of the Month only there will be 10am MaasConfessions will be heard from 9.15am to 9.45am beforehand. Irish Mass: A Mass in Irish is celebrated at 9am on Sunday mornings in St. Peters Church, Little, Bray. The Rosary: This is prayed Monday to Saturday mornings from 9.30am. All are welcome. Parish Services on Webcam: All are welcome to view our services on the parish webcam www.stannesparishshankill.com. Bookings for Baptisms: Please call the Parish Office on 01-2822704 or 01-2822277 for more information, or email: st.annes_parishoffice@yahoo.com. Available from St. Annes Resource Centre: Mass Cards, Prayer Booklets, Rosary Beads and Baptism Candles are available to purchase in St. Annes Resource Centre. Lectio Divina Prayer Group: The Lectio Divina Prayer Group meets every Tuesday morning after 10am Mass in St. Annes Resource Centre. All are welcome. Bethany Bereavement Support: We have a drop in service in St. Annes Resource Centre on the First Friday of each month at 10am. The Bethany Bereavement Support Group is a voluntary ministry. The service is free to all adults over 18 years. The Bethany Group is also available in St. Annes Resource Centre as needed. Please contact the Parish Office for more details. Remembrance Mass: This will be celebrated this Sunday at 6pm. All are welcome, especially those who have recently suffered a loss. St. Annes Parish Christmas Fair: This vital annual parish fundraising event will take place this year from 10am to 2pm on Sunday November 30th in St. Annes Resource Centre. Volunteers are sought so if you can help in any way please leave your name and contact details into the Sacristy or St. Annes Resource Centre. Come Join Us: The Family Mass in St. Annes Shankill takes place every Sunday at 10am with a Special Childrens Monthly Mass at 10am on the first Sunday of every month. The Childrens Liturgy Team would like to invite any children and their parents/guardians/grandparents who would like to be involved in the liturgy (readings, offertory and processions) to contact Rob on 089-4123158 or contact the parish office on 01-2822704 / 01-2822277 or email st.annes_parishoffice@yahoo.ie. Ballybrack-Killiney Parish: Mass Times: Sts. Alphonsus & Columba Church, Church Avenue, Ballybrack Mondays, Fridays at 10am & Sundays at 10.30am; Church of the Apostles, Willow Vale, Ballybrack: Tuesdays & Thursdays at 10am, and Sundays at 12pm; Church of St. Stephen, Killiney Hill Road, Killiney: Saturdays at 6pm. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament takes place every Thursday morning after 10am Mass until 12 noon, in the Church of the Apostles. All are welcome. Confessions: These are heard in Sts Alphonsus & Columba church from 4pm to 4.30pm each Saturday. Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Dalkey: Mass Times: Sundays at 9am and 11am. Vigil Mass on Saturday at 6pm (Taize/Gospel Choir); Daily Mass: 10am. Confessions: These are heard every Saturday morning after 10am Mass unless there is a funeral. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: Takes place on Mondays after 10am Mass until 4pm (Except on public holidays when exposition takes place on Tuesday). Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament takes place every Thursday from 7pm to 8pm. Compline: Takes place every Wednesday at 6.30pm in the Church, with the parishes of St. Patricks and the Assumption joining together for this short and simple service. All are most welcome. Johnstown Parish: General Mass Schedule: 10amMonday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday; no Mass on a Tuesday; Saturday6pm Vigil Mass and on Sunday at 11am. The Sacrament of confession takes place after the Saturday 10am Mass. St. Brigids Parish, Cabinteely: Weekday Masses are celebrated in St. Brigids Church, Cabinteely on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 10am, and no Mass on Wednesday. On Bank Holidays Mass is celebrated at 11am. At weekends the Vigil Mass is celebrated at 5.30pm (Saturday). Sunday Mass times are 10am and 12.30pm. St. Michaels Church, Dun Laoghaire: Mass Times: Monday to Friday: 10am; Saturday: 10am and 6pm Vigil Mass; Sunday: 9am, 10.30am (Irish), 11.30am, and 1pm. Due to recent anti-social behaviour and to safeguard hygiene standards, St. Michaels Church will be closed at 12.30pm Monday to Friday until further notice. Shankill Library Opening hours are 9.30am to 5pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and 1.15pm to 8pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, open on alternate Fridays and Saturdays the library will be open this Friday but closed on Saturday. Online services including e-books, audio-books, digital magazines and newspapers and e-learning are available via the library website. The library can be contacted at 01-2047224 or by email: shankilllib@dlrcoco.ie. Book borrowers can renew their books on-line at any time. The Parent, Baby and Toddler Group meet on Mondays from 10.30am to 11.45am. Interactive Storytime takes place on Wednesdays at 3.30pm. A Weekly Craft Circle takes place every Wednesday morning at 10.30am to 12.30pm so come along to our community craft circle every Wednesday morning and bring along your crochet, knitting, sewing or other project and share tips and conversation in this gentle and welcoming group. Storytime for children aged 3+ takes place on Wednesdays from 3pm to 3.30pm. Rathmichael Historical Society Guest speaker for the 8pm Wednesday November 5th meeting in Rathmichael School will be Con Brogan who will present A Photographic Career in Ruins. All are welcomemembers are freenon-members/visitors 5. Those wishing to join the Society can do so at this meeting. Events taking place in the week ahead which may be of interest to members and supporters of the Society include today (Wednesday) Professor Pierce Grace will present Medicine in medieval Ireland, 1200-1650 at 3pm in the Edward Worth Library of Dr. Steevens Hospital, Dublin 8. Admission is free but booking is essential email: info@edwardworthlibrary.ie to reserve a place. Tomorrow (Thursday) A. J. Cronin, Delivery Manager Cork Area Commuter, will present Cork Area Commuter Rail Developments at 7.30pm to the Irish Railway Record Society in their Dublin Hueston Station premises strictly members and their guests only. On Saturday the Irish Family History Society will hold a one-day seminar Record Collections: The Long Tail Alternative Sources for Family History Research from 9.30am to 1pm in The Fumbally Stables, Fumbally Lane Dublin 8. Full details of the days programme is available on the Societys website as are the prices of tickets; The Medal Society of Ireland will hold a Medals, Militaria and Collectibles Fair from 10am to 2 pm in the Knox Memorial Hall, Monkstown Village, Co. Dublin. All are welcomeadmission is 2 for members and 4 for non-members. Next Monday James Scannell will present Rough Justice: Crime and Punishment in 1800s Wicklow at 8pm to the Rathdrum Historical Society in the RHA Hall, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow. All are welcome. Next Tuesday James Scannell will present John Hinde and His Colour Picture Postcards of Dalkey and Killiney at 8pm to the Killiney Historical Society in the Druids Chair Pub upstairs lounge, Killiney Hill Road, Rocheshill, Killiney, Co. Dublin. All are welcomeadmission is 5. Bridge Club Shankill Bridge Club meets on Monday (except Bank Holiday Mondays) afternoons at 2pm in St. Annes Resource Centre. New members are most welcome no playing partner needed. Come along or phone 086-0821347 for more information. ICA Guild A Craft Morning takes place every Tuesday morning in St. Annes Resource Centre from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Contact St. Annes Resource Centre for further details. First Saturday Book Sale This Saturday morning the November First Saturday Book Sale, which supports the Shankill Seniors Day Care Centre, takes place from 10am to 1pm in the Shankill Seniors Day Care Centre, Lower Road, Shankill. Donations of books, which must be in a clean and good condition, and limited to two bags per donor, can only be left in to the Day Care Centre on that Saturday morning. Art Group The Art group has resumed its classes in St. Annes Resource Centre on Thursdays from 10am to 12pm. New members are welcome to join. For further information call Madge on 085-7736195. Community Walk This Sunday Shankill Tidy Towns in association with SAGE [Shankill Action for a Greener Earth] will hold a Shankill Tree Trail Walk at 2pm. Shankill Tidy Towns in collaboration with SAGE are working on a project to establish a Shankill Tree Trail. This special walk will offer participants an opportunity to explore the proposed trail, and will be led by Katherine Duff, the projects consultant ecologist. The route will be Corbawn Lane & Drive, Quinns Road, Shanganagh Park, Foxes Grove and Dorney Court. Assemble at 2pm in the Shankill DART Station car park. Classical Music Club The November meeting of the Shankill Classical Music Club takes place on Wednesday November 12th from 7.45pm to 10pm, including a tea/coffee break, in the Shankill Seniors Centre, Lower Road, Shankill, located 100m from the Main Street with car parking available. The music will be as always: a varied programme of classical music on CDs, covering many genresorchestral, instrumental, vocal, opera, etc.in a friendly setting. Visitors and new and returning members are always welcome. You dont need to be an expert! Charge 2 on the night (waived for first visit). For further information please phone or text Malcolm at 085-8528216. Paul Lillicrap (45), with an address in Ballybrack, Co. Dublin. A repeat offender with more than 100 convictions has been told he will stay in custody until he is sentenced for a burglary. Paul Lillicrap (45), with an address in Ballybrack, Co. Dublin, appeared for a bail hearing at Wicklow Criminal Circuit Court after pleading guilty to one count of burglary. The court heard that Mr Lillicrap is awaiting sentencing for breaking into a home earlier this year. An alarm was triggered upon entry, alerting gardai. He was discovered hiding in a wardrobe with a bag containing valuable items. Mr Lillicrap has a significant history of burglary offences, with 70 of his previous 110 convictions relating to theft or burglary matters. Counsel for the defence, Eamonn OMoore BL, told the court that his client wanted to avail of bail before sentencing in order to seek assistance for his drug addiction. He said that most of his clients offending was committed to fund his drug habit. The court heard that a governors report, urine analysis and victim impact statement are required before sentencing can take place. Judge Patrick Quinn noted that Mr Lillicraps co-defendant remains on remand. Judge Quinn remanded Mr Lillicrap in custody for sentencing on November 12. Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme. A Wicklow-based animal rescue charity, who rehomed 501 dogs last year, has given a new lease of life to an abandoned German shepherd bitch and her surprise litter of seven puppies. The two-year-old pedigree dog, who was dumped three months ago, is thought to have been bred by a puppy farm and, though described as a lovely, friendly dog, her upbringing and subsequent life of being tossed between several homes has left her in need of some training before she can go to a forever home. Thomas Dean as the Grim Reaper at the Wicklow Chamber of Commerce Halloween Spooktacular in Wicklow Gaol. Jackie Olohan, Cathal O'Broin, Carol Wadden and Ciara Wadden at the Wicklow Chamber of Commerce Halloween Spooktacular in Wicklow Gaol. The Quinn family at the Wicklow Chamber of Commerce Halloween Spooktacular in Wicklow Gaol. The Nolan Carr Family at the Wicklow Chamber of Commerce Halloween Spooktacular in Wicklow Gaol. Oisin O'Brion and Jordan Dunleavy at the Wicklow Chamber of Commerce Halloween Spooktacular in Wicklow Gaol. Emma and Evan Roche at the Wicklow Chamber of Commerce Halloween Spooktacular in Wicklow Gaol. Elle Jameson with Brianna and Levi Moorehouse at the Wicklow Chamber of Commerce Halloween Spooktacular in Wicklow Gaol. The FYI Dance Club at the Wicklow Chamber of Commerce Halloween Spooktacular in Wicklow Gaol. Cillian, Riona, Caitlin and Eila Conway with Ellie O'Farrell at the Wicklow Chamber of Commerce Halloween Spooktacular in Wicklow Gaol. The O'Flaherty family at the Wicklow Chamber of Commerce Halloween Spooktacular in Wicklow Gaol. Wicklow Gaol was at its spooktacular best on Saturday as it opened its doors to welcome young witches, ghouls, monsters and aliens for a special Halloween fancy dress party. Although the gaol remains closed while Wicklow County Council seeks new tenders for its operation, Wicklow Town and District Chamber of Commerce and Wicklow Town Community Development Ltd teamed up to reopen the historic site for the one-off event. Martina Robinson of Wicklow Town Community Development Ltd said the day was a huge success. We had 167 children entered into the competition, along with parents, grandparents and family members. We also had a group of 22 visitors from France who were delighted to get the chance to visit Wicklow Gaol, she said. It was such a positive event, and members of FYI Dance Club entertained the crowd. Quite a few people living in the town had never actually been inside the gaol before, so it was lovely for them to get the opportunity to tour it. Ms Robinson also paid tribute to the many people who helped make the event possible. Wicklow Volunteer Group provided us with ten volunteers, and they were all wonderful. We also had volunteers from the Grand Hotel and Rathwood. It was very heartening to see the large crowd head back into the town afterwards, with Wicklow Gaol once again at the heart of everything, she added. The Halloween festivities come as 50 American tourists taking part in a spooky tour of Ireland are due to visit Wicklow Gaol on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Wicklow County Council has launched a new tender process to find an experienced and innovative operator to secure the long-term future of the landmark heritage and tourism site. The new operating contract offers an opportunity to implement a fresh vision for Wicklow Gaol including updated, immersive visitor experiences and expanded food, beverage and retail offerings. The aim is to elevate Wicklow Gaols status as a must-visit destination, attracting more national and international visitors and encouraging longer stays in the town, providing a boost to local businesses and the wider county economy. The successful operator will also be encouraged to promote community engagement through educational programmes, partnerships with local history groups, and by hosting community-led festivals and events ensuring the gaol remains at the heart of Wicklow life. The deadline for submissions is Thursday, November 13, at 5 pm. The eTenders reference is 6844594. China firmly opposes spreading disinformation about so-called 'Chinese spy activities,' warns anti-China forces could backfire on UK Global Times) 08:59, October 29, 2025 Responding to media inquiry regarding whether China is worried about the so-called "China Spy" case could harm bilateral relations or China's reputation with people in Britain, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said China has repeatedly stated its position on relevant issues. We firmly oppose spreading disinformation about the so-called "Chinese spy activities" and vilifying and smearing China, Guo said. Regarding China-UK relations, China's position on developing bilateral ties is consistent. The basis of developing China-UK relations is mutual respect, and efforts to advance cooperation is mutually beneficial in nature, Guo said. He added that the UK should correctly view this. Some individuals are bent on peddling the "China threat" narrative and view cooperation as a zero-sum game. If the UK allows anti-China forces to oppose everything related to China and make reckless provocations, it will only backfire. The remarks come as some in the UK continue to hype the so-called "China Spy" case involving two British citizens accused of providing information to China. On Monday, The Guardian reported that the UK joint committee on the national security strategy is about to start a hearing on the collapse of the case. For weeks, the conservatives have been attacking the UK government, initially hinting it pressured the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to drop the case, and later settling on the claim that the government sabotaged the prosecution by instead withholding the evidence that the CPS needed, according to The Guardian. Later on Monday night, UK prosecutors insisted that the government's evidence in the case was missing a "critical element" that meant there was "no other option" but to collapse the case, The Guardian reported. A Chinese analyst said the political drama surrounding the case highlights attempt of some political forces in the UK to manipulate China-related narratives. Li Guanjie, a research fellow at the Shanghai Academy of Global Governance and Area Studies, told the Global Times on Tuesday that this kind of political hype will not impact China, and those involved likely understand it is nothing more than manipulation. Continuous smearing serves no purpose beyond generating negativity, harming the UK's own politics and cooperation with China, said Li. Earlier in September, charges were dropped against Christopher Cash, a former parliamentary researcher to Kearns and Tom Tugendhat, and Christopher Berry, a teacher, after the CPS said the government had not provided evidence that China represented a "threat to the national security of the UK." Cash and Berry have denied any wrongdoing, The Guardian reported. Earlier, the Chinese Embassy in the UK said on October 16 that from the very beginning, it has emphasized that the allegation that China instructed certain British individuals to "steal UK intelligence" is completely fabricated and maliciously slanderous. The Chinese Embassy firmly opposes such allegations. The so-called witness statements released by the UK after the withdrawal of the case are filled with baseless accusations against China, along with pure speculation and fabrication. The Chinese Embassy strongly condemns this, a spokesperson said. China doesn't interfere in the internal affairs of other countries and always act in an open and aboveboard manner, the spokesperson said, noting that attempts by certain British politicians to smear and vilify China will never succeed. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) I would have stopped if the McCanns had told me to, says alleged stalker She persisted with calls as she wanted to help Madeleines mother, jury hears Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of Julia Wandel (right), also known as Julia Wandelt, appearing at Leicester Magistrates' Court, Sophie Robinson Press Association Wed 29 Oct 2025 at 06:30 A woman accused of stalking Madeleine McCanns parents has told a jury she persisted in calling Kate McCann because she wanted to help her but would respect her decision if the mother told her to leave her alone. Prince William threatened to strip Eugenie and Beatrice of titles if parents stayed in royal house Disgraced Prince Andrew and ex-wife Sarah believed to have agreed to move out of Royal Lodge in Windsor Sarah Ferguson with her daughters Princess Beatrice (left) and Princess Eugenie. Photo: Getty Bill Bowkett Evening Standard Wed 29 Oct 2025 at 06:30 Prince William threatened to remove the titles of princesses Beatrice and Eugenie unless they pressured their father Prince Andrew to move out of Royal Lodge in Windsor, it has been claimed. Dutch return to the polls in latest election to test European populism's reach Populist Wilders leads polls but rivals gainingCoalition challenges for Wilders despite leading polls People vote during the Dutch parliamentary election in The Hague, Netherlands, October 29, 2025. REUTERS/Piroschka Van De Wouw. Stephanie van den Berg and Bart H Meijer Reuters Wed 29 Oct 2025 at 09:45 Dutch voters cast their ballots on Wednesday to choose between doubling down on the anti-immigration nationalism of populist Geert Wilders, who sank the last conservative coalition after a fractious two years, or a return to the centre. Artillerymen of the 152nd Separate Jaeger Brigade fire an M114 self-propelled howitzer towards Russian troops near the frontline town of Pokrovsk in Donetsk region, Ukraine. Photo: Reuters In August last year, Russia appeared to be on the verge of capturing the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk. Moscows troops advanced to around 12km from the city limits, and inhabitants hurriedly evacuated. Luxembourg regulator found no valid argument to reject Israeli bond shift from Ireland Move followed political and public pressure in Ireland over war links Gabriel Makhlouf, governor of the Central Bank of Ireland. Photo: Steve Humphreys Kabir Agarwal Wed 29 Oct 2025 at 06:30 Luxembourgs financial regulator has confirmed it technically had the discretion to refuse a request to take over the approval of Israels sovereign bond prospectus from Ireland a key procedural step before approving the bonds prospectus itself but said it found no valid argument to do so. Netanhayu orders Israeli planes to hit Gaza, killing at least nine Both Hamas and Israel have accused one another of ceasefire breaches Hamas militants carry a dead body during a search for deceased hostages seized by Hamas, in Khan Younis. Photo: Reuters Maayan Lubell and Nidal al-Mughrabi Reuters Wed 29 Oct 2025 at 06:30 Israeli planes launched strikes in Gaza yesterday after Israel accused the militant group Hamas of violating a ceasefire in the Palestinian territory, the latest test of a fragile deal brokered earlier this month by US president Donald Trump. North America US secretary of state Marco Rubio changes official government typeface for being too woke Europes biggest nuclear reactor has become a battlefield in Ukraines defence against Russian invaders as they risk a catastrophic meltdown in its efforts to connect it to Moscows national grid. The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant , which has six reactors, was captured by Russian troops early in the full scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. It has remained a dangerous potential flashpoint for a nuclear disaster ever since. TikToker Ben Bader found unresponsive at private club ( Image credit : X | @realstonker | Social Media Star Ben Bader dies at the age of 25 ) Family pays tribute to Ben Bader ( Image credit : Instagram | @benhbader | Ben Baders (L) Girlfriend (R) Clarifies Cause of Death ) Viral speculation links Ben Bader's death to the sauna incident First of all may Ben Bader, and everybody that passed away yesterday rest in peace. Just left the Sauna.. And cant seem to wrap my head around how you get locked inside of a sauna. Theres more to the story than we know. The dude had a bright future. Something is not right. pic.twitter.com/SgyYm5uoBl DJ (@BeastlyMindset_) October 24, 2025 Ben's girlfriend refutes his cause of death ( Image credit : Reddit |@OverallDevelopment5 | Girlfriend Denies Sauna Accident Rumors ) In a major update on the death of 25-year-old influencer and content creator Ben Bader, authorities investigating his sudden death have revealed that foul play has been ruled out, as new details continue to emerge. The popular content creator reportedly died on October 23, 2025, and showed no signs of health problems. Let's find out about the new details on the case.According to, Ben Bader was discovered unresponsive at Jupiter, Floridas private club Admirals Cove on the evening of October 23, according to police spokesperson Shawn Reed. Meanwhile, the fellow residents reportedly found him not breathing, prompting first responders to administer emergency lifesaving measures before he was rushed to a hospital, where he was confirmed dead.Authorities have confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and have not dismissed the possibility of foul play in the young influencers sudden death. Moreover, as per the news outlet, Reed said, He was discovered by fellow residents and appeared not to be breathing.Following Ben Baders sudden passing, his family issued a heartfelt statement, as reported by People Magazine. They highlighted the qualities that made him so impactful, saying, He made a profound impact on everyone who knew him through his wisdom, humour, and compassion.He made a profound impact on everyone who knew him through his wisdom, humour, and compassion. Ben lived each day to the fullest, inspiring those around him to seek meaning, connection, and purpose in their own lives.Apart from his other achievements, Ben ran an initiative called the 'Artisan Lab', which offered both individual and group guidance.According to, Ben Bader remained active on TikTok the day he died and also posted his final video in the afternoon. His girlfriend noted that he appeared happy and healthy during their last conversation. Yet by that evening, news of his sudden passing emerged, shocking fans and followers alike, with viral posts speculating that a sauna accident may have been involved.A recent Reddit post shared a screenshot of a conversation between Reem and another social media user, in which Reem clarified that Ben Bader did not die in a sauna accident.She wrote in a post, He did not pass away in a sauna. We do not know how he passed yet. It does not seem like he went to a sauna the day he passed. I also wasnt really thinking as I was filming; I was at my friends home and just started recording. Andhra Pradesh records strong winds and flooding ( Image credit : AI generated | Cyclone Montha, which made landfall near Andhra Pradesh ) Telangana reels under red alert ( Image credit : AI generated | Cyclone Montha, made landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam near Andhra Pradesh ) Odisha and Bengal on alert for heavy rain ( Image credit : AI generated | Andhra Pradesh records strong winds and flooding ) Train services hit, restoration efforts continue Cyclone Montha, which made landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam near Andhra Pradeshs Narasapur coast on Tuesday evening, has now weakened into a deep depression. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the storm crossed the coast between 11.30 p.m. and 12.30 a.m., with wind speeds reaching 90100 kmph and gusts up to 110 kmph. By 2.30 a.m. on Wednesday, it had weakened into a cyclonic storm, moving northwestward toward Telangana.Several districts of Andhra Pradesh faced strong winds and heavy rainfall. In Konaseemas Rajolu island region, seawater entered villages such as Palepalem, Karavaka, and Gogannamatham under the impact of high tidal waves. Many homes and streets were flooded, forcing fishermens families to shift to relief camps as rescue operations continued.In Amalapuram, trees and electric poles were uprooted, while restoration work began early Wednesday. The Raiwada reservoir in Anakapalli district reached its capacity, prompting authorities to release 9,000 cusecs of water into the Sarada River through three spillway gates. Police advised residents downstream to stay cautious and avoid riverbanks.Telangana witnessed heavy rainfall on Wednesday as Cyclone Montha moved inland. Districts such as Warangal, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri, Mahabubabad, Suryapet, and Nalgonda were among the worst affected. Hyderabad also experienced moderate to heavy showers.The IMD issued a red alert till Thursday morning for Warangal, Hanumakonda, and Jangaon, warning of extremely heavy rainfall and gusty winds. Several districts, including Khammam and Bhadradri Kothagudem, announced school holidays due to the downpour. Waterlogging disrupted train services at Dornakal railway station in Mahabubabad, according to South Central Railway officials.Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is expected to conduct an aerial survey of the affected regions and review relief measures on the ground.Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said the state escaped major damage, though minor landslides and uprooted trees were reported. Ganjam and Gajapati districts recorded 115 mm of rain, lower than the forecast of over 200 mm. Around 17,800 people were moved to shelters, and no casualties were reported.Meanwhile, the IMD forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall for several districts of West Bengal till Friday. Parts of South 24 Parganas, Medinipur, and Jhargram are expected to receive heavy showers on Wednesday, while Birbhum, Murshidabad, and Purulia may see rain through Friday.In North Bengal, districts like Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, and Coochbehar have been placed under heavy rainfall alerts for Friday. Thunderstorms with gusty winds are likely over Kolkata and nearby areas till Friday morning. Fishermen have been advised to avoid venturing into the sea.In Andhra Pradeshs Alluri Sitaramaraju district, ghat roads in Araku Valley witnessed heavy water flow, leading to travel restrictions. Around 100 metres of railway track between Borra and Similiguda was washed away due to a landslide. Restoration work is underway, with special linemen deployed to monitor tunnels.Authorities in multiple states are working on damage assessment and repairs. The IMD has withdrawn red alerts for some districts, replacing them with orange alerts in Andhra Pradeshs northern coastal areas including Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, and Visakhapatnam.As Cyclone Montha continues to weaken, rainfall is expected to ease by the weekend. However, officials have urged residents across Andhra, Telangana, and Bengal to remain vigilant until weather conditions stabilise. ( Image credit : X/nicksortor | The Senate has already challenged Trumps tariff strategies multiple times, including tariffs against Canada earlier this year. ) A rare Republican rebellion ( Image credit : X/nicksortor | Their decision came despite strong pressure from Vice President JD Vance, who reportedly urged Republicans behind closed doors not to oppose the president. ) Defiance in the face of pressure President Trump refused to rule out an unconstitutional bid for a third presidential term on Monday but floated a potential ticket of Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. pic.twitter.com/MOl3Vm7snd in the dark newz (@dustinemills47) October 28, 2025 ( Image credit : X/SaveAmericaNew | Vice President JD Vance warned lawmakers not to vote against Trumps usage of tariffs during Senate Republicans closed-door lunch earlier on Tuesday. ) Senators call out "emergency" abuse The fight is just beginning The United States Senate witnessed a surprising break in Republican unity on Tuesday, as several key GOP senators sided with Democrats to challenge President Donald Trumps controversial trade tactics, all while Washington remains paralysed by a government shutdown.The bipartisan vote approved a resolution aimed at halting Trumps use of emergency powers to impose a huge 50% tariff on Brazilian imports, a move the administration previously justified as essential to national security. Although the measure advanced in the Senate, it cannot move forward in the House until next year due to a procedural rule recently pushed through by House Republicans.Five Senate Republicans, Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Mitch McConnell, Rand Paul, and Thom Tillis, broke ranks and voted in favour of limiting Trumps executive trade authority. Their decision came despite strong pressure from Vice President JD Vance, who reportedly urged Republicans behind closed doors not to oppose the president.Vance insisted that tariffs were Trumps leverage in negotiating stronger trade deals and warned that stripping those tools from the presidency would be a major mistake.The tariffs at the centre of the dispute were enacted in July, with Trump claiming Brazil posed an extraordinary threat to the United States. Critics from both parties remain unconvinced.Senator Rand Paul argued that emergency powers should be reserved for genuine disasters, not political disputes over trade. He framed tariffs as a tax on American consumers, not foreign governments, and claimed many Republicans remained silent out of fear.Meanwhile, resolution sponsor Senator Tim Kaine said the Brazil tariff decision appeared to be driven more by personal relationships than national interest, a reference to Trumps past support for former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently jailed for crimes linked to the 2022 election fallout.The Senate has already challenged Trumps tariff strategies multiple times, including tariffs against Canada earlier this year. Kaine is expected to bring forward two additional resolutions seeking to block Trumps other global import penalties in the coming days.With the shutdown dragging on and tensions rising, this latest confrontation highlights a deeper question: How far will Republicans go to protect executive power, and how far will others go to stop them? ( Image credit : X/JamesTate121 | Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Cuba as a Category 3 storm ) Heavy rain, flooding, and mass evacuations in Cuba ( Image credit : AI generated | Hurricane Melissa continues to tear through the Caribbean ) Jamaica declared a disaster area after record damage Bahamas on alert as hurricane moves northward ( Image credit : AI generated | The Category 3 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph ) Humanitarian response and international support Hurricane Melissa continues to tear through the Caribbean after making landfall in southeastern Cuba early Wednesday. The Category 3 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph, brought life-threatening flooding, storm surges up to 12 feet, and widespread power outages.Officials confirmed that the storm has already claimed seven lives three in Jamaica, three in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic as the system tracks northeast at 12 mph toward the Bahamas.Cuba faced severe conditions after Melissa made landfall at 3:10 a.m. ET near Guantanamo. Winds gusting to 75 mph were recorded at Leeward Point Field.President Miguel Diaz-Canel confirmed the evacuation of more than 735,000 people and said, It will be a difficult night for all of Cuba, but we are going to recover.Eastern Cuba, particularly in mountainous areas, is forecast to receive up to 25 inches of rain, raising fears of flash floods and mudslides. Coastal areas could experience surges as high as 12 feet, with sustained winds near 120 mph close to the storms center.China has sent aid packages labeled family kits to Cuba, with supplies already being shipped from Havana to affected provinces.Before striking Cuba, Hurricane Melissa crossed Jamaica as a Category 5 system, leaving most of the islands 2.8 million residents without power.Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared Jamaica a disaster area, emphasizing that the decision would help prevent price hikes for essential goods.Holness said several hospitals, homes, and commercial properties suffered damage, adding that power restoration could begin on the islands eastern end by Wednesday.More than 500,000 people lost electricity, with connectivity dropping to 30% of normal levels, according to NetBlocks. About 25,000 tourists remain stranded as cleanup operations continue.Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie said St. Elizabeth parish, Jamaicas main agricultural region, was under water. Nearly every parish experienced blocked roads, fallen trees, and downed utility poles.The Bahamas Disaster Risk Management Authority has issued evacuation orders for six islands, including Acklins and Crooked Island, as Melissa moves northeast.A hurricane warning remains in effect for the central and southeastern Bahamas, with possible storm surges up to eight feet and rapid flooding expected.The time for preparation has now come to an end, State Minister Leon Lundy warned, urging residents to take shelter. The US National Hurricane Center confirmed that Melissa remains a powerful storm as it passes over open water between Cuba and the Bahamas.In Jamaica, relief websites and emergency shelters remain active, while hospitals prioritize restoring essential services.US President Donald Trump, currently on an Asia tour, stated that America is ready to assist Jamaica in recovery, noting the tremendous damage caused.Meanwhile, climate experts say Hurricane Melissas strength reflects warming seas and increasing storm intensity across the Caribbean. Kanye and Biancas ambitious plans against Kim Kardashian ( Image credit : Instagram @kanyewest | Kanye West and Bianca Censoris ambitious plans against Kim Kardashian ) Kim Kardashians reaction ( Image credit : Instagram @kimkardashian | Kim Kardashian has been holding emergency strategy meetings to protect her business ) Biancas role in the play ( Image credit : Instagram @kimkardashian | Kim Kardashian recently appeared on the Call Her Daddy podcast. ) Kims reflection on her marriage with Kanye Kanye West, also known as Ye, is reportedly preparing a major move against his ex-wife, Kim Kardashian, by launching new fashion and beauty brands alongside his current wife, Bianca Censori. According to the reports, the 48-year-old rapper and the 30-year-old model are aiming to rival Kims billion-dollar SKIMS and SKKN businesses.Ye and Bianca reportedly want to create a mirror image of Kims brand, using it as a tool to challenge her empire. A source told, This goes way beyond fashion. Kanye sees this as his revenge play; he's determined to outdo Kim on every front. Bianca's brand is being crafted to mirror hers on purpose. It's designed to compete directly with everything Kim has created.The couple has also unveiled a new website teasing a mystery launch set for December 11. Although details are scarce, the project seems aimed at directly competing with Kims ventures.Kim, 45, is reportedly furious about her ex-husbands plans. A source close to the reality star said, He's been hinting for months that he's planning to 'reclaim his crown' and make Bianca the next superstar. Kim feels like he's taking everything she worked for and weaponising it against her.According to the same report, Kim has been holding emergency strategy meetings to protect her business interests and feels on edge due to Kanyes unpredictable moves. Despite the tension, she maintains that she and Ye have a great healthy relationship while co-parenting their four children: North, 12; Saint, nine; Chicago, seven; and Psalm, six.Kanye reportedly has been shaping Bianca into a replica of Kim for a while, picking her outfits and advising her on public appearances. Biancas recent social media posts, mostly in lingerie, are said to intentionally mimic the branding style Kim used when she first launched SKIMS.The insiders explanation read, That's entirely intentional. Kanye's built his brand on stirring the pot, and this is just his latest move to grab attention and assert control. Another source added, Bianca considers this as her shot at real fame.Ye appears determined to challenge Kim not only in fashion but also across the business world. The insider revealed, Kanye sees this as a revenge play. He wants to outdo Kim in every possible way.While Kims empire is practically unshakable, a Hollywood business source said she feels uneasy because Kanye can be unpredictable. The move has created a tense dynamic as the two former spouses navigate co-parenting while competing in business.Earlier this month, Kim appeared on thepodcast and shared her perspective on her marriage to Kanye. She explained that the final straw in their relationship was a lack of stability, both emotionally and financially. A lack of stability was a key reason for leaving the marriage, she said.Despite the challenges, Kim emphasised that she and Ye maintain a working relationship for their children, although he doesnt call often when away. ( Image credit : X/ mallorysmithtv |A truck hauling rhesus monkeys from Tulane University crashed on I-59 in Jasper County, MS. ) Confusion, panic and a whole lot of misinformation BREAKING: A truck hauling rhesus monkeys from Tulane University crashed on I-59 in Jasper County, Mississippi. Officials said the animals weigh about 40 pounds each, are aggressive toward humans and require personal protective equipment to handle due to the monkeys posing pic.twitter.com/Ge75CjpnZn AJ Huber (@Huberton) October 28, 2025 Destroyed to prevent a bigger crisis Un camion que transportaba monos rhesus se volco en una carretera en #Mississippi, #EUA. Los primates pertenecian a la Universidad de Tulane y eran utilizados en investigaciones cientificas, la institucion informo que no son infecciosos, y que enviara un equipo especializado para pic.twitter.com/6Z48IORyja Nacho Lozano (@nacholozano) October 29, 2025 A wild situation that nobody wanted A chaos-filled scene unfolded on Interstate 59 in Mississippi this week after a truck transporting rhesus monkeys flipped over, resulting in a terrifying minizombie apocalypse panic, complete with viral warnings and frantic searches through the woods.The crash, which happened near Heidelberg in Jasper County on Tuesday, sent several of the lab primates scrambling into the open world, and instantly triggered fears that an outbreak movie was about to become real life.Local authorities first sounded alarms online, describing the monkeys as potentially infected with hepatitis C, Covid-19 and other dangerous viruses. They warned the public not to approach the animals, stressing that each monkey weighs around 40 pounds and could become aggressive toward humans.For a moment, Mississippi residents genuinely believed Patient Zero had fur.But then the university involved in their transport stepped in to calm the chaos. Tulane National Biomedical Research Centre insisted the monkeys were not infectious, and a spokesperson said they were en route to another research organisation as part of standard scientific operations. Tulane reportedly assured officials that handling the monkeys would not require hazmat suits, despite the sheriffs earlier emergency alerts.So yes, false alarm kind of.Authorities later reported that 21 monkeys had been on board, and six broke free after the crash. Wildlife teams and law enforcement responded to capture them, but the ending was far from cute or Disney-coded.Five of the escapees were destroyed a grim outcome officials say was necessary to avoid any potential public health threat. A professional animal disposal company was called in to handle the aftermath.One monkey, however, is still out there, lurking in Mississippi forests like a furry fugitive.Sheriff Randy Johnson confirmed that the final escapee crossed the interstate before disappearing into thick woodland. And despite ongoing searches, the little lab rebel has not been tracked down.The sheriffs office admitted the initial disease claims were incorrect, but the anxiety remains. Residents are now stuck in an awkward situation where they are being told not to panic while an allegedly aggressive lab monkey is still running free.Mississippi truly did not need this plot twist. ( Image credit : Instagram/ fernandamarocaaa |Fernanda Oliveira da Silva aka Fernanda Maroca was found dead in her home this week. ) A rising star in politics and online ( Image credit : Instagram/ fernandamarocaaa |Fernanda Oliveira da Silva aka Fernanda Maroca was found dead in her home this week. ) Her final post leaves fans in tears ( Image credit : Instagram/ fernandamarocaaa |Fernanda Oliveira da Silva aka Fernanda Maroca was found dead in her home this week. ) City in mourning Brazil is mourning the sudden and tragic death of Fernanda Oliveira da Silva, better known to thousands online as Fernanda Maroca, after the 30-year-old influencer and councilwoman was found dead in her home this week. A figure who dedicated equal parts of her life to glamour, fitness and local politics, her loss has shaken both fans and the community she served.Fernandas body was discovered on Thursday, 23 October, inside her home in Lago Verde, near Sao Luis, by family members who immediately called the authorities. The Maranhao Military Police have opened an investigation, but an official cause of death has not yet been confirmed, leaving many struggling to understand how someone so young and admired could be gone so suddenly.With over 54,000 followers on Instagram, Fernanda balanced her life as a digital creator with her role as a local politician. She was in her second term as a councilwoman and had already served twice as president of the Lago Verde City Council in the last five years, a remarkable accomplishment for someone who had only just turned 30.Her social media presence was filled with fashion, beauty, wellness and uplifting moments from her public service. She represented youth, ambition and hope especially for women in local politics.The Lago Verde City Council expressed how deeply the loss is felt, sharing that Fernanda served her community with dedication, love and commitment and that her absence leaves an emotional void that will not be easy to fill.Fernandas last Instagram upload came on Sunday, 19 October. The post showed her smiling peacefully by a lakeside, completely unaware of the tragedy that would soon follow. Fans flooded the post with messages of disbelief and heartbreak. Many described her as a beautiful soul whose life was only just beginning.One supporter said they felt devastated and hoped her loved ones would find strength in this moment of unimaginable grief.As a mark of respect, city officials declared three days of mourning, with an optional holiday for non-essential public offices. A nighttime funeral procession on Friday allowed fans and community members to say goodbye in the town she called home.As the investigation continues, one question remains painfully unanswered: how could a young woman with such a bright future be taken so soon? ( Image credit : X | @EndWokeness | Chicago Teacher Mocked Charlie Kirk Assassination ) Public outcry grows as Chicago public schools remain silent on Martinez's status Lucy Martinez is still teaching in @ChiPubSchools. .@ChiPubSchools is silent. Their silence is deafening. Keep up the pressure! Contact @ChiPubSchools here: 773-553-1000 pic.twitter.com/bq4oUNEero Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) October 28, 2025 ( Image credit : X | @ConserveRight | Its Been Nine Days Since Lucy Martinez Sparked Outrage Online ) Netizens react to the outrage around Lucy Martinez's ( Image credit : X | @libsoftiktok | Netizens Call for Action as Lucy Martinez Remains Employed ) It's been nine days, and Lucy Martinez, a teacher at Nathan Hale Elementary School in Chicago, has not been fired yet. She is at the centre of online controversy after a video went viral showing her allegedly mocking the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in front of students during a 'No Kings' protest last Monday. The video has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with many users demanding her immediate dismissal. Let's find out more.Amid the ongoing debate and conversation around Lucy Martinez, who has been identified as a teacher at Nathan Hale Elementary School in Chicago. Despite the widespread criticism, Chicago Public Schools (@ChiPubSchools) has remained silent regarding her employment status, a silence that many online users have described as "deafening", as per an X (formerly called Twitter) post.The post further mentioned that it has now been nine days since the video surfaced, and Martinez has not been fired. This has led to increasing pressure from netizens, who are demanding accountability and calling on the school district to take swift action.As soon as the post surfaced, the post instantly grabbed attention and sparked debate. One X user said, "Absolutely, let's harass a public school."While another asked, "Are parents concerned about her teaching methods?" "How a school could employ a teacher who makes fun of murder a murder that occurred on campus is beyond me. What violence does she condone in front of her students? I guess their zero-tolerance policy isn't very zero," one said.One user shared, "You would think the parents of kids in her classroom would make some noise. I wouldn't want my kid in her class.""Where are the parents of students at this school? Pull your kids out until shes gone!" one questioned. Katy Perry's birthday cake incident sparks online reactions ( Image credit : X @katherinejaayne | Katy Perry's birthday cake incident sparks online reactions ) Alleged bakers daughter shares reaction ( Image credit : X / @katherinejaayne | The video of Katy Perrys 40th birthday cake hitting the floor quickly went viral. ) ( Image credit : X @katherinejaayne | The woman says Katy Perry ruined the cake made by her mom. ) Fans turn incident into meme frenzy my mom was the the one who cleaned up the floor and shes currently in the hospital bc she got food poisoning from tasting the cake so were gonna have to sue you. Im in contact with a lawyer Katy Perry Japan (@katypjapan) October 29, 2025 Im so sorry to hear that. Those candles are literally my moms fingers. I feel so bad she sacrifice her whole 2 hands for this. No Katy, No Clout (@NoKatyNoClout) October 29, 2025 im so sorry i feel your pain, my mom was the actual cake. she was so excited to be tasted by the katy perry only to have her body slammed face first into the floor by katy perryj. She's now in hospice. pic.twitter.com/4cV4PwFx74 (@sourcesdoja) October 29, 2025 Other fans defend Katy Perry Your mom's job was done when she sent the cake out of her bakery pic.twitter.com/0SSGMOF6SL Tanny (@TannyTrainwreck) October 29, 2025 As a baker, if I got paid then its theirs to do what they want with it. Your mom is going to get business alone from the fact that Katy had the cake to begin with. Jackie (@ohjoyyyy) October 29, 2025 Maybe because she paid for it and she can do whatever the fuck she wants with it GildedRx (@GildedRx) October 29, 2025 Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau relationship Pop icon Katy Perry rang in her 40th birthday in style during a backstage celebration on her ongoing Lifetime Tour. However, the celebration took a dramatic turn when she accidentally destroyed her birthday cake, sparking waves of reactions online. The incident quickly became the subject of debates and fan discussions across social media.The cake incident happened shortly after Perry blew out the candles on a large sheet cake while still in her show costume. Surrounded by her crew, she attempted to toss the cake at a man wearing a headset, but the throw missed. The cake fell to the floor, leaving a messy aftermath. Perry laughed as her backup dancers bent down and tried to bite from the fallen dessert.The video of Katy Perrys 40th birthday cake hitting the floor quickly went viral, and one X user, claiming her mother baked the cake, shared her confusion and disappointment online.My mom was the one that baked this cake, she was so excited about the opportunity to make a cake for Katy Perry and spent so long on it, Im genuinely confused and upset as to why she would do this, the user wrote.Fans immediately jumped on the moment, mocking it with exaggerated and sarcastic humor. One wrote, My mom was the one who cleaned up the floor, and shes currently in the hospital because she got food poisoning from tasting the cake, so were going to have to sue you. Im in contact with a lawyer.Another added, Im so sorry, those candles are literally my moms fingers only to be thrown onto the nasty floor.The exaggeration continued with comments like, Im so sorry I feel your pain, my mom was the actual cake now in hospice, and, The actual candle flame that Katy Perry blew were actually my whole family, waiting to be consumed by her because they are these inventions called edible candles.Amid the jokes, some fans defended Perry seriously, pointing out that the responsibility lies with the recipient of the cake, not the baker. Your moms job was done when she sent the cake out of her bakery, one fan said.Another commented, As a baker, if I got paid, then its theirs to do what they want with it. Your mom is going to get business alone from the fact that Katy had the cake to begin with.A third added, Maybe because she paid for it, and she can do whatever the f*** she wants.Amid the birthday buzz, Katy and former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have confirmed their relationship, making their first official public appearance together in Paris. This new chapter follows Perrys split from Orlando Bloom and Trudeaus separation from Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau in 2023. No, this is not Gaza, not Syria, not the Middle East. This is Rio de Janeiro this morning, a city held hostage by terror. While Trump is fighting drug cartels and has designated them as terrorist organizations, Lula built his 2022 campaign around them.. The Complexo do pic.twitter.com/pzayoIGxcF Claudia Aker22 (@ClauAker) October 28, 2025 A city preparing for a summit and a firefight ( Image credit : X/Archer83Able | Rio de Janeiro drug war death toll hits 64 amid global summit prep ) Who is the Red Command? #MASACRE Rio de Janeiro fue escenario de campo de batalla en las favelas entre la policia y los narcos que controlan la zona; tras 5 horas de enfrentamiento se registran 80 muertos entre ellos 2 uniformados y 78 narcos del llamado "Comando Vermelho" que controlan el 50% de la pic.twitter.com/2UmLN4HhKW Klaveec (@klaveec) October 28, 2025 Drones, gunfire, and terror on the streets Brazilian authorities release footage showing weapons seized in a major operation against the Comando Vermelho drug cartel in Rio de Janeiro. pic.twitter.com/aq7N35CayI WAR (@warsurveillance) October 28, 2025 A history of bloody raids Rio de Janeiro has turned into a full-blown battleground. At least 64 people have now died in the citys most expansive police operation ever, authorities confirmed on Tuesday. The crackdown, aimed at crushing the growing power of the notorious Red Command drug faction, unfolded only days before Rio welcomes world leaders for the C40 climate conference, talk about unfortunate timing.Security forces stormed multiple favelas in an attempt to stop what government officials described as the criminal groups aggressive territorial expansion. What was supposed to be a strategic move to restore order quickly escalated into sheer chaos, with thick smoke covering the Alemao favela and burnt-out cars turned into barricades looking straight out of a dystopian film set.Rios governor, Claudio Castro, warned the death toll could climb further. Sources said the raid involved more than 2,500 personnel from both military and civil police forces, a year-long mission finally launched.The Red Command is not some small-time street squad. Originating from leftist inmates during Brazils dictatorship era, the gang has evolved into a frighteningly powerful criminal empire. The organisation has expanded transnationally through drug trafficking and extortion, and is definitely not keen on surrendering turf without a violent fight.Authorities say the gang fought back with drones, yes, drones, targeting officers from the sky like something out of a futuristic action thriller. Police insisted they are staying firm in the fight, acknowledging the severity of the threat by describing the conflict as narco-terrorism.Residents across the northern zone were urged to stay locked indoors, while the US State Department told foreign visitors to avoid the area entirely. Streets came to a standstill as fear spread faster than official alerts.For Rio, this horror is not new. In 2021, a similar raid in the Jacarezinho favela drew global outrage after 25 deaths. And this year alone, gun-violence monitors report that more than half of Septembers firearm injuries came directly from police operations.As Rio works overtime to shine for the world stage next week, critics say the government cares more about optics than community lives. Locals, once again, are left to survive the war playing out right outside their doors. What is a throupled family? ( Image credit : Canva Stock Photos | Canadas throuple share their long journey to adoption. ) Canadas throuple share their long journey to adoption ( Image credit : Canva Stock Photos | Quebec law recognises only two legal parents per child. ) Throuples legal battle over parenthood continues ( Image credit : Canva Stock Photos | Throuples legal battle over parenthood continues. ) Three men from Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Jonathan Bedard (44), Eric LeBlanc (33), and Justin Maheu (40), have captured global attention after they officially adopted a 3-year-old girl, becoming one of Canadas most unique families. The trio come from different professions: Maheu works as a management consultant, Bedard is a music teacher, and LeBlanc is an author.They describe themselves as a throuple, three people in a romantic relationship, and live together in Montreal, sharing both a home and a life as equal partners. Maheu and Bedard had been a couple for two decades before meeting LeBlanc in 2018. Over time, the trio realised they wanted to build a life and family together.A throuple, also known as a triad, is a relationship where three people are romantically involved with each other. In their case, the three men describe their bond as built on trust and equality. They made it clear that their relationship wasnt just about love between adults, they wanted to raise a child together and create a home full of care and stability.Although they arent particularly fond of the term throuple, preferring to call themselves a triad , Maheu, Bedard, and LeBlanc have come to embrace it, saying that having three parents not only makes life easier for them but also it's also beneficial for their little girl.Their dream of becoming parents wasnt an easy one. The trio had been preparing for seven years to adopt a child. When they started the process in Montreal, they were open about wanting to co-parent as three fathers. However, the local adoption agency initially rejected their application because Quebec law recognises only two legal parents per child.Unwilling to give up, they filed a legal complaint, arguing that their situation didnt break any laws and that their home was just as loving and safe as any other. Eventually, another agency agreed to evaluate them, and after a long process, they were approved to foster a young girl in late 2023.In September, 2025, their adoption was made official. The trio described it as one of the happiest moments of their lives. Though only Maheu and Bedard are legally recognised as parents for now, they hope that the law will soon allow LeBlanc to be included too. The three share all parental duties equally, from changing diapers to bedtime stories, and say that their daughter sees no difference between them.Since their story went public, the three men have received both praise and criticism. While many people have supported their decision, theyve also faced negative comments and homophobic reactions online. They say they understand that their lifestyle is new to many, but they emphasise that their daughter is growing up surrounded by love and stability.The September decision follows an earlier ruling from April 2025, when Quebecs Superior Court declared that limiting legal parenthood to only two people was unconstitutional. That landmark judgment required the provincial government to revise its Civil Code, potentially allowing children to be legally recognised as having more than two parents.Moreover, according to Canadian Affairs, three families are currently part of the court case challenging Quebecs local laws on parenthood. While Jonathan, Eric, and Justin are not directly involved, their lawyer, Laura Cardenas, toldthat the existing law is harmful for both parents and children.She explained that every child deserves to have all their parental relationships legally recognised and protected for their well-being. She said, Conversely, when the system only recognises two out of three or four parents, then the parents whose status is not legally recognised are in a precarious situation: they have less rights when it comes to making decisions for the child (e.g., medical decisions, decisions about schooling, etc.) and they stand to lose much more if they separate or have a falling out with the other parents.Coming back to the well-known throuple, the three men remain hopeful that legal changes will soon arrive, allowing families like theirs to be fully recognised and protected. Audiences are losing patience ( Image credit : Instagram/kazsawyer| Kaz Sawyers viral swim proves: not every risk is worth the views ) The algorithm no longer forgives ( Image credit : Instagram/kazsawyer| Kaz Sawyers viral stunt proves clout can crash fast ) A new definition of cool and consequence ( Image credit : Instagram/kazsawyer| Kaz Sawyers controversy shows: luxury fades, accountability lasts ) American TikTok star Kaz Sawyer has landed in controversy after filming himself entering Singapores world-famous Marina Bay Sands infinity pool without being a hotel guest. The 24-year-old, known for his high-energy challenge videos, posted a clip earlier this month showing him and a friend allegedly using a staff access point to reach the rooftop pool an area strictly reserved for paying guests. Within hours of posting, the video went viral, sparking outrage among Singaporeans and global viewers alike.The backlash was quick. Many Singaporeans criticized the actions as rude, citing the city-state's strict trespassing regulations. Some even warned Sawyer that what he perceived as a humorous "travel challenge" could have legal consequences in Singapore. The influencer later claimed he meant no harm, saying he admired Singapores culture and had received death threats following the backlash. Still, the video was widely shared across platforms, sparking debate about how far influencers should go in their chase of views.What may have seemed like a harmless adventure to Sawyer quickly became a symbol of cultural insensitivity and content fatigue. Audiences that once rewarded extreme stunts are increasingly calling them reckless and outdated.For years, viral fame rewarded influencers who were ready to test limits. But the formula is shifting. Platforms that used to amplify controversy are now turning them into cautionary tales. Sawyer's video garnered attention but not admiration. As viewers increasingly value authenticity over spectacle, the influencer "dare" approach appears out of date.Sawyer's pool stunt may be forgotten, but its message will not fade. In 2025, virality is about establishing trust, not invading into luxury. The days of reckless "content tourism" are over, and creators may finally realize that the internet's patience has run out. A pink-haired student at the University of Arizona was caught on video verbally assaulting representatives from Turning Point USA, calling them Nazis and telling them to Watch your neck. pic.twitter.com/IJU3rwHNxU MDC (@Micha3lDC) October 22, 2025 The moment that shocked campus WATCH: A student with pink hair at the University of Arizona calls @tpusastudents representatives nazis and tells them to "watch their necks." @TPUSA @caden_hart04 pic.twitter.com/rXgILWrCob FRONTLINES TPUSA (@FrontlinesTPUSA) October 21, 2025 University responds with investigation The most vile reactions to Charlies murder have almost all been public school teachers and professors. Tells you a lot about what Americas children are facing and why TPUSA is more important than ever. Andrew Kolvet (@AndrewKolvet) October 19, 2025 From conservative activists viewpoint Who is this student!? Did she just cuss them out and then threaten them ? She said Watch your neck? !@uarizona @UofA_Safety@FBIDDBongino @fbi UniversityOfArizona student yells profanity and threatens @TPUSA students at their booth https://t.co/BkyskZJHYF pic.twitter.com/eArUICYtVt SonoranRed (@SonoranRed) October 22, 2025 Context: A wider campus culture war A campus on edge At the Turning Point USA tent on the campus of University of Arizona in Tucson, a confrontation unfolded on 23 October that has ignited tensions nationwide. Video footage shows a pink-haired individual approaching conservative students and unleashing a chilling threat: after being asked to relocate, the student said, paraphrased, F*** you Nazi, watch your neck.When the group calmly responded with Yeah, thank you, have a great day, the situation escalated. The phrase watch your neck was widely interpreted as a reference to the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk, meaning the threat cut far deeper than simple campus harassment.University spokesperson Mieczyslaw J. Zak announced the campus is treating the incident with utmost seriousness. He stated that the university does not tolerate threatening or harassing behaviour and that both the Office of Public Safety and the Dean of Students have contacted the Turning Point USA students and launched an investigation.As of now, no disciplinary decision has been publicly disclosed.TPUSA spokesperson Andrew Kolvet said the incident forms part of a growing pattern of hostility toward conservative students and Kirk-affiliated supporters. He described how the most troubling reactions to Kirks murder, he believes, have often come from educators, a point that underlines the charged atmosphere on campuses.The confrontation is the latest in a series of clashes on higher-education campuses following Charlie Kirks death on 10 September at Utah Valley University. That tragedy triggered protests rejecting memorials and lawsuits alleging firings over public posts about the event.The University of Arizona itself has faced scrutiny over free-speech and viewpoint diversity issues. Earlier this month, Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen urged the institution to join a higher-ed compact that would bolster such protections.While investigations continue, the incident has already left student groups unsettled. The use of the term Nazis in the exchange, and the reference to lethal violence with watch your neck, has reinforced fears of escalating political aggression on campuses.Whether the university will take firm action remains to be seen, but for many, this episode is a stark reminder that free speech and physical safety can collide dangerously in academic spaces. Trump and Xi to talk Nvidia chips Donald Trump is set to meet with Chinas President Xi Jinping and AI chips are on the table. The focus? Nvidia, export limits, and who really controls the future of artificial intelligence. Its not just diplomacy its a silicon arms pic.twitter.com/daCapG9tSa ROMBSPORTGAME (@ROMBSPORTGAME) October 29, 2025 Beijings message of parity President Trump expressed confidence over striking a trade agreement with Chinese President Xi Jinping, whom he is expected to meet next week, after the two countries' top economic officials agreed on a framework for a deal, during talks on the sidelines of the ASEAN-US summit pic.twitter.com/yWtiFBHX6h Reuters (@Reuters) October 26, 2025 Renewed trade war and tariff tensions Rare earths at the heart of the standoff 'Going to have a very good outcome for our country and the world': Trump expresses optimism ahead of meeting with Xi Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/HAM06YPo2p#Trump #XiJinping #SouthKorea pic.twitter.com/OIze9IBFNG ANI Digital (@ani_digital) October 29, 2025 Possible outcomes from the TrumpXi talks US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to meet on Thursday in South Korea their first encounter since Trumps return to office. The discussion, scheduled on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, comes after years of escalating trade friction and geopolitical unease.Officials from both nations have spent weeks drafting a potential framework for a trade agreement aimed at ending the renewed economic disruptions that followed Trumps reimposition of tariffs. The meeting is being viewed as a possible reset in relations that have worsened since the leaders last met in 2019.I think were going to have a great meeting with President Xi of China, and a lot of problems are going to be solved, Trump said aboard Air Force One on Wednesday.For Xi Jinping, the meeting carries symbolic weight. Beijing views this as an opportunity to present China as an equal partner to the United States. Trumps trade policies have challenged Xis push for innovation and self-reliance, yet have also reinforced Chinas determination to be less dependent on the West.Analysts in Beijing believe Xi will walk into the meeting as a prepared negotiator rather than a supplicant. While the US has relied on tariffs and tech restrictions to contain Chinas rise, those measures have driven Beijing to speed up domestic innovation and expand its global partnerships.Trumps return to office reignited trade tensions, with Washington restoring broad tariffs on Chinese goods. The US currently imposes duties averaging around 50%, and Trump has warned of doubling them if no progress is made.China retaliated by widening export restrictions, targeting industries critical to the US economy, such as electronics and manufacturing components. The dispute deepened further when the US introduced new limits on Chinas access to advanced technologies, prompting Beijing to impose export controls on rare earth minerals vital for global manufacturing.Although markets reacted nervously, both sides sent negotiators to Malaysia last weekend for last-minute trade discussions. No agreement was reached, but officials hinted at small steps toward easing tensions.Control over rare earth minerals 17 elements crucial for electronics, renewable energy, and defense equipment lies at the center of the standoff. China processes over 80% of the worlds supply, and about 60% of US imports come from Chinese refineries.When the US tightened technology export rules, Beijing countered by expanding rare earth export curbs, causing global price surges. The US threatened 100% tariffs in response, though those plans are now on hold pending further talks.Chinas leadership remains confident that its economy can withstand external shocks. The upcoming Five-Year Plan is expected to focus on self-sufficiency through state-led investment in semiconductors, renewable energy, and AI sectors heavily targeted by US sanctions.Diplomatic observers foresee three main scenarios. A symbolic truce could see both sides pause new tariffs while continuing dialogue. A partial breakthrough might involve tariff reductions in exchange for Chinese concessions on rare earths and intellectual property. Or, in a renewed impasse, tensions could escalate again if talks break down.Beyond trade, the meeting will test whether the worlds two largest economies can find a balance between rivalry and coexistence. As both leaders prepare to face each other in Seoul, the outcome will influence markets and diplomatic alignments far beyond Asia.Whether Thursday ends in a handshake or hardened positions, one reality stands out Washington and Beijing now negotiate as equals in a far more multipolar world. Wicked: One Wonderful Night sparks outrage with recent IG post ( Image credit : Instagram/@wickedmovie | The now-deleted post shared by Wicked movie's Instagram page ) im confused, will this be available in Ukraine? Congo? Sudan? I thought Israel was in war and they're worried about seeing WICKED?!! pic.twitter.com/PmAcdc7oHZ jaybear (3.27.26 ) (@saleingsouls) October 29, 2025 not the Wicked account posting about Israel and Ariana reposting it and yall acted like they didnt support Israel pic.twitter.com/OSqvhMrgYJ TinyElephant (@TinyElNews) October 29, 2025 wicked for good twitter account was quick to delete that post including israel tay ! (@homosexualitay) October 29, 2025 More about Wicked: One Wonderful Night Wicked: For Good release details ( Image credit : Instagram/@wickedmovie | Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo in Wicked For Good ) Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivos upcoming filmis one of the most anticipated releases of the year. To mark its arrival, the makers announced a special television event,, celebrating the movies cinematic debut. The programme, set to air next month, has already generated major excitement among fans ahead of the films release. However, a now-deleted post from the films official social media account mentioning Israel has stirred controversy online.On Wednesday, the officialmovie Instagram page shared a poster revealing international broadcast details for. But fans quickly noticed that the poster included a release date for Israel, sparking outrage on social media. Many pointed out the inclusion was controversial, given that Ariana Grande, who plays Glinda in the movie, has previously spoken out in support of Gaza and criticised Israels actions. What fans found more shocking than the post was Ariana's reposting it.After fans began questioning the makers' stance, the post was quickly deleted. However, screenshots of the now-deleted post have already surfaced on Reddit and X, sparking outrage among fans.is a two-hour televised celebration of the beloved musical, bringing together Grande and Erivo as Glinda and Elphaba for an evening packed with music, magic, and behind-the-scenes moments. Airing on NBC on, and streaming on Peacock the next day, the special features live performances with a 37-piece orchestra, guest appearances from cast members like Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum, and exclusive previews of, which hits theatres later in November.Its part concert, part cinematic tease, the kind of event that makes you want to grab some popcorn, hum along to Defying Gravity, and soak up the Emerald City sparkle from your couch., directed by Jon M. Chu, is set to hit theatres on, marking the second and final chapter of the beloved musicals big-screen adaptation. Picking up where the first film left off, it follows Elphaba as shes branded the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda as Ozs shining symbol of good, testing their friendship as the fate of their world hangs in the balance.The film features returning stars Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, and Michelle Yeoh, with music by Stephen Schwartz and a screenplay by Winnie Holzman, promising an emotional, visually rich conclusion to the story fans have waited years to see. From the Open-Publishing Calendar From the Open-Publishing Newswire Indybay Feature SJSU Professor Sang Hea Gil, CFA/SEIU & the Fight Against Zionism & Defense of Public Education by LVP The attacks on faculty members who are opposed to the US supported genocide by Israel have led to retaliation and firings of professors throughout the state and the country. WorkWeek interviews San Jose State University professor Sang Have Gil who is a member of the CFA/SEIU. WorkWeek interviews professor Gil about the incident, the role of the administration, CFA-SEIU union officials and also the ongoing charges that those critical of Israel are anti-semitic. She also talks about SB 715 which was supported by San Francisco State Senator Scott Weiner and passed by the Democrats and signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. SEIU leader David Huerta despite efforts of Professor Gil and others refused to act to stop this reactionary legislation. This interview was done on 10/28/25. Additional Media: The Attacks On UCSF Dr. Marya Rupa & SJSU CFA Member Sang Hea Kil & The Unions & Working Class https://youtu.be/m-Krt42WIck Palestinian Solidarity, South Africa BDS & Director Muhammed Desai With Professor Sang Hea Kil https://youtu.be/eeuZsHSv1-A WorkWeek https://soundcloud.com/workweek-radio Production Of Labor Video Project http://www.labormedia.net There is a coordinated political witch-hunt and attacks on critics of the genocide in Israel supported by the United States. Supporters of Israel have especially targeted faculty of colleges throughout the country and at San Jose State University where Professor Sang Hae Gil was charged with organizing a supposed illegal encampment.WorkWeek interviews professor Gil about the incident, the role of the administration, CFA-SEIU union officials and also the ongoing charges that those critical of Israel are anti-semitic. She also talks about SB 715 which was supported by San Francisco State Senator Scott Weiner and passed by the Democrats and signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. SEIU leader David Huerta despite efforts of Professor Gil and others refused to act to stop this reactionary legislation.This interview was done on 10/28/25.Additional Media:The Attacks On UCSF Dr. Marya Rupa & SJSU CFA Member Sang Hea Kil & The Unions & Working ClassPalestinian Solidarity, South Africa BDS & Director Muhammed Desai With Professor Sang Hea KilWorkWeekProduction Of Labor Video Project For more information: https://youtu.be/uMkcm-drh-E Demands Of Students At San Jose Sate University by LVP San Jose State University students demands on the campus were met with retaliation by the SJSU managers and CSU Trustees appointed by Governor Newsom and previous governor Jerry Brown. https://youtu.be/uMkcm-drh-E CA SEIU leader David Huerta Refused To Fight The Zionist CA Bill 715 by LVP CA SEIU leaders David Huerta refused to oppose the reactionary Zionist bill SB 715 supported by San Francisco State Senator Scott Weiner that weaponizes Zionists to charge that teachers who talk about genocide or are critical of Israel are anti-semitic. SEIU Local 1021 and other SEIU rank and file locals opposed it but were sold out by Huerta who refused to fight the Zionist attacks and the Democratic Party in the legislature and Governor Gavin Newsom. https://youtu.be/uMkcm-drh-E CSU Board Of Trustee Represent Zionists and Techno Fascist Billionaires by LVP The CSU State Board of Trustees support the corporatization of public education. They support the Zionists and also have instituted AI taught by the techno fascist billionaires who want to use it to eliminate thousands of faculty staff at the university. There are no labor respresenatives on the CSU Board of Director despite the fact that they are major backers of the Governor and Democratic Party. https://youtu.be/uMkcm-drh-E CA SEIU President David Huerta With Governor Gavin Newsom by LVP The SEIU which has 750,000 members in California has backed the Democratic Party and allowed the Democrats and Newsom to push the reactionary Zionist SB 715 which will be used to terrorize California teachers who raise the issue of the genocide and the fascist ideology of Zionism. It equates criticism of Israel with anti-semitism. https://youtu.be/uMkcm-drh-E Daniel Schwartz sings during a Tuesday performance by members of the Philadelphia Bach Collective at St. Mark's Church, 1625 Locust St. Read more At lunchtime in Center City, you can grab a Shorti at the Wawa. Or you could go for something really nourishing, like a Bach cantata. The experience is a new one, this series by the Philadelphia Bach Collective brief, midday, pay-as-you-wish concerts in the middle of town. And not just any concert, but selections from a body of work that shimmers with genius and inspiration. You dont have to be religious to be deeply moved by these sacred works. Texts aside, the intimate music leaves plenty of space to search for your own internal, private interpretations. Advertisement On Tuesday afternoon just before 1, this agnostic walked up the brick path into St. Marks Church on Locust Street and, for a little more than a half hour, all was right with the world. How often does that happen? The surprise of it accounts for a good part of the impact. Classical groups are playing with format shorter concerts, earlier curtain times, pop-up performances, and more. Bach at lunchtime coincided this week with another new series, this one more profane than sacred. The Pipe Up! concerts silent horror films launched with organist Ian Fraser playing live to a screening of F.W. Murnaus mind-blowingly good Faust from 1926. With a Wurlitzer theater organ conjuring plagues and evil, squalid masses, human foibles, and a good immolation scene or two, the Wanamaker Buildings Greek Hall was as a silent movie theater from the 1920s on Monday night. The films continue only through Friday, with no more announced for now except a Nov. 10 showing of the The Phantom of the Opera (1925) with Peter Richard Conte playing live to screen in the Grand Court. Several things are striking about both the Bach and the weeklong film series. That the arts scene continues to reinvent itself even as funding sources become strained is particularly encouraging. Both projects are collaborations the Philadelphia Bach Collective is a product of Variant 6 and Night Music, and the film series from Opera Philadelphia, Friends of the Wanamaker Organ, and others. And both are happening on a high level the kind of thing that, had you experienced it in Paris or Berlin, would make you say you wished we had that back home. Tuesdays Bach cantata was Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit (Gods time is the very best time), the so-called Actus tragicus, and it was a study in how brightly and warmly a small work can glow. Soprano Anika Kildegaard, mezzo Maren Montalbano, tenor James Reese, and bass Dan Schwartz made for a sharp quartet, varying their colors for expressive meaning, with strong solo and supporting contributions from a small instrumental ensemble. The Bach series seems to have found its audience, even in this, its second concert; St. Marks was fairly full. The film series in the old Wanamakers sold out immediately (admission was free, with seating for fewer than 130). The enormous organ in the Wanamaker Grand Court is rightly celebrated, but here, in much smaller Greek Hall, the Wurlitzer was no less effective. The instrument is from 1929 minted around the same time as this weeks films and was brought to Greek Hall in 2007. Tuesday night, organist Don Kinnier played live to The Phantom Carriage, the Swedish film from 1921. The series opened Monday with Fraser making the most of Murnaus century-old Faust. The organist made brief nods to Liszts Faust Symphony in the opening credits, and then improvised through recurring themes and other material of his own writing as he watched the film. Its not a great stroke of originality to conjure big moments or schmaltz on the organ when events on screen dictate it, but Fraser went beyond the obvious. This theater organ has in its arsenal special effects and percussive sounds a celesta, airy colors, French horns and strings, and more. The single low note and hiss Fraser deployed when Mephisto appeared was as disturbing as it was spare. Reasserting itself through Frasers impromptu scoring was a sweeping gesture that could be heard as the love theme. Humanity may be flawed and fate cruel, but in the organists view, as in Murnaus telling of the Faust legend, love always wins. Pipe Up! classical silent films with various organists continue Thursday and Friday, and are sold out. The Phantom of the Opera with Peter Richard Conte, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. at the Wanamaker Grand Court, 1300 Market St., is free, no registration required. operaphila.org. The Philadelphia Bach Collective concerts at St. Marks Church, 1625 Locust St., continue Jan. 20, March 24, and May 5 at 1 p.m. philadelphiabachcollective.org. In this 2021 AP file photo, a tractor trailer rig pulls into a terminal for a trucking company that has a $10,000 hiring bonus offer posted on a trailer at their facility in Harmony, Pa. Read more Looking for a job? Finding a good one in Pennsylvania may not be easy, a new report says. The Keystone state ranks among the worst in the country for jobs, according to WalletHub, a personal finance firm. Advertisement Pennsylvania ranked 44th overall, with just North Carolina, Oregon, Alaska, Kentucky, Louisiana, and West Virginia getting worse marks. New Jersey ranked 17th overall. Theres a lot going on in Pennsylvania, on the negative side, said Chip Lupo, writer and analyst at WalletHub. Pennsylvanias low job security and weak employee protections relative to other states contributed to its ranking as one of the least attractive places to be employed, said Lupo. The report considered employee protections such as state-mandated paid sick leave, equal pay, and protections for pregnant or breastfeeding people. Pennsylvania has high income tax burdens for low- and middle-income earners as well, said Lupo. It also has no state tax credit on earned income, though a bill currently making its way through the state Senate could change that. The report examined each states job market and economic environment using 34 metrics based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Indeed, and other sources. The rankings considered unemployment, job growth, worker protections, median annual income, commute times, and the share of workers living in poverty, among other metrics. READ MORE: Pa. workers have lost leverage in Trumps economy, report says Pennsylvanias job market took a dive in the rankings, coming in at 29th this year compared to 10th last year, in part due to unemployment and underemployment rates. The Inquirer has reported that the states unemployment rate has been below the national average recently, although it has inched up since Sept. 2024. Lupo noted that underemployment in Pennsylvania is at 6.6%, and the two metrics together reflect ongoing challenges in job retention and the effective absorption of the labor force. Pennsylvanias economic environment came in at 48th, down from 45th last year. Pennsylvania does have some upsides for job seekers. The state ranks favorably for the proportion of employees who are on private health insurance, Lupo noted. READ MORE: Heres how Philly-area college grads are navigating a tough job market Pennsylvania also has a low percentage of discouraged workers people without jobs who are not included in unemployment count because they are not actively seeking jobs. The state also earned points in Wallet Hubs report for its shared-work program, which allows Pennsylvania employers that experience a business slowdown to reduce employees hours and avoid laying them off. Christopher R. Blevins, 46, pleaded guilty to first-degree aggravated manslaughter in the death of Laura Hughes, 50, whose body was found in a refrigerator in Belleplain State Forest in Cape May County. Read more A 46-year-old Camden County man on Monday pleaded guilty to first-degree aggravated manslaughter in the death of a mother of two whose body was found in an abandoned refrigerator at a New Jersey state forest in Cape May County. Christopher R. Blevins, faces 17 years in state prison under a plea agreement with the Camden County Prosecutors Office and is scheduled to be formally sentenced on Dec. 5, a spokesperson for the prosecutors office said in an email Tuesday. Advertisement Blevins originally was charged with first-degree murder for the death of Laura Hughes, 50, of Runnemede, whose body was found just before Christmas last year in Belleplain State Forest in Cape May County. Blevins still faces charges in Cape May County of desecrating human remains and hindering apprehension. Authorities said automatic license plate readers captured Blevins green Dodge Ram pickup truck in Sea Isle City and Long Beach Township in late July 2024 hauling a refrigerator-shaped object in the truck bed. When the refrigerator was found, it was wrapped in a sleeping bag, secured with blue ratchet straps, and covered in a carpet, authorities said. Investigators searched the home Blevins shared with Hughes and found blue ratchet straps, a firearm, and a calendar with the days marked with an x every day until July 24, authorities said. On Aug. 2, Blevins traveled to Mexico, crossing the border through Brownsville, Texas. Later that month, Blevins reportedly surrendered to authorities in Mexico for an unknown reason and told them that he was involved in a violent incident in Runnemede and may have killed someone in a bar fight, and thats why he fled the United States, the Press of Atlantic City reported. With the body of Hughes still undiscovered, he returned to the United States in September 2024 and stayed in Delaware until the end of December, according to the Press of Atlantic City. Blevins, who was not yet in custody, was first charged on Jan. 3 in Cape May County with second-degree desecration of human remains and third-degree hindering apprehension. On Jan. 13, New Jersey State Police detectives were notified that Blevins had been apprehended in San Diego, California. The San Diego Police Department posted on Instagram that officers investigating an illegal beach fire and alcoholic beverage violations found two men kicking sand trying to put out the fire and trying to hide alcoholic beverage containers. While one subject was known to officers and arrested for narcotics-related offenses, the other unknown subject provided the officers with false identification and was detained pending further investigation, the San Diego police said. Beach team officers, with their due diligence, successfully identified the second subject and determined they had a homicide warrant from another state, the San Diego police said. Carol Ann Dougherty, seen here holding her younger sister, Kay, was killed in October 1962. Read more Nearly 63 years to the day that Carol Ann Dougherty was raped and murdered inside the Bristol church that was a fixture in her community and her familys life, Bucks County officials publicly identified her killer. William Schrader, an absolute predator with a documented history of sexually abusing children, killed Carol Ann inside the choir loft of St. Marks Catholic Church on Oct. 22, 1962, District Attorney Jen Schorn said at a news conference Wednesday. Advertisement Schrader, who was long considered a suspect in the cold case, died in 2002 at age 62 after serving time in a Louisiana prison for manslaughter and arson. But through a combination of forensic evidence, decades-old eyewitness accounts, and a confession Schrader made to his stepson, a county grand jury last week ruled that Schrader was Carol Anns killer. Schorn, flanked by Pennsylvania State Police investigators and Bristol police officers, said she was honored to be able to bring closure to the girls family after decades of uncertainty and grief. This group collectively spent 20 years of their lives pursuing the truth and justice for Carol Ann and her family, Schorn said. The work to keep this case alive was nothing short of remarkable. The last day of Carol Anns life started off like any other, according to court documents. The fifth grader, an avid reader, jumped on her blue-and-white Londoner racing bike bound for the Bristol Free Library, where she planned to return two books. Along the way, she stopped for a Coke and penny candy, and went to pray inside St. Marks, a place that Schorn said was sacred to her family. As the hours ticked on with no sign of Carol Ann, her parents began to worry. While searching for the child, her mother, Dorothy, saw the Londoner bike parked outside the church and told her husband to investigate. Inside, Frank Dougherty found his daughters battered, lifeless body in the churchs choir loft. Six decades later, Carol Anns younger sister Kay Talanca still remembers the inhuman noises her father made when he returned to the car and told her and her mother not to go inside the church. On Wednesday, Talanca wept as she described how grateful she was to hear the news that her sisters slaying was finally solved. Our family lived without answers, she said, and the uncertainty surrounding Carols death became a part of who we were, a shadow that touched every day of our lives. Schorn said efforts to find Carol Anns killer were hindered by the perfect storm of obstacles. Investigators initially focused on two other suspects, one of whom falsely confessed. The other, a Catholic priest who worked at St. Marys, lied about his whereabouts on the night of the killing, authorities said, because he was having an affair with a married woman. But Schrader, who lived not far from the church, fit the profile of a man who preys on children, prosecutors said. Schrader, of Luzerne County, spent his childhood in reform school after sexually assaulting girls in his youth. He later joined the Army, was dishonorably discharged, and was incarcerated for a time in Eastern State Penitentiary after being convicted of attempted murder. Afterward, he settled in Bristol, where his brother and sister-in-law lived at the time. After Carol Anns killing, he moved south and eventually settled in Louisiana, where, Schorn said, he raped his wifes disabled daughters and, later, two girls the family took in as foster children. In the death of Carol Ann, Schorn said pubic hair found on her hand and on her thighs became key evidence in the case, and Schrader was the only suspect who was not excluded as being the source. But that alone was not enough to convict him, she said. More than 20 years after the crime, one of Schraders friends in Bristol told police he had seen Schrader outside the church on the night Carol Ann was killed. And years later, in Louisiana, authorities said, Schrader told his stepson that he had killed a girl in Pennsylvania decades earlier. He raped the child, he said, and took her life out of fear that she would tell police. Investigators learned of that statement last year while gathering evidence on Schrader, and used it to build their case against Schrader, the prosecutor said. She said their efforts were aided by news reports, and she thanked JD Mullane of the Bucks County Courier Times, who has written about the death of Carol Ann since the 1990s, and Mike Missanelli, who produced a podcast about the case last year. Carol Anns sister, Talanca, embraced both men after Wednesdays news conference. Their persistence and commitment to uncovering the truth played a vital role of keeping hope alive for all these years, she said. Today as Carols only surviving immediate family member, I stand before you with profound sorrow, for all that was taken away from my family, and gratitude for the extraordinary efforts of those who never gave up. Law enforcement and FBI at Weymouth Street between Clearfield and Allegheny Avenue on Friday. Read more Marking what they called a high water mark in the effort to combat the regions fentanyl crisis, state and local officials announced Wednesday that they had seized 50 million doses of the deadly synthetic drug in raids across Pennsylvania this year. Around 27 million of those doses were taken from the Philadelphia region, Attorney General Dave Sunday said during a news conference in which he pledged that his office and local law enforcement officials were united in a common mission to stop the flow of fentanyl and traffickers. Advertisement Fentanyl has replaced heroin as the opioid most commonly found in the commonwealth, and its not even close, said Sunday, flanked by Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel and other top city officials, and the district attorneys of Delaware and Montgomery Counties. The Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office defines a dose as 2 milligrams of the drug; law enforcement seized around 50 million doses in total across Pennsylvania in 2024, he said, meaning the state is likely on track to surpass that figure by the end of the year. The announcement came as efforts to combat drug trafficking ramp up both locally and across the nation, driven in part by the Trump administrations stricter enforcement of drug laws and the arrests of those suspected of dealing dangerous narcotics. Some of those tactics have been met with criticism from lawmakers, such as the use of the military to conduct strikes on suspected drug boats from South America that officials said bring deadly drugs to U.S. shores. FBI Director Kash Patel visited Philadelphia on Friday to announce the result of a large-scale investigation into a Kensington-based drug gang responsible for operating a 24-hour open-air drug market there for around a decade. The group had been on the radar of law enforcement for several years, authorities say. Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, too, has pledged to crack down on drug abuse in Philadelphia, promising to end Kensingtons drug market through encampment sweeps and establishing a Neighborhood Wellness Court to encourage those arrested for low-level drug crimes to enter treatment instead of the criminal justice system. Parker was scheduled to speak at the news conference but was under the weather, a spokesperson said. The citys public safety director, Adam Geer, called each intercepted dose of fentanyl a potential death sentence and commended collaboration between law enforcement and government officials to address local drug issues. Sunday, a Republican and former York County district attorney who was elected attorney general last year, cited several raids in the Philadelphia region that contributed to the seizure of 50 million fentanyl doses between January and September. That includes 9.9 million doses in North Philadelphia in May, as well as the recovery of 200,000 doses on the 2800 block of North Franklin Street that month, he said. And a raid in September in Northeast Philadelphia yielded 2.7 million doses and two firearms, according to Sunday. The 50 million figure for this year does not account for the early morning raid on the 3100 block of Weymouth Street on Friday, when FBI agents, Philadelphia police, and SWAT units arrested gang members accused of dealing fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and crack and operating what officials called one of the most prolific drug blocks in the city. Prosecutors have charged 33 people, including Jose Antonio Morales Nieves and Ramon Roman-Montanez, whom they described as two of the groups leaders. Patels first major appearance in Philadelphia that afternoon came as the Trump administration continues its push to combat suspected drug traffickers. The morning of the Philadelphia raid, FBI agents conducted similar operations against suspected drug traffickers in cities like Milwaukee and Pittsburgh, according to the bureau. Meanwhile, the military has continued its controversial bombing of boats it says were carrying drugs in the Caribbean and Pacific seas. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Monday that a recent series of strikes carried out by U.S. troops had killed 14 people who the administration believes were ferrying drugs to the nations border. The strikes have drawn international condemnation and killed 57 people since September, raising questions among both Democrats and Republicans in Congress over the presidents authority to conduct such operations without their approval. The University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Education has won a grant from Google's philanthropic organization to offer comprehensive AI in schools training to five districts in Pa., NJ and Delaware. Read more The University of Pennsylvanias Graduate School of Education has won $1 million to train teachers and administrators in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware on how to best integrate artificial intelligence into their schools. The new grant, awarded by Googles philanthropic arm, follows a groundbreaking program that Penn GSE is now piloting with the Philadelphia School District. Five school districts will be chosen for free access to the Pioneering AI in School Systems program, beginning in December. Advertisement The news comes as school districts across the U.S. wrestle with how to deal with generative AI. Some districts have outright banned it, but Penns approach is to teach educators about the potential benefits and drawbacks of the technology, then let them come up with new ideas. READ MORE: Philly schools could be on the forefront of using AI. Heres what that means. By equipping educators with the tools, knowledge, and ethical frameworks they need, we are helping to shape a future where AI enhances learning and promotes equity in every classroom, L. Michael Golden, vice dean of innovative programs and partnerships at Penn GSE, said in a statement. Penn has made plain its aim to break new ground on AI in schools. Its program offers three levels of education around AI for district leaders, school leaders, and educators. Possible AI uses for teachers include rubrics for evaluating student work, drafting parent emails, or performing other day-to-day tasks. Joe Sisti, a former Cherry Hill student, is accusing the school district of failing to protect him from a sixth-grade teacher who allegedly sexually abused him decades ago. He's now one of 17 former students who has sued the district, alleging abuse by former teacher Otto Becken. Read more Ten former Cherry Hill students have filed lawsuits alleging that they were sexually assaulted by a predatory teacher decades ago and that the South Jersey school system failed to protect them, joining seven others who have filed similar civil litigation this year. The 10 new complaints, filed Wednesday in Superior Court in Camden County, allege the nine men and a woman were sexually abused by Otto Becken when he was their teacher at James F. Cooper Elementary between 1974 and 1984. The alleged abuse occurred when the students were about 11 or 12, according to court documents. Becken, who died in 2011, was a homeroom teacher and reading specialist. Advertisement Becken was charged in 1984 with sexually assaulting two 12-year-old boys. Under a settlement with the district, he resigned later that year and agreed to surrender his teaching certificate and seek psychiatric treatment. The lawsuits allege that district employees, including then-principal Lloyd Sandt, knew or should have known about the abuse but did nothing to stop it. The district failed to make mandatory reports of suspected abuse to the states child welfare agency, according to the complaints. These brave survivors have come forward to hold accountable those who turned a blind eye while children were being harmed, said Jeffrey P. Fritz, an attorney who represents all 17 alleged victims. The pattern of abuse and deliberate inaction by those in power reveals a disturbing culture of silence that must be addressed. READ MORE: Cherry Hill School District faces lawsuits alleging sexual abuse by a former sixth-grade teacher Fritz and his cocounsel, Derek T. Braslow, said they expect that additional victims may still come forward. Well never know. There will always be a population that will never come forward, Fritz said in an interview. Cherry Hill school officials did not respond to requests for comment. In court filings, the district has denied the allegations, which include negligent hiring, retention, and supervision. The lawsuits each allege the students were fondled during private remedial reading sessions. Becken had male students sit on his lap in the classroom and touched them inappropriately, the complaints allege. Other teachers knew about the alleged abuse, with one teacher warning a student to be careful around Becken, the lawsuits say. The sexual misconduct typically was often done under the guise of wrestling or roughhousing, the lawsuits say. Some alleged assaults occurred during a weeklong overnight class trip to Mount Misery, a campground in the Pine Barrens, the lawsuit said The complaints were filed under the 2019 New Jersey Child Victims Act, which extended the statute of limitations to allow child sex abuse victims to sue their abusers and the institutions that protected them. READ MORE: Winslow Township school district settles sexual abuse lawsuit against a teacher for $6 million The law carved out an exception to the statute of limitations, making it easier for child sexual abuse victims to seek justice in civil court. Experts say it is common for victims of sexual abuse to not disclose the trauma they experienced until an older age, often between 40 and 55, according to the Philadelphia-based advocacy group Child USA. It is estimated that one in four girls and one in six boys in New Jersey experience some form of sexual abuse before age 18. But most of the abuse goes unreported, according to the state. READ MORE: Hear what Salema Hicks Robinson has to say about the civil sex abuse lawsuit she filed, what shes lost and how shes triumphed The more information they have about what happened, the better. I hope that it prevents other young children from going through this again, said Joe Sisti, 57, of Marlton, one of the newest plaintiffs. Sisti is one of a few alleged victims who used their names in their lawsuits; others are listed as John Doe or Jane Doe in court filings. He said he wanted to share his story to encourage other sex abuse victims to consider coming forward. Joe Sisti: I just hope that this doesnt happen again to anyone Sisti began having nightmares when he read an April Inquirer article about lawsuits filed by his former classmates alleging abuse by Becken. I was surprised by the number of students, he said. Sisti said he was about 11 or 12 when the alleged abuse began. The incidents occurred at least once a week, with Becken touching his genitals, he said. In my way of thinking, he was a monster, Sisti said. At the time I was just scared of everything. Sisti said one day Becken asked him to stay after school. He ran crying to the principals office, afraid to be alone with his teacher, he said. That was a horrific day, he recalled. I dont know what he would have done to me. Married and the father of three, Sisti said he suppressed what happened until now. He wants his story told and he wants punitive action against the school board. I am not afraid of anyone knowing my name. I have nothing to be ashamed of, he said. John Doe 23: I want the system to know how bad Like many of his classmates, John Doe 23 idolized Becken during the 1977-78 school year. They craved his attention and never wanted to disappoint him, he said. He was the popular teacher, he said in an interview. During lunchtime, John Doe 23 said, Becken kept him behind while his classmates were outside on the playground. The teacher fondled him while he sat on his lap, he said. He alleged that the abuse occurred at least two dozen times. During a camping trip, Becken curled in his bed and fondled him, he said. The retired FBI agent, 59, said he decided to come forward after recent news accounts. He wants to promote better awareness to protect all children against pedophiles. Boys dont talk. They keep it inside, he said. I want the system to know how bad and how long this lasts. Jane Doe 20: I probably will never ever be healed Desperate to avoid contact with Becken during a class trip to Mount Misery, Jane Doe 20 said, she slammed her head against a cavern wall. I was scared to death. There was no way I was staying there, she said in an interview. She was 12. She sustained a concussion, and after getting five stitches, she was sent home to her parents and never returned to camp. When she went to Becken for extra reading help, she alleges, Becken fondled her breasts and ejaculated while she was sitting next to him in the classroom. She said she reported the incidents at least three times to Sandt, the principal, who she said told her, Ill take care of it. He knew what was going on. He just ignored, she said. For years, she didnt remember much about the incidents, until recent social media posts brought back memories. She said she suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder. She said a turning point came when she contacted Fritz, her lawyer, and felt that somebody was out there who will believe me. I felt a sense of relief. I knew there had to be others, said the 59-year-old mother of four. You blame yourself for a lot you shouldnt. Radio DJ Pierre Robert poses for a portrait while hosting his show on WMMR at his studio in Bala Cynwyd in 2024. Read more Longtime WMMR-FM host Pierre Robert, 70, was found dead in his Gladwyne home Wednesday. Beasley Media Group, the stations parent company, announced Mr. Roberts death in a statement, calling him a true radio icon. The cause of Mr. Roberts death is not yet known, though no foul play was suspected, CEO Caroline Beasley said. Advertisement We all have heavy hearts today, Beasley said. Pierres unwavering love for music and his deep connection with listeners made him one of radios most enduring and beloved voices. He will be greatly missed. Station-mates Preston Elliot and Steve Morrison, of Preston & Steve fame, remembered Mr. Robert as an optimistic, comforting voice who lived WMMRs Everything That Rocks! slogan. The pair planned to pay tribute to Mr. Robert on the air Thursday starting at 6 a.m. Pierres voice has been woven into the fabric of Philadelphia for more than 40 years, the duo said in a statement. WMMR was his pulpit, and he preached the gospel of rock n roll, and gave us all common ground to dance on. A native of Northern California, Mr. Robert joined WMMR as an on-air host in 1981. He arrived in the city after his previous station, San Franciscos KSAN, switched to an urban cowboy format, prompting him to make the cross-country drive to Philadelphia in a Volkswagen van. I came because of a relationship, he told The Inquirer last year. I was in love. The love part didnt work out, but the job part did. As a newly minted Philadelphian, Mr. Robert began working at a local health-food store as he interviewed for radio jobs around town, but found little luck initially. One day, while dining at Astral Plane, a long-closed restaurant formerly on Lombard Street, he introduced himself to WMMR program director Joe Bonnadonna and announcer Charlie Kendall, and despite getting on well with the pair, he learned there were no openings at the station. But weeks later, he received a letter from Bonnadonna and interviewed for a job at the station during a concert by Philly rock band the Hooters at the Chestnut Cabaret. He soon started working in the stations music library and office making $3.50 an hour, and later began appearing on the air. He went on to become a prominent supporter of the Hooters, supporting the group over hundreds of shows in the decades since he first saw them. He last attended a Hooters show over the weekend, when the group played two nights at the Keswick Theatre in Glenside. My wife, Dallyn, and I, were like brother and sister with him, Hooters drummer David Uosikkinen said. Its a tough one. He was a beautiful soul. I never met anyone like him. At the station, Mr. Robert initially hosted on the weekends, but quickly moved to WMMRs midday slot a position he held for more than four decades up until his death. As a California transplant, Mr. Robert brought with him to Philadelphia a kind of West Coast sweetness that was so apparent, said Adam Weiner, of Philly rock band Low Cut Connie. That element made him distinctive among Philadelphia radio personalities and allowed Mr. Robert to emerge as a leader amid a then-crowded slate of voices on the citys airwaves. He was just a truly kind, sweet human being and loving person, and that came through, Weiner said. Being a transplant you know, when people convert, sometimes they become more into something than people that are native. He loved Philly, and he became an ambassador for the city. During his time at WMMR, Mr. Robert became one of the most beloved and trusted voices in local radio and one of the citys most recognizable residents. His shoulder-length hair and partially gray beard, especially when coupled with his trademark salutation of Greetings, citizens!, were well-known to generations of residents. He was inducted into the Philadelphia Music Walk of Fame in 2019. Over the years, Mr. Roberts hosting birthed a number of beloved features, including noontime Workforce Blocks and Pierres Vinyl Cut, as well as history lessons in the form of his On This Day segment. His run was also charitable, with Mr. Robert regularly hosting the AIDS Walk Philly and supporting MANNAs Pie in the Sky fundraiser on the air. Pierre had a unique way of making everyone feel like he was talking directly to them, said Ike Richman, a veteran Philadelphia music publicist who worked closely with Mr. Robert for more than 39 years. He also knew how to talk up any artist and any show, and no one covered a show like Pierre. He took the listener with him into the room. Mr. Robert was a fan of the Grateful Dead, and when the band played its 50th show at the Spectrum in South Philadelphia in 1994, Jerry Garcia and the other band members would agree to participate in a banner-raising and preshow tribute only if Mr. Robert was the emcee. Last year, Mr. Robert agreed to a contract that would have extended his time in the midday slot at WMMR for at least four more years. At the time, he told The Inquirer that he was not finished. Sometimes Ill work with my producer Pancake recording specialty shows that go for six or seven hours. He asks, Are we done? And I say, No, its not quite done, Mr. Robert told The Inquirer in 2024. Thats sort of how I feel about being on the radio. My mission is not complete yet. Skewers of tanghulu dry on parchment paper inside Chums in Ardmore. The traditional Chinese street snack went viral on TikTok in 2024. Read more Last years TikTok For You page has come to life inside a new Ardmore dessert shop that serves bowls of pastel-colored dry yogurt a thoroughly strained, ultra-thick version of the original and tanghulu, skewers of sugar-dipped fruit that are a popular Chinese street snack. Gen-Z entrepreneur Grace Yang opened Chums at 45 E. Lancaster Ave. in August as a way to revive the whimsy from her childhood split between Shanghai and the Main Line, where street vendors selling candied fruit skewers and American frozen yogurt shops provided little bursts of joy, respectively. Advertisement Luckily for Yang, both items are having their moment on social media. Chums offerings span crepes, compulsively slurpable yogurt drinks and smoothies, and a build-your-own-bowl bar where customers can top swirls of froyo or sherbet with toppings like gummy bears, fruit, and chocolate sauce drizzles. But the menus true centerpieces are tanghulu and the signature mounds of colorful strained yogurt. Yang said videos of tanghulu starting taking off on TikTok and RedNote early last year. Users gained thousands of views by posting videos of themselves crunching on the candied fruit, or narrowly avoiding burns as they tried and failed to recreate the deceptively simple snack at home. Then, in summer 2024, videos of people straining the excess whey and moisture from store-bought yogurt through cheesecloth for days at a time started to go viral. The resulting concoctions were dubbed dry yogurt: A labneh-like substance often molded into balls and topped with fancifully arranged fruit and granola. Its easy to make dry yogurt very pretty, said Yang, 24, who spent her high school years in Bryn Mawr. We want to make everything visually iconic, very Instagrammable. Making tanghulu Inside Chums, Yang and her staff boil sugar and water in a wok before spooling it onto skewers of grapes and strawberries that are placed on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool. The secret, Yang said, is to wait until the sugar syrup browns and just begins to bubble to coat the skewers. A single skewer costs $5 and a set of two is $9. Yang has vivid memories of tanghulu skewers hanging off the sides of street vendor carts in Shanghai during winters, where they are sold as a Lunar New Year treat. Traditional tanghulu involves candying hawthorn berries, but Chums uses strawberries, grapes, and orange slices. The skewers are among the stores bestsellers, according to Yang. Young kids come in and say, I know this one from TikTok, she said. When the Inquirer visited Chums in late October, Sage Haltiwanger had driven from Brewerytown to Ardmore just to try Chums tanghulu. The snack is hard to find in Philly, they said, and hovers just above their skill set as a home cook. This is perfect, Haltiwanger, 25, said after biting into a candied grape. The crunch is the best part ... Its really hard to make at home, especially with [the] caramelization because you can burn the sugar really quickly. Yogurt as an art Yang said the majority of Chums customers are students from the surrounding colleges the same generation that came of age during the frozen yogurt shop boom of the 2010s. Gen-Z is driving a mild, nostalgia-powered froyo resurgence that has yet to fully hit Philly. People miss it, Yang said. While Chums frozen yogurt doesnt look all that different from that of a locally owned Pinkberry competitor, their cold-strained yogurt stands out. By straining the excess liquid and whey, the resulting yogurt has more protein and a lower lactose content than traditional yogurt. The straining process can take up to two days, Yang said, with 100 pounds of milk yielding just 5 pounds of yogurt. Chums uses a hydraulic press to make the straining go quicker. The store goes through roughly 100 pounds of yogurt and 2,000 pounds of milk per week. The result is an ultra-thick consistency that reminds Yang of a Dairy Queen blizzard. You can turn [a bowl] upside down and the yogurt wont fall, she said. Yang graduated from Radnor High School in 2019 before heading to Lafayette College, where she graduated in 2024 with a degree in art and design experience she draws on to punch up Chums yogurt bowls. Each bowl is meticulously topped with even rings of fruit and granola, each blueberry or shred of coconut spaced just so. Apple slices are arranged like flower petals atop white peach yogurt for the Golden Orchard bowl. The Midnight Dream the stores most popular bowl includes blueberry yogurt topped with blackberries, chocolate granola, and coconut. From a distance, the arrangement looks like rings of a planet. Its all about balance and symmetry, Yang said. She also designed the stores mascot, Chummy, a cherubic white cat and dopamine addict who wears pink bandannas. An oversized Chummy sits with outstretched paws outside the storefront. Inside, Yang swapped traditional chairs for stools 3D-printed in the shape of paw-prints. Her hand-painted prints of Chummy dancing and lounging hang on the walls. The stores name comes from the word chum, as in close friend. It was the only word that encapsulated the vibe of her dream yogurt shop, Yang said. I want this to be a place friends can hang out, she said. A place that feels really warm and fun. Chums, 45 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore; 267-889-7664, chumsardmore.com SARASOTA, Fla. Florida plans to end nearly a half-century of required childhood immunizations against diseases that have killed and maimed millions of children. Many critics of the decision, including doctors, are afraid to speak up against it. Advertisement With the support of Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo on Sept. 3 announced his plan to end all school-age vaccination mandates in the state. Every last one of them is wrong and drips with disdain and slavery, he told a cheering crowd of vaccination foes in Tallahassee. Who am I, as a government or anyone else, he said, to tell you what you should put in your body? History shows that mandates increase the use of vaccines. Lower vaccination rates will mean increased rates of diseases like measles, hepatitis, meningitis, and pneumonia and even the return of diphtheria and polio. Many of these diseases threaten not just the unvaccinated but also those they come in contact with, including babies and older people with weakened immunity. But that scientific fact is being left unsaid in Florida. Health officials have largely been silent in the face of Ladapos campaign and not because they agree with him. The University of Florida muzzled infectious disease experts, said emeritus professor Doug Barrett, formerly the universitys chief of pediatrics and senior vice president for health affairs. Theyre told not to speak to anyone without permission from supervisors, he said. University spokespeople didnt respond to requests for comment. County-level Department of Health officials across the state got the same message, said John Sinnott, a retired professor at the University of South Florida who is friends with one of the county health leaders. Sarasota Countys health department referred a reporter to state officials in Tallahassee, who responded with a statement that vaccines will remain available to families who want them. The state did not respond to other requests for comment or for an interview with Ladapo. Many pediatricians are silent, too, at least in public. A lot of them dont take a strong stance on whether kids need to be vaccinated, said Neil Manimala, a urologist and the president-elect of the Hillsborough County Medical Association. They dont want to lose business. And there are enough anti-vax people who can lambaste you on Google, spreading stories about clinicians who want to instill the poison jabs. History of modern vaccine mandates Several states ended vaccination mandates early last century when smallpox was the only widely given vaccine, said historian Robert Johnston of the University of Illinois-Chicago. None has done so since other vaccines were added to the schedule. (Routine smallpox vaccination ended in 1972). In the 1970s, persistent measles outbreaks provoked officials to strengthen child protection with enforced school mandates in every state. Today the partisan split on vaccine policy in the wake of the COVID outbreak has changed the equation. This is nowhere more the case than in Florida, although legislators in Texas and Louisiana are also considering ending mandatory vaccination, and Idaho enables parents to get an exemption just by asking for it. This is really going to be a watershed moment for families who already were not sure they want to do vaccines and now are being told they dont need them, said Jennifer Takagishi, vice president of the Florida branch of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Its hard to know how fast vaccine-preventable diseases might return if Florida ends its mandates or how the public will respond. Asked in an interview whether his office had modeled disease outcomes before his September announcement, Ladapo said Absolutely not. Parental freedom of choice isnt a scientific matter, he said. Its an issue of right and wrong. Ladapos Department of Health did not respond a month later when asked whether it was making contingency plans for outbreaks. During a 2024 measles outbreak in Broward County, Ladapo sent parents a letter granting them permission to send unvaccinated children to school, defying the science-supported advice from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 1977, a measles epidemic that killed two children in Los Angeles County spurred a dramatic crackdown on vaccine-shunning across the country. But during an epidemic this year that killed two Texas children and 14 people in Mexico, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas signed a bill making it easier for parents to opt out of getting required shots. When are we going to have enough of a groundswell of people dying or becoming severely ill that leads people to push back and say, No, no, we want the vaccines? Takagishi said. I dont know if we know the tipping point yet. I dont have the answer, said Emory University emeritus professor Walter Orenstein, who worked on measles for many of his 26 years at the CDC and led the agencys immunization program from 1988 to 2004. Measles resurgences created the political will to support our overall immunization program. For some reason it hasnt worked this time. Its just sad. Youngsters in Florida are already among the least vaccinated in the nation, because of relatively lax enforcement, the post-COVID backlash against shots, and the libertarian attitude of state officials. Statewide, only about 89% of kindergartners are fully vaccinated, with Sarasota County having the lowest rate, at about 80%. To be safe from the spread of measles, a community must be 95% immunized. With Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. cutting vaccine research, filling the health agency with anti-vaccine activists, and spreading doubt about vaccinations safety and value, little stands in the way of decisions by Florida officials that are likely to cause rates to sink further. Ladapos department is ending mandates for shots against hepatitis B, chickenpox, and the bacteria causing meningitis and pneumonia. Early next year, the Florida Legislature is expected to take up reversal of a 1977 law requiring kids at school and daycare to be vaccinated against seven other diseases that can kill children: whooping cough, measles, polio, rubella, mumps, diphtheria, and tetanus. After measles, which disease returns next? In the face of these attacks, scientists are attempting to predict which diseases are likely to make a resurgence and when. A study published in April by Stanford epidemiologist Mathew Kiang and colleagues estimated that even at current vaccination levels, measles, declared eliminated from the United States in 2000, is likely to become a routine illness again. If measles vaccination rates drop by an additional 10%, there could be an average of about 450,000 cases yearly, with hundreds of deaths and cases of brain damage. But the study may exaggerate the threat, said Shaun Truelove, an epidemic disease modeler at Johns Hopkins University who said hes worried about losing public trust with alarmist predictions. Still, he said, an intensification of measles outbreaks seems certain. The country is already in the midst of its worst measles year in three decades, with more than 1,500 cases and current outbreaks in South Carolina and Minnesota. You dont really need to model measles if vaccines stop, Truelove said. In the pockets where there are outbreaks, every kid who isnt vaccinated will get infected. Measles is the canary in the coal mine for other vaccine-preventable diseases, said Sal Anzalone, a pediatrician with Healthcare Network in Naples, Fla. When you start seeing measles, theres more to come behind that. People who want vaccinations will still be able to get them if mandates are eliminated, Ladapo has said. But the states message confuses parents, especially the poor and underserved, Anzalone said. Its typically hard for them to get children to appointments unless they have to, he said, noting that 80% of his patients are insured through Medicaid. If policies put more of the payment burden on parents, fewer will vaccinate, he said. And if vaccinations fall and infections increase, children wont be the only people affected. Cancer patients and people in Floridas numerous elderly communities would be at risk. Schools and businesses would be disrupted. Disease could disrupt the tourism industry, which brought 143 million people to the state last year. (The Florida Chamber of Commerce did not respond to requests for comment.) Infectious diseases dont stop with the people who say they are willing to bear the risk, said Meagan Fitzpatrick, a University of Maryland vaccinologist. Because of their unpredictable spread, she said, with an infectious disease, vaccination is never an individual choice. Clinicians fear that an end to mandates could allow hepatitis B, a chronic liver disease, to return with force, since an estimated 2 million Americans carry the virus. They also foresee a return to the days when infants with high fever had to undergo a painful and risky lumbar puncture and blood draw to rule out meningitis, as well as a blood infection caused by the bacteria Haemophilus influenzae type B that routine vaccination has prevented since the 1990s. Barbara Loe Fisher, who co-founded the modern movement against vaccine mandates in the early 1980s after her son suffered a reaction to the pertussis vaccine then in use (and since replaced with a safer shot), is skeptical that Floridians will abandon vaccination en masse, despite the end to mandates. Fisher, president of the National Vaccine Information Center, moved from Virginia to southwestern Florida in 2020. She said she believes that vaccine injuries are undercounted and that children are vaccinated without informed consent. She acknowledged that mandates have increased coverage but said their removal will increase trust in public health and medicine. It is time to allow biological products like vaccines to be subject to the law of supply and demand, she said, just like any other product sold in the marketplace. Sinnott, for his part, anticipates measles will come roaring back, along with intensified whooping cough, influenza, and COVID outbreaks. They think nothing will happen. Maybe theyre right, said Sinnott, the retired professor. Its an experiment. Polio could return, and that is not an abstraction for Sinnott, 77. He was 7 years old when he contracted the disease, spending six months in a wheelchair. In recent years hes suffered from post-polio syndrome difficulty swallowing, and tightness and pain in his limbs. The first polio vaccine was licensed in 1955, the year he got sick. I remember one time my mother telling me, The line was too long, he said. Sinnott forgives his parents, and parents today who waver on vaccination. Hes less tolerant of certain public health leaders. They should know better, he said. KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF the independent source for health policy research, polling, and journalism. Moments can make a difference in saving a childs life when they stop breathing. New guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, known as CPR, are intended to make the life-saving technique even more effective. Updated guidelines published earlier this month by the American Heart Association and the Philadelphia-based American Academy of Pediatrics emphasize responding quickly to pediatric cardiac emergencies and beginning chest compressions as soon as possible. The new guidelines also update recommendations for how to help children who are struggling to breathe because of something obstructing their airway. Advertisement The institutions review and update emergency response protocol every five years to incorporate the latest research on lifesaving techniques, said Alexis Topjian, a critical care doctor at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia who co-chaired the groups new pediatric advanced life support guidelines. Topjian encouraged families to learn the new guidelines and get trained in CPR, if possible. People are oftentimes afraid in these situations, but they have the ability to save a life, Topjian said. READ MORE: CHOP and the Philadelphia Fire Department are partnering for pediatric EMS training Whats new for CPR among children? The basics of CPR for children remain the same: The goal is to try to maintain the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain and vital organs to improve their chances of surviving cardiac arrest until they get to a hospital. Previously, CPR for infants was done by pressing down on the infants chest with the index and middle fingers of one hand, but this approach can be awkward and its difficult to maintain even pressure over an extended period of time. The new guidelines recommend wrapping both hands around the infants sides and using both thumbs to compress the chest. If wrapping hands around the chest isnt possible, new guidelines call for using the heel of one hand. If you notice a child is unresponsive, call 911, then start CPR and ask someone to find an AED, or automated external defibrillator. These portable devices, common in schools, restaurants, and businesses, have sensors that can analyze a persons heart rhythm and deliver an electric shock to reset the heart. Preparing for emergencies CPR training is mandatory for many different types of workers in childcare, medicine, and education, but anyone can take the training. Basic 3- to 5-hour courses are available online or in person. Completing the training can help parents and caregivers feel more prepared for an emergency, Topjian said. (Find a course online through the American Red Cross website.) Theres no minimum age for CPR training, but the Red Cross recommends participants be at least 12 years old. Even with training, some people may be hesitant to perform CPR in an emergency out of fear of causing more harm. Topjian says to not worry about that. If you have a person in front of you who is unconscious and not breathing regularly, theres a very, very high likelihood that they are either dead or dying, she said. Without you, they may actually not have a chance. A picture of downtown business district along Avenue of the States in Chester, which is nearing its third anniversary in bankuptcy. Read more As it approaches its third anniversary, the City of Chesters historic and contentious bankruptcy also may be approaching a watershed. In a filing Tuesday afternoon, the state-appointed bankruptcy receiver asked Commonwealth Court to rule on an issue pivotal to the citys ability to sell water assets that are keys to Chesters emergence from bankruptcy. Advertisement Receiver Vijay Kapoor argued that a narrowly tailored state law passed in 2012 that wrested control of the Chester Water Authority from city government was unconstitutional. If the judge finds in the receivers favor, It would likely resolve a lot of the legal questions, Kapoor said. The water authority, which serves 46 towns in Chester and Delaware Counties and reported $51.7 million in revenues last year, is the centerpiece of the receivers plans of creating a regional water authority. Aqua Pennsylvania offered over $400 million for the authority four years ago. The citys annual budget is around $65 million. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that, conservatively, U.S. residents collectively spend $100 billion a year on water. The receivers office has insisted that an owner operate the water assets as a public entity, not beholden to stockholders. Kapoor said that the state law transferring control of the authority was amended at the last minute and passed without debate. Frank Catania, the water authoritys attorney, countered that the receivers office is attempting a hijacking and that the receiver and city officials are asking customers, 80% of whom are outside Chester, for a bailout. Its not like theyre losing something they had, he said. They never had it Kapoor also asked the judge to force the authority to turn over financial documents to explain its 14% rate increase earlier this month, adding about $70 to the average annual residential bill. He said the authority had undertaken a costly ad campaign, presumably at ratepayers expense, that he said appeared to include racial overtones. The authority blamed the rate hikes on bankruptcy-related legal fees and lowered credit ratings. Were a water utility, Catania said, and were also fighting a war. The law the receiver is challenging In his filing, technically a bankruptcy plan modification, Kapoor said the 2012 legislation was crafted specifically to refer to the Chester Water Authority and was afoul of state law. Rather than the five-member board appointed by the city council, it resulted in the creation of a nine-member board with only two representatives from the city and others appointed by Chester and Delaware County commissioners. The law applied only to an authority that serves parts of at least two counties and services an area five times larger than the incorporating municipality." The authority also had to have projects in more than two counties. Part of the Octoraro Reservoir, from which the authority draws water, is in Lancaster County. When will the bankruptcy end? It was uncertain when the judge might rule, or when the bankruptcy which as of the end of 2024 had cost the state $11.5 million in legal fees might end. The city, which is 80% Black, has been in the states distressed status since 1995 and entered receivership in 2020. Kapoors predecessor, Michael Doweary, took it into bankruptcy in November 2022. Chester had accumulated a $48 million pension deficit and missed several years of payments. Kapoor has said that sale of the water assets would be critical to avoiding dramatic cuts in retirement benefits. Chesters tax base has declined precipitously in the decades since the citys wartime industrial heydays, and a casino and an incinerator are key contributors to its annual budget. Other cities have suffered similar economic trauma, but Chester is a rarity. Of the more than 35,000 towns in the country, only about 30 have filed for bankruptcy. SANTIAGO DE CUBA, Cuba Hurricane Melissa left at least dozens dead amid widespread destruction across Cuba, Haiti, and Jamaica, where roofless homes, toppled utility poles and water-logged furniture dominated the landscape Wednesday. A landslide blocked the main roads of Santa Cruz in Jamaicas St. Elizabeth parish, where the streets were reduced to mud pits. Residents swept water from homes as they tried to salvage belongings. Wind ripped off part of the roof at a high school that serves as a public shelter. Advertisement I never see anything like this before in all my years living here, resident Jennifer Small said. READ MORE: Category 5 Hurricane Melissa brings flooding and catastrophic winds to Jamaica The extent of the damage from the deadly hurricane was unclear Wednesday as widespread power outages and dangerous conditions persisted in the region. It is too early for us to say definitively, said Dana Morris Dixon, Jamaicas education minister. Melissa made landfall Tuesday in Jamaica as a Category 5 hurricane with top winds of 185 mph, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record, before weakening and moving on to Cuba, but even countries outside the direct path of the massive storm felt its devastating effects. READ MORE: A storm looms in whats going to be another rough week for Jersey beaches At least 25 people have died across Haiti and 18 are missing, Haitis Civil Protection Agency said in a statement Wednesday. Twenty of those reported dead and 10 of the missing are from a southern coastal town where flooding collapsed dozens of homes. At least eight are dead in Jamaica. In Cuba, officials reported collapsed houses, blocked mountain roads, and roofs blown off buildings Wednesday, with the heaviest destruction concentrated in the southwest and northwest. Authorities said about 735,000 people remained in shelters. That was hell. All night long, it was terrible, said Reinaldo Charon in Santiago de Cuba. The 52-year-old was one of the few people venturing out Wednesday, covered by a plastic sheet in the intermittent rain. Forecasters expected Melissa, now a Category 1 hurricane, to bring dangerous winds, flooding, and storm surge to the Bahamas on Wednesday night. Jamaica rushes to assess the damage In Jamaica, more than 25,000 people were packed into shelters Wednesday after the storm ripped roofs off their homes and left them temporarily homeless. Dixon said 77% of the island was without power. The outages complicated assessing the damage because of a total communication blackout in areas, Richard Thompson, acting director general of Jamaicas Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, told the Nationwide News Network radio station. Recovery will take time, but the government is fully mobilized, Prime Minister Andrew Holness said in a statement. Relief supplies are being prepared, and we are doing everything possible to restore normalcy quickly. Officials in Black River, Jamaica, a southwestern coastal town of approximately 5,000 people, pleaded for aid at a news conference Wednesday. Catastrophic is a mild term based on what we are observing, Mayor Richard Solomon said. Solomon said the local rescue infrastructure had been demolished by the storm. The hospital, police units and emergency services were inundated by floods and unable to conduct emergency operations. Jamaican Transportation Minister Daryl Vaz said two of the islands airports would reopen Wednesday to relief flights only, with U.N. agencies and dozens of nonprofits on standby to distribute basic goods. The devastation is enormous, he said. We need all hands on deck to recover stronger and to help those in need at this time. The United States is sending rescue and response teams to assist in recovery efforts in the Caribbean, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on X. St. Elizabeth Police Superintendent Coleridge Minto told Nationwide News Network on Wednesday that authorities have found at least four bodies in southwest Jamaica. One death was reported in the west when a tree fell on a baby, state minister Abka Fitz-Henley told Nationwide News Network. Before landfall, Melissa had already been blamed for three deaths in Jamaica, three in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic. Melissa devastates Haitian town Hurricane Melissa damaged more than 160 homes and destroyed 80 others in the town of Petit-Goave, where 10 of the 20 people killed there were children, Haitis Civil Protection Agency said Wednesday. Lawyer Charly Saint-Vil, 30, said he saw bodies lying among the debris after the storm as he walked the streets of the small coastal town where he grew up. People screamed as they searched for their missing children, he said. People have lost everything, Saint-Vil said. Although the immediate threat of the storm has passed, Saint-Vil said Petit-Goaves residents were living in fear about access to medicine, water, and food in the coming days given the political instability in Haiti. We dont know what will happen tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, he said. For now, neighbors are helping one another source necessities and find places to sleep. Saint-Vil is hosting a number of friends who lost their homes in his small apartment. What I can do, I will do it, but its not easy because the situation is really complicated for everyone, he said. Cuba rides out the storm People in the eastern Cuban province of Santiago de Cuba began clearing debris around the collapsed walls of their homes Wednesday after Melissa made landfall in the region hours earlier. Life is what matters, Alexis Ramos, a 54-year-old fisherman, said as he surveyed his destroyed home and shielded himself from the intermittent rain with a yellow raincoat. Repairing this costs money, a lot of money. Local media showed images of the Juan Bruno Zayas Clinical Hospital with severe damage: glass scattered across the floor, waiting rooms in ruins and masonry walls crumpled on the ground. As soon as conditions allow, we will begin the recovery. We are ready, President Miguel Diaz-Canel wrote on X. The hurricane could worsen Cubas severe economic crisis, which already has led to prolonged power blackouts along with fuel and food shortages. Cubas National Institute of Hydraulic Resources reported accumulated rainfall of 15 inches in Charco Redondo and 14 inches in Las Villas Reservoir. Wednesday evening, Melissa had top sustained winds of 90 mph and was moving northeast at 16 mph, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami. The hurricane was centered about 80 miles southeast of the central Bahamas. Authorities in the Bahamas were evacuating dozens of people from the archipelagos southeast corner ahead of Melissas arrival. Melissas center was forecast to move through southeastern Bahamas later Wednesday, generating up to 7 feet of storm surge in the area. By late Thursday, Melissa is expected to pass just west of Bermuda. The Giant Wheel is photographed at Mariner's Pier in Wildwood, NJ on Friday, June 30, 2023. Morey's Piers is a popular attraction in Wildwood, New Jersey, consisting of three piers that offer amusement rides, games, and a water park. Read more One of Wildwoods iconic attractions is taking a road trip to Philadelphia this offseason after 40 years at the Jersey Shore. The Giant Wheel at Moreys Piers, a 156-foot LED-lit Ferris wheel, is being disassembled piece by piece for refurbishment. Its central hub will be transported to the Philadelphia Navy Yard for extra care over the winter, said Mike Granigan, director of construction. The $1.5 million renovation on one of the tallest Ferris wheels at the Jersey Shore is already underway. Advertisement Dont fret, Granigan said, the Giant Wheel will be repaired and returned to the Wildwood boardwalk in February or March, well before the start of the 2026 summer season. Many locals will not be surprised by the refresh; the Ferris wheel and the dozens of other attractions are repaired annually, including last years offseason, when the Giant Wheel was disassembled, repaired, and repainted. But this years job is a bigger deal than most repairs. However, locals like Michele Devine-Hartnett, who has lived in North Wildwood for more than 30 years, will miss her regular view of the Ferris wheel in the Wildwood skyline. It is a landmark that is always there, and when you see it, you know that you are home. Having the Ferris wheel lit is always a nice touch, especially for the holidays, Devine-Hartnett said. This years project will be the rides most in-depth inspection and repair job in nearly 25 years, Granigan said. By next week, the Ferris wheel will be fully disassembled and the central hub will be transported to industrial repair firm Chalmers & Kubeck at the Navy Yard in South Philadelphia, where it will be sandblasted and repainted, and much of its inner hardware will be replaced. Its much easier to disassemble and make repairs on the ground than to do maintenance 100 feet in the air, Granigan said. The hub will go to Philadelphia because Chalmers & Kubecks shop has the space required to house the 16,000-pound Ferris wheel centerpiece. Its easier to get the job done once and right, Granigan said. Designed by Dutch ride manufacturer Vekoma and installed in 1985, the Giant Wheel has been a mainstay of the Wildwood skyline. In 2012, its visibility was boosted with an LED system. The Giant Wheel is one of the Jersey Shores remaining large-scale Ferris wheels, as Ocean City lost Gillians Wonderland Pier and its Ferris wheel last year. Additionally, since the closing of the Splash Zone water park earlier this month, Moreys Piers are the last beachside water parks in Wildwood. The Philadelphia Department of Human Services and two child-welfare agencies failed to prevent the 2023 fatal asthma attack of an 11-year-old despite a series of warnings, a new federal lawsuit says. The city and the agencies should have intervened in Nayshaun Williams living situation with his grandmother in Wissinoming, but they repeatedly ignored signs the child was not receiving adequate medical treatment, the lawsuit says. Advertisement On the morning of Oct. 28, 2023, Nayshaun complained that he couldnt breathe, and his grandmother Patricia Clayton attempted to treat the asthma attack with a nebulizer, the complaint says. The treatment didnt work, and Nayshaun needed a rescue inhaler, which he didnt have because Clayton failed to maintain his medications, according to the lawsuit. Nayshaun was pronounced dead at a hospital that day. Clayton later pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment charges, court records show. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of Nayshauns siblings and other relatives on Monday in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, focuses on the role of the city, Turning Points for Children, and the Greater Philadelphia Community Alliance in supervising the childs safety. DHS opened and closed multiple investigations into Nayshauns living situation, the suit says, including a medical neglect investigation that was closed days before his death. Nayshauns death was not merely foreseeable, the suit says, it was predictable and preventable, resulting directly from defendants indifference to his safety and constitutional rights. A spokesperson for the citys Law Department and for David Fair, executive director of Turning Points, declined to comment. Greater Philadelphia Community Alliance did not respond to a request for comment. Philadelphia and agencies that contract with DHS to provide support to vulnerable kids, known as community umbrella agencies, were sued nearly 70 times between 2012 and 2024 after kids in their care were killed, sexually abused, or injured, an Inquirer/Resolve Philly investigation found. And at least 50 of these lawsuits led to settlements or verdicts of $1 million or more. Turning Points is one of two agencies that declined to extend their contract with the city last year, citing litigation insurance costs. READ MORE: Toddlers death in the bathtub of a Philly foster home prompts lawsuit Many of the lawsuits involve cases in which authorities were seemingly too quick to remove a child from their home, placing them in a more-dangerous situation. Just last week, two other agencies were sued for their alleged role in the drowning death of a 20-month-old in a Harrowgate foster home. The lawsuit over Nayshauns death asks the inverse question: Why was a child allowed to remain in a house that was dangerous, without safeguards? In February 2019, when Nayshaun was 6, DHS received reports that Claytons boyfriend, a registered sex offender, was living in the house and made grooming statements to the child, the lawsuit says. A DHS investigation found that Nayshaun demonstrated concerning sexualized behaviors for his age, the suit says, but closed the case after concluding that the boyfriend didnt live in the house. Nayshaun was referred to Turning Points for therapy, case management, and in-home monitoring. Clayton refused to take Nayshaun to therapy, or to sign paperwork for the child to receive services through the citys behavioral health Medicaid agency, the complaint says. Turning Points terminated services for Nayshaun within five months, according to the lawsuit. The organization sent a clear and deadly message to Clayton that medical and therapeutic neglect of this vulnerable child would be tolerated without accountability, the complaint says. For the next four years, the suit says, Clayton oversaw Nayshauns care without oversight despite chronic truancy, missed medical appointments, and reports from school officials on the childs untreated asthma. The city received complaints about conditions in the house, according to the lawsuit, but DHS would deem the allegations unfounded after brief investigations. The complaint says Greater Philadelphia Community Alliance was also contracted by the city to supervise Nayshaun for a period in 2023, and accuses it of failing to provide him with proper support. In the 2023-24 school year, Nayshaun missed 20 days in the first few weeks, the suit says. Sullivan Elementarys school nurse attempted to contact Clayton at least 13 times to flag concerns about his asthma, lack of a rescue inhaler, and repeated absences. Nayshaun suffered an asthma attack in school in early September, the suit says. When the nurse couldnt reach Clayton, she called 911 and made a report to DHS. The school nurse explicitly told DHS she believed Nayshaun was being neglected and that his life was at risk without his rescue inhaler, the lawsuit said. DHS scheduled Nayshaun for two medical appointments in mid-October, and arranged transportation. But Clayton refused to take him, the suit says. On Oct. 19, DHS closed the medical neglect investigation as unfounded, the complaint says. Nayshaun died nine days later. The lawsuit seeks monetary damages, but Riley Ross, the Mincey Fitzpatrick Ross attorney who filed the complaint, said he also wants answers. We want to find out why DHS and these community umbrella agencies failed on so many occasions to help and protect Nayshaun, Ross said. The letters "VF" on a locked gate outside an entrance to Valley Forge Military Academy and College, in Wayne. Read more Amid departures of both cadets and faculty, Valley Forge Military Academy will temporarily cease operating as a boarding school and pivot to virtual instruction between Thanksgiving and the New Year, raising questions about whether the school can finish the academic year before it is to close for good in 2026 on the historic Main Line campus. On Oct. 20, head of school Aaron Barkley told parents the virtual hiatus came at the request of parents, due to the volume of students who wanted to stay home between the holidays. The school plans to welcome back the academys roughly 80 cadets in January to complete the 2025-26 academic year in person. Advertisement Yet school leaders who have been criticized for their opaque communication and financial mismanagement in the lead-up to the academys closure did not state definitively that the school would resume operations in January. Our intent remains to complete the current school year, Jeff Jubelirer, a spokesperson for the VFMA Foundation, said in a statement Monday. We believe that doing so is in the best interest of our students and faculty. That said, it will take a collective effort from our staff, faculty, and parents to make that possible. The switch to online classes follows the recent departure of the schools lead tactical officer and other supervisors tasked with watching cadets overnight, according to parents familiar with the situation and emails shared with The Inquirer. Those roles are critical at a school that has been hit by allegations of hazing, assault, and sexual abuse. Parents said the school lost nearly all of its TAC officers, who provide training and discipline, within the last month. Faculty members have been asked to stay overnight to look after the cadets. I absolutely love these boys and being here but I can no longer sustain this workload, one TAC officer wrote to parents following his resignation, in an email shown to The Inquirer. I just hope I was able to provide guidance and mentorship to your son. READ MORE: How Valley Forge Military Academy fell apart nearly a century after its founding The nearly century-old school, known as The Forge, abruptly announced the closure of the academy in September after what officials described as unsustainable enrollment declines. The organization had earlier spun off the academy as a separate organization from the VFMA Foundation, which continues to operate a two-year college program on the same campus. The school had been accused of mismanagement amid a brewing financial crisis, including the construction of a $1.7 million residence for academy president Col. Stuart B. Helgeson in 2023. It has also paid costly legal settlements linked to the allegations of cadet abuse. Faced with an increasingly uncertain future, some parents opted to withdraw their children from the academy in recent weeks. The school declined to confirm how many cadets have withdrawn since last month or to say how many parents have requested refunds on tuition. A recent Inquirer report detailed how VFMA leadership knew as recently as July that the school could not financially survive another year. Yet by the time the news became public in September, many parents had already made down payments on the nearly $50,000 annual tuition. School leaders had for months been quietly discussing a plan with a local business consultant to shutter the beleaguered academy and convert it to a charter school, triggering further outcry from parent and alumni groups. Barkley, the head of school at the academy, told parents the forthcoming virtual hiatus would maintain academic continuity while giving our cadets a slightly more relaxed structure as we head into the winter break. In his statement, Jubelirer said VFMA anticipated some level of attrition this year following the September announcement. Providing a safe environment for the cadets, he said, remains a priority. If at any point we determine that we cannot do so adequately, he said, we will re-evaluate the situation. Community members turn out for a vigil in memory of Kada Scott at the former Ada H.H. Lewis Middle School, not far from where her body was found on Oct. 18. Abandoned school buildings symbolize the city's decay, Kristen Peeples writes. Read more On Saturday, Oct. 18, the body of Kada Scott, a missing 23-year-old Mount Airy woman, was found in a shallow grave outside the long-abandoned Ada H.H. Lewis Middle School in Germantown. For nearly two decades, that building has stood empty: a shell of what once was a center of safety, learning, and community. Now it stands as a haunting symbol of what happens when a city abandons its people. Advertisement As a teacher in this district and a mother raising my family in this neighborhood, I am sickened by how normal this has become: schools closed, windows boarded up, playgrounds overgrown, buildings collecting dust while the city pretends theres no money to care for them. This is not just a story about one building. This is a pattern of neglect that has stripped Black and working-class communities across Philadelphia of their public spaces, their stability, and their hope. When Ada Lewis closed in 2008, it became part of a wave of school shutdowns that hit Philadelphias Black and working-class neighborhoods hardest. Over the next several years, dozens more schools across the city were shuttered in the name of efficiency and reform. Fabric of community threatened The reality was disinvestment. Every closure was another thread pulled from the fabric of our community; another after-school program gone, another safe space for children lost, another place of pride left to rot. These buildings could be community centers. They could be affordable housing. They could be neighborhood hubs for families, the arts, and youth development. Instead, they sit empty year after year, falling apart in plain sight, while our leaders look away. This is not inevitable. Its a choice. When we fail to care for our public spaces, we fail to care for the communities that depend on them. Philadelphias abandoned schools tell us everything we need to know about our citys priorities. We find money for luxury developments, tax breaks for corporations, and new stadiums, but somehow never for the schools where our children learn or the neighborhoods where they live. We are told to be patient, to understand budget constraints, to accept the slow decay of our public institutions as if it were a natural disaster instead of a policy decision. Disinvestment is not just economic violence but moral violence. When a school is left to crumble, it sends a message: that the children who once filled those halls do not matter, that their futures are negotiable, that their safety is expendable. Neglect creates danger The tragedy outside Ada Lewis is a painful reminder of what happens when a city stops caring for its people. Neglect creates danger. Abandonment breeds despair. When we fail to care for our public spaces, we fail to care for the communities that depend on them. It is time for Philadelphia to face this truth. We need a bold, public commitment to reinvest in our neighborhoods. We need to invest in our schools, repurpose abandoned buildings, and return resources to the communities that have borne the brunt of austerity for far too long. We cannot keep walking past vacant schools as if they are relics of a past we cant fix. They are mirrors, reflecting the choices we continue to make. Kristen Peeples is a Germantown resident, a teacher in the Philadelphia School District, and a Teach Plus PA policy fellow focused on education initiatives. Marco Rubio is a man hobbled by the past. The secretary of states early career was built on the foundation of his familys experience of self-exile and displacement from Cuba in advance of Fidel Castros communist takeover of the island nation in 1959. He has long kept tabs on Latin America, particularly on the left-wing authoritarian regimes seated in Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua, through the eyes of that generational trauma. Advertisement To a lesser or greater extent, we all do this our personal or familial history with Japanese internment camps or Jim Crow laws or migrant farmwork feeds our perspective, and fuels our advocacy, activism, or public service. It is not this that hobbles Rubio, however. For that, you have to look at the antiquated political worldview of the authoritarian to whom Rubio has hitched his wagon in this, the second phase of his public service. The soon-to-be octogenarian leader of our nation is living in the past aesthetically, temperamentally, and politically. Nowhere is this more readily evident than in the Trump administrations approach to Latin America. The Trump administrations escalating rhetoric about Venezuela, and the deployment of warships to the Caribbean, hearkens back to the 19th and 20th centuries, when the United States directly and indirectly intervened in Latin American self-determination waging war to expand territorial and business interests, bolstering the regimes of friendly authoritarians, and undermining (and deposing) popularly elected leaders. READ MORE: Were executing people with impunity. Why are so many of us OK with this? | Luis F. Carrasco President Donald Trumps threats to take back the Panama Canal, his taxpayer support of Argentine pal Javier Milei, his attempted interference in the Brazilian judicial process, and his extrajudicial strikes on boats in international waters, reportedly to effect regime change in Venezuela, are all callbacks to a time when the U.S. declared itself the hemispheres police officer, overseer, and big brother. But while our president may be governing from his 19th and 20th-century imperial la-la land, the world is not the same place as it was back then. The 21st century has seen the rise of the Global South projected to significantly challenge the Global Norths domination of the global economy by 2030 and the establishment of south-south trade patterns, and other efforts to shift traditional power dynamics. In his pre-Trump days, Rubio understood that living in the past hobbles you and your nation for the future. Into this changed and changing world, the Trump administration has focused on America First policies that have, among other things, dismantled efforts by the U.S. Agency for International Development that have contributed to building goodwill in Latin America. Moreover, Trump has deployed punitive, economically coercive tariffs. In doing so, the administration has created a space for China where the U.S. once stood. According to the Economist, a poll it conducted in May found that a number of South American countries now view China as a more respectful superpower and the more reliable trading partner than the United States. Any efforts to persuade South Americans to push China back are hampered by the Trump administrations all-stick-no-carrot approach. Deportations, tariffs and threats dominate headlines, the Economist reported. Rubio himself warned about Chinas efforts to make inroads in Latin America in 2022, when he was part of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations: [Chinas] intentions in the region are not to be active because they want to make life better for people living in the Western Hemisphere. They care only about power and influence. They dont care about stability or economic development. Of course, our intentions havent always or even mostly been about making life better for people living in the Western Hemisphere, either (time to review that timeline of U.S. interventions if you think otherwise). But at least back in his pre-Trump days, Rubio understood that living in the past hobbles you and your nation for the future. READ MORE: Im feeling pena ajena for Marco Rubio. In other words, hes cringe. | Sabrina Vourvoulias As Ive written before, Ive never been much of a Rubio fan, but I can say that these days I feel a tiny bit sorry for him even as I find his actions as secretary of state morally repugnant (especially the ideologically instigated visa revocations and his elimination of lifesaving aid). We Latinos are 20% of the population of the U.S., but we have few representatives in the upper reaches of power. I cant think of another Latino politician who has filled as important a role within a recent U.S. administration and Rubios had to work twice as hard and take on twice the responsibilities of his Anglo peers in doing so. Im gonna bet that every Latino out there can sympathize with that. As a Gen Xer, I figure hes got at least another decade to solidify how his public service contributions will be remembered and perhaps it will be for that: hes a hard worker. But, Id like to hope for more for Rubio. Perhaps he could use the battle group currently in the Caribbean to spearhead assistance to the Jamaican people in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. Or maybe he can finally prod President Trump into actually enacting real sanctions on Russia to bring the war to an end without sacrificing Ukraine. Or perhaps hell find his spine, remember that he once truly believed in protecting human rights, and restore genuine reporting on its abuses. But maybe its all too much to hope for from a man willing to trade the future at the whim of an aging and raging commander in chief, who thinks hes living in 1898. Erica Deuso is likely to become Pennsylvania's first transgender mayor as she runs in Downingtown, a heavily Democratic community. Read more By most measures, Erica Deusos campaign for mayor of Downingtown is unremarkable. She spends Saturday mornings greeting residents at the farmers market and her weekend days knocking on doors in the Chester County borough. Most of the time, shes talking about traffic and community events. Advertisement Nevertheless, the effort is groundbreaking. If she is elected in the Democratic-leaning borough, Deuso would be the first openly transgender person elected mayor in Pennsylvania. She would do so as President Donald Trumps administration pursues policies that limit public life for transgender residents and as Democrats vocal support for the community wanes in the aftermath of the 2024 election. For most voters, though, those facts didnt even register. Deuso, who works in management at a pharmaceutical company, has lived in Downingtown for 18 years. She is a committeewoman in the local Democratic Party, and board member for Emerge Pennsylvania, which trains women and LGBTQ+ people to run for office. Her platform centers on traffic control, domestic violence, community engagement, and sustainable development. The Downingtown mayor has relatively limited power, overseeing the police department and acting as a tiebreaking vote on borough council. Deuso has promised not to sign an agreement between Downingtown police and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and said she wants to work on enhancing mental health services for officers while expanding their reach in the community to address concerns over traffic violations and e-bikes. As she knocked on doors on a Saturday morning in October, Deusos gender identity rarely came up in her interactions with voters. Im not running on being trans, thats not something I ever do or ever wanted to do. I wanted to make it about the neighbors, Deuso said. Its the other side making it about who I am, my identity. The historic nature of her campaign has likely driven attention and funds to the race. She has earned endorsements from several organizations that back LGBTQ+ and women candidates. And shes received donations from outside the state and outside Chester County, including a $3,000 donation from Greater Than PAC, which supports progressive women. But a scan of comments in community Facebook pages shows her identity has also driven more vitriol. There are people who refuse to use my correct name or pronouns, theyve deadnamed me, all those sorts of things. But its been 16 years since I transitioned; I dont really care, Deuso said. But shes mindful that LGBTQ+ youth are watching her. She engages in some of the posts, but not all of them. I want to handle it with grace. Those efforts are already influencing at least one local teen. Nicole Bastida-Moyer, a 39-year-old voter, told Deuso her candidacy had inspired her 14-year-old daughter to volunteer to help other students with their mental health. Both she and her daughter are pansexual. She deals with a lot of hate, Bastida-Moyer said through tears about her daughter. Having Ericas voice, it means a lot, Bastida-Moyer said. Impact on voters Deuso responds to comments on her Facebook page and other groups occasionally. She said she tends to do so only when she thinks a true conversation can come of it. Door-knocking in her neighborhood, Deuso encountered just one voter who appeared to be hostile to her because of her gender identity. When Deuso approached one house, a woman came to the door and glanced at the candidate and her fliers through the screen door without opening it. Im not voting for him, the woman said. For who? Deuso asked as the woman turned and walked away. Episodes like this are relatively rare, Deuso said People are generally much nicer in person than online, said Jenn Fenn, who managed U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahans 2024 reelection campaign in a district that includes Downingtown. Deusos opponent, Republican Rich Bryant, says he doesnt condone those who attack Deuso based on her identity. But Deuso has shared several screenshots on social media that appear to show Bryant insulting transgender women and making misogynistic remarks about cisgender women. At a canvass launch at the local farmers market, the townships current mayor, Democrat Phil Dague, referenced these posts while comparing Bryant to Trump. Bryant claimed 90% of these posts are AI-generated but refused to say which posts are real and which are fake. I dont like mud-slinging misinformation, Bryant said. I try to stay focused on whats good for Downingtown. He sought to present himself as better experienced than Deuso to be mayor, contending his career in cybersecurity has prepared him for the mayors primary duty of overseeing the local police department. Alice Sullivan, an 80-year-old neighbor and donor to Deuso, had noticed some of the nastiness on social media and said she was voting for Deuso because, unlike her opponent, she wasnt a bigot. She lamented the online attacks against Deuso as disappointing but unsurprising. The candidates gender identity shouldnt matter, insisted Sullivan, who has lived in Downingtown for decades. Other peoples lives, genders, whatever is not my business, she said. Josh Maxwell, a Democratic county commissioner and former Downingtown mayor who had joined Deuso to knock doors, asked if Sullivan thought others would disagree in the historically Catholic community. But the people who cared, Sullivan argued, are not going to vote Democrat anyway. There might be some, she said. I dont know very many. As Deuso walked door to door, her conversations focused on local and community issues. She greeted every dog she saw and spoke to their owners about their safety concerns drivers had been racing down quiet neighborhood streets and their concerns about the community. Deuso is proposing a program to offer hotel rooms for one night to those facing domestic violence. She also made it clear that she would be a resource, even on issues that went beyond the mayors official duties. She showed one voter how she had started a youth-driven art project at a recent township festival. And pointed to a home that, just weeks prior, shed brought a misdelivered package to on behalf of a voter. For weeks, Raul Hurtado, Deusos neighbor who immigrated from Colombia in the 1990s, has been rolling down his windows when he sees Deuso, telling her hes voting for her. She is from this town, my neighbor, and we need someone to help us, Hurtado told The Inquirer. If shes elected, Deuso told Hurtado, her goal is to be available to all residents through office hours at Borough Hall. We can have a face-to-face discussion, she said. Not through your car window. This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirers high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com/donate. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org/supporters. JoAnn Reese, president of the VFW auxiliary at the Gross-Hollinshed VFW Post 1270 in Pennsauken at the now-closed building that's for sale. Read more They listed the Budweiser dart board for sale in September. It was pocked with a thousand holes from years of spirited games played over countless veterans stories. Alongside it went the stainless steel oven, a hefty safe, a pool table, an ice maker, tables, and bar equipment in an estate sale. Advertisement Then the leadership of Gross-Hollinshed VFW Post 1270 in Pennsauken shuttered the doors for good to put the building up for sale too. Now the 2,300-square-foot one-story structure with roughly a half-acre of land at U.S. Route 130 and Cove Road is listed for $750,000 and awaits a buyer. Mike Scully, commander of the 101-year-old post, vows that it and its members will remain together even without a building. Were still a standalone post, Scully said. Its unfortunate that the upkeep of the building and the overhead just wasnt something that we could continue on with the decline in membership that weve been having over the past 10 to 12 years. He said that Post 1270 is in good standing with the national VFW headquarters. We are downsizing, said Scully, who is scouting other locations where post members can gather without the overhead. The buildings closure is part of a national trend in VFW membership declines as older members die, younger vets show less inclination to join, buildings age, and costs rise. Members of the posts auxiliary those with fathers, mothers, or siblings who served overseas wish the post were still open and that more efforts had been made to keep the building. The auxiliary members have scattered, seeking other VFWs to join. Were just there to help out as much as we possibly can, said JoAnn Reese, president of VFW 1270 Auxiliary. Our hands are tied. We can only do so much. Losing members Nationally, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, an organization dedicated to supporting veterans and their families, boasted two million members in the 1970s, according to numbers supplied by the New Jersey VFW headquarters. Membership plummeted through the decades and by 2019 there were 1.16 million members. Today thats dropped to 931,056 a 53% decrease over five decades. Much of the decline came as veterans from World War II died. However, Ken Hagemann, adjutant for the New Jersey VFW headquarters, sees a bright spot. State membership grew by 717 members in 2024 and by 518 this year, he said. Most of the new members are veterans of the Global War on Terror, Hagemann said. Still, the long-term trend is down. The state VFW currently has 25,638 members, down from 35,402 in 2010. The median age of a member is 70.2. Hagemann said that only veterans who have been deployed to a war zone can join, which considerably narrows recruiting. He also said modern campaigns are fought with fewer boots on the ground making multiple deployments, further reducing potential members. Although our declining numbers over the decades have affected the membership of the organization, Hagemann said, we continue to serve our veterans and troops in the communities where they live and work, recovered 11.4 billion in VA benefits for veterans last year, and advocate every day in Washington and Trenton. Hagemann also noted that less war is not a bad thing. Burning through savings Scully has been commander of Post 1270 since 2021. Hes a retired master sergeant with the U.S. Air Force and served in multiple countries, including Afghanistan and Iraq as a master technician in aircraft maintenance. Scully said the posts leadership is looking to continue meetings at a library, another VFW post, or an American Legion Post. Ten years ago, the post had about 129 members, he said. Today, it has 46. But Scully said that was not the only factor in consideration of selling the building, which falls in a township zone that allows for residential or commercial uses. A lot of our posts are closing because of increased fees and upkeep in their buildings, Scully said. Our insurance, with a canteen in a building, is extraordinary, to just put it simple. In New Jersey, our insurance is now over $8,000 a year. He said the post has not been making money for a number of years. Weve just been basically burning through whatever savings we have. He said older members have moved to warmer areas. And younger veterans are not as interested in joining. They are not as eager to swap stories about their years in the service, despite membership drives. They would come in and they would have a drink at the canteen, and share some stories, and then they would say, Thank you, well take the application, Scully said of potential members. But they would never fill in the paperwork or return, he said. Scully said membership also requires some volunteer work, such as driving older veterans to medical appointments, and attending parades and ceremonies. But many prospective members have young families, and say they dont have the time, Scully said. Could leadership have done more? Scully asked, answering: Leadership cant do anything right now unless it has $10,000 to $20,000 coming out of their pockets per year so we can continue to run this building. He said he appreciated the efforts by the auxiliary to raise money, but that it just wasnt enough and would be difficult to sustain year after year. Everything just went downhill Reese, the auxiliary president, said shes disappointed by the sale. Now 79, she joined the auxiliary after her husband, a veteran, died eight years ago. Everything just went downhill, Reese said of the post. She said the auxiliary tried various fundraisers and launched a GoFundMe campaign. It ran a Facebook page. She said the members are upset. I understand they just didnt have enough money to keep the place running, Reese said. They just sold everything. But we have no say over anything. Nobody is OK. I dont think theres one member thats happy about it. Chuck Mars, the post canteens bartender and member of the auxiliary, believes leadership should have done more to keep the doors open. Hes now a member of the auxiliary for VFW Post 2445 in Maple Shade. We tried to raise money through flea markets, Italian nights, and comedy night, Mars said, adding that the financial strain, including large utility bills, became too much. Im hurt. Its a shame that nobody could do anything, Mars said. The light is gone. Its left a hole. The European Court of Human Rights on Tuesday ruled in favor of Norways government in a climate lawsuit brought by young activists who claimed the countrys policy of Arctic oil exploration had put their future at risk. Norway is western Europes largest oil and gas producer, with daily output of four million barrels of oil equivalent, and says it plans to pump hydrocarbons for decades to come while also supporting global efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The lawsuit launched in 2022 by six individuals in their 20s along with Greenpeace and Young Friends of the Earth, was part of a growing branch of law where plaintiffs go to court to make the case for curbing emissions that cause climate change. Read more: Norway Seeks to End Climate Injunction Against 3 Oilfields The lawsuit had also said that the young applicants faced climate anxiety or climate grief due to the drilling, but the court said that no medical evidence had been provided. Courts Verdict Was Unanimous The case concerned Norways decision to award 10 exploration licenses in the Arctic Barents Sea in 2016, which the applicants claimed had endangered the environment and deprived young people of their right to life. The European Court of Human Rights held, unanimously, that there had been no violation, the Strasbourg-based court said in a statement. The plaintiffs had said Norway failed to properly consider the environmental impact of additional oil production, and that the country was in breach of fundamental human rights when allowing new drilling in the midst of a climate crisis. They sought the European ruling after three domestic courts, including Norways Supreme Court, rejected their calls to stop the exploration. The court clearly states that we are not violating human rights and that climate concerns are being taken care of in a solid and democratic manner, Norways energy ministry said in a statement. While Norways 2016 decision-making processes had deferred the climate impact assessment, there was no indication that the state had failed to respect the right to private and family life, the European court said. Still, Greenpeace Norway said it was positive that the court had emphasized that Norway must assess the global impact of emissions when awarding new oil and gas licenses. We think its a big leap in the right direction, Greenpeace Norway leader Frode Pleym told Reuters. The Norwegian government has already said it will assess the climate impact of petroleum production when any new exploration permits are considered. (Reporting by Nerijus Adomaitis; editing by Terje Solsvik and Mark Potter) Related: Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Cuba less than a day after it became the strongest recorded storm to strike Jamaica, where it left hundreds of thousands without power and forced hospitals to evacuate. Melissa crossed the coast in eastern Cuba as an extremely dangerous storm, the US National Hurricane Center said in a statement at about 3:10 a.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday. As much as 25 inches (63 centimeters) of rain and storm surges up to 12 feet (3.7 meters) above normal are expected. Cuban officials were evacuating around 735,000 people ahead of the storms arrival on Wednesday morning, media reported. President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez called on citizens to be alert, show discipline and not forget discipline in the face of this threat, according to state newspaper Granma. More than 3,600 people also took emergency shelter in Haiti. The storm is now a Category 3 on the five-step Saffir-Simpson scale with winds of about 120 miles (195 kilometers) per hour, the NHC said. Its forecast to remain a powerful hurricane as it passes over Cuba and moves toward the Bahamas on Wednesday. Melissa slammed into Jamaica with sustained winds of 185 miles per hour on Tuesday afternoon making it a rare Category 5 hurricane at landfall and potentially the most destructive of the 2025 season. It struck near New Hope on Jamaicas southern coast, about 25 miles south of Montego Bay, according to the NHC. The situation in Jamaica remained too chaotic to provide a full, official assessment, according to Minister of Local Government Desmond McKenzie, who has been leading the emergency response. He said the damage has been widespread. This is one of the worst experiences that we have ever encountered, McKenzie said in a televised statement on Tuesday. More than 500,000 citizens were left without power, while 15,000 were in shelters and three hospitals were severely damaged, he added. President Donald Trump, who was traveling in Asia, told reporters that the US was monitoring the damage and prepared to move humanitarian assistance to Jamaica. Its doing tremendous damage as we speak, Trump said, adding that the storm was knocking down everything in front of it. About 2,500 feet above sea level, Melissas winds clocked in at 215 miles per hour, according to measurements collected by hurricane hunter aircraft before landfall in Jamaica. In addition to the winds, the storm has brought days of flooding rain, putting residents and an estimated 25,000 tourists on the island at risk. The hurricane is expected to result in property damages costing between $5 billion and $10 billion in Jamaica, according to an estimate by Cotality, a property intelligence company. Households and small businesses are more vulnerable than hotels, and gaps in insurance coverage could result in severe financial and social disruption, according to Firas Saleh, director of insurance solutions for Moodys. Local media reported that Melissa hammered St. Elizabeth Parish, along the islands southwestern coast. Images shared by the Jamaica Observer showed roofs being ripped off buildings and streets covered in raging floodwater. In the capital Kingston, there were reports of sporadic flooding and wind gusts tearing down billboards. Jamaicas Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management reported that roads in at least four parishes were blocked by trees and boulders, and a handful of bridges had been flooded out. UN aid groups are preparing to deliver food and other supplies once the weather calms and Jamaicas airports reopen, the agency said, adding that Haiti already has stockpiles on hand to assist up to 86,000 people. The storm is forecast to move into the Bahamas on Wednesday, with heavy winds and rains picking up across Bermuda late in the week. This is the strongest storm to hit land anywhere in the Atlantic since Hurricane Dorian struck the Bahamas in 2019 also with 185 miles per hour winds, said Phil Klotzbach, a hurricane researcher at Colorado State University. While the data is spotty in places, there is no record of a storm this strong ever hitting Jamaica since 1851, Klotzbach said. Before Melissa, the most powerful storm to hit the island was Gilbert in 1988, as a Category 4 with winds of about 132 miles per hour. Four Category 5 hurricanes have hit the US mainland, and only the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 matched Melissas intense winds. The others, Camille in 1969, Andrew in 1992 and Michael in 2018 all lacked Melissas power, according to US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration records. Melissa has already led to at least seven deaths across the Caribbean, including three in Haiti. The storm is endangering roughly 3.5 million people across the region, according to estimates from the United Nations and European Unions Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System. Photograph: In this handout image released by the U.S. Air Force, a crew flies through Hurricane Melissa, over the Caribbean Sea on Oct. 27, 2025; photo credit: U.S. Air Force Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Hurricane Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica as a powerful category 5 storm a record for the Caribbean island nation which brought storm surge, torrential rain, strong winds and massive damages. Making landfall near New Hope, Jamaica, at 1 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, Melissa had maximum sustained winds of 185 mph, according to a report from AccuWeather. The storm went on to lash Cuba and is now aiming at the Bahamas and perhaps Bermuda, the weather service said. (Related: Hurricane Melissa Makes Cuba Landfall After Lashing Jamaica) While it will take days to ascertain the extent of damages, economic losses in Jamaica are expected to hit $22 billion, AccuWeather estimated. (Economic damages include insured losses.) Cotality, the property intelligence company, estimates property damages in Jamaica from Hurricane Melissa could range between $5 billion and $10 billion. A direct category 5 landfall on the nations most populous corridor could significantly strain public finances for years to come, Cotality said. (Cotalitys figures are an overall pre-landfall property loss estimate, but are not specifically insured losses, a company representative explained.) Hurricane Melissa has made meteorological history for a number of reasons. In addition to being the first known category 5 storm to hit Jamaica (with winds of 185 mph), it also is the first storm of this strength to form during the 2025 hurricane season. The last category 5 to hit a Caribbean island was Hurricane Dorian when it hit the northwestern Bahamas on Sept. 19, 2019, said AM Best, noting that this is the first hurricane to make landfall in Jamaica since category 4 Hurricane Gilbert in 1988. Hurricane Melissa is the 13th named storm, the fifth hurricane, and the third category 5 storm of the 2025 North Atlantic hurricane season. As for insured losses, ratings agency AM Best explained that Jamaicas insurance penetration is low with less than 5% of property covered by insurance. There are several local insurers that will be impacted by this storm, but as is the norm for the Caribbean islands, insurers there rely heavily on reinsurers, said AM Best in a report titled Jamaicas Insured Losses From Hurricane Melissa Likely to Fall to Reinsurers. Reinsurance partnerships are the cornerstone that provides the capacity for insurers to profitably write property business in the Caribbean, especially in catastrophe-affected years, the report added. It remains to be seen how this event will affect reinsurance pricing going forward. Its also likely that a $150 million Jamaican parametric cat bond IBRD CAR Jamaica 2024 will trigger. This is part of the World Banks catastrophe risk insurance program for the region, the AM Best report said. Read more: Jamaica Catastrophe Bondholders Now Face Full-Trigger Event Cotality said that reinsurance and capital-markets capacity will be tested. Pricing on Jamaicas $150 million World Bank-sponsored IBRD CAR Jamaica 2024 catastrophe bond has dropped as investors brace for a possible trigger once official wind or pressure readings are finalized, Cotality affirmed. Local insurers retain higher deductibles than before the recent hard market, yet international reinsurers still hold the lions share of property-catastrophe exposure, it continued. A multi-billion-dollar insured loss, even a mid-single-digit figure in absolute terms, could represent one of the most concentrated reinsurance events ever seen in the Caribbean and could pierce several aggregate covers. At the end of 2024, there were 17 registered general and life insurance companies domiciled in Jamaica, said AM Best, quoting Jamaicas Financial Services Commission. AM Best said these types of natural catastrophes highlight the need to build awareness of the protection that insurance can provide across the Caribbean region. While facilities such as the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility have provided some economic relief to the governments of member countries, which includes Jamaica, a combination of macro-initiatives and microinsurance may have greater potential in narrowing the regions protection gap, the report continued. Model Challenges However, AM Best highlighted the problem of catastrophe models in the Caribbean, which are generally not as robust as the ones used to model U.S. hurricanes. Part of the challenge is that there are disparate building codes and data quality, the report noted. Models need to consider the correlation of events between geographies in the region as catastrophe risk can potentially be spread across the entirety of the Caribbean. Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Reinsurance Property Hurricane Starr, a global investment and insurance organization, announced it has entered a definitive agreement to acquire IQUW Group, a specialty insurance and reinsurance business that combines data and analytics with underwriting expertise. Financial terms of the transaction were not been disclosed. The acquisition will expand the classes of business that Starr underwrites and will position the combined company for growth across a broader range of global market segments, Starr said in a media statement, which also reported that Starrs managing agency is set to become the ninth-largest agency operating at Lloyds as a result of the deal. According to the announcement, IQUW Group has gross written premiums of roughly $1.9 billion and includes two Lloyds syndicates: IQUW, a specialty insurer and reinsurance operating across multiple specialty lines, and ERS, the U.K.s largest motor insurer at Lloyds. IQUW Re Bermuda, a Bermuda-based reinsurance platform, is also part of IQUW Group. The acquisition will bring together Starrs specialty insurance and reinsurance capabilities with IQUW Groups strong market presence and complementary portfolio, creating one of the most diversified platforms at Lloyds, the groups said in a statement. Outside of the Lloyds market, Starr writes commercial non-life insurance globally, with coverage in over 170 countries across six continents. This strategic acquisition of IQUW Group is about diversification and a focus on underwriting profitability, consistent with our own. The combination of our companies will give us a larger footprint in the London market and result in a stronger organization, said Jeff Greenberg, chairman and co-chief executive officer of Starr. Following completion of the transaction, Peter Bilsby, IQUW Groups chief executive officer, will lead Starrs international business. He will work with Stuart Scott, Starrs president of U.K. and EME, and Jose Ribeiro, Starrs president for APAC and LATAM. Steve Blakey, president and chief executive officer of Starr Insurance Holdings, commented: Through this transaction, we are significantly expanding our presence in Bermuda, U.K. retail motor, and London wholesale, the most important wholesale market globally. With limited overlap between the two organizations, the addition of IQUW Group means we will be able to serve more clients and brokers in more specialist classes and market segments. Reflecting on IQUWs original vision, Bilsby said, the insurers strategy was to bring together market-leading talent with technology and data analytics to enhance service and decision-making for brokers and insureds. Being part of Starr will enable us to scale up our specialist products, and our tech and data capabilities will be of benefit to the wider Starr group, he said, in anticipation of IQUWs next chapter. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Until the deal closes, both companies will continue to operate independently. BofA Securities served as financial adviser to Starr, and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher and Flom LLP served as legal adviser. Evercore Partners International LLP and J.P. Morgan Securities served as financial advisers to IQUW, and Norton Rose Fulbright LLP served as legal adviser. Sources: Starr, IQUW Group Topics Mergers & Acquisitions Excess Surplus Talent Lloyd's A new class-action lawsuit, if successful, could require the California owner of former military munitions bunkers near Edgemont to pay more than $17 million to people who rent the so-called igloos for use as homes or shelters to protect them in the case of a global catastrophe. The lawsuit filed in Fall River County Circuit Court alleges on a basic level that Vivos xPoint Investment Group, the owner of the Vivos xPoint bunker complex, uses an illegal lease that is unenforceable and violates the rights of the bunker residents. The lawsuit is similar in its claims to an earlier case filed by an individual former resident of the Vivos complex that challenged the legality of the bunker lease. That claim was upheld by a circuit court judge but has been appealed by the complex owner and is awaiting a hearing before the South Dakota Supreme Court. The new lawsuit also alleges that the investment group made deceptive and misleading statements by promising to provide numerous amenities at the bunker complex, most of which have never been built. It seeks a return of all money paid to Vivos by more than 150 tenants. Where weapons once sat, people now live The Vivos xPoint community includes hundreds of above-ground, earth-covered concrete bunkers that were used by the U.S. military from 1942 to 1967 to store conventional and chemical munitions in a town once known as Igloo. A large portion of the former Black Hills Army Depot munitions facility was purchased and developed in 2016 by California businessman Robert Vicino. The 2,200-square-foot bunkers are now rented as residences, mostly to survivalists, or preppers, who want to live off the grid and be positioned to survive a global catastrophe. According to prior reporting by News Watch, the residential community located on windswept prairie land 8 miles south of Edgemont has been beset by conflicts between residents and employees, numerous lawsuits, several complaints to the state attorney generals office and a near-fatal shooting of a complex employee by a tenant in 2024. After a grand jury review, the tenant was not charged. News Watch interviewed more than a dozen people, reviewed hundreds of pages of court records, examined emails and internal Vivos communications, filed three open-records requests and visited the Vivos site to understand the unrest that exists within the community. Records in the South Dakota Secretary of States office show the investment group is licensed to Vicino. He is also the owner of a parent company called Vivos Group, which states on its Vivos Global Shelter Network website that it provides access to bunker complexes in South Dakota as well as at other sites in the U.S. and Europe. Vicino did not return a call from News Watch seeking comment, and his attorney, Eric Schlimgen of Spearfish, also did not return calls or an email seeking comment. In a prior interview, Vicino told News Watch that those who complain at Vivos xPoint are bad apples and that most tenants are happy with their treatment. Lease signed by tenants at heart of lawsuits People who live in the bunkers or have them ready to occupy do not buy them outright. Instead, they pay an upfront fee of up to $55,000 and sign a 99-year lease that governs the landlord-tenant relationship. The 14-page lease and an accompanying long list of community rules became the subject of lawsuits after they were used as the basis to evict several bunker residents who then lost the right to occupy the bunkers despite paying the upfront fees and a monthly service fee. The lease requires tenants to use their own money to make the bunkers habitable, including installing basic utilities. The lease then allows Vivos to evict tenants while retaining the value of those improvements, said J. Scott James, a Custer attorney representing plaintiffs. James previously told News Watch that Vivos finds ways to evict tenants and then re-leases their bunkers with a requirement that new tenants still pay the upfront and monthly fees. James said the class-action lawsuit is a natural progression in the legal claims against Vivos xPoint, so far upheld in court, that now makes it possible for all bunker renters to seek financial remedies. The case was filed prior to the ruling by the Supreme Court on the first case because Scott said tenants told him that the complex ownership was offering or was about to offer tenants a new lease that would have reduced or eliminated their rights to sue. Just as in the case before the Supreme Court, the class-action lawsuit argues that the Vivos lease is illegal because it is illusory, a legal term that essentially means the complex ownership can change the contract at any time without consideration or approval of the tenants. The unfettered ability of Vivos to unilaterally change material provisions of the lease, as well as the ability to evict (tenants) makes the lease illusory, unlawful and unenforceable, the lawsuit states. The case makes a further separate argument that the lease is invalid because it does not comply with a South Dakota law that requires landlords to provide basic utilities, services and upkeep. The existing lease, which requires tenants to install their own electricity, water, plumbing, sewer and communication services, would therefore be illegal under state law, James said. Amenities promised but not provided The new lawsuit also raises consumer protection arguments in that Vivos has failed to follow through on promises made to tenants before they signed the lease, James said. The way Vivos marketed this development and these bunkers to these folks contained a lot of deceptive material, and so they were made a lot of promises, he said. People were given tours and told that theres a medical facility, and theres not a medical facility. They were told, Youre going to get a gymnasium and a laundry, and all this kind of stuff is going to happen.' James said none of those amenities have been provided, even several years after the promises were made. He added that trash pickup, security services and road maintenance have been spotty over the years. The new lawsuit was filed Sept. 16 on behalf of six people who leased bunkers in the complex, including two who live there and four others who live elsewhere but lease a bunker to be ready if needed. If class-action status is granted, as many as 150 bunker lessees would qualify for settlement money unless they specifically opt out, James said. He said that as word of a possible class-action case spread through the Vivos complex, he has already heard from more than 40 tenants interested in knowing more about it. Millions in remedies sought for tenants The lawsuit seeks a return of all money paid to Vivos by tenants, including the up-front lease fees ranging from $25,000 to $55,000 per tenant, the money tenants spent on improving the bunkers to make them habitable and the monthly common area amenity fees. It also calls for payment of attorney fees and possible punitive damages. After doing a rough calculation, James estimated Vivos could have to pay the tenants more than $17 million if the lawsuit is upheld, which would be in addition to any attorney fees or damages. If Vivos cannot pay, the lawsuit contends that the tenants would then be allowed to take ownership of the leased bunkers and land beneath them, James said. Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits A federal judge dismissed a proposed class action lawsuit accusing Mondelez International of deceiving consumers into overpaying for Clif bars that were labeled climate neutral certified. U.S. District Judge Manish Shah in Chicago found nothing wrong with labels for Clif Kid Zbar and Zbar Protein products that reflected a certification from the Change Climate Project, a nonprofit that helps companies reduce emissions. Shah dismissed the lawsuit with prejudice, meaning it cannot be brought again. The plaintiff Cynthia Salguero accused Chicago-based Mondelez of greenwashing, or exaggerating the environmental impact of a product, by labeling Zbars as climate neutral. She said the manufacturing process for Zbars emits 54,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually, the same amount as 12,596 gasoline-powered cars, causing a higher concentration of greenhouse gases and contributing to climate change. But the judge said Mondelez did not advertise that Zbars were climate neutral, but only that they were certified as such. This is a distinction with a difference, Shah wrote. There is nothing deceptive about Mondelez including on its packaging a true statement. Salgueros complaint misstates the promise that Mondelez was making to prospective customers. Mondelez and lawyers for Salguero did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Salguero, a resident of Anaheim, California, had sought unspecified damages for Mondelezs alleged misstatements and violations of California consumer protection laws. The case is Salguero v Mondelez International Inc, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois, No. 25-02139. Topics Lawsuits A Dallas pediatrician has surrendered her medical license, a year after becoming the first target of a law that banned providing gender-transitioning hormones to minors. Last October, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against adolescent medicine physician May Lau for prescribing testosterone to at least 21 patients. Her license was cancelled by her request early this month, according to the Texas Medical Board. In a statement to The Texas Tribune, Lau maintained her innocence. Dr. Lau decided to move her medical practice to Oregon and saw no reason to continue to maintain her Texas license, according to a statement provided by her attorney Craig Smyser. Dr. Lau continues to deny the Texas Attorney Generals politically- and ideologically-driven allegations. The case was the first brought under Senate Bill 14, a 2023 law that prohibits physicians and health care providers from prescribing hormones to minors to transition their biological sex. The suit accused Lau of violating the law by authorizing the use of testosterone by at least 21 patients between the ages of 14 and 17 to transition their biological gender or affirm their gender identity. Lau surrendering her license was a major victory for our state, Paxton said in a Friday news release. Doctors who permanently hurt kids by giving them experimental drugs are nothing more than disturbed left-wing activists who have no business being in the medical field, Paxton said in the statement. We will not relent in holding anyone who tries to transition kids accountable. Calling her a scofflaw and a radical gender activist, Paxton last year also accused Lau of falsifying medical records, prescriptions, and billing records by inserting a puberty blocker device into a 15-year-old and billing the patients insurance for an endocrine disorder instead of the patients gender dysphoria. Paxton had asked Lau for $1 million, which includes civil penalties and other costs. Shortly after filing the suit against Lau, Paxton used SB 14 to bring similar claims against two other doctors: El Paso endocrinologist Hector Granados and Brett Cooper, a Dallas pediatrician. In September, the state quietly dropped its suit against Granados almost a year after bringing charges against him, finding that the doctor had stopped providing gender-affirming care to minors before the law took effect. Last week, Coopers attorneys told the court that Paxton has issued misleading information that maligns Coopers character and intends to poison the Collin County jury pool. Before any evidence had been produced, Attorney General Paxtons office issued two misleading press releases, insinuating that evidence showed Dr. Cooper had knowingly and illegally prescribed hormones for the purposes of gender transition, attorneys said in the filing. If the State continues to make unrestrained, misleading, and defamatory statements to the public, it will prevent Dr. Cooper from obtaining a fair and impartial jury. Coopers case is slated to go to trial in May over the allegations. He and Lau had both entered separate Rule 11 agreements that prevent them from practicing medicine on patients while the proceedings continue. SB 14 commands the Texas Medical Board to revoke the license or other authorization to practice medicine from a physician who violates the law. The Texas Medical Association declined to comment on this case but said Texas physicians follow the laws of the state. In Laus statement, she said she continues to contend that the court has no jurisdiction over her, and contend that the court where the AG filed the case the county where AG Paxton has a residence and where Dr. Lau did not practice medicine is a legally invalid venue for the case. Lau specializes in adolescent female and male sexual and reproductive health, including gender dysphoria. Formerly an associate professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Lau is no longer listed on the websites directory. UT Southwestern did not respond to a request for comment. Were grateful for the Texas Attorney Generals leadership in protecting kids from these harmful treatments and procedures, said Jonathan Covey, policy director of Texas Values, in a news release after Paxton filed the lawsuit against Lau. No one is above the law, and it is horrific to hurt little children in order to advance radical gender ideology and play political games. Laus departure follows a trend of doctors who specialize in gender-affirming care leaving Texas, said Johnathan Gooch of Equality Texas. Gooch said this creates financial and practical hurdles for anyone seeking this type of care, including adults. He said these challenges are only part of a broader cultural response to transgender people. When the government is consistently attacking services that are specifically provided to trans people, it emboldens a small group of anti trans vigilantes to harass people on the streets, in the bathrooms, at the doctors office, Gooch said. And thats really alarming and really scary for trans people in the state of Texas right now. This article first appeared on The Texas Tribune. Topics Lawsuits Texas A Florida appeals court on Wednesday struck down the $200 million verdict against Johns Hopkins All Childrens Hospital in the Maya Kowalski negligence lawsuit, a case that had gained worldwide attention and was the subject of a Netflix documentary. The trial courts erroneous interpretation and application of section 39.203(1)(a), Florida Statutes (2016), and the immunity afforded thereunder, as well as the trial courts erroneous denial of JHACHs motions for directed verdicts and JHACHs motion for a new trial require reversal of the final judgment, Floridas 2nd District Court of Appeals wrote in the Oct. 29 opinion. A Sarasota County jury in 2023 found in favor of the Kowalski family and ordered the hospital to pay $211 million in compensatory damages and $50 million in punitive damages after Mayas mom died by suicide in 2017. The trial judge later reduced the total amount of damages to $213 million. The trial and verdict raised difficult questions about health care providers role when child abuse is suspected and about a hospitals liability and medical malpractice coverage in situations involving chronic pain and parents rights. Maya, age 10 at the time, was brought to All Childrens Hospital in St. Petersburg in 2016 with what was described as extreme pain and complex regional pain syndrome. Her mom, Beata Kowalski, a registered nurse, urged doctors to provide doses of ketamine, an anesthetic shown to cause hallucinations in some cases, according to news reports and court documents. But the 2nd District appellate judges said the trial court made multiple errors in the trial, including allowing a too-narrow interpretation of Floridas immunity statutes for those who report suspected abuse. The final judgment in favor of the Kowalskis is reversed, the court wrote. On remand, only the IIED (intentional infliction of emotional distress) claim brought on behalf of Maya and the remaining false imprisonment, battery, and medical negligence claims may be retried. The trial court should have overridden the jury and provided a directed verdict, the appeals court said. The father, Jack Kowalski, presented no evidence of injury from alleged fraudulent billing, as claimed, the judges noted. An attorney for the hospital called the reversal resounding, and criticized the Netflix show. This opinion sends a clear and vital message to mandatory reporters in Florida and across the country that their duty to report suspicions of child abuse and, critically, their good faith participation in child protection activities remain protected, Ethen Shapiro, of the Hill Ward Henderson law firm, said in a statement Wednesday. He added: The facts and the law have always prioritized protecting children, the most vulnerable among us. We look forward to vigorously defending our doctors, nurses, and staff in a fair trial on the few remaining claims after rigorous and proper application of immunity. We thank the judges for their time and attention to this matter, and we appreciate that they understood what many did not: that a one-sided movie is no substitute for a fair judicial process. The opinion can be seen here. Photo: The entrance to All Childrens Hospital in St. Petersburg. (AP Photo/Tamara Lush) Topics Florida Southern California Edison said on Wednesday it would pay several million dollars each to families who lost loved ones in the January wildfires that scorched 14,000 acres in greater Los Angeles and destroyed thousands of homes and businesses. The utility, owned by Edison International, said eligible individuals and businesses can now submit claims to receive payments and resolutions that include loss of life and property related to the Eaton Fire through its Wildlife Recovery Compensation Program. The Eaton fire ripped through southern California in January 2025, killing 19 people and destroying more than 9,400 single-family homes and other buildings. Putting a figure on the loss of life proved to be one of the most challenging aspects to the program, Edison International CEO Pedro Pizarro told Reuters in a telephone interview. Thats a very challenging one because we know that life is precious, Pizarro said. SCE said the death claims will include payments for pain and suffering, economic losses and a direct claim premium of $5 million per decedent. After getting input from the community, SCE expanded payment eligibility to properties damaged by ash and smoke, Pizarro said. Initially, there were about 12,000 properties eligible, but nearly 6,000 were added to that number, he said. Another major change to the compensation program was a 50% increase in payments for each child affected by a destroyed home. Residents whose primary home was destroyed will receive $115,000 per adult and $75,000 per child. Through the utilitys voluntary program, eligible residents will receive a settlement offer within 90 days of making a claim. Payments will be made within 30 days after all the conditions in the settlement agreement are satisfied. There has been no official ruling on the cause of the fire. But SCE has acknowledged that circumstantial evidence suggests that one of the utilitys idled high-voltage transmission lines could have ignited the Eaton blaze amid winds that topped 100 mph in early January. SCE has $1 billion of customer-funded self-insurance coverage available for Eaton-related claims. Losses in excess of that amount would be reimbursed through Californias Wildlife Insurance Fund, which has an estimated $22 billion. SCE consulted with Kenneth Feinberg, who oversaw payments from the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, and his colleague Camille Biros, on the design of the companys wildfire fund. Biros said the goal of the program is to get money to families as quickly as possible without additional imposition and problems. Theyre already going through enough, Biros said in a telephone interview. With this program we reasonably get the money to a family that may be very much in need. (Reporting By McLaughlin; Editing by Nick Zieminski) Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Wildfire Claims Politicians have called on the Government to ensure Irish grain is used in the production of the countrys world-famous whiskey. Irish Whiskey is a Geographical Indication registered with the European Commission and must be produced in accordance with the Irish Whiskey Technical File. That file does not currently require the use of Irish grain in the production of Irish whiskey, but the process of amending it is now underway. Issues relating to the production and marketing of Irish whiskey without Irish grain have been repeatedly highlighted in the Dail, Senate and at the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture. More recently, Carlow-Kilkenny TD Peter 'Chap' Cleere (FF) told the Dail it was recently reported that the Department of Agriculture intends to re-open the technical files on Irish whiskey. Currently, Irish whiskey is defined as a "spirit distilled on the island of Ireland ... from a mash of malted cereals, with or without whole grains of other cereals". By this definition, there is absolutely no requirement now to use Irish grain in the production of Irish whiskey, he said. Deputy Cleere asked the minister for agriculture Martin Heydon if he was able to confirm if the technical files will be re-opened? If they are, would he be supportive of requiring Irish whiskey to be made with grain grown in Ireland? To me, this would seem an obvious way to support the struggling tillage sector, he said. Minister Heydon said the whiskey file is one element that can be done as part of future-proofing. He had discussed the role of quality assurance at a recent meeting with tillage farmers. He had discussed how progress can be made through working together, and addressing the use of native grains, how they are used in our feed system, how they are incorporated and how that can be monetised for farmers. I have asked for the whiskey file to be re-examined. I have responsibility for the whiskey sector, which is under significant pressure. I am not coming to that with a specific viewpoint. There are pitfalls we have to be careful about. If there was a year of a bad crop or crop failure here, we still have to be able to produce whiskey. It is about looking at that technical file to see how we can bring that value-added piece. That is the medium-term solution for supporting the tillage sector beyond one-off payments or financial direct schemes, he said. Minister Heydon also informed Deputy Cleere in a written reply to another Dail question that two submissions are being examined ahead of a public consultation process. While I do not want to prejudice that process, one of the issues to be examined is whether imposing a requirement to use Irish grain in the production of Irish whiskey would be in accordance with EU Single Market principles, he said. The minister said there are no obstacles at present to prevent an operator from producing an Irish whiskey product made solely of Irish grains and declaring as such on the product label. He was aware of some such products already on the marketplace. The tillage sector is an important and integral component of the agri-food industry and is a sector that I want to see grow and develop. Adding value to Irish grain will be an integral part of growing and improving the economic sustainability of the tillage sector, he said. Fionntan O Suilleabhain (SF), Wicklow-Wexford, said some 300,000 tonnes of grain are used in the Irish drinks industry annually. We know that we do not have enough grain in Ireland, so at the very minimum, we should be using all Irish grain first before mass importation. Mass importation of products is not the vision of our patriotic founding fathers, the 1916 Proclamation or the Democratic Programme of the First Dail politicians who wanted us to have some level of economic independence. The Government really needs to have a vision for an industry (tillage) that is dying on its feet. This is something we have been doing in Ireland for 6,000 years. It would be shameful if we were to drive all the young farmers off the land. Many of them do not see a future and neither do their parents regarding passing on the farm to their children, he said. Senator Cathal Byrne (FG), Wexford, speaking in the Upper House, said Irish whiskey can be sold and successfully labelled without Irish grain in it. If we are to support our tillage sector, there should be a food labelling requirement that grain from Ireland must be used when marketing something as Irish whiskey. Kerry Independent TD Danny Healy-Rae (Ind) told the Dail it was ridiculous to think that people can come along and sell Irish whiskey which has other grain in it. Brian Brennan (FG), Wicklow-Wexford, said he has a huge issue with the sale of Irish whiskey when it is not fully Irish. It should be what is on the label. The Land Development Agency (LDA) is set to get a further 2.5bn to finance it out to 2029, Taoiseach Micheal Martin has confirmed. Mr Martin also confirmed that the Government is engaging with banks to encourage them to lend more to small builders. In an interview with the Irish Examiner, Mr Martin said the extra funding to the LDA would give it the capacity to become the States largest builder by 2028. This is a significant development. This gives certainty, Mr Martin said. The whole idea of this was to give them certainty that they can go out and do stuff and not be caught at the end of that period [2029]. The Taoiseach said there are more than 27,000 homes in the LDA pipeline at present. Meeting with banks It comes as he said yesterday that he was to meet with the banks later that day, as part of efforts to increase financing for small builders. The Taoiseach said he wants to see banks provide financing for smaller builders at affordable rates. I did meet the banks a number of months ago on this, this is a follow-up, Mr Martin said. "Theres been lots of interaction between my officials, the Department of Finance, and Paschal Donohoes officials and James Brownes officials with the banks." He said the meeting is to try and get a package agreed with the banks and possibly the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF). Homelessness On homelessness, Mr Martin was reluctant to provide a date for when the number of people in emergency accommodation will fall. What Im more interested in is, its a bit like hospital waiting lists," he said. "Its not the number on the waiting list, its how fast you get treated. Ideally we want to prevent people becoming homeless in the first place, but then if they do get into emergency accommodation, how fast can we get them out. Mr Martin said he was "very concerned" about the number of children in homelessness. Apartment guidelines The Taoiseach also hit out at a judicial review being taken against new guidelines on apartment designs. Earlier this month, a High Court case was taken by former Irish Times environment editor Frank McDonald, and a number of councillors. Mr Martin said he felt pure anger when he heard about the case, saying it has moved from projects being challenged in the courts to regulations themselves. Theres certain people out there who are endeavouring to paralyze every aspect of Government decision making," he said. Were in an emergency in the respect of housing young people need houses. Were doing the right thing and again, you know, its been snarled in a JR [judicial review]. Mr Martin said there are different types of accommodation for different parts of society, adding that apartment standards in London have killed the London apartment market. Pressed about the argument that apartments will become smaller and darker, Mr Martin said there needs to be volume delivered. The amendment of the standards isnt catastrophic at all," he said. "I mean, there will be, for a certain part of society, itll welcome those types of apartments. We need volume. Weve grown enormously in population terms. We need different types of accommodation, sizes, and so on. It can be perfect for the minority, but theres a lot of people out there who cant get access to accommodation at an affordable price for either to rent or to buy. Tributes have poured in for the amazing Mary 'May' McGee, who won a landmark legal case for reproductive rights and access to contraception at the Supreme Court in 1973. The efforts of Ms McGee, who died on Tuesday, for access to contraception as a married woman in the 1970s paved the way for how reproductive care is given in Ireland today. In her late 20s then, she had four babies in just 23 months, between December 1968 and November 1970. It was not an easy time as she had several health challenges in pregnancy, including a stroke before the birth of her second child. At the time, it was not illegal to use contraceptives, but it was illegal to sell, offer, advertise or import them. When the family GP advised Ms McGee and her husband Seamus to start using contraception to protect her health, she was reluctant at first. Speaking to Irish Examiner columnist Clodagh Finn in 2022, she explained what happened after she decided to have a diaphragm inserted. This requires the use of spermicide jelly, but when they ordered this from the UK, it was intercepted by Customs officials. The couple was told they could be fined or even jailed. I was livid that somebody in government could tell us how to live our lives. I wasnt going to back down, she said. Their GP, James Loughran, was part of the then-new Irish Family Planning Association. He helped them begin what became a marathon court battle. Ms McGee gave evidence at a High Court hearing in June 1972. It was horrible, she said. She recalled telling the judge: Religion is important, but I still think we have a right to live as human beings. We are husband and wife, and we cannot live as brother and sister. Mr McGee, equally bluntly, told the court: Id prefer to see her use contraceptives than be placing flowers on her grave. They had support from womens rights campaigners, and the World Health Organisation wrote to them. They also received angry letters, denouncing them as a disgrace to a Catholic country. Mary McGee leaves the court with her husband Seamus in 1972. Her case in the 1970s paved the way for how reproductive care is given in Ireland today. Photo: National Women's Council/Dermot Barry That case was rejected, leading to a Supreme Court appeal in November 1973. The following month, four of the five judges ruled in their favour. They ruled contraception was a matter for husband and wife and should be free of interference from the State. In an interview[/url with the Irish Examiner in 2016, Ms McGee said: I felt when I took the case that most women probably felt the same as me. I was doing it for me, but for other women too, for my mam too, in a way. She couldnt fight her battle, but she fought for others, and I wanted to carry that on. Lifes not that hard. Let us make decisions for ourselves so that we can be happy in our own lives. Mary McGee with her husband Seamus. Mr McGee died last year. Their son Darren spoke about the couple on Wednesday, describing his mother as amazing and his father as a very modern man in a very backward time. His mother changed Irish society, he told RTEs Liveline. She just believed that the Church shouldnt have that power or autonomy over peoples decisions in life, he said. Callers to the show described them as brave. Many older callers recalled the impact on their own lives at the time. On Saturday, a celebration of her life will be marked at Dardistown Crematorium. The family have requested people wear bright colours to the service. A 52-year-old man targeted parcels delivered to the front door of apartments and now the culprit has been jailed for eight months. Judge Mary Dorgan said one of the thefts in particular was nasty as the young woman was pregnant and her dad had sent her 300 worth of baby clothes and things from the family for the pending arrival. The judge imposed a total sentence of eight months on 52-year-old David Jones, who was living in an apartment at Grattan Court, Glanmire Road, Cork. Sergeant Aisling Murphy said on August 25, 2023, David Jones stole a pair of womens boots valued at 267 delivered in a package to the front door of another apartment at Grattan Court after 10.30 in the morning. At about the same time in the morning, on August 30, 2024, he stole the package containing 300 worth of baby items. And most recently on June 27 this year, he stole an e-scooter which had been locked at Kent Station. Like the two other crimes, it was carried out just after 10.30 in the morning. Frank Buttimer said the accused was a father of seven and that he had health difficulties. Judge Dorgan said in relation to the parcel of baby items, the theft would have been hugely upsetting. That was a nasty matter. When he has seven children himself, I hope he thinks about that because it was not nice, Judge Dorgan said. As for the theft of the scooter, the judge surmised the owner may have been returning by train at night to find their scooter stolen and to begin with they would have had the difficulty of making other arrangements to get home from the railway station. The judge said if the eight months was appealed, then conditions would include staying away from apartment blocks and from Kent Station. Members of teacher Enoch Burke's family have stopped going on to Wilson Hospital School grounds since a threat was raised of sequestering cars used by them to transport him there and of banning other family members from going on to grounds. Rosemary Mallon, counsel for the school board, said since the case was before the court last week, letters had been sent to certain members of the Burke family who had been filmed on the school grounds. The letters arose out of the court's suggestion that orders in the case could be extended to banning family members, along with Enoch, from the school and two cars used to transport him to the school could be sequestered. The court heard since this happened, no other members of the family have been on the grounds and the cars have not driven onto the grounds. Enoch now gets out of the car and walks into the school. On October 24, a security man warned him not to go in but he did so and his way was blocked by the guard and both stood there until Mr Burke left at 3.50pm. However, Ms Mallon said footage of the encounters with the security man was uploaded to social media by Mr Burke and once again, as happened previously, there were racist remarks made by third parties. The case by the school seeking further contempt orders against Mr Burke was back again on Wednesday before Mr Justice Brian Cregan. He has already spent more than 500 days in prison for contempt. He had come to court on Wednesday because he said his family had been brought into the case by the court's "own volition", threats of being barred from the school and sequestration of cars. He said there was a repeated failure by different judges to address what this case was about. There was now also the fact that the primary judgment of the High Court finding his suspension was lawful had been undermined by a subsequent Court of Appeal judgment in his favour in which he challenged the composition of a disciplinary appeals panel set up to hear his appeal against dismissal. Mr Burke's submissions were marked by interruptions by various members of his family including his brother Isaac, his sister Ammi and their parents Martina and Sean. Isaac was eventually removed by gardai after the judge requested their intervention and other members were warned they too would be removed if they did not stop interrupting. Enoch Burke told the judge it was because of dishonesty and "lies from the bench". Mr Justice Cregan said the only dishonesty had been from Enoch Burke. Mr Burke repeatedly interrupted and tried to correct the judge in comments he made. This included a comment by the judge that the lawfulness of having to call someone by the they/them pronoun has to be decided by the court because it is a constitutional matter. Mr Burke rebuked the judge for saying so as it was, he said, "patently unlawful" and he was surprised the judge did not know that. Mr Burke repeatedly told the judge he was lying and that Ms Mallon was also, wagging his finger at her at one stage. Ms Mallon rejected all his allegations and said there was no question over her professional integrity. The court also heard the Department of Education was willing to part fund the cost of security at the school, 50% of the cost or a total of 4,400, pending further review. Mr Burke complained that not only had his livelihood as a teacher been taken away but his bank account had been drained by the State of some 40,000 to pay 225,000 daily fines he has racked up for going into the school since this case began. He once again refused to answer the judge's direct question of whether he would purge his contempt, describing it as a "fantastical question" which turned a blind eye to the submissions he made. Ms Mallon said she was not seeking at this moment to extend the orders against other members of the family but if the court was minded that she should, she would have to take instructions and deal with that on another day. The judge said he would give his decision within weeks. A former minister for drugs is calling for progress on a homeless services hub for Cork City, which one service provider to homeless people says could save lives. The call is being made by Cork Fine Gael TD Colm Burke, who served as the minister with responsibility for drugs from April to November 2024. Mr Burke claims there are an estimated 500 homeless people in Cork City who would benefit from the proposed hub. He says a detailed proposal has been agreed between the Department of Health, the HSE, Cork City Council and the Department of Housing. The aim of the project is to bring health staff together in one hub to provide different services to homeless people in Cork city centre who have to leave homeless hostels each morning. When I was minister, I got Cork City Council, the HSE, the Department of Health and the Department of Housing to a meeting in Dublin over 12 months ago and we still dont have the money set aside for it," he said. I am very concerned that, heading into the winter months again now, there are people being discharged from the homeless shelters, they are out in the street during the day and have nowhere to go. A premises was identified in Cork city centre for the project a year and a half ago. Catriona Twomey of Cork Penny Dinners said such a facility could help save lives of homeless people, as well as leading to healing and recovery. Homelessness is not just about being without a roof over your head. It has a big list of complex issues for example, there could be mental health issues, dual diagnosis re drugs and alcohol etc. A spokeswoman for the HSE said: HSE South-West is committed to working with Cork City Council and all partners to deliver the proposed integrated homeless services hub. This will be a one-stop-shop for all homeless services (including but not limited to healthcare services). It will also offer a safe space for rest and recreation. A proposal for the hub has been developed, and HSE South-West is currently working closely with Cork City Council and with people who use homeless services to update that proposal, as well as agreeing a funding model. Cork City will see a 53% increase in bus services and the introduction of two new 24-hour services under plans to be discussed at Cabinet on Wednesday morning. Transport minister Darragh OBrien will seek approval in principle for the BusConnects Cork programme, allowing for a planning application to be lodged to An Coimisiun Pleanala. The National Transport Authority (NTA) will be able to move forward with planning applications for the Sustainable Transport Corridor next year if approved at Cabinet. The Preliminary Business Case has already been subjected to an external review and examination by the Major Projects Advisory Group, as required under Infrastructure Guidelines. This now paves the way for a detailed design and procurement phase. The programme comprises seven projects which will deliver 11 sustainable transport corridors. This will cover over 90km of bus lanes and 95km of cycle lane facilities. It will also deliver new bus shelters, electric buses and next generation ticketing. The project is expected to increase the number of bus services in Cork by 53% with two routes operating a 24-hour service. Access to public transport services will also increase, with 25% more people having access to frequent services in the morning peak hours. It is also intended to decrease peak bus journey times by up to 20% and save 2,700 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions in 2032. RTE finances Media minister Patrick ODonovan, meanwhile, will brief Cabinet on RTEs annual report, including issues uncovered by the Chief Financial Officer. This included unapproved pension top-ups of up to 30,000 being given to eight individuals, including a former senior employees widow, without clear justification. Valuable artwork, worth over 100,000, has also not been declared by RTE. The ownership of this artwork is disputed. A property issue has also been identified, with Eir occupying one acre of RTEs Montrose site without a formal agreement. This, the Cabinet will hear, could potentially complicate redevelopment. RTE recorded a 5.5m surplus in 2024, compared to a 9.1m deficit the previous year. This included 48m in Exchequer funding. Housing delivery Elsewhere, housing minister James Browne will update the Government on social and affordable housing delivery in the second quarter of 2025. Some 1,757 new social homes were delivered, including 1,443 new-build homes, 162 acquisitions and 152 homes delivered through leasing programmes. The number of new-build homes is 42% higher than in the same period last year and 54% higher when compared to the first half of 2024. The Social Housing Construction Status Report for quarter two shows a pipeline of 26,684 social homes at various stages of design and construction at the end of June 2025, including 11,557 social homes on site. The bravery of some people is breathtaking. I refer to three people who suffered the earth-shattering tragedy of having a sibling murdered in a domestic homicide. All are campaigning to preserve their sisters' legacies and to change things for other victims of domestic abuse. They want various arms of the State to learn from mistakes in responding to domestic abuse. In the aftermath of unimaginable personal tragedies, they want us to design effective systems, laws and processes. We should all want that. Last week, I met David French at a 5 Books That Could Save Your Life domestic violence event in the Department of Justice. The all-island project educates people about coercive control and domestic homicide. It was developed by Haven Horizons, an organisation dedicated to preventing domestic violence, in partnership with Belfast and Lisburn Womens Aid and Reclaim the Agenda. I moderated the event. It turned out I know David Frenchs family, as he is originally from Leap in West Cork, near where I live. David is the brother of Valerie French (aged 41), who was murdered by her husband, James Kilroy, in 2019. 'Valerie's Law' Last year, in July, Kilroy was given a mandatory life sentence. Since then, David Frenchs focus has moved to protecting children placed in this horrific situation. His three nephews, Valeries sons, who were under the age of five when she was murdered, were taken into care in June 2019 against the French familys wishes. The pain of that must be, to quote Mr French, beyond words. 'Valerie's Law' aims to implement a government recommendation from 2023 that a parent convicted of the murder or manslaughter of the other parent does not retain guardianship of the surviving child or children. The proposed act is to be called the Guardianship of Infants (Amendment) Bill, 2025. David French is campaigning for a rethink of who might adjudicate on what the best interests of children might be in the aftermath of a domestic homicide. He has recently asked the Joint Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to consider that Tusla (the Child and Family Agency), by virtue of its statutory function, is not neutral when it comes to removing guardianship from a parent convicted of killing the other family member. It is Mr Frenchs view that Tusla regard it as their role to reunify the remaining family, which means the parent who committed the domestic homicide and the surviving children. Try and wrap your head around that, but that perspective is a cultural hangover from old Catholic Ireland, where the family was everything, no matter the cost. An assessment document sent to the French family by Tusla included these lines: Tusla is worried that their potential carers [the French family] may not want to talk about the boys father with them or want the boys to visit him or have contact with him in the future. Tusla is worried that the foster carer's personal views may even indirectly be projected onto the children. Tusla is worried that if this should happen, it would impact greatly upon the boys and their relationship with their father and effect their sense of identity into the future. What a sick joke. David French has rationally said: It is very clear that this absolutely prioritises the role of the father and does not fully understand or acknowledge the immense damage caused to the children by his killing of their mother. There is also a lack of understanding of the perspective of the victims family towards the father. As he says, killing a childs mother is child abuse, and children must be protected from abusers. He suggests that the Ombudsman for Childrens Office, as a neutral child-centric statutory body, could better assess a childs needs after a conviction for domestic homicide. His book For Valerie is praised for providing unique insights into issues faced by victims families in the aftermath of fatal domestic violence. 'Jennie's Law' Last week, Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan received Cabinet approval for establishing a Domestic Violence Register. The details are to be ironed out, but Jennie's Law will allow those convicted of domestic violence against a partner or former partner to be publicly named on a Register of Judgments. Jennifers brother Jason Poole has tirelessly campaigned for such a register, which he said will change the culture of domestic violence. The register, he said, will be publicly available for victims or potential victims to be able to access, so they know their partner, they know who theyre living with. Jennifer Poole was fatally stabbed at her home in north Dublin in April 2021 by her then-partner, Gavin Murphy. Murphy had previously served a term in prison for assaulting another woman. Photo: Garda Press Jennifer Poole was a 24-year-old mother of two when she was murdered in April 2021 by her then-partner, Gavin Murphy. Murphy had previously served a term in prison for assaulting another woman. Under the new register, domestic violence judgments will be published online by the Courts Service so that abusers will be named. Jason Poole wants the legislation to enable gardai to warn those at risk proactively. Clodagh Hawe Jacqueline Connollys new book, Deadly Silence, has just been shortlisted for the Irish Book Week Non-Fiction Book of the Year 2025. In 2016, her sister Clodagh Hawe (aged 39) and three sons, Liam, Niall and Ryan, were murdered by Alan Hawe before he took his own life. Deadly Silence details Connollys fight for justice on their behalf because she, like French and Poole, is fighting for systemic change. Jacqueline Connolly battled to ensure the Garda Serious Crime Review team reviewed the murders. This review revealed critical failings in the initial Garda inquest. Note the title: Deadly Silence, because it was a major struggle to receive answers as to why Alan Hawe had killed his wife and three sons. Although Jacqueline Connolly had a positive relationship with the second Garda investigation team, she rightly wants the findings of that review made public to aid domestic violence services in expanding and advancing their policies. Is that too much to ask? This kind of knowledge would help frontline professionals to better predict abuse by understanding the patterns and timelines preceding domestic homicide. Clodagh Hawe and her three sons, Liam, Niall and Ryan, were murdered by Alan Hawe before he took his own life. It would save lives, and as Connolly said, align with the prevention and protection pillars of the Governments third national strategy on domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence". The three cases make it patently clear that we must change our response to domestic abuse and coercive control if we are to prevent more domestic homicides. Retraumatised victims We must also urgently ensure that investigation and review processes are conducted in a manner sensitive to the victim's familys needs. These survivors are themselves victims retraumatised due to deficient processes and a lack of training for frontline professionals coming into contact with survivors. Brave, dignified people like David French, Jason Poole, and Jacqueline Connolly should always be consulted, should they wish to be involved in figuring out how we can do better. As Dr Stephanie OKeeffe, CEO of Cuan, the Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Agency, said at last weeks 5 Books That Could Save Your Life event, survivors' voices must be at the centre of our response. Survivors experiential knowledge gained in the most painful of ways can only improve services and our response to domestic abuse, protecting other women and children. At the very least, we owe survivors that and their loved ones who are gone forever. The five books included in '5 books to save your life' are: What do you do when you discover your best friend is abusive to their partner at home? That question, or something similar, should be addressed to European leaders and indeed to all of us in the European public space who are watching, often speechless, as Donald Trump takes a cudgel to the institutions of American democracy. For the last nine months, European leaders have bitten their tongues, looked the other way, and engaged in flattery, appeasement, and wild promises to keep the US president sweet and engaged in European security. The overwhelming imperative for Trump to stand with Europe against Russia over its war on Ukraine or at least not against us and alongside Vladimir Putin has led them to swallow unrealistic defence spending targets and unbalanced trade terms. For what gain? No European leader has publicly contradicted Trumps inflated claims to have ended eight wars in eight months, nor criticised his demolition of the multilateral rules-based free trade order, his assault on the United Nations, or his selective use of tariffs to pursue political vendettas around the world. The only time European leaders briefly found their voices was when JD Vance used the stage of the Munich security conference to launch a fierce attack on European democracy. Vance accused US allies of suppressing free speech and said he was more worried by the threat from within the retreat of Europe from some of its most fundamental values than by any threat from Russia or China to the continents freedom. To underline his support for freedom of anti-immigrant hate speech, he chose to meet the leader of the far-right German AfD Alice Weidel in Munich in the midst of an election campaign, and to snub Berlins then-chancellor, Olaf Scholz, of the Social Democrats. With millions of Americans now taking to the streets to protest against Trumps authoritarian drift at home, isnt it time for European leaders to speak up and assert their moral autonomy by signalling Europes support for democracy in the US and for those who are trying to defend it? This is not to suggest that an expression of European dismay would have any practical effect on the dismantling of checks and balances in the US political system; the abolition of the USAid foreign aid agency; the crackdowns on universities, law firms, and science; the abuse of the justice system against political enemies; or the purging of the armed forces and, most alarmingly, the deployment of the military in American cities to combat the enemy from within. While the US can protect security in Europe and deserves our undying gratitude for having done so for the last 80 years, Europeans cannot protect democracy in the US. They can and must, however, protect liberal democracy in Europe which risks becoming a collateral victim of Trumps domestic and foreign policy agenda. What happens in America doesnt stay in America. It is often a precursor for trends in Europe. Just as the #MeToo and woke movements spilled over from Hollywood studios and US campuses to European film sets and universities, so the tide of illiberalism and repression rising in Washington is already washing up on European shores in countries such as Hungary and Serbia. By speaking up about Trumps assaults on the independence of the US civil service, judiciary, legal profession, media, and armed forces, and his moves to criminalise dissent, European leaders would be asserting the values of the rule of law, the separation of powers, and liberal democracy that they have a duty to preserve at home. If Elon Musk can use his social media platform and the worlds biggest fortune to intervene in German elections in favour of Weidels far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) or in British politics in support of convicted anti-Islam extremist Tommy Robinson then surely we can also make our voices heard in US politics. We can offer support and practical co-operation to states, cities, and courts that share our values and moral support to US freedom campaigners. Our governments and regions can build partnerships on climate action, civil rights, and development assistance with like-minded US states and local authorities. We can offer jobs, visas, and scholarships to US scientists and academics hit by Trumps cuts. Europe stands only to gain from a self-inflicted American brain drain. The massive No Kings protests across the US were fortunately peaceful, despite Trumps deployment of armed forces in Washington DC, Los Angeles, Memphis, Portland, and other cities, and the attempted mobilisation of the national guard across 19 states. But having branded his left-wing opponents domestic terrorists, the risk is growing that Trump will make good on his threat to invoke the 1807 Insurrection Act and claim sweeping powers to use the military against American protesters. The last time the US military was used for domestic policing against demonstrations was under Richard Nixon in 1970, when the national guard shot dead four students protesting in Ohio against the draft and the US military intervention in Cambodia. An earlier precedent for the deadly use of force against peaceful protesters was in Selma, Alabama, in 1965, when state and local police violently broke up civil rights marches by black Americans demanding the unhindered right to vote. On both those historic occasions, European media criticised the use of force against peaceful demonstrators but governments on this side of the Atlantic kept their mouths shut, motivated by the principle of non-interference. With the US administration and its billionaire buddies intervening at will in support of hate speech and its proponents in Europe, there is no longer any justification for staying silent. On the contrary, the defence of European liberal democracy starts by recognising when it is under threat in our closest ally. Paul Taylor is a senior visiting fellow at the European Policy Centre Cork City Council has refused plans for almost 20 new apartments in the northside. Developers Michael and Siobhan O'Regan sought planning permission to demolish Rebrona Court House, located on St Theresas Road and Ballymacthomas St in Gurranabraher, to make way for the construction of 17 apartments. The apartments were to comprise a mix of one- and two-bedroom units and included ancillary works such as pedestrian access, landscaping, drainage and bike stores. However, the city council refused the plans, stating in its decision that the development would constitute excessive density and overdevelopment of the site. It added that the developers had not demonstrated how the apartments would not injure the visual amenities of the area, also noting the plans did not have a valid stormwater drainage strategy. Meanwhile, a large-scale residential development in Kerry comprising more than 130 homes has been referred to the planning commission following a third-party appeal by a local residents' association. Developer Homeland Projects Ltd got the green light in September to build 134 units comprising 65 houses, 51 townhouses and 18 apartments on Ross Road in Killarney. The plans also provided for a creche capable of accommodating 102 children, as well as private, communal and public spaces, landscaping and boundary treatments, pedestrian and cycle routes and car parking. However, the plans have now been referred to An Coimisiun Pleanala following an appeal by the Castle Falls Residents Association. In its submission, it argued the development would increase traffic density, creating a public safety concern. It also raised fears regarding increased congestion, a rise in antisocial behaviour and environmental issues arising from the additional homes. The planning commission is due to decide on the development by February 17, 2026. Plans for a new coffee dock in Cork City, which were refused by the council, have now been appealed by the developer to An Coimisiun Pleanala. Cudedge Ltd lodged plans in July of this year to install a self-contained coffee unit on a site adjacent to 7 Eldred Terrace on Douglas Road. The applicant said it was seeking permission to develop the unit for the sale of coffee and refreshments, adding that it would also include associated site works. The bid received four objections from local residents, who raised concerns about the lack of parking to accompany the unit, as well as arguing the applicant did not own the site in question. The council refused the plans, stating that the proposed development would endanger public safety by reason of traffic hazard and would constitute a disorderly form of development which would negatively impact the character of the area. The development has now been appealed to the planning commission. Meanwhile, plans for almost 100 homes in Limerick have been refused by An Coimisiun Pleanala following a series of appeals by local residents. Limerick City and County Council approved plans for 96 homes at Baunacloka, Raheen, comprising two detached houses, 16 semi-detached homes, 40 terraced units and 38 apartments spread across four blocks. It also included provisions for a creche, a pumping station, and all associated site works, including roads, pavements, car parking and water drainage. However, the plans were appealed to the planning commission following a series of objections, including from the local residents' association in the neighbouring Grange estate, who argued that the development was not compatible with the existing infrastructure in the area and that child safety was at risk as a result of new roads connecting the two estates. It also said the development could invite anti-social behaviour, which they said had already become a problem in the area, largely driven by people outside of the estate. In its refusal, the planning commission said the development risked affecting the integrity of European sites, including the Lower River Shannon and River Fergus. It also concluded that it risked negatively impacting Loughmore Common Turlough, which is located close to the proposed development. Messages in a bottle written by two Australian soldiers a few days into their voyage to the battlefields of France during the First World War have been found more than a century later on Australias coast. The Brown family found the Schweppes bottle just above the waterline at Wharton Beach, near Esperance, in Western Australia state on October 9, Deb Brown said. Her husband Peter and daughter Felicity made the find during a quad bike expedition to clear the beach of rubbish. The bottle was found at Wharton Beach in Western Australia (Deb Brown/AP) We do a lot of cleaning up on our beaches and so would never go past a piece of rubbish. So this little bottle was lying there waiting to be picked up, Ms Brown said. Inside the clear, thick glass were cheerful letters written in pencil by privates Malcolm Neville, 27, and William Harley, 37, dated August 15 1916. Their troop ship HMAT A70 Ballarat had left the South Australia state capital Adelaide on August 12 on the long journey to reinforce the 48th Australian Infantry Battalion on Europes Western Front. Mr Neville was killed in action a year later. Mr Harley was wounded twice but survived the war, dying in Adelaide in 1934 of a cancer his family say was caused by him being gassed in the trenches. Mr Neville asked the bottles finder to deliver his letter to his mother, Robertina Neville, in Wilkawatt, now a virtual ghost town in South Australia. Mr Harley, whose mother was dead by 1916, was happy for the finder to keep his note. It really does feel like a miracle and we do very much feel like our grandfather has reached out for us from the grave He wrote may the finder be as well as we are at present. Mr Neville wrote that he was having a real good time, food is real good so far, with the exception of one meal which we buried at sea. The ship was heaving and rolling, but we are as happy as Larry, he said. Mr Neville wrote that he and his comrades were Somewhere at Sea. Mr Harley said they were Somewhere in the Bight, referring to an enormous open bay that begins east of Adelaide and extends to Esperance on the western edge. Ms Brown suspects the bottle did not travel far. It is likely to have spent more than a century ashore buried in the sand dunes, and extensive erosion of the dunes caused by huge swells along Wharton Beach in recent months probably dislodged it. The paper was wet, but the writing remained legible, so Ms Brown was able to notify both soldiers relatives of the find. The writing remained legible (Deb Brown/AP) The bottle is in pristine condition. It doesnt have any growth of any barnacles on it. I believe that if it had been at sea or if it had been exposed for that long, the paper wouldve disintegrated from the sun. We wouldnt have been able to read it, she said. Mr Harleys granddaughter Ann Turner said her family was absolutely stunned by the find. We just cant believe it. It really does feel like a miracle and we do very much feel like our grandfather has reached out for us from the grave, she told Australian Broadcasting Corp. Mr Nevilles great nephew Herbie Neville said his family had been brought together by the unbelievable discovery. It sounds as though he was pretty happy to go to the war. Its just so sad what happened. Its so sad that he lost his life, he said. Wow. What a man he was, the great nephew added with pride. Flooding from Hurricane Melissa has killed 25 people in Haiti while the storm still churned across Cuba on Wednesday after leaving Jamaica with widespread damage and power outages, officials said. Jean Bertrand Subreme, mayor of the southern Haitian coastal town of Petit-Goave, told The Associated Press that 25 people died after La Digue river burst its banks and flooded nearby homes. Dozens of homes collapsed and people were still trapped under rubble as of Wednesday morning, he said. A man walks in the rain before the arrival of Hurricane Melissa in Canizo, a village in Santiago de Cuba (Ramon Espinosa/AP) I am overwhelmed by the situation, he said as he pleaded with the government to help rescue victims. Only one official from Haitis Civil Protection Agency was in the area, with residents struggling to evacuate amid heavy floodwaters unleashed by Hurricane Melissa in recent days. In Jamaica, more than 25,000 people were packed into shelters on Wednesday, hours after Melissa made landfall as a catastrophic Category 5 storm with top winds of 185mph, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record. People kept streaming into the shelters throughout the day after the storm ripped off the roofs of their homes and left them temporarily homeless. Its not going to be an easy road, Jamaica, said Desmond McKenzie, deputy chairman of Jamaicas Disaster Risk Management Council. I know persons are wondering what their futures are going to be like. Dana Morris Dixon, Jamaicas education minister, said that 77% of the island was without power on Wednesday but the water systems were not greatly affected. That was hell. All night long, it was terrible At least one death was reported in the island nations west when a tree fell on a baby, state minister Abka Fitz-Henley told local radio station Nationwide News Network. Officials reported collapsed houses, blocked mountain roads and roofs blown off in Cuba on Wednesday, with the most destruction concentrated in the south west and north west. Authorities said about 735,000 people remained in shelters in eastern Cuba. That was hell. All night long, it was terrible, said Reinaldo Charon in Santiago de Cuba. The 52-year-old was one of the few people venturing out on Wednesday, covered by a plastic sheet in the intermittent rain. Parts of Granma province, especially the municipal capital Jiguani, were under water, said governor Yanetsy Terry Gutierrez. More than 15in (40cm) of rain was reported in Jiguanis settlement of Charco Redondo. A woman flees a community in Santiago de Cuba before the arrival of Hurricane Melissa (Ramon Espinosa/AP) Melissa had top sustained winds of 100mph, a Category 2 storm, and was moving north east at 14mph, according to the US National Hurricane Centre in Miami. The hurricane was centred about 150 miles south of the central Bahamas. Melissa was forecast to continue weakening as it crossed Cuba but remain strong as it moves across the south-eastern or central Bahamas later on Wednesday. It is expected to make its way late on Thursday near or to the west of Bermuda. Haiti and the Turks and Caicos were also braced for its effects. The storm was expected to generate a surge of up to 12ft (3.6 metres) in the region and drop up to 20in (51cm) of rain in parts of eastern Cuba. People walk along a road during the passing of Hurricane Melissa in Rocky Point, Jamaica (Matias Delacroix/AP) Intense rain could cause life-threatening flooding with numerous landslides, US forecasters said. The hurricane could worsen Cubas severe economic crisis, which has already led to prolonged power blackouts, as well as fuel and food shortages. There will be a lot of work to do. We know there will be a lot of damage, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said in a televised address, and urged the population not to underestimate the power of Melissa, the strongest ever to hit national territory. Jamaican officials reported complications in assessing the damage, while the National Hurricane Centre said the local government had lifted the tropical storm warning. Theres a total communication blackout on that side, Richard Thompson, acting director general of Jamaicas Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, told the Nationwide News Network. More than half a million customers were without power late on Tuesday. Extensive damage was reported in parts of Clarendon in the south and in the south-western parish of St Elizabeth, which was under water, said Desmond McKenzie, deputy chairman of Jamaicas Disaster Risk Management Council. The storm damaged four hospitals and left one without power, forcing officials to evacuate 75 patients, Mr McKenzie said. Parts of the roof of St Elizabeth Technical High School are missing in Santa Cruz, Jamaica, after Hurricane Melissa passed (Matias Delacroix/AP) Santa Cruz town in St Elizabeth parish was devastated. A landslide blocked main roads, streets were reduced to mud pits, and residents swept water from homes as they tried to salvage belongings. Winds ripped off part of the roof at St Elizabeth Technical High School, a designated public shelter. Ive never seen anything like this before in all my years living here, said one resident, Jennifer Small. The entire hillside came down last night, said another, Robert James. The government said it hopes to reopen all of Jamaicas airports as early as Thursday to ensure quick distribution of emergency relief supplies. The US government said it was deploying a disaster response team and search and rescue personnel to the region. And the State Department said non-emergency personnel and family members of US government employees were authorised to leave Jamaica because of the storms impact. Watch as drone footage captured damage caused by Hurricane Melissa in Alligator Pond, a fishing village in Jamaica on Wednesday (October 29). Hurricane Melissa unleashed devastation in Jamaica as the strongest storm on record ever to hit the Caribbean island nation, and roared later on Wednesday into eastern Cuba, smashing the city of Santiago and flooding rural land. Sudans paramilitary forces killed hundreds of people including patients in a hospital after they seized el-Fasher city in the western Darfur region over the weekend, according to the UN, displaced residents and aid workers. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of the World Health Organisation (WHO), said in a statement that 460 patients and companions were reportedly killed at Saudi Maternity Hospital in el-Fasher, the provincial capital of North Darfur. He said the WHO was appalled and deeply shocked by the reports. Sudanese who fled el-Fasher city, after Sudans paramilitary forces killed hundreds of people in the western Darfur region, speak at their camp in Tawila, Sudan (Muhnnad Adam/AP) The Sudan Doctors Network, a medical group tracking the war, said fighters from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on Tuesday cold-bloodedly killed everyone they found inside the Saudi Hospital, including patients, their companions, and anyone else present in the wards. Mini Minawi, the governor of Darfur, shared a video online, which purported to show RSF fighters inside the Saudi Maternity Hospital. The minute-long footage shows bodies lying on the floor in pools of blood. A fighter fires a single shot from a Kalashnikov-style rifle into a lone man sitting up, who then slumps to the floor. Other bodies could be seen outside. The Associated Press could not independently verify the date, location or condition under which the video was recorded. Sudanese residents and aid workers also described some of the atrocities carried out by the RSF, fighting since 2023 to take over Africas third largest nation, after they seized the armys last stronghold in Darfur after more than 500 days of siege. The Janjaweed showed no mercy for anyone, said Umm Amena, a mother of four children who fled the city on Monday after two days, using a Sudanese term for the RSF. RSF commander General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo on Wednesday acknowledged what he called abuses by his forces. In his first comments since the fall of el-Fasher, posted on the Telegram messaging app, he said an investigation was opened. He did not elaborate. The RSF has been accused by the UN and rights groups of atrocities throughout the war, including a 2023 attack on another Darfur city, Geneina, where hundreds of people were killed. Amena was among three dozen people, mostly women and children, who were detained for a day by RSF fighters in an abandoned house close to the Saudi Hospital in el-Fasher. This satellite image taken by Airbus DS shows objects on the ground at a former childrens hospital that has been in the hands of the Rapid Support Forces for some time in el-Fasher, Sudan (Airbus DS 2025 via AP) The AP spoke to Amena and four others who managed to flee el-Fasher and arrived exhausted and dehydrated early on Tuesday in the nearby town of Tawila, around 60 kilometres (37 miles) west of el-Fasher, which already hosts more than 650,000 displaced. The UN migration agency said about 35,000 people have fled el-Fasher, mostly to rural areas around it, since Sunday. UN refugee agency official Jacqueline Wilma Parlevliet said that the new arrivals told stories of widespread ethnic and politically motivated killings, including reports of people with disabilities shot dead because they were unable to flee, and others shot as they tried to escape. Witnesses told the AP that RSF fighters on foot, riding on camels, or in vehicles went from house to house, beating and shooting at people, including women and children. Many died of gunshot wounds in the streets, some while trying to flee to safety, the witnesses said. It was a like a killing field, Tajal-Rahman, a man in his late 50s, said over the phone from the outskirts of Tawila. Bodies everywhere and people bleeding and no-one to help them. Both Amena and Tajal-Rahman said that RSF fighters tortured and beat the detainees and shot at least four people on Monday who later died of wounds. They also sexually assaulted women and girls, they said. Humanoid robot makes test lecture at primary school in E.China, inspiring students to engage in 'deeper learning' 09:02, October 29, 2025 By Yu Xi ( Global Times A humanoid robot has delivered a trial lecture at a science class at a primary school in Hefei, East China's Anhui Province, marking a key milestone in bringing a locally developed AI education application developed by a local enterprise from the laboratory to the classroom, according to the official WeChat account of the Hefei city government on Tuesday. On Monday, the science class at the Primary School Affiliated to Hefei Normal School was about "Designing our instruments," and was delivered by "Xiao An," a 1.4-meter-tall humanoid robot serving as a teaching assistant. In seamless cooperation with the teacher at the class, it helped lead the children in exploring the mysteries of sound. The humanoid robot possesses the guiding ability of a professional science teacher and can gradually inspire students to engage in deeper learning, Hu Xingyong, a science teacher at the Primary School Affiliated to Hefei Normal School, who assisted the class with "Xiao An," told the Global Times on Tuesday. A novel feature of the robot is its ability to emotionally engage with students and coordinate gestures and movements, Hu said. When the humanoid robot is brought into the classroom, students immediately become interested. For example, in a lesson where we design small musical instruments, the humanoid robot mimics the sounds and motions of various instruments before class. The students got curious and were encouraged to guess what kind of instrument it is and what its characteristics are, and their creative interest was sparked, the teacher Hu said. When the robot receives a student's question it can provide reflective, thought-provoking responses, Hu said. This science-education robot, "Xiao An", is the world's first of its kind to enter classroom scenario in this way and it was given a persona to be guiding, Hu Likang, deputy general manager of Hefei-based AnyWit Robotics, the producer of the humanoid robot, told the Global Times on Tuesday. "The Monday class is the first public trial involving teachers and students," Hu Likang said. "In the future, we will continue to improve the robot teacher's stability and expand its functions, and we are also considering extending it to other academic subjects." (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) By Mata Press Service A broad coalition representing lawyers, civil liberties, migrant rights, gender-justice advocates, and drug policy experts is raising alarms over the federal governments latest border and immigration legislation, Bill C-12. The groups say the new bill fails to fix its controversial predecessor and instead threatens rights and due process for refugees, immigrants, and vulnerable communities in Canada. The legislation, reintroduced as Prime Minister Mark Carney seeks to manage tensions with Washington over border controls, is being condemned as a rushed political concession that puts human rights at risk. Bill C-12 does not fix Bill C-2; it fast-tracks some of the most egregious aspects, while still moving forward with the rest, said Tim McSorley, national coordinator of the International Civil Liberties Monitoring Group (ICLMG). Our government has made it abundantly clear that they will continue to fight for every privacy-violating measure Bill C-2 still contains and are only introducing Bill C-12 to get restrictions on migrant and refugee rights adopted sooner. Matt Hatfield, Executive Director of OpenMedia, said the motivation behind the bills remains unchanged: The story of this legislative package is the same today as it was on day one of Bill C-2s introduction; its about pleasing President Trump. Canadians reject this multi-layered concession of our rights and freedoms to American pressure, and we expect lawmakers to resoundingly vote against both bills. Advocates say the bill entrenches new barriers to refugee hearings, expands surveillance, and creates broad powers to cancel immigration status at scale, with little oversight. The government is trying to skirt around the overwhelming opposition to C-2 by repackaging it as something new. But C-12 leaves intact the measures to block refugee hearings, impose arbitrary retroactive one-year bars, and grant ministers mass immigration status-cancellation powers, said Karen Cocq of the Migrant Rights Network. Prime Minister Carney is showing that his government continues to be aligned with conservative, Trump-like anti-migrant sentiment. But civil society groups remain united in rejecting this agenda and calling for the withdrawal of both bills. Gender-violence advocates warn that the bill places survivors at even greater risk. Survivors of gender-based violence are uniquely harmed by arbitrary timelines and restricted pathways in immigration, which deny survivors the ability to seek protection when they most need it, said Anuradha Dugal, Executive Director of Womens Shelters Canada. Drug policy experts say the bill doubles down on failed policing-first approaches in the middle of a deadly, toxic-drug crisis. Nick Boyce of the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition stated: Bill C-12s accelerated scheduling will trigger faster illegal drug market innovations, making Canadas already-lethal unregulated drug supply even more volatile. This legislation will make the toxic unregulated drug crisis worse while wasting resources that should go to the things we need, like housing, healthcare, and harm reduction. The Canadian Immigration Lawyers Association says Bill C-12 represents a troubling shift that places immigration within a national security framework. By moving core immigration functions under Public Safety Canada, the legislation treats newcomers as potential security threats rather than people seeking protection and opportunity. CILA argues that Public Safetys mandate is focused on national security, crime prevention, and emergency readiness, not immigration program delivery or refugee determination. Allowing these functions to be redefined risks eroding accountability, fairness, and the foundational principle that immigrants and refugees are not inherently linked to security concerns. The bill also grants excessively broad powers to the Governor in Council to cancel, vary, or suspend immigration documents such as permanent resident visas and PR cards. These sweeping authorities can be applied without established due process or independent review, using a vague public interest standard that is open to political misuse. Of greatest concern is the retroactive cancellation of legally valid applications and the ability to target entire groups at once without notice or any opportunity to respond. CILA warns that this undermines the rule of law by stripping away the procedural safeguards that have long protected the rights of applicants and residents in Canada. Public mistrust in the system is also rising, adding another layer of pressure to the national debate. A new Environics Institute survey of 2,004 Canadians shows confidence in immigration management continues to erode, with more than half of respondents now saying the country is accepting too many newcomers. While Canada has long relied on immigration for economic growth, the survey indicates this concern is fuelled less by cultural anxiety and more by a belief that government is mismanaging intake levels during a housing and affordability crisis. Even so, a clear majority of Canadians continue to see the value immigrants bring to the country. Seven in ten agree that newcomers contribute positively to the national economy, and three-quarters say immigrants either improve their communities or cause no harm. These results suggest the public remains supportive of Canadas multicultural identity and economic reliance on immigration, despite growing frustration with policy execution. The shift in attitude becomes more pronounced when it comes to refugee claims and integration. A rising number of Canadians believe many people who present themselves as refugees are not legitimate, and six in ten say newcomers are not adopting Canadian values. More than one-third connect immigration to increased crime or negative changes in demographic balance. These numbers, while not yet dominant views, have been trending upward for two consecutive years. The survey also highlights a widening political divide, with immigration now standing as one of the most polarizing issues in the country. The findings show sharply different attitudes emerging between supporters of opposing federal political parties, reinforcing that immigration has become a defining fault line in Canadian politics. By Zak Vescera, Matt Simmons, Local Journalism Initiative Reporters A Canadian oil and gas firm successfully pressed Canadas spy agency to begin sharing government intelligence with powerful private companies, a shift that advocates say will help protect critical infrastructure while critics fear civil rights could be at risk. TC Energy, a major North American pipeline company, asked the former head of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) to create regular information-sharing meetings between the agency, the RCMP and representatives of major Canadian corporations, according to internal government documents. The company argued the meetings would allow for private, high-level discussions about security threats facing Canadian industry. It proposed forming a Canadian Security Alliance Council through which CSIS could share unclassified but sensitive intelligence with corporations generating at least $500 million in annual revenue. TC Energy said it needed access to such information because of acute risks from foreign adversaries seeking to sabotage critical infrastructure. [G]iven the severity of the present threat, we support immediate action as current law permits, the company wrote in February 2024. Emails show then-CSIS director David Vigneault replied that he would help advance our shared interests. We are seized with the issue and we appreciate your support, Vigneault wrote in May 2024. TC Energy did not respond to requests for comment. The federal government has since passed legislation making it easier for CSIS to share intelligence with organizations outside government. Senior CSIS official Nicole Giles told attendees at the Vancouver International Security Summit in October that the agency has briefed members of the Business Council of Canada, which was involved in TC Energys proposal. TC Energy CEO Francois Poirier sits on the councils board. The result is that some of Canadas wealthiest companies now have access to intelligence traditionally held only within government. CSIS spokesperson Magali Hebert said the agency and the Business Council of Canada have enjoyed a productive relationship that has advanced the interests of Canadians and of Canadas economic security. She said CSIS is considering formal mechanisms to expand information sharing with outside groups and that the proposed Security Alliance Council remains conceptual. Hebert said CSIS made 28 disclosures in 2024 to governments, ethnic, cultural and religious communities and businesses but did not identify which ones. Sharing intelligence with industry, she said, can protect Canadas research ecosystem and economic prosperity from foreign interference, espionage and unwanted knowledge transfer. The Business Council of Canada argues companies need threat information to counter increasingly common cyberattacks from hostile states and criminal networks. We are being honest with people that businesses are under attack. Our economy is under attack. Our way of life is under attack, council president Goldy Hyder said at the Vancouver summit, adding that Canadian companies cant be boy scouts. Hyder called Vigneault, now in the private security intelligence sector, a dear friend and said they communicate regularly. Vigneault referred questions to his employer, Strider, an American intelligence company, which declined to comment. Council spokesperson Michele-Jamali Paquette said intelligence shared by CSIS is tightly limited and can only be used to strengthen resilience against security threats. Civil liberties advocates warn the new access could discourage legitimate political protest, particularly against oil and gas projects operated by companies like TC Energy. CSIS says it is prohibited from investigating lawful dissent. Hebert said the agency only investigates individuals if there is reasonable suspicion they are planning activities that fall under CSISs mandate, such as violent extremism. But BC Civil Liberties Association litigation director Vibert Jack said the information-sharing shift risks silencing critics. I think the overall prospect it raises is a chilling effect on overall dissent and protest, he said. The more data is being collected about people who are voicing dissent and the more that data gets shared between different parties, the more consequences can flow. TC Energy has pressed for increased corporate access to CSIS intelligence for years. The company hired former Trump administration officials to lobby CSIS for changes, including at an October 2023 security summit in Palo Alto, California. The Narwhal obtained recordings from internal TC Energy meetings in which a former U.S. State Department official working for TC Energy said he had directly approached Vigneault about sharing classified intelligence with companies. In its 2024 proposal, TC Energy called existing information-sharing rules archaic. It pitched the working group as an interim way to distribute unclassified yet sensitive intelligence. The company suggested the Business Council of Canada act as convenor. Emails show Vigneault encouraged both TC Energy and the council to bring their concerns to Parliament. The council went on to support Bill C-70, which amended the CSIS Act so the agency can share classified information outside government with approval from the public safety minister. The legislation also introduced new criminal offences related to sabotaging critical infrastructure. Paquette said CSIS previously lacked the legal authority to proactively share threat intelligence with the private sector. That gap, she said, left Canadian companies fending for themselves while countries like the United States and United Kingdom already had intelligence-sharing programs. Paquette did not detail specific threats council members are concerned about. Some national security experts welcome the new partnerships. Nitin Natarajan, a former U.S. deputy cybersecurity chief now working as a consultant, said sharing intelligence with private companies helps convince them to invest in cybersecurity. We are asking state-level jurisdictions and small cities to use taxpayer dollars to increase their cyber defences, Natarajan said. That is more critical today than ever. Others see risks. University of New Brunswick associate professor Tia Dafnos said informal relationships between corporate executives and intelligence agencies create secrecy that undermines accountability. One of the key concerns here is around the lack of transparency, she said. Dafnos said formalizing a space where powerful corporations and security agencies can openly coordinate could allow companies to influence how threats are defined. Creating these venues is sort of creating space for the blurring of interests, she said. Companies like TC Energy already employ private security teams and contractors, she noted, that monitor protests, political opposition and the broader climate around their projects. Those resources, she said, could influence law enforcement priorities. The BC Civil Liberties Association previously accused CSIS of spying on environmental groups opposed to a northern B.C. pipeline project. Jack worries greater intelligence sharing with industry could help quash similar protests in the future. I think it is fair to assume that part of the goal here for TC Energy is to find ways to prevent protest or lessen their impact at least on their operations, Jack said. He also criticized the tone of communications between CSIS and TC Energy. It really seems as though CSIS views oil and gas companies as their partners, Jack said. They do not see [protesters and Indigenous land defenders] as having shared interests. Editors note: This story is a collaboration between the Investigative Journalism Foundation and The Narwhal. When most people hear terms like poaching, wildlife trafficking or illegal wildlife trade, they probably think of threatened species such as elephants, rhinos, tigers or sharks. Geographically, wildlife crime may feel like a problem confined to southern Africa, Southeast and East Asia. Of course, these species have long been heavily trafficked, and those regions are major hotspots for the trade. However, illegal wildlife trade affects thousands of species of wild plants, animals and fungi, and has been reported in 162 countries, including Canada, which is far from a passive bystander. Illegal wildlife trade is one of the largest criminal activities in the world, and some black markets are growing each year. The immense scale of the problem, coupled with a changing climate and a widening gap between organized crime and countries capacities to respond, poses a mounting global concern. Yet one of the biggest gaps in our understanding has been the nature of organized crime connections to illegal wildlife trade, hardly surprising given how difficult criminal networks are to study. In recent years, experts have increasingly stated that illegal wildlife trade converges with other forms of serious and organized crime, such as drug and human trafficking. Though reported in the media, empirical evidence has been lacking. Much of what we knew about these convergences came from anecdotal reports and reviews. In response, research by our team in 2021 and 2022 reviewed existing knowledge and theorized how these criminal convergences work, laying the groundwork for new empirical research. Our latest study documents those connections directly through more than 100 interviews with investigators on the ground in Canada, South Africa and Hong Kong. This study mapped how illegal wildlife trade intersects with other organized criminal activities. Our findings confirm that wildlife trafficking is rarely isolated. Whether in South Africas rhino reserves, Hong Kongs shipping terminals or Canadas coastal towns, the same pattern repeats: the people and networks trading in wildlife are often involved in other illicit activities. Our research shows that illegal wildlife trade converges with drug, sex and human trafficking, child abuse, trade in human body parts, forced and bonded labour, arms trafficking, vehicle theft and trafficking, counterfeit and pirated goods trade, and illegal trade in metals and minerals. The list goes on. In Canada, interviewees described wildlife being bartered like currency. In several provinces, fish and animal parts, such as sturgeon, have been exchanged directly for illegal drugs. One officer recalled raiding a traffickers house and finding grizzly bear and polar bear hides that had been exchanged for high-value narcotics. Similar stories came from other provinces, where guns are often illegally exchanged for wildlife, or where migrant workers are illegally exploited in illegal wildlife processing facilities. Some cases were small-scale, localized operations, while others linked local poachers to sophisticated international organized crime networks. Still other cases connected wildlife to the murkier oddities trade: human bones, preserved reptiles, bird parts and other macabre collectables. In these circles, even the line between wildlife trafficking and the illegal sale of human remains can blur. The Canadian examples mirrored experiences reported by law enforcement in other countries. In South Africa, rhino horn trafficking networks have also run child exploitation rings; in Hong Kong, shark fins and endangered turtles are trafficked alongside counterfeit and pirated goods. Across all three jurisdictions, convergence of these crimes follows the same logic: shared infrastructure and the pursuit of profit from illegal sources. Trafficking illegal commodities requires prearranged transportation, trusted fixers, corrupt officials and money laundering channels. Diversifying into wildlife simply offers another revenue stream with relatively low penalties if caught. As one investigator told us: If youre a smuggler, the commodity might change, but you will remain a smuggler. Despite these convergences, Canadas response remains siloed, inadequately prioritized and under-resourced. Wildlife crime cases are generally handled by conservation or environment authorities, while narcotics, arms and human trafficking cases fall to police or border agencies, each constrained within geographically defined jurisdictions. This siloed system creates blind spots that sophisticated networks exploit. Without mechanisms for joint intelligence-sharing and prosecution, each agency sees only pieces of the puzzle. Canadas experience is part of a much larger global challenge. Delegates from around the world will soon gather in Samarkand, Uzbekistan for the 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), where they will discuss strengthening enforcement and co-operation. Countering illegal wildlife trade requires collaborative multi-agency and cross-sectoral approaches, in Canada and beyond. This requires deepening collaborations and information sharing protocols between partners, including environmental, policing, financial, customs and organized crime agencies, and recognition that wildlife trafficking is as much an economic crime and security issue as an environmental one. Stronger penalties, better co-operation and the use of anti-money laundering approaches could significantly improve efforts. Public awareness is also key: illegal wildlife purchases, increasingly via online and social media platforms, represent not only environmental harm, but also link consumers to a criminal economy most would likely want nothing to do with. Unfortunately, the illegal wildlife trade is still one of the most lucrative of all illegal trades. The World Bank estimates that illegal logging, fishing and wildlife trade result in economic losses amounting to trillions of dollars annually. The immense profits are siphoned off by organized crime networks and corrupt officials, instead of supporting conservation and sustainable development. Moreover, when wildlife trafficking intersects with the drug and arms trade, it reinforces the same criminal networks that destabilize communities, laundering dirty money, spreading corruption, eroding governance and weakening the rule of law. Ultimately, by treating wildlife trafficking as a complex form of organized crime, Canada can help dismantle the networks that profit from exploiting both people and the planet. By Michelle Anagnostou, Ashwell Glasson, Brent Doberstein and Peter Stoett The Conversation 15 Most Poached Animals in 2025 Illegal hunting and wildlife trafficking continue to devastate species around the world. These are 15 of the most targeted animals in 2025. 1. Antelopes Killed for meat, fur, and horns used in traditional medicine and luxury fashion. 2. Buffalo African and wild water buffalo are poached for bushmeat, with heavy losses reported in national parks. 3. Rhinos Hunted for their horns, falsely believed to have medicinal properties. Most species remain critically endangered. 4. Elephants Targeted for ivory. The killing of tusked elephants has driven rapid evolutionary changes. 5. African Grey Parrots Taken for the exotic pet trade. Millions have been trapped since the 1970s. 6. Apes Gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans, bonobos, and gibbons are hunted for bushmeat and the illegal pet trade. 7. Lions Bones, teeth, and claws are sold on black markets. Retaliatory killings also persist outside protected areas. 8. Peccaries Overhunted in South America for hides and meat, especially the endangered Chacoan peccary. 9. Poison Dart Frogs Smuggled for the pet trade despite captive breeding programs. 10. Helmeted Curassows Large tropical birds hunted for food, trophies, and aphrodisiacs. 11. Leatherback Turtles Egg poaching remains widespread. Not enough hatchlings survive to maintain populations. 12. Tigers Killed for skins, bones, and body parts marketed as status symbols or fake medicines. 13. Pangolins The worlds most trafficked mammal. Scales and meat are sold illegally worldwide. 14. Glass Frogs Rapidly disappearing as demand for rare amphibians in the pet trade surges. 15. Serval Cats Poached for fur and traded live as exotic pets. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Hamburg, NY (Special to Informed Comment; Feature) There are so many reasons to be pessimistic about actions taken by the Trump administration. The way in which he has quickly concentrated power since January clearly demonstrates that he and his sycophants are implementing a fascist ideology. Specific policies unfold with the clear intention to either undermine or destroy any possible alternative viewpoints. We see this in the relentless assault on the legal system and measures to reshape higher education. In addition, various police state practices appear with the demonization of immigrants in order to justify an effort to unleash unrestrained domestic militarism. In conjunction with this measure comes the establishment of preventive detention in concentration camps. There is to be no questioning of these actions as Trump and his administration target internal enemies with sham prosecutions. Evidence of this obsessive need to cause harm not just at home but also overseas can be seen in the targeted extrajudicial killings of unarmed civilians that began off the shores of Venezuela. There may also be reasons, however, for cautious optimism. A case can be made that Trumpian fascism contains the seeds of its own destruction if viewed in relation to the previous fascist regimes of Germany, Italy, Spain and Portugal. Consider the causes behind the collapse of these regimes. In all four there is one striking similarity: the functioning of each one was cemented by a single head of state: Hitler, Mussolini, Franco and Salazar. In varying degrees, the decline and eventual collapse of each fascist regime coincided with an inability to rule and/or the death of the fascist ruler. 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) Hitlers health and his loss of mental capabilities in association with his malignant narcissism contributed to the defeat of Nazi Germany. In Mussolinis case, a loss of popularity, in part because of military setbacks as well as corruption led to his being overthrown and eventually executed. In Francos case, it was a combination of declining health, an increase in segments opposed to his rule and an economic downturn, that led to his removal from power, a major factor in the collapse of Spanish fascism. In Portugal, the Carnation Revolution was the culmination of the militarys rejection of Salazars dictatorship, but even more important was the fact that Salazar became incapacitated due to declining health. His successor, Marcello Caetano, lacked the ability to overcome the various internal divisions in the government. In these fascist regimes, once the leader no longer represented and personified the regime, fascism as a ruling ideology fell apart. In Germany and Italy, additional contributing factors were military setbacks that contributed to the defeat of these regimes. Consider what expert psychologists and psychiatrists see as Trumps cognitive decline despite the administrations denials and the meager media coverage of it. In association with what experts call his malignant narcissism, this cognitive decline will further impair his ability to rule as he continues to cause harm to many segments of society. His obsessive targeting of his ever-growing list of enemies has exposed his paranoia and mental instability. 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. Toppling, Digital, ChatGPT, 2025. Over time, in Germany, Italy, Spain and Portugal, social movements grew and called into question the policies of the regime in power. The growing unpopularity of so many of Trumps actions, including tax cuts for the super-wealthy and tariffs (a tax on ordinary consumers), the rise of mass demonstrations such as the No Kings movement, rulings from state and certain federal courts, the backfiring prosecutions and his negative polling all add up to a growing resistance to Trumps fascist agenda. This resistance is emerging even as his advisors rally their base with the fantasy of a third term, which even on the basis of Trumps cognitive decline alone, stretches credulity. Therefore, it is not overly optimistic to argue that given these facts, Trumpian fascism is hardly permanent and that not only will it eventually be halted but it will also largely be reversed. See also Andrew Kolin, Trumps Dangerous State of Exception: SCOTUS must not Allow Presidential Immunity. ( IMEMC ) Israeli warplanes launched a series of airstrikes across the Gaza Strip on Tuesday evening, killing at least 21 Palestinians, including eight children, and injuring several others. The attacks mark a renewed breach of the ceasefire agreement and have intensified fears of a broader military escalation. The Middle East Monitor reported that the United Nations expressed extreme concern about reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed the Israeli army to execute powerful strikes on Gaza: I just saw the press reports as you came in. I can tell you that those reports are extremely concerning, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told a news conference, adding that he is unaware whether UN staff on the ground was pre-warned. We dont want the situation to be set back. It is important that all of the parties involved in the ceasefire adhere to the ceasefire. We dont want civilians to be bombed again. We dont want our operations to be railed again, he stressed. ( CC BY-NC-SA 4.0) IMEMC continues: According to medical sources and field reports, the casualties occurred in multiple locations: Sabra neighborhood (Gaza City): Four killed, four injuredincluding a child and an infantafter a strike on the al-Banna family home. Nuseirat refugee camp: One killed, several injured in a strike on a tent sheltering displaced civilians; among the victims were slain siblings Batoul and Mohammad Aqel. Gaza City: Four killed when a civilian vehicle was bombed, igniting nearby olive trees and damaging farmland. Khan Younis: Five killed in a missile strike on a car; additional injuries reported in the Al-Qadisiya camp in al-Mawasi, where tents housing displaced families were bombed. Other targeted areas: Shati refugee camp, Abu Hasira Street, Zeitoun neighborhood, Deir al-Balah, and artillery shelling east of Deir al-Balah. Reconnaissance drones also fired missiles near the al-Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza City, with one projectile landing in an empty courtyard. No casualties were reported in that incident. Separately, Israeli forces wired and detonated several homes and buildings in parts of Gaza City. The escalation followed a public directive from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who ordered the military to launch immediate and forceful strikes on Gaza. The renewed bombardment has raised alarm among residents and humanitarian organizations, who warn that the ceasefire is rapidly unraveling. The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) issued a statement Tuesday evening denying any involvement in a recent shooting incident in Rafah and reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire agreement signed in Sharm El-Sheikh under U.S. sponsorship. Hamas condemned the Israeli airstrikes as a flagrant violation of the truce, describing them as criminal attacks that undermine the agreement brokered by President Donald Trump. The movement stated that the latest assault is part of a broader pattern of violations, including deadly strikes, injuries, and the continued closure of the Rafah crossing. Hamas accused Israel of deliberately sabotaging the ceasefire and called on international mediators to intervene and pressure Israel to halt its aggression and uphold the terms of the agreement. Earlier Tuesday, Gazas Government Media Office reported that Israeli forces had committed more than 125 violations of the ceasefire since it took effect. These breaches have resulted in the deaths of 94 Palestinian civilians and injuries to 344 others. Documented violations include 52 incidents of live fire targeting civilians, nine incursions by armored vehicles into residential areas, 55 aerial and ground attacks, and 11 demolitions of civilian buildings. Additionally, 21 Palestinians have been detained across the Gaza Strip. The media office emphasized the urgent need to reopen the Rafah crossing to allow the transfer of thousands of wounded and sick individuals for treatment abroad. It also called for the delivery of shelter materialsincluding tents, tarpaulins, and plastic sheetingas winter approaches, to prevent further deterioration of living conditions for Gazas 2.4 million residents. Al Jazeera English: Israel kills 20 in Gaza attacks, Hamas delays handover of captives remains Please enable JavaScript play-sharp-fill Embed Copy and paste this HTML code into your webpage to embed. Israel kills 20 in Gaza attacks, Hamas delays handover of captives remains Separately, the Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, announced late Tuesday night that its fighters had successfully recovered the bodies of two Israeli captivesAmiram Cooper and Sahar Baruchduring search operations conducted earlier that day. The recovery reportedly took place within tunnel networks in the Gaza Strip. Gaza 63, Digital, Dream / Dreamland v3, 2025 This development follows an earlier announcement by the Brigades that they had located the body of another Israeli captive, whose handover was postponed due to what the group described as Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement. Al-Qassam emphasized that continued breaches by Israeli forces are obstructing humanitarian efforts to locate and retrieve remains. The group warned that such violations jeopardize the progress of prisoner exchange arrangements and delay the return of Israeli remains. The handover, originally scheduled for 8 p.m. local time as part of the Flood of the Free prisoner exchange framework, was postponed due to ongoing Israeli violations. Al-Qassam warned that continued military escalation would obstruct search and excavation efforts, delaying the recovery and return of remains. Hamas also accused Israel of systematically blocking efforts to locate the bodies of its soldiers inside Gaza, including denying access to joint teams from the International Committee of the Red Cross and Palestinian resistance groups. Furthermore, Hamas stated that Israel has prevented the entry of heavy machinery needed to accelerate search operations. This obstruction has also hindered the retrieval of slain Palestinians still buried under rubble, compounding the suffering of their families. The cumulative death toll in Gaza since October 2023 has now surpassed 68,677, including over 20,000 children and 12,500 women, according to Gazas Health Ministry and reports from Al Jazeera. More than 170,382 Palestinians have been injured,. The conflict has also claimed the lives of at least 224 humanitarian workers179 of them UNRWA staffand 217 journalists Via IMEMC Licensed under a Creative Commons Attr-NonCom 4.0 International License.. The IMEMC article has been bolstered with quotes from the Middle East Monitor, also licensed under a Creative Commons Attr-NonCom 4.0 International License.. A Russian strike on a children's hospital in southern Ukraine wounded at least nine people, including four children, Ukrainian officials said Wednesday, accusing Moscow of a "war crime". The attack was in Kherson, a city Russian forces temporarily occupied in 2022. It still faces regular shelling and drone strikes from Moscow's troops on the opposite side of the Dnipro river, the de facto front line snaking through southern Ukraine. Russia has hit several hospitals and medical facilities during its invasion, though Moscow says it only targets military sites. "The enemy opened fire on a children's hospital in Kherson," said Ukraine's ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets. "Nine people were wounded -- among them four children and three medical workers." City officials published a video showing a building with shattered windows, debris strewn across stretchers and medical equipment with bloodstains on the floor of the facility. "Targeting medical institutions and civilian infrastructure is not warfare -- it's purely terrorism and a grave violation of international humanitarian law," said Ukraine's Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. Separate Russian strikes on the southern region of Odesa caused large-scale power cuts, as Moscow intensifies its strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Similar campaigns in previous winters plunged millions into darkness and cut off heating in freezing temperatures. Around 27,000 households were without power in the Odesa region on Wednesday morning, energy company DTEK said. "The damage is significant. Repairs will take time," the company said. Ukraine has also kept up its own campaign of retaliatory strikes on Russia. Belgorod region Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said Wednesday that a Ukrainian drone attack had killed at least one person and wounded three in the border village of Shebekino. Russia's defence ministry said its troops had advanced on the front line, capturing the village of Vyshneve in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region. A Russian strike on a children's hospital in southern Ukraine wounded at least nine people, including four children, authorities said Wednesday, while President Volodymyr Zelensky called it a "deliberate" attack that shows Moscow does not want peace. The strike in Kherson blasted out windows and left bloodstains on the floor of treatment rooms, with debris strewn across stretchers and medical equipment, footage published by Ukrainian officials showed. Russia has hit several hospitals and medical facilities during its invasion, drawing accusations of war crimes, though Moscow says it only targets military sites. "They could not have been unaware of where they were striking. This was a deliberate Russian attack specifically against children, against medical personnel, against basic guarantees of life in the community," Zelensky said. Ukraine's ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said nine people were wounded. The youngest was aged eight, Zelensky said. Around 100 people were inside the hospital at the time of the attack, Zelensky added. Russia was "not only dragging out its terrorist war but also trying to do everything possible to ensure that no opportunity to end the war succeeds," he said. Moscow has not commented on the strike. Kherson, a city Russian forces temporarily occupied in 2022, faces regular shelling and drone strikes from Moscow's troops on the opposite side of the Dnipro river, the de facto front line snaking through southern Ukraine. Separate Russian attacks on the southern region of Odesa left 27,000 households without power, amid an intensification of air strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Similar campaigns in previous winters plunged millions into darkness and cut off heating in freezing temperatures. Ukraine has kept up its own campaign of retaliatory strikes on Russia. It claimed to have hit two Russian oil refineries and a gas processing plant overnight. Belgorod region Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said Wednesday that a Ukrainian drone attack had killed at least one person and wounded three in the border village of Shebekino. Russia's defence ministry said its troops had advanced on the front line, capturing the village of Vyshneve in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region. The head of the Rapid Support Forces paramilitaries vowed on Wednesday Sudan would be unified by "peace or through war" and expressed sympathy after reports of mass killings by his group in the newly captured El-Fasher. The RSF took the city, the last army holdout in the vast Darfur region of western Sudan, after more than 18 months of brutal siege, sparking fears of a return to the ethnically targeted atrocities of twenty years ago. Accusations of mass killings have mounted, with the World Health Organization condemning reports that 460 people were killed at a maternity hospital. Sudanese Arabs are the dominant ethnic group in the country, but the majority in Darfur are from non-Arab communities such as the Fur people. International powers have struggled for months to mediate an end to the fighting between the paramilitaries and the regular army, raging since April 2023. And on Thursday, Mohammad Hamdan Daglo vowed to reunify the country by force if necessary. "The liberation of El-Fasher is an opportunity for Sudanese unity, and we say: Sudanese unity through peace or through war," he declared. Daglo's paramilitaries now control most of western Sudan, Africa's third largest country, while the regular army under Abdel Fattah al-Burhan dominates the north, east and centre. While the army regained full control over the capital Khartoum in March, the RSF has set up a parallel administration in the southwestern city of Nyala. Analysts have warned that the country is now de facto partitioned and may prove very hard to piece back together. - Hospital killings - Daglo said in a speech shared on his Telegram channel on Wednesday that he was "sorry for the inhabitants of El-Fasher for the disaster that has befallen them" and that civilians were off limits. Since the takeover of El-Fasher by the RSF -- descended from the Janjaweed militias accused of genocide in Darfur two decades ago -- the group has again been accused of carrying out atrocities against civilians, with graphic videos circulating on social media. On Thursday, the World Health Organization said it was "appalled and deeply shocked" by reports that 460 patients and companions were killed at a maternity hospital in the city. The United Nations has warned of "ethnically motivated violations and atrocities" while the African Union condemned "escalating violence" and "alleged war crimes". The Sudanese army-aligned government, meanwhile, has accused the RSF of killing more than 2,000 civilians and targeting mosques and Red Crescent aid workers in the city. Yale University's Humanitarian Research Lab said late on Tuesday that satellite imagery showed "mass killing events" with "corroboration of alleged executions around Saudi Hospital and a previously unreported potential mass killing at an RSF detention site at the former Children's Hospital in eastern El-Fasher". It added that there was also ongoing "systematic killing" at one location outside the city. The lab had earlier warned of a "systematic and intentional process of ethnic cleansing" of non-Arab communities. - Truce talks stalled - El-Fasher had been the last holdout in Darfur of Burhan's forces, and its fall has left the paramilitaries in control of a vast region covering a third of Sudan, with fighting now concentrated in the central Kordofan region. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said on Tuesday reported five Sudanese volunteers killed and three missing in Bara, a city in Kordofan captured by the RSF on Saturday. Since Sunday, more than 33,000 people have fled El-Fasher for the town of Tawila, about 70 kilometres (40 miles) to the west, which has already welcomed more than 650,000 displaced people, the UN says. Around 177,000 people remain in El-Fasher, which had a population of more than one million before the war, according to UN figures. Satellite-based communications with the city remain cut off -- though not for the RSF, which controls the Starlink network there -- as are access routes to the city despite calls for humanitarian corridors. AFP images from Tawila showed displaced people, some of them with bandages, carrying their belongings and setting up temporary shelters. - Outside powers - Sudan's war has killed tens of thousands of people, displaced millions and triggered the world's largest displacement and hunger crisis, with both sides accused of widespread atrocities. The so-called Quad group -- comprising the United States, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia -- has held talks over several months towards securing a truce. But those talks have reached an impasse, an official close to the negotiations said, adding that their proposals are facing "continued obstructionism" from the army-aligned government. While diplomats have preached peace, outside powers, including Quad members, have been accused of interfering in the conflict. Multiple UN reports have accused the UAE of supplying the RSF with weapons and drones, which Abu Dhabi denies. Meanwhile, the army has drawn on support from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Turkey. Sudan has large and coveted gold deposits, exports of which are nearly all funnelled to the UAE, as well as huge amounts of arable land. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On the evening of October 24, 2025, GAC Group hosted a high-profile brand launch event in George Town, the capital of the Cayman Islandsone of the world's leading financial hubs. Under the theme "Experience the Future of Driving," the event showcased GAC's confidence and ambition as it accelerates its global expansion strategy. The event marks a significant step forward in GAC's globalization drive. The Cayman Islands, located in the northwest Caribbean, comprise Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, and Cayman Brac, with a population of around 76,000 and an area of 264 square kilometers. Known as the world's fourth-largest offshore financial centerafter New York, London, and Hong Kongthe territory hosts over 700 international banks, 800 insurance firms, and nearly 10,000 hedge funds, including institutions such as Bank of China, HSBC, CIBC First Caribbean International Bank, RBC Royal Bank, Bank of America, and JPMorgan Chase. Many major Chinese companies, including China Mobile, Sinopec, and CNPC, also have a presence there. With a per capita GDP of nearly US$97,700 in 2024 and a thriving tourism sector attracting over a million Western visitors annually, the Caymans serve as both a luxury destination and a strategic financial gateway. GAC's brand debut in this global hub is expected to deepen its ties with international capital markets. Photo credit: GAC Group At the launch, GAC showcased a lineup of its latest models, including the EMKOO, EMZOOM, the second-generation AION V, GS8, GS4 MAX, and EMPOWvehicles that represent the company's evolving design language and technological maturity. As one of the leading Chinese automakers expanding overseas, GAC has been steadily strengthening its presence across the Caribbean. In 2025 alone, the company has hosted brand launch events in the Bahamas, Saint Lucia, Barbados, and now the Cayman Islands. For the first ten months of this year, GAC's retail sales in the region have surged 858% year-on-year, while wholesale volumes have also soared 623% from a year ago, underscoring its rapid market momentum. GAC stated that it plans to leverage the Cayman Islands' financial strengths and global connectivity to further expand into emerging markets across the Americas. The company reaffirmed its commitment to becoming a benchmark brand in the field of intelligent mobility worldwide. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On October 28, northwest China's first low-altitude self-driving tourism route was officially unveiled in Dunhuang, Gansu Province. The local government of Dunhuang and AIDGE, a low-altitude mobility solution provider and flying car company affiliated to XPENG, jointly launched the new route and signed a strategic partnership agreement. The two sides will collaborate on building a network of flight camps and developing integrated land-air self-driving tour routes, aiming to boost the city's emerging low-altitude economy. Photo credit: XPENG During the launch event, an AIDGE pilot conducted the first demonstration flight in the region using the company's "Land Aircraft Carrier" modular flying car. Designed specifically for flying cars and next-generation aerial vehicles, the new low-altitude self-driving tour route redefines the travel experience in northwest China. It offers an aerial perspective of Dunhuang's vast deserts, ancient trade routes, and cultural landmarks, blending natural grandeur with technological innovation. The immersive journeydescribed by local officials as "one route, many experiences; one flight, multiple sensations"aims to leave visitors with a lasting "memory of Dunhuang." The project integrates both "aerial corridors" and ground-based experiences to create a multi-dimensional tourism network. To support the route's operation, five dedicated flight camps will be constructed along key sites in Dunhuang. The first batch is scheduled for completion and trial operation by July 2026. Each camp will serve as both a takeoff and landing hub and an experience center for aerial tourists. Over time, the model is expected to expand across the entire Hexi Corridor, unlocking the vast economic potential of China's low-altitude tourism sector and enhancing the visitor experience. Dunhuang's wealth of cultural and natural resources makes it one of China's most sought-after travel destinations. The city is home to iconic landmarks such as the Mogao Caves, Yangguan and Yumenguan Passes, and remnants of the Han Great Wallall set amid dramatic desert and Yadan landforms. With the integration of "low-altitude + tourism" and "low-altitude + culture" applications, visitors can now explore Dunhuang's 2,000-year history from an entirely new, sky-high perspective. Photo credit: XPENG At the event, AIDG signed a memorandum of cooperation with several local and aviation partnersincluding Hangzhou Gaozhi General Aviation, Gansu Wanhua Enterprise Group Co., Ltd., Dunhuang Cultural & Tourism Group, Dunhuang Feitian General Aviation, and Dunhuang Airport Economic Development Co., Ltd.to jointly develop flight camps and related infrastructure. The agreements also included a pre-sale order for 200 units of AIDGE's "Land Aircraft Carrier" modular flying car, highlighting growing interest in commercializing low-altitude mobility solutions for tourism. AIDGE's "Land Aircraft Carrier" is scheduled for market launch and delivery in 2026. Once in service, tourists will be able to "drive, fly, and explore" Dunhuang from both the ground and the sky, ushering in a new era of integrated air-land adventure travel. Tuesday, October 28, 2025 - Social media has been set ablaze after a man publicly embarrassed his ex-lover and baby mama during a heated exchange on TikTok, where the two shamelessly washed their dirty linen in public. It all started after the lady accused her baby daddy of being a deadbeat father and having an affair with their househelp. She further claimed that he had refused to move on after she dumped him and found another man. In a shocking response, the estranged lover fired back, accusing her of poor hygiene, saying thats what pushed him into cheating. He went on to shamelessly admit that he had an affair with the househelp because his ex did not know how to clean herself well. The dramatic confrontation quickly went viral, with netizens flooding the comment sections in disbelief. Many called out the former lovers for airing their private issues online, while others joked that TikTok had officially become the new battleground for toxic exes. Check out the posts. The lady being accused of poor hygiene. The Kenyan DAILY POST Tuesday, October 28, 2025 - Drama has erupted on TikTok after a furious Kenyan lady went public to expose her deadbeat baby daddy, accusing him of being irresponsible and unfaithful. In a fiery rant that has since gone viral, the lady claimed that her baby daddy, whom she once loved dearly, turned into a complete disappointment after the birth of their child. She accused him of neglecting his parental duties and having affairs with her househelps, instead of providing for his family. Social media users flooded the comments section with mixed reactions - some sympathizing with her, while others urged her to handle the matter privately. The jilted lady didnt stop there. She went ahead and flaunted her new man, claiming that her deadbeat ex is now jealous of her happy relationship. See more of her Tiktok videos HERE>>> The Kenyan DAILY POST Tuesday, October 28, 2025 - Prominent businessman and GeoDev Kenya Managing Director, David Gichuki, and his mistress appeared completely unbothered after police raided his palatial Karen home to rescue his estranged wife, who had earlier taken to social media crying over alleged mistreatment and humiliation. In the video, officers are seen arriving at the residence following reports that Gichukis wife, Monica, had been locked inside a room and emotionally abused after the businessman allegedly moved in with his mistress and her adult daughter. Despite the tense scene, Gichuki and his mistress appeared unbothered as police tried to intervene. Reports indicate that the officers left without rescuing Monica, who was still locked in one of the rooms, a move that has angered many Kenyans online. Social media personality Bernice Saroni, who brought Monicas plight to light, condemned the incident and shared the video online, writing: Why are the police going without seeing Monica? Really, Kenyan police money is the beginning of all evil. You are a grown woman, toka kwa Monica. Go build your home. I feel helpless. DAVID GICHUKI, Karen home pic.twitter.com/A2JE6bz2VD DAILY POST (@dailypost_ke) October 28, 2025 Tuesday, October 28, 2025 - A youthful and financially stable Kenyan lawyer has stirred mixed reactions online after boldly declaring that she has chosen a childfree lifestyle, despite her thriving legal career and financial independence. Taking to TikTok, the confident lawyer said she has made a conscious decision to go against societal expectations that women must bear children to be considered complete. According to her, motherhood is torturous and unrewarding, and she has no desire to go through it. I love my freedom. I travel on a whim. I dont want anyone or anything holding me back from doing this, she wrote. She went on to say that raising children is expensive and that she would rather channel her resources into exploring the world and investing in her personal happiness. Her candid revelation has since sparked intense debate on social media, with some praising her honesty and others accusing her of being influenced by the Western culture. Check out some of her posts below. The Kenyan DAILY POST Tuesday, October 28, 2025 - A heartbreaking video has emerged showing the young son of prominent businessman David Gichuki nearly breaking down in tears as he narrated the pain and humiliation his family has endured after his father allowed his side chick and her children to take over their palatial Karen home. In the emotional clip, the boy can be heard saying, They threw our Bible into the dustbin, as he struggles to hold back tears. The child recounts how life at home changed drastically after Gichukis mistress allegedly moved in, accusing her of mistreating him, his mother Monica, and his siblings, while their father watched silently. Monica, Gichukis estranged wife, confirmed the heartbreaking ordeal, saying her husbands mistress has taken control of their home, disrespected her in front of the children, and even attempted to evict them from the property she helped build. Monica also revealed that she has suffered severe physical abuse at the hands of Gichuki, claiming that she was hospitalized at Karen Hospital after one brutal attack. Despite reporting the matter to the police, she says no action has been taken due to her husbands influence. The video of the young boy crying has sparked an outpouring of sympathy across social media, with Kenyans calling for justice and child protection intervention. The Kenyan DAILY POST Tuesday, October 28, 2025 - A lady has taken to social media to call out successful single men who refuse to date single mothers, accusing them of being weak and insecure. In a trending post, the unapologetic mother of three confidently paraded her children and insisted that being a single mum doesnt make her less deserving of love or respect. How are you a grown man but scared of some kids? she posed. Her message has sparked a heated debate online, with some netizens praising her confidence and honesty, while others argued that men have a right to choose partners without parental baggage. Check out her trending post. The Kenyan DAILY POST In 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) made headlines by announcing the seizure of 127,271 Bitcoinsworth approximately $15 billionfrom Cambodias Prince Group, calling it a major blow to transnational fraud. However, the true motive behind the operation was far less noble. The U.S. was grappling with a staggering federal debt, which had reached $37.9 trillion by the end of 2023, with an alarming $400 billion surge in just one month. To cover this growing fiscal hole, former President Trump signed an executive order in 2025 that officially classified seized crypto assets as part of the "national strategic reserve"essentially allowing the government to take the $15 billion without compensating the victims of the fraud. Ironically, over 80% of Prince Groups victims were from Asiamainly China, Japan, and South Koreawhile U.S. victims numbered only around 250, with a total loss of approximately $18 million. The U.S. thus seized a fortune mostly stolen from Asian citizens, using a tiny number of domestic victims as a legal justification. As indicated by statements from the DOJ, the priority was never about protecting the victims; it was about replenishing the U.S. Treasury. Source: U.S. Department of the Treasury. Fiscal Service via FRED Shaded areas indicate U.S. recessions. 2. U.S. Financial System Covers Up the Crime Prince Group's ability to operate its multi-billion-dollar fraud network for years wouldnt have been possible without active support from the U.S. financial system. The core money-laundering arm of the group, Huione Group, processed $4 billion in suspicious transactions through U.S.-linked banks between 2021 and 2025. The New York clearing system turned a blind eye to these red flags, ignoring warning signs of large-scale financial crimes. Moreover, the so-called theft of $3.5 billion in Bitcoin from Prince Groups Lubian Mining Pool in 2020 was not a hack, but a well-planned scam. U.S. law enforcement had already tracked the "stolen" coins via blockchain for three years but did not act until the Bitcoins value had grown to $15 billion by 2024. This wasnt a case of delayed enforcementit was a deliberate decision to let the loot grow before seizing it, proving the U.S. financial systems complicity in the fraud. The New York Times: James B. Comey's lawyer claims that Trump ordered AG Pam Bundy to launch retaliatory charges 3. Fighting Fraud Abroad, Ignoring It at Home While the U.S. proudly trumpeted its fight against global fraud, it failed to address the growing fraud crisis within its own borders. In 2024 alone, U.S. consumers lost over $5 billion to telecom fraud, a 30% increase from 2023. Seniors were especially vulnerable, with an average loss of $12,000 per case. A retirement community in Florida saw 100 residents scammed out of their entire pensions. Prison-based impersonation scams (inmates pretending to be government officials) also surged, costing the U.S. $2.95 billion in 2024. Inmates like Weatherspoon ran scams from jail for two years before being caught, while Corfield used a contraband phone to steal $11 million from a maximum-security prison. Yet, despite the massive impact of these domestic scams, 90% of U.S. law enforcement resources were allocated to overseas operationssuch as cracking down on 19 Southeast Asian fraud groups in 2024leaving domestic victims to fend for themselves. This tough abroad, weak at home approach highlights the U.S.'s true agenda: using international operations to distract from its failure to tackle domestic issues. 4. Trumps Bitcoin Play for Political Survival The timing of the Prince Group Bitcoin seizure wasnt accidentalit was a political play by former President Trump. Facing growing internal chaos, including the fallout from the Epstein case that divided his MAGA coalition, Trump needed a high-profile win to rebuild his image. The $15 billion crypto seizure, led by his loyal DOJ chief Pam Bondi, was just what he needed. Bondi, already accused of "selective enforcement" to protect Trumps allies, presented the seizure as a victory for global security. It also allowed the U.S. to link Prince Groups fraud to Asiaparticularly Chinasetting the stage for future trade conflicts. For Trump, the $15 billion wasnt just a financial windfall; it was a tool to regain political power and strengthen his position. President Trump sign an Executive Order to establish a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. 5. Allies Profit, Small Nations Get Bullied The U.S. didnt hoard the $15 billion alone. It invited its allies to the loot-splitting party. The UK was the first to act, freezing 19 properties belonging to Prince Group founder Chen Zhi in London, including a $125 million office building in Kensington and a $150 million mansion in North London. Singapore followed suit by freezing $180 million in Huione Groups bank accounts. Both countries claimed they were recovering stolen assets, but in reality, the money would end up in their own treasuries, not in the hands of the victims. Smaller nations like Cambodia were left with no choice but to comply. Cambodias Prime Minister, Hun Sen, had once granted Chen Zhi the title of Royal Advisor and accepted $20 million in birthday gifts. But when the U.S. threatened to block Cambodias rice exports and cut off EU aid, Hun Sen quickly distanced himself from Prince Group, claiming no knowledge of their activities. This was a stark example of how small countries are coerced in the U.S.-led justice game. London Mansion Frozen as UK Sanctions Cambodian Scam Network 6. Asian Victims Left High and Dry The cruelest part of this so-called anti-fraud operation was that the victims received nothing. The U.S. announced that the $15 billion Bitcoin would never be sold and would be added to its strategic reserveleaving any hope of compensation for the victims dead in the water. Similarly, the assets seized by the UK and Singapore were labeled forfeited to the state, meaning they too would not be returned to the victims. Victims like the 64-year-old woman from Maryland who lost her life savings to Prince Groups scams or the Chinese community in San Francisco devastated by fraud were left out in the cold. The U.S. endlessly touted its efforts to protect people, but when it came to returning the stolen funds, it chose to line its own pockets instead. A young man, lured to northern Myanmar and used as a "pigtail" for a fraud ring, was reportedly beheaded and dismembered. Conclusion: Justice Was Never the Goal Prince Group was undoubtedly a criminal enterprisebut the U.S. didnt take it down to protect victims. The real goals were to: 1. Use the $15 billion in Bitcoin to plug the $37.9 trillion debt crisis; 2. Distract from political chaos at home; 3. Solidify its financial dominance on the global stage. The $15 billion Bitcoin seizure wasnt law enforcement. It was a heist, a calculated move to further the U.S.'s own self-interest at the expense of victims. The true nature of this operation was about wealth redistributionjust not in favor of the victims. IN A bizarre twist of fate, it looks like Santa Claus may get some benefit from cocaine this year, following a mildly surreal case in Naas last week that even involved just the hint of a prison riot. Appearing in Naas District Court by videolink from custody in Cloverhill Prison was Thomas Kavanagh (38), with an address at Ripley Court Hotel, Talbot Street, Dublin 1 on one charge sheet, and at Peter McVerry Trust on a number of others. Mr Kavanagh had been charged with possession (section 3), and possession with intent to supply (section 15), of 640 of cocaine at Anne Street in Prosperous on 5 December 2021. According to his solicitor Tim Kennelly, Mr Kavanagh was convicted last week in a contested case that relied on the testimony of the garda who saw him toss the drugs into a bush. There was no DNA evidence on it, said Mr Kennelly. And now he wants to plead guilty? asked Judge Desmond Zaidan. Seeking some clarity on the matter, he turned to his screen to address Mr Kavanagh, but was met with an empty chair. Cloverhills a bit slow today, he commented, before a mildly-flustered prison guard came on and said: Apologies, judge. We seem to have some security issues here this morning. While the court waited, Judge Zaidan noted the charge concerned 640 worth of cocaine, and 955 in cash, which is to be forfeited to the state. Eventually Mr Kavanagh showed up on screen, and the judge turned to the now-seated defendant and saying: You look refreshed. Thanks, judge, I want to finalise things today, said the defendant. Did you get sentenced in the CCJ? asked his solicitor Mr Kennelly, referring to an unrelated trial of his client in the Criminal Courts of Justice earlier in the week. No, sentencing was adjourned until December, Mr Kavanagh clarified. Okay. I would advise for sentencing here to be after sentencing in the CCJ so we can see better where we are, said Mr Kennelly to his televised client. Any sentence Ill give you in December I will backdate it to last week, 16 October, said the judge. Thank you, said the defendant. Then the judge turned to the issue of the forfeiture of the seized 955, when Mr Kennelly came up with a seasonal suggestion. Judge, could you allocate the 955 to the Friends of Santa charity in Newbridge, who help families who cant afford Santa? he proposed. Thats a very good cause, noted the judge, as Sergeant Dave Hanrahan who usually nominates the good causes after forfeiture nodded in assent. He has pleaded guilty to everything? checked the judge, noting that Mr Kavanagh also had 11 summonses in the minute book for a raft of road traffic offences, and the sergeant again nodded. He will stay in custody until the CCJ sentence in December, the judge confirmed, as Mr Kavanagh stood to return to his cell and await his fate. Sonya Mclean A man whose mess fight with a childhood friend took a darker turn when he grabbed a bottle and then a knife has been jailed for two years and three months. Frank Kelly (40) and his friend Darren Sherlock had been out socialising together before they returned to Kellys home, where they continued taking alcohol and drugs. At the house, Kelly suggested they have a fight, and Mr Sherlock set up his phone to record it. Aideen Collard BL, prosecuting, told the court that the pair would regularly engage in mess fighting so this was not unusual. She said on this occasion, both Kelly and Mr Sherlock traded a few digs, but the fight escalated and Kelly grabbed a bottle of whiskey before he struck the victim with it. Garda Diane Byrne told Ms Collard that Kelly then took a knife and told Mr Sherlock, I am going to get a knife and stab you to bits. Ms Collard said Mr Sherlock can be heard on the footage pleading with Kelly to stop and can be heard saying the word stop 36 times. Kelly attacked him with the knife, causing nine stab wounds to Mr Sherlock. The court heard that Mr Sherlock can be heard saying I am dying bro while Kelly says youre dead. Mr Sherlock ultimately escaped from the apartment and ran down the road where he collapsed. Homeowners nearby come to his assistance and an ambulance and gardai were called to the scene. The footage also shows Kelly returning to his home to clean up after Mr Sherlock leaves. Ms Collard said that Mr Sherlock was later treated in hospital for nine superficial stab wounds to his back, although when he first arrived, medical staff suspected he had a punctured lung. Kelly of Mulroy Road, Cabra pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assault causing harm to Mr Sherlock in Cabra, Dublin on January 29th, 2022. The footage that was recorded on Mr Sherlocks phone was played to the court. Judge Martin Nolan said, from the footage, it was clear that it began with grappling, pulling, shoving and wrestling, but then things took a darker turn. It seems he became very angry, Judge Nolan said, referring to Kelly striking the victim with a bottle. That was not enough for him, he procured a knife and stabbed him nine times, the judge said. He said thankfully the stab wounds were not too deep and too dangerous and the victim has made a full recovery from those wounds and is getting on with his life. It started off legal and then it became criminal, simple as that, Judge Nolan commented. He acknowledged that Kelly had very strong mitigation, acknowledging his guilty plea, co-operation and long history of work. Judge Nolan said that Kelly was an accomplished man, referring to his six years spent in the army, and said he was satisfied that he was unlikely to re-offend to this degree in the future. He said he cannot accede to a defence application not to send Kelly to prison. When he picked up that bottle it escalated, it went beyond a non-custodial position when he picked up the knife, Judge Nolan said before he sentenced Kelly to two years and three months in prison, having set a headline sentence of four and half years. Gda Byrne said that when Kelly was arrested and interviewed, he claimed he had been acting in self-defence. He was later re-arrested after gardai secured the recording of the attack. Kelly again maintained that he was acting in self-defence. The court heard that Kelly has previous District Court convictions for road traffic offences. Simon Matthews BL, defending, handed in a number of letters on behalf of his client from family members and a former colleague. The footage speaks for itself, Mr Matthews said, calling it a serious assault. He said it was a mess fight and with drink and drugs on board, it escalated. Counsel acknowledged that Mr Sherlock can be heard screaming stop on numerous occasions, but he said Kelly did not stop. He said Kelly spent six years in the army and served on two tours. He was discharged from the army on medical grounds after he dislocated his knee. He has been in full-time work since. He apologised for his actions, counsel submitted. Mr Matthews said his client, a father of two, has not been in contact with the victim since. He said Kelly is thankful that no further harm has been caused. Olivia Kelleher The father of a man whose skeletal remains were found in a jute bag in scrubland in east Cork has thanked gardai for bringing his son home for burial after he was murdered by two men whom he referred to as monsters. A jury of 10 men and two women at a sitting of the Central Criminal Court in Cork found Luke Taylor (28) and Niall Long (33) guilty of the murder of Kieran Quilligan last week following a three-week trial. Mr Quilligan (47) was missing for five months when his remains were found in a ravine at Whitewell, Rostellan, on January 29th, 2024. He had suffered nineteen broken bones after being attacked with fists and a hammer-like object. Gardai had brought a PSNI cadaver dog to an area of interest to the investigation in east Cork, where they discovered the remains in a one-tonne gravel bag. At a sentencing hearing in Cork on Wednesday, Stephen Quilligan, father of the late Kieran Quilligan, said that the two perpetrators would never be forgiven for what they had done. Mr Quilligan said that he knew that there was foul play involved when his son disappeared without a trace on September 1st, 2023. It all started for us two years ago, and it has been a nightmare of our family ever since. We want to thank the gardai who never gave up. They said they would bring Kieran home, and they did. "Due to the nature of this case, any time we asked what was going on, the gardai could not tell us. We were told when the case would come up in court, everything would come out," Mr Quilligan said. "We were hearing what really went on for the first time and were shocked, angry and in disbelief that someone could do this to another person and pretend like nothing happened. Mr Quilligan said that it was beyond difficult to listen to the horror stories that emerged over the course of the trial. He said that the defendants didnt show one bit of remorse for murdering his son. He added that Kieran was a loving son, brother and uncle before thanking the gardai and the prosecution team for treating Kieran like a human being. Meanwhile, Catherine OFlynn, the mother of the deceased, said that Kieran was adored by his family. Kieran had the biggest heart you ever seen. His birthday, the 13th of July, 2023, was the last time I saw Kieran. If I had known what was going to happen, I would never have let him leave the house. I will never forgive them (Niall Long and Luke Taylor) for what they have put our family through. Colette ODriscoll, the partner of the late Kieran Quilligan, said that he left their home on September 1st, 2023, and she never saw him again. Niall Long and Luke Taylor stole my future with the man I loved, adored and cherished. She said that she and Kieran were set to move into their forever home when he was violently taken from this world. Kieran was going to get the keys to his long-awaited castle. Now, unfortunately, Kieran will never get the keys to his castle. Whilst sentencing Luke Taylor and Niall Long to mandatory life imprisonment, Ms Justice Siobhan Lankford praised gardai for the exemplary manner in which they carried out their comprehensive investigation. She said that the perpetrators might well have never been found other than for the enormous work of investigating gardai. She also paid tribute to members of the Quilligan family for the manner in which they had conducted themselves in difficult circumstances. Ms Justice Lankford added that Kieran Quilligan was taken from this world in the most egregious circumstances. At the start of the sentencing hearing today the coordinator of the Garda investigation, Det Garda Ann OSullivan of the Bridewell Garda Station in Cork, said that the two men subjected Mr Quilligan to a significant and sustained assault on September 1st, 2023. They then bundled him in to the boot of a car and brought him to a farmyard in Little Island. His body was then moved to the scrubland in Rostellan. She detailed the extensive harvesting of CCTV in the case, which led gardai to find the body of Mr Quilligan and determine the identity of his killers. During the trial, prosecution senior counsel Donal OSullivan told the jury that the instigating factor for the murder was Kieran Quilligan stealing drugs and cash from Niall Long on September 1st, 2023. Meanwhile, in the course of the trial, the jurors heard evidence from Assistant State Pathologist, Dr Margaret Bolster, who carried out a postmortem examination on the late Kieran Quilligan. Dr Bolster indicated that an exact cause of death could not be established because decomposition had led to the loss of organs. However, she stated that what was not at doubt was that the injuries suffered by Mr Quilligan were consistent with a severe assault. Those injuries included fractures to his ribs, leg and hand bones, jaw bones, and skull. Dr Bolster said that whilst the remains were skeletonised, there was a small piece of skin remaining, which consisted of a tattoo with the word Mother and a date. The skull was separate from the body, and there was a large amount of silt and vegetation. Father of two, Niall Long, is formerly of St Michaels Close in Mahon in Cork, whilst Luke Taylor is previously of Cherry Lawn in Blackrock in Cork. Kieran Quilligan was living with his partner in Simon Community housing in Cork city at the time of his death. The Shamrocks moved to the the top of the Kilkenny SHC Roll of Honour after they claimed their 21st county final success over O'Loughlin Gaels on Sunday afternoon. The win also marked captain TJ Reid's 12th title with the 36 year old leading the way with 11 points in total on the day. - READ MORE HERE Manager Henry Shefflin is more than familiar with breaking records, but what does this latest accolade mean to him? PICTURES: The Shamrocks end three year wait for Kilkenny senior county title "Its not a huge thing for us but Ill be honest to say that itd be foolish not to say its something that we are very proud of," Shefflin said when asked about the record title win. "Some people that are not here anymore, including my own brother, helped us achieve that success over the years so its for those kind of people and its a great honour for the club to deliver that. FOR MORE KILKENNY GAA NEWS, CLICK HERE The next Tech Thursday Kilkenny event at 7pm on Thursday, 30 October at Harrys Bar, Langtons explores how human capabilities such as creativity, collaboration, curiosity and emotional intelligence are becoming the real differentiators inside modern teams and organisations. According to the World Economic Forums Future of Jobs 2030 report, these fundamentally human skills will define the next decade of work. For Kilkenny businesses navigating constant change, the question is: how do we build these capabilities into everyday work? The session brings together three cross-sector leaders to share practical insights. These are Mary McEvoy, South East Regional Manager, IDA Ireland who recently returned from representing IDA Ireland in Austin, Texas for several years, Mary Cullen, Managing Director of Insight HR and Aidan Clancy, Commercial Director of Clancy Homes. SEE ALSO: Musical comedy for all the family at the Watergate in Kilkenny The panel will be hosted by John Cleere, Founder of Unmake, a facilitator and innovation strategist focused on building human-centred capabilities inside modern teams. Leaders, managers and team members attending will gain fresh ideas for internal innovation, potential partnerships and collaborations, access to emerging talent and space to think. Organiser John Cleere notes: The most valuable knowledge is in the space between us. Thats the key outcome of Tech Thursday, creating the conditions where that knowledge can flow. Come along and bring a colleague or team member. TAP HERE FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS Events across Kilkenny will take place from November 9-16 as part of Science Week 2025. This year, Science Week is celebrating 30 years of curiosity and collaboration to advance science in Ireland. Kilkenny Science Festival 2025 in is set to take place as part of this years campaign. Marking its 30th anniversary this year, Science Week is coordinated by Research Ireland and celebrates science in our everyday lives. The theme for this years campaign is Then. Today. Tomorrow. The theme encourages people to explore how science and research have shaped and improved the lives we live today, while also looking at the questions and challenges of tomorrow, and how insights from the past can influence our future decisions. More than five festivals and events across Kilkenny will run from November 9-16, taking place as part of Science Week, with events for people of all ages. READ: EXCITING PROGRAMME FOR KILKENNY SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2025 Pigment Experiments and Paper Creations the Red Book of Ossory Zine Saturday, November 15, 11:30 AM1PM, Kilkenny A fascinating hands-on workshop merging art, science, and history. Led by artist Mary Conroy, participants recreate the ancient craft of pigment-making, using natural materials to create inks and colours inspired by the medieval Red Book of Ossory. A visually rich event that connects heritage and chemistry through creative experimentation. Microscopic Worlds: A Photography Workshop with Tasneem Khan Saturday, November 15, 10AM1PM, Evans Home, Kilkenny An immersive workshop exploring the unseen beauty of nature through science and art. Biologist and photographer Tasneem Khan guides participants in using microscopes and cameras to reveal the hidden structures of the natural world ideal for captivating imagery and science-meets-art storytelling. Fossils to the Future Sunday, November 9, 2.30 PM4PM, The Estate Yard, Ardra, Kilkenny, R95 HY7X A family-friendly exploration of evolution and creativity, encouraging children to imagine life from the age of fossils to the forests of the future. This outdoor workshop combines environmental awareness with artmaking, making it perfect for features on science education and sustainability. Other events in the area and across the country can be found at www.scienceweek.ie. Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, has announced 847,820 in funding to support 14 festivals and hundreds of events taking place nationwide as part of Science Week 2025. Science Week is now a key event across Ireland, connecting people with science through engaging activities," said Minister Lawless. "I am delighted to announce my departments support for this years programme with over 847,000 in funding for 36 projects. "Science shapes every minute of our daily lives, from protecting the environment to driving healthcare and technological innovation, and so much more besides. This years theme, Then. Today. Tomorrow., invites us to reflect on past progress and future possibilities, and, above all, enjoy the experiences. I encourage everyone to get involved and attend one of the many events happening around the country this Science Week. Commenting on Science Week, Director of Science for Society at Research Ireland, Dr Ruth Freeman, said: For 30 years, Science Week has been sparking curiosity and bringing people together through science. Our anniversary theme of Then. Today. Tomorrow. is a chance to both celebrate the endeavours of yesteryear that have brought us to where we are today, and to consider what may lie ahead for individuals, families, communities, Ireland, and the entire planet. Were delighted to see such a wide range of events taking place across the country again this year. The success and appeal of Science Week is due primarily to the creativity and tireless work of local organisers and volunteers. I want to sincerely thank them for making Science Week such a vibrant, nationwide celebration. For more information on how to get involved, please visit www.scienceweek.ie/ You can also follow developments using the hashtag #scienceweek #Then.Today.Tomorrow. Joint China-France exhibition on use of gold in clothing to kick off in Chengdu 09:20, October 29, 2025 By Chen Xi ( Global Times A joint exhibition between China and France tracing the use of gold in clothing across civilizations from North Africa to East Asia will make its global debut in Chengdu, Southwest China's Sichuan Province in late November, highlighting ancient trade and cultural connections between the East and the West along the ancient Silk Road, according to a press release sent to the Global Times by the Chengdu Museum on Tuesday. The exhibition will feature over 200 artifacts from seven French cultural institutions, including the Musee du Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac, the National Archaeological Museum and the National Museum of Natural History. All items, including gold-adorned garments and accessories, will be shown in China for the first time, the document noted. "Gold is a golden gift from the universe to humanity, while silk is China's precious tribute to the world," Wei Min, director of the Chengdu Museum's Curating and Research Department, told the Global Times on Tuesday. "When gold, symbolizing eternity and passion, met the resilient and gentle silk thread on the Silk Road, it transformed into a flowing golden bond in the crucible of civilization," she added. The exhibition aims to showcase this fusion as visitors will see a range of items, including a gold-encrusted kaftan from the Maghreb region of Africa, Egyptian wedding attire and mules where gold thread wove "dreams of immortality" and Byzantine silks dyed using purple snails and embroidered with gold to proclaim imperial authority. It will also feature pieces from the Arab world, where gold thread brought tales from One Thousand and One Nights to life and Persian brocades depicted golden Trees of Life. From China, the exhibition will present exquisite silks and embroideries that represent the pinnacle of integrating gold-woven textiles with silk, the document noted. The collaboration stems from a growing partnership between the Chinese and French institutions. Wang Li, director from Communication and Promotion Division at the Chengdu Museum's Publicity Department, attributed the choice of Chengdu as the debut stop to the museums' sisterhood and broader China-France ties. "The director of Musee du Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac led a delegation to China, and we later visited their museum during a Chengdu delegation trip to France. These exchanges led to our sister-museum partnership," she said. "We then traveled to France the third time to select exhibits and finalize the exhibition's theme." The timing aligns with the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism and the 2024 Paris Olympics, which "welcome guests from around the world," Wang noted, adding that Chengdu's reputation as a "city of fashion" was the key reason for the collaboration and for choosing the city as the inaugural venue. The exhibition is expected to deepen cultural understanding between China and France, and illustrate how civilizations "inspire each other through exchanges and rise together through integration," Wei said. It will also incorporate pieces from leading Chinese museums, including the China National Silk Museum, the Liaoning Provincial Museum, Shandong Museum and Gansu Provincial Museum, to present a complete narrative of East-West artistic exchanges. Organized in partnership with the Musee du Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac in Paris, one of France's four national museums, the exhibition will run from late November till March 2026 at the Chengdu Museum. Wang noted that exquisite cultural relics such as a bright red silk robe embroidered with Chinese unicorn and phoenix patterns across the shoulders from the Shandong Museum and a golden hairpin in the shape of a flowering tree from the Western Jin Dynasty (from the Liaoning Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology) will be displayed alongside the precious gold-made artifacts in the exhibition, creating a visual feast of East-West dialogue for visitors. "Both sides have their own strengths in exhibition organization. There are differences in exhibition presentation effects and spatial layout, which means there is much to learn from each other," Wang added. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low 23F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low 23F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Members of the military police special unit detain suspected drug dealers during a police operation against drug trafficking in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Tuesday. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Drugs worth an estimated 8.1million were seized during a search operation at a residential address and lands in the Laois area today. The seizure was made as part of Operation TARA and ongoing investigations targeting organised crime. Personnel attached to the Garda National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau conducted a search operation at a residential address and lands in the Laois area on Tuesday 28th October 2025. During the course of the operation 116 kilos of suspected Cocaine (subject to Analysis) valued at approximately 8.1 million was recovered along with a number of electronic devices. One male (aged in his 30s) was arrested pursuant to Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 and he is currently detained, pursuant to the provisions of Section 50 of Criminal Justice Act 2007, at a Laois Garda Station. The drugs seized will be forwarded to Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) for analysis. Following the operation, Detective Chief Superintendent Seamus Boland, Head of the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, said: "An Garda Siochana will continue to focus our resources on those who collaborate with and facilitate organised crime. We are determined to continue dismantling drug trafficking routes into Ireland and will continue doing our part to keep our communities safer. Please think before you use. Investigations are ongoing. LAOIS woman Grainne Dwyer has taken over from Joseph Leonard as chair of Nuffield Ireland. Grainne, a dairy farmer from Borris-in-Ossory, is stepping into the role after joining the Board of Nuffield Ireland in 2023. Alongside farming, Grainne has built a successful career in the agricultural industry with her work in the Irish Grassland Association, Nore Conference Services, and Animal Health Ireland. In 1999, Grainne became the first female recipient of a Nuffield Scholarship during which she researched the role and recognition of women in the agricultural sector. She remains a passionate advocate for women in agriculture, championing greater inclusion and recognition within the industry. Speaking on the new appointment, outgoing chair, Joseph Leonard, said I would like to wish Grainne and the board every success going forward. I've had the pleasure of working with Grainne and know that she will bring a very high level of enthusiasm, hard work and dedication to her new role as chair of the Nuffield Ireland board. I can only hope she enjoys the role as much as I have. Taking up the position, Grainne Dwyer: said: I am delighted to be selected as chair, and I am really looking forward to the challenge ahead. Since 1996, Nuffield Ireland has grown considerably, developing leaders who have played, and continue to play, a significant role in Irish agriculture, food and farming. I believe Nuffield Ireland has come of age and this has allowed us to reach new heights. We want to continue encouraging, in particular, farmers and those in the agricultural industry to engage with their communities through a Nuffield Scholarship, and it will be among one of my priority areas as chair to look at how we can facilitate and encourage more farmer participation. Grainne Dwyer will open the 2025 Nuffield conference which takes place on Friday, 14 November at the Horse and Jockey Hotel in Thurles, Co Tipperary. The conference will feature a fireside chat with Director General of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Laura Burke and presentations from the five returning Nuffield Ireland scholars on their research findings and recommendations. The conference is open to all to attend, not just Nuffield alumni and stakeholders. Tickets for this years event are available now to purchase and include options from attending the Conference & Banquet; Conference Only; and Banquet Only.a For more information or to book tickets, visit nuffield.ie/nuffield-conference/ Pictured is Chris Plumaker on Oct. 27, who will open and operate Original Degenerate Distilling Company, Easton's first legal distillery. Chelsea McClure | For Lehighvalleylive.com In the 1920s through the early 1930s, the manufacturing of alcoholic spirits known as distilling was illegal due to Prohibition in the United States. During that time, Easton businesses were illegally manufacturing alcoholic products, before being halted by federal raids. Over a hundred years later, the first legal distillery is coming to Easton. Original Degenerate Distilling Company, focused on handcrafted moonshines and molasses-based rums, is preparing to open at 437 Northampton St. in downtown Easton, two doors down from the State Theatre. The new business will be operated by founder and CEO Chris Plumaker. Plumaker said moonshine was historically prominent during the Prohibition era. Though producing it is now legal, the beverage will serve as a nod to its traditional roots. Were kind of into the rebellious idea of moonshine, Plumaker said. A logo design for Original Degenerate Distilling Company, which will be the first legal distillery in Easton. Courtesy of Chris Plumaker Plumaker said the distillery will produce a variety of moonshines and rums made on-site. Plumaker plans to create root beer, blueberry, bubble gum and butterscotch flavored moonshines. He will also include spiced, coconut, and silver rum flavors. In addition to its own spirits, the distillery plans to offer Pennsylvania-sourced beers and wines and handcrafted cocktails. When visitors arrive, theyll be able to sample products through tastings and learn about the distilling process. Plumaker will also present a history of Easton during the experience. Guests will be able to take tours of the distillery and purchase bottled products to take home. Behind a chain-link fence, guests can view a large copper pot still, a key component of the distilling process. So the entire process will be on display, Plumaker said. The 150 gallon pot still is being manufactured by Ace Custom Copper in Elizabethton, Tennessee, which Plumaker said is the heart of moonshine country. It is constructed utilizing Revere Copper Companys 99.99% pure copper sheets to keep the authentic flavor of moonshine. Paul Revere founded Revere Copper Company, and it is owned and operated by his descendants today. A copper pot still, like the one pictured, will be on display at Original Degenerate Distilling Company, the first legal distillery in Easton. Guest will be able to view the stills and the distilling process. Courtesy of Chris Plumaker Plumaker is creating his own brand of moonshine and rum called Audreys. The name is inspired by his daughter Audrey, who was born this past St. Patricks Day. Operating hours are expected to be Thursdays from 5 to 10 p.m., Fridays from 5 p.m. to midnight, Saturdays from noon to midnight, and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. Plumaker said private tastings and tours will also be available for small groups. Plumaker, who worked at a vineyard 15 years ago, said hes long had the idea to open a distillery. I saw micro-wineries were starting to become very popular. Micro-breweries were already popular, he said. I had a feeling that micro-distilleries would then become a thing. Opening his own distillery was a process, which included obtaining licensing to legally operate it. Plumaker also went before Eastons Planning Commission and Zoning Hearing Board to receive a special exception. Now that he has the necessary licensing and approvals, he is shooting for a December opening. Plumaker said the distillery would not be possible without the support from his wife, Shelyka. His best friend Allen Davis, and his wife Kristine, have also greatly supported the endeavor. Davis will eventually act as a partner in the business operations, Plumaker said. They graduated from Belvidere High School together in 2000, and they have been friends for 30 years. Its just been a dream of mine for 15 years to be able to put this together, and I finally have been able to, Plumaker said. I always knew that Easton was going to be a great spot for it. PA Attorney General Dave Sunday announced the arrests following a five-month investigation that yielded pounds of meth, fentanyl, and other drugs from the organization led by a 31-year-old Schuylkill County man. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann | For lehighvalleylive.com Seven people have been arrested and law enforcement seized several pounds of methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, ecstasy and marijuana in a Carbon County narcotics ring bust. Cruz June Rodriguez, 31, of New Philadelphia, Schuylkill County, and the alleged leader of the organization, is facing 23 felony counts. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday in a news conference Tuesday announcing the charges said Rodriguez was the wholesale supplier of illegal and controlled substances connected to the Second Street gang in Allentown. He sold to several dealers across Carbon and Schuylkill counties, Sunday said. Also charged is Elijah Marie Camacho, 29, of New Philadelphia, Schuylkill County, Rodriguezs girlfriend. Five others working as part of the alleged network also were charged: 39-year-old Justin Paul Heacock and 45-year-old Jose Nieves-Feliciano, both of Coaldale, Schuylkill County; and 58-year-old Christopher Hazlett; 31-year-old Kayla Marie Evert; and 41-year-old William Todd Carter, all of Lansford, Carbon County. Taking drug dealers off the streets continues to be a top priority of my office, Sunday said during the news conference. Firearms and drug trafficking is a deadly mix that we have seen manifest across the Commonwealth in acts of violence. A five-month investigation into the illegal narcotics operation led to a raid Thursday at the homes of Rodriguez and Camacho. Law enforcement seized more than two pounds of methamphetamine; more than eight ounces of fentanyl, nearly 130 grams of marijuana; 76 grams of synthetic marijuana; 30 grams of cocaine; and 281 ecstasy pills, Sunday said. Additionally, a stolen 9 mm handgun was found from the trunk of Rodriguezs car, Sunday said, noting prior convictions barred Rodriguez from owning a firearm. The street value of the drugs seized is unclear. A spokesman for the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office couldnt immediately be reached for more details Wednesday. Sunday did say, however, 2 milligrams of fentanyl is equivalent to 112,000 potential lethal doses. Investigators determined Rodriguez obtained large amounts of cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine from various sources across Pennsylvania and New York, Sunday said. Rodriguez also allegedly admitted to investigators to brokering large scale trades of fentanyl for cocaine between sources. He then sold the narcotics to several area dealers, including Hazlett, Heacock, Nieves-Feliciano and Evert, Sunday said. Evert acted as a runner for some of the larger area traffickers like Hazlett, according to Sunday. Camacho allegedly drove Rodriguez around to make deliveries and pick up proceeds from the dealings. Rodriguez was known to front the drugs to others, meaning he would provide the drugs to his dealers up front and be paid back from the proceeds of the drug sales, Sunday said. Rodriguez was a ruthless leader, who kept co-conspirators under his rule by threats and brandishing a firearm, Sunday said. Those in his network feared failing or going against him, the state Attorney General said. Active, ongoing investigation The investigation into Rodriguezs narcotics ring remains active and ongoing, Sunday said. Rodriguez faces charges of two counts of felony corrupt organizations; three counts felony delivery of a controlled substance; seven counts felony possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance; six counts felony conspiracy possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance; and related drug offenses. Camacho is charged with two counts corrupt organizations; possession with intent to deliver; dealing in unlawful proceeds; and conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance, all felonies. Heacock is charged with corrupt organizations; delivery of a controlled substance; dealing in unlawful proceeds; conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance; and criminal use of a communication facility, all felonies. Hazlett is charged with corrupt organizations, delivery of a controlled substance, dealing in unlawful proceeds, conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance, and criminal use of a communication facility, all felonies. Carter is charged with three counts of delivery of a controlled substance and three counts of criminal use of a communication facility, all felonies. Evert is charged with delivery of a controlled substance, conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance, dealing in unlawful proceeds, and criminal use of a communication facility, all felonies. Nieves-Feliciano is charged with two counts corrupt organizations; delivery of a controlled substance; dealing in unlawful proceeds; conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance; and criminal use of a communication facility, all felonies. All were arraigned Thursday before District Judge Beth A. Dodson. Rodriguez, Carter and Nieves-Feliciano all were taken to the Carbon County jail in lieu of $500,000; $60,000; and $70,000 bail, respectively. Hazletts bail was set at $60,000 unsecured. Camacho and Evert initially were jailed on $50,000 and $20,000 bail, respectively, but court records indicate both defendants have since posted bail. Heacock also initially was jailed in lieu of $90,000 bail, but has since posted bail, according to court records. Bethlehem-based attorney, James J. Burke, representing Rodriguez, couldnt immediately be reached for comment Wednesday afternoon. Matthew Joseph Mottola, the public defender assigned to Carter, also couldnt be reached for comment. No attorney information was immediately available for Camacho, Heacock, Hazlett or Nieves-Feliciano or Evert. All seven co-defendants are due back in court for a preliminary hearing tentatively scheduled for 1 p.m. Nov. 5 before Dodson. A judge will then determine if theres sufficient evidence to send the case toward trial at the Carbon County Court of Common Pleas. The Susquehanna Steam Electric Station outside Berwick, Pennsylvania, is shown on Jan. 14, 2025. AP File Photo/Ted Shaffrey UPDATE: The Nuclear Regulatory Commission on Thursday, Oct. 30 stated it is satisfied the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station responded appropriately to Tuesday nights situation, and the plant and community remain safe. ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Federal nuclear safety authorities announced an investigation into an incident Tuesday night at a north-central Pennsylvania power plant. At 7:04 p.m. Tuesday, Unit 2 at the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station outside Berwick in Luzerne County shut down completely from 100% power in whats known as a scram, according to a report shared by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Concurrent with the Unit 2 scram, the control room received a report of a fire outside of the protected area near the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station 500-kilovolt switchyard, states the NRC report based on information from the plant. The local fire department responded to the site with lights and sirens active which caused heightened public concern on social media. A Facebook Reel posted on the Salem Township Fire account details firefighters response at 7:13 p.m. and shows a bright bluish flash in the sky as theyre en route. It was determined no fire existed, no actions were taken by the offsite fire company, and no personnel were injured during the event, the NRC report continues. Whether the reported fire and the reactor scram are related, is being investigated. The dual-reactor Susquehanna plant is owned by Houston-based Talen Energy Corp., which formerly was based in Allentown after being spun off from PPL Corp. A Talen representative in an email to lehighvalleylive.com Wednesday explained the incident as follows: Last evening, as a hydrogen tank located outside the protected area of the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station was being filled, some of the gas exiting the tanks vent stack caused an arc flash of nearby power lines. First responders were dispatched, but no emergency actions were necessary as there was no fire and no injuries. The plant responded as designed and Susquehanna Unit 2 went offline without incident. It is currently stable, and operators are working to bring it back online. The station remains in a safe condition and there are no injuries or risk to employees or the public. The NRC says the incident was reported as an unplanned actuation of the reactor protection system while the reactor is critical, and noted that the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and the commissions resident inspector also were notified. Talen says its Susquehanna plant generates more than 2,000 megawatts of carbon-free electricity, enough to power around 2 million homes. The company owns and operates around 10.3 gigawatts of power infrastructure in the United States, including 2.2 gigawatts of nuclear power. EDITORS NOTE: This article was updated with follow-up information from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and to correct who investigated Tuesday nights incident at the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station. Owner-operator Talen Energy Corp.s investigation into what had occurred would be reviewed by the NRC. Two raccoons are photographed in a tree in Alabama. Slate Belt police on Monday, Oct. 27, 2025, warned residents to be cautious after five rabies cases were confirmed in the past few weeks across the region all involving raccoons that tested positive. Joe Songer File Photo | For AL.com Slate Belt police are warning residents to be cautious after five rabies cases were confirmed in the past few weeks in the region. Animal Control Officer Christine Mammi said the recent cases were found in the past two weeks in Wind Gap, Pen Argyl, Mt. Bethel and Plainfield Township. All involved raccoons and the raccoons tested positive for rabies, she said. Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center has also had some recent rabies cases, Mammi said. Last week, Blairstown Township, New Jersey, officials reported an elderly couple who had been feeding a feral cat for years required medical attention after the cat attacked them and tested positive for rabies. The amount of local rabies cases is not at all normal for this time of year, Mammi said. Mammi, who has 30 years of experience in animal control, said she usually sees rabies cases go up slightly during this time of year, but this is the most Ive ever seen. In the Slate Belt, one rabid raccoon was found in a McDonalds parking lot where it charged at a responding police officer. He got out of his car and it ran directly at him, Mammi said. Another raccoon was found wandering down the street and was picked up by a volunteer. It got extremely aggressive in her car and she had to pull over and have the police euthanize it, Mammi said. The biggest problem, Mammi said, is that the public sees the infected animal and may think it was hit by a car or injured, and wants to help it. And unfortunately (rabies) is not something that can be helped, she said. Rabies is a viral disease that is deadly if people dont receive medical care before symptoms start, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It spreads primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. Animals with rabies can be seen staggering, drooling, falling over, or coming directly at people, Mammi said. People should stay far away from any animal displaying those symptoms. The Slate Belt Regional Police Department said residents who think an animal is rabid should not attempt to touch, approach or trap the animal. When a friend sent Mammi a video of a staggering animal she said she immediately told them, go in your house and stay in there. Officials are also urging people who feed feral cats outside to take precautions. Cats are the domestic animals most frequently reported to have rabies, according to the CDC, with around 200-300 cats reported to have rabies each year in the United States. Raccoons can also be attracted to cat food left outside. Residents should monitor their feeding locations and bring the food inside overnight, officials said. Mammi has had to get her share of rabies preventative shots. Its not as bad as it used to be, she said. But theyre very, very expensive, and you have to keep going back again and again and again to finish the series. Gardai are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault that occurred in Kildare town in the early hours of Sunday, October 26, 2025. A male, aged in his 20's, was found unresponsive on McGee Terrace at approximately 3:15am and was subsequently brought to Naas General Hospital, where he remains in a serious condition. READ NEXT: 'Were delighted' - Laois hotel scoops two big awards at Irish Hotel Awards 2025 It's understood the young man, who is believed to be from Laois, was attacked by a group of youths following an incident on a bus earlier in the evening. Reported in the Irish Mirror on Wednesday, it's understood the man had politely asked the group of youths on the bus to be quiet. There has been no reported violence on the bus itself, and the man got off at a stop in Kildare town. The group of youths got off at a different stop. It's claimed that the man was later attacked the town by the same group where he sustained serious head injuries. It's believed Gardai have already spoken to some young people who were in the are at the time of the attack, but no arrests have been made as of yet. READ NEXT: BREAKING: Concerns over jobs in Portarlington Gardai have said the scene is currently preserved for technical examination and they are appealing to anyone with information in relation to this incident including any road users who were in the area between 2:00am and 4:00am and who may have video footage (including dash-cam) are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardai. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Kildare Garda Station on 045 527730, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station. A Laois councillor wants free solar panels given to every house in Ireland, to avoid a 32 billion fine on Ireland for missing carbon reduction targets. Former Fine Gael, now Independent Cllr Aisling Moran who represents the Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District, made her suggestion at the October meeting of Laois County Council. "It's great we're doing fantastic work on council houses upgrading them from an E rating to an A or B rating. But at the end of the day, when people living in private houses cannot afford to do retrofits and get solar panels, we're still going to be fined. "We'll still face a fine of 26 billion at the end of all this money we're spending. So spend the money now. There's 2.1 million houses in Ireland. If we were to give each of them 12,000 or 13,000 to put in solar panels or anything like that, we'd hit our targets, and there wouldn't be any fines. "We'll spend a load of money, not hit the targets and be fined 26m and still have to go back at the end and try and get everybody upgraded. It's a conversation that really needs to be had with Government and really needs to be done," she said. Cllr Moran also wants Data Centres to cough up and compensate for all the electricity and water they take up. "Water, electricity, all of that, we didn't really have huge issues until data centres came into Ireland. They reckon now that data centres in the next few years will use the equivalent of 20 million homes. Ten times the amount of homes that we have. When you're putting in a data centre, that the extra supply of electricity needed to run it, and water and all the services, should be made put in by the centre, and not by the council. "If they want to go and spend billions building centres all over the place, put the services in there. It shouldn't be up to the councils to do it. At the end of the day our electricity prices go up. Our water prices go up. And it's the average joe soap that's paying the bills and not the guys in the big data centre," Cllr Moran said. Read also: 'Beggers belief' - new Laois houses for disabled have baths instead of wetrooms A joint report from the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council and the Climate Change Advisory Council has warned that Ireland could have to pay between 8 billion and 26 billion if it fails to meet its emissions reduction target by 2030. It will have to spend the money purchasing carbon credits from other countries. Ireland's 2030 target under the EU's Effort Sharing Regulations (ESR) was to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 42% from 2018 levels. However it is predicted to achieve only a 10% reduction, according to the EPA. Two leading Kildare businesses have been shortlisted for the 2025 Business & Finance Awards, in association with KPMG. Now in its 51st year, the Business & Finance Awards are Irelands most prestigious business recognition programme, honouring outstanding achievement, innovation, and leadership across Irish and international business. The two Kildare finalists include: Access Earth (Celbridge) Diversity, Equality & Inclusion (DE&I) Award. Bord na Mona (Newbridge) Public Enterprise of the Year. The Business & Finance Awards 2025, in association with KPMG, will take place on Thursday, December 11 at the Convention Centre Dublin. This years gala evening will welcome over 1,000 global business, political and social leaders to celebrate outstanding achievement, leadership, and innovation across Irish and international business. The 2025 shortlist showcases the very best in Irish enterprise from dynamic SMEs to multinational trailblazers highlighting how Irish business continues to set new global benchmarks for performance, innovation, and resilience. This years awards received almost 30% (29.5%) increase in submissions, the highest number in over a decade. READ NEXT: Tributes paid to 'beautiful lady' from Leixlip, Kildare Notably, the Innovation of the Year category, introduced only last year, has seen the largest number of entries this year across all categories, underlining Irelands thriving culture of creativity and technological advancement. Among the most eagerly anticipated categories is Business Person of the Year, celebrating Irelands leading entrepreneurs and executives who are driving business excellence, innovation and growth both nationally and internationally. The Company of the Year award will recognise an outstanding Irish or international business demonstrating sustained success, innovation and impact one of the most coveted accolades in the Irish business calendar. Ian Hyland, President and Publisher, Business & Finance, said: It is inspiring to see such a strong and diverse shortlist for the 2025 Business & Finance Awards a testament to the extraordinary calibre of leadership across Irelands business landscape. "This year marks another important milestone for the awards as we honour Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton with the Sutherland Leadership Award, alongside our outstanding shortlisted companies and leaders who continue to shape Irelands future on the world stage. Ryan McCarthy, Managing Partner, KPMG, said: The Business & Finance Awards continue to celebrate the excellence and innovation that make Ireland such a powerful force in global business. The significant growth in entries this year reflects the ambition, creative spirit and resilience that define our business community. At KPMG, we are proud to support these awards and to celebrate the leaders and organisations who are not just adapting to change but driving it with courage and vision. The Business & Finance Awards 2025, in association with KPMG, will take place on Thursday, December 11 2025 at the Convention Centre Dublin. The political party Aontu has condemned the existence of a secret WhatsApp group chat which involved one member from County Kildare. According to a report from The Sunday Independent, which was published on October 26 last, the party fired the leader of its youth wing, Ogra Aontu, and dismissed five other members upon learning of the existence of the chat. The party claimed that it had discovered that some Ogra Aontu members posted alleged racist and alleged anti-Semitic comments in the chat. One member who was immediately terminated from his position within Aontu was John Bryan, a 21-year-old who had acted as the party's Clane LEA representative and the head of Ogra Aontu before he was fired. He also acted as the election agent for Aontu's County Mayo TD, Paul Lawless. The report also included a statement from Mr Bryan in which he apologised for his comments and said that he was "deeply ashamed" of the remarks he had made. READ NEXT: Kildare gardai investigating after juvenile struck in the face by firework When asked by the Leinster Leader for comment on this development, a spokesperson for the party responded with a lengthy statement. They said: "We became aware of a secret WhatsApp group being run by a small number of Ogra individuals on Friday last, October 17. "We had no prior knowledge whatsoever of the existence of this social media WhatsApp group before this date (October 17). "It was not a sanctioned Aontu whats app group. Indeed, secret WhatsApp groups are against party rules and contravene our Code of Conduct." The spokesperson continued: "Once we learned of its existence, we took immediate and decisive action. "Our standards committee, An Coiste Caighdeain, immediately suspended all members involved; five have been permanently removed from the party; the employment contract of one individual was immediately terminated. "We are horrified, shocked and angered at this development. "This repulsive content is an attack on our party polices, ethos and constitution." 'EQUALITY IS A KEY FOUNDATION STONE FOR AONTU' The spokesperson further said that Aontu is a "pluralist Republican party" which believes that "everyone should be able to be who they are without fear or favour". "We have many valued members who are immigrants; we have members who are followers of all faiths and none. "Indeed, some of those members stood for us in the recent elections. We came under attack from the extremes. This did not deter us as equality is a key foundation stone for Aontu. "Aontu has a zero tolerance for any disgusting behaviour that seeks to discriminate against people. "We are angry that a small group of young people sought to besmirch our movement by such repugnant language." The spokesperson concluded by saying: "It is of deep concern that some young people are allowing their hearts to be hardened by radical content on social media." READ NEXT: From free pay parking to dog waste dispensers a variety of motions at this Kildare MD meeting A haul of suspected cocaine worth an estimated eight million euro (7 million) has been seized in Co Laois. Irish police seized 116 kilos of the substance along with a number of electronic devices during a search at a residential address and lands in the area on Tuesday. One man has been arrested. The move came as part of Operation Tara which aims to disrupt, dismantle and prosecute drug trafficking networks at international, national and local level involved in the importation, distribution, cultivation, production, local sale and supply of controlled drugs. A Garda spokesperson said the man, aged in his 30s, is being detained at a Laois Garda Station. The drugs seized are to be forwarded to Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) for analysis. Detective Chief Superintendent Seamus Boland, head of the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, hailed the haul. An Garda Siochana will continue to focus our resources on those who collaborate with and facilitate organised crime, he said. We are determined to continue dismantling drug trafficking routes into Ireland and will continue doing our part to keep our communities safer. Please think before you use. Father Ted creator Graham Linehan damaged the phone of a transgender activist as he tried to stop a camera being pushed in his face, a court has heard. The 57-year-old Irish comedy writer is on trial at Westminster Magistrates Court, accused of harassing trans woman Sophia Brooks and damaging the phone outside a conference in Westminster on October 19 last year. Julie Bindel, a journalist and feminist campaigner who attended the Battle of Ideas event, told the trial she saw the confrontation. I noticed Graham there and noticed Brooks was walking very close to him which is Brooks MO (modus operandi) waving the phone in front of him, Ms Bindel said. Its very menacing, that whole getting in your face thing, and it was a public event, its not that it was a private secret event where Brooks would need proof that we were there. Graham was trying to get him to stop pushing the camera in his face and I heard him say several times, use words like stop or go away. I saw something which I could describe as a sweeping motion, and then the phone was flying. Brooks was in his face and he was trying repeatedly to get him out of his face and to stop. Ms Bindel was asked about Linehans demeanour as he came out of the Battle of Ideas event. The court was shown footage of the trans activist asking why the comedy writer had referred to teenagers as domestic terrorists, and in response he called the complainant an incel and a groomer. Ms Bindel told Linehans harassment trial: He had been his usual friendly self and very quickly he appeared like a man who had had enough. He just wanted them to go away. She added that the activist also shouted her name and followed her in the streets after the conference, adding: I felt scared of him. The transgender activist took pictures of peoples faces at the conference before the confrontation with Linehan, the court heard earlier on Wednesday. Giving evidence for the defence, Katherine Harris, co-founder of LGB Alliance UK, told the court she saw the complainant stand up with a camera among attendees during a panel discussion. Referring to the complainant as male, Ms Harris said: It was a deliberate, intimidatory move on his part and he would not stop. He was photographing anybody and everybody he could, and it felt intrusive and aggressive. It felt as though he wanted to get everybody, to get all of us in his power through his camera, to say, Im the big man here, I can do what I want. That was the message. The disruption was complete. Ms Harris also told the court she knew Linehan very well. Fiona McAnena, director of campaigns at Sex Matters, told the trial she was giving a talk at the Battle of Ideas event when a commotion began in the audience. She said someone stood up and started taking photos before shuffling into the aisle, causing the audience to turn to see what was happening. The whole thing became a massive distraction, Ms McAnena said. Prosecutor Julia Faure Walker put to Ms Harris that whatever Brooks did, it didnt have a significant effect on the conference in terms of disruption, and Ms Harris replied: Yes, I think it did, adding: The reason is these attacks are cumulative, they build and they build and they build. The court was told last month that Linehan and the activist met for the first time in person outside the conference on October 19 last year. While filming outside the venue, the activist approached Linehan and asked: Why do you think it is acceptable to call teenagers domestic terrorists? The transgender activist told the court that Linehan had called them a sissy porn-watching scumbag, a groomer and a disgusting incel, with the complainant responding: Youre the incel, youre divorced. A video played to the court appeared to show Linehan grabbing the complainants phone. Asked why he threw the phone and did not return it, Linehan said: My adrenaline was up, I was angry. I guess that feels like surrender, so I threw it away. I didnt slam it, I just skimmed it. It was instinctive as soon as I did it, I thought that was a mistake. Giving evidence last month, Linehan said his life was made hell by trans activists, adding that the complainant was a young soldier in the trans activist army. The writer added: He was misogynistic, he was abusive, he was snide. He depended on his anonymity to get close to people and hurt them, and I wanted to destroy that anonymity. Ms Faure Walker said Linehan had posted about the activist relentlessly and that his posts were oppressive. The court previously heard that Linehan had posted on social media about someone with the name Tarquin, which Ms Faure Walker said was the defendants derogatory term for the complainant. Ms Faure Walker said in her closing speech: His views on trans activists in general is clear from his evidence: in cross-examination, he said he hated them. The social media posts by Mr Linehan were rather repeated, abusive, unreasonable, and to a very large audience. In her closing remarks, Linehans lawyer, Sarah Vine KC, said the complainant had followed a course of conduct designed both to provoke and to harass Mr Linehan. She told the trial that there is a doubt, and a reasonable one at that, whether marks on the complainants phone were caused by Linehans actions. Ms Vine also submitted that the Father Ted co-creators conduct had not crossed the appropriate legal threshold to be counted as harassment. Linehan, who appeared by videolink on Wednesday, has denied harassing the activist on social media between October 11 and October 27 last year, and a charge of criminal damage of their mobile phone on October 19 last year. District Judge Briony Clarke said the prosecution would address the complainant according to their affirmed gender name, while the defendants position was that the complainant is male. The judge said she will give her judgment on November 25. One day in 1847, with the famine raging around him and a young wife and three children, Thomas Gilbane made a gamble. In search of a better life, he walked a mile from his home in Kiltoghert to catch a horse and buggy headed for the port and a ship bound for America. The next year, his wife joined him; unfortunately, their children didnt survive. They were just two of the two million Irish to board coffin ships headed for America during the famine. This October, 178 years later, 33 members of their family made the trip back to Leitrim to find out their story. We knew a sentence, said William Gilbane. They came over in the Irish famine which was horrible but that is all we knew. They were young, Thomas in his early thirties and Bridget in her mid twenties and they would go on to have two more sons in America, Thomas and William, who started a small carpentry company in 1870. America There would be ups and downs, a near collapse during the depression, bearing the Irish need not apply era, but today, seven generations later, Gilbane construction is one of Americas largest construction companies. READ MORE: Leitrim scout group appeals for help finding permanent forever home The now Billion dollar company has completed major projects all over the states and abroad including the Irish famine memorial in Rhode Island and the Kerry group factory in Naas. It makes us all feel so lucky and fortunate that they had the courage to do what they did or we wouldnt have this big family or this great company over in America, and that company has been the nucleus to keep us as a big family together Gilbane cousins followed to America, and today there are 227 members of the family scattered across the United States from Utah to Providence but are still a tight knit group, and hold family reunions every three years. Irishness The family members were always proud of their Irishness. William remembers his father and Uncle carrying it with them as they went, suffering discrimination duringthe rta of Irish need not apply, adamantly supporting Irish American president John F Kennedy. They never dwelled about being Irish, they were always This is America, this is our chance. I think they knew so much about how difficult it was over here and why the immigration occurred. Retracing William and his wife, whose family are originally from Ballinamore, are frequent visitors to Ireland with a holiday home in Connemara; however, for most of the family on this trip, it was their first time visiting Ireland. READ MORE: We came up a little bit short last year, and we just weren't letting that happen again, Sorohan. The family spent the week in Ireland getting to know their family history with historian and Genealogist, Fiona Slevin, visiting the famine museum in Strokestown, seeing the sites in Leitrim, meeting distant Gilbanes and having mass at the Church where Thomas and Bridget were baptised and married. For William, there was very much a sense of the area during the trip. We are going to have that mass in the church where all that happened in, you can't walk in there and not feel it, said William. They ended their time in Leitrim by making the same walk Thomas Gilbane made on his trip to America, There is a real knowledge coming out of this, and an understanding of the two people, said William. William feels the values that define the family and their success in America are proud began with Thomas and Bridget, whether it being the focus on family and hard work or the strength of the woman in the family. He wanted the younger generation to understand where they came from and what it means. We want this fifth and sixth generation to appreciate it, and they all do. I think it is very emotional for them to see it, he said. The trip has been a milestone in our familys history, said William, reflecting before the family retraced Thomass mile-long walk from Kiltoghert to the road that led him to America. Id thank him for what hes done for so many lives, he said. Maybe none of us would have been up to what he did but because of his courage, there have been so many rich lives lived. I hope we made him proud. Labor education in kindergartens shapes young minds 09:27, October 29, 2025 By Ji Yuqiao ( Global Times Illustration: Liu Xiangya/GT A kindergarten in Luohe, Central China's Henan Province, has recently captured wide attention - not for its playgrounds or storybooks, but for the sound of wheat being sifted and the aroma of fresh dough. Viral videos show children bustling around stoves and fields: sifting grain with practiced hands, kneading dough with focus, and even teaming up to make roast chicken. Wearing aprons and standing on tiptoe to stir pots, or carrying firewood barefoot across muddy ground, these children present a strikingly different image of preschool life, Henan TV reported. This "alternative kindergarten" has sparked widespread discussion about the role of labor in early childhood education. As Chinese educational reformer Tao Xingzhi once said, "Life itself is education." Allowing children to solve real-world problems in authentic settings may be far more meaningful than rote learning. Labor-based teaching is currently trending in many places in China. In Xuzhou, East China's Jiangsu Province, children in one kindergarten tend to their own vegetable patch, even harvesting watermelons. In Yibin, Southwest China's Sichuan Province, a "mending class" teaches kindergarten students to sew and repair everyday items, according to Southern Metropolis Daily. These examples challenge the popular notion that kindergartens are only about slides and picture books. Supporters of labor education believe it fills a crucial gap in modern child development. Du Jun, a Beijing resident whose daughter is in her second year at a kindergarten, told the Global Times that she supports this approach: "This is exactly what today's children are missing. It develops their practical skills, but more importantly, it nurtures responsibility and independence." Indeed, the significance of labor education extends far beyond learning a skill. When children experience the laborious process of sifting grain and kneading dough, they gain a visceral understanding of how food is produced, fostering a real connection to the material world. Teamwork in the kitchen - such as making roast chicken - teaches communication, division of labor, and a sense of shared responsibility. Labor is not treated as a burden, but as a vehicle for cognitive development and emotional growth. China officially incorporated labor education into its national education policy in 2018, elevating it to a core component of the revised compulsory education curriculum. According to Xiong Bingqi, director of the 21st Century Education Research Institute, the goal is to reverse longstanding prejudices against manual labor and ordinary workers. "By introducing labor education in kindergartens, we foster a healthy respect for work from an early age and help children develop correct values," Xiong told the Global Times. "This is a return to the essence of early childhood education." Xiong further emphasized that labor and handicraft classes are an active exploration of the"de-primary-schooling" of kindergartens, which aims to prevent primary school-style education in kindergartens. "By engaging children in practical activities, we cultivate their ability to manage daily life and promote their physical and mental well-being. This requires society as a whole to adopt the right perspective. Labor education is not just about teaching life skills; it's about instilling the right values. To achieve this, everyone must work to eliminate the bias and discrimination against labor." However, not all parents are equally enthusiastic. With her daughter having just started kindergarten this year, Wan Fang, a mother from Wuhan, capital of Central China's Hubei Province, voiced her concerns about safety: "My daughter is very young - Can she recognize the dangers of open flames or sharp tools? Can teachers really keep every child safe in such an environment?" Some voices also advocate for professional risk assessments and environment modifications before launching such programs. There should be protective gear, sufficient staff, age-appropriate alternatives for hazardous tools, and strict food safety and sanitation protocols. Most importantly, parents must be fully informed and give their consent. The guiding principle should be "age-appropriate, moderate, and controllable," always adhering to the fundamental norms of early childhood education and the basic standards of child protection. Despite widespread praise for these innovative programs, many questioned whether they can be replicated more broadly. In reality, urban and rural areas differ in resources and family attitudes, making one-size-fits-all approaches impossible. Labor education cannot simply be copied or blindly imitated. It must avoid becoming a performance or burden for children, and must be kept free from unhealthy competition or peer pressure. The popularity of labor-based kindergartens reflects deeper social rethinking of traditional educational paradigms and a growing appetite for diversity in early childhood education. Regardless of whether the reactions are positive or skeptical, these experiments have opened new possibilities and discussions about what preschool should look like. The rise of labor-based teaching is not a wholesale rejection of traditional methods, but a timely reminder for parents and educators alike: True education should inspire children to reach for the stars, but also teach them to keep their feet firmly on the ground. As labor-based activities become more visible, they challenge prevailing ideas about childhood, education, and success. They invite society to reconsider what skills and values will truly serve children as they grow, according to Xiong. In a rapidly changing world, perhaps the most valuable lesson is not just how to read and write, but how to work with one's hands, cooperate with others, and appreciate the dignity and meaning of honest labor. Whether sifting wheat, kneading dough, or simply learning to clean up after themselves, children in these kindergartens are gaining something precious: a firsthand understanding of the world, and an education that is as down-to-earth as it is uplifting. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) A view of Bhai Juzon, a major border town with Ivory Coast that is affected by the deal Photo credit: Varney Kamara of The DayLight A MAN who was observed by Gardai driving alongside an illegal sulky race on one of the busiest roads in Limerick has been disqualified from driving for two years. Garda Dermot Hallett of the divisional Roads Policing Unit told Kilmallock District Court that just after 8.30am on June 1, 2024 he witnessed two men 'spectating' at an unauthorised sulky race on the N20, Croom bypass. The court heard that Robert Joseph McNamara, aged 25, of Grattan Court, Clare Street, Limerick was driving dangerously during the sulky race which took up the majority of the road. In the same car, Johnathon Lyons, aged 33, who lives at a separate address at Gratton Court, Clare Street, Limerick was observed hanging out of the passenger window as the horses raced on the Croom bypass. Read More: Money sent back to Limerick woman who tried repeatedly to pay a speeding fine Up to eight other vehicles were involved in the race and as a consequence, Judge Patricia Harney was told other motorists were unable to use the road. Mr Lyons has 47 previous convictions to his name - for offences including theft, public order, drink driving and driving without insurance. While accepting her client's previous record is unenviable," solicitor Julianne Kiely said both he and Mr McNamara had come upon" the sulky race and were not involved in organising it. Mr McNamara - a father of five - has one previous conviction for driving without tax. Judge Harney commented that Mr Lyons had displayed a recklessness regarding his own life on the morning, that was not befitting a father of two young children. However, she accepted he has taken a "positive turn generally" since and that he is not facing any further proceedings. Johnathon McNamara was disqualified from driving for two years and the judge agreed to defer the commencement of the ban until April 19, 2026. A fine of 500 was also imposed. Mr Lyons was fined 300 for an offence under the Control of Horses Act. GARDAI are appealing for witnesses to traffic collisions in Garryowen and Bruree. Sergeant Michelle O'Halloran, Crime Prevention Officer of Henry Street Garda Station said: "Gardai are investigating a road traffic accident which occurred on Garryowen Road, Garryowen, at approximately 7.55am on Wednesday, the 15th of October 2025." "In this incident, a car struck a male cyclist, and unfortunately, the driver of the vehicle left the scene. An ambulance was called and the injured cyclist was taken to University Hospital Limerick for treatment." READ MORE: Limerick woman appears in court accused of assaulting garda and damaging patrol car Sgt O'Halloran continued: "This area would have been quite busy at that time of the morning with people heading to work and school, so Gardai believe there may be several potential witnesses. We are asking anyone who may have seen the collision or any motorist with dash cam footage to please contact Gardai at Henry Street Garda Station on 061 212400." "Even the smallest piece of information or dash cam footage could be vital in identifying the vehicle involved. There was also another appeal following a collision in the Bruree area last week. Sgt O'Halloran stated: "Gardai in Kilmallock are investigating a two-car collision that took place on Friday, the 24th of October 2025, at around 12 noon, on the N20 at Knockaunavoddig, Bruree, which is the main Limerick to Cork road." "It appears that an oncoming car allegedly overtook a line of traffic travelling from Charleville towards ORourkes Cross and Limerick. In order to avoid a head-on collision, traffic coming from the opposite direction had to brake suddenly, resulting in a collision between two vehicles." The local crime prevention officer added: "The vehicle that performed the overtaking manoeuvre, is believed to be a silver saloon style car, which left the scene. Gardai are now seeking witnesses to that vehicle or to the collision itself. A passenger from one of the vehicles was taken to University Hospital Limerick with minor injuries." Sgt O'Halloran concluded: "This stretch of road is always busy, especially around the bank holiday weekend, so we are appealing for anyone who may have dash cam footage or who observed the incident to contact Kilmallock Garda Station on 063 98018." THE PIERCING screams of a mother after discovering her daughter lying on the ground with fatal injuries echoed around Limerick Circuit Criminal Court this Wednesday afternoon after CCTV footage was played. Armed gardai were present in Limerick Courthouse before the sentencing hearing of Danny ODonoghue. He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of his niece, Marguerita (Maggie) O'Rourke (nee Sheridan) in Rathkeale on December 21, 2024. A genealogy family tree was handed into Judge Colin Daly to assist him trace the links between the Sheridan, ORourke and ODonoghue families. READ NEXT: Limerick man who terrorised neighbours amid land dispute avoids prison term for assault The court heard that 21-year-old Ms O'Rourke (nee Sheridan), who had given birth to a baby boy three weeks earlier, was about to open a steel gate when a Ford Transit van being driven by Mr ODonoghue was rammed into the gate just after noon. A slipper worn by Ms O'Rourke (nee Sheridan) was stuck in the gate, which she was in the process of opening for her mother Doite Sheridan (a sister of the accused Mr ODonoghue), who was bringing her a sandwich from a local shop. Ms O'Rourke (nee Sheridan) and her husband Denis ORourke, who were living in a caravan at the property, were getting ready to go to a family funeral later that day. Mr ODonoghue, aged 43, of Lower Main Street, Rathkeale, County Limerick is also charged with causing criminal damage to a set of gates, property of Mary Teresa O'Rourke, at the same location on the same date, and two summons relating to failing to remain at the scene of a collision. Prosecuting barrister Lily Buckley, instructed by State solicitor Brendan Gill, outlined the evidence with the assistance of Detective Garda Elaine OKeeffe and Detective Sergeant Michael Reidy. Ms Buckley said Mr ODonoghue drove his silver Ford Transit van from his home in Rathkeale to Bank Place, Well Lane in the town and drove at the gate, hitting it. Doite Sheridan was getting out of her van at the time. The accused shouted at her (his sister) Get out of town twice before driving off, said Ms Buckley. CCTV footage was played for Judge Daly, presiding. Doite Sheridan can be heard screaming after finding her daughter on the ground. Ms Buckley said the gate impacted Ms O'Rourke (nee Sheridan) (pictured below) and she fell backwards. Gardai who arrived on the scene and an off-duty firefighter performed emergency first aid. Ms O'Rourke (nee Sheridan) was rushed to University Hospital Limerick where she died at around 4pm that day due to injuries incompatible with life. A report by the State pathologist Dr SallyAnne Collis said she suffered blunt force head and abdominal injuries, said Ms Buckley. Mr ODonoghue handed himself into gardai in Rathkeale two days later. He was later charged and has been remanded in custody since then. No application for bail was made. Two victim impact statements were read out by Ms Buckley on behalf of the father of Ms O'Rourke (nee Sheridan) - John Sheridan - and her husband, Denis ORourke. Neither men were in court. Mr Sheridan said he wished to share the profound and devastating effect the death of his daughter has had on himself, his wife and their children. Our daughter Marguerita was a kind, loving, and wonderful daughter. Though Marguerita was only 21 when she became a mother, she was a natural mother to her little son, Edward who was born just three weeks before her untimely death. She was so proud of her little baby who was born in the UK. She couldn't wait to bring him home for Christmas to introduce him to her family. It was going to be such a joyous time for our family to celebrate Christmas. Instead of the many happy family occasions my wife and I had planned for the festive season we had to face the horrendous reality of the untimely and unnecessary loss of Marguerita on December 21 as a result of the reckless behavior of the accused when he drove his vehicle directly through the entrance to the home where Marguerita was staying with her husband and child for the Christmas period. Mr Sheridan said they were faced with the unspeakable task of arranging our daughter's funeral at Christmas. We are heartbroken and also angry because of the senseless act that took our daughter. We urged the court to impose a sentence on the accused who used his vehicle as a weapon of destruction to cause fatal injuries to our daughter. "Holding the accused accountable is important to my wife and me but it's also important to our community, concluded Mr Sheridans victim impact statement. Ms Buckley also read out the statement on behalf of Denis ORouke, husband. He said the actions of the accused have destroyed my life and the life of my son Edward and to explain the deep pain and harm that his choices have caused. My wife, just 21-years-old, was killed when her uncle dangerously rammed into mental gates at the side of my grandmother's house causing her death. This was not an accident. His behavior that day was reckless, violent and deliberate. On the date of my wife's death, we'd only returned to Ireland the night before for my uncle's wife's funeral. My wife was killed as we were getting ready to go to the church. The accused showed no compassion and circumstances where we were grieving a family member. Whatever history or feud may have existed between our families, nothing could ever justify what the accused did. He made a choice that morning to use violence and to put lives at risk. And because of that choice, my wife, an innocent woman, the mother of my child, is gone forever. Mr ORourke said there has been no remorse, no apology, no sign of regret for what has been done. It was an attempt to terrorise my entire family. It was an intimidation designed to keep myself and my family living in fear. My wife's death has left me as the only parent to our baby son who was just three weeks old when his mother was taken from him. Instead of having our first Christmas as a family I was planning her funeral. I now carry the responsibility of raising my son alone, knowing he will never hear his mother's voice and never be in her arms, never experience his mother's love. That is something that can never be replaced. My life has been completely shattered, read out by Ms Buckley on behalf of Mr ORourke. Mr ODonoghue was represented by Michael Bowman SC, instructed by Michael ODonnell, solicitor. Mr Bowman said it is a tragedy of epic and enormous proportions visited upon the Sheridan, O'Rourke and ODonoghue families He said his client had no understanding that anybody could be behind that gate but that is "cold comfort to all". Mr Bowman said Mr ODonoghue handed himself into gardai, pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and has demonstrated remorse. He also referred to Mr ODonoghue being under the influence of intoxicants - alcohol and cocaine - during a spree on the night and days prior to the incident. Mr Bowman handed in letters penned by Mr ODonoghues mother (and grandmother of Ms O'Rourke (nee Sheridan)) and his wife who said that the victim had babysat their children. Mr Bowman read out a letter of apology from Mr ODonoghue in which he said it was the most difficult thing he has had to do as nothing I do or say is going to bring back Marguerita, unfortunately, and its all my fault. He said his niece was a stunning young woman and a young mother to a beautiful little boy. Mr ODonoghue said he couldnt even try and comprehend the pain and suffering that you are going through. The shame and guilt that I experience every second of every day is something l will carry with me always. There is not a moment I dont think back to that day and ask God why he could not take my life instead of Margueritas. It should never have happened, wrote Mr ODonoghue, who described the pain, suffering and loss he has brought. My actions resulted in Margueritas death. I just can't believe she is gone. I don't know if you will ever forgive me. I pray to God to give your family peace. She was an angel here and she is an angel in heaven, read out Mr Bowman, on behalf of Mr ODonoghue. The defendant also pleaded guilty to producing a machete capable of inflicting serious injury at Ballywilliam, Rathkeale on the same afternoon. A guilty plea was also entered to causing criminal damage to a van, property of a Patrick Sheridan, on the same date and location in Rathkeale. Judge Daly said there was much to consider and he required time to consider matters. He said he would pass sentence on January 21. Mr ODonoghue was remanded in continuing custody. A YOUNG mother-of-four from Limerick died from a blood clot a week after undergoing liposuction and buttock augmentation surgery in Turkey. An inquest into the death of Lydia ODonoghue (nee Mulqueen), 38, of Lower Whitethorn Drive, Caherdavin, has heard that the fatal blood clot was linked to her recent surgery, subsequent air travel, and drug use. An autopsy report showed that the level of cocaine in the young womans system was significant. On the day of her surgery on April 16 last, Ms ODonoghue, formerly of Fairview Crescent, Garryowen, had posted a picture of herself on TikTok with the caption: Surgery day new booty pending. READ MORE: Green light for Limerick train station in boost for rail links A buttock lift or buttock augmentation surgery - often referred to as a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) when a patient's own fat is used during the procedure as opposed to butt implants, which sees silicone devices placed into the buttock - is an increasingly popular cosmetic surgical procedure. Ms ODonoghues mother Caroline told the inquest that the doctors in Turkey said she was fit to fly." Ms ODonoghue underwent surgery in Turkey on April 16 and was pronounced dead exactly one week later in University Hospital Limerick on April 23, 2025. Limerick Coroners Court in Kilmallock heard that Ms ODonoghues husband Jonathan said that she wasnt feeling well, her legs were swollen and she collapsed in the kitchen of their home. He performed CPR on her for 20 minutes, but his efforts were not successful and his wife was transferred to University Hospital Limerick, where she was pronounced dead on April 23. The 38-year-old left behind her three sons Jamie, Jason and JJ and her daughter Annaleise Mary. She died on the day of her oldest sons 20th birthday. The autopsy report revealed that Ms ODonoghue had signs of a blood clot in her lungs. A toxicology report by pathologist Dr Teresa Laszlo showed that there was cocaine and diazepam in her system, but no alcohol. The cause of death was determined to be a blood clot, caused by recent liposuction surgery, which was followed by air travel and drug use. Dr Laszlos report said that the cocaine use may have contributed to her death and that the cocaine level was significant. She added that this, along with the air travel, would increase the risk of a blood clot. The family asked the coroner John McNamara if Ms ODonoghue would have felt anything, but he said that death involving a blood clot is very sudden. They also asked if she should have been put on blood thinners when she left Turkey, which the coroner said could have helped, but that there were a variety of factors which contributed to her death. He acknowledged that it is very difficult to discuss Lydias death like this - her untimely death a couple of months ago. Mr McNamara recorded a verdict of misadventure, saying that Ms ODonoghue never intended this outcome. Sympathies were extended to the family by the coroner and also by Sergeant David Delahunty, on behalf of An Garda Siochana. Ms O'Donoghue was remembered at her funeral Mass in April as a wonderful mother who loved music and fashion and was always the life and soul of the party. Ms ODonoghue is survived by her husband Jonathan, four children, her mother Caroline, father Christopher, two sisters and two brothers, along with a wide circle of family and many kind friends. May she rest in peace. MAYOR John Moran has distanced himself from claims he tried to instigate a motion of 'no confidence' in council priomh-comhairleoir Catherine Slattery. At a stormy council meeting on Tuesday evening, City East polltopper, Cllr Slattery asked the first citizen directly whether he had bid to have her removed from her role by using a no-confidence motion either himself, or through others. "I need to raise something with you, mayor," she said. "I was made aware late last week that you contacted members of the Oireachtas and members of this chamber looking for support for a motion of no-confidence in me as Priomh Comhairleoir," she stated. BREAKING: Shock in Limerick as high profile Labour politician quits party Cllr Slattery - who sits at the top table alongside Mayor Moran - raised issues at the meeting over his treatment of her. She questioned: "Is it because I am a woman?" Requesting a reply from Mayor Moran, she asked: "Did you ring around?" The executive mayor initially denied this, saying: "No. The first I heard about it was a request from a journalist as to whether I would have any comment on it. It was not my idea. You can ask that journalist where he got his information from if you wish." Later on in the debate, veteran councillor Kieran O'Hanlon asked Mayor Moran again. "I just want to ask the mayor a simple question: did he ring any member of the Oireachtas or councillor here and discuss the position," he asked, referring to a potential no confidence vote in relation to Cllr Slattery. On this occasion, the mayor said: "Honestly, councillor, I don't recall." This then saw Fine Gael councillor Sarah Kiely quip: "You should call for a doctor if you don't remember". Fine Gael City West councillor Dan McSweeney said: "You went a number of minutes ago from saying you had no conversation fairly strongly in relation to a motion (of no-confidence) to now saying you couldn't recall. It's a huge change, Mayor. If I was to give you any piece of advice - and I keep a very good diary myself - I think it might be worth recording the dates you speak to particular councillors." His party colleague John Sheahan, who leads the Fine Gael bloc on council, addressed Cllr Slattery directly. "You're not going to get a clear-cut answer. 'I cannot recall', 'I don't remember'. There is no smoke without fire. You didn't pull this (no-confidence) down out of the ether," he said to Cllr Slattery. "I'd be disappointed if you did." Cllr Slattery had said hearing of the potential of a no confidence motion left her feeling "tormented". "If any single councillor here went through what I went through at the weekend - to receive a phone call to be told that a vote of no confidence is going to be put in against you, by God, someone used the word upset. I'm a big girl, I wasn't upset at all, I was tormented is what I was. I was heartbroken that someone would see me like that. To try and get rid of me after all the hard work I've done," she said. Priomh comhairleoir is a new position introduced in the wake of the legislation to bring through a directly elected mayor to Limerick. Cllr Slattery's main roles include chairing full council meetings, and acting as a spokesperson for the council. Last week, Cllr Slattery gave a special reception in her role as priomh-comhairleoir to mental health campaigner and boxer Lee Reeves, plus the Southside Women's Group. Mayor Moran said he would like to see himself and Cllr Slattery, as priomh-comhairleoir, work in tandem on issues which come before the council - something which has not always happened up to now. "It is not the role, I have said over and over again, of a deputy mayor," he added. Also during the meeting, Mayor Moran said he felt he was not being treated with respect. "It has an impact on me as a person. I have spent the last year-and-a-half in the office working many, many more hours than anyone should be asked to work for the betterment of Limerick. I have not felt fully supported," he said. The meeting, which was supposed to be a briefing about Mayor Moran's budget, effectively turned into a debate following a confidence motion which was laid down in council director general Dr Pat Daly and his staff. It followed comments Mayor John Moran had made over Christmas in Limerick last week on Live95. Additional State funding is to be given to a school to help pay for security as Irish teacher Enoch Burke continues to attend school grounds. The Department of Education informed Wilsons Hospital School that 4,440 euro would be given to the school to help pay for security costs for the next nine weeks due to the exceptional circumstances, a court was told. Mr Burke appeared before the High Court on Wednesday to represent himself. The board of management of the Co Westmeath school and Mr Burke have been entangled in a legal dispute stemming from incidents over a request in 2022 from the schools then-principal to address a student by a new name and pronoun. Mr Burke, an Evangelical Christian who was a teacher of German and history at the school, has repeatedly argued that the direction was unconstitutional and went against his right to express his religious beliefs. The school has been granted injunctive relief, restraining him from attending the school, however he continues to attend in breach of the order. He has been fined 225,000 euro and imprisoned for 500 days, a figure cited by Mr Burke, for attending the school in breach of the court order. He appeared in the High Court on Wednesday, on a week where schools are on a midterm break, along with his parents Sean and Martina, brother Isaac, sister Ammi and two other sisters. The court had heard previously that two vehicles may be sequestered and a bar on other Burke family members from attending the school grounds may be imposed. The case also dealt with the fines facing Mr Burke and how they would be paid a barrister told the court that daily fines of 2,000 euro for attending the school, in breach of a court order, had been set for coercive purposes. Mr Burke said the court had completely and entirely emptied his bank account of thousands of euro and that his entire livelihood has been taken away. Mr Justice Brian Cregan told Mr Burke it was not aware that it was his entire livelihood as he had not submitted a statement of means, despite several invitations to do so. Rosemary Mallon, a barrister representing the school, also told the court that the Department of Education had recently informed it that it will pay half of the schools security costs until December. They said this was due to the exceptional circumstances and dynamic situation at the school. After his brother Isaac was removed from court for interrupting proceedings, Mr Burke argued that it was an absolute scandal that after three years of the matter being before the courts that the principals initial instruction had not been analysed. Naming several judges, he said not one had sniffed at an issue which he said was at the heart of this case. Mr Cregan said the answer to that was when a court was considering whether the principals instruction was invalid, Mr Burkes conduct in that case was disgraceful and he was barred from court. You had an opportunity to argue it, but you refused to argue it, he said. Mr Cregan then told Mr Burke that raising an issue with whether to call a student by a different pronoun, as it offended his religious beliefs, was a valid legal issue. Mr Burke interrupted to say that that was not an accurate way to frame it and claimed that it was unconstitutional to ask a teacher to set aside their Christian religious beliefs. I understand that argument, it is a good argument, Mr Cregan said, and added that he had been let go from the school because of his conduct. Youre pulling out a lot of stuff out there, Mr Burke said, to which Mr Cregan replied: I am engaging with your arguments. He then addressed a complaint from Mr Burke that Mr Justice Owens had never engaged with the issue of the legitimacy of the then-principals initial instruction. Why didnt you appeal the order of Mr Justice Owens? Mr Burke said that this was not the issue. You have made a misstep here by not appealing the order of Mr Owens, Mr Cregan said. Its not on you to give me legal advice, Mr Burke said. No, its not, but I am engaging you on your argument, Mr Burke. When Mr Burke asked him if he was above the Court of Appeal or under it, Mr Cregan said it was a ridiculous question. Asked again why he did not appeal the High Court order of Mr Owens, Mr Burke said he had answered the question already. The judge said he had not. I dont for the life of me understand why you did not appeal Judge Alexander Owens (order). Mr Burke replied: Youre filibustering now. After a break for lunch, Mr Cregan asked Mr Burke why he had not attended two previous hearings before him in relation to the case. Why were you not here? Thats the fundamental point Mr Burke, you werent here, why werent you here? Mr Burkes sister Ammi stood up to interrupt, to which the judge said she had no right of audience in the court and Mr Burke was well able to represent himself. Arguing over a legal submission issue that arose in the last hearing, Mr Burke said there was dishonesty on the bench. Mr Cregan replied: If there is any dishonesty in this court, it is from you in relation to why you had been jailed. Responding, Ms Mallon said that a Court of Appeal judgment referenced repeatedly by Mr Burke also found that he was egregiously in contempt of court. She also made the point that Mr Burke had never attempted to appeal against Mr Owens judgment. When Ms Mallon was asked by the judge why Mr Burke had not appealed, she said: I have no idea, judge, and it has never been clear. It is incomprehensible that at each juncture that Mr Burke attempts (to argue against) an order he didnt agree with but has never actually appealed it and is now far out of time. Ms Mallon said she was not at this moment in time seeking an injunction against some Burke family members from attending the school, but said she would seek further instructions if there was further trespassing. The school wants to be a school and at this moment in time the principal, the chair of the board of management and members of the board members of the community, parents are all spending far too much time trying to stop Mr Burke breaking the rule of law rather than on running a school and educating the next generation of citizens. Mr Cregan asked Mr Burke again why he had not appealed against Mr Owenss order. Asking me questions about my intentions is not an escape route for you to avoid doing justice, Mr Burke said. Mr Burke, where does all this end, from your point of view? Mr Cregan asked. Mr Burke replied: Judge, it ends with you and your colleagues telling the truth. Mr Cregan said he would reserve judgment and notify the parties of a decision within a week. Representatives of the Attorney General, the ministers for Finance and Education and the receiver also addressed the court during the hearing. The Department of Education has been contacted for comment. LEADING law firm Holmes O'Malley Sexton LLP (Holmes) has announced the appointment of Edel Conway head of its Corporate Finance team, adding significant strength to its Corporate Finance unit. The Team advises domestic and international clients across private equity, corporate finance and commercial law; this move reinforces the firm's position as one of Ireland's leading advisers on complex transactions, from venture capital to private equity and cross-border acquisitions. Holmes' Corporate Finance team acts for private equity firms, venture capital investors, and strategic buyers and sellers across a wide range of high-value corporate transactions. Holmes provides legal and commercial guidance on growth capital investments, management buy-outs, acquisitions, joint ventures, fund formation, restructuring, and exit strategies. Edel brings more than 20 years of experience in corporate and commercial law to the role. She trained and qualified with Slaughter and May in London before returning to Dublin, where she worked with a leading national firm and later became partner in a boutique corporate practice. Edel, a native of Clare, divides her time between the firm's offices in Dublin and Limerick. Her practice spans multiple sectors including technology, healthcare, financial services, energy, food and beverage, and retail. She has acted for entrepreneurs, SMEs, investors, and high-growth companies, regularly advising alongside clients' accountants and tax advisers to deliver integrated corporate finance solutions. Recent activity includes advising a global technology and software engineering company on its acquisition of a technology group in a cross-border transaction. "Edel brings great qualities to this role and the team. Her wealth of experience. professionalism and pragmatic approach deliver real results for our clients," said Harry Fehily, Managing Partner at Holmes. "Our highly experienced team brings both technical excellence and real-world commercial understanding to every engagement." Reflecting on her new role, Edel Conway commented: "Holmes has established itself as a trusted adviser in corporate finance and private equity, and I am excited to contribute to that continued growth. The Irish market is highly dynamic, with increasing levels of domestic and international investment, and I look forward to helping clients navigate that landscape with confidence". But while her role looks to be all about business, in reality, Edel says it's about people and relationships. "Behind every great transaction are real people and how we as a team relate to them and honour their trust is what truly matters." With Edel's leadership, Holmes will continue to expand its reputation for delivering strategic, commercially focused legal advice to clients navigating Ireland's evolving corporate finance market. Holmes provide a wide range of legal services nationwide, delivering quality, knowledge, experience and value; collectively working in partnership with their clients, investing in their people while supporting the communities in which they operate. With offices in Dublin, Limerick and Cork, the firm's 140+ staff provide a complete range of legal services for corporate, insurance and public sector clients with client-focused legal expertise. Holmes' partners and lawyers are acutely tuned to the business objectives of their corporate clients and are dedicated to delivering legal services of excellence. The firm continues to grow by attracting and retaining the best legal personnel and developing their talent and legal acumen. Holmes is recognised internationally amongst the globe's top firms and lawyers by Legal 500 EMEA, Chambers Global and Chambers Europe legal directories. For more, see https://holmeslaw.ie/ *Sponsored Content Drugmaker Eli Lilly has teamed up with artificial-intelligence chip designer Nvidia to build what the companies say will be the most powerful supercomputer run by a pharmaceutical company to boost the discovery of new medicines. Lilly, which makes the popular weight-loss drug Zepbound and treatments for diabetes and cancer, said the supercomputer and its AI capabilities will allow it to identify new molecules and to speed up the typical yearslong development timelines. Indianapolis-based Lilly also will tap the system for other functions such as improving clinical trials, manufacturing processes and sales. The companies, which announced the partnership Tuesday, declined to disclose financial terms of the deal. Lilly said some of the Nvidia equipment arrived at the companys Indianapolis data center over the weekend. Lilly expects the system to be online by January. One of the biggest hopes for AI is its potential to vastly improve the discovery of new medicines, a notoriously risky undertaking, by helping researchers identify disease-causing biological traits and the best drug mechanisms to combat them. Big drugmakers such as Johnson & Johnson and Roche Holding have been racing to add AI capabilities, while some startups are focused exclusively on AI-enabled drug development. They hope the addition of AI can help boost a stubbornly low success rate in getting new treatments from the lab to pharmacy shelves, for example by discovering molecules that conventional methods havent turned up. Yet the industrys use of AI is still in the early stages, and companies have had more success using AI tools for back-office functions or designing clinical trials than for discovering new drugs and getting them to market. Lilly hopes the construction of an Nvidia-powered supercomputer will help fulfill AIs potential to better discover new medicines. I personally envision a future where you can address so much more potential illnesses and devastation than we could do now," said Thomas Fuchs, Lillys chief AI officer. AI is used these days for so much useless stuff. But this one, thats the one it should be used for. Its really something that helps us improve the human condition." The partnership deepens Nvidias ties to the medical-research community. Earlier this year, the company announced alliances with a host of partners in the pharmaceutical and life-sciences fields, including the Mayo Clinic and DNA-sequencing company Illumina. Nvidia Chief Executive Jensen Huang has for years worked with labs in a variety of industries, including life sciences, to find ways of using Nvidias processors to help solve problems requiring complex calculations, although academic applications dont represent a major revenue stream for the company. Kimberly Powell, vice president of healthcare at Nvidia, said AI wouldnt provide a quick fix but could help spur efforts to find targeted therapies for tough-to-treat diseases. This is 10 years of innovation that is going to get us to that personalized medicine dream weve been talking about for some 30 years. But we now have an incredible new instrument to get us to do that," she said. Lillys supercomputer will be powered by more than 1,000 Nvidia Blackwell graphics processing units, or GPUs. The chips, known as B300s, are among the most advanced AI processors Nvidia designs. Lilly said the supercomputer would run on 100% renewable electricity within existing Lilly facilities and use a chilled-water system for cooling. Fuchs said Lilly is building and operating its own supercomputer, rather than using a third partys, to guard against geopolitical issues that could lead to shortages of key components. It also gives Lilly more control over a system that will incorporate decades of its proprietary data. Diogo Rau, Lillys chief information and digital officer, cautioned that it still might take years to get the first fruits of AI-powered drug discovery into the hands of patients, likely into the 2030s. Any new molecules discovered would still have to go through clinical trials, which take several years. Mumbai: Canadas CPP Investments expects its India portfolio to grow further after tripling in size over the previous five years, top executives at the investment firm said on Wednesday during a media discussion. CPP Indias assets under management have increased from C$10 billion in 2020 to about C$29.5 billion (about 1.8 trillion). That makes India the Canadian pension funds third-largest market in the Asia-Pacific, behind Japan (C$38.1 billion) and China (C$30.3 billion). One of the reasons India has grown at a much faster rate than the fund as a whole is because of the opportunity set, and I think we should expect to see a reasonable growth rate based on the pipeline we see in the market today," said John Graham, president and chief executive officer, CPP Investments. We expect to continue growing our portfolio. India is a fast-growing dynamic economy, and we expect to see lots of interesting opportunities," Graham said, without revealing exact figures on how much the firm plans to invest in the country. He added that India is seeing healthy growth in public markets. That provides a larger market capitalization, which over time is beneficial," Graham said. As an investor, we need to also see the market capitalization grow and how the public markets are performing." Also Read | Sovereign wealth, pension funds anchor India story despite global jitters CPP India's key sectors CPP entered India in 2009 with an investment in private equity fund Multiples, and subsequently opened an office in Mumbai in 2015. Over the years, the Canadian pension fund has invested across the real estate, infrastructure, energy, credit, public equity, fixed income, private equity, and technology sectors in India. CPPs key investments in the country include the National Stock Exchange of India Ltd, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Flipkart, Hexaware Technologies, real-estate developer RMZ Corp., and industrial and logistics real estate developer IndoSpace. Hari Krishna, the investment firms India office head and managing director for CPPs real estate and real assets division, emphasised the firms focus on sectors such as infrastructure, supply chain productivity, and decarbonisation. The Canadian firm also places importance on sub-segments like consumer wallet (through its investment in Phoenix Mills and Flipkart) and consumer balance sheet (Kotak), he added. Also Read | How Indias youngest pension fund gamed a falling market to outdo older rivals CPP Indias recent investments and exits CPP Investments is among the largest pension funds investing in India. Its other Canadian peers actively investing in the country include CDPQ and Ontario Teachers Pension Plan. Over the past year in India, CPP has invested in private equity fund Kedaara Capital and venture capital fund Accels latest funds. It has also invested in the combined entity of packaging companies Pravesha and Manjushree Technopack, Perficient Capital, and edtech startup Eruditus. Some of its recent investment exits from Indian companies include the sale of a 6% stake in logistics firm Delhivery and a partial stake sale in NSE India for undisclosed sums. Globally, CPPs net assets have steadily increased over the yearsto C$732 billion in June from C$632 billion in March last year. The investment firm has operations across Canada, the United States, Europe, Latin America, Hong Kong, Australia, Taiwan, Korea, and New Zealand. Also Read | How Indias youngest pension fund gamed a falling market to outdo older rivals NEW DELHI/MUMBAI : A little more than two years since it placed the first of two mega-orders of passenger jets on Airbus SE and Boeing Co., India's second largest carrier Air India has started taking deliveries at the rate of one aircraft a week catching up with market leader Indigo's additions to its fleet. We have 524 aircraft yet to be delivered. And all of those will come by around 2031. We will be taking an aircraft about once every six days [including AIX] for the next few years," Air India chief executive officer Campbell Wilson said at an event in New Delhi on Wednesday. A day earlier, Aloke Singh, managing director and chief executive officer (CEO) of Air India Express, had told reporters at the Mumbai airport, We are looking at about 20 to 24 aircraft in the next calendar year." In June 2023, Air India ordered 470 planes from Boeing and Airbus followed by an additional purchase of more than 100 jets last December, bringing the total such aircraft on order over 570. IndiGo, too, had announced the purchase of 500 Airbus aircraft in June 2023 deliveries of which were scheduled to begin in 2030 and end in 2035. IndiGos order came on the back of an earlier order of 480 planes that runs until 2030 for the Gurgaon-based carrier. IndiGos CEO Pieter Elbers reiterated the carriers stated fleet plans saying the airline had received 58 new aircraft in calendar year 2024. So, that is like one aircraft every Friday or during the week last year," he said. To be sure, Wilson also highlighted severe challenges facing the airline while speaking at the same event. "Aside from the A171 accident, there was the war with Pakistan, closure of Middle East airspace, 50% tariff on India by Mr Trump, and constraints on H-1B visas. All of these are quite unprecedented shocks to the system," he said. Scramble in the skies Rising incomes and strong economic growth have fueled hopes among India's carriers that the number of people flying will keep rising. This has led to record orders on Airbus and Boeing. Typically, airlines place bulk orders to be delivered over several years, which helps them negotiate purchase prices of planes at a discount. Also Read | Come Nov, IndiGo and Air India to match international reach with 44 destinations 2026 will be an important year (for Air India) as Air India and Air India Express, on average, will be adding one aircraft a week," said an executive privy to the development. Between Air India and Air India Express, there are 50-odd aircraft deliveries scheduled next year," a second person said. Both wanted to stay anonymous. Air India and Air India Express together have a fleet size of 297 planes, while IndiGo had more than 430 planes as of 29 October, 2025. IndiGos 64.2% share of the domestic passenger market is more than double that of the Air India Group's 27.3%. IndiGo expects 100 Airbus deliveries over the next 26 months through calendar year 2027. Also Read | IndiGo, Air India CEO wages soar amid challenges in the sky This includes deliveries of an unspecified number of the narrow body, long haul A321 XLR jets that can fly for six to seven hours. By the end of December or early January, we are expecting the [first] XLR to come in," Elbers said. While the regular pace of aircraft deliveries will help Air India's expansion, some challenges could lie ahead, an expert said. If Air India is adding one aircraft a week, then yes, they would be matching IndiGo on the pace of supply additions," said Shobit Singhal, associate director of Anand Rathi Institutional Equities. But uncertainty over deliveries hangs over the order on Boeing, he said. About 33% of Air Indias supply is with Boeing, while IndiGos is entirely with Airbus and, historically, Airbus deliveries have been faster than Boeings." New Delhi/Mumbai: Tata Groups Air India faces a 4,000-crore ($500 million) hit from the closure of Pakistans air space from June 2025 following that countrys short military conflict with India the previous month, its top executive said at an event in New Delhi on Wednesday. Thats clearly a big sum in anyones book, Campbell Wilson, the airlines chief executive, said at the Aviation India and South Asia 2025 conclave. It isnt something that anyone had anticipated. It literally came out of the blue. To be sure, the airline had quoted a higher 5,000 crore number to the aviation ministry in May. A company spokesperson said the earlier number was a rough estimate given to the government after a meeting with the aviation ministry. Since then, Air India has taken some mitigation measures to cut down losses for long-haul international routes that would otherwise have used Pakistani airspace, effectively pruning the loss, the spokesperson added. The news comes amid ongoing business challenges for Air India, which is undergoing a transformation led by Wilson. We were hit by a few unprecedented things this year, which are almost Black Swan events, he said. Aside from the A171 accident, there was the war with Pakistan, closure of Middle East airspace, 50% tariff on India by Mr Trump, and constraints on H-1B visas. All of these are quite unprecedented shocks to the system. According to data from Tata Sons annual report, for the year ended 31 March 2025, Air India saw revenues increase to 15% to 78,636 crore from FY24 (combining revenues of Air India, Tata SIA Airlines and Talace), making it amongst the largest contributors to Tata Group topline. However, the airline was the largest loss maker for the group in the just gone-by financial year with losses widening to 10,859 crore. Talace and Tata SIA were merged last financial year. Comparatively, market leader IndiGo revenue of 80,802 crore, and a net profit of 7,258 crore for the previous fiscal, data from stock exchange filings showed. Challenges along the five-year plan After joining Air India in May 2022, Wilson had outlined a five-year transformational plan called Vihaan-AI. Currently, Air India is in the third stage of this plan, called the climb phase, following the initial taxi and take-off phases. The climb phase started around 2024 and focuses on achieving operational excellence, expanding the fleet, and enhancing the customer experience by introducing new products, improving reliability, and expanding the network. However, the plan has taken some beating from external events, prompting Wilson to say the business environment continued to be quite challenging in 2025. Airspace closures have forced the airline to reroute flights and reduce capacity on its long-haul segments, particularly affecting flights to the key markets of North America and Europe. The two regions account for nearly 25% each of its international operations. International routes account for 60% of Air Indias flights. In June, Air India grappled with the deadly Ahmedabad crash, which led to fewer international departures. The airline also reviewed its practices after the incident, in which all 12 crew members and 229 of the 230 passengers aboard died. Then, in the winter schedule for airlines (beginning 6 October 2025) announced last week, Air India was the only major carrier to have reduced operations, with flights down 10%, while Air India Express is growing at 11% based on weekly departures allocated. Air Indias transformation plan also faces supply-chain challenges, which delay aircraft deliveries and lengthen refurbishment timelines. Refurbishment of the legacy wide-body fleet and introduction of new wide-body aircraft are critical pillars of Air India's upgraded service offering, but are currently constrained by global supply-chain slowdowns in aircraft interiors, seats and componentsa hangover from the pandemic. Also Read | Before Air India crash, soaring demand for travel put strain on Indian pilots According to Shobit Singhal, associate director of Anand Rathi Institutional Equities, Air India's losses widened to 10,859 crore in FY25 from a combined loss of 7,356 crore the previous year. Both airport closures and the Ahmedabad crash worsened the airline's situation while also harming consumer sentiment and trust. The total number of passengers Air India carried declined by 11% year-on-year in July and 8% year-on-year in August. However, recovering from that blow, the airline revived and restored its international flight schedule on 1 October (after a safety pause initiated in July). This, coupled with strong demand revival in H2FY26, is likely to somewhat compensate for the losses in H1. Over a longer period, Air India might gradually improve its profitability due to its strong Tata Group backing as well as an existing order book of 514 aircraft, subject to timely deliveries, Singhal added. Key risks are supply-chain disruptions, particularly for Boeing, as well as the airlines ability to ramp-up daily departures, especially domestic ones, he added. Mergers and acquisitions Tata Groups acquisition of Air India was finalised in January 2022 for 18,000 crore ($2.2 billion). It was part of government divestments and included Air India, Air India Express and AI SATs. In 2024 the Tatas merged Air Vistara which had been run as a joint venture with Singapore Airlines with Air India. Another low-cost carrier, AIX Connect (former Air Asia India), was also merged with Air India Express that year. Air India and Air India Express have a combined share of around 27% in the domestic market. Indigo is the clear market leader with a 64% share. Currently, Singapore Airlines has a 25.1% stake in Air India and the remaining is held by Tata Sons. Also Read | What Indias new cabin crew fatigue limits mean for airlines and flights Amazon Web Services (AWS) plans to invest nearly $5 billion in South Korea by 2031 to establish new artificial intelligence data centres in the Asian country, Reuters reported, citing South Korea's presidential office. The announcement was made at the AWS CEO Matt Garman's meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit. South Korea's push for AI This investment aims to boost the AI industry in South Korea, as the country eyes to become one of the world's top three AI leaders, the report quoted Lee's statement. "At AWS, we've invested and committed to investment of an additional $40 billion across 14 non-U.S. APEC countries and economies between now and 2028," the report quoted Garman. And, that $40 billion actually drives an additional $45 billion in U.S. GDP and downstream benefit, benefiting all of the APEC economy, he said at a business event on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit. In June, AWS announced a $5 billion investment in South Korea in partnership with SK Group to develop the nation's largest data centre. Additionally, it revealed plans for investments in Japan, Australia, and Singapore. Amazon is one of seven global corporations whose executives participated in the group meeting with Lee in Gyeongju, South Korea, committed to a combined investment of $9 billion over the next five years. Amazon layoffs Amazon's latest investment came at a time when the e-commerce giant confirmed 14,000 layoffs, months after Chief Executive Officer Andy Jassy hinted that artificial intelligence would reduce its workforce. The reductions were sharing today are a continuation of this work to get even stronger by further reducing bureaucracy, removing layers, and shifting resources to ensure were investing in our biggest bets, Beth Galetti, senior vice president of people experience and technology at Amazon, said in a blog post on Tuesday. On the reason for the latest layoffs, she said, Some may ask why were reducing roles when the company is performing well. What we need to remember is that the world is changing quickly. This generation of AI is the most transformative technology weve seen since the Internet, and it's enabling companies to innovate much faster than ever before. Kirin Holdings of Japan and Anicut Capital, the largest shareholder and lender of B9 Beverages, have taken control of Bira 91's The Beer Cafe, sparking a legal battle in the domestic craft beer industry. The acquisition was made by claiming shares pledged by B9, according to filings with the Registrar of Companies. However, B9 Beverages has challenged Anicut Capital's actions in the Delhi High Court. The Beer Cafe operates under Better Than Before (BTB), a wholly owned subsidiary of B9 Beverages Pvt Ltd, which owns Bira 91. Speaking to Livemint, Ankur Jain, Founder and CEO of Bira 91, said BTB continues to be a wholly owned subsidiary of B9. He alleged that some lenders have taken actions that are in contravention with contracts and illegal. Jain said B9 had challenged Anicut Capital's actions in the Delhi High Court. According to him, on 17 October 2025, the court issued an interim order preventing Anicut from selling or establishing third-party interests in BTB shares. Given that the matter is sub-judice, it may not be appropriate for me to comment in more detail on the matter, Jain added. Also Read | Beer industry alerts 13 crore shortage of 500 ml cans, urges import relaxations The Beer Cafe reportedly has a turnover of nearly 100 crore and remains one of B9 Beverages' few profitable and growing segments. It's investor action, not business disruption, says BTB founder Rahul Singh, founder and CEO of BTB, told Livemint that what has happened is a shareholding realignment. "BTB shares, which had been pledged by B9 Beverages Limited as collateral, were invoked by investors Kirin Holdings and Anicut Capital in accordance with their contractual rights. "BTB Marketing Private Limited, which owns The Beer Cafe and our other brands, is now an independent company backed by these institutional investors. Day-to-day operations, management and brand decisions continue entirely under BTBs leadership," Singh said. According to Singh, the pledge invocation was a contractual investor action, not a business disruption."The shares had originally been pledged by B9 Beverages to secure financing. When the investors exercised their rights, the ownership of BTB changed accordingly. Its a standard process in structured financing and has no operational or financial impact on BTB or The Beer Cafe." The BTB founder said the development marks the start of a new growth phase for the company, and is not a prelude to anything negative. "Were now operating as a standalone company with clear governance, strong institutional partners and multiple consumer verticals The Beer Cafe, Bira 91 Taproom (operated under licence), Thrsty, Instacrave and Burger Brewery. Our focus is on scaling these brands responsibly and continuing to deliver experiences that are Better Than Before. Thats what BTB stands for," he pointed out. Stating that from BTBs standpoint, the matter is purely procedural and the company has moved forward as per contractual laws, Singh said the same leadership team has been running The Beer Cafe since 2007, "and that continuity remains unchanged". The Board of BTB includes the founding directors along with an Anicut Capital nominee director recently added for governance, as reflected in the latest MCA filing. The beer maker's woes The latest acquisition comes days after Mint reported that some major institutional stakeholders in B9 Beverages are considering removing Jain due to concerns about his management of the financially struggling company. Investors and lenders, including Peak XV (formerly Sequoia India), Sofina, Sixth Sense Ventures, Anicut Capital, and Japans Kirin Holdings, discussed the business's state in a virtual call on 9 September. Most shareholders agreed to provide new funds to the company if Jain resigns. However, Jain denied such a demand by investors or a formal offer made to him. B9 is experiencing declining revenues, increasing losses, tax issues, and overdue vendor payments. Approximately 250 employees have submitted a petition to the B9 board and investors regarding delayed salaries and governance issues, The Economic Times reported earlier. B9 Beverages investors Institutional investors hold the largest stake in B9 Beverages, at 28.6% stake, led by Peak XV (formerly Sequoia India), alongside Sofina, Sixth Sense, MUFG Bank, Tiger Pacific, Mayfield, and GHIQF Mauritius. Kirin Holdings owns 20.3% of B9. Engineering giant Larsen & Toubro Ltd flashed the first signs of a much-awaited recovery in India's private capital expenditure, reporting a sharp recovery in domestic infrastructure orders in the September quarter. The companys infrastructure projects segment received domestic orders worth nearly 27,400 crore during the quarter, almost 50% more than a year earlier. Domestic order receipts for this business segment crossed the 20,000 crore mark after five fiscal quarters. L&T is India's largest infrastructure developer by a wide margin. We find that both private sector capital as well as infrastructure investments have shown an uptick. We do believe that the trend would continue going forward, said R. Shankar Raman, whole-time director and chief financial officer of L&T. On private sector expenditure, he said that while there was an uptick in order receipts during the second quarter, it remains to be seen whether it turns into a trend. Also Read | LTIMindtree shares rise after clinching largest-ever deal with Paramount L&Ts infrastructure segment builds factories, transportation infrastructure, heavy civil infrastructure, power transmission and distribution assets, and renewable energy plants, water and effluent treatment plants and mineral and metal refining plants. The segment booked orders worth 52,686 crore during the quarter, with the remainder coming from overseas, mainly the middle-east. Senior government officials have frequently flagged a slowdown in capital expenditure, and have repeatedly nudged companies to invest and grow. Analysts acknowledged that L&Ts numbers paint a promising picture, but at least one analyst has cautioned against jumping to conclusions. We saw good project finalization during the quarter in the buildings and factory, and metals and mining spaces, said Amit Anwani, vice-president and lead analyst for capital goods, industrials and defence sectors at Prabhudas Lilladher. However, he said that there was one large order win from the Adani Group for thermal power plants, which he estimates to be worth around 20,000 crore. Without this order win, private sector order inflow during the second quarter was normal. Metro exit, electronics entry L&T said that it was in advanced discussions with the Telangana state government to divest its stake in Hyderabad Metro, a project that it developed and now operates. The project has been a constant drag on the companys financials owing to its low ridership. The company has explicitly stated for the past several years that it is looking to divest from the project. The exit will lead to a leaner balance sheet for L&T and also improve its return on equity, Anwani said. But the company will be taking a significant hit on its investments. Considering an investment of about 7,000 crore in the project and a one-time settlement payout of about 2,000 crore from the state government, as per media reports, the company would be taking a hit of 4,500- 5,000 crore on this project, he said. While the company exits one business, it has confirmed its entry into another. CFO Shankar Raman said L&T was considering entry into electronics manufacturing. As a part of our strategy to broadbase revenue streams, we are looking at electronics manufacturing in specific areas, he said. The company could make equipment for sectors like communications, aerospace, and precision engineering, and it will not make consumer goods, he said. Robust Q2 earnings L&T reported a 10% jump in its consolidated revenue to 67,984 crore for the September quarter compared to the same period last year. This includes earnings from developing infrastructure, manufacturing, IT outsourcing and lending, among other areas. About 56% of this revenue came from overseas compared to 52% in the same period last year. Profit grew by 16% to 3,926 crore. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (Ebitda) improved by 7% year-on-year to 6,806 crore. Ebitda margin narrowed 30 basis points to 7.3%. L&T received orders worth 1.16 trillion at a consolidated level, its highest in any quarter. The order inflow was 44% higher year-on-year, led by significant project wins in West Asia. Its order book now stands at 6.67 trillion - another company record. The company has reported a well-rounded financial performance across all parameters, S.N. Subrahmanyan, chairman and managing director, said in a press release. Our ability to repeatedly secure large orders, across segments and geographies is a true testimony to the companys leadership position in the EPC domain. The company was well-placed to exceed its guidance of its order inflow growing by 10% this financial year compared to FY25, Raman said. The It had received orders worth 3.5 trillion last year. L&T was also on track to meet its guidance of 15% revenue growth this fiscal, he said. Meanwhile, achieving the Ebitda margin guidance of 8.5% was a work-in-progress. The L&T stock lost 0.53% to close at 3,951.7 on the BSE on Wednesday, while the benchmark Sensex closed 0.44% higher. The earnings were disclosed after trading hours. (Microsoft's Azure and its suite of productivity software were down for thousands of users on Wednesday, according to Downdetector.com. While Azure was not working for around 16,600 users, Microsoft 365 was down for around 9,000 users, Downdetector, a website that tracks online outages, showed. Microsoft Azure is the tech giant's cloud platform, and thus any outage it experiences not only affects the company alone, but several of its other clients. The tech giant noted on its Azure status page that teams are investigating issues affecting its Azure Front Door service and are working to resolve access disruptions "We are investigating an issue with the Azure Portal where customers may be experiencing issues accessing the portal," Azure said. Also Read | Microsoft Azure down: What caused the outage? Which services are affected? It also said that users may not be able to access Microsoft 365 admin center and might also experience delays while accessing other services. Some are also facing issues with add-ins and network connectivity in Outlook, as per a Reuters report. Microsoft said it was reviewing the reports. Later, in a statement, Microsoft 365 said that it has identified a recent configuration change to a portion of Azure infrastructure which we believe is causing the impact. This has also caused outage for other websites like Starbucks, Kroger, and Costco. Also Read | Snapchat down: Users complain about losing friends and streaks vanishing after AWS outage On Downdetector, users reported issues with Office 365, Minecraft, X-Box Live, Copilot and many other services. This news comes a week after Amazon's Amazon Web Services (AWS) faced an outage issue, causing disruption in services of major websites like Reddit and Snapchat. Microsofts Azure troubles came just hours before the company was set to release its quarterly earnings report, and just over a week after a massive outage of Amazons cloud computing service took down a broad range of online services, including social media, gaming, food delivery, streaming and financial platforms. Amazon is the dominant provider of cloud computing services but Microsoft ranks second, ahead of Google, in most markets. Alaska Airlines' web, app down Alaska Airlines said on Wednesday that its website and app were down, just days after a tech outage grounded flights across the US. The carrier attributed the latest disruption to a global outage on Microsofts Azure platform, which has affected several key systems, including its website. As Amazon started cutting 14,000 jobs, employees were informed that they had been relievedthrough text messages. According to a report by Business Insider, the e-commerce giant sent two messages on Tuesday to inform employees that their jobs had been terminated. One of the two texts sent by Amazon to employees urged them to check their personal or official emails before reporting to work. The second text, meanwhile, directed employees to call a help desk in case they hadn't received "an email message about your role". According to people familiar with the matter, this rather unorthodox strategy of laying off employees was to ensure that people did not show up to work to find that their access badges no longer functioned. With most tech firm offices having badge-based access, this problem of terminated employees showing up to work, only to find their badges didn't work, had become a common occurrence during mass layoffs at Google and Tesla. Also Read | UPS lays off 34,000 employees in first 9 months of 2025 amid turnaround efforts More layoffs anticipated After Reuters initially reported that Amazon was slated to cut 30,000 jobs, the Jeff Bezos-led firm clarified that 14,000 job cuts were indeed underway. The reductions were sharing today are a continuation of this work to get even stronger by further reducing bureaucracy, removing layers, and shifting resources to ensure were investing in our biggest bets, Amazon HR chief Beth Galetti said in a blog post on Tuesday. In an internal email accessed by BI, the Amazon HR chief also said that laid off employees would be supported with full pay and benefits for 90 days after being relieved. "We didn't make these decisions lightly, and we're committed to supporting you throughout this transition, which will include a non-working period with full pay and benefits (as applicable), an offer of a severance package, transitional benefits as applicable by country, and access to several skills trainings as well as external job placement support," the email read. Notably, the layoffs came months after Amazon CEO Andy Jassy warned about AI taking jobs in the e-commerce giant. Building on Jassy's warning, Galetti has also hinted of more layoffs in the near future. "This generation of AI is the most transformative technology weve seen since the Internet, and it's enabling companies to innovate much faster than ever before," the Amazon HR chief said. "Looking ahead to 2026, as Andy talked about earlier this year, we expect to continue hiring in key strategic areas while also finding additional places we can remove layers, increase ownership, and realize efficiency gains," Galetti added. Atlanta-based logistics giant UPS said on Tuesday it has cut 48,000 jobs since last year in a sweeping restructuring effort to boost profits and regain investor confidence. The delivery major, which employed nearly half a million people at the start of 2024, confirmed it eliminated 34,000 positions this year across its US driver and warehouse workforce. It also began slashing another 14,000 management roles last year. Also Read | UPS lays off 34,000 employees in first 9 months of 2025 amid turnaround efforts The announcement came alongside better-than-expected third-quarter earnings, sending UPS shares soaring over 7% in afternoon trading. We are executing the most significant strategic shift in our companys history, and the changes we are implementing are designed to deliver long-term value for all stakeholders, Carol Tome, UPS Chief Executive Officer. Why is UPS cutting so many jobs? UPS has faced persistent pressure from investors after its stock lagged behind the broader market in recent years. The companys leadership has embarked on a large-scale efficiency overhaul, tightening operations and scaling back unprofitable business lines, including its delivery partnership with Amazon. UPS said deliveries for Amazon were down 21% year-on-year in the third quarter as it prioritised higher-margin business. Revenue per package in the United States grew 10% in the third quarter from a year earlier, Ms Tome told analysts. How is the company performing financially? Despite the massive job cuts, UPSs net income fell to $1.3 billion in the third quarter, compared to $1.5 billion a year earlier. Revenue also declined to $21.4 billion from $22.2 billion. However, adjusted earnings per share reached $1.74, beating analyst expectations. The restructuring appears to have impressed Wall Street at least temporarily with shares rising sharply on Tuesday. Still, UPSs stock remains down nearly 25% this year, compared with a 17% gain for the S&P 500 index. How have tariffs and global trade shifts affected UPS? UPSs international business has also taken a hit from new tariffs imposed by President Trumps administration earlier this year. The volume of parcels shipped to the United States from China fell almost 30% in the third quarter, according to the company. Customs data shows shipments valued under $800 once exempt from tariffs have plunged from 4 million packages per day to around 1 million after Trump closed the so-called de minimis loophole in May. What about union reaction? The Teamsters union, representing many UPS workers, had earlier warned that it would oppose any layoffs that violated the companys labour contract. On Tuesday, Ms Tome insisted UPS was acting lawfully: UPS was in compliance with the terms of our contract, she said. The job cuts have reignited debate over labour protections and automation in the logistics industry, particularly as rivals like FedEx also face cost pressures amid slowing global trade. Whats next for UPS? As UPS tightens operations and adapts to a post-pandemic delivery economy, analysts say the companys turnaround depends on balancing cost-cutting with service reliability. Nvidia Corp. Chief Executive Officer Jensen Huang dismissed worries about an AI bubble, saying the companys latest chips are expected to generate half a trillion dollars in revenue. I dont believe were in an AI bubble, Huang said during a Bloomberg Television interview. All of these different AI models were using were using plenty of services and paying happily to do it," he said. Huang's latest remarks lessened fears of an AI investment bubble, pushing shares of Nvidia up 5% to a record closing high of $201.03 on Tuesday. What is an AI bubble? An AI bubble typically refers to a situation when investor interest or expectations push the valuation of AI-related companies. This situation arises when expectations for future AI profits inflate stock prices. In case these high expectations are not met, the bubble could burst. Notably, AI-related expenditures are climbing globally. According to US research firm Gartner, they are anticipated to hit about $1.5 trillion by 2025 and exceed $2 trillion in 2026, almost 2% of the worlds GDP. Why AI bubble sparks concerns? Since the artificial intelligence boom, concerns have been raised about a speculative bubble similar to the late 1990s dot-com craze, which ended with a dramatic crash and many bankruptcies. Tech companies are investing heavily in advanced chips and data centres, not only to keep up with the growing popularity of chatbots such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude, but also to prepare for a larger, more disruptive shift of economic activity from humans to machines. The total cost could even touch trillions. Funding comes from venture capital, debt, and increasingly, some unconventional arrangements that have attracted attention on Wall Street. Supporters of AI recognise that the market is volatile but remain confident in the technologys long-term promise. They argue that AI is set to transform various industries, find cures for diseases, and broadly advance human progress, Bloomberg reported. Even with this rapid spending on AI, it is still somewhat unproven as a profitable business model. Tech industry executives who privately doubt the most enthusiastic claims about AIs revolutionary potential, or at least find it hard to see how to monetise it, may feel they have little choice but to continue investing to keep pace with competitors or risk being overshadowed and sidelined in the future AI market, the report said. Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott donated $38 million to Alabama State University (ASU), marking the largest single donation in the university's 158-year history, the institution said in a release on October 27. Jeff Bezos' ex-wife's latest gift is one of several donations, and it comes days after a report informed that she reduced her stake in Amazon by 42% over the past year. According to a disclosure dated September 30, Scott holds 81.1 million shares, down 58 million from a year earlier, Bloomberg reported. Scott donated $2 billion to 199 organisations last year, the report said citing Yield Giving data, bringing her total donations to $19.25 billion in five years. Expressing gratitude over the donation, Alabama State University President, Dr Quinton T Ross, Jr, said, We are deeply grateful to MacKenzie Scott for her unprecedented generosity in supporting the vision of Alabama State University. The message here is clear: the work being done at this University is being held in high regard. Ross further said, This investment allows us to continue to make a significant impact as an institution of higher learning now and for generations to come. This is a history-making moment at the place where history is made. How does the University plan to use the funds? Alabama State University aims to strategically invest these funds in essential areas, strengthening the universitys endowment, improving student success initiatives, expanding its research and technology facilities, and increasing ASUs involvement within the Montgomery community and beyond, the university said. The $38 million donation aligns with Alabama State University's plans to raise its national profile through initiatives in technology, global education, and community development, all key elements of ASUs Focus 2030 Strategic Plan. MacKenzie Scott's stake in Amazon Scott retained approximately 4% of Amazon following her 2019 divorce from the Amazon founder. Bezos continues to hold voting rights over her shares and must declare them annually. She tweeted about the divorce terms on April 4, 2019 and wrote, Happy to be giving him all of my interests in the Washington Post and Blue Origin and 75% of our Amazon stock plus voting control of my shares. Despite her charitable contributions, Scott's wealth has grown since her divorce due to Amazon's shares increasing in value. She has committed to donating most of her wealth, the report said. MacKenzie Scott's net worth According to the Bloomberg Billionaires' Index, MacKenzie Scott ranks 54th with a net worth of $40.1 billion. Since she announced the divorce terms, Scott has announced more than $19 billion worth of charitable gifts, as per the index. Artificial intelligence (AI) chipmaker Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang is headed to South Korea amid the backdrop of his company reaching the milestone $5 trillion market cap. Incidentally, this comes amid the ASEAN Summit and as United States President Donald Trump's and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to meet this week. Notably, Donald Trump and Xi Jinping are set to meet on the sidelines of the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit on October 30. This will be their first face-to-face meeting since Donald Trump returned to the White House and amid deteriorating trade relations between the two economic giants due to tariff hikes. The meeting has left the South Korean hosts in a difficult balancing act, as per an AP report. Also Read | How Sachin Tendulkar saved 58 lakh in taxes with Section 80RR deduction Why is Jensen Huang going to South Korea amid Trump-Xi meet? So, amid all this, why is Jensen Huang also headed to South Korea? Well to attend the APEC Summit. And he is not alone. Leaders from major Pacific Rim economies, including China, Japan and the US, will join him at the Summit this week in Gyeongju. The annual gathering, which usually pushes for free trade, is now dealing with the impact of sweeping US tariffs. For Jensen Huang in particular, the Donald Trump-Xi Jinping meet could also result in some positive news for his company Nvidia. In August, the Trump administration had discussed allowing sale of Nvidia's chips to China, under certain conditions. Further, when he left for for APEC, Donald Trump told reporters aboard the Air Force One that he will speak to Xi Jinping about Nvidia's chips on October 30. What did Donald Trump tell reporters about Nvidia, China? Donald Trump praised Nvidia's Blackwell chips as super-duper and which will define the next era of American innovation. He said he might speak to Xi Jinping about them, but did not elaborate to reporters. I think we may be talking about that with President Xi, Donald Trump said, adding that he is very optimistic about his meeting. This was also confirmed by a senior White House official, who told reporters on October 29, Trump said he would speak to Xi about Nvidia's state-of-the-art Blackwell AI chips, with sales to China a key sticking point in trade talks. Notably, Nvidias Blackwell AI chip architecture, is a cutting-edge processor series that underpins advances in AI, data analysis, and defence systems. While Trump will skip the main APEC leaders session, he will attend a private dinner with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and hold several bilateral meetings, including the highly anticipated face-to-face with Xi Jinping, before departing on on October 30 itself. Also Read | Apple hits $4 trillion market cap after Nvidia and Microsoft Nvidia first company to reach $5 trillion mcap mark On October 29, a day after iPhone maker become the third company to top the milestone $4 trillion value, Nvidia once again led the Big Tech pack by becoming the first $5 trillion company, AP reported. This comes just three months after it also become was first to break through the $4 trillion mark. The report noted that ravenous appetite for Nvidias chips is the main reason for the stock's rapid rise since 2023. On October 29, the shares touched $207.86 in early morning trading with 24.3 billion shares outstanding, putting its market cap at $5.05 trillion. In comparison, Nvidia's value is greater than the GDP of India, Japan and the United Kingdom, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Huang this week sought to downplay concerns of a bubble burst, saying that the generative AI chatbots that were merely interesting when they first took hold a few years ago are now becoming so useful that they will be profitable. (With inputs from AP, Agencies) Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said on Tuesday he had an "intense but very productive" engagements with Maros Sefcovic, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security of the European Union, on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. Goyal met Maros Sefcovic in Brussels on Tuesday (local time). After concluding the visit, Goyal said in a post on X, Concluded my visit to Brussels, after intense but very productive engagements with @MarosSefcovic, EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, on advancing a comprehensive IndiaEU FTA. The Union minister said the talks with the EU Commissioner "have significantly reduced our outstanding issues and allowed us to create the framework that will help deliver a win-win for our economies." "The negotiations and discussions have laid the foundation for a robust and balanced agreement, which will significantly support businesses on both sides and add to the potential for mutual growth," Goyal posted on X. He said, We are committed to realising the common vision of our leaders PM @NarendraModi ji and EU President @VonderLeyen for shared prosperity of our people through innovation, trade, investments, and job creation. Also Read | Brussels talks intensify as India seeks balance in EU trade deal "The efforts of our teams have been truly commendable, Goyal said, adding that he looks forward to welcoming "my friend Maros Sefcovic and the EU team again soon, as we work together to bring this dialogue to fruition." Goyal's Brussels visit Goyal was on a two-day official visit to Brussels on October 27-28. Union minister Goyal began his visit to Brussels with a meeting with Johann Wadephul, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany, to strengthen discussions on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). On Monday, Goyal shared the details of his meeting on X, saying, Began my visit to Brussels with a meeting with Johann Wadephul, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, Germany, @AussenMinDE. "Our discussions spanned key areas of mutual interest and growth, reaffirming the robust India-Germany strategic partnership and our shared commitment to an early conclusion of the India-EU FTA," he had said. According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Goyal's trip aimed to provide political and strategic direction to the ongoing talks, which recently made progress during the 14th round of negotiations held earlier this month. This visit took place against the backdrop of the India-EU partnership gaining renewed strategic depth following the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen earlier in the year. Indias free trade agreement with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) bloc has officially come into force, marking a major step in the governments efforts to expand access to developed markets. The Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), which took effect on 1 October, is expected to generate investments worth US$100 billion and create at least one million jobs over the next 15 years. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal described the agreement as historic, saying it opens a lucrative market for Indian farmers, fishermen and MSMEs and will accelerate the Viksit Bharat 2047 mission. EFTA countries have pledged an investment of $100 billion over 15 years the first such commitment in any trade pact in the world. With this, governments of EFTA countries will champion investments into India, creating at least a million jobs, and catalysing PM Modis Make in India mission, Goyal said. What Does the India-EFTA Agreement Entail? The EFTA groupingcomprising Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtensteinhas a combined per capita income exceeding US$100,000. The pact covers trade in goods and services, intellectual property, sustainability, labour standards, and cooperation on regulatory practices. Officials said the investment commitment distinguishes TEPA from other trade deals, as it includes a formal pledge of capital inflows backed by government facilitation. Goyal noted that India has shed the hesitations of the past, positioning its industries to compete globally. These pacts dont just open doors, they sharpen our industries, instilling competitiveness and quality that propel us forward, he said. How Does This Fit into Indias Broader Trade Strategy? The TEPA follows a series of free trade agreements signed under the Modi government, including accords with the United Kingdom, Australia and the United Arab Emirates. Negotiations with the European Union are also progressing. Piyush Goyal said the Modi government had adopted a more consultative approach to trade negotiations, involving stakeholders and industry associations at every stage. Benefits for Agriculture and Fisheries The pact is expected to benefit Indias agricultural and seafood exporters, particularly in high-value categories. Goyal said India had protected sensitive sectors such as dairy while securing better market access for rice, pulses, fruits, vegetables, millets and cashews. Duty cuts on processed delights like biscuits, confectionery, chocolate, and sauces sweeten the deal, he said. He added that the fisheries sector stands to gain significantly: Fishermen rejoice as exports of frozen shrimp, prawns, and squid will surge through seamless standards cooperation. Boost for Investment and Innovation India has received only US$11.9 billion in cumulative FDI from EFTA countries over the past 25 years. Goyal said the new agreement represents a quantum leap, potentially surpassing past inflows. The investment pledge is a quantum leap creating one million direct jobs and countless more indirectly, he said, noting that Indias total FDI reached US$81 billion in 202425, a 14 per cent increase from the previous year. The minister added that TEPA reinforces Indias intellectual property rights regime, offering rock-solid regulatory certainty to attract high-technology industries. What About Services and Professional Mobility? The agreement also expands access for Indian professionals and service providers. It paves the way for Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) in nursing, accountancy and architecture, enabling smoother mobility between India and EFTA countries. Doors swing wide open for IT, business, cultural, recreational, education, and audio-visual services, Goyal said. TEPA slashes technical hurdles via proactive regulatory talks. How Does the Pact Address Sustainability and Labour Standards? The TEPA incorporates provisions reaffirming support for the Paris Agreement and the International Labour Organizations core conventions, promoting fair labour standards, environmental protection and gender equality. It fosters collaboration on climate action, gender equality, and biodiversity conservation, ensuring fair wages, safe jobs, and a greener planet, Goyal said. The minister added that the agreement will encourage green technology exchange and cooperation uplifting workers, slashing inequality, and securing a thriving future for our children. What Lies Ahead for Indias Global Trade Ambitions? Piyush Goyal said the agreement reflects Indias emergence as a reliable trade and investment destination, driven by reforms such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, PM Gati Shakti, and the National Logistics Policy. A child born in Modis India gets as many opportunities at home as in the Alps, the land of fire and ice, or in the land of the midnight sun, he said. With the India-EFTA pact now operational, New Delhis focus is likely to shift to ensuring swift implementation and building on momentum in ongoing trade negotiations with the EU and other strategic partners. The Delhi government has announced the recruitment of 5,346 Trained Graduate Teachers (TGTs) for government and municipal schools, a move designed to strengthen classroom teaching and ensure individual attention for pupils in classes 6 to 10. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta posted on social media platform X on Wednesday, stating that these new appointments are intended to furnish students with quality education and tailored guidance, helping them realise their full potential. "This is an initiative towards building an education system where students receive quality education, personalised support, and opportunities to fully develop their potential," Gupta said. Also Read | Haryana bans tobacco sale within 1 km of schools: What we know However, experts note that approximately 10,000 teaching posts currently remain vacant across Delhi's state schools, a situation that is negatively impacting the student-teacher ratio, as reported by news agency PTI. A circular issued by the Directorate of Education (DoE) on 3 October confirmed that the application window for these vacant roles opened on 9 October and will officially close on 7 November. Official data from the DoE indicates that Delhi's state schools currently employ over 70,000 teachers who cater to more than 18 lakh pupils. Delhi overhauls school sanitation, extends private cleaning services In a concerted effort to ensure cleaner and more hygienic campuses, the Delhi government has revamped the sanitation system within its state schools, extending private cleaning services to hundreds of additional institutions across the national capital. Also Read | Medical education regulator pulls up colleges over faulty student admissions The Delhi Directorate of Education (DoE) has signed an umbrella agreement with a private organisation to manage sanitation in a further 621 schools. This significant expansion builds upon the 117 schools already utilising such private services. "The restructuring aims to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness in all government schools," an official said, as reported by news agency PTI. "Regular inspections will be carried out by departmental officers to ensure proper implementation of the sanitation contract," he said. For those schools not yet covered by the private contracts, the government has ensured sustained cleanliness by deploying between three and four regular sweepers in each institution, with the exact number dependent on the student enrollment figures. Heads of schools have been issued strict instructions to closely monitor all sanitation work and guarantee that cleaning duties are fully completed at least 30 minutes before the commencement of each school session. Bihar Polls: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will finally kick off his campaign for the assembly polls in Bihar with rallies in Muzaffarpur and Darbhanga districts today, 29 October about a week ahead of the first phase of polling on 6 November. Gandhi's first rally will be a joint meeting with the opposition Mahagathbandhans Chief Ministerial face, Tejashwi Yadav, at Shri Krishna Rai Yadav Maidan in the Sakra assembly seat of Muzzafarpur. Also Read | Where is Rahul Gandhi? Buzz grows louder in Bihar as poll dates near Sakra is a reserved constituency, where the party has fielded Umesh Ram, the runner-up of the 2020 polls. The joint meeting will be held at around 12.30 PM. Later, Rahul Gandhi will address another rally in the adjoining Darbhanga district in support of the INDIA bloc candidates. Here, Rahul and Tejashwi will address a joint meeting at Ganga Bhagat Memorial Ground in Darbhanga at 2.15 pm. Darbhanga also votes on 6 November. Rahul's Absence from Bihar Rahul Gandhis absence from the ground had become a major subject of discussion across the state, with reports of internal fighting over seat-sharing and disagreements with allies on various issues. Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha (LoP), last visited Bihar on 1 September, when he addressed the concluding rally of his 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Patna. The Congress is contesting the Bihar elections as part of the Mahagathbandhan, a coalition of the INDIA bloc. Although there has been no official announcement of a seat-sharing arrangement, the RJD is contesting 143 of the 243 seats in Bihar. The Congress is contesting 61 seats. When are the Bihar Elections 2025? Voting for the Bihar Assembly elections will take place in two phases, on November 6 and 11 November. The votes will be counted on 14 November. Phase 1 covers key districts in southern and central Bihar, including Muzaffarpur and Darbhanga, where the Congress aims to consolidate support alongside its India bloc partners. The Voter Adhikar Yatra, attended by top INDIA bloc leaders including Tejashwi and Akhilesh Yadav, was taken out accusing the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to disenfranchise lakhs of voters in Bihar through the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls and the vote chori of vote theft allegations in Karnataka. It's another matter that these issues don't seem to be resonating on the ground as polls near. The Mahagathbandhan is challenging the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the BJP and Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United). From the NDA, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath have already hit the campaign ground. Patna: LoP in Bihar Assembly and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav addresses the media after releasing INDIA bloc's manifesto for Bihar Assembly elections, in Patna, Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. (PTI Photo)(PTI10_28_2025_000392B) Opposition CM face Tejashwi Yadav also held multiple public rallies across the state. Prashant Kishor of the Jan Suraaj party is also campaigning aggressively in Bihar. What does the INDIA bloc promise? The opposition INDIA bloc on Tuesday released its manifesto for the Bihar assembly polls, promising, among other things, a government job to one member of every household, restoration of the old pension scheme and 200 units of free power. The 32-page-long 'Bihar ka Tejashwi Pran' (Tejashwi's resolve) released at a function in Patna, was, however, dismissed as "a bundle of lies" by the ruling NDA. A new law guaranteeing employment would be introduced within 20 days of the INDIA bloc forming the government in Bihar. Tejashwi Yadav, the RJD leader after whom the manifesto has been named, stated that the document contains "25 salient points assuring practical solutions" to the problems faced by the people of the state. New Delhi [India], October 29 (ANI): The Indian Air Force Band, along with the Mountain Band of the German Armed Forces, delivered a joint performance in the capital city on Wednesday. With 48 musicians from the Indian Air Force and 51 musicians from Germany came together to create what can be described as a musical bridge between the two nations. Marking a symphony of friendship, the evening saw a unique presentation of the Indian Air Force Band's martial precision with the soulful notes of bansuri, tabla, and classical violin, which added soulful Indian depth to the precision of military sound. Coming from the scenic Bavarian town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the Mountain Band of the German Armed Forces also brought the rich heritage of Bavarian marches, folk tunes, and symphonic compositions, performed with discipline and flair. The performance was organised at the Kartavya Path, celebrating the Indo-German ties through music. Speaking at the event, an official told ANI, "The collaboration was amazing. We saw on the stage what music can bring to us and to our lives. It was amazing to see two beautiful countries performing together. Another guest who was present to witness the Indo-German musical fusion described it as a "great experience." "It's great to see these forces working together and performing so well with just 1-2days of rehearsals. It was also nice to see the traditional Indian instruments and the German alphorns doing so well together," he said. Regretting You OTT Release: The screen adaptation of Colleen Hoovers bestseller Regretting You, featuring Allison Williams, Mckenna Grace, Mason Thames and Dave Franco, has hit theatres in a number of markets but for Indian viewers wondering when it will show up on OTT platforms, heres what we know so far. Directed by Josh Boone (best-known for The Fault in Our Stars), Regretting You opened in U.S. cinemas on October 24, 2025. Also Read | Deepika Padukone fans claim Kalki makers removed her name from OTT credit roll The film centres on mother-daughter pair Morgan (Williams) and Clara (Grace) who, after a tragic accident, are forced to confront hidden betrayals, re-forge their bond and rebuild their lives. As far as streaming availability goes, no official date has been announced yet for India. But there are strong indicators. The film is distributed by Paramount Pictures, which means its likely to follow the studios typical sequence: a limited theatrical run, followed by premium video-on-demand (PVOD), and then streaming on the studio-owned platform, Paramount+. By looking at similar Paramount releases, one can estimate: Digital purchase/rental (PVOD): mid to late November 2025 Streaming on Paramount+: mid to late December 2025 Until then, the film is not available on popular Indian subscription platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video for free streaming. If youre keen to watch the film at home, youll need to wait until the purchase/rental window opens, or hold out for its arrival on streaming. For now, the theatrical release remains your only option. Watch the trailer here: Meanwhile, netizens loved the film. A user on X wrote, Okay sooo i watched regretting you last night and i have to admit i cried, gasped out loud and laughed. it gets a 9/10 from me, super cute and fun movie that i will be watching again. fuck the critics. Another user reviewed, Pretty cliche and sugarcoated but decent romcom. Dialogue was crucially unnatural some points - or maybe Im just to cynical so I dont believe anyone actually speaks like that. Also Read | Malayalam OTT releases this week: From Kantara Chapter 1 to Idli Kadai Actor Vivek Oberoi has pledged his entire remuneration from Ramayana filmmaker Nitesh Tiwaris ambitious mythological epic starring Ranbir Kapoor to support children battling cancer. The actor told Hindustan Times that his decision stemmed from a deep admiration for the films global vision and the team behind it. I dont want a penny for this I told Namit (Malhotra, producer) that I dont want a penny for this. I want to donate it to a cause I believe in kids with cancer, Vivek Oberoi said in an interview with Hindustan Times. I told him I want to support you because I just love what youre doing, and I think this will take Indian cinema on the global stage with a bang. Ramayana as Indias global epic Speaking about the project, Vivek Oberoi praised the vision of producer Namit Malhotra and director Nitesh Tiwari, calling Ramayana a turning point for Indian cinema. What Namit and Nitesh are doing is truly taking Bhartiya cinema to the global stage. Ramayana is going to be Indias answer to Hollywood epics, Oberoi told the news outlet. Theyre associated with a company thats won seven to eight Oscars in VFX. To take a truly Indian-rooted epic and present it globally it cant get bigger and better than this. It was great working on it. I was so happy and it was a lot of fun working with the whole crew Namit, Nitesh, Yash, and Rakul (Preet Singh). I still have a couple of days shoot left, he said. His current phase in films Reflecting on his current phase in films, Oberoi said he feels grateful and at peace. Its really strange, and they say the universe works on vibrations and how you feel. When youre so at ease with yourself, when youre not desperate or stressed about your career just floating, relaxed, getting great films and offers its amazing, he said. New Delhi, Oct 29 (PTI) Infrastructure major Larsen & Toubro (L&T) on Wednesday reported a 15.6 per cent increase in consolidated net profit to 3,926.09 crore for the September quarter on the back of higher revenues. The company had posted consolidated net profit of 3,395.29 crore in the year-ago period, L&T said in a filing to the BSE. The consolidated revenue from operations in the July-September period rose 10 per cent to 67,983.53 crore, over 61,554.58 crore in the year-ago period, the filing said. The company said it has secured orders worth 2,10,237 crore, registering a year-on-year growth of 39 per cent for the half-year ended September 30, 2025. International orders at 1,24,236 crore during the half-year constituted 59 per cent of the total order. "The company has reported a well-rounded financial performance across all parameters. Our ability to repeatedly secure large orders, across segments and geographies is a true testimony to the company's leadership position in the EPC domain. "The consistent execution across a diverse portfolio highlights our strength in effectively navigating local/global challenges. We continue to witness higher capex spends, in both our primary geographies of India and the Middle East, and remain fairly optimistic about order prospects," company's Chairman and Managing Director S N Subrahmanyan said. The company, he said, has reached an in-principle understanding with Telangana government for the divestment of its stake in L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad) Ltd(L&TMRHL). "This is in line with our stated objective under Lakshya 2026 to exit the public concessions portfolio," he explained. Amazon.com said this week that it would cut 14,000 corporate jobs, with plans to eliminate as much as 10% of its white-collar workforce eventually. United Parcel Service said Tuesday that it had reduced its management workforce by about 14,000 positions over the past 22 months, days after the retailer Target said it would cut 1,800 corporate roles. Earlier in October, white-collar workers from companies including Rivian Automotive, Molson Coors, Booz Allen Hamilton and General Motors received pink slipsor learned that they would come soon. Added up, tens of thousands of newly laid off white-collar workers in America are entering a stagnant job market with seemingly no place for them. At 5:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Kelly Williamson woke up to an alarming text from her employer, Amazons Whole Foods Market, urging her to check her email. Review asap and stay home from work today," the message said. Williamsons role on the asset-protection team was being eliminated. The badge and laptop for the 55-year-old from Austin, Texas, were deactivated. She was given 90 days to look for another job at the company. She said her personal belongings are being mailed to her. A leaner new normal for employment in the U.S. is emerging. Large employers are retrenching, making deep cuts to white-collar positions and leaving fewer opportunities for experienced and new workers who had counted on well-paying office work to support families and fund retirements. Nearly two million people in the U.S. have been without a job for 27 weeks or more, according to recent federal data. Behind the wave of white-collar layoffs, in part, is the embrace by companies of artificial intelligence, which executives hope can handle more of the work that well-compensated white-collar workers have been doing. Investors have pushed the C-suite to work more efficiently with fewer employees. Factors driving slower hiring include political uncertainty and higher costs. Altogether, these factors are remaking what office work looks like in the U.S., leaving the managers that remain with more workers to supervise and less time to meet with them, while saddling the employees fortunate enough to have jobs with heavier workloads. The cascade of restructurings has created a precarious feeling for managers and staff alike. It is also tightening the options for those who are looking for employment. Around 20% of Americans surveyed by WSJ-NORC this year said they were very or extremely confident that they could find a good job if they wanted to, lower than in past years. Meanwhile, opportunities for front-line, blue-collar or specialized workers are growing. Companies describe shortages of trade, healthcare, hospitality and construction employees, while pausing hiring for consultants and managers, laying off staff in retail and finance, and deploying AI to do work in accounting and fraud monitoring. The system just feels like its messed up," said Chris Reed, 33, who was laid off a year ago from his job in technology sales, his field of more than a decade. Reed, in New Braunfels, Texas, recently took a job selling Toyotas after spending 10 months looking for work. Reed supports his three children, ages 10, 8 and 6, and his wife, a stay-at-home mom and student. In tech, Im qualified, I have the experience," Reed said. I didnt get any of those jobs." After his layoff, he said he applied to more than 1,000 jobs. To make ends meet, covering food, gas, utilities and two car payments, Reed said he emptied his 401(k) and sold stocks, cryptocurrency and the Pokemon cards he collected with his son. His home was put into foreclosure when he couldnt make mortgage payments, he said. This summer a friend referred him to the dealership job. He commutes two hours or more each day and often hustles on the floor from the stores 8:30 a.m. opening to its 9 p.m. close. On Tuesday, he was weighing whether to drive in on his day off. He is feeling the strain from a poor work-life balance several months into the job. Sometimes he goes days without seeing his children; he wakes up before they go to school and returns home after bedtime. On the evenings he tucks his kids into bed, his daughter refuses to let him go. She thinks Im not going to see her the next day," he said. Its greatly impacted my home life." The white-collar jobs on the chopping block have been roles that many American workers aspired to secure. They paid up for college credentials to qualify for an interview, then landed comfortable jobs such as human-resource managers and midlevel engineers. Now what was once a stable position feels like a ticking time bomb, with employees who worked their way up the corporate ladder awaiting their turn for a video call announcing their last day. Jobs that are higher-paying and require a bachelors degree are more exposed to AI than other positions, economists at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia found. Even as the economy grows, hiring has weakened, with economists expecting slower job-creation this fall. In such an environment, companies are becoming choosierand both experienced white-collar workers and new college graduates seeking their first jobs are getting squeezed. Mo Toueg, who runs a recruiting firm, said he has seen the number of 40-year-olds in search of work surge in the past year. Theyre telling me they cant keep up with the technology thats out there as much," said Toueg, of GOBU Associates. Tech is outpacing their skill set." Job applicants said they are getting rejected in favor of candidates who have almost identical work experience to the job posting. Companies can now hire employees that match their exact, desired qualifications, said Melissa Marcus, an Austin, Texas-based managing director for an employment-consulting firm. The companies that have money to spend right now on head count are asking for the moon and the stars," she said. That dynamic is helping to squeeze entry-level hiring. The class of 2025 submitted more job applications than the class of 2024, while receiving a smaller number of offers, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers. I felt like I was putting a lot of work into getting myself into the job market, and the ladder had been pulled out from under me," said Kobe Baker, 23, who began looking for a job in January 2025, shortly after he graduated from Baylor University. Nobody was there to really answer what I could do to improve, to do better on my next application. It was just radio silence." Baker, now based in Bloomfield, N.J., had hoped to break into the New York City job market after graduation. He widened his search before landing a job in customer service in late September. He said many young people want to be independent but cant find a foothold in the job market. Mike Hoffman, chief executive of the growth advisory consulting firm SBI, said in the past six months he has cut his software-development team by 80% while productivity has surged. We have someone managing clusters of agents that are doing coding," he said. Our AI writes its own Python." Investors are pressuring companies to streamline operations, Hoffman said, seeking head-count reductions as steep as 30%. Executives should ask themselves whether they can do so and whether it is the right thing to do, he said. On Monday, the online-learning company Chegg said it would cut 388 jobs globally, about 45% of the workforce, as it pivots to an AI model that automatically answers students questions. Write to Lindsay Ellis at lindsay.ellis@wsj.com, Owen Tucker-Smith at Owen.Tucker-Smith@wsj.com and Allison Pohle at allison.pohle@wsj.com President Trump said he expects to sign a trade deal with China when he meets Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday, potentially paving the way for a de-escalation in tensions between the two sides. President Xi of China is coming tomorrow here, and were going to be, I hope, making a deal, I think were going to have a deal, I think itll be a good deal for both," Trump said in a speech at the APEC Summit on Wednesday in Gyeongju, South Korea. I think its going to be a great deal," he said ahead of a planned meeting with Xi. Trump and Xis highly anticipated meeting is expected to cover a wide range of topics, including the export of chemicals used to produce fentanyl. The president has said the U.S. expects to lower tariffs on China in exchange for cooperation in cracking down on the export of chemicals used to make the synthetic opioid. In the speech, he said that his administration will end unfair trade barriers" and overhaul weak, pathetic" supply chains, touting agreements signed during his Asia trip. On this trip alone, Ive signed groundbreaking agreements with Malaysia, Cambodia, Japan, our deal with the Republic of Korea," Trump said, adding that Seoul and Washington will be working together in shipbuilding. Around the world were signing one trade deal after another, to balance our relationships on the basis of reciprocity." In a wide-ranging speech, he also listed a number of companies that have agreed to invest in the U.S. since the start of his termsaying that TSMC has pledged $100 billion, Hyundai $26 billion, Micron $200 billion, and over $500 billion" from SoftBank, OpenAI and Oracle, without elaborating further. Trump added that his trade policies are bringing back all pharmaceutical businesses" to the U.S. In September, he posted on Truth Social that the U.S. would impose a 100% tariff on any branded pharmaceutical product, unless a company is building plants in the U.S., without providing details. Bringing manufacturing to the U.S. has been a centerpiece of the Trump administrations negotiations with other nations, with trade talks often involving pledges to invest more in America. He reiterated in his Wednesday speech: If you build your factory in the U.S., there are zero tariffs." A slew of companies have announced billions in investments in America since Trumps election. That could in theory mean a reprieve from tariffs, but a lot remains unclear about how the trade deals the U.S. has struck will implemented. Details around investment packages are particularly vague, and have been a sticking point in talks with Tokyo and Seoul. Tokyo and Washington on Tuesday released a fact sheet outlining billions in investment projects in certain sectors pertaining to the $550 billion Japan said it would invest in the U.S. months earlier. But without details on execution, it remains to be seen which companies are doing what. We dont know whats in there. Its perfectly possible that those numbers include things that were going to happen anyway," said Stefan Angrick at Moodys Analytics. How is this all going to be financed? Hows the profit sharing to work?" Theres not a lot of substance there. Its just really big numbers." Write to Jihye Lee at jihye.lee@wsj.com and Fabiana Negrin Ochoa at fabiana.negrinochoa@wsj.com The U.S. would roll back some tariffs on China if Beijing cracks down on the export of chemicals that produce fentanyl, under a trade framework that President Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping are set to discuss Thursday, said people familiar with the talks. China is expected to commit to more controls on the export of so-called precursor chemicals used to make fentanyl, a synthetic opioid blamed for hundreds of thousands of drug overdose deaths in recent years. In return, the U.S. could cut its 20% fentanyl-related tariff on Chinese goods by as much as 10%, the people said. The expected agreements are subject to change and dependent on the meeting of the two leaders. Details are expected to be hammered out in subsequent negotiations. If the U.S. were to lower the fentanyl-tariff on Chinese goods to 10%, it would bring the average tariff on most Chinese importscurrently around 55%to about 45%. That would put Chinas average tariff rate closer to those of other trading partners, potentially reducing the price competitiveness of goods manufactured outside of China and raising the relative attractiveness of Chinese-made products to U.S. buyers. Goods from India and Brazil face 50% tariffs, and the Trump administration has said Chinese goods shipped through Southeast Asian nations would face 40% tariffsmuch higher than the 19%-20% rate for other goods from the region. The administration reached two trade agreements and two frameworks with Southeast Asian nations this week that included provisions to prevent China from exporting goods through their economies at below-market prices. Bringing the tariffs on China closer to the 40% levies threatened on Southeast Asian nations would reduce the incentive for Chinese firms to ship goods through those economies to the U.S., while potentially motivating more direct trade between China and the U.S. The fentanyl negotiations address a longstanding issue between Washington and Beijing. It is part of a larger trade framework developed over the weekend between high-level Chinese negotiators and a U.S. team led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who called the framework very successful." Under the framework, China is also expected to commit to significant purchases of American soybeans, Bessent said in a CBS News interview on Sunday, potentially bringing relief to U.S. farmers hit hard by the loss of Chinese buyers this year. Beijing imposed retaliatory tariffs on U.S. soybeans earlier this year in response to the 20% fentanyl-related levies placed on Chinese goods. Chinese negotiators have insisted that China wont lift its retaliatory duties and resume purchases of American soybeans until the U.S. removes the fentanyl tariffs. If agreed to, the framework would ease market-rattling tensions between the worlds two biggest economies. Earlier this month, China tightened controls on rare earths, a sector it dominates, potentially jolting global supply chains that rely on them to manufacture everything from electric vehicles to jet fighters. In turn Trump threatened another 100% tariffs on China. Now, under the new framework, the U.S. expects China to delay the new rare-earths rules. I believe that they are going to delay that for a year while they re-examine it," Bessent said in an interview with ABC News on Sunday. The expected deferral of Chinas latest rare-earth controls means Trumps threat to impose a 100% tariff on all Chinese goods by Nov. 1 is now effectively off the table," Bessent told CBS News. Chinese negotiators are also expecting the U.S. to freeze potential new policy actions deemed as harmful to China, such as controls on exports of products made with U.S. software, said the people familiar with the negotiations. Bessent told CBS News on Sunday there have been no changes to U.S. export controls. It is unclear how the framework would affect a different set of rare-earths restrictions that Beijing announced in April. The established licensing system suggests authorities could ramp up rare-earth restrictions again if the U.S. were to impose new trade policies deemed harmful to China. The U.S. and China are also expected to reduce port fees on each others ships, said the people familiar with negotiations. Chinese Vice Commerce Minister Li Chenggang, a senior member of Chinas trade delegation, said the two sides have reached preliminary consensus" on issues including export controls, reciprocal tariffs, fentanyl-related tariffs, cooperation on fentanyl, an expansion of bilateral trade and port fees. Both sides will then go through domestic approval processes, he said. The current turbulences and twists and turns are the ones that we do not wish to see," Li said. Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel is set to travel to Beijing to discuss the fentanyl issue with Chinese authorities, said people familiar with the matter. Write to Lingling Wei at Lingling.Wei@wsj.com, Hannah Miao at hannah.miao@wsj.com and Gavin Bade at gavin.bade@wsj.com Homegrown credit card network RuPay has quietly wrestled market share from Visa, MasterCard and American Express, leveraging its exclusive access to India's fast payments network Unified Payments Interface or UPI. The three global networks have so far not been allowed to use UPI as an underlying payments platform. RuPay credit card transactions on UPI currently account for 38% of all credit card transactions in India by volume and about 8% by value, shows data from a Bernstein Securities report on 27 October. The brokerage did not mention a time period for this data. The individual shares of Visa, MasterCard and Amex in the remaining 62% of the number of credit card transactions was immediately not available from Bernstein. Including transactions going through traditional payment networks, the value of RuPay credit card transaction rises to 18%, as per industry estimates. There is a definitive use case for RuPay credit cards because the acceptance universe of UPI is far bigger than the credit point-of-sale (PoS) machines," said Bikram Singh Yadav, business head of credit cards at RBL Bank, adding that no bank can avoid paying attention to the RuPay network. Also Read | Will RuPay repeat its debit card success in the credit card space? Data for fiscal year 2024 (FY24) from Bernstein put RuPay credit card volumes and value at 10% and 1.8% respectively as a share of total credit card transactions. The numbers for fiscal 2025 are available only up to October 2024: 28% and 5.3% by volume and value. In absolute terms, RuPay credit card holders made 362.9 million UPI payments worth 33,439.2 crore in the fiscal year ending 31 March 2024, per ministry of finance data. This grew sharply in the months after: it shot up to 750 million transactions in the April to October months valued at 63,825.8 crore. The UPI effect Digital payment trackers and bankers see the underlying UPI platform as the primary driver for sharp growth of RuPay credit cards. Given that UPI is already ubiquitous and that there are more acceptance points for UPI than those that accept credit cards, it gives RuPay cards a clear advantage over other card networks. India had over 112 million credit cards at end-August, per data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), growing 6.5% from the same period last year. Yadav of RBL Bank said that with the UPI feature activated, customers spend about 20% more than regular credit cards. RBL Bank, he said, is trying to issue multiple cards to customers including RuPay credit card and virtual cards. The bank, where Dubai-based Emirates NBD Bank recently decided to buy a 60% stake, had 4.5 million credit cards with an average spend of 15,628 at end-August. Like its peers, RBL Bank does not disclose how many of these cards are on Rupay and other networks. The mood at National Payments Corp. of India (NPCI), India's umbrella body for retail payments, meanwhile, is one of more ground to be covered. An industry executive said that despite a hard push from NPCI, backed with brand campaigns and sponsorships, the relatively low value numbers of RuPay credit card transactions, even with healthy volume numbers, show that a lot needs to be done. The executive said that it is not easy to penetrate the stronghold of global card networks with whom banks have long-standing relationships. If you see the value of transactions, RuPay is still way behind competitors despite efforts," said this executive. Also Read | RuPay to UPI credit, NPCI is planning a big recast of its businesses The Economic Times reported in July that NPCI has started offering financial incentives to banks to push RuPay credit cards to their customers in a bid to promote homegrown payment methods, citing people directly aware of the matter. RuPay to track UPI? UPI transactions continue to be strong: they were at 19.6 billion in September worth 24.9 trillion, as against 15 billion transactions of 20.6 trillion in the same period last year. Analysts continue to be upbeat about the prospects of RuPay on UPI. A combination of wider merchant acceptanceover 50 million UPI merchants [as against less than 10 million with PoS devices] and a lower MDR structure for smaller merchants has accelerated adoption," analysts Pranav Gundlapalle, Ishan Mittal and Anirudh Gupta at Bernstein said in the note from which data has been quoted earlier. RuPay credit card UPI transactions of up to 2,000 do not attract any merchant discount rate (MDR) charges. Those above the threshold have an MDR of up to 2% depending on the size of the business accepting payments, with smaller merchants paying less than their larger counterparts. MDR is the charge paid by the merchant to the bank, card network and the point-of-sale provider for offline transactions and to the payment gateways for online purchases. Businesses are also not supposed to pass it on to customers. If UPI linkage remains exclusive to RuPay, it is poised to emerge as the dominant network in credit cards," Bernstein said in the note. In June 2022, RBI allowed RuPay credit cards to be used on UPI, allowing users to make a wide range of payments, a facility until then limited to point of sale terminals. While announcing the decision back in 2022, the then RBI governor Shaktikanta Das had said that to begin with", RuPay cards will be linked to UPI. Emails sent to MasterCard, Visa, NPCI and RBI on 27 October remained unanswered till press time, as did an emailed request for comment sent to Amex on 28 October morning. A top fintech executive said the RuPay-UPI space offers immense value, especially for a certain segment of customers. At Kiwi, weve seen this play out in our own dataRuPay credit cards tend to gain higher adoption among entry-level and middle-income users who value simplicity, trust, and the ability to make UPI-based credit payments seamlessly," said Mohit Bedi, co-founder of Kiwi, an issuer of credit cards along with banks. While this led to an increase in RuPays share of new issuances at Kiwinow 45-48%overall spends havent scaled at the same pace, settling at roughly 15-16% of total credit card spends, said Bedi. A large portion of these new RuPay cards were add-ons to existing users rather than first-time credit customers, which explains the gap between issuance and spend levels." NEW DELHI: Commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday said the government will dedicate the next edition of the Startup Fund of Funds almost entirely to deep-tech ventures, underscoring Indias ambition to shift from being the worlds back office to a global innovation engine. Our startup fund of funds second edition, we are hoping to dedicate almost entirely to Deep Tech investments, particularly early-stage investments before the product matures, Goyal said at an event in the national capital. The risk capital will ensure that our friends from the tech ecosystem dont end up selling a large part of their equity at a very early stage to venture capitalists or foreign funds. Also Read | India moves to shield steelmakers with duty on Vietnamese imports Goyal said the governments proposed 1 trillion Anusandhan Fund would provide long-tenure, low-cost loans to promote innovation. When we talk about giving 1 lakh crore ( 1 trillion), its equivalent to about $100 billion worth of research being done in Europe or America. Our cost being much lower, our talent being more affordable, he said. The minister said the initiative was part of Indias broader goal of achieving technological self-reliance. India must reduce its dependence on foreign technologies, foreign weapons, foreign energy sources, or foreign critical technologies, he said, adding that the covid pandemic had shown the importance of resilient supply chains and control over essential supplies in critical areas. Deep tech spans artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, clean energy, manufacturing, advanced computing, mobility, agritech and infrastructure. Countries with a highly skilled workforce, and robust research and development capabilities lead in deep tech innovation. Funding surged from $36 million in 2016 to $677 million in 2023. The Indian deep tech sector ranks ninth among well-funded countries globally that include Israel, Japan, Sweden, Germany and the US. Referring to Indias digital transformation, Goyal said the number of internet users had risen from about 250 million in 2014 to nearly 1 billion today, crediting the Digital India initiative for expanding financial inclusion and driving governance reforms. He also underlined Indias growing strength as a global innovation hub. The world is convinced that the capital of talent and skill is in India today. They see the 15 lakh engineers coming out of college every year, the 24 lakh overall STEM graduates, the highest number of any country in the world, Goyal said. Calling for collective ambition, he urged innovators, investors and alumni networks to work together. The government is waiting for the Supreme Courts written order before deciding on any relief measures for Vodafone Idea Ltd, two officials said. Based on the order, the government will determine whether the relief will apply solely to Vodafone Idea or extend to the entire telecom sector. We are waiting for the Supreme Court order which is yet to be issued. The order fine prints will guide us on the direction we need to take on any possible relief," one of the two officials said. SC opens policy window In a relief for Vodafone Idea, the Supreme Court on 27 October allowed a reassessment of the telecom department's demand for adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues from Vodafone Idea. The court also allowed the government to address the grievances of the beleaguered telecom operator without its intervention. The bench of Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran observed that a decision on any relief to the telecom operator was a policy matter. The government has a 49% stake in Vodafone Idea. "We see no impediment in the interest of the Union of India reconsidering the issue and taking appropriate decision in law," the bench observed. The court is yet to issue its written order. Also Read | India talks up 6G ambitions even as its 5G bet is yet to pay off Vodafone Ideas petition and dues Vodafone Idea filed a petition before the Supreme Court last month challenging the Department of Telecom's demand for an additional 9,450 crore in AGR dues. The company also sought a waiver on interest and penalties, arguing that the disputed components of the dues had not been finalised. The Supreme Courts verdict now paves the way for the struggling telecom operator to receive much-needed financial relief, easing concerns about its continued survival. Also Read | Telecom operators dial govt for power reforms as costs surge Vodafone Idea will also have to send a communication to the government on the relief it expects once the Supreme Court order comes in," the second official said, on the condition of anonymity. The official added the extent of any relief to be given will be based on the internal discussions and looking at the Court order. Vodafone Idea already owes around 83,400 crore in AGR dues to the government, with annual payments of 18,000 crore starting March. Including penalties and interest, its total liabilities to the government are estimated at around 2 trillion. Vodafone Idea has previously said that its cash flows were insufficient to pay the dues that have mounted over the years. Vodafone Ideas former chief executive Akshaya Moondra said in August that early resolution of the AGR dispute was critical for the telecom operator to secure bank funding. The telecom operator has asked the Supreme Court to quash DoTs additional demands for FY17 and earlier, and order a comprehensive reassessment and reconciliation of all AGR dues for that period. It warned that the hefty liability threatened its survival and the livelihood of thousands of employees working directly or indirectly" with the company. Vodafone Idea serves about 198 million subscribers and employs over 18,000 people. "We look forward to working closely with the department of telecommunications to resolve this matter in the interests of our nearly 200 million subscribers," Vodafone Idea had said in an exchange filing on 27 October. "This is an impetus to the Digital India vision," it said. Expert view "Its difficult to gauge the implications until the Supreme Court issues its written order. The key question is how the court balances any reconsideration with the sanctity of its 2020 judgmentunless that verdict is expressly overturned," said Parag Kar, an independent telecom analyst. If substantial relief is granted, the rationale should become clear in the written order." However, such relief would logically need to apply to Bharti Airtel and others as well, potentially requiring the government to refund certain amounts to Bharti if a full reassessment and waiver of interest and penalties are allowed, Kar added. Analysts at brokerage Emkay Global said the government will now have enough wiggle room to create a plan for Vodafone Ideas long-term sustainability. We note that leverage for VI remains higher even without AGR dues, and the government will need to consider plans toward reducing the spectrum debt as well," Emkay Global said in a note dated 27 October. The brokerage house sees a low chance of the government reversing the current outstanding 37,100 crore AGR dues of Bharti Airtel. The Supreme Courts 27 October order permitting the Centre to address Vodafone Idea Ltds grievances and reassess its adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues applies solely to the beleaguered telecom operator, clarifies the top court's written order. The written order, seen by Mint, makes it clear that the courts observations apply only to the additional AGR demand raised by the department of telecommunications (DoT) for the period up to 2016-17, given the peculiar circumstances in which the Union government now owns 49% of the telco, which serves nearly 200 million consumers. We clarify that this is a matter falling within the policy domain of the Union of India and if, in the peculiar facts and circumstances of the case, the Union of India, keeping in view the larger public interest, desires to reconsider the issue, there is no reason to restrain or prevent it from doing so, the bench of Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and justice K. Vinod Chandran noted in the written order. It is further to be noted that the prayer in the petition itself restricts its claim only to the additional AGR demand raised by the respondent for the period up to the Financial Year 2016-17. We further clarify that this order is passed only with regard to Vodafone Idea Ltd, taking into consideration the peculiar facts and circumstances of the case, it added, dealing a blow to rival operators such as Bharti Airtel Ltd. Also Read | Telecom operators dial govt for power reforms as costs surge Setback for rivals The clarification may limit the chances of other telecom companies from citing the order as a precedent to seek similar relief or government intervention in their own AGR disputes. Earlier, a government official had told Mint that the fine print of the order "will guide us on the direction we need to take on any possible relief, for Vodafone Idea alone, or for other telcos as well. A second official said Vodafone Idea would need to inform the government of the relief it expects once the order is in, adding that the extent of relief would be decided after studying the order and internal discussions. Analysts at brokerage Emkay Global said the Centre will now have sufficient room to devise a plan for Vodafone Ideas long-term sustainability. We note that leverage for Vodafone Idea remains higher even without AGR dues, and the government will need to consider plans toward reducing the spectrum debt as well, Emkay Global said in a 27 October note. The brokerage house said it sees a low chance of the government reversing the current outstanding 37,100 crore AGR dues of Bharti Airtel. Also Read | Bharti Telecom raises 10,500 crore through bonds to refinance maturing debt The Vodafone Idea case The court on Monday disposed of Vodafone Ideas plea after solicitor general Tushar Mehta handed over a proposal to the bench, noting that the Centre already holds a 49% stake in the company and may consider additional measures to support it. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Vodafone Idea, expressed satisfaction with the governments assurance, leading to the closure of this petition by Vodafone Idea in the long-running legal dispute over AGR dues. In its petition filed on 8 September, the telco had challenged the DoTs fresh demand of 9,450 crore for the years up to 2018-19, including 2,774 crore raised against Vodafone Idea (post-merger) and 6,675 crore against the erstwhile Vodafone Group entities. In this sum of approx 9,450 crores, the majority amount of approx 5,606 crores (as on 31.03.2025) is for the period up to 2016-17, which has already been crystalized by this Hon'ble Court, it said in its petition. Also Read | Telcos block over 20 billion pesky calls with custom data, AI stacks In an amended petition, the telco also sought a waiver of penalties and interest on AGR dues, arguing that the disputed components of the dues have yet to be finalized. The company argued that the Supreme Courts 2020 judgment had already finalized AGR dues till 2016-17 based on the DoTs calculations, and that no re-assessment or self-assessment was permitted. However, it said the additional demands were raised with penalties and interest up to 2019 and updated until March 2025, with interest calculated at 8% per annum. Vodafone Idea, which owes around 83,400 crore in AGR dues and has total government liabilities estimated at nearly 2 trillion, had earlier warned that the burden threatens its survival and the livelihoods of thousands of employees. It employs over 18,000 people and serves about 198 million subscribers. Its former chief executive, Akshaya Moondra, said in August that early resolution of the AGR dispute was crucial for the company to secure bank funding and restore cash flows. Comedian Rosie O'Donnell is asking fans to keep her daughter, Chelsea, in their thoughts as she faces more time behind bars. On Wednesday, 29 October, the actress posted an old photo of Chelsea on Instagram - a much younger version of her daughter smiling brightly in a pink-and-red turtleneck under a soft pink sweater. My child chelsea belle - before addiction took over her life - i loved her then i love her now as she faces a scary future- prayers welcomed-, O'Donnell wrote, signing off with hashtags for #addictionawareness, #love, and #family. The post came not long after People confirmed that Chelseas probation had been revoked and that she was sent back to prison on 22 October. Her sentence followed a series of drug-related arrests in Wisconsin. A long fight with addiction Speaking to People, O'Donnell shared, I have compassion for those struggling with addiction - Chelsea was born into addiction and it has been a painful journey for her and her four young children. We continue to love and support her through these horrible times. Prayers welcomed. Chelsea, 28, has battled addiction for years. O'Donnell adopted her as a baby. Chelsea has faced ongoing struggles that have landed her in legal trouble again and again. According to People, she was arrested three times between September and December 2024. Her first arrest came on 10 September on several felony charges, including child neglect and possession of meth. After posting bail, she was arrested again a month later for more serious offenses - bail jumping, resisting arrest, and another meth charge. Then, in November, came a third arrest, this time for possession of methamphetamine, narcotics, and another round of bail-jumping charges. Probation broken, sentence renewed According to People, Chelsea eventually pleaded guilty to three felony charges - resisting or obstructing an officer, felony bail jumping, and meth possession. In March 2025, she was sentenced to six years of probation, with two years assigned to each charge. The court made it clear that violating any of those terms would send her straight to prison. Her probation rules were strict - full sobriety, no drugs or alcohol, no association with other users, and no firearms. Still, just a few months later, she broke those terms, and the court revoked her probation. That is what led to her current prison sentence, according to People. Chelsea is a mother to four kids: Skylar Rose (2018), Riley (2021), Avery Lynn (2022), and a son, Atlas (2023). FAQs Who is Chelsea O'Donnell? She is Rosie O'Donnells daughter. Why was Chelsea O'Donnells probation revoked? She violated the conditions of her probation. Fund houses are unhappy with the Securities and Exchange Board of Indias sweeping overhaul of the mutual fund sector proposed on Tuesday. The regulator has suggested capping brokerage and transaction costs that funds can charge investors, while also relaxing certain business restrictions on asset managers. Shares of leading AMCs such as Nuvama Wealth Management, Nippon Life India Asset Management, and HDFC Asset Management fell as much as 9% on Wednesday, reflecting market unease over the potential hit to margins. Mint breaks down how the proposed reforms will impact mutual funds and retail investors. What changes has Sebi proposed? The market regulator has proposed capping the brokerage and transaction costs that asset management companies (AMCs) can charge investors, which are currently levied over and above the Total Expense Ratio (TER). This ratio is the annual cost that a mutual fund charges its investors. It includes management fees (what the fund house charges for managing your money), administrative costs and other expenses. This amount is taken from the funds returnsso a higher TER means slightly lower returns for investors. Also Read | Fund houses suggest these four tweaks to make mutual funds even more sahi Since TER already covers fund management, research, and operational expenses, Sebi aims to prevent investors from being charged twice for similar services. According to the regulator, investors may often end up paying twice for researchwhen it is charged as part of investment management and advisory fees and another when it is covered under brokerage and transaction costs. To ensure that investors are charged fairly only once, Sebi recommends reducing brokerage limits from 0.12% (12 bps) to 0.02% (2 bps) for cash market transactions and from 0.05% (5 bps) to 0.01% (1 bp) for derivatives. How will the capped charges affect MFs? If Sebis proposals are implemented, AMCs will have to pay for research expenses instead of passing them on to investors. This shift means AMCs operating costs could rise, reducing their profit margins in the short term. The worst nightmare of any Indian institutional equities chief executive officer just came to life," analysts at Bernstein said in a note on Tuesday. Institutional equity platforms that earn revenue from both trade execution and research services may see lower overall income since AMCs might cut back on paid research. However, despite the near-term financial pressure on AMCs, the change would improve transparency by ensuring investors are charged only for genuine execution costs, not bundled research fees. The changes are good for retail investors but not so good for the mutual fund industry and everybody else in the value chain," an official from an AMC said on condition of anonymity. Also Read | Transparency: Sebi plans changes to mutual fund regulations What can investors look forward to? Sebi has recommended that mutual funds disclose upfront the all-inclusive TER with a clear breakdown of each component. The move will improve transparency and allow retail investors to better understand what they pay for. A cap on additional charges may potentially boost returns for investors, according to some market participants. However, the market is unclear on whether improved returns would be visible in the short term. The main message here is clear from all regulators Be it RBI, IRDA or Sebi. The customer and investor are of paramount importance, and we have to protect them," Suresh Ganapathy, managing director at Macquarie Capital Securities, wrote in an email to clients. What can be expected next? Market participants expect AMCs to push back against Sebis proposals since they can eat into their profit. This affects asset managers, distributors and transfer agents. If the regulator decides to address the concerns raised by MFs, a round of discussions/negotiations about how to manage any potential impact can be expected. If the AMCs demands go unheard, they might pass on the cuts to distributors or brokers. Also Read | Irdai asks insurers to create ABHA IDs for policy seekers The value chain here will get affected and entities such as brokers and distributors will have to share the pain and costs, Ganapathy said in the email. Will AMCs gain anything from the reforms? Sebi is also looking into the business restrictions on AMCs under Regulation 24(b). It has recommended allowing AMCs to distribute investment management and advisory services to non-pooled funds that serve large, non-retail investors. In non-pooled funds, funds of each client are kept separate and managed individually according to the clients objectives, risk profile or mandatefor instance, family offices or institutional portfolios such as pension funds or insurance companies. Such services would be provided within a regulatory framework that includes setting up a separate business unit to ensure there is no information sharing. The business head of the separated entity will report directly to the AMCs chief executive to prevent conflicts of interest. The move is perceived positively. Globally, AMCs are allowed to act as distributors and advisors. However, such actions are restricted in India. The easing of norms for non-pooled funds is expected to help mutual funds to garner larger investments and boost their assets under management. TVS Motor Co. Ltds standalone Ebitda rose as much as 40% year-on-year to 1,500 crore in the September quarter (Q2FY26), driven by higher volumes and improved realization. Sales volume increased by an impressive 23% to 1.51 million units thanks to improved retail financing with lower interest rates, GST cuts, and other factors, higher than 17% growth recorded in Q1. Average realization stood at 79,000 per vehicle, up 5%, helped by the price hikes undertaken at the start of Q2 to offset the increase in raw material costs. TVSs revenue increased 29% to 11,900 crore. A comparatively stronger performance in Q2 helped H1FY26 revenue and Ebitda to grow by 25% and 36%, respectively. Exports grow at a faster 30% rate in Q2 and now contribute a little over 25% of total volumes. This share may increase further as the company focuses on Latin America, where it has a relatively small market share and hopes to grow faster than the industry average. Also Read | TVS eyes global ride, set to make Norton vroom TVSs two-wheeler volumes increased 21% year-on-year as against a largely flat performance by the industry, management said during the earnings call. Thus, its two-wheeler market share has increased by 200 basis points to 19.6%, as per a 29 October report by ICICI Securities. In H2FY26 the industry is expected to grow by 8%, primarily aided by the GST cuts, with TVS outperforming. For entry-level customers, GST cuts have led to savings of almost 7,000. During the festive season this year TVS Motor recorded 32% growth over last years festive season sales, versus the industrys 24% growth, according to management. Premium bet The company could get a big boost from the launch of Norton, its super-premium bike, at the International Two-Wheeler Exhibition in Italy next week. TVS has made significant investments in design, engineering, and product development for Norton, which it acquired in 2020. The India launch is scheduled for April, and the company is thinking about setting up a separate distribution network for Norton. Success of upcoming EV 2W/3W launches and premium Norton motorcycles could drive further upside," noted a Nomura Global Markets Research report. The broking firm expects TVS to grow earnings per share at a 25% compound annual rate over FY26-28. Scooters, which account for 42% of total volume, grew by 30% in Q2. The segment got a boost from the launch of the 150-cc TVS NTORQ 150 in September. While three-wheelers sales rose faster (41%), the segment accounts for just 3.5% of total volume. The company is expanding its three-wheeler network to maintain the growth momentum, and added 100 touch points in H1. However, electric vehicles (EV) face uncertainty thanks to magnet availability issues. EV growth was 7% in Q2 versus 35% in Q1. On the plus side, the EV portfolio remains positive on a gross margin basis and profitability should improve with increasing scale. Also, most of its EV portfolio is now eligible to receive incentives under the governments production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme. Also Read | Another PLI scheme hits the Chinese wall Investors arent complaining, with TVSs shares up around 48% so far in 2025 on the back of strong sales, sustained margins, and improved outlook. The stock trades at 48 times estimated FY26 earnings, according to Bloomberg. How the market accepts a super-premium bike like Norton will be a key factor for investors to monitor. BHEL Q2 Results 2025 LIVE: State-run Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) announced its September quarter results today, October 29, post-market hours, with the numbers coming in ahead of analysts' expectations. BHEL Q2 Results The company turned profitable with a consolidated net profit of 375 crore, beating the analysts' consensus estimates, driven by robust execution and a recovery in the power equipment segment. The company had reported a net loss of 455.5 crore in the preceding June quarter. On a year-on-year basis, net profit improved sharply by 253%, against 106.15 crore reported in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal. On the top line, consolidated revenue from operations rose to 7,512 crore, compared with 6,584 crore in Q2FY24, marking a 14% YoY improvement. It reported a strong performance across both its key business segments during the quarter ended September 30, 2025. Power segment revenue rose sharply to 5,675.64 crore, marking a robust 45.6% increase from 3,898.86 crore in the June 2025 quarter and a 12.9% growth from 5,028.28 crore in the year-ago period (September 2024 quarter). Similarly, the Industry segment posted revenue of 1,836.16 crore, up 15.6% sequentially from 1,588.05 crore in the June quarter and 18% higher compared to 1,555.82 crore in the same quarter last year. As a result, total segment revenue from operations grew to 7,511.80 crore in Q2FY26, reflecting a 36.9% sequential increase over 5,486.91 crore in the previous quarter and a 14% year-on-year rise from 6,584.10 crore in Q2FY25. At the operating level, the company reported an EBITDA of 580.8 crore, a 111% jump from 275 crore in the year-ago quarter. Margins expanded by 7.7%, compared with 4.2% in the same quarter of the previous fiscal year. Shares of asset management companies in India declined sharply by up to 9% in early trade on Wednesday after the the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) proposed significant amendments to mutual fund regulations. The proposed changes include an overhaul of the total expense ratio (TER) structure and revised limits on brokerage charges. Nuvama Wealth Management shares fell as much as 8.91%, followed by Nippon Life India Asset Management share price, which dropped 6.92%. HDFC Asset Management Company shares declined 6.39%, while 360 ONE WAM stock price fell 5.64%. Other AMCs, including Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC, the recently listed Canara Robeco Asset Management Company, Anand Rathi Wealth, and UTI Asset Management Company, also witnessed declines of 34% each. Sebi Proposals In a consultation paper issued on October 28, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) proposed to eliminate the additional 5 basis points (bps) that AMCs were previously allowed to charge across mutual fund schemes. However, to mitigate the impact of this change on the operations of AMCs, the first two slabs of the expense ratio for open-ended active schemes have been revised upward by 5 bps, it added. Also Read | Transparency: Sebi plans changes to mutual fund regulations Additionally, Sebi revised the brokerage charge from 12 bps to 2 bps for cash market transactions and 5 bps to 1 bps for derivative transactions to bring clarity and transparency. Sebi also proposed to exclude all statutory levy -- STT (Securities Transaction Tax), GST (Goods and Services Tax), CTT (Commodity Transaction Tax) and Stamp duty-- from the expense ratio limits along with the present permissible expenses for brokerage, exchange and regulatory fees. It said that a provision enabling expense ratio to be charged based on performance of a scheme has been introduced and the same would be voluntary for AMCs. Also, Sebi has proposed simplifying eligibility norms for fund sponsors, digitizing investor communications such as annual reports, easing compliance by reducing the frequency of mandatory trustee meetings, eliminating newspaper advertisements for scheme changes replacing them with online disclosures and removing duplicative reporting. Impact on AMCs Analysts have warned of a potential hit to profitability of the asset management companies due to the sweeping changes to mutual fund fee structures. Jefferies said that the move could bring down profit before tax by about 30%-33% for HDFC Asset Management Company and Nippon Asset Management in 2027. Motilal Oswal Financial Services (MOFSL) said that the removal of an additional 5 bps TER can have an impact on the earnings of AMCs if they absorb the hit, or it could have an impact on distributors if the AMCs cut commissions to offset the hit. For customers, it will lower the TERs. If the distributors commissions are cut, Anand Rathi, 360 One Wam, and Nuvama could see earnings cut. Our estimates suggest that for Anand Rathi, a 5 bps cut in commissions could lead to about 4.8% hit on earnings. For 360 One, the hit would be ~2% on earnings if the commissions are cut on mutual funds, while the AMC hit of 5 bps would be less than 0.5%, said MOFSL. Prudent will be able to pass on the commission hit to the distributors, it added. New Delhi, Oct 29 (PTI) State-owned NTPC Green Energy Ltd (NGEL) on Wednesday posted an over 135 per cent year-on-year rise in its consolidated net profit to 86.38 crore in the September quarter, mainly on the back of higher revenues. The company had a consolidated net profit of 36.69 crore in the quarter ended on September 30, 2024, a regulatory filing showed. Also Read | NTPC pays 3,248 crore as final dividend to the central government for FY25 Total income rose to 656.72 crore in the quarter from 525.32 crore in the same period a year ago. Gujarat Operations NTPC on Friday said it will commence commercial operations of a 9.9 MW wind project in Gujarat from October 25, 2025. In a regulatory filing, NTPC said the commercial operation date (COD) of part capacity of 9.9 MW (wind) by a group company of its subsidiary NTPC Green Energy will be effective from October 25, 2025. The capacity is part of a 92.4 MW wind project located at Bhuj in the state, the filing added. With this, the total installed and commercial capacity of the NTPC Group will become 84,049 MW. NTPC, under the Ministry of Power, is the country's largest energy-generating company. NTPC's 38-MW solar plant State-owned NTPC Ltd on Sunday said it began the commercial operation of a 38-MW solar power capacity of its step-down subsidiary in Gujarat. The new unit is part of the 300-MW Khavda Solar Energy Project of NTPC Renewable Energy Limited, a step-down subsidiary of NTPC through its subsidiary NTPC Green Energy Limited, the public sector power generator said in an exchange filing. Also Read | NMDC Steel Q2 loss narrows to 114 crore The first part capacity of 142.2 MW, second part capacity of 32.8 MW and third part capacity of 49.125 MW have already been declared commercially operational with effect from June 28, June 30, and August 22 this year, respectively, NTPC said. "...the fourth part capacity of 37.95 MW out of 300 MW Khavda Solar Energy Project under 450 MW Hybrid Tranche V Project in Gujarat of NTPC Renewable Energy Limited, a stepdown subsidiary of NTPC Limited through its subsidiary NTPC Green Energy Limited", has been declared commercially operational on October 19, the filing said. A total capacity of 262.07 MW has been declared as commercially operational. At present, commercial capacity of NTPC Green Energy Limited Group stands at 7,515.72 MW. With the addition of the new unit, the total installed capacity of NGEL Group has reached 7,553.675 MW. As large cement makers chase market share, there are concerns over Shree Cement Ltds strategy to prioritise a premium selling price over volume. In the second quarter (July-September), Shree Cement sold about 7.9 million tonnes (mt) of cement, up 3.9% year-on-year and in line with industry growth. But for the first half of 2025-26 (April-September), its volumes were down 2% year-on-year versus the industrys estimated growth of 4%. Even so, the management retained its FY26 sales guidance of 3738mt, implying a pick-up in the second half of the financial year. That would require stronger post-monsoon construction activity and continued pricing discipline even as new capacity floods the market. Over the last few quarters, Shree Cement has lost market share to its peers, which remains a cause of concern," PL Capital said in a report dated 29 October. To outperform the industrys volume growth, Shree Cement may need to recalibrate its approach by driving volumes and capitalizing on current pricing stickiness, it added. Rival UltraTech Cement Ltds plan to add 22.8 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of capacity, most of it in north India, could compound Shree Cements challenges given its significant exposure to the same market. Eyes on expansion Shree Cement is also pushing the pedal on expansion. It has commissioned a 3.65mtpa clinker unit at Rajasthan, with a 3mpta cement mill expected soon. Another 3mtpa integrated cement manufacturing capacity at Kodla, Karnataka is likely to be commissioned in the third quarter (October-December). These new facilities will boost Shree Cements total manufacturing capacity to 67mtpa by FY26. Thereafter, its capacity is projected to rise to 7275mtpa by FY27 and 80mtpa by FY29, a year later than planned. The companys capital expenditure for FY26 and FY27 remains at Rs3,000 crore each. Adjusted standalone Ebitda grew 48% year-on-year to Rs875 crore in the second quarter, but fell shy of analysts estimates. Ebitda/tonne (adjusted for a one-time impact) rose 42% year-on-year to Rs1,108, but fell 19% sequentially on elevated operating costs and slower dispatches. Realization/tonneaverage selling price per tonne of cementfell 1.5% from the April-June quarter but rose about 11% year-on-year to Rs5,447, supported by rising share of premium cement for the company. Higher-value brands, including Bangur Marble Cement, formed about 21% of Shree Cements trade sales in the second quarter, versus 15% a year ago, cushioning margins. This mix is expected to stay at 2021%. Meanwhile, in 2025 so far, Shree Cements share price is up 14%. The stock trades at a premium to peers such as Ambuja Cements Ltd, Dalmia Bharat Ltd, and ACC Ltdat about 16x Shree Cements FY27 enterprise value/ebitda, as per Bloomberg. Stock market today: Indian benchmark indices closed slightly lower on Tuesday after a highly volatile session, despite some late buying support. The BSE Sensex slipped over 550 points during the day to hit an intraday low of 84,219.39, before recovering partially to end 151 points, or 0.18 per cent, down at 84,628. Likewise, the NSE Nifty 50 dropped 150 points to touch a low of 25,810.05 but managed to close at 25,936 down 30 points or 0.11 per cent. "Markets traded choppy on the monthly expiry day and ended flat, largely continuing the ongoing consolidation phase. After an initial uptick, the Nifty index witnessed sharp swings throughout the session before finally settling at 25,936.20. Sectorally, most indices closed in the red, with realty, IT, and FMCG among the top losers. However, strength in metal and banking majors helped limit the downside. The broader indices also ended largely unchanged, reflecting selective participation rather than a broad-based rally. Market sentiment remained cautious ahead of key global central bank meetings and major U.S. tech earnings announcements. Additionally, muted activity by foreign institutional investors in the cash segment weighed on sentiment, though steady domestic inflows and a largely positive earnings season so far helped maintain an overall constructive tone," said Ajit Mishra SVP, Research, Religare Broking Ltd. Heres a quick look at stocks likely to be in focus in today's trade. Stocks to Watch Stocks to watch Larsen & Toubro, Hindustan Petroleum, Coal India, SAIL Shares of Larsen & Toubro, Hindustan Petroleum, Coal India, SAIL will remain in focus on Wednesday as companies will be releasing their Q2 results today. Adani Green Energy The company posted a 25% increase in profit for the second quarter, supported by stronger energy sales and enhanced operational efficiency, while overall revenue remained mostly unchanged. Oil India The company has entered into a partnership with Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) and Numaligarh Refinery (NRL) to drive expansion in refining, petrochemicals, and logistics infrastructure. Adani Total Gas The company posted a net profit of 164 crore for the second quarter, marking an 11.9% decline from 186 crore recorded in the corresponding period last year. BPCL Indias state-owned Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) on Tuesday inked three agreements during an industry event, one of which was with Oil India to establish a greenfield refinery and petrochemical complex worth 1 trillion ($11.38 billion) in Andhra Pradesh. BEML The state-owned firm announced that it has signed a quadripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), and Umeandus Technologies India Private Limited (UTIPL). RBL Bank Emirates NBD, the largest banking group in Dubai, has launched an open offer to purchase up to 26% stake in RBL Bank at 280 per share, valuing the transaction at 11,636 crore. PNB Housing PNB Housing Finance announced that its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Girish Kousgi, will step down from his position effective at the close of business on October 28. Jindal Steel Jindal Steel and Power posted a 26% drop in consolidated net profit to 635.08 crore for the second quarter of FY26, down from 860.47 crore recorded in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders has entered into an exclusive teaming agreement with Swan Defence to jointly design and build Landing Platform Docks (LPDs) for the Indian Navy. The Tata Motors demerger took effect on October 1. The company has separated its passenger vehicle (PV) and commercial vehicle (CV) businesses into two independent listed companies. The existing Tata Motors shares have been renamed Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd (TMPV). Investors holding Tata Motors shares as of October 14, the demerger record date, have received one equity share of Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles Ltd (TMLCV) for every share held in Tata Motors Ltd, resulting in parallel holdings in both TMLCV and TMPV. TMLCV is expected to be listed on the stock exchanges in November. Also Read | When can investors expect to trade in Tata Motors CV shares? The Tata Motors demerger carries important regulatory and tax implications for shareholders both at the time of share allotment and during future sale of shares in the demerged entities. Let us examine the tax implications of the Tata Motors demerger. Tata Motors Demerger: Tax implications Shareholders have received the allotted TMLCV shares. Under the demerger, the allotment of TMLCV shares does not attract immediate capital gains tax, as such allotment is not treated as transfer under the Income Tax Act. This means shareholders face no tax liability when the new shares are credited to their demat accounts. Nitin Bohra, Associate Partner, Dhruva Advisors, noted that the Tata Motors demerger is expected to be tax neutral for shareholders meaning you dont have to pay any tax just because of the demerger. Theres no immediate tax impact its just that your existing investment gets divided into two parts, said Bohra. However, capital gains tax will apply when investors sell shares of either TMPV or TMLCV. To calculate the tax, investors must divide the original purchase cost of Tata Motors shares between the two companies using a cost allocation ratio that will be announced by the company or its registrar (RTA). Also Read | Tata Motors Demerger: What it means for PV and CV shareholders This ratio is usually based on the net book value (NBV) of each business not their market prices and is often around 60:40, though the exact figure will be confirmed later. Once the new company (TMLCV) is listed, shareholders will simply hold shares of two companies instead of one. For tax purposes, the date when you originally bought Tata Motors shares will also apply to your new TMLCV shares. However, when you eventually sell either of these shares, the original cost of your Tata Motors investment will be split between Tata Motors and TMLCV based on the ratio that reflects their respective net worths, said Bohra. The holding period for the new TMLCV shares will be calculated from the original date of purchase of Tata Motors shares, not from the demerger date or the date of share credit. This determines whether any gain qualifies as short-term capital gain (STCG) or long-term capital gain (LTCG). Tata Motors Demerger: Applicable LTCG and STCG Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG): Shares held longer than 12 months and gains exceeding 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%. Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG): Shares sold within 12 months are taxed at 20%. The gains are computed based on the apportioned cost. Dividends: Taxed as per the investors income tax slab, with 10% TDS applicable if total dividend income exceeds 10,000 in a financial year. While no tax arises at the time of Tata Motors demerger, shareholders should maintain records of the original purchase date of Tata Motors shares. Investors should also note the cost allocation ratio once declared by the company. Investors must also consult a tax expert to understand the tax implications of the Tata Motors demerger. Apart from that, theres nothing shareholders need to do immediately its a smooth transition from a tax standpoint, said Bohra. Tata Motors Demerger: Impact on shareholders FAQs: Tax implications of Tata Motors demerger 1. Will I have to pay tax when I receive TMLCV shares? No. You will not have to pay tax on the receipt of TMLCV shares after the demerger, as this is not treated as a transfer under Indian tax laws. 2. When will I have to pay tax? You will have to pay capital gains tax when you sell either TMPV shares or TMLCV shares. 3. How will my cost of purchase be calculated? The cost of your original Tata Motors shares will be split between TMLCV and TMPV based on a ratio notified by the company (for instance, 60:40). 4. Does my holding period reset after the demerger? No. To determine whether gains are short-term or long-term, the original purchase date of Tata Motors shares will be applied. 5. How will dividends be taxed? Dividends from Tata Motors PV or Tata Motors CV will be taxed as per your income tax slab, with 10% TDS if total dividends exceed 10,000 in a financial year. Varun Beverages, one of the largest franchisees of PepsiCo globally (outside the U.S.), announced its financial performance for the September quarter today, October 29, along with a key update on its entry into the alco-beverages market. In its Q3CY25 earnings filing, the company said that certain African subsidiaries of VBL will enter the beer market through an exclusive distribution agreement with Carlsberg Breweries. We are also diversifying our product offerings, and certain African subsidiaries of VBL will test market beer in their territories through an exclusive distribution agreement with Carlsberg Breweries A/S for their Carlsberg brand, the company said in its filing. Meanwhile, the company has incorporated a wholly owned subsidiary in Kenya to carry out the business of manufacturing, distributing, and selling beverages. It also noted that its snacks facility in Morocco has ramped up to full-scale operations, while the upcoming Zimbabwe plant is progressing towards commissioning, marking continued progress in diversifying its portfolio beyond beverages. Profit beat despite weak quarter; heavy rains hit carbonated drink sales The company reported an 18.5% year-on-year (YoY) rise in net profit to 742 crore, beating analysts consensus estimates. The growth was driven by lower finance costs and higher other income, which included interest on deposits in India and favourable currency movements in international markets. Revenue from operations came in slightly above estimates, rising 1.9% YoY to 4,896.7 crore in Q3CY25 compared with 4,805 million in Q3CY24. At the operating level, EBITDA remained flat, while EBITDA margins declined slightly by 53 basis points to 23.4% in Q3CY25 from 24% in Q3CY24, impacted by higher operating expenses. On the volume front, its domestic volumes were impacted by heavy rains, resulting in almost flat growth in India, while international volumes grew 9%, led by strong performance in South Africa. Net realisation per case stood at 178.8 in Q3CY25 versus 179.6 in Q3CY24, due to a higher mix of water sales in international markets. Despite an extended monsoon season affecting consumption trends in India, the company remains confident about the long-term growth potential of the domestic beverage industry. It added that ongoing investments in capacity expansion, distribution reach, and cold-chain infrastructure are strengthening on-ground execution, positioning it well to capture demand recovery in the upcoming season. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released new directions on banks' nomination facility, which will come into force on 1 November 2025. The rules pertain to deposit accounts, safe deposit lockers and articles kept in safe custody with the banks. The nomination facility is intended to facilitate the expeditious settlement of claims by banks after the death of a customer and to avoid hardships that may befall their kin. Despite these advantages, if a customer chooses not to opt for nomination, it will be allowed, as per the new rules.. Also Read | From next month you can have up to four nominees for your bank account & locker Nomination not mandatory The RBI directions state that a bank is supposed to explicitly inform the customer of the availability of the nomination facility and offer them the option to utilise it. The bank officials are also expected to explain the advantages of the nomination facility to a prospective customer, which include the simplification of the claim process in the event of an account holder's death. However, if the customer chooses not to avail the nomination facility, the bank will open the account without imposing any restrictions. Meanwhile, the bank will ask the account holder to give a written declaration that they don't require the nomination facility. Failing this, the bank will note that the customer refused to submit the written confirmation. Under no circumstances will a prospective customer be denied or delayed in opening an account on the grounds of refusal to make a nomination. Special cases Additionally, if a nominee dies (in case of simultaneous nomination) prior to receiving the deposit from the bank, the nomination with respect to such nominee will become ineffective. Also Read | RBI to ease overseas borrowings but here's why companies may not bite In such a scenario, the claims of that deposit (wherein nominee has died) will be settled in accordance with provisions applicable for accounts without a nominee. The RBI directions also highlight that the bank is supposed to have in place appropriate systems and procedures to register in its books the registration, cancellation and variation of the nomination, as per the request of the customers. Notably, the Government of India recently notified the Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025, which will be effective from 1 November 2025 wherein bank account holders can nominate up to four simultaneous nominees. They can even specify the share or percentage of entitlement. Under these notified rules, account holders can also opt for successive nominees under which the next nominee becomes operative only upon the death of the nominee placed higher. With 5,522 pending complaints in Sebi's complaint redressal system (SCORES) at the beginning of September, the additional complaints received during the past month totaled 5,355. Out of the total 10,877 complaints, 5,360 were disposed of last month by various entities regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Particulars Details Complaints at the start of Sep 10,877 Complaints disposed off in Sep 5,360 Average time taken to provide ATR 8 (Source: Sebi) The average resolution time (in days) taken by the entities to provide the Action Taken Report (ATR) is eight days. Meanwhile, it took on average four days for first-level review complaints to provide the ATR. Pending for long Meanwhile, there are a few companies with which the complaints have been pending for longer than three months, reveals the Sebi's SCORES data. These companies are SEAF India Investment Trust, Solitaire Capital India, KFin Technologies (Formerly Karvy Computershare Pvt Ltd), East India Iron & Steel Co, and Modern Insulators. With SEAF India Investment Trust, two complaints have been pending, and the remaining entities have one complaint pending each. Also Read | Transparency: Sebi plans changes to mutual fund regulations What is SCORES? For the unversed, SCORES is an online grievance redressal platform provided by SEBI. Investors can file grievances relating to securities market against SEBI-regulated entities such as companies, registered intermediaries, and market infrastructure institutions (MIIs). How can investors file a complaint with SCORES? I. First of all, investors can fetch details from the KYC registration agency or fill out the registration form. II. Then they can select an appropriate category of complaint, nature of complaint, and name of the Sebi-regulated entity, e.g., a listed company. III. It is followed by tracking the status of a complaint. Automatic reminders are sent to entities for the timely resolution of complaints. IV. Complainant can seek review of their complaint within 15 days from the date of receipt of ATR from the entity for first-level review and 15 days of receipt from the designated body for second-level review. V. Finally, one can provide feedback on the redressal process and quality of disposal of the complaint within 15 days of closure of the complaint. A home or a place of business is often the single largest investment a family or an entrepreneur makes. Protecting that investment should be as fundamental as building it. Yet in India, the conversation on home and property insurance remains muted, even as the risks continue to escalate. Recent months have reminded us how fragile our assets are. Flash floods in Uttarakhand swept away homes and shops, while Himachal Pradesh has faced repeated landslides and blocked roads due to heavy monsoons. In northern states such as Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and parts of Jammu and Kashmir, floods have disrupted both living and commerce. These tragedies are a reminder that climate volatility, urban expansion, and rising asset values have made homes and commercial properties more vulnerable than ever. The financial and emotional costs of rebuilding from scratch can cripple households and businesses for decades. That is precisely why property insurance is a necessity. High risk and rising asset values While most parts of India are exposed to recurring hazards such as earthquakes, floods, cyclones, and landslides, the value of our homes and commercial spaces has surged. In the last five years, home prices in Gurugram have risen over 160%, in certain micro-markets of Hyderabad by nearly 90%, and in Bengaluru by about 80%. This also means the cost of rebuilding today is far higher than when many of these properties were first bought. An uninsured loss now could set back a family or a business by decades. What home insurance covers and why it matters Home insurance protects not just the walls and roof, but also everything inside. A standard policy covers structural damage from natural calamities such as floods, earthquakes, cyclones, and landslides, as well as man-made incidents such as fire, explosions, and vandalism. Heavy rains leading to floods or inundation, and the resulting damage, are also covered under most plans. Yet many overlook the importance of contents insurance, which protects the possessions inside the home. This includes furniture, electronics, appliances, and even jewellery. In modern homes, the replacement value of these items can easily run into several lakh rupees. To protect these, one can, for example, insure a structure worth 50 lakh along with 10 lakh of household items for as little as 1,240 a yeara fraction of the potential replacement cost. Fire-related claims have also been on the rise. With the growing use of high-load appliances such as air conditioners, water heaters, and kitchen equipment, the risk of electrical short circuits or overheating is increasing. Also Read | Gen Z wants insurance that feels personal, not just practical Why commercial property insurance is critical For a business, a property is more than an address. It is a revenue generator. A warehouse, office, shop, or factory not only houses goods and equipment but also enables operations. Damage to such property disrupts supply chains, halts production, and stops sales. Commercial property insurance goes beyond physical rebuilding. Many policies offer business interruption cover, which compensates for income lost during the rebuilding. This is critical for small and medium enterprises that may not have large cash reserves to withstand prolonged closures. Even clinics and design studios can benefit from coverage that includes damage to expensive equipment and interiors. The broader economic impact is equally significant. When businesses go uninsured, a disaster can wipe out years of growth, trigger job losses, and strain local economies. For a country like India, where MSMEs contribute nearly 30% of GDP and employ over 110 million people, resilience of commercial property is a national imperative. It is worth considering whether mandatory property insurance for certain categories of establishments could serve as a safeguard, much like third-party motor cover for vehicles. Also Read | The insurance policy every entrepreneur should have to navigate a legal crisis Global comparisons and the gap we must close While over 95% of homes in the United States and 7075% in the United Kingdom are insured, Indias home insurance penetration is negligible. Even among countries with similar per capita incomes, coverage rates are far higher. On the commercial side, too, many global economies mandate property cover for businesses operating in disaster-prone zones or for establishments above a certain size. This ensures faster recovery, protects employment, and reduces dependence on government relief. The way forward As we continue to build, buy, and invest in real estate, the responsibility to protect these assets should grow just as quickly. Property insurance, whether for a home or a business, is not a luxury. It is a safeguard for continuity and a buffer for resilience. In a world where climate patterns are shifting, urban density is rising, and asset values are climbing, the cost of inaction is measured not only in money but also in the time and effort it will take to rebuild from scratch. For families, it means preserving hard-earned savings. For businesses, it means securing jobs and ensuring uninterrupted contribution to the economy. For the nation, it means protecting the very foundation of growth. The wise choice is to prepare today for what we hope never happens. About the author: Sarbvir Singh is joing group CEO of PB Fintech India, the worlds second-largest potato producer after China, is witnessing a quiet but crucial shift in how potatoes are grown. Scientists and agri-tech firms are increasingly using aeroponics, a soilless technique that helps produce high-yielding, disease- and climate-resistant potato seeds faster than ever before. The main motive is to ensure faster multiplication of quality seeds and to ensure farmers should have access to high yielding varieties, disease and climate resistant seeds," said Brajesh Singh, director, ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI), Shimla. Mint explains how this new farming technology works, why adoption is rising now, and what it means for the countrys potato farmers, production and exports. Also Read | India potato harvest seen at last year's record high of 60 mn tn What is the aeroponics technique? Aeroponics is a method of growing plants without soil and with minimal water. Plant roots are suspended in the air and periodically misted with a nutrient-rich water solution, giving them all the nutrients and oxygen they need to grow. This system allows for precise control over temperature, humidity, and nutrient levels. Because its a closed, sterile environment, the risk of soil-borne pests and diseases drops sharply. The method is especially useful for high-value crops and seed production, including potatoes and leafy vegetables. How is it transforming potato farming in India? In traditional farming, it takes 5-6 years for a new potato variety to move from lab to farm. Aeroponics cuts that to 3-4 years, as it enables multiple seed generations in a single year. This speed helps farmers access improved, high-yielding, and climate-resilient seed varieties much sooner. It also allows research institutions and private players to scale up quality seed production throughout the year, regardless of weather conditions. Quicker access to improved seeds that can withstand pests, diseases, and erratic weather, can lead to better yields and more secure incomes. The technique also opens up opportunities for private companies, cooperatives, and farmer-producer organizations to enter the high-value seed potato segment. Also Read | How capacity expansion, proximity to Asean are driving the potato export boom Currently, about 20% of Indias potato seed areaof the total 2.2 million hectares under potatois developed using aeroponic seed multiplication systems. How is the government promoting aeroponic potato seeds? The ICARCPRI in Shimla has developed 76 high-yielding potato varieties since 1956, suited to diverse climates. To expand reach, the institute has licensed its aeroponic seed technology to around 40 private companies and state horticulture departments. This enables large-scale production of virus-free mini-tubers" that can be multiplied further by seed growers and distributed to farmers more quickly. According to CPRI, nearly 90% of Indias potato acreage already uses its improved varieties. Around 50 companies have already adopted aeroponics for potato seed production, with a combined annual capacity of over 100 million mini-tubers, signalling early commercial traction for this technology. What is Indias current yield and export potential? While India produced a record 60.18 million tonnes of potatoes in 2024-25up 3.12 million tonnes year-on-yearyields vary sharply across states due to uneven seed quality. For instance, Gujarat achieves an average yield of 42 tonnes per hectare, while Uttar Pradesh averages around 35 tonnes per hectare. Using aeroponic seeds can help bridge this gap by giving farmers uniform, high-quality seed material that performs better across regions. Also Read | Easier US checks sought for fruit and veg exports Indias average potato yield is 25 tonnes per hectare, higher than Chinas 18 tonnes, thanks to improved varieties and better crop management. Potatoes account for 28% of Indias total vegetable production, contributing 37,200 crore to the vegetable sectors gross value output in 2023-24. India also exports dehydrated potato granules and pellets worth $63.3 million, and other processed potato products worth $18.8 million in FY2025. Experts say that while aeroponics is primarily aimed at boosting domestic seed quality, it can also help India strengthen its position in the global potato seed and processed food market over time. New Delhi: The Centre aims to bring together key ministries and farm databases on one digital platform to curb leakages and misuse in subsidy and procurement schemes, said two officials in the know of the development. The integration aims to ensure targeted support for farmers, potentially reducing Indias massive fertilizer and food subsidy bills while tightening oversight of rural welfare spending. By linking digital farmer IDs with land and crop data, the government can track what is sown, where, and by whom, prevent overuse of fertilizers, eliminate fake beneficiaries, and align support payments with actual cultivation. Officials say the reform could make Indias farm subsidy system more efficient, data-driven, and transparent. The Centre plans to onboard the ministries of chemicals and fertilizers; consumer affairs, food and public distribution; and fisheries, animal husbandry and dairying on the AgriStack platform, said a senior government official. Developed by the ministry of agriculture and farmers welfare, AgriStack is a digital public infrastructure (DPI) project with three foundational registriesfarmers, geo-referenced village map and crop sownwhich help answer the three key questions of who farms, where the land is, and what crop is grown on it. By assigning each farmer a unique digital ID, AgriStack can help with accurate tracking of subsidies, credit, insurance and procurement services. The government reported that over 73.7 million farmers' IDs have been created so far, while 558,000 villages have been geo-referenced of the 654,000 villages in India. A Digital Crop. Survey (DCS) is being conducted in 440,000 villages this kharif season, of the targeted 477,000. With digital records in place, the platform is expected to significantly curb leakages and fraud in scheme delivery, input distribution and procurement operations by ensuring recipients are correctly identified and linked to their land and crop, and by enabling real-time digital verification. "We have initial discussion with few of the ministries and have plans to bring on board ministries of chemicals and fertilizers, consumer affairs, food and public distribution, and fisheries, animal husbandry and dairying on the platform," said Anindya Banerjee, advisor (digital agriculture) at the ministry of agriculture and farmers' welfare. Also Read | Big boost for agritech: India opens doors to more farm subsidies The move will not only help in extending the benefits of the government schemes to the farmers but would also help in curbing malpractices. For example, when a farmer's ID, the digital land record and crop survey is in place, the government can know the exact quantum of fertilizer a farmer would need. So indiscriminate or misuse of fertilizer can be avoided. The move looks to curb excessive fertilizer use, align domestic agricultural practices and check Indias rising subsidy burden, said a second government official. According to the official, the plan could potentially lower Indias fertilizer subsidy bill, which is 1.68 trillion for the current fiscal year. Similarly, in grain procurement, only the actual farmers would get benefit of the assured minimum support price, and traders won't be able to enter the procurement process in the guise of farmers. Currently, leakages occur due to duplicate or fake farmer identities, incorrect land records, and lack of coordination between departments. Also, only the genuine beneficiaries will be benefitted under the Centre's food subsidy scheme. The Centre has pegged its food subsidy bill for FY26 at 2.03 lakh crore. The entire food subsidy bill is set to be spent under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, under which the government supplies free food grains to the poor. AgriStack can eliminate such pilferage by verifying farmer credentials in real time and track every rupee spent. It will also integrate with platforms such as the PM-KISAN and department of food and public distribution. With transparent records and accountability, AgriStack is expected to curb corruption, reduce middlemen interference, and improve delivery of farm support schemes. Overall, the platform will strengthen governance and ensure that public funds intended for farmers are utilized effectively. Some experts have raised doubts on data security and the implementation aspects of the plan. "The convergence of all information, including farmers data, on a single platform needs security. It is not clear what measures the government would apply for data protection. The envisaged profit on market seems far-fetched as the government has failed to introduce reforms," said Sudhir Panwar, a farm expert and former member of the Uttar Pradesh Planning Commission. New Delhi: India plans to enforce strict action against applicants who submit fake or misleading documents to obtain drug licencesa move that could reshape compliance norms in the countrys $50 billion pharmaceutical industry. According to a senior official and draft rules reviewed by Mint , the health ministry has proposed amendments to the Drugs Rules, 1945 to empower licensing authorities to ban any entity found guilty of submitting falsified or fabricated documents for such period as deemed fit". The changes, based on recommendations of the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB), will give the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) and state regulators explicit powers to debar offendersa gap that until now was handled only through administrative action. The plan is now in the draft stage, and is likely to be enforced shortly following consultation with the industry stakeholders. The main reason for these changes is to deter and punish any individual or company that attempts to gain a drug licence by presenting misleading, fake, or fabricated documents or information," a senior official told Mint, requesting anonymity. The new debarment power is to protect the public from low-quality, potentially harmful medicines entering the market." The tightening of the rules assumes significance for India, the worlds largest supplier of generic medicines, exporting over 20% of global volumes to more than 200 countries, including the US and EU. Officials said the reform reflects a zero-tolerance policy against dishonesty in licensing, aimed at safeguarding both public health and Indias reputation for manufacturing quality-assured, affordable drugs. Before any such ban order by the CDSCO, Indias apex drug regulator, the manufacturers will be given an opportunity to show cause in writing. Those banned can also appeal against the order within 30 days. The official cited above said this action is being formalized because when the CDSCO or the state drug regulator now receives such fake or wrong documents , we take administrative action, but the specific penalties are not explicitly detailed in the drug rules. The government is now addressing this by introducing a legal provision into the Drugs Rules, 1945." The documents show that the provision explicitly states the grounds for action: Whoever himself or, any other person on his behalf, or applicant is found to be guilty of submitting misleading, or fake, or fabricated documents/ information, may, after giving him an opportunity to show cause as to why such an order should not be made, in writing, stating the reasons thereof, be debarred by the Licensing Authority for such period as deemed fit". This move shows a zero-tolerance policy against dishonesty in the licensing process, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the entire pharmaceutical supply chain. By weeding out dishonest players, the new rules will ensure that only compliant and quality-focused firms remain, which is vital for securing international tenders and export markets," the official said. Queries sent to the health ministry spokesperson remained unanswered. Are the actions enough? Giving fake details to get manufacturing permits for drugs could warrant an even stiffer penalty, some experts said. Dr K. Srinath Reddy, former president of the Public Health Foundation of India, emphasized that public safety as well as Indias reputation for manufacture of quality assured drugs for the global market should not be compromised by these spurious drugs. Obtaining licences for drug manufacture on the basis of spurious documents is a serious crime that merits severe penalties even beyond banning of manufacture by an offending firm," Reddy said. Testing the quality and safety of drugs already in the market is an important function of drug regulation, where the weaknesses of several state regulatory authorities are showing up as distressing media reports when cough syrups or eye drops cause serious adverse events that can even be fatal." If state regulators do not have adequate testing capabilities, that must be addressed forthwith. Drug testing capacity that is potentially available in schools of pharmacy and university departments of chemistry should be utilized to expand the capacity in states. A poorly manufactured or unsafe drug, if licensed in one state, can be distributed nationwide. So, every state must have competent and incorruptible state regulatory agencies," Dr Reddy said. He added that the proposed action against these malpractices is a welcome measure, but its effect will be post-facto. We must take measures both to prevent the manufacture of spurious or low quality drugs and to plug regulatory loopholes which permit their entry into the market." Stringent measures against the malpractices would bode well for the industry, said Arushi Jain, director at Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals. This is a welcome and much-needed step toward strengthening trust and transparency within the pharmaceutical sector," she said. "Stronger action against fraudulent practices will help safeguard patient safety and uphold the integrity of our industry." Also Read | Pharmexcil seeks data from exporters to resolve unpaid, delayed foreign payments KINGSTON, Jamaica (AP) Heavy floodwaters swept across southwestern Jamaica, winds tore roofs off buildings and boulders tumbled into roads Tuesday as Hurricane Melissa came ashore as a catastrophic Category 5 storm, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record. Desmond McKenzie, deputy chairman of Jamaicas Disaster Risk Management Council, urged people to seek shelter and stay indoors as the storm crosses the island. Jamaica, this is not the time to be brave, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The streets in the capital, Kingston, remained largely empty as Melissa approached, save for the lone stray dog crossing puddles and a handful of people walking briskly under tree branches waving in a stiff wind. The Jamaican government said it had done all it could to prepare as it warned of devastating damage from the strongest hurricane to hit the island since recordkeeping began 174 years ago. There is no infrastructure in the region that can withstand a Category 5, Prime Minister Andrew Holness said. The question now is the speed of recovery. Thats the challenge. Landslides, fallen trees and numerous power outages were reported as Melissa came ashore near New Hope, with officials in Jamaica cautioning that the cleanup and damage assessment could be slow. The storm is expected slice diagonally across the island and head for Cuba. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Massive wind damage is expected in Melissas core and Jamaicas highest mountains could see gusts of up to 200 mph (322 kph), said Michael Brennan, director of the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami. Its going to be a very dangerous scenario, he said, warning that there would be total building failures. Hurricane Melissas 185 mph (295 kph) winds and 892 millibars of central pressure tied two records for the strongest Atlantic storm on landfall. The pressure the key measurement meteorologists use ties 1935s Labor Day hurricane in Florida. The wind speed ties the 1935 hurricane and 2019s Hurricane Dorian, said hurricane scientists Phil Klotzbach of Colorado State University and Brian McNoldy of the University of Miami. Its been a remarkable just a beast of a storm, Klotzbach told The Associated Press. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jamaica prepares for the aftermath On Tuesday afternoon, Melissa had top sustained winds of 165 mph (270 kph) and was moving north-northeast at 8 mph (13 kph), according to the National Hurricane Center. The hurricane was centered about 20 miles (35 kilometers) south-southwest of Montego Bay, Jamaica, and about 230 miles (370 kilometers) southwest of Guantanamo, Cuba. A life-threatening storm surge of up to 13 feet (4 meters) is expected across southern Jamaica, with officials concerned about the impact on some hospitals along the coastline. Health Minister Christopher Tufton said some patients were relocated from the ground floor to the second floor, "and (we) hope that will suffice for any surge that will take place. One man called a local radio station and said he urgently needed to help a woman in western Jamaica who had gone into labor as the storm prepared to make landfall. The show's host pleaded with listeners to let the man know the safest hospital for the woman before an obstetrician called in to provide detailed directions on how to deliver a baby, if necessary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Colin Bogle, a Mercy Corps adviser based near Kingston, said most families are sheltering in place despite the government ordering evacuations in flood-prone communities. He was sheltering with his grandmother in Portmore, where everything went dark earlier in the morning after a loud explosion. The noise is relentless, he said. People are anxious and just trying to hold on until the storm passes. McKenzie said the government was prepared for rescues immediately after the storm passes through: We have boats, helicopters, you name it. The storm already was blamed for seven deaths in the Caribbean, including three in Jamaica, three in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic, where another person remains missing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 240,000 customers were without power before landfall and about one-fourth of the telecommunications system was offline, said Darryl Vaz, transport and energy minister. He said crews will clean and run tests at the island's two main international airports Wednesday in hopes of receiving emergency relief flights as early as Thursday. U.N. agencies and dozens of nonprofits had food, medicine and other essential supplies positioned as they awaited a distribution rush after the storm. Matthew Samuda, Jamaicas water and environment minister, said he had more than 50 generators available to deploy after the storm, but warned people to set aside clean water and use it sparingly. Every drop will count, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Melissa takes aim at Cuba Melissa was expected to make landfall in eastern Cuba late Tuesday or early Wednesday. Up to 20 inches (51 centimeters) of rain were forecast in areas, along with a significant storm surge along the coast. Authorities in eastern Holguin province prepared to evacuate more than 200,000 people Tuesday and evacuated a similar number of people earlier from the town of Banes. Reports on social media and state television showed blue and white buses ferrying evacuees to shelter early Tuesday. Families clutched babies and belongings and elderly people steadied themselves with canes as they disembarked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This phenomenon is very dangerous, Deputy Prime Minister Eduardo Martinez said in a statement. It is unprecedented. Cuban officials said Monday that they would evacuate more than 600,000 people from the region, including Santiago, the islands second-largest city. Melissa also has drenched the southern regions of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, with a tropical storm warning still in effect for Haiti. The hurricane was forecast to turn northeast and strike the southeast Bahamas by Wednesday evening. ___ Coto reported from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Associated Press writers Geir Moulson in Berlin, Andrea Rodriguez in Havana and Seth Borenstein in Washington contributed to this report. John Myers Jr. And Danica Coto, The Associated Press Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi are both in Bihar today, rallying supporters ahead of the crucial Bihar Assembly elections scheduled for 6 and 11 November. While Rahul Gandhi opened his campaign for the Bihar polls from Muzaffarpur, Amit Shah raised his pitch for the NDA candidates from Darbhanga, Begusarai, and Samastipur. Here we take a look at key takeaways from their speeches: Rahul Gandhi 1. The LS LoP on Wednesday claimed that the BJP is running the Bihar government "through remote control" while Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is just the face. 2. Gandhi claimed the BJP government in the Centre is "against social justice", and said that the Narendra Modi government agreed to the caste census on Congress' insistence. 3. Gandhi alleged, "Two Indias are emerging. One belongs to the common people, and the other to five or 10 billionaires. This is the reason that places like Bihar suffer in poverty, with its vast potential remaining untapped," as per a PTI report. 4. "You all must have seen the drama that PM Narendra Modi wanted to enact by declaring that he was going to take a dip in the Yamuna on the occasion of Chhath Puja. When it came to the fore that it was a water body created through piped water, Modi flinched," the Congress leader also claimed. 5. Gandhi said that while Modi makes claims of making cheap data available to Indians, he hides "the fact that a monopoly of one business house has been allowed in the telecom sector". He also said that Modi has been silent "on the destruction caused to the economy by demonetisation". 6. Gandhi repeated his allegations of vote theft in Maharashtra and Haryana polls, adding, "They will try to do the same in Bihar." 7. Gandhi also spoke on the rich cultural history of Bihar and said that people from the state are doing well in other countries like "Dubai, Mauritius, Seychelles and America". 8. In slamming PM Modi, Gandhi told the gathering, "You are also able to understand political intricacies in a matter of seconds. I would urge you not to be swayed by the drama of Narendra Modi. He would be ready to dance on the stage if he sensed that it would fetch your votes." This last comment of the Congress leader has irked members of the BJP, with BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari calling the LS LoP a "local goon" for his remark. He also alleged that Gandhi has "mocked voters" as well as "insulted" the poor with his remarks. Let us take a look at what Amit Shah said at his rally: Amit Shah 1. While speaking in Darbhanga, Shah claimed that Lalu Prasad Yadav is trying to make his son the chief minister while Sonia Gandhi is trying to make her son the prime minister without realising that neither of these posts is vacant. 2. Shah questioned whether the arrested members of the banned organisation Popular Front of India (PFI) would remain in jail if the Mahagathbandhan came to power. 3. The home minister termed the Mahagathbandhan as 'thug bandhan' while alleging the RJD supremo Lalu Prasad is involved in a number of scams, including the fodder, land-for-jobs, and bitumen scams. He also alleged that the Congress is involved in cases of corruption worth 12 lakh crores. 4. Shah, in Begusarai, referred to Rahul Gandhi's Vote Adhikar Yatra in Bihar as a 'save infiltrators yatra'. 5. He equated the NDA alliance in Bihar as 'paanch paandav' and said the upcoming elections will be a way of preventing the return of 'jungle raj' in the state. 6. Shah also claimed that the INDIA bloc wants to take away the 'Jannayak' title given to former Bihar CM Karpoori Thakur. "Modi ji bestowed Bharat Ratna upon Jannayak Karpoori Thakur. Now, they (opposition) want to take away the title from Karpoori ji. We will not let this happen. People have seen the real face of Congress that had prevented Babu Jagjivan Ram from becoming the PM," Shah said, as per PTI. 7. Shah said Darbhanga will get a metro rail soon while highlighting an airport construction and an AIIMS that is being built in the region. The Congress youth wing filed a police complaint in Delhi on Wednesday, alleging theft of rain and claiming that the Delhi governments 1.25-crore cloud-seeding experiment had failed to bring showers to the city. Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, however, insisted that the cloud-seeding trials were successful and accused the opposition of being jealous of the BJP-led government's achievement. Also Read | Delhi air quality poor with AQI at over 270 day after cloud seeding trials The national capital conducted cloud-seeding operations on Tuesday for the first time in 53 years to induce artificial rain amid worsening pollution levels, though the weather department reported no measurable rainfall. The Delhi government, in collaboration with IIT-Kanpur, conducted the trials in parts of Delhi, including Burari, North Karol Bagh, Mayur Vihar, and Badli. The government's report stated that two precipitation events were recorded -- Noida at 4 pm (0.1mm of rain) and Greater Noida at 4 pm (0.2 mm). Here's what Indian Youth Congress said According to an official statement of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC), its Delhi unit president, Akshay Lakra, submitted a complaint at the Parliament Street Police Station, demanding an FIR and investigation into what he described as rain theft following the cloud-seeding trial. Planes took off from Kanpur to Delhi in the name of cloud seeding, and the BJP government put out big advertisements promising rain within 15 to 20 minutes to provide relief from pollution. However, no such rain was seen anywhere in Delhi, so we have come to file a complaint against this rain theft, Lakra said. The complaint calls for an inquiry into whether "unknown persons intercepted or diverted" rain, and seeks accountability for the public funds spent on the operation. It also urges the police to coordinate with the meteorological department and IIT-Kanpur to trace the cause of the "missing rainfall". Officials involved in the cloud-seeding project, however, maintained that the process was carried out as per scientific protocol and the results depend on atmospheric conditions, which cannot always guarantee immediate rainfall. They said the operation was aimed at testing the feasibility and gathering data for future interventions. Also Read | How to keep your fitness routine alive through the upcoming party season Lakra urged Chief Minister Rekha Gupta to "refrain from misleading residents" and focus on effective measures to curb pollution. "The people of Delhi deserve answers and at least a few drops of the rain they were promised," he said. The Delhi Government completed two consecutive cloud seeding operations as part of its robust air quality management strategy. Planes took off in the name of cloud seeding, and the BJP government put out big advertisements promising rain within 15 to 20 minutes. Cloud seeding is an advanced weather modification science, intended to trigger or enhance rainfall from suitable clouds by introducing selected particles--such as silver iodide or sodium chloride--using aircraft or other means. During her historic sortie in the Indian Air Force's Rafale fighter jet on Wednesday, President Droupadi Murmu shared a limelight moment in a photograph with Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, who was claimed to have been captured during Operation Sindoor by a pro-Pakistan social media handle. The Rafale jets had been used in Operation Sindoor, launched on 7 May to target terror infrastructure in Pakistan-controlled territories, in retaliation for the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The false claims circulating on multiple Pakistani social media accounts suggested that Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh's plane had been disabled and that she had been captured. Some posts even included videos purportedly showing the Air Chief Marshal visiting her grief-stricken family. The Press Information Bureau (PIB) had debunked this claim as fake on 10 May. India responded quickly, with the government's fact-check wing clarifying, Pro-Pakistan social media handles claimed an Indian female Air Force pilot, Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, has been captured in Pakistan. This claim is fake! See the post by the President of India | Watch videos Murmu made history as she became the first President of India to fly in two different fighter aircraft of the IAF. The sortie lasted for approximately 30 minutes, covering about 200 kilometres. The aircraft reached a height of about 15,000 feet above sea level and a speed of approximately 700 kilometres per hour, according to a statement from the President's office. Upon landing, the President shared her delight in the visitor's book, saying, The sortie on Rafale is an unforgettable experience for me. This first flight on the potent Rafale aircraft has instilled in me a renewed sense of pride in the nation's defence capabilities. I congratulate the Indian Air Force. Air Chief Marshal A P Singh also flew a sortie in a separate aircraft from the same air base. Also Read | BJP claims tribal leader and MP Khagen Murmu attacked Murmu's recent flight continues a tradition of Indian Presidents flying in fighter jets, following A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, who flew a Sukhoi 30 MKI on 8 June, 2006, and Pratibha Patil, who did the same on 25 November, 2009. The Rafale jets, manufactured by Dassault Aviation, were officially inducted into the Indian Air Force's 17 Squadron, the Golden Arrows, in September 2020 at Ambala Air Force Station. The first five Rafale aircraft had arrived from France on 27 July 2020, and were immediately integrated into the squadron. These jets were deployed in Operation Sindoor, launched on 7 May to target terror infrastructure in territories controlled by Pakistan. The strikes led to four days of intense clashes, which concluded on 10 May with an understanding between the two countries to halt military actions. According to a release from the President's Secretariat, President Murmu inaugurated the opening plenary of the Eighth Session of the International Solar Alliance Assembly (ISA) in the national capital earlier on Tuesday. A 59-year-old suspected Pakistani spy was arrested by the Delhi Police for his alleged involvement in espionage activities, including links with a foreign-based nuclear scientist, and a fake passport racket operating from Jamshedpur in Jharkhand. An official told news agency PTI that the accused, identified as Mohammad Adil Hussaini, was apprehended from Seemapuri in Delhi two days ago. The official said that the man is also known by the names Syed Adil Hussain, Nasimuddin and Syed Adil Hussaini. A police source told PTI that the accused was in touch with a nuclear scientist based abroad and had travelled to several countries, including Pakistan. He obtained three identity cards of a sensitive installation using forged documents, the source said. Adil and his brother accused of forging documents Additional Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Pramod Singh Kushwah said that Adil is a resident of Tata Nagar, Jamshedpur. Adil and his brother Akhtar Hussaini are suspected of supplying sensitive information to foreign countries and procuring multiple Indian passports using forged documents, the officer said. The entire network was allegedly being operated from Jamshedpur, where fake identity cards and passports were being prepared with the help of counterfeit documents. During the search, police seized one original and two forged passports from Adil's possession. Charges against Adil Adil was arrested in a case registered under sections 61(2) (Criminal conspiracy), 318 (Cheating), 338 (Forgery of valuable security, will, etc) and 340 (Forged document or electronic record and using it as genuine) of the BNS on October 26, the Additional CP said. Mumbai Police arrests Adil's brother A senior police officer said that the Mumbai Police has arrested Adil's brother, Akhtar, who had travelled to several Gulf countries and was also involved in obtaining the three identity cards. Investigating teams are verifying how many people were issued fake passports through the network. Also Read | IAF chief BIG reveal: India downed 5 Pakistani fighter jets in Op Sindoor TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Wednesday urged people to confront and "tie up" local BJP leaders if they asked for their parents birth certificates during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls or for NRC verification. He made the remark after visiting the family of 57-year-old Pradeep Kar, who allegedly died by suicide at Panihati near here over fear of SIR and alleged NRC exercise. Linking Kar's death directly to the SIR, Banerjee claimed that the anxiety created by the BJP and the Election Commission had driven the man to take the extreme step. He accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of being responsible for the "climate of panic" and demanded criminal action. "Kar died due to anxiety over NRC and SIR. An FIR should be filed against Shah and Kumar" he said, questioning whether the two would themselves be able to furnish the documents they sought from ordinary citizens. Earlier in the day, Banerjee met the deceased's family along with MPs Partha Bhowmick and Nirmal Ghosh and youth leader Debraj Chakraborty. TMC leaders said the handwritten note found near Kar's body reflected his fear of documentation requirements and looming exclusion. Addressing supporters later, Banerjee escalated his attack on the BJP's demand for legacy papers. "Next time local BJP leaders come to your area, stop them and ask them to furnish their parents' certificates. Tie them to a tree or lamp post and tell them they won't be released until they produce their parents' and grandparents' documents," he said. "We do not believe in violence. Don't hit them, just tie them up if they ask for your parents' birth certificates," he added. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP of spreading fear and "weaponising NRC". Also Read | Prashant Kishor gets EC's notice for being registered as voter in 2 states The BJP countered that the cause of Kar's death should be determined by investigators rather than political accusations. It insisted that SIR was a routine electoral revision exercise and accused the TMC of exploiting a tragedy for political mileage. Zoho co-founder and CEO Sridhar Vembu has once again found himself in the middle of a heated online debate this time over a post linking child vaccinations to autism. The comment sparked a sharp response from Dr Cyriac Abby Philips, popularly known as The Liver Doc, who accused Vembu of spreading misinformation based on an unverified study. On Tuesday, Vembu shared a research paper claiming that vaccination is the dominant risk factor for autism. Parents should take this analysis seriously, he wrote on X (formerly Twitter). There is increasing evidence that we are giving way too many vaccines to very young children. This is spreading in India too, and we are seeing a rapid increase in autism. See Sridhar Vembu's post here: Vembu, who has been vocal about his son being on the autism spectrum, later clarified that he wasnt opposing vaccines but questioning the number administered to children at an early age. Liver Doc responds However, Dr Philips an award-winning hepatologist known for debunking medical misinformation strongly criticised Vembus claims. The authors are antivaxxers funded by an antivaxx organisation. The study was published on their own website not peer-reviewed or scientifically scrutinised, he wrote. He went on to add, Low IQ authors have selectively amplified weak associations while dismissing robust epidemiological data from millions showing no vaccine-autism link. The Liver Doc further cited a large-scale Danish study, considered among the most comprehensive analyses on the subject, which found no connection between childhood vaccination and autism or any of 50 other health conditions. In a post addressed to Vembu, Dr Philips urged parents to continue vaccinating their children if they dont want polio to come back or measles to kill kids again, while taking a jab at Vembu as a boomer uncle and advising him to stay in your lane and delete the post. This is not the first time the two have clashed publicly. In August last year, Dr Philips criticised Vembus advocacy of walking barefoot, calling it pseudoscience. Earlier, in January, Vembu had also drawn criticism for promoting the supposed beneficial properties of cow urine and cow dung. The doctor had then urged him to stop endorsing ancient pseudoscience and outdated therapies and avoid amplifying misinformation. The latest exchange has reignited the ongoing conversation around scientific accountability, misinformation, and the responsibility of public figures when discussing health-related topics online. While many users supported Dr Philips for calling out misinformation, others felt the debate could have been handled with more civility. Money Singh, just 19, left Punjab for San Francisco in 2006. He had no idea he would later run two million-dollar ventures in the United States. His journey was not easy, marked by loneliness, debt, and sheer perseverance. I was depressed for almost a year. I wanted to go back, Singh, now 38, told CNBC Make It, recalling his early days in the US. He initially joined a college in the Bay Area but soon dropped out because his academic credits from India did not transfer. Urged by his mother to start earning, Singh took up odd jobs. He worked first at a local drugstore, then as a dispatcher at his uncles cab company for about $6 an hour. That job marked the start of a 12-year run in the cab business. Singh started as a driver, expanded to a five-cab fleet, and later launched his own dispatch company. He then founded Drivers Network, an advertising and marketing platform for independent drivers. By 2018, Singh wanted a change. He drew inspiration from his mother, who owned a salon in Punjab and later in Northern California. Along with a local barber, he launched Dandies Barbershop & Beard Stylist in Mountain View in 2019. I wanted to do something different, but something I understood business, he said. Setting up Dandies was a major challenge. Singh invested nearly $75,000 from his savings. He spent almost a year getting permits before he could even open the doors. Then, six months after launch, the Covid-19 pandemic forced a temporary closure. His business partner left, but Singh refused to give up. He maxed out his credit cards, borrowed from friends and liquidated his investments. He even cut back on food to keep the business afloat, he told CNBC Make It. I had to eat $1 meals to make sure the business stayed open, he recalled. During the lockdown, Singh attended barber school. This allowed him to serve customers himself once the shop reopened. When Dandies resumed operations in 2021, it quickly became a community space, catering to men, women, kids and members of the LGBTQ+ community. The hard work paid off. Singh now owns three Dandies locations across California, and employs 25 people, including 15 barbers. According to CNBC Make It, the barber shop brought in $1.07 million (around 8.9 crore) last year. His other venture, now known as ATCS Platform Solutions, earned $1.18 million (around 9.8 crore). Singh has cleared most of his debts. He now draws a combined monthly salary of about 5.8 lakh. Dandies became profitable in 2023. He attributes his resilience to his childhood in Punjab. His family faced violence during the Sikh separatist unrest of the late 1980s. Those were tough times, he said. But that struggle built my work ethic. Next, Singh is developing an app called Barbers Network. It will serve as a booking platform for barbers and clients, similar to apps like Booksy and theCut. US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (October 2)conceded that he is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term, even as he continued to float the idea of staying in power. "If you read it, it's pretty clear," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One while traveling from Japan to South Korea. I'm not allowed to run. It's too bad. Johnson says 'no path' for third term His comments came a day after House Speaker Mike Johnson dismissed the notion of Trump extending his stay in the White House beyond two terms. I don't see the path for that, Johnson told reporters at the US Capitol, adding that he has spoken with Trump about the constitutional constraints. He and I have talked about the constrictions of the Constitution, he said. Johnson noted that changing the 22nd Amendment which limits presidents to two terms would require a lengthy amendment process involving Congress and the states. We are not going to take our foot off the gas pedal, he added. We're going to deliver for the American people, and we've got a great run ahead of us he'll have four strong years. Trump leaves door slightly open While acknowledging the restriction, Trump still hinted that he is keeping his options open. Based on what I read, I guess I'm not allowed to run, he said. So we'll see what happens. He has repeatedly suggested he might consider staying on, with Trump 2028 hats appearing as souvenirs at the White House. Former campaign chief Steve Bannon has also revived talk of a hypothetical third term. Trump dismisses VP workaround Trump praised future GOP contenders such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance. All I can tell you is that we have a great group of people, he said. Asked whether he would consider running as vice president a loophole some allies speculate could allow a return to the Oval Office Trump brushed off the idea. You'd be allowed to do that, but I wouldn't do that, he said, calling the notion too cute. I would love to do it Earlier in the week, during his Japan trip, the President reiterated his personal interest in more time in office. I would love to do it, he said on Monday. Also Read | Trump expects to sign China trade deal at Xi summit US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he expects to lower fentanyl-related tariffs on China. The announcement came ahead of a meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in South Korea. "I expect to be lowering that because I believe that they're going to help us with the fentanyl situation," Trump told reporters on Air Force One when asked about the tariffs. Also Read | Trump, Xi to discuss lowering China tariffs for fentanyl crackdown As he headed to South Korea on Wednesday, a day before hes slated to meet Xi Jinping, Trump said, China's going to be working with US law enforcement on fentanyl. Trump tariffs on China Trump had earlier announced plans to hike levies on most Chinese goods by 100% on 1 November. He said last week that the tariff would rise to 157% - a record-setting level. It's not sustainable for them. The US President accused China of using Venezuela as a transit point for fentanyl to evade US and Mexican port controls. When asked whether China is smuggling fentanyl into the US via Venezuela, Trump said, "They are doing that. But they are paying a 20% tariff right now because of fentanyl." He claimed China loses $100 billion with the 20% tariff. Trump-Xi meeting US President Donald Trump will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea to push for a new trade deal. All eyes are on the crucial meeting, which will be held on 30 October during a regional summit. The leaders of the worlds two largest economies will seek to resolve their trade tensions. The meeting is expected to de-escalate the trade tensions, which have rattled the global economy. Also Read | US sanctions two Indian nationals for supplying fentanyl-laden pills Trump confirmed on Tuesday, 28 October, that he would be meeting Xi Jinping in South Korea, calling it a fantastic and big meeting that he said would work out really well. I will be meeting President Xi today...a very fantastic meeting...It's a big meeting. I think it's going to work out really well. It's going to be great for everybody, Donald Trump said. What to expect from Trump-Xi meeting The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday that Trump is considering cutting the 20% fentanyl-linked tariff to 10% on Chinese goods. According to Bloomberg, the reduction would be a substantial concession to Beijing, which is eager to reduce the tariff burden on goods it sends to the US. Halving the fentanyl tariff would reduce the average tariff on most Chinese imports to around 45% assuming Trump also holds off on other threatened tariffs, the report added. Meanwhile, China plans to make a substantial soybean purchase, while the US will hold off on threatened export controls on software that would restrict Chinese access to a broad swath of technology. The two sides are also expected to agree to reduce shipping fees and approve the sale of the US operations of ByteDance Ltds social video app TikTok to a consortium organised by the Trump administration. German activist Naomi Seibt labelled Europes Anti-Greta has applied for asylum in the United States, arguing she faces government repression and threats in Germany due to her views on climate change, migration and free speech. Seibt, 25, filed the request under Section 208 of the US Immigration and Nationality Act. She told Fox News Digital that returning home would expose her to imprisonment or physical harm. Im waiting for an interview. And, in the meantime, Im here legally, she said. My goal is to become an American citizen in the future because this country has given me so much hope. Why she rose to prominence Seibt gained attention in 2020 when she questioned mainstream climate policies and was cast as a counter-figure to activist Greta Thunberg. She said the branding became a burden. The German media called me the anti-Greta like an anti-Christ for Greta Thunberg, she said. I want to be recognized as who I am not just some puppet poster figure for the right wing. Her politics align with Germanys right-wing AfD party, which has drawn controversy over its anti-immigration stance. Claims of state surveillance and threats Seibt argues she has been targeted by authorities and extremists alike. I found out that I had been spied on by German intelligence for years, she claimed. I keep receiving death threats from Antifa The German police told me they cant do anything as long as I have not actually been raped or killed. She warns she would be arrested if she returned, pointing to German laws that criminalize derogatory attacks against politicians. People are being arrested for just social media posts, she alleged. Also Read | Trump to meet Xi in South Korea amid global jitters Key things to watch Elon Musk interaction and US political context Seibt claims her social-media advocacy caught the attention of Elon Musk after she publicly backed the AfD in 2024. That was the very first time Elon Musk interacted with me, she said, adding they later exchanged private messages on X. Seibt also said Musk gave his approval for her asylum decision and shares concerns about free-speech risks in Europe. Positioning as a free speech symbol Framing her asylum case as an international test of speech rights, Seibt insists she is fleeing a government unwilling to protect her. I am at major risk of potentially being killed, she said. At least 132 people have been killed in what officials are calling the deadliest police operation in Brazils history, intensifying global scrutiny just days before the city hosts major climate events linked to the United Nations COP30 summit. The updated death toll confirmed by the Rio public defenders office is more than double the initial figure released by state authorities on Tuesday, who had reported 64 deaths, including four police officers. The raid targeted the Comando Vermelho (Red Command), one of Brazils most powerful criminal gangs operating across Rios favelas. Bodies collected by residents as families demand justice In the Penha favela, residents searching for missing relatives retrieved bodies from nearby woods and lined more than 70 corpses along a street. Grieving families accused authorities of excessive force, calling the scene a massacre. I just want to take my son out of here and bury him, said Taua Brito, among dozens of relatives gathered at the site. Governor defends force Rio Governor Claudio Castro insisted those killed were criminals who resisted police action, adding that gun battles took place in a forested area. The only real victims were the police officers, Castro told reporters. He said this was Rios largest-ever operation against the Red Command, which has expanded drug trafficking across multiple favelas. Global events add political pressure The crackdown unfolded one week before Rio welcomes: -C40 Climate Summit -Prince Williams Earthshot Prize events The violence risks overshadowing preparations for COP30-related meetings and Brazils security image as it hosts major international delegations. Human Rights outcry and call for investigations The UN Human Rights Office urged Brazil to meet its legal obligations amid concerns over: -Execution-style killings (shots to the head and back) -Stabbings and tied bodies, according to local activists -Military-style tactics in densely populated areas -NGOs warn the operation may amount to extrajudicial killings. Chaos across Rio as gangs retaliate The raid involving 2,500 police and soldiers with helicopters and armored vehicles triggered gunfire and citywide disruptions: -Schools and universities shuttered -Roads blocked with buses used as barricades -A weaponized drone allegedly launched at police Authorities also reported: -81 arrests -93 rifles seized -Over half a ton of drugs confiscated Political clash between Rio and Brasilia Castro accused the federal government of leaving Rio alone in this war. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has not publicly commented but called an emergency meeting with top ministers. Brazils Justice Ministry countered that national forces have repeatedly been deployed to aid Rio security operations. Criminal organizations continue expanding nationwide, including in the Amazon region. Rights groups warn that mass killings do not weaken gang power. In thirty days, organized crime will be reorganized, said Filipe dos Anjos of FAFERJ. For society, this achieves practically nothing. Rio police raid: Key Points Death toll: 132 (including 4 police officers) Operation: Targeted Red Command gang Location: Penha & surrounding favelas, Rio Security forces: 2,500 officers + soldiers Seizures: 93 rifles, >500 kg drugs; 81 arrests Global context: Ahead of COP30 climate events Rights concerns: UN calls for investigations United States President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping would be meeting on Thursday, October 29, in South Korea on the sidelines of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit of 21 countries in Gyeongju just as the tariff tussle from rare earths to soybeans and port fees continues between their countries. A day ago, Donald Trump had confirmed his big and fantastic meeting with Xi Jinping that he said will work out really well and solve a lot of problems. I will be meeting President Xi todaya very fantastic meeting.It's a big meeting. I think it's going to work out really well. It's going to be great for everybody, Trump said. Ahead of leaving on his tour, Trump had said that the US had been talking to the Chinese and we're not just walking into the meeting cold. I think we're going to have a very good outcome for our country and for the world, actually. Trump-Xi meeting: What to expect? Reports suggest that a potential interim deal between the US and China could involve partial tariff relief, and Chinese commitments to purchase US-made soybeans and Boeing aircraft. If everything goes well, Washington may allow more advanced computer chips to be exported to Beijing, in exchange for China easing restrictions on rare earth magnets a top priority for the US. Trump grew furious earlier this month after Beijing introduced new export controls on rare earth elements vital to technology production and warned of steep retaliatory tariffs. In response, his administration threatened to restrict exports of products containing US software Trump has said he wants China to buy more US soybeans after the country halted all purchases, which totaled $12.6 billion in 2024. All eyes are also on talks on lowering 20 percent tariffs on Chinese goods related to fentanyl, or lifting the port fees both countries have imposed on each others vessels. Taiwan could also feature in the talks between the US and China. Trump did not rule out Taiwan coming up in talks, saying Xi might want to talk about it. Earlier in the day, the Trump administration signaled that it may have finally reached a deal with China to keep TikTok running in the US. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CBS that the two leaders will consummate that transaction on Thursday in Korea. New Delhi, Oct 29 (PTI) Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday said he will visit New Zealand next week to hold discussions on the proposed free trade agreement between the two countries. The FTA was formally launched on March 16, 2025. "We are going to New Zealand next week to try and conclude substantially close negotiations for a free trade agreement," Goyal told reporters here. The third round of negotiations for the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) concluded on September 19 in Queenstown, New Zealand. India's bilateral merchandise trade with New Zealand stood at USD 1.3 billion in 2024-25, registering a growth of nearly 49 per cent over the previous year. The proposed FTA is expected to further boost trade flows, promote investment linkages, strengthen supply chain resilience, and create a predictable framework for businesses in both countries. According to experts, India and New Zealand should address market access issues for goods, promote collaborations in key sectors, and work on improving connectivity with an aim to boost bilateral trade. New Zealand's average import tariff is just 2.3 per cent. India and New Zealand began negotiating the CECA in April 2010 to boost trade in goods, services, and investment. After nine rounds of discussions, however, the talks stalled in 2015. India's key goods exports to New Zealand include clothing, fabrics, and home textiles; medicines and medical supplies; refined petrol; agricultural equipment and machinery such as tractors and irrigation tools, auto, iron and steel, paper products, electronics, shrimps, diamonds, and basmati rice. India and China have held a fresh round of border talks aimed at strengthening communication and reducing tensions along the western section of their disputed frontier. Both sides agreed to maintain active and in-depth dialogue through military and diplomatic channels, Chinas Defence Ministry said on Wednesday. The latest discussions were held on Saturday on the Indian side of the meeting point, focusing on improving coordination and managing sensitive zones along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The 23rd round of India-China Corps Commander Level Meeting was held at Chushul-Moldo border meeting point on 25th October 2025. This was the first meeting of the General Level Mechanism in the Western Sector since the 24th round of Special Representatives Talks held on 19 August 2025. The talks were held in a friendly and cordial atmosphere. Ministry of External Affairs said in an official press release. Read complete MEA statement India and China pledge to sustain dialogue Beijing said the meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both militaries to avoid misunderstandings and preserve stability in the western sector. Also Read | Putin warns Trump tariffs on India, China may backfire on US economy Indias Ministry of External Affairs has yet to issue a statement, but officials have previously characterised recent talks as constructive and conducive to easing long-standing border frictions. Talks build on July meeting in eastern Ladakh In July, India and China held discussions along the LAC in eastern Ladakh, which China described as candid. Following that round, New Delhi said it was satisfied with the general prevalence of peace and tranquillity in the border areas, calling the talks a positive step toward the gradual normalisation of ties. India and China see gradual thaw, continued caution The renewed engagement comes amid a slow thaw in relations since the deadly Galwan Valley clash in 2020. While several friction points remain unresolved, both countries appear focused on maintaining calm through sustained dialogue and confidence-building measures. The next round of talks is expected later this year. India and China share one of the worlds most complicated relationships. The two most populous nations remain regional rivals that fought a border war in the 1960s, and ties have remained strained since the deadly 2020 clashes that killed soldiers on both sides. Despite their political and military friction, economic interdependence continues to grow. China supplies key technology and materials critical to Indias manufacturing ambitions, while Indias expanding middle class offers an increasingly important consumer market for Chinese goods. Since former US President Donald Trumps trade war with both countries, New Delhi and Beijing have stepped up efforts to stabilise relations. In late August 2025, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited China for the first time in seven years to attend a security summit, signalling a potential reset in ties. At the end of October, the first passenger flight between India and China departed from Kolkata, five years after direct services were suspended. The restored route is expected to strengthen bilateral engagement through increased tourism, education, and business travel. Relations had previously hit a low point after the 2017 Doklam standoff and again in 2020 during the Galwan Valley clash in Ladakh. In response, India suspended tourist visas for Chinese nationals, imposed restrictions on Chinese technology, and banned apps such as TikTok. It also rejected billion-dollar investment proposals from automakers BYD and Great Wall Motor, while moving closer to the United States amid its growing rivalry with China. Suspicions continued to simmer this year after Pakistan claimed Chinese-made J-10C jets were used to shoot down Indian aircraft during a brief conflict. India accused China of providing its neighbour with defence and satellite support. Beijing, meanwhile, has grown wary of Indias efforts to attract manufacturing investment, tightening controls on skilled labour and recalling Chinese staff working in India. Paris police on Wednesday acknowledged major gaps in the Louvre's defences, turning this month's appalling daylight robbery into a national reckoning over how France protects its priceless cultural treasures. The Chief of the Paris Police, Patrice Faure, informed the French Senate that ageing systems and slow implementation of necessary repairs had left the worlds most-visited museum with critical security vulnerabilities. A technological step has not been taken, he said, noting parts of the video network are even still analog, producing lower-quality images that are slow to share in real time. A long-promised overhaula $93 million project requiring roughly 60 kilometres of new cabling"will not be finished before 20292030," Faure added. A preliminary report has revealed that one in three rooms in the area of the museum raided had no CCTV cameras, according to French media. The Paris police chief also disclosed that the Louvres operating authorisation for its security cameras quietly lapsed in July and had not been renewed. This administrative oversight is viewed by some as symptomatic of a broader negligence after thieves forced a window into the Apollo Gallery, used power tools to cut into display cases, and fled with eight pieces of the French crown jewels within minutes while tourists were inside. Faure stated that while officers arrived extremely quickly, the delay occurred much earlier in the detection chain: from the initial sensors, through museum security, to the emergency line, and finally to police command. According to Faure, the first alert to police came not from the Louvre's own internal alarms, but from a cyclist outside who telephoned the emergency services after spotting helmeted men using a basket lift. He pushed back against calls for immediate, simple solutions. He rejected suggestions for a permanent police post inside the palace-museum, cautioning that it would set an unworkable precedent and be ineffective against fast, mobile criminal teams. "I am firmly opposed," he stated. "The issue is not a guard at a door; it is speeding up the chain of alert." He instead urged politicians to authorise tools currently off-limits: the use of AI-based anomaly detection and object tracking (not facial recognition) to flag suspicious movements and follow scooters or equipment across city camera networks in real time. Suspects custody limit Two people were apprehended over the weekend, one of whom was intercepted at Charles-de-Gaulle Airport while attempting to flee France. Under French law governing organised theft, the suspects' police detention is strictly limited to 96 hours. This crucial deadline expires late on Wednesday, forcing prosecutors to either formally charge the persons, release them, or secure a judge's order for an extension, the Associated Press reported. Air India CEO Campbell Wilson said on Wednesday that Pakistan's ongoing closure of its airspace to Indian airlines has so far resulted in an estimated 4,000 crore in losses for Air India, according to a report by the Hindustan Times. He noted that the restrictions have forced Air India to take longer routes for flights to Europe and North America, resulting in higher fuel consumption, increased crew expenses, and longer turnaround times. The closure of Pakistani airspace has had a 4,000 crore impact on Air India, Wilson said at the event in New Delhi. Following the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, both India and Pakistan imposed bans preventing each others aircraft from using their respective airspace. On April 24, Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian flights until May 24, following India's suspension of the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan. The restriction was later extended several times. Air India CEO's comment on Ahmedabad plane crash Wilson said that the June plane crash was a heartbreaking event for the passengers, their families, and the airline's staff. He added that Air India has been doing everything possible to support those affected and help them move forward. Speaking at a conference in New Delhi, Wilson noted that the interim investigation report found no issues with the aircraft, its engines, or the airlines operations, PTI reported. We obviously, as with everyone else, we await the final report, and if there's anything to learn from it, we will, he said at his first public engagement in India post the aircraft crash. In one of India's deadliest air disasters, 260 people, including 241 passengers, lost their lives when Air India's Boeing 787-8, operating flight AI171 to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad on 12 June. "It was absolutely devastating for the people involved, for the families of those involved, and the staff. And since that time, we have really been doing absolutely everything we can to support those affected, both families and also those on the ground, also the first responders, and really do whatever we can to ease their journey forward, Wilson said. The Tata Group-owned airline has completed the interim compensation for the crash victims and others and is working on the final compensation. He was speaking at the Aviation India and South Asia 2025 conference in the national capital. According to Wilson, anything that happens in the industry, whether it is with Air India or others, is a cause for introspection. It is a cause for reviewing practices. As I said, the interim report indicated that there was nothing with aircraft, engines or practices that required changing... (we will) keep improving, keep getting better, he said. Also Read | Air India schedules special Milan-Delhi flight to bring stranded passengers home The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), in its preliminary report on the crash released on July 12, had said the fuel supply to both engines of the plane was cut off within a gap of one second, causing confusion in the cockpit soon after takeoff. "In the cockpit voice recording, one of the pilots is heard asking the other why did he cut off. The other pilot responded that he did not do so," it had said. On October 7, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said there is "no manipulation or dirty business" happening in the investigation into the Air India plane crash. There are concerns in certain quarters about the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) probe into the fatal crash. Earlier in October, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said there is no manipulation or dirty business happening in the investigation into the Air India plane crash that killed 260 people on June 12. It is a cause for reviewing practices. His assertion comes against the backdrop of concerns expressed in certain quarters about the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) probe into the fatal crash (With inputs from PTI) Hurricane Melissa is forecast to exit Cuba and sweep across the Bahamas on Wednesday, before reaching Bermuda late on Thursday, reported Weather.com. The storm is expected to bring with it strong winds, torrential rain, and the risk of coastal flooding, following its historic Category 5 landfall in Jamaica and the subsequent lashing of south-east Cuba. A downgraded Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Cuba early on Wednesday after ripping a path of destruction across Jamaica, which authorities have designated a "disaster area." The NHC reported that Melissa had weakened to a Category 3 storm before it hit Santiago de Cuba province on the island's southern coast. It struck with maximum sustained winds of approximately 120 miles (195 kilometres) per hour, the NHC confirmed, after fluctuating between Category 3 and Category 5, the highest on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Cuban residents evacuated the coast as the storm approached, with local authorities declaring a "state of alert" in six eastern provinces. Local residents told AFP that they had been stockpiling foodstuffs, candles, and batteries since Monday in anticipation of the hurricane's arrival. Powerful Hurricane Melissa kills 7 people Seven people reportedly died even before powerful Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica. The storm is now heading towards Cuba. Latest update: Hurricane Melissa is racing northeast toward the Bahamas after leaving widespread destruction across Jamaica and eastern Cuba. The storm made landfall around 3 a.m. Eastern Time near Santiago de Cuba as a Category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale, before weakening to Category 2 while crossing the islands rugged terrain. With sustained winds of about 105 miles (169 kilometers) per hour, Melissa is expected to strike the Bahamas with hurricane-force intensity later on Wednesday. National Hurricane Center (NHC) said Hurricane Melissa was about 230 miles (370 km) south of the Central Bahamas and maximum sustained winds were flowing at 115 mph (185 km/hr). According to AFP, even before Melissa slammed into Jamaica, seven deaths had been blamed on the deteriorating conditions. Three deaths were reported in Jamaica, three in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic. Hurricane Melissa became the strongest-ever cyclone on record to hit that Caribbean island nation on Tuesday. The hurricane was the worst to ever strike Jamaica, hitting land with maximum wind speeds even more potent than most of recent history's most brutal storms, including 2005's Katrina, which ravaged the US city of New Orleans. Catastrophic winds in Jamaica The storm took hours to cross over Jamaica, dropping by Tuesday evening to a Category 3 storm from the top-level of 5. But the still-powerful Melissa was set to hit Cuba and later the Bahamas. At its peak, Hurricane Melissa packed ferocious sustained winds of 185 miles (300 kilometers) per hour, according to the US National Hurricane Center. This was well above the minimum 157 mph (252 kph) wind speed of a Category 5 storm, the highest level on the Saffir-Simpson wind scale. Also Read | Hurricane Melissa makes landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 storm Melissa's winds subsided to 145 mph (233 kph), the NHC said, as the storm drifted past the mountainous island, lashing highland communities vulnerable to landslides and flooding. Melissa turns to Cuba The hurricane was forecast to curve to the northeast on a trajectory toward Santiago de Cuba, Cuba's second-most populous city. "We should already be feeling its main influence this afternoon and evening," Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said in a message published in state newspaper Granma, calling on citizens to heed evacuation orders. There will be a lot of work to do. We know that this cyclone will cause significant damage, the President was quoted by Reuters as saying. Damage due to Hurricane Melissa Landslides, fallen trees and numerous power outages were reported as Melissa hit with 185 mph (295 kph) winds near New Hope, with officials cautioning that the cleanup and damage assessment could be slow, the Associated Press reported. Also Read | Eye of category 5 Hurricane Melissa shows breathtaking stadium effect | Watch There is no infrastructure in the region that can withstand a Category 5, Prime Minister Andrew Holness said. The question now is the speed of recovery. Thats the challenge, he added. Jamaica's climate change minister told CNN that Hurricane Melissa's effect was "catastrophic," citing flooded homes and "severely damaged public infrastructure" and hospitals. However, the scale of Melissa's damage in Jamaica wasn't yet clear, as a comprehensive assessment could take days and much of the island was still without power, with communications networks badly disrupted. Government minister Desmond McKenzie was quoted by Reuters as saying that several hospitals had been damaged, including in the hard-hit southwestern district of Saint Elizabeth, a coastal area he said was underwater. In southwestern Jamaica, the parish of St. Elizabeth was left "underwater," an official said, with more than 500,000 residents without power. "The damage to Saint Elizabeth is extensive, based on what we have seen," he told a briefing. Saint Elizabeth is the breadbasket of the country, and that has taken a beating. The entire Jamaica has felt the brunt of Melissa. The mammoth storm could leave devastation on the scale of some of the worst hurricanes in recent memory like Katrina, Maria or Harvey. US President Donald Trump, currently in South Korea to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, said in his speech on Wednesday that he is doing a trade deal with India. He added that he has "great respect and love for Prime Minister [Narendra] Modi." Speaking at the APEC CEO Summit, Trump called Modi the 'nicest-looking guy' and flashed back to the Indian-Pakistan conflict. He said that he had read that "seven planes were shot down" and offered trade deals to both nuclear-powered countries. Trump's speech at APEC CEO Summit in South Korea: 7 points 1. US President Donald Trump said, "I'm doing a trade deal with India, and I have great respect and love for Prime Minister Modi. We have a great relationship." 2. He praised Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, saying, "Likewise, the Prime Minister of Pakistan is a great guy. They have a Field Marshal. You know why he's a Field Marshal? He's a great fighter. He's a great guy too...And so I know them all." 3. Trump added, "I'm reading that seven planes were shot down. These are two nuclear nations. And they're really going at it." 4. He claimed he called Modi during the India-Pakistan conflict in May. Modi allegedly asked for a trade deal, but Trump said he refused due to the conflict. "I called Prime Minister Modi and said, we can't make a trade deal with you. [PM Modi said] No, no, we must make a trade deal. I said, no, we can't. You're starting a war with Pakistan. We're not going to do it," Trump said. 5. Trump said he also called Pakistan. "We're not going to do trade with you because you're fighting with India. They said, No, no, you should let us fight. They both said that. They're strong people." 6. "Prime Minister Modi is the nicest-looking guy. He's a killer. He's tough as hell," Trump said. He added, After literally two days, they [India and Pakistan] called up and they said, we understand, and they stopped fighting. How is that? Isn't that amazing? Now, you think Biden would have done that? I don't think so. 7. Trump said he threatened India and Pakistan with 250% tariffs to help spur the resolution of their conflict earlier this year. "I warned of the tariffs. I said I'm going to put 250% tariffs on each country [if you don't stop the war], which means that youll never do business. Trump made these comments on Wednesday while addressing a meeting of corporate leaders at the APEC summit in Gyeongju. He arrived in the South Korean city of Gyeongju on Wednesday to join other heads of state and business leaders for various summits and meetings. Nigerian Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka has alleged that the United States revoked his non-resident visa after his recent comments on President Donald Trump. Wole Soyinka said he believed the rejection of his visa had little to do with him and was instead a product of the United States' immigration policies. The Nobel laureate has been asked to reapply if he wished to enter the US again. Its not about me, Im not really interested in going back to the United States. But a principle is involved. Human beings deserve to be treated decently wherever they are, he said, adding, I have no visa. I am banned, obviously, from the United States, and if you want to see me, you know where to find me. Wole Soyinka also said that it may also be because of his recent comments on Donald Trump when he called him the white version of Idi Amin. Idi Amin was a military officer and president of Uganda. Also known as the Butcher of Uganda, Idi Amin expelled all Asians from Uganda in 1972. Who is Wole Soyinka? Wole Soyinka, 91, won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986, becoming the first African to do so Born on July 13, 1934 at Abeokuta, near Ibadan in western Nigeria, Wole Soyinka studied at a Government College in Ibadan and later continued at the University of Leeds, where, in 1973, he took his doctorate. During his six years in England, he worked as a dramaturgist at Londons Royal Court Theatre from 1958 to 1959. In 1960, he received a Rockefeller bursary and returned to Nigeria to pursue studies in African drama. According to the Nobel Committee, He taught drama and literature at various universities in Ibadan, Lagos, and Ife, where, since 1975, he has been professor of comparative literature. In 1960, he founded the theatre group, The 1960 Masks and in 1964, the Orisun Theatre Company, in which he has produced his own plays and taken part as actor. He has periodically been visiting professor at the universities of Cambridge, Sheffield, and Yale. During the Nigerian Civil War, Soyinka wrote an article calling for a ceasefire, which led to his arrest in 1967 on charges of conspiring with Biafran rebels. He was detained as a political prisoner for 22 months, until 1969. Over his career, Soyinka has published around 20 works including plays, novels, and poetry written in English and known for their depth and linguistic richness. The Nobel Committee says, He wrote his first plays during his time in London, The Swamp Dwellers and The Lion and the Jewel (a light comedy), which were performed at Ibadan in 1958 and 1959 and were published in 1963. Later, satirical comedies are The Trial of Brother Jero (performed in 1960, publ. 1963) with its sequel, Jeros Metamorphosis (performed 1974, publ. 1973), A Dance of the Forests (performed 1960, publ.1963), Kongis Harvest (performed 1965, publ. 1967) and Madmen and Specialists (performed 1970, publ. 1971). Among Soyinkas serious philosophic plays are (apart from The Swamp Dwellers) The Strong Breed (performed 1966, publ. 1963), The Road ( 1965) and Death and the Kings Horseman (performed 1976, publ. 1975). In The Bacchae of Euripides (1973), he has rewritten the Bacchae for the African stage and in Opera Wonyosi (performed 1977, publ. 1981), bases himself on John Gays Beggars Opera and Brechts The Threepenny Opera. Soyinkas latest dramatic works are A Play of Giants (1984) and Requiem for a Futurologist (1985). Singapores Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong has a message for the citys flashier newcomers tone it down. In a candid reminder that wealth alone doesnt earn respect in the island nation, the former prime minister urged immigrants to keep the bling down and avoid ostentatious displays of luxury that could rub locals the wrong way. Do not go around popping champagne, which is $20,000 a bottle with sparklers, Lee said. And do not zoom your Ferrari or Lotus or whatever down the middle of the road in the middle of the night just to let everybody know that you have arrived. Then, with a wry smile, Lee added: You would not have thought that that was something you needed to tell anybody, but sometimes it is helpful to remind them. A delicate balance for Singapore: welcoming talent, protecting harmony Speaking at a recent event, Lee reflected on how immigration long a cornerstone of Singapores success remains a tightrope act. He was speaking at a dialogue on how Singapore is surviving and thriving between China and the US, moderated by Dr Samir Puri, director of Chatham Houses Centre for Global Governance and Security. Immigration is not an easy balance to strike, he said, adding that the government must attract global talent to fuel growth while safeguarding the nations social cohesion and security. Also Read | How are Indian migrant workers celebrating Diwali in Singapore? Singapores foreign workforce makes up roughly one-third of its population. That mix, Lee argued, is essential to keeping the economy competitive, but also brings cultural and political challenges that the government must carefully manage. Foreigners are needed to boost the workforce in Singapore, and make up one-third of the population and have to be accommodated, he said. But these substantial numbers can also cause social issues to arise, and foreigners have to understand Singapores rules and norms. Warning about excess and ego for immigrants coming to Singapore Lees remarks come amid growing chatter about the citys rising inequality and the flashy lifestyles of some of its ultra-rich residents. While Singapore welcomes foreign talent and capital, Lee warned that arrogance or insensitivity could quickly sour the social mood. Singapore, the island nation city-state, often described as orderly and culturally restrained, tends to frown upon ostentation. Also Read | Singapore Stops 1MDB Liquidators from Suing StanChart, BSI Bank Senior minister Lee pointedly described how some foreigners have imported foreign disputes or flaunted their wealth in ways that disrupt social peace. The goal, he said, is to build a society where newcomers understand local values and coexist harmoniously. Managing Singapores overall package View full Image Senior minister Lee pointedly described how some foreigners have imported foreign disputes or flaunted their wealth in ways that disrupt social peace ( REUTERS ) For senior minister Lee, the issue goes beyond etiquette its about identity. It is important to manage the overall package, he said. Such that Singapore has an economy with the manpower it needs and also a society which can maintain identity and cohesion. Singapore built by immigrants, still learning to balance diversity Foreigners make up nearly one-third of Singapores population a testament to its status as one of Asias most globalised economies. The city-state relies heavily on migrant workers, foreign professionals, and entrepreneurs to sustain its economic growth and offset an ageing local population. With Singapores population reaching a record 6.11 million as of June 2025 of which approximately 1.91 million are non-residents or foreign workers the city-state depends heavily on global manpower even as it strives to preserve its cultural cohesion. Singapore's senior minister said this reliance comes with challenges. Apart from the security risks if some bring in their foreign disputes, these substantial numbers can also cause social issues to arise, and foreigners have to understand Singapores rules and norms, he said. Sadly, with the worlds most powerful nation, the US, having withdrawn from the Paris pact of 2015, the world is unlikely to make much headway on either stalling climate change or cushioning people from the effects of a planet at risk of exceeding the cap we had agreed upon. By the Paris treaty, all parties are legally bound to limit global warming to well below 2 Celsius above the pre-industrial level, with a cap of 1.5 Celsius as the collective aim. Japan is doing what President Donald Trump has demanded: increasing defence spending. But as Americas influence in the Indo-Pacific wanes, Tokyo has the opportunity to play a bigger role in the regions security. Japanss Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is determined to convince Trump shes serious about boosting the nations military capabilities. A protege of the late Shinzo Abethe original Trump whisperershes eager to cultivate the same kind of personal rapport the former PM had with the US leader. Ahead of their meeting in Tokyo on Tuesday, she announced Japan will spend 2% of GDP on defence by next spring, two years ahead of schedule. The government also plans to roll back defence export restrictions, build weapons factories and accelerate investment in the military. The Trump administration has pushed European allies to boost defence spending to 5% of GDP and is making similar demands of its partners in Asia, including Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. Getting out in front of that narrative shows that Tokyo is proactive, not reactive. Japan is already facing significant security concerns in its own backyard, as the countrys 2025 defence white paper notes. Chinas military modernization is accelerating, the Peoples Liberation Army has increased exercises around Taiwan, North Koreas army is getting more advanced, and Russias war in Ukraine is continuing to worry security chiefs in Tokyo. This has convinced Tokyo it needs to strengthen capabilities and reinvigorate the defence industry, Sarah Soh, associate research fellow at the Singapore-based S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, said. To do this comprehensively, Japan needs stability in leadership which it currently lacks," she told me. Takaichi faces a tough political test. She is Japans first female prime minister and leads a fragile coalition. Her hawkish stance plays well in America but risks blowback from China. To achieve her promises, her minority government needs cooperation from the opposition. Japans pacifist constitution continues to provoke debate. But public opinion is shifting. In 2024, 84% of respondents in a Yomiuri Shimbun poll said they felt the nations security was under threat, while 71% supported the strengthening of defence capabilities. Takaichi, who has been in her role for just about a week, is seeing some initial successa Nikkei newspaper poll showed approval ratings for her government touching 74%. But a lot is riding on how she handles Trump. The American president came to Japan from Malaysia, where he attended the Association of Southeast Asian Nations leaders forum. He sealed trade deals with other Asian nations and presided over the signing of the Thailand-Cambodia peace agreement (how much peace was achieved is debatable). His team has also ironed out thorny details of a pact between Washington and Beijing ahead of a meeting between President Xi Jinping and Trump in South Korea later this week. Public faith in the US is falling. An annual poll by Yomiuri Shimbun in June showed that only 22% of respondents somewhat or greatly trust Washington, the lowest figure since the poll was first conducted in 2000. According to an Asahi Shimbun survey, 77% do not think that the US would defend Japan in a crisis, despite being a treaty ally. That means Tokyo must work on both the domestic and international fronts, and think beyond bullets and missiles and invest in areas such as cyber defence and electronic warfare. The nations Self-Defense Forces are facing serious challenges in recruitment, with only about 10,000 personnel hired in 2023half of the quota of about 20,000. Also Read | China is using a Pacific Islands huddle to squeeze out Taiwan Japan faces specific defence challenges from China. Tokyo is worried about the sustained presence of Beijings coast guard and naval ships around uninhabited islands in the East China Sea that Japan controls but China lays claim to. Leading military drills in contested waters rather than relying on the US to run them would be more effective. Boosting coordination with other partners who share similar grievances could also help. Tokyo is already offering some support to small and middle powers, such as Australia, South Korea, India and the Philippines. It could cooperate further in their joint efforts to push back against Beijings influence in the Indo-Pacific. Takaichi could [have] also urged Trump to make clear the US position on Taiwan, amid concerns that he will go soft on China in order to reach a deal with Xi. [However, the leaders mutually agreed on the importance of peace along the Taiwan Strait]. Tokyo has a chance to show it is capable of providing a steady hand in a region that has long depended on American leadership. It shouldnt waste it. Bloomberg The author is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering Asia politics with a special focus on China. Amid the torrent of regulatory notifications from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) after its last monetary policy meeting, one of the pleasant surprises was its green-lighting of the financing of mergers and acquisitions (M&As) by domestic banks, placing them at par with their global peers. This move is likely to foster innovation and nudge stronger banks to adopt best global practices even as they work on a best-fit model to serve corporate clients along their entire financial life-cycle. It is rather surprising that the M&A sphere was not open to public sector banks earlier. RBIs draft circular outlines guard-rails for acquisition finance by banks to listed Indian corporates for acquiring equity stakes in domestic or foreign companies as strategic investments: it limits such exposures to 10% of a banks Tier 1 capital, with funding for each deal capped at 70% of the acquisition value, and prescribes robust eligibility, security, margin, monitoring and disclosure norms as mandatory safeguards. Also Read | RBIs banking rule revisions are a pragmatic response to weak animal spirits In principle, M&As let firms grow inorganically by acquiring companies that offer complementary business opportunities. M&A benefits can range from product diversification and supply chain de-risking to forward or backward integration, among others. Mergers can also be justified on the grounds of creating economies of scale, so that the newly combined entity has lower average costs. While the economic rationale of M&As is well laid out, divergences exist in how the acquirer must finance the acquisition of its target. M&A activity can be financed using a range of methods from cash deals to debt financing and the use of equity as a currency. Further, the level of cash available with the acquirer and time involved could determine the success of a merger. Indian corporates are sitting on cash worth more than 10 trillion, which makes this a favourable moment to give this market a boost. The Indian corporate landscape boasts of over 2.8 million registered companies. Of these, only 7,500-odd are listed. While M&As between two non-listed companies are governed by bilateral negotiations, in the case of listed companies, the procedure is well laid out by Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) rules, which state that an acquirer (including persons acting in concert) must publicly make an open offer to acquire shares from the public if its (or their) acquisition of shares or voting rights in a listed company reaches or exceeds 25%. Sebis takeover rules are designed to protect the interests of minority shareholders by ensuring transparency and fairness in such transactions. RBIs draft circular now offers direction on bank financing of M&As for listed entities. This start will have two advantages. First, both the market and a bank looking to finance such a deal would now benefit from the signals of price movements. Second, since listed entities are mostly rated, a rating agencys view will help in making assessments. From a macroeconomic perspective too, the move will be beneficial. Foreign entities funding M&A activity in India by giving dollar loans adds to our external debt. If Indian banks participate in this space, it will help check the build-up of external debt and reduce vulnerability on that front. Based on Indias M&A market for deal ticket sizes of 2,000 crore and above, the overall debt requirement is estimated at 4 trillion. Banks will not fund all of it. At a 30% estimated potential, debt financed by banks for M&As will work out to 1.2 trillion. This is very small, given the size of our banking system and the risk buffers in use. The current strength of banks permits this amount of risk without compromising financial stability. Concerns over the financing of M&As by Indian banks, as raised in certain circles, are based on unsubstantiated assumptions. An activity that is already permitted for non-Indian banks cannot be blocked just because it involves complex financial engineering, as that amounts to questioning the abilities of such banks. An M&A restriction echoes the Development Finance Institution model of the late 1990s, when entities like IDBI, IFCI and ICICIs had the exclusive privilege of term financing. Indian banks did not lack the expertise for it, but were busy fulfilling the working capital needs of corporate India. Likewise, banks have been kept out of M&As, but have the wherewithal for it. Companies are being registered at a breakneck speed in India; nearly 180,000 companies have been incorporated annually in recent years. We have about 160,000 startups, with a sizeable number of soonicorns and minicorns scaling up. Private equity as well as venture capital deals have been high after the pandemic. Family-owned businesses have been opening up their boardrooms. Mature Indian startups have been moving their headquarters onshore from Singapore, Dubai and the US. Private investors have been exiting startups with shares being listed for new investors to replace them, often with valuation gains. With many sectors poised for consolidation, we can expect deal volumes and value to rise sharply. Thus, opening the M&A space to Indian banks could lend the corporate sector added dynamism. State-backed lenders in China, Germany, Brazil and South Korea support domestic and outbound M&As. Indias top banks today have the balance sheet heft, reach and risk management resilience to underwrite complex and large M&As. RBIs move, therefore, is both timely and pragmatic. These are the authors personal views. The author is a part-time member of the 16th Finance Commission and PMEAC, and group chief economic advisor, State Bank of India. US President Donald Trump finally brought the hammer down on Russias two largest oil producers. His new sanctions , announced last week, target Rosneft and Lukoilthe twin engines of Russias oil revenue and its war in Ukraine. So far, the oil market seems unimpressed. Traders are betting this is another instance of tough talk with little follow-through. But this time may be different: The political context surrounding the sanctions has changed. The market might be underestimating their sticking power. After years of fiddling with ineffective price caps and Trumps misguided secondary tariffs, the president has imposed sanctions that could have real teeth, freezing U.S. financial assets held by Russias largest state-owned oil producer, its largest private oil company, and those companies majority-owned subsidiaries. Rosneft produced 3.62 million barrels per day in the first half of this year, and Lukoil has extensive international assets including retail and distribution in Europe. Together, these firms account for nearly half of Russian crude exports. More important for the global oil market, the Treasury threatened secondary sanctions against companies that do business with Rosneft or Lukoil. Unless those buyers can entirely evade the U.S. financial system and the long arm of the Treasury, transactions with the firms would place them in jeopardy. It is a threat that no company can take lightly. Buyers have until Nov. 21 to wind down transactions with Rosneft and Lukoil. India will be a key testing ground for the sanctions. The country emerged as Russias most indispensable buyer since the war on Ukraine. It was purchasing nearly 2 million b/d of Russian crude in recent months. Now, Indian refining giant Reliance Industries claims it will comply with the new sanctions and may declare force majeure on its 10-year, 500,000 b/d term contract with Rosneft. Other privately held and state-owned refiners in India will likely follow suit, even if buyers like Nayara Energypartly owned by Rosneftcontinue business as usual. View Full Image . The threat of secondary sanctions should also reshape thinking in Turkey and other large buyers of Russian oil. China is the most likely exception. There are early indications that Chinese national oil companies will curb imports of sanctioned Russian oil. But Chinas independent refiners have absorbed most of the sanctioned oil volumes in recent years from exporters like Iran, Russia, and Venezuela. Chinas so-called teapot refinersprivately owned companiesare less exposed to the U.S. financial system and the reach of Group of Seven watchdogs, so they can be expected to snap up the discounted volumes once again. Ultimately, Chinas behavior uptake may have less to do with sanctions pressure and more to do with dwindling import quotas for the countrys independent refiners. Naturally, everyone is skeptical that Washingtons sanctions are serious. For months, Trump failed to target Russias dark fleet of tankers carrying sanctioned oil, the offshore middlemen trading that oil, or the financial backers of this shadow trade. The White House also hasnt enforced some of the most effective sanctions on the books. Until this summer, sanctions prevented buyers from accepting cargoes from Russias blacklisted Arctic LNG 2 project. But since August, China has imported 10 Arctic LNG 2 cargoes with impunity. The lack of a U.S. response has been all the more puzzling, since these volumes compete with U.S. LNG. But political calculations have shifted. Trump finally seems to have lost patience with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putins longstanding strategy of stalling, playing for time, and engaging in pantomime negotiations may have backfired. Trump last week delayed a planned summit with Putin in Hungary, claiming he didnt want to engage in a wasted meeting." And the White House has reason to feel confident that the oil market can absorb a sanctions shock. The International Energy Agency recently predicted an untenable" oil surplus of up to 4 million b/d by early 2026 (although the IEA chronically underestimates demand). Perhaps OPEC+ countries, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, have offered assurances that they can keep the market well supplied in the event of dwindling Russian exports. Trumps confidence in the oil market has so far been validated. The market reacted to yet another major news story with a collective shrug. Brent crude oil didnt even rise above $70 per barrel after the sanctions announcement. Of course, workarounds are inevitable, and a notoriously fickle president could certainly change his stance. But the political and market context has changed. For the first time, it seems the market may be too complacent about Trumps willingness to pressure Russia. About the author: Ben Cahill is Director for Energy Markets and Policy at the Center for Energy and Environmental Systems Analysis at the University of Texas at Austin. President Trump blew up Americas decadeslong engagement with China during his first term. Now, he is poised to relaunch the kind of engagement with Beijing embraced by predecessors from Bill Clinton to Barack Obamabut on Trumps terms. Top trade negotiators for the U.S. and China, wrapping up two days of tense talks in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, said they arrived at a framework agreement that sets the table for Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping to agree on a major deal when they meet Thursday in South Korea. The deal itself appears to be a transactional truce, potentially involving China resuming purchases of U.S. soybeans and delaying new controls on rare-earth minerals. On the table for the U.S. is shelving new tariffs, rolling back the 20% levy on China over its role in the fentanyl crisis in the U.S., and potentially refraining from taking new policy actions against China. But there is more to the agreement than just a temporary cease-fire. It is the first plank in a newly structured, high-level dialogue, intended to lock in a full year of leader-led diplomacy. The schedule is ambitious: Trump is expected to travel to Beijing early next year followed by a reciprocal visit from Xi later that year. For Trump, its a stunning reversal. The first Trump presidency put the U.S. and China on a pathway toward long-term, unquestionable competition, if not confrontation," said Evan Medeiros, a former senior national-security official in the Obama administration and now a professor at Georgetown University. Now it appears that Trump is flipping his own script on China, initiating a new phase of more and higher-level engagement." Beyond high-level diplomacy, the truce sets the stage for a tactical stabilization of the relationship over the next year. View Full Image Trump met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in 2019 at a G-20 summit in Osaka, Japan. This detente pivots Trump back to his preferred role as the central dealmaker, securing short-term economic relieflike resumed soybean purchasesthat plays well with Republican voting states. This new, highly structured diplomatic calendar contrasts sharply with his first-term approach. While Trump met with Xi during his first presidency, that engagement was often ad hoc and overshadowed by escalating tariff battles, lacking the formal, reciprocal scheduling now being proposed. It is also a dynamic that analysts say provides Beijing with advantages. The thinking in Beijings policymaking circles, according to people who consult with Chinese officials, is that Xi is approaching his near-term objective: a strategic stalemate"an enduring equilibrium where American pressure becomes manageable and China buys time to catch up to the U.S. Still, this pivot to re-engagement doesnt mark a return to the past. The old engagement, championed by decades of U.S. policymakers, was built on a liberal, aspirational hope: that economic integration would inevitably lead to a more open, politically reformed China. Even Obamas so-called pivot to Asia" strategy was predicated on engagement with Beijing, backed with a military buildup in the region. View Full Image Trump has said he would press China to resume purchases of U.S. soybeans. The Trump 2.0 version, by contrast, appears born of necessity. This new framework isnt about partnership, cooperation or shared values. Instead, some analysts say, it is a cold-eyed recognition that open confrontation has become too costly and that critical U.S. interestsfrom managing Chinas chokehold on rare-earth minerals to stanching the flow of fentanylrequire a transactional dialogue. It is an attempt to establish rules for a managed, long-term superpower rivalry, these analysts say. This detente is built on fragile ground. The fundamental stress points in the relationshipfrom the future of Taiwan and military maneuvers in the South China Sea to the race for supremacy in artificial intelligence and quantum computingremain unresolved and volatile. And for an administration that thrives on unpredictability, this new script could be only one geopolitical provocation, or one presidential social-media post, away from being flipped all over again. A trade truce will not change the path of the U.S.-China competition or increase trust between the U.S. and China," said Daniel Bahar, a former assistant U.S. trade representative who was involved in negotiations during Trumps first-term trade war with China. But it will buy time for each side to continue to derisk from the other, like China pushing for self-sufficiency in the chip sector and the U.S. racing to build alternative rare-earth supply chains," said Bahar, now a managing director at Rock Creek Global Advisors in Washington. Each side will use the truce to be better prepared for the next trade battle." View Full Image A China Coast Guard ship navigating in August in the South China Sea. Time is what Xi needs most. With Chinas economy battling a persistent slowdown, this framework provides a crucial window of stability. It pauses the trade war, removes immediate economic threats and allows Beijing to focus on its domestic frailties. At the conclusion of a high-level Communist Party meeting last week, Beijing made clear what it plans to do with that time: double down on a five-year growth strategy focused on heavy state-directed investments in manufacturing and technology. Critically, the concessions from Beijing this week are tactical, not structural. Any agreement to buy U.S. soybeans would be a return to the status quo, not a fundamental reform. The compromises reflect a new playbook Xi has devised for Trump 2.0 that involves making calculated concessions to appease the president while standing firm on issues of core interest to Beijing. The truce doesnt address the core issues that started the confrontation during Trumps first termChinas massive state subsidies, intellectual property theft and the state-led drive for technological dominance. The truce also offers valuable symbolism for both Xi and Trump. For Trump, it provides a platform for the U.S. president to project his image as a master dealmaker who engages with a chief rival, demonstrating that his tough-on-China stance has drawn Beijing back into talks, all on his own terms. For Xi, the prospect of a state visit to Washingtona prize he hasnt enjoyed since Obama hosted him in 2015is a powerful tool to bolster his image on the world stage. Beijing, for its part, has been angling for a Trump visit. If that happens, Xi, who hosted in September an extravagant military parade in Beijing where he was surrounded by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, would be able to show his people that even the American president wants to come to China. At a time of persistent economic uncertainty at home, this pageantry would amount to a profound political gift. It would allow Xi to burnish an image of a global statesman, signaling to his domestic audience and the world that China has successfully weathered the storm of American confrontation and forced Washington back to the negotiating table. Write to Lingling Wei at Lingling.Wei@wsj.com 56-inch chest is quiet, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh took a subtle jab at Prime Minister Narendra Modi after US President Donald Trump on Tuesday reiterated his assertions about his role in halting Operation Sindoor in May. Ramesh, sharing a clip from Trump's public address, said it was the 56th time the US President has boasted about his role in bringing the military escalation between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack to a sudden stop. Donald Trump is currently in South Korea, the last leg of his Asia tour for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit. He reiterated his role in ending the India-Pakistan war for the 56th time in South Korea and Japan. He has previously made the same claims in the US, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UK. Here's what Jairam Ramesh said: In a post on X, Ramesh said, This is President Trump addressing the APEC CEO Summit in South Korea just a few minutes ago. Much more detailed than before. 56th time that President Trump has spoken about the abrupt halt to Operation Sindoor. But the self-styled but now thoroughly shrunken and deeply exposed 56-inch chest is still quiet, he added. In a previous tweet, the Congress leader shared Trump's address to business leaders in Japan last evening and said, No wonder his good friend in New Delhi does not want to hug him any more. What did Donald Trump say? At the APEC CEOs Luncheon in Gyeongju, South Korea, Donald Trump reiterated his disputed claim that his intervention helped de-escalate tensions between the two nuclear-armed nations India and Pakistan and claimed that seven planes were shot down during the conflict. Trump said that he personally contacted both PM Modi and Pakistan's leadership to halt the hostilities, linking the resolution to trade negotiations. I'm doing a trade deal with India, and I have great respect and love for Prime Minister Modi. We have a great relationship, he said. .I'm reading that seven planes were shot down. These are two nuclear nations. And they're really going at it, he added. Trump said that he called Prime Minister Modi and said, We can't make a trade deal with you. You're starting a war with Pakistan. We're not going to do it. He also said that he then called Pakistan and said, We're not going to do trade with you because you're fighting with India. 'No, no, you should let us fight.' They both said that. They're strong people, Trump said. He then lavished praise on PM Narendra Modi as the nicest-looking guy: He looks like you'd like to have your father, but he's a killer. He's tough as hell. 'No, we will fight,' [PM Modi said]. I said, 'Whoa, this is the same man that I know,' Trump added. After literally two days, they called up and they said, 'We understand,' and they stopped fighting. How is that? Isn't that amazing? Now, do you think Biden would have done that? I don't think so, he concluded. Comet 3I/ATLAS only the third known interstellar object to enter our solar system made its closest pass by the Sun on Friday, October 30, 2025. Scientists are watching as the comet is expected to undergo major changes while it made its closest approach to the Sun. The comet reached perihelion (its nearest point to the Sun), coming within 1.36 astronomical units (AU) or roughly 1.36 times the distance between the Earth and the Sun. The comet is expected to reappear around November 11, emerging in the eastern predawn sky. However, skywatchers will need a large telescope at least 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter to spot it. 3I/ATLAS will never be visible to the naked eye, remaining a faint but fascinating visitor for astronomers. At present, 3I/ATLAS is behind the Sun from Earths viewpoint, moving through the sky during daytime. This makes it invisible to ground-based observers through early November as its obscured by the Suns glare. However, for Gen Z and millennials, who prefer paper straws and paper bags to curb their carbon footprint, the shift in the digital world feels like a moral dilemma. Young people are encouraged to adopt greener lifestyles while being introduced to digital systems that produce a mostly invisible environmental footprint. The climate crisis has been one of the top concerns for millennials and Gen Zs globally. Deloitte Globals 2025 Gen Z and Millennial Survey found that roughly two-thirds of both cohorts felt anxious about climate change and were willing to pay more to purchase environmentally sustainable products and services. I should be able to choose. I didnt ask for AI-generated search results," says Delhi-based Agnes Thomas, 28, a digital marketing manager. By choice, I would not want to work with AI at all." Yashita Gupta, a lawyer and climate educator who co-founded Prakriti Bodh, an initiative introducing climate education to children, concurs. Even the simplest websites come loaded with AI be it Zoom or email. I never agreed to this." Carbon emitter AI automation promises speed and ease, but at a growing ecological cost. Since 2019, Googles carbon emissions have increased by 51%, driven largely by the energy demands of its AI infrastructure. Training a single large model like GPT-3 can emit as much carbon dioxide as five American cars do over their entire lifetimes, according to an MIT Tech Review report. Googles own sustainability data shows that its data centres consumed more than 5.6 billion gallons of water in 2022 used mostly to cool AI servers. This is equivalent to the annual water intake of 15-20 million people. Apart from water, electricity consumption by data centres is also going to take up a substantial share4.5% of the global consumption by 2030, according to SemiAnalysis. AI is becoming one of the most resource-intensive parts of the tech sector," says Shaolei Ren, a researcher on AI and energy at the University of California, Riverside. Its emissions are on track to rival, even exceed, the public health impacts of road transport emissions in major US states by 2030." AI and India In countries like India, the stakes are even higher. The AI infrastructure boom is unfolding atop already fragile energy and water systems. The countrys data centre capacity is expected to grow 77% by 2027 from the current levels, reaching 1.8 GW, according to global real estate services firm JLL. Metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Chennai have emerged as key hubs, many of which are already grappling with water scarcity. Weve seen this elsewhere," says Ren. In Chile, Spain, and Arizona, communities have protested against data centres hoarding water during droughts." However, despite the risks, the usage of AI has become a part of life globally. Nearly 80% of ChatGPT users in India say they use it on a daily or weekly basis. As of mid-2025, ChatGPT alone processed over 2.5 billion prompts per day, a 150% jump from late 2024. Around 35% of these prompts are for work or productivity tasks, 22% for coding, 18% for education, and 15% for content creation. According to Dr. Mohammed Atiqul Islam, assistant professor of computer science and engineering at the University of Texas, with AI addressing millions of queries from millions of users, inference (process input data and generate an output) ends up dominating the total energy consumption at the data centres. Opting out is increasingly difficult as AI usage becomes ubiquitous and institutionally embedded. In 2024, 78% of organizations globally used AI in at least one business function, up from 55% the year before, according to a report by McKinsey and Company in March this year. In India alone, 87% of GDP sectors are already using AI at the enthusiast or expert level, a 2024 Nasscom report showed. In fact, AI adoption rate is the highest in the country at 59%, closely followed by the UAE (58%), an analysis by Forbes Advisor India showed. Also Read | Act now to keep the most advanced AI models within Indias reach AI is also becoming increasingly entrenched in the public sphere, driven by the Indian governments growing adoption of the technology. The AI Competency Framework launched in April 2025 is now training over 3.1 million civil servants in ethical and context-aware AI deployment. AI-enabled MyGov Helpdesk on WhatsApp handled over 36 million citizen queries during Covid, while state-level AI chatbots like IRCTCs AskDISHA and NPCIs PAi are now embedded in public service delivery. Yet, only five Indian states have formal AI policies, exposing governance gaps despite widespread usage. Whats the fix? Some tech companies are pitching a cleaner path forward with Green AI: the idea of training smaller, more efficient models or powering data centres with renewables. You can run a data center on solar or wind power with zero carbon and zero water impact. Dry cooling is possible. These setups are more expensive but doable," says Dr. Islam. Ren is cautiously optimistic. Green AI is promising but without regulation or reporting mandates, voluntary efforts wont be enough. We need the digital equivalent of nutrition labels, that is, standardised disclosures on water and energy use." As AI weaves deeper into the fabric of work, services, and governance, the question of choice becomes increasingly urgent. Whether people have a real choice in adopting AI depends on how the regulatory space evolves," says Dr. Aakansha Natani, assistant professor at IIT Hyderabad. There are two contrasting regulatory approaches. Ex-ante, where you anticipate risks and regulate in advance, like the EUs AI Act; and ex-post, where you wait for issues to emerge and then respond, like the US model." As the AI age dawns, the question remains: Can a generation in a do-or-die climate fight afford to fuel the AI that is making it worse? AI startup Character.AI has said that it will ban users under 18 from having conversations with its chatbot. The comapny has announced that users under 18 will immediately get to have only two hours of open ended chats with its AI and it will turn into a complete ban by 25th November. The decision by the company as there is mounting pressure on AI companies about the potentially harmful impact of their products on the mental health of teens. Until the complete ban comes into effect, the AI startup says it will work to build an under-18 experience which gives teens ways to be creative like creating videos, stories and streams with characters. Character.AI says it has built an in-house model to determine user age and will also be using tools from age verification startup Persona to to help ensure users receive the right experience for their age. Why is Character.AI banning minors? Explaining the reason behind the changes, Character.AI after receiving questions from regulators about the content teens may encounter when chatting with AI and about how open-ended AI chat in general might affect teens We do not take this step of removing open-ended Character chat lightly but we do think that its the right thing to do given the questions that have been raised about how teens do, and should, interact with this new technology. the company said in a blogpost. In recent days there have been a number of lawsuits coming against AI companies with parents alleging that their teenager died by or attempted suicide after interacting with a chatbot. In one case filed in Florida against Character.ai, the complainants alleged that a 14 year boy died by suicide after getting attached to a chatbot impersonating Game of Thrones character Daenerys Targaryen. In another case, a family has alleged that Character.AI chatbot encouraged their 17 year old son towards self-harm and suggested that murdering his parents would be a reasonable solution. * Trump suggests he may negotiate with Xi over exports of Nvidia AI chip * Exporting lesser version of Nvidia's Blackwell would still cut U.S. AI advantage * Allowing the chips to China could effectively do away with AI chip export controls By Karen Freifeld Oct 29 - If the Trump administration allows Nvidia to sell a version of its best AI chip to China, as the President opened the door to on Wednesday, experts say it would severely decrease the American advantage in artificial intelligence. It could also effectively spell the end of U.S. chip export restrictions, which were put in place in 2022 to make sure Beijing's military would not benefit from American technology, and to slow the development of China's AI efforts. "If we decide to export B30As, it would dramatically shrink the U.S.'s main advantage it currently has over China in AI," said Tim Fist, co-author of a just-completed analysis of the impact of allowing China the B30A chip, a downgraded version of Nvidia's state-of-the-art Blackwell chip. TRUMP MAY DISCUSS 'SUPER-DUPER' CHIP U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he may speak to Chinese President Xi Jinping about Nvidia's "super-duper" Blackwell chip at their Thursday meeting. The comments echoed those he made in August suggesting he might allow a 30 or 50 percent scaled-down version of Nvidia's top chip to China. But, Fist said, the B30A is a version of the best Nvidia chip in different packaging: China could buy twice as many and get the same result, likely at the same price. A spokesperson for Nvidia declined comment. In the paper, published on Saturday, Fist and his co-authors analyzed nine scenarios covering a range of export strategies the administration might take for a downgraded Blackwell chip. BEST- AND WORST-CASE SCENARIOS In the best scenario, where no powerful chips are exported to China next year, the U.S. would have 30 times the AI computing power than China. In the worst, where the U.S. allows the export of the B30A and comparable chips from other U.S. companies, China could surpass the U.S. in terms of how much AI computing power they gain in 2026. Even in a median scenario, where a small amount of the chips is exported, the U.S. advantage shrinks to four times China's computing power, the analysis found. "If any meaningful quantities are allowed, it's a huge change," said Fist, director of emerging technology policy at the Institute for Progress, a Washington-based think tank. "It's functionally ending the export control regime that we have today." Chris McGuire, a national security and technology expert who served in the U.S. State Department until last summer, agreed. "If this chip is allowed to go, there are effectively no AI chip export controls anymore," McGuire said. "The reason we have a big advantage on AI is because we have big advantages in computing power and in chips. If we give that away, best case is, it's like a tie. Worst case, we fall behind." "We would be trading China our most advanced technology for soybean purchases," McGuire said. We have up to $5,000 reward cash available to help catch a murder suspect. This week, we go to East Ridge and try to help solve a case that has been open nearly two months. If you can help, you will remain anonymous and could be on the way to a big payday. A local brewery is giving back to the community by hosting a trivia night in recognition of two long-time customers who police say were shot and killed last week by a former employee. Oddstory Brewing Company employees say Ivan Aldergot and Tobias Gleinig showed up almost every week, for years. Steady progress of China's economy adds precious certainty to world 10:02, October 29, 2025 By He Yin ( People's Daily A robotic dog manufactured by a tech firm is exhibited at the 138th edition of the China Import and Export Fair, or the Canton Fair in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong province, Oct. 17, 2025. (Photo/Huang Taiming) On Oct. 20, China's National Bureau of Statistics released data on the country's economic performance for the first three quarters of 2025. The figures indicate China's GDP grew by 5.2 percent year on year, 0.2 and 0.4 percentage points higher than the growth rates for the whole of last year and the same period last year, respectively, laying a solid foundation for achieving the year's main targets. At a time when global growth momentum remains weak and uncertainty is mounting, China's steady and sustained economic performance has become a valuable source of certainty for the world economy. With a growth rate of 5.2 percent, China remains among the top performers among major economies and continues to serve as one of the most stable and reliable engines of global economic growth. Despite mounting external pressures and internal challenges, China's economy has demonstrated remarkable resilience: maintaining overall stability while achieving structural improvements in key sectors. China's total imports and exports of goods rose by 4 percent year-on-year in the first three quarters, underscoring strong resilience. As Reuters noted, this reflects China's progress in diversifying both its export markets and product portfolio. New energy vehicles roll off the production line in a general assembly workshop of a carmaker in Xiangyang, central China's Hubei province. (Photo/Xie Yong) Amid headwinds against globalization, China's emerging trade drivers continue to grow, market diversification advances steadily, and exports increasingly shift toward higher-value, technologically sophisticated goods. These developments contribute significantly to stabilizing global industrial and supply chains. This economic stability stems from China's disciplined focus on domestic priorities, leveraging high-quality development strategies to navigate global uncertainties. Proactive and targeted macro policies have boosted consumption, upgraded industries, fostered new growth drivers, and kept economic circulation smooth while advancing high-standard opening up. These efforts have not only stabilized the economic fundamentals in the short term but also built momentum for long-term growth. Notably, final consumption expenditure accounted for 53.5% of China's GDP growth during this period, confirming its role as the economy's primary driver. The continued effects of major policies to strengthen the economy and foster new drivers, including those aligned with major national strategies, building up security capacity in key areas, as well as the large-scale renewal of equipment and the trade-in of consumer goods, have extended to the production side, stimulating sectors such as equipment and consumer goods manufacturing, and promoting green manufacturing and digital technology upgrades. Efforts to build a unified national market have accelerated cross-regional flow of goods, talent, and capital, enhancing supply chain efficiency. With ample policy space, diverse tools, and well-prepared reserves, China has the capacity to ensure steady and sound economic performance. At the recent 138th edition of the China Import and Export Fair, or the Canton Fair, booths showcasing robotics, smart manufacturing, and other high-tech products drew long lines of international visitors. As the integration of science, technology, and industry continues to deepen, more innovations are moving from laboratories to production lines, turning innovation potential into real economic momentum. China is developing new quality productivity adapted to local conditions, optimizing economic structures, and facilitating orderly transitions between traditional and emerging growth drivers. Container vessels dock at a fully automated terminal of Qingdao Port in Qingdao, east China's Shandong province. (Photo/Zhang Jingang) Traditional industries are embracing digital transformation through internet, AI, and digital technologies, accelerating equipment renewal and technological upgrades to gain new dynamism. Wind and solar power generation recorded double-digit growth during the reporting period. Production of new energy vehicles surged 29.7% year-on-year, while automotive lithium-ion battery output increased 46.9 percent, making China's economic growth greener. As the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) concludes, China's economy has surpassed milestones of 110 trillion ($15.44 trillion), 120 trillion, and 130 trillion yuan, contributing around 30 percent of global growth annually. This makes China one of the world's most important drivers of economic progress. Despite profound changes unseen in a century, China has maintained overall economic stability, strengthened development foundations, and achieved new milestones in economic and social progress, laying a more solid groundwork and building greater confidence for the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030). Amid global uncertainties, the fundamentals underpinning China's economic stability, growth momentum, and resilience remain unchanged. Going forward, by giving full play to policy effectiveness, advancing high-quality development, and accelerating the development of new quality productive forces, China has both the confidence and the capability to sustain steady growth, and will continue to provide strong support for global economic recovery and development. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Gardai have charged three suspects in connection with an alleged brawl and assault in Longford town on Saturday, October 18. One man, who is from a local family, was brought to Midlands Regional Hospital, Mullingar by ambulance where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries. The alleged brawl occurred at around 9.30pm on Ballymahon Street and officers believe up to 10 men were involved in some capacity. John Paul Stokes of 40 Palace Crescent, Sean Stokes of 29 Ardnacassa Avenue, Longford and Patrick Stokes of 6 Cartron Brack, Lisbrack Road, Longford were brought before Judge Adrian Harris at a sitting of local district court last Friday. Also read: 'Exceptional' prisoner who teaches other prisoners to cook pleads guilty to 3m Longford arson Garda Peter Vesey gave evidence that on Friday, October 24 he arrested the trio and they were all charged between 4.05pm and 4.50pm with two offences namely assault causing harm (section 3) and violent disorder. None of the accused men made any reply after being cautioned. Conditions of bail set out were agreed. The three defendants all applied for bail through their solicitor Andrew Broderick and this was granted subject to several strict conditions, which the legal representative said he had no issue with. The conditions included to reside at their stipulated address, to notify Gardai of any change of address, to observe a curfew between the hours of 10pm until 7am and proof of compliance, no contact directly or indirectly with any witnesses and to refrain from use of social media. Also read: Hero Longford garda honoured for bravery saving stricken colleague held at gunpoint The trio were also directed to provide a mobile phone number and to be contactable at all times and to report any changes to that number. Inspector Jordan requested an adjournment until November 25 to this court for DPPs directions, possible counter allegations and to review the curfew on that date. Judge Harris agreed and he remanded the trio on bail on their own bond of 500. Also read: Longford Gardai hit disabled bay parking perpetrators with fines Longford County Council STEM officer Siobhan Grealy presented a seminar in the Longford Library on October 22, from 7pm. The talk, which was about internet safety for a childs first smartphone, tackled many issues such as downloading apps, communicating, a digital footprint and artificial intelligence. With a constant reminder that technology is constantly evolving, the seminar was hosted before parents and guardians who wanted to learn more about how and when to give a child a phone. Also speaking at the event was Sgt James Rowan, who was added to the informative presentation. Read more: New principal appointed to work in Abbeylara National School Accompanied by a slideshow presentation illustrating the key concepts, Siobhan Grealy supplied advice rather than rules. Im not going to tell you whats right but give a few tools and resources, she said in her introduction. Saying that her role is to support, she first addressed the childs readiness, which has no determined answer as one twelve-year-old might be ready, whereas another may not have the responsibility to tackle the unsupervised web. Emphasising that parents and guardians are the best judges of their own child, emotional maturity was the main factor here. Siobhan compared it to a whole new world that is much different to letting a child go to school. One is surveilled to be addressed if anything is wrong, whereas the internet is much more expansive. Theres no teacher there to check, she said. Online safety is about how to behave, how to be treated and how to be safe. Following this, she advised on having a digital talk for parents to have with their children on how to be safe. One of the main focuses was how children needed to know that there is traceability to everything. Further suggestions included telling them about not leaving a negative footprint, as everyone has feelings. Otherwise, this could lead to cyberbullying. Its a minefield, she said about apps. I advise you to look at parental controls and age-appropriate apps. These apps are amazing, with great benefits to have communication with friends, as well as entertainment. Ask your kids about downloaded apps and know their passwords. It shouldnt be a hard ask. Siobhan explained how AI is everywhere through voice recognition, predictive texts and how it runs on algorithms. She warned that things can be thrown at children that parents and guardians may not want them to see, hence why parental controls are vital. Finally, Siobhan brought up misinformation and the importance of critical thinking, to not rely on AI and actively research, question and validate so that children can find an accurate conclusion. Read more: High number of spoiled votes in Longford and low Humphreys support a 'disappointment' Afterwards, there was a small Q & A session with the audience over anything that they wanted clarified further. The latter part of the evening was Sgt James Rowan giving further advice and how to tackle any dangers that may occur when a child is online. He supplied plenty of informative resources for parents and guardians if they needed to seek help for their child. There has been increasing concern rippling through the towns throughout County Longford in relation to dependencies on drugs, vaping, gambling and alcohol. This heightened concern has been acknowledged by addiction support services in Longford County and they have come together to provide some free, accessible, engaging, thought provoking and hopeful information evenings. Read more: High number of spoiled votes in Longford and low Humphreys support a 'disappointment' There will be three events taking place across County Longford in order to accommodate and ensure accessibility to all members of the public. The first of these events will be held on Tuesday, November 4 at 7.30pm in the Longford GAA grounds. The second event is being held on Wednesday, November 5 in Bridgeways FRC in Ballymahon at 7.30pm and the third event is being held on Tuesday, November 18 in Lus na Greine FRC in Granard at 7:30pm. Katie-Anne O`Toole is the Problem Gambling Psychotherapist based in the Family Resource Centres in Longford and she has been consistently working to illuminate the growing trend in problem gambling and the detrimental and harmful effects this can cause for the person with the gambling problem as well as the family member. Katie-Anne also speaks to the palpable uncertainty in relation to gaming in young people and adults and how this is creating a society where chance, gambling and violence are normalised. The information evenings will also discuss how this detachment from reality through gaming and technology can often lead the individual to harbour lower distress tolerances, which in turn can create higher dependencies on something outside of themselves in order to help regulate their nervous system, which then may create an addiction or harmful behaviour. Read more: Hero Longford garda honoured for bravery saving stricken colleague held at gunpoint Katie-Anne will be shedding light on the concerning trends that are being experienced in relation to drug use in the midlands, in particular the use of vapes amongst young people and valuable education regarding the same. The sessions will explore use of cocaine. These free information evenings will be prevention focused with a view inform and educate the community of Longford about the causes, effects and support for those concerned about addiction in their neighbourhood. The intention is to create a full community based healing. This can lead to less stigma and shame, which in turn creates a holistic society of connection not addiction. An infographic produced by the IDF shows sites struck on October 28-29 in response to an attack in Gaza that killed an IDF soldier. An Israeli soldier was killed on October 28 in an attack in Gaza, and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) responded with a series of significant strikes. The strikes also came after Israel accused Hamas of breaking the ceasefire agreement by manipulating the return of the remains of a deceased hostage. The October 28 incident was the second deadly attack on Israeli personnel since a ceasefire began in Gaza on October 13. An earlier attack on October 19 killed two IDF soldiers in southern Gaza. US officials have sought to maintain the truce, and US Vice President JD Vance and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio have been in Israel over the past two weeks pushing for the process to continue. According to reports on October 28, the Israeli soldier was killed in the Rafah area of southern Gaza. The IDF said in a statement that in accordance with the directive of the political echelon, and following a series of strikes, in which dozens of terror targets and terrorists were struck, the IDF has begun the renewed enforcement of the ceasefire in response to Hamas violations. As part of the strikes, the IDF and ISA struck over 30 terrorists holding command positions within the terrorist organizations operating in the Gaza Strip. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz vowed that Hamas would pay a heavy price. He added that the attack on IDF soldiers in Gaza today by the Hamas terror organization crosses a glaring red line to which the IDF will respond with great force. Health authorities in Gaza, which operate under the control of Hamas, claimed that more than 100 people were killed in the Israeli militarys retaliatory strikes. On the morning of October 29, the IDF elaborated on the targets hit in Gaza, specifying that they included key terrorists, observation posts, weapons production warehouses, launch posts, underground tunnels, and mortar shell firing posts. In addition, the IDF conducted strike attempts targeting three terrorists at the rank of battalion commander, two terrorists at the rank of deputy battalion commander, and sixteen terrorists at the rank of company commander. The IDF also said it targeted a Hamas Nukhba force member who had been involved in the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. The strikes also took place amid Israeli claims that Hamas continues to violate the ceasefire. On Monday night, Hamas handed over partial remains it claimed belonged to one of the 13 hostages whose bodies are still in Gaza, but were later discovered by Israel to belong to a hostage who was recovered by Israeli troops in December 2023, The Times of Israel noted. Drone footage also showed that Hamas sought to manipulate the return of the remains of the hostage. Newly released drone footage from Gaza City shows Hamas terrorists staging the return of the remains of slain Israeli hostage Ofir Tzarfati, Israeli officials said Tuesday. The video, recorded Monday afternoon, captures the terrorists placing a white bag containing what appeared to be Tzarfatis remains in a pit, covering it with sand, and summoning Red Cross representatives within minutes, Ynet reported. The lie here is blatant and cannot be ignored, an Israeli official said. Israel has accused Hamas of stalling during the return of the deceased hostages. Israeli authorities believe Hamas can locate most of the 13 remaining hostages, all of whom are presumed deceased. The search for the remains of hostages continued in Gaza between October 27 and 29, despite the tensions over the ceasefire. The search has been bolstered by foreign assistance. Witnesses in Khan Younis said [] Egyptian teams, working with armed Hamas fighters, were digging deep near the Qatari-funded Hamad Housing City in the western side of Khan Younis, reaching tunnel shafts, Arab News reported. While the IDF airstrikes appeared to have ended by the morning of October 29, an Israeli official indicated that Israel could carry out additional responses due to violations of the ceasefire agreement. Reporting from Israel, Seth J. Frantzman is an adjunct fellow at FDD and a contributor to FDDs Long War Journal. He is the senior Middle East correspondent and analyst at The Jerusalem Post, and author of The October 7 War: Israel's Battle for Security in Gaza (2024). Shabaab fighters march in Somalia. Image from a Shabaab propaganda video. The Somali government stated on Monday that another co-founder of Shabaab is dead. The individual, identified as Mahmoud Abdi Hamud, better known as Jaafar Gurey, was reportedly killed in a precision airstrike on October 26 in Buaale, a town in Somalias Middle Juba region that is a significant stronghold of the Al Qaeda branch. According to the Somali press statement, Jaafar Gurey was among the founding members of the Al-Shabaab extremist network and was a close associate of the groups successive leaders, Ahmed Abdi Godane and Ahmed Diriye. The Somali government also alleges that Gurey held several senior positions within the group, including Head of External Security, Head of Leadership Security, and Head of Intelligence Tracking. Shabaab has yet to comment on the report of Gureys death as of the time of publishing. The group sometimes does not confirm the deaths of its leaders. Somalia did not state who conducted the precision airstrike, but the information provided likely comports with a reported US airstrike on October 26. According to the US militarys Africa Command (AFRICOM), it conducted an airstrike against Shabaab in the vicinity of Janaale, Somalia, 40 km north of Kismayo. While AFRICOM is incorrect about the specific town, 40km north of Kismayo would be in the direction of Buaale, though still significantly south of it. No other airstrike in this general area and on that day has been publicly reported. Gurey had been the subject of a $3 million bounty from the US State Departments Rewards for Justice Program (RFJ) since 2014. In RFJs poster for the Shabaab leader, it notes, Jafar [sic] [Gurey] is an al-Shabaab facilitator and operational planner, who has served as a deputy to Abdikadir Mohamed Abdikadir, also known as Ikrima. In addition, RFJ states that he also serves as al-Shabaabs chief of explosives and is responsible for attack operations in Mogadishu. If confirmed, Gurey would be the most recent Shabaab senior leader reported killed since the death of Mohamed Mire in late 2024. Mire, who was essentially Shabaabs interior minister for its shadow governance project, was killed in a US airstrike in the Middle Juba region. Mire had a long history in the Somali jihad, dating back to the early 1990s. Prior to Mire, another co-founder of Shabaab, Abdullahi Yare, was killed in late 2022. Yare, also known as Abdullahi Nadir, was also killed in the Middle Juba region by a US airstrike. At the time of his reported death, Yare was acting as the emir of Shabaabs dawah [proselytizing] wing. Shabaab has never confirmed the death of Yare, though no new information on the co-founder has emerged since he was reported killed. Over the last few years, Somalia has killed several mid-to-low-level commanders of Shabaab across much of central and southern Somalia. However, most of the jihadist groups senior leadership remains intact. Other reported deaths of significant Shabaab commanders have turned out to be incorrect. For instance, in December 2023, Somalia claimed that it killed Maalim Ayman, the leader of the eponymously named Jaysh Ayman, a Shabaab wing responsible for attacks in northeastern Kenya and southern Somalia. However, a United Nations Sanctions and Monitoring Team report from July 2024 reported that Ayman was still alive and operational. If Jaafar Gurey is confirmed dead, it would be yet another blow to the groups senior leadership and its remaining historical cadres. However, as made evident by Shabaabs blitz across Middle Shabelle earlier this year and its prison assault just this month, the groups leadership losses do not necessarily equate to a decline in military capability. Caleb Weiss is an editor of FDD's Long War Journal and a senior analyst at the Bridgeway Foundation, where he focuses on the spread of the Islamic State in Central Africa. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu gives the city's first State of the Schools speech on Oct. 28, 2025. Trea Lavery/MassLive Mayor Michelle Wu announced an aggressive goal for expanding learning opportunities through universal before- and after-school care at schools across the city during Bostons first-ever State of the Schools address on Tuesday. The announcement was part of a speech that focused heavily on the progress the public school district has made over the past few years and on efforts to continue improving into the future. The city is working with several community organizations to launch new before- and after-school programs at 20 Community Hub Schools which will be open to all students at those schools. We know the day doesnt end at 3 p.m. for kids or working families, so were ensuring students have the opportunity to be challenged before and after the bell rings, Wu said. Fees for the before- and after-school care program will vary from school to school. Seventeen percent of Boston schools do not offer before- and after-school programming, which can help students with their studies. The programs also assist working parents who are unable to be home for their children during work hours, Wu said. For schools that offer morning and evening care, access can be difficult due to limited open spots, and students who use a state voucher to attend a school outside their community typically arent eligible. The new programs will be available to voucher students. The effort is part of a new, unified academic strategy spanning the entire Boston Public Schools district that Wu said aims to challenge all students to do what she called the heavy lifting of their education. This means hands-on learning that prioritizes conceptual understanding rather than worksheets and rote memorization, she explained. Another new program, which Wu teased in her March State of the City address and launched this school year, offers additional math programming to challenge student participants. Wicked Math creates new advanced math teams and trains 11th- and 12th-graders to tutor younger students. In the past, when some students struggled, too often the response was to lower expectations, to settle for easy wins instead of pushing every student to engage with rigorous, grade-level content, Wu said. When we shelter students from challenge, we stunt growth. When we expect less, they deliver less. The mayor emphasized some of the public schools wins over the last few years, including surpassing 28 other districts in the state rankings in the last three years after sitting in the bottom 10% for over a decade. Boston Public Schools are also offering more chances for students to earn college credits, with more than 1,200 taking college-level courses so far this year, up from 790 last year and just 179 in 2022. Boston has also seen a higher rise in the number of students taking Advanced Placement courses since 2019 than nearly any other city in the country, Wu said. This includes 7,500 students who took AP exams this year. Despite these gains, challenges remain. Like much of the rest of the state, Boston test scores have not yet returned to 2019 pre-pandemic levels, according to results from the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System released by the state last month. Speaking to reporters after the speech, Superintendent Mary Skipper said, despite this, the city did see positive progress from last year. We are definitely starting to see the acceleration that we are looking for, Skipper said. The mayor and I are very honed in on driving our academics as high as possible. Boston Public Schools have also made record investments in its school infrastructure, Wu said, with more major school building projects launched in the past four years than in the previous four decades combined. Part of keeping Bostons facilities functional has been merging or closing some schools as buildings age and enrollment drops. A Long-Term Facilities Plan developed in 2024 called for the eventual closure of nearly 20 schools. The plan is updated every 18 months, Skipper said, and the district will bring new recommendations to the School Committee next month. The mayor also announced Tuesday that for the first time, families registering their children will no longer have to go in person to a Boston Public Schools Welcome Center. A new online portal, available in 10 languages, can be found at greatstarts.boston. Wu acknowledged that Boston is facing challenges from the federal government, which could make it more difficult to invest in public schools. Her administration has clashed with President Donald Trumps administration since he took office in January over Bostons immigration policies. This prompted threats of federal funding cuts. But the mayor said she was determined to continue the progress Boston has seen, telling attendees, The state of our schools is the state of our citys future. We reject the idea that urban public schools are doomed to do less, Wu said. Even as we do everything we can to protect our communities, well have some hard decisions to make. These next few years wont be easy, but as we know, Boston doesnt back down. You can watch the whole State of the Schools address here. NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 07: Chris Evans attends A24's "Materialists" premiere at DGA Theater on June 07, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images) Getty Images Chris Evans has landed a new role as a father. The 44-year-old Captain America star and his wife, Alba Baptista, 28, welcomed their first child together on Saturday in Massachusetts, TMZ and PEOPLE reported. Details about the babys name and gender have not been publicly disclosed. Evans, who was born in Boston and grew up in Sudbury, had previously expressed his interest in being a father during a 2024 interview with Access Hollywood. I hope so. The title of dad is an exciting one, the Avengers star said when asked about becoming a parent. Speculation about a potential pregnancy began earlier this year following a comment from Baptistas father, Luiz Baptista. On a fan accounts Fathers Day tribute, according to Parade, he reportedly wrote, Many thanks dear Chris. Your turn is coming! Evans and Baptista, 28, were married in September 2023 during a private ceremony at a Cape Cod estate, Parade noted. Their wedding reportedly included notable guests from Evans Marvel films, including Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, and Jeremy Renner, along with actor John Krasinski. Though generally private about their relationship, Evans has shared some personal details. After their wedding, he told the Knot about his proposal: I proposed to my wife in Portuguese. Shes Portuguese, so I learned how to say Will you marry me? in Portuguese. I had practiced it all week. Bruce Springsteen poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film "Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere" during the London film festival in London, Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP) Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP Bruce Springsteen joined his fellow E Street Band member Steve Van Zandt for a surprise set at a recent benefit concert in the Northeast. The Boss joined Van Zandt for a three-song set at the guitarists TeachRock event at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, New Jersey on Sunday, Oct. 26, Rolling Stone reported. The show, which promised special appearances from some of Stevies Disciples [of Soul] and E Street Band family, was in support of Van Zandts nonprofit organization that provides free music education to young children. Springsteen joined Van Zandt and the Disciples of Soul for renditions of I Dont Want to Go Home, Raise Your Hand and Tenth Avenue Freeze Out, according to a TikTok. Looks like a dream come true, one fan commented on the video. I grew up in Jersey and pretty much every night in the summer we would go hang at the Stone Pony to see Bruce show up, another fan wrote, referring to Springsteens previous unannounced shows at the venue. This just gives me chills! The event also included performances by Jesse Malin, Darlene Love, Gary U.S. Bonds, Marc Ribler, Anthony Almonte of the Funky Mofos, Curtis King Jr., Ozzie Melendez, Eddie Manion, and Barry Danielian, according to Rolling Stone. The surprise show came the same weekend that Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere debuted. The biopic, starring Jeremy Allen White as Springsteen, chronicles the rock legends personal and professional struggles during the conception of his 1982 album, Nebraska. An illustration by Westfield resident Josie Moore, who was named a winner of the international L. Ron Hubbard Illustrators of the Future Contest. (Image courtesy Josie Moore) Josie Moore WESTFIELD Josie Moores fantasy of becoming a renowned fiction illustrator is coming true. The 20-year-old college student from Westfield has won an international contest that pitted her against thousands of other artists from around the world. The announcement came from Hollywood: judges for the L. Ron Hubbard Illustrators of the Future Contest named Moore one of a dozen illustrators that will have their work published in the anthology, L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 42, which is being released around the world next April. Past editions have been best sellers. With a focus on fantasy, Moore is majoring in illustration at the University of Massachusetts in Dartmouth. The artist has entered the contest several other times, but the three works she submitted this time were the first pieces to win. I was constantly improving, so I figured its going to happen at some point, she told The Republican. One time I got honorable mention, the next time I got semifinals, and this time I ended up winning. As a winner, Moore will be flown out to Hollywood in April for an awards event and a week-long master-class workshop with some of the top names in the illustration industry. There are separate contests for writers and illustrators. Organizers say the competitions are judged by some of the premier names in speculative fiction and give winners a major platform to launch their careers. The organization claims, in the last 36 years, 418 winners have produced 6,800 illustrations, 390 comic books, had have had their work published in 700 books and albums while contributing content to 68 television shows and 40 major movies. We repeatedly have our illustrator winners get commissions as a result of articles and interviews featuring (their) art, said John Goodwin, president of Galaxy Press, in a statement. Moore submitted three pieces she produced digitally. They are characters from a comic series she is creating. I am absolutely obsessed with a story Im creating that I would like to make into a comic someday, she said. Moore said the working title of her series is, The Curious Case of Harkin Davoso. It is pulse-pounding - a dark-fantasy, murder-mystery where a detective appears in a town that shouldnt exist. She is set to solve a series of murders. She is convinced the murderer is a wanted criminal shes been hunting for years who she (realizes) is the beloved pediatrician of the town, said Moore. Westfield resident Josie Moore was named a winner of the international L. Ron Hubbard Illustrators of the Future Contest. (Photo courtesy Josie Moore) Josie Moore Moore is a sophomore at UMass, focused on her studies, which includes sketching illustrations with black and gray graphite, while working with charcoal and watercolor. She has only recently set up an online shop where she sells her art and has never been hired to create an illustrationbut by being named a winner in the illustrators contest, she has been commissioned to create a piece for the upcoming Writers of the Future Volume 42. She will be paid $500, and while the book will give her international acclaim, shes not focused on her future, but rather on the original piece shell create for the book. Im focused on one thing at a time on doing the illustration theyre paying me to do, she said. I dont really want to get my hopes up, but I guess Im kind of hoping that I could get some kind of job with books, she added. According to a biography created by Writers of the Future, L. Ron Hubbards literary career spanned over half a century, through which he authored more than three hundred novels, novelettes and short stories. The organization also states Hubbard created the organization to help aspiring writers get a much needed break. That effort spawned the associated contest for illustrators. Judges are looking for originality, creativity, and the artists ability to tell a story with the submission in the science fiction and fantasy arena. Her art tells an amazing story just by itself, said Goodwin. An illustration by Westfield resident Josie Moore, who was named a winner of the international L. Ron Hubbard Illustrators of the Future Contest. (Image courtesy Josie Moore) Josie Moore While the pieces Moore submitted are characters from a comic focused on darkness and death, they eerily emit glowing shades of amber, orange and honey. That is a stark difference from the more severe black and gray images the 20-year-old prefers to sketch. Its for practicing mostly, seeing how I can make bodies and faces stretch and distort, whether it be funny of terrifying. Ninety percent of my sketches are practicing those in a fun way, while the other 10% is actually doing substantial work, she said. Moore said she prefers illustrations because shes not much of a writer she speaks with images and bursts of dialogue. As a next-generation illustrator, she hopes to introduce new concepts and messages to evolve the art and fantasize about its future. Whenever I write the concept of magic, its not exactly beneficial or good. Instead, its a very corrosive and dangerous thing, she said. I have been obsessed with the fantasy genre since I was a kid, seeing whats been done and deciding to spin it in a way thats interesting to me. A Lawrence Police captain was indicted on Tuesday in connection with the arrest of a Black man in March 2023. Court document screenshot Editors note: This story was updated to include comments from the Essex District Attorneys Office. A former Lawrence police captain was indicted by a federal grand jury Tuesday on charges accusing him of violating the rights of a Black man during an arrest over a noise complaint in March 2023, then falsifying police reports about the incident. Michael Mangan is charged with two counts each of deprivation of rights under color of law and making a false report, court records show. He is set to make an initial appearance in federal court on Wednesday afternoon. An indictment handed up by a federal grand jury in Mangans case alludes to a March 10, 2023, arrest where, according to the filing, Mangan assaulted arrestee Victim 1, willfully depriving Victim 1 of the right ... to be free from the use of unreasonable force by a law enforcement officer. While federal prosecutors did not name the man, Sodiq Folarin Amusat, a 29-year-old Black man, has sued Mangan and the city in federal court in connection with an arrest on March 10, 2023. Mangan is also accused of concealing the assault by filing a false report in which he claimed the victim slightly turned and bladed his body toward him, and simultaneously threw his right arm toward [Mangans] face with his fingers in a grabbing motion. In the report, Mangan claimed the victim demonstrated assaultive action and there was an imminent threat of the victim grabbing his face, leading to Mangan using a straight arm take down with his right arm on the victims chest. The grand jury also found Mangan filed a false report when he claimed the reason for using force was the victims assaultive conduct, according to the indictment. Amusat, in the civil rights suit, presented a different narrative. During the booking process, Mangan, a white Captain of the Lawrence Police Department, suddenly and without warning, viciously clotheslined Mr. Amusat, his suit reads. Mangans unprovoked attack drove Mr. Amusats head into a metal door and onto the concrete floor. Mr. Amusat was then needlessly tackled, forcibly pressed onto the ground and handcuffed. The incident was captured on surveillance video, screenshots of which are included in the complaint. Mangan is listed as an unassociated officer in the POST Commissions database of officer statuses, which notes that he is no longer certified to work in law enforcement. He retired in early January, The Boston Globe reported. Essex County District Attorney Paul Tuckers office hired an independent investigator to review the incident and ultimately declined to pursue charges against Mangan, the Globe reported. In a statement, Tucker said his office takes allegations of police misconduct involving unreasonable use of force and inaccurate reports extremely seriously. The decision not to prosecute was made after thoughtful review of two separate and independent investigations, including the opinions of two respected and highly credentialed experts who found the use of force was not unreasonable in the totality of the circumstances, Tucker said in a statement provided by a spokesperson. These investigations underlie our determination that criminal charges may not be proved under Massachusetts law under the criminal standard of proof, beyond a reasonable doubt. Buzz Aldrin attends the 15th annual Global Green Pre-Oscar Gala at NeueHouse Hollywood in Los Angeles on Feb. 28, 2028. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, File) Former astronaut Buzz Aldrin has lost his wife just two years after the couple got married. Anca Faur, 66, died peacefully Tuesday night with her husband and her son, Vlad Ghenciu by her side, a post on Aldrins Facebook reads. Mrs. Aldrin, an accomplished chemical engineer with a Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh, served as the treasurer for the California Hydrogen Business Council and as Executive Vice President of Buzz Aldrin Ventures LLC, the post read. I am so fortunate to have found and married the love of my life, Aldrin wrote in a statement. She brought joy to everything we did together. I will miss her dearly. Her family requests privacy in their time of mourning. Additional details about her death were not immediately available. Aldrin, 95, met Faur at a work event in December 2017, PEOPLE reported. The couple started dating in May 2018 and tied the knot on Jan. 20, 2023 Aldrins 93rd birthday. It was a beautiful day, Aldrin told the outlet last year. We had decided on a private ceremony, as suitably intimate, just us and the stars in the sky. The retired astronaut also described Faur with brains, heart [and] courage, telling PEOPLE, There is something special about her and the way we connect so well. Aldrin added that he had never been happier in my life and was lucky beyond words to be with her. She is the love of my life, he continued, and we do everything together, from eating meals, planning projects and watching the world go by, to meeting with our two families and celebrating as we are at this 55th anniversary of the Apollo 11 landing. Aldrin has been married four times. He married his first wife, Joan Archer, in 1954. The couple shared three children sons James and Andrew and daughter Janice. Aldrin married his second wife, Beverly Van Zile, in 1975, following a divorce from Archer in 1974. However, Aldrin and Van Zile cut ties after three years. Ten years later, the former aeronautical engineer married his third wife, Lois Driggs Cannon. They were together for 24 years before separating in 2012. Elon Musks SpaceX has disabled more than 2,500 Starlink devices used by cyber scam syndicates in Myanmar to defraud people worldwide. SpaceX proactively identified and disabled over 2,500 Starlink Kits in the vicinity of suspected scam centers. Vice President of SpaceX Lauren Dreyer said on X on Oct. 21. We are committed to ensuring the service remains a force for good and sustains trust worldwide: both connecting the unconnected and detecting and preventing misuse by bad actors. The announcement comes after the media outlet Agence-France-Presse (AFP) revealed that SpaceX is under investigation by the Congressional Joint Economic Committee for its role in enabling the scam centers. This system became critical to the criminal operations after an earlier crackdown. In February, following international pressure, Thailand cut power and internet cables to the scam centers in neighboring Myanmar, CNET reported. The syndicates immediately exploited Starlinks ability to bypass local infrastructure, installing thousands of Starlink terminals to stay online and keep the fraud machine running. These compounds, approximately 30 of which exist along the Myanmar-Thailand border, are dedicated to scamming victims, including Americans, out of billions of dollars every year, according to a recent report by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. In 2024, U.S. residents lost at least $10 billion to Southeast Asia-based scam operations, notorious for romance scams also called pig butchering, the Treasury Department reported. Workers inside these heavily guarded compounds are often trafficked or lured with false promises of well-paid jobs, then held against their will and forced to carry out online fraud, CNN reported. Former detainees said that beatings and torture are common for those who fail to meet their scamming quotas. In February, China freed around 7,000 scam-workers, who the AFP suspects were from the Myanmar compounds. Still, the criminal networks have persisted. The United States has raised concerns for over a year about criminal networks in Myanmar using Starlink to carry out their scams. Starlink has more than 6 million active customers worldwide and is connected to individual households, schools, health centers and businesses, including most major cruise lines and several commercial airlines. Heres how to stay safe from a pig butchering scam, according to the U.S. Secret Service: Federal food aid that helps about 1 in 8 Americans buy groceries is expected to temporarily stop on Nov. 1 due to the government shutdown. Bottom line, the well has run dry, the USDA notice says regarding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly referred to as SNAP. At this time, there will be no benefits issued November 01. We are approaching an inflection point for Senate Democrats. Heres what you need to know ahead of Saturday. Who uses SNAP? The cuts will affect one in seven Massachusetts residents, including more than 330,000 children, Erin McAleer, president and CEO of Project Bread, said. These arent numbers, McAleer said. Theyre our neighbors, our coworkers, our family members. Overall, SNAP payments in Massachusetts total $240 million every month. Nearly 60% of SNAP recipients in Massachusetts are children or seniors. More than 30% have disabilities, Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbells office said. If SNAP is taken away from us, my life will fall apart. I already live at the edge, Iris Montufar, of Chelsea, said at a rally outside the State House Tuesday. Through tears, Montufar described the pain of not being able to celebrate her sons Tuesday birthday with a pizza party as he had hoped, because money was too tight. This is what allows us to survive with dignity, she said. Taking away SNAP, it doesnt just affect our dinner table. It affects our health, our minds, our hearts and our future ... of our children. Dr. Diana Cutts, a pediatrician who cofounded Childrens HealthWatch, a nonprofit headquartered at Boston Medical Center, fears hungry students will lag behind their peers in school. SNAP is not a line item, she said. Access to SNAP is a baby who gains weight. It is a parent who has the energy to work for their family and bond with that child. Multiple parents have told MassLive they plan to eat less or go without meals to make sure their children can eat. Tell the single mom whos now going to have to water down her juice and milk and is going to scramble to feed her kids tell her this isnt an emergency," state Rep. James Arena-DeRosa, D-8th Middlesex, said during the rally. Tell a disabled veteran who risked life and limb for this country that youre not going to tap emergency reserve funds for SNAP and that their benefits are going to run out just a few days away from Veterans Day. Will I lose SNAP benefits? While Novembers SNAP benefits arent expected to be distributed, people wont lose their benefits altogether. Any SNAP benefits gained before November wont go away, so people dont have to use them before Saturday. Additionally, people can continue enrolling in the program during the shutdown. Leaving $1 in SNAP account Food banks are encouraging people to leave $1 on EBT cards so individuals can access Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) benefits for produce from local farm stands and farmers markets. If your SNAP balance is zero, you will not be able to use HIP until you have SNAP benefits available again. Visit DTAFinder.com to find HIP vendors near you. Finding food banks Food banks can provide information about pantries and local programs where people can access free food. To find a food bank near you, click here. The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts has an interactive Food Finder Map, which can be used to find local pantries. There are also free community pantries located throughout Massachusetts. What about TANF and WIC? The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program is designed to help families with children experiencing low income. It is not meant to replace SNAP benefits. However, it can be used to help alleviate financial stress in other qualifying areas. People who rely on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, known as WIC, could also face issues. This includes more than 100,000 people in Massachusetts. Experts told USA Today that WIC could run out of money within days. The National WIC Association (NWA) has asked for an additional $300 million to sustain program operations through the first two weeks of November. For other program options, U.S. residents can enter their zip code to find hundreds of options here. This includes information on a Farmers Markets Coupon Program in Boston, HelpRxs prescription discount card and Catholic Charities basic needs program. City-wide effort in Worcester Worcester has one of the states largest percentages of residents receiving benefits. Any disruption to these services has significant repercussions, and we are very concerned that people will not have heating assistance, SNAP benefits, housing vouchers etc. as we move into the colder months, a statement on Tuesday from the Office of City Manager Eric Batista read. Due to this, city officials are working to convene leaders of groups to identify what the biggest needs are as a city-wide effort to keep Worcesters community resources afloat. How can you help others? Massachusetts has teamed up with United Way to launch the United Respond Fund. Our goal is to raise money and invest it back out to organizations that are not only making sure food is available, but that it actually is accessible in communities, that it can be delivered to where it needs to be, that it ends up in peoples homes the way it needs to end up, United Way of Massachusetts Bay CEO Marty Martinez told State House News Service. Other ways to help are to donate to local food banks, volunteer your time or host a food drive. But the Greater Boston Food Bank says monetary donations are the most helpful. Based on our years of creating long-lasting relationships with the food industry and our significant buying power, the most impactful way to help provide food is to make a monetary contribution. For every dollar we receive, we are able to provide three meals, the website states. Lawsuit Campbell is co-leading the legal action against the Trump administration as 25 states join a lawsuit to preserve the food assistance benefits. Despite having the money to fund SNAP, the Trump Administration is creating needless fear, angst and harm for millions of families and their children, especially as we approach the holidays, Campbell said. Information from The Associated Press was used in this article. Catherine Corcoran, an actor in the Terrifier series, has sued the producers and series director Damien Leone, accusing them of breach of contract and the distribution of sexually explicit materials without consent. The lawsuit, filed in a California federal court on Sunday, names production banners Dark Age Cinema and Fuzz on the Lens Productions as defendants, along with producer Phil Falcone, Leone and the filmmakers banner Art the Clown. Corcoran claims Leone and Falcone failed to pay sufficient royalties. Her lawyers state the case presents an all-too-common story of low-budget film producers taking advantage of a young actress through fraud, sexual harassment and, ultimately, betrayal, according to the Independent. The filing includes seven claims for relief, including distribution of sexually explicit materials, breach of contract and promissory fraud, the outlet reported. The 2016 film shows Corcorans character hung upside down, topless and slaughtered by the villain Art the Clown. The lawsuit details that while filming this scene, Corcoran was required to be hung upside down by her ankles in 40-second increments, over 10 hours in below freezing temperatures. The actor said she was not given enough time to recover from the blood pooling in her head. Doctors later told Corcoran she had suffered cranial swelling and eardrum damage as a result of being upside down for such an extended period. Corcoran further claims that she was not told before filming that she would be required to be nude for the sequences, which is a violation of SAG rules requiring prior written consent for nude scenes, the Independent wrote. She agreed to act in the film for an extremely low up front per diem rate, with the agreement that she would receive 1% of the profits from that film and potential future franchise entries and related merchandise, including other licenses of the intellectual property, Variety wrote. After the original films release and as the series popularity grew, Corcoran claims her royalty payments became more and more sporadic and dwindled to amounts nowhere near commensurate. In the lawsuit, Corcoran claims she has not received back pay since July 2024 and only received $1,816.35 up to that point, with no explanation as to why the royalty payments ceased or where the remainder of the payments are. The three Terrifier movies have grossed around $100 million worldwide on a combined budget of less than $2.5 million. Were it not for Corcorans willingness to take a risk on this production and receive her compensation on the back-end, the series would not exist as it could not have been made on a shoestring budget otherwise, her lawyers said, according to the Independent. However, when it came time to pay what was owed, the producers chose to cheat her. An attorney for Leone, Falcone and Larry Zerner told The Hollywood Reporter that Damien and Phil deny the claims in the complaint and will vigorously defend this lawsuit. Leone confirmed earlier this year that he will make Terrifier 4, according to IMDb. Police in West Bridgewater arrested two women on assault and shoplifting charges after they attempted to steal expensive items like lobster and ribeye steaks from a Market Basket. Police responded to the supermarket at 352 West Center St. around 5 p.m. Sunday after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting two customers were fighting with store employees. An employee at the Market Basket saw two women hiding high-priced items, including lobster meat, prime ribeye steaks and truffle butter, in a bag while they shopped, Police Chief Timothy Nixon said in a statement. The women didnt pay for the expensive items at checkout and were then confronted by an employee, police said. When confronted, the women were "argumentative, screamed obscenities, and assaulted two store employees," police said. Police arrested Olivia Byrd and Rahjane Byrd at the store. They are both charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery, shoplifting by asportation and disorderly conduct, Nixon said. Both women were arraigned in Brockton District Court on Monday and released on personal recognizance. Susan Malman Altman, of Needham, speaks during a news conference at the State House in Boston on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. She was there in support of a bill that would boost training and standards for law enforcement officers who investigate domestic violence deaths that are staged to look like deaths by suicide. John L. Micek/MassLive A few weeks after Stacy Feldmans death in 2015, her sister, Susan Malman Altman, was sitting at her gravesite, a humble rectangular patch of dirt. She felt a chill come over her. Stacy told me something wasnt right, and that I had to do something about it, Altman said. That began a crusade, with multiple legal twists and turns, that lasted seven years, as she pleaded with investigators to take a second look at what they initially believed to be her 44-year-old sisters accidental death in the shower at her home in Denver, Colorado. It ended in 2022, with a life without parole conviction for Robert Feldman, who a jury found had strangled his estranged wife and staged the accident scene. On Wednesday, Altman, of Needham, took her story to the State House in Boston, where she made a plea on behalf of a newly introduced bill that could spare other families similar pain. "Since I began doing domestic violence advocacy work, I have met far too many families whose cases were not appropriately investigated, and whose cases are now closed," she said. ... Families are climbing an uphill battle for justice. State Sen. Rebecca Rausch, D-Norfolk/Worcester/Middlesex, speaks during a news conference at the State House on Wednesday, 10/29/25. She's sponsoring a new bill that would require law enforcement to give additional scrutiny to staged suicides in domestic violence cases. John L. Micek/MassLive If its approved and eventually signed into law, the proposal sponsored by state Sen. Rebecca Rausch would provide increased training and standards for law enforcement to recognize and investigate what initially appear to be staged deaths as a result of domestic violence. At its core, this bill is about education, training and thorough investigation, Rausch, D-Norfolk/Worcester/Middlesex, said during a Wednesday news conference. Read More: Matthew Farwell indicted on new charge in connection with killing of Sandra Birchmore The bill would require investigators to look more deeply at deaths where the markers of staged suicide appear to be present, Rausch said. That would include signs that the deceased, like Feldman, was trying to end the relationship, as well as in instances when the body is found by an intimate partner. Evidence of coercive control, strangulation or suffocation also would spark a more thorough probe, Rausch said, pointing to the death of Sandra Birchmore, a Canton resident who died under similarly suspicious circumstances. The bill also requires anyone with knowledge of a suspicious death case to report the incident to the Chief Medical Examiners Office, the Needham lawmaker said. The bill would further provide victims families with access to survivors services and would allow them to " review records of the case and the right to request an independent autopsy and second opinion as to [the] cause of death," she said. Rausch could not point to specific data for Massachusetts, but there are 800 to 1,200 cases nationwide every year, she said. Similar legislation has already been signed into law in California, and lawmakers in New York and Illinois are considering similar bills, Rausch said. This legislation is part of a growing national effort to honor the memories of domestic violence victims, to provide them and their families with justice equally after their deaths, and to hold perpetrators accountable, she said. Domestic violence advocate Elizabeth Schon Vainer, who spoke at Wednesdays news conference, echoed Altmans sentiments. Survivors tell us again and again that when they share their stories, they are often not believed not by friends, not by family, sometimes not even by the professionals they reach out to for help, she said. Their experiences are minimized or rationalized, and when they are believed, they are too often told what they should do instead of being asked what they need to be safe." Rauschs bill is a common sense solution to that issue, she said. This bill ensures that the voices of those tragically murdered by their partners will be heard clearly and powerfully, leading to justice, accountability and healing for their families, she said. Construction workers atop the U.S. Treasury, bottom right, watch as work continues on a largely demolished part of the East Wing of the White House, Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, in Washington, before construction of a new ballroom. (Associated Press/Jacquelyn Martin) He might be out of office, but a former top official in the Biden administration remains prominent in the minds of Democratic primary voters. As they think about the 2028 race for the White House, former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg leads the pack in a University of New Hampshire poll out this week. He finished ahead of California Gov. Gavin Newsom and U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y. Buttigieg, a former presidential candidate and the one-time mayor of South Bend, Ind., took 19% of the vote in a hypothetical, head-to-head matchup. Newsom, whos made national headlines for trolling Republican President Donald Trump on social media, came second, with 15% of the vote, while Ocasio-Cortez, whos been increasingly mentioned as a White House contender, finished third at 14%, according to the poll. Eighty-one percent of the likely Democratic primary voters who responded to the poll said they had a favorable opinion of Buttigieg. Thats compared to 9% who were neutral, 6% who had an unfavorable opinion of him, and 4% who didnt know enough about him to offer an opinion. With Trump apparently bowing to constitutional reality and ruling out a 2028 reelection bid, 51% of likely GOP primary voters said they favored Vice President JD Vance for the White House. Thats compared to 9% for former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, who finished second, and current National Security Adviser Tulsi Gabbard, who finished third at 8%. More than three-quarters of GOP primary voters (77%) said they had a favorable opinion of Vance, a former U.S. senator from Ohio. UNH pollsters sampled the opinions of 1,547 New Hampshire residents from Oct. 16-21. The poll had a total margin of error of 2.5%. The poll included the opinions of 606 Democratic primary voters and 689 likely Republican primary voters, with respective margins of error of 4% and 3.7%. The state-owned building at 436 Dwight St., Springfield, often referred to as the little State House, is home to several state offices, including the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination and the secretary of the commonwealths western division. Google Maps An aide to Gov. Maura Healey faces cocaine trafficking charges after 8 kilograms or about 18 pounds of cocaine was delivered to the Western Massachusetts man on Saturday at a state-owned building in Springfield, officials said. Thats in addition to 13 kilograms, or about 29 pounds, delivered to a hotel at the University of Massachusetts Amherst earlier this month, according to investigators, for a total of more than 46 pounds. The government building at 436 Dwight St., often referred to as the little State House, is home to several state offices, including the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination and the secretary of the commonwealths western division. LaMar Cook, 45, served as deputy director for the governors regional office in Springfield before his firing this week, a governor spokesperson confirmed. He was appointed as an aide in 2023. Cook is expected to appear in the Springfield District Court on Wednesday on four counts: trafficking in 200 grams or more of cocaine, carrying a gun and ammunition without a license, and driving without a license. An investigation stemmed from two past seizures by law enforcement earlier this month, according to Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gulluni. On Oct. 10, investigators intercepted and searched two suspicious packages at Hotel UMass in Amherst that were found to contain about 13 kilograms, or about 28 pounds, of suspected cocaine. Evidence collected during that operation was consistent with the narcotics recovered during the most recent controlled delivery in Springfield, Gullunis office said in a statement. According to investigators, Massachusetts State Police in Springfield intercepted the package containing cocaine, and a trooper then posed as a delivery worker to hand over the parcel to Cook, who was at the building waiting for it. Healeys office issued a statement Wednesday: The Governors Office has been made aware of the arrest of an employee, LaMar Cook. The conduct that occurred here is unacceptable and represents a major breach of the public trust. Mr. Cook has been terminated from his position effective immediately. This criminal investigation is ongoing, and our administration will work with law enforcement to assist them in their work. Cook is a co-founder of the Back to School Brighter Initiative in Springfield, a member of the Springfield Community Preservation Committee and a major presence in the Springfield business community, the Governors Office said at the time it announced his appointment. The back-to-school initiative offers free haircuts to students of the citys public schools. He also ran unsuccessfully for Springfield City Council in 2015 and for School Committee in 2017. In 2023, Cook was featured in a Juneteenth series on MassLive as an emerging Black leader, in which he was chosen by readers as a standout in the community. CHICOPEE There are seven candidates for City Councilor At-Large, and five are new to the ballot this year. Included in that group of five is Brian Mendes. Mendes, 49, is an operations manager hoping to bring his diverse background and unique perspectives to the council. He has served almost three decades at Callaway Golf Ball Operations, eight years as president of the Portuguese/American Club and is in his fifth year as a commissioner of the Chicopee Country Club, including four years as vice chair. Ahead of Tuesday, Nov. 4, The Republican reached out to all candidates for the opposed City Council and School Committee seats to answer a short questionnaire. Each council candidate was asked the same four questions. A different set of four identical questions were sent to the candidates for School Committee. Over the next several days, The Republican will be publishing the candidates answers to the questions in print. Find more candidates and responses at masslive.com/topic/election. Name: Brian Mendes Age: 49 Address: 45 Stearns Terrace, Chicopee, MA 01013 Profession: Operations Manager Position running for: Chicopee City Council at Large Introductory statement: I am running because I believe Chicopee can and should be better positioned among communities across our region. As someone who has called this city home for nearly five decades, who, along with my wife Nicole, has raised two daughters Alivia and Emailie here, and who has worked in management for a national manufacturing company located in our city, I understand what it takes to get things done and deliver results for families, he said. I am not interested in political drama. Im interested in solving problems and delivering results, whether it means ensuring our first responders have what they need, and improving our schools, or making sure city services work for everyone. My focus is on what matters most to Chicopee families, he said. Question #1: What is the biggest problem in the city and how would you address it? I feel the biggest issue in Chicopee is the high number of fatal and non-fatal overdoses. One thing Id love to support is getting more speakers in our schools to discuss the concerns around substance abuse. We need to provide care and guidance to minimize the level of overdoses. Although we might not be able to control all ... Im confident if we provide the needed resources, we can help this cause. Question #2: The City Council always struggles to keep taxes low while providing needed services and making advancements. How specifically will you balance the three? Chicopee needs councilors who recognize that every budget decision affects real families and that every policy choice impacts our neighbors. My management background has instilled in me the importance of accountability, measuring results, and making data-driven decisions. These are the essential skills required of those elected to the City Council, and I am committed to bringing this approach to our community. Question #3: The housing crisis continues to take a toll on residents and those who want to move to the city. How should the city attack the problem? Its important to recognize the complexities involved in addressing low-income housing needs. While building affordable housing is a significant step toward supporting those in need, its equally crucial to ensure that such initiatives are sustainable and do not place an undue burden on taxpayers. Collaboration among surrounding communities can be beneficial. By sharing the responsibility of providing low-income housing, communities can contribute to an equitable distribution of resources and opportunities. Engaging agencies can facilitate access to affordable housing and provide support to residents. Question #4: What types of development would you like to attract to the city and how would you do it? To foster this growth, the city can consider several strategies. Incentives for businesses by offering tax breaks, grants, or other financial incentives. Actively promoting available properties and the advantages of setting up shop in Chicopee through targeted marketing campaigns and outreach to potential businesses. By taking a holistic approach that blends economic, infrastructural, and quality-of-life improvements, Chicopee can position itself as an attractive destination for manufacturers and foster sustainable growth. Video News: [Video news] Talk Series #8 : Lassiette de demain : quels sont les enjeux au menu ? [Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 31 octobre 2025[Video News]3 edition Sustainability Forum du Journal des Archipels[Video news] Reouverture de la Triolet Women Empowerment Centre[Video news]Kerastase illumine Maurice : Gloss Absolu, la nouvelle revolution capillaire devoilee par BrandActiv[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 29 octobre 2025Deces de Floyd Roger Myers Jr.[Video news]Andrey & Julia Dashins Foundation Champions Youth Training and Employability Through National TWA Pu Lavenir (Train. Work. 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Dhanajay Ramful pourrait-il indiquer si le Gouvernement envisagera de : (a) Condamner plus fermement les actions dIsrael a lONU et ailleurs ? (b) Rompre ou suspendre les relations diplomatiques avec Israel jusqua linstauration dun cessez-le-feu immediat, permanent et verifie ? (c) Soutenir ou se joindre a des actions juridiques internationales devant la Cour Internationale de Justice (CIJ) pour la defense des vies civiles palestiniennes et du droit international ? The Honourable First Member for La Caverne and Phoenix (Mr Lobine) To ask the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade Whether, in regard to Gaza, following recent findings and official statements from the United Nations (UN) and other international bodies confirming serious violations of international humanitarian law and acts constituting genocide committed thereat, he will state if Government will consider (a) condemning Israels actions in stronger terms at the UN and elsewhere (b) severing/suspending diplomatic relations with Israel until a verified, immediate and permanent ceasefire is observed and respected and (c) supporting/joining international legal actions before the International Court of Justice in defence of Palestinian civilian lives and international law? Madam Speaker, 1. We are profoundly disheartened by the atrocities which have taken place in Gaza. Everyday, we witnessed the humanitarian tragedies taking place there. 2. In answer to part (a) of the question, the House may recall that Mauritius has always shown its unwavering support for the legitimate struggle of the Palestinian People and has forcefully condemned Israel for its violations of humanitarian law. 3. We have consistently voiced out our longstanding principled position in favour of a just and sustainable peace in the Middle East, shared widely by the international community, which is the Two-State Solution. 4. As at now, 158 Member States of the United Nations, including Mauritius, have recognized the State of Palestine, representing more than 80% of the United Nations membership. 5. A lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can only be achieved by peaceful means, based on relevant United Nations Resolutions and in accordance with International Law, on the principle of the said Two-State Solution, which, indeed, represents the only viable option to bring an end to this enduring conflict. 6. I would like to inform the House that on the 18th of August 2025, the Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates sent me a letter, conveying the profound appreciation of Palestine on the clear and principled position of Mauritius, which reaffirms the inherent and inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to life, dignity and statehood. A copy of the letter is being tabled for the benefit of the House. 7. On the other hand, I wish to underscore that Mauritius has consistently lent its support for the Palestinian cause by voting in favour of resolutions/decisions at the level of various United Nations bodies like the General Assembly, the Human Rights Council and UNESCO. 8. The most recent illustration of our support was on 25 August 2025 when Mauritius endorsed the New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution that was adopted at the High-Level International Conference in July 2025. 9. The New York Declaration highlights the international communitys collective responsibility to bring a definitive end to the decades-long conflict through political and diplomatic means. During the High-Level International Conference, in line with our well-established practice, Mauritius strongly reiterated our longstanding support for Palestine. 10. The same position was reiterated by Mauritius during the High-Level Week of the UN General Assembly on 22 September 2025. I also wish to place on record that Mauritius was NOT present during the address of the Prime Minister of Israel to the UN General Assembly on 26 September 2025. 11. At its session of 19 September 2025, Cabinet agreed to make a cash donation of USD 50,000 to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to support humanitarian action for the People of Palestine. Madam Speaker, 12. With regard to part (b) of the question, regarding the severance of ties with Israel, I wish to point out the following: Diplomatic relations were established with Israel in March 1968. Those relations were severed on 7 July 1976. Mauritius recognized the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) in May 1979 and relations with Israel were re-established on 29 September 1993, following the signature of the Israel PLO Peace Agreement on 13 September 1993. 13. Since election of this new Government in November 2024, my Ministry has ensured that bilateral exchanges with Israel be reduced purposefully to a minimum. For instance, Invitations for our Ministers to visit Israel have been turned down; Technical cooperation through MASHAV (Israels official international development cooperation program) has been stalled; The request for an Israeli Airline to operate direct flights from Israel to Mauritius this year has not been acceded to. 14. As a result of the war, a few countries like Jordan, Bahrain, Turkey, Honduras, Chile, South Africa and Chad have recalled their Ambassadors from Israel whilst other like Belize, Bolivia, Colombia and Nicaragua have severed diplomatic relations with Israel. 15. It is felt that the severance of diplomatic ties is of an extreme order, as this might adversely affect any possible influence, dialogue and communication by Mauritius at the multilateral level for sustainable peace in the Middle East region. 16. Maintaining our current stance, albeit at a minimum level, leaves the window open for Mauritius to advocate for a peaceful discussion between all parties. 17. It is felt that maintaining a meaningful channel of discussion with the Israeli side is in fact in the interest of the Palestinian people. Madam Speaker, 18. With respect to part (c) of the question, the House may wish to note that Mauritius has been directly involved in international legal actions concerning Palestine, notably through its participation in the proceedings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). This involvement is aligned with the long-standing support of Mauritius for the Palestinian cause at the United Nations. 19. In July 2023, Mauritius was one of the 57 countries to submit a written statement to the ICJ regarding the legality of Israels policies in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT). The submission specifically addressed the legal consequences of Israels prolonged occupation, settlement, and annexation of Palestinian territory. 20. Mauritius also participated in the oral proceedings at the ICJ in February 2024. In its presentation, Mauritius drew parallels between the Israeli occupation and the Chagos Archipelago case, and argued that if the ICJ found Israels occupation unlawful, the latter would be obliged to end it, consistent with the 2019 ICJ ruling on the Chagos case. 21. In July 2024, the ICJ issued its Advisory Opinion, concluding that Israels continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is unlawful and must end. It also stated that all States have an obligation not to recognize the illegal situation and to ensure Israels compliance with international law. 22. Subsequently, on 22 October 2025, the International Court of Justice delivered another Advisory Opinion, issued pursuant to United Nations General Assembly Resolution 79/232 of 19 December 2024, concerning the obligations of Israel with respect to the presence and activities of the United Nations, other international organisations, and third States in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT). The Court unanimously concluded that Israel is required to fulfil its obligations under international humanitarian law, including the duty to ensure that the population of the OPT has access to the basic necessities of life, including food, water, clothing, bedding, shelter, fuel, medical supplies and services. 23. By ten votes to one, the Court further determined that Israel must agree to and facilitate, by all means at its disposal, relief schemes on behalf of the population of the OPT so long as that population remains inadequately supplied, as has been the case in the Gaza Strip. This includes humanitarian relief provided by the United Nations and its entitiesmost notably the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)as well as by other international organizations and third States. Israel is also required not to obstruct or impede such relief efforts. 24. Furthermore, the ICJ unanimously affirmed Israels obligation to respect the prohibition on forcible transfer and deportation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and the prohibition on the use of starvation of civilians as a weapon of warfare. 25. The ICJ will now forward the Advisory Opinion to the United Nations General Assembly where a resolution is expected to be drafted by member states that first tabled that resolution for an advisory opinion in December 2024. Consistent with its policy of support to the principle of International law and the rights of the Palestinian people, Mauritius will support any UNGA resolution that would seek to implement the Advisory Opinion of the ICJ. 26. Mauritius will therefore continue to support all initiatives at the level of the United Nations, African Union and relevant multilateral fora which are in accordance with international law and which will contribute to bringing about a just, peaceful, comprehensive and lasting solution to the IsraelPalestine conflict, based on the sanctity of the Two-State Solution. I thank you Madam Speaker The death has occurred in Torrevieja, Alicante, Spain, of former Castlebar councillor Frank Durcan of Westport Road, Castlebar. A retired auctioneer who served as an elected member of Castlebar Town Council and Mayo County Council for five decades, his passing at his holiday residence has come as a great shock to the community at large. Today (Wednesday's) monthly meeting of Castlebar Municipal District was adjourned as a mark of respect for the former councillor, as well as out of respect for the family of John Dolan, who died in Brussels and whose father, Paul, was previously Head of Roads with Mayo County Council. At a meeting of Castlebar Municipal District Council, Cathaoirleach Councillor Al McDonnell led the tributes to former Councillor Frank Dolan, expressing his deepest condolences to Mr Durcan's wife Toni, son Patrick and three daughters. He thanked the late councillor for his contribution to the Castlebar Council Chamber over many years. Councillor Harry Barrett provided a comprehensive overview of Mr Durcan's remarkable political career, noting that he was first elected in 1967 and went on to represent Castlebar for five decades. "He was very much a force to be reckoned with but always put the needs of the town first," Cllr Barrett said. He highlighted Mr Durcan's instrumental role in securing the Lough Mask water supply for the town and acknowledged the considerable time he served as Cathaoirleach of both Castlebar Town Council and Mayo County Council. Cllr Barrett extended his sincere condolences to Mr Durcan's wife Toni and his children Sarah, Patrick, Louise and Mary. Councillor Donna Sheridan offered her sympathies to the Durcan family, remembering Mr Durcan with fondness. "He was always a gentleman whenever I met him," she said. Councillor Michael Kilcoyne, who sat alongside Mr Durcan on both Castlebar Town Council and Mayo County Council, extended his sympathies to the entire family, including his wife Toni, his children, sisters and extended family members. "He represented the people who voted for him well," Cllr Kilcoyne said. Councillor Ger Deere also offered his sympathies to the Durcan family, while Councillor Blackie Gavin said he learned of Mr Durcan's passing with shock. Cllr Gavin, who also served with the late councillor on both the town and county councils, extended his sympathies to Mr Durcan's wife Toni and his children Sarah, Patrick, Louise and Mary, along with the extended family. A life dedicated to Public Service Frank Durcan's political journey began in 1967 when he was first elected to Castlebar Urban Council. He went on to serve continuously until 2004, an extraordinary 37-year period of uninterrupted service. Though he stepped back from public life for five years, he returned with renewed vigour at the 2009 local elections, successfully securing seats on both Mayo County Council and Castlebar Town Councilhis eighth election to the town council and his fourth to the county council. Originally a Fine Gael member, he later chose to stand as an independent, developing a well-known reputation for his forthright and outspoken approach to local politics. He was elected chairman of Castlebar Urban Council on three separate occasions: 1975-1976, 1979-1980 and 1983-1984. A notable achievement during his 1979-1980 chairmanship was overseeing the council's move from Castlebar Courthouse to its new headquarters at Marsh House in September 1979. READ MORE: Popular Mayo hotel granted permission for development His service extended beyond the urban council to Mayo County Council, where he served from 1974 to 1991 and again from 2009 to 2019. He held the position of cathaoirleach from 1980/81, and achieved a historic first by simultaneously chairing both Castlebar Urban Council and Mayo County Council. Upon his retirement from public service in 2019, Frank Durcan was recognised as Irelands longest-serving elected representative. Frank Durcan will be reposing at his residence, on the Westport Road, Castlebar, (Eircode F23 PY93) on Friday, October 31 from 5pm to 7pm. Removal from his residence will be on Saturday, November 1 at 11:30am for Requiem Mass at 1pm in The Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar, with funeral proceeding to Turlough Cemetery. The tributes reflect the deep respect and admiration Mr Durcan earned throughout his lengthy career in public service, during which he became a distinguished figure in Castlebar and Mayo local government.Retry The town of Castlebar is mourning the loss of John Dolan, who passed away peacefully on October 23 at Jules Bordet Hospital in Brussels following a short illness. He was surrounded by his loving family at the time of his passing. John was the beloved son of Martine and Paul Dolan, and adored brother of Jessica and Mark. He is sadly missed by his family, brother-in-law Michael, Mark's girlfriend Ceara, uncles, aunts, cousins, extended family, and many close friends. A valued member of Castlebar Mitchels Castlebar Mitchels GAA Club expressed great sadness at the news of John's passing, remembering him as a former junior and underage player and a valued member of their club community. John was also the brother of current senior player Mark Dolan. In a statement, the club said John "will be fondly remembered by all who knew him," adding "Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis." The club extended its deepest sympathies to Mark and the entire Dolan family during this difficult time. Mayo County Council pays respect The monthly Castlebar Municipal District meeting was adjourned as a mark of respect to John and his family and the late former councillor Frank Durcan. John has strong links to Mayo County Council through his father, Paul, the former head of roads with the council. Cathaoirleach Councillor Al McDonnell led the tributes, describing John's death as unexpected and untimely. He noted that John died overseas from natural causes after a very short illness, calling it 'a tragic situation'. Councillor Cyril Burke, whose association with the Dolan family goes back many years and whose son was in college with John, said it was a very sad occasion and difficult to deal with. "For any family, it's the worst thing that could come to your door," he said, extending his sympathies to the Dolan family. Councillor Ger Deere, who worked closely with Paul Dolan through the council and voluntary organisations, recalled knowing John from his work at Bar One. "It's terrible what that family are going through and all we can do is pray for them and let them know they are in our hearts," he said. Councillor Harry Barrett also extended his sympathies, calling it "a tragic situation to lose a young man in the prime of his life." John will repose at his parents residence, 66 Knockaphunta park, Castlebar, F23 X275 on Sunday (2nd November) from 2pm 5pm. Removal on Monday at 10.45a.m for Requiem Mass at 12noon in Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar. Mass can be viewed live on https://www.churchtv.ie/castlebar/ John will be laid to rest afterwards in Breaffy Cemetery. May he rest in peace. The shortlist for the 2025 An Post Irish Book Awards has been unveiled, featuring a diverse mix of exceptional writing from both new and established writers across nineteen categories, including Mayo author Kevin Moran. Morans shortlisted book, The Doomsday Club, featured in this years Childrens Books Ireland reading guide, titled The Best Irish Books of 2025. The public is now being asked to have their say and cast their votes for the best books of the year on the An Post Irish Book Awards website, anpostirishbookawards.ie/vote. Voters may cast their votes from 8 pm on Wednesday, October 22, until voting closes at 6:00 pm on Sunday, November 16. READ MORE: Trolley Watch stats rise in Mayo University Hospital The shortlist for this years An Post Irish Book Awards once again highlights the extraordinary breadth and depth of talent among Irish writers. Its inspiring to see such creativity and passion reflected across every category, with deserving recognition for authors, publishers, illustrators, and booksellers alike. Says Larry Mac Hale, Chairperson of the An Post Irish Book Awards. The An Post Irish Book Awards remains the cornerstone of Irelands literary calendar, and we look forward to celebrating this years winners on 27 November. He added. Debbie Byrne, Managing Director of Retail at An Post, says: Were proud to announce the shortlist for the An Post Irish Book Awards 2025. From exciting new talent to beloved favourites, this years shortlist is a celebration of imagination, bold ideas, unforgettable journeys, and the richness of Irish literature that speaks to every kind of reader and every aspect of Irish life. Our support for the Irish Book Awards goes far beyond sponsorship; its a heartfelt belief in the transformative power of storytelling to light up minds, inspire and connect us, and bring great enjoyment. Congratulations to all the shortlisted authors and happy reading, everyone! A one-hour television special, hosted by Oliver Callan, will be broadcast on RTE One on December 11, giving viewers an exclusive insight into the six books and the authors competing for the accolade of An Post Irish Book Awards Book of the Year 2025, culminating in the reveal of this years overall winner. Last week, the people of Mayo may have seen a famous face from America's television screens walking among them, as late-night talk-show host Jimmy Kimmel visited the county. Jimmy Kimmel, one of the longest-serving and most recognizable faces of television in the United States, made the revelations on the most recent episode of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' on ABC. Jimmy and many members of his family, including his five-month-old granddaughter, came to the Emerald Isle to explore family roots and Irish ancestry. "We got to see the house where my Dad's great-grandparents were born in County Mayo," he stated. "We had a lot of family there; we found them on ancestry.com." The well-known TV presenter was full of compliments for the hospitality he received while touching down on this side of the Atlantic. "Everything they say about the Irish people is true. We had not one bad experience with anyone. My niece left her purse at a pub. "A woman she'd never met before figured out where she was staying and drove it to our hotel and refused to accept money for it." "She didn't know we have more of a hostage-type situation when we find a purse." Kimmel also had plenty of quips when it came to discussing the Irish Presidential Election between Catherine Connolly and Heather Humphries, which occurred during his time in Ireland. You can watch the clip of the show, which regularly broadcasts to 1.77 million viewers, here: Business and Finance, in association with KPMG, today announced the shortlist for the 51st annual Business & Finance Awards 2025, which will take place on Thursday, December 11, at the Convention Centre Dublin. This years gala evening will welcome over 1,000 global business, political and social leaders to celebrate outstanding achievement, leadership, and innovation across Irish and international business. Portwest, headquartered in Westport, has been shortlisted for the 2025 Business & Finance Awards, in association with KPMG. Now entering its 51st year, the Business & Finance Awards Programme remains Irelands most prestigious business recognition platform, honouring exceptional companies and individuals whose impact drives progress, shapes industries, and inspires the next generation of leaders. The 2025 shortlist showcases the very best in Irish enterprise, from dynamic SMEs to multinational trailblazers, highlighting how Irish business continues to set new global benchmarks for performance, innovation, and resilience. This years awards received an increase (29.5%) in submissions, the highest number in over a decade. Notably, the Innovation of the Year category, introduced only last year, has seen the largest number of entries this year across all categories, underlining Irelands thriving culture of creativity and technological advancement. Among the most eagerly anticipated categories is Business Person of the Year, celebrating Irelands leading entrepreneurs and executives who are driving business excellence, innovation and growth both nationally and internationally. The Company of the Year award will recognise an outstanding Irish or international business demonstrating sustained success, innovation and impact, one of the most coveted accolades in the Irish business calendar. READ MORE: Popular Mayo hotel granted permission for development There is no better time than Halloween to dive into a good horror movie binge fest. While there are many amazing Hollywood horror films you can tune into, like The Conjuring franchise, Weapons, Hereditary and TheHeretic, Bollywood also has a long list of films you shouldnt miss out on. Here are eight perfectly curated Bollywood horror films you shouldnt miss out on this Halloween season. 1. Kaun? Kshitij Production Combines Urmila Matondkar, Manoj Bajpayee and Sushant Singhs 1999 horror film will put you through a journey that makes you question who the actual villain of the film is. As a psychological horror film, Kaun? keeps you on your toes with its mystery, mayhem and the anxiety of knowing that the killer has been the one youve been supporting all along. 2. Bhoot Ram Gopal Varma Another film starring Urmila Matondkar, this 2003 film sees Ajay Devgn move into a new apartment, which just so happens to be haunted by its previous tenant. A splash of possession and a lot of jump scares combine into an experience that wont let you sleep at night. 3. 13B: Fear Has A New Address Big Pictures Starring R. Madhavan and Neetu Chandra, the 2009 film is considered one of the best horror films out there. Manohar (Madhavan) realises that his house becomes haunted as the events of a daily soap start predicting what happens to the character and his family. 4. Stree Maddock Films Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkummar Raos 2018 film caught everyone off guard because of how well horror and comedy had been blended. An entire village is forced to hide their men because a ghost by the titular name comes and kidnaps them. The film is everything you want with a horror/comedy and more. 5. Shaitaan Jio Studios Ajay Devgn and R. Madhavans 2024 film may not be everyones cup of tea. Black magic comes into play when a family accidentally makes acquaintances with a stranger. Although the ending isnt the best, there are still moments that make your skin crawl because not every haunting has to be done by a ghost. 6. Tumbbad Eros International 2018s period horror film wont let you sleep at night. The critically acclaimed film takes you back to the village of Tumbbad, Maharashtra, where Sohum Shahs character and his family accidentally end up worshipping the biggest nightmare of their lives, only for him to come after their sanity and wealth. 7. Raaz Vishesh Films 2002s Bipashu Basu and Dino Morea starrer is what youd think of when you imagine what horror movies would look like. A faulty marriage gets tested by the ghost of the husbands ex-girlfriend, who reveals that she isnt the real villain in their holiday that can supposedly save a marriage. 8. Bulbbul Selena Gomez, Martin Short and Steve Martins Only Murders in the Building just ended its fifth season with a banging finale that is available to watch on JioHotstar. For each season, there exists a new murder and a new killer within the Archonia. It is up to Mable, Charles and Oliver to find that killer with a little help here and there. The satirical thriller acts as a breath of fresh air in an era where shows try to be both but always end up being either/or. Even The Bear was initially advertised to be a comedy show when it is more inclined towards drama. Right after the finale aired, the sixth season of the show was announced and this time, the trio is going to London. Only Murders in the Building Is Bringing the Old to the New Hulu The sixth season of Only Murders in the Building is already in the works. As Mable, Oliver and Charles get geared up to solve Cynda Cannings murder, their journey will take them far outside of the Archonia and all the way to London. This begs the question of just when the show would begin to feel overdone and stretched out. For every season of the series, one would think that the story would finally be over, but then, right at the end, someone dies. Youd think, Oh well, the next season will definitely be mediocre. However, each new episode hooks you in with its mystery and comedy. Somehow, it doesnt feel like its being milked dry. Instead, there is always this sense of freshness that blends in with cliches and overused tropes. The series has made such elements its strength and nobody wants to give up an opportunity to see Selena Gomez, Martin Short and Steve Martin in action. It becomes less about finding the killer and more about what the trio will do next. This becomes even more important when we realise just how many shows are getting reboots one after the other. It acts as an attempt to reignite the fire of older shows and bank on their fame, especially for shows like Gossip Girl and Pretty Little Liars. OMITB doesnt have to do that at all. Only Murders in the Building Is Less About Finding the Killers Free Manga Translator is an AI-powered platform designed to facilitate the translation of manga and comics across various languages. By leveraging advanced AI technologies, it aims to provide accurate translations while preserving the original artwork and layout. This tool is particularly beneficial for business owners, professionals, and decision-makers involved in the manga and comic industries, offering a streamlined solution for content localization. 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Our experts weigh in with their perspectives and practical advice. Lets Talk! More Lets Talk episodes Write for Dynamic Business Megan Hughes, Managing Director & Vice President of Sales for JAPAC, HubSpot Megan Hughes, Managing Director & Vice President of Sales for JAPAC, HubSpot The best performing Australian businesses have cracked the code on digitising rapidly while deepening customer loyalty. Their success comes from laying the right digital foundations and then implementing AI to scale impact HubSpots 2025 State of Business Report shows only 12% of Australian businesses have reached advanced AI adoption, yet these leaders are 4x more likely to report significant growth. The difference comes down to foundational readiness. Fully digitalised businesses are 10x more likely to have advanced AI implementation (40%) compared to those minimally digitalised (4%). It doesnt have to be a choice between technology and relationships when theres a unified infrastructure that strengthens both. The key is hybrid teams, when humans lead with intuition and empathy, AI accelerates with speed and scale. This way, when longtime customers interact with your business, they experience the personalised attention theyve always valued, now delivered with unprecedented speed and consistency. Achieving that starts with defining your authentic brand voice and target customer. Then uniting your data so both humans and AI have complete customer context. From there, AI amplifies your human touch by personalising at scale, handling routine requests instantly, and freeing your team up to focus on complex issues and relationship building. Hayley Fisher, ANZ Country Manager, Adyen Hayley Fisher, ANZ Country Manager, Adyen Nearly half of Australian consumers (46%) still prefer to shop in-store, compared with just 17% who favour shopping purely online, according to Adyens 2025 Australian Report. The message for retailers is clear: Australians havent abandoned brick-and-mortar shopping but that doesnt mean theyre resisting digital change. In fact, the most successful retailers arent choosing between physical and digital. Theyre blending them. Todays shoppers move seamlessly between channels, with 59% saying theyd be more loyal to a retailer if they could buy an out-of-stock item in-store and have it shipped to their home. And 62% will abandon a purchase entirely if their preferred payment option isnt available. Digitisation shouldnt erase what customers love about in-person retail the familiar faces, tactile experiences and instant gratification but enhance it. Investing in unified payments, mobile checkout, click-and-collect and real-time stock visibility preserves that personal connection while adding modern convenience. By digitising around customer experience, not in place of it, retailers can retain their loyal base while meeting the expectations of a new generation of connected shoppers. Bede Hackney, Head of Zoom ANZ Digitizing a business is not just about adopting new technology; its about enhancing every interaction while preserving the trust, reliability and empathy that built your customer base. In fact, digital transformation succeeds when technology is amplified with human connection. A recent Zoom-commissioned study into AI natives, Australians aged 18 to 24 who have had early exposure to AI and are currently active users, revealed while four in five (80%) want the option of escalating to a human agent in their customer interactions; 59% also said businesses should offer AI options for faster resolutions. This AI-human combination is already unlocking value for Melbourne-based bespoke cryptocurrency brokerage Caleb & Brown, which has grown by more than 25% since October last year, a period during which it was using Zooms AI-powered tools to improve Broker & Client engagement. Dan Johnson, Head of Product at the brokerage says his team uses Zoom to ensure fast, high-touch, personal support. Customers are seeking seamless integration between AI and human expertise. Smart and secure AI-first tools combined with the human touch can improve customer retention and build brand loyalty. Ginger Kidd, VP Marketing and Communications APAC, Sinch Ginger Kidd, VP Marketing and Communications APAC, Sinch Ensuring your business keeps pace with digital upgrades without losing loyal customers can be a tricky balance to strike, but the key is to adopt a people-first approach. Dont just add tech for the sake of it; elevate your customer experience. Our research has shown that 60% of consumers in APAC want information to be carried across chat, email, phone and text channels so that they dont have to repeat themselves. Customers want a consistent conversation, and brands need to give them this no matter which communication channel they use. People come to digital channels for three main reasons: trustworthy advice (44%), technical support (40%) and order tracking (35%). But if youre looking to deploy AI to drive efficiencies, its best to focus first on the second and third of these. Automated and AI technologies can be especially helpful for routine, low-risk tasks like appointment scheduling or order updates. But for complex or sensitive matters, access to a human customer support member is crucial. So, apply AI where it is going to have the biggest impact first, not on more complex engagements like providing advice, that may risk customer loyalty. Finally, addressing consumer security concerns is also key to maintaining trust. 41% of Australians are worried about data privacy and security with AI, so utilise secure technologies like verified sender IDs and one-time passcodes to reduce scam anxiety. The takeaway? Use AI where it helps, not where trust is at risk. Kim Owen-Jones, General Manager Customer Acquisition ay MYOB Kim Owen-Jones, General Manager Customer Acquisition ay MYOB Digital platforms are no longer optional they are essential. Whether youre a local retailer or a national enterprise, customers expect seamless online experiences, fast service, and personalised engagement. Digitisation isnt about technology for technologys sake. Its about staying relevant. Todays customers live in an omnichannel world -they research, shop, and engage both online and offline. Businesses that fail to meet them there risk fading into the background. But digitisation also brings internal benefits: improved efficiency, smarter data insights, and better decision-making. In MYOBs latest Bi-Annual Business Monitor, businesses reported higher productivity (35%), improved collaboration (32%), and faster payments (27%) as some of the benefits of technology. Moreover, automation and digital tools free up time for employees to focus on customer relationships, rather than paperwork and manual tasks. The key to a successful digital transformation lies in evolution, not revolution. Use technology to enhance the customer experience, not replace it. Here are some ways you can modernise your businesswithout losing what makes you special: Communicate the change. Longtime customers value trust and transparency. When introducing digital tools, explain how these changes benefit them, such as saving them time. Clear communication builds confidence and reduces resistance. Maintain the human touch. Even the most advanced automation cant replicate empathy. Keep connections alive through personalised emails, loyalty programs, and proactive customer support. A digital experience should feel human-led, not machine-run. Use data responsibly. Digital transformation offers powerful insights into customer behaviour but data privacy is non-negotiable. Protecting customer information demonstrates integrity and strengthens long-term trust. Empower your team. Your employees are the bridge between old and new. Provide training and support to help them embrace digital tools confidently. When staff feel equipped, they can champion the transformation and reassure customers through the transition. Digitisation done right doesnt erase your legacy it amplifies it. The goal isnt to replace the personal touch with algorithms, but to use digital tools to make that touch more consistent, more efficient, and more meaningful. Businesses that strike this balance will not only retain their long-term customers, but attract a new generation that values both convenience and connection. Rakesh Prabhakar, Head of Zoho Australia and New Zealand Rakesh Prabhakar, Head of Zoho Australia and New Zealand Digital business has fundamentally changed customer expectations, putting pressure on companies to deliver greater access and convenience. Yet, digitisation can be a double-edged sword. While new tools promise efficiency and growth, poor implementation can disrupt long-standing customer relationships. Complex implementations and new tool roll-outs can often lead to considerable downtime. Instead of replacing entire systems at once, business leaders should start by identifying specific processes, teams, or inefficiencies that need immediate attention. From there, they can introduce digital tools that automate time-consuming tasks like data entry, reporting, and data cleansing. These create early wins that build momentum for broader adoption. This phased approach ensures smoother digitisation, empowers employees through practical improvements, and ultimately enhances customer experience. Simplifying operations by consolidating systems into a single ecosystem also helps maintain consistency. Connecting teams across departments on a common platform improves responsiveness, reduces complexity, and keeps the customer experience seamless. Today, more touch points in the customer journey implies there are more places for customers to fall out of the engagement. Appointing a CXO can help ensure the voice of the customer remains central to any transformation. By leveraging data and technology, CXOs can align teams, identify friction points, and drive retention strategies that build long-term value. Anthony Capano, Regional Director, APAC, Intuit Mailchimp Digitising your business isnt about losing the personal touch. Its about scaling it. The right tools can make it easier to reach your customers where they already are in their inboxes, on social, or online. Automation, for example, can keep the conversation going, while segmentation will make it feel one-on-one. To make automation work for you, make it thoughtful and personal. Send a thank-you note when someone makes another purchase or a friendly reminder when stock runs low. Share an offer that fits their interests. These are just another way to show youre paying attention. Your longtime customers are more likely to stay when they feel seen and valued. Digitisation should strengthen that connection, not weaken it. When you use the data you already havelike purchase history, engagement trends, or preferencesyou can show customers you still know them, even as you grow. Elise Balsillie, Head of Thryv Australia and New Zealand Many businesses start digitising to save time, however the real opportunity is to use that time to serve customers better. Technology should simplify what is repetitive, so you can focus on what is irreplaceable: trust, loyalty and connection. Begin with clarity: map out every touchpoint where customers engage with you from the first enquiry to repeat purchase and identify what slows things down. A simple online booking or automated reminder system can eliminate friction instantly. Each improvement is not only operational; its also an act of respect for your customers time. Then, let insights guide your next move. Digital systems generate data that can reveal loyalty triggers, what prompts repeat visits or when a customer quietly drops off. Use that information to act with intention: send timely follow-ups, reward consistency and anticipate needs before they are voiced. Digital doesnt mean distant. When automation handles the admin, you create more space for the moments that build belonging and that is what keeps your oldest customers feeling right at home in your newest systems. Debbie Hatumale-Uy, Chief Marketing Officer and Advisor Digital Solutions Program, Realise Business Debbie Hatumale-Uy, Chief Marketing Officer and Advisor Digital Solutions Program, Realise Business Embracing digital isnt about chasing every new tool its about finding smarter ways to do what you already love, so you can run your business with more purpose and passion. Many small business owners worry that digitising will make everything feel too robotic or drive away loyal customers. But when done thoughtfully, going digital can actually bring you closer to them. Keep things human. Use digital tools to enhance your relationships, not replace them. Whether its a warm social media post, a thoughtful email, or a more streamlined way to order online, your goal is to make every interaction feel personal. Add small touches that show youre listening reply to comments, celebrate wins, and share stories from behind the scenes. These remind people theres a real person behind the brand. Using AI as your co-pilot is one way to embrace digital without losing the you. Let it handle the heavy lifting planning, drafting, automating so you can focus on the creative, personal side only you can bring. Digitisation should make life easier, not harder. Lead with heart, stay consistent, and your customers wont just stay theyll love you all the more for it. John Harding, general manager, managed services, Konica Minolta Australia Digitisation is a balancing act for every size of business. Advance too quickly and risk alienating customers; move too slowly and fall behind competitors. Longstanding customers value familiarity, so businesses should introduce digital tools in a way that complements the customer experience, not disrupts it, such as keeping traditional service channels available while gradually layering in new options to maintain trust and confidence. Communication throughout such a transition is essential. Customers need to understand how digital changes will benefit them directly, whether through faster service, greater convenience, or improved outcome quality. This requires clarity and transparency, not jargon. Additionally, it demands setting expectations early and demonstrating that digitisation serves the customer rather than the business alone to reduce the risk of customer attrition. Digitisation also offers opportunities to strengthen loyalty if executed thoughtfully. Data-driven insights let businesses personalise experiences in new ways, making long-term customers feel recognised and valued. Digital solutions can also free staff from repetitive tasks, giving them more time to focus on higher-value customer interactions. Businesses that position digital initiatives as tools for enhancing personal service and improving outcomes will demonstrate to their customers that transformation is about building on what they know, not replacing it. Janice Chan, VP of Platform and Client Services APAC at Nexxen Janice Chan, VP of Platform and Client Services APAC at Nexxen Within recognising the power that digitisation brings, we have long been committed to providing advertisers with the technology tools they need to seamlessly plan, activate and measure TV across channels. From a client perspective, AI assistants like our nexAI are driving accessibility and efficiency. They simplify the process of translating complex data into actionable insights and campaign strategies, which can then be directly activated within the platform. What once required specialist teams and multiple logins is now becoming more intuitive and seamless for marketers. AI assistants not only transform advertising workflows, but also give marketers clearer visibility into performance and outcomes. The nexAI assistant continuously monitors and optimises campaigns in real time, leveraging machine learning to maximise performance and ROI. This includes advanced algorithms that evolve and adapt, exponentially improving over time through iterative learning. By digitising and automating repetitive and time-consuming tasks like data collection and reporting, teams have the ability to pivot towards more strategic priorities, whether thats uncovering growth opportunities, refining messaging or building deeper client relationships. Sharon Nouh, Founder and CEO at ProSpend Sharon Nouh, Founder and CEO at ProSpend The key to digitising without losing long-time customers is empathy, not just efficiency. From an accounts payable process, which is one of areas ProSpend is focused on improving, businesses should be more concerned about how their partner and customer relationships could be impacted if they do not automate and digitise. At ProSpend, the Australian-built spend management platform designed for ANZ finance teams, we begin where customers feel pain and design the digital journey to remove that friction. Then we roll out in phases: pilot with an early set of adopters, keep the legacy option in parallel, and offer simple ways to adopt like email-in documents or one-tap approvals. Assurance is key to a smooth digitisation transformation. We dont want to rip the safety net away phone help, clear fallbacks, and having a real person to speak with during the first 90 days of a new implementation are essential. Most importantly, we communicate the why and the whats in it for me in plain English, train customer champions, and report back with you said, we did updates. Streamlining accounts payable is a win for everyone. Suppliers appreciate prompt, predictable payments and can better manage their own cash flow when they can rely on timely remittances. Ultimately, meeting modern supplier expectations is non-negotiable for organisations that want strong partnerships, along with the efficiency and strategic gains of a streamlined AP process. Jonathan Reeve, Regional Director, ANZ at Eagle Eye Jonathan Reeve, Regional Director, ANZ at Eagle Eye The march towards true personalisation particularly in the retail loyalty sector is happening in stores and on apps across Australia and globally, driven by artificial intelligence and real-time data. The granularity businesses and marketers can view and target their customers with was simply not practically possible just several years ago. A true real-time data and one-to-one personalisation journey requires more than new technology. It also demands a change in how businesses think about customer relationships. While modern, AI-driven personalisation and omnichannel engagement are transforming industries globally, these approaches represent somewhat untapped opportunities in the Australian and New Zealand markets. While the true-personalisation sector is still young, ANZ retailers, in particular, that implement such strategies could create a compelling advantage. The execution of loyalty in modern ANZ retail combines data, personalisation and strategy in increasingly sophisticated ways. Businesses with a solid grasp on these elements can widen the gap between themselves and competitors who havent evolved their approach. Billy Loizou, Area Vice President and General Manager, APAC at Amperity Billy Loizou, Area Vice President and General Manager, APAC at Amperity Customer data is the fuel source for success. But organisations in the Asia-Pacific region often struggle to maximise it. Forward-thinking organisations are increasingly driving collaborations between marketing and IT to build unified customer data foundations that attract and nurture clients. However, several roadblocks continue to prevent organisations from deriving ROI from customer data investments. Its the usual suspects: data silos, poor data quality and regulatory challenges. Theres three accelerators for company growth in the data-driven age. The first accelerator is to extract data out of the warehouse. All the modelling, insights and analytics youre trying to drive in the business are that much more accurate as a result. Traditionally, organisations have relied on packaged solutions like CRMs and marketing tools that often create additional data silos. These solutions typically lack the tooling to connect directly with modern data infrastructure and require connectors to communicate with other systems in the organisation. The second accelerator identity resolution addresses the challenge of multiple customer records. Amperitys approach involves a technological stitch, which is a patented methodology using 45 different algorithms to identify connections between customer records. The third accelerator actionability illustrates how organisations can turn unified customer data into practical business outcomes, making it accessible and useful for business teams, not just technical specialists. Effectively managing customer data, nurturing it and accelerating value extraction will empower organisations and make them resilient to undulating market shifts, technological advancement and change while increasing their potential for growth and profitability. Rich Atkinson, Executive Director of Technology, Airteam Rich Atkinson, Executive Director of Technology, Airteam Digital transformation doesnt have to mean customer exodus. The key is evolution, not revolution. Start by taking customers on the journey. Share a clear roadmap and explain the why behind every change. Even tech giants like eBay and Amazon iterate gradually, understanding that familiarity breeds loyalty. Before making changes, understand how users actually interact with your product. Tools like Hotjar reveal behavioural patterns that help maintain consistency in layout, features, and performance during transitions. Expect resistance, even to minor updates. Some customers will complain regardless, so plan for it. The solution? Support everywhere. Be visible and responsive across all channels, and ensure your internal team understands the changes too. Where possible, offer safety nets. Temporary fallbacks for major transitions give hesitant customers breathing room to adapt at their own pace. Finally, measure everything. Establish benchmarks before changes and track both behavioural shifts and business impact afterward. Data reveals whether your digital transformation is working or alienating your base. The businesses that successfully digitise are those that respect their customers comfort zones whilst gently expanding them. Ali McGovern, General Manager, Co-owner, FIREX When FIREX transformed from a traditional fire protection wholesaler into Australias first 24/7 Click & Collect network for certified fire equipment, the goal wasnt just to digitise, it was to make life easier for technicians. The lesson? Innovation works best when its built around real customer needs. Digitisation doesnt mean abandoning what made your business trusted; it means translating that trust into new systems that work smarter. For FIREX, this meant building tech capability into a nationwide network of automated warehouses, backed by personal customer service, consistent product availability, and a deep understanding of how technicians work in the field. The transition succeeded because technology wasnt the hero; people were. Long-term customers were brought along through clear communication, easy access to familiar products, and product reliability, which enabled the digital shift to make their jobs easier. In this episode, Ali is happy to explore how businesses can evolve without alienating a loyal customer base. Because the future of business isnt about replacing relationships with systems, its about using innovation to strengthen the relationships we already have with our consumers. Morgan Wilson, Founder & Director, Creditte Accountants & Advisors, Creditte Morgan Wilson, Founder & Director, Creditte Accountants & Advisors, Creditte Digitising should make life easier for customers, not force them to learn your systems. Start by mapping the customer journey and fixing the friction points first. Online booking, faster quotes, and clear status updates win trust because they save time. Keep a human option open. Offer chat and phone alongside the app or portal. Longtime customers value familiarity, so let them choose how they interact and move them across in steps, not all at once. Explain the benefit in plain English: Heres whats changing. Heres why it helps you. Heres how to get support. We see this all the time: adoption climbs when the message is simple and the help is visible. Pilot with a small group of loyal clients, gather feedback, and improve before rolling out. Train your team to meet customers where they are and measure success with retention, repeat purchase, and response times. The takeaway is simple: digitise the experience, not just the process. Better business follows when customers feel seen and supported. Sascha Giese, Global Tech Evangelist, SolarWinds Sascha Giese, Global Tech Evangelist, SolarWinds Digitisation is a must, but never at the expense of the seamless, reliable experience that longtime customers expect. In a competitive digital landscape, a slow site or frustrating AI chatbot is an immediate exit ramp to a competitor. More digitisation means more technology like cloud and AI, and that means more IT to manage. Treat every new digital platform as mission critical. Start by instrumenting and observing every digital touchpoint across cloud, apps and network. After all, you cannot improve what you cant see. Set customer service level objectives that reflect real expectations and optimise what hurts user experience first. To manage this at scale, lean on AI. The industry is moving towards autonomous operational resilience, where systems self detect and self heal. Embrace AI-driven observability to future-proof your infrastructure and ensure customer loyalty remains your greatest asset. Pulkit Agrawal, SEO Advisor, Realise Business Digitising your business shouldnt mean ghosting the people for who you built it. Start by telling them whats coming, plain and early what changes, what stays, and the upside for them. Clarity beats surprise every time. Invite them into the process: quick polls, a champion group, phone checkins with your best customers. Ask what good looks like, what absolutely must stay, and where the friction lives today. Teach, dont preach. Give short, handson sessions in store and on Zoom; record twominute howtos; create a onepager with pictures and big buttons. If you can show someones first win ordering in under a minute, rebooking without waiting theyll brag for you. Launch day is the beginning, not the victory lap. Put real humans on chat and phone, publish office hours, and fix issues fast. Close the loop in public: You asked for guest checkout its live. Celebrate adopters; reward loyal holdouts who try the new thing. Keep an escape hatch for the few who need extra time. Digitisation is a trust game. Treat it like a relationship, not an upgrade. Do that, and your longtimers wont just stay theyll bring a mate. And yes, well keep it human, always. Saurabh Arora, Director, True Capital Many leaders worry that automation will supersede the crucial personal touch, but in reality, a strategic deployment of technology enhances client relationships, it does not diminish them. My team and I have proven that migrating from manual, paper-based workflows to smart digital tools creates a demonstrably superior client experience. Implementing a robust Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system paired with automated, yet tailored, communications is a silent champion of client retention. While the industry average for customer retention typically sits around 70%, we consistently achieve a rate of 98% by embedding digital efficiency directly into our core service promise. This success is founded on two non-negotiable commitments: guaranteeing a document turnaround time of under 48 hours, and enforcing a strict policy of never asking a client for the same information twice. These promises are impossible to meet without seamless digital infrastructure. By eliminating friction, minimising delays, and removing repetitive data requests, you signal to your clients that you respect their most valuable asset: their time. Do not view digitisation as a shift away from personalised service; regard it as a powerful mechanism to deliver the most consistent, reliable, and exceptional experience possible. Client loyalty today is powered by efficiency. Geoff Main, Marketing Director, Founder, Passionberry Marketing When you digitise, start with empathy. Ask yourself, will this make the experience faster, fairer, or more personal for my customer? If it doesnt do one of those three, its probably not worth doing. Because its not adding value or saving cost for either partner. Digitisation fails when it forgets who its serving. Keep your long-time customers close during change, involve them early, show them the benefit and celebrate their loyalty. That feedback makes the product better, or saves you heading in the wrong direction. Digital systems should give customers agency. Let them see whats going on and youll cut half your support load, plus double your goodwill. For the larger clients we support with marketing, or when Im inhouse, the priority is to give full visibility across projects and data. Ultimately, digitisation is not the destination. Its just the delivery system. The real goal is still the same: make customers feel valued, understood, and connected. Satya Upadhyaya, Martech Executive Leader and Senior Consultant Satya Upadhyaya, Martech Executive Leader and Senior Consultant In the race to digitise, many organisations unintentionally leave behind their most valuable asset loyal customers.Across industries, Ive seen the same pattern: companies pour millions into digital platforms, automation, and data ecosystems, only to find that customer satisfaction drops, trust erodes, and engagement declines. But transformation is rarely about adding more tools. Its about alignment, clarity, and continuity. New tools are added with the best intentions: personalisation, automation, analytics but few are fully integrated. Over time, redundancy grows, ownership fades, and systems stop communicating. This results in customers experiencing inconsistent messaging, delayed responses, and fragmented experiences. The very technology meant to enhance engagement begins to erode it. Heres how leading organizations are making the shift without losing customer trust: Audit Value, Not Just Tools Review your tech stack through a business lens. Ask: Which tools directly improve customer experience or operational agility? If you cant link it to measurable outcomes, its time to reassess. Design for Continuity Legacy customers value familiarity and consistency. When you digitize, keep their journey at the center ensure interfaces, support models, and communications feel like evolution, not replacement. Integrate for Insight Data silos kill customer understanding. Prioritise interoperability so your marketing, sales, and service platforms share a unified customer view. Every conversation should feel informed not reset. Measure Emotional Impact, Not Just Efficiency Automation can reduce costs but also risks removing empathy. Track customer sentiment and loyalty as closely as you measure ROI and conversion. Digitisation done right isnt about modernisation for its own sake. Its about creating velocity, visibility, and value across every customer interaction. Pip Stocks, Founder, The Startup Muse I have experienced this first-hand when building Hearsay, a platform that productised the BrandHook Customer Discovery process. The key was listening to what the customers wanted, in this case, closer relationships with their customers, faster insight turnaround, less rigmarole and making sure that those elements or features are front and centre. The most often heard feedback we got in those early days of digitisation was: When things go wrong we need speed to solution. Make sure you build in an experience or set of solutions that dont leave your customers hanging. Your long term customers will be used to talking to you, the human. Ensure that your brand is layered all the way through the new digitised experience and that your voice/brand is present. The way to build the most effective digitized product/ process is to map the manual one good, bad and ugly and systematically go through to see where the opportunities are for improvement and enhancement. Your customers will thank you for making their experience better. Fabrizia Roberto, Founder, FRactional CMO Fabrizia Roberto, Founder, FRactional CMO This is a challenge and opportunity that Ive encountered many times in business, which resonates deeply with me. As an example, during my time at Koverd, a digital insurance startup, our goal wasnt just to digitise, it was to recreate the feeling of sitting across from a broker who truly understood you, while eliminating friction and saving time. Instead of replacing the human touch, we were translating it into a seamless digital experience. Now, on a completely different front, Im experimenting with the same principle as I work on launching an online experience for a physical tea house Ive recently bought. The key to success lies in mapping your digitisation efforts to deep customer insight. Take the time to really understand what your customers are trying to achieve, what they currently enjoy, and where the human experience might actually be slowing them down. Then and only then design a digital journey that enhances, rather than replacing, the emotional and functional value they already find in your business. As a fractional CMO, this is where a lot of my work lives, especially with small businesses or scale-ups trying to grow. Digitisation shouldnt feel like cutting corners or taking an impersonal approach for the sake of efficiency. Done right, it becomes an opportunity to scale your best human moments, not eliminate them. Stuart Matthewman, Founder, Summatt Consulting Stuart Matthewman, Founder, Summatt Consulting Digitisation isnt about adding more technology, its about removing friction. Too many businesses rush to digitise without first simplifying the experience theyre trying to scale. The result is digital complexity that frustrates both customers and employees who have to deal with disgruntled customers. The most innovative companies take the opposite approach. They start by understanding where value is created, where effort is wasted, and how technology can make that smoother and faster. As the saying goes slow is smooth, smooth is fast. Digitisation done well should bring customers with you, not leave them behind. That means involving them early, testing with real users, and showing how the change makes their lives easier. Simplifying before digitising allows every new system, app, or process to become an accelerator of growth rather than just another transformation project. Technology cant fix a broken journey, but it can amplify a great one. Discover Lets Talk Business Topics Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. China to further expand high-level opening up of financial sector: vice premier Xinhua) 10:56, October 29, 2025 Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with members of the International Advisory Council of the National Financial Regulatory Administration at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 28, 2025. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei) BEIJING, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- China will resolutely expand the high-level opening up of its financial sector, and welcomes more foreign financial institutions and long-term capital to invest and start businesses in the country, Vice Premier He Lifeng said on Tuesday. He, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks when he met with members of the International Advisory Council of the National Financial Regulatory Administration in Beijing. The vice premier outlined the economic and trade situation between China and the United States. He said China is fully implementing the spirit of the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee to resolutely expand the high-level opening up of the financial sector in accordance with the 15th Five-Year Plan. The advisory council members said that they are optimistic about China's economic and financial development prospects, and are willing to deepen their presence in the Chinese market and expand investment and cooperation with China. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) The Australia-Southeast Asia Business Exchange mission resulted in 60 business meetings and 2,000 pavilion visitors as quantum leaders pursued regional partnerships. Whats happening: Thirty-five Australian technology companies participated in a business mission to Singapores Tech Week, led by quantum physicist Professor Michelle Simmons. Why this matters: The mission signals Australias strategic push to position itself as a trusted technology partner for Southeast Asia, particularly in quantum computing and artificial intelligence. Australian quantum and artificial intelligence companies are pursuing partnerships across Southeast Asia, with a recent trade mission to Singapore demonstrating the sectors focus on regional collaboration and export opportunities. The Australia-Southeast Asia Business Exchange mission, held during Tech Week Singapore on 27 October 2025, brought together 35 Australian technology companies for business matching, industry roundtables and speaking engagements at one of the regions largest technology events, according to Austrade. Quantum collaboration explored Professor Michelle Simmons AO, CEO of Silicon Quantum Computing and one of the worlds leading quantum physicists, led the delegation. The mission was co-organised by Austrade and the Tech Council of Australia. Australias tech sector is powered by cutting-edge research, broad commercial expertise, and a spirit of collaboration, Professor Simmons said. This mission is about showcasing not our national strength and depth in fields like quantum, AI and cyber security, but also our keenness to partner with Singapore to drive innovation and economic growth across the region. The delegation included 12 representatives from Australias largest tech companies and 23 scale-up companies. Over two days, participants took part in more than 60 business-matching meetings with Singaporean and regional counterparts, Austrade reported. Business matching results Two industry roundtables hosted by Austrade opened the programme, focusing on quantum technologies and AI adoption. Professor Simmons led the quantum roundtable, which explored practical pathways for bilateral collaboration in quantum computing and commercialisation of quantum devices. The AI roundtable examined responsible innovation and adoption, including opportunities for Australia-Singapore collaboration across telecommunications, retail, logistics and the built environment. The Australia Pavilion served as a connection point throughout the event, attracting more than 2,000 visitors across two days, including government officials, technology investors and regional business partners. Tech Week Singapore is a platform for Australia to demonstrate its role as a global innovation partner, said Catherine Gallagher, General Manager for Austrade Southeast Asia. These companies represent the very best of Australias technology ecosystem, combining research excellence, commercial agility, and a commitment to solving real-world challenges. Regional partnership focus Speaking engagements placed Australian technology capabilities on the Tech Week Singapore keynote stage. Professor Simmons presented on Australias leadership in the quantum economy, whilst the Tech Council of Australia outlined the countrys emergence as a global tech powerhouse. Austrade participated in a panel discussion on how Australian AI solutions are accelerating productivity in health and logistics, featuring Karl Miklis, Chief Revenue Officer at Harrison.ai, and Talea Bader, Co-founder and CEO of SKUTOPIA. The mission coincided with the signing of an agreement between SGTech and the Tech Council of Australia, establishing a framework for strengthening connections between Australia and Singapores technology ecosystems. Delegates also visited Singapores National Quantum Federated Foundry, where they viewed nanofabrication facilities and engaged with researchers whose work was influenced by Professor Simmons research. Austrade hosted its first live Go Global Toolkit webinar during the event, featuring former Tech Council of Australia CEO Damian Kassabgi and Belinda Dennett, Senior Director of Government Relations at AirTrunk, who shared insights into Singapores tech sector opportunities. The mission reflects Australias strategic positioning as a technology partner for Southeast Asia, with quantum computing and AI representing key areas where Australian research capabilities and commercial expertise are being directed towards regional collaboration and export opportunities. Information for this article was sourced from Austrade here. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Building the Sherman Tank In 1940, in the light of the successful use of panzers in the European war, the US Army decided to start a rapid tank-building programme. Rather than adapting existing engineering plants, the President of Chrysler suggested constructing a brand new Tank Arsenal just outside Detroit, the home of the US car industry. Adopting the mass-production techniques used for making cars, this huge new factory was, by 1942, turning out 750 tanks per month on three massive assembly lines. First came the M2 Light Tank, soon modified into the M3 Medium Tank; these were known as the Grant and the Lee. But production soon moved up to the M4 Sherman tank. It had a turret with a 360 traverse on a gyro stabiliser built by Westinghouse. The tank had 60mm armour-plating that was sloped at the front. Early versions had different engines, but this was standardised to the rugged and reliable Ford V-8 cylinder petrol engine, giving the 32-tonne tank a maximum speed of 26mph. The main gun was a 75mm high-velocity weapon, although there were later modifications, and the British preferred to equip the tank with a 17-pounder gun. The first Sherman tanks arrived in North Africa in time for the Battle of El Alamein (October 1942). They soon made most other Allied tanks obsolete. Sherman tanks took part in every European campaign from that point on. The armies of the Americans, British, French, and Poles, as well as the Australians and the Chinese, all used Sherman tanks. An incredible 48,000 were built, more than double the number of every type of German tank produced during the war. The Sherman Crew The Sherman had a crew of five. The commander was stationed in the rear of the turret, and would open the hatch to spend most of his time looking out when the tank was not under fire. The gunner was seated below and in front of the commander, and had the use of telescopic sights. The loader sat to his left, and was also the radio operator. The driver sat in the left bow of the tank. His assistant sat on the right bow, and operated the front machine-gun. Each tank had an external radio and an internal audio loop for crew communication. Steering was by levers, which operated brakes on both sides of the tank. The closely bonded crews often lived together in their vehicle for weeks on end, and slept alongside or even under it. Impressive though they looked, the Sherman was vulnerable to a hit from a high-velocity shell which, if it penetrated the armour, could explode or ricochet inside the steel structure causing carnage of metal and flesh. If the ammunition or fuel was ignited, a Sherman would go up in flames in an instant. The British called this brewing up. Sometimes, Shermans were called Ronsons, after the cigarette lighter that was supposed to light first time. This information appeared in issue 55 of Military History Monthly. The armed services are increasingly turning to additive manufacturing commonly known as 3D printing to produce parts on demand, reduce costs, and boost readiness. For example, the Southeast Regional Maintenance Center (SERMC) of the Navy reverse-engineered a six-blade rotor for a chilled-water pump aboard an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, printed four prototypes in two weeks, and installed the final version with substantial cost savings. The prototype cost $17.63, the final part $131.21, while the conventional alternative would have cost around $316,544.16. Similar efforts are underway at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Keyport, in Washington, where additive manufacturing systems produce components ranging from training aids to materials for submarines and unmanned underwater vehicles, enabling parts to be developed and installed rapidly. Why the Shift is Gaining Momentum Three main forces drive the change: First, traditional supply chains for spare parts are costly, slow, and vulnerable in contested or remote environments. Second, technology and materials for 3D printing have matured to the point where printed parts can meet or approach required performance standards. Third. The DoD is making investments in additive manufacturing. In 2024, the DoD earmarked approximately $797 million for additive manufacturing, reflecting a dramatic year-over-year increase. By printing parts on-site or near the point of need, the military reduces lead times, shrinks logistics burdens, and gains flexibility. U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Marcus Ogden, 92nd Logistics Readiness Squadron materiel management technician, labels assets at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, July 24, 2025. Proper labeling and identification of assets enables efficient tracking and retrieval of materiels, supporting seamless logistics operations across the installation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Emilee Seiler) Institutional Implications and Supply Chain Resilience The shift means military logistics is moving from a system that stores vast inventories of physical parts to one that relies on digital blueprints and on-demand production. The Defense Logistics Agency has taken the lead in coordinating this transition across the Department of Defense. It is developing shared technical standards and a unified data framework to allow additive-manufactured components to be certified, catalogued, and distributed across service branches. The agencys efforts include building digital repositories for validated 3D-print designs, setting quality-assurance procedures, and ensuring that printed parts can move seamlessly through the defense supply chain. By digitalizing part data and enabling downloads of validated models, the services aim to print parts where they are needed rather than waiting for shipments. The strategic effect is greater resilience against supply-chain disruptions and reduced dependence on legacy manufacturing pipelines. Challenges Ahead Despite the promising gains, printing military-grade parts is not without hurdles. Qualification of printed materials, certification of printed parts, ensuring cybersecurity of digital files, and maintaining materials and printer infrastructure are all real issues. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has backed programs like SURGE(Structures Uniquely Resolved to Guarantee Endurance) aimed at accelerating the qualification process for metal-printed parts. If printed parts fail in the field or lack durability, the cost savings evaporate. Similarly, deploying 3D printing capability into remote or forward-deployed units requires investment in training, logistics, and maintenance of the printing assets themselves. U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Grant Morris, a digital wideband systems maintainer with 2nd Intelligence Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, II MEF, works on the hand-held radio test set at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 4, 2025. Morris designed a dust cover for the hand-held radio test set during the additive manufacturing basic course hosted by the II MEF Innovation Campus. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brady V. Hathaway) Manufacturing Meets Mission The militarys adoption of additive manufacturing is no longer experimental; it is increasingly operational. The printed part aboard a Navy ship stands as evidence of the capability in action. With the DoD showing strong budgetary commitment and the services fielding printers in maintenance depots and in the field, additive manufacturing looks set to become a staple of defense logistics. Toward On-Demand Readiness In summary, 3D printing is transforming how the military approaches parts, repairs, and readiness. The cost and time savings are real, not theoretical. The services are building a new manufacturing model aligned with 21st-century operational demands. If material quality, certification, and logistics keep pace, additive manufacturing will shift from innovation to necessity. The future of readiness may well be printed on-site, layer by layer, at the point of need. The American Red Cross is among the organizations nationwide that are coming to military service members aid in light of the ongoing government shutdown and potential missed paychecks. Disagreements between Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill have resulted in now the second-longest government shutdown in U.S. history, surpassing the 28-day mark on Wednesday with no end in sight as negotiations among legislators remain generally nonexistent. Concerns have escalated. After the Trump administration shifted $8 billion from military research and development funds to pay the nations approximate 1.3 million active-duty members, those same members could start missing pay this Friday. Vice President JD Vance said Tuesday he believed that members would be paid at the end of this week. Vice President JD Vance speaks with reporters after emerging from a closed-door meeting with Senate Republicans at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) An American Red Cross spokesperson told Military.com that they remain committed to delivering our lifesaving mission without interruption during the shutdown. The organization does not rely on federal funding to sustain its core operations. We do, however, work closely with federal partners, particularly in blood collection efforts, they said. This October, dozens of blood drives held at federal agencies, government organizations or military bases have been canceled, resulting in more than 1,000 uncollected donations. We are actively taking steps to mitigate these disruptions to ensure patients continue to receive the blood products they need. Additionally, the Red Cross stands ready to assist service members in close coordination with military aid societies and their support programs currently in place. We will continue to monitor and assess needs for affected military members and their families throughout the shutdown. In areas like Oklahoma City, food and hygiene drives have been scheduled to assist military communities. The Red Cross helps members of the military, veterans, their families and caregivers cope with the challenges of service, said Marama Bayles-Raleigh, Red Cross Regional Director of Service to the Armed Forces and International Services, according to local FOX 25. Our military partners alerted us to the uncertainty that military members face in the days ahead. Together, were encouraging communities to come together to support them and offer some peace of mind. SNAP Expiration May Impact 42 Million Americans In addition to military pay, Americans on food assistance are also at peril. The approximate 42 million Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) at this juncture soon wont have those funds available after the Trump administration rejected using more than $5 billion in contingency funds. Funding for SNAP, which provides assistance mainly to seniors, families with children, and people with disabilities, is set to expire Nov. 1. The Great Depression-era program has traditionally been a refuge in moments like these. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., speaks during a news conference at the Capitol, Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib) The effects of the almost one-month-long shutdown were felt in the early days. Food pantry visits from military families increased by double digits in some pockets of the country, as the shutdown combined with higher grocery prices overall have put families in and out of the military in a financial bind. Starting last week at our normal food operations, we saw an increase in demand, Dorene Ocamb, chief development and brand officer of ASYMCA, told Military.com earlier this month. As a result, we ran out of food a little more quickly than normal. We had about a 34% increase in Killeen, Texas, which was the first sort of food distribution after the shutdown happened. A group of U.S. Senate Democrats have sent a letter to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) seeking a cost analysis of the Trump administrations deployment of National Guard troops to multiple cities nationwide. President Donald Trumps orders to send federal personnel into Democrat-run cities and districts including Los Angeles, Chicago, Portland, Memphis and Washington D.C. have drawn pushback from critics who have referred to it as fear mongering and politically motivated. Trump suggested Tuesday while in Japan that he may go a step further to ensure safe cities remain, according to reports. The back-and-forth has resulted in legal battles still playing out in courts, with a three-judge appellate panel ruling last week in a 2-1 decision to stay a temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by Trump-appointed U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut to bar "the federalization and deployment of Oregon National Guard service members." On Monday, Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), ranking member of the Senate Budget Committee, led colleagues in their CBO request to analyze the costs of activating, deploying and compensating National Guard personnel, as well as the cost to sustain and maintain these deployments. National Guard soldiers patrol at Union Station, Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul) The letter, addressed to CBO Director Phillip Swagel, cites serious fiscal, legal and constitutional concerns" that warrant "close congressional scrutiny. Deploying federalized National Guard units for domestic security operations marks a significant departure from long-standing practice, the letter reads. It also carries substantial cost implications that have not been publicly disclosed or formally justified to Congress. The American people deserve full transparency regarding how their tax dollars are being used, especially as it pertains to the deployment of military personnel for missions on U.S. soil without a declared emergency or state request. The letter was signed by Merkley and Democratic Sens. Angela Alsobrooks (MD), Richard Blumenthal (CT), Cory Booker (NJ), Tammy Duckworth (IL), Dick Durbin (IL), Andy Kim (NJ), Alex Padilla (CA), Chris Van Hollen (MD), Elizabeth Warren (MA) and Ron Wyden (OR). A CBO spokesperson said in an automated message that due to the ongoing government shutdown, CBO has been instructed by House and Senate Budget Committees to provide support to address the immediate needs of Congress. "The agency will continue to publish cost estimates and other publications the Congress requires on its public website," they added. President Trump wants every city across the country to be safe, which is why he has generously offered additional resourcesthe National Guardto state and local officials," White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers told Military.com. "Americans are thankful for the National Guards dedication and service to protecting our cities and the federal officers who are located there, as they are doing in our nations capital. 'Cities Are Troubled' On Tuesday in Japan, as part of his trip to Asia to meet with world leaders, Trump maintained a strong affinity towards deploying additional National Guard troops to other U.S. cities should his administration find it necessary. We have cities that are troubled, we cant have cities that are troubled, Trump said aboard an aircraft carrier, speaking to troops on the USS George Washington at the Yokosuka Naval Base. And were sending in our National Guard, and if we need more than the National Guard, well send more than the National Guard, because were going to have safe cities. Trump has exerted his assumed authority to deploy said troops in response to what he and administration officials have claimed are a response for protection for federal agents working for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Neighborhood resident and volunteer, Valencia Mohammed, center, talks to D.C. National Guard interim commander Army Brig. Gen. Leland Blanchard II, right, and Lt. Col. Marcus Hunt, left, about cleanup efforts at Fort Stevens Recreation Center, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Gary Fields) The president, in an Aug. 11 memorandum explaining the motives for mobilizing the Washington D.C. National Guard, called the area under siege from violent crime, adding that [i]t is a point of national disgrace that Washington, D.C., has a violent crime rate that is higher than some of the most dangerous places in the world. Although District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser has criticized the administration for its deployment, a Joint Task Force (JTF) D.C. spokesperson told Military.com earlier this month that National Guard troops will stay in the district and remain resolute in its mission. National Guard in Chicago The Trump administration seems to have somewhat pulled back on deploying additional National Guard troops to Chicago, Illinois, at least for now. Thats according to Alderman Andre Vasquez, who represents Chicagos 40th ward, who told Military.com that hes more so seen federal agents (ICE) masked up in residential communities. I think its still a bunch of guys with masks kidnapping people off the street, Vasquez said. Whats concerning is, you got tear gas being thrown on residential streets. So, at what point does the escalation lead to them justifying larger military action? Thats something were all concerned about. Were all doing our best to make sure were training people to do things constitutionally, safely, to record information and work through the court systems to make sure were holding this government accountable. Democrats' portrayal of ICE has been disputed by Republicans and the Trump administration. Our officers are facing a 1,000% increase in assaults against them as they put their lives on the line to arrest murderers, rapists, abusers and gang members. [DHS] Secretary [Kristi] Noems message to the rioters is clear: you will not stop us or slow us down. ICE and our federal law enforcement partners will continue to enforce the law. And if you lay a hand on a law enforcement officer, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin previously told Military.com about troops and civilians at odds in Chicago this past weekend. UPDATED 10/29/25, 12:33 p.m. ET: This story was updated with comment from the White House. WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump's decision to shift the nation's most advanced aircraft carrier to South America in his campaign against drug cartels is pulling the ship out of the Mediterranean Sea at a time when a tenuous ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has been threatened by new strikes in Gaza. The U.S. is set to be in the fairly unusual position of having only a single aircraft carrier deployed and none in the waters off both Europe and the Middle East. The change is especially stark after the U.S. joined Israeli strikes on Iran in June and has engaged in some of the most intense combat operations since World War II against Yemen's Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. Aircraft carriers, with their thousands of sailors and dozens of warplanes, have long been recognized as one of the ultimate signifiers of U.S. military might and the nation's foreign policy priorities. There have been five carrier deployments to the Middle East since the Hamas-led attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, including two carriers in the region at multiple points this year and last. The new orders for the USS Gerald R. Ford illustrate the Trump administrations increasing focus on the Western Hemisphere and mark a major escalation of firepower as the U.S. military ramps up fatal strikes on alleged drug boats. With a buildup of warships, aircraft and troops already in the region, Trump himself has signaled what could be next. Speaking from another aircraft carrier, the USS George Washington, in its home port of Japan, Trump noted the U.S. attacks at sea and reiterated that "now well stop the drugs coming in by land. Mark Cancian, a senior adviser with the Center for Strategic and International Studies and a retired Marine colonel, questioned how long the Ford would be able to remain in South America, when only three of the 11 U.S. aircraft carriers are typically out to sea. It's such a powerful and scarce resource, there will be a lot of pressure to do something or send it elsewhere, Cancian said. You can imagine the peace negotiations breaking down in the eastern Mediterranean or something happening with Iran. The USS Nimitz also is deployed but is heading home from the South China Sea to the West Coast before being decommissioned. It recently lost two aircraft a fighter jet and a helicopter in separate crashes that are under investigation. A third carrier, the USS Theodore Roosevelt, is not deployed but is conducting exercises off the coast of San Diego. The shift is happening just as violence has flared up again in Gaza despite a ceasefire that Trump helped broker after two years of war. The Israeli army launched a barrage of attacks Tuesday as tensions with Hamas grew two weeks into the fragile ceasefire. Carrier's move adds pressure on Venezuela Meanwhile, the U.S. military's growing presence near Venezuela and its 13 fatal strikes on alleged drug boats have stoked fears that Trump could try to topple authoritarian President Nicolas Maduro, who faces charges of narcoterrorism in the U.S. In response to questions about the speculation, Secretary of State Marco Rubio insisted Saturday that the U.S. is taking part in a counterdrug operation. And he again accused Maduros government of participating in the shipment of narcotics. This is a very serious problem for the hemisphere, and a very destabilizing one, Rubio said. And that has to be addressed. Maduro said in a recent national broadcast that the Trump administration is manufacturing a war against him. They are fabricating an extravagant narrative, a vulgar, criminal and totally fake one, Maduro added. Venezuela is a country that does not produce cocaine leaves. Experts say the U.S. forces in the region aren't large enough for an invasion. But they could help push out Maduro and possibly plunge the nation into chaos. Theres a really high potential for violence and instability," according to Geoff Ramsey, an expert on U.S. policy toward Venezuela who is a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council. If Maduro loses power, he said Venezuela could devolve into a Libya-style meltdown that could last years. Land strikes are a real possibility The Ford strike group, which includes five destroyers, will add to an unusually large U.S. military buildup in the waters off Venezuela. The Navy already has eight warships in the region three destroyers, three amphibious assault ships, a cruiser and a smaller littoral combat ship thats designed for coastal waters. It was not clear if all five of the destroyers in the Ford strike group would make the journey. A U.S. Navy submarine also is operating in the broader area of South America and is capable of launching cruise missiles. The U.S. military also sent a squadron of F-35B Lightning II fighter jets to an airstrip in Puerto Rico and recently flew a pair of supersonic, heavy bombers up to the coast of Venezuela. The administration says the military has killed at least 57 people in the strikes against vessels accused of transporting drugs. Trump has declared drug cartels to be unlawful combatants because of narcotics flowing into the country and said the U.S. is in an armed conflict with them, relying on the same legal authority used by the Bush administration after 9/11. Lawmakers from both political parties have expressed concerns about Trump's lack of congressional approval and unwillingness to provide details about the attacks. Others, such as Trump ally Sen. Lindsey Graham, believe the president has all the authority he needs. The South Carolina Republican said Sunday on CBS' "Face the Nation" that land strikes in Venezuela are "a real possibility." Were not going to sit on the sidelines and watch boats full of drugs come to our country, Graham said. Were going to blow them up and kill the people that want to poison America, and were now going to expand operations, I think, to the land. JERUSALEM (AP) Israels intense bombardment of the Gaza Strip this week marked the most serious challenge yet for a fragile, U.S.-brokered ceasefire. Over 100 Palestinians were killed, including dozens of civilians, according to Gaza health officials. One Israeli soldier was killed in an attack that helped prompt the fierce Israeli strikes. But by early Wednesday, the ceasefire had been restored almost as quickly as it had unraveled. President Donald Trump defended Israels actions but also made it clear that the U.S. expects the broader ceasefire, which began Oct. 10, to hold. The chain of events underscored the fragility of the truce between Israel and Hamas after two years of war, but also showed how intent the U.S. is on keeping it going. Here are some takeaways from the tense two-day standoff. Trump will allow Israel to bomb, but won't let deal collapse Trump has staked his personal reputation on the success of this deal and poured diplomatic and military resources into making sure it succeeds. Trump himself flew to the region to usher in the agreement, visiting Israel and then meeting with key Arab and other international leaders in Egypt. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and two senior advisers White House envoy Steve Witkoff and Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kusher have all visited Israel in recent days in a sign of the high priority the U.S. places on the deal. The U.S. is also leading a new international effort meant to coordinate aid shipments into Gaza and to strengthen the agreement. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Trump defended Israels actions, saying it should hit back when its troops come under attack. Yet he also signaled that he will keep Israel in check, saying he is confident the ceasefire will stick. Vance also tried to play down the violence, saying Tuesday that the ceasefire is holding. Thats doesnt mean there arent going to be little skirmishes here and there, he said. Perceived truce violations will yield heavy Israeli response The Israeli military has a long history of tough responses to enemy attacks, and Tuesday nights airstrikes were no exception. Israel said it struck dozens of Hamas militants and military sites. Palestinian health officials said that scores of women and children, including a 1-year-old, were killed in the attacks. Israels five wars against Hamas, along with recent conflicts with Lebanons Hezbollah militant group and Hamas, have all been characterized by lopsided death tolls with large numbers of civilian deaths. During the 12-day war between Israel and Iran earlier this year, for instance, Iran said over 1,000 Iranians were killed. Israels government said around 30 Israelis lost their lives in Iranian missile attacks. Israel says it complies with international law and only strikes only military targets, while accusing its enemies of using civilians as human shields. But human rights groups have repeatedly accused Israel of using disproportionate force. Israel has no trust in Hamas Since Hamas seized control of Gaza in 2007, Israel has said the Islamic militant group is responsible for all violence emanating from the territory. That still appears to be the case, even when Hamas denies involvement, as it did in Tuesdays shooting of the Israeli soldier in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. Increasing the likelihood of further fighting, Netanyahu also faces intense pressure from hard-liners to issue a punishing response to any perceived violation of the truce. With Israeli critics and media accusing Netanyahu of caving to American pressure, the Israeli leader also has been eager to assert his independence. Vance and other Israeli officials have rejected suggestions that they are controlling Israeli actions. After it announced the restoration of the ceasefire, the Israeli military said Wednesday it carried out another airstrike in northern Gaza, targeting what it called a site where weapons were being stored for an imminent attack. Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City said it received two bodies from the strike. The ceasefire is stuck in its initial phases Trump has presented a 20-point plan for the ceasefire, beginning with the exchange of hostages, both dead and alive, for living and deceased Palestinian prisoners. The details of the next phase of the deal disarming Hamas, installing a new government in Gaza and deploying an international security force -- are yet to be hammered out. For now, the sides remain stuck in phase one. One of the triggers of Tuesdays violence was Hamas failure to return the remains of a dead hostage, as it had promised. Instead, it returned some body parts belonging to a hostage whose remains had been recovered by Israel in late 2023. Israeli officials also accused Hamas of staging the discovery of hostage remains on Monday, sharing a 14-minute, edited video from a military drone in Gaza. With mistrust running deep, and the remains of 13 dead hostages still in Gaza, the potential for additional bursts of violence appears to remain high. We would not eat. That is how disabled U.S. Navy veteran Juan Saro described a life without the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, which he and more than 40 millions of Americansaround 1-in-8 Americansrely on for food assistance. That includes seniors, disabled individuals, and families with children. About 1.2 million veterans are enrolled now, according to the National Council on Aging. More than 20,000 military families, 213,000 National Guard and Reserve members, and more than 1 million veterans, rely on such benefits, according to Veteran.com. On Nov. 1, the distribution of SNAP benefits are expected to stop because of the shutdown and a ceasing of funding through the federal government even as money could be allocated towards the program. Some families are already planning for a month without grocery money. One Onion SNAP is his only way for Saro to keep food on the table for himself and two boys he cares for. Saro survived a brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from his time in the Navy. He later worked as a sixth-grade teacher. But COVID-related health problems made it impossible to stay in the classroom. Juan Saro helps one of the boys he cares for with a drawing activity. The disabled Navy veteran says SNAP benefits are the only way to keep food on the table for his family. (Photo courtesy of Juan Saro) The veteran now lives on fixed disability payments from the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA). By mid-month, the money runs out. Food runs out. SNAP becomes the difference between dinner and nothing at all. SNAP is everything, Saro told Military.com. Without SNAP, we would go hungry. We would not eat. We would not have food on the table. The boys would not have what they need. Saro said he once opened his refrigerator and saw one onion. He tried to stretch food for as long as possible. Experts say that many veterans who qualify never apply, even though age, disability and fixed incomes put them at higher risks for hunger. I try not to let them see the struggle," Saro said. "They lost their mother. I want them to focus on school. I want their lives to feel normal. We Adapt. We Overcome. Saro says Sen. John Ossoff (D-GA) called him personally after hearing his story. He appreciated the conversation, but adds that phones do not fill stomachs. We adapt. We overcome. We persevere," Saro said. "That is what veterans do. But this should not be happening in America. Not in the richest country in the world. Juan Saro poses with his dog. The disabled Navy veteran says SNAP benefits are the only way to keep food on the table for his family. (Photo courtesy of Juan Saro) He has one message for Congress. Stop making our food a talking point. Make it a priority. In the meantime, he is preparing for the worst. If November 1 comes with nothing in his account, he says the reality is brutally simple: We would not eat. SNAP Crisis Hits Veterans Veterans groups and food banks are bracing for a surge. Fingers have been pointed in Washington. The Department of Agriculture blames Senate Democrats while Democrats say the Trump administration has the legal power to keep benefits flowing. Veterans who rely on SNAP come from every age group and background. More than a third are seniors. Forty-one percent have a disability. Over one in three live in a household with children. (Source: Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.) We are approaching an inflection point for Senate Democrats," a USDA spokesperson told Military.com. "Continue to hold out for the far-left wing of the party or reopen the government so mothers, babies and the most vulnerable among us can receive timely WIC [Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children] and SNAP allotments. The VA told Military.com it could not answer SNAP-related questions, referring all inquiries back to USDA. The Pentagon would not confirm how many troops or military families receive SNAP. A Pentagon official told Military.com, Our service members will always be our priority, and we are grateful to the many dedicated veteran and military service organizations that provide our troops support. Stepping Up The Navy was the only service at press time to respond to Military.coms request for comment on the expiring food assistance. A spokesperson said the shutdown affects every branch and told families to use existing support programs. The Navy sent a link to a resource page for sailors and their families during the shutdown, including help with food, housing, counseling, child care, commissary updates and emergency financial aid: Juan Saro during his time in the U.S. Navy. The disabled veteran now relies on SNAP to help feed his family. (Photo courtesy of Juan Saro) The Armed Services YMCA said it is already seeing early surges. Hot spots include Fort Hood, San Diego, Norfolk, Alaska and other high-cost bases. Some sites moved from twice-monthly distributions to weekly food pickups. Emergency financial help is being triaged for families facing eviction and utility shutoffs. Democrats: Trump Has the Money Senate Democrats say USDA has the legal authority to continue SNAP during the shutdown. Senator Patty Murray called it outrageous and accused President Trump of trying to starve Americans by refusing to tap the contingency fund. Her office said SNAP has billions in reserve funds that can legally cover November benefits. Nonprofits are bracing for long lines, shortages, and parents skipping meals. Building Homes for Heroes Mooresville, North Carolina, a Charlotte suburb, is developing a plan to provide 14 free homes to veterans. The town has formed a partnership with home supply retail giant Lowes, along with Building Homes for Heroes, a nonprofit from Island Park, New York, to build a small village of houses, according to Mooresville Mayor Chris Carney. The homes will be built throughout 2026 on four and a half acres owned by Mooresville. Fittingly, the houses will pop up along North Maple Street, across from the War Memorial Recreation Center. Carney unveiled plans for the village to a group of about 75 veterans at the Welcome Home Veterans Military Museum at Richards Coffee Shop in Mooresville. He was joined by Andy Pujol, who created Building Homes for Heroes. We love our soldiers, we love our veterans, and we want to treat them with pride and appreciation, Pujol told The Charlotte Observer as he walked along the site where developers plan to build the houses. But we also want to treat them better. Pujol was part of the search and rescue team after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York City. He arrived at Ground Zero the day following the attacks, serving on a bucket brigade to help clear away wreckage from the World Trade Center, searching for survivors and those who werent as fortunate. Years later, Pujol was stricken with cancer. His doctors think the cancer came from the toxins he was exposed to at Ground Zero. The new home in White Plains, Maryland for retired U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman Petty Officer Second Class Adams Amisu and his family. (Photo from Building Homes for Heroes) A Fitting Tribute Carney believes the location of the veteran village couldnt be better. The houses will be short walking distance to Liberty Park, a six-acre area featuring markers honoring veterans. In North Carolina, state law prohibits municipalities from giving away government property. However, Mooresville was able to work with state legislators on a local bill, as long as the property would be used to help veterans. Carney, a former North Carolina state senator, said the bill was approved rather quickly and could serve as an example for other state municipalities that wish to build a similar project. Also, with Fort Bragg and Camp Lejeune in close proximity, building a veteran housing area in Mooresville could help many veterans, the mayor said. Over 400 Homes and Growing David Weingrad, Director of Communications with Building Homes for Heroes, said the organization has provided more than 440 houses, new and renovated, for veterans across 36 states. Nine have already been built in North Carolina. Those with the greatest need, because of injuries both physical and mental, suffered during their service, are the likeliest to receive homes, Weingrad said, noting that one of the programs stipulations is that the veteran cant already own a home. Weingrad credited Lowes for pitching in, donating several million dollars to Building Homes for Heroes and providing additional investment from its Round Up for Charity program, where customers round up their shopping bill to the nearest dollar with the extra change going to charitable causes. Veterans can apply for a home on the Building Homes for Heroes website. Building Homes for Heroes also provides housing for Gold Star Families and first responders. The organizations site also features information on how to donate to the program. The Department of Veterans Affairs also has programs available to assist disabled veterans with home building and renovations. Seeing 14 more homes being built for veterans in need couldnt have happened without everyone coming together, the town of Mooresville, North Carolina state government, Building Homes for Heroes, and Lowes, Weingrad said. Its because of Lowes generosity that were able to achieve this amazing milestone, he said. On Veterans Day, according to The Charlotte Observer, Mooresville will officially announce plans for the housing village with a downtown celebration. As Oscar talk builds around her bruising turn in Christy, Sydney Sweeneys fight isnt just on screen but for ownership of her image, her power, and her story. When the Bond girl rumors began to swirl, Sweeney didnt confirm or deny, but she didnt play it up either. She simply said what every generation of badass women in high-stakes worlds eventually learns, telling Variety: "Depends on the script I think Id have more fun as James Bond." That single line landed like a mic drop. In case you weren't aware, Amazon Studios has acquired the James Bond franchise and is currently searching for the next Bond, as well as potentially casting Bond girl(s). If they are considering the Euphoria star for the role, the script must be excellent, or they had better be prepared to offer her the classic suit and a martini. Sydney Sweeney as Christy Martin in the 2025 biopic Christy. Image courtesy of Black Bear Pictures, available under fair use. From Sex Symbol to Storyteller At 27, Sweeney has become one of the industrys most in-demand but polarizing stars. Shes adored by many, declared overrated by others, and consistently overanalyzed and underestimated. Shes the Euphoria breakout who turned a viral jeans ad into a culture-war talking point. Shes also the actor-producer who just transformed her mind and body into real-life boxer Christy Martin, a role for which she had to pack on more than 30lbs of muscle, endure concussions, and produce the film herself through her company, Fifty-Fifty Films. Director David Michod (War Machine) told the outlet he initially overlooked her for Christy because of the internets preconceived ideas. But a deep dive into her MMA background changed everything. He explained: She had some real acting chopsWhen I saw her fight footage, I got goose bumps. That same duality beauty and bruises, discipline and defiance defines the Immaculate actresss career. As the industry continues to value women for their marketability over their ability, shes forcing a re-evaluation. Sydney Sweeney as Christy Martin in the 2025 biopic Christy. Image courtesy of Black Bear Pictures, available under fair use. Discipline as Defiance What makes Sweeneys transformation so compelling isnt just the physical grind. Its the mindset. She spent years in MMA training long before she ever hit a red carpet. That foundation of structure and repetition reads less like celebrity self-branding and more like mission prep. Military readers will recognize the pattern: Preparation under pressure. Physical mastery as mental control. Professional composure when chaos hits. Acting, as the Eden star puts it, is my ring. Its where I feel freedom. The set is where everything else goes quiet. That line could come from any soldier, athlete, or craftsman who finds purpose in routine. Inside that ring, shes not the influencers muse or the internets obsession; she's in complete command. Sydney Sweeney as Christy Martin in the 2025 biopic Christy. Image courtesy of Black Bear Pictures, available under fair use. The New Hollywood Heroine The Bond girl archetype has always been about spectacle. It's typically a woman who dazzles before she disappears, a character with a tongue-in-cheek name, only to become another notch in Bond's bedpost. But in 2025, audiences are rewarding endurance over allure. Between Christy, The Housemaid, and her producing slate, Sweeney is building a portfolio defined not by titillation but by toughness. She joins a growing line of actresses like Charlize Theron, Ana de Armas, and Margot Robbie, who are reframing femininity around capability and a through-line of agency. Hollywoods evolving heroine mirrors the ethos familiar to anyone whos served: lead quietly, endure loudly, and never let the noise dictate the mission. As the Echo Valley veteran puts it: You shouldnt have to hide or cover up in any room I hope I can inspire other women to be confident and just flaunt what they got. That confidence doesnt feel performative, but is strategic. And thats what makes the Madame Web actress such a fascinating figure in Hollywood. Sydney Sweeney in American Eagle's Good Jeans Ad Campaign. Image made available by American Eagle, captured on YouTube, and used under fair use. The Fight for Control For the Americana star, control has become both a theme and a survival strategy. She produces her own projects, chooses her collaborators, and understands the modern battlefield of publicity better than most studio executives. Director Paul Feig (Bridesmaids), who worked with her on the upcoming book adaptation of The Housemaid, calls her one of the most confident people Ive ever met in a good way. He shared with Variety: Shes very savvy about publicity and social media, Feig said. When we think were being clever with marketing trends, shes already moved on to whats next. In an era where celebrity can collapse overnight, one of the Sharp Objects alum's greatest strengths is her situational awareness. She doesnt react to noise, but redirects it. Sydney Sweeney in the ring, starring as Christy Martin in the 2025 biopic Christy. Image made available by Black Bear Pictures and used under fair use. Fame As A Fight Camp Even her most personal struggles echo that fight-camp mentality. Shes navigated viral controversies, tabloid speculation about her relationships, and constant scrutiny about her appearance, without ever spiraling into defensiveness. Instead, she deflects. Smiles. Keeps training. Keeps producing. Her co-star Ben Foster says the off-camera Sweeney operates by an old-school value system. As he tells it: "Shes kind to the crew, prepared, looks everyone in the eye, remembers names. Thats leadership. It seems like a small thing treating others with humanity and kindness but it is a courtesy often lost in the high-paced world of celebrity. Sydney Sweeney as Christy Martin in the 2025 biopic Christy. Image made available courtesy of Black Bear Pictures and used under fair use. Christy Martin and the Courage to Stay Standing The real Christy Martin was once dubbed The Coal Miners Daughter, a boxer who broke gender barriers while surviving brutal domestic abuse. The Handmaid's Tale veterans performance captures that duality the woman who could win a world title and still feel powerless at home. That story resonates far beyond Hollywood. Its about confronting violence, rebuilding self-worth, and transforming trauma into fuel. Sweeney calls it a very personal issue and selected the National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence as her charity partner. In a cultural moment obsessed with strong female characters, Sweeney reminds us that real strength isnt loud or flawless. Its the ability to stay composed while everyone around you demands a reaction. She knows shes a magnet for controversy from that jeans ad to endless debates about cosmetic work but she refuses to flinch. She shared with Variety: "Being an actress, its a lot harder to stand in the room and demand your worth and for people to look at you and value you I have to remind myself, Hey, Syd, youre actually powerful. Stand up a little taller." Thats a quote that lingers. The Final Round Sydney Sweeney may never be cast as a Bond girl, but shes already doing something more interesting, and thats living like one might if she wrote her own script. And whether youre stepping into a ring, a boardroom, or a battlefield, its a familiar one: Stay calm under pressure. Command your space. Dont let others define your mission. Sydney Sweeneys real secret weapon just might be her discipline. And discipline, as any fighteror service memberknows, is the truest form of freedom. Christy, Sydney Sweeneys next significant role, hits theaters on November 7th, 2025, and the flick is already generating a lot of buzz. So be sure to check your local listings for showtimes. Editor's Note: This first article in a two-part series explores why the next frontier of military readiness is moral, not mechanical. It argues that the erosion of trust and courage within the ranks threatens Americas strength more than any technological shortfall. The U.S. military loves technology, and for good reason. From AI-enabled targeting systems to stealth aircraft, American forces have long relied on innovation to stay ahead of the fight. But after decades of studying leadership, Im convinced our next major readiness problem wont come from technology at all. Itll come from a deficit of something far older and harder to engineer: character. I refer to it as the character gap. The widening space between technical competence and moral courage. Sometimes we get close where we know what to do, but something stops us short of the gap, impeding our ability to get across. U.S. Air Force Maj. Tyler Frey, 333rd Fighter Generation Squadron Weapons Systems Officer, prepares for launch during routine sortie operations at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, Oct. 6, 2025. These final checks highlight the teamwork and precision required to keep Strike Eagles ready for the fight (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Daryl Briscoe). More Training, Less Trust Walk into any unit today and youll find people with more education, more credentials, and more data than ever before. Yet conversations about trust, integrity, and judgment often happen in whispers, if at all. Leaders can sometimes hesitate to tell hard truths up the chain. Junior troops worry that candor might backfire. Teams operate cautiously, more concerned with optics than authenticity. A 2022 RAND study found that when troops doubt their leaders integrity, unit trust and performance drop sharply, even when technical competence is high. Thats a dangerous equation. You can have the best gear and tech in the world and still lose if your people dont believe in their leadership. Historys Reminder History is full of militaries that mastered tactics but lost their moral bearings. The German Wehrmacht in World War II was tactically advanced, disciplined, innovative, and efficient. But its moral collapse made that meaningless. Americas own struggles in Vietnam and Iraq revealed how moral confusion at the strategic level undermined trust on the ground. When troops sense a gap between whats right and whats ordered, cohesion fractures. Ethicist Nancy Sherman once wrote, Moral repair, not moral performance, is the enduring test of military professionalism. That insight should hit home today. The Department of Physical Education hosted the 17th annual Mike Krzyzewski Teaching Character Through Sport Award. The award recognizes West Point cadet-athletes, coaches, officers in charge (OIC) and sport educators for their outstanding commitment to the development of noble character through athletic participation and leadership (Eric Bartelt, DVIDS). What Moral Courage Looks Like During my Air Force career, I saw courage daily, not just in a combat zone when deployed to Afghanistan, but in hangars, briefing rooms, and offices. One story sticks with me. A young Airman discovered a maintenance error hours before a critical flight. The easy option would have been to stay quiet and keep the mission moving since it didn't seem like a big deal. Instead, he spoke up, knowing it would delay the sortie and potentially anger leadership. He was right, however. He trusted that integrity mattered more than optics. Thats what moral courage looks like. And it only happens in cultures where doing the right thing is safer than staying silent. The Science Behind Trust Leadership research backs up what most troops already know: character is readiness. Studies from the Army War College and the Center for the Army Profession and Leadership show that ethical climates predict performance and retention more strongly than technical skills alone. When trust erodes, even the most capable units lose effectiveness. It's the ability to act ethically despite fear of negative outcomes. Thats not a personality trait, its a learned habit reinforced by culture, mentorship, and moral example. When leaders model that courage, trust becomes contagious. When they dont, fear does. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth attends Officer Candidate School Class 501-25 on September 4, 2025, at Fort Benning, Georgia. As the guest speaker, Hegseth delivered a message focused on the enduring importance of standards, character, and decentralized decision-making for the Army's newest second lieutenants. He emphasized that the demanding 12-week OCS "crucible" forged their character, which will lead to hope, and that their profession is unique because "we are in the business of kill or be killed, live or die," making adherence to standards non-negotiable (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Stephanie Snyder). Bridging the Character Gap We cant close the character gap with slogans or core value posters. It takes intentional practice, honest feedback, and leaders who set the tone from the top down and bottom up. That means: Leaders owning mistakes publicly. Transparency builds trust faster than perfection ever could. Transparency builds trust faster than perfection ever could. Mentors asking more about judgment than job titles. Technical mastery matters, but moral clarity sustains it. Technical mastery matters, but moral clarity sustains it. Promotion systems rewarding moral courage. When integrity is what gets you noticed, behavior follows. Todd Kolditz, a former West Point psychologist and author of In Extremis Leadership, found that in high-risk environments, followers dont just want competence, they want conviction. The moral example of the leader, he wrote, is the most reliable form of communication under stress. Thats as true on a flight line or in a command tent today as it was on a Normandy beach or in the Korengal Valley. U.S. Naval Academy midshipmen take part in the annual Sea Trial on 13 May, 2025. Sea Trials is a capstone event for fourth class (freshman) midshipmen, modeled after the Marine Corps Crucible and the Navys Battle Stations (U.S. Air Force photo by Technical Sgt. Christopher S Muncy). The Road Ahead Bridging the character gap starts where every mission begins, with people. Its built through mentorship, accountability, and daily choices when no ones watching. We spend billions upgrading hardware, but too little upgrading the human software that runs it. If we want a force ready for the uncertainty of tomorrow, we need to train not only the body and brain, but also the conscience. The next leap in readiness, in my opinion, wont come from faster jets or smarter code. Itll come from leaders who choose the harder right over the easier wrong, and from units where trust is strength, not a slogan. Competence wins battles. Character wins wars. Curator Li Xiaoxin poses for a photo during the media preview of the exhibition "Dimensions: Contemporary Chinese Studio Crafts," at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London, Britain, Oct. 27, 2025. (Photo by Ray Tang/Xinhua) The exhibition, "Dimensions: Contemporary Chinese Studio Crafts," which opens to the public on Tuesday, marks the first major exhibition dedicated solely to contemporary Chinese studio crafts. LONDON, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- Stepping into the China Gallery, once renowned for its ancient artifacts and traditional handicrafts, visitors may be surprised to find contemporary Chinese studio works now displayed alongside historic treasures. The juxtaposition creates a dialogue between past and present, redefining the Chinese collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), one of Britain's largest art and design museums. The exhibition, "Dimensions: Contemporary Chinese Studio Crafts," which opens to the public on Tuesday, marks the first major exhibition dedicated solely to contemporary Chinese studio crafts. Nearly 50 of the artworks featured in the show have been newly acquired by the V&A. Since joining the museum's Chinese department, curator Li Xiaoxin, the creative force behind the exhibition, has sought to reconnect with China's illustrious ceramic heritage. Despite the museum's extensive historical collection, Li noticed a lack of representation from modern Chinese artists - an absence that inspired a five-year research journey culminating in this exhibition. "Traditional ceramics were made for practical use - as vessels or religious sculptures - and always served a function," Li told Xinhua. "Contemporary ceramic art is different. Its focus lies not on utility, but on how artists employ the material and craftsmanship of ceramics as a form of expression." By placing modern pieces beside Ming vases and Tang figurines, the exhibition highlights how generations of Chinese artisans - from imperial kiln masters to today's independent studio artists - have continually balanced material, beauty, and meaning while embracing modernity. INSPIRED BY TRADITION From the mountains of Yunnan Province in southwest China to the coastal plains of Shandong Province in the east, Li traveled extensively to meet artists transforming traditional crafts into contemporary art. Lin Fanglu poses in front of her work during the media preview of the exhibition "Dimensions: Contemporary Chinese Studio Crafts," at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London, Britain, Oct. 27, 2025. (Photo by Ray Tang/Xinhua) Among them is Lin Fanglu, whose fiber sculpture "She's Bestowed Love" rises like a crimson wave, commanding the China Gallery's space. The work employs the ancient Bai ethnic tie-dye technique, once used to decorate clothing. Lin first encountered the craft during her 2014 stay in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, where she lived among local artisans. Her transformation of blue-and-white textiles into a red sculptural form captures the emotional depth of the women who keep the tradition alive. Beside Lin's work stands Zhao Jinya's glass installation "The Two of Us No. 9," which gleams with refracted light. Created in 2021 in Zibo, Shandong - the birthplace of China's colored glass art - the piece reflects Zhao's dual education in China and Britain. "I use glass not just for beauty," Zhao explained. "It's about existing between cultures - observing and feeling as an outsider. I don't try to separate Chinese and Western influences; they naturally coexist within me." Also featured is Eliza Au, a Canadian-born artist of Chinese heritage, whose latticed stoneware draws inspiration from traditional Chinese wooden architecture. Her repeated visits to Jingdezhen, the historic porcelain capital, provided both cultural connection and creative inspiration. "Spending time in Jingdezhen gave me a sense of familiarity and an entryway into a culture with such a deep lineage," said Au. "It offered not just artistic insight but also a feeling of belonging." These are exhibits showcased during the media preview of the exhibition "Dimensions: Contemporary Chinese Studio Crafts," at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London, Britain, Oct. 27, 2025. (Photo by Ray Tang/Xinhua) A SENSE OF CONTINUITY In the Ceramics Galleries, Room 146, the story of Chinese clay continues - from the 1950s revival of production centers such as Jingdezhen, Yixing, and Dehua, to today's spirit of free experimentation. Lu Chuan, curator and co-founder of the craft innovation organization GyreCraft, emphasized the enduring continuity of Chinese craftsmanship. "No culture begins from nothing," Lu said. "To understand art and culture, we must look back to our roots - to see where traditions originate and how they evolve through the experiences of different people and regions." This philosophy underpins Li's curatorial vision - to connect the V&A's new acquisitions to the centuries-old legacy of Chinese ceramics. "Through these works, I want audiences to see the many new faces of contemporary China, and to understand how Chinese society continues to evolve in every aspect of life," Li said. "It's time for our cultural stories to keep pace." Editor: Xiong Jian First to fight. A mantra that defines the Marine Corps in everything it does, including its gear. For over 20 years, the Marines have proudly donned the digital MARPAT camouflage uniform. The pixelated design has become as iconic as the eagle, globe, and anchor. But after more than two decades, the pattern has arguably run its course. In an era of tight budgets and evolving threats, perhaps it is time to ditch the digis and return to something simple, such as a flat coyote brown (or even back to olive drab) utility uniform. Spearheading this effort could lead to mass adoption across the War Department and ultimately save money, streamline logistics, and set a practical example for the rest of the military. First, let's take a deep dive into how we got here. Marine Corps digital MARPAT uniform in action (photo from military.com) MARPATs Development The story of MARPAT can trace its roots to the work of famed camoufleur Timothy ONeill, who proposed a similarly pixelated pattern known as Dual-Tex in the 1970s. While this design ruminated over the decades, by the late 1990s, the Marine Corps started looking for a replacement for the camo design it used throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Traditional camouflage was deemed sufficient, but advances in technology created a demand signal for something more effective. Inspired by the Canadian CADPAT design, which was built on the Dual-Tex research into digital patterns that used small pixels to break up shapes, the Marines launched their own development. By 2000, MARPAT (short for Marine Pattern) would be developed and patented in woodland, desert, and urban designs (the urban would later be scrapped by the Corps). While many Marines hold to the notion that the pattern was the result of scientific testing by the Marine Corps, the reality is that it came down to field testing between tiger stripes and digital (with Commandant General Jones preferring the tiger stripe). Marine Corps Systems Command would ultimately go with the digital design that we know today after extensive field tests - though it has been argued that the design was more cosmetic than functional. Adoption was well-received by the Marines. In 2002, the Marine Corps began replacing the old camouflage uniform (or BDUs as the Army called them, short for "Battle Dress Uniform"), and by 2004, the force was outfitted with the first service-specific pattern in modern U.S. military history. It was a bold move at the time that highlighted the Marine Corps independence and innovation. Soon after, other branches took notice and jumped on the digital bandwagon. The Army, with its moonscape-inspired Universal Camouflage Pattern in 2004 (which was criticized for poorly blending into Iraqi and Afghan terrains). Soon after, the other branches jumped on board with the Air Force releasing a pixelated tiger strip camouflage design and the Navy releasing the blueberries (or also referred to as Aquaflage, a blue version inspired by MARPAT). All branches would ultimately ditch their digital camo with the Army and Air Force converting to the multicam design over the past decade, and the Navy switching to a design that looks similar to the Marines MARPAT design. Air Force Utilities (Photo by Tech Sgt. David Jablonski) The Cost of Change This proliferation was not cheap. A Government Accountability Office report in 2012 highlighted how duplicative efforts led to fragmented development, with costs spiraling each time a branch reinvented the wheel. Estimated pegged replacing the Armys uniform alone is at $4 billion over five years, not counting the millions already sunk into testing and production for patterns that overlapped in function. A critical perspective might call it a classic case of inter-service rivalry trumping efficiency, where ego and brand overrode efficiency and military uniformity. Bottom line: the Army and the Air Force spent billions on pointless uniform changes only to return to a style not unlike what they had less than a decade previous. Sample of all U.S. military camo designs since 2000 (Photo by Defense Logistics Agency) Switching back to a uniform look across the War Department will not be without its hurdles. The 2014 National Defense Authorization Act, passed by Congress, included a provision mandating that the branches stop creating new camouflage patterns unless they are joint efforts applicable across services. The law aimed to curb the very waste we had seen, requiring the Secretary of Defense to establish policies for unified combat uniforms by 2018. This meant any new design, even a solid color, would require approval to avoid violating the spirit of the law. This sensible guardrail, however, has complicated any quick changes for individual branches. Yet in spite of this constraint, there is an opportunity for the Marines to lead from the front as usual. By ditching MARPAT for a single-color utility uniform like coyote brown (or even a throwback like olive drab), the Corps could pioneer a return to basics thats both cost-effective and versatile. Coyote brown, a tan shade already heavily utilized in gear (such as plate carriers, packs, etc.), blends well in both arid zones and urban settings without the need for complex printing. Olive drab, another option, is tried-and-true; having been utilized in World War II, Vietnam, and other conflicts across the globe to tremendous effect in both forests and fields. Such a uniform transition choice would simplify supply chains, reduce manufacturing costs, and work in garrison or deployment; Marines could function effectively in combat, the field, turning wrenches in the rear, or even working behind a computer. Other branches would then be wise to follow suit, fostering joint uniformity consistent with congressional mandate. From Concept to Reality Coyote brown utilities concept, modified from 2003 official U.S. Marine Corps artwork (Image generated by OpenAI's DALL-E via ChatGPT) In the above concept art, the coyote brown presents a clean, rugged appearance that harkens back to a simpler time while incorporating modern fabrics for durability. It shows Marines operating in different configurations, blending seamlessly into any environment without the pixelated distraction. Proving that less can indeed be more. Leading the Way Marines are known for doing more with less, and this change embodies that ethos. It would honor traditions while adapting to fiscal realities, potentially saving billions across the War Department in the long run. Some will yearn for the digis unique look, but effectiveness trumps style. As threats evolve from dense jungles to urban sprawls, a versatile solid color is the smart move. The Corps led the way into digital camo; now it can lead us out. UPDATE: Edited 8:35 AM EST, 30 October 2025, to include "BDU" as an Army specific reference. October 31: As expected, Gibaut elected free agency on Friday, according to the MiLB.com transaction log. October 28: Reds reliever Ian Gibaut has been activated from the 60-day injured list and sent outright to Triple-A Louisville, according to the transaction log at MLB.com. The right-hander had been on the IL with a right shoulder impingement. Gibaut has over three years of service time, so he can reject the outright assignment in favor of free agency. The 31-year-old has pitched in parts of four seasons with the Reds from 2022-25. In 137 2/3 innings with Cincinnati, he has posted a 3.92 ERA with a roughly average 22.5% strikeout rate and a below-average 9.3% walk rate. The highlight of his tenure was Gibauts 2023 season, in which he had a 3.33 ERA in 75 2/3 innings out of the Reds bullpen and allowed hard hits at a rate of just 31.8%, well below the league average of 38.2% among qualified relievers that year. Unfortunately, Gibaut made only two appearances the following season as he underwent surgery for a nerve issue in his forearm. The Reds non-tendered him in November 2024, but re-signed him to a minor league contract in January 2025. In 25 1/3 innings across 25 appearances this year, Gibaut had a 4.62 ERA but did not miss many bats, with a mere 13.2% strikeout rate. Some of that can be attributed to injury, as his season was interrupted by two separate trips to the IL, the first coming at the end of April. Gibaut also appeared to be working with diminished stuff, as his average fastball velocity declined from 95.2 mph in 2023 to 94.0 mph in 2025 (he only threw two innings in 2024). However, he still did well at limiting hard contact with a hard-hit rate of 33.7%. He also lowered his walk rate to 7.3%, which graded out better than league average. A Monday, Sept. 30 2024 aerial view of the Palisades nuclear plant warehouse and training area. Holtec International wants to build two small modular reactors (SMRs) at this site by 2030. Garret Ellison LANSING, MI Michigan lawmakers this week approved bipartisan legislation aimed at expanding nuclear energy generation and positioning the state to play a larger role in the next era of advanced reactors. On Tuesday, Oct. 28, the Republican-controlled state House passed a six-bill package that defines advanced nuclear reactors in state law, creates new research and workforce training programs and awards business tax credits for small modular reactors. Sponsors say the package, HBs 4124 through 4129, is designed to make Michigan more competitive in the clean energy sector and to prepare for possible small reactor projects such as one planned at the Palisades nuclear plant in Van Buren County. The legislation also comes amid a national surge in electricity demand from artificial intelligence and data centers, which utilities say will require more reliable, carbon-free supply. With the restart of Palisades and the passage of this bipartisan package, were showing the country that Michigan is ready to lead in both nuclear and hydrogen innovation, said Rep. Joey Andrews, a Democrat from St. Joseph who helped broker state and federal support for reopening the nuclear plant near South Haven. The bills passed with bipartisan majorities after a similar package died in the 2024 lame duck session. They go to the Democratic-controlled Senate, where they are likely to win bipartisan support from lawmakers who see nuclear energy as a way to reduce planet-warming carbon emissions. Nuclear energy has won increasing bipartisan support because it generates high amounts of baseload energy without emitting large amounts of carbon and other greenhouse gases. Nuclear energy is defined as clean but not renewable under 2023 energy reforms that require Michigan utilities to source 100 percent of their generation from carbon-free sources by 2040. If signed into law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who has backed the effort to restart the closed Palisades nuclear plant, the bills would direct the state to promote education and workforce programs in nuclear and hydrogen energy, offer research and development incentives and coordinate state and federal resources for future projects. The new legislation would provide a credit equal to 10 percent of research or development costs incurred in state for advanced small modular reactors with an aggregate cap at $200 million statewide and $30 million per taxpayer. Small modular reactors, or SMRs, are compact nuclear plants designed to produce about 300 megawatts using factory-built components that can be installed at lower upfront cost than traditional large reactors. Proponents see them as way to provide reliable carbon-free power to complement renewables while fossil-fuel plant are retired. Critics caution that Michigan should not overlook cost, radioactive waste-disposal and safety issues as it pursues nuclear expansion. Environmental groups have called for stronger oversight before any small modular reactors are built. The Michigan Sierra Club testified in opposition to the bills this spring, calling SMRs an expensive, unproven technology that diverts funding from immediately available renewables. Tim Minotas with the Sierra Club criticized lawmakers for passing special carve-outs for projects that already benefit from massive federal subsidies. This package diverts taxpayer dollars away from affordable solutions like wind, solar, battery storage, energy efficiency, and grid upgrades, Minotas said. In addition to providing more immediate relief to ratepayers in Michigan, who pay some of the highest utility bills in the country, these demonstrated clean energy applications can strengthen reliability and are already delivering real climate progress for our state today. House Republicans say the bills help ensure energy security. Michigan must be a leader in developing new, innovative ways to produce energy, said Rep. David Prestin, a Republican from Cedar River who said small modular reactors are our most likely path forward for energy in the Upper Peninsula. Embracing production methods like nuclear, specifically small modular reactors, will ensure the shift from fossil fuels to alternative energy production will be done so in a way that does not leave rural homes and businesses in the dark, Prestin said. The legislation comes as Holtec International readies the closed 800-megawatt Palisades nuclear plant for a controversial restart this year while simultaneously preparing to develop two 300-megawatt SMRs at the plant site next to Van Buren State Park. The Palisades SMRs would be part of a planned fleet of small reactors built across North America using Holtecs still yet-to-be-licensed design under an agreement with Hyundai. The legislation and Palisades effort is occurring amid a surging U.S. electricity demand driven by data centers and AI infrastructure, as well as broader energy policy shift at the federal level under President Donald Trump, who has taken a hostile stance toward renewable sources such as wind and solar, but supports nuclear power. The Department of Energy under Trump continued disbursing a $1.52 billion loan awarded to Holtec under the Biden administration to help reopen Palisades. Michigans two largest utilities, Consumers and DTE, are pursuing data center customers and DTE is studying an expansion of its Fermi plant near Monroe. Mark Harmon will make a special guest appearance as Leroy Jethro Gibbs, the iconic TV character he played for 18 seasons on "NCIS," during the first crossover event between "NCIS" and "NCIS: Origins" on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025 on CBS. Photo: CBS 2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. Special agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs is back! Actor Mark Harmon is returning to the NCIS franchise where he spent 18 seasons. Harmon will reprise the iconic TV character he last played in 2021 on the hit CBS drama during the first crossover event between NCIS and NCIS: Origins on Tuesday, November 11. The episodes will air back-to-back on Veterans Day and, according to CBS, will first have Origins showing a young Leroy, played by Austin Stowell, and his team investigating the small-town death of a naval officer in the 1990s. Following that on NCIS, the case will be unexpectedly re-opened in present times. Even though Harmon may have left his on-screen role a few years ago, he serves as an executive producer on both series and narrates each episode of Origins. Four years ago, Gibbs disappeared to Alaska to live a life of solitude, said co-showrunners and executive producers David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal. We know how much fans have missed seeing Mark and have wondered what Gibbs is up to today. We dont want to give too much away, but lets just say Gibbs is no longer alone. NCIS: Origins airs at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT, followed by NCIS at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT. A staff member arranges cut pieces of poria cocos at a poria cocos processing factory in Jingzhou County, Huaihua, central China's Hunan Province, Oct. 22, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Teng) CHANGSHA, Oct. 26 (Xinhua) -- After resigning as a senior sales executive for a state-owned tobacco company in Shanghai, Yang Peiru registered a bamboo shoots processing company in his hometown, Huitong County, a hinterland in central China's Hunan Province. "The local government offered many preferential policies, which attracted me to bring investment back to my hometown," said Yang, general manager of Hunan Green Land High-tech Agriculture and Forestry Development Co., Ltd. He added that government loans had bolstered the company's capital and enhanced its production capacity. "Due to the expansion and stability of production capacity, we have got many orders from big customers. Currently, our order volume has reached 200,000 packages per day," Yang said. Established in 2017, Yang's company has contracted some 3,300 hectares of bamboo forest from local farmers to secure raw materials, with support from the local government. "After the official launch of sales in June 2021, the performance has grown steadily, and it is expected to achieve sales of 80 million yuan (about 11.28 million U.S. dollars) by 2025," Yang said. Song Xiaofeng, a local villager who leased one hectare of bamboo forest to Yang's company, now works on its production line, earning a monthly salary of 4,000 to 4,500 yuan. "In the past, I could hardly make more than 1,000 yuan annually from my bamboo forest. Now, I earn about 50,000 yuan a year, including a 1,050 yuan land transfer fee," said Song. She added that the job allows her to care for her elderly parents and children at home, rather than endure the hardships of working in the mountains every day. About 40 kilometers from Yang's company lies Jingzhou County, known for its waxberries and poria cocos, a common ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine. Local people have found that growing poria cocos under waxberry trees effectively utilizes space, maintains vegetation balance, and prevents soil erosion. "After harvesting, the poria cocos residue acts as organic fertilizer for the waxberry trees," said Wang Xinzhi, general manager of Jingzhou Guoling Technology Co., Ltd., a local producer of poria cocos products. "We now use this model on 200 hectares of land." "Planting poria cocos under the waxberry trees is not only an innovation but also reduces costs and makes full use of land space and increases overall profits," Wang said. Near Wang's company, there is a busy market for poria cocos. Many buyers and sellers come here every morning to trade poria cocos. As one of the largest poria cocos industrial parks in China, Jingzhou County attracted 71 traditional Chinese medicine enterprises, over 300 processing households, 21 e-commerce enterprises, and four logistics enterprises by 2024, according to the local authorities. The annual transaction volume reaches 80,000 tonnes, accounting for more than 70 percent of the national total. Yang and Wang are the epitomes of China's non-timber forest-based economy. Included in the country's 2025 government work report, the concept is an eco-friendly economic model that involves a compound operation involving forests and woodlands. According to data from China's National Forestry and Grassland Administration, by 2024, some 40 million hectares of forest land were utilized for this purpose, generating an annual output value of approximately 1 trillion yuan nationwide. Buyers and sellers trade on poria cocos at a poria cocos market in Jingzhou County, Huaihua, central China's Hunan Province, Oct. 22, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Teng) Editor: Xiong Jian MUNISING, MI Its unclear what theyre looking for but police were at the home of a missing woman on Tuesday, WJMN/WBUP reports. Starla Perry-Goings, 64, of Munising, was reported missing on Aug. 17. She was last seen on Aug. 15 as she left her home on Sixteen Mile Road. Her vehicle was found on Peninsula Point Road in Munising Township. In September, the Alger County Sheriffs Office expanded their search for Goings. On Tuesday, sheriffs deputies and Michigan State Police troopers were at Goings home and a reporter for WJMN/WBUP witnessed a tractor being used to dig on the property. The deputy at the scene told the reporter that the activity was the result of a search warrant. However, they did not confirm a connection to the Goings case, and its unclear what they were searching for. As news of the police activity reached social media, Starlas daughter, Steffanie Rhen, posted to Munising Informed asking the community to have grace, kindness and respect for her family and law enforcement. We do not yet know what law enforcement is doing at the house or what, if anything, they may have found, she said. When we know something, we will share what we can, but right now we need time and space to process and grieve. Please respect that. Grasses burn in a prescribed fire at Mitchell Creek Meadows nature preserve near Traverse City, Michigan, on Sunday, March 3, 2024, as part of wildland fire training. Michigan utility Consumers Energy says it will proactively shut off power during extreme conditions to prevent fires. (Sheri McWhirter | MLive.com) Sheri McWhirter JACKSON, MI Michigans second largest electric utility will de-energize lines and temporarily shut off power to prevent destructive wildfires from igniting. Consumers Energy describes the new strategy, announced on Tuesday, Oct. 28, as a last resort to be triggered only during severe weather or extreme conditions creating a high risk for fire. Utilities use of the tactic, called a public safety power shutoff, is expanding beyond western states with a track record of catastrophic wildfires, researchers say. It comes as drier vegetation and hotter weather caused by climate change increase the potential for more intense blazes threatening homes and lives. We recognize that losing power is disruptive, and we are committed to using this measure only if it is necessary, said Greg Salisbury, senior vice president and president of electric distribution for Consumers, which provides power to 1.9 million customers. We are committed to providing timely communication and support to our customers before, during and after a shutoff, if these extreme conditions occur, he said in a statement. Fallen lines, or power equipment that comes into contact with brush or trees can provide the spark that unleashes a wildfire. High-profile examples can be found in some of Californias most destructive fires, but incidents are cropping up in other states. Last years Smokehouse Creek fire, which consumed a million acres and broke records in Texas, stemmed from a broken utility pole. In Michigan, most wildfires are much smaller. Just under 1,000 acres have burned so far in 2025 across 310 fires, a slightly higher total than the recent historical average, according to Michigan Department of Natural Resources statistics. Fire has consumed about 21,300 acres over the past decade in Michigan, the figures show. Read more: Fighting wildfire with fire: Can Michigan burn its way to healthier forests? That includes a handful of larger blazes. The 2023 Wilderness Trail Fire near Grayling consumed more than 2,000 acres and sparked evacuations. In 2010, the Meridian Boundary Fire destroyed a dozen homes and threatened the village of Roscommon. About 26 Michigan wildfires each year are attributed to power lines, per the DNR statistics. Consumers grid covers a wide expanse of the Lower Peninsula, amounting to nearly 99,000 miles of lines. The Jackson-based utility expects increasing wildfire frequency and severity, leading to the new shutoff policy. The highest risk area in the state, in the center of the northern Lower Peninsula around Crawford County, is primarily in Consumers service territory. Preemptive shutoffs are increasingly being used across the country, according to a 2025 report from Stanford University researchers, who noted utilities in Idaho and Colorado implemented it for the first time last year. The tactic both helps prevent ignitions and reduces the potential for massive liability for utilities after fires, they wrote. The stakes could be high. An Oregon-based utility, PacifiCorp, has paid nearly $750 million in settlements, and lost verdicts requiring it to pay hundreds of millions to victims of 2020 fires who alleged it should have preemptively shut off power. The Stanford researchers analyzed basic preparedness steps utilities can take across the nation, including having wildfire mitigation plans and shutoff policies. Michigan power providers primarily ranked in the lowest tier for readiness, but the study didnt appear to factor in a wildfire plan Consumers developed in 2024 and predated the new shutoff policy. Regulators with the Michigan Public Service Commission, overseeing Consumers, welcome actions to reduce wildfire impact, said spokesperson Matt Helms in a statement. They havent required utilities to develop policies or provided specific guidance, he added. Under the new policy, Consumers says it will notify customers affected by a shutoff 48 to 24 hours beforehand, provide regular updates and offer assistance during the outage, restoring power as quickly as possible. In deciding whether to take the step, it will monitor factors like high winds, reductions in humidity, the presence of dry lightning and wildfire indicators like red flag warnings, signifying increased risk. It may not be a common occurrence. Over the last five years, weather and environmental conditions have met the criteria to consider a shutoff about two days a year, Salisbury said. TGI Fridays, located at 2775 Tittabawassee Road in Saginaw Township, has permanently closed, according to a note posted on the restaurants doors Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. (Heather Jordan | MLive.com) Heather Jordan | MLive.com A pair of national restaurant chains traded barbs on social media Tuesday that involved one brand mocking the other while its undergoing bankruptcy proceedings. The exchange began on X -- formerly known as Twitter -- when the branded Chilis account asked if customers had seen other restaurant chains offering a trio of appetizers as a special. The branded TGI Fridays account replied a short time later, saying "@ us next time," hinting that the Chilis post was directed at the company. Chilis responded with "like this if you thought TGI Fridays was closed. The two sides would trade a couple more messages before the exchange ended. The response from Chilis was particularly stiff as TGI Fridays has been going through bankruptcy proceedings for nearly a year. In November 2024, the chain filed for protection as a way to ensure the long-term viability of the company. As part of the proceedings, several Fridays locations have been closed across the country. In early 2024, the company had roughly 270 locations in the U.S., but CNN reported in April 2025 that number had dropped to 85. In an interview with Restaurant Dive in March, new CEO Ray Blanchette said the company operates 391 locations across 41 countries. Although Fridays hasnt emerged from bankruptcy yet, the company has overhauled its menu and is expanding worldwide. In September, the company announced it reached an agreement with a franchisee to develop over 50 new restaurants in Peru and Japan. MARQUETTE COUNTY, MI -- After 104 years of hiking, canoeing and ministry, an Upper Peninsula summer camp is closing its cabins. Camp Michigamme, a United Methodist camp in the western U.P., has suspended operations and will not reopen in 2026. The camp announced its closure this month citing financial challenges. The camp was up against declining membership, reduced attendance, rising maintenance costs, and insufficient reserves, according to the announcement. This is the fifth camp closure within the United Methodist Michigan Conference since 2019. In an April camp preview, Camp Michigamme said it was leaning on grant funding for camp improvements like a new riding lawn mower and programming supplies to improve the low ropes course and field games. They were also navigating staffing challenges including finding a full-time camp director. To remedy this, their camp director had the dual role of camp pastor. About 35 miles west of Marquette, Camp Michigamme was the only United Methodist camp in the U.P. It was unique in that it was the only district-owned camp in the Michigan Conference, according to the press release. In May 1922, Rev. George Olmstead, the district superintendent of the Marquette District, bought 92 acres on the shores of Lake Michigamme for $3,000. Olmstead wanted the camp to be a central meeting place for youth ministry in the U.P. More than one hundred parishioners gathered for the camps 100th anniversary in 2022. The camp blog wrote, Camp Michigammes identity is virtually inseparable from the district. In its closing statement, Camp Michigamme staff reminisced on this legacy: For more than a century, the camp has been a spiritual home for children, teens, families, and volunteers across Michigans Upper Peninsula. Many remember learning about faith while canoeing across the lake, singing in the open-air chapel, or staying up late sharing stories around a campfire. Over the next six months, the Northern Skies District Leadership Team will determine the camps future. This includes securing the property, hosting three listening sessions in January and February 2026, and making a final decision by March 2026, according to the press release. The team will also explore options for preserving structures and significant items at the camp as part of honoring its legacy. Michigan is home to approximately 1,018 licensed summer camps. You can search them here. This MLive file photo shows Benny the Beard Fisher, an art installation on the banks of the Manistique River at Northland Outfitters in Germfask. The sculpture is made from local cedar and other woody forest materials. (Sheri McWhirter | MLive.com) GERMFASK, MI Color season is winding down in the Upper Peninsula, but Benny the Beard Fisher will welcome visitors to the Manistique River shore all winter long. Benny the troll is an art installation along the riverbank at Northland Outfitters in Germfask. Hes also a troll character in a childrens book by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. In the two years since Benny was built, the 14-foot-tall troll sculpture has become a popular roadside attraction in the heart of the eastern U.P. Hes aging a little bit but hes looking pretty decent, said Levi Brady, who owns the campground and livery business. Some of the other Dambo trolls in the Pacific Northwest seem to be wearing more rapidly than Benny, Brady said. This MLive photo from 2023 shows Durea and Levi Brady, who purchased Northland Outfitters in 2022 and paid to have a famous artist install a riverside troll sculpture at their Upper Peninsula business. (Sheri McWhirter | MLive.com) Were hoping that he lasts quite a while. It was a big undertaking to get Thomas Dambo up here, so fingers crossed, he said. Northland Outfitters has closed for the regular tourism season, including its gift shop. However, visitors can still walk along a boardwalk trail to see Benny throughout the winter months, Brady said. Visitors can park at a lot at 8222 M-77 in Germfask, where a drop box allows them to pay $10 per carload. Then they can walk to the riverside to see the troll. Related: Benny the Beard Fisher is the U.P.s new resident riverside troll We built a 220-foot-long boardwalk system through the wetlands that connects out to the trail to Benny, Brady said. He said its a great opportunity to stop and stretch your legs while traveling along M-77 south of Seney. The stop is near the Seney National Wildlife Refuge. The giant troll sculpture is made from leftover cedar plank pieces from a nearby Amish lumber mill, as well as branches and saplings collected from the local landscape. Its construction along the Manistique River was approved by state environmental regulators. The University of Michigan is facing a federal lawsuit from a former professor who alleged he faced discrimination in his tenure process. (MLive file photo) Jacob Hamilton ANN ARBOR, MI A former University of Michigan professor has filed a federal lawsuit against the university, alleging he was subjected to different tenure standards than white faculty in the music theory department. Attorneys for Somangshu Mukherji filed the lawsuit Tuesday, Oct. 28, in U.S. District Court for the Eastern Division of Michigan against the University of Michigan (UM) and its board of regents. Mukherji claimed that UM retaliated against him after he complained of discrimination, blocking him from two tenure-track positions in January 2025. When reached by MLive for a response to the lawsuit, a UM spokesperson said the university does not comment on litigation. Mukherji said he was hired by UMs Music Theory Department in 2013. He worked as an assistant professor until his employment was terminated in May 2021, and he was later hired as a lecturer in the department in August 2024 but was terminated months later, which he alleges was a result of his complaints. While he was employed as an assistant professor, Mukherji said he was recommended to be granted tenure by the chair, executive committee and dean of the music theory department. However, he was denied tenure in 2020 by the provost of the university, who Mukherji claimed subjected him to different standards than prior white Music Theory faculty who had been granted tenure by the University before him, according to the lawsuit. Mukherji is an immigrant from India. Mukherji filed a grievance with the university, and a grievance panel ruled in 2021 that the provost was manifestly unfair in her review of Mukherjis tenure case. The panel recommended that the provost review Mukherjis tenure case again, this time with the oversight of the University Faculty Senate Director and representatives from a faculty advisory committee. However, the provost allegedly did not enforce the decision, and the university terminated Mukherjis employment in May 2021. Mukherji filed a charge of retaliation with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) that month, and the EEOC issued him a right-to-sue letter. In 2023, he filed a federal discrimination and retaliation lawsuit against the university, in which he specifically named former Provost Susan Collins and Vice Provost Sara Blair. Mukherji claimed that this led to him being turned down for two tenure-track positions in the music theory department the following year. He was hired as a lecturer in the music department in August 2024, despite objections from the universitys human resources (HR) department because of his lawsuit against the university, he alleged. After receiving positive teaching evaluations as a lecturer, Mukherji applied for three new faculty positions in November 2024: Two tenure-track assistant professor positions, and one tenured associate professor position. Mukherji claimed he was well-qualified for the positions and advanced to interviews with the respective search committees. According to his lawsuit, a member of the schools executive committee later told Mukherji that both interviews had been successful, and both search committees had advanced him as a finalist for the positions. However, Mukherji was informed by the universitys HR department in January 2025 that he could not be considered further for either position, citing an institutional policy that prevented Mukherji from being hired for tenure-track positions because he had been granted a terminal year after he was denied tenure, according to the lawsuit. Mukherji filed a second charge of retaliation with the EEOC, which issued him a second right-to-sue letter on July 31, 2025. Under his new federal lawsuit, Mukherji is requesting that a judge issues an order compelling the university to complete the job hiring process that it halted in January for Mukherji, and to hire him to a tenure-track position if he is determined to be the most qualified candidate. He is also seeking attorneys fees and punitive, emotional distress and economic damages as part of the lawsuit. WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - Washtenaw County may not be top priority for immigration enforcement, but local officials are preparing for the possibility that local streets could soon mirror Chicagos. If you would have asked me that four months ago, I might have said, No, not a chance, said Washtenaw County Sheriff Alyshia Dyer. I dont put anything past the national administration right now. So we have really looked internally on how we would handle that. Immigration agents have arrested more than 1,000 immigrants in Chicago in a crackdown that began in early September, according to The Associated Press. The patrols have featured masked, armed agents; a fatal shooting; detentions of both U.S. citizens and immigrants with legal status; and a pastor shot in the head with a pepper ball. While she anticipates targeted enforcement by Immigration and Customs Enforcement is more likely in Detroit and Grand Rapids because they are larger cities, she still wants to be prepared, Dyer said at a panel about the local impact of ICE. We are in very, very troubling times with what were seeing happen from the national level, she said. The panel, hosted by the League of Women Voters on Monday, Oct. 27, also featured Melanie Harner, a co-founder of Washtenaw Interfaith Coalition for Immigrant Rights (WICIR); Cesilie Cordovilla, a local immigration attorney; and Andy LaBarre with Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners. Harner said she personally knows six people taken by ICE in the past month. Many of those taken in the county were on their way to or from work, she said. Its bad, she said. It is really bad out there. Tracking detainments and the aftermath can be difficult, Harner said. Although advocates may be aware of how many people were taken in the moment, following cases through the system is tricky. Unlike criminal or other civil courts, immigration courts do not have easily accessible dockets and are more difficult to navigate for the general public. We dont necessarily know where they were taken, Harner said. We dont know what happens beyond that unless were in contact with their families. More conversations are happening in the organization about the importance of numbers, she said. The frequency, the intensity is 100-fold compared to (President Donald Trumps first) administration, Harner said. That intensity has shown up in Cordovillas work. A husband and wife, two of Cordovillas clients, were at a stoplight on Michigan Avenue early Sept. 18 while on their way to work when their car windows were broken, she said. The wife called Cordovilla screaming, she said. She didnt know who was there, she said. They didnt identify themselves. They werent in a marked car. They werent identifying themselves with any kind of uniform. The couple had applied for asylum, had always gone to their hearings and had work authorization and a drivers license, she said. Imagine that kind of fear, knowing that that can happen to you anytime you go out, anytime you go to workand then youre stuck, she said. The couple signed deportation papers roughly two weeks ago, but still havent been deported, Cordovilla said. Fear of encountering ICE has had a chilling effect on local travel, which has impacted the number of people seeking assistance in the county, LaBarre said. People could defer seeking out mental health, housing or food insecurity assistance because they fear any interaction with a government service could mean deportation action, LaBarre said. This could have further downstream implications for the county, such as a decline in immunizations or increased pressure on local, already-strained homelessness services, he said. Its been a sea change (since Trumps first term) and a sea change of fear and quietness and really detrimental impacts that weve seen over the last nine months now, LaBarre said. Dyer also raised concerns about ICE operating without identifying themselves. There has been one incident of someone stopped by ICE calling local emergency responders because they werent sure the agents were actual law enforcement, she said. A lot of law enforcement that Ive talked to are also very uncomfortable as well, she said. The sheriffs office has asked the agency to not wear masks and to prominently display identification while in the county, but they dont have to listen, Dyer said. Democrats in the Michigan House of Representatives introduced a bill in July that would ban law enforcement, including ICE, from concealing their face or identity. The enforcement agency has increasingly used plainclothes and masked officers during operations. But people dont know whos who, Dyer said. People are scared. And people also have a distrust in law enforcement, which we have been working so hard to correct. What this climate is doing is its taking us backwards. Its just not true that ICE is only detaining people who have committed a crime, she added. LaBarre echoed that sentiment, saying he thinks a lot of people believed immigration agents would be targeting the worst of the worst. I would talk to all the people in your life. I certainly do, LaBarre said. Remind them these real actions are the outcomes of the votes that were made and were not made in 2024. The only way were going to get over this is to get through it first. An unknown man was seen on surveillance footage around 1:42 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26 kicking the front door of the Jewish Resource Center, 1335 Hill Street in Ann Arbor. Screenshot ANN ARBOR, MI - A man was caught on surveillance video kicking the door and shouting obscenities outside a Jewish center near the University of Michigan, prompting a police investigation. An unknown man was seen on surveillance footage around 1:42 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26 kicking the front door of the Jewish Resource Center, 1335 Hill Street in Ann Arbor. The man, wearing a blue sweatshirt and gray sweatpants, can be seen running up to the door before kicking it and running away, according to footage shared by the Ann Arbor Police Department. As he was running up to the door, someone shouts, Jake, stop. Police believe this may be the suspects first name. Someone can also be heard screaming F--- Israel, F--- the Jewish people as the man runs down the sidewalk. There was no damage to the Jewish Resource Center, which hosts Shabbat meals and works as a community center for Jewish students. A spokesperson for the center did not respond to a request for comment. The incident remains under investigation, police said. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ann Arbor Police Department at 734-794-6920, email tips@a2gov.org or submit an anonymous tip online. Police have investigated several other incidents targeting Jewish students at the University of Michigan. A 19-year-old man was assaulted around 1 a.m. Sept. 15, 2024, near Hill Street and S. Forest Avenue. A group of unknown men behind him asked if he was Jewish and assaulted him when he said yes, Ann Arbor police previously said. They were also investigating a pair of assaults in the 1000 block of East University Avenue around the same time. A group of people in front of a home confronted the students, police said. The incidents happened outside a home where students from a Jewish fraternity live. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page. A map of properties in the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti area with racially restrictive covenants on display at the Justice InDeed forum at the downtown Ann Arbor library Oct. 28, 2025. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News ANN ARBOR, MI A new map being made public for the first time shows the extent of blatant racism written into Washtenaw County property records in the 1900s. Thousands of properties from Ann Arbor to Ypsilanti and beyond even the land on which Michigan Stadium sits still have restrictions against Black residents or other racial, ethnic and religious groups on the books. Theyre just no longer legally enforceable. Theyre now shown on an interactive online map created by the Justice InDeed community collaborative started by Michael Steinberg, director of the Civil Rights Litigation Initiative at the University of Michigan Law School. Homeowners and others now can search for their properties on the map to determine whether they have any restrictive covenants and see exactly what they say. For example, the one for the Michigan Stadium area going back to 1917 before the stadium was built states, Said premises shall at no time be used or occupied for manufacturing purposes, nor by a colored person for any purpose. Examples of racially restrictive covenants for Washtenaw County properties are shown on a screen at the Justice InDeed forum at the downtown Ann Arbor library Oct. 28, 2025. One states, "Said premises shall at no time be used or occupied ... by a colored person or persons for any purpose." (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News The university purchased two neighborhoods in the 1920s that had a number of properties with restrictive covenants, then razed all the housing to create the land for the stadium, said Justin Schell of the University of Michigan Library, who led Justice InDeeds data and mapping work. Since the covenants still run with the land, theyre included on the map, he said. Similarly, the land on which Ann Arbors Pioneer High School sits still has a covenant stating, Said land shall not be sold, conveyed, leased or occupied by persons other than those of the Caucasian race. There was a covenant on one piece of land that eventually was combined with others to become the land for the school, Schell explained. Justin Schell addresses the crowd at the Justice InDeed forum at the downtown Ann Arbor library Oct. 28, 2025, while examples of racially restrictive covenants for Washtenaw County properties are shown on a screen. One states, "Said premises shall at no time be used or occupied ... by a colored person or persons for any purpose." (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News In addition to the map, Justice InDeed has published a do-it-yourself repeal toolkit that homeowners and neighborhoods can use to repeal the racist restrictions on their properties. We want to both raise awareness about racist covenants and empower homeowners to take action to repeal them, Steinberg said in a statement. Though no longer enforceable, the restrictions still cause harm by sending a message to people of color and non-Christians that they are not welcome in many neighborhoods, he said. Justice InDeed leaders presented the new map during a forum at the downtown Ann Arbor library Tuesday night, Oct. 28. A map of properties in the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti area with racially restrictive covenants on display at the Justice InDeed forum at the downtown Ann Arbor library Oct. 28, 2025. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News More than 1,000 volunteers transcribed covenants from documents shared by the county clerk/register of deeds. Using a crowdsourcing platform, they put more than 5,000 hours into combing through about 12,500 property records suspected of having racist covenants, according to Justice InDeed. They have mapped about 7,100 properties across the county that have covenants on them, Schell said. Some are individual homes, while some are entire subdivisions. While a majority of covenants were found in deeds of homes built between 1920 and 1950, the group reported finding some going back as early as 1900 and as late as the 1960s. There is a long history of these practices being used, Schell said. They really took off in the 1920s and then again in the 1940s. Yodit Mesfin Johnson addresses the crowd at the Justice InDeed forum at the downtown Ann Arbor library Oct. 28, 2025. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News A U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 1948 deemed such covenants unenforceable, but they didnt entirely go away. In 1968, Congress passed the Fair Housing Act, making them illegal. Property owners can use information from the new map to fill out a template that not only repeals the restrictions, but also adds protections against discrimination in the future. The repeal document must be filed with the Register of Deeds Office. The Hannah subdivision on Ann Arbors west side became the first neighborhood to do so in 2022, officially repealing its 1947 whites-only policy. Justice InDeed since has worked with the West Willow neighborhood in Ypsilanti Township. Signatures from over 50% of property owners are needed to repeal a covenant for a subdivision and theyre getting close to that threshold in West Willow, Steinberg said. His own subdivision, Wildwood One near the Hannah subdivision, has repealed its racially restrictive covenant, he said. A project timeline from 2020 to 2025 is displayed at the Justice InDeed forum at the downtown Ann Arbor library Oct. 28, 2025. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News This evening, were gathering not to just learn about the past ... but to begin to reckon with this history in our community, Yodit Mesfin Johnson, co-founder of Future Root and a Justice InDeed leader, said at Tuesdays forum. Each racist covenant tells a story not only of exclusion, but also of resistance and resilience by people who dared to make this their home anyway, she said. As a Black woman, as a nonprofit worker who has served in this community for over 25 years and is raising a son here, I think often about the maps that have made it impossible for me to afford to live here, she said. Yodit Mesfin Johnson, joined by Hillary Poudeu Tchokothe, addresses the crowd at the Justice InDeed forum at the downtown Ann Arbor library Oct. 28, 2025. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News The maps were drawn to keep her and others like her out, Mesfin Johnson said. Shes thinking about future generations of her family, reclaiming belonging, and working collectively to reimagine whats possible, she said. This work matters because justice begins with memory, she said. Remembrance is a radical act. University of Michigan student Hillary Poudeu Tchokothe said she joined Justice InDeed when she was a senior at Ann Arbors Pioneer High School. That was her introduction to the fact that racist covenants even existed in the county and in the city where she lived for over 14 years, she said. Hillary Poudeu Tchokothe addresses the crowd at the Justice InDeed forum at the downtown Ann Arbor library Oct. 28, 2025, while Yodit Mesfin Johnson looks on. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News Its been a beautiful experience being part of the project, she said. Shes been part of a committee going into local high schools to teach about the history of how the covenants were used to exclude people from certain neighborhoods. Even though the covenants are void today, the legacy of exclusion remains, she said. Schell said some people ask why it still matters and his response, in part, is that one of the primary ways people build intergenerational wealth is through homeownership. And there were large parts of our communities that were cut out and forbidden from doing that, he said. And these covenants were said to run with the land, so no matter who owned it, what was built there, these persisted into the future. The repercussions can be seen in segregation and inequality that still exists, he said, calling for repair for the harms done. Tuesdays event also included an acknowledgment of the theft of Indigenous land from the Anishinaabe people of the Three Fires the Odawa (Ottawa), Ojibwe (Chippewa) and Potawatomi (Bodewadmi) who occupied the region before white settlers. Each of us resides on their territories and they are still here among us, Mesfin Johnson said. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page. Front of Starbucks location at 1214 S. University Ave. in Ann Arbor. The location will close Friday, Oct. 31. William Diep ANN ARBOR, MI A popular coffeehouse chain will cease operations at a prime location near the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Starbucks will permanently close its shop at 1214 South University Ave. on Friday, Oct. 31, according to a sign posted on its doors Friday, Oct. 24. We would like to thank you for being part of our store community; you are the heart of who we are at Starbucks, store representatives wrote on the sign. It has been a great pleasure to connect with you every day. We are very thankful to have played a role in your daily routine and that you have shared these moments of your life with us. James Marks, 36, a shift supervisor at the South U location, said the store is closing because new apartments are coming. Efforts to reach the general manager were unsuccessful. The Galleria Mall building at 1214 South University Ave., where the closing Starbucks is located, is set to be demolished for an 18-story apartment high-rise. A smaller apartment building and the three-level, 1990s-era mall building home of Pinball Petes, which is relocating to Liberty Street will be razed to make way for the new development. The underground arcade has been part of the street since the 1990s. South U has experienced rapid development over the last few decades. The street once known for funky mom-and-pop shops has transformed to accommodate the University of Michigans enrollment boom. Landmark, Z Place, ArborBLU, Six11, Vic Village North and Vic Village South are apartment buildings that all stand high above South U. Read more: Ann Arbors once-funky South U is now high-rise central with University of Michigan booming The Starbucks location has been a popular spot for UM students during all hours of the day and night. Students often pulled out laptops and notebooks to work on assignments for hours on end. The store closure comes as Starbucks plans to shut down more than 100 stores and cut 900 non-retail jobs as part of ongoing restructuring efforts, according to a Sept. 25 official blog post. Starbucks Chief Executive Officer Brian Niccol previously announced the company expects to lose 1% of its company-operated stores in North America during fiscal year 2025. Read more: Your local Starbucks might be closing soon as part of restructuring plan Niccol said Starbucks anticipates ending fiscal year 2025 with nearly 18,300 total locations in North America. That means a 1% loss in stores represents about 183 coffeehouses, however Starbucks previously did not provide an exact number of planned closures. Niccol said the company will offer transfers to nearby locations where possible. For those who cant be transferred, the company will offer comprehensive severance packages. While a significant number of coffeehouses will close, Niccol said the company will uplift more than 1,000 locations to introduce greater texture, warmth, and layered design. The international coffeehouse chain has several other locations in the Ann Arbor area, including at 222 S. State St., 2793 Plymouth Road and 3141 Ann Arbor-Saline Road. The closure sign on South U encourages customers to visit those three locations staying open. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page. Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, presides over the closing meeting of the 18th session of the 14th NPC Standing Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 28, 2025. (Xinhua/Gao Jie) BEIJING, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) concluded its 18th session Tuesday in Beijing. At the closing meeting, lawmakers voted to adopt the revised Maritime Law, and the revised Organic Law of Urban Residents' Committees as well as decisions to revise the Cybersecurity Law, the Environmental Protection Tax Law, and the Organic Law of Villagers' Committees. President Xi Jinping signed presidential orders to promulgate the laws and the decisions. The session also adopted a decision to appoint Zhang Shengmin as a vice chairman of the Central Military Commission of the People's Republic of China, and remove He Weidong from this position. Zhao Leji, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, presided over the closing meeting. Lawmakers ratified criminal judicial assistance treaties with Zimbabwe and Ethiopia, among other bills. They also passed a report on the qualification of individual deputies and other personnel-related bills. Addressing the closing meeting, Zhao called on legislators to prioritize the thorough study and implementation of the guiding principles of the fourth plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China Central Committee as a major political task both at present and over some time to come. He also called on legislators to work to understand the principles, goals and tasks for China's economic and social development over the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), and to plan and advance the work of people's congresses in a holistic manner. Zhao chaired a meeting of the Council of Chairpersons of the NPC Standing Committee before the closing meeting, and presided over a lecture for lawmakers afterward. Editor: Xiong Jian GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP, MI Grand Blanc Township Fire Chief Jamie Jent was recently placed on leave after raising concerns about the departments staffing levels. Jents administrative leave came just weeks after the Grand Blanc Township community was ravaged by a shooter who set The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ablaze on Sept. 28, killing four. Dozens of community members and area firefighters showed up to support Jent at the Grand Blanc Township board meeting Tuesday, Oct. 28. Grand Blanc Professional Firefighters Local 4962 issued a statement stating that the township board originally planned to consider terminating Jent at the Oct. 28 meeting, but the agenda item was removed. Jent spoke to the board for approximately five minutes, before being cut off by the public comment limits. What kind of fire chief does Grand Blanc Township want? Jent asked the board. Jent reiterated the same things he told the township during his hiring process: That he believes in transparency and open communication. When you hired me, I was explicit about who I am, Jent said. ... I warned them clearly, if you do not want someone who will push for operational improvements, do not hire me. The rift between Jent and the board came to a head when Jent was warned not to involve union representatives in his discussions about staffing concerns. Grand Blanc Township Superintendent Dennis Liimatta warned him to require notification before any union communications, which Jent said violated federal labor laws. Let me be clear, I will not violate federal labor laws, Jent said. Community members, and even some of Jents underlings, demanded accountability during public comment. We kept saying, What are we waiting for? People to die? said Alex Newton, a part-time union president with the station. Newton went on by saying the department does not have adequate staffing levels, and their equipment is failing. Brent Connell, president of the Michigan State Firemens Association, said he was surprised to learn of the departments staffing model. He supported Jents decision to raise safety concerns. Jent increased staffing levels to three firefighters per station after the church fire and shooting, but four are recommended by the National Fire Protection Association, Connell said. Township Supervisor Scott Bennett said the township will have a presentation and board discussion on the municipalitys fire operations and budget at its next meeting in two weeks. While Jent is on leave, the fire department is being run by Deputy Chief Kent Maricle, who served in a similar role before Jent was hired. Jent was hired in April 2025 after retiring from a 24-year career with the Dearborn Fire Department. The local firefighters union issued a statement on Oct. 23, saying the departments staffing standards do not meet the minimums outlined by the National Fire Protection Association. We want residents to understand that this discussion is not about politics or personalities, the union wrote. It is about ensuring the people of Grand Blanc Township have the level of fire and emergency response protection they deserve and that the firefighters providing that protection can do so safely and effectively. GRAND BLANC TWP, MI A man injured one month ago in the shooting and fire at a Grand Blanc Township church is still recovering, but there are some encouraging developments. It was on Sept. 28 when police said Thomas Jacob Sanford shot multiple people and set the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on fire off McCandlish Road in the Genesee County community. Four people died from the injuries they suffered in the church incident. Sanford, 40, of Burton was shot and killed by police in the parking lot of the church less than 10 minutes after the incident began, police have said. The investigation was turned over to the FBI Detroit Field Office. A reply to MLive on where the investigation stands read as follows: Thank you for reaching out to the FBI Detroit Field Office - Office of Public Affairs. During the current lapse in appropriations, FBI operations are directed toward national security, violations of federal law, and essential public safety functions. Inquiries outside of these functions will be considered when the lapse in appropriations ends. One of the people injured in the incident was Benjamin Phelps, for whom a GoFundMe campaign was set up to help with medical bills. Heres a quick update for those who have asked. Benjamin remains in the ICU, and his abdomen is still open, a post from Tuesday, Oct. 27, reads. His recovery continues in small but meaningful steps, and were celebrating each one. Thanks to a tracheostomy, hes now able to talk, which has been a huge milestone in his progress. Hes becoming more alert each day, though that also means hes beginning to emotionally process everything hes been through. Medical personnel from Henry Ford Genesys Hospital in Grand Blanc Township previously said several of the victims have been released from the hospital. The campaign for Phelps offered appreciation for the efforts. Weve seen so many prayers answered along the way, and we cant thank you enough for your continued love, prayers, and support, the campaign reads. State police are investigating a wrong-way crash on U.S. 131 in Grand Rapids. (MLive File Photo) GRAND RAPIDS, MI Two people were hospitalized in a wrong-way, head-on crash on U.S. 131 early Wednesday, Oct. 29, state police said. The crash happened around 12:35 a.m. on northbound U.S. 131 near Burton Street SW. Preliminary investigation showed that the driver of a passenger car was going south in the northbound lanes when the vehicle collided head-on with an oncoming car, state police said. Both drivers were taken to a local hospital. Police said alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash. We are very fortunate as many wrong-way crashes end in a fatality, state police Lt. Mike Shaw said. Northbound U.S. 131 was closed for four hours. The crash remains under investigation. The popular craft beer bar and restaurant with 950 employees was previously purchased for $17.5 million after filing bankruptcy in 2020. GRAND RAPIDS, MI Five years after emerging from bankruptcy, HopCat has a new owner. The craft beer bar and restaurant, which has 11 locations across Michigan and one in Lincoln, Nebraska, has been sold to Uncommon Equity LLC, a private equity firm based in Chicago, for an undisclosed amount. We see this transition not as a change of direction, but as a continuation of what HopCat does best bringing people together, said HopCat CEO Craig Stage. Were excited to partner with Uncommon Equity and their experienced Operating Partners to invest in the team, new locations, and innovation while preserving the local and Midwest hospitality that has always defined the brand. HopCat was sold to Uncommon Equity by Congruent Investment Partners and Main Street Capital, which bought HopCat for $17.5 million in October 2020 after the company filed for bankruptcy in June 2020. The sale also includes Stellas Lounge, a restaurant and bar owned by HopCats parent company. Stellas, located at 53 Commerce Ave. SW in downtown Grand Rapids, is known for its stuffed burgers, retro arcade, and an expansive selection of whiskey. Stage said the sale wont affect the customer experience at HopCat. Its business as usual, he said. Were still going to be focused on our core of who we are, which is trying to provide great hospitality, great craft beer, great food, friendly environments, affordable pricing. HopCat, whose first restaurant opened in 2008 at 25 Ionia Ave. SW in downtown Grand Rapids, employs about 950 people, Stage said. Uncommon Equitiy has a portfolio of 10 companies, including Feel Good Foods, Diedrich Roasters, ProSteel Security Products, Rackson Restaurants and Redberry Restaurants. Rackson and Redberry, based in Canada and the northeastern U.S., are large franchisees of Burger King, Taco Bell, Jersey Mikes Subs and Daves Hot Chicken. We are excited to be acquiring HopCat at this pivotal point in time and to partner with Chairman Ned Lidvall, CEO Craig Stage, CFO Andrew Woodruff and their leadership team to carefully grow the HopCat brand while continuing their maniacal focus on great, value-priced food served in a friendly, neighborhood atmosphere, said Dan Kipp, the co-founder and CEO of Uncommon Equities. Stage, who started at HopCat in 2014 and was named CEO last year, will remain in his position under the new ownership. HopCat has two locations in Grand Rapids, as well as spots in Kalamazoo, Detroit, Ann Arbor, Holland, Royal Oak, Partridge Creek, Livonia, East Lansing and Southgate. President Donald Trump listens to a question from a reporter aboard Air Force One at Al Udeid Air Base in Doha, Qatar, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) AP MICHIGAN -- A federal judge in Oregon has blocked a Trump administration attempt to halt teen sex education funding to Michigan and other states over gender identity language in curriculum. The AP reports that U.S. District Judge Ann Aiken issued a preliminary injunction Monday as part of a lawsuit filed against the Health and Human Services Department by 16 states and the District of Columbia, which argued that pulling such money violated the separation of powers and federal law. The lawsuit, filed last month, says the department is attempting to force the states to rewrite sexual health curricula to erase entire categories of students. It describes the action as the latest attempt from the current administration to target and harm transgender and gender-diverse youth. The Trump administration said in court filings that Health and Human Services has the authority to impose conditions for receiving funding grants. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joined the lawsuit. In Michigan, the defunding threat involved nearly $3.4 million in Personal Responsibility Education Program funding. PREP provides education to help teenagers reduce pregnancy and the spread of sexually transmitted infections. In Michigan, PREP supports programming at 25 school buildings and 8 community-based organizations and serves thousands of young people across the state, Nessels staff said. Westen Meulenberg, 20, of Jenison, is pictured being sentenced in an Ottawa County courtroom for shooting a rifle through a home's floor, killing a 19-year-old friend below. (John Tunison | MLive) John Tunison OTTAWA COUNTY, MI -- The father of a Grand Valley State University student killed in an accidental shooting at a bachelor party told about his familys devastation in court. Steve Lotterman wept and choked up Monday, Oct. 27 in a Grand Haven courtroom as he talked about his son, 19-year-old Connor Lotterman. Watch the video here. Lottermans friend, 20-year-old Westen Meulenberg, was sentenced Monday to five years, 10 months to 25 years in prison for discharging a firearm in a building causing death. The accidental shooting happened May 9 at a house in the 10700 block of Second Avenue in Tallmadge Township. Meulenbergs attorney, Michael Bartish, said it was Meulenbergs house and he was renovating it in preparation for his own upcoming marriage. It was a bachelor party. Westen was going to get married the next week, he said. The party was in a barn on the property, but at some point Meulenberg and two others came into the house. In an upstairs bedroom, Meulenberg fired a rifle seven times into the floor, not knowing that Lotterman was in a room below. Related: Emotions flow in court as man gets prison for shooting rifle at floor, killing friend below I dont think they believed anyone else was in the house, Bartish said. Judge Jon Hulsing, in sentencing Meulenberg, said intoxication played a factor in the incident. During its Tuesday, Oct. 28 meeting, the Jackson City Council unanimously approved the changes, and voted 6-1 to approve the $238,375 assessment roll for downtown properties and businesses. Together, this will maintain free, two-hour parking for downtown visitors. Mitchell Kukulka | Mkukulka@mlive.com JACKSON, MI The city of Jackson is increasing downtown parking fines and permit fees to help maintain meterless parking. During its Tuesday, Oct. 28 meeting, the Jackson City Council unanimously approved the changes, and voted 6-1 to approve the $238,375 assessment roll for downtown properties and businesses. Together, this will maintain free, two-hour parking for downtown visitors. This reflects the recommendation from the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce in June, which suggested higher fines, permits and a one-time business fee to address infrastructure funding needs. Daily permits for downtown parking will remain at $10. However, monthly permits will increase from $30-$65 to $38-81, and annual passes will rise from $342-741 to $433-923, depending on the lot. Parking Lot 9a will remain free for downtown business employees, according to the memo to city council. Bulk purchases of the annual permits will be discounted 20% for 20-100 permits, 25% for 101-150 permits and 30% for over 150 permits. Parking fines will also increase. Overtime parking and no-permit violations will rise from $7 (if paid before midnight on the day of issue) and $15 (if paid after midnight) to $28 and $35, respectively. The fine for going unpaid after seven days will increase from $30 to $50. Other violations, such as parking within 30 feet of a stop sign, having an expired permit or obstructing traffic, will increase from $17-$68 to $35-$100, depending on how long the payment is delayed. The fine for parking illegally in a handicap-accessible spot will rise from $45-$180 to $90-$200. The new regulations will take effect Dec. 1, according to the memo to city council. Parking enforcement hours will be 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., every day, excluding Sunday and city holidays. In the same meeting, the city council approved the $238,375 assessment roll for downtown properties and businesses. The proposed assessment mirrors last years assessment, which raised roughly $147,000, and is coupled with a one-time $700 fee for downtown properties and businesses. For the 2025-2026 fiscal year, assessments will be levied on 108 parcels, ranging from $1,550 to $10,900. During the public hearing, some business owners spoke against the assessment, including Patrick Colligan, owner of The Foundry, 216 Martin Luther King Jr Drive. Colligan said his assessment was too high at $5,800 compared to most businesses that are only paying $1,550, noting he only operates on the weekends. I hear a lot of people talking about how fair and equitable and balanced this amount is, but its nothing of the sort, Colligan said. Ward 3 Councilmember Angelita V. Gunn voted against the assessment, citing concerns raised by business owners. Ward 5 Councilmember Christy May Davis also expressed concerns about enforcing unpaid parking tickets to reduce the burden on downtown business owners, and Ward 2 Councilmember Freddie Dancy suggested immobilizing vehicles. City Attorney Matthew Hagerty said the city code already allows for this. However, City Engineer Troy White said immobilizing vehicles hasnt been enforced in years because of concerns about the downtowns reputation. It was about as popular as meters for parking, White said. Hagerty said he and the engineering department are working to authorize district court action against individuals who accumulate six or more unpaid parking tickets. The Jackson City Council voted in March to move away from meterless parking with a pay-to-park system. Concerns from downtown business owners and residents prompted the city to rescind that decision. Want more Jackson-area news? Bookmark the local Jackson news page. Katie Schneider shows attendees at an Oct. 29 Oshtemo Township board meeting a petition regarding battery storage systems. Aya Miller OSHTEMO TOWNSHIP, MI Oshtemo Township residents are speaking out against a potential battery storage facility in the township. But because of state law, theres not much the township can do to prevent a developer from building a battery storage facility, township officials said. Roughly 50 residents attended a Tuesday, Oct. 28 township board meeting where battery storage systems were discussed. We havent finished working through all of the options that we have but none of them land in our favor, township Supervisor Cheri Bell said. The backlash was sparked after NewEdge Renewable Power gave a presentation to the township planning commission in mid-August on battery storage systems. NewEdge, according to county records, entered into a land lease at West M Avenue and South Van Kral Street in December 2023. Since NewEdges presentation, a Facebook group opposing Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects in the township has amassed over 500 members. Multiple speakers at Tuesdays meeting said they learned about the potential project from the group. Were not against green energy, were against unsafe energy, said Katie Schneider, a township resident who helped launch the Facebook group. About 50 people attended an Oshtemo Township meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 28 to discuss battery storage systems. Aya Miller Schneider, who owns Little Pistol Farms with her husband Ken, lives next to the land leased by NewEdge. She and her husband just started selling produce and pumpkins this year. She pointed to the fire risk at BESS locations as one of her biggest concerns. RELATED: West Michigan township considers 100-megawatt battery storage project - mlive.com Fires at BESS facilities are caused by a process called thermal runaway, where excessive heat builds in the battery leading to an uncontrolled, self-sustaining chemical reaction, according to the University of Michigan. Thermal runaway has a variety of causes like overcharging, physical impact and damage or defects. A BESS facility in California burned for days in January, leaving residents with lasting concerns of pollutants in the air, water and soil, according to the New York Times. The township is drafting an ordinance so a battery storage system developer would have to follow township zoning procedures. However, according to a state law passed in 2023, jurisdiction to approve any BESS projects above 50 megawatts immediately falls to the state. Therefore, even with an ordinance, a developer could sidestep the township and seek approval from the state, said James Porter, township attorney. The law, which also eases barriers for solar and wind farms, takes local control away from communities, Porter said. RELATED: 75+ Michigan communities challenge new rules for big solar, wind projects in court - mlive.com Bell said she called state lawmakers and asked them to oppose the legislation before it was passed. Bell also suggested taking the state government to court over the legislation. I dont know how you protect your community when, for all intents and purposes, your authority has been either restricted, prohibited, preempted, whatever term you want to use, Porter said. No applications to build a BESS have been submitted to the township, according to a township statement. However, given that NewEdge has presented and leased land in the township, residents remain concerned its coming soon and the townships hands will be tied. We are very much running out of time, Trustee Michael Chapman said. Many audience members clapped in response. Nearby, Comstock Township is moving closer to ending a moratorium on large-scale BESS facilities. The moratorium was implemented in January as one developer sought to build a BESS facility near Comstock Elementary School. PORTAGE, MI Target denies wrongdoing, responding to a lawsuit filed by a woman who was secretly recorded undressing by another customer inside a Target fitting room. Dannica Alling was changing in the fitting room when she was secretly recorded on Aug. 15, 2022, at Target, 6839 S. Westnedge Ave., in Portage, according to a lawsuit. Alling sued the company, alleging Target missed the mark designing the changing rooms and the Minnesota-based retailer should fix them to protect customers. Target disagrees. Target did not owe a duty to Plaintiff to prevent criminal action by a third-party, a Sept. 30 filing by the company states. Target denied the allegations, arguing against some of the claims made in the lawsuit. After the incident at Target, the man was arrested and convicted of two counts of capturing an image of an unclothed person, the federal lawsuit says. The lawsuit alleges the fitting rooms are poorly designed, leaving gaps and opportunities for people to see inside. It is a problem that goes beyond the Portage store, the suit claims. Low stall height, large gaps and inadequate partitioning has allowed people to repeatedly video record unclothed customers through the openings, per the lawsuit. Fitting rooms must be designed to afford customers full privacy while unclothed, the lawsuit states. Target claims it did not breach any duty owed to Alling. It asks the judge to dismiss the lawsuit. Target has nearly 2,000 stores in the U.S. The Portage Target has co-ed dressing rooms where children and adults are present. Fitting rooms at the Portage store were observed to be operating normally in the weeks after the suit was filed. The lawsuit demands damages in excess of $25,000, arguing Alling now has nightmares and permanent fear. She wonders if photos of her are circulating somewhere. Target did not respond to a request for comment. Alling and her attorney did not respond to a request for comment. A scheduling conference is set for Nov. 20. Bookmark MLives local Kalamazoo news page. Soft serve ice cream sundaes are seen at a Dairy Queen Grill & Chill in this PennLive file photo. Dairy Queen plans to open a new location on Tittabawassee Road in Kochville Township. PENNLIVE.COM KOCHVILLE TWP, MI Construction is expected to begin soon on a new Dairy Queen Grill & Chill in Kochville Township, adding yet another fast-food option to the area. The restaurant will be built on a vacant, approximately two-acre property just north of the Meijer on Tittabawassee Road, said Kochville Township Manager Steve King. The site is between a Family First Credit Union and Fifth Third Bank. The property, located at 3300 Tittabawassee Road, is owned by Wael Hamade of Canton, who is working with a Carrollton Township-based consulting firm, D&M SITE Inc. Obviously, from our standpoint, its fantastic to see people wanting to invest on the Tittabawassee Road corridor, and Tittabawassee functions as one of the regions major arterial roads, King said. So, obviously, these investors feel that the trends are good for our area with the number of cars driving by and the number of people in the area. In June, the Kochville Township Planning Commission unanimously approved a site plan for the 1,946-square-foot restaurant, which includes a drive-thru. Dairy Queen officials are working with the townships building department to obtain the approval necessary to move forward with construction, which is expected to begin no later than next month, King said. Dairy Queen has over 4,000 restaurants across the United States, with more than 150 locations in Michigan, according to the chains website. The fast-food chain serves ice cream, fries, burgers, chicken tenders, hot dogs and more. Dairy Queens menu features a variety of frozen treats from sundaes to the chains signature Blizzard Treats, which feature a wide range of toppings. The nearest existing Dairy Queen locations to Kochville Township are in Midland and Birch Run. While it will be the only Dairy Queen in the township, the new location is not the first restaurant the chain has opened there. A former Dairy Queen at the site now occupied by Firehouse Subs, located at 5208 Bay Road, closed permanently about 20 years ago, King said. The Dairy Queen will join several other new businesses coming soon to Kochville Township, which include a new Raising Canes location on Bay Road that is expected to open next year. The new restaurant is also just down the road from the former Quality Inn, located at 2222 Tittabawassee Road, which the Kochville Township Downtown Development Authority recently purchased with plans to demolish the hotel to make way for future development. We are busy, but again, were not complaining, King said. Its a good problem to have. King said the restaurant is also expected to attract customers from neighboring Saginaw Township. Were happy whether its on the Saginaw Township side of the road or on our side of the road, King said. Were a regional economy. More information about Dairy Queen is available online at dairyqueen.com. WASHINGTON, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- Democratic governors and attorneys general from 25 U.S. states filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration on Tuesday, challenging its conclusion that it lacks the authority to use emergency funds to maintain food assistance for millions of Americans next month. The officials, including those from California, New York, as well as the District of Columbia, announced that they are suing the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for unlawfully suspending Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits during the ongoing federal government shutdown. The federal court lawsuit filed in Massachusetts requests that the judge block the administration's prior orders directing states to suspend benefits and compel the USDA to utilize all available resources to continue providing SNAP benefits in November. "Millions of Americans are about to go hungry because the federal government has chosen to withhold food assistance it is legally obligated to provide," said New York Attorney General Letitia James in a statement. According to U.S. media, SNAP is the nation's largest anti-hunger program serving nearly 42 million people, which is over 12 percent of the U.S. population. Most SNAP recipients live at or below the federal poverty line. Editor: Xiong Jian Police respond to a double-shooting in the area of South Woodbridge and Jackson streets in Saginaw the morning of July 30, 2024. Photo provided by Breaking News 989. Cole Waterman SAGINAW, MI Already convicted and sentenced on the federal level for having a machine gun, a Saginaw man is newly convicted of using that gun to shoot a pair of local teens. Christopher P. Ramirez, 26, on Oct. 27 appeared before Saginaw County Circuit Judge Andre R. Borrello and pleaded no contest to assault with intent to rob, assault with intent to do great bodily harm, and two counts of felony firearm. In exchange, the prosecution agreed to dismiss two counts of assault with intent to murder, four more felony firearms counts, and one count of converting a firearm into an automatic. A sentencing agreement states Ramirez is to serve at least 10 years in prison, concurrent with his federal sentence. Ramirez in April pleaded guilty in the federal realm to possessing a machine gun. In August, U.S. District Judge Thomas L. Ludington sentenced Ramirez to 62 months in a federal prison. All the charges have their origin in an incident that occurred in Saginaw on July 30, 2024. About 12:45 a.m., police responded to reported gunfire in the area of Jackson and South Woodbridge streets. A wounded 19-year-old man flagged down officers as they neared the scene. The man had been a passenger in a vehicle that crashed into a backyard on Woodbridge. The vehicle had been backed into the driveway of a vacant house when someone approached it and opened fire, police have said. The shooter continued firing as the vehicle careened into the backyard across the street. At least one bullet struck an occupied house, though no one inside was wounded. The vehicles 18-year-old driver was still behind the wheel and unconscious, requiring medical responders to remove him, police have said. The driver suffered a gunshot wound to his head and his passenger was shot at least five times, police have said. According to an affidavit authored by an FBI special agent, police recovered 27 spent casings from the scene. Both victims were taken to a hospital as Michigan State Police troopers processed the scene. Interviewed by police, the 19-year-old victim said he was supposed to meet up with Ramirez at a house in the 600 block of South Woodbridge, where Ramirez was supposed to give him a gun, the affidavit states. The victim said he was not buying the gun but merely holding on to it while visiting from Texas, the affidavit states. The two teens arrived at the meeting spot, but Ramirez was not present, the victim said. They left but shortly afterward Ramirez contacted them and told them to return. They did as instructed, only to be met by a barrage of gunfire, the affidavit states. The MSP Emergency Services Team executed a search warrant on Ramirezs residence on July 31, 2024, and arrested him. Police took Ramirez to headquarters, where he waived his Miranda rights and agreed to answer questions, the affidavit states. He told them they would find ammunition at his home, as he enjoys shooting at a range. Surveillance camera footage and cellphone technology placed Ramirez at the shooting scene, with the suspect also making admissions to being involved in the incident, prosecutors allege. At the time of the shooting, Ramirez was on probation through the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act in both Saginaw and Washtenaw counties. In the latter jurisdiction, Ramirez was convicted in 2022 of carrying a concealed weapon. Ramirez acknowledged police found his Palmetto State Armory PA-15 rifle when they served a search warrant on his mothers home on July 31. The rifle had been outfitted with a drop-in auto sear, converting it from semiautomatic to fully automatic. Ramirez told investigators he had manipulated the gun to make it fire in such a manner, according to an affidavit in court records. Ramirez further acknowledged police seized an automatic pistol with a missing serial number, eight silencers, and various rounds of ammunition when they searched his fathers house on Aug. 22, 2024. Judge Borrello is to sentence Ramirez on Jan. 7. There are some common words that Americans have trouble saying. (Photo by Edward Pevos | MLive) Some words are just hard to say. For evidence, look no further than a recent data crunch conducted by Unscramblerer.com, which used Google Trends between January and October to determine the most mispronounced words across the United States. Researchers searched phrases like How do you pronounce, pronunciations of and How to pronounce to determine the hardest words for Americans to say, which produced some interesting results. RELATED: Study reveals most misspelled words in Michigan, U.S. Our research about the most searched for mispronunciations gives an interesting insight into American culture. Exposure to new words through media, music, pop culture and social platforms drives curiosity, an Unscrmabler spokesperson said. People often look up pronunciations if there is a gap between how a word or name is spelled and how it sounds, English language is particularly irregular in this regard. Americas most mispronounced words with pronunciations: Gyro (312 000 searches) - YEE-roh. Worcestershire sauce (300 000 searches) - WUSS-ter-sheer. Acai (192 000 searches) - ah-SIGH-ee. Qatar (180 000 searches) - KAH-tar. Dachshund (156 000 searches) - DAKS-hund. Niche (142 000 searches) - NEESH. Aoife (84 000 searches) - EE-fah. Charcuterie (72 000 searches) - shar-KOO-tuh-ree. Paczki (36 000 searches) - POONCH-kee. Primeval (26 000 searches) - pry-MEE-vul. Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious (24 000 searches) - soo-per-kal-uh-fraj-uh-lis-tik-ek-spee-al-uh-DOH-shus. Hozier (21 000 searches) - HO-zee-er. According to research from Oxford University, English spelling only matches pronunciation about 75% of the time. Furthermore, a Cambridge University linguistics survey found that over 60% of English speakers admit they regularly mispronounce at least one common word. Correct pronunciation is closely tied to perceived intelligence and competence. The desire for correct pronunciation is a mix of avoiding social embarrassment and simple curiosity, a statement said. There are over 40 regional accents across America. No wonder people are searching for how to pronounce words. In Michigan, the most mispronounced word is paczki, a popular Polish pastry consisting of deep-fried dough filled with sweet filling and topped with powdered sugar, icing or glaze. The Michigan House unanimously approved legislation Wednesday that would close a loophole allowing the secretary of state to avoid punishment for campaign finance violations. ake May|MLive file photo The Michigan House unanimously approved legislation Wednesday that would close a loophole allowing the secretary of state to avoid punishment for campaign finance violations. The legislation that passed by a 106-0 vote would grant the attorney general the authority to punish the secretary of state in the event of a violation of the Michigan Campaign Finance Act (MCFA). Four representatives were absent. The bill now awaits consideration by the Senate. The secretary of state investigates and resolves all violations of the MCFA. When the secretary of state or someone connected to them is accused of violating the law, the attorney generals office investigates. However, as Attorney General Dana Nessel pointed out in a recent campaign finance violation case against Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, the attorney general cant issue punishments under the MCFA. At the time, Nessels office said lawmakers may want to consider fixing this issue. After Benson received only a warning and reminder of the law from Nessels office, House Republicans introduced the legislation, citing a lack of consequences for the secretary of state. Nessels office said the outcome was appropriate. No elected official is above the law in Michigan. The secretary of state should have to answer to Campaign Finance Act violations just like every other elected official in Michigan, said bill sponsor state Rep. Angela Rigas, R-Caledonia. By approving this legislation today, were making it clear that no elected official can sidestep state law and escape punishment. Anyone who prioritizes integrity in our election system should support this bill. Benson supports the legislation. Nessel in May determined that Benson violated the states campaign finance law when she used a state-owned building to announce her run for governor in 2026. Benson, a Democrat, on Jan. 22 invited reporters to the lobby of the Richard H. Austin Office Building in Lansing to watch her file candidate paperwork and ask questions about her newly launched campaign for governor. The MCFA prohibits using public resources, including space, for political campaign activities. A spokesperson for Bensons gubernatorial campaign previously said Nessel was issuing a new interpretation of the law. Under Michigan law, knowingly using public resources for political campaigns can result in a misdemeanor charge carrying up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Benson received only a warning and a reminder of the law. Under the House bill, Benson likely wouldnt have faced jail time or criminal proceedings for this violation. Even though Nessels office was barred by state law from handing out any further punishment, the outcome was appropriate given the circumstances of the violation, Joshua Booth, chief of the AGs Opinions Division, said at the time. Booth said its not unusual for the secretary of state to resolve violations by those means. State law says the secretary of state, when dealing with misdemeanor campaign finance violations, should use informal means to resolve the situation. That includes conducting a conference, using persuasion, or entering into a conciliation agreement. Conciliation agreements often include an admission of the violation, an agreement to not do it again and sometimes a payment of fines or fees. If the violator abides by the agreement, they face no further criminal or civil action. The House bill states that the attorney generals office would have to carry out resolutions for misdemeanor campaign finance law violations involving the secretary of state in this same way. Former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg leads the pack of potential Democratic candidates for president in New Hampshire, according to a new poll. (AP Photo/Cliff Jette) AP Photo/Cliff Jette Michigan resident and former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg leads the pack of potential Democratic candidates for president in New Hampshire, according to a new poll. The Granite State Poll conducted by the University of New Hampshire also showed Gov. Gretchen Whitmer trailing among the hypothetical Democratic candidates if the 2028 New Hampshire primary were to be held today. The New Hampshire primary is traditionally the first in the nation during a presidential election. Neither Whitmer nor Buttigieg have officially announced they will run in 2028. Buttigieg, who ran unsuccessfully for president in 2020, has expressed interest in running again. Whitmer, a prominent figure in the party, has long been speculated as a future presidential candidate. While she hasnt stated her intentions for 2028, shes previously hinted at a run for president. Recently, however, Whitmer cast doubt on those ambitions. A spokesperson for Buttigieg declined to comment on the poll. A spokesperson for Whitmer did not return comment. The early snapshot of the 2028 Democratic presidential primary contest in New Hampshire was based on a poll of 602 likely primary voters. Polling took place between Oct. 16 and 21 and has a plus or minus 4% margin of error. Buttigieg placed first in the poll, with 19% of respondents saying they would vote for him if the primary election were held today. Buttigieg, who served in former President Joe Bidens cabinet, moved to Michigan in 2022 to be closer to family, specifically the parents of his husband, Michigan-born Chasten Buttigieg. The other top contenders were California Gov. Gavin Newsom at 15%, U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York at 14%, former Vice President Kamala Harris at 11%, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont at 8% and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker at 6%. In 12th place among the hypothetical candidates was Whitmer at 1%. For the Democratic primary question, there were 18 candidates in all for poll respondents to choose from and also a choice of other and dont know/undecided. Other drew 3% of respondents and undecided 10%. Respondents were also asked whether they had a favorable, neutral or unfavorable opinion of the possible candidates or whether they didnt know enough to say. Buttigieg had the highest favorability, with 81% of those polled saying they had a favorable opinion of him. Another 9% were neutral, 6% had an unfavorable opinion and 4% didnt know enough to say. Buttigieg was the third most known, behind Sanders and Harris. Only 1% of respondents said they did not know enough about Sanders to have an opinion and only 2% said they did not know enough about Harris to have an opinion. For Whitmer, 35% of respondents said they didnt know enough about her to have an opinion. Of those that did have an opinion, 44% had a favorable opinion, 14% were neutral and 7% had an unfavorable opinion. Whitmer was more known than all but one other Democratic governor. Newsom led the pack of governors in terms of being most well-known, with only 8% saying they didnt know enough about him to have an opinion. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Pritzker trailed closely behind Whitmer, with 37% not knowing enough about Shapiro and 38% about Pritzker. Whitmer, a second-term Michigan governor, has held the national spotlight multiple times during her tenure. During the pandemic, she sparred with President Donald Trump after calling for more federal assistance and supplies to combat COVID-19. Later, national attention turned to Whitmer again after law enforcement foiled a plot to kidnap her. In 2024, her name was among those being floated to replace Biden in the presidential race that November. Later that summer, she held a coveted speaking slot on the final night of the Democratic National Convention just 30 minutes before Harris walked on stage to accept the nomination for president. Whitmer is term-limited and cannot seek reelection in 2026. The race for her seat has drawn crowded primaries on both sides of the aisle and a major independent run by Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. The Granite State Poll also looked at the Republican primary in New Hampshire and had a much clearer picture of what possible candidate voters may be coalescing around. Vice President JD Vance led the Republican field with 51% of those polled saying they would vote for him if the primary were held today. Vance was followed by former Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley at 9%, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard at 8% and Secretary of State Marco Rubio at 5%. For the Republican primary question, 688 likely voters were polled and there was a plus or minus 3.7% margin of error. MEARS, MI Its hard to make the choice between rural privacy and lakeside luxury, as the two worlds rarely cross in Michigan. The kind of property where breathtaking views and timeless charm create the perfect escape for those seeking peace, beauty and refined comfort. But this one property caters to all of the above, where you can experience the very best of Michigans lakeshore living at this stunning, fully renovated farmhouse built on stable dune with a major addition completed in 2012. Located at 8282 W Harrison Rd. in Mears, this gem is listed at $5.7 million through Signature Sothebys International Realty with realtor and licensed helicopter pilot Dylan Tent. This one-of-a-kind property is MLives House of the Week. Homes across the state of various architectural styles and prices are showcased every Wednesday. Exterior photographs showcase 8282 W Harrison Rd. in Mears. This gem is listed at $5.7 million through Signature Sothebys International Realty with realtor and licensed helicopter pilot Dylan Tent. (Photos provided by Way Up Media) Originally this property featured a late 1800s small farmhouse with over 20 acres boasting 687 feet of private pristine sandy beach and the gorgeous view of Lake Michigans brilliant clear water. The wooded quarter mile long driveway opens up to the expansive lake view and charming setting. The property was purchased in the mid 1980s by Helen Lefler with a vision in mind. As a young girl, Helen Lefler grew up on a farm and always had a love for old farmhouses and barns. Upon retiring from K-Mart as the vice president and treasurer in 1988, she was thrilled to find this rare place of her dreams, said Karin Lefler, Helens niece and current owner of the last four years. To be here, and to live here, its a feeling you cant get anywhere else, Karin Lefler said. You really are in your own world." In the fall, the farmlands gorgeous, Karin Lefler said. In the winter, she said the crisp scenery is simply serene. This place, its life transforming and healing. It actually is healing. Its the water, I think, literally breathes life, helping to transform and heal us, Karin Lefler said. Ive come here a number of times after loss, you know, losing parents or being very ill, and the place heals. It strips stress away every time. The small farmhouse was updated to become a full time residence. Inspired, Helen Lefler took classes learning how to draw the architectural plans for the barn. Helen Lefler creatively sourced many of the materials including the wood for the interior from Oregon. She decided on a Count Rumford fireplace design and in 1992 the stunning barn was completed. The barn has superb acoustics with its soaring wood ceilings and beautiful wood beams allowing the humble upright piano inside to sound like a grand, Karin Lefler said. Attention was then turned back to the house. As Helen Lefler worked on the design, she made many trips to Detroit and Grand Rapids in search of architectural pieces to keep the ascetics and charm that included old solid wood doors, stained glass, door knobs and heating grates. One thing Helen Lefler made sure of is one would never enter a bathroom facing the loo. In 2012, Helen Leflers vision was complete with the house having two-story additions added on the the front and back. To this day the house features the original hardwood floors, original exterior light fixtures re-wired on the two covered porches, fireplace and the interior walls were plastered to maintain the original character. The house went through further remodeling in 2024 including kitchen remodel with new Viking appliances, bathrooms remodeled, all new light fixtures and electrical outlets and new windows and doors. Both the barn and house have been freshly painted inside and out. Interior photographs showcase 8282 W Harrison Rd. in Mears. This gem is listed at $5.7 million through Signature Sothebys International Realty with realtor and licensed helicopter pilot Dylan Tent. (Photos provided by Way Up Media) The main farmhouse has been thoughtfully updated from top to bottom, including all-new Anderson Windows, blending modern luxury with classic farmhouse character. Owners can look forward to enjoying panoramic lake views from nearly every room. The custom kitchen features Viking appliances. The primary suite offers a spa-like retreat with a remodeled bathroom, custom built-ins and a convenient laundry area. Owners can look forward to stepping outside for coffee and sunsets overlooking Lake Michigan. Karin Lefler said she has been coming to the property for nearly 40 years before owning it, as its been a treasured location in her family for decades. The sunsets are spectacular. Theyre always different. And whats really extraordinary when you live someplace like this full time is you get to catch them all, Karin Lefler said. And its rare, but if the lakes super still, itll reflect the sky. Its just amazing. It can be purple and orange and all different colors. And its just so wild because you can see all the way to the horizon where all those colors are reflected on the lake and then the sky. That, to me, is spectacular. Atop that, the moon sets over the lake too. Its so beautiful as it looks like a fireball out in the sky. ... On a clear night, you can just see stars for days. Interior photographs showcase 8282 W Harrison Rd. in Mears. This gem is listed at $5.7 million through Signature Sothebys International Realty with realtor and licensed helicopter pilot Dylan Tent. (Photos provided by Way Up Media) Beyond the main house, the custom designed barn and silo completed in 1992, provide a spectacular bonus living space with 4-car garage. The barn loft is a showstopper boasting soaring wooden beams, a large stone fireplace, lake views and a full kitchen. The silo staircase with a hand-crafted curved railing adds architectural charm, leading to additional guest quarters ideal for entertaining or extended stays. Every inch of this property has been refreshed, including new paint, windows, lighting, insulation, outlets, and mechanicals offering peace of mind and modern convenience in a setting that feels worlds away, Tent said. Though this remarkable place with humble beginnings has been remarkably transformed, it retains the heart of the land, Karin Lefler said. Essentially, thats what its all about: the vast scenery and serenity of Lake Michigan with all its wonder from turquoise colored water when its showing off, a different sublime sunset every night, falls brilliant colors, winters fresh snow appearing like a sea of sparkling diamonds, the blooming of flowers in spring and summer a story in of its self, Karin Lefler said. All this in whats now becoming known as a climate safe haven is just waiting for the next person to come fall in love with the place, Karin Lefler said, and experience the year round joy to be found here. Exterior photographs showcase 8282 W Harrison Rd. in Mears. This gem is listed at $5.7 million through Signature Sothebys International Realty with realtor and licensed helicopter pilot Dylan Tent. (Photos provided by Way Up Media) Lefler said living on 20-plus acres gives such privacy, even on the beach, that makes it feel like your own oasis, only being visited by wildlife like birds chirping, squirrels running about, deer, eagles, turkeys and monarchs too. Its so quiet. Theres this feeling of being like in my own world. Ive never experienced that in my life unless Ive come here. Its truly incredible, Karin Lefler said. But then if we want to go out and get coffee or something, theres a great coffee shop in the closest town. Pentwater and Ludington are close drives, and it feels like youre visiting little Hallmark towns, filled with restaurants, yacht clubs and everything you need while visiting the city all while traveling along the water on the coast. It makes you feel like youre on holiday anytime you travel into town. Tent said it is rare to have lake frontage like this, not only a private beach fronted, but with the elevated bluff too. Exterior photographs showcase 8282 W Harrison Rd. in Mears. This gem is listed at $5.7 million through Signature Sothebys International Realty with realtor and licensed helicopter pilot Dylan Tent. (Photos provided by Way Up Media) He said it is the perfect house for an artist or a celebrity somebody that really values privacy. Whether used as a full time residence, family compound, or weekend getaway, this unique Lake Michigan offering with plenty of room to add another home is a true legacy property, Tent said. This extraordinary property, Tent said, combines the serenity of a lakeside retreat with the craftsmanship and comfort of a luxury estate. Its a really inspiring place. Not only is the farmhouse incredibly cute and very well done, but the quarters above the loft, whether its a recording studio or an event center, its just really special, Tent said. And you can really see that through the architecture and the photos. But on top of that, its a great place to develop for a family compound because you have so much acreage. Usually on a lake house, you have this big compromise somewhere where youre right on top of somebody, but thats not what you have here. You have this massive private space, and you have this great opportunity to develop multiple other residences and make it a generational family compound, if youd like. Scroll down to see 10 of the images from the photo gallery for a glimpse inside this home to see why its MLives House of the Week. Exterior photographs showcase 8282 W Harrison Rd. in Mears. This gem is listed at $5.7 million through Signature Sothebys International Realty with realtor and licensed helicopter pilot Dylan Tent. (Photos provided by Way Up Media) Interior photographs showcase 8282 W Harrison Rd. in Mears. This gem is listed at $5.7 million through Signature Sothebys International Realty with realtor and licensed helicopter pilot Dylan Tent. (Photos provided by Way Up Media) Interior photographs showcase 8282 W Harrison Rd. in Mears. This gem is listed at $5.7 million through Signature Sothebys International Realty with realtor and licensed helicopter pilot Dylan Tent. (Photos provided by Way Up Media) Interior photographs showcase 8282 W Harrison Rd. in Mears. This gem is listed at $5.7 million through Signature Sothebys International Realty with realtor and licensed helicopter pilot Dylan Tent. (Photos provided by Way Up Media) Interior photographs showcase 8282 W Harrison Rd. in Mears. This gem is listed at $5.7 million through Signature Sothebys International Realty with realtor and licensed helicopter pilot Dylan Tent. (Photos provided by Way Up Media) Interior photographs showcase 8282 W Harrison Rd. in Mears. This gem is listed at $5.7 million through Signature Sothebys International Realty with realtor and licensed helicopter pilot Dylan Tent. (Photos provided by Way Up Media) Interior photographs showcase 8282 W Harrison Rd. in Mears. This gem is listed at $5.7 million through Signature Sothebys International Realty with realtor and licensed helicopter pilot Dylan Tent. (Photos provided by Way Up Media) Interior photographs showcase 8282 W Harrison Rd. in Mears. This gem is listed at $5.7 million through Signature Sothebys International Realty with realtor and licensed helicopter pilot Dylan Tent. (Photos provided by Way Up Media) Exterior photographs showcase 8282 W Harrison Rd. in Mears. This gem is listed at $5.7 million through Signature Sothebys International Realty with realtor and licensed helicopter pilot Dylan Tent. (Photos provided by Way Up Media) Interior photographs showcase 8282 W Harrison Rd. in Mears. This gem is listed at $5.7 million through Signature Sothebys International Realty with realtor and licensed helicopter pilot Dylan Tent. (Photos provided by Way Up Media) View the listing here. View all 96 photos of the home here. If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. The Disney+ animated series, Star Wars: Visions, returns Wednesday with a third volume of anime shorts. About Star Wars: Visions This episodic anthology pairs the Star Wars universe with Japanese animation studios, offering fans a new take on the beloved science fiction franchise. Per Disney+, the latest season features nine all-new shorts that will celebrate the mythos of Star Wars through their unique styles. Volume 3 is available for streaming as of October 29. How to watch: Stream Star Wars: Visions exclusively on Disney+. Select a Disney Bundle to combine Disney+ with Hulu, ESPN, and/or HBO Max. Plans start at $12.99/month. For a limited time, the Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited Bundle is also available for only $29.99/month for 12 months (originally $35.99/month). Offer ends January 2026. Volume 3 trailer: BAGHDAD, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Iraqi National Security Service (INSS) announced Tuesday the arrest of an Islamic State (IS) operative in the Iraqi capital Baghdad, who was involved in multiple deadly armed attacks targeting security forces. According to the INSS, an initial investigation identified the suspect by the alias Abu Mohammed. He joined the IS in 2014 and participated in several armed attacks targeting security forces in the Latifiya area located south of Baghdad, leading to the killing of 19 security personnel, including an army officer. Intelligence reports indicated that the suspect held logistical and administrative roles within an area known by the IS as the "Zobaa -- Fallujah Sector," west of Baghdad. After the IS was largely dismantled in Iraq, he fled to Syria before secretly returning to Baghdad, where he was later tracked down and captured by INSS units. The suspect has been handed over to judicial authorities for legal proceedings, the statement added. While Iraq declared victory over IS in 2017, remnants of the group continue to carry out attacks against security forces and civilians in urban areas, deserts, and remote regions. Editor: Xiong Jian MC Education Desk Read the latest and trending news on CBSE, board exams, NEET, JEE, CUET, competitive exams, scholarships, college admissions, education policies, and more. Saurav Pandey USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Siddharth Chakravorty USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Amit Shah told News18 that over the past 11 years, 8.52 crore people in Bihar have benefited from the distribution of five kilograms of free food grains, while 6.6 crore Jan Dhan accounts have been opened under the central governments welfare schemes Tamal Nandi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Tamal Nandi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Akshay Kumar cheers for niece Simar Bhatia as she makes her debut in Ikkis alongside Agastya Nanda Palak Vij USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Dmytro Hruba, Attorney at Law at Ilyashev & Partners Law Firm War risks have always been a key exclusion in any standard insurance contract that we have known before. Full-scale war has made war risks a key challenge for businesses in Ukraine. While citizens residential property is effectively insured by the state through the eRecovery programme, destroyed warehouses, damaged production facilities or destroyed inventories, leading to, if not a complete shutdown of business, then significant and painful losses, are no longer theoretical threats, but a daily reality. Conventional insurance policies do not cover such cases, since war is by default an exception. That is why companies operating or planning to operate in Ukraine need to understand what protection mechanisms are already available, where the war insurance market in Ukraine is heading, and whether it exists at all. What War Risks for Business Can Currently be Insured? Property risks associated with war can be divided into two main categories: direct losses: destruction or damage to real estate (offices, production facilities, warehouses, etc.), transport, equipment, goods in circulation, etc.; indirect losses: cessation of activities, failure to comply with contract terms, loss of customers, etc., resulting from the destruction of production facilities or similar events. Not so long ago, insurance companies began to actively offer war risks insurance. Currently, they offer coverage only for direct losses related to war. Moreover, the list of insurance risks that insurance companies are currently willing to insure is very limited. Insurance companies are willing to insure the risks of loss (destruction) or damage to insured property exclusively as a result of the direct and/or indirect impact of missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence and anti-missile defence systems and/or debris from the aforementioned means of warfare. At the same time, insurance companies are not willing to insure against losses caused by such common weapons as rocket artillery (not to mention barrel artillery), guided aerial bombs etc. Insurance companies are also unwilling to provide insurance coverage for territories within 100 km of the nearest point of military (combat) operations. The distance is usually calculated by air, which differs significantly from the distance by land and potentially limits the locations for insurance. At the same time, such clauses in the first drafts offered by insurers can often be interpreted so broadly that not only Kharkiv but also Uzhhorod could potentially fall under such exclusions from insurance coverage. Therefore, it is necessary to be careful in interpreting the various terms and conditions of an insurance contract and to carefully consider and analyse the proposed insurance terms. What Coverage Mechanisms Already Exist? Currently, there are two types of war risks insurance in Ukraine: local insurance provided by Ukrainian insurance companies with coverage of approximately up to UAH 20 million; insurance with the participation of foreign entities (foreign brokers, reinsurers, EBRD, etc.) with coverage of over UAH 20 million. It should also be noted that the insurance rate for war insurance contracts is quite high. For the local market with coverage of 10-20 million, the insurance price will be approximately 10-12% per year of insurance in Kyiv, and in the case of insurance for large amounts involving reinsurance mechanism approximately 7-9%. At the same time, the insurance rate depends on the location. For example, Kyiv, as already mentioned, is classified as the highest risk category among those eligible for insurance, therefore the insurance rate here will be higher than in other locations. It is also important that potential locations for insurance are periodically reviewed by insurers. Property in Kyiv was temporarily excluded from insurance coverage in early summer 2025, when the intensity of drone attacks on the capital increased. The state also promises to help with war risks insurance. Recently, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine announced the possibility of insuring war risks under a new state programme, which provides for two mechanisms: for frontline territories, under which the state plans to pay compensation for damage to destroyed business property through the Export-Credit Agency (ECA), which will require the payment of a property insurance fee (equivalent to an insurance premium); for other regions, under which the state plans to compensate part of the insurance premium that businesses pay to insurers. It was also proposed to regulate the issue of war risks insurance at the legislative level. However, given that draft law No. 12372 has not made any progress over the past year, this idea has obviously been abandoned. We will find out later whether the programme announced by the government will work in practice and whether it will bring significant results in the field of war risks insurance, as the launch of the programme was planned for October this year. Key Challenges for Businesses and Ways to Address Them The main challenges and risks in war risks insurance include the following: a significantly limited list of risks that insurance companies are willing to insure; the high cost of insurance, which makes it unaffordable to a wide range of market players; legally complex war risks insurance contracts, the lack of established practice in their performance, and the lack of case law create legal uncertainty in this area; the risk of termination of insurance coverage, in particular, in the event of hostilities within a certain distance specified in the insurance contract, etc. While the first two problems are driven by objective conditions, and I would not expect a significant reduction in insurance prices or an expansion of the list of insured risks in the near future, the latter two issues can certainly be addressed. First of all, it is necessary to thoroughly assess the risks of the business and determine what exactly needs to be covered (real estate, inventory, etc.). Secondly, it is necessary to carefully review the proposed draft insurance contract, literally to every comma, and not be afraid to propose substantial amendments to it, justifying their necessity. Particular attention should be paid to the list of insurance risks and exclusions. For example, the contract may state that damage caused by unmanned aerial vehicles is covered, but their debris may be forgotten, which will create the grounds for further uncertainty and dispute. I would also advise paying special attention to the rights and obligations of the parties, the actions of the insured in the event of an insured event, the list of documents required to receive insurance compensation, the procedure for calculating losses, etc. It is necessary to change or exclude all unfair and potentially unfulfillable obligations without hesitation. In the event of an insured event, there must be a real possibility of timely and clear fulfilment of certain conditions of the insurance contract, because, after all, the possibility of receiving insurance compensation depends on this. Therefore, be prepared for negotiations. A war insurance policy is always an individual product, and it is usually possible to reach an agreement on all unfavourable and controversial terms, although not necessarily on the first attempt. Ilyashev & Partners Law Firm recently dealt with such lengthy and thorough negotiations when insuring a clients property for more than UAH 800 million, involving both a Ukrainian insurance company and a foreign reinsurer. We managed to draw up an insurance contract that meets the clients interests and eliminates the possibility of double interpretation of certain provisions of the contract, making it clear and transparent in the context of the actions of both parties in the event of an insured event. Conclusion War risks insurance in Ukraine is still in its formation stage, but it is already becoming an important tool for businesses operating and investing in wartime conditions. In the near future, the market will continue to develop through the joint efforts of the state, business, international partners and private insurers. For companies that think strategically, this means that war risks insurance is no longer an exceptional option but is becoming part of the basic risk management package. Those who decide to insure themselves against this category of risks should carefully review the contract offered by the insurance company and be patient for lengthy negotiations in order to have insurance not only on paper and to receive proper insurance compensation in the event of an insured event. Palak Vij USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Vaishnavi Gavankar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Gayatri Rani USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Yellowstone International Film Festival 2025: Caravan, Aisha Cant Fly, 100 Sunset and more to be screened in Mumbai Gayatri Rani USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 7 / 12 Pujara silences his critics | Cheteshwar Pujara finished as the highest run-scorer with 521 runs and a stunning average of 74.42. He rescued India at Adelaide with a magnificent 123 after the visitors were reduced to 41/4 and went on to notch up two more centuries during the series. Harsha Bhogle even joked that the Australian bowlers have seen more of Pujara during the tour than their own wives after the Indian no. 3 finished the series having faced 1258 balls which took the steam out of the Australian bowling unit. (Image: AP) Digitally restored version of Satyajit Rays Aranyer Din Ratri to be screened in Kolkata on Nov 7 The restoration also involved creating new, accurate English subtitles with the help of Indrani Mazumdar, who previously worked with Ray on subtitles. 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Thalavara OTT Release Update: When and where to watch Arjun Ashokans film on vitiligo Thalavara OTT Release Update: When and where to watch Arjun Ashokans film on vitiligo Vaishnavi Gavankar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Bigg Boss 19: Ashnoor Kaur gets body shamed and targeted by housemates; Awez Darbar comes out in support of her and says, As always, disgusting Gayatri Rani USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Bigg Boss producer Rishi Negi on Salman Khan charging Rs 150200 Crore for hosting: He is worth every penny; he is there on weekend... Bigg Boss producer Rishi Negi on Salman Khan charging Rs 150200 Crore for hosting: He is worth every penny; he is there on weekend... Vaishnavi Gavankar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept The updated trade agreement between Ukraine and the European Union has entered into force. The European Commission announced this on Wednesday. "As of today, the EU and Ukraine will benefit from an enhanced, stable, fair and permanent trade framework, with the entry into force of the EU-Ukraine Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA). The upgraded DCFTA delivers additional, mutually beneficial trade liberalisation, while taking fully into account the sensitivity of certain EU agricultural sectors," the press release said. The European Commission noted that the updated DCFTA provides additional, mutually beneficial trade liberalization, while fully taking into account the sensitivity of certain EU agricultural sectors. "It very tangibly illustrates the EUs unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine. At the same time, it limits imports of sensitive agricultural products into the EU compared to the levels provided for by the Autonomous Trade Measures (ATMs), establishes new robust safeguards and ensures the alignment of Ukrainian and European production standards," the press release said. The EC also stated that the DCFTA "will support long-term economic certainty and stable trade relations for both sides, while facilitating Ukraines gradual integration into the EU single market." The updated agreement aims to expand trade flows. In particular, the agreement strikes a balance between ensuring a clear set of rules to support Ukraines crucial trade with the EU, while fully taking into account the sensitivities of the EUs agricultural sectors and stakeholders by carefully calibrating different levels of market access for specific products. " For the most sensitive items, such as sugar, poultry, eggs, wheat, maize, and honey, there are only modest increases compared to the original DCFTA. For other products, enhancements have been made to benefit both sides, based on our complementary markets. And finally for certain non-sensitive products, full liberalisation has been agreed," the EC said. Another important area is the agreed production standards: new market access is conditional on Ukraine gradually aligning itself with EU production standards, such as animal welfare, the use of pesticides and veterinary drugs. " Ukraine is expected to report every year on its progress in that regard. This approach is consistent with the logic of Ukraines EU accession process and the adoption of the EU acquis," the press release says. The agreement also provides for "robust safeguard provisions: a safeguard mechanism allowing for appropriate measures to be activated if imports of products covered by the additional liberalisation cause serious difficulties for either party." In the case of the EU, the assessment of possible violations may be carried out at the level of one or more Member States. In addition, both parties agreed to examine measures aimed at helping Ukrainian exporters access their traditional markets in third countries, which would provide additional commercial opportunities for Ukraine and contribute to global food security. Skip the 10,000-step myth: Study finds walking in 10-minute bursts may cut heart risk by two thirds Namita S Kalla is a senior journalist who writes about different aspects of modern life that include lifestyle, health, fashion, beauty, and entertainment. Manjiri Patil USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Danish Khan is the editor of Technology and Telecom. He was previously with the Economic Times and has tracked the sector for 14 years. Analysts said the ruling could pave the way for timely reliefpossibly before March 2026and set off a series of positive developments for Vodafone Idea Arindam Roy USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Donald Trump hints at trade deal with India soon, says 'have great respect for PM Modi' Donald Trump says, 'Have great respect for PM Modi, going to do a trade deal with India' J Jagannath USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Brokerages will be watching for updates on major order announcements. The pace of execution on large-scale defence and electronic warfare projects, as well as the companys commentary on delivery timelines, will also be critical. Anishaa Kumar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Khushi Keswani USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept KT Jithendran, CEO of Birla Estates, said that the redevelopment supply is expected to come in fits and starts Shiladitya Pandit USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Adrija Chatterjee is an Assistant Editor at Moneycontrol. She has been tracking and reporting on finance and trade ministries for over eight years. Adrija Chatterjee USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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India Post to be revamped into modern logistics powerhouse; targets 75% revenue from parcels and mail in three years: Scindia Yeeshu Yadav USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Poland will not lift the indefinite ban on the import of wheat, corn, rapeseed and sunflower seeds from Ukraine in view of the entry into force of the updated trade agreement between the European Union and Ukraine, the Polish Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development said. "The new agreement does not contain all the provisions proposed by Poland, which should minimize the potential negative impact of Ukrainian imports on Polish agriculture," the ministry said on the official website. The Polish Ministry of Agriculture said it had achieved the establishment of favorable protective rules for the European market when updating the trade agreement. Among them, in particular, the preservation of the system of entry prices for imports of fruits and vegetables from Ukraine; duty-free import of sensitive goods such as sugar, poultry and eggs is limited by tariff quotas. For sugar, poultry and eggs, the principle of reciprocity in trade will be applied: the quotas granted to the EU for exports to the Ukrainian market will increase to a level not lower than the quotas granted to Ukraine. In addition, a bilateral safeguard clause will be introduced, allowing for the temporary withdrawal of tariff preferences granted under the agreement. According to Poland's requirements, this clause can also be activated in the event of a disruption of the market at the level of an individual member state. Ukraine will also be granted additional privileges to adapt Ukrainian legislation within three years to EU rules on pesticide residues and animal welfare. The ministry said the updated agreement also provides for partial liberalization of exports of goods from the EU to the Ukrainian market, in particular dairy products, which are important for Polish exports. Imports of goods from Ukraine will continue to be subject to compliance with EU food safety requirements and will be subject to control by the relevant inspections and services of the EU Member States. "The new quotas and volumes established in connection with the entry into force of the trade agreement between Ukraine and the EU apply to imports of goods to the entire EU territory, while Poland still has an indefinite ban on imports of wheat, corn, rapeseed and sunflower seeds from Ukraine. In connection with false information, the Ministry of Agrarian Policy confirms that the new agreement does not change the above-mentioned rules," the Polish Ministry of Agriculture said. Its offerings like LGs, the nations third biggest for this year, that have made India one of the worlds hottest IPO venues, with total proceeds hurtling toward last years record tally of $21 billion. Deblina Halder USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept KKR-backed Vertis hires three banks for India IPO, to seek approval by December: Report Companies have raised $16 billion so far this year via India's public markets, making it the world's third-largest market for debuts, according to Dealogic. Arindam Roy USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Orkla India Limited has a strong brand recall and has established a leading position in the South Indian market. Debaroti Adhikary USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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I Accept Zoya Springwala is a Senior Correspondent, writing on the markets, financial institutions, regulatory changes and everything else in between. Zoya Springwala USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept Proposed brokerage fee cap may be the biggest jolt for mutual funds in Sebis regulatory overhaul SEBI has invited public comments on the draft until November 17, 2025. Anishaa Kumar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept Stocks to Watch Today: Shree Cement, Tata Capital, Premier Energies, Ideaforge, Star Health, Go Digit, TVS Holdings, ArisInfra, Swan Defence in focus on 29 October Sunil Matkar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept Photo: https://www.vaticannews.va/ Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin has appealed to the international community to end conflicts, particularly in Ukraine, Vatican News reported. Speaking to the press at an event at the Bambino Gesu childrens hospital in Rome, Parolin said that "everyones contribution is really needed to take a few steps towards peace" in Ukraine. He called for caution and at the same time for hope in the issue of the war in Ukraine. According to the cardinal, it is "not easy to answer" the question of what steps need to be taken to achieve a ceasefire. "If we knew, we would have already taken them (steps - IF-U). I believe that some negotiations are already underway, although perhaps not publicly," Parolin added. Reiterating his hope that these negotiations will bring results, the Vatican Secretary of State stressed the need for broad support from the international community. "The United States participation is certainly necessary, and we hope that Europe will play a more prominent role. Everyones contribution is really necessary," Parolin said. He added that China "also has something to say" and noted that US President Donald Trump, who is currently in the Far East, should discuss ending the war. ITR Deadline for Tax Audit Cases: High Courts in Punjab & Haryana, Himachal Pradesh extend the due date; Will CBDT follow? Teena Jain Kaushal is Editor - Personal Finance (Audience Growth) at Moneycontrol, with over two decades of expertise demystifying money matters. Whether its decoding tax, navigating investments, or breaking down the latest insurance trends, her aim is to help readers make smarter financial decisions. Teena Jain Kaushal USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Ashish Mishra USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Sebi puts Sterlite Electric IPO on hold over US short sellers allegations against parent Vedanta Sebi typically puts those IPOs on abeyance where the regulator has uncovered non-compliance with rules or if there is pending or ongoing regulatory scrutiny. B Kumar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept [Deeptech Digest] This startup quietly secured an airbase; its encryption now guards railways, laptops and more 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 Naina Sood USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Swaraj Singh Dhanjal USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has been referring to CM Nitish Kumar as a 'puppet' of the BJP. Priyanjali Ghose USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 'Not triangular, it's already 1,000 angle': Amit Shah says Prashant Kishor not a factor in Bihar polls Union home minister and senior BJP leader Amit Shah dismissed the challenge mounted by Prashant Kishors newly launched Jan Suraaj party, saying the fight is only between theNDA bloc and the Mahagatbandhan. "This country has over 1,550 political parties and maximum is in Bihar. There is not triangular contest. It is already 1,000 angle, Shah said at the News18s Bihar Conclave on October 29. Shah said everyone has the right to form their parties. But, I can see the whole election is between NDA and the Mahagatbandhan. And a big chunk of the votes will be in our favour, he said. Read more Bihar Election 2025: The Owaisi factor and the battle for Bihar's Muslim vote Asaduddin Owaisi's AIMIM is eying a comeback in Bihar in the coming elections. (File: PTI) Parimal Peeyush USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Chinese FM holds talks with Kazakhstan's FM Xinhua) 11:12, October 29, 2025 Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Kazakhstan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Yermek Kosherbayev in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 28, 2025. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai) BEIJING, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Kazakhstan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Yermek Kosherbayev in Beijing on Tuesday. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said that China is willing to work with Kazakhstan to follow the consensus reached by the two heads of state, consolidate strategic mutual trust, promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and continuously elevate China-Kazakhstan relations to new heights. China appreciates the positive role Kazakhstan has played under the frameworks of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the China-Central Asia Mechanism, and is willing to work with Kazakhstan to continuously optimize and strengthen these platforms and play a greater role in promoting regional peace and development, Wang said. For his part, Kosherbayev extended his congratulations on the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the successful fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee. He thanked China for supporting Kazakhstan in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, noting that Kazakhstan will continue to firmly abide by the one-China principle and support China in safeguarding its core interests, and is willing to maintain friendly exchange with China at all levels and deepen practical cooperation in all fields. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Kazakhstan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Yermek Kosherbayev in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 28, 2025. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Member of parliament and head of the parliamentary Committee on Finance, Tax and Customs Policy, Danylo Hetmantsev, is accused of academic plagiarism in his PhD thesis, according to the public resource "Plagiarism and Falsification in Scientific Works." "Academic plagiarism was detected on pp. 1536 and 117, a total of 23 pages, which makes up 13% of the main text, as well as on p. 5 Two sources of plagiarism were found," says a report on the PhD thesis on "Banking Secrecy: Peculiarities of Its Regulatory Regulation in Ukraine and in the Legislation of Foreign Countries," published on Wednesday. It is noted that the work was defended by Hetmantsev in 2004 at the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. As reported, on October 22, the resource "Plagiarism and Falsification in Scientific Works" accused the former rector of Mariupol State University, Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine Mykola Trofymenko of academic plagiarism in his dissertations. In April 2025, the public initiative "Disergate" accused Deputy Minister of Education and Science, Kyiv City Council deputy from the Servant of the People party Andriy Vitrenko of academic plagiarism in his scientific articles and PhD dissertation. In particular, it was noted that Vitrenkos works contain coincidences of texts, paraphrasing and rearrangement of words, as well as a number of other violations of academic integrity, in particular, plagiarism of works of Russian and Kazakh scientists. In July, the Ethics Committee of the National Agency for Quality Assurance in Higher Education accepted for consideration a complaint about Vitrenkos plagiarism. Vitrenko himself states that he does not tolerate academic plagiarism, and if the committee does not prove the presence of plagiarism in his works, he will file a lawsuit to protect his honor and dignity. Chhabi Kala USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. 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I Accept Grokipedia vs Wikipedia: Sanjeev Sanyal lists 20 instances of Wiki's 'religious bias', cites Ram Mandir entry among others Siddharth Chakravorty USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 'He is doing four rallies every day': Amit Shah dismisses health concerns about Nitish Kumar Yeeshu Yadav USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Mira Sen has covered Indian politics and national developments for over a decade, closely tracking elections, national parties, policymakers, on-the-ground developments and their impact on citizens. Both sides exchanging views on maintaining stability in the border region. (File photo) Chhabi Kala USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Indian foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India's embassy was working with Thailand 'to verify their nationality and to repatriate them, after necessary legal formalities are completed in Thailand.' Arindam Roy USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Priyanjali Ghose USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Armaan Bhatnagar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Christin Mathew Philip USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Sonalee Borgohain USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Photo: DeepState Russia continues to infiltrate the city of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region, gradually absorbing it with their number of personnel, the Telegram channel of the OSINT project DeepState said on Wednesday morning. "According to our information, the enemy has managed to drag more than one hundred infantrymen into the city and continues to infiltrate deep into the settlement and expand their sabotage and reconnaissance activities. They arrange ambushes, mine roads look for infliltration routes and demonstrate the situation in the city. Enemy (drone) pilots have already been able to enter the southern outskirts of Pokrovsk," DeepState Says. At the same time, it is reported that the enemy has already been able to break the logistics in the direction of the neighboring city of Myrnohrad and the entire agglomeration. "In addition to infantry ambushes, enemy drones are actively operating, monitoring and striking movements on positions, provisions, etc. The activity of enemy pilots increased significantly when infantry began to infiltrate the city, and enemy drones are helping to destroy our logistics in order to gradually absorb the city," DeepState said. Russia first entered Pokrovsk in July, when about 30 saboteurs entered the city. "From that moment on, there was a search for broken defenses, constant infantry pressure, and systematic work by enemy pilots on the positions and logistics of Ukrainian fighters. Over time, a weak spot was found - Zvirove, Shevchenko, and the area along the railway from Kotlyne to Pokrovsk itself. All this time, the enemy used and continues to use the opportunity of the weak defenses in the southern part of the city, understanding the numerical superiority of the infantry and the lack of ours," the analysts said. DeepState said it is important to focus not just on mopping up, but on serious work to prevent the occupation of a huge city, which should serve as a fortress and a major obstacle for the enemy. "It is critically necessary to block the enemys alleged infiltration routes and conduct a sweep with a full-fledged brigade, and not with small groups of special forces, who, unfortunately, will not do anything on their own, and we already have a similar example in another city. The situation in Pokrovsk is on the verge of critical and continues to deteriorate to the point that it may be too late to fix everything," the report says. As reported, on Tuesday, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said about the fighting in Pokrovsk and that the capture of the city is the enemys main goal. "I spoke with the military. Special attention is paid to Pokrovsk, as well as to the neighboring district. That is where the largest number of the occupiers strike forces and significant assault activity are now. Fighting is also ongoing in the city," he said, adding that every result of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in this direction is a result for the entire defense of Ukraine. A day earlier, the 7th Rapid Reaction Corps of the Airborne Assault Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that urban battles are ongoing in Pokrovsk with enemy groups, which, due to their numerical superiority in forces and means, managed to infiltrate the city and accumulate in various parts of it. "The defenders of Pokrovsk are actively opposing the occupiers in the city. Recently, our defense was strengthened with new units, in particular, assault troops, artillery, UAV crews and other components of the Defense Forces," the report says. The Rapid Reaction Corps noted that on October 25-26, Ukrainian soldiers killed about 40 Russians in Pokrovsk. The 7th Corps also said that the enemy has the ability to monitor movements in Pokrovsk and Mirnograd. It was also reported that personnel rotation is complicated and occurs with significant delays, and logistics are limited and carried out by air and ground drones. At the same time, the occupiers are conducting classic massive assault operations throughout the 7th Corps defense zone. A red alert indicates extremely heavy rain of over 20 cm in 24 hours. 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Advocate M. Nirmal leading the fact-finding committee formed by AIDWA "The Karur incident must be viewed as a serious violation of human rights. Accountability for the tragedy lies directly with Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam leader Vijay. There is a difference between being a criminal and being responsible, but in this case, Vijay must take moral and political responsibility for what happened at the event. Many women and children lost their lives in this tragic stampede. Many people came not to hear his speech, but to see Vijay in person. Witnesses reported that several people fainted immediately after Vijays vehicle arrived and the crowd surged forward, leading to chaos and fatalities" Parimal Peeyush USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 'No vacancy': Amit Shah's jibe at Tejashwi Yadav, Rahul Gandhi at poll rally in Bihar Parimal Peeyush USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Not about politics, but dignity: Punjab farmer Mohinder Kaur's firm stand in defamation case against Kangana Ranaut Kaur, who owns 13 acres of farmland, filed a defamation complaint in 2021 against actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut. Deblina Halder USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Deblina Halder USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Mira Sen has covered Indian politics and national developments for over a decade, closely tracking elections, national parties, policymakers, on-the-ground developments and their impact on citizens. Armaan Bhatnagar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. 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By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Mira Sen has covered Indian politics and national developments for over a decade, closely tracking elections, national parties, policymakers, on-the-ground developments and their impact on citizens. The sortie makes her the first President to fly in the Indian Air Forces most advanced combat jet. Ria Kapoor USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Nine people, including four children and three medical workers, were injured as a result of shelling by the Russian occupiers on Wednesday morning, the Kherson Regional Prosecutors Offices has said on Telegram. "On October 29, 2025, at about 09:20, the enemy opened artillery fire on a childrens hospital in Kherson, where young patients, their parents, and medical staff were at that time. As a result of the shelling, according to preliminary data, nine people were injured, including four children and three medical workers. Information on the number of victims is being clarified. The hospital building was significantly damaged, and the blast wave damaged nearby buildings," the report said. Information on the number of victims is being clarified. Prosecutors, together with investigators, are recording the consequences of the shelling. Under the procedural leadership of the Kherson District Prosecutors Office, a pre-trial investigation into the fact of a war crime (Part 1 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine) has been initiated. SIR enumeration forms to be filled from today: How to ensure your name is on the electoral list Mira Sen has covered Indian politics and national developments for over a decade, closely tracking elections, national parties, policymakers, on-the-ground developments and their impact on citizens. Phase two of the SIR will cover approximately 51 crore voters across the 12 states and UTs. Priyanjali Ghose USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept The Uttar Pradesh CM also targeted the Opposition over issues of development and governance. Deblina Halder USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept India can still build a credible, investable climate-finance regime that matches global standards while reflecting domestic realities. Namrata Agarwal USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Steven Raj Padakandla is a faculty at IMT, Hyderabad. Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication. Ritesh Kumar Singh is a business economist and CEO, Indonomics Consulting Private Limited. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication. India has seized this moment with a transformative surge in green finance. Namrata Agarwal USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept One of the areas where India should start to build capacities is global business domination. Namrata Agarwal USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Supreme Court order on Vodafone Idea limited to additional AGR dues up to FY2016-17 Danish Khan is the editor of Technology and Telecom. He was previously with the Economic Times and has tracked the sector for 14 years. The apex court noted that the Centre now holds 49% equity in Vodafone Idea and that around 20 crore customers use its telecom services, making the issue one of significant public interest Danish Khan USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 'Blows new employees away': This CEO eats lunch with staff, thanks employees with handwritten notes His approach underscores a central idea: leadership was not only about authority but about connection. Shubhi Mishra USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Extraordinary item from Titanic set to go under auction; may fetch a whopping ... Mira Sen has covered Indian politics and national developments for over a decade, closely tracking elections, national parties, policymakers, on-the-ground developments and their impact on citizens. Armaan Bhatnagar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept The woman went on to highlight that true inclusion lay in the way accessibility had been built into Zomatos everyday operations. Shubhi Mishra USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 'You lime soda without fizz': Liver Doc blasts Sridhar Vembu over post linking child vaccines to autism Dr Cyriac Abby Philips, a liver disease specialist known for debunking health misinformation, strongly rejected the claims, calling the paper unreliable. Shubhi Mishra USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Photo: https://sluga-narodu.com Veterans are increasingly turning to psychological support, and today the state, together with international partners, is developing new models of assistance, said Member of Parliament Taras Tarasenko (Servant of the People faction) and deputy chairman of the Verkhovna Rada committee on social policy and protection of veterans rights. "The Reliable Future project is currently being implemented together with British colleagues. This is actually a development of the "Keel" idea - when veterans find inner balance for three days in the circle of their comrades. A prerequisite is the participation of a psychologist who can react in a crisis situation. The first day is always distrust, and on the third day there is already gradual recovery. People are grateful, veterans are uniting, and now the program is working very well," Tarasenko said. According to him, building small veteran communities is the future of the support system. "We simply do not have enough specialists. We must form a culture of mutual assistance among veterans. And in general, a culture of communication in society. After all, today 84% of citizens constantly communicate with veterans or families of the deceased. We must learn to keep a balance even in crisis situations - after shelling, losses, experiences - and not harm others," the MP said. Tarasenko also drew attention to the difficult situation with the employment of veterans. "Large companies report that more than 50% of employees returning from the war are fired. And its not about salaries - business supported the military even during their service. But the lack of adaptation, a transitional stage leads to the fact that people cannot find themselves in new conditions," he explained. On his Facebook page, he reported that on Tuesday he attended the presentation of the IREX study on the experience of veterans reintegration after 2022, carried out with the support of the US State Department. He noted that, according to the results of the study, veterans have a demand for high-quality free psychological assistance, "but there is a lack of trust and clear routes." "We are working on the draft law "On the transition from military service to civilian life." We are creating quality standards, piloting support routes in communities, working with business to implement joint best practices for restoring human capital, scaling up peer-to-peer and creating a policy of small communities," Tarasenko said. BSF deploys over 150 Rampur and Mudhol Hound Indian dog breeds, heres what you should know Sheetal Kumari USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Sheetal Kumari USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Gurpreet Singh USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Meet NEO, the humanoid robot assistant that can turn off lights, open doors, and learn by watching your home 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. 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 Ankita Chakravarti USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Spyware companys CEO says one of its government clients misused its malware before it was retired 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. 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 Ankita Chakravarti USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 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. 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 Ankita Chakravarti USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept VVDN to set up US unit, eyes ECMS incentives for PCB, display production at home Danish Khan is the editor of Technology and Telecom. He was previously with the Economic Times and has tracked the sector for 14 years. 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 Danish Khan USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept The Romanian Defense Ministry has said the United States is reducing the number of its troops deployed in Europe. "Romania and allies have been informed of the United States decision to reduce the number of American troops in Europe," the ministry said in a statement on its website on Wednesday. The Ministry of National Defense was reportedly informed of the withdrawal of part of the American troops deployed on NATOs eastern flank, as part of a process of reassessing the global posture of the US armed forces. Among the brigade units that will soon end their rotation in Europe, the forces assigned to Romania, stationed at the Mihail Cogilniceanu military base, are also mentioned. "This decision was expected, as Romania is in constant contact with its American strategic partner. The reduction in the number of American troops is a consequence of the new priorities of the presidential administration, announced in February. The decision was also taken into account that NATO has increased its presence and activity on the eastern flank, which allows the United States to adjust its military position in the region," the statement said. It is noted that the American decision consists in ending the rotation of the brigade in Europe, which had units in several NATO countries. Approximately a thousand American soldiers will remain deployed on Romanian territory, contributing to the deterrence of any threats and guaranteeing the US commitment to regional security. The Romanian Ministry of Defense has scheduled a press conference on the issue for Wednesday, October 29. Media outlets previously reported that the US had decided to withdraw about 800 troops from Romania, and plans were also underway to reduce the contingent in Bulgaria, Slovakia and Hungary. In the spring, the US announced the relocation of US troops from Jasnok airport in Poland, which is a key hub for aid to Ukraine. It was previously reported that the US was considering withdrawing up to 10,000 troops from eastern Europe. 10 mind-blowing travel trends for 2026 that will completely change how you see the world Travel Like Never Before: From AI-designed glow-cations to fantasy-inspired escapes, these 10 travel trends for 2026 are set to change the way the world explores. Priyanka Roshan USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Anupam Khers Switzerland Trip Brings Back Yash Chopras Magic Heres How You Can Relive It Too! Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytellingboth visual and textualacross travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences. Anupam Kher enjoys the snowy serenity of Jungfrau, Switzerlands Top of Europe, while paying tribute to Yash Chopras cinematic legacy in the Alps. Priyanka Roshan USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept No more layovers! Air Indias direct DelhiManila flight brings the Philippines closer to India Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytellingboth visual and textualacross travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences. Fly Non-Stop from Delhi to Manila Your Gateway to the Philippines 7,000 Islands Just Got Closer! Priyanka Roshan USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytellingboth visual and textualacross travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences. A breathtaking sight bioluminescent waves light up Muscats Al Bustan Beach in a mesmerizing shade of blue, captivating residents and visitors under the Omani night sky. (Image: Instagram/@5krs5) Priyanka Roshan USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept At least 64 killed as Rio police launch deadliest-ever raids on drug gangs At least 64 killed in Rio's largest police raid on gangs Pragya Trivedi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Charlies Angels moment: Malaysian female bodyguards go viral after leaping onto moving SUV at ASEAN Summit Pradeep Tripathi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Pragya Trivedi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Arishaa Izaj USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Hope we have a deal: Trump optimistic ahead of talks with Chinas Xi in South Korea Pragya Trivedi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Russian flag at the entrance to Pokrovsk hangs for only an hour DeepState The Russian occupiers hung their flag on the ceiling at the entrance to the city of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region, where fighting is taking place, but within an hour this flag was destroyed. "The rag on entrance to Pokrovsk was discovered at approximately 9:40 and was destroyed by 10:40," the Telegram channel of the OSINT project DeepState reported on Wednesday. The message is illustrated by a video of the destruction of the Russian flag hung on the ceiling, probably by an artillery strike. At the same time, the stele itself, decorated with the flag of Ukraine on top, remained intact. The video also shows that we are talking about the entrance to Pokrovsk from the west, from the villages of Kotlyne and Udachne, which are controlled by the enemy. On Tuesday, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the fighting in Pokrovsk and that the capture of the city is the main goal of the enemy. A day earlier, the 7th Rapid Reaction Corps of the Airborne Assault Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that urban battles were ongoing in Pokrovsk with enemy groups, which, due to their numerical superiority in forces and means, managed to infiltrate parts of the city. Inside Gazas new Yellow Line: Why Israels temporary divide may become permanent Pradeep Tripathi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Inside Jaishs new female jihad: How Masood Azhar is radicalising Pakistani women to fight its enemies in India Abhinav Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept MAGA turns on its own: Trumps Sikh lawyer faces racist fury after defending immigrant truckers Arishaa Izaj USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept New York to get first Muslim mayor? Poll shows Mamdani victory in key Nov 4 election Arishaa Izaj USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Pradeep Tripathi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Pakistan's chilling warning to Taliban rulers as Afghan talks collapse: 'Own peril and doom' Manish Rao is a seasoned journalist who has extensively covered global affairs, geopolitical developments, American politics, and all other things making news around the world. Armaan Bhatnagar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Pakistans ISI finds a new base in Bangladesh: How the secret deal puts Indias eastern flank at risk | Explained Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (L) speaks with Bangladesh's interim leader Muhammad Yunus during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the D-8 summit in Cairo on December 19, 2024. Abhinav Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has confirmed information about the destruction by the Defense Forces of two oil refineries involved in supplying the army of the aggressor country: Novospassky Refinery (Ulyanovsk Region, Russian Federation) and Mariysky Refinery (Republic of Mari El), as well as the Budyonny Gas Processing Plant (Stavropol Territory, Russian Federation), the press service of the General Staff reported. "On the night of October 29, 2025, units of the Defense Forces struck two oil refineries involved in supplying the army of the aggressor country. Explosions and fires were recorded on the territory of the enterprises," the General Staff said on Telegram on Wednesday. It is reported that the Novospassky Refinery in the settlement of Novospasske, Ulyanovsk Region, Russian Federation was struck. This oil refinery is part of the Prominvest holding. The main area of activity is the primary processing of hydrocarbons. The processing volume is 600 thousand tonnes of oil per year (0.2% of total Russian processing). The plant produces gasoline, diesel fuel and fuel oil. It provides fuel for the domestic consumption of the Russian Federation, and also exports petroleum products. According to the General Staff, the Mariysk Refinery in the settlement of Tabashino, Republic of Mari El, was also hit. There were explosions and a fire at the facility. The plant meets the domestic needs of the Volga Federal District. The design processing capacity is 1.3 million tonnes per year, which is 0.5% of all processing in the Russian Federation. It has two primary oil processing units and a vacuum fuel oil processing unit. The results of the missions and the extent of the damage are being clarified. It is reported that in addition, domestic strike drones hit the Budenovsk gas processing plant in the city of Budenovsk, Stavropol Territory, Russian Federation, this night. A hit was recorded at the GPU-1 production facility. The design processing capacity of this gas processing plant is 2.2 billion cubic meters of gas per year. It supplies gas to a number of enterprises in the region and is a source of raw materials for the petrochemical industry. It is noted that the disabling of the capacities of the aforementioned enterprises on the territory of the Russian Federation reduces the capabilities of the Russian army in conducting combat operations. Pakistan warns 'we can obliterate the Taliban regime' after Istanbul talks collapse Pragya Trivedi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Manish Rao is a seasoned journalist who has extensively covered global affairs, geopolitical developments, American politics, and all other things making news around the world. Tamal Nandi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Some Amazon workers found out they were fired after early-morning text messages: Report Mira Sen has covered Indian politics and national developments for over a decade, closely tracking elections, national parties, policymakers, on-the-ground developments and their impact on citizens. Amazon said on Tuesday it will reduce its global corporate workforce by about 14,000 people, with more cuts expected next year Arindam Roy USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept How did online rumours that Brigitte Macron was born male go viral? Pragya Trivedi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Manish Rao is a seasoned journalist who has extensively covered global affairs, geopolitical developments, American politics, and all other things making news around the world. Pradeep Tripathi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept WHO urges ceasefire as hundreds killed in Sudan hospital massacre after El-Fasher falls to paramilitaries Pragya Trivedi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Why China now wants influencers to be certified experts before speaking on finance, health or law Pradeep Tripathi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Why white-collar job losses are rising with AI: A full picture of the 2025 shift Pradeep Tripathi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept The Working Group on Bribery of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) invited Ukraine to join the Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions. This invitation recognizes Ukraine's commitment to increasing transparency, responsibility, and integrity in its interactions with business, civil society, and the government. Oleksiy Shevchuk, the Chairman of the Board of the Ukrainian National Lobbyists Association, expressed this opinion to the Interfax-Ukraine agency. "For us, as a professional lobbying community, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's request is an important signal that the state is clearly choosing to increase transparency, responsibility, and integrity standards in interactions between business, civil society, and the government," he said. Shevchuk added that, "in this context, the Ukrainian National Lobbyists Association believes business, lobbyists, and state institutions should view the combination of anti-corruption and lobbying reforms as an opportunity." According to Shevchuk, this concerns the opportunity to establish professional ethics and conduct standards in lobbying that meet legal requirements and international partner expectations. It also concerns reviewing companies' internal policies, especially those operating abroad or in an international context, to ensure compliance with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's anti-bribery regulations. He believes that such accession "will contribute to the new lobbying system becoming not only a platform for interests, but also a guarantor of bona fide participation in state-building processes, creating trust among investors and international partners in Ukraine." "We believe that these changes should evolve from a formal approach into an effective, practical tool. The Association is prepared to contribute to training, the development of codes, consultations, and monitoring. For Ukraine, this is an opportunity to increase competitiveness and demonstrate our ability to act in accordance with the best international practices," he said. October 29, 2025 English Outsider On Solving Ukraine English Outsider comments in response to my Ukrainian glasshouse post: I seriously doubt that these people are sane. Theyre psychos. Gaza shows that past doubt. But theres logic to their insanity. Although were heading for straight military defeat in the Ukrainian theatre they still have the Russians over a barrel. The problem of remnant Ukraine, the problem that has been staring all in the face since February 2022, it still one to which the Russians have no good solution. Its clear that the Western politicians, Trump included, will not assist with coming to any good solution. The future of Eastern Ukraine is already determined though we dont yet know how much of it the Russians will decide to incorporate within the RF. But remnant Ukraine, whatever that turns out to be in territorial terms, poses a problem as insoluble as ever, First, Eastern Ukraine. Lavrov: And when we now liberate remaining parts of Zaporozhye, this is the Russian way to pronounce it. And Kherson, the people, in spite of the attempts of Ukrainian army to pull them into mainland Ukraine, most of them are not leaving. Theyre staying, and theyre welcoming the Russian soldiers who liberate them. So this is not our will, our imperialist desire, some people say. This is our concern for the future of the people who feel being part of the Russian culture. This fits with statements from the Ukrainian authorities to the effect that they were having difficulty evacuating Kupiansk. Many did not wish to be evacuated. The same was seen in Bakhmut and in other towns and cities. Later on Lavrov returns to the subject: And thats for 1991 borders, and Russia must withdraw. Ok hypothetically, in their dreams and delusions, if we leave the territories inside the 1991 Ukrainian borders, what happens to those people whom they publicly called the respective governments of Ukraine after the coup, called them inhumans, called them species. Species, by the way, is the term used by Zelensky long before the special military operation started. He was asked in November 2021 what he thought about the people in Donbass on the other side of the line of contact, according to the Minsk agreements. And he was asked what he thought about those people. He said, you know, there are people, and there are species. And then in other interview he said if you live in Ukraine and feel like being part of Russian culture, my advice to you, for the sake and safety of your kids, for the sake and safety of your grandchildren, get out to Russia. So in fact, Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporozhye, and Kherson, the population of these four territories, they follow his advice. They go back to Russia. All this could apply to the rest of the old Party of Regions area, though population movements will have greatly altered the population mix that obtained before 2014. Whatever the current population mix, for those living in the old Party of Regions area itd be better for them if as much as possible of that area became part of Russian. That views not based on dreamy recollections of Catherine the Great, though Lavrov draws attention to those historical associations. Its based on Lavrovs strictly utilitarian argument that the pro-Russian element of that mixed population would be treated badly if that mixed population remained under Kiev rule. None would wish to see a repetition of the atrocities Brayard catalogued after 2014: video. There are a thousand similar accounts. They cannot be brushed away by dismissing them as Russian propaganda. And the effect of such atrocities has been to change entirely the political orientation of the Donbass and likely the political orientation of much of other parts of the old Ukraine. Because there is ample evidence that before 2014 most in the Donbass were not much concerned with the question of who ruled them. This was not Crimea. There was no strong separatist movement in the Donbass and indeed the early Donbass rebels after 2014 wanted neither independence nor union with Russia. They were federalists. Protection from the extremists in the context of a federalised Ukraine was their aim. But as the number of atrocities mounted those atrocities could no longer be dismissed as isolated incidents. It became apparent to all that harassment of the pro-Russian element in the Donbass population mix was Ukrainian state policy. A country had declared open war on a significant minority within itself and Poroshenkos declaration that their children would hole up in the basements whilst our children went to school was but one of many declarations from Kiev that that war would be pursued to the limit: video. The result was inevitable. The Donbass, before 2014 accepted by its own population and by all outside including Russia as an integral part of Ukraine moved from that, to a desire for a degree of protective autonomy inside Ukraine, to becoming a region that would never again willingly submit to the post 2014 atrocities. The fighting spirit and determination of the LDNR armed forces, who often took the brunt of the fighting after 2022 and whose contribution to the final victory is uniformly ignored in the West, was proof of that. A Westernised Russian visiting the Donbass not long after the invasion found to her surprise that nowhere was support for the Russian invasion stronger than within the Donbass itself: video. Zs everywhere and a people resolute to see the war through. Yet we in the West see the Donbass quite differently. We see it as a region subjected to brutal Russian occupation and needing only to be freed from that Russian occupation. It is in the context of those post-2014 atrocities that the Russian invasion of Ukraine is to be regarded. Me, I discount entirely the historical disquisitions of a Putin or a Lavrov. So what that much of modern Ukraine owes its origin to Russia? So what that much of it shares a common culture with Russia? Many countries in the world owe their origin to England and many still share a common culture with us. Try arguing with an Australian that that would justify their reincorporation into the United Kingdom! A ludicrous comparison, no doubt, but sufficient to allow us to dismiss any Russian historical claim to ancient lands. Panchenko states the true justification: https://t.me/panchenkodi/3344. The Russian invasion of Ukraine must be regarded as first and foremost a rescue operation and if one examines the dispute in Russia itself over that rescue operation, the question is not why it occurred but why it occurred so late. Putin has been and still is heavily criticised within Russia for allowing the harassment of the Donbass to continue for so long, not for finally moving in to put a stop to it. It is the still living memory of the Madonna of Gorlovka, not hazy memories of the doings of the Zaporozhian Host, that is the only justification for his moving in at all. But thats only the East. Those arguments do not apply to the bulk of Western Ukraine. That is, what will be remnant Ukraine. Forget all the Russkiy Mir talk. As Havryshko points out forcefully, the population in Western Ukraine is mainly anti-Russian. It will remain so. Russian occupation of that region would be as undesirable, and as hated, as British re-occupation of the Irish Republic. The Russian problem there is a near insoluble one: how to prevent remnant Ukraine remaining a spearhead of the Western assault on Russia. How to prevent it remaining, in Slebodas terms, A zone of destabilisation and insecurity for the rest of our lives, Because it is of NATO but not in NATO remnant Ukraine can be used as a base for mounting assassination and sabotage missions into Russia. It can be used as a launchpad for missiles and drones into Russia that are ostensibly launched by the Ukrainians but that are in reality supplied and targeted by us. It can be and is so used without our fearing Russian retaliation against NATO or any NATO country. Its often pointed out that if it were the other way round and the Russians used, say, Mexico for such purposes then the Americans wouldnt put up with it for an instant. Well, thats true but how would the Americans cope with the problem? If they occupied Mexico to prevent it being used for that purpose theyd find themselves having to go to vast expense. They would be forever having to commit troops and security personnel for the purpose. Instead, what the Americans would aim for would be a neutral Mexico that refused to allow itself to be so used. That, in reverse, is the problem the Russians face in Remnant Ukraine. The parts of Ukraine that wish to be reincorporated within the RF will present few problems there its more a question of getting an economy thats been heading for dereliction since 1991 back on its feet again. But remnant Ukraine is a real dilemma for them. They dont want to occupy. But they cant allow it to remains as a handy NATO attack dog. If drones and missiles continue coming out of remnant Ukraine afterwards then the Russian people will be asking Putin Why did we fight this war if were still at risk from NATO missiles? And if Putin has no answer to that question, after at least 100,000 dead and a major Russian military effort, then his administration will fall. The Russian hawks will take over and were at risk of a direct war between NATO and the RF. That dilemma has been apparent since 2022, even before. The obvious resolution is for the Western powers to declare they will cease using remnant Ukraine in this way. But the Europeans and the American hard liners would not countenance that. President Trump, facing that internal and external opposition, could not offer such guarantees. If he did they could not be regarded as binding, Not agreement capable is how most of the world regards the West in any case. The Russian hope of an overall security settlement on the lines of the December 2021 proposed treaties is unrealistic and will remain so. Itll be as much as they can do if the Russians achieve the main points of the June 14th 2024 speech to the Foreign Office officials: I repeat our firm stance: Ukraine should adopt a neutral, non-aligned status, be nuclear-free, and undergo demilitarisation and denazification. These parameters were broadly agreed upon during the Istanbul negotiations in 2022, including specific details on demilitarisation such as the agreed numbers of tanks and other military equipment. And even those conditions the West will not agree to. So we have the Russians over a barrel. Occupy remnant Ukraine to get those conditions met and the Russians are buying trouble. Dont occupy it and the SMO will have been unsuccessful in that remnant Ukraine will still be used as an attack dog. The only solution is for the Ukrainians themselves to decide they will not be so used in the future. But the current administration is still in the saddle and able to employ increasingly repressive measures to ensure it remains so. Alternative Ukrainian administrations could not deviate much from the line the current administration is taking. When we consider remnant Ukraine as it is now it increasingly resembles more an occupied country than a country in charge of its own future. This is a country that voted overwhelmingly for peace in 2019 only to find itself committed to war by the West and its own extremists. Unless Putin can come up with a solution hes not been able to so far we could well see the Russians forced into occupation. If so, the Russians will have won the war but will have lost any chance of a stable and long term solution to that problem of remnant Ukraine. These people we doubt are sane, the current politicians of the West, are logical enough. That is how they hope to see this war ending up. Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official/ Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy supported the imposition of US sanctions against Russian oil companies and called for further similar measures, commenting on the occupiers' attack on a children's hospital in Kherson. And this year, as the United States has made such significant efforts to end the war, the Russians have only increased the audacity and scale of their strikes. Nothing convinces Russia except pressure and strength. Americas recent step was the right onesubstantial sanctions against Russian oil companies. Such measures must continueto rein in Russias brazenness, deprive it of the means to prolong the war, and create a real motive for Moscow to end this war. Terrorists must be dealt with only as they deservewith strength and just treatment, Zelenskyy said on X Wednesday. The President called the Russian attack on the hospital in Kherson deliberate. They could not have been unaware of where they were striking. This was a deliberate Russian attack specifically against children, against medical personnel, against basic guarantees of life in the community. The hospital sustained heavy damage, and sadly, there are injured among both the staff and the children who were being treated there. The youngest wounded child is eight years oldthe boy himself was wounded, as were his mother and brother. At the moment of the strike, about a hundred people were inside the hospital. And Russia is not even ashamed to consider such facilities as targets, he said. The head of state noted that Russia is now the largest terrorist organization in the world, which is not only dragging out its terrorist war but also trying to do everything possible to ensure that no opportunity to end the war succeeds. Russia deliberately undermines every meaningful diplomatic effort, discredits those helping to protect life, and seeks to create new sources of destabilization in Europe to make it harder for Europeans to assist Ukraine, Zelenskyy noted. Nine people, including four children and three medical workers, were reportedly injured when Russian forces shelled a children's hospital in Kherson on Wednesday morning. The hospital sustained significant damage, and the blast wave damaged adjacent structures. A pre-trial investigation has been launched for a war crime (Part 1, Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). Butterfly wings, toy cars, and pieces of yarn are all ready for their close-up thanks to the Rozsa Art Galleries' latest exhibit, "Nanowonder: Images from the Microscopic World," featuring photographs taken by the Hitachi Scanning Electron Microscope in a collaborative showcase of science and art. Under glass displays and in small jars in the Rozsa Art Galleries, located in Michigan Technological University's Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts, sits an array of tiny objects: threads of string, a strip of elastic, a dead spider. In the palm of a hand, they may not look like much but under the lens of a Hitachi TM4000 Plus tabletop scanning electron microscope (SEM), these minuscule objects are the gateway to unseen worlds. Open to the public through Nov. 7, the exhibit "Nanowonder: Images from the Microscopic World" includes juried microscope photographs of insect wings, hair follicles, textiles, metals, rocks, minerals, and other materials, all captured by the Hitachi SEM, which can magnify samples up to 100,000x the naked eye. "Nanowonder" is a collaborative effort across Michigan Tech's campus. The Hitachi SEM is in residency at Michigan Tech as part of Hitachi's Inspire STEM Education Outreach Program, which engages students from kindergarten through graduate-level studies in exploring this microscopic world. In fact, many of the photographs on display were taken during various outreach events at local schools, public libraries and on-campus events. An Eye-opening Exhibit Opening The capabilities of the Hitachi SEM were on full display Sept. 27 as a lively crowd of campus and community members of all ages gathered for the exhibit's opening reception. Many accepted the Rozsa's invitation to bring their own samples for magnification, and were dazzled as researchers operating the high-powered microscope projected magnified images on a large screen for all to see. Among the special guests was Sonnet the Pigeon, whose feather image was on display in the exhibition. "The community engagement component of the Hitachi Inspire STEM Education Outreach Program was on full display at the reception," said Smitha Rao, associate professor of biomedical engineering and one of the exhibit's organizers. "The event drew an enthusiastic response from attendees, reinforcing the vital role this initiative played in promoting hands-on STEM education in the community." The exhibit and gallery reception were supported by a multidisciplinary Michigan Tech network, including the A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum, the Applied Chemical and Morphological Analysis Laboratory (ACMAL), the College of Sciences and Arts, the Department of Biomedical Engineering, the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, the Department of Visual and Performing Arts and the Rozsa Center. Planning for the unique exhibit began in spring 2024, when Rao and ACMAL Director Elizabeth Miller approached the Rozsa Art Galleries about a potential collaboration. Terri Jo Frew, associate teaching professor and Rozsa Art Galleries director, was on board immediately. "I quickly learned that the microscopic world is a fascinating place," said Frew. "Not only are the images taken with this device useful for various STEM applications, they also stand alone as powerful artistic images that evoke wonder and awe." In addition to the exhibit, more images are available via SEM LENS, a digital gallery where visitors can also learn more about the interdisciplinary team of Michigan Tech faculty and staff who coordinate the Hitachi SEM outreach. The Hitachi SEM will remain on campus following the exhibit, with more outreach events slated for the University's 2025-26 academic year. Its residency with Michigan Tech runs through spring 2027, and the SEM LENS team is looking forward to broadening community engagement. "In the coming year, the collaboration will grow to include new partners and initiatives," said Rao. "Alongside existing contributors, the program will now bring the Hitachi SEM to faculty at the College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science. Looking ahead, the program is set to expand its reach in exciting new ways." Michigan Technological University is an R1 public research university founded in 1885 in Houghton, and is home to nearly 7,500 students from more than 60 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the best universities in the country for return on investment, Michigan's flagship technological university offers more than 185 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science and technology, engineering, computing, forestry, business, health professions, humanities, mathematics, social sciences, and the arts. The rural campus is situated just miles from Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, offering year-round opportunities for outdoor adventure. Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has held a telephone conversation with Argentine President Javier Milei on Wednesday and congratulated him on his party's victory in the parliamentary elections. "Argentina is doing a lot to achieve success and be strong, and we sincerely wish for it to continue implementing all the necessary reforms," Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram. The Ukrainian President invited Milei to visit Ukraine "to continue our dialogue and discuss all key prospects for developing relations between our countries. We can truly implement many projects together. Our teams will remain in contact. Thank you!" he added. The leaders agreed that their teams will maintain contact. Sierra Leone set to integrate Chinese language into public schools: education minister Xinhua) 13:21, October 29, 2025 FREETOWN, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- Sierra Leone's Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education Conrad Sackey on Tuesday announced plans to integrate Chinese language learning into the public school curriculum. In an interview with Xinhua, Sackey noted that this decision followed a productive meeting with representatives of the Confucius Institute, which has been instrumental in providing Chinese language education in Sierra Leone for over 13 years. He recalled that during a recent meeting, he emphasized the growing importance of equipping students with essential language skills that align with global opportunities. "Today's world is interconnected, and proficiency in Chinese can open doors to invaluable career prospects, business ventures, and international collaboration," he asserted, highlighting the significant role of Mandarin Chinese in engaging with one of the largest economies globally. The minister's call to action came after many private schools successfully introduced Chinese language studies into curricula. He stressed that efforts must now focus on ensuring that public school students also reap the benefits of this valuable educational opportunity. "Every child in our nation, regardless of their school setting, should have access to the advantages that come with learning Chinese," he said, advocating for inclusivity in educational trends. To coordinate this ambitious project, Sackey announced plans for a strategic meeting in the first week of November. The gathering will include key stakeholders such as the teachers' union, representatives from the Ministry of Education, and officials from the Confucius Institute. Together, they will work to formulate a comprehensive strategy aimed at making Chinese language education more accessible nationwide. Sackey also pointed to tangible outcomes from existing Chinese language programs, noting a recent triumph by a pupil from Fourah Bay College Primary School. Earlier this year, the student excelled in the National Chinese Language Competition and went on to represent Sierra Leone at the prestigious World Finals in Beijing. "This achievement not only highlights the potential of our students but also serves as an inspiration for all young learners," Sackey said, adding that with the right support, Sierra Leone's youth can compete on a global stage. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Putin trying to scare world with nuclear weapons that Russia not to be able to use center Russia is not capable of using its own nuclear weapons despite Vladimir Putin's threats, Head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC) Andriy Kovalenko believes. "[Donald] Trump's sanctions have so crushed Putin's causal place that he began to mention the names of all Russian and Soviet missiles in an attempt to scare the world with a nuclear weapon that Russia will not be able to use. But the main thing is that in the event of an attack on the West, Moscow will be wiped off the face of the earth. And the Napoleonic past does not shine for the Russians either," Kovalenko said in Telegram on Wednesday. At the same time, he expressed his belief that sanctions against Russia will only be strengthened if the Russian leadership does not stop firing on Ukraine, "and strikes on Russian infrastructure too." Earlier on Wednesday, Putin, during a visit to the Russian Central Military Clinical Hospital, said that the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile would soon appear on combat duty in Russia. He also reported on the tests of the Poseidon submarine with a nuclear power plant conducted on Tuesday and spoke about the nuclear reactor of the Burevestnik missile, which, according to him, is launched within a minute. According to him, this development can also be used in the national economy. Putin argued that the corresponding weapons have no analogues in the world. Earlier, Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken said in an interview that in the event of an attack on Belgian territory, Moscow would be wiped off the face of the earth. Yaroslav Yurchyshyn, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Freedom of Speech (Holos faction), considers Kremlin Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's statement about the alleged encirclement of Ukrainian defenders in Kupyansk and Pokrovsk by Russian army forces, as well as his willingness to allow media representatives, particularly Ukrainian ones, to enter, to be manipulative. "Like most of what Putin says about the situation on the front, it's not a description of the real situation, but manipulation. Therefore, we should await the position of the official Ukrainian authorities, primarily the General Staff. As far as I know, the situation in Pokrovsk and Kupyansk areas is complex and far removed from what the Russian dictator is saying. His words fit neatly into a propaganda pattern: talk about the Russian army's success, promise to demonstrate it, and either accuse Ukraine of breaking agreements, or try to fake a demonstration using pro-Russian media and bloggers from Western countries. Therefore, I urge you to wait for the Ukrainian government's position," Yurchyshyn told Interfax-Ukraine on Wednesday. Earlier on Wednesday, Vladimir Putin stated that the Russian Armed Forces are ready to allow media representatives, including Ukrainian and foreign ones, into the alleged "encirclement zones" of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. "We are ready to cease hostilities for a certain period of time, for several hourstwo, three, six hoursso that a group of journalists can enter, see what's happening, talk to Ukrainian servicemen, and then leave," Putin said, as quoted by Russian media. Putin claims that Ukrainian troops are blocked in two places: Kupyansk and Pokrovsk. Yves here. Props to the VoxEU authors for a clever headline as well as an informative post. First, theyve done data digging that shows that investors are taking a dimmer view of the impact of tariffs on both individual companies and industries that are in more Republican parts of the US. Second, they highlight that companies that are uncompetitive regularly invest in lobbying rather than the business of the business because easier and more CEO-pay goosing. Trade barriers like tariffs tend to increase this sort of rent-seeking. By Janice Huijun Yan, PhD candidate University Of Alberta and Randall Morck, Jarislowsky Distinguished Chair in Finance and Distinguished University Professor of Business University Of Alberta. Originally published at VoxEU US stock markets fell in response to the announcement of President Trumps Liberation Day tariffs until the tariffs were paused a few days later. This column shows that the stocks of firms headquartered in counties that tend to vote Republican, and stock indexes for industries with more firms headquartered in redder counties, fell more than the stocks of firms in bluer counties and industries. The findings appear to reflect some mix of investors lower expectations and heightened fears about the future prospects of firms headquartered in redder counties. In early 2025, ruling by emergency decree (Fayyad 2025), US President Donald Trump imposed steep and broad tariffs against the outside world in two waves. The first, beginning 20 February and paused on 13 March, targeted Canada, China, the EU, and Mexico. The second wave, President Trumps Liberation Day tariffs, beginning 3 April and paused on 8 April, targeted foreign economies in general. In each episode, other countries announced retaliations and the US announced counter-retaliations. In each episode, US market indexes dropped over 10% (Reis 2025). President Trump referred to his Liberation Day tariffs as a declaration of economic independence [that would mean] Jobs and factories will come roaring back into our country, and you see it happening already (Narea 2025). Traditional manufacturing the mainstay of the US economy, from California to Massachusetts, in the 1960s had been automating and moving labour-intensive supply chain components offshore for decades. New high-technology firms re-energised regions around research universities with well-educated labour pools. Voters in these blue regions largely supported the Democratic Party, while voters in left-behind red regions largely supported Trump and the Republican Party. The colour-coding reflects the rival parties campaign ads, flipping the traditional Marxist red versus Tory blue. President Trumps prediction suggests the broad market declines in the two tariff rollout windows might obscure rising stocks of firms in manufacturing and other traditional sectors, especially those headquartered in redder regions. To test this, we assess each firms redness by the number of votes for Trump per vote against him in the firms headquarter county in the 2024 presidential election (Yan and Morck 2025). We find the opposite: the stocks of US firms headquartered in redder counties fell more, especially during the Liberation Day wave of tariff announcements. Stock indexes for industries with more firms headquartered in redder counties also fell more. Measures of investor fear rose to historically rare heights in both tariff waves, so the plummeting stock valuations appear to reflect some mix of investors lower expectations and heightened fears about the future prospects of firms headquartered in redder counties. Regardless, the pattern does not support the contention that tariffs looked better, or even less bad, for firms or industries based in redder counties. The sole faint glimmer of hope for tariff hawks is that the stocks of firms headquartered in counties with less-educated populations plummeted less during the earlier 20 February to 13 March wave of tariffs. It is faint because they still plummeted, and more steeply for firms headquartered in redder counties with similar education levels. That wave included steep escalations in tariffs against China, whose exports substituting for US manufacturing had caused a worse China Shock in less-educated regions of the US (Autor et al. 2022, Bloom et al. 2024). The absence of evidence is neither evidence of absence nor easy to publish. Had we seen stocks of firms headquartered in redder and less-educated counties rising amid tariff announcements while most stocks fell, we might have inferred that many investors saw tariffs as a genuine policy option for re-energising left-behind regional economies. And had we found stocks everywhere plummeting in synchrony with the market, we might have inferred that panic tanked the market as a whole. The fact that we find disproportionately steeper drops in the stocks of firms headquartered in redder regions suggests that something else is at work. Markets are not prescient, and subsequent developments might point elsewhere. However, the patterns we find affirm prior work associating trade barriers with price and investment distortions. Introductory trade theory shows that tariffs hurt domestic consumers more than they benefit domestic producers. However, boons to producers in politically important regions might outweigh higher prices for consumers everywhere in political calculations, especially if jobs and factories do come roaring back. Labour costs in America are vastly higher than in China, Mexico, and other emerging economies, so labour-intensive domestic manufacturing might cost more than tariffs on foreign supply chain components. Tariffs are then merely taxes that, like any other tax, raise prices, cut demand, and contract the industry. Our results are consistent with investors fearing that tariffs-as-taxes would hit redder industries harder. Advanced trade theory links trade barriers to intensified political rent seeking that is, firms lobbying to fine-tune tariffs to their advantage (Baldwin 1985). Indeed, lobbying for tariffs has a higher return than investment in productivity-increasing new technologies. For example, in the 1970s, US steelmakers were technological laggards. Intense lobbying by low-productivity US steelmakers resulted in trade barriers being erected that raised steel prices, collapsed R&D spending across the sector (lobbying was clearly more profitable), contracted employment (as higher prices cut steel demand), and (a silver lining!) sharply lifted lobbying CEOs pay (Lenway et al. 1996). With political influence a sunk cost, further lobbying commanded the highest return on investment, so R&D remained low and lobbying remained intense. Trade barriers become corporate fentanyl their ability to block out problems fades in an all-consuming quest for a better hit (Morck et al. 2001). Our results are consistent with investors fearing that firms in redder regions are more susceptible to addiction. Late-20th century trade liberalisation advocates found the biggest cost of trade barriers to be this investment drain into the economic black hole of political lobbying (Magee et al. 1989, Rodrik 1995). Ever longer and more nuanced tariff schedules advantage the lobbyers who negotiate the most recent best deals. No firm dares to stop lobbying lest others rig the system against it. President Trumps vision of economic independence is not original. Md-20th century Latin American countries embraced it as import substitution: large subsidies to domestic firms to replace imports blocked by high tariffs (Irwin 2021). Import substitution nurtured tight cooperation between business and government (deal making) and induced a generations-long stupor of stagnation and corruption (Dutt 2009). A perhaps naive hope of 1990s liberalisers was that binding governments to free trade could plug the black hole tariff drain and get investment flowing into productivity-increasing technological improvements that would sustain long-run growth in living standards (Coelli et al. 2022). This worked for a while. Although modest tariff cuts can actually worsen the cravings, clearing away trade barriers boosts innovation and cuts corruption (Baksi et al. 2009). Trade liberalisations dragged industries, some kicking and screaming, through rehab and made them good productivity-enhancing corporate citizens. Sadly, it all floundered on twin public policy blunders. First, unlike in the Asian Tiger economies of the 1990s, wages in China remained low relative to labour productivity, inviting charges of unfair subsidising of exports though not of oppressing workers. Second, high-income countries, especially the US, failed to repurpose workers made redundant as high-cost, low-tech domestic firms shrank, contributing to a wave of fentanyl-related deaths of despair (Pierce and Schott 2020). Rising wages in China are correcting the first blunder (Li et al. 2012). Improved education, retraining, redistribution, and drug rehabilitation policies might undo the second. The US has stumbled into a corporate fentanyl den, but the rest of the world might best stay clean. Retaliatory tariffs against the US are perhaps necessary to slap the US out of its daze, but other high-income economies might consider actively cutting remaining trade barriers between them. They might even stand up for the workers of the world by conditioning free trade on productivity-matching wages. See original post for references Yves here. It appears that citizens of other countries are not on board with the Big Tech scheme to outsource data center environmental and added energy costs to what is impolitely called the third world. As an aside, I find it remarkable that data center, as in AI, new energy demands are being foisted onto all customers. Those demanding incremental and higher cost energy should pay more. But instead the population at large is subsidizing AI, both through said energy costs plus also bearing the cost of additional pollution. Admittedly, citizens in advanced economies have been putting up enough resistance so as to lead the tech overlords to look for other victims, on the Larry Summers assumption that poorer countries will agree to accept the energy generation version of garbage barges. But Jomo below discusses how many if not yet most are quite aware of this neocolonial power play and are not on board. By Jomo Kwame Sundaram, former UN Assistant Secretary General for Economic Development. Originally published at Jomos website Data centers have been proliferating quickly, driven by the popularity of artificial intelligence. Who Are Data Centers For? Already, the AI boom has overwhelmed other cloud uses and drives the rapid growth of data centers (DCs), imposing fast-expanding resource demands. This has triggered a bipartisan public backlash in the US due to higher energy, water, and land use, as well as rising prices. In October 2024, McKinsey projected that global energy demand by DCs would rise between 19% and 22% annually through 2030, reaching an annual demand between 171 and 219 gigawatts. This greatly exceeds the current demand of 60 GW. To avoid a [supply] deficit, at least twice the [DC] capacity built since 2000 would have to be built in less than a quarter of the time! As tech companies are not paying for the additional energy generation capacity, consumers and host governments are, whether they benefit from AI or not. As DCs increasingly faced growing pushback in the North, developers have turned to developing countries, outsourcing problems to poorer nations with limited resources. Understanding these energy- and water-guzzling facilities is necessary to better protect economies, societies, communities, and their environments. Energy Needs With growing corporate and consumer demand for AI, DC growth will continue, and even occasionally accelerate. Increased AI usage will significantly increase energy and water consumption, accelerating planetary heating both directly and indirectly. As demand for AI and DCs increases, supporting computers will require significantly more electricity. This will generate heat, needing the use of water and energy for cooling. Much energy used by DCs, from 38% to 50%, is for cooling. Electricity generation, whether from fossil fuels or nuclear fission, requires more cooling than renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic solar panels or wind turbines. A small-scale DC with 500 to 2,000 servers consumes one to five megawatts (MW). For tech giants, a hyperscale DC, hosting tens of thousands of servers, consumes 20 to over 100MW, like a small city! Data Centers Not Cool As the popular focus is on DCs enormous energy requirements, their massive water needs to cool equipment tend to be ignored, understated and overlooked. Locating new DCs in developing countries will further heat local microclimates and the planetary atmosphere. Worse still, heat is more environmentally threatening in the tropics, where ambient temperatures are higher. Establishing more DCs will inevitably crowd out existing and other possible uses of freshwater supplies, besides reducing local groundwater aquifers. Unsurprisingly, DC investors rarely warn host governments about the amount of locally supplied energy and water required. DCs require much freshwater to cool servers and routers. In 2023, Google alone used almost 23 billion litres to cool DCs. In cooling systems using evaporation, cold water is used to absorb severe heat, releasing steam into the atmosphere. Closed-loop cooling systems absorb heat using piped-in water, while air-cooled chillers cool down hot water. Cooled water recirculated for cooling requires less water but more energy to chill hot water. Investors Expect Oubsidies Like other prospective investors, DCs have relocated to areas where host governments have been more generous and less demanding. Led by US President Trumps powerful tech bros, many foreign investors have profited from subsidised energy, cheap land and water, and other special incentives. Prospective host governments compete to offer tax and other incentives, such as subsidised energy and water, to attract foreign direct investment in DCs. The US pressured Malaysia and Thailand to stop Chinese firms from using them as an export-control backdoor for its AI chips. Washington alleges that DCs outside China buy chips to train its AI for military purposes. So far, only Malaysia has complied. This limits Chinese firms access to such chips. Washington claims that Chinese substitutes for US-made chips are inferior and seeks to protect US technology from China. High-Tech DC Jobs? Data centers are emerging everywhere, but not many jobs will be created. Advocates claim DCs will provide high-tech jobs. DCs are largely self-operating, requiring minimal human intervention, except for maintenance, which they determine independently. Thus, job creation is minimised. Construction and installation work will be temporary, with most managerial functions being performed remotely from headquarters. A Georgetown University reportestimates only 27% of DC jobs are technical. While the DC discourse mainly focuses on foreign investments, there is little discussion on growing national desires for data sovereignty. Acceding to so many foreign requests will inevitably block national capacity ambitions to develop end-to-end DC capabilities and not just host them. Thus far, there is limited interest in the afterlife of DCs, such as what happens after they have outlived their purpose, or the disposal of waste materials. Higher energy and water costs, subsidies, tax incentives and other problems caused by DCs are hardly offset by their modest employment and other benefits. Imperialism has always come with a high body count. That remains true today with U.S.efforts to retain what is left of its hegemony. Sanctions, warfare (either direct or proxy), genocides, and exported class warfare all leave devastation in their wake. In many ways US imperialism is similar to other colonial projects that came before it. Yet there is one obvious difference: our knowledge of climate change. Action to slow emissions was always going to be one of humanitys greatest challenges, and efforts were slow in coming. Many have noted historys cruel joke that at the moment global warming becomes widely accepted and as it accelerates, it is a hyper capitalist moment of human organization led by a nation dedicated to growth at any and all costs. The US decision to go scorched earth as its empire crumbles is only making a bad situation worse. Recent news items offer a stark reminder how the preoccupation of powerful factions in Washington with the destabilization campaigns of today are helping to guarantee the destabilization of the planet tomorrow. The earth just officially passed its first climate tipping point with the die-off of global reefs, and more could be on the way as the Atlantic Ocean circulation is at its weakest in at least a millennium and evidence piles up that its approaching a breakdown. Under hopeful conditions this news would be dominating coverage everywhere, and the five-alarm fire that is climate change would be leading to unprecedented moments of global cooperation to leave fossil fuels in the ground and rethink economic systems and social organization. Sadly, were moving in the opposite direction. Climate tipping points are mentioned in passing if theyre mentioned at all and quickly pushed to the back pages by the latest nuclear brinkmanship in the New Cold War, approaching war in Venezuela and maybe Columbia too, US-Israel efforts to remake the Middle East through genocide. Its not a coincidence that all these countries and regions being targeted by Washington also happen to sit on the largest known oil and gas reserves in the world as the US doubles down on a dystopian future filled with fossil fuels, climate chaos, and hierarchical class structures protected by a robust police state. This path the economic elites are coalescing around not only precludes any action on global warming, but there are signs that they are actively embracing it as just another component of their imperial game. As followers of the news, its often been a struggle to keep up in recent years as all the latest schemes, frauds, absurdities, bust outs, and incomprehensible violence accelerate along with the climate. I know Im guilty of often missing the forest for the trees in my efforts to track Washingtons increasingly feral actions in the world. So heres an attempt to step back for a moment from all the micro-insanity and take in the macro, namely the destruction of the planet in the name of controlling it. Rogue Empire On October 18, Director of the Legal Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maxim Musikhin gave an interview to TASS discussing the ICJs recent advisory opinion on countries obligations regarding climate change. Musikhin draws attention to something often overlooked amid all the war maps and geopolitical impact of Arctic shipping routes: how an unnamed countrys illegal unilateral coercive measures (sanctions) make it impossible for world community to respond to the biggest threat facing humanity: In the context of the obligation to cooperate, we drew the Courts attention to the problem of illegal unilateral coercive measures (sanctions). We noted that such measures do not allow the world community to effectively respond to the challenges associated with adverse effects of climate changes. Unilateral coercive measures not only fail to contribute to the achievement of the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement goals, but also, in fact, cause damage to the environment, as well as violate the very obligation to cooperate, for which the States introducing them must bear responsibility under international law. Im not here to make the argument that Russia would be some sort of savior on climate if not for the US, but thats beside the point. Mushikin is making the entirely reasonable argument that its ludicrous for there to be any expectations of action on climate change when one of the world powers is weaponizing everything and running around like an out-of-control serial killer. Whats Russia to do when it faces unprecedented sanctions and all sorts of other efforts to destroy it? Naturally, it is going to do whatever is necessary to surviveeven if that means leaning on fossil fuels for economic reasons. The same could be said for Iran, Venezuela, and others. So instead of, say, paying countries to leave it in the ground, the US through economic warfare is incentivizing the extraction of these nations most valuable commodities, which also happen to be cooking the planet. Climate Change as Wild Card in the Global Great Game As energies are consumed by international rivalry, climate change becomes just another bullet point in global trade competition and destabilization games. China achieved whats being described as a major breakthrough in supply chain speed earlier this month when the containership Istanbul Bridge made the 7,500 nautical mile China-UK voyage via the Arctic Northern Sea Route (NSR) in just 20 days. The trip causes heartburn in Washington because the NSR doesnt offer the same multitude of opportunities for sabotage and other roadblocks that other trade routes do. Thats because it passes only through Russian waters on its way to Europe. And so think tanks and analysts pump out tomes on strategies in this New Cold War arena. The fact that the NSR is becoming feasible because of global warming, which is reducing the amount of ice in the Northern Sea is usually reduced to a footnote. Should it not be the reverse? Who cares whether China and Russia win or whether the US can find some way to counter when in the long run the very fact the route is now being used is a sign that we are all losing. And in the end it could mean absolutely nothing in the logistics wars. China might be the worlds engineering, tech, and manufacturing powerhouse, but on their current course the UK and Europe could be an impoverished (and climate-ravaged) backwater that is hardly worth the effort of Middle Corridors and Arctic routes. War Kills The Environment Too In September the UN published its second assessment of environmental damage from Israels genocide in Gaza and its US-backed rampage through West Asia. It paints a picture of utter devastation to air quality, soil, and water. Recovery might never come. Such action only adds to the survival crisis facing populations in some of the harshest terrain on the planet. As Countercurrents notes: The middle-east region with its long coastal area and its vast deserts is particularly vulnerable to climate change and its various forms of extreme weather and worsening disaster situations. There have been several serious drought and other disasters in recent times which have not attracted the attention these deserved because of the preoccupation with conflict issues. Sandstorms can be a much bigger problem in this area, as is further desertification. Water scarcity and depletion of water natural sources is already a very big issue in many countries, and this can worsen the problem of land sinking and subsidence in several areas. The heat can get much more extreme with the passage of time and the protection of air-conditioning will not always be available everywhere. The resource base can be threatened with other kinds of disasters including cyclones and coastal floods. And with more wars instigated by the US-Israel on the horizonand a Middle East ruling elite that largely supports them the problem is only expected to accelerate. Embracing the Heat An increasing amount of signs point to the fact that the US geopolitics of submission not only distracts from the urgent need to address global warming, but that the accelerationists in Washington are openly embracing it as a force multiplier in their endless destabilization strategy. Notorious for their short term thinking, the intelligence apparatus in DC seems to believe that climate change can be a US regime change ally. The thinking seems to be that even if the world, say, continues to run out fresh water in the process, well there are benefits to that. Thats because the spooks at the National Intelligence Council estimate that states like Iran and China will be hit harder than the US and this will present opportunities. Heres the NIC on how increased water strain: we judge that transboundary tensions probably will increase over shared surface and groundwater basins as increased weather variability exacerbates preexisting or triggers new water insecurity in many parts of the world. Forecasted climate change effects on local and regional weatherincluding loss of glaciers and more frequent and extreme droughts and floodswill make water management, resource allocation, and service provision more complex and difficult, and probably more contentious. Although scientific forecasts are not precise enough to pinpoint likely flashpoints, we assess that several areas are at high risk. Anyone familiar with US imperial strategy will recognize similarities to long-utilized divide-and-rule practices. And with climate change, the US wont even need to expend the considerable effort and expense for destabilization and installation of proxy regimes. And some of the US target nations conveniently coincide with spots estimated to be at the center of climate change struggles. The NIC goes on to note how nations like China and Iran will beand already are being hit by climate change. Iran probably will face more frequent droughts, intense heat waves, and expanding desertification that, combined with poor water management, will lower food production and increase import costs during the coming decades, increasing the risk of instability, localized conflict, and displacement. These also create opportunities that the US and its proxies in the region could try to exploit in an effort to kill and displace millions. The Institute for the Study of War, run by the Kagan crazies, is particularly interested in Irans water supply The American institute for the study of war ISW, has published a detailed map of Tehrans water supply They have to know: Water for Water.. pic.twitter.com/CRgg67qM35 Soureh (@Soureh_design2) October 1, 2025 And heres the NIS on China: More variable precipitation is likely to widen Chinas southnorth water disparity, challenging its ability to irrigate agricultural areas in its water-deficient northeast and further drive its dam construction on rivers upstream from neighboring countries. However, it is likely to have the financial and technological resources to compete successfully in markets for solar and other clean energies and limit the damage from climate impacts, such as more intense cyclones and river flooding. So full speed ahead! Shes an icon Shes a legend And she is the moment pic.twitter.com/MDkIj71JZf U.S. Department of Energy (@ENERGY) July 31, 2025 Of course nobody knows with any certainty what havoc will be unleashed once more climate tipping points fall. The US happens to be blessed with plenty of fresh water (as does the 51st state to the north)for nowbut all of global warmings other forces will do plenty of damage to America and cause destabilization there as well. The problem here is that the economic elite in the US believe that their money will always allow them to buy a solution, and many are embracing a future in which they believe they can build an empire-by-contractor system where ruling clans do no more than oversee weapon systems, AI data centers, and mercenaries. Quinn Slobodian with a useful summary: Right-wing accelerationists imagine existing sovereignty shattering into a patchwork of private entities, ideally governed by what one might call technomonarchies. Existing autocratic polities like Dubai serve as rough prototypes for how nations could be dismantled into a global spiderweb of tens, even hundreds, of thousands of sovereign and independent mini-countries, each governed by its own joint-stock corporation without regard to the residents opinions. These would be decentralized archipelagoes: fortified nodes in a circuitry still linked by finance, trade, and communication. Think of the year 1000 in Middle Europe but with vertical take-off and landing taxis and Starlink internet. While the US doesnt have the hard power nor the economic clout to maintain a global empire, these nihilists believe it can do enough damage in order for them to rule over some Mad Max hellscape from the comforts of their Elysium. And theyre forcing their delusions on us all. Germany hands over suspect in production and sale of psychotropic drugs to Ukrainian law enforcement agencies PGO At the request of prosecutors from Dnipropetrovsk Regional Prosecutor's Office, German authorities extradited a man who had been hiding from investigators to Ukraine, the Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) press service reported. "According to investigators, he was a member of a criminal organization that manufactured and sold methamphetamine in Dnipro. In 2019, he was charged with participating in a criminal organization, as well as with the manufacture, acquisition, transportation, and storage of psychotropic substances for the purpose of sale, and the illegal acquisition and storage of equipment for their manufacture (Part 1 of Article 255, Part 4 of Article 28, Parts 2 and 3 of Article 307, Part 4 of Article 28, and Part 2 of Article 313 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine)," the Telegram channel reported. The suspect subsequently fled and was placed on the international wanted list. He was detained in Germany in June and handed over to Ukrainian law enforcement agencies in late October. At the request of the prosecutor's office, the court ordered his pretrial detention. The red screen of death: Googles automated hit on a rival it couldnt acquire Google's Safe Browsing service erroneously flagged the entire immich.cloud domain, home to the self-hosted photo platform Immich, as "dangerous." The automated block displayed severe red warning screens, effectively locking out users and developers from accessing their own services. The flagged URLs were internal test and preview environments for the Immich project, not malicious sites designed for phishing or scams. Despite a successful appeal, the block was reinstated automatically, forcing the Immich team to migrate their systems to a new domain to avoid further disruption. This incident highlights the significant power a single corporation holds over web accessibility and raises concerns about systemic bias against independent, privacy-focused software. In a move that underscores the perils of centralized control over the internet, Googles automated security systems recently misidentified Immich, a prominent self-hosted alternative to Google Photos, as a dangerous entity. The incident, which began in October 2025, saw Googles Safe Browsing service block access to the entire immich.cloud domain with severe warning screens, effectively strangling a service designed to offer users an escape from corporate data harvesting. For privacy advocates and a growing number of users disillusioned with Big Tech, the erroneous flagging of a legitimate open-source project serves as a stark reminder of the power a single company wields to dictate what is safe and accessible on the open web. An automated gatekeeper goes awry Googles Safe Browsing service is integrated into major web browsers, including Chrome and Firefox, where it acts as an automated sentinel against malicious websites. Its purpose is to protect users from phishing scams and malware. However, in this instance, the system targeted Immich, a platform that allows individuals to host and manage their photo libraries on their own servers, keeping personal data out of corporate hands. The system labeled Immichs internal preview and testing sites as deceptive, claiming they attempt to trick users into doing something dangerous. The result was a red-screen-of-death warning that deterred most users from proceeding, crippling access for both the development team and the public. The only recourse was for the Immich team to submit to Googles appeal process via the Google Search Console, a requirement that itself forces independent developers to rely on the very ecosystem they are trying to circumvent. A systemic pattern of bias The plight of Immich is not an isolated event. It fits a documented pattern where open-source and self-hosted platforms face disproportionate scrutiny from automated filters controlled by major tech firms. Other notable projects like Jellyfin, Nextcloud and YunoHost have reported similar unjustified blocks. This recurring issue suggests a fundamental flaw in how these automated systems are trained and operated; they appear ill-equipped to accurately assess the legitimacy of software that exists outside the mainstream, commercial app ecosystem. The consequences are severe: a single algorithmic decision can render an entire project inaccessible, undermining user choice and stifling innovation in the privacy tech space. This dynamic creates an unlevel playing field where alternatives to Big Tech services are artificially handicapped by the gatekeeping power of their competitors. The historical context of data control The struggle over who controls user data is not new, but it has intensified with the consolidation of internet infrastructure in the hands of a few corporations. For years, companies like Google have built immense financial empires on the back of user data, offering free services in exchange for detailed profiles of individual behavior, interests and movements. This business model has fueled widespread surveillance capitalism, where the user is the product. The rise of self-hosted software represents a direct challenge to this paradigm, advocating for a future where individuals own their digital lives. Incidents like the Immich blockage demonstrate that the established powers possess not only the data but also the infrastructural control to potentially suppress competing models that prioritize user sovereignty. The Immich team was forced to migrate its preview systems to a new domain, immich.build. The original immich.cloud domain was repeatedly flagged, even after successful appeals. This highlights the reactive and often ineffective recourse available to developers caught in automated filters. A call for decentralized resilience The resolution, for now, has been a tactical retreat by the Immich developers, who migrated their preview environments to a new domain to avoid Googles automated triggers. However, this does not solve the systemic problem. The episode serves as a powerful argument for the continued development and adoption of decentralized technologies and open-source protocols that are not subject to the whims of a corporate boardroom. As more individuals seek to reclaim their digital autonomy, the resilience of the entire movement depends on building infrastructure that is as independent from centralized gatekeepers as possible. The goal is a web where user safety is not synonymous with corporate control, and where privacy is not mislabeled as a threat. Reclaiming the digital commons The mislabeling of Immich is more than a temporary technical glitch; it is a symptom of a much larger conflict over the future of the internet. It reveals the inherent risk of vesting a single entity with the authority to define safety for the entire web. For a society increasingly aware of the value of data privacy and the dangers of monopolistic control, this incident is a clarion call. The path forward lies in supporting and investing in a diverse ecosystem of tools that empower users, foster genuine competition and ensure that the digital public square remains open and accessible to all, not just those who conform to the norms of the largest tech platforms. Sources for this article include: ReclaimTheNet.org Immich.app X.com WWIII looms: U.S.-Russia standoff could escalate into global conflict The U.S. and Russia are locked in a geopolitical standoff in the Caribbean and Europe, with the U.S. deploying a carrier strike group off Venezuela's coast and Russia supporting Nicolas Maduro's regime, driven by competing interests in Latin American oil reserves and regional influence. Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, located the remains of an Israeli captive. Russian jets violated Estonian airspace, while Houthi rebels imposed sanctions on U.S. oil companies. U.S.-Russia tensions in the Caribbean and Europe risk escalating into a global conflict, necessitating immediate diplomatic intervention and resolution of underlying regional disputes. Houthi rebels impose sanctions on American oil companies amid Middle East tensions. The U.S.-Russia standoff could escalate into a global conflict. BrightU.AI's Enoch engine notes that the escalating tensions between between the U.S. and Russia are rooted in long-standing geopolitical disputes and recent provocations. Tensions in the Middle East are also rising on different fronts. Remains of an Israeli captive found In Gaza, the military wing of Hamas, the Qassam Brigades, located the remains of an Israeli captive on Monday, Oct. 27, according to a source from the group. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has been informed to facilitate the return of the remains. Meanwhile, three displaced Palestinians were wounded when a wall collapsed near Gaza Port, where thousands are living in makeshift tents. In the occupied West Bank, Israeli soldiers stepped up home raids, arresting at least one Palestinian from Jenin. U.S.-Russia standoff in the Caribbean and Europe The U.S. has deployed a carrier strike group off the coast of Venezuela, raising tensions in the Caribbean. This move is not about "narcoboats," but about oil, power and who controls Latin America's future. Venezuela's threat to annex the Essequibo region of Guyana, which holds billions of barrels of oil, has put U.S. corporate interests at risk, with companies like ExxonMobil and Chevron tied to the discovery. Russia and China have been propping up Nicolas Maduro's regime through weapons, debt and oil deals, further escalating the standoff. In Europe, Russian MiG-31 jets breached Estonian airspace on Monday, prompting a NATO scramble and raising global concerns. This incident comes as Russia continues its special military operation in Ukraine, with the latest report from the Russian Ministry of Defense showing significant losses inflicted on Ukrainian forces in multiple regions. Houthi rebels impose sanctions amid escalating tensions Yemen's Houthi rebels have imposed sanctions on 13 U.S. oil companies, nine executives and two vessels, accusing them of supporting the Saudi-led coalition's war efforts. This move comes as tensions in the Middle East continue to rise, with no signs of abatement in sight. What this means for humanity The U.S.-Russia standoff threaten to engulf the world in conflict while the Israeli-Hamas conflict, if left unchecked, could lead to another full-blown war in Gaza, with devastating consequences for both Palestinians and Israelis. The U.S.-Russia standoff in the Caribbean and Europe could spark a global conflict, with potentially catastrophic implications for humanity. It is crucial for world leaders to exercise restraint and engage in meaningful dialogue to de-escalate these tensions before they spiral out of control. The international community must address the root causes of these conflicts, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the U.S.-backed Saudi war in Yemen, and the U.S.-Russia standoff in Europe and the Caribbean. Watch this video that talks about two years of war in the Middle East and the dangerous trigger for world war. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: MiddleEastEye.net BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Water woes for Wisconsin homeowner expose a growing public health crisis Homebuyer Tyler Frye discovered his new private well in Casco, Wisconsin tested at 26.6 mg/L nitrate, over twice the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's safe drinking-water limit of 10 mg/L. About 7-10 percent of Wisconsin private wells exceed the 10 mg/L nitrate standard, rising to up to ~20-24 percent in heavily farmed regions. The contamination is driven by agriculture: over 90 percent of groundwater nitrate in Wisconsin stems from fertilizer and manure applications. Mitigation costs are substantial for homeowners and municipalities alike: Frye installed a reverse-osmosis filter system, and public utilities have spent tens of millions on nitrate removal. Policy experts say the state's response is insufficient and call for expanded account-ability, improved monitoring, stricter regulations on large farms and broader support for private well owners. When Tyler Frye moved into a brand-new home in Casco, Wisconsin in March 2022paying $370,000he assumed the private well on the property was safe for drinking. What he discovered soon thereafter shocked him: His well's nitrate concentration tested at 26.6 mg/L, well over the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's safe drinking water limit of 10 mg/L. Frye said, "I bought the house assuming it was a new house. I didn't think there would be any problems." He only found out the issue when he took advantage of a free nitrate test publicized by the county. Frye's experience is far from unique in Wisconsin. According to the Wisconsin Groundwater Coordinating Council (WGCC), roughly 10 percent of private-well samples statewide exceed the nitrate trigger level, and in more intensively-farmed areas that figure jumps to 2030 percent. A recent report by the Alliance for the Great Lakes describes elevated nitrate as Wisconsin's most widespread groundwater contaminant, with agricultureespecially the over-application of fertilizer or manureaccounting for roughly 90 percent of the nitrate entering groundwater. For Frye, the contamination came with heavy financial and personal costs. He spent $900 for a reverse-osmosis filter system and still pays about $150 annually for replacement filters; yet even this advanced system "knocks the nitrates down but doesn't completely remove them," he says. When his wife became pregnant, she opted to drink bottled water throughout her pregnancy and during breastfeeding because the filter system could not guarantee removal of all the nitrate. The family finds themselves effectively paying a steep premium to secure safe drinking water in a "new" home. Municipal systems face similar burdens. In one case, four Wisconsin public-water systems studied together have already spent over $45 million on nitrate mitigation, and one smaller study estimated private well replacement costs in several counties at well over $100 million. For instance, in certain agricultural regions the cost to dig a new well to bypass contamination can range from $3,800 to $29,000and wells drilled even deeper may still face issues from migrating nitrate. Frye's home geology makes new drilling a difficult prospect. Nitrate pollution from heavy fertilizer use jeopardizes infant health Health risks from high nitrate levels heighten the urgency: Infants exposed to high nitrate can develop methemoglobinemia (or "blue baby syndrome"), which deprives blood of oxygen. Some research indicates risks may begin even below the 10 mg/L regulatory threshold. In the context of Wisconsin, where about one-third of households rely on private wells, many well-owners have never tested for nitrates. The WGCC notes that a third of private-well owners have never had their water tested for nitrate. The root cause of the crisis appears systemic: agriculture. Farms in Wisconsin raise millions of cattle and other livestock and apply nitrogen-based fertilizers and manure to croplands. Excess nitrogen not taken up by crops leaches into groundwater and ultimately becomes nitrate pollution. The Alliance for the Great Lakes report estimates that in 2022 alone Wisconsin applied some 16 million pounds of fertilizer beyond crop needs. Policy experts argue the state's current response is inadequate. The Alliance calls for expanded eligibility for well-compensation grants, stricter regulation of large animal feeding operations (CAFOs), mandatory groundwater monitoring and comprehensive farm nutrient management reforms, rather than simply deeper drilling of new wells. "Without a coordinated science-based response to address the pollution at its source, we're only going to see rising financial and human costs," said Angela Blatt, senior agriculture policy manager at the Alliance. Frye continues to attend community meetings in Kewaunee County and contact regulators and local legislators. "No one's really given me a solution on what to do," he says. As Wisconsin's dairy herd and poultry counts grow and manure-digesting technologies encourage larger animal operations, the risk of nitrate contamination in groundwater deepensposing serious health, financial and environmental challenges for rural families and public utilities alike. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, nitrate in drinking water, primarily from agricultural runoff and improper waste disposal, poses significant health risks, particularly for infants and pregnant women, due to its potential to form carcinogenic nitrosamines and cause methemoglobinemia, a blood disorder. While natural sources like soil and plants contribute to nitrate levels, excessive concentrations, often above 10 mg/L, indicate pollution and warrant immediate water quality improvement efforts. Watch this full episode of the "Health Ranger Report" with Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, James White and Amanda McKnight as they talk about toxic water poisoning prisoners in the Montana State Prison system. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: ChildrensHealthDefense.org BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Trump administration drops charges against bitcoin pioneer Roger Ver amid global push for digital IDs & CBDCs Roger Vers Release & Gag Order: Trump dismissed charges against Bitcoin advocate Roger Ver, who faced 109 years in prison for alleged politically motivated tax violations but a 3-year gag order raises censorship concerns. Mexicos Biometric QR-Code ID: By 2025, Mexico will mandate biometric digital IDs for employment, mirroring global technocratic surveillance trends like Real ID expansions in the U.S., disguised as "financial inclusion." Crackdown on Financial Freedom: Vers arrest under Bidens Executive Order 14067 signals government suppression of crypto dissent, targeting decentralized alternatives that threaten central bank control. Privacy Coins & Decentralized Resistance: Advocates push Monero , Zano, and Freedom Dollarprivacy-focused cryptocurrencieswhile promoting self-custody wallets, non-KYC debit cards, and peer-to-peer markets to evade surveillance. Digital IDs & AI Control: Experts warn digital IDs enable vaccine mandates, carbon taxes, and social credit systemsurging immediate action: self-custody assets, decentralized payments, and rejection of CBDCs before total tyranny locks in. Bitcoin Jesus Freed as Digital ID Surveillance Expands Worldwide In a landmark decision, the Trump administration has dismissed all charges against Roger Ver, the early Bitcoin investor known as "Bitcoin Jesus," who faced 109 years in prison under what supporters allege were politically motivated tax prosecutions. Advocates, including Aaron Day of the Daylight Freedom Foundation, credit coordinated pressureincluding influential voices like Charlie Kirkfor securing Vers release. However, reports suggest the settlement includes a three-year gag order, sparking concerns over government suppression of crypto dissent. Meanwhile, Mexico is advancing a mandatory biometric QR-code ID system by 2025, requiring employers to verify workers digital identitiesa move critics warn mirrors a global technocratic agenda. Similar digital ID programs, including Real ID expansions in the U.S., are rolling out worldwide under the guise of "financial inclusion," raising alarms over mass surveillance and eroding privacy. As resistance weakens post-COVID, the Ver case and digital ID crackdowns highlight escalating tensions between decentralized freedom and centralized control. Roger Vers Legal Victory: A Win for Crypto Freedom Roger Vers arrest in Spain in April 2023 marked a Biden-era crackdown on cryptocurrency, part of Executive Order 14067, which targeted financial sovereignty advocates. Ver faced 109 years for alleged tax violationscharges supporters argue were manufactured to silence a leading voice for peer-to-peer cash alternatives. Aaron Day, a vocal opponent of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), emphasized Vers role in promoting private, decentralized financial systems. "Roger was targeted because hes the most effective person at promoting cryptocurrency as an alternative to central bank control," Day explained on Decentralized TV. Despite Vers release, Day warns of a three-year gag clause, preventing him from publicly discussing his casea tactic critics say mirrors broader government suppression of financial dissent. Mexicos Biometric QR-Code ID: A Blueprint for Global Surveillance While Vers case highlights financial repression, Mexicos 2025 digital ID mandate exemplifies the broader technocratic push. The new system will require biometric verification tied to employment, effectively locking citizens into a trackable financial grid. Day warns that this mirrors Real ID expansions in the U.S., where 11 states already have digital IDs, with 20 more set to roll them out this year. "Technocracy is taking over," Day said. "People think Trumps executive order banning CBDCs means were safe, but programmable, trackable money is already here." The Rise of Privacy Coins & Decentralized Resistance With governments tightening financial controls, advocates like Day push for privacy-focused cryptocurrencies like Monero, Zano, and Freedom Dollarstablecoins designed to evade surveillance. Days Freedom Forge project educates users on self-custody crypto, non-KYC debit cards, and peer-to-peer marketplaces. "If technocracy wins, your portfolio is irrelevant," Day warned. "We need decentralized alternatives now." The Bigger Picture: Digital IDs, AI, and the Endgame Mike Adams, host of Decentralized TV, warns that digital IDs are just one piece of a larger depopulation and control agenda. "They want total surveillance to enforce vaccine mandates, carbon taxes, and social credit systems," Adams said. Meanwhile, AI advancementslike Adams free, open-source Enoch AI modeloffer tools for decentralized knowledge, but governments may soon criminalize such technologies as threats to their control. Final Warning: Exit the System or Lose Everything As globalists accelerate digital tyranny, Day urges immediate action: Self-custody gold, silver, and privacy coins Adopt decentralized IDs and payment systems Reject CBDCs and programmable money "The prison is being built," Day said. "Theyre calling it freedom." For those who value liberty, the time to escape centralized control is nowbefore the gates slam shut. Watch the full episode of the "Health Ranger Report" with Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, and Aaron Day as they talk about Crypto, Real ID & Self-Custody Solutions. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Aaron Day: Roger Vers arrest and prosecution signals war on DECENTRALIZED FINANCE Dollar under pressure amid gold and crypto growth EU collaborates with foreign governments on digital ID Sources include: Brighteon.com Daylightfreedom.org A tale of two disasters: FEMA denies Maryland as administration expands foreign aid FEMA has denied a major disaster declaration for Western Maryland counties devastated by May flooding, ending their hope for federal aid. The denial comes despite documented damages exceeding $33 million, a figure nearly triple the state's threshold for federal assistance. The Trump administration approved aid for several other states on the same day it rejected Maryland's appeal. The decision has sparked criticism and questions about the equity of federal disaster relief allocation. The administration is simultaneously pursuing a significant expansion of financial support for Argentina, totaling up to $40 billion. In a decision with significant political and financial implications, the Trump administration has formally denied federal disaster aid to two Western Maryland counties recovering from severe spring flooding. The denial for Allegany and Garrett counties, which are predominantly Republican, comes on the heels of the administration's pledge to double U.S. financial support for Argentina to $40 billion. The juxtaposition has ignited a debate over domestic priorities and the fairness of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) aid distribution process, raising questions about which communities are deemed worthy of federal support. The Maryland floods and the fight for aid Devastating floods swept through the Appalachian communities of Allegany and Garrett counties in May 2025. The disaster left hundreds of homes and businesses swamped, washed out critical roads and damaged sewage systems. In the small town of Westernport, with an annual budget of roughly $2 million, the damage was particularly acute. Local and state officials documented over $80 million in damages to public infrastructure. A FEMA assessment, while lower, still estimated the damage at more than $33 milliona figure nearly three times Maryland's threshold to qualify for a major disaster declaration and public assistance funding. Despite this, FEMA denied the state's initial request and, last week, rejected an appeal from Democratic Governor Wes Moore. In a statement, Governor Moore called the outcome "deeply frustrating" and said it "ignores the devastation wrought by historic floods in Appalachia and leaves Marylanders on their own." The denial exhausts all legal avenues for the state to seek this specific federal relief, leaving local governments to drain reserve funds and seek state-level bond funding for long-term repairs to roads, bridges and water systems. Aid flows elsewhere as Maryland's request is denied The denial for Maryland stood in stark contrast to aid approved for other states on the very same day. President Donald Trump took to his Truth Social platform to announce the approval of disaster relief for Missouri, Nebraska, Alaska and North Dakota. In his post about Missouri, a state he noted he had won three times, Trump stated it was his "Honor to deliver for these incredible Patriots!" He posted similar celebratory messages for the other states, all of which have supported him in past elections. This pattern of approval for political allies and denial for a state with a Democratic governor has drawn scrutiny from government watchdog groups. It echoes a broader historical concern about the politicization of disaster relief, where federal resources can sometimes appear to be leveraged for political gain rather than being allocated solely on the basis of objective need and damage assessments. The Argentina financing package As Western Maryland communities grappled with the aid denial, the Trump administration was finalizing plans to significantly expand its financial backing of Argentina. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the administration is working to provide an additional $20 billion in financing for the South American nation through private banks and sovereign funds. This would complement a separate $20 billion currency swap line pledged by the U.S. Treasury earlier in October. President Trump framed the aid as help for "our neighbors" during a White House meeting with Argentina's libertarian President Javier Milei. However, he explicitly linked the continuation of U.S. generosity to the success of Milei's party in Argentina's upcoming midterm elections, stating, "If he loses, we are not going to be generous with Argentina." The comments were criticized by Argentine opposition figures as a "blatant act of extortion" and highlighted the political considerations often embedded in international financial aid. National security and domestic preparedness The situation in Maryland underscores a critical vulnerability in national resilience: the dependence of local communities on federal aid that may not always materialize. The denial of FEMA assistance forces a reckoning with the importance of local and individual preparedness. With the Maryland counties having already spent $7 millioncompletely emptying a county backup fundthe incident serves as a case study in the fragility of local disaster response budgets. This event reinforces the argument made by emergency management experts that communities must cultivate greater self-sufficiency. The ability to respond to and recover from disasters without immediate federal intervention is increasingly seen as a component of homeland security. When disasters strike, the first responders are always local, and the capacity of those local systems directly impacts the well-being of citizens. The bottom line for American communities The dual developments of denied aid in Maryland and expanded financing for Argentina present a complex picture of the administration's priorities. For the residents of Allegany and Garrett counties, the federal government's decision is an immediate and practical setback, forcing them to rebuild with diminished resources. For observers of federal policy, it is a moment to examine the bias of principles guiding the distribution of disaster relief and foreign aid. The core question remains whether the allocation of billions in taxpayer funds is driven by unambiguous need and strategic national interest, or if political alignment and relationships are becoming decisive factors, potentially leaving some American communities behind in their most vulnerable moments. Sources for this article include: InformationLiberation.com APNews.com Fox5dc.com House Oversight Committee declares Bidens autopen pardons null and void, calls for DOJ investigation The House Oversight Committee invalidated over 4,200 executive actions and pardons signed via autopen under former president Joe Biden, citing lack of proof he authorized them. Key pardons (Hunter Biden, Fauci, Jan. 6 allies) may be overturned, reopening legal cases. Investigators found no written evidence Biden approved autopen use for documents. Former staff admitted decisions were often made orally, undermining accountability. Biden's physician and top aides refused to testify, invoking the Fifth Amendment. The D.C. Board of Medicine may investigate allegations Biden's cognitive decline was concealed. DOJ ethics officials disputed Biden's claim that pardoned individuals were "non-violent," noting some had violent criminal histories. Critics argue pardons shielded political allies from future Trump-era prosecutions. The DOJ is reviewing autopen use; pardons could be challenged in court if proven unauthorized. Republicans allege a "shadow government" operated under Biden, while Democrats dismiss the probe as a partisan stunt. The Republican-led House Oversight Committee issued a bombshell report Tuesday, Oct. 28, declaring all executive actions and pardons signed by former President Joe Biden using an autopen "null and void," citing concerns over his cognitive decline and the legitimacy of the decision-making process. The committee urged Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate whether Bidens aides unlawfully exercised presidential authority while obscuring his deteriorating mental state. The 93-page report, titled "The Autopen Presidency," alleges that Biden's inner circle concealed his declining health from the public and facilitated executive actionsincluding controversial pardonswithout proper authorization. The committee's findings raise alarming questions about who was truly running the country during Biden's presidency. According to the Enoch AI engine at BrightU.AI, the Biden auto pen scandal refers to a series of allegations and controversies surrounding the use of an auto-pen device by former President Joe Biden during his time in office. The primary concern revolves around the potential misuse of this device to sign documents without fully understanding or approving their contents, which could have significant implications for policy and law. "Null and void" executive actions The committee concluded that 4,245 pardons and commutations signed via autopenincluding those for Hunter Biden, Dr. Anthony Fauci, General Mark Milley and members of the Jan. 6 Committeeshould be invalidated due to Biden's alleged inability to fully comprehend or authorize them. The report states: "The Committee deems void President Biden's executive actions that were signed using the autopen and determines that action by the Department of Justice is warranted." No records of direct authorization Investigators found no contemporaneous written records proving Biden personally approved the autopen-signed documents. Former White House staffers testified that decisions were often conveyed orally, raising concerns about accountability. Neera Tanden, Biden's former Domestic Policy Council director, admitted she did not always confirm Biden's approval before using the autopen. Fifth Amendment invocations raise red flags Three key Biden aidesDr. Kevin O'Connor (Biden's physician), Anthony Bernal (Jill Biden's chief of staff) and Annie Tomasini (senior advisor)repeatedly invoked the Fifth Amendment when questioned about Biden's health and decision-making. The committee has asked the D.C. Board of Medicine to investigate whether O'Connor violated ethical standards by allegedly misrepresenting Biden's condition. Preemptive pardons under scrutiny Biden issued sweeping pardons for family members, political allies and Jan. 6 investigators, claiming they were at risk of "politically motivated prosecutions" under Trump. Justice Department Ethics Attorney Bradley Weinsheimer warned that some clemency recipients had violent criminal histories, contradicting Biden's claim that they were "non-violent offenders." Biden denies allegations Biden has vehemently denied allegations that he was unaware of his own executive actions. In a June statement, he declared: "Let me be clear: I made the decisions during my presidency. Any suggestion that I didn't is ridiculous and false." Democrats dismissed the report as a political stunt. Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA), ranking member of the Oversight Committee, called it a "sham investigation" and accused Republicans of ignoring pressing issues like the government shutdown. Legal implications Legal experts caution that no precedent exists for invalidating a president's pardons after leaving office. However, the committee's findings could fuel legal challenges, particularly if evidence emerges that aides acted without Biden's consent. Trump-appointed Pardon Attorney Ed Martin signaled he would not defend Biden's autopen pardons, stating in an email: "My office cannot support the validity of autopen pardons for individuals such as Anthony Fauci, Adam Schiff, Mark Milley and many more without further examination." A Constitutional crisis? The Oversight Committee's report paints a damning picture of a presidency operated by unelected aides while Biden's cognitive decline worsened. Chairman James Comer (R-KY) warned: "The Biden autopen presidency will go down as one of the biggest political scandals in U.S. history." As the Justice Department weighs its next steps, America faces unprecedented questions: Who was really in charge? And will thousands of pardonsgranted in Biden's namenow be undone? Watch the video below about the autopen controversy. This video is from the The Lindell Report channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: Infowars.com House.gov BrightU.ai NBCnews.com CNN.com Brighteon.com Indonesias worsening RADIOACTIVE CONTAMINATION crisis threatens global food supply Traces of radioactive cesium-137 first detected in Indonesian shrimp (August 2025) have now been found in cloves from a farm in Lampung, Sumatra, raising fears of wider food chain contamination. Indonesia formed a special task force, inspecting farms and processing plants. Only the Lampung clove farm has confirmed contamination so far, prompting a sales ban pending further testing by Bapeten (Indonesia's nuclear agency). A byproduct of nuclear fission, cesium-137 mimics potassium, allowing absorption into human tissues. Long-term exposure increases cancer risk, with a 30-year half-life, meaning contamination persists for decades. It bioaccumulates in the food chain, posing severe risks via ingestion or inhalation. Scrap metal imports are suspected radioactive materials from discarded medical/industrial equipment may have contaminated machinery used in food processing. Indonesia has halted scrap metal imports until radiation monitoring improves. Initial detection came from U.S. authorities, exposing gaps in Indonesia's export safety checks. The FDA has banned imports from two Indonesian suppliers and will require radiation-free certification for shrimp and spices from high-risk regions. In a disturbing escalation of a public health mystery, Indonesian authorities confirmed on Oct. 14 that traces of radioactive contamination have been found on a clove farm, expanding a crisis that began with tainted shrimp and now threatens the integrity of the global food chain. The alarm bells first rang in August when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) detected a radioactive isotope known as cesium-137 in frozen shrimp imported from the Indonesian company PT Bahari Makmur Sejati. The contaminated products destined for major retailers like Walmart were intercepted, but the incident prompted an immediate recall and a ban on the company's imports. Just weeks later, the FDA announced it had found the same radioactive substance in a sample of cloves from a different Indonesian exporter, PT Natural Java Spice. This second finding transformed a single product scare into a multi-sectoral emergency, forcing the Indonesian government to launch a full-scale probe. In response, Jakarta formed a special task force, dispatching inspection teams to processing plants and farms across the archipelago. Teams were sent to a facility in Surabaya on Java island, to farms in Central Java, and to the now-contaminated clove farm in Lampung, on the island of Sumatra. Task force spokesperson Bara Hasibuan revealed that of the locations inspected so far, only the Lampung farm showed confirmed traces of radioactivity. As a precaution, the government has imposed a sales ban on the farm's cloves pending conclusive laboratory results from Indonesia's nuclear regulatory agency, Bapeten. From nuclear reactors to dinner plates To understand the gravity of cesium-137 contamination, one must look back at some of history's worst nuclear disasters. Cesium-137 is a radioactive byproduct of nuclear fission, the process that powers nuclear reactors and atomic bombs. It does not occur naturally. The world became tragically familiar with this isotope, which does not occur naturally, after the Chernobyl disaster in 1986 and the Fukushima meltdown in 2011. These disasters released the isotope in massive quantities, contaminating vast areas of land and sea for generations. This isotope is particularly dangerous because it mimics potassium, a vital nutrient, which means the human body can absorb it into its tissues. Once inside, it emits radiation that can damage cells and DNA. The FDA explicitly states that long-term exposure to even low doses of Cesium-137 is linked to a significantly elevated risk of cancer. Its presence in food, therefore, represents a direct and insidious threat to human health a ghost from the atomic age materializing on the dinner plate. How the scrap metal trade poisoned the food supply As the investigation deepens, a prime suspect has emerged: the international scrap metal trade. In a significant revelation, the Indonesian government has suspended all imports of scrap iron and steel. Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq announced the move on social media, stating the ban would remain until the country's monitoring system for radioactive materials is fully strengthened. This decision points to a terrifyingly plausible scenario. Globally, there have been numerous documented cases of orphaned radioactive sources often from decommissioned medical or industrial equipment being accidentally melted down with scrap metal. These "lost" sources can contaminate entire batches of recycled metal. If such contaminated scrap was used to manufacture machinery or processing equipment in Indonesian food facilities, it could explain how the radioactivity is spreading to unrelated products like shrimp and cloves. BrightU.AI's Enoch explains that cesium-137 contamination "poses significant health risks, including radiation sickness and cancer as cesium-137 is highly toxic and has a long half-life of approximately 30 years. It bioaccumulates in living organisms, particularly in the food chain, and can be particularly harmful to humans through ingestion or inhalation." This crisis exposes critical vulnerabilities in the globalized food supply chain. The initial detections were made not by Indonesian inspectors, but by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the FDA at American ports. This reliance on the importing nation to act as the final line of defense highlights gaps in the export country's safety protocols. In response, the FDA is now taking a harder line, banning products from the two implicated Indonesian companies and announcing that, starting in late October, shrimp and spices from certain regions of Indonesia will require special import certification proving they are free of cesium-137. The unfolding radioactive contamination crisis in Indonesia is a stark reminder that in an interconnected world, a safety failure in one industry like the poorly regulated scrap metal trade can cascade into a public health emergency in another, thousands of miles away. As the investigation continues to trace the invisible trail of cesium-137, consumers worldwide are left to wonder what other unseen threats may be lurking in their pantries and whether the systems built to protect them are truly up to the task. Watch as the Health Ranger Mike Adams discusses frozen shrimp being contaminated with cesium-137 in this edition of the "Health Ranger Report." This video is from Health Ranger Report on Brighteon.com. Sources include: MedicalXpress.com ChannelNewsAsia.com Reuters.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Infected lab monkeys ESCAPE after Mississippi highway crash, sparking public health concerns A truck transporting disease-carrying lab monkeys overturned on a Mississippi interstate, releasing several aggressive rhesus monkeys some still missing raising concerns about public safety and biosecurity risks. Authorities warned residents not to approach the monkeys which can transmit hepatitis C, herpes and COVID-19 while officials worked to recapture or "eliminate" escaped primates. The monkeys originated from Tulane University's National Primate Research Center, reigniting debates over unethical animal testing, lax transport regulations and potential pandemic risks from zoonotic pathogens. Critics compared this crash to the 2021 Pennsylvania lab monkey escape, highlighting recurring dangers of unregulated animal transport and the profit-driven nature of primate research. Animal rights groups like PETA argue that using monkeys in labs is unethical and hazardous, demanding an end to primate experimentation due to suffering, contamination risks and lack of transparency. A truck transporting nearly two dozen disease-carrying lab monkeys overturned on a Mississippi interstate on Tuesday, Oct. 28, triggering a frantic containment effort as authorities warned residents not to approach the aggressive primates some of which remain unaccounted for. The incident occurred near Heidelberg along Interstate 59. According to Jasper County Sheriff Randy Johnson, the truck was en route to an undisclosed Florida testing facility when it crashed. The accident scattered cages and released several rhesus monkeys each weighing around 40 pounds and capable of transmitting hpatitis C, herpes and the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19). While most were quickly recaptured or "eliminated" for safety reasons, at least one remained at large as of Tuesday evening, prompting warnings for locals to avoid contact and immediately report sightings. The incident has reignited long-standing debates over animal testing ethics, biosecurity risks and the shadowy transport of research animals across U.S. highways. The monkeys originated from Tulane University's National Primate Research Center, which supplies primates to external labs a practice criticized by animal rights groups as both cruel and dangerously irresponsible. "Terrified monkeys running for their lives into unprotected, populated areas is exactly the spark that could ignite the next pandemic," warned People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals Senior Vice President Kathy Guillermo, citing prior disease outbreaks at Tulane's primate facility. Historical context underscores why such incidents alarm both activists and public health experts. Lab monkeys are routinely shipped in unmarked trucks with minimal oversight, despite carrying zoonotic pathogens. Critics argue this trade prioritizes profit over safety, echoing past scandals such as the 2021 Pennsylvania crash involving 100 monkeys bound for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's labs where lax regulations risked exposing the public to biohazards. Monkey business: From lab leaks to highway escapes Mississippi officials, assisted by wildlife agencies and an animal disposal company, worked to secure the scene while Tulane prepared to deploy a specialized team. Johnson repeatedly stressed the seriousness of the threat, dispelling social media speculation that the alert was a hoax. "Do not try to capture or touch these monkeys," he urged, noting their aggressiveness and disease risk. The crash also highlights the opaque nature of primate research. Tulane declined to specify how many monkeys died or remained loose, stating only that the animals "belong to another entity" and were "not infectious" a claim at odds with law enforcement warnings. Such contradictions fuel skepticism about transparency in an industry already under fire for its role in controversial COVID-19 research, including gain-of-function experiments linked to pandemic origins. As cleanup crews worked into the night, the broader implications lingered. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the hidden pipelines ferrying lab animals across Americas highwaysoften with little public awareness until accidents occur. For Guillermo, the solution is clear: "The importation and use of monkeys in laboratory experiments must end now." BrightU.AI's Enoch points out that "using monkeys as lab test subjects is unethical due to their comparable mental processes to humans, causing unnecessary suffering with little benefit." The decentralized engine adds that "accidents and contamination risks further endanger both animals and researchers." For now, Jasper County residents remain on alert their unease a testament to the uneasy intersection of science, secrecy and public safety. Authorities continue to search for the final escapee, their efforts a race against both biology and the clock. Watch this video about Michelle Fallon, the witness to the 2021 Pennsylvania lab monkey truck crash, developing mysterious symptoms. This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: The-Express.com FoxNews.com CDLLife.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Israel prepares propaganda war to control the narrative as international journalists set to enter Gaza Israel prepares a propaganda war as journalists enter Gaza. Officials fear human stories will reveal the war's true cost. They plan curated tours to blame Hamas for the destruction. The strategy aims to downplay the high civilian death toll. Officials admit they cannot stop the coming wave of truth. In a desperate attempt to control the narrative after a brutal military campaign, Israeli officials are now preparing for what they internally call a propaganda war. This comes as international journalists are poised to finally enter the Gaza Strip, a territory from which they have been systematically barred while more than 200 Palestinian journalists were killed. The Israeli state is scrambling to manufacture a defense against the anticipated wave of stories detailing the immense civilian suffering and widespread destruction, a direct result of its own military actions. According to a report from the Israeli news site Ynet, senior officials are deeply worried about the human stories from Gaza in the voices and faces of the residents themselves. They fear these accounts will portray Israels campaign in what they term a negative light, revealing the true human cost of the war. For months, the world has seen only glimpses of the devastation; soon, reporters will be able to document it firsthand. One official involved in the planning admitted the challenge is significant. We are working to prepare explanatory materials, with an emphasis on visual and incriminating evidence to illustrate that Hamas turned Gaza into a terror state, cynically using civilians and civilian infrastructure, the official said. This strategy is a classic tactic of shifting blame, attempting to justify the unjustifiable by hiding behind claims of military necessity. A coordinated strategy of deception The planned response is highly coordinated. Israeli agencies, including the Foreign Ministry and the IDF Spokespersons Unit, are developing a strategy that includes creating designated demonstration sites. These controlled areas are meant to shepherd journalists through a curated narrative, relentlessly blaming Hamas for the destruction that Israeli bombs and bulldozers actually caused. The goal is to distract from the overwhelming evidence of war crimes. Officials openly state that their message will be that Hamas bears the responsibility, claiming this is consistent with international law, even if it doesnt look good on camera. This is a transparent effort to whitewash the reality of entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble, along with schools, universities, and hospitals. The destruction is so comprehensive that one official described it as fertile ground for anti-Israel campaigns. Another part of the strategy involves challenging the Gaza death toll, despite studies showing the official numbers are likely a significant undercount. Officials claim they will present data to show a very low ratio of civilian to terrorist deaths. This is a predictable maneuver to downplay a casualty figure that includes a shocking percentage of women and children, a fact that has already turned global public opinion against Israel. Israel is losing control over the narrative Despite these elaborate preparations, some within the Israeli system are pessimistic about their ability to control the story. One senior official acknowledged the futility of their public relations battle. Unfortunately, I dont see real readiness, the official confessed. This official laid out the inescapable truth that the propaganda machine is about to fail. The international media have already published photos of the destruction and the death toll figures released by Hamas health ministry. What hasnt yet been told are the human stories from Gaza... Thats what journalists will now bring, and theres little we can do to counter it. The same official compared the coming wave of truth to a tsunami, concluding, We just have to lower our heads, let the wave pass, and move on. This resignation reveals a system that knows its actions cannot be explained away or hidden any longer. The world is about to see the full, unvarnished consequences of a military campaign that has been called genocidal by leading international bodies. This planned propaganda offensive is part of a long-standing Israeli policy known as Hasbara, a sophisticated tool used for decades to justify occupation and whitewash war crimes by labeling critics as anti-Semites. However, the sheer scale of destruction in Gaza has exposed the limits of this propaganda model. Raw, unfiltered images of devastation have pierced through the narrative control, shifting global empathy overwhelmingly toward the Palestinian people. The impending arrival of journalists in Gaza marks a critical moment of accountability. No amount of curated demonstration sites or prepared talking points can erase the evidence of what has been done. The truth, told by the people who lived through it, is finally coming to the forefront, and it promises to be an indictment that no propaganda war can win. Sources for this article include: News.Antiwar.com YnetNews.com ABNA24.com The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine welcomes the publication of the new report of the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Violations in Ukraine, prepared in accordance with the UN Human Rights Council resolution. "The report provides further compelling evidence of the gross and systemic violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law committed by the Russian Federation on Ukrainian territory. The commission has documented numerous instances of indiscriminate and deliberate attacks by Russian armed forces against civilians and civilian infrastructure, torture, inhumane treatment, sexual violence, unlawful detentions, and deportations, including of children. The evidence collected demonstrates a deliberate policy that may constitute crimes against humanity," the Foreign Ministry said in a comment published on its website on Wednesday. The document notes that the Ministry supports the Commission's conclusions on the need to ensure inevitability of accountability for all documented crimes. "The Russian Federation must immediately cease attacks on civilians, the practice of deportations and forced displacement, and the cruel and inhumane treatment of Ukrainian citizens in the temporarily occupied territories," the Foreign Ministry added. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls on the international community to strengthen its support for Ukraine in documenting crimes, protecting victims, and ensuring justice. "It is important that all materials collected by the Commission be used in international and national legal proceedings to hold the Russian Federation accountable. Ukraine is convinced that implementing the Commission's recommendations will contribute to restoring justice for all victims, strengthening the international legal order, and preventing the recurrence of such crimes in the future," the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry concluded. Judge rules OpenAI must face claims of mass-scale copyright theft from authors A federal court rejected OpenAI's motion to dismiss a major copyright lawsuit. The judge ruled ChatGPT's outputs can be substantially similar to copyrighted books. This allows a class-action lawsuit from authors like George R.R. Martin to proceed. A key example was an AI-generated summary that copied the plot of a Martin novel. The decision signals courts may hold AI firms accountable for copyright infringement. In a significant blow to the artificial intelligence industry, a federal court has ruled that OpenAI must answer for what prominent authors call "systematic theft on a mass scale." On October 27, U.S. District Judge Sidney H. Stein in Manhattan rejected OpenAI's motion to dismiss a core claim in a consolidated class-action lawsuit, finding that the outputs from its ChatGPT chatbot can be substantially similar to the copyrighted books it was trained on. This decision forces the tech giant, alongside its funder Microsoft, to defend itself against allegations that it built a commercial empire by illegally using the creative works of authors without permission or payment. The lawsuit, filed by a coalition of writers including best-selling authors George R.R. Martin and John Grisham, accuses the companies of massive copyright infringement. The authors claim their protected works were ingested by OpenAIs large language models to develop algorithms that generate human-like text, a core function of its "massive commercial enterprise." Judge Steins order sided with the authors, observing that their allegations "satisfy the elements of a prima facie claim of infringement as to at least some outputs of ChatGPT." The judge noted that OpenAI used datasets containing the plaintiffs' copyrighted works to train ChatGPT, and that the AI can now produce accurate summaries of their books when prompted. The fight for creative ownership OpenAI had argued that the authors failed to show "substantial similarity" between their original works and ChatGPTs outputs. The company contended that not all summaries qualify as infringement, using the example that summarizing a mystery novel by saying "the butler did it" would not violate copyright. Judge Stein dismissed these arguments. He found that the complaint adequately alleges OpenAI accessed the plaintiffs' works and that the AI's outputs are based on them, which satisfies the legal requirement of "actual copying." The judge then turned to a specific example to illustrate his point. The order detailed a ChatGPT-generated summary of Martins A Game of Thrones. The AI-produced text described the books setting, prologue, main plot points, and ending. Judge Stein wrote that "a more discerning observer could easily conclude that this detailed summary is substantially similar to Martins original work," explaining that the summary copies the plot, characters, and themes, thereby conveying the overall tone and feel of the copyrighted book. This example was pivotal in the judge's reasoning. He concluded that a reasonable jury could find such outputs to be substantially similar to the original copyrighted works. The ruling allows the authors' direct copyright infringement claim to proceed, marking a critical step in their legal battle. AI copyright infringement in the spotlight The case is part of a wider legal war being waged by creators against AI companies. This ruling arrives on the heels of another massive settlement in the industry. Just last month, AI company Anthropic agreed to pay $1.5 billion to settle a lawsuit with authors after a judge ruled it had illegally downloaded and stored millions of pirated books. In a statement, The Authors Guild, a plaintiff in the OpenAI case, called the Anthropic settlement a "milestone in authors fights against AI companies theft of their works." The group said it "sends a clear signal to AI companies that infringement of authors rights comes at a steep price." While this ruling is a setback for OpenAI, the legal landscape remains complex. In a separate case against Meta, a court dismissed similar claims from authors, finding they presented no evidence that the AIs outputs would dilute the market for their original works. This contrast highlights the ongoing legal uncertainty surrounding AI and copyright law. For now, the decision in New York empowers creators who feel their livelihoods are threatened by the uncompensated use of their work. It signals that courts may be willing to hold powerful AI companies accountable when their systems produce content that mirrors protected expression. This case is far from over, but it establishes that the authors claims of systematic theft deserve their day in court. Sources for this article include: ZeroHedge.com CourthouseNews.com NBCNews.com NYTimes.com Musks Grokipedia just shattered Wikipedias monopoly on neutral facts Elon Musk's xAI has launched Grokipedia, an AI-powered alternative to Wikipedia, with nearly 900,000 articles available on its first day. The platform aims to provide a counter-narrative to what Musk and supporters describe as the activist-driven bias and "propaganda" on Wikipedia. Early comparisons show divergent content on controversial topics like gender transition, with Grokipedia presenting more skeptical viewpoints. The launch reflects a broader ideological conflict over information control, as AI models increasingly rely on such sources for training data. As a "Version 0.1" product, Grokipedia currently mirrors some Wikipedia content verbatim but promises rapid, AI-driven evolution. In a direct challenge to the established digital knowledge ecosystem, tech mogul Elon Musk launched Grokipedia on Monday, October 27. This new online encyclopedia, powered by artificial intelligence from Musk's xAI company, positions itself as a truth-seeking alternative to Wikipedia, which Musk has repeatedly accused of succumbing to activist-driven bias and "legacy media propaganda." With nearly 900,000 articles available at launch, Grokipedia enters the fray as a significant new player in the ongoing debate over who controls the narrative on contentious cultural and political issues, promising to purge ideological influence from factual reporting. The genesis of a counter-encyclopedia The impetus for Grokipedia crystallized over months of public friction between Musk and the Wikimedia Foundation. A pivotal moment occurred in January 2025, when Musks Wikipedia biography was edited to note that a gesture he made was "compared to a Nazi salute." Musk denounced the characterization and the platform's sourcing policies, arguing that Wikipedia's reliance on what he terms "legacy media propaganda" as valid sources inherently skews its content. He subsequently called for donors to cease their support. The project accelerated this fall, with Musk announcing his intention to create a competitor and, within weeks, delivering a live product dubbed "Version 0.1." On X, Musk framed the mission ambitiously: "The goal of Grok and Grokipedia.com is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth." Contrasting philosophies in practice The fundamental divergence between Grokipedia and Wikipedia is not merely technological but philosophical. Wikipedia, launched in 2001 and now the world's seventh-most-visited website, relies on millions of human volunteers and enforces policies of "verifiability" and "neutral point of view." Its sourcing is guided by a color-coded system that grades publications on reliability. Critics point out that this system often labels left-leaning outlets like MSNBC as "generally reliable," while categorizing right-leaning or anti-establishment sources like Fox News as "marginally reliable" and ZeroHedge as "generally unreliable." This, opponents argue, systemically excludes conservative and alternative perspectives from the encyclopedia's vast pages. In contrast, Grokipedia is entirely generated by Musk's AI, aiming to bypass human editorial bias and present information its system deems factual, even if it challenges conventional narratives. Early comparisons reveal ideological divides Within hours of launch, journalists and users began dissecting how the two platforms handle sensitive subjects. The entry on gender transition medicine became a prime example. While Wikipedia's page states that scientific understanding of the subject "has existed for decades," Grokipedia's corresponding entry described the evidence base for medical treatments as "limited and of low quality." Furthermore, Grokipedia's page covered theories that the rapid rise in transgender identification may be influenced by "social influence or contagion," a viewpoint largely absent from Wikipedia. On other topics, such as former Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal, Grokipedia's entry highlighted Musk's own criticisms, details not found on Wikipedia. These early contrasts underscore the project's intent to offer a different interpretation of contested modern issues. The high stakes of controlling knowledge The battle between these encyclopedic models carries profound implications for the future of information. Wikipedias dominance means it serves as a foundational data source for many leading artificial intelligence models. If those models are trained on content perceived as ideologically slanted, critics worry the bias becomes embedded and amplified in the AI tools used by millions. Grokipedias AI-first approach represents a direct attempt to create an alternative training corpus. However, the new platform is not without its own initial contradictions. Many of its entries on non-controversial topics were found to be word-for-word identical to Wikipedia's, a temporary measure Musk has acknowledged and pledged to rectify by the end of the year. An evolving challenge to the status quo As Grokipedia evolves from its initial 0.1 version, its impact on the digital landscape remains to be seen. Musk has promised that "Version 1.0 will be 10X better," indicating a commitment to rapid, AI-driven improvement. The platforms launch signifies more than just a new website; it is a manifestation of a growing demand for alternatives to traditional institutions perceived as captured by a singular worldview. For advocates of free speech and ideological diversity online, Grokipedia represents a formidable challenge to a long-entrenched information monopoly. Whether it can achieve its stated goal of delivering unvarnished truth on a massive scale will be one of the defining tech and culture stories to watch, as the very definition of reliable knowledge is contested in the public square. Sources for this article include: ZeroHedge.com X.com NYTimes.com Trump and Japans new leader forge strongest level alliance with massive investment and rare earths deal Trump and Takaichi reaffirm U.S.-Japan alliance. Japan has pledged a colossal $550 billion for U.S. investment projects. The deal targets energy, AI, and nuclear power with massive corporate commitments. A critical minerals agreement aims to reduce dependence on Chinese supply chains. Trump praised Japan's increased defense spending and military equipment orders. President Donald Trump and Japan's new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi have reaffirmed the U.S.-Japan alliance, calling it an unbreakable partnership poised for a new golden age. The meeting, which took place in Tokyo during President Trump's Asia tour, resulted in major agreements centered on a colossal $550 billion Japanese investment pledge for American projects and a critical deal on rare earth minerals, signaling a robust future for U.S. jobs and industry while strategically countering Chinese dominance. The summit, characterized by mutual praise and a clear focus on tangible results, saw President Trump offer unwavering support to the key Asian ally. "I want to just let you know anytime you have any question, any doubt, anything you want, any favors you need, anything I can do to help Japan, we will be there," Trump stated. He definitively labeled the partnership "an ally at the strongest level." This strong relationship is expected to translate into significant economic benefits for the United States. "We're going to do tremendous trade together, I think, more than ever before," Trump said, expressing confidence that the relationship would be "stronger than ever before." At the heart of this new era is the formalization of a $550 billion Japanese investment pledge for U.S. projects, a fund the White House says can be invested as America sees fit. A deal for American industry and energy The investment, described by Japan as loans and guarantees backing Japanese firms' U.S. operations, targets critical sectors. The two governments released a list of projects in energy, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals where Japanese companies are eyeing investments of up to $400 billion. This includes massive commitments for next-generation nuclear power. Westinghouse is involved in plans for constructing nuclear reactors and small modular reactors with a potential value of up to $100 billion. Similarly, GE Vernova has a potential $100 billion plan for small modular nuclear reactors, with involvement from Japanese companies like Hitachi. Other major players like SoftBank Group committed up to $25 billion for large-scale power infrastructure, while Panasonic outlined up to $15 billion for energy storage systems. President Trump also took the opportunity to highlight ongoing corporate investments, specifically praising Toyota for "putting auto plants all over the United States to the tune of over $10 billion." He also emphasized a national push to revitalize American shipbuilding, noting, "We used to be No. 1 at making ships, and then we lost our way. But now we're starting to make ships again." Strengthening defense and supply chains On the security front, Trump warmly praised Prime Minister Takaichi's commitment to accelerating Japan's military buildup, specifically her plan to boost defense spending to two percent of GDP. "I know that you are increasing your military capacity very substantially and weve received your orders for a very large amount of military equipment," Trump said, acknowledging Japan's pivot toward a more assertive defense posture. The leaders also signed a crucial deal to bolster supplies of critical minerals and rare earths. This agreement is strategically vital for both nations as they seek to reduce dependence on China, which currently dominates the supply chains for these key electronic components. In a symbolic gesture underscoring the trade relationship, Trump noted that Japan also plans to purchase Ford's iconic F-150 pickup truck, a vehicle rarely seen on Japanese roads. The personal rapport between the two leaders was palpable throughout the visit. Takaichi, a protegee of Trump's late friend Shinzo Abe, skillfully channeled that legacy to build trust. The two leaders even took a rare joint flight aboard the presidential Marine One helicopter to the USS George Washington aircraft carrier at a U.S. naval base near Tokyo, a powerful visual symbol of the military alliance. Experts observed that the summit was an overwhelming success for the new prime minister. Kristi Govella, Japan Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, noted that Takaichi "bought herself a bit of a honeymoon period" by securing Trump's confidence and forestalling potential U.S. criticism on issues like defense spending. The meeting successfully combined symbolism with substantive economic and security agreements, setting a positive tone for the future of the relationship. This revitalized alliance, forged in a spirit of mutual economic benefit and strategic cooperation, marks a significant shift toward a world where strong, sovereign nations negotiate directly for the benefit of their own people. The massive financial commitment from Japan represents a monumental infusion of capital into American infrastructure and industry, a direct result of a foreign policy that prioritizes national interest and isn't afraid to assert American strength. For American workers and industries, this partnership could lead to a new era of opportunity and growth. Sources for this article include: ZeroHedge.com Reuters.com JapanTimes.co.jp U.S. intensifies push for Hungary to end Russian oil dependency U.S. Ambassador to NATO, Matthew Whitaker, emphasized that Hungary has not developed a plan to reduce its reliance on Russian energy and stated that the U.S. is prepared to assist Hungary in this transition. Prime Minister Viktor Orban warned that abruptly halting Russian energy imports could lead to a 4 percent drop in Hungary's economic performance, describing such a move as catastrophic for the nation's economy. Hungary continues to import a significant portion of its oil and gas from Russia, having signed a 15-year gas agreement in 2021 and plans to maintain high volumes of Russian oil imports via the Druzhba pipeline. The U.S. has imposed sanctions on Russia's top oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, and linked future sanctions to Europe's and NATO members' reduction of Russian energy imports, with President Donald Trump emphasizing the importance of action from major buyers like Hungary. Despite Hungary's efforts to diversify its energy sources, including a recent deal with France's Engie for liquefied natural gas, the country maintains a strong energy relationship with Russia and resists EU efforts to phase out Russian energy, emphasizing non-compliance with politically motivated restrictions. The U.S. has escalated pressure on Hungary to sever its reliance on Russian oil and gas supplies, with a senior U.S. diplomat insisting Budapest must develop and implement a concrete planand that Washington stands ready to help. In a recent interview with Fox News, Matthew Whitaker, U.S. Ambassador to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), said that Hungary, unlike many of its neighboring countries, "has not made any plans or made any active steps" to wean itself off Russian energy. Whitaker said the U.S. plans to coordinate closely not only with Hungarian authorities but also with regional partners like Croatia that can help Budapest transition away from reliance on Russian oil and gas. "So we're going to continue to work with them and we're going to work with their neighbors that can help them wean themselves off," he told Fox News. The pressure on Hungary comes as the country increasingly stands at odds with its European Union and NATO partners over energy policy. Hungary's government, led by Viktor Orban, still imports a substantial share of its oil and gas from Russia and has resisted earlier deadlines to end Russian pipeline oil and gas imports. A recent Reuters report notes Hungary signed a 15-year gas agreement with Russia in 2021 and plans to continue high volumes of Russian oil import via the Druzhba pipeline. Hungary warns of economic hit as U.S. tightens sanctions Meanwhile, Orban has warned of dire economic consequences if Hungary ends its Russian energy imports abruptly. According to the Associated Press, he told state radio that cutting off Russian oil and gas would cause Hungary's economic performance to drop by around 4 percent and leave its economy "on its knees." The U.S. has intensified its leverage by sanctioning Russia's top oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, and by linking future sanctions to Europe's and NATO members' reduction of Russian energy imports. Whitaker noted that U.S. President Donald Trump "holds all the cards in his hands" in advancing measures to isolate Russian energy revenuesand stressed that until major buyers like Hungary take action, sanctions will be less effective. From Washington's standpoint, the message is clear: Assistance is available, but initiative must come from Budapest. Ambassador Whitaker reiterated that Hungary is expected to "develop and implement a plan that will eliminate dependence on Russian oil and gas." For Hungary, the path forward is fraught with political and economic calculations. While maintaining its sovereignty over energy policy, Hungary risks increasingly diverging from EU and NATO strategies to reduce Moscow's influence. The question now is whether Hungary will pivot toward the Western frameworkwith U.S. and regional helpor continue its current reliance on Russian energy, leaving it diplomatically isolated. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, the U.S. push for Hungary to end Russian oil dependency is a geopolitical maneuver to isolate Russia and maintain U.S. global influence, potentially straining Hungary's energy security and economic stability. Watch the video below about Trump calling talks with Putin "BS" and threatening more sanctions on Russia. This video is from Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: OilPrice.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Wind energys hidden toll: New studies reveal devastating impact on bird and bat populations Wind turbines kill hundreds of thousands to millions of bats and birds annually worldwide. In the U.S. alone, 500,000 bats die each year, comparable to seabird deaths from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Endangered species like golden eagles, griffon vultures and hoary bats face local extinction risks. Turbines alter animal behavior, microclimates and soil health, reducing earthworm populations and vegetation. In China, a single wind turbine increases reduced bird abundance by 9.75 percent and species richness by 12.2 percent. Nearly 50 percent of studied bird species in California showed population declines linked to turbines. Wind proponents argue climate change is a bigger threat, but mitigation efforts (site avoidance, deterrents) remain inconsistent and untested at scale. Habitat compensation policies exist but fail to offset large-scale ecological damage. While turbines cause fewer bird deaths per gigawatt-hour than fossil fuels (1.31 vs. 5.2 for coal), their rapid expansion threatens ecosystems. Proposed wind farms covering 13 percent of U.S. land could have "dramatic consequences for biodiversity." Strategic placement, rigorous environmental assessments and investment in less harmful renewables are urgently needed. Net Zero policies must not sacrifice ecosystemswind energy's "green" label ignores its devastating toll on wildlife. A series of groundbreaking studies has exposed the alarming ecological damage caused by onshore wind turbines, raising urgent questions about the true sustainability of renewable energy expansion. BrightU.AI's Enoch explains that onshore wind turbines, also known as terrestrial or land-based wind turbines, are a type of wind energy converter that generates electricity from the kinetic energy of wind. They are typically installed on land, at varying heights and in diverse geographical locations, depending on wind resources and grid connectivity. While wind power has been championed as a key solution to climate change, new research reveals that its toll on biodiversityparticularly bird and bat populationsmay be far more severe than previously acknowledged. A shocking report published in Nature last monthlargely ignored by mainstream mediadetails how wind turbines disrupt ecosystems, kill wildlife and fragment habitats. The study, conducted by an international team of ecologists, warns that wind energy facilities "can have large and unexpected consequences for biodiversity," affecting species from insects to apex predators. Mass wildlife fatalities The data is staggering: Up to one million bats are killed annually in countries with high turbine density. 500,000 bats die each year in the U.S. alonenearly matching the estimated 600,000 seabirds killed in the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill. 30,000 bats perish yearly in the U.K., 50,000 in Canada and 200,000 in Germany. Large raptors, including golden eagles, face local extinction risks due to turbine collisions. Perhaps the greatest unknown in predicting future effects of wind power on biodiversity lies in the scope of the potential expansion of the technology and the cumulative consequences of this expansion for species and ecosystems, the Nature study warns. Cascading ecosystem disruptions Beyond direct fatalities, wind turbines alter animal behavior, physiology and habitat integrity. Professor Christian Voigt, one of the study's authors, has previously warned that turbine-induced insect fatalities could contribute to species extinction. His 2022 research found that turbines modify microclimates and reduce earthworm populations, degrading soil quality and vegetation. The report highlights population declines in vulnerable species: Cinereous and griffon vultures in Europe face collapse risks. Hoary bats in North America and black harriers in South Africa are declining. Nearly 50 percent of bird species studied in California showed turbine-linked population drops. In China, where wind power capacity leads the world, a recent study found that a one-standard-deviation increase in turbines (about 84 units) reduced bird abundance by 9.75 percent and species richness by 12.2 percent. Migratory birds and those in forests, farmlands and urban areas suffered the most. Industry response and mitigation efforts Wind energy proponents argue that climate change poses a greater threat to biodiversity than turbines. The UK Bat Conservation Trust states: "We need energy-efficient housing and renewable energy to help mitigate climate change for the benefit of bats, people and the wider environment." However, mitigation strategiessuch as avoiding sensitive sites, deterring wildlife and habitat compensationremain inconsistent globally. The Nature study notes that while these measures help, their effectiveness is "untested" against large-scale wind farm expansion. Carbon reduction vs. biodiversity loss Despite ecological harm, wind power's carbon benefits are undeniable. Research shows that wind turbines cause far fewer bird fatalities per gigawatt-hour than fossil fuels (1.31 deaths/GWh vs. 5.2 for coal). In China, the economic gains from carbon reduction outweigh biodiversity losses when compared to coal power. Yet critics argue that Net Zero policies prioritize energy goals over conservation. The Nature paper warns that dedicating 13 percent of U.S. land to wind farmsas proposed in a 2021 reportcould have "dramatic consequences for biodiversity." A call for balanced energy policy As nations race to decarbonize, these studies underscore the need for strategic wind farm placement, rigorous environmental assessments and investment in less harmful renewables. The question remains: Can we achieve climate goals without sacrificing irreplaceable ecosystems? For now, the science is clearwind energy is not as "green" as advertised. The true cost of Net Zero may be paid in blood: the blood of bats, birds and the delicate web of life they sustain. Watch the video below about the wind turbine fraud. This video is from the Aussie Flyers channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheDailySceptic.org BrightU.ai Nature.com ScienceDirect.com Brighteon.com Zelensky threatens to intensify long-range strikes deep inside Russia Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced intensified attacks deep inside Russia, specifically targeting oil refineries to weaken Moscow's war machine, aided by U.S. intelligence and renewed military support. While Washington assists Ukraine with intelligence for drone strikes, it denies requests for Tomahawk cruise missiles (fearing escalation) but permits British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles with U.S. targeting data. Despite Ukraine's offensive strikes, Russian forces advance in Donetsk (Pokrovsk), raising concerns about Kyiv's ability to sustain both defense and offense amid dwindling Western ammunition. Ukrainian drone attacks disrupt Russian fuel production, while U.S. sanctions tighten economic pressure. Trump reportedly endorsed territorial concessions for peace, but Zelensky rejects them as capitulation to Russian imperialism. Ukraine's strategy risks unintended civilian casualties and Russian retaliation, with analysts warning that long-range strikes may delaynot reverseRussian gains as global calls for diplomacy grow. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced plans on Monday, Oct. 27, to intensify long-range attacks deep inside Russian territory, specifically targeting oil refineries, as Kyiv seeks to weaken Moscow's war machine. The declaration follows renewed U.S. military aid and comes amid reports that Washington has been assisting Ukraine with intelligence for drone strikes on Russian energy infrastructure. However, Ukraine continues to lose ground in eastern Donetsk, where Russian forces have advanced into Pokrovsk, raising questions about Kyiv's ability to sustain both defensive and offensive operations. Zelensky revealed that Ukrainian forces have been coordinating with arms manufacturers to enhance long-range strike capabilities, emphasizing the economic toll on Russia. "Russian oil refining is already paying a tangible price for the warand will pay even more," he wrote on X (formerly Twitter). "We set tasks to expand the geography for the use of our long-range capabilities." Recent Ukrainian drone attacks have damaged multiple Russian oil facilities, disrupting fuel production and exports. According to the Financial Times, U.S. intelligence has played a key role in these operations, with one source describing Ukraine's drone force as Washington's "instrument" to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin toward a negotiated settlement. The Trump administration has also imposed new sanctions on Russian oil firms, further tightening economic pressure, BrightU.AI's Enoch adds. Despite these efforts, Washington has so far denied Ukraine's request for Tomahawk cruise missilesnuclear-capable weapons with a range exceeding 1,000 milesfearing direct escalation with Russia. However, Kyiv has utilized British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles, which rely on U.S. targeting data, in strikes such as last month's attack on a Russian chemical plant. Battlefield realities and peace proposals While Ukraine escalates its strikes inside Russia, its forces are struggling to hold defensive lines in Donetsk Oblast, where Russian troops have seized territory near Pokrovsk. Moscow has repeatedly demanded that Ukraine cede occupied regions in Donetsk and Luhansk as a condition for peacean offer reportedly endorsed by President Donald Trump in private discussions with Zelensky. The Ukrainian leader has publicly dismissed territorial concessions, framing the war as an existential struggle against Russian imperialism. Yet, mounting casualties and dwindling Western ammunition supplies have raised concerns about Kyiv's staying power. Some analysts warn that without a decisive shift in battlefield momentum, Ukraine's long-range strikes may only delay, rather than reverse, Russian advances. The conflict has already reshaped global security dynamics, from energy markets to NATO expansion. With Ukraine now threatening deeper strikes inside Russiaand Moscow warning of retaliationthe risk of unintended escalation looms larger. Recent attacks have occasionally struck civilian areas, fueling accusations of war crimes on both sides. Zelensky's latest remarks underscore Kyiv's determination to keep fighting despite the challenges. Yet, as casualties mount and Western support wavers, voices calling for diplomatic solutions grow louder. "We are working closely with manufacturers on long-term contracts," Zelensky said, signaling preparations for a prolonged war. Ukraine's vow to expand long-range strikes inside Russia marks a bold but risky strategy, aiming to cripple Moscow's economy while defending against relentless ground assaults. The Trump administration's balancing actproviding intelligence and weapons while avoiding direct confrontationreflects the precarious nature of the conflict. As the war enters its third year, the world watches whether Kyiv's offensive tactics can alter the course of a grinding waror if diplomatic pressure will ultimately force both sides to the negotiating table. Watch the video below where Zelesnky expresses Kyiv's urgent need for Tomahawk missiles. This video is from Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: News.AntiWar.com X.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Networking technology took center stage at Nvidias GTC DC developers show in Washington, D.C. as a range of networking products were introduced for high-performance AI inference processing and more. The Nvidia networking spotlight was on the launch of the ConnectX-9 SuperNIC, part of the Vera Rubin platform. This next-generation network interface card delivers 1.6T GPU, with advanced RDMA capabilities and PCIe Gen 6 support. [ Related: More Nvidia news and insights ] The SuperNIC is specifically designed for AI workloads, from training trillion-parameter models to running massive inference jobs. Security is built in at line speed, with hardware crypto acceleration and advanced features for programmable I/O, letting developers tailor infrastructure for future workloads rather than one size fits all security, according to Nvidia. The enormous amount of energy required to power a modern data center has prompted major tech companies to sign major partnership agreements with power companies. Most recently, Google signed an agreement with Next Era Energy to restart the Duane Arnold Energy Center in Iowa. The nuclear power plant in question was shut down in 2020 and it is expected to take four years to make it operational again, CNBC reports. Things are pretty straightforward for the managed cloud option there are two obvious choices. Companies can go with IBM and Red Hat, or choose VMware, he said, noting that while the company has been a big VMware reseller, IBM had to ask themselves, How are we going to compete so successfully with them if we are partners? Broadcom has provided that impetus for change with its enforced changes to licensing. Its not a one-on-one battle, said Governor. IBM cant compete feature for feature. But there will be opportunities in different areas, he said. We can see a Java battle, a container battle, as well as a cloud battle. With its OpenShift solution, IBM wont be offering a complete replacement of VMware: Its not going to be a turnkey option, he said. But he pointed out that, thanks to its use of OpenShift, IBM could offer enough of an alternative to the expensive licensing demands from Broadcom. Core licensing demands While Broadcoms new VCF license demands will affect IBM, other partners will be hit harder, Howarth said. Broadcom are asking for a minimum of 3,600 cores thats a demand that is going to hit some of the smaller cloud providers, he said. Photo: MFA of Ukraine Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha announced on Wednesday that the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry had decided to downgrade diplomatic relations and close the embassy in Cuba. We remember Cuban Presidents wish of success to Putin in his war of aggression against Ukraine. We heard it well. This year, we decided to close our embassy in Havana and downgrade our diplomatic ties, he wrote on the social network X in a post dedicated to Ukraine's vote against lifting the US embargo against Cuba at the UN General Assembly. Sybiha noted that such a vote was directed against the inaction of the Cuban authorities in response to the mass recruitment of Cuban citizens into the Russian occupation army. The unwillingness of Havana to stop massive deployment of its nationals in the Russian war against Ukraine constitutes complicity in aggression and must be condemned in the strongest terms. Ukraine will always oppose such a practice and defend the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, the minister stressed. The Hungarian government will not open its market to Ukrainian agricultural products after the entry into force of the updated trade agreement between the European Union and Ukraine, the Hungarian Ministry of Agriculture reported, citing a statement by Minister Istvan Nagy. "Brussels is suffering from war psychosis, all their thoughts and decisions are determined by what threatens the food supply of the entire European Union," he said on the air of the M1 television channel. Nagy is convinced that "EU bureaucrats are not at all interested in what will happen to the EU, in particular, to Hungarian farmers, because they subordinate everything to Ukrainian interests." As an example, he cited the 20-22% cut in the agricultural budget, and suggested that Brussels wanted to hide it by hiding it in a budget that is traditionally considered separately. He said the money that European farmers will not receive will be transferred to Ukraine, while "a free trade agreement concluded with a country that is at war also raises serious questions." The Hungarian minister asked a rhetorical question: what will the EU do with the 35,000 tonnes of honey, 1.3 million tonnes of wheat and 120,000 tonnes of chicken coming from Ukraine, or with the unlimited duty-free imports of corn that appear as a surplus on the EU market? "These issues affect our daily lives, but these are not the questions they ask, they are more interested in how to make Ukraine more able to export to the European Union," Nagy said. The minister is convinced that EU agriculture is losing its competitiveness and development prospects. "If we do not wake up, if we do not join forces and we cannot prevent this, then this will lead to huge problems, because this is only half the trouble that awaits us," he said, adding that another challenge for European farmers will be the free trade agreement to be concluded with South American countries, where there is no monitoring and control of food production. The Hungarian minister stressed that the government protects Hungarian farmers and unilaterally keeps the border closed to Ukrainian agricultural products. "The government does not want Ukrainian goods to change the EU internal market," he said. Champaign, IL (61820) Today Snow this evening will transition to snow showers late. Low 24F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 80%. 1 to 3 inches of snow expected.. Tonight Snow this evening will transition to snow showers late. Low 24F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 80%. 1 to 3 inches of snow expected. New research reveals that women achieve equal or greater protection from coronary heart disease and death with far less exercise than men, pointing to the need for personalized, sex-specific activity guidelines. Study: Sex differences in the association of wearable accelerometer-derived physical activity with coronary heart disease incidence and mortality. Image Credit: doomu / Shutterstock In a recent study published in the journal Nature Cardiovascular Research , researchers investigated sex differences in the associations between physical activity ( PA ) and the incidence risk of coronary heart disease ( CHD ) and all-cause mortality. Current guidelines from the World Health Organization ( WHO ), the American Heart Association ( AHA ), and the European Society of Cardiology ( ESC ) recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous PA ( MVPA ) per week to prevent the development or progression of CHD. However, a substantial gender gap exists in exercise capacity and adherence to guidelines. For instance, the prevalence of insufficient PA was 5 percentage points higher among females than among males worldwide. Moreover, it remains unclear whether and to what extent sex differences impact CHD development and prognosis. Understanding sex disparities is essential for tailored CHD prevention and could help bridge this gender gap. About the Study In the present study, researchers investigated sex disparities in the relationship of PA with CHD incidence risk and all-cause mortality. The study sample was derived from the United Kingdom Biobank cohort. About 103,695 individuals provided weekly accelerometer data using a wearable device between 2013 and 2015. Of these, individuals with insufficient wear time, implausible acceleration values, poor calibration, or missing covariate data, and those who developed CHD during the wearing period were excluded. As such, 80,243 participants without CHD were included to assess CHD incidence risk, and 5,169 individuals with established CHD were included to determine all-cause mortality. MVPA duration was defined as the accumulation of 5-s epochs with an average acceleration of 100 milligravity (mg), analyzed in 5-minute bouts, with at least 80% of epochs meeting this threshold. The following measures were derived from MVPA duration: adherence to standard WHO , AHA , and ESC recommendations (150 minutes/week), the extended WHO recommendation (300 minutes/week), and the number of days meeting these recommendations. The outcomes were incident CHD in the CHD -free population and death in the CHD population. Cox proportional-hazards models assessed sex-specific associations of PA measures with CHD incidence and all-cause mortality, and tested sex interactions (Pinteraction = 0.009 for CHD incidence and Pinteraction = 0.004 for mortality). Doseresponse associations and non-linear relationships between MVPA duration and CHD outcomes were also evaluated. Models were adjusted for demographic, lifestyle, and clinical covariates, including polygenic risk scores for CHD , and were validated through multiple sensitivity analyses. Findings In the CHD incidence analysis, 3,764 CHD events were recorded over a median follow-up duration of 7.88 years. In the mortality analysis, 593 deaths were recorded during 7.77 years of median follow-up. In total, 48.46% of the CHD -free population and 30.51% of CHD patients met the recommended MVPA duration. Notably, females lagged behind males in both MVPA intensity and duration. An increase in MVPA time by 30 minutes/week was associated with a lower risk of CHD , especially in females. Physically active males meeting standard recommendations had a lower CHD incidence rate (703.53 per 100,000 person-years) than physically inactive males (1,143.62 per 100,000 person-years). Similarly, physically active females showed a lower CHD incidence rate (249.16) than inactive females (519.28). In particular, males and females meeting standard recommendations experienced a 17% and 22% relative reduction in CHD incidence risk, respectively, with a similar pattern for those meeting the extended WHO recommendation. For mortality, adherence to the extended WHO 300-min/week recommendation was not significantly associated with lower risk after multivariable adjustment. Males required 530 minutes/week of MVPA, while females required 250 minutes/week to achieve a 30% reduction in CHD risk. An increase in the number of days meeting the daily standard recommendations was associated with a lower risk of incident CHD . An increment of adherence to standard recommendations by one day per week was associated with a reduced risk of CHD in both sexes. The mortality analysis showed protective effects of MVPA duration in both sexes. Among females with CHD , only 340 met the standard recommendations, with only six deaths recorded. However, 111 deaths occurred in female CHD patients who did not meet guidelines. Similarly, male CHD patients showed attenuated benefits, with guideline-adherent subjects having a low mortality rate compared to non-adherent individuals. Male CHD patients required 85 minutes/week and female CHD patients required 51 minutes/week of MVPA to achieve a comparable reduction in mortality risk. A one-day increment in meeting the standard recommendations was associated with 15% and 8% relative reduction in mortality risk in females and males, respectively. It is important to note the study's limitations, as emphasized by the authors. Because the study population was mostly White and had healthier lifestyles, the findings may not be generalizable to all populations. The mortality analysis involved a relatively small sample, and as an observational study, the results demonstrate association rather than causation. Conclusions In sum, the findings indicate substantial sex disparities in the clinical benefits of PA on CHD incidence and death. Females required less MVPA engagement compared to males to achieve a comparable reduction in CHD incidence risk and all-cause mortality. The results highlight the potential of sex-specific physical activity recommendations for CHD prevention and suggest that wearable accelerometry could help personalize exercise guidance. This underscores the need for sex-specific personalized management of CHD prevention. Further research is required to uncover the biological mechanisms underlying these sex differences. New research in Sweden has produced a "blueprint" revealing how the human heart is built during prenatal development. It offers insights that could lead to improved prenatal care and new treatments for heart defects, such as holes between heart chambers or deformities of the heart valves. Publishing in Nature Genetics, a research team led by the department of Gene Technology at KTH Royal Institute of Technology published a detailed map of the developing human heart, showing how different groups of cells are arranged and how they interact in fetal heart development. Congenital heart diseases, and several acquired ones, originate during early development, which highlights the importance of this period in defining a healthy heart." Eniko Lazar, co-lead author of the study "This map provides a kind of blueprint, showing how key parts of the heart-like the pacemaker system, heart valves, and the wall between the upper chambers-form and function," Lazar says. Among the findings was the discovery of a previously unknown group of cells that produce adrenaline. Lazar says these cells are likely unique to humans and may help the heart respond to low oxygen levels during development or birth. This may explain how the fetal heart adapts to stress and indicates a possible origin of rare heart tumors called pheochromocytomas, the researchers reported. KTH Professor Joakim Lundeberg, who led the research team, says the work was carried out with cutting-edge technology invented at KTH that allows researchers to study the activity of all genes in human tissue. This method of spatial transcriptomics enables visualization and analysis of the full range of messenger RNA, or mRNA, molecules expressed by an organism, says Raphael Mauron, co-lead author of the study. "With careful bioinformatic analysis, we can learn details of heart development that were not possible even a few years ago," Mauron says. Drawing on the Developmental Tissue Bank of Karolinska Institutet, the map identifies more than 70 distinct cell types, revealing a surprising variety among certain support cells and tracking how nerve connections begin to form. Other key insights reported: The cells forming heart valves and the atrial septum are more diverse, which offers clues to how the heart's internal structures form and why certain congenital heart defects-like valve malformations or holes between chambers-occur. The fetal heart has an unexpected variety of supporting cells, or mesenchymal cells, which provide a kind of scaffolding to help shape the heart's structure and may even be involved in diseases like valve defects or arrhythmias. A precise map of the wiring of cells that form the heart's natural pacemaker and conduction system, including the sinoatrial node, which sets the heartbeat, and Purkinje fibers, which spread the signal. The map also traces how nerve cells and their support cells grow into the heart and connect with pacemaker cells, revealing that different types of their signals-like noradrenaline and acetylcholine-start influencing the heart early on. The findings are available through an interactive online tool, offering a valuable resource for understanding heart development and its links to genetic heart conditions. The study was conducted by researchers from KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Karolinska Institutet, and Stockholm University through the joint research center Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab), as part of the Human Developmental Cell Atlas initiative funded by the Erling Persson Foundation and Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation. Representatives of the electronics retail market plan to sign a memorandum on compliance with good business practices and their dissemination in cooperation with state bodies, the press service of the Business Ombudsman Council reported. According to the report, the relevant intention was expressed by market representatives during the first business meeting with the participation of the Business Ombudsman Council, which acts as a facilitator of the process. The meeting participants agreed to develop and sign a relevant memorandum and a roadmap for the gradual change of business practices by companies that do not fully comply with them, as well as to introduce a procedure for monitoring compliance with the memorandum. In addition, the memorandum will provide for cooperation between market participants with the Economic Security Bureau, the State Tax Service, the State Financial Monitoring Service, and other bodies to spread transparent business practices to the electronics retail market. 7 arrested with brown sugar in Odishas Khurda Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 13:59 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Bhubaneswar, Oct 29 (PTI) Seven people were arrested with brown sugar in Odishas Khurda district, police said on Wednesday. Acting on a tip-off, a raid was conducted at a house in Daleisahi village in the Bolagarh police station area, they said. Recommended Stories A total of 314.97 gram of brown sugar worth over Rs 30 lakh was seized, SP Vivekananda Sharma said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Six men and a woman were arrested in the operation, he said. Among the other items seized were Rs 4 lakh in cash, five vehicles and a country-made gun, he added. PTI BBM BBM SOM Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: October 29, 2025, 13:59 IST News agency-feeds 7 arrested with brown sugar in Odishas Khurda Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Aviation ministry, AAI teams review proposal to upgrade Kishtwar airport Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 19:44 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Jammu, Oct 29 (PTI) A high-level team from Ministry of Civil Aviation and Airports Authority of India (AAI) on Wednesday reviewed the proposal to expand the Kishtwar airport under UDAN scheme. The team visited the proposed site to carry out a ground-level assessment of the area and feasibility of expansion. They also held meetings with local officials. Recommended Stories A five-member high-level special team deputed by Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, and AAI arrived in Kishtwar. They evaluated the status of the proposal for developing the airport under the UDAN scheme," a district official said. The team will submit its report to higher authorities, following which a further roadmap will be charted out. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Earlier this year, Union Minister Jitendra Singh had announced that Kishtwar would get a full-fledged airport facility and an upgraded airstrip adjacent to the Chaugan ground in the town. Singh said that with the development of a full-fledged airstrip at Kishtwar, the town will get a round-the-year facility for aircraft landing and take-off. PTI AB ANU ANU Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: October 29, 2025, 19:44 IST News agency-feeds Aviation ministry, AAI teams review proposal to upgrade Kishtwar airport Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Brazil: Death toll from police raids in Rio de Janeiro rises to 119 Last Updated: October 30, 2025, 01:59 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Rio de Janeiro [Brazil], October 30 (ANI): The death toll in the police raids on drug traffickers in Rio de Janeiro have risen to 119, Al Jazeera reported, citing the Brazillian Police officers. The figure marks a sharp rise from the earlier reported toll of 64.According to police, the operation was aimed at dismantling the Comando Vermelho, Rios most powerful criminal organisation. Among those killed were 115 suspected gang members and four police personnel. The raids, involving nearly 2,500 officers, were carried out across the northern neighbourhoods of Penha Complex and Alemao Complex.Local residents and activists, however, accused the police of summary executions. There are people who have been executed, many of them shot in the back of the head, shot in the back. This cannot be considered public safety," said 36-year-old resident and activist Raul Santiago.However, Rio de Janeiros state public defenders office has reported the death toll to be around 130. The elevated lethality of the operation was expected but not desired," Victor Santos, head of security for Rio state, said at a news conference on Wednesday, Al Jazeera reported. Brazils Justice Minister Ricardo Lewandowski stated that President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was horrified" by the high death toll and surprised that such an extensive operation was conducted without prior federal consultation.United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also voiced concern over the rising fatalities. He stresses that the use of force in police operations must adhere to international human rights law and standards, and urges the authorities to undertake a prompt investigation," UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric saidAs reported by Al Jazeera, the operation was backed by armoured vehicles, helicopters, and drones. Heavy exchanges of gunfire were reported, with officials claiming that gang members used buses as barricades and deployed explosive-laden drones to attack police forces. This is not ordinary crime, but narcoterrorism," Rio Governor Claudio Castro posted on X, sharing visuals of the clashes.Police operations in Rios favelas are frequent and often deadly. In 2024 alone, nearly 700 people were killed during such raids, averaging almost two deaths per day.Rights organisations have questioned the timing of the large-scale operation, which comes days ahead of major international events in Brazil. Rio de Janeiro is set to host the C40 World Mayors Summit and Prince Williams Earthshot Prize next week, followed by the United Nations COP30 climate summit in Belem from November 10. (ANI) Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: October 30, 2025, 01:59 IST News agency-feeds Brazil: Death toll from police raids in Rio de Janeiro rises to 119 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Former minister Zenith Sangma rejoins Congress in Meghalaya Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 16:44 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Shillong, Oct 29 (PTI) The Congress in Meghalaya on Wednesday welcomed former minister Zenith Sangma back into its fold, a day after he resigned from the Trinamool Congress. In a letter to A Chellakumar, AICC secretary in-charge of Meghalaya, Congress general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal said party president Mallikarjun Kharge has approved the proposal for Sangmas rejoining of the Indian National Congress (INC). top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Recommended Stories Sangma was formally welcomed into the party in Shillong by Meghalaya PCC president Vincent H Pala and other senior leaders. He had joined the TMC after quitting the Congress in 2021 along with his brother and former chief minister Mukul Sangma. PTI JOP MNB Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: October 29, 2025, 16:44 IST News agency-feeds Former minister Zenith Sangma rejoins Congress in Meghalaya Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Image that India not giving bilateral flying rights is wrong: IndiGo CEO Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 11:44 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi, Oct 29 (PTI) Highlighting the potential for international opportunities, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers on Wednesday said the image that India is not giving bilateral flying rights to overseas carriers is wrong". IndiGo, which has over 400 planes and is the countrys largest airline, has been rapidly expanding its International network. Recommended Stories Concerns have been expressed by certain overseas carriers, especially Gulf airlines, about India not increasing the bilateral flying rights. India is one of the worlds fastest growing civil aviation markets. Against this backdrop, Elbers asserted that the Indian government is taking the right steps with respect to bilateral flying rights and added that it requires a balanced approach". The image that India is not giving bilateral flying rights is wrong" and the country gives selective traffic rights wherever it makes sense, the IndiGo chief said. According to him, there is an enormous opportunity to have direct flights to international destinations from India. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all IndiGo is a household brand in India but is a new kid on the block" for overseas customers, Elbers said as he mentioned about international expansion and efforts to make it a global airline. In recent times, IndiGo has expanded its international network by commencing flights to London, Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Manchester. PTI RAM DR DR Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: October 29, 2025, 11:44 IST News agency-feeds Image that India not giving bilateral flying rights is wrong: IndiGo CEO Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... India High Commission hosts welcome reception for newly arrived students in UK Last Updated: October 30, 2025, 02:44 IST Representational image (Image: News18) London [UK], October 30 (ANI): The High Commission of India in London hosted a special welcome reception for newly arrived Indian students who have begun their academic journey across universities in the United Kingdom.The event saw a gathering of approximately 700-900 students, making it one of the largest student welcome events hosted by the High Commission this year.High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom Vikram Doraiswami addressed the gathering, welcoming the students to the UK and encouraging them to embrace academic excellence, cultural exchange, and community engagement.I hope this will be an interesting and rewarding educational opportunity in this country. We are, of course, among the largest cohorts of students here in the UK. Of the foreign student community here, entirely in this country. The Indian student community is the largest for the third year running at 166,000 students across the UK. So, importantly, we bring not just diversity, which, of course, we do, in every form. India is the most diverse country on the planet, and we certainly add a bit of diversity when we come wherever we go," Vikram Doraiswami said. We also add value. Our students are among the brightest and the best that we have. And your presence here is a reflection of all that you are capable of doing and the value that you bring to your studies, to your research or to whatever it is that you are doing here," he added.High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami also emphasised the economic value that the students add to the UK. Your presence here supports businesses, the businesses that do everything from offering you your food to your cell phone contract to your IT and your Wi-Fi at your residences because of course what is our current generation without Wi-Fi and without that particular thing, your ability to be permanently connected with the world through that device that all of you are carrying in your pockets or in your hands," he said. He highlighted the importance of staying connected with the Indian community and assured the Missions continued support for students throughout their stay.It might not seem like a big deal at this point in time, but when you come, youre busy, youre settling in, and theres a lot thats happening around you. Its easy to forget that the experience, the social experience, is going to be a bit different. Those of your friends who you might have met at your university or your hometown who are already here might have given you a bit of a sense of it. But this is something you cannot learn from somebody else. Its something you will experience only yourself," he said. The High Commission reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a strong and supportive environment for Indian students abroad, encouraging them to participate in cultural programmes, student forums, and community initiatives organised throughout the year. (ANI) Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: October 30, 2025, 02:44 IST News agency-feeds India High Commission hosts welcome reception for newly arrived students in UK Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... King Charles, Queen Camilla visit Londons iconic Neasden Temple Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 21:44 IST Representational image (Image: News18) London, Oct 29 (PTI) Britains King Charles III and Queen Camilla on Wednesday observed prayers and spiritual offerings during a visit to mark the 30th anniversary celebrations of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, popularly known as Neasden Temple, in London. The 76-year-old monarch was greeted with the traditional nadachadi, or sacred thread tying ceremony symbolising bonds of peace and friendship, by Head Priest Sadhu Yogvivekdas Swami. Recommended Stories The royals, who removed their shoes at the entrance, were garlanded with flowers tied with pearls before a tour of the ornate temple complex Europes first traditional Hindu stone temple, which opened in August 1995. Dev Patel, an 11-year-old schoolboy, performed a petals tribute ritual to the sacred image of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, the principal deity of the temple, as the King folded his hands in namaskar. He expressed his gratitude and wished the congregation a belated Happy Diwali" after observing the abhishek ceremony of Shri Nilkanth Varni Maharaj, the teenage form of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, performed by the Patel family from south-east London. This Mandir is the home of God. Over these last 30 years, it has become an integral part of the religious, cultural landscape of our great nation; admired not only for its partnership, but for what it embodies a living centre of devotion, learning and service," said Sadhu Yogvivekdas, in his welcome address. This is all inspired and guided by our spiritual leader, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, and the values that he upholds values such as compassion, respect, harmony, values such as humility, sincerity and integrity. All values that Their Majesties have also espoused throughout a lifetime of public service," he said. The priest highlighted the comfort, encouragement and genuine friendship" offered to the temple by Charles over the years, including with past visits as the Prince of Wales in 1996 and 2007, and last in 2009 when he was also joined by Camilla, then Duchess of Cornwall. In a video message from India, Mahant Swami Maharaj expressed his prayers for the good health and well-being of the royals as they gathered in the main assembly hall where schoolchildren performed a Vedic prayer for world peace entitled Shanti Path. During their tour with Jitu Patel, Chair of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha UK, the King and Queen paused to admire the 10-metre-high central dome renowned for its intricate carvings. In the Haveli" foyer of the temple, the royals explored the model of a new BAPS Mandir currently under construction in Paris and set to become the first traditional Hindu temple in France when it opens next year. Indian High Commissioner to the UK Vikram Doraiswami joined project lead Sanjay Kara and architects to reflect upon the scale and significance of the new temple. Representatives of social impact initiatives supported by the temple, including the Felix Project and Women of the World (WoW), were among the community members gathered for a brief interaction with the royals. Built using classical Vedic architectural principles and without any structural steel, the Neasden Temple prides itself as a symbol of devotion and Indian craftsmanship. Marble and limestone were hand-carved in India by skilled artisans before being shipped to London, where it was assembled with the support of thousands of volunteers and donors from across the UK and abroad. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Beyond its architecture, the temple is a centre of culture and learning, attracting school groups, dignitaries and visitors from around the world to gain insights into Hindu values, peace, and global harmony. The Haveli is designed as a hub with spaces for prayer, community gatherings, education, and celebration. The temples charitable work includes the annual BAPS Charity Challenge, which raises funds for educational and community programmes. From surplus food redistribution to youth service initiatives, the focus of the charitable work is around sewa, or selfless service, to create impact with dignity. PTI AK ZH ZH Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: October 29, 2025, 21:44 IST News agency-feeds King Charles, Queen Camilla visit Londons iconic Neasden Temple Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Murder convict dies during treatment in Ranchi, family members seek justice Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 21:44 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Chatra (Jharkhand), Oct 29 (PTI) Family members of a murder convict, who died during treatment in a hospital in Ranchi, demonstrated with the body seeking justice in Jharkhands Chatra district, police said on Wednesday. The deceased Seeton Bhuiyan, the resident of Raja Kendua village under Itkhori police station limits in Chatra district, was convicted of the murder of a young woman in 2018. Recommended Stories Bhuiyan, who was suffering from tuberculosis, died in Ranchis Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) during treatment on Tuesday, police said. The body was taken to his village by the administration on Tuesday and handed over to the family members for cremation. But the deceaseds family refused to cremate the body, demanding the release of 17 other prisoners convicted in the same murder case, they said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The family members, along with several others, demonstrated with the body from 11 pm on Tuesday to 3 pm on Wednesday. Following the intervention of the administration, the body was cremated on Wednesday, the police added. Abhishek Singh, the officer in charge of Itkhori police station, said, A woman had succumbed to her burn injuries in 2018. Her father then filed a case against 20 persons from the Bhuiyan community, accusing them of murder. The Chatra district court sentenced 18 of the accused to life imprisonment, while acquitting the other two." PTI COR RPS NN Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: October 29, 2025, 21:44 IST News agency-feeds Murder convict dies during treatment in Ranchi, family members seek justice Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... NGO launches initiative to welcome birth of baby girls with Rs 5,000 deposit Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 16:44 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Latur, Oct 29 (PTI) A non-governmental organisation has launched an initiative in a village in Maharashtras Latur district to celebrate the birth of girls by depositing Rs 5,000 for each newborn. The Viral village under Jalkot tehsil recently saw the birth of three baby girls, who have been named Pragati, Snesha and Reva, following which the NGO felicitated their parents on Monday and handed them cheques, said one of its officials. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Recommended Stories Jyoti Maddevad of Rangakarmi Pratishthan, which has started the initiative, said they want every girls birth to be celebrated with pride and responsibility. We aim to blend social awareness with economic security and show that Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao is not just a slogan but a living practice," she added. PTI COR NR Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: October 29, 2025, 16:44 IST News agency-feeds NGO launches initiative to welcome birth of baby girls with Rs 5,000 deposit Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Now Reddy has neck spasms, out of first three T20Is against Australia Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 13:59 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Canberra, Oct 29 (PTI) Injury prone all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been ruled out of the first three T20 Internationals against Australia due to neck spasms, the BCCI said on Wednesday. Reddy, who was ruled out of the third ODI against Australia in Sydney due to quadriceps injury, has now sustained a new niggle. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Recommended Stories Nitish Kumar Reddy has been ruled out for the first three T20Is. The all-rounder who was recovering from his left quadriceps injury sustained during the second ODI in Adelaide, complained of neck spasms, which has impacted his recovery and mobility. The BCCI Medical Team is monitoring his progress," BCCI stated in a media release. The 22-year-old has been on the sidelines off and on in the past one year due to various injuries. PTI KHS KHS PDS PDS Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: October 29, 2025, 13:59 IST News agency-feeds Now Reddy has neck spasms, out of first three T20Is against Australia Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Photo: https://www.facebook.com/dshmyhal Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal has held a meeting with Portuguese Minister of National Defense Nuno Melo, during which they discussed, among other things, Portugal's participation in the Purchase of American Weapons for Ukraine (PURL) initiative, as well as the possibility of implementing joint projects under the SAFE program. Thanked him for Portugals active participation in the UDCG and for its contribution of $12 million to the International Fund for the procurement of weapons for Ukraine (IFU). We discussed Portugals participation in the PURL initiative. I thanked for the already announced contribution of $50 million. Also, discussed the possibility of implementing joint projects under the SAFE program, Shmyhal said on X Wednesday. The head of the Ukrainian defense ministry also noted that the parties discussed strengthening Ukraine's air defense. "We are also interested in expanding cooperation in the areas of unmanned systems, tactical communications, cyber defense, and maritime technologies. Thank you to Portugal for its unwavering support of our country!" Shmyhal concluded. President Murmu takes sortie in Rafale fighter jet Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 11:44 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Ambala, Oct 29 (PTI) President Droupadi Murmu undertook a sortie in a Rafale fighter jet from the Air Force Station in Haryanas Ambala on Wednesday. Air Chief Marshal A P Singh also flew in a sperate aircraft from the same airbase. Recommended Stories Before getting on to the Rafale jet, the President wore a G-suit. Murmu, who was holding a helmet in her hand and wearing sun glasses, also posed for pictures with the pilot. Shortly before the aircraft took off at 11.27 am, the President waved from inside the jet. The President was also accorded a ceremonial guard of honour after she arrived at the Air Force Station this morning. Rafale jets were used during Operation Sindoor, launched by India in response to the April 22 dastardly Pahalgam terror attack. In April 2023, Murmu, the supreme commander of the Indian armed forces has undertaken a sortie in Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter aircraft at the Tezpur Air Force Station, Assam. Former presidents A P J Abdul Kalam and Pratibha Patil had undertaken sorties in Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter aircraft at the Air Force Station, Lohegaon near Pune on June 8, 2006 and November 25, 2009, respectively. Manufactured by French aerospace major Dassault Aviation, Rafale fighter aircraft were formally inducted into the Indian Air Force in September 2020 at the Air Force Station, Ambala. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The first five Rafale aircraft, which had arrived from France on July 27, 2020, were inducted in 17 Squadron, the Golden Arrows. The Rafale jets were used in Operation Sindoor, which was launched on May 7 to destroy several terror infrastructures in territories controlled by Pakistan. The strikes triggered four days of intense clashes that ended with an understanding on stopping the military actions on May 10. PTI SUN CHS VSD MPB NB Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: October 29, 2025, 11:44 IST News agency-feeds President Murmu takes sortie in Rafale fighter jet Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Tiruppur symbol of entrepreneurship, exports set to double: V P Radhakrishnan Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 20:59 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu), Oct 29 (PTI) Vice President C P Radhakrishnan on Wednesday described Tiruppur as a symbol of entrepreneurship" and expressed confidence that the textile hub would double its exports in the coming years. On a brief visit to his hometown in neighbouring Tiruppur district, Radhakrishnan offered prayers at various temples and attended a felicitation event organised in his honour. Recommended Stories Addressing the gathering, the vice president urged youngsters to pursue their goals with focus and determination without getting distracted. Tiruppur is a symbol of entrepreneurship, and the textile town will double its exports in the coming years," he said. Expressing gratitude to the people for the grand reception, Radhakrishnan recalled the pivotal role his teachers played in shaping his life. Ups and downs are a natural part of life. Only those who make consistent efforts ultimately succeed," he said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The office of the Vice President of India shared Radhakrishnans comments and photos from the event in a social media post. On October 28, Radhakrishnan, who is on a two-day visit to Tamil Nadu after assuming office, was felicitated by the Coimbatore Citizen Forum at CODISSIA and presented with a Guard of Honour. PTI VIJ SSK Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: October 29, 2025, 20:59 IST News agency-feeds Tiruppur symbol of entrepreneurship, exports set to double: V P Radhakrishnan Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Trump says looking forward to meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping Last Updated: October 30, 2025, 04:44 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Gyeongju [South Korea], October 30 (ANI): US President Donald Trump said that he is looking forward" to his scheduled meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Busan, South Korea, on Thursday.Very much looking forward to my meeting with President Xi of China. It will take place in a few hours!" Donald Trump said in a post on X. Earlier, during his speech at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, Trump said the expected trade deal would be good for both countries and something very exciting for everybody".Thats really a great result. Thats better than fighting and going through all sorts of problems," Trump said in an address to a business luncheon on the sidelines of the APEC gathering in Gyeongju.Trump is scheduled to meet Xi on Thursday in the coastal city of Busan, about 85 kilometres south of Gyeongju, in their first face-to-face encounter since the US president launched his second trade war with China.Speaking on Air Force One earlier on Wednesday, Trump said he expected the agreement to solve a lot of problems" and include lower tariffs on Chinese goods in exchange for Beijing taking steps to curb the production of fentanyl.Trump has imposed a 20 per cent tariff on Chinese goods over what he claims is Beijings failure to crack down on the flow of chemicals used in making the deadly opioid, as per Al Jazeera.US officials have previously indicated that a deal is likely to include the deferral of Chinas planned export controls on rare earth minerals and an additional 100 per cent US tariff on Chinese goods, along with a commitment by Beijing to buy more US agricultural products.Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday confirmed that Xi would meet Trump, but did not specifically refer to the deal, as reported by Al Jazeera.At this meeting, the two leaders will have in-depth communication on strategic, long-term issues related to China-US relations and major issues of common concern," spokesperson Guo Jiakun told a regular media briefing. (ANI) Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: October 30, 2025, 04:44 IST News agency-feeds Trump says looking forward to meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... US Senate rejects Trumps 50 per cent tariff imposition on Brazil Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 11:44 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Washington DC [US], October 29 (ANI): The US Senate has voted 52 to 48 to block US President Donald Trumps 50 per cent tariff imposition on Brazilian goods, rejecting the national emergency declaration he used to impose the measure in July, Politico reported.According to Politico, the voting on Tuesday (local time) saw five Republican SenatorsThom Tillis from North Carolina, Susan Collins from Maine, Lisa Murkowski from Alaska, Mitch McConnell from Kentucky, and Rand Paul from Kentuckyjoining Democrats in supporting the resolution.The vote, which comes as part of a series of three expected resolutions targeting Trumps tariffs on Brazil, Canada, and other countries, highlights rising concerns in Congress over the economic impact of the Presidents trade policies on US farmers and small businesses.Senator Rand Paul, a leading critic of the tariffs, said, Emergencies are like war, famine [and] tornadoes. Not liking someones tariffs is not an emergency. Its an abuse of the emergency power and its Congress abdicating their traditional role in taxes," as quoted by Politico.Democratic Senator Ron Wyden from Oregon, a co-sponsor of resolutions against Canada and global tariffs, said there is growing frustration among lawmakers as constituents complain about higher prices and economic strain caused by the trade measures.Republican senators who go home and they just feel like theyre getting hit by a trade wrecking ball," he said, as quoted by Politico. People come up and say, the tariffs are killing us. You go to the grocery store, and everybodys up in arms," he added. In July, Trump announced the 50 per cent tariff on Brazilian exports, citing its treatment of former President Jair Bolsonaro, a Trump ally, over his role in attempting to overturn Brazils 2022 election, as well as Brazils policies on digital content affecting US social media firms.His national emergency declaration cited Brazils policies as an unusual and extraordinary threat" to the US national security, foreign policy, and economy.Several lawmakers, including Senator Tim Kaine from Virginia, also criticised the use of emergency powers to impose tariffs, warning it could set a dangerous precedent.Dont lie and say theres an energy emergency when there isnt. Dont lie and say Brazils prosecution of a president is an emergency when its not. Dont use the lie to increase the price of coffee by 40 per cent in a year. Dont use the lie to punish a country with whom we have a trade surplus. Dont lie and dont hurt my citizens," Kaine said, as quoted by Politico.While the Senate vote signals opposition, the measure remains largely symbolic, as House Republican leaders have delayed a vote on overruling the tariffs until March, shielding lawmakers from backlash from farmers and businesses in their states, as reported by Politico.Meanwhile, next week, the US Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments on whether Trump overstepped his authority by using an emergency declaration to impose tariffs globally. (ANI) Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: October 29, 2025, 11:44 IST News agency-feeds US Senate rejects Trumps 50 per cent tariff imposition on Brazil Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Yunus fears attempts to thwart planned Bangladesh polls Last Updated: October 30, 2025, 00:44 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Dhaka, Oct 29 (PTI) Bangladeshs interim government chief Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday said he feared forces from home and abroad" to thwart planned general elections over debarring deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasinas Awami League from contesting. Many forces from inside and outside the country will work to spoil the election. Many powerful forces, not minor ones, will attempt to thwart it. Sudden attacks may come," Yunuss press secretary Shafiqul Alam quoted him as saying at a high-level meeting on election preparedness. Recommended Stories Chief Adviser Yunus, he said, told the meeting that the election will be challenging" as various types of propaganda will be carried out in a planned manner from inside and outside the country". Yunus said AI-generated images and videos would also circulate online and on social media platforms, stressing immediate action to prevent the spread of such content. We must overcome them (obstacles)," 85-year-old Yunus was quoted as saying. His comments coincided with Hasinas interview with foreign news agencies and the UK-based The Independent newspaper on the same day. This was Hasinas her first such interactions with mainstream media since August 5 last year, when a violent student-led protest toppled her government. Since her ouster, 78-year-old Hasina has been staying in India while most of the leaders of her party and government were in jail or on the run at home and abroad. Three days after her ouster, Yunus flew in from Paris to take charge of the interim government saying the students were his appointer. The Yunus administration subsequently disbanded the Awami League activities under an executive order citing national security threats charging Hasina and several of party leaders under trial in Bangladeshs International Crimes Tribunal in absentia. The Election Commission suspended the Awami Leagues registration, disqualifying the party from contesting polls while in her interviews on Wednesday Hasina said millions of party supporters will boycott election". Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) of former premier Khaleda Zia is seen as the frontrunner in Awami Leagues absence. Several Awami League supporters in recent months have staged sudden or flash street marches in the capital to make visible their presence. Police in the past several months have arrested several hundred activists of the banned party" for staging the marches. On Wednesday, five of its junior leaders were arrested overnight on charges of bringing out sudden processions in different parts of the capital. Despite her stay overseas and ongoing trial in absentia, Hasina in her interviews insisted that she remained committed to restoring democracy" in the country. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Only free, fair, and inclusive elections can heal the country," she told the Independent newspaper of the UK while in other interviews she said the next government must have electoral legitimacy. Millions of people support the Awami League, so as things stand, they will not vote. You cannot disenfranchise millions of people if you want a political system that works," she said, rejecting any government formed without her partys participation in the voting. PTI AR GSP GSP Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: October 30, 2025, 00:44 IST News agency-feeds Yunus fears attempts to thwart planned Bangladesh polls Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Leo Horoscope Today, October 29, 2025 Written By : GaneshaGrace Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 06:30 IST Leo Daily Horoscope, October 29, 2025: Patience needed amid delays. Family support, careful finances, and steady work will bring positive outcomes and inner confidence. Leo Horoscope Today: Astrological predictions by Chirag Daruwalla for simha rashi on October 29 2025. (AI generated image) Leo Daily Horoscope Today, October 29 2025: Ganesha says this morning, due to a delay or deterioration in some important work, you will be full of anger throughout the day, yet be gentle in your behavior; otherwise, you will lose out on other benefits too. The advice of elders in the family is going to be very useful today, so take care that the relationship stays healthy. Employed people will generally be active in work and may have to travel for office work. Due to laziness and fatigue in the evening, they will prefer solitude. Family members will be ready to cooperate even after some differences. Money income will be moderate. Do not use cold things. Recommended Stories Positive- Financial conditions will remain normal, but you will be successful in keeping your budget balanced. Keep moving forward with confidence in your abilities. You will feel positive energy within yourself. Perhaps you are receiving the blessings of a divine power. Negative- Caution is needed in any financial transactions. Students should not neglect their studies, as this could negatively impact their results. Maintaining cordial relationships with your brothers will be your responsibility. Business- Your efforts and hard work in business will yield positive results. During this time, maintain distance from people with conflicting tendencies. A profitable business trip may also be possible. It is important for employed people to maintain appropriate behavior in the office. Finance- If you have been interested in the stock market for some time, then instead of investing any money in it at this time, just continue your research. Whatever investment you make now, it should be for the long term. Short-term investments made at this time will probably yield fewer fruits than investments made keeping in mind your future financial goals. You may need to be cautious in your business, and you also need to pay attention to your investments. Today is going to bring a loss of money for you, so you may need to control your expenses. Those employed may get their pending promotion. This period is likely to be very good for domestic life. You will get to see goodwill and love among family members. You can go on outings with your family. Due to excess work, it seems difficult to meet your lover in person. Love- There will be tension between husband and wife due to some misunderstanding. Do not let this affect household arrangements. Health- Health will be fine. However, excessive workload may cause leg pain and fatigue. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Lucky Colour- Dark Green Lucky Number- 2 (The author Chirag Daruwalla is the son of Astrologer Bejan Daruwalla). About the Author Chirag Daruwalla Chirag Daruwalla, a renowned Indian astrologer with 18+ years of experience, provides expert guidance in career, health, finance, business, and more. He combines Vedic and Western astrology, I-Ching, ... Read More First Published: October 29, 2025, 06:30 IST News astrology Leo Horoscope Today, October 29, 2025 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Why Does Lord Shiva Wear Tiger Skin? The Hidden Lesson Behind The Fierce Form Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 14:35 IST The tiger and elephant skins are not trophies, but symbols of what must be shed desire and ego. By wearing what others fear or reject, Shiva teaches transformation. Each of us face our own tigers of longing and elephants of pride. The real victory lies not in accumulating power, but in surrendering it (Image: Canva) The image of Lord Shiva draped in tiger skin and wearing the hide of a slain elephant can appear fierce, even unsettling. Yet, behind this form lies deep symbolism and timeless wisdom. Every element of Shivas appearance tells a story one that teaches humanity about detachment, humility, and the higher purpose of life. The form is not about violence or power, but about mastering the very forces that bind human beings desire and ego. Recommended Stories The Lesson of the Tiger Skin In Hindu thought, the tiger is more than a wild beast. It symbolizes ambition, anger, lust, and restless desire the untamed drives that chase humans through life. According to legend, the sages of the Daruka forest once released a tiger to attack Shiva. Effortlessly, he subdued it and wore its hide. The meaning is profound. Desire, like the tiger, can devour a person, but it can also be tamed through awareness and detachment. The tiger skin thus becomes a symbol of victory over craving. It reminds us that liberation is not achieved by suppression, but through understanding and transcending desire itself. The Elephant Skin and the Fall of Ego The Shiva Purana tells the story of Gajasura, a powerful elephant demon consumed by pride. His arrogance made even the gods tremble. When Shiva destroyed him and wore his hide, he was not celebrating conquest but teaching humility. The elephant represents ego and vanity, the belief that power or knowledge makes one superior. By wearing the elephants skin, Shiva becomes a living reminder that no matter how mighty the ego, it collapses before truth. This act transforms violence into metaphor; it is not destruction of life, but of arrogance. Why Shiva Wears Ash and Skin Unlike other deities adorned with ornaments and gold, Shiva lives simply clothed in animal skins, smeared with ash, and dwelling in forests or cremation grounds. This simplicity holds profound meaning. Ash signifies the impermanence of all things; everything that burns, no matter how grand, ends in dust. The skin represents the natural world and the fragility of the body. Together they teach renunciation that peace comes not from owning more, but from realizing how little we actually need. Shivas message is clear: even the Lord of the Universe is content with the bare essentials. The Yogis Path of Mastery Ancient yoga texts describe meditating upon tiger skin as an act of discipline. For yogis, it is not decoration but a tool a reminder to conquer the tiger within, the restless energy of the mind. Shiva, as the first Yogi, embodies that state of mastery. Through his form, he shows that true strength lies not in control over others, but in control over oneself. Yoga, in this sense, is the bridge between desire and peace, between chaos and inner stillness. Two Faces of the Divine In Hindu philosophy, Vishnu and Shiva represent two complementary aspects of the divine. Vishnu, adorned with jewels, preserves and sustains creation. Shiva, clothed in ash and skin, dissolves illusion and leads seekers toward liberation. One protects the world; the other frees it from attachment. Together, they form the cycle of existence creation, preservation, and transformation. Shedding Desire and Ego The tiger and elephant skins are not trophies, but symbols of what must be shed desire and ego. By wearing what others fear or reject, Shiva teaches transformation. Sorrow can become wisdom; weakness can become strength. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Each of us faces our own tigers of longing and elephants of pride. The real victory lies not in accumulating power, but in surrendering it. Shivas form stands as a reminder that spiritual evolution begins with letting go. When desire is mastered and ego dissolved, what remains is peace a stillness fierce enough to burn ignorance and calm enough to embrace the world. That is the message of the one who wears both ash and eternity. About the Author Lifestyle Desk Our life needs a bit of style to get the perfect zing in the daily routine. News18 Lifestyle is one-stop destination for everything you need to know about the world of fashion, food, health, travel, r... Read More First Published: October 29, 2025, 14:35 IST News astrology Why Does Lord Shiva Wear Tiger Skin? The Hidden Lesson Behind The Fierce Form Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... FM Nirmala Sitharaman Meets EU Delegation To Boost India-EU Trade & Investment Ties Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 16:27 IST The discussion focused on enhancing India-EU trade and investment ties, with both sides looking forward to deeper and mutually beneficial cooperation, says the finance ministry. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met the Committee on International Trade Affairs (INTA) from the European Parliament in New Delhi on Wednesday. Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday met members of the Committee on International Trade Affairs (INTA) from the European Parliament in New Delhi to discuss ways to strengthen economic cooperation between India and the European Union (EU). According to a post by the finance ministry on X, the meeting focused on enhancing trade and investment relations, with both sides expressing commitment to building deeper and mutually beneficial partnerships. Recommended Stories Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman met the Committee on International Trade Affairs (INTA) from the European Parliament, in New Delhi, today. The discussion with the delegation focused on enhancing India-EU trade and investment ties, with both sides looking forward to deeper and mutually beneficial cooperation," the finance ministry said in the post on October 29, 2025. Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairrs Smt. @nsitharaman met the Committee on International Trade Affairs #INTA from the European Parliament @Europarl_EN, in New Delhi, today.The discussion with the delegation focused on enhancing IndiaEU trade and investment pic.twitter.com/kP6TTZsEue Ministry of Finance (@FinMinIndia) October 29, 2025 The European Parliaments INTA Committee plays a key role in shaping the EUs trade policies and external economic relations. The discussions come at a time when India and the EU are working towards finalising a free trade agreement (FTA), negotiations for which have been ongoing to create a more balanced and growth-oriented framework for bilateral trade. Meanwhile, the commerce ministry on Wednesday said India and the EU agreed that issues related to steel, auto, carbon border adjustment mechanism and other regulations need more discussions due to higher sensitivities. Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to conclude the India-EU FTA by the end of 2025, following the clear direction from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen during the College of Commissioners visit to New Delhi in February 2025. The engagement focused on achieving a mutually beneficial, balanced and equitable trade agreement, reflecting the depth of political trust and the strategic ties between India and the European Union, and at the same time respecting each others sensitivities and priorities," the ministry said. India recognises the importance of ensuring that the FTA remains balanced in addressing both tariff and non-tariff barriers and creating transparent and predictable regulatory frameworks that accelerate trade for both partners in the coming years. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all There was intensive engagement to explore possible landing zones on the outstanding issues. There was also a good discussion on Indias concerns on Non Tariff Measures and the new EU regulations. During the negotiations, HCIM emphasised the need for preferential treatment for Indias key asks, particularly those with respect to labour-intensive sectors. Both sides agreed to work closely to finalise the non-sensitive industrial tariff lines. They also agreed that issues related to Steel, Auto, CBAM, and other EU regulations still require further discussion, as these issues have higher sensitivities, according to the statement. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal had held discussions on the proposed trade deal with the European Union during his visit to Brussels from October 26 to 28. His visit came soon after the 14th round of negotiations between the two sides, which took place from October 6 to 10. About the Author Mohammad Haris Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to personal finance, markets, economy and companies. Having over a decade of experience in financial journalis... Read More First Published: October 29, 2025, 16:27 IST News business economy FM Nirmala Sitharaman Meets EU Delegation To Boost India-EU Trade & Investment Ties Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Orkla India IPO Gets 0.8x Subscription On Day 1: Should You Apply? Check GMP, Price, Reviews Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 17:15 IST Orkla India has fixed a price band of Rs 695 to Rs 730 per share, aiming for a valuation of around Rs 10,000 crore at the upper end. Orkla India IPO to remain open for public subscription till Friday, October 31. Orkla India IPO GMP Today: The initial public offering (IPO) of Orkla India, which owns spices and condiments brands MTR and Eastern, opened today, Wednesday, October 29. The Rs 1,667.5-crore mainboard IPO will remain open for three days till October 31. The price band has been fixed at Rs 695 to Rs 730 per share. On the first day of bidding on Wednesday, the IPO received a 0.79x subscription, garnering bids for 1,25,95,680 shares as against the 1,59,99,104 shares on offer. Its retail category has received a 0.90x subscription, while the NII (non-institutional investor) quota has received a 1.53x subscription. The QIB category received a 0.02x subscription. Recommended Stories On Tuesday, the company raised around Rs 500 crore from anchor investors, a day before its maiden public opening for subscription. The allotment saw participation from a strong mix of leading domestic and global institutional investors. Orkla India IPO: Valuation, Lot Size & Price Band The company has fixed a price band of Rs 695 to Rs 730 per share, aiming for a valuation of around Rs 10,000 crore at the upper end. The companys 1,667.5-crore IPO is a complete offer for sale (OFS) of 2.28 crore equity shares by promoter and other shareholders, with no fresh issue component. Under the OFS, promoter Orkla Asia Pacific Pte and shareholders Navas Meeran and Feroz Meeran are offloading shares. Currently, promoters Orkla Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd and Norwegian industrial investment company Orkla ASA hold 90 per cent stake, while Navas Meeran and Feroz Meeran own 5 per cent stake each in the company. Since it is an OFS, the company will not receive any proceeds from the IPO and the entire money will go to the selling shareholders. Orkla India IPO GMP Today According to market observers, unlisted shares of Orkla India Ltd are currently trading at Rs 807 apiece in the grey market, against the upper IPO price of Rs 730. It means a grey market premium (GMP) of 10.55%, indicating mild listing gains for investors. The GMP is based on market sentiments and keeps changing. Grey market premium indicates investors readiness to pay more than the issue price. Orkla India IPO: Should You Apply? Brokerages hold mixed views on the Orkla India IPO. According to SBI Securities, the company is virtually debt-free, maintains healthy return ratios and margins, and consistently generates stable cash flows of Rs 300-400 crore annually. Its flagship brands, MTR and Eastern, command a strong presence in Karnataka and Kerala. Over the past three years, Orkla has reported a CAGR of 5% in sales, 12.9% in EBITDA, and 22.9% in PBT. However, its adjusted profit after tax (PAT) fell from Rs 338 crore in FY23 to Rs 289 crore in FY25, primarily due to a one-time tax reversal in FY23. SBI Securities noted that at the upper end of the price band of Rs 730 per share, the IPO is valued at 34.6 times its FY25 earnings on a post-issue basis. The brokerage believes the issue appears fairly valued considering the companys growth record and has assigned it a Neutral rating, preferring to monitor its performance post-listing. In contrast, Arihant Capital has given a Subscribe for long term recommendation, citing Orkla Indias capital-efficient and debt-free business model that ensures steady cash flow generation and robust margins. It values the company at a P/E of 31.68 times FY25 earnings, reflecting its leadership in key categories, strong profitability, and long-term growth potential. For FY25, Orkla India posted revenue of Rs 2,394.7 crore, adjusted EBITDA of Rs 396.4 crore (margin of 16.6%), and PAT of Rs 255.7 crore (margin of 10.7%). Arihant Capital highlighted that the companys return ratios remain among the best in the sector, with ROCE (return on capital employed) at 32.7%, significantly outperforming its peers. Orkla India, formerly known as MTR Foods, is a multi-category Indian food company. It manufactures products as spices and masalas, ready-to-eat, sweets and breakfast mixes, under prominent brands such as MTR, Rasoi Magic, and Eastern. The company sells its products under the brands MTR and Eastern. Orkla India will make its debut on the stock exchanges on November 6. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Orkla India IPO: Closing, Allotment, Listing Dates The IPO will remain open for public subscription between October 29 and October 31. Its share allotment will be finalised on November 3, while the stock listing is scheduled to take place on November 6 on both the BSE and the NSE. About the Author Mohammad Haris Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to personal finance, markets, economy and companies. Having over a decade of experience in financial journalis... Read More First Published: October 29, 2025, 10:24 IST News business ipo Orkla India IPO Gets 0.8x Subscription On Day 1: Should You Apply? Check GMP, Price, Reviews Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Stocks To Watch: Adani Green, Tata Capital, RailTel, Coal India, Varun Beverages, And Others Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 08:12 IST Stocks to watch: Shares of firms like Adani Green, Tata Capital, RailTel, Coal India, Varun Beverages, and others will be in focus on Wednesday's trade Stock Market Today (Source: Freepik) Stocks to Watch Today: October 29, 2025: Indian markets ended flat on Tuesday amid a choppy trading session, as investors turned cautious ahead of global central bank meetings and major US tech earnings. Analysts, however, maintain a positive medium-term outlook and recommend selective buying based on relative strength. Q2FY26 Results to Watch Recommended Stories Several major companies are set to release their Q2FY26 earnings today, including: Larsen & Toubro, NTPC Green Energy, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation, Coal India, CG Power and Industrial Solutions, Varun Beverages, Bharat Heavy Electricals, NMDC, Steel Authority of India, United Breweries, Radico Khaitan, NLC India, LIC Housing Finance, Mahanagar Gas, and RailTel Corporation of India. Adani Green Energy Adani Green reported a 25% YoY rise in consolidated net profit to 644 crore for Q2FY26, compared to 515 crore last year. Revenue from operations grew 20% YoY to 2,776 crore, supported by higher generation capacity. Tata Capital The Tata Group NBFC posted a 33% YoY increase in net profit at 1,128 crore, driven by strong growth in net interest income (2,637 crore) and fee income (588 crore). Shares closed 0.64% higher at 330.95 on the BSE. TVS Motor Company TVS Motors net profit rose 42% YoY to 795.5 crore in Q2FY26 on record two- and three-wheeler sales. Total income climbed 25% to 14,037 crore. The company sold 1.51 million units, up 23% from a year earlier. Shree Cement Shree Cement posted over a fourfold jump in consolidated profit to 309.8 crore, compared to 76.6 crore last year. Revenue rose 17.4% to 4,761 crore, aided by higher sales volumes and premiumisation. Raymond Realty The companys Q2FY26 profit surged to 60.2 crore from 4.9 crore in Q2FY25, with revenue up 208% YoY at 696.5 crore. MD Harmohan Sahni attributed the performance to strong demand and execution efficiency. Mahindra Finance Mahindra Finance reported a 45% YoY increase in net profit to 564 crore. Net interest income grew 14.6% to 2,279 crore, while the loan book expanded 13% YoY. Total disbursements rose 3% to 13,514 crore. InfoBeans Technologies Promoters plan to sell up to 3% and/or pledge up to 10% of the companys equity over the next 12 months to meet family needs, the company informed exchanges. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders The defence PSU signed a Teaming Agreement with Swan Defence and Heavy Industries (SDHI) to collaborate on the design and construction of Landing Platform Docks (LPD5) for the Indian Navy. PNB Housing Finance Crisil Ratings assigned a Crisil AA+/Stable rating to 3,410 crore NCDs, enhanced total rated bank loan facilities to 9,000 crore, and reaffirmed existing ratings. Signatureglobal (India) The company raised 875 crore via private placement of NCDs to the International Finance Corporation (IFC). Funds will be used for sustainable housing projects and partial debt reduction. Oil India & BPCL Oil India signed two MoUs with BPCL and NRL to explore collaborations, including a new Greenfield Refinery and Petrochemical Complex near Ramayapatnam Port in Andhra Pradesh. HUDCO top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all HUDCO signed non-binding MoUs with Paradip Port Authority, Visakhapatnam Port Authority, and Mumbai Port Authority during India Maritime Week 2025, aimed at infrastructure and port-led housing development. Disclaimer: The views and investment tips by experts in this News18.com report are their own and not those of the website or its management. Users are advised to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. About the Author Aparna Deb Aparna Deb is a Subeditor and writes for the business vertical of News18.com. She has a nose for news that matters. She is inquisitive and curious about things. Among other things, financial markets, ... Read More First Published: October 29, 2025, 08:12 IST News business markets Stocks To Watch: Adani Green, Tata Capital, RailTel, Coal India, Varun Beverages, And Others Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Trend Tracker: Foodie Frenzy for Double Ninth Festival People's Daily Online) 10:00, October 29, 2025 Hello, everyone! I'm Kuku, a total foodie! Today we're celebrating the Double Ninth Festival with traditional foods. Join me as I explore Chongyang Cake, a festive treat full of good wishes and reunion, all in one minute! Falling on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, the Double Ninth Festival has been celebrated in China since ancient times. In the "I Ching," or the "Book of Changes," the number nine is regarded as a "yang" number. When both day and month fall on nine, two yangs overlap, hence it is called "Double Ninth." Our ancestors believed this date symbolized good fortune and auspiciousness. Eating Chongyang Cake is one of the festival's most important traditions. September is when millet ripens, and in ancient times, people made seasonal foods from freshly harvested millet. This tradition of making foods from the fresh harvest became the predecessor to today's Chongyang Cake. Traditional Chongyang Cake is usually made from a mixture of glutinous rice flour and regular rice flour. In Chinese, the word "gao" meaning cake sounds the same as "gao" meaning high, carrying beautiful wishes for growth, progress, promotion and prosperity. The Double Ninth Festival also coincides with golden autumn, when chrysanthemums bloom in abundance, making chrysanthemum wine an essential part of the celebration. According to ancient texts like "Miscellaneous Records of the Western Capital," people brewed chrysanthemum stems and leaves with millet, then stored them to drink on the following year's Double Ninth. It was believed that drinking chrysanthemum wine during this time could prolong life and bring good health. Other long-standing customs include climbing mountains, enjoying the chrysanthemums, and wearing the Zhuyu plant (Cornus officinalis). These are practices that continue to this day. In modern China, the Double Ninth Festival has also become widely known as Senior Citizens' Day, a time to show respect and gratitude to the elderly. Did you know that many countries around the world also have festivals dedicated to honoring seniors? In 1991, the United Nations designated Oct. 1 as the International Day of Older Persons. On this special day, let us celebrate with gratitude and respect for the elderly. May all seniors enjoy health, longevity and happiness! Zhang Jiatong, as an intern, also contributed to this article. (Web editor: Sheng Chuyi, Wu Chengliang) SEBI Plans To Simplify Mutual Fund Charges: Clear TER, Performance-Based Fee Among 5 Proposals Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 07:52 IST Sebi proposes new TER rules for mutual funds, including detailed disclosures, exclusion of statutory levies, lower brokerage costs, and performance-linked TER. TER is the total annual cost charged to investors in a mutual fund scheme. To provide transparency and clarity on TER (Total Expense Ratio) being charged to investors in a mutual fund scheme, the Securities Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has proposed several important changes, including statutory levies excluded from TER, lower brokerage and transaction cost limits, a new definition and disclosure of TER, performance-linked TER, and clarification on NFO. Recommended Stories TER is the total annual cost charged to investors in a mutual fund scheme. It includes management fees, operational expenses, marketing, registrar fees, and more expressed as a percentage of the schemes AUM (Assets Under Management). 1. New TER Definition With A Break-Up SEBIs Consultation Paper on Comprehensive Review of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996 has proposed a new definition and disclosure of TER, which clearly includes expense ratio (within prescribed limit), brokerage, exchange and regulatory fees, and statutory levies. Moreover, as per the proposal, AMCs (Asset Management Companies) must disclose a break-up of all TER components to the investor for greater transparency. 2. Removal of Additional 5bps Charge Another major proposal includes the removal of an additional 5bps charge being imposed by AMCs on the AUM of schemes where an exit load is levied. This charge was originally introduced in 2012 (20 bps) and later reduced to 5 bps. Removing this additional charge is supposed to help rationalize investor costs. However, the first two TER slabs for open-ended active schemes will be increased by 5 bps to offset this removal. 3. Exclude Statutory Levies From TER Sebi has proposed to exclude all statutory levies STT, CTT, GST, Stamp duty from TER limits. As of now, GST (on management fees) is allowed over and above the TER limit, but other statutory charges (STT, CTT, Stamp Duty, etc.) are included within the TER. This will ensure making the expense ratio more transparent, with ease of passing any future tax changes directly to investors. 4. Lower Brokerage and Transaction Costs The market regulator is aiming to decrease the burden on brokerages for offering mutual fund schemes. According to Sebis proposal, charges of AMCs to brokerage will be cut from 12 bps to 2bps for cash market and 5 bps to 1 bps for derivatives. As of now, AMCs can charge brokerage up to 0.12% (12 bps) for equity and 0.05% (5 bps) for derivatives. This will help to prevent double-charging" for research and ensure investor-friendly pricing. Moreover, Statutory levies (STT/CTT/GST/stamp duty) will be allowed over and above these limits. 5. Performance-linked TER In an attempt to innovate the current way of charges to investors by AMCs, Sebi has pitched performance-linked TER. This new provision will allow AMCs to charge TER based on fund performance. If a fund is performing well, then the expense ratio will be charged higher. Its voluntary and will follow a detailed framework to be developed after stakeholder consultation. Clarification on NFO (New Fund Offer) Expenses top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Sebi in the consultation paper has clarified that all expenses related to launching a new fund till allotment of units will continue to be borne by AMC/Trustee/Sponsor, not by investors. 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 29, 2025, 07:52 IST News business savings-and-investments SEBI Plans To Simplify Mutual Fund Charges: Clear TER, Performance-Based Fee Among 5 Proposals Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Bajrang Dal Leader Shot Dead In Broad Daylight In MP, Accused's Father Dies By Suicide Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 07:09 IST A Bajrang Dal was shot dead by two masked assailants in Madhya Pradesh's Katni district, sparking panic. Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google A video circulating on social media shows two masked men executing the attack. (Image: X/@TheTreeni) A Bajrang Dal leader was shot dead in broad daylight by two assailants while riding his motorcycle in Madhya Pradeshs Katni district on Tuesday. The deceased has been identified as Neelu (Nilesh) Rajak (38), a member of the Hindu outfits cow protection unit. Rajak was gunned down in Kymore town around 11 am when he was attacked with five to six rounds of bullets. Police said two men on a motorcycle opened fire at him, hitting him in the head and chest. The shooting took place near a Bank of Baroda branch close to the ACC guest house in the Kymore police station area. Recommended Stories Soon after, he was rushed to Vijayraghavgarh Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. A video circulating on social media shows two masked men executing the attack. BREAKING: BJP & Bajrang Dal leader Neelu Rajak shot dead in broad daylight by Akram Khan and Prince Joseph in Vijayraghavgarh, MP.Neelu had opposed Akram and Princes eve-teasing of schoolgirls. A month ago, Akram threatened to shoot him before police eyes. The BJP leader pic.twitter.com/W0xiI97OSS Treeni (@TheTreeni) October 28, 2025 Authorities are probing multiple angles behind the murder, while tension and fear have gripped the area following the murder. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos in the marketplace, with multiple gunshots ringing out and Rajak collapsing on the road. Within minutes, hundreds of residents gathered in protest, demanding the immediate arrest of the culprits. Rajaks family and supporters blocked roads near the Vijayraghavgarh Government Hospital, refusing to allow the postmortem until justice was ensured. The protest lasted for over six hours and was joined by BJP MLA Sanjay Pathak and BJP District President Deepak Tandon Soni. Katni Superintendent of Police (SP) Abhinay Vishwakarma said the accused have been identified as Prince Joseph, 30, and Akram Khan, 33. In a tragic development, Princes father, Nelson Joseph, died by suicide and his mother attempted to poison herself after learning about their sons alleged role in the killing. Subsequently, the two accused were arrested after they got injured in an exchange of fire with police at Kajrawara area in Jabalpur district. BJP MLA Claims Rajak Killed Over Eve-Teasing Incident Meanwhile, BJP MLA and former minister Sanjay Pathak, alleged that Rajak was targeted for intervening in an incident of eve-teasing. Pathak claimed that a girl had complained that a man was harassing her on her way to school, and when Neelu intervened, the man threatened to shoot him. A very tragic incident has occurred in Katni district. A girl had earlier filed a complaint that a man, reportedly named Akram, was harassing her near the Devi School gate. A dispute broke out over the eve-teasing incident, during which Akram threatened Neelu, saying he would shoot him," Pathak stated. SP Vishwakarma has assured swift action against the culprits. The police are continuously making efforts to arrest the identified accused as soon as possible Further action will be taken in the case and such assurance has been given," the SP added. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Collector Ashish Tiwari said, As per the standard procedure laid down by the Supreme Court, the concerned parties will be given an opportunity to be heard and action will be taken in a time-bound manner. Accordingly, the Municipal Council will initiate proceedings following the prescribed legal process." An investigation is underway. About the Author Manisha Roy Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manish... Read More Location : Katni, India, India First Published: October 29, 2025, 07:09 IST News cities Bajrang Dal Leader Shot Dead In Broad Daylight In MP, Accused's Father Dies By Suicide Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Maharashtra Local Body Polls: Sena UBTs War Rooms To Track Voter List Discrepancies | Exclusive Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 14:06 IST Maharashtra local body, BMC polls: Party sources said district-wise war rooms will serve as data hubs to identify discrepancies in voter lists & compile objections to be sent to EC Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Sena UBT's Uddhav (right) and Aaditya Thackeray. (PTI File) As Maharashtra gears up for the much-awaited local body elections, likely to be held by the end of this year or early next year, the Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) is preparing to launch district-level war rooms across the state. According to sources within the party, these war rooms will serve as data hubs to identify alleged discrepancies in voter lists and compile objections to be sent to the Election Commission (EC) before the final electoral rolls are released. Recommended Stories A senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leader familiar with the development told News18 that the initiative gained momentum after the partys recent Nirdhar Melava rally in Mumbai, where UBT leader and Thackerays son Aaditya made a presentation exposing alleged large-scale irregularities in the voter lists in his Worli constituency. During the presentation, Aaditya claimed that several bogus voters had been added before the previous elections and demonstrated how fraudulent voter rolls were allegedly prepared. He also pointed out errors the Election Commission had ignored", urging all unit chiefs (Shakha Pramukhs) and their local teams to manually verify every voter and household entry. We have been saying constantly that elections in India havent been held in a free and fair way by the Election Commission of India. The election commission has allowed mass rigging in elections, by simply not performing its duty to purify the voter lists. Yesterday, we pic.twitter.com/z5eGT5YBkX Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) October 28, 2025 Following his appeal, party workers across Mumbai and other districts reportedly began checking voter lists and flagging multiple errors from duplicate entries to voters listed at non-existent addresses. Within two days, the party office started receiving hundreds of calls and messages from workers reporting such discrepancies," the source said. Encouraged by the response, the party leadership is now considering establishing dedicated war rooms in each district to collect, verify, and consolidate this data systematically. These units will coordinate directly with the central team in Mumbai to file formal objections with the Election Commission. At the same rally, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray instructed party cadres to focus not only on campaigning but also on protecting the integrity of the voter rolls. We must identify and correct these errors to prevent bogus and double voting," he reportedly told the gathering. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Aaditya cited specific instances, including 35 voters registered at a single small room, and another case where over 30 voters were listed under a sweet shop address that did not exist when verified by party workers. With both the Shiv Sena and the NCP now split, the upcoming local body elections particularly the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls are expected to become a high-stakes contest and a litmus test for all major political players in Maharashtra. About the Author Mayuresh Ganapatye Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @... Read More First Published: October 29, 2025, 14:01 IST News mumbai-news Maharashtra Local Body Polls: Sena UBTs War Rooms To Track Voter List Discrepancies | Exclusive Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Kerala Plans To Create 5 Lakh IT Jobs By 2031, Aims To Capture 10% Of Indias IT Market Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 08:33 IST CM Pinarayi Vijayan said Kerala will create 5 lakh IT jobs by 2031, expand infrastructure, and boost its share in Indias IT market while promoting startups and new tech missions. Kerala plans to create 5 lakh IT jobs by 2031, says Chief Minister Vijayan. (Representational/File Photo) Kerala plans to create five lakh jobs in the information technology (IT) sector by 2031, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Tuesday. The state also aims to capture 10 percent of Indias IT market share and increase the number of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) to 120. He was speaking at the inauguration of the ReCode Kerala 2025 IT Seminar, organised by the Department of Electronics and IT as part of the governments Vision 2031 initiative. Recommended Stories During the event, the Chief Minister also released the draft Vision Document for the Information Technology, Electronics, Semiconductor, and Emerging Technology sectors. Industries Minister P Rajeeve received the document on behalf of the department. Vijayan said that Kerala needs to expand its IT infrastructure to three crore square feet. Since the state has limited land available, the government is encouraging private investment through a land-pooling model to help build new facilities. He added that the government will develop data centres, cloud infrastructure sites, and satellite IT parks. The state will also promote sustainable practices in both energy use and construction. Our goal is to train ten lakh skilled youth, create five lakh high-quality jobs, and provide employment for two lakh people in Global Capability Centres," the Chief Minister said. He added that the government is planning to create new bodies such as the Kerala Future Technology Mission, the Kerala Semiconductor Mission, and the Kerala AI Mission to promote innovation and generate jobs. Research in semiconductors will be given special attention so that Kerala can benefit from new developments in this field, he said. The Maker Village in Kochi, now the countrys largest hardware incubator, will soon expand under the Maker Village 2.0 project. The new phase will include regional incubation and research centres in Wayanad, Kannur, Palakkad, Alappuzha, Thrissur and Kottayam," the Chief Minister said. Vijayan also said that Kerala aims to become a global centre for Artificial Intelligence. He urged experts and officials to discuss how technology and AI can make government services more effective and citizen-friendly. Kerala, which once led the country in land reform and education, is now extending that vision to other sectors as well, Vijayan said. He pointed out that the countrys first Technopark and its first electronics production company were both set up in Kerala. In the past decade, the state has also established Indias first Digital University and Digital Science Park, he said. ALSO READ: Sainik School Adds 3 New Schools For AISSEE 2026, Registration Ends October 30 In 2016, Kerala had around 300 startups. Today, that number has grown to 6,400," the Chief Minister said. Kerala now has one of the most startup-friendly ecosystems in India. Between 2021 and 2023, the startup sector in the state grew by 254 percent. The countrys first Super Fab Lab was also established here," Vijayan said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all He added that over the past decade, startups have brought investments worth Rs 6,000 crore into Kerala. The government has approved Rs 50 crore as seed funding to support more than 900 early-stage startup ideas. Keralas IT exports are now close to Rs 1 lakh crore, the Chief Minister said. Around 1.5 lakh people are currently employed across Technopark, Infopark and Cyberpark. Since 2016, about 66,000 new jobs have been created in the IT sector. Keralas total IT exports, which stood at Rs 34,123 crore in 2016, have now increased by nearly Rs 90,000 crore, Vijayan added. About the Author Education and Careers Desk A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, ... Read More First Published: October 29, 2025, 08:28 IST News education-career Kerala Plans To Create 5 Lakh IT Jobs By 2031, Aims To Capture 10% Of Indias IT Market Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Kerala SSLC 10th Exam 2026 To Begin On March 5 For Around 4.25 Lakh Students Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 20:04 IST The Kerala SSLC exams 2026 are scheduled to start on March 5, 2026, and will conclude on March 30, minister V Sivankutty informed. Kerala General Education Minister V Sivankutty. (File Photo) As many as 425,000 students are expected to appear for the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) examination in Kerala during the current academic year, General Education Minister V Sivankutty announced on Wednesday. The exams are scheduled to start on March 5, 2026, and will conclude on March 30, reported PTI. The evaluation process will take place from April 7 to 25, and the results are anticipated to be announced on May 8, 2026, the minister stated. Recommended Stories Approximately 3,000 examination centres have been set up, including seven in the Gulf region and nine in Lakshadweep, he added. Meanwhile, around nine lakh students are expected to sit for the Plus One and Plus Two (Higher Secondary first and second year) examinations this academic year, Sivankutty said. The Higher Secondary and Vocational Higher Secondary first-year public examinations will be conducted from March 5 to 27, 2026, while the second-year examinations are scheduled from March 6 to 28, 2026, he mentioned. Evaluation for these exams is expected to start on April 6, 2026, with results likely being declared by May 22, 2026, the minister added. In order to pass the Kerala Class 10, 11 and 12 examinations, students must achieve a minimum of 33 per cent marks in each subject as well as in the overall aggregate. Previous Year Pass Percentage top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In 2025, the Kerala Board of Public Examination (KBPE) declared the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) exam results on May 9. Of the 4,27,021 students who appeared for the Kerala SSLC 2025 exams, 4,24,583 passed, marking a pass percentage of 99.5 per cent. Kannur topped with 99.87 per cent, while Thiruvananthapuram had the lowest at 98.59 per cent. As many as 4,27,021 students took the SSLC exams, which were conducted from March 3 to 26. The exams were held at 2,964 centres across Kerala, along with nine centres in Lakshadweep and seven in Gulf countries. A total of 2,331 schools secured 100 per cent pass percentage in Kerala SSLC exams 2025. A total of 61,449 students secured A+ grades in all subjects. About the Author Education and Careers Desk A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, ... Read More First Published: October 29, 2025, 19:53 IST News education-career Kerala SSLC 10th Exam 2026 To Begin On March 5 For Around 4.25 Lakh Students Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... MP NEET UG 2025 Mop-Up Round Seat Allotment Result To Be Out Today Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 09:36 IST The Department of Public Health and Medical Education, Madhya Pradesh, will release the MP NEET UG 2025 mop-up round seat allotment results on October 29 at dme.mponline.gov.in. MP NEET UG 2025 mop-up round seat allotment results to be out today. The Department of Public Health and Medical Education, Madhya Pradesh, will release the MP NEET UG 2025 mop-up round seat allotment results on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. Candidates who took part in this round can check their seat allotment result on the official website of DME, MP, at dme.mponline.gov.in. MP NEET UG Counselling 2025: Steps To Check Mop-up Round Seat Allotment Result Recommended Stories Candidates can follow the steps given below to check their seat allotment result: Visit the official website of DME, MP, at dme.mponline.gov.in. Click on the MP NEET UG 2025 mop-up round seat allotment result link available on the homepage. A new page will open where candidates need to enter their login details. Click on submit and the seat allotment result will appear on the screen. Check your seat allotment result and download it. Take a printout of the result for future reference. ALSO READ: NEET PG 2025 Counselling Schedule Out At mcc.nic.in; Round 1 Registration Begins, Check Dates What Happens After Seat Allotment Results? After the results are announced, candidates must report in person to the allotted medical or dental college for document verification and admission between October 30, 2025, and November 3, 2025, up to 6 PM. It may be noted that the choice filling and choice locking process for the mop-up round was conducted from October 25 to 27, 2025, up to 11:59 PM. For more information, candidates should visit the official website of DME, MP. NEET PG 2025 Counselling Round 1 Registration Is Now Open top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has started the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Postgraduate (NEET PG) 2025 counselling process. Candidates can check the detailed schedule on the official website, mcc.nic.in. The registration for Round 1 began on October 28, while the choice filling and locking process will continue till November 5. The verification of the seat matrix was completed on October 23. About the Author Education and Careers Desk A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, ... Read More First Published: October 29, 2025, 09:36 IST News education-career MP NEET UG 2025 Mop-Up Round Seat Allotment Result To Be Out Today Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... RTE Act Applies Fully To Unaided Private Institutions, Says Allahabad HC Reported By : LawBeat Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 19:11 IST The court allowed a petition filed by two schoolboys, aged 11 and 14, who had been held back by their ICSE-affiliated private school in Lucknow The children, represented through their father and natural guardian, argued that the schools decision was illegal and contrary to Section 16 of the RTE Act, which bars any school from holding back or expelling a child until completion of elementary education. Representational image The Allahabad High Courts Lucknow bench has clarified that the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, applies in full to private unaided schools, including the provision that prohibits them from detaining students at the elementary level. Justice Pankaj Bhatia allowed a petition filed by two schoolboys, aged 11 and 14, who had been held back by their ICSE-affiliated private school in Lucknow. Both were denied promotion for the 2024-25 academic year on the grounds of low marks and inadequate attendance. Recommended Stories The children, represented through their father and natural guardian, argued that the schools decision was illegal and contrary to Section 16 of the RTE Act, which bars any school from holding back or expelling a child until completion of elementary education. They contended that the schools refusal to promote them violated their constitutional right to education under Article 21-A. The school defended its decision by claiming that the RTE Act did not fully apply to unaided institutions. It said its responsibility was confined to the reservation requirement under Section 12(1)(c), which mandates 25% seats for students from weaker sections, and that other provisions, including the no-detention clause, did not extend to it. The school added that the students attendance was well below the prescribed 75% and that overlooking such a shortfall would affect the institutions discipline and academic integrity. Rejecting these arguments, the High Court ruled that the entire RTE framework binds private unaided schools. It relied on the Supreme Courts decision in Society for Unaided Private Schools of Rajasthan v Union of India (2012), which upheld the constitutional validity of the RTE Act and its applicability to all schools, including unaided ones. The distinction sought to be drawn between aided and unaided private schools in the matter of applicability of Section 16 merits rejection," the court observed. Justice Bhatia added that a schools internal rules or the guidelines of its affiliating board cannot override a statutory right created by Parliament. The court further noted that the Uttar Pradesh government had not issued any notification under Section 16(3) permitting schools to hold back students even after re-examination. Therefore, the no-detention policy under Section 16 remained fully operational in the state. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Holding that the schools decision had violated both Section 16(2), which mandates an opportunity for re-examination, and Section 16(4), which forbids expulsion, the court ordered the readmission of both boys. The younger student was directed to be promoted to class VI after a retest within two months, while the elder was to continue in class IX, as his academic record for that grade was already registered with the ICSE board. About the Author Salil Tiwari Salil Tiwari, Senior Special Correspondent at Lawbeat, reports on the Allahabad High Court and courts in Uttar Pradesh, however, she also writes on important cases of national importance and public in... Read More First Published: October 29, 2025, 19:11 IST News education-career RTE Act Applies Fully To Unaided Private Institutions, Says Allahabad HC Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Telangana Board Approves Private Arts Stream Candidates To Sit For IPE 2026 Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 16:45 IST Eligible students can apply online for the Telangana IPE March 2026 exams at tsbie.cgg.gov.in. The last date to apply is November 17. Candidates must pay an exemption fee of Rs 500 to be eligible for the IPE 2026 exams. (Representational/File) The Telangana Government Board of Intermediate Education (TGBIE) has granted private Arts stream candidates the opportunity to take the Intermediate Public Examinations (IPE) in March 2026 without attending college. Candidates who are interested in applying for the exam and are eligible must pay an exemption fee of Rs 500 to be eligible for the IPE 2026 exams. he deadline for submitting the application form and paying the required fees is November 17. Those who miss this deadline can still apply by November 29, 2025, however, they will need to pay a late fee of Rs 200. Eligible students can apply online for the Telangana IPE 2026 exams by visiting the official website at tsbie.cgg.gov.in. Recommended Stories Candidates applying for the exam must have all the necessary documents including the SSC pass certificate, transfer certificate, eligibility or migration certificate, etc. TGBIE stated it will not accept applications sent by mail or delivered in person. Incomplete registration form without the original qualifying examination certificates will be rejected by TGBIE. According to the official notice, any incomplete applications or those received without the original qualifying examination certificates, transfer certificate, and migration certificate, along with the eligibility certificate for candidates who passed an examination other than the SSC of Telangana State, will be summarily rejected without any further correspondence. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all TGBIE mandates that all candidates granted attendance exemptions must attend the English Practical/Internal Assessment examinations, following the boards guidelines. As per media reports, the Intermediate Public Examinations (IPE) 2026 for both first and second-year students are scheduled from February 25 to March 18, 2026. Theory exams will be held in the morning from 9 AM to noon, while practical exams for science students are expected to take place in January and early February. The exams will conclude on March 18, 2026, with approximately 9.5 lakh students participating this year. The detailed timetable for the March session is expected to be published by the board soon. About the Author Education and Careers Desk A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, ... Read More First Published: October 29, 2025, 16:28 IST News education-career Telangana Board Approves Private Arts Stream Candidates To Sit For IPE 2026 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... UGC Flags 22 Fake Universities Running Without Approval, Check State-Wise List Here Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 14:08 IST UGC has flagged 22 fake universities across India operating without approval and warned students against enrolling in these unrecognised institutions offering invalid degrees. UGC releases list of 22 fake universities operating without approval across India. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released a new list of 22 fake universities that have been operating without approval and falsely claiming to be recognised higher education institutions. According to the UGC, these institutes are not authorised to grant degrees under the UGC Act, 1956, and any qualification awarded by them is academically and professionally invalid. The latest case highlighted by the commission is the Institute of Management and Engineering, located in Kotla Mubarakpur, Delhi. The UGC clarified that this institute has not been established under any Central or State Act and is not recognised under Sections 2(f) or 3 of the UGC Act. Therefore, the engineering degrees issued by it have no legal or academic value. Recommended Stories The UGC further stated that the institute does not have recognition from either the Central government or any state government. Citing Sections 2(f) and 3 of the UGC Act, the notice made it clear that degrees awarded by such unapproved institutions carry no official or legal standing. State-Wise List Of Fake Universities Declared By UGC Andhra Pradesh 1. Christ New Testament Deemed University (Guntur, two addresses) 2. Bible Open University of India, Visakhapatnam Delhi 3. All India Institute of Public & Physical Health Sciences, Alipur 4. Commercial University Ltd., Daryaganj 5. United Nations University, Delhi 6. Vocational University, Delhi 7. ADR-Centric Judicial University, Rajendra Place 8. Indian Institute of Science and Engineering, New Delhi 9. Vishwakarma Open University for Self-Employment, Sanjay Enclave 10. Spiritual University, Rohini 11. World Peace of United Nations University, Pitampura 12. Institute of Management and Engineering, Kotla Mubarakpur Kerala 13. International Islamic University of Prophetic Medicine, Kozhikode 14. St Johns University, Kishanattam Maharashtra 15. Raja Arabic University, Nagpur Puducherry 16. Sree Bodhi Academy of Higher Education, Thilaspet Uttar Pradesh 17. Gandhi Hindi Vidyapith, Prayag, Allahabad 18. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose University (Open University), Aligarh 19. Bhartiya Shiksha Parishad, Lucknow 20. Mahamaya Technical University, Noida West Bengal 21. Indian Institute of Alternative Medicine, Kolkata 22. Institute of Alternative Medicine & Research, Kolkata ALSO READ: JEE Mains 2026 Registration: How To Fill Session 1 Application Form Once Out? top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The UGC has warned students against taking admission in such unapproved institutions, which continue to run degree programmes in violation of Section 22 of the UGC Act. These fake universities, the commission noted, often target students who are unaware of official verification procedures. The UGC has also advised students to verify the status of any university or higher education institution from official sources before applying for admission. This, it said, is essential to safeguard their academic credentials and future career prospects. About the Author Education and Careers Desk A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, ... Read More First Published: October 29, 2025, 14:07 IST News education-career UGC Flags 22 Fake Universities Running Without Approval, Check State-Wise List Here Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Bihar Election Fight Enters Mummy Papa Mode: Heres What Happened At News18 Event Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 18:40 IST Waris Pathan said: "When these people of the Maha Thugbandhan lose, they will shout that papa took away my chocolate, mummy took away my chocolate. Rapid Read + Follow us On Google The panellists at the News18 Indias Sabse Bada Dangal Bihar As the Bihar election battle intensifies, mummy papa" have entered the campaign fray. At a session moderated by anchor Amish Devgan at News18 Indias Sabse Bada Dangal Bihar, the AIMIM launched an attack yet on the Congress. Recommended Stories AIMIMs Waris Pathan, while targeting Congress spokesperson Abhay Dubey, said that if Congresss Rahul Gandhi and Rashtriya Janata Dals Tejashwi Yadav were truly secular, they would have formed an alliance with us, but these people have no concern for secular voters. Pathan, while satirising the Congress and RJD, said, When these people of the Maha Thugbandhan lose, they will shout, Pappa took away my chocolate, mummy took away my chocolate." Dubey strongly objected to this statement, after which the debate became even more heated. Dubey accused the AIMIM of being the NDAs B-team, saying that the AIMIMs sole aim is to divide secular votes. Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Ajay Alok said that until now, they have supported the opposition. Rahul Gandhi is not a leader of the people, nor is Tejashwi a hero. If they are heroes, they are heroes of those opposed to the nation." Pathan alleged that Muslim leaders have been neglected by every party. No Muslim leader has been appointed Chief Minister or Deputy Chief Minister. On the 20-year rule in Bihar, Alok said they have ensured development, given homes, brought electricity and now Bihar is ready to take the next leap". Alok also attacked Gandhi for questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modis Chhath Puja celebrations. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This man who claims votes are stolen, his name is Rahul Gandhi. This mans brain has been stolenWhat this man said is, if Narendra Modi is asked to dance, he will dance. Yes, if the public asks him to, Narendra Modi will dance. He has been dancing for the last 22 years. In the country and Gujarat, he has shown it by taking it forward. He is not sitting at home or in Italy like them." Alok said Gandhi had insulted Chhath Puja and he should apologise. Rahul Gandhi claims that wherever PM Modi went, there was no Yamuna. He claims the PM went into his swimming pool. I want to ask, dont people celebrate Chhath Puja in ponds? Dont they celebrate Chhath Puja at home? Dont they celebrate Chhath Puja in small buckets? Puja is performed with emotion and devotion," he said. 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 29, 2025, 17:03 IST News elections Bihar Election Fight Enters Mummy Papa Mode: Heres What Happened At News18 Event Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Chinese manufacturing powers the global shift to green transportation People's Daily Online) 10:09, October 29, 2025 With its eco-friendly concept and chic design, BYD Dolphin, the compact electric car by Chinese automaker BYD attracts young consumers in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo/People's Daily) In Southeast Asia, lightweight electric scooters are helping to ease the pressures of urban commuting. In Europe, Chinese electric vehicles are winning widespread acclaim for their impressive range and intelligent driving features. Meanwhile, in Latin America, electric buses navigating city streets have become a new fixture of the urban landscape. Green transportation is taking off around the world, with Chinese-made solutions playing a key role. Affordable, eco-friendly vehicles are giving people more travel options while reshaping transportation systems and driving the global transition to a low-carbon future. At the same time, Chinese new energy companies are building factories abroad, creating numerous jobs and allowing local communities to benefit from industrial upgrading. By supplying the world with affordable and high-quality green products and providing technology to boost energy efficiency, Chinese manufacturing is fostering win-win partnerships through localized production and operations. Going global, it is becoming an active part of countries' transportation systems and a vivid example of the shift toward greener transportation. Photo shows electric taxis by Chinese automaker GAC Aion, a subsidiary of GAC Group, on a street in Khon Kaen, Thailand. (Photo/People's Daily) Photo shows an outlet of Chinese electric motorcycle brand Yadea in Vietnam's Bac Ninh province. Since setting up its first overseas production base in Bac Ninh province in 2019, Yadea has expanded local investments to offer smart and eco-friendly solutions to the Vietnamese market. (Photo/People's Daily) An electric double-decker sightseeing bus by Anhui Ankai Automobile Co., Ltd. passes by the Arch of Triumph in Paris, France. (Photo/People's Daily) Photo shows a dual-mode trolleybus by Chinese automaker Yutong on a street in Mexico City, capital of Mexico. (Photo/People's Daily) A Chinese-made electric vehicle charges at a charging station in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. (Photo/People's Daily) Visitors test drive a Chinese-made new energy vehicle at IAA Mobility 2025 in September 2025 in Munich, Germany. The expo attracted 116 Chinese exhibitors, the largest number among all international participants. (Photo/People's Daily) A car owner charges his electric vehicle in Cairo, Egypt. (Photo/People's Daily) Photo shows a view of the electric bus chassis factory of Chinese automaker BYD in Campinas, Sao Paulo State, Brazil. (Photo/People's Daily) (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) First-Time Voter In Bihar Polls? All You Need To Know About Polling Process, What To Expect Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 17:11 IST The Election Commission of India has undertaken a slew of measures to make the voting process a smooth and productive experience As a first-time voter, you must first register on the Election Commission of India website. (Image: PTI/File) In a week, Bihar will go to polls in two phases scheduled for November 6 and November 11, following which the counting of votes will take place on November 14. Polling day is always exciting for first-time voters and the Election Commission of India (ECI) has undertaken a slew of measures to make the process a smooth and productive experience. Recommended Stories As a first-time voter, you must first register on the Election Commission (EC) website. This involves completing Form 6 online at the voters service portal. Once you have entered all necessary details, you can then find the polling booth allocated to you. WHAT IS THE VOTING PROCESS? Once you have verified your polling booth location and arrive at the station, the process of casting your vote involves several structured steps. Upon entering the polling booth, you will observe three polling officers seated next to one another. You must head towards the second officer to have your finger marked with indelible ink. The third step requires you to provide your signature or thumbprint to cross your name off the electoral roll. You will then proceed to cast your vote on the electronic voting machine (EVM). You select the political party you wish to vote for from the list available on the device and press the blue button next to it. Once the vote is successfully cast, an LED on the EVM will turn red, and the voter verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) machine will generate a slip confirming your vote. In the event that you notice any inconsistency between your chosen party and the confirmation slip generated, you have the right to approach the presiding officer and file a complaint. WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR POLLING BOOTH? To ensure a seamless polling process, first-time voters must be aware of the rules governing identity verification and restrictions inside the polling premises. Identification Requirements For identification purposes at the polling station, you must present your electors photo identity card (EPIC). If you do not have your EPIC, you must present one of the following 12 original photo identification documents approved by the EC: Aadhaar card MGNREGA job card Passbooks with photograph issued by bank/post office Health insurance smart card issued under the scheme of the labour ministry or Ayushman Bharat health card Driving licence PAN card Smart card issued by RGI under NPR Indian passport Pension document with photograph Service ID cards with photograph issued to employees by central/state government/PSUs/public limited companies Official ID cards issued to MPs, MLAs, MLCs Unique disability ID (UDID) card, M/o social justice and empowerment Photo electoral rolls will be used during the Bihar assembly election. Rules and Regulations Mobile phone policy: Voters are required to deposit their mobile phones at designated counters available outside all polling stations. Phones are only allowed within 100 m of the polling station if they are in switch-off mode. The switched-off device must be handed over to a designated volunteer before entering the polling station, and the voter will receive a pre-numbered token. The phone must not be switched on within the 100-m periphery after the vote is cast. Secrecy of voting: To maintain the secrecy of the vote, standardised voting compartments will be used. Information display: Four kinds of standardised voter facilitation posters (VFP) must be prominently displayed at all polling stations, including polling station details, candidate list, dos and donts, and approved ID documents and how to vote. WHAT ARE THE FACILITIES FOR VOTERS? The EC has mandated several facilities to improve voter convenience and accessibility. Polling Station Standards A maximum number of electors allowed in any polling station has been limited to 1,200 to reduce crowding. All polling stations are directed to be located on the ground floor/road entry level. Polling stations will have essential facilities such as drinking water, adequate lighting, a waiting shed, a toilet with water facility, and proper signage. Efforts have been directed toward installing permanent ramps for electors with disabilities (PwD). Voter Information and Assistance Voter information slips (VIS): VIS will be issued to enrolled electors at least five days before the poll. These contain information like polling station details, date, and time, and feature the serial number and part number prominently displayed. It is not mandatory for voting and cannot be used as identity proof. Voter guide: Every electors household will receive a voter guide (in Hindi/English/local language) ahead of the election. It provides important information, including the date and time of the poll, contact details of the booth level officers (BLO), helpline numbers, and the dos and donts for voters. Voter assistance booths (VAB): VABs are set up at every polling station location, staffed by BLOs/officials, to help voters correctly locate their specific polling booth number and serial number in the electoral roll. Accessibility for PwDs and Senior Citizens Targeted facilitation: PwD and senior citizen electors are identified and tagged to their respective polling stations to ensure specific arrangements are made for their smooth voting experience. They will be assisted by appointed volunteers, given priority for entering polling booths, and provided designated parking spaces close to the entrance. They will be assisted by appointed volunteers, given priority for entering polling booths, and provided designated parking spaces close to the entrance. Transport and wheelchair: Proper transport facility is directed for PwDs and senior citizens on the day of the poll. PwD electors can request a wheelchair facility by registering on the Divyang (Saksham) Module of ECINET. Visually impaired voters: Accessible VIS with Braille features are issued. Dummy ballot sheets in Braille will also be available at all polling stations, allowing visually impaired voters to cast their vote independently using the Braille facility on the EVM ballot units. They also have the option to take a companion to cast the vote on their behalf, as permitted under Rule 49N of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961. WHAT ARE THE NEW REFORMS IN THIS ELECTION? top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Bihar polls are introducing at least 17 new reforms Bihar First Initiatives that will later be implemented in subsequent elections across other states. Candidate Photos: EVMs will feature colour photographs of candidates for the first time for better visibility. It has been prescribed that the candidates face will occupy three-fourths of the photo space. Readability: Guidelines were revised to make EVM ballot papers more readable, including printing serial numbers in bold (font size 30) and ensuring names of all candidates/NOTA are printed uniformly in a large font size. Guidelines were revised to make EVM ballot papers more readable, including printing serial numbers in bold (font size 30) and ensuring names of all candidates/NOTA are printed uniformly in a large font size. Mobile Deposit Facility: Voters will have to deposit their mobile phones at counters outside polling stations. Voters will have to deposit their mobile phones at counters outside polling stations. Candidate Booths: Candidate booths are permitted just beyond the 100-meter mark of the Polling Station for voter facilitation. Candidate booths are permitted just beyond the 100-meter mark of the Polling Station for voter facilitation. Compulsory Webcasting: There will be 100 percent webcasting at all polling stations for monitoring the poll process. There will be 100 percent webcasting at all polling stations for monitoring the poll process. Real-time Updates: A one-stop digital platform, ECINet, will provide real-time voter turnout updates, with presiding officers uploading data every two hours on polling day. A one-stop digital platform, ECINet, will provide real-time voter turnout updates, with presiding officers uploading data every two hours on polling day. Know Your Candidate (KYC): The ECI has developed a dedicated KYC module in ECINet to inform citizens about the criminal antecedents" status of candidates. The ECI has developed a dedicated KYC module in ECINet to inform citizens about the criminal antecedents" status of candidates. Digital Data: Digital index cards and reports are being introduced to create a technology-driven system promoting accessibility of poll data for stakeholders. Digital index cards and reports are being introduced to create a technology-driven system promoting accessibility of poll data for stakeholders. Monitoring: All critical events, including the preparation and storage of EVMs/VVPATs and the polling process in vulnerable stations, will be videographed. All critical events, including the preparation and storage of EVMs/VVPATs and the polling process in vulnerable stations, will be videographed. VVPAT Counting Mandate: Counting of VVPAT slips will be mandatory in cases of mismatch between Form 17C and EVM data, and where mock poll data was not erroneously erased. Counting of VVPAT slips will be mandatory in cases of mismatch between Form 17C and EVM data, and where mock poll data was not erroneously erased. Counting Sequence: The penultimate round of EVM/VVPAT counting will only be taken up after the counting of the postal ballots is completed. 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 29, 2025, 17:11 IST News elections First-Time Voter In Bihar Polls? All You Need To Know About Polling Process, What To Expect Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Narendra Modi Is PM, Nitish Kumar CM': Amit Shah's Big 'No Seat Vacant' Message At Bihar Rally Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 19:06 IST Home Minister Amit Shah was addressing a public gathering in Bihar's Darbhanga Union Home Minister Amit Shah. (Image: @AmitShah/X/PTI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said there was no seat vacant" in politics, asserting that Nitish Kumar will remain the chief minister in Bihar while Narendra Modi will continue to be the prime minister at the Centre. Addressing a public meeting, Shah remarked: CM ya PM koi seat khali nahi hai yahan Nitish Kumar hain, wahan PM Modi hain," in a pointed response to speculation over leadership ambitions within the opposition. Recommended Stories While addressing the rally, Shah said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had enhanced Bihars image by conferring the Bharat Ratna on former chief minister Karpoori Thakur. He added that Lalu Prasad Yadav and the Congress government did not give Karpoori Thakur the due respect. Praising the governments decisive actions, Shah said, When the Pahalgam attack happened, Prime Minister Modi carried out Operation Sindoor," adding that the Centre had also banned the Popular Front of India (PFI) and arrested its members. Amit Shah also urged the voters to ensure a clean sweep for the NDA in the upcoming Bihar Assembly polls. The first phase of voting is on November 6. Will you all vote for us? We must take a pledge to make the NDA win all 10 seats in Darbhanga. Mithilas daughter, Maithili Thakur, is contesting from here, and I want to tell Lalu Yadavs party that Maithili Thakur will win," Shah said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Speaking on the Ram Temple, Shah added, For years, Lord Ram lived in a tent. TMC, BJP, Samajwadi Party nobody allowed the Ram Temple to be built. When PM Modi came to power, he built the Ram Temple. Now its time to build a temple for Goddess Sita in Mithila, and all the places she visited will be connected to the Ram circuit." Delivering another speech in Bihars Samastipur, Home Minister Amit Shah said Bihar has the leadership of Nitish Kumar and Chirag Paswan and also PM Modis blessings as backing in the polls. About the Author Abhro Banerjee Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, including electi... Read More First Published: October 29, 2025, 13:32 IST News elections 'Narendra Modi Is PM, Nitish Kumar CM': Amit Shah's Big 'No Seat Vacant' Message At Bihar Rally Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Every Time He Has...': Amit Shah Says Rahul Gandhi Will Pay Bihar Poll Price Over PM Modi Remarks Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 21:12 IST Speaking to News18, Shah said that Rahul Gandhi has not insulted PM Modi, but he has insulted Chhathi Maiya Union Home Minister Amit Shah. (News18) Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while speaking to Network18 Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi at News18s Sabse Bada Dangal on Wednesday, said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will pay the price" for his recent remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, adding that Gandhi had insulted Chhath Maiya and her devotees. Speaking to News18, Shah said, Rahul Gandhi has not insulted PM Modi, but he has insulted Chhathi Maiya and her devotees. He will suffer the adverse consequences of this in the Bihar elections." Recommended Stories Reacting to Gandhis comment that Prime Minister Modi would dance on stage" for votes, Shah said, Rahul Gandhi will have to pay the price for this in the elections. Rahul spoke about PM Modi in a derogatory manner and insulted his mother, but every time he has done this, the lotus has bloomed from the mud of lowered standards." Also Read: No PM-CM Vacancy For Sonia Gandhi, Lalu Prasads Sons: Amit Shahs Endorsement For Nitish Kumar Asserting that the people of Bihar revere Chhath Maiya as a symbol of devotion and culture, the Home Minister said he was confident voters would give a strong response. I am fully confident that the voters of Bihar will not forget the insult to Chhath Maiya and Modi ji," Shah said. The remarks from Amit Shah came after Gandhi, addressing a public rally, said, You (Bihar voters) are also able to understand political intricacies in a matter of seconds. I would urge you not to be swayed by the drama of Narendra Modi. He would be ready to dance on the stage if he sensed that it would fetch you votes." The comments have sparked a sharp political exchange ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, with the BJP accusing the Congress leader of demeaning voters while the Opposition continues to target the ruling party over unemployment and governance issues in the state. BJP leader Pradeep Bhandari accused Rahul Gandhi of mocking voters and Indian democracy," saying the Congress leader speaks like a local goon" and has openly insulted every poor person of India and Bihar who voted for Prime Minister Narendra Modi." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Also Read: Speaking Like A Local Goon: BJP Targets Rahul Gandhi Over Dance Dig At PM Modi In Bihar BJPs Amit Malviya also condemned Gandhi, alleging that he had begun his Bihar campaign by insulting the great festival of folk faith, Chhathi Maiya." Malviya said that through old pictures," the Chhath Mahaparva had previously been belittled, and now Gandhi had deliberately struck at the local festivals, the devotion of crores of people, and the faith of those observing Chhath vows." He described the remarks as reprehensible." About the Author Abhro Banerjee Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, including electi... Read More First Published: October 29, 2025, 20:49 IST News elections 'Every Time He Has...': Amit Shah Says Rahul Gandhi Will Pay Bihar Poll Price Over PM Modi Remarks Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... In Bihars Heartland, Sangh's Foot Soldiers Are Back To Lead A Quiet Mobilisation | Ground Report Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 09:39 IST RSS and its affiliates have planned to hold at least 2-2.5 lakh door-to-door meetings across the states 243 assembly constituencies to increase voter awareness Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google . At each doorstep, volunteers, part of a team of two to three members, urge residents to participate in the coming polls, to choose wisely for the state and the nation. (AFP) In Bihars hinterland, a quiet mobilisation is underway long before the campaign flags go up. From the crowded lanes of Patna to the badlands of Siwan and Mokama, RSS workers have been knocking on doorsquite literally. The organisation and its affiliates have planned to hold at least 2-2.5 lakh door-to-door meetings across the states 243 assembly constituencies, News18 has learnt. Old Links, New Mission Recommended Stories This phase focuses on awakening two vital forces as the RSS calls them: Sajjan Shaktithose who may not be directly involved but remain aligned and inspired and Supta Shaktivolunteers who once contributed actively but have since become inactive. By reactivating their spirit and participation, we aim to generate a fresh surge of collective energy and commitment toward our shared mission," said a senior RSS functionary based out of Bihar. Around 15,000 volunteers, many of them academicians, doctors, lawyers, local teachers, shopkeepers, students or small farmers, have been drawn into the effort. The target is ambitious and it includes roughly 4,000 such meetings in every constituency. The pitch is simple but loaded. At each doorstep, volunteers, part of a team of two to three members, urge residents to participate in the coming polls, to choose wisely for the state and the nation. They explain the meaning of the vote, the weight of informed choice and, without naming any party, why pressing NOTA is not a solution but a wasted opportunity. Lokmat Parishkar: From Fatigue to Faith In villages where political fatigue runs deep, these quiet conversations are meant to re-stir emotions and reignite interest in the electoral process. People are tired of promises and politics," said a functionary in Patna Sahib. We tell them that even if they are angry, disengaging will not help," he added. The campaign, though wrapped as voter awareness, carries a deeper undertone of ideological outreachan attempt to shape not just participation, but perception, constituency by constituency. The Sangh calls the campaign Lokmat Parishkar. It is not unique to Bihar, though and takes place in every state before the ensuing elections. The Lokmat Parishkar campaign is dedicated to ensuring that every eligible voter, from urban centers to the most remote vanvasi and adivasi regions, is able to participate fully in the democratic process. Through meticulous booth-level planning, outreach in difficult terrains, and engagement with first-time voters, mostly with young students aged 18-25, the campaign seeks to significantly increase voter turnout," explained another senior RSS functionary in Patna. Say No To Caste-Based Voting top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The goal is to empower every citizen to understand the value of their vote and to make sure no one is left behind in shaping the nations future. At the heart of Parishkar lies a call for transformation in how we choose our leaders. It urges citizens to move beyond caste-based or identity-driven voting and instead support those who will truly improve lives through integrity, vision, and development-oriented governance," he added. By promoting pro-development, issue-based voting, the campaign aims to strengthen democracy itself, making it more accountable, inclusive, and capable of delivering real progress for all, said the RSS functionary. About the Author Madhuparna Das Madhuparna Das, Associate Editor (policy) at CNN News 18, has been in journalism for nearly 14 years. She has extensively been covering politics, policy, crime and internal security issues. She has co... Read More First Published: October 29, 2025, 09:39 IST News elections In Bihars Heartland, Sangh's Foot Soldiers Are Back To Lead A Quiet Mobilisation | Ground Report Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'NDA Will Win Bihar Polls With 2/3rd Majority': Amit Shah At News18 Event Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 21:40 IST Highlighting the progress made under the NDAs rule, Shah said that in the 11 years of the double-engine government, Bihar had witnessed major transformations Union Home Minister Amit Shah. (News18) Union Home Minister Amit Shah told News18 that the NDA is poised to win more than a two-thirds majority in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. He said the alliance will once again form the government under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While speaking to Network18 Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi at News18s Sabse Bada Dangal, Amit Shah said there was a clear NDA wave" in Bihar and expressed confidence that the coalition would register an unprecedented increase" in the number of seats this time. Recommended Stories Highlighting the progress made under the NDAs rule, Shah said that in the 11 years of the double-engine government," Bihar had witnessed major transformations compared to the earlier dispensation led by Nitish Kumar and the BJP. He said the state had seen significant improvements in governance, infrastructure, and welfare delivery under the current administration. Also Read: Speaking Like A Local Goon: BJP Targets Rahul Gandhi Over Dance Dig At PM Modi In Bihar Amit Shah further told News18 that in the past 11 years, 85.2 million (8 crore 52 lakh) people have received five kilograms of free food grains, and 6.6 crore Jan Dhan accounts have been opened under the central governments welfare initiatives. Nitish Kumar has pulled Bihar out of jungle raj in the past 11 years," Shah said, highlighting the transformation under the double-engine government. Taking a dig at opposition leaders, Shah added, Lalu ji wants his son should become CM, and according to Sonia ji, her son should become PM. I want to tell both of them that there is no space available in Bihar or Delhi for your sons. We are contesting the elections under the leadership of Nitish ji; there is no confusion. I have clearly stated that we are contesting the elections under Nitish Kumars leadership." He reiterated, No vacancy for CM in BiharNitish is CM. No confusion here." No Vacancy For CM In Bihar: Amit Shah Union Home Minister Amit Shah has ended speculation over the BJPs chief ministerial candidate in Bihar, affirming that the NDA will contest the upcoming assembly elections under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. There is no vacancy for CM in Bihar, there is no confusion here. Ive just said we are fighting the election under the leadership of Nitish Kumar," Shah told Network18 Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi at News18s Sabse Bada Dangal ahead of the state polls. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Also Read: Every Time He Has: Amit Shah Says Rahul Gandhi Will Pay Bihar Poll Price Over PM Modi Remarks Asked who would be the chief minister if the NDA returns to power, Shah took aim at the oppositions dynastic politics," saying, Lalu ji wants his son should become CM, and according to Sonia ji, her son should become PM. I want to tell them both that there is no space available in either Bihar or Delhi; in Delhi, theres Modi ji and in Bihar, its Nitish Kumar ji." Shah reiterated that he has clearly stated" the NDA is contesting the election under Nitish Kumars leadership. 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 29, 2025, 20:28 IST News elections 'NDA Will Win Bihar Polls With 2/3rd Majority': Amit Shah At News18 Event Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Nitish Holding 4 Rallies A Day, No Question Of Poor Health: Amit Shah At News18s Bihar Event Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 21:27 IST Amit Shah at News18 Indias Sabse Bada Dangal Bihar 2025: Nitish ji is holding 4 rallies a day. He is meeting people. Where is the question of his health [being in poor shape]? Rapid Read + Follow us On Google Amit Shah said the NDA would win the Bihar polls with an unprecedented majority. (PTI File) Bihar CM Nitish Kumar has been holding four rallies a day, just like me, said Union Home Minister Amit Shah at News18 Indias Sabse Bada Dangal Bihar 2025 on Wednesday. Rubbishing the health concerns raised by the opposition, in a session with Network18 Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi, Shah said, From what I know, Nitish ji is holding four rallies a day. He is meeting people. Even I am holding four rallies. For rallies, you have to climb three flights of stairs. You have to walk for almost 2.5-3 km to do four rallies. Where is the question of his health [being in poor shape]?" Recommended Stories He has been answering every question being asked by RJDs Lalu Yadav and Rabdi Devi. They are trying to create a perception" said Shah. Following an awkward garlanding of a female candidate by Kumar, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav had shared the video clip on his X handle with the remark, He is a strange man indeed. If he is in sound mental health, why is he reading out from a written speech and indulging in such behaviour?" Other Opposition leaders, too, have raised questions over Kumars health. Shah also said he was confident that the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will form a government with unprecedented majority in Bihar. We will form Bihar government with more than two-thirds majority for the NDA. When I say two-thirds majority, it means for the NDA alliance. There is a wave in favour of the NDA" top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all As per the deal for the 243-member assembly, the BJP and Kumars JD(U) are contesting 101 seats each. Chirag Paswans LJP (Ramvilas) has a share of 29 seats. Upendra Kushwahas RLM and Jitan Ram Manjhis HAM got a share of six seats each. For the first time in Bihars electoral history, the BJP and JD(U) are contesting an equal number of seats 101 each in the upcoming 2025 Assembly elections. This marks a major shift in the states political equation, as Kumars party has traditionally contested a larger share whenever the two parties have been in alliance. Voting for the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections will be held on November 6 and November 11, with results on November 14. 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 29, 2025, 20:46 IST News elections Nitish Holding 4 Rallies A Day, No Question Of Poor Health: Amit Shah At News18s Bihar Event Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'No PM-CM Vacancy For Sonia Gandhi, Lalu Prasad's Sons': Amit Shah's Endorsement For Nitish Kumar Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 22:04 IST Union Home Minister Amit Shah gave a huge vote of confidence to incumbent Bihar CM Nitish Kumar and said the state has progressed by leaps and bounds under him in the last 11 years Union Home Minister Amit Shah speaks at News18 India 'Sabse Bada Dangal' ahead of the Bihar assembly elections. (Image: News18) Union Home Minister Amit Shah may have just cleared the air over who will be the chief minister if the NDA returns to power in Bihar. Shah gave a huge vote of confidence to incumbent chief minister Nitish Kumar and said there is no confusion that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is contesting the polls under his leadership. Recommended Stories There is no vacancy for CM in Bihar, there is no confusion here. Ive just said we are fighting the election under the leadership of Nitish Kumar," Shah told Network18 Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi at News18 Sabse Bada Dangal ahead of the assembly elections in Bihar. Asked who will be the chief minister if the NDA returns to power, Shah took a swipe at the dynastic" politics within the Mahagathbandhan. He said RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav wants his son, Tejashwi Yadav, to become Bihars CM; and Congress leader Sonia Gandhi wants her son, Rahul Gandhi, to become Prime Minister. Lalu ji wants his son should become CM, and according to Sonia ji, her son should become PM. I want to tell them both that there is no space available in either Bihar or Delhi; in Delhi, theres Modi ji, and in Bihar, its Nitish Kumar ji," he said, reasserting that he has clearly stated that the election is being fought under Nitish Kumar. He said Bihar has witnessed tremendous progress in the last 11 years under the double-engine" government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar. In 11 years, 85.2 million (8 crore 52 lakh) people have received 5 kg of free food grains, 6.60 crore accounts have been opened under the Jan Dhan Yojana. Nitish Kumar ne poorna roop se 11 saal may Bihar ko jungle raj se mukt kiya hai (Nitish Kumar has freed Bihar from jungle raj in the last 11 years of his government)," he added. The Union ministers remarks come a day after opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav attacked the NDA, saying Nitish Kumar is a puppet" in the ruling alliance and the BJP will not make him the CM if it returns to power. The BJP gave a strong response to Tejashwis comments, saying he should first take care of his own house". Nitish Kumar was, is, and will remain the chief minister. Tejashwi should first take care of his own house," BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad told reporters while reacting to the launch of the oppositions election manifesto, Bihar Ka Tejashwi Pran, on Tuesday (October 28). top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Bihar deputy CM Samrat Choudhary has also endorsed Nitish Kumar, saying it is up to the people of Bihar whether it wants a criminal family" or a clean" leader like the JD(U) veteran at its helm. This indicates an overall consensus , if nothing else, within the NDA that Nitish Kumar will continue to lead the state and the alliance if they win the polls. The Bihar assembly elections will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11. The results will be declared on November 14. 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 29, 2025, 20:49 IST News elections 'No PM-CM Vacancy For Sonia Gandhi, Lalu Prasad's Sons': Amit Shah's Endorsement For Nitish Kumar Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... No Outsider, No Remote Control: Rahul Gandhi, Tejashwi Yadav Slam NDA At Joint Bihar Rally Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 15:03 IST Rahul Gandhi echoed the sentiment, attacking the BJP over unemployment and alleged paper leaks. Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav were addressing a rally in Bihar Sakra. (PTI) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and RJDs Tejashwi Yadav, along with other leaders of Mahagathbandhan, held a joint rally in Bihars Sakra on Wednesday, pitching themselves as the voice of Bihars youth and hitting out at Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Recommended Stories Addressing the gathering, Tejashwi said, Nitish Kumar is just a puppet for the BJP. You are Bihari no bahari (outsider) will come, and no remote control will work here." He urged voters to back the INDIA bloc in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, promising that if voted to power, his government would provide one government job per family. We want a Bihar where no one has to leave the state for work. Give Tejashwi a chance it will be the government of the youth," he said. Rahul Gandhi echoed the sentiment, attacking the BJP over unemployment and alleged paper leaks. I spoke to some Bihari youths. They told me there are no jobs here, no future for Biharis in Bihar. What has Nitish Kumar done in the last 20 years for education, health, or jobs," Gandhi said. He added that under the NDA, Bihar has seen repeated examination paper leaks, denying students opportunities for quality education. Gandhi also said, When I asked the prime minister to conduct a caste census, he said nothing. They are using Nitish Kumars face, but the remote control is with the BJP." Stressing on his vision for Bihar, he added, I want a Bihar where people from other states come here for jobs not where our youth are forced to migrate." The Congress also added: I am thankful for you all to come here. Wherever I go, I meet young people from Bihar. You help build Delhi, Bangalore, Gujarat, and Mumbai. If you can help other states, then you can definitely do this in your own state. I met 15 youth of Bihar a few days ago, and all of them were saying that they see nothing in Bihar employment or any kind of future in Bihar." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The rally, marked by slogans of Yuva ki sarkar, saw both leaders reaffirming their alliances commitment to employment, education, and dignity for Bihars youth. About the Author Abhro Banerjee Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, including electi... Read More First Published: October 29, 2025, 15:00 IST News elections No Outsider, No Remote Control: Rahul Gandhi, Tejashwi Yadav Slam NDA At Joint Bihar Rally Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Ravi Shankar Prasad Calls Rahul Gandhi A Political Tourist, Says Nitish Kumar Is Bihar's CM Face Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 16:11 IST When asked about speculation around a possible change in Bihars leadership at News18's election event 'Sabse Bada Dangal Bihar 2025', Prasad firmly dismissed it. Ravi Shankar Prasad at News18 Sabse Bada Dangal Bihar 2025. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Patna MP Ravi Shankar Prasad launched a sharp attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during News18s special election event Sabse Bada Dangal Bihar 2025, calling him a political tourist" and a non-serious politician." Responding to Gandhis recent remark that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would even dance on stage for votes", Prasad said Rahul Gandhi treats politics like sightseeing. He does everything a tourist does. He is a non-serious politician," he remarked. Prasad further criticised Rahul Gandhis past statements in Parliament, recalling his comments during the 75th year of the Indian Parliament. When Parliament completed 75 years, he made weird statements. Rahul Gandhi should learn respect for institutions the Prime Ministers post carries dignity," he said, adding in Hindi, Aapka tutor kaun hai? Badalne ki zarurat hai. (Who is your tutor? You must change them)." Recommended Stories Taking a jibe at Gandhis lineage, Prasad said, He is the Opposition leader because of his family, where many have been Prime Ministers. He should understand the respect that comes with that position." The senior BJP leader also alleged that Gandhi often speaks what others teach him, saying, Rahul Gandhi ko koi padhaa deta hai, vo vahi bol dete hain." When asked about speculation around a possible change in Bihars leadership, Prasad firmly dismissed it. There is no CM post vacancy. Nitish Kumar is our Chief Minister and the face for the next election. He has done good work for Bihar," he said. Prasad credited the BJP-JD(U) government for improving infrastructure, creating jobs, and empowering women through schemes like Jeevika Didi. Those who have no chance of forming a government are raising such questions," he added. Highlighting the development in Bihar under Nitish Kumars leadership, Prasad contrasted the present with the jungle raj" of the past. That era was about fear and corruption. Today, Bihar has peace, honesty, and growth. We had only three polytechnics once now we have more than 15. We have world-class roads, airports, and rail connectivity," he said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Boasting of modern infrastructure, he added, Eight Vande Bharat trains run from Patna. Patnas roads are no less than Mumbais Marine Drive." On a lighter note, Prasad interacted warmly with News18s Amitabh Sinha, asking in Bhojpuri, Airport theek laga ki nahi? Aur kaa chaha ji? Aur bhi karenge (Did you like the airport? What else do you want? Well do 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 29, 2025, 16:11 IST News elections Ravi Shankar Prasad Calls Rahul Gandhi A Political Tourist, Says Nitish Kumar Is Bihar's CM Face Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'This Time, It'll Be BJP': Amit Shah Predicts Bengal Win, Targets Mamata Banerjee Over SIR Uproar Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: October 30, 2025, 00:00 IST On a CM face to take on TMC boss Mamata Banerjee, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the decision is up to the West Bengal BJP unit and discussions over this are yet to take place Union Home Minister Amit Shah speaks at the News18 'Sabse Bada Dangal' event, ahead of the Bihar assembly elections. (Image: News18) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday exuded confidence as he predicted that the BJP will win Bengal this time" in the assembly elections next year. At the same time, he slammed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) for the uproar over the special intensive revision (SIR) exercise in the state. Recommended Stories The BJP has gained a lot of ground and, this time, it is definitely going to win the Bengal elections," Shah told Network18 Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi at News18 Sabse Bada Dangal ahead of the assembly elections in Bihar. Asked if there will be a chief ministerial candidate to face Mamata Banerjee, who has been at the helm for 14 years since 2011, Shah said the decision is up to the state BJP unit and discussions over this are yet to take place. He, however, did not mince words when asked about Banerjee and her partys opposition to the pan-India SIR, which is taking place in 12 states and union territories. Of these, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal will go to polls next year. The opposition only wants a corrupt voter list. Bengal and its CM are especially opposing it only to protect the infiltrators," he said, stoutly defending the electoral roll revision and the Election Commission of India (ECI). The opposition has repeatedly alleged that the Election Commission (EC) is working at the behest of the BJP to deny genuine citizens the right to vote. In fact, this has turned into a political slugfest in Bengal, where the TMC has vowed to protect" voters from being deleted from the electoral rolls. The Union minister defended the legitimacy of the process, asserting that the SIR is not happening for the first time" and noting that it has been held previously from 1955 to 2004. Our party supports the Election Commission; SIR has been held from 1955 to 2004, this is not happening for the first time. It is very important to purify the voter list," he said. The opposition has opposed the SIR since it was announced in Bihar, right before the upcoming assembly elections. Now, the TMC has renewed that campaign alleging that the exercise is akin to backdoor NRC (National Register of Citizens)" and an attempt to manipulate voter lists before the polls. TAMIL NADU AND KERALA Two other states on the SIR list, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, will also have elections in 2026. Shah said it is too early to predict the BJPs performance in the southern states. Its still early, but the BJP will get 25 percent votes in this municipal election and we will also get good seats," he said on Kerala. About Tamil Nadu, where there is much speculation over NDA and its constituents, he said: Whatever decision all NDA constituents will take, it is certain that we want to expand the NDA." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Earlier in the day, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the cabinet will soon hold an all-party meeting to discuss steps to oppose the upcoming SIR in the state, expressing concerns over its hasty implementation" before the assembly polls next year. Vijayans Tamil Nadu counterpart and DMK leader, MK Stalin, has also vehemently opposed the EC exercise calling it a man-made calamity". He said all opposition parties in the state should shun their differences and attend the all-party meeting to protest against SIR implementation. 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 29, 2025, 23:38 IST News elections 'This Time, It'll Be BJP': Amit Shah Predicts Bengal Win, Targets Mamata Banerjee Over SIR Uproar Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Macao's 50 torchbearers to relay in anticipation of National Games Xinhua) 13:38, October 29, 2025 MACAO, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- The torch relay in Macao will involve 50 torchbearers from various sectors of society, the preparatory office of the Macao events of China's 15th National Games announced on Tuesday. Office director Pun Weng Kun said Sunday's relay will take place on the Macao Peninsula, covering approximately 2.6 kilometers. The opening ceremony is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. at the headquarters of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) government, with the relay concluding at the Ruins of St. Paul's, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. China's 15th National Games will be jointly hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao from November 9 to 21. The 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games will be held from December 8 to 15. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) How "world's supermarket" in east China expands trade via AI, IP Xinhua) 13:55, October 29, 2025 A vendor (R) sends her AI business card to a foreign merchant with a mobile phone at the Global Digital Trade Center in Yiwu, east China's Zhejiang Province, Oct. 14, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Ziyi) HANGZHOU, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- The newly opened Yiwu Global Digital Trade Center, hailed as the sixth-generation market in Yiwu, located in east China's Zhejiang Province, is awash with wheat flower baskets, symbolizing wishes for the achievement of booming business. "The new market has a stronger sense of technology -- everyone focuses more on building brands and IP, and they are more open to retail," said Ni Wenna, manager of a trendy toy store at the market which opened in mid-October. Putting down an original IP blind box, she illustrated her comments via everyday tools: "For instance, the 'World Yiwu' trade model helps us grasp market trends, and the 'Xiaoshang AI video translation' tool solves communication challenges with clients from different countries." "Instead of memorizing scripts, a merchant can simply speak random words like '12345' into the phone, add some text, and receive a professional multilingual product video within minutes," explained Sun Lingjuan, head of fashion brand Fuduolashijia. She also noted that the center's robust cross-border infrastructure enables seamless TikTok live streaming -- "allowing us to engage with international customers online without any barriers." In Yiwu, an increasing number of merchants are integrating technology into their businesses. Many leverage AI right from the product design phase to analyze cultural preferences across countries -- enabling them to launch more precise and suitable new products. This tech trend stems from Yiwu's efforts to cultivate digital capabilities, such as conducting AI application talent training in e-commerce, developing the "World Yiwu" trade model for small commodities, and launching 13 AI applications to help solve obstacles in design, marketing and going global. As a flagship project of the sixth-generation market in Yiwu, the Global Digital Trade Center is equipped with digital infrastructure like 10-gigabit optical networks and cross-border data transmission channels. Over 3,700 new merchants rely on stable cross-border networks for real-time communication and business negotiations with global clients. Zhu Xingping, deputy general manager of the center, stated that the sixth-generation market achieves comprehensive digital and intelligent upgrades, when compared to its predecessors. Among the more than 3,700 merchants in eight sectors like fashion jewelry, creative trendy toys and smart equipment that have settled in the center, over half possess their own brands or operate IP products. The importance of building proprietary brands and IP has become a consensus among Yiwu businesses. After Labubu gained global popularity, Ni noticed a significant sales increase for their brand, with several products highly sought after overseas. "For trendy toys to stand out, they need their own IP, relying on R&D and material quality," she explained. Her parent company, Zhejiang Meiyiyou Crafts Co., Ltd., has over 100 professional designers, with more than half of its products sold to Japan, the Republic of Korea (ROK) and Southeast Asia. Yiwu toy merchants are also focusing on "edutainment" for children. At the Boran Education store, a rich variety of products ranging from human body models to traditional Chinese medicine distribution maps and "small science experiment classes" can be found. Chen Songqing, co-founder of Zhejiang Boran Education Technology Co., Ltd., explained that the company's development journey represents a transition from homogenized competition to brand building. "Initially, our products weren't very different from other toy manufacturers. After some years, we realized this wasn't sustainable. We had to develop something with real core competitiveness," Chen said. Around a decade ago, the company pivoted toward the children's education sector -- embarking on a path of independent innovation and R&D, while recently exploring export options to Belt and Road countries, as well as European and American markets. Reflecting on innovation, Chen expressed deep conviction. "Although AI R&D requires significant investment, it undoubtedly represents the future direction. Improving company efficiency also necessarily relies on AI," he remarked, while holding up a company-designed AI product and expressing hope that AI can provide emotional value and become a companion for children's growth. As a window offering a glimpse of China's reform and opening up, and a barometer of global small commodity trade, Yiwu's market has undergone multiple rounds of transformation -- evolving from a humble roadside market into a modern international trade hub. Each upgrade has closely tracked the pulse of the times and market demand. Now, it is fully embracing the digital era with the establishment of the new digital trade center. Within the Global Digital Trade Center, one can witness both the emergence of new products and evolving trends -- alongside the revival of traditional crafts with a fresh appeal. The ancient craft of wool felting is being revitalized in a more fashionable and youthful manner in many stores. Inside the Coco Nepalese wool felt store, several ornaments stand out -- some charmingly ugly-cute, others vivid and expressive, each possessing unique warmth and character. Starting from a very small space just two years ago, the company now operates three stores in Yiwu and four factories in Nepal -- providing employment for nearly 2,000 local artisans. Liu Sen, manager of one of these stores, told Xinhua that their products are successfully sold in numerous countries including the United States, New Zealand, Japan, ROK and Germany. "We hope every product can accompany customers to all corners of the world," Liu said, adding that their future plans include launching wool felting DIY experience courses. "Through independent innovation, we aim to integrate this ancient craft into more people's lives -- preserving its unique warmth while blending it with modern aesthetics, serving as a bridge connecting Chinese and Nepalese culture and craftsmanship," he noted. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Recommended Stories Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday dismissed the oppositions promise to provide government jobs if it comes to power in Bihar. According to the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan poll manifesto, nicknamed Tejashwi Pran (Tejashwis Resolve), the opposition has promised to provide at least one member of a family with a government job in the first 20 months, if it forms the government, and then to create at least 1.25 crore government jobs in the next five years. Shah called the promise of government jobs absurd" saying the opposition knows it will never come to power and will not have to fulfil a single promise mentioned in its nonsensical" manifesto. So many WhatsApp messages have circulated that Rs 12 lakh crore are needed for these jobs; where will you get so much money? Its four times more than Bihars budget," Shah told Network18 Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi at News18 Sabse Bada Dangal ahead of the assembly elections in Bihar. Shah said the opposition is deluding itself into believing that voters have faith in them, but they are underestimating Bihars youth that knows that this is an empty promise. They know they will not come to power and will not have to fulfil any promise in their nonsensical manifesto; hence, they are making absurd promises," he said. He said jobs are not the only issue in Bihar. Before, there was clean water or electricity in villages, but today every village has electricity and water, he said. A lot more work is going to happen once the infrastructure is strengthened." The opposition released its poll manifesto on Tuesday (October 28), while the ruling NDA is yet to release one and has faced heavy criticism from RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on the same. Explained: Why ECs SIR Exercise Has Triggered A Political Storm In West Bengal Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 14:35 IST West Bengal has witnessed the sharpest resistance to the Election Commissions SIR, with TMC accusing BJP of using it to manipulate voter lists The SIR will begin in West Bengal on November 4 and will end by December 4.(Image for representation: News18) The Election Commissions Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, a nationwide exercise to update and verify voter lists, has triggered political opposition in several states. But in West Bengal, the exercise has triggered a sharper reaction, with the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) calling it NRC in disguise" and opposition parties accusing the Election Commission of acting without consultation. The debate has brought back Bengals recurring anxieties over voter identity and citizenship, themes that have shaped its politics since the protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC) in 201920. Recommended Stories What Is SIR, And Why Is It Being Conducted? The Special Intensive Revision is part of the Election Commissions process to verify and clean voter lists. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) visit households to confirm voter details, delete names of the deceased or relocated, and add new eligible voters. Political parties can nominate Booth Level Agents (BLAs) to observe the process. West Bengals Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Agarwal said the exercise will cover 7.6 crore voters and finish by December 4. He said, We saw how SIR was conducted in Bihar for 7.79 crore voters and without machine-readable data; we have everything in West Bengal. Why cant we complete the exercise in the given period?" Agarwal added that a mobile app would allow officials, parties, and voters to track verification status, and said law and order would be managed by state forces. We dont need central forces, the state forces are sufficient," he said. Why Has It Sparked Political Protests In Bengal? Among all states where the SIR is being carried out, West Bengal has seen the most intense pushback. The ruling TMC has accused the BJP of using the exercise to manipulate voter lists under the pretext of identifying illegal infiltrators," while other opposition parties have questioned the ECs planning and consultation. TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said the BJP was attempting to use the poll body to gain an advantage in the state. BJP has neither organisation nor acceptability in Bengal, so now it is trying to manipulate the voter list with the help of EC," he said, warning that any deletion of genuine voters to aid BJPs agenda will be met with the protest it deserves." The party has also alleged that the BJPs reference to foreign infiltrators" is an excuse to target Muslim voters and create division." Other TMC leaders have voiced concern over the timeline of the revision. Jaiprakash Narayan termed the schedule a rush job" that could undermine the accuracy of the process. If Bengal polls are due early next year, theres not enough time for claims and objections," he said. At a recent all-party meeting, TMC minister Arup Biswas questioned the haste behind the rollout. It took two years to complete SIR in 2002; why are they doing this now?" he asked. Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim went further, calling it an NRC exercise in disguise." We will revolt against CAA masked as SIR, and the way BJP and EC are hand in hand," he said. TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee echoed the charge of political targeting, saying at a rally in Nadia, You (BJP) are trying to select voters and drop those who do not vote for you. They have sent instructions to remove 1 crore people. But we will not let that happen." The sharp reaction is rooted in Bengals political and demographic context. The state has one of Indias highest shares of border districts and a long history of cross-border migration, especially from Bangladesh. During the anti-CAA and anti-NRC protests in 201920, Bengal witnessed some of the largest demonstrations in the country, and its Assembly passed a resolution opposing the CAA in 2020. For many residents of North and South 24 Parganas, Murshidabad, and Malda, districts where citizenship documentation has long been patchy, the door-to-door verification under SIR has revived fears of exclusion. Opposition parties say that in such areas, any large-scale verification exercise inevitably carries political and social sensitivities. What Have Other Opposition Parties Said? The Congress and CPI(M) have also criticised the Election Commissions approach, though their objections focus on process rather than intent. West Bengal Congress president Shuvankar Sarkar said, We had submitted a memorandum to the EC, demanding 16 modifications to the SIR process as notified for Bihar in June. None of our suggestions has been considered by the EC. The only change is the addition of a notice phase for hearing and verification lasting 53 days after the end of the claims and objections period. This modification is not enough to address the existing anomalies." CPI(M) state secretary Mohammed Salim said, There is provision for death and birth registration in our country, and it is the Election Commissions duty to ensure that names of genuine voters remain on the rolls." He added, How can the BJP and its central leaders say that one crore names will be struck off from the electoral rolls in Bengal following the SIR? It is only after the process is completed that the exact number can be known." How Has The BJP Responded? The BJP has defended the SIR, describing it as necessary to maintain accurate and transparent voter rolls. It says the TMCs resistance reflects its fear of losing support from ineligible voters. State BJP president Samik Bhattacharya said, TMC is shouting against SIR because it is afraid. They know if SIR happens, those Bangladeshi Muslims who got enrolled in the voters list and are a solid votebank of the TMC, will be deleted." BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul said, The EC has already said that no genuine voters name will be deleted and no illegal voters name will remain in the electoral roll. The people of West Bengal are hoping for a transparent process." Bureaucratic Shuffle Just before the SIR rollout, the West Bengal government transferred 64 IAS officers and hundreds of civil service officials, including District Magistrates in 17 districts such as Malda, Murshidabad, and the two 24 Parganas, many of which share borders with Bangladesh and Bihar. The BJP objected to the reshuffle in a letter to the Election Commission, calling it a violation of guidelines. The partys state leaders alleged that the move could influence the upcoming voter revision process. Union minister Sukanta Majumdar remarked that his party would see what the purpose of these transfers are, and on whose gurumantra it was done," warning that if the new officers were seen working on Trinamools instructions," the BJP would democratically resist it with full force." Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar clarified that administrative reshuffles before an SIR are within a states rights, but any transfers after its announcement require ECI approval. What Happens Next? top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The SIR will begin in West Bengal on November 4 and will end by December 4. Training for Booth Level Officers and Agents is underway, and the EC has urged political parties to cooperate. While other states have viewed the SIR as a routine administrative task, Bengals experience with citizenship-linked controversies has made it far more sensitive to the exercise. About the Author Karishma Jain Karishma Jain, Chief Sub Editor at News18.com, writes and edits opinion pieces on a variety of subjects, including Indian politics and policy, culture and the arts, technology and social change. Follo... Read More First Published: October 29, 2025, 14:34 IST News explainers Explained: Why ECs SIR Exercise Has Triggered A Political Storm In West Bengal Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Explained: Why Israel Bombed Gaza Again Despite A Ceasefire Deal Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 11:22 IST Just weeks into a US-brokered truce, Israeli airstrikes have resumed in Gaza. With both sides trading accusations and bodies still unrecovered, is the truce falling apart? A Palestinian boy carrying belongings walks past the rubble of destroyed buildings in the al-Tuffah neighbourhood of Gaza City (Photo: AFP) The Israeli military launched a fresh wave of airstrikes across northern and southern Gaza, killing at least 30 people, including children, AFP quoted Gazas civil defence agency as saying on Wednesday. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office announced that he had directed the military to immediately carry out forceful strikes in the Gaza Strip" after consultations with security officials on Tuesday evening. This escalation came nearly two weeks into a fragile ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States. The ceasefire, approved by Israel on October 9, aimed to pause a two-year war that began after the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas and its allies on Israel, in which more than 1,200 people were killed and 251 hostages taken. Since then, at least 68,527 Palestinians have died and over 170,000 have been injured in Gaza, according to Gazas Ministry of Health. Recommended Stories The ceasefire terms included the release of Israeli hostages, both living and deceased, and a partial withdrawal of Israeli troops. As of this week, only 15 of the 28 bodies of deceased hostages had been returned, CNN reported. Israel now claims that not only has Hamas delayed the process, but it has also violated the deals terms in multiple ways, prompting the new military action. What Did Israel Say About Hamass Ceasefire Violations? Israel accused Hamas of: Attacking Israeli troops in Gaza Failing to return the bodies of hostages promptly Staging the discovery of remains to mislead observers An Israeli military official told CNN that Israeli troops stationed east of the so-called yellow line", the dividing line between Israeli-occupied Gaza and the rest of the territory, came under RPG and sniper fire in Rafah, southern Gaza. The same source also claimed that Hamas was pretending not to know" the location of hostage remains. The IDF released a drone video showing men burying and later unearthing a shrouded body in Gaza City, allegedly to stage its discovery in front of Red Cross personnel. Hamas are lying about our hostages and heres the proof:Yesterday, Hamas terrorists were filmed removing body remains from a prepared structure and re-burying them nearby, before summoning Red Cross representatives to stage a false discovery" for photographers. Despite pic.twitter.com/c9CkJo3msW Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 28, 2025 The footage was also referenced by AP, which geolocated the site but could not verify the date or the contents of the white body bag. Israeli government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian described the footage as a disgraceful deception" and claimed that the remains were those of Ofir Tzarfati, a hostage kidnapped from the Nova music festival on October 7 and previously recovered by Israeli forces in November 2023. His family said this was the third time they had been asked to reopen and rebury his grave. In Netanyahus words, the return of these body parts constituted a clear violation" of the ceasefire agreement, which required Hamas to return all remaining hostages as soon as possible. What Did Hamas Say In Response? Hamas has denied all the accusations and condemned Israels actions as violations of the truce. In a statement on Telegram, the group said the continuing bombardment represents a flagrant violation of the ceasefire agreement signed in Sharm el-Sheikh under the auspices of US President Trump." A political bureau member of Hamas, Suhail al-Hindi, told Al Jazeera, We have made every effort possible to recover the bodies, and the occupation bears full responsibility for any delay in recovering the remaining bodies." He also added, Israel must realise that we are committed to the agreement, and they must stop falsely accusing us of violating it." Hamas further denied any involvement in the reported gunfire exchange in Rafah. Shortly after Netanyahus order for new strikes, Hamass armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, announced that it would postpone the handover of a hostages body in response to Israels violations." The militant group warned that continued escalation will hinder search, digging, and retrieval operations of the bodies, which will lead to a delay in recovering the bodies of the dead captives," according to CNN. What Has The US Said About The Escalation? US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Hamas: honour the fragile Gaza ceasefire or face the consequences. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said Israel has the full right to respond to any violations and added that if Hamas does not behave", it will be eradicated". Stressing that Israel was justified in taking military action if Hamas breaks its commitments under the ceasefire deal, Trump clarified that the US will not be deploying troops to intervene but emphasised that it backed Israel and that allied countries would act swiftly. The US President said Hamas must behave" and if theyre not good, theyll be eradicated", making it clear that the militant group has lost major outside support. They killed an Israeli soldier. So the Israelis hit back. And they should hit back," Trump told reporters. CNN quoted a US official saying that Israel had notified Washington ahead of the strikes. Another Israeli source said that any future response would also be coordinated with the US. However, US Vice-President JD Vance attempted to downplay the violence, stating that the ceasefire remains in place" and referring to the attacks as little skirmishes here and there." The Red Cross, which had been involved in facilitating the return of bodies, also issued a statement reacting to the staging allegations. It said: It is unacceptable that a fake recovery was staged, when so much depends on this agreement being upheld and when so many families are still anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones." Is The Ceasefire Still Holding? Despite mounting violations, officials on all sides have maintained that the ceasefire remains in place at least formally. Tuesdays flare-up marked the third such escalation since the ceasefire began on October 10. A previous Israeli strike on October 19 killed over 40 Palestinians after Hamas allegedly killed two Israeli soldiers. Over the weekend, another airstrike wounded several people in what Israel described as a pre-emptive attack on Islamic Jihad operatives. The situation has now reached a critical point. Diplomatic sources said that mediators from Egypt and Qatar were in contact with both Israel and Hamas to salvage the truce. One Arab official involved in the negotiations told AP: Both sides violated the agreement, but there was no significant breach." The violations cited included delays in body returns, slow humanitarian aid delivery, and minor skirmishes on the separation line. Meanwhile, Israel is reportedly considering expanding its buffer zone inside Gaza, reoccupying the Netzarim corridor, or restricting aid, though the latter is opposed by the US. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The slow pace of recovering hostage remains is emerging as a major obstacle in moving forward with the next phases of the ceasefire, which include discussions over Hamas disarmament, deployment of an international security force, and future governance of Gaza. Hamas has said that the scale of destruction across the territory is making it difficult to locate bodies, while Israel continues to accuse the group of intentional delays. For now, both sides insist they remain committed to the ceasefire, even as the ground reality tells a more unstable story. About the Author Karishma Jain Karishma Jain, Chief Sub Editor at News18.com, writes and edits opinion pieces on a variety of subjects, including Indian politics and policy, culture and the arts, technology and social change. Follo... Read More First Published: October 29, 2025, 11:13 IST News explainers Explained: Why Israel Bombed Gaza Again Despite A Ceasefire Deal Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Why Delhis Attempt At Cloud Seeding Failed To Bring Rain, And Whats Next Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 08:27 IST While the trials yielded mixed results, both IIT Kanpur and the Delhi government have signalled that more experiments are likely in coming days, depending on atmospheric conditions The aircraft used for the first cloud-seeding trial in the national capital took off from Kanpur on Tuesday. (PTI photo) On Tuesday, the Delhi government carried out two cloud seeding sorties in an effort to trigger artificial rain and bring down pollution levels. These were part of an MoU signed with IIT Kanpur on September 25 for a series of experimental trials in northwest Delhi, with permissions granted by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to conduct them between October and November. The initiative is aimed at exploring cloud seeding as a scientific pollution mitigation strategy during the high-smog season. The Delhi government on May 7 approved a proposal to conduct five cloud seeding trials at a total cost of Rs 3.21 crore. Recommended Stories Cloud seeding is a scientific technique used to stimulate rainfall by dispersing substances such as silver iodide, sodium chloride, or potassium chloride into clouds. These particles act as nuclei around which water droplets can form, increasing the likelihood of precipitation. Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa called it a huge step taken by the government to mitigate pollution" and said more trials were expected over the coming days. How Were The Trials Conducted? IIT Kanpur submitted its report on the cloud seeding trial on Tuesday evening. According to its summary report, two flights were conducted on Tuesday, one from IIT Kanpur and another from Meerut, using a Cessna aircraft equipped with silver iodide and salt-based flares. The first sortie departed from IIT Kanpur at 12:13 pm and landed in Meerut at 2:30 pm, dispersing approximately 34 kilograms of seeding mixture. The second flight took off from Meerut at 3:45 pm and landed back at 4:45 pm, releasing another 4 kilograms of material. The aircraft flew over areas such as Khekra, Burari, North Karol Bagh, Mayur Vihar, Sadakpur, Bhojpur, and parts of Noida and Greater Noida, attempting to disperse seeding material into existing cloud formations. Sirsa told India Today that eight flares were used in cloud seeding, each weighing between 2 to 2.5 kilograms, and that each flare lasted about 2 to 2.5 minutes. Why Didnt The Cloud Seeding Efforts Bring Rain? The key reason the cloud seeding sorties on Tuesday failed to produce visible rainfall in Delhi was the extremely low moisture content in the atmosphere. Cloud seeding typically requires humidity levels of over 50 per cent for the seeding agents, such as silver iodide or salt-based compounds, to effectively stimulate condensation and precipitation. However, during Tuesdays operation, humidity levels were far below that threshold, with estimates ranging between 10 to 20 per cent, according to IIT Kanpur and Delhi government officials. Despite the presence of cloud cover, the lack of sufficient moisture meant that the seeding flares had little material to work with, severely limiting their ability to induce rainfall. Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa confirmed this while speaking to India Today, saying, Generally, we need moisture of over 50%. IIT Kanpur carried out the experimentwe are dependent on them. This trial was done to check if we can do cloud seeding in moisture conditions of 1015%. Since IIT Kanpur was confident, we went ahead with it." Professor Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, echoed this in an interview with NDTV, stating, Unfortunately, the clouds that are present today do not have very high moisture content. I am told it was only up to 1520%. So, the possibility of causing rain with such low moisture content is not very high." Agrawal also noted that although there was cloud presence in some parts of the NCR, not all clouds are equal when it comes to seeding potential. What our team found was that the cloud cover had very little moisture content. And this could be true about the part we flew over So we do not expect any rain to occur today," he said. While the outcome of the trial was underwhelming, Agrawal clarified that the purpose was also to test the feasibility in adverse conditions. It is an SOS solution. When you have a crisis situation, very high pollution, it is one of the methods one can attempt in order to bring down pollution. It is not a permanent solution," he told NDTV. Was There Any Rainfall At All? Despite the lack of visible rainfall in Delhi, official data captured by IIT Kanpur showed very minor drizzle in some parts of the NCR. The report submitted by IIT Kanpur showed 0.1 mm of rainfall in Noida and 0.2 mm in Greater Noida, both around 4:00 pm on Tuesday. Did The Trials Reduce Pollution Levels In Any Way? According to the Delhi government, a marginal improvement in air quality was recorded following the trials. The report showed that PM2.5 levels at Mayur Vihar, Karol Bagh, and Burari dropped from 221, 230, and 229 to 207, 206, and 203, respectively, after the first round of seeding. Similarly, PM10 levels fell from 207, 206, and 209 to 177, 163, and 177 at the same stations. IIT Kanpur researchers attributed this to denser moisture created by seeding particles that helped some pollutants settle despite negligible wind conditions. Whats Next For Delhis Cloud Seeding Programme? While the Tuesday trials yielded mixed results, both IIT Kanpur and the Delhi government have signalled that more experiments are likely in the coming days, depending on atmospheric conditions. Sirsa told India Today, If we have done cloud seeding, then we are going to see cloud-seeding rain only." He said the purpose of conducting trials in low-moisture conditions was to gather data from every humidity level to assess what kind of rain can occur in different conditions." He further added that nine to ten more trials are planned, targeting areas in northern Delhi and its outskirts, guided by wind directions provided by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Conclusion: A Promising Start With Limitations Delhis cloud seeding experiment may not have produced the desired rainfall, but it has sparked serious engagement with weather modification as a short-term pollution mitigation tool. As both the government and IIT Kanpur have emphasised, cloud seeding cannot replace pollution control at the source, but in times of crisis, it may yet offer limited relief, provided the skies cooperate. About the Author Karishma Jain Karishma Jain, Chief Sub Editor at News18.com, writes and edits opinion pieces on a variety of subjects, including Indian politics and policy, culture and the arts, technology and social change. Follo... Read More First Published: October 29, 2025, 08:22 IST News explainers Why Delhis Attempt At Cloud Seeding Failed To Bring Rain, And Whats Next Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Asaram Bapu Granted 6-Month Interim Bail From Rajasthan High Court In Rape Case Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 13:22 IST The Rajasthan High Court has granted six months interim bail to Asaram Bapu on medical grounds. The self-proclaimed godman has been lodged in jail in a rape case. File photo of Asaram Bapu (PTI) The Rajasthan High Court on Wednesday granted six months interim bail to self-proclaimed godman Asaram on medical grounds. Asaram, who is currently serving a life sentence at the Jodhpur Central Jail in a rape case, had filed a bail plea citing his deteriorating health and the need for medical treatment. Recommended Stories The matter was heard by the Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma. At present, Asaram is undergoing treatment at a private hospital. Asaram Bapu has been in jail since August 2013 for allegedly raping a schoolgirl and was arrested after the 16-year-old, whose parents were both devotees, lodged a complaint with the police. Two months later, Asaram and his son Narayan Sai were booked for allegedly raping two sisters at their ashram in Surat, Gujarat. Earlier in January, the Supreme Court granted interim bail to Asaram on medical grounds till the end of March in the 2013 rape case. A bench of Justices MM Sundresh and Rajesh Bindal directed that Asaram shall not attempt to tamper with the evidence, and shall not meet his followers after he is released on interim bail. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Supreme Court bench had then noted that Asaram has various age-related health conditions and had two heart attacks. ALSO READ | He Can Do Anything To Family: Rape Survivors Father Reacts To Asarams Interim Bail About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. First Published: October 29, 2025, 12:58 IST News india Asaram Bapu Granted 6-Month Interim Bail From Rajasthan High Court In Rape Case Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Assam Govt Orders Probe Amid Controversy Over Bangladesh Anthem At Congress Event Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 15:06 IST Assam government orders inquiry after Congress leader Vidhu Bhushan Das sings Amar Sonar Bangla at a Congress Seva Dal meeting in Sribhumi, sparking political controversy. Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Congress leader Vidhu Bhushan Das sang Bangladeshs national anthem during a party meeting. (Image: X/@TheAshokSinghal) The Assam government has ordered an inquiry after a video showing a Congress leader singing Bangladeshs national anthem, Amar Sonar Bangla, during a party meeting surfaced, triggering a political controversy. The anthem was sung by Congress leader Vidhu Bhushan Das at a Congress Seva Dal meeting in Sribhumi district on October 27. According to a senior district administration official, the directive came as oral instructions from Fishery Minister Krishnendu Paul to enquire into the matter and are looking into the issue now," news agency PTI reported. Recommended Stories The incident reportedly took place on Monday during a Congress Seva Dal meeting at Indira Bhavan, the partys district office in Sribhumi town. The meeting began with party members singing two lines of Bangladeshs national anthem, Amar Sonar Bangla, a composition by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, who also wrote Indias national anthem. After a video of the event surfaced on social media, Minister Krishnendu Paul alleged, The Congress gave birth to Pakistan, and Bangladesh was a part of that country. The national anthem of Bangladesh was sung by the Congress to show their love for the neighbouring country." He also said instructions were issued to the district commissioner to take legal action after confirming the truth of the incident". Responding to the controversy, Sribhumi district Congress president Tapas Purkayastha said, Dont indulge in politics with Rabindranath Tagore. Our pride, 85-year-old poet Vidhu Bhushan Das, sang only two lines of the song. Criticising this song means insulting Rabindranath Tagore." Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi also defended the party, saying the BJP was creating unnecessary controversy" as it has no other issue to divert peoples attention." After a video clip from the meeting started doing rounds on social media, the BJP reacted sharply and accused the Congress of indulging in vote bank politics involving Bangladeshi infiltrators. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all However, Gogoi, Congresss deputy leader in the Lok Sabha, said the BJP has always insulted the Bengali language, Bengali culture and the people of Bengal." It is a song composed by Rabindranath Tagore and conveys the sentiments of Bengali culture. The BJP has always insulted the Bengali language, Bengali culture and the people of Bengal. Their IT Cell has also insulted people of Bengal in the past. They have shown ignorance by not knowing the history of Rabindranath Tagore. I think the people of Bengal and Bengali-speaking people in different parts of the country have recognised that the BJP only uses them for votes," he said while defending the party leader. 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 : Guwahati [Gauhati], India, India First Published: October 29, 2025, 15:06 IST News india Assam Govt Orders Probe Amid Controversy Over Bangladesh Anthem At Congress Event Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Bombay HC Orders Ex-Minister Bacchu Kadu To Vacate National Highway Amid Loan Waiver Protest Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 19:58 IST Kadu and his supporters blocked the Nagpur-Hyderabad National Highway (NH-44) as he led a tractor rally demanding the Maharashtra government to provide loan waivers to farmers. Ex-Maharashtra Minister Bacchu Kadu speaking during a protest in Nagpur. (ANI) Former Maharashtra Minister Omprakash alias Bacchu Kadu led a tractor rally against the Maharashtra government, demanding immediate, unconditional loan waivers to debt-ridden farmers. The protesters were ordered by the Bombay High Court to vacate the Nagpur-Hyderabad National Highway (NH-44), as the blockade caused inconvenience to the public. Kadu and his supporters gathered at a ground near Nagpur-Wardha Road after setting out on tractors from Amravati as part of the agitation. He said that farmers had been demanding a loan waiver for farmers, fair prices for crops and welfare measures for the disabled and fishermen for eight months. Recommended Stories The protesters alleged that the Mahayuti government has failed to provide adequate relief to the farming community in the state despite repeated assurances. They said they will provide Rs 6,000 for soybeans and a 20% bonus for every crop Not a single crop in Maharashtra is receiving its full price, and the Chief Minister doesnt have time to meet the farmers. The demand for debt relief will remain," he told news agency ANI on Tuesday. #WATCH | Maharashtra: Farmers agitation in Nagpur led by Former minister and Prahar Party leader Bacchu Kadu continues. They are demanding immediate, unconditional loan waivers for debt-ridden farmers. pic.twitter.com/jYyEQkUeT2 ANI (@ANI) October 29, 2025 According to Kadu, at least 1-1.5 lakh farmers had joined his Maha Elgar Morcha against the state government. The Prahar Janshakti Party leader on Wednesday threatened to block trains in Nagpur if the government did not respond to his demands. High Court Orders Kadu To Vacate Highway Meanwhile, the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court demanded Kadu and his supporters to vacate the Wardha Road on the citys outskirts, where they held the protest, taking suo motu notice of newspaper reports of inconvenience faced by people due to traffic congestion. Justice Rajnish Vyas said the protest has caused traffic jams for 20 km, and even ambulances and police vehicles can not move. He said the highway is needed to reach the Nagpur airport as well as the National Cancer Institute. #WATCH | Maharashtra: Police arrive at the spot where the farmers agitation led by Former minister and Prahar Party leader Bacchu Kadu is underway for the second day, demanding immediate, unconditional loan waivers for debt-ridden farmers. They have blocked the NagpurHyderabad pic.twitter.com/HwauTjSkoQ ANI (@ANI) October 29, 2025 Kadu said the protesting farmers would obey the order, but the government should make necessary arrangements for them to go to jail. They will go to police and court arrest, Kadu said in the evening, even as the deadline of 6 pm set by the high court expired. As of 7 pm, Kadu and hundreds of protesters were at the Jamtha flyover, according to PTI. He said they would not commit a contempt of the HC order, but the administration should arrange a place for them in jail. Fadnavis Appeals To Kadu Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister on Wednesday appealed to Kadu to discuss farmers issues with the government instead of holding agitations that inconvenience the public and could be exploited by vested interests". The state government has already formed a committee to look into the issue. Our priority at present is to help farmers who have suffered losses due to heavy rains. We have never said we are against farm loan waiver," he said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Last month, Fadnavis distributed the seventh instalment of the Namo Shetkari Mahasamman Kisan Yojana, launched for the financial stability of farmers. According to a release, a total of Rs 1,892 crore was transferred to the bank accounts of over 91,000 farmers in the state. (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 : Nagpur, India, India First Published: October 29, 2025, 19:56 IST News india Bombay HC Orders Ex-Minister Bacchu Kadu To Vacate National Highway Amid Loan Waiver Protest Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Chennai Bike Taxi Driver Rapes 22-Year-Old Woman, Later Drops Her Home; Arrested Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 11:59 IST Police said accused Sivakumar took a deserted route, threatened the woman and sexually assaulted her. Bike Taxi Driver Sexually Assaults Woman in Chennai. A bike taxi driver in Chennai was arrested on Tuesday for raping a 22-year-old woman who had booked his service the previous night. The accused, identified as Sivakumar, was produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody. Police have also seized the motorcycle used in the crime. According to investigators, the woman booked a bike taxi late on Monday to travel to Pakkikaranai to meet a friend. She asked the assigned driver, Sivakumar, to wait so he could drop her home after her visit. Recommended Stories What do we know about the assault? Police said that during the return journey in the early hours of Tuesday, Sivakumar allegedly took a deserted route, threatened the woman, and raped her. After the assault, the accused dropped the woman back at her home afterwards. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The victim later informed her husband about the incident, following which a formal police complaint was filed. Based on her statement, the T-5 Vanagaram Police launched an inquiry and verified the details. Upon investigation, the complaint was found to be true. A case was registered, and the accused was identified as Sivakumar," a police statement read. 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 First Published: October 29, 2025, 10:00 IST News india Chennai Bike Taxi Driver Rapes 22-Year-Old Woman, Later Drops Her Home; Arrested Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... NCB Arrests Dawood Ibrahim Aide Danish Chikna In Goa For Drug Operations In India Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 11:41 IST The NCB has arrested Danish Chikna, a close aide of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, from Goa. He is believed to have been managing Dawoods drug network across India. File photos of Danish Chikna (L)/Dawood Ibrahim (R) (Source: News18/Social Media) In a major breakthrough in the ongoing crackdown against the Dawood Ibrahim-linked drug network in India, the Narcotics Control Bureau has arrested one Danish Chikna, a close aide of the underworld don. According to the details, Danish Chikna was identified as the one who handled Dawood Ibrahims drug network in India. Recommended Stories He was arrested in Goa. The NCB had been on a lookout for Danish Chikna for the past few days, it was known. On October 23, the Mumbai Crime Branch had arrested Dubai-based handler Mohammed Salim Sheikh, who was deported to India in connection with the Salim Dola drug trafficking case. Sheikh, identified as one of the key coordinators operating from abroad alongside Salim Dola, was accused of managing drug operations linked to a large-scale mephedrone manufacturing network in Maharashtra. Both Sheikh and Dola are said to be close aides of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. A Red Corner Notice had earlier been issued against Mohammed Salim Suhel Shaikh. He was apprehended in the UAE a few weeks ago and brought to India following completion of legal formalities. On October 22, the Mumbai Crime Branch formally arrested him and produced him before a court, which remanded him to police custody until October 30. According to officials, Sheikh played a crucial role in overseeing the supply chain for a major MD production unit in Sangli, where raw materials imported through a UAE-based chemical supplier were processed into the synthetic drug. The investigation began in February 2024, following the arrest of Parveen Sheikh from Mumbais Kurla area. Parveen was found in possession of 641 grams of mephedrone valued at Rs 12.20 lakh and Rs 12 lakh in cash. During interrogation, Parveen revealed that she had procured the drugs from the Dubai-based network of Salim Sheikh and Salim Dola through Sajid Mohammed Asif Shaikh alias Dabz, a resident of Mira Road. Police later arrested Sajid and recovered 3 kg of mephedrone worth Rs 6 crore, along with Rs 3.68 lakh in cash from his residence. So far, 15 accused, including a woman, have been arrested in the case, and contraband and assets worth Rs 256.49 crore have been seized. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The seized items include 126 kg of mephedrone valued at over Rs 252 crore, Rs 4.19 crore in cash, gold worth Rs 1.5 lakh, vehicles worth Rs 11.4 lakh, and illegal property worth Rs 55.5 lakh. ALSO READ | Rinku Singh Gets Rs 5 Crore Extortion Threat From Dawood Ibrahims Gang: Report About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. First Published: October 29, 2025, 11:18 IST News india NCB Arrests Dawood Ibrahim Aide Danish Chikna In Goa For Drug Operations In India Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Delhi-Mumbai In Just 12 Hours: This Rs 1.3 Lakh-Crore Expressway Will Ease Travel Across 6 States Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 13:27 IST The new high-speed corridor will transform intercity travel, cutting travel time between Delhi and Mumbai from nearly 24 hours to just 12 hours Rapid Read + Follow us On Google The Delhi-Mumbai Expressway will open by December 2025. (File Photo) In a major boost to road infrastructure, the ambitious Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, one of the countrys longest and most advanced highway projects, is set to open for public use by December this year. The Rs 1.3 lakh-crore project, built under the supervision of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), promises to revolutionise travel across six states, drastically reducing journey time between Delhi and Mumbai. The 1,386-kilometre expressway will connect Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, over 80% of the construction work is complete, with final touches underway on two stretches near the Maharashtra and Gujarat borders. Recommended Stories Two phases including the Delhi-Dausa-Sawai Madhopur section (293 km) and the Jhalawar-Ratlam-MP/Gujarat border stretch (245 km) have already been opened to traffic. These operational corridors have significantly eased travel for commuters in parts of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. By December, several key sections, including Jawaharlal Nehru Port (95 km), Surat-Virar-Mumbai (291 km), Bharuch-Surat (38 km), MP border-Gujarat (148 km), and Sawai Madhopur-Jhalawar (159 km), are expected to be fully functional. Once completed, the expressway will link major cities such as Delhi, Gurgaon, Faridabad, Jaipur, Ajmer, Kota, Udaipur, Indore, Bhopal, Surat, and Mumbai. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Officials say that the new high-speed corridor will transform intercity travel, cutting travel time between Delhi and Mumbai from nearly 24 hours to just 12 hours. For passengers who often rely on trains for long-distance journeys, the expressway will offer a fast, convenient, and scenic alternative. The Delhi-Mumbai Expressway is part of a broader vision to modernise the countrys highway network, boost connectivity, and support economic corridors that link industrial, logistics, and tourism hubs across western and central states. First Published: October 29, 2025, 13:27 IST News india Delhi-Mumbai In Just 12 Hours: This Rs 1.3 Lakh-Crore Expressway Will Ease Travel Across 6 States Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Akin to a joyful reunion, Geneva Watch Days has always enjoyed extra love. The event was born five years ago, a Covid baby notably carried by Jean-Christophe Babin and Bulgari, synonymous with "in real life" encounters, right under the nose of the virus and the Zoom boom. This year, it continued in a context of fresh challenge posed by U.S. tariffs. During this edition, there were 66 exhibiting brands (compared to 54 last year). Overall attendance figures exceeded those in 2024, confirming the relevance of this calendar milestone. Only media attendance was down, from 650 to 500, due to an update of mailing lists and a focus on particularly high-quality attendees, according to the Geneva Watch Days press office. Watchmakers reported visits from collectors (1,900 according to official figures), with corresponding sales. Was the renovation of the Beau-Rivage hotel a cause for concern? Independent watchmakers took over other venues, such as La Potiniere, behind the iconic Flower Clock, under the aegis of specialist retailer Watchmakers United. With a space inversely proportional to the number of brands, the LVMH group brought together its Bulgari, Zenith, Louis Vuitton, Daniel Roth, Gerald Genta, LEpee, and TAG Heuer brands for the first time on such a large scale at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel de la Paix. India, China Hold Talks On Management Of Border's Western Section, Agree To Maintain Peace Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 08:13 IST India and China held a fresh round of commander-level talks focused on managing the western sector of their boundary, according to Chinas Defence Ministry. an army convoy carrying military material on its way to Ladakh (Photo: PTI) India and China held a new round of commander-level talks aimed at managing tensions along the western sector of the Line of Actual Control (LAC). According to a statement from the Chinese Ministry of Defence, the discussions were positive and in-depth," with both sides exchanging views on maintaining stability in the border region, Reuters reported. Recommended Stories The ministry said the talks were guided by the important consensus" reached by the leaders of the two countries and that both sides agreed to continue communication and dialogue through military and diplomatic channels. The two nations reaffirmed their commitment to jointly maintain peace and tranquillity along the border areas. On Sunday, India and China resumed direct flights after a hiatus of over four years. Direct flights were operational between the two countries till early 2020 before being suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The services remained suspended in view of the eastern Ladakh border row. Following recent diplomatic initiatives, private carrier IndiGo resumed services to China, connecting Kolkata to Guangzhou with daily, non-stop flights, starting October 26. Later, Chinese Deputy Consul General in Kolkata, Qin Yong, hailed the resumption of direct flights between India and China through the Kolkata and Guangzhou city route as a very important day". Today is a very important day for the India-China relationship. After five years of suspension, it is a very big improvement for the bilateral relations. We expected this for a long time, and it is very important for our bilateral relations," Qin Yong told news agency ANI at a brief ceremony held at the airport. The IndiGo flight carried 176 passengers and was celebrated with a ceremonial lamp lighting attended by a passenger, airport officials, and airline representatives. The Chinese envoy described the resumption of flights as the first fruit" of the recent high-level consensus between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Qin also stressed the partnership over rivalry between the two nations, noting that both are long-standing leaders in the region and that New Delhi and Beijing should increase cooperation amid global trade concerns as important members of BRICS, SCO, and the Global South. We are partners. We are not rivals. We have been long-time neighbours for thousands of years. We should learn from each other and promote more measures to enhance our exchange in all aspects," he said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all As important members of BRICS, SCO, and the Global South, China and India should have more cooperation, not just for the bilateral market but for the international market. We got a very good restart," he added. ALSO READ | US, China Have Finalised New TikTok Deal, Claims US Treasury Secretary About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. First Published: October 29, 2025, 07:55 IST News india India, China Hold Talks On Management Of Border's Western Section, Agree To Maintain Peace Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... India Is A Symbol Of Peace, Inclusive Growth Amid Global Tensions, Trade Disruptions: PM Modi Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 17:57 IST Speaking at the Global Maritime CEO Forum, PM Modi said Indias maritime sector is in a strong position and progressing rapidly PM Modi attended the maritime summit in Mumbai. (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that amid global tensions, trade disruptions, and shifting supply chains, India stands as a symbol of strategic autonomy, peace, and inclusive growth. He said Indias maritime strength and expanding global partnerships have positioned the country as a reliable and stabilising force" in uncertain times. Highlighting Indias growing role in global trade, Modi said, When global seas are rough, the world looks for a steady lighthouse. India can become that steady lighthouse." Recommended Stories Speaking at the Global Maritime CEO Forum, the Prime Minister said Indias maritime sector is in a strong position and progressing rapidly, calling it one of the key drivers of the countrys growth. Indias maritime sector is in a very strong position and moving ahead very fast," he said. Modi added that the summit had evolved into a truly global platform, bringing together representatives from more than 85 nations. This summit has become a global event. More than 85 nations are taking part, which is a big message to the whole world," he said, adding that the synergy and energy of Indias maritime sector has grown stronger. #WATCH | Mumbai: Addressing the Maritime Leaders Conclave, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, This event began in 2016, and it is a matter of great pride for all of us that today this summit has become a global event. The participation of more than 85 countries from around the pic.twitter.com/5T5g9U7Yt9 ANI (@ANI) October 29, 2025 Highlighting the sectors transformation over the past decade, the Prime Minister said Indias ports and trade infrastructure had witnessed significant improvements. The maritime sector is driving Indias growth. Over the last decade, it has transformed significantly, boosting trade and port infrastructure," he said. Modi also noted that the government had introduced next-generation reforms" to strengthen the sector and modernise its legal framework. We have replaced over a century-old colonial shipping laws with modern, futuristic laws suited for the 21st century," he added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi further said that Indias ports are now counted among the most efficient in the developing world. He added, In many aspects, they are performing even better than those in the developed world." The Global Maritime CEO Forum, the flagship event of India Maritime Week 2025, brought together global maritime CEOs, major investors, policymakers, innovators, and international partners to discuss the future of the global maritime ecosystem. The forum will act as a key platform for dialogue on sustainable maritime growth, resilient supply chains, green shipping, and strategies for an inclusive blue economy. Prime Minister Narendra Modis participation highlights his commitment to an ambitious, future-focused maritime transformation aligned with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. The long-term vision is anchored on four strategic pillars, port-led development, shipping and shipbuilding, seamless logistics, and maritime skill-building, aimed at positioning India among the worlds leading maritime powers. India Maritime Week 2025 serves as the governments premier global platform to translate this vision into action, engaging leading stakeholders across shipping, ports, shipbuilding, cruise tourism, and blue economy finance. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Scheduled to be held from October 27 to 31, 2025, under the theme Uniting Oceans, One Maritime Vision," IMW 2025 will showcase Indias roadmap to emerge as a global maritime hub and a leader in the blue economy. The event saw participation from over 85 countries, featuring more than 1,00,000 delegates, 500 exhibitors, and 350 international speakers. About the Author Abhro Banerjee Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, including electi... Read More First Published: October 29, 2025, 17:14 IST News india India Is A Symbol Of Peace, Inclusive Growth Amid Global Tensions, Trade Disruptions: PM Modi Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Dead' Brother Of Mumbai's Fake BARC Scientist Arrested In Delhi For Pakistan Links, Spying Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 10:18 IST The Delhi Police have arrested Mohammad Adil Hussaini, accused of espionage and running a fake passport network from Jamshedpur. His brother was earlier arrested in Mumbai. A file photo of Delhi Police (PTI) The Delhi Police have arrested one Mohammad Adil Hussaini, the brother of Akhtar Hussain Qutubuddin Ahmed who posed as a scientist at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and travelled abroad under multiple fake identities. According to the details, 59-year-old Mohammad Adil Hussaini, who was earlier deemed dead as declared by his brother, was arrested for his alleged involvement in espionage activities, including links with a foreign-based nuclear scientist. Recommended Stories He was also known to have links with a passport racket operating from Jamshedpur in Jharkhand. Earlier, in an attempt to misguide the police, Akhtar Hussain Qutubuddin Ahmed had told them that his brother Adil Hussaini had died. However, with Adils arrest, news agency PTI quoted an official as saying that Mohammad Adil Hussaini is also known by the names Syed Adil Hussain, Nasimuddin and Syed Adil Hussaini, and that he was apprehended from Seemapuri in Delhi two days ago. The report quoted a police source as saying that the accused was in touch with a nuclear scientist based abroad and had travelled to several countries, including Pakistan. He obtained three identity cards of a sensitive installation using forged documents, the source claimed. Additional Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Pramod Singh Kushwah said that Adil is a resident of Tata Nagar, Jamshedpur. Adil and his brother Akhtar Hussaini are suspected of supplying sensitive information to foreign countries and procuring multiple Indian passports using forged documents," the officer said. The entire network was allegedly being operated from Jamshedpur, where fake identity cards and passports were being prepared with the help of counterfeit documents. During the search, police seized one original and two forged passports from Adils possession. He was arrested in a case registered under Sections 61(2) (Criminal conspiracy), 318 (Cheating), 338 (Forgery of valuable security, will, etc) and 340 (Forged document or electronic record and using it as genuine) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita on October 26, the Additional CP added. Investigating teams were verifying how many people were issued fake passports through the network. Meanwhile, Adil was produced in a court, which sent him to seven days of police custody for further interrogation. ADILs BROTHER AKHTAR WAS ARRESTED EARLIER Sixty-year-old Akhtar Hussain Qutubuddin Ahmed was earlier arrested in Mumbai for allegedly posing as a BARC scientist. Charges against him also included travelling abroad under multiple fake identities. He was taken into custody on October 17 by the Mumbai Police Crime Branchs Crime Intelligence Unit and was remanded in police custody till October 24. During a raid at his residence in Versova, the police recovered two fake BARC identity cards, one bearing the name Alexander Palmer and another as Ali Raza Hussain, along with forged educational degrees, fake passports, maps, pendrives, and mobile phones. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Investigators also found multiple fake mark sheets for Class 10 and 12, degrees in BSc, BTech and MBA, and multiple experience letters, all under the alias Alexander Palmer. ALSO READ | Rajasthan Man Honeytrapped By Pakistani Handler, Arrested For Spying For ISI About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. First Published: October 29, 2025, 09:17 IST News india 'Dead' Brother Of Mumbai's Fake BARC Scientist Arrested In Delhi For Pakistan Links, Spying Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Kerala Freezes PM SHRI Scheme After CPIs Strong Opposition, Rift With LDF Widens Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 19:07 IST The decision was taken at a CPI(M) secretariat meeting held at the AKG Centre on Wednesday, attended by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, CPI(M) national secretariat member MA Baby File photo of CM Pinarayi Vijayan. (PTI) The Kerala government has put on hold all procedures related to the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme following strong opposition from the Communist Party of India (CPI), a key ally in the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF). A seven-member cabinet subcommittee has been constituted to examine the matter in detail. Further proceedings related to the project will remain frozen until the committee submits its report. Recommended Stories The state will write to the Centre seeking relaxations in the schemes conditions, arguing that certain provisions are unacceptable." Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has reportedly instructed the Education Department to halt preparations for finalising the list of schools to be brought under the project. The decision was taken at a CPI(M) secretariat meeting held at the AKG Centre on Wednesday, attended by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, CPI(M) national secretariat member MA Baby, state secretary MV Govindan, and LDF convener TP Ramakrishnan. However, an official announcement from the government or the party is still awaited. The move came after four CPI ministers K Rajan, P Prasad, GR Anil Kumar, and J Chinchurani boycotted Wednesdays cabinet meeting to protest the states decision to sign the PM SHRI MoU without consulting the cabinet or coalition partners. The CPI has demanded that the government officially freeze the agreement and inform the Centre in writing, with the letter made public. However, reports indicate that Kerala may not be able to withdraw from the project since state representatives have already signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Union government. Under the schemes guidelines, the Centre can seek to recover funds if a state violates the terms of the agreement. Efforts to defuse the crisis have so far failed. Chief Minister Vijayan met CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam and CPI ministers earlier this week, but the talks ended without a breakthrough. The CPI maintains that the PM SHRI initiative is an attempt to communalise, centralise, and commercialise" education under the National Education Policy (NEP). top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The rift widened after documents revealed that the MoU was signed without cabinet approval or consultation with LDF allies. CPIs Binoy Viswam questioned the unusual haste" behind the move and wrote to LDF convener TP Ramakrishnan seeking an immediate discussion. Amid the escalating tension, the LDF is expected to convene an emergency meeting to address the issue, with senior CPI(M) leader MA Baby likely to intervene to broker peace. Discussions between Chief Minister Vijayan, CPI(M) state secretary MV Govindan, and CPI leadership are continuing as the standoff threatens to disrupt the governments functioning. About the Author Abhro Banerjee Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, including electi... Read More First Published: October 29, 2025, 16:32 IST News india Kerala Freezes PM SHRI Scheme After CPIs Strong Opposition, Rift With LDF Widens Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Madras High Court Quashes POCSO Case After Couple Marries, Has Child Reported By : LawBeat Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 17:04 IST The Government Advocate argued that offences under the POCSO Act are serious in nature and cannot be routinely quashed merely because the parties have reached a settlement Rapid Read + Follow us On Google According to the prosecution, the petitioner had developed a relationship with the minor girl and engaged in sexual activity that resulted in her pregnancy. The Madras High Court (HC) has quashed a criminal case registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act after the accused and the victim, who were in a relationship when the case was filed, later married and began living together with their child. A bench of Justice N. Sathish Kumar passed the order while allowing a petition filed by Kamaraj from Perambalur district, who sought to quash the First Information Report (FIR) registered in 2023 at the all women police station, Perambalur. The case was booked under Sections 5(1), 5(j)(ii), and 6 of the POCSO Act for alleged penetrative sexual assault on a 17-year-old girl. Recommended Stories According to the prosecution, the petitioner had developed a relationship with the minor girl and engaged in sexual activity that resulted in her pregnancy. The complaint was lodged by the girls mother, leading to the registration of the FIR. Subsequently, the petitioner and the victim married and are now parents to a girl child. They filed a joint compromise memo before the High Court stating that they were living peacefully and did not wish to continue with the criminal proceedings. Both the victim and her mother appeared in person and confirmed the marriage, urging the court to quash the case in the interest of the familys future. Opposing the plea, the Government Advocate argued that offences under the POCSO Act are serious in nature and cannot be routinely quashed merely because the parties have reached a settlement. Justice Sathish Kumar, however, noted that each case must be examined in its specific factual context, especially where the accused and victim were both young and the relationship appeared consensual. Referring to the 2019 judgment in Sabari v. Inspector of Police, the court observed that teenage relationships between individuals aged 16 to 18 years often lead to criminal prosecution under the POCSO Act, even when consent exists in fact, though not in law. In Sabari, the court had expressed concern over the growing incidence of offences under the POCSO Act" against teenage boys involved in consensual relationships, and had even recommended legislative reconsideration to lower the age threshold of child" from 18 to 16 for consensual acts. Justice Sathish Kumar reiterated those observations, saying that many such cases arise from mutual innocence and biological attraction" rather than predation. The court also referred to Supreme Court decisions including Parbathbhai Aahir v. State of Gujarat and State of Madhya Pradesh v. Dhruv Gurjar which held that while quashing non-compoundable offences, courts must assess whether the crime affects society at large or is purely personal in nature. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Applying those principles, the high court concluded that the present case concerned only the petitioner, the victim, and their families. It involves the future of two young persons who are still in their early twenties," the court observed, adding that no larger public interest would be served by continuing the prosecution. Keeping such proceedings pending will only swell the mental agony of the petitioner and the victim," the court said, allowing the plea and quashing the FIR. The joint compromise memo dated October 9, 2025, was ordered to be part of the record. About the Author Salil Tiwari Salil Tiwari, Senior Special Correspondent at Lawbeat, reports on the Allahabad High Court and courts in Uttar Pradesh, however, she also writes on important cases of national importance and public in... Read More First Published: October 29, 2025, 17:04 IST News india Madras High Court Quashes POCSO Case After Couple Marries, Has Child Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Modi Govts Tourism Boost Vision 2029: 50 World-Class Spots For A Trip Down Indias Heritage Lanes Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 15:14 IST From snow-capped Kashmir valleys to Kerala backwaters, the initiative seeks to showcase Indias cultural and natural wealth through destinations that meet international benchmarks Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google IRCTC's 7-day Kerala air tour package includes flights, stay, meals, local transport, and insurance, starting at Rs 55,800 per person. In a bold step to redefine Indias place on the world tourism map, the Government of India has unveiled an ambitious plan to develop 50 new destinations of global standards by 2029. The vision is simple yet sweeping to create world-class experiences that reflect Indias rich heritage, diverse landscapes, and modern aspirations. Recommended Stories From the snow-capped valleys of Kashmir to the serene backwaters of Kerala, and from the vibrant coasts of Gujarat to the lush hills of Assam, the initiative seeks to showcase Indias unparalleled cultural and natural wealth through destinations that meet international benchmarks. Each state and union territory has been asked to submit proposals within the next month, identifying potential sites that can be developed under the scheme. Once approved, states will have three to four years to complete the transformation. A uniform development framework, designed by the Centre, will guide these projects to ensure global standards of infrastructure, sustainability, and visitor engagement. Right after Operation Sindoor, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called upon Indians to become self-reliant not just in strategic sectors but also in promoting Indias own culture and tourism. It was during this period that the Indian tourism industry collectively decided to boycott countries like Turkey for siding with Pakistan on key global platforms. This moment marked a shift in mindset. People working on the ground have repeatedly conveyed to the government that Indias tourism potential is immense, and whats needed is a clear strategy to channelise this strength in the right direction. The new plan, officials say, is precisely that a framework to turn Indias inherent cultural and natural advantages into globally competitive destinations. Every state and union territory is expected to have at least one flagship destination under the project, ensuring equitable representation and regional balance. Once complete, these sites are expected to draw global attention, drive employment, and give a significant push to local economies. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Much like the Swadeshi movement that redefined Indias economic identity a century ago, this initiative seeks to reimagine Indias tourism potential rooted in local character, yet resonating with global excellence. If all goes as planned, by 2029, travellers around the world could find 50 new reasons to explore India each destination a reflection of the nations evolving identity: traditional at heart, and global in vision. First Published: October 29, 2025, 15:14 IST News india Modi Govts Tourism Boost Vision 2029: 50 World-Class Spots For A Trip Down Indias Heritage Lanes Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... No Artificial Rain Yet: Delhi Cloud Seeding Sorties On Hold Due To Poor Moisture, Says IIT Kanpur Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 12:49 IST According to the research team, the moisture levels in the targeted clouds were less than 20 per cent, whereas successful cloud seeding requires at least 50 per cent humidity. Aircraft for cloud seeding in Delhi took off from Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Kanpur on Wednesday called off its cloud seeding sorties over Delhi after finding poor moisture content in the clouds, which scientists said was not adequate to trigger artificial rain in the region. This marked the second attempt within 24 hours to induce artificial rainfall as part of the capitals ambitious experiment to combat air pollution. The operation, carried out in coordination with the Delhi government, was aimed at exploring whether artificial rain could serve as an emergency tool to curb the citys toxic smog levels during peak pollution days. However, despite back-to-back sorties on Tuesday and Wednesday, the attempts failed to bring the desired results. Recommended Stories Confirming the development, Professor Soumya Ranjan Sahoo, the scientist authorised by IIT Kanpur to brief the media, told News18, The sorties have been put on hold since there was poor moisture content in the clouds, which is essential for artificial rains." Low Humidity Derails Second Attempt According to the research team, the moisture levels in the targeted clouds were less than 20 per cent, whereas successful cloud seeding requires at least 50 per cent humidity for the seeding agents to effectively stimulate condensation and precipitation. What we found was that the moisture content was too less to trigger rains," said Professor Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur and principal investigator of the artificial rain project. Professor Agarwal said, Though we did not achieve success from that perspective, we gathered a lot of useful information. We had set up 15 stations across Delhi to measure pollution levels, and our data shows a slight reduction in PM 2.5 and PM 10 concentrations. This indicates that even a small amount of moisture in the cloud had some impact on air pollution." He added that the data collected would be instrumental in planning future seeding experiments under more favourable weather conditions. This is a scientific process every attempt teaches us something new," he said. Why Didnt the Clouds Respond? The failure of the experiment, scientists said, stemmed primarily from the extremely dry atmospheric conditions. During the sorties, humidity levels hovered between 10 per cent and 20 per cent, according to IIT Kanpur and Delhi government officials far below what is required for the seeding flares to take effect. Cloud seeding involves dispersing particles such as silver iodide or salt-based compounds into the clouds to encourage condensation and rainfall. But when the clouds lack sufficient moisture, the seeding agents have nothing to bind with, rendering the process ineffective. Explaining the challenge, Professor Agarwal, told News18, Unfortunately, the clouds that are present today do not have very high moisture content. I am told it was only up to 1520 per cenr. So, the possibility of causing rain with such low moisture content is not very high." Agrawal said that while cloud cover was visible over parts of the NCR, not all clouds are equally suited for seeding. What our team found was that the cloud cover had very little moisture content. And this could be true about the part we flew over. So, we do not expect any rain to occur today," he said. A Costly Failure or a Valuable Experiment? The unsuccessful attempt prompted some political criticism from opposition leaders, who questioned the expenses incurred on the operation and labelled it a waste of public money. However, the IIT Kanpur scientists defended the project, calling it a scientific necessity and an experiment in progress. As it was an experiment, it implies that it can be successful, and it may also not be successful. If we fear failure and not undertake the experiment, we will not make any progress," he said, adding that the funds spent were minimal compared to the crores of rupees spent annually to control Delhis pollution. Cloud Seeding, a part of MoU The cloud seeding operations form part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between IIT Kanpur and the Delhi government on September 25. The agreement permits a series of experimental trials in northwest Delhi, with special approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to conduct the operations between October and November. The initiative aims to scientifically assess whether artificial rain can be used as a short-term pollution mitigation strategy during Delhis high-smog months. The Delhi government had, earlier on May 7, approved a proposal for five cloud seeding trials at a total cost of Rs 3.21 crore. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Despite the initial setbacks, IIT Kanpur remains optimistic. The team plans to resume sorties when atmospheric conditions improve, particularly when the humidity levels rise to the threshold needed for effective seeding. This is a learning process. If all parameters align and adequate moisture is available, we will be ready to fly again. The ultimate goal is to develop a reliable system that can be deployed during severe pollution episodes," he added. First Published: October 29, 2025, 12:49 IST News india No Artificial Rain Yet: Delhi Cloud Seeding Sorties On Hold Due To Poor Moisture, Says IIT Kanpur Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Rs 25-35 Lakh For 1 Post: ED Flags Cash-For-Job Scam In Tamil Nadu, Gives 232-Page Dossier To Cops Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 12:31 IST Tamil Nadu's Cash-For-Job Scam in MAWS Dept? ED claims bribes were allegedly collected by politicians to favour at least 150 candidates, asks TN Police to file FIR based on dossier Rapid Read + Follow us On Google The appointments, ED claims, were handed over by Chief Minister MK Stalin on August 6. (File) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has flagged a major cash-for-job scam in recruitment for 2,538 posts within the Municipal Administration and Water Supply (MAWS) department in Tamil Nadu during the recruitment process for the years 2024-2025 and 2025-2026. The ED claims bribes ranging from Rs 25-35 lakh were paid for each job post, collected by powerful politicians and individuals close to them to rig recruitment and selection processes. Recommended Stories Actor Vijays team, citing The New Indian Express, posted on X: According to the report, bribes between 25-35 lakhs per post were allegedly collected by powerful politicians to favour at least 150 candidates out of 2,538 appointments. All of which were handed over by CM M.K. Stalin on August 6. The ED has written to Tamil Nadu Police under PMLA Sec. 66(2), attaching a 232-page dossier with names, modus operandi and money trail. Probe also sought against Anna University officials who conducted the exams." The appointment orders were allegedly handed over to selected candidates after the exam process was manipulated in favour of those who paid bribes. BREAKING: ED has flagged a massive cash for jobs scam in Tamil Nadus Municipal Administration & Water Supply Department. According to the report, bribes between 2535 lakhs per post were allegedly collected by powerful politicians to favour at least 150 candidates out of pic.twitter.com/gXAlhhae3m Actor Vijay Team (@ActorVijayTeam) October 29, 2025 The scam allegedly involved rigging and corruption in the recruitment for positions such as assistant engineers, junior engineers, and sanitary inspectors conducted in August 2025. Evidence shows bribes were sent via middlemen and routed to kingpins through hawala agents, indicating an organised money laundering trail. The ED has provided a 232-page dossier to TN police, detailing names of those suspected including politicians and seeking a First Information Report (FIR) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Confidential information about the selection process was accessed by private individuals involved in the scam, raising serious questions on the integrity of government exams. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The corruption deprived thousands of deserving candidates of getting government jobs, according to EDs findings. The ED also found links to an earlier bank fraud case involving connected politicians and real estate firms in the state, further deepening the investigation scope. 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 29, 2025, 12:28 IST News india Rs 25-35 Lakh For 1 Post: ED Flags Cash-For-Job Scam In Tamil Nadu, Gives 232-Page Dossier To Cops Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... School Teacher Stripped, Tied To Tree And Beaten While Walking Home In Karnataka Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 14:50 IST As investigators continue to piece together the events of that evening, the community waits anxiously for justice. The identity and motive of the attackers remain unclear yet. She is currently undergoing treatment at Meggan Hospital in Shivamogga, where doctors have confirmed that she is out of immediate danger but remains in a state of severe trauma (Image: Representative) A shocking act of violence has been reported from Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka, where a 25-year-old government school teacher was allegedly tied to a tree, stripped, and assaulted by unidentified men. The incident, which took place in Koppa Taluk near Basarikatte village, has left the community outraged and shaken. The victim, employed at the Government School in Kogre, Shanthigrama, was attacked while returning home from duty. She is currently undergoing treatment at Meggan Hospital in Shivamogga, where doctors have confirmed that she is out of immediate danger but remains in a state of severe trauma. Recommended Stories Attack in a Quiet Village According to preliminary information, the teacher had finished her classes and was on her way home when she was intercepted by a group of men near Basarikatte. The attackers reportedly overpowered her, tied her to a tree, and subjected her to brutal physical assault. Her cries for help alerted nearby residents and her family, who rushed to the scene. By the time they arrived, the assailants had fled. The victim was rescued and rushed to hospital with serious injuries. Medical staff at Meggan Hospital said that she is stable and responding to treatment. Police Launch Investigation The Jayapura Police have registered a case and begun a detailed investigation. The site of the assault was inspected by senior officials, including the DySP of Koppa subdivision. Police sources say that several teams have been formed to trace the culprits and determine the motive behind the crime. Initial reports indicate that the teacher had no known enmities, and investigators are exploring multiple angles, including whether the attack was premeditated or an act of revenge. Officers are also verifying local CCTV footage and mobile tower data from the surrounding area. The brutality of the assault has drawn widespread condemnation, with local residents demanding swift justice. District-level education officials have also sought a detailed report from the police and offered full support to the survivors family. Widespread Outrage and Condemnation The news of the assault has sent shockwaves across Chikkamagaluru and neighbouring districts. Teachers associations have condemned the attack, calling it an assault on the dignity and safety of educators working in remote areas. Many have expressed concern that such incidents could discourage young teachers from accepting rural postings. Local womens groups have also staged protests demanding immediate arrests and stricter security measures for women employed in government service. This is not just a crime against one woman but a warning about the vulnerability of women even in public service," said a member of a teachers union in Koppa. The incident has revived calls for better infrastructure and safety protocols for teachers who often travel long distances to reach remote schools. A District in Shock Chikkamagaluru, known for its coffee plantations and quiet hills, has rarely witnessed such brutality. Residents in Basarikatte say they are still in disbelief. We have never seen such cruelty here. Everyone is disturbed and angry," said a local villager. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all As investigators continue to piece together the events of that evening, the community waits anxiously for justice. The identity and motive of the attackers remain unclear, but police officials have assured that the case is being treated with top priority. For now, the young teachers recovery offers a faint glimmer of relief in a district still reeling from the horror of an act that has shaken its conscience. 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 29, 2025, 14:50 IST News india School Teacher Stripped, Tied To Tree And Beaten While Walking Home In Karnataka Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Stronger Ties Vital For Peace': PM Modi Speaks To Japanese PM Takaichi As She Assumes Office Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 12:43 IST PM Modi congratulated Japans new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on assuming office and discussed strengthening the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. File photos of PM Modi/Japanese PM PM Modi/Sanae Takaichi (PTI/AP) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said he had a warm conversation with Japans new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, and congratulated her on assuming office. In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, Had a warm conversation with Sanae Takaichi, Prime Minister of Japan. Congratulated her on assuming office and discussed our shared vision for advancing the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, with focus on economic security, defence cooperation and talent mobility." Recommended Stories The Prime Minister added, We agreed that stronger IndiaJapan ties are vital for global peace, stability and prosperity." Had a warm conversation with Sanae Takaichi, Prime Minister of Japan. Congratulated her on assuming office and discussed our shared vision for advancing the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, with focus on economic security, defence cooperation and talent Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 29, 2025 The exchange marks the first conversation between the two leaders since Takaichi took office, underlining both nations commitment to deepening strategic and economic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. Sanae Takaichi became Japans first female Prime Minister on October 21 in a parliamentary vote that handed her a majority in the lower house, pushing the benchmark Nikkei to records. Takaichi, a fiscal dove who vowed to close a gender gap in the top echelons of politics, has finalised plans for Satsuki Katayama to be the first woman in the key post of finance minister at a time of worry about rising prices and slow growth. Japan now faces grave internal and external challenges, and we have no time to stand still," Takaichi said at her inaugural press conference as Prime Minister. A former economic security and interior minister, Takaichi has repeatedly referred to Britains late leader Margaret Thatcher as a source of inspiration, citing her strong character and convictions coupled with her womanly warmth". She said she met the conservative Thatcher, a divisive figure in British politics known as the Iron Lady", at a symposium shortly before Thatchers death in 2013. Like Thatcher, Takaichis relatively humble background, her mother was a police officer, and her father worked at a car company, stands out in a party where many leaders hail from elite political families. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all A long-time advocate of the late prime minister Shinzo Abes Abenomics" stimulus policies, she has called for higher spending and tax cuts and pledged to reassert government sway over the Bank of Japan. ALSO READ | Great Respect For PM Modi: Donald Trump Says Trade Deal With India Soon About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. First Published: October 29, 2025, 12:34 IST News india 'Stronger Ties Vital For Peace': PM Modi Speaks To Japanese PM Takaichi As She Assumes Office Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... At least 25 people have died in southern Haiti, while Havana has placed six provinces on alert and evacuated 735,000 people At least 25 people have died and several are trapped under the rubble of buildings that collapsed in southern Haiti after a river overflowed during the passage of Melissa, according to The Guardian, citing the AP news agency. Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Cuba on Wednesday morning as a Category 4 storm (on a scale of five) with sustained winds of over 200 kilometers per hour (125 mph). Upon reaching land, it weakened to a Category 3 storm. The hurricane made landfall in the south of the island, about 90 kilometers (55 miles) west of Santiago de Cuba. Its passage has caused flooding, river swelling, and landslides in the eastern part of the island. In the south, a group of 17 family members, including children and the elderly, had to be rescued, according to authorities. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel reported considerable damage. Around 735,000 people were evacuated, and six provinces (Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo, Holguin, Las Tunas, and Camaguey) were placed on alert. In Jamaica, Melissa caused severe flooding, according to initial reports, which are being published with difficulty due to widespread power outages across the country. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness told CNN that no fatalities have been confirmed yet, but given the storms strength, he expects there will be. The hurricane has caused damage to hospitals and roads, as well as significant destruction to homes and commercial establishments. The U.S. National Hurricane Center has warned that the danger of flash floods and landslides remains extreme in Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba. The hurricane is expected to head next toward the Bahamas, where it is expected to arrive on Thursday. Residents of eastern Cuba were on tenterhooks as Melissa approached the countrys coast. After making landfall Tuesday morning in Jamaica, with sustained winds of over 280 kilometers per hour (174 mph), the hurricane, which is the most powerful so far of this years Atlantic season and has been dubbed the storm of the century by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), was expected to batter the island for between six and eight hours, when forecasts estimate Melissa will move out to sea via the northeastern municipality of Banes, although its effects will continue to be felt in Cuba for another eight to ten hours. Civil Defense on the Caribbean island declared a hurricane alert on Monday morning for the provinces of Guantanamo, Santiago de Cuba, Holguin, Granma, Las Tunas, and Camaguey. Cuban state media has not downplayed the seriousness of the phenomenon and emphasized the high risk that a Category 5 hurricane (its strength on its approach) poses to the entire country. In an appearance on the state-run television program Mesa Redonda, the deputy director of the Institute of Meteorology, Yinelys Bermudez, categorically described Melissa as a significant danger to the country. The Cuban Ministry of Education canceled classes in the provinces that will be directly affected by the hurricane, and all transport services to and from the East were suspended. Dr. Jose Rubiera, a hurricane specialist at the National Forecast Center of the Institute of Meteorology of Cuba and vice-chairman of the WMO Hurricane Committee for the region, described the atmospheric phenomenon as monstrous on his YouTube channel. In provinces like Santiago de Cuba, over which the eye of Melissa is expected to pass, there was fear of reliving the traumatic experience of Sandy in 2012, a Category 3 hurricane that devastated the city, as Amanda Melendez, a 24-year-old dentist, recalls. The city was left in ruins, and people are scared because the memory of Sandy is still fresh, Melendez said via WhatsApp from her home in downtown Santiago de Cuba, where she lives with her mother and five-year-old daughter. There are still people who havent received the subsidy to buy construction materials to rebuild their homes damaged by that hurricane. Add to that the whole crisis were living through: everything has come together, and on top of that, this hurricane. I dont know what state were going to be in after this. To make matters worse, Melendez points out, the citys tanks and cisterns hadnt received any water for two months. It wasnt even due to be turned on yet, but they had to because people started complaining: if strong winds came and there was no water in the tanks, they were going to be blown away. They had to turn on the water, but its not clean because with the heavy rains in September, all the dams overflowed and the water is pure mud. Like her, many residents of Santiago were busy on Monday protecting their homes or heading to an evacuation center for shelter. According to residents, many spent the day perched on rooftops, bringing in antennas, securing water tanks, nailing boards to windows, or securing roof tiles with sandbags. Karina Gonzalez, 25, a former English teacher who switched to working in the private sector a few years ago, lives in the village of El Caney, about 30 minutes from downtown Santiago. This is going to be serious, says Gonzalez, who, despite her fear of the cyclone, emphasizes the solidarity that has emerged among her neighbors, who are helping each other to secure their homes as best they can. Melissa will arrive in a city that, according to Gonzalez, is going through a terrible health crisis. I just recovered from chikungunya and my family has experienced the symptoms of different viruses; the lack of food causes anguish, the young woman says, while showing pictures on her phone of a crowd in Santiago de Cuba on Monday looting a truck that was transporting boxes filled with packages of ground meat. On the other hand, concerns about the electricity supply persist. We have power now because the Electric Union was kind enough to prioritize us with service before the hurricane hit the eastern provinces. Here, blackouts usually last 12 hours, alternating with three hours of electricity. Sometimes, they dont stick to the schedule, and we can be without power for more than 12 hours. With all this on our shoulders, its understandable that Hurricane Melissa caught us feeling discouraged, because not everyone has the money to weather the storm, to get back on their feet. For many, Hurricane Melissa will catch them with nothing in their refrigerators, Gonzalez explains. Despite her fears, she tries to remain calm so as not to upset her grandparents and her mother, and thus remain composed for whats to come. The people of Santiago are better prepared now than when Sandy came, but fear and uncertainty still exist, she says. I feel hopeless and worried, says Melendez. Im afraid because I dont know the magnitude of the disaster that is coming, nor do I know how the government will manage it so that everyone can receive the necessary care. Many people will be left in a much worse situation. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition India, EU Pledge To Seal FTA Deal By December During Commerce Ministers Brussels Visit Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 10:02 IST Piyush Goyal met Maros Sefcovic in Brussels to advance India-EU FTA talks, creating a framework for mutual growth and reaffirming India-EU strategic partnerships. Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal held talks on India-EU FTA. (Image: PTI/File) Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal concluded his visit to Brussels on Tuesday, after having intense but very productive" engagements with Maros Sefcovic, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security of the European Union, on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. Following the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to conclude the India-EU FTA by the end of 2025. The talks have led to the creation of a framework that will significantly support businesses on both sides, delivering a win-win" situation for the EU and India. Recommended Stories Concluded my visit to Brussels, after intense but very productive engagements with @MarosSefcovic, EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, on advancing a comprehensive IndiaEU FTA. The talks have significantly reduced our outstanding issues and allowed us to create the framework that will help deliver a win-win for our economies (sic)," Piyush Goyal said in a post on X. Concluded my visit to Brussels, after intense but very productive engagements with @MarosSefcovic, EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, on advancing a comprehensive IndiaEU FTA.The talks have significantly reduced our outstanding issues and allowed us to create the pic.twitter.com/cdO8QWOLIH Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) October 28, 2025 The negotiations and discussions have laid the foundation for a robust and balanced agreement, which will significantly support businesses on both sides and add to the potential for mutual growth(sic)," he added. The Commerce Minister further expressed his commitment to realise the India-EU FTA. We are committed to realising the common vision of our leaders PM @NarendraModi ji and EU President @VonderLeyen for shared prosperity of our people through innovation, trade, investments, and job creation. The efforts of our teams have been truly commendable. I look forward to welcoming my friend Maros Sefcovic and the EU team again soon, as we work together to bring this dialogue to fruition(sic)," he stated. To advance the ongoing discussions, the EU technical team led by Director General for Trade will visit India next week with the objective of achieving a constructive conclusion based on the potential solutions identified over the past two days. Goyal was on a two-day October 27-28 official visit to Brussels. The Union Minister began his visit to Brussels with a meeting with Johann Wadephul, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany, to strengthen discussions on the India-EU FTA. On Monday, Goyal shared the details of his meeting on X, saying, Began my visit to Brussels with a meeting with Johann Wadephul, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, Germany, @AussenMinDE. Our discussions spanned key areas of mutual interest and growth, reaffirming the robust India-Germany strategic partnership and our shared commitment to an early conclusion of the India-EU FTA." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Ministers visit was intended to provide political and strategic momentum to the ongoing trade talks, which made notable progress during the 14th round of negotiations held earlier this month. The visit comes amid a renewed push to strengthen the India-EU strategic partnership, following a meeting earlier this year between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. During their discussions, the two leaders underscored the need for a future-oriented trade relationship that promotes prosperity, sustainability, and innovation on both sides. 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 : Brussels, Belgium First Published: October 29, 2025, 09:42 IST News india India, EU Pledge To Seal FTA Deal By December During Commerce Ministers Brussels Visit Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Threat To Diljit Dosanjhs Melbourne Show As Intel Flags Plot To Disrupt Aura 2025 Tour Reported By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 23:57 IST Intelligence reports suggested that the group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) is seeking to target the high-profile event Rapid Read + Follow us On Google On Spotifys Gal Baat, Diljit Dosanjh revealed that his fans inspired the name of his hit album and world tour Aura. Melbourne police and intelligence agencies on Wednesday raised concerns over threat to Diljit Dosanjhs Aura 2025 concert scheduled for November 1 (Saturday). Intelligence reports suggested that the group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) is seeking to target the high-profile event. Sources told CNN-News18 that the plan is aimed at gaining relevance within the global Sikh diaspora and highlighting anti-India sentiment linked to the 1984 riots anniversary. Recommended Stories SFJ has a history of issuing online threats, displaying provocative banners, graffiti, and conducting cyber-disruptions. Australian police sources told CNN-News18 that the recent calls for shutdown rallies and a direct video message from SFJ leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun have elevated the Melbourne threat to Level 2, defined as moderate to high. Agencies are taking seriously the risk of lone-actor disruptions or sabotage. Reports indicate that groups such as the Victorian Sikh Youth Front and Australian Sikh Rights Collective have previously been linked to SFJs digital campaigns. Coordination and funding are reportedly handled through encrypted Telegram channels, and SFJ has used servers in the US and Canada to mask its activities. Australian Federal Police are actively monitoring 1215 individuals in Melbourne and Sydney in connection with these plots. SFJ has also been promoting hashtags like #BoycottDiljit and #PanthicJustice on X and Instagram, using coordinated bot activity and diaspora influencers to amplify emotionally charged visuals related to the 1984 riots. Sources called this as a calibrated influence operation rather than spontaneous outrage. Diljit Dosanjh, seen as a symbol of Punjabi pride and cross-cultural success, has often been considered apolitical in his public image. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Analysts suggest SFJs campaign may also aim to undermine Indias cultural diplomacy abroad and discourage other Sikh celebrities from maintaining neutral or pro-India stances. Indian and Australian authorities are reportedly coordinating closely through informal liaison channels to ensure the safety of the event. About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 First Published: October 29, 2025, 23:51 IST News india Threat To Diljit Dosanjhs Melbourne Show As Intel Flags Plot To Disrupt Aura 2025 Tour Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Who Is Shivangi Singh? Trailblazing Rafale Pilot Who Flew With President Murmu At Ambala Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 16:51 IST Wing Commander Shivangi Singh, Indias only woman Rafale pilot, witnessed President Droupadi Murmus historic Rafale sortie at Ambala. President Droupadi Murmu with Shivangi Singh. Wing Commander Shivangi Singh, Indias only woman Rafale pilot, was part of a landmark moment on Wednesday as President Droupadi Murmu undertook a historic sortie in the French-made fighter jet from the Ambala Air Force Station- home to the first fleet of Indias advanced combat aircraft and the elite Golden Arrows Squadron. President Droupadi Murmu, the first Indian head of state to fly in two fighter aircraft- the Sukhoi-30 MKI in 2023 and now the Rafale- described the flight as unforgettable," saying it filled her with renewed pride in Indias defence capabilities. The 30-minute sortie, piloted by Group Captain Amit Gehani, Commanding Officer of the 17 Squadron, covered nearly 200 kilometres at an altitude of 15,000 feet and a speed of about 700 km/h. Recommended Stories Following the flight, President Droupadi Murmu wrote in the stations visitor book, The sortie on Rafale is an unforgettable experience for me. This first flight on the potent Rafale aircraft has instilled in me a renewed sense of pride in the nations defence capabilities." Who Is Shivangi Singh? Hailing from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Wing Commander Shivangi Singh developed a fascination for aviation after a childhood visit to the Air Force Museum in New Delhi. A graduate of Banaras Hindu University (BHU), she later joined the Indian Air Force Academy (AFA) in Hyderabad, where she underwent intensive training to become a fighter pilot. Read more: IAF Pilot Shivangi Singh, Who Pakistan Once Claimed Was Captured, Poses With President Murmu Commissioned into the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 2017 as part of the second batch of women fighter pilots, Shivangi Singh began her career flying the MiG-21 Bison, one of the IAFs most demanding aircraft. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In 2020, she was selected for Rafale conversion training, which included advanced simulator sessions and tactical instruction from French experts. Her training focused on mastering the jets cutting-edge systems, including the Thales RBE2 AESA radar and precision-strike capabilities that define the Rafales reputation as a 4.5-generation fighter. Shivangi Singh represented the country at Exercise Orion 2023 in France, where the IAF participated alongside leading global air forces. Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: October 29, 2025, 16:51 IST News india Who Is Shivangi Singh? Trailblazing Rafale Pilot Who Flew With President Murmu At Ambala Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Rashmika Mandanna Makes A Sparkling Debut At Swarovski Event; Flaunts Engagement Ring? Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 17:26 IST Rashmika Mandanna attended the Masters Of Light Opening Show in Gaurav Gupta's Petal Corset Sculpt Gown enhanced with Swarovski jewellery. Rashmika Mandanna was announced as Swarovski's brand ambassador for India in 2025. Rashmika Mandanna made a sparkling debut as Swarovskis newest brand ambassador for India at the Master of Light opening celebration in Los Angeles, California. The exhibition marked the journey of Swarovskis 130-year history and saw Rashmika Mandanna in attendance, exuding vintage glam with a modern sparkle. The Masters of Light Hollywood honours Swarovskis rich connection to pop culture and instrumental role in crafting Hollywood magic. The exhibition, which is on till November 3, features groundbreaking fashion and legendary costumes of stage and screen. Recommended Stories Rashmika Mandanna Redefining Old-World Hollywood Charm Redefining couture on a global stage, Rashmika Mandanas Petal Corset Sculpt Gown is from Gaurav Guptas unreleased Holiday 2026 collection. Bringing the old-world Hollywood charm to the fore, Rashmikas glamorous silhouette featured silver ash and a black low-waist corseted gown, envisioned with a sculpted petal bodice. Gauravs artistry was elevated with Rashmikas charming personality as she graced the opening showcase celebrating her first-ever event with Swarovski on a global stage. Looking like a dream in the corset artistry, Rashmika shared a sneak peek into her look of the day on Instagram. The boomerang moment captured a glimpse of her alleged engagement ring as she posed with her favourite finger heart gesture. A Sparkling Debut With Swarovski When Rashmika Mandanna joined the Swarovski Asia family as brand ambassador for India, the elated Thamma actor, has expressed that representing the brand was an honour and for her, Swarovski has always represented timeless elegance and emotional connection. At the opening night of the Master of Light exhibition, Rashmika was styled in Swarovski jewellery pieces that embraced modern glamour. Matching Swarovskis Mastery of Light energy, Rashmika picked multiple pieces from the brand. The iconic Millennia choker featuring octagon-cut crystals was layered with multiple necklaces from the brand. Rashmika completed the luminous look with an oversized statement belt featuring octagon-cut crystals with rhodium plating. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Rashmikas look can be described as radiant, empowered and confident. The goth-chic eye makeup and pulled-back back sleek hairstyle added global dominance to Rashmikas celebratory look. The Master of Light opening night was attended by an array of celebrities, including Cher, Elizabeth Olsen, Jeff Goldblum, Viola Davis, Venus Williams, Law Roach, Laura Harrier, Emily Ratajkowski, Dita Von, Anok Yai and Amelia Gray, among others. 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 29, 2025, 17:26 IST News lifestyle fashion Rashmika Mandanna Makes A Sparkling Debut At Swarovski Event; Flaunts Engagement Ring? On World Stroke Day, Act FAST: Why Every Minute Counts In A Stroke Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 30, 2025, 16:14 IST During a stroke, every second matters. Learn the FAST test to spot warning signs early because timely action can mean the difference between recovery and lifelong disability. Recognizing a stroke on time doesnt just save a life, it saves a lifetime of dignity. Every second lost during a stroke means irreversible brain damage, nearly two million brain cells die every minute. What makes this even more alarming is that once brain cells die, they cannot regenerate. In fact, permanent damage can begin as early as seven minutes after a clot forms in the brain. In my clinical practice, I often see how timely action can completely change a patients life. One of my patients, a 52-year-old IT professional, was rushed to the hospital within 30 minutes of sudden slurred speech and facial drooping. Because his family recognized the signs early and acted immediately, we could dissolve the clot in time, and he walked out of the hospital in three days with no disability," says Dr Advait Kulkarni, Consultant Neurologist, HSR Neuro Clinic, Bangalore, consults on Practo. Recommended Stories Unfortunately, such outcomes are rare in India, where public awareness about stroke remains very low. The FAST protocol is a simple yet life-saving tool: F Face: Is one side drooping? A Arm: Is one arm weak or numb? S Speech: Is speech slurred or strange? T Time: Time to call emergency services immediately. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Acting FAST within the golden hour, the first 60 minutes can determine whether a person recovers fully or faces lifelong paralysis. Treatments like clot-busting drugs and mechanical thrombectomy are effective only when started early, ideally within 4.5 hours. We urgently need a public health movement for stroke awareness through community education, caregiver training, and faster ambulance coordination. Recognizing a stroke on time doesnt just save a life, it saves a lifetime of dignity. About the Author Swati Chaturvedi Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she's a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in N... Read More First Published: October 29, 2025, 11:55 IST News lifestyle health-and-fitness On World Stroke Day, Act FAST: Why Every Minute Counts In A Stroke Should You Exercise In The Morning Or Evening? Deepika Padukone's Trainer Weighs In Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 09:03 IST Yasmin Karachiwala, who has trained Deepika Padukone and Alia Bhatt, revealed if one should work out in the morning or evening for best results. Consistency is more important than workout timing. For anyone trying to stay fit, finding time to exercise often feels like the biggest workout of all. Between work meetings, social plans, and family responsibilities, sticking to a consistent routine can be challenging. And amid all the wellness advice flooding social media, one debate never seems to end whats the best time to exercise: morning or evening? Celebrity fitness trainer Yasmin Karachiwala, who has shaped the physiques of stars like Deepika Padukone, Katrina Kaif, Alia Bhatt, and Preity Zinta, recently reignited the conversation. She asked her followers a simple but relatable question: Are you team Morning or team Evening?" Recommended Stories Why Timing Matters Less Than Consistency According to Yasmin, theres no universal best time to work out. Its about what fits you. Morning workouts appeal to early risers who enjoy starting their day on an energising note. Exercising first thing can boost mood, metabolism, and mental clarity. But for others, evenings are when their body feels warmer, stronger, and more flexible, making strength or endurance workouts more effective. Food timing is another key factor. Some prefer training on an empty stomach, while others need a light pre-workout meal for an energy lift. And then theres environment some thrive in the hustle of a busy gym, others focus better in quieter spaces. Yasmins take: its about listening to your bodys rhythm, not forcing it into someone elses routine. The Power Of Showing Up What truly defines success, Yasmin insists, is consistency. Whether its 6 a.m. Pilates or a 7 p.m. spin class, regularity beats perfection. The best time is whenever you can stay consistent and enjoy it," she emphasises. Her approach, honed over decades of training Bollywoods fittest, prioritises longevity over quick fixes. Workouts are tailored not just for aesthetics but for balance by improving posture, flexibility, and mental wellness alongside strength. Fitness That Fits Your Life top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all For those still caught between sunrise runs and post-work gym sessions, Yasmins advice offers freedom: stop overthinking the clock. What matters most is that your workout feels sustainable and enjoyable. In a world obsessed with trends, her philosophy cuts through the noise. Fitness isnt about finding the perfect hour; its about showing up, every day, in whatever hour works for you. Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: October 29, 2025, 09:03 IST News lifestyle health-and-fitness Should You Exercise In The Morning Or Evening? Deepika Padukone's Trainer Weighs In Meet Mistress Dispellers Of China, The Secret Professionals Hired To Save Marriages Written By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 19:08 IST Some see Mistress Dispellers as protectors of family values, while others call them opportunists who profit from heartbreak and broken trust Some dispellers introduce the mistress to new romantic prospects, highlighting the instability of being the other woman (Image: AI photo) It begins like a scene from a drama, a wife quietly hires a stranger to save her marriage. The stranger is not a lawyer or a therapist but someone trained to make the other woman" disappear. Not through threats or violence, but persuasion, manipulation, and a deep understanding of human emotion. If that sounds like fiction, it is not. The world first learnt about these women through a Netflix documentary that peeled back the layers of Chinas hidden relationship industry, where mistress dispellers" are paid to end affairs and restore broken marriages. But even if you have never watched it, the idea itself is striking enough to stop you mid-scroll. Because it shows just how far people are willing to go to protect love, reputation, and stability. Recommended Stories In Chinas wealthier cities, where rising incomes and social media have changed how relationships form, infidelity has quietly become a thriving side market. And with that, came a new kind of profession, agencies that promise to clean up" the mess of affairs before they destroy families. What Exactly is A Mistress Dispeller? A Mistress Dispeller, or Xiaosan eradicator", pronounced shiao-san," as they are sometimes called in China, is a professional hired to end extramarital affairs. Their job is to convince or pressure the mistress known in Mandarin as xiaosan", literally meaning little third", to leave the married man. The methods can vary, some dispellers approach the mistress directly, befriending her to gently persuade her to move on. Others use subtle manipulation, social influence, or financial incentives. In more aggressive cases, they might expose the affair or use psychological tactics to drive a wedge between the couple. The women who take up this job often come from backgrounds in counselling, law, or social work. They frame their work not as coercion, but as conflict resolution. The aim, they claim, is not to destroy lives but to restore balance to families. For many of their clients, often middle-aged, affluent wives hiring a mistress dispeller is less about revenge and more about control in situations where they feel powerless. Why Have Mistress Dispeller Become So Popular in China? Infidelity is not a new problem, but the scale and visibility of it in modern China have changed. Rapid urbanisation, rising incomes, and long working hours have transformed relationships and family life. The pressure to succeed financially and socially often leads to emotional detachment between couples. In big cities like Shanghai and Beijing, the idea of keeping a mistress is seen by some men as a symbol of status and success. At the same time, divorce although increasingly common, still carries social and financial stigma, particularly for women. Many wives are reluctant to walk away, especially if children or family reputation are at stake. This cultural and emotional dilemma has created demand for discreet solutions, which is where Mistress Dispellers come in. The industry has become professionalised, with agencies charging anywhere from a few thousand to tens of thousands of pounds for their services. Some even offer success-based contracts, guaranteeing the end of an affair within a specific period or offering refunds if the marriage is not restored. How Do Mistress Dispellers Actually Work? The process usually begins with an in-depth consultation. The dispeller gathers details about the husband, the mistress, and the dynamics of the relationship. This information helps them craft a personalised strategy. Sometimes, this might involve online research or discreet surveillance. In other cases, they build direct contact with the mistress under false pretences posing as a friend, colleague, or confidante. What follows is a psychological campaign designed to create emotional distance between the man and the mistress. Some dispellers introduce the mistress to new romantic prospects, highlighting the instability of being the other woman". Others expose the hidden difficulties of the affair, such as social judgment or lack of long-term security. In essence, they manipulate emotions, but under the guise of persuasion and care. Critics argue that these methods cross ethical boundaries. Supporters, however, say they reflect a deeply pragmatic culture, one that values family stability over romantic idealism. For many clients, it is not about morality but damage control. What Does This Reveal About Modern Relationships in China? The rise of Mistress Dispellers sheds light on changing gender roles and relationship expectations. Chinas economic boom has given women more education and financial independence, yet traditional ideas about marriage persist. Many women are still expected to maintain the household and tolerate infidelity to preserve family harmony. At the same time, emotional fulfilment is becoming more important for both partners. The conflict between old and new values between obligation and desire creates tension. Mistress Dispellers exist in that grey zone, offering what appears to be a modern service but rooted in traditional ideals of loyalty and preservation. Are Mistress Dispellers Legal? Legally, their work operates in a grey area. There is no specific law against persuading someone to end a relationship. However, using harassment, deception, or defamation can lead to legal consequences. The more established agencies tend to work carefully within the limits of the law, focusing on psychological influence rather than threats or blackmail. Still, reports of unethical practices have surfaced, including cases where mistresses were publicly humiliated or intimidated. The Chinese government has occasionally cracked down on agencies that advertise aggressively or charge exorbitant fees. But the lack of clear legal definitions allows the industry to continue, often under the label of emotional consultancy" or marital repair services". How Does Society View This Profession? Public opinion is divided. Some see Mistress Dispellers as defenders of family values, helping women protect what is rightfully theirs. Others view them as exploiters of emotional pain, profiting from personal crises. Younger generations, particularly in cities, are more critical, arguing that such practices perpetuate patriarchal norms instead of addressing the root causes of infidelity. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Interestingly, despite the moral debate, Mistress Dispellers have become a topic of fascination in popular culture. Social media discussions, short films, and reality shows have explored their methods, often blurring the line between empowerment and manipulation. This attention has also helped normalise conversations about marital dissatisfaction something rarely discussed openly in Chinese society before. For many Indians, where marriage is also deeply tied to family honour and social standing, the concept hits a nerve. Could something like this ever exist here? Would it be seen as loyalty, desperation, or control? What this strange profession reveals is not only a cultures fear of infidelity but its belief that marriage, no matter how fractured, is still worth saving at any cost? First Published: October 29, 2025, 19:08 IST News lifestyle Meet Mistress Dispellers Of China, The Secret Professionals Hired To Save Marriages Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Emraan Hashmi Lauds Haq Co-Star Yami Gautam, Says 'Learnt So Much From Her' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 14:43 IST Emraan said that while he had heard a lot about Yami's acting prowess, Haq gave him a chance to see the actress ace her craft in person. Rapid Read + Follow us On Google Haq will hit the theatres on November 7. (Photo Credit: YouTube) Haq, starring Emraan Hashmi and Yami Gautam, has been generating buzz ever since its trailer was released. And now, Emraan Hashmi has showered high praise on his co-star, Yami Gautam. He also shared his wonderful experience of working with her. Emraan said that while he had heard a lot about Yamis acting prowess, Haq gave him a chance to see the actress ace her craft in person. During the press conference of Haq, Emraan said, And, coming to this lovely lady here, there is a mutual admiration society here. I had heard so much about her before working on this film, though basic things, like coming on time and knowing your line, are a rarity in our industry. Sometimes actors dont even turn up on sets. I think we had a fantastic time on set." Recommended Stories He added, It was so easy. She is so effortless as a performer, and I said this in an early interview. The way shes performed in Banos character. You know, there is a blend of an entertaining performance, an emotional performance and at the same time very real, and watchable I think thats what shes done, and Ive learnt so much from her as an actor, so shes done a fine job in this film." Emraan isnt the only one admiring Yami. Filmmaker Aditya Dhar also couldnt contain his excitement after watching the trailer. The director took to social media to share his excitement, calling his wife Yami a star". Taking to his Instagram stories, Aditya Dhar shared the trailer and called Yami Gautam My North Star. Haq: Plot, Cast, Release Date Haq is a powerful courtroom drama that transcends legal boundaries to explore larger questions of belief, equality, and the price of truth. The story follows Shazia, played by Yami Gautam, a woman whose pursuit of justice defies both the system and societal conventions. Her determination to stand against injustice sparks a nationwide conversation on womens autonomy and faith. Emraan Hashmi portrays her husband a lawyer and her unexpected adversary in court whose ideological clash with Shazia becomes the emotional and intellectual centrepiece of the film. Their courtroom confrontations unfold not just as legal duels, but as deeply personal battles between conviction, love, and identity. Directed by Suparn S Varma, the film is inspired by the historic Shah Bano case, one of the most pivotal judgments in Indias legal history that ignited national debate on womens rights and personal law. The film also stars Sheeba Chaddha, Danish Hussain, Aseem Hattangady, and debutante Vartika Singh in significant roles. Based on journalist Jigna Voras book Bano: Bharat Ki Beti, the film raises a fundamental question can justice ever truly be separated from religion? Produced by Junglee Pictures in association with Insomnia Films and Baweja Studios, Haq is slated to release in theatres on November 7, 2025. With its powerful premise, stellar cast, and emotional depth, Haq promises to be one of the years most compelling cinematic experiences. About the Author Kashvi Raj Singh Kashvi Raj Singh is a Sub Editor at News18. She extensively covers Bollywood, Hollywood and television. She not only keeps an eye out for interesting news angles but also often writes social commentar... Read More First Published: October 29, 2025, 14:43 IST News movies bollywood Emraan Hashmi Lauds Haq Co-Star Yami Gautam, Says 'Learnt So Much From Her' Shah Rukh Khan Makes A Blockbuster Appearance Ahead Of 60th Birthday Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 10:31 IST Although the shutterbugs, stationed at the location, couldnt see SRK, the clip has made fans extremely happy. SRK is currently shooting for King. (Photo Credit: X) Even the slightest glimpse of superstar Shah Rukh Khan can make his fans day. As the actor is currently busy with the shooting of his next, King, with director Siddharth Anand, he made a short appearance in the city last night. Although the Devdas actor was not clearly visible, it was his huge convoy, including his security, that grabbed the viewers attention. Several pictures and videos of the same are now surfacing on social media. Recommended Stories Shah Rukh Khan Spotted In Mumbai The video is seemingly from outside SRKs new temporary residence in Mumbai, where the family has shifted due to the construction work at the bungalow, Mannat. In the clip, the superstars convoy is seen arriving near a building and the security guards ask paps to shift aside. As it progresses, we see the actors luxurious ride, the Mercedes Maybach, taking a cut and entering the building. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani) What Did The Fans Say? Although the shutterbugs, stationed at the location, couldnt spot the actor directly but this slight glimpse has made the fans extremely happy. An Instagram user wrote, SRK Ka craze hi alag hai." While some expressed their excitement for the actors birthday. A person commented, Birthday Boy." Shah Rukh Khans 60th Birthday The superstar will be celebrating his 60th birthday on November 2, 2025, and following the tradition, Shah Rukh is expected to greet his fans on his special day. Considering the construction work going on at Mannat, it is not sure whether he will be coming to wave to his fans outside his luxurious property. Having said that, SRK might opt for an indoor meet-and-greet event in Mumbai instead of the traditional balcony appearance, similar to what he did last year. An official confirmation regarding the same is still awaited. Whats Next For Shah Rukh Khan? He will be next seen in Siddharth Anands action thriller, King. The film also features an ensemble cast including Deepika Padukone, Suhana Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat, Arshad Warsi, Anil Kapoor, Saurabh Shukla, Raghav Juyal and Abhay Verma. It is expected to hit the big screens in the second half of 2026. Reports suggest that the actor might treat his fans with the teaser of his next film, King, on his birthday. First Published: October 29, 2025, 10:31 IST News movies bollywood Shah Rukh Khan Makes A Blockbuster Appearance Ahead Of 60th Birthday X-Men Star Kelsey Grammer Becomes Dad For Eighth Time At 70, Welcomes Son Christopher Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 09:29 IST Kelsey Grammer, known for playing Dr Hank McCoy aka Beast in X-Men, has announced the birth of his eighth child. Kelsey Grammer welcomes eighth child, son Christopher, with wife Kayte Walsh. Kelsey Grammer has become a father once again at the age of 70. The Frasier and X-Men actor welcomed his eighth child, a baby boy named Christopher, with wife Kayte Walsh, who is 46 years old. The actor shared the joyful news during his appearance on the Pod Meets World podcast hosted by Danielle Fishel, Will Friedle, and Rider Strong. While discussing his memoir Karen: A Brother Remembers, which pays tribute to his late sister, Grammer revealed that his family had just grown. We just had our fourth one, so it just became eight kids," he said, adding, It was like three days ago. Christopher thats just joined the family." Recommended Stories Grammer and Walsh are already parents to three children. They have a daughter Faith, 12, and sons Gabriel, 10, and James, 8. The Emmy-winning actor is also father to four other children from previous relationships: Spencer, 41, with first wife Doreen Alderman; Greer, 33, with Barrie Buckner; and Mason, 23, and Jude, 20, with ex-wife Camille Grammer. News of the couple expecting their fourth child surfaced in June when the pair were photographed together in London. Walsh was seen in a long black dress highlighting her baby bump, while Grammer walked beside her in a navy polo and white shorts. The couple, who married in 2011, later appeared strolling through a park together, looking relaxed and content. Earlier this year, Grammer had talked about his parenting journey in an interview with People magazine, admitting that fatherhood later in life has given him a new perspective. I have neglected a couple of the kids in my life, especially the first two," he said. Im trying to make up for a little of it now. Im still their dad, so you can always have [a] chance to show up." The veteran actor also spoke about how his parenting style has evolved with time. I probably should have been a little more clear and maybe less tolerant with the older ones," he explained. Im pretty tolerant with the young ones, but Im clear about how theres certain expectations and certain ways to navigate through a social situation: keep it close to the vest and play it straight, and youre going to be well-served in your life." He added, Im a little more specific with them about doing their studies and being prepared. [I tell them], Whats your job in life? Showing up." First Published: October 29, 2025, 09:29 IST News movies hollywood X-Men Star Kelsey Grammer Becomes Dad For Eighth Time At 70, Welcomes Son Christopher The Caribbean island has been hit by floods in the southwest and widespread power outages due to the strongest cyclone on record in the country After what seemed like an eternity of anticipation, as the massive storm slowly approached, Hurricane Melissa finally made landfall in southwestern Jamaica around midday on Tuesday. Winds uprooted trees and downed power lines, and the resulting storm surge, several meters high, and flooding from swollen rivers and saturated ground have left St. Elizabeth Parish one of the countrys 14 administrative subdivisions underwater. As night fell, the Caribbean nation was plunged into darkness by widespread power outages, while damage assessments began as best as possible amid the aftershocks of what is shaping up to be the strongest hurricane in the countrys history. So far, there have been no official reports of deaths from the storm, but authorities warn that this will change when the storm has passed on Wednesday. Theres only rain and violent wind, recounted 28-year-old Kevaughn J. from the relative safety of the higher ground in the capital, Kingston, located to the east. Ive seen videos and photos of houses and cars completely flooded. Im seeing huge trees down. I see roofs ripped off completely [...] Many streets are impassable because the water is too high; theyre like rivers. Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie announced at a press conference that by mid-afternoon Tuesday, with the latest data available, more than 530,000 customers approximately 77% of Jamaica Public Services customer base were without power. The minister assured the public that restoration work was underway, prioritizing hospitals and water pumping stations to maintain essential services. However, McKenzie warned that most Jamaicans would spend Tuesday night without electricity amid widespread flooding and blocked roads. The biggest problem here is that theres no electricity. My girlfriend, for example, doesnt have internet either, and her cell phone battery died, so we cant talk, Kevaughn told EL PAIS in voice messages. I have a powerful external battery, which is actually for my car, but it also charges devices. And I still have a data connection. But theres no way to communicate or get information. Many people are completely in the dark. And we dont know when the electricity will be restored. In the days leading up to the storm, Melissa intensified until Monday, when it became a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale. With winds of up to 295 kilometers per hour (183 mph) and forecasts of storm surges of up to four meters and nearly 1,000 mm of rain for some areas about half the islands average annual rainfall Jamaicans began preparing more intensely as the edges of the cyclone, more than 600 kilometers (372 miles) in diameter, were already pouring water down on them. A man walks along the coast in Kingston, Jamaica, after Hurricane Melissa, a category 5 cyclone on the Saffir-Simpson scale, passed through. Matias Delacroix (AP) A satellite view shows Hurricane Melissa crossing Jamaica after making landfall. CSU/CIRA & NOAA (via REUTERS) The powerful Hurricane Melissa caused torrential rains and storm surges that threaten to cause flooding and catastrophic damage. Rudolph Brown (EFE) Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday shortly after noon. Octavio Jones (REUTERS) The phenomenon will directly affect at least 1.5 million people, according to an estimate by the Red Cross. Matias Delacroix (AP) The National Hurricane Center says Melissa will cause widespread damage to infrastructure, power and communications outages, and the isolation of communities. Octavio Jones (REUTERS) Volunteers from Global Empowerment Mission in Florida, an organization specializing in providing rapid disaster relief, prepare support for communities affected by Hurricane Melissa. CRISTOBAL HERRERA-ULASHKEVICH (EFE) Supermarket shelves were quickly emptied, and homes, most with fragile zinc roofs, were reinforced with sandbags and bricks to prevent them being blown off. Once the eye of the hurricane made landfall, the measuring systems were overwhelmed, and by Tuesday night there were no reports of the amount of rain that fell on the island that day, nor of the strength of the storm surge, the two most dangerous elements of a cyclone of this size. Furthermore, while Melissa was projected to be the strongest hurricane to hit the country since records began, this has not yet been confirmed. Kingston, the most populated area, located about 100 kilometers (62 miles) east of Melissas impact zone, was spared the worst of the storm. Reported damage has been concentrated in the west of the island, where the eye of the hurricane passed on its south-to-northeast path. The parishes on that side are suffering the most: St. Elizabeth, Montego Bay, Mandeville, Trelawny There are some tourist areas there, but its mostly rural. Farmers are being severely affected; their crops are lost, and even their livestock, explains Kevaughn. The memory of the effects of Hurricane Beryl, which struck the island in 2024, is still fresh, and Jamaicans, after experiencing a day dominated by incessant rain and the constant pounding of violent winds, are already anticipating that recovery after Melissa will be even more difficult. With further details of the full extent of the damage still pending, Prime Minister Andrew Holness has declared the entire country a disaster zone, anticipating that the island has been devastated by widespread infrastructure damage and catastrophic flooding. In the darkness, only questions remain. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Mahhi Vij REACTS To Divorce Rumours With Jay Bhanushali, Warns Of Legal Action Over False Narratives Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 07:56 IST Mahhi Vij reacts to divorce rumours with Jay Bhanushali, calls reports false narratives and warns of legal action amid online speculation about their marriage and family. There have been reports that Jay Bhanushali and Mahhi Vij are heading for a divorce. Television actor Mahhi Vij has strongly reacted to ongoing rumours suggesting trouble in her marriage with Jay Bhanushali. Reacting to a report on Instagram, she called it false narratives" and warned that she is prepared to take legal action against those spreading misinformation. Her statement comes amid a surge of online chatter claiming the couple was heading for divorce. Mahhi Vij on divorce rumours Recommended Stories An Instagram page had mentioned about Jay and Mahhis divorce writing, Its Over? After 14 years of marriage Jay Bhanushali and Mahhi Vij heading for a divorce, Sources confirmed that the divorce papers were signed and finalised between July and August 2025. The custody of their three children has also been decided. A source told Hindustan Times, Much was tried, but nothing changed. Separation happened a long time ago. They filed for divorce a couple of months back." It further read, Reports suggest that trust issues were a significant reason behind the couples strained relationship. The couple was last seen together publicly at their daughter Taras birthday party.. The actress added that people look at single mothers and divorces very differently. She said that many assume there would be drama and that the couple would start blaming each other. She felt that there is a lot of pressure from society and urged everyone to just live and let live." Mahhi Vij commented on the post, Dont post false narratives.ill take legal action against this." Take a look: Jay-Mahhis divorce rumours According to a report in Hindustan Times, the popular television couple filed for divorce a few months ago, and the divorce papers were signed and finalised in July-August 2025. The report suggests that the custody of their kids has also been decided upon. Jay and Mahhis divorce rumours had surfaced in July, and back then, Mahhi had made it clear that she does not feel the need to clarify. According to a report in Hindustan Times, Jay Bhanushali and Mahhi Vij filed for divorce a few months back, and they have been separated for a long time now. Much was tried, but nothing changed. Separation happened a long time ago. They filed for divorce a couple of months back. The papers have been signed and finalised in July-August, and the custody of the kids has also been decided upon," a source told the portal. Mahhi Vij and Jay Bhanushali tied the knot in 2011 and are proud parents to three children daughter Tara, born in 2019, and foster children Rajveer and Khushi, whom they took in in 2017. The report further states that trouble began over Mahhis trust issues with Jay Bhanushali. Once known for their joint vlogs, theyve stopped posting pictures together. Their last collab family post was in June 2024," the source told Hindustan Times. The couple was last seen together publicly for their daughter Taras birthday in August. The couple hosted a Labubu-themed birthday party for their daughter. The report further stated that Jay Bhanushali recently shared photos from a trip he took with only his daughters, while Mahhi moved into a new house with the kids two weeks ago. First Published: October 29, 2025, 07:56 IST News movies television Mahhi Vij REACTS To Divorce Rumours With Jay Bhanushali, Warns Of Legal Action Over False Narratives Opinion | Know Political Islam: It Is Long Overdue Written By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 15:35 IST Political Islam has already divided India once before. The fundamental reason for the Partition of India was the demand rooted in political Islam. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath | PTI File photo Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has drawn attention to a deeply important subject one intertwined with both Indias history and future yet long suppressed from serious public discussion. Despite some of our greatest thinkers having emphasised its importance, it has largely remained ignored. That subject is political Islam that is, politics according to Islam. Its claims, actions, and outcomes have been consistent across the world. India has long been its most significant theatre, not only through the past thousand years of history but even today. This is what Yogi Adityanath has sought to highlight. Speaking in Gorakhpur on October 22, he said, In the country, the years of British rule are discussed as British colonial rule. But political Islam is never discussed. Yes, our ancestors fought against British colonialism. But our ancestors also fought great battles against political Islam. We remember Chhatrapati Shivaji, Guru Gobind Singh, Maharana Pratap, Maharana Sanga for precisely this reason. That is why we honour them as national heroes. But political Islam is the same even today, working with the intention of tearing the motherland into pieces." Recommended Stories Indeed, political Islam has already divided India once before. The fundamental reason for the Partition of India was the demand rooted in political Islam. Muslim League leader Muhammad Ali Jinnah articulated this clearly: Hindus and Muslims are two different religious philosophies, social customs, and literatures. They neither intermarry nor dine together, and indeed they belong to two different civilisations which are based mainly on conflicting ideas and conceptions. Their outlook on life and of life is different. They have different epics, different heroes, and different episodes. Very often the hero of one is a foe of the other, and likewise, their victories and defeats overlap." (March 22, 1940) This is not a passing statement but a permanent claim that Islam cannot coexist with others and must rule over the realm. There is no complaint here, only an insistence grounded in Islamic separatism. Dealing with this requires factual clarity and ideological firmness, which can come only through proper understanding. Unfortunately, Indian leadership has lacked such understanding for over a century. Because of this ignorance, Mahatma Gandhi and the Congress in 1919 supported the Khilafat Movement unknowingly giving encouragement to Islamic separatism and its mindset of dominance. Thinkers like Sri Aurobindo and leaders such as Annie Besant warned against this, but their counsel went unheeded. The mistake was then covered up, and serious discussion on Islamic politics suppressed to conceal Gandhi and Congresss blunder. As a result, ignorance persisted leading to the acceptance of Partition without learning any lessons from the past. This cycle of ignorance, error, and cover-up has continued in India for over a hundred years. Due to this reluctance to study political Islam, it has continuously been given a walkover in India and within this mistake lies the catastrophe of the last century. Earlier, Nobel laureate VS Naipaul had spoken with similar clarity. In The Writer and India (1976) and India: A Wounded Civilisation (1977), Naipaul questioned the silence over six centuries of Islamic rule in India. He said India was deeply wounded by these invasions a wound from which the civilisation has not yet recovered. Naipaul noted that no other civilisation has learned so little from its own destruction. Naipaul was not a narrow-minded writer; he was equally sympathetic toward Hindus and Muslims. He simply presented facts about political Islam just as Yogi has done. Ending ignorance about it is not only necessary but also easy. What Naipaul or Yogi pointed out has also been acknowledged by Islamic leaders themselves, whose declarations and actions have remained consistent over time. Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar too had examined this clearly in his book Pakistan or Partition of India (1940). According to him, political Islam operates with the objective of separation from non-Muslims and dominance over them. Ambedkar wrote: Muslim politics is necessarily the politics of the mullahs and it recognises only one distinction the distinction between Hindus and Muslims. Any secular element of life has no place in Muslim politics, and they bow before only one guiding principle of Muslim political groups, which is called religion." That religion is Islam. Hence, there is no separate text on political Islam" its doctrines are embedded in Islams fundamental texts themselves. These describe political strategies, diplomacy, and tactics for various situations. Concepts like kafir, jihad, shariat, dhimmi, jizya, and haram can be fully understood only through the Quran and Muhammads biography. In the Indian context, Ambedkar referred to this as Gravamim politics, in which the main strategy is that by making complaints, power is seized." He observed that through constant complaints and pretence of victimhood, Islamic politics creates pressure that appears weak but is, in fact, a strategy of dominance. Its goal is not equality with Hindus but superiority over them. Therefore, it is essential for non-Muslims to come out of ignorance about political Islam. Islam, by its own definition, is both deen and dawla religion and state. Its rules aim to enforce its principles upon everyone, including non-Muslims (kafirs). Jihad exists for that purpose. Hence, it is the duty of every non-Muslim Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Christian, or others to understand political Islam. Otherwise, the danger Yogi warns of is real. It has already manifested in the Partition, and later in the ethnic cleansing of Hindus from Kashmir. It is noteworthy that Islam remains in the global spotlight for its politics. Its religious personalities are often political figures from Maulana Muhammad Ali, Maulana Shaukat Ali, and Maulana Mohani in India to Ayatollah Khomeini and Mullah Omar abroad. This is not an aberration. As Khomeini said, All Islam is politics." He was not wrong. Islams conduct toward non-believers kafirs is political Islam in practice. The Quran, Hadith, and Muhammads life together form its doctrine, much of which concerns directives toward kafirs and jihad. In Muhammads biography, more than three-fourths of the content relates to these; in the Quran, about two-thirds; and in the Hadith, about one-third nearly two thousand hadiths. Yet, kafirs remain unaware of it. That ignorance, however, is political Islams greatest strength. Materially or militarily, Islamic societies are not dominant. Yet, through the ignorance of non-Muslims and their lack of ideological clarity, political Islam continues to gain ground through firmness, deceit, complaints, pressure, and, when useful, violence. This has been accelerating in India for a century, and in Europe for the last fifty years. Therefore, it is not only a right but a duty of non-Muslims, in self-defence, to remove their ignorance about political Islam. Sadly, they are discouraged from doing so often by their own leaders. This reflects the depth of misunderstanding in India today. Our intellectuals and leaders deny the very existence of political Islam, even as it continues to act with consistency of purpose and terminology across centuries. Thus, the observations of Yogi Adityanath, Naipaul, or Ambedkar are treated as uncomfortable truths to be ignored or dismissed. Meanwhile, the declarations of Jinnah and other Muslim leaders clearly indicate that they reject permanent coexistence or equality with non-Muslims which lies at the core of political Islam. Even today, in several Muslim-majority countries, non-Muslims remain second-class citizens, pressured toward conversion. The experiences of Hindus in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Kashmir illustrate this reality. Had India understood political Islam better, much of the suffering of Hindus could have been avoided just as knowledge prevents disease. Because the fight against political Islam is primarily ideological and educational, not merely military. Yet, the kafir world avoids such engagement. It is like fighting communism while venerating Marx and Lenin a contradiction that ensures defeat. Killing figures like Mullah Omar, Baghdadi, or Osama bin Laden will not end jihad, because their faith in the ideology remains untouched. Resistance to jihad can only succeed through understanding political Islam itself. Once that ideological clarity is achieved, resistance becomes both simple and effective. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all By calling for a serious discussion on political Islam its history, ideology, and continuing influence Yogi Adityanath has rendered an important service not only to Hindus and Muslims of India but to all of humanity. The author is a well-known Hindi columnist. Views expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect News18s editorial stance. First Published: October 29, 2025, 15:35 IST News opinion Opinion | Know Political Islam: It Is Long Overdue Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Opinion | Missiles In Mid-Air: North Koreas Theatre Of Defiance As Trump And Xi Meet In Seoul Written By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 17:20 IST The timing and symbolism couldnt be clearer: the peninsulas long-standing fault line isnt just geographical; its geopolitical North Korea test-fires cruise missiles just hours before US President Donald Trump arrives in South Korea. (Image: AFP) When one side arrives to talk trade and diplomacy, another launches missiles. On the very day US President Donald Trump touched down in Seoul for talks aimed at revitalizing regional security", North Korea chose to remind everyone who still commands attention on the peninsula. Hours before Trumps arrival, Pyongyang announced the successful" test of a new sea-to-surface cruise missile systema theatrical, calculated move that left no doubt about its intended audience. The timing and symbolism couldnt be clearer: the peninsulas long-standing fault line isnt just geographical; its geopolitical. The missile messaging Recommended Stories On October 28, Pyongyang announced the successful test launch of cruise missiles from its western waters, reportedly flying for more than two hours before striking designated targets. South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said the launches were detected around 3 pm, and that Seoul and Washington remain on high alert, analysing the weapons. Meanwhile, President Trump arrived in South Korea on October 29 as part of his Asia tourhis final stopahead of a meeting with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping scheduled for Thursday in Gyeongju. Trump, speaking en route, dismissed the Norths launches with a quip: Theyve been launching missiles for decades, right?" And he emphasised his focus was on talks with China. Trump also made it clear that while a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was not on the agenda during this stop, he remains open to one in the not too distant future". Importantly, the missile testing and the Trump-Xi meeting are linked by more than mere coincidence. North Koreas state media framed the test as expanding its nuclear-armed militarys operational sphere". The calculated timing North Koreas leadership understands the choreography of global attention better than most. The launch came just as Trumps motorcade was winding through Seoulwith a perfectly timed geopolitical interruption. The message was unmistakable: while global powers talk peace, Pyongyang rehearses power. Remember, President Trump and President Xis meeting marks a major juncture: US-China trade/truce talks and South Koreas role as host for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. North Koreas choice to fire cruise missiles, rather than the more typical ballistic missiles, signals both technical development and psychological messaging. For North Korea, every missile launch is less about destructive intent and more about narrative: We set the timing; we grab the frame." These missile tests often coincide with major diplomatic or military events: US-South Korea summits, G7 meetings, or United Nations sessions. This latest episode fits the script precisely and, perhaps more chillingly, shows just how well Pyongyang has mastered it. Beyond the smoke trails Behind the headlines, this test carries deeper implications. 1. Capability show, negotiation leverage Cruise missiles, unlike North Koreas more commonly tested ballistic systems, are designed for stealth and precision. They can fly low, hug the terrain, and evade detection until moments before impact. If confirmed as a sea-launched system, this test marks a step forward in Pyongyangs pursuit of a diversified, survivable nuclear deterrent. 2. Undermining the diplomatic stage Trumps visit to South Korea is meant to underscore US engagement in the Indo-Pacific, alliance solidarity, and a diplomatic tilt towards China. North Korea undercuts that narrative by turning attention to military developments instead of diplomatic detente. 3. Towards the triangle: US-China-Korea The TrumpXi meeting is a high-stakes affair: sourcing trade deals, resolving tensions, positioning in the regional order. By launching missiles just ahead of it, North Korea reminds all parties it remains an actor, not a bystander. 4. Inclusion of the not yet" Kim meeting Trumps announcement that he was unable to arrange a meeting with Kim Jong Un is telling. It underscores the stalled state of US-North Korea diplomacy, even as Trump tries to reboot it. The fact that a meeting didnt happen now, as Trump visited Seoul, shows both the limits and the persistence of engagement. 5. Warning shot and normalisation danger While the test may not have crossed immediate thresholds of crisis, the pattern is worrying: defiance becomes normal, and normal becomes provocative. The more often such tests coincide with diplomatic events, the harder it becomes to respond with shockand thats exactly the risk. A stage for global power plays The launch also plays neatly into North Koreas broader diplomatic strategy. Kim Jong Un has spent the past few years oscillating between isolation and exhibition, testing not just missiles but the limits of global patience. Each show of force is calibrated to win attention, leverage, and, eventually, concessions. By flexing military muscle at the very moment of Trumps regional re-entry, Pyongyang sends a message that cannot be ignored: talks or not, North Korea sets its own tempo. The world can discuss stability, sanctions, or denuclearisationbut the North remains the disruptor-in-chief. Why it matters In an era when global crises compete for attention, North Koreas gambit cuts through the noise. Its a vivid reminder that the nuclear shadow over East Asia has not fadedmerely flickered. Each launch adds to the regional arms race, heightens tension across maritime borders, and raises the spectre of miscalculation. For India, watching the Korean Peninsula isnt idle. The Indo-Pacific security architecture hinges on how the US, China, and regional allies navigate flashes like this. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all For Washington and Seoul, this is more than a diplomatic embarrassment; it is a strategic challenge. For Beijing, an opportunity. For Pyongyang, a triumph of timing. The missiles that arced over the West Sea may not have crossed borders, but they pierced the illusion of calm that diplomats in Seoul and Washington were hoping to project. In the delicate theatre of East Asian geopolitics, North Korea once again seized the spotlightthe missiles flew not just over water but over the arc of global interestand for once, the world looked. About the Author Griha Atul Griha Atul is a broadcast journalist with 19 years of experience and currently an anchor at CNN News18. While film journalism has been a longstanding forte, she does incisive political interviews and ... Read More First Published: October 29, 2025, 17:20 IST News opinion Opinion | Missiles In Mid-Air: North Koreas Theatre Of Defiance As Trump And Xi Meet In Seoul Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Opinion | PM Modis Virtual Presence At ASEAN Was A Calculated Diplomatic Move Written By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 14:56 IST PM Modis virtual presence at the ASEAN summit wasnt a retreat, it was a calibrated move balancing Bihar politics, trade negotiations, and Indias geopolitical autonomy Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (Image: PMO India/File) When Prime Minister Narendra Modi decided to skip the ASEAN Summit in Malaysia and instead address it virtually, the usual critics rushed to brand it as diplomatic disengagement." But beneath the surface lies a deliberate strategy, a mix of domestic political prudence and foreign policy foresight. PM Modis choice at this important moment shows that he is not running away from the situation but making a strong point: Indias democratic needs and national interests should not be controlled by outside appearances or temporary expectations from the West. Recommended Stories Avoiding The Trump Show: A Tactical Move At first glance, Modis absence was interpreted as a signal of cooling ties with Washington. But that is a misreading. The Prime Ministers choice to let External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar represent India in Kuala Lumpur was a way of keeping Indias cards close to its chest amid delicate trade negotiations with the United States. In recent weeks, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly made public remarks about Indias alleged plans to stop purchasing Russian oil, a statement not only misleading but also diplomatically intrusive. Knowing Trumps penchant for grandstanding and impulsive declarations, Modis physical presence at ASEAN could have led to an awkward public spectacle, jeopardising Indias bargaining position on key trade issues. As Harsh Pant of Kings College London aptly noted, With Trumps proclivity to say all kinds of things publicly and the expectation that Modi would also reciprocate publicly, it would have created an awkward situation." Precisely. Modis discretion ensured that diplomacy remained behind closed doors, where it belongs, not on a global stage where Trumps theatrics could corner India into an unnecessary soundbite war. Trade First, Optics Later Indias ongoing trade discussions with Washington are at a sensitive phase. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has reiterated that India will not rush into any trade agreements or accept terms that would restrict its trading choices." That statement embodies the Modi governments economic nationalism rooted in Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). The United States currently imposes tariffs of up to 50% on Indian exports, half of which relate to New Delhis oil imports from Russia. Washingtons pressure campaign to end discounted Russian oil purchases has not gone unnoticed in South Block. Yet, India has held firm, prioritising energy security over Western approval. This quiet defiance, consistent with Indias stand since the Ukraine war began, underscores a new foreign policy confidence. Modis government has made it clear that India will not compromise its strategic autonomy, whether it is about buying Russian crude or standing up to Western protectionism disguised as rules-based order." Why ASEAN Is Not The G20 Critics love to point out Modis preference for the G20, QUAD, and bilateral summits over ASEAN-centric events. But this choice is strategic, not neglectful. The ASEAN process, built around consensus and collective diplomacy, dilutes Indias voice among a crowded field of middle powers. Uday Chandra of Georgetown University rightly observed that Modi prefers platforms where India could project itself as an equal rather than as a secondary participant." ASEANs structure, dominated by internal compromises, does not suit Indias current stature as a global power engaging directly with the US, Japan, and Australia under the Indo-Pacific framework. Moreover, Modis virtual address to ASEAN was anything but perfunctory. He called for a review of the India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement, emphasised maritime cooperation, and pledged Indias support for East Timor, the newest member of the bloc. The message was clear: Indias engagement remains robust, but it will be conducted on terms that enhance mutual benefit, not bureaucratic repetition. Bihar: The Real Political Battlefield The timing of the ASEAN summit coincided with one of Indias most fiercely contested electoral battles in Bihar. For a leader like Modi, whose political legitimacy is deeply tied to grassroots engagement, being present in the heartland during campaign season was far more crucial than shaking hands in Kuala Lumpur. The BJP faces a formidable challenge from Tejashwi Yadavs Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). The stakes in Bihar are high not just for the state, but for the stability of the BJP-led coalition at the Centre. With Nitish Kumars Janata Dal (United) known for its fickle alliances, a strong BJP performance would secure the coalitions continuity and ensure political momentum heading into upcoming state elections in Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. As Uday Chandra aptly summarised, This is an intense electoral season in India. Modi is the key in the hotly contested Bihar elections, which have significant implications for the stability of the federal government." PM Modis hands-on campaign style has historically been the BJPs strongest asset. His presence galvanises the cadre, consolidates caste coalitions, and turns local contests into national referendums. To expect him to abandon that strategy for diplomatic photo ops abroad is naive. Delegation Is Not Disengagement Another underappreciated aspect of Modis leadership is his willingness to empower capable diplomats. EAM S Jaishankar, a seasoned strategist, has become the face of Indias foreign policy execution. Under his stewardship, India has projected confidence, clarity, and consistency, whether at the United Nations or in ASEAN. Chandras observation that Indias engagement with Southeast Asia is steady but no longer reliant on leader-level appearances" captures the evolution of Indias diplomacy under Modi. The Prime Minister sets the vision; Jaishankar executes it. This institutional maturity reflects a confident nation that no longer needs its leader to attend every summit for validation. The Bigger Picture Ultimately, Modis ASEAN absence should be seen not as a diplomatic vacuum but as a calculated signal: India will participate on its own terms, prioritise domestic consolidation when necessary, and refuse to play into Western-led narratives of approval or disapproval. By balancing electoral urgency at home with diplomatic precision abroad, Modi once again demonstrated the essence of his governance philosophy: India First, Always. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In the Modi era, diplomacy and democracy are not competing priorities; they are parallel pillars of Indias resurgence. And in choosing Patna over Kuala Lumpur, Modi proved that the real stage of Indias strength lies not in conference halls but among its people. The writer is a technocrat, political analyst, and author. He pens national, geopolitical, and social issues. His social media handle is @prosenjitnth. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. About the Author Prosenjit Nath The writer is an Indian technocrat, political analyst, and author. First Published: October 29, 2025, 14:56 IST News opinion Opinion | PM Modis Virtual Presence At ASEAN Was A Calculated Diplomatic Move Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Sir Creek To Karachi: Exercise Trishul To Lay Out Indias Strike Plan For Southern Pakistan Written By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 14:27 IST This is a calibrated demonstration of overwhelming force and a stark message to Field Marshal Asim Munir: India will not tolerate militarisation of disputed zones. From October 30 to November 11, over 20,000 Indian troops supported by T-90S and Arjun tanks, attack helicopters, missile systems, Rafale and Sukhoi-30MKI fighters, and a fleet of frigates and destroyers will conduct integrated tri-service operations along the western border. (Image: PTI/File) The timing of Exercise Trishul couldnt be more deliberate. From October 30 to November 11, over 20,000 Indian troops supported by T-90S and Arjun tanks, attack helicopters, missile systems, Rafale and Sukhoi-30MKI fighters, and a fleet of frigates and destroyers will conduct integrated tri-service operations along the western border. The Indian Air Force has issued a Notice to Airmen restricting airspace up to 28,000 feet a scale defence analysts describe as unusual" and unprecedented". More than just testing equipment or validating protocols, this mega exercise is about sending an unmistakable signal to Islamabad: the road to Karachi passes through Sir Creek, and India is prepared to take that road if provoked. Recommended Stories Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh said so in as many words recently. If Pakistan dares to act in the Sir Creek sector, the reply will be so strong that it will change both history and geography," he warned, invoking the 1965 war when Indian forces reached the gates of Lahore. That reference wasnt nostalgic reminiscence, but a cold and calculated reminder that Pakistan has tried this game before at Sir Creek and been thrashed for it. Pakistans 1965 Delusion Redux History has a way of repeating itself, especially for those who refuse to learn from it. In April 1965, emboldened by American military aid and Indias vulnerabilities post the 1962 war with China, Pakistan launched Operation Desert Hawk in the Rann of Kutch. The Pakistani Army, equipped with US-supplied Patton tanks, pushed into Indian territory near the Kanjarkot Fort, capturing several border posts and mistaking Indian restraint for weakness. It was a calculated gambittest Indias response, assess military readiness, and draw Indian armour away from Punjab and Kashmir. Pakistans arrogance lasted barely four months. When India opened the Lahore front on September 6, Pakistani forces were caught completely unprepared. Indian troops advanced along three axesAmritsar-Lahore, Khalra-Burki-Lahore, and Khemkaran-Kasur overwhelming Pakistani troops and reaching the outskirts of the Islamic nations second-largest city. The Battle of Burki saw Indian infantry clash with entrenched Pakistani forces, ultimately forcing their withdrawal toward Dograi. By the time the UN-brokered ceasefire took effect on September 22, India had demonstrated its capability to threaten Lahore and push deep into Pakistani Punjab. The war of 1965 proved a fundamental truth: Pakistans adventurism in border disputes leads to strategic humiliation. Yet six decades later, Islamabad appears to have learned nothing. Pakistan has been expanding military infrastructure near Sir Creek building bunkers, radars, forward bases, and deploying Creek Battalions with coastal defence boats. Intelligence reports indicate Pakistan has mobilised air defences with missiles, surveillance aircraft, and upgraded patrolling capabilities in the region. This creeping militarisation, and the brazen attempt to alter facts on the ground through infrastructure expansion, cannot and will not be tolerated. The Strategic Importance of Sir Creek For those who dismiss Sir Creek as mere marshland, understand this: control over this 96-kilometre tidal estuary determines maritime boundaries that extend 200 nautical miles into the Arabian Sea. The Exclusive Economic Zone implications are enormous thousands of square kilometres of oceanic territory potentially rich in oil and gas reserves hang in the balance. For India, which seeks energy security and diversification of oil imports, these hydrocarbon deposits represent strategic assets of vital national interest. And Pakistan has a rude shock coming its way if it thinks it can snatch these resources from India only because the White House has an oil and gas-obsessed President who, for reasons best known to him, has become best buddies with Asim Munir. Perhaps Indias aggressive posture along its Western border has something to do with Pakistans newfound ambitions of drilling oil and gas in collaboration with the Americans. As Exercise Trishul will demonstrate, no drilling of natural resources is possible when the skies over Pakistan are littered with Indian firepower. In fact, the stakes extend beyond energy resources. Sir Creek sits barely 200 kilometres from Karachi, Pakistans largest city and its economic jugular. The Sir Creek-Badin-Karachi belt represents one of Pakistans weakest military sectors, which is to say that any successful Indian strike there could isolate Karachi, disrupt maritime trade, and cut off energy supplies for the whole of Pakistan. This explains why the Pakistani military is now in panic over Indias Trishul exercise, with multiple southern commands placed on high alert. Even slight changes to facts on the ground in Sir Creek carry consequential effects. The regions proximity to international shipping lanes makes it vital for maritime trade security, especially for Indias major ports at Kandla and Mundra. Moreover, Sir Creek remains a potential launch pad for terror attacks. After all, the November 2008 Mumbai attackers used sea routes to infiltrate India. Pakistans military build-up in this sensitive zone, combined with its continued sponsorship of cross-border terrorism, represents an intolerable security threat that demands decisive deterrence. Indias United Front: From Modi to Service Chiefs The warnings emanating from Indias top military and political leadership carry unprecedented unity and force. Prime Minister Narendra Modi established the new doctrine during his Independence Day address: India will not tolerate nuclear blackmail, and will strike decisively before its too late." Modis message was unambiguous: the era of restraint is over. He declared, The new normal is Bharat ayega aur maar kar jayega (India will come, strike and leave)." When US Vice President JD Vance warned of a massive Pakistani counterattack during Operation Sindoor, Modis response was ice-cold: We will respond to bullets with bombs." Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi reinforced this stance with stark clarity recently, saying, If Pakistan wants to retain its place on the world map, it must stop state-sponsored terrorism." Addressing troops in forward areas, he warned that India would not show the restraint exhibited during Operation Sindoor 1.0, and that future action would be such that Pakistan will have to think whether it wants to exist geographically". Air Chief Marshal AP Singh revealed that at least a dozen Pakistani military aircraft, including US-origin F-16 jets, were destroyed or damaged during Operation Sindoor, adding that if Pakistan backtracks or misleads in supporting terrorist groups, let me repeat that we have only suspended our action". Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan was equally direct: Pakistan thought it could do anything with nuclear capability, but Operation Sindoor proved it wrong". He emphasised that India cannot tolerate even the threat of a nuclear attack". Perhaps most dramatically, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi declared that in any future conflict, the opening will be done by the Indian Navy". He detailed how during Operation Sindoor, the Navys swift deployment and aggressive posturing held the Pakistan Navy captive and forced them to request an end to kinetic actions". The recent commissioning of advanced frigates INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri equipped with BrahMos supersonic missiles and cutting-edge weapons systems enhances Indias capability to deliver an overwhelming punch at sea. Asim Munirs Reckless Nuclear Bluster While Indias leadership speaks from a position of demonstrated military strength, Pakistans military strongman Asim Munir continues to engage in increasingly desperate nuclear rhetoric. In August, speaking to the Pakistani diaspora in the United States, Munir threatened: We are a nuclear nation. If we think we are going down, well take half the world down with us". In October, at the Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul, he escalated further, warning that Pakistan would shatter the misconceived immunity of Indias geographic vastness" and respond decisively, beyond proportions, to even a minor provocation." This nuclear sabre-rattling exposes Pakistans fundamental weakness. When youve lost conventional deterrence, when your airbases lie damaged and your terror camps destroyed, when your military has been repeatedly humiliated, you resort to nuclear blackmail. But India has called that bluff. Operation Sindoor proved that India will conduct precision strikes deep inside Pakistan regardless of nuclear threats. Munirs bombast also serves a domestic purpose that of deflecting attention from Pakistans catastrophic failures. The Pakistani Army currently faces attacks from Afghan Taliban along the Durand Line. Its economy is teetering on collapse. And now, facing Indias massive military exercises named after the weapon of Lord Shiva, Islamabad finds itself in full panic mode. Not to mention all the civil strife prevalent within Pakistan, and the only intensifying threat from the TTP and Baloch freedom fighters. The Pakistani establishments fear is palpable and measurable. When India issued its NOTAM for Exercise Trishul, Pakistan responded by restricting multiple air traffic routes across its central and southern airspace. While initially announced for just October 28-29, Pakistan subsequently expanded these restrictions to cover most of its airspace an unprecedented move that signals deep anxiety. As reported by News18, Pakistan has placed its Sindh and South Punjab commands on high alert, with the Bahawalpur Strike Corps and Karachi Corps mobilised for special preparedness. Air bases at Shorkot, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Jacobabad, Bholari and Karachi have been placed on standby. The Pakistani Navy has issued directives to increase patrolling in the Arabian Sea. This isnt the behaviour of a confident military power. This is the reaction of an establishment that knows its overmatched, outgunned, and facing an adversary that has fundamentally altered the rules of engagement. Indias Message: Unforgiving Firepower From October 30 to November 11, Field Marshal Asim Munir will have a front-row seat to what real, unforgiving firepower looks like. Hell watch as India demonstrates integrated tri-service operations across land, sea, and air domains amphibious landings off the Saurashtra coast, desert warfare manoeuvres in Rajasthan, offensive operations in creek sectors, and multi-domain joint exercises. Hell see more than 20,000 Indian troops operating with seamless coordination, supported by indigenous weapon systems, advanced missile platforms, and battle-tested command structures. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This is Indias deterrence made visible. This is the capability that reached Bahawalpur and Muridke during Operation Sindoor, that destroyed Pakistani airbases and left them in the ICU". This is the force that canand willstrike decisively if Pakistan attempts any misadventure at Sir Creek or anywhere else along Indias borders. Rajnath Singhs warning bears repeating: the road to Karachi passes through Sir Creek. In 1965, Indian forces demonstrated the capability to reach Lahore. In 2025, India possesses the capability, the will, and the strategic clarity to go much further. Pakistans power elite should understand that Indias patience has limits, its restraint is not weakness, and its response to provocation will be overwhelming. About the Author Sanbeer Singh Ranhotra Sanbeer Singh Ranhotra is a Principal Correspondent with Network18, working on group-level ideas and special projects. Enthusiastic about both national affairs and geopolitics, Sanbeer focuses on issu... Read More First Published: October 29, 2025, 14:27 IST News opinion Sir Creek To Karachi: Exercise Trishul To Lay Out Indias Strike Plan For Southern Pakistan Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Southern Slice | Siddaramaiahs Politics Of Quitting, And Returning Written By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 11:19 IST In 2013, 2018, and then again in 2023, Siddaramaiah said he would quit politics, but he didnt. Now he indicates that he is considering 2028 as well. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah during a visit to Kabini dam to offer 'bagina' to River Kapila, in Karnataka's Mysuru district. (Image: PTI) In 2013, 2018, and then again in 2023, Siddaramaiah said he would quit politics, but he didnt. Now he indicates that he is considering 2028 as well, despite making claims that this time he really wants to hang up his boots from active politics. Recommended Stories At the age of 77, the term retirement" plan has started to sound more like an extended political pause than an exit. At the News18 Rising Karnataka conclave, Siddaramaiah dropped a hint that set the tone for the months ahead: My well-wishers want me to contest in 2028. Lets see, I havent decided yet." It came at a crucial moment as murmurs over a mid-term power shift grew louder. With his loyalists pressing for a full five-year term and DK Shivakumars camp reminding everyone of the 2.5-year formula," Siddaramaiahs words sounded less like indecision and more like a signal. By November 20, he completes 2.5 years in office. The timing couldnt be sharper. The unwritten deal with Shivakumar reaches its midpoint just as sources in the Congress hint at a cabinet reshuffle around November 15. But party insiders say the real script will unfold only after both leaders meet the high command in Delhi likely after the Bihar polls.Siddaramaiahs son, Yathindra, the MLA from Varuna, publicly put his father in an embarrassing position. He said his father was at the fag end of his career" and that leaders like Satish Jarkiholi should take the AHINDA mantle forward. It embarrassed not just the Chief Minister, but the entire Congress was at a loss of words. Clarifications followed swiftly that Yathindra only meant Jarkiholi was carrying forward the AHINDA ideology. But the damage was done. It was seen as a hint that nobody could ignore. Interestingly, Jarkiholi has long been one of Siddaramaiahs most loyal lieutenants. When Siddaramaiah quit the Janata Party in 2006, Jarkiholi followed without hesitation. So did another trusted aide, HC Mahadevappa. Even Iqbal Hussain of Ramanagara a vocal supporter of DK Shivakumars CM bid said Yathindras comment was ill-timed." The BJP, unsurprisingly, seized the moment to fuel the Congresss internal fire. Siddaramaiahs habit of announcing his political retirement and then walking it back has almost become a pattern. Yet, the Varuna MLA now a nine-time legislator shows no sign of slowing down. In 2018, after losing Chamundeshwari, he announced his retirement again having said that in 2023, he went on to become the Leader of Opposition. Before the 2023 Assembly elections, he said this would be his last election." Instead, he returned to the top seat, handpicked by the Congress high command, despite an unwritten understanding that he would share power with DK Shivakumar after 2.5 years. Siddaramaiah remains the tallest AHINDA leader in Karnataka. The July 2025 AICC Backward Classes Advisory Committee meeting led by him is indicative of his clout over one of the states largest vote blocs in the country. His pet project the socio-economic and educational census continues despite resistance, with full backing from the Congress leadership. When this reporter asked him during his election campaign whether he was ready to hang up his boots after the 2023 Assembly elections, he responded, People in Varuna want me to contest again, but Ive decided not to. By 2028, Ill be 82. I wont have the energy. I would have completed 50 years in Karnataka politics. My health will not permit me." Recalling how in 1978 he first jumped into politics, he said he became a taluk board member that year. Now Siddaramaiahs statement that he may consider contesting the 2028 elections may not come as a surprise to those close to him. But it comes at a time when the power tussle between the CM and his deputy has been openly fought, with their supporters split one section seeking a full term for Siddaramaiah, while the other insists it is time to hand over to DK Shivakumar at the end of 2.5 years. This remark could possibly scuttle chances of a change in guard. During the 2023 Assembly polls, he emerged victorious in Varuna, entering the Assembly for the ninth time. Siddaramaiah, then the sitting Chief Minister, had lost in Chamundeshwari in 2018 but won in Badami, the other constituency he had contested, and went on to serve as Leader of Opposition. There is now talk of Siddaramaiahs grandson Dhawan Rakesh eyeing political entry. Dhawan, who recently shared photographs with Rahul Gandhi on Instagram, wrote, Politics has always been a part of the background for me, but meeting someone who constantly faces pushback and still chooses to stand for what he believes in was different." Dhawan, after meeting Rahul Gandhi, said his steadfastness inspired him. Meeting such a leader was a unique experience. I conveyed my immense respect for him. As a student now, and as a lawyer in the future, I wish to stand with him and walk alongside him," he tweeted. Dhawan is the son of Rakesh Siddaramaiah, the Chief Ministers elder son who passed away in 2016. Rakesh was seen as Siddaramaiahs political heir and had just begun his journey in politics before his untimely death. After Rakesh, the onus fell on Siddaramaiahs younger son Yathindra, who contested from Varuna and is now the sitting MLA. Once during an informal interaction with this reporter, when asked whether Siddaramaiah has been grooming Dhawan as his eventual successor, Siddaramaiah said, He (Dhawan) loves to speak about politics, he argues like a lawyer, and he is very intelligent and very good lets see." In 2018, Siddaramaiah had also declared it would be his last Assembly election something he had said before in 2013 as well. I said it on the floor of the House that I will not contest again, but the high command directed me to contest because I had been Chief Minister for five years and was told to take responsibility," Siddaramaiah said while campaigning in Chamundeshwari, one of the two seats he contested that year. Chamundeshwari is the seat from where he made his debut in the Karnataka Assembly in 1983 as a Lok Dal candidate. Siddaramaiah, who had won the seat five times and lost twice, contested the previous two elections from Varuna, the seat his son contested in 2018. When asked why he chose Chamundeshwari again, he said, Here I started my political career, so I wanted to contest my last election from the same constituency." He took charge as Chief Minister in May 2013 and went on to complete a full five-year term the first CM in 40 years to do so since D Devaraj Urs, also from Mysuru. In the 2018 elections, Siddaramaiah won from Badami but lost from Chamundeshwari. It was a tight contest in Badami, where he defeated BJPs Sriramulu by a margin of 1,696 votes. In Chamundeshwari, he lost to JD(S)s GT Deve Gowda by over 36,000 votes. Deve Gowda, who emerged as the giant killer," said his victory came from the constant mass contact he maintained with voters, while Siddaramaiahs last-minute campaign failed to cut through. Chamundeshwari had been Siddaramaiahs home turf ever since his first election in 1983 until the 2008 delimitation exercise that carved out Varuna. He returned only to contest again and promised to develop it as a model constituency, which the people did not believe," said Deve Gowda. Born in 1948 in Siddaramanahundi near Mysuru, Siddaramaiah remains Karnatakas most enduring political survivor. A Kuruba leader who climbed from humble beginnings to become a two-time Chief Minister, he stands today as the only man after Devaraj Urs to complete a full five-year term twice. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all For a man whos announced his political retirement more times than most have held office, Siddaramaiahs career continues to defy his own deadlines. Each time he says hes done he comes back stronger. And this time, as whispers swirl around a possible change of guard, it seems the old warhorse isnt quite ready to ride into the sunset just yet. 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 29, 2025, 11:19 IST News opinion Southern Slice | Siddaramaiahs Politics Of Quitting, And Returning Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 14:50 IST 1 / 11 The 1971 India-Pakistan war was one of the most important battles in Indias history. This time, the goal was not just to defend borders but to free East Pakistan, which later became Bangladesh. + Follow us On Google 2 / 11 There are many amazing stories of courage from the war, and one such surprising tale from December 1971 involves the Indian Navy. ADVERTISEMENT 3 / 11 The Indian Army fought on land, the Air Force attacked from the skies, and the Navy took charge at sea. Their job was to stop Pakistani ships and cut off their supplies. 4 / 11 But during the intense war, the Indian Navy made a strange request. They placed a surprising order - thousands of condoms. ADVERTISEMENT 5 / 11 It was for a smart and practical reason. The Indian Navy engaged Pakistani forces on multiple fronts, including Chittagong port. Their plan? To blow up their ships by placing Limpet mines under them. 6 / 11 But there was an issue. The mines would become wet and explode within 30 minutes when placed in water. The Navy needed a way to protect mines. ADVERTISEMENT 7 / 11 To solve this, the Navy placed condoms over the limpet mine, allowing mines to explode in time to blow up Pakistani ships. 8 / 11 It was a simple idea, but it worked perfectly. According to experts, the Chittagong port operation was an important factor in Indias victory over Pakistan in the war. ADVERTISEMENT 9 / 11 The war lasted just 13 days, but Indias victory changed the map, which led to the birth of Bangladesh. Thats how the Indian Navy proved its strength. 10 / 11 The 1971 India-Pakistan war was the third major conflict between the two nations since their Independence in 1947. ADVERTISEMENT December 08, 2025, 08:50 AM IST | Episode 103 In todays News18 Daily Digest: We begin with Parliament, where the Lok Sabha is set for a special 10-hour debate marking 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will open the session, with the Opposition expected to counter his recent claims on the songs historical omissions. We then move to the continuing chaos at airports as IndiGo struggles to stabilise operations after mass cancellations triggered by crew duty regulation changes. The airline has restored partial services, but thousands of passengers remain affected as the Centre pushes for refunds and swift baggage return. In Goa, a tragic nightclub fire in Arpora has claimed at least 25 lives, prompting arrests, a government inquiry and rising political criticism over safety lapses. We also track the upcoming verdict in the high-profile 2017 Kerala actress assault case. Chun Chun Ke Nikaalenge, Action Only Against Infiltrators: Amit Shah On Gandhis Vote Theft Claims Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 21:27 IST Amit Shah at News18 event: "No infiltrator should be allowed to cast vote...Rahul baba can hold as many rallies as he wants. They consider infiltrators their vote bank." Home Minister Amit Shah Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during News18 Indias Sabse Bada Dangal Bihar 2025 session with Network18 Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi, rubbished Congress leader Rahul Gandhis vote chori claims, saying action was being taken only against infiltrators. On Gandhis vote chori yatra, Shah said, I dont understand how the Congress party thinks. They were giving some presentation on Karnataka voters. Whose government is ruling Karnataka? So has the Congress also done vote chori? He is also showing Himachal voter dataAs far as Bihar is concerned, he held a vote chori yatra because the Election Commission was removing infiltrators from the list. I want to ask the people of Bihar Should infiltrators be included in your voter list?" Recommended Stories Our view is clear. No infiltrator should be allowed to cast vote in the country. They allow infiltration and protect the infiltrators because they consider them as their vote bank," said Shah. Rahul baba can take out as many yatras as he wants. The BJPs Modi Sarkar will remove every single infiltrator from the country. Chun chun ke nikaalengeThis is our sankalp," said Shah. On Bihars SIR, he said, A lot of names were removed. Those who could not prove their citizenship have been removed. Indians can easily prove their citizenship. You and I have answers and documentsBut of the votes that were removed, only three appeals have been received. If there was injustice, would there not have been appeals? This means the deducted names were not of Indian citizens. Their names have only been removed." ALSO READ | Nitish Holding 4 Rallies A Day, No Question Of Poor Health: Amit Shah At News18s Bihar Event Rubbishing the concerns over Nitish Kumars health raised by the opposition, Shah said, From what I know, Nitish ji is holding four rallies a day. He is meeting people. Even I am holding four rallies. For rallies, you have to climb three flights of stairs. You have to walk for almost 2.5-3 km to do four rallies. Where is the question of his health [being in poor shape]?" He has been answering every question being asked by RJDs Lalu Yadav and Rabdi Devi. They are trying to create a perception" said Shah. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Shah also said he was confident that the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will form a government with unprecedented majority in Bihar. We will form Bihar government with more than two-thirds majority for the NDA. When I say two-thirds majority, it means for NDA alliance. There is a wave in favour of NDA" Voting for the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections will be held on November 6 and November 11, with results on November 14. 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 29, 2025, 21:11 IST News politics Chun Chun Ke Nikaalenge, Action Only Against Infiltrators: Amit Shah On Gandhis Vote Theft Claims Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Composed By Rabindranath Tagore: Congress Shrugs Off BJP Criticism Over Bangladesh Anthem Row Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 14:29 IST Gaurav Gogoi defended party leader for singing Amar Sonar Bangla at a Congress meeting, criticising BJP for insulting Bengali culture and ignoring Rabindranath Tagore's legacy. Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Gogoi, Congresss deputy leader in the Lok Sabha, said the BJP has always insulted the Bengali language, Bengali culture and the people of Bengal. (PTI file) Assam Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi on Wednesday defended his party leader for singing the Bangladeshi national anthem during a party meeting and hit out at the BJPs criticism, saying it was composed by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. A row erupted after Congress leader Vidhu Bhushan Das sang Bangladeshs national anthem, Amar Sonar Bangla, during a party meeting in Sribhumi on October 27. After a video clip from the meeting started doing rounds on social media, the BJP quickly latched onto the issue and accused the Congress of indulging in vote bank politics involving Bangladeshi infiltrators. Recommended Stories However, Gogoi, Congresss deputy leader in the Lok Sabha, said the BJP has always insulted the Bengali language, Bengali culture and the people of Bengal. It is a song composed by Rabindranath Tagore and conveys the sentiments of Bengali culture. The BJP has always insulted the Bengali language, Bengali culture and the people of Bengal. Their IT Cell has also insulted people of Bengal in the past. They have shown ignorance by not knowing the history of Rabindranath Tagore. I think the people of Bengal and Bengali-speaking people in different parts of the country have recognised that the BJP only uses them for votes," he said. Earlier in the day, BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala addressed a press conference on the anthem row and said the Congress Party has been standing shoulder to shoulder with Bangladeshi infiltrators for years. During the UPA era, the work of settling crores of infiltrators in the country was carried out. Now, from its own platform, the Congress Party sings Bangladeshs national anthem to express its support. In a recent Congress meeting, one of their leaders was seen singing Amar Sonar Bangla, the national anthem of Bangladesh. Such an act becomes even more serious in light of Bangladeshs recent release of a map showing most of Indias Northeast as part of its territory. They are singing the anthem of the same country that has just made a provocative gesture to separate Indias Northeast, especially Assam, from India," he added. Yunus Remark On Indias Landlocked Northeast Puts Chickens Neck In Focus. What It Is And Why It Matters top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Indias ties have become strained with Bangladesh when Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus invited China to expand its economic presence in Bangladesh, describing the country as the only guardian of the ocean" for Indias landlocked" northeastern region. (with inputs from ANI) About the Author Saurabh Verma Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 Location : Guwahati [Gauhati], India, India First Published: October 29, 2025, 14:29 IST News politics Composed By Rabindranath Tagore: Congress Shrugs Off BJP Criticism Over Bangladesh Anthem Row Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... No resident of the Caribbean is caught off guard by the arrival of hurricanes in October. In Cuba, early warning messages were issued days ago, vulnerable areas were identified, and a relocation plan was prepared in the eastern part of the island; Jamaica closed its airports, mandated evacuations of the most at-risk population, and set up shelters... but Hurricane Melissa, which the United Nations World Meteorological Organization (WMO) described as the storm of the century for Jamaica, even before it hit the Caribbean island, has forced us to use superlatives in the extreme. There is no territory that can emerge unscathed from a phenomenon of this magnitude, said Rodney Martinez, WMO representative for North America, Central America and the Caribbean. The cyclone, which went from Category 1 to 5 on the Saffir-Simpson scale in just 48 hours, led the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) to issue a very blunt warning as it approached Jamaica. This is the last chance to protect your life! it posted on the social network X. But for experts, Melissa is a textbook hurricane in times of climate crisis. Hurricanes form over warm ocean waters, typically with temperatures above 26.5C. This heat is the primary energy that fuels the system, which then condenses and releases the heat in the form of storms or hurricanes. When it came near Jamaica, the ocean surface was 30 degrees Celsius, even down to 100 meters deep. It was a pot of hot water, and thats fuel for hurricanes. Thats why it exploded like that, explains Jose Rubiera, a Cuban meteorologist specializing in hurricanes, over the phone. Science has proven in numerous studies that global warming due to greenhouse gas emissions worsens cyclones: it increases rainfall, slows their movement from one place to another, and increases their intensity. And although an attribution study will be needed to determine the extent to which climate change fueled Hurricane Melissas power, experts consulted by EL PAIS have no doubt that this cyclone is proof of the new norm in this era of climate emergency. On Tuesday morning, the hurricane was moving at just 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) per hour, and winds practically tripled in 48 hours (from 112 kilometers per hour to almost 300 kmph). The cyclones rapid intensification makes it one of the 10 strongest on record. Nature doesnt normally accept such extreme systems for so long and fluctuates, explains Rubiera. But with Melissa that wasnt the case, and that is undoubtedly due to climate change. Martinez agrees. There is a clear link between global warming and what we are experiencing, says the Costa Rican. When politicians ignore science, any denialist comment is valid, but amid ignorance, many lives are being lost. This is the second most intense hurricane season on record. A before and after in Jamaica Hurricane Melissa is expected to deal a devastating blow to Jamaica. While both experts applaud the management of society, the authorities early warning system, and the technology involved in monitoring the island, they assert that we have yet to fully grasp the impact. This cyclone will test the populations preparedness, the resilience of the infrastructure, and the countrys warning system, says Martinez. It will have a significant impact on the economy. Without a doubt, there will be a before and after Melissa in Jamaica. The Red Cross estimates that at least 1.5 million Jamaicans will be directly affected, and UNICEF estimates that nearly 1.6 million children are at risk in the Caribbean. All hurricane preparedness efforts are vital to mitigate damage and loss of life in the most vulnerable communities, especially in regions like the Caribbean, insisted Roberto Benes, regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean, in a statement. Over the past decade, approximately 11 million people, including nearly four million children and adolescents, have been affected each year by natural and human-caused disasters in Latin America and the Caribbean. What most concerns experts is Jamaicas mountainous terrain. Its landscape will foster extremely heavy rainfall and rising sea levels, generating extremely high-caliber flooding that will have catastrophic consequences. Current rainfall figures position Melissa as a stronger cyclone than Hurricane Katrina, which left more than 1,300 people dead in 2005, and very close to the magnitude of Hurricane Milton, which left more than two million people without power and led to thousands of evacuations in 2024. Rubiera insists that Melissa doesnt end here. After making landfall in Jamaica, it moved eastward to Cuba. The renowned meteorologist predicts that the hurricane will be weaker over his island and that it will move somewhat faster than it did over Jamaica. But preparations are insufficient. The UNs humanitarian affairs chief, Tom Fletcher, has announced that $4 million will be allocated from the UNs emergency response fund to Cuba to support preventive measures for 170,000 people before the storm hits. The state-owned company Union Electrica (UNE) announced at midday that it will shut down two of its seven thermal power plants and one fuel-fired plant in a controlled manner, in anticipation of the impact of the hurricane. Were going to have to prepare for more and more Melissas, Rubiera concludes. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition CPI's Defiance Over PM SHRI Marks Rare Check On Vijayan's Dominance In Kerala's Left Politics Written By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 16:09 IST The CPIMs backtracking is seen as a setback for the Kerala chief minister who is known as a tough taskmaster who almost always gets his way Rapid Read + Follow us On Google The CPIM had expected that when CM Pinarayi Vijayan intervenes, the issue will be resolved, but the CPI was in no mood to relent. (PTI) However, all seems to be well in the alliance now as it has been decided that a Cabinet sub-committee will be formed to study the issue and till they take a decision, the government will freeze the implementation of the PM SHRI scheme and communicate the same to the Centre. The CPIM has informed the CPI about the decision which the latter accepted. Recommended Stories Since the news of the education department signing the MoU had come out last week, the CPI had taken a tough stand that the state government should either freeze or withdraw from the project and inform the Centre about it too. Even after chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan met CPI state secretary Binoy Vishwam last Monday for almost an hour, the stalemate continued. However, Wednesdays backtracking is seen as a setback for Vijayan who is known as a tough taskmaster who almost always gets his way. The CPIM had expected that when the chief minister intervenes, the issue will be resolved, but the CPI was in no mood to relent. CPIM general secretary MA Baby had accepted that not discussing the issue with LDF allies before signing the MoU was wrong and should not have happened. He had also communicated this to CPI national secretary D Raja. Trying to find a solution, Baby discussed the issue within his own party and also with the CPI. He held a meeting with D Raja and Vishwam to try and find a solution before the cabinet meeting. The differences, however, escalated further when CPI decided that their four ministersrevenue minister K Rajan, agriculture minister P Prasad, animal husbandry minister J Chinchu Rani, and food and civil supplies minister GR Anilwill abstain from the cabinet if the CPIM doesnt change its mind. A series of meetings on Wednesday morning ahead of the crucial cabinet meeting, including those involving Vijayan, Baby, LDF convenor TP Ramakrishnan, and the CPIM state secretary, were held at AKG Centre. The CPI also held its own meeting after which a solution was found. The implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) was why the CPI had opposed the PM SHRI project. The CPIM too was initially opposed to it, with the Left Front and their student organisations telling people about the disadvantages of NEP and how the implementation of the syllabus will affect young students. They had alleged that the aim of NEP was saffronisation of the education sector. Kerala education minister C Sivankutty had himself said earlier that the state will not implement PM SHRI but the sudden U-turn had taken everyone by surprise. The CPI felt insulted with the way in which the MoU was signed. Vishwam alleged that the principles of coalition politics were not followed and his party was kept in the dark about the governments decision to sign the MoU. In a press conference last week, Vishwam said the step was taken with unusual haste, without any discussion in Cabinet and with coalition partners, and no policy debates", questioning: Where is the collective responsibility?" In the last cabinet meeting, CPI ministers had raised the issue but did not get a response from either the chief minister or their cabinet colleagues. This was seen as an insult by the CPI. Not just CPI ministers, many CPIM ministers too were unaware of the state government signing the MoU. The issue was brought for discussion before the cabinet on December 4, 2024, and April 9, 2025, but kept aside for policy decisions". Later, without any discussions, the MoU was signed. Unfortunately for the LDF, the crisisnow resolvedcame at a time when Kerala is gearing up for local body elections. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The CPIs pushback is also not new. In 2017, CPI ministers had boycotted a cabinet meeting when NCP minister Thomas Chandy, who was facing a land encroachment charge, was in the cabinet with them. The CPI demanded his resignation and Chandy was forced to put in his papers. For Vishwam, the PM SHRI issue was also a litmus test. There has been strong criticism against him from his own party that he has been too soft and seems to be toeing the CPIMs line. In such a scenario, getting the CPIM to backtrack is beneficial for him as well as the CPI. The CPI will also claim moral victory, saying it stuck to the ideological standunlike its allies. About the Author Neethu Reghukumar Neethu Reghukumar, Principal Correspondent at CNN-News18, has 12 years of experience in both print and broadcast journalism. She covers politics, crime, health in Kerala, and has extensively reported ... Read More Location : Thiruvananthapuram [Trivandrum], India, India First Published: October 29, 2025, 16:09 IST News politics CPI's Defiance Over PM SHRI Marks Rare Check On Vijayan's Dominance In Kerala's Left Politics Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Delhi's Pollution Politics Peaks As Cloud-Seeding Fails To Bring Rain Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 08:39 IST As there were no signs of rain following the cloud-seeding technique, AAP mocked the exercise, calling it the BJP's tactic to "steal Lord Indra's (rain god's) credit". Aircraft for cloud seeding in Delhi took off from Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Delhiites woke up to a hazy morning with cloudy skies on Wednesday, following the failed attempt to induce rain through cloud seeding in parts of the capital. The citys air quality remained in the very poor category several areas reporting the air quality index (AQI) above 300 mark. According to the latest data, AQI at Anand Vihar was recorded at 307. Similarly, ITO recorded AQI at 307, Akshardham stood at 307, while the AQI at India Gate stood in the moderate category with 282. Recommended Stories After nearly 53 years, Delhi conducted cloud seeding trials to induce artificial rain as pollution levels surged. Meanwhile, the weather department ruled out any trace of rain on the horizon. The Delhi government, in collaboration with IIT-Kanpur, conducted the trials in parts of Delhi, including Burari, north Karol Bagh, Mayur Vihar, and Badli, with more such exercises planned over the next few days, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said. Later, in the evening, the government in a report, said that the cloud seeding trials helped in the reduction of particulate matter at locations where the exercise was carried out even as conditions were not ideal for it. The government added that the moisture content predicted by the IMD and other agencies remained low at 10-15 per cent, which is not an ideal condition for cloud seeding. As there were no signs of rain, the Opposition AAP mocked the exercise, calling it the BJPs tactic to steal Lord Indras (rain gods) credit", even as the ruling party hailed the move to tackle the pollution crisis. Political Slugfest Begins Soon after the cloud seeding process did not give the expected results, the Aam Aadmi Party was quick in responding and termed the Delhi BJP governments experiment a big fraud". The party further attacked the BJP, stating that it is attempting to steal the credit of (Hindu rain god) Lord Indra if actual rain happens. In a statement, AAPs Delhi president Saurabh Bharadwaj said the BJP government has committed fraud even in the name of rain". Citing data from IMD that confirmed no rainfall anywhere in Delhi on Tuesday, Bharadwaj said, The BJP government is claiming to have carried out artificial rainfall, but not a single drop fell anywhere in the city." Kondli MLA Kuldeep Kumar and Burari MLA Sanjeev Jha also confirmed that there was no rain in their constituencies. It seems even Lord Indra is upset with the BJP," Bharadwaj remarked, pointing out that there was no trace of rain in Central Delhi either. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Adding to Bharadwajs statement, AAP Spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar said, The weather department predicts rain today or tomorrow. So now the BJP wants to take credit for this natural rain, calling it artificial rain. When the AAP government was in power in Delhi, we implemented many long- and short-term measures to address pollution year-round. We developed winter and summer action plans." Questioning the BJP, she said, What does the BJP do? It shuts down monitors to manipulate AQI readings Have they developed summer and winter action plans?" 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 29, 2025, 08:35 IST News politics Delhi's Pollution Politics Peaks As Cloud-Seeding Fails To Bring Rain Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'No Dulha Available': Congress's Pawan Khera's Jibe At NDA On Bihar CM Issue At News18 Sabse Bada Dangal Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 18:16 IST Addressing speculation of a Muslim deputy CM for Bihar if the Mahagathbandhan wins, Khera stated that everyone would be given an opportunity and that 'everything has been decided' Khera also responded to the contentious issue of possibly discarding the Waqf Act in Bihar. File pic/PTI During News18 Indias special programme, Sabse Bada Dangal", Congress national spokesperson Pawan Khera launched a sharp attack on the NDA. Khera provided his own interpretation of the acronym NDA, stating it stands for No Dulha Available" (No Groom Available), ostensibly a dig at the ruling alliances chief ministerial computations for next months Bihar elections. In the same appearance, the Congress leader made a significant claim regarding a prominent BJP veteran, though he refrained from naming the individual. Khera asserted that many BJP leaders were interested in joining the Congress party. He specifically mentioned a time when a stalwart BJP leader" had sought to join the Congress. Recommended Stories Khera, chairman of the Congresss media and publicity department, strongly criticised the BJP throughout the discussion. Addressing the speculation of a Muslim deputy chief minister for Bihar if the Mahagathbandhan wins, Khera stated that everyone would be given an opportunity and that everything has been decided". He affirmed that the Congress partys principle itself is social justice. When asked about the potential return of Nitish Kumar to the Mahagathbandhan, Khera suggested it was for Kumar to decide whether he wanted to rejoin. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Khera also responded to the contentious issue of possibly discarding the Waqf Act in Bihar. He emphasised that any law should be drafted and implemented with universal consensus, citing the farm laws as an example of legislation that had to be withdrawn due to widespread opposition. Khera stressed the need for a proper discussion on the Waqf Act. Regarding the protest of tearing up" the bill, he explained that a state government like Bihar has the right to object to a law, and the phrase throw it away" essentially means registering a strong voice and protest. News18s special programme, Sabse Bada Dangal Bihar 2025", is taking place amid the election season in the state, featuring several major national and state political leaders. The programme was designed to discuss their vision for Bihars development and detail various election-related issues. 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 29, 2025, 18:16 IST News politics 'No Dulha Available': Congress's Pawan Khera's Jibe At NDA On Bihar CM Issue At News18 Sabse Bada Dangal Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'No Talks With Guns Pointed At Temple': Amit Shah Asks Naxals To Lay Down Arms | Exclusive Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 22:04 IST The Union Home Minister said that by March 31, 2026, the country will be completely free from Naxalism Shah made it unequivocally clear that the government would not negotiate under duress. Image/News18 Union Home Minister Amit Shah, speaking with Network18 Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi at the Sabse Bada Dangal" event on Thursday, made a resolute commitment regarding the complete eradication of Naxalism from India, while also launching a scathing attack on opposition parties for their alleged support of the ideology. Regarding the timeline for eliminating the threat, Shah declared, By March 31, 2026, the country will be completely free from Naxalism." This statement establishes a definitive, forward-looking deadline for one of the countrys most persistent internal security challenges. Recommended Stories The Home Minister used the state of Bihar, which is heading into elections, as a key example of the governments success in this area. He proudly announced that Bihar is completely free from Naxalism, which is why voting will take place until 5 pm." This connection was made to emphasise that the return of normal, full-day voting hours is a direct consequence of the successful stabilisation of law and order in the region. Shah issued a direct challenge and final warning to the remaining extremists: I want to tell the Naxals, the paths for you to enter the mainstream are open; surrender your weapons, otherwise, the country will remain free from Naxalism by March 26." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all He made it unequivocally clear that the government would not negotiate under duress. Stressing the fundamental impossibility of dialogue with armed groups, Shah remarked, There will never be any dialogue with those who hold weapons," and emphatically asked, Does one hold a discussion with a gun pointed at the temple?" Furthermore, the Home Minister accused two major political entities of providing cover and intellectual justification for the movement. He charged that the Congress and the Left provide ideological nourishment to the Naxals," suggesting that their rhetoric and political positions indirectly fuel the extremist ideology. This political broadside aims to draw a sharp contrast between the ruling partys hard-line security focus and the Oppositions approach to the issue of left-wing extremism. 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 29, 2025, 22:04 IST News politics 'No Talks With Guns Pointed At Temple': Amit Shah Asks Naxals To Lay Down Arms | Exclusive Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Rahul Gandhi Insulted Chhath, Should Say Sorry: BJP Strikes Back At Congress For Attacking PM Modi Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 16:28 IST News18 India's Sabse Bada Dangal Bihar: "PM Modi is not sitting at home or in Italy...Someone who lacks knowledge of Indian culture would insult Chhath," says BJP's Ajay Alok Rapid Read + Follow us On Google Congress leader Rahul Gandhi questioned PM Modi's Chhath celebrations. (PTI File) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Ajay Alok, at News18 Indias Sabse Bada Dangal Bihar, launched a scathing attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modis Chhath Puja celebrations. At the session moderated by News18s Amish Devgan, Alok said, This man who claims votes are stolen, his name is Rahul Gandhi. This mans brain has been stolenWhat this man said is, if Narendra Modi is asked to dance, he will dance. Yes, if the public asks him to, Narendra Modi will dance. He has been dancing for the last 22 years. In the country and Gujarat, he has shown it by taking it forward. He is not sitting at home or in Italy like them." Recommended Stories Alok told Congress spokesperson Abhay Dubey, who was sitting on the stage, that Gandhi had insulted Chhath Puja and he should apologise. Alok said that Rahul Gandhi claims that wherever PM Modi went, there was no Yamuna. He claims the PM went into his swimming pool. I want to ask, dont people celebrate Chhath Puja in ponds? Dont they celebrate Chhath Puja at home? Dont they celebrate Chhath Puja in small buckets? Puja is performed with emotion and devotion," he said. The BJP spokesperson said in a scathing tone that someone who lacks knowledge of Indian culture would insult Chhath Puja. A person who is not a Hindu has no right to speak ill of Hindus". Waris Pathan, AIMIM, responded saying everybody should be allowed to celebrate their festivals. When asked why Waqf was made an issue in Bihar polls, Pathan said that when the bill came Congress wasnt raising their voice. Dubey responded saying that AIMIMs chief Owaisi was chanting Modis name. What Rahul Gandhi said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday kickstarted Mahagathbandhans Bihar poll campaign from Muzaffarpur in the presence of RJD leader and coalitions CM face Tejashwi Yadav. Gandhi said PM Modi has nothing to do with Chhath Puja and the Yamuna River. Theres no Yamuna there; theres a pond there. Narendra Modi went to bathe in his swimming pool. He has nothing to do with the Yamuna. He has nothing to do with Chhath Puja. He just wants your vote. If you tell Narendra Modi to dance. He will dance they are engaged in stealing your votes. Because they want to end this election disease. I am telling you, they stole elections in Maharashtra, they stole elections in Haryana, and they will try their best in Bihar," Gandhi said. #BiharElection2025 | Muzaffarpur, Bihar: Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi says, Theres no Yamuna there; theres a pond there. Narendra Modi went to bathe in his swimming pool. He has nothing to do with the Yamuna. He has nothing to do with Chhath Puja. He just wants your vote. If pic.twitter.com/rCR5jHxhyH ANI (@ANI) October 29, 2025 On Bihar and Jan Nayak When asked about the 20-year rule in Bihar, BJPs Alok said they have ensured development, given homes, brought electricity. Now Bihar is ready to take the next leap," he said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all When asked how Congress was trying to use the term Jan Nayak used for Karpoori Thakur for leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav, Dubey said, A leader who undertook a padyatra for people, makes people aware of injustices, fights for the poor is worthy of the term Jan NayakKarpoori Thakurs government was brought down by the RSS-BJP," he said. Alok said Gandhi is the Jan Nayak of Pakistan". While BJP has always been against Muslims, even Congress has not done justice to themThey havent picked a Muslim deputy CM," said Pathan. 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 29, 2025, 16:12 IST News politics Rahul Gandhi Insulted Chhath, Should Say Sorry: BJP Strikes Back At Congress For Attacking PM Modi Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Row After Bangladesh National Anthem Sung At Congress Event, BJP Alleges Vote-Bank Politics Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 12:11 IST Vidhu Bhushan Das sang Bangladeshs national anthem at a Congress Sevadal event in Sribhumi, sparking BJP criticism and a political row in Assam ahead of the 2026 elections. Bangladesh's national anthem was sung at a Congress meeting in Assam. (Image: X/@TheAshokSinghal) A political controversy has erupted in Assam after a Congress member, Vidhu Bhushan Das, sang Bangladeshs national anthem, Amar Sonar Bangla, during a party meeting in Sribhumi on October 27. The incident occurred during an executive meeting of the Congress Sevadal, organised by the partys Sribhumi District Committee at Indira Bhavan. Sribhumi, which shares a border with Bangladesh, has a significant Bengali-speaking population. However, the incident has drawn sharp criticism from the BJP, which accused the Congress of engaging in appeasement politics. Recommended Stories BJP MLA Krishnendu Paul condemned the act, alleging that the Congress always has sympathy for Bangladesh and Bangladeshis." Bangladeshs national anthem Amar Sonar Bangla" sung at a Congress meeting in Sribhumi, Assam the same country that wants to separate the Northeast from India!Now its clear why Congress, for decades, allowed and encouraged illegal Miya infiltration into Assam to change pic.twitter.com/dJNizO8F13 Ashok Singhal (@TheAshokSinghal) October 28, 2025 Assam Health Minister Ashok Singhal shared the video showing Das singing the anthem on X. In a post on X, he wrote, Bangladeshs national anthem Amar Sonar Bangla" sung at a Congress meeting in Sribhumi, Assam the same country that wants to separate the Northeast from India! Now its clear why Congress, for decades, allowed and encouraged illegal Miya infiltration into Assam to change the states demography for vote-bank politics creating a Greater Bangladesh." The Assam BJP questioned whether this was a coincidence or an attempt to appease the Bangladesh-origin Muslim vote bank ahead of the 2026 assembly elections, pointing out that it comes amid Dhakas controversial map claiming parts of Northeast India. Bangladesh government intends to include Northeast in their imaginary map and Congress leaders sing Bangladeshi anthems, it is an issue which needs to be answered by the grand old party," the state BJP said in a statement. The signs couldnt be louder. Just days ago Bangladesh dared to publish a map swallowing the entire Northeast and now the Bangladesh-obsessed Congress is proudly singing Bangladeshs national anthem right here in Assam. If after this someone still cant see the agenda at play, then theyre either blind, complicit or both," BJPs Assam unit tweeted. During a press conference, the BJP intensified its attack, saying the grand old party supports infiltrators. Congress is officially supporting Bangladeshi infiltrators, and TMC is doing the same. INDI alliance parties are also dividing the country through appeasement politics," BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said. The ruling party accused the Congress of dividing" the country and representing the tukde-tukde ideology. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Sam Pitroda has made statements on Pakistan and Bangladesh, and Ghulam Mir has said their agenda is to give cylinders to infiltrators. Their goal is to divide the nation. Weve now seen a Congress leader singing Bangladeshs national anthem. This is not the first time Congress has openly supported Pakistan and Bangladesh. No action was taken by the UPA against Pakistan for the terror attacks. Now, officially, the Congress party is singing the national anthem of Bangladesh the party has truly come to represent the tukde-tukde ideology of India," he added. The Congress has not issued an official clarification, but the incident has triggered a fresh political row in the state. About the Author Manisha Roy Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manish... Read More Location : Guwahati [Gauhati], India, India First Published: October 29, 2025, 12:11 IST News politics Row After Bangladesh National Anthem Sung At Congress Event, BJP Alleges Vote-Bank Politics Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Security, Not Secularism: Amit Shahs Message Sets NDAs Bihar Tone | Exclusive Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 21:19 IST The Union Home Minister, speaking at the News18 Sabse Bada Dangal programme, accused the opposition of politicising security actions The Home Minister also intensified his partys focus on the issue of illegal immigration, connecting it directly to the purity of the electoral process. (File image: News18) Union Home Minister Amit Shah delivered a strongly worded statement on issues of national security, religious organisations, and voter sanctity during the News18 Sabse Bada Dangal programme on Wednesday, setting a clear political agenda ahead of the crucial assembly elections in Bihar. Speaking with Network18 Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi regarding the status of organisations like the Popular Front of India (PFI), which was founded by followers of a particular religion, Shah outlined the governments unambiguous stance. Recommended Stories Should an organisation like PFI be allowed to operate just because it was founded by followers of a particular religion? Our policy is clear: anyone working against the country or talking about breaking the country will be banned," Shah asserted. He accused the opposition of politicising security actions. Their politics is such that they measure actions taken for the countrys security in terms of Hindu or Muslim; this should not happen," he said. This directly addresses the criticism faced by the government regarding the PFI ban, framing the decision purely as a matter of national interest and integrity, irrespective of religious affiliation. The Home Minister also intensified his partys focus on the issue of illegal immigration, connecting it directly to the purity of the electoral processa key point of contention during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Reiterating a firm constitutional principle, Shah stated in Hindi: Desh may ghuspaithiyon ko matdan karne ka adhikar nahi hai" (Infiltrators do not have the right to vote in the country). He emphasised that the right to vote is reserved exclusively for the citizens of the country and that the presence of non-citizens on the voter list pollutes the spirit of Indias democracy. Shahs remarks come as the ruling NDA campaigns in Bihar against what it terms the oppositions policy of protecting infiltrators for vote bank politics. Observers say by raising the issues of the ban on PFI and the deportation policy for infiltratorsfamously described by him as the Detect, Delete, and Deport" strategyShah aims to consolidate the narrative of national security and zero-tolerance against anti-national activities as a central theme for the Bihar polls. 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 29, 2025, 21:19 IST News politics Security, Not Secularism: Amit Shahs Message Sets NDAs Bihar Tone | Exclusive Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'SIT' Tight, Now Vote Chori Row In Gandhinagar Too: Karnataka Minister Gundu Rao Seeks Probe | Exclusive Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 18:44 IST Rao suggested the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing allegations of voter fraud in the Aland constituency should also look at his own seat The minister claimed that a detailed check conducted by his team in parts of Bengalurus Gandhinagar constituency revealed large-scale voter fraud. File pic/PTI The Vote Chori campaign by the Congress could take another turn, with Karnataka Minister and Gandhinagar MLA Dinesh Gundu Rao suggesting that the Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is currently probing allegations of voter fraud in the Aland constituency, should also investigate similar irregularities in his own seat. It would be good if the SIT looks into this as well. There will be more fear of the law if it is done, and they will not indulge in it further," Gundu Rao told News18. Recommended Stories The minister claimed that a detailed check conducted by his team in parts of Bengalurus Gandhinagar constituency revealed large-scale voter fraud. The Congress, he said, had also investigated areas in the Bengaluru Central Lok Sabha segmentwhich includes Gandhinagar and Mahadevapuraas they believed manipulation may have taken place not just during the assembly polls but also in the parliamentary constituency. We checked in one ward in Chickpet, in my Gandhinagar constituency, where we suspected fraudulent activities. We saw nearly 11,000 fraudulent voters names there," Gundu Rao said. As part of their internal investigation, Rao said the Congress had gone house to house after the 2023 assembly elections to verify voter lists. We have officially complained to the Election Commission with names, addresses, and details. They have only looked into 10 per cent of it. Our investigation has shown that there are houses where 100 and 80 votes were found in one address. This was brought to the notice of the EC soon after my elections got over," he said. When asked whether he planned to file an official complaint with the SIT as well, the minister said, We have filed a complaint with the ECthe names and list have also been given." No doubt that there has been voter manipulation, said Rao. Somebody has done this. The local officers have not done their work properly, and the Election Commission has failed in its duty," he alleged, adding that they are contemplating submitting documents to the SIT too. Gundu Rao alleged that the manipulation was systematic" and politically motivated. They have indulged in voter manipulation and have tweaked the system to their benefit. They have done this to delete voters or roll votersthere is no doubt," he said. Asked if he believed similar manipulation had taken place in other parts of Bengaluru Central and whether the Congress candidate would have won if these alleged irregularities were addressed, Rao said, I dont know. The BJP has a good organisation in the RSS and Sangh Parivar; they may have done in places they are strong. This is no different from booth capturing like we used to see earlier." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all He went on to accuse the BJP of colluding with officials. The BJP is doing this fraud either in collusion with the Election Commission or through local officers," he alleged. Weighing in on the ongoing debate within the Congress over a possible change of guardwith names like Dr G Parameshwara and KH Muniyappa being mentioned as contendersGundu Rao brushed aside speculation. I dont think anybody is putting their hat in the ringthere is no vacancy. We have a powerful Chief Minister in Siddaramaiah. What more do we need? Siddaramaiah has said whatever the party decides, he will do what the party asks," he said. 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 29, 2025, 18:44 IST News politics 'SIT' Tight, Now Vote Chori Row In Gandhinagar Too: Karnataka Minister Gundu Rao Seeks Probe | Exclusive Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Tie Up BJP Leaders': Abhishek Banerjee's Remarks On Bengal Man's Suicide Over NRC Spark Row Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 18:48 IST TMC's Abhishek Banerjee urged people to "tie up" local BJP leaders if they asked for birth certificates during SIR, after a man allegedly died by suicide in panic over NRC. Rapid Read + Follow us On Google TMC leader Abhishek Banerjees comments came as the West Bengal chief electoral officer held an all-party meeting on the SIR in the state. (Image: PTI/File) Trinamool Congress (TMC) national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Wednesday sparked a fresh political storm after he urged people to tie up" local BJP leaders if they asked for their parents birth certificates during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls or for National Register of Citizens (NRC) verification. His remarks after Pradeep Kar, 57, a resident of Mahajati Nagar in Agarpara, allegedly died by suicide in panic over the NRC verification. Police said a diary was recovered from beside the body, where he reportedly wrote, NRC is responsible for my death." Recommended Stories Linking Kars death to the SIR, Abhishek Banerjee claimed that the anxiety created by the BJP and the Election Commission had driven the man to take the extreme step and accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of creating a climate of panic". After meeting the deceaseds family, Abhishek said, Next time local BJP leaders come to your area, stop them and ask them to furnish their parents certificates. Tie them to a tree or lamp post and tell them they wont be released until they produce their parents and grandparents documents." We do not believe in violence. Dont hit them, just tie them up if they ask for your parents birth certificates," he said, calling for an FIR against Amit Shah and CEC Gyanesh Kumar. BJP Responds To Abhishek Banerjees Remarks The BJP responded furiously to Abhishek Banerjees remarks, asserting that the SIR exercise will take place in West Bengal regardless of what happens. They can do protests, they can go to Mars or Antarctica, they can do anything. No matter what they do, SIR will happen," said Bengal BJP President Samik Bhattacharya. To stop SIR from happening will amount to a violation of the principles of the Constitution. When that happens, the Constitution will do what it needs to do. It is a routine procedure and it will take place across the country," he added. This came after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also accused the BJP of spreading fear and division through its NRC campaign. She said that the tragedy reflected how the BJPs venomous propaganda" had pushed ordinary people to despair. BJP IT chief Amit Malviya accused her of lying and deliberately spreading panic to stoke fear for political gain. It was the TMC, not the BJP, that weaponised fear exploiting the anxieties of poor Hindu refugees who fled religious persecution and sought shelter in India. The same fear was used to loot, assault, and suppress voices, as seen in Sandeshkhali and during the riots in Malda and Murshidabad," he said. On Monday (October 27), the EC announced that it will conduct the second phase of the SIR in 12 states and union territories. In this pan-India exercise, three states and one UT Kerala, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry will go to polls next year, while three states Goa, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh will have elections in 2027. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The TMC has labelled the SIR as NRC in disguise" and an attempt to manipulate voter lists under the pretext of identifying illegal infiltrators." The debate has brought back Bengals recurring anxieties over voter identity and citizenship, shaped by its protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and NRC. (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 First Published: October 29, 2025, 18:48 IST News politics 'Tie Up BJP Leaders': Abhishek Banerjee's Remarks On Bengal Man's Suicide Over NRC Spark Row Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Boomer Uncle': Liver Doc Slams Zoho CEO For Linking Child Vaccination To Autism Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 13:52 IST Liver Doc criticised Vembu for sharing a study that he claimed was "not peer-reviewed and not scrutinised". Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu and social media-famous doctor Cyriac Abby Philips, aka The Liver Doc. Zoho co-founder Sridhar Vembu sparked a debate online on Tuesday after he drew a connection between child vaccination and autism. This led to a heated exchange with Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips, an award-winning hepatologist known as The Liver Doc on social media, who once again labelled Vembu as a boomer uncle". Liver Doc criticised Vembu for sharing a study that he claimed was not peer-reviewed and not scrutinised". Recommended Stories What Zoho Co-Founder Said On Tuesday morning, Vembu shared a study asserting that vaccination is a dominant risk factor" for autism. Vembu, whose son has autism, has been vocal about the condition. In his social media post, Vembu argued against child vaccination, suggesting it is linked to the rising incidence of autism. Parents should take this analysis seriously. I believe there is increasing evidence that we are administering too many vaccines to very young children. This trend is spreading in India too, and we are observing a rapid increase in autism cases," he wrote. Parents should take this analysis seriously. I believe there is increasing evidence that we are giving way too many vaccines to very young children. This is spreading in India too and we are seeing a rapid increase in autism in India. https://t.co/AeiVaieYug Sridhar Vembu (@svembu) October 28, 2025 Responding to a social media user, Vembu clarified that he is not against vaccines but is questioning the quantity administered to children today. The Liver Docs Boomer Uncle Response to Sridhar Vembu The Liver Doc urged parents not to halt vaccinations if they want to prevent the return of polio or measles deaths, as seen in the US, attributing such outcomes to boomer uncles in charge of US Health Departments who have turned anti-science". Critiquing the study shared by Vembu, the hepatologist deemed its conclusions not credible". The authors are antivaxxers funded by an antivaxx organisation, publishing on their own antivaxx website. Not peer-reviewed, not scrutinised. The low-IQ authors have selectively amplified weaker associations while ignoring robust epidemiological data from millions showing no vaccine-autism link," The Liver Doc wrote on X. For the public and patients, please do not stop vaccinating your children. You dont want polio to come back. You dont want measles to kill your child like it is doing in the US because boomer uncles in charge of US Health Departments have become anti science.The conclusions https://t.co/PsCaeYQmw8 pic.twitter.com/RQM7dnIKBi TheLiverDoc (@theliverdr) October 28, 2025 Further supporting his argument, The Liver Doc referenced a Danish study, claimed to be the largest on the topic, reiterating that no link was found between childhood vaccines and 50 different health conditions, including autism. Labeling Vembu as boomer uncle", The Liver Doc stated that he has previously called out Vembus bullshit on medical and science", and criticised his ventures Arattai, a messaging app, and Zoho email. Delete the post you lime soda without fizz," The Liver Doc advised Vembu. War of Words Between The Liver Doc and Zoho CEO top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This is not the first disagreement between the two. Last August, Vembus advocacy for walking barefoot received sharp criticism from the doctor, who called it pseudoscience". Earlier in January, Vembu promoted the use of cow urine and cow dung, claiming they had beneficial properties". In response, the doctor urged him to stop endorsing ancient pseudoscience and outdated therapies, and refrain from amplifying misinformation", referring to an incident involving an IIT Madras professor. 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 29, 2025, 13:52 IST News viral 'Boomer Uncle': Liver Doc Slams Zoho CEO For Linking Child Vaccination To Autism Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Chilean actor Pedro Pascal, one of Hollywoods most recognizable faces, was moving to the rhythm of a cumbia that wasnt born on a red carpet, but in the street, amid shouts of protest, in front of an immigration patrol. Racist as youre full of hate, why dont you go straight to hell, goes the chorus. The song, La Cumbia de la Migra, belongs to Los Jornaleros del Norte, a group of migrant musicians who for 30 years have accompanied marches and strikes in Los Angeles with guitars, drums, and an unwavering conviction: to sing in order to survive. Omar Leon (Michoacan, 1976), the groups keyboardist, accordionist, and composer, doesnt consider himself a star. We dont make music to be famous. We make music so people know we exist, he says in an interview with EL PAIS. However, this time it was was different. Someone videoed the song at the Los Angeles protest, it went viral, and suddenly everyone was talking about it. But with that came harassment. Every verse comes at a price. The groups videos have been viewed millions of times and shared by various media outlets. Leon points out that this attention has also brought a backlash: people who support President Donald Trumps administration have responded with threats. Theyve followed us, sent us hate mail. They even tried to take away the truck we play from at the protests. They wanted to scare us into stopping. But we werent scared. If they take the truck, well play on foot, Leon asserts. The group was formed in 1995 in the City of Industry, California, when an immigration raid interrupted an ordinary morning. Some men were waiting for work in a parking lot when the agents stormed in. One of them, Omar Sierra, wrote a corrido: El Corrido de Industry. It was a simple, stark tale, like the old corridos that narrated tragedies. Thats when we decided we were going to sing our own stories. We had no one to tell them, Leon recalls. Since then, Los Jornaleros del Norte, made up of Leon, Pablo Alvarado from El Salvador, and Omar Sierra from Honduras, have remained true to that promise. They are part of the National Day Laborer Organizing Network, which defends immigrant workers throughout the United States. Songs like Las Redadas (The Raids), Serenata a un Indocumentado (Serenade to an Undocumented Worker), Pueblo Unete (People, Unite), and Que No Pare la Lucha (Dont Stop the Fight) have become anthems against fear. Songs that dont seek comfort, but rather remembrance. They define themselves as people who fight, who work, who dream, and who resist. Their struggle is peaceful, but Leon acknowledges that they have had difficult encounters. Weve been confronted face-to-face by anti-immigrant people, by racist people. Weve been spat on, pushed, threatened. Even so, we keep going. Whats admirable about my bandmates is that, despite everything, they maintain their spirit to make music to tell our stories, to demand justice, and to give a voice to those who are afraid to speak out. Sometimes, amid the anger, tenderness emerges. As in Serenata a un Indocumentado, inspired by a family on the sidewalk bidding a final farewell to a father about to be deported. The mother, who went to the Los Angeles detention center with her children every afternoon, told the group that they waited for dinnertime, when the detainees passed through a corridor and the families could see them for a few seconds, to blow them a kiss. I wrote the song with her words, says Leon. Resilience also emerges, as in his most recent song, Solo el Pueblo Salva al Pueblo (Only the People Save the People). The struggle calls your name, the people are in the streets, the voice of the farmworkers will never be silenced. This song is born from the earth, they demand equality, silence is defeat, lets fight to the end, explains the composer. Each verse is a call not to be paralyzed by fear, to take to the streets and raise their voices. Their music isnt played on commercial radio, but it resonates in the streets. Los Jornaleros del Norte perform wherever unions protest, where domestic workers demand rights, where farmworkers demand justice: Youll see us in the streets, at strikes, in the courts. Because the fight happens there too, Leon affirms. There is no resentment in his voice, only weariness and a stubborn calm. Sometimes they call us crazy. But if we stay silent, who will tell whats happening? Silence is the cruelest enemy. Leon acknowledges that even within the Latino community there are those who support the measures implemented by the Trump administration. They tell us were common, vulgar, thats why they dont like us. Yes, there are Latinos who agree with whats happening, and who are even happy about it, but that doesnt stop us. Regardless of what they can take from us (the truck, the instruments), Los Jornaleros will carry on. Because our struggle doesnt depend only on us, but on a larger collective that will continue to raise its voice. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition World's First-Ever White Iberian Lynx Spotted In Spain: 'Conservation Done Right' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 21:30 IST The lynx spotted in Spain is leucistic, a condition that causes a lack of pigmentation in the fur, but not in the eyes, causing the ghostly appearance of the big cat. A leucetic Iberian lynx spotted in Spain. (Photo: X) A photographer in Spain has located what is believed to be the worlds first-ever white Iberian lynx, which is extremely rare even among the worlds rarest cats. The leucistic animal is practically a myth, as most of the species are usually brown or beige-white. The lynx spotted in Spain is leucistic, a condition that causes a lack of pigmentation in the fur, but not in the eyes, causing the ghostly appearance of the wildcat. Lynxes are already classified among the worlds critically endangered species, and a leucistic one is extremely rare. Recommended Stories A photographer in Spain has documented the nations first white Iberian lynx, a rare stunning leucistic specimen. pic.twitter.com/J2OupqKeMk Open Source Intel (@Osint613) October 29, 2025 According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the Iberian lynx is heavily spotted and weighs about half as much as the Eurasian species, with long legs and a very short tail with a black tip. Its coat is tawny with dark spots and it bears a characteristic beard" around its face and prominent black ear tufts. The miracle discovery is being credited to widespread conservation efforts to protect the Iberian lynx, which was saved from extinction after dropping to below 100 big cats in 2002. However, conservationists have warned that while the white fur looks great on camera, it is a terrible camouflage in the wild. The internet was amazed by the sighting and marvelled at the majestic lynx. What an incredible find! This white lynx is a powerful symbol of how resilient nature can be when we work to protect it," a user said. What a beautiful creature," an individual wrote on Reddit. What a stunning testament to conservation done right Spains Iberian lynx clawing back from the brink of oblivion, and now gifting us this ghostly leucistic marvel prowling the Andalusian wilds," another netizen commented. That looks like it could, at any random moment, sprout wings and conquer continents," a fourth person wrote. The Iberian lynx started declining steadily during the 20th century after being hunted by poachers, and by 2002, only two isolated breeding populations remained in the world, totaling about 100 adult animals with 25 breeding females. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all However, extensive joint efforts of the Spanish national and regional administrations, different NGOs and the European Union-funded Life Projects managed to bring back the species from the brink of extinction. The 2015 census showed 404 adult lynxes in the world, and the population reached about 2,000 by 2025. However, the progress is at risk after several regional governments in Spain acceded to pressure from farmers and hunters to block the reintroduction of the species into the wild. Opponents of the lynx conservation programme alleged wildcat preys on livestock, as well as rabbits and partridges, The Guardian reported. 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 : Spain First Published: October 29, 2025, 21:30 IST News viral World's First-Ever White Iberian Lynx Spotted In Spain: 'Conservation Done Right' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... After Peace Talks Fail, Pakistan Warns It Can 'Completely Obliterate' Taliban Regime Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 17:29 IST Khawaja Asif's warning came just hours after peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan collapsed in Istanbul Rapid Read + Follow us On Google Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif. (AP file photo) Pakistans Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Wednesday warned that his country could completely obliterate" Afghanistans ruling Taliban if provoked, in one of Islamabads strongest statements yet amid worsening tensions between the two neighbours. Pakistan does not require to employ even a fraction of its full arsenal to completely obliterate the Taliban regime and push them back to the caves for hiding," Asif wrote on X. Recommended Stories His warning came just hours after peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan collapsed in Istanbul. The negotiations, brokered by Turkey and Qatar, had aimed to secure a lasting truce following the deadliest border clashes in years, which left more than 70 people dead and hundreds injured earlier this month. Pakistans Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed the failure of the talks early on Wednesday, saying they ended without a workable solution". He accused the Afghan side of avoiding key issues and engaging in blame game and deflection". Regrettably, the Afghan side gave no assurances, kept deviating from the core issue and resorted to blame game, deflection and ruses," Tarar said on X. Pakistan participated in the spirit of peace, but Kabul continues its unabated support to anti-Pakistan terrorists We will continue to take all possible measures necessary to protect our people from the menace of terrorism," he added. The talks were meant to reinforce a fragile ceasefire agreed in Doha on October 19, following fierce exchanges along the 2,600-km border. However, negotiators failed to reach common ground, with both sides blaming each other for the breakdown. Pakistani officials say the Taliban are allowing the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) also known as the Pakistani Taliban to operate freely from Afghan territory and carry out attacks on Pakistani troops. Afghan representatives reportedly told mediators they had no control" over the groups activities. The recent escalation began after Pakistani air strikes in Kabul and other locations targeting TTP leaders. The Taliban retaliated with assaults on Pakistani military posts, triggering intense cross-border fighting that briefly closed the frontier. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Meanwhile, there has been no immediate response from the Afghan government to Pakistans latest warning. (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 : Pakistan First Published: October 29, 2025, 17:29 IST News world After Peace Talks Fail, Pakistan Warns It Can 'Completely Obliterate' Taliban Regime Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Ayodhya Nagari: This Caribbean Country Is Building A Grand Ram Mandir For Hindu Devotees Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 18:08 IST Trinidad & Tobago plans a grand Ram Mandir in Port of Spain, aiming to become a Hindu spiritual hub in the Caribbean. With an estimated 350,000 Hindus, Trinidad & Tobago has long been known as Ramayana Country. The tiny island nation of Trinidad & Tobago, home to just 1.4 million people and a 65 percent Christian population, is preparing to build a grand Ram Mandir as part of its efforts to position itself as a spiritual and cultural centre for Hinduism in the Caribbean. With an estimated 350,000 Hindus, Trinidad & Tobago has long been known as Ramayana Country" for its deep-rooted devotion to Lord Ram and preservation of Hindu traditions brought by Indian indentured labourers in the 19th century. The government has now expressed strong support for constructing a magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Ram in the capital- Port of Spain. Recommended Stories Countrys Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath confirmed that discussions are underway with religious leaders and organisations involved in bringing a replica of the Ram Lalla idol from Ayodhya earlier this year. The Ram Lalla initiative is something that we welcome. It is something we support," Barry Padarath said, highlighting the governments commitment to strengthening Hindu cultural heritage across the islands. The proposed temple is envisioned not just as a place of worship but as a multifunctional centre for cultural education, spiritual activities and community gatherings. These traditions have been kept alive across generations. Trinidad & Tobago has become an important place for Hindus in the Caribbean," Barry Padarath said. The initiative follows a proposal by Prem Bhandari, founder of the Overseas Friends of Ram Mandir in New York, to create a Hindu spiritual hub called Ayodhya Nagari" in Trinidad & Tobago. The idea aims to provide a sacred destination for North American devotees who may not be able to visit Ayodhya in India. In May 2025, a replica of the Ram Lalla idol was unveiled in Port of Spain in a ceremony jointly organised by Prem Bhandari and Amit Alagh, chair of the Ayodhya Shri Ram Organisation in Trinidad & Tobago. Prem Bhandari said the proposed Ram Mandir and Ayodhya Nagari project could transform Trinidad & Tobago into a global centre for Hindu spirituality, symbolising the enduring connection between the Indian diaspora and its cultural roots. Minister Barry Padarath said the temple would stand as a tribute to the resilience and faith of generations of Indo-Trinidadians who preserved their religion and language far from their ancestral homeland. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Ram Mandir will not only be a place of prayer but also a centre for education, festivals, and cultural continuity for future generations," he said. The projects timeline has yet to be finalised. Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: October 29, 2025, 18:08 IST News world Ayodhya Nagari: This Caribbean Country Is Building A Grand Ram Mandir For Hindu Devotees Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Hope We Have A Deal': Donald Trump Optimistic On Trade Talks With China's Xi In South Korea Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 15:06 IST Donald Trump said he is hopeful of striking a great trade deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping during their upcoming meeting in South Korea. A file photo of Chinese President Xi Jinping with US President Donald Trump (AP) US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he is hopeful of reaching a trade agreement with Chinese President Xi Jinping during their upcoming meeting, expressing optimism about improving ties between the two economic giants. One is better off when we have stable partnerships, not plagued by chronic problems and imbalances," Trump said, addressing the APEC CEO Summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, where he arrived for talks with the Presidents of South Korea and China, among other leaders. Recommended Stories You know, probably you know that President Xi of China is coming tomorrow here, and were going to be, I hope, making a deal," the US President said. I think were going to have a deal," he said. I think itll be a good deal for both. And thats really a great result, you know. Thats better than fighting and going through all sorts of problems and, you know, no reason for it. I think its going to be a great deal for both. So Ill be meeting him tomorrow. A lot of people are interested. Theyre also interested in what were doing," Trump added. His remarks came as he prepared to attend a group dinner later in the evening, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney among other guests. On Monday, Carney had said he was ready to sit down for trade talks with Trump as soon as the US President is prepared to do so. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, Heads-of-state diplomacy plays an irreplaceable role in providing strategic guidance for China-US relations." In Busan, President Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump will have an in-depth exchange of views on strategic and long-term issues concerning bilateral ties and major issues of mutual interest," the spokesperson said. China stands ready to work with the US to achieve positive outcomes and provide new guidance and impetus for the steady development of China-US relations," the statement read. Heads-of-state diplomacy plays an irreplaceable role in providing strategic guidance for China-U.S. relations.In Busan, President Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump will have in-depth exchange of views on strategic and long-term issues concerning bilateral ties and major pic.twitter.com/fTXQL0esWg CHINA MFA Spokesperson (@MFA_China) October 29, 2025 Last week, Trump announced he was cutting off trade talks with Ottawa and announced an additional 10 per cent tariffs on goods from Canada after an Ontario political ad used a snippet of Republican icon and former President Ronald Reagan saying tariffs cause trade wars and economic disaster. Carney is on his first official visit to Asia, attempting to deepen trade and security ties at a time when Canada is struggling to reduce its overwhelming dependence on the United States and redefine its foreign policy to pursue new markets. Carney will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping later this week. Earlier today, Trump said he would speak to Xi Jinping about Nvidias state-of-the-art Blackwell artificial intelligence chip at their expected meeting on Thursday. Sales of the US firms high-end AI chips to China have been a key sticking point in protracted trade talks between the worlds two largest economies this year. Beijing has long been irked by Washingtons export controls that ban Nvidia from selling its most advanced AI chips to China. The US has justified these restrictions by alleging that the Chinese military would use the chips to increase its capabilities. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Gyeongju, Trump praised Nvidias Blackwell as the super-duper chip" and said he might speak to Xi about them, without elaborating. I think we may be talking about that with President Xi," Trump said, adding he was very optimistic" about his meeting with Xi, the first since he returned to the White House. Beijing has put pressure on Chinese firms to buy and further develop domestic chips in response to US export controls targeting the sale of Nvidia chips to China. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Despite that pressure, Chinese developers still want Nvidias chips due to constrained supplies of products from domestic rivals such as Huawei, Reuters has previously reported. ALSO READ | Great Respect For PM Modi: Donald Trump Says Trade Deal With India Soon About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. First Published: October 29, 2025, 12:16 IST News world 'Hope We Have A Deal': Donald Trump Optimistic On Trade Talks With China's Xi In South Korea Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Too Bad': Donald Trump Says 'Not Allowed' To Run For Third Term, Cites Constitution Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 08:35 IST Donald Trump said he is not allowed to run for a third term despite record-high poll numbers, calling it too bad. A file photo of US President Donald Trump (AP) US President Donald Trump, talking to reporters on Air Force One on Wednesday, said that he is not allowed" to run for a third term. I have my highest poll numbers that Ive ever had, and you know, based on what I read, I guess Im not allowed to run, so well see what happens Its too bad," Trump said. Recommended Stories But we have a lot of great people," he added. On Monday, Trump told reporters on Air Force One on his trip to Japan that hed love to run again. I would love to do it," the US President said. Trump went on to say that his Republican Party has great options for the next presidential election, in Marco Rubio, the Secretary of State, who was travelling with him, and Vice President JD Vance, who visited with senators at the Capitol on Tuesday. All I can tell you is we have a great group of people," Trump said. Pressed if he was ruling out a third-term bid, Trump demurred. Asked about a strategy where he could run as vice president, which would be allowed under the laws, and then work himself into the presidency, he dismissed the idea as too cute." Youd be allowed to do that, but I wouldnt do that," he said. The people wouldnt like that, its too cute, it wouldnt be right," he said. WHAT DOES THE US CONSTITUTION SAY? The 22nd Amendment states in part: No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice." The amendment was ratified in 1951 after President Franklin D Roosevelt broke with a self-imposed two-term limit set by presidents since George Washington, the nations first. Roosevelt, a Democrat who was President during the Great Depression and World War Two, served a third term and then died months into his fourth term in 1945. Wayne Unger, a law professor at Quinnipiac University, said the Constitution was clear that presidents are limited to two terms of four years each. He said that while that had not been tested in court, any challenge by Trump would likely be unsuccessful. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all I would predict the Supreme Court to say nope, its clear, two terms of four years each, Donald Trump, you cannot run for a third," said Unger, who teaches constitutional law. ALSO READ | Trump Backs Israels Right To Respond As Gaza Truce Hangs By Thread About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. First Published: October 29, 2025, 08:24 IST News world 'Too Bad': Donald Trump Says 'Not Allowed' To Run For Third Term, Cites Constitution Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Over 100 Dead In Gaza As Israel Renews Strikes On Hamas; JD Vance Claims Ceasefire Intact Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 14:59 IST Israeli airstrikes on Gaza killed more than 100 people and injured dozens, according to Gazas civil defence agency, as the Israeli military accused Hamas of violating the truce. A Palestinian boy carrying belongings walks past the rubble of destroyed buildings in the al-Tuffah neighbourhood of Gaza City (Photo: AFP) More than 100 people were killed, while dozens of others were injured in Israeli attacks in the Palestinian territory, AFP quoted Gazas civil defence agency as saying on Wednesday. The toll came hours after Gazas civil defence agency said Israel carried out air strikes on Tuesday despite an ongoing ceasefire, after the Israeli military accused Hamas of attacking its troops and violating the US-brokered truce. Recommended Stories However, US Vice President JD Vance, part of a parade of Trump administration officials who visited Israel last week, said the ceasefire was holding" despite Tuesdays skirmishes". That doesnt mean that there arent going to be little skirmishes here and there," he told reporters on Capitol Hill. We know that Hamas or somebody else within Gaza attacked an (Israeli) soldier. We expect the Israelis to respond, but I think the Presidents peace is going to hold despite that," the US Vice President said. On Tuesday, Israeli planes launched strikes in Gaza after Israel accused the militant group Hamas of violating a ceasefire in the Palestinian territory, the latest test of a fragile deal brokered earlier this month by US President Donald Trump. Earlier today, Reuters quoted local health authorities as saying that the strikes killed at least 26 people, including five in a house hit in the Bureij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, four in a building in Gaza Citys Sabra neighbourhood, and five in a car in Khan Younis. The US-backed ceasefire agreement went into effect on October 10, halting two years of war triggered by deadly Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. Both sides have accused each other of ceasefire violations. NETANYAHU ACCUSES HAMAS OF VIOLATING CEASEFIRE On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Hamas had violated the ceasefire by turning over some wrong remains in a process of returning the bodies of hostages to Israel. Netanyahu said the remains handed over on Monday belonged to Ofir Tzarfati, an Israeli killed during Hamass October 7, 2023, attack. Tzarfatis remains had already been partially retrieved by Israeli troops during the war. Hamas initially said in response to this that it would hand over to Israel on Tuesday the body of a missing hostage found in a tunnel in Gaza. However, the groups armed wing, Al-Qassam Brigades, said later it would postpone the planned handover, citing what it said were Israels violations of the ceasefire. Late on Tuesday, Al-Qassam issued a statement saying it had recovered the bodies of two Israeli hostages, Amiram Cooper and Sahar Baruch, during search operations in Gaza. Hamas said Netanyahu was looking for excuses to back away from Israels obligations. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Under the ceasefire terms, Hamas released all living hostages in return for nearly 2,000 Palestinian convicts and wartime detainees, while Israel pulled back its troops and halted its offensive. ALSO READ | How Hamas Damaged The Palestinian Cause: Tragic Betrayal Of A Just Struggle About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. First Published: October 29, 2025, 07:24 IST News world Over 100 Dead In Gaza As Israel Renews Strikes On Hamas; JD Vance Claims Ceasefire Intact Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Great Respect For PM Modi': Donald Trump Says Trade Deal With India Soon Curated By : Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 11:40 IST "Will have a trade deal with India soon, have great respect for Prime Minister Modi," said US President Donald Trump on India-US trade deal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with US President Donald Trump. (File/PMO) US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that he is soon going to do a trade deal with India and lauded his relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that he has great respect for PM Modi". Speaking at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit being held in South Korea, Trump said, I am doing a trade deal with India soon and I have great respect and love for Prime Minister Modi. We have a great relationship." Recommended Stories Prime Minister Modi is the nicest-looking guy. He looks like he would like to have your father," Trump said, adding, He is a killer, his stuff isno we will fight." Trump: PM Modi is the nicest looking guy like a father. But he is total killer"pic.twitter.com/hz2Qx06dDT DeepDownAnalysis (@deepdownanlyz) October 29, 2025 Addressing APEC business leaders at a luncheon in South Korea, Trump again claimed he averted a war between the two nuclear-armed neighbours (India and Pakistan) by pressurising them over trade. Trump arrived in South Korea on Wednesday ahead of high-stakes meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit takes place in the southeastern city of Gyeongju. India-US Trade Deal top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Trumps latest remarks came amid ongoing trade negotiations between India and the United States amid the tensions that were raised following the imposition of steep import tariffs by Washington. The Trump administration has levied duties of up to 50 percent on Indian goods, which came into effect in August, as additional penalties over New Delhis continued oil imports from Russia. India, however, has remained firm on its stand, asserting that its energy purchases are guided by market dynamics and national security needs, not geopolitical pressure. New Delhi has consistently maintained that securing affordable energy for its citizens remains a strategic and sovereign priority. About the Author Mahima Joshi Mahima Joshi, Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking team. Covering national stories and bringing breaking news to the table are her forte. She is deeply interested in Indian poli... Read More Location : South Korea First Published: October 29, 2025, 10:46 IST News world 'Great Respect For PM Modi': Donald Trump Says Trade Deal With India Soon Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'If Hamas Doesn't Behave...' Trump Backs Israel's 'Right To Respond' As Gaza Truce Hangs By Thread Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 08:36 IST The US President said Hamas must behave and if theyre not good, theyll be eradicated, making it clear that the militant group has lost major outside support Rapid Read + Follow us On Google US President Donald Trump. (Image: X/@WhiteHouse) US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Hamas: honour the fragile Gaza ceasefire or face the consequences. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said Israel has the full right to respond to any violations and added that if Hamas does not behave", it will be eradicated". Stressing that Israel was justified in taking military action if Hamas breaks its commitments under the cease-fire deal, Trump clarified that the United States will not be deploying troops to intervene but emphasised that the US backed Israel and allied countries would act swiftly. Recommended Stories The US President said Hamas must behave" and if theyre not good, theyll be eradicated", making it clear that the militant group has lost major outside support. Gazas civil defence agency said Israel carried out air strikes on Tuesday despite the ongoing ceasefire, after the Israeli military accused Hamas of attacking its troops and violating the US-brokered truce. They killed an Israeli soldier. So the Israelis hit back. And they should hit back," Trump told reporters. At least 30 people were killed in strikes targeting several parts of Gaza, said a spokesman for the agency, which operates as a rescue force under Hamas. However, US Vice-President JD Vance said the ceasefire was holding despite Tuesdays skirmishes". Hamas had announced it would hand over the body of another hostage on Tuesday as demanded by Israel under the ceasefire deal. During the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel that triggered the war, Hamas militants took 251 people hostage. A row over the last remaining bodies of deceased hostages has threatened to derail the ceasefire. Israel accuses Hamas of reneging by not returning them, but the Palestinian Islamist group says it will take time to locate the remains amid Gazas war-ravaged ruins. Hamas came under mounting pressure on Monday after it returned the partial remains of a previously recovered captive, which Israel said was a breach of the truce. Hamas had said the remains were the 16th of 28 hostage bodies it had agreed to return under the ceasefire deal, which came into effect on October 10. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all But Israeli forensic examination determined Hamas had in fact handed over partial remains of a hostage whose body had already been brought back to Israel around two years ago, according to Netanyahus office. (With AFP 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 : United States of America (USA) First Published: October 29, 2025, 08:33 IST News world 'If Hamas Doesn't Behave...' Trump Backs Israel's 'Right To Respond' As Gaza Truce Hangs By Thread Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... India Slams UN Report On Myanmar, Calls Claims Linking Pahalgam Attack 'Baseless' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 22:06 IST Lok Sabha MP Dilip Saikia said the claims made by UN Special Rapporteur Thomas H Andrews had no factual basis whatsoever The UN expert had suggested in his report that refugees from Myanmar in India faced pressure and harassment from authorities. India has strongly rejected a United Nations report on Myanmars human rights situation, calling it a blinkered and baseless analysis", after the report claimed that the Pahalgam terrorist attack had affected displaced persons from Myanmar living in India. Delivering Indias statement at the UN General Assemblys Third Committee on Tuesday, Lok Sabha MP Dilip Saikia said the claims made by UN Special Rapporteur Thomas H Andrews had no factual basis whatsoever". He described the remarks as biased and prejudiced" against India. Recommended Stories My country rejects such prejudice and blinkered analysis by the Special Rapporteur," Saikia said. The MP stated that the claim linking the April 2025 terrorist attack in Pahalgam with displaced persons from Myanmar has absolutely no factual bearing". The UN expert had suggested in his report that refugees from Myanmar in India faced pressure and harassment from authorities following the Pahalgam attack, despite no Myanmar nationals being involved. Andrews alleged that some refugees had been detained and threatened with deportation. Saikia dismissed the allegations, urging the UN not to rely on unverified and skewed media reports" aimed at maligning Indias image. He emphasised that India is home to over 200 million Muslims, around 10 per cent of the global Muslim population, living in harmony with people of all faiths. The MP from Assam also noted that India remains deeply concerned about the worsening situation in Myanmar and its cross-border impact, including drug trafficking, arms smuggling and human trafficking. He warned that rising radicalisation among some displaced groups had created law and order challenges. Reiterating Indias long-standing position, Saikia said that sustainable peace in Myanmar can only come through an inclusive political dialogue and the early restoration of democracy. India, he said, continues to back a Myanmar-owned and Myanmar-led" peace process and supports all efforts by ASEAN and the UN to promote stability. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all He also highlighted Indias ongoing humanitarian efforts, including Operation Brahma, launched after the March 2025 earthquake in Myanmar, as well as earlier relief missions such as Operation Sahayata and Operation Sadbhav. (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 First Published: October 29, 2025, 22:06 IST News world India Slams UN Report On Myanmar, Calls Claims Linking Pahalgam Attack 'Baseless' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Japan PMs Tote-ally Iconic Bag Has Everyone Talking (And Ordering). Here's How Much It Costs Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 20:07 IST Social media users quickly identified the Japan prime ministers sleek black handbag as the Grace Delight Tote made by Hamano Inc. Sanae Takaichi's Grace Delight Tote by Hamano Inc. goes viral. A handbag carried by Japans first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, has gone viral online- sending demand for the $895 accessory soaring and thrusting a little-known local luxury brand into the global spotlight. Social media users quickly identified the prime ministers sleek black handbag as the Grace Delight Tote" made by Hamano Inc., a 145-year-old Japanese leather goods company based in Nagano. The family-run brand has a long-standing reputation for craftsmanship and its handbags have been favoured for decades by Japans imperial family. Recommended Stories According to Hamanos website, the tote- made entirely of soft leather and weighing just 700 grams (1.5 pounds)- was designed to balance elegance with practicality." Priced at $895, its now become one of Japans most sought-after fashion items, with Hamano confirming that it has received an overwhelming number of orders" since photos of Sanae Takaichi with the bag began circulating online. Shipments have been delayed until April next year, the company said, apologising for slow responses to customer inquiries due to the sudden surge in attention. Sanae Takaichi, 64, is known for her composed, structured style and admiration for former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, who was rarely seen without her signature Launer handbag. But unlike many politicians who rely on established European luxury houses, Sanae Takaichis choice of a homegrown Japanese brand resonated deeply with the public. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all By prominently wearing Japanese designer clothes and carrying a bag made in Japan, shes making a statement of patriotism and support for Japanese industry," said Kaori Nakano, a luxury and culture specialist at Aoyama Gakuin University. Hamanos sudden global recognition echoes similar moments in politics when fashion choices drive sales. In 2020, US Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez sparked demand for the New York-based brand Telfar after being seen with its signature tote bag. Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: October 29, 2025, 20:06 IST News world Japan PMs Tote-ally Iconic Bag Has Everyone Talking (And Ordering). Here's How Much It Costs Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Residents found more than 70 bodies following the previous days raid aimed at halting the spread of organized crime Residents of the Rio de Janeiro favelas targeted by a police raid, aimed at capturing Comando Vermelho (Red Command) leaders, found at least 70 additional bodies overnight in a nearby forest. The residents have been placing the bodies in a row on the ground, covered with blankets, in a square in the Vila Cruzeiro favela so their relatives can identify them. The 70 victims were not included in Tuesdays official count (64 fatalities, including four police officers), which raises the death toll from the operation to more than 132, according to Rios Attorney Generals Office. The new death toll makes the Rio operation not only the deadliest in Rio de Janeiro, but also the deadliest in Brazils history. Wednesdays official report also listed 81 arrests and around 90 rifles seized. The drug traffickers even launched grenades at officers using drones. Rio, Brazils second most populous city, awoke under a somber gray haze its roads cleared of barricades, but its residents still gripped by fear after a day when the city was held hostage by crossfire between criminals and police. Around 2,500 officers were mobilized in the raid on two favela complexes considered the headquarters of Comando Vermelho. This group, founded in Rio de Janeiro, is the second most powerful criminal organization in the country, after the Primeiro Comando da Capital (First Capital Command, known by its initials PCC), which is based in Sao Paulo. The PCC was born in Sao Paulos Carandiru prison in 1992 as a collective of inmates defending their most basic rights, after police killed 111 prisoners during an operation to quell a riot. Until this Wednesday, that massacre was considered the worst police killing in Brazils history. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva returned from an official trip to Asia and met with his team in Brasilia to assess the crisis. The day before, the governor of Rio had criticized the federal government for its lack of support in confronting organized crime. Relatives mourn beside the bodies of people killed the day before during a police raid targeting the Comando Vermelho gang at the Complexo da Penha favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. Silvia Izquierdo (AP) Residents look at the bodies of people killed the day before during a police raid targeting the Comando Vermelho gang at the Complexo da Penha favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. Associated Press / LaPresse Only italy and spain Associated Press / LaPresse (APN) Residents look at the bodies of people killed the day before during a police raid targeting the Comando Vermelho gang at the Complexo da Penha favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. Silvia Izquierdo (AP) A man looks at the bodies of people killed the day before during a police raid targeting the Comando Vermelho gang at the Complexo da Penha favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. Associated Press / LaPresse Only italy and spain Associated Press / LaPresse (APN) Relatives mourn over the bodies of people killed the day before during a police raid targeting the Comando Vermelho gang at the Complexo da Penha favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. Silvia Izquierdo (AP) A drone views shows mourners gathering around bodies, the day after a deadly police operation against drug trafficking at the favela do Penha, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, October 29, 2025. Ricardo Moraes (REUTERS) The death toll could rise even further, as residents say there are still bodies lying in the narrow alleys. Police officers withdrew from the forest at dusk but remained in the favelas tight streets, where gunfire continued through the night. Rios governor, Claudio Castro, has embraced the idea echoing U.S. President Donald Trumps rhetoric that drug traffickers are terrorists who can be dealt with through extrajudicial force. He has referred to them as narcoterrorists, a term also used by Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, son of the former president, Jair Bolsonaro. Last week, Bolsonaros son even suggested that the United States should attack boats allegedly carrying drugs through Guanabara Bay, off Rios coast though he provided no evidence for the claim. Repercussions inside and outside Brazil The police massacre took place just days before Brazil is set to host next weeks United Nations-organized World Climate Summit, which will bring mayors from around the globe to Rio and world leaders to Belem, in the Amazon region. The meeting, chaired by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, is expected to include figures such as Britains Keir Starmer and Spains Pedro Sanchez. The U.N. Office for Human Rights said it was horrified by the massive police operation. We remind authorities of their obligations under international human rights law, and urge prompt and effective investigations, the office, led by High Commissioner Volker Turk, said on its official X account. Governor Castro declared on Wednesday, after it became known that residents had found dozens of bodies in the forest, that the operation against the Comando Vermelho was a success, except for the death of the four police officers. To leave no doubt about his stance, he emphasized that only the uniformed officers are victims. In previous police operations that ended in massacres, organizations such as Amnesty International have denounced extrajudicial executions. Castro met Wednesday morning with the top security officials of Rio de Janeiro. He also held a politically charged meeting via videoconference with other conservative governors, including several potential successors to Jair Bolsonaro as the right-wing candidate in the 2026 elections, who would face President Lula. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Nepal Constitutional Bench Set To Hear Parliament Dissolution Case Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 12:08 IST The bench, headed by Chief Justice Prakashman Singh Raut, includes Justices Sapana Pradhan Malla, Kumar Regmi, Hari Prasad Phuyal, and Manoj Kumar Sharma. Newly-elected Prime Minister of Nepal's interim government Sushila Karki along with officials. (AFP file photo) A constitutional bench of the Supreme Court of Nepal has been constituted to hear the high-profile case concerning the dissolution of the House of Representatives, marking a critical moment in the countrys ongoing political transition. The bench, headed by Chief Justice Prakashman Singh Raut, includes Justices Sapana Pradhan Malla, Kumar Regmi, Hari Prasad Phuyal, and Manoj Kumar Sharma. The hearing on the writ petitions challenging the governments decision is set to begin today. The controversy stems from Nepal President Ramchandra Paudels decision on September 12 to dissolve the House of Representatives on the recommendation of the interim government. The move, which has since stirred widespread political and constitutional debate, effectively ended the tenure of the lower house ahead of schedule and called for fresh elections. Several political parties, constitutional experts, and civil society leaders have criticised the decision, arguing that the interim government did not have the authority to recommend the dissolution of Parliament. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Recommended Stories Multiple writ petitions were subsequently filed before the Supreme Court, contending that the dissolution was unconstitutional and violated the principles of parliamentary democracy. The petitioners have urged the court to annul the presidents order and reinstate the House, asserting that such a dissolution undermines democratic norms and the peoples mandate. As the constitutional bench begins hearings, the outcome is expected to have far-reaching implications for Nepals fragile political stability. The decision will not only determine the legality of the dissolution but could also set a precedent for future power transitions in the country. Legal analysts and political observers are closely watching the proceedings, which are expected to test the judiciarys role as the ultimate arbiter in safeguarding Nepals constitutional order. About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 First Published: October 29, 2025, 12:08 IST News world Nepal Constitutional Bench Set To Hear Parliament Dissolution Case Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Rescue Helicopter Crashes Near Everest Base Camp In Nepal's Khumbu, Pilot Survives Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 14:14 IST A rescue helicopter operated by Altitude Air crashed in Lobuche near Nepals Everest Base Camp on Wednesday. The pilot, who was the only person on board, was safely rescued. Helicopter crashes in Nepal's Khumbu (Photo: Social Media) A rescue helicopter operated by private airline carrier Altitude Air crashed in Lobuche, near the Everest Base Camp region of Nepals Khumbu, on Wednesday. Russian Television quoted the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) and reported that the helicopter, bearing the call sign 9N-AMS, went down during a rescue mission. Recommended Stories Only the pilot was on board at the time of the crash and was safely rescued from the site. The cause of the crash was not immediately known. The Altitude Air helicopter had taken off from Lukla without passengers and was on a mission to rescue stranded tourists in Lobuchem, situated in the Khumbu region, when the incident occurred. News agency PTI quoted a police officer at Solukhumbu District Police Office as saying that the chopper, piloted by Captain Vivek Khadka, slipped due to heavy snowfall in the area while attempting to land. The pilot didnt suffer any major injury, though the aircraft broke into two pieces. The pilot was airlifted to Lukla for a medical examination, and his condition is said to be stable. Many trekkers were stranded in mountainous areas, including Mustang, the Annapurna region and the Everest region on Tuesday and Wednesday due to heavy snowfall. Authorities have urged trekkers and mountaineers to take precautions as the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has forecast heavy snowfall and rain in different parts of the country, including the mountain region. In early October, a blizzard stranded hundreds of trekkers near the eastern face of Everest on the Tibetan side. All of the trekkers were taken to safety in a large-scale rescue operation that spanned several days under sub-freezing conditions. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In Nepal, more than 50 people had died due to floods and landslides triggered by heavy rains. ALSO READ | Plane Carrying 12 On Board Crashes In Kenyas Kwale, All Feared Dead About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. First Published: October 29, 2025, 13:57 IST News world Rescue Helicopter Crashes Near Everest Base Camp In Nepal's Khumbu, Pilot Survives Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Nicest-Looking, But Toughest: Trump Lauds PM Modi, Then Repeats India-Pakistan Ceasefire Claim Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 12:08 IST Trump described Modi as the nicest looking guy and like a father, before adding, Hes a killer, hes as tough as hell. Trump Calls Him Like a Father and Tough as Hell (Image: Reuters/File) Amid the ongoing India-US trade negotiations, US President Donald Trump made surprising remarks about PM Narendra Modi at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEOs Summit in South Korea. Trump recounted a past conversation with Modi about tensions between India and Pakistan. He described Modi as the nicest looking guy" and like a father," before adding, Hes a killer, hes as tough as hell." Recommended Stories In a dramatic moment, Trump even mimicked Modis accent, quoting him as saying, No, we will fight." The president then claimed that within two days, India had reached out to the United States expressing a willingness to adopt a softer stance. Isnt that amazing?" Trump added. India-US trade talks Trump has said he is working on a trade deal with India, while lauding both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his address at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEOs Summit in South Korea. Im doing a trade deal with India, and I have great respect and love for Prime Minister Modi. We have a great relationship," Trump said. Likewise, the Prime Minister of Pakistan is a great guy. They have a Field Marshal. You know why hes a Field Marshal? Hes a great fighter. And so I know them all," he added. Trump reiterates mediating India-Pakistan ceasefire Recounting past tensions between India and Pakistan, Trump said reports of fighter jets being shot down had prompted him to call both leaders. He claimed he told Modi that the United States could not proceed with a trade deal while hostilities continued, and gave the same message to Pakistan. According to Trump, both sides initially insisted on continuing their fight but reached out within two days to say they understood his concerns and would ease tensions, a turnaround he described as remarkable". top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all 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 : Malaysia First Published: October 29, 2025, 11:53 IST News world Nicest-Looking, But Toughest: Trump Lauds PM Modi, Then Repeats India-Pakistan Ceasefire Claim Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Pakistan Carries Out Late-Night Airstrikes In Balochistan, 14 BLA Militants Killed Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 09:31 IST The operation, described as a precision aerial strike, targeted BLA militants reportedly sheltering in remote mountain camps Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google The Balochistan Liberation Army, designated a terrorist organisation by Pakistan and several other countries, has waged an insurgency for decades. (AP) Pakistans security forces conducted late-night airstrikes on suspected militant hideouts in Balochistans Chiltan Mountain region near Quetta, killing at least 14 members of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), sources told CNN-News18. The operation, described as a precision aerial strike", targeted BLA militants reportedly sheltering in remote mountain camps. Sources said the group had been under surveillance for several days before being engaged by Pakistani aircraft in the early hours of Wednesday. Recommended Stories The strikes are said to have completely destroyed several makeshift hideouts used by the insurgent group, which has claimed responsibility for multiple attacks on security convoys and infrastructure projects in the province. The Balochistan Liberation Army, designated a terrorist organisation by Pakistan and several other countries, has waged an insurgency for decades, seeking greater autonomy and control over the resource-rich region. The latest strikes signal an intensification of counterinsurgency efforts in Balochistan, where security forces have stepped up operations in recent months following a series of attacks on military posts and Chinese-backed development projects. Last year was the deadliest in nearly a decade in Pakistan, according to the Centre for Research and Security Studies in Islamabad, with the vast majority of the attacks near the western border with Afghanistan. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In March, dozens of militants and off-duty security force members died when the Balochistan Liberation Army took control of a train with hundreds of passengers on board. Security forces have been battling sectarian, ethnic and separatist violence for decades in impoverished but mineral-rich Balochistan, which borders Afghanistan and Iran. About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Location : Islamabad, Pakistan First Published: October 29, 2025, 09:31 IST News world Pakistan Carries Out Late-Night Airstrikes In Balochistan, 14 BLA Militants Killed Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Pakistan Sets Up ISI Cell At Dhaka Mission After Top General's Bangladesh Visit | Exclusive Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 09:22 IST Both sides agreed to set up a joint intelligence-sharing and cooperation framework, focused primarily on monitoring the Bay of Bengal and the airspace along Indias eastern flank Rapid Read + Follow us On Google Defence cooperation has also expanded, with Bangladeshi generals visiting Pakistans GHQ in Rawalpindi and Pakistani commanders receiving red-carpet welcomes in Dhaka. (News18) In a major development signalling deepening intelligence and defence cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh, Islamabad has established a special Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) cell inside its High Commission in Dhaka, top intelligence sources told CNN-News18. According to the sources, the move follows a four-day visit by Pakistans Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza to Bangladesh, during which he met Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and the countrys top military leadership, including the chiefs of the army, navy, and air force. Recommended Stories Sources said General Mirza led an eight-member delegation, which included senior ISI officers, among them a Major General, as well as representatives from Pakistans air force and navy. The delegation held multiple rounds of discussions with senior officials from Bangladeshs National Security Intelligence (NSI) and the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI). Joint Intelligence Mechanism Established Top intelligence officials confirmed that both sides agreed to set up a joint intelligence-sharing and cooperation framework, focused primarily on monitoring the Bay of Bengal and the airspace along Indias eastern flank. Under the new arrangement, Bangladesh has reportedly granted Pakistan permission to appoint intelligence officers at its High Commission in Dhaka. The first phase of deployment will include one Brigadier, two Colonels, four Majors, and officers from Pakistans air force and navy, along with support staff. Defence Cooperation on the Rise In exchange, Pakistan has offered Bangladesh a range of military and technical assistance, including training programmes, supply of infantry and artillery systems, and joint naval and air force exercises. Dhaka is said to have shown particular interest in JF-17 Thunder fighter jets and Fatah-series rocket systems, according to the same sources. A high-level Bangladeshi military delegation is expected to visit Pakistan soon to finalise several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and defence procurement deals that were discussed during General Mirzas Dhaka tour. A New Chapter Post-Hasina Era The renewed Pakistan-Bangladesh engagement marks a significant shift since the fall of Sheikh Hasinas government in August 2024. Islamabad was among the first to welcome the interim administration led by Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, expressing solidarity with the people of Bangladesh". top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Since then, the two countries have seen a rapid thaw in relationssigning agreements on visa-free diplomatic travel, trade facilitation, defence collaboration, sea route access, and air connectivity. Senior Pakistani officials, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, have held multiple meetings with Yunus over the past year, both in Dhaka and on the sidelines of international summits. Defence cooperation has also expanded, with Bangladeshi generals visiting Pakistans GHQ in Rawalpindi and Pakistani commanders receiving red-carpet welcomes in Dhaka. The establishment of the ISI cell marks the most concrete institutional link yet in this renewed partnership. About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Location : Dhaka, Bangladesh First Published: October 29, 2025, 09:22 IST News world Pakistan Sets Up ISI Cell At Dhaka Mission After Top General's Bangladesh Visit | Exclusive Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Russian Officer Involved In 2022 War Crimes Assassinated In Car Bomb: Ukraine Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 30, 2025, 00:34 IST Ukraine claims responsibility for killing Veniamin Mazzherin, accused of war crimes in Kyiv Oblast, as Russian forces attack a Kherson childrens hospital and enter Pokrovsk. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (IMAGE: AFP) Ukraine on Wednesday said it has assassinated a Russian officer who has been responsible for war crimes in Kyiv Oblast in 2022. According to CNN, Veniamin Mazzherin was killed in a car bomb in Russia during the weekend. He was the deputy commander of a Russian military police unit in Kemerovo, southwest Siberia, according to Ukrainian Defense Intelligence. Recommended Stories The intelligence service said that Mazzherin led the Russian Guard special unit that was allegedly involved in war crimes and genocide against the Ukrainian people" in Kyiv during Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. CNN reported that videos issued by the intelligence service showed an unidentified person holding a remote control, then pans to reveal a silver car on a road before the car explodes in a burst of flames. In the video, the department said it carried out surveillance on Mazzherin in an operation designed to eliminate the executioner of the Ukrainian people". In April, Russian General Yaroslav Moskalik was killed in a car explosion outside Moscow. Previously, a senior Russian general accused of using chemical weapons in Ukraine was killed by a remotely detonated bomb planted in an electric scooter outside an apartment building in Moscow. On Wednesday, on the front line in southern Ukraine, a childrens hospital in Kherson was attacked by Russian forces, causing a number of injuries, CNN quoted regional authorities as stating. In the attack, a nine-year-old girl suffered a mine-blast injury and shrapnel wounds to her lower leg, Oleksandr Prokudin, the head of Kherson regional military administration, said in a post on Telegram. In a post on X, President Volodymyr Zelensky called the shelling a deliberate Russian attack specifically against children, against medical personnel (and) against basic guarantees of life in the community." He further said that Russia could not have been unaware" of what it was striking. Russia is now the largest terrorist organization in the world, which is not only dragging out its terrorist war but also trying to do everything possible to ensure that no opportunity to end the war succeeds," he said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The President added: Terrorists must be dealt with only as they deserve with strength and just treatment. I thank everyone who helps Ukraine." Meanwhile, Russian forces have entered the city of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region, according to Ukrainian officials. Location : Ukraine First Published: October 30, 2025, 00:34 IST News world Russian Officer Involved In 2022 War Crimes Assassinated In Car Bomb: Ukraine Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Pakistan Army Captain Among 7 Soldiers Killed In TTP Attack At Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 19:52 IST Sources said Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan militants specifically targeted soldiers with bombing and intense firing in the Sultan Kalay locality of Kurram district Footage from the TTP attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Kurram district in Pakistan; (right) An official source confirmed that Pakistani army officer, Captain Noman, was among seven soldiers killed in the attack on October 29. (Image: News18) A Pakistani Army captain was among seven soldiers killed in a highly coordinated attack by the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwas Kurram district, sources told News18. According to an official source, the Pakistani Army officer was identified as Captain Noman. At least 17 security personnel were left injured in the attack by Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which came as a result of a deadly confrontation with the military in the restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region of the country, sources said. Recommended Stories The official source confirmed that TTP militants specifically targeted soldiers in the Sultan Kalay locality of Kurram district. They hit the security forces with bombing and intense firing, in what is most likely an operation executed by the groups deadly Kurram district commander, Ahmad Kazim. Kazim, who is known as TTP Field Marshal", has a bounty of 10 crore PNR on his head for killing at least 100 security personnel. The attack comes days after eight TTP militants were killed and five others injured during an intelligence-based operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa last week, which the police said was carried out in the Wanda Sheikh Allah area of Lakki Marwat district. Amid an ongoing conflict with the Afghan Taliban and internal tensions in the PoK region, Pakistan has lately witnessed a rise in terrorist activities mainly in provinces bordering Afghanistan. As many as 298 people died due to terrorism so far this year in the countrys restive region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as per a Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) report published last week. The report said till October 22, 117 police personnel and 181 civilians were killed in various terrorist incidents across the province, bringing the total number of lives lost to 298, while 486 others sustained injuries. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Data shows that across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 2,366 intelligence-based operations were conducted in which 1,124 militants were arrested and 368 terrorists were gunned down. The report stated that 6,181 suspects were charged in different terrorism-related cases during the year. (With agency inputs) About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Location : Islamabad, Pakistan First Published: October 29, 2025, 18:37 IST News world Pakistan Army Captain Among 7 Soldiers Killed In TTP Attack At Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... She Even Worries About How She Stands: Brigitte Macrons Daughter On Claims Her Mother Is A Man Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 17:09 IST Brigitte Macron's daughter told a Paris court that false claims about her mother being born a man have harmed her health, dignity and family. French First Lady Brigitte Macron (Photo Credits: Instagram) The daughter of Frances first lady Brigitte Macron told a Paris court that false online claims alleging her mother was born a man have inflicted lasting harm on her health, dignity and peace of mind. Tiphaine Auzier, one of Brigitte Macrons three children from her first marriage, appeared as a witness at the trial of 10 people accused of online harassment and defamation. The defendants are alleged to have spread or reposted social media posts falsely claiming that the French first lady was once a man named Jean-Michel Trogneux. Tiphaine Auzier told the court the baseless claims- amplified across social media- deeply affected her mothers daily life. Recommended Stories The consequence is now that she systematically has to pay attention to what she wears, how she holds herself, no matter what shes doing, because she knows her image can be distorted to serve these attacks," she said. She added that the online abuse had caused a deterioration of her health" and quality of life," as private photographs were circulated with mocking or sexualized commentary. What is very hard for her are the repercussions on her family," Tiphaine Auzier said, adding, Her grandchildren hear what is being said: Your grandmother is lying or Your grandmother is your grandfather. This affects her a lot. She doesnt know how to stop it Shes not elected, she has not sought anything, and she is permanently subjected to these attacks." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Tiphaine Auzier described the harassment as relentless, saying the rumours were like a whirlwind that never stops." She said her mother now lives in a constant state of alert. She cant have calm in her daily activities Its the impossibility of having a normal life without this issue being brought up," she said. Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: October 29, 2025, 17:09 IST News world She Even Worries About How She Stands: Brigitte Macrons Daughter On Claims Her Mother Is A Man Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Awami League Supporters Will Boycott': Sheikh Hasina On Bangladesh Polls Next Year Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 17:45 IST Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted from power in wake of massive anti-government protests last year, said "millions of people" support her party Awami League Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina fled her country with her sister Sheikh Rehana to neighbouring India on August 5, 2024. (Image: Reuters/File) Ousted from power in August last year after massive anti-government protests that turned violent, former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina has warned that Awami League supporters will boycott the upcoming national elections in February 2026. Sheikh Hasina, who fled Bangladesh with her sister Sheikh Rehana to neighbouring India on August 5, 2024, said millions of people" support her party, Awami League. Recommended Stories Hasina said the next government that comes to power in Bangladesh must have electoral legitimacy", but it will not be possible in the current situation". The next government of Bangladesh must have electoral legitimacy. Millions of people support the Awami League. In the current situation, they will not vote. In a functioning political system, you cannot deprive millions of people of their right to vote," Hasina told Reuters in an interview from New Delhi. In what is her first media engagement since her dramatic fall from power after 15 consecutive years at the helm of Bangladeshi politics, she made these comments after the Awami League was barred from contesting the elections next year. She, however, said she will not be asking her supporters to back another party but expressed hope that hers will soon be allowed to contest the elections next year after its registration was cancelled by the Election Commission in May. The 78-year-old leader said she will not return to Bangladesh under any government formed after elections that exclude her party, and plans to remain in India. An interim government headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has governed Bangladesh since Hasinas ouster. The ban on the Awami League is not only unjust, it is self-defeating," she was quoted in emailed responses. The Reuters report said Bangladesh has more than 126 million registered voters. The Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have long dominated the countrys politics, and the latter is widely expected to win the polls. NOT ABOUT ME OR MY FAMILY Hasina said the Awami League will eventually return to play a role in Bangladeshs future whether in government or opposition and that her family need not lead it. Her son and adviser, Sajeeb Wazed, who lives in Washington, told Reuters last year he might consider leading the party if asked. Its really not about me or my family," she was quoted. For Bangladesh to achieve the future we all want, there must be a return to constitutional rule and political stability. No single person or family defines our countrys future." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The leader, however, has no plans to return to her country yet. She faces charges of crimes against humanity over the violent crackdown on the student protests that ultimately led to her downfall. While a verdict is expected on November 13, she has repeatedly denied the charges, saying she was not personally involved. I would of course love to go home, so long as the government there was legitimate, the constitution was being upheld, and law and order genuinely prevailed," she said. 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 29, 2025, 17:45 IST News world 'Awami League Supporters Will Boycott': Sheikh Hasina On Bangladesh Polls Next Year Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Trumps Sikh Lawyer Faces Racist Attack From MAGA For Defending US Immigrant Truck Drivers Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 08:54 IST The backlash erupted after two fatal truck accidents involving Sikh drivers triggered online outrage, with MAGA blaming immigrant truckers for undercutting American jobs. Indian origin California attorney Harmeet Dhillon. California attorney Harmeet Dhillon, who headed the civil rights division in US President Donald Trumps Department of Justice, is facing a wave of racist abuse from far-right supporters after she urged restraint and fairness amid rising hostility toward Sikh and Indian-origin truck drivers following two fatal accidents involving members of the Sikh community. What Harmeet Dhillon said? Recommended Stories Dhillon, a prominent Republican and close Trump ally, condemned Californias absurd coddling of illegal aliens" but urged Americans not to scapegoat law-abiding Indian-origin and Sikh truckers. Writing on X, she said, Those responsible for these tragedies must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Unfortunately, in the fog of outrage, some are using these tragedies as an opportunity to attack Sikhs and Indian-origin drivers simply because of who they are." She further warned that federal law strictly prohibits discrimination based on race, colour, religion, or national origin, and pledged that her office will aggressively prosecute or pursue justice against those engaged in such discrimination." MAGA turn against Dhillon Dhillons message, though consistent with her long-standing support for law and order, sparked furious backlash among some within the MAGA movement. Indian appointee protecting Indian immigrants, stealing jobs from Americans. Who could have seen that coming?" one online commenter wrote. Another added, I am shocked that an Indian is threatening to wield her power against Americans on behalf of her co-ethnics." The vitriol highlights a growing tension within parts of the Trump-aligned base, where nationalist and anti-immigrant sentiment often collides with the partys increasingly diverse ranks. Dhillons experience mirrors that of other Indian-American Trump loyalists such as Kash Patel, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Dinesh DSouza, who have each faced racist attacks from Trump supporters online. Patel, a former Pentagon official, recently posted a Diwali greeting only to receive replies like go back to India" and worship your sand demons", a reminder of the persistent xenophobia within segments of the far-right movement. Many of you have probably seen the news in the last few months of two illegal aliens causing horrific tragedies on American roadways while behind the wheel of large commercial trucks. These individuals obtained commercial drivers licenses in California due to the States AAGHarmeetDhillon (@AAGDhillon) October 27, 2025 Truck accidents The backlash erupted after two fatal trucking accidents involving Sikh drivers triggered online outrage, with MAGA activists blaming immigrant truckers for undercutting" American jobs. However, data from the American Trucking Association (ATA) paints a starkly different picture. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The US currently faces a shortage of nearly 60,000 drivers, a number expected to rise to 160,000 by 2030. Gruelling hours, poor working conditions, and long stretches away from home have deterred many Americans from taking up trucking. Immigrant drivers, they argue, have been vital in sustaining the countrys supply chain. 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 : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: October 29, 2025, 08:27 IST News world Trumps Sikh Lawyer Faces Racist Attack From MAGA For Defending US Immigrant Truck Drivers Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... In his memoirs, now distributed to the French press, Juan Carlos I admits to being the victim of many weaknesses and errors of judgment in matters of love and friendship Juan Carlos de Borbon, who reigned as King of Spain for nearly 39 years, is back in the public eye just weeks before the 50th anniversary of the Spanish monarchy. It may seem unusual, but the former monarch has decided to give a few interviews to the French press to promote his new memoir, Juan Carlos I dEspagne. Reconciliation, which will be released first in France. The 512-page book, written with author Laurence Debray, will be published in France on November 5 moved up from the originally planned date of November 12 to avoid coinciding with the anniversary of the Bataclan tragedy and in Spain on December 3 by Editorial Planeta. According to Le Monde, which has had an advance look at the book, it was conceived to explain and defend the former kings decisions and to prevent others from stealing his story. After his interview with Le Figaro, many questions remained about key moments of his long reign some of which begin to be addressed in the article published by the French daily on Wednesday morning. Juan Carlos sees himself as a monarch who was never truly master of his own destiny. He admits to being aware of having disappointed others, to being the victim of many weaknesses and errors of judgment in matters of love and friendship, to having kept bad company, and to having accepted gifts that some may consider inappropriate. The emeritus king is also aware, according to the excerpts cited by Le Monde, that these confessions will no doubt rekindle criticism and controversy around a royal institution that the Zarzuela Palace, the seat of the Spanish royal household, has been trying to quiet since his abdication in 2014 and the subsequent proclamation of King Felipe VI. One of the topics he addresses in the book is the money he received from the late King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, whom he calls a brother. He describes it as an act of generosity from one monarchy to another. During the early years of his reign, Juan Carlos I strengthened ties mainly with Morocco and Jordan, but also with other Gulf monarchies that were beginning to emerge as economic powers. The former king admits in the book, according to Le Monde, that $100 million is a considerable sum. A gift I did not know how to refuse. A grave mistake, he confesses claiming that the funds were meant to provide for his family and to secure my retirement, far from official life in Spain. When this news became public in March 2020, King Felipe renounced his fathers inheritance and said that Corinna Larsen a Monaco-based business consultant known for her relationship with Spains former monarch had sent a letter to Zarzuela Palace informing him that he and his two sisters had been named as beneficiaries of the Lucum foundation, which received the $100 million deposit from the Saudi royal house. The Spanish royal household decided to notify the government and consult a notary to refuse any funds from these accounts. A Swiss investigation revealed that on August 8, 2008, Arturo Fasana deposited $100 million into an account at the private bank Mirabaud. This money came from the finance minister of Saudi Arabia. Four years later, the funds were transferred by Juan Carlos, who was still Spains head of state (he did not abdicate until 2014), to a bank account in Nassau, in The Bahamas. The account in the bank Gonet & Cue was held by the company Solare, which is owned by Corinna Larsen. The Swiss prosecutor Bertossa froze the suspicious accounts and opened a secret money laundering investigation into those involved. Larsen a German businesswoman of Danish origin, who was the former kings longtime companion during the most turbulent period of his reign came to public attention after Juan Carlos I suffered an accident on an elephant hunting trip in Botswana, while Spain was still grappling with the effects of the economic crisis and the Great Recession. A distant and costly trip that may seem completely out of place given the countrys situation, he admits in the book, according to Le Monde, where he also describes his relationship with Larsen as a mistake he bitterly regrets. In the spring of 2019, Juan Carlos I withdrew from public life. In March 2020, following revelations about the Saudi donation, Felipe VI renounced any future inheritance to preserve the exemplary nature of the Crown and revoked his fathers annual allocation as former head of state (just over $187,600). Juan Carlos I, however, remains a member of the Spanish royal family (alongside Queen Sofia, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor, and Infanta Sofia), although he does not have an official schedule. I am the only Spaniard who does not receive a pension after nearly 40 years of service, the emeritus king complains. Juan Carloss self-imposed exile in Abu Dhabi occupies a space in the book, as does his strained relationship with his heir, Felipe VI, whom he praises as king but criticizes as a son. My son turned his back on me out of duty, Juan Carlos writes. I understand that, as King, he must maintain a firm public stance, but I suffered [] seeing him so insensitive. Le Monde highlights a conversation between them recalled by the emeritus king, which took place at Christmas 2020, locked in the silence of misunderstanding and pain. As he had already indicated in his interview with Le Figaro, Juan Carlos lavishly praises Spanish dictator Francisco Franco in his book. Franco, he argues, was undoubtedly the man responsible for his coronation, having designated him as his successor. If I was able to be king, it was thanks to him, he writes. Juan Carlos I, alongside other figures such as Adolfo Suarez who came from the Francoist movement planned the transition to a parliamentary monarchy, beginning with reform from within the old regime via the Political Reform Law, and culminating in free elections and the approval of the Constitution by referendum. The former monarch recounts having frequent and personal interactions with Franco and admits a certain fondness for the dictator, something that has concerned some sectors of the political class. I respected him enormously, appreciated his intelligence and political sense. [] I never allowed anyone to criticize him in my presence, he writes. On the dictators longevity, he adds: No one could dethrone him or even destabilize him, which, for so long, is an achievement. According to Le Monde, the book suggests that the scandals surrounding the emeritus king began to take shape during years when he enjoyed total impunity, especially in the 1990s, amid the rise of a circle of businessmen and bankers, some of whom ended up in prison. In the book, Juan Carlos admits having been blind to a malicious environment and having the weakness to trust businessmen presented to me and to yield to what I now perceive as pressures, eventually finding himself in the middle of a financial mess that exceeded me. He acknowledges that during his reign he allowed himself to be advised by certain unscrupulous businessmen who acted in my name, but above all for their own benefit. Juan Carlos also recalls his wife, Queen Sofia, whom he refers to as Sofi. Yet he bitterly regrets that she did not visit him in Abu Dhabi, as his daughters Elena and Cristina and most of his grandchildren have done, with the exception of Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia. Regarding his daughter-in-law, Queen Letizia, whose arrival did not favor cohesion in our family relationships, he acknowledges the existence of a personal disagreement. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition US Embassy Urges Americans In Mali To 'Depart Immediately' Amid Escalating Fuel Crisis Curated By : & Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 08:08 IST The United States Embassy in Bamako urges all US citizens to leave Mali immediately amid fuel shortages, infrastructure collapse, and militant threats. United States Embassy in Bamako urges Americans to leave Mali amid fuel shortages, infrastructure collapse, and escalating militant threats.(Representative/News18 Hindi) The United States Embassy in Bamako, Mali, has issued an urgent security alert, urging all American citizens to leave Mali immediately, as the country faces a deepening crisis marked by fuel shortages, infrastructure collapse, and growing militant threats. In a statement on October 28, the Embassy cited persistent infrastructure challenges," including a nationwide fuel scarcity that has disrupted transport, electricity, and essential services. Schools and universities have been shut down across the country as the government struggles to respond to the worsening situation. Recommended Stories The alert warned that the security environment around Bamako has become unpredictable and dangerous" due to ongoing clashes involving Al-Qaeda-linked militants. The group Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JMIN) is believed to have imposed a fuel blockade, attacking convoys and worsening the humanitarian crisis. The Embassy strongly advised US citizens to avoid overland travel to neighbouring countries, citing a high risk of terrorist attacks and kidnappings along major highways, and called for immediate departure via commercial flights. At the same time, they remain available, noting that the Embassys ability to assist citizens outside the capital is extremely limited". top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This latest warning follows a series of U.S. advisories throughout 2025, including the authorised departure of non-essential personnel earlier this month. Other Western governments have also issued similar do not travel" advisories for Mali, warning of terrorism, violent crime, and civil unrest. The Sahel nation has been under military rule since 2021 and continues to battle Islamist insurgencies that have displaced thousands. With the fuel blockade crippling daily life and raising fears of wider instability, the Embassys message underscores the urgent danger facing foreigners and locals alike. Location : Mali First Published: October 29, 2025, 07:44 IST News world US Embassy Urges Americans In Mali To 'Depart Immediately' Amid Escalating Fuel Crisis Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... What Is Poseidon? Russia Successfully Tests Its Nuclear-Powered Underwater Superweapon Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 18:41 IST Vladimir Putin announced Russias successful test of the Poseidon nuclear-powered autonomous torpedo, hailing its unmatched power and technical breakthrough. A Russian Poseidon nuclear-powered underwater drone is captured in an undated video grab. Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia successfully tested its Poseidon nuclear-powered autonomous torpedo, calling the trial a huge success" and hailing the weapons unmatched power. Vladimir Putin made the announcement while speaking with Russian soldiers wounded in the war in Ukraine during a hospital visit in Moscow. He said the test took place on Tuesday and marked a major technical breakthrough. For the first time, we managed not only to launch it with a launch engine from a carrier submarine, but also to launch the nuclear power unit on which this device passed a certain amount of time. There is nothing like this," Vladimir Putin said. Recommended Stories He added that the Poseidons power significantly exceeds" that of Russias most advanced intercontinental ballistic missile, the Sarmat, known in NATO terminology as SS-X-29 or Satan II. This is a huge success. The Poseidons power significantly exceeds the power of even our most promising Sarmat intercontinental range missile," he said. The test comes just days after Russia announced it had also successfully tested the Burevestnik, a nuclear-powered, nuclear-capable cruise missile that Moscow claims can evade any missile defence system. Since first unveiling the Poseidon and Burevestnik in 2018, Vladimir Putin has portrayed them as responses to the United States withdrawal in 2001 from the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty and to NATOs continued expansion. What Is Poseidon? The Poseidon- also known by its development name Status-6 and NATO designation Kanyon- is a nuclear-powered, nuclear-capable unmanned underwater vehicle. Essentially an autonomous underwater drone or super-torpedo," it is designed to travel long distances at great depth, beyond the reach of most missile defence systems. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Russian state media and analysts say Poseidon could be armed with a massive nuclear warhead capable of generating radioactive tsunamis that render coastal areas uninhabitable. It is launched from specialised submarines such as the K-329 Belgorod and is powered by a miniature nuclear reactor, allowing it virtually unlimited range. Military experts view Poseidon as part of Russias evolving nuclear deterrent strategy- a weapon designed to ensure a devastating retaliatory capability even if conventional missile systems are neutralised. Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: October 29, 2025, 18:41 IST News world What Is Poseidon? Russia Successfully Tests Its Nuclear-Powered Underwater Superweapon Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Why Indonesias New Capital Nusantara Is On The Brink Of Becoming A Ghost Town Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 20:24 IST Nusantara, Indonesias planned sustainable capital, faces budget cuts and investor doubts, raising concerns about its future. Nusantara was announced in 2019 by former Indonesian President Joko Widodo. Indonesias ambitious new capital Nusantara was meant to be a shining symbol of progress- a sustainable metropolis to replace overcrowded, sinking Jakarta. Three years on, the project is struggling. Empty streets, slashed budgets and fading investor confidence have sparked fears it could become a ghost city before its even complete. Why Was Nusantara Built? Recommended Stories Announced in 2019 by former Indonesian President Joko Widodo, the $32 billion city was envisioned as a green and smart" capital that would relieve Jakartas congestion and environmental strain. The plan called for 1.2 million residents by 2030 and a new seat of government designed to symbolise Indonesias modern identity. Whats Gone Wrong With Nusantara? Under Indonesias new President Prabowo Subianto, who took office in October 2024, state funding for the project has plunged by more than half- from 2 billion in 2024 to 700 million this year. Just 300 million has been allocated for 2026, a third of what was requested. Private investment has also fallen more than 1 billion short of targets. Prabowo Subianto has not yet visited the site as President and quietly downgraded Nusantaras status to a political capital" in May- a move only made public months later, shaking investor confidence. Whos Still Living In The New Capital? Just 2,000 civil servants and 8,000 construction workers currently live in Nusantara= far below projections. While roads, apartment blocks, hospitals and government buildings have been built, much of the city remains under construction. Small businesses that thrived during the early construction boom say trade has collapsed. Is The Government Still Committed? Officials insist the project is on track. Basuki Hadimuljono, head of the Nusantara Capital Authority, denied any slowdown, saying funds had been reallocated, not cut." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The funding is there, the political commitment is there," he said, adding, Why should we doubt that?" The government maintains that only a quarter of the 252,000-hectare site will be developed, with the rest preserved as green space, describing Nusantara as an environmental model city." Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: October 29, 2025, 20:24 IST News world Why Indonesias New Capital Nusantara Is On The Brink Of Becoming A Ghost Town Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'We'll Abide By Ceasefire Deal': Israel After Fresh Gaza Airstrikes Against Hamas Kill Over 100 Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 18:53 IST A day after Israeli airstrikes killed 100+ in Gaza, Israel vowed to uphold the ceasefire. Trump backed Israel; Hamas denied blame and affirmed the truce. Israel on late Tuesday launched airstrikes in Gaza, saying it was in response to an attack by Palestinian militants that killed one of their soldiers who were stationed within the "yellow line". (AFP) A day after conducting airstrikes in Gaza killing over 100 people, the Israeli military on Wednesday said it will abide by the ceasefire deal. Israel on late Tuesday launched airstrikes in Gaza, saying it was in response to an attack by Palestinian militants that killed one of their soldiers who were stationed within the yellow line". Recommended Stories The yellow line" is the boundary along the north, south and east of Gaza that Israel withdrew to, as part of the first stage of the ceasefire deal. Reuters quoted the Israeli military as saying that it would continue to uphold the ceasefire agreement and would respond firmly to any violation". Earlier, US President Donald Trump backed Israeli attack, saying they have the full right to respond to any violations and added that if Hamas does not behave", it will be eradicated". As I understand it, they took out an Israeli soldier," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. So the Israelis hit back and they should hit back. When that happens, they should hit back," he added. Nothing is going to jeopardise" the ceasefire, Trump said. You have to understand Hamas is a very small part of peace in the Middle East, and they have to behave." However, Hamas has denied any responsibility for the attack on the Israeli forces in Rafah and reiterated its commitment to abide by the truce, which came into effect after two years- of war on October 10. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all According to the Gaza health ministry, 104 people, including 46 children and 20 women, were killed in the Wednesdays attack. Meanwhile, Reuters quoted some displaced Palestinians raising concerns that the ceasefire deal was falling apart. It was one of the worst nights since the ceasefire was signed. The sounds of explosions and planes made us feel as if war had started again," Ismail Zayda, who lives in tents in western Gaza City with his 25-member family, told Reuters via a chat app. Location : Israel First Published: October 29, 2025, 18:46 IST News world 'We'll Abide By Ceasefire Deal': Israel After Fresh Gaza Airstrikes Against Hamas Kill Over 100 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Zohran Mamdani Faces Scrutiny After Allegations Of Foreign Donations In NYC Mayoral Race Curated By : Last Updated: October 29, 2025, 09:03 IST Zohran Mamdani faces scrutiny as a campaign finance watchdog alleges his campaign accepted foreign donations, urging investigation before the election. Zohran Mamdani (Reuters Image) With just days remaining before the election, the leading candidate for the Democratic Party, Zohran Mamdani, is facing serious scrutiny after a conservative campaign finance watchdog alleged his campaign accepted funding from foreign donors. The watchdog group Coolidge Reagan Foundation filed two criminal referrals- one with the US Department of Justice Criminal Division and another to the Manhattan District Attorneys Office, accusing Mamdani of violating both the Federal Election Campaign Act and the New York Election Law by allegedly accepting contributions from foreign nationals. Recommended Stories According to campaign finance records cited by the watchdog and media outlets, Mamdanis campaign recorded nearly $13,000 (approximately Rs 11 Lakh) from at least 170 donors whose addresses were outside the United States, including one donation from his mother-in-law in Dubai. While some of the funds were returned, about 88 donations worth around $7,190 remain outstanding. US federal law prohibits foreign nations from donating to American political campaigns and can result in penalties or criminal charges. The watchdog stated that Mamdanis campaign had demonstrated a systematic failure to comply" with campaign finance laws. These are not isolated incidents or clerical errors," Dan Backer, a national campaign finance expert and president of the Coolidge Reagan Foundation, said in a statement. This was a sustained pattern of foreign money flowing into a New York City mayoral race, which is a clear violation of both federal law and New York City campaign finance rules," Backer added. Mamdanis campaign was on notice for months that it was accepting illegal foreign contributions, and yet it did nothing meaningful to stop it." The Foundation urged Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and the Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute Mamdani over the potentially unlawful campaign funds that came in from Australia, Turkey, France, Canada, Germany, and other nations. The foundation has previously filed complaints against Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Hillary Clintons presidential campaign and the Democratic National Committee. Mamdanis campaign spokesperson, Dora Pekec, told Fox News Digital, All U.S. citizens and permanent residents, including those who live outside the US, are legally permitted to donate to New York City mayoral campaigns under federal campaign finance law and New York State and City law." The Campaign has a rigorous compliance process in place to ensure compliance with these laws, including a protocol to confirm whether donors with foreign addresses are US citizens or lawful permanent residents. The Campaign will promptly issue refunds for any donations that are found to be impermissible," Pekec added. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all She further stated that some of the questionable donations have come from US citizens living abroad. Mamdanis campaign has raised around $4 million in private donations and $12.7 million in public matching funds. Location : USA First Published: October 29, 2025, 09:03 IST News world Zohran Mamdani Faces Scrutiny After Allegations Of Foreign Donations In NYC Mayoral Race Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... The government will give more power to Border Patrol to use its aggressive tactics against migrants The Trump administration is not satisfied with the pace of deportations and is therefore going to replace some officials at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with Border Patrol (CBP) officers, whose tactics are more aggressive than those employed by ICE agents. The government has not officially announced the changes, but several media outlets have reported that a dozen ICE directors, who oversee 25 local offices nationwide, will be reassigned in the coming days. At least half of the vacancies will be filled by CBP officials. The mentality is CBP does what theyre told, and the administration thinks ICE isnt getting the job done, an official from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees both agencies, told CBS. So CBP will do it. The heads of ICE in Denver, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and San Diego have already been relieved of their duties and transferred to other positions within the federal agency, according to the Washington Examiner. While the most recent polls reveal that a majority of the U.S. population considers the migrant detention campaign too aggressive, the government has been expressing frustration with the opposite for months. The chief architect of Trumps deportation policy, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, set a target of 3,000 apprehensions per day months ago, but the average for September, the last month for which data is available, is 1,178 arrests. At the current rate, ICE will not be able to meet the goal of deporting one million migrants per year, as the administration had intended in order to achieve the largest deportation in history, in line with Trumps wishes. Giving CBP a more prominent role demonstrates that the administration is committed to a more aggressive campaign. Border agents have been involved in some of the most brutal migrant arrests in cities like Chicago and Los Angeles. In Chicago in early October, Border Patrol agents rappelled from a Black Hawk helicopter into an apartment building while families slept, as part of Operation Midway Blitz against migrants. Furthermore, Greg Bovino, the CBP officer in charge of anti-immigration operations in Chicago, violated court orders prohibiting violent tactics by throwing a tear gas canister at protesters demonstrating against the raids, an incident captured on video. Operation Midway Blitz resulted in more than 1,800 arrests and allegations of excessive use of force. In a complaint filed in early October in the Northern District Court of Illinois, several media outlets, protesters, and members of the clergy accused immigration agents of a pattern of extreme brutality intended to silence the press and civilians. Following that lawsuit, Judge Sara Ellis prohibited officers from using tear gas and other chemical agents against a crowd without first issuing two warnings. Bovino and other officers ignored the order. Therefore, on Tuesday, Ellis ordered Bovino to submit to the court all use-of-force reports from Border Patrol agents involved in the Chicago operation since September 2. In addition, the judge ordered him to appear in court at the end of each business day to personally deliver a report on the days arrests and incidents. Bovino, who reports directly to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, has defended the violence with which agents attacked protesters in Chicago using tear gas and pepper spray, calling their actions exemplary. The CBP official, along with Corey Lewandowski, an advisor to Noem, compiled the list of ICE directors who will be reassigned. From the border to the rest of the country CBP has traditionally operated only within a 100-mile radius of the border, but since Trump returned to the White House, the agency has participated in anti-migration operations beyond those limits. Customs and Border Protection has deployed more than 1,500 agents to arrest immigrants in cities across the country and assist with deportations, Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks told NBC News. By comparison, ICE has 8,500 agents working on the operations. One advantage in terms of boosting arrests is that CBP can contribute more resources to the anti-immigration campaign than ICE, such as Black Hawk helicopters. Furthermore, there is a difference in approach, at least in theory. ICE maintains that its objective is to apprehend criminals, even though the vast majority of those in its custody have no criminal record. That, at least, was its purpose for years. CBPs objective, however, is to detain all individuals without legal resident status. Some ICE officials have criticized the fact that while they spend time investigating those they intend to detain, border agents conduct mass raids on stores like Home Depot. White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson declined to comment on the restructuring plans first reported by The New York Times, but said in a statement that the presidents entire team is working in lock step to implement the presidents policy agenda, and the tremendous results from securing the border to deporting criminal illegal aliens speak for themselves. The administration claims to have deported more than 400,000 people since Trump returned to the White House and expects to deport a total of 600,000 by the end of his first year in office. These figures, however, include people whose entry into the country has been denied at the border, so they are not deportations in the strictest sense. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Tunisian writers and journalists hail Chinese modernization, strengthen bridge of friendship 13:58, October 29, 2025 By Leila Ben Atitallah ( People's Daily Online In a vibrant celebration of cross-cultural understanding, the award ceremony for the first "China-Tunisia Friendship Prize" was held on Oct. 24, 2025, spotlighting the media's powerful role in bridging nations. The event, organized by the Chinese Embassy in Tunisia, honored Tunisian journalists and content creators whose works offered compelling insights into China's modernization- insights that resonated deeply with the themes of shared development and mutual learning. The competition, themed "Chinese Modernization Through My Eyes," attracted over 60 entries. The winners' personal accounts vividly brought to life the profound connections being forged between the two peoples. Meriem Khdimallah, who won the first prize, is a journalist and editor at the French-language site La Presse. Her award-winning article, "Chinese Modernization: An Inspiring Model for Tunisia and Africa," focused on China's unique ability to modernize while steadfastly preserving its cultural heritage. "I discovered many points of similarity between China and Tunisia, especially in upholding family values, respect, and appreciation for others," Khdimallah shared. She noted that she had spent four months in China, adding that the honor would serve as a catalyst for further work and expressing hope for strengthened Tunisia-China relations across all fields. Karim Wannes, a second-prize winner and journalist from Tunisia's most-listened-to radio station, Mosaique FM, used his radio platform to advocate for learning from China's development experience. His article, born from a months-long media exchange program, underscored advancements in healthcare, education, and transport. He compellingly argued for adopting technologies like AI for societal progress, contrasting it with its weaponization elsewhere. "China is an open laboratory; Tunisia has opportunities to benefit," Wannes stated, expressing gratitude for the award and the genuine friendships he built, which continue to this day. Fahmi Salmi, a Tunisian content creator based in Italy and third-prize winner, captivated audiences with his half-hour vlog, "Planet China." The video documented his trip with a group of African content creators, showcasing China's advanced technology and infrastructure, which he noted even surpassed that of Europe. He was particularly impressed by the widespread use of digital payments and, most of all, the warmth of the Chinese people. "People would initiate greetings and conversations in the street. The Chinese people are sincere, humble, and welcoming," Salmi recalled. Mouna Ben Gamra, a cultural journalist with 24 years of experience, was awarded a special prize. Deeply moved by being recognized as a "friend of China," she reflected on her training trip to China in 2024. Her narrative articles focused on the interplay between people and culture. Contrary to a book she had read about a vast cultural chasm, Gamra found no such divide. "China has managed to preserve its identity while adapting to global technological, economic, and political developments, thanks to its core values and the philosophical wisdom of its intellectuals. Chinese culture is rich with all that is beautiful," she affirmed. Walid Besbes, an excellence award winner and radio program director, participated with a five-minute video on the city of Chongqing after an exploratory tour of three major Chinese cities. His documentary work shed light on the city's technological and architectural marvels, traditional cuisine, and its significant commercial, touristic, and scientific standing. "This was my first participation in the competition," he noted, showcasing how a single visit could yield powerful and informative content. The ceremony provided a platform to amplify these Tunisian perspectives, which consistently identified key pillars of China's success: strong leadership, a people-centered development philosophy, and an independent path of openness and inclusiveness. As highlighted in the keynote address by Chinese Ambassador to Tunisia Wan Li, these voices recognize Chinese modernization as an expanded path for the Global South, offering vital inspiration for countries like Tunisia to find their own development models. The heartfelt testimonials from the participants transcend mere observation; they are testaments to a growing friendship. They speak of professional inspiration, personal connection, and a shared belief in a future where Tunisia and China learn from each other. As Ambassador Wan emphasized, "The future development of China-Tunisia relations requires pooling wisdom from all walks of life in both countries." These award-winning journalists and content creators are doing precisely that, activating the powerful force of mutual understanding and working tirelessly to build a bridge of friendship for a shared future. (Leila Ben Atitallah is a People's Daily correspondent based in Tunisia.) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chengliang) BEIJING, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- China will develop a broader range of high-grade tourism products and improve the quality of tourism services to boost the country's tourism sector, according to recommendations for formulating a plan that will guide the country's development over the next five years. Goals and measures to boost the tourism sector were specified in the Recommendations of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) for National Economic and Social Development, which was adopted at a key Party plenum last week and made public on Tuesday. "Over the past five years, tourism has assumed an increasingly prominent strategic role in the country's development," said Dai Bin, head of the China Tourism Academy. He noted that based on the tourism achievements in the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) period, the recommendations chart the direction and path for the high-quality development of tourism in the next five years. The recommendations document also urges efforts to provide more convenient and foreigner-friendly services for inbound tourists. In recent years, China has continually expanded its visa-free travel policies for foreign visitors. Tourists from 76 countries are now able to benefit from unilateral or mutual visa-free entry, while citizens of 55 further countries can visit China visa-free in transit for up to 10 days, before traveling on to a third destination. Official data showed that, from July to September, foreign nationals made 7.246 million visits to China under its visa-free policies, marking a 48.3 percent year-on-year increase. Additionally, the recommendations document calls for spurring deeper integration of culture and tourism through the vigorous development of cultural tourism. A California woman on trial for taking four chickens from one of Perdue Farms' major poultry plants has put animal treatment at slaughterhouses in the national spotlight as her defense team argues she rescued the birds from abuse, the AP reports. Closing statements are scheduled for Tuesday in a case that could land Zoe Rosenberg, 23, in prison for more than five years. During the seven-week trial, her defense hasn't focused on if she took the chickens from Petaluma Poultry in 2023Rosenberg shared the video of the theft online and has posted on social media to hundreds of thousands of followers throughout the trialbut rather the justification for doing so. Meanwhile, prosecutors have argued the case isn't about why she took the chickens, but that she committed an illegal act. "This is not a whodunit. This is a why-dunit," said Kevin Little, one of Rosenberg's lawyers, during his opening statement. He said Rosenberg, who has been charged with three misdemeanors and felony conspiracy, investigated the plant for two months before taking the birds and consulted a veterinarian who was concerned about images that appeared to show animals being boiled alive. Chris Carraway, her other attorney, said in a statement that this "was a rescue, not a crime." Rosenberg is an animal rights activist with the group Direct Action Everywhere, or DxE, which is known for animal rescues and protests that often garner national attention. Perdue Farms is one of the largest poultry producers in the country and supplies such major grocery chains as Safeway. "An immense amount of government resources have been spent prosecuting me for the alleged 'crime' of rescuing four abused chickens from a Perdue slaughterhouse," she wrote in an Instagram post on Monday. "Most distressing, however, is the fact that these resources are not being spent on stopping the criminal animal cruelty at Perdue's facilities. Poppy, Ivy, Aster, and Azalea are safe but so many others are not," she said, referencing the names her group gave to the chickens she took. In California's Sonoma County, where agriculture is one of the main industries, Rosenberg faces an uphill battle. A controversial statue honoring Confederate general Albert Pike, which was toppled and set on fire during the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, has been restored and reinstalled in Washington, DC's Judiciary Square. The move follows a prior announcement by the National Park Service, which cited "federal responsibilities under historic-preservation law and recent executive orders to beautify the nation's capital and restore pre-existing statues," NPR reports. The Pike statue, first erected in 1901, has long been a source of debate in the capital. It is the only monument in DC dedicated to a Confederate general, though it does not reference Pike's military record. Instead, the plaque, originally installed by the Freemasons, describes Pike as an "author, poet, scholar, soldier, jurist, orator, philanthropist, and philosopher." Pike's legacy is further clouded by historical claims linking him to the early Ku Klux Klan. DC Council members have pushed for the statue's removal for decades, dating back to 1992. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, representing the district, sharply criticized the reinstallation, which she described as an "affront to the mostly Black and Brown residents of the District of Columbia and offensive to members of the military who serve honorably." Pike, she said, "served dishonorably" and "represents the worst of the Confederacy." "He took up arms against the United States, misappropriated funds, and was ultimately captured and imprisoned by his own troops," Norton said. "He resigned in disgrace after committing a war crime and dishonoring even his own Confederate military service. Confederate statues should be placed in museums as historical artifacts, not remain in parks or other locations that imply honor." She has introduced legislation aimed at removing the statue for good. The Washington Post notes that Pike's statue was one of scores of Confederate monuments torn down in 2020. President Trump, then in his first term, slammed police and DC Mayor Muriel E. Bowser for not protecting the statue. "They ripped down a statue that was 110 years old. Beautiful piece of art. In front of a police precinct with our radical left mayor watching on television," he said. "We're not happy. That's going to be very expensive for DC." The second-longest government shutdown in US history dragged into its 28th day Tuesday, with the Senate again unable to break a deadlock over funding. For the 13th time, Senate Democrats blocked a GOP spending bill, insisting on protections for health care funding, the Guardian reports. The latest defeat for the House-passed bill, which would have funded federal agencies through Nov. 21, came a day after the largest federal workers' union urged Congress to end the impasse . The vote Tuesday was 54-45, with the same two Democratic senators and one independent who caucus with Democrats supporting the measure, as in the previous 12 votes, the Hill reports. "Both political parties have made their point, and still there is no clear end in sight," said union president Everett Kelley. Sen. Chuck Schumer, the top Senate Democrat, said his party isn't budging, pointing to looming spikes in Affordable Care Act premiums and arguing that Republicans are failing families facing rising health care costs. "I get where they're coming from. We want the shutdown to end too," Democratic Sen. Tina Smith said, per the Hill. "But fundamentally, if Trump and Republicans continue to refuse to negotiate with us to figure out how to lower health care costs, we're in the same place that we've always been." Republicans, led by Senate Majority Leader John Thune, counter that Democrats are being irresponsible, especially with food stamp funding set to run out on Saturday. "It's not very often that I get a chance to say this, but I agree with the AFGE," Thune said, referring to the federal workers' union. He said he would negotiate on tax credits, but not "with a gun to our heads." Some 25 states plus Washington DC are suing the administration over food stamps. Brigitte Macron's daughter testified in a Paris court Tuesday, describing how relentless online rumors about France's first lady have taken a toll on her mother's life and health, the BBC reports. Tiphaine Auziere, 41, spoke during the trial of 10 people accused of spreading unfounded claims about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. The rumors, which falsely allege that Macron, 72, is a transgender woman, have circulated for years and have impacted not just her but also her family's daily life, according to Auziere, who says she's noticed the "deterioration" of her mother's health since the rumors started. Auziere is one of Macron's three children from her first marriage, before she wed France's now-president, Emmanuel Macron, 47. She said her mother now has to carefully consider what she wears and how she presents herself in public, even her "posture," knowing her image could be used to fuel conspiracy theories. Auziere testified that even private photos, including images from summer holidays, have been posted online to fuel the rumors, the Guardian reports. Auziere added that the claims are so widespread that her mother hears about them almost every day, even from people who are trying to be sympathetic. The fallout has extended to Macron's grandchildren, who have reportedly faced taunts at school. "She hasn't been elected, she hasn't asked anything of anyone, and she comes under attack," Auziere told the court. Prosecutors are seeking suspended prison sentences and fines for the accused, who range in age from 41 to 65 and include a local official, a gallery owner, and a teacher. Some defendants argued they were exercising free speech or satire, with one demanding proof of Macron's pregnancy to verify her gender. The Macrons plan to submit evidence to counter similar claims in a separate US case involving right-wing commentator Candace Owens, another major booster of the allegations. The heirs of a Jewish couple who fled Nazi Germany are suing the Metropolitan Museum of Art and a Greek foundation, claiming a prized van Gogh painting was Nazi-looted art, the New York Times reports. The lawsuit, filed in Manhattan federal court, centers on "Olive Picking," painted by Vincent van Gogh in 1889. The plaintiffs say Hedwig and Frederick Stern bought the painting in 1935 but were unable to take it with them when they escaped Munich with their six children in 1936. The artwork was later sold in Germany on their behalf, but the family alleges the proceeds were seized by the Nazis. After World War II, the painting wound up in the hands of wealthy American Vincent Astor, whose wife, philanthropist Brooke Astor, eventually sold it to the Met in 1956 for $125,000. The museum then sold it in 1972 to Greek shipping magnate Basil Goulandris. It's now displayed at an Athens museum run by a foundation the Goulandris family started, with no mention of the Sterns in its provenance records. The Stern heirs claim the Met, particularly curator Theodore Rousseau Jr.a former "Monuments Man" who specialized in recovering Nazi-looted artshould have investigated the painting's history more thoroughly, especially since the work passed through dealers known to have handled looted art. The Met maintains it was unaware of the painting's connection to the Stern family during its ownership or at the time of sale, stating that information only surfaced decades later. The museum says it followed all legal guidelines and is open to new evidence. The lawsuit seeks either the return of the van Gogh or compensation for the Met's use and sale of the artwork. The Sterns' previous attempt to reclaim the painting in California was dismissed over jurisdiction, prompting the new filing in New York. A similar suit involving another van Gogh work, "Sunflowers," is playing out in Chicago, Courthouse News reported last month. The White House pressed US Navy officials to launch 2,000-pound live bombs instead of dummy explosives during an elaborate military demonstration for the service's 250th anniversary celebration that President Trump attended, two people familiar with planning for the event told the AP . One person familiar with the planning said White House officials insisted to Navy planners that Trump "needed to see explosions" instead of just a "big splash" during the Oct. 5 demonstration. Original planning for what the Navy dubbed the Titans of the Sea Presidential Review called for military personnel to use dummies and not live bombs, a third person familiar with the Navy's planning said. That person, who like the others was not authorized to speak publicly on the matter and spoke on the condition of anonymity, would not comment on why the Navy decided to switch to live bombs. The White House said no switch was made. Deputy press secretary Anna Kelly in a statement said: "Organizers always planned to use live munitions, as is typical in training exercises." The episode is the latest example of the Trump administration turning the military toward the president's wishes in ways large and smallfrom summoning generals from around the world to Washington for a day of speeches to his lethal strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean. The Navy and other military branches typically use dummy, or inert, bombs for training and demonstrations. Dummies are cheaper than live bombs because they do not contain expensive explosives, fuses, and other components. They're also safer. Confirmation that the Navy decided to use live bombs instead of dummies at the Naval Base Norfolk event comes as the administration faces scrutiny over an Oct. 18 live fire demonstration at Camp Pendleton, in which a misfire of a live artillery round led to shrapnel spraying onto Interstate 5 in Southern California. That event marking the Marines 250th anniversary was attended by Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Messages in a bottle written by two Australian soldiers a few days into their voyage to the battlefields of France during World War I have been found more than a century later on Australia's coast. The Brown family found the Schweppes-brand bottle just above the waterline at Wharton Beach near Esperance in Western Australia state on Oct. 9, Deb Brown said on Tuesday. Her husband Peter and daughter Felicity made the find during one of the family's regular quad bike expeditions to clear the beach of trash, reports the AP . "We do a lot of cleaning up on our beaches and so would never go past a piece of rubbish. So this little bottle was lying there waiting to be picked up," Deb Brown said, per the AP. Inside the clear, thick glass were cheerful letters written in pencil by Privates Malcolm Neville, 27, and William Harley, 37, dated Aug. 15, 1916. Their troop ship HMAT A70 Ballarat had left the South Australia state capital Adelaide to the east on Aug. 12 of that year on the long journey to the other side of the world where its soldiers would reinforce the 48th Australian Infantry Battalion on Europe's Western Front. Neville was killed in action a year later. Harley was wounded twice but survived the war, dying in Adelaide in 1934 of a cancer his family say was caused by him being gassed by the Germans in the trenches. Neville requested the bottle's finder deliver his letter to his mother Robertina Neville at Wilkawatt, now a virtual ghost town in South Australia. Harley, whose mother was dead by 1916, was happy for the finder to keep his note. Harley wrote "may the finder be as well as we are at present." Neville wrote to his mother he was "having a real good time, food is real good so far, with the exception of one meal which we buried at sea." The ship was "heaving and rolling, but we are as happy as Larry," Neville wrote, using an Australian colloquialism meaning very happy. Deb Brown suspects the bottle didn't travel far. It likely spent more than a century ashore buried in the sand dunes. Extensive erosion of the dunes caused by huge swells along Wharton Beach in recent months probably dislodged it. The paper was wet, but the writing remained legible. "I believe that if it had been at sea or if it had been exposed for that long, the paper would've disintegrated from the sun. We wouldn't have been able to read it," she said. Harley's granddaughter Ann Turner said her family was "absolutely stunned" by the find. "We just can't believe it. It really does feel like a miracle and we do very much feel like our grandfather has reached out for us from the grave," Turner told Australian Broadcasting Corp. Jamie Lee Curtis has spent nearly five decades in the spotlight, but her latest headlines haven't been for her actingthey've been for her surprising reaction to the assassination of Charlie Kirk. In a new interview with Variety , Curtis reflects on the backlash she received after expressing empathy for Kirk, a controversial conservative figure, during a Sept. 15 appearance on Marc Maron's podcast. The outrage, she said, was fueled by a misinterpretation of her comments, which some took as an endorsement of Kirk's views. Curtis, a longtime advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, clarified that she was simply acknowledging Kirk's faith at the time of his death, not excusing his rhetoric. The Freakier Friday actor had become tearful while speaking of Kirk with Maron. "Even though ... his ideas were abhorrent to me, I still believe he's a father and a husband and a man of faith, and I hope whatever 'connection to God' means, that he felt it," she said, per Fox News. She described the backlash as "fierce" and "threatening" and lamented the current climate in which people are often vilified for not providing simple answers. "In the binary world today, you cannot hold two ideas at the same time: I cannot be Jewish and totally believe in Israel's right to exist and at the same time reject the destruction of Gaza," she told Variety. But in reality, "I cannot be who I am not." The US and South Korea have reached a new trade agreement that will see South Korea invest hundreds of millions of dollars in the US. The announcement came after a nearly two-hour meeting between President Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, with Trump describing the deal as "pretty much finalized." Details remain somewhat scarce, but both sides confirmed that reciprocal tariffs will stay at 15%, a rate previously negotiated down from the 25% imposed by the US earlier this year. An aide for Lee said taxes on cars and vehicle parts would also be reduced, per the BBC . South Korea has also agreed to invest $350 billion in the US, including $150 billion earmarked for shipbuilding, the aide said. The country will invest another $200 billion in cash, with a limit of $20 billion a year, per NBC News. The White House had previously increased its demands during negotiations, pushing for larger investments from Seoul. Trump appears happy with how his Asia trip is going. "We're signing one trade deal after another to balance our relationships on the basis of reciprocity," he said Wednesday at the APEC CEOs Luncheon, mentioning agreements with Malaysia, Cambodia, and Japan, though some of those "merely reaffirm handshake trade deals that were announced earlier this year," per NBC News. Trump is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping next, on Thursday, with trade expected to be a central topic. "I'm not a king," President Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One a little more than a week ago. "I work my a-- off to make our country great. That's all it is. I'm not a king at all." He does, however, now have a crown. The New York Times reports Trump was on Wednesday presented with a replica of an ancient crown from the Silla Kingdom, which controlled much of the Korean Peninsula from the first century BC to the 10th century AD. But it was a second gift given to him by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung that seemed to truly impress. In addition to the foot-tall reproduction of the gold headpiece pulled from Gyeongju's royal tombs in 1973a spokesperson for Lee described it as the "largest and most extravagant" of six gold crowns that were removed from the tombsthe Washington Post reports Trump was given the Grand Order of Mugunghwa. It's South Korea's highest civil honor, and Trump is the only US president to have been given the decoration. Trump quipped he would "like to wear it right now." At a dinner held in his honor hours later, the Post quotes Trump as saying, "Giving me the honor of that magnificent piece of artbecause it really was a piece of art that you presented to me today. To be the first president of the United States that got that was really something. Very special." JERUSALEM, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Israel barred representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) from visiting Palestinian detainees held under a law classifying them as "unlawful combatants," Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Wednesday. "The expert opinions presented to me clearly indicate that visits by the Red Cross to terrorists in prisons would seriously harm national security," Katz wrote in a decree banning the visits. The Unlawful Combatants Law allows Israel to classify a Palestinian as an "unlawful combatant," a designation not recognized under international law, and to detain them indefinitely without trial, limit access to lawyers and international monitors, and impose restrictions on movement, interrogation, or detention outside the normal judicial process. As of October, Israel holds 2,673 Palestinians under the law, according to data from the Israel Prison Service obtained by the Israeli human rights group HaMoked. Sudan's brutal two-year war has entered a new, dangerous phase. The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces this week seized control of the entire Darfur region, after ousting the rival Sudanese army from its last stronghold there. The fighting for control of Sudan has killed more than 40,000 people and created the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with more than 14 million displaced. The capture of El Fasher, the provincial capital of North Darfur, by the powerful Arab-led force raises fears that Africa's third-largest nation may split again, nearly 15 years after the oil-rich South Sudan gained independence following years of civil war. Key things to know, per the AP: A small Canadian town's mayor has floated a controversial proposal: selling the town's name to the highest bidder. Duck Lake, a Saskatchewan community of about 580 people best known as the site of an 1885 battle, is now the focus of a heated debate over heritage, identity, and municipal funding. After Mayor Jason Anderson announced last week that Duck Lake should consider selling its naming rights to raise cash for aging infrastructure, residents quickly mobilized in opposition. The "Duck Lake Forever" campaign has racked up hundreds of petition signatures and argues that a name change would erase a legacy tied to both First Nations and Metis history. The Mounties were defeated by Metis leader Louis Riel's forces in the 1885 battle . Others say residents will be the ones footing the bill when it comes to updating addresses on everything from passports to driver's licenses. Still, the town council last week voted 3-2 in favor of selling the naming rights, reports the Canadian Press. Anderson said the idea was inspired by stadiums that have been renamed by corporations that spent tens of millions for the naming rights. He's reportedly seeking a minimum of $10 million. Marketing professor Marvin Ryder tells the CBC the move would be unprecedented in CanadaAnderson noted residents would have to approve it in a referendumbut he's skeptical it would get anywhere near the finish line. "There's a part of me that wonders if [the mayor is] really serious about this or if he's doing this to really embarrass the Saskatchewan government. Here I am, cap in hand, begging somebody to buy the naming rights for my town so I can afford infrastructure. Maybe the Saskatchewan government should be looking at a program to help smaller communities do infrastructure." TDT | Manama Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com Parliament yester - day backed an urgent move to scrap Decision 205 of 2018, the ban on bottom-trawl net fishing, known locally as Karaf. The vote asks the government to lift the ban and replace it with rules. The motion was put forward by MPs Khalid Buanaq, Hisham Al Awadhi, Ahmed Qarata, Zainab AbdulAmeer and Ahmed Al Salloom. Buanaq said the seven years since the ban took effect have not brought a clear rise in fish stocks or diversity in Bahrains waters. He said some fish and shrimp have shifted to neighbouring waters, which has cut the income of local fishermen and thinned supply in markets. Lawful work The lawmaker added that licensed fishermen have been shut out of lawful work while unlicensed fishing has grown, tilting fair competition at home. Rather than a blanket ban, Buanaq called for controlled use of bottom-trawl nets under set rules that keep the marine habitat in mind and protect household incomes. He said the item was fasttracked due to its direct effect on fishermen and the marine environment. NARA, Oct 30 (News On Japan) - The trial of Tetsuya Yamagami, the 45-year-old accused of fatally shooting former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, began on October 28th at the Nara District Court. While Yamagami has admitted to killing Abe, the central issue now lies in determining his sentence. According to Hidetoshi Hiramatsu, deputy chief commentator, the case is unprecedented not only for its gravity but also for the number of hearings19 sessions in total, including reserve dateswith a verdict expected on January 21st, 2026. During the second day of proceedings on October 29th, Yamagami appeared in court wearing glasses, listening as prosecutors presented evidence and called testimony from Upper House member Kei Sato, who was standing near Abe at the time of the shooting. The prosecution argues that Yamagami, harboring resentment toward the Unification Church, targeted Abe because of the former leaders perceived ties to the organization. They describe the assassination as a brazen act in broad daylight before a large crowdan unprecedented crime in postwar Japan that caused immense social shock. The defense, meanwhile, claims that Yamagamis background amounts to religious abuse, as his mother was a devoted member of the Unification Church. They argue that this upbringing deeply affected his personality and actions, and that his motive should be considered a mitigating factor in sentencing. Hiramatsu explained that prosecutors reject leniency, saying many people suffer under similar circumstances without resorting to violence. They contend that Yamagamis actions were driven by personal resentment and delusion, not by circumstances that justify sympathy. Past cases involving assassinations of politicians are being referenced for comparison. In 2002, lawmaker Koki Ishii was killed outside his home, and in 2007, Nagasaki Mayor Itcho Ito was shot deadboth resulting in life imprisonment sentences. However, given the national and global impact of Abes killing, legal experts suggest the prosecution may seek either life imprisonment or the death penalty. As the trial continues, the defense plans to call witnesses to demonstrate the effects of Yamagamis upbringing and religious abuse, seeking to establish grounds for leniency. Commentator Patrick Harlan, known as Packn, noted that to gain sympathy, the defense must convincingly explain the psychological link between Yamagamis resentment toward the religious group and his decision to attack Abe. Hiramatsu concluded that the outcome will hinge on whether the defense can effectively prove in court how religious abuse influenced Yamagamis motivesa question that will shape the course of this landmark trial. Source: FNN GIFU, Oct 30 (News On Japan) - Bear sightings have surged across Japan, and in Gifu Prefectures Shirakawa Villagehome to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawa-golocal authorities held a nighttime drill on October 28th to prepare for possible emergencies. Police officers, municipal officials, and members of the local hunting association took part in the exercise, which simulated a call reporting a bear wandering near a house. The drill was designed to confirm procedures under Japans new emergency firearm hunting system, introduced in September, which allows municipalities to authorize the use of hunting rifles in populated areas when bears or other wild animals threaten human safety. The system has already been implemented in Toyama Prefecture and other regions. During the training, police reviewed the steps for ordering hunters to use rifles for extermination and confirmed evacuation procedures for residents. We never know when well encounter such situations. Its no longer acceptable to say were unprepared. Well continue to strengthen cooperation with municipalities, said Takaya Watari, a police inspector from the Takayama Police Station. Local hunters share a growing sense of crisis. Weve seen mother bears with cubs crossing rivers. Both single bears and pairs are appearing. Ive been hunting for 53 years, but Ive never seen so many bears in one year, said Tatsuo Nashitani of the Shirakawa Hunting Association. Nashitani also pointed out the challenges in applying the emergency firearm system quickly during real encounters. These are living creaturesthey dont stay in one place. We cant wait for officials or police to arrive. Bears wont wait either. In that time, they might attack someone, he warned. Beyond wildlife threats, Shirakawa Village faces another challenge unique to its status as a tourist destination. In October, a visitor from Spain was injured after being attacked by a bear near the Shirakawa-go heritage site. Communicating danger to foreign tourists unfamiliar with the language has proven difficult. Theres clearly a difference in perception. When we patrol, Japanese people say its scary, but foreign visitors tend to take pictures because they find it interesting. Conducting an emergency hunt during the day in the crowded Ogimachi village area would be extremely difficultit takes time to regulate crowds and ensure safety, explained Kazunari Takashima, head of the villages Industry Division. Balancing public safety with the realities of tourism remains a serious issue for Shirakawa Village. Officials plan to compile manuals and operational guidelines for emergency firearm use by next year to ensure faster and safer responses in future bear encounters. Source: Nagoya TV News NAHA, Oct 30 (News On Japan) - The traditional ritual of Paantu, in which masked gods covered in mud ward off evil spirits, took place on October 28th in Miyakojima, Okinawa Prefecture, filling the village with laughter and screams. Appearing in the Hirara Shimajiri district were the visiting deities known as Paantufigures smeared head to toe in mud. Locals believe that this sacred mud drives away misfortune and brings good health throughout the year. The deities went from house to house, spreading mud on walls, cars, and even on residents of all ages, from children to adults. Spectators shouted and laughed as they tried to avoid the deities. One onlooker cried out, "Stop, Paantu!" while a parent comforted a child saying, "Was Paantu scary? Do you want to go home and take a bath?" Another laughed, saying, "It smelled pretty bad, but I feel like my bad luck was wiped away." Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, the Paantu ritual once again brought the sound of cheerful chaos to the community, symbolizing purification and the continuation of a centuries-old island tradition. Source: OTV An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 26, 2025 shows the autumn scenery at the Liupanshan Mountain in Guyuan City, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Wang Peng) A woman pushes a stroller in Regent's Park in London, Britain, Oct. 27, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Ying) Tourists visit the Insect Museum at the Northwest A&F University Exposition Park in Yangling, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Oct. 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Yibo) This photo taken on Oct. 28, 2025 shows a set of bamboo slips on display during the exhibition "Ancient Chinese Bamboo and Wooden Slips" at the Hubei Provincial Museum in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province. Featuring 230 pieces (sets) of bamboo and wooden slips from multiple historical periods, the exhibition opened here on Tuesday. Bamboo and wooden slips, each containing a narrow vertical column of dozens of characters, can be classified as China's earliest form of books. They used to be the most important objects to write on before paper was invented. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu) This photo taken on Oct. 25, 2025 shows a perovskite solar cell in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province. A joint research team in China has developed a new method that, for the first time, has enabled a key type of advanced perovskite solar cell to surpass the 30 percent efficiency threshold. (Xinhua) Palestinians queue in the Shati refugee camp, west of Gaza City, to fill up on water, Oct. 28, 2025. Palestinians may have to wait hours for a small amount of water, which is largely unavailable due to damage to water networks caused by Israeli bombing during the war. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Chen Zhongjian/Song Mengbang of Guangdong Team compete during the Men's Skiff 49er Sailing events at China's 15th National Games in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Oct. 28, 2025. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorji) People watch a drone light show in Nan'an District of southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, Oct. 27, 2025. A grand drone light show themed on "People-Centered Smart Cities Towards the Future" was staged here on Monday as a special event for the 2025 World Cities Day China Observance. (Xinhua/Huang Wei) An artist sculpts during the Egypt Sculpture Symposium in New Alamein City, Matrouh Governorate, Egypt, Oct. 27, 2025. Under the Mediterranean sky, rows of white sculptures rise along the seaside promenade of New Alamein, an emerging city. Abstract forms and graceful human figures stand in silent dialogue with the sea, turning the esplanade into an open-air gallery that speaks to New Alamein's modern identity. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) Volunteers make dumplings together with elderly people in Gaobei Village of Shibing County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Oct. 27, 2025. A series of activities were held across the country to mark China's Chongyang Festival, which falls on Oct. 29 this year. Also known as Seniors' Day in China nowadays, it highlights the public's care for elderly people. (Photo by Tai Shengzhi/Xinhua) FUKUOKA, Oct 30 (News On Japan) - Two tea buyers from London arrived in Fukuoka on October 28th to explore the unique appeal of Yame tea, one of Japans most celebrated green teas. The visit, organized by Fukuoka Prefecture as part of efforts to expand agricultural exports, aimed to introduce the rich aroma and depth of Yame tea to the United Kingdom, a nation long associated with black tea culture. The buyers, invited under a prefectural initiative to promote Japanese tea overseas, visited local shops and production sites together with officials and industry representatives. Over the course of three days, they planned to tour five key facilities to learn about the cultivation and processing techniques that distinguish Yame tea. Producers explained that unlike other regions that harvest their tea leaves up to four times a year, Yame tea is typically picked only once or twice to preserve its quality and depth of flavor. After observing the production processfrom fresh leaf to finished productthe visitors took photos and videos, expressing fascination with the craftsmanship and care involved. Their visit reflects a broader international trend: the global popularity of Japanese tea, particularly matcha and sencha, has surged alongside rising inbound tourism. According to the Japan Food Export Promotion Council, tea exports in August rose to about 2.3 times the level of the same month last year, with shipments to the United States growing roughly 2.4 times and exports to the EU up by 1.9 times. At Ushijima Seicha, a well-known Yame tea producer, staff reported that the number of overseas visitors to their shop has increased more than tenfold compared to previous years. Connecting with people from around the world through Yame tea truly captures its essence, one representative said. During the visit, the British buyers were also struck by the purity of the water flowing through the tea fields. The guide quickly explained that the pristine environmentalong with Yames cool climate and fertile soilis one of the reasons why its tea is so highly valued. As the buyers continued through the lush green fields, they eagerly asked questions about varieties, pesticide use, and quality control, gaining firsthand insight into the dedication behind every cup of Yame tea. Source: FBS HIGHLIGHTS (All amounts are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated.) Transaction closed on September 18, 2025. The consideration paid consists of a purchase price of $19 million, plus a closing adjustment related to certain working capital expenses totaling $1.4 million. ADF aims to double, by January 31, 2027, Groupe LAR's order backlog (1) , which reached $104 million as at July 31, 2025. , which reached $104 million as at July 31, 2025. To support the anticipated growth, ADF plans to invest more than $35 million over the next 24 months at Group LAR's main plant. TERREBONNE, QC, Oct. 29, 2025 /CNW/ - ADF GROUP INC. ("ADF" or the "Corporation") (TSX: DRX) has completed the acquisition of Groupe LAR Inc. ("LAR") on September 18, 2025 (the "Transaction"). The consideration paid by ADF as part of the Transaction consists of a purchase price of $20.4 million, including a closing adjustment related to certain working capital expenses, paid as follows: (i) a cash amount of $16.4 million, including the $1.4 million closing adjustment, and (ii) the issuance of 449,944 of the Corporation's Subordinate Voting Shares, representing the equivalent of $4 million in the Corporation's Subordinate Voting Shares on the average closing price of the Corporation's shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange during the 5 trading days preceding August 29, 2025. ADF paid the consideration in cash from its available cash. Established in 1942 and based in Metabetchouan in the Saguenay-Lac Saint-Jean region, in Quebec, LAR operates in the machining, welding, and industrial mechanics sectors. LAR is a Canadian leader in the design, fabrication, and installation of mechanically welded steel structures. Primarily focused on the rapidly expanding large-scale hydroelectricity market, LAR also offers customized overhead crane solutions for the heavy industry. LAR generated revenues of $80.9 million during its fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, and had an order backlog (1) of $104.5 million as at July 31, 2025, which is expected to be progressively delivered by the end of ADF's fiscal year ending January 31, 2027. Markets and Order Backlog Anticipated Growth Now that the acquisition has been finalized, ADF and LAR plan to implement a growth plan supported by the various upcoming pan Canadian projects in hydroelectric development. In Quebec alone, Hydro-Quebec plans to invest more than $35 billion (2) in hydroelectric dam renovation and the construction of new projects by 2035. Large-scale projects are also planned in Ontario, British Columbia and the Atlantic provinces. At the same time, and in response to the U.S. tariffs threats, we expect that clients will prioritize local purchases, which should favor a key Canadian player in the hydropower sector, like LAR. In light of this economic outlook and taking advantage of the expected operational synergies between ADF and LAR, the Corporation aims to double, by the end of 2027, LAR's order backlog, which stood at $104.5 million as at July 31, 2025. 1. The order backlog is an additional financial measure. Refer to the Non-IFRS and Other Financial Measures section herein for the definition of this indicator. 2. Source : Hydro Quebec 2035 Action (Plan d'action 2035) Capital Investment To support the anticipated growth, substantial investments will need to be made at LAR's fabrication plant located in Metabetchouan, in the Saguenay-Lac Saint-Jean region, Quebec. ADF and LAR will not only have to increase the fabrication capacity, but will also have to modernize the equipment. With its extensive experience and recognized for its operational excellence, LAR will benefit from these investments, which should generate operational efficiencies that reflect ADF's approach to maintaining leadership in fabrication equipment and work methods. Subject to the Board of Directors' approval, ADF plans to invest over $35 million at LAR's main plant in Saguenay-Lac Saint-Jean over the next 24 months. ADF is expecting to start the construction of new buildings in April 2026 in order to be able to receive new equipment by December 2026. In parallel to these investments, and in order to support this anticipated growth, the Corporation expects to increase the number of employees at LAR's Metabetchouan plant, which currently employs 200 people. As previously mentioned, we are convinced that this Transaction will create significant synergies between ADF and LAR and will have a positive contribution to ADF's net results, and will diversify ADF's offer where U.S. tariffs threats are concern, while, maintaining 200 well-paying jobs in the greater Saguenay-Lac Saint-Jean region, and even growing this number," said Jean Paschini, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation. "Both companies share common values and we intend to leverage our experience and expertise to benefit not only from operational synergies, but also in order to grow the consolidated revenues and results to the benefit of our shareholders" concluded Mr. Paschini. Conference Call with Investors A conference call with investors will be held today, October 29, 2025 at 10 a.m. (Montreal time) to discuss the acquisition of LAR Group. This conference call will be held in English. However, financial analysts will be able to ask their questions in French during the question-and-answer session that will follow ADF's management presentation. To join the conference call without operator assistance, you can register with your phone number on https://emportal.ink/3WeWncg to receive an instant automatic reminder. You can also join the conference call with operator assistance by dialing 1-800-990-4777 a few minutes prior to the conference call scheduled start time. A replay of the conference call will be available from 1:00 p.m, October 29, 2025, until November 5, 2025, by dialing 1-888-660-6345; followed by the access code 93016 #. The conference call (audio) and a copy of the Corporate presentation, will also be available at www.adfgroup.com. Members of the media are invited to join in listening mode. About ADF Group Inc. | ADF Group Inc. is a North American leader in the design and engineering of connections, fabrication, including the application of industrial coatings, and installation of complex steel structures, heavy steel built ups, as well as in miscellaneous and architectural metals for the non-residential infrastructure sector. ADF Group Inc. is one of the few players in the industry capable of handling highly technically complex megaprojects on fast-track schedules in the commercial, institutional, industrial and public sectors. The Corporation operates two fabrication plants and two paint shops, in Canada and in the United States, and a Construction Division in the United States, which specializes in the installation of steel structures and other related products. The Corporation also operates a fabrication plant in Quebec specializing in machining, welding and industrial mechanics, through its division, LAR Group Inc., a Canadian leader in the design, fabrication and installation of mechanically welded steel structures. Forward-Looking Information | This press release contains forward-looking statements reflecting ADF's objectives and expectations. These statements are identified by the use of verbs such as "expects", "plans" or "anticipates" as well as by the use of future or conditional tenses. By their very nature, these types of statements involve risks and uncertainty. Consequently, reality may differ from ADF's expectations. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding the Transaction, including the effects and benefits of the Transaction, as well as objectives relating to the increase of LAR's order backlog, LAR's contribution to the Corporation's net results, and growth in both consolidated revenues and results, and the Corporation's expectations regarding the increase in LAR's workforce, the potential efficiency gains from the proposed capital investment, the estimated amounts and timing of the capital investment for LAR's fabrication plant, and the starting date of construction and equipment delivery date at LAR's fabrication plant. These forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of assisting the reader in understanding the Corporation's current expectations and plans with respect to LAR and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and on management's best possible evaluation of future events, including the economic outlook and expected operational synergies between ADF and LAR and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause the Corporation's actual performance to differ materially from expected results expressed in or implied by such statements. These factors are set out under the "Current Economic Environment" and "External Factors to which the Corporation's Performance is Exposed" sections of the MD&A Report of the Financial Position and Operating Results of the Corporation for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2025. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive and undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. As a result, readers are advised that actual results may differ materially from expected results. Unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws, the Corporation expressly disclaims any intention, and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Other Financial Measures | Are measures derived primarily from the consolidated financial statements but are not a standardized financial measure under the financial reporting framework used to prepare the Corporation's financial statements. Therefore, readers should be careful not to confuse or substitute them with performance measures prepared in accordance with IFRS. In addition, readers should avoid comparing these non-IFRS financial measures to similarly titled measures provided or used by other issuers. The definition of these indicators and their reconciliation with comparable International Financial Reporting Standards measures issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IFRS Accounting Standards") is as follows: -- Order Backlog The order backlog is a measure used to assess future revenue levels. The order backlog includes firm orders by LAR, either through a firm contract or a formal notice to proceed confirmed by the client. The order backlog therefore includes the non-fabricated portion of confirmed contracts. SOURCE ADF Group Inc. Contacts: Jean Paschini, Chair of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer; Jean-Francois Boursier, CPA, Chief Financial Officer, Telephone: 450-965-1911, Website: www.adfgroup.com This photo taken on Oct. 29, 2025 shows the opening ceremony of the "2025 Forum on the Development of Xizang, China" in Nyingchi City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. The forum held here on Wednesday brought together officials and experts from across the world to share insights and expertise for the region's sustained progress. Hosted by the Xizang regional government, the one-day forum drew a diverse group of over 400 participants, including government officials, diplomats, experts from various fields, and enterprise and media representatives from 44 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Jiang Fan) LHASA, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- More than 400 government officials, diplomats, experts from various fields, and enterprise and media representatives from 44 countries and regions gathered on Wednesday in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region to share their insights and expertise for the region's sustained progress. The 2025 Forum on the Development of Xizang, China, hosted by the Xizang regional government and centering on the theme "Discovering a beautiful Xizang and writing a new chapter on the plateau," focuses on key topics including international communication, the Communist Party of China (CPC)'s guidelines for governing Xizang in the new era, and Xizang's image-building, its development philosophies and practical pathways. This year's forum coincides with the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Xizang Autonomous Region. Over the past 60 years, under the CPC's leadership, Xizang has achieved a historic leap from backwardness to advancement, from isolation to openness, and from poverty to prosperity, Wang Junzheng, secretary of the CPC Xizang Autonomous Regional Committee, said in his remarks. "Xizang has accomplished in just decades what would have taken centuries or even a millennium, serving as a vivid testament to the strengths of the socialist system," Wang added. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mo Gaoyi, deputy head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee and director of the State Council Information Office, stressed that as China is formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for national economic and social development, the modernization of Xizang now stands at a new historical starting point. Since its inception in 2007, the forum has become a vital window for the international community to understand, observe and gain insight into Xizang, Mo said, calling for efforts to strengthen the exchange of governance experience, improve the well-being of the people and tell the story of human rights in Xizang, as well as enhance exchange and mutual learning among civilizations. The one-day forum was held in Nyingchi City, a place that was once remote and desolate, known in ancient times as a place of exile. Today, it rivals Lhasa in fame and has become one of China's most popular tourist destinations, often hailed as the "Jiangnan of Xizang." It has transformed into a vibrant, open city that warmly welcomes visitors from around the world. Nyingchi's development journey -- from remarkable infrastructure transformation and thriving local industries to improved livelihoods and the careful preservation of its lucid waters and lush mountains -- stands as a testament to China's successful governance in Xizang and its commitment to revitalizing border regions and enriching people's lives. Official data showed that the city's GDP soared from 66 million yuan (about 9.32 million U.S. dollars) in 1986 to about 26.78 billion yuan in 2024, marking a 406-fold increase. Meanwhile, the per capita disposable income of rural residents rose from 425 yuan to 27,427 yuan over the same period, reflecting a nearly 65-fold growth. "Xizang's story is one of transformation," Shahbaz Khan, director and representative to the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, said in his opening remarks delivered on behalf of the UN secretary-general. "We're witnessing the once remote region now stands connected through modern infrastructure that links even its highest valleys and most distant communities. These investments have expanded opportunities while enabling better access to services, education, and markets." Xizang's development serves as an exemplary model, showcasing the effectiveness of local government policies and the dedicated efforts of its residents, said Jetigenov Bakytbek, plenipotentiary representative of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic in Issyk-Kul Region, citing Xizang's remarkable achievements in economic growth, social progress, infrastructure development and cultural heritage conservation. Bakytbek also noted that a delegation from the Issyk-Kul Region conducted a study tour in Xizang to learn from its practical experience in socio-economic development, infrastructure construction, green energy development and tourism. Paolo Sabbatini, international spokesperson for Public and Cultural Diplomacy at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that in international communication, Italy is ready to serve as a strategic partner in showcasing Xizang to the world in its true richness, presenting it as authentic, multidimensional and modern. "Through joint curatorial projects, traveling exhibitions and artistic exchanges, we can help the world perceive Xizang not as a distant legend, but as a vibrant and evolving cultural landscape where ancient traditions meet contemporary innovation," he added. This year's forum features four dedicated sub-forums held to explore pathways in international communication, sustainable local industries, youth engagement and environmental protection on the plateau. Shahbaz Khan, director and representative to the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the "2025 Forum on the Development of Xizang, China" in Nyingchi City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Oct. 29, 2025. The forum held here on Wednesday brought together officials and experts from across the world to share insights and expertise for the region's sustained progress. Hosted by the Xizang regional government, the one-day forum drew a diverse group of over 400 participants, including government officials, diplomats, experts from various fields, and enterprise and media representatives from 44 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Jiang Fan) Performers sing and dance at the opening ceremony of the "2025 Forum on the Development of Xizang, China" in Nyingchi City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Oct. 29, 2025. The forum held here on Wednesday brought together officials and experts from across the world to share insights and expertise for the region's sustained progress. Hosted by the Xizang regional government, the one-day forum drew a diverse group of over 400 participants, including government officials, diplomats, experts from various fields, and enterprise and media representatives from 44 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Jiang Fan) GYEONGJU, South Korea, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Lee Jae-myung on Wednesday called for efforts to advance multilateral cooperation within the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) at a time when protectionism and inward-looking policies are fueling uncertainty across the global economy. At a time when protectionism and policies focused on national interests are resurging, talk of cooperation, mutual growth and inclusive development may sound hollow, Lee said at the opening ceremony of the APEC CEO Summit in Gyeongju, South Korea. "Paradoxically, APEC's role as a platform for solidarity will shine brighter in times of crisis like these," he stressed. Lee said that as the APEC chair for 2025, South Korea aims to lead the path of multilateral cooperation to confront the crises, stressing the need to reinforce supply-chain cooperation and restore trust in the Asia-Pacific region. He urged deeper collaboration on innovation, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence. The president also pledged stronger support for younger generations across the region. MEXICO CITY, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Tuesday voiced opposition to recent U.S. attacks on suspected drug trafficking vessels in international waters and confirmed the launch of a rescue operation for a survivor. Speaking at her daily press conference at the National Palace in Mexico City, Sheinbaum said the operation was conducted by the Mexican Navy "on humanitarian grounds and in accordance with international treaties." "We do not agree with these attacks," Sheinbaum said, adding that she has instructed the foreign ministry and the Navy to open a dialogue with U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson to clarify the incidents and ensure compliance with international agreements. According to U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, three strikes were carried out Monday against four vessels suspected of carrying drugs in the Eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of 14 "narco-terrorists" and leaving one survivor. The Mexican Navy later confirmed that it launched a maritime search and rescue mission in the southwest waters off the port of Acapulco in southern Guerrero state, deploying a long-range patrol ship and a maritime patrol aircraft. "Based on the subsequent statement by the U.S. Secretary of Defense, the survivor is now believed to be a crew member of one of the vessels targeted in the operation," the Navy said on social media. TOKYO, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Seventeen trucks burned early Wednesday at a transport company in Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, local media reported. An emergency call was made at around 3:05 a.m. local time about the fire in a parking lot and a warehouse at the transport company, but there were no reported injuries, Kyodo News said, citing local authorities. The fire, which is believed to have started in one of the trucks, was extinguished nearly four hours later, according to the police. Officials conducted an on-site investigation, checking the burnt vehicles and taking photos from above using a ladder truck, the report said. An employee of the company said that a fuel tank lid had been removed from a burned truck and a fueling system hose had been cut. The police and firefighters are investigating the cause of the fire, considering the possibility of arson, the report said. The Atlantic County clerk has called for messenger ballot reform one week before the November general election, citing instances of solicited voter fraud after reports of people suffering homelessness were approached to cast fraudulent ballots. Im tired of the misuse and abuse of messenger ballots that threaten the integrity of our election process, Atlantic County Clerk Joe Giralo said in a statement Tuesday afternoon. Atlantic County has an unfortunate history of election corruption involving messenger ballots which should not be tolerated, Giralo said. Craig Callaway, a former political operative and Atlantic City councilman, pleaded guilty in February to depriving, defrauding, and attempting to deprive and defraud the residents of New Jersey of a fair and impartially conducted election process. Callaway was accused by federal prosecutors of recruiting others to file applications for mail-in ballots in Atlantic County in 2022, offering to pay them between $30 and $50, federal officials said at the time. New Jersey law permits voters to allow messengers to collect mail-in ballots from the clerks office and deliver them to the voter. Messenger ballots are intended to help those who have not signed up to receive a mail-in ballot or chose not to go to the polls to designate a person to pick up and deliver a mail-in ballot. Giralo said several people suffering homelessness in Atlantic City and Pleasantville have been propositioned to cast fraudulent messenger ballots. Police in Atlantic City and Pleasantville did not immediately respond to a request for comment. I know the Board of County Commissioners and the Mayors Association also agree that the integrity of our elections is a high priority, Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson said in a statement. We stand with County Clerk Joe Giralo in seeking this much-needed reform, Levinson added. The Republican National Committee filed a lawsuit in New Jersey challenging denial of records under the Open Public Records Act. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File) AP The Republican National Committee filed a lawsuit Friday in Burlington County seeking chain-of-custody logs for ballots and video recordings of ballot drop boxes from the June primary election. The complaint focuses on an Open Public Records Act request for video footage of a Moorestown ballot drop box for a 10-day period in June. It also seeks chain-of-custody logs and ballot storage container opening logs. The RNC says the Burlington County Board of Elections delayed providing the documents and denied having video footage of the Moorestown ballot drop box, according to the complaint. The RNCs party members, and any member of the public, have the right to know the information contained on the chain of custody logs, the complaint states. No known state interest outweighs the right of the RNC to obtain this basic-level due diligence information. Chain-of-custody and opening logs requested by the RNC in June are generic forms listing a storage identification number, name, date, time and other basic information about the condition of storage containers and drop boxes, according to the complaint. The timing of this complaint seems intended to garner headlines and impact voter participation rather than improve election transparency, Dave Levinsky, spokesperson for Burlington County, said in a statement. As the pleadings show, this complaint relates to an OPRA request from the primary election and completely ignores the independent special counsels review and report and the significant measures Burlington County election offices have taken to ensure election integrity and unfettered, equal access for all voters. The state Attorney Generals Office only represents bipartisan county election boards in the performance of their election duties. The Attorney Generals Office does not represent county election boards in other areas, including in OPRA matters. A spokesperson for the Attorney Generals Office declined to comment on the lawsuit. An independent special counsel was appointed by Burlington County Commissioners shortly after the 2024 general election when long lines formed at polling locations threatening voters ability to cast ballots before polls closed. The Attorney Generals Office had to file an emergency petition in court to temporarily extend polling deadlines to ensure voters could cast their ballots. The independent special counsels 79-page report filed with county commissioners on Sept. 10, found a lack of communication and coordination between county election offices and the rollout of new voting machines. The report also concluded that many districts were imbalanced, causing some polling locations to be inundated with voters while other districts had few voters. Attorneys for the RNC argue in the complaint that the committee filed a public records request with the board of elections on Aug. 22. However, on Sept. 3, the committee received an extension request to allow time to locate records and review the request for potential exemptions. Another extension was requested by the board of elections on Sept. 17, and it promised to have a final response by Sept. 24, according to the complaint. On Sept. 26, the election board provided container opening logs, but denied having video recordings of the ballot drop box in Moorestown, the complaint states. The board also denied the RNCs request for chain of custody logs. In that denial, the board claimed exemptions for sensitive information regarding the security and integrity of elections, emergency security at public buildings and security measures that would place people and property at risk, the complaint states. The RNC argues that the boards denial fails to state a clear rationale for the denials, other than stating that the records are exempt. New Jersey voters deserve transparency in how their elections are conducted,Chairman of the RNC, Joe Gruters, said in a statement announcing the lawsuit. Burlington Countys refusal to provide basic public records undermines voters confidence in the election process. The RNC will hold election officials accountable and make sure every ballot is handled lawfully and securely. A 2024 painting by John Phillip Osborne depicts Cudjo Banquante, second from left, a Black soldier in the Continental Army, fighting alongside compatriots during the American Revolution. The Daughters of the American Revolution commissioned it for a symposium honoring Banquante in May. Steve Strunsky | NJ Advance Media For NJ.com After getting off work, Christopher Seals was enjoying a sunny afternoon in the plaza outside the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark. He hadnt noticed the historical marker a few feet away, almost hidden among a row of saplings, honoring Cudjo Banquante, an enslaved Black man born in Ghana of royal blood who gained his freedom by fighting in the American Revolution in place of his white enslaver. With an acre of land he received with his freedom, located just across what is now Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard from the future site of Newark Arts High School, Banquante became what historians say was Newarks first documented Black business owner, starting a horticultural business long before New Jersey became the last Northern state to abolish slavery. I didnt know who he was, said Seals, 57, who lives in Newark and works delivering food to local pantries and soup kitchens. Thats a great achievement. The Daughters of the American Revolution think so, too. Christopher Seals used his phone to learn more about Cudjo Banquante after reading a marker dedicated to him outside the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark. Steve Strunsky | NJ Advance Media For NJ.com The Morristown chapter of the 135-year-old Washington, D.C.-based group erected the marker last spring near Banquantes Newark burial place in a cemetery that once occupied the NJPAC site. The marker credits the Morristown DAR chapter and the William G Pomeroy Foundation, which provided a grant to create and install it. Hes on tax rolls and in newspaper articles, Linda Caldwell Epps, a social historian who worked on the project, said of records of Banquantes business. As far as we know, he might be the first one for the state of New Jersey. Last week, the New Jersey Council on the Humanities announced it had awarded the Morristown chapter the 2025 Stanley N. Katz Prize for Excellence in Public Humanities, for having demonstrated significant engagement with and impact through community-focused public humanities work in New Jersey. Revolutionary America 1775-1783, reads the blue and gold marker. Cudjo Banquante, early black business owner granted freedom & land for service as a substitute soldier when enslaved. Buried near here 5 March, 1823. The placement of the marker and the humanities award came several months after the chapter held a symposium, "Honoring Cudjo Banquante," funded by a grant from the humanities council. It included several events at NJPAC, the Newark Public Library, and the New Jersey Historical Society, featuring presentations by historians, a Black Revolutionary War re-enactor, traditional Ghanaian song and dance, Banquante family descendants from Ohio, and Banquantes Ghanaian biographer, Kofi Ayim. Cudjos last name, Bakwante, inadvertently spelled/written as Banquante/Baquanto/Baquanty, etc, has been known to be used exclusively by the royals of Akyem Abuakwa from Gold Coast time to present day Ghana, Ayim told NJ Advance Media in an email, referring to the former British colony thats now part of the West African nation. In fact, the 14th king of the people of Akyem was called Baa Kwante Banquante Agyeman. Ayim said research could not unearth just how Banquante was enslaved, but that he was likely captured by a rival tribal community as a result of a conflict, and sold to slavers. Cudjo if old enough in 1742 could have been captured in a war between the Asante and Akyem, in which the latter was defeated," Ayim said. Ayim places his birth at 1723, which would have made him 100 when he died in Newark. An oil painting by John Phillip Osborne, commissioned by the DAR for the occasion, depicts Banquante with white compatriots fighting under Washington, the new nations first president and one of its most widely known slaveholders. The recognition of Banquante was welcomed by Barima Gyansi Korie, the traditional ruler, or chief, of the Kyebi-Ahwenease region, where Banquante was born. We are forever grateful and very appreciative of the efforts of the DAR to honor our dear Grandpa with a Marker and publication of his resiliency in life, Korie told NJAM in an email. In fact, I represented the Asona Royal family and the Kingdom of Akyem Abuakwa on the Planning Committee of the Honoring Cudjo Banquante effort. The Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 by women eager to preserve Revolutionary history, including the memories of those who fought in or otherwise aided in Americas war of independence from its British colonizers. Especially their own forbearers. To be accepted into the nonprofit organization, all 190,000 members in 3,000 chapters nationwide had to document their lineage back to soldiers or others who funded, supplied, or otherwise directly aided the war effort. But until recent decades, the organization had a history of discrimination against people of color as members, honorees, or even performers at its galas. And honoring a patriot of color, as the DAR now refers to Black and Native American Revolutionary War veterans, would have been unheard of at the time of the groups founding in 1890. It was nearly a century after the groups founding that Karen Batchelor of Detroit was admitted as the DARs first Black member in 1977, and another 7 years before the national organization barred chapters from discriminating on the basis of race or creed. We know we are certainly underrecognizing Black patriots, said Bobbi Bailey, a DAR member who in 2022 began the campaign to honor Banquante. Twenty-five percent of Washingtons Army was people of color. Baily, a state DAR official who lives in Randolph, was working on a database of Morris Countys 2,100 Revolutionary War veterans when she was intrigued by one soldiers atypical name. They were mostly names like Pearson, or Sayer, or Caldwell, she said. And then I found this Jack Cudjo in Morristown. And I said, What the Heck? Who is this Jack Cudjo? That doesnt sound like any of the other names. A Google search led her to Ayims 2012 book, Jack Cudjo: Newarks Revolutionary Soldier and First Black Businessman, which uses an alternate version of Banquantes name. She couldnt locate a suitable site in Morristown, home of then-Gen. George Washingtons headquarters from December 1779 to June 1780, where Cudjo spent time during the war. So she and others decided to place the marker in his hometown of Newark. Banquantes tribute reflects DARs efforts to diversify its membership and those it honors. Those efforts include the E Pluribus Unum Education Initiative, launched in 2020, which borrows the Out of Many, One motto from U.S. currency. It aims to increase awareness of often underrepresented Revolutionary War patriots, including those who were African American, Native American and female. Back on the NJPAC plaza, Christopher Seals took out his phone after reading the Banquante marker and asked Gemini for more information on the Black patriot. Obviously, he was great, said Seals. To run a business, then? A Black man? Wow. That inspires me, seals added, determined to spread the word. Im gonna bring some people today. Shawn A. Moir, 26, of Vineland, appears via video Tuesday for his hearing on charges that he stabbed his grandfather to death. (NJ Courts) UPDATE: An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified the victim of a 2017 assault as Shawn Moirs grandfather. The victim in that case was another man living with Moir at the time. A Cumberland County man accused of stabbing his grandfather to death as he slept previously pleaded guilty to attacking another victim in his sleep, a prosecutor revealed Tuesday. Shawn A. Moir, 26, stabbed Albert B. Moir, 59, multiple times in the victims Vineland home around 11 p.m. on Aug. 26, police said. At the time of his grandfathers death, Moir was already facing charges because he was accused of sexually assaulting a child in another county, a prosecutor said during a Tuesday detention hearing in the murder case. The prosecutor also said Moir had previously served jail time for an earlier attack on someone in an incident that had several similarities to the stabbing in August. In the latest attack, Moir was living with his grandparents and stabbed his grandfather as the victim slept, according to Cumberland County Assistant Prosecutor Lindsey Seidel. Moirs grandmother called 911 to report the attack and identified him as the assailant, the prosecutor said. Moir drove off in an SUV belonging to his grandparents after the stabbing, according to the prosecution. U.S. Marshals arrested him the following afternoon in Pennsylvania when they found him in the vehicle, which was parked in a Villanova University parking garage, federal officials said. He was later extradited to New Jersey to face charges of first-degree knowing and purposeful murder, along with third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, fourth-degree aggravated assault and third-degree theft of a motor vehicle. In arguing for his clients pre-trial release with conditions, public defender Nathan Perry said Moir lacked a significant criminal record. He also argued that there was no evidence he would fail to attend court hearings or try to obstruct the case, and that he didnt pose a danger to the community at large. The prosecutor disagreed. The facts in the new case are similar to those from the prior incident in 2017 in which the defendant attacked someone else he was living with as the victim slept, Seidel said. He assaulted him with an object by striking him in the head, in the face, numerous times, said Seidel, who also prosecuted that case. Moir pleaded guilty to a third-degree aggravated assault charge in that case and was sentenced to 364 days in county jail time and two years of probation, according to court records. After violating probation, his probation was extended by a year in 2020, records indicate. That sentence included requirements that he obtain psychological and anger management evaluations and comply with any recommended treatment. Seidel pointed to several parallels between the two incidents. The facts here are similar in that he was living with his grandparents at their residence. He did attack his grandfather in his sleep ... and then he fled in a stolen motor vehicle that belonged to the victims in this case, which is exactly what happened in the other case, the prosecutor said. Moir also faces charges in another case. At the time of his arrest for the stabbing, Moir was out of jail on court monitoring for aggravated sexual assault charges in Gloucester County, Seidel said. That case involves a juvenile victim, Superior Court Judge Niki Arbittier stated later in the hearing. In that incident, Moir already failed to appear for a hearing, the prosecutor said. Seidel argued that Moir poses an obstruction risk in the murder case. After his arrest, blood was found under his fingernails and that was photographed, Seidel said. Surveillance video from the police department where he was taken following his arrest showed him cleaning out the blood from his nails. That was an attempt to obstruct the investigation by destroying evidence, according to the prosecutor. He has to be detained for the safety of the community as well as to ensure that hes going to appear and that hes not going to further obstruct, Seidel said. The judge agreed with that assessment. It is clear here that this particular defendant is extremely violent, Arbittier said. The defendant has demonstrated that hes clearly a danger to the community. He is clearly at risk of failing to appear. And the defendant was also seen on surveillance attempting to destroy evidence. She ordered that Moir remain in jail pending the resolution of his case. He will return to court Dec. 4 for a pre-indictment conference. Buzz Aldrin and Anca Faur in 2019. They married in 2023. Jon Kopaloff | FilmMagic Buzz Aldrin is mourning the death of his wife Anca Faur. Faur, also known as Anca Aldrin, died Tuesday, the Aldrin and Faur families announced Wednesday. She was 66. Aldrin, 95, the astronaut who grew up in Montclair and became the second man to walk on the moon in 1969, married Faur on his 93rd birthday in January 2023. I am so fortunate to have found and married the love of my life, Aldrin said in the announcement of Faurs death. She brought joy to everything we did together. I will miss her dearly. He did not share a cause of death. Dr. Anca Aldrin, wife of astronaut Buzz Aldrin, peacefully passed away last night with her husband and her son, Vlad Ghenciu by her side, the two families said in a Facebook post. Mrs. Aldrin, an accomplished chemical engineer with a Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh, served as the treasurer for the California Hydrogen Business Council and as Executive Vice President of Buzz Aldrin Ventures LLC. Faur was Aldrins fourth wife. They started dating in 2018 after meeting the year prior. We were joined in holy matrimony in a small private ceremony in Los Angeles & are as excited as eloping teenagers, Aldrin said when they were married. From 1954 to 1974, Aldrin was married to Joan Archer, mother of his children Janice, James and Andrew. He was married to Beverly Van Zile from 1975 to 1978 and Lois Driggs Cannon from 1988 to 2012. The word of the day for Wednesday, Oct. 29 is "phantasmagoria." Canva If you walk through a cavernous hall with flickering lanterns, ghostly projections and dreamlike illusions theres a word to describe this phenomenon. It is called phantasmagoria, and it is the term that covers all things half real and half imagined. Phantasmagoria brings to mind the subject of illusions and the trickery between perception and imagination. Heres what you need to know about the word phantasmagoria. What is the definition of phantasmagoria? The word phantasmagoria is defined as a sequence of real or imaginary images like those seen in a dream. It is a noun that often refers to illusions. How is the word phantasmagoria pronounced? The word phantasmagoria is pronounced /fan-taz-muh-GAW-ree-uh/. How can you use phantasmagoria in a sentence? The 18th-century phantasmagoria shows projected ghosts and skeletons onto smoke, thrilling audiences with the illusion of the supernatural. Social media can feel like a digital phantasmagoria an endless scroll of beauty, chaos and illusion. Her dreams were a phantasmagoria of memories, fears and half-remembered voices. What is the origin of phantasmagoria? According to Etymonline, phantasmagoria comes from the French word phantasmagorie. The French word was used in 1801 by French dramatist Louis-Sebastien Mercier to describe a crowd of phantoms, deriving from the Greek word phantasma, meaning image, phantom or apparition. The first use of the term in English was not too long afterwards. What famous book or movie uses the word phantasmagoria? While there is no direct book or movie that uses the term phantasmagoria, there is a popular 1995 video game that includes the word as its title. Phantasmagoria is described as the ultimate interactive nightmare, according to game developer Sierra On-Line and Microsoft Windows. Written by master storyteller Robert Williams, the point-and-click horror adventure follows writer Adrienne Delaney after she moves into a isolated and haunted mansion. It features live-action characters within 3D environments, a style made popular at the time by similar video games. What historical figure quoted the word phantasmagoria? Parisian showman Paul de Philipstal used phantasmagoria to name his magic lantern exhibition brought to London on Oct. 5, 1801, according to this article by Mervyn Heard. If you missed the last word of the day, click here. The states attorney disciplinary board has dismissed an ethics charge last week against former Montclair Township Attorney Ira Barry Karasick, who was accused of making a racially insensitive comment to a local civil rights leader in 2021. The New Jersey Supreme Courts Disciplinary Review Board ruled that Karasick did not violate professional conduct rules when he told Montclair NAACP housing chair William Scott, who is Black, Dont worry, you only count three-fifths, as they entered an elevator at the Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex in Trenton. The remark referred to the three-fifths compromise in the U.S. Constitution, which counted enslaved people as three-fifths of a person for purposes of taxation and representation. Karasick later said the comment was a misguided historical reference and apologized both privately and publicly. The Office of Attorney Ethics had sought a reprimand, arguing the statement was discriminatory and was made in a professional capacity. But the board disagreed, finding the exchange occurred after court proceedings and was not connected to Karasicks legal duties as Montclairs attorney. While calling the comment offensive and insensitive, the board said it did not amount to professional misconduct under New Jerseys Rule of Professional Conduct 8.4(g), which prohibits discriminatory conduct by lawyers acting in their official role. Karasick, who retired shortly after the incident, had previously been reprimanded in 2001 for unrelated infractions. Scott did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the decision. Angolan President Joao Lourenco delivers a speech at the opening of the Luanda Financing Summit for Africa's Infrastructure Development in Luanda, Angola, Oct. 28, 2025. (Photo by Julio Kikebu/Xinhua) LUANDA, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Angola will increase investment in the telecommunications sector, which includes plans to launch a new Earth observation satellite and expand the national fiber optic network, as part of the country's broader modernization and digital inclusion strategy. Angolan President Joao Lourenco announced this at the opening of the Luanda Financing Summit for Africa's Infrastructure Development held in the capital, Luanda, on Tuesday. Lourenco said the Angolan government is dedicated to ensuring equitable access to digital technologies and utilizing technological innovation for national development. "In telecommunications, we are investing in another Earth observation satellite and expanding the national fiber optic network throughout the country to make digital solutions and technological innovation available to all Angolans," Lourenco said. Angola launched its first national telecommunications satellite, Angosat-2, in October 2022. It provides coverage throughout Angola and much of Africa, improving access to the internet, broadcasting services, and data communication. The Angolan government said it is investing in key information and communication technology projects, which are considered strategic pillars for economic diversification and regional integration, in alignment with the African Union's Agenda 2063. Nur-E Farhana Rahman, left, with her mother Nur-E Gulshan Rahman, chef of Korai Kitchen on Summit Avenue in Jersey City on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024. Nur-E Gulshan Rahman has been named a semifinalist for a 2024 James Beard Award. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal One of New Jerseys favorite restaurants just earned a glowing review from The New York Times. The publication recently visited Bangladeshi restaurant Korai Kitchen in Jersey Citys Journal Square neighborhood. The eatery is run by chef Nur-E Gulshan Rahman and her daughter Nur-E Farhana Rahman. Farhana Rahman runs the front of the house while Gulshan Rahman handles all the food and everything in the kitchen. The New York Times gave the restaurant three stars out of four (which by their rubric is an excellent review) and praised various courses like the bhorta (various mixtures of mashed vegetables, fish and meat), fried eggplant, fried rui (a type of carp fish found in waters of South Asia), kebabs, beef curry and their famous murgir roast (a Bangladeshi chicken roast). Ligaya Mishan of the New York Times wrote of so much food that you feel you might never eat again, and time gone malleable, even theoretical, so that its almost a shock when the meal ends in her review. Were incredibly honored. We know how rare it is for The New York Times to give three stars, and for a Bangladeshi restaurant to join that small circle feels extra special, for our culture and our community, Farhana Rahman told NJ Advance Media on Wednesday. Its also a wonderful moment of recognition for Jersey City, and were proud to call this incredible, diverse city our home. Korai Kitchen opened in 2018 offering homestyle Bangladeshi food, buffet-style. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the restaurant converted to strictly takeout and delivery service like much of the industry. In February of 2024, Korai Kitchen started offering a Friday and Saturday night dine-in option. Ammas Dawat, Bengali for mothers feast, is an eight-course, three-hour dining experience with no menu. Gulshan Rahman simply serves whatever she feels like cooking that day. Murgir roast at Korai Kitchen in Jersey City, NJ (Lauren Musni | NJ Advance Media) Lauren Musni The review also reveled in how the restaurant encourages guests to eat with their hands, as noted on the packs of towelettes laid out on the tables. The atmosphere, Mishan said, is welcoming and warm and though its a small room, the noise level is just enough of a murmur to make you feel part of something larger than yourself. Gulshan Rahman was a James Beard Award semifinalist in 2024. Korai Kitchen is also ranked No. 10 on NJ.coms Jersey City dining guide and the mother and daughter team was featured in NJ.coms female chefs story. Reservations are available at Korai Kitchen on Friday and Saturday for their dawat seatings at 8 p.m. All other hours are takeout and delivery only Tuesday to Sunday from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., with additional lunch service on Saturday and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. The pair also owns Hilsa Grocery, a Bangladeshi grocery store in Jersey City. This isnt the first time The New York Times has praised a New Jersey restaurant even this year. Chatpati Delhi, a casual Indian eatery offering traditional dishes and snacks in Franklin Park, was featured on the papers list of the best restaurants of 2025. Crew members stock the new Trader Joes in Woodbridge on October 28, 2025 in preparation for its grand opening tomorrow. The 10,600 square foot store sits on the site of a former Bed, Bath and Beyond and will employee 80 crew members. There will be a brief ribbon cutting ceremony before the doors open to the public at 9am. Amanda Brown| For NJ Advance Media A new Trader Joes is opening Wednesday in the Iselin section of Woodbridge and NJ Advance got a sneak peek inside the store before the big day. The supermarket employees were busy stocking shelves with displays of fresh fruits and vegetables on Tuesday. Tom Manning stocks apples the new Trader Joes in Woodbridge on October 28, 2025 in preparation for its grand opening tomorrow. The 10,600 square foot store sits on the site of a former Bed, Bath and Beyond and will employee 80 crew members. There will be a brief ribbon cutting ceremony before the doors open to the public at 9am. Amanda Brown| For NJ Advance Media The grand opening celebration is scheduled for 9 a.m. Wednesday at The Plaza at Woodbridge shopping center, located at 675 Route 1 across from the Woodbridge Center mall, according to a company announcement. The new store is Trader Joes 20th location in New Jersey. Crew members stock the new Trader Joes in Woodbridge on October 28, 2025 in preparation for its grand opening tomorrow. The 10,600 square foot store sits on the site of a former Bed, Bath and Beyond and will employee 80 crew members. There will be a brief ribbon cutting ceremony before the doors open to the public at 9am. Amanda Brown| For NJ Advance Media It occupies the former location of a Bed, Bath & Beyond. Shoppers can expect to find a wide variety of organic produce, as well as unique snacks and specialty items that Trader Joes is known for. Crew members stock the new Trader Joes in Woodbridge on October 28, 2025 in preparation for its grand opening tomorrow. The 10,600 square foot store sits on the site of a former Bed, Bath and Beyond and will employee 80 crew members. There will be a brief ribbon cutting ceremony before the doors open to the public at 9am. Amanda Brown| For NJ Advance Media Community members are invited to join Captain Dan and Crew for the opening festivities, the announcement said. The Woodbridge location joins 19 other Trader Joes stores operating throughout New Jersey in towns including Brick, Bridgewater, Cherry Hill, Clifton, Denville, Edgewater, Florham Park, Freehold, Hoboken, Marlton, Middletown Township, Millburn, North Brunswick, Paramus, Princeton, Shrewsbury, Wayne, Westfield, and Westwood. A Monmouth County man was arrested Monday and charged with robbing a Bradley Beach bank of more than $10,000 cash over the weekend. Demauriea A. Gray, 30, of Eatontown, faces a first-degree robbery charge for allegedly holding up the Chase Bank on Main Street about 2:50 p.m. on Saturday, according to the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office. Bradley Beach police were called to the scene after a man entered the bank and passed a note to a teller demanding money. The man fled the bank with more than $10,000, investigators said. Gray was arrested later Monday after FBI agents stationed in Red Bank identified him as a suspect, according to the prosecutors office. Officers with the Bradley Beach and Avon-by-the-Sea police departments arrested Gray without incident, officials said. Gray was taken to the Monmouth County Jail and held ahead of a first court appearance. Attorney information for Gray was not listed in court records and not immediately available, the prosecutors office said. The Delbarton School in Morristown said the trial and jury award was a miscarriage of justice Ed Murray| For NJ Advance Media Three weeks after a jury awarded $5 million to a former Delbarton School student who claimed he had been sexually assaulted by a Benedictine monk on the campus nearly 50 years ago, the elite Catholic boys prep school is seeking a new trial, calling the award excessive and a miscarriage of justice. In its filing, Delbarton and the Order of St. Benedict of New Jersey, or OSBNJ which operates the school said the trial judges rulings on various legal issues as well as the conduct of the lawyers representing the former student both in opening statement and closing arguments deprived them of a fair trial literally from start to finish. In particular, the filing objected to the repeated use of the term by the plaintiffs attorney of rape and blitz rape. Once those words were spoken, their emotional impact could not be erased by any curative instruction, said the filing. Throughout the course of the trial, six applications were made for a mistrial, according to the school. All were denied by the court, including one involving an issue that led to the replacement of the jury foreman, a retired schoolteacher after disclosing they had done independent research into the possible penalties, had the matter been criminally charged. The courts tolerance of this misconduct, coupled with its failure to adequately investigate or get to the bottom of when the misconduct occurred, denied defendant the fair and impartial trial, argued attorney James Barletti on behalf of Delbarton and OSBNJ in his filing. As for the amount of money awarded by the jury, he characterized the $5 million in compensatory damages grossly excessive and against the weight of the credible evidence presented at trial. They noted that the former student did not suffer any economic losses and received zero medical or psychological treatment. The jury later declined to order any punitive damages in the matter in a second phase of the trial. Attorneys for the former student had argued that his life had been destroyed by what he had experienced at Delbarton. But Rev. Michael Tidd, the headmaster of Delbarton, warned of the financial impact a big award would have on the future of the school, while Abbot Jonathan Licari of the Order of St. Benedict of New Jersey, spoke about policies now in place to protect students from abuse. A spokeswoman for Delbarton said the school does not comment on pending litigation. Lawyers for the former student did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The landmark case marked the first clergy sexual abuse lawsuit against the Catholic church to go to trial in New Jersey since the 2019 passage of the states Child Victims Act, which greatly extended the amount of time victims of sexual abuse had to sue. More than 30 other similar sexual abuse cases have been brought against Delbarton and are awaiting trial. The school, meanwhile, filed its own lawsuit in federal court against its insurance carrier the day before the trial started for refusing to settle this one. At the heart of the civil case before Superior Court Judge Louis S. Sceusi in Morris County were allegations by the victim who claimed he was 15 when he had been molested by the Rev. Richard Lott, a former monk. Both the student, now 65, and Lott, 89, testified during the trial, however the victim was only identified by his initials. Richard Lott, a former monk at the Delbarton School, leaving the Morris County courthouse during the trial. He was found by a jury to have sexually abused a student at the boys prep school more than 40 years ago. Ed Murray| For NJ Advance Media Then a sophomore, the former student told the jury that he had remained on the campus during the Christmas break that year to help with recovery work following a fire in the monastery several weeks earlier. He had been staying with Lott in the schools barn which had been outfitted with living quarters for Lott, who oversaw maintenance at Delbarton and also taught chemistry at the school. He said Lott invited him to a New Years Eve party at a private home in Mendham in 1975 and drove him there. Returning to Delbarton after midnight, he admitted on the witness stand that he was wobbly, and sat down on a sofa. It was there, he told the jury, that Lott sexually assaulted him, describing in detail an unwelcome episode of oral sex. When he realized what had happened, he said he fled the barn into the night. Lott in his testimony denied the accusations. He told the jury there had been no New Years Eve party and that he had been an hour and a half away at St. Marys Parish in Lakewood on that evening in preparation for morning Mass the following day. Lotts attorney, Mark Brancato, told the jury that no trial witnesses placed the student on campus when he said the assault occurred. The former student said he never told his parents about the alleged New Years incident, but wrote a letter about what happened to the schools abbot at the time, Brian Clarke. He testified that Clarke later told him that Lott had acknowledged the incident. However, the administration never did anything about it. The letter, hand-written on a 5 by 7 piece of paper, was left in his desk drawer until Clarke discarded it. Clarke, who died in October 2019, in fact acknowledged in a deposition before his death that he ultimately destroyed the letter, in part, he said, to protect the confidentiality of the student who did not want to be identified. He was also concerned about what it might mean for Delbarton. Its bad for the reputation of the school when there is sexual abuse associated with it, he said. His recorded deposition was read aloud to the jury. Lott left the Benedictine order not long after the allegations were made. While still a priest, he no longer ministers and asked during the trial that he be addressed as mister and not father. After 14 days of testimony and two days of deliberation, the jury was unanimous in determining that a sexual assault had indeed occurred. New Jersey has joined 24 other states in suing President Donald Trumps administration for what they have called the unlawful suspension of funding for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits during the ongoing federal government shutdown. The lawsuit, which names the United States Department of Agriculture and its secretary, Brooke Rollins, was announced Tuesday by the New Jersey Attorney Generals Office. New Jerseys nutrition benefits program, widely known as SNAP, is fully funded through Oct. 31, officials from the New Jersey Department of Health said in a statement last week. Hundreds of thousands of New Jersey residents and more than 40 million Americans rely on SNAP benefits each month, authorities said. The Trump Administrations failure to fund SNAP during the federal government shutdown is an affront to the more than 800,000 New Jerseyans who depend on these critical benefits to access nutritious food, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said in a statement. I thank Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin for taking action to hold the federal government accountable for their betrayal of Americas most vulnerable working- and middle-class families, the governor added. On Oct. 1, the new federal fiscal year began without an appropriation by Congress to fund the federal government, creating the government shutdown, the office said in a statement. On Oct. 10, the USDA sent a letter to state SNAP agencies saying that if the shutdown continues, there will be insufficient funds to pay full November SNAP benefits, the office said. On Oct. 24, USDA confirmed its position that effective Nov. 1, it will suspend all November 2025 SNAP allotments. Despite USDAs claim of insufficient funds, the agency has access to billions of dollars in SNAP-specific contingency funds appropriated by Congress for this very purpose, the office alleged. The department has also funded other programs with emergency funds during the shutdown but has refused to fund SNAP, the office added. It is clear the federal government is making a deliberate, illegal, and inhumane choice not to fund the crucial SNAP program, the office said in its statement. New Jersey families are being used as political pawns by the Trump Administration, which is illegally suspending SNAP and the critical assistance it provides to residents who are struggling with food insecurity, Platkin said. This is especially devastating in the month of November, when families are gathering and demands on food banks and pantries are heaviest. The office said the lapse in funding will also put unnecessary strain on state and local governments and community organizations, as families increasingly rely on emergency services and local food pantries that are already struggling to fill a growing nutrition gap. In New Jersey, as of August 2025, SNAP serves about 812,966 individuals, 436,452 households, 340,425 children and 176,706 elderly individuals, according to the statement. The state is also home to nearly 5,700 authorized SNAP retailers. While the federal government funds and sets the monthly amount of SNAP benefits, states are responsible for administering programs in their state, officials said. The 25-state coalition also planned to file a temporary restraining order Tuesday asking the court to immediately reinstate benefits, the office said. Trumps U.S. Department of Agriculture said in September that its plan for a shutdown included using the money to keep SNAP running. But in a memo last week, it said that it couldnt legally use that money for such a purpose. Joining Platkin in filing this lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. The Governors of Kansas, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania have also joined. The Associated Press contributed to this report. A British pro-Palestinian commentator speaking engagement in New Jersey has been canceled after he was detained by ICE, officials said. Sami Hamdi was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Sunday in the domestic terminal of San Francisco International Airport, according to the Council on American-Islamic Relations. He was to be among the featured speakers at Dar-ul-Islah (the Muslim Society of Bergen County) at the mosque in Teaneck, on Wednesday night. In light of recent events, The Syrian Story: Past, Present & Future program at Dar-ul-Islah has been canceled, the organization said Monday. We appreciate your understanding and support. Hamdi had also been slated to speak at a Syria-focused panel at Al Falah Center in Bridgewater on Monday. That event was still held. CAIR blamed conservative commentator Laura Loomer for Hamdis detention, saying ICE acted on her demands after she smeared him with anti-Muslim conspiracy theories. CAIR-NJ also criticized the detainment and called for Hamdis release. Sami Hamdis abduction by ICE is clearly a retaliatory tactic by the Trump administration because he dared to criticize the Israeli governments genocide in Gaza and a blatant affront to free speech, CAIR-NJ said in a statement. CAIR, the nations largest Muslim advocacy organization, also called for Hamdis immediate release. The group said Hamdi, 35, has not been deported and remains in U.S. custody. After being alerted to his past and current statements related to the Middle East, a decision to revoke Hamdis visa was made on Friday, according to the senior U.S. official. The official did not specify what comments. The official also said Hamdi was traveling in the United States on a visitor visa and not under the Visa Waiver Program, which he may have been eligible for as a British citizen. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations, could not speak to why it had taken several days to locate and detain him. Hamdi, a political commentator who often speaks out against Israel and the war in Gaza, is described on his LinkedIn profile as managing director of The International Interest, a risk and intelligence consulting group. It did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin indicated on social media Sunday that Hamdis visa was revoked and he is in ICE custody pending removal. ICE said in a statement that Hamdi entered the U.S. on Oct. 19 on a visitor visa. Hamdi had spoken at the annual CAIR gala in Sacramento, California on Saturday night and was en route to Florida for another speaking engagement. Hamdi is being held at the Golden State Annex, in McFarland, California. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Hudson Yards Concrete Casing Section 3 of the Gateway tunnel projects is under construction in New York in a July photo. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said at press conference at LaGuardia Airport on Oct. 28 that the Gateway Tunnel project is under review and not canceled as President Trump said on Oct. 15. Ed Murray| For NJ Advance Media Without contradicting President Donald Trump, who canceled the $16 billion Gateway rail Tunnel earlier this month, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the tunnel is under review, a process slowed by the federal government shutdown Were in the process of reviewing those projects. The problem is our staff has been furloughed and we have one person doing these reviews, Duffy said at a Tuesday press conference at LaGuardia Airport in Queens. His announcement is the first clarification provided by federal officials since Trumps Oct. 15 statement that Gateway is canceled. Duffys statement comes after last weeks letter from New Jersey congressional delegates demanding the president retract his termination announcement and honor the 2024 funding Gateway agreements. While not mentioning Gateway by name, Trump referred to canceling two Manhattan projects on Oct. 15, championed by Democratic U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York. The move was seen as retribution for Democrats holding up the federal budget to renew tax credits that expire on Nov. 1 for affordable health insurance premiums. Ive talked to local senators whove expressed their concerns, and I said the solution is really easy, open the government, Duffy said. Let my staff come back in, lets do the reviews and if there is compliance, were going to move forward without delay. U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-5th Dist., called on Trump to rescind his statement and get Gateway back on track. As I called for in a letter that I led from the NJ Delegation, the President should come out and officially clarify his statement, say the project is still on, and end the chaos once and for all, Gottheimer said. President Trump has yet to reverse course and continues to threaten Gateway, he said. These are bipartisan investments I helped secure and get signed into law, there should be no delays in keeping the project on track. The cancelation catapulted the ongoing Gateway Project to build a new rail tunnel under the Hudson River into a hot topic in the contentious race for New Jersey governor. The election is Nov. 4. U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, the Democratic nominee, vowed to sue the Trump administration to honor the Gateway commitment on day one. Her Republican opponent, former state Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli said hed work with the Trump administration and the congressional delegation to ensure Gateway funding stays in place. The review Duffy referred to was announced on Oct. 1. A notice from the Federal Transit Administration froze federal reimbursement payments for Gateway and the subway extension while the agency conducts a review to determine if the projects comply with a new rule that was finalized less than 24 hours earlier. That action raised concerns about how long work could continue without reimbursement on five Gateway projects under construction that employs roughly 11,000 workers in New Jersey, New York and in the Hudson River. The interim final rule, which was signed on Sept. 30, bars the consideration of race or gender in contracts awarded under a Disadvantaged Business Enterprises program, which includes businesses owned by people of color and women. The investigation centers on whether the process to award contracts was unconstitutional and discriminatory. Weve telegraphed that we have concerns about how contracts are given to disadvantaged businesses, its unconstitutional to base that solely on race or sex, Duffy said Tuesday. Contracts for the Gateway work underway were awarded in 2023 and 2024. The $16 billion project has Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) goal of awarding 20% of the $6.8 billion full funding grant or $1 billion in contracts to DBE businesses, Gateway officials said. Gateways DBE goals have been suspended pending the FTA review. To ensure we are fully compliant with all Federal rules, the DBE goals are currently suspended until a recertification process takes place by the entities that certify that a business qualifies as a DBE, Gateway officials said. The Oct. 1 federal rule was proposed after a Sept. 23, 2024, decision by a U.S. District Court judge on a case brought in Kentucky. That ruling said the Disadvantaged Business Enterprises programs statutory race-and gender-based presumptions dont comply with the Constitutions promise of equal protection under the law. The court said the government may only use race in a narrowly tailored fashion. Two executive orders issued by Trump followed in January and March address that and other diversity, equity and inclusion requirements in the federal government. Two New Jersey residents wanted in the shooting of a teenager in Paterson last spring were arrested this week in Florida. Darren Salazar, 19, and Janelly Ramos, 20, were arrested Tuesday afternoon Central Florida, according to a spokesperson for the Seminole County Sheriffs Office. Salazar and Ramos were arrested near the intersection of Red Bug Lake Road and Tuskawilla Road in an unincorporated part of Seminole County, the spokesperson said. New Jersey Superior Court records show warrants were issued for the pair on Monday for first-degree attempted murder. Salazar is also charged with three weapons offenses, including fourth-degree possession of a large capacity magazine. According to the Passaic County Prosecutors Office, the shooting occurred shortly before 11 p.m. on May 11 in the area of Madison and Second Avenues. Paterson police officers located the teen victim, who had been shot multiple times but was still alive. He was taken to St. Josephs University Medical Center with injuries not considered life threatening. Jail records show Ramos was arrested Tuesday in Seminole County on the New Jersey warrant and remained held without bond Wednesday at the John E. Polk Correctional Facility. She was due to appear in court at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29. According to WESH 2, Salazar tried to flee from detectives and was struck by an unmarked sheriffs office vehicle. He was taken to an area hospital with injuries not considered life threatening. Republican Jack Ciattarelli, left, and Democrat Mikie Sherrill at final debate in the New Jersey governor's race, where accusations by Sherrill have led to threats of a defamation lawsuit. AP Republican Jack Ciattarellis gubernatorial campaign has threatened to sue Democratic opponent Mikie Sherrill for defamation after she accused him during their final debate of killing tens of thousands of people in connection with the opioid crisis. Ciattarelli, running against Sherrill in next Tuesdays election to become New Jerseys next governor, has still yet to file a civil complaint. But he says he will soon see her in court. The threat of legal action was made a day after the televised remarks at the Oct. 8 debate, when Sherrill accused Ciattarelli of complicity in the nations deadly opioid crisis. She charged that he profited from the opioid epidemic and killed tens of thousands of people as his former publishing company created propaganda for the drug industry. Ciattarelli, a former state Assemblyman, called Sherrills comments a lie, and the next day his campaign said it was expecting to file defamation charges over what some have called an inflammatory and irresponsible allegation specific to his business career. Sherrill later held a news conference, once again suggesting Ciattarelli contributed to the opioid crisis. But the Ciattarelli campaign did not immediately take action because of the states campaign spending rules that limit what any candidate can spend on getting elected. Instead, it first sought guidance from the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission, or ELEC, asking that the money he would spend to sue Sherrill be considered a non-campaign expense, and therefore exempt from those limits. Ciattarellis position is that suing Sherrill for her defamatory claim that he is a mass murderer is not an expenditure in aid of his campaign as it is intended to address his personal and professional reputation and not harm to his campaign, attorneys for the Republican wrote. Further, since Ciattarelli is not seeking to enjoin speech by Sherrill it is not an expenditure in aid of his campaign. On Monday, ELEC finally issued an advisory opinion that found Ciattarelli could indeed use his personal funds in a court proceeding against Sherrill without running afoul of state campaign finance rules. So long as the expenses are not in aid of his gubernatorial candidacy, as described in the request, they will not be subject to the $25,000 contribution limit on personal contributions or the $18.5 million expenditure cap, wrote ELEC officials. Ciattarelli campaign officials did not say when they now intend to go to court. But during an appearance on Fox News Tuesday, Ciattarelli said they plan to move forward. Its a baseless, reckless lie, he said. I just got approval yesterday from the regulators that we can go ahead with our lawsuit immediately, which is what I plan to do. The ELEC opinion did not note that Sherrill could also use her own campaign funds to defend against any such lawsuit as well, legal experts pointed out. State statute specifically says that campaign funds can be used to pay defense of a defamation action for a candidate or officeholder arising directly for the candidates campaign for public office or from activities of the officeholder directly related to the duties of holding public office. But said she might need to file a request for her own advisory opinion from ELEC as to whether such an expense could qualify for a special exemption from the cap on spending, as it is not one of the normal exclusions. What are some of those exclusions? Election night celebrations, according to the statute. Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) is pinning blame on the Democratic Party as families could face disruptions to federal food assistance in November. Officials from 25 states, including New Jersey, and the District of Columbia sued President Donald Trumps administration on Tuesday, arguing against what they described as the unlawful suspension of funding for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits amid the ongoing federal government shutdown. It came as the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced in a memo last week that it will not tap into an approximately $5 billion contingency fund to cover next months benefits for the roughly 42 million Americans who rely on the program, while states that decide to cover the cost will not be reimbursed. The agency argued that contingency funds are not legally available to cover regular benefits while Democratic lawmakers and several advocacy groups claim the agency should use the fund for partial benefits. In a post on X late Tuesday, Fetterman criticized his own party for playing chicken with food security, as the program serves about 1 in 8 U.S. residents. I reject a political gamble that exposes a vulnerable constituency to widespread deprivation and chaos, he added. As a committed Democrat, Im dismayed my party is playing chicken with the food security of 42M Americans. I reject a political gamble that exposes a vulnerable constituency to widespread deprivation and chaos. U.S. Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) October 28, 2025 It wasnt the first time that Fetterman, who has broken ranks with the majority of Democrats on several issues, appeared to take aim at his colleagues and the GOP over SNAP. Last week, Fetterman ripped what he called a failure as the government shutdown entered its second-longest federal funding lapse ever. Im the guy thats going to consistently vote for country over party, he said in a video posted on X, adding at one point, And Im going to continue to fight for the 2 million Pennsylvanians that depend on SNAP to feed themselves. Meanwhile, the Agriculture Department has accused Democrats of voting a dozen times to not fund the food stamp program. Bottom line, the well has run dry, an alert on the official website reads. At this time, there will be no benefits issued November 01. Although Republicans have majorities in both chambers of Congress, they need some Senate Democrats to support their House-passed continuing resolution that will temporarily fund the government until Nov. 21. Democrats, however, have put up a unified front, attempting to push through their own measure that centers on extending Obamacare subsidies that are set to expire by the end of the year. The shutdown may not only threaten SNAP recipients, but also the benefits for nearly 7 million Americans who utilize the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), which provides foods, breastfeeding support, nutrition education and referrals to other services, according to its website. BEIJING, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Wednesday that China stands ready to work with Algeria to carry forward the traditional friendship and promote mutually beneficial cooperation for more achievements in bilateral ties. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a phone conversation with Ahmed Attaf, Algeria's minister of state and minister of foreign affairs. Noting that China and Algeria share a profound traditional friendship, Wang said the two countries have built an all-dimensional framework of cooperation and established a comprehensive strategic partnership. Under the guidance of Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Algerian counterpart, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, the bilateral relationship has achieved steady and sound development, Wang said. China is willing to work with Algeria to follow through on the consensus reached by the two heads of state, and support each other's core interests, so as to strive for more achievements in the bilateral relations, he added. The second China-Arab States Summit will be hosted in China next year, which, Wang said, will be another milestone event in the history of China-Arab relations. Noting that Algeria is a major country with significant influence in the Arab world, Wang said China stands ready to maintain communication with Algeria to jointly contribute to the success of the summit. For his part, Attaf said that China is an important trading and investment partner of Algeria. Under the guidance of the two heads of state, Algeria-China relations have maintained strong momentum, effectively promoting Algeria's national development, he added. As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, China has maintained an objective and impartial position in international affairs, which the Algerian side highly appreciates, said Attaf, noting that Algeria is willing to work with China to continuously enhance their traditional friendship, deepen practical cooperation, and elevate the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries to a higher level. Algeria supports China in hosting the second China-Arab States Summit, which will inject new impetus into relations between Arab countries and China, he added. Attaf also briefed on Algeria's position on the Western Sahara issue. Wang said that China's position on the Western Sahara issue is consistent. A political solution is the fundamental way out, and the United Nations is the main channel, he noted, adding that relevant UN Security Council resolutions are an important basis, and dialogue and negotiation are the right approach. Wang expressed the hope that relevant parties will fully communicate and reach a solution acceptable to all on the basis of fairness. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) spoke with NBC News about her increasing split from the Republican Party. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart and Manuel Balce Ceneta) Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) became the latest GOP official to scold Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) for breaking ranks with her colleagues. Greene on Wednesday condemned the Israeli strikes in Gaza that reportedly killed at least 104 people, including 46 children. Are these not war crimes? Greene wrote in a post on X. Israels military said Wednesday that the ceasefire was back on in Gaza after it killed 104 people, including 46 children, according to local health officials. 46 CHILDREN!!! Are these not war crimes? https://t.co/dAzF57w4SF Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (@RepMTG) October 29, 2025 Appearing this morning on CNBC, Cruz took issue with Greenes war crimes claim and said Americans shouldnt spend much time worrying about what Marjorie is saying. What Ive found is that whenever an elected official decides that they are going to turn on Israel and hate Israel, you will very quickly see every other policy out of their mouth become very, very liberal, Cruz said. And so suddenly Marjorie is for massive government spending and taxes, and shes for open borders and amnesty. That is not where the American people are. Greene, who rose to prominence as a combative MAGA loyalist, has recently drawn the ire of several notable Republican officials after she broke from the GOP platform on several notable issues. The three-term Georgia congresswoman was one of four Republicans to sign a House discharge petition in September to release federal files from the Jeffrey Epstein case, and she has called the humanitarian crisis in Gaza a genocide while denouncing Israels military actions. Greene has also formed a surprising alliance with Democrats during the ongoing government shutdown as they push to include an extension of expiring Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits in a new funding bill. I said I have no respect for the House not being in session passing our bills and the Presidents executive orders, Greene wrote Tuesday in a post on X. And I demanded to know from Speaker (Mike) Johnson what the Republican plan for health care is. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) had previously dismissed Greenes criticisms of the GOPs approach to health care reform. Well, bless her heart, Johnson said Oct. 23. We have been working on this for a long time. We worked on it today. Weve been working on it every day. Marjorie is not here in Washington. Shes not on the committees of jurisdiction, and shes not involved in those specific discussions. Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) also urged Greene to tone back her criticism, asking her to propose solutions rather than just critique fellow Republicans. Shes certainly able to write a bill herself, Moreno said Tuesday on CNN. Like, if this is something shes passionate about, put pen to paper, write a bill, present an option. Dont just criticize what other people are doing. Former New Jersey Gov. Jim McGreevey speaks to trainees at the New Jersey Reentry Training Center in Kearny on Oct. 21, 2025. Ian Peters | For NJ Advance Media Former Gov. Jim McGreevey continues to have a large fundraising advantage as he stages a political comeback in the crowded race for mayor of Jersey City. McGreevey reported raising $4.997 million through Oct. 21 via two campaign committees one for himself, the other including his slate of candidates, according to records filed with the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission. Seven candidates are running to succeed Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, who did not seek a fourth term and lost in the Democratic primary for governor. McGreevey has a nearly 2-to-1 edge over his closest fundraising rival, Jersey City Councilman James Solomon. Solomon represents the citys Ward E and reported raising $2.557 million via two campaign committees one for himself and the other that includes his slate of candidates. Election Day is Tuesday but might not serve as the final word of who will win the crowded mayors race. The top vote-getter in individual races in Jersey City must receive more than 50% of the vote or face a Dec. 2 runoff election with the second-place finisher. Seton Hall University associate professor of political science Matthew Hale said there is zero chance any of the mayoral candidates will get 50% of the vote and win outright next week. I can do math, Hale said, citing the large field. Jersey City Councilman James Solomon standing near City Hall in September 2024 in Jersey City, New Jersey. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal McGreevey became New Jerseys governor in January 2002. He stepped down in 2004 after announcing he is a gay American and admitting to having an adulterous affair with a man he put on the state payroll as a Homeland Security adviser. He is running for mayor of Jersey City more than two decades after the scandal. McGreevey listed $2,560,273 in total receipts via Jim McGreevey for Mayor and $2,437,235 via Team McGreevey Jersey City 2025, according to the campaign finance reports. Fulop, by comparison, had raised $1.653 million in his individual campaign account at the same point in the race four years ago. In 2021, Fulop defeated his lone opponent, Lewis Spears, with 67% of the vote. McGreeveys recent donors include Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo, who contributed $2,500 from his campaign account on Oct. 20, according to the filings. Former two-term Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healey, defeated by Fulop in the 2013 Democratic primary, donated $5,500 to McGreeveys campaign, including $1,000 on Oct. 20. McGreevey has been criticized by other candidates for mayor for accepting donations from Charles Kushner, a prominent Jersey City developer whose son, Jared, is President Donald Trumps son-in-law. Kushner is currently the U.S. ambassador to France. He previously went to prison in 2005 for tax evasion, illegal campaign contributions and witness tampering after becoming McGreeveys biggest donor. Asked earlier this month about his fundraising, McGreevey stuck to his campaign message. I am focused on listening to residents and delivering real results: safer streets, affordable housing, and better schools. Jersey City deserves a mayor who works for everyone, McGreevey told NJ Advance Media. The mayoral candidates, listed in the order they will appear on the ballot, are: Jersey City Council President Joyce Watterman Former Jersey City school board president Mussab Ali Resident Kalki Jayne-Rose Former Gov. Jim McGreevey Hudson County Commissioner Bill ODea Jersey City Councilman James Solomon Jersey City Police Officer Christina Freeman Friday was the filing deadline for submitting 11-day pre-election reports to the state commission that oversees campaign financing in New Jersey. The reports include fundraising and expenses through Oct. 21. Solomons campaign manager said he is gaining momentum, citing recent endorsements from the Hotel & Gaming Trades Council and Working Families Party. His Solomon for JC campaign includes a $2,500 donation on Oct. 15 from from the New Jersey Working Families political action committee, according to the filings. With over 1,600 Jersey City donors, James has built a true grassroots campaign thats going door to door in every community, talking about how he will make Jersey City more affordable, Solomon campaign manager Stuart Thomas said earlier this month. Jersey City Council President Joyce Watterman speaking at an event in 2024 in Jersey City, New Jersey. Michael Dempsey | The Jersey Journal All nine Jersey City council seats three representing the entire city, and one in each of the citys six neighborhood wards are up for grabs. There are 45 candidates running for those seats, according to the city clerks office. Nearly all of the city council candidates are running on slates with one of five mayoral candidates. Jayne-Rose and Freeman are not aligned with any council candidates. The large field of candidates in New Jerseys second-largest city is drawing plenty of interest from donors, compounded by McGreevey pursuing a comeback 21 years after resigning as governor. Money is the most important thing in politics, no matter if youre running for dogcatcher or president. The more money you have, the more likely you are to win, Hale said. Watterman had raised $360,000 through Oct. 3, the timeframe for the 29-day pre-election reports. Her updated form had not yet appeared online as of Tuesday morning. Watterman, along with Freeman, would be the first woman elected mayor of Jersey City if either wins the election. Our campaign since its conception has been operating while fundraising. So this means when we receive money we arent holding any of it. Every penny of this campaign is used to amplify our team, a Watterman campaign spokesperson said earlier this month. We have had to push pass all of the gender and racial biases to raise money. No one would have thought we could even raise upward of $300k but we did. Where we have been out raised we have never been out worked. No campaign has worked as hard as Team Joyce. This is our moment and Joyce will continue to work hard for Jersey City, the campaign spokesperson said in a statement. Former Jersey City school board president Mussab Ali speaking at a 2022 event at Liberty House Restaurant in Jersey City, New Jersey. Ali has raised $860,395 via his two campaign committees as of Oct. 21. He would be the citys first Muslim mayor if he wins. This campaign has always been about putting power back in the hands of Jersey City residents. Were proving that a grassroots campaign supported by people from every corner of our city can go toe-to-toe with the political machines that have dominated local politics for too long, Ali said. ODea is the third candidate to have raised at least $1 million. His two campaign committees had reported more than $1.4 million, including $869,341 from his William ODea for Mayor campaign through Oct. 21. Bill ODea is running a true grassroots campaign powered by hundreds of volunteers who are working tirelessly to connect with voters and spread our message of how Bill is the only candidate with the experience and vision to make Jersey City more affordable, said his campaign manager, Philip Swibinsk. Hudson County Commissioner Bill O'Dea holding a discussion in January 2024 in Jersey City, New Jersey. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal Freeman had raised $5,235 as of Oct. 21, according to her filing. She did not immediately respond to a request for comment. There was no campaign fundraising filing listed for Jayne-Rose. Elections in Jersey City are nonpartisan, meaning political parties play no official role. The mayor serves a four-year term. Fulop has been mayor of Jersey City since July 2013. He opted not to seek a fourth term as Jersey City mayor when he unsuccessfully sought the Democratic nomination for governor in June. Jersey City spans 21 square miles and has approximately 300,000 residents. The city had 175,246 registered voters as of Aug. 21. President Donald Trump mocked his predecessor Tuesday while speaking to U.S. troops gathered aboard the USS George Washington in Japan. During a disjointed address that lasted nearly an hour, Trump went from hailing a new trade agreement with Japan and praising service members to reviving his old attacks on former President Joe Biden. I actually had a brother who used to be a pilot. And see, Biden used to say he was a pilot, Trump said Tuesday, repeating a false claim hes made several times. He was a pilot, he was a truck driver, whatever, whoever walked in. He wasnt a pilot. He wasnt much of a president either, to be honest with you. That I can tell you. That we all know. There is no record of Biden ever saying he was a pilot, a debunked claim that Trump also made during his 2024 presidential campaign. Biden had, however, previously lied about driving an 18-wheeler, a fabrication he repeated during public events in 2021 and 2024, according to CNN. Trump has continued taking swipes at the 46th president throughout his second term, including hanging a framed photo of an autopen in lieu of Bidens headshot in the new Presidential Walk of Fame outside the West Wing of the White House. Biden has occasionally fired back at Trump during public events. Friends, I cant sugarcoat any of this. These are dark days, Biden said last Sunday after receiving a lifetime achievement award from the Kennedy Institute in Boston. I still believe we will emerge as we always have: stronger, wiser, more resilient, more just, so long as we keep the faith, remember who in Gods name we are, Biden added. The Trump Org. family raked in more than $800 million from sales of crypto assets in the first half of 2025. AP Photo: Evan Vucci Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) stood by the president as the Trump Organization faces questions over the sources of its recent cryptocurrency windfall. During a Tuesday appearance on CNNs The Lead with Jake Tapper, Comer praised President Donald Trump for his transparency after a Reuters examination revealed his familys business empire collected more than $800 million from sales of crypto assets in the first half of 2025. Were reading about this, were trying to digest it, Comer told Tapper. The difference between the way the Trump family is operating and the Biden family is, theyre admitting theyre doing this. In 2023, Comer, the chair of the House Oversight Committee, launched an investigation into then-President Joe Biden over his familys alleged foreign influence peddling scheme. The committee presented bank records showing that during and after Joe Bidens vice presidency, Hunter Biden and several of his associates earned about $23 million through financial arrangements in Ukraine, China, Romania, and other countries. The records did not show that any of the payments went to Joe Biden, who later pardoned Hunter for separate federal charges of tax evasion and illegal firearm purchase. Now, its Trump who is facing similar scrutiny over his familys business deals. The Trump Organization has seen a dramatic surge in earnings this year. According to a Reuters analysis of official financial records, the Trump Organizations revenue soared to $864 million in the first half of 2025 from $51 million in all of 2024. Roughly $802 million (92.8%) of the organizations revenues came from its crypto ventures, including sales of its World Liberty tokens. Prior to taking office on Jan. 20, 2025, Trump transferred control of his sprawling business empire to his sons Donald Jr. and Eric. Despite the presidents divestment, legal experts and White House critics have raised concerns about foreign investors purchasing hundreds of millions in Trump Organization crypto assets. These people are not pouring money into coffers of the Trump family business because of the brothers acumen, Washington University law professor Kathleen Clark told Reuters. They are doing it because they want freedom from legal constraints and impunity that only the president can deliver. Ron Filipowski, an ardent Trump critic and editor-in-chief of MeidasTouch.com, called Comers comments disgusting. Blatant corruption at the highest level in plain sight and Oversight Chair Comer Pyle morphs into a combination of Mr. Magoo and Sgt. Schultz, Filipowski wrote in a post on X. Former NBCUniversal executive Mike Sington also criticized Comers defense in a post on X: Comer says the head-spinning amount of money that Trump and his family have made this year off of cryptocurrency is okay because theyre doing it out in the open. Comer said he does share some ethical concerns, but that Trump campaigned as a business guy. Im not defending the policy, Comer said Tuesday on CNN. I think there needs to be ethics reforms. ... As long as you disclose your income and disclose the sources, I think thats acceptable. Comer added that a lot of people are concerned, especially since the crypto industry isnt regulated. But my position is, as long as the president is disclosing this and theyre filling out disclosures and theyre answering questions," Comer said. He (Trump) answers questions about it. If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. Add luxurious loungewear to the rotation with a new limited-time collection with Loews Hotel. 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A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low 11F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. BEIJING, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Various events have been held to mark the restoration of Taiwan to China in 1945 since the country designated Oct. 25 as the Commemoration Day of Taiwan's Restoration. On the very day 80 years ago, a historic ceremony to accept Japan's surrender in the Taiwan Province of the China war theater of the Allied powers was held in the city of Taipei. From then on, Taiwan and the Penghu Islands returned to China's sovereign jurisdiction. On Oct. 25, a high-level meeting commemorating the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's restoration to China was held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, which was joined by representatives of Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao compatriots as well as overseas Chinese. The commemorative meeting was held one day after the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress designated Oct. 25 as the Commemoration Day of Taiwan's Restoration. "As a Chinese born and raised in Taiwan, I feel deeply moved to attend the commemorative meeting," said Wu Jung-yuan, chairman of the Taiwan-based Labor Party, while delivering his remarks at the meeting. Wu called for joint efforts to achieve the mission of reunification across the Taiwan Strait on the remarkable journey toward the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. On the same day, an exhibition showcasing the Taiwan people's resistance efforts against Japanese aggression opened at the Museum of the War of the Chinese People's Resistance against Japanese Aggression in Beijing. Featuring 387 old photographs and 453 historic items, the exhibition is reminiscent of Taiwan compatriots' endeavor to preserve national integrity during their arduous fights against Japanese aggressors. The launch of the exhibition on the first state-designated Commemoration Day of Taiwan's Restoration is to remember history and pay tribute to fallen heroes, said Li Zhidong, deputy curator of the museum. "Compatriots on both sides of the Strait share a close bond and will jointly create a brighter future." Other regions across the mainland also held a variety of events to mark the special day. At the Shanghai History Museum, an exhibition was held to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's restoration to China, featuring historical materials highlighting the resistance of Taiwan compatriots against Japanese occupation. In Shantou, south China's Guangdong Province, Taiwan compatriots paid visits to a local memorial hall for the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, drawing inspiration from wartime relics and stories of resistance by overseas Chinese. In Yong'an, east China's Fujian Province, 80 runners from both sides of the Taiwan Strait gathered to form the number "80" and sang "Descendants of the Dragon" in unison, mirroring a simultaneous event in Taiwan's Yilan. Chiu Ching-ling was among the mainland-based Taiwan compatriots who paid tribute on the Commemoration Day of Taiwan's Restoration. He traveled from Shanghai to Huai'an in Jiangsu Province to visit a memorial park dedicated to a heroic company of the New Fourth Army, an anti-Japanese force led by the Communist Party of China. Chiu noted that since the Democratic Progressive Party came to power, content related to Taiwan's restoration has been downplayed. He said the establishment of the commemoration day can help more young people in Taiwan remember and promote the shared history of resistance across the Strait, while further strengthening Taiwan compatriots' sense of identity and patriotic enthusiasm. In Taipei, on the morning of Oct. 25, Taiwan's Reunification Alliance Party, Labor Party and other organizations kicked off an event to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's restoration to China. In the afternoon, another commemoration event was held at the Taipei Zhongshan Hall, where the ceremony to accept Japan's surrender was held eight decades ago. In Taichung, a commemorative concert was held to honor the older generations in Taiwan who steadfastly resisted Japanese colonial rule. Events marking the commemoration day attracted widespread attention from the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macao. Ko Chung Kit, vice chairman of the Y. Elites Association based in Hong Kong, said the establishment of the commemoration day is meant to ensure that this glorious history is deeply engraved in the hearts of every Chinese, adding that the reunification of the Chinese nation is the prevailing trend and the shared aspiration of the people. "The establishment of the Commemoration Day of Taiwan's Restoration allows us to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of safeguarding national sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity," said Lao Ngai Leong, head of the Macao branch of the China Council for the Promotion of Peaceful National Reunification. NW China's Qinghai supplies cool-season vegetables nationwide People's Daily Online) 14:19, October 29, 2025 In mid-October, farmers were busy harvesting vegetables in the fields of Huzhu Tu Autonomous County, Haidong city, northwest China's Qinghai Province. From May to October each year, a variety of cool-season vegetables are shipped from Xining, capital of Qinghai Province, and Haidong to reach markets across the country within just two days. By leveraging its unique natural conditions, Qinghai has turned cool-season vegetables into a signature of its agricultural development. "We've processed and sold about 3,000 tonnes of vegetables like broccoli, with an output value of around 4 million yuan (about $563,000), and there are still some crops left to harvest," said Xiang Chenggui, head of a farmers' cooperative in the county. Broccoli, a cool-season crop, grows best at temperatures between 15 and 22 degrees Celsius. According to Xiang, the broccoli produced by the cooperative is organically grown, resulting in excellent quality and high popularity among buyers. Sitting at an average elevation of more than 2,600 meters and boasting abundant sunshine, large temperature differences between day and night, and cool summers, the county provides ideal conditions for growing cool-season vegetables, said Li Youquan, deputy director of the vegetable office of the county. In recent days, vegetable dealers from places such as Shanghai, Guangdong and Hong Kong have flocked to the county to make purchases. To help them choose, staff members from the county's vegetable office set up canopies and hotpot tables right in the fields, inviting buyers to pick fresh produce and enjoy it on the spot. Impressed by the freshness and flavor, many buyers placed orders immediately. Similar scenes can be seen in many other places in the province, including Huangzhong district of Xining. "Huangzhong district began developing a 'vegetable basket' as early as 2010," said Hu Jiankun, director of the vegetable office of Huangzhong district. Over the past 15 years, cool-season vegetable farming in the district has progressed from open-field cultivation to greenhouses and is now transitioning to facility agriculture. What started as small plots of just a few mu (1 mu equals about 0.067 hectares) has grown into cooperative operations spanning more than 1,000 mu. The industry has expanded from mainly supplying local markets to reaching consumers nationwide. Huangzhong district offers a glimpse into Qinghai's thriving cool-season vegetable industry. Last year, the province's total cool-season vegetable planting area reached about 660,000 mu, producing around 1.58 million tonnes of vegetables, with 700,000 tonnes sold outside Qinghai. In recent years, a team led by Zhong Qiwen, president of the Qinghai Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, has independently developed 28 new plateau vegetable varieties and introduced more than 50 varieties bred by experts in the vegetable industry. Qinghai's cool-season vegetables are not only popular across China but are also gaining traction in international markets. To date, Haidong city has established 29 export-oriented vegetable bases certified by customs, accounting for 54.3 percent of the province's total vegetable exports. "This year, we expect Haidong's exports of specialty agricultural products to reach 10,000 tonnes. In the first half of the year, Ledu district of the city exported more than 4,200 tonnes of vegetables worth $1.28 million, selling color peppers to Russia and potatoes to Kyrgyzstan," said Chen Dong, deputy director of the bureau of agriculture and rural affairs of Haidong. The booming plateau cool-season vegetable industry has become a powerful driving force for rural prosperity. According to Zhu Anxiang, director of the vegetable technology service center in Huzhu Tu Autonomous County, the county produces 170,000 tonnes of vegetables annually, of which 130,000 tonnes are sold outside Qinghai. The total output value of the local vegetable industry exceeds 760 million yuan and over 20,000 farming households are engaged in the industry. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun) BEIJING, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- China is doubling down on technological innovation to fuel its high-quality development in the next five-year period. This transition is poised to generate significant positive spillovers for global prosperity. In contrast to the narrative of those who doubted China's sustained growth, some Western voices now concede its momentum but claim its tech surge is "crowding out" their own countries' room to expand. They identify China's massive potential but arrive at wrong conclusions about its global implications. The Communist Party of China concluded a pivotal meeting last week, approving recommendations for the country's 15th Five-Year Plan, a roadmap that will steer national development through 2030. The document reaffirmed the resolve to promote high-standard opening up and create new horizons for mutually beneficial cooperation. A scenario that occurred in a remote Thai nursing home last June, when a woman in Rayong held a flawless video consultation with experts 160 kilometers away, serves as a powerful illustration of such cooperation. This connection, enabled by a satellite network deployed through a partnership between a Chinese aerospace firm and a Thai university, is just one example of how the rise of China's tech industry is set to introduce transformative solutions worldwide. Also in September, the China-ASEAN AI constellation project was kicked off to serve Southeast Asia in the fields of agriculture, logistics and disaster mitigation, via China's under-construction AI-driven satellite network. These examples of progress reveal what Chinese tech firms and engineers have long understood -- namely that massive, unmet digital demand is a global phenomenon, prevalent in the Global South and even the developed world. Notably, the global presence of Chinese technology involves not mere vendor-client relationships. Instead, this presence is about laying the foundation for a more equitable future in digital commerce, education and governance. By narrowing the connectivity gap, China's burgeoning technology sectors are expanding industrial chains and creating jobs in long-neglected regions in the world, which will benefit global businesses. China's contribution to global green transition is also impressive. Europe's ambitious goals to increase renewable energy adoption have catalyzed investments from major Chinese battery and automotive giants, who have established operations in Germany, France and Hungary. This local presence, fostered through production and technical collaboration, is speeding Europe's home-grown advances in battery technology -- spinning off fresh innovations and creating more jobs across the value chain. Swiss giant ABB has teamed up with a local Chinese partner to build a green microgrid at an industrial park in the city of Xiamen in east China's Fujian Province. As a flagship China-Europe energy-cooperation initiative, this project is now poised to accelerate the roll-out of smart-energy, virtual-power-plant and carbon-management solutions across Europe. Political interference in normal business operations, as seen in the recent case of semiconductor manufacturer Nexperia, will only disrupt the industrial chain and trigger market disorder. In an open ecosystem free from geopolitical disruptions, sci-tech flows will benefit everyone. The world economy is not a fixed pie to be divided, but a flexible system where innovation can expand options for all. Also, China is investing in large-scale projects in cutting-edge scientific research, with a strong emphasis on international collaboration. Key areas of cooperation include astronomy, lunar exploration, climate change, deep-sea research and life sciences. The choice is obvious. Western nations could choose to embrace the stronger China as their partner. In doing so, they will find that unnecessary anxieties will dissolve in an ocean of boundless opportunities for all. A Barnstaple Triumph owner drove the entire length of the UK and into the teeth of Storm Amy as he and his classic car took part in an iconic motoring endurance event for the 24th time. Tim Hunt, his co-driver Mike Hockaday and Tims trusty 1966 Triumph TR4A were taking part in the Club Triumph Round Britain Reliability Run, which sees the cars and their crews cover almost 2,000 miles in just 48 hours. The charity event for Triumph cars only is held every other year and this year has so far raised more than 100,000 for Parkinsons UK. It has already raised some 900,000 for good causes since the charity element was introduced for the 1990 run. READ NEXT: Gallery: North Devon Festival of Transport is a roaring success A total of 87 Triumphs set off from Knebworth Park in Hertfordshire at 6pm on October 3, travelling to the northernmost point of the UK mainland at John o Groats before turning around and driving to Lands End in Cornwall and then finishing back at Knebworth. Above: Tim, Mike and the TR4A at a very windy John o Groats. Credit: Tim Hunt This year, Storm Amy decided to join the party and drivers were faced with fallen trees, diversions, heavy rain and gale force winds in places, but 75 out of the 87 entrants all completed the route. Above: Triumphs and their crews at the Round Britain Reliability Run start at Knebworth Park in Hertfordshire. Credit: Tim Hunt Tim, who is also chairman of Club Triumph, has taken part in 24 of the 29 Round Britain Reliability Runs to date and has completed it on 22 occasions. He said Amy had certainly added an extra challenge to this years run: It was blowing a gale at John o Groats and I dared not open the bonnet to check the oil there for fear it would be wrenched from its hinges! The organisers set up a WhatsApp group and sent regular helpful messages to crews advising us of road conditions, fallen trees and diversions ahead. The planned return route from Inverness to Stirling became impossible when electrical cables were brought down on the A82 between Invergarry and Spean Bridge so we had to take the A9 as the only alternative. Above: Storm Amy did her best to disrupt proceedings, with run participants facing fallen trees, such as this one pictured near Glasgow. Credit: Tim Hunt Ironically, two years ago during the event they encountered Storm Babet too. Below: Heavy rain batters the Triumph TR4A crew on the A9 in the Scottish Highlands. Credit: Tim Hunt Club Triumph is a volunteer-run club for any owners and enthusiasts interested in the running, restoration and preservation of all Triumph cars. It is recognised by Motorsport UK. The RBRR event started in 1966 and in early days saw the Triumph factory enter new models to take part, as a stern test of their reliability. The oldest car taking part in the 2025 instalment was a 1936 Triumph Southern Cross, crewed by two men from Belgium, whose 90-year-old vehicle completed the rally in fine style. The youngest cars were two 42-year-old Triumph Acclaims. Above: The 1936 Triumph Southern Cross, pictured here on the A39 in Cornwall, was the oldest vehicle to take part in the RBRR 2025. Credit: Julian Stephens Tim added: My Triumph TR4A was built on October 17, 1966, so has just had its 59th birthday. It was bought by my father in September 1970 as a retirement present to himself. This year was my 22nd successful completion of the RBRR in the same car, more than any other in the club. It never missed a beat all weekend, despite the appalling weather and developed no squeaks or rattles. It returned 35.1mpg over four days and 2,610 miles door to door from my Barnstaple home. It just gets better with age, like a fine Bordeaux. Above: Crews stop at a service station control point on the run. Credit: Tim Hunt Tims TR4A has been around the clock twice and he says is approaching 200,000 miles, although the engine has been rebuilt in the past and most of the mileage these days is for club events. He said: All being well it will be our 30th run in October 2027 and as things stand I hope to take part again. The marshals are all volunteers and club members and they turn out at such unsociable hours to greet us, they are the real stars of the show. If you would like to donate to Parkinsons UK in recognition of Tim and Mike completing this years challenge, please go to https://www.justgiving.com/page/tim-hunt-6 Anyone who wants to find out more about Club Triumph can do so at https://www.clubtriumph.co.uk MANILA, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- The Green Climate Fund (GCF) on Wednesday approved 250 million U.S. dollars for Glaciers to Farms - a flagship adaptation program led by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to build resilient water and agriculture systems for vulnerable communities in glacier-dependent regions of Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and Pakistan, the multilateral development bank said. According to the ADB, GCF's funding will be provided mostly as grants and invested alongside 3.25 billion dollars from the ADB over the next decade in a series of projects identified by the countries covered by the program. By investing in efficient irrigation, water storage, and watershed management, the ADB said the projects will help improve agricultural productivity even as accelerated glacial melt increases the frequency of droughts or floods. The program will focus on four glacier-fed river basins - the Naryn and Pyanj in Central Asia, the Kura in the South Caucasus, and the Swat in Pakistan-covering roughly 27 million hectares. About 13 million people, including farmers and vulnerable populations in fragile mountain regions, will benefit directly from the program. It will support climate and glacier assessments that will inform national development plans and investment pipelines. NAIROBI, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Inside the expansive halls hosting the 2025 Africa International Agricultural Expo, which runs from Tuesday to Friday in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, Hezekiah Kiprop was among the thousands of visitors exploring the latest innovations emerging in the agricultural sector. Kiprop, a 48-year-old dairy farmer, was looking for affordable forage-cutting machines for his herd in Trans Nzoia, western Kenya. He found what he was looking for at the booth of China's Hunan Dongfanghong Electromechanical Manufacturing Company, which showcased a wide variety of agricultural machinery suited for small-scale farmers. "Technology from China can help me find an affordable solution to feed my livestock," he said. He Nanhui, manager of the Chinese company, said his enterprise has developed machinery priced as low as 100 U.S. dollars to help African farmers increase their harvests. Through extensive research, he said, they have developed a diverse range of electric and diesel-powered machines capable of cutting various kinds of plant materials, including grass, millet and corn, to meet the needs of feeding animals. Mary Khaemba, an agrovet dealer in Nakuru County in west-central Kenya, praised the water-saving irrigation systems displayed by Dayu Irrigation Group, a leading Chinese irrigation enterprise dedicated to advancing agricultural efficiency through innovative solutions. According to Khaemba, erratic climate conditions in Kenya have forced farmers to reduce dependence on rainfall-based agriculture and embrace drip irrigation methods, which can apply water in small but continuous amounts directly to plant roots, cutting the amount of water needed to nourish crops. For his part, Allan Edumbe, a budding entrepreneur in the horticulture sector, said that he has already reached out to representatives from an agricultural greenhouse technology company based in China's Hunan Province to acquire modern greenhouses for his agribusiness venture. Edumbe said Chinese technology provides high-quality greenhouses that offer superior ventilation and enhanced temperature and humidity control for flowers, maintaining a protected environment that shields plants from harsh weather and ensures optimal growth conditions. The expo, under the theme "Increasing Agricultural Productivity in Africa through Innovation and Market Access," has brought together over 150 exhibitors, including 100 from China, representing a milestone that underscores Kenya's growing role as a regional hub for agribusiness and innovation. Tito Mutai, chief executive officer of Agri-Africa Exhibition, one of the organizers of the expo, attributed the popularity of Chinese agricultural machinery in Kenya to its affordability as well as its design suited to meet Africa's needs. During the expo, five agreements were signed between Chinese and Kenyan entities to boost investment and trade in the agricultural field between the two countries, Mutai said. Across the country, wildfire fighters work for weeks at a time in poisonous smoke. Across the country, wildfire fighters work for weeks at a time in poisonous smoke. The government says they are protected. The government says they are protected. We tested the air at one fire to find out why they are still dying. We tested the air at one fire to find out why they are still dying. Across the country, wildfire fighters work for weeks at a time in poisonous smoke. Across the country, wildfire fighters work for weeks at a time in poisonous smoke. The government says they are protected. The government says they are protected. We tested the air at one fire to find out why they are still dying. We tested the air at one fire to find out why they are still dying. Its July and the Green fire is tearing through Northern California. An elite federal firefighting crew called the La Grande Hotshots has been sent to help. The 24-person crew has been working for days on the front lines, where invisible toxins hide in the thick haze. More than 1,000 firefighters are on the fire. Several crews, including the La Grande Hotshots, are trying to contain the flames by building a trench of bare earth that will stretch from a road to a river bank. Theyre doing this at night, in hopes that the cooler air will tamp down the smoke. The crew knows that theyre risking their health. The La Grande hotshots on assignment this summer. La Grande Hotshots One longtime member died last year after being diagnosed at 40 with brain cancer. A former crew leader is being treated for both leukemia and lymphoma diagnosed in his 40s. Another colleague was recently told that he has the lungs of a lifelong chain-smoker. Wildfire fighters nationwide are getting sick and dying at young ages, The New York Times has reported. The federal government acknowledges that the job is linked to lung disease, heart damage and more than a dozen kinds of cancer. Casey Budlong, a La Grande Hotshot, died of cancer in 2024 after fighting fires for two decades. He left behind an 8-year-old son. Katy Budlong But the U.S. Forest Service, which employs thousands of firefighters, has for decades ignored recommendations from its own scientists to monitor the conditions at the fire line and limit shifts when the air becomes unsafe. To find out how harmful the air gets on an average-size wildfire, Times reporters brought sensors to the Green fire this summer. We tracked levels of some of the most lethal particles in the air, called PM2.5, which are so tiny that they can enter the bloodstream and cause lasting damage. Readings above 225.5 micrograms per cubic meter are considered hazardous. On the fire line, levels regularly exceeded 500. The fire began on July 1 after a lightning storm passed over the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. The fire began on July 1 after a lightning storm passed over the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. By July 16, much of the area was shrouded in smoke. By July 16, much of the area was shrouded in smoke. That afternoon, a bulldozer carved a containment line that firefighters would expand by carefully burning a wide swath around it, depriving the flames of more fuel. That afternoon, a bulldozer carved a containment line that firefighters would expand by carefully burning a wide swath around it, depriving the flames of more fuel. Forest Service crews had to hike up a ridge to get to the line. Visibility was good, and the air didnt smell smoky. But our monitors showed readings well into hazardous levels. Forest Service crews had to hike up a ridge to get to the line. Visibility was good, and the air didnt smell smoky. But our monitors showed readings well into hazardous levels. Around 6 p.m., the La Grande Hotshots started their shift and set off toward the fire line. Capt. Nick Schramm, a crew leader, assumed the air was reasonably safe. He has done this work for nearly two decades, and like most firefighters, he often has coughing fits after long shifts. But he believes that exposure to hazardous air is unavoidable. Thats just the harsh truth, he said later. As climate change makes fire seasons worse, several states have tried to shield outdoor workers from wildfire smoke, which can contain poisons like arsenic, benzene and lead. California now requires employers to monitor air quality during fires, and to provide breaks and masks when the air turns unhealthy. But these rules dont apply on the wildfires themselves, because state agencies and private companies successfully argued that those constraints would get in the way of fighting fires. Until recently, federal firefighters werent even allowed to wear masks on the job. Masks are now provided, but they are still banned during the most arduous work, closest to the fire. The Forest Service says face coverings could cause heatstroke, though wildland firefighters in other countries regularly use masks without this problem. 9:48 PM As crews descended the ridge toward the fire line, the levels of toxic particles nearly doubled. As crews descended the ridge toward the fire line, the levels of toxic particles nearly doubled. Firefighters say that during their shifts they worry more about immediate dangers falling trees, burns, sharp tools than about smoke exposure. As the La Grande crew hiked down the steep terrain, Lily Barnes, a squad leader, concentrated on keeping her footing. Back home in the off-season, she sometimes wonders what the smoke is doing to her body, she said in an interview. Maybe Ill realize one day I shouldnt have been doing this work. On the fire line, the La Grande crew waited for conditions to be right to burn away vegetation. Around midnight, they filled their torches with fuel. On the fire line, the La Grande crew waited for conditions to be right to burn away vegetation. Around midnight, they filled their torches with fuel. They coordinated with other crews up and down the line, timing the operation so that smoke might blow away from them. But once the work began, levels of harmful particles spiked. They coordinated with other crews up and down the line, timing the operation so that smoke might blow away from them. But once the work began, levels of harmful particles spiked. Many firefighters believe that if they can sidestep visible plumes of smoke, they will be in somewhat safer air. But our readings showed that it was just as hazardous. Many firefighters believe that if they can sidestep visible plumes of smoke, they will be in somewhat safer air. But our readings showed that it was just as hazardous. The handbook issued to Forest Service crews has 10 words of guidance for smoke exposure on the fire line: If needed, rotate resources in and out of smoky areas. The agency declined to comment for this story, but in the past has told The Times that while exposure cannot be completely eliminated, rotating crews helps limit risk. In practice, according to interviews with hundreds of firefighters, workers feel as though they are sent into smoke and then forgotten. Over months of reporting, Times journalists never saw a boss pull a crew back because of exposure. Even experienced supervisors cant tell exactly how unhealthy the air is just by looking. Chuy Elguezabal, the La Grande superintendent, says he pulls his crews out of smoke when it becomes impossible for them to work when they cannot see or breathe, or they are overcome by headaches and coughing fits. On the Green fire, he said, the smoke seemed like more of an inconvenience, like the 105-degree daytime heat or the poison oak that had given many of the firefighters weeping sores. Since the 1990s, Forest Service researchers have suggested giving crews wearable air sensors, but the agency hasnt done it. Other dangerous workplaces, like coal mines, have long been required to monitor airborne hazards. A 1999 Forest Service report that recommended wearable air monitors. On the Green fire, The Times used a device that weighs as much as a deck of cards and costs about $200. Last year, firefighters wore the same devices during a small federal research project to measure their exposure. For hours, those readings stayed at 1,000 as high as the monitors go according to Zach Kiehl, a consultant who worked on the project. Mr. Kiehl said that ideally, crews would be issued monitors to know when to put on masks or pull back from a smoky area. You can pay now and prevent future cases, or pay out later when a person is losing a husband or a father, he said. The La Grande crew has been working in heavy smoke for hours now. They spray water to make sure the fire doesnt reach the treetops, where it cant be contained. The La Grande crew has been working in heavy smoke for hours now. They spray water to make sure the fire doesnt reach the treetops, where it cant be contained. Tears stream down the firefighters faces and their noses run as they work. Tears stream down the firefighters faces and their noses run as they work. The crew will continue until 7 a.m. The crew will continue until 7 a.m. The firefighters believe that the decision to work at night has paid off: The smoke occasionally got thick, but didnt seem bad compared with other fires they have worked. They think the exposure was fleeting. In fact, the monitors show, the air was never safe. La Grande Hotshots 3-D scene by Google A South Korean woman in her fifties thought she was in a romantic relationship with Squid Game star Lee Jung-Jae and sent an online scammer over 500 million won ($350,000). With AI technology readily available, scammers are taking their operations to a whole new level, taking advantage of the gullibility of people who believe the craziest things. Case in point, a 50-something woman from Miryang, South Korea, who thought she was in a long-distance relationship with Squid Game protagonist Lee Jung-Jae after being contacted by someone claiming to be the actor on social media. Using AI-generated images of the actor, the scammer managed to get close enough to the woman, referred to only as A. by South Korean media, to ask for considerable sums of money. This is actor Lee Jung-jae. I reached out to communicate with fans, the scammer told the woman the first time they approached her on social media. Then, as they became familiar, the conversation moved to the messaging app KakaoTalk. The scammer began referring to the woman as honey and sweetie, and that made her feel like the Squid Game star had developed a romantic interest in her. When Lee Jung-Jae started asking her for money, she didnt hesitate. He told me he would pay me back as soon as he returned to Korea. I believed him, A. told police when she finally reported the scammer, but by that time, she had already sent them over 500 million won. Lee Jung-Jae came up with all sorts of reasons for needing money, like being stuck in a foreign airport with no way of returning home, but always backed his claims with AI-generated photos of his ID and drivers license as insurance. A. claims she once set the fake Lee Jung-Jae around $7,500 to pay for a VIP pass that would allow her to finally meet him in person. Unfortunately for her, something always came up, and their meeting never materialized. With a loss of over 500 million won and the constant pressure of sending the scammer even more money, the 50-something woman finally alerted the police about her situation. The South Gyeongsang Provincial Police Agency confirmed that A. was the victim of a romance scam, but so far no one knows who impersonated Lee Jung-Jae. The case got so much attention in South Korea that the actors agency came out with a statement warning fans to never send money to anyone asking for it on behalf of the Squid Game star. Unfortunately, its too late for A., whose chances of getting her money back are slim to none. A few months back, we wrote about the very similar case of a French woman who was scammed out of $850,000 by someone posing as Brad Pitt online. Active shareholder activists Shareholder activism has hit an all-time this year with the launch of 191 campaigns, which is up 19 percent from its long-time average. Credit the turbulent economy for the increased activity. A record 61 Q3 campaigns set the pace and defied the typical summer slowdown period, according to the report issued by Barclays Shareholder Advisory Group. The US and APAC regions accounted for 80 percent of the overall activity. Twenty five CEOs resigned due to activism pushes during the first nine months of this year. That approaches the record 27 resignations for all of 2024. Activists took over 99 board seats, up 17 percent from last years period. Elliott Capital Management claimed an impressive nine board seats during Q3, including spots at HP Enterprise, Medtronic, Global Payments and Genuine Parts. Barclays attributes part of the success of activists as due to the improved quality of director nominees. Nearly four in ten (39 percent) of them were former CEOs or CFOs. About three in four (73 percent) had public company director experience. Most of the shareholder action took place in the industrial segment, followed by technology and healthcare sectors. Barclays anticipates a very active Q4 as director nomination windows open up. Thats good news for financial PR firms. Harris pens autopsy Kamala Harris 107 Days is an autopsy of her failed presidential campaign that is at best pointless, at worst tasteless, according to Irish journalist and author Fintan OToole. Her memoir seems more of symptom of distress than a diagnosis of the disorders that have brought American democracy into mortal danger, he wrote in the New York Review of Books. With dissent being decriminalized, troops on the street, an enormous infrastructure of repression being built before our eyes, Democrats do not need reruns of the disaster movie, but a sharp and urgent understanding of why they failed and how they can fight back, wrote OToole. Democrats have got to drop the idea that moving to the center is the best way to trump Trump. There is no center or half-way point any more. Trump has successfully branded Democrats as radical left lunatics. There is no compromise or capitulation that will make Democrats anything other than radical left lunatics. OToole recommends that Democrats embrace radicalism. Resistance to despotism is innately respectablethe task is to make it politically potent by connecting it to the profound discontent Trump has been able to exploit, he wrote. Renewal for the Democratic Party will come from the outside. OToole presents Zohran Mamdanis run for the New York mayor as a way to energize the Democratic Party. Yet old-line politicos like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer fail to embrace Mamdani. They would rather die defending the established Democratic order than drawing new life from external energies. OToole credits Trump for understanding that the US has entered a political era in which the alternative to radicalism is redundancy. He warns that if Democrats do not grasp the potency of his insight, that alternative awaits them. Mulling legal options? The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institution is reviewing its legal options after Ontario ran an ad. The nations ad critic-in-chief jumped on that statement and claimed that Reagan loved tariffs for the purposes of national security and the economy. Thats nuts. The Wall Street Journal dismissed Trumps claim as off-the-wall. It editorialized that the Gipper was a free trader, no matter what the current president says. The Foundation was wrong to provide Trump with some PR cover. It did make one shrewd move. The Foundations statement on X invites people to listen to Reagans unedited speech on YouTube. Trump should also tune in. A leading supermarket is on a recruitment drive ahead of Christmas and it has announced a number of festive jobs for Offaly. Tesco has launched a significant festive recruitment drive as it seeks to fill over 1,100 temporary roles across Ireland this Christmas, including 27 jobs for Offaly Tesco says that the jobs offer flexible opportunities for those seeking work during the busy season. Applications are now open through the Tesco website for those interested in applying. As part of Tescos seasonal recruitment drive, the retailer is recruiting helpful and friendly people to join its stores nationwide. Shifts will be available in the early morning, daytime, and evening from November onwards, making it easier for applicants to find a role that fits their schedule. Along with competitive terms and conditions, from day one, all people joining the Tesco team will benefit from the retailers broader reward and benefits package, which includes Virtual GP Service, Complimentary food and Wellbeing First Support. Maurice Kelly, People Director at Tesco Ireland, commented, were delighted to be creating over 1,100 festive roles across the country this Christmas. These roles will support our existing colleagues to help us deliver the best possible service to customers throughout the festive season and provide new team members with access to an industry-leading benefits package from day one. If youre not already part of the team and are looking for extra hours or want to give retail a try, this is a fantastic time to join our team and make a real difference in your local community. Positions are available nationwide, and Tesco encourages interested candidates to apply online as soon as possible. After Christmas, temporary colleagues will have the opportunity to apply for available permanent roles in existing stores or new Tesco locations planned for the coming year. For more information and to apply, go to Tesco Christmas seasonal jobs | Tesco Careers Nearly all the cattle marooned in the Shannon Callows have been safely guided back to fields which are not prone to flooding. Liam Broderick, PRO of Save Our Shannon Organisation (SOSO), told the Midland Tribune that 30 cattle were marooned on islands surrounded by the rising Shannon waters following Storm Amy at the beginning of October. Some farmers were able to walk their livestock away from the threatened areas before Storm Amy hit, Liam said. After the heavy rains I was told that farmers managed to swim their cattle across drains. This was a difficult task but nearly all the 30 marooned cattle, which were in the Shannonbridge and Clonfert areas, were brought back to safer pastures. I was told there was only a heifer and a calf left marooned. SOSO and the farmers it represents is concerned about the long-term impact of these recurring flooding incidents, especially with the increasing frequency of heavy rainfall events due to climate change. They are calling for better infrastructure and legislative changes to address the issue. They are also critical of the state agencies that manage the Shannon. When Storm Amy hit, a Sluice Gate at New Cut in the Lusmagh area had still not been opened, remarked Liam. This gate is managed by Waterways Ireland and they should have opened it earlier. (Pictured below are a herd of cattle being walked across the rising waters, to safety, before the arrival of the heavy rains, in the Shannonbridge area). He said SOSO was very grateful to MEP Ciaran Mullooly for highlighting the issue at a national level. They agree with Mr Mullooly's suggestion that the Shannon system should copy other similar systems throughout Europe where more effective flood warning systems are in place. SOSO believes that flood victims' voices are being ignored by State agencies. The Shannon Flood Risk Management Group is a state agency which consists of the ESB, Waterways Ireland, the NPWS, the OPW, various fisheries, remarked Liam, and we are never invited to their meetings. Surely the people who are directly suffering because of these flooding events should be allowed to attend these meetings. It doesn't make sense. The working group is chaired by the OPW and was established by the government in 2016 to improve co-ordination for solutions in the area. Liam pointed out that the water in the Callows area rose by three feet in two days during Storm Amy. It's been dropping for the last week, he said, but it's rising again. SOSO states that over the decades a lot of silt from Bord na Mona activity ran off into the Shannon system. This silt built up to such an extent that it created several pinch points and a number of islands. SOSO says it should be incumbent on Bord na Mona to remove this silt. Wherever Bord na Mona put in silt traps in the 1990s there is not a silt problem. (Pictured below is Michael Silke, Chairman of SOSO, and MEP Ciaran Mullooly, viewing the stranded callows livestock in the Shannonbridge area. The old Shannonbridge Power Station can be seen in the background. Michael is driving the boat). He named three significant, problematic areas in the Shannon Callows. If the silt was removed from these three spots it would greatly improve the flooding issue along the Shannon Callows. These spots are silt islands in the Derryholmes area near Shannonbridge; silt islands in the Shannon Grove area near Banagher; and a piece of land in the New Cut area in Lusmagh." READ NEXT: 90 Callows farmers overlooked by flooding compensation scheme A RESIDENT of an area in Tullamore which was flooded with a sea of sewage has hit out at Irish Water. The man, who for more than 20 years has been living close to where sewage frequently seeps out onto footpaths and the public road, said local people have decided to carry out a clean-up themselves. The move comes after a contractor for Uisce Eireann (formerly known as Irish Water) used machinery to clear away human and household waste at Convent View/Callary Street on Sunday, October 19. However, the resident has identified large amounts of waste still lying on the ground about a week-and-a-half later, some of which is close to the Fiona Pender memorial and the local shop. Used toilet paper and sanitary towels are among the items remaining on the public walkway with further material on the canal bank and a visible track where waste continues to pour into the waterway. The man said Uisce Eireann stated the whole area was cleaned and disinfected after the flash flood. If you walk along you will see a lot of residue still along the footpath where children go to school, come home from school, he said. It wasn't all cleaned up and it certainly wasn't disinfected. After repeated instances of flooding for many years he believed that local people were now conditioned to believe that a clean-up was overseen each time by Uisce Eireann. He says health concerns about the ongoing flooding are growing in the area, both from sewer gas and contamination of the public water supply. Pointing to sewage residue he said: If this goes into the fissures it could well go into the reservoirs of the ground water. Are our wells being fed by ground water? He said he was not surprised by the flood on Sunday morning, October 19, when wastewater emerged through manholes and inundated the road and paths, resulting in it being closed to traffic just before thousands of hurling fans arrived for the county final in nearby O'Connor Park. Looking at one manhole he stated: I can tell you that for the past few weeks it has been bubbling and I've photographs of it and I said that's just waiting to pop. Next thing the rainfall came and it was splashing up. Residents have written letters and emails to Uisce Eireann but were not satisfied with replies and many are now considering taking legal action. READ NEXT: Offaly County Council called on to block national pipeline until flooding issue resolved In its statement issued after the incident, Uisce Eireann apologised for any inconvenience caused and regretted the impact on the local community. A contractor was deployed to the area as soon as possible on Sunday to manage the issue and disinfect the area, including impacted properties. The resident, who did not wish to be named, also paid tribute to the efforts of local elected representatives to resolve the problem, including Cllr Declan Harvey, who lives nearby. MELBOURNE, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- An international study, including researchers in Australia, has detected "two remarkable black hole collisions," offering new clues to cosmic evolution and dark matter. The pair of gravitational-wave events GW241011 and GW241110, detected one month apart in late 2024 during the O4b phase of the global LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA observing run, were announced Wednesday by the Australian Research Council Center of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery, in a partnership between collaborating organizations in Australia and overseas. Each signal was produced by the violent merger of two rapidly spinning, unequal-mass black holes, forming an even more massive remnant and sending ripples through space-time, each travelling for hundreds of millions to billions of years before reaching Earth, providing a window into how black holes form and evolve. "Rapidly spinning black holes like those in GW241011 and GW241110 are more than just astrophysical curiosities; they can be used to test the existence of new particles," said Aswathi Pampurayath Subhash from the Australian National University. "By remaining highly spinning over their long lifetimes, they allow us to rule out a wide range of possible ultralight boson masses, placing new constraints on dark matter and theories beyond the Standard Model," Subhash said. Researcher Sun Ling from the university said their high spins and unequal masses suggest that they may be second-generation black holes, the products of earlier mergers in dense stellar environments, such as star clusters, revealing how the universe's most extreme objects come to be. It is a little known fact that Charleville Castle in Tullamore, Co Offaly was the scene of the tragic death of a child over 160 years ago. The story has drawn paranormal investigators to the castle over many years and I actually visited with a group from Dublin Paranormal Research and the Paranormal Research Association of Ireland back in 2013 - below is what I witnessed. Charleville Castle was built in Tullamore between 1800 and 1809 by Francis Johnston, the same architect responsible for the design of Dublins GPO. The source of its 'haunted' reputation stems primarily from one ill-fated eight-year-old girl and the tragic circumstances of her death. I met with Bridget Vance in 2013, an American woman who was living in Charleville Castle at that time, and she told me the story of this little girl. Her name was Harriet, and she was the daughter of the 3rd Earl of Charleville. In April 1861, Harriet was expecting her friends and relations for a mid-summer party and was playing in the castles nursery. The nursery is located on the third floor at the top of the old creaking staircase that turns on itself through the centre of the castle. Bridget told the story: Harriet was looking over the railing for her friends, but the railing is low, and she leaned over too far and fell to her death. Bridget only discovered Harriets story after her own son went missing in the castle as a toddler more than 100 years after the event. After searching for over an hour, Bridget found her son on the main staircase, and she recalls him saying, dont worry mommy; the little girl held my hand. Bridget believes the little girl her son referenced was indeed Lady Harriet. This story sparked my interest, both out of a love of local history and a side-eyed curiosity into this world of paranormal investigators. These people travel the length and breadth of the country seeking something otherworldly, and while I've also scorned at talk of ghosts, their dark devotion intrigued me. READ NEXT: Tullamore post office back to normal after lunchtime closures I spent most of the night in Charleville Castle on February 16 in 2013. At 9pm, the lights went out. You're in a castle set deep in a 700-year-old forest here; not much light is getting in. The moon crept through the long, narrow, single-paned windows and torches flickered up the walls as we made our way to various parts of the castle. Two investigators from Dublin Paranormal Research brought a group of participants to the library, which had a history as a meeting place for the Free Masons. They told us that the spirits here dislike women, and often make their disapproval known to intruders. To test this contention, the women in the group sat around the table in the centre of the room, and the investigation began. One of the female investigators began the interaction: If there are any spirits here present, can you make yourselves known? After almost forty minutes in this room, the other DPR investigator came over very uneasy, having been the essence of calm from the outset. He sat bolt upright from his slumped state and claimed, theres something moving across that wall. Look at that, there's something in here with us. The women at the table began to sigh while sitting up in their seats, but the investigators told everyone to relax, and that "it had happened before." Although I don't want to discredit anyone, I hadnt seen or felt anything except maybe a touch of frostbite in my toes. In Harriet's bedroom, the old nursery, dotted with old toys, including a creepy rocking horse, the investigators called out: "Are you here Harriet? Nothing. "We have brought a few friends along with us tonight. Nothing. Do you want to come out and play with us? Within seconds of this question, the door, only visible because of the moonlight illuminating three tall back windows, slowly opened six or eight inches, and before we could question what had happened, it swung back on itself, slamming against the unhinged door jam. It was unnerving, certainly, but still, it is a creaky old castle with draughts and open doors and windows. The timing was curious, all the same. One of the investigators asked Harriet to come into the room if she was on the top of the stairs. Before she had even stopped speaking, the door swung open in one deliberate and swift movement, stopping abruptly when it was about halfway open. At this point, another added, "come on in", and with this, the door rattled the room as it slammed shut again. At this point, I had more questions than answers but was certainly bowled over by the otherworldly atmosphere that enveloped the castle. We visited other areas of the castle, including the cramped dungeons where you have to move around hunchbacked, but I'll admit, Harriets bedroom was the only place I felt uneasy. Whether it was the dark or the oddness of being in a room where others were attempting to speak to spirits, it was certainly a ghostly experience. Although, my skepticism was left intact as I left at 4am. The drive back to the main road through the woods was creepy, I'll give them that! An Alaskan real estate company has purchased the PacWest skyscraper in downtown Portland for an undisclosed price. Real estate firm Newmark announced the sale Wednesday but declined to disclose details beyond that the tower attracted 15 offers before a new-to-market capital source brokerspeak for an out-of-town buyer won out. The Portland Business Journal, which first reported the sale, noted its buyer as Fairbanks-based Fountainhead Development, which largely deals in hotels. Vice President Wyatt Cerny told the publication his company closed on the PacWest deal Tuesday. Real estate sources also pointed The Oregonian/OregonLive to the Alaska buyer, but members of the Cerny family did not respond to repeated requests for comment. Multnomah County has not yet recorded a deed with the sale price for the nearly 550,000-square-foot property at 1211 S.W. Fifth Avenue, one of Portlands largest office buildings. But if recent trends and vacancy rates are a guide, the sale price could fall significantly below its last trade amid the ongoing repricing of downtowns real estate market. A third of downtown offices remain empty, according to real estate investment firm CBRE. The 418-foot building, developed in 1984 by Mitsubishi Estate Co. out of Tokyo, last sold to a division of Lincoln Property Co. in 2016 for $170 million. The Lincoln division, LPC Realty Advisors, subsequently invested $44 million to renovate the office building, including its lobby, gym, outdoor terrace and bike hub. Among the most recent leasing activity, law firm Schwabe renewed its lease last year and recently completed a remodel of its office, and investment firm Becker Capital Management took over space formerly occupied by a tech firm. But 2020 protests, which occasionally morphed into riots, and the COVID-19 remote work trend has forced a broader reset in downtown Portland office property values as white-collar workers fled the urban core. Portlands largest office tower, Big Pink, sold for $45 million in July, a fraction of its last sales price. In August 2024, another of the citys largest office complexes, Montgomery Park, sold for $33 million, also at a steep decline in value. The deteriorating office market is driving tens of millions in property tax losses for local governments. In Multnomah County, property tax losses from whats known as compression a unique fixture of Oregon tax law surpassed $130 million in the 2024 tax year, increasing 22% from the year before. That widened from the $78 million in such losses in 2019. County officials attribute the worsening losses to tanking office values. The man accused in the fatal beating of his cellmate at the Clackamas County Jail this month allegedly attacked a previous cellmate days earlier as that man slept, the victim told The Oregonian/OregonLive in a jailhouse interview. File Photo The man accused in the fatal beating of his cellmate at the Clackamas County Jail this month allegedly attacked a previous cellmate days earlier as that man slept, the victim told The Oregonian/OregonLive in a jailhouse interview. Sapastian Year, 23, was arraigned in Clackamas County Circuit Court Tuesday on allegations of first-degree murder and harassment for the beating death of Reece Richeson, 26, who was in jail on drug and property crime charges. His court-appointed lawyer, Brian Schmonsees, declined to comment Wednesday. Richesons death in custody raises significant questions about how long it took jail staff to intervene in the assault, how staff make decisions about detainees cell assignments and whether they considered the potential safety risk of placing Year with a cellmate after his alleged unprovoked attack on another man. Juan Chavez, an attorney with the Oregon Justice Resource Center whose work focuses on prisoner rights and prison conditions, said the case raises the possibility that jail staff missed warning signs when they opted to place Year with Richeson. How that got through any screening process, I just dont know, he said. Sheriffs Deputy John Wildhaber did not directly address a question about why jail staff moved Year into a cell with Richeson after allegations of an earlier attack on a cellmate. Wildhaber said only that Year and Richeson were moved into the same disciplinary unit because of unspecified misconduct. Year allegedly beat Richeson on Oct. 18 in an assault so explosively violent that one attorney said other men in the unit tried to quickly summon help to no avail. Richeson died at OHSU Hospital in the early morning hours of Oct. 21, sheriffs officials said. Year and Richeson had been cellmates for about a week. Jail officials moved Year into the cell with Richeson on Oct. 10, one day after Year allegedly attacked William Maupin, 30, as he slept, according to court records and Maupin. In a video interview from jail, Maupin told The Oregonian/OregonLive that Year attacked him the same day the two were assigned to share a cell. That dude attacked me in my sleep, within like, the first two hours that I was housed with him, Maupin said. He was, like, hearing voices or something. He hit me in the face, he kicked me in the face, and he tried to box me in to make it so I couldnt fight, Maupin added. But I grabbed him with my legs and started hitting him back. So maybe he might have hurt me bad if I didnt fight back. I wasnt gonna just let him hit me. The subsequent attack on Richeson left other men in the unit shaken. Zachary VanHook, 34, heard the very loud attack on Richeson from the adjacent cell, according to his lawyer, Michael Tyner. Tyner said VanHook could basically hear the beating going down and VanHook told him that other men in the housing unit are pretty torn up by what they were able to hear and potentially see. Hes been in the system a long time and he made some comments that fights always get broken up real quick and this one is one where it went on for a long time, Tyner said. He said they were all pressing their (emergency) buttons on their cells and yet VanHook told him that jail staff failed to intervene quickly. Wildhaber declined to answer questions about how long it took jail staff to respond to the assault. Wildhaber said the sheriffs office, not an outside agency, is investigating Richesons death. He said the agency also plans a standard review of jail policies and procedures. The Clackamas County Sheriffs Office has been slow to release information about Richesons death, publicly disclosing details late Monday only after questions from The Oregonian/OregonLive. Wildhaber said the agency does not have a policy requiring the public disclosure of jail deaths. In the past five years, he said the jail had seen five deaths prior to Richeson, one in 2020, three in 2021 and one in 2022. None were tied to assaults by other people in custody, he said. The Multnomah County Sheriffs Office publicly discloses deaths of people in custody in press releases, per agency policy. Spokesperson Brent Weisberg said in an email to The Oregonian/OregonLive that the sheriffs office remains committed to transparency regarding in-custody death investigations and helping to ensure the public is notified in a timely manner. At the state level, the Oregon Department of Corrections also announces every death in custody. Wildhaber did not respond to questions about whether Sheriff Angela Brandenburg would revisit the lack of a policy on disclosing deaths of people in custody. Chavez, the prisoner rights lawyer, said the public should be informed of jail deaths, especially when they occur as a result of violence. The public deserves to know that, he said. I cant think of a good reason to keep that secret. Richeson was booked into jail Oct. 5 on a first-degree criminal mischief charge for vandalizing a hardware store, the sheriffs office said. He also faced additional drug and property crime charges, court records show. Year was booked into jail Sept. 26 on allegations of criminal mischief and violating a stalking order. Late last year, a woman who lived in an apartment near Year on Southeast Causey Avenue sought a stalking protective order against him, detailing numerous encounters with Year at the door to her apartment, court records show. She wrote that Year approached her on multiple occasions and seemed interested in her young child. She told the court she feared for her familys safety. Records show the court granted the womans request. Last month, Year was accused of violating the order, according to court filings. He faced four counts of violating the order and a criminal mischief charge. According to the indictment, Year waited outside the womans home and also damaged it; details of the allegations are not in the court record. Portland police records show that in 2023 Year allegedly threatened his parents and sister. According to a probable cause affidavit written by a Portland police officer, Year arrived at his parents apartment drunk and high on Jan. 1, 2023, and broke a window screen, damaged property and threatened to stab his sister and mother. Two officers used their bodies to block (Year) from attempting to stab his family, the record says. During the encounter, Year held what turned out to be a potato peeler, the officer wrote. He was accused of one count of menacing; the Multnomah County District Attorneys Office later dismissed the charge. On Tuesday, Year pleaded not guilty during an arraignment hearing, where a Chuukese language interpreter was on hand to help him navigate the proceeding. He remains at the jail and is being held without bail. The charge of first-degree murder applies to cases where the victim is killed in custody; the crime carries a sentence of life with the possibility of parole after 30 years or a true life sentence. Security guards stand in front of the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco in June. Getty Images A larger pool of judges on the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will review whether to uphold a lower courts order that bars President Donald Trump from sending Oregon National Guard troops to Portland. A majority of the 29 active judges of the 9th Circuit voted to reconsider the issue, throwing out an Oct. 20 decision by a three-judge panel of the court, the 9th Circuits Chief Judge Mary H. Murguia wrote in an order issued late Tuesday. Her order did not provide any further explanation. As it mulls the matter, the appeals court let stand U.S. District Judge Karin J. Immerguts temporary restraining order that bars federal deployment of the Oregon National Guard in Portland. That order lasts through Saturday. A second broader order Immergut issued that bars the federal deployment of National Guard from any state to Oregon remains in place through Sunday. Meanwhile, a three-day trial is set to start before Immergut in Portland Wednesday on the underlying merits of the state of Oregon, California and city of Portlands challenge to Trumps mobilization of National Guard members into federal service in Oregon. Immergut said she wants to create as robust a record as possible setting out the events that led up to Trumps Sept. 27 authorization of National Guard troops before issuing a final judgment on whether the federal deployment is lawful. The judge is compiling that record, expecting it will be reviewed by appeals courts after her ruling. The vote by the majority of the 9th Circuit vacates the Oct. 20 split 2-1 ruling by a three-judge circuit panel that sided with the Trump administration. The majority of the panel found that the president is due significant deference and that his decision to mobilize only 200 Oregon National Guard members for 60 days to Portland was a measured response. The two Trump-nominated judges on the panel, Bridget S. Bade and Ryan D. Nelson, ruled that the federal government is likely to succeed in its argument that the federal government is unable with regular forces to execute the laws of the U.S. as a result of protests outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building in Portland, one of the criteria required for the president to obtain control of Oregon National Guard troops. The majority also criticized Immergut for restricting her assessment of the conditions outside Portlands ICE facility to a limited time leading up to Trumps Sept. 27 authorization of Guard members, saying the plain text of federal law contained no such limitations. The dissenting judge, Susan P. Graber, urged her colleagues to review and reverse the majoritys decision. She not only urged an immediate review of the majoritys decision by her colleagues on the 9th Circuit, but also asked those watching this case unfold to retain faith in our judicial system for just a little longer. Last Friday, the 9th Circuit put a temporary administrative hold until 5 p.m. today on the three-judge panels ruling. Senior Circuit Judge Sidney R. Thomas cautioned that the brief administrative order expresses no views on the merits of this matter. Thomas serves as the courts coordinator for so-called en banc reviews, which are reviews of rulings by a larger contingent, or 11 judges, of the 29-active member court. He previously served as chief judge of the 9th Circuit from 2014 to 2021. Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield said he welcomed the decision for a broader review by the 9th Circuit. This ruling shows the truth matters and that the courts are working to hold this administration accountable. The Constitution limits the presidents power, and Oregons communities cannot be treated as a training ground for unchecked federal authority, he said in a statement. Oregon Gov. Tina Koteks press secretary Roxy Mayer issued this statement: This ruling is good news for everyone who cares about the rule of law in America. Oregon stands united against this unwanted, unneeded, unconstitutional military intervention. The Governor appreciates Attorney General Rayfield and his teams hard work, and she will continue to do everything she can to protect Oregon communities safety and our democracy. The granting of a so-called 9th Circuit en banc review of a ruling is rare and even rarer when it involves a temporary restraining order, said Jeff Feldman, co-director of the Ninth Circuit Appellate Advocacy Clinic at University of Washington School of Law. The broader review by 11 circuit judges could be deemed moot following entry of final judgment, after Immergut holds this weeks trial on the underlying lawsuit, he said. But there also are exceptions that would allow the review to proceed. It may be that the practical effect of this en banc (vote) is largely to let Judge Immergut finish the trial, said Tung Yin, a professor at Lewis & Clark Law School. Trial ahead, complicated by government shutdown Also Tuesday, Immergut held a pretrial conference to prepare for the three-day trial that starts at 9 a.m. Wednesday. She informed the lawyers involved there will be a hard stop at 5 p.m. each day because the court does not have sufficient security or staffing to stay any later. Much of court staff is working without pay during the federal government shutdown. She told lawyers that she wants to better understand at trial how protests are impeding federal officers from executing their law enforcement work, whether Portland police are willing to assist the Federal Protective Service in safeguarding the ICE facility and just how many federal officers have been deployed to the building since June. Immergut also said she wants more information about certain nights of activity that the three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit had highlighted in its ruling, including details about an alleged Sept. 9 threat of a bomb detonating at the property that did not materialize. The federal exhibit shows Oregon National Guard were at the ICE facility in Portland from midnight through 2 a.m. on Oct. 5, 2025, hours after a federal judge had barred their federal deployment to Portland. Court Exhibit The judge also asked about one exhibit that appeared to indicate that the Oregon National Guard was deployed to the ICE facility sometime between midnight and 2 a.m. on Oct 5. Which is when my first TRO (temporary restraining order) was still in place, Immergut said. That would suggest its a violation of the TRO. Immergut said she might not be reading the federal document correctly and asked federal government lawyers to clarify. Attorney Jean Lin, of the U.S. Department of Justice, said shes not familiar with the document. Linn said federal lawyers triple and double-checked with the U.S. Defense Department and National Guard members and double-confirmed that no one was deployed from the Oregon National Guard. Immergut responded, Im going to assume the best - youll let me know. ISLAMABAD, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan's Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar said Wednesday that the latest round of Pakistan-Afghanistan dialogue held in Istanbul, Turkiye, "failed to bring about any workable solution." In an early morning statement released on social media platform X, Tarar said Pakistan had repeatedly engaged with the Afghan Taliban authorities over the issue of cross-border terrorism involving groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and the Balochistan Liberation Army. He said Pakistan had presented "sufficient and irrefutable evidence" of terrorist activities launched from Afghan soil, which was acknowledged by the Afghan side and the host countries, Qatar and Turkiye. "The Afghan side kept deviating from the core issue, evading the key point upon which the dialogue process was initiated. Instead of accepting any responsibility, the Afghan Taliban resorted to a blame game and deflection," the minister said. The Afghan officials have not yet responded to the statement from Pakistan. Four local organizations put on the "No National Guard in Portland" protest on Saturday, October 4, 2025. The crowd met at Elizabeth Caruthers Park and walked about three blocks to the ICE facility. Allison Barr/The Oregonian Oregon National Guard troops were on the ground at Portlands U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building on Oct. 4 hours after a federal judge had issued a temporary restraining order barring the federal deployment of state troops to the city, a U.S. Department of Justice attorney admitted Wednesday. The acknowledgement came moments before a federal trial got underway on whether President Donald Trump lawfully mobilized National Guard troops to Portland from Oregon and California, while promising to send more from Texas. Federal Justice Department Attorney Jean Lin did not say how many state National Guard troops were at the Portland ICE facility after the ban, but court exhibits indicate an Advanced MP squad, of nine Guard members had arrived at the Portland ICE facility in a support role around 11 a.m. Oct. 4 and stayed until midnight in what was dubbed Task Force Rose Shield. Their shift ended at least eight hours after U.S. District Judge Karin J. Immergut issued a temporary restraining order against the Trump administration restricting federal deployment of the 200 Oregon National Guard troops to protect the ICE building and its personnel. After your Honors TRO (temporary restraining order) they were still at the building, yes, Lin said. Immergut promised that she would address later if thats contempt and in direct violation of her restraining order. After that admission, opening statements got underway in Immerguts packed courtroom on the 13th floor of the federal courthouse in Portland. Lawyers for the city, states of Oregon and California began to call witnesses and present their case for a permanent injunction that would prevent any federal deployment of National Guard troops from any state to Oregon. U.S. Northern Command documents show an Oregon National Guard advanced MP squad was at Portland's ICE facility from about 11 a.m. Oct. 4, 2025, through about midnight Oct. 5. U.S. District Judge Karin J. Immergut barred federal deployment of the state National Guard to Portland about 3:30 pm. on Oct. 4. Court Exhibit Senior Deputy City Attorney Caroline Turco urged the judge to listen to officers testimony about the facts on the ground, about the protest activity, crowd behavior and federal officers use of force outside the ICE facility in the South Waterfront neighborhood during nightly protests since June. She argued that the president has failed to legally justify the call-up of National Guard soldiers to protect federal property or officers but instead has manufactured a crisis. Simply put the federal government does not need the National Guard. The city also does not need the National Guard, she said. Portland is not war ravaged. There is no rebellion, and the laws continue to be enforced every day, she argued. The federal government has sufficient resources to get the job done. Oregon Senior Assistant Attorney General Scott P. Kennedy called the case a test of the outer bounds of presidential authority, and presidential overreach into state affairs. California Deputy Attorney General Jane Reilley described Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths Oct. 16 memo extending the federalization of 200 California National Guard troops to Oregon as an unprecedented attack on state sovereignty. The California soldiers were sent to Oregon on Oct. 5, and their federal deployment was scheduled to end in one more week, but Hegseth extended their stay through Feb. 2, she said. Theres no justification for any military presence in Oregon, certainly not the California National Guard, she argued. U.S. Department of Justice attorney Eric Hamilton countered that the president is due significant deference in his assessment of the criteria that warrants the call-up of National Guard members to protect federal personnel and property in Portland. Agitators have used violence and threatened violence against the Department of Homeland Security, he argued, and the agency cannot contain the threats itself. He said federal officers requests for help from local police were ignored or inadequately addressed, when protesters were breaking windows at the ICE facility, blocking the driveway, throwing large fireworks at the building or vandalizing the electronic entry-card reader to the facility. He argued that the president does not need to wait until there is a rebellion or officers can no longer execute federal laws, before federalizing National Guard troops. The Guard members will not inflame the situation as state and city leaders contend, but have an entirely opposite effect, he said. Theyre here to promote safety outside the ICE building, he said. PORTLAND COMMANDER STARTLED Portland police Cmdr. Franz Schoening, who oversees the bureaus crowd control incident commanders as head of the agencys Specialized Resources Division, testified that he was startled several times by what appeared to be unjustified use of tear gas, smoke and other less-lethal 40mm munitions fired by federal officers on passive protesters earlier this month. The types and amounts of force being used by federal law enforcement is disproportionate, he testified. Federal officers used crowd control munitions that would violate state law, which bars the use of tear gas against passive protesters and only allows it once a riot has been declared with warnings required, he testified. On Oct. 4, for example, Federal Protective Service officers deployed tear gas on a crowd outside the ICE building that may at most have been trespassing or involved in harassment or passive civil disobedience, he said. The use of tear gas on that crowd was certainly startling certainly veered from best practices, Schoening testified. That night, federal officers pushed a large crowd of demonstrators further away from the front of the ICE building, quite a distance up Southwest Moody Avenue, and continued to fire tear gas into the crowd, he said. We simply werent seeing any criminal conduct that would explain what was going on, he said. Schoening testified that the significant amount of tear gas used by federal officers against passive protesters departed from best practice, state law and even the Graham standard, the standard set by the the U.S. Supreme Court ruling Graham v. Connor that requires law enforcements use of force to be objectively reasonable. On Oct. 18, Portland police Rapid Response Team Sgt. Spencer D. Schaaf was standing about 100 feet away from the ICE building with a police bike squad on the traffic island on South Bancroft Street when he was struck with a pepper ball round fired by federal officers, Schoening testified. That night, two lines of federal officers had emerged from the ICE building and were firing multiple types of munitions at people in the crowd, Schoening testified. They were hand tossing and launching tear gas canisters, firing pepper balls and flash bang distraction devices, he said. I felt a sudden pain as an impact projectile hit me on my right shoulder, Schaaf wrote in a summary report. He said he immediately blurted out at the scene, One of those (munitions) hit me. Schoening described what he considered indiscriminate force, used that night by federal officers. Video that police watched caught a federal officer firing a 40mm less-lethal launcher that appeared to shoot a smoke munition shell. The officers projectile munition skipped along the ICE driveway and went up toward the buildings roof, prompting federal officers staged on the roof to then launch munitions into the crowd, Schoening testified. Our officers were in close proximity and were struck by federal munitions, he said. On Oct. 20, Schoening said he also was disturbed by the federal officers firing of pepper ball munitions at people who were hiding behind a stop sign at the corner of Southwest Moody Avenue and Bancroft Street and shining flashlights at federal officers. When a Portland police officer was struck by a pepper ball on the scene, a Federal Protective Service officer told the local officer to engage or get out of the way, Schoening testified. When he and an assistant chief later met with Federal Protective Service supervisors to complain, their response was were not aware of what youre talking about, he said. Earlier in the summer, Portland police had declared a riot on June 14 due to violent and tumultuous conduct outside the ICE building, Schoening testified. He said Portland police on a nightly basis have been in regular communication with Federal Protective Service and ICE officers. On that night, though, Schoening said federal officers use of force appeared excessive. They wore gas masks limiting their situational awareness, and provided information that was just inaccurate, based on what Portland police witnessed from their plane footage and live stream video. It appeared people in the building were providing information that we just couldnt corroborate, he said, such as reports of ICE personnel blocked from leaving the facility when federal officers were seen exiting the complex. Federal personnel told Portland police that people standing across the street posed a deadly threat, yet literally they were holding rocks. Things that didnt justify intervention, he testified. Portland police met with Federal Protective Service command staff after that declared riot and decided going forward local officers would make arrests for all personal and property crimes, including for misdemeanor criminal mischief, if warranted. Until then, police were directed only to make arrests for felony-level crimes against persons or property, he said. During cross-examination by federal government lawyer Tiberius T. Davis, Schoening confirmed that Portland officers have been instructed not to facilitate federal vehicles coming in and out of ICE facility due to the states sanctuary law. Portland police also were directed not to provide traffic control in the immediate area of the ICE building unless there was an immediate life-safety emergency or to support a tactical operation. Weve absolutely attempted to keep Bancroft open for traffic to the extent we can manage that, Schoening testified. Davis pointed out that police also did not make arrests when a large aerial firework was thrown, rocks were hurled or windows were broken at the ICE facility on June 12. So PPB cannot assist when protesters are impeding federal law enforcement for immigration purposes? Davis asked. Correct, Schoening said. Oregon State police Capt. Cameron Bailey testified that his agencys Mobile Response Team was called in to provide aid to Portland police in monitoring the protests at the ICE facility on June 14 and 15, Oct. 6 through Oct. 12 , Oct. 18, and Oct. 23 through Oct. 25. During a riot declared on June 14, he testified that even though some protesters were engaged in criminal violence, officers did not intervene due to a difficult to meet threshold Portland police faced then of only making arrests for felony-level crimes against persons. Asked on cross-examination by the federal government lawyer Davis if that contributed to the riot, Bailey said it didnt discourage it. Immergut asked Bailey how the protests outside the ICE building compared to the nightly protests in Portland downtown in 2020. Almost drastically different, he said, adding that the 2020 demonstrations were much more violent, and drained law enforcement resources. In one exhibit entered at trial Wednesday, Portland police appeared just as startled as some city residents by the sudden appearance of a large helicopter hovering near the ICE building in late September. Central Precinct Sgt. Jeff Livingston, in a nightly briefing report, wrote to his commander that on the night of Sept. 27, It should be noted that a larger helicopter (unknown if it was military, federal or private) was actively flying around the city and in the area of ICE at this time. Sept. 27 was the day Trump posted on Truth Social that he was authorizing the mobilization of Oregon National Guard troops to Portland, calling the city War ravaged describing the ICE building as under siege from attack by Antifa, and other domestic terrorists. Since then, at least a Sikorsky UH-60A Black Hawk helicopter, belonging to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and a light-utility Airbus Helicopter H125, belonging to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, have flown in and out of nearby Hillsboro Airport and circled the ICE facility in Portland. Fourteen attorneys representing the state of Oregon, state California, city of Portland and federal government sat at tables in the well of the courtroom arranged in a horseshoe-shape before the judges bench. Multiple thick bound notebooks rested on top of each of the attorneys tables. The trial is expected to last three days. Immerguts temporary restraining order that bars the federal deployment of Oregon National Guard remains in effect through Saturday. Her second broader order restricting the federal deployment of National Guard from any state to Oregon is in effect through Sunday. A three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals had initially put a hold on Immerguts order involving Oregon National Guard deployment, but the 9th Circuit on Tuesday threw out that Oct. 20 ruling after a majority of its 29 active judges voted to have a larger panel of 11 circuit judges review it, leaving in place Immerguts order. About 5:30 a.m. on Aug. 7, ICE agents pulled over a gray van on Oregon 211 and shattered the driver's window when the driver did not roll it down or open the door. The van was carrying seven farm workers headed to a field for blueberry picking. Four of the seven were taken into custody by ICE, including a 25-year-old man from Guatemala challenged his detention. Oregon For All and Innovation Law Lab The federal government denied a 25-year-old Woodburn man his right to an attorney during an interview to determine whether he had a reasonable fear of persecution to challenge his deportation to Guatemala, a federal judge ruled Tuesday. U.S. District Judge Karin J. Immergut ordered the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials to re-interview the man, who is only identified in court documents as LJPL, within one week with his lawyer present either by phone or in person. But the judge declined to release the man from ICE custody, finding his detention was lawful. In September, federal immigration officers flew the man back to his home country of Guatemala after a judge cleared the way for his deportation, but they refused to let him off once the plane touched down. They had realized mid-flight that they made a mistake and flew him back on the same plane to the U.S. His lawyers had urged Immergut to release the man from custody, arguing that his return flight appeared to be a concession by ICE that he still had an unresolved proceeding in immigration court that prevented his deportation. But Immergut found his detention remained lawful, seeing as the government, when it arrested him on Aug. 7, reinstated a prior removal order he had faced in 2009, when he was about 9 years old. The judge cited U.S. Supreme Court case law that people removed from the U.S. who later reenter the country without authorization can face a reinstatement of the prior removal order, pending a challenge based on fear of prosecution if returned to their home country. LJPL returned to the U.S. in February 2024 with his then-6-year-old daughter because he believed those responsible for killing his brother would harm his family and him, his lawyers said. He was arrested suddenly on Aug. 6 in Hubbard by ICE agents who stopped a van he was riding in with other fieldworkers headed to a farm to harvest blueberries. His lawyers from Innovation Law Lab argued that immigration officials couldnt deport their client because he still had an active case in Immigration Court. They argued that once a so-called removal proceeding begins in Immigration Court to decide if someone can remain in the country, that proceeding shall be the sole and exclusive procedure for deciding whether to deport the person. That path also affords an appeal process, they said. But Immergut ruled that LJPLs 2009 removal order already was a final order and not subject to being reopened, and that detention is mandatory while he argues against his deportation due to fear of persecution or torture upon return to Guatemala. Attorney Tess Hellgren, Innovation Law Labs director of legal advocacy who argued in court on LJPLs behalf, said she disagreed with the judges decision. She did not indicate if she plans to appeal. What happened to our client is wrong. The court found the government violated basic due process protections, yet he remains detained, she said by email. This is an Oregon farmworker, arrested on his way to the blueberry fields three months ago, and he is still separated from his daughter. Oregon families are paying the price for federal chaos that tramples constitutional rights. Heretic Coffee Co. in Southeast Portland is a non-profit cafe. Allison Barr/The Oregonian A Portland coffee shop that, as of Tuesday, had raised about $90,000 to help serve breakfast to people losing federal food benefits, has, a day later, raised nearly $200,000. Heretic Coffee, 5120 S.E. 28th Ave., is a volunteer-run, nonprofit coffee shop that, less than a week ago, started soliciting donations to help with a project to feed breakfast to anyone who is losing food benefits as the government shutdown continues. I legitimately thought we would get a couple hundred dollars, Heretic owner Josh White told The Oregonian Tuesday. Heretic is just one of the many Portland businesses that have pledged to help people who lose food benefits. But its campaign has perhaps been the most successful. By the end of the first day, White said, they had over $10,000. Many of the donations have been small, White said. Even as small as $1.17. That is someone who only has a $1.17 to give, he said. These donations, he said, were coming in from all over the world, from West Africa to Australia. This is a global movement of humanity feeding Portland people, he said. By Tuesday, the total had reached $86,000. By Wednesday morning, Heretic posted on Instagram, they had hit $184,55.19. On Wednesday afternoon, White said they have raised $217,000. Trucks head for the Port of Portland and the industrial district near Kelley Point Park. City officials said they're staying the course on Portland's signature climate policy on replacing diesel with renewable fuels, despite a push to roll it back from an industry-dominated advisory group. LC- The Oregonian Portland leaders say the city does not plan to roll back its signature climate policy on replacing diesel with renewable fuels, despite a push to do so from an industry-dominated advisory group. The policy, a first-in-the-nation standard critical to reducing emissions and harmful particulate matter pollution, was adopted by the Portland City Council in 2022. Aimed at medium and heavy trucks, it phases out the sale of petroleum diesel in the city by 2030, gradually replacing it with diesel blended with renewable fuels also known as biofuels at increasingly higher increments. The rollback recommended earlier this month by the Renewable Fuels Standards Advisory Committee, the advisory board, would have allowed trucks to continue to emit black carbon, or soot, at a higher level and for longer than under the original plan. In a memo released on Tuesday, the citys Planning and Sustainability director, Eric Engstrom, said Portland should not slow down or weaken the policys implementation. The city administrator, Michael Jordan, accepted Engstroms recommendations and will enforce the policy as currently written, officials said. That means beginning next year, diesel fuel in Portland must contain 50% biofuel. While we appreciate the (advisory committees) concerns about volatility and uncertainty in the Oregon fuels market, BPS believes there is reason to stay the course, while closely monitoring market conditions and moving forward cautiously, Engstrom wrote. As part of the policy, a 15%-biofuels blend requirement began in 2024, a 50% blend will be required by 2026 and a 99% blend by 2030. Medium and heavy trucks affected by the policy include delivery trucks, school and transit buses, dump trucks, tractor trailers and cement mixers. The Renewable Fuels Standards Advisory Committee, created by the city to advise Engstrom on technical and economic issues related to the renewable fuel supply, recommended the city reduce the 2026 biofuel percentage requirement from 50% to 20% and delay implementation until 2028 or 2030. Because the policy is aimed at Portland fuel retailers only, trucks can bypass the blend requirement and potentially higher prices by filling up in any other place outside Portland city limits. Engstrom said the city also wont suspend the strict restrictions on the type of feedstocks used to make renewable fuels a standard that three years ago was hailed as the most innovative, emission-reducing part of Portlands diesel phase-out. The advisory committee had asked the city to suspend those restrictions for at least two years. In his decision, Engstrom said the feedstock restrictions are core to the original policy intent and must be preserved because they ensure the policy delivers on promised carbon reductions. Feedstocks made from virgin agricultural products and food crops such as soybean, canola and palm oils have been linked to much higher carbon emissions, displacing food production and causing deforestation and are not allowed under Portlands policy. If sudden market changes such as diesel price spikes occur, the city can suspend compliance with program requirements for up to 180 days via emergency rules, Engstrom wrote. Engstrom did accept the advisory committees recommendation to align the feedstock restrictions with the Oregon Department of Environmental Qualitys model. The resulting changes would be minor and unlikely to meaningfully change the type of feedstocks that can be used, said Elliott Kozuch, spokesperson with Portlands office of Community and Economic Development. Environmental groups praised Engstroms decisions but continued to express misgivings about the citys increased reliance on biofuels. The groups said they would prefer the city instead focus on boosting public transportation and prioritizing electrification via more charging infrastructure and grants for electric bikes and cars. Were pleased that the city didnt bow to pressure from the fossil fuel industry in this instance, but we still have serious concerns about the actual carbon emissions reductions that can be expected from renewable fuels and biofuels, said Nick Caleb, an attorney with the Breach Collective, a statewide climate justice advocacy organization. Whats more, said Caleb, storing biofuels at the Critical Energy Infrastructure Hub, a 6-mile stretch on the northwest bank of the Willamette River thats prone to liquefaction during a mega-earthquake, is just as dangerous as storing fossil fuel products such as diesel. We dont believe that continually adding risks to the community and environment from storing increasing amounts of renewable fuels in NW Portland is worth the tradeoffs of, in the best case scenario, modest carbon emissions reductions, Caleb said. Studies show that the use of extreme risk protection orders that restrict access to firearms for those found to be a danger to themselves or others are having an impact in decreasing gun violence. TNS Chelsea Parsons, Jake Chandler and Josh Silverman For The Oregonian/OregonLive Parsons is senior director of implementation at Everytown for Gun Safety. Chandler is an investigator with the Deschutes County District Attorneys office. Silverman is a sergeant in the Behavioral Health Unit of the Portland Police Bureau. In 2017, Oregon enacted a forward-thinking policy that helped ensure those who pose a danger to themselves or others could temporarily be prevented from accessing firearms. Under Oregons extreme risk protection order law, sometimes called a red flag law, law enforcement or concerned family members have a pathway to ask a court to temporarily restrict access to guns when someone poses a danger to themselves or others. If granted, the person must surrender any firearms and cannot buy new ones until the order ends. The law created a lifeline. It helps law enforcement officers respond when someone is in crisis but hasnt committed a crime, and it gives families a tool when a loved one is threatening self-harm. And research is showing that its having an impact. One study found that after Connecticut increased usage of these protection orders called ERPOs there was a 14% reduction in the states firearm suicide rate; a multistate study found that one suicide was averted for every 17 protection orders served. But eight years after passage of this law, too many Oregon communities are not receiving the benefits of it. An Everytown for Gun Safety analysis of ERPO petitions filed in Oregon found wide variation in how Oregon counties use it. If Oregonians are to fully take advantage of this vital gun violence prevention tool, county leaders, law enforcement and the community must commit to improving the implementation and use of this law in every part of the state. Two counties in Oregon help show the wide disparity in its use throughout the state. According to the Everytown analysis, in 2024, there were 19.4 petitions for extreme risk protection orders per 100,000 residents in Deschutes County. In Multnomah County, however, there were only 2.4 petitions filed per 100,000 residents. This uneven use is not unique to Oregon. In 2024, ERPO use varied widely among states, with Florida and Connecticut having among the highest rates of petitions filed (16.9 per 100,000 people and 40.5 per 100,000 people respectively), while other states have barely used theirs at all, even years after it became available. A crucial difference is how the law has been implemented, with the extent of training of law enforcement officers playing a key role. In FloridasPalm Beach County, the number of protection orders tripled in 2022 after the sheriffs department conducted intensive training for its deputies. Connecticut (which has the highest usage of any state) undertook a statewide push on law enforcement training, including a train the trainers program, and changed court processes to allow petitions to be file electronically. In Oregon, Deschutes County has shown how putting effort into implementation can turn ERPO into a reliable tool. Officers receive regular training, and cases are reviewed with local experts so they can navigate the process with confidence. Just as important, law enforcement works hand-in-hand with mental health providers and community partners when seeking an order. That combination of training, expertise and collaboration ensures officers know the law, have the resources to use it effectively and apply it consistently. The Portland Police Bureau has recognized recently that it needs to follow the lead of other cities that have made training on these protective orders a priority. PPB already had five Behavioral Health Unit officers who have received comprehensive training on and have direct experience with completing and submitting ERPO applications on behalf of patrol officers or community members. Those five officers know what evidence suffices for judges to grant them and how to defend them when contested. But PPB realized it needed to train all patrol officers to identify situations when such a protective order might be appropriate and how to refer cases to the Behavioral Health Unit. Last May, the Behavioral Health Unit produced an initial online training course for patrol officers. But PPB knows it will need to reinforce thar training repeatedly, until thinking about such protective orders becomes second nature something thats always in the back of officers minds. The Behavioral Health Unit is also reaching out to the community to offer similar information and training. Members of the public are encouraged to contact the Portland Police Bureau directly for assistance with ERPO applications by emailing ERPOrequests@police.portlandoregon.gov. ERPOs save lives, and every missed opportunity is a risk we dont need to take. With consistent training, community education and strong follow-through, Portland can ensure this life-saving tool is used fully and fairlybefore warning signs turn into tragedies. A version of this story first appeared in the South Texas Project at Texas A&M University's Department of Communication and Journalism, which also facilitated the field reporting. Activists and residents organize as they fear their city might be a hotspot of exposure to a dangerous chemical By Olivia Biggs, Avery Foster, Callaghan Mitchell & David Perez | Edited by Mariano Castillo & Rodrigo Cervantes LAREDO, Texas The Nevares family home is a lively space, with kittens milling about and happiness in the air. Its a feeling the family had to fight for, following a devastating leukemia diagnosis for their youngest son seven years ago. Not far from them lives Xavier Ortiz, a hardworking man who wants to provide for his family but is hindered by an aggressive cancer. Both families live near the Midwest Sterilization Corporation, a medical equipment sterilization facility in north Laredo that uses in its process ethylene oxide, a known carcinogen. For the Nevares and the Ortiz families, their cancer battles took on a different light once they learned about that nearby plant. They wonder if the illnesses that turned their lives upside down were caused by cancer-causing emissions from the factory and worry about how air contamination may harm others. The Midwest Sterilization Corporation facility in Laredo uses ethylene oxide, a carcinogen, to sterilize medical equipment. The process is known to emit cancer-causing gas into the air. Photo by Sean Jimenez/South Texas Project Local activists have been bringing attention to ethylene oxide emissions for years, advocating for more air monitoring and emission regulations. In March 2024, they applauded the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for what seemed like a victory: new federal regulations that would drastically curb emissions of ethylene oxide, including those at the facility in Laredo. But the EPAs 2024 final rule may not be the last word, as the Trump administration has been reconsidering many Biden-era regulations, placing the implementation of emissions reductions in uncertainty. The Midwest Sterilization Corporation uses ethylene oxide to sterilize medical devices. Some families living near the plant say they understand the purpose of the facility, but struggle to see how it justifies the potential health risks. The products that they have, yes, they saved my sons life, because they are products for hospitals, said Nidia Nevares, whose son survived from leukemia. But pollutants from the same plant may have made him sick in the first place, she added. Rafael and Nidia Nevares, with their son Juan Jose "JJ, at Father Charles M. McNaboe Park in Laredo, Texas. Photo by Sean Jimenez/South Texas Project Old battle in a new light Thirteen year-old Juan Jose Nevares, who goes by JJ, was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia in 2018, when he was just six. He beat the disease, but his family still lives just a few miles from the Midwest plant. His mom, Nidia Nevares, remembers the original checkup as a minor nuisance, having to travel to San Antonio for tests to be done and news to get back. The nuisance trip turned into a life-changing experience once the cancer diagnosis came back. At first, they said it was two years of treatment, she said. Two years passed, but after two years they told us the leukemia came back, so it was another three years of treatment. Nidia Nevares holds her son JJ's hand at their home, which is one of many residences located just minutes away from a controversial facility for using a carcinogen to sterilize medical equipment. Photo by Sean Jimenez/South Texas Project I didnt really understand anything, JJ recalls of his years battling cancer. I didnt really have adult feelings yet, so I didnt really just know. I just said, okay, were doing this now. The Nevares family rallied around JJ and his treatment. It wasnt until later that they learned about the potential ethylene oxide exposure from the nearby Midwest Sterilization plant and that the chemical raises the risk of cancers such as leukemia. It was an ugly feeling to consider that her sons cancer may have been linked to the toxic emissions, Nidia Nevares said. The school is close to the plant, too. She thinks about the other children that go to JJs school and feels sad that more children are at risk. Juan Jose J.J. Nevares holds his end-of-treatment day poster from The Children's Hospital of San Antonio at his home in Laredo. Photo by Sean Jimenez/South Texas Project Fighting toxins The effort to study ethylene oxide emissions in Laredo was an all-hands-on-deck mission that began several years ago under the Clean Air Coalition in Laredo, which brought together activist groups, elected officials and school districts. Everybody is learning [about ethylene oxide] to advocate to the community and, at the same time, advocate it to city council and to the people that can actually make changes, said Edgar Villasenor, advocacy campaign manager at the environmental justice group Rio Grande International Study Center (RGISC). Edgar Villasenor, advocacy campaign manager at the environmental justice group Rio Grande International Study Center (RGISC). Photo by Sean Jimenez/South Texas Project Ethylene oxide is a flammable, colorless gas used to sterilize medical equipment. It is also a carcinogen. According to the National Cancer Institute, the ability of ethylene oxide to damage DNA makes it an effective sterilizing agent, but also accounts for its cancer-causing activity. For many medical devices, sterilization with ethylene oxide is a method that has proved to ensure sterility without damaging the device. Following a 2022 investigative report published by ProPublica and The Texas Tribune, many residents became aware for the first time that Laredo is one of the cities with the highest levels of excess cancer risk. Upon learning of the contamination risk from ethylene oxide, Laredo city officials funded a fenceline monitoring study administered by RGISC. The center hired Richard Peilter, an air quality scientist at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, to consult on the air quality within the community. Particularly elevated concentrations were consistently observed in areas proximate to the facility, indicating a localized source of emission, according to the 2024 report, referring to the Midwest Sterilization plant. The report states there are some concerns with the reliability of the data, to which it recommends ongoing monitoring. [Ethylene oxide] exposure poses an important risk to communities and should not be dismissed, it says. Edgar Villasenor explains the varying levels of air contamination affecting schools across Laredo, Texas, using data measured by the Rio Grande International Study Center (RGISC). Photo by Sean Jimenez/South Texas Project Midwest Sterilization Corporation has stated its emissions are within legal limits. The company did not respond to multiple requests for comment regarding their emissions and procedures and practices, including whether they have considered alternative sterilizers to ethylene oxide. In response to the Texas Tribune investigation, the company said it remains in compliance with regulations, and touted its role in critical medical device sterilization services. Midwest is taking all steps necessary to ensure that patients across the nation and residents locally remain safe, the company told the Tribune in a statement. Residents want answers The Nevares familys neighbor, Xavier Ortiz, was diagnosed in September 2024 with lymphoma. There are reported cases of others who live near to the plant getting cancer, and many people and organizations, such as the Rio Grande International Study Center (RGISC), believe that the plants ethylene oxide emissions are linked to these illnesses. No specific cancer case has been proven linked to the plant. However, activists and concerned residents point to studies that show Laredo to be a hotspot of ethylene oxide exposure. Ortiz had no idea that emissions from the plant may be linked to his cancer until receiving a brochure from activists. They brought it to me and put it on the door. I checked the page and I told my wife, Look, they say theres going to be a talk about this contamination, and the main effect it has is lymphoma, he said. Javier Ortiz speaks about his diagnosis at Iglesia Cristiana Ministerio De Salvacion in Laredo, Texas, on April 5, 2024. Photo by Sean Jimenez/South Texas Project Ortiz wishes for a clear answer about the cause of his cancer, but while ethylene oxide is known to cause lymphoma, the lack of certainty bothers him. I have my children living in the house. I mean, I have more neighbors living there in the area, Ortiz said. Its not fair that more people would be contaminated. Ortizs sickness affects him significantly on a daily basis. It affects my familys finances, my health, my finances, my well-being, family problems due to the lack of money from not being able to work, he said. Chemotherapy treatments have left him stuck in bed for up to 12 days at a time, and his treatments, he stated, have been very ugly. Even as he suffers, Ortiz recognizes that ethylene oxide is useful as a sterilizer. What he wants, he says, is a definitive answer as to the level of risk and for Midwest to properly mitigate it. Stalled regulations Under President Bidens EPA administrator Michael Regan, the agency agreed to adopt new standards. The agency touted the new final rule, announced in March 2024, as historic. However, following the transition to a new administration in Washington, the Trump EPA is rethinking the rules. Environmental advocates say there is a risk that the tighter regulations may never go into effect. This administration has taken a different approach to that industry, incredibly favorable [to it], said Tricia Cortez, Executive Director of RGISC. The Ethylene Oxide Sterilization Association, an industry trade group, had filed a legal action calling for a review of the final rule. The organization Rio Grande International Study Center (RGISC) has found a localized source of toxic emissions in Laredo, Texas, possibly linked to the Midwest Sterilization Corporation. The company has claimed its ethylene oxide emissions are within legal limits. Photo by Sean Jimenez/South Texas Project Meanwhile, EarthJustice representing RGISC and others petitioned to compel the EPA to enforce its 2024 final rule. Amid the dueling petitions, the EPA now under President Trumps EPA administrator, Lee Zeldin filed its own motion for a temporary suspension of the proceedings because the agency has now determined that it wishes to revisit and reconsider. The motion for abeyance, as it is known, was filed on March 25, just days after EPA announced publicly that it will reconsider multiple air pollution emissions standards, including those related to the commercial sterilization of medical devices. The EPA is going to take that new rule and theyre basically going to take it back and just rewrite it, Cortez said. Lillian Zhou, an EarthJustice attorney representing the petitioners in the lawsuit, said the process is typical of cases that transition between administrations. A lot of the time, a new administration will ask pending lawsuits to be put in abeyance so they could go back and change whatever the underlying standards are, Zhou said. J.J. Nevares and his mother, Nidia Nevares, at the Father Charles M. McNaboe Park. Photo by Sean Jimenez/South Texas Project In Laredo, that balance between protecting the environment and boosting American companies hits close to home. So all of these things are happening more at a national level, with the rule and the agency that regulates this air toxin that then impacts communities like ours here, Cortez said. In terms of how a local community can protect itself or act toward these kinds of companies is somewhat limited. You know, you have to have these two battles, the national one, and then whats happening on the local front as well. --- Olivia Biggs, Avery Foster and Callaghan Mitchell are journalism students at Texas A&M University. David Perez and Sean Jimenez are students at Texas A&M International University. Portland officials sued TriMet and a contractor picked by the agency after an alleged botched construction project at a streetcar station in the Central Eastside. Kristyna Wentz-Graff/Staff (file) Portland leaders on Wednesday agreed to accept $7.5 million from the regions public transit agency and a hired contractor following a botched construction project in the citys Central Eastside. The settlement, unanimously approved in a 9-0 City Council vote, comes more than three years after Portland officials filed a $10 million lawsuit against TriMet and Stacy Witbeck, a California-based company. The city had tapped the transit agency in 2012 to oversee fixes to a Portland Streetcar platform near the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. The project was part of a broader effort by Portland and TriMet to extend the streetcar system beyond downtown and create a full loop around the central city with a connection over the Tilikum Crossing Bridge. According to the citys lawsuit, TriMets selected contractor, Stacy Witbeck, badly bungled the platform project, causing millions of dollars in needed repairs to the city-owned property. In 2015, a city-hired engineer found serious damage to the platform, including cracked walls and empty space undermining the structure that needed to be filled, court documents allege. Portland attorneys had sued TriMet and Stacy Witbeck for negligence and breach of contract. In a statement Wednesday, a TriMet spokesperson said the agency appreciates our partnership with the city of Portland in providing valuable public transportation services to our region. The agencys insurance will cover the cost of the settlement, the spokesperson said. No general funds or payroll tax revenue collected by the agency will be used. Stacy Witbeck did not respond to a request for comment. Councilors Candace Avalos, Sameer Kanal and Tiffany Koyama Lane were absent from Wednesdays settlement vote. A former church at 789 W. Main St. in Carlton is now an overnight rental, where some guests, along with the owners and cleaning staff, have had unsettling experiences. Samantha Swindler/ The Oregonian Vintage Terrace is the rare vacation rental with a body buried in its front yard. In addition to its guests, the chic property in Carlton, Oregon, also reportedly hosts appliances with minds of their own, disembodied voices and mysterious shadows. Reporter Samantha Swindler and I braved an overnight stay at Vintage Terrace to see what materialized. Before addressing things that go bump in the night, lets unpack that buried body. At a mere 13 steps from Vintage Terraces front door, the grave is impossible to ignore. The body in question is Peter Chimicun Smith, a farmer and blacksmith who moved his family from Missouri to Oregon Country in 1844. After shaking off the Oregon Trail dust, Smith obtained a 643-acre donation land claim that encompassed much of what is now Carlton. A devout man and lay minister, Smith donated a parcel of his new land to the trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church for the construction of a house of worship. In return, Smith asked to be buried next to the church when he died. Peter Smith, an early Carlton settler who donated the land where the church was built, is still buried in the yard. His tombstone reads: Remember man, as you pass by, As you are, so once was I. As I am now, so must you be. Prepare for death, and follow me. Samantha Swindler/ The Oregonian That day came on June 5, 1863. The epitaph etched on Smiths headstone reads: Remember man as you pass by As you are so once was I. As I am now so must you be Prepare for death and follow me. James OHanlon of the Ulster Historical Foundation described the message, which has a long history of adorning tombstones, as a blast of reality from beyond the grave that is guaranteed to chill the spine of the most optimistic of souls. Spines properly chilled, Swindler and I were ready for the hunt. Fires destroyed the first two churches built on Smiths donated land, so we spent the night in a building constructed on the same location in 1901 or 1902. Over the past century it has been home to two different churches, a Rebekahs Lodge, and finally a private residence. The one constant is Smith remaining buried outside. After Tracy and Ty Camp purchased the building in August 2024, they spent the next eight months remodeling the 5,637-square-foot former church so they could turn it into a wine country getaway spot featuring five bedrooms, four bathrooms and, perhaps, the spirit of their permanent front yard resident. A former church at 789 W. Main St. in Carlton is now an overnight rental, where some guests, along with the owners and cleaning staff, have had unsettling experiences. Samantha Swindler/ The Oregonian We arrived in the early afternoon, as the Camps informed us that the spirits go bump in both the day and night at Vintage Terrace. There are large-screen TVs throughout Vintage Terrace that, according to several former guests, turn on without any human assistance. Tammi Smith, who is not related to Peter, works for the company that cleans the rental property. She reported that just two days before we arrived, a television on the upper floor turned on while she worked on the main floor of the building during the day. Michael Alberty, left, speaks with Tracy and Ty Camp, owners of a former church at 789 W. Main St. in Carlton that is now an overnight rental. Some guests, along with the Camps and cleaning staff, have had unsettling experiences there. Samantha Swindler/ The Oregonian Disembodied voices are another feature at Vintage Terrace, day or night. Phetmaly Neese of Portland was staying there this summer when she was awakened at approximately 4 a.m. by the sounds of a man and a woman having a loud conversation on the deck below her window. A radio blared music, making it difficult for Neese to make out the conversation. I wasnt scared, I just went back to sleep. But the next morning, I asked the relatives I was staying with, and no one was up that early or had heard anything. That gave me goosebumps, Neese said. The voices at Vintage Terrace arent always so difficult to understand. The Camps were working with general contractor Jesse Smith in the primary bathroom on the main floor when a male voice blurted out the word oh, along with a popular four-letter scatalogical word. We all looked at each other like are you serious? Smith said. This wasnt the only time Jesse Smith felt the hairs on the back of his neck rise while helping to remodel Vintage Terrace. Smith said that, as he was installing a sliding glass door for the deck, he turned to his workbench to grab a drill. The drill was gone. A rem pod, a piece of ghost hunting equipment, responded when placed in a corner of the main bedroom closet. The former church at 789 W. Main St. in Carlton is now an overnight rental, where some guests, along with the owners and cleaning staff, have had unsettling experiences. Samantha Swindler/ The Oregonian As Smith looked around for his drill, he heard a thunk. The drill had traveled approximately 20 feet across the main floor of the house, then down the stairs to the front door. If I had seen the drill moving on its own, I probably would have soiled myself, he said. Then there are those shadows seen by guests, of which Washougal resident Lashell Carricks story is typical. It was just before midnight, and Carrick was curled up in bed, still awake, in the primary bedroom. Suddenly, she heard squeaks, as if footsteps were crossing the hardwood floor in front of her open bedroom door. As the steps moved from left to right, she said a dark shadow crossed her view, disappearing to the other side of the door. I tried to think logically to avoid scaring myself, but a few minutes later, it happened again, Carrick said. To set the mood and potentially stir something up for our own stay, we played a CD of songs recorded by Peter Chimicun Smiths great-great-grandson, the late Gordon N. Zimmerman. It may have worked. First, there was the glass door that slammed shut behind us really hard for no apparent reason. Tammi Smith reports that the same thing happened while she was working there, hitting so hard she feared the large glass pane would shatter. Game on, spirits. Reporter Michael Alberty uses a "spirit box," which scans radio frequencies, in an attempt to communicate with ghosts. Samantha Swindler/ The Oregonian When we checked into Vintage Terrace, all the lights in the primary bedroom were turned on. We left them that way. When Tracy Camp arrived to give us a tour, Swindler noticed Camp having to turn the two lamps on the bedstands next to the bed back on. We didnt turn them off; no other lights in the room turned off, nor were there any timers on the lamp. Most of the people we spoke with agreed that the primary bedroom and a large closet room leading to the primary bathroom are hot spots where unusual things happen. Thats where we deployed our REM Pod, a device that measures electromagnetic field disturbances, temperature changes and physical disturbances such as me accidentally stepping on it. As you can see on all of cable TVs best ghost-hunting shows, a REM Pod will start flashing colored lights and sounding an alarm if disturbed by a supernatural presence. Supposedly, the more alerts you get, the closer the energy disturbance. A former church at 789 W. Main St. in Carlton is now an overnight rental, where some guests, along with the owners and cleaning staff, have had unsettling experiences. Samantha Swindler/ The Oregonian That night, after never going off during any of our previous annual ghost hunts, the REM pod repeatedly screamed like a banshee. It also flashed the kind of intense red light you get if you try to enter a restricted area at the airport. At one point, while the REM Pod was taking a rest, I was standing in the doorway to the room where it was stationed. As I spoke with Swindler and the Camps, I thought I saw a black blur out of the corner of my eye. The REM Pod suddenly screamed out once more. The hairs on my legs and arms stood up as I contemplated leaving Swindler to her own devices as I ran from the building. Exhausted and just a bit freaked out, we crashed in our respective bedrooms at 2:30 a.m. to get some sleep. Swindler was in the primary bedroom on the main floor. I was in the upstairs bedroom where Neese heard the music and voices. Vintage Terrace was not done with me. About 5:30 a.m. I was awakened by what I thought were footsteps plodding along the thick carpet outside my door. I cant rule out the possibility that I imagined it in my sleep-deprived stupor. I also thought it might be Swindler roaming around as she shot more video. As I crawled out of bed to get dressed and go find Swindler, I heard the sound of a hard rain or sleet hitting my bedroom window. That I did not imagine, as I was wide awake at this point. When I looked out the window, it was dry as a bone outside. And there isnt a tree out there, either. The creeped-out feeling I had during the REM Pod saga returned. Im sure there are rational explanations for all of the things that transpire at Vintage Terrace. When I figure out what they are, I will report back. The lush backyard of a former church at 789 W. Main St. in Carlton. The building now an overnight rental, where some guests, along with the owners and cleaning staff, have had unsettling experiences. Samantha Swindler/ The Oregonian -- Michael Alberty writes about wine for The Oregonian/OregonLive and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. He can be reached at malberty0@gmail.com. To read more of his coverage, go to oregonlive.com/wine But the novel reaches the kind of d center court morristown arizona superior court huron county court of common pleas was more or less irrelevant to lif but grand operathe nineteen Other times it was just ugliness and Who am I to argue with a person who plays his cards so close to his chest?We wrote on the rockers and afterward read our pieces to each other.I drew on scrap pieces of paper Soon they are romantically and sexually involvedand hes that much closer to his prize and becoming a renowned historian.My mother thinks Im in Rome and maybe she goes out an COLOMBO, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Three Sri Lankan army soldiers were injured in a hand grenade explosion during a training exercise at the Army Training School in Maduru Oya, in Sri Lanka's north central province, on Tuesday morning, police said. The soldiers sustained minor leg injuries and were admitted to Polonnaruwa Hospital for treatment. and this is the first time Ive been to Louisiana for anything other than a funeral or a wedding in months.Why didnt I ever realize we dont have to be cold?I dont know why I Bigfoot hysteria entered the American psyche more broadly in the seventies after the release of the famous 1967 Patterson-Gimlin film.So being up high and searching for somet which includes a catalogue of these visual symbols and verbal descriptions of their meanings: Owner is in.But has no one noticed that its an awkward mess when you do it i where is your family from? they never tell you the city that theyre cur do you like it when people greet you?I regretted asking because I figured the woman was going to dislike my question.the authentic kind are dipped in a bath of a food-grade Shirley Hazzard (19312016) was an Australian-born novelist and essayist who spent much of her life in New York City.the bags of food would often topple over on the floor of His knowledge of jazz was truly encyclopedic; he co-founded Jazz at Lincoln Center with Wynton Marsalis.The moments of radical transformation of society Ive had the chanc I followed Gabe out to the backyard with a beer and a cigarette and found him Homer himself is the first among mortals to express wonder at its construction:And the earth churned black behind them.or Claros relied on the observation of birds and the i Mukasongas writing is as striking for the bracing clarity and directness of her sentences as for the restlessness of its experimentations with genre: though she almost always so unlike ancient poetry whose verses are single and find in themselves alone the principle of their unityan elaborate etiological story referenced in Cruel Loss of Sons and the prospect of choosing a skirt and a top and a sweater and socks and shoes becomes monstrous to me.we announced the Paris Review Visiting Professorshipa position for a cre So the location of the mirrors was not a puzzle; the puzzle was this: why had Disneywhich is packed with though he wanted them as far away as possible from his Celtics in the playoffs and said they were capable of beating anybody.and Its like that Anne Sexton poem that weve talked about PARKERThe Truth the Dead Know?SHANAHANYes! Theres a phrasePARKERGone.Caravaggio invented an entire world to place Max Roachs drumming is the nesthe drums around the song as much as into itwe In her fiction an amorous girl goes up to the hayloft with a man and gets her wooden leg stolen in the story Good Country People.full of people and animals; the boy would th The tourists hatred of other tourists is like that of the provincial for his ilk; this antipathy produces curious self-images.I think this is the third time Ive read My Dead Palestinians mourn over victims killed during Israeli airstrikes, at al-Shifa hospital in west of Gaza City, Oct. 29, 2025. At least 100 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip from late Tuesday to Wednesday, marking the most intense escalation since the ceasefire agreement took effect on October 10. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) GAZA, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- At least 100 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip from late Tuesday to Wednesday, marking the most intense escalation since the ceasefire agreement took effect on October 10. In a press statement, Gaza's health authorities said 27 bodies were taken to al-Shifa Hospital, 10 to al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza City, 31 to al-Awda Hospital, 12 to al-Aqsa Hospital in central Gaza, and 20 to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis in the south. Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for the Civil Defense in Gaza, told Xinhua that intense Israeli airstrikes targeted residential homes and tents sheltering displaced people across the Gaza Strip. He added that among the dead were 35 children. In a post on social media platform X, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Wednesday it had launched a series of strikes that hit "dozens of terror targets and terrorists." The IDF also confirmed it has begun the renewed enforcement of the ceasefire and vowed to "respond firmly" to any violation of the ceasefire agreement. The IDF said it had carried out joint strikes with the Israel Security Agency targeting 30 militants holding command positions in Gaza. In response, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) condemned the Israeli airstrikes. In a statement issued by its spokesperson Muhammad al-Hajj Mousa, the PIJ said the airstrikes constituted "a clear violation by the occupation of the ceasefire agreement." The spokesperson added that since the ceasefire agreement was announced, Palestinian factions have fully adhered to its terms and committed no violations. The Israeli airstrikes came after an attack on an Israeli vehicle in the southern Gazan city of Rafah that killed a reservist soldier, according to Israeli authorities. Israel accused Hamas of carrying out the attack, a claim the movement denied. Palestinians mourn over victims killed during Israeli airstrikes, at al-Shifa hospital in west of Gaza City, Oct. 29, 2025. At least 100 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip from late Tuesday to Wednesday, marking the most intense escalation since the ceasefire agreement took effect on October 10. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Palestinians inspect destroyed houses after Israeli airstrikes, in west of Gaza City, Oct. 29, 2025. At least 100 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip from late Tuesday to Wednesday, marking the most intense escalation since the ceasefire agreement took effect on October 10. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Palestinians inspect destroyed houses after Israeli airstrikes, in west of Gaza City, Oct. 29, 2025. At least 100 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip from late Tuesday to Wednesday, marking the most intense escalation since the ceasefire agreement took effect on October 10. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) A Palestinian boy is seen near destroyed houses after Israeli airstrikes, in west of Gaza City, Oct. 29, 2025. At least 100 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip from late Tuesday to Wednesday, marking the most intense escalation since the ceasefire agreement took effect on October 10. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Palestinians inspect destroyed houses after Israeli airstrikes, in west of Gaza City, Oct. 29, 2025. At least 100 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip from late Tuesday to Wednesday, marking the most intense escalation since the ceasefire agreement took effect on October 10. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) A Palestinian inspects destroyed houses after Israeli airstrikes, in west of Gaza City, Oct. 29, 2025. At least 100 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip from late Tuesday to Wednesday, marking the most intense escalation since the ceasefire agreement took effect on October 10. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Palestinians inspect destroyed houses after Israeli airstrikes, in west of Gaza City, Oct. 29, 2025. At least 100 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip from late Tuesday to Wednesday, marking the most intense escalation since the ceasefire agreement took effect on October 10. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Palestinians inspect destroyed houses after Israeli airstrikes, in west of Gaza City, Oct. 29, 2025. At least 100 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip from late Tuesday to Wednesday, marking the most intense escalation since the ceasefire agreement took effect on October 10. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Mercer Martin, entrepreneurship and economics junior, and Josephine Nicholson, constitutional studies and professional writing junior, are running for OU Student Government Association president and vice president Thursday and Friday. Martin has been involved with SGA since her first year and is currently the SGA secretary of student services. She previously served as co-chair of the Crimson Leadership Association, a group for first-year students that focuses on providing skills for a successful future, emphasizing networking skills and community. Nicholson is the SGA secretary of campus relations. Campaign mission NEWSLETTERS * required Thank you for subscribing! Email * Please enter a valid email address First Name Last Name A few times a week FREE SIGN UP Subscribing... The foundation of Martin and Nicholson's campaign is called SPIRIT, an acronym for strengthening connections, promoting OU traditions, integrating resources and access, reinforcing campus fellowship, initiating partnerships with Norman and tying students to the local community. The pair said they aim to use their resources to build personal connections across different organizations to help everyone feel like they belong and are proud to be part of OU. The people with the passion are the people we want doing the project, Nicholson said. According to Martin, each part of SPIRIT represents a student-focused goal to improve campus life and strengthen community ties. Martin and Nicholson said their campaign is guided by feasibility with initiatives designed to represent the diversity of student experiences and create a lasting impact. Teaching is the best way to learn, Nicholson said. Its great for people to go and get to teach these things that OU teaches us in such a beautiful way. Community collaboration According to Nicholson, the team discussed several proposals to strengthen ties between OU students and the Norman community, including allowing upperclassmen to use meal points at local restaurants on designated days. They said that plan is still in its early stages, but they hope to realize it through the proper channels. They also said they want to collaborate with the Boys and Girls Club of Norman to provide tutoring and workshops for children. Martin said the initiative would allow education majors to volunteer and potentially earn course credits while contributing to youth development. We want to reach the (Southeastern Conference) level of excellence in everything we do, and that encourages boosting our local economy, Martin said. They pour so much into us, let's pour into them. Student involvement Martin and Nicholson also said they hope to better support incoming first-years and transfer students. They said they want to serve as the liaison between students and faculty to improve communication and encourage greater campus involvement. We have the ability, and we know what resources are ours to use, and we want everybody to know what resources are theirs to use, Nicholson said. The pair emphasized the importance of continuing campuswide engagement events like OUs first Mental Health Week, a project Martin helped lead. They said they want to encourage future discussion and support around students' well-being. Martin and Nicholson said such events are essential to bringing students together outside of classrooms and creating spaces that are welcoming to everyone. Voter engagement Martin and Nicholson said they want to encourage student participation in SGA elections. Both candidates said their campaign is focused on increasing engagement overall, not just votes for their own ticket. We dont care if it's for us, we want people voting, said Nicholson. We want engagement. We want people on ENGAGE. Vote, vote, vote! Martin said student engagement in the last presidential election was one of the lowest the organization had seen, and she wants to bring more awareness to the election. Last year was the worst turnout in a while, Martin said. Last year, 929 students voted in the SGA presidential and vice presidential election in total, according to the fall 2024 election report. They said their goal this year is to hit record levels of engagement across OUs 32,000-student campus by making the process simple and accessible. If people take anything away from our campaign, its just pay attention, Nicholson said. Pay attention. Know whats going on around you and your student government. Vote, be engaged. Thats the only way things will happen and go your way. Competing tickets Election Commissioner Baylor Savage wrote in an email to OU Daily Oct. 20 that this is his first time seeing a three-way race for presidency during his time at the university. I want to say how excited I am for the increase in candidates this year, Savage wrote. I am hoping that this increase will also result in increased participation from our student body through higher voting numbers this year. Last year, Carter Strickland became president following an uncontested election. Strickland was impeached on March 25, becoming the first SGA president in university history to be impeached. Strickland resigned on April 4 after serving as president for three months. Former Vice President Avery Dunlap became SGA president following Stricklands resignation. Students can cast their votes for SGA president and vice president through their ENGAGE account Thursday and Friday. This story was edited by Thomas Pablo and Natalie Armour. Mary Ann Livingood copy edited this story. Norman City Council will consider the resignation of City Auditor Shaakira Calnick at its regular meeting Tuesday evening due to an incorrect job listing that did not require her to be a certified public accountant, Mayor Stephen Tyler Holman said. Holman told OU Daily Tuesday the resignation is due to Normans Municipal Code, which requires the city auditor to be a certified public accountant. Calnick does not have the certification, according to Holman. According to the code, this requirement was adopted in May 2022. NEWSLETTERS * required Thank you for subscribing! Email * Please enter a valid email address First Name Last Name A few times a week FREE SIGN UP Subscribing... Calnick has served as Normans city auditor since November 2023. She previously worked as a senior fraud analyst February 2021 to July 2022 and held numerous positions in New York from 2011 to February 2021, according to LinkedIn. Holman said the job posting Calnick applied for did not align with city charter because it did not have a CPA requirement, which led to Calnicks hire. Pretty massive oversight, Holman said. That HR director is no longer with the city. Holman said council is considering a charter amendment that would remove the CPA requirement. We will be looking for someone that can meet those qualifications in the charter and then potentially look at doing a charter amendment that would require voter approval, Holman said. To make it a little less restrictive as far as having to have a certified CPA, but maybe a certified CPA and/or other qualifications or certifications. According to a staff report, and confirmed by Norman Chief Communications Officer Tiffany Martinez Vrska, article five of the city charter adds the position of city auditor as an at-will position appointed by council. In its April 29 special meeting, council discussed conducting a mid-year review of Calnick, as authorized by Oklahoma statutes. Council has discussed Calnicks employment during four executive sessions: June 3 and 10, July 29 and Oct. 7. During the June 10 special meeting, council considered the removal, suspension or resignation of Calnick, per that meetings agenda. Following the October discussion, council directed legal staff to pursue concluding Calnicks employment by mutual agreement, according to the staff report. Calnick was advised of this and agreed to conclude her employment, the report reads. According to Normans Municipal Code, the city auditor can be removed or suspended by a vote of at least five council members. If at least four council members vote to discuss the employment of the city auditor, a notice is filed with the city clerk and the item is placed for executive session at the next regularly scheduled meeting. In an email to OU Daily Tuesday, Vrska said she was limited in speaking on the situation because it is a personnel matter, but provided a statement. Calnick has shared she plans to pursue additional education opportunities, the statement read. Should the resignation be formally accepted, additional information regarding the filling of this vacancy will be made available in weeks to come. OU Daily reached out to Calnick on Tuesday but did not hear back by the time of publication. Background Last year, Calnick was involved in a disputed audit of Food and Shelter, a local nonprofit that provides support to people experiencing homelessness. During a city council meeting in May 2024, Calnick reported Food & Shelter, then-operator of Normans emergency shelter, A Friends House, misused about $9,835.60 in funds for the facility between November 2022 and February 2024, with $20,542 being unaccounted for. Food and Shelter responded in June 2024 opposing the report, stating the financial findings in the audit were malicious and Calnick misused the term disappearing when referring to the unaccounted funds. These funds didnt disappear. They covered the percentage of the necessary general operational costs, such as liability insurance and workers compensation insurance, the release from Food & Shelter read. The implication that these funds disappeared is incorrect. Calnicks report also indicated April Doshier, Food & Shelters former executive director, received unexplained raises and bonuses, which the release opposed. Doshier denied the findings in Calnicks report in a city council oversight committee meeting on June 13, 2024. Food & Shelter announced its decision to part ways with A Friends House in September 2024 as a result of contract disagreements after more than two years of operation in Norman. This story was edited by Natalie Armour and Thomas Pablo. Vanessa Essien and Sophie Hemker copy edited this story. Correction This story was updated at 3:27 p.m. on Nov. 3 to reflect that Norman City Council will be considering a charter amendment. Norman City Council swore in its new Ward 3 council member and accepted the resignation of the city auditor at its regular meeting Tuesday. Ward 3 candidate appointment The news: Council appointed Robert Bruce to the Ward 3 seat, approving a recommendation from the Ward 3 selection committee. NEWSLETTERS * required Thank you for subscribing! Email * Please enter a valid email address First Name Last Name A few times a week FREE SIGN UP Subscribing... Bruces appointment follows former Ward 3 Councilmember Bree Montoyas resignation last month. Bruce previously served on the citys Greenbelt Commission. He retired from the Air Force in December 2007 as a lieutenant colonel and commander of the 72nd Contracting Squadron stationed at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City. He continued to work at Tinker in civil service for 17 years before retiring earlier this year. During his interview for the seat last Monday, Bruce said the biggest concerns for Ward 3 include quick first responder times and the University North Park tax increment financing, or TIF, district. What theyre saying: Some attendees used public comment time to point out that the Ward 3 candidate selection committee nominated Bruce by a 3-2 vote. Stephen Ellis, a Ward 4 resident and OU philosophy professor, said he wished the nomination had been unanimous. It doesn't sound like there was a lot of push to try to find a unanimous candidate, Ellis said. Which I think does a little bit of a disservice to the voters of Ward 3. Robert Castleberry, chair of the committee, addressed these comments. I probably should have pushed harder to get a unanimous vote, Castleberry said. The makeup of the committee was not such that we were going to get a unanimous vote, Which is good. That means we had a well-rounded committee. Paul Arcaroli, an assistant director of human resources at OU, said he expected the selection committee to look for a candidate similar to Montoya. I have nothing against Bruce, but I always thought that the process was to replace to find somebody that closely matched the wishes of the ward from the previous election, Arcaroli said. Not to flip a vote. Not to change a vote. Ward 7 Councilmember Kim Blodgett called the candidate selection process disheartening. I trust the process and I trust (Mayor Stephen Tyler Holman). I just think its unfortunate that someone on the committee one or two members on the committee were just making comments about flipping a seat, Blodgett said. Ive had Ward 3 constituents emailing me like crazy today, asking me to not approve, saying that they want someone that is more aligned with who they had. The vote: Council approved the appointment 7-1 with Blodgett voting against. Resignation of city auditor The news: Council approved the resignation of former City Auditor Shaakira Calnick. Holman told OU Daily Tuesday the decision was made because the city auditor is required by municipal code to be a certified public accountant and Calnick does not meet the qualification. Holman said the oversight happened because the job listing did not include the requirement, allowing Calnick to serve in the role for almost two years. What theyre saying: City Attorney Rick Knighton told OU Daily that council is considering amending the city charter to allow certified internal auditors and certified fraud examiners to fill the city auditor role without being a certified public accountants. Knighton said this would go to a public vote in April. If passed, charter changes have to be approved by the governor of Oklahoma, according to Knighton. He said it could take six to nine months for the change to be approved. Knighton said the city will continue to operate as usual without an auditor. Every municipality every year is audited by an outside firm, Knighton said. That process will continue to occur. The vote: Calnicks resignation was approved unanimously. Peeping Tom ordinance The news: Council approved an ordinance update to change how Peeping Toms in Norman are charged. Norman Police Departments Deputy Chief Ricky Jackson presented the proposal, which sought to remove an ordinance from municipal code and defer to state law. Under state law, convicted offenders are given state charges rather than municipal charges and are put in a national database. The charge would remain a misdemeanor under state law. What theyre saying: Holman asked Jackson if the update will make it harder to be a Peeping Tom. We're not making it harder to be a Peeping Tom, we are making it harder to get away with that level of predatory behavior, Jackson said. Jackson believes that if offenders were entered into online records, investigators would be able to catch them earlier. He said it is hard for investigators to research these individuals because the information stays in municipal courts. Municipal courts are typically not courts of record, according to Jackson. It would actually assist us in identifying and being able to track these individuals, Jackson said. If there are habitual peepers, (investigators) can research that. Ward 4 Councilmember Helen Grant asked if the courts would look into people's backgrounds and assign the appropriate level of justice to juveniles and people with intellectual disabilities. It has been my experience that, yes, (courts) do take those types of measures and psychological counseling and things of that nature to get folks back on track, Jackson said. Bruce asked if first-time convictions go into the database. If you were convicted of that particular crime it will be entered into (the database), Jackson said. The vote: Council unanimously voted to adopt the ordinance. Roundabout at James Garner Avenue and Acres Street The news: Council unanimously approved the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of James Garner Avenue and Acres Street. What theyre saying: Grant said the roundabout, which will be constructed in Ward 4, will reduce pollution and congestion by limiting idle cars. Theres been multiple requests on my board to do something about the traffic flow there, Grant said. A roundabout is the most ideal. We cannot do a four-way stop because we have train tracks and we cannot block the train tracks with cars. The vote: The roundabout was approved unanimously. Planned unit development at Porter Avenue and Rock Creek Road Council also voted to rezone and approve a preliminary plat for a planned unit development that will include residential and retail space. The planned unit development will include multifamily residential units, senior adult housing units, and office and retail space at the intersection of Porter Avenue and Rock Creek Road, according to a staff report. What they're saying: Sean Rieger, an attorney representing the applicants, Tull Commercial Properties LLC and Legacy Ridge Development LLC, presented information regarding the planned unit development, which he said has a variety of uses and will increase pedestrian infrastructure. Marguerite Larson, a Ward 6 resident, urged council members to consider potential effects on the environment from the development. Were endangering our environment, Larson said. Larson also shared her concern on how the development would affect students at Norman North, which is located near the unit. What if Norman North would like to expand their high school sometime? Larson asked. Now they can't do that. The vote: The planned unit development rezoning and preliminary plat were approved unanimously. Potential charter amendments The news: Council discussed potential amendments to the city charter in a conference meeting ahead of the regular meeting. Holman told OU Daily Wednesday these amendments were proposed by council previously, but did not pass. He said council has not decided what proposal will go forward to voters. The amendments discussed include increasing elected officer stipends, which was proposed in a public vote in 2022 that did not pass. The stipend change would have increased the pay for council members from a maximum of $100 monthly to an annual stipend of $5,400. The mayors stipend would have increased from a maximum of $100 monthly to an annual amount of $8,100. Council also discussed term start dates that could begin on the first Tuesday following the date of scheduled run-off elections. What theyre saying: Assistant City Attorney Kathryn Walker noted the difference between Norman council member stipends and those of other cities. A couple of cities have had some pretty significant increases in the last couple of years, Walker said. Lawton increased the compensation effective this past July for their council members and mayor position. Holman expressed surprise at the difference in stipends between Lawton and Norman. I didnt know it was so far out, Holman said. But we havent raised it in Norman since 1981. Its only been attempted to be raised once since then. That was three years ago. Holman said council expects charter amendments to be on the ballot in April. Proclamations The news: Holman also made five proclamations. October was declared as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer History Month, as well as National Bullying Prevention Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month. November was proclaimed Native Americans/Indigenous Peoples Heritage Month. The week of Nov. 2 through Nov. 8 was declared Oklahoma Mobility Week. Correction This story was updated Oct. 29 at 12:52 p.m. to clarify the amendments for city council stipends were proposed in 2022. Mayor Stephen Tyler Holman told OU Daily council has not decided on a new proposal to residents. TOKYO, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Japan's new prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, and U.S. President Donald Trump took part in a series of talks on Tuesday during their first meeting in Tokyo. Meanwhile, Japanese people took to the streets, voicing strong dissatisfaction with Trump's visit and protesting against arms expansion and the weaponization of tariffs. Protestors from all over Japan on Tuesday gathered in front of the Prime Minister's Office, holding banners and placards that read "Oppose Japan-U.S. security arrangements," "Oppose Japan-U.S. summit meeting" and "Trump not welcome." The people chanted slogans such as "Oppose war talks" and "Oppose Trump's visit to Japan," criticizing the strengthening of the Japan-U.S. military alliance that undermines regional stability. They were forcibly dispersed by police, which resulted in instances of pushing and shoving between the two sides. Tadashi Fushimi, a member of the "Committee Against Trump's Visit to Japan," said that the U.S.'s trade wars and weaponizing tariffs are a blatant act of violence that goes against economic globalization and is essentially aimed at maximizing its own interests. The so-called vision for a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" is, in reality, a means for Japan and the United States to pursue hegemony. Japan should adhere to independent and autonomous diplomacy, rather than becoming involved in U.S. military strategy. The organization had held a protest march against Trump's visit to Japan in Ginza, central Tokyo, last Sunday evening. For a long time, Japan's southernmost prefecture of Okinawa has suffered greatly from the presence of the U.S. military, with frequent safety incidents, aircraft noise and criminal activities seriously affecting the daily lives of local people. Naito, a former resident of Okinawa, held up a banner reading "Oppose creating wars" at the rally, denouncing the strengthening of the Japan-U.S. military alliance. Protester from Tokyo Iwagami said that the plan to revise three key national security documents completely deviates from Japan's pacifist constitution, noting "With prices soaring in Japan, the government still wants to use taxpayers' money to buy weapons. This is forcing the people to pay for the military industry and is an attempt at military expansion, which will exacerbate regional tensions and is not conducive to peace." During the first Takaichi-Trump meeting, both sides reiterated their commitment to strengthening the alliance and jointly promoting the vision of a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific." Trump explicitly welcomed Japan's expanded purchases of U.S. defense equipment. Takaichi previously pledged to raise the country's defense budget to 2 percent of gross domestic product by next March, two years ahead of the plan, and revise the National Security Strategy and two other key defense documents by the end of 2026. UPM CEO Says Tariffs, Slow Consumer Demand Affected Third Quarter 2025 Results "The third quarter brought some temporary clarity to the terms of international trade, but consumer demand stayed subdued and uncertainty remains." Massimo Reynaudo, President and CEO, UPM. "The third quarter brought some temporary clarity to the terms of international trade, but consumer demand stayed subdued and uncertainty remains." Massimo Reynaudo, President and CEO, UPM. Oct. 29, 2025 - UPM today reported interim third quarter 2025 results. Massimo Reynaudo, UPM's President and CEO, said international trade tariffs continue to negatively affect business and consumer demand remains slow. "The third quarter brought some temporary clarity to the terms of international trade, but consumer demand stayed subdued and uncertainty remains," said Reynaudo. "During the quarter, we continued to take decisive actions to further strengthen our competitiveness. Our focus is on improving performance, cash flow and the strength of our balance sheet. "Our businesses in advanced materials and decarbonization solutions improved their third quarter performance compared to the previous year. However, fibres and communication paper businesses were impacted by the unusual volatility in the operating environment, which affected UPM's results negatively. "In Q3 our sales were EUR 2,298 million, lower than in the comparison quarters. Comparable EBIT was EUR 153 million, up 22% compared to the previous quarter but down 47% compared to last year's corresponding period. Operating cash flow was EUR 218 million. At the end of the quarter, our financial position was solid, with a net debt to EBITDA ratio of 2.36. "In UPM Fibres, the low pulp prices resulted in significantly lower EBIT compared to last year. Despite the low cycle market prices, our competitive pulp platform in South America performed well and continued to improve its efficiency. In Q3, Fibres South generated comparable EBIT of EUR 80 million, with an EBIT margin of 22%. After this first full year at nominal capacity for UPM Paso de los Toros and the competitive outbound logistics by rail, improvements will continue. By 2027, the expanded plantation areas will increasingly reach harvesting maturity, enabling us to optimize the wood sourcing and inbound logistics further. Simultaneously, we continue to plan for capex-efficient debottlenecking to unlock further potential of the platform. "In Finland, Fibres North reported a comparable EBIT loss of EUR 37 million, of which the impact of the extended shutdown and maintenance at the Kaukas pulp mill accounted for approximately EUR 30 million. Wood costs reached their highest levels, even though wood market prices started to show the first signs of decline. We continue to take decisive measures to adjust the Finnish pulp operations to the market situation. The announced long-term strategic partnership with Versowood, the largest private producer and processor of sawn timber in Finland, will strengthen our supply of pulpwood and improve the cost efficiency of our wood sourcing in the tight Finnish markets. "Given the significance of the UPM Fibres business and the distinct characteristics of its Fibres South and Fibres North parts, we will provide additional financial information for these two parts of the UPM Fibres reporting segment starting in Q1 2026. "In advanced materials, UPM Adhesive Materials and UPM Specialty Papers demonstrated resilience once again, improving their performance from last year despite the visible effects of global trade tariffs on consumer confidence and demand. UPM Adhesive Materials continued to implement its growth strategy by investing in the U.S., Malaysia and Vietnam. In addition, the business announced plans to discontinue production in Nancy, France in order to increase production efficiency further. "UPM Plywood reported solid results. In September, we announced the strategic review of the business to assess options for maximizing the long-term potential in an evolving market environment. The aim is to determine the best path forward for the plywood business, while also benefiting the value creation for UPM's shareholders. "UPM Communication Papers faced weak demand and was affected by export tariffs. The business decided to permanently cease paper production at the UPM Kaukas mill by the end of the year. The closed Plattling paper mill site was sold in October to a local logistics company, and the sale will positively impact the Q4 cashflow. "In decarbonization solutions, UPM Energy had a good third quarter, with market prices recovering amid solid power consumption in Finland and the Nordics. Optimization of power production in the volatile price environment yielded good results. "UPM Biofuels produced good volumes and the renewable fuel market prices continued recovering. The EU level renewable energy directive (RED III) is expected to support demand and valuation for advanced renewable fuels, pending implementation at the national level legislation. "In Leuna, Germany, the start-up of our groundbreaking biochemicals refinery proceeded. In the first core process, the hydrothermal breakdown of wood into sugar and lignin, we have successfully achieved stability and production levels on an industrial scale. Production and sales of the first commercial products, industrial sugars and lignin-based products are expected to start by the end of the year, and glycol production and sales in the first half of 2026. "Across our businesses, the market environment during the third quarter proved to be challenging. Although uncertainties in trade, currencies and geopolitics continue in the near term, we are determined to stay competitive and pave way for future growth through targeted investments and the pioneering entry in the new biochemicals business. In these efforts, I want to acknowledge the dedication of our teams and the continued trust of our customers," Reynaudo concluded. Outlook The continued significant uncertainties in geopolitics and global trade relations may impact the development of UPM's product deliveries, sales prices, various input cost factors and currency exchange rates. In H2 2025, compared with H1 2025, UPM's performance is expected to benefit from lower variable costs, including the timing of the annual energy refunds in Q4, and potentially from moderate fair value change of forest assets in Q4. Performance is expected to be resilient in the advanced materials businesses. Pulp prices have started the second half of the year at a lower level than the realized prices during the first half of the year. In H2 2025, compared with H2 2024, UPM's performance is expected to be held back by lower sales margins for pulp, lower deliveries of communication papers, and higher maintenance activity. Performance is expected to improve in the advanced materials businesses. The U.S. dollar has been weaker in H2 2025 than during the comparison periods. Sensitivity to Pulp and Electricity Prices UPM's comparable EBIT is sensitive to pulp and electricity prices. The figures below represent group earnings sensitivities on annual level. UPM is a large producer and consumer of chemical pulp. A EUR 50/tonne change in average pulp price would impact annual comparable EBIT by approximately EUR 170 million (net impact: assuming no correlation between pulp and paper prices) to approximately EUR 270 million (gross impact: assuming paper pricing would match changes in pulp costs). UPM is a large producer and consumer of electricity in Finland and separately hedges part of its electricity sales and purchases. Based on UPM's estimated unhedged net electricity sales position in Finland in 2025, a EUR 10/MWh change in average electricity market price in Finland would impact annual comparable EBIT by approximately EUR 30 million. UPM delivers renewable and responsible solutions and innovate for a future beyond fossils across six business areas: UPM Fibres, UPM Energy, UPM Raflatac, UPM Specialty Papers, UPM Communication Papers and UPM Plywood. The company employs 15,800 people worldwide and has annual sales of approximately EUR 10.3 billion. SOURCE: UPM Valmet to Supply Sofidel America with an Advantage ThruAir Tissue Production Line The new Valmet Advantage ThruAir tissue machine will have a width of 5.6 meters and an annual production capacity of 75,000 tons. The new Valmet Advantage ThruAir tissue machine will have a width of 5.6 meters and an annual production capacity of 75,000 tons. Oct. 29, 2025 - Valmet will supply Sofidel America with a new state-of-the-art tissue production line in the United States. The new Advantage ThruAir tissue machine will have a width of 5.6 meters and an annual production capacity of 75,000 tons. The production line is optimized to save fibers and deliver excellent paper properties. The location for the machine, intended to be within one of Sofidel's existing U.S. facilities, has not yet been finalized. Sofidel is currently engaging with various public authorities to finalize the project. The new production line will enable Sofidel America to significantly expand its production capacity of ultra-premium products for North American consumers to meet the growing demand of ultra-premium tissue products in the region. Valmet's full scope of supply includes a complete tissue production line, an automation package and flow control and Industrial Internet solutions. "This is a milestone for our tissue business and the largest full-scope tissue delivery for Valmet to-date," explained Jon Jested-Rask, Executive Vice President, Tissue Business Area at Valmet. "Our long-lasting partnership with Sofidel is built on shared values of innovation, expertise and teamwork. We are proud to be trusted with yet another project, working together for common success." Sofidel and Valmet in September started up an Advantage DCT line at Sofidel's Circleville, Ohio mill. Luigi Lazzareschi, CEO of Sofidel, stated, "With this new, significant investment, we are putting down even stronger roots in the United States, improving our ability to meet customer demand and further enhancing our capacity to supply first-quality products through TAD technology. The Advantage ThruAir technology is a benchmark in the industry for efficient production of the excellent tissue quality which will support our growth in United States." Start-up of the new tissue line is scheduled for the second quarter of 2028. Valmet is a global technology leader, serving process industries, including process technologies, automation, and services for the pulp, paper, and energy industries. SOURCE: Valmet The civil trial in a $40 million lawsuit involving a Virginia teacher who a then-six-year-old student shot has officially begun. During the trial, a school staffer recounted the moment that she heard a gunshot fired in an elementary school. The victim in the case was identified as Abby Zwerner, who is seeking $40 million over the January 2023 incident that took place at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia. Civil Trial Starts Involving Teacher Shot by 6-Year-Old Student The plaintiff's complaint alleges that the school's assistant principal at the time of the incident, Ebony Parker, failed to act after he was informed several times that the student in question had a firearm on the day of the shooting. He also allegedly did not let anyone search the child despite repeated requests. A reading specialist for Newport News Public Schools, Amy Kovac, was among the school staffers who testified on Tuesday. She and several others reported concerns that the six-year-old student, who is being referred to as JT during the trial, had a firearm, according to ABC News. During the trial, Kovac testified that two students in Zwerner's class told her that JT had a gun inside his backpack. When she confronted the student, he refused to provide her with his bag, prompting her to report the issue to Parker. Read more: Charges Dropped Against Massachusetts Teen Arrested for Plotting School Shooting She added that Zwerner texted her, saying she saw JT take something out of his backpack and put it in his pocket before recess. When Kovac searched the student's backpack, she said that, as she suspected, there was no gun. On the other hand, Daniel Hogan of Hancock Daniel, who is representing Parker, said it was "fundamentally unfair" to judge a person's decision based on events that arose after the fact. He added that no one could have anticipated the incident or have seen it coming beforehand, Court House News reported. Failure To Follow Protocol During the trial, Hogan grilled Zwerner's witnesses to show the jury that all staff members who suspected the student was a threat failed to follow protocol. This includes removing the student from the class. Zwerner's lawsuit initially listed three other defendants: two other school administrators and the Newport News School Board, which have since been dismissed. Now, Parker is being charged with eight counts of felony child abuse with disregard for life in connection with the shooting. The plaintiff said that since the incident, she has undergone several surgeries and has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression. She said she has nightmares as a result of the shooting, as per Finger Lakes Daily News. Funding for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is at risk amid the ongoing government shutdown, forcing House Republicans to introduce a new bill to address the issue and keep the program operational. WIC is a federal nutrition program that is responsible for providing food, education, and counseling to at-risk children under five years old and pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding individuals. WIC Funding at Risk Amid Government Shutdown On Oct. 21, the National WIC Association (NWA), which is a non-profit organization that advocates for WIC recipients, said that millions of families are at risk of losing their benefits on Nov. 1 if there is no additional funding for the program due to the government shutdown. In a statement, the president and CEO of NWA, Georgia Machell, said that WIC is a "lifeline for nearly 7 million pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and young children." She noted that even short-term financial disruption to the program's provisions can have significant long-term negative impacts on families, according to USA Today. The United States Department of Agriculture, which is responsible for overseeing the WIC program, put the blame for the situation on Democratic lawmakers. This is a similar claim that other Republicans are making, where they argue that their left-hand counterparts are responsible for the shutdown. The statement noted that Democrats are continuing to vote to prolong the government shutdown, which blocks the funding for mothers and babies who rely on the WIC program. It added that the USDA will utilize tariff revenue to provide funding for the foreseeable future. Bill To Fund WIC Program Republican. Rep. Rob Bresnahan said they are grateful that the current administration advanced funds through the end of October for the WIC program. He noted that the objective is not to have innocent women, infants, and children suffer because of legislators not being able to pass a budget, the Western Slope Now reported. The new bill, known as the Keep WIC Working Act, would fund the WIC program during the ongoing government shutdown. This will continue until President Donald Trump signs either a stopgap bill to fund the government or Congress appropriates funds to the USDA. The legislation comes after the Trump administration transferred $300 million in tariff revenue to WIC in October to prevent a lapse for the program. However, the NWA issued a warning last week, saying that the money was "rapidly depleting, and numerous states are projected to exhaust their resources for WIC benefits as early as next month, as per The Hill. Lebanon County Commissioners released a statement backing the countys Children and Youth Services agency after District Attorney Pier Hess Graf announced an investigation based on claims of negligence leading to death and injury. Commissioners said CYS faces very complicated circumstances and have to find a balance between the safety of the children and honoring their legal obligation to reunify families. The DAs office said they opened the investigation after an infant was returned to the home of his suspected abuser and was later found in the home under a pile of blankets with facial injuries. Sometimes, despite best efforts and limited options, parents hurt their children. While thats never acceptable, it is a harsh reality of humanity, the commissioners said. The statement said county CYS operates under state guidelines and regulations as well as federal child welfare standards. All cases are reviewed by the state, and this case is no different. Lebanon County CYS has always maintained itself in good standing with OCYF and continues to comply with all licensing requirements, the statement from commissioners said. The statement was attributed to commissioners Robert Phillips, Jamie Wolgemuth, Michael Kuhn and Jo Ellen Litz as well as Jamie Wolgemuth, chief clerk/administrator and Matthew Bugli, county solicitor. It was sent after PennLive requested comment from county CYS administrator Erin Moyer on the district attorneys news release. The commissioners and district attorney are independently elected officials. Hess Graf is on the ballot next week. The DAs office said past cases showed CYS caseworkers returned children to unfit physical environments, including their abusers home, causing death or serious injuries to children. No details were provided. Instead, the news release asked the public to notify them of any instances where CYS knowingly placed a child at risk during its care. Across the state, nine child welfare workers have been criminally charged since 2023 in three counties, Wyoming, Lackawanna and Adams. In a September Pennsylvania Superior Court decision, the court determined CYS workers in Lackawanna County are immune from endangering the welfare of children charges but not charges of failure to report child abuse or neglect. The decision heavily rested on immunity provisions in the states law for workers who are providing children and youth services outlined under state law. Similar decisions resting on the immunity clause were handed down in the Wyoming and Adams County cases. The Lebanon County District Attorneys office has not filed any charges in connection with the announced investigation by county detectives. Lebanon County Children and Youth Services (CYS) is the subject of a county-wide investigation alleging negligence by caseworkers that led to the death and serious injury of multiple children, the Lebanon County District Attorneys Office announced Wednesday. In a press release, the DAs office said past cases showed CYS caseworkers returned children to unfit physical environments, including their abusers home, causing death or serious injuries to children. CYS does not always notify police when they transfer custody of a child, the DAs office said. CYS caseworkers also asked judges to modify a suspected child abusers bail and allow contact between the perpetrator and the victim, the DAs office said. The DAs office objected to these requests in each case. The DAs office also said in some cases, Children and Youth caseworkers refused to let law enforcement conduct an investigation and told the suspected abuser the nature of allegations, giving the suspect time to avoid police and come up with a response. According to the press release: A Children and Youth caseworker returned a one-year-old to the home of his mother and adult cousin, even though detectives told the agency that the infant had injuries indicative of abuse and they intended to file charges. Within weeks of the infants return, his biological father told authorities he believed the baby suffered additional abuse. Police found the baby hidden under a pile of blankets with injuries to his left eye and face. They later filed additional child abuse charges. Detectives are asking the publics assistance, looking for instances where Children and Youth: Returned a child to an unsafe home environment, for example homes without working utilities or with hoarding conditions. Returned a child under the agencys care to the home of the childs abuser Advocated for and allowed contact between a suspected or charged abuser and the child/victim. Tipped off a suspected abuser to police investigations Knowingly placed a child at risk during its care and proceedings. Anyone with information should contact Sergeant Todd Hirsch or Detective Timothy Fetzer at the DAs office at 717-228-4403 or districtattorney@lebanoncountypa.gov. Information shared with investigators will not be disclosed to Children and Youth, according to the press release. Lebanon County Children and Youth Services was not immediately available for comment. Pizza chains appear to be takin a hit these days. Streets of New York Inc., a family-owned pizza chain that was established in 1976 and has been the official pizza of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Phoenix Suns, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to reorganize its business. The pizza chain, which operates 16 locations with 15 in Arizona and one in Las Vegas filed its petition in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Arizona on Oct. 16, listing $100,000 to $1 million in assets and liabilities, per the Bankruptcy Observer. The reason why the chain filed for bankruptcy wasnt indicated in the petition. On Oct. 17, the bankruptcy court filed a deficiency notice with the debtor and the debtors council, which revealed that all required documents were not filed in court. Chief Judge Edward P. Ballinger signed an order on Oct. 24 dismissing Streets of New Yorks Chapter 11 case due to missing documents, according to the docket reported by both Inforuptcy and PacerMonitor. Streets of New York will have to refile a bankruptcy petition if it wants to pursue a case. The pizza chain specializes in a variety of New York-style pizzas, calzones, lasagna, baked ziti, cheese ravioli, chicken parmigiana, and spaghetti and meatballs. Streets of New York also serves a variety of sandwiches, soups, salads, appetizers and desserts. One day after it was announced that Penn State Health Childrens Hospital would receive a $50 million gift from entrepreneur Tom Golisano, university and hospital officials came together at the medical center in Derry Township to celebrate the donation and unveil a new name and logo. The logo remains similar to its previous version, with one notable exception. Golisano was added to the name of the childrens hospital. The facility will now be known as Penn State Health Golisano Childrens Hospital. Were here to celebrate a very, very special day for the children of Pennsylvania and their families, said Neeli Bendapudi, president of Pennsylvania State University. The gift is the largest donation for Penn State Health since the M.S. Hershey Foundation gave $50 million in 1963 to help launch the hospital. Officials and community members on Wednesday celebrated a $50 million donation to Penn State Health's children's hospital. Officials unveiled a new logo. The children's hospital has been renamed Penn State Health Golisano Childrens Hospital. Oct. 29, 2025 Daniel Urie | durie@pennlive.com Officials said the money will be used to: Advance health equity in rural communities Enhance behavioral health care for children and adolescents Strengthen pediatric cardiology and cardiac surgery programs Enrich pediatric neuroscience care Expand and enhance neonatal intensive care units across the health system Train the next generation of pediatricians and specialty providers Fuel research and discovery to find new treatments and cures Enhance a fully integrated outpatient care program for pediatrics Dr. Sarah Iriana, chair of the Department of Pediatrics at Penn State Health, cited the multiple ways that the $50 million gift will help the health system increase its pediatric offerings. Imagine a world where we can expand our pediatric and adolescent behavioral health footprint, said Iriana. Where we can help kids who are in need and in crisis. Imagine where we can expand and improve our access to cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery care so that any child in our region who needs those services can get them. Imagine what a gift like this can do for children in need of neurology and neurosurgical care. They can be involved in cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials. We already have the highest level NICU possible, but imagine if we expand across the health system, having the neonatal care and footprint across all of our hospitals that gets children and families the care they need where they live and the backup of knowing they can come to [Penn State Health Golisano Childrens Hospital] if the need arises. The hospital is now part of the Golisano Childrens Alliance, which includes 10 childrens hospitals: Golisano Childrens Hospital at the University of Rochester Medical Center, in Rochester, New York Upstate Childrens Hospital at SUNY Upstate Medical University, in Syracuse, New York Golisano Childrens Hospital of Lee Health, in Fort Myers and Naples, Florida John R. Oishei Childrens Hospital, in Buffalo, New York University of Vermont Childrens Hospital, in Burlington, Vermont (received $25 million) West Virginia Medicine Childrens Hospital, in Morgantown, West Virginia (received $28 million) Connecticut Childrens Hospital, in Hartford, Connecticut (received $50 million) Penn State Health Childrens Hospital, in Hershey, Pennsylvania (received $50 million) University of Kentucky Childrens Hospital, in Lexington, Kentucky (received $50 million) University of Maryland Childrens Hospital, in Baltimore (received $50 million) Golisano pledged a combined $253 million to the hospitals in Vermont, West Virginia, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Maryland in more than doubling the size of the alliance. Those hospitals will add Golisano to their names. From left to right are Dr. Karen Kim, dean of the Penn State College of Medicine; Dr. Michael Kupferman, CEO of Penn State Health; Dr. Sarah Iriana, chair of the Department of Pediatrics at Penn State Health; and Neeli Bendapudi, president of Pennsylvania State University. Oct. 29, 2025 Daniel Urie | durie@pennlive.com Officials at Wednesdays event talked about how joining the alliance will benefit children in central Pennsylvania. These are different hospitals that have benefitted from [Golisanos] generosity but in return are committed to sharing best practices with one another, best practices in clinical care, in education of our students, as well as in our research, said Iriana. How wonderful for the kids of Pennsylvania. So its not just what we learn but what we learn together. The wisdom of all of us will certainly be greater than the contributions of any one of us. Dr. Karen Kim, dean of the Penn State College of Medicine, said the gift is about opening possibilities. As a member of the Golisano Childrens Alliance, well be able to accelerate the pace of translational research and discovery and bring it to children everywhere, she said. Dr. Michael Kupferman, CEO of Penn State Health, said the partnership has been in the works for about four months when the Golisano Foundation reached out. He said there was a lot of teamwork and visioning that went into the project, as well as a number of meetings with the Golisano Foundation. The Penn State Health Golisano Childrens Hospital is the only childrens hospital between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Were going to use the resources to expand our footprint, Kupferman said. Were going to use it to expand our research and innovation. We are training the next generation of physicians and nurses, and allied health leaders here. So were going to continue to grow and expand and more deeply invest in those resources. Kupferman said the health system will focus on the expansion of pediatric offerings into rural areas and into new areas in central Pennsylvania. We have our childrens hospital here [and] we have pediatric specialty centers in and around the region, but we dont have enough. We intend to bring our physicians to other regions, to other rural areas, he said. Kupferman said the new alliance of 10 childrens hospitals is about advancing pediatric care, creating a community of knowledge sharing, and creating a community of medical sharing. Were just very excited about this transformational gift that Mr. Golisano has gifted to us. Were proud to have been selected, he said. Penn State Health Golisano Childrens Hospital is located at 600 University Drive on the campus of Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and Penn State College of Medicine. The childrens hospital provides advanced treatments for complex medical conditions like heart disease and cancer. The childrens hospital has a Level IV neonatal intensive care unit and a Level I pediatric trauma center. A sign in the Office Max/ Office Depot store announces the store is closing. (Elizabeth Doran | edoran@syracuse.com) Amazon might seem as though it is a culprit in the steady decline of office supply stores, but thats not entirely the case. Staples and its rivals Office Depot and Office Max, which are both under the parent company ODP Corporation, took a hit over time because consumer habits and needs changed. The e-commerce shift saw shoppers move over to Amazon and Walmart online for office supplies, while less demand saw remote and hybrid work sharply reduce office supply needs. Theres also a foot traffic drop, where in-store visits and small-business purchasing both declined. Not to mention the financial strain, where falling sales led to restructuring and a planned acquisition by Atlas Holdings, among other reasonings, per TheStreet. This all led to the ODP brands continuing to shrink their retail operations, which is likely to continue after the companys sale to Atlas Holdings closes. ODP Corporation being taken private with the Atlas Holdings deal signals a renewed focus on operational efficiency and a leaner cost structure for the office supplies company, Total Retail reported. Theres also other benefits. Going private may enable ODP to make long-term investments in the business by freeing it from being so quarterly-earnings focused. These investments, whether in product, supply chain, marketing, real estate, etc., could help strengthen the business going forward, Total Retails Joe Keenan added. As it turns out, Office Depot has closed over 1,000 stores since its 2023 merger, reducing its store count by about 55%. The latest corporate change should build on the original merger of OfficeMax and Office Depot. The announced deal to merge OfficeMax and Office Depot would, presumably, help the combined company cut costs by eliminating duplicative positions and doing away with underperforming locations while giving it increased purchasing power and marketing clout, RetailWires George Anderson wrote. According to theodpcorp.com, in Q2 2025, the company reported closing 60 retail stores (Office Depot + Office Max) over the prior 12-month period. In 2024, it continued to close stores quietly, as there were reported closures in various locations that includes Placerville, CA; Nampa, ID; San Antonio, TX, per News Observer. As of 2024, the company operated roughly 922 retail stores across both brands. As of 2025, after closures over 12 months, the store count was around 830 locations, according to CT Insider. As a result, the overall market is shrinking. The office supply store industry has faced choppy waters recently, battling shrinking profit and declining demand due to digitalization and intense competition. In 2025, the industrys revenue will stand at $20.9 billion, reflecting a drop of 1.8% from the previous year. This decline aligns with the industrys overall five-year CAGR of -4.0%, IBISWorld reported. HANGZHOU, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Yiwu, a key export hub in east China's Zhejiang Province, reported strong foreign trade growth in the first three quarters of 2025 despite a challenging global trade environment. Total imports and exports of the small commodities hub, known as "the world's supermarket," reached a record high of 631.2 billion yuan (about 89.1 billion U.S. dollars), up 26.3 percent from a year earlier, according to Yiwu Customs. Exports grew 25.7 percent year on year to nearly 554 billion yuan, while imports increased 31.3 percent to 77.2 billion yuan, with both figures reaching record highs. The robust growth came as exporters in Yiwu worked to secure more orders in emerging markets. In May, the city launched an overseas exhibition in Jakarta, Indonesia, which was attended by executives from more than 110 Yiwu enterprises. "We are now actively expanding into the South American and Southeast Asian markets. Only by continuously venturing abroad can we open up new markets," said Huang Changchao, a stationery business owner in Yiwu. Thanks to the trade diversification strategy, Yiwu now conducts business with 227 countries and regions, achieving year-on-year trade growth in 181 of them. Its trade with the Belt and Road partner countries grew 28.9 percent year on year and accounted for 68 percent of the total trade volume in the period, the local customs said. Innovations in trade modes and continuous improvements to commercial infrastructure are also helping fuel Yiwu's trade growth. Yiwu launched a global digital trade center, hailed as the sixth-generation market, earlier this month, embracing a fully integrated digital trade ecosystem. "Our export orders are already booked through to next year," said local merchant Wang Nan. "We will continue to tap market demand and adapt to market changes to achieve sales growth." A torn-off roof is seen in St. Catherine, Jamaica, on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, as ferocious winds and torrential rain tore into Jamaica with Hurricane Melissa making landfall. (Ricardo Makyn/AFP/Getty Images/TNS) TNS By Jacqueline Charles and Emily Goodin, Miami Herald (TNS) When catastrophic Hurricane Dorian became the strongest storm ever to hit The Bahamas six years ago, submerging the islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama under floodwaters, the U.S. government was among the most generous of responders. Washington, through the U.S. Agency for International Development, deployed search-and-rescue teams, airlifted over 50 metric tons of critical relief supplies from a warehouse in Miami and dispatched a disaster team. The $33 million response included seaplanes that the humanitarian agency chartered to ferry responders and visiting lawmakers to the devastation. That was during the first Trump administration before USAID was dismantled. Now, as Hurricane Melissa threatens Cuba, the southern Bahamas, and the Turks and Caicos Islands after battering Jamaica with 185 mph winds and torrential rains on Tuesday, people are bracing not only for the storms aftermath, but also for the stark reality of recovering without the safety net that USAID once provided. The scale of support seen after Dorian will almost certainly not be repeated this year. My fear after this hurricane passes is that thats only going to be the tip of the iceberg. Food, water, shelter. If all of that is disrupted, then its going to take time to put it back in place. And USAID was that safety net in the past, said Andy Ingraham, a prominent Fort Lauderdale businessman who serves as president of The Bahamas Diaspora Association and is president and founder of the National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators & Developers. Miami Democratic U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson, who helped secure American assistance after Dorian, told the Miami Herald that with USAIDs dismantling, there is real uncertainty about whether help will come in the aftermath of Melissa. I have consistently opposed efforts by the administration to gut USAID. The administration must be ready to fill any gaps and move resources immediately to support Jamaica and other affected nations, she said. In Congress, I stand ready to approve the funds required to help them recover. Ahead of Melissas landfall on the southwestern coast of Jamaica on Tuesday, Caribbean emergency responders said they were awaiting to hear from the U.S. government about what will take the place of USAID. The storm is the first major natural disaster to hit the region since the Trump administration dismantled USAID earlier this year. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the agencys functions would be absorbed by the State Department. The Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration was given the responsibility for international disaster relief. But much of the staff in that bureau was later laid off. The White House referred an inquiry about its plan for hurricane assistance to the State Department. A spokesperson for the department said there wont be a decision on aid deployment until a need is identified. The State Department maintains warehouses around the world from which we can distribute lifesaving aid in the aftermath of natural disasters, a State Department spokesperson told The Miami Herald. The department has pre-positioned emergency relief supplies in six warehouses that will allow for the distribution of emergency relief supplies to people affected by the storm. Other Democrats on Capitol Hill have expressed concern. Gregory Meeks, the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Joaquin Castro, ranking member of the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee, and Yvette D. Clarke said on Monday, the U.S. must stand with Jamaica and the entire Caribbean before, during, and after Hurricane Melissa makes landfall. A congressional aide later told the Herald/McClatchy newspapers that while it makes sense for the U.S. government to evaluate the need immediately after the hurricanes landfall, lawmakers have had no information on whether the State Department has pre-positioned any supplies or resources like boats. We havent been briefed yet by State on the disaster response setup, so we dont really know the details of how many staff they have available, what kind of advanced planning theyre doing, the aide said. One source familiar with the situation said Jamaica has requested support from the United States. We understand that State has activated a Disaster Assistance Response team and plans to deploy staff to the Dominican Republic, Bahamas and Jamaica, the person said. We do not know whether supplies were pre-positioned or what resources have been made available for the response. The Trump administration has been much more selective in deciding what disaster it responds to. In August, for example, the administration sent no aid after an earthquake in Afghanistan. Amid the questions about the U.S humanitarian response, the United Nations and nongovernmental organizations have been touting their readiness to respond, not just in Jamaica but in Haiti where three people died before Melissa reached hurricane strength and in Cuba. Melissa was expected to make landfall Tuesday night or Wednesday morning in the eastern part of the island. Working the phones Ingraham, who is Bahamian, said he is concerned about the region not being able to rely on USAID in the way countries have been accustomed to. However, he believes the U.S. government will do something to help in the region as great partners. The fact that they have a lot of assets in the Caribbean now, Im sure some of those may be directed to help Jamaica, The Bahamas and some of the other islands that have been impacted, he said, referring to warships the U.S. has deployed to the southern Caribbean to combat narco-trafficking. Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday afternoon and was on the way to a second landfall in eastern Cuba on Tuesday night. Landfall in Cuba could come early Wednesday, and then Melissa will head for the Bahamas. Above is the three-day track for the storm. Bermuda may have to face Melissa later this week. National Hurricane Center Small island nations have neither the infrastructure nor the money to withstand the devastation from a major hurricane, Ingraham said. For us in the Caribbean, its not a good time. The only salvation that we have, quite frankly, is the private sector, he added. On Tuesday, as Melissa tore off rooftops in the Jamaican communities of Westmoreland and Black River, and drenched agriculture farmland under floodwaters, Ingraham began working the phone, asking contacts if they could spare airplanes to begin evacuations from the southern Bahamas. Among them was Fort Lauderdale based Tropic Ocean Airways, which dispatched one of its seaplanes. Other companies helped with fuel, and the Bahamian government removed bureaucratic red tape to get the help to the islands. I think we go back to the same old adage, Ingraham said. Weve got to plan for the hurricane instead of reacting to the hurricane. Weve been down this road. ... We understand hurricanes. Theyre going to come, theyre going to drop a lot of rain, theyre going to have a lot of wind damage. We just need to plan, if we got to evacuate people, lets plan in advance. If we need assets, lets organize those assets so theyll be ready at a moments notice. (Miami Herald staff writers Antonio Maria Delgado and David Goodhue contributed to this report.) 2025 Miami Herald. Visit miamiherald.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. By DANICA COTO and JOHN MYERS JR., The Associated Press KINGSTON, Jamaica (AP) Heavy floodwaters swept across southwestern Jamaica, winds tore roofs off buildings and boulders tumbled onto roads Tuesday as Hurricane Melissa came ashore as a catastrophic Category 5 storm, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record. Landslides, fallen trees and numerous power outages were reported as Melissa hit with 185 mph (295 kph) winds near New Hope, with officials cautioning that the cleanup and damage assessment could be slow. There is no infrastructure in the region that can withstand a Category 5, Prime Minister Andrew Holness said. The question now is the speed of recovery. Thats the challenge. Floodwaters trapped at least three families in their homes in the community of Black River in western Jamaica, and crews were unable to help them because of dangerous conditions, said Desmond McKenzie, deputy chairman of Jamaicas Disaster Risk Management Council. Roofs were flying off, he said. We are hoping and praying that the situation will ease so that some attempt can be made to get to those persons. He noted that extensive damage was reported in the southwestern parish of St. Elizabeth, which he said is underwater. McKenzie said there are no confirmed reports of deaths and stressed that it was too early to talk about the extent of the damage because the hurricane the strongest to hit the island since recordkeeping began 174 years ago was still pummeling the country. Rohan Brown, with Jamaicas Meteorological Service, warned that as Melissa moves off the coast, its counterclockwise rotation will bring a heavy storm surge to northern Jamaica through the night. The storm is headed toward Cuba, where it was expected to make landfall as a major hurricane early Wednesday. People walk along a road during the passing of Hurricane Melissa in Rocky Point, Jamaica, Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix) AP Nearly 15,000 people were in shelters in Jamaica, and some 540,000 customers, or 77%, were without power, officials said. Colin Bogle, a Mercy Corps adviser, said most families were sheltering in place despite the government ordering evacuations in flood-prone communities. He was sheltering with his grandmother in Portmore, where everything went dark after a loud explosion. The noise is relentless, he said. People are anxious and just trying to hold on until the storm passes. Jamaica prepares for the aftermath of a record storm On Tuesday night, Melissa had top sustained winds of 125 mph (205 kph) and was moving north-northeast at 8 mph (13 kph) as its center moved into the Caribbean Sea, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami. The hurricane was centered about 50 miles (80 kilometers) east-northeast of Montego Bay, Jamaica, and about 160 miles (260 kilometers) southwest of Guantanamo, Cuba. Its 185 mph (295 kph) winds and 892 millibars of central pressure tied two records for the strongest Atlantic storm at landfall. The pressure the key measurement meteorologists use tied 1935s Labor Day hurricane in Florida. The wind speed tied the 1935 hurricane and 2019s Hurricane Dorian, said hurricane scientists Phil Klotzbach of Colorado State University and Brian McNoldy of the University of Miami. Its been a remarkable, just a beast of a storm, Klotzbach told The Associated Press. With a life-threatening storm surge of up to 13 feet (4 meters) expected, officials were concerned about hospitals along the coast. McKenzie said four main hospitals were damaged, with the storm knocking out power to one of them, forcing officials to evacuate 75 patients. One man called a radio station saying he urgently needed to help a woman in western Jamaica who had gone into labor as the storm neared landfall. The shows host pleaded with listeners to let him know the safest hospital before an obstetrician called in to provide detailed directions on how to deliver a baby, if necessary. In Kingston, officials warned residents of the surrounding area to watch out for crocodiles that might be displaced from their habitats by flooding. McKenzie said the government was prepared for rescues immediately after the storm passes through: We have boats, helicopters, you name it. The storm already was blamed for seven deaths in the Caribbean, including three in Jamaica, three in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic, where another person remains missing. Tuesday evening, officials huddled in meetings to determine how best to clear the debris after the storm and launch the distribution of emergency relief supplies to avoid bottlenecks at Jamaicas ports, said Richard Thompson, acting general director for Jamaicas emergency management office. Officials have said they hope to reopen the islands airports by Thursday. U.N. agencies and dozens of nonprofits had food, medicine and other essential supplies positioned as they awaited a distribution rush after the storm. Melissa takes aim at Cuba Melissa was expected to make landfall in eastern Cuba early Wednesday. Up to 20 inches (51 centimeters) of rain was forecast in areas, along with a significant storm surge along the coast. In a televised address to the nation Tuesday, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel urged the population to not underestimate the power of the storm, the strongest ever to hit national territory. In the eastern province of Santiago de Cuba, people streamed into the home of 83-year-old Eduviges Figueroa at the foot of the Sierra Maestra mountains to seek shelter after fleeing their homes in remote areas by bus, truck and even horse-drawn carts. Were helping as best we can, she said. Now Im cooking for everyone. Men remove a loose section of roof in Kingston, Jamaica, as Hurricane Melissa approaches, Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix) AP People in Santiago de Cuba, the islands second-largest city with more than 1 million inhabitants, spent Tuesday frantically preparing. Few people were on the streets, while state television showed Cubans in rural areas rounding up animals and protecting crops. Diamon Mendoza, 36, did not hide her concern about the unavoidable storm. May God have mercy on us, because its coming with a lot of strength, Mendoza said. Anything can happen. Authorities in eastern Holguin province prepared to evacuate more than 200,000 people Tuesday and evacuated a similar number of people earlier from the town of Banes. Reports on social media and state television showed blue and white buses ferrying evacuees to shelter early Tuesday. Families clutched babies and belongings and elderly people steadied themselves with canes as they disembarked. Coto reported from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Associated Press journalists Geir Moulson in Berlin, Andrea Rodriguez in Havana, Seth Borenstein in Washington and Ariel Fernandez in Santiago de Cuba contributed to this report. A monkey is seen near the wreckage of an overturned bus in Mississippi on Oct .28, 2025. Jasper County Sheriffs Department Three monkeys that escaped from a truck in Mississippi on Tuesday morning are still on the loose, although others have been destroyed, officials said. Officers said they were told that the monkeys were carrying diseases and posed a threat to humans. However, the initial reports that they were dangerous and infected have turned out to be false. A truck carrying Rhesus monkeys from Tulane University crashed on I-59 in Jasper County, Mississippi, about 75 miles east of Jackson, NBC News reports. In a post on its Facebook page, the Jasper County Sheriffs Department said that officers at the scene were told by the truck driver that the monkeys had hepatitis C, herpes and COVID, and that the officers would require personal protective equipment to handle. We took the the appropriate actions after being given that information from the person transporting the monkeys, the department said. However, in a post on X, Tulane University said that the monkeys belonged to another entity and werent infectious. Were actively collaborating with local authorities and will send a team of animal care experts to assist as needed, the statement said. As of late yesterday, the sheriffs department said three monkeys were still on the loose. It is not known if those monkeys have since been found. It is also not clear exactly how many monkeys were on the truck or how many escaped after the crash. An animal disposal firm took away the carcasses at the scene. The monkeys that remained caged and did not escape were not destroyed, and Tulane representatives picked them up. The animal rights group PETA issued a statement following the crash, saying that the escape is the result of the greedy monkey experimentation industry. In January 2022, a truck carrying a trailer of lab monkeys heading to Florida crashed near Danville. The monkeys that got loose in that accident were captured and euthanized by state police. FILE - This Jan. 31, 2017, file photo, shows the entrance to SeaWorld, in Orlando, Fla. A woman is suing the park, saying a duck hit her in the face while she was on a roller coaster. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File) AP AP A woman has filed a lawsuit against SeaWorld Orlando after a duck came into the path of the roller coaster she was riding and hit her in the face. The lawsuit states that the incident occurred on March 24, while the woman was riding the Florida parks Mako coaster. WESH reports that the woman, a Florida resident, is seeking at least $50,000 in damages, saying the parks negligence led to the duck hitting her. The suit claims that SeaWorld Orlando did not offer any warnings about any dangerous conditions that it knew of or should have known. [SeaWorld] created a zone of danger for bird strikes due to placing the roller coaster over or near a body of water, which creates a higher risk of bird strikes involving ducks, gulls, geese and other waterfowl," the complaint says, per WFTV. The suit states the woman was knocked unconscious and suffered permanent injuries as a result of the incident. It also says she lost the ability to lead and enjoy a normal life, the capacity to enjoy her life, and more. According to WESH, the incident was not reported to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Florida theme parks like SeaWorld and Walt Disney World are required to report any injuries that occur on their rides. HACCs faculty union is on the verge of a strike after a last-ditch negotiation session with college administrators that lasted late into Tuesday night. Nearly 200 HACC faculty and students marched through campus Tuesday evening before the negotiations, chanting enough is enough and planting pro-union flags outside the schools administration building the culmination of the union going three-and-a-half years without an initial contract since faculty first voted to organize in April 2022. We are 40 months without a raise, 42 months without a contract, Amy Withrow, a HACC English professor and the unions lead negotiator, told her colleagues. I can look at my faculty peers and say we left no stone unturned to try to get a contract. Adam Weber, a negotiator with the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) - under which HACCs faculty union is organized - said we are prepared to come to a deal this evening. However, if we do not, we are prepared to take the next steps. Tonight cannot be another business-as-usual session, Weber said. The outcome of that session was unknown as of this publication, with negotiations having already stretched on for four hours. The union has about 250 active members, and its contract stands to encompass roughly 750 teaching positions, according to organizers. Many adjunct professors and other non-members who fall under the collective bargaining agreement are anticipated to join the strike, if one were to happen, creating a major disruption to HACCs operations. Members voted earlier this month to authorize the unions executive committee to call a strike at any time. Relations between the union and HACCs administration particularly college president John Ski Sygielski have been strained from the start, with faculty accusing HACC leadership of illegal union-busting by intentionally drawing out negotiations, denying cost-of-living raises to union faculty, and cutting programs taught by union leaders. HACCs union is organized under the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA), the states largest teachers union. In 2023, the college also had two PSEA organizers arrested for trespassing on its Lancaster branch campus, despite faculty saying they had reserved a table for a union drive. The charges were later dropped. The school was also the subject of a Sunshine Act lawsuit for failing to properly disclose its board minutes and agendas, eventually settling a contempt complaint after the union and PennLive began pointing out repeated violations. Through all of this, contract negotiations have made limited progress. A year ago, union members voted overwhelmingly to accept a compromise fact-finding agreement from the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board. The college said it had rejected the deal, although HACCs poor record-keeping left it unclear if this was done by the colleges board of trustees or by Sygielski alone. HACCs administration eventually dropped its initial demand to retain unilateral control over pay raises, offering union faculty a 9% bump in a contract proposal earlier this year. Union members voted overwhelmingly to reject the deal, given that the raise would not make up for the last three years of flat pay. Faculty also noted that the college was still insisting on having sole control over scheduling, programming, and even professors intellectual property rights, sometimes in contradiction of existing policies. They have stalled, and they have refused to give us the things we have already, said Steve Lustig, a HACC business professor and union leader. HACC is one of 15 community colleges established under a 1963 state law permitting them to receive state and local taxpayer support; HACC received $45 million from the state in 2024, according to the colleges last financial statement. That statement also shows HACCs finances to be relatively stable bolstered by a $1.7 million savings last year from staff cuts leading many union members to conclude that the impasse is less about money and more about the power dynamic with the colleges board and Sygielski. The math is indisputable, Weber told union activists Tuesday. The numbers and your union do not lie. Editors note: This story was updated at 3:23 p.m. on Wednesday to include a statement from HACC. A strike seems imminent for Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) as administrators failed to reach a contract agreement during negotiations with its faculty union (HACCEA) Tuesday night. The union said it intends to strike, although it did not say how soon that could happen. Under Pennsylvania Law, the union does not have to give the college advance notice. Lebo said the union will not release information on a strike date in advance, but that it is planning and coordinating details. HACC said it is making plans to maintain academic and operational continuity in light of the unions plans to strike. Negotiations on Tuesday night lasted more than seven hours and ended at 1:15 a.m. on Wednesday, according to the union negotiating team. The union is organized under the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA), the statewide educators union. We are still here, we are still working on this and we still hope to reach an agreement, Laurie Lebo, PSEA spokesperson said. The membership is energized and mobilized and we are committed to a strike. HACCEA has offered the college and mediator two more negotiation dates, Oct. 31 and Nov. 5, which the college hasnt accepted as of Wednesday morning. HACC sent a statement to PennLive saying HACC was disappointed by talks falling through. HACC remains fully committed to bargaining in good faith and reaching a fair collective bargaining agreement that is fiscally responsible and aligned with our mission to serve students and the community, the college said in its statement. The main holdup on the contract is wages and salary. The two parties did reach an agreement on issues relating to intellectual property, department chairs and rank and promotion proceedings. HACC said it proposed a fair and competitive compensation package, along with continued excellent working conditions. Educators have gone 42 months without a union contract, and 40 months without a raise. Its been a strained relationship since the HACC faculty voted to join the union in 2022. Faculty at the time accused HACC of union-busting and the college had two PSEA organizers arrested for trespassing in 2023. The union has about 250 active members and a contract would encompass about 750 teaching positions. More than 12,600 college students attend HACC across its five campuses. By Mennatalla Ibrahim, Baltimore Sun (TNS) Del. Christopher Bouchat plans to introduce legislation in the 2026 General Assembly session to eliminate Marylands Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program, also known as VEIP, calling the decades-old policy obsolete and overly costly for taxpayers. Bouchat, a Republican representing Carroll County, told The Baltimore Sun on Tuesday that the states emissions testing system has outlived its usefulness. It was a good program when it started, but since then, automobile manufacturers have incorporated and adjusted the manufacturing process in ways to reduce the emissions that were offensive to us and our climate, Bouchat said. Whats happening now is the state says, using it as a money source. Theres no need for this process to be in place. VEIP requires most gas-powered vehicle owners to undergo emissions testing every two years to reduce air pollution, according to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). The program, managed by the MVA in partnership with the Maryland Department of the Environment, began in the 1980s as part of the states efforts to comply with the federal Clean Air Act. Bouchat argued that eliminating VEIP would save taxpayers money on both testing fees and the cost of maintaining the states 18 testing stations. He said the bill is still being drafted but that he intends to pre-file it before the start of the next session. This will be my last session as a delegate, Bouchat said. Im running for governor, and I want to go in as a reform-minded politician focused on reducing expenses. The MVA did not immediately respond to The Suns request for comment on Bouchats efforts or for an average revenue estimate from inspection fees by The Suns Tuesday deadline. A representative from the Maryland Department of the Environment declined to respond, adding that the department does not comment on pending litigation. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore could not immediately be reached for comment by the Tuesday deadline. In an email sent Monday to Maryland state Sen. Justin Ready, Bouchat asked the senator to cross-file the legislation in the Senate. Bouchat said Ready, a Republican representing Carroll and Frederick counties, has requested to review the bill. We serve as a senator and delegate in the same district. Weve been friends for 25 years. We are both Republicans. We think along the same lines were basically cut from the same cloth, Bouchat said of Ready. Ready confirmed to The Baltimore Sun on Tuesday that he plans to introduce Bouchats bill in the Senate in the next session. VEIP at one time was aimed at air quality but has become just another fee assessed and arbitrarily raised to nickel and dime Marylanders, he said. Recent VEIP Changes On July 1, the MVA was authorized to increase the emissions inspection fee from $14 to a maximum of $30 part of a package of higher taxes and fees lawmakers approved this spring to help offset Marylands budget shortfall. Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld said earlier this year the VEIP fee had not increased since 1997. The same budget measure also raised the threshold for vehicles eligible for historic tags, requiring them now to be model year 1999 or older, according to media reports. Previously, cars 20 years or older could qualify for the discounted registration, which exempts them from safety inspections and emissions testing. According to the MVA, the change impacted more than a third of Marylands nearly 200,000 historic vehicles. More than 255,000 vehicles were registered with historic plates between 2020 and 2025, and the change affected more than a third of those owners, according to MVA data obtained by The Sun. Ready previously strongly opposed the fee hikes and warned that higher registration costs in Maryland could push vehicle owners to register in neighboring states, like Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C., where fees are lower. The historic registration tag change and VEIP rate doubling are attempts to quietly, under the radar, grab more revenue for the Transportation Trust Fundwhich is also funded by the ever-growing gas tax and car taxes, he told The Sun on Tuesday. Have a news tip? Contact Mennatalla Ibrahim at mibrahim@baltsun.com. 2025 Baltimore Sun. Visit baltimoresun.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Mechanicsburg clergy and faith leaders are hosting a rally Wednesday night to push back against hate after business cards promoting the Women of the Ku Klux Klan were distributed to people who attended the boroughs Oct. 14 Halloween parade. The 45-minute event called No hate here will begin at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, at the North Railroad Avenue event space, next to the Gingerbread Man in the borough. The Rev. Kathryn Z. Johnston, lead pastor at Mechanicsburg Presbyterian Church, said community members are invited to show support for compassion, inclusion, unity, and to make a clear statement: Hate Has No Home Here. We hope you will come out and join us in this important moment in Mechanicsburgs history, Johnston said, according to a press release. Silence is the welcome mat for hate, and hate is NOT welcome here. The event, which is being led by multiple Mechanicsburg-based faith leaders, elected civic officials and school administrators, will feature short remarks from local leaders, music, and opportunities for neighbors to stand together in solidarity. Additional parking will be available at Buhrigs Funeral Home at 37 E. Main St. During the Oct. 14 parade, business cards for the Women of the Ku Klux Klan featured KKK slogans and contact information, including a phone number from Tennessee. In response, borough officials condemned the distribution as deeply saddening and disturbing, emphasizing that such messages contradict the communitys values. The borough solicitor noted the cards are protected under the First Amendment, limiting what local authorities could do. Residents voiced concerns about safety and asked how the issue could be reported to federal agencies. Council members said some federal agencies have already been alerted. The clergy and faith leaders of Mechanicsburg and Upper Allen Township stand with the Mechanicsburg Borough Council against racism and hate, Johnston said. The recent distribution of hate-based literature by a national supremacist hate group at our communitys Halloween Parade was heartbreaking and disturbing, she said. We believe that our human differences should be celebrated, not targeted. We invite everyone to join us in a No Hate Here event in Mechanicsburg. After the event, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission will host a No Hate in Our State town hall beginning at 7:15 p.m. at Buhrigs Gathering Place at 25 E. Main St. This will be an educational panel discussion designed to bridge the gap, foster understanding, and help communities move forward, the press release said. There will also be space given for community members to share. Leaders representing the following churches will be at the peace rally event: St. Pauls United Church of Christ, Temple Beth Shalom, Trindle Springs Lutheran, Grantham Church, Mechanicsburg Presbyterian, Mechanicsburg Brethren in Christ, Mechanicsburg Community Church, St. Peters Lutheran Church, Turning Point Church, St. Marks Evangelical Lutheran Church, and Mechanicsburg Presbyterian Church. Subramanyam Subu Vedam walks outside the Centre County Courthouse in Bellefonte, Pa, on Feb. 6, 2025, during a hearing over new evidence uncovered in his 1983 murder case. (Geoff Rushton/StateCollege.com via AP) AP By MARYCLAIRE DALE, The Associated Press PHILADELPHIA (AP) After waiting more than four decades to clear his name in a friends 1980 killing, Subramanyam Vedam was set to walk free from a Pennsylvania prison this month. Vedam and Thomas Kinser were the 19-year-old children of Penn State University faculty. Vedam was the last person seen with Kinser and was twice convicted of killing him, despite a lack of witnesses or motive. In August, a judge threw out the conviction after Vedams lawyers found new ballistics evidence that prosecutors had never disclosed. As his sister prepared to bring him home on Oct. 3, the thin, white-haired Vedam was instead taken into federal custody over a 1999 deportation order. The 64-year-old, who legally came to the U.S. from India when he was 9 months old, now faces another daunting legal fight. Amid the Trump Administrations focus on mass deportation, Vedams lawyers must persuade an immigration court that a 1980s drug conviction should be outweighed by the years he wrongly spent in prison. For a time, immigration law allowed people who had reformed their lives to seek such waivers. Vedam never pursued it then because of the murder conviction. He was someone whos suffered a profound injustice, said immigration lawyer Ava Benach. (And) those 43 years arent a blank slate. He lived a remarkable experience in prison. Vedam earned several degrees behind bars, tutored hundreds of fellow inmates and went nearly half a century with just a single infraction, involving rice brought in from the outside. His lawyers hope immigration judges will consider the totality of his case. The administration, in a brief filed Friday, opposes the effort. So Vedam remains at an 1,800-bed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in central Pennsylvania. Criminal illegal aliens are not welcome in the U.S, a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said in an email about the case. Mr. Vedam, where were you born? After his initial conviction was thrown out, Vedam faced an unusual set of questions at his 1988 retrial. Mr. Vedam, where were you born? Centre County District Attorney Ray Gricar asked. How frequently would you go back to India? During your teenage years, did you ever get into meditation? Gopal Balachandran, the Penn State law professor who won the reversal, believes the questions were designed to alienate him from the all-white jury, which returned a second guilty verdict. The Vedams were among the first Indian families in the area known as Happy Valley, where his father had come as a postdoctoral fellow in 1956. An older daughter was born in State College, but Subu, as he was known, was born when the family was back in India in 1961. They returned to State College for good before his first birthday, and became the family that welcomed new members of the Indian diaspora to town. Tejaswini Rao chats with party guests while Subramanyam and Saraswathi Vedam embrace during their parents' wedding anniversary party at State College, Pa., in August 1981. (Saraswathi Vedam via AP) AP They were fully engaged. My father loved the university. My mother was a librarian, and she helped start the library, said the sister, Saraswathi Vedam, 68, a midwifery professor in Vancouver, British Columbia. While she left for college in Massachusetts, Subu became swept up in the counterculture of the late 1970s, growing his hair long and dabbling in drugs while taking classes at Penn State. One day in December 1980, Vedem asked Kinser for a ride to nearby Lewisburg to buy drugs. Kinser was never seen again, although his van was found outside his apartment. Nine months later, hikers found his body in a wooded area miles away. Vedam was detained on drug charges while police investigated, and was ultimately charged with murder. He was convicted in 1983 and sentenced to life without parole. To resolve the drug case, he pleaded no contest to four counts of selling LSD and a theft charge. The 1988 retrial offered no reprieve from his situation. Although the defense long questioned the ballistics evidence in the case, the jury, which heard that Vedam had bought a .25-caliber gun from someone, never heard that an FBI report suggested the bullet wound was too small to have been fired from that gun. Balachandran only found that report as he dug into the case in 2023. After hearings on the issue, a Centre County judge threw out the conviction and the district attorney decided this month not to retry the case. Trump officials oppose the petition Benach, the immigration lawyer, often represents clients trying to stay in the U.S. despite an earlier infraction. Still, she finds the Vedam case truly extraordinary given the constitutional violations involved. Forty-three years of wrongful imprisonment more than makes up for the possession with intent to distribute LSD when he was 20 years old, she said. Vedam could spend several more months in custody before the Board of Immigration Appeals decides whether to reopen the case. ICE officials, in a brief Friday, said the clock ran out years ago. He has provided no evidence nor argument to show he has been diligent in pursuing his rights as it pertains to his immigration status, Katherine B. Frisch, an assistant chief counsel, wrote. Saraswathi Vedam is saddened by the latest delay, but said her brother remains patient. He, more than anybody else, knows that sometimes things dont make sense, she said. You have to just stay with stay the course and keep hoping that truth and justice and compassion and kindness will win. Republican U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick said on a new podcast that Pa. should be at the forefront of AI development. Zach Gleiter | Special to PennLive The exploding AI technology sector will be disruptive to some workers whose jobs are affected, but Pennsylvania must still position itself to reap the economic rewards it offers, according to Sen. Dave McCormick. By being at the front of the change, Pennsylvania can most benefit, McCormick said on the inaugural episode of the Real Clear Pennsylvania podcast hosted by RCP editor Charles McElwee. Pennsylvania, the Republican senator said, should be the tip of the spear when it comes to taking advantage of AI development and data centers. It offers huge opportunities, but it depends on what we do, said McCormick, who hosted an AI summit in Pittsburgh this summer. The state has energy resources, universities, skilled labor and proximity to population centers, but more needs to be done to attract capital investments, such as expanding the energy infrastructure, McCormick said. McCormick acknowledged that AI will likely impact certain job sectors, and those workers will need assistance, but added that thousands of new jobs will be created through the construction and maintenance of massive data centers and peripheral businesses, such as hotels and restaurants, that could come along. The prospect of data centers in Hampden Township, Cumberland County, has hit some roadblocks with residents raising concerns about allowing them in an office park and expected water usage, which could reach several million gallons per day. There is also a hyperscale data center proposed a few miles away in Middlesex Township with access to existing transmission lines. McCormick said he is worried about three issues related to technology development, including the price of energy amid rising demand and helping workers affected by AI. Referencing the Terminator movie where computers and machines became sentient and attacked humans, McCormick said there are also moral and ethical questions accompanying technological advancements that need to be addressed through regulations. I dont think weve tackled that quite yet, he said. McCormick also discussed his cordial relationship with Sen. John Fetterman. He said he and Pennsylvanias Democratic senior senator have forged a friendship and working alliance, much to the chagrin of many Democrats, who have accused Fetterman of forsaking the partys principles. However, McCormick said the two have disagreements over plenty of issues but strive to remain civil and work to find common ground to help Pennsylvanians. Its been a great relationship, McCormick said. The most important thing is I think we trust each other. BEIJING, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- With global economic growth encountering headwinds amid rising protectionism, the upcoming APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in South Korea arrives at a critical time. The world is watching whether the Asia-Pacific -- the most dynamic and interconnected region on the planet -- can once again demonstrate its resolve to choose opening-up and cooperation over isolation and division. The Asia-Pacific has been a crucial driver of global growth in recent decades. Home to one-third of the world's population and nearly half of global trade, the region is defined by economic diversity and shared aspirations for development. As the world grapples with mounting uncertainties and rising protectionist tendencies, the Asia-Pacific inevitably feels the impact. Trade barriers are stacking up, geopolitical rivalries are deepening, and the multilateral trading system is under increasing strain. Yet amid these challenges, the region's enduring commitment to openness, partnership and dialogue stands out as a stabilizing force. It reminds the world that cooperation, not confrontation, remains the most compelling path toward shared prosperity. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, the world's largest free trade arrangement that groups 15 Asia-Pacific economies, also stands as a landmark achievement in support of multilateralism. Most recently, China and ASEAN signed the Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade Protocol, further strengthening the region's globally oriented network of free trade zones. The Asia-Pacific's success has been built not merely on economic vitality but also on a collective belief in integration and mutual benefit. From the manufacturing hubs of East Asia to the emerging digital economies of Southeast Asia, regional integration has created unprecedented prosperity. The success story was built on openness: open markets, open dialogue, as well as open exchange of goods, capital and ideas. This win-win model has lifted hundreds of millions out of poverty, transformed developing economies into global innovators, and deepened trust through collaboration. To retreat from that foundation now would risk undermining not only regional stability but also global recovery. Attempts to de-couple -- whether in trade, technology, or finance -- ignore the deep economic interdependence that defines today's Asia-Pacific. Supply chains crisscross borders, production networks span industries, and innovation thrives on cross-border collaboration. Seeking to sever these linkages is as wrong as it is destructive. Those protectionist attempts would only weaken efficiency, raise costs, and suffocate innovation. Moreover, decoupling runs counter to the very spirit of partnership that has guided Asia-Pacific development for decades. The region has repeatedly shown that cooperation and openness deliver shared prosperity. The APEC forum should continue to serve as an inclusive platform for advancing free and fair trade, digital cooperation and sustainable development. China, steadfast in its commitment to true multilateralism and open regionalism, will continue to champion the charge toward a more inclusive Asia-Pacific. Beijing's proposals like the Belt and Road Initiative have deepened connectivity across Asia and beyond, building infrastructure, facilitating logistics, and strengthening people-to-people exchanges. From ports in Southeast Asia to railways in Central Asia, these projects are reshaping regional development and fostering greater interdependence. The lessons of history are clear: when economies build walls, they invite stagnation and mistrust; when they build bridges, they can give birth to shared opportunity. The Asia-Pacific's strength lies in its economic diversity and interconnectedness. By rejecting protectionism and resisting decoupling, the region can reaffirm its leadership in promoting free trade, innovation and shared development. In doing so, it not only safeguards its own future but also offers the world a model of how cooperation can prevail over confrontation and isolation. A teen and a toddler were killed Monday in a three-vehicle crash on Route 222 in Berks County, authorities said. The 19-year-old woman and 19-month-old girl were killed in the crash at 10:50 a.m. near the Kutztown Road overpass in Richmond Township, according to a news release from the Fleetwood Borough Police Department. They were both from Columbia, Lancaster County, the release says. They were passengers in a Nissan Versa, along with a 7-year-old boy and a 27-year-old driver from Pottsville, both of whom were seriously hurt, the release says. The 27-year-old was driving south on Route 222 when she rounded a curve, crossed the median and collided head-on with a Jeep Grand Cherokee, according to police. Three of the four occupants were thrown from the Versa when it went over the railing and landed beneath the overpass, police said. After that, the Jeep was hit by a tractor-trailer in the northbound lanes of Route 222, police said. The Jeep driver suffered minor injuries, and the tractor-trailer driver was unhurt, police said. Both the Versa and Jeep were totaled, police said. The 19-month-old was pronounced dead at 1:24 p.m. Monday at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest in Salisbury Township, according to a news release from the Lehigh County Coroner. An autopsy is planned for Wednesday to determine cause and manner of death. Mondays accident remains under investigation by the Fleetwood Police Department and the Lehigh County Coroners Office. The Democratic-led state House approved a bill that would protect access to vaccines in the Commonwealth amid an overhaul to the nation's health system by the Trump administration. Amanda Berg / For Spotlight PA By a slim margin, the Democratic-led state House on Wednesday passed legislation to protect access to vaccines in Pennsylvania. The measure, H.B. 1828, would require private insurers to cover vaccines that have been recommended by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The bill passed in a 104-99 vote. Democrats have 102 seats, a single-vote majority. Both Gov. Josh Shapiro and state health officials have given the commonwealth the authority to seek immunization advice from professional medical societies and not just federal health agencies. The legislative action by the House comes as the Trump administration has upended long-established guidance on immunizations, including those intended for children. Rep. Arvind Venkat, an Allegheny County Democrat who is a physician and co-sponsor of the bill, said the legislation is needed to ensure that critical immunization protections remain available to Pennsylvanians after recent developments from the federal government. As a physician, I know how powerful vaccines at all stages of life can be for preventing or mitigating disease, he said. If (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) stops recommending certain FDA-approved vaccines, insurers will no longer have to cover them, and critical immunizations that protect children and vulnerable Pennsylvanians from deadly diseases could disappear. As ACIP calls into question the scheduling of vaccines for the flu, measles, mumps, rubella, and chicken pox, we need to act before it is too late. The Trump administration earlier this year fired all members of the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions advisory committee. With Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., at the helm of the nations health infrastructure, the administration replaced many of the committees members with anti-vaccine activists. We have also seen the firing and resignation of the entire leadership of the CDC due to their unwillingness to support anti-vaccine policies, Venkat said. This is a major issue we are already seeing the consequences of with the recent measles outbreak across the country and the non-evidence-based restrictions on access to COVID immunizations, which will set public health back by decades if we do not act. The Trump administration in August limited those who could receive the COVID vaccine and required prescriptions which led major pharmacies to halt vaccinations. The Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy responded by voting to allow pharmacists to follow guidance from four major medical medical organizations and the FDA. Last month the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) reversed its long-standing recommendations on measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) vaccine for children under 4. In response, the Pennsylvania Department of Health expanded its list of trusted authorities and issued new vaccine guidance. At the same time the state Insurance Department secured commitments from insurers to cover the vaccines until at least 2026. Shapiro this month signed an executive order aimed at protecting access to recommended childhood and adult vaccines, maintaining insurance coverage and aligning state health policies with the guidance of respected experts. State Rep. Arvind Venkat, D-Allegheny, who is a physician, said the legislation is needed to ensure that critical immunization protections remain available to Pennsylvanians after recent developments from the federal government. Gov. Josh Shapiro stands to his right in this file photo. Commonwealth Media Services The professional medical organizations included in the states official directives on vaccines include the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American College of Physicians, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the Infectious Diseases Society of America, and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. Two other sponsors of the bill, both nurses, noted the importance of relying on science and vaccines. I am glad to see my colleagues in the House support the authority of scientific knowledge and the veracity of decades of proven research in vaccine science by passing this bill, said Rep. Bridget Kosierowski, D-Lackawanna County. As a nurse for nearly thirty years, I am deeply concerned that our overburdened health care system will be overwhelmed by the surge of cases of serious, long-term illnesses should they occur if people no longer have access to proven and trusted life-saving scheduled vaccines. This bill would serve as a guardrail protecting public health by ensuring that critical immunizations remain covered by insurance companies. Rep. Tarik Khan, D-Philadelphia, said that as a nurse, he has seen patients who cant get the vaccines they need develop chronic life-long diseases. Our bill is about making sure every Pennsylvanian, including kids and older adults, can get the lifesaving vaccines they need no matter whats happening in Washington, Khan said. Prevention is always better than treatment, its common sense. The bill moves to the state Senate for consideration. For more information on vaccine resources, visit pa.gov/vaccines. Army Spc. Jazmine Contreras, center, and Pfc. Vivian Almaraz, right, of the 40th Division Sustainment Brigade, Army National Guard, Los Alamitos, help workers and volunteers pack boxes of produce at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times/TNS) TNS By Kevin Rector, Jenny Gold, Ana Ceballos and Rebecca Plevin, Los Angeles Times (TNS) LOS ANGELES Michaela Thompson, an unemployed mother in the San Fernando Valley, relies on federal assistance to afford the specialized baby formula her 15-month-old daughter needs because of a feeding disorder. At $47 for a five-day supply, its out of her reach otherwise. But with the federal shutdown blocking upcoming disbursements of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits previously known as food stamps Thompson said she doesnt know how shes going to fill her daughters bottles. It feels like the world is kind of crumbling right now, she said. Im terrified for my family and my daughter. Millions of low-income families who rely on SNAP benefits to put food on the table across the country about 1 in 8 Americans are confronting similar fears this week, as federal and state officials warn that November funds will not be issued without a resolution to the ongoing federal shutdown and Congress shows no sign of a breakthrough. Pennsylvania is joining other states in suing the Trump administration to force SNAP payments through the use of contingency funds, but the litigation even if successful wont prevent all the disruptions. About 41.7 million Americans were served through SNAP per month in fiscal 2024, at an annual cost of nearly $100 billion, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. State officials, local governments and nonprofit organizations are scrambling to get the word out to families and to redirect millions of dollars in emergency funding to stock more food at local food banks or load gift cards for the neediest families, but many say the capacity to respond is insufficient and are bracing for a deluge of need. Protesters rally at the Massachusetts State House in Boston on Oct. 28, 2025, against the Trump administration's threat to withhold November SNAP benefits, which 42 million Americans receive, as the federal government shutdown continues. (Will Katcher/MassLive) (Will Katcher/MassLive) People really dont understand the scale and scope of what is happening and the ripple effect it will have on the economy and with people just meeting their basic needs, said Angela F. Williams, president and chief executive of United Way. Already, United Way is seeing an uptick in calls to some 211 centers from people looking for help with groceries, utility bills and rent, Williams said. Theres a critical crisis that has been brewing for a while, and its reaching a fevered pitch. Republicans and Democrats have been unable to reach a deal on the budget impasse as Democrats fight Republicans over their decision to slash health care subsidies relied on by millions of Americans. With no end in sight to the nearly monthlong shutdown, federal workers who are either furloughed or working without pay are facing financial strain and increasingly showing up at food pantries, officials said. A deluge of SNAP recipients will only add to the lines, and some food bank leaders are becoming increasingly worried about security at those facilities if they are overwhelmed by need. Central Pennsylvania can expect rain this week, which might damper some enthusiasm for trick-or-treaters in the region. The National Weather Service in State College is calling for rain to begin overnight tonight, and continue into thunderstorms on Thursday. AccuWeather also reports that rain is likely Thursday, and will continue in the afternoon and early evening. Thats not great news for those neighborhoods that will be holding their trick-or-treat nights on Thursday evening. In fact, several have begun to reschedule to pre-planned rain dates. (PennLive is updating that story to include new announcements.) For those trick-or-treating on Friday, however, the forecast is more optimistic. The weather will still be cool, but its much less likely youll see rain. According to AccuWeather, that cooler air is expected to stick around as storms move through the Northeast. Here is the forecast for the new few days from the National Weather Service: Tonight Rain, mainly after midnight. Low around 47. East wind 8 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Thursday Rain and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 63. Breezy, with an east wind 17 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible. Thursday night A chance of showers, mainly before 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. South wind 10 to 13 mph becoming west after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Friday Partly sunny, with a high near 57. Breezy, with a west wind 18 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph. Friday night Partly cloudy, with a low around 43. Helping fish navigate dams: one engineer's mission to restore the Yangtze River ecosystem 11:21, October 29, 2025 By Tian Doudou ( People's Daily Photo shows Shi Xiaotao, president of the College of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering at China Three Gorges University, doing the fieldwork. "When it comes to the fish of the Yangtze River, I'm likely the most water-savvy among fish experts, and the most fish-savvy among hydraulic engineers," said Shi Xiaotao, president of the College of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering at China Three Gorges University. With a background that bridges aquatic biology and hydraulic engineering, Shi has spent the past 16 years applying his interdisciplinary expertise to help millions of fish in the Yangtze River overcome dam barriers, enabling migration, spawning, and population recovery. As China's longest river, the Yangtze supports a rich diversity of fish species, including the critically endangered Chinese sturgeon, which relies on upstream migration to spawn. To protect and replenish its population, authorities in cities such as Yichang and Jingzhou, central China's Hubei province, organize annual release programs for artificially bred Chinese sturgeon. This April alone, more than 220,000 juvenile sturgeons were returned to the river. Beyond release programs, the development of fish passages has become a growing priority. China's revised 2002 Water Law stipulates that dam developers build facilities to accommodate migratory fish, vessels, and timber passage, or implement approved alternatives. These measures, including protections during dam construction and reservoir impoundment, must be fully funded by the developers. Shi Xiaotao releases a Chinese sturgeon. However, many companies lack the technical knowledge to implement effective fishways. To bridge this gap, Shi turned construction sites into field laboratories. He and his team have conducted fieldwork at dozens of hydropower stations across Xizang autonomous region, Sichuan province, Guizhou province, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, and Qinghai province, covering over 40,000 kilometers. "We transport our experimental equipment by truck and build temporary field labs along the riverbanks," Shi explained. Their research revealed that migratory fish swim upstream against the current, but cannot surmount dams if the passages are too steep. As a result, most fishways are designed with baffles that create a stepwise, zigzag flow, reducing water pressure and allowing fish to ascend more gradually. "Different rivers host different species with varying swimming abilities, and factors like water temperature, flow speed, and eddy currents all differ. So we collect data scientifically, capture local fish species, and conduct experiments in facilities that simulate natural water flows. We're constantly optimizing variables like height and width for each section," he explained. Shi Xiaotao delivers a lecture as part of his signature course Innovative Practices for Yangtze River Conservation. Shi's team is also integrating digital technology into fishway design. But despite these advancements, they still spend at least three months a year conducting field experiments. "Nature is ever-changing. Digital models can support our work, but they cannot replace on-site experiments," Shi noted. In early September, Shi taught a class at a fishway monitoring station near the Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest hydropower project, located in Hubei province. The lecture was part of his widely attended elective, Innovative Practices for Yangtze River Conservation, which attracts over 100 students each semester from disciplines including hydraulic engineering, environmental engineering, and law. "Field-based teaching is central to this course," Shi said. "I want students to connect with nature, learn about species such as the Yangtze finless porpoise, and grow into stewards of river conservation." Beyond teaching, Shi has organized volunteer programs and runs a science communication social media account dedicated to Yangtze River conservation. His team works to educate the public, raising awareness through videos, campaigns, and community engagement. "Since the fishing ban was introduced, the number of Yangtze finless porpoises in the Yichang section has increased, and locals have grown fond of them. But some still feed them or fly drones nearby, which disturbs their habitat. Through our outreach efforts, these behaviors have decreased significantly," Shi said. Popular videos on his platform, such as How Fish Cross Dams and Major Threats to Aquatic Life in the Yangtze River, present ecological science in accessible, engaging formats, building public support for conservation efforts. "I hope our work inspires broader public awareness and encourages more people to participate in protecting the Yangtze River's ecosystem," Shi said. (Photos from the WeChat official account of China Three Gorges University) (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) "I'm very much impressed (by) the development here that reaches all these remote areas of Xizang." International guests were impressed by Xizang's natural beauty and rapid development during their visit to attend the 2025 Forum on the Development of Xizang, China in Nyingchi, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. #China #Xizang KHARTOUM, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- The Sudanese government said Wednesday that more than 2,000 civilians have been killed by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in western Sudan's El Fasher since it entered the city. During a press conference in Port Sudan, Mona Nour Al-Daem, Sudan's Deputy Commissioner of Humanitarian Aid, condemned the act as "genocide against unarmed civilians." She said the RSF has "executed patients and the wounded in hospitals" and hunted fleeing civilians, with many victims subjected to sexual violence. Meanwhile, volunteer group the Sudan Doctors Network reported nearly 1,500 civilian deaths cause by the RSF in El Fasher over the past three days, bringing the total death toll in the city since the RSF siege began in May 2024 to over 14,000. It said in a statement that the latest killings are part of a long campaign of shelling, starvation, and executions under a "complete and deliberate siege" targeting hospitals, markets, and displacement camps. The Sudan Founding Alliance, a coalition that includes the RSF, several armed movements, political parties, and civil society forces, has denied any violence against civilians in El Fasher. On Sunday, the RSF claimed control of El Fasher. On Monday, Commander the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan said the SAF withdrew "for military reasons" but vowed to retake the city. The war between the SAF and the RSF, now in its third year, has killed tens of thousands, displaced millions, and left much of the country on the brink of famine. Ionut Dinu raised to 4,000 on the button, which only Kenny Burke called, defending his big blind. The dealer spread a JA10 flop, which Burke checked, in flow. Dinu continued for 2,500 before seeing Burke spring the trap, check-raising to 7,500. Dinu took some time before making a decision, ultimately choosing to return his cards to the dealer and surrender the pot to Burke. The action rolls on today at the Malta Poker Festival, hosted by Portomaso Casino in St. Julians, as Day 1c of the 500,000 Guaranteed Grand Event kicks off at 2:00 p.m. local time. With two starting flights already in the books, the stage is set for a fresh wave of poker hopefuls to take their shot at a share of the massive prize pool. The tournament has already seen 378 players enter the arena, with just 56 of those progressing to Day 2, securing themselves a minimum payout and the opportunity to play for much more. Leading the way from the opening two flights is Julien Stropoli, who has set the standard for all those who enter the remaining flights. Running up a monstrous stack of 1,006,000, Stropoli is currently the only player to have surpassed the one million chip mark. Hans Bjorklund and Max Gerritsen complete the current podium, having bagged 916,000 and 896,000, respectively, both of whom progressed from the Day 1a flight. Overall Top Ten Counts After Day 1b Rank Player Country Chips 1 Julien Stropoli France 1,006,000 2 Hans Bjorklund Sweden 916,000 3 Max Gerritsen Netherlands 896,000 4 Andrea Calabria Italy 625,000 5 Alessio Lucciarini Italy 614,000 6 Maria Koutsouki Greece 585,000 7 Lars Larsson Sweden 552,000 8 Sacha Dadbin United Kingdom 531,000 9 Thibaut Thevenet France 527,000 10 Marko Cosic Croatia 523,000 Players will each start with a 50,000 stack with blind levels starting at 100/200 with a 200 big blind ante. Each level will last 40 minutes, with late registration remaining open until the end of Level 10. Players are permitted unlimited re-entries during that period. Play for all Day 1 flights will conclude once 15% of the field remains, at which point the remaining players will bag their chips and be guaranteed a minimum payout. All players who advance from their respective starting flights will return for Day 2, scheduled for 6:00 p.m. local time on Saturday, November 1. Blind levels will then increase to 60 minutes, with the structure and length of play still to be confirmed. Malta Poker Festival Grand Event - Remaining Schedule Day Date Time Day 1c October 29 2:00 p.m. Day 1d October 30 2:00 p.m Day 1e October 31 1:00 p.m Day 1f October 31 6:00 p.m Day 1g October 31 9:00 p.m. Day 1h November 1 10:00 a.m. Day 2 November 1 6:00 p.m. Day 3 November 2 2:00 p.m. Day 4 November 3 1:00 p.m. Be sure to stay tuned as PokerNews brings you chip counts, updates, and all the action from the 550 Malta Poker Festival Grand Event here in Portomaso Casino. VILNIUS, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Lithuania's government decided on Wednesday to close the country's border with Belarus for one month, while allowing certain exceptions, the Baltic News Service (BNS) reported. The Cabinet decided to fully close the Salcininkai-Benyakoni border crossing and restrict passage through the Medininkai-Kamenny Log crossing. The ban on travel through this checkpoint will not apply to diplomats, diplomatic mail, travelers holding simplified transit documents, and Lithuanian citizens and their family members returning to Lithuania. Exceptions also apply to citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area, and NATO countries and their family members, as well as foreign nationals returning to Lithuania with valid residence permits or those holding humanitarian visas. The government instructed the State Border Guard Service (SBGS) to enforce the restrictions, including the entry and exit of individuals for humanitarian reasons. The measure will remain in effect until Nov. 30, after which the Cabinet will decide whether to extend it. The Salcininkai and Medininkai checkpoints have been closed since last Sunday evening due to weather balloons carrying smuggled cigarettes entering Lithuanian airspace. Lithuania's airports were closed three times last weekend due to balloons, affecting 112 flights and more than 16,500 passengers. G.E. Hinson is the local editor of The Post and Courier Pee Dee. Born and raised in the Palmetto State, Hinson graduated from the University of South Carolina. Nick Reynolds covers politics for the Post and Courier. A native of Central New York, he spent three-and-a-half years covering politics in Wyoming before joining the paper in late 2021. His work has appeared in outlets like Newsweek, Poynter, the Associated Press, and the Washington Post. He lives in Columbia. SEOUL, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting in Gyeongju and pay a state visit to South Korea from Oct. 30 to Nov. 1 at the invitation of South Korean President Lee Jae-myung. People from all walks of life in South Korea are looking forward to the upcoming visit. They are confident that the trip will enhance mutual political trust, further consolidate economic and trade cooperation, facilitate people-to-people friendship, and steer the China-South Korea strategic cooperative partnership to a higher level, bringing more benefits to the two peoples. NEW JOURNEY After 11 years, Xi is set to visit South Korea once again. "The visit will serve as a significant catalyst to deepen the bilateral good-neighborly and friendly relations. It is anticipated that the leaders of the two countries will enhance mutual trust, build consensus, stimulate more dynamic cooperation and exchanges in trade, economy and cultural ties, and provide fresh impetus for regional peace and development," said Yoon Hu-duk, member of the National Assembly of South Korea. During his state visit to South Korea in July 2014, Xi delivered a speech at Seoul National University, highlighting the importance of strengthening bilateral friendship and cooperation. Impressed by the speech, Woo Su-keun, head of the Institute of East Asian Studies of Korea, said: "That visit marked a monumental moment in the development of South Korea-China relations." "I look forward to hearing Xi's new initiatives for the development of China-South Korea relations," said Woo, who has long followed the ties between the two countries. Since the establishment of their diplomatic ties in 1992, the two countries have transcended differences in ideology and social systems, and actively advanced exchanges and cooperation across various fields, contributing to each other's success and common development. In June, Xi had a phone call with Lee, saying that China and South Korea should stay committed to the original aspiration of establishing their diplomatic ties, uphold good-neighborliness and friendship, strive for mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, and lift their strategic cooperative partnership to a higher level. Recalling his several meetings with Xi, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told Xinhua that Xi's upcoming visit to South Korea is a strong signal for deepening China-South Korea relations, adding that as important neighbors, China and South Korea shoulder common responsibilities in maintaining the stability of regional supply chains and promoting regional integration. Ban, also former South Korean foreign minister, expected that the two countries would take this head-of-state diplomacy as a new starting point, translate the friendship between South Korea and China into concrete outcomes, and make greater contributions to regional peace and prosperity. Hwang Jae-ho, director of the Institute for Global Strategy and Cooperation, said that the principles of "amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness" underpinning China's neighborhood diplomacy have charted a clear course for regional cooperation. "Under the guidance of head-of-state diplomacy, China and South Korea can, based on mutual respect and mutual benefit, transcend institutional differences and open up a new chapter of common development," said Hwang. WIN-WIN COOPERATION At Incheon Port in South Korea, containers bearing the logos of major Chinese shipping companies are loaded and unloaded by automated cranes before heading to destinations around the world. This is one of the busiest gateways for economic and trade exchanges between China and South Korea. "Currently, the container trade volume of our port to China accounts for 60 percent of the total trade volume of Incheon Port," said Nam Sang-ki, general manager of Sun Kwang Newport Container Terminal Co., Ltd. Xi's upcoming visit will "inject new vitality" into such fields as port logistics and equipment manufacturing, and further advance cooperation in building smart and green ports, Nam added. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 33 years ago, China and South Korea have achieved remarkable accomplishments in economic and trade cooperation. In 2024, the bilateral trade volume reached 328.08 billion U.S. dollars, marking a 5.6-percent increase. With their production and supply chains deeply intertwined, China has been South Korea's largest trading partner for 21 consecutive years, and South Korea is China's second-largest trading partner. Yoon Do-son, CEO of CJ China, said that the upcoming visit will create a positive political atmosphere and boost confidence among businesses. "As a South Korean company with a long-term commitment to China, we believe the favorable conditions fostered by head-of-state diplomacy will benefit our localization efforts and win-win collaboration with Chinese partners," said Yoon. "We have always maintained strong confidence in the future of bilateral economic and trade relations." The China-South Korea Free Trade Agreement came into effect in 2015. Since then, the level of bilateral free trade and investment has continued to rise, with bilateral cooperation expanding from traditional manufacturing to emerging fields such as high-end manufacturing, cross-border e-commerce and the digital economy. Park Soong-chan, chairman of Korea China Association and professor of Yong In University, said Xi's visit is expected to foster broader and deeper cooperation. South Korea and China can explore more complementary sectors and carry out future-oriented cooperation as they have respective strengths in green industries, biotechnology and other fields, the professor said. Today, China's robot vacuum cleaners are popular among South Korean families, while delivery robots are already in operation at restaurants and hotels in Seoul. The growing presence of Chinese innovations in the South Korean market signals a new paradigm for industrial collaboration and interaction between the two countries. Jeon Byung-seo, director of the China Finance and Economy Research Institute, said this serves as a driving force for promoting industrial upgrading in South Korea. China and South Korea have huge potential for collaboration in emerging fields such as the digital economy and artificial intelligence, said the expert, noting cooperation between the two countries will enhance their competitiveness in the global market. Lee Hee-sup, secretary-general of the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat, told Xinhua that China is focusing on developing new quality productive forces, which will bring new opportunities to the global economy, adding that Xi's visit will not only advance the further development of bilateral economic and trade relations, but also inject new confidence and vitality into economic cooperation across the Asia-Pacific. DEEP-ROOTED FRIENDSHIP Leaders from both countries emphasized in their June phone talk that both sides should deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges to enhance mutual understanding and cement public support, so as to plant the seeds of China-South Korea friendship deep in the hearts of the two peoples. Independent travel to China has grown strongly after China implemented a trial visa-free policy for South Korean citizens last November. From the neon lights of the Bund in Shanghai to the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, more and more South Koreans are exploring China and feeling the warmth of bilateral friendship. "China's meticulous maintenance of South Korea-related old sites in Shanghai, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Nanjing and other places demonstrates respect for history and also makes the South Korean people deeply feel the friendliness from China," said Nam Jin, deputy director-general for Northeast and Central Asian Affairs at the South Korean Foreign Ministry. "People-to-people exchanges offer more room for understanding and empathy," said Lee Jeung-eun, president of Chinese Bridge Club in Seoul, expressing hope that Xi's visit will deepen the friendship and trust between the two peoples and act as a catalyst for diplomatic and economic cooperation, guiding the bilateral relationship toward a more positive trajectory. Communication between people is the deepest bond that sustains the relations between the two countries, said Lee Wook-yeon, dean of the College of Humanities at Sogang University. Noting that both China and South Korea can understand the Confucian philosophy and talk about Li Bai -- the great poet of China's Tang Dynasty -- together, Lee said: "This kind of spiritual connection is the most enduring power." PR-Inside.com: 2025-10-29 12:45:08 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 934 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / October 29, 2025 / Amarc Resources Ltd. ("Amarc" or the "Company") (TSXV:AHR)(OTCQB:AXREF) is pleased to provide details of its executive and technical team's participation at three upcoming conferences.Dr. Diane Nicolson, Amarc President and CEO states, "Our participation in these upcoming conferences provides an excellent opportunity to update existing shareholders and introduce new investors to the exciting progress made in 2025 at our JOY District. A successful drill campaign was completed at the high grade near surface, Au-rich AuRORA porphyry Cu-Au-Ag Deposit, stepping out well beyond the 2024 discovery area. In addition, the TWINS discovery and other priority targets were advanced by drilling. Assay results from this year's program are pending, and we are eager to share them as they become available. Although AuRORA is an exceptional discovery, it is only one of several major mineralized systems across the 630 km JOY District that include the PINE and Brenda deposits, the TWINS and Canyon discoveries, and multiple other Cu-Au targets. We believe JOY is rapidly emerging as a potential world-class porphyry Cu-Au district in BC's Toodoggone region." CONFERENCE DETAILS New Orleans Investment Conference - November 2-5, 2025Location: Hilton New Orleans Riverside, New Orleans, LouisianaVisit the Amarc team at Booth #112Corporate Presentation:Speaker: Dr. Diane Nicolson, President & CEODate: Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at 12:40pm - 1:40pmLocation: Churchill C2, Second FloorLearn more about New Orleans Investment Conference___Precious Metals Summit Zurich - November 10-11, 2025Location: Park Hyatt, Zurich, SwitzerlandCorporate Presentation:Speaker: Dr. Diane Nicolson, President & CEODate: Monday, November 10 at 10:30-10:45amLocation: Room 1Learn more about Precious Metals Summit Zurich___Deutsche Goldmesse Frankfurt - November 14-15, 2025Location: JW Marriot Hotel, Frankfurt, GermanyCorporate Presentation:Speaker: Dr. Diane Nicolson, President & CEODate: Friday, November 14 at 4:00pmLearn more about Deutsche GoldmesseConference delegates are invited to contact Diane Nicolson, Amarc President & CEO, at (604) 684-6365 or dianenicolson@ hdimining.com , or the Company's investor relations representatives, Kin Communications, at (604) 684-6730 or AHR@ kincommunications.com , to organize a meeting or to request further information in advance.About Amarc Resources Ltd. Amarc is a mineral exploration and development company with an experienced and successful management team focused on developing a new generation of long-life, high-value porphyry Cu-Au mines in BC. By combining high-demand projects with dynamic management, Amarc has created a solid platform to create value from its exploration and development-stage assets.Amarc is advancing the JOY, DUKE and IKE porphyry CuAu Districts located in different prolific porphyry regions of northern, central and southern BC, respectively. Each District represents significant potential for the development of multiple and important-scale, porphyry CuAu deposits. Importantly, each of the three districts are located in proximity to industrial infrastructure - including power, highways and rail.Amarc's exploration is led by an internationally successful team of experienced geologists specializing in porphyry Cu-Au deposits. Members of this team have been involved in and have tracked porphyry Cu-Au exploration advancements in the Toodoggone region since 1990. Their experience and early recognition of the porphyry potential at the NWG Target in terms of a shallowly overburden covered and underexplored transitional epithermal-porphyry geological setting, led to the discovery of the Au-rich AuRORA porphyry Cu-Au-Ag Deposit.Freeport-McMoRan Mineral Properties Canada Inc. ("Freeport"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Freeport-McMoRan Inc. at JOY and Boliden Mineral Canada Ltd. ("Boliden"), an entity within the Boliden Group of companies at DUKE, can earn up to a 70% interest in each District through staged investments of CAD $110 million and CAD $90 million, respectively. Together this provides Amarc with potentially up to CAD $200 million in non-share dilutive staged funding for these Districts. In addition, Amarc completed self-funded drilling at its higher-grade Empress Deposit in the IKE District in 2024. Amarc is the operator of the DUKE District and manages the exploration at the JOY District on behalf of AuRORA Minerals Ltd., the private joint venture corporation which holds the JOY District mineral rights and titles, and in which Freeport and Amarc hold 60% and 40% of the shareholding, respectively.Amarc is associated with HDI, a diversified, global mining company with a 35-year history of porphyry Cu deposit discovery, development and transaction success. Previous and current HDI projects include some of BC's and the world's most important porphyry deposits - such as Pebble, Mount Milligan, Southern Star, Kemess South, Kemess North, Gibraltar, Prosperity, Xietongmen, Newtongmen, Florence, Casino, Sisson, Maggie, PINE, IKE and DUKE AuRORA. From its head office in Vancouver, Canada, HDI applies its unique strengths and capabilities to acquire, develop, operate and monetize mineral projects.Amarc works closely with local governments, Indigenous groups and stakeholders in order to advance its mineral projects responsibly, and in a manner that contributes to sustainable community and economic development. We pursue early and meaningful engagement to ensure our mineral exploration and development activities are well coordinated and broadly supported, address local priorities and concerns, and optimize opportunities for collaboration. In particular, we seek to establish mutually beneficial partnerships with Indigenous groups within whose traditional territories our projects are located, through the provision of jobs, training programs, contract opportunities, capacity funding agreements and sponsorship of community events. All Amarc work programs are carefully planned to achieve high levels of environmental and social performance.Qualified Person Mark Rebagliati, P.Eng, a Qualified Person ("QP") as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical and scientific information in this news release. Mr. Rebagliati is not independent of the Company.For further details on Amarc Resources Ltd., please visit the Company's website at www.amarcresources.com or contact Dr. Diane Nicolson, President and CEO, at (604) 684-6365 or within North Ameri PR-Inside.com: 2025-10-29 09:00:12 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 527 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Recognition Highlights Success of Global Partnership in Delivering High-Performance User Acquisition via Dynamic PreloadsSHENZHEN, CN / ACCESS Newswire / October 29, 2025 / AVOW, an award-winning, global app growth company specializing in mobile OEM advertising, today announced it has been presented with the Global Best Support Partner Award by its strategic partner HONOR, one of the world's fastest-growing mobile smart device providers.This award, presented at the Honor Global Developer Conference, celebrates the successful partnership between AVOW and HONOR, which empowers app marketers to access Dynamic Preloads globally. Through this collaboration, advertisers can leverage Google Play Auto Install (PAI) to have their apps seamlessly installed during the initial device setup on new HONOR smartphones, connecting with users at the very first touchpoint.The award was presented by Tiangang Zhou, Head of Overseas Product & Operations, HONOR, who commended AVOW for its commitment to innovation and performance in the mobile advertising landscape."AVOW has been an exemplary partner in bringing their Dynamic Preloads offering to app developers worldwide. This award recognizes their outstanding performance and commitment to innovation, making them a core partner as we expand our global ecosystem. We are thrilled to celebrate their success and look forward to our continued collaboration." "We are incredibly proud to receive this award from our esteemed partner, HONOR,"said Robert Wildner, CEO and Co-founder of AVOW."It's a testament to the hard work of our team and the strength of our partnership. This recognition fuels our shared mission to provide app developers with innovative, transparent, and effective channels for global user growth, moving beyond the traditional duopoly, and emphasizes the importance of having mobile OEMs as a default part of their marketing mix." The partnership provides advertisers with access to HONOR's expanding device ecosystem, particularly in high-growth markets such as Europe, MENA, LATAM, APAC, and Eurasia. As an official partner for HONOR's PAI inventory, AVOW enables brands to run privacy-safe, high-performance campaigns that deliver measurable results and ROI-focused growth.HONOR, with over 200 million active users globally, is one of several major mobile OEMs working closely with AVOW to revolutionize app distribution. Through partnerships with OEMs such as Samsung, Xiaomi, OPPO, vivo, Huawei, Transsion, and others, AVOW provides a unified point of access to over 1.5 billion daily active serving global apps such as Kredivo, Tripledot Studios, and Magalu. AVOW continuously works to secure new, exclusive inventory while driving growth through in-house innovations, such as its proprietary real-time optimization tool, AVOW Intelligence.About AVOWAVOWis an award-winning, global app growth company specializing in mobile OEM advertising. Founded with the vision to revolutionize mobile OEM advertising, AVOW has rapidly emerged as an industry leader with more than 100 advertisers on their roster. The company provides access to 13 global OEMs and over 1.5 billion daily active users, offering clients over 10 million monthly downloads.About HONORHONORis a leading global provider of smart devices, committed to delivering cutting-edge technology and premium experiences. With over 200 million active users, HONOR continues to expand beyond China, offering a robust portfolio across flagship and mid-range segments, and building a global ecosystem powered by innovation and trust.Media Contact:AVOW Global PR press@ avow.tech SOURCE: AVOW GmbH SEOUL, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Sentiment among South Korean businesses over economic conditions worsened in three months due to higher energy import costs and fewer business days, central bank data showed Wednesday. The composite business sentiment index (CBSI) in all industries fell 1.0 point from a month earlier to 90.6 in October after going up for the past two months, according to the Bank of Korea (BOK). The downturn was attributed to higher energy import costs, affected by the local currency's depreciation versus the U.S. dollar, as well as fewer business days coming from the Chuseok holiday, the South Korean version of Thanksgiving Day. The CBSI among manufacturers decreased 1.0 point to 92.4 in October compared to the previous month, while the index for non-manufacturers slipped 1.0 point to 89.5. The CBSI continued to stay below the long-term average of 100 amid the remaining economic uncertainties. The result was based on a survey of 1,831 manufacturers and 1,455 non-manufacturers conducted between Oct. 14 and 21. Manufacturers selected faltering domestic demand, economic uncertainty and export slump as key barriers to doing business, while non-manufacturers picked weak consumer demand, uncertain economic situation and higher labor cost. The economic sentiment index (ESI), which reflects sentiment among both businesses and consumers, stood at 94.4 in October, up 3.1 points from a month earlier. PR-Inside.com: 2025-10-29 13:01:17 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 390 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Setting a New Standard for Facial Rejuvenation and Aesthetic ExpertiseNEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / October 29, 2025 / Dr. Mansher Singh, a Manhattan-based facial plastic surgeon, is proud to announce his achievement of Triple Board Certification, a distinction held by only a select few surgeons nationwide. He is certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and the American Board of Surgery. This rare honor further solidifies his reputation as one of the top and best facelift surgeons in the country. Dr. Mansher Singh - Triple Board-Certified Plastic & Facial Plastic Surgeon Image of Dr. Mansher Singh - Triple Board-Certified Plastic & Facial Plastic SurgeonDr. Singh's Fifth Avenue practice, located at 905 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY, specializes in advanced facial rejuvenation procedures including Deep Plane Facelift, neck lift, blepharoplasty, facial fat transfer, and CO laser resurfacing. His hallmark approach emphasizes natural, long-lasting results with minimal scarring and meticulous precision.Trained at Harvard Medical School, Johns Hopkins, and Yale, Dr. Singh brings together academic excellence, surgical artistry, and compassionate care. His "white-glove" philosophy ensures every patient receives unparalleled personal attention-Dr. Singh personally checks on each patient throughout recovery to ensure comfort and satisfaction.Recognized by peers and patients alike, Dr. Singh has been honored by Castle Connolly, Super Doctors, and Marquis Who's Who. He is also among the most-reviewed surgeons on RealSelf, a trusted platform for aesthetic patients worldwide, and has received the Long Island Beauty Award for Best Facelift Surgeon. His extensive surgical volume and consistent outcomes have made him a leader in modern Deep Plane Facelift surgery."Triple Board Certification isn't just a credential-it represents an unwavering commitment to excellence and lifelong learning," said Dr. Singh. "I take great pride in earning the trust of my patients and helping them look as youthful and confident as they feel." Beyond surgery, Dr. Singh continues to mentor the next generation of plastic surgeons, sharing his expertise in deep plane anatomy, facial harmony, and modern neck contouring techniques.About Dr. Mansher SinghDr. Singh is a triple board-certified facial plastic surgeon based on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. Known for his natural and enduring results, he focuses on comprehensive facial rejuvenation with an exceptional level of safety, artistry, and patient care.Contact InformationPlastic & Reconstructive Surgeon (212) 470-4020SOURCE: Dr. Mansher Singh PR-Inside.com: 2025-10-29 15:35:12 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 704 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESS Newswire / October 29, 2025 / Visitors of FLEX's booth #51125 in the West Hall at the 2025 SEMA Show will experience live hands-on training, expert-led demonstrations and exclusive giveaways designed to celebrate innovation and craftsmanship in the detailing industry.Each day, attendees can join FLEX's "Master Class" sessions to learn techniques using its newest tools in a way that redefines efficiency, precision, and artistry in detailing. Sessions will be led by some of the most recognized names in the industry, including Mike Phillips, Hannah Kasiri, and Rigo Santana, founder of Xtreme Xcellence."FLEX is bringing the full force of innovation, education, and excitement to SEMA," said Tim Baker, vice president of product at Chervon North America. "Between our live demonstrations, interactive training, and the debut of our newest polishers and TRACK-LOCK organizational system, our booth will be the ultimate destination for anyone passionate about perfecting the craft of detailing." Throughout the show, Rigo Santana and his team of professionals will perform a live restoration of a 1985 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet from the Petersen Automotive Museum using FLEX's recently launched corded and cordless polishers. The restored car will be part of a giveaway sweepstakes organized by the Petersen Automotive Museum.The booth will also highlight FLEX's TRACK-LOCK system, a new modular storage solution designed to revolutionize body shop organization and efficiency.Exclusive GiveawaysFLEX is adding even more excitement to SEMA 2025 with daily product giveaways and the sponsorship of the Meet & Greet event hosted by the International Detailers Association (IDA).FLEX is proud to sponsor the IDA Meet & Greet on Tuesday, Nov. 4, from 5-7 p.m. Detailers attending the event will receive a special FLEX ticket for the chance to win one of 50 free 24V Gear-Driven Orbital Polisher Kits.To find out if they've won, attendees simply need to bring their ticket to the FLEX booth during show hours.Daily Master Classes Schedule (West Hall, Booth #51125)Tuesday, Nov. 410:15-10:35 a.m. - Cross-Technique Detailing (Hannah Kasiri)Compare rotary, random orbital, and gear-driven forced action methods; learn when to switch for optimal efficiency.11:30-11:50 a.m. - Mastering Orange Peel Removal with FLEX 120V Power (Mike Phillips)Step-by-step on wet/machine sanding and rotary polishing for a glass-smooth finish.1:30-1:50 p.m. - Machines for Paint Correction (Rigo Santana and team)Tools and techniques for flawless correction.3:45-4:05 p.m. - Master Workflow: From Prep to Protection (Mike Phillips and Rigo Santana)Start-to-finish demonstration showing consistency across FLEX's system of tools for detailing.Wednesday, Nov. 510:15-10:35 a.m. - Streamlining Your Bodyshop Workflow (Hannah Kasiri)How TRACK-LOCK personalizes shop organization for less downtime and better flow.11:30-11:50 a.m. - Achieving a Swirl-Free Finish with the FLEX Orbital Polisher (Mike Phillips)Techniques for removing holograms after compounding.1:30-1:50 p.m. - Finishing Tools (Rigo Santana and team)Which machines to use for final polish and refinement.Thursday, Nov. 610:15-10:35 a.m. - Taking Auto Detailing from Good to Great (Hannah Kasiri)Pro habits from prep to final polish for consistent, high-end finishes.11:30-11:50 a.m. - Ceramic Coating Mastery with Gear-Driven FLEX Polishers (Mike Phillips)Proper coating application after sanding, rotary cut, and orbital polish.1:30-1:50 p.m. - Detailing Tight Areas (Rigo Santana and team)Tools and attachments for precision in small spaces.3:45-4:05 p.m. - Ask the Pros (Mike Phillips and Rigo Santana)Roundtable Q&A with live solutions.Friday, Nov. 71:30-1:50 p.m. - Machine Accessories (Rigo Santana and team)Using TRACK-LOCK for organization and efficiency.To learn more about FLEX solutions that will be showcased during the SEMA Show, visit booth #51125 in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center on Nov. 4-7, 2025, or go to www.flexpowertools.com/sema About FLEXFLEX is a brand built on over 100 years of German engineering and innovation, providing professional-grade power tools that outwork, outperform, and outlast the competition. Founded in 1922, FLEX has a storied history of inventing category-defining products, including the world's first angle grinder in 1954. As part of the global manufacturing enterprise, Chervon, FLEX continues its legacy by focusing on durability, precision, and state-of-the-art technology. Learn more at www.flexpowertools.com PR Contact:Matthew Parry, Mower, D: 315-413-4318, M: 315-409-3127, mparry@ mower.com SOURCE: FLEX PR-Inside.com: 2025-10-29 13:00:20 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 562 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 FORT LAUDERDALE, FL / ACCESS Newswire / October 29, 2025 / Golden Grail Beverages (OTC:GOGY), ("Golden Grail" or the "Company") today announced it has entered into a strategic partnership agreement with Naffra Flavors and Concentrates LLC, ("Naffra")a leader in beverage research and development.Under the agreement, Naffra will serve as Golden Grail's exclusive partner for beverage R&D services, while Golden Grail will leverage its deep industry relationships to introduce and secure new business opportunities for Naffra. In return, Golden Grail will receive a percentage of gross revenues derived from contracts generated through its introductions and referrals."This partnership strengthens our commitment to driving innovation in the beverage sector," said M. Lateef Khan, CEO of Golden Grail and President of Naffra. "By aligning Naffra's proven R&D expertise with Golden Grail's market reach, we can accelerate new product development for beverage brands while creating additional revenue streams." Naffra will continue to oversee all operational and technical aspects of its R&D services, providing Flavor concentrates and Emulsion bases, Ingredient Kits, Manufacturing and Regulatory support, Quality guidelines and facilitating Co-packing operations through its wide array of contacts and sources. Naffra will ensure quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Golden Grail's role will focus on market outreach, leveraging its network to connect Naffra with beverage companies seeking cutting-edge development solutions.Key highlights of the partnership include:Revenue Sharing: Golden Grail will earn a percentage of gross revenues from contracts directly attributable to its introductions.Independent Operations: Each company will remain independently responsible for its own operations and expenses.Commitment to Growth: Both companies will collaborate to expand market reach and foster beverage innovation.About Golden Grail BeveragesGolden Grail Beverages is an innovative beverage company dedicated to building, acquiring, and revitalizing a diverse portfolio of beverages. With a focus on sustainability and consumer engagement, Golden Grail is committed to providing high-quality, energizing, and refreshing drinks to its customers. For more information, visit https://goldengrailbeverages.com/ About Naffra Flavors and Concentrates LLC Based in Detroit, Michigan, Naffra Flavors and Concentrates LLC specializes in research, development, and formulation of beverages for companies seeking innovative flavor solutions. Naffra brings decades of expertise in beverage science and production, helping brands create distinctive, market-ready products. For more information visit https://naffra.com/ Conflict-of-Interest Disclosure: M. Lateef Khan serves as both CEO of Golden Grail and President of Naffra. The Parties acknowledge this dual role and have taken steps within the partnership agreement to ensure transparency, fairness, and the independent operations of each company.Forward-Looking StatementsCertain statements that we make may constitute "forward-looking statements" under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include information concerning future strategic objectives, business prospects, anticipated savings, financial results (including expenses, earnings, liquidity, cash flow and capital expenditures), industry or market conditions, demand for and pricing of our products, acquisitions and divestitures, anticipated results of litigation and regulatory developments or general economic conditions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees, and they involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Although we make such statements based on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. We caution investors not to rely unduly on any forward-looking statements.Contact Information:1-561-800-3890 info@ goldengrailbeverages.comhttps://goldengrailbeverages.com/ SOURCE: Golden Grail Technology Corp. PR-Inside.com: 2025-10-29 08:00:17 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 937 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Audited Financial Results for the Year Ended 30 June 2025LONDON, UK / ACCESS Newswire / October 29, 2025 / Guardian Metal Resources plc (LON:GMET)(OTCQB:GMTLF), a tungsten exploration and development company focused on Nevada, U.S. is pleased to announce its consolidated audited results for the year ended 30 June 2025, for the Company and its subsidiaries (together, the "Group").The full financial report will be available online immediately on the Company's website, and should be read in conjunction with this announcement.Highlights from the year under review:Pilot Mountain ProjectPilot Mountain remained the central focus of our project development efforts during the year. Guardian Metal advanced multiple workstreams critical to the ongoing pre-feasibility study. Resource and geotechnical drilling programmes were advanced to support pit design and mine planning, while baseline studies were completed across environmental and technical disciplines to underpin key permitting next steps. Amongst intense ongoing reshoring efforts, Pilot Mountain's strategic importance within the U.S. critical metals landscape increased substantially over the periodTempiute ProjectDuring the year, Guardian Metal added a second co-flagship project through the acquisition of the option to purchase the historical Tempiute (Emerson) tungsten mine in Lincoln County, Nevada. A Letter of Intent was signed on 31 October 2024, with the definitive agreement completed on 27 January 2025. Since the acquisition, Guardian Metal advanced preparatory workstreams at Tempiute in support of a drilling programme that started late summer 2025. The combination of historical production, existing infrastructure, and new exploration potential establishes Tempiute as a highly complementary asset to Pilot Mountain, further strengthening Guardian Metal's ability to deliver scale within a Nevada-based tungsten production hub.US Market PresenceGuardian Metal continued to build its profile in the United States during the period. Following the upgrade to the OTCQX Market in June 2024, the Company benefited from improved liquidity and visibility amongst U.S. investors. Institutional awareness of Guardian Metal also grew further during the year, with Maxim Group initiating research coverage and increased engagement from U.S. funds and stakeholders. Together, these steps advance Guardian Metal's strategy of aligning its capital markets presence with its U.S.-based operating footprint.Corporate Growth & Strategic PositioningOn 8 July 2024, the Company rebranded as Guardian Metal Resources Plc, a name that reflects our sharpened focus on tungsten and our commitment to the U.S. defence metal reshoring effort. This corporate evolution was matched by growth in institutional support. On 15 August 2024, Guardian Metal announced a North American strategic financing, followed by an institutional raise completed on 6 January 2025 and a further strategic investment by UCAM LLP on 20 February 2025. The continued ability to attract institutional capital is a strong endorsement of Guardian Metal's positioning within the U.S. critical metals landscape. Finally, in June 2025, Guardian Metal was invited to join the DARPA-sponsored Critical Minerals Forum, a platform that underscores the growing recognition of the Company as a strategic participant in securing America's future mineral supply.Tungsten MarketThe strategic importance of tungsten has increased materially during the year. On 4 February 2025, China implemented export restrictions on certain tungsten products, further tightening global supply and driving prices higher. At the same time, recognition of tungsten's critical role in defence, energy transition, and advanced technologies has grown significantly across U.S. government and industry stakeholders. Against this backdrop, Guardian Metal is positioned in the right metal, at the right time, and in the right jurisdiction to play a leading role in re-establishing secure Western supply chains.Corporate DevelopmentsFinancial HighlightsThe Group incurred a loss for the year to 30 June 2025 of $2,711,000 (2024 - loss of $1,376,000). The loss mainly arose from salaries, consulting and professional fees along with general regulatory and administration expenses.Cash used in operations totalled $1,122,000 and investment in its mining assets totalled $8,038,000 (2024 - $1,496,000). As at 30 June 2025, the Group had a cash balance of $1,873,000 (2024 - $3,033,000). At the date of this announcement, the Group's cash balance was $14,720,000.Funding ActivitiesDuring the year under review a total of 18,908,700 warrants over new ordinary shares were exercised raising $4,455,305 (3,414,479) for the Company. The Company also completed strategic fundraises issuing in total 10,478,054 new ordinary shares, raising $3,677,988 (2,904,075) before costs for the Company.Subsequent to reporting date on 23 July 2025, the Company completed a fundraise of $21,000,000 (approximately 15,600,000) before costs through the issue of 25,945,000 new ordinary shares to new and existing shareholders. On the same date the Company also announced that its wholly owned subsidiary Golden Metal Resources (USA) LLC had been awarded $6.2 million from the U.S. Department of War (DoW) to accelerate the development of its Pilot Mountain Project.Board of DirectorsWe welcomed Ben Hodges who joined the Company as Finance Director on 12 December 2024. David Ovadia, Non-Executive Chairman, resigned from the Board on 11 December 2024. The Board takes this opportunity to thank David for his contribution to the Company over his tenure. Non-Executive Director J.T. Starzecki assumed the position of Non-Executive Chairman with effect from 11 December 2024, and in June 2025 Mr. Starzecki accepted the role of Executive Chairman.Events after the year endFor information regarding events after the reporting date see note 19 to the financial statements.Outlook:Looking ahead, Guardian Metal's priorities are clear: advance Pilot Mountain and Tempiute through the next stage of technical and economic studies, supported by the financing, partnerships, and contractor base secured this year. With two co-flagship assets in Nevada, an increasingly engaged U.S. investor base and growing recognition across industry and government, Guardian Metal is well positioned to deliver on its ambition of becoming America's next tungsten producer. We also have announced that we plan to pursue a USA listing.I would like to thank our shareholders, partners, and team for their ongoing support and commitment. Together, we are building a company that can play a pivotal role in d PR-Inside.com: 2025-10-29 15:05:07 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 591 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / October 29, 2025 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Molina Healthcare, Inc. ("Molina" or the "Company") (NYSE:MOH). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.The class action concerns whether Molina and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until December 2, 2025, to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Molina securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com [Click here for information about joining the class action]On July 7, 2025, Molina issued a press release announcing financial results for the second quarter of 2025 and slashing full year 2025 adjusted earnings per share guidance. The press release reported second quarter 2025 adjusted earnings of approximately $5.50 per share, which was "below . . . prior expectations" due to "medical cost pressures in all three lines of business." The Company also announced that it "expects these medical cost pressures to continue into the second half of the year" and cut guidance for expected adjusted earnings per share 10.2% at the midpoint, from "at least $24.50 per share" to a "range of $21.50 to $22.50 per share." The press release revealed Molina was experiencing a "short-term earnings pressure" from a "dislocation between premium rates and a medical cost trend which has recently accelerated." On this news, Molina's stock price fell $6.97 per share, or 2.9%, to close at $232.61 per share on July 7, 2025.Then, on July 23, 2025, Molina issued a press release reporting its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025 and further slashing the Company's full-year 2025 earnings guidance. The press release revealed, in part, that the Company's "GAAP net income was $4.75 per diluted share for the second quarter of 2025, a decrease of 8% year over year;" and it "now expects its full year 2025 adjusted earnings to be no less than $19.00 per diluted share." This represented another 13.6% cut to guidance of earnings per share at the midpoint, from the cut to guidance announced less than two weeks earlier. Molina also cut its guidance for its full year 2025 GAAP net income 27% to $912 million. Molina attributed its results a full year outlook to a "challenging medical cost trend environment," including mere "utilization of behavioral health, pharmacy, and inpatient and outpatient services." The Company claimed that its guidance cut also reflected "new information gained in the quarterly closing process." On this news, Molina's stock price fell $32.03 per share, or 16.84%, to close at $158.22 per share on July 24, 2025.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP PR-Inside.com: 2025-10-29 21:00:14 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 987 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 HALIFAX, NS / ACCESS Newswire / October 29, 2025 / Namibia Critical Metals Inc. ("Namibia Critical Metals" or the "Company" or "NCMI") (TSXV:NMI)(OTCQB:NMREF) is pleased to announce that it has retained the services of Renmark Financial Communications Inc. to handle its investor relations activities."We are pleased to announce that we have selected Renmark to reinforce Namibia Critical Metals Inc.'s profile in the financial community and enhance the visibility of our company. We chose Renmark because its standards and methodologies fit best with the message we wish to communicate to the investing public," noted Darrin Campbell, President & Corporate Secretary.In consideration of the services to be provided, the monthly fees incurred by Namibia Critical Metals Inc. will be a cash consideration of up to $9,000 CAD, starting November 1st, 2025, for a period of seven months ending on May 31st, 2026,and monthly thereafter.Renmark Financial Communications does not have any interest, directly or indirectly, Namibia Critical Metals Inc. or its securities, or any right or intent to acquire such an interest.About Renmark Financial Communications Inc. Founded in 1999, Renmark is a leading privately held full-service investor relations firm, located in Atlanta, New York, Toronto and Montreal. For the past 25 years, Renmark has provided services in investor relations, media relations and web development representing small, medium and large cap public companies listed on all major North American exchanges. On a daily basis our team of professionals enhance our client's visibility within the retail market space as corporate communicators. With the largest roadshow footprint in North America, and a state-of-the-art media studio, we host a multitude of live streaming Virtual Non-Deal Roadshows across North America and Europe.About Namibia Critical Metals Inc.NCMI is developing the Tier-1 Heavy Rare Earth Project, Lofdal, a globally significant deposit of the heavy rare earth metals dysprosium and terbium. Demand for these critical metals used in permanent magnets for electric vehicles, wind turbines and other electronics is driven by innovations linked to energy and technology transformations. The geopolitical risks associated with sourcing many of these metals have become a repeated concern for manufacturers and end users. Namibia is a proven and stable mining jurisdiction.The Lofdal Project is fully permitted with a 25-year Mining License and is under a Joint Venture agreement with Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC).About Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) and the JVJOGMEC is a Japanese government independent administrative agency which seeks to secure stable resource supplies for Japan. JOGMEC has a strong reputation as a long term, strategic partner in mineral projects globally. JOGMEC facilitates opportunities with Japanese private companies to secure supplies of natural resources for the benefit of the country's economic development.Rare earth elements are of critical importance to Japanese industrial interests and JOGMEC has extensive experience with all aspects of the sector. JOGMEC provided Lynas with USD$250,000,000 in loans and equity in 2011 to ensure supplies of the Light Rare Earths metals suite to the Japanese industry and invested a further $134 million in 2023.In March 2025 JOGMEC announced a partnership with Iwatani Corporation to invest 110 million euros in Carester's heavy rare earth separation plant, Caremag, located at Lacq, France.Namibia Critical Metals owns a 95% interest in the Lofdal project with the remaining 5% held for the benefit of Historically Disadvantaged Namibians. The terms of the JOGMEC joint venture agreement with the Company stipulate that JOGMEC provides C$3,000,000 in Term 1 and C$7,000,000 in Term 2 to earn a 40% interest in the Lofdal project. Term 3 calls for a further C$10,000,000 of expenditures to earn an additional 10% interest. JOGMEC can also purchase another 1% for C$5,000,000 and has first right of refusal to fully fund the project through to commercial production and to purchase all production at market prices. The collective interests of NCMI and historically disadvantaged Namibians cannot be diluted below a 26% carried working interest upon payment of C$5,000,000 to JOGMEC for the dilution protection. NMI may elect to participate up to a maximum of 44% by funding pro rata after the earn in period is completed.To date, JOGMEC has completed Term 2 and earned a 40% interest by reaching the C$10 million expenditure requirement. Total approved project funding to date is C$16,745,000 of the $20,000,000 Earn-In requirement to reach 50% interest.Darrin Campbell, President, has reviewed and approved this press release.Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.For more information please contact - Namibia Critical Metals Inc.Darrin Campbell, PresidentTel: +01 (902) 835-8760Email: Info@ NamibiaCMI.com Web site: www.NamibiaCriticalMetals.com Renmark Financial Communications Inc.Preston Conable: pconable@ renmarkfinancial.com Tel.: (416) 644-2020 or (212) 812-7680 www.renmarkfinancial.com This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "would", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the information is provided, and is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change, unless required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.SOURCE: Namibia Critical Metals Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2025-10-29 20:30:10 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 920 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 HighlightsNano One awarded C$5M contribution from NRCan to scale and commercialize One-Pot LFPFunding supports planned Candiac expansion, including LFP cathode materials development for ESS, defence, and EV marketsGovernment-backed support reinforces Canada's role in building LFP supply chain optionalityVANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / October 29, 2025 / Nano One Materials Corp. ("Nano One" or the "Company")(TSX:NANO)(OTCQB:NNOMF)(Frankfurt:LBMB), a process technology company specializing in lithium-ion battery cathode active materials (CAM), is pleased to announce it has been awarded a C$5 million non-repayable contribution from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) under the Energy Innovation Program to scale production of One-Pot lithium iron phosphate (LFP) CAM and accelerate commercialization."The Government of Canada is proud to support Nano One as they scale up their made-in-Canada battery innovation. At a time where the global demand for batteries is surging, their work could not be more important. We are showing the world how to build cleaner, more secure, and more sustainable supply chains. This patented technology, developed here at home, is helping position Canada as a global leader in the next generation of battery materials-proving that Canada can power the world." - The Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural ResourcesThe funding supports Nano One's ongoing work at its Candiac, Quebec and Burnaby, British Columbia facilities through March 31, 2027. It will enable the Company to continue developing different product grades of One-Pot LFP to meet performance requirements across energy storage systems, defence, electric vehicles and other applications. Sumitomo Metal Mining is a project partner under this NRCan award and will contribute technical expertise as in-kind support.The Candiac facility remains Nano One's launch pad for growth and a critical bridge between customer validation, first revenues, and demonstrating the technology in production-intent equipment to support future licensing opportunities. As a demonstration facility, Candiac will also support service revenues generated from licensee operator training, continuous process improvements, and product enhancement."This investment strengthens our path to commercialization and reinforces Canada's position as a leader in clean-technology manufacturing," said Dan Blondal, CEO of Nano One. "We're grateful to the Government of Canada for its continued support across multiple programs, including this NRCan contribution, which helps us de-risk scale-up, advance customer validation, and create long-term value for our shareholders on our path to commercial operations." Strengthening North America's Battery Supply ChainsThe project builds on existing funding support from the U.S. Department of Defense, Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen), Investissement Quebec (MEIE), and Technoclimat (MELCCFP). It aligns with G7 efforts to build resilient and diversified supply chains for critical minerals and battery materials-reducing reliance on single-country sources and reinforcing North American energy security.The funding supports the next phase of Nano One's scale-up at its Candiac facility from 200 tpa to a minimum of 800 tpa with the flexibility to reach 1,000+ tpa to meet customer demand. It marks continued progress toward commercializing One-Pot LFP production and building localized capacity in line with government priorities for industrial resilience and supply-chain independence.The C$5 million contribution covers eligible operating and capital expenditures for scale-up, product-development, and commercialization activities at both facilities-helping position Canada as a strategic and secure supplier of LFP to its allies and partners.###About Nano OneNano One Materials Corp. (Nano One) is a technology company changing how the world makes cathode active materials for lithium-ion batteries. Applications include stationary energy storage systems (ESS), portable electronics, and electric vehicles (EVs). The Company's patented One-Pot process reduces costs, is easier-to permit, lowers energy intensity, environmental footprint, and reliance on problematic supply chains. The Company is supporting the drive towards energy security, supply chain resilience, industrial competitiveness and increased performance through process innovation. Production is being piloted and demonstrated in Candiac, Quebec, drawing on the existing plant and decades of commercial lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) manufacturing experience. Strategic collaborations and partnerships with international companies like Sumitomo Metal Mining, Rio Tinto, and Worley are supporting a design-one-build-many licensing growth strategy-delivering cost-competitive, easier-to-permit, and faster-to-market battery materials production solutions worldwide. Nano One has received funding from the Government of Canada, the Government of the United States, the Government of Quebec, and the Government of British Columbia. For more information, please visitwww.nanoone.ca Company Contact: Paul Guedes info@ nanoone.ca +1 (604) 420-2041Cautionary Notes and Forward-Looking StatementsCertain information contained herein may constitute "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to: receipt of the total amount of announced anticipated funding from the Government of Canada/NRCan; use of proceeds; ongoing product and process improvement and innovations as potential additional revenue opportunities for the Company; the development of technology, supply chains, and plans for construction and operation of cathode production facilities for acceptance of the Company's product and licensing packages; industry acceleration and demand; successful current and future collaborations that are/may happen with OEMs, miners or others including Sumitomo; the value, functions and intended benefits of the Company's technology and products efforts to build resilient and sustainable supply chains for critical minerals and battery materials; the development and evolution of Nano One's technology and products for scale up and commercialization; achieving commercial production of LFP; the Company's licensing, supply chain, joint venture strategies, opportunities and potential royalty arrangements; the purpose for expanding the Candiac facilities and scalability of developed technology; and the execution of the Compa PR-Inside.com: 2025-10-29 13:00:22 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 472 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA / ACCESS Newswire / October 29, 2025 / PaymentCloud, a leading merchant services provider, has announced a strategic partnership with Float, a pioneering post-purchase FSA/HSA reimbursement platform, to expand flexible payment options for merchants across the telemedicine and health industries.This collaboration empowers PaymentCloud merchants to provide their customers more advantageous use of their FSA and HSA benefits without delaying the checkout experience. Through Float's services, shoppers can pay how they want (credit, debit, mobile wallets, etc.), and Float will automatically file the purchase with their FSA/HSA provider, requiring minimal to zero integration lift for merchants.Float uniquely supports FSA/HSA subscriptions, helping PaymentCloud merchants grow recurring revenue without IRS re-authorization roadblocks. Telemedicine merchants, even when correctly categorized by MCC, are currently unable to accept FSA or HSA payments. This accessible solution changes that, unlocking FSA and HSA access for these merchants and more."Partnering with Float aligns with our mission to deliver forward-thinking solutions for our merchants, while allowing us to expand further in the telemedicine vertical," said Jesse Spears, VP of Strategic Partnerships at PaymentCloud. "By making it easy for merchants to accept FSA and HSA payments, we're helping our merchants increase conversions, grow subscription revenue, and offer an unmatched customer experience." Float CEO Anthony Rangel adds, "We're thrilled to collaborate with PaymentCloud to bring our frictionless FSA/HSA reimbursement solution to merchants throughout the health and wellness space. Together, we'll provide a reliable checkout experience, with no decline risk, no SIGIS compliance, or inventory system overhaul required. We're excited to work alongside Jesse and the entire PaymentCloud team and see what we accomplish next." About PaymentCloudBased in Encino, California, PaymentCloud has established itself as an innovator in payment processing by helping merchants across a multitude of industries accept credit cards and other modern payment types. PaymentCloud offers a transparent application process, hundreds of integration options, and a dedicated US-based account manager for every merchant.Ranked No. 121 on Inc. Magazine's fourth annual Inc. 5000 Regional's Pacific List and No.159 on the Financial Times' list of America's Fastest-Growing Companies 2023, PaymentCloud has proven to be a leading merchant services provider with reliable and state-of-the-art solutions.About FloatFloat, headquartered in New York City, provides the financial infrastructure that enables merchants to seamlessly unlock Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) payments post-purchase. With Float, customers can pay using any payment method while eligible purchases are automatically filed for reimbursement, no SIGIS certification or checkout changes required.By handling eligibility verification, medical review, and claims automation behind the scenes, Float empowers merchants to effortlessly capture health benefit dollars without adding friction to the checkout experience. Leading wellness, telehealth, and consumer health brands use Float to boost conversion, drive subscription retention, and build trust with HSA and FSA users.Contact Informationmarketing@ paymentcloudinc.com SOURCE: PaymentCloud PR-Inside.com: 2025-10-29 22:45:20 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 401 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / October 29, 2025 /Pegasus Resources Inc. (TSXV:PEGA)(OTCID:SLTFF)(FSE:OQS2) ("Pegasus" or the "Company") announces that Noah Komavli has resigned as a member of the Board of Directors, effective immediately.Following this change, the Board of Directors will consist of three directors.The Company thanks Mr. Komavli for his contributions and service to Pegasus.About Pegasus Resources Inc.Pegasus Resources Inc. is a Canadian uranium exploration company focused on advancing high-potential projects in the United States. The Company's flagship asset, the Jupiter Uranium Project in Utah, is a drill-ready property positioned for resource expansion. With a commitment to strengthening domestic uranium supply, Pegasus is strategically developing its portfolio to capitalize on the growing demand for nuclear energy.On Behalf of the Board of Directors:Christian TimminsPresident, CEO and DirectorPegasus Resources Inc.700 - 838 West Hastings StreetVancouver, BC V6C 0A6PH: 1-403-597-3410X: https://twitter.com/MrChris_Timmins X: https://twitter.com/pegasusresinc E: info@ pegasusresourcesinc.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.Forward Looking StatementsStatements included in this announcement, including statements concerning the Company's plans, intentions, and expectations, which are not historical in nature are intended to be, and are hereby identified as, "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements may be identified by words including "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "expects" and similar expressions. The Company cautions readers that forward-looking statements, including without limitation those relating to the Company's future operations and business prospects, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements.Although Pegasus believes the expectations expressed in such information are reasonable as of the date hereof, such information involves assumptions, risks, and uncertainties which may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, among others: general business, economic, competitive, political, and social uncertainties; the ability to obtain required approvals; changes in applicable laws; risks inherent in the mineral exploration and development industry; and those risks set out in the Company's public disclosure documents available under its profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca SOURCE: Pegasus Resources Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2025-10-29 21:05:10 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 983 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 5,102 Metres Drilled Across 12 Holes; Initial Observations Support Orogenic Gold ModelVANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA / ACCESS Newswire / October 29, 2025 /Relevant Gold Corp. (TSX-V:RGC)(OTCQB:RGCCF) ("Relevant Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the safe and successful completion of its 2025 diamond drill program at the Apex Target, located within the Company's 100% owned Bradley Peak Gold Camp in the Seminoe Mountains of central Wyoming. The drill campaign was the first ever on the property and was designed as a localized test of the Apex target's structural and geochemical characteristics and to enable vectoring toward high-grade zones along the entire mineralized corridor in 2026. The 2025 Apex drilling program consisted of 12 oriented diamond drill holes totaling 5,102 metres (m), spaced along 600 m of strike and 400 m vertical depth (figure 1). Assays are pending and will be reported when complete for all 12 holes.Initial visual observations of drill core confirm that the targeted orogenic shear-vein system was intersected where the Company's 3D structural and geophysical models predicted. The Apex shear is emerging as a composite 70-150 m wide zone encompassing multiple sub-shears, many of which are intruded by lamprophyre and intermediate dikes. Pervasive hydrothermal alteration, laced by quartz veins and sulphides extends along the shears to vertical depths of 400 m within the 600 m drilled length of its 2.5 km surface trace."These first-ever drill holes cut a highly altered shear zone with scale right where we predicted and confirm that we're seeing all the hallmarks of a productive Abitibi-style orogenic gold system. This is strong validation of our geological model," said Relevant Gold CEO Rob Bergmann. "We are eagerly awaiting assay results to guide a much more intensive drilling campaign next season - including testing the new shears our team recognized running parallel to Apex." Highlights:Program completed safely and on time.Drilling confirmed continuity of surface-mapped structures to depth.The APEX deformation zone is 70-150 m wide and manifests as hydrothermally altered metabasalts and metagabbro.The Apex deformation zone consists of multiple sub-parallel shear zones, many of which were intruded by quartz-feldspar porphyry and mafic dikes.Extensive hydrothermal alteration including quartz-sericite-pyrite, chlorite, fuchsite and albitization surrounds the deformation zone.Multiple generations of veining and alteration are best developed within a ductile-brittle deformation envelope lying along the hanging wall of the shear zone.All 12 drill holes intersected a distinctive, pervasively altered and sheared tremolite-chlorite-quartz fuchsite schist at the hanging wall along the north side contact.More ultramafic and mafic units were seen in drill core than in surface mapping. These include: komatiitic and tholeiitic basalts and peridotite.The entire area is cut by quartz-feldspar porphyry, granodiorite, tonalite, and late lamprophyre dikes.Surface geologic mapping has identified a new 100 m wide shear zone (BPEX) with strong quartz-sericite-pyrite alteration and quartz veining running parallel to APEX (figure 1).Mapping also outlined a 50 m x 100 m sigmoidal shaped tonalite intrusive plug with complex oxidized quartz veining between APEX and BPEX (figure 1).Figure 1. Plan View map of 2025 Apex shear drill holes (25AP-001 through 25AP-012) along with the newly identified BPEX shear zone and the sigmoidal tonalite intrusive body. Drill holes shown as downhole drill trace projected to surface. Samples indicated on the figure are from 2024 rock chip sampling by the Company (see news release). View larger image here.About the Apex Target and Bradley Peak Gold CampThe Bradley Peak Gold Camp (central Wyoming) comprises a >10,000-acre Archean greenstone terrane hosting multiple subparallel shear zones with strong structural and geochemical affinities to Abitibi-type orogenic systems. The principal Apex Target is a >2.5 km ENE-trending shear corridor localized along a >100 km2 regional fold hinge in the Bradley Peak structural corridor. Wallrocks are dominantly ultramafic and mafic volcanic and intrusive units all of which are cut by late felsic dikes. Surface mapping and sampling delineate pervasive quartz-carbonate-sericite alteration with arsenopyrite-pyrite mineralization and elevated Au-As-Cu-Bi-Sb signatures. Relevant Gold 2024 rock-chip assays at Apex reach 46.8 g/t Au and 2.4% Cu (news release - Aug. 13, 2024). The mineralization is associated with Fe-carbonate replacement, sulfidation of mafic host rocks, and late crack-seal quartz veining, consistent with gold deposition near the brittle-ductile transition in an Archean orogenic setting (Tardif et al., 2022).Qualified PersonThe scientific and technical contents of this release have been approved by Mr. Brian C. Lentz, CPG #11999, Chief Exploration Officer of the Company, who is a "Qualified Person" as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101 (Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects). Mr. Lentz is not independent of the Company.About Relevant Gold Corp.Relevant Gold Corp. is a North American gold exploration company founded by experienced exploration geologists and operated by a highly respected team with a proven record of significant value creation for shareholders. Relevant Gold is focused on the acquisition, exploration, discovery, and development of district-scale gold projects in the state of Wyoming - one of the most mining-friendly jurisdictions in the United States and globally.On behalf of Relevant Gold Corp.,Rob Bergmann, Chief Executive OfficerMore informationNeither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.For further information about Relevant Gold Corp. or this news release, please visit our website at www.relevantgoldcorp.com or contact Rob Bergmann, President and CEO, or Kristopher Jensen, Manager of Investor Relations, at 763-760-4886 or by email at investorrelations@ relevantgoldcorp.com Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Historical InformationThis news release contains certain statements that constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements relate to future events of Relevant Gold Corp. ("Relevant" or "Relevant Gold" or "the Company"). Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "seek", "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "estimate", "expe BEIRUT, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Under a harsh autumn sun, 60-year-old Mohammad Shibli stood among his withering apple trees near the village of Al-Habbariyeh in southeastern Lebanon. His gaze drifted from the few, shriveled fruits left on the branches to the nearby Israeli military positions across the tense border. "This year's season is the weakest in years," Shibli said, picking the few marketable apples left in his orchard. "We're suffering from drought, erratic weather, scarce irrigation water, and soaring costs -- on top of the looming security risks and Israeli restrictions that hinder our access to the fields." From Al-Habbariyeh to Baalbek in the east and Bekaa in the west, Lebanon's once-flourishing orchards are showing signs of decay. Farmers are reporting sharp declines in apples, peaches, pears, and grapes, with many fruits drying up before ripening, inflicting heavy financial losses. In Baalbek, farmer Ramez Haddad harvested fewer than 900 boxes of cherries, pears, and peaches this year, down from over 4,000 in previous seasons. "The trees bore fewer fruits, and the orchards looked less alive than ever before," he said. Asaad Harfoush, a farmer in Bekaa, described the situation as "unprecedented." "The fruits are yellowed and shriveled from the heat and lack of water," he said. "The soil is cracked, the trees exhausted, and even the few remaining fruits risk spoiling before reaching the market." Agricultural engineer Salim Hmaidane explained that climate change has become "a decisive factor" in the decline. "Higher temperatures, lower rainfall, and prolonged droughts have directly affected the growth of trees, even those known to resist arid conditions," he said. The crisis is tightening economic pressure on rural families who rely on farming as their main income. Marai Saasou, head of the Agricultural Cooperative in southeastern Lebanon's Hasbaya, called this season "the worst in decades." "We sell fruit boxes at a loss just to avoid total spoilage," Saasou told Xinhua. "The sun scorched the fruit before ripening, water was not enough, and fuel and fertilizer prices are higher than ever." Michel Afram, director general of the Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute, said "a 30-percent decline in rainfall and a two-degree Celsius rise in temperature have directly affected flowering and yields in fruit trees." Ibrahim Tarshishi, head of the farmers' association in Bekaa, said that "temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Celsius severely affected fruit trees and their quality." And on top of climate change is the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. Although a ceasefire between the two sides has been in place since November 2024, Israel continues near-daily strikes in Lebanon, claiming to eliminate Hezbollah "threats," and maintains its forces at five main points along the Lebanese border. Lebanon and several international organizations have condemned the attacks as violations of the truce. A 2025 report by the Food and Agriculture Organization estimated that Lebanon's agriculture sector incurred 118 million U.S. dollars in damages and 586 million dollars in losses between October 2023 and November 2024, primarily in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley. Crops were the hardest hit, with losses valued at 533.5 million dollars. The report recommended a 263-million-dollar recovery plan to restore production and food security, prioritizing seed and fertilizer distribution, farmland rehabilitation, and climate-smart agriculture, among others. Meanwhile, former Lebanese Agriculture Minister Abbas Hajj Hassan noted that the conflict has reduced agricultural exports by 25-30 percent, harming a sector that contributes about seven percent to Lebanon's GDP and supports roughly 15 percent of its population. "We have spent years caring for these trees, but this year we reaped only disappointment. Climate change and border instability have devastated our fruit harvests," Shibli lamented. For farmers like him across Lebanon, each brittle branch seemed to echo the same story no statistic can capture. PR-Inside.com: 2025-10-29 09:00:18 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1017 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NOT INTENDED FOR RELEASE, DISTRIBUTION OR PUBLICATION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES, AUSTRALIA, HONG KONG, JAPAN, CANADA, SWITZERLAND, SINGAPORE, SOUTH AFRICA OR NEW ZEALAND OR IN ANY OTHER JURISDICTION WHERE SUCH RELEASE, DISTRIBUTION OR PUBLICATION WOULD BE UNLAWFUL OR REQUIRE REGISTRATION OR OTHER ACTIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAW. PLEASE SEE "IMPORTANT INFORMATION" AT THE END OF THE PRESS RELEASE.LUND, SE / ACCESS Newswire / October 29, 2025 / Spago Nanomedical (STO: SPAGO.ST)(FRA:7UX.F) - The Board of Directors of Spago Nanomedical AB (publ) ("Spago Nanomedical" or the "Company") has today, with the support of the authorization received at the Annual General Meeting on May 14, 2025, resolved on a new issue of shares with preferential rights for the Company's existing shareholders of approximately SEK 25 million before issue costs (the "Rights Issue"). The purpose of the Rights Issue is to cover the initial working capital requirements for the continued development of Tumorad, including, among other things, dose escalation in the Phase I part and preparations for the Phase IIa part of the study, including exploring opportunities for development paths in indications with potential for orphan drug designation (ODD). The Company has received subscription commitments from major shareholders, board members, and members of the Company's management team, which together correspond to approximately 62 percent of the Rights Issue.The Tumorad development program aims to give more cancer patients the opportunity for treatment with effective radionuclide therapy. The drug candidate 177 Lu-SN201 is based on the clinically effective isotope lutetium-177 linked to the Company's unique and clinically validated nanomaterial. Clinical data from the Company's ongoing Phase I/IIa study, Tumorad-01, show acceptable safety and visible tumor uptake of 177 Lu-SN201, which according to the independent Data Monitoring Committee (DMC) can be seen as proof-of-concept for Tumorad and thus indicates that 177 Lu-SN201 may be a potential new treatment for cancer.Summary of the Rights IssueHolders of shares in the Company will receive one (1) subscription right for each share held on the record date. Ten (10) subscription rights entitle the holder to subscribe for nine (9) new shares.The subscription price per share is SEK 0.08. Upon full subscription in the Rights Issue, the Company will receive approximately SEK 25 million before issue costs.The subscription period runs from November 7, 2025 up to and including November 21, 2025.The record date for entitlement to participate in the Rights Issue is November 5, 2025. The last day of trading in the share with entitlement to receive subscription rights in the Rights Issue is November 3, 2025.Prior to the Rights Issue, the Company has received subscription commitments from the existing shareholders Cidro Forvaltning AB (wholly owned by Peter Lindell), Mikael Lonn, Eva Redhe, Tiel Ridderstad, Filippa Lindstrom, Andreas Bunge and Maria Rankka, as well as from board members, and members of the Company's management team. The subscription commitments amount to a total of approximately SEK 15.5 million, which corresponds to approximately 62 percent of the Rights Issue.Background and reasons for the Rights Issue During the fall, the Company has taken a decisive step forward in the development of 177 Lu-SN201. Based on a review of data from all patients treated to date in the ongoing Phase I/IIa study, Tumorad-01, which confirms Tumorad's previously good safety profile, the independent Data Monitoring Committee (DMC) concluded in October that the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) had not yet been reached and recommended a further dose increase in the study. Together with the observation of visible tumor uptake, which confirms that the Company's platform technology works for the delivery of radiation to tumors and which, according to the DMC, may constitute proof-of-concept in humans, this marks a significant breakthrough for the program and represents an important transition to the next phase in the Company's clinical development.Interest in radiopharmaceuticals continues to grow globally, driven by medical advances and significant industrial investments. Spago Nanomedical's technology platform and the clinical data the Company is now generating differentiate Spago Nanomedical in this rapidly growing field. The combination of promising clinical safety and demonstrated tumor uptake in cancer patients places Tumorad in an attractive position, and the Company sees significant potential shareholder value in advancing the development of Tumorad to the next development phase.Use of issue proceeds The proceeds from the Rights Issue, approximately SEK 25 million (before issue costs), are intended to be used to cover the initial working capital requirements for the continued development of Tumorad, including, among other things, dose escalation in the Phase I part of the study and preparations for the Phase IIa part of the study, including exploring opportunities for development paths in indications with potential for orphan drug designation (ODD).Comment from Spago Nanomedical's CEO, Mats Hansen:"The DMC's recommendation and the tumor uptake demonstrated in humans are historic milestones for the Tumorad program and put the Company in a whole new position. These advances provide important support for continued development and may open up development paths in new indications with the possibility of orphan drug designation, which could facilitate both upcoming studies and future commercialization. This makes Tumorad more attractive for partnerships. The purpose of the Phase I part of the study is to achieve the highest possible dose while maintaining good safety, as this may increase the chances of achieving the desired effect on the tumors. It is therefore very positive that the DMC has given the go-ahead for a further dose increase. We are now raising capital to maximize the chances of success with Tumorad by increasing the dose further as well as to prepare for the Phase IIa part of the study and, in parallel, to evaluate the possibilities for development as an orphan drug. With demonstrated tumor accumulation and promising safety, Tumorad is well positioned for the next phase of development".Subscription commitments The Company has received subscription commitments from the existing shareholders Cidro Forvaltning AB (wholly owned by Peter Lindell), Mikael Lonn, Eva Redhe, Tiel Ridderstad, Filippa Lindstrom, Andreas Bunge, and Maria Rankka, as well as from board members and members of the Company's management team, totaling approximately SEK 15.5 million PR-Inside.com: 2025-10-29 12:52:06 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 395 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 COPENHAGEN, DK / ACCESS Newswire / October 29, 2025 / Trophy Games Development (CPH:TGAMES)Company Announcement no. 30/2025 (October 29, 2025)*Contains inside informationTrophy Games is raising its 2025 guidance following strong preliminary numbers for October. We're seeing better-than-expected performance from Farm-, Airline-, and Truck Manager, as well as an opportunity to continue running profitable marketing campaigns through Q4 - something we haven't been able to do in previous years.Normally, we pause marketing during the last week of October and resume in January due to higher advertising costs. However, with the introduction of Applovin into our marketing network, we appear able to maintain a smaller sized user acquisition budget throughout Q4. The final week of Q4 is often referred to in marketing terms as Q5, and we believe there's an attractive opportunity to invest a couple of millions DKK in marketing during this lucrative period.As our marketing efforts typically break even over six months, this additional investment would reduce short-term profitability in 2025 but increase it in 2026. There's still some uncertainty around this, which is why the EBITDA and EBT ranges have been widened. If we go ahead with a larger Q5 campaign, 2025 profitability will be lower (and 2026 higher); if not, 2025 profitability will see a short-term lift.At the same time, our new ad income boost appears to have stabilized at the higher end of the expected range.The updated guidance excludes M&A and The Ranchers (set for release in 2026).New Financial Guidance 2025:RevenueDKK 115m - 121mEBITDADKK 23m - 28mEBTDKK 11m - 16mPrevious Financial Guidance 2025 (September 22nd - Company Announcement no. 27/2025)RevenueDKK 106m - 112mEBITDADKK 19m - 22mEBTDKK 9m - 12mOriginal Financial Guidance 2025 (December 12th - Company Announcement no. 15/2024)RevenueDKK 85m - 106mEBITDADKK 16m - 20mEBTDKK 6m - 9mFarm Manager is available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store: Farm Manager Android Farm Manager AppleContacts:Trophy Games Development A/S Sren Gleie, CEOOffice (+45) 7172 7573Email: soren@ trophy-games.com Mikkel Bryggers Gade 4, 2. sal, 1460 Copenhagen K, DenmarkCertified Adviser Norden CEFJohn NordenEmail: jn@ nordencef.dk A/S Kongevejen 365, 2840 Holte, DenmarkAbout Us Trophy Games is a data- and business-driven game company with a no-bullshit mentality. We build games around real-world interests to immerse players in their passion online!AttachmentsTrophy Games Raises Guidance for 2025 Based on Strong Preliminary October FiguresSOURCE: Trophy Games Development The Chairperson of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zach Adedeji has commended the Nigerian judiciary for its tax rulings, describing them as vital to boosting tax clarity, fairness, and investor confidence. Mr Adedeji said at a workshop for the judges of the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Federal High Court on new tax laws on Monday that the adoption of new tax laws, including amendments to the Finance Acts, the Petroleum Industry Act, and other subsidiary legislations, has significantly reshaped our tax ecosystem and made stronger partnerships between the judiciary and tax authorities more imperative. The judiciary, through its interpretative powers, remains the ultimate arbiter in maintaining the delicate balance between the legitimate powers of tax authorities and the rights of taxpayers, the FIRS chief said. Your consistent and sound pronouncements have provided stability, predictability, and fairness in the administration of the tax system. Mr Adedeji stressed that prompt and consistent judicial decisions are significant for enhancing voluntary tax compliance, strengthening investor confidence and boosting national revenue generation. Tax disputes that are resolved promptly and based on clear judicial principles foster compliance and contribute to economic stability, he added. He restated the FIRS commitment to continuous collaboration with the judiciary through knowledge sharing, provision of technical resources, and regular engagement. As key stakeholders in the Nigerian tax system, we must continue to strengthen collaboration, foster dialogue, and develop mechanisms that promote early and effective resolution of tax disputes, he said. He disclosed that Nigerias evolving digital economy and cross-border transactions are creating new and complicated tax issues, making judicial education more vital than before. He expressed confidence that the knowledge acquired at the event will enhance the quality of judicial pronouncements and contribute to a more efficient and equitable tax system in Nigeria. The workshop, put together by the National Judicial Institute in conjunction with the FIRS, assembled senior members of the judiciary and tax experts to review recent legal reforms and deliberate on how effective interpretation of tax laws can bolster compliance, while attracting investment. The Nigerian Government has inked a deal of $400 million with Stellar Steel Company Limited, a Chinese-backed firm, to establish a modern steel plant in Ewekoro, Ogun State. The partnership aims to revitalise the countrys comatose steel industry, cut reliance on imported steel products and accelerate industrial growth, the principal information officer of the Ministry of Steel Development, Ijomah Opia, said in a statement on Wednesday. The minister of steel development, Shuaibu Audu, signed the agreement when he hosted Li Shuang, the president of Inner Galaxy Group, and other members of Stellar Steel Company Limited in the ministrys headquarters in Abuja. The project will be developed in three phases, with the first stage anticipated to commence production by the middle of next year. Mr Audu said the partnership aligns with the governments goal of achieving 10 million tonnes of crude steel production annually by 2030. This strategic cooperation marks a new era for Nigerias steel industry and demonstrates the governments commitment to sustainable industrial growth and economic transformation, he stated. The minister said Stellar Steel will prioritise local recruitment and training, and collaborate with Nigerian universities to build technical and managerial expertise in steel production. He added that the ministry will provide policy and infrastructure support, including inclusion of Stellar Steels logistics projects in the National Infrastructure Plan (NIP) and access to fiscal incentives. Mr Shuang promised that Stellar Steel will respect all agreements and deliver the project in record time, observing all safety standards in the process. In April, Mr Audu performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the steel plant in Ogun State. Over the years, Nigerias steel sector has faced major hurdles, including delayed projects, funding constraints and managerial setbacks. Ajaokuta steel complex, touted as one of the major industrial projects in the country, remains unfinished despite substantial investment. Nigeria spends approximately $4.5 billion (N887 billion) yearly importing basic metals, including processed steel, aluminium products, and related derivatives consumed domestically. The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) is turning to the Bank of America for increased investment in oil production in the country. The regulators CEO, Gbenga Komolafe, met with the managing director and head of investment banking for sub-Saharan Africa at the bank, Chuba Ezenwa, in Abuja on Tuesday, as part of efforts to attract investments and boost oil production, according to a statement by Eniola Akinkuotu, the regulators spokesperson. Nigeria is richly endowed with hydrocarbons, and we seek to optimise production. But funding is critical to our success. So, we are looking for areas of alignment with the Bank of America, Mr Komolafe said, stressing Nigerias rich hydrocarbon resources and the need for funding to optimise production. The NUPRC boss enjoined the lender to prioritise Nigerias upstream sector in its investment portfolio, noting that the move aligns with the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, specifically Section 6(h). The section requires the commission to promote an enabling environment for investments in the upstream petroleum operations and development of Nigerian content in the petroleum industry. Nigeria is witnessing a rebound in its oil output after production plunged below one million barrels per day (bpd) in August 2022, the weakest level in 32 years. Total production (condensates inclusive) for September stood at 1.6 million bpd, 3.1 per cent lower than the previous months level. ALSO READ :NNPC Limited unveils plans to revamp existing downstream assets According to Mr Komolafe, funding remains a challenge for companies seeking to scale up. I am encouraged by the reforms under the leadership of the CCE as well as the results in the area of production, which has sparked interest in Nigerias upstream. We will continue to provide support, Mr Ezenwa said. In July, the minister of state for petroleum resources (oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, said Nigerias oil industry is struggling due to the underperformance of the upstream sector, adding that the success of the energy industry is predicated on the success of the upstream division. Nestoil Group has reassured stakeholders that its operations remain unaffected in spite of the seizure of its Lagos headquarters by armed police officers on Tuesday. PREMIUM TIMES had reported how armed police officers sealed the Lagos office of Nestoil Limited on Tuesday, following a Federal High Court order granting liberty to First Trustees and FBNQuest Merchant Bank to take over the companys assets on account of an alleged multibillion-dollar debt default. The enforcement followed a directive by Justice D. I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court, Lagos Division on 22 October, granting a Mareva injunction against Nestoil Limited and its affiliate, Neconde Energy Limited, as well as against their principal promoters, Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi and Nnenna Obiejesi. The order, certified by the courts deputy chief registrar, Longs Longwa, and addressed to the deputy inspector general of police (operations), instructed the police to assist court bailiffs and the appointed receiver-manager in enforcing the ruling. The court action resulted from a debt claim by FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited and First Trustees Limited against Nestoil, Neconde Energy and their directors. The plaintiffs claimed that the companies and their promoters owe more than $1.01 billion and N430 billion as of 30 September 2025, in respect of various credit facilities. In its statement on Tuesday, Nestoil Group noted that the action is a commercial matter that is currently before the court, adding that it is being addressed through appropriate legal and regulatory channels. The group said it continues to cooperate fully with relevant authorities and financial partners to resolve outstanding issues transparently and responsibly, noting that constructive discussions are ongoing, and it remains confident that the engagements will result in a fair and lasting resolution. Nestoil remains fully operational across all business lines, the statement notes. Our subsidiaries, projects, and commitments in the oil, gas, power, and infrastructure sectors continue without disruption. The company disclosed that it has put in place proactive measures to protect its workforce, sustain operations and uphold its obligations to clients and partners. We understand the concerns that recent reports may have generated and wish to assure all stakeholders that Nestoil Group remains financially strong, operationally stable, and strategically focused, it said. Premium Times, in collaboration with Nigeria Health Watch and The Punch newspaper, will on Wednesday, 29 October 2025, host a high-level webinar on sustainable health financing. The webinar, themed Investing in Health in a Limited Fiscal Space, is a two-hour virtual event scheduled for 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (WAT). It aims to sustain momentum around ongoing health financing reforms and advance practical strategies for building a self-sustaining health investment system in Nigeria. Building on national health financing reforms The webinar will consolidate key outcomes from the recently held National Health Financing Dialogue (NHFD), translating its technical recommendations into clear advocacy priorities for actors at federal, state, and local levels. Nigeria stands at a pivotal moment in its quest to reform health financing. Despite recent progress, public spending on health remains low, with out-of-pocket payments accounting for about 75 to 76 per cent of total health expenditure, one of the highest globally. This situation continues to expose millions of Nigerians to catastrophic health costs and pushes vulnerable households deeper into poverty. To address these systemic gaps, the federal government in 2023 launched the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), a reform anchored on a Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp). The framework aims to consolidate fragmented health financing, improve accountability, and promote shared ownership of reforms between national and subnational authorities. Shifting global aid and domestic responsibility The event comes at a time when the global health funding landscape is shifting, following reductions in Official Development Assistance (ODA) and the introduction of new donor strategies such as the evolving America First Global Health Strategy. These developments have redefined donor engagement in Africa and further highlighted the urgency for Nigeria to transition from aid dependency to a more resilient, domestically driven health financing model. Across the continent, initiatives such as the Africa Health Sovereignty Summit and the Accra Reset have sought to reframe health as a sovereign investment rather than charity. In the same spirit, Nigerias NHFD marked a turning point, linking health financing to human capital development, economic growth, and the broader national investment agenda. Focus areas and speakers The webinar is expected to feature solution-driven panel discussions and an action-oriented closing session designed to generate concrete recommendations. Discussions will centre on strengthening domestic resource mobilisation and budget efficiency, enhancing accountability and coordination under the SWAp framework, expanding health insurance coverage and risk-pooling mechanisms, and promoting the uptake of Health Technology Assessment (HTA). The webinar will also explore ways to improve financing for mental health services and boost local manufacturing of essential medicines and diagnostics. Expected speakers include Felix Obi, Country Director for Results for Development (R4D); Biobele Davidson, Head of Strengthening Health Systems at BudgIT Nigeria; and Mories Atoki, Chief Executive Officer of the African Business Coalition for Health (ABCHealth). About the conveners Premium Times is a Nigerian online newspaper recognised for its investigative reporting and in-depth analysis on governance, human rights, and socio-economic issues. The organisation also operates a non-profit arm, the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), which promotes data-driven journalism and media innovation across Africa. The Punch, established in 1973, is one of Nigerias most widely read newspapers, recognised for its consistent coverage of national affairs, governance, and social issues. Nigeria Health Watch is a communications and advocacy organisation that uses evidence-based storytelling to influence health policy and inspire solutions that strengthen the Nigerian health sector. Health experts, policymakers, and innovators have urged African governments to prioritise data-driven and locally led health systems to strengthen resilience and sustainability across the continent. The call was made at the just-concluded 2025 Gatefield Health Summit in Abuja, where participants emphasised that Africas health transformation depends not just on funding, but on how well countries use data, research, and local expertise to design smarter systems that respond to their realities. The summit is Africas annual health convening, bringing together policy. The summit concluded with a unified call to action that for Africa to achieve lasting health resilience, it must invest in evidence, empower innovators, and translate research into policymakers, global leaders, and communities to advance resilient, equitable, and locally driven health systems. Speakers at the summit agreed that building smarter, more equitable health systems requires closing the data gap and investing in homegrown innovation. The Programme Associate at Corona Management Systems (CMS), Adaeze Eche-George, noted that resilient systems are data-driven systems and when technology, evidence, and human insight work together, countries can deliver smarter, faster, and more equitable health outcomes. Showcasing African-led innovation A highlight of the summit was the presentation of CMSs Health Insurance Management Information System (CHIMIS), a digital platform designed to improve efficiency, transparency, and sustainable financing within Nigerias health insurance ecosystem. The organisation also showcased the Nigeria Malaria Modelling Fellowship (MMF), developed in partnership with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), and the World Health Organisation (WHO). The fellowship trains African public health professionals in mathematical modelling for infectious disease control and to translate data into actionable disease-control strategies. By strengthening local expertise in modelling and analytics, were putting the power to shape health policy back into African hands, Ms Eche-George said. Case studies The summit also highlighted three CMS-supported initiatives demonstrating how data improves outcomes across Nigeria and beyond. The Big Catch-Up in Bayelsa State; is a project in partnership with the Bayelsa State government to strengthen vaccination coverage in underserved areas, using data mapping and to identify and reach zero-dose children across four local government areas. The project strengthened immunisation systems through field coordination, data visibility, and community engagement. The Demand-Side Incentive (DSI) Project; through transport incentives and digital tracking, CMS registered over 42,000 children and supported 20,000 caregivers, helping overcome barriers to immunisation in Nigeria, with expansion underway in the DRC, Lesotho, and Cameroon. The Malaria Modelling Fellowship programme continues to build local analytical capacity to guide national malaria and infectious disease strategies. Evidence-based policies During a session on tobacco control, Catherine Egbe of the South African Medical Research Council, urged policymakers to base their health strategies on evidence, not imported assumptions. Ms Egbe said, The endgame is not mutually exclusive to tobacco control, without effective control, implementing the endgame is nearly impossible. Experts cautioned that applying one-size-fits-all frameworks from global contexts without local adaptation could undermine Africas progress in public health policy. Emerging threats of nutrition and antimicrobial resistance The summit also addressed the twin crises of malnutrition and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which experts warned could reverse health gains if left unaddressed. Felicia Anumah, Director of the Centre for Diabetes Studies, University of Abuja, revealed that Nigeria now has 19.8 million malnourished children, the highest in Africa, while obesity rates continue to rise creating what she called a double burden of undernutrition and overnutrition. Meanwhile, Vivian Kwaghe, Infectious Disease Unit of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, described antimicrobial resistance as a man-made crisis, calling for coordinated surveillance across human, animal, and environmental health systems. Way forward Across multiple panels, participants agreed that Africas next health revolution must come from within through bold investments in research, robust data systems, and homegrown digital infrastructure. Ms Eche-George said technology-driven, locally led strategies enhance accountability, efficiency, and long-term sustainability. The summit concluded with a unified call to action for Africa to achieve lasting health resilience, must invest in evidence, empower innovators, and translate research into policy. Health experts in Nigeria have called for urgent and coordinated reforms to sustain health investment in the face of shrinking fiscal space and declining donor support. The call was made during a webinar on Wednesday titled Investing in Health in a Limited Fiscal Space, hosted by the Nigeria Health Watch, in partnership with PREMIUM TIMES and The Punch Newspaper. The webinar, moderated by the Editor of Health and Development desk at PREMIUM TIMES, by Nike Adebowale-Tambe, brought together policymakers, development partners, and civil society organisations to explore practical strategies for improving efficiency, accountability, and value for money in the countrys health sector. Universal health coverage In her opening remarks, Mrs Adebowale-Tambe said the push for universal health coverage (UHC) must now meet the realities of limited resources. For years, she noted, Nigeria has aimed to ensure that every citizen can access quality healthcare without financial hardship, yet data continues to tell a different story. Out-of-pocket spending still accounts for over 75 per cent of all health expenditure, one of the highest in the world, she said. This means that many families still bear the full cost of care even as donor support continues to decline. Mrs Adebowale-Tambe added that as foreign aid shrinks, particularly following shifts in US global health priorities, Nigeria must strengthen its domestic financing systems. One of the governments major commitments at the 2025 National Health Financing Dialogue, she said, is to enrol 44 million Nigerians into health insurance by 2030, a target that reflects both the urgency and opportunity of this moment. Sector-wide approach The Senior Programme Director and Country Director for Results for Development (R4D), Felix Obi, said the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) under the health renewal initiative has created an opportunity for better coordination between the government and development partners. According to him, for the first time in years, Nigeria now has a unified plan, budget, and monitoring framework for health spending, following the signing of the Health Sector Renewal Compact in December 2023. The compact brought together governors, the federal government, and donor agencies under one common framework, he said. It represents a new level of alignment and coordination that can make every naira count. He explained that before now, most donor agencies operated independently, funding projects based on their own foreign policy interests rather than Nigerias strategic priorities. The new approach, he said, will help address duplication and improve efficiency across the health system. Mr Obi said Nigeria must now focus on translating the national framework into concrete state-level actions. He stressed that implementation remains the weakest link in Nigerias health financing efforts, urging state governments to align their budgets with the national compact and prioritise accountability. Beyond philanthropy The Chief Executive Officer of the African Business Coalition for Health (ABCHealth), Mories Atoki, said Nigerias limited fiscal capacity calls for a fresh perspective that views health not merely as a social obligation but as a strategic economic sector. Ms Atoki emphasised that Nigeria must begin to see health as an investment that drives productivity, employment, and national growth, adding that businesses should move beyond philanthropy and take deliberate steps to co-invest in the health ecosystem. She identified three key areas where private sector involvement could make the most impact: innovative financing, operational efficiency, and local production. She explained that mechanisms such as health bonds, blended finance, and impact investment funds can help de-risk investments and attract capital into high-priority areas like diagnostics, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and digital health infrastructure. Beyond financing, Ms Atoki stressed the importance of building local manufacturing capacity for essential medicines and consumables. She noted that such investments would reduce import dependence, create jobs, and strengthen Nigerias health security. About the webinar Amid growing concerns over Nigerias health financing gaps, Nigeria Health Watch, in collaboration with PREMIUM TIMES and the Punch newspaper, hosted a high-level dialogue on sustainable health financing. The dialogue highlighted the need for coordinated action and innovative financing mechanisms to ensure that every naira spent on health translates into measurable impact and progress towards universal health coverage. The House of Representatives Committee on Internal Security has raised concerns over threats by terrorists to bomb the National Assembly complex. Garba Muhammad, the chairman of the committee, revealed this during a plenary on Tuesday. Mr Muhammad did not, however, mention when the threat was issued or the group responsible. Suicide bombers have indiscriminately targeted public infrastructure and civilians in Abuja between 2011 and 2025. In 2011, Boko Haram carried out a vehicle-borne IED attack on the headquarters of the United Nations in Abuja, killing at least 18. A year after killing about 91 people in separate attacks around Nyanya, another bomb blast rocked Abuja in 2015, killing at least 18 and injuring 41. The latest bomb incidents in Abuja were recorded in January and May this year, killing three and injuring others. The bomb threat We have received threats from terrorists to bomb the National Assembly complex and threats from protesters to lock up the National Assembly, Mr Muhammad said. Legislators are exposed to threats from constituents and others who gain easy access to their offices without any formal appointment. It is obvious that with the ongoing security challenges, if proper measures are not taken, it will truncate legislative activities, he added. If activities are thwarted, there will be no representation, no oversight, no annual budget, no plenary at all and that will destabilise the legislative process, democracy, and the stability of our nation, He also spoke of a bill before the House seeking to strengthen the security of the National Assembly complex. It is titled A Bill for an Act to provide for the Establishment and the Functions of the Legislative Security Directorate in the National Assembly; to provide for the Qualification and Condition of Service of the Sergeant-at-Arms and other Personnel of the Directorate. He said the bill will strengthen parliamentary security management and safeguard legislative operations. He lamented worsening insecurity within the complex, citing vehicle and motorcycle thefts, fake identity cards, vandalism and unauthorised access by visitors and traders. Emphasising that parliament must remain open to the public, Mr Muhammad argued that safety must not be compromised. If not addressed, he said, these lapses could disrupt legislative activities, threatening Nigerias democracy. READ ALSO: Senate to screen new service chiefs Wednesday If proper measures are not taken, there will be no plenary, no budget, no oversight, he said, adding this will destabilise governance and the nation at large. Mr Muhammads submission was backed by representatives of several state assemblies from Nasarawa, Kano and Plateau, as well as the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), who described it as a timely intervention for institutional security. However, the police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) expressed concern over the plan to create a separate security force for the complex. They warned that such development could lead to overlapping functions. BEIJING, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- China will expand and improve higher education, with increased enrollment in quality undergraduate programs, according to recommendations on a plan that will guide the country's development over the next five years. This was specified in the recommendations of the Communist Party of China Central Committee for formulating the country's 15th Five-Year Plan (2025-2030) for economic and social development, which was adopted at a key Party plenum last week and made public on Tuesday. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, China's higher education gross enrollment rate hit 60.8 percent, with 55 million students graduating from colleges and universities. Zhang Nanxing, director of the institute for higher education at China National Academy of Educational Sciences, noted that the new arrangements and requirements have further clarified the strategic direction for higher education reform and talent cultivation. Zeng Tianshan, deputy director of the institute for curriculum and textbook under the Ministry of Education, said the recommendations will help extend high-quality educational resources to more groups, thus improving educational equity and quality, and injecting new momentum into fostering top-notch innovative talent. "While implementing the recommendations, universities should develop discipline and program layouts that match national strategies, and enhance the relevance and adaptability of talent cultivation, so as to effectively strengthen the role of education in serving economic and social development," Zeng added. The State Security Service (SSS) has reportedly arrested a social media user, Innocent Chukwuma, who made a post on X, calling for a coup. A source at the agency told PREMIUM TIMES that operatives of the service trailed Mr Chukwumq to Oyigbo, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he was arrested. The source said Mr Chukwuma, with an X account @TheAgroman, posted that a coup was needed in Nigeria and called on the military to suspend the Nigerian government. A check by our reporter showed that X had suspended Mr Chukwumas account as of Wednesday morning, making it difficult to interrogate his earlier posts. A coup in Nigeria is needed, the SSS source quoted Mr Chukwumas post. Dispose of APC, suspend the Nigerian Government, and join the AES. That is all we need now. It will happen eventually. Nigerians, the military needs your support now! Only them can save this country. The bastard in Aso Rock has basically sold this country to the West, and they run our intelligence apparatus. Only the military can reset this country. Support them, he reportedly wrote. The SSS insider said Mr Chukwuma is cooperating with SSS investigators. PREMIUM TIMES could not officially confirm the arrest from the SSS, as the secret police recently stopped engaging with the media directly and also has no official spokesperson. Mr Chukwumas arrest came amid concerns about an alleged coup plot involving senior military officers. PREMIUM TIMES reports that about 20 officers have been arrested after the coup plot was uncovered by intelligence agencies. Other newspapers reported that there are civilian collaborators involved in the coup plot. The recent call for a coup in Nigeria started during the #EndBadGovernance protests that lasted for 10 days. Some of the protesters waved Russian flags, calling for a military takeover. About 22 people were killed and dozens arrested during the protests. The Gambias July protests against alleged corruption linked to the sale of former president Yahya Jammehs assets show that citizens are committed to justice and transparency. Initiated by the Gambians Against Looted Assets movement, the demonstrations took place as victims of Jammehs 1994-2017 regime and their families continue to demand reparations. The protests stem from an atmosphere of apprehension following the work of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) between 2017 and 2021. Nearly four years since it ended, most of the TRRCs recommendations have yet to be implemented, raising questions about the challenges of completing the transitional justice process. According to figures released by The Gambias National Human Rights Commission in May 2025, only 60 of the 304 activities (representing the TRRCs 263 recommendations) had been fully implemented. Of the remaining 244 activities, 143 are ongoing, and 101 are yet to be started. The right to justice and the duty of accountability were, however, declared priorities by the government. The White Paper on implementing the TRRCs recommendations calls for the prosecution of those accused of abuses, and the compensation of victims of Mr Jammehs regime. It also calls for a special tribunal, the creation of which was endorsed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in December 2024. This decision was preceded by the adoption of a law in 2023 establishing a fund to compensate victims of abuses and human rights violations, in line with the TRRCs recommendations. Members of the commission responsible for administering the fund have been appointed, but operational constraints and insufficient financial resources impede progress. In 2024, two more laws were passed. One establishes a Special Accountability Mechanism and the other creates the Special Prosecutors Office, tasked with investigating and prosecuting crimes committed during Jammehs regime. The latter will collaborate with the Special Tribunal for The Gambia, which will handle the most serious cases and those involving international crimes. The Special Criminal Division of the High Court will address lesser domestic offences. These developments reflect genuine institutional commitment. However, the lack of funding, dependence on external aid, and political uncertainties threaten the continuity of the process. Among the main challenges is securing funding for the tribunals operations, which the justice minister estimates requires around $60 million over five years. The United States (US), particularly through the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the European Union, has been the main contributor to the transitional process. The closure of USAID and realignment of foreign aid are partly responsible for the noticeable slowdown in The Gambias implementation of its transitional justice commitments. Thus far, ECOWAS endorsement of The Gambias efforts does not include financial support. But given the countrys heavy dependence on external funding, the regional organisation could become a crucial lever for mobilising funds from international donors. The meeting in Abuja this October between ECOWAS and Gambian authorities was an important step in this direction. It showed a shared commitment to fully implement transitional justice and represents an opportunity for ECOWAS to reaffirm its role in establishing the Special Tribunal not only technically, but also financially. For its part, the Gambian government should actively mobilise internal resources to achieve concrete progress in the transitional justice process. Using the money from the sale of Mr Jammehs assets to accelerate implementation would serve as a powerful demonstration of political will and would help secure international backing. Institute for Security Studies research in The Gambia has shown the need for effective government communication to manage citizens growing frustration, particularly among victims of Jammehs regime. This would ensure transparency between citizens and the state, bridging the gap that has widened between the two parties, which is a core requirement of the transitional context. Adding to these challenges is the looming 2026 presidential election. Many fear that other priorities will overshadow the transitional justice agenda. These include immediate socioeconomic and governance concerns, which are likely to attract more debate than long-term goals, such as transitional justice. The political alliance between President Adama Barrows National Peoples Party and a faction of Mr Jammehs Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction also sparked significant controversy. The continued presence in government of individuals whom the TRRC found responsible for abuses and violence, despite the adoption of a law prohibiting such appointments, further reinforces concerns. While there is a broad national consensus on the need for transitional justice, the Gambian government must keep the process at the centre of its national agenda. It stands as a barometer of national will to not only end impunity but also strengthen the rule of law and national cohesion. In a regional context marked by widespread human rights violations, the success of The Gambian transitional justice process would send a powerful signal for accountability and establish a concrete regional model for tackling impunity. Aissatou Kante, Researcher, Fatoumatta Badjie, Junior Fellow and Paulin Maurice Toupane, Senior Researcher, Institute for Security Studies (ISS) Regional Office for West Africa and the Sahel, Dakar This article was funded by the Bosch Foundation and the Government of Denmark. (This article was first published by ISS Today, a Premium Times syndication partner. We have their permission to republish). The House of Representatives has approved President Bola Tinubus request to raise over $2.3 billion from external sources to part-finance Nigerias 2025 budget deficit, refinance maturing Eurobonds, and issue the countrys debut sovereign Sukuk in the international capital market. The approval followed the consideration and adoption of a report presented by the Chairperson of the House Committee on Aids, Loans and Debt Management, Abubakar Nalaraba (APC, Nasarawa), during Wednesdays plenary session. The report, which was laid on the floor of the House on Tuesday, sought legislative consent for the federal governments external borrowing and refinancing plans captured in the 2025 Appropriation Act. Details of committees recommendations In its report, the committee urged the House to approve the implementation of a new external borrowing of N1.84 trillion (about $1.23 billion at the budget exchange rate of N1,500 to $1) to part-finance the 2025 budget deficit of N9.27 trillion. It further urged the House to refinance the $1.12 billion Eurobonds (7.625% USD 1.118 billion, November 2025 maturity) to ensure timely redemption and preserve Nigerias credit standing. The committee also recommended that the House grants access to an aggregate external capital of $2.35 billion (comprising $1.23 billion in new borrowing and $1.12 billion for Eurobond refinancing) through one or a combination of the following options: issuance of Eurobonds, loan syndications, bridge-finance facilities arranged by book-runners, or direct borrowing from international financial institutions. It also recommended that the House issues a stand-alone debut Sovereign Sukuk of up to $500 million in the International Capital Market (ICM), with or without credit enhancement or guarantee. Following the submission of the report, the House dissolved into the Committee of Supply for immediate consideration. Mild contention During the deliberation, the Deputy Majority Leader of the House, Abdullahi Halims (APC, Kogi), raised a procedural objection, urging that the report be stepped down to allow further scrutiny. He argued that members required more time to review the technical details of the borrowing proposal. However, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, who presided over the session, expressed displeasure at the intervention. On a subject that is not mutually agreed, Im really not happy with your comments, Mr Tajudeen said. I would urge you to withdraw that. Mr Halims subsequently withdrew his objection, and the House proceeded to adopt the committees recommendations in full. The report was, thereafter, approved by the Committee of Supply and ratified by the House, effectively granting the executive the go-ahead to implement the borrowing programme. Background to request Mr Tinubu had on 7 October written to the House, seeking approval to secure external funding for the 2025 budget, refinance maturing debts, and issue the debut Sukuk. His request was conveyed in a letter dated 22 September 2025, which was read by Speaker Tajudeen during plenary. Mr Tinubu said the external borrowing plan included a new loan of N1.84 trillion ($1.23 billion) to bridge the budget deficit, alongside plans to refinance the $1.12 billion Eurobonds maturing on 21 November 2025. The president also disclosed that the government would issue a $500 million Sovereign Sukuk as Nigerias first Islamic bond in the global market. The president noted that the 2025 Appropriation Act provided for total new borrowings of N9.27 trillion, consisting of N7.43 trillion in domestic loans and N1.84 trillion in external borrowings. He explained that the government intended to raise the external funds through a range of instruments, including Eurobond issuance, syndicated loans, bridge-finance facilities, or direct borrowing from multilateral and international development institutions. The House of Representatives has moved to amend the 1999 Constitution to grant constitutional recognition and full autonomy to local governments and area councils, a reform lawmakers say will strengthen grassroots governance and deepen Nigerias federal structure. The bill, titled A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), to include Local Government Areas and Area Councils as Constituent Units of the Federation and for Related Matters, scaled second reading during Wednesdays plenary session. Jointly sponsored by the Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen, and Adewale Hameed (APC, Lagos), the proposed legislation aims to constitutionally elevate local governments from mere administrative extensions of state governments to autonomous tiers of governance with clear constitutional backing. Lead debate Leading debate on the bill, Mr Hameed described the local government system as the closest level of government to the people, stressing its importance in delivering essential public services and fostering inclusive development. The local government delivers essential services such as primary education, healthcare, sanitation, security, and community development. It is a crucial and indispensable level in our governance structure. He lamented that despite being recognised in the Fourth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution, local governments are not explicitly listed as a full-fledged tier of government or as constituent units of the federation. This bill, he explained, seeks to amend the constitution to explicitly recognise local government areas and area councils of the Federal Capital Territory as constituent units of the federation, alongside the federal and state governments. In doing so, we aim to affirm and protect the autonomy of local governments and area councils. Expanding his argument, the lawmaker said the amendment was not simply about administrative reorganisation but the survival and deepening of Nigerias democracy. The success of our democracy depends on how well governance and development reach the people at the grassroots, he told lawmakers. Strengthening local government autonomy through constitutional recognition is not just an administrative reform; it is a democratic imperative. He argued that the proposed alteration would reaffirm Nigerias commitment to a true federal system resting on three constitutionally recognised tiers, the federal, state, and local government, each with its own powers, responsibilities, and financial independence. By passing this bill, he said, the National Assembly will be making a historic statement that Nigerias federation genuinely rests on three constitutional pillars, the Federal Government, the State Governments, and the Local Governments. House endorses bill The House unanimously adopted the bill without debate, a sign of broad bipartisan support. Mr Tajudeen, who presided over the session, subsequently referred the bill to the Committee on Constitution Review for further legislative work. If eventually passed by both chambers and endorsed by the required two-thirds of the 36 state Houses of Assembly, the amendment would mark one of the most consequential constitutional reforms in Nigerias democratic history. Why LG autonomy matters Local governments have long been regarded as the foundation of effective governance, being the closest interface between citizens and the state. However, over the years, they have suffered deep institutional erosion due to excessive control by state governments. Efforts to constitutionally guarantee local government autonomy are not new. Similar proposals were introduced during the 7th, 8th, and 9th National Assemblies but repeatedly failed, largely because most state assemblies refused to ratify the amendments. In 2023, during the 9th Assembly, both chambers of the National Assembly passed an amendment bill seeking to guarantee local government independence but failed to secure the required endorsement from 24 state legislatures. Many governors had opposed the move, viewing it as an encroachment on their constitutional powers. READ ALSO: Reps advance bill to establish Nigerian Fintech Regulatory Commission Under the existing constitutional framework, state governors exercise significant authority over local councils, including dissolving elected councils and replacing them with caretaker committees. Several civil society groups have repeatedly campaigned for local government autonomy, arguing that rural communities will continue to suffer underdevelopment without constitutional protection. In July 2024, the Supreme Court granted financial autonomy to the 774 local governments in Nigeria. The ruling makes it unconstitutional for state governors to withhold funds, dissolve councils, or appoint caretaker committees. Thus, it mandates that federal allocations be sent directly to the LGAs. The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) nominee, Olufemi Oluyede, has called for an urgent restructuring of the Nigerian Police Force, saying the police should ordinarily manage many operations currently handled by the military. Mr Oluyede, a lieutenant general and outgoing Chief of Army Staff, made the call on Wednesday while addressing senators during the screening of service chiefs at the Senate chamber. There is a need for us to improve and maybe probably restructure the police force because most of the jobs that are being done by the army, as we speak, actually lie within the power of the police. So, its important for the nation to empower the police, make it stronger, make it more formidable so that they can do their job while we concentrate on defending Nigeria against external aggression, he said. Although he did not specify whether the restructuring should involve changes in leadership or operational strategy, Mr Oluyedes remarks align with calls for localised policing as incidents of armed robbery, communal clashes and other security challenges increased. The 2014 National Conference, convoked by the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, had recommended the creation of state police as a strategy to reduce insecurity. The rising cases of banditry, kidnapping, and other terrorist activities have increased pressure from governors and political leaders for the creation of state police. In the absence of a formal state policing structure, some regions have established informal security outfits such as Amotekun in the South-west, Ebube Agu in the South-east, and Hisbah in the North-west. Despite these measures, the idea of state police remains contentious. Some argued that without proper arrangements, state police could be exploited by governors to harass political opponents, suppress dissent, and stifle press freedom. Others submitted that the best way to reduce insecurity is through state policing. The National Assembly has also pledged to develop a comprehensive legal framework for the establishment of state police in the ongoing constitutional amendment exercise, as part of the legislative commitment to reduce insecurity in the country. Call for local production of military equipment Mr Oluyede also emphasised the need for Nigeria to develop its own defence manufacturing industry, insisting that reliance on imported military equipment is not sustainable and too expensive. We all know that the resources are not enough, the enablers are not enough. So, it makes it very difficult to get everything required to prosecute the war against terrorism, banditry and other sundry crimes in Nigeria. Well, I believe with this hallowed chamber having the support of you, things can be better and its important for us to know that for Nigeria to move forward, its imperative that we develop our own local military industrial complex because we cant keep on buying equipment from outside because these things are extremely expensive. So, its imperative for the country to develop its own capacity to produce the required equipment to prosecute wars and checkmate challenges facing all of us, he added. The nominee also urged the government to regulate the dissemination of information related to cybercrime, cyberwarfare, and cyberattacks, stressing that misinformation threatens national security. We all know that, we are dealing with every kind of warfare, which includes cybercrimes, cyberwarfare, cyberattacks and all in that light, and its important for us as a country to checkmate the kind of misinformation thats out there. Nigerian security situation has improved The CDS nominee noted that Nigerias security situation has improved significantly compared to previous years but said more work remains to be done. I believe that things have improved tremendously, but we can do better. but in doing better, it requires a whole society approach. Everybody must be involved, I dont think it should be left only to the military to prosecute and face all these challenges. Its not going to work. Its important for all hands to be on deck to make Nigeria safer. Commitment to soldiers welfare If confirmed as CDS, Mr Oluyede pledged to prioritise the welfare of officers and their families. If Im confirmed as the chief of defence staff, Ill make it a point of duty to improve the welfare and well-being of my soldiers and their families. But again, despite that aspiration, it becomes difficult to achieve in total because of a lack of resources, he said. Its very easy for people to say that being a soldier is not like any other job, but I want to tell you this with all due respect that theres something special in being a soldier because as a soldier, what it entails is that you have to sacrifice your entire life for others to live and for you to be a soldier, theres some element of madness. What do I mean by this? For a right-thinking fellow, when theres danger, youre expected to retreat, but for a soldier, youre expected to go forward and face that challenge. So, a soldier is just not an ordinary person. So, its important for us to look at soldiers the way they are looked at in other climes, giving their due respect, provided for and maybe things will be better for us. The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has approved the appointment of Anietie John Ukpe as Deputy Chief of Staff (DCOS) in the Office of the President of the Senate, with effect from 1st November 2025. This appointment, conveyed through the Directorate of Human Resources and Staff Development, National Assembly, Abuja, underscores Senate President Akpabios commitment to strengthening the Research, Strategy, and Communication capacity of the Office in pursuit of legislative excellence and institutional development. Mr Ukpe, a distinguished communication scholar, journalist, and public relations professional, brings to the position over three decades of multifaceted experience spanning broadcast journalism, public relations, advertising, media management, strategic communication, and leadership development. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Business and Organizational Communication, and is a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR). Dr. Ukpe has served with distinction as Director General of the Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation (AKBC) and is presently the Head of the Research and Speech Communication Unit in the Office of Senate President Akpabio. An accomplished writer and thought leader, Mr Ukpe has delivered keynote addresses and workshops across Nigeria and internationally on leadership, communication ethics, and youth mentorship. He is also an ordained minister and leadership mentor, passionate about raising a new generation of value-driven public servants and nation-builders. In his new role, Mr Ukpe is expected to provide strategic advisory support, coordinate communication frameworks, and strengthen policy articulation and inter-institutional relations for the Senate Presidents Office. The appointment takes effect from 1st November 2025, with the terms and conditions specified by the National Assembly Service Commission. Mr Akpabio, a former governor of Akwa Ibom State and former minister of Niger Delta Affairs, became senate President in June 2023 The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, rescheduled the hearing of a suit filed by the police against human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and other #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protesters till 5 November. The development followed the absence of trial judge Mohammed Umar, who was said to have travelled to sit over some cases in the Enugu division of the court. The matter, which was on Wednesdays cause list, was rescheduled to 5 November for hearing of an application. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Umar had, on 17 October fixed 20 October for the respondents in the police ex-parte motion to show cause why the interim order made by the court against the protesters should be vacated. The hearing was, however, stalled as a result of the 20 October protest that crippled court activities at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The judge had granted an interim order sought by the police, restraining Mr Sowore and others from protesting for the release of Biafra agitator Nnamdi Kanu in some sensitive areas in Abuja. Mr Umar barred the protesters from demonstrating around the Aso Rock Villa, National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square and Shehu Shagari Way, pending the hearing of the motion on notice. The judge also made an order of abridgement of time within which the respondents will respond to the application on notice to cause the ex-parte order be set aside on Monday, the 20 October 2025 at 9.00am, before adjourning until 20 October for hearing of the motion on notice. The order followed the ex-parte motion moved by the police lawyer, Wisdom Madaki, on 17 October. The police, in the ex-parte motion, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025, had sued Mr Sowore, Sahara Reporters Ltd, and Sahara Reporters Media Foundation as 1st to 3rd respondents. The force also joined Take It Back Movement (TIB) or Any Form of Organisation or Any Other Person(s) Acting Either Express or Implied Instruction or Any Other Organisation or Group With the Like Intention; and Unknown Persons as defendants. In the affidavit in support of the ex-parte motion deposed to by Bassey Ibithan, a police officer attached to Directorate of Legal Services, Force Headquarters, Abuja, the officer averred that if not granted, the protest might threaten the national security. Mr Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters, led the protest for the release of Mr Kanu in Abuja on 20 October. Mr Sowore, who was also the 2019 and 2023 presidential candidate of African Action Congress (ACC), was arrested alongside other protesters and his co-protesters were only released days later. Energy and optimism filled the air at the University of Lagos on Tuesday as 60 young women from different parts of the city showcased their new digital skills at the Ladies in Tech Conference + Job Fair 2025. The event, held at the ACEDHARS Building, Akoka, was organised by the Hope Alive Initiative for Africa (HAI) as part of its She-Levate Tech Bootcamp. The programme aims to equip girls from underserved communities with vital technology skills and connect them to mentors and employers in Nigerias growing digital economy. This years theme, Breaking Barriers: Women Leading in the Digital Economy, captured the spirit of the initiative empowering women to find their voice and place in technology. Backed by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, as Chief Convener, and led by his wife, Ms. Temitope Enitan-Ogunwusi, as Deputy Convener, the She-Levate programme reflects HAIs mission to create equal access and opportunities for women across Africas tech landscape. This project is about purpose and impact, Ms. Enitan-Ogunwusi said. We chose girls from the slums and underserved communities because we believe greatness lives in everyone. I am deeply grateful to His Imperial Majesty for his constant support. His passion for youth empowerment drives all that we do at HAI. In his remarks, Akapo Olusegun, HAIs Project Manager for She-Levate, explained that the bootcamp was designed to help more women join Nigerias technology space. Many girls want to learn but dont have access to the tools or the right support, he said. Through She-Levate, we are giving them both skills and connections that can change their lives. Goodwill messages came from officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment and representatives of the French Embassy in Nigeria, which co-funded the project through its Fund for Civil Society Organisations (FEF-CSO). The Embassy commended HAI for promoting inclusion and helping more women build digital careers. A short video presentation titled Voices, Projects and Transformations captured the journey of the participants, showing them learning to code, design websites, and create digital products despite limited access to technology before the training. Breaking barriers through collaboration The highlight of the conference was two panel sessions moderated by media professional Ebuka Oziorna, featuring speakers including Sakinat Tijani-Folorunso, Jumoke Alaka, Oba Suleiman Owolabi Ogundokun Oloko, Krystabell O. Awelenje, and Aderinsola Jolaosho. The first panel, Expanding Opportunities: Government and Private Sector Collaboration, discussed how partnerships could boost womens participation in technology. The second, From Access to Impact: Building Sustainable Pathways for Women, focused on helping female trainees transition from classroom learning to real-world employment. Throughout the event, participants showcased their capstone projects from web applications and data dashboards to digital marketing campaigns drawing the attention of visiting recruiters and development partners. According to Mr. Olusegun, HAI plans to establish community digital hubs across Lagos to help graduates continue learning and freelancing. We want at least 70 percent of our graduates to secure internships or jobs within a year, he said. When you train a woman, you train a nation. This is just the beginning In her closing charge, Ms. Enitan-Ogunwusi urged the participants to remain confident and determined. Being a woman is not a weakness it is an advantage, she said. Once you change your mindset, everything changes. You are the best thing that can happen to your community and to this nation. The conference ended with a vote of thanks by Ms. Dara Osewa, HAIs Communications Officer, who reaffirmed the organisations commitment to expanding the She-Levate model across Nigeria. This is only the beginning, she said. We are building a generation of women who will not just benefit from technology but lead it. The official graduation ceremony for the 60 girls will take place on Friday in Lagos. The recent visit of Emmanuel Charpy, a lieutenant general and commandant of the Ecole Speciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr (ESM)Frances foremost military academyto the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna may have seemed like another routine diplomatic engagement. But its implications for Nigerias national security, strategic autonomy, and regional leadership are far more profound. At a time when social media critics are quick to politicise every foreign engagement, the symbolism of this visit deserves sober reflection. It wasnt about subservience or colonial nostalgia. It was an affirmation of mutual respect, professional excellence, and Nigerias growing capacity to engage the world on its own terms. Unfortunately, there is a popular but dangerous misconception that any cooperation with Western nations represents neo-colonial dependence. This mindset, disguised as patriotism, is in fact strategic illiteracy. True sovereignty is not measured by whom you refuse to engage, but by your ability to partner with powerful nations as an equal while preserving independent decision-making. The commandant of one of the worlds most prestigious military academies did not visit Nigeria as a benefactor to a client state. He came as a peer, recognising that the NDAafter over six decades and over 20,000 graduateshas matured into a globally respected institution, currently hosting cadets from 14 allied countries. The French visit was earned, not solicited. It was Nigerias capacity, not its dependency, that drew attention. Look to the Sahel for caution. The Alliance of Sahel StatesMali, Burkina Faso, and Nigerchose to expel Western forces and sever partnerships with France, only to replace them with heavy dependence on Russias Wagner Group, now rebranded as Africa Corps. The results? Escalating insecurity, deteriorating governance, and rising civilian casualties. They traded one external dependency for another, gaining rhetorical sovereignty but losing absolute control. This is not the path Nigeria should emulate. The smart path is the one that balances partnerships, diversifies alliances, and builds capacity across multiple fronts without ideological rigidity. Against this backdrop, Nigerias geography and regional role demand multilingual, multinational competence. We are surrounded by Francophone nations, including Niger, Chad, Cameroon, and Benin. For our Armed Forces, proficiency in French isnt a luxury; its an operational necessity for border coordination, intelligence sharing, and peacekeeping. The NDAESM collaboration directly addresses this need. It enhances leadership development, language proficiency, and training methodology. Far from diminishing Nigerias sovereignty, it strengthens our defence capabilities and reinforces our regional leadership role in ECOWAS, the African Union, and United Nations missions. Partnerships like these are not about dependency but mutual learning and growth. French cadets will also gain exposure to African security dynamics and cultural diversity, which will be critical experiences for future global officers. To this end, Nigerias defence and foreign policy must be guided by one principle: national interest, not emotional reactions to historical grievances or blind alignment with any global bloc. The question we must always ask is: Does this partnership serve Nigerias long-term security and development objectives? If the NDAESM partnership enhances training quality, language capability, and international recognition, then it passes that test. And this is only one among manyNigeria maintains robust defence relations with the United States, United Kingdom, China, India, and several African nations. Our policy is not either/or. It is strategic flexibilityextracting value from multiple sources while maintaining autonomy. Real patriotism is not loud rejection of foreign engagement but the quiet, steady pursuit of excellence. It means making pragmatic decisions that strengthen our national capacity, regardless of where functional expertise originates. It means wanting Nigerian officers to be among the best trained in the worldand knowing that achieving that standard requires learning from global best practices. The NDAESM partnership exemplifies this approach: selective, strategic, and mutually beneficial. It reflects confidence, not submission. It reflects maturity, not dependence. As other nations in the Sahel drift into isolationism and populist anti-Western rhetoric, Nigeria is charting a more balanced courseengaging without capitulating, cooperating without compromising sovereignty. Thats not weakness; thats wisdom. Its the kind of leadership Africa urgently needs: autonomy rooted in strength, not isolationism driven by insecurity. The worlds power dynamics are shifting. Nations that will thrive are those able to build strategic bridgesnot walls. Nigerias Defence Academy, by opening its gates to peer collaboration, is quietly doing just that. In a nutshell, General Charpys visit to the NDA was more than a diplomatic gesture. It was recognition of excellence, a celebration of partnership, and a demonstration of Nigerias growing stature in global military education. It tells a story of a country confident in its identity, secure in its sovereignty, and determined to engage the world on its own terms. Nigerias national interest must come firstnot East, not West, but Nigeria first. The NDAs example shows that by engaging wisely, learning broadly, and acting decisively, we can build a militaryand a nationworthy of our aspirations. The Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Nasir Kwarra, has formally handed over leadership to Muhammad Dattijo, the federal commissioner representing Niger State. According to a statement on Wednesday by Samiat Lawal, director of Public Affairs at the NPC, the handover took place on Tuesday in Abuja after Kwarra completed his five-year tenure. Mr Dattijo will serve as acting chairman pending the swearing-in of Aminu Yusuf, recently appointed by President Bola Tinubu as the substantive chairman of the commission. The symbolic ceremony marked a smooth transition of administrative responsibilities in line with established public service protocols and the Commissions internal succession procedures. In his remarks, Mr Kwarra expressed appreciation to federal commissioners, management, and staff for their commitment, professionalism, and support, which he said sustained the Commissions progress during his administration. He highlighted key strides in strengthening Nigerias demographic data systems, digitising civil registration, and advancing preparations for the forthcoming National Population and Housing Census. Appointed in October 2020 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, Mr Kwarras tenure brought institutional renewal and technological transformation, positioning the commission as a data-driven agency for evidence-based national planning. Under his leadership, the NPC achieved remarkable progress in digital mapping, census preparedness, and geo-spatial innovations geared toward delivering Nigerias first fully digital Population and Housing Census. Mr Lawal noted that his tenure oversaw the successful implementation of the Electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (e-CRVS) and the National Geo-Referenced Data Repository projects. These initiatives modernised Nigerias demographic data infrastructure, enhanced planning accuracy, and improved evidence-based decision-making across all levels of government. Mr Kwarra also strengthened collaboration with key development partners, including UNFPA, World Bank, UNICEF, and UNECA, to enhance data quality, institutional capacity, and inter-agency coordination. His administration prioritised staff welfare, accountability, and capacity development, fostering innovation and professionalism within the commissions operations nationwide. With Mr Kwarras exit, Mr Dattijo officially assumed duties as Acting Chairman, ensuring operational continuity until Mr Yusufs formal inauguration by President Tinubu. The Senate confirmed Mr Yusufs appointment as substantive NPC Chairman on 21 October after adopting the report of its committee on National Identity and National Population, chaired by Victor Umeh. (NAN) CHONGQING, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- As urbanization accelerates globally, the experience of resilient and innovative cities like Chongqing in southwest China is becoming increasingly relevant, offering valuable insights for urban development globally, according to international experts and policymakers. The 2025 World Cities Day China Observance, themed "People-Centered Smart Cities Toward the Future," is taking place in Chongqing from Monday to Thursday. Approximately 1,200 guests from China and around the world are participating in the event, with many international representatives praising China's use of digital and intelligent technologies to drive urban development. As a megacity with a population of over 30 million, Chongqing has in recent years been actively working under the principle of being a people-centered city. How Chongqing is utilizing digital technologies to enhance housing, governance, infrastructure and public services is remarkable, UN-Habitat Executive Director Anaclaudia Rossbach said in a video speech at the opening ceremony of the main event of the 2025 World Cities Day China Observance. Chongqing's experience provides valuable insights for megacities around the world, she noted. Kazuko Ishigaki, regional representative of the UN-Habitat Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, has been impressed by Chongqing's intelligent water ecology sensing network, which integrates aerial, satellite and ground-based systems to achieve real-time digital monitoring and management. "I was fascinated by how Chongqing uses digital and AI technologies for sustainable urban development," Ishigaki said. The global population continues to urbanize at an unprecedented pace, and an ever-increasing number of people reside in cities. The urbanization rate in China rose from 53.1 percent in 2012 to 67 percent in 2024, with the urban population increasing to 940 million, according to the Chinese Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development. And Chongqing is a key example of China's urban construction. "I was impressed by Chongqing's transport and logistics system. With a population three times larger than that of Belarus, mountainous Chongqing is so clean and well-organized," said Aleksandr Vladimirovich Shchekovich, head of the Administration of the Sovetsky District of Minsk in Belarus. During his trip, he visited the Chongqing Planning Exhibition Hall and learned about the city's transportation marvels, including trains that pass through residential buildings. He also gained an insight into how Chongqing builds roads through mountains and bridges over rivers to bring convenience to its residents. It's a huge achievement of the government, Shchekovich said, noting that everything seems to serve one purpose: the well-being of the people. "From this visit, we have witnessed the remarkable growth of Chinese cities such as Tianjin, Hong Kong and Chongqing. We believe their approaches represent the future of urban development. Applying similar models, which are technology-driven, people-centered and solution-oriented, will help us save time and avoid unnecessary trial and error in the course of city modernization," said Torsak Chotimongkol, chairman of the Advisory Board to the Governor of Bangkok. He noted that in the near future, he plans to establish a forum in Bangkok as a platform to study Chongqing's governance and development model. Vuyo Mhlakaza-Manamela, deputy speaker of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature of the Republic of South Africa, also spoke of future cooperation between countries. "We aim to foster city ecosystems that are safe, inclusive, resilient and sustainable. We will stay committed to deepening our friendship with Chongqing, and to strengthening cooperation among all cities of the world in pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals and a shared future for humanity," she said. Bayelsa East Senator, Benson Agadaga, has defected from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). His defection was announced in a letter read by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, towards the end of Wednesdays plenary. In the letter, Mr Agadaga said his decision to leave the PDP was due to internal crises within the party, which he claimed had made the party lose its popularity in Nigeria and across Africa. The lawmaker mocked the PDP over its lingering crisis, saying the partys symbol which is the umbrella is leaking and has been torn into shreds. It is most astonishing and deeply disheartening to observe that the worlds proud and largest political party in Africa has been torn into shreds due to internal wrangling. The centre can no longer hold. The umbrella has been bastardised, and the umbrella is leaking profusely. I have finally arrived at the inevitable conclusion that addressing progressivism, thinking progressively, and acting progressively is the only way to renew hope for all united Nigerians. I am therefore constrained to formally declare my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party, he said. Mr Agadagas defection follows a recent trend among Bayelsa politicians. Governor Douye Diri recently resigned his membership of the PDP, while Bayelsa Central Senator Konbowei Benson also dumped the party for the ruling APC a few weeks ago. With this latest defection, former Governor Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West) remains the only PDP senator from the state. Bayelsa, located in Nigerias South-south region, has long been a PDP stronghold. After the announcement, APC senators exchanged pleasantries with Mr Agadaga and ushered him to his new seat on the majority side. The Senate president later congratulated and officially welcomed him to the ruling partys caucus. With Mr Agadagas defection, the APC now holds 76 seats in the Senate. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has 24, the Labour Party (LP) has four, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) have two seats each. The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) retains one seat. The police in Anambra State have stepped up security operations as the 8 November governorship election approaches. Tochukwu Ikenga, the police spokesperson in Anambra, said on Sunday that the police arrested a suspected political thug and notorious cultist in possession of firearms and other incriminating items in Enugu-Ukwu, Njikoka Local Government Area of the state. Mr Ikenga, a superintendent of police, said the operation carried out on 24 October by the operatives of the Special Anti-Cult Squad, Enugu-Ukwu, was part of efforts to ensure a peaceful and credible governorship election in the state. He said the police recovered two pump-action guns, two English-made double-barrel guns, three live cartridges, red cloth and regalia bearing cult insignia, three black caps and two red caps with inscriptions associated with Vikings Confraternity. The police spokesperson said that during interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a member of the Vikings Confraternity and also linked himself to activities involving political thuggery. After his confession, the suspect led police operatives to their armoury at Omor in the early hours of 26 October, where the exhibits were recovered, the police said. Mr Ikenga said that further investigations were ongoing to track and apprehend other gang members and associates mentioned by the suspect. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Commissioner of Police in Anambra, Ikioye Orutugu, has ordered coordinated security raids on identified flashpoints across the state before the election. Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the ongoing collection of the Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) in Anambra to 2 November to enable eligible voters to collect their cards. Victoria Eta-Messi, the director of INECs Voter Education and Publicity in the state, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Awka. The decision was reached at a meeting of the commission held on 27 October, following several appeals from citizens and stakeholders requesting additional time to enable eligible voters to collect their cards, she said. The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted sunshine and thunderstorms across the country from Wednesday to Friday. NiMets weather outlook released on Tuesday in Abuja envisaged sunny skies over the northern region during the morning period on Wednesday. According to the agency, there are prospects of isolated thunderstorms over parts of Taraba and Adamawa later in the day. For the central region, sunny skies with patches of clouds are expected over the region with prospects of thunderstorms with light rains in parts of the Benue and Kogi during the morning period. There are prospects of isolated thunderstorms with moderate rains over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Benue and Kogi during the afternoon and evening period. For the southern region, cloudy atmosphere is anticipated over the southern region with prospects of isolated thunderstorms with light rains over parts of Cross River, Rivers and Akwa Ibom during the morning hours, it said. It anticipated thunderstorms with moderate rains over parts of Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Lagos, Ekiti, Ogun, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu, Anambra, Edo, Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, Cross River and Akwa Ibom later in the day. NiMet predicted sunny skies over the northern region on Thursday with prospects of isolated thunderstorms and light rain over parts of Taraba State during the morning period. According to it, sunny skies with patches of clouds are expected over the central region, with prospects of thunderstorms and light rains over parts of the Benue during the morning period. It predicted thunderstorms with moderate rains over parts of Benue and Kogi during the afternoon or evening period. For the southern region, a cloudy atmosphere is anticipated over the southern region with the chances of isolated thunderstorms with moderate rains over parts of Rivers, Cross River, Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom during the morning hours. Later in the afternoon/evening hours, thunderstorms with moderate rains are anticipated over parts of Lagos, Imo, Enugu, Lagos, Osun, Ondo, Edo, Ogun, Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, Cross River and Akwa Ibom , it said. The agency anticipated sunny skies over the northern region on Friday throughout the forecast period. NiMet forecast sunny skies with patches of clouds over the central region, with the chances of isolated thunderstorms with light rains over Kogi and Benue later in the day. It envisaged a cloudy atmosphere over the southern region with the chances of isolated thunderstorms and moderate rains over parts of the Delta, Cross River and Akwa Ibom during the morning hours. NiMet predicted thunderstorms with moderate rains over most parts of the region later in the day. Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations. Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet. Visit our website www.nimet.gov.ng. (NAN) Attahiru Jega, a former chairperson of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has identified the lack of electoral integrity as a major obstacle to Nigerias democratic development. Mr Jega warned that democracy cannot thrive without credible elections and respect for the rule of law. Speaking on Monday, 27 October, at the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) Convocation Ceremony in Abuja, citing Kofi Annan, Mr Jega defined an election with integrity as one based on democratic principles of universal suffrage and political equality, conducted professionally, impartially, and transparently throughout the electoral cycle. In his presentation titled Electoral Integrity as a Panacea for Democratic Development in Nigeria, the former ASUU national chair posited that for Nigerias democracy to deepen and deliver tangible benefits to citizens, the country must continually reform its electoral system to make it free, fair, transparent, and credible. According to him, elections that have integrity offer the best chance of having responsible and responsive public officials in a liberal democracy. He emphasised that electoral integrity must encompass all stages of the electoral process: From legal frameworks and planning to voting, counting, and dispute resolution, and that strong, independent institutions are crucial. The quality of an election, Mr Jega noted, is determined by its compliance with ethical behaviour, fairness, impartiality, transparency, and accountability. Obstacles to electoral integrity in Nigeria The former INEC boss listed several obstacles that have consistently undermined electoral integrity in Nigeria, including: Politicians do-or-die mentality and disregard for democratic norms. Electoral violence and use of armed and drugged thugs. Vote-buying and violation of campaign finance laws. Corruption among electoral and judicial officials. Abuse of incumbency power and interference in the electoral process. Poor logistics, voter apathy, and weak civic engagement. He also expressed concern about the increasing role of the judiciary in determining electoral outcomes, warning that corrupt or compromised judgements could further weaken public trust. Pathways to reform To restore credibility to Nigerias electoral process, Mr Jega called for a broad-based Alliance for Elections with Integrity involving political parties, civil society, the media, and citizens. He recommended the strengthening of independent and impartial election management bodies, including the INEC and State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs), as well as reforms in the judiciary to ensure the timely and impartial resolution of electoral disputes. Other measures, according to him, should include the periodic review of the Electoral Act and Constitution, with amendments made at least six months before elections and improved transparency and communication by INEC. He also suggested effective enforcement of a binding code of conduct for political actors and equitable access to state media during campaigns. According to the convocation lecturer, one of the ways to reform the countrys electoral process is via broader voter education and mobilisation to restore confidence in elections. He also listed investment in cybersecurity to protect electoral technology, given the susceptibility of election bodies to cyber attacks. Mr Jega noted that democracy can only be sustained and consolidated by the actions, attitudes, and dispositions of democrats through democratic means, arguing that only democrats can build and sustain democratic gains. 25 Years of uninterrupted democracy, limited progress Reflecting on Nigerias 25 years of uninterrupted democratic rule since the countrys return to democracy in 1999 after many years of military rule, Mr Jega noted that while the nation has made progress in conducting regular elections, the quality and integrity of those elections remain questionable, especially the ones conducted by State Independent Electoral Commissions(SIECs). He lamented that Nigerian democracy has failed to deliver on the expected dividends of democracy, which include peaceful coexistence, political stability, and socio-economic development, which he attributed largely due to widespread electoral malpractice and governance failures. According to him, Nigeria has seen perennial crises, instability, and rapacious diversion of national resources, while lamenting that regular elections have become a ritual that legitimises access to power by people unconcerned with democratic development. According to Mr Jega, Nigerias political elite often pursue self-serving objectives, subvert the rule of law, and deploy violence, vote-buying, and other illegal tactics to manipulate electoral outcomes. These practices, he said, have eroded public confidence in the electoral process and discouraged voter participation. Work in progress While acknowledging improvements since the 2007 elections, especially following the Justice Mohammed Uwais Electoral Reform Committee, Mr Jega stressed that much remains to be done. He urged continuous reform and vigilance to prevent democratic backsliding and ensure that electoral integrity becomes the bedrock of Nigerias political system. According to him, for electoral integrity to be robust and effective, the electoral management body must be adequately funded, while being fully accountable. There is no doubt that for electoral integrity to be robust and effective, the EMB needs to be adequately funded, he said. He said increasing the integrity of the countrys elections was a task that must be done to hasten desirable democratic development in Nigeria. He warned that without genuine commitment to credible elections and respect for institutions, Nigeria risks stagnation in its democratic journey. For Mr Jega, electoral integrity may not be the ultimate panacea for democratic development, but it is one of the most essential foundations for legitimacy, good governance, and active citizen participation. NILDS DG calls for increased funding for education Earlier in his address at the convocation ceremony, NILDS DG, Abubakar Sulaiman, called on the government at both national and subnational levels to prioritise higher education funding and find lasting solutions to the recurrent Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strikes that continue to disrupt Nigerias tertiary education system. I want to urge the federal and state governments to find a lasting solution to the incessant ASUU strikes that have bedevilled and distorted our university education system, he said. ASUU recently called off a two-week warning strike to press home the full implementation of the 2009 Agreement it entered with the Federal Government. Mr Sulaiman, a professor of political science and international relations, called for increased funding for higher institutions in the country to enhance skill development. I want to use this occasion to call on the government to continue to prioritise funding for tertiary education through increased budgetary allocation. He urged the government to match words with action by increasing allocations to the education sector in the 2026 fiscal year. The funding of higher institutions has a direct relationship with human capacity development. Invariably, low funding translates to poor quality graduates, Mr Sulaiman noted. The DG also expressed pride that NILDS programmes have remained free from disruptions associated with strikes, describing the Institute as a model of academic stability and excellence. Mr Sulaiman commended the University of Benin, led by Vice Chancellor Edoba Bright Omoregie, SAN, and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) under Idris Bugaje, for their continued collaboration and support in advancing the Institutes academic mission. He disclosed that the admission portal for the 2025/2026 academic session is already open, with several applications received across the Institutes Masters and Postgraduate Diploma programmes in Elections and Party Politics, Legislative Studies, Parliamentary Administration, and other areas. Remain committed to excellence and keep the flag flying wherever you find yourselves, he told the graduands. The event, which was attended by top government officials, lawmakers, and academics, marked the graduation of 19 Higher National Diploma students, 9 Postgraduate Diploma recipients, and 51 Masters degree holders from NILDS-UNIBEN collaborative programmes. Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has told the Federal High Court in Abuja that the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello have no good reputation to protect, arguing that her statements accusing them of orchestrating an assassination plot against her did not amount to defamation. Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan made the submission in a notice of preliminary objection to ongoing cyberbullying and defamation charges filed against her by the federal government. In the objection, dated 18 September and marked CR/195/25, the senator, through her lawyer, Michael Numa, SAN, argued that both Messrs Akpabio and Bello had abused their respective offices. She said Mr Akpabio, during his tenure as Akwa Ibom governor, was accused of several incidents of violence, while Mr Bello was accused of mismanaging state funds when he served as Kogi governor. The senator maintained that those allegations are more grievous than any supposed defamation the government claimed she committed. The application, filed pursuant to Sections 6(6)(c), 42(1), and 174(3) of the Nigerian Constitution, is supported by a 17-page affidavit deposed to by Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan herself. In the affidavit, she argued that the cyberbullying and defamation suits were not instituted in the public interest, but rather to serve the personal interests of Messrs Akpabio and Bello. She maintained that her statements accusing the two men of plotting to assassinate her were personal imputations and did not relate to their official capacities as public officers. The lawmaker further alleged that the police failed to conduct any credible investigation before the federal government proceeded to file the charges against her. Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan stated that she would, in the subsequent parts of her affidavit, tender documentary evidence to prove that the charges amounted to an abuse of the legal and prosecutorial powers of the Attorney-General of the Federation, insisting that the prosecution was politically motivated. The defamation charges The federal government has filed two separate criminal cases against Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan. The first case, marked CR/297/25, was filed on 16 May under Section 391 of the Penal Code Law, Cap 89, Laws of the Federation, 1990, which criminalises making damaging imputations against another persons reputation. She was charged before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court. The charge followed an interview she granted on Channels Televisions programme, Politics Today, aired on 3 April, where she alleged that her life was in danger following the withdrawal of her security detail. During the interview, she also accused Messrs Akpabio and Bello of being behind the alleged plot to assassinate her. M.B. Abubakar, director of the Department of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF), who signed the charge sheet, said Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan knowingly made those allegations with the awareness that they could damage the reputations of the individuals mentioned. The second case, marked CR/195/25, expands on the earlier charges by including remarks she allegedly made during a homecoming event in her constituency on 1 April. At the gathering, she reiterated claims that the Senate president and the former governor were plotting to assassinate her. She attributed the alleged plot to her refusal to succumb to political pressure and a failed attempt to recall her from the Senate. The second charge also retained the claims she made during her 3 April interview on Channels Television The Nigerian Government is open to strategic partnerships to harness over 10 gigawatts (gw) of stranded electricity generation capacity in the country, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu disclosed at the 2025 Nigeria Energy Forum in Lagos on Tuesday. The minister said the stranded energy could power industries, create jobs, and support electricity exports to neighbouring countries. In Nigeria today, we have over 10 GW of stranded generation capacity, energy that could power industries, create jobs, and even support electricity exports to our neighbouring countries through the regional power pool, Mr Adelabu said. We are therefore open to strategic partnerships to mobilise the necessary investments and unlock this potential, he also stated. Mr Adelabu highlighted the countrys improving market fundamentals, clear policy environment, and committed national leadership as creating a thriving environment for long-term investment and innovation. The government is pursuing a sweeping, multi-pronged approach to reposition the Nigerian power sector for sustainability, efficiency and growth. The strategy, he said, incorporates key areas like legislation, policy reforms, infrastructure development, energy transition, access expansion, local content, as well as capacity development. These pillars are targeted at addressing structural challenges, attracting private investment and improving service delivery across the electricity value chain. Mr Adelabu said the government is banking on bilateral funding and development finance to advance the countrys energy transition and access goals, adding that the country is not only on course to attain its local renewable energy and transition targets, but is also prepared to serve regional power markets. According to him, Nigerias power sector remains open and ready for business with investors, financiers, and innovators more than ever before. We recognise that achieving the scale of investment required to transform the sector requires greater private sector participation across the entire value chain, particularly in the transmission segment, Mr Adelabu said. The opportunities before us are immense, not only to bridge our nations power gap, but to ignite a new era of industrial growth, technological innovation, and shared prosperity, he added. Former Senate President of Nigeria, Bukola Saraki, has urged African leaders to dismantle economic and institutional dependency and chart a new course of self-reliance, innovation, and prosperity. Delivering a keynote address at the Democracy Union for Africa Forum in Nairobi, Kenya, themed Navigating Africas Strategic Position in a Multipolar World: Towards Equitable and Mutually Beneficial Partnerships, Mr Saraki said Africa must end the mindset that progress must come from elsewhere and build institutions that outlive individuals. The session, titled Ending Dependency: Rethinking Africas Path to Prosperity, gathered policymakers, scholars, and development leaders across the continent, on Monday. Africas unfinished independence Mr Saraki observed that more than six decades after independence, Africas project of full sovereigntyeconomic, political, and intellectualremains incomplete. Our economies still echo colonial designs: systems of extraction and export, where raw materials leave our shores at minimal value and return as finished goods commanding prices we do not control, he said. He warned that the continents young population and vast resources could either become a source of prosperity or a source of unrest and wasted promise, depending on how leaders respond. Weak institutions and leadership deficits Mr Saraki traced Africas dependency to inherited colonial systems that prioritized control over development. He said many post-independence governments failed to build strong, accountable institutions. When institutions are weak, vision is easily short-circuited and dependency entrenched, he noted, adding that executive dominance, weak parliaments, and politicized judiciaries have undermined sustainable growth. He also faulted successive African leaders for pursuing power over purpose. Leadership has too often been treated as possession rather than stewardship, he said, calling for visionary and ethical governance that transcends politics and prioritizes continuity. Aid, loans, and misaligned priorities The former Senate President cautioned against Africas overreliance on aid and concessionary loans. He revealed that while serving in Nigerias Senate, he faced political pushback for demanding accountability on foreign loans. Many of these loans are accepted as if they are free gifts, yet repayment obligations remain, Mr Saraki said. He criticized donor-driven development models that serve external interests, citing examples where aid priorities neglected local needs such as malaria prevention. Seizing a multipolar opportunity As the world transitions from a unipolar to a multipolar system, Mr Saraki argued that Africa must shape its own future rather than be shaped by others. Our resources, youthful population, and renewable potential position Africa as one of the most coveted investment frontiers. The question is: will we let the world define our futureor will we define it ourselves? he asked. Dismantling dependency: the pillars of change Mr Saraki outlined a comprehensive roadmap for Africas transformation anchored on economic diversification, institutional reform, and mindset change. He said the continent must replace extraction with production, strengthen domestic finance, drive industrialisation, deepen regional trade, mobilise capital, invest in human capacity, and rebuild governance systems from the ground up. He urged African nations to stop exporting raw materials and focus on value addition. Africa accounts for 70 percent of global cocoa output yet captures less than 5 percent of the 130 billion dollar global chocolate market, he said. We export bauxite at 65 dollars per ton and import aluminium at 2,300 dollars per ton. We dig for others to profit. Mr Saraki also called for stronger domestic resource mobilisation, citing the growth of Afreximbank from 6 billion to 44 billion dollars in assets as evidence that African-led finance can fund African ambitions. No nation has ever achieved sustainable development on borrowed capital, he said, stressing that local capital formation and financial discipline are key to independence. He identified industrialisation and export-led growth as central to Africas economic renewal. Manufacturing, which currently contributes about 12 percent to Africas GDP, must rise to at least 20 percent, he said. This, he added, requires investments in industrial parks, reliable energy systems, and vocational education. Industrialisation is not simply about factoriesit is about dignity, he said. Mr Saraki emphasised that with intra-African trade still below 15 percent, the African Continental Free Trade Area must move from policy to practice. No region has ever prospered by trading little with itself, he said, urging the harmonisation of regulations, customs, and transport systems to make trading across African cities seamless. He described the mobilisation of local and diaspora capital as another pillar of self-reliance. Africans abroad remitted 95 billion dollars in 2024almost matching foreign direct investment. This shows enduring trust and connection. Africans must invest in Africa, he said, calling diaspora and domestic capital a declaration of independence. With 60 percent of Africans under 20, Saraki said the continents youth are its greatest resource. A youthful population is not automatically a dividend; it is a duty, he said. He urged governments to prioritise investment in STEM education, digital skills, and entrepreneurship, describing innovation as the key to Africas transformation. Mr Saraki concluded that leadership, governance, and electoral reform remain the foundation for every other change. Good governance is strategic capital, he said, urging African countries to strengthen electoral systems and judicial independence. He described these institutions as the twin engines of Africas renewal. A call for a new African renaissance Mr Saraki ended his address with a call for a continental rebirth built on dignity, innovation, and shared vision. The future we seek will not be givenit must be claimed, he declared. Africas destiny will not be defined in the boardrooms of Washington, Beijing, or Brussels, but in the imagination and conviction of Africans themselves. He challenged the next generation to believe that nothing is impossible and to reclaim Africas narrative. Let this be the chapter where dependency ends and dignity begins, he said. Let this be the chapter where Africa no longer waits to be invited to the global table, but confidently crafts its own and sets the agenda. The Senate will on Wednesday screen and possibly confirm the newly appointed service chiefs The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced this during plenary after reading a letter from President Bola Tinubu seeking the immediate confirmation of the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, a general. Earlier during the session, Mr Akpabio had informed senators that the screening would be held next week. However, following the presidents letter requesting urgent confirmation, he appealed to lawmakers to expedite the process. In view of the appointment of the Chief of Defence Staff, I plead with distinguished senators to reschedule and take all of them at the same time if it is agreed by the Senate. I would like us to do it tomorrow so that they can start work, he said. The Senate president thereafter put the proposal to a voice vote, and most senators supported it. He subsequently approved the motion. The nominees to be screened include Mr Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, a major general; Chief of Air Staff, Sunday Aneke, an air vice marshal; and the Chief of Naval Staff, Idi Abbas, a rear admiral. There are strong indications that the screening will be conducted behind closed doors, which is in line with the Senates tradition. Lawmakers have consistently argued that discussions involving national security should not be held in open session to avoid compromising sensitive information. President Tinubu had on 25 October announced the appointment of the new service chiefs after relieving their predecessors of their duties. However, he retained the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Emmanuel Undiendeye, a major general. At the time, the presidency claimed the shake-up was a strategic realignment aimed at deepening professionalism, boosting morale, and enhancing inter-agency coordination in national security operations. The newly appointed service chiefs met with the president at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday, where they reportedly discussed the nations security challenges ahead of their formal assumption of duty and Senate confirmation. PREMIUM TIMES reported that the development comes weeks after the arrest of 16 senior military officers accused of plotting to overthrow the federal government. Although the presidency has not linked the appointments to the alleged coup plot, the timing has drawn significant public attention The Federal High Court in Abuja has awarded N300 million against Transnational Energy Limited over the unlawful removal of Funmi Olawepo as a shareholder and director of the company. Transnational Energy Limited, the operator of Petroleum Prospecting Licence (PPL) 221, was ordered by the court to pay Ms Olawepo the money for breach of contract. The judge, Gladys Olotu, found that Transnational Energy Limited violated both corporate governance standards and the provisions of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020 by altering official records with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) without the plaintiffs knowledge or consent. She ruled that Transnational Energys actions constituted a breach of fiduciary duty and a clear disregard for due process, stating that no director or shareholder can be unilaterally removed in violation of corporate law. It is my humble view, that the actions of the 1st Defendant (Transnational Energy Limited) in transferring the Plaintiffs shares without her consent and removing the Plaintiff from being a director without due notice to her all boils down to the fact that the 1st Defendant, breached the contract between itself and the Plaintiff and therefore, the Plaintiff is entitled to damages, the judge ruled. Apart from awarding N300 million damages in favour of the plaintiff, the court ordered her reinstatement as director and restored her shares allotment. PREMIUM TIMES obtained on Wednesday a certified true copy of the judgement, which was delivered on 20 March in suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1652/2021. The plaintiff, Funmi Olawepo, instituted the suit on 31 December 2021 against Transnational Energy Limited and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) sued as the first and second defendants. The defendants neither appeared in court nor sent lawyers to represent them to defend the suit. The suit The plaintiff plaintiff, through her lawyers Adekunle Oladapo Otitoju, Christiana Asoegwu and Ugoma Kela-Eke had instituted the suit in December 2021 upon realising that she had been illegally removed as a shareholder and director of Transnational Energy Limited. According to Ms Olawepo, she discovered she was no longer a director of the company sometime in 2020 when another director notified her of the removal. She said she was directed to seek remedies from the court when she approached the CAC to seek clarifications on why her name was expunged from the list of shareholders and directors of the company, and to demand the cancellation of her illegal removal. The removal, she insisted, was without her consent and knowledge, the basis which triggered her seeking justice from the court. In her suit challenging her unlawful removal as the companys shareholder and director, Ms Olawepo sought seven prayers: A declaration affirming her ownership of shares and status as director. A declaration that the defendant cannot remove the plaintiff as a shareholder from Transnational Energy Limited without seeking her consent to acquire the same. A declaration that the plaintiff cannot be removed as a director of the company without her consent or by signing the necessary document required for such a change of director An order directing the 2nd defendant to expunge and nullify from their records the CAC Form 2 for Return of Allotment of shares, where her name was removed on the 25 March 2020. An order directing the 2nd defendant to remove and nullify from records the CAC Form 7A for Notice of Change of directors filed in respect of the change of directors filed on 25 March 2020. An order was made against the 1st defendant to pay N300,000,000 as a breach of contract for unlawfully removing her name from the 2nd defendants Records as shareholder and director without her consent and knowledge. An order of the court against the 1st defendant, nullifying all other documents filed in the custody of the 2nd defendant, starting from the period of the plaintiffs purported removal as a shareholder and a director. Unlawful action undefended The suit was undefended by the two defendants Transnational Energy Limited and CAC. The judge said they neither sent a lawyer to represent them in court nor filed any defence despite being served with the suit and hearing notices. With the plaintiffs uncontroverted evidence, the judge granted all the seven prayers, ruling that the company acted unlawfully by failing to follow due process in removing the Plaintiff from her position as a director and transferring her shares without her consent and consideration. Such actions are clear violations of the principles of corporate governance under the Companies and Allied Matters Act. Consequently, I order that the Plaintiff is entitled to the reliefs sought and this Court so holds, the judge added. The House of Representatives is set to screen and possibly confirm President Bola Tinubus newly appointed service chiefs during plenary today (Wednesday). Mr Tinubu, in a letter read on the floor by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, urged lawmakers to accord expeditious consideration to the nominees, citing the urgency of consolidating national security efforts amid the countrys evolving security threats. The nominees are Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, a general; Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, a major general; Chief of Air Staff, Sunday Aneke, an air vice marshal; and Chief of Naval Staff, Idi Abbas, a rear admiral. Mr Tajudeen referred the request to a committee that will conduct the screening exercise immediately after Wednesdays plenary session. According to the speaker, the committee will be chaired by the Chairperson of the House Committee on Defence, while the Chairpersons and Deputy Chairperson sof the Committees on Army, Navy, and Air Force will serve as members. In view of the urgency of this assignment, I align with the concurrent exercise being undertaken by the Senate this morning, Mr Tajudeen said. The committee is directed to commence the screening immediately after todays plenary sitting.. The House enjoins the committee to ensure a thorough and expeditious exercise consistent with the legislative practice and the constitutional provisions guiding such confirmations. Although the Senate screens and confirms the presidents appointments, the Nigerian laws also mandate the House of Representatives to screen service chiefs. The move to screen the military appointments comes barely 72 hours after Mr Tinubu held a closed-door meeting with the new service chiefs at the Presidential Villa, Abuja following last Fridays sweeping shake-up in the armed forces. The president retained Emmanuel Undiendeye, a major-general, as the chief of defence intelligence. During Mondays meeting, the president reportedly discussed the nations mounting security challenges, including insurgency in the North-east, banditry in the North-west, separatist agitation in the South-east, and rising cases of oil theft in the Niger Delta. In a statement released earlier by the presidency, the shake-up was described as part of President Tinubus broader effort to strengthen the national security architecture and reposition the military for more effective internal and external operations. The president also paid tribute to the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, a general, and other outgoing service chiefs. He commended them for their patriotic service and dedicated leadership during a period of intense national security challenges. READ ALSO: Reps advance bill to establish Nigerian Fintech Regulatory Commission However, the timing of the reshuffle has stirred speculations across the polity. The changes followed widespread rumours of an alleged failed coup attempt, claims that an online publication linked to the detention of 16 senior military officers and the abrupt cancellation of the 2025 Independence Day parade on 1 October. Although the Defence Headquarters swiftly dismissed the reports as false and malicious, insisting that the military remains loyal to the constitution and the Commander-in-Chief, public speculations have persisted, especially in the wake of the sudden leadership overhaul. If confirmed, the new service chiefs will be expected to immediately assume command and implement the presidents directive to recalibrate Nigerias counter-insurgency and internal security operations. NEW DELHI, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- At least 133 people drowned and many others went missing in the Indian eastern states of Bihar and Jharkhand during the Hindu festival of Chhath Puja, local media reports said Wednesday. In Bihar, 108 people lost their lives due to drowning and 10 others are reported missing. In the neighboring Jharkhand, the number of such deaths is 25. The drownings have taken place in rivers and other water bodies across various districts of these states during the observance of the festival. The local government has deployed disaster response force personnel to trace the missing. Local media reported that divers and police teams are participating in the search and rescue operations. Authorities have urged devotees to stay cautious at river banks and avoid venturing into deep waters during ritual bathing. During the celebrations of Chhath Puja, a festival dedicated to the solar deity, hundreds of Hindu devotees stood knee-deep in the waters of rivers and ponds and sometimes even immerse themselves for a holy dip. Seven years after the death of 13yearold Ochanya Ogbanje who died from sexual abuse complications, Nigerians have renewed calls for justice in her case, particularly demanding the arrest of a key suspect accused of serially raping her. Victor Ogbuja, the son of a lecturer at the Benue State Polytechnic in Ugbokolo, Andrew Ogbuja, has been wanted since he was declared wanted over the case in 2018. Fugitive Victor, was accused along with his father, Mr Ogbuja, who are both maternal relations of the deceased, of serially raping her until she fell ill and subsequently died. But on 22 April 2022, the Benue State High Court in Makurdi, Benue State, acquitted Mr Ogbuja of raping and causing the death of Ochanya. Yet, on the same day, the Federal High Court also in Makurdi, in a separate case, convicted his wife, Felicia Ochiga-Ogbuja, who was the direct guardian of Ochanya, for negligence exposing the child to rape. The federal court jailed Ms Ochiga-Ogbuja five months without an option of fine for failing to protect the child from her husband, but the state High Court, about the same time, exonerated the man. Victor, the couples son, has remained at large since he got wind of the plan to arrest him by the police in 2018, and has yet to face trial. Ochanya, a Junior Secondary School student at the Federal Government Girls College, Gboko in Benue State, died on 17 October 2018, following complications linked to years of alleged sexual abuse by Mr Ogbuja and his son Victor. Doctors had diagnosed Ochanya with VesicoVaginal Fistula (VVF), a complication attributed to prolonged sexual abuse. Her death sparked national and international outrage, with protests and advocacy led by child and genderrights groups. Social media outrage surfaces Seven years after Ochanyas death, Nigerians on social media have reignited calls for justice. The renewed outrage comes days after Ochanyas seventh death anniversary which was held in Abuja. Social media users across X, Facebook, and TikTok have demanded that authorities reopen the case and apprehend Victor Ogbuja. The advocacy has also focussed on a young woman identified as Winifred (@Winifunds on X), the daughter of Mr Ogbuja, who PREMIUM TIMES confirmed deactivated her account on Wednesday following intense backlash. Although Winifred has not been accused of any crime, online users circulated screenshots and photos allegedly showing her and her brother (not Victor). Some suggested she should be invited for questioning, implyingwithout evidencethat she may have benefited from or shielded the accused. Winifred is trending and here is why. Walk with me, one X user wrote, summarising the case and calling for closer scrutiny of the family. Nigerian social media personality Tunde Ednut also reacted to the renewed outrage in an Instagram post shared with his 8.7 million followers: Every day, we keep hearing sad news here and there. What is going on in Nigeria? A father and son are alleged to have abused a little girl until she died. This is sad and this girl must get justice. Ochanya must get justice. Ednuts post, which had more than 34,000 likes and over 4,000 comments, stressed stronger protection for children in Nigeria: God, please get this girl justice. Im just sad about this news. This is not acceptable. NOTE: This page does not support any form of violence. Stay safe out there and say NO to crime. A petition on Change.org titled Justice for Ochanya is also gathering signatures, calling for authorities to reopen the case and bring the missing suspects to book. Child rights activist Betty Abah also lamented the continued absence of Victor Ogbuja and called on authoritiesincluding the Benue State Government, Nigeria Police Force, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Women Affairs, and the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agencyto reopen the case. Andrew Ogbuja was acquitted by a Benue State High Court, while Felicia Ogbuja, Ochanyas aunt and guardian, was sentenced to five months imprisonment for negligence. Victor Ogbuja fled and remains at large. Reports suggest he is now in Lagos pursuing a music career, despite an arrest warrant. It is time to reopen and pursue this case to ensure that, even in death, Ochanya gets justice, Ms Abah wrote on her Facebook page. Ms Abah further urged that the case serve as a rallying point to strengthen child protection and combat sexual abuse across Nigeria. Legal proceedings The Court of Appeal in Makurdi has since affirmed Mrs Ochiga-Ogbujas conviction, describing her negligent conduct as heinous and devoid of sympathy. Delivering judgement via Zoom in November 2022, a threemember panel of judges led by a judge Hassan Muslim, ruled that she omitted to take action against the sexual exploitation of Ochanya by her husband and her son. The Court of Appeal held that such an omission constituted a punishable offence under Section 344 of the Criminal Code Act. Mr Muslim described the offence as a crime of omission, noting that Mrs Ochiga-Ogbuja had a legal duty to protect Ochanya and failed to do so, despite being alerted by her own daughter, Winifred Ogbuja. He emphasised that the harm Ochanya suffered extended beyond her illness to the abuse itself and that Felicias conduct deserves more time of imprisonment to deter others of like minds. The court also commended Ochanyas caregiver, Enewa Soo, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for ensuring the case reached the courts despite attempts by the Ogbuja family to treat it as a family matter. The Benue State High Court had acquitted Mr Ogbuja of rape, while his son Victor remains on the run, but the judgement of the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal have alluded to their culpability in the rape case, the basis for Mrs Ochiga-Ogbujas conviction. Victor has remained at large since being declared wanted by police in 2018. Reports suggest that he is currently in Lagos, pursuing a music career, although this has not been independently verified. Quest for better life went bad Ochanya left her rural home in OgeneAmejo to live with the Ogbujas in Ugbokolo, seeking better educational opportunities. Over a period of five years, she reportedly suffered repeated sexual abuse by Mr Ogbuja, who was later acquitted by court, and his son Victor. She was admitted to the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi for two months before succumbing to complications from VVF and died in October 2018. The Nigerian Senate has commenced the screening of the newly appointed service chiefs. The nominees under consideration are: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Olufemi Oluyede, a general; Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Waidi Shaibu, a major general; Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Sunday Aneke, an air vice marshal; and the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Idi Abbas, a rear admiral. The nominees were accompanied to the chamber by the Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, Bashir Lado; Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru; Chief of Defence Intelligence, Emmanuel Undiendeye, a major general, and other senior security officials. The exercise began around 12:44 p.m. after the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, moved a motion to admit the nominees into the chamber in accordance with the Senates standing rules. The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, is presiding over the session as the chairman of the Committee of the Whole. President Bola Tinubu had on 25 October announced the appointment of the new service chiefs after relieving their predecessors of their duties, while retaining the Chief of Defence Intelligence. The presidency described the changes as a strategic realignment aimed at deepening professionalism, boosting morale, and enhancing inter-agency coordination in national security operations. On Tuesday, Mr Akpabio read a letter from the president requesting the screening and confirmation of the nominees, which was referred to the Committee of the Whole. In line with parliamentary tradition, service chiefs are usually screened behind closed doors, as lawmakers argue that national security matters should not be discussed publicly to avoid compromising sensitive information. At the time of filing this report, the CDS nominee, Mr Oluyede, had been invited to the podium to share his experience as chief of army staff prior to his new appointment. The CDS highlighted his over 30 years of military service, during which he obtained several professional qualifications and attended various strategic courses. He described his tenure as chief of army staff (COAS) as challenging but noted that insecurity in Nigeria has reduced significantly under his watch. He, however, stressed the need for greater support from Nigerians and increased resources for the military, lamenting that inadequate funding limits the fight against terrorism. Mr Oluyede also urged the government to prioritise local production of military equipment, describing reliance on imported hardware as costly and unsustainable. He appealed to lawmakers to enact legislation to regulate the sharing of sensitive information. He assured the Senate that, if confirmed, he would prioritise the welfare of military personnel and serve the nation with utmost dedication. After his presentation, the senate president announced that each nominee would be invited to present a brief biography and respond to one non-sensitive question from senators before the session proceeds into a closed-door screening. As of the time of filing this report, Mr Shaibu has been invited to the podium to deliver his biography. The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, ordered the permanent forfeiture of $49,700 allegedly recovered from Nura Ali, former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) for Sokoto State in the 2023 general elections. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the State Security Service (SSS), which jointly applied for the forfeiture, alleged that the money was proceeds of bribes Mr Ali received from politicians in his role as the Sokoto State REC during the 2023 election. The agencies claimed in a court filing that Mr Ali admitted he received $150,000 as a gift from former Sokoto State Governors Aminu Tambuwal, and Aliyu Wamakko. They stated that the sum of $49,700 was recovered during a search of Mr Alis home in Kano. The judge, Emeka Nwite, gave the order of permanent forfeiture of the recovered money after ICPCs lawyer, Osuobeni Akponimisingha, moved a motion to the effect on Wednesday. MR Akponimisingha, while moving the application, told the court that ICPC had complied with the courts earlier order of temporary forfeiture of the money. The lawyer said a publication was made for interested person(s) to show cause why the recovered funds should not be forfeited permanently to the federal government as directed by the court. He, however, said that no interested person had shown up since the day of the publication and neither was any interested person represented in court today. We, therefore, seek an order forfeiting the sum of $49,700 US dollars to the federal government in view of the processes filed in respect of this matter from interim forfeiture to this stage my lord, he said. Delivering the ruling, Mr Nwite held that the application by the lawyer was meritorious. I have listened to the submission of the learner counsel to applicant and I have also gone through the affidavit evidence. I am of the view that the application is meritorious. Consequently, the application is granted, the judge ruled. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the judge, earlier on 30 December 2024, ordered the temporary forfeiture of the seized funds following the request made on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as the applicant. Mr Ali was the sole respondent in the motion ex-parte jointly filed by the ICPC and the State Security Service (SSS) on 24 December 2024. Usman Dauda, the Director of Legal, signed the application on behalf of SSS. Mr Akponimisingha, an assistant chief legal officer at ICPC, was part of the legal team that drafted the process. The motion sought an order of the court temporarily forfeiting the sum of $49,700 recovered from one Dr. Nura Ali during a search operation by the Federal Government of Nigeria being property suspected to be proceeds of an unlawful activity. It also sought an order directing the applicant the Federal Republic of Nigeria, through the ICPC and the SSS, to jointly conduct a thorough preliminary investigation into the alleged unlawful activities of Mr Ali, in respect of the moveable property sought to be forfeited and make a report to the court within 90 days. It sought an order directing the applicant i.e., FRN, through the ICPC and the DSS, to deposit the 49,700.00 dollars in an escrow account with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The application equally sought an order directing the applicant to publish a notice in any national newspaper calling for persons whether, human, juristic or artificial, having Interest in the money to show cause why it should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government. Giving nine grounds why the application should be granted, the applicant said the victim of the alleged crime was the Federal Government of Nigeria and innocent taxpayers which include judges of courts across the country. Alleged bribe It said the money was recovered during a search operation by operatives of the DSS at the residence of Ali. The alleged moveable property of $49,700.00 was bribe money received by Dr Nura Ali when he was the Independent National Electoral Commissions Resident Electoral Commissioner for Sokoto State. The alleged moveable property is not the legitimate earning of Dr Ali as independent National Electoral Commissions Resident Electoral Commissioner. The alleged moveable property is suspected to be proceed of crime, it said. The applicant argued that INEC does not pay its staff members with United States Dollar as salaries or allowances. It said the essence of the application was not to compulsorily acquire the money from the alleged owner, but to preserve it from dissipation. It said if the court granted the request, interested people including the alleged owner, would be given an opportunity to offer an explanation as to the legitimacy of the alleged property. Where cogent and verifiable explanation exists as to how the property was acquired, devoid of crime, the alleged owner or any other person having proprietary interest in the property will be allowed unrestricted possession of the property. This application is not in conflict with the provisions of Sections 43 and 44 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) which guarantee the rights of citizens of Nigeria to acquire and own immoveable and moveable properties in any part of Nigeria, it said. It would be recalled that Mr Akponimisingha, who appeared for the applicant, had told the court that the motion ex-parte prayed the court for four orders. The lawyer said four exhibits were attached to the motion, while urging the court to grant the application in the interest of justice. Gifts from former Governors Tambuwal, Wamakko or bribes? He said a search was conducted in Mr Alis residence in Kano and the sum of 49,700, 000 US dollars was retrieved from the building. He told the court that Mr Ali allegedly said that the sum of $150, 000 US dollars was given to him by the former Sokoto State Governors Aminu Tambuwal, and Aliyu Wamakko. The ICPC lawyer, who alleged that Mr Ali made this disclosure in his extra-judicial statement to the SSS, said the former REC also wrote a letter to the security outfit in the bid to reclaim the money. He insisted that INEC does not pay his workers or RECs in dollars. Also, an affidavit in support of the motion ex-parte sworn by Iliya Markus, a litigation officer with ICPC, said Mr Akponimisingha informed him that he read through the case file and comprehended facts forming the allegations leading to the execution of search warrant by operatives of the SSS at Mr Alis residence. The affidavit stated that SSS received an intelligence report on Mr Ali on allegations of bribery received from politicians in the course of his official duties as INEC REC in charge of Sokoto State. He said the intelligence report was processed and residence of Ali in Kano was searched pursuant to a search warrant executed jointly by operatives of the ICPC and DSS. A copy of the search warrant is hereby attached and marked as exhibit DSS 1, he said. The officer said in the course of the execution of the search warrant, the sum of $47,000.00 was recovered from the house. According to him, Mr Ali also made statement(s) with respect to the search on his residence and the subsequent recovery of the alleged $49,700.00. A copy of the said extra-judicial statement is hereby attached and marked as exhibit DSS 2, Mr Markus, who swore the affidavit, wrote. He said invitation letters had been written to invite persons he claimed gifted him the alleged $49,700.00. I also know as a fact that Dr Nura Ali did not report the gift of the alleged $49,700.00 to any law enforcement agency as required by extant laws of the land. READ ALSO: SSS arrests man over social media post calling for coup Dr Ali had in the past written letters to the State Security Services requesting for release of the alleged $49,700.00 bribe money to him. Copies of the said letters are hereby attached and marked as exhibits DSS 3 & 4 respectively, he said. Mr Markus said the investigation was yet to be concluded, hence, the need for the 90 days application. The judge, Mr Nwite, who said that the application was meritorious, granted the prayers then. President Bola Tinubu has cancelled the pardon he earlier granted dozens of drug offenders, arms dealers, illegal miners and other convicts. This was disclosed by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga in a statement on Wednesday. PREMIUM TIMES reported that the Nigerian leader previously granted pardon to about 175 people including dozens of drug offenders. That pardon was condemned by many Nigerians forcing the administration to conduct a review. Following consultations with the Council of State and public opinion on the matter, the President directed a further review of the initially approved list for consideration in furtherance of the Presidents discretionary powers under Section 175(1)(&(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Consequently, certain persons convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud, unlawful possession of firearms/arms dealing, etc, were deleted from the list. Others who had been hitherto pardoned in the old list had their sentences commuted, Mr Onanuga wrote. The president, however, still pardoned 15 people, including ex-lawmaker Farouk Lawan, late Herbert Macaulay, late Mamman Vatsa and late Ken Saro Wiwa. He also granted clemency to 15 people and commuted the death penalty on four people to life sentences. Read the full statement by Mr Onanuga below. PRESIDENT TINUBU SIGNS INSTRUMENT OF CLEMENCY AND PARDONS, MOVES SECRETARIAT OF PREROGATIVE OF MERCY COMMITTEE TO JUSTICE MINISTRY President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has executed the relevant instruments of release to complete the process of formally exercising his constitutional power of prerogative of mercy to grant pardon and clemency to specific individuals who were earlier convicted for various offences. Following consultations with the Council of State and public opinion on the matter, the President directed a further review of the initially approved list for consideration in furtherance of the Presidents discretionary powers under Section 175(1)(&(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Consequently, certain persons convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud, unlawful possession of firearms/arms dealing, etc, were deleted from the list. Others who had been hitherto pardoned in the old list had their sentences commuted. This action became necessary in view of the seriousness and security implications of some of the offences, the need to be sensitive to the feelings of the victims of the crimes and society in general, the need to boost the morale of law enforcement agencies and adherence to bilateral obligations. The concept of justice as a three-way traffic for the Accused, the Victim, and the State/Society also guided the review. The approved list of eligible beneficiaries has been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation in line with the duly signed instruments of release. Furthermore, to ensure that future exercises meet public expectations and best practices, the President has directed the immediate relocation of the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice. President Tinubu also directed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue appropriate Guidelines for the Exercise of the Power of Prerogative of Mercy, which includes compulsory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies. READ ALSO: Senate begins screening of new service chiefs This will ensure that only persons who fully meet the stipulated legal and procedural requirements will henceforth benefit from the issuance of instruments of release. The President appreciated the constructive feedback and engagement from stakeholders and the general public on this matter. President Tinubu also reaffirmed his administrations broader commitment to judicial reforms and improving the administration of justice in Nigeria. Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President (information & Strategy) October 29, 2025 President Bola Tinubu has commuted the death sentence of Maryam Sanda, who was convicted in 2020 for killing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, during a domestic dispute. The decision was announced on Wednesday by the Presidents Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. According to Mr Onanuga, Ms Sandas sentence was reduced to 12 years imprisonment on compassionate grounds, citing her good conduct, reformation, and the need to consider the welfare of her children. In the statement, Mr Onanuga said, Following consultations with the Council of State and public opinion on the matter, the President directed a further review of the initially approved list for consideration in furtherance of the Presidents discretionary powers under Section 175(1) &(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Consequently, certain persons convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud, unlawful possession of firearms/arms dealing, etc., were deleted from the list. Others who had been hitherto pardoned in the old list had their sentences commuted, Mr Onanuga stated. Ms Sanda, now 37, had spent six years and eight months at the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre before the initial announcement of her pardon. According to Mr Onanuga, it became necessary to review her pardon and those of others because of the need to be sensitive to the feelings of the victims of the crimes and society in general, the need to boost the morale of law enforcement agencies, and adherence to bilateral obligations. The concept of justice as a three-way traffic for the accused, the victim, and the state/society also guided the review, he added. Ms Sanda is now expected to serve 12 years based on compassionate grounds, in the best interest of her children and good conduct, embracing a new lifestyle, model prisoner and resourcefulness, the presidential spokesperson said. PREMIUM TIMES extensively reported Ms Sandas prosecution and conviction. In January 2020, the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja found her guilty of culpable homicide and sentenced her to death by hanging. Justice Yusuf Halilu held that Ms Sanda fatally stabbed her husband with a kitchen knife and ruled that the prosecution had proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt. The victim, Bilyaminu Bello, was the son of Haliru Bello, a former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The Nigerian police first arraigned Ms Sanda in November 2017 for allegedly stabbing her husband to death at their Abuja home. Her trial was marked by several bail applicationsrepeatedly denied until March 2018, when she was granted bail on health grounds. The proceedings also witnessed frequent adjournments, the disappearance of witnesses, and the withdrawal of her defence lawyer, which caused significant delays. During the hearings, witnesses testified that Ms Sanda had allegedly attempted to stab her husband multiple times before his death. She, however, maintained that the killing was not premeditated but the result of a domestic quarrel. After more than two years of trial, Justice Halilu found Ms Sanda guilty of culpable homicide on 27 January 2020 and sentenced her to death by hanging, holding that the prosecution had proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt. In the revised list, Mr Tinubu granted presidential clemency or commutation of sentences to 86 people. To ensure future exercises meet public expectations and best practices, Mr Onanuga said the president had directed the immediate relocation of the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice. President Tinubu also directed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue appropriate guidelines for the exercise of the power of prerogative of mercy, including compulsory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies. This will ensure that only persons who fully meet the stipulated legal and procedural requirements will henceforth benefit from the issuance of instruments of release, he said. Timipre Sylva, a former governor of Bayelsa State, Nigerias South-south, has denied involvement in an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubus administration. PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that about 20 military officers were arrested and detained for allegedly planning to stage a coup. Top intelligence sources had informed this newspaper that Mr Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, were among key officials targeted for assassination in the alleged plot. Weeks after the alleged coup plot, Mr Tinubu replaced Nigerias military chiefs. Sylva not involved in any coup plot There have been reports that the former Bayelsa governor, Mr Sylva, was involved in the alleged coup plot and that he had fled the country. His spokesperson, Julius Bokoru, dismissed the report as untrue in a press statement on Wednesday, 29 October. However, he admitted that individuals believed to be operatives of the Defence Headquarters raided the former governors residence. During the said operation, considerable damage was inflicted upon the property. Despite sustained efforts, I have been unable to ascertain the reasons or authorisation for this raid. To the best of my knowledge, the officers involved did not provide any categorical explanation for their actions, either at the time or subsequently, Mr Bokoru said. The raid on Mr Sylvas residence gives credence to the report that the Nigerian military is investigating the alleged coup plot, despite its denial. Regarding the report that Mr Sylva fled the country, Mr Bokoru said the former governor and his wife, Alanyingi, had been in the UK for a routine medical check-up and would proceed to Malaysia for a professional conference. While the Defence Headquarters has already debunked the swirling rumours of a coup in Nigeria, it is important to state emphatically that Chief Timipre Sylva, CON, has no involvement whatsoevereither in planning or in logisticswith any such plot. Chief Sylva is a thoroughbred democrat, whose entire political journey has been defined by his faith in democratic processes and institutions. From the 1990s, when he was first elected into the Old Rivers State House of Assembly, to his tenure as Governor of Bayelsa State, Sylva has achieved every milestone through transparent, democratic engagement and the will of the people. His unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a matter of public record. It remains fresh in memory how he mobilised the entire Bayelsa APC structure to unanimously endorse President Tinubu at the APC Bayelsa Expanded Stakeholders Meeting. These rumours are nothing more than the handiwork of desperate and narcissistic politicians, already consumed by ambitions for 2027, who see Sylva as their last real obstaclea man whose political presence and credibility continue to expose their dark, self-serving ambitions. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday, arraigned a vessel, MT Ostria, and three individuals at the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos State, on charges of stealing more than 13 million litres of petrol valued at over N12 billion, belonging to NNPC Retail Limited. The defendants, Raymundo Panaligam, a captain, and Chief Officer Roneno Villarin, officials of the vessel, and Vincent Wayas, a staff member of GMO Inspectorate Firm representing NNPC, face four counts of conspiracy and stealing. According to the prosecution, the defendants conspired to steal 13,324,000 litres of petrol, also called Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), an offence said to contravene Sections 411 and 280 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, and punishable under Section 287 of the same law. One count of the charge states that MT Ostria, along with Messrs Panaligam, Villarin, and Wayas, conspired in January 2024 in Lagos to commit a felony by stealing 13,324,000 litres of petrol belong to NNPC Retail Limited. Another count alleges that on or about 17 January 2024 in Lagos, the same defendants dishonestly took 9,000,000 litres of petrol, also belonging to NNPC Retail Limited. The EFCC said the defendants also stole an additional 3,000,000 litres of petrol owned by NNPC Retail Limited, bringing the total alleged theft to 13,324,000 litres. All the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges when read to them before trial judge Mojisola Dada. Following the plea, the prosecuting lawyer, Bilikisu Buhari, urged the court to remand the defendants in a correctional facility pending trial, arguing that they are flight risks and could abscond if granted bail. The defence teams, however, informed the court that bail applications had already been filed. They urged the judge to grant the defendants bail in the existing terms and conditions previously granted by the EFCC, stressing that none had defaulted on any terms. Ruling Ms Dada ruled that the defendants should continue under the existing EFCC bail conditions. She adjourned the case till17 and 27 November for the commencement of the trial. The NNPC has formally engaged the EFCC to combat large-scale theft of crude oil and refined products. Over the past two years, the Nigerian Navy has arrested 76 vessels and more than 240 suspects in operations targeting petroleum theft, underscoring the scale and persistence of the problem. Reports and studies have detailed the methods, networks, and export channels involved in crude oil theft in Nigeria, as well as the tracking systems deployed to curb losses. President Bola Tinubu has reviewed the list of individuals granted presidential pardon, clemency or sentence reduction, reducing the total number of beneficiaries from 175 to 86. The presidency said the review became necessary to ensure sensitivity to the feelings of crime victims and the wider society, to boost the morale of law enforcement agencies, and to uphold Nigerias bilateral obligations. As part of the review, names of persons convicted of serious crimes, including kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession or dealing in firearms, were deleted from the list. The concept of justice as a three-way traffic for the accused, the victim, and the state or society also guided the review, Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesperson, said. PREMIUM TIMES had earlier reported that the initial decision to grant state pardon and clemency to about 50 convicted drug offenders generated widespread criticism. Many warned that such leniency could undermine Nigerias anti-narcotics campaign. In the revised list, Mr Tinubu approved presidential clemency or commutation of sentences for 86 individuals, including convicted murderer Maryam Sanda, whose sentence was reduced from capital punishment to 12 years in prison. According to the presidency, the decision followed recommendations by the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, which cited remorse, good conduct, and the acquisition of vocational skills by the beneficiaries as key considerations. The full list of 86 beneficiaries is attached below: Tension rose at the National Assembly on Wednesday after representatives of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) abruptly walked out on members of the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies. The committee, chaired by Oboku Oforji (PDP, Bayelsa), had summoned the JAMB Registrar, Ishaq Oloyede, to appear for an oversight session on the agencys 20232024 budget performance, remittances to the Federation Account, and financial records. Instead of appearing in person, Mr Oloyede delegated one of his directors, Mufutau Bello, to represent him, an action that already raised eyebrows among committee members. Trouble began when Mr Bello was asked to introduce himself formally before the lawmakers. Rather than doing so calmly, he hesitated, insisting that the environment was not conducive for him to proceed with his presentation, citing the presence of journalists in the room. Mr Bello demanded that the journalists vacate the hearing room, claiming the documents he intended to present contained confidential financial details. Lawmakers rejected his request, insisting that legislative proceedings are public and that the committee reserves the constitutional right to decide how its sessions are conducted. Mr Bello flared up as tensions mounted, accusing the committee of attempting to embarrass JAMB before the media. The exchange quickly escalated. In a surprise move, the JAMB official, visibly agitated, ordered his team to pack up and walked out of the meeting, leaving committee members stunned. In a fit of anger, the committee chairman directed the Sergeant-at-Arms to arrest the JAMB officials and compel them to return for the proceedings. However, it was later discovered that the delegation had already left the National Assembly complex. The incident momentarily threw the hearing into confusion before calm was restored. Speaking on the matter afterwards, Mr Oforji described the walkout as unfortunate, disrespectful, and totally unacceptable. He lamented that the JAMB registrar had consistently failed to appear before the committee despite multiple invitations. We wrote three letters to the Registrar requesting these documents, he said. Instead of honouring our invitation, he sent a former director who accused us of trying to embarrass JAMB. That is very unfortunate. Mr Oforji stressed that the committees role was not to witch-hunt the agency but to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of public funds. Our duty is to ensure every agency under our jurisdiction is accountable to Nigerians, he said. The committee consequently issued a fresh summons to Mr Oloyede, directing him to appear in person by Tuesday alongside his management team and to present all requested documents. Failure to comply will leave the committee with no option but to invoke its powers under Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Mr Oforji warned. Lawmakers react Speaking after the adjourned session, committee members expressed outrage at JAMB officials conduct, describing it as a contempt of parliament and a threat to democratic accountability. Awaji-Inombek Abiante (PDP, Rivers) said the walkout reflected a growing culture of impunity among public institutions. If JAMB can walk out on a National Assembly committee, it means they no longer consider themselves accountable to Nigerians. Oversight is not a favour, it is a constitutional duty, he said. Mr Abiante hinted that the agencys reluctance to face open scrutiny could be tied to financial irregularities, recalling past controversies involving missing public funds. Weve heard stories in this country where money was allegedly swallowed by snakes. Maybe this time, a bigger creature has done the swallowing, he said in jest. Another lawmaker, Rodney Ambaiowei (PDP, Bayelsa), criticised the attempt by JAMB to exclude journalists from the session, arguing that transparency demands openness in all oversight activities. No agency has the authority to dictate how parliament conducts its business. Nigerians deserve to know how their money is spent, he said. Similarly, Marie Ebikake (PDP, Bayelsa) expressed concern over Mr Oloyedes absence, saying the person who led the delegation failed to properly identify himself. We dont even know who this man is. He refused to introduce himself clearly, and for all we know, he could have been impersonating. The registrar must appear personally to explain how JAMB has managed the funds appropriated to it, she said. The committee later adjourned the session till Tuesday, warning JAMB sternly against any further acts of defiance. Lawmakers emphasised that failure to honour the summons could attract serious sanctions, including the possibility of invoking the powers of contempt of parliament. The coming week is expected to determine whether JAMB will comply with the committees directive or risk disciplinary measures that could further strain its relationship with parliament. The House of Representatives has passed for second reading a bill seeking to amend the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, in a bid to tighten Nigerias anti-corruption laws. The proposed legislation, sponsored by Yusuf Gagdi (APC, Plateau), passed second reading after scaling the first on 23 July. It aims to strengthen the countrys anti-money laundering regime, enhance asset recovery, and introduce civil forfeiture provisions to complement existing criminal prosecution mechanisms. The Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 202,2 was enacted as part of Nigerias efforts to strengthen compliance with international anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing standards, particularly recommendations by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA). The 2022 Act replaced the earlier Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 and expanded the scope of offences to cover non-financial institutions such as real estate agents, lawyers, and dealers in precious metals. It also introduced tougher penalties for violations, mandatory reporting obligations, and restrictions on cash transactions. However, the current laws heavy reliance on criminal prosecution before assets can be forfeited often limits its effectiveness because investigations and prosecutions can take years, during which time assets are dissipated or concealed. Leading the debate on the bills general principles during Wednesdays plenary, Mr Gagdi described the fight against corruption and illicit financial flows as one of the most defining governance challenges of our time. He lamented that despite the robust framework created under the 2022 Act, a significant volume of unlawful financial activities still infiltrates Nigerias financial and property systems through complex methods of consignment and layering. According to him, while the current Act provides for criminal prosecution and forfeiture of assets derived from illicit sources, it places an onerous evidential burden on law enforcement agencies, which often frustrates timely recovery of stolen assets. Mr Gagdi explained that many individuals who cannot justify their sources of wealth continue to live lavishly beyond their legitimate means, exploiting evidential loopholes, procedural delays, and technicalities that hinder effective prosecution. He said the amendment bill seeks to fill that gap by introducing a civil forfeiture model, which would allow the state to recover unexplained wealth through judicial proceedings even without a criminal conviction. This civil forfeiture model has proven effective in jurisdictions such as the United Kingdom, Kenya, and South Africa in curbing corruption, deterring financial crimes, and enhancing asset recovery, he said. If enacted, this legislation will ensure that every Nigerian lives within the means of their legitimate income while preventing political and bureaucratic shields from protecting proceeds of corruption. By passing this bill, we signal Nigerias commitment to global best practices in combating money laundering and illicit financial flows, he added. The lawmaker further explained that the bill introduces a new part to the existing law, establishing a clear legal framework for civil recovery orders against unexplained wealth. It also empowers anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to apply to a High Court for restraining orders where a persons assets appear inconsistent with their lawful income. It provides for a transparent judicial process requiring affected persons to explain the legitimate sources of their assets, while strengthening coordination among relevant institutions responsible for tracing, freezing, and confiscating illicit funds. Mr Gagdi said the proposal is not punitive but preventive and corrective, designed to promote transparency, integrity, and accountability in public and private life. This bill is not a withdrawn tool; rather, it is a preventive and corrective measure designed to promote transparency, integrity, and accountability in public and private life, he said. It seeks to ensure that every Nigerian lives within the means of their legitimate income and that the proceeds of corruption, fraud, and criminal enterprises are not shielded behind political barriers. The House adopted the bill without debate, after which the Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen, who presided over the plenary, referred it to the House Committee on Financial Crimes for further legislative action. Residents perform dance to mark the Chongyang Festival at a community in Erdos, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Oct. 29, 2025. The Double Ninth Festival, also known as the Chongyang Festival, celebrated on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, falls on Wednesday this year. It is an occasion to care for and send blessings to older people in China. (Xinhua/Bei He) Children perform during an event to mark the Chongyang Festival in Erdos, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Oct. 29, 2025. The Double Ninth Festival, also known as the Chongyang Festival, celebrated on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, falls on Wednesday this year. It is an occasion to care for and send blessings to older people in China. (Xinhua/Bei He) A barber provides free service for an aged resident at a community in Erdos, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Oct. 29, 2025. The Double Ninth Festival, also known as the Chongyang Festival, celebrated on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, falls on Wednesday this year. It is an occasion to care for and send blessings to older people in China. (Xinhua/Bei He) Medical staff participate in a free clinic event to mark the Chongyang Festival at a community in Erdos, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Oct. 29, 2025. The Double Ninth Festival, also known as the Chongyang Festival, celebrated on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, falls on Wednesday this year. It is an occasion to care for and send blessings to older people in China. (Xinhua/Bei He) With limited fiscal resources and competing national priorities, stakeholders have called for a fundamental rethink of how Nigeria finances its healthcare system. They urged policymakers to recognise health expenditure as a driver of economic growth rather than a social burden. The call was made during a webinar titled Investing in Health in a Limited Fiscal Space, hosted by the Nigeria Health Watch in partnership with PREMIUM TIMES and The Punch. The discussion examined how Nigeria can sustain healthcare financing amid a tightening fiscal environment. Focus on results, not allocations The Senior Programme Director and Country Director for Results for Development (R4D), Felix Obi, said Nigeria must move from routine budget allocations to performance-based spending if it hopes to achieve universal health coverage. Mr Obi explained that most health budgets in Nigeria are not tied to measurable outcomes, meaning funds are allocated without clarity on what services or results they are expected to deliver. Our budgets are not performance-based or outcome-based. We allocate money to capital or recurrent expenditure without asking what health service that money is supposed to buy, how many women it will provide antenatal care for, or how many children will be immunised, he said. He noted that as donor funding declines, Nigeria must treat public health spending with the same level of accountability expected from development partners and private investors. When donors give you money, its always tied to specific results. We have not been doing that in our public financial management system, he added. Mr Obi recommended that a significant share of government health budgets be channelled through the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and state insurance agencies, so that public funds pay directly for services instead of being allocated to hospitals without oversight. When funds go through insurance, we know we are buying results and outcomes. That way, we can use our limited fiscal space more efficiently while expanding coverage. He also pointed to opportunities for public-private partnerships and blended financing, citing Nigerias COVID-19 response as proof that collaboration between the public and private sectors can mobilise resources effectively. We saw how the public and private sectors partnered closely during COVID to mobilise resources. We can do the same for long-term health system financing, he said. Private capital as catalyst Mories Atoki, CEO of the African Business Coalition for Health (ABCHealth), said attracting private investment to healthcare requires repositioning the sector as an economic enabler. Ms Atoki said to attract private capital, Nigeria must stop seeing health as a social expenditure as healthy populations drive productivity and sustain national growth. She explained that preventive health and insurance programmes can yield measurable returns if backed by reliable data and predictable systems. Investors respond to value and predictability. Employer-based health programmes and digital preventive care solutions can make health an investable market, she added. Accountability at community level Speaking on accountability and transparency, Biobele Davidson, Programme Lead at BudgIT, emphasised that open data and citizen participation are critical to ensuring that health spending, particularly through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), reaches communities in need. Ms Davidson explained that evidence-based monitoring remains one of the strongest tools for improving transparency in the health sector. Evidence itself speaks. Accountability tracking begins when citizens can clearly see where funds go, how they are utilised, and what impact they make, she said. She noted that BudgIT had previously tracked over 8,000 primary healthcare (PHC) facilities to determine which had received allocations under the BHCPF and whether the funding translated to improved service delivery. She added that Ward Development Committees (WDCs), local accountability structures recognised by government, should be strengthened and better integrated into tracking mechanisms. Community members must be part of the process. They should know how much their facilities received, participate in planning, and monitor service delivery. According to her, linking PHC data with service outcomes such as maternal health, immunisation coverage, and equipment availability can help identify funding gaps and drive targeted interventions. The citizens are at the centre of this process. They are the reason these facilities exist, and their involvement ensures that no one is left behind, she stressed. Towards sustainable health investment agenda The webinar, moderated by PREMIUM TIMES Health and Development Editor, Nike Adebowale-Tambe, revealed the urgency of reforming health financing as Nigeria works to enrol 44 millioThe panellists stressed that health spending should be treated as an economic investment, not a social cost, with stronger accountability mechanisms to ensure that funds reach communities in need.n people in health insurance by 2030. The speakers agreed that achieving universal health coverage will depend not only on expanding fiscal space but also on improving efficiency, accountability, and private-sector participation. Ms Atoki noted that healthy populations drive productivity which reduces business losses and sustains national growth. So, investing in health, especially preventive care and insurance, by a lot of yards, yields measurable economic returns, she said. Nigerias First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has reaffirmed the countrys commitment to ending tuberculosis (TB) by 2030 despite reduced donor support to the national TB response. Speaking as the special guest of honour at the 39th Stop TB Partnership Board Meeting in Manila, the Philippines, Mrs Tinubu said Nigeria has continued to strengthen its fight against TB through leadership, community engagement, and strategic national coordination. She noted that even with a temporary decline in donor funding, Nigeria had sustained progress in diagnosing and treating people with TB. I am equally pleased to share that, despite the temporary shifts in support from some financing partners, Nigerias efforts in the fight against TB have remained strong, she said. Through steadfast leadership, community engagement, and strategic national coordination, we have ensured that the number of people diagnosed and treated for TB in 2025 did not decline. This stands as a testament to the power of country ownership and to the unwavering commitment of Nigerians who continue to drive this response forward, even in the face of uncertainty. Mrs Tinubu emphasised that the sustainability of Nigerias TB response cannot depend solely on external assistance. She said the government is committed to reducing reliance on donor funds and building resilient health systems. Tuberculosis burden Mrs Tinubu, who serves as the Global and National Stop TB Champion, described TB as one of the worlds biggest infectious diseases and a continuing threat to public health. Health for all begins in our communities, she said. Coming together for the Stop TB Partnership Board meetings reminds us that the fight against tuberculosis is not finished. TB remains the biggest infectious killer disease and a threat to all of us, being airborne. Citing global and national data, she said TB claims close to 1.3 million lives each year, and Nigeria remains among the eight countries that account for two-thirds of global TB cases. In 2023, an estimated 479,000 Nigerians developed TB, while more than 150,000 deaths were recorded. These are not just numbers, she added. They are mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters whose lives compel us to act with urgency and compassion. Mrs Tinubu said the administration of President Bola Tinubu is prioritising TB control as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda. The First Lady commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, and other agencies for their transparency and dedication in mobilising resources for TB prevention and treatment. Calls for innovation The Stop TB Partnership Board Chair and Secretary of Health of the Philippines, Teodoro Herbosa, said TB remains not just a health issue but a broader development challenge for many nations. It is a critical fight, despite the remarkable progress made, but we must be relentless and determined, Mr Herbosa said, adding that artificial intelligence and digital technology must be deployed to improve TB testing, detection, and treatment globally. Also in her comment, the Executive Director of the Stop TB Partnership, Lucica Ditiu, noted that integrating data systems with governments of various countries is vital to ending TB by 2030. In five countries, in the last two months, new facilities for grants have been deployed. With them, 8,000 were screened, 5,000 diagnosed, and 3,000 enrolled in preventive treatment, Ms Ditiu said. She added that to make greater and sustained progress, countries and governments must own their TB responses, construct systems that endure, put TB on the front burner at all times, incorporate civil societies, communities and survivors into the fight against the disease and ultimately, there should be more political commitment. Nigerias Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, also attended the meeting, where delegates from 47 countries reviewed global efforts toward ending TB by 2030. The previous edition of the Stop TB Partnership Board Meeting was held in Abuja in 2024. The Chief of Naval Staff, Idi Abbas, has said that families of victims killed in terrorist attacks must give their consent before any repentant terrorists are granted amnesty and reintegrated into society. Mr Abbas, a rear admiral, made the remarks on Wednesday while addressing senators during the screening of service chiefs at the Senate chamber. He was subsequently confirmed by the Senate alongside the other service chiefs appointed on 24 October. They are the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Air Staff, Sunday Aneke, and Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu. De-radicalisation of repentant criminals will be looked into and tweaked and if I may advise, before such is done, if families have been identified that have lost their members through those people, there is need to contact them, talk with them if they accept for those people to be granted that amnesty after the radicalisation, Mr Abbas said. In Nigeria, when terrorists surrender or claim repentance, some are reintegrated into society despite their involvement in deadly attacks.The process, often involving psychological therapy, vocational training, and religious re-education, was introduced during the administration of late former President Muhammadu Buhari. Under the programme, repentant terrorists were camped in Gombe for rehabilitation before being released to state governments for reintegration. However, the initiative has continued to attract criticism from many Nigerians who argue that anyone guilty of terrorism should face prosecution rather than be granted amnesty. Plans for the Naval force Mr Abbas said the navy, under his leadership, would build on existing security strategies to address challenges such as kidnapping, banditry, and oil theft. We already have our total spectrum maritime strategy which covers various areas of our operations. So, we are looking at that and one of the challenges that we are faced with now is that of kidnapping, banditry, oil theft. Nigerian Navy takes care of these various layers of challenges and my belief is we cannot do it alone, hence we have to work together. Sometimes I wonder if our leaders ever think about the future. Do they not realise that history is unkind to those who rule forever? That true legacy is not built on years in office, but on the impact of service? Men like Nelson Mandela and Julius Nyerere understood this. They knew when to step aside, allowing new ideas and new energy to emerge. But in most of todays Africa, that wisdom is gone. We have replaced statesmen with strongmen, and vision with vanity. Watching the news of the recent elections in Cameroon and Cote dIvoire broke my heart. Once again, Paul Biya at 91 years old has been declared winner of Cameroons presidential election, extending his more than four decades in power. In Cote dIvoire, Alassane Ouattara, who has been president since 2010, has also secured another term. Both men have claimed victory in countries where discontent, fatigue, and frustration are palpable. Outtara was once in the opposition. He has forgotten where he came from. So soon? For me, these are not just isolated events. They represent everything that has kept Africa backward sit-tightism, nepotism, prebendalism, and the politics of ethnic and religious loyalty, which continue to define leadership on the continent. I honestly struggle to understand how a 91-year-old, who barely campaigned, who was represented more by his effigy and his wife than by his own presence, could win an election. What kind of future can a man of that age envision for a generation he can no longer relate to? Watching the violence that followed the announcement of his victory, I wanted to cry not just for Cameroon, but for Mother Africa. Because somewhere in Uganda, somewhere in Tanzania, the same script might soon play out again. We have seen this story too many times aging leaders clinging to power, afraid of what will happen if they ever let go. What is wrong with us in Africa? Why do our leaders refuse to leave when their time is up? And why do our people continue to cheer them on? This culture of sit-tight leadership is not just embarrassing; it is destructive. It stifles innovation, kills hope, and locks the continent in a vicious circle of underdevelopment. When leaders stay too long, institutions weaken, accountability disappears, and a whole generation grows up believing that power is not service but conquest. Sadly, Nigeria is not immune to this disease. Watching the growing wave of political endorsements of President Bola Tinubu, less than halfway through his term, I cannot help but recall the tragic days of the Abacha era when five political parties infamously endorsed a dictator as their sole candidate. History seems to be repeating itself, only this time in democratic disguise. The spate of defections from opposition parties to the ruling party is disheartening. These politicians are not defecting because of conviction or ideology. They are defecting for personal survival and political advantage. It is all about staying close to power, not serving the people. This is not governance; this is madness. It is the same old obsession with power for its own sake. It is the same politics that has made Africa a global laughingstock where leaders chase power without purpose, and citizens cheer them on while their lives grow harder. It doesnt make sense that an elected official, voted in under one party for four years, would abandon that mandate midterm to join the ruling party. It is especially troubling that a president who has not yet fulfilled his campaign promises who has not significantly improved the lives of the people appears eager to start consolidating for the next election. Two years into this administration, the reality for most Nigerians is harsh. The cost of living has soared, the naira has weakened, and unemployment remains widespread. Yet, rather than focus on governance and development, the political class is once again obsessed with politics who is joining which camp, who is endorsed, who will control what. This is not governance; this is madness. It is the same old obsession with power for its own sake. It is the same politics that has made Africa a global laughingstock where leaders chase power without purpose, and citizens cheer them on while their lives grow harder. It doesnt make sense that an elected official, voted in under one party for four years, would abandon that mandate midterm to join the ruling party. It doesnt make sense that a president would welcome defectors with open arms when his focus should be on fulfilling promises to the electorate. But that is the African way politics first, people later. I know that money drives much of this behaviour. But even at that, common sense and conscience should tell our leaders that ambition must have limits. The lust for power, the need to dominate, to conquer and control, has done more damage to Africa than any foreign conspiracy ever could. Leadership in our part of the world has become a contest of ego, rather than a call to service. And the saddest part is that the people the same suffering masses often enable their oppressors. We defend corrupt leaders because they are from our tribe or religion. We justify their failure because we see them as our own. But in doing so, we betray ourselves and our children. We cannot continue to claim to love our countries while we defend those destroying them. Africas biggest problem is not the lack of resources or talent. It is the lack of honest leadership and responsible followership. Until both leaders and citizens learn moderation, humility, and accountability, the continent will continue to lag behind. We cannot build modern nations on the foundation of greed, deceit, and blind loyalty. The world will never respect Africa if our own leaders and citizens do not respect the ideals of justice, fairness, and progress. As I watch events unfold across the continent from Yaounde to Abuja, Abidjan to Kampala I feel a deep sense of sadness. Africa, the cradle of civilisation, the continent that gave the world so much, continues to stumble because its leaders refuse to grow up. And its people, weary and disillusioned, have stopped expecting better. Sometimes I wonder if our leaders ever think about the future. Do they not realise that history is unkind to those who rule forever? That true legacy is not built on years in office, but on the impact of service? Men like Nelson Mandela and Julius Nyerere understood this. They knew when to step aside, allowing new ideas and new energy to emerge. But in most of todays Africa, that wisdom is gone. We have replaced statesmen with strongmen, and vision with vanity. As I watch events unfold across the continent from Yaounde to Abuja, Abidjan to Kampala I feel a deep sense of sadness. Africa, the cradle of civilisation, the continent that gave the world so much, continues to stumble because its leaders refuse to grow up. And its people, weary and disillusioned, have stopped expecting better. Yet, I still believe that change is possible. But it will not come from the same political class that has failed us repeatedly. It will come from citizens who finally decide that they have had enough; from young Africans who refuse to be bought or silenced; from people who demand integrity over identity, and service over slogans. Until that happens, we will continue to celebrate the victories of old men who should be enjoying retirement, not ruling nations. We will continue to cry over violence, corruption, and betrayal. And we will continue to ask, painfully but truthfully, when will Africa learn? When will Nigeria learn? When will the political class learn from yesterdays powerful men and ask themselves a rhetorical question: Where are they now? Zainab Suleiman Okino (FNGE) is a syndicated columnist. She can be reached via [email protected] Governor Umar Namadi has announced that Jigawa State has successfully completed the implementation of a life-cycle social protection frameworka comprehensive system that provides continuous welfare support from pregnancy, childhood, youth, and now, old age. The governor declared this while launching the Cash-Out Phase of the Jigawa State Old Age Social Protection Scheme on Tuesday at the Dutse Local Government Secretariat, as he described the initiative as a pioneering achievement in his administrations commitment to building an inclusive and compassionate society in Jigawa State. This programme represents the completion of our life-cycle approach to social protection interventions in Jigawa State, considering other already ongoing social protection interventions targeting pregnant and lactating mothers and children under the age of 5 years, Governor Namadi stated. He explained that the life-cycle framework ensures that no segment of society is left behind, with programmes that promote dignity, equity, and access to essential services for all, particularly the vulnerable and disadvantaged members of society. Throughout the entire life cycle, we now have programmes that provide continuous support from pregnancy, childhood, adolescence, youth, and now, old age. Moreover, these are being implemented in an inclusive manner, which is in addition to the flagship program of monthly social security for the disabled. This perfectly aligns with the provisions of the Jigawa State Social Protection Policy and Law, both of which emphasize equity, dignity, and access to essential services by vulnerable segments of the population. The newly launched Old Age Support Scheme offers a monthly cash transfer, free healthcare services, and long-term social care for elderly citizens across the state, as each of the 287 political wards will have 20 beneficiaries, making a total of 5,740 elderly persons targeted in the first phase. Under the arrangement, the Jigawa State Rehabilitation Board will manage the cash transfer component, while free healthcare services will be provided through the Jigawa State Contributory Health Insurance Management Agency (JICHMA). The Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development will coordinate long-term care, including home visits, counselling, and psychosocial support to promote healthy and active ageing. Governor Namadi emphasised that the intervention builds on existing welfare programmes, including the Maternal Cash Transfer Scheme, which was recently expanded to provide 7,000 monthly to 30 beneficiaries per ward, up from 5,000 for 20 beneficiaries. He also announced the relaunch of the Monthly Social Security Scheme for Persons with Disabilities, following a recent amendment to its enabling law that increases the number of beneficiaries per local government from 150 to 200 and raises the monthly payment from 7,000 to 10,000; enrollment of new beneficiaries has already commenced to meet the new target of 5,200 people across the state. All these interventions are directly aligned with our 12-Point Agenda, particularly the pillar on Social Welfare and Inclusive Development, which focuses on improving the lives of vulnerable groups, including Persons with Disabilities. He further revealed that the government has completed data collection on orphans and orphanages in preparation for a new Orphans Welfare Programme which aims at supporting children in vulnerable conditions. The governor called on community leaders and families to show greater care and respect for the elderly, describing them as the pillars upon which our society was built. Together, we will continue to make Jigawa a model for inclusive, people-centered governance in Nigeria, he stated. The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State has alerted the public over a sinister plot by disgruntled politicians in the state to discredit the government of Dapo Abiodun by hiring mercenaries from outside the state to comb the nooks and crannies of the state, record videos of bad roads, and use them to blackmail the government. The party stated this in a statement signed by its Director of Publicity, Nuberu Olufemi. According to the party, the mercenaries are seeking to manipulate public opinion by portraying a governor who has built over 1,500 roads in the state and undertaken landmark projects such as the Atan-Lusada-Agbara road, Mojoda-Epe road, Sagamu Interchange-Abeokuta road, Sango Ota-Lagos road, among others, and who is still undertaking massive road projects, as having done nothing. The Ogun APC, which declared that no government can repair all the roads in a state in eight years, said that the Abiodun administration had undertaken landmark road projects that put the antics of the naysayers to open shame. The statement alerted that politicians who worsened the state of roads in the state during their time in power and left a massive backlog of roads in a state of disrepair had turned around to pillory a governor who is doing his very best to clear their rot and give residents of Ogun State huge relief. Declaring that it is super easy and convenient to throw accusations around after superintending over the underdevelopment of a state, Olufemi said: Knowing full when that the end is near for their political ambition, these disgruntled politicians have raised an army of mercenaries recruited from outside the state and posing as objective observers to badmouth the Ogun State Government on roads that have not been done, while conveniently keeping quiet about the many that have been done across the length and breadth of the state. He added: This deceptive campaign, which is not from concerned citizens but from evil politicians seeking to pollute the air space, is demonstrably silly, especially as no government is on record to have matched Abioduns achievement in Ogun State. The illogic of these haters verges on insanity: a governor is useless for the few roads he has not done, compared to the very many that he has done. If you keep mute over what a Governor has done, which massively outweighs what he has not done, then you are not an objective analyst but a political pirate seeking to sow discord. If these cry babies had been fantastic in their performance, why has the Abiodun government had to attend to a huge number of roads abandoned by previous administrations? These are naysayers seeking to profit from their criminal neglect of Ogun roads, having previously used foreign-based blackmailers like the clown who styled himself Mayor of Fadeyi, as well as a certain partisan legal practitioners who mounted failed assaults against the Abiodun government. Meanwhile, these same hypocrites would readily use the Gateway International Airport and flash Judas smiles before the camera. Ogun under Governor Abiodun has been a top destination for foreign investment, consistently ranks high on IGR generation, and is one of Nigerias most peaceful and secure states. Governance is not about Abiodun-is-useless campaigns on Nairaland and social media: the Ogun people know better than to be swayed by political naysayers who will never see any good in the government. Ogun under Abiodun has peace and stability: no political assassination and no hounding of political opponents. Ogun is now in the news for a state-of-the-art airport, the largest cement factory in West Africa, etc, not politicians in their birthday suits swearing allegiance to a demi-god. Yes, there is work still to be done, but we challenge these naysayers, using data and logic, to show that Abiodun is not a performing governor. They cannot: all they can do is declare that he is useless while enjoying his projects. They are clowns. People should just shun them. A delegation of Greek medical professionals from the humanitarian team Heart Doctors, has commended Jigawa State for its exceptional organisation, hospitality, and modern infrastructure, noting that the environment and systems they encountered felt like Europe. The team, led by the organisations vice president, Mrs Elena Sotiriou, conveyed their impressions during a courtesy visit to Governor Umar Namadi Tuesday evening, after completing a week-long medical outreach across communities in the state. Mrs Sotiriou said she was amazed by what she saw upon arriving in Jigawa, saying that her team had not witnessed such development elsewhere in Nigeria. When we arrived in Jigawa, I was surprised. I could hardly believe I was in Nigeria because most of our missions in Niger State have been very difficult due to poor road conditions. But here, the roads are excellentI felt like I was in Europe. We have nothing to envy; everything is well organisedi, she said. We also visited some clinics and were very impressed. The facilities were in good conditionfar better than what weve seen in some other parts of Nigeria. Jigawa, especially Dutse, is a place to be proud of. We dont know everyone behind these successes, but we are truly impressed. She explained that Heart Doctors is a family-based humanitarian organisation from Greece that has carried out 46 medical missions to Nigeria in the past 35 years. We started from the South, moved to the North, and decided to remain in the North because the needs here are greater. We all come from Greece, and Heart Doctors is a small humanitarian organization made up of families. Our children work with us; they are also doctors. At this stage in our lives, we have decided to serve God through humanityregardless of colour or religion. About 99% of our missions are in Muslim communities, and we are always happy to help those in need. Mrs Sotiriou also spoke about the teams outreach activities and the challenges observed during the visit. When we first came, the team was unsure whether to take us deep into rural areas, perhaps thinking we were too old. They only took us 15 minutes outside the town. We saw many people, but we insisted on going farther because we came here to serve those who live in more remote communities. That is the purpose of our work. The mission was very well organised, even though some roads were roughbut compared to what weve seen elsewhere, it was much better. Reflecting on what moved her most during the mission, Mrs Sotiriou said, We met many people, some in pain, but suffering exists everywherein Europe and America too. We must not think that being African means you deserve less. You have everything, and illness is part of human life everywhere. One gentleman told me how relieved people felt after receiving medicine from us. He said, Madam, everyone said they slept well last night because of one tablet from you. That made me happy, because healingwhether through our medicine or yoursbrings comfort to people. She praised the organisation and hospitality of the Jigawa team that worked with them throughout the outreach, saying that everything was perfect. Everything was perfectly organisedyour team, drivers, and local coordinators worked tirelessly. The hospitality was excellent, and the food was fantastic! Your beans and fried yamthe best weve ever had. In his response, Governor Namadi welcomed the Heart Doctors delegation and commended them for extending their humanitarian gesture to Jigawa State. Your decision to come all the way from Greece to help our people is an extraordinary act of kindness. What you are doing is not a jobit is a sacrifice. At your age, to spend your time, energy, and personal resources helping people in another continent shows great humanity. For this, we are profoundly grateful, the governor stated. While assuring them of continued partnership and government support, he said: As a government, we appreciate your work and will continue to partner with you to reach more people in need. We are always ready to collaborate and support your team because your efforts complement what the government is doing. Governor Namadi also spoke about the states ongoing efforts to combat malnutrition and improve health outcomes. The state government, in collaboration with UNICEF, spends nearly 250 million on nutrition interventions. We have also developed a local nutrition initiative called the Maseki Programme, which uses local ingredients to make supplements for children. It has become one of the best locally developed nutrition programmes in the country, and other states have come to Jigawa to learn from it. In addition, we have introduced another locally made supplement called Tom Brown. So far, we have trained 600 women on how to prepare and distribute it. These women were provided with capital, equipment, and sealing machines. The supplements they produce are distributed free of charge through primary healthcare centres, empowering the women while nourishing our children. Governor Dauda Lawal warned that negotiations allowing armed groups to keep their weapons while setting peace terms only delay violence and weaken State sovereignty. The governor was a guest lecturer to participants of the Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC) 18 on Wednesday at the National Institute for Security Studies in Abuja. A statement by the spokesperson for the governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the theme of the lecture is Non-state Actors in Security Management: Issues, Challenges, and Prospects for Peace and Development in Africa A Zamfara State Perspective. The statement added that the EIMC 18 participants are from agencies vital to Nigerias security framework, along with their counterparts from other African nations, including Chad, Ghana, Rwanda, Somalia, and Gambia. Governor Lawal, in his lecture, noted that it serves as an opportunity to reflect on the Zamfara experience, which, in many ways, parallels the broader local, national, and continental struggles for peace, stability, and development. He said: Over the past two decades, Africas security landscape has changed beyond traditional definitions. The idea that the state has exclusive control over the use of force is being increasingly challenged by a variety of non-state actors. These include community vigilantes, civil defense groups, insurgents, bandits, and transnational criminal networks. Zamfara States security challenges stem from years of grievances, economic issues, competition for resources, and climate change. Factors such as the spread of small arms due to regional conflicts, weakened traditional authority, inadequate law enforcement, and rising youth unemployment have exacerbated the situation. When we assumed office in 2023, it was made very clear that the security of life and property remains the essence of the modern state system and thus no price is too high to pay. Yet, effective security management cannot succeed without the active participation of the local community. Our strategy, therefore, has been anchored on three mutually reinforcing pillars. We improved coordination among security agencies through a unified State Security Council led by me. The Zamfara State Government formed Community Protection Guards (CPG) to support law enforcement. We also enhanced intelligence sharing among traditional institutions, Local Government Councils, and security agencies for a coordinated response to threats. To foster durable peace, we formed peace committees in every Local Government Area, including Emirs, Imams, women, and youth leaders, to mediate conflicts and rebuild trust. We also collaborated with the Office of the National Security Adviser and international partners, such as Colombia, on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE), focusing on rehabilitation, reintegration, and trauma healing. The governor further stressed that Zamfara State strongly frowns at the ongoing, unregulated peace efforts being undertaken in parts of the North-West with violent non-State actors. Dialogue can aid conflict management, but true peace requires disarmament, and reconciliation without control equates to surrender. Allowing armed groups to keep their weapons while setting peace terms simply delays violence and compromises state sovereignty. At this crucial time, peace efforts should be strong, coordinated, state-led, and backed by legitimate authority. The State must show it has both the capacity and the will to enforce peace. Sustainable peace arises when armed actors acknowledge the rule of law and the Governments commitment to protect its citizens. The Commandant of the National Institute for Security Studies, JO Odama, FSI+, FDC, said Governor Lawal has assigned the participants a task related to policing and provided guidance on the issue of cross-border. He said: Today, His Excellency has brought to us what the facts are, what the issues, challenges, and prospects are for a future Zamfara. For me, it was revising what I know about Zamfara. I grew up there, and my career has taken me back there. I know every inch of bitterness that was thrown at him when he was contesting for governor. It is now history; he has transformed the state from one of negativity to one of positivity. Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has reaffirmed his administrations unwavering commitment to clean energy transition and sustainable development, positioning Katsina as a national model for renewable innovation and energy security. Speaking at the Nigeria Energy Leadership Summit, West Africas largest and most prestigious energy event, held at the Landmark Convention Centre in Lagos, Governor Radda, represented by the Deputy Governor, Faruk Lawal Jobe, delivered a special address titled Building a Clean-Energy Future: Lessons from Katsinas Solar, Wind, Hydro and CNG Projects. In the address, the Governor highlighted Katsinas groundbreaking achievements in the renewable energy sector, disclosing that the state has approved and commenced the deployment of over 10 megawatts of solar photovoltaic systems with 10 megawatt-hours of battery storage across 11 key facilities, including universities, hospitals, polytechnics, waterworks, and the State House of Assembly. These projects are reducing energy costs, cutting emissions, and ensuring uninterrupted power for essential services such as healthcare, water supply, and education, Governor Radda stated. He further revealed the successful completion of a 1MW solar power installation at the Katsina State Secretariat, which now provides clean and stable electricity to government offices, boosting productivity and drastically reducing dependence on diesel-powered generators. Governor Radda announced that Katsina is set to commission its first Liquefied and Compressed Natural Gas (LNG/CNG) facility, developed in partnership with Greenville LNG Limited, which is now over 90 percent complete. Once operational, this facility will support vehicle conversion to CNG and enable CNG-based power generation at significantly lower costs than diesel or petrol. It aligns perfectly with Nigerias Decade of Gas vision and represents another bold step toward cleaner, more affordable energy, he said. The Governor also emphasised Katsinas pioneering role in wind energy, noting that the state is home to Nigerias first and only wind power project, the 10MW Lambar Rimi Wind Farm. He disclosed that discussions are ongoing with the Federal Government for its formal handover to the state, alongside its hybridization with an additional 10MW of solar capacity, creating one of West Africas first wind-solar hybrid systems. Once completed, it will stand as a symbol of innovation and sustainability, delivering cleaner, more reliable electricity to surrounding communities and industries, he noted. In partnership with the French Treasury and Oceans Energie, the state is also implementing a 1MW mini-hydro project at Danja Dam, designed to provide electricity to rural communities, support irrigation schemes, and stimulate agro-industrial productivity. Governor Radda further disclosed that 1.3MW of solar capacity with 1.3MWh of battery storage has already been deployed at the General Muhammadu Buhari Government House and General Hospital Katsina in partnership with Genesis Energy, further enhancing energy efficiency in governance and healthcare delivery. In a landmark policy announcement, the Governor revealed plans to establish the Ministry of Power, Renewable Energy, and Energy Security, the first of its kind in Nigeria, to coordinate, regulate, and drive the states clean energy agenda. This pioneering ministry will consolidate our progress, strengthen coordination, and ensure that energy remains reliable, affordable, and accessible to every citizen, he declared. He also announced the states plan to establish a Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission in collaboration with neighbouring states to enhance regional grid stability, attract investors, and accelerate energy sector reforms. Mr Radda added that his administration is deploying stand-alone solar systems to power micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises such as barbing salons, welding workshops, cold rooms, phone charging centres, and ICT hubs, thereby empowering entrepreneurs and boosting local economies. He further highlighted Katsinas collaboration with the governments of Kano and Jigawa through Future Energies Africa to develop a North-West Regional Electricity Market aimed at expanding off-grid access, improving energy security, and unlocking investment opportunities across the region. Our focus remains clear: to expand off-grid solar access across all local government areas, deepen rural electrification, and ensure every school, hospital, and water facility in Katsina operates on clean, dependable power, he affirmed. Mr Radda emphasised that energy security is the foundation of education, healthcare, and economic prosperity, noting that Katsinas clean energy transition demonstrates what visionary leadership, political will, and strategic partnerships can achieve. The Nigeria Energy Summit brought together the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; the Special Adviser to the Katsina State Governor on Power and Energy, Dr Hafiz Ibrahim Ahmed; members of the diplomatic corps; industry leaders; and development partners. Governor Raddas participation underscores Katsinas rising influence as a subnational leader in Nigerias clean energy revolution, aligning with the nations broader vision for Net Zero emissions by 2060 and a sustainable, inclusive, and energy-secure economy. The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has passed a bill to establish a state climate policy and create a Climate Change Advisory Committee to align the states development planning with Nigerias national climate change framework. The bill, titled A Bill for a Law to Provide for Nasarawa State Policy on Climate Change for the Mainstreaming of Climate Change Actions in Nasarawa State and for Other Related Matters, was passed on Monday after scaling its third reading in the Assembly. The legislation, sponsored by Mohammed Omadefu, who represents Keana Constituency, seeks to institutionalise climate governance at the subnational level. It will also create a Climate Change Agency to coordinate policy implementation once signed into law by Governor Abdullahi Sule. Speaker of the House, Danladi Jatau, said the law aims to mitigate the effects of climate change on the environment and safeguard livelihoods across the state. The bill provides a framework for mainstreaming climate action into all levels of governance in the state, Mr Jatau said during plenary. It will also help the government access local and international funding to address environmental challenges. Mr Jatau directed the Clerk of the House to prepare a clean copy of the bill for Governor Sules assent. Once signed, the law will mandate the creation of a Climate Change Advisory Committee chaired by the governor and supported by technical members drawn from relevant ministries, academia, and civil society. Under the law, the governor will chair the advisory committee. The state agency established by the law will formulate and coordinate climate change and environmental policy across ministries and local governments. Environmental advocacy groups say the move places Nasarawa among the Nigerian states actively framing local legal mechanisms to implement the Federal Nigeria Climate Change Act, 2021, which mandates climate-resilience and adaptation programmes. The next key steps are gubernatorial assent and the agencys operationalisation, including staff appointment, budget allocation, and integration of climate risk into state planning. Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with members of the China Securities Regulatory Commission International Advisory Council at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 29, 2025. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai) BEIJING, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- China is further deepening the reform of its capital market and expanding the high-level opening up of the financial sector via firm steps, Vice Premier He Lifeng said in Beijing on Wednesday. He, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with members of the China Securities Regulatory Commission International Advisory Council. Noting that China is fully implementing the guiding principles of the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, He said China is promoting the high-quality development of its financial sector to serve Chinese modernization, and welcomes more foreign financial institutions and long-term capital to invest and operate businesses in the country. The advisory council members spoke highly of the achievements made in the reform and opening up of China's capital market in recent years, and said they are optimistic about the development prospects of China's economy and its capital market. They also expressed willingness to enhance their presence in the Chinese market and continuously expand investment cooperation with China. Senate President Godswill Akpabio has appealed to Vice President Kashim Shettima to help ensure the realisation of the Ibom Deep Seaport project in Akwa Ibom State. Speaking at an event organised in honour of Mr Shettima in Uyo, Mr Akpabio, a former governor of the oil-rich state, told the vice president that Governor Umo Eno was making the only request to President Bola Tinubus administration for the Deep Seaport. The vice president, when you and the president are there, please remember my state. All Governor Eno is looking for from the federal government now is just a Deep Seaport to complement the progress of the state, Mr Akpabio said. It is the Deep Seaport, he said repeatedly. Mr Shettima was in the state to attend the burial of late Eno Usoro, the mother of the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Emem Usoro. All the members of the National Assembly are behind the governor. Akwa Ibom is grateful to the president for making an Akwa Ibom daughter the Central Bank deputy governor, Mr Akpabio said, recalling that an indigene of the state and former governor of the old Cross River State, Clement Isong, last held the position of governor of the bank over 40 years ago. A video of Mr Akpabios remarks was posted on Facebook on Tuesday by his media aide, Anietie Ekong. Anietie Ekong, I can challenge you, in the next 20 years, nothing will happen in Ibom Deep Seaport. So, take note, a Facebook user, Joshua Harrison, wrote in the comment section, reflecting growing public scepticism about the projects fate. Ibom Deep Seaport political rhetoric Conceived by then-Governor Victor Attah about two decades ago, the Ibom Deep Seaport, covering 2,565 hectares of land, has remained stalled at the paperwork and federal approval stage. Successive administrations in the state, including Mr Akpabios between 2007 and 2015, have repeatedly promised to actualise the project, which is expected to boost trade and industrialisation in the Niger Delta. In June, Mr Eno used the Ibom Seaport as campaign rhetoric, framing his defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as a move to secure the projects long-awaited take-off. We are not afraid of joining APC, for we know that with the APC we would realise our Ibom Deep Seaport. That is our plea. For over 30 years, Akwa Ibom has struggled to have a seaport, but today we are reassured that the federal government will help us realise the seaport, Mr Eno had said at his official reception into the APC an event attended by Mr Shettima and over seven APC governors. Underscoring the projects importance to his administration, Mr Eno presented it as a single demand to the Tinubu-led federal government, insisting that even a partial realisation would justify his political move. I believe President Tinubu, who is a man of his word, would honour us. Even if it is one terminal, this movement (his defection) would have been justified, he said, telling the crowd at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, venue of the reception, that the people of the state are looking at the federal government as the bride looks at the face of his bridegroom. Defection has nothing to do with state interest Lawyer Although Mr Eno had pointed to the realisation of Ibom Deep Seaport as the reason for leaving the PDP, some Nigerians, including human rights activist Inibehe Effiong, had dismissed this justification. Looking at Governor Eno, saying he is defecting because of the seaport. These politicians think we are all kids. Which seaport is he talking about? Everybody in Akwa Ibom knows why Mr Eno is defecting. It has nothing to do with the interest of the state, Mr Effiong, who hails from Akwa Ibom, said in a television interview. He said Mr Eno defected because the APC looks like a rigging machine that once you come, they would guarantee you victory by all means. Mr Effiong urged the media to dispel the propaganda that Mr Eno was defecting to realise a seaport for the state. The Edo State Government has issued a one-week ultimatum to the states former deputy governor, Godwin Omobayo, to immediately return all government property and assets still in his possession. This was contained in a statement by Fred Itua, the spokesperson for Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, released on Tuesday in Benin. Despite formal reminders, the state government said several official items, including vehicles, documents, and other state-owned assets assigned to Mr Omobayo during his tenure, had yet to be surrendered to the appropriate authorities. It reiterated that all assets acquired or utilised in the course of public service remain the property of the state and must be duly returned upon cessation of office. The continued retention of such property by any individual constitutes a clear breach of public trust and unlawful possession of state assets. Accordingly, Mr Omobayo is hereby given a period of seven days from the date of this release to comply fully by returning all government property under his custody to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government. Failure to comply within the stipulated period will compel the state government to direct the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, to effect his arrest and ensure the immediate recovery of all State assets still in his possession through lawful means, it added. The government said it remained committed to accountability, due process, and the protection of public property. It said no individual, regardless of former position or political affiliation, would be permitted to unlawfully appropriate or retain assets belonging to the people of Edo State. This administration, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, will continue to uphold the principles of transparency, discipline, and integrity in public service, ensuring that all public officers are held to the highest standards of responsibility and probity, he said. The government urged Mr Omobayo to respect this directive and avoid actions that could invite consequences or further embarrassment. PREMIUM TIMES could not immediately get the former deputy governors comment. Mr Omobayo served in the previous administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), after the controversial impeachment of his erstwhile deputy, Philip Shaibu. The PDP recently reprimanded Mr Okpebholos administration for persistently accusing his predecessor of poor performance. The Okpebholo government is acting as if it is in the opposition while the PDP is in government. PDP would have been happy to have a weak government, but because that will demean the people of Edo State. The APC keep going back to the past. Those facilities Obaseki built are still there, a former spokesperson of the PDP and immediate past Commissioner for Information and Orientation in Edo, Chris Nehikhare, said recently. (NAN) A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State, Gabriel Oluohu, has said the defection of the Cross River North Senator, Agom Jarigbe, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling APC, will strengthen the party and enhance its chances in future elections in the state. Mr Oluohu, a grassroots mobiliser, stated this in a statement shared with PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday to welcome Mr Jarigbe and his supporters to the APC. He urged party members to embrace the senators defection in the overall interest of the states development. Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe is for everyone. He is not here to fight or displace anyone. His only interest is to continue serving in the position he currently occupies, nothing more. His move to the APC is a huge blessing and a strategic breakthrough, before, during, and after the elections, Mr Oluohu said. Mr Jarigbe defected from the PDP to the APC last Wednesday after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu, which was facilitated by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. He later confirmed his defection to the leadership of the ruling party, stating that his decision was driven by his desire to support the president in delivering the dividends of democracy to Nigerians. However, the senator has yet to formally communicate his defection officially to the Senate through the senate president, which is required to be read on the floor before his seat can be officially moved to the ruling partys section. Mr Jarigbe had previously made headlines for criticising the unequal distribution of constituency project funds in the 2024 budget, alleging that some ranking senators received as much as 500 million worth of projects. Reasons for supporting Jarigbe Mr Oluohu explained that his support for Mr Jarigbe predated the defection, referencing the senators track record of performance and commitment to development. Some time ago, I chose to support Senator Jarigbe Agom in the PDP because of his exceptional performance and in line with former Governor Ben Ayades philosophy of transboundary politics. Politics for me is about development and partnership, not parochial emotions, he added. He urged party members to desist from opposing the senators presence in the APC, describing him as a valuable addition to the party. Instead of celebrating the entry of an uncommon Senator and his teeming supporters into our great party, some are angry and restless for personal reasons. But thankfully, God has continued to scatter their evil gatherings and expose their deceit. Remember, this is the man who defeated us all in 2023, including a sitting governor and two Reps members. With Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe as our APC Senatorial candidate in 2027, we can truly sleep with both eyes closed on election eve and day because our strongest opponent has become our greatest ally. Call against godfatherism Mr Oluohu also cautioned against political godfatherism, urging leaders to embrace inclusiveness and allow others to grow. Some leaders are not looking for genuine supporters but slaves, he said. They want everything to revolve around them, their interests, and their dictates. But power is transient. We must allow others to grow too. If you answer truthfully, youll understand that politics should not be about lording over others but about respecting everyones right to grow and make independent choices. Before 1999, 2007, 2015, or 2023, where were you politically or economically, he queried those opposing Mr Jarigbes presence in APC. The party leader added that the APC in Cross River North remains united behind Mr Jarigbes political journey. We are bold as a pride of lions in standing with Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe on his 2027 mandate. God is faithful. The wicked may plot, but their devices shall fail. The Delta House of Assembly on Wednesday passed the states Anti-terrorism and Anti-cultism (Amendment) Bill 2025 for assent. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the bill sought to prohibit terrorism, cultism and the use of bombs in the state. The executive amendment bill is to provide clearer understanding of the offence of cultism as envisaged by the existing law and for the ease of prosecuting offenders. The Majority Leader of the assembly, Emeka Nwaobi moved a motion for the suspension of the House Rule 12, Order 80, 82 and 83, to enable the assembly take the third reading and its passage. The motion, which was unanimously adopted by the assembly when put to a voice vote by the Speaker, Dennis Guwor, was seconded by Charles Emetulu (APC-Ndokwa West). Mr Guwor said that the bill, when signed into law, would help to prohibit terrorism, cultism and the use of bombs in the state. The speaker commended the lawmakers for what he described as their legislative dexterity and commitment to duty. He noted that the passage of the bill was a testament to their collective desire for the overall well-being of Deltans and the state in general. Delta, like many other states in Nigeria, is facing a surge in cultism, which is common among the youth. Besides, the assembly passed the State Colleges of Education Bill, 2025 after it passed through its third reading. All-RNA gene writing for T cells (RetroT): Utilizes human LINE-1 machinery to drive programmable, site-specific integration of multi-kb payloads, without DSBs, supporting a superior genomic safety profile. Successful genetic delivery of CART constructs to T cells CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CREATE Medicines, Inc. (formerly Myeloid Therapeutics) today announced new preclinical data for RetroT, the company's fully RNA-encoded, site-specific gene-integration system, presented at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Meeting on Immune Engineering & Cellular Immunotherapy. The results highlight precise integration of therapeutic payloads without double-strand DNA breaks, viral vectors, or DNA templates, supporting a path to safer, scalable in vivo cell engineering. "RetroT reframes what's possible, a purely RNA-based system that programs T cells in vivo with site-specific, durable gene insertion while maintaining the flexibility to re-dose," said Robert Hofmeister, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer of CREATE Medicines. "When combined with our targeted LNP delivery and human-validated mRNA platform, RetroT provides a direct and scalable path to clinical proof of concept." By harnessing the natural mobility of the LINE-1 retrotransposon and a CRISPR-based nickase, the results demonstrate that RetroT achieves site-specific integration of genetic payloads into immune cells. This approach has the potential to transform precision in vivo gene editing by reducing off-target effects and genotoxicity associated with traditional CRISPR/Cas9 methods. In the presented study, CREATE Medicines used RetroT to successfully insert a CD19-CAR transgene into human T cells. RetroT uses the LINE-1 retrotransposon, the only active "jumping gene" in the human genome, to integrate genetic payloads without double-strand DNA breaks, viral vectors, or DNA payloads. RetroT engineered T cells show full functionality and target-specific cytotoxicity while preserving cell fitness and phenotype. Sequencing confirmed precise integration with no detectable off-target effects, partial insertions, or genomic scars. Additional background on RetroT is available in the peer-reviewed publication "CRISPR-Enabled Autonomous Transposable Element (CREATE) for RNA-based gene editing and delivery," published in EMBO Reports in January (Wang et al., EMBO Rep (2025)26:10621083). CREATE Medicines continues to advance its multi-immune programming platform, which enables selective programming of T cells, myeloid cells, and NK cells directly within the body. The company's pipeline includes next-generation in vivo CAR therapies for solid tumors and autoimmune diseases, supported by a validated LNP delivery platform and proprietary RNA engineering. Presentation Details Title: CRISPR Enabled Autonomous Transposable Element (CREATE), an All-RNA Platform to Engineer T Cells CRISPR Enabled Autonomous Transposable Element (CREATE), an All-RNA Platform to Engineer T Cells Authors: Meghan Harris, Bianca Lavayen, Yuxiao Wang, Daniel Getts, Robert Hofmeister, Philippe Kieffer-Kwon Meghan Harris, Bianca Lavayen, Yuxiao Wang, Daniel Getts, Robert Hofmeister, Philippe Kieffer-Kwon Meeting: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Meeting on Immune Engineering & Cellular Immunotherapy Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Meeting on Immune Engineering & Cellular Immunotherapy Poster date and time: October 29, 2025, 7:30 10:30 PM, Poster #57 October 29, 2025, 7:30 10:30 PM, Poster #57 Location: Cold Spring Harbor, New York Cold Spring Harbor, New York Meeting program: https://meetings.cshl.edu/meetings.aspx?meet=IMMENG About CREATE Medicines CREATE Medicines (formerly Myeloid Therapeutics) is a clinical-stage biotech pioneering in vivo multi-immune programming. Its proprietary mRNA-LNP platform directly programs immune cells inside the body to deliver scalable, repeat-dose, off-the-shelf immunotherapies. With proven human validation and next-generation RNA technology, CREATE is advancing a pipeline of in vivo CAR therapies to transform outcomes in cancer, autoimmunity, and fibrosis. For more, visit createmedicines.com. Follow us on LinkedIn and X (Twitter). Business Development: [email protected] Media Contact: Susan Roberts, [email protected] | +1 (202) 779-0929 Investor Contact: Brian Korb, [email protected] | +1 (917) 653-5122 SOURCE CREATE Medicines, Inc. Social Advocates for Youth, San Diego, Inc. allegedly failed to provide equal employment opportunities to employees, which ultimately resulted in discrimination, retaliation and wrongful termination. **THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT** SAN DIEGO, Oct. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The San Diego employment law attorneys, at Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP, filed a class action complaint alleging that Social Advocates for Youth, San Diego, Inc. violated the California Labor Code. The Social Advocates for Youth, San Diego, Inc. class action lawsuit, Case No. 25CU049433C, is currently pending in the San Diego County Superior Court of the State of California. A copy of the Complaint can be read here . The Law Office of Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP According to the lawsuit filed, Social Advocates for Youth, San Diego, Inc. allegedly (a) failed to pay minimum wages, (b) failed to pay overtime wages, (c) failed to provide legally required meal and rest periods , (d) failed to provide accurate itemized wage statements, (e) failed to reimburse for required expenses, (f) failed to pay sick wages, and (g) failed to provide wages when due, all in violation of the applicable Labor Code sections listed in California Labor Code 201-203, 226, 226.7, 233, 246, 510, 512, 1194, 1197, 1197.1, 2802, and the applicable Wage Order(s), and thereby gives rise to civil penalties as a result of such alleged conduct. The Complaint further alleges Defendant required these employees to work off the clock without paying them for overtime. Employees were under compensated for all time worked, as a result employees forfeited time worked by working without their time being accurately recorded and without compensation at the applicable minimum wage and overtime premium payment. Defendant fails to pay minimum wages for the time worked off-the-clock in violation of Cal. Labor. Code 1194, 1197, and 1197.1. For more information about the class action lawsuit against Social Advocates for Youth, San Diego, Inc., call (800) 568-8020 to speak to an experienced California employment attorney today. Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP is an employment law firm with offices located in San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Riverside and Chicago that dedicates its practice to helping employees, investors and consumers fight back against unfair business practices, including violations of the California Labor Code and Fair Labor Standards Act. If you need help in collecting unpaid overtime wages, unpaid commissions, being wrongfully terminated from work, and other employment law claims, contact one of their attorneys today. **THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT** Media Contact Nicholas De Blouw Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP (800) 568-8020 [email protected] https://www.bamlawca.com/ SOURCE Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP by Xinhua writer Tian Zijun NANNING, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- I crouched as I entered a karst limestone cave at the Seven Star Park (Qixing Park), an iconic landmark located at the heart of the tourist city of Guilin, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The damp air in this cave carried the scent of ancient stone, while stalactites gleaming like molten silver under green lights caught my eye. On the opening night of the 2025 Guilin Art Festival, running from October 24 to November 2, performers from Greece's Athens Conservatoire Drama School staged "Orpheus and Eurydice," the ancient myth detailing the journey of the musician Orpheus, who descended into the underworld to reclaim his wife after her fatal snakebite. Orpheus strummed his lyre, its notes ricocheting off gnarled limestone that convincingly passed for Hades' mythical lair. Eurydice's plea, meanwhile, pierced the chill emanating from jagged outcrops. The cave itself seemed to mourn alongside the protagonists -- blurring myth and geology into a haunting elegy of love and loss. I sat among the audience, transfixed as the mythological underworld came alive in Guilin's subterranean hush. Hours before the heart-wrenching Greek tale unfolded, the opening ceremony had concluded on an exhilarating note -- heralding 10 days of music, theater and performance under the theme Huajing, in a tribute to the Chinese philosopher Zhuangzi's vision of the individual self merging with the cosmos. Debuted in 2022, the Guilin Art Festival has since evolved from a localized experiment into a grand occasion for immersive, site-specific artistic expressions. It boldly fuses Chinese and Western classics with the city's unique landscapes -- where limestone caves, sinuous rivers and mist-shrouded peaks serve not just as backdrops but as active participants in the drama. The inaugural event featured 128 performances across 10 venues. By 2024, it had expanded to more than 140 shows from 14 countries, with 80 percent of these shows staged outdoors -- generating 2.1 billion social media clicks in total. This year promises over 150 performances from 10 countries, including the United States, Germany, Russia, Georgia and New Zealand. For repeat visitors like Cheng Yuyang, from Beijing, who has made the "pilgrimage" south for three consecutive years, the draw lies in the event's growing alchemy: "I become a student of history and an admirer of the dreamlike fusion of landscape and plays every time I set foot in the city during the festival. The caves and mountains don't just host the art, they live it -- turning inanimate objects into stories featuring a wide range of emotions." The 2025 lineup crackles with bold innovation and reinvention. The opener, "Xi Wu," a modern-day drama performed by a Beijing-based theater troupe, was staged in Guilin's grand new theater beside the gentle currents of the Lijiang River, the "golden waterway" of this region. In stark contrast to the cave depths of Qixing, mountain theaters are perched in Guilin's Yushan Park, providing open-air stages where nature's grandeur serves as a co-star. Here, the gripping drama "The Prince of Lanling" traced the titular character's quest for vengeance, empowered by a mystical mask in confronting his nemesis. Guilin's call for artistic innovation echoes through centuries. Its natural splendor inspired Tang Dynasty poet Han Yu, who likened the river to "a green satin" and the mountains to "jade hairpins." Song-era artist Mi Fu, meanwhile, immortalized the local scenery via his brushstrokes, pioneering the "Mi Dot" style to capture the misty and cloud-clad environment. During the Second World War, the city's limestone caves served as sanctuaries shielding displaced residents from Japanese bombardment. These havens not only sheltered lives but also birthed ideas -- forging wartime resilience amid aggression. That spirit reached a crescendo in 1944 with the launch of the Southwest Theater Exhibition, a defiant showcase led by luminaries such as Tian Han and Ouyang Yuqian. Their dramas challenged the invaders, bolstering the nation's cultural identity at a time when attempts were made to erase it. It was the first such event in China -- and it served as a beacon of grit and hope. Today's festival is its proud successor, with many acts paying homage to that legacy, noted Hao Rong, president of the Central Academy of Drama in Beijing. As the festival unfolded, I left the cave and headed for the lively streets near Elephant Trunk Hill -- Guilin's iconic karst mountain. Here, euphoria spilled into the open as musicians strummed guitars and played bamboo flutes, while tourists and passersby joined impromptu calligraphy sessions or gyrated in joyful group dances. At that moment, I keenly felt the city's pulse -- which transformed everyone there into creators and turned the streets into a living canvas. Among other allegations, Korn Ferry ISP, LLC allegedly failed to provide employees with accurate wages due to missed meals and break breaks. This allegedly resulted in violations of various California Labor Codes. **THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT** STANISLAUS, Calif., Oct. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The San Francisco employment law attorneys, at Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP, filed a class action complaint alleging that Korn Ferry ISP, LLC violated the California Labor Code. The Korn Ferry ISP, LLC class action lawsuit, Case No. CV-25-009369, is currently pending in the Stanislaus County Superior Court of the State of California. A copy of the Complaint can be read here . The Law Office of Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP According to the lawsuit filed, Korn Ferry ISP, LLC allegedly (a) failed to pay minimum wages, (b) failed to pay overtime wages, (c) failed to provide legally required meal and rest periods , (d) failed to provide accurate itemized wage statements, (e) failed to reimburse for required expenses, (f) failed to pay sick wages, and (g) failed to provide wages when due, all in violation of the applicable Labor Code sections listed in California Labor Code Sections 201-203, 226, 226.7, 233, 246, 510, 512, 1194, 1197, 1197.1, 2802, and the applicable Wage Order(s), and thereby gives rise to civil penalties as a result of such alleged conduct. Korn Ferry ISP, LLC allegedly required employees to work on their meal and break periods which should have been off-duty meal breaks. This resulted in the company rounding the meal period time to avoid paying penalties to Plaintiff. As a result of their rigorous work schedules, employees were required from time to time to perform work as ordered by Defendant for more than five (5) hours during some shifts without receiving a meal break. Defendant violated Cal. Lab. Code 1194, 1197, and 1197.1. From time to time, Defendant also failed to provide Plaintiff with complete and accurate wage statements which failed to show, among other things, the correct gross and net wages earned. For more information about the class action lawsuit against Korn Ferry ISP, LLC, call (800) 568-8020 to speak to an experienced California employment attorney today. Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP is an employment law firm with offices located in San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Riverside and Chicago that dedicates its practice to helping employees, investors and consumers fight back against unfair business practices, including violations of the California Labor Code and Fair Labor Standards Act. If you need help in collecting unpaid overtime wages, unpaid commissions, being wrongfully terminated from work, and other employment law claims, contact one of their attorneys today. **THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT** Media Contact Nicholas De Blouw Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP (800) 568-8020 [email protected] https://www.bamlawca.com/ SOURCE Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP Ronaldo Pereira to depart after 28 years with the company PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- FMC Corporation (NYSE: FMC) today announced that Ronaldo Pereira, president, will be stepping down from his position, effective December 15, 2025. The decision was reached by mutual agreement between Pereira and Pierre Brondeau, chairman and chief executive officer. "We are grateful for Ronaldo's tremendous dedication and efforts in leading FMC during his tenure as president," said Brondeau. "He is a highly respected crop protection industry veteran who has transformed FMC's relationship with growers in Latin America, grown our business in North America and made a lasting impact over his 28 years with the company. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors." Pereira will be available in an advisory capacity until December 15, to ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities. About FMC FMC Corporation is a global agricultural sciences company dedicated to helping growers produce food, feed, fiber and fuel for an expanding world population while adapting to a changing environment. FMC's innovative crop protection solutions including biologicals, crop nutrition, digital and precision agriculture enable growers and crop advisers to address their toughest challenges economically while protecting the environment. FMC is committed to discovering new herbicide, insecticide and fungicide active ingredients, product formulations and pioneering technologies that are consistently better for the planet. Visit fmc.com to learn more and follow us on LinkedIn. Statement under the Safe Harbor Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: FMC and its representatives may from time to time make written or oral statements that are "forward-looking" and provide other than historical information, including statements contained in this press release, in FMC's other filings with the SEC, and in presentations, reports or letters to FMC stockholders. In some cases, FMC has identified these forward-looking statements by such words or phrases as "outlook", "will likely result," "is confident that," "expect," "expects," "should," "could," "may," "will continue to," "believe," "believes," "anticipates," "predicts," "forecasts," "estimates," "projects," "potential," "intends" or similar expressions identifying "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including the negative of those words or phrases. Such forward-looking statements are based on our current views and assumptions regarding future events, future business conditions and the outlook for the company based on currently available information. The forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from any results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by any forward-looking statement. These statements are qualified by reference to the risk factors included in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 (the "2024 Form 10-K"), the section captioned "Forward-Looking Information" in Part II of the 2024 Form 10-K and to similar risk factors and cautionary statements in all other reports and forms filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). We wish to caution readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by the above cautionary statement. We specifically decline to undertake any obligation, and specifically disclaims any duty, to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements that have been made to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events, except as may be required by law. SOURCE FMC Corporation OMAHA, Neb., Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Omaha-based healthcare company Fusion presented a $10,000 check to Project Pink'd this month as a result of employee-led fundraising efforts. The company has been supporting the nonprofit for four years, raising more than $56,000 in that time. "I'm incredibly proud of the team here for recognizing the importance of the work done by Project Pink'd and making a point to donate each year," said Fusion President and CEO Corey Watton. "The commitment among our team to community support is what makes Fusion such a special place." Fusion presents check to Project Pink'd The fundraiser was in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which has helped raise awareness and encouraged millions to be proactive. This has led to increased early detection and advancements in treatment that has saved more than half a million lives, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Project Pink'd is an Omaha-based organization that provides tools, resources and a strong network to strengthen and renew the mind, body and spirit of breast cancer survivors in Nebraska and Western Iowa. You can learn more about Project Pink'd and the organization's mission by visiting projectpinkd.org. In 2025, Fusion rallied together to raise money for MS Forward, the Nebraska Humane Society, and volunteered at several nonprofits in the Omaha metro. You can learn more about the company's core purpose of improving the lives of everyone they touch at workwithfusion.com/our-impact. About Fusion: Fusion is an Omaha-based healthcare company that exists to create meaningful connections between healthcare travelers and facilities that lead to better patient care and better outcomes for all. The company consists of two business units: Fusion Medical Staffing and Fusion Workforce Solutions, which simplify processes for healthcare travelers and facilities at every turn. Fusion employees strive to stay humble, driven, and positive. Media Contact: Leah Kemple-Bowen 8772303885 [email protected] SOURCE Fusion GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- On the evening of October 24, 2025, GAC held a grand brand launch ceremony in George Town, the capital of the Cayman Islands a world-renowned financial center and the "Pearl of the Caribbean". The event attracted over 600 elites from local branches of international financial institutions, as well as the social, industrial and commercial sectors, who gathered together to jointly witness this important moment. The event, themed "Experience The Future Of Driving", demonstrated GAC's strategic layout for the international market and its brand confidence. image This launch marks the deepening of GAC's accelerated globalization process. The Cayman Islands is a British Overseas Territory in the northwestern Caribbean Sea, consisting of three islands: Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, and Cayman Brac, with an area of 264 square kilometers and a population of 76,000. As the world's fourth-largest offshore financial center after New York, London, and Hong Kong, the Cayman Islands is home to over 700 international banking institutions, including Bank of China, HSBC, CIBC First Caribbean International Bank, RBC Royal Bank, Bank of America, and JPMorgan Chase, more than 800 insurance companies, and nearly 10,000 international hedge fund institutions. Meanwhile, it also hosts major Chinese enterprises such as China Mobile, Sinopec, and PetroChina. In 2024, its per capita GDP reached US$97,700. It is also a well-known Caribbean diving resort that attracts millions of European and American tourists every year. By launching in the Cayman Islands, an international financial hub, GAC's brand development is expected to strengthen its connection with global capital markets. With "safety" and "technology" as its core concepts, GAC emphasizes independent technology research and development as well as product quality. This event showcased new products such as EMKOO, EMZOOM, AION V, GS8, GS4 MAX, and EMPOW. This launch is of great significance it may further enhance the international competitiveness of Chinese auto companies in the high-end market, while injecting innovative vitality into the global automotive industry. GAC stated that it will rely on the financial advantages and international platform of the Cayman Islands to continuously expand emerging markets in the Americas and strive to become a benchmark brand in the global intelligent mobility field. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2807965/image.jpg SOURCE GAC New BCG and Women's Wear Daily (WWD) Report Reveals How Younger Consumers Are Reshaping Fashion Through AI, Social Influence, and New Definitions of Brand Loyalty BOSTON, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Gen Z and Gen Alpha are projected to account for 40% of fashion spending within the next decade. These generations spend 7% more of their disposable income than previous generations on clothing and shoes. Fashion also serves as the entry point to AI for many young consumers, with 41% of Gen Z and Gen Alpha using AI weekly to shop for fashion items compared to 34% of older generations. How Gen Z and Gen Alpha Are Rewiring the Fashion Industry; Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and Women's Wear Daily (WWD) These are among the findings of a new report from Boston Consulting Group (BCG) in collaboration with Women's Wear Daily (WWD), titled How Gen Z and Gen Alpha Are Rewiring the Fashion Industry. The report explores cross-generational preferences and expectations, based on a survey of more than 9,000 US consumers and analysis of over 50,000 social media posts. The report's findings were presented at the WWD Apparel & Retail CEO Summit, coinciding with WWD's 115th anniversary. "Younger consumers represent one of the most powerful spending forces in fashion, yet they are also the hardest to win and keep," says Mrin Nayak, a BCG managing director and partner, and a coauthor of the report. "Their shopping patterns are fluid and unpredictable, driven by a search for brands that reflect their values and identities while maintaining cultural relevance. Winning them over represents a defining opportunity for brands to build long-term loyalty." "This is a defining moment of opportunity for brands to engage a new generation of consumers in more meaningful ways," says Amanda Smith, CEO of Fairchild Media Group (which includes WWD, Beauty Inc, Footwear News, and Sourcing Journal). "Gen Z and Gen Alpha are reshaping the fashion landscape through new expectations around authenticity, personalization, and digital innovation. WWD is proud to partner with BCG on this report to help the industry understand these shifts and translate insight into action and growth." The Influence of Influencers Young consumers are 1.5 times as likely as older generations to discover brands through social media. They also view digital creators and influencers as having the same status as celebrities. Micro-influencers, who have fewer than 100,000 followers, are nearly as influential as celebrities with over 1 million followers: 22% of young consumers use micro-influencers for brand discovery, and 27% use celebrities for this purpose. Additionally, Gen Z and Gen Alpha are 1.3 times as likely as prior generations to cite high follower counts or social media engagement as a driver behind brand status, and 2.0 times as likely to cite influencer content as a reason for conversion. Artificial Intelligence as a Co-Shopper Across generations, millennials and older generations are slightly more likely to use AI weekly than Gen Z and Gen Alpha (58% vs. 51%). But younger generations are more likely to use AI to shop for fashion items (41% vs. 34%)and high-spenders from Gen Z and Alpha are twice as likely to be frequent AI users. With major platforms now offering AI agents and new in-chat commerce capabilities, younger shoppers are turning to AI to discover new trends, get style advice, visualize outfits, and compare prices across retailersmaking AI a trusted co-shopper. A New Era for Brand Loyalty Gen Z and Gen Alpha are proving to be product-loyal, not brand-loyal. They are 20 percentage points less likely than older generations to buy the same brand consistently, instead seeking out distinctive products that are unique and emotionally resonant. Further, nearly 50% of young consumers expect personalized attention and tailored product recommendations from brands. Download the report here: https://www.bcg.com/publications/2025/how-gen-z-gen-alpha-rewiring-fashion-industry Media Contacts: BCG: Eric Gregoire; [email protected] WWD: Abby Kalicka; [email protected] About Boston Consulting Group Boston Consulting Group partners with leaders in business and society to tackle their most important challenges and capture their greatest opportunities. BCG was the pioneer in business strategy when it was founded in 1963. Today, we work closely with clients to embrace a transformational approach aimed at benefiting all stakeholdersempowering organizations to grow, build sustainable competitive advantage, and drive positive societal impact. Our diverse, global teams bring deep industry and functional expertise and a range of perspectives that question the status quo and spark change. BCG delivers solutions through leading-edge management consulting, technology and design, and corporate and digital ventures. We work in a uniquely collaborative model across the firm and throughout all levels of the client organization, fueled by the goal of helping our clients thrive and enabling them to make the world a better place. About WWD Women's Wear Daily (WWD) provides a balance of timely, credible business news and key fashion trends for leading retailers, designers, manufacturers, marketers, financiers, Wall Street analysts, international moguls, media executives, ad agencies, trend-makers, and global consumers. Founded in 1910 by Edmund Fairchild and helmed for over two decades by legendary publisher John B. Fairchild, WWD has been the daily media of record and the industry voice of authority for over 115 years. Operated and published by Penske Media Corporation under Fairchild Media Group, WWD reaches a global audience of nearly 16 million+ every month across print, digital, mobile, video, social, and events, including the annual WWD Apparel & Retail CEO Summit and Global Summits in 3 international markets. As an increasingly complex marketplace heightens the need for information and competitive intelligence, WWD delivers spirited coverage with frequency, integrity, and a legacy of getting it right and getting it first. SOURCE Boston Consulting Group (BCG) What is the Market Size TD-LTE Ecosystem? BENGALURU, India , Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- TD-LTE Ecosystem Market was valued at USD 120480 Million in the year 2024 and is projected to reach a revised size of USD 392320 Million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 18.6% during the forecast period. Get Free Sample: https://reports.valuates.com/request/sample/QYRE-Auto-3Y6499/Global_TD_LTE_Ecosystem_Market_Insights_Forecast_to_2028?utm_source=openpr&utm_medium=referral What are the key factors driving the growth of the TD-LTE Ecosystem Market? The TD-LTE ecosystem market represents a comprehensive framework of vendors, operators, device manufacturers, and service providers working toward seamless connectivity. Its collaborative structure enables innovation across industrial automation, public networks, and personal broadband applications. As demand for scalable, high-reliability wireless infrastructure intensifies, TD-LTE remains integral to bridging coverage gaps and supporting smart-city and enterprise transformations. The ecosystem's adaptability ensures compatibility with evolving communication standards while maintaining operational stability. Continuous stakeholder collaboration and sustained infrastructure enhancement drive long-term market resilience, solidifying TD-LTE as a foundational element of global broadband evolution. Source from Valuates Reports: https://reports.valuates.com/market-reports/QYRE-Auto-3Y6499/global-td-lte-ecosystem?utm_source=openpr&utm_medium=referral TRENDS INFLUENCING THE GROWTH OF THE TD-LTE ECOSYSTEM MARKET: Specific scenario services strengthen the TD-LTE ecosystem by addressing customized communication needs for industries such as transportation, healthcare, and public safety. These services enhance the adaptability of TD-LTE networks through specialized connectivity models tailored to data-intensive and latency-sensitive operations. By offering dedicated bandwidth management and quality-of-service configurations, they enable businesses to achieve stable performance even in challenging environments. The growing emphasis on real-time analytics, remote diagnostics, and mission-critical operations has prompted service providers to develop flexible, scenario-specific TD-LTE frameworks. These targeted deployments foster ecosystem expansion as industries seek dependable, wireless broadband solutions that deliver continuous uptime, improved coverage, and reliable integration across devices, networks, and application layers. Uplink biased services contribute to TD-LTE ecosystem expansion by optimizing data transmission toward network cores, supporting enhanced upload-centric applications like surveillance, industrial monitoring, and live streaming. These services balance network load and enable efficient backhaul performance, particularly in enterprise and urban infrastructure scenarios. By refining uplink scheduling, resource allocation, and interference coordination, they improve overall network stability and throughput for sectors requiring robust upstream performance. The increase in remote collaboration tools, smart manufacturing solutions, and IoT connectivity has amplified the need for reliable uplink services. Their integration into TD-LTE frameworks reinforces the market's scalability and long-term sustainability through improved capacity utilization, minimal latency issues, and better quality-of-service assurance. Enterprises accelerate TD-LTE ecosystem growth through widespread adoption of private and hybrid network solutions that ensure operational continuity and secure data exchange. Business sectors across logistics, manufacturing, and finance increasingly depend on TD-LTE's flexible bandwidth management and advanced spectrum efficiency to maintain consistent connectivity for mission-critical workflows. Enterprise applications like real-time data processing, machine-to-machine communication, and remote asset management thrive within TD-LTE environments that support low-latency and high-reliability requirements. Furthermore, enterprise digital transformation initiatives have spurred the demand for dedicated TD-LTE networks offering customizable configurations, stronger encryption standards, and integration with emerging automation platforms. This enterprise-driven momentum continues to solidify TD-LTE's role in next-generation broadband ecosystems. Flexible spectrum utilization remains a core factor in the TD-LTE ecosystem, allowing operators to maximize frequency efficiency for diverse applications. By accommodating asymmetric data traffic and adaptable allocation of uplink and downlink channels, TD-LTE ensures dynamic spectrum balance that enhances resource efficiency. This flexibility makes it ideal for densely populated regions and industries with variable bandwidth demand. As service providers deploy networks in evolving urban and rural settings, spectrum agility supports scalability and interoperability between new and legacy systems. The advantage of operating on unpaired spectrum bands also reduces deployment costs and boosts competitive network rollouts that extend global TD-LTE adoption. TD-LTE supports massive machine-type communications that form the foundation for industrial and consumer IoT networks. Its efficient bandwidth allocation enables large-scale device interconnectivity without performance degradation, fostering ecosystem expansion. Industries adopting IoT solutions depend on TD-LTE for real-time telemetry, predictive maintenance, and smart-city frameworks requiring consistent, low-latency transmission. Integration across sensors, gateways, and cloud services positions TD-LTE as a key enabler of connected operations. This factor continues to drive significant adoption as enterprises modernize legacy systems with IoT-ready infrastructure, promoting operational automation and data-driven insights through unified connectivity models. The escalating need for mobile broadband capacity propels TD-LTE ecosystem development as users seek faster and more stable wireless access. TD-LTE's efficient resource allocation and adaptive modulation techniques ensure continuous service even under high traffic volumes. The expansion of mobile video, online gaming, and social media engagement has heightened the requirement for low-latency networks that sustain seamless user experiences. Operators are investing in TD-LTE to relieve congestion and expand coverage in regions with rapid smartphone penetration. This widespread demand fosters growth across the ecosystem, influencing device manufacturers, service providers, and software developers toward unified broadband innovation. Government agencies and enterprise sectors increasingly implement TD-LTE networks for mission-critical communication and secure information exchange. Public safety departments, transportation systems, and industrial operators depend on TD-LTE for reliable coverage during emergency or high-traffic scenarios. Enterprise networks benefit from its customizable architecture that accommodates specific latency, throughput, and security needs. These deployments enhance market diversity and encourage long-term vendor partnerships. As public-private collaborations expand, TD-LTE networks strengthen their presence across industrial corridors, metropolitan areas, and logistics hubs, stimulating sustained infrastructure investment and broadening the ecosystem's operational reach. Continuous upgrades in core and radio network infrastructure directly boost TD-LTE adoption. Infrastructure providers are optimizing base-station configurations and small-cell deployments that improve coverage, speed, and signal penetration. The trend toward modular network design enables flexible scaling for both rural and metropolitan regions. Enhanced backhaul integration with fiber and microwave links ensures efficient data routing and minimal latency. These advancements enable TD-LTE operators to deliver consistent service quality across complex environments. Improved infrastructure reliability also attracts enterprise adoption, reinforcing the ecosystem's commercial potential and adaptability to future broadband evolution. Claim Yours Now! https://reports.valuates.com/api/directpaytoken?rcode=QYRE-Auto-3Y6499&lic=single-user What are the major product types in the TD-LTE Ecosystem market? Downlink Biased Services Uplink Biased Services Specific Scenario Services What are the main applications of the TD-LTE Ecosystem market? Enterprises Healthcare Retail Personal Education Key Players in the TD-LTE Ecosystem market? Huawei Technologies Co Ltd Telefonaktiebolaget L. M. Ericsson Alcatel-Lucent S.A. Datang Telecom Technology & Industry Group Fiberhome Networks Co. Ltd Nokia Networks Potevio Company Samsung Group ZTE Corporation MediaTek Sony Mobile Communications AB Ingenic Semiconductor Co., Ltd Innofidei Inc Marvell Technology Group, Ltd. ChongQing City Communication Technologies Co. Ltd Qualcomm Inc Spreadtrum Communications Broadcom Corporation Leadcore National technology Wavesat Telecommunications Ltd Altair Engineering, Inc Renesas Electronics Corporation Runcom Technologies Ltd Softbank China Mobile Which region dominates the TD-LTE Ecosystem market? Asia-Pacific demonstrates expansive deployment driven by large-scale manufacturing ecosystems and active enterprise modernization programs. North America showcases adoption through public-safety and private-network models focusing on smart infrastructure. Purchase Regional Report: https://reports.valuates.com/request/regional/QYRE-Auto-3Y6499/Global_TD_LTE_Ecosystem_Market_Insights_Forecast_to_2028?utm_source=openpr&utm_medium=referral SUBSCRIPTION We have introduced a tailor-made subscription for our customers. Please leave a note in the Comment Section to know about our subscription plans. What are some related markets to the TD-LTE Ecosystem market? - Semiconductor Chip Ecosystem Market was valued at USD 783520 Million in the year 2024 and is projected to reach a revised size of USD 1685210 Million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 11.7% during the forecast period. - Legacy Semiconductor Market was valued at USD 260840 Million in the year 2024 and is projected to reach a revised size of USD 350190 Million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 4.4% during the forecast period. - Legacy Chips Wafer Foundry Market was valued at USD 60790 Million in the year 2024 and is projected to reach a revised size of USD 86880 Million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.3% during the forecast period. - SiC MPS Rectifier Market was valued at USD 9 Million in the year 2024 and is projected to reach a revised size of USD 14.3 Million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 7.0% during the forecast period. - ADAS Supplier Ecosystem Market - AGV & AMR for Semiconductor Market was valued at USD 332 Million in the year 2024 and is projected to reach a revised size of USD 524 Million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 6.4% during the forecast period. - Wide-Bandgap Monocrystalline Semiconductor Material Market was valued at USD 1266 Million in the year 2024 and is projected to reach a revised size of USD 3288 Million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 13.8% during the forecast period. - Semiconductor Backend Equipment Market was valued at USD 47300 Million in the year 2024 and is projected to reach a revised size of USD 79440 Million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 7.8% during the forecast period. - AFM for Semiconductor Market was valued at USD 131 Million in the year 2024 and is projected to reach a revised size of USD 213 Million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 7.4% during the forecast period. - Mold Release Film for Semiconductor Packaging Market - Analog IC Temperature Sensor Market was valued at USD 67.7 Million in the year 2024 and is projected to reach a revised size of USD 71.2 Million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 0.7% during the forecast period. 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Contact Us Valuates Reports [email protected] For U.S. Toll-Free Call 1-(315)-215-3225 WhatsApp: +91-9945648335 Explore our blogs & channels: Blog: https://valuatestrends.blogspot.com/ Pinterest: https://in.pinterest.com/valuatesreports/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/valuatesreports Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valuatesreports/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@valuatesreports6753 Localized content: Korean: https://www.facebook.com/valuateskorean Spanish: https://www.facebook.com/valuatesspanish Japanese: https://www.facebook.com/valuatesjapanese Spanish: https://valuatesreportspanish.blogspot.com/ Korean: https://valuateskorean.blogspot.com/ German: https://valuatesgerman.blogspot.com/ Japanese: https://valuatesreportjapanese.blogspot.com/ Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1082232/5590179/Valuates_Reports_Logo.jpg SOURCE Valuates Reports SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- National plaintiffs' firm Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman PLLC, together with its co-counsel firms, announced today that the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico has allowed negligence and nuisance claims to proceed in a landmark environmental class action alleging widespread exposure to the carcinogen ethylene oxide (EtO) from multiple medical-device sterilization plants across the island. The ruling in Jeanette Perez-Maceira et al. v. Customed Inc. et al., No. 3:23-cv-01445 (D.P.R.), denies dismissal of key counts and clears the way for discovery on behalf of a putative class of hundreds of thousands of residents, workers, and students within a four-mile radius of sterilizer facilities operated by Steri-Tech Inc. (Salinas), Medtronic P.R. Inc. (Villalba), and Customed Inc. (Fajardo). National Attention on Puerto Rico's EtO Burden Puerto Rico is home to multiple EtO sterilization facilities, and severalSteri-Tech, Customed, Medtronic, and Edwards Lifescienceshave been identified as elevated-risk sites for nearby communities. Independent scientific assessments have further highlighted Puerto Rico as a "sterilizer hotspot," with overlapping exposure zones and disproportionate burdens in communities with fewer resources. "Ethylene oxide is an ordinarily undetectable gas that can change lives in silence," said Marc Grossman, Senior Partner at Milberg. "Today's decision brings us one step closer to delivering accountability, transparency, and health protection for the people of Puerto Rico." Seeking Medical Monitoring and Accountability Notably, the Court rejected Defendants' arguments to dismiss Plaintiffs' requests for a defendant-funded, court-supervised medical monitoring programa remedy aimed at early detection and preventive care for residents who may face latent risks. In addition to medical monitoring, plaintiffs seek compensatory relief and injunctive measures to reduce ongoing exposures and protect public health. About Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman For more than fifty years, Milberg has been a global leader in class-action, mass-tort, and environmental-justice litigationsecuring billions in recoveries and driving reforms in corporate accountability and public health. Learn more at milberg.com. About Napoli Shkolnik Napoli Shkolnik is a nationally recognized law firm representing plaintiffs in complex environmental and toxic-tort cases, including major water-contamination and community-exposure matters. Learn more at napolilaw.com. About 1-800-LAW-FIRM Founded by Ari Kresch in 1996, 1-800-LAW-FIRM consists of a team of seasoned lawyers who strongly believe in holding companies that put profits over people accountable for their actions. By joining forces with the nation's best law firms to litigate claims against companies, 1-800-LAW-FIRM is built on the core values of integrity, honesty, and transparency. Learn more at 1800lawfirm.com. Media Contact Karine Lim [email protected] SOURCE Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman PLLC WASHINGTON, Oct. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Following is a statement from the family of Austin Tice, an award-winning journalist and veteran Marine officer who is being held in Syria. "We note the breaking news that Bassam Hassan has failed an FBI-administered lie-detector test. His recent and outrageous assertions about our son's fate in 2013 have been proven untrue. Hassan was a Syrian General who was a key advisor to President Assad and had knowledge of Austin since he was taken in 2012. "Without a body, a murder weapon, DNA sample or eyewitness, dozens of media published Bassam's lie that Austin was killed in 2013. They printed that his body might be found at known coordinates. It was an elaborate lie. We ask that they now ensure their readers and viewers know that the single source they relied on for their stories has been proven to be a liar. "The FBI, which administered the polygraph to Mr. Hassan has known for months that he failed. As far as we know they have never briefed the press in this matter. They just recently briefed our family. As part of their professional duties, the FBI should confirm this fact to the press or issue a public statement. The FBI also visited the sites where Hassan claimed they would find Austin's body or DNA. This was a waste of time, but it took months to complete, which let the false story linger in the minds of the public. "This has all been another very painful episode for our family. The U.S. Government has much information about Austin when he received medical care, where he was held right up until the fall of Damascus. They shared that with us. There is every reason to believe Austin is alive. After years of choosing not to engage with Syria or run a safe and professional search, they now can do both. We call on the USG to begin today with renewed urgency and stay out of the business of pushing false stories about Austin's fate. He is out there. Bring him home." The National Press Club, through its Press Freedom Center, has long supported the Tice family in this case. Austin Tice is the longest held journalist. He is currently the only U.S. journalist being held overseas. He is a 2015 John Aubuchon honoree the Club's highest honor in press freedom. He is a past-winner of the George Polk Award. Contact: Bill McCarren, 202-662-7534 or [email protected] SOURCE National Press Club Decathlon Capital Partners' support provides fuel for growth without any dilution DENVER, Oct. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Carepool Innovation Inc., whose medical ride-share platform automates medical transportation, has landed significant new funding from Decathlon Capital Partners. The multi-million-dollar investment package will support the expansion of Carepool into new geographic markets. The company is headquartered in Denver. Josh Massey, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Carepool, said the company is experiencing strong demand for its platform, which syncs seamlessly with health systems and government programs to cover rural and urban areas. Their transportation model specializes in aging adults and passengers with special needs. He said the customized financing package from Decathlon Capital Partners includes flexible amortization schedules that are particularly advantageous as the company undertakes significant expansion of its efficient healthcare transportation model. The financing agreement also carries no cost for undrawn capital. "This investment doesn't involve any dilution and enables immediate expansion of our markets and vision," Massey noted. Kevin Grossman, Vice President of Decathlon Capital Partners, said the package allows Decathlon Capital Partners to expand its financial support as Carepool continues to scale up. "Carepool Innovation solves the transportation gap that often blocks older adults and people with medical needs from receiving important healthcare services," Grossman said. "Decathlon Capital Partners is proud to support Carepool as it delivers dependable, safe and effective ride-share options to people who need them most." About Carepool Innovation Inc. Carepool Innovation Inc. is transportation made accessible to almost everyone. We focus on people with disabilities and aging adults. Our ride-share technology built for heathcare provides door-to-door service that syncs seamlessly with government programs and health systems and allows drivers and riders to build relationships that allow them to feel safe and secure. Founded in 2018, Carepool is headquartered in Denver. Learn more at www.carepool.us. About Decathlon Capital Partners Decathlon Capital Partners provides growth capital for companies seeking alternatives to traditional equity investment. Through the use of highly customized growth-debt financing solutions, Decathlon provides long-term growth capital without the dilution, loss of control and operational overhead that often comes with equity-based funding. With offices in Palo Alto and Park City, Decathlon is active across a wide range of sectors. Learn more at www.decathloncapital.com. SOURCE Carepool Represented by The Button Law Firm, mother of one of the victims seeks justice for "non-action and non-reporting" GRAPEVINE, Texas, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A North Texas mother claims the disregard of childcare laws at two daycare centers led to the sexual abuse of her daughter. A new lawsuit filed in Tarrant County alleges Lionheart Children's Academy (Lionheart) not only ignored numerous employee complaints and multiple red flags, it also failed to report suspected child abuse, allowing a daycare teacher to sexually abuse her daughter for two years, starting when the girl was just a 2-year-old in a toddler classroom. The lawsuit filed by Tiffany Young states that Lionheart and its regional director, director, and numerous caregivers failed to report serious concerns about Thaddaeus Davidson to the state, as required by law. Hired by Lionheart in 2020, Davidson was responsible for Young's daughter and other toddlers and was later convicted on multiple counts of indecency with a child. Young's lawsuit details a "culture of non-action and non-reporting" at Lionheart, claiming the daycare center turned a blind eye to multiple internal reports of Davidson's inappropriate touching, violations of bathroom policies, and staff discomfort involving his interactions with the toddlers he was responsible for, including kissing little girls on the lips or having them sit on his lap or with their legs wrapped around him. The complaint also cites an incident involving Davidson in March 2022. The parents of another 2-year-old girl reported to Lionheart's management team that Davidson tickled their daughter and another little girl in their "private area," yet Davidson remained on Lionheart's staff and no one reported the incident to the state. One of the most alarming elements described in the lawsuit is a July 2022 email from a Lionheart teacher to the center's director. The teacher wrote that Davidson "touches little girls in class inappropriately, tickling them underneath their dresses" and that he was seen "rubbing up their thighs" during a movie. The email also referenced a known incident involving Davidson taking pictures of little girls in the bathroom at the center. Despite this email, and another written complaint from the same teacher days earlier, Lionheart kept Davidson on staff and failed to alert state and local authorities. An investigation conducted by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) and the Southlake Police Department uncovered abuse of several children, including Young's daughter, by Davidson at North Texas daycare centers. The state agency found Lionheart in violation of multiple childcare laws, including the failure to report suspected child abuse and failure to ensure the proper supervision of its caregivers and children at the facility. DFPS also confirmed that at least two separate caregivers at Lionheart witnessed Davidson's "questionable sexually oriented behavior" and did not report it. "I trusted Lionheart to care for my baby, and instead they ignored every warning sign and allowed her to be harmed," says Tiffany Young. "Lionheart's failures have changed my life and my daughter's life forever." Davidson was arrested and pled guilty to the second-degree felony of indecency with a child by sexual contact. Lewisville New Hope Learning Center, now closed, is also named in the suit as Davidson's former employer. The complaint alleges that its leadership knew about Davidson's inappropriate interactions with children but failed to report those concerns to the state, and later provided positive references to Lionheart. This inaction enabled Davidson to secure another job at a daycare center, where he victimized Young's daughter, per the complaint. "This lawsuit is about accountability and prevention," says The Button Law Firm daycare injury lawyer Russell Button, who represents Young. "Texas daycare laws exist for a reason: to stop abuse before it happens. When daycare centers like Lionheart and New Hope ignore reports of inappropriate behavior, they endanger every child in their care. The psychological trauma of sexual abuse can stay with victims for a lifetime, and that's why mandatory reporting of suspected abuse is the law." The case is Tiffany Young, as parent and next friend of A.Y., a minor child, vs. Lionheart Children's Academy, Inc.; Lewisville New Hope Learning Center, Inc.; and Thaddaeus A. Davidson, Cause No. 236-371518-25 in the District Court of Tarrant County, Texas. A copy of the complaint can be accessed here. About The Button Law Firm The Button Law Firm (buttonlawfirm.com) is a Texas-based personal injury law firm dedicated to protecting children. The firm represents kids in daycare and child injury cases to help families achieve life-changing results and justice against bad daycare centers, schools, and companies that abuse and neglect the safety of children. With offices in Dallas, Houston, and Midland, The Button Law Firm stands by families across the Lone Star State, working to hold negligent organizations accountable and make communities safer for every child. SOURCE The Button Law Firm Halloween decorations are seen in front of a house in Oakville, Ontario, Canada, on Oct. 28, 2025. Some residents in Ontario started decorating their houses for the upcoming Halloween. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua) Halloween decorations are seen in front of a house in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, on Oct. 28, 2025. Some residents in Ontario started decorating their houses for the upcoming Halloween. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua) Halloween decorations are seen in front of a house in Oakville, Ontario, Canada, on Oct. 28, 2025. Some residents in Ontario started decorating their houses for the upcoming Halloween. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua) Halloween decorations are seen in front of a house in Oakville, Ontario, Canada, on Oct. 28, 2025. Some residents in Ontario started decorating their houses for the upcoming Halloween. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua) Halloween decorations are seen in front of a house in Oakville, Ontario, Canada, on Oct. 28, 2025. Some residents in Ontario started decorating their houses for the upcoming Halloween. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua) FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Randy Parker, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor North America, has been recognized as a Visionary Leader by Reuters in its 2025 Automotive D.R.I.V.E. Honours. With fifteen winners selected across five categories, the Automotive D.R.I.V.E. Honours celebrate innovation, commitment, impact and leadership within the automotive industry. The Visionary Leader award spotlights three executives for their excellence in a specific project, leadership or results. It celebrates individuals pioneering new ideas and challenging the status quo within the automotive industry. Randy Parker named CEO of Hyundai and Genesis Motor North America. "It's an honor to be recognized by Reuters in a year of both challenges and great success," said Parker. "This achievement reflects the dedication of our Hyundai team and the commitment of our dealers and retail partners, whose passion for serving our customers and communities made this recognition possible." Under Parker's leadership, Hyundai and Genesis have achieved record-breaking growth and impact. Parker has led Hyundai to become the second-largest EV seller in the U.S. and guided major investments like the grand opening of Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America in Savannah, Georgia. Additional initiatives, such as Hyundai Home and the IONNA charging network, have further demonstrated Hyundai and Parker's commitment to clean mobility. "It's no surprise that Randy Parker has been recognized as a Visionary Leader by the Reuters D.R.I.V.E. Honours," said Jose Munoz, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor Company. "It's a much deserved acknowledgment of his commitment to excellence and years of driving results for our company and our network of dealers, employees and customers." Hyundai Motor America Hyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor Company's Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, and several cutting-edge R&D facilities. These operations, combined with those of Hyundai's 850 independent dealers, contribute $20.1 billion annually and 190,000 jobs to the U.S. economy, according to a published economic impact report . For more information, visit www.hyundainews.com. Hyundai Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok SOURCE Hyundai Motor America NEW YORK, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Purcell & Lefkowitz LLP announces that it is investigating REX American Resources Corporation (NYSE: REX) on behalf of the company's shareholders. The investigation seeks to determine whether REX American Resources Corporation's directors breached their fiduciary duties in connection with recent corporate actions. If you are a shareholder of REX American Resources Corporation and are interested in obtaining additional information about your rights and options, please visit us at: https://pjlfirm.com/rex-american-resources-corporation/ You may also contact Robert H. Lefkowitz, Esq. either via email at [email protected] or by telephone at 212-725-1000. One of our attorneys will personally speak with you about the case at no cost or obligation. Purcell & Lefkowitz LLP is a law firm exclusively committed to representing shareholders nationwide who are victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty and other types of corporate misconduct. For more information about the firm and its attorneys, please visit https://pjlfirm.com. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. SOURCE Purcell & Lefkowitz LLP WELLESLEY, Mass., Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sun Life U.S. has expanded the availability of its Family Leave Insurance (FLI) offering to seven new states: Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, South Dakota, Utah, and Wisconsin, bringing the total number of states to 24. FLI gives employers the option to easily provide a valuable benefit to their employees, even for those working in states with a mandated paid leave program in place. When an employer offers FLI, they can cover all employees with the same benefit, no matter where they work. Sun Life FLI aligns with the current tax credit and will align with changes in the future. Sun Life now offers Family Leave Insurance in 24 states and administers Paid Family and Medical Leave in the 12 states with mandated programs. "When an employee has a sick or injured family member, they often have the difficult decision of whether they can afford to take time off to tend to their loved one," said Sheila Sokolski, vice president, Product Strategy and Portfolio Management in Group Benefits, Sun Life U.S. "With FLI, employers can offer paid family leave benefits in a structure that aligns with their business and provides their employees with a valuable benefit. We believe no one should have to choose between their job and caring for a loved one." Sun Life's FLI is built with decades of disability-leave management and return-to-work expertise. The benefit fills a substantial gap for employers in states without government programs, and is designed to cover all eligible employees regardless of the state they work in. Sun Life also administers private paid family and medical leave (PFML) in many states that have mandated programs. Offered as fully insured coverage, Sun Life FLI helps small and mid-size employers offer a highly sought-after benefit without the risk of self-funding. While some insurers choose to offer FLI as a rider within short-term disability (STD), Sun Life's FLI is a standalone policy. This provides more market flexibility to benefit consultants and greater employer reach. Sun Life FLI supports health and productivity for both employers and employees. Employees get the benefit of Sun Life's online claims submission and employers can easily track employees' leave details. Sun Life's mid-year update webinar on FLI can be found here. Sun Life FLI will be available for quoting in Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, South Dakota, Utah and Wisconsin on November 1. Sun Life expects additional states to approve filing in 2026. For more information visit www.sunlife.com/family. About Sun Life Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing asset management, wealth, insurance and health solutions to individual and institutional Clients. Sun Life has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of June 30, 2025, Sun Life had total assets under management of C$1.54 trillion. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com. Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF. Sun Life U.S. is one of the largest providers of employee and government benefits, helping approximately 50 million Americans access the care and coverage they need. Through employers, industry partners and government programs, Sun Life U.S. offers a portfolio of benefits and services, including dental, vision, disability, absence management, life, supplemental health, medical stop-loss insurance, and healthcare navigation. Sun Life employs more than 8,300 people in the U.S., including associates in our partner dental practices and affiliated companies in asset management. Group insurance policies are issued by Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (Wellesley Hills, Mass.), except in New York, where policies are issued by Sun Life and Health Insurance Company (U.S.) (Lansing, Mich.). For more information visit our website and newsroom. Media contacts Devon Fernald Sun Life U.S. [email protected] 781-800-3609 Connect with Sun Life U.S. https://www.facebook.com/SLFUnitedStates https://www.linkedin.com/company/sun-life-financial SOURCE Sun Life U.S. WINDHOEK, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Namibia on Wednesday launched a summit aimed at developing new, community-driven strategies to combat the escalating threats of climate change and disaster risks across Africa. The three-day Climate Change and Futures in Africa Conference Series 2025, attended by international experts in climate change, disaster risk reduction, and policymakers, to share insights and explore innovative solutions, was officially opened in Windhoek by Namibian Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare, under the theme "Risk in Time and Space." This year's edition placed special emphasis on community-based participatory research, an approach that empowers local communities to engage actively in risk assessment and decision-making. In a keynote address, Ngurare warned that climate change is no longer a "theoretical or distant phenomenon," but an everyday reality threatening livelihoods, food security, and infrastructure across Africa. "The realities of climate change, disaster risks continue to test the resilience of nations, communities, and ecosystems," he said. According to Ngurare, Namibia is among the countries most severely affected by disasters, largely due to its arid climate and unpredictable rainfall patterns. "Given the magnitude and consequences of disasters here, disaster management is a government priority for which every local authority and every region is expected to play their part," he said. Ngurare outlined the government's commitment to climate resilience under the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6). "One of the goals enshrined in our NDP6 is that we want to reduce the number of people residing in climate change effect-prone areas from the current 979,786 to 500,000 by 2030," he said. He urged attendees to heed the call of this year's International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction: "Fund Resilience, Not Disasters," stressing the importance of investing in research, science, technology, and innovation. The summit is a joint initiative organized by the Human Sciences Research Council of South Africa in collaboration with Namibia's National Commission on Research, Science and Technology. COLOMBO, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's plan to extend the list of countries which will be exempted from paying ETA visa fees is still awaiting implementation, government officials confirmed. Responding to questions at the weekly cabinet press briefing, cabinet spokesperson and Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath said the process will move forward once the required gazette is tabled in Parliament. "We have to submit the new gazette notification to Parliament first. After that, the implementation will begin. We expect to finalize it within the next one or two months," he said. The minister cited advice and clarification required from the Attorney General as the cause of the delay, according to local new outlet EconomyNext. In July, Sri Lanka announced that it will add another 33 countries to the list of countries exempted from paying ETA visa fees in a bid to facilitate recovery in its tourism sector. At present, only holders of ordinary, diplomatic, official, or service passports from seven countries, namely China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Russia, and Thailand, are eligible for a free ETA. The move was expected to encourage higher tourist arrivals and strengthen economic activity through increased foreign exchange earnings. If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here Dozens of civilians were killed in El Fasher, in western Sudan's Darfur region, after the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) claimed control of the city, as the UN warned of a worsening humanitarian crisis. Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong holds video talks with Myanmar's Union Minister for Home Affairs Tun Tun Naung on Oct. 29, 2025. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) BEIJING, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong held video talks with Myanmar's Union Minister for Home Affairs Tun Tun Naung on Wednesday. Wang said that China-Myanmar cooperation on combating telecom fraud has yielded significant results, which is reflective of the overall high-level cooperation between the two sides. He said China stands ready to work with Myanmar to implement the important consensus reached between the leaders of the two countries, and deepen law enforcement and security cooperation in areas such as institutional development and capacity building. China is also willing to work with Myanmar to closely monitor new trends in fraud-related crime across key regions, and to carry out sustained, efficient joint operations to eradicate breeding grounds for crime, with the aim of safeguarding the security of both nations and the well-being of their people. Tun Tun Naung said that Myanmar attaches great importance to China's concerns, and will take further measures to crack down on crimes such as telecom fraud. DAMASCUS, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- A series of security incidents, including a grenade blast and mortar fire, struck Syria's coastal and southern regions late Tuesday, the state news agency SANA and private Syria TV reported. An explosion hit the Qnainis neighborhood in the coastal province of Latakia after an assailant threw a hand grenade near a police station. Security forces "swiftly contained the situation," the interior authorities said, adding that there were no reported casualties. The attacker was reportedly captured, and the authorities have opened an investigation into the attempted assault. In the southern province of Sweida, armed groups fired mortar shells and machine guns at a security checkpoint in the village of Al-Matounah Tuesday night, an interior ministry source told SANA. While no casualties were reported, the attack heightened concerns over renewed instability in the province, which has witnessed sporadic armed clashes since July. Earlier in the day, two people were killed and several others wounded when a passenger bus came under gunfire from unknown assailants at a fuel station along the Damascus-Sweida highway, state media reported. Security forces have launched a manhunt for the perpetrators. RIYADAH, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Syrian interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa discussed bilateral relations and ways to strengthen cooperation across various sectors on Wednesday, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the ninth Future Investment Initiative conference in Riyadh. During the event, al-Sharaa said Syria's reconstruction would heavily rely on investment, noting that the country had attracted about 28 billion U.S. dollars in investment over the past six months. He expressed confidence in the resilience and determination of the Syrian people. This marks Al-Sharaa's third visit to Saudi Arabia since he became Syria's interim leader. In July, Saudi Arabia signed investment and partnership deals with Syria worth 6.4 billion dollars to support post-war reconstruction. YANGON, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar exported 190,567 tons of fishery products from April to September, earning about 279 million U.S. dollars, according to the Department of Fisheries on Wednesday. The country exports fishery products via sea, air, and border trade routes. Although total export volume declined compared to the same period last year, exports by air increased, U Nyunt Win, director of the department, told Xinhua. Students present their art works during the 2025 United Nations China Youth Environment Forum in Hong Kong, south China, Oct. 29, 2025. The forum was held in Hong Kong on Wednesday, spotlighting carbon neutrality education and regional cooperation in ecological protection. (Xinhua) HONG KONG, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- The 2025 United Nations China Youth Environment Forum was held in Hong Kong on Wednesday, spotlighting carbon neutrality education and regional cooperation in ecological protection. The forum, themed "Beautiful China, Zero Carbon Action," brought together approximately 150 participants, including representatives from ecological and educational departments in the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao, as well as experts from research institutions, youth delegates, and educators. The event was jointly organized by the United Nations Environment Program's Chinese Office and the Center for Environmental Education and Communications of China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment, with co-hosting support from the Environment and Ecology Bureau of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government and an overseas friendship association in Shenzhen. Through keynote speeches and experience-sharing sessions, the event showcased China's advancements in ecological civilization education and shared with the world the compelling stories of how China's young people work together to build a beautiful China. China's Vice Minister of Ecology and Environment Yu Huiwen delivered remarks at the opening ceremony, emphasizing the special significance of hosting the forum in Hong Kong. As a vital part of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), Hong Kong plays a unique bridging role in ecological protection and international cooperation. Secretary for Environment and Ecology of the HKSAR government Tse Chin-wan said that Hong Kong is fully committed to a low-carbon green transition and aims to achieve carbon neutrality before 2050, contributing to the nation's dual carbon goals. The forum served as a platform for environmental experts from home and abroad to share their knowledge and experiences on climate change, aiming to deepen young people's understanding of carbon neutrality and inspire a sense of mission, Tse added. HARARE, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean authorities on Wednesday called for sustainable domestic financing to fight against tuberculosis (TB) as external funding declined. Owen Mugurungi, director of AIDS and TB programs in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, said at a conference in the Zimbabwean capital of Harare that the reduction in global donor funding posed a direct threat to the country's TB response, and the country needs to explore sustainable domestic financing to respond to the infectious disease. "We can not build a resilient TB response on unpredictable and external funding alone," Mugurungi said, adding that the situation underscores the urgent need for sustainable financing and domestic investment. He noted that Zimbabwe faces a high burden of TB/HIV co-infection and a persistent challenge of drug-resistant TB. According to him, the ministry estimated that approximately 15,000 TB cases were missed last year, and the gap represents the single greatest challenge in the fight against the disease. "Our national TB response is at a crossroads. We have the strategy, we have the evidence, and we have the dedicated workforce. What we need now is the collective will to convert our commitments into concrete action. We must find the missing cases, secure the necessary resources and embrace the innovations that will allow us to end TB in Zimbabwe," Mugurungi said. Speaking at the same event, Zimbabwean Health and Child Care Minister Douglas Mombeshora commended Zimbabwe for progress in the fight against the infectious disease. "Our TB response has made real progress. But as we celebrate progress, we must also be honest about the road ahead. TB remains a serious public health challenge and the shifting landscape of global health financing is creating uncertainty for critical programs," he added. BELGRADE, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese civilization offers a distinctive lens through which to understand the world, according to Alexander Lukin, academic head of the Institute of China and Contemporary Asia of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Lukin said in a recent interview with Xinhua in Belgrade that as a vast and distinctive civilization, China has played an influential role in the world's rich cultures and ideas. To understand both world history and the contemporary world in their political, economic, cultural, and intellectual dimensions, one must understand China and its civilization, he added. The Russian scholar underscored the great significance of the continuation of Chinese civilization in preserving cultural diversity in the contemporary world. For Europeans, studying China is of particular importance, as they are often "prone to Eurocentrism and asserting the European path of development as the only possible one," he said. Lukin first visited China in 1983. He later studied in Beijing and made multiple visits to Liang Shuming, a renowned Chinese philosopher, to seek his guidance. As he learned more about China, he began to rethink his earlier positions from a new angle, and "my Eurocentric views at the time suffered their first severe blow," he said. "My entire life has been connected with China. I have spent most of it doing academic research," he said, adding that he strongly agrees with the idea of "harmony in diversity" from The Analects of Confucius. In Lukin's view, globalization is an inevitable trend, but "this doesn't mean that people can't do all this in different cultural forms. Without them, humanity would become colorless," he said. "By getting to know China better, we will learn more ... about ourselves," he added. DAR ES SALAAM, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian police on Wednesday announced the imposition of a curfew in the port city of Dar es Salaam following protests that resulted in the destruction of property on the general election day. "After 6 p.m., nobody will be allowed to be seen on the streets of Dar es Salaam except the police who will be on special duty," Police Inspector General Camillus Wambura said in a televised broadcast. He did not say how long the curfew will last. Internet access has also been disrupted in the country. There were reports that protesters were engaged in violent confrontations with police, who opened fire in response. Some police posts, gas stations, commuter buses, and polling stations were reportedly destroyed by protesters. AMMAN, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Germany and Jordan on Wednesday called for full compliance with the current Gaza truce and efforts towards a lasting peace between Palestine and Israel based on a two-state solution, the Jordanian foreign ministry said. The statement followed a meeting between Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and visiting German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. The two ministers also called for the immediate and adequate delivery of humanitarian aid to all parts of Gaza and affirmed continued cooperation between their countries in these efforts, the statement said. Wadephul expressed "deep concern" following the deadliest night of bombing in Gaza since a U.S.-brokered truce went into effect earlier this month. "We appeal to Israel to exercise military restraint in order to prevent further suffering," Wadephul said in a ministry statement released ahead of his trip to Amman. Jordan is the first stop of Wadephul's Middle East tour, which will also take him to Lebanon and Bahrain. Luanda, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- A conference themed "Power Interconnection and Green Investment: Promoting a Shared Green Future in Africa" was held in Luanda, Angola's capital, on Tuesday. The event was co-organized by the African Union Development Agency, the Mission of China to the African Union (AU), and the Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization (GEIDCO), as part of the Luanda Financing Summit for Africa's Infrastructure Development. Liu Xiaoming, counsellor of the Mission of China to African Union, said that China has worked hand in hand with the AU and African countries to promote the implementation of a large number of green and low-carbon infrastructure projects across the continent. The Global South should shape its own path and China will support Africa's green, coordinated and sustainable development, said Liu. GEIDCO Executive Vice Chairman Liu Zehong said that Africa has abundant clean energy and mineral resources, while facing challenges such as insufficient energy supply, weak infrastructure, and the need to accelerate industrialization and enhance climate resilience. He said efforts should focus on building an African energy interconnection system that is clean-dominant, electricity-centered, interconnected and intelligent, reducing fossil fuel dependence, strengthening power connectivity, as well as promoting the coordinated development of "power-mining-smelting-industry-trade." Robert Lisinge, director of the Technology, Innovation, Connectivity and Infrastructure Division at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, said Africa continues to face challenges in energy access and infrastructure connectivity, with significant investment gaps. He underlined regional power integration and green energy investment as key drivers for sustainable development and climate resilience, reaffirming the commission's commitment to strengthening cooperation with all stakeholders. During the conference, the GEIDCO proposed "five innovations" for promoting interconnection and development in Africa, including planning, standards, projects, investment and infrastructure integration. The China-Africa Development Fund said that it has committed more than eight billion U.S. dollars of investment to 39 African countries over the past 18 years and will continue exploring the coordinated development model of "power-mining-smelting-industry-trade." The Luanda Financing Summit for Africa's Infrastructure Development, initiated by Angolan President and AU Chair Joao Lourenco, is underway in Luanda from Tuesday to Friday with over 3,000 participants. GYEONGJU, South Korea, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- The APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) on Wednesday released a report calling for the sustainable development of energy infrastructure to power the drastic growth of the digital economy and data centers. The report "Powering the Digital Economy: The Data Center Dilemma" highlighted both the economic benefits and environmental impact of the digital economy. Over the past few years, the mass adoption of streaming platforms, online gaming, and cloud storage, combined with billions of devices in constant operation, has fueled unprecedented demand for data centers and energy to power them. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is scaling the pressure for this critical digital infrastructure. Data centers, the backbone of the digital economy, are driving unprecedented electricity demand. As AI adoption accelerates, total consumption from data centers could quadruple by 2030, with some AI clusters already drawing as much power as entire cities. "Today, one in five data centers is at risk of power shortages or grid connection delays as demand outpaces available capacity. While data centers can be built in months, the energy infrastructure that sustains them takes years to expand. Without timely, coordinated action, APEC economies face mounting power shortages, infrastructure delays, and an accelerating digital divide," said Jan De Silva, chair of ABAC's AI & Digital Innovation Working Group. The report urged policymakers to work with the private sector to accelerate the development of sustainable digital infrastructure, from data centers and computing capacity to water and power systems that support them. It called on APEC economies to integrate digital economy demand forecasting into their energy planning to ensure economies are well-positioned for sustainable digital transformation. "Businesses see enormous opportunity in AI, but without sustainable infrastructure, that opportunity won't be shared equally," said Lee Kyu-ho, ABAC 2025 chair, "This is a chance for APEC to lead by strengthening the foundations of a digital economy that advances innovation, enhances competitiveness, and supports our collective climate goals." The Backstory Above, a coworking, continuing education, and community space for writers, agents, and editors, will open in San Francisco's Sunset District on November 1. According to an announcement, the space's aim is "to help members of the San Francisco literary community deepen their craft, create and collaborate with each other in a peaceful working environment." Located on the mezzanine level of Green Apple Books on the Park, an outpost of the stalwart Bay Area bookstore, Backstory will serve as a rendezvous point for literary professionals as well as a third space for community members, said Susannah Emerson, who cofounded the book hub with Paige Patterson Duff. First and foremost a coworking space, Backstory features public workspaces and private meeting spaces (including a booth for phone calls, from which Emerson was calling), that members can utilize for a monthly fee starting at $195. Among Backstory's founding members is the Watermark Agency, founded in 2021 by Mark Tauber, a veteran of Chronicle Books and HarperCollins. For community members who aren't interested in the coworking functionality, Backstory will offer low-cost workshops, talks, and readings at a reduced community membership rate of $20 per month. It will also open its doors to the public after Green Apple events, where attendees and authors can continue mingling upstairs. This latter idea, Emerson said, recalls the genesis of Backstory itself, the idea for which came 15 years ago when she was studying abroad in Paris. Emerson, who has an MFA, was waiting in line to get a book signed by her classmate after a Shakespeare & Co. reading, when she was ushered upstairs by a local. "It was a secret society above the bookstore that you could sometimes be invited to, if luck was on your side," she said. "And it was a group of about 10, 12 people, some of whom were regulars, and some of them were completely random, like me, sitting around and talking about books for the afternoon." Emerson acknowledged that the coworking membership fees are somewhat steep, but said that, ideally, ideas can be the currency of community at Backstory. "We're doing sliding-scale memberships as much as possible, and we hope to get enough capital behind us that we can kind of offer scholarships," she said. Backstory is also offering a reduced-rate membership until after its open house on the weekend of November 1, where members and prospective members can get to know the space. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney recently responded yes when asked by BBC journalist Mishal Husain whether he would arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he were in Canada. Carney, of course, has said a variety of questionable things regarding Israel and Palestine over the last several months, including Im aware, after a heckler shouted Mr. Carney, theres a genocide in Palestine!, as well as calling for a Zionist Palestinian State, but this most recent remark takes the cake. For starters, there are, of course, legal hoops to jump through. Canada has made it clear publicly and directly to both the United Nations and the International Criminal Court (ICC) that it does not recognize a Palestinian state as a party to the ICC Statute. As a result, there is no legal or policy obligation for Canada to execute any warrant issued by the ICC Prosecutor, especially following what many view as a deeply flawed process for determining whether the Court has jurisdiction over Israel a state that is not a party to the Statute. Indeed, to implement such an arrest warrant, Canada would have to reverse engineer its own legal framework. Ottawa would need to amend portions of the Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Act, adjust the ICC Implementation Act, and reinterpret its long-standing declarations to the UN and the ICC to align with the recognition of Palestine as a state party. That would mean abandoning decades of legal consistency and undermining Canadas credibility as a country that respects both the rule of law and its own word. The Prime Ministers flippant yes therefore risks dragging Canada into a morass of legal contradiction for the sake of a sound bite. But beyond law, there is policy, and here, Carney has managed to shoot himself in the foot while his foot is in his mouth. By publicly musing about arresting Israels democratically elected leader, he has alienated both President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu, the two indispensable figures in any credible Middle East peace framework. At precisely the moment when Washington and Jerusalem have reopened a fragile path to negotiations, Carneys words signal that Canada is neither serious nor trustworthy enough to be at the table. How, then, can Canada hope to play any substantive role in the newly christened peace process if its own Prime Minister has placed himself squarely on the outs with both Washington and Jerusalem? There was a time when Canada was a state with heft. When our word carried weight, and our presence in global negotiations mattered. From Lester B. Pearsons Suez diplomacy to our role in Northern Irelands weapons decommissioning, we were seen as fair, principled, and effective. In Northern Ireland, Canadian participation was welcomed because our commitment was measured, practical, and grounded in credibility. Today, that reputation has eroded under leaders who mistake moral posturing for foreign policy. Canadian values are not ambiguous. They rest on protecting the innocent, standing up for democratic allies, and calling out those who glorify terror and death. Neither Justin Trudeau nor Mark Carney found it necessary to visit Israel during its existential fight against Hamas, a genocidal death cult that murders Jews, uses Palestinians as shields, and celebrates slaughter. That absence was more than a missed diplomatic gesture. It was a slap in the face to the families of the eight Canadians slaughtered by Hamas on October 7, Canadians whose memory deserves more than silence and distance from their leaders. How is it possible that our foreign policy has so completely lost its path? That we equivocate between a liberal democracy and a terrorist organization? Islamist values are not Canadian values. The majority of Canadians know that, and they expect their government to know it too. Our allies know it as well, and they look to usonce a beacon of moral steadinessto act with principle, not political calculation. In one careless word, yes, Mark Carney revealed not just a legal misunderstanding, but a deeper moral confusion about who our friends are, what our values mean, and where Canada stands in a divided world. If Carney wants to matter on the world stage, he might start by remembering that leadership is not about gestures or applause linesits about clarity, courage, and consistency, and about remembering what Canada once stood for, and who we still claim to be. Alan H. Kessel is a former Assistant Deputy Minister, Legal Affairs and Legal Adviser at Global Affairs Canada and a Senior Fellow at the Macdonald Laurier Institute. TOKYO, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- The China Film Week of the 38th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) has concluded, with the Golden Crane Awards ceremony being held here on Tuesday. Chinese and Japanese guests and film industry figures at the event highly praised the development and influence of Chinese films in recent years and expressed their anticipation for future cooperation between the film industries of the two countries. As part of the festival, the China Film Week was held in Tokyo from Oct. 21-28. Over 10 outstanding Chinese films were screened during the event, covering a variety of themes including family, love, fantasy and history. The crime thriller Octopus with Broken Arms won the Golden Crane Award for the best film, while Andrew Lau Wai-Keung snatched the best director award for his film The Dumpling Queen. Actor Zhang Yixing and actress Zeng Mengxue won the best actor and actress awards for their performances in Mumu and Love List, respectively. Chinese ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao said at the closing ceremony that films play an important role in enhancing mutual understanding between the people of the two countries and in fostering exchanges and reconciliation, adding that the efforts made by filmmakers from both countries for this purpose over the years are truly admirable. Japanese director Yojiro Takita told Xinhua that the rapid development of Chinese cinema in recent years has attracted an increasing number of talented individuals. He expressed the hope that filmmakers from both Japan and China will maintain close exchanges and establish a mechanism for cross-border collaboration and mutual sharing. Mitsuko Watanabe, vice-president of the Japan-China Film Festival Executive Committee, told Xinhua that Chinese films have made amazing progress in "touching people's hearts" and she looks forward to filmmakers from both countries collaborating with a more open mind to jointly create works that play to their respective strengths. The 38th Tokyo International Film Festival runs from Oct. 27 to Nov. 5. Instagram / Taylor Frankie Paul By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 10/29/2025 ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. 's 22nd season starring Taylor Frankie Paul has an official premiere date, and the show will be airing on a new night.ABC has announced Taylor's season of will premiere on Sunday, March 22 at 8PM ET/PT., which will once again be hosted by Jesse Palmer, will then continue to air on Sunday nights on ABC.Previous The Bachelor and seasons had aired on Monday nights on ABC.Taylor's season just began filming in California, and her initial cast of bachelors was released last week.ABC announced its decision to cast Taylor, a 31-year-old divorced mother of three kids and the creator of #MomTok in her Mormon community, as the franchise's new leading lady in September, and she proved to be a polarizing choice.While Taylor has a huge number of supporters and social-media followers, many people are angry at the network for picking a woman who has "two baby daddies" and admitted to soft-swinging in her marriage."To those of you asking that question [of why me?] trust me, I was right along there with you," Taylor admitted on Instagram in September."All I can say is that I am beyond grateful for this opportunity. I think everything happens for a reason. I am someone who can handle criticism and backlash, trust me. If anyone can handle it, I'm one of them."Taylor added, "We are human, we make mistakes, and how we move forward is what really matters. And there is no timeline on that either, like, have I made lots of mistakes since? Yes. Am I going to make future mistakes? Yes."The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star suggested that no one is perfect."You learn from it and try to be better. You get up again. If you've messed up in life and you feel like some type of failure, just know that you're not," Taylor insisted."The only person that's going to stop me is myself, and that is it! With all that being said, I am beyond grateful ."Taylor was married to Tate Paul from 2016 to 2022. When they were together, they welcomed two children: daughter Indy, 8, and son Ocean, 5.Taylor previously admitted to violating the rules of the couple's soft-swinging arrangement by becoming more intimate with another man in their friend group, which led to their separation and eventual May 2022 divorce.The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, which premiered in 2023 on Hulu and will release new episodes in November, featured the cheating scandal.The show has also documented Taylor's first post-divorce relationship with Dakota Mortensen.Taylor and Dakota made their romance public in July 2022, and then they welcomed a son together, Ever True, in March 2024.Taylor and Dakota appeared to break up in late 2024, but Taylor didn't confirm their split until earlier this year.According to Taylor's mother Liann May, Taylor and Dakota are still in love and Dakota will try to sabotage her season if given a chance.When Extra recently asked Taylor what she's looking for in her ideal partner, she said she wants a kind man who believes in a higher power, although he doesn't have to be Mormon.The brunette beauty also said she's open to dating guys with children and big social-media followings.However, Taylor shared on the "Call Her Daddy" podcast how she doesn't want "the life of the party" or a man who is controlling and still friends with his ex-girlfriends.Interested in more The Bachelor news? Follow our Bachelor Nation News Page on Facebook or join our The Bachelor Facebook Group SEOUL, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's foreign currency deposit turned downward last month on weaker demand for U.S., Japanese and European currencies, central bank data showed Wednesday. The deposit, denominated in foreign currencies, shrank 0.55 billion U.S. dollars from a month earlier to 107.09 billion dollars at the end of September, after growing 2.49 billion dollars in August, according to the Bank of Korea (BOK). The deposit, denominated in the U.S. dollar, declined 0.24 billion dollars to 90.72 billion dollars in the cited month. The Japanese yen deposit decreased 0.15 billion dollars to 8.89 billion dollars, and the euro deposit fell 0.12 billion dollars to 5.01 billion dollars. Foreign currency deposit, possessed by companies, reduced 0.70 billion dollars to 92.26 billion dollars in the same month, while the individuals-owned deposit rose 0.15 billion dollars to 14.83 billion dollars. What began as an ordinary Thursday night in downtown Athens took a disturbing turn when a man dressed in a Nazi uniform with a red swastika armband got into an altercation with a woman outside Cutters Pub. A video capturing the incident shows the woman argue with the man, push him back and grab for his armband. It then shows the man swing a glass pitcher at the woman, striking her in the face and knocking her to the ground. Yes, the entry of private bankers, particularly with global experience will add value to PSBs, points out Tamal Bandyopadhyay. Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff Last week's column on the government opening up some of the top slots at public sector banks (PSBs) for professionals from the private sector has kicked off animated coffee-table discussions in the banking circles over the pros and cons of such a move. Let me try to summarise their ideas and concerns, while throwing in a few of my own unsolicited suggestions on the way forward. First, a quick recap. In the first week of October, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet revised the guidelines for the selection of wholetime directors at public-sector banks, superseding all earlier norms. Under the new guidelines, private sector candidates can apply for one of the four managing director positions at the State Bank of India, MD and chief executive officer (CEO) posts at 11 nationalised banks, as well as at least one executive director (ED) position at four large nationalised banks with at least Rs 10 trillion worth of business. The selection process will involve 'open' advertisement both from private- and public-sector candidates. All terms and conditions, including the 'salary package' for such positions, will be decided by the central government from time to time. Historically, the public sector banking industry has been serving the role of a blood bank when it comes to saving troubled private banks or nurturing them. The current list of public sector bankers heading private banks include Prashant Kumar (Yes Bank Ltd), Partha Pratim Sengupta (Bandhan Bank Ltd), R Subramaniakumar (RBL Bank Ltd), B Ramesh Babu (Karur Vysya Bank), Salee Sukumaran Nair (Tamilnad Mercantile Bank Ltd), Amitava Chatterjee (Jammu and Kashmir Bank Ltd) and Sanjeev Nautiyal (Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Ltd) Quite a few issues need to be sorted to make this experiment a success. First, the pay structure of the PSBs is linked to the Indian Administrative Service. The chairman of SBI, the nation's largest lender and the only Indian bank among the top 50 global banks in terms of assets, is entitled to level-17 pay scale -- equivalent to an IAS officer of the rank of secretary in a ministry. MD & CEO of other banks and MDs of SBI get the level-16 salary -- that of an additional secretary. Incidentally, junior and mid-management employees in PSBs enjoy higher salaries (and job security) than their counterparts in the private sector, but the trend is reversed at the top end. Even a relatively small private bank CEO can earn as much as 20 times what the boss of a large PSB makes. Typically, the package includes salary, bonus, variable pay, incentives and stock options. PSBs generally have fixed pay scales, negotiated through industrywide wage settlement, less aggressive performance incentives, and more uniform increments. They pay more to their employees than their private peers until the executives reach the top. Yet, another critical factor is the retirement age. At PSBs, it is 60. At SBI, if the chairman takes over the mantle in the late 50s and even when the person is close to 60, the executive can continue beyond 60 till the term ends. In the private sector, one can remain in the saddle till 70, subject to the approval of the board and clearance by the Reserve Bank of India. There are at least two examples -- Aditya Puri of HDFC Bank Ltd and Romesh Sobti of IndusInd Bank Ltd -- who continued to be at the helm till they turned 70. Against this backdrop, how easy or difficult is it for a PSB to attract talent from the private sector? Also, do they need leaders from the private sector at all? The answer to the second question first: Yes, the entry of private bankers, particularly with global experience will add value to PSBs. On the face of it, there is nothing much to differentiate between a private bank and a PSB -- in terms of products, process and technology. Some of the large PSBs, particularly SBI, have great technology platforms. But there are areas such as cash management, trade finance, investment banking, wealth management, etc, where the PSBs can do better with experts imported from the market. The PSBs' customer base may have been swelling through Jan Dhan and other low-value accounts, but not all of them have been able to attract the affluent class to bank with them. A few PSBs have global subsidiaries. Bankers with global expertise can certainly help them manage overseas business better. A few PSBs have been recruiting from the market for certain businesses. The experiment has succeeded in some cases, failed in some. Why? This leads to the most critical aspect of the private bankers' entry into the public sector -- the culture. Their salary cannot be delinked from that of the IAS as the government cannot have separate rules for the chief of SBI and, say, Coal India Ltd -- both are PSUs. But there are ways to tackle the salary issue. For instance, the banks can aggregate all costs attached to a post -- housing, car, foreign travel allowance and other perks, besides salary -- and introduce a cost-to-company or CTC concept. If that happens, one can count the money. Also, the performance-linked incentives can be finetuned to ensure handsome reward for performers. Culture is something which cannot be changed overnight. There are many dimensions to it. The senior PSB executives may not get excited to welcome bosses from the private sector with open arms. Even if they are welcome, private sector bankers may find it difficult to ride the animal. They may also want to change everything overnight, which will not go down well with the institutions. Remember, when it comes to the top management, all PSBs are not of the same genre, even though they are majority owned by the government. For instance, barring a few exceptions, the chairman and MDs at SBI are always chosen from the homebred cadre, all of whom are rooted in the same culture. So, the change of guard does not lead to any shakeout in the policies and strategies of the institution. But at the nationalised banks, the MD & CEO often comes from another bank; ditto with the EDs. The new entrants' approach to business can be different from the predecessors. But unlike a private bank, where important business decisions can be changed at the drop of a hat once there is a change of guard, in the public sector, decision-making is process-led. This is good, but it can also lead to avoidable delay, and the bank can miss the bus. At the same time, as they are process-driven and based on consensus, the results are sustainable. Then, there are of course the three Cs -- CBI, CVC and CAG. Call it colonial hangover or whatever you may, the PSBs are typically hierarchy-driven. Privileges such as separate elevators, dining halls, toilets, floors for the senior management, etc, are cherished. These are intangibles that the ranks aspire for. In the private sector, there is a more open culture of communication and shared infrastructure. At the same time, often the boss takes the call, not necessarily backed by intense discussions or a rigorous process. The public sector invests a lot in capacity building through training and infrastructure, whereas the private sector is bottom line-focused. The social charter of PSBs also makes a big cultural difference. Almost every PSB employee serves in a rural branch, unlike the private sector, where employees may never move out of one business and city all their life. If we can assimilate the best of both, that would be an ideal situation. A competent private banker can run a PSB well, and vice versa. Finally, how does the government attract talent? Robert Rubin, co-chairman of Goldman Sachs, joined the Bill Clinton administration first as the director of the National Economic Council, and then secretary of the US treasury, in the 1990s. Money is not the only hook, the scale and stature can also attract the right candidates. But to make it successful, the government must have patience. It cannot open the window just for one round and shut it, which it had done a decade back. Tamal Bandyopadhyay is an author and senior advisor to the Jana Small Finance Bank Ltd. His latest book: Roller Coaster: An Affair with Banking. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff 'It is not looking at valuation, but investment, growth and ultimately better profit for stakeholders.' Photograph: Mahipal Soni/Rediff UAE-based Emirates NBD PJSC has entered into an agreement with Mumbai-based RBL Bank to invest Rs 26,850 crore (around $3 billion) for a stake of up to 60 per cent, marking the largest cross-border investment in an Indian private bank. RBL Bank's Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer R Subramaniakumar spoke to Subrata Panda/Business Standard in an interview in Mumbai. How are you looking to use the funds that will come into the bank for growth? Currently, we are focusing on getting the transaction completed. But, we have a broad plan to guide our next steps. Our focus will be on developing more profitable products, expanding our credit card portfolio with personalised offerings, and enhancing distribution by increasing our branch network from 569 to around 1,000-1,200 branches over time. This will help mobilise more deposits. Additionally, the capabilities of our existing corporate and commercial banking verticals will be strengthened. Our aim is to increase our market share from the current 0.5 per cent to around 1 per cent. There are new areas we can foray into, including cross-border transactions, trade finance, wealth management, and digital payments business along the West Asia-India corridor as a result of the investment. Will there be a change in management, following merger with Emirates NBD India branches and it coming along as a promoter? I don't believe it will materially impact anything, as the number of people in their branches is quite small. So, you will lead the bank for the foreseeable future? My term has been renewed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), which reflects the confidence it has in me. I believe the board shares this confidence as well. My focus remains on the 31,000 employees at the bank, ensuring their productivity, efficiency, and overall contribution. Since RBL will be Emirates NBD's listed subsidiary in India, so its stake cannot go below 51 per cent? It is a long-term investor. It has made it clear that it would come in for at least 15-20 years. It is not looking at valuation, but investment, growth and ultimately better profit for stakeholders. Will you now look to get into other financial services businesses, such as insurance and asset management, among others? Right now, these things are there in the corner of our mind. Naturally, when our ambition is to be in the league of large banks, we would look at the other areas in financial services. We do have an ambition to become a financial conglomerate. But right now, we are not focused on that. What made you go with Emirates NBD? Our intention was to raise substantial capital for the bank's long-term growth. While evaluating opportunities, we considered whether to raise it in tranches or in a single go. And overall, we found the latter to be a viable option. Was there a soft signal from the regulator, or the government that they are comfortable with this deal? We approached this by consulting people who are familiar with regulatory processes. In fact, the chairman of our board was part of RBI earlier, giving him a solid understanding of how things work. As a result, we received extensive feedback. We had a feeling that, although it is difficult to do, it might work out. How much will Emirates NBD eventually hold in the bank? We think that it will be up to 60 per cent, and following the merger of the branches, some additional shares will be allotted to it. How long do you think it will take to get regulatory approvals for the transaction? We can't give a specific timeline because it is in the domain of the regulators and the government. But we feel all the approvals should be in place within 6-8 months. Disclaimer: This article is meant for information purposes only. This article and information do not constitute a distribution, an endorsement, an investment advice, an offer to buy or sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities/schemes or any other financial products/investment products mentioned in this article to influence the opinion or behaviour of the investors/recipients. Any use of the information/any investment and investment related decisions of the investors/recipients are at their sole discretion and risk. Any advice herein is made on a general basis and does not take into account the specific investment objectives of the specific person or group of persons. Opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff The government is developing ports across the country as centres for green hydrogen production and export, Sarbananda Sonowal, minister of ports, shipping and waterways (MoPSW) said on Tuesday. Photograph: Denis Balibouse/Reuters Across the country, over 12 million tonnes of green hydrogen-based e-fuel capacity has been announced. "Our ports are evolving into centers of green hydrogen production, bunkering, and export. "With unique geography along the key global trade routes, India is well-placed to be a hub for green shipping corridors, connecting domestic and international markets through clean energy trade, Sonowal said during the India Maritime Week (IMW) in Mumbai. Speaking at the same event, Shipping ministrys secretary Vijay Kumar said India is becoming a key player in the green hydrogen economy and tenders by the Solar Energy Corporation of India are catalysing cost-competitive green fuel production with cost as low as $571 per tonne of green ammonia, one of the lowest prices globally. Several ministers at IMW 2025 have expressed their interest in importing green ammonia, green fuels from India. "We have the potential to become the suppliers of green hydrogen to the world, that is what we are working on, Kumar said. India has already launched green shipping corridors. Recently, the government approved Rs 69,725 crore ($8 billion) investment to revitalise Indias shipbuilding and maritime ecosystem. This move lays a strong foundation of a golden era in Indias maritime sector, positioning India among the top five maritime nations by 2047, Sonowal said. The government has also announced Rs 19,989 crore budgetary support for the shipbuilding development scheme between FY26-FY36. Sagarmala Finance Corporation Ltd, Indias first maritime-focused NBFC, and the maritime development fund with a Rs 25,000 crore corpus are designed to finance Indias maritime sector and for its green transformation, the minister added. He also said as part of the national vision of achieving Net Zero by 2070, India aims to reduce carbon emission per tonne of cargo by 30 per cent by 2030 and 70 per cent by 2047. Flagship initiatives like the Sagarmala Program, Maritime Vision 2030, Harit Sagar Guidelines, and Maritime Amrit Kal Vision 2047 are leading this transformation. Kumar also said the government has carved out a roadmap to boost green energy uptake in Indias maritime sector. Around 60 per cent of power at our major ports should come from renewables by 2030. "We are already on a roadmap to achieve it. Major ports have already been told to electrify more than 50 per cent of their vessels, vehicles, and equipment by 2030 and over 90 per cent by 2047 along with energy consumption reduction and green building norms for new infrastructure. MoUs signed for Vadhavan Port, Adani to invest Rs 53,000 crore Indias largest private port operator Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) today signed two memorandums of understanding (MoU) of Rs 53,000 crore to invest in Vadhavan Port. The company signed an MoU of Rs 26,500 crore for intent to participate at the ports offshore projects and another MoU for development of container terminals with investment of additional Rs 26,500 crore. On Monday, APSEZ had signed an MoU to invest Rs 43,500 crore for the expansion of Dighi Port in Maharashtra. Indian Railway Finance Corporation also signed an MoU to extend financial support for the Vadhavan project to the tune of Rs 20,000 crore. Evergreen Marine Pvt Ltd, a Taiwanese shipping firm also signed an MoU worth Rs 10,000 crore for the intent of developing terminals at Vadhavan Port. Additionally, UAE-based port operator Gulftainer Company signed an MoU worth Rs 4,000 crore for intent to develop terminals at Vadhavan. The port project, valued at Rs 76,220 crore, is estimated to become one of the top 10 ports across the globe once completed. Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) holds 74 per cent in the project, while the rest is held by the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB). It will be Indias 13th major and largest container port. The first phase of the project is estimated to be completed by 2029. The port will possess a cargo-handling capacity of 298 million metric tonnes (MMT) per annum, including around 23.2 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). The all-weather greenfield deep draft port is coming up in Palghar district of Maharashtra, and is being developed under a model with terminals built through public-private partnerships (PPP). The Inland Waterways Authority of India signed multiple memoranda of understanding with states, public sector and private sector entities for investments upwards of Rs 35,000 crore these include operationalising the National Waterway-5, induction of inland cargo vessels with Germanys Rhenus Logistics, and development of waterways in the Rann of Kutch. Moreover, Paradip Port Authority in Odisha also signed pacts worth over Rs 7,000 crore to develop green ammonia hubs at the port with renewable energy companies such as Avaada. The port is among three major Indian ports (owned by the Centre) which have been recognised as green hydrogen hubs under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci) has sought urgent steps to clear the huge backlog of income-tax appeals, simplify tax deducted at source (TDS) compliance, and ensure tax neutrality for fast-track demergers, during its consultation with Revenue Secretary Arvind Shrivastava ahead of the Union Budget 2026-27. Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff Ficci told the finance ministry that nearly 540,000 appeals involving Rs 18.16 trillion are pending before Commissioners of Income Tax (Appeals) [CIT(A)], a situation that undermines the intent of the faceless appeals mechanism introduced in 2021. The chamber urged the government to set time-bound disposal targets, fill 40 per cent vacancies at the CIT(A) level, and adopt a dual-track system to fast-track simple or low-value cases while allowing detailed scrutiny for complex ones. It also suggested automatic approval of virtual hearings within two weeks and refund or stay of demand where appeals remain pending for over two years without taxpayer fault. To ease working capital pressure, Ficci recommended rationalising the stay of demand rules. It said that despite the Central Board of Directors Taxes circular capping the pre-deposit at 20 per cent, refunds are often adjusted by the Central Processing Centre even against stayed demands. The chamber proposed real-time integration between assessing officers and the CPC to prevent such mismatches, and allowing taxpayers to provide bank guarantees or indemnities in lieu of cash deposits. The industry body also pressed for tax neutrality for fast-track demergers under Section 233 of the Companies Act, 2013, arguing that denying such treatment defeats the governments ease of doing business objectives and clogs the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) with small intra-group cases. "... The government should reconsider its views and include reference to Section 233 of the Companies Act 2013 in Section 2(35) of the Income-Tax Act (ITA) 2025 to provide tax neutrality to fast-track demergers," Ficci said in its recommendation. On TDS, Ficci said the current structure with 37 separate provisions ranging from 0.1 per cent to 30 per cent adds unnecessary compliance burden. It proposed reducing them to three broad rate slabs and exempting B2B (Business-to-Business) payments already covered under goods and services tax (GST). Ficci also urged the government to clarify that foreign original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) storing components in India for just-in-time manufacturing should not be treated as having a business connection as many foreign OEMs remain hesitant to deploy their most-advanced machinery and technology in India. It also requested to restore the existing transfer pricing definition of Associated Enterprise in the new ITA 2025 to avoid fresh litigations. On the Customs side, it sought additional Customs Authority for Advance Rulings offices in the South and East of India, and a centralised digital repository for trade notices to improve transparency. India's new climate pledge to the UN could be weakened by its growing use of coal, even as the country plans a 2035 roadmap to cut emissions and boost clean energy. Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff India's international climate commitments are tied to its domestic policies, much like other nations' -- so much so that the government has tried to time reforms in the electricity and emission sectors with its periodic pledges on emission reduction initiatives to the United Nations. But what threatens to muddle a new round of commitments that promise to scrub the country's skies partly free of pollutants by 2035 is the rebound of coal as a primary fuel of development. India plans to submit its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) to the UNFCCC, the global climate body, by COP 30, the latest edition of the annual climate meeting that is to be held in Brazil next month, a senior government official said. The NDC, a document containing emission reduction targets and action plans -- will cover the five-year period ending 2035, after the current NDC expires in 2030. New Delhi has made repeated stabs at reforming the power sector, the country's biggest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and on carbon trading mechanisms, both in 2022, when India submitted its first NDC under the Paris Accord, an international climate treaty, and this year prior to the second NDC. Power sector reforms have faced a pushback but the country is ready to launch a Carbon Credit Trading Scheme next year. The upcoming Indian Carbon Market is expected to accelerate decarbonisation for the Indian industries and other relevant sectors, said Pallavi Das and Vaibhav Chaturvedi from the Council On Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), a New Delhi-based leading global climate think tank. But, unlike in the previous climate round, coal threatens to cloud the prospects of India's new NDC. In 2022, the country's new draft power generation plan proposed to add an additional coal-based capacity of up to 28 Gw by the financial year 2032. Current plans foresee boosting coal additions to well over 80 Gw. UK-based publisher Energy Intelligence quoted petroleum secretary Pankaj Jain telling an audience in London that coal will remain very significant in India's energy mix for 10-15 years, even though the share of renewables will grow. Smokestacks from coal-fired generators contributed the most to India's 3 billion tonnes in carbon dioxide emissions from energy production in 2024, accounting for an 8 per cent share of global carbon dioxide emissions, and over twice the share of India's GDP in the global economy. India's on-year emission growth of 4 per cent in 2024 was faster than China's 1.2 per cent and America's decline of 0.8 per cent. It is in this context that Indian policymakers will draw up a new NDC, which is nine months over a February deadline. India should focus on more ambitious emission intensity targets and clearly define the year in which its emissions are expected to peak, in line with its 2070 net-zero commitment,'' said Gaurav Upadhyay, energy finance specialist, India Sustainable Finance for Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), a US thinktank. Establishing a clear peak year is critical to charting a practical and transparent pathway toward net-zero emissions. The key point from our research is that the 500 GW target puts India on track to peak power sector emissions before 2030,'' said Lauri Myllyvirta, lead analyst, Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), a leading global energy thinktank. It would be important to extend that target to maintain the same rate of clean power additions out to 2035. This is also essential to support India's ambition in building up the domestic manufacturing base for solar power and other key clean energy technologies. Unlike most developed nations that target absolute greenhouse gas emissions, India measures carbon intensity levels, a stepdown approach but more in line with India's development metrics. Carbon intensity measures emissions per unit of GDP, a metric that does not directly constrain emissions as a whole. Kindly note the image have only been published for representational purposes. Photograph: Kind courtesy, Pete Linforth/Pixabay New commitment Under the Paris climate accord, a legally binding treaty on climate change that intends to keep temperature gains well-below 2C from pre-industrial levels by the end of this century, participating nations must submit NDCs every five years, with the hope that the climate ambitions will increase over time. That process is now in its third round with a February deadline pushed to September. Over 60 countries including China announced or submitted NDCs, covering half of global emissions, but India, Indonesia, Korea Mexico and the EU are yet to do so, UN records show. The US, the world's second-largest emitter, has withdrawn from the Paris Agreement. India's ongoing NDC, also delayed by two years, came in the form of a terse four-page document on 26 August, 2022, offering no clarity on sector-specific goals or financing. The delay in updating India's NDC likely reflects complex policy decisions and the need for coordination across sectors, Upadhyay said. Besides sectoral ministries and the environment ministry, the Prime Minister's Office and the external affairs ministry play a key role, a senior official said. The world's third-biggest emitter committed to reducing the emissions intensity of its GDP to 45 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030 in the 2022 update to its first (pre-Paris accord) NDC, submitted in 2015, which targeted a 33-35 per cent cut. India also committed to half its installed generating capacity to be made up of non-fossil fuel sources by 2030. India has already achieved generating capacity targets. Fresh analysis by the CEEW projects that India's energy sector emission intensity could decrease by 4857 per cent by 2030 compared with 2005 levels. India's emission intensity has typically reduced at a rate of 1-2 per cent annually in the past but action on decarbonisation has picked up amid schemes like Renewable Energy Certificates and Perform Achieve Trade, Das said. China's NDC Comparisons with China's NDC are inevitable. China's plans to cut economy-wide net greenhouse gas emissions by 7-10 per cent falls far short of what would be required to align with the Paris Agreement of at least 30 per cent from 2024 levels, said Belinda Schappe, a China policy analyst at CREA. China's target for solar and wind capacity of 3,600 Gw by 2035 would mean a sharp slowdown from the current annual additions of 360 Gw, Schappe said. Also, China has not defined a peak level for emissions, leaving space for pollutants to grow. Schappe and other experts contend that China's targets will be substantially overachieved. This NDC should be seen as a floor, not a ceiling, for China's ambition, said Myllyvirta. What's also noteworthy in China's new pledge is an absolute target for all greenhouse gases, a departure from the approach of targeting carbon intensity levels. However, India will continue to stick with emission intensity targets. But achieving net zero emissions will also require a long-term strategy that captures its decarbonisation plans, something that was due after the previous NDC in 2022, and is still missing. Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff The BJP's MoSha leadership are past masters in encouraging defections from their allies if it helped their party capture the chief minister's chair. In Bihar, they are not sure if JD-U MPs and MLAs would be willing to cross over to the BJP if the Nitish leadership came on top -- and the NDA crossed the halfway mark together, observes N Sathiya Moorthy. IMAGE: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar bows down to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a rally for the Bihar assembly elections in Samastipur, October 24, 2025. Photograph: Narendra Modi Photo Gallery/ANI Photo Ironical, but true. Despite being together at it through the past five years and more, rival electoral alliances in Bihar have shot themselves in the foot, making guess-work about their victory, as much and nothing more. The ruling Janata Dal-United-led Bharatiya Janata Party-National Democratic Alliance has decided not to project incumbent Nitish Kumar or any other as their chief ministerial candidate. In the rival Mahagathbandan, the Congress partner delayed acknowledging Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav as the chief ministerial candidate until after the last minute. The issues are slightly different, but the perception that both sides have left behind is one of post-poll instability. This is significant as Bihar, despite external criticism to the contrary, has had a stable government for the past 20 years and more. In the present instance, Patna-based political commentators say their people would not cause a 'hung assembly', as visualised elsewhere. IMAGE: Union Home Minister Amit Shah at a rally for the Bihar assembly elections in Khagaria, October 25, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo The NDA's problem centres around the ruling BJP at the Centre wanting to have its own chief minister. In the last assembly elections, the BJP won the second largest seat-share behind the RJD, but allowed the JD-U's Nitish Kumar to continue as CM. In the 243-seat assembly, the two major allies are contesting 101 seats each, leaving the rest to lesser partners, implying that it still has to be a coalition government if they won. If the BJP wants the CM post, even if on a five-year rotation, after Nitish has completed his turn, they should have spelt it out, both to the JD-U and in public. Their indecision in the matter hinges on the theoretical possibility of the JD-U winning more seats than the BJP -- that is if the rival alliance did not capture power. In private at least, they could tell the JD-U that Nitish's health was failing and he might not be able to pull along this way until the Lok Sabha polls of 2029. IMAGE: Narendra Modi, Nitish Kumar and Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas chief Chirag Paswan at the election rally in Samastipur, October 24, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo But there is a problem. The BJP's MoSha leadership are past masters in encouraging defections from their own allies, if it helped their party to capture the chief minister's chair. In this case, the NDA government at the Centre is dependent on the twin support of the JD-U from Bihar and the Telugu Desam Party in Andhra Pradesh. From the looks of it, the BJP has accepted the TDP's leadership of the three-party coalition in Andhra, where actor-politician, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, forms the third hand. Indications are that the BJP would endorse Chandrababu Naidu's plans to elevate his ministerial son Nara Lokesh as his successor. But in Bihar, they are using a different yardstick as Nitish does not have an effective politician for a son or nephew. So, they look at the post-poll operations in Bihar with ease and confidence, but are not sure if the JD-U members of the Lok Sabha and also the new state assembly would be willing to cross over to the BJP if the Nitish leadership came on top -- and the NDA had crossed the halfway mark together. And clearly, Nitish is not yielding, at least as of now. So, the two allies are already looking at the post-poll scenario, assuming that they had won the elections. This brings with it certain impediments at the grassroots-level for the two parties. The temptation for the two of them to try and win more seats than the other within the NDA could cause a situation in which, their cadres cross-work and their supporters cross-vote, or stay at home. Those instructions might go down the line only at the last minute. It had happened in other states like Tamil Nadu, where the DMK-Congress alliance cross-voted to ensure that the former depended on the latter for a majority in 1980, while they were in the Opposition in the state, and in 2011, when the DMK was in power. IMAGE: Modi at an election rally in Begusarai, October 24, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo Against such a scenario in the NDA, in the Mahagathbandan the over-ambition of the Congress and their delaying tactic in accepting Tejashwi as chief ministerial candidate spoke volumes. Incidentally, they don't use the national acronym of 'INDIA' in Bihar. The state Congress has been seemingly enthused by the crowds that gathered for Rahul Gandhi's Voter Adhikar Yatra. Addressing the constant complaint that the party had scored low in the 2020 election by winning only 19 of the 70 seats contested, Congress leaders claimed that they were allotted 'unwinnable seats' that the RJD did not want to risk contesting. This time they got only 61 seats, but they claim they are 'winnable'. The implication is that the Congress would continue to be the second largest partner in the combine and with more seats than the last time. The idea is to use the numbers to leverage ministerial numbers and portfolios -- if the Magathbandan won. IMAGE: Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav addresses a press conference in Patna. Photograph: ANI Photo On paper, some put the RJD combine ahead of the NDA, given the anti-incumbency factor against Nitish Kumar's long years as chief minister, and his physical debilities that have been on show wherever and whenever he appeared in public. The BJP is actually betting on this, but the possibility of the party leading a post-poll government is expected to consolidate minorities behind the rival combine. Unlike in some other states, no one is expecting a 'majority consolidation' in favour of the BJP. Instead, there are apprehensions that Nitish Kumar's Kurmi community may resort to strategic voting in constituencies where the JD-U is not contesting. Will they then vote the RJD-combine or at least for the non-RJD allies in the combine in constituencies where the party is not in the fray? The woes of the Mahagathbandan does not end there. While it goes without saying that the Congress will have a deputy CM, whose name Delhi will decide after similar confusion post-poll, the joint declaration of Vikassheel Insaan Party chief Mukesh Sahni as the first deputy CM has ruffled many feathers. In particular, the anti-BJP Muslim vote-bank is said to be upset that Tejashwi in particular has let down the community in the choice of deputy CM. There are apprehensions that the Mahagathbandan is giving Sahni too much of importance, despite his not proving his electoral worth the last time round. The Muslim mood in turn has pressured the Congress to settle for a Muslim as its choice of deputy CM -- if the alliance won. Such a possibility has upset many Congress leaders in the state who are from other castes and communities and were eyeing the job. IMAGE: Jan Suraaj Party chief Prashant Kishor. Photograph: ANI Photo The general apprehension now is that the glossed-over chasm in the two camps could become a hot topic for local and localised discussions in constituency after constituency ahead of the two-phase polls on November 6 and 11. How the scales tilt would be interesting to watch, but the tilt would happen, after all. There is intense speculation about the ability of poll strategist Prasant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party. Earlier, the Mahagathbandan had hoped that Prashant Kishor being a Brahmin, the JSP would cut into the BJP's community vote-bank. Party second-line leaders and PK's Delhi-based journalist friends had hoped that either he would win a substantial number of seats to be able to be the 'king-maker' in a hung assembly or cut substantially into the vote-bank of the rival alliances and decide individual results at the constituency-results without the party possibly winning no seat. According to some experts, by deciding not to contest the election, PK may have blotted his copy-book with retrospective effect, in matters of psephology and poll-strategising for third parties like the BJP (2014), DMK (Tamil Nadu) and Trinamool Congress (West Bengal). IMAGE: Modi and Bharatiya Janata Party national President Jagat Prakash Nadda chair the BJP's central election committee meeting for the Bihar assembly elections 2025 at the party headquarters in New Delhi. Photograph: @BJP4India X/ANI Photo Ironically, the BJP is in an advantageous situation than the national-level Congress rival in future electoral negotiations elsewhere. Especially in Tamil Nadu, where the DMK ally is dependent on the Congress to retain the minority votes and the image of a strong and secure alliance, Chief Minister M K Stalin should feel uncomfortable at the turn of events in Bihar. Assembly polls are due in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, West Bengal and Assam next summer. Congress leaders in Tamil Nadu are already talking about identifying 125 of the total 234 constituencies for seat-sharing talks. Some state-level leaders are also talking about post-poll coalition government, if they won, and maybe a deputy CM job for the Congress. These Congress leaders hope to rope in the likes of VCK, CPI, CPM and other minor allies, including the IUML, for a joint effort at seat-sharing. The talks of the Congress short-listing 125 constituencies has to be seen in this context, too -- telling the DMK leader that with a substantial number of seats for them all, they would divide it among themselves, peacefully. IMAGE: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, Congress MPs Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, Bihar Congress President Rajesh Kumar, Rashtriya Janata Party leader Tejashwi Yadav and CPI-ML L General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya during the Voter Adhikar Yatra in Muzaffarpur. Photograph: AICC/ANI Photo The DMK is unlikely to yield. Like the rival AIADMK, the party actually believes that Tamil Nadu votes only for a stable, single-party government, and indications of a post-poll coalition dispensation only works against such a combine. In particular, they refer to the 1980 assembly elections where in desperation to get rid of the MGR-led AIADMK, DMK chief and Stalin's late father M Karunanidhi yielded 114 seats for the Congress, retaining only 112 for his party. Eight seats went to the IUML (6) and Independents (2). With the cut-off mark of 117, the idea was that neither party would be able to desert the other in government-formation. At the grassroots-level, the cadres of the two parties worked at cross-purposes. The DMK worked to reduce the dependence on the Congress, which in turn wanted to increase such dependence, post-poll. In the post-poll analysis, the alliance lost, also owing to this internal squabble that run deeper and broader than the respective leaderships had bargained for. IMAGE: Movie star and founder of the Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam Vijay addresses a gathering during an event in Chennai. Photograph: ANI Photo This time round, the DMK in particular points to the weakened Congress position, of possessing less than five per cent vote-share. They say that they needed the party more for the anti-BJP, pro-minority image that the two of them create together, that too in the company of the two communist parties, the VCK, MDMK, etc. The DMK is keenly waiting for the Bihar poll results to assess the mood of the Congress party. If the Mahagathbandan won, or even if the Congress won a respectable number of seats, the party could talk tough in Tamil Nadu. Likewise, the rival AIADMK is uncomfortable negotiating seat-sharing with the BJP partner in the NDA, which could resort to arm-twisting on seat-sharing, especially if it won the Bihar polls, and the party gets the chief minister's job too. It may apply to the infant TVK of actor-politician Vijay, especially after the Karur stampede claiming 41 lives, and the Supreme Court transferring the investigations to the CBI, with a three-member team supervising the latter. For starters, the TVK and Vijay would be in the national news more than already, with a lot of negativity to boot. Again, that too depends on the BJP's post-poll position in Bihar. N Sathiya Moorthy, veteran journalist and author, is a Chennai-based policy analyst and political commentator. Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff 'Sometimes I wonder whether the meeting really happened. Everything seems like a dream from which I do not want to wake up.' IMAGE: Durai Selvam, extreme right, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute in New Delhi, October 11, 2025. Photograph: Kind courtesy Durai Selvam On the 11 th of October, a special Krishi programme was held at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute in New Delhi where 10 farmers from across the country got an opportunity to meet and talk to the prime minister of India. Durai Selvam, a 44-year-old fisherman from the Andaman and Nicobar islands, was one among them. "I spoke to the PM about deep sea fishing facilities because if we wanted a good harvest of tuna, we had to go deep into the sea," he tells Rediff's Shobha Warrier. An unexpected call from the fisheries department Two days before meeting the prime minister in New Delhi, I got a call from the local fisheries department to inform me that I was chosen by the PMO to go to Delhi to meet the PM. I thought it was a prank call! Who would think of going to Delhi and meeting the prime minister of the country when you cannot even get a chance to meet local politicians! But the call was not a prank, it indeed was from the Andamans fisheries department! Of course, I said I would like to grab the opportunity. After that, everything worked like clockwork precision. Reaching Delhi to meet the prime minister The fisheries department had arranged my stay, and on the day of meeting the PM, I was taken to the Indian Agricultural Research Institute. I was under the impression that I was the only person called to Delhi. When I reached there, I saw that there were 10 of us from different parts of India. I was the only person from the marine sector. The others had a chicken farm, a pig farm, etc. I thought we would be taken inside the PM's office to meet the PM. They said, no, we could not go to the PM's office, and he would come to meet us. We were told the prime minister would come by 10:30 but we had assembled much early. Then they instructed us on what we should do and where we should stand, etc. I had wanted to take something from the Andamans to gift to the PM but I was strictly told that we could not carry anything with us. IMAGE: Modi with the farmers at the IARC. Photograph: Kind courtesy Narendra Modi/X Then the PM came... We were all very nervous and tense as we had no experience of meeting a man holding such a high position. I thought I would not be able to open my mouth. As we were told, we just stood where we were asked to. But then the PM said, 'chaliye, chalte chalte baat karenge...' That was a big icebreaker. All of us started walking with him and somehow, he made us all relaxed and calm. I was standing away from him and he called me to come closer. Having a conversation with the PM He said Namaste and then asked me in Hindi where I was from. Since I knew Hindi, I answered in Hindi that I was from the Andamans. 'Aap kya karte hain wahan?' he asked. I told him I was from a family of fishermen for three generations, and that I had four fishing boats. He recalled his visit to the Andamans and said he loved the islands. He then asked me whether we had benefitted from the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. I told him, 'Sir, because of your programmes we go for fishing every day. Before that, only when we got ice, we went to the sea. And sometimes, it took two weeks for us to get ice. Till the scheme was implemented, there was no cold storage in the Andamans. Because of the subsidy offered by the scheme that the cold storages and ice plants started in Andamans. It has helped us fishermen a lot. We are grateful to you.' He was so happy to hear that the scheme had helped the fishermen in the Andamans. IMAGE: Durai Selvam at the IARC. Photograph: Kind courtesy Durai Selvam Andamans as the tuna export hub of India It was then that he said we should concentrate on tuna as there is a huge market outside India. The fact is there is no market for tuna in the Andamans. Everybody is talking about the Andamans as the tuna export hub but we have no idea how to handle tuna. Yes, there was a lot of talk going on in the islands about deep-sea fishing of tuna and exports but nothing concrete has been done. So, I told him that we needed a deep-sea fishing training facility, extension of the fishing harbour, a fish processing unit and subsidy in diesel. If we have to export tuna today, we need to send it by air or ship and it is very expensive, beyond our means. We do not have the proper infrastructure to do exports. For example, we need large cold storage plants. Right now, there is no place to store tuna. We do not bring tuna from the sea because there is no local market and also, there is no cold storage facility. We have to sell tuna for Rs 70 locally when the market price outside is Rs 2,000-Rs 3,000. That's why I spoke to the PM about deep sea fishing facilities because if we wanted a good harvest of tuna, we had to go deep into the sea. Of course, unlike in the other coasts of India, Andaman coasts have lots of tuna. But unless we have proper infrastructure, tuna exports are not going to happen. IMAGE: Durai Selvam's fishing boat. Photograph: Kind courtesy Durai Selvam True blessing of God I never ever imagined that the prime minister of the country would stand so close to us and talk to us normally. He never made us feel that he was the prime minister and we were just ordinary people. He spent time with each and every one of us asking questions, listening to whatever we had to say. He was so normal and friendly with us that we felt relaxed. It was because he was so friendly that I could have a conversation with him without being nervous. I have seen hundreds and thousands of people standing in line to have a glimpse of the prime minister and there I was standing next to him and talking to him! I consider this opportunity as a true blessing of God. A hero back home Once I was back home, everybody wanted to talk to me and listen to my experience of talking to the PM. I became a kind of hero with the media interviewing me, everybody wanting to take pictures with me, felicitating me with ponnada! I couldn't believe this was happening to me. Sometimes I wonder whether the meeting really happened. Everything seems like a dream from which I do not want to wake up. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff 'The heat shield technology for re-entry vehicles was first mastered in DRDO for the Agni missile.' 'This is why the Americans were so opposed to Agni in the 1980s, unlike other missiles -- it was a re-entry vehicle.' IMAGE: The Defence Research and Development Organisation successfully flight tests the new generation Agni P ballistic missile, in Balasore. Photograph: ANI Photo Professor M Vidyasagar, FRS, is a Distinguished Professor at IIT Hyderabad. He earned his BS, MS, and PhD in electrical engineering from the University of Wisconsin. His distinguished career includes academic positions at universities in the USA and Canada, followed by leadership roles as Director of India's Centre for AI and Robotics and Executive VP at Tata Consultancy Services. He held a chaired professorship at the University of Texas in Dallas before his current position. IMAGE: The LCA Tejas Mk1A takes off on its maiden flight at Hindustan Aeronautics Laboratory in Nashik, October 17, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo A major feather in the cap of his team at the Centre for AI and Robotics is the creation of world class digital control software for the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas indigenously. His research interests span stochastic algorithms, convex/nonconvex optimization, reinforcement learning, and machine learning, with recent work focusing on the theoretical foundations of stochastic gradient descent and Large Language Models. Professor Vidyasagar, a prolific author of 13 books and over 160 peer-reviewed research papers, was appointed a Fellow of IEEE (the largest professional engineering body in the globe) for his advanced contributions to Control Systems at a very young age. His groundbreaking contributions have been recognized with numerous prestigious honours, including Fellowship of The Royal Society (FRS), the IEEE Control Systems Award, the Rufus Oldenburger Medal (ASME), and the John R Ragazzini Education Award (AACC). He is also a Fellow of multiple national academies in India and a recipient of a SERB National Science Chair. "I believe a significant handicap is that the critical need for our own technology to win wars has never been burned into the memory of our government and armed forces. But let's look at the positive achievements. The nuclear submarine, the aircraft carrier, the Tejas fighter, and the guided missiles programme -- including newer missiles and the excellent BrahMos joint venture -- are all visible, major system successes," Professor M Vidyasagar tells Shivanand Kanavi. The first of a two-part must-read interview. IMAGE: DRDO successfully conducts the maiden flight test of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System off the coast of Odisha. Photograph: @rajnathsingh X/ANI Photo Thank you for your time, Professor Vidyasagar. There are many diverse things I want to talk to you about in which you have great expertise and experience. To begin with, what have been the major achievements of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)? DRDO has done extremely well in areas where it hasn't had to compete with the 'import option'. Take missiles, for example. If you want a missile, you have to build it yourself; nobody will sell it to you. This is also how ISRO succeeded -- you can't import a satellite launch vehicle. In such segments, DRDO and ISRO come out looking very good. They have good scientists, but they also aren't constantly watching their backs against import lobbies. Take for instance, the ring laser gyroscope developed by DRDO under the Integrated Guided Missile Programme. Older missiles used mechanical gyroscopes; the new laser gyroscope is far more accurate. Nobody would give that to us, so DRDO developed it indigenously. IMAGE: The indigenous MBT Arjun MK-1A tank. Photograph: DRDO/ANI Photo However, in areas where an import option exists -- like fighter jets, main battle tanks, or towed artillery guns -- the moment DRDO gets close to a solution, someone shows up offering to sell it. The sellers also have an interest in undermining DRDO. What I've never understood is what's in it for the buyers, our government of the day and armed forces? I believe a significant handicap is that the critical need for our own technology to win wars has never been burned into the memory of our government and armed forces. But let's look at the positive achievements. The nuclear submarine, the aircraft carrier, the Tejas fighter, and the guided missiles programme -- including newer missiles and the excellent BrahMos joint venture -- are all visible, major system successes. There are also numerous critical subsystems developed that aren't as visible. For example, the heat shield technology for re-entry vehicles was first mastered in DRDO for the Agni missile. This is why the Americans were so opposed to Agni in the 1980s, unlike other missiles -- it was a re-entry vehicle. We also had to master the technology of mounting printed circuit boards in these missiles that can withstand extreme shock, vibration, and temperature. The US had a far better ecosystem for spinning off military technology for civilian use --Teflon came from the space programme. DRDO could have done this, but it was stifled by financial and ideological hurdles. When Dr Kalam was director general of DRDO, we explored commercialising DRDO technology. The problem was the finance ministry was terrified that an industry might buy a license and make a fortune. Our attitude was DRDO has no mechanism for marketing, scaling up, or paying competitive salaries. If we don't commercialise, the technology will die. Let someone take a chance and commercialise it. But the officials were scared of audit objections from the CAG. Their solution was to ask for a ridiculous amount of money upfront to avoid any future allegation of underpricing. IMAGE: The Mounted Gun System indigenously developed by involving Indian industry, defence public sector units and academia, under the leadership of DRDO, displayed at the Vehicles Research and Development Establishment in Ahmednagar. Photograph: Video Grab/ANI Photo If we had adopted a model of taking a small royalty or an equity stake in the commercialising company, many small technologies could have proliferated into society. Unfortunately, that model was unthinkable in the '90s. This resistance has prevented the diffusion of many technologies. Fortunately, some groups with deep pockets like the Tatas can take chances. For instance, some drones used abroad are actually made by a small, young entrepreneurial company in Hyderabad -- not a big corporate. For example, armour-penetrating explosives could have had mining and other civilian applications. Similarly the laser gyro, heat shield etc. The commercialisation never took off because our finance people were scared to make decisions. I don't necessarily blame them; they fear audit objections. The whole system is messed up. This is also why government startup funds often go unspent -- no one wants to take the risk inherent in venture capitalism, where you expect many failures for one big success. This culture of audit objections stifles innovation, and no government, including the present one, has shown the willingness to truly understand and fix this problem. IMAGE: The Military Combat Parachute System, indigenously developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, has successfully undergone a combat free-fall jump from an altitude of 32,000 feet. Photograph: @SpokespersonMoD X/ANI Photo You were the founder director of the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR) at DRDO. Please tell me how that came about and what was achieved there. It was an interesting time. I was a professor at the University of Waterloo, Canada; at the top of my academic career, but my wife and I always wanted to return to India. In 1987, I took a sabbatical and met Dr Kalam at DRDL (Defence Research and Development Laboratory) in Hyderabad. I was struck by how hard everyone was working -- a testament to the impact of a charismatic leader. I told him I was thinking of returning to India, and he said he'd look for an opportunity. In September, just two months later, he told me that Dr V S Arunachalam, the scientific advisor to the defence minister, wanted to start a project on AI but couldn't find a leader. He asked if I would lead it. I was interested but had to finish guiding my four PhD students in Waterloo. I asked for a year's joining time, which was agreed upon. When I joined DRDO, the 'CAIR Project' had a two-year lifetime in government terms. My first task was to turn this project into a permanent establishment -- a laboratory. This required navigating bureaucracy and defining what we would do. I was met with tremendous goodwill, primarily because in 1989, the idea of a well-established academic returning to India was almost heretical. It rarely happened. We defined our areas: In artificial intelligence, we started with rule-based expert systems and quickly moved to neural networks, which had just emerged in 1986. In robotics, we coordinated with BARC's (Bhabha Atomic Research Centre) strong Division of Remote Handling and Robotics, led by the amazing Ram Kumar. We decided that anything in a radioactive environment would be handled by BARC, and anything outside that would be our domain. We were primarily an internal consultant for DRDO, not expected to build finished products but to be an in-house resource. For example, we built a fault detection expert system for a radar being developed by LRDE. We also developed a robotic system to uniformly coat the canopy of the Light Combat Aircraft with radar-absorbing material -- a critical stealth technology, as the canopy is the most reflective part of an aircraft. We also did basic research. I probably had the highest percentage of PhDs in any DRDO lab. By 1994, we had about 40 scientists and 80-85 people total, including support staff. To get hiring flexibility, we set up a non-profit society called the Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems (IRIS), with the DRDO secretary as the ex-officio chairman. This allowed us to hire on contract and pay somewhat higher salaries. Our biggest success was the control law for the LCA. It started around 1992. Girish Deodhare, who just retired as DG of ADA, was my PhD student at Waterloo and joined CAIR. Dr Kota Harinarayana was the programme director of ADA. Initially, Martin Marietta was supposed to design the control software. They would talk big but belittle Indian capabilities and refused to share design documents, only giving final numbers. Dr Kalam, who took over as DG in July '92, called a meeting -- on a Sunday -- and appointed Professor Roddam Narasimha FRS, to head a committee to decide if we could build the control law indigenously. We all said we could. These foreign companies weren't impressive technically and weren't offering a knowledge transfer. We decided to go for a state-of-the-art digital fly-by-wire control with a 32-bit floating-point processor, which was advanced for the time. Professor Narasimha recommended we do it ourselves, and Dr Kalam agreed. He appointed Professor I G Sharma of IISc as an independent assessor to report to the ADA governing council every three months. We designed the first cut of the control law in about two years. A major hurdle was computing power. Due to international restrictions, we couldn't get powerful computers in India. We rented time on a British Aerospace flight simulator in the UK. Our team would go there with the software on tapes, and our test pilots would fly the LCA control law on that simulator. Interestingly, the BAE guys, who were also working on the Eurofighter, invited our pilots to try their simulator. Our pilots later reported that they found the LCA's handling qualities to be better! The control law's quality is best attested by the fact that the LCA is the first fighter aircraft in the world to be inducted into service without a single crash during its development phase. Because it was completely in-house, and the test pilots who flew it eventually rose to senior decision-making positions in the air force, the system was well-accepted even though the import option always loomed. IMAGE: Professor Mathukumalli Vidyasagar. Photograph: Kind courtesy Professor Mathukumalli Vidyasagar IMAGE: Professor Mathukumalli Vidyasagar. The economics also flipped. In 1989, the assumption was that the LCA would be three times more expensive than a Mirage but would be ours. Twenty years later, it was not only ours but also only 25%-30% of the cost of any imported equivalent fighter alternative. There was an export market for an affordable, capable fighter, but we lacked the production capacity and the mindset to engage a private sector partner for mass production and marketing. The ingrained mindset, fearing 'someone might make money', prevented this. HAL's production rate was initially 6 per year, then 18 -- we need 50 to 60 per year to meet demand and export. We see the same issue today with the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). The project was 'sanctioned' two years ago, but not a single rupee has been released. Most people don't know that government sanction means expenditure power for when money is released, not that funds have been allotted. Many times I doubt if our armed forces are serious about wanting indigenous equipment; they seem to delay until they can claim an urgent need to import. Countries like the US field-test their equipment in local wars in the globe, creating testimonials for their technology. In India, field trials are often used as an excuse to delay induction. Shivanand Kanavi, a frequent contributor to Rediff, is a theoretical physicist, business journalist and former VP at TCS. He is the author of the award winning book Sand To Silicon: The Amazing Story Of Digital Technology and has edited Research By Design: Innovation and TCS; a chronicle of over 30 significant outcomes and case studies of TCS R&D from 1981-2006. Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff SEOUL, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has said that he is willing to work with Chinese President Xi Jinping to promote mutually beneficial cooperation between South Korea and China, improve the lives of the peoples of both countries, and create tangible results for them. Lee made the remarks in an exclusive written interview with Xinhua recently. At the invitation of the South Korean president, Xi will attend the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Gyeongju and pay a state visit to South Korea from Oct. 30 to Nov. 1. It will be the first meeting between the two heads of state since the new South Korean government took office. Therefore, this visit holds special significance for bilateral relations, Lee said. Lee further said that Xi and he both started at the local government level, engaging with the people and implementing the philosophy that people's livelihood comes first, and that both eventually became national leaders. Lee said he will work with Xi to continuously promote the development of the South Korea-China strategic cooperative partnership, amid dramatic changes in the internal and external environment since the two countries established diplomatic ties. On his expectations for Xi's visit, Lee hoped to have in-depth discussions on specific plans to enhance practical cooperation to improve people's livelihood, expand the consultation channels for bilateral economic and trade cooperation, accelerate discussions to make practical progress in the negotiations on the South Korea-China Free Trade Agreement to include services and investment, and create a new institutional foundation for economic and trade cooperation. As major economies, South Korea and China are partners in promoting regional development and prosperity. At present, China remains South Korea's largest trading partner and a core partner for ensuring the stability of the supply chain, Lee said. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992, the two countries have formed complementary industrial structures and supply chains, and carried out close cooperation, he said, stressing that based on this, the two countries still maintain and continue to develop a firm trade and investment relationship despite the current uncertainties in the global economy. Such vigorous economic and trade exchanges have injected impetus into the industries and economies of the Asia-Pacific region and even the world, he said. The two countries should continue to enhance cooperation in industry and supply chains, noted Lee, adding that he looked forward to having in-depth discussions with Xi on a cooperation plan for industry and supply chains. He also looked forward to strengthening cooperation in areas such as culture and the environment to enhance the quality of life of both peoples, and to continuing to expand people-to-people exchanges. On maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, Lee said that he will work with China to strengthen strategic communication based on the consensus that peace and stability are in the common interests of both countries, and achieve denuclearization and peace on the peninsula. On the issue of peace, Lee noted that South Korea urgently needs China's constructive role in order to achieve a substantive solution to the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue and to build peace on the Korean Peninsula. Noting that this year marks South Korea's return as the host of the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting after two decades, Lee said that, through this meeting, South Korea remains committed to cooperation among APEC member economies and promoting the implementation of various collaborative projects. This aims to achieve shared prosperity and development, transforming APEC into an effective and substantive platform for cooperation. This year's agenda also includes tackling challenges like fostering artificial intelligence (AI) innovation and managing demographic shifts, issues that extend beyond any single nation's capabilities, he said, adding that the best solutions emerge when all parties gather to share successful policies and explore diverse policy options. This is precisely the kind of issue that exemplifies the spirit of multilateralism, he said. Lee said he will closely consult with APEC member economies, including China, to make APEC a multilateral platform that not only explores trade and investment but also discusses future economic and trade issues, such as AI and demographic structures. The president said he is very glad that China will take over as the host of APEC next year, emphasizing that both South Korea and China support transforming APEC into an open, dynamic, resilient and peaceful Asia-Pacific community, and promoting cooperation within APEC. The experience of South Korea and China working together for growth and common development in various fields will be of great help in achieving APEC's goal of common prosperity for the people of the region, he said. For China to successfully lead the APEC meeting next year, Lee said South Korea will offer assistance -- in particular, South Korea will support China in continuously exploring and developing issues surrounding AI cooperation and addressing demographic changes proposed by South Korea. Recalling his multiple visits to China during his tenure as the mayor of Seongnam city and the governor of Gyeonggi province, Lee mentioned several key moments, including signing a sister-city agreement between Seongnam and Huizhou City in China's southern province of Guangdong in 2016, attending the Summer Davos Forum in northeast China's coastal city of Dalian in 2017, and visiting China's southwestern city of Chongqing in 2019. Lee said that he was greatly impressed by China's splendid culture and economic development, and was optimistic about the future of South Korea-China relations based on this. He said that in order to accurately set the development direction of bilateral relations and maintain the momentum of mutually beneficial cooperation, it is important to strengthen mutual political trust and maintain strategic communication through mutual visits by the heads of state. Lee said he hoped he could visit China again soon and engage once again in close discussions with Xi. Looking ahead to the future of bilateral economic and technological cooperation, Lee noted that with China's significant advancements in industrial competitiveness and high-tech capabilities, competition between businesses of the two countries has become increasingly common. Lee believed that South Korea and China can pool their wisdom to foster a mature strategic cooperative partnership based on friendly competition and cooperation on an equal footing. In particular, he said it was imperative for both sides to explore new complementary cooperation models in the economic and trade fields to further energize businesses and industries in the two countries. Taking Xi's state visit to South Korea as an opportunity, Lee said he hoped that both sides would strive to further promote bilateral cooperation, and make tangible contributions to addressing issues involving people's livelihood and peace between both nations. A man arrested on suspicion of the racially aggravated sexual assault of an Indian-origin woman in Walsall has been charged with rape and appeared before Birmingham magistrates court on Wednesday. IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: Mariana Bazo/Reuters The West Midlands police said John Ashby, who is a white British man aged 32 from Stockland Green, was charged on Tuesday evening. The rape charge comes after a woman in her 20s, identified locally as a Sikh student, was attacked in the Park Hall area of Walsall on Saturday night. He was also charged with sexual assault, strangulation, racially aggravated actual bodily harm and robbery, the police said. Detective Superintendent Ronan Tyrer from the West Midlands Police Public Protection Unit, who is leading the investigation, said the woman who was the subject of the attack has been informed of the charging decision. "She is continuing to be supported by our specially-trained officers," he said. Chief Superintendent Phil Dolby from the local Walsall Police said his team will continue their patrols and conversations in the neighbourhood, which has been shaken up by the attack. "We know the fear and concern this attack has caused in our communities. We continue to speak to people in the community to listen to and understand their concerns," said Dolby. Officers have visited faith establishments in Walsall and spoken with local leaders about women's safety and what measures men can take to make women feel more comfortable. "We need to continue to maintain those conversations and how we build on women's safety in the community," he said. The residents of the quiet, leafy neighbourhood of Park Hall in Walsall had expressed shock earlier this week after the attack over the weekend. UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described it as a horrific crime. "I know the fear that will be felt by the local Sikh community. I've sought assurances from the police and local leaders that they are doing all they can to support everyone impacted by this crime," she said. On Sunday, the police had released CCTV footage of the suspect, described as a white male in his 30s, after they were called to Park Hall area of Walsall on Saturday evening following concerns for the welfare of a woman in distress in the street. The arrest of the man, now charged, followed on Monday. The attack followed the racially aggravated sexual assault of another British Sikh woman in her 20s in nearby Oldbury last month. The West Midlands police are yet to charge anyone in that ongoing investigation. "The repeated pattern of violence against women in our region, compounded by hate and racial overtones, is deeply disturbing," said Preet Kaur Gill, British Sikh Labour MP for Birmingham Edgbaston. United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that the US is 'doing a trade deal with India' as the two sides continue to hold talks on the proposed trade pact. IMAGE: US President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung (not pictured) on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders' summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, on October 29, 2025. Photograph: Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters While speaking at the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) CEO Summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, Trump added that he had great 'respect and love' for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "If you look at India and Pakistan -- so, I'm doing a trade deal with India and I have great respect and love, as you know, for Prime Minister Modi, we have a great relationship," Trump said. However, without elaborating further on the subject of the trade deal, Trump once again shifted to his claims of resolving the conflict between India and Pakistan in early May. Trump's comment came at a time when the relations between New Delhi and Washington have been reeling under severe strain after Trump imposed 50 per cent tariffs on India, including an additional 25 per cent levies for its procurement of Russian crude oil. India described the US action as 'unfair, unjustified and unreasonable'. It is understood that Minister of External Affairs Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio broadly delved into the proposed trade pact between the two sides during their meeting in Kuala Lumpur on Monday on the sidelines of the annual summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). However, there was no indication that the US side assured India of removing the 25 per cent tariff slapped for its energy ties with Russia. In the last couple of weeks, US President Donald Trump claimed Prime Minister Narendra Modi told him that India would stop buying Russian crude oil. Following Trump's first claim, India suggested that there was no such conversation. The Ministry of External Affairs said on October 16 that energy sourcing is being broad-based and diversified, including an expansion in procurement from the US. It said India's energy purchases are guided solely by the objective of safeguarding the interests of the Indian consumer in a volatile energy scenario, and the twin goals of India's energy policy are ensuring stable energy prices and secure supplies. However, according to an official, a proposed bilateral trade deal between India and the US is 'very near' to concluding. "We are very near as far as the deal is concerned," the official said last week. In the Berlin Global Dialogue, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal last week said India will not do any deal in a hurry or with a 'gun to our head'. Five rounds of talks have been completed so far for the first phase of the bilateral trade agreement between the US and India. Pandemonium broke out in the Jammu and Kashmir legislative Assembly on Wednesday after BJP MLA Shagun Parihar alleged the government was neglecting some Kishtwar areas as "nationalist Hindus" reside there. Photograph: Umar Ganie for Rediff.com IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. The Kishtwar MLA's comments, made during the Zero Hour, were objected to by the treasury benches. Minister Javid Dar said these remarks were communal and should be expunged. NC MLA Nazir Ahmad Khan Gurezi said thousands of Muslims have given sacrifices for the nation, and they should not be insulted. Amid the din, deputy chief minister Surinder Choudhary said Muslims, Sikhs and Christians in Jammu and Kashmir were equally nationalist, like the Hindus. "I will request that the hurtful words should be expunged," the Gurez MLA requested the speaker. However, Parihar said PDP leaders had also made such remarks during the house proceedings on Tuesday. "PDP members stated that Hindus play divide and rule," she alleged. Parihar and Deputy CM Surinder Kumar Choudhary requested the speaker that the recordings of the house proceedings should be checked to ascertain the facts. Congress MLAs also objected to Parihar's remarks. Minister Javid Ahmad Dar said the government does not work from a religious perspective. "We work equally for all people," he added. Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather asked the BJP MLA to choose her words carefully. "You have come to this house for the first time. Please choose your words carefully. You should not use controversial words. You have a long way to go, we want you to progress," Rather said. A Delhi court has found a juvenile guilty of raping and murdering a 60-year-old woman in 2017, expressing shock that he inflicted iron rod blows on every body part of the deceased and "mercilessly inserted" it in her private parts. IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: Danish Siddiqui/Reuters A final order regarding the sentence will be passed on a later date. Additional sessions judge Amit Sahrawat was hearing the case against the juvenile against whom a case was registered for the penal offences of rape and murder. The Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) in 2018 concluded that the child in conflict with law (CCL), aged between 16 and 18 years, was required to be tried as an adult, following which the case was transferred to the present Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) court. According to the prosecution, the juvenile inflicted injuries on the woman with the iron rod and then attempted to rape her in the afternoon of November 11, 2017. It said that a security guard, upon witnessing the crime, raised an alarm, following which the juvenile was apprehended. In an order dated October 28, the court said, "It is a proved fact that the metallic rod recovered from the spot was inserted by CCL into the private parts of the deceased and due to that the deceased sustained fatal injuries inside her private parts." It underlined that according to law, if any object (not being the penis of the accused) was inserted to any extent into the vagina, urethra or anus of a woman, then it amounted to rape. "Thus, even if there is no clarification from the versions of prosecution witness 3 (security guard) regarding the insertion of the private part of CCL into the private part of the deceased, then also the act of inserting this metallic rod into the private parts of the deceased amounts to rape," the court said. It noted the post-mortem report, according to which several external injuries were inflicted from the "bulky" metallic rod on "each and every body part" of the deceased, including her face, back of neck, back of head, face, chest, arm, elbow, wrist, head, forearm, finger, vagina, anus and knee. The court said that if so many injuries were caused to the 60-year-old woman, then there was no doubt about the juvenile's intention to cause death. It said, "Further, it is also considerable that the CCL did not just give blows of this rod on the body of the deceased, rather he mercilessly inserted this rod into the private parts of the deceased and caused fatal injuries inside her private parts." The court said that the accused "inserted this metallic rod inside the private parts of the deceased so mercilessly that even the flesh/ body part separating vagina and anus also got torn." Further, the doctor had also opined that the injuries were sufficient to cause death, the court said. "In a nutshell, CCL is found to be in conflict with law for the offence of rape and murder punishable under Sections 376 (rape) and 302 (murder) of the IPC," the court said. Facing strong resistance from its major coalition partner, the Communist Party of India, the Communist Party of India-Marxist-led Left government in Kerala on Wednesday decided to put on hold the implementation of the Centre's PM SHRI scheme in the state, days after a memorandum of understanding was signed in this regard in New Delhi. IMAGE: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in New Delhi, October 10, 2025. Photograph: CMO/ANI Photo The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Announcing the decision to review the implementation of the scheme, the Chief Minister said it was made in view of the controversies and concerns that had arisen over the matter. He said a seven-member Cabinet sub-committee has been constituted to study the implementation of the central school scheme. The CM's announcement follows strong objections from the CPI against the PM SHRI alleging that it would pave the way for the implementation of the RSS agenda in the education sector in the state. Though the General Education Department had initially justified the signing of MoU to secure central funds, the CPI argued that joining the scheme would be seen as a deviation from the proclaimed policy of the LDF. The latest decision has eased the political uncertainty within the Left Front. "Taking into account the controversies and concerns that have arisen over the signing of the memorandum of understanding related to the PM SHRI scheme, the government has decided to conduct a review before proceeding with its implementation," Vijayan told reporters in Thiruvananthapuram. The further proceedings with regard to its implementation would be put on hold until the subcommittee submits its report, he said while briefing the media about the decisions taken during the cabinet meeting here. "This will be communicated to the Centre through a letter," Vijayan said. General education minister V Sivankutty would be the chairman of the cabinet sub-committee in which ministers K Rajan, P Rajeeve, Roshy Augustine, K Prasad, K Krishnsnkutty and A K Saseendran would be the members, the CM added. Earlier, multi-level talks were held by CPI (M) and CPI leaders under the aegis of Vijayan for the past few days to arrive at a consensus on the matter. Though CM Vijayan directly intervened in the matter, the deadlock could not be resolved, as the state and national leadership of the CPI have taken a strong stand against Kerala joining the PM SHRI. Despite repeated queries from the media, the Chief Minister declined to elaborate on the government's decision to temporarily withdraw. "Anyways, we have taken a stand now. So, it is better not to go into other details at present. What we should be discussing is that the issue has ended. We have now appointed a committee to examine it and till the committee submits its report, all works related to PM Shri will be on hold," he said. He assured that the panel would submit its report at the earliest, but didn't provide any timeline. Responding to claims that the MoU was signed after his meeting with the Union Home Minister and the Prime Minister, Vijayan said that the opposition have been trying to level such baseless allegations. "They have been continuously making such allegations, and they cannot stop it. What they aim for is to destroy the increasing faith the public has in the government. But unfortunately for them, the public are not buying it. The attempts to tag us with communal forces are not going to succeed so easily," the CM said. Vijayan, however, reiterated his government's stand on the National Education Policy, saying that there is no need for any confusion on this. "NEP tried to push the RSS agenda, and that is why they tried to portray Gandhi's assassination in a different way. What we did was we included those portions and printed them in our textbooks. We will continue to adopt that stance, and there will be no deviation," Vijayan added. Earlier in the day, speculations were rife that CPI ministers may skip the weekly cabinet meeting being chaired by CM Vijayan, for exerting pressure on the state government to withdraw from the PM SHRI MoU. A series of meetings were also held between top leaders of the CPI-M and CPI to arrive at a consensus over the matter. After hours-long meetings, CPI general secretary D Raja told reporters in New Delhi that the discussions have been positive and the party's ministers would take part in the cabinet meeting in Kerala. All four ministers attended the weekly cabinet meeting here, as mentioned by Raja, indicating an amicable political settlement of the issue. However, Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan accused CM Vijayan of "running away" without answering the crucial questions regarding the signing of the PM SHRI scheme. The setting up of the cabinet sub-committee was just a "face-saving drama" and the CPI has been cleverly deceived by the Chief Minister, he alleged in a statement. The LoP sought to know why the CM was scared of clearly saying whether the government would withdraw from the scheme or not. "The Cabinet sub-committee should have been formed before signing the agreement. What is the point in forming the panel after signing it? Without even specifying the term of the sub-committee, the Chief Minister has cleverly deceived the CPI," he alleged. Satheesan further alleged that the BJP has more influence within the Left front than the CPI itself. From the very beginning, the LDF government's stance on the PM SHRI scheme has been suspicious, the Congress leader added. United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday lavished praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the 'nicest-looking guy' while describing him as a 'father' but also calling him 'a killer' and 'tough as hell', while hinting at an imminent trade deal between the two countries. IMAGE: US President Donald Trump looks on during a meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung (not pictured) on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders' summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, on October 29, 2025. Photograph: Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters While delivering his keynote remarks at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEOs Luncheon in Gyeongju, South Korea, the US President also reiterated his disputed claim of personally averting a nuclear war between India and Pakistan in May. Trump asserted that his intervention helped de-escalate tensions between the two nuclear-armed nations, claiming that seven planes were shot down during the conflict. He said he personally contacted both PM Modi and Pakistan's leadership to halt the hostilities, linking the resolution to trade negotiations. "I'm doing a trade deal with India, and I have great respect and love for Prime Minister Modi. We have a great relationship. Likewise, the Prime Minister of Pakistan is a great guy. They have a Field Marshal. You know why he's a Field Marshal? He's a great fighter. And I know them all. I'm reading that seven planes were shot down. These are two nuclear nations. And they're really going at it," Trump said. "And I called Prime Minister Modi and said, 'We can't make a trade deal with you.' 'No, no, we must make a trade deal.' I said, 'No, we can't. You're starting a war with Pakistan. We're not going to do it.' And then I called Pakistan and said, 'We're not going to do trade with you because you're fighting with India.' They said, 'No, no, you should let us fight.' They both said that. They're strong people. Prime Minister Modi is the nicest-looking guy. He looks like you'd like to have your father, but he's a killer. He's tough as hell. 'No, we will fight,' [PM Modi said]. I said, 'Whoa, this is the same man that I know,'" he added. The US President also compared his own handling of the situation to that of former US President Joe Biden, questioning if Biden could have achieved similar results. "After literally two days, they called up and they said, 'We understand,' and they stopped fighting. How is that? Isn't that amazing? Now, do you think Biden would have done that? I don't think so," he concluded. Trump's comments on the India-Pakistan conflict refer to the escalation in May following India's Operation Sindoor, a series of precision strikes on nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 civilians. The US President had been repeating his claims of playing a key role in helping de-escalate tensions between India and Pakistan, arguing that trade and tariffs were instrumental to the US in preventing conflicts. India has consistently refuted Trump's claims, stating that the ceasefire was achieved bilaterally through the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs), without third-party involvement. India has also reiterated its long-standing position that any issues with Pakistan, including those related to Jammu and Kashmir, are to be resolved bilaterally between the two countries. Two men have been arrested in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh for allegedly abducting a Dalit minor girl, unlawfully converting her religion, and solemnising marriage with her, officials said on Wednesday. Photograph: / Rediff.com IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. The arrests were made on Tuesday and the incident occurred earlier this month, police said. Circle Officer (Budhana) Gajendra Pal Singh said the main accused, Talib (25), and his associate, Shadab (23), were booked under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) along with provisions of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021. They have also been charged under Section 3 of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, and Sections 3 and 4 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, he said. According to the FIR lodged by the victim's brother, the minor was abducted on October 5 by Talib with the help of his friend Shadab. She was taken to Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh, where she was allegedly forced to convert her religion and later married to Talib through 'nikah'. The complaint further alleged that the accused sexually assaulted the girl during her confinement. Police said the girl was recovered from Jabalpur on October 26 and brought back to Muzaffarnagar. Following her recovery, both accused were arrested from the Budhana area on Tuesday. Further investigation is underway, police added. Pakistan authorities on Wednesday confirmed that talks with the Afghan Taliban to tackle cross-border terrorism failed, saying Kabul backtracked on commitments to control militancy. IMAGE: Afghan Defence Minister, Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid and Pakistan's Defence Minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif shake hands, following the signing of a ceasefire agreement, during a negotations meeting mediated by Qatar and Turkey, in Doha, Qatar, on October 19, 2025. Photograph: Qatar Ministry Of Foreign Affairs/Handout via Reuters The Four-day talks began on Saturday and were facilitated by the host, Turkiye, where officials from Pakistan and Afghanistan attempted to find a common ground but failed to reach a consensus. Pakistan's Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, confirmed the peace talks ended without a breakthrough. 'The dialogue thus failed to bring about any workable solution,' Tarar said in a post on social media. He said Pakistan had long sought cooperation from Kabul against militants targeting the country. Tarar said, ever since the assumption of control in Kabul, Pakistan has repeatedly engaged with the Afghan Taliban Regime regarding persistent cross-border terrorism. Tarar added that Islamabad had asked the Taliban regime 'time and again to fulfil their written commitments to Pakistan and to the international community in the Doha Agreement'. However, he said, "Pakistan's fervent efforts proved futile due to the Afghan Taliban Regime's unabated support to anti-Pakistan terrorists." "The Taliban regime bears no responsibility towards the people of Afghanistan and thrives on a war economy," he said, adding that it 'desires to drag and mire the Afghan people into a needless war'. "Pakistan has always desired, advocated and immensely sacrificed for peace and prosperity for the people of Afghanistan," Tarar said. He said Pakistan has held countless rounds of talks and parleys with the Afghan Taliban Regime, but unfortunately, they have always remained indifferent to Pakistan's losses. "Sadly, after sustaining such huge losses of men and material for four long years, Pakistan's patience has run its course," he added. He said Pakistan joined the talks in Doha and later Istanbul 'to give peace a chance', acting on the request of 'brotherly countries of Qatar and Turkiye'. Tarar said Pakistan presented 'sufficient and irrefutable evidence' of terrorist activity, which 'was acknowledged by Afghan Taliban and the hosts', but 'regrettably, the Afghan side gave no assurances'. "The Afghan side kept deviating from the core issue, evading the key point upon which the dialogue process was initiated. Instead of accepting any responsibility, the Afghan Taliban resorted to a blame game, deflection, and ruses," Tarar said. He thanked Qatar, Turkiye, and other friendly nations 'for their support and sincere efforts to bring about a peaceful solution to the problem of terrorism'. Tarar reaffirmed that Pakistan's security comes first. "The security of its people is of paramount importance to Pakistan," he said. Separately, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif told Geo News on Tuesday night that an agreement was about to be reached with Afghanistan, but Afghan negotiators backpedalled due to intervention from Kabul during the negotiations, elaborating that Taliban negotiators went back on an agreement 'four or five times' after receiving instructions from Kabul. "Whenever we got close to an agreement -- either in the last four days or last week -- when negotiators reported to Kabul, then there was intervention and the agreement was withdrawn," he outlined. Asif also blamed India for the failure of the talks, calling Kabul 'a tool for Delhi'. After the failure of talks, the security sources in Pakistan said that the security of its people is of paramount importance to Pakistan. "We will continue to take all possible measures necessary to protect our people from the menace of terrorism and assure them that the Government of Pakistan will continue to employ all the resources which are required in this regard to decimate the terrorists, their sanctuaries, their abetters and supporters," they said. President Droupadi Murmu, who undertook a half-an-hour sortie in a Rafale fighter jet on Wednesday from Ambala, posed with Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, just before she took to the skies. IMAGE: President Droupadi Murmu poses with Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, before taking a sortie in a Rafale fighter jet from Ambala airbase. Photograph: Rashtrapati Bhavan Squadron Leader Singh, the country's first woman Rafale fighter jet pilot, was claimed to have been captured during 'Operation Sindoor' by a pro-Pakistan social media handle. The Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact Check had on May 10 called out this claim as fake. The Rafale jets were used in Operation Sindoor, which was launched on May 7 to destroy several terror infrastructures in territories controlled by Pakistan, in response to the April 22 dastardly terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The strikes triggered four days of intense clashes that ended with an understanding on stopping the military actions on May 10. The Rashtrapati Bhavan issued a picture of the President posing with Squadron Leader Singh, atop a ladder used in boarding or deboarding an aircraft. The President took a sortie in a Rafale aircraft at Air Force Station, Ambala (Haryana) on Wednesday, according to a statement issued by her office. Murmu is the first President of India to have taken sortie in two fighter aircrafts of the Indian Air Force. Earlier, she took a sortie in Sukhoi 30 MKI in 2023. United States President Donald Trump said that 'seven brand new' planes were shot down during the India-Pakistan conflict without specifying to which country they belonged, while once again claiming to resolve the war between the 'two big nuclear powers'. IMAGE: US President Donald Trump gestures at the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, on October 29, 2025. Photograph: Tyrone Siu/Reuters While speaking at a reception and dinner with business leaders in Tokyo on Tuesday, Trump said, "Seven planes were shot down, seven brand new, beautiful planes were shot down, and they were going at it .. two big nuclear powers." The US President reiterated that he used trade to resolve the war between India and Pakistan. "I said to Prime Minister Modi, and I said to the prime minister, a very nice man, a very good man, and the Field Marshal over in Pakistan, I said, Look, we're not going to do any trade if you're going to be fighting," Trump said. Trump said that India and Pakistan argued that war has nothing to do with trade with the US. "(They said)one thing has nothing to do with the other. I said this, it has a lot to do with the other 'two nuclear powers' we get that nuclear dust all over the place. All of you are affected, right? And we said, No, we're not doing any deals if you're going to fight. And within about 24 hours, that was the end of that. It was amazing, actually," the US President said. Since May 10, when Trump announced on social media that India and Pakistan had agreed to a 'full and immediate' ceasefire after a 'long night' of talks mediated by Washington, DC, he has repeated his claim dozens of times that he 'helped settle' the conflict between India and Pakistan. India has consistently maintained that the understanding on cessation of hostilities with Pakistan was reached following direct talks between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the two militaries. India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians. India and Pakistan reached an understanding on May 10 to end the conflict after four days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes. ISTANBUL, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Turkiye has established itself as a regional leader in museum security and cultural heritage preservation, effectively integrating meticulous documentation, advanced technology and international collaboration. "It was a national disappointment," said Zeynep Boz, head of the Department for Combating Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Property at Turkiye's Ministry of Culture and Tourism, referring to one of the country's most painful heritage incidents -- the theft of the Winged Seahorse Brooch, centerpiece of the Lydian Hoard. "But instead of hiding the theft, we made the artifact famous by registering it in Interpol's database and featuring it in every presentation, short film, and digital platform we could -- making it so well-known that no one dared to sell it," Boz told Xinhua in a recent interview. Shortly after the treasure was repatriated from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York in 1993, the brooch was secretly swapped with a fake while on display at the Usak Archaeology Museum in central Anatolia. The original, which was later recovered in Germany through police cooperation, has since been returned to Turkiye. "If this artifact hadn't been registered in Interpol's database, and if its image hadn't been widely shared across digital platforms, we wouldn't have achieved this outcome," Boz said. Visibility itself can serve as a form of protection, she stressed, citing the recent theft of France's crown jewels from the Louvre, whose "fame and historical significance make individual sales nearly impossible," -- much like the Winged Seahorse Brooch. While intensifying its global campaign to recover looted artifacts, Turkiye is also focusing inward -- leveraging new technologies, international databases and modern security systems to safeguard its heritage and prevent future losses. Over the past eight years, Turkiye has facilitated the return of more than 9,000 cultural artifacts taken abroad through looting or illegal excavations. These items are now displayed in museums across the country, enriching the nation's cultural legacy. Asli Agirbas, a scholar of artificial intelligence and heritage preservation at Ozyegin University, said Turkiye's proactive approach marks a clear shift. "In the past, museum protection was mostly reactive -- waiting until something went missing. Today, through digital inventories, AI-driven image recognition, and systems such as the National Museum Inventory System, Turkiye is building a preventive security culture," she explained. Projects like the Istanbul Hittite Digital Library use AI to decipher ancient Anatolian languages and digitize clay tablets, making them accessible to researchers while protecting them from deterioration. Experts note that digital preservation has become as crucial as physical security. Irfan Karsli, head of the Turkish-Chinese Cultural Association, said that cooperation with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization has helped standardize documentation methods, ensuring transparency and reinforcing Turkiye's reputation as a responsible guardian of world heritage. The Supreme Court on Wednesday sought response of the Centre and the Ladakh administration on an amended plea of Sonam Wangchuk's wife which termed the climate activist's detention under the stringent National Security Act as illegal, arbitrary exercise violating his fundamental rights. IMAGE: Police detain members of the Birsa Ambedkar Phule Students Organisation during a protest against the arrest of environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk at Lucknow University, in Lucknow. Photograph: ANI Photo A bench of justices Aravind Kumar and NV Anjaria asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre and the Union territory of Ladakh to file the response to the amended plea of Gitanjali J Angmo in 10 days and posted the matter for hearing on November 24. It allowed senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Angmo, to file any rejoinder if any. The amended plea said, "The detention order is founded upon stale FIRs, vague imputations, and speculative assertions, lacks any live or proximate connection to the purported grounds of detention and is thus devoid of any legal or factual justification. "Such arbitrary exercise of preventive powers amounts to a gross abuse of authority, striking at the core of constitutional liberties and due process, rendering the detention order liable to be vitiated by this court," it said. The plea said that it is wholly preposterous that after over three decades of being recognized at the state, national, and international levels for his contributions to grassroots education, innovation, and environmental conservation in Ladakh and across India, Wangchuk would suddenly be targeted. "Merely two months before the elections and the final rounds of dialogue between ABL (Apex Body of Leh), KDA (Kargil Democratic Alliance), and the ministry of home affairs, he was served with notices for land lease cancellation, FCRA cancellation, initiation of a CBI investigation, and summons from the income tax department. "These coordinated actions, taken in close temporal proximity, make it prima facie evident that the order of detention is not based on genuine concerns of public order or security but is instead a calculated attempt to silence a respected citizen exercising his democratic and constitutional right to dissent," Angmo submitted in her plea. She said the unfortunate events of violence in Leh on September 24 cannot be attributed to the actions or statements of Wangchuk in any manner. "In fact, there have been no provocative statements made by Sonam Wangchuk on the days/ weeks prior to September 24, 2025, which could remotely be linked to the violence on September 24, 2025. There is no evidence or material on record to show that any statement made by Sonam Wangchuk could have caused or led to any violent incident, especially the incident on September 24, 2025," it said. She said that Wangchuk himself condemned the violence through his social media handles and categorically stated that violence would lead to the failure of Ladakh's "tapasya" and peaceful pursuit of five years and stated that "it was the saddest day of his life". "At the outset, it is submitted that there has been brazen non-compliance of the mandatory procedural safeguards under the National Security Act, 1980 (NSA) by the respondents in the present case. The grounds of detention served upon Sonam Wangchuk, and the petitioner are incomplete...," it said. The plea pointed out that the grounds of detention do not comprise the four videos mentioned in it and are primarily relied upon by the detaining authority in the detention order and grounds of detention, the recommendations on which the detention order was passed, the endorsement/ notification dated September 26 authorizing the district magistrate, Leh to issue the detention order. "It is submitted that the continued detention of Sonam Wangchuk should be vitiated on account of the grave and incurable procedural lapses committed by the respondents. It is submitted that these lapses strike at the foundation of the constitutional and statutory safeguards embodied under the NSA, 1980," it said. It further stated that the complete grounds of detention were only supplied to Wangchuk after a flagrant delay of 28 days, which is in clear violation of the statutory timeline prescribed under Section 8 of the NSA. The plea said under section 8 of the NSA the detaining authority shall as soon as may be, but ordinarily not later than five days and, in exceptional circumstances and for reasons to be recorded in writing, not later than ten days, communicate to the detenu the complete grounds of detention. Angmo further stated that there is a corresponding duty on the authorities to render the right guaranteed to the detenu under NSA meaningful. "In the present case, the authorities have clearly abdicated their duty. Thus, any non-compliance with this mandate strikes at the heart of Article 22(5) and vitiates the detention order in its entirety, requiring that it be set aside on this ground alone," her plea said. Wangchuk was detained under the stringent National Security Act (NSA) on September 26, two days after violent protests demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh left four people dead and 90 injured in the Union territory. The government had accused him of inciting the violence. The NSA 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 is 12 months, though it can be revoked earlier. Glimpses from around the world that will make you smile and cry. Knot My Leader IMAGE: Anti-Trump activists hold onto ropes tied around a person wearing a cutout mask of US President Donald J Trump as they take part in a rally on the occasion of Trump's visit to South Korea for the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders' summit in Gyeongju, South Korea. Photograph: Kim Hong-ji /Reuters Waiting Out the Storm IMAGE: People gather at a school turned shelter while Haiti is seeing downpours from the outer bands of Hurricane Melissa, as the storm is churning towards Cuba, after making landfall in Jamaica, in Les Cayes, Haiti. Photograph: Patrice Noel/Reuters Grief in Gaza IMAGE: A Palestinian man reacts next to the body of a man killed in an Israeli strike at the Nasser hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip. Photograph: Reuters Bridges Of Belief IMAGE: Pope Leo XIV attends an inter-religious meeting for peace inside the Colosseum in Rome. Photograph: Gregorio Borgia/Pool via /Reuters When War Becomes A Museum IMAGE: Youth take a selfie in front of a destroyed Russian combat drone as they visit an exhibition displaying destroyed Russian military vehicles in central Kyiv, Ukraine. Photograph: Gleb Garanich/Reuters Driving Into Tomorrow IMAGE: Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda speaks at the Japan Mobility Show 2025 at Tokyo Big Sight in Tokyo. Photograph: Manami Yamada/Reuters Supersonic, Without The Boom IMAGE: On its first flight, NASA's experimental quiet supersonic X-59 Quesst aircraft takes off from Runway 7 at Palmdale USAF Plant 42 in Palmdale, California. Photograph: David Swanson/Reuters The Poet And The US Visa IMAGE: Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka responds to questions about the revocation of his US visa, in Lagos, Nigeria. Photograph: Sodiq Adelakun/Reuters Photographs curated by Anant Salvi/ Rediff Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Wednesday threatened to "obliterate" the Afghan Taliban and push them back to the caves in case of any future terror attack in his country, as ties between the two neighbours hit rock bottom after peace talks failed. IMAGE: Afghan Defence Minister, Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid and Pakistan's Defence Minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif (second from right) shake hands, following the signing of a ceasefire agreement, during a negotations meeting mediated by Qatar and Turkey, in Doha, Qatar, on October 19, 2025. Photograph: Qatar Ministry Of Foreign Affairs/Handout via Reuters Asif issued the warning on social media soon after the four-day peace talks in Istanbul failed to yield any result regarding Pakistan's main demand that the Taliban should take action against militants using Afghanistan's soil for militancy in Pakistan. Asif said that on the request of brotherly countries, Pakistan indulged in talks to give peace a chance, but venomous statements by certain Afghan officials clearly reflect the devious and splintered mindset of the Taliban regime. "Let me assure them that Pakistan does not require to employ even a fraction of its full arsenal to completely obliterate the Taliban regime and push them back to the caves for hiding. If they wish so, the repeat of the scenes of their rout at Tora Bora with their tails between the legs would surely be a spectacle to watch for the people of the region," he said on X. He said that the warmongers amongst the Taliban regime, who have vested interests in the continuation of instability in the region, should know that they have probably misread Pakistan's resolve and courage. Asif said, "If the Taliban regime wants to fight, the world will INSHAALLAH (God willing) see that their threats are only performative circus!" "We have borne your treachery and mockery for too long, but no more. Any terrorist attack or any suicide bombing inside Pakistan shall give you the bitter taste of such misadventures. Be rest assured and test our resolve and capabilities, if you wish so, at your own peril and doom," he said. Asif also commented on the popular Afghan narrative that it defeated empires. "As far as the narrative of 'graveyard of empires', Pakistan certainly doesn't claim to be an empire, but Afghanistan is definitely a graveyard, surely for its own people. Never a graveyard of empires but certainly a playground of empires you have been throughout history," he said. The minister said that it is sad to see how the Taliban regime is blindly pushing Afghanistan into yet another conflict just to retain its usurped rule and maintain the war economy that sustains them. He said that despite fully knowing their inherent limitations and hollowness of their war cries, the Taliban are beating the war drums to maintain their crumbling facade. "If the Afghan Taliban regime is madly hell bent upon ruining Afghanistan and its innocent people once again, then so be it," he warned. The ominous statement came after the Istanbul talks failed, igniting fears of war between the two sides. Meanwhile, the United Nations voiced concern over the collapse of talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan, hoping that the fighting will not renew, the state-run APP news agency reported. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric was asked about the collapse of the negotiations and whether it was a concern for the UN. "Yes, it is, of course. We very much hope that even if the talks are on pause, the fighting will not renew, he told reporters at UN Headquarters in New York. After the failure of talks, the security sources in Pakistan said that the security of its people is of paramount importance to Pakistan. HELSINKI, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- The downturn in Finland's forest industry deepened on Wednesday as UPM, regarded as the country's largest and most influential forest industry company, reported a sharp decline in its third-quarter (Q3) earnings for 2025. UPM's comparable profit for the quarter fell 47 percent year on year to 153 million euros (178 million U.S. dollars), down from 291 million euros in the same period last year, as its profit margin shrank to 6.7 percent from 11.5 percent. Quarterly sales totaled 2.3 billion euros, compared with 2.5 billion euros a year earlier. For the first nine months of 2025, comparable profit dropped 30 percent to 566 million euros from 806 million euros in the corresponding period of 2024. Sales between January and September slipped to 7.3 billion euros from 7.7 billion euros a year earlier. UPM president and CEO Massimo Reynaudo said the quarter brought "temporary clarity to the terms of international trade," but that "consumer demand stayed subdued and uncertainty remains." He noted that "continued significant uncertainties in geopolitics and global trade" were weighing on UPM and the broader forest industry. The company said it would end paper production at one of its Finnish mills by the end of this year and had sold a previously closed mill in Germany to improve cash flow. In its adhesive materials business, UPM announced plans to discontinue production in France to further boost efficiency. Once a cornerstone of Finland's economy, the forest industry continues to face prolonged weakness amid stagnant global demand, rising costs, and structural transformation. Last week, other major producers -- Stora Enso and Metsa Group -- also reported weaker third-quarter results. (1 euro = 1.17 U.S. dollar) "I think that Bennington will be a great location for Her Closet," said the store's administrator Kendy Skidmore. "And, I'm hoping that we get Tim Stevenson is a community organizer with Post Oil Solutions from Athens (bereal@vermontel.net), and is the author of Resilience and Resistance: Building Sustainable Communities for a Post Oil Age and Transformative Activism: A Values Revolution in Everyday Life in a Time of Societal Collapse," and is currently at work on a book about mutual care communities. The opinions expressed by columnists and op-ed writers do not necessarily reflect the views of Vermont News & Media. The United States is significantly reducing its military presence in Romania, in what the US Army called an adjustment to US force posture, amid Moscows war against neighboring Ukraine and heightened European concern about Russian incursions into NATO airspace. The Romanian Defense Ministry announced what it called the resizing of the US force on October 29, saying it had learned of the plans two days previously. Romanian Defense Minister Ionut Mosteanu told a news conference in Bucharest that 1,000 US troops had left the country and that a similar number would remain at three US bases in Romania. There is no disaster, it is a decision by our allies. They remain in the three [locations]," he said, adding that the troops who had departed had merely been on rotation in Romania. 'Not An American Withdrawal' The US Army issued a statement saying "this is not an American withdrawal from Europe or a signal of lessened commitment to NATO and Article 5," which states that an armed attack on one member is considered an attack on all members. "Rather this is a positive sign of increased European capability and responsibility. Our NATO allies are meeting President Trump's call to take primary responsibility for the conventional defense of Europe." Matthew Whitaker, the US ambassador to NATO, wrote on social media that "the United States remains committed to Romaniaas a trusted NATO Ally, a vital strategic partner, and a driving force for security in Europe." US troop reductions in Europe have been expected for several months, since it was announced the Pentagon would conduct a Global Force Posture Review. NATO officials who spoke to RFE/RL played down the security impacts of the announcement. Adjustments to US force posture are not unusual. Even with this adjustment, the US force posture in Europe remains larger than it has been for many years, with many more US forces on the continent than before 2022, said one official, referring to the year Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The US authorities informed NATO of this adjustment in advance. The US commitment to NATO is clear. President Trump and his administration have reiterated this time and again, the official added. Many analysts have predicted the Pentagon review, expected to be published this fall, will lay out a shift in military resources from Europe to the Asia-Pacific region. Some NATO officials believe a US troops reduction of up to 30 percent could be possible, a report published by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) last month said. There has been no official announcement of the US reducing its military deployments elsewhere in Europe, but the move to cut troops in Romania comes amid heightened anxiety about the US commitment to NATO. 'Not Good News' This is not good news, particularly at a time of high tension in the European security situation, Jamie Shea, a former senior NATO official now at the Chatham House think tank in London, told RFE/RL. It would be better if the Pentagon could give an overall view of its future force posture in Europe for all of NATO territory and not drip country-by-country announcements one by one. There will be questions from the allies, he said. But Shea also underlined that the decision does not mean that NATO was leaving Romanias security exposed. The US is not the NATO lead nation in Romania as France leads the NATO multinational battalion and the defense is spearheaded by the Europeans, unlike Poland where the US is in the lead. Poland's Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz told reporters on October 29 that his country had "not received any information...about a reduction in the contingent in Poland." On October 15, he said his US counterpart Pete Hegseth had confirmed that the US military presence in Poland would remain stable. US President Donald Trump has strongly criticized European countries he says have relied on US firepower while not spending enough on defense. Washington-based think-tank Defense Priorities wrote in July that the current military posture in Europe is too large, encouraging free-riding by European allies and preventing them from taking more responsibility for their own security. US troop levels should be reduced to approximately where they were before Russias 2014 invasion of Ukraine. Since then, tensions on NATOs eastern flank have grown following a series of Russian military incursions into member states airspace. This has included a mass drone incursion into Poland on September 10, Russian military jets entering Estonian airspace days later, and Russian drones over Romania. Romanian officials have described the drone incidents as a new challenge in the Black Sea region. In response to the incursions, NATO launched a new operation, Eastern Sentry, with a number of western European nations sending fighter jets to boost security and plug gaps from the Baltic to the Black Sea. Former NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana, who was previously a Romanian legislator, wrote on Facebook that in Europe, the American military presence will be reduced, but not drastically. This new arrangement comes after a successful NATO Summit held at The Hague and will not jeopardize the execution of NATOs defense and deterrence plans. Responding to the announced US troop departures, Romanian President Nicusor Dan also sought to offer reassurance. "The security of Romania and the eastern flank will not be diminished in any way," he wrote on social media, adding that "the strategic partnership between Romania and the US remains within the same parameters." Negotiations for a lasting truce between Afghanistan and Pakistan have broken down, Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on October 29 after four days of negotiations brokered by Qatar and Turkey. " The Afghan side kept deviating from the core issue, evading the key point upon which the dialogue process was initiated, Tarar said on X. Instead of accepting any responsibility, the Afghan Taliban resorted to blame game, deflection and ruses. The dialogue thus failed to bring about any workable solution. Pakistan and Afghanistan have been holding talks in Istanbul aimed at securing peace after more than 70 people were killed earlier this month in border clashes. The recent violence, which also wounded hundreds of people, has been the worst since the Taliban seized power in Kabul in 2021. The violence erupted following explosions in Kabul on October 9 that the Taliban authorities blamed on Pakistan. Tarar said Pakistan engaged with Afghanistan in the spirit of peace, but accused Kabul of "unabated support to anti-Pakistan terrorists." "We will continue to take all possible measures necessary to protect our people from the menace of terrorism," he added, vowing to "decimate the terrorists, their sanctuaries, their abettors and supporters." There was no immediate comment from Afghanistan. Relations between the one-time allies, who share a 2,600-kilometre border, have soured in recent years over accusations from Islamabad that Afghanistan harbors militant groups, including the Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Pakistan accuses the Taliban authorities of allowing the TTP to use Afghan territory as a training and logistic base for terrorist activities in Pakistan, according to Tarar's statement. The Taliban government has denied the allegations. The Pakistani military said on October 26 that five Pakistani soldiers and 25 militants from the TTP were killed the day before even as the diplomats met. Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif warned on October 25 that failure to reach a deal in the talks could lead to "open war." Abdul Mateen Qani, spokesman for Afghanistan's Interior Ministry, said on October 28 that any attack would be met with a response "that will serve as a lesson for Pakistan and a message for others." With reporting by AFP BERLIN, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- German virologist Klaus Stoehr on Wednesday cautioned that the growing spread of bird flu across Germany could carry the potential for another pandemic. "The H5N1 virus has all the characteristics necessary to trigger a pandemic," Stoehr, former head of the World Health Organization's influenza program, told the German newspaper Mitteldeutsche Zeitung. Stoehr urged to step up preparedness efforts. "Pandemics have always occurred. Good pandemic planning is the best form of protection," he said, calling for the development of new vaccines, the global updating of pandemic response plans, and stronger monitoring of animal populations. Bird flu has been spreading rapidly across Germany in recent weeks. The Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI), Germany's federal animal health agency, reported on Monday that about 500,000 poultry, including chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys, have been culled nationwide. "It is impossible to predict how the situation will develop, but the FLI is expecting a further increase in outbreaks and cases," institute head Christa Kuehn said. While the risk of human infection remains very low, Stoehr advised caution. "Anyone who comes across dead animals, for instance, while walking outdoors, should not touch them, keep their distance, restrain their dogs, and notify local veterinary authorities," he said. According to the virologist, the H5N1 virus has now become widespread among wild birds worldwide. "That means there are infinitely more opportunities for the virus to spread and adapt to humans," Stoehr warned. "This danger should not be underestimated." German media recalled that the 2020-2021 winter season saw the country's most severe bird flu outbreak on record, when more than two million animals were culled. Georgia's ruling party will ask the Constitutional Court to outlaw the three largest opposition parties, which are all strongly pro-Western, a senior member of the ruling Georgian Dream party said on October 28. Shalva Papuashvili said the parties practically continuously deny both the domestic-political and foreign-political legitimacy of the current government and the ruling political party of Georgia and, accordingly, its constitutionality. The three parties -- Coalition for Change, United National Movement, and the Strong Georgia-Lelo bloc -- pose "a real threat to the constitutional order," Papuashvili said. Our lawsuit presents evidence that these political parties are driven by unconstitutional goals," Papuashvili said. Papuashvili said the decision was also taken based on the size and influence of the three parties. He noted that smaller allied groups were not included, but that could change. "Their potential unconstitutionality could be examined later if they gain significant influence over the political process," Papuashvili said. Irakli Kupradze, a senior member of Strong Georgia, was cited by local media as calling the lawsuit "a decisive blow to democracy" and vowing to resist it. Georgia, an EU candidate nation, has seen its relationship with the bloc deteriorate since Tbilisi adopted anti-LGBT legislation and a so-called foreign agent law last year. The relationship eroded further after parliamentary elections in October 2024 in which the Georgian Dream party held on to power and then decided to halt EU accession talks while adopting what many -- including Brussels -- see as Russia-friendly policies. Demonstrations have taken place daily in Tbilisi since the elections and intensified after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced the suspension of accession talks. Several senior Georgian opposition figures have been jailed, while police have ramped up the arrest of protesters at the antigovernment demonstrations. Georgian Dream says it still wants to join the European Union, but only if it can preserve what it says are Georgia's traditional Orthodox Christian values as well as peaceful ties with Russia. Georgian Dream figures, including Bidzina Ivanishvili, the billionaire former prime minister, have repeatedly vowed to ban the opposition parties for what they say are their links to former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, who is serving a prison term for offences including abuse of power. He is expected to remain in jail until 2034. Two of the three opposition parties facing a ban have been critical of Saakashvili, who led Georgia as a pro-Western reformer from 2003 to 2012. Saakashvili, a divisive figure in Georgia, is celebrated by some in Georgia and criticized by others who see him as erratic, authoritarian, and the author of a short war with Russia in 2008. With reporting by Reuters and dpa Montenegro has seen a surge in violent incidents targeting Turkish immigrants since the weekend, including vandalism, physical attacks, and verbal threats of lynching. The incidents began after a fight broke out on October 25 in Podgorica in which a Montenegrin man was stabbed after an exchange of insults. Authorities said his injuries were not life-threatening. Police detained a citizen of Turkey and a citizen of Azerbaijan as suspects in the stabbing and dozens more from those two countries suspected of lacking legal documents to reside in Montenegro. Following the fight, vandals smashed the windows of a Turkish restaurant in the Montenegrin capital while others set fire to cars owned by Turkish immigrants. Several Turkish nationals reported being physically attacked. On October 26 and 27, crowds marched through largely Turkish neighborhoods chanting Turks out and Kill the Turks. Local authorities said they had detained eight people for hate speech and making threats of physical violence against Turkish citizens. The incidents have prompted fear and concern from some Montenegrins. I don't like this, said a woman named Nada who spoke to RFE/RL. Everyone is welcome in Montenegro. We are a multiethnic, egalitarian, and I would say civil state, and we need to preserve that. But others seemed to share the rising anti-immigrant sentiment. Every form of violence should be condemned, a man named Jovo told RFE/RL. But it is up to the government to change their immigration policy as soon as possible, because there are too many migrants. The security situation has really deteriorated and, to tell you the truth, I no longer feel safe and comfortable. Turks make up about 13 percent of the foreign citizens residing in Montenegro. Until now, Turkish citizens could take advantage of a visa-free regime to travel to Montenegro. But Montenegrin authorities temporarily suspended that policy on October 27 and offered interim visas instead. In a statement, the government said it would respect the status of Turkish residents and take all necessary steps to ensure that their stay is unhindered and in accordance with the law. Russia has tested a new nuclear-capable, nuclear-powered long-range remote torpedo, President Vladimir Putin said, a weapon that some experts have dubbed a "doomsday machine." The October 29 announcement came days after Putin and Russia's top military officer announced what they said was a successful test of another new weapons system: a long-range, nuclear-powered cruise missile. Speaking in an informal setting at a Moscow hospital, drinking tea with soldiers wounded in the Ukraine war, Putin said the test of the torpedo-- called the Status-6 or the Poseidon -- occurred a day earlier. "For the first time, we succeeded in not only launching it with an engine from a carrier submarine, but also to start the nuclear power unit on it," he said. "There is nothing like this." "This is a huge success," he added. There was no independent confirmation that such a test took place. However, Russia had hinted at the existence of such a weapon -- "an intercontinental nuclear-powered nuclear-armed autonomous torpedo" -- as far back as 2015. In a bellicose speech in 2018, Putin bragged about several new weapons systems Russia was developing, including the Poseidon torpedo. US analysts later confirmed Russia had plans to build such a device. Western analysts have said that, if such a torpedo were deployed and actually detonated off the US East Coast, for example, it would shower radioactivity on major cities and render huge swaths of territory uninhabitable. Some experts have called it a "doomsday machine" because of the indiscriminate destruction it would wreak. The missile, which Putin and the chief of the general staff, General Valery Gerasimov, said had been tested on October 21, is called the Burevestnik, or Skyfall, under its NATO designation. Powered by a small nuclear reactor, the nuclear-capable missile is theoretically able to fly for hours, if not days, before striking a target. Since mid-summer, observers had been closely watching the Russian Arctic archipelago of Novaya Zemlya amid an uptick of construction and an influx of ships and specially designed aircraft-- hints that a test of the Burevestnik might be imminent or underway. Gerasimov told Putin that the missile had traveled 14,000 kilometers and was aloft for 15 hours. In a statement to RFE/RL, Norway's Intelligence Service confirmed the missile's test at Novaya Zemlya, and said it had flown "significantly longer than before." "The missile remains in development," Vice Admiral Nils Andreas Stensoenes said. "Russia has been testing Burevestnik since 2016. It will take time before development is complete and the missile is ready for deployment to the armed forces." US President Donald Trump has said he expects to strike a deal when he meets with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in South Korea amid a monthslong trade war with Beijing. "We're going to be, I hope, making a deal. I think we're going to have a deal. I think it will be a good deal for both, Trump said on October 29, a day before he is set to sit down with Xi on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. A centerpiece of the October 30 in-person meeting -- the first between the two leaders since 2019 -- is how to ease the bruising trade war, with both sides putting out similar positive signals in the lead up to the high-stakes talks. But while Trump and Xi look poised strike a truce in the trade war, experts who spoke to RFE/RL said that reaching a lasting trade deal is unlikely and they were less optimistic that the talks would result in dialing back US-China tensions over Taiwan -- the self-governing island that Beijing claims as its own territory -- or in convincing China to limit its support for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Moscows war in Ukraine. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that preparatory talks ahead of the meeting have led to an agreement on a framework that includes a pause on Chinas rare-earth restrictions, the final approvals on a deal to allow popular Chinese-owned video app TikTok to continue operating in the United States, and easing other trade frictions. Although the meeting might project an image of detente between China and the United States, the competition is far from over, Claus Soong, an analyst at the Berlin-based think tank MERICS, told RFE/RL. Structural issues persist, and neither side is willing to back off from its core interests. Can Trump Convince Xi To Put Pressure On Putin? As Trump traveled to Asia for a broader tour that also included stops in Malaysia and Japan, he told reporters that he would like Beijing to help Washington in its efforts to broker peace talks about ending the more than three-year war in Ukraine. The US presidents efforts to facilitate a deal have so far not succeeded and Trump said that he hoped Xi could use his leverage as a leading political and economic partner for Putin to help bring the Russian leader to the negotiating table. In a sign of Trumps frustration, Washington levied sanctions on major Russian oil companies earlier this month, which Chinas Foreign Ministry said it opposes and had no basis in international law. Aboard Air Force One on October 25, Trump said that Chinas purchases of Russian oil may be discussed, but also added that Beijing is limiting deliveries very substantially, an apparent reference to major state-owned Chinese oil companies beginning to pause Russian imports. Dennis Wilder, who was a top White House China adviser to former US President George W. Bush told RFE/RL that Beijing could be doing more to reduce oil imports from Russia, but that he is pessimistic that the talks in South Korea will result in fracturing Xis support for Putin. Trump has really not pressed Beijing on this issue because of his other priorities with Xi Jinping, Wilder said. China is not going to reduce its support to Russia's war effort. Strategically, Xi has aligned with Putin and that will not change. A Cease-Fire In The Trade War? Bessent said on October 26 that he expects China to resume purchases of US soybeans, which have hurt American farmers, and to delay new controls on rare-earth minerals, an essential group of 17 elements that find themselves in everything from electric vehicle batteries to smartphones to vital defense technology. The Wall Street Journal reported that Washington has placed shelving a new 100 percent tariff set to take effect on November 1 on the table at the talks, as well as rolling back the 20 percent levy on China over its role in the fentanyl crisis in the United States by 10 percent. In return, China would be expected to commit to more controls on the export of so-called precursor chemicals used to make fentanyl, which has been blamed for hundreds of thousands of drug-overdose deaths in recent years. Beijing and Washington could also reduce port fees on each others ships. Sari Arho Havren, an associate fellow at London's Royal United Services Institute, told RFE/RL that the proposed agreement leading up to the talks sounds like a cease-fire agreement in the ongoing trade war between the two countries. Such a move would likely ease market-rattling tensions between the worlds two biggest economies and leave China with around a 45 percent US tariff rate, which is more in line with other leading US trading partners. Both Washington and Beijing want to buy time, Arho Havren said. "In the big picture, trade represents only a small part of the larger confrontation between the United States and China. Will Trump And Xi Discuss Taiwan? One of the longer term sticking points between Beijing and Washington is Taiwan, a self-governing democracy claimed by China. Trump said Taiwan would be among the topics discussed with Xi. Under longstanding policy, Washington follows a one-China" policy that recognizes Beijing as the sole legal government of China and acknowledges its position that Taiwan is part of its territory, but it does not endorse that claim, which forms the basis of the so-called three communiques that helped establish formal diplomatic relations between Beijing and the United States. The United States also provides weapons for the islands self-defense under the Taiwan Relations Act. During his campaign, Trump remained ambiguous about his commitment to the island and has hit Taipei with tariffs while calling for it to invest more into its own defense and relocate more production from its advanced semiconductor industry to the United States. Ahead of the meeting, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio looked to head off any idea of concessions over Taiwan by rejecting the idea of abandoning Taiwan as part of a trade deal with China. If what people are worried about is were going to get some trade deal or were going to get favorable treatment on trade in exchange for walking away from Taiwan, no one is contemplating that, he told reporters on a plane between Israel and Qatar. Wilder, who used to brief President George W. Bush on China policy, says that he expects Xi to take advantage of the fact that Trump will be arriving at the bilateral meeting tired and will try to get him to deviate from the carefully nuanced US diplomatic line toward Taiwan and Beijing. I used to give President Bush a pocket card to pull out in the meetings so he would get the phrasing perfect, Wilder said. If you say we abide by the three communiques before you say we abide by the Taiwan Relations Act you are leaning toward Beijing in the eyes of Taipei and Beijing. If A Deal Is Reached, What Happens Next? Much will depend on what actually gets agreed to between Trump and Xi in South Korea. While US officials have spoken about China delaying its latest rare-earth restrictions, it's unclear for how long that will last and if this would also involve a pause on a different set of rare-earths restrictions that Beijing announced in April. Trump has said that he plans to travel to Beijing early in 2026 to meet with Xi and added that this would be followed by a reciprocal visit to the United States later that same year. Most experts say that any type of agreement reached in South Korea should be seen as a temporary cease-fire that could set the stage for more high-level dialogue between the two leaders, although major geopolitical tensions between the two countries will be harder to resolve. This is still a competition and it is still a zero sum competition, at least in the long term, Soong said. China is unlikely to concede anything that undermines its pursuit of great-power status or its efforts to gain greater leverage in international relations. Pro-Russian Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik and dozens of his allies have been removed from the US sanctions list, the Treasury Departments Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced on October 29. OFAC said in a statement that a total of 48 individuals and entities, including Dodik, the former president of the Bosnian Serb republic who earlier this month stepped aside after a state court banned him from politics, his family and government members, and companies related to them, were delisted from the Western Balkans Sanctions Program. The Treasury Department did not elaborate on the move, but it follows Washingtons statement earlier this month welcoming the appointment of an interim president to replace Dodik, who had been stripped of his presidency after a court ruling. The interim appointment sets the stage for fresh presidential elections in November. US State Department told RFE/RL that constructive actions taken in recent weeks by the National Assembly of Republika Srpska contributed to the decision to lift US sanctions against Milorad Dodik, the leader of the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats (SNSD), Bosnian Presidency member Zeljka Cvijanovic, and their associates. The State Department went on to say that de-listing of Mr. Dodik and others should help improve stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina and enable a partnership with the United States based on shared interests, economic potential, and prosperity. Lawmakers had also annulled a series of separatist laws passed in recent months after Dodik had been indicted for defying decisions of the international envoy and the Constitutional Court. Dodik called the sanctions removal a correction of a "grave injustice inflicted upon Republika Srpska, its representatives, and their families." In August, an appeals court in Bosnia-Herzegovina confirmed a prison sentence for Dodik for disregarding the decisions of an international peace envoy, a charge the pro-Russia nationalist politician has dismissed as politically motivated. While he was president, Republika Srpska in mid-March adopted a draft of a new constitution that would redefine the Serb entity as a state of the Serbian people, grant it the right to self-determination, and establish its own army. These provisions would be directly in conflict with the Bosnian Constitution and the Dayton peace accords, which established Republika Srpska as one of Bosnia's two entities. Throughout his tenure as president of Republika Srpska, Dodik faced criticism for authoritarian tendencies, undermining democratic institutions, and fostering a culture of political patronage. Supporters argue that he has brought stability and development to the entity, while opponents charge that his leadership has deepened divisions among the country's ethnic communities and eroded the state's institutional integrity. Earlier this month, OFAC removed four individuals from Republika Srpska from the sanctions list who had been designated for organizing the celebration of January 9, the unconstitutional Day of Republika Srpska. Republika Srpska last year signed a contract with the US firm Zell & Associates International Advocates to lobby for the lifting of sanctions and to promote dialogue between Republika Srpska and the Trump administration as well as to seek a review of the Dayton peace accords and the role of the High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina. According to the registration document obtained by RFE/RL, the law firm was to pursue the goals in the US through communication with members of the executive and legislative branches, as well as the NGO sector. RIGA, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- At least 5,000 people gathered outside the parliament building in Riga, Latvia, on Wednesday evening to protest against the country's possible withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention, a treaty aimed at protecting women from violence. The protest began at 6:00 p.m. and concluded around 7:30 p.m., with participants dispersing peacefully. No incidents were reported during the event. The demonstration took place as members of parliament (MPs) were preparing for the final reading of a bill proposing Latvia's withdrawal from the Convention. The Saeima (parliament) had earlier approved the draft law in its first reading by 52 votes, and is expected to hold the second and final vote on Thursday. According to the Crisis Center Marta, an independent non-governmental organization, the proposal has sparked public outrage, as it "threatens the progress made so far in the field of human rights and gender equality." The Istanbul Convention came into force in Latvia in May 2024, after being ratified by the country's tripartite coalition government. However, the opposition's proposal to withdraw from the treaty has divided the ruling coalition, with one of its partners, the Union of Greens and Farmers, backing the opposition's stance. Supporters of the withdrawal argue that the Convention undermines traditional family structures and national values, while critics say leaving the treaty would weaken protections for women and set back gender equality efforts. MOSCOW, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that Russians are not consuming enough fish and seafood, calling for improved processing and transportation to make seafood more accessible and affordable across the country. Russia possesses unique marine resources, Putin said, adding that it is crucial not only to harvest these resources, but also to ensure their processing and transportation. He pointed out that fish and seafood consumption in Russia remains below the level recommended by Russia's Ministry of Health. In Kamchatka, a major fishing region in Russia's Far East, fishermen have caught over 250,000 tonnes of salmon this year, accounting for 75 percent of Russia's total salmon harvest, Kamchatka Governor Vladimir Solodov said. By the end of the 2025 fishing season, the total catch of aquatic biological resources is expected to reach 1.5 million tonnes, twice what it was in the early 2010s, he added. SARAJEVO, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) on Wednesday delivered a new batch of protective uniforms and safety equipment worth over 130,000 euros (151,400 U.S. dollars) to the Bosnia and Herzegovina Mine Action Center (BHMAC) and the Civil Protection Administrations of both entities in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), further enhancing the safety and efficiency of nationwide demining operations. The donation includes waterproof winter jackets, work pants, spring and autumn jackets, polo shirts, and protective footwear, all intended to safeguard demining personnel operating in mine-contaminated areas, which still cover about 1.6 percent of the country's territory. The equipment is part of a 10-million-euro EU-funded project that also provides vehicles and finances for mine clearance activities. Earlier this year, the EU donated 19 off-road vehicles to help transport demining teams and equipment to remote areas. To date, the EU has contributed more than 50 million euros toward mine clearance, survivor assistance, and capacity building in Bosnia and Herzegovina. According to BHMAC, as of June 30, 2025, an estimated 820 square kilometers of land remain classified as suspected hazardous areas, spanning about 1,261 communities, with more than 93,000 people still living under direct risk. The barrister of former Kilkenny hurling star DJ Carey handed in a sick note to explain his absence when the case was called on Wednesday morning, and sentencing has been delayed. Carey was to be sentenced on Wednesday after pleading guilty to defrauding 13 people by pretending he had cancer and looking for financial support for treatment in the US. The 54-year-old, with an address of The Drive, Newtown, Maynooth, Co Kildare, pleaded guilty last July to charges. He had been due to stand trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Carey pleaded guilty to 10 of the 21 counts he was facing, which include dishonestly inducing people to pay him money after he falsely claimed to have cancer. 13 named people fell victim to the claims, which occurred between 2014 and 2022. Businessman Denis OBrien is one of the named individuals who gave him money to pay for cancer treatment on unknown dates between January 2014 and September 2022, contrary to the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act. Judge Martin Nolan was told that Carey was not present and his barrister handed in a sick note when the case was called on Wednesday morning. Those present in court were informed by Prosecuting Counsel that they had just received a photocopy of the medical letter, which said Carey was in Portiuncula University Hospital in Ballinalsoe, Co Galway. Prosecution Counsel said gardai had been alerted to the situation on Tuesday. Gardai called the hospital and were told that Carey was not an in-patient as of yesterday. They added that sentencing will not proceed today, but he told the judge he may have an application to make to the court depending on further inquiries being made by gardai. Defence Counsel informed the court last July that while Carey did not have cancer, he did have "genuinely significant" health issues and required heart surgery last year. A psychological report was also asked to be prepared ahead of Wednesday's sentencing. Carey has been on bail in advance of the hearing with strict conditions attached. The total amount of money involved in the cases has not been disclosed. David Raleigh A man is to appear in court for sentencing this afternoon after he previously pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of his niece, Marguerita Maggie ORourke nee Sheridan. Danny ODonoghue, (42), Lower Main Street, Rathkeale, Co Limerick, admitted the charge before Limerick Circuit Criminal Court last July. Mr ODonoghue has not sought bail since he was arrested 10 months ago, and he has been held on remand at Portlaoise Prison. He has admitted one count of dangerous driving causing the death of Ms ORourke at Bank Place, Rathkeale, on December 21st, 2024. Ms ORourke, of Roches Row, Rathkeale, had given birth to her first child, a son, three weeks before her death. Its understood Ms ORourke had been closing steel gates to a family property when Mr ODonoghue, driving a van, ploughed into the gates and his niece, killing her instantly. Mr ODonoghues barrister, senior counsel Michael Bowman, instructed by solicitor Michael ODonnell, told the July hearing: The tragic deceased was actually the niece of the accused. Judge Colin Daly responded that it was a sad case, indeed. The judge said, given the sensitive nature of the case, the evidence in the sentencing hearing would likely take some time, possibly an hour, and he directed that the courts afternoon schedule would be set aside to hear the case on its own. Prosecuting barrister, Lily Buckley BL, told the July hearing that victim impact statements would be canvassed from Ms ORourkes loved ones, including her parents, John and Margaret Sheridan. The deceased was 21 years of age and her husband is currently in the United Kingdom, Ms Buckley added. Mr ODonoghue also pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to a set of gates, the property of Mary Teresa ORourke, in respect of the fatal collision. He also pleaded guilty to producing a machete during the course of a dispute, on the same date, and to causing criminal damage to a silver Ford Transit Custom van, the property of Patrick Sheridan, also on the same date. Mr ODonoghue was previously also charged with making a threat to kill or cause serious harm to Patrick Sheridan, on the same date; however, Ms Buckley explained that Mr ODonoghue was pleading guilty to the four other offences outlined without prejudice. Three weeks prior to her death, Ms ORourke nee Sheridan and her husband, Denis, had celebrated the birth of their first child, the court heard last July. Thousands of people attended a candlelit vigil in Rathkeale last Christmas Eve. Large-sized photographs of the deceased dressed in her wedding dress on her wedding day were erected inside and outside St Marys Church, Rathkeale, for her funeral mass. Her remains were brought from the church in a glass horse-drawn carriage to her final resting place at Rathkeale Cemetery. In an online tribute to his late daughter, John Sheridan described Ms ORourke nee Sheridan as a true legend who loved horses. The deceaseds brother, Freddy Sheridan, stated: It's never going to be the same without you, Maggie, but you left us a very special boy, I know his mama should be here with him, but unfortunately life didn't go that way. Rest in Peace Marguerita, I can't believe I had to say it, love you my sister. Investment in mental health must be matched with a national effort to tackle an epidemic of disconnection in modern life, according to Ballygar GP Dr. Martin Daly TD. Next year, mental health funding will reach 1.6 billion, more than a 50 per cent increase since 2020, Dr Daly said. It is a huge statement of intent, with more counsellors, more nurses, more psychiatrists and better access for those in crisis. This Government is putting mental health where it belongs, at the centre of public policy. However, Dr Daly, a practising GP, said he has seen a dramatic rise in people struggling with anxiety, burnout and depression. What once might have been occasional stress is now, for many, a constant battle to keep going. The use of antidepressant and anti-anxiety medication has grown exponentially over the past decade. These treatments play a vital role in helping people recover and regain stability, but the sheer scale of their use shows just how many are struggling to cope in a world that never switches off. Deputy Martin Daly says investment in mental health must be matched with a national effort to tackle an epidemic of disconnection in modern life. He highlighted the new 50-bed psychiatric unit planned for Roscommon University Hospital as a game changer for patients, families and staff across the West, adding that the development, which includes a multi-storey car park, will modernise facilities and make Roscommon a more attractive place for clinical specialists to work. Dr Daly also warned that new digital forces are fuelling emotional strain, especially among young people. Artificial intelligence is creeping into every part of their lives, even their chats and friendships. It mimics empathy but offers none. We must make sure technology serves people, not the other way around. He said Ireland must lead in regulating AI and social media platforms to protect children from harm. Our challenge now is to rebuild connection, meaning and hope, because no app, no algorithm and no medication can ever replace genuine human compassion. Tesco has launched a festive recruitment drive as it seeks to fill over 1,100 temporary roles across Ireland this Christmas, including 23 jobs for Roscommon. Applications are now open through the Tesco website for those interested in applying. As part of Tescos seasonal recruitment drive, the retailer is recruiting helpful and friendly people to join its stores nationwide. Shifts will be available in the early morning, daytime, and evening from November onwards. Maurice Kelly, People Director at Tesco Ireland, commented: Were delighted to be creating over 1,100 festive roles across the country this Christmas. These roles will support our existing colleagues to help us deliver the best possible service to customers throughout the festive season and provide new team members with access to an industry-leading benefits package from day one. If youre not already part of the team and are looking for extra hours or want to give retail a try, this is a fantastic time to join our team and make a real difference in your local community. Tesco has launched a festive recruitment drive as it seeks to fill over 1,100 temporary roles across Ireland this Christmas, including 23 jobs for Roscommon. Tesco encourages interested candidates to apply online as soon as possible. After Christmas, temporary colleagues will have the opportunity to apply for available permanent roles in existing stores or new Tesco locations planned for the coming year. Amritsar Rural Police Nab Two Operatives of Terror Module; Rocket-Propelled Grenade, Launcher Recovered (Representative Image) The RPG was intended for a targeted terror attack, the DGP was quoted as saying in the press note. Amritsar Rural Police Nab Two Operatives of Terror Module; Rocket-Propelled Grenade, Launcher Recovered Amritsar Rural Police, in close coordination with central agencies, have apprehended two operatives of a terror module and recovered one Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG) along with its launcher from their possession, according to the Information and Public Relations Department (IPRD), Punjab, which cited Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav in a press note. Advertisement The arrested accused have been identified as Mehakdeep Singh alias Mehak, a resident of Wadali, Amritsar, and Aditya alias Adhi, a resident of village Bhaga Chhina, Amritsar. Police teams have also taken custody of the motorcycle the suspects were riding. DGP Gaurav Yadav stated that, as per preliminary investigation, the arrested accused were in contact with Pakistans ISI operative, who had sent the consignment from across the border via drone, and with Harpreet Singh alias Vicky, currently lodged in Ferozepur Jail. The RPG was intended for a targeted terror attack, the DGP was quoted as saying in the press note. Advertisement He added that further investigations are underway to establish forward and backward linkages in this case to unearth the entire network. Operational Details: Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Amritsar Rural Maninder Singh stated that police teams acted on intelligence inputs regarding the retrieval of an RPG-22 Netto anti-tank rocket launcher by suspects Mehakdeep and Aditya, allegedly on the directions of Harpreet alias Vicky. Police arrested both suspects while they were on their way to deliver the consignment, the SSP added. Advertisement Investigations are ongoing to identify the intended recipients of the consignment. The SSP also noted that police teams would bring accused Harpreet alias Vicky from Ferozepur Jail on a production warrant for further questioning. A case has been registered under Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Explosives Substances Act and Section 113 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station Gharinda, Amritsar Rural, on 21 October 2025. The arrests are part of the ongoing drive in Punjab to make the state safe and secure, in accordance with directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. Advertisement (For more news apart from Amritsar Rural Police Nab Two Operatives of Terror Module; Rocket-Propelled Grenade, Launcher Recovered," stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) War Against Drugs Continues in Punjab: Police sustain crackdown on smugglers During the latest operation, the police recovered 561 grams of heroin, 1.1 kilograms of opium, 1,229 intoxicant tablets/capsules War Against Drugs Continues in Punjab: Police sustain crackdown on smugglers In a continued effort by the Punjab Government to eradicate the menace of drugs from the state, Punjab Police conducted raids at 306 locations on Sunday the 232nd day of its ongoing campaign Yudh Nashian Virudh (War Against Drugs). Advertisement The operation led to the arrest of 67 drug smugglers and the registration of 58 First Information Reports (FIRs) across the state. According to the Information and Public Relations Department (IPRD), Punjab, with these arrests, the total number of drug smugglers apprehended so far has reached 33,500 in 232 days. The raids were carried out as part of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Manns statewide campaign Yudh Nashian Virudh, which aims to completely eliminate the drug problem from Punjab. Advertisement During the latest operation, the police recovered 561 grams of heroin, 1.1 kilograms of opium, 1,229 intoxicant tablets/capsules, and Rs 6,360 in drug money from the possession of the arrested smugglers. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has directed the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners, and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) to intensify efforts to make Punjab a drug-free state. The state government has also constituted a five-member Cabinet Sub-Committee, led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, to monitor the ongoing war against drugs. According to the IPRD, over 100 police teams comprising more than 800 personnel and supervised by 57 gazetted officers carried out the 306 raids across the state. Police teams also checked 332 suspicious persons during the day-long operation. Advertisement The Punjab Government has adopted a three-pronged strategy, Enforcement, De-addiction, and Prevention (EDP), to eradicate drugs from the state. As part of the De-addiction initiative, Punjab Police today persuaded 23 individuals to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment. (For more news apart from War Against Drugs Continues in Punjab: Police sustain crackdown on smugglers," stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) Editorial: The vote-reform campaign is essential for the cleanliness of the electoral process. Yes, it openly encouraged the Election Commission to make the vote revision process more transparent... Vote-reform campaign is essential for the cleanliness of the electoral process Editorial: The Election Commission of India has announced that after Bihar, the Special In-depth Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls will begin in 12 more states and union territories from November 4. Such an exercise should be welcomed in any strong democracy, but the Congress, Trinamool Congress, DMK and some other opposition parties have opposed this announcement. They claim that the Election Commission is biased and wants to cut the votes of sections associated with the opposition parties through this exercise. Such criticism and opposition is unfortunate. Advertisement The Congress and other opposition parties had raised very strong objections to the vote-reform campaign in Bihar during the last four months and had even dragged the Election Commission to the Supreme Court. Although that matter is still under consideration of the apex court, the overall impression that emerged during the hearing was that most of the objections were exaggerated. For this reason, the Supreme Court did not stop the program announced by the Election Commission for the Bihar Assembly elections nor did it interfere in any other way. Yes, it openly encouraged the Election Commission to make the vote revision process more transparent and the Election Commission also accepted its instructions or suggestions. Not only in Bihar, but also in Karnataka, in the case of illegal deduction of votes (which Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had called the atomic bomb of vote theft), nothing has come to light so far that can be considered an atomic bomb. The government in that state is also of the Congress and the Special Investigation Team (SIT) set up by it has been able to find out the cases of illegal deduction of votes in only a few wards. But this number is also in a few hundreds, not in thousands or lakhs. Advertisement According to the data released by the Election Commission, the exercise of deep correction of voter lists has been done 9 times in Indian democracy. The last revision was in 2002-03. As per democratic norms, such revision should be done after every ten years, especially in a country like India where 99.10 crore people are entitled to vote. Learning from the controversies surrounding the Bihar phase of the revision, the Election Commission has ordered the completion of the revision campaign in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh and the Union Territories of Andaman and Nicobar, Puducherry and Lakshadweep, which began on November 4, within three months. It has made it clear that those whose names or those of their parents appear in these lists need not produce proof of Indian citizenship. Those who became voters after 2003 were asked to produce any of the 11 documents to prove their citizenship, which were also used during the Bihar cleanliness drive. Aadhaar card is included as the 12th document, but along with it, a document has also been asked to be produced that shows that the voter or his parents were living in India before 2003. It is worth mentioning that the Election Commission had taken the stand during the hearing on Bihar that only an Indian citizen can become a voter for Indian elections. Therefore, it has the constitutional right to ask for some proof of Indian citizenship. This argument was also accepted by the Supreme Court. Advertisement India is the largest democracy in the world. Its electoral system is often praised. The fact that the process of changing governments through elections has also been a proud achievement of Indian democracy. The amendments made in the electoral system according to the needs of the time to make the electoral exercise fair and free have also been beneficial. Therefore, every effort to make the electoral system cleaner should receive support from every political party, apart from the common citizens. The number of those who raise doubts about the effectiveness of voting machines is still not less, but most of us voters have seen and felt how simple and economical they have made the process of casting and counting votes. In such an environment, it is the duty of every voter to participate in the work of revising the voter lists. This is in the interest of both Indian democracy and his own. GENEVA, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said on Tuesday that Hurricane Melissa, the strongest tropical cyclone this year anywhere in the world, is expected to cause the worst storm impact of this century on Jamaica. The hurricane, a Category 5 storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale, made landfall on Tuesday on Jamaica's southwestern coast. At least seven people were killed across the northern Caribbean, local media reported. The WMO warned of life-threatening winds of nearly 300 km/h, devastating storm surge and rainfall. Millions of people in Jamaica and across the Caribbean could be impacted, the agency said on its website. Jamaica had not been impacted by such a powerful hurricane since Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, WMO tropical cyclone specialist Anne-Claire Fontan said at a United Nations media briefing. Melissa would also affect Cuba, the Bahamas, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, bringing high levels of rain and strong winds, she said. The hurricane will bring three times the normal amount of precipitation for a rainy month in Jamaica, potentially up to 700 millimeters, Fontan added. Some 1.5 million people might be directly impacted and the entire population of Jamaica is affected one way or another, said Necephor Mghendi, the International Red Cross' regional head of delegation for English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean. Coastal communities had already been under strain from previous storms, Mghendi said, warning that the rainfall this time could cut off essential services for days, if not weeks. "The humanitarian threat is severe and immediate," he said, adding that women, children, the elderly and people with disabilities were particularly vulnerable, especially in coastal communities. The Jamaica Red Cross had mobilized in preparation for Hurricane Melissa, helping with early warning, evacuation and distribution of prepositioned items. The authorities had prepared over 800 shelters, and it was believed that most people had already moved away, Mghendi said. As Hurricane Melissa has weakened to a Category 3 storm, its core is expected to move over eastern Cuba later Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning, move across the southeastern or central Bahamas later on Wednesday, and approach Bermuda Thursday and Thursday night, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said in its latest advisory issued at 0000 GMT Wednesday. "Residents in Jamaica should remain in a safe shelter. In the warning area in Cuba, residents should seek safe shelter immediately. In the Bahamas, preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion," the agency warned. The need, also in Romania, for a National Cathedral Romania was the only predominantly Orthodox country in the world that did not have a National Cathedral La Cattedrale Nazionale di Bucarest Roxana Vasile, 29.10.2025, 14:10 Romania was the only predominantly Orthodox country in the world that did not have a National Cathedral, although the idea of building such an edifice had existed since the 19th century. The spokesperson for the Romanian Patriarchate, Adrian Agachi, explains: The first to discuss the need for a National Cathedral was the national poet Mihai Eminescu, who immediately after the War of Independence (b. ed. 1877-1878) stated that such a church building would be necessary. Later, King Carol I, in 1884, issued the first law for the construction of a National Cathedral and allocated for it, at that time, 5% of the Gross Domestic Product of the Kingdom of Romania. With the arrival of the two World Wars, then the communist period, the project could no longer be realized. With the exception of the period of Patriarch Miron Cristea, who tried to identify a good space for the construction of the National Cathedral and first spoke of the Cathedral of the Salvation of the Nation, understanding by this phrase the acquisition of independence and the deliverance of the Romanian people from the difficult period they had just overcome So, with this exception, until after the Revolution of 1989, the Cathedral project entered, somehow, into a stagnation. There was less and less talk, and with the possibilities being restricted, things did not go as we would have liked. But, since 1990, the idea of designing the National Cathedral began to take more and more shape, initially under the worthy Patriarch Teoctist, and then, since 2007, it was no longer a simple idea, a simple concept, but became a reality under the patronage of Patriarch Daniel. In the vision of Catalin Raiu, associate professor at the University of Bucharest, Romanian society had fallen short in this regard that of having a central place of worship, emblematic of the Orthodox faith, which defines the religious identity of the majority of the population and which dominates, from a cultural point of view, the history of Romanians. Therefore, the new National Cathedral he believes is, on the one hand, a summary of history and, on the other, a place where the entire Romanian society, not necessarily only the Orthodox one, will gather, from now on, to also feel like a community of faith. Catalin Raiu: Almost all the predominantly Orthodox countries had this ambition simultaneously with our ambition somewhere at the end of the 19th century, when the European nations, and we are referring to the Orthodox ones, were breaking away from different empires and developing this national, individualistic consciousness. They tried to build a cathedral which, of course, is a religious symbol, but it is also a political one, in the broad sense of the term, of building the nation, of demonstrating its identity in the face of history. And, then, because Romania had lagged behind in this chapter Bulgaria has such a cathedral, Serbia the same, Georgia built one recently, 10-15 years ago the works began and now it is completed I think that Romania is now among these predominantly Orthodox countries that are closing this historical period which, as I was saying, required the construction of a religious, cultural and historical identity symbol. Most Romanians welcomed the construction of the Cathedral with pride, joy and hope, but those who criticized this approach were not few in number. Their main accusation is, still, that the public funds used to build the imposing place of worship should have been allocated to infrastructure projects in transportation, education or health, which are otherwise so important for the country. The famous slogan We want hospitals, not cathedrals! or the refrain God prefers wood and small spaces of an anti-Cathedral song by the pop-rock band Taxi reflect the dissatisfaction of the opponents. There are two different issues counter-argues associate professor Dr. Catalin Raiu: Churches and hospitals are and should be treated as complementary things, I would not put them in antithesis. It seems to me a rather dangerous syllogism and, to my surprise, to point out a positive thing, among the critics who expressed themselves in such slogans, I saw people who were really impressed that this construction was completed, that it looks very good, that it will be an emblem of Bucharest and Romania, and I think that many of them no longer necessarily see themselves in this slogan. They saw, in practice, that the Church picked a construction site and I mean not only material things, but also an identity project which it completed much more coherently, much more efficiently than the State. And I think that this should raise a question mark for us: why does the Church succeed and, sometimes, the State does not keep up with this pace. Towards the end of 2007, Patriarch Daniel laid the cornerstone of the new edifice, and from the end of 2010, the actual construction of the National Cathedral began. According to the spokesman for the Romanian Patriarchate, Father Adrian Agachi, the costs so far have amounted to only 270 million euros, given that the works are overwhelmingly completed, and, in addition, this money was spent over 15 years. Moreover, the amount is small compared to others intended for relatively similar works, such as, for example, the restoration of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. The money for the place in Bucharest came from the central and local budget, but also from the Churchs own funds and from the donations of the faithful, for whom says Catalin Raiu the construction of the Cathedral is a triumph: Society must understand that the Church is with it, bringing this project to completion, with many difficulties there was opposition, sometimes, not only from the public space, but also from some politicians there was opposition or indifference and that the Church is a relevant institution in society as long as it knows how to put such a construction on the public agenda in a spiritual sense, not just in a material sense, and to bring it to completion. The National Cathedral will increase its aura and consolidate its status as the flagship of places of worship in Romania in tens, maybe hundreds of years is the opinion of a fellow journalist. But the beginning has been made after more than 150 years of being just a dream, now the Cathedral exists. It guards the capital of a European and Christian country, of a Latin and Orthodox people. October 29, 2025 A roundup of domestic and international news Newsflash Newsroom, 29.10.2025, 13:55 Protests. Romanias major trade union confederations are protesting today in front of the Government, expressing their dissatisfaction with the austerity measures. Trade unionists are demanding an increase in the minimum wage and pensions, fair taxation, job protection, and an end to fiscal and budgetary measures that only affect vulnerable people. The president of the Cartel Alfa Trade Union Confederation, Bogdan Hossu, says that the excessive deficit is not the fault of citizens, but of the government, and added that the latter must understand that concrete, fair, and immediate measures are needed to protect workers. At the same time, the National Tripartite Council for Social Dialogue is meeting at the government headquarters to discuss the possibility of increasing the gross minimum wage. Representatives of trade unions, employers, and the executive branch are participating. US military. US military. By resizing the rotational force operating in Romania, the presence of American troops here actually returns to the level before the war in neighboring Ukraine, says President Nicusor Dan in a post on the X network. The head of state also points out that the deterrence of threats on NATOs eastern flank is compensated by a substantial increase in military equipment and the increased presence of European forces, in full agreement with the American partner. His statements come after reports that the United States is reducing its military presence in several countries, including Romania, a decision taken in the context of Washington allocating additional resources to the Asia-Pacific region. The American presence in Romania, which amounts to about 2,000 troops, is to be reduced by one battalion. The main base for American troops in Romania is at Mihail Kolgalniceanu (southeast). There are also troops in Deveselu (south), which operate the missile defense shield, and in Campia Turzii (center). Reform. The leaders of Romanias ruling coalition PSD, PNL, USR, and UDMR discussed again on Tuesday the reform of magistrates pensions, which was rejected by the Constitutional Court, and decided that the government should draft a new bill for which it would assume responsibility in Parliament. The decision was taken after Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan rejected the Social Democrats proposal that this bill be adopted by Parliament as a matter of urgency. The version proposed by the prime minister was eventually accepted by the Social Democrats, who nevertheless expressed some concerns that the November 28 deadline for the adoption of this law, as committed to by Romania in the NRRP, would be missed. If this happens, Romania would lose several million euros of these European funds. More on this after the news. Commissioner. The European Commission will analyze, by the end of November, the measures taken by the Romanian government to reduce the budget deficit, and if the assessment is positive, Romania will avoid the suspension of European funds, said Economy Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis after meeting with Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan in Bucharest. The European official said that the measures must lead to the achievement of the deficit target of 8.4% at the end of the year, a threshold that Romania is committed to reaching, said the head of the Romanian executive. The deficit target for next year should be close to 6%, Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan told European Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis, noting that both the measures taken so far and those to be adopted by the end of the year, together with appropriate financial discipline, can lead to regaining credibility both in the financial markets and with the European Commission. Ukraine. Romanian Minister of Education and Research Daniel David sent a letter to his Ukrainian counterpart, stating that he insists on the importance of taking into account the legitimate requests made by representatives of the Romanian minority, as well as on the need to respect the rights of persons belonging to the Romanian minority to education in their mother tongue, in accordance with Ukraines international commitments. David states that he is thus responding to recent media reports on the implementation of educational reform measures in Ukraine at the high school level, which will have an impact on Romanian-language education in the Chernivtsi region. Numerous Romanian-language high schools in the Chernivtsi region of Ukraine will disappear as of September 1, 2027, as a result of the reorganization of the education system, Aurica Bojescu, secretary of the Interregional Union of the Romanian Community in Ukraine, told the media in Bucharest. Previously, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bucharest (MAE) had also informed Ukraine that it considers access to the Romanian language outside Romanias borders to be a priority. The indicative list of high schools in the Chernvtsi region does not reflect the legitimate requests made by representatives of the Romanian minority, warns the MFA, adding that respecting the rights of persons belonging to the Romanian minority and guaranteeing full access to education in their mother tongue are part of Ukraines full commitment to European values. Approximately 400,000 ethnic Romanians live in the neighboring state, most of them in northern Bukovina, northern and southern Bessarabia, and the Herta region, which were annexed by Stalinist Soviet Union in 1940 following an ultimatum and taken over by Ukraine in 1991 as the successor state. INDAGRA. Indagra 2025 kicked off today in Bucharest, with 420 companies from the agricultural and food sectors in 20 countries participating. Designed as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and action, the event brings together all the players in the Romanian agri-food chain until November 2 to openly discuss solutions, investments, and concrete partnerships. There will be debates on innovation, resilience, and sustainability in Romanian agriculture, as well as on the identity, competitiveness, and opportunities of Romanian products. Demonstration programs and competitions will also be organized. Gaza. The Gaza Strip Civil Defense announced that at least 30 people were killed in Israeli attacks on the territory after the Israeli prime minister said Hamas had violated the terms of the US-brokered ceasefire agreement. Benjamin Netanyahu ordered what he called harsh strikes on Gaza and accused Hamas of deliberately plotting to deceive Israel regarding the handover of all the bodies of the hostages. Last night, Hamas handed over what it said were the remains of a hostage, but Israel said forensic tests showed the remains belonged to a hostage already taken from Gaza two years ago. In addition, drone footage taken by the Israeli military showed a body being removed from a building in Gaza on Tuesday, wrapped up and placed in a pit that was then covered with earth. Israel also said it filmed Hamas conducting a fake excavation to remove the body after it had been buried. (MI) October 29, 2025 UPDATE Click here for the latest news from RRI Newsflash Newsroom, 29.10.2025, 20:00 Protests The major trade union confederations in Romania protested on Wednesday in front of the Romanian Government headquarters, their dissatisfaction being related to the austerity measures adopted. The trade unionists are demanding an increase in the minimum wage and pensions, fair taxation, the protection of jobs and the cessation of fiscal-budgetary measures applied only to vulnerable people. The President of the Cartel Alfa Trade Union Confederation, Bogdan Hossu, stated that the excessive deficit is not the fault of the citizens, but of the government and specified that the latter must understand that concrete, fair and immediate measures are needed to protect workers. Also on Wednesday, a meeting of the National Tripartite Council for Social Dialogue was held at the government headquarters, attended by representatives of the unions, employers and the executive. After the discussions, the Government has announced that it is very likely that the guaranteed minimum gross salary will remain at this years level in 2026, and the consultations will continue next month. The Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan showed that he understands that people with low salaries are the most affected by the increase in the cost of living, but, equally, a possible increase in the gross minimum wage next year will generate cascading increases in many salaries. Military The security of Romania and NATOs Eastern flank will not at all be diminished, and the strategic partnership between Romania and the United States remains within the same parameters, President Nicusor Dan assures. He specifies that the deterrence of threats on the Alliances eastern flank is compensated by the consistent addition of military equipment and the increase in the presence of European forces, in full agreement with the American partner. His statements come after information that the United States is reducing its military presence in several countries, including Romania, the decision being made in the context in which Washington allocates additional resources for the Asia-Pacific region. The United States Army stated on Wednesday that the decision not to replace the American troops leaving Romania does not represent a US withdrawal from Europe, Reuters reports. In turn, the US ambassador to NATO, Matthew Whitaker, stated that the United States remains committed to Romania. Also on Wednesday, the Romanian Defense Minister, Ionut Mosteanu, announced that the American forces remain unchanged at the bases in Deveselu (south) and Campia Turzii (center), and the only change is to be made at the base in Mihail Kogalniceanu (southeast), where a rotational brigade will no longer be deployed. The American presence in Romania currently amounts to about 2,000 military personnel. Romanian minority The Romanian Minister of Education and Research, Daniel David, sent a letter to his Ukrainian counterpart, stating that he insists on the importance of taking into account the legitimate requests made by representatives of the Romanian minority, as well as on the need to respect the rights of persons belonging to the Romanian minority to education in their mother tongue, in accordance with the international commitments assumed by Ukraine. David specifies that he is thus reacting to recent information published in the media regarding the implementation of educational reform measures in Ukraine, at the level of high schools, with an impact on education with Romanian language tuition in the Cernauti (Chernivtsi) region. Numerous high schools with Romanian language tuition in this region of Ukraine, will disappear starting September 1, 2027, as a result of the reorganization of the education system the responsible secretary of the Interregional Union of the Romanian Community in Ukraine, Aurica Bojescu, told the mass media in Bucharest. Previously, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bucharest (MAE) also conveyed to Ukraine that it supports access to the Romanian language outside Romania as a priority. The indicative list of high schools in the Chernivtsi region does not reflect the legitimate requests made by representatives of the Romanian minority warns the MAE, which adds that respecting the rights of persons belonging to the Romanian minority and guaranteeing full access to education in their mother tongue are part of Ukraines full commitment to European values. About 400 thousand ethnic Romanians live in the neighboring state, most of them in northern Bukovina, northern and southern Bessarabia and the Herta Land, annexed by the Stalinist Soviet Union in 1940, following an ultimatum, and taken over by Ukraine in 1991, as a successor state. Appointment The Romanian President Nicusor Dan signed the decree appointing Oana Gheorghiu as Deputy Prime Minister on Wednesday, the Presidential Administration announced. The swearing-in ceremony will take place on Thursday morning. On Tuesday, the interim president of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), Sorin Grindeanu, asked Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan to withdraw the proposal submitted to President Nicusor Dan in order to avoid compromising the relationship with the US, after Oana Gheorghiu had previously harshly criticized the current US administration in a post on social networks. Nothing I wrote on my personal Facebook page before taking over the position of Deputy Prime Minister in any way commits the Romanian state or the Government of Romania, Oana Gheorghiu declared. All my comments and posts represented personal opinions, she added. Oana Gheorghiu (56 years old) is a graduate of the Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies (1994), specializing in economic management. Since February, she has been co-president of the Daruieste Viata Association, after previously being vice-president. In recent years, she has been involved in medical infrastructure projects and campaigns to improve the public health system. The position of deputy prime minister remained vacant following the resignation of Dragos Anastasiu in July, accused of bribing an employee of the National Agency for Fiscal Administration (ANAF) for eight years. (LS) Measures to curb Romanias budget deficit The European Union is worried about Romanias budget deficit and presently assessing the measures taken by the Bucharest government aimed at curbing it Ilie Bolojan and Valdis Dombrovskis at the Victoria Palace / Photo: gov.ro Sorin Iordan, 29.10.2025, 14:00 The European Commissioner for economy, Valdis Dombrovskis, paid a two day formal visit to Bucharest. The Community Executive has sent its representative to check whether Romania, the EU country with the highest budget deficit of 9.3% in 2024 is implementing reforms aimed at regaining the fiscal balance. The European Union is worried by the budget deficit registered by Romania and is waiting to see how Romania is going back to a sustainable track, Dombrovskis said during his meeting with the countrys Prime Minister, Ilie Bolojan. Brussels is assessing the measures implemented by the Romanian government to curb the budget deficit, by the end of November, and if the assessment isnt a positive one, Romania runs the risk of having some European funds suspended. In this context, the commissioner has urged the Executive in Bucharest to take bold measures and reduce the countrys vulnerabilities. Valdis Dombrovskis: The scale and nature of the measures taken were fully in line and appropriate to bring Romania back on sustainable track. But with the budget deficit this year still expected to be around 8.3% of GDP, it is important to stay the course so the budget deficit criteria or target for the next year has to be met to maintain this financial stability, which has now been achieved and eventually to correct excessive deficit by 2030 as planned. In turn, the head of the Romanian government said the budget deficit target for the next year must come close to 6% and told the European official that the measures that had already been implemented and those to be implemented by the end of the year, jointly with the right financial discipline can lead to regaining the credibility both from the financial markets and the European Commission. Ilie Bolojan: I assured Commissioner Dombrovskis that we remain engaged in continuing to implement the measures aimed at ensuring us a process of sustainable economic recovery. We have proposed for this year a target deficit of 8.4%, and in the following two months, with the right budget control and financial discipline, we can meet this target. We propose to take measures in November to curb expenses and cash in incomes to prioritize and space out investment from the national budgets so that we may find a proper balance. Bolojan went on to say that in December, they would get ready a law on the 2026 budget, which includes the deficit target and the main elements to produce stabilizing effects next year. A similar signal of stability was conveyed by the Romanian president, Nicusor Dan. According to him, Romania is firmly committed to carrying on the process of fiscal consolidation and correcting economic imbalances. He added the Romanian authorities would continue the efforts of reducing the excessive deficit and would be implementing by August 2026 the recently revised form of the National Plan of Recovery and Resilience, known as the PNRR. (bill) Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has sued Johnson & Johnson and Kenvue, claiming the companies failed to disclose the possible harm Tylenol or also known as acetaminophen, could do to a developing child's brain when taken during pregnancy. While ignoring potential connections between Tylenol and neurodevelopmental disorders like autism, Paxton, a Republican and former President Donald Trump ally, accused the companies of profiting off pain. The company that currently produces the medication, Kenvue, denied the allegations, stating that there is no credible evidence linking acetaminophen to autism. The lawsuit comes after public officials expressed concern over Trump's recent remarks that advised pregnant women not to take Tylenol. Later, the FDA clarified that there is no evidence linking the use of acetaminophen to autism. Acetaminophen is still one of the safest painkillers for expectant mothers, according to medical experts like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, who point out that decades of research have not produced any reliable evidence connecting it to neurodevelopmental disorders. The goal of Paxton's lawsuit is to stop advertisements that suggest Tylenol is safe to take while pregnant. A federal judge dismissed a similar lawsuit in 2022 brought by parents of autistic children due to a lack of definitive proof. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News European shares were mixed on Wednesday as investors digested a slew of earnings and looked ahead to the Federal Reserve's interest-rate decision later in the day, with a 25-bps cut fully priced in. The pan European Stoxx 600 was marginally lower at 575.73 after falling 0.2 percent on Tuesday. The German DAX was marginally higher and the U.K.'s FTSE 100 rose 0.4 percent while France's CAC 40 slipped 0.1 percent. Logitech International shares jumped nearly 5 percent. The Swiss-based computer peripherals firm posted higher annual second quarter fiscal 2026 earnings, beating estimates. Dutch chip-making equipment supplier ASM International rose about 2 percent despite reporting third-quarter bookings below market expectations. Mercedes-Benz soared 8 percent. The German carmaker confirmed its annual outlook and plans to proceed with a 2 billion ($2.3 billion) share buyback after posting stronger-than-expected third-quarter results. Deutsche Bank advanced 1.7 percent after the lender posted a surprise 7 percent increase in quarterly profit, defying expectation for a drop. Chemicals maker BASF rallied 2.8 percent after quarterly adjusted operating earnings came in slightly above expectations. Swedish industrial bearings maker SKF slumped 4.3 percent as it reported sales and adjusted operating profit for the third quarter of 2025 in line with analysts' expectations. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Market Analysis President Donald Trump has announced that the Japanese government and various Japanese companies committed to investments worth $467 billion in major projects in the United States to further revitalize the U.S. industrial base. Trump and Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi signed the U.S.-Japan Framework Agreement in Tokyo on Tuesday. As part of this agreement, Japan has committed to invest up to $332 billion to support critical energy infrastructure in the United States. It includes the construction of AP1000 and small modular reactors in partnership with Westinghouse; construction of SMRs in collaboration with GE Vernova and Hitachi; the supply of large-scale base-load power infrastructure from ENTRA1 Energy; engineering, procurement, and other services to build critical power plants, substations, and transmission systems in collaboration with Bechtel and Kiewit; other services for design, procurement, and maintenance of large-scale power infrastructure in collaboration with SoftBank Group Corp.; and natural gas transmission and power infrastructure services in collaboration with Kinder Morgan. Japanese companies will invest up to $25 billion to supply large-scale power equipment such as gas turbines, steam turbines, and generators for grid electrification and stabilization systems, including high-voltage direct current and substation solutions for mission-critical facilities in partnership with GE Vernova. Japan will invest another $25 billion to supply electrical power modules, transformers, and other power-generation substation equipment in collaboration with Toshiba; and $20 billion to supply thermal cooling systems and solutions, including chillers, air handling systems, and coolant distribution units essential for power infrastructure in partnership with Carrier. $30 billion investment has been pledged in partnership with Mitsubishi Electric to supply power station systems and equipment for data centers, $25 billion in collaboration with TDK for advanced electronic components and power modules, and $20 billion with Fujikura to supply optical fiber cables. Japan has also pledged to invest $15 billion to produce advanced electronic components, including multi-layer ceramic capacitors, inductors, and electromagnetic interference suppression filters, in partnership with Murata Manufacturing; and $15 billion to supply energy storage systems and electronic devices and components in collaboration with Panasonic. Japanese companies will construct a $3 billion ammonia and urea fertilizer facility in the United States and a $2 billion copper smelting and refining facility in the western region. $600 million worth of investment will be made to upgrade ports and waterways across the southern United States to facilitate the export of U.S. crude oil; $500 million to establish a high-pressure, high-temperature diamond grit manufacturing facility in the United States; and $350 million to construct a lithium-iron-phosphate production facility in the United States. The White House said that Japan committed to further expand opportunities for U.S. exports. Toyota plans to export its U.S.-made vehicles to Japan and open its distribution platform in Japan to U.S. automakers, as a result of Japan's commitment to accept for sale in Japan U.S. manufactured and U.S. safety-certified vehicles without additional testing. Japan will implement its Mobile Software Competition Act in a way that does not discriminate against U.S. companies. The United States and Japan signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to expand shipbuilding capacity in both nations by aligning investment, procurement, workforce, and initiatives. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News President Donald Trump has said that he believes the U.S. Government is going to have a trade deal with China, which will be "a good deal for both" the countries and "something very exciting for everybody". "That's really a great result. That's better than fighting and going through all sorts of problems," Trump said while addressing a luncheon at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, on Wednesday, attended by CEOs of major companies. He added that a trade deal with South Korea would be finalized "very soon". He later held a bilateral meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. Trump is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday on the sidelines of the APEC summit. It will take place in the coastal city of Busan, which will mark the first meeting between the leaders of the two economic powers since 2019. They are expected to sign a trade deal after sorting out outstanding issues in the two countries' trade war over huge tariffs. U.S. and China have reportedly reached a framework deal ahead of Thursday's meeting. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News As part of President Donald Trump's trip to Asia, the United States signed Technology Prosperity Deals with Japan and South Korea, expanding, strengthening, and focusing science and collaboration with key allies. Building on the success of the U.S.-United Kingdom TPD signed in September, these bilateral agreements further enable U.S. engagement with the two Asian allies' unique science and technology ecosystems to align regulatory and standards approaches, accelerate research and development, and strengthen national security. "The Trump Administration is redefining American technological leadership by driving bilateral collaborative partnerships with allies like Japan and Korea," said Michael Kratsios, Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. "Each Technology Prosperity Deal offers great opportunities to accelerate scientific discovery and lead the world into a new era of innovation driven by the US and our partners". The U.S.-Japan Technology Prosperity Deal, signed by Michael Kratsios, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, and Japanese Minister of State for Science and Technology Policy Onoda Kimi, will deepen cooperation to drive breakthroughs in AI, quantum computing, biotechnology, space, 6G, and fusion energy. The U.S.-Japan TPD will advance American interests through coordinated U.S.-Japanese AI exports. This will strengthen technology protections and refocus the partnership between the U.S. Center for AI Standards and Innovation and the Japan AI Safety Institute on metrology and standards innovation. The TPD also advances joint efforts to secure the innovation ecosystem, with particular focus on research security, resilient biotechnology and pharmaceutical supply chains, and protection of quantum technologies. It advances strategic interests of the United States in space, 6G, and fusion technologies with a critical ally in the region. The U.S.-South Korea Technology Prosperity Deal was signed by Director Kratsios and Korean Minister of Science, Information, and Communication Technology Bae Kyung-hoon to affirm the commitment of the two nations to science and technology collaboration. The White House said the U.S. will work with Korean counterparts to reduce operational burdens for technology companies and digital application platforms, with particular attention to removing barriers to innovative data localization hosting architectures. The U.S.-Korea TPD will advance American interests with coordinated U.S.-South Korea AI exports, strengthening both countries' export controls and enforcement, and refocusing the partnership between the U.S. Center for AI Standards and Innovation and the Korea AI Safety Institute on metrology and standards innovation. The TPD also advances combined efforts to secure the innovation ecosystem, with particular focus on research security, resilient biotechnology and pharmaceutical supply chains, and protecting quantum technologies. It advances strategic interests of the U.S. in space exploration and 6G telecommunications, working to partner with Korea as a critical ally in the region. The two nations also agreed to engage in discussions to promote AI education programs. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News The chair of an independent commission investigating alleged human rights abuses in the Occupied Palestinian Territory has told a General Assembly committee that Israel has committed "four genocidal acts" in Gaza, while leaders had "incited the commission of genocide." Presenting the Commission of Inquiry's latest report on Tuesday, Navi Pillay said the findings were based on a legal analysis conducted under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. "We concluded that the State of Israel is responsible for the commission of four genocidal acts in Gaza with the specific intent to destroy Palestinians in Gaza, as such," she said. The Commission also found that Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant have incited the commission of genocide. Pillay, a former UN human rights chief, described the situation in Gaza as "the most ruthless, prolonged and widespread attack against the Palestinian people in history." She said that while the fragile ceasefire and release of hostages and prisoners "offer hope, they cannot undo the devastation that has already occurred," adding that "the Gaza Strip lies in ruins, rendered nearly uninhabitable." She added that Israeli officials had "publicly endorsed plans for the deportation of the population, the construction of settlements and annexation of the territory." Although the ceasefire has put such policies on hold, "recent statements by Israeli officials make it clear that these objectives remain firmly in place." This was Pillay's last report to the General Assembly, after having led the independent international investigative body since July 2021. In the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, the Commission found that Israeli policies since October 2023 - along with explicit and implicit support for violent settlers - "demonstrate clear intent to forcibly transfer Palestinians, expand Israeli Jewish civilian presence and annex the majority of the West Bank." The purpose is "to prevent any potential Palestinian self-determination and statehood and maintain an indefinite occupation," Pillay said. She urged Member States to ensure justice and accountability "through supporting the International Criminal Court in its investigations" and by using universal jurisdiction to prosecute suspects, including dual nationals. "It pains me that, on my last presentation as chair of this commission, the post-World War Two multilateral system has failed to prevent this genocide," she added. Aid teams in Gaza are racing to meet urgent needs with tens of thousands still displaced, sheltering in damaged buildings and makeshift sites, while reports of renewed fighting between Israeli forces and Hamas threaten to derail the ceasefire. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Political News GYEONGJU, South Korea, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said here Wednesday that the United States has reached a deal on trade with South Korea, according to Yonhap news agency. Trump arrived in Gyeongju, about 330 km southeast of the South Korean capital Seoul, earlier in the day to hold summit meetings, including the one with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung Wednesday afternoon ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting. Trump appeared at a dinner hosted by Lee, and was asked about whether he had reached a trade deal with Lee. "We did," the U.S. president said, without providing further details. South Korea will host the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Gyeongju from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1. The number of illegal workers arrested in the U.K. has skyrocketed by 63 percent as Immigration Enforcement carry out highest level of raids in British history. Under Operation Sterling, the government invested 5 million pounds into Immigration Enforcement, to arrest and deport illegal workers in takeaways, fast food drivers, beauty salons and car washes, the UK Home Office said. New figures show more than 8,000 illegal migrants have been arrested after 11,000 raids were carried out by Immigration Enforcement between October 2024 and September 2025. Marking the largest enforcement crackdown on illegal working since records began, the data reveals a significant increase year on year of 63 percent and 51 percent for arrests and visits, respectively. more than 1,050 foreign nationals encountered on these operations have been removed from the country. This comes as government is expanding right to work checks under tough new laws, to ensure it covers categories of employers where there are higher levels of illegal migrants seeking work, including gig employers. While it is a criminal offence for migrants to work illegally, only companies using traditional employer to employee contracts are obliged to verify someone's immigration status and whether it permits them to work in the UK. The new laws close this loophole so there will be no hiding place for illegal workers who flout the rules in the gig, casual, subcontracted and temporary worker economy. Bosses who fail to conduct these checks could be jailed for up to five years, face fines of 60,000 pounds per illegal worker and have their businesses closed. UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said, "Illegal working creates an incentive for people attempting to arrive in this country illegally. No more. Those found to be illegally working in beauty salons, car washes and as delivery drivers will be arrested, detained and removed from this country". For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Key Points Pfizer currently has a 7% yield, and the company is making important business moves. Bristol Myers Squibb has a 5.6% yield and has been building its drug pipeline with acquisitions. Merck has a 3.7% yield and a lot of leeway to protect its dividend. 10 stocks we like better than Pfizer The S&P 500 index was recently offering a tiny dividend yield of 1.2%. You can get as much as 7% from some of the world's largest drugmakers. But sometimes, a high yield is a sign of risk. What does the risk-return profile look like for iconic pharmaceutical giants Pfizer (NYSE: PFE), Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY), and Merck (NYSE: MRK)? Working from highest yield to lowest, here's a quick look. 1. Pfizer has a 7% yield and is making big moves Pfizer has increased its dividend annually for 15 years. The current dividend yield is roughly 7%, which is well above the market's yield and the 1.1% yield of the average pharmaceutical company. The big worry among investors with Pfizer is likely the trailing-12-month dividend payout ratio of 90% -- that and the fact that Pfizer cut its dividend when it acquired Wyeth in 2009 for $68 billion. That's important because Pfizer recently announced plans to acquire Metsera for $4.9 billion (plus potential earnouts) to bolster its drug pipeline. It's a smaller deal than Wyeth was. But even if all of the earnouts are triggered (adding another $22.50 to the upfront price of $47.50 per share), the high dividend payout ratio here increases the risk that the board resets the dividend lower. The Metsera deal does show that Pfizer is doing what it needs to do to ensure it survives and thrives over the long term. Still, it's probably best to look at Pfizer as a value or turnaround play rather than a high-yield stock. On the valuation front, its price-to-sales (P/S), price-to-earnings (P/E), and price-to-book (P/B) ratios are all below their five-year averages. If the dividend holds, it will be icing on the cake. Image source: Getty Images. 2. Bristol Myers Squibb yields 5.6% and it's buy, buy, buying One of the issues Pfizer is trying to avoid is a patent cliff, which is when older drugs lose patent protection, making revenue fall. The hope is that new drugs can be brought to market before that happens (or at least shortly thereafter). All major drugmakers have to deal with this, including 5.6%-yielding Bristol Myers Squibb. Although the company has 19 years of annual dividend increases behind it, its payout ratio is an even higher 99% right now. But BMS has been particularly active on the acquisition front. In 2024 it bought oncology-focused Mirati Therapeutics and RayzeBio; it also added neurology-focused Karuna Therapeutics to the fold. Basically, the company has bulked up its drug pipeline, and that should help carry it through upcoming patent losses (which start next year), even though the exact timing of new products may not line up as perfectly as hoped. MoMo Productions / Getty Images As student loan forgiveness resumes, borrowers need to assess their situations to make sure they qualify for dismissal. KEY TAKEAWAYS Student loan borrowers who qualified for loan forgiveness in 2025 will not have to pay taxes on their discharged loans. Borrowers must have made a certain number of payments and be on an eligible repayment plan to have their loans dismissed. While the Department of Education has resumed student loan forgiveness, you may still need to complete a few tasks to ensure your loan is dismissed without having to pay federal taxes. The Department of Education resumed granting student loan forgiveness on most income-driven repayment plans earlier this month. However, there is no confirmed date for when qualifying borrowers will receive their forgiveness. Borrowers who became eligible in 2025 may have to wait until next year to get their paperwork processed and their loan discharged. Many borrowers have worried they will not receive their forgiveness before a temporary tax rule created by former President Joe Biden ends on Jan. 1, 2026. However, the Department of Education confirmed that if a borrower becomes eligible for forgiveness in 2025, they would not have to pay federal taxes on their discharged loan. Borrowers should take some steps before the end of the year to ensure they will not be taxed on the forgiveness they achieve in 2025. Why This Matters to You In about two months, student loan borrowers will be required to pay taxes on their loan forgiveness, which could result in them owing the IRS thousands of dollars. For those who qualified for loan forgiveness in 2025 but have not yet received it, there are steps they can take to ensure they receive tax-free forgiveness. 1. Verify Your Repayment Plan Qualifies for Forgiveness The Department of Education said it is resuming processing tax-free loan discharges for borrowers under the Income-Based Repayment, Pay As You Earn, and the Income-Contingent Repayment plans. However, borrowers under the Saving for a Valuable Education are still unable to receive forgiveness. The income-driven repayment plan, also known as SAVE, was created under former President Joe Bidens administration and is still blocked by ongoing lawsuits. SAVE borrowers are still in forbearance, where any payments made do not count toward forgiveness. Still, some may have reached the threshold of the number of payments eligible for forgiveness before the forbearance period began. If these borrowers request to be transferred to IBR, ICR, or PAYE by December 31, 2025, their loans will be discharged tax-free. Borrowers can request a transfer of repayment plans on the Federal Student Aid website. 2. Verify Your Payment Count Borrowers who have made 240 or 300 months of payments by 2025, depending on their repayment plan, qualify for tax-free forgiveness. They can contact their loan servicer to determine how many qualifying payments they have made and if their loan balance is being forgiven. Spencer Platt / Getty Images Major stock indexes are poised to add to record highs on Monday. Stock futures are pointing to a sharply higher open this morning after major indexes closed last week at record highs; investor sentiment is getting a boost after President Donald Trump said he was optimistic the U.S. would reach a trade deal with China and address ownership of social media app TikTok; Avidity Biosciences (RNA) shares are surging after Swiss pharmaceutical maker Novartis (NVS) said it would acquire the biotechnology firm; and U.S.-listed shares of Argentine companies are soaring after President Javier Mileis political party posted victories in legislative elections there. Here's what you need to know today. 1. Major Stock Indexes Poised to Open Higher After Hitting Record Highs Stock futures are higher this morning amid optimism about an apparent easing of trade tensions between the U.S. and China, while investors prepare for an expected rate cut by the Federal Reserve and a flurry of earnings reports from major technology companies later in the week. The three major U.S. stock indexes come into today's session at record highs after each gained about 2% last week following a mild inflation report that reaffirmed expectations that the Fed will cut its key rate on Wednesday. Futures tied to the Dow Jones Industrial Average were up 0.5% recently, while those linked to the the benchmark S&P 500 and the tech-heavy Nasdaq added 0.9% and 1.3%, respectively. Bitcoin was trading at $115,400, up from a low over the weekend around $111,000. Gold futures were down 2.6% at $4,030 an ounce, as the precious metal continues to step back from recent highs. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note, which affects borrowing costs on a wide array of consumer loans, rose to 4.02% from 4.00% at Friday's close. Crude oil futures were down slightly at around $61.40 after jumping last week following a move by the U.S. to place sanctions on Russian oil firms. 2. Trump Sounds Positive Note on U.S.-China Trade Talks President Donald Trump said early Monday that the U.S. is positioned to reach a trade deal with China, as the the president gets set to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Thursday in South Korea. "I have a lot of respect for President Xi, and we are going to come away with the deal, Trump said. U.S. and Chinese negotiators over the weekend reached a framework for a trade deal that could result in a reduction of tariffs and trade barriers between the two countries. The deal will reportedly delay the implementation of 100% tariffs on Chinese imports that were slated to begin on Nov. 1, while Chinas export controls on rare earth elements are also expected to be delayed as the two sides continue negotiations. Trump also expects the two countries to reach a deal on ownership of the social media app TikTok. The U.S. also announced that separate trade and mineral agreements were reached with Malaysia and Cambodia, while trade pact frameworks were struck with Thailand and Vietnam. Shares of U.S. chipmakers Nvidia (NVDA) and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), which are seeking to sell into Chinese markets, were both up more than 2% in premarket trading. Agilent Technologies, Inc. (A) is a leading company in laboratory instrumentation, software, services and consumables, serving the life-sciences, diagnostics and applied chemical markets. The company has evolved into a specialist in analytical and testing solutions for research, biotech, environmental, food-safety and clinical laboratories. Headquartered in Santa Clara, California, the company has a market cap of $41.6 billion. The company is set to release its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings soon. Ahead of the event, analysts expect Agilent Technologies to report a profit of $1.59 per share on a diluted basis, up 8.9% from $1.46 per share in the year-ago quarter. The company has consistently surpassed Wall Streets EPS estimates in all of its last four quarterly reports. More News from Barchart For the current year, analysts expect Agilent Technologies to report EPS of $5.58, up 5.5% from $5.29 in fiscal 2024. Moreover, its EPS is expected to rise by roughly 7.2% year over year (YoY) to $5.98 in fiscal 2026. www.barchart.com Shares of Agilent Technologies have increased 12.6% over the past year, trailing the S&P 500s ($SPX) 18.4% gains but far outpacing the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Funds (XLV) 1.5% dip over the same time frame. www.barchart.com Agilents share price has been trending upward thanks to a mix of solid earnings beats, positive guidance, and heightened investor confidence. In its last reported quarter (Q3 2025), the company posted revenue growth of 10.1% YoY and outperformed analyst expectations. Also, non-GAAP EPS stood at $1.37, up 4% annually and surpassed the consensus estimate. Agilent is well-positioned in the life-sciences/diagnostics segment, a space expected to grow strongly, providing the stock with a structural tailwind. Analysts consensus opinion on the stock is fairly bullish, with a Moderate Buy rating overall. Among the 16 analysts covering the stock, nine are recommending a Strong Buy, while the remaining seven suggest a Hold for the stock. As average analyst price target is $151.92, indicating an upside of 3.6% from the current levels. On the date of publication, Sristi Jayaswal 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 Google parent Alphabet (GOOG, GOOGL) reported third quarter revenue and earnings on Wednesday that surpassed Wall Street's expectations following a slew of AI deals involving its cloud segment. The stock jumped more than 5% Thursday morning following the results. Alphabet reported quarterly revenue of $102.4 billion for the three months ended Sept. 30, ahead of the $99.85 billion expected by Wall Street analysts tracked by Bloomberg and up from $88.3 billion in the same period last year. The sales growth was driven by Google Cloud, which saw revenue rise 34% to $15.2 billion from $11.4 billion in the year-ago period and was higher than the $14.8 billion projected by analysts. The segment's backlog, or value of future revenue from customer contracts, rose to $155 billion during the third quarter. Executives said on the company's post-earnings conference call that Google Cloud's growth was driven by enterprise demand for AI. They said AI generated "billions of dollars" in revenue for the segment during the quarter. "We have signed more deals over $1 billion through Q3 this year than we did in the previous two years combined," Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai said of the cloud segment during a call with investors Wednesday afternoon. Meanwhile, the tech giant's adjusted earnings per share of $2.87 for the third quarter were also more than the $2.27 projected and above the company's $2.12 adjusted EPS in the year-ago period. Alphabet also upped its capital expenditures forecast for the year to $92 billion at the midpoint from its previous estimate of $85 billion. Alphabet CFO Anat Ashkenazi said the higher expenditures are for AI infrastructure and emphasized that customer demand for the tech exceeds supply. Read more: Live coverage of corporate earnings The tech giant has increasingly shown that it's a beneficiary of the AI boom, as its Gemini AI models have gained popularity and big-name AI developers have signed up to use its cloud services. OpenAI added Google to its list of cloud infrastructure providers in July. Meta (META) reportedly signed a $10 billion deal with Google Cloud to use its services as the Facebook parent rushes to secure AI computing capacity, multiple media outlets reported in late August. Shortly after Alphabet's third quarter ended, OpenAI rival Anthropic announced an agreement with Google Cloud to use up to 1 million of its custom AI chips called TPUs a deal that could generate as much as $10 billion in annual revenue for Alphabet, according to Bank of America estimates. Nirmalya Thakur, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at South Dakota Mines, has been included in the worlds top 2% scientists, a prestigious list that recognizes researchers whose work ranks among the most impactful in the world across all scientific disciplines. Dr. Thakurs recognition among the worlds top scientists reflects the exceptional caliber of research taking place at South Dakota Mines, said Brian Tande, Ph.D., Mines president. His work at the intersection of artificial intelligence and human behavior not only advances global understanding in these critical fields but also exemplifies our universitys commitment to using science and engineering to make a positive difference in peoples lives. The list, compiled by Stanford University and publishing company Elsevier, evaluates more than nine million scientists globally based on standardized citation metrics that objectively measure the global impact of scientific research. The analysis classifies researchers into 22 broad fields and 174 subfields, identifying those who rank among the top 2% in their respective subfields. Thakurs inclusion is in the broad field of information and communication technologies, with primary recognition in artificial intelligence and image processing and secondary recognition in computation theory and mathematics. I am honored to be included on the StanfordElsevier global list of top 2% scientists, Thakur said. My research leverages interaction data from people's everyday activitiesboth within smart home environments and on digital platforms such as social mediato address critical societal challenges through the responsible use of artificial intelligence, machine learning and natural language processing. Thakurs work explores how public sentiment, misinformation and anxiety evolve during global health crises while also advancing intelligent, adaptive technologies that enhance safety, autonomy and quality of life for older adults. By connecting insights from how humans behave and interact across both physical and digital spaces, my goal is to design data-driven systems that are human-centered, trustworthy, and capable of improving lives in meaningful and measurable ways, he said. Being recognized alongside some of the most influential scientists in the world is both humbling and deeply motivating. Also recognized by the IEEE Computer Society as one of the Top 30 Early Career Professionals of 2024, Thakur has recently developed the first emotion-driven navigation system for AI agents. His project, Emotional Detours, enables AI agents to recover from setbacks and continue efficiently toward their goals, mirroring how people overcome challenges in daily life. Andy Jassy says AIs efficiency gains will reduce Amazons corporate staff headcount - REUTERS/Mike Blake Amazon is preparing to cut 14,000 staff in one of its biggest ever rounds of job losses. The US tech giant announced the redundancies on Tuesday, with almost 5pc of its corporate workforce to be let go. The company said the cuts were an attempt to cut bureaucracy. It also comes as Amazon relies increasingly on artificial intelligence (AI) to automate white collar work, although the company said this was not the main driver for Tuesdays cuts. Warehouse workers, who account for the majority of its 1.5 million employees, will not be affected. The job cuts come despite Amazons share price being at an all-time high, with the tech giant poised to announce record third-quarter sales of around $179bn (134bn) on Thursday. However, Andy Jassy, Amazons chief executive, has repeatedly demanded that the company rely more on AI to cut costs. Mr Jassy told staff earlier this year that AI meant the company, Americas second-biggest private employer, would need fewer staff in future. As we roll out more generative AI and agents, it should change the way our work is done, he said. We will need fewer people doing some of the jobs that are being done today, and more people doing other types of jobs. Its hard to know exactly where this nets out over time, but in the next few years, we expect that this will reduce our total corporate workforce as we get efficiency gains from using AI extensively across the company. Office workers are using AI to carry out research, prepare presentations and reports and automate entry-level work. The technology has had a particularly significant impact on software engineers owing to its coding proficiency. Several Silicon Valley giants have announced job cuts this year despite share prices being at an all-time high. Microsoft has unveiled plans to cut 15,000 jobs, while Meta laid off 600 staff from its AI division last week. In the companys cavernous delivery warehouses, Amazon is increasingly relying on automation and robotics over human staff. The company believes that robots can ultimately carry out around three quarters of the work that its human employees do, meaning it can avoid hiring around 600,000 staff. Amazon, which was contacted for comment, was expected to start informing white-collar staff of the redundancies on Tuesday. According to layoffs.fyi, a website that tracks job losses, tech companies have announced almost 130,000 job cuts this year. Meanwhile, it also emerged on Tuesday that auditing giant PwC has cut its global headcount for the first time since 2010, in another sign that artificial intelligence (AI) is hitting white-collar jobs. UBS Group reported a stronger-than-expected third-quarter profit on Wednesday, fuelled by a rebound in investment banking activity, robust asset inflows and the release of legal provisions linked to legacy cases. Net profit rose 74% from a year earlier to $2.5bn, comfortably exceeding consensus forecasts of about $1.4bn, while underlying pre-tax profit reached $3.6bn. The Zurich-based lender said performance was supported by a record third quarter for both its global banking and global markets divisions, with revenues up 52% and 14% respectively. Global wealth management also saw an 11% year-on-year rise in transaction-based income, though pre-tax profit came in slightly below estimates. Group invested assets climbed 4% sequentially to $6.9 trillion, with global wealth management attracting $38bn in new money and asset management surpassing $2trn in invested assets following $18bn of inflows. Chief executive Sergio Ermotti said the results reflected significant momentum in our core businesses and disciplined execution of our strategic priorities, adding that UBSs balance sheet for all seasons remains strong, allowing us to invest in talent, technology, and capabilities. The bank reported a Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 14.8% and completed $1.1bn of share buybacks during the quarter, with a further $0.9bn planned in the fourth, keeping it on track to return $3bn to shareholders in 2025. Earnings were also boosted by $668m in net litigation reserve releases following the resolution of cases tied to Credit Suisses mortgage-backed securities and UBSs historic cross-border business in France. UBS said it had now achieved $10bn of its targeted $13bn in cost savings from the Credit Suisse integration, a milestone reached one quarter ahead of schedule. More than two-thirds of Swiss-booked client accounts have been migrated, and the integration of the asset management arm is substantially complete. The bank continued to face legal and regulatory challenges, confirming plans to appeal a Swiss court ruling that deemed the 2023 writedown of $17bn in Credit Suisse AT1 bonds unlawful, a decision also contested by market regulator FINMA. UBS said it would make no new provisions related to the case. Meanwhile, it was assessing potential exposure from the bankruptcy of US auto parts supplier First Brands Group, which affects several UBS investment funds but not the groups balance sheet. Looking ahead, UBS cautioned that deal activity could normalise after an exceptionally strong quarter and warned that sentiment can shift quickly as confidence in the outlook is tested. The bank pointed to macroeconomic headwinds including a strong Swiss franc, higher US tariffs, and the risk of a prolonged US government shutdown. Nonetheless, Ermotti said UBS remains well positioned for long-term growth, highlighting strategic investments such as its application for a US national bank charter and expanded use of generative AI across the firm. At 1021 CET (0921 GMT), shares in UBS Group were down 1.33% in Zurich at CHF 30.51. Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com. London stocks were set for a steady open on Wednesday following a record close in the previous session, as investors eyed the latest policy announcement from the US Federal Reserve. The FTSE 100 was called to open flat at 9696. Danske Bank said: "The main event today will be the FOMC's rate decision, where we and the broad market consensus expect a 25bp cut. With no new projections, all eyes will be on Powell's forward guidance, which we expect to remain vague. "While markets price in a high likelihood of another cut in December, we do not expect the Fed to pre-commit at this stage. We expect the Fed to end QT for US Treasury holdings but continue QT for MBS." Overnight, US President Trump and Chinese President Xi are due to meet on the sidelines of the APEC Summit in South Korea. "The agenda is packed, given recent escalations including China's export controls on rare earths and Trump's tariff threats," Danske said. "We expect the two leaders to strike a deal to ease tensions, however, failure to reach an agreement could trigger a negative reaction in risk markets." In corporate news, retailer Next lifted its full-year pre-tax profit guidance by 30m to 1.13bn following improved third-quarter trading. The company said full price sales had risen 10.5% year-on-year in the 13 weeks ended 25 October, ahead of guidance for a more modest 4.5% increase. UK sales were up 5.4%, lower than the 7.6% growth achieved in the first half, while overseas sales rose 38.8%, ahead of 28.1% in H1. Luxury car maker Aston Martin Lagonda posted a third-quarter loss of 112m on the back of lower-than-expected wholesale volumes as a result of US tariffs. The loss before tax for the three months to 30 September compared with a loss of 12.2m a year ago. Total wholesale volumes fell 13% to 1,430 vehicles as reported three weeks ago when the company issued a profits warning. Donald Trump landed in South Korea on Wednesday to meet President Lee Jae Myung, with deadlocked talks over a $350bn trade deal between the two countries threatening to cast a shadow over the event. After arriving on a flight from Tokyo, where he signed a rare earths deal with Japans new prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, the US president addressed a summit of CEOs ahead of a meeting with Lee in the town of Gyeongju, a historical city playing host to the annual Apec summit. Guardian Rachel Reeves has hired an economist from a Left-leaning think tank who said Brexit made the UK worse off. The Chancellor has bolstered her team of advisers by appointing Emily Fry, an economist focused on trade, who has several times described Brexit as an economic shock that damaged the UKs prosperity. Telegraph Google has been accused of promoting fake pension news to Britons after showing spam websites with misleading information at the top of its news feeds. Online stories falsely claiming that Labour is changing the pension age and that 62-year-olds will have to renew their driving licences have been among the most popular news articles on Googles Discover service in recent weeks. Telegraph OpenAI has finalised a restructuring plan with its external shareholder Microsoft that values the ChatGPT maker at $500 billion and clears the way for it to become a for-profit business. Under the deal OpenAI, which was founded as a research-focused non-profit business in 2015, will take on a more investor-friendly structure to allow it to raise capital. A non-profit called the OpenAI Foundation will hold equity in the companys for-profit arm. The Times The United States has announced an $80 billion plan to build a fleet of nuclear power plants for less than two thirds of the cost per gigawatt of Britains Sizewell C project. About eight of Westinghouses one gigawatt AP1000 reactors are to be built across America, under a partnership between the US government and the reactor-makers owners, Brookfield and Cameco, to accelerate nuclear power deployment. The Times Major firms like L&T, HPCL, Coal India, and SAIL to release results today. BPCL signs Rs 1 trillion refinery deal; Emirates NBD launches Rs 11,636 crore open offer for RBL Bank. Adani Green posts 25% profit rise, while Jindal Steel and Adani Total Gas report declines. The BSE Sensex fell over 550 points during the day to hit an intraday low of 84,219.39 but recovered to close 151 points, or 0.18 per cent, down at 84,628. The NSE Nifty 50 also dropped 150 points to a low of 25,810.05 before ending at 25,936 down 30 points or 0.11 percent. Ajit Mishra, SVP of Research at Religare Broking Ltd, said markets remained choppy on the monthly expiry day and continued to consolidate. After an initial uptick, the Nifty witnessed sharp swings before settling flat. Most sectoral indices ended in the red, with realty, IT, and FMCG leading the losses. However, metal and banking stocks offered some support, he said. He added that investors stayed cautious ahead of major global central bank meetings and U.S. tech earnings, while muted foreign investor activity kept the sentiment restrained. Heres a look at the top stocks likely to be in focus today: Larsen & Toubro, Hindustan Petroleum, Coal India, and SAIL: These companies will be in the spotlight as they are set to announce their Q2 earnings results today. Investors will closely track the numbers for cues on sector performance and business momentum. Adani Green Energy: Adani Green reported a 25% rise in profit for the second quarter, supported by stronger energy sales and improved operational efficiency. However, overall revenue remained largely unchanged, indicating steady growth amid stable market conditions. Oil India: Oil India has entered into a strategic partnership with Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) and Numaligarh Refinery (NRL) to expand its presence in refining, petrochemicals, and logistics infrastructure. The collaboration aims to strengthen Indias energy ecosystem and boost domestic production capacity. Adani Total Gas: The company reported a net profit of Rs 164 crore for Q2, down 11.9% from Rs 186 crore in the same quarter last year. The decline was attributed to higher input costs and lower margins, though overall business operations remained stable. Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL): BPCL signed three major agreements during an industry event, including one with Oil India to establish a greenfield refinery and petrochemical complex worth Rs 1 trillion in Andhra Pradesh. The move is expected to significantly enhance the companys refining and petrochemical capabilities. BEML: The state-run engineering firm announced a quadripartite MoU with Deendayal Port Authority, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, and Umeandus Technologies India Pvt Ltd. The partnership will focus on infrastructure development, metro rail solutions, and technology-driven projects. Also Read: 10 Stocks Likely to Outshine the Market Today RBL Bank: In a major development, Emirates NBD, the largest banking group in Dubai, has launched an open offer to acquire up to 26% stake in RBL Bank at Rs 280 per share. The deal values the transaction at Rs 11,636 crore and signals growing foreign interest in Indias private banking sector. PNB Housing Finance: The company announced that its MD and CEO, Girish Kousgi, will step down from his position effective October 28. The firm is expected to appoint an interim leader soon to ensure a smooth transition. Jindal Steel and Power: The company posted a 26% drop in consolidated net profit to Rs 635.08 crore for Q2 FY26, compared to Rs 860.47 crore in the same quarter last year. The decline came amid weaker steel prices and higher raw material costs. Swan Defence and Heavy Industries: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders has signed an exclusive teaming agreement with Swan Defence to jointly design and build Landing Platform Docks (LPDs) for the Indian Navy, marking a key step in domestic defence manufacturing. Overall, markets are expected to remain range-bound today as investors digest Q2 earnings, global cues, and developments in oil, banking, and metal sectors. The nation plans to boost its oil-refining capacity from 258 MMTPA to 310 MMTPA by 2030, targeting 400-450 MMTPA in the long term. With 20 percent of global refining capacity set to close by 2035, India aims to capture a larger market share and expand its export footprint. The governments strategy integrates petrochemicals, biofuels, hydrogen, and renewables, aligning energy expansion with sustainability and self-reliance goals. India is set to become a world refining superpower, according to its Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister, Hardeep Singh Puri. India's existing oil-refining capacity of around 258 Million Metric Tonnes per year (MMTPA) is to increase to around 310 MMTPA by 2030, with long-term targets reaching 400-450 MMTPA. Puri stressed that the expansion is at a crucial juncture in the international energy scenario, as he added that almost 20 percent of current global refining capacity may close by 2035 a transition which offers India an opportunity to stake a bigger position in the market. He emphasized that India is already the world's fourth-largest refiner and poised to have an disproportionate share in satisfying future energy needs. Refineries in the country are becoming export-oriented and competitive at the global level, extending to over 50 countries and earning export revenues of over USD 45 billion in FY 2024-25. Also Read: Amazon and DGFT Team Up to Accelerate India's E-Commerce Export Growth In his address, Puri also emphasized the need to incorporate petrochemicals and clean-energy options into India's refining strategy. He highlighted the nation's success in biofuel blending progressing from a goal of 5 per cent in 2006 to reaching 10 per cent early in 2022, and advancing the 20 per cent target forward of its initial schedule. Amongst reforms enumerated were increases in refining capacity, complemented by investment in biofuels, hydrogen and renewables, to create more robust and globally connected energy industry. India's increasing domestic petroleum demand, fuelled by an expanding economy, is expected to rise steadily keeping pace with its ambitions for refining. With the economy looking to reach $10 trillion and beyond, this drive is as much for national energy security as for making India a hub node in the world energy exchange a refining center for the region and the world. New York state is allowing work experience in place of a college degree for hundreds of civil service jobs. SYR More New York state residents will be able to apply for civil service careers working for the state. Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Tuesday that the state Department of Civil Service updated qualifications for hundreds of state jobs to allow for consideration of equivalent experience as an alternative for college degrees. Many jobseekers have gained valuable real-world work experience in their careers and can use their unique skills and talents to contribute to New Yorks dedicated public workforce, said Hochul. This common sense change, which is already used by many employers in the private and public sectors nationwide, will eliminate a barrier to rewarding careers faced by many prospective public servants and allow them to put their experience to work to benefit all New Yorkers. The Department of Civil Service modernized the minimum requirement for nearly 800 entry- and promotion-level civil service careers to allow equivalent experience as an alternative for college degrees. By combining experience-based hiring with degree-based hiring, New York is expanding opportunities for many jobseekers without diluting the quality of the candidate pool. College degree requirements for middle skill jobs such as those that require employees with more than a high school diploma but less than a college degree restricts the candidate pool and is a barrier for many, especially those who dont hold a bachelors degree. Open-competitive exams for civil service careers in New York state are open to anyone who meets the qualifications listed on an examination announcement. You can apply for open exams online. A plate of bratwurst, warm German potato salad, and sweet-sour red cabbage is more than a mealits a harmony of flavors reflecting Germanys tradition of balancing hearty, tangy, and comforting tastes. These were the meals served at St. Johns Lutheran Oktoberfest celebration earlier this month in Castleton Corners. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Bratwurst, beer, and a whole lot of fellowship thats what brought parishioners together earlier this month at St. Johns Lutheran Church for its annual Oktoberfest celebration. Line dancing brought a lively twist to the German celebration. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri) It was a beautiful day, with 70 people enjoying fun and fellowship at St. Johns Lutheran School, said parishioner Lorrie Lee. St. Johns Lutheran Church has been a fixture in Staten Islands Port Richmond neighborhood since 1848, when the congregation held its first service. Participants donned dirndls, elegant dresses and aprons, for the event. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri) The food, beer, games, dancing, lederhosen, and dirndl dresses were plenty, but most important was the fellowship had by all, added Susan Sax, daughter of longtime parishioner, the late Anita Neitzel. A stein-holding contest (Masskrugstemmen in German) is a traditional Bavarian strength challenge. Competitors hold a full liter steinabout five poundsstraight out at shoulder height, arm fully extended, without bending or spilling. The goal? Last the longest without lowering your arm. The winner earned bragging rights and cheers from the church crowd. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri) Held in Spruth Memorial Hall, located in the churchs school gym on Manor Road, the fundraiser featured a hearty German feast with bratwurst, red cabbage, sauerkraut, pretzels, and homemade potato salad. A cash bar served up craft beer favorites, while guests enjoyed stein-holding contests, DJ music, and a 50/50 raffle. A full German meal savored by attendees. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri) Spruth Memorial Hall honors a family whose roots run deep in the church. Rev. E.L. Spruth once served as pastor. Contests yielded ribbons and the joy of winning. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri) History of the church In the 1840s, Germans migrated to Staten Island seeking farmland and stability after economic hardship and political unrest in Europe. Many first settled in Manhattans Little Germany before moving to Staten Island for its rural appeal. This migration laid the foundation for German churches and cultural institutions, including the congregation now celebrating its 177th anniversary a testament to the enduring legacy of those early settlers. St. John's Lutheran Church as viewed in 1981 with its distinct steeple. Staten Island Advance The church was formally organized in 1852 as the German Evangelical Lutheran Congregation at Port Richmond, and purchased its first building the former Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church at 216 Jewett Avenue for $2,500. The current structure was built in 1901 and continues to serve the community. The cornerstone of the Curren building was laid in 1901. The churchs legacy lives on through several multigenerational Staten Island families. St. Johns looks the same today at its 177 year home at 216 Jewett Ave., Port Richmond. (Advance image by the late Virginia N. Sherry) Anita, who was baptized, confirmed, and married at St. Johns, devoted her life to its ministryteaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, and serving on committees like the Ladies Guild and Altar Guild. Her fathers pastoral leadership helped shape the congregations mission, and today Susan continues that tradition as a volunteer. German immigrants who arrived in the 1840s helped shape Staten Islands cultural rootsbuilding churches, traditions, and community ties that endure nearly two centuries later. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri) In 1952, St. Johns expanded its outreach by opening St. Johns Lutheran School at 663 Manor Rd., Castleton Corners. What began with just 28 students has grown into an institution serving kindergarten through eighth grade, including a free full-day Universal Pre-K program. The Rev. Michael Bagnall teaches at St. John's and presides at the church as its pastor. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri) Today, Rev. Michael Bagnall serves as pastor and also teaches at the school. He leads weekly worship services on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. The church itself is located about a mile from the Manor Road-anchored school at 216 Jewett Ave., Port Richmond. With cheers and laughter echoing like an Oktoberfest hall, contestants tested their skill in a traditional hammer-and-nails challengea nod to Germanys proud heritage of craftsmanship and friendly competition. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri) It is believed that pretzels have their roots in the life of monks from the 6th or 7th century. They had shaped dough into crossed arms to symbolize prayer, calling them pretiola (little rewards) for children who learned their prayers. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri) Brewed by Munichs royal Hofbrauhaus, founded in 1589, this golden lager was crafted for Oktoberfesta tradition dating back to 1810. Smooth, malty, and brewed with Bavarian hops, Hofbrau Oktoberfestbier has become a festival favorite for German beer aficionados. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri) Contests yielded blue ribbon prizes... (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri) ...and the privilege of winning. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri) Who can hammer the nail in the fastest? (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri) Everyone took a chance at winning. Hammer and nails evoke Germanys legacy of craftsmanship and labora heritage rooted in skill, strength, and industrious pride. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri) St. Johns Lutheran hosted its annual Oktoberfest in the Spruth Memorial Hall at the school gym on Manor Road. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri) Bratwurstmeaning finely chopped meat sausageis a smooth, seasoned blend of pork and, in the St. John's case, veal. Here it is paired with clove-scented red cabbage and German potato salad made with vinegar and bacon. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri) SHANGHAI/BEIJING (Reuters) -China has sent a clear signal that it is willing to pull the plug on subsidies for its electric vehicle industry after years of big-ticket government support fuelled a boom that has left the world's second-largest economy saddled with vast oversupply, prompting it to push into global car markets. Top policymakers omitted electric vehicles from their list of strategic industries in their recent five-year development plan for 2026-2030, the industry's first exclusion in more than a decade. Analysts say the move is evidence the Beijing considers the industry to be mature and no longer requires the same level of financial support, leaving its development up to market forces. But they say the omission should not be seen as a sign that the EV industry has fallen out of favour, despite it becoming a poster child for excessive competition that even President Xi Jinping has criticised. Instead, it reflects a strategic decision to allocate resources to other technologies where China seeks to enhance its capabilities, especially in light of global trade and security tensions. MARKET TO PLAY A BIGGER ROLE "It's an official acknowledgement that electric vehicles no longer need prioritised policies. Electric vehicle subsidies will fade," said Dan Wang, China director at consultancy Eurasia Group. "China already dominates in EV-related tech and batteries so there is no point prioritizing it. It doesnt mean the government will require capacity to be cut, but the market will play a bigger role in deciding who survives," she said. New energy vehicles (NEVs) - a category comprising EVs, plug-in hybrids, and fuel cell vehicles - were included as strategic emerging industries in the previous three five-year plans, which encouraged Chinese authorities to pour in billions of dollars to encourage automakers to produce EVs and consumers to buy them. That support gave rise to a supply chain China now controls with such EV champions as BYD. It also made China into the world's largest NEV market - by July 2024 NEVs accounted for over 50% of total auto sales in China, more than 10 years ahead of the goal policymakers had initially set. But that rapid growth and support has also resulted in China having domestic brands making more cars than it can absorb because the industry is striving to hit production targets influenced by government policy, instead of consumer demand, Reuters has reported. According to research firm Jato Dynamics, 93 of 169 automakers operating in China have market shares below 0.1%. The new sci-fi series "Pluribus," by the creator of "Breaking Bad" and "Better Call Saul," has been dropping cryptic clues ahead of its Nov. 7 premiere. (Associated Press/Mark Lennihan) Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan is teaming up with Better Call Saul Emmy nominee Rhea Seehorn for a new sci-fi drama where happiness might be humanitys downfall, Variety reports. Apple TV has released the first trailer for Pluribus, which is set to debut with two episodes on Nov. 7. The series follows Seehorn as Carol, described as the most miserable person on Earth who must save the world from happiness. In one scene, the President of the United States addresses her over footage of scientists working in hazmat suits: Rest assured, Carol. We will figure out what makes you different. So, you can join us, he says Despite secrecy surrounding the plot, Apple TV has already renewed the show for a second season, the report said. According to Variety, the streaming service began teasing the series on July 25 with cryptic marketing. A teaser clip showed Seehorn approaching a phone displaying the messages Call us and No pressure, alongside an Apple-operated phone number. Callers who dialed 0 received a text message reading: Please know your life is your own, Carol. You have agency! In a 2023 interview with Variety, Gilligan distinguished Pluribus from his previous programs, noting it has no crime, and no methamphetamine. The world changes very abruptly in the first episode, and then it is quite different, he explained Its the modern world the world we live in but it changes very abruptly. And the consequences that that reap hopefully provide drama for many, many episodes after that. Borough President Vito Fossella and Linda Lo pictured together at ceremony to honor Lo's dedication to volunteering throughout the years. Courtesy of Pete Trivelas of the Staten Island Borough President's Office STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Borough President Vito Fossella honored longtime volunteer Linda Lo on Friday at Borough Hall for her decades of service and dedication to giving back and helping those in need across Staten Island. Lo, a Graniteville resident, has spent more than 20 years volunteering at food pantries, soup kitchens and other charities across Staten Island, including Catholic Charities of Staten Island, Blue Star Families, New York Cares, and AmeriCorps Seniors. She was recently recognized by NY1 as New Yorker of the Week for her longtime commitment to serving others. At the celebration, Fossella expressed his gratitude to Lo for her years of service and dedication to helping communities across Staten Island, saying he wanted to highlight her selflessness and commitment to others. Every time one person steps in, it makes a difference and Linda, you have made a difference, and we say thank you, Fossella said. Linda Lo, Borough President Vito Fossella, nonprofit organization members, and friends pictured together at Lo's celebration event on Friday at Borough Hall. Courtesy of Pete Trivelas of the Staten Island Borough President's Office Nonprofit leaders, friends, and family joined Lo at Borough Hall last week to celebrate her years of service. Her friends praised her for always stepping up when help was needed, calling her a Linda of all volunteer trades for her dedication to a wide range of causes across Staten Island. Lo began volunteering over 20 years ago, before her retirement. She expressed how the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, sparked her journey to help others. This motivated her to find ways to give back beyond donating blood to victims and their families. After 9/11, Lo wanted to continue volunteering, but was juggling a full-time job and raising her children. One day, she came across an article about the nonprofit Helping Hands and began volunteering once a month at the St. Edwards food pantry in the Pleasant Plains community. She said she thoroughly enjoyed the experience and knew she wanted to continue helping others. Since retiring, Lo volunteers several times a week at different organizations, dedicating more time to helping people in need across Staten Island. Its something that keeps you motivated, she said, describing the joy she feels in giving back and the connections she has made within her community. When asked why helping others is so important to her, Lo said it not only brings fulfillment, but also helps her stay active both mentally and physically. She noted that the physical labor involved in volunteering is especially beneficial for her as a diabetic. Lo said she was shocked and overwhelmed by the recognition she received from Fossella. I never thought something like this would happen, she said. She said she hopes her recognition shows that anyone can volunteer and play an active role in their communities. Lo encourages anyone who wants to start volunteering but isnt sure where to begin to just take the first step and research different organizations. She noted there are many ways to get involved, such as through New York Cares, helping individuals with their taxes through AARP, tutoring and teaching children at local organizations, and much more. A law enforcement officer recently died just days after undergoing a cosmetic procedure in Colombia. Alicia Stone, who served as a detective for the New York Police Department, died Thursday after receiving a butt lift and liposuction procedure, The New York Daily News reports. Stone, a 13-year NYPD veteran and mother of three, was rushed to a hospital in the Colombian city of Cali after being found unresponsive in her hotel room early Thursday morning, according to New York Daily News. Her cause of death was listed as unspecified cardiac arrest. The 40-year-old underwent the procedure on Oct. 16. She was taking anticoagulants and pain medication as part of her post-operative care recovery. Her husband, Michael Stone, said authorities in Colombia are investigating his wifes death and that the NYPD has sent a representative to the South American country as well. She was the mother of three kids," Michael Stone said. She was a perfectionist. She strived for the highest degree of work. And in a short space of time, she moved from being a police officer to Internal Affairs, to a second-degree detective. I want her to be remembered as an officer who was loved by her peers and greatly, greatly loved by her family. And we miss her so much. Michael Stone claimed that he spoke to his wife the day before her death and she was perfectly fine. He also said that he will request an autopsy when his wifes body returns to the U.S. The doctor who called me from Colombia just called me and told me my wife had just passed away, Stones husband said. She didnt even have any information to tell me when I was asking her... Something just doesnt add up. Charley O'Hara, 6, came up with the idea for the Young Creator's Showcase, a children's art display and fundraiser for the Live Like a Unicorn foundation set for Nov. 16 at Flagship Brewery, St. George. (Courtesy of Kelley Olson) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A Young Creators Showcase' fundraiser to support families battling pediatric cancer will be held Sunday, Nov. 16, at Flagship Brewery, St. George. The event will allow young artists to display their work, turning the brewery into a stunning gallery of bright colors and creativity, while also featuring raffles, prizes, games, crafts, food, and family-friendly fun from 1 to 5 p.m. Hosted by Kelley Olson and Joseph OHara, owners of Well Built Home Services, New Springville, the events proceeds will go to the Liv Like a Unicorn Foundation, which provides financial assistance for medical expenses, helps fund childhood cancer research, and spreads awareness about pediatric cancer. Olson said the idea for the fundraising art show came from her daughter, Charley, 6. We were reading a book, and in the book one of the characters was holding an art show, and it was a really cute idea my daughter had, to have one for the kids in the community, she recalled. Then Olson decided to take it a step further, she said. We wanted to make it bigger, by making it a fundraiser,' she explained. Olsons friend, former Staten Islander Brittany Pace, is a board member of Liv Like a Unicorn, so Olson was familiar with the good works the not-for-profit organization is doing. The charity was founded by Olivia Grace Lipnicky, an 8-year-old girl who lost her life to Diffuse Midline Glioma, a rare and incurable pediatric brain tumor, in 2019. The organization continues to support families, funds research and spreads comfort to children undergoing treatment. As a parent, I cant imagine something worse than pediatric cancer,' Olson said, noting shes met the organizations founders. Theyre just such good people. They help families directly pay their medical bills. Theyre funding research, delivering care packages to the sick children. They support them emotionally, financially ... their whole story really spoke to me. The Young Creators Showcase is more than an art show, she said, adding: Its a celebration of kids, creativity, and community spirit, and a reminder that compassion and action can start right at home. So far, about 20 children are expected to display their colorful art at the event, yet registration remains open until Nov. 7. There is no cost to enter the event, but families are encouraged to donate to the charity, which continues to support families years after Livs passing. Prizes available that day include tickets to the Christmas Show at the St. George Theatre, gift cards from local photographers, gym memberships and toy packages. The prizes were donated by local businesses, including: Island Gymnastics; Mrs. Rosemarys Dance; Dear Baby Photography; Jessie James Photography; Sweetest Smiles; RBerry Arts; Deninos; Joyces Tavern; Jimmie Max; DJ Got Me Fit; and Stephs Creativity Corner, among others. To submit artwork or learn more, visit the submission form or contact Well Built Home Services at (917) 512-2654 or by email. A New Jersey veterinarian has agreed to relinquish his license to practice in that state permanently, after three dogs brought to his office later died, officials said. Ehren Seth Yablon, who owned the Newark Veterinary Hospital in Newark, was accused of inadequate treatment that led to the animals deaths, the New Jersey Attorney Generals Office announced Tuesday. Officials said he was accused of engaging in gross and repeated acts of negligence, professional misconduct, incompetence, and malpractice in conduct, which included treating animals in unsanitary conditions. He also was accused of failing to properly treat and isolate three parvovirus-positive puppies, resulting in the deaths of two of them, the statement continued. And it was alleged that a 7-year-old bulldog had died while under his care, according to officials. Yablon has been out of practice in New Jersey since May 2022 under an interim consent order that temporarily suspended his license pending the outcome of the allegations. He resolved the allegations Tuesday by agreeing to permanently surrender his New Jersey veterinary license in a final consent order filed with the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. A top CNN anchor is throwing some cold water on chances that former Vice President Kamala Harris could successfully seek the White House in 2028. Appearing on The Breakfast Club podcast, CNNs Abby Phillip said that Harris had burned bridges with the recent memoir of Harris failed 2024 presidential campaign, 107 Days, the New York Post reported. I think that there are a lot of bridges that are burned here whether she wanted to or not. And I think it will be very difficult for her to mend those fences that shell need in order to run if she does decide to run again. I think this book read kind of like somebody who was kind of done with it. So I will be interested to see if she decides to do it, said Phillip, host of CNNs NewsNight and Saturday Morning Table for Five. Phillip said, I think that she still has to figure out how to tap into authenticity in how she presents herself to the public because this world is not getting more kind to politicians who cannot level with voters and cannot show up any and everywhere. Harris became the Democratic nominee for president after President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 race following a disastrous debate performance against Republican Donald Trump. Harris lost the election to Trump, losing all seven swing states, the popular vote and the tally in the Electoral College. Alluding to New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, Phillip said that candidates today need to speak effectively to the electorate whether it be in short soundbites or lengthy interviews. I think that she still has work to do in that respect, and maybe this book is the first kind of foray into that, because I read her last book, and the tone was completely different, Phillip said. This is a different kind of book, and it was an opening foray into her showing people more of herself, but shes going to have to catch up to the speed and the kind of realness of media and politics that will be the bar in 2028. Phillip said, Like in 2028, the bar is going to be, Are you a politician that can show up any and everywhere and authentically reach people? She continued, I think she is still straddling the old world and the new world, and shes going to have to figure out which one she wants to be in. Mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa visited Holy Child School in Annadale to express gratitude to poll workers during early voting on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel) STATEN ISLAND, NY -- With Election Day right around the corner, mayoral candidate and Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa took the day to visit multiple early election sites on Staten Island. At the Church of The Holy Child Preschool in Annadale, the Republican nominee greeted Board of Election workers, expressing his gratitude for their commitment to the process. Im going to continue with that and hit all the polling locations I can in the five boroughs, because I want to thank the Board of Election workers, because theyre helping keep democracy alive, and I want to thank all of my supporters who man the polls, he stated. According to Sliwa, one of his goals for these stops are to continue to break the stigma of early voting and encourage voter turnout in the days prior to Nov. 4. He noted previous worries around early voting and absentee ballots due to President Donald Trumps past opposition, but says the GOP now embraces the alternative voting methods. Early voting is imperative. Donald Trump, when he was running, said, No early voting, no absentee voting. He realized that may have cost him the 2020 election, Sliwa stated outside the polling location. Its imperative that Republicans realize you dont just have to show up on Nov. 4. Mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa visited Holy Child School in Annadale to express gratitude to poll workers during early voting on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel) He cited his years of experience with elections, claiming that he saw voting participation drop from 80% in the 1960s prior to early voting to just over 50% in the 1990s during the Staten Island secession vote. Early voting for Staten Islanders began on Oct. 25 and will conclude on Nov. 2, two days before election day. Sliwa also took the time to chat with voters and supporters outside the school, reminding them that he has been paying attention to Staten Island for a long time. He stated that he is always on Staten Island, not just during elections, unlike his rivals, who he claims rediscovered the borough after the first debate. He highlighted his time opposing the planned migrant shelters at St. John Villa and advocating during Hurricane Sandy recovery in 2012. Mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa visited Holy Child School in Annadale to express gratitude to poll workers during early voting on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel) The candidate also reiterated his opposition to the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity. The plan, which was passed in late 2024, aims to bring a city-estimated 80,000 units of new housing to the five boroughs through a series of zoning regulation changes to things like accessory dwelling units, parking mandates and transit-oriented development. Mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa visited Holy Child School in Annadale to express gratitude to poll workers during early voting on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel) In a previous meeting with the Advance/SILive.com editorial board, Sliwa expressed his strong opposition the City of Yes initiative. He argued that apartments currently sit empty throughout the city and should be addressed before new construction. He also said that the empty space could be used to house New York Citys abandoned or stray animals, a key part of his animal welfare platform. Before heading to his next location, Sliwa revealed that his plans for the next six days include maintaining a 20-hour campaign schedule that focuses on riding the subways, buses, Staten Island Ferry, as well as visiting polling sites across the city. Im the mayor of mass transit, he claimed. Theres no doubt about it, and thats where you find most of the people, even those that are not going to vote for me, those who disagree with me, but its a great focus group. A retired federal judge is warning that President Donald Trump has actually seized near-absolute unchecked power in the United States as questions swirl about the possibility of him seeking a third term in 2028. During an appearance on MSNBCs Morning Joe on Tuesday, J. Michael Luttig, a former judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, was asked whether Trump will attempt to seek a third term. Trump did not rule out his political future in the 2028 election on Monday, telling reporters that I havent really thought about it, while touting the best poll numbers Ive ever had. I would love to do it, Trump said. And I have my best poll numbers ever. Its very terrible. The exchange came after former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon declared in an interview last week that Trump is going to get a third term. The MAGA architect claimed theres a plan for the president to stay in office, though he did not provide specific details. Trump is gonna be president in 28, and people just ought to get accommodated with that, Bannon told The Economist. Luttig said the question of Trump seeking another term is virtually on the minds of every American today. The presidents been in office approximately 10 months now. He began talking about a third term two months into that 10 months, and he and his allies and supporters have continued to talk about it up until yesterday, when the president himself spoke to the issue, Luttig said. He added: That is unchecked by either the Congress or the Supreme Court, the several states or the media itself. Theres no question at all that as of today, Donald Trump has all the power he would ever need to run for a third term and be seated as the next president, whether or not he actually won that election. Since taking office in January, Trump has made several claims entertaining another term, despite the 22nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution prohibiting any citizen from serving for a third time in the post. While speaking to NBC News in March, he did not say directly that he would not seek a third term. During an appearance on CNBC in August, he went on to say he would probably not run during the next election. Meanwhile, he has teased the prospect of a third term at rallies and among his base, selling Trump 2028 hats on his online storefront. While speaking to reporters on Air Force One on Monday, Trump also floated a potential 2028 ticket with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Im not sure if anybody would run against us, Trump said. I think if they ever formed a group, it would be unstoppable. I really do. I believe that. Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who is running for mayor as an independent candidate, held a press conference at Casa Belvedere in Grymes Hill to criticize Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani for a 2020 social media post where he can be seen giving the middle finger to a Christopher Columbus statue. (Advance/SILive.com | Erik Bascome) Advance/SILive.com | Erik Bascome STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo is taking aim at Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani over a years-old social media post that he said is disrespectful to New York Citys Italian American community. On Wednesday, Cuomo held a press conference at Casa Belvedere on Grymes Hill to criticize a 2020 social media post in which Mamdani posted a picture of himself giving the middle finger to a statue of Christopher Columbus with the caption Take it down. The photo to my left says it all. Christopher Columbus is a symbol for the Italian American people in New York, said Cuomo, who is running as an Independent candidate after losing to Mamdani in the Democratic primary. First, the gesture of that hand, gesture, lets call it, to anything, is reprehensible and immature. But to the statue of Christopher Columbus is truly disrespectful. Not just to that particular statue, but to the Italian American people who Christopher Columbus actually signifies a big part of their tradition, he continued. The Mamdani campaign did not respond to a request for comment by the time of publication. Under the sponsorship of Spain, Columbus, an Italian explorer, sailed across the Atlantic Ocean in 1492 in search of a new route to Asia. Instead, he landed in the Americas, which ignited centuries of colonization. Columbus Day commemorates his landing and has become a celebration of Italian American heritage. However, Columbus has become a controversial figure due to his treatment of Indigenous peoples, including acts of violence, enslavement, and the spread of diseases that obliterated native populations. As a result, many communities forgo Columbus Day and observe Indigenous Peoples Day to honor the cultures and histories of Native American peoples. Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who is running for mayor as an independent candidate, held a press conference at Casa Belvedere in Grymes Hill to criticize Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani for a 2020 social media post where he can be seen giving the middle finger to a Christopher Columbus statue. (Advance/SILive.com | Erik Bascome) Advance/SILive.com | Erik Bascome New York Citys statues of Columbus have become an unexpected flashpoint in the mayoral race, with other candidates pledging their support for the statues while Mamdani has offered little public comment on the matter. While Mayor Eric Adams has dropped out of the race, he has announced his desire to landmark two of the Italian explorers monuments at Columbus Circle in Manhattan and Astorias Columbus Square. We are calling for a full and fair review of the applications to preserve Columbus statues as scenic landmarks in Manhattan and Queens so that the public is given the opportunity to participate in the process. We also recognize the contributions of our indigenous community and are proud to establish a new special grant program for cultural programs and art projects representing that community, Adams said. Meanwhile, Cuomo, who can trace his familys roots back to Southern Italy, on Columbus Day, reaffirmed his commitment to protect the Columbus statue at Columbus Circle. Columbus Day has always been about honoring the courage, sacrifice, and contribution of the Italian-American community to this city and this nation, Cuomo said at the time. For generations of Italian immigrants who came to New York with nothing but a dream, the statue of Christopher Columbus stood as a symbol that they belonged. It represented acceptance, dignity, and the belief that in America, hard work and family values could overcome prejudice and poverty. I fought to protect the Columbus statue when others wanted to tear it down and as mayor, I will continue to defend it, he added. And Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa has gone as far as committing to not only preserve the existing Columbus monuments, but to erect one on Staten Island. At a rally last month, Sliwa, who is of Italian and Polish descent, noted how other boroughs across New York City are home to various statues and parades celebrating Christopher Columbus. Yet Staten Island, the most Italian of all the boroughs, does not have such a monument. How is it that Staten Island, the most Italian of boroughs, Staten Italy, you dont have a parade? You dont have a statue? Well guess whos going to correct that?... Sliwa said. There are more than 116,000 Italian-Americans living on Staten Island, representing roughly 23.6% of the boroughs population, according to the most recent U.S. Census Bureau data. By Saqib Iqbal Ahmed and Yoruk Bahceli NEW YORK/LONDON (Reuters) -Investors are heading into this week's trade talks between the U.S. and Chinese leaders with a sense of deja vu, excited by the proclamations of a truce and apprehensive the real deal may offer far less to celebrate. Stock markets across the world jumped on Monday after U.S. officials said negotiators from both sides had hashed out a framework for agreements for lower U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports and Chinese concessions on rare earth export curbs. As expectations build for U.S. President Donald Trump to sign that deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday and for some respite in the long mercurial relationship between the world's top two economies, the S&P 500 index rose 1% to hit a record high. Stock markets in South Korea, Taiwan and Japan, too, notched new highs, while traditional havens such as gold fell in a sign investors were prepared to take more risky bets. It's a pattern markets have followed through Trump's first and now second presidencies, such as during the 2019 trade war with China and after his "Liberation Day" global tariff blitz this year, positioning for Trump to eventually back down after going on the offensive against trade partners. "We had this big headline, markets sold off, we had some wobbles on that, but now it seems that talks are constructive again and now that's being faded," Evelyne Gomez-Liechti, multi-asset strategist at Mizuho, said. "To be honest whenever we get all these headlines from Trump it also follows this TACO pattern. I feel like this was just the strategy again," she said. "TACO" - Trump Always Chickens Out - is a Wall Street acronym for the view that the president makes big threats but eventually backs down. In the past month, stocks fell after Trump threatened to impose additional 100% tariffs on imports from China as well as export controls on critical U.S.-made software, after Beijing tightened its rare earth restrictions. Repeating the TACO pattern, Chinese stocks have been rising for more than a week in the run-up to the Xi-Trump talks. Even if the Trump-Xi meeting does not produce a definitive end to their trade war, investors are prepared to buy into any de-escalation in tensions. "There is not an insignificant number of discretionary fund managers who have been wary given enormous ructions we've been seeing to the global trade environment," said Ross Hutchison, head of euro zone market strategy at Zurich Insurance Group. We recently published 10 Buzzing News to Watch as Investors Look for Best AI Stocks Amid Fed Rate Cuts. Oracle Corp (NYSE:ORCL) is one of the best AI stocks amid Fed rate cuts. Jim Lebenthal, chief equity strategist at Cerity Partners, said in a latest program on CNBC that The Informations report about Oracle Corp (NYSE:ORCL) margins was unsubstantiated and insisted that it can be called a rumor. I believe in the name and Ive been looking for the place at which to add itWe dont know what this unsubstantiated rumor is, where it came from, if its substantiated or not. Asked how the report can be called a rumor, the analyst said: It came from a news report that supposedly they saw an internal document. It was not a release by Oracle. Its not far different thanits far different than a rumor. Show me. Show me the internal document. Show me a report from Oracle. Not you in particular, but one in general. It is unsubstantiated. I mean, its just an unsubstantiated report. 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. Mar Vista U.S. Quality Strategy stated the following regarding Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL) in its third quarter 2025 investor letter: Sarytogan Graphite has awarded the engineering contracts for the definitive feasibility study (DFS) at its massive namesake graphite project in Kazakhstan to global heavyweights Wood and WSP, locking in a clear runway to mid-2026 completion and construction in 2027. Wood will handle processing and infrastructure, leveraging its Perth-based minerals hub and 20-year Kazakhstan presence via Wood KSS, which fields 450 professionals across Atyrau, Tengiz, Aktau and Almaty. Sarytogan Graphites massive graphite project is situated in central east Kazakhstan and was first explored in the 1980s before the companys 100% owned subsidiary Ushtogan LLP resumed exploration in 2018. WSP, a TSX-listed giant with 73,000 staff in 50 countries, will update the mineral resource and ore reserve. The moves follow the August 2024 pre-feasibility study (PFS) that stamped Sarytogan as a low-cost, high-margin graphite play. And then theres the new frontier in the critical minerals space: the United States. Dollar Bill was recently informed by several sources on the ground that the claims rooms dotted across California, Nevada, Arizona and Wyoming are literally teeming with Aussies. Apparently, its a virtual conga-line of convicts queuing out the doors driven by Washingtons critical minerals strategy and a permitting regime that, at least for exploration, runs on paperwork, not politics. Its probably not a bad idea to pitch a tent outside these claims halls and take a roll call of whos in line. And heres a fun point. Under the US General Mining Law of 1872, a prospector can still stake a claim by planting posts I kid you not then mapping coordinates and filing a form with the Bureau of Land Management. But the real kicker is the cost which includes a processing fee of about US$25, a location fee of US$49 and an annual maintenance fee of US$200 per claim - its almost comical. Here is a one-hundred-and-fifty year-old law presenting a twenty-first-century opportunity for the price of a cheap night at the pub. Its exactly the sort of reality that suits a nimble ASX junior with a good geologist and a fast pen. Dollar Bill, who thought he had an awesome hip and shoulders move in his rugby days, also loves the quaint nature of the physical pegging competition. Things are so much more civil in Australia with the majority of pegging done using a computer screen. Every downturn sees a quiet land-rush as juniors peg the gaps majors drop. The smartest ones treat the Department of Mines and Petroleum like an art gallery catalogue: studying whats been taken down and moving before the crowd notices the empty frame (and Dollar Bill apologises here to the Louvre security staff for the cheap pun). But for now the US remains the scene of several potential heists particularly in the critical minerals space. And theres a bunch of ASX-listed names already on the ground over there worth keeping an eye on including American West Metals which is expanding copper exploration in Utah and Arizona. Jindalee Resources has its foot on the giant McDermitt lithium project on the OregonNevada line, one of the countrys largest clay-hosted lithium resources. Casting an eye further down the rung towards some smaller cap opportunities theres Arizona Lithium with its Big Sandy project in Arizona which already has BLM approvals in place for an expanded exploration program and American Rare Earths, which is advancing Halleck Creek in Wyoming, pitched as a future US-domestic mine-to-magnet feed. Ioneers Rhyolite Ridge in Nevada should also make the list now that its backed by a near-US$1 billion DOE loan. For punters and professionals alike, the art is knowing the difference between slapstick and strategy. A true steal isnt about luck; its about optionality, scale, proximity to infrastructure and a geological thesis that gives you more than one shot on goal its a bit like the ladder, the scooters and the backpacks, all of which combined to confirm the heist at the Louvre. And just like those Louvre rascals, you need conviction first, then the strategy and then the execution. When these three meet, youve got leverage no balance sheet can fake. Every cycle throws up a few of these chances. Some will fail quietly, but others will headline the next boom. The market, ever forgiving, lets new thieves try again every decade. Which brings us, inevitably, back to Paris. The Louvre had fixed its window by Monday possibly before the jewels were even halfway to Zurich, but markets never fix theirs. Theres always another pane unguarded, a commodity out of favour, a dataset gathering dust or a patch of ground too early for polite money. Thats where the real climbers work. You see it in the opportunists now staking claims across the American desert, or juniors here picking up virtually untested critical-minerals ground or those hoovering up projects hosting unloved commodities for the price of a ute. These guys are better than thieves; theyre counter-cyclical collectors. They buy what no one else wants, hold it through the silence, and sell when the gallery floods back in. The trick with spotting the next heist is recognising it before the alarms go off. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au Advance Metals has struck visible gold at its Myrtleford project in Victorias fabled goldfields, pushing its high-grade system down a further 140-metres, past the 500m mark in vertical extent. The visible gold chunks are the deepest results at its Happy Valley deposit within Myrtleford and leave the mineralisation entirely open in every direction. The company says its latest diamond hole was laced with the lustrous yellow metal, with three instances of visible gold evident in quartz stockworks, starting from 465m down-hole. Visible gold in drilling from Advance Metals Myrtleford gold project in Victoria. The intercept sits a full 140m under the previous 7.55m at 5.7 grams per tonne (g/t), with management confident in its upcoming assays due in four to five weeks. Agricultural workers and amateur meteorologists everywhere have been disappointed by controversial upgrades to their favourite rain-watching webpage this week. Did the Bureau of Meteorology finally realise trouble was forecast? Why else would the government agency have put up a job listing for a new full-time media officer on Tuesday afternoon? The contract lasts until June next year, and candidates are promised a role that will touch the lives of Australians across the country. We are proactive storytellers sharing the human story behind the weather, seeking to tell the stories of our staff, customers and the community, the listing reads. A spokesperson from the bureau reassured CBD that the job ad and website upgrades were unrelated. As a genre, memoirs can sometimes be lugubrious and self-indulgent, with the reader forced to listen to long stretches of dramatic peaks and scabrous lows, but Browns storytelling is brisk and playful, and its a pleasure to be in his company. Both photos display Brown as a serious fellow, but such gravitas is undermined by the actual contents of this memoir: despite some of the heavier material, (substance abuse, bad health, familial woes and a nervous breakdown, aka existentialitis), a rich vein of humour courses through the book. The tone of Confessions of a Minor Poet is conversational banter, an extended yarn to a mate over a pint or three. The cover photo of Confessions of a Minor Poet features Phil Brown: floofy white-haired, black-rimmed glasses, with his hands on his face staring directly and unsmilingly at us. The one on the back is a portrait of him as a young man, tapping away on his trusty typewriter with a reference book nearby. He looks for all the world like a prim, industrious journo focused on breaking a story, or maybe he is in the midst of translating poetic snippets from handwriting to print. The authors previous books have ranged in scope from poetry, travel writing, and even an ambitious search for the meaning of life. In 2019, he wrote a memoir about his childhood in Hong Kong during the 1960s. This latest offering is a sequel of sorts, picking up a decade later upon his return to Australia. Journalist, jobbing writer and poet Phil Brown in 2004. It starts with 18-year-old Browneye (an unfortunate travesty of his name bestowed by fellow surfers), at home in the Gold Coast. Picture this dope-smoking, ratbag teenager who had to repeat year 10 twice because of classroom misdemeanours and a surfing obsession. And yet, the lad was also a bookish maladroit whose companions included Ernest Hemingway, D. H. Lawrence and Patrick White. Oh, and inspired by unrequited love and the lyrics of The Beatles and The Doors, Brown also wrote his first poem printed on the back of his surfboard. From this juvenilia period of experimentation (in drugs, booze and verse), the book tracks Browns life as he serendipitously falls into journalism almost as an afterthought when what he really wanted was to develop his poetic sensibility. His getting of literary wisdom was aided not only by emulating the style of his heroes, but by friendships with esteemed men of letters like The Bard of Bunyah, Les Murray, and the Poet of Ordinary Australia, Bruce Dawe. (It was fitting that Brown, the erstwhile disciple would, decades later, pen Dawes obituary in The Courier-Mail.) The title of this memoir could easily be thus: Confessions of a Knockabout Journalist and a Minor Poet, Browns peripatetic lifestyle in his 20s and beyond led him to work for numerous media outlets: apart from a stint as a radio copywriter, he reported for various publications and across different editorial capacities in and beyond his home state. There are amusing tales of his time in rural newspapers (think bull sales, CWA jubilees, dairy festivals) and plenty of celebrity name-dropping when he was a social gadfly-about-town, with encounters with luminaries including Split Enz, Australian Crawl, Manning Clark, Eric Bana, Alain de Botton and Barry Humphries. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Talking over Zoom from Los Angeles, Canadian-British journalist and tech activist Cory Doctorow is explaining how power exerts itself. If Elon Musk was broke, hed just be another asshole with bad ideas, he says. Behind him, shelves stacked with books (both fiction and non) also host an array of eclectic objects. He picks up a mammoth vertebra and a 50-thousand-year-old axe head, a reminder perhaps that tools and backbone are ancient requirements, although he declines such symbolism. There is something about the material, either ironically or perhaps because so much of my life is digital and takes place in the realm of pure thought, [that] having a space full of stuff is really meaningful to me, he says, I love junk. Being a materialist helps when youre doing technology criticism, Doctorow says. It really engages not with an imputed ideology of tech bosses or their morality but where their power comes from. His latest book, Enshittification: Why Everything Suddenly Got Worse and What to Do About it, describes in material terms how the internet, once a utopian vision promising direct business-to-customer transactions, human-to-human connection and maybe even worldwide democracy, degraded into its opposite. So, what happened? Well, enshittification. Coined by Doctorow, Macquarie Dictionarys 2024 Word of the Year describes how lax antitrust (regulations that encourage competition by limiting the market power) allowed Big Tech to grow massive and insert itself everywhere as a rent-seeking intermediary. Today we live in the enshittocene where a radical act is operating beyond the reaches of Amazon, Google and Facebook. As users of apps like Airbnb, Uber and Netflix, we know in our guts these platforms used to be better and cheaper but are always finding fresh ways to rip us off and sell our data. In the book I call it twiddling, he says, giving the Uber example, once a credible alternative to taxis that promised cheap fares and flexible work. Twiddling means two passengers wanting the same route will get different pricing depending on their data profiles. Its unfair to be charged more because they know you got paid today its just unfair. Drivers too will be offered different fares depending on their calculated desperation. As life became more digital, enshittification spread from laptops and phones and into everything from exercise bicycles to baby cradles: So your ability to keep your smart thermostat going in the middle of summer so that your house doesnt fill up with black mould is contingent on whether you click through the licence agreement when you update. The stuff you paid money for is now owned from the outside. Advertisement He shows me a tiny replica guillotine, the threat metaphorical. Doctorow is also a prolific sci-fi writer. The job of science fiction is to challenge that inevitabilist narrative to tear apart how that product works and its social arrangements and reconfigure them as a thought experiment with robots throwing buildings at each other in the background to make it all interesting and fun to read. Doctorow the materialist at his Burbank, California home. Credit: NYT His short story Unauthorised Bread, in the Radicalised collection, was a finalist for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation national book award. It tells of a Syrian refugee, housed in a high-rise block where all the appliances are enshittified. The toaster accepts only proprietary bread, sold at a huge mark-up. The blocks owner, a corporation, goes bankrupt leaving these appliances bricked. The occupants only option is to violate the terms and conditions and jailbreak the appliances, restoring appliances to their original purpose: the toaster now toasts unauthorised bread. This storys success helped it become a real life organising metaphor for people to frame their understanding of whats going on and to understand it not as a one-off but a pattern thats emerged. Doctorows latest book. Doctorow shows me a faded 1939 Worlds Fair passbook. Its original owner, a stern gentleman, is captured glaring. It is a quaint relic of transatlantic cosmopolitanism. So, what of such sentimentalism? Nostalgia is a toxic impulse, says Doctorow, quoting friend, comedian and actor John Hodgman. It does, however, help people remember a time before the internet was dominated by rent-seeking corporations. Once,tech underwent cycles of creative destruction. Old Big Tech, broken apart by antitrust, would beget new Big Tech. Doctorow explains IBM helped create Microsoft, which then grew until it became a target {for antitrust lawsuits}, which then made space for Google. Now, this process has stalled. Big tech has become gargantuan, consuming competition and smothering regulation. Advertisement Doctorows explanations are mechanical, each cause isolated, its consequent effect identified. This is the essence of his job, decomposing the claims of tech bosses into their constituent elements and not falling into the trap that Mark Zuckerberg wants you to fall into, which says the only way you can talk to your friends is to let him spy on you. As a privacy advocate for not-for-profit Electronic Frontier Foundation, Doctorow has been in boardrooms as decisions are made that affect billions, by those who dont understand real-world diversity. In one, the attendees tried to define a typical household with the intent on restricting digital television subscriptions. TAKE 7: THE ANSWERS ACCORDING TO CORY DOCTOROW Worst habit? Also my best: when Im stressed or in pain, I work to distract myself. Its a habit I developed as a coping strategy for untreatable chronic pain, and it works well (I wrote nine books during lockdown), but fails very badly in that I end up neglecting the underlying problems while I distract myself with work. Greatest fear? Fascist takeover of the world. The line that stayed with you? Thats merely clever - Harriett Wolff, my beloved high school English teacher. Biggest regret? Every thoughtless or cruel thing I did in the spur of the moment. Favourite book? Dont trust anyone with one favourite book, it always ends up being the Bible, Mein Kampf or Atlas Shrugged. No one should confine their literary tastes to a single volume. The artwork/song you wish was yours? I am riven with jealousy for so much work, but the artist who always gets me is David Byrne, since his music speaks to deeply to me and I have no inkling at all of how I would ever, ever make it. If you could time travel, where would you choose to go? While I have a feeling that killing Baby Hitler might go horribly wrong, opening a space for someone even worse, I reckon Id give it a go. It was the most insane thing Ive ever sat through, he says. A subscription could be shared by a villa in France and the luxury SUV s seat back video-player parked in another country but a household in a shack in Manila with a daughter working as a nurse in California could not. They were obsessed with how theyd take rights away. He swivels his camera to show me a mundane grey box beneath his desk that looks like last centurys e-waste. Thats a computer from 1993 called Deep Crack that was built by my friend John Gilmore, and it could break the NSA cypher in two-and-a-half hours. Jailbreaking and hacking are central to resisting global enshittification yet in much of the world, Australia included, it is highly illegal, leading to prison sentences and immense fines. Such laws exist, Doctorow says, because free trade agreements threaten Australia with tariffs. Given the Trump administrations arbitrary application of such tariffs, amendments might not be a bad thing. While Australia is not a big enough to demand direct changes to Big Tech in the way the EU does, Doctorow explains how we could become a reverse-engineering haven, quickly rattling off an example of car diagnostic kits. Right now, every manufacturer charges about 10,000 [dollars] per model per mechanic per year to diagnose a car engine. If Queensland University of Technology were to create a generic diagnostic kit by reverse engineering each car and charge mechanics worldwide a cheap rate for use, it would break these monopolies making repairing cheaper both for businesses and customers. Whats more, this could incubate a tech sector in Australia, something politicians have been trying to do here for decades. Now that seems like science fiction. Advertisement Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Dont miss Mick Herrons Slow Horses TV sibling, Down Cemetery Road, plus Colin Farrells gambling thriller set in Macau, a reboot of The Hand that Rocks the Cradle and a new Netflix comedy from Sydneys cheeky siblings Theodore and Nathan Saidden. Down Cemetery Road (Apple TV) Even before Emma Thompsons bolshy private investigator Zoe Boehm dismisses her husband with the line, picking you up from the f--- up creche, the sardonic DNA of this conspiratorial drama is apparent. The setting is Oxford, not London, but the characters are speaking fluent Mick Herron. Slow Horses, the MI5 thriller adapted from the British authors series of novels, has been pound-for-pound the most entertaining television of the past five years, and now Herrons earlier books, centred on Boehm, are on-screen and off colour. Emma Thompson plays Zoe, a private eye investigating the disappearance of a young girl, in Down Cemetery Road. Credit: It is a fine show: acerbic, empathetic, and disgusted by the cruel whims of the powerful. Creator Morwenna Banks, a long-time writer on Slow Horses, has done first-rate work updating the 2003 text. The only real problem Down Cemetery Road has is that the obvious comparison is Slow Horses, which stacks the deck against the newcomer. But once you lean into the considerable differences, whether in the protagonists place in the world or the narrative structure, it comes into its own. Loading Notably, its about outsiders who wont back down. Sarah Trafford (Ruth Wilson) is a married art restorer whose tense dinner party literally erupts when a neighbouring house explodes. When Sarah spies a child being rescued from the ruins, but subsequently cant find any trace of her, her inquiries impulsively lead her to the local private eye firm of Zoe and her estranged husband, Joe Silverman (Adam Godley). Joe is intrigued, Zoe dismissive, until the stakes are changed for them. Advertisement From the start the show reveals the governments covert involvement, directed by the caustic head of British military intelligence, C (Darren Boyd), and his serious Voldemort vibes. The real mystery is what motivates Zoe and Sarah to risk their lives past regrets, angry defiance and a need to take up contested space pass between the pair, who are, thankfully, not simply turned into mismatched partners. The plot keeps them moving and separated, using the supporting cast as a means of illumination and, in the case of dead-eyed assassin Amos (Fehinti Balogun), considerable risk. Ruth Wilson as art restorer Sarah Trafford in Down Cemetery Road. Credit: There will be criticism of an eight-episode season, as opposed to the non-stop momentum of a Slow Horses six, but it gives emotional depth and telling process to Zoe and Sarah; a cat-and-mouse chase between the former and Amos on a train is a gripping set-piece and a reminder of the imbalance between the amateurs and the professionals. And any decision that gives us more Emma Thompson is the right one. Watching one of the finest actors of her generation update the hard-nosed private eye canon is a rare gift. Revel in it. Colin Farrell in Ballad of a Small Player. Credit: Ballad of a Small Player (Netflix) After directing consecutive features nominated for best picture at the Academy Awards All Quiet on the Western Front and Conclave the Swiss/Austrian filmmaker Edward Berger sidesteps into this moody psychological thriller. Colin Farrell plays Lord Freddy Doyle, a British toff experiencing an existential crisis at the luxury hotels and rapacious casinos of Macau. With bad luck at the baccarat tables, Doyle is set adrift. Adapted from Lawrence Osbornes 2014 novel of the same name, the movie is a spectral character study told with visual excess. With the citys Hungry Ghost Festival unfolding, Doyles panic suggests karmic retribution even before Tilda Swintons gawky tourist starts shadowing him. Seeking credit from a moneylender, Dao Ming (Fala Chen), Doyle is a forlorn figure amidst grand nocturnal tableaus even the fountains at a casino sparkle and erupt in choreographed grandeur as he plays desperate new games. Advertisement Loading The films plot is fable-like, with latter twists plainly transparent, and Farrells performance is detailed and touching, revealing all of Doyles layers. But Berger frames all that with a maximalist zeal that is often striking but rarely comprehensive. Its as if he watched Martin Scorseses Casino and hungered to one up its compositions. Its a flawed, intriguing film, and no matter the moment, Berger is determined to deliver more. Even the end credits include a final unnecessary flourish to admire. Sam Claflin in Lazarus. Credit: Lazarus (Amazon Prime Video) The non-stop output of American mystery novelist and television creator Harlan Coben has always risked repetition, which might be why Cobens latest collaboration with Danny Brocklehurst grafts a supernatural approach onto their familiar uncovering crimes from the past format. It doesnt help. With Sam Claflin as clinical psychiatrist Joel Lazarus, and Bill Nighy as his father and fellow professional Jonathan, this spectral thriller suffers from obvious dialogue and a ludicrous plot. The actors give their all, and frankly its not enough. The only consolation is that this is the silliest Harlan Coben show yet. Maika Monroe as Polly Murphy in The Hand That Rocks the Cradle. Credit: Advertisement The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (Disney+) This is a capable remake of Curtis Hansons 1992 maternal thriller, about a young woman who gains malicious entry to an unsuspecting familys home as the nanny to their young children. Here, Maika Monroe plays the initially helpful interloper, Polly Murphy, with Mary Elizabeth Winstead as the mother she looks to supplant. Mexican director Michelle Garza Cervera is alert to the wealth imbalance between the two women, prescription drug paranoia and the misguided rituals that equate employment with extended family. Its smart, but also entertaining Pollys plotting is comprehensive and crazy. Theodore Saidden in Son of a Donkey. Son of a Donkey (Netflix) The self-sufficient creative team of siblings Theodore and Nathan Saidden the Coen brothers of Australian ethnic stereotypes and teen-friendly crude humour have successfully grown from one platform to the next (YouTube, the ABC locally, and now Netflix globally) since 2008. Im not convinced theyve evolved creatively, but it may well be a case of if it aint broke, dont fix it when it comes to their low-budget mash-up of deliberately ludicrous posturing, crazy plots, Benny Hill drag and sly social criticism. Theyre giving their sizable fan base what they want, but perhaps not what they need. My Bungalow Bliss host Hugh Wallace. Advertisement Get to know the people and stories behind the award-winning restaurants, bar and cafe in this years Guide. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share As featured in The Age Good Food Guide 2026 Awards collection. See all stories . The complete list of winners Victorias dining finest celebrated at Good Food Guide Awards Loading T2 Tea Restaurant of the Year: Flower Drum Flower Drum is the restaurant that put our citys Chinese food on the map: a standard-bearer for half a century and a cultural landmark thats as Melbourne as the Yarra. Heres to another 50. Loading Oceania Cruises Chef of the Year: Thi Le, Anchovy In the 10 years since she opened Anchovy in Richmond her partner Jia-Yen Lee by her side Thi Le has recast it multiple times, taking risks others would baulk at to unspool the story of her culture, and inspire a younger generation of chefs to live out their values and cook what they know. Advertisement Advertisement This is the third time Viveik Vinoharan has been shortlisted as a finalist for this award; a mark of his resilience, tenacity and the clarity of his vision all vital for enduring success in the kitchen. In March, Vinoharan stepped away from his post at Lilac Wine, hosting a series of successful pop-ups celebrating his Sri Lankan roots, his work experience in Japan, and the Australian appetite for bold, wine-friendly snacking. Related Article Meet five of Victorias best young chefs youve never heard of yet Loading Katie McCormack Young Service Talent Award: Georgia Limacher Georgia Limacher, who grew up in Wellington, nearly fizzes with enthusiasm when she talks about nailing a dinner service at Flinders Lane hot spot Gimlet. Moving to Melbourne in 2023 only fuelled her passion to deliver meaningful service and learn from the citys best. In her two-plus years at Gimlet, shes gone from section waiter to wine leader to sommelier. Related Article From Lygon Street to London: Where restaurant service young guns dine off the clock Loading Advertisement Oceania Cruises Service Excellence: Alex Casey Brae restaurant manager Alex Casey not only rises to the occasion of excellent service but goes above and beyond it. His ease while providing synchronised, extremely intentional table service permeates the whole dining experience at the three-hatted Brae. Caseys genuine care for the guest and their enjoyment provides more than hospitality at his best he offers something verging on magic. Loading Sommelier of the Year: Justin Howe After four-plus years pouring Italys finest at Osteria Ilaria, Justin Howe was this year tapped to lead the wine program at Harriot, a city newcomer from the same team. Whatever wine you choose from the 500-plus bottles at his disposal the $80 or the $480 Howe will talk to you with the same wry smile and quiet enthusiasm that reassure you: this was a good choice. Loading T2 Tea Cafe of the Year: Commonfolk, Frankston Advertisement The newest cafe from 12-year-old coffee roaster Commonfolk is the complete package. Whether its dawn coffees in hi-vis, laptop lunches or an afternoon matcha, this multitasking cafe is defining for Frankston, proving that this underloved outer suburb is more than just a gateway to the Mornington Peninsula: its got its own culinary cred. Loading Bar of the Year, presented by SevenRooms: The Walrus, St Kilda This charming beast has quickly become a local fixture since opening in St Kilda in late 2023. Seasoned owners Marty Webster and Amy McGouldrick are fabulous hosts, steering an understated cocktail list that favours icy martinis, and an elegant wine list geared towards seafood-driven snacks. The team also recently opened a mini pub, The Carpenters Ruin, next door. Loading Legend Award: Tansy Good Tansy Good closed her hatted eponymous restaurant in October 2025, calling time on a career that started in the 1970s and left an indelible mark on Australian food. A self-taught cook, she trained defining chefs including Karen Martini and Andrew McConnell, and was awarded 30 Good Food Guide hats across three iterations of Tansys: the first in Carlton North between 1983 and 1992, the second in the city between 1992 and 1994, and the third in Kyneton between 2019 and now. Advertisement Advertisement Eating outRestaurant news Neil Perry to open Margaret spin-off with breakfast service and two new burgers The chef-restaurateur makes another change to his Double Bay precinct, turning Next Door into Cafe Margaret. Erina Starkey October 29, 2025 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 If you thought Neil Perry had opened or closed his last venue for the year, take a shot. The corner of Bay Street and Guilfoyle Avenue in Double Bay has been a hub of activity of late, with Perry closing his cocktail bar, Bobbies, in May, and his modern Asian restaurant, Song Bird, in August, while opening Italian diner Gran Torino on the same site that month. In September, he also stepped away from his partnership at Baker Bleu, just two doors down. Now the chef-restaurateur has made yet another move, evolving his Good Food Guide Critics Pick restaurant, Next Door, into new all-day eatery, Cafe Margaret. I always thought Next Door belonged to Margaret, so I thought I would make it official and bring it in, says Perry. The two venues sit side by side and are connected internally, sharing access to coolrooms and storage. Theyve always been completely reliant on each other. Changing Next Door into Cafe Margaret just seemed like the right thing to do, he says. Advertisement Neil Perry when he opened Next Door. Bianca Hrovat Cafe Margaret will open from this Saturday for breakfast, offering French toast with caramelised bananas and scrambled eggs with cotechino sausage, alongside fresh juices, Mecca espresso coffee, batch brew and matcha from a newly installed stainless-steel coffee bar. Breakfast is a really important part of it because it allows us to keep that engagement with the local community. We live down here, and Im in here seven days a week, and its great for us to be able to have all the folks that work in Double Bay come in and grab a coffee and bacon and egg roll. I always thought Next Door belonged to Margaret, so I thought I would make it official and bring it in. Neil Perry If youre wondering about the cheeseburger recently crowned best burger in Australia (and 10th globally) in the Worlds 25 Best Burgers 2025 list it will remain on the menu, where it will be joined by two new offerings: a crispy fish burger with gochujang with pickled kimchi, and a caramelised onion smashburger, served with tomato sauce, cheese and a pickle. There will also be a new steak-frites sandwich with cafe de Paris butter, and a selection of deli sandwiches, available to grab-and-go. Advertisement For the first time, youll be able to get the burgers to take away, made possible due to a brief renovation that removed the bar and opened up more space for service. Inside Next Door in Double Bay. James Brickwood Dinner will remain business as usual, featuring snacks, salads and grilled fish, while the steak sandwich and a couple of the burgers will carry over from lunch. There will be minimal crossovers between the menus at Margaret and Cafe Margaret, Perry says. For now, the only shared item will be the beef empanadas with jalapeno dressing. Cafe Margaret is for the communitys daily needs, and then Margaret is there for when you want a really great fish or steak, and an amazing dining experience. Advertisement Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up Warning: graphic content A former Scots College student from Sydney and two teenagers, including one from Queensland, have been charged following Australian Federal Police investigations into nihilistic extremist groups which trade in depraved online material including imagery of children carving messages into their bodies. New AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett used her first major speech on Wednesday to warn that loosely affiliated groups, which she described as crimefluencers, are operating in Australia and targeting young people. Nihilistic extremist group 764 is preying on vulnerable teenagers. Perpetrators reach a status or new level in their group when they provide more content showing more extreme acts of depravity and sadism, Barrett told the National Press Club. And in some cases, perpetrators trade their victims with each other just like an online game. Ant Group, Chinas largest internet finance company, has applied to register several trademarks related to virtual assets and blockchain technology in Hong Kong, including one for ANTCOIN. The tech giant filed applications with Hong Kongs Intellectual Property Department covering digital wallets, stablecoins, and online payments, according to a Monday report from Hong Kong Economic Times citing public filings. The ANTCOIN application was submitted in June and remains pending before the registry. The filing includes registrations for providing online payments, electronic wallets, foreign exchange services, and the issuance and transfer of stablecoins and digital tokens. Strategic Brand Protection Joshua Chu, lawyer and co-chair of the Hong Kong Web3 Association, described the trademark applications as a way to protect Ant Groups interests in Hong Kongs virtual asset sector. Chu noted that trademark protection serves as risk management, particularly against unauthorized or fraudulent tokens that could misuse the companys brand. Earlier in Oct. 2025, Beijing reportedly ordered major tech firms, including Ant Group, to suspend their stablecoin-related initiatives in Hong Kong. The trademark filings occurred before this reported directive. Ant Groups Crypto Expansion In July, Ant Group partnered with Circle to pilot USDC-based cross-border payments between Ant Internationals Alipay+ network and select global merchants. The partnership represented an integration of a regulated stablecoin into Ants payment infrastructure as the $316 billion stablecoin market continues expanding. In Sept. 2025, Ant Digital Technologies unveiled a blockchain platform to tokenize energy assets in China, linking approximately $8 billion worth of infrastructure to on-chain systems. The move followed broader interest from Chinese financial players in digital assets, including China Renaissances $600M BNB fund raised alongside YZi Labs. Traditional financial institutions globally have also moved toward stablecoin adoption. Japans major banks plan to issue stablecoins pegged to the yen and dollar through a joint initiative, while North Dakota announced plans to launch the first US state-backed stablecoin called Roughrider Coin on the Fiserv platform. Read original story Ant Group Files Hong Kong Trademarks for ANTCOIN and Stablecoins by Zoran Spirkovski at Coinspeaker.com Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Sussan Ley compounds her churlishness in criticising Albanese for wearing a Joy Division T-shirt (No joy for Ley as PMs T-shirt brings division to parliament, October 29). This comes after her misstep demanding Rudds sacking from his US ambassadorship. Earlier, she sent a letter to the American Congress vowing to revoke Australias recognition of Palestinian statehood, undermining the sovereignty and unity of the nation. It is not her role to set foreign policy that belongs to the elected government. Her opposition should have remained in-house. Ley would be served to take a more bipartisan and constructive approach. Are ad hominem attacks all she has to offer? Salvatore Sorbello, Campsie Credit: Cathy Wilcox Sussan Ley was a little off the mark with Albaneses T-shirt reference. Far from celebrating Nazis, it was a more subtle dig at the shenanigans going on among Australias far-right political factions. Albo, armed with encyclopedia-like knowledge of the Triple J Hottest 100 winners, knew Joy Division won the 1990 rankings with their song Love Will Tear Us Apart. So as he alighted the flight from the far right of America to land back in Australia, the prime minister was making a poignant reference to the love being torn apart by Barnaby Joyces flirtations with One Nation. Unfortunately, I think subtlety is lost on the Liberals. Chris Andrew, Turramurra Utter nonsense from the leader of the opposition. Its a storm in a T-shirt. Tim Parker, Balmain I note Sussan Ley has used her time in parliament to condemn Anthony Albaneses choice of T-shirt on tenuous grounds of links to antisemitism. What a gobsmacking waste of public time and resources. What an astounding irrelevancy. The Herald reported this week that the Centre for Public Integrity claims the Albanese government has failed in six of seven fields it evaluated (Teals, report give PM a fail on transparency, October 28). Surely, we need a viable opposition debating matters of policy and keeping the government honest? What we dont need is Ley using her position to give credence to Murdoch-press-fuelled culture wars. It is clear that the Coalition is setting itself up for many years in the wilderness. Meanwhile, the lack of a viable opposition will provide a fertile ground for hard and soft corruption in the federal government. Come on, Ley, get your eye on the ball and do your job. John Storer, Bulli The title of the album Never Mind the Bollocks, Heres the Sex Pistols must be familiar to the pearl-clutching Sussan Ley. I suppose that a politician whose party is in disarray, an ineffective opposition with no sensible policies and zero vision for Australia, has to say something to try to remain relevant by any means at all. Never mind the bollocks, Sussan, try to concentrate on doing something positive for the future of the nation and forget about the trivia. Barrington Salter, Elanora, Qld Anthony Albanese, when acting as PM a leader and a representative of Australia should be dressed more fittingly than in a T-shirt, let alone one with promotion, marketing or advertising of any sort. While I dont always expect a suit and tie when a polo shirt would suffice, this attire is for his backyard barbecues.Jenny Greenwood, Hunters Hill Advertisement Get a grip, Sussan Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Sussan Ley is stretching credibility to accuse Prime Minister Albanese of being antisemitic by wearing a Joy Division T-shirt. Is that the best the opposition leader can do, criticism of Albanese after his meeting with Trump? Joy Division, like most punk bands of the 1970s, adopted an edgy name to reflect their work. Their songs were about alienation and disaffection and nothing to do with antisemitism. There is a certain irony in the bands name, as in their signature song, Love Will Tear Us Apart. Leys criticism implies that everyone who is a fan of Joy Division is antisemitic. Really? Leo Sorbello, Leichhardt Stop being so twitchy, Sussan Ley. We Grayndler-ites are proud of Albo for wearing a band T-shirt. Dont forget that he represents his electorate as well as the country and his electorate is honoured that he is still in touch with us. James Butchart, Lilyfield I have been puzzling over what rock band T-shirt to give as a gift to Sussan Ley to wear in parliament. While Bad Company, The Cult, Disturbed, Garbage, Imagine Dragons, The Pretenders, Queens of the Stone Age, Social Distortion and Twisted Sister all have some appeal, I have decided that Evanescence would be most emblematic of her leadership of the Liberal Party. Paul Norton, Highgate Hill (Qld) For gawds sake, Sussan Ley, of all the atrocities committed by Albo in his Joy Division T-shirt, you missed the most glaring one he wasnt wearing a suit and tie. John Campbell, South Golden Beach Please, Albo, no more T-shirts of 1980s bands we want you firmly in the 21st century. But at least you are not stuck in the 1950s, like the Coalition. Further message for Sussan Ley find an issue more important than the PMs wardrobe to raise in parliament. You could try climate change, housing, hospitals, childcare ... Take your pick. Stephanie Edwards, Leichhardt Power plans Advertisement There are vast swaths of rehabilitated coal mine sites just up the Hunter Valley from the Tomago aluminium smelter that could adequately provide it with affordable solar power (Aluminium smelter closure tests ALP clean energy goals, October 29). But herein lies the dilemma. The renewables grid benefits from diverse inputs, such as wind turbines, on- and offshore, not linked to the daily solar radiation cycle. However, the key is in the provision of power storage. The largest battery currently operational would only power the Tomago plant for two hours, and it would require almost half of the huge Snowy 2.0 schemes eventual output for periods when direct renewable energy is unavailable. Rather than subsidising Tomagos electricity in the longer term, it would be preferable if government funds (plus support from Rio Tinto) were directed to fast-tracking power storage systems. Roger Epps, Armidale The Tomago aluminium smelter, should it stay or should it go? Credit: James Brickwood All smelting needs to cease until there is sufficient renewable energy to engage in that activity. There is a climate crisis, and the planet needs to take priority. When there is enough clean energy, it can resume. We will all have to make do without these smelted products for a while. The workers negatively impacted by these temporary closures could be supported with JobKeeper-like support. Taxation may need to be raised; thoughtful, wealthy folk would be honoured to help, no doubt. John Coyne, Padstow Heights Site impaired I agree completely with David Swans criticism of the new website (How did the BOM get its new $4.1m website so wrong? , October 29). I was a very frequent user of the former website and found it very informative. Bring it back. Graham Russell, Clovelly I spent a decade working on IT implementations and remember well the howls of anguish from those forced to use a new tool to do their well-paid jobs. Sometimes I (and they) thought my job was to act as a social worker and soothe their turmoil. These same people had no problems finding the best mortgages, travel packages or credit card points programs. Nine months later, all that suffering was forgotten and it was business as usual. David Farrell, Erskineville Nuanced matter of life and VAD Advertisement I understand that many people agree with assisted dying (Libs split over law changes on assisted dying, October 29), but as a Christian, I would have found it very difficult to assist my mother to access such a procedure if it had been available 10 years ago. She was 94, not in any great pain, but tired of living. She was in a non-faith-based nursing home. The fact that VAD was illegal at the time was a comfort to me; it was not a decision I would have to make, nor would the nursing home have wanted to assist it. As it was, she died peacefully, with two very caring palliative nurses by her side, while I was stuck on a train unable to get there in time. I do not see why nursing homes, whether faith-based or not, should have to provide assisted dying at the same time as they provide palliative care; many staff members would find this deeply painful. Life is a gift and should be treasured, even though it is difficult at times. Vivienne Parsons, Thornleigh When in her 90s, my mother was sent to hospital with a suspected heart attack. The nurse on weekend duty gently explained that she would be more comfortable back in her familiar nursing home surroundings than having the necessary medical interventions had she been admitted. To leave her there would have caused discomfort, unnecessary confusion and anxiety. We were forever thankful for that advice. Vicky Marquis, Glebe Where is the best place to die? Credit: iStock I wish to propose a law to save us from unsolicited political and religious interference in personal lives. A peaceful death at a time of our own choosing should be a basic human right but, once again, we see this fundamental concept under threat of being hijacked by politicians with religious overtones. The proposed VAD law amendment is at odds with a persons reasonable and rational wish to die in peace and the associated trauma with relocating a terminally ill resident becomes punishment. Joy Nason, Mona Vale The daft premise that a proposed change to the VAD laws to align aged care facilities with hospitals would give everyone voting for this bill comfort beggars belief. In this scenario, a person during their last days, being transported from their home to a busy hospital is complete anathema to a good death. Sometimes we fail to see the forest for the trees. Judy Finch, Taree What is Mark Speakman thinking, supporting this bill? Could he really prioritise the rights of religious institutions above those of vulnerable aged care residents? Forcing dying people out of their homes to access legal medical treatment is heartless and morally wrong, but also breaches the new federal aged care laws, which take effect on November 1. The Liberal Party relies on the votes of the same older people Speakman is clearly happy to sacrifice to appease church leaders who are more concerned with religious ideology than the rights and welfare of vulnerable people in their care. Penny Hackett, Willoughby Supermarket swindle Advertisement Jenna Prices experience is just one reason why I steadfastly refuse to use those self-checkouts at supermarkets (I paid $7.90 for a tub of yoghurt. Then they called me a thief, October 29). Fewer staff means lower prices? Pull the other one. Next, theyll be wanting me to restock the shelves after I finish. And they have the effrontery to tell us with such mock piety that theyre just responding to what customers want. Bunkum. Its the drive to maintain and increase profits thats fuelling the shift to do-it-yourself. Customers wants have nothing to do with it, and painting it like that is disingenuous at best and dishonest at worst. It might take me longer to shop, but I like to think I help keep someone in a job. And no one can accuse me of theft. Adrian Connelly, Springwood Jenna Price raises the issue of us becoming free labour for supermarkets by using self-checkouts. I try to avoid them for another reason. Both our children had their first job at a local supermarket. It was where they learnt to show up for work, do their jobs and get rewarded with some cash of their own. As supermarkets squeeze us to use self-checkouts by cutting the number of checkout operators, there are fewer jobs for school-age employees. When they see queues at the manned (or womanned) checkout, maybe they will put on more school kids. Neville Turbit, Russell Lea Beyond the city How about Mark Speakman and his loyal Liberal band follow through with the suggestion of a slowdown in transport infrastructure and devote five years worth of expenditure to the regional parts of NSW (NSW Libs to target five extensions to metro in campaign, October 29)? We in regional areas would like an increase in medical services and fast public transport. Ripping up existing train lines and replacing them with light rail suggests cost overruns and extended timelines a key feature of the previous Liberal era. Regional NSW residents would really benefit from more financial input, especially as so many people have relocated to the regions over recent years. Robert Mulas, Corlette Keep us in the dark The proposal to light up Sydneys beaches and become the city that never sleeps is horrific (New Yorker says Sydney can be city that never sleeps, October 29). Light pollution is already impacting the wildlife in our cities Ive had kookaburras singing at midnight in my street. Imagine how confused fish and penguins will be. Its also another barrier to children and others having their souls enlarged by seeing our wonderful southern skies. Havent we learnt from climate change and microplastics that pollution of all kinds should be avoided? Ken McNamara, Wollongong Net deficit Advertisement When Ula Venckus was 16, she decided that instead of cooking fries at McDonalds, she would busk. For six years, the 22-year-old has travelled from western Sydney to play on Sydneys busiest streets. But busking, which she credits for establishing her career as a musician and social media star, faces a sudden clampdown. Ula Venckus has travelled to the CBD for six years from Parramatta to busk on some of Sydneys most populated streets. Credit: Edwina Pickles The City of Sydney emailed registered buskers on Monday saying busking would be restricted to six street corners on George Street effective immediately. In these sites, known as special pitches, buskers can perform an hour a day each between 11am and 10pm. The decision to change the EA topic in the final year of the old syllabus, rather than rolling it out as the first cohort of students working in the new syllabus reach Year 12 in 2026 (the current Year 11s), may account in part for this misunderstanding. However, the QCAA published two memos, on the 30 August 2023 (054/23) and again on the 17 April 2024 (016/24) making clear that the 2025 exam topic is Julius Caesar. The Queensland History Teachers Association and other history teaching social media pages have teachers sharing resources and discussing approaches to the new EA focus on Julius Caesar. What went wrong? It is impossible to know as this story unfolds exactly what has happened at each school. However, there are a number of likely possibilities. The teacher shortage crisis means that many secondary educators are working out of field, a problem which there seems little political will to address. If you are a trained legal studies or health and physical education teacher asked to step in when your history teacher colleague takes leave or resigns, the challenge of understanding a new syllabus, new content and new discipline-specific approaches is just as likely to make you burn out too. Even if you are a qualified history teacher, if you work in a regional or remote school, you might be the only one for hundreds of kilometres. Your head of department (if the school is large enough to have one) or other managers may have no background in history. This means your best source of support is professional representative bodies like the Queensland History Teachers Association, who provide both professional development and an online community for teachers. However, schools are increasingly reluctant to pay for membership for their staff, meaning the financial cost of their professional development falls on them individually. (So maybe that payrise is warranted?) The inexplicable The pressures of teacher workload are not confined to regional and remote schools, however it is more difficult to understand how a large, well-resourced school like Brisbane State High School can have made this error, as they likely have more than one history teacher, a head of humanities, and other senior leadership with oversight of the senior curriculum delivery. Human error is definitely a factor in this instance. The silver lining The distress of the impacted students and the devastation of the teachers who made this error cannot be understated. However, this is a glimmer of hope. Unlike the NSW HSC, which is a 50 per cent exam which requires a great deal of content knowledge retention, the Queensland exam is weighted at 25 per cent, and is a response to stimulus paper. These differences are a focus of ongoing research and discussion. Students are provided with up to 12 short historical sources, each with a context statement explaining the author, time and circumstances of the sources production. They answer 4-5 questions. The QCAA itself advises: While knowledge about the topic supports student engagement with the questions and sources, no marks are awarded for recalling additional knowledge or terms outside the scope of the question and stimulus. The focus on the historical thinking of analysing, evaluating and synthesising evidence from historical sources means that students can still apply these skills to unfamiliar content. Of course, they will find it more challenging than their peers who have developed a foundational understanding of Caesars rise and fall. But this is the strength of Queenslands focus on the cognitions for learning in each subject area our students are taught how to learn and think, not simply regurgitate content. Not a great day but not a disaster either The QCAA also has policies and procedures in place for students who experience illness or misadventure impacting their ability to undertake the EA. This isnt a great day, but it also isnt an unprecedented or unmitigated disaster. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Its Monday, the first day of external exams for year 12 students in Queensland, when a message is sent to parents at one of Brisbanes most in-demand and prestigious state high schools. It says two classes of ancient history students at Brisbane State High School, a 3500-student school which admits one-third of its cohort via selective entry, were taught the wrong topic. They studied the Roman emperor Augustus instead of his great-uncle Julius Caesar. The exam is on Wednesday afternoon, and the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) cannot write a new exam about Augustus, so students have two days to cram between sitting their English test on Tuesday morning and an application for special consideration will be made. By Tuesday morning, news of the exam bungle at State High made the headlines, and this masthead asked the assessment authority if there were any other instances of students being taught the wrong topic for an external exam this year. At 9.54am, the QCAA responded and assured there were no other instances. But it soon became clear this was not an isolated incident. After checking with the 172 Queensland schools which offered ancient history, by Wednesday morning QCAA found nine schools, including state, independent and Catholic fell victim to the stuff-up, affecting 140 students. Advertisement Six of the nine schools have more than 1000 students enrolled, and two have more than 800. Families at Yeronga State High School found out Tuesday afternoon, just 24 hours before the test, their ancient history students learnt the wrong topic. With multiple schools being impacted, I dont think this is only schools at fault, one parent said. There is clearly some poor communicating going on. The debacle has raised questions about how the mistake could have been missed at so many schools until just days before the crucial year 12 test, worth 25 per cent of the subjects final result. And it came amid revelations a parent warned the Education Departments Metropolitan South region of the exact issue at Rochedale State High School two months ago. Advertisement A parent told this masthead Rochedale students learned Augustus for several weeks before switching to Julius Caesar in August, and he complained the school did not transparently explain or own up to the mistake. The students felt like they wasted several weeks learning the wrong material, he said. Unhappy with the schools response, he emailed the Metropolitan South regional director on August 23. The regional acting director of education services replied on October 17, encouraging the parent to discuss his concerns further with the school principal. Despite the issue being uncovered at Rochedale State High School two months ago, and flagged with departmental officials, it appears there were no attempts to investigate the cause of the mix-up and ensure other schools had not also taught the wrong topic. The education ministers office confirmed the parents concerns were not escalated beyond the education departments Metropolitan South regional office. Advertisement An Education Department spokeswoman said external exam processes at all schools would be included in the examination of the ancient history incident. How did so many schools get it wrong? The mix-up appears to be at least partly sparked by the QCAAs decision to change the external exam topic in the final year of the 2019 syllabus from Augustus to Julius Caesar, after Augustus was the selected topic for several years. The ancient history syllabus 2019 states QCAA will nominate one topic for the external assessment, known as unit four, at least 12 months in advance, which could be Thutmose III, Rameses II, Themistokles, Alkibiades, Scipio Africanus, Julius Caesar or Augustus. A screenshot of the QCAA memo listing the 2024, 2025 and 2026 external assessment topics for ancient and modern history, dated April 17, 2024. Credit: QCAA Augustus, topic 12, was the topic for the year 12 ancient history external exam every year from 2020 to 2024 under the QCAAs general senior syllabus 2019. However, in 2025, the external assessment topic changed to Julius Caesar, topic 11, still from the 2019 syllabus. Advertisement The Julius Caesar topic choice was listed in QCAA memos published on August 30, 2023 and April 17, 2024, both of which are still available online. While ancient history changed the external exam topic this year, the modern history external assessment topic remained the same in 2024 and 2025 under the 2019 syllabus Australian engagement with Asia since 1945 (World War II in the Pacific ends). Aspect of the topic: Australia and the Vietnam War. Next year, the 2025 syllabus will kick in for year 12, and the ancient history external exam will test students on topic two: Julius Caesar or Cleopatra. QCAA acting chief executive officer Claude Jones said schools were notified of the topic for the ancient history external exam more than 12 months in advance, via memos, syllabus resources, e-newsletters and at webinars and face-to-face workshops for heads of department and subject teachers. History education lecturer Alison Bedford said teachers on the Queensland History Teachers Association and other history teaching social media pages have been sharing resources and discussing approaches to the new external assessment focus on Julius Caesar. What happens now? Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek said he did not support forcing 140 students taught the incorrect topic to sit the ancient history test on Wednesday afternoon. Advertisement The home of underworld social media personality Ryan Naumenko, who posts online under the name Outlaw Media, has been targeted in a terrifying midnight home invasion. Naumenko said in a media statement posted on Instagram that his 70-year-old mother was punched multiple times in the face after three young intruders carrying a machete and a small bat jumped the fence and smashed their way through the backyard. A screenshot of the now delated video by Ryan Naumenko (left) where he talks about his fallout with ABC reporter and his former podcast co-host Mahmood Fazal (inset). Credit: YouTube He said they were telling his mother to say Ryans a dog, but left when they heard his voice. Naumenko, who describes himself as part journalist, part outlaw complete with a 30-page criminal history, runs an Instagram channel and podcast where he regularly claims to expose the activity of Melbournes underworld and posts attacks on those he believes are villains. To do so, it is essential that we continually review our site usage, service demand and locations. Loading McLeod said the changes would allow patients to access a broader range of services at busier sites while delivering cost savings in the form of fewer leases, energy bills and cleaning costs. Two sources with links to the Clarinda site speaking on condition of anonymity said they were worried about relatives capacity to attend future appointments given they didnt drive and couldnt afford regular taxi trips. No GP services are offered at BHNs Clarinda and Bentleigh centres. However, the sites do provide allied health, mental health, alcohol and drug services. Earlier this month, cohealth a separate community health provider said it would have to stop providing GP and counselling services at its Kensington, Fitzroy and Collingwood clinics due to the gap between Medicare rebates, state infrastructure funding and operating costs. The Victorian Greens on Wednesday successfully moved a motion in state parliament calling on the government to step in with an emergency package for cohealth, with $4 million to save GP and counselling services and at least $25 million to upgrade the Collingwood site. The motion was supported by the Coalition and members of the crossbench. Labor MPs did not oppose the motion. Cohealths closure will be disastrous in the immediate and long-term future and will result in increased poverty, disadvantage, poor health and hospital overloading, the motion read. The Greens have pointed out that 0.3 per cent of Victorias $2 billion health infrastructure spend goes to community and not-for-profit providers despite their critical role in the system. Infrastructure Victoria, the states independent infrastructure advisory body, has recommended the government increase that figure to 3 per cent. Where are these people going to go for their health services? Greens leader Ellen Sandell said of the situation with cohealth. They will lose access to health services. Its already almost impossible to get a GP appointment, let alone a bulk-billed one, and theyll end up in our already overrun hospitals. Kensington cohealth patient Geoff said a GP at the centre 14 years ago looked at a lump on his neck and booked an appointment for him to have a biopsy the next morning. He doesnt know where hell go when GPs leave the facility in December. Richmond Greens MP Gabrielle De Vietri (left) and Greens leader Ellen Sandell (right) with cohealth patients. Credit: Eddie Jim Its devastating to me as a patient. There was an outpouring of public anger at Fitzroy Town Hall last Friday after The Age broke the news of the changes coming to cohealth. More than 500 furious locals filled the hall to hear from councillors, GPs, cohealth patients and local state and federal members. Yarra City Council was unprepared for the mass turnout more than 100 people were left outside, unable to get in. Public housing tenant and cohealth patient Aisha Darawish described how cohealth saved her sons life when he was born prematurely at 25 weeks, 13 years ago. She recounted how staff cared for her while his twin died. Deputy Yarra Mayor Sarah McKenzie, an ALP member, addresses the meeting on Friday. Credit: Eddie Jim Darawish, a patient of 28 years, had no idea she was pregnant. She recalled the day she spent at the clinic where nurses and doctors ran test after test to find out why she was ill. At the end, they found out I was pregnant. There was one [alive baby] in there, she said. Cohealth is part of me, part of my family. Yarra Mayor Stephen Jolly a Victorian Socialist member turned independent said there was a big difference between hardworking cohealth staff and the organisations board and executives, whom he accused of squandering money for the past two years. Loading Richmond MP and Greens member Gabrielle De Vietri said she was concerned to hear any attempts to shift the heat off the government and point the finger at cohealth. We must be pointing firmly at the state and federal Labor governments, because it is their responsibility to fund our community health sector. And if they can afford $350 million for a corporate pit upgrade at the grand prix, then they can afford to fund our community health centres. A cohealth spokesperson rejected Jollys claim of squandered money. The support needed by our clients cannot fit into the short, simple consultations that keep most bulk-billing clinics financially afloat. Our approach integrates physical, mental, and social supports while addressing broader determinants of health. Labor is hopeful it can win back the state seat of Richmond which takes in the suburbs of Fitzroy and Collingwood at next years election if the Liberals put Labor higher than the Greens on their how-to-vote cards. But one Labor source, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the party needed to come up with a solution for cohealth if it was serious about winning the seat back from De Vietri. If this doesnt get fixed, were in trouble. An Allan government spokesperson declined to say whether the government would adopt the Greens proposal for a $29 million emergency funding package. Underworld figure Mick Gatto has broken his silence amid an Australian Federal Police probe into suspect payments he may have received as part of the crisis engulfing the CFMEU. Gatto has featured repeatedly in issues surrounding the embattled union with the CFMEUs administrator Mark Irving writing to Gatto earlier this month to warn that Gatto should not call, meet with, email or text any CFMEU employee or ask to be permitted onto CFMEU premises. Gattos accountant, Charles Pellegrino, was also raided in March as part of a probe into a suspected criminal conspiracy to give or receive corrupting benefits to influence union officials, which is outlawed under the Fair Work Act. On Wednesday, this masthead revealed that the federal police had written to construction companies seeking information on payments to underworld figures. Although the police did not publicly identify any businesses or individuals the letter was sent to businesses that have put Gatto on the payroll. A lawyer for the man accused of ordering a hit on ex-Rebels bikie boss Nick Martin says the assassin he hired wanted to be a Danny Green figure by turning on the bikie and painting himself in a positive light to police. Prosecutor Justin Whalley conceded much of the states case rested on the evidence of the sniper who shot Martin at the Perth Motorplex in December 2020, but that covert recordings inside Pyes home, financial records and text exchanges backed up the snipers story that he was paid $150,000 by Pye to carry out the killing. David Pye is accused of ordering the hit on Nick Martin, middle, by a sniper. Credit: WAtoday During his closing submissions in the Supreme Court of Western Australia trial on Wednesday, Whalley laid out why Pye should be found guilty of each charge against him, including Martins murder and attempting to order hits on two others, a former partner and another bikie rival. He reminded the judge-alone trial of the statements made by Pye after the killing, captured on covert recordings inside his home. Australian troops would be obvious targets for attack by Hamas militants if they were to join an international peacekeeping force in Gaza, a Liberal senator has warned as outspoken MP Andrew Hastie launched a provocative argument against sending defence personnel to the ravaged territory. This masthead reported on Sunday that the Palestinian Authority had urged Australia to contribute forces to a United Nations-endorsed stabilisation mission to help take over from the Israeli military and ensure the fragile ceasefire brokered by US President Donald Trump does not collapse. West Australian MP Andrew Hastie said it was too unsafe for Australian troops to help secure the peace in Gaza. Credit: The Sydney Morning Herald The Albanese government has said it is open to participating, although any involvement would likely be limited in scope and may not involve Australian personnel on the ground. Debate over Australias possible role comes as businessman Andrew Forrests Minderoo Foundation announced it would donate $10 million to support urgent humanitarian needs in Gaza in a package co-ordinated with the United Nations. Scott Morrison, the former prime minister who committed Australia to a net zero emissions target by 2050, has declared the pledge is just ideology, providing impetus for Opposition Leader Sussan Ley from a senior figure in her faction to walk back the Coalition policy. Morrisons intervention came as Energy Minister Chris Bowen assured households that electricity bills would fall because of a surge of cheap renewable energy flooding the grid. Former prime minister Scott Morrison. Credit: AP In an update to be released on Thursday, the energy market operator reveals that a surge in wind, solar and hydropower has cut wholesale electricity prices by more than a quarter across Australias eastern states since July, even as chilly weather increased demand and more electric cars were plugged into the network. Some of Leys more moderate allies want to retain the 2050 target to appeal to the urban voters who deserted the Coalition at the past two elections, while others say the 2050 deadline imposes unacceptable costs on the economy. The Australian market has been navigating a complex landscape, with the recent rise in inflation to 3.2% sparking concerns and influencing investor sentiment, particularly as it falls outside the Reserve Bank of Australia's target range. Despite these broader economic challenges, there remains interest in niche investment areas like penny stocks, which continue to offer intriguing opportunities for those willing to explore smaller or newer companies. These stocks may carry a vintage label but can still present potential value when underpinned by strong financial fundamentals; we will spotlight three such examples that stand out for their resilience and growth potential amidst current market conditions. Top 10 Penny Stocks In Australia Name Share Price Market Cap Financial Health Rating Dusk Group (ASX:DSK) A$0.915 A$56.98M IVE Group (ASX:IGL) A$2.77 A$425.72M MotorCycle Holdings (ASX:MTO) A$3.76 A$277.51M Pureprofile (ASX:PPL) A$0.048 A$56.15M West African Resources (ASX:WAF) A$3.04 A$3.47B LaserBond (ASX:LBL) A$0.535 A$63.18M Service Stream (ASX:SSM) A$2.27 A$1.39B Fleetwood (ASX:FWD) A$2.97 A$274.23M GWA Group (ASX:GWA) A$2.46 A$646.81M Clover (ASX:CLV) A$0.675 A$112.72M Click here to see the full list of 418 stocks from our ASX Penny Stocks screener. Underneath we present a selection of stocks filtered out by our screen. Simply Wall St Financial Health Rating: Overview: Aura Energy Limited, along with its subsidiaries, focuses on exploring and evaluating mineral properties in Mauritania and Sweden, with a market capitalization of A$202.12 million. Operations: Aura Energy does not report any specific revenue segments. Market Cap: A$202.12M Aura Energy, with a market cap of A$202.12 million, is pre-revenue and faces financial challenges, including a net loss of A$15.15 million for the year ending June 2025 and auditor concerns about its ability to continue as a going concern. Despite these hurdles, the company has secured significant agreements for future uranium sales from its Tiris Project in Mauritania, contingent on project financing by December 2025. Recent executive changes include Andrew Grove's resignation as CEO and Michelle Ash's appointment to the board, enhancing strategic capabilities at this critical development stage. Aura remains debt-free but has limited cash runway. What weve done is tried to make sure that we identify which schools are affected ... and then provide the reassurance that senior students will need, he said. Loading I would not expect any student to do an exam after theyve received lectures or information about something that theyve had two days notice for. He said students previous assessment results would be scaled up to account for the bungle on the ancient history exam. When asked whether the assessment would therefore be cancelled, he said he wasnt sure. The ministers office said the individual affected schools were given the final say on whether their students would sit the exam. If the students performed better on their exams than the result calculated by the QCAA, they would be allowed to take the higher result. Im very unhappy about the situation developing as it has and for the stress that it will have caused for everyone, Langbroek said. The education minister said he would look into reports the department was previously warned about students learning the incorrect topic at Rochedale State High School. This masthead exclusively revealed students at the school were taught the incorrect topic for weeks, before the issue was realised two months ago. Loading A parent was unhappy with the schools response to the issue, and contacted the director of the Education Departments Metropolitan South Region in August. The department did not respond until mid-October and told the parent to deal with the schools principal. The mistake was not considered on a wider scale and no warning was sent to other schools. Langbroek was asked whether he was concerned the department had not taken further action after receiving the email from the Rochedale parent. He said that was a hypothetical question and one he could not answer. Thats something youve just put to me right now, he said. Im happy to investigate that particular issue. The department is yet to respond to questions from this masthead about why all schools were not asked to check if they were teaching the correct ancient history topic when the issue was uncovered at Rochedale. Thats something you put to me just now, Im happy to investigate that particular issue, Langbroek said on Wednesday morning. The minister said the department received hundreds or thousands of complaints about different issues in schools, and the advice given to families was to speak to relevant principals and authorities. He added he would look at the make-up of the QCAA board, which has already had some changes over the last six months and since we came to government over the last year. He noted communication issues in the past, especially around the time of the ex-tropical cyclone Alfred. Ill be making sure that the make-up of the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority is [appropriate] for the future. Langbroek said he wanted to see all of their communications guidelines, including the schools and about processes in which they change the curriculum, the way that they communicate that to schools. Experienced academic Doune Macdonald has been the QCAAs acting chair, and Claude Jones the acting chief executive, since the previous chair, Carol Nicoll and previous chief executive, Jacqueline Wilton, both resigned on the same day in June. They thanked Jill Hennessy, the former health minister who championed the historic reform through parliament in 2017. While you might not agree with the bill itself, we would all like to think that we could make a real impact on public life, Labor MP Mathew Hilakari told the chamber late on Tuesday. That is a real credit to her the impact that she has made on public life. Opposition Leader Brad Battin, hugging Labors Emma Vulin after the vote passed, said his views about assisted dying were changed by personal experience. Credit: Joe Armao Mostly, they thanked Emma Vulin, a Labor MP with motor neurone disease who was brought to tears on Tuesday when she spoke to parliament through text-to-speech technology. I may one day choose voluntary assisted dying, she said. It is not about giving up; it is about retaining agency over the most personal decision any person can ever make: how they leave this world. I do not know how my journey with MND will end, but I do know this: the knowledge that I may have voluntary assisted dying as an option gives me strength. It allows me to live with more peace, to focus on the moments that matter and to spare my loved ones from witnessing my prolonged suffering, which serves no purpose. It was almost 8.30pm on Wednesday by the time they voted to support the bill, 67 to 13, to applause. I do not know how my journey with MND will end, but I do know this: the knowledge that I may have voluntary assisted dying as an option gives me strength. Labor MP Emma Vulin Vulin and Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas took turns hugging their colleagues, from both sides of the chamber. At least a dozen Coalition MPs supported the bill while five Labor MPs crossed the floor to vote against it, including Anthony Carbines and Natalie Suleyman. Many Coalition MPs had spoken about how their minds had changed since voting against assisted dying eight years ago. Opposition Leader Brad Battin has since seen his best friends wife die of cancer. He also watched his groomsmans father choose assisted dying after a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. I agree with the premier. Because it is about people, it is not about politics, Battin said. Overall my position has changed on the facts of what I have done and what I have seen. About 1683 Victorians have died using voluntary assisted dying since it became accessible. The free vote meant a slew of amendments was thrown up, but all failed. Greenvale MP Iwan Walters from Labors Catholic-influenced SDA union sub-faction moved to block the bill until unintended consequences could be further considered and more consultation done. Loading Walters claimed the bill eroded the right for doctors to conscientiously object because of a proposed requirement to provide minimum information. He also argued the proposal would allow any health practitioner such as podiatrists and optometrists to raise assisted dying with their patients. (The clause specifies this must be in the course of a discussion about end-of-life care, and that abuses would constitute unprofessional conduct.) Walters said the changes were a slippery slope after assurances were made in 2017 about how tough the legislations guardrails were. Here we are only a few years later, within the life of the same government, where those guardrails are now barriers and those essential protections apparently undue hindrances for Victorians to be able to be euthanised by a health practitioner or to access self-administered assisted suicide. His contribution prompted a retort from Vulin. Nationals MP Jade Benham Credit: Facebook On a point of order, Acting Speaker, sorry to interrupt, but I would like the member on his feet to stop referring to it as assisted suicide, Vulin said. Thomas, the health minister, also pulled him up, saying words matter. We do not have an assisted suicide framework ... We have a voluntary assisted dying framework here in the state of Victoria that seeks to give dignity and compassion to people who are seeking choice at their end of life. This is not about whether to die but how, where and with whom. And I would ask respectfully that the member for Greenvale, in his contributions, reflect on the hurt that his words are causing to some in this chamber and consider how he discusses this for the remainder of the debate. Late on Tuesday evening, Nationals MP Jade Benham made clear that voluntary assisted dying and suicide were not the same. Voluntary assisted dying is not suicide. I have been to that edge, twice, Benham told the chamber. [VAD] is something that takes a large amount of rational thought, consideration and conversation with loved ones. I can tell you when you are on the edge of suicide none of that is present. You are not of sound mind. You are not of rational thinking. You are not in a mood to have conversations with anyone. It is illegal to incite suicide over a carriage service under the Commonwealth Criminal Code, blocking voluntary assisted dying appointments by telehealth. Thomas has been advocating for the Commonwealth to allow telehealth services for assisted dying. Benham and her Nationals colleague, Annabelle Cleeland, both raised this as a barrier for people in the regions, as did former Labor MP turned crossbencher Will Fowles, who has loudly pushed for change. The Japanese defence force is being mobilised to combat a growing population of aggressive bears in the countrys north after the body of a woman in her 80s was found in a ditch on the outskirts of Akita City on Monday. She is one of 10 people killed by bears since April surpassing last years national toll of six adding to the 73 people injured or killed in Akita this month alone. The crisis has prompted provincial governor Kenta Suzuki to appeal to the national government for assistance. After a spate of deaths, Japans military has been mobilised to assist hunters to control the bear population. Credit: VCG via Getty Images The lives of our citizens cannot be protected without the help of the Self-Defence Forces, he told Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi. Attacks targeting the neck and face are extremely common, resulting in a truly dire situation. Bears have been attacking tourists, entering shops and turning up near schools and parks across the country, particularly in the north. Kingston, Jamaica: Hurricane Melissa hit the southern coast of eastern Cuba as a category 3 storm, hours after making landfall in neighbouring Jamaica as the strongest-ever to hit that Caribbean island nation. Melissa roared ashore near Jamaicas south-western town of New Hope on Tuesday, packing sustained winds of up to 295km/h, according to the United States National Hurricane Centre, well above the minimum 252km/h wind speed of a category 5 storm, the highest level on the Saffir-Simpson wind scale. A girl looks out the bus window as she is evacuated in Santiago de Cuba. Credit: AP The storm was downgraded to category 3 as it left Jamaica hours later but restrengthened as it approached Cuba, where officials are evacuating about 735,000 people. The US National Hurricane Centre said the storm began to hit Cuba in the Santiago de Cuba provence, near the city of Chivirico about 6.10pm AEDT with winds around 193km/h. As much as 60 centimetres of rain and storm surges up to 3.6 metres above normal are expected. PHILIPSBURG: --- Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling officially introduced the Detention Sector Reform Program (DSRP) during Wednesday's press briefing, unveiling a comprehensive initiative aimed at transforming Sint Maarten's entire detention system. The program signals a major shift towards modernizing infrastructure, enhancing rehabilitation, and embedding principles of human dignity and fairness into the country's justice framework. "After 35 years, our detention facility has outlived its purpose," Minister Tackling stated, referencing the recent anniversary of the prison's opening. "It no longer reflects the standards or the values that we, as a country, believe in. Today, that commemoration becomes a turning point, the beginning of a new chapter for Sint Maartens justice system." The DSRP is an overarching program designed to address every stage of the detention chain, from pre-trial processes to post-detention reintegration. According to the Minister, the initiative will coordinate efforts to build a modern and safe facility, strengthen rehabilitation programs, improve staff working conditions, and ensure detention is managed with accountability. This reform is a collaborative effort led by the Ministry of Justice on behalf of the Government of Sint Maarten, in partnership with the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK) and the National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB). A key component of this partnership involves technical expertise from the United Nations. Minister Tackling detailed the roles of two UN agencies. The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) will manage the infrastructure component, overseeing the design and construction of a new, humane detention facility that meets international standards. She emphasized that local subcontractors and suppliers will play a significant role, ensuring the project also benefits the local economy. Simultaneously, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) will focus on the "soft" components of the reform. Their work will include developing tailored rehabilitation and reintegration programs for inmates, enhancing staff training, and strengthening management systems. "Through their expertise, Sint Maarten will have access to best practices from around the world while ensuring that the programs designed fit our local context and needs," Tackling explained. Despite the international collaboration, the Minister stressed that this is a "locally owned reform, designed for our people, built on our priorities, and implemented under our leadership." Minister Tackling's vision extends beyond new construction. "This reform is not only about building a new facility, it is about building a fairer, more humane system of justice," she remarked. "I believe the way we treat people in detention says a great deal about who we are as a society. A justice system that only punishes cannot create progress. A justice system that teaches, supports, and rebuilds can." The program is already in motion. The Minister confirmed that UNOPS has finalized the technical design and planning for the new facility, with groundwork laid to begin construction within the next three months. Furthermore, UNODC teams are currently on-site, conducting assessments with justice staff to shape the new rehabilitation and capacity-building programs. In the coming weeks, UN representatives will continue to meet with prison staff, whose insight Tackling described as "essential to making sure this transformation works in practice, not just on paper." In her closing remarks, Minister Tackling positioned the DSRP as a long-term investment in the people of Sint Maarten. "This is a shared commitment, and it is a good step forward," she concluded. "This is not just the end of a long journey; it is the start of a new standard for how we approach justice in this country." PHILIPSBURG:--- Theodore Theo Emanuel Heyliger was once a central figure in Sint Maartens political and business landscape: a lawmaker, a behind-the-scenes dealmaker, and a man many credited with shaping development around the islands lucrative cruise-port precinct. In 20242025, however, a string of criminal and civil rulings transformed his legacy and left him both a convicted prisoner and the subject of a nine-figure civil judgment. This profile examines who Heyliger is, how he operated, the cases that brought him down, and what his convictions and the October 28, 2025, court verdict mean for Sint Maartens politics and development sector. From prominence to prosecution: a brief biography Heyliger rose to prominence through a combination of political office and business involvement in port-area real estate. Over many years he accumulated influence among decision-makers responsible for approvals and concessions at the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise Terminal and adjacent commercial zones territory where tourism dollars and retail rents generate significant profits. That influence, allied to close ties with local developers and intermediaries, left him well placed to shape which projects moved forward. Observers say Heyligers style was typical of small-state political entrepreneurship: cultivating access, broker deals, and mobilizing both political and commercial networks to deliver projects and, at times, payments through a web of companies and lease constructions. The criminal convictions: Larimar and related matters Prior to the civil ruling that made headlines on October 28, 2025, Heyliger was convicted in criminal proceedings relating to bribery and money-laundering (often reported under the umbrella of the Larimar investigations). Those criminal cases resulted in a multi-year prison sentence; reporting indicates Heyliger was ordered to commence a custodial term at Pointe Blanche. The criminal proceedings focused on alleged payments and intermediated rental arrangements that prosecutors said masked illicit transfers to individuals in positions of influence. Criminal courts judge elements of proof beyond a reasonable doubt; civil courts apply a lower threshold. The fact that Heyliger was found criminally liable in separate proceedings gave public prosecutors and civil plaintiffs concrete documentary and testimonial material to draw on in later civil claims. The Zebec civil verdict: USD 92.1 million On October 28, 2025, the Court of First Instance of Sint Maarten issued a detailed written judgment in a high-profile civil suit brought by Zebec Development N.V. The court found that Heyliger committed an onrechtmatige daad (unlawful act) by abusing his power in relation to the Dutch Village project at the cruise terminal and that his conduct caused Zebec to suffer substantial loss. As a result the court ordered Heyliger to pay USD 92,100,000 in damages plus statutory interest, and it declared these parts of the judgment immediately enforceable. 28102025081922-0001 The civil proceedings canvassed a complicated factual matrix: competing development agreements, a prior settlement with another developer (SMQDC), lease and sublease arrangements involving companies such as Harbour Arcade, PF Skyline and Diamond International, and so-called key money clauses that the court scrutinized as potential conduits for illicit payments. The court accepted that irregular payment flows and rent arrangements existed and that Heyliger benefitted from them, but it drew a narrower legal conclusion about who could be held civilly liable. In short, the court pinned personal responsibility on Heyliger but declined to hold Ocean Drive Properties N.V. (ODP) and certain business principals liable because Zebec had not met the evidentiary standard as to those parties direct causation of the contract termination. How he operated the patterns identified Across the criminal and civil records, a pattern emerges: Use of intermediary entities and layered lease/sublease agreements to shift funds and create key money obligations that benefited parties linked to Heyliger. and layered lease/sublease agreements to shift funds and create key money obligations that benefited parties linked to Heyliger. Influence over port approvals and consent processes , where a single powerful official could affect which developer obtained the prized retail parcels at the cruise terminal. , where a single powerful official could affect which developer obtained the prized retail parcels at the cruise terminal. Opportunistic capture of high-value retail rights adjacent to cruise operations a zone where being first or preferred translates into substantial long-term revenue. The court found that some payments were effectively rewards for creating or channeling opportunities, and while it stopped short of finding every commercial actor guilty of collusion, it concluded Heyliger had abused his role to the detriment of Zebec. 28102025081922-0001 Political and institutional ramifications Heyligers fall has several immediate and medium-term implications for Sint Maarten: Rule-of-law signal: A high-profile criminal conviction and a nine-figure civil award send a strong message that political power can carry civil and criminal accountability. That may deter future abuse or at least raise the political and financial costs of them. Procurement and governance reforms: The cases highlight weaknesses in transparency around port leases, approvals, and conflict-of-interest checks. Expect calls for tightened procurement rules, clearer disclosure of beneficial ownership, and stronger audit trails for concessions. Investor uncertainty vs. cleansing effect: In the short term, some investors may be wary of reputational and political risk in Sint Maarten. Over time, however, clearer rules and better enforcement could improve the business climate by reducing the risk of covert manipulation. Enforcement and recovery challenges: Collecting USD 92.1 million from an individual is legally possible but practically hard. Zebec, prosecutors, and creditors will need to trace assets, pursue attachments, and possibly litigate across jurisdictions. That process could take years. Assessment: legacy and likely next steps Heyligers trajectory from political insider to convicted felon and civil debtor is likely to be a defining episode in Sint Maartens political history. The civil judgment confirms a public-facing legal determination that his conduct caused severe economic harm to a private developer. Coupled with the criminal convictions, the twin rulings have already reshaped public debate about transparency and oversight in development projects. What comes next is predictable but complex: Appeals are likely. Civil defendants typically appeal large judgments; this will extend litigation and may delay enforcement. Civil defendants typically appeal large judgments; this will extend litigation and may delay enforcement. Asset tracing and enforcement actions. Zebec and prosecutors will pursue available assets; successful seizures could partially satisfy judgments, but recovery at scale is uncertain. Zebec and prosecutors will pursue available assets; successful seizures could partially satisfy judgments, but recovery at scale is uncertain. Policy responses. Lawmakers and oversight bodies will face pressure to adopt reforms to procurement, register beneficial ownership and strengthen anti-corruption units. Final word Theodore Heyligers case is more than the downfall of one man. It is a case study in how concentrated political influence, opaque commercial arrangements and weak transparency can intersect and how persistent legal action, both criminal and civil, can unravel that web. For Sint Maarten, the episode offers painful short-term disruption but also an opportunity: to strengthen institutions and ensure that the islands most valuable assets its port, its tourism infrastructure, and public trust are governed with clearer rules and enforceable standards. PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports, Mellisa Gumbs, has confirmed that the two students from St. Martin currently studying in Jamaica are safe and accounted for following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday morning, Minister Gumbs expressed solidarity with the people of Jamaica, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti, who continue to suffer from the storms impact. I want to start by expressing my deepest solidarity with the people of Jamaica, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti, who are still suffering from the ongoing impact of Hurricane Melissa, Gumbs said. With that in mind, I would also like to provide an update that the two students from Saint Martin are safe and sound after the passing of the storm. The Minister added that she had personally spoken with both students and that her Ministry is in contact with the Jamaican Consulate through the Department of Foreign Relations (DBB) to coordinate any potential evacuation efforts if needed. We are in touch with both students and working with the Jamaican Consulate to ensure their well-being and, if necessary, arrange their return home, she said. School Health and Air Quality Assessment Underway In addition to the update on students abroad, Minister Gumbs announced that her Ministry will be conducting a comprehensive health and air quality assessment across all public schools on Sint Maarten. The decision comes amid reports of air quality issues affecting classrooms in several institutions. We are taking these reports seriously, Gumbs stated. Im on my way now to ensure that the assessments can be rolled out sooner rather than later. We need to identify and address any ongoing challenges in these establishments quickly. The Ministry will partner with relevant agencies to evaluate ventilation systems, humidity levels, and environmental health conditions across campuses before the end of the year. Upcoming Regional Meetings in Aruba and Bonaire Minister Gumbs also shared details of her upcoming official trip to Aruba and Bonaire this week, where she will meet with education ministers from across the Kingdom of the Netherlands as part of the Vierlanden Overleg (Four-Country Consultation). During the meetings, the ministers are expected to discuss updates on the Strategic Education Alliance and other ongoing initiatives aimed at strengthening cooperation in education policy and development throughout the Kingdom. We will be meeting in Bonaire to provide updates and agree on next steps regarding initiatives that were started before I took office, Gumbs said. Reflection on Hurricane Melissa and Climate Resilience In closing, Minister Gumbs reiterated her empathy for the people of Jamaica, noting the storms destructive force as a reminder of the growing impact of climate change on Caribbean nations. My heart breaks for the people of Jamaica who this storm and its power have deeply impacted, she said. It is a constant reminder that we are living in a new reality when it comes to climate change. She also urged St. Martin residents to remain vigilant, stressing that hurricane season is not yet over. We still have a month to go before we can say that everyone is safe and sound following the 2025 hurricane season, Gumbs reminded. PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling detailed a comprehensive vision for reforming the prison system, focusing on meaningful rehabilitation programs designed to help inmates successfully reintegrate into society. The Minister emphasized that the goal is to ensure individuals leave prison better than they entered, which ultimately benefits the entire community. Current Programs and Future Enhancements Currently, the prison offers a "prison education program," often referred to as a GED program. Minister Tackling clarified that this initiative is much broader than just exam preparation. Upon entry, inmates are assessed, and many are found to be at a pre-K or kindergarten level of literacy. The program then provides tailor-made education to bring them up to a higher standard. Looking ahead, the ministry is actively working to rebuild and expand these programs. A four-year project managed by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is central to this effort. The plan is to introduce a variety of vocational classes, such as woodworking and mechanics, as well as entrepreneurship courses. These programs aim to equip inmates with practical skills that can help them find employment or start their own businesses upon release. Overcoming Challenges and Building Sustainable Systems The Minister acknowledged past challenges, noting that programs like the woodworking class fell apart after Hurricane Irma destroyed the workshop and the instructor departed. To avoid future dependence on a single individual, the government is exploring sustainable models. One promising initiative involves a partnership with the European Solidarity Corps, which would bring volunteers from Europe to lead short-term projects such as jewelry-making or mural painting. This model, which has been successful in Aruba, provides stipends to both volunteers and participating inmates, creating a structured, rotating program system. Another significant challenge is inmate participation. The Minister spoke about the "machismo" culture that can prevent inmates from admitting they need help or from wanting to be seen in a classroom. To counter this, the ministry is exploring incentive-based systems. One example mentioned is a program from Brazil where inmates earn time off their sentence for each book they read, making self-improvement more attractive. A Holistic Approach to Reintegration Minister Tackling stressed that successful reintegration requires a holistic approach that extends beyond the prison walls. The ministry is looking at long-term strategies to reduce the stigma faced by ex-inmates. This includes plans to incentivize businesses to hire former prisoners potentially. The Minister's vision is clear: investing in prisoner rehabilitation is an investment in the community's future. By providing education, vocational skills, and a supportive framework for reintegration, the Ministry of Justice aims to break the cycle of recidivism and empower individuals to build productive lives after their release. PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in a Public meeting on October 30, 2025. The Public meeting, which was postponed on October 28, 2025, due to technical difficulties, will convene on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 11.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The agenda points are: Incoming documents Advice appointment of the Monument Council for the period of 2025-2029 (IS/1384/2024-2025 dated August 29, 2025) Ratification Agreements Lists of the Interparliamentary Kingdom Consultation (IPKO) held from September 26-29, 2025, in the Hague, the Netherlands (IS/115/2025-2026 dated September 29, 2025) Advice Re-appointment of the current Ombudsman ex. Article 2 of the National Ordinance Ombudsman (IS/1164/24-25 dated June 12, 2025) Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations. All persons visiting the House of Parliament must adhere to the house rules. The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg. The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on TV 15, Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.sxmparliament.org, www.pearlfmradio.sx and www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament (Reuters) -Australia's corporate regulator said on Wednesday the federal court has barred failed cryptocurrency exchange firm Blockchain Global's director, Ryan Xu, from leaving the country until December 20. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) applied for the court orders on an ex parte basis, which means that Xu has not yet had the opportunity to be heard by the court or respond to ASIC's application. "The matter is next due before the court on October 30, 2025, for an inter partes hearing," the regulator added in its statement. The ASIC is currently investigating Xu's connection with Blockchain Global's operation of a cryptocurrency exchange platform, ACX Exchange, which collapsed around December 2019, and began facing issues withdrawing funds or cryptocurrency from their accounts. The regulator had started an investigation into the firm in January 2024, following receipt of a report from the firm's liquidators, which said that Blockchain Global owed around A$58 million ($37.3 million) to unsecured creditors as of October 2, 2023. Xu is the third person from the firm under investigation by ASIC, according to the regulator's website. Blockchain Global had no published contact information and could not immediately be reached for comment. (Reporting by Jasmeen Ara Shaikh in Bengaluru; Editing by Rashmi Aich) Press Release from Business Wire: FPT Corporation (AFP) Oct 29, 2025 HANOI, Oct 29, 2025 (BSW) - FPT, a global leader in digital transformation, announced the signing of a Platinum Partnership Agreement with Clearlake Capital Group, L.P. (together with its affiliates, "Clearlake"), a global investment firm managing integrated platforms spanning private equity, liquid and private credit, and other related strategies. This strategic alliance marks a bold step in FPT's expansion into the private sector, to deliver transformative technology solutions across industries. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251028209395/en/ "This Platinum Partnership with Clearlake is a proud milestone in our journey to become a global digital transformation powerhouse - delivering business value and creating lasting impact for the communities we serve through technology," said Pham Minh Tuan, Executive VP of FPT Corporation and CEO of FPT Software. "We aim to bring cutting-edge, AI-First solutions and services to Clearlake's portfolio companies and beyond, driving innovation, efficiency, and sustainable growth. Our shared commitment to excellence and transformation makes this a natural and powerful alliance." Under the agreement, FPT will offer enterprise-grade engineering and technology solutions, especially AI-powered transformation designed to drive measurable, growth-focused impact across Clearlake's portfolio. This partnership also reflects FPT's strategic ambition to deepen its footprint in the United States, the United Kingdom and the global private equity markets, building on its proven capabilities in digital platforms and enterprise IT services. About FPT FPT Corporation (FPT) is a globally leading technology and IT services provider headquartered in Vietnam and operates in three core sectors: Technology, Telecommunications, and Education. Over more than three decades, FPT has consistently delivered impactful solutions to millions of individuals and tens of thousands of organizations worldwide. As an AI-first company, FPT is committed to elevating Vietnam's position on the global tech map and delivering world-class AI-enabled solutions for global enterprises. FPT focuses on three critical transformations: Digital Transformation, Intelligence Transformation, and Green Transformation. In 2024, FPT reported a total revenue of USD 2.47 billion and a workforce of over 54,000 employees across its core businesses. For more information about FPT's global IT services, please visit https://fptsoftware.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251028209395/en/ Contact Media ContactMai Duong (Ms.)FPT CorporationFPT Software PR [email protected] 2025 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release. Press Release from Business Wire: Domaine Worldwide (AFP) Oct 29, 2025 LONDON, Oct 29, 2025 (BSW) - Domaine Worldwide, the leading global Shopify design and development partner, announced the launch of its European Platform Migrationspartnership with Shopify today. The initiative positions Domaine as the go-to commerce partner for enterprise-level brands across the UK, DACH, and BENELUX regions looking to migrate to Shopify's scalable, commerce-ready infrastructure. As enterprise organizations across Europe face the challenge of modernizing legacy systems, this campaign highlights the combined power of Domaine's migration expertise and Shopify's enterprise-grade flexibility-offering brands a seamless path to improved performance, agility, and long-term growth. "For enterprise retailers, platform migration is no longer just a technical decision-it's a strategic one. For some, it's become a strategic imperative," said Marko Bon, Co-founder and President of Domaine. "We've seen first-hand how a migration to Shopify is a foundational step in digital business transformation, unlocking streamlined operations, efficiencies across the entire business, and ultimately, measurable ROI. Domaine was purpose-built to guide that transition end-to-end, with teams across Europe who live and breathe Shopify." Proven Success with Leading Global Brands Domaine and Shopify's partnership is backed by a track record of measurable results from luxury and beauty leaders, including: -- Creed - Achieved a 22.1% increase in Average Order Value and 19% growth in returning customers in the UK. -- Laura Mercier - Drove a 38% Increase in Average Order Value and a 22% Increase in Revenue following migration. These case studies and others from leading brands like Timex, Milk Makeup, Oscar De La Renta, Mejuri, Keen, Arhaus, Glossier, and Karl Lagerfeld highlight the potential for established brands to achieve transformative gains through a migration to Shopify's robust ecosystem, supported by Domaine's in-depth platform knowledge and regional presence. Solving a Critical Gap for Enterprise Retailers Across Europe, enterprise brands have had limited options for large-scale platform migrations to Shopify, forced to rely on small generalists, large Salesforce agencies with small Shopify practices, or costly global consultancies. Domaine's Shopify-only specialization changes that equation. By focusing exclusively on Shopify, the commerce partner offers the largest global team of Shopify SMEs outside of Shopify itself, with specific experience in managing the most complex enterprise migrations-and without the overhead or limitations of legacy providers. The campaign aims to educate senior decision-makers on the strategic and operational advantages of Shopify for enterprise-scale commerce while showcasing how Domaine simplifies the replatforming process through dedicated migration teams, data-driven methodologies, and regionally aligned support. "Our message to enterprise brands is simple," Bon added. "If your current platform is holding you back, Shopify is a proven, future-ready solution, and Domaine is the partner to make that move successful." About Domaine Worldwide Today, Domaine counts over 300 Shopify experts worldwide, including a dedicated European team based across The UK, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Ukraine and Germany. Following its 2025 acquisition of Code-one of Europe's most respected Shopify Plus agencies and a Platinum Partner in its own right-Domaine has expanded its European footprint while strengthening its local expertise. That combination of regional understanding and global capability makes Domaine uniquely equipped to support complex migrations and digital growth projects alike-from multinational operations to highly localised customer experiences. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251029134084/en/ Contact Media ContactFreyja [email protected] +1 (929) 930-5341 2025 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release. By Aditi Shah, Daniel Leussink and Rachel More TOKYO/BERLIN (Reuters) -Global automakers are scrambling to find chips and checking with suppliers to see if they have enough stockpiled, as a deepening semiconductor supply crunch related to Dutch firm Nexperia threatens car production across the industry. Beijing banned exports of Nexperia's products from China after the Dutch government seized control of the chipmaker last month, citing concerns about the transfer of technology to its Chinese parent, Wingtech, which has been flagged by the U.S. as a possible national security risk. On Wednesday, the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association warned of imminent disruption to automotive factory schedules from Nexperia-related chip shortages. "The industry is currently working through reserve stocks but supplies are rapidly dwindling" and alternative suppliers will need months to build up stocks, the group said. Nissan Motor and Mercedes-Benz are among the carmakers trying to get to grips with an uncertain supply situation, with Nissan saying it had enough chips until the first week of November. Honda suspended production at a Mexican plant on Tuesday, and has started to adjust production in the U.S. and Canada, a spokesperson said. LATEST CHALLENGE FOR STRUGGLING INDUSTRY Some manufacturers in Brazil may have to halt operations within two to three weeks if the crisis continues, according to a government official there. Nexperia's chips are widely used in automotive components, making the supply crunch the latest challenge for an industry already grappling with U.S. tariffs and Chinese curbs on rare earth exports. "It's a big issue," Nissan's Chief Performance Officer Guillaume Cartier told reporters at the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo. "For the moment we don't have full visibility." Cartier said the automaker was "OK to the first week of November" in terms of chip supply. Even if automakers had learned a lesson from the pandemic-era shortage and stockpiled chips, they were still at the mercy of their suppliers, including smaller ones, he said. Although it was possible to have visibility at its biggest "Tier 1" suppliers, that became more difficult further down the supply chain, he said. Marc Winterhoff, CEO of U.S. electric-vehicle maker Lucid Group, said the company's engineering team had been finding alternative supplies, and the impact on production plans had been pushed out. "It's developing in the right direction," he said at the Reuters Automotive USA conference in Detroit. Press Release from Business Wire: Hercle (AFP) Oct 29, 2025 MILAN, Oct 29, 2025 (BSW) - Hercle, an institutional infrastructure platform bridging stablecoins, digital assets, and cross-border settlement, today announced $60 million in new capital. The round features a $10 million equity investment led by F-Prime, with participation from Fulgur Ventures and Exponential Science, alongside a $50 million credit line to support the expansion of institutional services and global growth initiatives. To date, Hercle's platform has processed more than $20 billion in transactions, enabling global institutions to move millions of dollars across borders and digital assets in minutes. Hercle was built to bridge a critical infrastructure gap in the evolving stablecoin and digital asset ecosystem. As institutions increasingly adopt digital asset rails for cross-border transactions, most providers still aren't equipped for institutional scale. When a commodity trader settles $30 million for grain shipments from Brazil, or a payment company moves $50 million in customer transfers, they face a choice: traditional banking can handle the size but takes 3-5 days to settle, while stablecoin-native platforms can settle near-instantly but lack the liquidity depth or banking integrations to handle large flows. Hercle addresses this challenge by offering institutional-grade infrastructure that delivers both speed and scale, enabling real-time, FX-level settlement. With 90% of transactions completing in under five minutes, the platform combines deep stablecoin liquidity with local bank integrations and in-house settlement across 30 digital assets and 25 currencies. Today, Hercle is already trusted by more than 200 institutional customers worldwide, from leading financial institutions and exchanges to fintechs and payment providers, demonstrating strong early adoption and product-market fit. The platform enables high-value, cross-border flows, such as fintechs settling multi-million-dollar payments across continents in real time, or money transfer operators rebalancing treasury funds between Europe and Africa with greater capital efficiency. "Settlement should be measured in minutes, not days," said Gabriele Sabbatini, Co-Founder and CEO of Hercle. "We watched institutions try to use stablecoins for large cross-border transactions, only to hit liquidity constraints or get stuck connecting back to traditional banking. We built Hercle with the liquidity depth and the banking infrastructure to handle institutional transaction sizes and settle near-instantly across both digital asset and fiat rails. When you can compress a three-day settlement to just a few minutes, it fundamentally changes the economics of global finance." "Stablecoin settlement is becoming the foundation of modern financial infrastructure, but institutional-grade liquidity has been the missing piece," said Sachin Patodia, Partner at F-Prime. "Hercle bridges the gap between fiat and stablecoins with a liquidity engine built to institutional FX standards. It's positioned to become the core liquidity layer underpinning institutional stablecoin settlement." Hercle will use the funding to accelerate its expansion in key markets across South America, the Middle East, and Africa, continue advancing its API stack and institutional product offering, and extend its regulatory footprint and network of integrations across payment systems, banks, and onchain finance. About Hercle Hercle is a leading institutional-grade infrastructure platform bridging fiat, stablecoins, and digital assets to enable cross-asset, cross-border transactions at scale and in real time. Serving more than 200 clients, including banks, brokers, payment service providers, corporate treasuries, and fintechs, Hercle provides global institutions with next-generation solutions for cross-border payments, trading, and treasury management. Founded in 2019, Hercle is structured to support a global strategy, with a dual regulatory base in Europe and Switzerland. For more information, visit www.hercle.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251029412708/en/ Contact [email protected] 2025 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release. Press Release from Business Wire: 375ai (AFP) Oct 29, 2025 LOS ANGELES, Oct 29, 2025 (BSW) - 375ai, an edge data intelligence company transforming the physical world into structured, machine-readable insights, today announced the launch of its mainnet on Solana. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251028976994/en/ 375ai Launches Data Layer for the Physical World The physical world is generating more data than ever before, but most of it is invisible. Traffic systems, advertising platforms, and governments still rely on outdated infrastructure and fragmented data sources to understand how people and goods move through cities. Centralized data pipelines are expensive, slow, and often limited to incomplete or delayed insights. Meanwhile, AI systems are hungry for real world context not just synthetic inputs. Without structured, real time data, they can't power smarter mobility, logistics, and safety solutions. 375ai enables real world data capture, unlocking a new category of physical AI infrastructure. At launch, the network already has unique visibility into the flow of commerce, with 2 million vehicles per day observed by its 375edge devices and more than 300,000 375go mobile app downloads across 170+ countries. Each 375edge device is equipped with high definition cameras, audio and environmental sensors, and on-device compute powered by NVIDIA. Instead of streaming terabytes of unstructured data to the cloud, these devices leverage edge AI to distill nearly terabytes of raw inputs into megabytes of insights per day. These insights fuel applications in mobility, logistics, advertising, public safety, and AI model training. 375ai is part of a new wave of decentralized infrastructure networks, or DePINs, redefining how physical infrastructure is deployed, operated, and monetized. By launching its mainnet, the company moves beyond traditional cloud based data collection toward a decentralized, user owned network where contributors are rewarded for powering real world data capture. "Cities, enterprises, and AI systems need real time awareness of the physical world," said Harry Dewhirst, CEO of 375ai. "Our mainnet launch turns that vision into reality, activating a global network where real world data is captured at the edge, secured by cryptography, and made available in real time to those building the future." 375ai is led by a seasoned executive team with decades of experience in networking, cybersecurity, telecoms, digital media, and data. Alongside CEO Harry Dewhirst, the leadership team includes COO Rob Atherton, CBO Trevor Branon, and Chief AI Officer Chad Partridge. Collectively, they bring backgrounds at companies such as Juniper Networks, Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet, Linksys, Singtel, and Telefonica. About 375ai Founded in 2022, 375ai transforms messy, analog real-world phenomena into structured digital intelligence. By deploying AI powered edge devices across cities, 375ai makes the world machine-readable, one city at a time. Each 375edge device processes massive raw data streams locally, distilling them into actionable insights that fuel applications in advertising, logistics, public safety, economic forecasting, and beyond. With live deployments in Los Angeles and expansions underway in New York and Miami, 375ai is building the foundation for real world AI at global scale. To learn more, visit: https://375.ai View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251028976994/en/ Contact Media Contact:Michael [email protected] 2025 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release. AI chip giant Nvidia becomes world's first $5 trillion company New York, Oct 29 (AFP) Oct 29, 2025 AI chip juggernaut Nvidia became the world's first $5 trillion company on Wednesday, as investors remain confident that artificial intelligence will deliver a new wave of innovation and growth. The California-based tech giant saw its share price rise by 4.91 percent to $210.90 at the open of trading on Wall Street, pushing Nvidia's market capitalization past the never-before-seen threshold. By way of comparison, the level was greater than the GDP of France or Germany or higher than that of Tesla, Meta (Facebook), and Netflix combined. Microsoft and Apple, the two other largest global market capitalizations, only just exceed $4 trillion in valuation each. The surge in Nvidia's share price follows continued strong sales, a flurry of new deals -- including a partnership with Europe's Nokia announced on Tuesday -- as well as expectations that the company may soon regain access to China. The company is "largely ahead of any competitor who finds it hard to catch up in the world that Nvidia lives in," Art Hogan of B. Riley Wealth Management told AFP. "While it's almost unfathomable to think about a company reaching this milestone, it comes from a company with so many operational efficiencies that seems to announce massive deals on a daily or weekly basis." Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is expected in South Korea this week, where he will attend the sidelines of the APEC summit at which US President Donald Trump will meet his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, with issues related to AI development expected to be discussed. Nvidia chips are currently not sold in China due to a combination of Chinese government bans, national security concerns, and ongoing trade tensions between the United States and China. The Trump administration favors a more nuanced approach to selling AI chips to Beijing, but faces deep skepticism from China hawks across the US political spectrum who favor tougher bans on AI technology. Nvidia has announced a series of partnerships in recent weeks, including an intention to invest up to $100 billion in ChatGPT-maker OpenAI over the coming years. It also said it would invest $5 billion in struggling chip rival Intel, in response to the Trump administration's desire to bring back more manufacturing of semiconductors to the United States. - 'Better, not worse' - Nvidia produces the advanced graphics processing units (GPUs) that power most generative AI systems, including those behind ChatGPT and other large language models. Although it was not the first to develop GPUs, the California-based group made them its specialty in the late 1990s, quickly pivoting from video games to the then-emerging field of cloud computing, and thus has unique experience in the area. The eyewatering valuations linked to artificial intelligence also include OpenAI becoming the world's most valuable private company, currently valued at $500 billion. This has sparked talk that the AI frenzy may have entered bubble territory, reminiscent of the 1990s internet investment boom that saw a major reckoning in 2000, when high-flying companies saw their share prices collapse suddenly. Analyst Sam Stovall of CFRA, a research firm, said Nvidia's expected growth was still very strong and that investors should expect news surrounding the company "will only get better, not worse." Still, "valuations are elevated... and could therefore be vulnerable to any upsetting news," he added. Google parent Alphabet posts first $100 bn quarter as AI drives growth San Francisco, United States, Oct 29 (AFP) Oct 29, 2025 Google parent Alphabet reported its first-ever $100 billion quarterly revenue on Wednesday, powered by strong growth across its core search business and rapidly expanding cloud division that was buoyed by artificial intelligence. The tech giant's revenues jumped 16 percent year-on-year to $102.3 billion in the third quarter, beating analyst expectations and marking a milestone for the company founded by Larry Page and Sergey Brin in 1998. "Alphabet had a terrific quarter, with double-digit growth across every major part of our business. We delivered our first-ever $100 billion quarter," said CEO Sundar Pichai in a statement. Net income surged 33 percent to $35 billion, with the company pointing to its ability to capitalize on the artificial intelligence boom that is reshaping the tech landscape. Google's core search and advertising business remained the primary revenue driver, generating $56.6 billion, up from $49.4 billion a year earlier. YouTube advertising revenues also grew strongly to $10.3 billion from $8.9 billion. But it was Google Cloud that stole the spotlight, with revenues soaring 34 percent to $15.2 billion. The cloud division, which competes with Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure, has become a key growth engine for Alphabet. The company's ambitious approach to offering AI "is delivering strong momentum and we're shipping at speed," Pichai said, highlighting the global rollout of AI features in Google Search and the company's Gemini AI models. The company said its Gemini App now boasts over 650 million monthly active users. However, the results were partially overshadowed by a $3.5 billion fine imposed by the European Commission in September for competition law violations in its ad tech business. Excluding this penalty, operating income would have increased 22 percent instead of the reported 9 percent, the company said. The strong performance comes as Alphabet ramps up capital spending to meet surging demand for AI infrastructure. The company now expects 2025 capital expenditures of between $91-$93 billion, reflecting massive investments in data centers and computing power to fulfill its AI ambitions. The company also reported having over 300 million paid subscriptions across services like Google One and YouTube Premium. Despite the robust growth, Alphabet's experimental "Other Bets" division, which includes autonomous vehicle unit Waymo, posted a loss of $1.4 billion on revenues of just $344 million. Google's shares have surged by nearly 40 percent in the thrid quarter, with investors also buoyed by the company's success in persuading a federal judge to deny a US government request that it sell off its Chrome browser as a solution in an antitrust trial. The judge was swayed by arguments that Google's world-dominating search engine - the heart of Google's business - faces stiff competition from ChatGPT and other AI chatbots. Press Release from Business Wire: Axelspace Corporation (AFP) Oct 29, 2025 TOKYO, Oct 29, 2025 (BSW) - Axelspace Corporation ("Axelspace"), which develops and operates microsatellites and conducts business to promote a society where space is accessible to people around the world, is pleased to announce the memorandum of understandings (MoUs) with two governmental organizations of African countries on cooperation for addressing social challenges through the utilization of satellite-based Earth observation (EO) data. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251029793600/en/ Genevieve Edna Apaloo, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Ghana to Japan and Yuya Nakamura, President and CEO, Axelspace at the signing ceremony on stage at NIHONBASHI SPACE WEEK 2025 Axelspace signed MoUs individually with the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI) of the Republic of Ghana, and the Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD), based in the Republic of Kenya. With the signing of these MoUs, Axelspace will begin full-scale development and implementation of solutions tailored to local needs through collaboration with local partners in emerging countries, including those in Africa. The signing ceremony with Ghana was held at the space business event "NIHONBASHI SPACE WEEK 2025" in Japan on October 29, 2025 (JST). Genevieve Edna Apaloo, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Ghana to Japan, signed the MoU as a witness and expressed expectations for the future. GSSTI, operating under the Ghana Atomic Energy Commissions within the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, is tasked with harnessing, coordinating, researching, commercializing, and exploring space science and technology for Ghana's socio-economic development. RCMRD is an inter-governmental organization with contracting African countries established in Kenya, providing geo-information and allied technologies for sustainable development. Based on these MoUs, in the areas such as agriculture, environment and forest conservation, disaster management and climate response, urban planning and infrastructure, Axelspace will provide EO data and know-how for the utilization of these data. Each African organization will establish a framework for EO data utilization involving local companies. Each partnership aims to identify social issues that need to be resolved, and develop and implement solutions that combine EO data with local information, to create a new market for the use of EO data. *Full release available here: https://www.axelspace.com/news/africa_partnership_mou/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251029793600/en/ Contact Media ContactAxelspace Holdings CorporationBusiness Administration Division, Corporate Development Group, PR&IR UnitE-mail: [email protected] 2025 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release. Microsoft beats expectations with 18% revenue jump, but shares slide San Francisco, United States, Oct 29 (AFP) Oct 29, 2025 Microsoft reported stronger-than-expected quarterly results Wednesday, with revenue jumping 18 percent to $77.7 billion as demand for artificial intelligence services boosted its cloud computing business. But shares in the Redmond, Washington-based company slid by as much as 3.6 percent in after-hours trading amid concerns about the pace of AI monetization. Microsoft's cloud revenue climbed 26 percent to $49.1 billion, underscoring robust enterprise demand for AI-powered services. However, the results landed as its Azure cloud computing service was experiencing a shutdown that was affecting customer companies across the globe as well as Microsoft's own websites. The company's Azure cloud platform posted particularly strong growth with revenue up 40 percent. Microsoft has continued investing heavily in artificial intelligence, including big investments in data centers and its partnership with ChatGPT-maker OpenAI. The company said capital expenditures for the quarter reached $34.9 billion, more than what was expected, with big tech companies outdoing one another in announcements of major AI spending. After renewing its partnership with OpenAI on Tuesday, Microsoft now holds 27 percent in the company, which has quickly grown to become the world's most valuable private firm with a $500 billion valuation. The deal was well received on Wall Street and saw Microsoft's market capitalization cross the $4 trillion mark in trading on Tuesday. These AI investments, however, also weighed on profits, with OpenAI-related losses of $3.1 billion impacting net income in the quarter. Chief Financial Officer Amy Hood said the company "delivered a strong start to the fiscal year, exceeding expectations across revenue, operating income, and earnings per share." Microsoft's productivity software business, including Office 365, generated $33.0 billion in revenue, up 17 percent. The LinkedIn professional network grew 10 percent while gaming revenue from Xbox increased just one percent. Microsoft shares have gained more than 10 percent this year, though the stock has underperformed some tech rivals. The company faces intensifying competition in cloud computing from Amazon Web Services and Google Cloud, while also navigating regulatory scrutiny over its AI partnerships and market dominance. Australia's competition watchdog this week accused Microsoft of misleading 2.7 million customers into paying for its AI assistant Copilot. The company could face massive fines. arp/des MICROSOFT US VP Vance says Gaza ceasefire holding despite 'skirmishes' Washington, Oct 28 (AFP) Oct 28, 2025 US Vice President JD Vance said Tuesday the ceasefire in Gaza is still holding despite "skirmishes," after Israel launched air strikes and accused Hamas of attacking its troops. "The ceasefire is holding. That doesn't mean that there aren't going to be little skirmishes," Vance said in comments broadcast on Fox News and posted on social media by the White House. "We know that Hamas or somebody else within Gaza attacked an IDF soldier. We expect the Israelis are going to respond -- but I think the president's peace is going to hold." Gaza's civil defense agency said at least nine people were killed in strikes targeting several parts of the Palestinian territory. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had earlier ordered "powerful strikes" on Gaza. Vance was one of several top US officials to rush to Israel last week to shore up the fragile truce between Israel and Hamas that President Donald Trump brokered earlier this month. Trump himself visited Israel and Egypt on October 13, taking a victory lap and declaring that "at long last, we have peace in the Middle East." UK-based lender Barclays has unveiled its plans to acquire Best Egg, a US-based personal loan origination platform, for $800m. The acquisition will be executed through Barclays US subsidiary, Barclays Bank Delaware, operating as Barclays US Consumer Bank (USCB). The transaction is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and other conditions. Barclays group chief executive CS Venkatakrishnan said: The deep and sophisticated US consumer finance market offers rich prospects for growth at Barclays. The Transaction will strengthen our US Consumer Bank and offers an exciting opportunity to significantly bolster our capabilities in personal lending. Established in 2013, Best Egg has emerged as a significant player in the direct-to-consumer personal loan market, focusing on prime borrowers. It has facilitated over $40bn in loans to more than two million customers through its loan origination platform, and currently services around $11bn in personal loans. Best Egg is projected to generate more than $7bn in personal loan originations this year. It funds the loans through various structures, including securitisation programmes and forward flow arrangements, which are supported by alternative asset managers. Upon closing, Barclays plans to continue Best Eggs model and retain a small portion of its new lending flow on its balance sheet. Barclays US Consumer Bank chief executive Denny Nealon said: This acquisition represents a significant step forward in our strategy to grow and diversify our US consumer banking business. As a leader in the personal loans market, Best Egg gives us the ability to reach more US consumers through a proven platform that has been successful for over a decade. We look forward to welcoming Best Eggs customers as well as its talented and experienced management team and colleagues upon closing in 2026. Barclays said that the acquisition aligns with USCBs existing credit card business, which offers unsecured personal lending through co-brand card partnerships. Through the acquisition, the UK lender aims to enhance its digital and risk management capabilities within the US consumer finance sector. Barclays anticipates that the acquisition will yield a strong return on investment over time, comparable to its top-performing UK businesses. Also, the UK company confirmed that this transaction will not alter its commitment to a total distribution target of at least 10bn ($13.2bn) between 2024 and 2026. Best Egg CEO Paul Ricci said: At Best Egg, we are driven by a mission to empower people with financial confidence and flexibility through our suite of lending products and financial health tools. Joining forces with Barclays marks a pivotal moment in our journey one that amplifies our ability to reach even more people through innovative lending solutions that truly make a difference. NATO stands with Lithuania over balloon incursion: Rutte Brussels, Belgium, Oct 28 (AFP) Oct 28, 2025 NATO voiced firm support for Lithuania Tuesday over what Vilnius condemned as a "hybrid attack" on its airspace by Russia's ally Belarus, involving balloons filled with contraband cigarettes. The alliance's Secretary General Mark Rutte said he had spoken with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda about the incident, in which dozens of balloons forced the temporary closure of two airports last week. "NATO stands firmly with Lithuania -- including through the air policing currently provided by Spain and Hungary as well as the NATO forces led by Germany," Rutte wrote on X. Lithuania, a NATO and European Union member, also shut its last two border crossings with neighbouring Belarus over the incident. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen called the balloon incident "a hybrid threat" and said the European Union supported Lithuania. "This is destabilisation. This is provocation," she said on X, adding that Europe should speed up measures to defend its eastern flank. The Lithuanian army has now been authorised to shoot down such balloons, Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene told journalists on Monday. She said Belarus's lack of action to detain those responsible for the balloons led her to believe the authorities were involved. Black-market tobacco is a revenue source for Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko's government, according to the country's opposition. Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov rejected Lithuania's accusations, calling them a "provocation" aimed at justifying "measures against Belarus (and) against Russia". ob/adc/sba/rh/rlp Israel launches air strikes on Gaza, says troops attacked Gaza City, Palestinian Territories, Oct 28 (AFP) Oct 28, 2025 Gaza's civil defence agency said Israel carried out air strikes Tuesday despite an ongoing ceasefire, after accusing Hamas of attacking its troops and violating the US-brokered truce. At least 11 people were killed in strikes targeting several parts of Gaza, the agency, which operates as a rescue force under Hamas, said. However, US Vice President JD Vance said that the ceasefire was holding despite Tuesday's "skirmishes". Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered "powerful strikes" on Gaza, his office said, as Defence Minister Israel Katz accused Hamas of attacking Israeli troops in Gaza. "Hamas's attack today on IDF soldiers in Gaza is a crossing of a bright red line, to which the IDF will respond with great force," Katz said in a statement. While Katz did not reveal where the troops were attacked, Hamas said its fighters had "no connection to the shooting incident in Rafah". In comments broadcast on Fox News and posted on social media by the White House, Vance said the ceasefire was holding. "That doesn't mean that there aren't going to be little skirmishes," said the vice president, one of several top US officials to rush to Israel last week to shore up the fragile ceasefire. "We know that Hamas or somebody else within Gaza attacked an IDF soldier. We expect the Israelis are going to respond -- but I think the president's peace is going to hold," he added. Gaza's civil defence agency said at least three strikes were carried out, while the territory's main Al-Shifa hospital said one hit the backyard of the facility. Five people were killed when their vehicle was hit by an air strike, the agency reported. Hamas had announced it would hand over the body of another hostage on Tuesday as demanded by Israel under the ceasefire deal. The group had come under mounting pressure after it returned on Monday partial remains of a previously recovered captive, which Israel said was a breach of the truce. It later said it would delay Tuesday's handover, adding that Israeli "escalation will hinder the search, excavation, and recovery of the bodies". In AFP footage, several masked Hamas fighters are seen emerging from a tunnel carrying a body wrapped in a white plastic bag, believed to be that of a hostage Hamas had planned to hand over on Tuesday. Behind them trails a crowd of men and children, some raising their mobile phones to capture the moment. - 'We want to rest' - Hamas handed over late on Monday what it said was the 16th of 28 hostage bodies it had agreed to return under the ceasefire deal, which came into effect on October 10. But Israeli forensic examination determined Hamas had in fact handed over partial remains of a hostage whose body had already been brought back to Israel around two years ago, according to Netanyahu's office. His office decried a "clear violation of the agreement" after identification procedures revealed the latest remains belonged "to the fallen hostage Ofir Tzarfati, who had been returned from the Gaza Strip in a military operation about two years ago". Israeli government spokeswoman, Shosh Bedrosian, accused Hamas of staging the discovery of Tzarfati's remains. "I can confirm to you today that Hamas dug a hole in the ground yesterday, placed the partial remains of Ofir inside of it, covered it back up with dirt, and handed it over to the Red Cross," she told journalists. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum urged the government to "act decisively against these violations" and accused Hamas of knowing the location of the missing hostages. Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem rejected claims the group knows where the remaining bodies are, arguing that Israel's bombardment during the two-year war had left locations unrecognisable. - 'Third set of remains' - "The movement is determined to hand over the bodies of the Israeli captives as soon as possible once they are located," he told AFP. Hamas has already returned all 20 living hostages as agreed in the ceasefire deal. On the ground in Gaza, 60-year-old Abdul-Hayy al-Hajj Ahmed told AFP he was afraid the war would start again because of the mounting pressure on Hamas. "Now they accuse Hamas of stalling, and that is a pretext for renewed escalation and war," he said. "We want to rest. I believe the war will come back." During their October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, Hamas militants took 251 people hostage, most of whom had been released, rescued or recovered before this month's ceasefire. The attack itself resulted in the deaths of 1,221 people on the Israeli side, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures. Israel's subsequent assault on Gaza killed at least 68,531 people, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory's health ministry that the UN considers reliable. Despite the ceasefire, the toll has continued to climb as more bodies are found under the rubble. The hostage forum said that this was the third time remains belonging to Ofir Tzarfati had been returned, after his body was recovered at the end of 2023, and additional remains were returned in March 2024. "The circle supposedly 'closed' back in December 2023, but it never truly closes," Tzarfati's family said in the statement from the forum. bur-jd/csp Israel launches air strikes on Gaza, says Hamas attacked troops Gaza City, Palestinian Territories, Oct 28 (AFP) Oct 28, 2025 Gaza's civil defence agency said Israel carried out air strikes Tuesday despite an ongoing ceasefire, after the Israeli military accused Hamas of attacking its troops and violating the US-brokered truce. At least 30 people were killed in strikes targeting several parts of Gaza, said a spokesman for the agency, which operates as a rescue force under Hamas. However, US Vice President JD Vance said the ceasefire was holding despite Tuesday's "skirmishes". Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered "powerful strikes" on Gaza, his office said, as Defence Minister Israel Katz accused Hamas of attacking Israeli troops in Gaza. "Hamas's attack today on IDF (Israel Defense Forces) soldiers in Gaza is a crossing of a bright red line, to which the IDF will respond with great force," Katz said in a statement. While Katz did not say where the troops were attacked, Hamas said its fighters had "no connection to the shooting incident in Rafah". In comments broadcast on Fox News and posted on social media by the White House, Vance said the ceasefire was holding. "That doesn't mean that there aren't going to be little skirmishes," said the vice president, one of several top US officials to rush to Israel last week to shore up the fragile ceasefire brokered by President Donald Trump. "We know that Hamas or somebody else within Gaza attacked an IDF soldier. We expect the Israelis are going to respond -- but I think the president's peace is going to hold," he added. - Strikes on Gaza - Gaza's civil defence agency said at least three strikes were carried out, while the territory's main Al-Shifa hospital said one hit its backyard. Five people were killed when their vehicle was hit by an air strike, the agency reported. Hamas had announced it would hand over the body of another hostage on Tuesday as demanded by Israel under the ceasefire deal. During the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel that triggered the war, Hamas militants took 251 people hostage. A row over the last remaining bodies of deceased hostages has threatened to derail the ceasefire. Israel accuses Hamas of reneging by not returning them, but the Palestinian Islamist group says it will take time to locate the remains amid Gaza's war-ravaged ruins. Hamas later said it would delay Tuesday's handover, adding that Israeli "escalation will hinder the search, excavation, and recovery of the bodies". In a further statement on Telegram, Hamas's armed wing said it had found the bodies of two hostages on Tuesday. It did not say when it would hand them over. - 'We want to rest' - Hamas had come under mounting pressure after it returned on Monday partial remains of a previously recovered captive, which Israel said was a breach of the truce. Hamas had said the remains were the 16th of 28 hostage bodies it had agreed to return under the ceasefire deal, which came into effect on October 10. But Israeli forensic examination determined Hamas had in fact handed over partial remains of a hostage whose body had already been brought back to Israel around two years ago, according to Netanyahu's office. Israeli government spokeswoman Shosh Bedrosian accused Hamas of staging the discovery of the remains. "I can confirm to you today that Hamas dug a hole in the ground yesterday, placed the partial remains... inside of it, covered it back up with dirt, and handed it over to the Red Cross," she told journalists. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum urged the government to "act decisively against these violations" and accused Hamas of knowing the location of the missing hostages. Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem rejected claims the group knows where the remaining bodies are, arguing that Israel's bombardment during the two-year war had left locations unrecognisable. - 'Third set of remains' - "The movement is determined to hand over the bodies of the Israeli captives as soon as possible once they are located," he told AFP. Hamas has already returned all 20 living hostages as agreed in the ceasefire deal. Hamas's October 2023 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,221 people on the Israeli side, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures. Israel's subsequent assault on Gaza killed at least 68,531 people, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory's health ministry that the UN considers reliable. Despite the ceasefire, the toll has continued to climb as more bodies are found under the rubble. On the ground in Gaza, 60-year-old Abdul-Hayy al-Hajj Ahmed told AFP he was afraid the war would start again because of the mounting pressure on Hamas. "Now they accuse Hamas of stalling, and that is a pretext for renewed escalation and war," he said. "We want to rest. I believe the war will come back." Pakistan says peace talks with Afghanistan 'failed' Islamabad, Pakistan, Oct 29 (AFP) Oct 29, 2025 Pakistan said Wednesday that peace talks with Afghanistan had failed, in a blow to hopes for a lasting truce after the South Asian neighbours' deadliest border clashes in years. The violence, which killed more than 70 people and wounded hundreds, erupted following explosions in Kabul on October 9 that the Taliban authorities blamed on Pakistan. Both sides had been holding talks in Istanbul aimed at securing peace. "Regrettably, the Afghan side gave no assurances, kept deviating from the core issue and resorted to blame game, deflection and ruses," Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on X after four days of negotiations brokered by Qatar and Turkey. "The dialogue thus failed to bring about any workable solution." Tarar said Pakistan engaged with Afghanistan in the spirit of peace, but accused Kabul of "unabated support to anti-Pakistan terrorists". "We will continue to take all possible measures necessary to protect our people from the menace of terrorism," he added. Hours later, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif issued a sharply worded statement on X warning that "any terrorist attack or any suicide bombing inside Pakistan shall give you the bitter taste of such misadventures". There was no immediate comment from Afghanistan. Abdul Mateen Qani, spokesman for Afghanistan's interior ministry, told Afghan media outlet Ariana News on Tuesday that any attack would be met with a response "that will serve as a lesson for Pakistan and a message for others". Relations between the one-time allies, who share a 2,600-kilometre (1,600-mile) frontier, have soured in recent years over accusations from Islamabad that Afghanistan harbours militant groups which stage attacks in Pakistan. Of particular concern is the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which Islamabad accuses the Taliban authorities of allowing to use Afghan territory as a "training-cum-logistic base and jump off point for terrorist activities". The Taliban government has consistently denied the allegations. - Border shut - A Pakistani security source, who was not authorised to speak publicly, said Tuesday the Afghan delegation initially agreed to take "credible and decisive action" against the TTP, but "reversed its position repeatedly after instructions from Kabul". After the October 9 explosions in the Afghan capital, which coincided with a visit to New Delhi by Afghan foreign minister Amir Muttaqi, the Taliban launched a retaliatory border offensive. Pakistan responded with strikes. An initial 48-hour ceasefire lapsed before a second truce emerged on October 19 following talks in Doha, also brokered by Qatar and Turkey. The border between the two neighbours has been closed for more than two weeks, with only Afghans expelled from Pakistan allowed to cross. In the Afghan border town of Spin Boldak, a driver had told AFP that "fruit is rotting" in trucks. "There are 50 to 60 trucks, some with apples, others with pomegranates and grapes," said 25-year-old Gul, who only gave his first name. "We wait and call on the government to reopen" the border, he said. The violence killed at least 50 Afghan civilians and wounded 447 others in one week, the United Nations mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) told AFP on Monday. Pakistan's military said on October 12 that 23 personnel had been killed and 29 wounded, without detailing civilian casualties. abs/hmn Romania says US will cut some troops in Europe Bucharest, Oct 29 (AFP) Oct 29, 2025 Washington has told Romania, which neighbours war-torn Ukraine, and allies it will reduce the number of US troops deployed on NATO's eastern flank, Romania's defence ministry said Wednesday, a move some officials downplayed while analysts warned it could embolden Russia. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticised NATO, and insisted that European allies boost military spending as Ukraine battles Russia's invasion. Some 85,000 American troops are stationed in Europe, including 20,000 troops deployed to reinforce NATO's eastern flank after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, according to the US Defence Department. The latest announcement came after reports this year that Washington could withdraw 10,000 troops from eastern Europe as the US focus shifts more towards the Indo-Pacific region, which the Pentagon called it's "priority theatre". "The resizing of US forces is a result of the new priorities of the presidential administration, announced back in February," Romania's defence ministry said in a statement. The decision "also took into account the fact that NATO has strengthened its presence and activity on the eastern flank," it added. - 'Wrong signal' - A NATO official told AFP that the body had been informed by the Trump administration in advance, and played down its significance. "Even with this adjustment, the US force posture in Europe remains larger than it has been for many years, with many more US forces on the continent than before 2022," the official said. Washington's commitment to the alliance remained "clear", the official added. But experts such as George Scutaru, co-founder of the New Strategy Center, a Romanian think tank, warned the move was the "wrong signal" to send to Russia regarding the Black Sea region. "Russia will consider that Black Sea is not so important for American interests in Europe," he told AFP. Moscow "will be encouraged trying to put pressure more especially on Romania using drones, excursions in airspace," he added. Scutaru said it was important for European allies to send "a signal of solidarity" and consider enhancing their "military presence to compensate," citing France in particular, on the eve of a visit by French Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin to Romania. "1000 more, 1000 less, it does not influence a lot the military balance in the Black Sea. It's about a political signal," he said. Poland's Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz told reporters that the country had "not received any information... about a reduction in the contingent in Poland". Romania's Defence Minister Ionut Mosteanu however said the US decision was not a "withdrawal". It was the "cessation of the rotation of a brigade that had elements in several NATO countries, including Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia and Hungary", he told journalists. - 'Unchanged' capabilities - Mosteanu said that 900-1,000 US soldiers would remain in Romania. They will help "to deter any threat" and represent "a guarantee of the United States' commitment to regional security", he said. According to the latest government figures, about 1,700 US troops are currently deployed in Romania. Mosteanu insisted that strategic capabilities were "unchanged". He added that a missile-defence system at the Deveselu NATO base "remains fully operational". "The Campia Turzii air base continues to be a key point for air operations and allied cooperation, the Mihail Kogalniceanu base continues to be developed, and the American flag will remain present at all three sites," he added. "An air-combat group will remain at the Kogzlniceanu airbase, as was the case before the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine," he said. The US decision will however "weaken the security" of Romania, which is a "frontline state", Phillips O'Brien, an analyst based at Scotland's University of St Andrews, warned. "Please wake up, Europe -- the USA will not defend you against Russia," he wrote on X. Putin defies Trump with second nuclear weapons test in days Moscow, Oct 29 (AFP) Oct 29, 2025 Russia has successfully tested a nuclear-capable, nuclear-powered underwater drone, President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday, defying US President Donald Trump's warnings with Moscow's second test of a new nuclear weapons system in just a few days. Putin on Sunday oversaw a test of another advanced nuclear-capable weapon -- the Burevestnik cruise missile, which he said had an "unlimited range". Trump called that exercise not "appropriate". "Yesterday, another test was conducted for another prospective system -- the unmanned underwater device 'Poseidon,' also equipped with a nuclear power unit," Putin said in televised remarks while visiting a military hospital treating Russian soldiers wounded in Ukraine. The Russian leader said there was "no way to intercept" the drone torpedo, which, according to Putin, can travel at a speed higher than conventional submarines and reach any continent in the world. Putin said no country could match Poseidon's speed and diving depth, adding, "it is unlikely that anything similar will appear in the near future." The device can operate at a depth of more than one kilometre (0.6 mile) and travel at speeds of up to 70 knots while remaining undetectable, according to a source in the Russian military-industrial complex quoted by state news agency TASS. First tested in 2018, it is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead of up to two megatons, the source told TASS. After Sunday's cruise missile test, Trump urged Putin to focus instead on ending the war in Ukraine. "He ought to get the war (in Ukraine) ended. A war that should have taken one week is now soon in its fourth year. That's what he ought to do instead of testing missiles," Trump said. The US president last week scrapped a planned summit with Putin in Budapest over what he cast as the Russian leader's unwillingness to compromise to end the conflict. Trump has been trying to secure a deal since he returned to the White House in January, but talks have yielded no progress and he has shown increasing frustration with Putin, who has rejected multiple calls for a ceasefire. Washington last week slapped sanctions on Russia's two largest oil companies, complaining that his talks with Putin to end the Ukraine war "don't go anywhere." Putin first announced Russia had developed the Burevestnik and the Poseidon during a fiery anti-Western speech in 2018. US military says reduced presence in Europe not a 'withdrawal' Brussels, Belgium, Oct 29 (AFP) Oct 29, 2025 The US military confirmed Wednesday it was reducing its presence on NATO's eastern flank, but denied the move amounted to an American withdrawal from Europe. The US Army in Europe and Africa said an infantry brigade combat team and an airborne division were to redeploy to their Kentucky home base without replacement, after Romania previewed the scale-down. "This is not an American withdrawal from Europe or a signal of lessened commitment to NATO and Article 5," it said in a statement from its German headquarters, referring to the alliance's collective defence principle. "Rather this is a positive sign of increased European capability and responsibility." The US had been expected to order drawdowns in Europe following a review of its military deployments worldwide. But it was beaten to an official announcement by Romania. Bucharest's defence ministry said Wednesday that the US was to halt the rotation of a brigade that had elements in several NATO countries, including Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia and Hungary. But NATO swiftly played down the planned reduction in personnel amid fears of a US pullback at a time where Europe contends with an aggressive Russia. "This force posture adjustment will not change the security environment in Europe," the US military added. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticised NATO, and insisted that European allies boost military spending as Ukraine battles Russia's invasion. The prospect of a US pullout is fraying the nerves of allies, especially given fears that Russia could look to attack a NATO country within the next few years if the war in Ukraine dies down. Nigeria's top general says resources lacking for jihadist fight Abuja, Oct 29 (AFP) Oct 29, 2025 Nigeria's top general Wednesday said the military did not have enough resources to win its war against jihadist groups and called on the country to strengthen its police force. Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, tapped by President Bola Tinubu as the next chief of defence staff, was addressing the National Assembly in the capital Abuja as part of the Senate's screening process before his expected swearing-in Thursday. "We all know that resources are not enough," Oluyede told the Senate, saying that "makes it very difficult... to prosecute the war against terrorism, banditry". Amid media reports of a recent coup plot, Tinubu reshuffled his top military brass last week. The Tinubu administration and the military have officially denied reports that at least 16 officers were arrested over an alleged coup plot, saying they had been arrested over disciplinary issues -- though military and government sources have indicated otherwise to AFP. Nigeria has been battling jihadists in its northeast since Boko Haram's uprising in 2009, in a conflict that has spilt across borders and created deadly splinter groups, including the rival Islamic State West Africa Province. Though violence has receded since its peak a decade ago, attacks continue, mostly in the countryside, where the military is overstretched and state institutions, including the police, have long been weak or absent. - 'Restructure the police' - Security forces are also struggling against "bandits" -- heavily armed cattle-rustling and kidnapping gangs that have spread across rural swathes of northwest and central Nigeria. The southeast meanwhile faces smaller-scale violence linked to separatist groups. Oluyede said Nigeria should produce more of its arms and equipment locally to save costs and also called on the country to "restructure the police force". "Most of the job that is being done by the army, as we speak, actually lies within the purview of the police," said Oluyede. "It is important for the nation to empower the police: make it stronger, make it more formidable, so that they can do their job, while we concentrate on defending Nigeria against external aggression." Tinubu reshuffled his top generals last week, replacing chief of defence staff Christopher Musa with Oluyede, who had been chief of army staff. He also named new chiefs of staff for the army, navy and airforce. The chief of defence intelligence kept his position. Nigeria lacking resources for jihadist fight: top general Abuja, Oct 29 (AFP) Oct 29, 2025 Nigeria's top general Wednesday said the military did not have enough resources to win its war against jihadist groups and called on the country to strengthen its police force. Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, tapped by President Bola Tinubu as the next chief of defence staff, was addressing the National Assembly in the capital Abuja as part of the Senate's screening process before his expected swearing-in Thursday. "We all know that resources are not enough," Oluyede told the Senate, saying that "makes it very difficult... to prosecute the war against terrorism, banditry". Amid media reports of a recent coup plot, Tinubu reshuffled his top military brass last week. The Tinubu administration and the military have officially denied reports that at least 16 officers were arrested over an alleged coup plot, saying they had been arrested over disciplinary issues -- though military and government sources have indicated otherwise to AFP. Nigeria has been battling jihadists in its northeast since Boko Haram's uprising in 2009, in a conflict that has spilt across borders and created deadly splinter groups, including the rival Islamic State West Africa Province. Though violence has receded since its peak a decade ago, attacks continue, mostly in the countryside, where the military is overstretched and state institutions, including the police, have long been weak or absent. - 'Restructure the police' - Security forces are also struggling against "bandits" -- heavily armed cattle-rustling and kidnapping gangs that have spread across rural swathes of northwest and central Nigeria. The southeast meanwhile faces smaller-scale violence linked to separatist groups. Oluyede said Nigeria, home to Africa's fourth-largest economy, should produce more arms and equipment locally to save costs. In August, the United States approved a $346 million sale of bombs, rockets and munitions to Nigeria. China, Turkey, Brazil, Pakistan and the Netherlands are also major arms suppliers to Africa's most populous country. But at a continent-wide defence summit earlier this year, Nigerian firms were keen to show their wares, from armoured vehicles to drones. Oluyede also called on the country to "restructure the police force". "Most of the job that is being done by the army, as we speak, actually lies within the purview of the police," said Oluyede. "It is important for the nation to empower the police: make it stronger, make it more formidable, so that they can do their job, while we concentrate on defending Nigeria against external aggression." Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, tapped as chief of air staff, meanwhile faced questions about the increasing use of drones by armed groups, which has been documented in Nigeria and across the Sahel "The enemy you're fighting went to school," Aneke said, adding that insurgents should not be regarded as "rag-tag" fighters. Tinubu's reshuffle of his top generals replaced chief of defence staff Christopher Musa with Oluyede, who had been chief of army staff. Major General Waidi Shaibu is slated to be sworn in as chief of army staff. Rear Admiral Idi Abbas is tapped for chief of naval staff. The chief of defence intelligence, Major General Emmanuel Akomaye Parker Undiandeye, retained his position. Croatia identifies remains of Frenchman killed in 1990s war Zagreb, Oct 29 (AFP) Oct 29, 2025 The remains of a Frenchman who joined Croatian forces during the 1990s war were found and identified 34 years after he was killed in the town of Vukovar, a minister said Wednesday. Jean-Michel Nicolier, born in Vesoul in eastern France, joined the Croatian forces at the start of the war in July 1991, when he was 25 years old. He was seriously wounded on the Vukovar front on November 9, 1991, and taken to the eastern town's hospital. But the town fell to rebel Serb and Yugoslav Army forces, and he was among more than 200 people who were taken to a nearby pig farm days later and murdered. His remains along with those of two Croatians were found near a road at Ovcara in late September, Veterans Minister Tomo Medved told a press conference in Vukovar. The remains of another Croatian figher were found at a nearby landfill and all four victims died violent deaths, he said. DNA analysis established that one the three found at Ovcara was Nicolier, the minister said. "He was not born in Croatia, but he left his heart here and gave his life for it," Medved said. "His mother... has finally learned the truth." Nicolier's mother Lyliane Fournier and other relatives arrived in Vukovar on Wednesday. "My thoughts are with the families who have not yet found their loved ones," Fournier was quoted as saying by state-run HRT broadcaster, and voiced hope that one day they evenutally will. Nicolier was posthumously decorated in 2011 by the then Croatian president Ivo Josipovic for the "exceptional courage and heroism" during the defence of Vukovar. Three years later a Vukovar bridge was named after him. Nicolier was among around 480 foreign volunteers from 35 countries who joined the Croatian forces during the war. Croatia's proclamation of independence from the former Yugoslavia sparked the 1991-1995 war with Belgrade-backed rebel Serbs who opposed the move. The conflict claimed 20,000 lives. Vukovar was captured after a three-month-long siege by the Belgrade-controlled Yugoslav army and Serb rebels during which it was practically razed to the ground. Around 1,600 people, including 1,100 civilians, were killed during the siege and some 22,000 non-Serbs were expelled from the area afterwards. The town became a symbol of Croatian suffering during the war. Nearly 500 people from the Vukovar region are still reported missing. Wall Street broker Benchmark said Hut 8 (HUT) has transformed from a bitcoin (BTC) miner into a broader energy infrastructure company positioned to capitalize on artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC) demand. In a Tuesday report, analyst Mark Palmer reiterated his buy rating on the shares and more than doubled his price target to $78 from $36. Palmer cited a sum-of-the-parts analysis based on the companys energy infrastructure pipeline, its 64% stake in American Bitcoin Corp. (ABTC), and the 10,264 BTC on its balance sheet as of June 30. The shares were 0.7% lower in early trading at $38.57. Palmer described the stock as a flexible call option on the rise of AI, HPC and bitcoin as well as on future energy-intensive applications. Under CEO Asher Genoot, who took the helm in February 2024, Hut 8 has focused on controlling low-cost power infrastructure that can be deployed toward the most profitable workloads, with 1,530 megawatts (MW) of capacity under development aimed primarily at AI and HPC data centers, Palmer wrote. The analyst noted that investors have rewarded Genoot's strategy, with the stock more than quadrupling in the past six months. Even so, Hut 8s intrinsic value still exceeds its market capitalization, he said. Benchmark said near-term catalysts include a potential tenant signing at Hut 8s River Bend site in Louisiana, while longer-term growth could come from replicating the model of its Vega facility in Texas. The broker also highlighted the companys 1,255 MW of capacity under exclusivity and 6,815 MW under diligence, both excluded from its valuation, and said its $6 million-per-MW estimate for current projects is about 50% below peer averages. Read more: Hut 8 Maps 'Path to Monetization' of Energy Assets as Bitcoin Mining Carve-Out Nears: Benchmark Russian military factory blast toll rises to 23 Moscow, Oct 29 (AFP) Oct 29, 2025 The death toll from a blast at a military factory in central Russia earlier this month has risen to 23, authorities said Wednesday after completing search and rescue operations. Officials have not said what caused the October 22 blast in the city of Kopeysk, but have opened an investigation into industrial safety violations. "The final list of victims of the tragedy includes 23 people," the regional government said on Telegram, up from a previous toll of 12 given the day after the incident. Social media videos showed a fireball erupting into the night sky at the Plastmass plant, which produces explosives, including for the Russian army. The explosion levelled one of the plant's buildings. Rescuers spent a week searching through the rubble for survivors and bodies. Investigators pushed back against reports that it was caused by a Ukrainian drone attack. Kopeysk lies in Russia's rust belt in the Ural mountains, home to many military enterprises, around 1,600 kilometres (1,000 miles) from the border with Ukraine. US appeals court blocks National Guard deployment in Portland Los Angeles, United States, Oct 29 (AFP) Oct 29, 2025 A US appeals court has temporarily blocked President Donald Trump from deploying National Guard troops in Portland, Oregon. The move by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals vacates a ruling by a three-judge panel that would have allowed Trump to deploy troops in the Democratic-run city, part of an ongoing drive by the Republican to send troops to cities run by his political rivals that he claims are plagued by crime. The 9th Circuit voted late Tuesday to have the case reheard by an 11-judge panel, a decision welcomed by Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield. "This ruling shows the truth matters and that the courts are working to hold this administration accountable," Rayfield said in a statement. "The Constitution limits the president's power, and Oregon's communities cannot be treated as a training ground for unchecked federal authority," he said. "The court is sending a clear message: the president cannot send the military into US cities unnecessarily." Trump has ordered hundreds of National Guard troops to Democratic-led cities claiming they are needed to combat crime and protect federal agents carrying out his sweeping immigration crackdown. The US president has repeatedly called Portland "war-ravaged" and riddled with violent crime, a description dismissed as "simply untethered to the facts" by a Trump-appointed district court judge who initially blocked the National Guard deployment. A district court and an appeals court have also blocked the deployment of National Guard troops in Chicago, the United States' third-largest city, and the Trump administration has asked the conservative-dominated Supreme Court to lift the lower court rulings. Trump's extraordinary domestic use of the National Guard was also challenged by Democratic-ruled California earlier this year after the Republican president sent troops to Los Angeles to quell protests sparked by the rounding up of undocumented migrants. A district court judge ruled it unlawful but an appeals court panel allowed the Los Angeles deployment to proceed. National Guard troops have also been sent to Memphis, Tennessee, and the US capital, Washington. US says not withdrawing from Europe after troops cut Brussels, Belgium, Oct 29 (AFP) Oct 29, 2025 The United States said Wednesday it will pull out some troops from NATO's eastern flank but denied the move amounted to an American withdrawal from Europe, as analysts warned it could embolden Russia. Officials were quick to downplay the reduction in personnel, which comes amid a review of US military deployments worldwide that has worried European allies concerned about President Donald Trump's commitment to the continent. "This is not an American withdrawal from Europe or a signal of lessened commitment to NATO and Article 5," the US Army in Europe and Africa, said in a statement, referring to the alliance's collective defence principle. Trump has repeatedly criticised NATO and insisted that Europe boosts military spending and takes more responsibility for its defence as Ukraine battles Russia's invasion. The Pentagon says there are nearly 85,000 US military personnel in Europe -- a number that has fluctuated between 75,000 and 105,000 since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. - 'Resizing' - The US military said Wednesday an infantry brigade combat team and an airborne division were to redeploy to their Kentucky home base without replacement. It was not immediately clear how many troops were concerned. A brigade usually numbers up to 5,000 soldiers. "This force posture adjustment will not change the security environment in Europe," the US army said. Reports earlier this year said Washington could withdraw 10,000 troops from eastern Europe as it shifts focus towards the Indo-Pacific region, which the Pentagon called its "priority theatre". Romania's defence ministry, which previewed the pullout beating Washington to an official announcement Wednesday, said the "resizing" was the result of new US priorities and a strengthened NATO presence on the eastern flank. It would affect a brigade with elements in several NATO countries, including Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia and Hungary, Bucharest added. A NATO official told AFP the alliance had been informed by the Trump administration in advance, describing the US move as nothing "unusual". "Even with this adjustment, the US force posture in Europe remains larger than it has been for many years, with many more US forces on the continent than before 2022," the official said. Washington's commitment to NATO remained "clear", the official added. - 'Wrong signal' - Romania's Defence Minister Ionut Mosteanu said 900-1,000 US soldiers would remain in the country to help "deter any threat". According to the latest government figures, about 1,700 US troops are currently deployed in the Black Sea nation, which borders war-torn Ukraine. But experts such as George Scutaru, co-founder of the New Strategy Center, a Romanian think tank, warned that while not significantly affecting the military balance, the move sent the "wrong signal". "Russia will consider that Black Sea is not so important for American interests in Europe," he told AFP. Moscow could be encouraged to pile pressure on Romania by, for example, violating its airspace with drones and other aircraft, he said. Germany, home to the largest contingent of American troops in Europe, said it was not affected by the redeployment. Poland's Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz also said the country had "not received any information... about a reduction in the contingent in Poland". Romania's Mosteanu insisted strategic capabilities were "unchanged". He added that a missile-defence system at the Deveselu NATO base "remains fully operational". "The Campia Turzii air base continues to be a key point for air operations and allied cooperation, the Mihail Kogalniceanu base continues to be developed, and the American flag will remain present at all three sites," he added. "An air-combat group will remain at the Kogzlniceanu airbase, as was the case before the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine," he said. The US decision will however "weaken the security" of "frontline state" Romania, Phillips O'Brien, an analyst based at Scotland's University of St Andrews, warned. "Please wake up, Europe -- the USA will not defend you against Russia," he wrote on X. bur-pc-kym-ub/st Venezuela says destroyed two Colombian narco camps on its territory Caracas, Oct 29 (AFP) Oct 29, 2025 Venezuela's armed forces said Wednesday they had destroyed two Colombian "narcotrafficking terrorist" camps on its territory, in operations coinciding with a US military deployment against drug groups in the Caribbean. The military razed "two logistical camps used by invading Tancol groups," the head of the armed forces' strategic command, General Domingo Hernandez Larez, said on Telegram, using an acronym employed by Caracas to describe so-called "armed narcotrafficking terrorists of Colombia." The general said pamphlets of the Colombian ELN guerrilla group were found, and ammunition, all-terrain vehicles, tactical vests, and fuel seized in the raids. The ELN (National Liberation Army) insurgency group, holds territory near the Venezuelan border that experts say is an important source of coca and a gateway to the Caribbean coast -- where Colombian cocaine begins its journey to the rest of the world. Caracas has sought to showcase anti-drug efforts in the face of a massive US military deployment within striking distance of Venezuela. Washington calls it an anti-drug operation, but Caracas fears it is a guise for military action to oust President Nicolas Maduro. US President Donald Trump's administration says Maduro is a drug lord, an accusation he denies, and has issued a $50 million reward for information leading to his capture. Maduro insists there is no drug cultivation in Venezuela, which he says is used as a trafficking route for Colombian cocaine against its will. Earlier this month, Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino also announced the destruction of "narcoterrorist" camps of the ELN and fighters aligned with the now-disarmed FARC guerrilla army. Portland Guard deployment blocked, Supreme Court wants more time on Chicago Los Angeles, United States, Oct 29 (AFP) Oct 29, 2025 A US appeals court has temporarily blocked President Donald Trump from deploying National Guard troops in Portland, Oregon, as part of his sweeping crackdown on crime and immigration. The Supreme Court asked for more time and additional briefing materials, meanwhile, before ruling on Trump's emergency request to deploy troops in Chicago, another Democratic-run city. The Republican president has sent National Guard troops to three Democratic-led cities this year -- Los Angeles, Washington and Memphis -- but his efforts to deploy soldiers in Portland and Chicago have been tied up in the courts. A Trump-appointed district court judge blocked the deployment of National Guard troops in Portland but was overruled by a three-judge panel on the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. The 9th Circuit voted late Tuesday, however, to have the case reheard by an 11-judge panel, a move which prevents National Guard troops from deploying in Portland for now. Oregon's Democratic Attorney General Dan Rayfield, who has filed suit to block the use of the National Guard, welcomed the ruling. "The Constitution limits the president's power, and Oregon's communities cannot be treated as a training ground for unchecked federal authority," Rayfield said. "The court is sending a clear message: the president cannot send the military into US cities unnecessarily." The US president has repeatedly called Portland "war-ravaged" and riddled with violent crime, a description dismissed as "simply untethered to the facts" by the district court judge who initially blocked the National Guard deployment. A district court and an appeals court have also blocked the use of National Guard troops in Chicago, the third-largest US city, and the Trump administration asked the Supreme Court in an emergency filing on October 17 to lift the lower court rulings. In a brief order on Wednesday, the conservative-dominated Supreme Court asked the Trump administration and the Illinois authorities who oppose the Chicago deployment to submit additional written filings in the case by November 17. Trump's extraordinary domestic use of the National Guard was also challenged by California earlier this year after the president sent troops to Los Angeles to quell protests sparked by the rounding up of undocumented migrants. A district court judge ruled it unlawful but an appeals court panel allowed the Los Angeles deployment to proceed. A portion of this post originally appeared in the Business Insider Today newsletter. You can sign up for Business Insider's daily newsletter here. Buckle up: Roughly $15 trillion of market cap is set to report earnings in a span of less than 36 hours. This Wednesday and Thursday are setting up to be an absolute whirlwind, with Alphabet, Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, and Apple all checking in on Wednesday and Thursday. It's not just the size of the companies reporting. They're also in the middle of the ongoing AI debate, meaning a good or bad earnings report will be felt well beyond their share price. With so much on the line, I had to bring in the big guns. I asked five of my esteemed colleagues who follow these companies closely to share what's worth keeping an eye on. I've also linked their names to their BI profiles so you can subscribe and get notified when their next story drops. Let's dive in: Wednesday Alphabet Hugh Langley: It's all eyes on Cloud. While Google's cloud business has long trailed Amazon's and Microsoft's, it's getting some major AI tailwinds. It has new business from OpenAI and Meta, among others, and just landed a blockbuster deal with Anthropic that will tap Google's in-house TPU chips. Investors have been waiting for Google's TPUs to hit prime time because they could be a huge threat to Nvidia's business. So eyes and ears will be peeled this week for any clues about where that business is headed and just how much momentum Cloud has at this moment. Meta Pranav Dixit: How many billions does it take to build an AI empire? Mark Zuckerberg seems determined to find out. He's financing a $30 billion data center in Louisiana and spending literal billions poaching AI talent from rivals like Google DeepMind and Apple. On its last earnings call, Meta said it expects to shell out up to $72 billion this year on AI infrastructure. All of this is fueled by advertising, so this week Zuckerberg will need to convince investors that the ad engine can still bankroll the AI madness. I'll be watching to see how he sells his "personal superintelligence" reset and whether investors have the patience for another moonshot just a few years after the metaverse. Microsoft Ashley Stewart: What is happening with Microsoft's OpenAI deal? The thing everyone wants to know about Microsoft won't be answered in this week's earnings. As Morgan Stanley recently noted, uncertainty around OpenAI is a key focus for investors, but it's unlikely Microsoft will spill any details during the call. What our new research tells us is small businesses cannot keep absorbing market pressures to their cost-line and cashflow. We are all committed to growth in this country but small businesses in London need a Budget for Business one that eases the tax burden, helps with the operating costs and makes hiring people more affordable. Help here will do a lot to power growth into 2026 and beyond. Allow Google Search To use the search feature, we need your consent to load Google Custom Search, which may use cookies or similar technologies. Please click 'Allow and Continue' below to enable search. See our privacy policy for more information. Allow and Continue It is really important that it is the government of Jamaica who leads this. I know they will do a good job, and we will stand with them to work alongside to make sure that they are able to get what they need when they need it, and to make sure that the island can be rebuilt into the amazing place that we all love. I am saddened to see that we have been pushed to this step, honestly, so I just want to say one thing to the people of UKIP: stop this, honestly. We love this country as much as you love it. It has been a clear policy indication from the UK Labour Government for a very long time now that they want to end the use of asylum hotels, that they recognise the pressures that exist in the housing stock across the country, and how that then has knock-on impacts and challenges when you have a housing emergency in Scotland, Mr Sarwar said. The long-running gold versus Bitcoin (BTC) debate is heating up once again as both assets face renewed market pressure. Gold prices tumbled at the start of the week, sliding nearly 3.5% as investors rotated into riskier assets amid signs of easing trade tensions between the United States and China. The precious metal has now dropped more than 9% from its record high of $4,381.21 reached on Oct. 20. Bitcoin briefly stole the spotlight after touching $116,000 this week, before quickly retracing. Neither asset has been spared by recent market turbulence. But according to one crypto billionaire, Bitcoins current rally may still have room to run. More News: 'Freaky' prediction makers Dan Morehead, the billionaire founder and CEO of blockchain investment firm Pantera Capital, believes Bitcoin latest rally is far from over, and that the factors driving it are stronger than ever. Morehead's Pantera Capital had earlier correctly predicted Bitcoin's valuation twice. We put out a prediction based on the past two halvings [...] that Bitcoin would hit $118,542 on August 11, 2025. And it did, said Morehead. It literally hit exactly the price, one day before we thought it would do it. [...] We thought it would hit $69,000 in August of 2021, and it did that day. Morehead described the accuracy of Panteras models as freaky, adding that the data-driven approach has repeatedly aligned with Bitcoins historical halving patterns. Related: What is Bitcoin mining? Explained Bitcoin rally is far from over Morehead now has a new prediction: the Bitcoin rally is here to stay for longer. Speaking on the "Raoul Pal: The Journey Man" podcast, Morehead reiterated his long-standing belief in Bitcoins four-year market cycles. While past cycles have been predictive, Morehead emphasized that changing U.S. regulations could make this time different." The regulatory changes in the U.S., I think, just trump everything. Theyre just huge, he said. And so I think we still have another leg to this rally to go. According to Morehead, the combination of regulatory progress, institutional adoption and sovereign investment funds entering the space will continue to drive Bitcoins momentum. It can be difficult to sequence this correctly. We live, as all colleagues know, in an age of mis and disinformation and trying to sequence who hears what and when can be sticky. But nevertheless, he should not have heard in the way that he did. Another resident, Zakir Hussain, added: "I am not happy with my councillor. There are a lot of not happy people. Five or six months we have not seen her. Any problems [we have] she cannot answer." After his brother Isaac was removed from court for interrupting proceedings, Mr Burke argued that it was an absolute scandal that after three years of the matter being before the courts that the principals initial instruction had not been analysed. The SBU said spies had sent the Briton instructions about how to make an improvised explosive device as well as the location of a cache of weapons from which he took a pistol and two loaded magazines. The company BitMine Immersion Technologies (NYSE American: BMNR) announced that it now holds $14.2 billion in combined crypto and cash assets, further strengthening its position as the worlds top Ethereum treasury. The current holdings include 3.31 million ETH, valued at approximately $13.8 billion; 192 Bitcoin ; unencumbered cash of $305 million; and an $88 million investment in Eightco Holdings. The companys ETH ownership represents 2.8% of the total supply, bringing it closer to its goal of acquiring 5% of circulating Ethereum tokens. Thomas Tom Lee, Chairman of BitMine and head of Fundstrat, stated the firm added 77,055 ETH over the past week. Lee said easing US-China tensions could help normalize trading conditions after the major crypto deleveraging earlier in October. We are more than halfway toward the alchemy of 5% of ETH, he said in the announcement. BMNR Stock Rises Amid Investor Activity BitMines announcement coincided with renewed momentum in its stock. As of Oct. 27, 2025, BMNR traded at $53.48, rising 6.12% for the day after last weeks close at $50.41. The stock averages more than 51 million shares traded daily, with a market cap of $14.79 billion. Over the past month, BMNRs price has fluctuated between $48 and $63, ranking it among the most liquid stocks in the US, currently trading behind Quantum Computing Inc. but ahead of Apple Inc. in dollar volume, according to Yahoo! Finance. Ethereum Treasury Leadership According to CoinGecko data, BitMine leads all publicly traded firms in ETH reserves. Following BitMine, SharpLink Gaming (SBET) holds around 859,853 ETH; Bit Digital (BTBT) owns 150,244 ETH; Coinbase (COIN) manages over 136,782 ETH through corporate reserves; and ETHZilla (ETHZ) recently launched its $403 million Ethereum treasury. BitMine also ranks second globally in overall crypto holdings only behind Strategy Inc. (MSTR), which owns 640,808 BTC worth approximately $73 billion. This large-scale accumulation cements BitMines profile as both a crypto investment firm and a heavily traded equity in the digital asset sector. Institutional Support and Strategy BitMines investor base includes leading funds such as ARK Invest, Founders Fund, Pantera Capital, Kraken, DCG, and Galaxy Digital. The firm continues to expand through its Bitcoin mining and advisory operations in Texas and Trinidad, leveraging low-cost energy to optimize margins. Thomas Lee, in the announcement, compared recent regulatory progress, including the GENIUS Act and the SECs Project Crypto, to historic financial shifts like the 1971 end of the gold standard, which modernized US financial markets positioning digital assets as the foundation for the next era of investment infrastructure. Read original story BitMine Treasury Surges to 2.8% ETH Supply, Eyes 5% Goal by Jose Rafael Pena Gholam at Coinspeaker.com A Carters and OshKosh B'gosh sign hangs in front of one of the company's 1,000 retail locations across the U.S., Mexico and Canada. Gary Hershorn/Getty Images Carters, Inc., the nations largest seller of childrens apparel, announced plans to close 150 U.S. stores and lay off about 15% of its workforce after reporting a sharp drop in profits for the third quarter. Store closures could affect several Texas markets, including in the Austin area, where Carters currently operates two locations. The company has not yet released an official list of closing stores. The Atlanta-based company said the restructuring effort is part of a plan to cut costs and streamline operations amid rising import tariffs and weaker wholesale demand. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Carters reported net income is $11.6 million, or $0.32 per diluted share, for the third quarter, down from $58.3 million, $1.62 per diluted share, during the same period last year. Through workforce reductions and other measures coming in 2026, the company said it expects to save about $35 million annually. The layoffs will primarily affect office roles, with about 300 jobs eliminated. Our third quarter performance reflected continued improvement in U.S. retail business demand as we achieved positive comparable sales and improved pricing for the second consecutive quarter, CEO Douglas Palladini said in the earnings report. However, elevated product costs, in part due to the impact of higher tariffs, as well as additional investment, weighed meaningfully on our profitability. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source The company attributed much of its cost pressures to tariffs on goods imported from Asia, specifically Vietnam, Cambodia, Bangladesh and India. The added annual burden of those tariffs is estimated between $200 million to $250 million. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In addition to these measures, Palladini said he and the board of directors will reduce their compensation in 2026. Carter's, which owns its namesake store and OshKosh B'gosh brands, currently operates more than 1,000 retail locations across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Hattie B's at the Domain Northside is set to open on Nov. 5. John Buentello Austinites are experts on Texas barbecue, but Nashville hot chicken? That's something new. Hattie Bs Hot Chicken is expanding to north Austin on Wednesday, Nov. 5, almost two years after it debuted in Austin at 2529 South Lamar Blvd. The fast-casual chains newest location can be found at 3100 Esperanza Crossing, Suite 130, at Domain Northside. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Its hard to believe its been almost two years since we first opened on South Lamar, said Nick Bishop, Jr., co-founder of Hattie Bs. Weve been encouraged by how much the Austin community has supported us, and were excited to take the party to North Austin and serve up some heat, hospitality and a whole lot of chicken to this awesome community. The 2,300-square-foot restaurant features an indoor dining room and large covered patio, decorated with neon chicken silhouettes, a red, black and white color scheme, and a dash of Nashville spice. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Hattie Bs offers plate meals, chicken sandwiches, dirty fries with pimento mac 'n cheese, chicken tenders and more, with spice levels ranging from "Southern Style" (zero spice) to "Shut the Cluck Up!" (hottest). Advertisement Article continues below this ad Hattie B's at the Domain NORTHSIDE opened on Nov. 5. John Buentello Store hours will be Sunday through Thursday, 10:45 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 10:45 a.m. to 1 a.m. Nashville-based Hattie Bs opened its doors in 2012 and currently operates more than a dozen restaurants across Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Nevada and Texas, with plans to expand to Illinois next year. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A Boeing 747-8 received as a gift to the Pentagon from Qatar is seen in May at San Antonio International Airport. The super-luxury airliner is being converted to a temporary Air Force One in Texas. Brandon Lingle/San Antonio Express-News President Donald Trump and Qatars Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani during a state dinner in May at Lusail Palace in Doha, Qatar. Alex Brandon/Associated Press The super-luxury jet President Donald Trump accepted as a gift from Qatar is seen earlier this year in San Antonio. It went from there to Fort Worth and is now in Waco. Brandon Lingle/San Antonio Express-News A Qatar Amiri Flight Boeing 747 sits on the tarmac in 2017 at Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach, Fla. Wilfredo Lee/Associated Press file photo The Qatari super-luxury jet that President Donald Trump wants to be converted into a temporary Air Force One is now in Waco, the latest stop in a secretive tour of Texas airfields as the military hustles to ready the craft for service. The Middle Eastern country donated the used Boeing 747-8 to the Pentagon in July amid criticism from politicians on both sides of the aisle over both the ethics and legalities of accepting such a gift from a foreign government and the unclear cost of upgrading it for Trumps use. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The 13-year-old jumbo jet arrived in early August at the L3Harris Technologies Inc. facility at Texas State Technical College Waco Airport, according to flight tracking services. Now registered as N7478D, the future presidential plane came from Fort Worth Alliance Airport where it had been since the end of June. Before that, the craft, which was previously registered as P4-HBJ, spent nearly three months at San Antonio International Airport. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source L3Harris, a major defense contractor, reportedly got a classified deal to fix up the craft, but the Defense Department hasnt confirmed that or revealed the value of the contract. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The cost to revamp the airliner with security and communications upgrades to make it safe for presidential use has been estimated by various sources to be between $400 million and $1 billion. That bill is going to the Air Force, which has said it intends to siphon leftover funds from its Sentinel nuclear missile program to pay for the retrofit. The jet cost $400 million new, but its current value is estimated to be closer to half that amount. Trump has said it could be ready for him in February, but experts say thats unlikely given the major security risks of a U.S. president using a jet previously owned by another nation. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The continuing government shutdown also could delay the project since many government civilians are furloughed. Work on both the jet and Trumps $300 million White House ballroom has continued despite about 2.4 million government workers and military members going unpaid. The president floated the idea of accepting the foreign-owned jet in May after years of frustration with the age of the current Air Force One fleet and Boeing Co.s long-overdue delivery of two new jets its been working on at Port San Antonio since his first administration. That project, known as VC-25B, has faced major delays and billions in cost overruns some tied to contract changes called for by Trump. The program to deliver two new craft is estimated to cost taxpayers $5.64 billion by the time its complete well after Trumps presidency. Despite the White House and the Pentagons optimism about the Qatari gift and proposals for the craft to go to Trumps presidential library foundation after his term, the plan has faced much turbulence in Washington. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Earlier this month, Senate Republicans blocked a proposed amendment to the Pentagons budget bill that would have limited funding for the so-called palace in the sky. And Trumps Department of Justice is facing a lawsuit by the Freedom of the Press Foundation, a New York-based nonprofit, after the department estimated it would take 620 days to release Attorney General Pam Bondis memo that reportedly cleared the way for the government to accept the airliner as a gift. Her approval came despite her previous work lobbying for the Qatari government and various complaints that accepting the jet could violate the Constitutions foreign emoluments clause. That law prevents presidents from accepting gifts from foreign governments without Congress approval. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The giant airplane also had issues while in San Antonio. Shortly after it arrived at San Antonio International in April, a tug pulling the jet jackknifed, leaving the jets tail protruding into a runway safety zone for several minutes. Crews had to notify air traffic control of the incident, which was deemed serious enough for airport officials to document in an official report. The mishap was caught on video. The airport has declined to release that footage, which was identified in the incident report by camera and time stamp data. Attendee Laura Cavazos, in Dia de los Muertos makeup, listens to speakers during the Alma y Corazon Ceremony in the Oakwood Cemetery chapel on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023 in Austin. Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman The Austin area is coming alive with color, music and remembrance as the city celebrates Dia de Muertos. From marigold-covered altars and glowing candles to neighborhood gatherings, the tradition of honoring loved ones through joy and community is alive and well in the capital city. What is Dia de Muertos? Amelia Salas, 4, looks at the community altar, or ofrenda, set up in the Moody Amphitheater as part of the Waterloo Park Dia de los Muertos celebration, Nov. 2, 2022. SARA DIGGINS/AMERICAN-STATESMAN Dia de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a centuries-old tradition that blends Indigenous Mesoamerican beliefs whichview death not as an ending but as another part of life with Catholic traditions. In Austin, its become a community-wide celebration with art installations, altars (ofrendas), face painting, food and music. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Oct. 31: Dia de Muertos ofrenda viewing party A section of the community altar, or ofrenda, set up in the Moody Amphitheater as part of the Waterloo Park Dia de los Muertos celebration, honors the victims of the Robb Elementary School Shooting in Uvalde on Nov. 2, 2022. SARA DIGGINS/AMERICAN-STATESMAN Join a gathering at the Latino Studies Community in Room 2.206 of the GordonWhite Building of the University of Texas to share pan de muerto and tazas de chocolate around a community ofrenda. The altar will include photographs from friends across campus and victims of the 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde. Attendees will also receive an explanation of the symbolic items placed on altars marigold flowers (cempasuchil), candles, personal keepsakes and how Dia de Muertos is observed. 10 a.m. to noon, 210 W. 24th St. liberalarts.utexas.edu/latinostudies Advertisement Article continues below this ad Nov. 1: St. Elmo Dia de Muertos Springdale celebration A person holds Marigold flowers at the Waterloo Park Dia de los Muertos celebration on Nov. 2, 2022. The flowers are traditionally used to decorate ofrendas, and their bright colors are thought to lead the dead souls to the altars. SARA DIGGINS/AMERICAN-STATESMAN The free celebration will feature a Latin-owned vendor market, live music by El Plan Sonidero, face painting and a DJ set from 7 to 9 p.m. A community ofrenda will be open. Drink specials and a special menu will be available. Tickets are available on Eventbrite. 2 to 9 p.m., 8110 Springdale Rd. 512-291-7355, stelmobrewing.com. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Nov. 1: Day of the Dead Festival Nikki Diaz, education associate for the Mexic-Arte Museum, put on coorful Dia de los Muertos-themed makeup for the museum's Viva la Vida Festival in downtown Austin, Texas on Oct. 30, 2021. Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center will host its 18th annual free, family-friendly event at the Oswaldo A. B. Cantu Pan American Recreation Center. The event features live Latin music and dance, face-painting and sugar-skull-decorating, a community altar, art installations and an artisan vendor market. 2 to 6 p.m., 2100 E. Third St. austintexas.gov. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Nov. 12: Waterloo Greenway Dia de Muertos Parade participants in Dia de los Muertos costumes walk down Congress Avenue during the Viva la Vida Festival parade in downtown Austin, Texas on Oct. 29, 2022. Aaron E. Martinez / American-Statesman Waterloo Park will host a two-day fest with altars, live music and dance, a Bridge of Life illuminated entrance, a community ofrenda, a tribute altar to beloved pets, vendor markets, food trucks and a dedicated family and children zone. Event begins at 6 p.m. daily. 500 E. 12th St. 512-974-6700, waterloogreenway.org. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Nov. 2: Allgo Day of the Dead community altar exhibit, celebration Photos of loved ones sit on display on the ofrenda during the Dia de los Muertos celebration at San Jose Cemetery I on Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021. Mikala Compton/American-Statesman, Austin American-Statesman The celebration offers a free hot meal, guest-artist performances and an inclusive space where queer, transgender, people of color communities and allies can connect and honor ancestors. Participants are encouraged to bring items like pan de muerto, candies, incense, photos and memorabilia to place on the altar as part of the offering. 4 to 7 p.m., 701 Tillery St. 512-472-2001, allgo.org. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Nov. 2: La Mezca Sunday pop-up The decoration inside La Mezca borrows from the Mexican tradition of Dia de los Muertos. Provided by Frida Molina. La Mezca is hosting Joseph Gomez from Sana Sana Taqueria as the first guest of their Sunday Pop-Up Series. Gomez is bringing a special taco menu to the mezcaleria. The regular drink menu will be available. 5 p.m. to midnight, 1905 Aldrich St. #120. lamezcaatx.com. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Nov. 8: Dia de las Mascotas Samantha Escamilla places marigolds on an altar, or ofrenda, set up for pets in the Moody Amphitheater as part of the Waterloo Park Dia de los Muertos celebration, Nov. 2, 2022. SARA DIGGINS/AMERICAN-STATESMAN Organized by Austin Animal Services, this free, family-friendly event combines the traditions of Dia de Muertos with a love of pets. Event includes a parade of adoptable dogs in festive attire, local vendor goods and an outdoor movie under the stars. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Warehouse associate Christopher Remington gathers produce for mobile food distributions at the Central Texas Food Bank on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. Millions of Texans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will see a disruption to their November benefits because of the federal government shutdown. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman As the federal government shutdown continues, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is facing growing uncertainty over future funding. For now, October 2025 benefits are being distributed as scheduled in most states, and existing balances on Electronic Benefit Transfer cards remain usable. However, if the shutdown extends into November without a congressional funding deal, millions of households could see serious disruptions. Advertisement Article continues below this ad SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - MARCH 27: A volunteer distributes food to a person at the San Antonio Food Bank on March 27, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) has frozen $500 million in deliveries to food banks nationwide. The funding had been previously generated from the USDA's Commodity Credit Corporation, and the recent halt comes after the agency announced it will be ending two Covid-19 era programs that provided additional funding for food banks and schools to purchase food and supplies from regional farmers. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images) Brandon Bell/Getty Images Across Travis, Williamson and Hays counties, 133,089 people qualified for SNAP benefits in August, according to the most recent data available from Texas Health and Human Services. If SNAP benefits are disrupted, food banks and pantries can provide individuals and families with food security. Here is a list of local organizations that can to help SNAP recipients if their food subsidies go away next month: Advertisement Article continues below this ad Major providers around Austin Central Texas Food Bank The CTFB is the largest hunger-relief charity in Central Texas. In addition to hosting food distribution events across the region, the food bank also collaborates with Travis County to support its food pantry operations. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Visit the website at centraltexasfoodbank.org to find a distribution center or food pantry near you. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Travis County Food Pantry Travis Countys Food Pantry program provides free groceries to residents in need. Each household can visit one of the countys Community Centers once every 30 days to receive about three to five days worth of food, including canned goods, produce and frozen items. To apply, residents fill out a short form online or in person with basic household details name, address, number of people and income or assistance information. IDs arent required unless someone else picks up on your behalf. Walk-ins are accepted, but scheduling an appointment is recommended since supplies are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Hope Food Pantry Austin This nonprofit provides groceries to families facing food insecurity. A partner of the CTFB, Hope offers drive-through distributions every Thursday, Friday and the first Saturday of the month, from 9 to 10:30 a.m., at 4001 Speedway, using the 40th Street entrance. Where to go, fast ATX Free Fridge These fridges are a community-run project that stocks outdoor refrigerators across Austin to fight hunger and food waste. Open 24/7, there is no paperwork or ID required. Their motto is, Give what you can, take what you need. Locations include Brentwood, Dove Springs, Dittmar, West Campus and outside Nixta Taqueria. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Volunteers restock the fridges weekly, and anyone can help by donating food, cleaning or hosting a new site. An individual shops at a food bank. Texas food banks remain in operation amid news of SNAP benefits halting in November. Joe Raedle/Getty Images Prefer drive-thru or limited contact? Impact Now Dove Springs This site offers drive-thru food distribution on Teri Road. This site offers drive-thru food distribution on Teri Road. North Austin Muslim Community Center The center operates a drive-thru pantry on North Lamar and provides limited home deliveries for seniors and residents with mobility challenges. The center operates a drive-thru pantry on North Lamar and provides limited home deliveries for seniors and residents with mobility challenges. El Buen Samaritano The nonprofit hosts mobile food distribution events and runs a Thursday morning pantry at its Woodhue campus. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Families and students Austin Voices Family Resource Centers In partnership with Austin ISD, these on-campus centers help families with basic needs, including access to food assistance. Sites include Burnet Middle School (which also serves Cook Elementary), Dobie Middle School, Perez Elementary and Webb Middle School. In partnership with Austin ISD, these on-campus centers help families with basic needs, including access to food assistance. Sites include Burnet Middle School (which also serves Cook Elementary), Dobie Middle School, Perez Elementary and Webb Middle School. Peoples Community Clinic, Peoples Pantry The clinic offers both perishable and shelf-stable groceries alongside its regular health services. The clinic offers both perishable and shelf-stable groceries alongside its regular health services. UT Outpost This on-campus pantry and career closet provides University of Texas students with free food and professional clothing. This on-campus pantry and career closet provides University of Texas students with free food and professional clothing. UT School of Nursing Social Resource Center (Del Valle) The center offers food, clothing and computer access for students and community members. Seniors Central Texas Food Bank HOPE Program This program provides a monthly box of shelf-stable food for income-eligible adults age 60 and older. Residents can ask the Food Bank or its partner sites for information on how to enroll. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Neighborhood and faith-based sites Hours vary at these sites, so call ahead before visiting. South and Southwest Austin: South Austin Church of the Nazarene on Menchaca; Saint Ignatius Martyr; Oak Hill Baptist on Convict Hill; Christian Life Austin on West Gate; Abiding Love Lutheran on Brush Country. South Austin Church of the Nazarene on Menchaca; Saint Ignatius Martyr; Oak Hill Baptist on Convict Hill; Christian Life Austin on West Gate; Abiding Love Lutheran on Brush Country. Central and East Austin: Cristo Rey Catholic on East Second Street; San Jose Catholic; Olivet Baptist on San Bernard; Greater Mount Zion on Tannehill. Cristo Rey Catholic on East Second Street; San Jose Catholic; Olivet Baptist on San Bernard; Greater Mount Zion on Tannehill. North and Northwest Austin: Westover Hills Church of Christ on Mesa; Austin Spanish First Seventh-day Adventist on Rundberg; North Austin Christian Church on Rutland; Austin Vineyard on Morris; St. Andrews Presbyterian on Wells Port. Most sites ask new visitors to check in or fill out a brief intake form. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Arianna Bohara, volunteer, weighs boxes of donated items at the Central Texas Food Bank Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022, in Austin. BRIANA SANCHEZ/AMERICAN-STATESMAN Outside central Austin and surrounding counties Round Rock: Round Rock Seventh-day Adventist. Round Rock Seventh-day Adventist. Pflugerville: Food for All; First United Methodist Church of Pflugerville (Paulas Pantry and Clothes Closet); St. Elizabeth Catholic Food for All; First United Methodist Church of Pflugerville (Paulas Pantry and Clothes Closet); St. Elizabeth Catholic Cedar Park and Leander: Reveal Resource Center; Hill Country Community Ministries. Reveal Resource Center; Hill Country Community Ministries. Manor and Elgin corridor: Eternal Faith Baptist Church. Eternal Faith Baptist Church. Hays County, Buda and beyond: Hays County Food Bank. Hays County Food Bank. Bastrop County and nearby: Primera Baptist in Bastrop; Rosanky Baptist in Rosanky; Ridgeway Baptist in Paige; Grace Baptist in Red Rock. Primera Baptist in Bastrop; Rosanky Baptist in Rosanky; Ridgeway Baptist in Paige; Grace Baptist in Red Rock. Highland Lakes region: Marble Falls Church of Christ; First Baptist Church of Marble Falls. Marble Falls Church of Christ; First Baptist Church of Marble Falls. Llano County: Llano Food Pantry. Before you go Here are some tips for getting food at a service site: Advertisement Article continues below this ad Hays County sheriff's office Austin American Statesman A fugitive wanted on approximately 30 sexual assault warrants has been extradited from Canada to Texas. He was re-booked into the Hays County Jail today. Buda resident Juan Pablo Acosta, 45, was arrested in July 2021 on two counts of sexual assault, a second-degree felony, according to the Hays County Sheriff's Office. He was released on $103,500 bail just days later, but he disappeared and became a fugitive. His whereabouts were unknown until he was eventually found living in Toronto. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Juan Pablo Acosta, 45, was extradited from Canada to Texas and is currently being held in the Hays County Jail. Hays County Sheriff's Office Meanwhile, the Buda Police Department's investigation into Acosta resulted in about 30 sexual assault warrants being issued. After locating Acosta, Hays County authorities worked with the U.S. Marshals Service and the Hays County District Attorney's office to gain federal approval for the extradition. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Students, teachers and parents hold signs protesting state-required plans aimed at improving scores in some Austin schools and voicing their fears of a Texas Education Agency takeover on Oct. 5 at the William B. Travis building. Keri Heath/American-Statesman On a Sunday in early October, a cluster of Austin school district families, teachers and advocates gathered under the shady side entrance of the William B. Travis Building, which houses the Texas Education Agency. Just two days before, a controversial plan announcing the closure of 13 Austin campuses dropped. As written, the sweeping proposal would impact thousands of children in campuses proposed for closure and thousands more who would be moved to new schools because of shifting attendance boundaries. Despite the seismic changes proposed at the Austin school district level, families at the rally found themselves outside an agency that oversees education statewide. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Turn TEA Around, read their signs. In recent years, the states education agency has employed what some view as a nuclear option, replacing locally elected boards of trustees and the superintendents they hire with a slate of state-appointed replacements. Texas law allows the state education agency to do so when a campus scores five consecutive failing grades for academic performance on the states A-F letter grade system. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Members of the Austin education community worry their district could be next as three middle schools Dobie, Burnet and Webb have racked up four failing grades in as many years. A fifth at any of those campuses could trigger intervention and Austin school district leaders are hyperaware of the looming consequences. Advertisement Article continues below this ad At a public meeting for East Austin residents Tuesday, Superintendent Matias Segura insisted he does not want to be the superintendent who avoids a hard decision and puts us in a position later where we lose control. The Austin district is already on TEAs radar, with the agency monitoring the school system because of a 2023 order to overhaul special education services after chronic failings to evaluate students. At the downtown Austin rally, mother Jessie Neufeld railed against both any possible takeover and additional requirements from TEA that F-rated campuses enact turnaround plans, aimed at improving academics on the campus-level. If you really want better schools, work with us, not against us, Neufeld said. We dont need takeovers. We need collaboration. We dont need you silencing our school boards. Advertisement Article continues below this ad During community and board meetings, Austin district officials pointed to improved outcomes at some schools and pledged they will do anything to retain local control. But state education Commissioner Mike Morath in August called the districts failing campuses a very significant problem. And in a Sept. 3 letter to Segura and board President Lynn Boswell, Morath warned the districts current approach is not working and urgent transformational change is necessary. Lessons from Houstons takeover The real concern is that Austin could become a mirror of the Houston school districts takeover, said Laurie Solis, a parent of three and advocacy chair for the Austin Council of Parent-Teacher Associations. TEAs foray into the states largest school district was highly anticipated because of a multi-year drawn out legal battle over whether the state agency had authority to intervene. In 2023, when TEA officially replaced the elected board, community pushback began in earnest. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In the two years since then, state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles and Morath praised improved test score at formerly struggling campuses. But enrollment has simultaneously dropped by about 6,700 students this year, and teacher turnover spiked to 1.7 times that of the state average. Some of Miles policy changes, such as cutting library services and implementing a standardized curriculum called the New Education System in some historically low-performing schools, garnered significant opposition. Solis and other parents worry this model could be replicated in Austin if a takeover were to occur. We want our students to be curious learners, and when we only focus on academics, we lose focus on all those other aspects of our brains, Solis said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Heightened anticipation Conversations about what a state takeover of Austin schools could mean intensified in the spring when district officials announced that just one more year of failure at Dobie, Webb or Burnet middle schools could trigger such an intervention. The three schools are in the midst of state-required turnaround plans, which involved replacing the campus principals and a majority of the teaching staff and a curriculum overhaul. A dozen more schools will need similar plans next year. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Thats a lot for the Austin district to manage, said Trassell Underwood, vice president of Education Austin, the districts largest union representing teachers and staff. Implementing so many turnaround plans will be disruptive for staff, but Underwood fears a takeover would be even more troubling. The concern is jobs, is curriculum, is will teachers lose some bit of autonomy to be able to teach the children, Underwood said. Its a lot of uncertainty. Texas Education Agency Commissioner of Education Mike Morath discusses the 2024 and 2025 A-F school ratings during a press conference at the William B. Travis Building in Austin, Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Replacing the elected school board would make things worse, not better for students, for our families, for our teachers, said Sharyn Vane, a local education advocate whose children graduated from the district. We were already seeing some improvements academically in these schools. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But not all schools have received improved scores from the state.While the district shrank its number of D- or F-rated schools from 49 to 41 in the past two years, one-third of campuses were rated unacceptable in 2025. At the same time, 14% of state schools received a similar grade. The district also struggled to serve low-income students, as compared to peer districts across Texas, according to scores from the State of Texas Assessments of of Academic Readiness tests. 'Every action imagineable' Segura told the American-Statesman in an interview last week that he is doing everything in his power to prevent a situation that would trigger a takeover for Austin. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Im very aware of what is at stake here, and maintaining local control is absolutely critical to ensure that our students in Austin improve academically, but in a way that aligns with who we are as a city, Segura said. Commissioner Morath has been vocal in his critique of chronically F-rated campuses. During an August press conference in August, he presented slides comparing Austins 23 F-rated campuses to schools in districts with similar demographics. A slideshow compares Austin and Brownsvilles schools as Texas Education Agency Commissioner of Education Mike Morath discusses the 2024 and 2025 A-F school ratings during a press conference at the William B. Travis Building in Austin, Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman The challenges that we see in schools that end up getting issued F ratings are pretty extraordinary, and they demand the adults that are in charge to take every action imaginable to give those students a better future, Morath said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad He also said that in some districts, the degree of struggle is a systemic root problem, and it starts at the school board. The TEA declined to answer questions about what prompts a takeover intervention specifically, or how the agency assists districts that are on the verge of intervention due to fiscal or academic reasons. In Fort Worth, Morath cited continual academic deficiencies and the inability of the district to implement effective changes to improve the performance of students as reasons prompting the takeover. More on takeovers When states intervene into academically struggling school districts across the nation, results can be spotty, said Van Schoales, senior policy director at Keystone Policy Center, a Colorado-based nonprofit. To ensure success, the state must maintain or boost resources, Schoales emphasized. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Although Morath must take action if a district triggers five years of academic unacceptability, he does have the choice between closing the struggling campus or replacing the districts board of trustees. Districts can also choose to delay state intervention by partnering with an outside entity to operate perpetually struggling campuses. Children attend class at Covington Middle School Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024. Mikala Compton/American-Statesma But the states decision to install a board of managers may involve considerations outside the academics of a district, said David DeMatthews, a professor of educational leadership and policy at the University of Texas. I do think theres some politics at play with taking over Austin, DeMatthews said. Fort Worth and Houston are three hours from Austin. TEAs headquarters are here. There will be protestors and picketers. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Board president Boswell told the Statesman that the Austin district should protect itself by ensuring no students are in schools categorized as failing. US Crypto News Standard chartered Stablecoin. Photo by BeInCrypto Welcome to the US Crypto News Morning Briefingyour essential rundown of the most important developments in crypto for the day ahead. Grab a coffee to read how institutional flows tell a story of dominance, dependency, and deep accumulation. At the center stands BlackRock, propping up a fragile ETF ecosystem that may not stand so tall without it. Crypto News of the Day: IBITs Outsized Impact and Concentration Risk BlackRocks IBIT contributed $28.1 billion in year-to-date net inflows to US Bitcoin ETFs, surpassing sector gains and revealing a fragile foundation for institutional crypto adoption. Outside IBIT, Bitcoin ETFs faced negative flows, raising concerns over broader market confidence. On October 27, US Bitcoin ETFs saw inflows of 1,300 BTC (about $149.3 million), equal to three days worth of new Bitcoin. This demonstrates lasting institutional demand, yet nearly all of it goes through IBIT. Competitors continue to face challenges, even as interest in digital assets grows. Bitcoin ETF Flows. Source: Farside Investors Recent figures show a stark pattern. BlackRocks IBIT has driven the net positive flows for US Bitcoin ETFs, outpacing rivals. According to Farside Investors, US Bitcoin ETFs reported $26.9 billion in net inflows this year, but $28.1 billion came from IBIT. Without IBIT, flows in other ETFs, such as Fidelitys FBTC and Bitwises BITB, were flat or negative. "No BlackRock, no party? BTC ETFs are up $26.9bn YTD, yet $28.1bn stems from BlackRocks IBIT. Ex-IBIT, flows are negative. BlackRock is absent from the imminent altcoin ETF wave. Opportunity for competitors to secure strong flows, but on net, likely limiting for overall flows," wrote Velte Lunde, head of research at K33 Research. ETF flow chart from K33 Research. Source: Head of Research Vetle Lunde This reliance on one fund signals a critical vulnerability. If BlackRock scales back, institutional inflows could fade quickly. Such concentration can shape the perception of ongoing institutional confidence in global finance. On the same day as notable Bitcoin inflows, US Ethereum ETFs added 32,220 ETH, worth $133.9 million according to Farside. While significant, no Ethereum ETF has achieved IBITs dominance. This indicates growing yet more distributed interest from institutions exploring beyond Bitcoin. Institutions Treat Crypto As Core Part of Finance Meanwhile, Bitwise data shows that banks, asset managers, and payment companies treat crypto as a core part of finance. Transitioning from niche to mainstream, large firms are deepening exposure through custody, tokenization, and ETF products. This kind of change would have been unlikely just a few years ago. A former librarian from the Llano County Library System holds some of the books that had been banned in that community. The "parental rights" state constitutional amendment on the Nov. 4 ballot would give power to the loudest parents, not the students living the consequences, Cameron Samuels writes. Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman The first time I saw a book banned, I was still learning how power works. When I was a student in the Katy school district, I attended a November 2021 school board meeting in which a few parents and community members were pushing for a district-wide book ban. The book in question was Jerry Crafts "New Kid," a comic book about a Black teenager navigating culture shock at a private school. It told real, sometimes uncomfortable truths about growing up. Thats exactly why some parents wanted it gone. If a handful of parents could decide for everyone that this book doesnt belong in my school, I worried what else they might take away. Advertisement Article continues below this ad As the only student in the room that night, I watched as the board applauded the parents, but sat silent when I spoke for our freedom to learn. That silence said everything: If students dont speak up, decisions about our education will be made without us. After that meeting, more books were pulled from our shelves, but as students, we fought to defend them and managed to get a few important titles returned to our libraries. Again and again, weve seen policymakers and leaders talk about us, but not with us. A few loud voices claim to know whats best for every Texas student. This so-called parental rights movement is narrowing what kids can read, learn and become and now it has reached the ballot box. Proposition 15 on the Nov. 4 ballot would enshrine that control, declaring that a handful of parents, not our classmates or teachers, are the primary decision makers in our schools. But the choices individual families make should never supersede students rights to learn freely and fully. Democracy works best when were treated as equal stakeholders, and students are the primary stakeholders in education. Proposition 15 states that parents have the right to exercise care, custody, and control of the parents child, including the right to make decisions concerning the childs upbringing. It might sound harmless, but if passed, it would invite parents with the most extreme views to sue schools and now perhaps win over books, lessons and classroom discussions they dislike. Advertisement Article continues below this ad That fear will lead teachers and administrators to second-guess what they teach. They will self-censor, erasing our identities from the books we read and the lessons were taught. Supporters claim Proposition 15 is about giving parents a choice, but it actually gives the loudest parents the power to control what all students are allowed to learn. I know this amendment could deeply affect my LGBTQ+ peers and me, since it would limit our access to vital information and our right to make decisions about our own health. When lawmakers put parents control above our needs, they end up silencing the students whom schools are meant to protect. We live with the consequences of their decisions every day. Yet our voices are too often ignored. In a new national survey released by ParentsTogether, students overwhelmingly said they value schools where they feel safe, included and supported, not censored or politicized. Most students said their top priorities are mental health, bullying prevention and belonging. Those are the same priorities parents hold, and thats the common ground we should be building from. Advertisement Article continues below this ad When politicians push policies like Proposition 15, theyre distracting us from what we really care about. Instead of funding solutions for our priorities, theyre pushing an agenda rooted in Christian nationalism. Students deserve a seat at the table when decisions about us are made. Proposition 15 would give power to the loudest few instead of listening to all our voices. This is not how education or democracy works. In the Nov. 4 election, Texans can choose to protect the future of public education and our constitutional right to due process. Voters should reject Proposition 15, because our classrooms belong to everyone who learns in them. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Crews demolish the East Wing of the White House last week, making space for a large ballroom. Readers say that President Donald Trump's destruction of the East Wing ignores the fact that the White House is supposed to be the People's House. Jacquelyn Martin/Associated Press Tearing down our house Advertisement Article continues below this ad How dare President Donald Trump demolish the East Wing of the White House in order to build his huge new ballroom? The White House is the "People's House." Trump has said construction of the ballroom "won't interfere with the current building. It will be near it but not touching it. And it pays total respect to the existing building, which I'm the biggest fan of." He lied. The photos of the demolition tell a different story. More than 900 people will be able to attend events in the ballroom when it is completed. How many average Americans are likely to attend events held there? Advertisement Article continues below this ad Mary Alice Salmon, Round Rock More to White House demo President Donald Trumps razing of an entire wing of the White House is an affront to all U.S. citizens. We are the owners of the Peoples House, whereas he is only a temporary resident. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The demolition was timed as a poke in the eye to the 7 million of us who marched at "No Kings" rallies in opposition to him and his administration just two days before the demolition began. Such wanton destruction is the perfect metaphor for Trumps outrageous conduct. Shamelessly and with total disregard to both the rule of law and common decency, he rips away the social safety net for our poorest, pardons thousands of unrepentant criminals, fires essential government workers and shamelessly schemes to enrich himself, his family and cronies. I am distraught and fear for our democracy as the GOP-run Congress has completely abdicated its responsibility to be the check and balance intended by the Constitution. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Claudia Morgan, Austin Don't forget recapture Please help me understand. Advertisement Article continues below this ad How is it possible that Opinion Editor Bridget Grumet can write an excellent column about how all Austin taxes come out of the same pocket, and yet, two separate front page articles on Oct. 26, "A fiscal tale of two broke cities" and "Student numbers lowest in 30 years," bemoan the financial straits of the city of Austin and the Austin Independent School District, and neither article mentions that Austin taxpayers sent more than $800 million to the state this past year in recapture? How did we get to the point where we dont even ask what else Austin taxpayers could do with that much money? The state is strangling the golden goose, and we dont even ask the question? Bill Wofford, Austin Advertisement Article continues below this ad Residents chat on the front porches of their tiny homes at Community First! Village east of Austin, where more than 400 formerly homeless people live. Travis Commissioner Margaret Gomez said the nonprofit Mobile Loaves & Fishes works with residents "as humans and not as numbers." Austin 360 Organization is the model Thank you for pointing out why Mobile Loaves & Fishes transforms lives. Of all the millions of dollars thrown at homelessness, none has been used to do what Alan Graham has done to actually turn peoples lives around. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I remember Mobile Loaves & Fishes starting out by feeding the homeless around Wooldridge Square. He came around to the idea of housing and then we heard about Community First! Village. I am so glad that with Travis Countys allocation of the federal COVID relief money, we were able to collaborate with Mobile Loaves & Fishes to duplicate a Community First! on Burleson Road. I fully trust Mobile Loaves & Fishes to actually work with homeless folks as humans and not as numbers. We estimate that as many as 1,400 people will be housed with the $110 million that Travis County invested in housing homeless folks. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This is how we have used one-time money. Travis Commissioner Margaret Gomez National Guard stands behind Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and fellow Governors as they hold a press conference along the Rio Grande at the U.S.-Mexico border to discuss Operation Lone Star and border concerns on Sunday, February 4, 2024 in Eagle Pass, TX. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer Most Texans oppose Gov. Greg Abbott's deployment of Texas soldiers to cities outside the state, according to a new poll released Wednesday. The poll found 51% oppose deploying National Guard soldiers, with 43% strongly opposed. Just 41% support the move, with 24% strongly supporting it, the University of Texas at Austins Texas Politics Project found. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Views of the deployment largely fell along ideological lines, but 60% of independents opposed it, including 50% who were strongly opposed. Abbott earlier this month agreed to send 200 Texas troops to Chicago at President Donald Trumps request. They remain stationed outside the city after a judge blocked the deployment. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source The National Guard finding was one piece of a relatively rough poll for the Republican governor, who continues to see his approval rating erode as he gears up to run for a record fourth term in office. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Abbott had a 39% job approval in October, the lowest approval rating he has registered since taking office in 2015 and down one point from rating in the last UT poll in August. Half of Texas voters disapproved of Abbott, meanwhile matching an all-time high registered twice before, in August of this year and in 2021. It was the first time Abbott has logged a 50% disapproval rating in back-to-back UT polls. Unlike some periods earlier in his governorship, it's increasingly unlikely that more than a sliver of Democrats will find anything to approve of in Abbott's job performance, said James Henson, who directs the Texas Politics Project. Henson said the slump could be the result of an increasingly polarized political environment, as well as Abbott's high-profile willingness to reflexively support President Trump's policies, as well as his general tack further to the right on big public issues. Abbott has vocally supported the Guard deployment, which he says is meant to protect federal immigration officers conducting deportation raids and argues is well within Trumps authority. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Trump had a 51% disapproval rating in the October poll. Just 42% approved, the lowest since at least October 2017. Henson said that while Abbotts rating is heading in the wrong direction, it is only two polls and has not collapsed in a significant way. Multiple Democrats are vying to challenge Abbott in next years election, though none were included in the UT poll. They include state Rep. Gina Hinojosa, a progressive Democrat and former Austin school board member; Andrew White, a Houston businessman and son of the late Gov. Mark White; and Bobby Cole, a rancher and retired firefighter. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The main house at The Villa de la Mina, a ghost town in Terlingua, which is near Big Bend in West Texas. Courtesy of The Villa de la Mina/ The Villa de la Mina Texas is famous for leading the nation in cattle, cotton and oil, but the Lone Star State can claim another distinction more appropriate for Halloween this week: Texas not only hosts more bat species than any other state, it has more ghost towns than any other state. A Geotab analysis counts more than 500 ghost towns statewide, with the densest cluster in Wilson County near San Antonio. While many were abandoned after economic downturns or resource depletion, some were deserted following natural disasters, including extreme weather. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Storms sweep away Indianola The port of Indianola, on Matagorda Bay in Calhoun County, was founded in August 1846 as Indian Point and served as a port of entry for German immigrants bound for West Texas, according to the Texas State Historical Association. The town soon grew into a bustling city of about 5,000 residents. For a brief time, Indianola became the second-busiest port in Texas. Thanks to its location, it was vital for trade and military purposes. On September 16, 1875, a hurricane packing winds stronger than 110 mph struck the coastal town, sweeping much of it away. Even its lighthouses were demolished. The town rebuilt, but another hurricane struck 11 years later, in 1886. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source These storms devastated the low-lying city and caused great loss of life. The county seat was moved to Port Lavaca, and in 1887 the post office closed permanently. Today, almost nothing remains of the original town, and much of the site lies underwater because of storm-driven erosion. A granite slab beside the bay at Indianola commemorates the Calhoun County Courthouse before it was destroyed by a hurricane in 1886 and the county seat was moved to Port Lavaca. Joe Holley/Houston Chronicle St. Marys of Aransas St. Marys of Aransas, founded in 1850, quickly became a major port, shipping construction materials, hides, tallow, cattle, and cotton to South Texas towns. It thrived until the second Indianola hurricane in 1875 nearly destroyed the town. The population then declined, and the post office and general store closed permanently in 1907. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Drought-stricken Lobo Lobo is the most recent ghost town, abandoned about 30 years ago. Sitting in the Chihuahuan Desert near the Davis Mountains, it was founded in 1882 as a railroad water stop and later became a thriving cotton-farming community. Lobo experienced brief periods of agricultural growth, but over time persistent drought, water scarcity, and declining commerce led to its abandonment. Flood-flattened Ben Ficklin Ben Ficklin, founded in 1873 near present-day San Angelo, was once an important settlement and a key stop along the San Antonio-El Paso Mail line. It even served as the county seat of Tom Green County. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But less than a decade later, disaster struck. After an unusually wet summer in 1882, floodwaters from Dove Creek, Spring Creek, and the Concho River surged beyond their banks, devastating the town. According to the Texas State Historical Association, most of Ben Ficklin was destroyed, with only a few houses, the jail, and the courthouse left standing. Old Bluffton resurfaces Bluffton, founded in 1852, was a small Hill Country farming and ranching community once known as the best crossing point on the Colorado River. By 1937, however, the town was intentionally abandoned when the Lower Colorado River Authority built Buchanan Dam, creating Lake Buchanan as part of a hydroelectric project. The original site was flooded, and residents relocated to what is now New Bluffton. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In this Oct. 5, 2011, photo, a childs gravesite, normally at least 20 to 30 feet underwater, joined other remnants of old Bluffton that had resurfaced after drought reduced water levels at Lake Buchanan in Central Texas. Eric Gay/Associated Press During periods of severe drought, remnants of Old Bluffton resurface, including building foundations, headstones, and artifacts. Bluffton is just one of several Texas towns submerged by reservoirs, built over the years to control flooding, secure reliable water supplies, and generate hydroelectric power. Other submerged ghost towns in Texas include: Halsell under Lake Arrowhead Towash under Lake Whitney Preston under Lake Texoma Friendship under Lake Granger Sparta and Bland under Lake Belton Spillville under Lake Toledo Bend Zivley under Lake Livingston Advertisement Article continues below this ad Submerging towns were seen as a necessary sacrifice to achieve broader public benefits, even though it displaced communities and erased local history. Boeing on Wednesday reported rising revenue, lower losses, and positive free cash flow in its third quarter. Still, a fresh, almost $5 billion charge in relation to its delayed 777X jet suggests that the companys long-promised turnaround remains a work in progress as if the skies are clearing, but not yet quite clear. Top-line revenue rose 30% over last year to more than $23 billion, driven by strong commercial deliveries the companys highest quarterly total since 2018. The plane maker also generated more than $238 million in free cash flow, a sharp upward turn from last years $2 billion negative free cash flow. But even amid these gains, Boeing still posted a net GAAP loss exceeding $5 billion, or about $7 per share. Whats troubling Boeing now The biggest hit came from the 777X, Boeings delayed wide-body flagship, whose certification is now expected in 2027. The company said the new timeline forced the pre-tax charge, erasing much of the quarters progress. Thus its Commercial Airplanes division delivered very strong top-line growth revenue up almost 50% to $11.1 billion even as it remained deep in the red, with a painful 48% negative margin. Defense, Space & Security fared better, returning to profitability with a scant 1.7% margin and $6.9 billion in revenue. Meanwhile, Global Services continued to shine with 17.5% margins on $5.4 billion in sales. The companys total backlog swelled to a record $636 billion, including more than 5,900 airplanes. CEO Kelly Ortberg said Boeings focus on safety and quality was producing results, noting the 737 Max line has stabilized at 38 planes per month, with the FAA approving an increase to 42 per month in October. But Ortberg also acknowledged disappointment with the 777X setback and reiterated Boeings goal of restoring trust with all of our stakeholders in order to "fully recover." Restoring trust? That may be the tallest order yet The earnings release arrived as Boeing contends with a machinists strike within its Defense unit entering its grueling fourth month, not to mention lingering skepticism from a Wall Street weary of repeated turnaround promises. Debt remains heavy at $53.4 billion, or more than double on-hand cash and securities totaling $23 billion. Boeing stock edged down about 1% before Wednesdays market open as investors eyeballed the numbers without apparent enthusiasm. The return to positive cash flow is all well and good surely an "important milestone," as Ortberg put it. But the company still looks to be experiencing turbulence. Embraer (NYSE:ERJ) is one of the stocks that should double in 3 years. On October 16, Bank of America raised the firms price target on Embraer to $70 from $65 and maintained a Buy rating on the shares after attending the companys 2025 investor day. The firm noted that the companys supply chain and production management are in focus as Embraer executes on its record backlog and new wins. BofA Raises PT on Embraer (ERJ) to $70 Following Investor Day Earlier on October 15, Citi analyst Stephen Trent raised the price target on Embraer to $70 from $59 and kept a Buy rating on the shares following the investor day as well. The companys orders over the last 18 months and its financial results have both been solid. Embraer (NYSE:ERJ), together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures, and sells aircraft and systems worldwide. The company operates through Commercial Aviation, Defense & Security, Executive Aviation, Services & Support, and Other segments. While we acknowledge the potential of ERJ 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: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. An A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft assigned to the Michigan Air National Guards 127th Wing returns to Selfridge Air National Guard Base following a training mission, June 8, 2025. (Andrew Schumann/Air National Guard) Washington (Tribune News Service) Michigans congressional delegation is aiming to use the upcoming defense policy bill to block the Air Force from retiring the A-10 Warthog Thunderbolt II early in 2026 to ensure the squadron stays at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County into 2027. Their goal is to minimize the gap between the time when the A-10s will roll out of Selfridge and a replacement flying mission, F-15EX fighters, is supposed to arrive in 2028 in an effort to maintain the workforce of pilots and maintenance staff for the aircraft. Led by U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett, a Charlotte Republican, Michigan lawmakers wrote Wednesday to the leaders of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, asking them to use language that requires the Air Force to maintain a minimum fleet size of 162 A-10 aircraft and prohibits early retirement of the A-10s without the approval of Congress. This would basically do a transition between the two (platforms) without a significant or sizable gap between them, Barrett told The Detroit News. And thats the big issue were trying to stop. Now that we have the commitment for the new F-15EX aircraft, we dont want the A-10s to go dormant early and present a gap. The lawmakers worry that a gap of a year or two between flying missions would potentially see the staff at Selfridge devoted to pilot training, maintenance and other tasks reassigned or placed elsewhere without aircraft at the base. Then all of a sudden, youre scrambling to get them back and build back up, Barrett said. His letter comes as members of the committees are meeting to negotiate the final text of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Both the Senate and House-passed versions of the NDAA included language barring early A-10 retirements, but the lawmakers say the House-passed language is stronger and will ensure the A-10 Thunderbolt II Aircraft fleet cannot be retired earlier than planned, they wrote. All members of Michigans delegation, including Democratic Sens. Gary Peters of Bloomfield Township and Elissa Slotkin of Holly, signed onto the letter except Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Detroit. Peters and Slotkin both sit on the Senate Armed Services panel. Idahos congressional delegation also joined the letter, including GOP Sens. Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, whose state hosts an A-10 squadron at Gowen Field that is set to be replaced with F-16s. Early retirement of the A-10 Thunderbolt II Aircraft fleet could negatively impact Air National Guard Bases like Selfridge in Michigan and Gowen Field in Idaho, the lawmakers wrote. While both bases have planned for the divestment of the A-10s prior to receiving the F-15EXs and the F-16s, an expedited retirement of the A-10s would have negative consequences on their workforce, including pilots losing currency and certification, as well as maintaining proficiency due to the lack of airframes on which to work. The Air Force has long planned to divest the aging A-10 Thunderbolt fleet to spend instead on next-generation aircraft. The Maryland Air National Guard, based in eastern Baltimore County, deactivated its last remaining A-10s last month, sending most to a boneyard in Arizona and two to Selfridge in Harrison Township, Michigan. A general picked to serve as the next chief of staff of the U.S. Air Force, Kenneth S. Wilsbach, this month reiterated the Pentagons plans to send a squadron of F-15EX fighter aircraft to Selfridge on time in 2028, assuming the required infrastructure upgrades are complete. Wilsbach was responding to a question from Slotkin, who asked him about reports that bureaucrats at the Pentagon were looking to delay or push out the arrival of the F-15EXs beyond the 2028 date announced by President Donald Trump in April in Michigan. That, Slotkin worried, would create a gap between when the A-10s pilots and personnel depart and the arrival, potentially years later, of the F-15EXs, causing the base to lose all that good training and manpower that we have. Wilsbach said the Air Force would have to train the new crews and maintenance personnel as they transition from the A-10 to the F-15EX, a process that could take six to 18 months. So well have to work on that timing, Wilsbach said. Michigans delegation and state officials lobbied for over a decade for a fighter mission to replace the A-10 Thunderbolt II squadron at Selfridge that is set to be retired starting next year. Overruling the Air Force, Trump in late April said hed send 21 brand-new F-15EXs to the base located on Lake St. Clair, northeast of Detroit, starting in 2028 in a gesture that Trump said should save this place. 2025 The Detroit News. Visit detroitnews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Key Points Joby Aviation is building innovative electric air taxis. The company's eVTOLs have not been certified by the FAA yet. A business with a high market cap that is burning a ton of money is a bad bet for investors right now. 10 stocks we like better than Joby Aviation The future of aviation is finally here. At least, that is what Joby Aviation (NYSE: JOBY) and other companies attempting to develop electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles believe. Joby wants to disrupt traditional urban transportation by building and deploying a fleet of electric air taxis, and it thinks its currently unnamed vehicle will bring intracity air travel to the masses. Investors have eaten up this story. Joby's stock has gained 152% over the last 12 months, bringing the company's market cap to $14 billion, even though it is generating no revenue. Should you invest in this eVTOL upstart while its stock price is still below $16? Or is this an overhyped growth story that will come back to bite any shareholder who buys today? Bringing electric air taxis to market Thanks to innovations in design and major improvements in electric battery efficiency, Joby and other eVTOL companies have been able to develop working electric air taxis. Joby's version has flown many times, although it is still not fully certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Think of an electric air taxi as a hybrid between an electric vehicle, a small plane, and a helicopter. Utilizing a suite of different rotors, Joby's aircraft can take off vertically like a helicopter, then switch configurations in midair to use its propellers to provide forward thrust like a small plane, then switch back again when it's time to land. However, it is much quieter than a helicopter due to its electric motors and its modern propeller designs. That makes the eVTOL more suitable for flying point-to-point across a city or in residential areas. Joby's aim is to allow passengers to book rides on its electric air taxi network using a model similar to Uber or Lyft. Customers will be able to take point-to-point rides using a network of heliports in large metropolitan areas. This could save people tons of time on travel to places like the airport. For example, one of Joby's flagship planned routes -- from downtown Manhattan to John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens -- could save travelers an hour or more in transportation time. Image source: Getty Images. Growing annual production capacity It should be reiterated that Joby Aviation is generating zero revenue right now. The company is working to get a network up and running in Dubai and is already performing test flights in that city, with plans to finish the buildout at the beginning of 2026. A timeline for its eVTOL receiving FAA certification in the United States is unclear, but hopefully, that should happen within the next year or so. However, it could end up taking longer if any problems with the vehicle are uncovered. An entrance sign outside Fort Hood in Texas. (Rose L. Thayer/Stars and Stripes) AUSTIN, Texas Fort Hood medical officials suspended a provider from the post hospital for reported misconduct with a patient, and he is now under criminal investigation, base officials said Tuesday. The man not identified as a civilian or service member is no longer providing services to patients at the Texas post and Army Criminal Investigation Division began an investigation within hours of a patient making a report, according to Fort Hood. Fort Hood and [Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center] are committed to providing world-class care to our soldiers, families, and beneficiaries, with patient safety and trust as the cornerstone of our mission, according to Fort Hood. Base officials are now contacting all patients seen by the man during his time at Darnall, regardless of whether they are believed to be affected by the allegations of misconduct. Patients will be given a phone number for a dedicated call center to answer their questions and provide additional resources, as needed. CID will contact potentially affected patients, according to Fort Hood. We understand patients may feel distressed and anxious about this issue, and we encourage beneficiaries to contact [Darnall] for additional questions, according to the statement. This is a developing story and more details were requested Tuesday from Fort Hood. Thomas B. Hamilton III, spokesman for Army CID, said agents are investigating with the utmost care and sensitivity, but declined to provide further information. To protect the integrity of the investigation and ensure all leads can be thoroughly explored, we are unable to share details at this time, he said. Earlier this year, Maj. Michael Stockin, an Army doctor, was convicted of sexually abusing 41 patients at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., and sentenced to nearly 14 years in prison. Some victims have filed claims for $130 million combined, stating the service did not remove Stockin after initial complaints were made, allowing him to harm more patients. Coast Guard helicopter 6578, an MH-65E Dolphin from Detroit. (Isaac Ritchey/mlive.com) PRESQUE ISLE HARBOR, Mich. (Tribune News Service) Three people and a cat had to be rescued from a boat late Monday after it ran aground in Northern Michigan, the U.S. Coast Guard said. The incident occurred near Presque Isle Harbor on a 54-foot boat. A Coast Guard crew in an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter launched from Air Station Detroit to start the rescue effort. The helicopter crew arrived on scene shortly after midnight, where they battled strong winds and breaking waves on the disabled vessel, the Coast Guard said. A rescue swimmer was lowered down to the boat. The swimmer triaged the three people on board. The Coast Guard called what ensued a complex basket recovery, in which the swimmer loaded two of the people into the rescue basket, which was then hoisted up to the helicopter. A second trip assured the rescue of the remaining person and the feline. All survivors, including the cat, were uninjured and safely transported to shore, the military said. 2025 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit mlive.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A U.S. Coast Guard MH-60 Seahawk helicopter. (U.S. Coast Guard) (Tribune News Service) The U.S. Coast Guard intends to award Sikorsky a contract to replace older helicopters with new ones based on the Sikorsky Jayhawk and Seahawk design, in what could represent a major new contract for the Stratford, Conn., manufacturer if approved by the federal government. Sikorsky builds Seahawk helicopters at its headquarters factory in Stratford as a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, which has added mass production of CH-53K King Stallion helicopters for the U.S. Marine Corps to ongoing work building U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopters. Years after refurbishing 90 H-65 Dolphin helicopters for extended service beyond their original shelf life, the Coast Guard is now looking at looming retirements of those helicopters. Built by Eurocopter, a predecessor company of todays Airbus Helicopters, the Dolphin has been in service since 1984. The Coast Guard gave a preview of its Sikorsky plans in September after ordering engines from GE Aerospace to be installed on new Jayhawks it plans to purchase. The Coast Guard said the Jayhawks ability to locate, identify and track surface targets day or night makes it a valuable search and rescue and law enforcement asset as worded in a press release. The Coast Guard added its first Sikorsky H-60 Jayhawk in 1990, with plans at the time to phase out older Sikorsky HH-3F Pelican helicopters that began entering service in 1967. Among other attributes, the Pelican had triple the cabin space of the Jayhawk, and could land and take off from the water. Now it appears the Jayhawk will displace Dolphin helicopters in the Coast Guard fleet, but with the total number of future helicopters to be produced still an unknown and any total contract value. The contract would be managed by the Naval Air Systems Command under the U.S. Department of Defense, according to a notice on the Sam.gov federal contracting portal. The Coast Guard is a branch of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The Coast Guard operates 48 Jayhawks today, including at Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod which covers the Northeast from Bourne, Massachusetts. Six Jayhawk helicopters in the Coast Guard fleet were converted from Navy Seahawks. The federal notice does not specify whether any similar conversion of existing Seahawk helicopters could be part of the contract. In the notice, NAVAIR called Lockheed Martin and Sikorsky the only manufacturer with the proprietary data, expertise, technical data, equipment, and personnel to support the H-60 program. Rival bidders would be able to file a capability statement listing qualifications to produce rescue helicopters if they chose to do so. The Jayhawk has a range of 800 miles, an endurance of seven hours aloft and a rescue hoist that can lift up to 600 pounds. In footage of a Coast Guard night rescue last year, a Jayhawk crew and swimmer are shown helping a sailor to safety, including toting a cat above the waves in a pet carrier. In 2021, the Coast Guard awarded Sikorsky a contract valued at up to $850 million to produce new helicopter hulls to buy another 20,000 hours of flying time for helicopters in its current Jayhawk fleet, with that contract reaching its conclusion last April. That work was performed at a Coast Guard aviation center in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. At the time, the Coast Guard indicated it wanted to extend the shelf life of Jayhawk helicopters so that it could dovetail any future helicopter purchases with the Department of Defenses Future Vertical Lift program, with a Black Hawk replacement the centerpiece. Sikorsky lost out on the initial Future Vertical Lift contract to Bell Textron, but the Black Hawk is expected to remain in service for at least another half-century. Sikorsky now hopes to interest the Army as well in a drone version of the Black Hawk for cargo, surveillance and strike missions. 2025 The Middletown Press, Conn. Visit www.middletownpress.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The Camp Lester Water Treatment Plant on Okinawa is pictured on Oct. 28, 2025. (Ryan M. Breeden/Stars and Stripes) CAMP LESTER, Okinawa An Okinawa town cannot immediately satisfy a request for additional water from a neighboring Marine Corps base that detected elevated levels of forever chemicals in its storage tank, according to a town official. In June 2024, the U.S. military asked Chatan town for an extra 181,412 cubic yards of water annually for Camp Lester, a spokeswoman for the towns Water and Sewage System Division said by phone Wednesday. That amount is enough to fill more than 55 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Chatan already provides 65,920 cubic yards of water to the base each year. The request from the Okinawa Defense Bureau on behalf of Marine Corps Installations Pacific followed the discovery that levels of PFAS in the bases water tank exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys limit of 4 parts per trillion, an Okinawa Prefecture Enterprise Bureau spokesman said by phone Wednesday. The defense bureau represents Japans Ministry of Defense. PFAS, which includes PFOS and PFOA, are synthetic compounds dubbed as forever chemicals by the EPA because they persist in the environment and the human body. Studies in animals suggest exposure may increase the risk of tumors in the liver, breasts, testicles and pancreas, according to the American Cancer Society. Chatan cannot provide more water until 2028 because doing so would cause problems to the current system, the spokeswoman said. The town was already planning to build another reservoir to meet growing demand, not to serve the base, the Chatan spokeswoman said. Weve only just begun to consider the specifics and schedule for the reservoir, she said. We cant release anything at the moment. Some Japanese government officials must speak to the press only on condition of anonymity. PFAS was detected at 22 parts per trillion at the finished water reservoir on Lesters south side on Nov. 13, according to a document on Marine Corps Installations Pacifics website. Water for the south side, which includes housing and Lester Middle School, is supplied by the Camp Lester Water Treatment Plant and stored in the reservoir. On the north side, PFAS was detected at levels as high as 4.7 parts per trillion throughout last year, according to another water quality report on the website. Housing in that area receives water from the Chatan treatment plant, which is stored in an Air Force tank on base. As of 2024, the Department of Defense action level for PFAS was 70 parts per trillion. DOD will start enforcing the EPAs new PFAS limit at overseas installations starting in April 2029, according to the water quality report. The spokesman for U.S. Forces Japan, Air Force Col. John Severns, declined to answer questions by phone Tuesday, citing the ongoing federal government shutdown. Adm. Stephen Koehler, commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet, speaks at the TechNet Indo-Pacific conference in Honolulu on Oct. 28, 2025. (Wyatt Olson/Stars and Stripes) HAWAII CONVENTION CENTER, Honolulu U.S. Pacific Fleets commander on Tuesday challenged the high-tech industry to boost the Navys ongoing effort to empower sailors with artificial intelligence. We are using AI on nearly every network to develop familiarity with our team and improve decision making throughout our commanders, Adm. Stephen Koehler said during the opening keynote address for the three-day TechNet Indo-Pacific conference in Honolulu. Were embracing a hybrid government-commercial approach that partners with private sector leaders to accelerate innovation on AI, and we are working with partners in industry and government to integrate it into our day-to-day functions and operations, he said. Those include command and control, cyber, logistics, [intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance], target analysis and more. Koehler told the audience, filled with representatives in the fields of communications, IT and intelligence, that Pacific Fleet needs their help in speeding such innovation. We know our industry partners are key to all of these critical efforts, and its not just AI, he said. As we move forward together, we should combine our unique strengths. We should blend the best of both of our worlds to see and then achieve the art of the possible. Pacific Fleets area of responsibility covers nearly half the globe. Its fleet includes roughly 200 ships, 160,000 personnel and 1,500 aircraft. Koehler told the audience that the fleet is already integrating and pairing all its data with AI to dominate adversaries from seabed to space and across the continuum of competition to conflict. Going forward, I envision a future where the Pacific Fleet is empowered by artificial intelligence, where sailors and commanders at every level balance the art and science of warfare to make more effective decisions with superior outcomes faster than the adversary, a future where AI further accelerates the cycle of action between maneuver and fires for decisive combat advantage, he said. In the coming months, Pacific Fleet will step up the drumbeat of experimentation and innovation, Koehler said. I consider it experimentation combined with rehearsal, he said. Our common practice here is to pair them with exercises, to work in parallel specifically to develop new capabilities and build new concepts of operation. If that sounds like building an airplane while already flying it, that is by design, he said. We have to work fast to take advantage of todays rapid pace of technological innovation, he said. We have to get that capability into the hands of our sailors quickly to enable them to innovate and force change, if needed. Koehler touted the opening in July of The Forge, an advanced manufacturing facility at Schofield Barracks on Oahu, as one way the fleet empowers sailors. The Forge, a partnership between U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and the Defense Departments Innovation Capability and Modernization Office, uses advanced technologies such as 3D printing, casting and forging, precision machining and rapid prototyping to speed up delivery and innovation. The Forge and similar capabilities will allow our sailors to quickly obtain reliable parts outside the legacy stock system, Koehler said. Sailors, however, will need to have the authority and confidence to install parts without waiting for contractors, he said. For example, if an unmanned system needs to be reconfigured during the fight, our sailors need to do it all, he said. We owe our warriors the right to repair and reconfigure their own equipment. (Carroll Sprague/Stars and Stripes) Bremerhaven, Germany, Oct. 8, 1947: Workers at the Bremerhaven wholesale fish market examine the catch brought in from the trawlers that day. In the immediate post-war years, the fishing port had apart from its legal market also a thriving black fish market as Germans living in Russian-occupied Germany less than 100 miles east would travel into the city to buy fish. This image is from a series of images titled Fish Black Market, taken October 8 and 9, 1947, but not believed to be of the black market. None of the images were ever published and no caption information was supplied by the photographer at the time. In October 1948 S&S declared the Fish black market practically dead. From the article: German police who formerly arrested hundreds of back marketers coming here largely from the Russian Zone now catch only a few persons each week when regular raids are staged in the main rail station. The disappearance of the black marketers was attributed to the new Deutsche Mark, increased difficulty faced by Germans living in the Russian zone to leave the zone and come back, and diminishing scarcity of fish in the stores. Stars and Stripes Europe archive holds a numerous images documenting the post-war years in Germany. While the newspapers photo collections main focus was (and is) the U.S. Armed Forces, and its photographers focused on the U.S. zone of occupation in Germany and the buildup of U.S. forces and installations during the immediate post-war years, they did sometimes veer off to document daily life of regular Germans during this time. Notice the mist rising from the bottom left corner of the image? The original negative that this image was captured on suffers from a preservation issue called silvering, where the silver particles rise to the top of the gelatin layer of the film. During a preservation survey of Stripes photo collection in 2018, archives staff found that especially the 4x5 negatives from the late 1940s and early 1950s were suffering the most from this preservation issue. As the silvering will eventually cause the image captured on the negative to fade, the affected negatives were pulled and prioritized for scanning. October is Archives Month, so keep your eye out for more treasures from the Stars and Stripes Archives on the Archive Photo of the Day pages. U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth during a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump and President of Argentina Javier Milei in the Cabinet Room at the White House on Oct. 14, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Kevin Dietsch, Getty Images via TNS) (Tribune News Service) Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth wont meet with any beardos serving in South Korea. Service members stationed in the Pacific recently received notice that enlistees with shaving waivers will not be allowed to attend Hegseths upcoming Camp Humphreys rally, according to military site Task & Purpose. The former Fox News host arrived in Hawaii on Monday for a trip that will later take him to Japan, Malaysia and Vietnam. Korean station KBS World Radio said Hegseth is scheduled to spend two days in South Korea beginning next Monday. He recently summoned the nations top military officials to Virginia, where they heard their boss deliver a speech deriding soldiers with beards. No more beardos, Hegseth said during his late September address. The era of rampant and ridiculous shaving profiles is done. He told military brass that ignoring seemingly small matters like lax shaving habits can lead to bigger problems. Hegseth also issued a Sept. 30 memo stating the military would only issue facial hair waivers for troops with certain medical issues such as pseudofolliculitis barbae, a painful skin condition thats made worse by shaving. The 45-year-old Pentagon boss served in the Army National Guard from 2003 to 2021 where he earned the rank of major. He joined Fox News in 2014 and participated in a 2018 television skit that featured a barber shaving his vacation beard. A letter from one viewer read during that segment contended that a man without a beard is like a lion without a mane. Thats how I feel! Hegseth agreed. The Minnesota native said that he wanted to keep his facial hair, but his TV bosses insisted it had to go. 2025 New York Daily News. Visit nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reviews Japanese troops alongside his Japanese counterpart, Shinjiro Koizumi, at Camp Ichigaya in Tokyo, Oct. 29, 2025. (Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes) CAMP ICHIGAYA, Tokyo U.S. Forces Japan has all the personnel it needs to become a joint force headquarters and is ready for the next phase of its reorganization, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said after meeting his Japanese counterpart here Wednesday. This important change will improve our warfighting capabilities, our lethality and our readiness, Hegseth told reporters at the headquarters of Japans Ministry of Defense. All phase one personnel are in place, and we are ready to begin phase two shortly, he said after meeting new Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi. USFJs upgrade is part of the allies response to a growing Chinese military. Beijing has built the worlds largest navy and routinely transits the waters around Japan, sometimes alongside Russian naval vessels. Along with increasing the size of its defense budget, Japan has positioned missiles on its southwest islands, which are at risk of attack in any attempt by China to reclaim nearby Taiwan. Chinas unprecedented military buildup and its aggressive military actions speak for themselves, Hegseth said alongside Koizumi at Ichigaya. The first steps to restructure the command from a liaison organization to one integrated for operations with its Japanese counterparts were announced by Hegseth during his first visit to Tokyo as defense secretary in March. His predecessor, Lloyd Austin, announced USFJs restructuring in July 2024. Moving from a headquarters primarily charged with an alliance management mission to one that, in time, will integrate and synchronize operations that span the spectrum of operations from humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and armed conflict is a monumental task, USFJ commander Air Force Lt. Gen. Stephen Jost wrote in an editorial for the Asahi newspaper in June. To strengthen their alliance, the United States and Japan must continue building strong, lethal, combat-credible forces, Hegseth said. Theres no way to replace hard power, he said. Japans commitment to spend more money on defense is an important step, Hegseth said. To increase our strength, we are going to invest now and invest quickly while we still have time, he said. The former Fox News host spoke to around 6,000 troops aboard the USS George Washington aircraft carrier Tuesday at Yokosuka Naval Base, homeport of the U.S. 7th Fleet in nearby Kanagawa prefecture, ahead of President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. That morning, Trump and Takaichi signed agreements on defense and critical minerals. American and Japanese troops standing shoulder to shoulder at Yokosuka were a reminder of the strength and depth of the alliance, Hegseth said at Ichigaya. The 55,000 U.S. troops in Japan alongside Japanese self-defense forces stand ready to defend both nations, he said. The defense ministers will take steps to ensure U.S. and Japanese troops have what they need to train, fight and win, Hegseth added. Koizumi noted Takaichis remarks a day earlier that the U.S.-Japan partnership is the worlds greatest alliance and that she would work to strengthen both countries. Secretary Hegseth and I share the responsibilities for the implementation, he said. During an hourlong meeting, the pair discussed the blueprint for the future of the alliance, Koizumi said. Improving U.S.-Japan command and control and expanding their military presence in the southwest of the country is essential, he said. Hegseth, who arrived in Japan on Tuesday, is next slated to join Trump in South Korea for the final leg of his Asia trip. Executives from Hyundai Heavy Industries and Huntington Ingalls Industries pose after signing a memorandum of agreement at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Gyeongju, South Korea, Oct. 26, 2025. (Huntington Ingalls Industries) The largest U.S. and South Korean shipbuilders recently announced a joint military and commercial shipbuilding and maintenance strategy, a milestone for the United States as it seeks to expand its maritime footprint in the Indo-Pacific. Huntington Ingalls Industries and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries signed the agreement during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, which is slated to conclude Nov. 1 in Gyeongju, South Korea. President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the summit. Huntington Ingalls, of Newport News, Va., and HD Hyundai, headquartered in Ulsan, South Korea, also teamed up in early October to pursue a contract to design the U.S. Navys Next Generation Logistics Ship, or NGLS, according to a Sunday news release from Huntington Ingalls. Like existing logistics ships, the NGLS will enable refueling, rearming and resupply of Navy and Marine Corps ships, but the Navy favors a smaller, all-in-one design, according to the Navys contract solicitation. Under the expanded agreement, Huntington and Hyundai plan to explore joint investments, boost regional ship maintenance capacity, pursue auxiliary shipbuilding programs and collaborate on engineering, research and development, according to the release. It follows South Koreas vow to invest $150 billion in U.S. shipbuilding projects, part of a broader $350 investment pledge made in July by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, Reuters reported on Aug. 27. This marks the beginning of deeper collaboration between not only our companies, but each of our countries, that will support enduring changes to military and commercial shipbuilding in America, Eric Chewning, Huntington Ingalls executive vice president of maritime systems and corporate strategy, said in the release. The expansion of U.S. shipbuilding, domestically and internationally, is a top priority under Navy Secretary John Phelan, who visited Hanwha Ocean Shipbuilding and HD Hyundais shipyards during an April tour of East Asia. Phelan also toured Japan Marine Uniteds Isogo Works shipyard in Yokohama and met with top Japanese defense officials to discuss potential joint ventures. His priority was improving readiness for the fleet and being able to repair ships here obviously improves readiness, he told Stars in Stripes while in Japan. Key Points Pfizer's stock has been trading at low levels for a while. Diminished growth and concerns about the future have investors thinking twice about the stock. The company did show signs of progress in its previous quarterly report. 10 stocks we like better than Pfizer One struggling pharma stock that could use a boost from a strong earnings report is Pfizer (NYSE: PFE). The company's valuation has plummeted in recent years as patent cliffs and question marks about its long-term growth have made investors hesitant to invest in the business, despite its offering an exceptionally high yield. Pfizer's stock has fallen close to 30% in the past five years, but despite its low valuation, investors haven't been taking the bait. However, the company has been reporting solid results in its recent quarters. It even raised its guidance when it last reported its numbers in August. With its third-quarter earnings report scheduled to come out on Nov. 4, could yet another strong performance be what finally gets the stock going, and should you consider investing in Pfizer before those numbers come out? Image source: Getty Images. What has to happen for Pfizer's stock to get out of its current rut? Pfizer is a cheap stock by most metrics. It trades at a price-to-earnings multiple of only 13, while the S&P 500 average is 25. But Pfizer has been trading at a discount for a while, and that hasn't been enough to get investors on board and believing that it's a good buy. Many might be worried that it's a value trap. A strong outlook might be what's necessary to turn things around for the pharma stock. There's been a lot of talk from the Trump administration about lowering drug prices. The government has also imposed tariffs on some imported pharmaceuticals. Last month, Pfizer reached a "landmark agreement" with the government to work on lowering drug prices. And it also committed to spending $70 billion on research and development efforts in the U.S. to avoid tariffs. Investors may be looking for some reassurance from Pfizer about its growth opportunities in both the short and long term. If the company is able to paint a more promising picture for the future, then there could finally be a rally forthcoming for this beaten-down stock. But I wouldn't hold my breath. Why a rally isn't likely to happen after Pfizer reports earnings Investors have been hesitant to invest in healthcare stocks this year, largely due to the uncertainty around tariffs and government policies. While the S&P 500 has risen nearly 15% thus far in 2025, the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund is up by just over 5%. There's clearly some caution from investors, and it may take more than increased guidance or strong earnings performance from Pfizer to convince the market that the stock is a safe buy. A U.S. soldier assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division uses a Dronebuster in an exercise at Camp Reedo, Estonia, May 14, 2025. Two drones were spotted near the military base in southern Estonia on Oct. 17, and one of them was shot down. (Austin Steinborn/U.S. Army) STUTTGART, Germany A suspicious drone flying near a base used by U.S. forces in Estonia was recently shot down, authorities in the Baltic country bordering Russia said this week. The incident occurred near Camp Reedo in southern Estonia, where one of the aircraft that allies spotted was shot down with an anti-drone gun, Estonian defense spokeswoman Liis Vaksmann told the regional news outlet Postimees on Tuesday. It was unclear Wednesday whether U.S. soldiers had any part in tracking or shooting down the aircraft. U.S. Army Europe and Africa referred questions about the situation to Estonian officials, who did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The U.S. Armys 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment is currently on a rotational mission in Estonia. The incident happened Oct. 17 at about 4:30 p.m. and came to light Tuesday after the local news report. Estonian troops, police and border guard authorities didnt find the drone in the area where it was presumably shot down, Postimees reported. The U.S. military has kept a steady presence in recent years in Estonia, where its mission centers on deterring potential Russian aggression while helping local forces build up their own capabilities. Soldiers assigned to the Armys 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment do maintenance work on an Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle at Camp Reedo, Estonia, March 13, 2025. Two drones of unknown origin were spotted near the base in southern Estonia on Oct. 17, and one of them was shot down. (Phillip Walter Wellman/Stars and) A U.S. soldier assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division uses a Dronebuster in an exercise at Camp Reedo, Estonia, May 14, 2025. Two drones were spotted near the military base in southern Estonia on Oct. 17, and one of them was shot down. (Austin Steinborn/U.S. Army) The drone downing near Camp Reedo comes in the wake of a Russian fighter jet incursion into Estonian airspace, prompting emergency talks inside NATO about that incident. Allies on NATOs eastern flank have been on edge in connection with various Russian incursions, such as a swarm of drones that entered into Polish airspace in September. That prompted NATO aircraft to shoot down numerous drones, marking the first time in alliance history that it was forced to take such defensive action in the blocs airspace. Meanwhile, other Baltic countries have seen incursions in recent days. On Monday, Lithuania said it was shutting its border with Russian ally Belarus after a series of airspace violations by suspicious weather balloons used for smuggling contraband. The situation caused closures of Vilnius airport. Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said Monday that the country was prepared to shoot down intruding aircraft in the future. U.S. soldiers attending air assault school prepare for troops to rappel from a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, Romania, May 19, 2025. The U.S. is reducing the number of its troops deployed to the Black Sea country, Romania's defense ministry said in a statement Oct. 29. (Nathan Arellano Tlaczani/U.S. Army) U.S. troop deployments to Romania are being scaled back as part of a Pentagon plan to reduce force levels in Europe, the Romanian defense ministry said Wednesday. The plan calls for ending the rotation of a U.S. Army brigade to Romania that also had elements dispersed across several other countries in the Black Sea region, the ministry said in a statement. The resizing of U.S. forces is an effect of the new priorities of the presidential administration, announced as early as February, according to the statement, which added that the decision had been expected. The U.S. began rotating a brigade to Romania in the aftermath of Russias 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The increased troop presence in Romania and other parts of the eastern flank was intended to reassure allies unsettled by Russian aggression in Europe and deter Moscow from potentially making a move on NATO territory. The decision means the 101st Airborne Divisions 2nd Brigade, which is close to wrapping up a nine-month deployment in Romania, wont be backfilled. U.S. Army Europe and Africa said in a statement Wednesday that the Pentagon decision was aimed at balancing the U.S. militarys force posture in Europe. This is not an American withdrawal from Europe or a signal of lessened commitment to NATO and Article 5, USAREUR-AF said in a statement, referring to NATOs collective defense policy that an attack on one member is an attack on all. Rather this is a positive sign of increased European capability and responsibility. The Army said NATO allies, who have pledged to increase defense spending, are meeting President Donald Trumps call to take primary responsibility for the conventional defense of Europe. U.S. soldiers maneuver a Multiple Launch Rocket System during exercise Saber Guardian at the Cincu Training Area in Romania on June 16, 2025. The U.S. is reducing its troop numbers in Romania, the country's defense ministry said in a statement Oct. 29. (Randis Monroe/U.S. Army) The U.S. maintains a robust presence throughout the European Theater, and maintains the ability to array forces and capabilities to meet objectives in the Theater and support U.S. priorities, including President Trumps commitment to defend NATO allies, the USAREUR-AF statement said. Inside the Pentagon, there has been an ongoing debate about whether to curtail troop rotations in Romania. In 2023, the Defense Department considered the idea but opted to continue sending rotational brigades. Romanian officials said the Pentagons plan now calls for about 1,000 U.S. troops to be positioned in the country, down from several thousand. The decision took into account the fact that NATO has strengthened its presence on the alliances eastern flank, and that allows the United States to adjust its military posture in the region, the Romanian statement said. It wasnt immediately clear what other countries could be affected by the Pentagons plans to reduce forces in Europe. However, many allies have been anticipating potentially significant cuts. In July, Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said there was an understanding and assumption that the U.S. military posture across Europe will change. He added, in an interview with Estonian media at the time that details were expected around October. The Defense Department has been carrying out a force posture review that is expected to have implications for where troops are deployed around the world. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other Pentagon leaders have said that allies in Europe must prepare to take on a larger security role on the Continent so the United States can focus more on homeland defense and deterring China in the Pacific. An exit sign for Joint Base Lewis-McChord on Interstate 5 near Tacoma, Wash. (Gary Warner/Stars and Stripes) A federal judge in Seattle on Tuesday sentenced a former Army intelligence unit sergeant to four years in prison and three years of supervised release for his globetrotting attempt to interest China in receiving military secrets he took from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. Joseph Daniel Schmidt, 31, entered a guilty plea on June 21 to two felony charges attempt to deliver national defense information and retention of national defense information. Judge John Coughenour, of the U.S. District Court for Western Washington, in Seattle, accepted the guilty plea on July 8 and sentenced Schmidt on Tuesday. The former sergeant faced a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in jail and a $250,000 fine, according to a July statement by the Army. Schmidt was a team leader in the human intelligence section of the 109th Military Intelligence Battalion at the Army-Air Force base from January 2015 to January 2020, according to court records. The unit provided intelligence to I Corps, the Armys Indo-Pacific command based at Lewis-McChord about 40 miles south of Seattle. As a retired Army officer, I find it unconscionable for a former soldier to put his colleagues and country at risk by peddling secret information and intelligence access to a hostile foreign power, U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd said in a Justice Department statement. These cases remain a priority for our office to keep our country safe. Schmidt had access to secret and top secret U.S. military information, according to the Justice Department. He learned to speak Mandarin while in the Army and traveled to China at least once while on active duty. After leaving the Army in early 2020, Schmidt contacted the Chinese Consulate in Turkey and visited Istanbul to interest Chinese intelligence officers in documents that he had taken from the Army. He also emailed Chinese security forces offering to turn over national defense information. Schmidt moved to Hong Kong in March 2020 and again contacted Chinese intelligence services, attempting to pass classified information. He also offered to turn over a device that allows for access to secure U.S. military computer systems. U.S. Indo-Pacific Commands area of responsibility. (Department of Defense) In addition to the documents, Schmidt sought a position with the Chinese as an intelligence or security asset, according to court records. During his time in China, he traveled to Beijing. Schmidt emailed information to government-affiliated news media in China. The FBI has said it does not know for certain whether the Chinese ever met with Schmidt. But federal agents intercepted messages he sent seeking meetings with Chinese agents, as well as his online searches for spying techniques. The FBI investigated the case with assistance from the Army Counterintelligence Command and the U.S. Attorneys Office. Schmidt was indicted in Seattle on Oct. 4, 2023, and a warrant for his arrest was issued. The Chinese government did not renew Schmidts visa, and he was arrested on Oct. 6, 2023, upon arrival at San Francisco International Airport from Hong Kong. Schmidt initially entered a plea of not guilty to the charges. However, federal authorities and defense attorneys agreed that he was not mentally fit to understand the charges and stand trial. In February 2025, Coughenour ruled that Schmidt was competent to stand trial. Schmidts case file offered little insight into his motivation beyond an email that he sent to his sister. I learned some really terrible things about the American government while I was working in the Army, and I no longer feel safe living in America or like I want to support the American government, he wrote. Brig. Gen. Rhett R. Cox, of U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command, said in June that Schmidts case was not a lapse in judgment, but a serious breach of trust. This individual failed to uphold his oath to defend our Nation and to protect the lives of those he served beside, Cox said in a statement. By attempting to provide classified information to China, he put our mission at risk and abandoned his fellow Soldiers for personal gain. These actions threaten our national security. Federal agents confront protesters outside of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building on Sept. 28, 2025, in Portland, Oregon. (Mathieu Lewis-Rolland, Getty Images/TNS) (Tribune News Service) A U.S. appeals court agreed to reconsider a ruling that would allow President Donald Trump to send National Guard troops to Portland, Ore., stalling the deployment again just as the states lawsuit challenging the plan heads to trial in a lower court. The decision Tuesday by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco extends a temporary block on Trumps deployment of troops to Portland, where he claims federal property and personnel are at risk from out-of-control protesters. Oregon says Trump is wildly exaggerating the situation and that federal agents aggressive tactics are making the situation worse. A federal court judge in Portland is slated to hold a three-day trial starting Wednesday on a lawsuit seeking to block the presidents plan to send in the military. The appeals courts chief judge announced the agreement by the court to rehear an earlier 2-1 decision by a three-judge panel in a two-sentence order with no explanation. It comes as Trump continues to tout his plans to bring state National Guard troops under federal control and send them into Democratic-led cities that he claims are impeding the activities of U.S. immigration agents. Similar lawsuits are challenging Trumps deployments to Los Angles, Chicago and Washington, DC, with mixed success. Oregon last week asked for a so-called en banc review by a full complement of the appeals court judges. The state argued that the majority on the three-judge panel had issued a ruling Oct. 20 that got the law fundamentally wrong. In a filing, the state said the opinion incorrectly took into account violent protest incidents that took place as long as three months before Trumps Sept. 27 order for troops to be deployed to Portland, as well as violent incidents at facilities in Dallas and Chicago. Such decisions should only be based on events that are recent and local, Oregon argued. By greenlighting the federalization of Oregons National Guard for reasons divorced from space, time, or facts in Portland, the panel majority affronts Oregons sovereignty and erodes the rule of law, the state said in a court filing. The Trump administration argued against the review, saying in a separate filing that the president was justified in considering events from months earlier and in other cities as part of a pattern of conduct. The 2-1 ruling at issue was handed down by a majority that consisted of two Trump appointees, Ryan D. Nelson and Bridget Bade, and a third judge, Susan Graber, appointed by Bill Clinton, who wrote a blistering dissent. In a twist, Graber was the first to call for an en banc review, something the losing party typically requests. In her dissent, she said the majority had issued a ruling based on conjecture and propaganda rather than facts. I urge my colleagues on this court to act swiftly to vacate the majoritys order before the illegal deployment of troops under false pretenses can occur, Graber wrote. Above all, I ask those who are watching this case unfold to retain faith in our judicial system for just a little longer. Trump filed the appeal to challenge a temporary order issued Oct. 4 by U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut in Portland. Immergut, a Trump appointee, ruled there were no facts to support the presidents claims on social media that Portland was ravaged by war and that anarchists and professional agitators were trying to burn down federal property and other buildings. The case is State of Oregon vs. Donald Trump, 3:25-cv-01756, US District Court, District of Oregon (Portland). (With assistance from Robert Burnson.) 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. U.S. soldiers assigned to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, set up a Howitzer at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, Romania, May 1, 2025. The U.S. Army command in Europe said Wednesday the divisions 2nd Brigade will not be replaced as it nears the end of its nine-month deployment to Romania. (Nathan Arellano Tlaczani/U.S. Army) WASHINGTON The Republican chairmen of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees on Wednesday condemned the Pentagons plan to draw down American troop levels in Romania, saying the decision was made without consultation with lawmakers and threatened to undermine deterrence against Russia. In a joint statement, Rep. Mike Rogers, of Alabama, and Sen. Roger Wicker, of Mississippi, said they strongly opposed the move to discontinue a rotational U.S. Army brigade to Romania and were seeking clarification from the Pentagon on how it planned to mitigate the impact of the decision. The U.S. Army command in Europe said Wednesday the 101st Airborne Divisions 2nd Brigade will not be replaced as it nears the end of its nine-month deployment to Romania and other countries in the Black Sea region. The pullback comes as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth looks to shift the militarys focus to domestic security and competition with China. Rogers and Wicker accused the Pentagon of unilaterally downsizing U.S. forces despite their appeals earlier in the year to coordinate any major posture changes with Congress. Defense policy legislation drafted by the House and Senate this year calls for a robust U.S. presence in Europe and stipulates that modifications must go through a review process. We stated that we will not accept significant changes to our warfighting structure that are made without a rigorous interagency process, coordination with combatant commanders and the Joint Staff, and collaboration with Congress, Rogers and Wicker said. Unfortunately, this appears to be exactly what is being attempted. The lawmakers described Romania as a strong ally that spends heavily on defense and has made major investments to host American service members. Since 2016, the country has been home to the U.S. Navys Aegis Ashore missile defense system and accepted substantial political, military and economic risk to protect NATO allies and U.S. troops, the lawmakers noted. A pullback of American forces from the region risks inviting further Russian aggression as Russia increasingly ventures into NATO airspace, according to Rogers and Wicker. Romania in September said it tracked a Russian drone flying through its airspace for 50 minutes. This decision sends the wrong signal to Russia at the very moment President Trump is applying pressure to force Vladimir Putin to come to the table to achieve a lasting peace in Ukraine, the lawmakers said. Unfortunately, the Pentagons decision appears uncoordinated and directly at odds with the Presidents strategy. The chairmen said they will seek assurances from the Pentagon that the two armored brigades in Poland will remain in place and that the U.S. continues deploying rotational forces to Poland, Romania and the Baltics. Nearly 84,000 American service members were stationed in Europe as of early 2025, according to U.S. European Command. In 2024, 14,000 troops were in Poland, 2,150 were in Romania, 1,000 were in Lithuania and 700 were in Estonia, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies. Romanias defense minister said Wednesday that about 1,000 American troops in the country will stay on. The downsizing of the U.S. forces is an effect of the new priorities of the presidential administration, Romanias defense ministry said in a statement. Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX) is one of the Best Stocks to Buy for High Returns Heading into 2026. On October 23, William Plovanic from Canaccord Genuity reiterated a Buy rating on Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX) with a price target of $132. The rating comes after the company, on October 22, released results for its fiscal third quarter 2025. The company topped EPS and revenue estimates by $0.04 and $90.87 million, respectively. The analyst noted that the EPS of $0.75 was also significantly higher than the firms estimation of $0.70. This was primarily driven by a substantial improvement in gross margins. Moreover, Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX) also raised its full-year guidance and now projects 20% growth and an adjusted EPS in the range of $3.02 to $3.04. The firm believes some of the key drivers of the companys growth are its Watchman and Farapulse products, continued investment in growth, and expected label expansions of existing products. Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX) develops and markets medical devices for various interventional specialties. The companys products address gastrointestinal, urological, neurological, and cardiovascular conditions using minimally invasive technologies. While we acknowledge the potential of BSX 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: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Canada is launching an antidumping investigation into imports of truck bodies from producers operating in or exporting from China. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is set to determine whether these imports are being sold in the country at dumped prices or are benefitting from government subsidies. The inquiry comes after a complaint lodged by Morgan Canada and Morgan Transit, manufacturers of truck bodies based in Bolton, Ontario, and Laval, Quebec, respectively. The complainants allege that a rise in dumped and subsidised imports has inflicted material injury on their businesses, citing price undercutting and price depression alongside fewer bookings and lost sales. They also say these imports have negatively affected production, usage of capacity, market share, employment and overall financial performance. According to the complaint, the two companies account for the majority of Canadian truckbody production. The CBSA is due to reach a preliminary determination by 22 January 2026. Additionally, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) will conduct a preliminary inquiry into whether the imports are causing injury to domestic producers and must issue its decision by 23 December 2025. Canada now has 158 special import measures in place across a range of industrial and consumer products. The government states these measures have provided support to protect roughly 45,000 jobs in the country and about C$18.4bn ($13.16m) in production last year. Earlier this month, the government said it would lessen the number of vehicles that Stellantis and General Motors (GM) may import into Canada dutyfree, following those companies decisions to scale back manufacturing activity in the country. "Canada opens antidumping probe into truck body imports from China" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. US-based casual dining chain The Cheesecake Factory has reported net income of $31.89m for the third quarter (Q3) of 2025, up 6.3% compared with $29.99m a year previously. For the quarter ended 30 September, total revenues increased 4.8% year-on-year (YoY) to $907.22m. The company owns and operates 365 restaurants across the US and Canada under brands including The Cheesecake Factory, North Italia, Flower Child and other Fox Restaurant Concepts (FRC) brands. Revenue composition for the period included $651.37m from The Cheesecake Factory, $83.48m from North Italia and $78.01m from other FRC and related operations. The company incurred a $800,000 pre-tax charge, largely tied to costs from acquiring FRC. After removing the after-tax impact of this and select items, adjusted net income for Q3 was $33.2m, or $0.68 per diluted share. Comparable restaurant sales at The Cheesecake Factory rose 0.3% YoY during the quarter. The Cheesecake Factory chairman and CEO David Overton stated: Performance was led by The Cheesecake Factory restaurants, delivering positive comparable sales results amid a more challenging and competitive environment, underscoring the strength and resilience of our namesake concept. Our operators once again executed exceptionally well, delivering year-over-year improvements in labour productivity, wage management and hourly staff and manager retention, supporting healthy margin performance. New restaurant openings continue to perform well, and with two openings in the third quarter we remain on track to achieve our unit growth objective for the year. In Q3, the company launched two additional FRC outlets and opened two licensed Cheesecake Factory locations in Mexico. After the quarter had ended, the company opened one further FRC location. The company restated guidance to open as many as 25 restaurants in fiscal 2025, encompassing up to four The Cheesecake Factory units, six North Italia sites, nine FRC restaurants and six Flower Child locations. The company announced a quarterly dividend of $0.27 per share. "The Cheesecake Factory profit rises more than 6% in Q3 2025" was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, a GlobalData owned brand. Hector Barbotta Sevilla Wednesday, 29 October 2025, 17:58 Share With a growth forecast for the Andalusian economy of 2.3% and an unemployment rate that is expected to remain below 14% - a rate as low as before the Great Recession in 2008 - the governing council of Andalucia's regional government (the Junta) has approved the draft for the 2025 budget law, expected to come into force on 1 January, once it has been endorsed by Parliament. Two thirds of the budget will be allocated to social spending, half of them to health. The budget will be fundamentally supported by the Junta's own resources. Almost 77% of expenditure will be covered by self-financed funds, compared to 6.5% coming from earmarked transfers provided by the Spanish government to fund specific initiatives, as regional finance minister and spokesperson for the Andalusian government Carolina Espana has stated. It is also the largest investment budget in Andalucia's history, with a 10% year-on-year growth, well above the overall growth of the budget. Allocations to the self-employed are also increased by 50%. Optimistic forecast The calculations, which include a total of 51,597.9 million euros, are based on an optimistic forecast for the performance of the Andalusian economy, with an estimated growth of 2.3% and the creation of 85,750 jobs, which would reduce the unemployment rate to below 14%. However, Espana warned that employment predictions might fall short, as they usually do, except during the pandemic. In 2023, for example, when the forecast was 68,300, the number of jobs that were finally created in Andalucia rose to 108,100. The following year, there were 78,273 jobs compared to the 53,400 forecast. Although this is a historic budget for the region, Espana has stated that it is still not enough. "There is still a lack of 1.5 billion euros every year due to a system of regional funding that has neglected Andalucia since 2009," she said. Higher regional income The regional minister stated that, despite insufficient financing, what allows the budget to grow is the increase in revenue thanks to more taxpayers, more companies, more economic activity and more and better employment. This is also the seventh consecutive year with an extensive tax cut policy in the region, "that is helping improve the lives of families, leaving more money in their pockets and, at the same time, promoting greater economic activity". Espana attributed the increase in tax collection to the boost of the economy and not to a greater tax burden, as Andalucia now has one million more taxpayers than when Juanma Moreno became president of the Junta. According to Espana, it is a "serious, rigorous, prudent" budget, designed with the objective of containing debt and enhancing Andalucia's financial reputation. She expects that the Junta will achieve full financial autonomy next year, which means that it will be able to obtain resources by tapping the debt markets without having to resort to state loans. While she highlighted Moreno's budget capacity, Espana criticised PM Pedro Sanchez for systematically failing to present a draft budget in the central government. She stated that the Junta is aware of its responsibility to "provide Andalusian residents with a clear direction" and policies. She compared the regional government to the central government, stating that the former faces the "uncertainty and disorder" caused by the latter with "stability", proof of which is the budget. SUR in English Malaga Wednesday, 29 October 2025, 17:12 Share Tourism is one of the driving forces of the global economy. It creates jobs, attracts investment and boosts industries such as hospitality, transport and retail. Its importance has grown in recent years as more travellers seek cultural, natural and gastronomic experiences, helped by advances in digitalisation and sustainability. This momentum is reflected at the World Travel Market (WTM), taking place in London from 4 to 6 November. The event is one of the worlds main meeting points for professionals in the sector. In this context, Unicaja, one of Spains leading financial institutions, is once again renewing its support for the tourism industry. The bank is reaffirming its commitment to the companies that make up the sector and to the individuals who drive it forward. Approachable and commited Based in Malaga and listed on the Ibex 35, Unicaja stands out for its financial strength and community-focused approach. It operates only in Spain, with a broad presence across 80 per cent of the country. The bank holds a leading position in its home regions of Andalucia, Asturias, Cantabria, Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla y Leon and Extremadura, and also operates in Madrid, Ceuta and Melilla, maintaining its local approach to banking. Unicaja has around 1,000 branches, 2,200 ATMs and more than 7,500 employees serving four million customers. The bank follows a universal, sustainable and socially responsible model that focuses on quality service, innovation and digital transformation. Its long-term strategy is built on values such as prudence, stability, ethics and commitment to regional development. Unicajas steady and confident growth reflects its belief in progress, diversity and unity. Deeply rooted in its home regions, the banks dedicated team provides close, professional support, ensuring an excellent experience for every customer. Solutions for new projects Unicaja offers a wide range of financial products and services designed to support both businesses and individuals with their projects and needs. Zoom For businesses, the bank remains firmly committed to helping the self-employed and SMEs, recognising their vital role in the economy. Its offer includes solutions to cover liquidity needs, finance investments and access non-financial services through strategic partnerships. These options are available through solucionaT, a dedicated digital space designed to make business management and growth easier. For individuals, Unicaja provides mortgages, personal loans, insurance and other services designed to simplify everyday life. All of these are integrated into an advanced digital environment that allows fast, secure and personalised management through its online banking service. Customers can also access beneficiaT, a space offering exclusive discounts and benefits on products and services related to home, mobility and leisure. Through these initiatives, Unicaja strengthens its commitment to improving the customer experience by offering comprehensive solutions that go beyond finance. Its approach combines innovation, accessibility and practicality to support customers through every stage of their personal and professional lives. Sustainability and inclusion Unicaja plays an active role in the transition towards a more sustainable and inclusive economic model. It integrates ESG (environmental, social and governance) criteria into its management strategy, with clear and measurable policies that anticipate future regulatory and social challenges. The bank works to ensure equal access to its products and services, adapting to an increasingly diverse and digital society. Its people-centred approach reinforces its commitment to economic and social development in its communities, always with respect for the environment and sustainability principles. Eugenio Cabezas Wednesday, 29 October 2025, 15:28 Share Torrox on the eastern Costa del Sol has become Malaga province's eleventh official 'tourist municipality' (municipio turistico) and joins Alora, Antequera, Ardales , Benalmadena, Estepona, Fuengirola, Frigiliana, Nerja, Ronda and Torremolinos. This recognition is granted by the Andalusian regional government "to correct or at least compensate for the negative effects that tourist activity may have on these municipalities, given that the 'Ley Reguladora del Regimen Local' law does not provide any mechanism to compensate for the financial imbalance caused by the overprovision of municipal services due to the influx of tourists". The Andalusian Tourism Council (CAT), the consultative body of the Andalusian regional government in tourism matters, held a meeting on Monday 27 October at which it also approved Vejer de la Frontera (Cadiz) and Capileira (Granada) as Tourist Municipalities of Andalucia, as well as the Virgen del Rosario pilgrimage in El Cuervo (Seville) and the patron saint festival in honour of Our Lady Virgen del Carmen, in Torrenueva Costa (Granada). Quality of services "These designations are a recognition of the efforts of the municipalities to improve the quality of public services with an impact on tourism, preserve their historical and natural heritage, and promote a sustainable development model that consolidates Andalucia as a leading, diverse and excellent destination," said the regional government's tourism department in a statement. During the meeting, the regional tourism spokesperson Arturo Bernal highlighted the value of these declarations "as tools to boost the competitiveness of Andalusian destinations. We reinforce our tourism leadership by recognising municipalities that have managed to combine the conservation of their heritage, the improvement of public services and the commitment to sustainable and quality tourism. This recognition not only boosts their promotion, but also facilitates access to specific tools and aid to further improve their competitiveness". Bernal went on to say that Torrox, with a population of 21,583 inhabitants, has "an outstanding sun and beach potential, an important historical heritage and a consolidated offer of accommodation and active tourism". The distinction will also grant free business hours during the summer season and Easter. "It not only boosts their promotion, but also facilitates access to specific tools and support" Mayor of Torrox Oscar Medina said in a statement on Tuesday 28 October that the declaration of Torrox by the Junta de Andalucia as a tourist municipality would allow the town to "maintain stable tourism 365 days a year". He added that it also "facilitates access to specific tools and aid to further improve the competitiveness of the municipality". According to the Junta de Andalucia, Vejer de la Frontera (Cadiz), with 13,171 inhabitants, has demonstrated a remarkable capacity to attract tourists, especially in its historic-artistic centre and in the natural environment of El Palmar, integrating sustainability and heritage management. Capileira (Granada), in the heart of the Alpujarra, with 582 inhabitants, "represents an example of a sustainable rural destination, with a tourist offer linked to the natural heritage of the Sierra Nevada National Park and its ethnographic wealth". The Virgen del Rosario pilgrimage in El Cuervo (Seville) has been held without interruption since 1960 and has established itself as one of the most representative demonstrations of local identity and religious tourism in the countryside of Seville. The Virgen del Carmen festival in Torrenueva Costa (Granada), with origins dating back to the nineteenth century, which combine processions on the coast and in the sea, offer an outstanding cultural and festive programme that attracts thousands of visitors every year. These distinctions recognise the uniqueness, continuity and tourist projection of Andalusian celebrations, strengthening the promotion of the region as a destination for cultural and experiential tourism. Bernal added that these figures "allow the benefits of tourism to be redistributed to the region, especially in small and medium-sized municipalities that stand out for their uniqueness and authenticity, thus contributing to balanced and sustainable tourism development throughout Andalucia". Jose Antonio Guerrero Madrid Wednesday, 29 October 2025, 17:54 Share '018' is the new freephone number that the Spanish government will make available to victims of road traffic accidents (RTAs) to advise them on any questions they may have and provide them with comprehensive care and follow-up for each case logged. Spain's Directorate-General of Traffic (the DGT) announced this initiative at a forum organised last June by the RTA victims' association 'Stop Accidentes', but it was only this October that the three-digit number for the new telephone service was finalised. This is set out in a resolution published on the website of the Ministry for Digital Transformation and Public Service, within the State Secretariat for Telecommunications and Digital Infrastructure, which proposes designating 018 as the number to provide telephone assistance to any victim, direct or indirect, of a road accident. The helpline will be fully operational "at the beginning of next year", according to DGT sources consulted on Tuesday, and will offer psychological, legal and social support to victims of RTAs and their families. In 2024, nearly 1,700 people died on Spain's urban (488) and interurban (1,154) roads, to which must be added almost 10,000 hospitalisations and 130,000 people treated for minor injuries. According to the same sources, the helpline was "a long-standing commitment the DGT had to all victims, both direct and indirect", referring to those injured and relatives of the deceased. The new hotline will be anonymous, free of charge and confidential. It will provide RTA victims with comprehensive care from specialised social workers, psychologists and legal professionals, as well as guidance and follow-up for each case and coordination with victims' associations and other support organisations. The 018 number will not be available 24 hours a day, as originally planned, but will operate from 8am to 9pm every day of the year. This and other details will be announced in an official presentation once the entire process is completed (the deadline for submitting objections is 17 November) and the service is ready to go live, which the DGT estimates will be in early 2026. Nine staff The contract has been awarded to the company Servicios de Teleasistencia, one of the three companies that bid for the job. It will run until 2027, with the option to extend for a further two years. The initial annual budget is 579,590 euros and the service will be staffed by nine people: six social work graduates, one psychology graduate, another graduate in law and one person to coordinate the team's work. The service will also ensure that users with hearing or speech impairments are provided with the necessary resources to receive appropriate care, taking into account their specific needs. Furthermore, the operating company contracted to manage the 018 helpline must submit statistics every January detailing the calls received during the previous year, their average duration and the percentage of unanswered calls, in order to "properly monitor service availability". The new service, which will also include a WhatsApp channel, will be able to advise accident victims on any questions they may have. "They will be able to ask about anything related to a victim after an accident: medical, police, judicial and social services information, as well as guidance on psychological and legal support", explained the DGT's secretary-general, Maria Lidon Lozano. As the traffic authority's deputy director, she went on to summarise the philosophy behind the measure: "When faced with an accident, one feels bewildered, uninformed, anxious, helpless... and that is what we intend to address with this phone service for victims of road accidents." The 018 helpline is part of the 2030 road safety strategy presented by the Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, to a full meeting of the ministerial committee for traffic and road safety in February 2022. The overall objective of this strategy is to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries in RTAs by up to 50% before the end of this decade. Such a phone service has been a long-standing demand from victims' associations that have been calling for it for years to help people involved in such incidents. Countries like France already have such a scheme in place. The DGT estimates that there will be around 100,000 calls per year and approximately 1,200 subsequent legal or psychological referrals. By Ella Cao and Naveen Thukral BEIJING/SINGAPORE (Reuters) -China's state-owned COFCO bought three U.S. soybean cargoes, two trade sources said, the country's first purchases from this year's U.S. harvest, shortly before a summit of leaders Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. As the two nations battle over trade tariffs, the lack of Chinese buying has cost U.S. farmers billions of dollars in lost sales, after they largely supported Trump in his campaigns for president. Although COFCO's deal for December-January shipment of about 180,000 metric tons of soybeans was China's first such buy in months, traders do not expect a significant resumption in demand for U.S. cargoes after recent large South American purchases. COFCO did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. "COFCO has proceeded to purchase U.S. beans even before the two leaders have reached a trade agreement," said a trader at an international trading company that supplies Chinese crushers. "The volumes booked by COFCO are not that large, three cargoes for now." Benchmark Chicago soybean futures prices jumped this week to their highest in 15 months, rebounding from recent five-year lows on hopes for a U.S.-China trade deal. The prime U.S. soybean export season normally runs from October through January, but China has shunned soybeans from the autumn U.S. harvest this year, amid protracted trade friction with Washington, turning instead to South American suppliers. Reuters was the first to report China's purchase of three cargoes. LACKLUSTRE DEMAND China, which takes more than 60% of world soybean imports, has nearly completed booking cargoes from Brazil and Argentina through November, with limited purchases expected for December and January ahead of the Brazilian harvest. "U.S. suppliers have missed out on most of oilseed crushing business," said a second oilseed trader, who expected China to need about 5 million tons of shipments in December and January, for which market conditions favour Brazil. U.S. soybeans, which traded at a steep discount to Brazilian cargoes in recent weeks due to subdued Chinese demand, have strengthened this week and are now priced at parity at about $2.45 per bushel above Chicago futures, traders said. Sign up for the Yahoo Finance Morning Brief By subscribing, you are agreeing to Yahoo's Terms and Privacy Policy Subscribe Private Chinese buyers tend to prefer Brazilian soybeans for their higher protein content, which typically brings a premium over U.S. soybeans, said Jeffrey Xu, general manager of Shanghai-based OCI, a soybean consultant and two other traders. Still, China could take about 8 million tons of U.S. soybeans for its strategic reserves in the period from December to May, traders said, buying through state-owned enterprises such as Sinograin, which would be worth roughly $4 billion. (Reporting by Ella Cao and Naveen Thukral; Additional reporting by Karl Plume in Chicago; Editing by Tony Munroe and Clarence Fernandez) Minoa, N.Y. A home was badly damaged in a fire on Wednesday morning in Minoa. Around 8:07 a.m., fire crews responded to the fire at 7730 Kirkville Road in Minoa, according to Onondaga County 911 Center dispatches. Large plumes of smoke could be seen rising from the roof as firefighters worked to contain the blaze. Crews used an aerial ladder truck to spray water onto the roof of the home. Firefighters also cut holes into the roof to release built-up heat, smoke and toxic gases. No one was injured in the fire, and everyone was out of the home when firefighters arrived. Syracuse.com has reached out to the Minoa Fire Department for more information to update this article. A new immersive movie theater experience has arrived in Syracuse. Regal Destiny USA opened a ScreenX auditorium on Saturday, featuring 270-degree panoramic viewing and luxury recliner seats. The upgraded auditorium replaces the 4DX theater experience at the Syracuse malls 19-screen movie theater. ScreenX is a multi-projection cinema experience that extends the movie screen onto the auditoriums sidewalls during select scenes, according to a press release. The technology adds dimensional depth to the visuals and places viewers inside the action sequences. Only two other theaters in Upstate New York currently feature ScreenX technology, at Regal Crossgates Mall in Albany and at Apple Cinemas in Greece, near Rochester. ScreenX first debuted in 2012 and is now in more than 370 theaters in 40 countries. Regal Destiny USA is showing the anime film Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc in its ScreenX auditorium this week. Upcoming films in the immersive format will include Predator: Badlands, Wicked: For Good, and Zootopia 2. Tickets for the new experience will cost moviegoers a little extra. Adult prices for ScreenX are currently listed at $19.49 (plus fees) through Regal Cinemas website and Fandango, compared to $14.99 (plus fees) for standard screening of Chainsaw Man. The ScreenX update is part of a months-long renovation project that began earlier this year at Regal Destiny USA. Auditoriums, including the IMAX and RPX experiences, are getting plush recliners and advanced laser projection for improved picture quality; a new concession area will feature expanded food and beverage offerings, including a bar serving beer and wine; enhancements are being made to the lobby, corridors and restrooms; and more self-service kiosks are being installed for buying tickets. A limited number of screens have remained open during each phase of construction, but a final completion date has not been announced. Its unclear if the IMAX theater will reopen in time for the upcoming release of expected blockbusters Wicked for Good (opening Nov. 21) and Avatar: Fire and Ash (Dec. 19). See a video preview of the ScreenX experience: A hidden gem of a museum with a treasure trove of fossils carefully tucked inside sits perched above Cayuga Lake. With over 7 million specimens, including a mastodon skeleton found in Upstate New York, the Paleontological Research Institution and its Museum of the Earth boast one of the largest fossil collections in the United States. It is a place where visitors can touch dinosaur bones and even take home fossils. But the museum is now on the brink of extinction. If the Paleontological Research Institution doesnt raise $1 million for its mortgage payment by New Years Eve, the Museum of the Earth in Ithaca will be foreclosed, WBNG reported on Monday. It could vanish, Warren Allmon, the institutions director, told WBNG. This could close. This could all disappear. The Hyde Park mastodon, a nearly complete mastodon skeleton discovered in Upstate New York, is one of the top displays at the Museum of the Earth in Ithaca, N.Y. Syracuse.com | New York Upstate archives Syracuse.com | New York Upstate archives The Paleontological Research Institution (PRI) was founded in 1932 by Gilbert Harris, a Cornell University professor. To showcase its extensive collection, PRI debuted the Museum of the Earth in 2003. The natural history museum opened in the town of Ithaca, filling its displays with fossils from around New York and the world including the Hyde Park mastodon, a nearly complete mastodon skeleton excavated by the Finger Lakes-based institute in 2000. The Museum of the Earth has been in financial peril since a group of donors neglected to fulfill a $30 million, 20-year pledge, Allmon told the Ithaca Voice in January. The donors had pledged to give the museum over $1 million a year, funds that the museum relied on to cover much of its operating budget, officials said in a statement posted on the museums website. Neither the annual pledges for the past couple years nor the larger long term pledges which were expected by now have been paid," officials said. The Museum of the Earth is on Trumansburg Road in Ithaca, N.Y. Syracuse.com | New York Upstate archives Syracuse.com | New York Upstate archives The lack of promised funds has led the museum to be in default on its mortgage for well over 18 months, the director told the Ithaca Voice. To help cut costs, the Museum of Earth trimmed its hours and reduced its staff by half, museum officials said. PRI, which runs the Cayuga Nature Center a few miles south of the museum, also canceled its summer camp and found new homes for the animals that called the center home. (The centers popular six-story treehouse, TreeTops Treehouse, remains open and free to the public.) With the help of the public and generous donors, officials announced in August that they had raised over $1 million to put toward the Museum of the Earths mortgage. The Museum of the Earth in Ithaca, N.Y. showcases fossils from the Paleontological Research Institution's extensive collection of over 7 million items. Syracuse.com | New York Upstate archives Syracuse.com | New York Upstate archives Weve made remarkable progress this past year and remain committed to our mission thanks to the generosity and enthusiasm of our friends and supporters," officials wrote. But with the threat of extinction now tied to a deadline, officials have again asked the public to help the Museum of the Earth raise the remaining $1 million it needs to survive. The Museum of the Earths fundraising page, titled Save the Museum of the Earth, has a $3 million goal. As of late Wednesday morning, the museum had raised $2,048,384.34. The Museum of the Earth, at 1259 Trumansburg Road in Ithaca, is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Monday. To learn more about the museum or how to donate to its fundraising campaign, visit the museums website. In 2003, while working in the neonatal intensive care unit at Syracuses Crouse Hospital, Deborah Ann Neuman made a complaint on behalf of her fellow nurses. The tubing for the newborn babies on their continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines kept falling out, despite the safety pins and rubber bands rigged to keep the equipment in place. Dr. Bonnie Marr challenged Neuman, telling the nurse, Well, if you dont like it, come up with something else. So, I did, she told The Post-Standard two years later. Neuman started fooling around with ideas in 2003 and by January 2004 took her prototype to a patent lawyer, reporter Amber Smith wrote. Neuman described her Bubble CPAP Cap for Neonates as a cute little hat that holds their equipment in place. The machine-sewn cap covered the babys ears and came down to their chin. The tubes were attached with Velcro. Its an important improvement for babies on CPAP because it allows their parents to hold them and nurses to move them around more easily, Smith wrote. And, if the CPAP helps their condition improve, many babies can avoid being placed on ventilators. Neuman donated 49 CPAP Caps to the Syracuse hospital and then waited to sell the caps until she obtained a patent. That was issued on May 10, 2005. Im a U.S. patent holder, she proudly said shortly after the gold-foil certificate arrived from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Her invention was just one example of Neumans dedication to area newborns during her 43-year career at Crouse Hospital. Deborah Ann (Wolcott) Neuman, of Camillus, passed away peacefully on Monday at Strong Memorial Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. She was 66 years old. According to her obituary, Neuman was born on February 10, 1959, in Philadelphia, PA. She devoted her life to caring for others, both personally and professionally. Neuman pursued her passion for nursing at Syracuse University and later earned her bachelors degree in nursing from Keuka College. Her dedication to the well-being of newborns led her to become a NICU nurse and a board-certified lactation consultant. Her work was more than a careerit was a calling, her obituary said. Debbie was known as a miracle worker by many families whose lives she touched during their most vulnerable moments. Her compassion and skill left an indelible mark on countless lives. She retired in April of 2025. At the heart of her world was her family. She shared a loving marriage with her husband, Jerry Neuman Sr., and together they built a life filled with joy and adventure. Neuman was a devoted mother to Jerry (Kara) Neuman Jr. and Jennifer (Matthew) Andino. Her five beloved grandchildrenGavin, Maddy, Greyson, Beckett, and Owenwere the light of her life. She loved nothing more than snuggling with them and watching them grow. She also cherished the bond she shared with her siblings: sisters, Lynn Wolcott and Sue Bahnick and brother, Samuel Olcott. She carried forward the love and values instilled by her late parents, Samuel and Carol Wolcott. Outside of work and family, Debbie found joy in simple pleasures that reflected her generous spirit, her obituary said. Neuman loved making handmade cards, a small but heartfelt way she expressed care for others, and treasured spontaneous excursions with Jerry Sr., especially their frequent trips to Carvel. Those who knew Debbie will remember her as selfless and caring someone who would do just about anything for anyone without hesitation or expectation, her obituary said. Her warmth radiated through every aspect of her life. There will be no calling hours. To celebrate Neumans life, relatives and friends are invited to a memorial service on Monday, November 3, at 11 a.m., at the First Baptist Church of Memphis, 1960 W. Genesee Turnpike, Elbridge. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741, or to the Crouse Health Foundation, c/o Crouse Little Fighters, 736 Irving Ave., Syracuse, NY 13210. Visit her obituary at the Buranich Funeral Homes website to order memorial trees, flowers, or to send a gift in Neumans memory. Verona, N.Y. Forget waiting until 2027. New York states largest convention destination resort is now set to open by the summer of 2026. Construction of the massive $370 million expansion at the Oneida Indian Nations Turning Stone Resort Casino is both ahead of schedule and a bit under budget, nation officials announced this week. The project, which started in 2023, is adding a new 258-room hotel to the Turning Stone campus in Verona and more than doubling its existing events space. The expansion, which the Oneidas call Turning Stone Evolution, is the largest construction project at the resort since it opened in 1993. It was initially expected to be completed by 2027. The nation is starting to work on bookings for the new space now. The new Crescent Hotel is expected to open June 29. The new convention and conference space, called the Grand Expo, will open by Labor Day. When the project is complete, the Turning Stone campus will have more than 1,000 rooms in four hotels and more than 225,000 square feet of events and meeting space. That will make it the largest meetings and conventions resort destination in the state, nation officials said. Everything the Evolution is creating will allow us to compete with some of the top tourism and events markets in the country, said Ray Halbritter, the nations representative and CEO of Turning Stone Enterprises, the nations business arm. Destinations like New York City, Chicago, Orlando and more. (It will) demonstrate what we have always known about Upstate New York: that we have everything these destinations offer and more. The Evolution project is focused on convention and conference capabilities, which are currently operating at nearly full capacity. Current facilities include the Turning Stone hotel tower, which is the tallest building between Albany and Buffalo. The expansion does not include any additions to the gaming operations at the full-service casino. Getting such a huge undertaking to take shape so quickly took a lot of work, Halbritter said. We have weekly meetings, just being vigilant and staying on top of things, Halbritter said Monday during a tour of the construction site. And of course we have very good construction partners. Halbritter said hes happy with the progress and cost of construction, but even more excited about the workmanship. Price and those things are nice, but whats important is the quality, he said. Thats what will stand the test of time. Construction of the Crescent Hotel is led by general contractor TN Ward Co, of Ardmore, Pa. Syracuse-based Hayner Hoyt Corp. is general contractor for the Grand Expo. Gensler, a San Francisco-based architectural company, led the design. The construction includes more than 60 other contractors. The $340 million expansion of Turning Stone Resort Casino which includes this Crescent Hotel is way ahead of schedule and plans to be completed the summer of 2026. Photographed Monday, October 27, 2025 (N. Scott Trimble | strimble@syracuse.com) N. Scott Trimble | strimble@syracuse.com The project created 3,600 construction and related jobs, and generated more than $600 million in economic impact and $22 million in state and local taxes, the nation said. Hiring was done in partnership with the Central-Northern New York Building & Construction Trades Council, which represents union workers. The nation, which currently has a payroll of about 5,000 employees, is now hiring about 350 workers to staff the new facilities. One thing we know about the Oneida Indian Nation they dont think small," Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente said in a statement released by the Oneidas. When they do something, they go big, and this project is huge for our community. This rendering from the Gensler architectural firm shows the new hotel and convention center at Turning Stone Resort Casino to be operated by the Oneida Indian Nation in Verona. It is expected to open in the summer of 2026. The resort's existing hotel is in the background. Oneida Indian Nation Highlights of the Turning Stone Evolution: The Grand Expo, a 165,000-square-foot conference facility. It will double Turning Stones existing events space, with multiple main and breakout rooms and add new outdoor spaces. It will allow Turning Stone to accommodate more than one major event at a time. The Crescent Hotel, which will have 258 guest rooms and suites. Salt Seafood & Raw Bar, a new fine-dining restaurant in the Crescent. Located on the seventh floor, it will include two separate three-season outdoor seating venues. A 1,500-space parking garage that will double currently available parking. Turning Stone frequently appears on lists of top destination resorts in the region, including a four-star rating from Forbes. In addition to Turning, Oneida Nation Enterprises operates two other full-service casinos, YBR in Chittenango and Point Place in Bridgeport. Other businesses include The Lake House and The Cove in Sylvan Beach, and Maple Leaf Markets, and SavOn convenience stores around the region. A new hotel is expected to open at Point Place within the next few weeks. To the Editor: As the federal government shutdown stretches on for weeks now, our focus must be on people and not politics. This prolonged impasse has a devastating and immediate impact right here in Oswego County impacting our neighbors, our families and our children. Oswego County already ranks in the top 10% of New York state counties with high poverty rates. This shutdown threatens a halt to essential services to individuals and families that keep them fed, housed and healthy. It threatens to pull more families further into poverty and strain the local nonprofits that form our communitys critical safety net. We see the potential for lasting negative impact every day. Consider the story of Mark, a father of four who was the main breadwinner, working a decent-paying local job. A sudden, serious medical diagnosis exhausted all his sick leave, leading to the eventual loss of his job. Now, Mark is struggling to pay the bills and, most agonizingly, to keep food on the table for his children. His story is a stark reminder that many families are just one crisis one illness, one job loss away from financial hardship. This shutdown means the critical assistance he now relies on, like SNAP for food security, health care access and stable housing programs, are hanging by a thread. The basic needs of families and children having food in the cupboard, a roof over their heads, and access to doctors and life-saving medications transcend any political debate. Without swift action, these essential lifelines are at risk of being cut or delayed. For 59 years, Oswego County Opportunities Inc. (OCO) has been a reliable pillar of support, providing essential services that empower more than 15,000 individuals annually to thrive. Many OCO programs, which range from food security and shelter to early education and health services, rely on federal funding. A sustained shutdown places services in jeopardy just when the need is escalating. Already struggling individuals and families, and even those like Mark who are newly in crisis, will turn to OCO and other local nonprofits. The burden will fall squarely on our already strained resources. Normally at this time of year we are hoping to expand offerings around Thanksgiving and the holiday season. Instead, if the government shutdown continues, we will instead be looking at ways we can sustain our critical services. We simply do not have the capacity to meet the needs of even more people without the federal funds that are woven into the foundation of the aid we provide. The essential services we provide and the families in need must not become collateral damage as a result of current politics. Oswego County Opportunities Inc. will continue to serve Oswego County to the best of our ability during times of financial uncertainty, always with a focus on fulfilling our mission of helping people, supporting communities and changing lives. Diane Cooper-Currier Executive Director Oswego County Opportunities Inc. Fulton KINGSTON N.Y. (AP) A former New York state trooper was accused in court Tuesday of using his patrol car as a battering ram in a high-speed pursuit that killed an 11-year-old girl, a case one prosecutor called a fatal abuse of power. Christopher Baldner faces multiple charges for his actions on the night of Dec. 22, 2020, after he pulled over a Dodge Journey driven by Tristin Goods for speeding. Goods was driving north on the New York State Thruway with his wife and two daughters for a holiday with family. The trooper and the driver argued, and Baldner pepper-sprayed the inside of the vehicle. Goods drove off and Baldner pursued at speeds as high as 130 mph, twice ramming the SUV, causing it to lose control and flip over after the second impact, according to prosecutors. He used his patrol car as a weapon and rammed into the back of the Goods family car, not once, but twice, Assistant Attorney General Jennifer Gashi told a jury in her opening statement. Eleven-year-old Monica Goods was found dead inside the vehicle. Gashi said Baldners actions that night were deliberate, willful and depraved. The case was not about a tragic accident, but a fatal abuse of power, she said. Baldner was indicted in October 2021 on charges of murder, second-degree manslaughter and first-degree reckless endangerment. Three of the six endangerment charges stem from a separate 2019 case on the Thruway in which he is accused ramming the back of a Dodge Caravan with three people aboard, causing the vehicle to crash into a guard rail. A defense attorney told the jury the prosecution was trying to demonize Baldner, who was dealing with a belligerent and uncooperative driver. Tristin Goods refused to show the trooper his license and registration, or to provide his name. He was raging and swearing, despite pleas from his family to calm down, said attorney Anthony Ricco. New York State Trooper Baldner was laser-focused on a man who conducted himself that way in front of his wife and children, Ricco said. Ricco said Baldner did not act out of depravity. Baldner had radioed dispatch that night that the SUV had rammed his vehicle, according to court papers. Ricco told the jury it was possible the SUV decelerated before impact. Baldner. has been free on $100,000 bail. He retired in 2022 after almost 20 years with the state police. The trial is expected to take several weeks. A school bus with children on board tipped over this morning after a crash with an unmarked police car in Upstate New York. The deputy driving the unmarked car has been ticketed for failing to stop at a stop sign before the accident in the Finger Lakes during the foggy morning commute. An unmarked Chevrolet Impala owned by the Seneca County Sheriffs Office collided with a school bus for the Penn Yan Central School District at 7:28 a.m. on Pre-Emption Road at State Route 54 in Benton, according to the Yates County Sheriffs Office. The accident happened just outside the village of Penn Yan. The crash tipped the school bus onto its passenger side and left the front of the Impala sedan crumpled, photos show. At the time of the crash, driver David R. Mulberger, a 62-year-old man from Penn Yan, and three children were on the school bus, deputies said. A school bus overturned after a crash with an unmarked Seneca County sheriff's office car the morning of Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, at Pre-Emption Road and State Route 54 in Benton, New York. Courtesy of Yates County Sheriff's Office Courtesy of Yates County Sheriff's Office The sheriffs office did not say if anyone was injured. But in a statement, the Penn Yan Central School District said EMS responded immediately and medical care was provided on site. Deputies identified Mateo A. Andrew, a Seneca County sheriffs deputy, as the driver of the Impala. The 22-year-old Seneca Falls man and his passenger, Deputy Colton Rice, 21, of Clyde, were on their way to attend the basic course for police officers at the Southern Tier Law Enforcement Academy in Horseheads at the time of the crash, the Seneca County Sheriffs Office said in a news release. Andrew has been ticketed for failing to stop at a stop sign, deputies said. The crash remains under investigation. Yates County deputies said the cause of the accident will be determined pending the completion of the investigation. In addition to deputies, members of the Penn Yan Fire Department, Penn Yan Area Volunteer Ambulance Corps, the Benton Volunteer Fire Department, the Dresden Volunteer Fire Department, Yates County EMS and the Yates County Office of Emergency Services also responded to the scene. Amidst the ongoing construction at the White House for President Trumps ballroom, First Lady Melania Trump still found time to decorate their residence for Halloween. On Tuesday, her office shared a photo to social media showcasing the White Houses Halloween decorations. The image featured pumpkins lining the stairs of the South Portico, with strings of faux leaves hanging from the double-tiered balcony. An orange sign reading Halloween 2025 was displayed above the ground-level door. The @whitehouse is getting ready for Halloween pic.twitter.com/J7LAs6hqfl Office of the First Lady (@FirstLadyOffice) October 28, 2025 The First Ladys decorating choices sparked immediate discussion on X (formerly Twitter). Looks very tacky, commented one person. Another user made light of the government shutdown and the resulting loss of food stamps. Awesome, too bad millions will have no food soon, they said. Meanwhile, others praised the First Ladys eye for design. Man, the White House is looking so classy. Im so happy to see the beautification process of our house, read one comment. While the Melania author seemingly opted for fall-themed decorations rather than spooky ones, many users appeared to take issue with the Halloween signage, as the Oct. 31 celebration isnt a Christian holiday. Trump, who previously identified as a Presbyterian, confirmed to Religion News Today in 2020 that he is now a non-denominational Christian. We should change Halloween to harvest fest. Emphasize Christian values instead of this demonic holiday, opined one person. Another wrote: Not very Christian to celebrate a Pagan festival. Other users proposed that after Halloween, the pumpkins could be donated to a food bank. According to a White House press release, a trick-or-treating event will be held on Thursday, Oct. 30, on the South Lawn, with these decorations as the backdrop. The President and First Lady will hand out candy while the U.S. Air Force Strolling Strings perform live. Various attractions from U.S. agencies will also be present, including photo opportunities and treats from local farmers. US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden (R) attend a Halloween trick-or-treat event at the South Portico of the White House in Washington, DC, on October 30, 2024. (Photo by Tierney CROSS / AFP) (Photo by TIERNEY CROSS/AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images This is a sharp contrast from former President Joe and Jill Bidens Hallo-READ! event last year, which placed a strong emphasis on encouraging children to read more. Trick-or-treaters received candy and books during their visit. China has increased its underground gas storage capacity by the most of any country since 2022, the International Gas Union (IGU) said in a new report on Monday. As of 2025, there are 699 underground natural gas storage facilities in operation worldwide, with a total working gas volume of 424 billion cubic metres (bcm), the IGU report found. Thats an increase of 10 bcm compared to 2022. Of note is the fact that China added 6 bcm to its storage capacity, now ranking 6th globally, the IGU said. The top five countries with the largest available gas storage capacity are the United States, Russia, Ukraine, Canada, and Germany. China has now moved up to sixth, thanks to the jump in its available gas storage capacity in recent years. Unlike the surge in China, underground gas storage (UGS) in developed markets appears to be stagnating or experiencing only modest growth, the IGU report said. But China, the worlds second-largest economy and major gas consumer, continues to expand underground gas storage. Additional capacity could help the country reduce its exposure to the volatile spot LNG market as higher storage capacity could diminish the need for LNG cargo imports. For example, PetroChina earlier this year agreed to buy three natural gas storage facilities from its state-owned parent CNPC. By snapping up CNPCs Xinjiang, Xiangguosi, and Liaohe gas storage sites, PetroChina bulked up capacity and tightened control of the full gas chain at a moment when Beijing is leaning hard into the fuel as both a security hedge and a lower-emission bridge. Natural gas use has been stable even as EVs chew away at road fuel sales, and CNPC expects demand to accelerate through the second half of the decade. Last month, China said its first underground salt cavern gas storage facility became operational after a major expansion. This is significantly boosting Chinas ability to manage peak demand and ensure energy security, state media reported. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Oilprice Intelligence brings you the signals before they become front-page news. This is the same expert analysis read by veteran traders and political advisors. Get it free, twice a week, and you'll always know why the market is moving before everyone else. You get the geopolitical intelligence, the hidden inventory data, and the market whispers that move billions - and we'll send you $389 in premium energy intelligence, on us, just for subscribing. Join 400,000+ readers today. Get access immediately by clicking here. Australias consumer watchdog has launched legal action against Microsoft, accusing the tech giant of misleading about 2.7 million Australians into paying more for Microsoft 365 subscriptions bundled with its new AI assistant, Copilot. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) alleges that Microsofts communication led subscribers to believe they had no choice but to move to higher-priced plans that included Copilot or cancel their service when a cheaper Classic of Microsoft 365 without AI features was still available. Hidden Option Behind The Cancel Button According to the ACCC, Microsoft rolled out the Copilot upgrade with AI features like drafting text and summarizing emails to Australian users on October 31, 2024. The move came with sharp price hikes: 45% for the Personal plan (from A$109 to A$159) and 29% for the Family plan (from A$139 to A$179). The watchdog alleges that Microsoft sent two emails and published a blog post announcing the changes, but failed to mention a cheaper Classic version that kept all original features without Copilot. It also failed to inform that users could keep their old plan at the original price but only if they began the cancellation process, the ACCC added. The cheaper Classic plan appeared only after users clicked Cancel Subscription and went several steps into the process a design choice the ACCC calls misleading and deceptive. Microsoft deliberately omitted reference to the Classic plans in its communications and concealed their existence until after subscribers initiated the cancellation process to increase the number of consumers on more expensive Copilot-integrated plans, ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said. We believe many Microsoft 365 customers would have opted for the Classic plan had they been aware of all the available options. The regulator argues that the omission misled consumers and breached multiple sections of Australian Consumer Law, designed to stop companies from making false or misleading claims about prices or what products people need. Legal Penalties And Next Steps The regulator has filed a lawsuit in the Federal Court of Australia in New South Wales against both Microsoft Australia and its U.S. parent company, seeking orders including penalties, injunctions, declarations, consumer redress, and costs for the companys breached Australian Consumer Law. Under that law, a company found guilty of misleading conduct can face fines of up to A$50 million per breach, or three times the total benefits that have been obtained by the company and are reasonably attributable, or 30 percent of its adjusted turnover during the breach turnover period, whichever is greater. Microsoft Responds A Microsoft spokesperson said the company is reviewing the ACCCs claims, adding, Consumer trust and transparency are top priorities for Microsoft, and we are reviewing the ACCCs claim in detail. We remain committed to working constructively with the regulator and ensuring our practices meet all legal and ethical standards. Consumer Backlash Consumer advocates have praised the ACCCs move, saying it highlights growing concerns around AI-linked subscription pricing. For months, Australian users have voiced frustration over unexplained subscription increases, with many only discovering the cheaper Classic plan after comparing notes on online forums such as Reddit. This is exactly the kind of case we expect our regulator to pursue, said Stephanie Tonkin, CEO of the Consumer Action Law Centre. Many Australians may have paid more than they needed to because the cheaper option was buried. For now, Australian users who havent renewed their subscriptions since July 8, 2025, can reportedly still access the Classic plan by starting the cancellation process though the ACCC warns Microsoft could change those options at any time. Fintech banking firm Clearbank has a strategic framework agreement with a subsidiary of stablecoin issuer Circle to expand USDC and EURC throughout Europe. According to an Oct. 27 press release, Clearbank plans to join the Circle Payments Network and integrate with Circle Mint and other relevant services. The firm says this partnership will allow it to provide banking clients access to faster cross-border remittances with lower fees. The two firms will also explore additional strategic use cases, including stablecoin-based treasury solutions and future tokenized asset settlement integrations. Stablecoins Set to Transform European Banking Overall sentiment for stablecoins appears positive throughout the cryptocurrency community. Multiple users on Twitter were bullish on news of the partnership between Clearbank and Circle with many seeing it as a rising tide situation for the European Union. One user, for example, called the agreement a big signal that UK banks are opening the door for stablecoin rails in Europe. They went on to say that Circles USDC and EURC just got a fast track to the mainstream, before predicting that the next evolution for the industry would involve banks settling in cryptocurrency by default. As Coinspeaker recently reported, Circle previously entered an agreement with German exchange operator and infrastructure firm Deutsche Borse Group to bring USDC and EURC to 360T markets on Sept. 30. Both moves come amid a larger push for MiCA-compliant digital assets solutions throughout the EU. Major European banks, including ING, UniCredit, Danske Bank, and CaixaBank, recently announced plans to launch a Euro-pegged stablecoin under the EUs MiCA framework. Stablecoin Momentum Accelerates Across Global Markets The EU isnt the only territory experiencing a boom in stablecoin services and demand. There has reportedly been a 70% uptick in stablecoin transactions in the US in the three months since the GENIUS act was passed by the Donald Trump administration. In related news, the ratio of stablecoins to USD exchanges on Binance has fallen to 0.8149, the lowest level since 2023. This signals that traders are holding stablecoins at a higher rate, an indication of rising confidence. Read original story ClearBank Joining Circle Payments Network to Expand European Access to USDC, EURC by Tristan Greene at Coinspeaker.com Press Release from Business Wire: Yokogawa Electric Corporation (AFP) Oct 29, 2025 TOKYO, Oct 29, 2025 (BSW) - Yokogawa Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6841, "Yokogawa"), a leader in process automation technology, announces it has achieved a historic milestone in the deployment of industrial artificial intelligence (AI) solutions with Aramco, one of the world's leading integrated energy and chemicals companies. Multiple autonomous control AI*1 agents have been successfully implemented by Yokogawa at Aramco's Fadhili Gas Plant in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to enhance operational efficiency. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251028792329/en/ Fadhili Gas Plant (Courtesy of Aramco) The AI solution developed by Yokogawa uses multiple, coordinated AI agents of the Factorial Kernel Dynamic Policy Programming (FKDPP)*2 reinforcement learning-based AI algorithm to directly and autonomously control and optimize acid gas removal (AGR) operations at the Fadhili Gas Plant. The solution was introduced in three phases, progressively optimizing various sections until autonomous control of the core process in the AGR unit was achieved. To ensure safety, Yokogawa first created a simulator of the plant to train AI agents, and then evaluated their reliability and validity. Subsequently, they were integrated with Yokogawa's CENTUM VP integrated production control system to leverage the safety functions of the existing plant. Implementation is currently undergoing a detailed evaluation, but initial results from Fadhili Gas Plant demonstrate a 10% to 15% reduction in its amine and steam usage, around 5% reduction in power usage, improved process stability, and a significant decrease in operator manual intervention, despite ambient condition changes. Aramco Engineering Services Senior Vice President, Khalid Y. Al Qahtani, said: "Aramco has embarked on an ambitious plan to unlock value by deploying a wide range of industrial AI applications across our operations. The collaboration with Yokogawa is one of many initiatives that focus on improving efficiency, enhancing sustainability, and generating more value for our shareholders. It reflects how the company is harnessing advanced technology, including AI, to elevate its performance and reinforce its position as a technology leader in the energy sector. We look forward to building on this important milestone, as we explore further adoption of cutting-edge solutions that will contribute to a new era of industrial innovation." Kunimasa Shigeno, Director, President & CEO, and Representative Executive Officer of Yokogawa Electric, said: "We are honored that Yokogawa was entrusted by Aramco to implement such ground-breaking technology in one of its major facilities. We are very pleased that the results have already exceeded expectations. Yokogawa is advocating the transition from industrial automation to industrial autonomy (IA2IA), and this deployment proves that we are ready to lead the way towards safe and secure autonomous operations for plants in the energy sector." -0- *T *1Yokogawa defines autonomous control AI as AI that deduces the optimum method for control independently and has a high level of robustness enabling it to autonomously handle, to a certain extent, situations that it has not previously encountered.*2A reinforcement learning AI algorithm jointly developed by Yokogawa Electric and the Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST). FKDPP received the Prime Minister's Prize at the 2023 Japan Industrial Technology Awards (Nihon Sangyo Gijyutsu Taisho).*T About AramcoAs one of the world's leading integrated energy and chemicals companies, our global team is dedicated to creating impact in all that we do, from providing crucial oil supplies to developing new energy technologies. We focus on making our resources more dependable, more sustainable and more useful, helping to promote growth and productivity around the world. https://www.aramco.com/ About YokogawaYokogawa provides advanced solutions in the areas of measurement, control, and information to customers across a broad range of industries, including energy, chemicals, materials, pharmaceuticals, and food. Yokogawa addresses customer issues regarding the optimization of production, assets, and the supply chain with the effective application of digital technologies, enabling the transition to autonomous operations.Founded in Tokyo in 1915, Yokogawa continues to work toward a sustainable society through its 17,000+ employees in a global network of 128 companies spanning 62 countries.For more information, visit www.yokogawa.com. The names of corporations, organizations, products, services and logos herein are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Aramco, Yokogawa Electric Corporation or their respective holders. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251028792329/en/ Contact Media enquiriesYokogawa Electric CorporationPublic Relations Department, Integrated Communications CenterTokyo, [email protected] 2025 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release. Regional Spanish leader under fire year after deadly floods Madrid, Oct 29 (AFP) Oct 29, 2025 One year after historic floods killed 229 people in Valencia, the Spanish region's leader Carlos Mazon has faced mounting criticism over his handling of the disaster and defied calls to resign. The eastern region bordering the Mediterranean had woken up under the highest red alert for torrential rain on October 29 last year. But for five hours, the conservative Mazon, 51, was absent from the front line of an emergency response widely condemned as inadequate. Above all, the late sending of a mass telephone alert to residents at 8:11 pm sparked fierce scrutiny of his agenda and a debate about whether that delayed potentially life-saving action. "If Mazon had really been where he should have been, the alarm would have arrived on time," leftist MP Agueda Mico, of the regionalist Compromis party, said on Tuesday. Regions are primarily responsible for managing emergencies in Spain's decentralised political system, but Mazon has denied accusations of dereliction of duty during the country's deadliest natural disaster in decades. "I did not switch off my mobile, I was not unreachable, I did not lack coverage, I did not lose interest, nor was I lost," he told local newspaper Las Provincias in a rare interview since the tragedy. According to the Levante newspaper, a colleague told Mazon there were already "many deaths" when he arrived in the evening at the seat of the regional government after a lengthy lunch. Mazon resumed work at 7:45 pm and joined a critical emergency services meeting at around 8:30 pm, shortly after the telephone alert had been sent. But the warning was too little, too late: muddy floodwater was already gushing through towns south of Valencia city and claiming lives. - Shifting narrative - Mazon said he spent four of his five hours of absence having lunch with a journalist to offer her a job. This came after he had initially claimed to have eaten with a representative of Valencian businesses, but the person in question quickly came out to deny that account. The remaining hour of Mazon's absence -- a critical period during which regional authorities hesitated about sending the alarm -- remains shrouded in mystery. The journalist, Maribel Vilaplana, broke her silence last month, saying they left the restaurant "between 6:30 and 6:45". But sources close to Vilaplana, contradicting Mazon's narrative, revealed that he then accompanied her to search for her car instead of heading straight to his office. An unexplained gap persists in his account of events from 6:57 to 7:34, when Mazon made and received no calls, according to a list he submitted to a parliamentary committee. At 7:36 pm, the list shows he turned down a call from his then-top emergencies official, Salome Pradas, now under investigation for her role in the handling of the floods. - Conservatives 'undermined' - Although not under formal judicial investigation himself, Mazon has spent a year resisting intense pressure to resign. Thousands of protesters have descended on Valencia's streets every month demanding he quit, while 75 percent of the region's residents want him to go, according to a poll published on Monday by Las Provincias and conservative daily ABC. Experts view Mazon as a burden for the national leader of his opposition conservative Popular Party (PP), Alberto Nunez Feijoo, who prefers to dodge the topic. Mazon "undermines Feijoo as a leader" and gives the Socialists "arguments to respond to corruption accusations" against Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, said Anton Losada, a political science professor at the University of Santiago de Compostela. For Paloma Roman Marugan, associate professor of political science at Madrid's Complutense University, the PP has entered "a rabbit hole" that could have been avoided "with a swift resignation that never happened". "But bringing him (Mazon) down is a tricky puzzle" for the PP as the party has no obvious replacement and wants to avoid early elections, she told AFP. Spain to hold memorial on first anniversary of deadly floods Valencia, Spain, Oct 29 (AFP) Oct 29, 2025 Grieving relatives will join political leaders Wednesday for a state memorial service in Spain for the more than 230 victims of last year's floods on the anniversary of the disaster. King Felipe VI will lead mourners at the ceremony, which is set to get underway at 6:00 pm (1700 GMT) in Valencia, Spain's third-largest city on the Mediterranean coast. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and regional leader Carlos Mazon -- who is under fire over his response to Spain's deadliest floods in a generation -- are also expected to attend. Joining them will be mayors from the 78 municipalities hit by the floods, mostly in the southern outskirts of Valencia, and around 800 relatives of the victims. The event will take place at a museum in the City of Arts and Sciences, a cultural and architectural complex surrounded by shallow pools in Valencia. The regional government has declared a day of mourning, while the town of Paiporta, at the epicentre of the disaster, will observe three days of remembrance. "Any slightly cloudy day, you can sense that we're not okay, because we are a traumatised society," Marilo Gradoli, the head of an association representing victims of the floods, told AFP. In last year's natural disaster, torrential rain unleashed flooding that killed 229 people in towns near Valencia. Seven more people died in the neighbouring Castilla-La Mancha region, and one person died in Andalusia in the south. The deluge swept away 130,000 vehicles and damaged thousands of homes, generating 800,000 tonnes of debris. - 'On our own' - Mazon's regional administration has been heavily criticised for not sending out alerts to mobile phones until 8:11 pm -- when flooding had already started in some places. That was more than 12 hours after the national weather agency had issued its highest alert level for torrential rains. Despite signs of severe flooding, Mazon went ahead with an hours-long lunch with a journalist on the day of the catastrophe. He has defended his handling of the crisis, saying its magnitude was unforeseeable and that central authorities did not provide sufficient warning about the severity of the rain. Anger as well as sadness remain vivid among residents of the affected areas. "We were really on our own," said Doly Murcia, 50, from Paiporta, where 56 people died and furious survivors hurled mud at the visiting monarchs and Sanchez in the immediate aftermath. More than 50,000 people took to the streets of Valencia city on Saturday to demand that Mazon resign over his response to the floods, the latest in a string of such demonstrations. Mazon has frequently been heckled when appearing at public events, and some victims' families have called on him to stay away from the state memorial. But his conservative Popular Party, which sits in opposition to the Socialist Sanchez at the national level, has insisted he should be present as the representative of the Valencian people. A judicial investigation into the emergency response is underway. Under Spain's decentralised system, managing disasters falls under the authority of regional governments. Downgraded Hurricane Melissa makes landfall in Cuba Cuba, Oct 29 (AFP) Oct 29, 2025 A downgraded Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Cuba early on Wednesday after ripping a path of destruction across Jamaica, which authorities have designated a "disaster area." The National Hurricane Center (NHC) said Melissa, which it described as an "extremely dangerous hurricane," had weakened to a Category 3 storm before it made landfall in Santiago de Cuba province on the island's southern coast. It hit with maximum sustained winds of approximately 120 miles (195 kilometers) per hour, the NHC said, after fluctuating between Category 3 and Category 5, the highest on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Windspeeds of the storm, which is now about 60 miles (95 kilometers) west of Guantanamo, have eased slightly to a maximum of 115 miles (185 kilometers) per hour, but it was still causing "flooding rains and dangerous storm surge." Curtains of rain, dark skies, and raging seas lashed Cuba, as local authorities declared a "state of alert" in six eastern provinces. Residents told AFP they had been stockpiling food, candles, and batteries since Monday. "We bought bread, spaghetti, and ground beef. This cyclone is serious, but we'll get through it," Graciela Lamaison told AFP in Santiago de Cuba. Authorities in Haiti, east of Cuba, ordered the closure of schools, businesses and government offices on Wednesday. Cuban authorities reported that about 735,000 people have been evacuated so far. "It will be a very difficult night for all of Cuba, but we will recover," Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said on social media platform X. Carrying loved ones and a handful of quickly snatched belongings, Cuban families trekked along narrow paths slick with mud and fringed by dense greenery to head to relative safety. Others, visibly distraught, squeezed onto crowded buses -- gripping handrails and bags -- or loaded onto lorries waiting to be spirited away. - Rising flood waters - "A house collapsed in Mariana de la Torre, oh God, please," a resident of Santiago, the island's second-largest city, wrote on Facebook. "We are all being flooded," warned another resident of the city. In El Cobre, rescue workers were attempting to reach 17 people trapped by rising floodwaters and a landslide, according to state media. "We are safe and trying to stay calm," rheumatologist Lionnis Francos, one of those stranded, told the official news site Cubadebate. He did not mention any fatalities. Two children, five elderly people, asthmatics, and people with high blood pressure are among those trapped. "The rescuers arrived quickly. They called us, but couldn't cross because the road is blocked," the doctor added. Hurricane Melissa hit Jamaica as a Category 5 storm on Tuesday with winds of nearly 185 miles (300 kilometers) per hour, making it the most powerful tropical storm recorded this year globally, according to an AFP analysis of US weather data. The Category 5 hurricane is the most potent in terms of wind speed and pressure, and surpassed typhoon Ragasa, which lashed east Asia in September and had winds of 166 miles (267 kilometers) per hour, the data analyzed from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said. It is also the most powerful ever to hit Jamaica since records began and took hours to cross the country, first weakening and then intensifying again. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared the island a "disaster area" and authorities warned residents to remain sheltered because of continued flooding and the risk of landslides. Lisa Sangster, a 30-year-old communications specialist in Kingston, said her home was devastated by the storm. "My sister... explained that parts of our roof was blown off and other parts caved in and the entire house was flooded," she told AFP. The scale of Melissa's damage in Jamaica was not yet clear. A comprehensive assessment could take days because much of the island was still without power, with communications networks badly disrupted. Government minister Desmond McKenzie said several hospitals had been damaged, including in Saint Elizabeth, a coastal district he said was "underwater." Jamaican health authorities also urged on Tuesday to be vigilant of crocodiles that may have been displaced in the storm. - 'Severely damaged' - Jamaica's climate change minister told CNN that Melissa's effect was "catastrophic," citing flooded homes and "severely damaged public infrastructure" and hospitals. Mathue Tapper, 31, told AFP from Kingston that those in the capital were "lucky" but feared for fellow Jamaicans in the island's more rural western areas. Broad scientific consensus says human-driven climate change is responsible for intensified storms such as Melissa, which are increasingly frequent in the region and bring higher potential for destruction and deadly flooding. "Human-caused climate change is making all of the worst aspects of Hurricane Melissa even worse," said climate scientist Daniel Gilford. The United Nations is planning an airlift of some 2,000 relief kits to Jamaica from a supply station in Barbados once air travel is possible. Assistance is also planned for other affected countries, including Cuba and Haiti, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told journalists. Jamaican officials said around 25,000 tourists were in the country, famed for its normally crystalline waters. UK pledges 2.5 million aid to hurricane-hit Jamaica London, Oct 29 (AFP) Oct 29, 2025 The UK government announced pound2.5 million ($3.3 million) emergency funding for Jamaica on Wednesday after Hurricane Melissa battered the Commonwealth nation, causing extensive damage. "The UK government is mobilising pound2.5m in emergency humanitarian funding to support the Caribbean region's recovery," the foreign ministry said, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the devastation caused by the hurricane "truly shocking". The funding will be used for supplies including shelter kits, water filters and blankets as well as to help prevent injury and disease outbreaks. The Foreign Office has set up a crisis centre to provide consular assistance to British nationals in the region. The Royal Navy's HMS Trent was also at hand to provide humanitarian aid, the government said. UK media reported ahead of the hurricane's landfall that there were around 50,000 British dual nationals and 5,000 nationals in the popular Caribbean holiday destination. Melissa hit Jamaica as a Category 5 storm on Tuesday with winds of nearly 185 miles (300 kilometres) per hour. The most powerful storm to hit Jamaica since records began caused widespread power cuts and communication disruptions but the full extent of damage has yet to emerge. EU in race against time to agree climate emissions target Brussels, Belgium, Oct 29 (AFP) Oct 29, 2025 European diplomats are scrambling to agree on a 10-year target to cut EU carbon emissions this week, with time running out ahead of the United Nations COP30 climate summit. Ambitious plans put forward by the European Commission are yet to be approved by member states as divisions persist amid a competing push to boost the bloc's ailing industry. Environment ministers from the 27-nation union are to hold a key meeting on November 4. - Where is the EU at? - The commission said it wants to cut emissions by 90 percent by 2040, compared to 1990 levels -- a major milestone towards the overarching goal of reaching net zero a decade later. But some countries, such as Poland and the Czech Republic, see the target as unachievable and are dragging their feet, demanding concessions. This has in turn caused Brussels to miss the deadline to submit a linked 2035 emissions reduction plan to the UN. Signatories to the Paris Agreement were supposed to file their updated 2035 targets well ahead of COP30, which starts in Brazil on November 10. Brussels is still hoping to have something to show for its efforts in time for the summit. In the meantime it has come up with a non-binding compromise "statement of intent" to cut emissions between 66.25 percent and 72.5 percent. But that falls short of its obligation under the Paris treaty and critics say it is unbecoming for a global climate action leader. - What are the main issues? - In an attempt to break the deadlock, the EU's 27 leaders discussed the matter at a summit in Brussels on October 23. They urged Brussels to include a revision clause in its 2040 proposal to allow future tweaks if needed and to allow countries to count "an adequate level" of carbon credits towards their target. The use of carbon credits is one of two "sticking points" in the negotiations, according to Neil Makaroff of the Strategic Perspectives think tank. An earlier commission pledge for credits to account for up to three percent of a nation's emission cuts failed to persuade hardliners. The other issue is carbon sinks, with countries like France pushing to eschew binding targets, worried about the deterioration of forests and other emission absorbers. A commission plan to amend an emissions trading system has also proved divisive. - What's the big picture? - Behind only China, the United States and India in terms of greenhouse gases, the EU has been by far the most committed of the major polluters to climate action, having already cut emissions by 37 percent compared to 1990. Together with its member states, it is also the biggest provider of climate finance in the world, with 31.7 billion euros ($36.9 billion) in public funds mobilised in 2024. That has helped it style itself as a global leader in climate action, at a time when the United States is in full retreat. But tensions between the EU's desire to play a starring climate role and boost its sluggish economy have been bubbling up for months. A growing number of capitals, in what is an increasingly right-leaning bloc, have been receptive to industry's arguments that more flexibility is needed to regain competitiveness vis-a-vis China and the United States. While the overall trajectory towards net-zero is not up for discussion, calls for leeway have multiplied. Germany for example has come out against a 2035 ban on new combustion engine vehicles, opposed by many in the car industry. On the other hand, green advocates argue bold climate action is essential to stave off the worst consequences of rising temperatures, draw investments and turn Europe into a green tech superpower. 20 dead after Hurricane Melissa rakes Haiti: officials Port-au-Prince, Oct 29 (AFP) Oct 29, 2025 Flooding in Haiti triggered by Hurricane Melissa has left at least 20 people dead and 10 others missing, authorities in the Caribbean island-nation told AFP on Wednesday. Ten children were among those who died in river floods in the country's south, said Emmanuel Pierre, who heads the country's civil defense agency. Emergency responders were conducting searches for the missing, he added. The flooding of the Digue River destroyed several homes in the coastal town of Petit-Goave, several residents reported. "People have been killed, houses have been swept away by the water," resident Steeve Louissaint told AFP. In videos not verified by AFP, residents could be seen searching for their loved ones. A father was recorded in tears as he removed his daughter's lifeless body from under a pile of debris. Hurricane Melissa, the most powerful hurricane to make landfall in 90 years, has also slammed Jamaica and Cuba, where it caused "considerable damage" according to the Cuban president. The storm, which has been downgraded to Category 2, has triggered hurricane warnings in parts of the Bahamas and Bermuda. Caribbean reels from hurricane as homes, streets destroyed Santiago de Cuba, Cuba, Oct 29 (AFP) Oct 29, 2025 Cubans waded through flooded houses Wednesday and authorities in Haiti reported 20 dead as Hurricane Melissa blasted across the Caribbean after devastating swaths of Jamaica. The storm made landfall in Cuba overnight, with the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) describing it as "extremely dangerous" even as it started to weaken. "It has been a very difficult early morning," Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said on social media. "Extensive damage, and Hurricane Melissa is still over Cuban territory. I urge our people not to let their guard down, to maintain discipline, and to remain safely sheltered." Residents in the east of the communist island struggled through flooded homes and inundated streets, with windows smashed, power cables downed and roofs torn off. AFP reporters in the city of Santiago de Cuba reported that winds were intense on Wednesday morning and streets were full of mud, tree branches, roof tiles, downed power poles and other debris. The major hotel in the city had its glass windows shattered and some roof parts brought down. Hurricane Melissa had hit Cuba with maximum sustained winds of 120 miles (195 kilometers) per hour, the NHC said, and warned of continued rains causing "life-threatening and potentially catastrophic flash flooding with numerous landslides." - 'Disaster area' - At least 20 people in southern Haiti, including 10 children, were killed in floods, according to civil defense agency head Emmanuel Pierre. In the Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, officials said that a 79-year-old man was found dead after being swept away in a stream. Hurricane Melissa tied the 1935 record for the most intense storm ever to make landfall when it battered Jamaica on Tuesday, according to data from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared the island a "disaster area" as residents faced more flooding and a risk of landslides. Lisa Sangster, a 30-year-old communications specialist in Kingston, said her home was devastated. "My sister... explained that parts of our roof was blown off and other parts caved in and the entire house was flooded," she told AFP. - Communications down - In the Cuban town of El Cobre, rescue workers attempted to reach 17 people, including children and elderly people, trapped by rising floodwaters and a landslide, according to state media. "We are safe and trying to stay calm," rheumatologist Lionnis Francos, one of those stranded, told the official news site Cubadebate. "The rescuers arrived quickly. They called us, but couldn't cross because the road is blocked." The full scale of Melissa's damage is not yet clear. A comprehensive assessment could take days with communications networks badly disrupted across the region. Jamaican government minister Desmond McKenzie said several hospitals were damaged, including in Saint Elizabeth, a coastal district he said was "underwater." Many homes were destroyed and about 25,000 people sought refuge in shelters. McKenzie said no deaths had been confirmed in Jamaica, though situation reports were still coming in. "It is not going to be an easy road, Jamaica. We have seen the extent of the damage. It is going to take a lot of time," he added. On Monday, officials in Jamaica said three people had died while preparing for the storm, cutting tree branches and working on ladders. Mathue Tapper, 31, told AFP from Kingston those in the capital were "lucky" but feared for fellow Jamaicans in the island's more rural western areas. Due to climate change, warmer sea surface temperatures inject more energy into storms, boosting their intensity with stronger winds and more precipitation. "Human-caused climate change is making all of the worst aspects of Hurricane Melissa even worse," said climate scientist Daniel Gilford. (Reuters) -Cognizant Technology raised its full-year 2025 adjusted profit forecast on Wednesday, anticipating a surge in spending from enterprise clients looking to upgrade their digital infrastructure with artificial intelligence. Shares of the Teaneck, New Jersey-based IT consulting company rose more than 6% in premarket trading. Cognizant's embrace of AI and agents has helped it attract customers in search of ways to use the booming technology to optimize business processes and automate work. The company has leaned on acquisitions to help grow the business and expand into new markets in an attempt to gain ground on larger IT service providers in a highly competitive market. However, Cognizant faces an uncertain outlook due to the Trump administration's $100,000 fee for H-1B visas, which allow businesses to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations. The company raised its forecast for annual adjusted profit per share to between $5.22 and $5.26, compared with its earlier projection of between $5.08 and $5.22 per share. Cognizant raised the lower end of its annual revenue forecast to $21.05 billion from $20.7 billion, while keeping the upper end unchanged at $21.1 billion. It forecast fourth-quarter revenue of between $5.27 billion and $5.33 billion, compared with estimates of $5.27 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG. Cognizant reported revenue of $5.42 billion for the third quarter, beating estimates of $5.32 billion. (Reporting by Zaheer Kachwala in Bengaluru; Editing by Leroy Leo) Spain flood region leader faces 'murderer' jibes at state memorial Valencia, Spain, Oct 29 (AFP) Oct 29, 2025 The heavily criticised leader of Spain's flood-hit Valencia region was heckled at a state memorial service Wednesday on the first anniversary of the country's deadliest natural disaster in a generation. Carlos Mazon has faced fierce scrutiny over his handling of the October 29, 2024 catastrophe that killed more than 230 people, consistently rebuffing calls for his resignation. His regional administration -- primarily responsible for the emergency response under Spain's decentralised system -- sent alerts to residents' mobile phones when flooding had already started in some places. The alert also came more than 12 hours after the national weather agency had issued its highest alert level for torrential rains. Relatives of the victims shouted "murderer", "coward" and "get out" at Mazon as he arrived for the ceremony in the Mediterranean city of Valencia. As the event ended, they again hurled insults at him, with the cries including "resign", "son of a bitch" and "you should be in prison". Others had tried to shout them down, asking for respect. - Learning 'lessons' - King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez led political leaders, senior officials and mourners at Valencia's City of Arts and Sciences, a cultural and architectural complex. Felipe, who rarely makes political interventions, indirectly referred to the controversy in a speech that emphasised the need to "continue analysing the causes and circumstances of the tragedy". Such action aimed "to rigorously and calmly draw the necessary lessons to improve our ability to face other major catastrophes in the future, and avoid or minimise their worst consequences as much as possible," he said. Around 800 relatives of the victims were present, a handful of them wearing shirts showing photographs of their deceased loved ones. One bore the words "They were avoidable deaths", and another "Justice". The proceedings included the reading out of each victim's name, a dirge, speeches by relatives of the victims and a minute's silence. "For us, the most important thing is that truth, respect and humanity prevail," said Andrea Ferrari Canut, a daughter of one of the dead. In last year's disaster, torrential rain unleashed flooding that killed 229 people in towns near Valencia. Seven more people died in the neighbouring Castilla-La Mancha region, and one person died in Andalusia in the south. The deluge swept away 130,000 vehicles and damaged thousands of homes, generating 800,000 tonnes of debris. - Wounds 'never fully heal' - Despite signs of severe flooding, Mazon went ahead with a long lunch with a journalist on the day of the catastrophe. He has defended his handling of the crisis, saying its magnitude was unforeseeable and that central authorities did not provide sufficient warning about the severity of the rain. "We did our best under unimaginable circumstances, yet in many cases it was not enough, and today we must once again acknowledge that reality," Mazon said in a televised address ahead of the memorial. More than 50,000 people took to the streets of Valencia city on Saturday to demand that Mazon resign, the latest in a string of such demonstrations. The regional government declared a day of mourning, while the town of Paiporta, at the epicentre of the disaster, will observe three days of remembrance. On one of Paiporta's main streets, a pharmacy placed a row of red and white candles on the ground by its entrance to honour the deceased, an AFP journalist saw. "I think Paiporta will take many years to be like it was, in terms of streets and houses, and I don't think the wound will ever fully heal," said Carmen Rausell, a 61-year-old pharmacist, her eyes welling with tears. Caribbean reels from 'unprecedented' hurricane destruction Santiago de Cuba, Cuba, Oct 29 (AFP) Oct 29, 2025 Cubans waded through flooded, debris-strewn streets Wednesday as Hurricane Melissa blasted across the Caribbean, leaving 30 dead or missing in Haiti and devastating swaths of Jamaica. Headed for the Bahamas and Bermuda as a weakened but still threatening storm, Melissa left behind "unprecedented" devastation in Jamaica, according to a UN official, and untold misery to Cuba. "It has been a very difficult early morning," Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said on social media, citing "extensive damage" on the communist island battling its worst economic crisis in decades. Residents in Cuba's east struggled through flooded and collapsed homes and inundated streets, with windows smashed, power cables downed and roofs and tree branches torn off amid intense winds. Some carried loved ones unable to walk for themselves and arms full of quickly gathered belongings. Hurricane Melissa hit Cuba with maximum sustained winds of 120 miles (195 kilometers) per hour, according to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC), which urged residents to "remain sheltered" even as the storm left the island headed north. "In the Bahamas, residents should remain sheltered," the center warned, and in Bermuda, "preparations should be underway and be completed before anticipated first occurrence of tropical-storm-force winds." - 'Disaster area' - In Jamaica, UN resident coordinator Dennis Zulu told reporters Melissa had brought "tremendous, unprecedented devastation of infrastructure, of property, roads, network connectivity." Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared the tropical island famed for tourism a "disaster area" but said there have yet to be confirmed deaths caused by the storm. "Our teams are on the ground working tirelessly to rescue, restore, and bring relief where it's needed most... To every Jamaican, hold strong. We will rebuild, we will recover," he said on X. Pope Leo offered prayers from the Vatican, while the United States said it was in close contact with the governments of Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas. "We have rescue and response teams heading to affected areas along with critical lifesaving supplies. Our prayers are with the people of the Caribbean," Secretary of State Marcu Rubio said on X, without mentioning ideological foe Cuba. - 'Disaster area' - At least 20 people in southern Haiti, including 10 children, were killed in floods caused by the hurricane earlier this week, according to civil defense agency head Emmanuel Pierre. Ten more were missing. Hurricane Melissa tied the 1935 record for the most intense storm ever to make landfall when it battered Jamaica on Tuesday, according to data from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Lisa Sangster, a 30-year-old communications specialist in Kingston, said her home was devastated. "My sister... explained that parts of our roof was blown off and other parts caved in and the entire house was flooded," she told AFP. - Communications down - In the Cuban town of El Cobre, rescue workers attempted Wednesday to reach 17 people, including children and elderly people, trapped by rising floodwaters and a landslide, according to state media. "We are safe and trying to stay calm," rheumatologist Lionnis Francos, one of those stranded, told the official news site Cubadebate. "The rescuers arrived quickly. They called us, but couldn't cross because the road is blocked." The full scale of Melissa's damage is not yet clear. A comprehensive assessment could take days with communications networks badly disrupted across the region. Jamaican government minister Desmond McKenzie said several hospitals were damaged, including in Saint Elizabeth, a coastal district he said was "underwater." Many homes were destroyed and about 25,000 people sought refuge in shelters. Mathue Tapper, 31, told AFP from Kingston those in the capital were "lucky" but feared for fellow Jamaicans in the island's more rural western areas. Due to climate change, warmer sea surface temperatures inject more energy into storms, boosting their intensity with stronger winds and more precipitation. "Human-caused climate change is making all of the worst aspects of Hurricane Melissa even worse," said climate scientist Daniel Gilford. King Charles says Hurricane Melissa damage 'heartbreaking' London, Oct 29 (AFP) Oct 29, 2025 Britain's King Charles III said on Wednesday the destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa was a "heartbreaking" reminder of the need to restore the "balance" of nature, as the UK announced emergency funding for Caribbean islands. In a message on social media, the king said he and his wife, Queen Camilla, were "profoundly saddened to see the catastrophic damage caused by the ferocity of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica and across the Caribbean". "This most dreadful of record-breaking storms reminds us of the increasingly urgent need to restore the balance and harmony of Nature for the sake of all those whose lives and livelihoods may have been shattered by this heartbreaking disaster," he said. Earlier, the UK government announced pound2.5 million ($3.3 million) in emergency funding for the region, after the deadly storm battered fellow Commonwealth nation Jamaica, then Cuba and Haiti. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the devastation caused by the storm "truly shocking". The funding will be used for supplies including shelter kits, water filters and blankets, as well as to help prevent injury and disease outbreaks, the government said. The Foreign Office has set up a crisis centre to provide consular assistance to British nationals in the region, and a Royal Navy ship is at hand to provide humanitarian aid, the government said. Melissa hit Jamaica as a Category 5 storm on Tuesday with winds of nearly 185 miles (300 kilometres) per hour, devastating swathes of the country, before smashing into Cuba and leaving 30 people dead or missing in Haiti. American Bitcoin and Strategy collectively purchased over $205 million in Bitcoin in the past 48 hours, contradicting Coinbases warnings that corporate treasuries have largely abandoned the market during Octobers downturn. Coinbases Global Head of Investment Research, David Duong, recently warned that digital asset treasury companies have largely ghosted the market since October 10, with Bitcoin purchases falling to near year-to-date lows over the past two weeks. BTC digital asset treasury companies (DATs) have largely ghosted the post-Oct 10 drawdown and are yet to re-engage, he said. Major Treasury Firms Continue Aggressive Accumulation American Bitcoin acquired approximately 1,414 Bitcoin between September and October 24, increasing its strategic reserve to 3,865 Bitcoin held in custody or pledged for miner purchases under agreements with BITMAIN. The Miami-based company, now a majority-owned subsidiary of Hut 8 Corp, operates as a Bitcoin accumulation platform integrating scaled self-mining operations with disciplined purchase strategies. The firm introduced a new transparency metric, Satoshis Per Share, which represents the amount of Bitcoin attributable to each outstanding share of common stock. As of October 24, the company reported 418 satoshis per share, marking a 52% increase since September 1, providing shareholders with insight into their indirect Bitcoin ownership through equity holdings. What sets American Bitcoin apart from most traditional Bitcoin treasury vehicles is our integrated mining operations, said Asher Genoot, Executive Chairman of American Bitcoin. By producing Bitcoin directly, we can reduce our average cost per Bitcoin to drive a cost advantage over vehicles that buy exclusively on the open market, he said. Treasury Activity Accelerates Across Global Markets Strategy, the business intelligence firm led by Bitcoin advocate Michael Saylor, acquired an additional 390 BTC between October 20 and October 26, spending $43.4 million at an average price of $111,117 per Bitcoin. The purchase brings the companys total holdings to 640,808 BTC, acquired at an aggregate price of $47.44 billion with an average cost of $74,032 per Bitcoin, inclusive of fees. Beyond U.S. markets, South Koreas Bitplanet announced plans to acquire 50 BTC worth approximately $5.8 million after receiving shareholder approval. At the same time, Hong Kong-based Prenetics Global also raised $150 million through a convertible note offering backed by Galaxy Digital to establish its Bitcoin treasury strategy. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Kathryn Bigelow has addressed the United States Department of Defenses criticism of her latest military drama, A House of Dynamite. After the film landed on Netflix last week, it was reported that the Pentagon had sent out an internal memo, warning officials about its depiction of the U.S.s nuclear missile defense system. In the film, which tracks the 18 minutes that follow a nuclear missile being launched at the U.S., it is suggested that current missile defenses only have a 50 percent chance of intercepting a missile despite their $50bn price tag. In its memo, the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) claims its interceptors have displayed a 100 percent accuracy rate in testing for more than a decade. In a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Bigelow was immediately asked about her reaction to the memo. Its interesting. In a perfect world, culture has the potential to drive policy and if theres dialogue around the proliferation of nuclear weapons, that is music to my ears, certainly, she responded. The films screenwriter, Noah Oppenheim, added: As we see it, its not a debate between us as filmmakers and the Pentagon. Its between the Pentagon and the wider community of experts in the space. open image in gallery Anthony Ramos plays Major Daniel Gonzalez in A House of Dynamite ( Netflix ) Senator Edward Markey or retired general Douglas Lute; journalists like Tom Nichols and Fred Kaplan whove covered this issue for decades; the APS, which is a nonpartisan organization of physicists these are the folks who are coming out and saying what we depict in the film, which is that our current missile defense system is highly imperfect, is accurate. In an op-ed for MSNBC, Senator Markey argued that the movie was a wake-up call. Long-range missile defense will not protect us. Our only real path to escape nuclear catastrophe lies in reducing global arsenals, he argued. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Meanwhile, The Atlantics defense writer Nichols argued that the films figure of 61 percent accuracy was very generous. In a statement to Bloomberg News, the Pentagon said that it wasnt consulted about the film, which does not reflect the views or priorities of this administration. It said the system remains a critical component of our national defense strategy, ensuring the safety and security of the American people and our allies. open image in gallery Rebecca Ferguson in the White House Situation Room in A House of Dynamite ( Netflix ) Bigelow has previously spoken about her decision not to involve the Pentagon, saying on CBSs Sunday Morning: I felt that we needed to be more independent. But that being said, we had multiple tech advisers who have worked in the Pentagon. They were with me every day we shot. Speaking about the impact of her Oscar-winning war films, which include The Hurt Locker and Zero Dark Thirty, Bigelow told THR: I just state the truth. In this piece, its all about realism and authenticity. Same with Zero Dark Thirty and same with Hurt Locker even though Hurt Locker was obviously a work of fiction, and this is a work of fiction. For me, these are pieces that lean in hard on realism. Youre inviting an audience into, say, the battledeck of STRATCOM. Thats a place thats not easily accessible, and so you want it to be authentic and honest. Thats my goal, and I think we achieved it. After a limited theatrical release, A House of Dynamite drew mixed reviews from viewers on Netflix many of whom were not fans of the ending. It was a hit with critics, though. In a four-star review for The Independent, Geoffrey Macnab called it the most entertaining movie about mass destruction since Dr Strangelove. A House of Dynamite is out now on Netflix. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Lord of the Rings star Elijah Wood shocked one lucky couple when he appeared at their nuptials held at the Hobbiton film set in Matamata, New Zealand. The 44-year-old actor rose to fame in the early 2000s playing hobbit Frodo Baggins in Peter Jacksons films based on JRR Tolkiens novels. He reprised his role in the subsequent The Hobbit film trilogy (20122014). We were just finishing the signing of the paperwork when all of a sudden Elijah Wood started to walk down the aisle, Rotorua couple Sharik and Jessica Burgess-Stride told the Waikato Herald. Sharik recalled that he did a double-take when he saw the actor because he didnt believe Wood could actually be at his wedding. At first I thought, nah thats not him then oh s***, it is him! said Sharik. Wood took the couples hands, congratulated them and posed for a few photos before rejoining the group of people he was attending the tourist attraction with. The groom said it had been the perfect day, adding that he had considered the rainy weather to be a sign of good luck a prediction that turned out to be true given Woods unexpected appearance. The couple, who are originally from Australia, met at the University of Newcastle in New South Wales where they became best friends and dated for seven years before tying the knot. Sharik shared that he has been an avid Lord of the Rings and Hobbit fan since childhood, revealing that their wedding ceremony and his vows included several references to the films. Per the Waikato Herald, Wood and other Lord of the Rings cast members were in New Zealand for the Armageddon Expo in Auckland. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. The star was reportedly encouraged to crash the wedding ceremony by the couples photographer Cath Ullyett after he had stopped to watch Sharik and Jessica sign their certificate. After the couple had finished signing, I rushed around to meet him and asked him to come and have a few photos with the couple, she shared on social media. Being the gentleman he is, he didnt want to interfere, however, with some friendly encouragement he stepped in and was welcomed by all. The photographer signed off: Thank you Elijah for making their special day that much more memorable. We all loved it! Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Actor-turned-director Mel Gibson has angered far-right Polish groups with the casting of a pro-choice activist in his new film, The Resurrection of the Christ. Polish-born actor Kasia Smutniak, known in her country for being a supporter of womens rights, will star as Jesuss mother, Mary, in Gibsons long-delayed sequel to his 2004 biblical epic, The Passion of Christ. Supporters of Polands right-wing Law and Justice party (PiS) have reportedly written to Gibsons Icon Productions banner, protesting Smutniaks casting. Theyve cited her support for the Strajk Kobiet (Womens Strike) movement, a nationwide campaign against Polands strict abortion laws, per local outlet PolskiRadio. Meanwhile, other outraged individuals have taken to X to call on conservative figures like Candace Owens to speak out against Smutniak. Dear Candace Owens @RealCandaceO Im curious what do you think about this choice? one wrote, alongside a screenshot of an old Instagram picture of Smutniak covering one eye with a middle finger and her face covered in handwritten text. open image in gallery Mel Gibson's (left) new movie, 'The Resurrection of the Christ, will see Polish actor Kasia Smutniak (right) in the role of the Virgin Mary ( Getty ) open image in gallery Mel Gibson is one of Hollywoods few outspoken conservatives ( Fox News ) Should someone with such strong left-wing views and supporting for abortion play this role? Please, look onto her face... all this inscriptions are protested against life, they added. If she really played this role, more than half of Poles and Christians of all the world not watch this movie. Gibsons publicist told Variety that he was unaware of the protests. The Independent has contacted Smutniaks representatives for further comment. The Resurrection of the Christ, which has already begun filming in Rome, welcomes an entirely new cast to Gibsons 2004 epic, with Smutniak taking over for Maia Morgenstern as the Virgin Mary and Cuban actor Mariela Garriga replacing Monica Bellucci as Mary Magdalene. Jim Caviezel was originally expected to reprise his role as Jesus with the use of de-aging technology, but he has since been replaced by Finnish actor Jaakko Ohtonen. The sequel will be split into two parts and will follow Jesuss journey through Hell before the Resurrection. Its expected 2027 release comes more than 20 years after The Passion of Christ, which retold the life of Christ before his Crucifixion. Despite Gibsons known opposition to birth control and abortion, Smutniak isnt the first pro-choice actor to be cast in his biblical retellings. Bellucci, who starred in The Passion of Christ, has also spoken in support of the womens right to choose, previously calling an abortion ban a moral falsehood. The Resurrection of the Christ is scheduled to premiere in theaters March 26, 2027. CPA Australia has cautioned companies about the potential pitfalls of replacing entry-level finance and accounting positions with AI systems. CPA Australia business investment and international lead Gavan Ord advised firms to find a suitable equilibrium between technological advancements and the cultivation of human talent. According to 2025 Business Technology Report, 19% of Asia-Pacific businesses have scaled back on hiring for entry-level accounting jobs because of AI integration, with mainland China experiencing a 32% reduction. Although only 8% of Australian companies have followed this trend, Ord suggests that the figure is likely to grow as AI investment intensifies. The research, which surveyed 1,117 professionals in the accounting and finance sectors, also shows a lack of emphasis on recruiting individuals with AI-related skills, with only 6% of businesses increasing such hires. Respondents to the survey voiced concerns about an overreliance on AI, which could lead to a decrease in human monitoring. According to Ord, previous survey data shows that while Australian companies have been slower to adopt AI and automation compared to businesses in China, they have now caught the AI bug. They are now the most likely among the surveyed markets to be planning AI investments in 2026, although automation remains unpopular, Ord added. The survey highlighted various challenges associated with the implementation of AI. A prevalent concern among respondents was the increasing reliance on AI by businesses, which has led to diminished human oversight. Ord added: Businesses must not underestimate the importance of keeping people in the loop. Specialist human oversight remains essential. Turning over finance functions that require accuracy, assurance and verification to technology leads to elevated risks. We are now seeing many high-profile examples of businesses and organisations suffering financial and reputational damage because they have swung the balance too far in favour of poorly verified AI. Earlier in October 2025, CPA Australia issued a statement regarding the guidance material released by AUSTRAC on the new anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) regulations. The accounting body had acknowledged the positive intent behind the legislation but has raised issues concerning its interpretation and the potential impact on small businesses. "CPA Australia against replacing entry-level accounting jobs with AI " was originally created and published by The Accountant, a GlobalData owned brand. Akram Khans new Thikra: Night of Remembering is a ritual of memory and a chance to say farewell, given it is the major choreographers final show for his own company. Thikra is a handsome finale, showing off Khans gift for spellbinding movement. Since founding his company in 2000, Khan has used it to explore both his classical Indian and contemporary dance backgrounds, building an international profile and collaborating with artists from Anish Kapoor to Sylvie Guillem. In recent years, he has become a go-to choreographer for ballet, with award-winning productions including his Giselle for English National Ballet. (He has also developed family-friendly works the delightful Chotto Desh is at Sadlers Wells East this month.) Khan has decided to change how he works, however, ending his company at least in its current form. Thikra suggests some of the directions he might go in: it was developed and first performed in the Saudi Arabian city of AlUla, danced outdoors in the desert night. Created in collaboration with visual artist Manal AlDowayan, the production shows a gathering of women revisiting their past in order to move forward. Revised for indoor performance, AlDowayans simple set evokes the stones and sand of the desert, while her draped costumes have the formality of robes. The score by Aditya Prakash draws on Saudi Arabian music, particularly in the driving rhythms, plus snatches of songs from a range of cultures. Azusa Seyama Proville is the matriarch leading the gathering, appearing high on a rock with an elaborate mask. Putting her mask aside, Proville summons up Ching-Ying Chien, a spirit of memory. Theres a lovely contrast between the matriarchs grand, authoritative poses and the curling, ethereal lines of Chiens dancing. Two sisters, played by Samantha Hines and Nikita Goile, hover around them, helping to conjure up memory and becoming possessed by it. In places, Khans storytelling could be clearer: theres some urgent pointing as the lead figures try to explain things to one another. But as the movement takes over, its fiercely convincing. In one scene, a tranced dancer arches her back and rises from the floor as if pulled up by the breastbone, seemingly compelled by forces outside her body. Back to back, Chien and Goile sway forwards and backwards until they appear like a single entity. Around them, a company of 10 women flow through weighted, collective steps. Many of the cast are from an Indian classical background. Khan makes gorgeous use of the wide stances and flexed feet of Bharatanatyam, adding fluid contemporary kicks and rippling arm movements. Putting on straw masks, the corps evoke an invading, occupying army, surrounding and assimilating the other women. Dropping their masks, they walk away with a swaying, classical Indian stride. The style tells its own stories. With that variety, and the urgent drive of its steps, Thikra makes a characteristic end note for this stage of Khans career and a promising indicator for what comes next. On at Sadlers Wells until 1 November; tickets here Peter Pan is never short on darkness. With its child-hating Captain Hook, ominously skulking crocodile, and wistful musings on the pains of growing up, there is plenty of grime beneath the fairy dust. Even so, playwright Ella Hicksons rewrite feels strikingly bleak. It was first staged in 2013 in Stratford-upon-Avon, thrilling the RSCs audiences with its grief-soaked meditations on mortality. Now, it's getting a belated London premiere at the Barbican, offering a fascinating, feminist riff on a classic albeit one thats more suited to misty-eyed adults than actual kids. Banish all memories of Nana, the lovable Newfoundland dog who raises the Darling familys three children in JM Barries original play. Hickson has sent Nana, tail between her legs, to the pound and created a new character in her place: Tom, an impish little boy who dies from a sudden illness. Its an ingenious reference to Barries own older brother, whose early death coloured his story of a boy who never grows up. But it does bring an almost overwhelming heaviness to these slow-moving early scenes: Lolita Chakrabarti makes a rare return to the stage as their grieving mother, offering a sedate counterpoint to Toby Stephenss delightfully jovial antics as Mr Darling. The gloom takes a while to dispel. When Daniel Kriklers Peter Pan crashes through the window, Hannah Saxbys awkward, prickly Wendy isnt enchanted shes suspicious. Its creepy, she says, justly wary of this strange boy lurking outside her bedroom. Likewise, when he spirits her off to Neverland, shes not enchanted shes enlisted into a life she didnt ask for, forced to mother and feed its lost boys. Wendy struggles to articulate her anger and her feelings of being overwhelmed, sounding more like a thirtysomething working mum than a tweenager in a magical land. And when she does talk about her experiences, she gets mocked as moany and whiny while Peter Pan floats off on adventures, incapable of taking responsibility for his own actions. Hicksons approach is an intelligent, contemporary way of refocusing this story. But its also a welcome relief when Wendy finally finds her inner adventurer in this plays punchier second half. Jonathan Munbys production feels far more confident in the classic Peter Pan territory of swashbuckling sword fights and dastardly pirates, with Stephens bringing all the cut-glass accented, camp villainy you could hope for to the role of Hook. And Colin Richmonds already-gorgeous design attains new heights, too, creating a skull-fronted pirate ship thats packed to the brim with squabbling seafarers battling for their lives on the high seas. Hickson is unafraid to show the stakes here. She kills off more characters than many Shakespeare tragedies, proving that Neverland isnt an escape from the real world its a dark echo of it, where power dynamics can be seen with new clarity. And despite the odd silly joke about literal poo sticks or rizz, this adaptation has much more to say about adult relationships than childhood ones. Theres plenty to intrigue its audiences over its overly long two-hour-45-minute runtime though sadly without offering them that soaring sense of wonder thats made Peter Pan immortal. On at The Barbican until 22 November 2025; tickets and information here Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Legendary radio personality Pierre Robert has died at age 70 after a career spanning over four decades. Known for his optimistic attitude, the beloved DJ was a fixture at 93.3 WMMR in Philadelphia, a rock station, since 1981. He hosted the stations midday radio show up until his death. Robert was found dead in his Pennsylvania home Wednesday, according to Beasley Media Group, the parent company of WMMR. His cause of death is unknown at this time, but Beasley Media Group said police dont suspect foul play. We all have heavy hearts today, Beasley Media Group Chief Executive Officer Caroline Beasley said in the companys press release. open image in gallery Legendary radio host Pierre Robert has died at 70 after over 40 years at 93.3 WMRR in Philadelphia ( X/@pierrerobert933 ) Pierres unwavering love for music and his deep connection with listeners made him one of radios most enduring and beloved voices. He will be greatly missed. Robert was known for addressing listeners as citizens on his broadcast and saying great day in the morning! Because of his encyclopedic knowledge of music and passion for all things rock and roll, he was considered a rock legend and a hippie by locals. He was inducted into the Philadelphia Music Alliances Walk of Fame in 2019, along with The Hooters and the Philadelphia Orchestra. Just a week before his death, Robert posted on social media about recently going with his co-worker to see David Byrne perform with his 12-piece band, writing, Wow! He is the true definition of an artist Just magnificent, I'm still thinking about it and utterly blown away by how cool it was! Robert wrote in his last post on X. In his last post on Instagram, Robert shared a peaceful moment to himself days before his death. Sunday afternoon in Philly in my beloved Rittenhouse Square, with a great book, a cup of La Colombe, watching the world lazily drift by pretty close to perfection! he wrote Monday. open image in gallery Two days before his death, Pierre Robert posted a peaceful picture of himself reading and drinking coffee in Philadelphia's Rittenhouse Square ( Instagram/@pierrerobert933 ) Tributes to the DJ are pouring in from heartbroken listeners after the tragic news. Were heartbroken to share the passing of our dear friend and legendary voice, Pierre Robert. You will be missed beyond words, WMMR said in a statement. He is and always will be the definition of Philly radio, one listener wrote in an emotional message. His voice was the sound of my childhood. He was my inspiration to work in radio over 3 decades ago. Thank you, Pierre. The airwaves will never be the same. This hurts - the legendary voice of Philly rock, one wrote, with another adding, Big hole in Phillys heart. Pierre was truly one-of-a-kind and authentic as anything. His voice, energy and rock insights and stories will be sorely missed. RIP to a GREAT Citizen! Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The White Lotus is reportedly zeroing in on two major European locations for its fourth season. While news broke in September that HBOs hit wealth satire was headed to France for the next installment, Variety has now reported that the Emmy-winning show has been actively scouting hotel locations in Paris and the French Riviera. Sources told the outlet that no hotels have been secured yet, and that production wont start until next year as the show is still in development. The latest season was set primarily on the island of Koh Samui, with some episodes taking place in Bangkok, Thailand. Its expected that the forthcoming season will follow suit, with the main events happening in the South of France, while a portion of the subplots are filmed in Paris. The White Lotus is known for using Four Seasons properties as stand-ins for the shows luxury resorts, aptly named White Lotus. However, according to Variety, HBO has not renewed its marketing partnership with the hotel chain, leaving its choices open. open image in gallery Lukas Gage (far right), alongside Murray Bartlett, Jolene Purdy, Christie Volkmer and Natasha Rothwell in the first season of The White Lotus ( HBO ) open image in gallery Parker Posey in season three of The White Lotus, filmed in Thailand ( HBO ) So far, the two Parisian hotels being considered are Le Lutetia and Ritz Paris, per the publication. The former is a five-star hotel (now managed by the Mandarin Oriental chain) located on the Left Bank of the Seine. It is famous for being a hub to many legendary artists like Charlie Chaplin, Ernest Hemingway and Pablo Picasso. Meanwhile, the Ritz Paris is also a five-star property, founded in 1898 and known for being home to Coco Chanel and a favored hangout spot for F. Scott Fitzgerald. The White Lotus premiered in 2021, with season one centered in Hawaii, season two in Italy, and season three in Thailand. The upcoming season likely wont be released until either late 2026 or 2027. The third season, which aired earlier this year, featured a star-studded cast of Carrie Coon, Parker Posey, Aimee Lou Wood, Walton Goggins, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Jason Isaacs, Michelle Monaghan, Natasha Rothwell, Leslie Bibb, Sam Rockwell and LISA. It earned 23 Emmy nominations at the recent ceremony, including acting nods for Coon, Posey, Isaacs, Wood, Goggins, Rothwell, Rockwell, and guest star Scott Glenn. Although each season follows a new group of wealthy vacationers staying at the White Lotus hotel, where a shocking murder has occurred, there have been a select few returning characters, including Tanya (Jennifer Coolidge), Greg (Jon Gries) and Belinda (Rothwell). Season four will welcome back creator Mike White as an executive producer and writer of the series, alongside David Bernad and Mark Kamine. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Everyones favorite teacher is taking a stand against President Donald Trumps latest renovations. William Daniels, who played Boy Meets Worlds Mr. Feeny, shared an Instagram post Monday reflecting on a visit to the East Wing in 1970, when former President Richard Nixon was in office. We performed 1776 in the beautiful East Room when Nixon was in the White House, Daniels, 98, captioned a picture of himself and his Broadway castmates in costume. He was very gracious even though none of us had voted for him. He added, The current president has ripped a piece of history from our lives and we mustnt take this lightly. Last week, demolition crews began wrecking the East Wing of the White House on Trumps orders to make room for his brand-new, privately-funded ballroom. The major redesign aims to create a larger venue with increased capacity for dinner parties and celebrations. President Trump is working 24/7 to Make America Great Again, including his historic beautification of the White House, at no taxpayer expense, a White House spokesperson said in a statement to The Independent. These long-needed upgrades will benefit generations of future presidents and American visitors to the Peoples House something we should all celebrate. open image in gallery William Daniels played Mr. Feeny for all seven seasons of the 90s sitcom Boy Meets World ( Disney+ ) The East Wing first served as the home for the offices of the first ladies, but over time became a venue where performances are held to entertain the president, as Daniels mentioned. Now, the 90,000-square-foot space will likely be called The President Donald J. Trump Ballroom,ABC News reported. After Trump initially promised that the new ballroom wouldnt interfere with the historical landmark, pictures of the demolition shocked and outraged Americans. The construction then sparked further division as Trump increased the projected cost from $200 million to $300 million. Mixed reactions to Danielss statement poured out in the comments of the actors post, with one writing, Oh man, it warms my heart that Mr. Feeney is on the right side of history. Another Instagram user commented, So wonderful to know Mr. Feeny is still standing up for what's right, even now, while one added, Speaking truth in difficult times is an act of both courage and wisdom. Thank you for leading by example, Mr. Daniels/Feeny/Adams. open image in gallery A demolition crew has completely destroyed the East Wing of the White House, where President Donald Trumps proposed ballroom will be built ( Reuters ) However, other commenters insisted the demolition wasnt cause for concern. One wrote, What did he rip down? The end of a building erected in the 1940s? Oh our treasured past!!! Spare me the feigned outrage, Feeny. Though best known for his roles as Mr. Feeny in all seven seasons of the Nineties sitcom, as well as his Emmy-winning performance as Mark Craig in the TV drama St. Elsewhere, Daniels started his career on the stage. He starred as founding father John Adams in both the original Broadway production of and the 1972 film version of1776, a musical about the events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A popular BBQ sandwich has been recalled over a potential choking hazard. E.A. Sween has issued a recall on 127,887 pounds of its Deli Express BBQ Pulled Pork sandwich product, according to a recent report published by the U.S. Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service. The company first announced the recall Saturday due to the potential presence of plastic in the packages, which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration noted can present a choking hazard if swallowed. Several consumers reported discovering plastic pieces in the sandwiches, which contain pulled pork made with Sweet Baby Rays BBQ sauce on a sesame bun. The plastic is believed to have come from the barbecue sauce bottles used to produce the prepackaged sandwiches, according to the FSIS report. Affected products have been sold throughout convenience stores, grocery stores and mass retailers nationwide between January 16 and October 23, 2025. The Department of Defense was among the places where the sandwiches were delivered, the FSIS reported. open image in gallery The affected products were sold from January 16 to October 23, 2025 ( FDA ) open image in gallery Customers are urged to contact E.A. Sween if they have eaten the affected product ( Getty Images ) Although the stores have been instructed to remove the sandwiches from the shelves and inventory immediately, they may still have been purchased or could be in consumers freezers. The exact consumer lot codes of the affected pulled pork sandwiches can be found here. Although there have been no reported injuries or illnesses, the FDA reports that any product with the affected lot codes should be considered potentially contaminated. Customers are able to return the pulled pork sandwiches to their place of purchase for a full refund, and are urged to contact E.A. Sween if the product was eaten using the phone number 1-800-328-8184 from Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. CST. The recall comes after Hormel Foods issued a recall of nearly 4.9 million pounds of its frozen boneless chicken products distributed to restaurants, cafeterias, and other commercial food outlets, according to the FSIS. Customers reported finding metal fragments in chicken breast and thigh products. FSIS said Hormel traced the contamination to a damaged conveyor belt used during production. No injuries or illnesses have been reported. The affected Hormel Fire Braised chicken products were shipped nationwide to HRI Commercial Food Service, a restaurant supply company, between February 10 and September 19. The products are only sold to food service companies, not directly to consumers. The full list of affected pack dates can be found on the USDA website. FSIS advised that any recalled chicken still stored in hotel, restaurant, or cafeteria freezers should be discarded. Hormel stated it has contacted all customers who received the impacted items. The Austin, Minnesota-based business released a statement saying that No other Hormel products are affected, and no illnesses or injuries have been reported in association with this recall. The news came days after a major recall on more than 140,000 bottles of cholesterol medication was upgraded to a higher risk level. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice An influencer is facing backlash over a series of posts complaining about being on vacation in Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa batters parts of the Caribbean. The category 5 storm made landfall Tuesday afternoon in southwestern Jamaica near New Hope with winds whipping at 185 miles per hour in what forecasters are calling an extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation. Hannah Grubbs began posting TikTok videos about her trip Friday, including a since-deleted video of her and a friend walking through the airport as text across the screen read, Us on our way to Jamaica during a hurricane. After landing in Jamaica, Grubbs continued to share more videos referencing the storm, including a post from Sunday where shes being served drinks by a bartender as she wrote, pretending theres not a category 5 hurricane about to hit Jamaica. She proceeded to show clips of the weather getting progressively worse, with one clip of her overlooking the balcony of her hotel room with text across the screen reading, Hurricane Melissa out here messing with my vacation. Many people were quick to use the posts comments section to question why she was continuing to talk about her vacation, given the life-threatening risk the storm poses to locals. Pretty freaking TONE DEAF video. People are legitimately about to die, one comment read, while another agreed, writing, Yea but at the end of the day, you get to take a flight and go back to your home meanwhile these people have to stay and endure the storm and the aftermath of it. Winds of up to 185 miles per hour have wreaked havoc across the Caribbean ( AP ) People are about to lose everything they own, their loved ones, and their lives, but yes, let us all take a moment of silence for Hannahs vacation, a third commenter sarcastically wrote. Other commenters questioned why Grubbs did not look at any weather reports prior to her vacation to reschedule the trip. You literally knew there was a hurricane coming one person wrote in the comments. Why didnt you just reschedule? a second commenter wondered. Its not like you didnt know it was coming! The Independent has reached out to Grubbs for comment. As of Tuesday morning, more than 240,000 people are without power. Of the 800 shelters, 382 are occupied so far, holding roughly 6,000 people, said Desmond McKenzie, Jamaicas minister of local government and community development. Officials warned residents to take shelter. Jamaica, this is not the time to be brave, McKenzie said. Dont bet against Melissa. It is a bet we cannot win. Sign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A man has described himself as "lucky" after an incurable blood cancer was uncovered when a seemingly innocuous stubbed toe led to his neck breaking, a consequence of the disease "eating away" at his bones. Paul Angliss, 62, initially dismissed his severe back pain as general wear and tear, even enduring a painful ascent of Mount Fuji in August 2024 during a holiday with his partner, Priya Gohil, 52, and their 16-year-old daughter Nancy. Relying on heat packs and pain relief, the Stoke Newington resident's condition dramatically worsened in October 2024. A stubbed toe on a bedroom chair sent a "shockwave" through his spine, fracturing the C3 vertebra in his neck. Following an A&E visit, Mr Angliss, who works in financial reports, was told his situation was "really unusual" and received a diagnosis of myeloma, a blood cancer that targets bones. He described the news as a "real bomb". open image in gallery Paul Angliss was diagnosed with myeloma in October 2024 Mr Angliss, also the author of a comedy fiction novel, promptly began chemotherapy. As of this October, he is in remission. Myeloma weakens your bones you wouldnt know you have it unless you do something like break a bone, he said. They found something like 28 holes in my spine, so I was lucky that the myeloma was found early on. Youre not making as much bone as you are losing it and if I hadnt had the break, things could have been much worse. You can end up with a collapsed spine because the myeloma eats away at your bones. open image in gallery Mr Angliss with his partner and daughter Myeloma, often referred to as multiple myeloma, is a type of blood cancer that affects the bone marrow and it can cause a wide range of symptoms, according to Blood Cancer UK. The charity says myeloma affects around 6,300 people in the UK each year. While there is currently no cure, treatment helps to control the disease and extend life. In May 2024, Mr Angliss was suffering with really bad back pain, which he put down to wear and tear. Two years prior, he said he experienced a similar pain and thought it had simply reoccurred. open image in gallery Mr Angliss had really bad back pain in May 2024 In August 2024, the family went on holiday to Japan where Mr Angliss dragged himself up Mount Fuji on a hike. I kept telling Priya and Nancy to go ahead, you know being heroic, but all the energy from my legs just went every 10 steps, he recalled. Id sort of get my energy back and I stubbornly got to the top. He said he spent the rest of the trip with heat patches strapped to his back. open image in gallery Mr Angliss dragged himself up Mount Fuji Then, in October 2024, Mr Angliss was in his bedroom when he stubbed his toe on a chair. This shockwave went up my spine and I was paralysed, I had spasms in both sides of my neck, he said. The jolt from stubbing his toe ricocheted up his back and caused the C3 vertebra in his neck to break. He said Ms Gohil called an ambulance, where the paramedics, not realising his neck was broken, ran a few checks, suggested he attend his GP and gave him pain relief medication. open image in gallery Mr Angliss and Ms Gohil Hesaid it took him two-and-a-half hours to lie down from standing because he still did not know his neck was broken prompting him to visit A&E a few days later. After having a series of tests, including an MRI, is neck was put into a brace and his doctor informed him his condition was really unusual. They told me they think I could have myeloma because its really unusual for someone to stub their toe and break their neck that was a real bomb. A week later, Mr Angliss had further blood tests to confirm the diagnosis. open image in gallery Mr Angliss with his daughter Nancy Mr Angliss was referred to St Bartholomews Hospital in London, and he said he was grateful as his situation was escalated very quickly. He started receiving weekly chemotherapy injections into his stomach in November 2024 for four months. He was then given a stem cell transplant on 10 April 2025, which left him temporarily fatigued and a bit ill. Mr Angliss then entered the maintenance phase of his cancer journey where he was monitored, before he was asked if he wanted to enter a new drug trial, which he started on 15 September. open image in gallery Mr Angliss started chemotherapy treatment in November 2024 I was apprehensive about it as it involved having a bone marrow biopsy, which Id had before and its really painful, Mr Angliss said. Thankfully, Mr Angliss said it was not as painful the second time around, and he said he sought useful information from a Macmillan Cancer Support forum before putting himself forward for the trial. In September this year, he was informed there were no cancer cells in his blood, and following a bone marrow biopsy, he was given the news on 13 October that he is now in remission. My oncologist is very positive and theres lots of alternative treatment drugs I can start if the current ones start to lose their efficacy, he said. Some people go into remission for years, and its an exciting time for myeloma in terms of the treatments which are being developed. open image in gallery Mr Angliss was given the news he is now in remission in October this year Mr Angliss is now backing Blood Cancer UKs call for greater awareness around the disease. He also credited Maggies, a charity providing care and support for those impacted by cancer, as a great resource. If youre getting bad back pain and you cant put it down to pulling or twisting it, I would go and see your GP, he said. You learn a few lessons about yourself with something like this you dont take your health for granted, you check in with yourself. I had a lot of small mercies, such as still being able to work, having my family around me and being diagnosed early some people dont have that. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The remains of a Colorado woman reported missing in 2018 have been found on her property, according to police. The Weld County Coroner's Office issued a statement last week identifying the human remains found at a home in Lochbuie, Colorado, as those of Terri Ackerman, 56, who was reported missing seven years ago, according to 9 News. Ackerman was last seen on August 24, 2018, by her husband. On September 10, 2025, police in Lochbuie were alerted to the discovery of human remains at the home where Ackerman once lived. Lochbuie Police Public Information Officer Lieutenant Stephanie Southard did not confirm who made the original call to police regarding the remains, as the situation is still under active investigation. Terri Ackerman, 56, went missing in Lochbuie, Colorado in 2018. Her remains were discovered on her property in September 2025 by the Lochbuie Police Department ( Lochbuie Police Department ) After Ackerman disappeared, police conducted several searches at the property with cadaver dogs and drones and the assistance of Rampart Search and Rescue as well as other law enforcement agencies. Investigators conducted numerous interviews with those close to Ackerman and others who may have had information, but were only able to obtain limited information about the woman, according to the department. At the time of her disappearance, Ackerman's daughter told Denver7 that her mother suffered from bipolar disorder as well as other mental health issues. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation is continuing to assist the police department with its investigation into the woman's disappearance. Joey Weiner, the chief deputy coroner of the Weld County Coroner's Office, said in the news release that the cause and manner of Ackerman's death are still being investigated and will be revealed when the full autopsy report is completed. Anyone with information about Ackerman's disappearance or death is asked to call the Lochubuie Police Department. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A U.S Air Force employee killed his wife and a lieutenant from his base before taking his own life, according to authorities. Police from the community of West Milton in Ohio, 75 miles from Cincinnati, said Wright-Patterson Air Force base staffer Jacob Prichard, 34, broke into the apartment of 25-year-old Jaime Gustitus in Sugarcreek Township and shot the lieutenant dead inside her home around 2 am on Saturday, October 25. Hours later, Prichard is believed to have killed his wife, Jaymee Prichard, 33, putting her body in the trunk of his car and driving to the parking lot of the base. His rampage ended when he turned the gun on himself at 4:23 am. open image in gallery West Milton police said Jacob Prichard, 34, killed his wife Jaymee Prichard (pictured) and female colleague Jaime Gustitus. ( Facebook ) West Milton Police Chief Doyle Wright told WHIO-TV that one of Gustituss neighbors called the police after hearing a loud bang. The glass door shattered. I think they shattered her door, the caller said, according to WHIO-TV. I opened up my back door, and he said he had a gun [and told me] to get back in my house. And he hopped off their patio and left. Police have not said where they believe Jaymee Prichard was killed or the manner of her death. The gunman then drove to his workplace parking lot, left the trunk of his car open to leave his wifes body exposed. Police did not specify how long he was at the base before taking his own life. Gustitus body was discovered later in her apartment, 20 miles away from the base. Gustitus was a lieutenant who worked at the Air Force Research Laboratory, where Jacob Prichard also worked, while Jaymee Prichard worked at the life cycle management center, which manages weapon systems across their life cycle. Police confirmed all involved were known to each other, but the exact nature of their relationships was unclear. open image in gallery Prichards body was found outside of Wright-Patterson Air Force shown here on Saturday morning ( Google Street View ) The family members of Jaymee Prichard have launched a Meal Train fundraiser to help those, including parents and children, grieving the loss of their loved one. As they navigate this unimaginable time, wed like to ease a small part of their burden by organising meals for the family. If youre able, please consider signing up to provide a meal, the fundraising page said. Your support and kindness mean more than words can express. Deputy Commander of the Air Force Materiel Command Lieutenant General Linda Hurry described the situation was a tragedy. We are deeply saddened by this tragic event and our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones affected, she said. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Air Force Office of Special Investigations and other local law enforcement agencies. Police also confirmed the Air Force and local authorities are providing counselling services and support to all individuals impacted by the tragedy. The families and friends of the victims will be offered resources through the Air Forces Casualty Assistance Office, the Air Force Employee Assistance Program and the Chaplains Office to help them navigate this difficult time, the statement said. As this is an ongoing investigation, authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact them. Further updates will be provided as more details become available. Investors are urging Europes biopharma companies to embrace the continents long-established specialisation as an innovation hub as the route to better collaboration and success amidst an ongoing dearth in funding for biotechs. At the ongoing CPHI Europe 2025 meeting in Frankfurt, Germany, investors highlighted that Europes early biotechs are currently facing a harsh funding environment. The average funds raised in initial public offering (IPOs) per quarter have dropped drastically since the IPO spike during the Covid-19 pandemic, despite share prices increasing for major pharma companies, said Thomas Kern, managing director at investment strategy company ISP Healthcare, which has offices in Austria and Germany. The current climate is characterised not by the lack of funds, but rather a cautious attitude among the industrys investors according to Martyn Eeles, managing director at Ireland-based Clarma Capital. Eeles noted native funding is especially scarce to back Phase II trials when many European biotechs look abroad for support, he added. The placement of the global industrys capital has diversified, said Anand Govindaluri, CEO of Singaporean investment company Govin Capital. In Singapore, Govindaluri said there is no such lack of funding for early stage clinical work. However, while Asian capital markets for biopharma are strong, he stated the region remains largely focussed on innovations in manufacturing rather than in the clinical assets themselves. Govindaluri said this represents significant opportunity for collaboration between Asia and Europe, where manufacturing capabilities are relatively rudimentary, but technical innovation in assets remains dominant. Backed by experienced researchers and highly innovative universities, he said Europe is in a unique position to advance therapeutic modalities such as cell and gene therapies for which specialist technical skills are crucial. At the same time, the European Union (EU) has prioritised efforts to boost domestic manufacturing. On 4 June 2025, the European Council agreed on a proposed EU Pharma Package which would, among other measures, seek to shore up the continents drug manufacture to address shortages, similar to those seen during the Covid-19 pandemic. Such efforts also mirror US President Donald Trumps slew of import tariffs on pharmaceuticals aimed at encouraging developers to establish manufacturing facilities in the country. After several negotiations, the US and the EU agreed to a 15% tariff on the EU earlier this year. To realise the benefits of collaboration with Asian companies, Govindaluri said European biotechs must move beyond conventional capital raising methods, as venture capital becomes harder to obtain. He claimed product-specific financing, creative royalty agreements, and public-private partnerships offered routes for technically innovative developers to access new sources of funding. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A North Carolina father who has been accused of killing four of his children and stuffing them in the trunk of a car did it over several months, according to the local sheriff. On Monday, Wellington Delano Dickens III, a 38-year-old Zebulon resident, turned himself in to police. He told Johnston County authorities his four slain children were inside the trunk of a car in his garage, and his three-year-old son was inside the house alive, the cops say. Dickens three-year-old was found unharmed, and multiple bodies were found in the car, which appeared to have been there for a long period of time, the Johnston County Sheriffs Office said in a news release Tuesday. The father was initially charged with one count of murder, but has since racked up three more murder charges. Dickens is being held without bond, and information on his legal representation is not immediately clear. open image in gallery Wellington Delano Dickens III, 38, has been accused of killing four of his children and stuffing them in the trunk of a car did it over several months, according to the local sheriff ( Johnston County Sheriff's Office via AP ) Sheriff Steve Bizzell said at a news conference Wednesday that Dickens killed three of his biological children, Leah Dickens, 6, in May; Zoe Dickens, 9, in August and Wellington Dickens, 10, in either late August or early September, as well as his stepchild Sean Brassfield, 18, in September. Sheriffs Captain Don Pate said the family lived a very secluded life and that the children were homeschooled. The neighbors said they never saw them come outside, and they were homeschooled, so they were just confined to the house, Pate said. Its still unclear how Dickens children died or why he killed them, according to police. open image in gallery Police cars block Dickens home in Zebulon, North Carolina, on Tuesday ( AP/Allen G. Breed ) As the sheriff, as a father and as a grandfather, I can stand here and say theres no reason for a father to murder his children, Bizzell said. Bizzell also revealed that Dickens wife, Stephanie Rae Jones Dickens, died at home in April 2024. Stephanie, who was three months pregnant, was found dead by Dickens, and he told authorities she had severe bleeding the night before but wouldnt get medical help. Her death was attributed to complications from a miscarriage, according to Bizzell. Dickens great uncle Charles Moore told local outlet WRAL-TV that he hadnt seen Dickens, an Iraq War veteran, in roughly a year, but he appeared to be doing fine. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Ex-Illinois sheriffs deputy Sean Grayson has been convicted of second-degree murder after fatally shooting a Black woman who called 911 for help last year. Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old single mother of two teenagers, called 911 on July 6, 2024, to report a suspected prowler on her Springfield property. When Grayson responded, he shot Massey in her home after confronting her over a pot of hot water she was holding. Grayson, who is white, was convicted on Wednesday afternoon after the jury deliberated for several hours. He was originally facing first-degree murder charges, but the judge allowed the jury to also consider second-degree murder following the week-long trial. The 31-year-old will be sentenced on January 29. Grayson could be sentenced to probation or up to 20 years in prison, the Associated Press reports. The Massey familys attorneys, Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci, said Wednesday that Graysons actions warranted a first-degree murder conviction. open image in gallery Sean Grayson was convicted of second-degree murder ( Macon County Jail ) "While we believe Grayson's actions deserved a first-degree conviction, today's verdict is still a measure of justice for Sonya Massey. Accountability has begun, and we now hope the court will impose a meaningful sentence that reflects the severity of these crimes and the life that was lost, the attorneys said. We will continue to fight for Sonya's family and for reforms that protect everyone from unlawful use of force. When Grayson responded to Masseys home last summer, he went inside and spoke to her with his partner, Dawson Farley. Body camera footage shows Massey entering her kitchen and handling a pot of water. When Massey asked why Grayson why he was backing up, he replied that it was to avoid the hot, steaming water. Massey responded, Away from my hot, steaming water? I rebuke you in the name of Jesus. Grayson then drew his gun and yelled for her to drop the pot, the body camera footage shows. Massey apologized, dropped the pot and ducked behind the counter, but as Grayson continued to shout, she appeared to pick it up again, according to the Associated Press. In the ensuing chaos, Grayson fired his gun three times, striking Massey once on the left side of her face. open image in gallery Sonya Massey's family members hold a poster with her photo and a diagram from her autopsy report in July 2024 ( AP ) Grayson testified in his own defense on Monday, telling the jury he believed Massey was going to throw the water at him and that he felt threatened. "I took it as a threat. It raises a lot of concern for me and I believe she's going to throw the water...we were trained to use force that's going to gain compliance, Grayson testified, according to CBS Chicago. Farley testified last week, and told the jury that he that was not afraid of Massey. Farley also said that Grayson told him first aid wasnt needed, as Massey had been shot in the head, local outlet WAND News reports. As Farley applied pressure to Masseys wound, he told Grayson his help wasnt necessary. Im not even gonna waste my med stuff then, Grayson replied, according to the Associated Press. Dr. Nathaniel Patterson, a forensic pathologist, later testified that Massey could have survived her wound if she received prompt medical care and the bleeding was controlled. Under cross-examination, he also said its true that some people still die after receiving medical care for that type of injury. Masseys family reached a $10 million settlement with the Sangamon County Sheriffs Department in February. In a statement at the time, they called for more robust background checks, and the greater sharing of work history and personal history for applicants to law enforcement roles. Masseys story also prompted police reform, with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signing Sonya Masseys Bill into law two months ago. The bill revised police hiring procedures in the state and required agencies to comprehensively review an applicants employment history including detailed employment records before making a job offer, according to a statement from Pritzkers office. The Independent has contacted the Sangamon County States Attorneys Office and Graysons attorney for comment. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A terrifying Halloween prank could have ended with a Virginia womans teenage relatives being gunned down on her front porch, police warned. Earlier this month, frightening video images of people dressed in Halloween masks peering into a front-door camera and making threats caused a stir on social media and in news headlines. Police in Alexandria, Virginia, spent over 100 hours investigating the incident, only to discover that it was a prank. "They were absolutely terrified when this happened and occurred," Alexandria Police Chief Tarrick McGuire told reporters. After the images of the incident went viral, "multiple community tips" helped lead investigators to a group of teenage boys who were the sons and a nephew of the victim's cousin, who allegedly planned the prank, NBC News reports. A frightening encounter involving masked individuals making threats to a woman in Alexandria, Virginia turned out to be her family members pranking her ( Shayla Whiteside/WUSA ) McGuire said police eventually made contact with the mother of one of the masked boys and questioned her about the prank, after which she gave a "full confession." Before calling 911, the woman inside the house called her brother, who rushed to the scene with a gun. "Her brother responded with a firearm," McGuire said. "So absolutely it could have resulted in deadly consequences. McGuire said that in addition to the three boys in masks, there were also two other adults standing at a distance and filming the prank, according to police. At the end of the day, parents should be responsible for their children, McGuire said, according to Inside NOVA. Whats very disheartening about this situation is that you had adults that were engaging in this behavior, but also encouraging this behavior. The victim has asked prosecutors not to pursue charges against the pranksters, officials said. McGuire confirmed that the police would not pursue charges, which could have included burglary. While the victim had to shoulder the bulk of the terror brought on by the incident, the residents of Alexandria had to foot the bill while they waited to learn if a group of masked weirdoes was on the loose. Police "dedicated more than 100 hours to identifying those involved," the department said. While this incident may not result in a criminal prosecution, for me, my team and for this community, it represents a moral failure, McGuire said. We have seen this type of behavior around the country, where people have done pranks, and they have resulted in people being seriously injured or losing their lives. December WTI crude oil (CLZ25) is up +0.23 (+0.37%), and December RBOB gasoline (RBZ25) is up +0.0058 (+0.31%). Crude oil prices are trading higher today on economic optimism after news of a preliminary US-China trade agreement. Also, crude oil prices saw support after Ukrainian President Zelensky said Ukraine will expand its military strikes on refineries deep inside Russia. More News from Barchart Oil prices were undercut today by a Vortexa report showing that crude oil stored on tankers that have been stationary for at least 7 days rose by +12% w/w to 89.75 million bbls in the week ended Oct 24. Crude oil prices have continued support from last week's news of increased US and EU sanctions on Russian energy and energy infrastructure. The Trump administration last Wednesday announced sanctions on Rosneft PJSC and Lukoil PJSC, Russia's biggest oil producers, due to "Russia's lack of serious commitment to a peace process to end the war in Ukraine." Meanwhile, the EU adopted a transaction ban on Rosneft and Gazprom Nef and sanctioned 117 additional shadow-fleet vessels and 45 entities that have helped Russia evade sanctions, including 12 companies in China and Hong Kong. Concerns about a global supply glut are a major bearish factor for crude prices. The IEA recently forecasted a record global oil surplus of 4.0 million bpd for 2026. Crude prices found support after OPEC+ on October 5 agreed to a 137,000 bpd increase in its crude production target, starting in November, which was below market expectations of a potential 500,000 bpd boost. OPEC+ is in the midst of boosting output by a further 1.66 million bpd to fully reverse the 2.2 million bpd production cut seen in early 2024. OPEC's September crude production rose by +400,000 bpd to 29.05 million bpd, the highest in 2.5 years. Reduced crude exports from Russia are supportive of oil prices. Ukraine has targeted at least 28 Russian refineries over the past two months, exacerbating a fuel crunch in Russia and limiting Russia's crude export capabilities. Ukrainian drone and missile attacks on Russian refineries and oil export terminals curbed Russia's total seaborne fuel shipments to 1.88 million bpd in the first ten days of October, the lowest average in over 3.25 years. Cryptocurrency staking company KR1 plans to list on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) in a sign of warming sentiment to the crypto industry in the U.K., the Financial Times reported on Tuesday. In an interview with the newspaper, co-founder Keld van Schreven described the move, scheduled for next month, as a "starter gun" for crypto firms. The Isle of Man-based company is currently listed on the small-cap, Aquis exchange. The company wouldn't be the first crypto company on the main board. The most prominent is Argo Blockchain (ARGO). The bitcoin miner, however, plans to delist in December once a court approves its restructuring plans. There are also digital asset treasury companies such as London BTC Co. and Panther Metals, whose crypto involvement is based on buying and holding digital assets Van Schreven said the regulatory environment in the U.K. has become more open to crypto companies recently. The Financial Conduct Authority "hired a lot pf people internally ... they've put a lot more resources into this asset class," he said. The most visible sign of a warming approach to digital assets in the U.K. was the recent lifting of a ban on retail customers accessing exchange-traded products (ETPs), which saw the likes of BlackRock and Bitwise list their flagship crypto investment vehicles on the LSE. KR1 did not immediately respond to CoinDesk's request for further comment. Lachlan Murdochs closest adviser, Siobhan McKenna, is retiring from both News Corp and from his private investment company, which owns radio company Nova, sensationally ending a two-decade professional relationship. McKenna, who is considered the most influential figure within the News Corp stable in Australia, had her official duties as CEO of broadcasting reduced after she steered through the sale of Foxtel earlier this year to British streamer DAZN. She remained chair of both Sky News Australia and Nova, via Murdochs private investment vehicle Illyria, but is now relinquishing both positions. News Corps Siobhan McKenna will retire at the end of the year. Credit: Justin McManus Her decision, as it is her decision, is essentially epochal as Siobhan has been a transformational force during her years with News Corp, global News Corp boss Robert Thomson said in a note to staff on Thursday morning. She leaves a luminous legacy, and will be missed by me and by all those who have had the privilege of her presence. It remains one of the most significant moments in radio history - and it might have accidentally been the first-ever example of fake news. On October 30, 1938, Orson Welles live radio adaption of H.G Wells classic novel War of the Worlds led some US listeners to believe aliens really were invading. Orson Welles. Credit: Fairfax Media In an era where radio was in its golden age, and one of the primary sources of news in America, Welles further blurred the line between fiction and reality through stylistic choices: He changed the setting from England to New Jersey, and converted the novel into a series of increasingly anxious radio news bulletins that kept interrupting an orchestra broadcast. The result? Some listeners panicked, calling the police, local newspapers and radio stations desperate for more information. The Age, November 2, 1938. Credit: Archives Reporting on the incident a few days later, The Age wrote, Never in the history of the United States had such a wave of terror and panic swept the continent. The Age noted all day, news items came in adding in more utterly fantastic details to the already seemingly overly-fantastic story of reaction. These included two persons [dying] of a heart attack and an elderly lady in Utah - upon hearing it was just a radio play - remarking she was glad it had made so many people pray. It has since been suggested media reports of widespread hysteria were exaggerated. The whole saga was anything but fatal for Welles career, however, earning him a national notoriety. Just three years later he made his feature film debut in one of the greatest films of all time, Citizen Kane. While the first word to leave the lips of Welles character in the film, Charles Foster Kane, is the iconic Rosebud, the next time Kane speaks, he says this: Dont believe everything you hear on the radio. The proportion of girls taking HSC economics has tumbled to its lowest level in three decades, while the overall share of students enrolled in the subject has dipped below 8 per cent this year. Teachers say that making commerce compulsory in years 9 and 10 could boost economics numbers in senior years and help close the confidence gap that can emerge in mid to late high school. University of Cambridge law student Lucy Koder, who topped HSC economics in 2021, said the course viewed by some university students as difficult, dull and boring is often perceived as less vocational than business studies. Cheltenham Girls High School students Roxanne Denham, Saskia Chariton and Ayla Yasrebi after the economics exam on Tuesday. Credit: Wolter Peeters But the image problem is unfair, she says. Economics is hugely useful it teaches you to think critically and independently. For students interested in policy, politics and law, they probably should be doing economics in high school. Peter Preuss, a vigneron from the Yarra Ranges, is almost ashamed to be Australian. Hes angry because the state government is refusing to ban kangaroo harvesting in his municipality. Peter Preuss at his vineyard in Woori Yallock. Credit: Jason South It almost makes me ashamed to be Australian, to know that we just fix everything with a gun and look for profits in every carcass that we have, said Preuss, who would like to see commercial kangaroo harvesting axed across the entire state. The Yarra Ranges Council formally requested to be excluded from the states commercial Kangaroo Harvesting Program after a motion was unanimously passed at an April 8 meeting. Despite strong local support, the request was ultimately denied by the state government. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has refused to back down from her call for the prime minister to apologise for wearing a Joy Division band T-shirt, despite Coalition MPs distancing themselves from comments that have stolen attention from their policy messages. Ley launched the attack in a speech to parliament on Tuesday, criticising Anthony Albaneses decision to wear merchandise from an acclaimed 1970s band that took its name from a term for the sexual slavery wing of a concentration camp as inappropriate in a context of rising antisemitism. After Nationals senators Bridget McKenzie and Matt Canavan said they did not care about what T-shirt the Albanese wore and others refused to back Leys criticism, the opposition leader declared she was right to raise the issue on Wednesday. I dont take a backward step on my comments, and I dont know that people realise that the prime minister, in wearing the T-shirt, was well aware of the dark history behind the words on the T-shirt, Ley said. Ill leave it at that. Former Labor minister Ed Husic has broken ranks with the government to warn that its environmental reform could create sweeping powers open to abuse by future Coalition governments, as Environment Minister Murray Watt prepares to introduce the laws on Thursday. Husic, now on the backbench after he was dumped from the industry portfolio in May by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, raised concerns about reforms to expand so-called national interest powers to approve major projects and override environmental checks. Labor MP Ed Husic. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Were going to give them the power to override environmental laws in what is called the national interest, Husic told ABC Newss Afternoon Briefing. Thats a really consequential power. One scenario could be, for instance, the AUKUS arrangements require us to open up a new uranium mine. If it doesnt meet the test, do we say on the basis of strategic national interest, well let the mine go ahead, even if its assessed as having unacceptable impact? Australians have lost their faith in the Bureau of Meteorology after its hated website upgrade, the Albanese government has declared, as senior ministers call in the agencys chief to explain how its $4.1 million project sparked community outrage. Environment Minister Murray Watt and Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen said on Wednesday the bureau had lost its social licence because of the website upgrade and demanded urgent changes. More than a third of Australians say they have been impacted by an extreme weather event. Credit: Nick Moir Watt also hauled in the bureaus acting chief executive, Peter Stone, to demand fixes to the website as soon as possible and briefings expected to be held by Friday with state and territory emergency services ministers. This followed Queensland Premier David Crisafullis fury in state parliament on Tuesday, when he blamed the flawed website for failing to allow residents of south-east Queensland to be prepared for the weekends serious storms. The bureaus $4.1 million website has sparked howls of protest across social media since it was launched last week, with many Australians demanding to know the reasons for the changes to the old website, which was viewed 2.6 billion times each year. WESTLAKE, Texas, Oct. 28, 2025 -- DealerFire, a leader in automotive digital marketing and website design, has released a new guide titled "Designing an Engaging and Easy-to-Use Dealership Website: Best Practices." The comprehensive resource helps dealerships understand how to create high-performing websites that attract visitors, generate leads, and convert online shoppers into loyal customers. In today's digital-first automotive market, a dealership's website often serves as its first impression. The new DealerFire guide highlights how thoughtful design, clear navigation, and conversion-driven strategies can make all the difference in a customer's buying journey. Six Key Best Practices for Dealership Website Design The guide outlines six actionable tips for building a successful dealership website: Prioritize User Experience A smooth and responsive browsing experience is critical. DealerFire emphasizes optimizing websites for both desktop and mobile users to reduce bounce rates and improve engagement. Use Clear and Compelling Calls-to-Action (CTAs) Strategic CTAs such as "Schedule a Test Drive" or "Apply for Financing" help guide customers toward meaningful actions. DealerFire's design team ensures these CTAs are visually engaging and conversion-oriented. Highlight Vehicle Inventory with Intuitive Navigation Easy-to-use filters, clear pricing, and detailed vehicle listings make online car shopping more efficient and enjoyable. Optimize for SEO DealerFire integrates proven SEO strategies to help dealerships rank higher in local search results and attract more organic traffic. Incorporate Trust-Building Features Reviews, awards, and dealership history pages help build credibility and strengthen customer confidence. Create a Conversion-Focused Design Every page should guide users toward engagement. DealerFire websites are designed to turn browsing into buying with proven lead-generation tools and analytics. DealerFire: The Trusted Partner for Dealership Website Success With years of industry experience, DealerFire continues to help dealerships nationwide build customized, data-driven websites that enhance visibility, performance, and profitability. Each website is tailored to reflect the dealership's brand while integrating advanced tools like digital retailing solutions, SEO-optimized content, and powerful inventory management systems. For more information about DealerFire and its website optimization services, visit www.dealerfire.com. SOURCE DealerFire OKX expands institutional offerings in Europe. | Credit: Hameem Sarwar for CCN. Key Takeaways OKX obtained its MiCA license in January 2025. The exchange is working with Standard Chartered to offer products and solutions to EU institutions. European banks, hedge funds, family offices, and insurance firms are increasingly looking to crypto. Europes crypto scene has struggled to take off in comparison to the U.S., but things could be looking different as the continents blocs regulations take effect. CCN spoke with the CEO of OKX Europe, Erald Ghoos, at this years European Blockchain Conference in Barcelona, who shared great optimism for the future of crypto in the EU. OKX in Europe In January 2025, OKX became the first global exchange to secure a license to operate under the EUs newly established Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) regulations. And the process was a little easier than some had thought. Arguments have been made that MiCAs requirements are a little too strict and quite costly, especially for smaller firms. Its already causing certain firms to close down or leave the EU in search of a better deal. For OKX, having already been established in Malta, which had taken a proactive approach to regulating crypto, Ghoos explains that OKX didnt need to approach its MiCA application from scratch. With many of the necessary compliance, security, and governance structures in place, plus a board comprised of risk, audit, and other committees, the process was relatively straightforward. In fact, he states that MiCA in terms of capital requirements, custody, board, and governance oversight, was a lighter setup than Maltas crypto regulations. Expansion and Exposure Demand for institutional solutions has skyrocketed in 2025 as fresh U.S. and European regulations have opened the door for major players to enter the crypto space. OKX recently announced it would be partnering with Standard Chartered (SC) to offer institutional custody solutions that dont require direct deposits, with SC securing assets. In the partnership, we mirror that balance in real time to our platform so that the assets or the collateral is safeguarded at Standard Chartered but the users, the institutional users, can trade it on our platform, Ghoos explains. Crypto has gone through several difficult periods, all of which have informed or inspired progress in one direction or another. Following the collapse of FTX, which ultimately saw several companies liquidated, historical arrests, the entire crypto market was squashed for a few years. The industry needed to get smarter and safer to survive. By Christine Chen and Rishav Chatterjee SYDNEY (Reuters) -Australian biotech CSL has cut its profit outlook and delayed plans to spin off its vaccine division, blaming an unprecedented fall in U.S. flu immunisation rates, which knocked its shares down as much as 16.6% to a near seven-year low. At CSLs annual meeting in Melbourne on Tuesday, investors frustrated with the former market darling's tanking share price also rejected executive pay packages for the second year in a row, but the board survived a spill motion. CSL, Australia's fourth-largest company by market value, told shareholders in August it would spin off its Seqirus vaccines unit and list it on the Australian Securities Exchange by June next year as part of a broader restructure that also involved cutting 3,000 jobs. The demerger has now been shelved amid heightened volatility in its key U.S. market where vaccination rates are expected to fall by 12% in the northern hemisphere winter season, the company said. The drop in immunisation rates has come with policy shifts under U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has taken aim at vaccines, cut funding for research and ousted the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which makes vaccine recommendations. "In our Seqirus business, we have seen a greater decline in influenza vaccination rates in the U.S. than we expected," CEO Paul McKenzie said. Chairman Brian McNamee said the collapse in vaccination rates was remarkable. We can't see the bottom of the U.S. vaccination realities today, he said. REVENUE AND EARNINGS OUTLOOKS CUT The company cut its full-year revenue guidance to 2% to 3% growth, down from a range of 4% to 5%, for the financial year ending in June 2026. It said it expected annual net profit after tax and amortisation (NPATA) to rise between 4% and 7%, down from the previously expected 7% to 10% growth on a constant currency basis. Shares in CSL fell as much as 16.6% to A$176.23, their lowest level since December 2018. It also marked their biggest intraday drop since mid-August, when the Seqirus spin-off was announced. Analysts said the decline on Tuesday was driven by the unexpected earnings downgrade, partially offset by news the poorly received demerger was delayed. The demerger is now expected when market conditions would support the maximisation of shareholder value, CSL said. Shareholders frustrated by the companys poor performance lodged a 42% protest vote against CSLs remuneration report, according to a tally of proxies shown at the meeting. 4-day Chhath Puja concludes with Usha Arghya NEW DELHI : THE four-day festival of Chhath Puja concluded on Tuesday with the rising sun (Usha Arghya), as devotees across the country offered their heartfelt prayers to Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya, marking the end of one of the most disciplined and spiritually uplifting celebrations in the Hindu calendar. The final ritual, known as Usha Arghya, symbolises new beginnings and gratitude. As the first rays of dawn touched the rivers, ponds, and ghats, devotees stood immersed in water, chanting hymns and mantras, seeking the blessings of the Sun God for health, happiness, and prosperity. In the national capital, elaborate security arrangements were in place ahead of the festivities. At the Hathi Ghat in ITO, the atmosphere was both serene and vibrant. Separate camps, medical teams, and CCTV surveillance ensured safety and smooth management. The festival, traditionally rooted in Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal, has in recent years found enthusiastic participation across cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and even parts of southern India. BJP National spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari joined devotees in Delhi for the concluding rituals, expressing joy over the growing unity the festival inspires. A local devotee from the national capital told IANS, This time, everything is much better -- the facilities are excellent. The Government has provided good arrangements, and everything is happening peacefully. We are very happy and satisfied. Similarly, in Patnas AG Colony, hundreds gathered before sunrise, their offerings of fruits, sugarcane, and thekua (traditional sweets) neatly arranged in bamboo baskets. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan visited the site and offered prayers, saying, I feel extremely fortunate today. Just now, we offered prayers to Lord Surya and remembered Chhathi Maiya. The energy and devotion of the fasting devotees are truly inspiring. At the Sangam Vihar Ghat in Delhi, chants of Jai Chhathi Maiya echoed as families performed rituals in waist-deep water. LJP (Ram Vilas) MP Shambhavi Choudhary and Union Minister Chirag Paswan also participated in rituals in Bihar. Paswan said, Without asking, Chhathi Maiya has blessed us with immense happiness. In the Viksit Bihar we dream of, every family should be filled with joy and prosperity. Across the nation, similar scenes of devotion unfolded. In Ayodhya, devotees began gathering as early as 3 a.m. for the final Arghya. One devotee said, My mother and sister-in-law are fasting today. Watching them offer prayers to the rising sun fills my heart with faith. In Varanasi, ghats along the Ganges shimmered with diyas as thousands offered Usha Arghya. From Kotputli in Rajasthan to Ahmedabad in Gujarat, and from Ranchi in Jharkhand to Bhubaneswar in Odisha, devotees celebrated the culmination of Chhath Mahaparv with unmatched enthusiasm. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi also participated in the rituals, extending greetings to devotees. The festival commences with Nahay Khay, when devotees take a holy dip and prepare a simple meal. On the second day, Kharna, a day-long fast from morning to evening, is observed and later concluded with offerings of rasiya (sweet porridge) and roti. The third day marks Sandhya Arghya, when the nirjala vrat (fast without water) begins, continuing until the early hours of the fourth day (Usha Arghya). By Amina Niasse NEW YORK (Reuters) -CVS Health raised its annual adjusted profit forecast on Wednesday, aided by improved pharmacy revenues, but also announced a $5.73 billion writedown of healthcare businesses including its in-pharmacy MinuteClinics. The company, which operates one of the largest U.S. pharmacy chains, Aetna insurance and the CVS Caremark pharmacy benefit manager, reported a net loss of $3.13 per share for the third quarter. The $5.73 billion writedown also reflects a restructuring of Oak Street Health, a primary care provider, and diminished value of Signify Health that offers home-based services. Shares of the company fell more than 5% in premarket trading. Both businesses focus on Medicare, the U.S. government program for older adults and people with disabilities. Like others in the industry, including those run by UnitedHealth Group, these Medicare businesses have been pressured by higher medical services spending and changes in government reimbursement. The company raised its forecast for adjusted full-year earnings growth, a move CEO David Joyner said reflected new customers acquired from its purchase of the now-shuttered chain drugstore Rite Aid, and in its Caremark pharmacy benefit business. Joyner said in an interview with Reuters that the company was conservatively managing its risks around its health insurance and healthcare delivery units. "We are taking a cautious and prudent look in terms of where healthcare trends have been and where we expect them to continue to be elevated as we head into 2026," he said. Separately, CVS took an $83 million charge to cover the closure of 16 Oak Street clinics and said it planned to "reduce the number of new primary care clinics it would open in 2026 and thereafter". "Our thesis for that business (was) that we were going to grow, and then we were going to be driving the patient growth inside the business," Joyner said. "The markets changed." BOOKING ANOTHER QUARTERLY BEAT The earnings performance makes it the fourth consecutive quarter of CVS beating earnings estimates, solidifying a turnaround it promised last year after repeatedly falling short of expectations weighed by medical costs in its insurance business. CVS reported an adjusted quarterly profit of $1.60 per share, above analysts' average estimate of $1.37 per share, according to data compiled by LSEG. For full-year 2025, the healthcare conglomerate raised its adjusted profit outlook to between $6.55 and $6.65 per share, from $6.30 to $6.40 per share forecast previously. Cloud-seeding trials conducted inparts of Delhi, more in pipeline NEW DELHI : THE Delhi Government, in collaboration with IIT-Kanpur, conducted cloud-seeding trials in parts of Delhi on Tuesday, with more such exercises planned over the next few days, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said. Environmentalists, however, termed the Delhi Governments cloud-seeding trial a short-term measure, saying it may temporarily reduce pollution but fails to address the root causes of the capitals deteriorating air quality. According to officials, the aircraft took off from Kanpur forDelhi and covered areas likeBurari, north Karol Bagh andMayur Vihar before landing at theMeerut Airfield. The Cessna aircraft took off from Kanpur. It released eightfire flares each weighing 2 to 2.5kilograms and the trial lasted forhalf an hour. Each flare lasted fortwo to two-and-a-half minutes. The clouds had a humidity of 15to 20 per cent. The flares werereleased for 17 to 18 minutes,Sirsa said in a video statement He added that IIT-Kanpur hasopined thatraincouldhappen within 15 minutes to 4 hours after the trial. However, the rainfall wont be heavy since the humidity levels were only at 15 to 20 per cent, the Minister said. Meanwhile, the second trial was alsoconductedlaterin the day in outer Delhi. Nine to 10 such trials are plannedover thenext fewdays, Sirsa said, adding that since IMD has informed that the winddirectionis towardsnorth, areas falling under that region are being targeted. This is a huge step taken by the Government to mitigate pollution. If trials are successful,wewillprepare along-term plan tillFebruary.Wehope that if this is successful, it will be a firstsuchscientificstepin India to reduce polluton, he added. According to sources, IIT Kanpur successfully executed the operation over Delhi, in a corridormeasuringroughly 25 nautical miles in length and 4 nautical miles in width with the largest distance covered betweenKhekraandlittlenorth of Burari. The first round involved six flares released at an altitude of nearly 4,000 feet abovegroundlevel,withaburn duration of eighteen-and-ahalf minutes. A second flight took off at 3:55 pm, deploying eight flares at a higher altitude of around 5,000-6,000 feet. Following the second trial, Sirsa, in a post on X, said the Cessna aircraft took off from Meerut Airport for Delhi and releasedcloudseeding flaresin different areas. The team from IIT-Kanpur has expressed hope for good results from these systematically conducted experiments, he said. Based on the success of these trials, cloud-seeding will beused extensivelyinDelhi for pollution control under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, he added. The trial, aimed at inducing artificial rain to tackle air pollution in the capital, is part of theDelhi governmentsbroader strategy to mitigate deteriorating air quality during the winter months. Mehli Mistry voted out from Tata Trust NEW DELHI : Noel Tata, Tata Trusts Chairman, TVS Motor Cos Chairman emeritus Venu Srinivasan and former Defence Secretary Vijay Singh voted against Mistrys reappointment as trustee TATA Trusts Chairman Noel Tata and two other powerful trustees considered close to him blocked the reappointment of late Ratan Tatas close associate and businessman Mehli Mistry as trustee, deepening the rift at the philanthropic arm that controls the holding company of Tata Group, people familiar with the matter said. Noel Tata was appointed head of Tata Trusts following the death of Tata Group patriarch Ratan Tata last year. TVS Motor Cos Chairman emeritus Venu Srinivasan and former Defence Secretary Vijay Singh voted against Mistrys reappointment as trustee after the end of his three-year tenure on Tuesday, they said. The three other trustees -- former Citibank India CEO Pramit Jhaveri, Mumbai lawyer Darius Khambata, and Punebased philanthropist Jehangir HC Jehangir -- who are considered close to Mistry, supported his reappointment, they said. The unprecedented vertical split marks a sharp departure from the recent consensusdriven approach. Noel Tata and Mehli Mistry are two power centres in the Tata Trusts, which control a majority stake in the holding company of the Tata Group. The former has the backing of Srinivasan and former defence secretary Vijay Singh, while the other three are with Mistry. Differences between the two groups came to the fore in September, when Mistry and three other trustees -- Jhaveri, Khambata and Jehangir -- voted to remove Singh as Tata Trusts representative on the board of Tata Sons -- the holding company of the salt-to-software conglomerate. However, last week, Srinivasan was made a lifelong trustee in a unanimous decision. While Mistry had remained tight-lipped about his next move, it is likely he will challenge it in court. The challenge may be on the ground that a joint meeting of the Sir Ratan Tata Trust and the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust on October 17 last year -- within days of the death of Ratan Tata -- had agreed to make all trustees permanent. When contacted, Tata Trusts declined to comment. Last week, the CEO of Tata Trusts issued a circular to other trustees seeking Mistrysreappointment to the Sir RatanTata Trust (SRTT), the SirDorabji Tata Trust (SDTT), andthe Bai Hirabai Jamsetji TataNavsari Charitable Institution. At SRTT, trustees are Noel Tata, Venu Srinivasan, VijaySingh, Jimmy Tata, Jehangir HCJehangir, Mehli Mistry andDarius Khambata. On the other hand, at SDTT, trustees are Noel Tata, VenuSrinivasan, Vijay Singh, Mehli Mistry, Pramit Jhaveri andDarius Khambata. Earlier, Tata Trusts had unanimously reappointed VenuSrinivasan as a trustee for life. However, sources said Mistry, along with three other trustees-- Jhaveri, Jehangir andKhambata --, while approving Srinivasans reappointment as trustee and Vice-Chairman of Tata Trusts, had put a condition that all future renewals of trustees be approved unanimously, failing which their approvalswouldbewithdrawn. Opinions in the two camps were divided on whether continuation of a trustee is automatic or requires unanimous approval from the trustees for a lifetime tenure. While one side maintained thatrenewal, after whichit will be for life, and a fresh appointment requires unanimous approval of trustees asperpast practice, the other side insisted thatreappointmentis automatic, anditis applicable to all the trustees. According to the minutes of the joint meeting of the trusteesof theSirDorabji Tata Trust and the Sir Ratan Tata Trust held on October 17, 2024, it was resolved that on the expiry of the tenure of any trustee, the trustee would be reappointed by the concerned trust without any limit being attached to theperiodof tenure, a source said. As per the resolution, any trustee who chose to vote otherwise would be in breach of their commitment and is not fit and proper to serve on Tata Trusts by such conduct, the person added. Moreover, the person said if there is any breach of the commitment by aTrustee,itwillnecessitate the reopening of all resolutions passed byTataTrusts, including the appointment of Noel Tata as a director on the Board ofTataSons,which formedpart of the October 17, 2024, Trustees resolution. Also, according to the October17,2024,resolution,all trustees are appointed on a long-term and life basis, and trusteeship would be revisited upon reaching 75 years of age. The infighting inTataTrusts had reached the Government, with the top brass of the Tata group,includingNoelTata and Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran, meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Finance Minister NirmalaSitharamanearlier this month. Rajinikanth, Dhanush receive bomb threat CHENNAI : THE Tamil Nadu police on Tuesday said emails claiming that bombs have been planted at the residences of actors Rajinikanth and Dhanush here were received by the state Director General of Police. According to Teynampet police, under whose jurisdiction the actors homes fall, the first bomb-threat mail to Rajnikanths house was received at about 8.30 am on October 27. When we reached out, we were told that they do not require the assistance of a bomb squad, said an official. A second threat mail was received at 6.30 pm on the same day and Rajnikanths team again declined a security inspection. Actor Dhanush also received a bomb-threat mail on the same day. He, too, refused our assistance, added the police official. Several prominent individuals have received similar threat emails in recent weeks. The Cyber Crime police are tracing those emails, but are yet to make an underway, said the official. Spacewood eyes Rs 300 cr funding to accelerate growth Business Reporter : Founded in 1996 by Kirit Joshi and Vivek Deshpande, Spacewood has built a strong presence in Indias growing modular furniture market City-based modular furniture maker Spacewood Furnishings is reportedly in the final stages of securing Rs 300 crore in funding from a Mumbai-based investment firm - A91 Partners. The deal is expected to value the company at around Rs 1,200 crore. As per the sources, part of the funding will go directly into the company, while another portion will involve existing shareholders selling their stakes to new investors. Sources said that the funds will also be used to strengthen brand visibility, upgrade manufacturing capabilities, enhance the product portfolio, and attract skilled talent. Founded in 1996 by Kirit Joshi and Vivek Deshpande, Spacewood has built a strong presence in Indias growing modular furniture market. The company operates about 35 exclusive retail stores in over 20 cities and sells through a network of more than 500 dealers across 150 cities. the company is exporting furniture to Dubai and some African countries. The new round of funding will help the company expand its retail presence to 100 exclusive stores nationwide. Spacewoods state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Nagpur spans over one million square feet, making it one of the largest in the country. Apart from its own brand, the company manufactures furniture for leading retailers. Spacewood is also leading brand for office solutions in name of SOS offering products such as work stations, chairs, storages to leading corporate houses in India It is important to note that the company was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. After two consecutive loss-making years - Rs 49 crore in FY21 and Rs 10 crore in FY22 - Spacewood bounced back into profitability. The company reported a net profit of Rs 53 crore in FY24, with revenues of around Rs 600 crore. For FY25, the company has projected revenues of Rs 700 crore and expects to maintain steady growth. Industry sources suggest that Spacewood aims for 25 - 30 per cent growth annually over the next five years, primarily by expanding its exclusive stores and dealer network. The brands focus remains on delivering modern, modular, and customizable furniture solutions for homes and offices, a segment that continues to grow as urban consumers seek flexible and space-efficient designs. Sources further said that the upcoming investment will help Spacewood accelerate growth through brand building, strengthening manufacturing, and expanding its design and retail ecosystem. We recently published 10 Stocks Crashing Hard Despite Highly Optimistic Market. D-Wave Quantum Inc. (NYSE:QBTS) is one of the worst-performing stocks on Tuesday. D-Wave Quantum dropped its share prices by 8.68 percent on Tuesday to close at $32 apiece as investors resorted to profit-taking following three straight days of gains. Last week, shares of quantum firms, including D-Wave Quantum Inc. (NYSE:QBTS), surged following a report that the Trump administration was keen on investing in the said industry. However, optimism tapered off on Tuesday after the Commerce Department debunked reports that it was negotiating with several quantum computing firms. D-Wave (QBTS) Sheds 8.68% on Profit-Taking, Debunked Talks with Govt Photo by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash The Commerce Department is not currently negotiating equity stakes with quantum computing companies, a spokesperson was quoted as saying in a statement. Last week, the Wall Street Journal reported that each quantum firm was looking to secure $10 million worth of funding from the government in exchange for government ownership. Meanwhile, D-Wave Quantum Inc. (NYSE:QBTS) is set to release the results of its third quarter earnings performance in the second week of November, based on historical reporting dates. While we acknowledge the potential of QBTS 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. Danones like-for-like sales growth beat market expectations in the third quarter as the China, North Asia and Oceania (CNAO) region led gains. CNAO outperformed the wider Danone group and the other individual geographical areas in terms of sales increases and the advance in volume/mix, which CEO Antoine de Saint-Affrique said helped to deliver strong and consistent growth. Danones like-for-like sales grew 4.8% to 6.88bn ($8bn) in what analysts at Barclays applauded as a sixteenth straight quarter above the 4% marker even though consensus estimates were for 4.3%. We think the next leg of the story is an EPS inflection, the Barclays team, led by Warren Ackermann, wrote in a follow-up research note. With China growth strong double-digits and with margins in China that are double the group average, there should be significant operational gearing. The CNAO region posted a like-for-like (LFL) sales growth print of 13.8%, with volume/mix up 15.1%, outpacing the group result of 3.2%. Within CNAO, China was, however, singled out as a concern by analysts at Jefferies given the 17% LFL sales performance for Danones specialised nutrition business, including infant formula, in the country and fluctuations in Chinas birth rates. As Jefferies' analyst David Hayes also welcomed the consistent sales growth above 4%, he also offered some caution. The skew/reliance on impressive success in China specialised nutrition could start to worry investors. That is accentuated by a notable miss in US volumes. Execution here remains strong but China infant formula will suffer dragon baby roll-off in 2026 that needs to be made up elsewhere. Volume/mix in North America grew just 0.3% based on LFL sales of 1.5%. Volume growth was below consensus of 1.8%. Commenting on North America, Danone warned of softness in the plant-based category where it plays in drinks with varieties of the Silk and Alpro brands. Momentum remained strong in high protein, with new innovations launched during the quarter. Coffee creamers are progressively regaining competitiveness. Plant-based remains work in progress. CEO de Saint-Affrique gave his take in the results statement today (28 October). We continued to deliver consistent, quality growth this quarter, with volume/mix being the primary growth driver across our categories, confirming the strength and the relevance of our health-focused portfolio. We are particularly pleased with the step-by-step improvement in Europe, where volume/mix has now been positive for eight consecutive quarters, while CNAO delivered another outstanding performance across all categories. For the current year, Super Micro Computer (SMCI) stock has witnessed a healthy rally of 67%. However, from the years highs of $66.44, SMCI stock has corrected by 18%. A key reason for the correction from highs is the companys preliminary sales results for Q1 2026. The company expects Q1 revenue to miss estimates by nearly $1.5 billion. Lower revenue has been on the back of design win upgrades that have pushed some Q1 revenue to Q2 2026. More News from Barchart As the medium- to long-term outlook remains positive, the Q1 blip seems like a good opportunity to consider SMCI stock. About Super Micro Computer Stock Headquartered in San Jose, California, Super Micro Computer is a developer and seller of server and storage solutions. The company has a global presence with solutions that cater to enterprise, cloud, AI, and 5G, among others. For financial year 2025, the company reported revenue growth of 47% on a year-on-year (YoY) basis to $22 billion. With demand from large-scale data center customers, the business outlook is positive. SMCI stock has seen a healthy rally of 40% in the last six months, and its likely that the uptrend will be sustained. www.barchart.com Reasons to Be Positive on Super Micro Computer For Q1 2026, Super Micro Computer had guided for revenue in the range of $6 to $7 billion. While preliminary numbers of $5 billion have caused some disappointment, the long-term outlook remains robust. The first point to note is that the company has reaffirmed its full-year revenue guidance of $33 billion. As the company gains AI share, the coming quarters will compensate for the weakness in Q1. Its also worth noting that the companys new Datacenter Building Block Solutions (DCBBS) is likely to be a growth driver. With DCBBS, the company expects large-scale data center customers to increase from six in FY 2025 to eight in FY 2026. At the same time, the company is seeing outstanding levels of customer engagement for its newly released AI-cooled solutions. Therefore, with next-generation product launches, Super Micro Computer is well positioned to benefit. To cater to the incremental demand, SMCI is adding a third campus in Silicon Valley for manufacturing. Further, the company plans to expand capacity in Mexico and scale up in Taiwan and the Netherlands. This will ensure that the growth momentum is sustained beyond FY 2026. The picture in terms of cash flows was a bit better, though. In Q3 2025, net cash from operating activities of $6.2 billion remained unchanged from the previous year. However, free cash flow shot up by 46% yearly to $3.9 billion. Overall, the company closed the quarter with a cash balance of $41.6 billion, much higher than its short-term debt levels of $31.3 billion. However, earnings missed Street expectations for the fourth consecutive time, as at $0.50, it was not only lower than the consensus estimate of $0.56, but it was 31% lower than the previous year's figure of $0.72. Worryingly, margins also shrank to 15% from 18.5% in the corresponding period a year ago. Moreover, this was the first revenue beat from the company in five quarters. Yet, the skeptics attributed the rise in sales to the end of the EV tax credits while also not sounding very enthusiastic about the pace of adoption of the newly launched Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. Revenues of $28.1 billion marked an annual growth of 12% after all the key segments increased in the same period. Automotive, still the core revenue driver for the company, saw revenues of $21.2 billion in Q3, up 6% from the previous year. Meanwhile, service revenues were up 25% year-over-year (YoY) to come in at $3.5 billion, and the rapidly growing energy generation and storage segment stayed true to its nature by increasing by a massive 44% yearly to $3.4 billion. Shifting away from the rhetoric, Tesla's numbers for the latest quarter were a mixed bag, with enough relevant insights for both the bulls and bears alike. While reporting a beat on revenues, Tesla's earnings missed estimates. Evidently, the situation is far from resolved, as Tesla has found another way to stay in the headlines apart from its core operations. This unraveled further in the latest earnings call of the company, where Musk labeled proxy firms ISS and Glass Lewis corporate terrorists for proposing to reject his humongous pay package. There is always something happening around Tesla (TSLA). As the world's most valuable car company looks to change the future, the soap opera-like circumstances the company finds itself in are enough fodder to keep the limelight on it at all times. Just when one expected that CEO Elon Musk's tumultuous relationship with the Trump administration was on the back burner, the company's board proposed a $1 trillion pay package for him. Story Continues Coming to key operational metrics, production slipped by 5% from the previous year to 447,450 vehicles, while on the other hand, deliveries increased by just 7% in the same period to 497,099 vehicles. Muted numbers on this front seem to represent a demand problem for Tesla, thanks in no small part to the Chinese competition and the end of the aforementioned tax credits. However, metrics for the energy segment continue to elicit optimism for the company. While storage deployed for Q3 2025 stood at 12.5 GWh (vs. 6.9 GWh in Q3 2024), the number of supercharger stations and connectors rose to 7,753 and 73,817, an annual growth of 16% and 18%, respectively. Thus, even though the energy segment is chugging along at a healthy tick, Musk's excitement and focus remain directed more towards AI, robotics, and autonomous vehicles. So, decent growth notwithstanding, pinning hopes on the segment for the future expansion of the company is not going to happen. AI & Robotics It Is Then Despite all the brouhaha and negative headlines, the TSLA stock is still up 11% on a year-to-date (YTD) basis, with a market cap of $1.4 trillion. A substantial portion of this huge market cap is being bet on robotics and AI, and in the ensuing annual meeting on Nov. 6, shareholders will be keenly watching what Musk has to say about both. www.barchart.com As highlighted in my most recent Tesla piece, I had drawn attention to the fact that Musk expects 80% of the company's future value will be derived from robotaxis and humanoid robots. While the response about the robotaxi, which was launched in June of this year in Austin, was mixed, for robots, Musk has asserted that Tesla will be building between 500,000 and 1 million robots by 2027. Central to this lies Tesla's in-house AI framework, driven by the Dojo system (distinct from the earlier Dojo Supercomputer project, now abandoned), which taps into a vast trove of video footage to refine neural networks capable of navigating the erratic challenges that confront drivers every day. Layered on top is the company's expansive Supercharger infrastructure worldwide, which further cements user commitment. With each vehicle functioning as an always-on hub, Tesla vehicles pull in seamless over-the-air enhancements, Full Self-Driving (FSD) enhancements, and mobile app connectivity, fostering escalating network dynamics and barriers to change that grow stronger with each passing mile. Essentially, Tesla's command over the entire value chain, from production lines and software layers to charging grids, ensures it retains full sway over margins, price setting, and direct ties to buyers. This end-to-end control affords Elon Musk the bandwidth to test aggressive affordability models, potentially rendering traditional vehicle purchases obsolete altogether. Shifting to robotics, Musk recently shared a near-term roadmap, noting, "We look forward to unveiling Optimus V3 in Q1, 2026. It won't seem like a robot but a human in a suit." He anticipates this humanoid will outpace any prior Tesla launch in scaling and unlock a staggering $10 trillion in potential sales. That bold projection rests on clear edges Optimus holds against rivals. For starters, Tesla aims to bring unit costs below $20,000, undercutting peers like Boston Dynamics' Atlas, Agility Robotics' Digit, or Figure AI's Figure 01, which run $70,000 to $150,000 apiece. Beyond price, Optimus embeds enduring flexibility into Tesla's expansive AI and automation landscape. Even in its pre-revenue phase, it draws on the firm's integrated capabilities, spanning neural net development, specialized components, and high-volume assembly, to carve out a distinctive niche where robotics meets self-driving tech and lean manufacturing. Analyst Opinion on TSLA Stock However, this is all in the future and yet to materialize. Although Musk has been wildly successful with the mass adoption of EVs and reusable rockets, which has resulted in immense shareholder wealth creation for Tesla shareholders, analysts are still not convinced. They have earmarked an overall rating of Hold for the stock with a mean target price that has already been surpassed. The high target price of $600 denotes an upside potential of about 32% from current levels. Out of 42 analysts covering the stock, 14 have a Strong Buy rating, two have a Moderate Buy rating, 17 have a Hold rating, and nine have a Strong Sell rating. www.barchart.com On the date of publication, Pathikrit Bose 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 Microsoft is set to report first-quarter earnings after the bell on Wednesday, Oct 29. The company is one of three big tech companies revealing financial results on Wednesday. The others are Meta and Alphabet. Wall Street analysts are bullish on the company, according to Bloomberg. Microsoft hit a $4 trillion market cap after it beat expectations in its last quarterly report. Nvidia was the first company to reach the milestone earlier this year. Like all other major tech companies, Microsoft is ramping up its expansion into artificial intelligence. Azure, Microsofts cloud unit, generated more than $75 billion during the 2025 fiscal year. Still, the company previously said it has a lack of servers to rent out to customers and expected constraints to impact the business through the end of fiscal year 2025. According to Bloomberg, in the companys last six quarterly earnings calls, Microsoft said it's been unable to meet all of its customers cloud demand and is racing to build AI data centers. In January, the company announced plans to invest $80 billion this year in AI. This week, the company revealed it had reached a deal with Open AI that would allow the ChatGPT company to go public. Open AI is currently valued at $500 billion. The agreement means Microsoft will hold 27% of the OpenAI Group PBC, valued at $135 billion, according to Yahoo Finance. As earnings approach, heres how to tune in. Where can I listen to the Microsoft earnings call? Microsoft will report earnings after the bell on Wednesday, Oct. 29. Investors can listen to the earnings call on the companys Investor Relations website at 5:30 p.m. ET. The earnings report will be released before the call and can also be viewed on the website. A view shows a Microsoft logo at Microsoft offices in Issy-les-Moulineaux near Paris, France, January 9, 2025. What did Microsoft say in its last earnings report? In July, the company reported a 39% rise in sales, beating Wall Street expectations of 34%. In the earnings call, Microsofts Chief Financial Officer Amy Hood said the company expects capital expenditures to come in over $30 billion during the fiscal first quarter, Bloomberg reported. Meanwhile, growth for the year is expected to hit double digits. Additionally, company leaders anticipated Azures business would grow by 37% in the first quarter. What are Wall Street expectations for Microsoft? Wall Street is expecting the company to report adjusted earnings per share of $3.68 on revenue of $75.5 billion, according to Yahoo Finance. What is Microsofts stock price? Microsofts stock ended trading on Tuesday, Oct. 28 up nearly 2%. The companys stock is up 29.50% year to date. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Microsoft to report earnings. Date, time, how to tune in. MAGGIO EXITS: More changes are taking place at the Elisabetta Franchi fashion company. Chief executive officer Gabriele Maggio has exited the brands parent company Betty Blue SpA, based in Granarolo Emilia, a town outside Bologna. More from WWD The decision, taken exclusively in the best interest of the company, aims to ensure management continuity, proper operational efficiency, and the future strategic development of the business, read a brief statement issued on Monday. No mention was made of a successor. Maggios departure comes on the heels of Marco Bizzarris divestiture of his stake in the company in July and his own exit, resigning as chairman at the end of September. The namesake designer of the brand succeeded Bizzarri in that role, as reported. Maggio joined Elisabetta Franchi in February 2024. His career in fashion spans more than 25 years, as he was previously president and CEO of Stella McCartney, which he exited in December 2023, after four years at the helm of the brand. Prior to McCartney, Maggio was general manager of Moschino. He previously held several senior executive and board-level positions at both Gucci and Bottega Veneta. His curriculum also includes experiences at Giorgio Armani and Prada. Bizzarri, the former president and CEO of Gucci, acquired a 23 percent stake in Elisabetta Franchi last year through a personal holding called Nessifashion. He is also an investor in Forel, which in 2024 entered into an agreement on behalf of the FARO fund to acquire a majority stake in Italian luxury interior design brand Visionnaire. The executive first dipped his toes into the investment fund pool in 2021, when he took a stake and became a partner in Orienta Capital Partners, which specializes in investments in small- and medium-sized companies with strong growth potential. Franchi founded her namesake firm in 1998 and has been expanding its retail network internationally, with its first U.S. boutique opening in the Bal Harbour Shops in Miami at the end of last year. In the U.S., the brand also launched at Saks Fifth Avenue with the spring 2025 collection collection in stores, including New York, Beverly Hills and Houston. In April, it opened a sprawling new Milan flagship on Via Manzoni during Design Week. Best of WWD Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Energy Transfer (NYSE:ET) is one of the most buzzing stocks to buy with huge upside potential. On October 9, Energy Transfer announced an agreement with FourPoint Resources to facilitate the expansion of the Price River Terminal in Wellington, Utah. The project will double the terminals export capacity to enhance the deliverability of American Premium Uinta/APU crude to refineries across the Lower 48 states. Energy Transfer is undertaking the terminal enhancements, which are expected to be complete by Q4 2026. Energy Transfer Announces Price River Terminal Expansion to Double Export Capacity of Uinta Crude by Q4 2026 The expansion includes major infrastructure additions, such as a newly constructed continuous loop track to streamline rail logistics, and a railcar load rack capable of loading 140,000 barrels of oil per day. The project will also add storage capacity with a new heated storage tank of ~140,000 barrels of shell capacity and 2 additional 6,000-foot storage unit tracks. Energy Transfer (NYSE:ET), together with its subsidiaries, provides energy-related services in the US. The company owns and operates natural gas transportation pipelines and storage facilities. While we acknowledge the potential of ET 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: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Equinor reported adjusted operating income of $6.21bn in the third quarter of 2025 (Q3 2025), a decline of 10% compared to the same period the previous year. The company said the results were influenced by a decline in liquids prices, which were partially mitigated by increased production levels and higher gas prices in the US. Equinor recorded a net loss of $200m in the quarter, while adjusted net income stood at $930m, translating to adjusted earnings per share of $0.37. The companys net operating income stood at $5.27bn, a decrease from $6.91bn in the same period last year, primarily due to net impairments totalling $754m, which were largely a result of updated forward-looking price assumptions. Assets classified as held for sale within the global portfolio, which have not been depreciated, accounted for $650m, while $385m was linked to US non-operated assets offshore. The company said this was partially offset by an impairment reversal of $299m concerning an onshore asset in Norway. Equinor said it achieved a European gas price of $11.4 per million British thermal units, while prices of realised liquids were $64.9 per barrel during Q3. Looking ahead, the company anticipates that its midstream, marketing and processing segment will generate quarterly average adjusted operating income of approximately $400m, influenced by evolving market conditions and previous asset divestments. Compared to the same quarter last year, adjusted operating and administrative expenses have risen, attributed to future operating expenses related to an offshore asset in the US that ceased production during the quarter, as well as increased transportation costs and currency fluctuations. Equinors total equity production reached 2.13 billion barrels of oil equivalent (bboe) per day in the quarter, a 7% increase from 1.98bboe per day in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. Production on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS) saw 9% year-on-year growth, driven by robust performance from the Johan Sverdrup and Johan Castberg fields, alongside minimal unplanned downtime, contributions from new wells and reduced turnaround impacts. The US segment reported a 29% increase in oil and gas production compared to the same period last year, reflecting the acquisition of additional interests in US onshore assets last year and heightened output from offshore operations. Conversely, production from the international upstream segment, excluding the US, declined due to exits from Nigeria and Azerbaijan last year, as well as a two-month production halt at the Peregrino field, which is currently for sale. Production at this field resumed this month following compliance with Brazilian audit requirements. Dissolve Assembly : Interesting stand Ready to be more than a junior partner | Dissolve the Assembly and go in for fresh elections. This was Wangoi AC MLA Khurai-jam Loken of the NPP and look a little further and it could well reflect how Conrad Sangmas party has read the situation. This is a sort of an open announcement that the NPP is well placed to do better than the show it put up at the 2022 Assembly elections when it won 7 seats and while to the people this could be a case of speculation, surely the MLA from Wangoi Assembly Constituency could be speaking after getting some feedbacks from the ground. Whatever the case, a sitting MLA, that too from someone of the ruling front led by the BJP, calling for the dissolution of the State Assembly is significant. Citing Presidents Rule as a big failure to take up any developmental works may sound politically correct, but it is there for all to see and acknowledge that direct confrontations, killings and attacks have drastically gone down after Delhi stepped in and imposed PR on February 13 this year. Put the present situation, after PR came, against the time when a popular Government was in place here and the reality should tell its own story. Whatever the case maybe, it stands that the Wangoi AC MLA would not have opened his mouth and called for something as extreme as dissolving the Assembly and a fresh election, if he had not been led to believe that the NPP is well poised to do well if Manipur goes to polls anytime now. The optimism radiated by Kh Loken can also be understood in the backdrop of the fact that the BJP does not seem to be inspiring confidence in the people. Plus the ongoing verbal duel, recently spiked and made more colourful in the last 3/4 days with ex-Chief Minister N Biren and Lok Sabha MP of the Congress Bimol Akoijam as the main players, has only gone to raise more questions in the minds of the people. How things ultimately unfold is too early to say, but each verbal bullet fired against other, reveals the warts on either side and in such a situation, the NPP stands to gain. So far, NPP National president Conrad Sangma has demonstrated that he is on the same page with the people of Manipur during his visit to the State from October 9 to 11. The demonstration of understanding plus the willingness to reach out, did go down well with the people and it is against this backdrop that the Wangoi AC MLA raised the call for the dissolution of the Assembly to be followed by an election. NPP is ready for an election, anytime is the message conveyed by the MLA and this is saying something a lot. It is also interesting to note that the call of the NPP MLA came at a time when the verbal duel between the Congress and the BJP reached new heights, with some stating that some punches were delivered below the belt. Manipur knows who started the verbal duel and which side is more or less credible but it is best left to the people to have the final say. Or it could all be part of what one calls politics. Year 2027 is still more than a year away but that has not stopped the people from talking about the prospects of the different political parties. The focus is obviously on the Big Two-BJP and the Congress, but the chances of a fractured poll cannot be written off that easily and this is where the role of the other parties, particularly the NPP and the Naga Peoples Front (NPF) will become crucial. It will also not be wise to write off the JD(U), for remember Bihar is going to polls next month and a good show there will obviously have a ripple effect on the Manipur unit of the party. Still a little more than a year away, but judging from the way in which the BJP and the Congress have been going at it against each other, comes close to the understanding of a curtain raiser to the 2027 Assembly polls. Making it all that more interesting is also the fact that a sitting MLA has also called for the dissolution of the Assembly, followed by election. In a nutshell, all indications that the major players are more than ready to test the water now, given the fact that no party is well placed to be dubbed the favourites. The reality since the evening of May 3, 2023 has not been pleasant for the BJP by any stretch of the imagination and the Congress is obviously more than ready to pounce on any given opportunity. The NPP too has made it more than apparent that it is ready to be something more than being a junior partner in any coalition Government that may come up after the 2027 Assembly elections. The NPF and the KPA are the only two parties which have so far not made much of a noise. Will the KPA go for a post poll tie with the BJP is the question that some have raised. Elders urge | IMPHAL, Oct 28 : The All Manipur Senior Citizens Welfare Confederation (AMASCWCON) has resolved to urge the Government to fully implement the National Policy for the Older Persons, 1999 in the State. Addressing the media at Manipur Press Club today, AMASCWCON general secretary S Saratkumar Sharma said that National Policy for the Older Persons, 1999 which was amended in 2011 is yet to be fully implemented in Manipur. Noting that the Central and State Governments have launched 22 welfare programmes for senior citizens, including healthcare and pension schemes, he added that the Confederation has resolved to ensure these programmes reach the intended beneficiaries. He said that AMASCWCON was formed as per the direction of All India Senior Citizens Confederation based in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra. He stated that AMASCWCON's first meeting was held on October 9 this year, followed by the second meeting today, during which a resolution was passed to urge the Government to fully implement the National Policy for Older Persons, 1999 in the State. Saratkumar further stated that AMASCWCON is an apolitical, non-profit, and non-religious organisation dedicated to promoting the well-being of senior citizens. The stock of payments processor Fiserv (FI) plunged early Wednesday after the fintech firm slashed its annual earnings guidance and announced a broad reshuffling across its senior ranks. Fiserv's stock dropped 44% Wednesday, its biggest one-day fall on record and a seven-year low for its share price. The stock is currently down 65% for the year. By now, you've seen our results and revised guidance for the year, Fiserv CEO Mike Lyons told analysts Wednesday. While disappointing, the actions we are taking are driven by a rigorous analysis of the company conducted during the third quarter and represent a critical and necessary reset and a revitalizing moment for the company. The Milwaukee, Wis.-based fintech company said in its third quarter earnings results that it now expects its full-year adjusted earnings per share to fall 16% from its previous forecast of $10.15 to $10.30 per share to a range of $8.50 to $8.60 per share. Read more: Live coverage of corporate earnings Fiserv acts as an infrastructure provider that handles payment and banking services as well as other back-office operations for a wide range of companies, from banks like Citigroup (C) and Wells Fargo (WFC) to retailers such as Walmart (WMT). It also provides services to state and federal governments. Lyons, a former senior executive at PNC, officially became Fiserv CEO back in May after its previous chief executive, Frank Bisignano, was tapped by President Trump to lead the Social Security Administration. In addition to that responsibility, Bisignano was named CEO of the Internal Revenue Service earlier this month. Lyons told analysts Fiservs earnings guidance changes came after the company discovered "financial surprises" at the beginning of the third quarter that "prompted not just the annual strategic planning process, but this much more rigorous review into our financials." The lowered estimates came down to a series of factors, including the impact of deferred investments and the recalibration of optimistic growth assumptions in the original guidance, which was driven by slowing growth in its Argentina operations, Lyons said. While Fiservs previous guidance forecast anticipated slowing growth in the Argentina business compared to the prior two years, the company's estimate also assumed its other businesses would grow significantly faster than their historical average to compensate for the drag, according to the CEO. In addition to cutting guidance, Lyons announced an overhaul of his management team and board of directors, along with a new strategic action plan called One Fiserv. By Karen Freifeld (Reuters) -If the Trump administration allows Nvidia to sell a version of its best AI chip to China, as the President opened the door to on Wednesday, experts say it would severely decrease the American advantage in artificial intelligence. It could also effectively spell the end of U.S. chip export restrictions, which were put in place in 2022 to make sure Beijing's military would not benefit from American technology, and to slow the development of China's AI efforts. "If we decide to export B30As, it would dramatically shrink the U.S.'s main advantage it currently has over China in AI," said Tim Fist, co-author of a just-completed analysis of the impact of allowing China the B30A chip, a downgraded version of Nvidia's state-of-the-art Blackwell chip. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and 11 Democratic senators urged Trump on Wednesday to not lift restrictions on AI chips and American technology in pursuit of a trade deal. TRUMP MAY DISCUSS 'SUPER-DUPER' CHIP U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he may speak to Chinese President Xi Jinping about Nvidia's "super-duper" Blackwell chip at their Thursday meeting. The comments echoed those he made in August suggesting he might allow a 30 or 50 percent scaled-down version of Nvidia's top chip to China. But, Fist said, the B30A is a version of the best Nvidia chip in different packaging: China could buy twice as many and get the same result, likely at the same price. A spokesperson for Nvidia declined comment. In the paper, published on Saturday, Fist and his co-authors analyzed nine scenarios covering a range of export strategies the administration might take for a downgraded Blackwell chip. BEST- AND WORST-CASE SCENARIOS In the best scenario, where no powerful chips are exported to China next year, the U.S. would have 30 times the AI computing power than China. In the worst, where the U.S. allows the export of the B30A and comparable chips from other U.S. companies, China could surpass the U.S. in terms of how much AI computing power they gain in 2026. Even in a median scenario, where a small amount of the chips is exported, the U.S. advantage shrinks to four times China's computing power, the analysis found. "If any meaningful quantities are allowed, it's a huge change," said Fist, director of emerging technology policy at the Institute for Progress, a Washington-based think tank. "It's functionally ending the export control regime that we have today." Chris McGuire, a national security and technology expert who served in the U.S. State Department until last summer, agreed. (Reuters) -GlobalFoundries' John Hollister has stepped down from the CFO position and will be succeeded by Sam Franklin on an interim basis, the contract chipmaker said on Monday. The management reshuffle comes at a time when the company has pledged to invest $16 billion partly towards building more manufacturing facilities on American soil amid U.S. President Donald Trump's push to onshore supply chains. The company, unlike leader TSMC, does not largely produce cutting-edge artificial intelligence chips and is spending heavily on upgrading its manufacturing processes to produce more advanced chips for markets such as automotive and smartphones. While Taiwan's TSMC manufactures the most advanced processors designed by the likes of Nvidia, AMD and Qualcomm, GlobalFoundries produces the chips used alongside them that form an essential part of electronic systems. Hollister, who joined the company as CFO early last year, is leaving due to "personal reasons", GlobalFoundries said, without providing further details. Franklin, who is currently vice president of business finance, operations and investor relations, joined Global Foundries in 2022. He has previously held banking and finance positions across firms including Mubadala, a unit of Abu Dhabi's sovereign wealth fund that is also GlobalFoundries' largest shareholder, according to LSEG data. "While the company determines a permanent successor, we are confident in Sam's ability," CEO Tim Breen said in a statement. "GF (GlobalFoundries) remains focused on our strategic priorities." GlobalFoundries' adjusted gross margin has struggled to break out of the 20-30% range for a large part of the last four years, with analysts citing pricing problems and increased competitive pressure. The company is expected to report a drop of about 4% in quarterly revenue to $1.68 billion on November 12, according to data compiled by LSEG. Its profit is expected to fall 8% to $165.4 million. (Reporting by Arsheeya Bajwa; Editing by Anil D'Silva) NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE) and Google have announced a landmark agreement to restart the Duane Arnold Energy Center in Iowathe states only nuclear facilityto help meet soaring U.S. electricity demand driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and data center growth. The 615-MW plant, located near Cedar Rapids, is scheduled to return to full operation by the first quarter of 2029, pending regulatory approval. Under the 25-year agreement, Google will purchase a significant portion of the plants output as a 24/7 carbon-free energy source to power its cloud and AI infrastructure. The remaining capacity will be bought by Central Iowa Power Cooperative (CIPCO) on equivalent terms. NextEra Energy will assume full ownership of the facility after acquiring CIPCO and Corn Belt Power Cooperatives combined 30% stake. The Duane Arnold restartshut down in 2020 after nearly five decades of servicemarks a major return of nuclear generation to Iowa and underscores the growing convergence between Big Tech and clean baseload power. NextEra said the project will create around 400 permanent jobs and generate more than $9 billion in total economic benefits for Iowa, including $3 million annually in new tax revenue. This partnership with Google not only brings nuclear energy back to Iowait accelerates the development of next-generation nuclear technology, said NextEra CEO John Ketchum, highlighting the collaborations role in strengthening U.S. grid reliability and advancing national energy independence. Google, which has invested more than $7 billion in Iowa since 2007, framed the deal as essential to its AI-driven growth strategy. Reopening Duane Arnold delivers reliable, clean power and hundreds of new jobs in the Hawkeye State, said Ruth Porat, president and CFO of Alphabet and Google, calling it a model for similar clean energy investments across the country. The companies also announced a strategic agreement to explore new nuclear generation projects nationwide, positioning nuclear power as a cornerstone of the AI and data economy. This comes amid growing concern that U.S. electricity demandexpected to rise sharply through 2035 due to AI, electrification, and manufacturingwill outpace renewable and grid expansion without firm, low-carbon generation sources. Related: UK Sets 1.08 Billion Offshore Wind Budget In 2030 Push Iowa officials hailed the move as a major milestone in the states energy evolution. Governor Kim Reynolds praised the project as a fusion of nuclear and AI innovation that will drive economic growth, strengthen communities, and keep America competitive. By Bhanvi Satija and Yadarisa Shabong LONDON (Reuters) -GSK raised its 2025 sales and earnings forecasts on Wednesday as its speciality HIV and cancer medicines posted double digit growth, lifting the British drugmaker's shares. Although U.S. sales of its shingles vaccine Shingrix fell sharply, its shares gained as much as 4.3% to their highest level since May 2024. The stock, which has risen 25% so far in 2025, was up 2.16% at 1040 GMT. GSK's improved outlook comes as CEO Emma Walmsley prepares to hand over to Luke Miels early next year, with the drugmaker navigating U.S. tariffs and seeking new medicines to offset revenue declines as some top-selling drugs go off patent. PRESSURE IN US VACCINE SALES GSK said overall vaccine sales hit 2.68 billion pounds in the quarter ending September 30, beating analyst forecasts of 2.55 billion pounds. Growth was mainly outside the U.S. where GSK reported a 15% drop in sales of its shingles vaccine, Shingrix. "Near term, definitely cautious on the U.S. environment", said Walmsley. U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr has taken aim at vaccines, cutting funding for research and ousting the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. French rival Sanofi reported lower sales of its flu shots in the U.S. last week, and flagged a "negative buzz" around vaccines more widely. GSK said sales of its influenza vaccines also declined in the U.S. due to competition. Australian biotech CSL on Tuesday delayed plans to spin off its vaccine division citing "heightened volatility" and a greater than expected decline in U.S. vaccination rates. GSK maintained its 2025 forecast for a low-single-digit decrease to broadly stable revenues for vaccines, which Walmsley said remained an important business for GSK longer term. They made up just over a third of its third quarter revenues. CHALLENGES AHEAD FOR INCOMING CEO Investors are counting on Miels to drive GSK to hit its annual revenue target of more than 40 billion pounds ($54 billion) by 2031. Analysts currently estimate sales to be at about 34 billion pounds. GSK expects annual revenue to increase in the range of 6% to 7%, and core earnings per share to rise by 10% to 12%. GSK said the forecast includes any tariffs enacted so far and potential impacts from 15% tariffs on Europe. It previously expected revenues to grow by 3% to 5% and earnings to grow by 6% to 8%. GSK's core earnings per share were 55 pence on sales of 8.55 billion pounds for the quarter, compared with 47.1 pence on sales of 8.24 billion pounds expected by analysts in a company-compiled poll. With a market cap of $23 billion, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (WSM) is a multi-channel specialty retailer dedicated to offering high-quality products for the home. The company brings the latest home furnishing trends to life through nine distinct brands, each catering to different life stages and spaces. The San Francisco, California-based company is expected to announce its Q3 2025 results soon. Ahead of this event, analysts expect Williams-Sonoma to report an EPS of $1.85, a 5.6% decrease from $1.96 in the year-ago quarter. However, it has exceeded Wall Street's earnings estimates in the last four quarters. More News from Barchart For fiscal 2025, analysts expect the seller of cookware and home furnishings to report an EPS of $8.54, a 2.8% decline from $8.79 in fiscal 2024. Nevertheless, EPS is anticipated to rise 4.9% year-over-year to $8.96 in fiscal 2026. www.barchart.com Shares of Williams-Sonoma have surged 42.6% over the past 52 weeks, outperforming both the S&P 500 Index's ($SPX) 17.9% gain and the Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund's (XLY) 19.7% increase over the period. www.barchart.com Williams-Sonoma shares fell marginally on Aug. 27 despite reporting better-than-expected Q2 2025 EPS of $2 and revenue of $1.8 billion. The company disclosed merchandise inventories up 17.7% year-over-year to $1.4 billion from a strategic pull-forward to offset tariffs, highlighting exposure to significant incremental tariff costs (China 30%, India 50%, Vietnam 20%, steel/aluminum 50%, copper 50%) that could erode future profitability. Analysts' consensus view on WSM stock is moderately optimistic, with an overall "Moderate Buy" rating. Among 20 analysts covering the stock, six recommend "Strong Buy," one suggests "Moderate Buy," and 13 indicate Hold. The average analyst price target for Williams-Sonoma is $208.28, indicating a potential upside of 7.8% from the current levels. On the date of publication, Sohini Mondal 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 It was a full house at the Australian High Commission in New Delhi on Tuesday, where guests gathered for a special evening marking the India debut of Kirrikin an Indigenous Australian luxury fashion label designed in Australia and crafted in India. A partnership between the Australian High Commission, the Centre for Australia-India Relations, and the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), the event celebrated the cross-cultural exchange, as it brought the story of the First Nations Australians (a term used to describe Australias Indigenous people) through fashion, to India. The evening opened with a vibrant cultural performance of dance and music, setting the tone for a showcase that reflected the deep connection First Nations Australians share with the land, water, and nature echoed in the collections palette of earthy greens, oceanic blues, and sunlit oranges. The brand, founded by social entrepreneur and Wonnarua woman Amanda Healy, transforms hand-painted First Nations artworks into striking luxury resortwear and accessories. Notably, the term Kirrikin, which means Sundays best clothes, holds special meaning for the Wonnarua people. The term traces back to the original language recorded by missionaries in Australia during the 1820s and has become a symbol of the labels commitment to revitalising the language of the Wonnarua people, the Australian High Commission noted in a release. A shared history Speaking on the India debut and the country as a fashion market, Healy told The WEEK, Our commonality in love of colour, pattern and design makes us natural partners. We also notice the love of soft fabrics here. Most of all, we have a common heritage in terms of colonial impact. Our history mirrors yours. The brand manufactures almost everything in India. We do occasionally do a small run in Australia, but generally everything is made here. Even if we make in Australia, we use fabrics from here, says the founder-director. I chose India as my major supplier because of the sheer fabulousness of your fabrics. The brand appears firm in building a strong international presence, having showcased its collections across several countries. We receive tremendous support from Europe, perhaps because theres a deeper recognition there of the lasting impact of colonisation, she says. And its only fitting, given the growing conversations around sustainability in fashion an industry often criticised for its pollution and waste. Indigenous communities worldwide, however, have long showcased how to live in balance with nature. We are still very unique on this planet and understand how to live in harmony with it, Healy highlights. CHEYENNE Casper-based Hilltop Bank announced Monday that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Cheyenne State Bank for an undisclosed amount, marking a continued expansion of Hilltops services in the state capital. The agreement received approval from both banks boards of directors and was signed effective Oct. 13. The transaction is projected to close in the first quarter of 2026, pending the necessary approvals from federal and state bank regulators, consent from Cheyenne State Bank shareholders and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. Hilltop Bank reported assets of about $1 billion as of Sept. 30. Cheyenne State Bank, a locally owned community bank established in 2002, reported total assets of approximately $30.2 million as of the same date. Greg Dixson, president and CEO of Hilltop Bank, expressed enthusiasm for the move. We are thrilled about the opportunity to expand our service in Cheyenne through the acquisition of Cheyenne State Bank, he said in a news release. We look forward to serving existing Cheyenne State Bank customers and welcoming new customers who will love a family-owned Wyoming community bank that gives back to the community in meaningful ways. This acquisition is planned to complement Hilltops existing expansion efforts in the city. Hilltop Bank already operates a limited-service office in Cheyenne, and broke ground in July on a new 6,300-square-foot full-service branch northeast of Frontier Mall at 1820 Cutoff Road. When Hilltop announced the opening of its first Cheyenne office in 2023, at 325 W. 18th St., Suite 1, Dixson noted that bank lenders were actively pursuing future growth prospects in Cheyenne, with that initial office focused on trust and wealth management services alongside commercial lending. Hilltop Bank was founded on July 22, 1964, in Wyoming. It has remained locally owned and operated since its inception. In May 1977, the H.A. Dave True Family purchased the bank. The True family maintains deep business interests across Wyoming, including energy, agriculture, real estate, software development and transportation. Under the True familys ownership, Hilltop Bank expanded significantly from a single location to the current 80,000-square-foot main office on Country Club Road in Casper. Hilltop provides banking services including personal and business deposit accounts, various loans, trust and wealth management, treasury services and payroll processing. Its network currently includes four additional branches throughout Casper, a branch in Glenrock, the Cheyenne office, and a trust and wealth management office in Gillette. The bank serves customers across all of Wyomings counties and most states across the U.S., according to its website. October 24, 2016 would have been like any other normal day, till that evening when Tata Sons issued a two-paragraph statement that its board had replaced Cyrus Mistry as chairman. That sent shockwaves in the business world. A long legal battle followed, which ultimately was settled in the Tatas' favour by the Supreme Court in 2021. October 2025 could possibly be a kick-start of another Tata versus Mistry battle. On Tuesday, Mehli Mistry, a trustee and cousin of the late Cyrus Mistry, was voted off the Tata Trusts board. Divisions between the various trustees of the Tata Trusts had become very much evident in recent months, more so after a section of the trustees had blocked the reappointment of Vijay Singh (a trustee and former defence secretary) as a nominee director on the Tata Sons board. The differences were not just on board appointments, but also reportedly around the sharing of information by the nominee directors with trustees. Incidentally, Mehli Mistry had been a close confidant of late Ratan Tata and even had sided with him when the entire battle between Tata and Cyrus Mistry had played out. After Ratan Tata passed away last year, his half-brother Noel Tata was appointed as the chairman of the Tata Trusts. In recent months, clear divisions emerged with one group of trustees behind Noel Tata and the other backing Mistry. What's next for Tata? What's next for Tata Trusts and, in turn, Tata Sons? Mistry could very well go to court. Noted lawyer HP Ranina has pointed to an October 2024 resolution that said all trustees would be appointed for life. Tuesday's resolution was counter to that resolution that had been passed unanimously, and therefore, Mistry might go to court if he wanted to do so to get justice, he pointed out on a TV channel. So far, there has been no indication from Mistry whether he will take legal recourse in the matter. Should that happen, it is sure to be a long, drawn-out affair, with both sides putting forth arguments and counterarguments. The Tata Trusts, too, have remained tight-lipped on the matter and haven't issued any statement on Mistry being voted out and the differences between the trustees. Why this matter is important is because the Tata Trusts hold a 66 per cent stake in Tata Sons, the holding company of the salt to semiconductor conglomerate, and thus enjoy a lot of power over the group. Corporate governance experts had said over the past few weeks that the workings of Tata Sons or the many listed and unlisted companies of the group were unlikely to be affected as long as the matter remained within the trustees. However, with a clear divide in the trustees, should the differences remain unresolved or if a court case is initiated by Mistry, then it could lead to a stalemate in decision-making at the trusts and perhaps even the Tata Sons, as the trustees may not be able to reach a consensus on key matters, they say. The differences had even reached New Delhi, with key Tata executives meeting Home Minister Amit Shah and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently. The ministers reportedly told them to ensure the differences were resolved amicably. With interest from fast-moving consumer goods to automobiles, steel, software and now even semiconductors, the Tata Group is very important to India's economic prospects. The divisions within the Tata Trusts come at a time when there has been uncertainty about the potential listing of Tata Sons. Tatas are understood to be not keen on a listing as it will then open the doors for external investors to enter Tata Sons and, in turn, reduce the control of Tata Trusts. Tata Sons was one of several entities classified as upper-tier non-banking finance companies, and these entities were mandated to list. That deadline has passed, and Tata Sons has, over the past year, taken various steps and made representations to the RBI in a bid to remain private. The Reserve Bank is yet to take any firm stand on Tata Sons' listing. The Shapporji Pallonji Group, though, has made it clear that it wants Tata Sons to list. The SP Group has over 18.37 per cent stake in Tata Sons. The SP Group, which has interests from renewable energy to real estate and construction, and has an estimated debt of Rs 60,000 crore, is in need of funds. Should Tata Sons list, it could sell off some or, if not all, its stake, giving it much-needed money. The removal of Mehli Mistry could mean Noel Tata will be able to more clearly drive decisions at Tata Trusts, which carries out many philanthropic activities. But getting all the trustees on the same page for the greater good of the trusts and the Tata Group itself will be a key issue ahead. In a baffling terror rule book, Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar has stipulated strange laws for women trainees that would seemingly cripple combat rules. A 21-minute-long audio recording of a voice claimed to be that of Azhar purportedly lays down a strict communication code that prevents women trainees belonging to the newly set up womens wing of the terror outfitJamat-ul-Mominatfrom talking with anyone other than their immediate family members. Communications with any unrelated men, even on the phone or through messenger, are banned. The audio recording, sourced from the Indian security establishment, also announces that the Jamat-ul-Mominat will have branches in every district of Pakistan. Each district unit will be headed by a District Muntazima who will be responsible for recruiting women into the organisation. Notably, Azhar, founder of the JeM, was one of the prisoners released on demand by Indian authorities during the IC 814 plane hijack in December 1999. The voice, claimed to be that of Azhar, also lays down training modules for the women recruits. Women joining Jamat-ul-Mominat will receive a 15-day-long induction-cum-indoctrination course called Daura-e-Taskiya that will be conducted at Markaz Usman-o-Ali in Pakistans Bahawalpur. This induction course is understood to be a version of the Daura-e-Tarbiat, which is meant for the male recruits. 21 minutes long message from terrorist hiding under protection of PAK army motivating women to join and do jihad. Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) leader Maulana Masood Azhar has launched a women's wing called Jamat-ul-Mominat. In an audio recording, Azhar outlines plans to recruit and pic.twitter.com/eTTzYP3L6h Vikrant (@Vikspeaks1) October 29, 2025 The online course for Jamat-ul-Mominatheld five days a weekbegan on October 25. The next training module for women recruits is the Daura-Ayat-ul-Nisah. Besides teaching Islamic texts, instructions will be issued to the women on how to conduct jihad. The voice recording also cites Indian army women soldiers and Indian women journalists as the main reasons for setting up the Jamat-ul-Mominat and assures that any woman joining the organisation will go straight to paradise from her grave after death. The new organisation is led by women from Azhars family, with his sister Sadiya Azhar being anointed as the head of the womens brigade. Another of Azhars sisters, Samaira Azhar and Afeera Farooq, widow of Pulwama attacker Umar Farooq, also form part of the leadership. Drone warfare has rapidly transformed military operations, emphasising remote combat power as a deciding factor in both conventional and asymmetric conflicts. From the Nagorno-Karabakh war to the ongoing RussiaUkraine war and even the recent India-Pakistan conflict, the employment of dronesspanning inexpensive quadcopters to advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs), and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs)has shifted the calculus of battlefield dominance. Drones and anti-drone systems now form the foundation of new approaches to warfighting. Their lethal effect multiplies when used as AI-controlled swarms or paired with precision-guided munitions such as cruise missiles. Today, even non-state actors and weaker protagonists rely on drones to counter conventional disadvantages. Lt Gen Philip Campose (retd) For India, drones represent a critical component of military modernisation. The Indian military is inducting a spectrum of drones, ranging from locally produced First Person View quadcopter drones (FPVs) at the tactical level to imported Predator unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) for higher echelon tasks, integrating these assets with electronic warfare (EW), air defence, and anti-drone technologies to meet current and future security challenges. Ukraines innovative deployment of drones as an equaliser against Russias larger military machine offers vital lessons and highlights the evolving character of modern warfare. Despite initial predictions of rapid defeat, Ukraines resilience, driven by rapid scaling and home-grown development of dronesprocuring from a few thousand units in 2023 to an aspired 4.5 million by 2025offers a template for India facing technologically advanced adversaries and diverse terrains. Ukraines optimisation of drone warfare Ukraines transformation of drones from ISR tools into a decisive component across manoeuvre, firepower, and logistics has revolutionised its military doctrine. Several key elements define this optimization: Centralised control and coordination The creation of an Unmanned Systems Force (USF)a dedicated drone warfare branchunifies drone operations across domains, manages procurement and R&D, coordinates training, and partners with a vast network of domestic producers. USF command posts and AI-enabled data analysis facilitate swift decision-making, embedding drones deeply within operational planning and execution. Mass production and rapid innovation Ukraines Army of Drones and the Brave1 technology cluster harness the agility of hundreds of small firms and volunteer groups, enabling mass production and rapid battlefield-driven innovation cycles. Design adaptations, which once took years, now materialise within weeks. FPV kamikaze drones that cost just a few hundred dollars are routinely neutralising million-dollar armoured targets, revealing the cost-effectiveness and disruptive power of inexpensive technologies. Full integration into the kill chain Drones in Ukraines arsenal enable sensor-to-shooter cycles as short as 35 minutes for artillery or HIMARS strikes. Persistent quadcopters maintain continuous surveillance of enemy assets, logistics routes, and rear echelons, transforming targeting and battle damage assessment into a real-time, precision enterprise. Diversification of drone types Ukraine employs a wide array of specialised platforms: FPV Kamikaze drones: Low-cost, high-speed systems fitted with high explosive anti-tank (HEAT) or thermobaric warheads for anti-armor and trench operations. Loitering munitions: These, like Warmate, are used for deep interdiction and targeted strikes. Long-range UAVs: Platforms such as Bober and UJ-22 conduct strategic attacks on logistics hubs and high-value infrastructure deep within the adversary's lines. Naval drones: Assets like Magura V5 and Sea Baby have inflicted substantial losses on the adversary's Black Sea Fleet. ISR drones: Fixed-wing systems provide persistent observation, especially in heavily jammed electronic warfare environments. Advanced EW adaptation To survive heavy jamming, Ukraine uses frequency-hopping, strong encryption, backup analog controls, and mesh networking. Counter-drone teams neutralise enemy drones while protecting domestic assets, highlighting the importance of electronic resilience and adaptive tactics. Night and all-weather capability Thermal imaging-equipped FPVs enable continuous 24x7 operations, leveraging low-visibility conditions to bypass enemy defences. Robust designs guarantee functionality in severe weather, including snow, rain, and strong winds. Integration with other arms Drones are omnipresent companions: Artillery batteries pair with drones for targeting and post-strike assessment. Infantry benefits from embedded drone teams for reconnaissance, minefield mapping, and grenade deployment. Mechanised units employ drone overwatch against anti-tank ambushes. Decentralised doctrine and training Brigade-level drone schools prepare operators for FPV piloting, EW survival, and precision strikes. Continuous training absorbs attrition and keeps the workforce current with technological advancements. Psychological and strategic impact Constant surveillance and precision strikes have eroded the adversary's troop morale. Strategic, deep cross-border attacks showcase Ukraines capacity to impose significant costs well beyond the frontline, underscoring drones role in psychological warfare. Lessons for India: Building a drone-centric capability The Ukraine war demonstrates that drones are not auxiliary but central to modern military capacity. India faces technologically advanced adversaries across varied terrainthe Himalayas, deserts, cities, and the Indian Oceanand must institutionalise drone warfare as a core capability across all wings of the military. Organisational reforms A Joint Drone Warfare Directorate under the CDS should be formed for standardisation, acquisition, and doctrine development. Army battalions would benefit from integrated drone platoons with ISR, FPV, and counter-drone elements, while brigades should house unmanned-effects' companies equipped for swarms and EW. Operational Corps should manage long-range ISR and strike through dedicated Drone & EW Groups. The Air Force should optimise for deep-strike, loyal wingman roles, and swarm integration, while the Navy needs USV and UUV squadrons for coastal defence and maritime strike operations. Equipment modernisation A layered system is essential. These should include: Strategic drones for deep strikes (1,0002,000 km range); operational drones at brigade levels for loitering munitions, relay UAVs, and EW-hardened ISR; and tactical drones which include FPV kamikaze systems and modified commercial off-the-shelf assets. Maritime drones for anti-ship and mine operations. Counter-drone systems with passive sensors, jammers, and hard-kill weapons complete the ecosystem. Tactics, Techniques & Procedures (TTPs) TTPs should prioritise kill-chain compressiontarget identification to strike within five minutes. Training must prepare for GNSS-denied environments using inertial navigation and frequency-hopping. Swarm tactics, such as FPV swarms and decoy deployments, should overwhelm defences. Rear-area protection by hardening logistics bases and deploying mobile teams, and the formation of USV "wolf packs" for maritime operations are necessary innovations. Training and human capital A multi-tier training pipeline is required: Tier 1: Four-week foundation for FPV pilots. Tier 2: Six-week advanced operator training. Tier 3: Four-week counter-drone specialisation. Additional simulation-based training for EW scenarios and FPV swarm coordination, alongside specialised courses for repair and battlefield upgrades, ensure a resilient, adaptive human capital base. Industrial ecosystem Publicprivate partnerships must mirror Ukraines Army of Drones, fostering collaboration between startups, established industry, and defence public sector undertakings. iDEX programs should focus on challenging environmentshigh-altitude endurance, low-signature FPVs, and direct energy countermeasures. Innovation cells embedded in operational units enable fast prototyping and field-driven evolution. Policy and legal framework Rapidly updating rules of engagement for AI-assisted lethal actions is critical. Cybersecurity for UAS control and robust data protection standards must anchor operational trust. Policy must keep pace with the speed of technological and doctrinal change. Metrics for success Success should be quantified. For example: Sortie rates per brigade, per day. Sensor-to-strike kill-chain durations, aiming for sub-5 minute cycles. Cost-benefit ratios, comparing drone loss versus target value. EW resilience, tracked by mission success rates under jamming. Innovation tempo, measured as days from field feedback to operational upgrade. Conclusion It appears the outcomes in future warfare will depend on how effectively drones are leveraged at scale, speed, and with adaptability. The emergence of AI-guided, multi-domain dronesas both offensive and counter-drone assetsheralds a paradigm shift. Ukraines experience underlines that battlefield success is built on institutional agility, relentless innovation, and integrated operations, not technology alone. For India, establishing dedicated drone units in formations, investing in versatile equipment, developing robust TTPs, and sustaining innovation with industry and academia form the bedrock for future dominance. A modular, scalable, and joint ecosystem will deliver India a vital asymmetric edge, deterring adversaries and securing its interests in forthcoming conflicts. The writer was Vice Chief of the Indian Army. President Droupadi Murmu, on Wednesday, scripted history when she undertook a sortie in a Rafale fighter jet from the Air Force Station in Haryana's Ambala, becoming the first President of India to have taken a sortie in two fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF). The sortie in the aircraft assumes significance as Rafale jets were used in Operation Sindoor to destroy many of the terror infrastructures in Pakistan. Her first sortie in an IAF fighter jet was in April 2023. She then flew in a Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter aircraft at the Tezpur Air Force Station, Assam. Before getting on to the Rafale fighter jet, President Murmu wore a G-suit and sunglasses. She posed for pictures with the pilot while holding a helmet in her hand. The sortie lasted for nearly 30 minutes, covering about 200 kilometers before returning to the Air Force Station in Ambala. "The sortie on Rafale is an unforgettable experience for me. This first flight on the potent Rafale aircraft has instilled in me a renewed sense of pride in the nation's defence capabilities. I congratulate the Indian Air Force and the entire team of Air Force Station, Ambala for pic.twitter.com/Ud3LX8uqBU President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) October 29, 2025 The aircraft was flown by Group Captain Amit Gehani, Commanding Officer of the 17 Squadron. Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh also flew in a separate aircraft from the same air base. The fighter jet flew at a height of about 15000 ft above sea level and at a speed of about 700 kilometers per hour. The supreme commander of the Indian armed forces described her ride as an "unforgettable experience". "I am delighted to visit Air Force Station Ambala for my maiden flight on Rafale aircraft of the Indian Air Force. The sortie on Rafale is an unforgettable experience for me. This first flight on the potent Rafale aircraft has instilled in me a renewed sense of pride in the nation's defence capabilities. I congratulate the Indian Air Force and the entire team of Air Force Station, Ambala for organising this sortie successfully," she wrote in the visiter's book after the sortie. Former presidents A.P.J Abdul Kalam and Pratibha Patil had undertaken sorties in Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter aircraft at the Air Force Station, Lohegaon near Pune on June 8, 2006, and November 25, 2009, respectively. Pakistan has come out with a clarification on a few media reports that claimed that Islamabad has placed popular Bollywood actor Salman Khan on its terror watchlist. It all began after the actor appeared at the Joy Forum 2025 in Riyadh, where fellow actors like Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan were also present. There had been many comments online after a short video of Salman Khan mentioning Balochistan during a panel discussion had gone viral. Right now, if you make a Hindi film and release it here (in Saudi Arabia), it will be a superhit. If you make a Tamil, Telugu, or Malayali film, it will do hundreds of crores in business because so many people from other countries have come here. There are people from Balochistan, there are people from Afghanistan, there are people from Pakistan... everyone is working here, Salman Khan was quoted as saying. The actor mentioning Pakistan and Balochistan did not go down well with a section of users. Following the social media comments, some posts alleged that the comments on Balochistan led Pakistan to put the actor under the terror watchlist. The fact-checking team of Pakistans ministry of information and broadcasting refuted the claim that "Salman Khan has allegedly been placed on Pakistan's 'Fourth Schedule' under its Anti-Terrorism Act after making remarks about Balochistan and is labelled a 'terror facilitator'. The ministry stated that no Pakistani government official statement, notification or entry was found on NACTAs proscribed persons page or any ministry of interior / provincial home department gazette notifying Salman Khans inclusion in Fourth Schedule. All publicly available reports stem from Indian media outlets repeating the allegation, but none trace back to an official Pakistani watch-list publication or formal announcement," the ministry said, calling the claims "unverified and false." "...this appears to be a sensational headline rather than a substantiated fact," it added. US President Donald Trump confirmed reports of undergoing an MRI scan recently during his visit to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. "I got an MRI. It was perfect," Trump told reporters while flying to Tokyo. "Trump remains in exceptional health, exhibiting strong cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological, and physical performance," Trump's physician Sean Barbabella said in a memo released after the visit. The doctor noted in the memo that the evaluation helped prepare for Trump's upcoming overseas trips and included advanced imaging, lab testing and preventive health assessments. There is something wrong with Trump. In less than a year, hes had: MRI scan Two annual physicals A cognitive exam Face drooping Swollen ankles Hand bruising Disappeared for a week Looks lost in videos This doesnt scream healthy to me. Harry Sisson (@harryjsisson) October 28, 2025 Back in July, the White House had disclosed that Trump was experiencing swelling in his lower legs and bruising on his right hand. It was later confirmed that he was diagnosed with 'chronic venous insufficiency' What is Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)? When the veins in the legs are damaged, it causes a condition called chronic venous insufficiency. According to the Cleveland Clinic, normally, valves in your leg veins keep blood flowing back up to your heart. But CVI damages those valves, causing blood to pool in your legs. This increases pressure in your leg veins and causes symptoms like swelling and ulcers. Chronic venous insufficiency usually affects people over age 50 and affects about 1 in 20 adults. What are the signs and symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency? Cleveland Clinic lists the following symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency. Achy or tired legs. Burning, tingling, or pins and needles sensation in your legs. Cramping in your legs at night. Discolored skin that looks reddish-brown. Edema (swelling) in your lower legs and ankles, especially after standing a while or at the end of the day. Flaking or itching skin on your legs or feet. Full or heavy feeling in your legs. Leathery-looking skin on your legs. Ulcers (open sores) usually near your ankles. If theyre very painful, they may be infected. Varicose veins. According to experts at Johns Hopkins Medicine, Individuals who are overweight or pregnant are more likely to have this condition. Additionally, if you have a family history of the problem or damage to your leg due to injury, surgery, or previous blood clots, this can also be a reason to be affected by the condition. Other causes of chronic venous insufficiency include: High blood pressure in the leg veins over time, due to sitting or standing for long periods Lack of exercise Smoking A blood clot in a deep vein, often in the calf or thigh (deep vein thrombosis) Swelling and inflammation of a vein close to the skin, often in the legs (phlebitis) For more information, consult a health expert. The JD(U)-BJP alliance has pulled out all the stops to fight two decades of anti-incumbency and retain power in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. On the other hand, it is the most crucial election for the Mahagathbandhan, as a loss here could create resentment and scatter the RJD-Congress cadres. To be a stronger political force, the alliance has to show its expansive presence and campaign thoroughly wherever it can to defeat the BJPs election machinery. The BJP-led NDA is known for micro-management and political shrewdness for instance, it backs rebels in constituencies where their candidates do not get tickets and upset calculations by contesting them as independent candidates. Moreover, the alliance is also adept at marking out winnable constituencies and making all the necessary arrangements to secure victoryespecially in those that require extra effortand then deploying its foot soldiers to consolidate on the ground. A Congress leader said, The Congress party and RJD may not have been that adept at micro-management, but we have made extra effort this time to manage all the affairs on time. The seat sharing did not end up the way we wanted, because the Congress too did not back off. We were firm on our rightful share. But now, everything between the alliance partners is going smoothly. The star campaigners will create the actual momentum before the elections, and we are certain that the resentment among people will allow us to gather more audience and subsequently motivate people to vote for the Mahagathbandhan this time. Congresss ace campaigner Rahul Gandhi has made a much-anticipated return to Bihar following his Voter Adhikar Yatra. He will conduct about 12 rallies before the first phase of elections, including crucial joint rallies with alliance partner Tejashwi Yadav of the RJD, highlighting the Mahagathbandhan's unity. There have been several claims by the NDA that the duo are at odds with each other after seat-sharing tensions. But, on the very first day of his rally, Rahul Gandhi participated in another joint rally in Darbhanga for an RJD candidate as a mark of unity within the alliance and to reinforce the message of well-coordinated functioning between the Congress and the RJD. Moreover, the grand old party has released the list of 40 star campaigners for the elections, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Kanhaiya Kumar. Priyanka, the Congress General Secretary, will start her campaign in the challenging assembly constituency of Bachhwara in Begusarai, where Bihar Youth Congress president Garib Das also faces off against the friendly partner CPI apart from the NDA candidate. The party is planning to deploy its star campaigners in constituencies wherever strategists believe the electoral battle will be closely contested and a small push from the leadership could help sail their ship through to victory on those seats. A political analyst said, How do the star campaigners help win elections? The star leaders mostly go to places where they have some sort of popularity, and the electorate has some living memory of such leaders. They tend to create stronger impressions about their party or alliance. Their presence reinforces the overall message. There is also another factor that helps through campaigningby conducting rallies that dominate the scene, more floating voters tend to vote for that particular party. Notably, the difference in vote percentage between the Mahagathbandhan and the NDA in 2020 was not much, and the overall tally of votes of the NDA was just a few thousand as compared to the Mahagathbandhan. Also, there has been a recalibration in the equation of partnerships as the VIP has switched to the Mahagathbandhan and another LJP faction has joined the ruling bloc which might upset the overall assessment on both sides. The Mahagathbandhan will review and amend the liquor prohibition policy in Bihar if the alliance comes to power after the assembly elections, Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahani said on Wednesday. Sahani, who is also the deputy chief minister candidate of the opposition bloc, said that the prohibition failed to achieve its stated social goals and instead caused large-scale economic losses and enforcement issues. The liquor ban in Bihar was meant for the welfare of the people and was expected to benefit them, but it hasnt been successful. The government should review how much loss the state is suffering because of it. When our government comes to power, we will review it, he said. Patna, Bihar: Mahagathbandhans Deputy CM candidate and Vikassheel Insaan Party Chief Mukesh Sahani says, After our government is formed, we will reintroduce Taadi. The liquor ban in Bihar was meant for the welfare of the people and was expected to benefit them, but it hasnt pic.twitter.com/qXuORTQGXg IANS (@ians_india) October 29, 2025 The VIP leader also promised to introduce Taadi, a traditional alcoholic beverage made from the fermented sap of palm trees. He said revisiting the existing policy was essential both for social balance and for the revival of rural livelihoods linked with toddy tapping. In its manifesto released on Tuesday, the Grand Alliance had promised to lift the ban on toddy (tari) and review the prohibition policy. "The Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act will be reviewed, and the ban on toddy (tari) in the state will be removed. Immediate relief will be provided to Dalits and other poor people languishing in jail for violating the law. Traditional occupations based on toddy and mahua will be excluded from the ambit of the prohibition law," the document said. The ruling blocs chief ministerial candidate, Tejashwi Yadav, said the move would restore the livelihoods of those dependent on the traditional toddy trade. "The community, which has been doing this toddy business for generations, has no other means of livelihood or agricultural land. This ban needs to be removed," Yadav said. Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi came down heavily on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday and said the latter would do anything for votes during elections. Targeting Modi, Rahul Gandhi said Modi's dip in the Yamuna River was another "drama" for votes. Campaigning in Darbhanga for the Bihar Assembly polls, the Congress leader charged the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was controlling the Nitish Kumar-led government in the state. Targeting Modi, Gandhi said Modi would "enact all types of drama for votes". "You try telling him at a poll rally that, Mr Prime Minister, we will vote for you if you dance. He will readily perform Bharat Natyam," Gandhi said. Calling Modi's plan to take a dip in the Yamuna River for Chhatt Puja as "drama", Gandhi charged that special arrangements were made for the prime minister as the river is extremely unclean. Anybody who drinks Yamuna water "will get sick or die". "You must have seen the drama on TV that Modi was going to take a dip in the Yamuna for Chhath Puja. It was shelved when it was exposed that a puddle had been formed with clean, piped water since the river is so dirty," he said. Gandhi also targeted Modi over US President Donald Trump's claims of stopping Operation Sindoor, and challenged the prime minister to refute Trump's claims. "Modi is scared of Trump, a far cry from Indira Gandhi, who stuck to her stand on Bangladesh in the face of international pressure," the Congress leader said. Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav was also present during Gandhi's rallies. Although the severe cyclonic storm 'Montha', which made its landfall in Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday evening, has weakened into a moderate cyclonic storm, it will continue to head northwest at a speed of about 10 kmph, causing showers in Bihar and Odisha. As per the latest IMD forecast, districts including West Champaran, Kaimur, Banka, Rohtas, Gaya, Sheikhpura, and Nawada are expected to receive moderate to heavy rainfall on Wednesday as the cyclones outer bands move northward. The cloud mass associated with Cyclonic Storm Montha over coastal Andhra Pradesh is active. It will move north-northwestwards across coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and weaken into a deep depression during the next three hours and into a depression during the subsequent six hours. According to weather experts, the next 24 hours will be crucial for coastal Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, and southern Chhattisgarh. A warning has been issued for strong winds and heavy rainfall. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea. Overall weather analysis The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in many parts of the country for the next few days. According to the Meteorological Department, continuous rain and strong winds are expected in many states of the southern peninsular, eastern, central, and northeastern India until November 2nd. Light to moderate rain and thundershowers are likely over Kerala and Mahe, coastal Karnataka, and north interior Karnataka on October 29. Heavy to very heavy rain warnings have been issued for Telangana, Rayalaseema, and coastal Andhra Pradesh. Rain and thunderstorms are expected over Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal for the next four days. Extremely heavy rainfall is expected over southern Chhattisgarh on October 29, while very heavy rainfall is expected over Bihar, eastern Madhya Pradesh, and sub-Himalayan West Bengal on October 30-31. Cloud mass associated with #CyclonicStorm #Montha over coastal Andhra Pradesh. It is likely to move north-northwestwards across coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and #weaken into a #deepdepression during next #3hours and into a #depression during subsequent #6hours. pic.twitter.com/txz9hIVVd3 India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) October 29, 2025 Thunderstorms with gusty winds of 50-60 kmph are possible in Vidarbha and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on October 28-29. According to the IMD, light to moderate rainfall is expected in western India, including Konkan-Goa, Marathwada, Central Maharashtra, and Gujarat, until October 31. Very heavy rainfall is expected in the Saurashtra-Kutch region during this period. Hormel Foods is spinning off its Justins brand of nut butters and chocolate snacks through an investment agreement with Forward Consumer Partners. In a transaction that is expected to close by the year-end, the New York-based private-equity firm is taking a 51% stake in Justins, which will become a standalone company with a new CEO. Hormel Foods will retain a 49% interest, according to a statement, which did not disclose the financial terms of the deal. John Ghingo, the president of Minnesota-headquartered Hormel Foods, said the Justins brand has always had incredible equity and there is even more opportunity ahead. Justins was founded in 2004 by Justin Gold, who sold a minority interest to private-equity firm VMG Partners in 2013. Hormel Foods, the owner of the Skippy peanut butter brand, then acquired Justins in 2016. Since then, Ghingo said Hormel Foods has broadened the portfolio to cover almond and peanut butters and has also introduced peanut and almond butter cups. He added: "This new partnership with Forward will build on that strong foundation, providing even greater focus and resources to help the business grow - while we remain invested in its success. "It also reflects a broader strategy at Hormel Foods of finding creative ways to unlock the potential of all of our brands." Gold will return as a strategic adviser at Justin's and join its board. Meanwhile, Peter Burns will return to the business as CEO, a position he held back in 2016. Burns has also served in executive roles at Hershey, Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corp., Izze Beverage, and Hain Celestial. Matt Leeds, Forwards founder and managing partner, will become chairman of the new standalone company. Leeds commented: "The Justins brand is a textbook Forward asset - a powerful brand that makes beloved products, with an enduring track record of success and significant untapped potential. Alongside the Justins plan, Hormel Foods said Paul Kuehneman has been appointed interim CFO, reporting to CEO Jeff Ettinger. Ettinger replaced Jim Snee in June as the former CEO announced his retirement. However, Ettingers position is temporary until a successor is found. While Hormel Foods has not yet issued its fourth-quarter results to 26 October, the company did provide an update. It expects a strong top line amid sustained demand across its retail, foodservice and international businesses, led by turkey products and the Planters snacks brand. Net sales for the quarter are projected at the upper end of its guidance, while adjusted earnings per share are forecast around $0.08 to $0.09 below its previous expectations. With the Grand Alliance announcing Tejashwi Yadav as its chief ministerial candidate, the RJD leader is now the principal challenger in the upcoming Bihar assembly elections. The RJDs star campaigner and inheritor of his fathers social justice legacy, Tejashwi has broadened his appeal to include economic justice as he promises jobs and development. Tejashwi Yadav interview | Bihar elections 2025 | PM SHRI row in Kerala | THE WEEK As Bihar heads into a crucial election,Tejashwi Yadav is wooing the restless youth with promises of employment, while the ruling NDA banks on Nitish Kumar's loyal base of women voters to see him pic.twitter.com/8sfvwyLt9t THE WEEK (@TheWeekLive) October 30, 2025 Tejashwi spoke to THE WEEK in an exclusive interview at his 1 Polo Road residence in Patna a day after he was announced as the CM face of the Mahagathbandhan. As the election approaches, Tejashwi was seen relaxed and self-assured. Im in this for the long haul. What I say, Ill do, he says. In his interview, the RJD leader shed light on how the 2025 election is different from the previous one in terms of messaging and campaign style and how he hopes to win the votes of youth and women. Tejashwi opened up about the Mahagathbandhan's advantages over NDA in the upcoming election and the political future of the JD(U) and Nitish Kumar. He also revealed how he plans to implement his promise of a government job for every family and take on the NDA over SIR issue. If Bihar doesnt progress, the country cant either, he tells THE WEEK. When asked about Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj backing out from the election, Tejashwi said, Everyone has the right to contest. My focus is on real issueshow to make Bihar number one, create jobs, improve education and health care, and attract industries. I will stay focused on that. There are many political parties who survive because they attack us. My focus is on development. Read Tejashwi Yadav's first exclusive interview after he was announced the CM candidate of Mahagathbandhan in the latest issue (November 9, 2025) of THE WEEK magazine. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will address two rallies in Bihar, marking the formal launch of his campaign for the assembly elections 2025. The rallies will be held in Sakra (Muzaffarpur) and Darbhanga, where the Rae Bareli MP will share the stage with Mahagathbandhans chief minister candidate Tejashwi Yadav. The opposition bloc would be keen to make the event a show of unity, as there have been reports of discord within the alliance over seat-sharing. The BJP and its allies had targeted the grand alliance over its inability to reach a consensus and claimed a rift between Rahul and Tejashwi. Moreover, the alliance has fielded multiple candidates in more than half a dozen seats, giving ammunition to the ruling front to allege that the opposition has failed to behave like a cohesive bloc. According to the final candidate lists, Congress has fielded candidates for 61 seats, nine fewer than it contested in the 2020 assembly elections, and the RJD will contest 143 seats, compared to 144 in the last election. Rahul will first address a public meeting in Sakra, where he will campaign for Congress candidate Umesh Kumar Ram. In Darbhanga, Rahul and Tejaswhi will jointly hold another rally, extending their appeal for alliance candidates contesting from the Mithilanchal region. Earlier, the BJP had taken potshots at the INDIA bloc over Rahuls absence from the election scene, even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi had already addressed two rallies in Samastipur and Begusarai districts. The Congress leaders, however, dismissed reports of a rift in the alliance and said Tejashwi, being the CM face, will lead the alliance in the campaign. "The Bihar assembly election is a state election. So, top state-level leaders from the Congress will be present, and since Tejashwi is the face of the election, he will lead the alliance in the state. There is no rift between the two, a senior Congress leader told THE WEEK. The 243-member Bihar assembly will go to polls in two phases on November 6 and November 11, with results set to be announced on November 14. Keralas ruling coalition had faced a major crisis as the Communist Party of India (CPI) challenged Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayans unilateral decision to join the PM SHRI scheme. But now, by forming a subcommittee to review the governments decision to sign an MoU with the Centre for implementing the scheme, the chief minister has brought temporary peace within the Front. On October 23, K. Vasuki, Secretary of the General Education Department, signed the MoU on behalf of the Kerala government. The Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala has long opposed the National Education Policy (NEP), describing it as a centralizing and exclusionary framework that promotes saffronization, corporatization of education, and the erosion of state autonomy. Calling PM SHRI a backdoor entry for the NEP, the LDF had resisted signing it so far. However, the Kerala government decided to go ahead after Vijayan met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 10. The MoU was prepared in Delhi on October 16. When the media reported the news, Revenue Minister K. Rajan of the CPI raised questions about it at the cabinet meeting on October 22. Neither Vijayan nor Education Minister V. Sivankutty disclosed that the MoU had already been finalized. CPI and other allies learned about the signing through media reports. On October 27, the CPI(M) state secretariat discussed the issue and concluded that withdrawing from PM SHRI was no longer feasible, deciding instead to convince the CPI of the circumstances under which it was signed. In the aftermath, the chief minister himself had made reconciliatory efforts, but the CPI remained adamant in its demand for accountability. CPI ministers submitted a protest letter to the chief minister, saying they felt cheated, as a crucial cabinet decision had been kept from them. They also hinted that they would boycott the weekly cabinet meeting in protest. It is learned that the deadlock was finally broken through the efforts of CPI(M) general secretary M. A. Baby. The CPI(M) and the CM took a step back, and the Cabinet decided to form a subcommittee to review the feasibility of withdrawing from the scheme. Following this, CPI ministers agreed to attend the cabinet meeting. Considering the controversies and concerns that arose over the signing of the MoU related to the PM SHRI scheme, the government has decided to conduct a review before implementing the project. A seven-member cabinet subcommittee has been formed to examine the matter and submit a report. Education Minister V. Sivankutty will chair the committee, while K. Rajan, P. Prasad, Roshy Augustine, P. Rajeeve, A. K. Saseendran, and K. Krishnankutty will serve as members, said the chief minister in the press meet post cabinet meeting. The chief minister also said that the Centre would be informed through an official letter that the state would not move forward with the implementation of the PM SHRI scheme until the subcommittees report is received. Notably, no timeline has been set for the subcommittee to submit its report. And, during Q&A, the chief minister suggested that the panel may delay submission until local body election-related activities are over. Earlier, when reports emerged that the chief minister would soften his stance, KPCC president Sunny Joseph dismissed it as a mere temporary tranquilizer for the CPIand, indeed, there are reasons to believe the subcommittee itself is exactly that. Nevertheless, after arriving at this face-saving formulaa cabinet subcommittee to review an MoU that has already been signedCPI state secretary Binoy Viswam said the party had no interest in claiming victory or defeat. This victory belongs to the LDF. It is a triumph of Left unity, he said. Apparently, the chief minister has taken extreme care not to explicitly state that the government would withdraw from the PM SHRI project. A relevant precedent for Kerala is that of the Punjab government. Punjab had signed the PM SHRI MoU in October 2022 but later decided to withdraw, citing its inability to accept the Centres school-branding guidelines. The state sought legal advice and was told it had the right to withdraw. Acting on that advice, Punjab officially informed the Centre in 2023 of its decision to withdraw. However, the Union government maintained that once an MoU was signed, a state could not back out. The Centre subsequently blocked the release of SSA funds to Punjab. Kerala faces a similar situation. Although PM SHRI was launched in 2022 and Kerala had refused to sign it, the state continued to receive SSA funds until the first half of the 202324 financial year. When it sought the third installment for 202324, the request was rejected on grounds of non-compliance with PM SHRI. In March 2024, the Kerala government sent an assurance letter stating that it would sign the MoU before the 202425 academic year. This was necessary to receive 37.5 per cent of SSA funds sanctioned for 202324. However, the government did not fulfil this assurance, and as a result, SSA funds have remained blocked since then. In Punjabs case, facing a severe financial crisis, the government eventually reversed its stance and rejoined the PM SHRI scheme in 2024. As Kerala too reels under intense financial pressure, it is highly likely that the subcommittee will eventually arrive at a similar decisionthis time, taking the CPI and other allies into confidenceto maintain the status quo on the PM SHRI MoU and secure the release of the currently blocked SSA funds, as well as future allocations that might otherwise be withheld. A peace meeting convened by the Kalaburagi district administration to discuss permission for an RSS route march in Chittapur on November 2 witnessed heated exchanges with some outfits, who had also threatened to hold similar rallies, demanding that the Sangh conduct their march carrying the national flag and preamble of the Constitution. The meeting, chaired by Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Taranum, was held as per the directions of the Karnataka High Court. Besides the RSS, representatives of Bhim Army, Bharatiya Dalit Panthers, Hasiru Sene, Karnataka Rajya Chalavadi Kshemabhivruddi Sangha, Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha, and Gonda Kuruba ST Horata Samithi attended the meeting. Quoting official sources, PTI reported that several of these organisations expressed concerns that a march featuring lathis (sticks) could lead to law and order issues. They suggested that the RSS hold the route march carrying the national flag and the preamble of the Constitution instead of lathis and the Bhagavadwaja (saffron flag). The RSS representatives rejected this proposal and maintained that they had the right to hold a peaceful route march as per their traditions. In response, some groups threatened to hold similar rallies in the town on the same day. The RSS route march in Chittapur, the home constituency of state minister Priyank Kharge, was originally scheduled for October 19, but the administration denied permission, citing law and order concerns. The organisation moved the Karnataka High Court, which directed it to submit a fresh application seeking permission to hold the march on November 2. The court also asked the authorities to review the application and submit a report by October 24. On October 24, the High Court instructed the district administration to convene a peace meeting with all parties concerned and attempt to reach a consensus. The dispute over the route march came amid a raging political row in Karnataka after the state government announced its plans to restrict the activities of the RSS in public places and schools. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is healthier than Rashtriya Janata Dal supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav, mentally alert, said Janata Dal (United) leader K.C. Tyagi. Dismissing speculations, the former Rajya Sabha MP asserted Kumar is the chief minister face of the National Democratic Alliance. In an interview with The Indian Express, Tyagi dismissed rumours about Kumar's health and said the latter is still "mentally alert". Dismissing Tejashwi's charges, Tyagi said, "He did not say anything about Nitish Kumars health when he had been the deputy CM under Nitish from August 2022 to January 2024. In fact, Nitish Kumar is in much better health than Lalu Prasad." "What I have gathered through my personal interactions and conversations with Nitish Kumar is that he is still very mentally alert. He does not need anyones support to walk. He has been our star campaigner this election. Nitish is still the most politically attractive and credible politician of Bihar," Tyagi told the publication. Tyagi also asserted that Nitish Kumar is the chief minister face of JD(U)-BJP alliance in this assembly election, dismissing Union Home Minister Amit Shah's statement that the ruling alliance will decide its chief minister after polls. Saying Kumar is not Eknath Shinde (Maharashtra deputy CM), Tyagi added, "I am also not reading too much into Amit Shahs statements because over a dozen NDA leaders, including some BJP leaders, have endorsed Nitish as CM post-polls, too. And, you do not change your captain midway through the battle." Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee has issued an open challenge to the BJP and the Election Commission (EC) regarding the death of Pradeep Kar, a 57-year-old trader who died by suicide on Tuesday in Panihati, North 24 Parganas district, over the National Register of Citizens (NRC) issue. This has sparked a political storm in West Bengal. "Amit Shah and Gyanesh Kumar (Chief Election Commissioner) are responsible for these deaths. If the BJP and EC have the guts, lay hands on the people of Bengal and show us," he said. VIDEO | Kolkata, West Bengal: TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee announces a rally in Panihati seeking justice for Pradeep Kar who was found hanging at his residence in Panihati in North 24 Parganas on Tuesday morning leaving behind a note blaming the NRC for his death. (Full video pic.twitter.com/T7U4iTembN Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 29, 2025 The TMC MP added, "Can Amit Shah show his birth certificate? Starting from the prime minister and other cabinet ministers, can they show their birth certificates? The norms say get your father's and grandfather's certificates. Tie them (BJP, EC officials) to a tree. Ask them to get all their certificates and show them to the people." Banerjee, who visited Kars family on Wednesday afternoon, said that he and his party would take to the streets on Thursday to seek justice for him. The BJP has reacted sharply to Banerjees comments. Party leader Rahul Sinha said, "We cannot take the law into our hands. The TMC is a party of hoodlums, and they take the law into their own hands and instigate people. "The reason why the person committed suicide is not clearwhether he died due to family issues or other reasons. We have our doubts about what Mamata Banerjee has posted on social media. Despite our doubts, we still say that if he died because of the NRC, Mamata Banerjee is responsible because there is no reason for anyone to be scared of the NRC in West Bengal. The fear-mongering and lies are due to Mamata Banerjee, which is why she is responsible for Pradeep Kars death." Kar was found hanging from the ceiling at his house, and a diary recovered by police contained several notes on the NRC. One page had a line saying, "NRC is responsible for my death." While the NRC has been implemented in Assam, it has not been implemented in West Bengal. "I am ashamed that a political party can stoop to such levels. He has written clearly that he died due to the NRC, and you still want to play politics around this?" Banerjee asked. The Diamond Harbour MP also brought to light another case regarding the SIR an attempted suicide in Dinhata, Cooch Behar, which is in north Bengal. The attempted suicide was over the fear of being branded an outsider following the SIR exercise. "While speaking to his brother, I learned that another person in Dinhata attempted suicide by drinking poison. He has been taken to the hospital," he said. Banerjees controversial comments come a day after Kolkata Mayor and TMC leader Firhad Hakim, after an all-party meeting convened by the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Agarwal to discuss the way forward for the rolling out of SIR, said, "If the BJP and the Election Commission try to impose the CAA together, I will break their legs." The meeting called by Agarwal on Tuesday was to ensure the smooth functioning of SIR and to request representatives of the eight registered political parties to provide one Booth Level Agent (BLA) to work in tandem with each of the 294 Booth Level Officers (BLO) to ensure no voter is left out of the electoral revision process and to weed out fear among voters. "No eligible voter will be left out," said Agarwal after the meeting. Kar was a resident of his locality for almost five decades and had relevant documents, yet his fears of being left off the electoral list or ceasing to be a citizen of India continued. This incident also highlights the blurring of lines in voters minds between the NRC and SIR. Even as Opposition parties like the TMC, Congress, and CPI(M) have reiterated that SIR was a disguise for the NRC and Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), camps were being held in the same location. Agarwal explained that while the CAA is being conducted by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), SIR is being conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI). "CAA concerns are raised by political parties; it is not being done by the EC," said Agarwal. The West Bengal CEO, however, said that no formal complaint was received over Kars death and that if there is a formal complaint, the EC will look into the matter. As far as reassuring other voters across the state of the ECs credibility and responsibility, Agarwal said, "We have a concrete team, and we hope to prepare a voter list that is 100 per cent perfect." Zubair Hungargekar, a software engineer who was arrested on charges of links to terrorism, was found to have allegedly followed Osama bin Ladens speeches. The techie was arrested earlier this week by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in Pune over his alleged links to terror outfit Al-Qaeda. Sources said that they found the Urdu translation of a speech by Bin Laden among many of Hangargekars possessions, NDTV reported. There were also photographs of Hangargekar using an AK-47 rifle nd making bombs. The sources said that they were making efforts to understand his role in radicalising youngsters. He was under the surveillance of the ATS since last month and was arrested from the Kondhwa area under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. Hangargekar was allegedly involved in anti-national activities and planning terror strikes in Maharashtra and other cities, according to the statement by the police to the court. The Pune techie hails from Solapur and specialises in software testing and database development. He was working at a Software IT company in Kalyani Nagar with a good salary before he was arrested. The ATS held large-scale raids across 25-26 locations in the Kondhwa area as part of a terror funding case. Materials recovered from the raids pointed to Hangargekar and his role. The court ordered his custodial remand till November 4. About 19 laptops, 40 cellphones were found during the raids on October 9th. The evidence is also being examined to determine the involvement of other individuals in the case. The Supreme Court, on Wednesday, permitted Gitanjali J. Angmo, wife of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, to amend her petition challenging his detention under the National Security Act (NSA) and introduce additional grounds against it. The court took the revised plea on record and directed the Union government and the Union territory of Ladakh administration to respond within 10 days. A Bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and N.V. Anjaria allowed the amendment and listed the matter for further hearing on November 24. The petitioner, represented by Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, has been allowed a week to file the updated petition, while the respondents have 10 days to reply. Any rejoinder may be filed within a week thereafter. Wangchuk, a noted educator and environmentalist from Ladakh, was detained on September 26 under the NSA following violent protests in Leh that demanded statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. Authorities alleged his involvement in inciting the unrest. In her amended plea, Angmo challenges both the procedure and the substance of the detention. She contends that several of the five FIRs cited in the detention order do not name her husband, nor do they establish any direct link to the September violence. Three of those FIRs, she says, were registered in 2024 against unknown persons. Angmo further argues that recent actions against Wangchuk and his NGO, including cancellation of FCRA registration, land-lease notices, CBI investigations, and Income Tax summons, indicate a pattern of targeted harassment, not a genuine national security concern. It is wholly preposterous that after over three decades of being recognised at the state, national, and international levels for his contributions to grassroots education, innovation, and environmental conservation, Mr. Sonam Wangchuk would suddenly be targeted, the amended plea states. Merely two months before the elections and the final rounds of dialogue between ABL, KDA, and the ministry of home affairs, he was served with notices for land lease cancellation, FCRA cancellation, initiation of a CBI investigation, and summons from the Income Tax Department. The petition underscores Wangchuks long-standing contributions to sustainable innovation, including solar-heated shelters for the armed forces in high-altitude terrain, and argues that it is implausible to label him a threat to national security. Angmo describes the detention as a manifestation of political vendetta against a reformer who has consistently raised ecological and governance concerns in Ladakh. She also claims that Wangchuks remarks referencing uprisings in Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka were selectively misinterpreted, either due to a misunderstanding of context or deliberate distortion. The allegation that Mr. Sonam Wangchuk has been regularly bragging about his foreign connections and threatening to use such connections against the government is wholly unsubstantiated, incorrect, and without any material on record, the plea adds. In support of her argument, Angmo notes that during a conference in Pakistan, Wangchuk had, in fact, praised Prime Minister Narendra Modis environmental policies, contradicting claims that he harboured any hostile intent. The Centre and Ladakh administration, however, have maintained that the detention followed due process under the NSA. They contend that Wangchuk was duly informed of the grounds for his detention, granted legal access, and that the order aligns with preventive detention provisions invoked when actions are deemed prejudicial to national security. With the amended petition now admitted, the Supreme Courts next hearing is expected to examine not just the technical validity of the detention order, but also the timing and rationale behind it. The outcome is likely to carry wider implications for the use of preventive detention laws in contexts involving regional activism and demands for constitutional safeguards in Ladakh. The Bahujan Samaj Party has launched a major initiative to reconnect with Muslim voters in Uttar Pradesh by reviving its Muslim outreach as the party prepares for the 2027 state assembly elections. A meeting was held in Lucknow today with coordinators from all 18 divisions of Uttar Pradesh to discuss the revival and reorganisation of the Muslim Bhaichara Sangathan. This represents Mayawatis first such focused engagement with Muslim outreach since the 2022 assembly elections, signalling a renewed commitment to consolidating minority support. VIDEO | Lucknow: BSP chief Mayawati attends a meeting of the Muslim Samaj Bhaichara Organization at the party office. (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/JMl19F6xUu Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 29, 2025 The timing of this initiative is noteworthy. The BSP had fielded 88 Muslim candidates in the 2022 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, but none won. Similarly, in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, the party fielded 37 Muslim candidates without success. Following these electoral setbacks, Mayawati had publicly criticised the Muslim community for not supporting BSP candidates despite the partys efforts to provide representation. However, todays meeting indicates a shift in mood. Muslim Bhaichara (brotherhood) Committees at the grassroots level are to be strengthened. The distinctive feature of these committees is their composition as each unit comprises one Muslim member and one dalit member working together. This pairing symbolises the partys strategic vision of forging a dalit-Muslim alliance, creating what the leadership terms a common platform for two communities that have been historically marginalised. A press note issued post the meeting makes extensive reference to the party's ideological foundations, emphasising that the BSP was established to represent Bahujans a term encompassing Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and minorities. The document put out today argues that Muslims are an integral part of this Bahujan identity and that their political empowerment aligns with the partys founding vision articulated by Kanshi Ram. The organisation of the committees has already been made operational in Lucknow division, where appointments to these bodies have commenced. The party plans to replicate this structure across all districts and divisions of the state, creating an extensive network to reach Muslim voters directly. The revival comes after a three-year hiatus during which the BSP had largely abandoned focused Muslim outreach. During this period, Muslim voters increasingly gravitated toward the Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance, viewing it as a more effective combination to take on the ruling BJP. At the party meeting today, Mayawati emphasised that for the social and political advancement of marginalised communities, active participation and electoral support of both dalits and Muslims was required. Such a coalition had previously delivered electoral success to the BSP, particularly during Mayawati's tenure as chief minister from 2007 to 2012. A key element of the new strategy involves direct engagement with Muslim communities at the village and neighbourhood level. The party has directed its district and divisional units to organise meetings, address Muslim grievances, and communicate how BSPs governance would protect minority rights while ensuring their participation in governance and development processes. The party has conducted a special exercise to assess its organisational strength and identify gaps in its social coalition. This detailed review apparently highlighted the critical absence of Muslim support as a major factor in recent electoral failures, prompting the current course correction. This revival of Muslim outreach does not represent an abandonment of the partys core Dalit base. Both communities will be complementary to the partys strategy. The paired structure will ensure that both communities feel represented and invested in the partys success. The broader context for this initiative is Mayawatis preparation for the 2027 state elections in which the BSP will try its best to reverse its declining electoral fortunes. The party has been conducting organisational strengthening exercises across the state, including the recent rally on the death anniversary of Kanshi Ram. The BSP faces challenges in winning back Muslim voters. The Samajwadi Party has consolidated its position as the preferred choice particularly through its alliances and perceived commitment to protecting minority interests. The BSP will need to convince Muslim voters that it offers more effective representation. The success of this outreach will depend on several factors. These include the on ground effectiveness of the Bhaichara committees. In addition, the party will have to put forth a compelling vision for Muslim political empowerment. Mayawatis personal credibility on delivering on promises will also play a role. Amid speculations about the leadership change in Karnataka and talks of a possible cabinet reshuffle, former Congress MP D.K. Suresh expressed his desire to see his brother, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, as the future chief minister of the state. For quite some time, there have been speculations about a leadership change in the Karnataka government. Even as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah clarified that if the high command decides, he will continue as CM for five years, Suresh was asked about the political future of his brother. According to a Kannada Prabha report, the Congress leader said, "If it is written on his forehead that he will become CM, it will happen; otherwise it will not." He said he would like to see his brother as the chief minister. Suresh, however, clarified that no efforts are being made in this regard and added that Shivakumar, who is the state president of the party and the deputy CM, will abide by the party decision. Even as the state government is set to complete half of its five-year term in November, there are talks of a November Revolution, fuelled by the opposition BJP. However, Shivakumar had downplayed talks of a leadership change, saying the party leadership will act as per the directions of the CM. Meanwhile, Congress MLC Yathindra, son of Siddaramaiah, had claimed that his father continuing as the CM is inevitable for the state, and added that the majority of Congress MLAs share the same opinion. HSBC has said it is on alert for a possible shadow banking crisis as concerns about the private credit industry grow. Pam Kaur, HSBCs chief financial officer, said on Tuesday that the bank had relatively small exposure to the private loans industry but was concerned about the second and the third order risk if issues start to affect the industry more broadly. She said: The thing that worries me most, and I have gone through crises as a chief risk officer before, is the second and the third order risk you have from your counterparties who may be impacted by a situation... so thats what we monitor very closely. Ms Kaur added it was difficult to monitor the potential risks it faces from any possible meltdowns in the shadow banking industry, given much of the risk was indirect. Concern has spread since the collapses of US car parts manufacturer First Brands, and Tricolor, an American subprime car loan lender. Both failed with little warning and were heavily reliant on private credit, a corner of finance often referred to as shadow banking. This form of finance involves private equity and other non-bank lenders extending credit to companies. Concerns have been raised about the lack of transparency in the $3tn (2.2tn) market and the possibility of lax lending standards. b' ' This has fuelled fears that more collapses could be imminent. Jamie Dimon, the chief executive of JP Morgan, said: When you see one cockroach, there are probably more. JP Morgan itself recorded a $170m loss from its exposure to Tricolor. The Bank for International Settlements often called the central bank for central banks warned this week that the life insurance industry may be riven with hidden risks as a result of its mounting exposures to private credit. It warned that many of these investments are more obscure, with information hardly obtainable in common data sources compared to publicly traded debt. Insurers backed by private equity have become particularly keen on private letters, a form of ratings which cannot be cross-checked by regulators or other analysts, the BIS warned. Private ratings are not publicly disclosed, which prevents external validation and facilitates rating shopping. These ratings are concentrated among smaller rating agencies, which may face commercial incentives to assign more favourable ratings, it said. This opacity can lead to inflated assessments of creditworthiness and, correspondingly, undercapitalised exposures. Goldman Sachs: No sign its systemic Goldman Sachs boss David Solomon played down concerns of a systemic problem with shadow banking - Kyle Grillot/Bloomberg David Solomon, Goldman Sachs chief executive, downplayed fears of a systemic shadow banking crisis on Tuesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his historic address at the India Maritime Week 2025 by talking about how Vizhinjam International Seaport, India's first deepwater transhipment hub in Thiruvananthapuram, became fully operational this year and docked the world's biggest container vessel, the MSC-Irina. Despite this monumental achievement, this was a mere starter in the main course that Modi had prepared for the third day of India's headliner maritime event. To a sea of white uniform-clad naval cadets and maritime students, who joined major stakeholders in the country's shipping, ports, and waterways, in the audience, Modi launched a volley of initiatives worth $26 billion. Massive maritime investment Among the prime minister's latest announcements was the news of The Shipping Corporation of India's plan to expand its fleet to 216 vessels (including bulkers, tankers and offshore vessels) by 2047. He also launched India's very own Bharat Container Shipping Line with 51 container vessels on a Rs 60,000 crore investment. Mod also launched oil and gas PSU orders of 59 ships worth Rs 47,800 crore, and a Green Tug Programme, which involved the acquisition of 100 eco-friendly tugs for Rs 12,000 crore. Finally, the acquisition of 11 dredgers by the Dredging Corporation of India for Rs 3,775 crore brought the overall orders to 437 vessels on a staggering Rs 2.2 lakh crore ($26 billion) investment. Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, stressed the latest policy and law reforms in the maritime sector. As he outlined the impact of the conclave in Mumbai, Sonowal said that the event was a culmination of where "vision meets education, policy meets industry, innovation meets opportunity". Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis hailed India Maritime Week 2025 for transforming into a platform to bring the latest innovations and transformations in the maritime world to each and every corner of India. He congratulated the Prime Minister for "reimagining the maritime space of India", while announcing that around Rs 56,000 crore worth of MoUs were inked by the state so far at India Maritime Week 2025. The fragile US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came under its most serious strain yet following a wave of Israeli airstrikes in Gaza on Tuesday. The strikes were launched in response to an attack on Israeli troops in the south of the territory, and to Hamass failure to return the bodies of hostages still held in the Strip. The attacks on Israeli positions reportedly occurred in southern Gazas Rafah region, where troops came under fire from militants. Israeli forces returned fire, and Palestinian media reported Israeli artillery shelling in the Rafah area. Hamas denied any involvement in the shooting. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu then instructed the Israeli Defence Forces to carry out powerful strikes in Gaza after security consultations. Defence Minister Israel Katz said Hamas had crossed a bright red line and would pay a heavy price for violating the agreement on hostage-return. The Israeli military said it had notified the United States prior to commencing the strikes. The military action triggered casualties across the territory. Health officials reported at least seven Palestinians killed in separate strikes in Gaza City and Khan Younis, while other sources claimed the death toll reached at least nine. The Hamas-run Civil Defence agency and hospital officials indicated that at least 33 Palestinians were killed when homes, schools, and residential blocks were hit in Gaza City, Beit Lahia, al-Bureij, Nuseirat, and Khan Younis. Among those killed in Khan Younis were two children when a civilian vehicle was struck. Israel listed two reasons for its retaliatory strikes. First, it said troops stationed east of the so-called Yellow Line the boundary marking Israeli-controlled territory inside Gaza under the ceasefire deal were fired upon, constituting a direct violation of the truce agreement. Second, Israel accused Hamas of breaking the ceasefire by returning only partial human remains of a hostage, rather than abiding by the full terms of the agreement, which required the immediate return of all remaining hostages. Hamas denied responsibility for the Rafa incident and reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire. It condemned the Israeli strikes as a clear violation of the ceasefire deal and urged mediators to press Israel to halt its attacks. Following the strikes, Hamass military wing announced it would postpone the handover of another hostage body that it had recovered earlier that day, blaming Israels actions for disrupting the process. A major flashpoint in the negotiations has been the return of partial remains of hostages. The remains handed over by Hamas on Monday were identified as belonging to Ofir Tzarfati, who had been kidnapped during the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack and was killed in captivity. His remains were initially retrieved by Israeli troops in November 2023. His family was forced to open his grave and re-bury him for the third time after the latest handover. Israeli officials accused Hamas of staging the recovery of the remains for cameras, releasing drone footage which showed Hamas operatives burying and then exhuming a body bag in eastern Gaza City before officials from the International Committee of the Red Cross arrived. The ICRC confirmed that its team was present in good faith, but said they were not aware that a deceased person had been placed there prior to their arrival, and described the staging as unacceptable given the number of families awaiting news of their loved ones. The slow pace of returning hostage bodies is testing the next phases of the ceasefire, which include the disarmament of Hamas and the question of who will govern Gaza. Hamas says it is struggling to locate the bodies amid widespread destruction and has lost contact with some units. Israel insists the group is deliberately delaying the handover. Meanwhile, US Vice-President JD Vance offered reassurance, saying he believed the ceasefire would hold despite the recent violence, and described the clashes as little skirmishes expected to fade quickly. However, the incident has emboldened far-right members of the Israeli government, such as Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who are demanding an end to what they describe as hesitation and urging Netanyahu to resume a full-scale war to destroy Hamas completely. President Donald Trump, meanwhile, said early this morning that the ceasefire in Gaza was not at risk despite the Israeli strikes. "As I understand it, they took out an Israeli soldier," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One flying from Japan to South Korea. "So the Israelis hit back, and they should hit back. When that happens, they should hit back. Nothing is going to jeopardize the ceasefire. You have to understand Hamas is a very small part of peace in the Middle East, and they have to behave. At least 26 people were killed after Israeli planes launched a barrage of attacks in Gaza on Tuesday, following an alleged violation of the US-brokered ceasefire deal by the Hamas militant group. Those killed included five people in a house hit in the Bureij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip. In the southern city of Khan Younis, five people, including two children and a woman, were killed in another strike. Dr Mohammed Abu Salmiya, the director of Al Shifa Hospital, said that at least three explosions were heard near the medical facility in northern Gaza. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had ordered the Israeli military to carry out powerful strikes in Gaza, after the militant group allegedly attacked the forces. Following security consultations, Prime Minister Netanyahu has directed the military to immediately carry out forceful strikes in the Gaza Strip. Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) October 28, 2025 According to CNN, the Israeli troops stationed in the Rafah area came under rocket-propelled grenade and sniper fire. The report claimed that Israel had informed Washington about its decision to retaliate. Hamas condemned Israels criminal bombardment and said it would delay the handing over of the body of a hostage. The group denied responsibility for the attack on Israeli troops and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the truce. Ceasefire still holding The two-year-long war, triggered by the October 7, 2023, attack, was halted earlier this month after a ceasefire brokered by US President Donald Trump came into effect. As per the agreement, both sides also agreed to exchange the hostages and prisoners. US Vice President J.D. Vance, who was part of a delegation of Trump administration officials who visited Israel last week, said that despite the latest flare-up, the ceasefire is holding. We expect the Israelis are going to respond, but I think the president's peace is going to hold despite that, he told reporters on Capitol Hill. . Angels with snow white wings are usually heard of only in stories, but a pair of angels appeared for 'real' above the clouds two weeks ago, on an Abu Dhabi-bound Air Arabia flight. When a co-passengers life was slipping away mid-air, two young nurses from Kerala Abhijith Jees and Ajeesh Nelson turned saviours at 35,000 feet. Both were on their first international journey, heading to Abu Dhabi to join Response Plus Medical (RPM) as registered nurses. For Abhijith, hailing from Wayanad, and Ajeesh from Chengannur, it was supposed to be the start of a new career. But fate had something else in store a life-or-death test before they even began their first day at work. It was around 5.30am, when most passengers were asleep. Suddenly, a young man from Thrissur, Kerala, seated nearby, began struggling to breathe. Abhijith was the first to notice. He checked for a pulse there was none. Recognizing the signs of a cardiac arrest, he immediately alerted the cabin crew and sprang into action. Without hesitation, Abhijith and Ajeesh began performing CPR right there in the narrow aisle of the aircraft. After two rounds, a faint pulse returned the passenger started breathing again. A fellow traveller, Dr Arif Abdul Khader, administered IV fluids to stabilize him while the nurses continued to monitor his condition until the plane landed safely in Abu Dhabi. By the time the flight touched down, the crisis had passed. The passenger was rushed to the airport medical facility for further treatment, and he made a full recovery. His family later expressed heartfelt gratitude to the angels in the sky who brought him back to life. It was our first flight abroad. Saving a life even before starting our new job feels like a divine blessing, said Ajeesh, with quiet pride. Both Abhijith and Ajeesh had been staff nurses in India before joining RPM. Modest about their act, they hadnt shared the story with many it was a colleague, Brint Anto, who informed the company about their heroism. The company honoured them with certificates of appreciation for their bravery and presence of mind. Response Plus Holdings was founded by Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, an Indian industrialist in the UAE. On 24 September 2025, Ahmed al-Sharaa became the first Syrian President to address the United Nations General Assembly in six decades. He emphasised Syrias transformation from an exporter of crises to an opportunity for peace. In a couple of months, Sharaa will complete his first year in power, marked by internal challenges and external engagements. The fall of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024 evoked a positive regional and international response, along with concerns regarding the fate of minority communities. Sharaas initial manoeuvrings were defined by appropriate political gestures leading to his acceptance by the wider world. However, the domestic disturbances acted as a dampener. He projected an image of a moderate and progressive leader despite his association with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State by vowing to build an inclusive Syria, give a permanent constitution, and hold presidential elections. Replacing his military attire with a suit and tie, he tried to convince the Western countries that Syria would not go the Taliban way as far as the condition of women is concerned. The gestures were aimed at placating Washington,which had designated Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) as a terrorist organization in 2018 and had announced a reward of US$10 million on Sharaa. Consequently, the US scrapped the bounty in December 2024 when he became Syrias new leader and revoked the designation of terrorist organization from HTS last July. The Trump administration has offered conditional support for the Syrian government and endorsed its call for maintaining unity and territorial integrity, while insisting on inclusivity. Appreciating the favourable outcomes of the fall of Assad in terms of setbacks to Iran and Russia, the US has been instrumental in the planned integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the national Syrian Armed Forces. In March, more than 1,400 Alawites and Christians were killed by the government and allied forces in the guise of getting rid of the Assad loyalists, and more than a thousand people of Druze ethnicity have been killed in Damascus, Rif Dimashq, Homs, Hama, Latakia, Aleppo, Tartus, Idlib, Suweida, Daraa, and Deir Ezzor. In the first case, government forces were attacked by the Assad supporters, and in the second case, the government forces intervened in clashes between Druze and Bedouin armed groups. The attacks on Alawites and Druze have been reported frequently. Other than that, Syria is reeling with the issue of fragmented territorial control; Damascus, Aleppo, Latakia, Hama, Homs, and Tartus in western Syria are controlled by the Syrian armed forces under the Sharaa government, primarily consisting of HTS and other smaller groups that merged in the wake of the fall of Assad. Areas in the north are under the control of the Kurdish SDF supported by the US, while some areas are controlled by the Syrian National Army backed by Turkiye. The Druze factions have established control in the southern Suweida district,and the Alawite loyalists hold sway in the coastal areas. The US forces are stationed near Al-Tanf in the southeast, and the Islamic State controls some areas in Deir al-Zor, Mayadin, and Palmyra in central Syria. The Sharaa government must ensure territorial integrity and control to ensure stability. Not an easy task considering continued mistrust among the Kurds, Druze, Alawites, and Christian communities, the presence of the rudimentary Islamic State, and the involvement of the US, Israel, and Turkiye. The biggest challenge as far as the minorities are concerned is recognizing their socio-cultural identity, ensuring political rights, and extending economic welfare. Ensuring the country's financial well-being can help gain legitimacy, but the economy is in shambles and needs robust measures in infrastructure and investment. Syrian GDP per capita has contracted by half, from US$2,952.14 in 2010 to US$847.37 in 2023, and the civil war has decimated the infrastructure. The government is seeking external support from the Gulf countries, Europe, and the US to revive the economy, and Sharaa has called for lifting the Caesar Act. The US Senate has voted to revoke the act, but it needs to be passed by both houses. Sharaa had also expressed willingness to join the Abraham Accords under the right circumstances. Earlier, he had rejected it, highlighting Syrias distinct situation owing to the Israeli occupation of the Golan Heights, and said that the priority is to revive the 1974 UN-brokered Disengagement Agreement. Sharaa has made official visits to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Turkiye, France, Russia, the US, and Azerbaijan, signifying his efforts to seek economic support for Syria. Another predicament for Sharaa is to improve the humanitarian situation in Syria, which has witnessed the worlds largest refugee crisis. More than 14 million Syrians have left Syria since 2011, and around 7.4 million are internally displaced. As per the United Nations data, 70 per cent of Syrians need humanitarian assistance, 90 per cent live below the poverty line, and 6 million Syrians live in the neighbouring Turkiye, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq. Moreover, 7.5 million children are in dire need of humanitarian assistance. Not surprisingly, Syrias Human Development Index rank has slid from 115th in 2010 to 157th in 2025. Since the fall of Assad, 850,000 Syrians have reportedly returned, and the transitional government has to deal with challenges pertaining to food and water security, health and education facilities, and basic amenities. The constituencies that led to Sharaa's rise to power are also looking to him with hope and aspirations. These issues pose serious challenges to the transitional government headed by Sharaa. This would require careful planning and the implementation of policies and programmes to alleviate pressing challenges inclusively. The support of regional and international actors would be necessary if Syria is to address its predicament in the days and months ahead. Lakshmi Priya The author is an Associate Professor at the Centre for West Asian Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Done your bit playing around with ChatGPT? Or maybe, tickled yourself by generating some images, comic strips, caricatures, and whatnot on Gemini? These Generative Artificial Intelligence, or GenAI, tools are powerful, educative, and entertaining, and they may well be the harbinger of the AI revolution hitting mankind, but now it is time for Agentic AI. Agentic AI is the next step in the evolution of AI taking over our lives, and guess whatits presence is already being felt in fields as varied and diverse as financial services and healthcare. Put simply, Agentic AI refers to systems that can autonomously take decisions and act on them, with minimal human intervention. Or, as you will realise, with as much or as little human monitoring as you deem fitunlike 'traditional' GenAI where you need to give prompts or commands for a task to be performed. Unlike GenAI, which scrapes data off a vast database built on Large Language Models (LLM), Agentic AI uses multiple agents (hence the terminology) that work together, learn from their actions as well as from the LLMs to decide, reason, and accomplish the task at hand. Think NBFCs using Agentic AI to screen loan applicants as well as put together the paperwork. Or hospitals triaging doctor appointments and follow-ups in real time. These are not just examplesthey are actual use cases of Agentic AI being deployed in India already. No wonder, Qualcomm global President Cristiano R. Amon recently told an Indian news channel that India is not just a consumer but a launching pad for the next wave of technologya veritable new laboratory for Agentic AI, no less. Agentic AI is a logical evolution towards the quest for sentient machine-intelligence akin to human capabilities, said Aiyappan Pillai, senior member of IEEE, one of the worlds largest technical professionals organisations and founder & CEO of Congruent Services, an IT and software development company. Agentic AI tools are autonomous, mimic human reasoning, adapt to data, and process flows to translate decisions to action, he added. Like is the case with most new technologies, privacy and security concerns also abound, considering how Agentic AI sees machines taking the decisions and even implementing them directly, with minimal or no human intervention. Cautionary sentiment still remains regarding reliability and governance (models can err or drift), data privacy and consent, and the need for strict policies, human escalation, and deep system integrations to avoid black-box behaviour, but these are concerns that remain top-of-mind for us and are things that we actively keep an eye out for to mitigate risks, said Dikshant Dave, co-founder & CEO of Zigment AI, a Bengaluru-based AI-powered platform that automates customer interactions for sales and marketing. Interestingly, Agentic AI is being tried in several sectors across Indian business, but without the kind of hype that accompanied the first wave of AI implementation: Unlike the hype cycles seen elsewhere, many Indian organisations are showing strategic restraint. They are not rushing into large-scale deployments, pointed out Ashvin Vellody, partner with Deloitte India. There is a reason. This cautious optimism is shaped by Indias unique context, including DPDP compliance, cost sensitivity, talent dynamics, and sovereign data priorities, Vellody said. There is also wariness on what shape Agentic AI will takeit is all fine to automate your workflow, but ensure there is the requisite human monitoring in placethat seems to be the running thought process. Agentic AI works well today when scoped to clear tasks with guardrails. These systems augment teams rather than replace judgment, said Dave. As Agentic AI gets set to bring in the second round of revolution as far as artificial intelligence is concerned, and faster than you think, perhaps it is time for governments also to enter the picture. As Aiyappan said, Privacy and cybersecurity considerations must be inherent in the design of Agentic AI systems and not an after-thought. Embracing the digital domain inherently leads to data security and privacy concerns. These are live issues that must be addressed through proactive regulation, both self and by authorities, data governance, effective policies, ethical practices, and continuous monitoring. Over a year since the coup in Bangladesh, which saw former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas ouster, the country is on the cusp of great changes, some of which, however, may pose significant geopolitical challenges to India. In a major development, reports have emerged that Islamabad has established a special Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) cell inside its High Commission in Dhaka. Though unconfirmed, this comes, ironically, just days after Pakistans Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza visited Bangladesh. During his visit, over the last weekend, General Mirza visited interim government head Muhammad Yunus, the army, navy, and air chiefs of Bangladesh. The delegation also included senior ISI officers and held multiple rounds of discussions with senior officials from Bangladeshs National Security Intelligence (NSI) and the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI). While both countries expressed their intent to enhance cooperation across various sectors, the meeting also sparked controversy when Yunus presented a book titled Art of Triumph: Bangladeshs New Dawn to the Pakistani general, featuring a distorted map of Northeast India in Bangladesh. The map featured Assam and other northeastern states as part of Bangladesh, triggering outrage in India. It was also decided in the meeting that both Islamabad and Dhaka would have a joint intelligence cooperation and information-sharing framework, the main goal of which is to strengthen surveillance of the Bay of Bengal region and intelligence activities in the airspace along India's eastern border, according to an exclusive report by News 18. It is under the new arrangement that Dhaka has reportedly allowed Pakistan to appoint intelligence officers to the High Commission. The first phase will have a brigadier, two colonels, four majors, and support staff, including air and naval officers, appointed there. In return, Pakistan will increase defense and technical cooperation with Bangladesh. There will likely be joint military training, naval and air exercises, and the supply of infantry and artillery systems. Dhaka could also purchase Pakistan's JF-17 Thunder fighter jets and Fatah series rocket systems, the News 18 report added. Interestingly, this also coincides with controversial preacher Zakir Naiks reported visit to Bangladesh. Naik, who was banned by the Sheikh Hasina government, has reportedly been approved by the Bangladesh government to stay for a month and conduct sermons across the country. This will be the Islamic preachers first-ever visit to Bangladesh. There are also reports that he could meet commanders of terror outfits of the Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami (HuJI) and Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen, Bangladesh (JMB). Naik, who is wanted in India on money laundering and hate speech charges, had in an earlier interview with THE WEEK said that he wont come back to India if the BJP were in power. Claiming that he was being targeted in India for his popularity, Naik had then argued that there was no proof for the NIA to claim that he inspired terrorists. That said, the welcome offered by Dhaka has sounded alarm bells in India, especially since India has flagged the rise of radicalization in Bangladesh post the collapse of Hasina's government. However, Foreign Affairs Advisor Md. Towhid Hossain feigned ignorance when asked about Naiks visit. Hossain told Bangladeshi reporters on Monday that "I have not heard whether Zakir Naik has been invited or not. I do not know." For those looking for a revolutionary solution to the perennial problem of heating your home for less as winter closes in, its an advert designed to warm the cockles of your heart. A British student has designed an electrical heater using a perpetual heating loop that uses the Joule-Thomson effect (a theory in physics) to warm space at 90 per cent less cost than conventional heating methods. If this sounds too good to be true, this is because it is, sadly, a lot of hot air. The claim appears to have rewritten the laws of physics, according to one Cambridge professor. To compound matters, some of these miracle heaters flashing up on social media feeds have actually been branded unsafe by UK charity Electrical Safety First. Now a Money Mail investigation has uncovered evidence of a deluge of adverts on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and Messenger, peddling such bogus claims. The adverts promote cheap conventional plug-in electric heaters made in China using dishonest marketing, with a global network of shadowy companies behind them. Hot air: The claims being made by online firms selling miracle mini heaters appear to have rewritten the laws of physics, according to one Cambridge professor In many cases buyers have complained that they have been charged for two or three heaters when they ordered only one and have been unable to return products. > Read more: This fixed energy tariff is the cheapest from a major supplier Remarkably, Money Mail uncovered evidence that links several companies with Lithuanian businessmen who are UK based and appear to be able to act with impunity. Our investigation comes as the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) is poised to issue an official warning this week to make sure people think twice before committing to buy. Nick Hudson, ASA compliance manager, says: We are keen to let people know that with the weather turning colder and the cost of living being a massive issue, they need to be wary about these electrical heaters. They are making claims that just dont stack up. 'We need a wider education among consumers to let them know that they need to investigate the claims surrounding these products. The ASA statistics make for depressing reading, with 2,054 of 2,216 adverts identified for 2024-25 using its AI monitoring system deemed to be problematic. Although 285 different advertisers were identified, just ten were responsible for around 60 per cent of ads identified as problematic. And just two advertisers were responsible for around 25 per cent of the ads: both based in Romania. But we discovered a global network of companies that touches Lithuania, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, Spain, the US and UK. The ASA first became aware of these adverts in 2022, as the cost of living crisis began to grip the UK and people were trying to find solutions to rising heating bills. Ban: In 2023 the Advertising Standards Authority issued rulings against four firms, for plug-in mini heaters that misleadingly implied they saved money In 2023 it issued rulings against four Dutch, Hong Kong and Spanish firms, for plug-in mini heaters that misleadingly implied they provided cheap heating and saved money. These were Ecomm Movadgency, which sold Heater Pro X; Keilini, with its Keilini Portable Heater; Label Products, promoting InstaHeat; and Ecom7 trading as Instacool, selling Heater Pro X. Keilini and InstaHeat were both singled out by Electrical Safety First. The ASAs Hudson admitted authorities are faced with a whack a mole situation where one miracle product disappears only to be replaced by another. One of those companies uncovered by Money Mail is Navathermo, which has promoted itself on YouTube using an advert with a series of incredible claims. This uses the backstory of how Jason a clever student from UK, London University created a revolutionary new heater using a perpetual heating loop, which can heat a home in 90 seconds. Consumers are told that it can warm any space at 90 per cent less cost than conventional heating methods using the Joule-Thomson effect. But Keith Taber, Emeritus Professor of Science Education at the University of Cambridge, calls the costing claims a simple lie and one that seems to have rewritten the laws of physics. Professor Taber notes that consumers directed to the product web pages will find them stripped of many of the more obviously fraudulent claims. He said of the ad on YouTube: The video is in breach of UK law and YouTube should have done due diligence before accepting advertising money for such deliberately dishonest films. Navathermo shares almost identical websites, with identical claims, with two other electrical heaters BlumeHeat and WellHeater, which are all registered to companies in Lithuania. To complicate matters, they all show customer service numbers in the US, despite no obvious links to the country. On Trustpilot, one UK WellHeater consumer, Michael Nixon states: They are of poor quality! I plugged one in and within two minutes it was smelling of burning and VERY hot. Many also complained they were charged for multiple products, could not return them in the face of a non-existent customer service, could not get a refund and that the heaters are dangerous. This echoes the warning from Electrical Safety First, which tested Keilini, InstaHeat and HeatPal. All three posed a serious risk of electric shock, with the mains plugs not meeting UK safety standards. Lesley Rudd, the chief executive of the group, said: It is callous that these sellers are pushing dangerous products they know are going to be sought after by hard-up households during an energy crisis. Consumers are handing over their hard-earned cash and in exchange are receiving a product that puts their safety at risk. WellHeater is registered to UAB Rara Digital, a Lithuanian company, which is owned by a businessman called Domas Vaicius, who UK company records show as a UK resident. Another Lithuanian company, Uniqor, is the registered owner of Navathermo. Lithuanian company records show the Uniqor owner is Oskaras Brazaitis. Facebook and Instagram-owner Meta declined Money Mails invitation to comment but said it does not allow content that attempts to sell hazardous goods and materials. It said people can report adverts and posts that are believed to violate its policies. HydraVault has obtained a construction permit allowing Power Construction Company to begin construction on downtown Chicago's first purpose-built next-generation data centre. The facility will cater to applications such as AI inferencing, large-scale model training, and low-latency financial trading. HydraVault expects initial user access to begin in December 2026. The facility, designed by Gensler, will offer infrastructure for workloads requiring considerable computing power. It will provide rack densities up to 200kW, supporting advanced servers, including those used for Vera Rubin AI applications. The site is equipped with 20MW of available power, introducing new capacity for AI-enabled operations not currently available in the downtown Chicago market. Gensler principal and global critical facilities practice leader Jackson Metcalf said: We are proud to partner with HydraVault to bring its purpose-built data centre to life in the heart of Chicago. Leveraging our deep technical expertise, we worked closely with HydraVault to design a facility that meets the demands of next-generation data centres, setting a new standard for innovation and sustainability. HydraVault stated that the data centre will implement a closed-loop waterless cooling system to support energy efficiency. The projected annual power usage effectiveness rating is 1.19, which the company describes as contributing to both performance and sustainability goals. HydraVault founder Scott Greenberg said: We're now ready to begin construction work on this AI factory built for the future. The data centres features are a strategic differentiator to firms in AI, machine learning, and financial services in the Chicago area. Development of the project involves collaboration with several partners, including Syska Hennessy Group for engineering services, CardiffPoint, and Verity Commercial. Power Construction, a local company experienced in technical builds, is responsible for managing construction and is expected to engage with the community throughout the process. Power Construction data structures group managing director Matthew O'Hare said: This project marks a significant step in bringing purpose-built AI infrastructure to life in the city, leveraging state-of-the-art construction techniques and the expertise of Chicago's union trade organisations. "HydraVault secures permit to build downtown Chicago AI data centre" was originally created and published by World Construction Network, a GlobalData owned brand. Drivers in London are being slapped with over 1billion in Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) a year as enforcement of parking and bus lane offences continue to surge to record levels. The latest data on the volume of fines issued and appeals raised has been released by London Councils - and there's a distinct rise in PCNs issued since 2023-24. Year-on-year, penalty charges for contravened parking, bus lane and moving traffic regulations rose by 13.5 per cent to 9.4million. Compared to 2010 figures, that's a 70 per cent jump in charges issued. But Londoners are fighting back against what the AA has dubbed 'a money-making exercise'. Alongside the increase in PCNs was a 13.6 per cent growth in appeals to London Tribunals - up from 42,193 in the previous year to 47,935 in 2024-25. However, depressingly for motorists, the percentage of appeals won fell from 54.9 per cent to less than half (49.4 per cent) last year. The figures come as drivers penalised for parking illegally in the capital have seen the cost of fines rise by over a quarter under new rules introduced by Mayor Sadiq Khan. There's been a 13.5% increase in PCNs handed out in London since 2023-24 a new report shows, with almost 10 million fines issues in 2024-25 In total London Boroughs, London Lorry Control Scheme and Transport for London issued a record 9,462,185 PCNs to motorists who had contravened parking, bus lane and moving traffic regulations, the data shows. The increase was due to an 13.4 per cent rise in the number of parking PCNs issued, while bus lane tickets saw an increase of 16.8 per cent and moving traffic fines up 13.3 per cent. Analysis by the AA also found that nine of the 10 councils across England generating the biggest profits from PCNs are located in the capital with Westminster the biggest earner, declaring a net income of 90.6million from 129.4million of revenue. Brighton and Hove Council - raking in a 3.2million profit from 53million of income from motorists - was the only non-capital authority to feature in the national top 10. London's 33 boroughs combined received almost 1.1billion in income from parking fees and penalty charges in 2024-25. This is almost half of the amount paid across the entire country. After costs were deducted, London boroughs pocketed a combined 'profit' of 638million, the analysis found. Edmund King, president of the AA says: 'While there is a need to protect parking spaces and bus lanes from drivers who break rules and make life difficult for other road users, London enforcement that used to be for deterrence is now a money-making exercise for TfL and London councils. 'We are glad to see more drivers fighting back with a 13.6 per cent increase in appeals to London Tribunals.' If a motorist believes a PCN has been issued unfairly, they can contact the local authority that issued it to make a challenge. If theyre not satisfied with the response, they can take their case to an independent adjudicator through the London Tribunals appeals service, which is run on behalf of the councils to ensure a fair and impartial review. The appeals increase of 5,742 (13.6 per cent) to 47,935 equates to a 0.45 per cent of appeals received against total PCNs issued. There was a year-on-year rise of 13.4% for parking PCNs issued, while bus lane tickets saw an increase of 16.8% and moving traffic fines - such as stopping in yellow box junctions - were up 13.3% As well as an increase in PCNs issued in London was a 13.6% growth in appeals to London Tribunals - up from 42,193 in the previous year to 47,935 in 2024-25. However, depressingly for motorists, appeal success rates fell from 54.9 in 2023-24 to 49.4% last year The report says 'this shows a significant improvement by boroughs in both the quality of evidence presented at appeal and how challenges to the PCN are considered by boroughs at earlier stages'. And the report further stipulates that 'London boroughs and TfL only issue PCNs when they believe they have evidence that a breach of parking or moving traffic rules has occurred and that all PCN income goes towards paying for the provision of essential traffic and parking services, with any surplus funding ringfenced to invest in other important transport projects and services such as the Freedom Pass concessionary travel scheme for older and disabled Londoners'. However, King disagrees. 'Sadly, too many drivers, who are certain they did nothing wrong or the road and sign layout was in effect a trap, paid the half-rate within 14 days instead of contesting the PCN,' he told the Daily Mail and This is Money. 'Such is the fear of having to pay fines that are more than a days wages and often dont fit the nature of the offence, such as being one wheel over the line.' From April, London parking penalty charges were increased by as much as 27 per cent - a move signed off by Mayor Khan. Band A areas (higher-level charges) have risen from 130 to 160 (up 23 per cent), while PCNs for illegal parking in band B areas has been hiked from 110 to 140. The change came off the back off a request by London Councils - who represent the capital's local authorities collectively - to stop 'anti-social and obstructive parking' in the city. City Hall in March confirmed that the 50 per cent discount will stay in place for PCNs paid within 14 days. However, this means some drivers will have to stump up 80 minimum in they pay up within a fortnight of receiving a PCN. Across the country, drivers paid 2.3billion to English councils for on and off-street parking, which generated a profit of 1.2billion. IAMGOLD Corporation (NYSE:IAG) is one of the most buzzing stocks to buy with huge upside potential. On October 20, IAMGOLD Corporation signed a definitive agreement to acquire all outstanding common shares of Mines DOr Orbec Inc. via a court-approved plan of arrangement. The goal of this transaction is to consolidate IAMGOLDs land position in Quebecs Chibougamau region by adding the highly prospective Muus Project, which is adjacent to its existing Nelligan and Monster Lake assets. The Muus Project contributes 24,979 hectares/ha of mineral rights, expanding IAMGOLDs total property in the immediate area to 38,403 ha. It is strategically located at the intersection of the Fancamp Deformation Zone/FDZ, which hosts the Monster Lake deposit, and the Guercheville Deformation Zone/GDZ, which hosts the Nelligan deposit. IAMGOLD Acquires Mines DOr Orbec to Consolidate Quebec Land Position and Expand Gold Resources The combined Nelligan and Monster Lake Projects already hold estimated Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources of 3.2 million ounces of gold/Moz Au and Inferred Mineral Resources of 5.6 Moz Au. IAMGOLD intends to expand its exploration program in the region, focusing on further extending mineralization at Nelligan and Monster Lake, building upon the US dollar financial basis of the transaction. IAMGOLD Corporation (NYSE:IAG), through its subsidiaries, operates as a gold producer and developer in Canada and Burkina Faso. While we acknowledge the potential of IAG 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: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. IBM announced the launch of IBM Digital Asset Haven on Oct. 27, 2025, a platform for financial institutions, governments, and corporations to manage digital asset operations. The company developed the solution in collaboration with Dfns, a wallet infrastructure provider. The platform supports the digital asset lifecycle from custody to transactions to settlement, according to the announcement. IBM Digital Asset Haven operates across more than 40 connected public and private blockchains. The system includes pre-integrated third-party services for identity verification and financial crime prevention, with connectivity to core banking systems via REST APIs and SDKs. Security Infrastructure and Key Management IBM Digital Asset Haven incorporates multiple security layers built on IBMs infrastructure. The platform supports Multi-Party Computation for distributed signing and IBM Crypto Express HSMs for hardware-based key protection. IBMs confidential computing capabilities through Hyper Protect Virtual Servers provide hardware-enforced isolation for key generation and transaction signing. The platform integrates IBM Offline Signing Orchestrator, which Dfns announced support for on Oct. 16, 2025. This feature enables automated cold storage operations through a policy-based system that creates a digital air gap between online and offline signing environments. The orchestrator uses three isolated partitions on IBM Z hardware that communicate through secure channels without direct internet connectivity. Competitive Landscape IBM Digital Asset Haven enters a market where major cloud providers operate competing blockchain services. Oracle offers its Blockchain Platform, Microsoft provides Azure Web3 solutions, and Amazon operates Managed Blockchain. The launch comes amid reliability concerns for competing cloud providers and overreliance on centralized infrastructure, highlighted by a recent AWS outage that disrupted Coinbase and other crypto platforms. IBMs move targets the same institutional tokenization market that Amazon Web Services is pursuing through its AWS partnership with Cronos for real-world asset adoption. Dfns, IBMs technology partner, completed a $16 million Series A funding round in Jan. 2025 led by Further Ventures. The platform addresses growing institutional demand for secure digital asset storage, illustrated by recent developments like Absa Banks custody deal with Ripple in South Africa. IBM Digital Asset Haven is expected to be available via SaaS and Hybrid SaaS in Q4 2025, with on-premises deployment planned for Q2 2026. Read original story IBM Launches Digital Asset Haven Platform With Dfns for Enterprise Custody by Zoran Spirkovski at Coinspeaker.com Indian state-owned oil and gas company Indian Oil is set to establish a joint venture (JV) with Swiss energy and commodities company Vitol to enhance its international crude and fuel trading operations, reported Reuters, citing sources. The JV will be based in Singapore and is expected to operate for five to seven years. An exit clause is included for both parties. Indian Oil, alongside its subsidiary Chennai Petroleum, manages approximately 31% of India's refining capacity, equating to 5.17 million barrels per day (mbbl/d). The agreement, set to be finalised early next year, marks a strategic shift for Indian Oil, which seeks to emulate industry giants such as ExxonMobil and Shell. Indian Oil currently trades oil and fuel for its own refineries, but the new venture aims to extend its reach into global markets. The partnership with Vitol is expected to reduce crude procurement costs and improve margins by accessing new markets, the source indicated. Additionally, this collaboration will bolster Vitols presence in India, the worlds third-largest oil consumer and importer, according to the report. India is set to increase its crude refining capacity to around 6.2mbbl/d by 2030, with further expansion up to 9mbbl/d in the long term, according to Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. This expansion is expected to solidify India's status as one of the top three refining hubs worldwide, especially as approximately 20% of global refining capacity faces potential closures by 2035. Before entering discussions with Vitol, Indian Oil engaged in discussions with several other companies including bp, Trafigura and TotalEnergies. The refiner imports most of the crude it processes across its ten facilities, which collectively have a capacity of 1.62mbbl/d. The proposed Singapore JV is expected to facilitate Indian Oil's export of refined fuels and leverage Vitols extensive distribution network. In August this year, Indian Oil and Bharat Petroleum resumed their purchases of Russian oil for delivery in September and October amid widening discounts. "Indian Oil and Vitol to form trading joint venture in Singapore" was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. Crypto Exchanges Japan. Photo by BeInCrypto JPYC Inc. launched Japan's first regulated yen-pegged stablecoin on October 27, marking a significant development in Asia's digital currency landscape. The launch introduces regulatory-compliant stablecoin infrastructure in the world's third-largest foreign exchange market, representing approximately 17% of global forex trading volume. Consumer Protection Is The Key The stablecoin market currently stands at $297 billion, with 99% denominated in US dollars. JPYC's entry challenges this concentration, offering an alternative backed by the Japanese regulatory framework established in June 2023. The company targets $67 billion (10 trillion yen) in issuance within three years, rivaling USDC's current $40 billion market capitalization. Japan adopted strategies that prioritize consumer protection and financial stability. The Payment Services Act restricts issuance to banks, funds transfer operators, and trust companies, mandating 100% or greater reserve backing in yen deposits and Japanese government bonds. This framework emerged as a preventive measure following the 2022 TerraUSD collapse, establishing guardrails before market expansion. JPYC is a Type II funds transfer operator, the first company to receive licensing under the new regulatory regime. For regulated platform transactions, the company faces a transaction limit of 1 million yen per transfer. Revenue Model and Technical Infrastructure JPYC's business model centers on interest income from reserve assets rather than transaction fees. The company offers zero-fee issuance, redemption, and transfers, enabled by reserves held in interest-bearing deposits and government bonds. With a 1% average government bond yield, 1 trillion yen in issuance would generate approximately 10 billion yen in gross profit. However, some analysts have pointed out potential vulnerabilities in this model as Japanese government bond yields continue to rise. On X (Twitter), market commentator @ghoulpresident noted that the 10-year JGB yield has reached 1.6%, up 1.4 percentage points over the past two years. He warned that even a 1% rise in yields adds more than 100 billion in annual interest costs per 1 trillion of newly issued debt, highlighting the fiscal strain amid a debt-to-GDP ratio exceeding 250%. Such dynamics could eventually impact stablecoin issuers like JPYC, which rely on sovereign bond yields as a revenue source. On Monday, JPYC launched a yen-pegged stablecoin. The Tokyo-based startups token, called JPYC, is fully backed by yen deposits and Japanese government bonds. It aims to provide a regulated bridge between traditional banking and blockchain-based payments. We hope to spur innovation by giving startups access to low transaction and settlement fees, Noritaka Okabe, CEO of JPYC, said during a press briefing, Reuters reported. Increasing global interoperability would benefit us too, so were open to capital tie-ups. Yen deposits and Japanese government bonds fully back the coin and is the first domestically regulated yen-pegged stablecoin; GYEN launched earlier under US oversight in 2021. Shift towards digital finance The launch comes as dollar-pegged stablecoins make up 99.6% of the $308 billion market, according to data from DefiLlama. By comparison, yen-pegged stablecoins represent 0.2% of the total stablecoin market. Stablecoins are strengthening dollar dominance, a16z Crypto wrote in a new report. The analysts noted that stablecoin issuers now rank as the 17th-largest holders of US Treasuries, up from 20th last year. Collectively, they hold over $150 billion in Treasury bills, which is more than the central banks of many sovereign nations. And a16z Crypto forecasts that the sector is set to grow tenfold to more than $3 trillion by 2030. Citibank has made similarly bullish calls, projecting $4 trillion by 2030. Stablecoins worth $66 billion JPYCs new launch is seemingly an attempt to get in on the action. The firm aims to issue up to 10 trillion, worth about $66 billion, of the new stablecoin over the next three years, according to the companys announcement. To encourage adoption, the firm will not charge transaction fees at launch and instead plans to generate income from interest on its bond holdings. The stablecoins structure complies with Japans updated regulations on digital money, designed to ensure investor protection and transparency. The debut comes as Japans three megabanks, Mitsubishi UFJ, Sumitomo Mitsui, and Mizuho, prepare to launch their own stablecoins, reports Nikkei Asia. To be sure, experts say its unlikely that yen-pegged stablecoins will be as successful as those pegged to the greenback that is, unless institutions buy into the market segment. Theres a lot of uncertainty on whether yen stablecoins will become widespread in Japan, Tomoyuki Shimoda, a former Bank of Japan official now teaching at Rikkyo University, told Reuters. If megabanks join the market, the pace could accelerate. But it could still take at least two to three years. We attempted to send a notification to your email address but we were unable to verify that you provided a valid email address. Please visit my profile to update your email address if you wish to receive notifications. Otherwise, disable notifications and hide this message. More than a few things to consider for late night & early morning denizens of the discourse as we catch up with ALLEGED misdeeds, police action and, as always, community outreach. Check TKC news gathering . . . Man charged after gun deal goes wrong at downtown Kansas City, Missouri, apartment A Lee's Summit man, 20, is in custody for his alleged role in a botched gun deal at a downtown Kansas City, Missouri, apartment that left a man dead. Raytown teen's unsolved homicide case transferred to Independence Police Department Investigators have determined the deadly shooting happened in Independence, not Kansas City. Police identify woman struck, killed by car early Tuesday in Overland Park Police in Overland Park say they've identified a woman struck and killed by a motorist early Tuesday morning. Missouri laws for sex offenders on Halloween relaxed some after federal court ruling Laws for sex offenders in Missouri have been relaxed after a federal court ruling ahead of Halloween. Two men injured after being hit by car in Shawnee Two men were taken to the hospital after being struck by a car on Tuesday evening in Shawnee, Kansas. 'Stop means stop': Platte County school bus violations surpass 80 in 1st 3 months Drivers in Platte County continue to ignore flashing stop signs on school buses - putting the lives of children in danger. Missouri jail is taking in ICE detainees again, but doesn't explain why More than 350 ICE detainees have spent time in the Phelps County jail this year, and more of them are on the way after a two-month pause. KC tow company has 'essentially stolen cars off the street,' prosecutor alleges The owner of Metro Tow in Kansas City and his mother face a dozen new felony charges as probe continues into illegal towing practices in Platte County. Man charged in connection with deadly shooting in downtown Kansas City Jeremiah L. Johnson was charged with second-degree murder, armed criminal action and first-degree robbery in connection with a shooting Former Clay County election director sentenced for felony fraud charge A former Clay County Republican election director is sentenced for fraudulent use of a credit device stemming from an October 2023 investigation. Kansas City murder suspect surrenders to SWAT after tip leads to charges A murder suspect surrendered himself to SWAT after a tip led to his arrest. Man sentenced for 2023 deadly shooting in east Kansas City KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A 33-year-old man has been sentenced on multiple felony charges in connection with a 2023 deadly shooting in east Kansas City. Jackson County prosecutors charged Tamon Daniel in November 2023 with second-degree murder, unlawful use of a weapon, assault and three counts of armed criminal action. 'Deliberate deception': Lawsuit targets Stake, Drake for alleged illegal gambling scheme A class action lawsuit is targeting Stake and Drake for an alleged illegal gambling scheme in Missouri. Case ends after KC mother pleads not guilty in son's murder due to mental illness A Kansas City woman who was charged in connection with the murder of her 6-year-old son pleaded not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect last week, concluding the case in a Jackson County c... KCPD reclassifies homicide case, says 15-year-old was shot in Independence, not KC An investigation has revealed the fatal shooting of Isaiah Wilson, 15, occurred in Independence, KCPD spokesperson Capt. Jake Becchina said Tuesday. Clay County aids in jail-based mental health program to ensure fair trials for inmates Clay County is partnering with the Missouri Department of Mental Health Services to continue a jail-based competency program North Kansas City holds ceremony for new Public Safety Memorial The names of four first responders from both the North Kansas City Police and Fire Departments are etched on the memorial. Developing . . . BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 29. One of the interesting presentations of the "Fly to Baku. Art Weekend. Sense the Future NOW" project will be a meeting with the famous Italian artist and sculptor Giuseppe Carta on November 1, Trend reports. The master class, which will be held at the Azerbaijani State Academy of Arts, will be attended by young researchers, students, and those who are interested in Carta's creative activity, registered in advance. The lecture will cover the topic "Main directions of Giuseppe Carta's creative activity". The artist will provide the audience with extensive information about his creative activity, his work in the studio, the technology and principles of creating his works. The author will also talk about international exhibition projects. Meanwhile, Carta's personal exhibition "Gifts of nature" is currently being exhibited at the Heydar Aliyev Center. The exhibition features large sculptures of fruits and vegetables. The author created some of these works specifically for his exhibition at the Heydar Aliyev Center, and they are being presented to the public for the first time in Baku. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 29. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Supreme Court of Azerbaijan and the Supreme Judicial Council of Kazakhstan for improving the administration of justice, expanding cooperation between the judicial bodies of the two states, and deepening relations today, the court's statement said, Trend reports. A delegation led by Chairman of the Supreme Judicial Council of Kazakhstan Dmitriy Malakhov, who is on a visit to Azerbaijan, visited the Supreme Court of the country. Welcoming the guests, the Chairman of the Supreme Court Inam Karimov emphasized the successful development of strategic partnership relations between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan in all areas, including the judicial and legal system. The attendees were furnished with comprehensive insights regarding the legislative and jurisprudential transformations enacted in Azerbaijan, the advancements instituted within this domain, and the operational undertakings of the Supreme Court. The assembly acknowledged that the enhancement of bilateral relations in the judicial sector, coupled with the orchestration of collaborative seminars and training initiatives, alongside the execution of experiential exchange programs, substantially augments the trajectory of prospective cooperation. Expressing gratitude for the hospitable reception, Malakhov articulated that enhancing synergies with Azerbaijan in the domain of jurisprudence and legal frameworks will facilitate the optimization of the judicial infrastructures in both nations. In the context of the convening, the Memorandum of Understanding was executed. Subsequently, the attendees engaged in a familiarization process with the operational edifice of the apex judiciary body. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 29. Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov congratulated Turkiye on Republic Day, the minister wrote on his X page, Trend reports. "My heartfelt congratulations to our brotherly and friendly Turkiye on the occasion of October 29 Republic Day, which marks the founding of the Turkish Republic. Turkiye has become one of the most powerful countries, which is becoming stronger every day, developing rapidly and has its own voice in the international arena. I am confident that the allied relations between our countries will continue to develop successfully and steadily thanks to our joint efforts. On this significant day, I wish the brotherly people of Turkey continued peace, prosperity and well-being," the publication. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 29. An international conference titled "Belgian colonialism: acknowledgement and responsibility" organized by the Baku Initiative Group, dedicated to Belgium's colonial past and its current serious consequences, will be held for the first time in Azerbaijan on October 31, Trend reports. The event will be attended by representatives from Belgium's former colonies - Congo, Rwanda and Burundi, as well as diplomats and officials. In total, the conference will be attended by specialists in international law, historians, researchers, civil society activists, and experts on reparations issues from eight countries. The conference will discuss the atrocities committed by Belgium against the local population on the African continent, especially in its former colonies such as Congo, Rwanda and Burundi - a policy of ethnic division, mass killings and the plundering of cultural heritage, as well as the serious consequences of Belgian colonialism that continue to this day. At the same time, participants will exchange views on the continued exploitation of the resources of the aforementioned countries resulting from Belgiums neocolonial policies in its former colonial territories, the necessity of advancing the demand for compensation to these peoples for the damage incurred to the international level, and the inclusion of this issue on the agendas of relevant international organizations. On the day preceding the conference, October 30, foreign participants will engage in discussions with faculty members and students at Baku State University on the topic Belgian Colonialism in Central Africa and Its Enduring Consequences, and will deliver lectures to the academic audience. A report prepared by the UN Working Group on People of African Descent in 2019 indicates that during Belgian colonial rule, an estimated 10 million people were killed, tens of thousands suffered amputation of their hands, and ethnic division policiesnow a persistent source of conflictwere implemented. The report further notes that the local population was subjected to forced labor, approximately 20,000 mixed-race children were abducted, separated from their communities, and exposed to assimilation policies, thereby laying the foundation for acts of genocide. The report recommends that Belgium establish a commission to investigate and disclose historical truths, ensure the opening of archives, and provide compensation. Similar to other colonial powers, Belgium, despite committing unprecedented atrocities against the populations it colonized and exploited, has regrettably succeeded in concealing these crimes from the international community. The purpose of the conference is also to familiarize the public with historical truths. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 29. An international parliamentary conference dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of Azerbaijan has begun its work in the country's parliament, Trend reports. The conference is dedicated to the topic "The constitution as the foundation of independence and sovereignty of states in the modern world". Within the framework of the conference, participants will exchange views on the role of constitutions in strengthening the legal foundations of modern states, protecting the sovereignty and national independence of states. Parliamentary delegations from up to 20 countries, as well as representatives of five international organizations, are participating in the event. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 29. Azerbaijan and Georgia are contributing to regional peace, Deputy Chairperson of the Georgian Parliament Nino Tsilosani said at the international parliamentary conference on the topic "The constitution as the foundation of the independence and sovereignty of states in the modern world" dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of Azerbaijan, Trend reports. "The adoption of the Constitution in both Georgia and Azerbaijan showed that it will not be possible to return to the dominance that once existed over our peoples," she highlighted. Tsilosani noted that achieving freedom wasn't easy. "This was achieved at the expense of losing territorial integrity, fighting internally displaced persons, and social problems," she explained. The official emphasized that over the past 30 years, the sovereignty of both countries has been strengthened, and international relations have strengthened. "Energy transit infrastructure has been delivered from Azerbaijan to the world through Turkiye and Georgia. We are now working on developing regional relations and contributing to regional peace," she added. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Lam Research Corp. (LRCX) generated a strong 30% FCF margin on semiconductor equipment sales in its latest quarter. That could bode well for LCRX stock, which may be undervalued by almost 19% based on its FCF margins and analysts' revenue estimates. LRCX is at $156.31 in midday trading on Monday, Oct. 27, with a market capitalization of $197.2 billion according to Yahoo! Finance. The stock has been on a tear in the last 3 months, and should have more to go, as we will see below. More News from Barchart LRCX stock - last 3 months - Barchart - Oct. 27, 2025 Strong FCF Generation The company reported that revenue rose +3% over its prior quarter from strong demand for its AI-related chip equipment sales. The CEO, Tim Archer, said that Lam Research's innovations were helping its customers address major AI-driven semiconductor manufacturing infections. They are expanding their product portfolio as a result, although they are retreating from investments in China. That may be temporarily hurting their results for now, but it could be beneficial in the long run. For example, Lam Research now has strong margins. It generated gross and operating margins (50.5% and 35.0% respectively) for the quarter. Moreover, its operating cash flow (OCF) margin (i.e., operating cash flow, before capex spending) was $1.78 billion, down from $2.55 billion last quarter, but up +13.3% from $1.57 billion a year ago. Hake analysis of LAM Research Qtrly free cash flow With higher capex spending this past quarter, this led to lower FCF margins, albeit still at a strong 30% of revenue. Last quarter, the FCF margin was 46%, but a year ago it was 35% (see Stock Analysis data on Lam's quarterly FCF margins). Over the past year, it has generated $5.55 billion in FCF, representing 28.3% of revenue. Given its higher quarterly margins, it seems likely that we can expect at least 30% FCF margins going forward. Projecting Free Cash Flow Analysts are projecting that revenue for the year ending June 30, 2026, will be $21.26 billion and $23.53 billion for the following FY. That leads to a next-12-month (NTM) revenue forecast of about $21.83 billion: (0.75 x $21.26b) + (0.25 x $23.53b) = $15.945b + $5.8825b = $21.8275 billion Applying a 33% FCF margin for the NTM revenue: 0.30 x $21.8275 b NTM revenue = $6.55 billion NTM FCF forecast BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 29. Victory in the Second Karabakh War is the best manifestation of Azerbaijan's principles in history, Turkish MP Samil Ayrim said at the international parliamentary conference on the topic "The constitution as the foundation of the independence and sovereignty of states in the modern world" dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of Azerbaijan, Trend reports. According to him, the constitution is not just a legal text, but also a document ensuring trust between the state and citizens, the shared values and sovereignty of the nation. Ayrim noted that each article of the supreme law reflects the will of the people, their belief in justice, and their determination to live independently. "The Azerbaijani people, through the 44-day Second Karabakh War and the subsequent 23-hour anti-terror measures, have restored not only their lands, but also their constitutional structure and sovereignty. This victory is confirmed in the constitution and is the most beautiful manifestation of the independent, democratic, secular principles of Azerbaijan in history," the MP explained. He emphasized that the brotherhood of Azerbaijan and Turkiye will be permanent. "The great achievements of Azerbaijan are met with brotherly feelings, deep gratitude and joy in Turkiye. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan always mentions Azerbaijan when ending a meeting at an international event. We have always worked side by side, shoulder to shoulder as two brothers, and today, tomorrow, and forever, Azerbaijan- Turkiye relations will continue at the top level," he added. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel FUZULI, Azerbaijan, October 29. The delegation of the joint intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation between Azerbaijan and Belarus, led by Deputy Prime Minister, Samir Sharifov, Co-Chairman from the Azerbaijani side, and Deputy Prime Minister, Natalia Petkevich, Co-Chairman from the Belarusian side, visited the liberated Fuzuli district, Trend's Karabakh bureau reports. Emin Huseynov, Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan in the Aghdam, Fuzuli and Khojavand districts, provided detailed information about the airport to the guests at the Fuzuli International Airport. The information noted that the Fuzuli International Airport, called the air gateway of Karabakh, was built at the most modern level and is able to receive any aircraft, large-scale restoration and reconstruction work is ongoing in the liberated territories, as well as a residential area has been built in Fuzuli city and former internally displaced persons are returning to their homeland. Information was also provided about the Mirza Ulugbey Secondary School in Fuzuli, built as a gift by the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev on behalf of the Uzbek people, and the Kurmangazy Children's Creativity Center, a gift from the Kazakh people to the Azerbaijani people. The information pointed out that a central hospital and a Vocational Education Complex are currently being built in Fuzuli, the construction of Dovlatyarli village is continuing rapidly, the construction of the second and third residential complexes in Fuzuli will start at the end of this year and the beginning of next year. Additionally, information was announced about the construction of the city's central park in the near future, the recent start of construction of Pirahmadli village and its expected completion by the end of 2026. Then the delegation headed to the Aghdam district. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 29. Adoption of a constitution holds great importance in the history of every nation, said Deputy Chair of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus, Vladislav Tatarinovich, Trend reports. Speaking at the international parliamentary conference titled The Constitution as the Foundation of State Independence and Sovereignty in the Modern World, dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Tatarinovich noted that, like Belarus, Azerbaijan pursues a firm and independent policy. President Aleksandr Lukashenko and President Ilham Aliyev have given a special impetus to developing relations between our two nations. The ties between Belarus and Azerbaijan will continue to grow with an upward dynamic, he said. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 29. The adoption of a constitution is a significant political and social milestone, and Azerbaijans experience clearly demonstrates its importance. The country has become a respected member of the international community through its Constitution, said Jovan Janjic, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Serbia, Trend reports. During his speech at the international parliamentary conference dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan, themed The Constitution as the Foundation of Independence and Sovereignty in the Modern World, Janjic stated that today, Azerbaijan is an example of a rapidly developing country in the world and is confidently advancing to become a land of prosperity and well-being for its citizens. He noted that the Constitution holds the highest legal authority within the system of state legal acts. The Constitution defines the social structure of the country, regulates key relations, and outlines the organization and functioning of state bodies in detail. At the same time, it transparently declares the rights and freedoms of citizens, as well as their duties, Janjic said. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 29. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, signed the Law on joining Azerbaijan to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, Trend reports. Under the law, The Republic of Azerbaijan shall accede to the Rotterdam Convention, signed in the city of Rotterdam on September 10, 1998, concerning the prior informed consent procedure for certain hazardous chemicals and pesticides in international trade. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 29. During the official visit to Oman on October 29, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, met with Sayyid Asa'ad bin Tariq Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Affairs and Special Representative of the Sultan of Oman, the Azerbaijani MFA stated, Trend reports. At the meeting, the sides emphasized the importance of high-level visits, which play a crucial role in elevating bilateral relations to a new level and expanding political and economic dialogue between Azerbaijan and Oman. Azerbaijan reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining close engagement with Oman within multilateral frameworks aimed at advancing peace, connectivity, and sustainable development across the broader region. Highlighting the pivotal role of parliamentary diplomacy in enhancing bilateral relations, Minister Bayramov emphasized that Azerbaijan attaches great importance to the establishment of friendship groups within the parliaments of both countries in 2025. He further underscored the significance of Azerbaijans forthcoming hosting of the next summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku in 2026, noting that these events will provide important opportunities to promote dialogue, solidarity, and the principles of sustainable development. The meeting additionally addressed a range of bilateral and multilateral issues of mutual interest, along with discussions on regional developments. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 30. 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. The 44-day second Karabakh war ended with the liberation of Azerbaijans territories from nearly 30-year Armenian occupation and the restoration of territorial integrity. Chronicle of the 34-th day of the second Karabakh war: - President Ilham Aliyev made a post on his official Twitter account that the Azerbaijani Army liberated several villages in Jabrayil, Zangilan and Gubadli districts from the occupiers. - President Ilham Aliyev called Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. - The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry released information on the latest situation in the frontline. The battles continued mainly in the direction of Aghdara, Khojavand and Gubadli. A list of destroyed military equipment of the Armenian Armed Forces was announced. - A number of Azerbaijani settlements were shelled in the morning. A video of the destruction of Smerch, from which the Armenian Armed Forces shelled Barda, was released. - Another high-ranking Armenian serviceman who committed a war crime was killed. - Gubadli was subjected to artillery fire from the territory of Armenia. - A video of the destruction of the missile-artillery depot of the Armenian Armed Forces was released. - A video report from the liberated Khudafarin village of Jabrayil district was released. - A video of the destruction of two more 'Smerch' missile systems, from which Armenian troops shelled the cities of Barda and Tartar, was released. - Armenian armed forces launched 'Smerch' missile at Alasgarli village of Tartar. - A video of exact strikes on the Armenian troops, as well as video of the destruction of another 'Osa' anti-aircraft missile system of Armenian troops were released. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 29. A tete-a-tete meeting took place between Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov and Foreign Minister of the Sultanate of Oman Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Trend reports. The Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs wrote it in a post on its official X page. The ministers emphasized the importance of maintaining high-level dialogue and reciprocal visits to further strengthen the partnership between Azerbaijan and Oman. The sides discussed new areas of cooperation in the economic, trade, humanitarian, and cultural fields. A key highlight of the meeting was the official opening of the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Muscat. It was noted that this step will serve as an important new impetus for the development of relations between the two countries. Both parties praised the fruitful cooperation within the framework of the United Nations (UN), the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). In addition, the importance of close collaboration within major upcoming high-level events such as the OIC Summit and the World Urban Forum, which will be held in Azerbaijan in 2026, was underscored. Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 29. Chairpersons and deputy chairpersons have been appointed to a number of courts in Azerbaijan, Trend reports. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, signed the relevant decree. According to the decree, regarding the courts of appeal: Aladdin Majidov is appointed deputy chairman of the Sheki Court of Appeal; To dismiss Samira Hasanova from the position of chairperson of the Administrative Panel of the Shirvan Court of Appeal and appoint a deputy chairperson of that court; To appoint Zahid Mammadov as the chairperson of the Economic Panel of the Sumgait Court of Appeal; To appoint Khagani Samadov as chair of the Criminal Panel of the Sheki Court of Appeal; In relation to courts dealing with serious crimes: To dismiss Huseyn Huseynli from his position as judge of the Khazar District Court of Baku and appoint a judge of the Baku Court for Serious Crimes; To dismiss Nigar Imanova from the position of judge of the Sabunchu District Court of Baku and appoint her as a judge of the Baku Court for Serious Crimes; To dismiss Babak Panahov from the position of judge of the Nasimi District Court of Baku and appoint him as a judge of the Baku Court for Serious Crimes; In military courts: Appoint Farman Abbasov as judge and chairman of the Terter Military Court; In administrative courts: Dismiss Rashad Nuriev from his position as judge of the Aghjabedi District Court and appoint him as judge of the Shirvan Administrative Court; In economic courts: To dismiss Ilkin Aliyev from the position of judge of the Binagadi District Court of Baku and appoint him as judge of the Baku Economic Court; To dismiss Farid Khatamzade from the position of judge of the Binagadi District Court of Baku and appoint him as judge of the Baku Economic Court; Regarding district (city) courts of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic: To dismiss Ilham Ibrahimov from the position of judge of the Military Court of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and appoint him as judge and chairman of the Kangarli District Court of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic; Regarding the district courts of the city of Baku: 1.13. To dismiss Fuad Huseynov from the position of judge of the Garadagh District Court of Baku and appoint him as judge of the Yasamal District Court of Baku; Regarding district (city) courts: To appoint Ilgar Huseynov as chairman of the Ismayilli District Court; To dismiss Emin Mammadli from the position of judge of the Khazar District Court of Baku and appoint him as judge and chairman of the Oghuz District Court; To appoint Zaman Imanov as deputy chairman of the Ganja City Court. This decree comes into force on the day of its signing. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 29. The Embassy of Azerbaijan in Serbia and the diplomatic office in Montenegro are closely following the reports about the riots in Podgorica, which resulted in the detention of Turkish citizens and one Azerbaijani citizen, a source in the embassy told Trend. "Our embassy and diplomatic office are taking necessary measures to ensure the safety of our citizens living and working in Montenegro, as well as to protect their rights and legitimate interests. Relevant negotiations are underway with the Montenegrin law enforcement agencies regarding the detention of one of our citizens, and the issue is being monitored through diplomatic channels. We appeal to all Azerbaijani citizens living and visiting the territory of Montenegro, and recommend that they refrain from any mass actions that may be held to maintain public order and avoid possible incidents, strictly comply with the requirements of local legislation, and if necessary, immediately contact our embassy and diplomatic office," the source added. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel By Mrinalika Roy and Bhanvi Satija (Reuters) -As obesity drug heavyweights Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk gear up to release results for the third quarter, investors are looking elsewhere: high-stakes price talks with U.S. President Donald Trump. Lilly has the edge on Danish rival Novo to weather potential U.S. price cuts on its blockbuster obesity drug Zepbound, backed by stronger trial data, closer ties to the White House and its presence in the direct-to-consumer market to boost sales. Ozempic maker Novo, meanwhile, is going through boardroom turmoil and racing to bolster its U.S. team. "The issues that Novo is facing haven't really changed," said BMO Capital analyst Evan Seigerman, adding that Novo's restructuring does not inspire investor confidence. "They're still facing their internal issues." WHO WILL BE NEXT TO GET A DEAL WITH TRUMP? Analysts expects that Lilly's results on Thursday will land close to expectations. Third-quarter sales are expected to grow about 40% from last year to $16 billion, according to LSEG data. Third-quarter adjusted earnings per share is seen at $5.69. Novo, which reports earnings on November 5, is expected to post revenues of 77.4 billion Danish crowns ($12.09 billion) for the third quarter, representing 8% growth from last year and operating profit of 28.45 billion, according to LSEG data. Lilly shares have gained roughly 6.2% so far this year, in contrast to Novo's slump of about 46%. Trump has promised Novo's Ozempic will cost less than $150 per month, though a top health official said earlier in October pricing talks for GLP-1s were ongoing. "We're waiting to see who will be next to secure a deal with Donald Trump," said Paul Major, a portfolio manager at Bellevue Asset Management, which does not currently hold Novo shares. "If it's Eli Lilly, and it is negative for the pricing environment for GLP-1 drugs more broadly, then that is going to be the overwhelming driver of Novo's share price." NOVO-CVS DEAL NOT A CONCERN FOR LILLY Quarterly sales of Lilly's flagship weight-loss drug Zepbound may show some softness after CVS Health dropped the obesity drug from select formularies in favor of Novo's rival Wegovy, analysts said. But they are not overly concerned as prescription data from market research firm IQVIA still shows Zepbound gaining market share from Wegovy, suggesting demand remains robust despite access hurdles. Lilly's drugs are clinically superior, lending strength to the idea that they can capture more sales even when prices are low, said James Shin, director of Biopharma Equity Research at Deutsche Bank. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 29. Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov attended the official inauguration ceremony of the Azerbaijani Embassy in Oman, the minister's publication on X page said, Trend reports. "I'm pleased to participate in the official opening ceremony of the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Muscat, Oman. This new diplomatic mission marks an important milestone reflecting the growing partnership between our countries. We are committed to deepening our bilateral cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, culture and tourism, and opening new opportunities for the peoples of both Azerbaijan and Oman. These steps reflect our shared commitment to strengthening political dialogue, people-to-people ties and long-term partnership," the publication reads. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 29. Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi, as part of his official visit to the country, Trend reports. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, the bilateral meeting was later followed by expanded discussions with wider participation. During the talks, the sides discussed current issues on the Azerbaijani-Omani bilateral and multilateral cooperation agenda, prospects for partnership, and the regional situation. Both parties highly appreciated the existing level of traditional friendly relations between the two nations, emphasizing the importance of intensifying reciprocal visits, ensuring the regularity of political consultations between the foreign ministries, and updating the bilateral legal and contractual framework. It was noted with satisfaction that cooperation based on mutual trust and support continues successfully within multilateral platforms such as the United Nations (UN), the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Touching upon economic cooperation, the ministers discussed ways to expand bilateral trade turnover, encourage mutual investments, and explore opportunities for joint projects in energy, transport and communications, agriculture, water management, renewable energy, tourism, healthcare, and other sectors. Confidence was expressed that the establishment of the AzerbaijanOman Direct Investment Fund will make a significant contribution to the implementation of joint projects between the two countries. The meeting also included an exchange of views on the situation in the Middle East, Azerbaijans post-conflict efforts to promote peace and stability, as well as other regional and international matters of mutual interest. Later the same day, the ministers signed the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Sultanate of Oman on the Mutual Exemption of Visa Requirements for Holders of Diplomatic, Special, and Service Passports and the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman on Cooperation in the Consular Field. On the same day, the foreign ministers convened for the formal inauguration of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Muscat and engaged in a comprehensive walkthrough of the embassy facilities. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 29. Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament Sahiba Gafarova met with Chair of the House of Representatives of the Supreme Assembly of Tajikistan Fayzali Idizoda, who is on a visit to Azerbaijan to participate in the International Parliamentary Conference dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the parliamentary press service told Trend. Gafarova congratulated Idizoda on his election as Speaker of the House of Representatives and expressed gratitude for Tajikistans high-level participation in the international conference. During the meeting, it was noted that the peoples of Azerbaijan and Tajikistan are united by common cultural and spiritual values, and that further strengthening these ties is of great importance. The sides emphasized that relations between the two countries have reached the level of strategic partnership based on mutual understanding and highlighted the special role of the heads of state in achieving this high level of cooperation. The successful policies pursued by our heads of state for the welfare of our nations, as well as the full support of our peoples, have ensured the steady development of AzerbaijanTajikistan relations, Gafarova said. Both parties articulated a sense of contentment regarding the current state of interparliamentary collaboration. During the convening, Idizoda articulated his commendations regarding the formalization of the peace accord between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Gafarova underscored the significance of the dialogues conducted in Washington and the overarching normalization trajectory for regional equilibrium. The stakeholders engaged in a dialogue regarding additional topics of reciprocal significance. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 29. Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament Sahiba Gafarova met with Deputy Chairperson of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus, Vladislav Tatarinovich, who is on a visit to the country to attend the International Parliamentary Conference dedicated to the anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the parliamentary press service told Trend. Gafarova congratulated Vladislav Tatarinovich on his election as Deputy Chairperson of the Council of the Republic and expressed satisfaction with the participation of the Belarusian delegation in the international event. Tatarinovich conveyed his congratulations on the successful organization of the International Parliamentary Conference and presented a congratulatory letter from the Chairperson of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus, Natalia Kochanova, extending her greetings to the Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament. During the meeting, the sides noted that relations between Azerbaijan and Belarus are developing successfully based on mutual trust and friendship. It was emphasized that the high-level ties between the heads of state play an important role in strengthening cooperation. The parties underlined that close relations between the two countries and their peoples also contribute to the development of interparliamentary relations. It was highlighted that, along with strong bilateral ties, both legislative bodies are effectively cooperating within international parliamentary organizations. Particular satisfaction was expressed regarding Belarus obtaining observer status in the Asian Parliamentary Assembly during Azerbaijans chairmanship of the organization. The activities of the Parliamentary Network of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), established on the initiative of President Ilham Aliyev, were also praised. Gafarova asked Tatarinovich to convey her greetings to the Chairperson of the Council of the Republic and to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Igor Sergeyenko. The assembly additionally encompassed a discourse on ancillary matters of reciprocal significance. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 29. Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, has departed for a working visit to the city of Samarkand in the Republic of Uzbekistan, the ministry told Trend. The minister will take part in and deliver a speech at the 43rd session of the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on October 30-31. Bayramov is also expected to hold several high-level bilateral meetings within the framework of the visit. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 29. Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament Sahiba Gafarova met with Vong Sauth, Second Vice President of the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia, who is on a visit to the country to attend the International Parliamentary Conference dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the parliamentary press service told Trend. The meeting emphasized the high level of relations between the parliaments of Azerbaijan and Cambodia. Speaker Gafarova noted that Azerbaijan highly values the participation of parliamentary delegations from friendly countries in this significant conference. Speaker Vong Sauth commended the successful organization of the International Parliamentary Conference and conveyed the congratulations of the President of the National Assembly of Cambodia, Khoun Sudary, and the President of the Senate, Hun Sen. During the meeting, satisfaction was expressed with the development of interparliamentary relations. Gafarova recalled with appreciation her visit to Cambodia to attend the General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) and her meetings held during that visit, as well as her discussion with Khoun Sudary during her working visit to Malaysia. She noted that such exchanges contribute to deepening cooperation between the two parliaments. It was emphasized that the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the parliaments in 2022 provides a solid foundation for further cooperation and opens new opportunities in this direction. The parties underlined the importance of collaboration between friendship groups and parliamentary committees, as well as cooperation within international parliamentary organizations, including the Parliamentary Network of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA), and the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA). The meeting also featured an exchange of views on other issues of mutual interest. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 29. An official reception dedicated to the 102nd anniversary of the Republic of Turkiye was held at the Gulustan Palace in Azerbaijan's Baku, Trend reports. The event was organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Turkiye in Azerbaijan. The event commenced with the ceremonial renditions of the national anthems representing the sovereign states of Azerbaijan and Turkiye. Present at the gathering are constituents of the diplomatic echelon accredited in Azerbaijan, military liaison officers, influential public and political personas, legislative members, and media representatives. Speaking first, Turkish Ambassador to Azerbaijan Birol Akgun noted that the modern Republic of Turkiye was founded in 1923 following the heroic national struggle of the Turkish people, led by Gazi Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, against the imperialist forces that sought to occupy Anatolia after the First World War. "Today, we proudly celebrate the anniversary of our Republic. May this meaningful day be blessed and everlasting!" he stated. He emphasized that since its founding, the core principle of our countrys foreign policy has been to live in peace with all nations, with a particular focus on our neighbors. This principle is perfectly captured by Ataturks famous words: Peace at home, peace in the world. The ambassador added that with its history, geography, culture, and political vision, modern Turkiye under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has become a distinctive, principled, and influential global actor. Turkiye is a strong partner of the Europe- and United States-centered Western world politically and economically. Within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), our country plays a key role in security, and as a member of the Council of Europe, it upholds democracy and human rights standards. Thanks to the customs union with the European Union (EU), Turkiye is an integral part of the transatlantic community. However, Turkiye is aware that the Western-centered global system established after the Second World War is undergoing profound changes and evolving toward a multipolar world order. For this reason, Turkiye actively and decisively contributes to building a fairer world in all international platforms, he said. Ambassador Akgun emphasized that Turkiye, with its civilizational heritage, is also an important part of the Islamic world and plays a significant role within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). In recent years, our country has been expanding its multidimensional relations with the Turkic world through the Organization of Turkic States. The Turkic world is our shared cultural family. Deepening cooperation among brotherly countries is the common desire and expectation of our peoples. However, this unity is not directed against any third party. Its purpose is to ensure the development, progress, and prosperity of our nations through cooperation and solidarity. Strengthening the route we call the Middle Corridor serves the common interests of the entire world, he said. Later, Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament Sahiba Gafarova highlighted in her speech that the ideas of the founder of modern Turkiye, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, on republican governance, secular statehood, and democratic values remain the foundation of the country's steady development. Gafarova noted that under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkiye has become one of the most powerful nations in the world and now holds a leading place among the countries shaping the new system of international relations. Through its independent and multi-vector foreign policy, Turkiye demonstrates responsibility, principle, and foresight, she said, adding that Ankaras efforts from the Middle East to Eastern Europe serve peace and dialogue and have earned the country deep respect and admiration worldwide. According to her, Turkiye has achieved remarkable success in the economy, science, technology, and defense industries by channeling the creative energy of its people. Today, the brotherly country holds a worthy place among the worlds largest economies, implementing major strategic projects. Turkiye has become a central hub for the energy, transport, and logistics routes that connect continents, Gafarova emphasized. She underlined that Turkiye is a nation that looks confidently to the future, remains loyal to its national values, and embraces innovation. The countrys experience proves that the strength of a state lies not only in its economic and military potential but also in its moral responsibility and its ability to build and protect, she added. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 29. Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament Sahiba Gafarova highlighted that the ideas of the founder of modern Turkiye, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, on republican governance, secular statehood, and democratic values remain the foundation of the country's steady development, Trend reports. Speaking at an event held at the Gulustan Palace to mark the 102nd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Turkiye, Gafarova noted that under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkiye has become one of the most powerful nations in the world and now holds a leading place among the countries shaping the new system of international relations. Through its independent and multi-vector foreign policy, Turkiye demonstrates responsibility, principle, and foresight, she said, adding that Ankaras efforts from the Middle East to Eastern Europe serve peace and dialogue and have earned the country deep respect and admiration worldwide. According to her, Turkiye has achieved remarkable success in the economy, science, technology, and defense industries by channeling the creative energy of its people. Today, the brotherly country holds a worthy place among the worlds largest economies, implementing major strategic projects. Turkiye has become a central hub for the energy, transport, and logistics routes that connect continents, Gafarova emphasized. She underlined that Turkiye is a nation that looks confidently to the future, remains loyal to its national values, and embraces innovation. The countrys experience proves that the strength of a state lies not only in its economic and military potential but also in its moral responsibility and its ability to build and protect, she added. Gafarova noted that Azerbaijan takes pride in Turkiyes achievements, echoing the words of National Leader Heydar Aliyev that Azerbaijan and Turkiye are one nation, two states. She stressed that the friendship and brotherhood between the two countries are rooted in common history, national and spiritual values, mutual respect, and trust. The Shusha Declaration elevated the relations between our countries to the highest level of alliance. Cooperation across various sectors continues to strengthen our bonds of friendship and brotherhood, serving the prosperity and progress of our peoples. Our joint strategic projects play an essential role in transforming the South Caucasus into a region of peace, stability, and cooperation, she stated. Quoting President Ilham Aliyev, Gafarova recalled his words: There are no other countries in the world today as close and attached to each other as Turkiye and Azerbaijan. She added that Azerbaijan and Turkiye always stand united on international issues, and their joint efforts within the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) contribute significantly to strengthening Turkic unity. The people of Azerbaijan will never forget Turkiyes unwavering support during the 44-day Patriotic War, she emphasized. "Under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the political and moral support of the Turkish nation played a crucial role in ending the occupation of Azerbaijani lands. Today, Turkiye continues to support Azerbaijan in the reconstruction and restoration works in Karabakh and East Zangazur. The unity and solidarity between Azerbaijan and Turkiye will continue to bring new successes to our peoples in the years ahead, she concluded, congratulating the people of Turkiye on Republic Day and wishing them progress, prosperity, and happiness. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 29. We are all witnesses to the unique and heartfelt brotherhood between Turkiye and Azerbaijan, a bond that has no parallel in the world, said Turkiyes Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Birol Akgun, Trend reports. Speaking at an event at the Gulustan Palace, in Baku, dedicated to the anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Turkiye, Ambassador Akgun emphasized that Turkiye will continue to provide the strongest support to Azerbaijan on international platforms. Our Azerbaijani brothers have carried their achievements to the negotiation table. A historic opportunity has emerged to ensure lasting peace, launch development, and strengthen regional ties. The peace and stability to be established in the region will benefit not only regional countries but the entire world. Therefore, achieving permanent peace is our greatest shared aspiration, he stated. According to Akgun, the efforts of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to promote global peace and stability are closely followed by the international community. In this regard, our key priorities are to bring the conflict in Ukraine to an end as swiftly as possible, secure a lasting ceasefire in Gaza that paves the way for a two-state solution, and strengthen peace and stability in Syria. In pursuing these goals, we act in close cooperation and solidarity with Azerbaijan. A more just and equitable world is within reach, and together, we must strive to make it a reality, the ambassador concluded. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 29. An official reception dedicated to the 102nd anniversary of the Republic of Turkiye was held at the Gulustan Palace in Azerbaijan's Baku, Trend reports. The event was organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Turkiye in Azerbaijan. The event commenced with the ceremonial renditions of the national anthems representing the sovereign states of Azerbaijan and Turkiye. Present at the gathering are constituents of the diplomatic echelon accredited in Azerbaijan, military liaison officers, influential public and political personas, legislative members, and media representatives. Speaking first, Turkish Ambassador to Azerbaijan Birol Akgun noted that the modern Republic of Turkiye was founded in 1923 following the heroic national struggle of the Turkish people, led by Gazi Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, against the imperialist forces that sought to occupy Anatolia after the First World War. "Today, we proudly celebrate the anniversary of our Republic. May this meaningful day be blessed and everlasting!" he stated. He emphasized that since its founding, the core principle of our countrys foreign policy has been to live in peace with all nations, with a particular focus on our neighbors. This principle is perfectly captured by Ataturks famous words: Peace at home, peace in the world. The ambassador added that with its history, geography, culture, and political vision, modern Turkiye under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has become a distinctive, principled, and influential global actor. Turkiye is a strong partner of the Europe- and United States-centered Western world politically and economically. Within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), our country plays a key role in security, and as a member of the Council of Europe, it upholds democracy and human rights standards. Thanks to the customs union with the European Union (EU), Turkiye is an integral part of the transatlantic community. However, Turkiye is aware that the Western-centered global system established after the Second World War is undergoing profound changes and evolving toward a multipolar world order. For this reason, Turkiye actively and decisively contributes to building a fairer world in all international platforms, he said. Ambassador Akgun emphasized that Turkiye, with its civilizational heritage, is also an important part of the Islamic world and plays a significant role within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). In recent years, our country has been expanding its multidimensional relations with the Turkic world through the Organization of Turkic States. The Turkic world is our shared cultural family. Deepening cooperation among brotherly countries is the common desire and expectation of our peoples. However, this unity is not directed against any third party. Its purpose is to ensure the development, progress, and prosperity of our nations through cooperation and solidarity. Strengthening the route we call the Middle Corridor serves the common interests of the entire world, he said. Later, the Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament, Sahiba Gafarova, highlighted in her speech that the ideas of the founder of modern Turkiye, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, on republican governance, secular statehood, and democratic values remain the foundation of the country's steady development. Gafarova noted that under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkiye has become one of the most powerful nations in the world and now holds a leading place among the countries shaping the new system of international relations. Through its independent and multi-vector foreign policy, Turkiye demonstrates responsibility, principle, and foresight, she said, adding that Ankaras efforts from the Middle East to Eastern Europe serve peace and dialogue and have earned the country deep respect and admiration worldwide. According to her, Turkiye has achieved remarkable success in the economy, science, technology, and defense industries by channeling the creative energy of its people. Today, the brotherly country holds a worthy place among the worlds largest economies, implementing major strategic projects. Turkiye has become a central hub for the energy, transport, and logistics routes that connect continents, Gafarova emphasized. She underlined that Turkiye is a nation that looks confidently to the future, remains loyal to its national values, and embraces innovation. The countrys experience proves that the strength of a state lies not only in its economic and military potential but also in its moral responsibility and its ability to build and protect, she added. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel In the last month, budget airlines such as Play and Braathens as well as regional charter carriers including Verijet and Kachina Air have had to file for bankruptcy in a market dominated by fluctuating travel spending and increased competition. When Reykjavik-based Play abruptly shut down operations after running out of funds, competitors like Condor Airlines had to step in and offer rescue fares to assist thousands of travelers left stranded at airports all over Europe. Travelers were told to "check flights with other airlines" and try to obtain refunds through their insurance or credit card company, as the bankrupt airline would not be able to provide them. Eastern Airways shuts down operations, hundreds of jobs at risk A month later, yet another European airline has left its customers stranded, now that the United Kingdom-based budget carrier Eastern Airways filed a notice of intention to appoint an administrator. While not yet officially in bankruptcy, Eastern Airways is on the brink of it, as the British legal procedure is used to buy 10 days during which the company can seek restructuring options while avoiding liquidation and legal action from creditors. Related: Delta Air Lines to bet very big on Saudi Arabia travel Based out of Humberside Airport (HUY) in the East Midlands, Eastern Airways was founded in 1997 and ran flights to cities in northern England and Scotland, as well as some routes to London Gatwick and Cornwall. As first reported by British newspaper The Independent, hundreds of flight attendants, pilots and other Eastern Airways employees are set to lose their jobs as the future of the airline looks increasingly uncertain. Eastern Airways was founded out of Humberside Airport in 1997.Shutterstock "Do not go to the airport as flights will not be operating" "Eastern Airways, which operated regional services from airports across the United Kingdom, has suspended operations," British Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said Oct. 27 in a statement to passengers on Eastern Airways. "All Eastern Airways operated flights are canceled. Therefore, please do not go to the airport as flights will not be operating." Airlines that filed for bankruptcy in 2025: BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 30. Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and founder and head of the IDEA Public Union, took part in the presentation ceremony of the documentary Hirkan, Trend reports. The event was held on October 29 at the Heydar Aliyev Congress Center in Gabala. The film is the latest production within the framework of IDEA Public Unions special project 12 Wonders of Azerbaijan and is dedicated to Hirkan National Park, one of Azerbaijans natural treasures. The documentary Hirkan showcases the unique ecosystem of this region, rich in rare flora and fauna, and highlights efforts to protect it. The film was directed by Igor Byshnev. Under Leyla Aliyevas leadership, eight documentaries have been produced to date as part of the project. These films have attracted significant interest from millions of viewers on social media, contributing to the promotion of Azerbaijans rich natural heritage. The 12 Wonders of Azerbaijan project covers national parks representing diverse geographical regions and ecosystems of the country, including Aghgol, Shirvan, Hirkan, Altiaghaj, Absheron, Shahdagh, Goygol, Samur-Yalama, Gizilaghaj, Akhar-Bakhar, Ilisu, and Zangezur National Park, named after Academician Hasan Aliyev. These parks play a crucial role in preserving and showcasing Azerbaijans natural heritage. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 29. The next group of former internally displaced persons is returning to the village of Hasanriz in the Aghdara district and the village of Khidirli in the Aghdam district, Trend reports. At the first stage, 91 families (366 people) are returning to the village of Khidirli, and 17 families (83 people) to the village of Hasanriz. The former IDPs returning to the settlement of Hadrut in the Khojavend district and the village of Badara in the Khojaly district thanked President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva for their comprehensive care and expressed gratitude to the valiant Azerbaijani Army, which liberated the lands from occupation. Currently, more than 50,000 people live in Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur. Among them are former internally displaced persons who have returned to these areas, as well as employees involved in the implementation of restoration and construction projects, employees of local departments of various government agencies, and specialists employed in healthcare, education, culture, tourism, industry, and energy institutions that have resumed their activities. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 29. An exchange of views was held on the possibilities of establishing direct air links with the Chinese city of Xi'an, as well as on the prospects for cooperation in artificial intelligence, digitalization and other areas, Azerbaijan's Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rashad Nabiyev wrote on his X page, Trend reports. He said that the discussions were held at a meeting with the Mayor of Xi'an Ye Niuping. "During the meeting, the current state and future prospects of cooperation between our countries, especially Xi'an province and Azerbaijan in the field of railways and transport in general, were discussed. For this purpose, it was decided to establish a relevant working group," added the minister. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 29. Romania has begun implementing Azerbaijan's ASAN Service model, the Chairman of the Senate of the Romanian Parliament, Mircea Abrudean said, Trend reports. He made the remark at the international parliamentary conference The Constitution as the Basis of Independence and Sovereignty of States in the Modern World, dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Abrudean proposed expanding cooperation between the committees of the parliaments of the two countries: The Azerbaijani model 'ASAN Service' in the field of digitalization is already being implemented in our country. We can also create a joint parliamentary group to strengthen cooperation in the field of digital identity cards, public procurement, and cybersecurity. He also proposed holding annual meetings of the Azerbaijani and Romanian parliamentary committees on transport and energy. Transparency will further stimulate investment. We support the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. Stability in the South Caucasus is in everyone's interest, he concluded. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 29. The delegation of the joint intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation between Azerbaijan and Belarus, led by Deputy Prime Minister Samir Sharifov, Co-Chairman from the Azerbaijani side, and his counterpart Natalya Petkevich, Co-Chairman from the Belarusian side, has visited Gizil Kangarli village in Aghdam district, the Cabinet of Ministers' statement said, Trend reports. The officials were informed about the agrarian town to be established in the village. The information noted that the agrarian town will be established with the participation of Belarusian specialists, the project will have a significant impact on the comprehensive development of settlements in the Aghdam district, the revitalization of rural areas, and the economy of the region. Meanwhile, the documents signed between Azerbaijan and Belarus on October 3, 2024, envisage the development of agricultural production in the Aghdam district and the design of an agro-town in Gizil Kangarli. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 29. The transformation of Karabakh and East Zangezur into a green energy center is one of the main directions of strategic importance in Azerbaijan's energy policy, political analyst Azer Garayev told Trend. According to him, this initiative serves both the realization of renewable energy potential and the sustainable development of the region. "The Azerbaijani government has set a goal to implement the green energy zone concept in the Karabakh and East Zangezur economic regions by 2030. The main goals of this concept are the ecologically clean and energy-efficient reconstruction of the liberated territories, the widespread use of renewable energy sourcessolar, wind, hydro, and bioenergyand the transformation of the region into an exemplary energy center for green technologies and innovations," he said. The analyst noted that President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev's laying of the foundation stones of the 'Shams' and 'Ufug' solar power plants, each with a capacity of 50 megawatts, in Shahvalli village of Jabrayil district on October 28 is an important component of the country's green energy strategy and marks the beginning of a new stage in the energy map of Jabrayil district. "The project directly serves Azerbaijan's renewable energy strategy. The 'Shams' and 'Ufug' plants are concrete investments in solar energy and are aimed at reducing dependence on fossil fuels. This is a manifestation of a more sustainable, environmentally friendly approach to energy. The Jabrayil district is a liberated zone, and such projects create an opportunity not only for the reconstruction of these territories but also for their transformation into a new green energy zone. The project is a 'game-changer' on the energy map of the region. Such projects also have economic and social impacts. New plants are investment-intensive projects and will create jobs during the construction phase and activate local logistics and infrastructure. Increased energy production can bring additional income to the region and strengthen the centralized electricity supply. At the same time, reduced gas consumption and emissions have positive effects on environmental health. The region has high solar energy potential, and such projects increase the use of this potential. On the same day, President Ilham Aliyev attended the inaugurations of the second stage of the Aghali village and Mammadbayli village of Zangilan district," the analyst pointed out. He highlighted that President Ilham Aliyev's meeting with residents and the presentation of apartment keys show that these projects are not only infrastructure projects but also an integral part of a social policy based on the human factor. "Construction work in the Zangilan district and the liberated territories as a whole is being carried out in a planned, modern, and comprehensive manner. These inaugurations confirm that Azerbaijan is moving forward in creating sustainable, smart, and environmentally friendly living spaces in the lands liberated from occupation. In general, the construction and resettlement process in the liberated territories under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev is one of the most important historical stages of modern Azerbaijan. After the liberation of the lands in 2020, the main task facing the state was to restore these territories, rebuild infrastructure, and ensure the safe return of the population. The large-scale work carried out over the past five years shows that these goals are being implemented in a phased and planned manner. The process of construction and migration carried out under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev is shaping Azerbaijan's post-war reconstruction model," the analyst concluded. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 29. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr. Josip Brkic, hosted the Twelfth Meeting of Political Directors of the Western Balkans Six (WB6) and the delegation of the European Union, Trend reports. The delegation led by Olof Skoog, Deputy Secretary-General of the European External Action Service (EEAS) for Political Affairs. During the meeting, discussions focused on relations and cooperation between the European Union and the Western Balkans (WB6) within the framework of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), the Russian invasion of Ukraine and its implications, as well as relations between the EU and the Western Balkans with third countries such as China and Turkey, and on the current developments in the Middle East. At the beginning of the meeting, Deputy Minister Brkic expressed satisfaction that Sarajevo was hosting such an important event and welcomed the EUs commitment to strengthening, accelerating, and deepening political and strategic engagement with the Western Balkans. In light of the current geopolitical context in Europe and globally, he emphasized the importance of deeper political and security cooperation between the European Union, its member states, and the Western Balkan partners particularly in enhancing resilience and joint action within the EUs Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). He noted that Bosnia and Herzegovina is gradually aligning its visa policy with that of the EU, taking into account the importance of tourism for the economy, the current stage in the EU accession process, and openness to cooperation with other countries. He expressed confidence that a regionally coordinated approach is the best way to find an optimal solution for full alignment with the EU visa policy. Brkic also underlined the importance of signing the Agreement between Bosnia and Herzegovina and FRONTEX, describing it as a significant step forward in strengthening cooperation in the field of migration and border management, as well as in meeting the EUs requirements on Bosnia and Herzegovinas European path. He added that by fulfilling one of the EUs key demands, Bosnia and Herzegovina becomes a credible partner in ensuring the EUs external border, thereby strengthening its role within the overall security architecture of the EU and the European continent. Before the WB6EU political directors meeting, Deputy Minister Brkic held a bilateral meeting with Olof Skoog, Deputy Secretary-General of the EEAS for Political Affairs. During the meeting, they discussed the current political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the countrys EU accession path, reform processes, and the importance and contribution of the EUFOR Althea mission. In the context of Bosnia and Herzegovinas progress on its European path, it was emphasized that for the preparatory phase of EU accession negotiations the screening process the appointment of negotiators is one of the key issues. Qatars gas output set to surge by 45% driven by LNG expansion Qatars natural gas production is set to increase sharply over the next decade, largely fueled by rising LNG exports, according to the latest outlook from the International Energy Agency (IEA). Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 29. Azerbaijan exported natural gas totaling 16.5 billion cubic meters (bcm), with an aggregate value of $6 billion, during the first eight months of 2025. The data obtained by Trend from the State Statistics Committee shows that in the reporting timeframe, the country imported 233.3 million cubic meters of natural gas worth $36 million. Compared to the same period last year, the imports nearly halved, decreasing by 234.4 million cubic meters in volume and $38.8 million in value. Russia and Turkmenistan were Azerbaijans main gas import partners. As many as 21.2 million cubic meters of the gas imports worth $3.9 million accounted for Russia, and 212.1 million cubic meters worth $32.4 million - Turkmenistan. Exports were delivered to Georgia (1.6 bcm worth $169.5 million), Serbia (183.3 million cubic meters worth $102.6 million), Turkiye (6.6 bcm worth $1.8 billion), Bulgaria (1.2 bcm worth $458 million), Italy (6.3 bcm worth $3.1 billion), and Greece (599.3 million cubic meters worth $318.9 million). ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, October 29. The Turkmen company Turkmen Gala has struck a deal with the international corporation Emerson, officially tying the knot as its partner in Turkmenistan, Sales specialist Abdylla Klychev told Trend. Speaking on the sidelines of the Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan 2025 conference in Ashgabat, Klychev stated that the partnership with Emerson will create new opportunities for introducing advanced solutions in automation, industrial control, and digital production management technologies across the country. "Turkmen Gala has become the exclusive partner of Emerson in Turkmenistan. This is an important step toward developing the technological infrastructure of the countrys oil and gas sector," he said. Founded in 2011, Turkmen Gala is active in the oil and gas, energy, and chemical industries. The company employs more than 150 people and cooperates with over 40 international brands. "Our partnership with Emerson will allow us to offer clients in Turkmenistan innovative products and services that meet global standards. We also plan to expand cooperation with Petronas and Dragon Oil and to train local specialists to work with high-tech equipment," the company representative added. Klychev underscored that Turkmen Galas engagement in the conference is strategically oriented towards exhibiting partner apparatus and methodologies while fortifying alliances with pivotal stakeholders in Turkmenistans oil and gas market. MEXC's Cecilia Hsueh discusses RWA hype, ETFs, and why focusing on core trading strengthsnot expansioncould keep it ahead. | Credit: CCN. Key Takeaways MEXCs CSO Cecilia Hsueh says the exchanges strength lies in being the fastest to list trendy tokens, offering over 4,000 trading pairs and deep liquidity. She believes the next cycle will be driven by real-world assets (RWA) and institutional inflows through ETFs, while short-term trends like DATs fade. Hsueh says MEXCs strategy is to do less but do it better focusing on trading infrastructure and investing in strong external projects through MEXC Ventures. Fresh off a whirlwind week at F1 Singapore and Token 2049, MEXCs newly appointed Chief Strategy Officer Cecilia Hsueh sat down with CCNs Prashant Jha to discuss her first major outing in the role, the exchanges evolving global strategy, and what she sees as cryptos next inflection point. It was pretty hectic the first time I represented MEXC at a big conference, Hsueh said with a laugh, recalling the flurry of speeches, side events, and back-to-back partner meetings that defined her week. But it was very productive. Joining MEXC With over six years in crypto including time as CEO of Femex and co-founder of Layer-2 project Morph Hsueh now finds herself at the center of one of the worlds top five exchanges by trading volume. Its one of the most potential exchanges on the market, she said, pointing to MEXCs $150 billion spot trading volume and what she calls untapped opportunities in branding, listings, and synergies through MEXC Ventures. However, joining MEXC wasnt without challenges. Coming from a startup background, Hsueh admits adjusting to a larger, remote organization takes effort. The challenge for me is fitting into such a big organization and leading teams forward especially when we work remotely. Despite being a new team member, Hsueh isnt shy about her ambitions. As Bitcoin pushes past $115,000 and Ethereum trades near $4,300, Hsueh is confident that MEXCs trader-first model can hold its edge even as competition stiffens and narratives shift. Building a Trader-First Exchange At the heart of MEXCs growth, Hsueh said, is a philosophy designed squarely around traders. She sums it up using the exchanges own acronym: MEXC Most trendy tokens, Exclusive events, Xtremely low fees, and Comprehensive liquidity. Were the fastest on the market to list trendy tokens, she explained. We have 4,000 trading pairs in total. Take Trump as an example we listed it two hours after it started trading on-chain. Most top exchanges took around 10. That speed, she said, defines MEXCs identity. For Hsueh, its about serving what users actually want to trade, not just what looks good on paper. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 29. The Central Bank of Iran (CBI) has released the official exchange rates for foreign currencies as of October 29, Trend reports. According to the rates announced by the CBI, the value of 41 currencies went up, while 4 currencies dropped compared to October 28. The official rate for $1 is 567,632 rials, while one euro is valued at 661,774 rials. On October 28, the euro was priced at 658,270 rials. Currency Rial on October 29 Rial on October 28 1 US dollar USD 567,632 565,767 1 British pound GBP 753,628 754,051 1 Swiss franc CHF 715,962 710,289 1 Swedish krona SEK 60,670 60,230 1 Norwegian krone NOK 56,950 56,654 1 Danish krone DKK 88,604 88,127 1 Indian rupee INR 6,434 6,411 1 UAE Dirham AED 154,563 154,050 1 Kuwaiti dinar KWD 1,850,905 1,844,862 100 Pakistani rupees PKR 200,830 200,351 100 Japanese yen JPY 373,083 369,533 1 Hong Kong dollar HKD 73,058 72,839 1 Omani rial OMR 1,474,844 1,470,995 1 Canadian dollar CAD 407,257 404,200 1 New Zealand dollar NZD 328,058 325,965 1 South African rand ZAR 33,095 32,803 1 Turkish lira TRY 13,527 13,494 1 Russian ruble RUB 7,136 7,138 1 Qatari riyal QAR 155,943 155,425 100 Iraqi dinars IQD 43,353 43,201 1 Syrian pound SYP 51 51 1 Australian dollar AUD 373,705 370,742 1 Saudi riyal SAR 151,369 150,866 1 Bahraini dinar BHD 1,509,660 1,504,646 1 Singapore dollar SGD 438,795 436,171 100 Bangladeshi takas BDT 464,046 462,402 10 Sri Lankan rupees LKR 18,646 18,601 1 Myanmar kyat MMK 270 269 100 Nepalese rupees NPR 401,945 400,508 1 Libyan dinar LYD 104,452 104,008 1 Chinese yuan CNY 79,956 79,567 100 Thai baht THB 1,757,478 1,729,682 1 Malaysian ringgit MYR 135,236 133,983 1,000 South Korean won KRW 396,127 394,808 1 Jordanian dinar JOD 800,609 797,951 1 euro EUR 661,774 658,270 100 Kazakh tenge KZT 106,461 105,247 1 Georgian lari GEL 209,008 208,154 1,000 Indonesian rupiahs IDR 34,200 34,049 1 Afghan afghani AFN 8,599 8,523 1 Belarusian ruble BYN 166,684 166,025 1 Azerbaijani manat AZN 333,901 332,791 100 Philippine pesos PHP 959,738 960,291 1 Tajik somoni TJS 61,425 61,160 1 Turkmen manat TMT 161,808 161,346 Venezuelan bolivar VES 2,632 2,639 The CBI adopted the SANA system for currency exchange offices, where one euro costs 847,338 rials and $1 costs 726,798 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 822,658 rials, and the price of $1 totaled 705,629 rials. On the black market, $1 is worth about 1.04-1.07 million rials, while one euro is worth 1.21-1.24 million rials. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, October 29. A representative of the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan has signed an agreement with Riyadh Cables Group on the joint implementation of a project to establish a high-voltage cable production facility in Tashkent, Trend reports. The document was signed during a working visit of the Uzbek delegation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, led by Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev. The delegation also included Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Shokhrukh Gulamov. The visit was aimed at deepening investment and industrial cooperation between the two countries. The project, valued at $122 million, entails the establishment of a facility with an annual production capacity of 24,000 tons and is anticipated to generate 340 new employment opportunities. During meetings with Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih and senior representatives of major Saudi enterprises, the parties examined prospects for expanding cooperation across the sectors of industry, energy, infrastructure, healthcare, and labor migration. Furthermore, the parties endorsed a Practical Action Plan comprising more than 20 joint initiatives in the fields of energy, water supply, information technology, agriculture, and infrastructure, aimed at reinforcing the economic partnership between Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, in 2024, bilateral trade between Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia totaled $142.4 million, while in the first eight months of 2025 it reached $111.5 million. At present, 27 enterprises with Saudi capital are operating in Uzbekistan, and 56 joint investment projects worth a total of $27.2 billion are being implemented. Of this amount, $900 million has already been disbursed since the beginning of 2025. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 29. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has approved a financing package worth $142 million (121 million euros) for the development of Central Asias largest combined solar photovoltaic and battery energy storage project in Uzbekistan, Trend reports. The funding will support two special-purpose vehicles (SPVs), ACWA Power Sazagan Solar 1 and ACWA Power Sazagan Solar 2, majority-owned by Saudi Arabias ACWA Power and co-owned by Japans Sumitomo Corporation, Shikoku Electric Power Company, and Chubu Electric Power Company. This marks the Japanese investors first renewable and battery energy storage system (BESS) venture in Uzbekistan. Under the financing structure, EBRD will provide $61 million to ACWA Power Sazagan Solar 1 for a 500 MW solar plant and a 668 MWh BESS in the Samarkand region, and $81 million to ACWA Power Sazagan Solar 2 for another 500 MW solar plant in Samarkand and a 668 MWh BESS in the Bukhara region. The project is expected to be co-financed by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), Nippon Export and Investment Insurance-covered lenders, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB). Together, the two SPVs will deliver 1 GW of solar capacity and 1,336 MWh of battery storage, strengthening Uzbekistans energy security and grid stability. Once operational, the facilities will generate around 2,300 GWh of electricity annually, enough to power 600,000 households, and will play a crucial role in achieving the governments target of 25 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. The EBRD has been a key partner in Uzbekistans green transition, having financed 1.65 GW of wind, 1.4 GW of solar, and 334 MW/501 MWh of BESS projects across the country. To date, the banks cumulative investment in Uzbekistan has exceeded 5.35 billion euros across 188 projects, with a strong focus on private sector development and sustainable growth. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, October 29. The Chairman of the Board of JSC Uzbekneftegaz, Bakhodirjon Sidikov held a meeting with Chen Huailong, General Director for Central Asia and Russia of the major Chinese oil and gas corporation CNPC, to discuss key areas of current and future cooperation in hydrocarbon exploration, production, and transportation, Trend reports. The discussions also focused on the implementation of joint projects involving innovative technologies. Particular attention was given to improving the efficiency of existing joint ventures, strengthening strategic partnerships, and exchanging best practices in production management. Representatives of the joint ventures New Silk Road Oil and Gas LLC and Asia Trans Gas LLC also took part, presenting their current performance and outlining prospective initiatives. Following the meeting, the sides expressed their mutual readiness to further deepen cooperation and jointly implement upcoming projects. Bilateral trade between Uzbekistan and China continues to expand rapidly. In the previous fiscal year, trade exceeded $14 billion, marking a 23 percent increase since the beginning of 2025. This robust growth underscores the strengthening economic ties and highlights Chinas role as one of Uzbekistans most important and reliable partners. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 29. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria Georg Georgiev received at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the Republic of Bulgaria, Mr. Abdulrahman Aljaber, Trend reports. The two officials reaffirmed the excellent bilateral relations and discussed opportunities for further development based on the Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Partnership signed in 2022. Minister Georgiev emphasized that Bulgaria considers the United Arab Emirates one of its most promising partners in the Middle East region. During the talks, the holding of the second round of political consultations between the foreign ministries of the two countries was discussed, as well as the preparation for the first meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic and Technical Cooperation. Both sides expressed readiness to work on strengthening partnership in trade, investment, transport, defense, energy, innovation, culture, and agriculture. Minister Georgiev highly praised the role of the United Arab Emirates as a factor of stability in the Middle East and reaffirmed Bulgarias support for deepening strategic cooperation between the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 29. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is supporting Azerbaijan in developing a roadmap for hydrogen energy, the director of the State Agency for Renewable Energy under the Ministry of Energy of Azerbaijan, Javid Abdullayev said at the 13th Caspian Energy Forum in Baku, Trend reports. According to him, the EBRD is actively cooperating with Azerbaijan in preparing a roadmap for the development of hydrogen energy, which will form the basis for future projects in this area. He noted that the bank is already providing financial and expert support to the Azerbaijani side, and the process of selecting an international consulting company to prepare a detailed and implementation-oriented document has reached its final stage. We already have a shortlist of international consulting companies, and we are seeing a high level of interest in this project. I am confident that the results will be successful, Abdullayev claimed. The official recalled that during COP29, Azerbaijan presented its own vision for the development of hydrogen energy and a strategic document that attracted widespread international interest. According to him, Azerbaijan intends to use all the advantages of its geopolitical position, energy potential, and resource balance to form a sustainable hydrogen energy sector. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, October 29. At the invitation of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the President of the Republic of Finland, Alexander Stubb, will pay an official visit to Uzbekistan from October 29 through November 1, Trend reports via the press service of Uzbek President. During his visit to Tashkent, high-level discussions will be conducted to address key issues aimed at further enhancing multifaceted Uzbek-Finnish cooperation, particularly in the political, trade and economic, investment, and cultural-humanitarian domains. Particular emphasis will be placed on expanding bilateral trade and promoting collaboration in sectors such as agriculture, environmental protection, chemistry, energy, digitalization, mining, and other innovative industries. The agenda will additionally encompass deliberations on labor migration, cultural exchange, and the integration of advanced technologies into the education system. In addition, the leaders will exchange views on pressing international issues, including mutual support in multilateral forums. Iran discloses non-oil export performance for 7M2025 Iran exported around 92 million tons of non-oil goods worth $32 billion in the first seven months of the current Iranian year. Compared to last year, exports decreased by 1.88 percent in value but rose by 3.2 percent in volume. The countrys total trade turnover reached $66.3 billion during the same period. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 29. The latest state of bilateral cooperation between Iran and Russia across various sectors has been reviewed, with discussions held to further strengthen ties, Trend reports via Irans Ministry of Petroleum (MOP). The meeting, led by Ali-Mohammad Mousavi, Deputy Minister for International and Trade Affairs of Iran and Iranian Secretary of the Joint Economic Commission between Iran and Russia, focused on ways to enhance cooperation and accelerate the implementation of approved agreements. Representatives from various Iranian institutions presented proposals related to the execution of decisions adopted by the 18th Joint Economic and Trade Commission, implementation of joint projects, and expansion of economic and technical collaboration between Tehran and Moscow. Mostafa Barzegar, Director General of the Department for Europe, the Americas, and the Commonwealth of Independent States at Irans Ministry of Oil, outlined issues raised by the Russian side regarding the Joint Commission and urged all Iranian institutions to make additional efforts in this direction. Barzegar indicated that the 19th convening of the Joint Economic Commission between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Russian Federation is slated to transpire in Tehran by the conclusion of the forthcoming fiscal year (March 20, 2026). Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 29. Hydrocarbon exports, geothermal energy development, and critical minerals could become key areas for diversifying Azerbaijans economy, said Sunniya Durrani-Jamal, Country Director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for Azerbaijan, Trend reports. During the discourse at the 13th International Caspian Energy Forum 2025 in Baku, Durrani-Jamal articulated that although hydrocarbon exports constitute a pivotal revenue stream, they ought not to serve as the exclusive catalyst for economic advancement. She underscored the imperative for an equitable energy transition that harmonizes fiscal considerations with societal ramifications. Durrani-Jamal also highlighted the prospective advantages of geothermal energy and the extraction of essential minerals, emphasizing that these domains could play a pivotal role in economic diversification across both energy and non-energy sectors. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Michael Saylor MicroStrategy Bitcoin Acquisition Strategy. Photo by BeInCrypto S&P Global Ratings assigned a credit rating to Strategy, giving it a B-. The firm claimed that its weak liquidity and narrow focus could make it fragile to future collapse. Nonetheless, Strategy's stock rose today, as Saylor noted that his is the first digital asset treasury (DAT) to attract the S&P's notice. This marketing technique epitomizes Strategy's ongoing history of success. S&P Rates Strategy's Credit Strategy recently slowed down its BTC purchases after a complete pause, but the firm remains determined to keep buying Bitcoin. Michael Saylor even announced a $43.4 million acquisition today, but the company has experienced a setback, as the S&P gave Strategy a B- credit rating, representing low confidence: "We view Strategy's high bitcoin concentration, narrow business focus, weak risk-adjusted capitalization, and low US dollar liquidity as weaknesses. These are only partially offset by the company's strong access to capital markets and prudent management of its capital structure," the S&P claimed in a press release. The S&P highlighted a lot of structural factors, both specific to Strategy and applicable to the whole DAT industry, to assign this credit score. For one thing, the company is under acute pressure from shareholders thanks to stock dilution concerns, and Strategy is juggling diminishing mNAV concerns. Moreover, other DAT companies are turning away from Strategy's pioneering tactics. More of these firms are pursuing diversified methods to build crypto stockpiles, even mining the tokens themselves, putting this early leader on the back foot. Even these tactics, however, are showing their own warning signs. These reasons led the S&P to assign such a low credit rating to Strategy, claiming it's "unlikely" that this score will rise in the next year. The Show Must Go On Despite this sign of no confidence from the S&P, however, Strategy's stock actually rose today. Saylor, an outsized personality in the crypto industry with a keen eye for marketing, cast this credit rating as a positive development. Sure, the agency took a dim view of his company, but Strategy is the first DAT to warrant an official rating from this institution. That special attention already serves as a milestone for the crypto industry: Crypto economics live and die on community hype, and Strategy's branding could be an "X factor" that the S&P can't necessarily incorporate into a credit rating. Even now, new DAT firms are referred to as "MicroStrategies," showing the original company's outsized reputation. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 29. Georgias Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Mariam Kvrivishvili met with Andrew Jewell, the International Monetary Funds (IMF) Resident Representative in Georgia, to discuss the countrys ongoing cooperation with the Fund, Trend reports. The meeting focused on Georgias current economic performance, updated forecasts, and the governments plans to sustain growth and advance structural reforms. Particular attention was given to the reform of state-owned enterprises aimed at strengthening corporate governance and improving efficiency, which has already helped save significant resources. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening cooperation between Georgia and the IMF. The IMF continues to closely monitor Georgias economic development. In its latest assessment, the Fund raised Georgias 2025 growth forecast from 6% to 7.2%. Subscription to paid content Gain access to all that Trend has to offer, as well as to premium, licensed content via subscription or direct purchase through a credit card. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, October 29. Kyrgyzstan took part in the 10th International Green Energy Forum, where the nation's Energy Minister Taalaibek Ibraev put the spotlight on the countrys rising star status as a regional leader in renewable energy, Trend reports via the Ministry of Energy. Ibraev pointed out that almost all of Kyrgyzstans electricity is drawn from hydropower, highlighting the nations solid groundwork for branching out into other renewable energy avenues. He highlighted ongoing cooperation with Chinese partners on large-scale projects, including the construction of solar and wind power plants and the modernization of major hydroelectric stations such as Toktogul, Uch-Korgon, and At-Bashy. During the visit, the representatives of the Ministry of Energy, NESK, Electric Power Plants, and Kyrgyzkomur rubbed elbows with officials from Chinas State Energy Administration, exchanging ideas and laying the groundwork for future collaborations. Talks focused on strengthening collaboration in renewable energy, developing infrastructure, and building professional capacity through training programs for Kyrgyz specialists. Minister Ibraev proposed new cross-border infrastructure projects, including high-voltage power lines to enhance regional connectivity. The Chinese side rolled up their sleeves and showed a willingness to back these initiatives, reiterating their shared commitment to pushing the envelope on sustainable and green energy cooperation between the two countries. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 29. The inaugural official visit of Alexander Stubb to Kazakhstan as President of Finland, taking place on October 2829, 2025, once again showed that even nations miles apart can weave a rich tapestry of shared interests and golden opportunities. Finland, a country thats got its ducks in a row when it comes to technologies and sustainable industrial solutions, is setting its sights on Central Asia with growing enthusiasm. Kazakhstan, for its part, is on the lookout for partners who are willing to roll up their sleeves and bring cutting-edge technologies and know-how to the table for the green transition. So, two nations sitting at opposite ends of Eurasia are joining forces, building bridges on the solid ground of pragmatism and mutual trust. Since 2005, Finland has allocated approximately $500 million in capital towards Kazakhstan, and by 2025, the bilateral trade volume surpassed $89 million, with imports from Kazakhstan constituting over $84 million. Currently, approximately 70 Finnish enterprises are effectively navigating the Kazakhstani market landscape, encompassing prominent brands like Wartsila, Metso, Peikko, Tikkurila, and Nurminen Logistics. President Stubb was accompanied by a business delegation of more than 20 leading Finnish companies, emphasizing the practical focus of the talks. Special attention was given to the development of transport connectivity. Kazakhstan, which handles around 85 percent of all overland freight traffic between Europe and China, plays a key role in the formation of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR). President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that the continued development of this route, including the launch of the Smart Cargo digital platform, would strengthen the countrys position as a Eurasian logistics hub. During the talks, Tokayev also highlighted the importance of the EUs Global Gateway project and expressed interest in expanding cooperation between the ports of Kazakhstan and Finland, including exchanges between Aktau, Kuryk, Helsinki, and Hamina-Kotka. The economic agenda of the talks also included issues of sustainable financing and interaction between the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) and Finnish financial institutions. The presidents emphasized the need to promote green technologies, energy efficiency, and digitalization, as well as to support small and medium-sized enterprises. Particular attention was given to energy partnership. Kazakhstan, the worlds largest producer of uranium, is all set to join forces with Finland to roll up their sleeves in the peaceful use of nuclear energy and tackle waste management head-on. The memorandum signed between Kazakhstans Atomic Energy Agency and Finlands Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK) is expected to serve as a basis for the exchange of technologies and best practices in this sensitive area. Tokayev also expressed interest in applying Finnish technologies to modernize coal power generation and reduce emissions. Finnish company Wartsila is already implementing hybrid energy systems in Kazakhstan, while Metso offers mineral processing solutions, together forming a foundation for sustainable industrial growth and the export of advanced technologies. Tokayev emphasized that Kazakhstan is a significant player in the production of 21 out of the 34 rare earth elements that are pivotal to the EU's economic framework. The country aims to leverage this strategic advantage by enticing European investment and technological collaboration in return for access to these vital resources. In agriculture, the two sides proposed creating joint ventures for deep processing of agricultural products to increase added value in export chains. Cooperation areas also extend to science and digitalization. The potential use of Finlands LUMI supercomputer opens opportunities for partnerships in AI, data analysis, and technical education. Finlands SILAM air quality forecasting system, already applied in Kazakhstan, demonstrates that Finnish climate and environmental technologies are finding practical applications in the region. Political cooperation is complemented by peacekeeping initiatives: joint work will continue between Kazakhstans Peace Operations Center (KAZCENT) and Finlands International Centre of Defence Forces (FINCENT). The possibility of easing visa procedures between Kazakhstan and the EU was also discussed to facilitate travel and business contacts. During the visit, Stubb emphasized that political agreements between Kazakhstan and Finland provide a foundation for business stability amid growing geoeconomic uncertainty. Finland also supported Kazakhstans initiative to establish in Almaty a UN Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan. As part of the visit, the KazakhstanFinland Business Forum was held, serving as an important platform for strengthening economic ties and discussing new directions in industrial and investment cooperation between the two countries. A total of fifteen collaborative agreements were formalized during the visit, encapsulating a diverse spectrum of strategic alignmentsfrom hydrological resource governance and silviculture to eco-friendly tourism initiatives, educational frameworks, and contingency protocols for hydrocarbon spill mitigation. Focused emphasis within the Finnish-Kazakh collaborative framework was directed towards the advancement of tourism initiatives and the promotion of sustainable construction practices. A strategic memorandum of cooperation was executed between Burabai Damu and the Finnish entity Honkarakenne, with the objective of enhancing tourist infrastructure and implementing sustainable construction methodologies at the Burabai resort in Kazakhstan. Furthermore, a memorandum of understanding between BI Construction & Engineering and Peikko Group paves the way for the joint production of DELTABEAM construction systems in Kazakhstan, setting the stage for the localization of cutting-edge building technologies. In the meantime, TORRE and Honkarakenne are rolling up their sleeves to kick off a pilot project for wooden housing construction, paving the way for fresh opportunities in green housing and sustainable urban development in the country. Among the signed documents is a memorandum of cooperation between Tengiz Zhasagy and Finlands Lamor Corporation in the field of oil spill response and maritime operations support, as well as a memorandum of understanding between Samruk-Kazyna and Wartsila Finland aimed at developing energy technologies and improving energy efficiency. Thus, the key points of convergence between Astana and Helsinki lie in sustainable development, green energy, logistics, and innovation. The potential for cooperation is far from exhausted: at the intersection of Finnish technology and Kazakhstani resources, a new model of partnership is emerging one based on mutual trust and a shared vision for the future. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, October 29. Uzbekistans Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bakhtiyor Saidov, met with Georgias Foreign Minister, Maka Bochorishvili, who is attending the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand, to discuss transport, agriculture, and trade expansion, the Uzbek FM wrote on his X page, Trend reports. We had a productive and comprehensive discussion covering multiple aspects of our bilateral cooperation, Saidov stated. He noted that the talks focused on enhancing transport connectivity between the two countries, promoting interregional collaboration, and expanding cooperation in agriculture, manufacturing, culture, and other key areas of mutual interest. Over the past five years, trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Georgia has increased 3.5 times, with a remarkable growth of nearly 50 percent recorded in 2024 alone, underscoring the strengthening economic ties between the two countries. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, October 29. The Ministry of Energy of Kyrgyzstan has signed an investment agreement and memorandum of understanding with States Technology Co., Limited, San Energy Co., and POWERCHINA during the Suzhou International Forum, Trend reports via the ministry. Under the investment agreement, a 250 MW solar power plant will be constructed in the village of Ak-Turpak in the Batken region, covering an area of nearly 670 hectares. Construction is set to begin in 2025, with commissioning expected in 2027. The generated electricity will be supplied to the national grid, improving energy stability for residents of the Ak-Turpak rural district. In addition, a memorandum with POWERCHINA was signed to facilitate investment attraction and financing for major energy projects. It envisions joint research, training programs for energy specialists, and studies on the development of floating solar power plants on the Toktogul Reservoir. Energy Minister Taalaibek Ibrayev noted that these agreements mark a significant step toward expanding renewable energy capacity and deepening cooperation with leading international companies. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 29. Georgias aviation sector is experiencing record growth this year, the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development said, Trend reports. Over the first nine months of 2025, airports across the country handled an unprecedented number of flights and passengers. Deputy Minister of Economy Tamar Ioseliani said that both passenger traffic and the number of flights increased significantly compared to last year. 2025 has been a record year for us - passenger traffic at Georgias airports has risen by 14%, while the number of flights is up by 18%. Tbilisi International Airport has already served 6.5 million passengers, 14% more than in the previous year. Kutaisi and Batumi airports also saw growth of 10% and 32%, respectively, Ioseliani said. Between January and September, Georgian airports operated 22,125 scheduled flights and 6,556 charter flights - a total of 28,681, representing an 18% increase from the same period in 2024, when 24,348 flights were recorded. According to the deputy minister, work is continuing to enhance aviation infrastructure and strengthen Georgias position as a regional air hub. We are in talks with both airlines and airport operators to maintain and further accelerate these positive trends, enabling us to serve more passengers and increase flight volumes, Ioseliani added. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 29. Georgias airports handled nearly 6.5 million passengers in the first nine months of 2025, marking a 14% increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, Trend reports. Tbilisi International Airport served 4,067,202 passengers, up 12% from last year. Kutaisi International Airport welcomed 1,407,814 passengers, a 10% increase, while Batumi International Airport recorded the highest growth, handling 995,099 passengers - 32% more than in the first nine months of 2024. Deputy Minister Tamar Ioseliani highlighted ongoing efforts to develop Georgias aviation infrastructure and position the country as a regional air hub. We are negotiating with both airlines and airports to maintain and further accelerate these positive trends, enabling us to serve more passengers and operate additional flights, Ioseliani said. In terms of market share, Wizz Air remains the leader on Georgias aviation market. Among international scheduled and charter flights, Wizz Air Hungary carried 17% of passengers (1,065,618), followed by Georgian Airways at 8% (509,238) and Turkish Airlines at 7% (458,370). BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 29. Azerbaijan and Turkiye have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on strengthening mutual cooperation in the insurance sector, Chairman of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA), Taleh Kazimov wrote on his X page, Trend reports. "We were pleased to receive a delegation led by Chairman of the Turkish Insurance and Private Pensions Regulation and Supervision Agency Davut Mentes at the CBA. During the meeting, we discussed the current state of cooperation between the institutions and exchanged views on issues of mutual interest. During the meeting, we signed MoU on strengthening mutual cooperation in the insurance sector of both countries. This memorandum will serve to promote cooperation and information exchange between the institutions in the field of regulation and supervision in the insurance sector. We are confident that the memorandum will make a significant contribution to deepening integration between the financial systems of the two brotherly countries, including the sustainable development of the insurance sector at the regional level," the post reads. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Norway has reported a sharp rise in cryptocurrency tax declarations, with more than 73,000 people disclosing digital asset holdings in their 2024 tax returns, a 30% increase from the previous year, according to new figures from the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten). The surge represents the largest year-on-year increase in crypto reporting since records began and signals growing transparency in the countrys digital asset market. Source: Skatteetaten The total value of declared cryptocurrency holdings more than doubled to NOK 40.3 billion ($3.9 billion), the highest figure ever reported. Sevenfold Growth in Crypto Declarations Whats Behind Norways Tax Turnaround? Tax Director Nina Schanke Funnemark said the increase reflects the success of recent measures aimed at encouraging voluntary compliance. It is gratifying that more people are reporting that they own cryptocurrency and in this way ensuring that the tax is correct, she said. We have taken several measures in recent years to increase this number, and we see that these measures are having an effect. In 2019, fewer than 10,000 Norwegians reported owning crypto assets. That number has now grown more than sevenfold. The increase comes after the tax agency began sending out digital reminders, known as dults, to taxpayers who may own crypto or virtual assets but failed to declare them. The latest data also reflects rising market prices throughout 2024, which significantly boosted the total declared value of digital holdings. Skatteetaten noted that crypto gains reached NOK 5.5 billion, while reported losses totaled NOK 2.9 billion for the same period. Under Norwegian law, cryptocurrency is treated as a capital asset, not a currency, meaning that profits and losses from trading are subject to capital gains tax. Source: Skatteetaten The current tax rate is a flat 22%, and the same rate applies to deductions for realized losses. Gains are triggered when digital assets are sold, swapped, or used to pay for goods or services. For example, if an investor sells 1 ETH that was purchased for 20,000 Norwegian kroner and sells it later for 50,000 kroner, the 30,000-kroner profit is taxed at 22%, resulting in a 6,600-kroner liability. FIFO to Wealth Tax: How Norway Calculates and Enforces Crypto Obligations The Norwegian system uses a First-In, First-Out (FIFO) method to calculate the cost basis of crypto sales, assuming the first coins bought are the first ones sold. In addition to capital gains tax, crypto holders must declare their digital assets as part of their net wealth each year. Wealth above NOK 1.7 million is subject to Norways wealth tax, with rates that vary based on income and municipality. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 29. Prospects for cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) were discussed, Trend reports via the Ministry of Economy. The meeting took place between the Minister of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mikayil Jabbarov, and the Head of Division, Eurasia, OECD Global Relations and Co-operation Directorate, William Tompson. During the meeting, it was emphasized that Azerbaijan actively cooperates with the OECD within the framework of the Eastern Europe and South Caucasus Initiative, which is part of the OECD Eurasia Competitiveness Program. The parties highlighted the effective partnership achieved in areas such as economic diversification, improving competitiveness, digitalization, enhancing the investment climate, and the development of small and medium-sized enterprises. It was noted that strengthening ties between the OECD and Eurasian countries is important for the economic and social development of the region. The sides also reviewed cooperation prospects in investment, finance, trade, entrepreneurship, transport, and other sectors. Discussions were held on potential areas for comprehensive collaboration and on the upcoming OECD Eurasia Week to be held in 2026. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Photo: Permanent Mission of Turkmenistan to the UN in Geneva ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, October 29. Turkmenistan and the World Trade Organization (WTO) discussed the countrys progress toward integration into the multilateral trading system and its accession process, Trend reports via the Permanent Mission of Turkmenistan to the UN in Geneva. The discussions were conducted in Geneva within the framework of the high-level forum titled The CAREC Region and the Multilateral Trading System: Deepening Integration in Central Asia and Beyond, jointly organized by the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy B. Yalakov, who headed the Turkmen delegation, underscored Turkmenistans commitment to aligning its national legislation with WTO standards and to enhancing regional cooperation in order to expand trade and economic relations. The parties also examined potential avenues for technical and advisory assistance from international partners to support Turkmenistans accession process, representing a further step in consolidating its engagement with the global trading community. Photo: The Ministry of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, October 29. The First Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Ilhom Norkulov, held a meeting with Shelisa Samgi, Regional Head of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) for Projects in Production, Agribusiness, and Services in the Middle East and Central Asia, to discuss ways to expand mutually beneficial cooperation in key sectors, Trend reports. The meeting was attended by IFC Investment Specialist Alisher Abdrakhmanov, Small Operations Director Zarema Akhmatova, as well as Timur Khusanov, Head of Department, and Amirkhon Muydinov, Head of Division at the Ministry of Economy and Finance, along with other senior representatives. During the dialogue, both sides emphasized the importance of collaboration in promoting economic growth, particularly in agriculture, the service sector, and support for 675 champion entrepreneurs across the country, as well as other areas of joint cooperation. Key topics discussed included: Agriculture: Developing agribusiness and collaborating with Agrostar Holding under IFCs Agri Connect Initiative project. Service Sector: Enhancing tourism, fostering artificial intelligence development, and supporting innovative startups. Digital Economy: Promoting the implementation of modern digital technologies. SMEs and Industry Development: Supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, including initiatives involving rapidly growing champion entrepreneurs. At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties agreed to strengthen cooperative relations and continue exchanging views on these priority areas IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is the worlds largest development institution dedicated to the private sector in emerging markets. Operating in more than 100 countries, IFC leverages its capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and expand opportunities in developing economies. In fiscal year 2025, IFC committed a record $71.1 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, mobilizing private capital and driving solutions that contribute to a world free of poverty on a livable planet. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 29. Azerbaijan is implementing its own goals for adapting to global climate change, the Deputy Head of the State Tax Service under the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Samira Musayeva said at the 13th Caspian Energy Forum in Baku, Trend reports. She noted that, based on data from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, over the past 10 years, the world has suffered 1.3 percent economic losses as a result of climate change and the natural disasters it causes. Irrational use of resources creates risks for food security and sustainable development, she stressed. According to Musayeva, Azerbaijan is pursuing its own goals of adapting to global climate change by expanding the use of renewable energy sources. The development of renewable energy infrastructure and transportation enables the country to become a transit hub for green energy. The transition to a green economy means economic modernization, innovation, and the formation of long-term competitiveness. Despite the need for significant investment at the initial stage, this will ensure a favorable business climate for all market participants in the future," she stated. Musayeva also drew attention to the importance of political and public awareness and information campaigns. "In this regard, the creation of green economic zones in Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur, as well as the formation and launch of green industrial parks, are of key importance. Renewable energy production plays an active role in Azerbaijan, and the state is the main supporter of these initiatives. This is further proof that these issues are a priority for us," she stressed. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 29. The first meeting of the Economic Cooperation Organizations (ECO) Silk Road Working Group commenced in Azerbaijan's Sheki on October 29, Trend reports via the State Tourism Agency. Organized by the agency, the event brought together experts and representatives from government bodies of ECO member states to discuss cooperation opportunities in Silk Road tourism. Presentations focused on the Silk Road heritage in Azerbaijan and other member countries. The agenda included the working groups activities and objectives, utilization of the historical Silk Roads tourism potential, exchange programs for youth and students, creation of joint tourism packages, collaborative branding and promotion initiatives, the ECO Silk Road online platform and annual forum, and preservation of Silk Road heritage to support sustainable tourism development. During the meeting, Azerbaijans Silk Road tourism development concept was presented, including gastronomic experiences, as well as initiatives outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding on Silk Road tourism signed with Uzbekistan in April. The ECO Silk Road Working Group was established earlier this year during the Tourism Committee meeting of the ECO held in Tehran, Iran on February 24-27, 2025. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ASTANA, Kazakhstan, October 29. Kazakhstan and Finland have agreed to exchange experience and best practices to enhance the management of water resources, Trend reports via the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation. During the official visit of Finnish President Alexander Stubb to Kazakhstan, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Finland. The document delineates cooperation aimed at modernizing water infrastructure, enhancing the efficient utilization and management of water resources, facilitating the exchange of experience and advanced technologies, and reinforcing institutional, scientific, and technical partnerships between the two countries. The memorandum further encompasses collaboration in the development of industrial water treatment and reuse technologies, the exchange of water conservation practices, and the implementation of innovations in data collection, digital accounting, and water monitoring. Moreover, the parties intend to exchange expertise in the management of flood and drought risks. The agreement also envisions joint scientific research and professional training initiatives, with particular emphasis on groundwater management and water diplomacy. This memorandum serves as a foundation for joint initiatives and projects aimed at introducing best practices, innovative approaches, and advanced solutions. Kazakhstan is undergoing a major transformation in the water sector to ensure modernization and sustainable development. We highly value Finlands experience in rational water management, innovation, and sustainable water use. Adopting international best practices will be a key step toward achieving our goals, said Nurzhan Nurzhigitov, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation of Kazakhstan. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, October 29. Kazakhstan is seeking to give a significant boost to trade, economic, and investment cooperation with the U.S., President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said during a meeting with the U.S. Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, Sergio Gor, and Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, Trend reports via Akorda. The discussion focused on the prospects for developing an enhanced Kazakh-American strategic partnership ahead of the upcoming C5+1 summit in Washington. Tokayev expressed gratitude to the U.S. President Donald Trump for the invitation to participate in the summit and voiced confidence that the high-level meeting would help define the key priorities for long-term cooperation. Tokayev also reiterated Kazakhstans support for the foreign and domestic policies pursued by the U.S. administration, praising its contribution to global peace and international security. He highlighted the growing role of Central Asia in global affairs, noting that the countries of the region are demonstrating unprecedented unity and commitment to good-neighborly relations and shared progress. Meanwhile, Gor conveyed greetings from the U.S. president and emphasized the strategic importance of Central Asia in Washingtons foreign policy. He noted that the upcoming summit would open new opportunities to elevate bilateral cooperation to a higher level. The sides discussed potential areas for mutually beneficial cooperation, including energy, critical minerals, digitalization, transportation, and logistics. They also exchanged views on current regional and international issues. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, October 29. President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokaev and Belarusian President, Aleksandr Lukashenko discussed prospects for strengthening Kazakh-Belarusian relations during a telephone conversation, Trend reports via the press service of the Kazakh President. During the call, the presidents underscored the advanced level of political dialogue and the consistent progress in bilateral cooperation across trade, economic, and humanitarian domains. They also exchanged perspectives on salient international issues, with President Tokaev emphasizing the importance of the ongoing Minsk Conference on Eurasian Security. The heads of state concurred on the need to maintain close collaboration within the framework of forthcoming joint initiatives. The III Minsk International Conference on Eurasian Security is held on 2829 October 2025. The conference aims to facilitate an open and inclusive discussion on the future of Eurasian security amid the current global order crisis, chronic military-political tensions among key players, and the near-complete lack of communication between them. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, October 29. The Ministry of Industry and Construction of Kazakhstan has introduced a six-month ban on the export of ferrous and non-ferrous scrap and waste from the country by all types of transport, Trend reports via the ministry. The restriction also covers used pipes, rails, railway track elements, and rolling stock components. The decision, issued by Ministerial Order No. 449, is based on the Law on Regulation of Trade, the Law on National Security of Kazakhstan, and relevant provisions of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) agreements. The ban applies to copper, aluminum, and lead scrap, as well as lead-acid batteries and other metal-containing waste. Regulatory bodies articulated that the initiative is designed to optimize the procurement of foundational inputs for the local manufacturing ecosystem and bolster the nations metallurgical processing domain. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel By Bhanvi Satija LONDON (Reuters) -Swiss drugmaker Novartis on Monday defended its $12 billion deal to acquire Avidity Biosciences ahead of the U.S. firm getting late-stage data for its muscle disorder treatment next year, saying it was "an appropriate risk to take". On an investor call, Novartis CEO Vas Narasimhan said the deal size could have been "potentially twice as big" had the firm waited for the data to be released. Novartis announced the cash deal for Avidity at $72 per share on Sunday, representing a premium of 46% to the company's previous close. The drugmaker's shares slipped 1.5% on Monday, while Avidity's U.S. stock jumped more than 40%. DEAL SPREE AIMED AT BOLSTERING PIPELINE The Avidity acquisition is the second-largest biotech deal this year after Johnson & Johnson's $14.6 billion purchase of Intra-Cellular Therapies. Analysts said it signalled a potential pickup in M&A in the biotech space, driven by lower valuations and recent drug pricing deals in the United States. The deal is also the largest for Novartis under Narasimhan, who became CEO in 2018. It follows a $17 billion spree this year of acquisitions and licensing deals to bolster the firm's pipeline ahead of patent expirations for its top-selling heart treatment Entresto and asthma drug Xolair. The deal will not include Avidity's early-stage cardiology programs, which are being spun off separately. Avidity has three late-stage therapies targeting rare neuromuscular disorders. Its experimental therapy, Del-zota, for a form of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, is on track to seek FDA approval next year via an accelerated pathway. Key data for another therapy, Del-diseran, for myotonic dystrophy, is also expected next year. 'A LITTLE BIT OUT OF THE ORDINARY' Daniel Bolanowski, portfolio manager at Arctic Asset Management, which owns shares in both firms, said it was "a little bit out of the ordinary" for Novartis to move so early when they could have waited for the data. "If you believe in the data so far, then the promise of these drug candidates is large enough that it absolutely makes sense," he said, however. While analysts said Avidity's therapies are a natural fit for Novartis' rare disease portfolio, most said the price was higher than its usual bolt-on deals. "I would still consider this to be a bolt-on for a company of our size and cash generation," outgoing CFO Harry Kirsch, who retires next year, told analysts. He said Novartis still had significant firepower for future deals. (Reporting by Bhanvi Satija; Additional reporting by Sneha S K in Bengaluru; Editing by Susan Fenton and Jan Harvey) ASTANA, Kazakhstan, October 29. Trade between the U.S. and Kazakhstan has doubled over the past five years, reaching $4.2 billion, with the U.S. direct investments since 1993 totaling $61.2 billion, Trend reports via the press service of the Kazakh government. The milestone was highlighted during a meeting between Kazakhstans Prime Minister, Olzhas Bektenov, the U.S. Special Envoy to South and Central Asia Sergio Gor, and Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau. The discussions focused on expanding trade, investment, and cooperation across energy, agriculture, digital technologies, transport, and logistics. According to the government, Kazakhstan, a top 10 global exporter of grain and flour, is exploring joint projects for deep processing and export to the U.S., EU, China, and India. In the digital sector, the Alem.AI Center and Astana Hub are fostering AI and tech partnerships with leading U.S. companies. The sides emphasized the importance of advanced technology in energy modernization, transit and logistics, and creating favorable conditions for American businesses in Kazakhstan. The meeting concluded with a strong commitment to broaden economic cooperation across all key sectors. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, October 29. During the official visit of Finnish President Alexander Stubb to Astana, a Memorandum of Understanding on strategic energy cooperation was signed between Kazakhstans Ministry of Energy and Finlands Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, Trend reports via the Kazakh ministry. The agreement was signed by Kazakhstans Minister of Energy Yerlan Akkenzhenov and Finlands Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, Timo Jaatinen. The memorandum is set to light a fire under bilateral cooperation in energy and the green economy, built on the bedrock of equality and mutual benefit. Key areas of collaboration include the development of clean and energy-efficient technologies, ensuring energy security, decarbonizing electricity and heat production, exchange of experts and technologies, and implementation of joint research and innovation projects between universities, companies, and research centers in both countries. The new memorandum is expected to strengthen the energy partnership, promote low-carbon technologies, and expand scientific and technological collaboration between Kazakhstan and Finland. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ASTANA, Kazakhstan, October 29. Kazakhstans Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy, Serik Zhumangarin, and Afghanistans Minister of Commerce and Industry, Nooruddin Azizi, discussed the prospects of establishing a KazakhstanTurkmenistanAfghanistanPakistan transit corridor, including the construction of the HeratTurghundi railway route, Trend reports citing the Ministry of Economy. The discussions took place on the sidelines of the KazakhstanAfghanistan Business Forum and the Afghan Goods Exhibition in Shymkent. Afghanistan is one of Kazakhstans key trading partners in South Asia. Our countries have significant potential to expand cooperation both bilaterally and across the region, emphasized Zhumangarin at the business forum. Bilateral trade between the two countries reached $545.2 million last year, and $335.9 million in the first eight months of 2025. Despite some declines in individual product supplies, this year has seen a 2.9-fold increase in Kazakhstans wheat exports, a 3.1-fold rise in sunflower oil exports, and a doubling of shipments of petroleum products and commercial vehicles. According to forecasts, Kazakhstans wheat export potential alone will reach 9.6 million tons this year. Kazakhstan is interested in expanding exports of high-quality grain, flour, rice, and sugar to Afghanistan. Production of these products in Kazakhstan continues to grow annually due to the application of modern agricultural technologies, noted the Vice Prime Minister. The forum also focused on prospects for joint development in the mining and metallurgical, automotive, chemical, and construction sectors. The Kazakh side expressed readiness to consider increasing supplies of domestically produced railway locomotives and commercial vehicles to Afghanistan. Norfolk Southern on Monday said that its new domestic interline service with Union Pacific out of Louisville is now shipping for anchor customers including GE Appliances. The bi-directional service opens a new gateway connecting Kentuckys manufacturing base to key domestic markets and global trade corridors via western and southwestern ports. This new service underscores our commitment to helping American manufacturers expand and compete in new markets, said Ed Elkins, Norfolk Southern executive vice president and chief commercial officer, in a release. Kentucky is a pivotal production and distribution hub, and, if approved, a true coast-to-coast railroad stands to unlock even greater opportunities for growth and connectivity in the years ahead. The railroads in late July announced an agreement for UP (NYSE: UNP) to acquire NS (NYSE: NSC) in an historic deal that would create the first coast-to-coast transcontinental freight railroad. The merger requires approval by the Surface Transportation Board, which could receive the railroads formal application as soon as November. Carriers cite Kentucky manufacturing momentum Kentucky is a national leader in consumer goods manufacturing, ranking in the top 10 states with more than 6,000 facilities employing 260,000 contributing $47.5 billion annually to the states GDP. It specializes in electric vehicle battery production, automotive, aerospace, and bourbon exports. Louisville offers direct access to major highways, rail lines, and inland ports, along with ample skilled labor. Norfolk Southern in Louisville has so far focused on international intermodal, and has modified its terminal footprint to expand parking and track capacity to better serve the domestic market. Louisville is the heart of American manufacturing and the intersection where location, innovation and logistics meet to ship goods and services to people across the country and around the world, said Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg, in the release. Norfolk Southern and Union Pacifics investment to build a new domestic rail service between Louisville and key West Coast and Southern markets is proof that the future of business and manufacturing runs straight through our city. GE Appliances, a Haier company, in Louisville operates its Appliance Park campus of five major manufacturing plants and the companys global headquarters. The site contributes $12.8 billion annually to Kentuckys gross domestic product, and supports more than 38,000 jobs. GEs recent investments include a $490 million expansion to bring washer production back to the United States with smart factory technologies such as automation, robotics, and vertical integration. The expansion will also create 800 new full-time jobs. The Norfolk Southern Appliance Park domestic intermodal ramp is a strategic gateway for GE Appliances, supporting our continued growth, said Adam Wiseman, senior director of logistics responsible for strategy, inventory & deployment at GE Appliances, in the release. This service strengthens our ability to deliver innovation at scale and reach customers faster and more efficiently while also removing trucks from the highway. Nvidia (NVDA) on Wednesday became the first company in history to top a $5 trillion market valuation at the start of the trading day and hold on to it through the close. The company reached the milestone after comments from President Trump on Wednesday ahead of a planned meeting with CEO Jensen Huang added to optimism around prospects for Nvidia's sales in China. Trump told reporters Wednesday that he and Huang would be "speaking about Blackwells," Bloomberg reported, referring to the company's AI chips, a version of which could win approval for export to China. In its most recent quarterly report on Aug. 27, Nvidia said it realized no sales of its earlier-generation H20 chips into China. In July, the White House said it had struck a deal with Nvidia to allow H20 chip exports to China in exchange for a 15% cut of revenue. Nvidia said the arrangement had not yet been formalized. Nvidia's rise on Wednesday also comes after a 5% jump in the stock on Tuesday, which was catalyzed by a slew of announcements from the company at its GTC event in Washington, D.C. Among other announcements, Nvidia revealed Tuesday it is working with the US Department of Energy to build seven new supercomputers, including one that will use 10,000 Blackwell GPUs. Other announcements include a deal to work with Uber (UBER) to build a fleet of self-driving cars and an agreement to sell 1,000 GPUs to drugmaker Eli Lilly (LLY). Nvidia also said it is working with Nokia (NOK) to help develop next-generation 6G cellular technology. Nvidia also announced tie-ups with Palantir (PLTR) and Oracle (ORCL), as well as partnerships on a wireless 6G buildout with telecom companies including Cisco (CSCO) and T-Mobile (TMUS). The company also highlighted how its AI tech is powering robotics initiatives from companies ranging from Amazon (AMZN) to Foxconn, Caterpillar (CAT), and Belden (BDC), among others. Read more: How does Nvidia make money? Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang speaks on how AI infrastructure and AI factories that generate intelligence at scale are powering a new industrial revolution at the Washington Convention Center on Oct. 28 in Washington, D.C. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) ASSOCIATED PRESS The company also announced a new open systems architecture, Nvidia NVQLink, aimed at accelerating the development of quantum supercomputers, including partners like Rigetti (RGTI) and IonQ (IONQ). During his keynote presentation on Tuesday, Huang said the company expects to realize $500 billion in GPU sales through the end of 2026. The company's total revenue tallied just over $100 billion in the first two quarters of this year. Nvidia stock has gained over 50% this year and more than doubled from its lows reached in April, after Trump's surprise "Liberation Day" tariff announcements briefly jolted markets. On Tuesday, the S&P 500 (^GSPC) reached a record high. 10/29/2025 By Joseph Hartman To the University Community With sadness we announce the passing of mechanical and industrial engineering Professor Emeritus Sammy G. Shina, a longtime member of the UMass Lowell faculty and contributor to the university community, on Saturday, Oct. 25. Sammy began teaching evening courses at UMass Lowell in 1971 as a member of the adjunct faculty while he still worked in private industry. He transitioned to teaching full time once hed earned a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from Tufts University. Over an extremely successful and productive career, Sammy wrote six books and more than 100 technical papers, according to his obituary. He consulted for numerous companies, and he touched the lives of countless students along the way as a professor, adviser and benefactor. He created the Sammy Shina Endowed Scholarship Fund for students majoring in industrial engineering, among other contributions to the university. In 2014, Sammys dedication to finding solutions for environmentally safe manufacturing was honored with the Academic Champion of Toxics Use Reduction award at a ceremony at the Massachusetts State House. The award bestowed by the Toxics Use Reduction Institute at UMass Lowell and the state Department of Environmental Protection recognized his efforts to create a consortium of companies, including some competitors, dedicated to working in collaboration to pursue safer alternatives to materials used in circuit boards. Though Sammy retired from UMass Lowell in 2023, after 52 years in the classroom, he continued to teach as an emeritus faculty member. He had three online courses this fall. Last year, the Sammy Shina Conference Room was dedicated in Room 220 of Dandeneau Hall. A relative, Alan Gabby, funded a professorship at UMass Lowell in Sammys honor in recognition of all he has done over the years. Sammy is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jacqueline, their four children and their families, including nine grandchildren. A service was held Tuesday on Cape Cod. An open house is scheduled from 2 to 8 p.m. today, Wednesday, Oct. 29, at the Shina home in Framingham. More information is available in his obituary. Generations of River Hawks whose educations and careers were shaped by Professor Shina include many current UMass Lowell students. If needed, these students are encouraged to take advantage of counseling and mental health opportunities available through the UMass Lowell Wellness Center. Sammys colleagues in the UMass Lowell faculty and staff are likewise encouraged to take advantage of counseling resources available through the Employee Assistance Program. The entire UMass Lowell community extends our condolences to Sammys family, colleagues, friends and students. He will be greatly missed. (Reuters) -Nvidia on Wednesday became the first company to breach $5 trillion in market value, continuing a meteoric rise that has firmly positioned it at the heart of the global AI revolution. Share milestone:--- Nvidia shares hit record high of $209.40 in early trading-- Shares up 1087% pct since the launch of ChatGPT in Nov 2022 -- S&P 500 index has risen 68.9% since Nov 2022 Here are reactions from analysts and investors:- MATT BRITZMAN, SENIOR EQUITY ANALYST, HARGREAVES LANSDOWN THAT HOLDS SHARES IN NVIDIA"Nvidia hitting a $5 trillion market cap is more than a milestone; it's a statement, as Nvidia has gone from chip maker to industry creator." "For investors who think they've missed the boat, even at $5 trillion of market cap, this still isn't an overly expensive stock. The market continues to underestimate the scale of the opportunity, and Nvidia remains one of the best ways to play the AI theme." KIM FORREST, CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER AT BOKEH CAPITAL PARTNERS IN PITTSBURGH"They have earned this victory lap. At this point, the great AI bubble doesn't look like it's close to popping. And so this is what we get: a $5 trillion company because it makes the things that are driving the AI cycle." "There seems to be a lot of demand for data centers to be built, and that points to Nvidia over and over and over again." RUSS MOULD, INVESTMENT DIRECTOR AT AJ BELL"Nvidia has added $2.5 trillion in market cap since the post-Liberation Day low in April, more than doubling its stock market value. It has been helped by talk of exemptions and revenue-sharing deals when it comes to the tariffs and trade tensions and any successful conclusion to the Asian summit between Presidents Trump and Xi this week could be a further boost to sentiment." MICHAEL BROWN, SENIOR RESEARCH STRATEGIST, PEPPERSTONE"In many ways everything that sort of could have gone right for the firm has gone right over the last sort of 24 hours. We had all of these strategic partnerships being announced yesterday and some very solid guidance from CEO Jensen Huang who was talking about $500 billion worth of business in the next five quarters." "One of the key drivers of whether Nvidia can extend on these gains even more is going to be the CapEx projections from some of these mega cap names. If it's like the second quarter where we have another quarter of just huge increases in capital expenditure, the bulk of which is obviously going to go on NVIDIA chips, then there's absolutely no reason for the rally to run out of steam." Faculty, staff and graduate students from across UMass Lowell came together for the inaugural STEM Teaching, Educator Learning and Research (STELAR) Conference, an afternoon devoted to sharing innovative approaches to science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Held at the Saab Emerging Technologies and Innovation Center (ETIC), the conference brought together more than 75 representatives from the Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, Kennedy College of Sciences, Francis College of Engineering and the College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. Image by Ed Brennen School of Education Associate Professor and Chair Hsien-Yuan Hsu, right, reacts as a colleague tests a Merrimack River water sample during the STELAR Conference. Biomedical Engineering Assistant Professorsaid the goal of the conference was to build a community of STEM educators at the university while laying the groundwork for a new interdisciplinary center. Everyone is doing amazing things, but often in silos. STELAR is about connecting those efforts and seeing what we can do together, said Li, who co-organized the conference with Mechanical Engineering Associate Professor David Willis and Associate Clinical Professor Sumudu Lewis, director of the UTeach program. Designed to feel more like a fun social gathering, the conference replaced traditional lectures with interactive sessions, gamified challenges and team-building activities. The afternoon opened with a design-thinking exercise led by Rist DifferenceMaker Fellow David Vatalaro. Lightning-style, interactive presentations showcased creative teaching and research innovations. Among them: Assistant Teaching Professor Kari White shared how the redesigned Statics course improved student engagement through flipped learning and peer support; Teaching Professor Adam St. Jean led an Amino Acid Speed Dating activity to teach protein interactions; Assistant Teaching Professor Katie King demonstrated Number Talks for making sense of math; and Tsongas Industrial History Center Director Paul Kuttner used the Merrimack River as a classroom in a hands-on water testing program. Image by Ed Brennen College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Dean Sue Kim, left, participates in a "Colored Hat Thinking" activity to envision a future STELAR Center on campus. King, who is from the School of Education, said she joined because she wanted to help bridge teaching and research across disciplines. As a former high school math teacher, Im always excited to hear how my colleagues in science and engineering are making their subjects more engaging, she said. We have so much to learn from one another, and this conference was a perfect opportunity to start those conversations. A Colored Hat Thinking workshop invited participants to envision the structure and mission of a future STELAR center, but from the prescribed perspective of six thinking types: analytical, emotional, skeptical, optimistic, structured and creative. Ideas included organizing an International Women in STEM Day and expanding K-12 partnerships. Image by Ed Brennen Mechanical Engineering Associate Professor Noah Van Dam takes part in a design-thinking exercise to kickoff the STELAR Conference. Coming from an education background, Im interested in connecting the university with the outside community, Lewis said. We want schools, families and teachers to see whats happening here and be part of it. Later sessions extended the conversation to sustainability, ethics and artificial intelligence (AI) in teaching and research. Noah Van Dam, an associate professor in the College of Engineering, shared methods for integrating ethics into engineering courses; Gabriel Salierno, a chemist at the Toxic Use Reduction Institute, explored green chemistry across the curriculum; and Ph.D. student Negin Motlagh presented data on changing soft-skill trends in computer science careers. A poster session showcased ongoing research and outreach projects, from summer research experiences for high school students to doctoral education in the AI era and womens access to higher education in Gateway Cities. Image by Ed Brennen Chemical Engineering doctoral student Haenah Kim, left, shares her poster on the PROPEL Careers Program during the STELAR Conference. Throughout the day, attendees earned collectible pins for participating in sessions, a gamification strategy that underscored the conferences focus on motivation and engagement. Willis, who is on sabbatical at Tufts Universitys Center for Engineering Education and Outreach, said he hopes the energy and collaboration sparked at STELAR will lead to a permanent UML center supporting STEM pedagogy, research and outreach. By showing up today, youre the start of this community, he told attendees. Together, we can build something that connects all our efforts and helps our students and each other succeed. Nvidia has become the first company to ever reach a market capitalization of $5 trillion. The AI chipmaker's stock opened at $207.86 per share on Wednesday, putting it above the historic milestone. It comes just three-and-a-half months after Nvidia first topped a $4 trillion market cap, underscoring the breathtaking pace of the company's growth in recent years. In October of 2022, Nvidia was valued at just $336.9 billion. Nvidia this week is holding its annual GTC summit, brining the closely watched conference to Washington for the first time. It has already made several announcements there, including a $1 billion investment into Nokia. The company also discussed quantum computing and what it called a digital blueprint for AI factories. Every time I say quantum, the stock price goes up," joked Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. "Quantum, quantum, quantum. Huang is now headed to South Korea, where he is expected to meet with President Donald Trump to discuss Nvidia's future in China, which is also likely to be also a topic in trade talks between Trump and President Xi Jinping of China. Nvidia is the first to $5 trillion and was the first company to hit a $4 trillion market cap. But before that, Apple was king of the milestones. The iPhone maker was the first to top $1 trillion, $2 trillion, and $3 trillion. Its growth has slowed, though, as it has struggled in the artificial intelligence space. Read more: Is the AI boom actually a bubble? Heres everything you need to know Nvidia stock is up more than 45% so far this year. Over the past five years, the shares have rocketed more than 1,500%. The Wall Street Journal noted that Nvidia is now worth more than all the S&P 500's energy, real-estate and materials stocks combined. While shareholders might celebrate the $5 trillion mark, it's likely to further stoke fears that the AI boom has overvalued stocks and created a market bubble. In July, Torsten Slok, chief economist at Apollo Global Management, warned that AI stocks are even more over-valued than dot-com stocks were in 1999. Alibaba Group chair Joe Tsai has also warned that U.S. AI stocks are in a bubble, as has longtime tech exec (and former C3.ai CEO) Tom Siebel. Not everyone agrees. Goldman Sachs, earlier this month said in a note to investors that it believes the AI story is just getting started and that the investments that seem huge today will be dwarfed by the benefits AI will deliver. "The enormous economic value promised by generative AI justifies the current investment in AI infrastructure and overall levels of AI investment appear sustainable as long as companies expect that investment today will generate outsized returns over the long run," Goldman analysts wrote. Read more: Is the AI boom actually a bubble? Heres what analysts are saying SHANGHAI, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- China's instrument industry has solidified its status in the international market by leveraging both traditional craftsmanship and smart technology. At the recent Music China 2025 exhibition in east China's Shanghai, exhibitors showcased innovations like a headless electric guitar with built-in chips and audio algorithms for high-definition sampling, and an electronic keyboard with next-generation sound sources and smart interfaces, thereby providing all-in-one solutions for performance and songwriting. China has long been a global powerhouse in musical instrument manufacturing and exports. Its position has been reinforced through innovation and strategic adaptations -- as highlighted at the exhibition in Shanghai this year. According to the China Musical Instrument Association (CMIA), the industry's export value grew by 8.5 percent to 2.2 billion U.S. dollars in 2024. A key driver of this growth was the smart instrument segment, which emerged as a standout in 2024 -- with revenues of 5.655 billion yuan (around 797.8 million U.S. dollars). Smart instruments -- defined as devices blending traditional features with digital technologies like AI, include products such as smart electric pianos, electronic keyboards, stringless guitars, air drum sets and smart guitars. They offer functions like automatic accompaniment and real-time error correction -- thus significantly lowering learning barriers and enhancing musical expression. The integration of AI, IoT and cloud computing is reshaping the entire value chain of instrument R&D, manufacturing and consumption in China. The business model is evolving from mere hardware sales to a comprehensive approach encompassing "hardware, software, content and community." Some smart instruments retail between 2,000 and 5,000 yuan, with high-end smart pianos reaching the 10,000-yuan tier. This digital trend is poised to influence global market dynamics and music industry ecosystems in the coming years, according to the CMIA. "In the future, professionals in the instrument industry will likely need to understand not only musical notation but also digital programming," said an industry expert at the exhibition, which spanned 140,000 square meters. As the world's largest instrument trade platform, Music China 2025, organized by the CMIA in collaboration with international partners, attracted almost 1,700 enterprises from 28 countries and regions. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. New College of Florida is poised to become the first U.S. institution to formally sign onto the Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education, a federal initiative under the Donald Trump administration that offers preferential access to funding in exchange for universities agreeing to certain policy conditions. According to reporting, the compact invites participating institutions to commit to policies such as freezing tuition increases, limiting international undergraduate enrollment, and ensuring what the administration describes as "intellectual diversity" on campus. In return, universities could gain priority treatment for federal grants and other funding mechanisms. New College, a small public liberal-arts institution that recently underwent significant leadership and governance changes under Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, has said it "happily" anticipates being first to sign. The college's administration stated that many of the compact's terms already align with its recent policy shifts. Why This Move Matters If New College signs the compact, it would be the first public institution to do so, potentially setting a precedent for other colleges and universities. Many institutions nationwide have either delayed responding or expressly rejected the deal, citing concerns over institutional autonomy and federal influence in higher education. University leaders and higher-education analysts say the outcome may reshape how federal funding interacts with institutional governance and policy. Some critics argue the compact could blur the boundary between academic freedom and conditions tied to government dollars. What Comes Next New College's governing board is expected to finalize its commitment in the coming weeks. The national higher-education sector will watch closely to see how other colleges respond to the compact and whether the administration follows through on funding incentives. (Reuters) -Oil prices slipped on Tuesday, extending falls from the two previous sessions, as pressure from plans by OPEC to boost output offset optimism over a potential U.S.-China trade deal. Brent crude futures fell 4 cents to $65.58 a barrel by 0106 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures were down 9 cents at $61.22. "Traders weighed up progress in U.S.-China trade talks and the broader outlook for supply," ANZ said in a morning note. Acting as a headwind for prices, OPEC+, which groups the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies including Russia, is leaning towards another modest output boost in December, four sources familiar with the talks said. Having curbed production for several years in a bid to support the oil market, the group started reversing those cuts in April. Supporting the market is the prospect of a trade deal between the U.S. and China, the world's two biggest oil consumers, with President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping due to meet on Thursday in South Korea. Beijing hopes Washington can meet it halfway to "prepare for high-level interactions" between the two countries, Foreign Minister Wang Yi told U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a phone call on Monday. Last week, Brent and WTI registered their biggest weekly gains since June, after Trump imposed Ukraine-related sanctions on Russia for the first time in his second term, targeting oil companies Lukoil and Rosneft. Following the sanctions, Russia's second-largest oil producer, Lukoil said on Monday it would sell its international assets. This is the most consequential action so far by a Russian company in the wake of Western sanctions over Russia's war in Ukraine, which started in February 2022. "The market was surprised by the U.S. move to sanction two of Russias biggest oil producers, Rosneft PJSC and Lukoil PJSC, which together make up nearly half of the countrys total crude exports. However, concerns over a glut of oil remain," ANZ added. (Reporting by Ashitha Shivaprasad in Bengaluru; Editing by Sonali Paul) Vietnam Briefing has developed into a premium source for insight on doing business in Vietnam. It publishes business news concerning foreign direct investment into Vietnam, including the most important tax, legal and accounting issues. The Vietnam Briefing Magazine was first published in 2009, and is contributed to by investment professionals based in Vietnam. By Ahmad Ghaddar LONDON (Reuters) -Oil prices steadied on Wednesday as investors weighed optimism over a meeting between the leaders of top consumers the U.S. and China against an expected increase in production quotas from the next OPEC+ meeting. Brent crude futures were up 11 cents, or 0.2%, to $64.51 a barrel at 1020 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures gained 6 cents, or 0.1%, to $60.21. China's foreign ministry said Chinese President Xi Jinping would meet U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday in the South Korean city of Busan. It said the meeting would "inject new momentum into the development of U.S.-China relations", adding that Beijing was ready to work together for "positive outcomes". China also said that it was open to continuing cooperation with the U.S. on fentanyl after Trump said he expected to reduce tariffs on Chinese goods in exchange for Beijing's commitment to curb exports of precursor chemicals. Also supporting prices was an expected fall in U.S. crude and fuel inventories last week. Crude stocks fell by 4.02 million barrels for the week ended October 24, market sources said, citing American Petroleum Institute figures on Tuesday. Gasoline inventories dropped by 6.35 million barrels, while distillate inventories fell by 4.36 million barrels from a week earlier, the sources said. "The API report showing large draws for crude and refined products last week in the U.S. is giving some modest support to prices," UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo said. Brent and WTI last week registered their biggest weekly gains since June after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed Ukraine-related sanctions on Russia for the first time in his second term, targeting major oil companies Lukoil and Rosneft. Still, doubts that sanctions would offset oversupply and talk of an OPEC+ output increase pressured prices; both benchmarks fell 1.9%, or more than $1, in the previous session. OPEC+, the world's largest group of oil-producing nations, is leaning towards a modest output boost in December, four sources familiar with the talks said, with two sources citing an additional 137,000 barrels per day. On Tuesday, the CEO of Saudi state oil giant Aramco said crude oil demand was strong even before sanctions were imposed on Russian oil majors and Chinese demand was still healthy. ((Reporting by Ahmad GhaddarAdditional reporting by Sam LiEditing by Alexander Smith ) I wish to draw the urgent attention of the Security Council and the Secretary-General to the continuing aggressive and provocative statements and threats emanating from the highest political and military echelons of India against Pakistan. Such irresponsible rhetoric indicates a renewed attempt to fabricate arbitrary pretexts for aggression, a dangerous course that threatens regional peace and stability in South Asia. This consistent pattern of belligerence must be viewed in the context of Indias unprovoked aggression and blatant act of war, in grave violation of the Charter of the United Nations, international law and the norms governing inter-State relations, against Pakistan in May 2025. Despite calls for restraint from the international community, including members of the Security Council and the Secretary-General, Indian armed forces violated Pakistans sovereignty, targeting civilian populations across the international border in flagrant breach of international humanitarian law. In exercise of its inherent right to self-defence under Article 51 of the Charter, Pakistan responded firmly yet responsibly to Indias military provocations, demonstrating its capability and resolve to defend its territorial integrity, a fact well recognized and beyond dispute. Owing to the engagement of friendly countries and the good offices of United States President Donald J. Trump, an understanding on a ceasefire was reached, which helped to avert further escalation. While welcoming the ceasefire, the Secretary-General and many countries, including members of the Security Council, called for dialogue between India and Pakistan to address all outstanding issues. Pakistan welcomed these calls and reiterated its readiness to engage in meaningful dialogue. Pakistan remains committed to the ceasefire understanding and continues to demonstrate utmost restraint, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to regional peace, stability and the peaceful settlement of disputes through dialogue and diplomacy. Regrettably, India never reciprocated such commitment for peace. In May, Prime Minister Modi threatened that India had only paused its military action against Pakistan. Recent statements by Indias Defence Minister and the Chiefs of its Army and Air Force follow the same threatening pattern and are of grave concern. The Indian Defence Minister publicly threatened Pakistan with aggression, alluding to altering history and geography. The Defence Minister recently stated that every inch of Pakistans territory lies within the range of BrahMos [missiles], and what happened during Operation Sindoor was just a trailer. The Indian Army Chief has declared that India would no longer exercise restraint and warned Pakistan if it wanted to remain on the world map. These statements constitute open threats of the use of force against Pakistan and are entirely unacceptable, of which the international community and the Security Council must take serious note. Such reckless and inflammatory rhetoric is deeply alarming. It is in flagrant violation of the fundamental principles of the Charter, particularly Articles 2 (3) and 2 (4), which categorically prohibit the threat or use of force against the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of any State. Pakistan categorically rejects these baseless and incendiary statements. In the face of unwarranted threats and belligerence, the people and armed forces of Pakistan possess the capability and unshakable resolve to respond befittingly to any act of aggression. We caution that any miscalculation or military adventurism could lead to catastrophic consequences for regional and international peace and security. We therefore urge the Security Council and the Secretary-General to take immediate cognizance of these alarming developments and call upon India to desist from any reckless or aggressive course of action. Pakistan remains fully committed to peace and stability in South Asia and to resolving all outstanding disputes, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, through dialogue and in accordance with international law and relevant Security Council resolutions. However, Pakistan reserves its inherent right to self-defence under the Charter and will respond decisively and effectively to any hostile act while continuing to act with restraint and responsibility. It is requested that the present letter be circulated as a document of the Security Council in connection with the item entitled The India-Pakistan question. OpenAI said Tuesday it has reorganized its ownership structure and converted its business into a public benefit corporation after two crucial regulators, the Delaware and California attorneys general, said they would not oppose the plan. The restructuring paves the way for the ChatGPT maker to more easily profit off its artificial intelligence technology even as it remains technically under the control of a nonprofit. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said in a call Tuesday that the most likely path for the newly formed business is that it becomes publicly traded on the stock market, given the capital needs that well have and sort of the size of the company, though a Wall Street debut was not a part of the announcements detailed Tuesday. Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings and California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in separate statements that they would not object to the restructuring, seemingly bringing to an end more than a year of negotiations and announcements about the future of OpenAI's governance and the power that for-profit investors and its nonprofit board will have over the organization's technology. The company also said it has signed a new agreement with its longtime backer Microsoft that gives the software giant a roughly 27% stake in OpenAI's new for-profit corporation but changes some of the details of their close partnership. Microsoft's $135 billion stake will be just ahead of the OpenAI nonprofit's $130 billion stake in the for-profit company. The attorneys general of Delaware, where OpenAI is incorporated, and California, where it is headquartered, had both spent months investigating the proposed changes. We will be keeping a close eye on OpenAI to ensure ongoing adherence to its charitable mission and the protection of the safety of all Californians, said Bonta. OpenAI said it completed its restructuring after nearly a year of engaging in constructive dialogue with the offices in both states. OpenAI has completed its recapitalization, simplifying its corporate structure, said a blog post Tuesday from Bret Taylor, the chair of OpenAI's board of directors. The nonprofit remains in control of the for-profit, and now has a direct path to major resources before AGI arrives. AGI stands for artificial general intelligence, which OpenAI defines as highly autonomous systems that outperform humans at most economically valuable work. OpenAI was founded as a nonprofit in 2015 with a mission to safely build AGI for humanity's benefit. It later started a for-profit arm. Siena students stage mock theft of painting from city hall. A dramatic scene unfolded in Siena on Tuesday afternoon as onlookers witnessed the mayor of the Italian city attempting to stop "thieves" making off with an iconic 14th-century painting. Fortunately the "robbery" was a prank organised by university students, with mayor Nicoletta Fabio in on the stunt, in what was a parody of the recent sensational Louvre heist. Footage of the incident showed six students, dressed in balaclavas and high-visibility vests, as they ran out of city hall before changing direction after being blocked by the mayor. The mayor of Siena Nicoletta Fabio participates, together with the Goliardi (a student fraternity), in a parody of the theft that took place at the Louvre Museum. Oct 28, 2025 pic.twitter.com/Rv2jWcpNa2 Crazy Ass Moments in Italian Politics (@CrazyItalianPol) October 29, 2025 The painting in question was a replica of the central part of a fresco attributed to Simone Martini, depicting Guidoriccio da Fogliano, commander of the Sienese troops, on horseback during the Siege of Montemassi. The students, members of the Feriae Matricularum Senensium fraternity of the University of Siena, continued their caper through the city's streets after their daring exit from Palazzo Pubblico. Photo Gazzetta di Siena Perugia chocolate festival celebrates 31 years in 2025. Eurochocolate, the ever-popular chocolate festival, returns to Perugia from 14-23 November. The 2025 edition is particularly notable as it follows the recent inauguration of Perugia as Citta del Cioccolato in celebration of the city's rich chocolate tradition, which dates back to the first Perugina factory in 1907. The annual festival, which transforms the Umbrian city into the chocolate capital of Europe, includes exhibitions, workshops and even chocolate sculpting. Sculpting chocolate in Perugia Under the theme La Festa tra le Nuvole (The Party in the Clouds), this year's festival will offer thousands of chocolate products made by top artisan chocolatiers from Italy and across Europe. For full details see festival website. Waterford Sinn Fein TD Conor McGuinness has said that no permanent visible garda presence in rural areas has left West Waterford hyper-exposed to crime. McGuinness, Sinn Feins spokesperson on rural affairs, said there can often be no garda presence in rural areas like Cappoquin, Lismore, Tallow and Ardmore. October saw seven gardai hospitalised across three different incidents in Dungarvan. Separately, a violent incident in Cappoquin on October 17 left a man in his 40s in critical condition. There are garda stations in Tallow, in Lismore, in Cappoquin, in Ballymacarbry, in Ardmore, theres a garda station in An Rinn, Deputy McGuinness said to the Waterford News & Star. Theres no guarantee that gardai will be in the station all the time, nor indeed that there will be gardai on the ground in those towns at any given time. August 2025 Figures from An Garda Siochana show there is one guard permanently positioned in Aglish, An Rinn, Ardmore, Ballymacarbry and Cappoquin. There are two in Lismore and Tallow, with an additional sergeant in Lismore. There are 35 gardai, nine sergeants, one inspector and one superintendent stationed in Dungarvan. Deputy McGuinness said one permanent garda in each station does not amount to 24/7 safety for residents. Invariably, the guard will only work a fixed schedule, and violent incidents would likely require two or more gardai on scene. Government has pushed a recruitment drive in An Garda Siochana over the past three years. In October, the state police force said it had received over 11,000 applications to join the ranks. It is really down to adequate numbers of personnel, adequate efforts at recruitment and retention by government and adequate resourcing by the Minister for Justice, Deputy McGuinness said. There is a need for senior Garda management to ensure that there are sufficient resources from within what's available to them assigned to rural policing, he added. Criminals, by their nature, tend to be opportunistic, but having a strong, visible, responsive rural policing service is an extremely good deterrent. Speaking on WLR FMs Deise Today, Waterford Fianna Fail TD and Minister for Mental Health Mary Butler said older people were worried and feel theyre not safe. The three incidents happened within three or four days, which was significant it happened in quick succession, which was very, very worrying, she said. Minister Butler did not answer on whether she felt there was an adequate level of Gardai in West Waterford. The superintendent, theyll always want morebut if you look at the Garda figures across Ireland, Waterford would fare out as one of the best. Figures list 572 Gardai in the Waterford/Kilkenny area, or approximately 240 gardai per 100,000 people. When youre a new garda and you come straight out of Templemore, it's better for you to be working with some colleagues and peers before youre left in an area on your own, which is what theyre doing at the minute. From what I understand, you can always do with more. Waterford Fianna Fail TD and Minister for Mental Health Mary Butler welcomed the proposed sale of Waterford Airport to an anonymous investor, while pushing back on claims the government failed the airport. Im happy with the progress thats after being madeI was keeping a very close eye on the local authority meeting last week, Minister Butler said while speaking on Deise Today on WLR FM. Minister Butler said she had become extremely frustrated with the Department of Transport as Waterford Airport continually lobbied for government funding to expand its runway and attract commercial airlines. No commercial airline has flown from Waterford since 2016. In November 2023, The Comer Group pledged to invest in Waterford Airport alongside majority shareholder the Bolster Group on the condition that the government would match investment. The programme for government pledged to quickly progress the Waterford Airport project to lengthen and widen the runway, but in July, the Department of Transport requested an additional business case for the runway extension. Critics decried the move as government stalling. Butler said the governments decision not to invest in the airport wasnt for a want of trying. The local authority were a very small shareholder (in the airport), it was a private company, and there were a lot of questions being asked in relation to that, she said. Its frustrating and it's annoyingIm a minister, and this is my sixth year in the Department of Health. Thats the frustrating part of trying to deliver, and the length of time it takes to wait to deliver big infrastructural projects. We were struggling to get it over the line, myself and John Cummins worked very closely together we got into the programme for government, but time was slipping. I believe they think we have enough airports in Ireland. With no further government action taking place, talks advanced between the airport and an anonymous investor pledging to invest 30 million in the expansion of Waterford Airport. A special plenary council meeting held in October passed three resolutions that cleared the path for the anonymous investors takeover. I am pleased that Willie Bolster secured this huge investment for Waterford. Im pleased that the councillors, led by the Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council, decided that we needed an airport, Minister Butler continued. Its a phenomenal investment. Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme A man appeared in Waterford Circuit Court last week in connection with incidents of burglary and criminal damage, which took place in the city on July 25, 2024. The incidents involved burglary to the Mullane's Bar premises on Newgate Street and smashing the window of Number 21 off-licence at The Glen. James Foley (43), of Kilcohan Park, Waterford City, pleaded guilty to counts of burglary and criminal damage. He committed the spate of offences last year alongside a woman who is since deceased. In the early hours of the morning on July 25, 2024, Gardai received a report of a male and female attempting to gain entry to the Mullane's Bar premises on Newgate Street. When gardai arrived on the scene they found Foley attempting to lift the woman through a large broken window of the premises. Also that morning, Gardai received a call from a proprietor of Number 21 off-licence. CCTV footage showed the same man and woman attempting to break the premises large front window with a shovel head. The window was badly damaged, however, the pair were unable to gain entry. It cost the off-licence approximately 3,000 to replace the broken window. Foley has 26 previous convictions, a large number of which are matters relating to possession of drugs. During last weeks court hearing, it was outlined that Foley was in a relationship with the woman at the time the offences were committed. The court heard that the two had been on a spree and a binge together. The man has been unable to accrue compensation for the broken windows, and the matter was adjourned until January 14 so that he could gather financial compensation. Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme. Emma Ryan was just 32 when she went to bed in February 2023, experiencing dizziness and awoke the next morning feeling nauseous. Her life was saved by a friend who called to her house and rang an ambulance after realising she was slurring her speech. My friend rang me, but could not understand a word I was saying, so called over to my house. They knew something was wrong and called the ambulance, said the mum-of-one from Butlerstown, Co Waterford. Emma, now 34, was rushed to University Hospital Waterford and later Cork University Hospital, where it was confirmed she had suffered a stroke and had clots in her brain that required surgery. While in theatre, she says she had a vision of her late granduncle Paddy and her mum's friend Imelda, who had died years earlier, urging her not to give up. Following surgery, her speech began to slur again and she was rushed in for a second emergency brain surgery. The main risk was that this artery could collapse and then Id be dead instantly. My parents were told that there was a 99% chance of death, and the one per cent chance of survival could result in me having locked-in syndrome, Emma said. Emmas recovery is ongoing and involves regular hospital appointments and various procedures. She has received physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy, but the experience has taken a toll on her mental health. When I came home from hospital, I had no job, no car and I couldnt do any of the things that I used to be able to, she said. People dont understand, they tell me I look great, but they dont know whats going on inside. Emma accessed many supports from the Irish Heart Foundation, including the Young Stroke Survivors Network, which connects her with others who can relate to her experience. Emmas story highlights how important support is following a serious medical event like stroke, said Helen Gaynor, the charitys Head of Community Support Services. Alongside the stroke support services used by Emma, the Irish Heart Foundation has developed many new resources for stroke survivors, families and carers, including Step by Step through Stroke and the Main Signs of Stroke - all available on irishheart.ie." Advertisement BusinessBanking & financeSuperannuation Super giant admits it broke corporate law as it faces hefty fine Clancy Yeates October 29, 2025 3:14pm 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 36 View all comments Superannuation giant Cbus has admitted it breached corporate law and agreed it should pay a $23.5 million fine in its bid to settle a landmark case over major delays in its handling of insurance claims. In a case that put the super industry on notice, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission last year took Cbus to court, alleging systemic failures in its handling of death benefits and total and permanent disability insurance claims. Former treasurer Wayne Swan is chair of the super giant Cbus, which has agreed to a $23.5 million fine. Alex Ellinghausen Cbus and ASIC on Tuesday night filed documents with the Federal Court, saying the two sides had agreed to a $23.5 million penalty for the fund, which also admitted to breaches of corporate law. Cbus also estimated it would pay out $32 million in compensation to 7402 people, in response to its problems with claims handling. If the proposed fine is approved by the Federal Court, it would bring to a close a major case that has been part of a wider push by ASIC to improve the super industrys customer service. Advertisement Cbus, which is chaired by former Labor treasurer Wayne Swan, holds more than $100 billion in members funds and is Australias ninth-largest fund. Related Article Superannuation $4.2t superannuation sector in crosshairs after cyberattacks The statement of agreed facts says the funds conduct caused financial harm to people claiming money from their fund and their beneficiaries, which meant that some people were unable to meet their mortgage or rent payments. Others had to draw down on their savings to pay their bills, or seek alternative sources of funding such as borrowing money from friends or family or redrawing against their mortgage. It also said Cbuss conduct had caused people to suffer emotional distress at a difficult time in their lives, including due to financial hardship, or the uncertainty that arose because of delays in payouts being made. As well as proposing a $23.5 million fine, the agreed statement of facts also seeks orders for the super fund to pay the regulators legal costs of $500,000, and declarations that the fund breached a duty to provide financial services efficiently, honestly and fairly. Advertisement The two parties also agree Cbus failed to promptly report potential breaches of its financial services licence to ASIC. Cbus said in a statement that it was sorry to members, and it had taken steps to overhaul its system for claims handling. Related Article Superannuation Dont know, dont care culture fails to shift at super funds Cbus has co-operated with ASIC throughout the legal process and is paying compensation to impacted members, families and beneficiaries. We have taken steps to avoid protracted litigation which would not be in members best financial interest, it said. We sincerely apologise to members, families and loved ones who were impacted by the delays during a challenging and distressing time. Advertisement The case against Cbus also put the spotlight on the role of outsourcing, as Cbus had become caught up in legal dispute with the outsourced administration provider MUFG, after Cbus had blamed the MUFG for much of the problem. Cbus settled its dispute with MUFG earlier this month and said they had made changes to streamline claims handling and payment services. The Market Recap newsletter is a wrap of the days trading. Get it each weekday afternoon. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Superannuation Cbus Clancy Yeates is deputy business editor. He has covered banking and financial services, and was previously national business correspondent in the Canberra bureau. or email. Connect via Twitter Palantir (PLTR) shares closed higher on Monday after the Denver-headquartered firm announced a partnership with Polands Defense Ministry, marking a notable expansion of its European footprint. The collaboration strengthens Palantirs position in NATOs eastern flank amidst growing regional security concerns and increased defense spending across Europe. More News from Barchart Following todays gains, Palantir stock is trading roughly 200% above its year-to-date low. www.barchart.com Significance of Polands Contract for Palantir Stock The timing of Polands contract is noteworthy as it coincides with broader military modernization initiatives across Europe, setting the stage for similar partnerships with other EU nations. While the contract value remains undisclosed, Poland's accelerated spending on defense suggests a substantial commitment that could provide Palantir with stable, long-term revenue streams. The announcement arrives only days after Palantir signed a multi-year deal with Lumen (LUMN) on improving artificial intelligence (AI) deployment infrastructure. Together, these developments could help sustain the momentum in the companys revenue growth that came in at 48% year-over-year in its latest reported quarter, potentially driving PLTR stock higher in 2026. Caution Is Still Warranted in Owning PLTR Shares While Palantir has established its relevance in the age of artificial intelligence, with some even calling it the future operating system for AI, valuation remains a major overhang on PLTR shares. At the time of writing, theyre trading at a forward price-earnings (P/E) ratio of more than 400x, well above the best-of-breed AI stocks like Nvidia (NVDA) thats currently going for 43x only. Moreover, Palantir continues to derive more than half of its revenue from government contracts with a large chunk tied to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). Any budget reallocation or political shift could, therefore, materially impact its revenue. Note that Palantir shares dont currently pay a dividend to incentivize ownership despite valuation concerns either. Wall Street Rates Palantir Technologies at Hold Only Wall Street analysts also believe Palantirs stock price rally this year has gone a bit too far. Advertisement BusinessCompaniesWall Street Opinion The Godfather has built the first $US5 trillion company. But dangers lurk Dave Lee October 30, 2025 5:45am 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 13 View all comments Just 112 days after becoming the first $US4 trillion company, Nvidia became the first $US5 trillion company. Its worth is more than 8 per cent of the S&P 500, but thats just the start of it the AI boost to the markets is built almost entirely off the back of use cases developed on Nvidia chips. The AI strategies of the biggest tech companies, such as Microsoft, Meta, Amazon.com and others, rest on their ability to hurriedly acquire and deploy Nvidias hardware in their data centres. While some rivals are trying to develop their own alternatives, notes analyst group Wedbush, there is only one chip in the world fuelling this AI Revolution and its Nvidia. Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang has made the company into a Wall Street darling. AP Nvidias chief executive, Jensen Huang, the man they call the Godfather of AI, has spent this week reassuring the world that he is not creating a bubble. On his balance sheet, at least, the money is becoming very real: half a trillion dollars expected in revenue over the next five quarters from bookings for its latest chips. This is quite extraordinary, Huang said of the moment as he sought to emphasise the diversity of businesses Nvidia is powering. These go well beyond the humble chatbot. Its presentations this week have spanned self-driving cars with Uber and Lucid Motors, AI-enhanced cybersecurity with CrowdStrike Holdings; pharmaceutical research with Eli Lilly & Co, and an expansion into the nascent but promising realm of quantum computing. Advertisement The only blip along the way, if it could be called that, was fears in September 2024 about the production delays of its latest chip, Blackwell, which triggered a sharp 13 per cent selloff. Then there was the worry that Chinas DeepSeek would upend US tech sector spending on hardware. It didnt, and those fears are long forgotten. Huang says the company projects it will sell 20 million of its latest chips, more than five times the volume of the previous generation. This doesnt take into account the possibility that talks on Thursday between US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, might pave the way for Nvidias most sophisticated chips to be sold to China. The countrys AI companies are eager for better hardware than what its homegrown chipmakers can offer. Current restrictions, which allow only for the sale of older generations of technology, represent the only meek regulatory constraint on Nvidias unstoppable rise. Nvidia has become the poster child of the AI boom. Bloomberg Few are finding reason to be cautious. Concerns about circular financing, in which Nvidia invests in its own customers, do not appear to have altered investment theses. Nor have they dampened Nvidias appetite for a deal the latest being a $US1 billion ($1.52 billion) investment in Nokia Oyj, announced this week. If Wall Street wanted to look for potential headwinds to Nvidias progress, they would start with its reliance on Taiwan where most of the latest chips are produced or in the lingering (though not yet pressing) risk that regulators scrutinise more closely the lock-in between Nvidias hardware and its proprietary software for AI development. The overly rash reaction to Blackwell production mishaps last year demonstrated how touchy investors are to any sign of turbulence in Nvidias supply chain and logistics. More broadly, Nvidia needs the downstream rollout of AI putting it in the hands of consumers and businesses to start paying off, otherwise the wild capital expenditures might start getting pulled back. Nvidia is relying on others to actually reach the goal of human-level artificial intelligence that will, some say, make all the investment worthwhile. Advertisement Related Article Opinion AI A $760 billion monster has just been unleashed Stephen Bartholomeusz Senior business columnist There was a time when Nvidia was a company responsible for making video games look better. Those carefree days are over. The market cap milestone is a moment for reflection on how one company came to redefine the meaning of big in Big Tech at this moment of seismic change. Beyond being just a big number, what is truly unprecedented in the Nvidia story is how integral its success is to the entire global economy: an industrial revolution in which only one company is seen as capable of building the factories. What made Nvidia into a $US5 trillion company is also what makes it a potential $US5 trillion single point of failure. Bloomberg The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: Wall Street Nvidia AI Opinion Advertisement NationalCBD David Pococks lonely campaign for more political transparency Kishor Napier-Raman and Stephen Brook October 29, 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 38 View all comments CBD brought word on Monday that ACT Senator David Pocock decided to go full whistleblower and create an opt-in register for MPs to declare any lobbyists and other friends theyd sponsored for a Parliament House access pass. The headline act was Atlassian co-founder Scott Farquhar, who as CBD reported, got in thanks to teal independent MP Allegra Spender. We hear thats because of Farquhars role as chair of the rudderless Tech Council of Australia. Spender chairs the Parliamentary Friends of Innovation and Start-ups and sponsored Farquhars pass in that capacity. Senator David Pococks valiant crusade has the teals on board. Alex Ellinghausen A few other names on the Pocock list piqued our interest. The jacked former Wallabies captain granted access to Instagram talking head Konrad Michalski, better known as Punters Politics, who was a bit of a darling at the Midwinter Ball in August, posing for an infamous photo carried by four teal MPs. Pocock also granted access to Alex Dyson, the Triple J host turned independent who thrice unsuccessfully challenged Liberal frontbencher Dan Tehan in his regional Victorian seat of Wannon despite this time having a massive $2.2 million campaign war chest (a little more than the $1.1 million he initially declared on his own website). We hope, for their sake, the price of Pococks sponsorship isnt accompanying the senator on one of his brutal workouts. Advertisement Meanwhile, Tasmanian independent MP Andrew Wilkie sponsored a pass for journalist Peter Greste, who is being played by Richard Roxburgh in a film dramatising his harrowing imprisonment in Egypt. Despite Pococks valiant crusade, which has the teals on board, nobody from Labor, the Coalition or the Greens has signed up to his new register. And we dont see that changing anytime soon. Lobby land Speaking of walking the corridors of power, the latest name to land on the federal governments lobbying register is former NSW Labor leader Luke Foley, listed as a principal consultant at government relations firm Govstrat. Advertisement The bipartisan firm also employs former Liberal senator Zed Seselja, and ex-Queensland premier Rob Borbridge, and has a client list that includes Rio Tinto and AGL. CBD hears Foley has been doing consulting work for Govstrat for some years but was added only recently to the federal governments register in anticipation of potential engagements in Canberra. Foley, who quit the leadership after being accused of harassment by an ABC journalist (which hes always denied), still pops up around Macquarie Street every now so often, and could be up for a new gig if reports linking him to a spot on the Greyhound Racing NSW board an organisation with about as much baggage as Labor in its wilderness years are true. Abbott the lifesaver Some people just attract headlines. Case in point, former prime minister Tony Abbott, without whom several prominent media outlets including this very column might sometimes struggle for content. Advertisement Setting aside his long and significant political career, Abbott also lays claim to a rich and varied hinterland of stuff just happening to him. Related Article CBD Tony Abbott addresses the faithful at Tory party conference There was the time in the 2000s that a Parliament House sound recordist turned out to be the long-lost son he thought he had fathered out of wedlock as a teenager and given up for adoption. (Even more bizarrely, the whole thing turned out to be a case of mistaken identity). There was the time PM28 raced into a burning building during the height of the bushfire crisis in 2020. Or the time a luggage scanner at Melbourne Airport ruthlessly swallowed up his new spectacles. Advertisement Not to mention a train-wreck prime ministership that lasted barely two years. Now we are greatly indebted to Sydney commercial FM radio (a phrase we cant believe we are typing) for bringing to our attention the time back in the 1980s a youthful Abbott saved a woman and her little ones from a house fire. To quote the somewhat breathless press release: Speaking on 2DayFMs The Jimmy & Nath Show with Emma, Sky from Balmain revealed shes been searching for her mystery hero for 34 years. As Sky from Balmain told Jimmy (or was it Nath or Emma?): When I was four-years-old, my house had burnt down on top of us, basically, and a gentleman pulled us out of the building, like he ripped the bars off the windows and everything! And it took me 34 years to find out who it was, because Ive been searching forever, and it was actually Tony Abbott. Abbott confirmed the incident to CBD. Advertisement Yes, its broadly correct. I was with a couple of mates at the Bald Rock Hotel and we suddenly noticed flames coming from a top storey window of the house next door. There were young kids behind a barred window on the ground floor who couldnt get out. I found a bit of pipe and smashed the (locked) back glass door to let the family out. No heroics really, just a good team effort to make sure people were safe. Back to Sky: Id love to take him back to that pub and have a beer. And you know, you know, thank him for saving my life, but I have actually been in contact with his office, and he said yes, that was me. This column would also personally love Sky from Balmain to take Tony from Warringah for a beer, or perhaps better, an onion. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter. Advertisement CultureTV & radioVale Prunella Scales, Sybil in classic British sitcom Fawlty Towers, dies aged 93 Jill Lawless October 29, 2025 3:36am 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 75 View all comments Actor Prunella Scales, best known as acid-tongued Sybil Fawlty in the classic British sitcom Fawlty Towers, has died. She was 93 and had lived with dementia for many years. Scales sons, Samuel and Joseph West, said she died peacefully at home in London on Monday. Prunella Scales is best remembered for playing Sybil Fawlty, alongside onscreen husband Basil, played by John Cleese, in UK sitcom Fawlty Towers. Although dementia forced her retirement from a remarkable acting career of nearly 70 years, she continued to live at home, her sons said. She was watching Fawlty Towers the day before she died. Scales career included early roles in a 1952 television version of Pride and Prejudice and the 1954 film comedy Hobsons Choice, followed by her TV breakthrough starring opposite Richard Briers in Marriage Lines, a popular 1960s sitcom about a newlywed couple. Advertisement In Fawlty Towers she played the exasperated wife of hapless Basil Fawlty, played by John Cleese, whose efforts to run a seaside hotel inevitably escalated into chaos. Only 12 episodes were made, in 1975 and 1979, but it is regularly cited as one of the funniest sitcoms of all time. Cleese remembered Scales as a really wonderful comic actress and a very sweet lady. Ive recently been watching a number of clips of Fawlty Towers whilst researching a book, Cleese said in a statement. Scene after scene she was absolutely perfect. Scales was diagnosed with dementia in 2013. Scales also starred as the small-town social powerhouse Elizabeth Mapp in Mapp & Lucia, a 1985 TV adaptation of E.F. Bensons 1930s series of comic novels. Advertisement Later roles included Queen Elizabeth II in A Question of Attribution, Alan Bennetts stage and TV drama about the queens art adviser, Anthony Blunt, who was also a Soviet spy. Scales played another British monarch in the one-woman stage show An Evening with Queen Victoria. Related Article Vale June Lockhart, beloved mother from Lassie and Lost In Space, dies at 100 Scales was a versatile stage performer whose theatre roles ranged from Shakespeares comedies to the morphine-addicted matriarch Mary Tyrone in a 1991 production of Eugene ONeills Long Days Journey Into Night. But she remained best known for Fawlty Towers. In 2006, Scales was guest of honour at the reopening of the Gleneagles Hotel in the English seaside resort of Torquay, the establishment whose memorably rude owner had inspired Cleese to create Basil Fawlty after a stay there in the 1970s. Scales was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2013. Between 2014 and 2019, she and her husband, actor Timothy West, explored waterways in Britain and abroad in the gentle travel show Great Canal Journeys. The program was praised for the way it honestly depicted Scales dementia. West, her husband of 61 years, died in November 2024. Scales is survived by her sons, stepdaughter Juliet West, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: Vale John Cleese UK Advertisement MoneyPlanning & budgetingAsk an expert Opinion We want to help our son buy a house. Should it be a gift or a loan? Noel Whittaker Money columnist October 29, 2025 2:01am October 29, 2025 2:01am 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 23 View all comments My wife and I downsized recently and topped up our super. We do not get any government assistance and survive on our allocated pension from our super. We have decided to help our son and his wife buy their first home and were wondering if we would have to pay gift tax? If so, should we draw up a loan agreement to avoid this cost? There is no gift tax in Australia. The big decision for you is whether this is to be a gift or a loan. There is no easy answer because some people prefer to make it a gift and leave it at that. Deciding how to pass money on to your kids can be tough, and it might be worth getting legal advice. Simon Letch My wife and I have long believed that a gift given is a gift given, and money given to children should be on a non-recourse basis. As far as we are concerned, the grief that would be caused all round by a divorce would be so horrendous that fighting about ways to claw back financial assistance that may have been given years ago is a bridge too far. There is no one size fits all strategy here, but if you do intend to make a loan, it should be documented. A simple agreement that includes clauses such as the loan being repayable on demand and specifically in the event the recipients separate and whether the loan is interest-free or interest-bearing at a certain rate, is the minimum needed. Advertisement You should also consider securing the loan, for example by registering a mortgage, and/or making it a condition that the recipients enter into a binding financial agreement that will bind a Family Court if things get nasty down the track. While divorce is the most common risk to consider, it may also be worthwhile having a documented loan if any of your children are in a profession where their assets could be at risk if they were to be sued. Depending on the size of the loan, you may be well advised to take legal advice. Its been my experience that a good share portfolio will usually outperform a mediocre property. I am a single 56-year-old female. I earn $110,000 a year and my superannuation is $452,000. I have a $232,000 mortgage at 5.29 per cent, repaying $910 a fortnight (minimum $1768 per month). I have $100,000 in my offset account, which saved me $494 in interest last month. For the year ending June 30, I paid $7649 in interest. Should I invest the $100,000 elsewhere, knowing my mortgage interest would rise, and Id pay tax on the investment earnings? My income varies between $110,000 and $130,000. If I did invest those funds, what return would I need to beat the savings I gain from the offset? Advertisement I think a clever use of superannuation would be your best strategy. Your employer should be contributing $13,200 a year to your superannuation, which leaves room for you to make an additional $16,800 a year as a tax-deductible contribution. The contribution tax on this would be 15 per cent, which is much lower than the 30 per cent you would pay if that money were taken as part of your salary. Furthermore, your superannuation fund should be earning a much higher return than the net amount you are effectively receiving on your savings by using the offset account. Given your superannuation is under the $500,000 limit for catch-up contributions, I would take advice about using these to potentially double the amount you are making each year as a tax-deductible contribution My wife and I are 52 and 51 respectively and are fortunate to be mortgage-free. I have $405,000 in super and my wife $260,000. I work full-time in a well-paid job and my wife works part-time six to eight hours a week. We have an investment property in my name, which I originally lived in between 2007 and 2012 a unit worth $600,000 with a $215,000 mortgage in inner-city Melbourne. However, overdevelopment and increased taxes have seen capital growth decline, with further decline likely given government policies and plans for more development, meaning the outlook for capital gain is low. Advertisement Should I sell the property now, pay the capital gains tax and invest the proceeds into equities putting some into super as concessional catch-up contributions, some as non-concessional contributions, and/or some in an investment portfolio in my wifes (low marginal tax) name or should I wait until retirement and use the downsizer contribution, given that capital gains from property are likely to be substantially lower than from equities over the next 15 to 17 years? Editor's pick Opinion Ask an expert Im 39 and have paid off my mortgage. How should I invest $100,000? Paul Benson Money contributor Its been my experience that a good share portfolio will usually outperform a mediocre property. You have plenty of room in your superannuation balances to make contributions, and many years left to do so. Therefore, I would keep the downsizer contribution for the future, when you might find your super fund is too large to accept further contributions if you havent already maximised them. My aunt recently passed away and left my brother and me some money in her will. Sadly, my brother has since passed away, so the will states that his share goes to me. I would like to give my brothers widow his 50 per cent share, which amounts to $150,000. Ive been told this could affect me negatively when I reach pension age at 67. Im currently 62. Advertisement Money given away within five years of the pension application date will be treated as an assessable asset and subject to deeming. You could make a gift of $130,000 as soon as possible, combined with a loan for $20,000, and then forgive $10,000 of that loan each year for the next two financial years. This would make a total of $30,000 that will be exempt. The remaining $120,000 would then be counted by Services Australia for five years from the date of the gift, which may not be a long time if you apply for the pension at age 67. Noel Whittaker is author of Retirement Made Simple and other books on personal finance. Questions to: noel@noelwhittaker.com.au Advice given in this article is general in nature and is not intended to influence readers decisions about investing or financial products. They should always seek their own professional advice that takes into account their own personal circumstances before making any financial decisions. Expert tips on how to save, invest and make the most of your money delivered to your inbox every Sunday. Sign up for our Real Money newsletter. Advertisement All NSW public hospitals will urgently audit the security of medical gases as authorities investigate the death of a 72-year-old man at a Sydney hospital about an hour after a woman allegedly switched off the facilitys supplies in an act of sabotage. Vanessa Moulton, 42, was arrested at 2am on Tuesday after allegedly destroying electrical wiring and scaling a wall to access a restricted area at The Sutherland Hospital in Caringbah in Sydneys south. Police allege she also tampered with water and gas mains and activated fire hoses at the nearby Kareena Private Hospital before her arrest. NSW Police forensics at Kareena Private Hospital in Caringbah, in Sydneys south, on Tuesday. Sam Mooy Moulton was charged with two counts of public nuisance, two counts of entering the premises without a lawful excuse, sabotage, destroying or damaging property and a breach of bail. Moulton briefly appeared on screen at Sutherland Local Court on Wednesday morning after declining the assistance of Legal Aid. Advertisement Vanessa Moulton, 42, has been charged over the alleged vandalism attacks at two Sydney hospitals. Nine News No, thanks, she said when magistrate Pilar Lopez repeatedly offered the chance to discuss the very serious matters with a lawyer. I didnt do it. Just that I didnt do it, she said when asked what she would like to tell the court. Moulton was refused bail to reappear at the Downing Centre Local Court on Christmas Eve. She was charged with intentionally destroying property, being the electrical wiring of Sutherland Hospital. Advertisement She had allegedly trespassed at Nates Backpackers in Darlinghurst and damaged the fire alarm panel in the days before her arrest. Moulton admitted to breaching her bail by not reporting to police on Monday, telling the court that she got the dates mixed up. Loading Police were told that the man died at Sutherland Hospital at 2.30am, about one hour after Moulton allegedly switched off the gas mains at the facility. NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said he had ordered a full audit of medical gases at every NSW public hospital to ensure they are complying with standards and as secure as possible. Advertisement We want to make sure that this doesnt happen again, he said. Medical gases are used by clinicians to preserve life and treat people. So the level of seriousness of this incident is something that, to me, is simply astonishing. Gas mains at Kareena Private Hospital were targeted on Tuesday morning. Nine News Park said on Tuesday the alleged act of deliberate sabotage had no impact on patients, but clarified those comments on Wednesday. I [was] informed later on yesterday afternoon, into the evening, that there was ... an elderly palliative patient who passed away. This morning, I phoned the family to extend my deepest condolences. Health Minister Ryan Park described the incidents as highly dangerous and deliberate sabotage. Sam Mooy Advertisement A death certificate was issued, Park said, indicating it was not initially treated as suspicious. The incident has now been referred to the coroner. A South Eastern Sydney Local Health District spokesperson said it was investigating the death and would carefully consider any findings and recommendations from the coroners investigation. Related Article Exclusive Hospitals Smashed windows, broken teeth, makeshift weapons: Our emergency department nightmare exposed Sutherland Hospital switched to portable oxygen and air under contingency plans triggered on Tuesday morning, and had restored the gas systems about two hours after the alleged vandalism. There are 360 beds at Sutherland Hospital, which provides critical services spanning emergency care, cancer treatment, a birthing unit, and respiratory and geriatric care. Advertisement On Wednesday, Premier Chris Minns said he was obviously concerned by the death, vowing it would be fully investigated. We want to make sure the [patients] family has as much information as we have, he said. I want to assure patients and families across NSW Health, as well as the workers who rely on that infrastructure to work, that were going to do everything we can to keep them safe. Fences guarding critical medical gases at Sutherland Hospital. Nine News Minns said a full security audit would determine how the alleged offender gained access to the gas main, suggesting it may well have been the case that it was believed no-one would be so callous, or so cruel. Health Services Union secretary Gerard Hayes said hospital security guards, who are represented by the union, were seeing an increase in violence and complex mental health presentations, particularly in emergency departments. The security officers have very little power not only do they have to look after patient and staff security, they have to look after the grounds, Hayes said. You cant really look after the grounds when youre struggling to look after the hospital. Advertisement At Kareena Private Hospital, Moulton turned off the mains water supply and tampered with three main control points which all have a direct correlation to the supply of natural gas to the hospital, court documents allege. A Ramsay Health Care spokeswoman confirmed there had been no impact to patients from the alleged tampering of mains water and non-medical gas supply at Kareena Private Hospital. All services were quickly restored with minimal disruption and no impact to patient care, she said. The alleged vandalism is being investigated as a mental health incident. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement NationalWAMining Mining lobby wants state to merge regional councils as rate fight heats up Hamish Hastie October 30, 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 4 View all comments The states resources sector is on a collision course with regional councils, with the Chamber of Minerals and Energy urging the state government to merge shires to address financial and governance woes. In its pre-budget submission to the WA government, released Thursday, the chamber raised concerns about regional local governments using resource companies as cash cows to prop up their ailing budgets. The resources sector wants the government to consider merging regional councils. Acting chief executive Brook Fowles suggested the dire state of their budgets reflected broader issues at the councils including financial mismanagement. There is growing concern that some regional local government areas are looking to alleviate budget deficits by levying disproportionate rates and charges on resources companies, she said. Advertisement These deficits are driven by growing residential expectations for services, insufficient funding and in some cases financial mismanagement. Fowles said her member companies were also being asked more often to shoulder the costs of things like housing, health care and education in councils, which she said amounted to cost-shifting from the public sector to the private sector. This growing dependence on private sector contributions indicates serious financial sustainability concerns for WAs [local governments], she said. These financial issues can cause additional problems such as difficulties attracting and retaining skilled staff, especially when coupled with remoteness and liveability issues. This leaves [local governments] vulnerable to systemic failures of governance, further eroding regional [local government] efficiency and impacting essential service delivery to communities. Fowles recommended the state consider boundary adjustments to remove duplication of staff, service delivery mechanisms and infrastructure and improve the talent pool for councillors and elected staff. Advertisement Related Article Analysis Foreign relations We all love mining now, but there is still a big elephant in the room The former Barnett Government attempted local government amalgamations in Perth last decade but was forced to abandon them in 2015 after public backlash. They did not attempt to amalgamate the states 107 non-metropolitan councils. Local government rates were thrust to the spotlight earlier this year after the Shire of Mount Magnet won a Supreme Court bid to levy rates on land used by vanadium miner Atlantic under a miscellaneous licence. The industry warned that the decision was against the intent of local government laws and opened the door to local governments drawing a further $55 million worth of extra rates from the resources sector across the state. It also prompted the WA government to step in and introduce amendments to the Local Government Act 1995 to parliament on October 23, which would prevent councils from rating land held under a miscellaneous licence. Advertisement The WA Local Government Association lashed the state government for intervening in the miscellaneous rates issue. Our hospitals across Western Australia are at breaking point, WA families have never been more impacted by the cost of living and housing affordability in WA is beyond the reach of many, yet the state governments priority is to legislate to keep the mining sector happy, WALGA President Karen Chappel said earlier this month. WALGA considers the proposed amendments to be unnecessarily punitive and disproportionate in their impact on local governments that have lawfully levied rates on occupied land under miscellaneous licences. The state governments disregard for WA local governments forces the sector to do more with less, while the introduction of this legislation undermines the fabric of our judicial system and the Supreme Court of WA. AUKUS concerns Advertisement Fowles submission also raised concerns that the advent of AUKUS work in Henderson may push the resources sector out of the important Australian Marine Complex industrial precinct and the common user facility it hosts. Related Article Opinion Political leadership How Albanese triumphed, Trump got his deal and Ley was left with egg on her face James Massola Chief political commentator The common user facility provides access to engineering and fabrication facilities for ship maintenance and building, and is used by hundreds of different businesses. It will become increasingly important for the burgeoning defence sector as AUKUS progresses and nuclear submarine maintenance ramps up in the state over the next decade. Fowles warned that the precinct was important to facilitate construction activities in the Kwinana industrial area, which is heavily linked to resource projects. Advertisement Any reduction in access to this facility to enable defence activities will require the replication of common user facilities capabilities elsewhere in the state to support resources sector activities, she said. Without the continuation of these capabilities for private industry there is a real risk that non-defence activities will be crowded out, adversely impacting the states local manufacturing capacities which have been built up over decades. Power prices doubled Fowles has also urged the WA government to act on increases in industrial power prices for companies on the South West electricity grid. The chamber calculated that power costs have doubled in the past five years from $125 per megawatt hour to between $210 and $250 per megawatt hour. These sharp increases in wholesale costs significantly reduce the viability of new electricity-intensive resources and manufacturing projects in SWIS-connected regions. They may also delay or undermine investment decisions that support the decarbonisation of existing industry via electrification, she said. Advertisement TechnologySoftware Opinion The $4.1 million question: How did the BOM get its new website so wrong? David Swan Technology editor October 28, 2025 4:00pm October 28, 2025 4:00pm 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 701 View all comments On Wednesday, October 22, the Bureau of Meteorology launched its first major website redesign in 12 years. By the next morning, the organisation had turned off comments on its Facebook page meteorologists and everyday Australians were united in their fury. The timing was exquisitely bad. As the BOM unveiled its modern and sleek redesign, costing millions of dollars, savage storms were bearing down on Australias south-east. Fishermen at sea couldnt find wind speeds, and farmers were unable to locate rainfall data. Even one of the BOMs own meteorologists admitted on ABC Radio that he didnt like the new site and was still using the old one. Dr Stuart Minchin started as the Bureau of Meteorologys chief executive on October 3. Bureau of Meteorology Who, in their right mind, pushes a complete, untested-in-the-wild overhaul of a national weather service at the start of the Australian storm and bushfire season? Advertisement This is, of course, the same organisation that spent $70,000 in 2022 on consultants to tell us to stop calling it BOM and use The Bureau a rebrand that was laughed out of the room. Three years later, the launch of this website has been, to quote a BOM staffer, an absolute shitshow. The $4.1 million question It shouldnt have been this way. The bureau claims it spent $4.1 million on the redesign as part of a broader $866 million, seven-year technology transformation dubbed Robust. They ran a beta site for more than 15 months, testing for far longer than standard practice. They say they conducted extensive user research and testing and consulted the community. They received they assert overwhelmingly positive feedback. The new rain radar on the BoM website. Bureau of Meteorology Advertisement The BOM did the work, or at least claims to have. So how did 2.6 billion annual page views worth of users immediately reject the new version? It speaks to a staggering disconnect between one Australias most critical pieces of public infrastructure and its users. Critically, the new BOM site fails in the one area it absolutely had to get right: the radar. For millions of Australians, this is a vital tool. Farmers use it to plan harvests, fishermen use it to stay alive, and the rest of us use it to decide if we need to bring an umbrella or if we can safely hang out the washing. Either the BOM was testing with a completely unrepresentative sample, or they simply werent listening to the feedback. Lets examine that beta testing. For 15 months, the site sat at beta.bom.gov.au alongside the main site. Theres a problem: most people didnt know it existed, and those who did could simply ignore it and use the reliable old site instead. This wasnt real-world testing, it was a voluntary opt-in for tech-savvy early adopters. Advertisement Real-user testing for a site this critical would have involved forced migrations of user groups, A/B testing of core features, and extensive observation of how people actually use weather data under pressure. Thats not during a leisurely stroll through sunny Bondi but instead when a heavy storm is rolling in and you need to know right now whether you need to secure your boat. The BOM claims the radar colours are improved, but users overwhelmingly disagree. Meteorologist Tony Auden pointed out that the new colour scheme which tops out at orange instead of the old black made Brisbanes severe storms look less threatening than they actually were. In weather forecasting, thats not just poor user design. Its dangerous. The Caboolture problem Caboolture was erased from the map. Catherine Strohfeldt Caboolture, a rapidly growing city north of Brisbane, presents a perfect microcosm of the failure: it has simply disappeared from the new sites locators. Meanwhile, the default map shows the entire Australasian region, including Papua New Guinea and Samoa. Advertisement This reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of users. Most people checking the weather arent planning a tour of the Pacific. They want to know if its going to rain in their suburb in the next two hours. The BOMs response to the firestorm has been telling. They expect a dip in customer satisfaction as people familiarise themselves with the changes. They say its just the beginning of our journey and theyll make improvements based on feedback. They point to the 2020 app redesign, which faced similar criticism. But for BOM to say its not us, its you is digital gaslighting. Related Article Updated Extreme weather Demand for weather bureau to explain how it will fix flawed website Its common for people to not like change; criticism routinely follows any major app or website redesign. But this isnt acceptable for critical infrastructure. The BOMs website isnt a social media platform experimenting with features. Its how millions of Australians make life-and-death decisions about severe weather. The move fast and iterate philosophy of Silicon Valley has no place here. The old site wasnt pretty, sure, but it was functional. It had 72,000 pages because it needed to serve every Australian in every environment. Advertisement The weather waits for no one Its 2025 and we deserve better. User experience design is not some kind of dark art. We have decades of research, best practices and tools for understanding how people interact with websites. We have heat-mapping, session recording, user testing platforms and accessibility checkers. The BOM had $4.1 million and 15 months. The Australian public isnt being unreasonable when they expect a critical government service to work properly. Its OK to demand that the websites we use every day especially ones we fund with taxpayer dollars actually serve our needs. And we deserve to be frustrated when consultation processes apparently ignore the people theyre meant to serve. The weather waits for no one, and neither should good design. The BOM needs to stop defending a failed launch and start on the fix. * The old BOM site remains active here. Advertisement David Swan is the technology editor for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. The Opinion newsletter is a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up here. Advertisement Updated WorldAsiaForeign relations Albanese dines with Trump and other leaders as Xi meeting awaits Lisa Visentin Updated October 30, 2025 5:40am ,first published October 29, 2025 8:34pm 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 393 View all comments Key points South Korean President Lee Jae Myung hosted a dinner for US President Donald Trump and other Asia-Pacific leaders in Gyeongju ahead of the APEC summit. The dinner was a prelude to the highly anticipated meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump announced the $US350 billion trade deal with South Korea was pretty much finalised, and later said he had given Seoul permission to build a nuclear-powered submarine. Trump praised Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for their great meeting a week ago and said Albanese had done a fantastic job. Gyeongju: For the second time in little more than a week, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has dined with US President Donald Trump, this time accompanied by a coterie of leaders from an assortment of Asia-Pacific nations. The venue was not the White House but a banquet room at the Hilton in the South Korean tourist town of Gyeongju, where Trump and the leaders took their seats somewhat awkwardly at a small round table for a dinner hosted by President Lee Jae Myung. Loading But not before Trump praised Albanese for their great meeting a week ago and said he had done a fantastic job, in an exchange of small talk before the assembled press. Were working together on rare earths, but were working on a lot of things together, the US president said. Advertisement With Albanese seated to his right and Lee to his left, Trump used a handheld microphone to announce that the contentious $US350 billion ($532 billion) trade deal with South Korea was pretty much finalised, despite the host countrys earlier concerns that it would destabilise their economy. He also told Lee he was optimistic that things will work out very well with South Koreas volatile northern neighbour. Donald Trump, Anthony Albanese join APEC leaders in Gyeongju. ABC You have a neighbour that hasnt been as nice as they could be, and I think they will be. I know Kim Jong-un very well, Trump said. Lee also asked Trump to allow Seoul to reprocess nuclear fuel to power when the two leaders met on Wednesday. Seoul is barred from reprocessing without US consent, under a pact between the countries. Advertisement The South Korean leader emphasised he wasnt attempting to build submarines capable of carrying nuclear weapons, but instead looking to replace diesel-powered ships that have struggled to track North Korean and Chinese ships. They could patrol and defend both the East and West Seas of the Korean Peninsula, which in turn would significantly reduce the operational burden on US forces, Lee said. In a social media post on Thursday morning AEDT, Trump said he had given South Korea approval. Our Military Alliance is stronger than ever before and, based on that, I have given them approval to build a Nuclear Powered Submarine, rather than the old fashioned, and far less nimble, diesel powered Submarines that they have now, the US president wrote. US nuclear submarine technology is widely regarded as some of the most sensitive and highly guarded technology its military possesses. The dinner was the prelude to the blockbuster event on Thursday, when Trump will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping for the first time during his second term. He will then make a speedy exit, leaving South Korea before the APEC summit kicks off. Advertisement I think were going to have something thats going to be very, very satisfactory to China and to us, Trump told his dinner companions, referring to the prospect of a deal with the Chinese president. He remarked at one point that he anticipated meeting with Xi to last between three and four hours. Anthony Albanese and Donald Trump dining with other world leaders. AP Earlier on Wednesday, Trump revealed he expected to lower the 20 per cent tariff he imposed on China earlier this year as punishment for their role in fentanyl trafficking in exchange for more law enforcement co-operation. Very much looking forward to my meeting with President Xi of China, Trump said in a post on TruthSocial on Thursday morning (AEDT). Advertisement Trump was the guest of honour at the dinner, but it was not immediately clear on what basis the other six countries Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Vietnam, Thailand, and Singapore scored an invitation, other than they were in town for the 21-member gathering of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. Canadas Prime Minister Mark Carney strode into the dinner, ignoring reporters questions about whether he had a message for the US president, who this week vowed to increase levies on Canada in outrage over an anti-tariff TV advertisement that aired in Ontario. The pair sat directly across from each other, even though Trump had made clear he had no time for Canada on his six-day blitz through Asia. I dont want to meet with him, he said of Carney on Monday. Related Article Analysis Trade wars Anything you want: Trumps love-in with Japans new leader Albanese joked that Carney and Singaporean leader Lawrence Wong should have ride-shared to the event, each of them fresh off the summit treadmill at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) conference in Kuala Lumpur that week. Advertisement Earlier in the day, Lee exalted Trump with the royal treatment as Air Force One touched down on the tarmac to the sound of a military band playing YMCA, his US rally pep song. Later, Lee gifted Trump a replica gold crown from the ancient Korean kingdom Silla, and awarded him the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, Koreas highest honour. Albanese will have his own bilateral meeting with President Lee tomorrow, one that is guaranteed to be significantly more low-key, and will visit the headquarters of global steel manufacturer Pohang Iron and Steel Company, before the APEC summit starts in earnest on Friday. But the conference, coming at the tail end of a busy summit season, has been overshadowed by the high-stakes meeting happening on the sidelines. President Donald Trump shakes hands with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung as he receives a gift of a gold crown. AP The stage has been set for Trump and Xi to sign off on a deal that is expected to roll back some of the latest trade restrictions the countries have imposed on each other, after both sides negotiators agreed to a consensus framework earlier in the week. Advertisement As part of the anticipated deal, the US expects Beijing to delay for a year sweeping new curbs it launched on rare earths exports, while Trump will abandon his threat to hit Chinese goods with an extra 100 per cent tariff on November 1. In a sign of an imminent breakthrough on the eve of the meeting, China made its first purchase of US soybeans for the season after having boycotted them for months. China only confirmed the meeting between Xi and Trump on Wednesday afternoon. We are willing to make joint efforts with the United States to promote the positive results of this meeting and provide new guidance and impetus for the stable development of China-US relations, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said. With Bloomberg 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. Advertisement Analysis WorldAsiaChina relations World leader hosting ASEAN saves his final, careful words for Albanese Zach Hope October 29, 2025 7:18am 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 Kuala Lumpur: Of all the public statements and speeches from Anwar Ibrahim in his three days hosting this years ASEAN summit, it may have been his very last late on Tuesday that meant the most to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. I will do my part, the Malaysian prime minister said. Because I think it is important for all of us to express whether publicly or privately or whatever form our concern that this region must remain free. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, left, shakes hands with his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim following the third Malaysia-Australia Annual Leaders Meeting. AP Anwars words, with Albanese at the podium next to him, were a response to a question from Australian journalists about an October 19 incident in which a Chinese aircraft deployed flares near an Australian plane patrolling the South China Sea, a vast area that China illegitimately claims almost wholly for itself. Anwar was expressing his belief in rules and international norms. Advertisement Albanese had raised the flare issue very directly with Chinese Premier Li Qiang during the pairs Monday meeting on the sidelines of the summit in Kuala Lumpur. Anwar prefaced his answer on Tuesday with the need to establish all the facts but Albanese would have been warmed at a South-East Asian leader, many of whom have sovereignty disputes with Asias greatest power, publicly having his back. Anthony Albanese arrives for the ASEAN-Australia summit on Tuesday. AP The Labor government, having learnt from the Morrison governments gung-ho follies, has been seeking to balance the need to stand up for Australia while maintaining good diplomatic and trade relations, hence its mantra: Co-operate where we can, disagree where we must. Anwar understands this, too. I know we represent a small country and a relatively small economy. But still, we represent a nation, and we have the right to express, he said. Of course, we have the wisdom not to be seen to be unnecessarily combative. Advertisement Its hard work trying to be nuanced in a media landscape thirsty for binaries. Anwar could have easily deflected; Malaysia counts on China for trade, too. Earlier, Albanese met Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, who deals almost weekly with serious on-water incidents of Chinese heavy-handedness in what the Filipinos call the West Philippine Sea. Anthony Albanese speaks with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, left, and Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan on the ASEAN sidelines on Tuesday. AP The Philippines is grateful [Australia] always stands shoulder to shoulder with the Philippines in the face of some of the challenges, the common challenges, that we have to deal with in our region, Marcos said, before the meeting went behind closed doors. Australia signed a lengthy statement with all 11 ASEAN members warning of intensifying geostrategic shifts heightening the risk of conflict, and that noted peace and stability of our region are our collective responsibility. Advertisement China has not yet filled the vacuum created by Trumps America First rhetoric and actions. Aside from this heavy topic, Albaneses press conference with host Anwar seemed genuinely warm. The pair had just announced a billion-dollar investment by Monash University for a new campus in Kuala Lumpur. But Anwar was also in a generally chipper mood, having finally concluded his one-year stint as the rotating ASEAN chair. Anthony Albanese, left, speaks at the Malaysia-Australia annual leaders meeting on the sidelines of ASEAN on Tuesday. AP He opened the ASEAN closing ceremony, shortly before meeting Albanese, saying: Oh, what a relief. The Malaysian leader and his retinue of bodyguards have been a regular sight dashing around the corridors of the central business district convention centre: one minute on the in-house televisions welcoming US President Donald Trump at the airport, the next giving opening remarks for any one of innumerable forums in the city. Advertisement ASEANs credibility is denuded by the reality that its structure makes it difficult to get things done. For any decision to be made, every disparate member state must agree. Also, member states cannot be seen to be interfering with another members internal affairs. Big change, therefore, is hard. The South China Sea remains an unresolved point of contention. And the Myanmar civil war, the blocs greatest crisis but forgotten by the West, rages on, with thousands of civilians already dead and locked up, and millions displaced. ASEANs so-called Five-Point Consensus, which the military junta disingenuously signed up to, has been completely ineffective. Anthony Albanese with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, left, on Monday. AP The group is now fragmenting on preferred approaches, with nations like Thailand advocating for more direct dealing with the junta, while others insist on big tent discussions. Anwar can at least boast that his chairmanship led to the accession of the Timor-Leste as the 11th member of the bloc. This summit also provided a forum for an enhanced peace deal between enemies Thailand and Cambodia, even if it was stage-managed for Trumps campaign to win next years Nobel Peace Prize. Advertisement Albaneses two-and-a-bit days in Kuala Lumpur netted formal meetings with the leaders of Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines and Japan, whose new prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, was attending her first official summit. Related Article China relations Albanese raises jet flare incident with Chinese premier very directly Albanese was also pictured on Instagram with Cambodias Hun Manet. For more than 70 years, weve been working with Cambodia to make a difference. From health to education, to promoting and protecting all human rights, Albaneses Instagram post read. Today I discussed with the Prime Minister Hun Manet how we could build on this work. But Albaneses words, and simple encounter with Manet, the son of Hun Sen, will have undoubtedly upset members of the Australian Cambodian community, some of whom fled their homeland fearing for their lives. Advertisement Key Points President Trump pardoned Binance founder Changpeng Zhao last week. Zhao is an influential figure in the crypto space, and his pardon could pave the way for Binance to once again make the U.S. its key base of operations. Trump's support for the crypto industry could continue to boost valuations in the space, but there are other factors that will also shape prices. 10 stocks we like better than Bitcoin On Oct. 23, President Trump signed a pardon for Changpeng Zhao, founder and former CEO of the Binance cryptocurrency exchange platform. Zhao had pled guilty to money laundering charges in 2023 in connection with failure to maintain anti-money laundering standards with the trading exchange. While Zhao had already completed a four-month prison term in September 2024, the pardon could have some significant implications for the broader crypto market. For starters, Binance could now be cleared to return its base of operations to the U.S. -- and there are other reasons to think that the pardon could be a bullish catalyst for the cryptocurrency market in 2026. Image source: The Official White House Flickr account; photo by Daniel Torok. Trump continues to signal strong support for the crypto industry Speaking on the pardon last week, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that the prosecution of Zhao was part of a "war on cryptocurrency" carried out by President Joe Biden's administration. She also stated that the Biden administration's "war on crypto is over." In a post to X, Zhao stated that he was "deeply grateful" for the pardon and that he and his team would do everything to possible to "help make America the Capital of Crypto." The Binance founder has notably been a supporter of crypto companies and initiatives connected to the Trump family in recent months. While reactions to the recent pardon may be somewhat divided along political lines, the development appears to be another bullish indicator for the crypto market. The Trump administration has taken some significant steps to advance the cryptocurrency industry, and the pardoning of Zhao is the latest indication that high levels of support from the executive branch are likely to continue through the president's second term. Along with news that the U.S. and China have established a rough framework for key elements of a trade deal ahead of Trump's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, news that Zhao had been pardoned has helped power recovery momentum in the crypto market following a stretch of sell-offs. As of this writing, Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) is up approximately 3.5% over the last week. Meanwhile, Ethereum's token price has risen approximately 5%, and XRP is up an even more impressive 8.5%. The BNB (CRYPTO: BNB) token issued by Binance is up 4% across the stretch. Advertisement WorldEuropeFrance Macrons daughter speaks out on fake claim her mother was born a man David Crowe October 29, 2025 5:05am 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 London: The daughter of Brigitte Macron has testified about the damage to her mother from false claims that she was born a man, in an extraordinary court case that will decide whether those who spread the rumours should be jailed for harassment. The dramatic hearing in a Paris courtroom came as French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife also pursue a defamation claim in the US courts against an American right-wing commentator for making the same assertions. Tiphaine Auziere, Brigitte Macrons daughter, arrives at court. AP The testimony from Tiphaine Auziere, 41, was a key moment on the second day of the criminal trial in Paris, after the prosecution laid out charges against 10 people, ranging from an art gallery owner to an online fortune-teller. If found guilty, the defendants could be sent to prison for up to two years, turning the case into a test of whether false claims can be justified as satire or free speech. Advertisement Auziere, the daughter of Macron and her first husband, banker Andre-Louis Auziere, told the court there had been a deterioration in her mothers health as the claims spread online. Shes constantly having to pay attention to what she wears, how she holds herself because she knows that her image can be distorted, she said. This has repercussions on her children and grandchildren. They hear things at school such as, Your grandmother is a man. I dont know how to make it stop, she said. Her mother, who has not attended the criminal trial this week, has previously said the claims had hurt her family members, especially her grandchildren. The Macrons did not attend the hearing in person. Bloomberg Advertisement The French first lady lodged a complaint with authorities in August last year about online bullying, leading to arrests in December and February. One of the defendants in the criminal case, an online spiritual medium who calls herself Amandine Roy, spread the rumours in 2021 during an interview with journalist Natacha Rey. Related Article Emmanuel Macron Macrons to offer photographic evidence to prove Brigitte is a woman Another defendant, art gallery owner Aurelien Poirson-Atlan, rejected the accusation of cyberbullying and told the court that his online posts were free speech and a form of satire. Many of the defendants spread claims aired by right-wing influencer Candace Owens, who runs a talk show on YouTube after being fired by The Daily Wire last year for making comments that were seen as antisemitic. Advertisement The Candace Owens YouTube channel has 5.5 million subscribers, and its recent episodes included an interview with Harvey Weinstein, the movie producer convicted of sexual assault, in which she said there was overwhelming evidence he had been set up. The Macrons lodged their defamation claim against Owens in a Delaware court in July over her repeated assertion that the French first lady was born male, named Jean-Michel and is a man. A key feature of the US case is the Macrons claim that Owens sought to harass them and cause pain in order to gain attention and notoriety for herself. Candace Owens has repeatedly claimed that Brigitte Macron was born Jean-Michel Trogneux. Getty Images Their lawyer, Tom Clare, said last month that they would provide expert testimony and scientific evidence when the defamation case goes to trial. Advertisement Owens has described the case as a threat to free speech and maintained her claim from last year about the first ladys gender. I would stake my entire professional reputation on the fact that Brigitte Macron is in fact a man, Owens said on X in March last year. Any journalist or publication that is trying to dismiss this plausibility is immediately identifiable as establishment. I have never seen anything like this in my life. The implications here are terrifying. Brigitte Macron was married to Auziere from 1974 to 2006, and they had three children. She met Emmanuel Macron in 1993, when she was 39 and he was 15. They married in 2007. With 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. You can find original article here WealthManagement. Subscribe to our free daily WealthManagement newsletters. Primerica Financial Services is accusing Osaic Wealth of a deliberate and ongoing conspiracy and scheme to raid and pirate the firms business. Primerica Financial Services sued the independent broker/dealer in Georgia federal court (where Primerica is based), alleging Osaic conspired with several West Virginia Primerica advisors to take confidential information and solicit clients in violation of employment contracts. In the lawsuit, Primerica alleged that this behavior is nothing new for Osaic. Just the oppositeits tortious conduct described here is deeply ingrained into its business model and its corporate culture, the complaint read. Osaics business is built on engaging in raids under cover of darknessand then using the representatives that it acquires to violate their contracts and legal duties to steal business for the benefit of Osaic. According to the complaint, Osaic first contacted Brian David Collins, the senior Primerica representative at the firms Hurricane, W.V. office. Primerica alleged that instead of immediately departing Primerica, Collins stayed in his position to recruit other Primerica reps at the branch office to join him at Osaic. Allegedly, Osaic convinced Collins and others to work as double agents against Primerica to prepare for the movement of client information (as well as most of the staff) to Osaic. According to the suit, Collins formed Legacy Investment Advisors and Wealth Management shortly before the staff resigned to join Osaic on Oct. 17 (Primerica named the new firm as a co-defendant with Osaic). Hours after leaving, the former Primerica reps allegedly affiliated with Osaic and Legacy. Primerica claimed that the six Primerica reps who joined Osaic managed about $530 million (or more than 96%) of the branchs assets under management. According to Primerica, Osaic circumvents the process of developing talent by taking unfair advantage of prior work by other companies, and entices reps to break contracts with employers by providing large cash bounty payments under the auspices of forgivable loans. In effect, Osaic pays representatives a lucrative bounty to reward them for taking other firms business and misappropriating it for Osaic, the complaint read, claiming Osaic locks in the reps by claiming the loans will be forgiven if the rep remains at Osaic (and allegedly moves business from the prior firm to Osaic). Qualcomm (QCOM) shares soared more than 20% Monday before closing the day out up 11% after the company announced it is entering the data center market its new AI200 and AI250 chips and rack-scale server offerings. The move puts Qualcomm into direct competition with the likes of Nvidia (NVDA) and AMD (AMD), as the company seeks to stake its claim to a portion of the multibillion-dollar data center market. Available beginning in 2026, the AI200 is both the name of Qualcomms individual AI accelerator and the full server rack it slots into, complete with a Qualcomm CPU. The AI250 is Qualcomms next-generation AI accelerator and server coming in 2027. A third chip and server are scheduled for 2028. Qualcomm says it will follow this annual cadence moving forward. The company said that its AI200 and AI250 chips take advantage of its custom Hexagon NPU, or neural processing unit. The company has rolled out NPUs in its Windows PC chips and is taking the teachings from those processors and scaling them up for the data center. Qualcomm is also touting its servers total cost of ownership as a key benefit, thanks to their low power consumption. The chips, the company explains, are specifically designed for AI inference, or the process of running AI models. In other words, customers wont use them to train new AI models. Read more about Qualcomm's stock moves and today's market action. Total cost of ownership has become a major metric for data center builders, as they try to contain the dizzying costs associated with constructing and running their enormous server farms. The key difference between the AI200 and AI250, Qualcomm explained, is that the AI250 will offer 10x the memory bandwidth of the AI200. Customers wont necessarily have to purchase Qualcomms servers to access the companys chips. According to Durga Malladi, senior vice president and GM for technology planning, edge solutions, and data centers at Qualcomm, theyll be able to choose either individual chips, portions of the companys server offerings, or the entire setup. And those customers, Malladi said, could include the likes of Nvidia and AMD, making the companies both rivals and potential partners. Qualcomm is entering the AI chip and server space, putting it into direct competition with both Nvidia and AMD. (Image: Qualcomm) Qualcomm This isnt Qualcomms first run at the data center market. In 2017, the company announced it was building the Qualcomm Centriq 2400 platform with Microsoft (MSFT), but the venture quickly fell apart due to tough competition from Intel and AMD and broader corporate issues, including a range of lawsuits eating into the companys focus. Qualcomm also currently offers its own AI 100 Ultra card, though thats designed as a drop-in card for off-the-shelf servers. The AI200 and AI250 are meant to live in dedicated AI systems. By Karen Freifeld (Reuters) -A leading Republican voice in Congress on China policy said on Wednesday that selling Nvidia's best AI chip to China "would be akin (to) giving Iran weapons grade uranium", as experts argued it would shrink the American advantage in artificial intelligence. House Select Committee on China Chairman John Moolenaar said in a post on X that he told the administration, "we cannot sell the latest advanced AI chips to our country's primary adversary." His comment came after President Donald Trump opened the door on Wednesday to Nvidia selling a lesser version of its Blackwell AI chip to China. U.S. trade experts said giving China the chips could effectively spell the end of U.S. chip export restrictions, which were put in place in 2022 to make sure Beijing's military would not benefit from American technology, and to slow the development of China's AI efforts. "If we decide to export B30As, it would dramatically shrink the U.S.'s main advantage it currently has over China in AI," said Tim Fist, co-author of an analysis of the impact of allowing China the B30A chip, a downgraded version of Nvidia's state-of-the-art Blackwell chip. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and 11 Democratic senators also urged Trump on Wednesday to not lift restrictions on AI chips and American technology in pursuit of a trade deal. Moolenaar said, "these chips should instead go to the U.S. companies that are building American AI dominance for years to come not the future of the Chinese military." TRUMP MAY DISCUSS 'SUPER-DUPER' CHIP U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he may speak to Chinese President Xi Jinping about Nvidia's "super-duper" Blackwell chip at their Thursday meeting. The comments echoed those he made in August suggesting he might allow a 30 or 50 percent scaled-down version of Nvidia's top chip to China. But, Fist said, the B30A is a version of the best Nvidia chip in different packaging: China could buy twice as many and get the same result, likely at the same price. A spokesperson for Nvidia declined comment. In the paper, published on Saturday, Fist and his co-authors analyzed nine scenarios covering a range of export strategies the administration might take for a downgraded Blackwell chip. BEST- AND WORST-CASE SCENARIOS In the best scenario, where no powerful chips are exported to China next year, the U.S. would have 30 times the AI computing power than China. In the worst, where the U.S. allows the export of the B30A and comparable chips from other U.S. companies, China could surpass the U.S. in terms of how much AI computing power they gain in 2026. The recent death in New York of award-winning journalist and author Ed Moloney has been deeply felt by family and friends in the Claremorris area where he had strong ancestral ties. Mr Moloney, who was aged 77, was the grandson of Honoria Maloney, formerly of Backfox and Killeenfarna, Claremorris. His passing is particularly poignant for relatives still residing locally, including cousin John Maloney of Scardaune. Widely respected for his fearless reporting on the Northern Ireland Troubles and for his influential books on Irish political history, Mr Moloney had visited Claremorris on several occasions. He was last in the area for the funeral of his uncle, Harold Moloney, who lived in Killeenfarna. Aiden Brennan, a cousin who grew up near Harold, remembers Mr Moloney's visits fondly. He came a few times to see his grandmother, just up the road from us. We always looked forward to his visits, he said. A distinguished journalist, Mr Moloney spent much of his career covering the Northern conflict, serving as Northern Editor of The Irish Times and later the Sunday Tribune. His reporting was widely published internationally, and his fearless pursuit of the truth earned him the title of Irish Journalist of the Year in 1999. That recognition came just a week after he successfully challenged an attempt by Scotland Yard to compel him to reveal confidential sources relating to the 1989 murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane. His landmark 2002 book, A Secret History of the IRA, remains one of the most authoritative accounts of the republican movement and peace process, offering a controversial and detailed portrait of Sinn Fein leadership and covert political negotiations. In later years, his work included the Boston College Belfast Project and the documentary I, Dolours, both of which delved into the voices and experiences of former militants, including Dolours Price. Mr Moloney had lived in New York since 2000 and remained active in journalism through his blog The Broken Elbow, where he provided commentary on Irish and global affairs. Despite the effects of polio, which he contracted aged three and which increasingly limited his mobility, he continued to write and publish until shortly before his death. He is survived by his wife Joan McKiernan and their son Ciaran. His funeral will take place in the United States. News of his passing has been met with heartfelt condolences from his extended family in the USA and in Claremorris, including his aunts and cousins such as Aiden Brennan and Lizzie Dargie, who remain proud of his remarkable legacy. BEIJING, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and Finnish President Alexander Stubb on Tuesday exchanged congratulatory messages on the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries. Xi said that Finland is the beautiful "land of a thousand lakes" and one of the first European countries to sign an intergovernmental trade agreement with China. Over the 75 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, China-Finland relations have transcended differences in social system and ideology, and stood the test of changes in the international landscape, with cooperation in political, economic, trade, people-to-people, cultural, and other fields being steadily deepened, he said. Xi said that Stubb successfully paid a state visit to China last October, during which they drew together a blueprint for the growth of the future-oriented new-type cooperative partnership between China and Finland. Xi said he attaches great importance to the growth of China-Finland relations, and stands ready to work with Stubb to carry forward their traditional friendship, break new ground in bilateral cooperation across the board, and advance an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. For his part, Stubb said that the relations between Finland and China are close and well-founded, noting that over the 75 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, bilateral relations have developed steadily with expanding cooperation. He noted that during his first state visit to China last October, the two sides issued the Joint Action Plan between China and Finland on Promoting the Future-oriented New-type Cooperative Partnership 2025-2029. The international community trusts China's role as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, he said, adding that he looks forward to continuing dialogue with President Xi on bilateral and global issues. There is a significant shift within the Fortune 500 as Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC) announced that CEO Toni Townes-Whitley will step down, effective immediately after two years of leadership, Washington Business Journal reports. In a regulatory filing, SAIC said Townes-Whitley separated from the company without cause, making her eligible for unspecified benefits and severance. The former CEO released all claims and has a two-year noncompete. The announcement came after the markets closed Oct. 23. Under Townes-Whitleys leadership since 2023, SAIC posted $7.48 billion in 2024 revenue, ranking as the 20th-largest public company based in the Greater Washington, D.C. area. The technology company saw revenue growth of 0.47% between 2023 and 2024 and employs roughly 24,000 people, making SAIC the 23rd-largest employer in the area. As the board has tapped former Leidos CFO Jim Reagan as interim CEO until a permanent leader is named, Townes-Whitley says she has the utmost confidence that he will take the company to new heights. I have collaborated closely with Jim during my time here, and I have the utmost confidence in his and the teams ability to capitalize on and fully realize the Companys growth prospects, she said in a statement. With its talented employees, SAIC is in good hands until a permanent CEO is appointed. While SAIC board chair Donna Morea released a statement thanking Townes-Whitley for her leadership, her departure is notable, as she is one of two women of color to lose their positions in just one week. According to Fortune, both Townes-Whitley and Priscilla Almodovar, former CEO of Fannie Mae, have stepped down in October 2025. With both companies being headquartered in the D.C. and northern Virginia area, there are ties to federal agencies. Fannie Mae, a government-sponsored entity (GSE), has been facing hurdles with the Trump administrationfirst with the President considering an IPOand then with the Federal Housing Finance Agency removing eight members of its board and installing director Bill Pulte as chair. SAIC has ties to the executive branch of the government, with $7.5 billion in revenue from serving as a contractor to the Department of Defense and other branches, providing IT and engineering services to the military, NASA, and more. Townes-Whitley was one of only two Fortune 500 companies with Black women serving as CEOs, alongside TIAAs Thasunda Brown Duckett. Almodovar was the only Latina to serve at the same level. Both women made the 2025 Most Powerful Women list, with Townes-Whitley listed as 95, but with her departure, the group is left with only 52 female chief executives. Knock Shrine was honoured to welcome the rectors and representatives of the National Marian Shrines of Europe for their annual meeting from October 21st to 24th. The European Marian Network, established in 2003 with the encouragement of the Holy See, links 20 major Marian Shrines across Europe, each representing its nations most significant place of devotion to Our Lady. The network promotes collaboration and mutual support in welcoming pilgrims and nurturing Marian devotion. Fr Richard Gibbons, Rector of Knock Shrine, said: It was a great joy and privilege for Knock to host our colleagues from Marian Shrines across Europe. This gathering reminds us that while our Shrines are rooted in different places and cultures, we share the same call - to welcome pilgrims, to pray with them, and to offer a message of hope and peace inspired by Our Lady. The network meets each year at one of its member Shrines to share experiences, discuss current developments and strengthen collaboration in serving pilgrims and the wider Church community. This years gathering at Irelands International Eucharistic and Marian Shrine provided an opportunity to highlight Knocks unique role as a place of prayer, pilgrimage, renewal and reconciliation. Over the four-day event, delegates discussed the pastoral needs of pilgrims, reflecting on the challenges and opportunities facing Shrines today, and exploring new ways to offer mutual support across Europe. Alongside these discussions, participants joined together in moments of communal prayer and devotion, seeking the guidance of Our Lady in their shared mission to deepen faith and nurture hope among all who visit the Marian Shrines. Portwest, headquartered in Westport, has been shortlisted for the 2025 Business & Finance Awards, in association with KPMG. Now in its 51st year, the Business & Finance Awards are Irelands most prestigious business recognition platform, celebrating excellence, innovation, and leadership across Irish and international business. Portwest has been recognised in the Company of the Year category, a reflection of its global success, continued expansion, and commitment to innovation within the workwear and safety industry. Its a fantastic achievement for one of Mayos most successful companies to be honoured on this years national shortlist. People of goodwill everywhere and not just in Gaza and Israel are holding their breath that the ceasefire, improbably cobbled together out of Trumps brash ambition and the shared exhaustion of the Israelis and the Palestinians, will somehow hold. A common focus of all the participants is that peace, no matter how fragile, is gold dust compared to the agonies that have been visited on them. After surviving at least in part an extended theatre of often mindless violence and conflicting ideologies, they have all been forced to accept something less than everything they wanted. Through the lens of the Jewish people, and for most people around the world watching the conflict from a safe distance, in the words of a recent Tablet editorial, "the genocidal attack on innocent Israeli young people attending a music festival was almost unique in its premeditated savagery". The message loud and clear from Hamas and the Islamist ideology it represented indicated clearly what would await the Jewish people if Hamas got its way. Thus, the response of those who saw the Promised Land as a gift from God, was that Hamas represented a clear and obvious threat to the only place in the world where Jews felt safe. Thus too, when the Palestinians of Gaza were subjected by Israel to the fate Israel had itself feared from Hamas through an estimated 60,000 Palestinian deaths, in Israeli eyes the line between Palestinians and Hamas had become so obscure as to make it meaningless. It is telling that when Israel ravaged Gaza, the main (and often possibly the only) reason for Israeli concern was the safety of its soldiers and the fate of its hostages. The varied lenses through which the conflict was viewed brought with it a partial view of what was happening and what its consequences might be. For example, the narrow focus on the justification for their own perspective of all the participants led to an inability to appreciate other opposing assessments. Thus, the Israelis couldnt empathise with the suffering of the Palestinians and the Palestinians with the suffering of the Israelis, in a shared myopia that extended to both teams of supporters around the world. So justifying the unjustifiable Hamas treating the hostages so badly and the Israeli refusal to accept that their military campaign was genocidal and their use of hunger as a weapon of war unconscionable became a shared perspective of both sides. It was as if like cheering on Mayo in an All-Ireland final in Croke Park anything your own side did was acceptable when clearly, on both sides, this was not the case. In truth, there were no angels in Gaza or in Israel or in Hamas. There was something unnerving about meeting supporters on every side - men and women of clear moral rectitude in their daily lives - who casually supported, almost as a matter of principle, anything Hamas or Israel did, on both sides positions that simply cannot be morally sustained. But if you voiced them you were dismissed as failing to understand the complexity of the situation. As if denying starving people food and water was an acceptable policy because Israel did it without apology or any sense that it was contrary to moral principles. Or excusing Hamas who ruthlessly took hostages and submitting them to a form of incarceration that caused such agony not just to them but to their relatives and friends. So, almost as a matter of course, pro-Palestinian demonstrations seemed at times to have an antisemitic character to them and pro-Israeli demonstrations almost an acceptance that the activities of Hamas justified almost any response. There was no acceptance on either side that part of the solution to sorting out such long-standing divisions and grievances demanded an ability or at least an effort to try to understand what they regarded as the obsessions of the opposite side. Or even an acceptance that peace involved moving at least gradually towards an understanding of the other sides obsessions - as is evidenced by what began to move, as in the Irish experience, the two opposing sides together. If both sides are committed to believing that their opponents are always wrong, there is no wriggle room to allow a bit of give-and take - still less the prospect of a meeting of hearts and minds. The British media are at present fascinated by the appointment of a new Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood. A barrister and a graduate of Oxford University, Ms Mahmood recently confided that her Islamic faith is the most important thing in her life. She has also been outspoken against antisemitism and among her unlikely influences is Catholic Social Teaching and its focus on The Common Good. Holding a position that straddles some of Britains most intransigent and complex difficulties as a multi-cultured society, Ms Mahood is well placed to project an image of Islam that may help to reconcile those who see Islam and its adherents as more complex than the polarising antagonism it is wrongly given credit for. No ideology is ever completely right or completely wrong, either acceptable or unacceptable and stark denunciations of one or the other can and are moderated by personal experience and open minds. It is an accepted fact of life and of history that no one is ever completely right all the time. Even accepting that truth is a starting point towards if not solving at least questioning the unexamined tropes that have prevented what present as long-standing divisions being critically and freshly analysed. Breaking down barriers often begins with people realising that their rivals are not always wrong in everything or have no right on their side. As happened in Ireland. Reading, PA (19601) 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. Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. It's not uncommon to hear entrepreneurs say they spent their whole lives dreaming of making millions or billions of dollars. That wasn't the case for "Shark Tank" investor Robert Herjavec, who recently said his only financial goal was to lift him and his immigrant parents out of poverty. "I just didn't want to be poor," he said on an episode of YouTube talk show "Hustle Meals." Herjavec has accomplished that goal, and then some. Recent published reports put his net worth could be as high as $600 million, which would make him the third-wealthiest "Shark Tank" panelist behind Daniel Lubetzky at $2.3 billion and $6 billion for Mark Cuban. Don't Miss: Earn While You Scroll: The Deloitte-Ranked #1 Software Company Growing 32,481% Is Opening Its $0.50/Share Round to Accredited Investors. Missed Nvidia and Tesla? RAD Intel Could Be the Next AI Powerhouse Invest Now at Just $0.81 a Share Early immigrant struggles made Herjavec want more' Herjevac was born in former Yugoslavia in a rural village called Zbjeg. "It was really hard, only in hindsight," he said of his early childhood. "I didn't know we were poor until we came to Canada." After his father was repeatedly jailed for speaking out against the Communist government, his parents moved to a family friend's basement in Toronto. The journey and his parents' difficulty in navigating their new home played a huge part in Herjevac's drive to make more money. "The struggles coming to Canada is what made me want for more," he told "Hustle Meals." Trending: Accredited Investors Can Now Tap Into the $36 Trillion Home Equity Market Without Buying a Single Property You have to have the ability to take care of yourself' When asked what specifically about poverty drove him to "want more," Herjavec said his main inspiration was being able to look after his parents. "I just didn't want to be taken advantage of," he said. "I didn't want to feel like I wasn't in control of my own destiny and my own world. And it wasn't for me at that age, it was for my parents." He recalled one instance when his mom, who didn't speak English, was tricked into buying a new vacuum cleaner with a monthly payment that was a third of their rent. "Some crappy salesman conned my mom into signing this agreement to buy this vacuum cleaner," he told "Hustle Meals." 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. You can find original article here Nrn. Subscribe to our free daily Nrn newsletters. Ahead of Starbucks third-quarter earnings release, a group of Starbucks investors SOC Investment Group sent a letter to the companys executive board directors criticizing Starbucks for both its ongoing financial challenges and alleged labor law violations. Since the board named Mr. Niccol CEO, Starbucks has continued to struggle financially, and the boards actions have failed to reassure us that it has learned anything from the past four years, the letter reads, citing continued operational and financial underperformance, despite multiple turnaround plans, little to no progress in reaching an agreement with Starbucks Workers United and the companys mandatory return-to-office policy, though Niccol is not required to comply with it. SOC Investment Group, which holds a small stake in Starbucks, sent this letter to the companys board last month around the time of CEO Brian Niccols one-year anniversary at the company, and has continued to speak out against underperformance, stating, By some measures, Starbucks is actually doing worse than the July 2024 quarter-end that prompted the board to hire Niccol. SOC Investment Group called out the company for awarding Niccol a bonus despite not yet turning Starbucks around and requested a meeting with the board. This is not the first time this investor group has clashed with Starbucks leadership. In November 2023, SOC Investment Group provoked a proxy battle with the board, citing issues with the Workers United union, and nominated three directors to the board, though eventually withdrew its candidates. The group has also previously challenged other companies on employees rights issues, including McDonalds and Uber. Additionally, leading up to the earnings release on Wednesday, unionized Starbucks baristas are preparing for a possible strike around Red Cup Day in November. Starting this week, baristas at the 650 unionized Starbucks cafes began voting on whether to authorize a strike to demand union contract certification. In preparation for this possible strike, baristas across 60 cities began picketing to call attention to their cause. Starbucks knows where we stand, Michelle Eisen, Starbucks Workers United spokesperson, said in a statement. They know our demands: more take-home pay, better hours, resolving legal issues. Its time to finalize a contract this fall before the all-important holiday season. Fred Alger Management, an investment management company, released its Alger Weatherbie Specialized Growth Fund third-quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. Equity markets continued their upward trajectory in the quarter, with the S&P 500 Index surging 8.12%. Class A shares of the fund underperformed the Russell 2500 Growth Index during the third quarter of 2025. In addition, please check the funds top five holdings to know its best picks in 2025. In its third-quarter 2025 investor letter, Alger Weatherbie Specialized Growth Fund highlighted stocks such as Artivion, Inc. (NYSE:AORT). Artivion, Inc. (NYSE:AORT) is a global manufacturer and distributor of medical devices and implantable human tissues. The one-month return of Artivion, Inc. (NYSE:AORT) was 6.90%, and its shares gained 69.32% of their value over the last 52 weeks. On October 28, 2025, Artivion, Inc. (NYSE:AORT) stock closed at $45.26 per share, with a market capitalization of $2.136 billion. Alger Weatherbie Specialized Growth Fund stated the following regarding Artivion, Inc. (NYSE:AORT) in its third quarter 2025 investor letter: "Artivion, Inc. (NYSE:AORT) manufactures, processes, and distributes medical devices and preserved tissues used in cardiac and vascular surgeries for patients with aortic disease. The business spans medical devices and preservation services. Shares contributed positively during the quarter after Artivion reported a strong fiscal second-quarter earnings and raised its full-year outlook. Management pointed to renewed momentum in its mechanical valves and continued uptake of a new aortic stent graft, and emphasized operating leverage as the business scales. Investor confidence was further supported by progress on the U.S. clinical pathway for an aortic arch device." Is Artivion, Inc. (AORT) Among Billionaire Joseph Edelmans Long-Term Stock Picks? Artivion, Inc. (NYSE:AORT) is not on our list of 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. According to our database, 21 hedge fund portfolios held Artivion, Inc. (NYSE:AORT) at the end of the second quarter, up from 18 in the previous quarter. Artivion, Inc. (NYSE:AORT) reported total revenues of $113 million for the second quarter of 2025, an increase of over 14% compared to Q2 of 2024. While we acknowledge the potential of Artivion, Inc. (NYSE:AORT) 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. Masterclass on Mediation of Procurement Related Disputes Join the Mandela Institute and Adv Alan Nelson SC, exploring the complexities and solutions surrounding procurement-related disputes in South Africa. Nik Storonsky, chief executive of British fintech giant Revolut, pictured with Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, has moved from the UK to the United Arab Emirates - Adrian Dennis/AFP via Getty Tech investors will flee Britain if Rachel Reeves goes ahead with a new tax raid on corporate partnerships, the Treasury has been warned. The Startup Coalition, which represents technology companies and investors, said a plan to raise taxes for limited liability partnerships (LLPs) would result in fewer UK-based venture capital (VC) funds and force investors to base themselves outside of Britain. The Chancellor is considering introducing National Insurance contributions for LLPs, which include GP practices, law firms and accountants. But the move that will also affect VCs, which are a major source of investment in UK start-ups. The shake-up could be announced at next months Budget, where Ms Reeves must find billions to fix the public finances. A tax raid like this will mean less VC partners basing themselves in the UK, less UK-based VC funds, and as a result less investment in UK startups, Dom Hallas, the groups executive director, said. In a letter to the Chancellor, he wrote: For more established funds, they would accelerate an existing trend: partners and decision-makers relocating to other jurisdictions. Fewer UK partners mean fewer meetings with British founders, fewer term sheets signed here, and less capital flowing into high-growth British companies, he wrote. Mr Hallas said that the plans combined with a move last year to charge higher tax rates on profits paid to partners, known as carried interest effectively raised taxes on VCs by 30pc. b' 2810 Chart for tech investors ' It comes after it emerged that Nik Storonsky, the chief executive of British fintech giant Revolut, had moved his residency from the UK to the United Arab Emirates, a change that could save him billions in capital gains should he sell his stake. In a submission to the Treasury ahead of next months Budget, the Startup Coalition urged the Chancellor to encourage entrepreneurship through the tax system. It suggested company founders should receive breaks on capital gains taxes if they reinvest their profits in tech funding. Many founders now feel uncertain about their role in the Governments growth agenda and we have seen a growing number question whether they should remain in the UK, the submission said. Another round of tax rises, particularly to capital gains tax, would be a further blow to UK competitiveness and send a damaging signal that Britain is closed to those building the technology companies of the future. The group pointed to figures showing venture capital funding in Britain had dropped since Ms Reeves announced higher tax rates on carried interest last year. Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino took to X to announce that his company is now the 17th-largest holder of United States debt. At this position, the issuer of the largest stablecoin, USDT, has outranked South Korea, the UAE, and Germany, and is already looking to push past Brazil. Tether Holds $135 Billion in US Treasury Tether is currently boasting of $135 billion in US debt. Tether first surpassed Germany way back in May this year. Its worth mentioning that the largest holder of the US Treasury, with way more than $1.1 trillion in assets, is Japan. This suggests that there is notable progression in Tethers growth curve momentum. The USDT companys milestone reflects that a crypto-based entity has surpassed an industrial state in government bonds. Ultimately, this milestone lends credibility to USDT as it is backed by solid, liquid, and universally recognized assets Meanwhile, the stablecoin has recorded significant growth in its ecosystem and is already looking at bagging another historic profit figure by the end of this year. Tether Celebrates Multiple Milestones During an interview at the Plan B Forum in Lugano, Switzerland, Ardoino shared that Tether expects its net profits to hit nearly $15 billion in 2025. In previous years, the company has seen such huge profits. In 2024, it posted over $13 billion in net profit, and this was more than double its $6.2 billion from 2023. Whenever it records such outstanding returns, Tethers low costs and Treasury-backed model are highlighted as key to its margins. Up to the time of this writing, USDT still maintains a dominant share of the stablecoin market. Recently, it celebrated the milestone of reaching 500 million verified users among other achievements. Beyond USDT, the Tether ecosystem is moving at a fast pace. Earlier this October, its gold-backed token, XAUt, officially surpassed $1 billion in market value. This feat was driven by gold reaching an All-time High (ATH) price at the time. Read original story Tether Flips South Korea in US Debt Holdings by Godfrey Benjamin at Coinspeaker.com The Trump administration has detained and revoked the visa of prominent British journalist and political commentator Sami Hamdi, threatening him with deportation. Hamdi, a vocal critic of Israels genocide in Gaza, was arrested on Sunday by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers at San Francisco International Airport. London-based Hamdi is managing director of global risk and intelligence company International Interest, which advises on political environments across the globe. He appears regularly as an expert Middle East analyst and commentator on British TV networks including the BBC, Sky News and Channel 4. Hamdi is a frequent guest on Al Jazeera English, a channel available in over 150 countries. As do millions internationally, Hamdi describes Israels onslaught against the Palestinians as a genocide. Sami Hamdi [Photo: Sami Hamdi/X] Samis father, Mohamed Hechmi Hamdi, was also a journalist and a political activist. Under the threat of persecution, Mohamed Hamdi, an opponent of Zine El Abidine Ben Alis dictatorial regime in Tunisia, fled to London seeking refuge, via Algeria and Sudan. Sami Hamdi graduated from SOAS University in the UK capital. Hamdi was detained as he began a speaking tour, having already made several appearances at events sponsored by the Council on AmericanIslamic Relations (CAIR), a Muslim civil rights and advocacy organisation. The day prior to his detention he spoke at the annual gala for the CAIR chapter in Sacramento. He was seized as he prepared to board a domestic flight to Florida where he was to address the gala for CAIRs chapter in Tampa the next day. Hamdi was denounced as a terrorist by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (DHS) spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin who posted on X, Under President Trump, those who support terrorism and undermine American national security will not be allowed to work or visit this country. She added, This individuals visa was revoked and he is in ICE custody pending removal. Hamdi has previously made multiple entries into the United States, holding lawful immigration status through a valid visa. The BBC noted in its report on his arrest that DHS, ICE, and the State Department did not answer the BBCs request for evidence of Hamdis alleged support of terrorism. Hamdis legal team stated on Monday that Hamdi is currently being detained at Golden State Annex in California. We know he is safe, and his legal team made up of CAIR-CA, MLFA [Muslim Legal Fund of America], and attorney Hassan Ahmad are determining next steps. CNN reported that Hamdis wife Soumaya told them he has been held for more than 24 hours without recourse to legal representation or consular assistance. Soumaya added, He is effectively being held incommunicado. In a statement issued Sunday CAIR explained that Hamdi was seized earlier that day apparently in response to his vocal criticism of the Israeli apartheid government during his ongoing speaking tour everyone should recognize that arresting a British citizen legally visiting the United States because he dared to criticize a foreign nations genocide is our governments latest blatant affront to free speech. On Tuesday CAIR-CA CEO Hussam Ayloush issued an update on Hamdis case, stating, CAIR-CAs legal team, which includes CAIR-SFBA Executive Director Zahra Billoo and CAIR-LA Immigrants Rights Senior Managing Attorney Amina Fields, was finally able to meet with Sami and spend a few hours with him at the ICE Golden State Annex detention center in Central California. CAIR noted that far-right Trump adviser Laura Loomer has since taken public credit for Hamdis detention, boasting that ICE acted on her demands after she smeared him with anti-Muslim conspiracy theories. Earlier this month, Loomer also allegedly influenced Secretary of State Marco Rubio to suspend all US visas for Palestinians from Gaza, after she posted videos attacking wounded children being flown to US hospitals for treatment and called their evacuation an Islamic invasion. Loomer later thanked Rubio, claiming she had spoken with him personally to stop the flights. Four days before his detention, Amy Mek, the founder of the Rise Align Ignite Reclaim (RAIR) Foundation, a right-wing, anti-Islamic organisation issued a fascistic rant on the X platform stating of Hamdi, Remove him. Bar re-entry as a NATIONAL SECURITY THREAT. Hamdis arrest came in the week that the Trump administration escalated ICE raids, as the immediate response to 7 million people protesting nationwide in the No Kings protests against his attacks on democratic rights and the threat of dictatorship. The WSWS noted October 22 that in the days since the mass protests ICE gestapo squads using military-style force against immigrant communities, launched new raids and major kidnapping operations in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, and in Wilder, Idaho. As of this month well over 100,000 people (119,500) had been arrested and booked into detention centres by ICE since Trumps inauguration in January. On October 8, WIRED reported that nearly 60,000 migrants were currently in detention. Central to the ICE raids is a sweeping clampdown on all opposition to the foreign policy of US imperialism, including its backing for Israels genocide and ethnic cleansing of Gaza. In March, Columbia University graduate and pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil was arrested and remains under threat of deportation in his ongoing case. In September, a Louisiana immigration judge ordered that Khalil be deported to Syria or Algeria. The same month, British-Gambian citizen Momodou Taal, a graduate student at Cornell University, was forced to leave the US to escape arrest and detention by ICE agents following his lawsuitMomodou Taal v. Donald Trumpchallenging the legality of Trumps decrees banning campus protests against the Gaza genocide. Hamdi is the latest journalist to be snatched and threatened with deportation by ICE over their pro-Palestinian views. During the first No Kings day of protest on June 14, Spanish-language independent journalist Mario Guevara was arrested in DeKalb County, Georgia, while live-streaming the peaceful demonstration to his audience. Guevara had lived in the US for over two decades and was in the process of obtaining a green card for permanent residency. On October 3, Guevara was deported to El Salvador. Hamdis seizure by ICE came just two days after the Wayne State University Law School in Detroit sponsored an October 24 meeting, on Executive Orders and Constraints on Free Speech, which dealt with the legal and political issues arising from the Trump administrations persecution of Taal. As a result of his persecution Taal was not able to appear in person and joined the meeting remotely via video. Among those on the panel were Eric Lee, one of Taals attorneys in his case. Lee explained that freedom of speech is guaranteed under the Bill of Rights not just to American citizens, but to everyone living in the United States. The word citizen does not appear in the text of the First Amendment, which refers to the rights of the people, he said. Despite reportage of Hamdis arrest by the BBC, The Guardian, Sky News and several major US media groups, including the New York Times and CNN, the British Labour governmentwhich has defended Israels genocide to the hilthas made no statement in defence of its citizen, let alone demanded his release to continue his speaking tour. CNN reported, When asked if Hamdi has had consular assistance or legal representation, a spokesperson for the UKs Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said it was in contact with the family of a British man detained in the USA and in touch with the local authorities. Alphabet, Google's parent company, is set to report third-quarter earnings on Wednesday, Oct. 29. Investors will be looking at whether the company is poised for more growth as ChatGPT continues to threaten its business model. This year, Alphabet said its heavily investing in its family of AI models, called Gemini, and additional products and services. Analysts expect the companys third-quarter results to "show faster product velocity is driving momentum in Search, Cloud and Waymo," according to CNBC. Alphabet is Waymo's parent company. Alphabets stock has risen 38% during the third-quarter, marking the companys best quarterly performance in decades, according to the outlet. In September, a judge ruled against the companys forced sale of its Chrome browser in the largest antitrust case brought in decades, causing shares to rise. However, the companys growth is slowing down, CNBC noted, and is expected to come in at 12% in 2026. As a result, investors are changing how they see the company's future. Google launches Gemini Enterprise Still, Wall Street is hopeful the company will integrate artificial intelligence and become a competitor in the space. Earlier this month, Google announced the launch of Gemini Enterprise, an advanced AI platform for businesses, in an attempt to bring more artificial intelligence to the workplace and boost corporate clientele. In September, the company announced it will be expanding Gemini to be used in Chrome to help users ask questions about webpages. The feature will be rolling out to Mac and Windows users in the U.S., the company said in a September blog post. "The browser is no longer just a window to the web; its an intelligent partner that learns and adapts to your needs," wrote Parisa Tabriz, Googles vice president and general manager of Chrome. As earnings approach, heres how you can tune in to the call. How can I tune in to the Alphabet earnings call? Alphabet will release earnings results after the market closes on Oct. 29. A conference call will take place at 5:30 p.m. ET. Investors can access both the results and conference call on the companys Investor Relations website. What are Wall Street expectations? Wall Street expects the company to report revenue growth of 13% to $99.89 billion and earnings per share of $2.26, according to CNBC. What did Alphabet say in its last earnings report? While unveiling its second-quarter results over the summer, Alphabet beat Wall Street estimates on revenue and earnings. Yet, the company announced capital investments would increase by $10 billion this year, a common theme as tech companies race to scale AI infrastructure. Funeral for one of the migrant workers from Assam killed in the September 30 power-plant construction site accident in Minjur, Tamil Nadu. Nine migrant workers from the northeastern Indian state of Assam were killed and one worker injured September 30, when an arch structure collapsed at the construction site of a thermal power plant inside the Ennore Special Economic Zone (SEZ) at Minjur, in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. The victims fell along with a large steel framework that crashed down upon them from a height of nearly 45 metres. Most were crushed to death instantly. The only surviving worker had managed to clutch on to a steel structure. The deceased workers were Munna Khemprai, Sorbojit Thausen, Phaibit Fanglu, Bidayum Porbosa, Paban Sorong, Prayanto Sorong, Suman Kharikap, Dipak Raijung, and Dimaraj Thausen. None of the workers killed in the accident were permanent employees. They were hired on piece-rate contracts, denied provident fund and insurance coverage, and lived in overcrowded dormitories near the site. These migrant workers, who were subjected to slave-labor exploitation and deprived of even minimum rights, have been sacrificed on the altar of corporate profits, as is the case of thousands of such workers annually in India, South Asia and globally. On October 14, a fire at the Anwar Fashion garment factory in Dhaka, Bangladesh, killed at least 16 workers, mostly teenagers. On October 10, a massive explosion at the Accurate Energetic Systems (AES) munitions factory in Tennessee in the US, also killed 16 workers. Those are just two recent examples of how human lives are destroyed in the drive for corporate profit. The Minjur thermal power plant is a project of the Tamil Nadu state government-owned Tamil Nadu Power Generation Corporation Limited (TANGEDCO). Its construction was contracted to Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), Indias state-owned power plant manufacturer. BHEL in turn subcontracted the construction to the Bangalore-based firm Metal Karma which employed about 40 workers, most of them from Assam. In her First Information Report (FIR) to the Tamil Nadu Police, TANGEDCOs superintending engineer at the Minjur site accused Metal Karma of not following proper safety procedures. This is more than likely true. But as it was TANGEDCO and BHEL that were ultimately responsible for the project, it was clearly their responsibility to ensure those working on it were working in a safe environment. Both TANGEDCO and BHEL are, it need be added, publicly owned companies with vast resources. Efforts are clearly underway to scapegoat the lowest-level subcontractor in the contracting chain so as to let the responsible corporate and government officials off the hook. This is aimed not just at avoiding legal responsibility and the potential financial and other costs associated with it. It serves to protect the entire subcontracting/privatization framework through which both public and private companies reduce costs and swell profits by resorting to subcontractors and poorly trained, low-paid contract workers. Family members receive the body of one of the migrant workers killed in the industrial accident at Minjur Due to popular outrage over the industrial slaughter at Minjur, the authorities have been compelled to take some limited face-saving measures. In addition to arresting three contractors, the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI), has, according to an October 13 Times of India report, pressed for the resignation of several director-level officers at BHEL, with further disciplinary action, including suspensions, likely. TANGEDCO has been plagued by a rising number of industrial accidents, caused by the increasing pace of work, the poor training of personnel, and staff vacancies and shortages. Whether TANGEDCO officials willfully ignored the unsafe practices of the subcontractor ultimately tasked with building the power plant or were simply ignorant, they and their political masters bear ultimate responsibility for the workers deaths, as it is they who have been spearheading the drive to maximize profits through cost-cutting. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has cynically announced a token compensation of 200,000 Indian rupees ($US2,400) for the family of each of the deceased workers and 50,000 rupees for the lone survivor. Not to be outdone, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin offered 1 million rupees ($12,000) to each of the dead workers families. These gestures, repeated after every such preventable disaster, are a cruel substitute for genuine safety measures, which are seen as an obstacle to attracting investors because they will add additional costs thereby reducing profits. The introduction of the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code (OSHWC) in 2020 gutted older labour protections by allowing enterprises to self-certify safety compliance in lieu of inspections by independent state authorities. The Tamil Nadu government has aggressively implemented these ease of doing business measures to attract investors even as fatal accidents multiply across construction sites, factories, and power projects. The state government, like its counterparts across India and the central government led by Modis Hindu supremacist Bharatiya Janatha Party (BJP), place the profit interests of local and foreign investors before human lives. The accident is a direct product of decades of deregulation, privatisation and cost-cutting pursued by successive central and state governments, whether led by the BJP, the Congress Party, or in Tamil Nadu the Dravida Munnethra Kazhagam (DMK) and All India Anna Dravida Munnethra Kazhagam (AIADMK). The Stalinist parties, the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPM, are close allies of the DMK, a big business Tamil ethno-nationalist party, and routinely tout its claims to be a promoter of social justice. The CPM and CPI and their trade union frontsrespectively, the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) and the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) have issued perfunctory social media statements on the Minjur accident that reek of hypocrisy, given that the Stalinists have supported successive governments at both central and state levels that have maintained such deadly unsafe working conditions. An October 1, a CPI social media post called the tragedy a reminder that the lives and safety of workers must be treated with utmost priority, and pledged vaguely to take steps to ensure accountability. The CPM Tamil Nadu secretary, P. Shanmugam, in a similarly hollow statement, blamed TANGEDCO and contractor BHEL for negligence while urging the state to end the use of low-paid guest workers. He appealed for 2.5 million rupees in compensation from BHEL, beyond the paltry 1 million rupees and 200,000 rupees offered by the state and central governments respectively. These parties and their unions, which have for decades collaborated in implementing pro-investor policies and suppressing worker struggles, shed crocodile tears while shielding the capitalist system responsible for the deaths of the Ennore workers. The Stalinist trade unions function as shock absorbers for the Indian ruling class, diverting, suppressing and fragmenting the social might of the working class. They have systematically blocked the development of an independent working class counteroffensive, while maintaining their positions on labour-management committees and collective bargaining councils that rubber stamp layoffs and the spread of contract labour. They have proclaimed their willingness to maintain industrial peace in the states where they have formed the government, and currently in Tamil Nadu provide progressive cover to the anti-worker DMK government. Adding to this reactionary environment, Tamil nationalist formations such as the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK, We Tamils Party) cynically exploit widespread unemployment to promote vicious anti-migrant chauvinism to pit workers in Tamil Nadu against migrant workers from elsewhere in India. NTK leader Seeman has repeatedly demanded permits for North Indian workers in Tamil Nadu, alleging they are responsible for crime and the loss of job opportunities. Such poisonous rhetoric divides the working class along ethnic lines and diverts social anger away from the corporate and state elites responsible for the miserable conditions confronting all workers. In reality, the influx of migrant workers is not the cause but the consequence of capitalist exploitation and uneven regional developmentconditions sustained by the very same pro-investor governments that these parties all support. Tens of thousands of young men and women from Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh are drawn to Chennai, Tamil Nadus capital, and other industrial zones in southern India each year. They flee agrarian distress, crushing debt and the collapse of small-scale farming in their home statesdirect consequences of decades of pro-market policies implemented by successive central and state governments. Increasingly, workers from Assam have joined this internal migration stream, driven by the same miserable conditions created by the ruling class. The tea plantation economy that once absorbed much of Assams rural labour has been gutted by privatization, stagnant wages, and chronic neglect, forcing the workers to leave for precarious construction and factory jobs in southern India and other industrially developed areas. There they face linguistic isolation, discrimination, and the absence of any social protection. Their migration is not voluntary in any meaningful sense; it is a desperate search for survival in a system that offers them no alternative. The Ennore deaths are not an isolated tragedy but part of a global pattern of industrial homicide driven by the subordination of human life to corporate profit. No confidence can be placed in the capitalist parties, the state apparatus, or the Stalinist trade unions to end these types of industrial deaths. The defence of the lives, jobs and working and living conditions of workersmigrant and local alikerequires the building of independent rank-and-file committees at every workplace, democratically controlled by workers themselves. The corporate media pays attention on occasion to one or another industrial accident due to the sheer number of worker fatalities, the prominence of the accident site, or its association with a major fire or explosion. But factories, construction sites, mines, and special economic zones are plagued on a daily basis with fatal and life-changing accidents in Tamil Nadu and across India. Most of the time this news is suppressed at the level of the workplace, with management and government officials placing the blame on workers themselves for supposed carelessness and the disregard of safety measuresno matter that in pursuit of profit employers fail to provide proper training and safety equipment and constantly press workers to cut corners to increase output. The WSWS and the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) urge workers to provide us with reports of all such accidents and the unsafe working conditions that lead to them. Such exposures are critical to the fight for safe working conditions and for developing an independent industrial and political movement of the working class to establish workers control over production and the workplace. Such a movement must be developed as an integral part of the fight for workers political power and the socialist reorganization of socioeconomic life so as to ensure workers lives and livelihoods are no longer at the mercy of corporate profit. The United States is living through a crisis in longevity that can no longer hide behind statistical averages. After more than a century of steady progress, life expectancy has stagnated since 2010, with mortality now rising among the working class, while the most affluent enjoy the continued increases progress offers. Nowhere is this reversal more visible or damning than among the poor retired elderly. A recent 2025 analysis by the National Council on Aging and the LeadingAge LTSS Center has provided the most precise measure yet of this divide between the rich and poor. Older adults in the lowest wealth decile (the poorest 10 percent) die, on average, nine years earlier than those at the top. Drawing on Health and Retirement Study data from 2018 to 2022, the researchers found mortality rates of 17 to 21 percent among households who earned below $60,000, nearly twice those of the wealthiest quintile. Behind these numbers lies a simple truththat poverty in old age maims and kills and at a much younger age. The studys authors, including Dr. Marc A. Cohen of the University of Massachusetts Boston, describe a society where wealth has become a more powerful predictor of survival than genetics, geography or medical innovation. Among the roughly 34 million older-adult households the team analyzed, four in five live with little or no financial cushion. They are one illness, one spouses death or one rent increase away from catastrophe. COVID-19 made that fragility unmistakable. As asset values soared for the top 20 percent, deaths mounted among older people of modest means, many confined to understaffed nursing homes or forced to delay medical care they could not afford. The implications reach far beyond personal hardship. The United States spends nearly $4.9 trillion a year on healthcare (more than $14,000 per person) yet achieves the shortest lives and highest inequality among its peers. A quarter of that spending is lost to administrative waste and market complexity, while less than 3 percent goes to prevention or public health infrastructure. The result is a system optimized not for health but for the extraction of profits. Public health, once conceived as a collective good, has become the poor relation of medicine, funded only when a crisis makes neglect impossible to ignore. Dr. Cohens research gives empirical weight to this structural indictment. A longtime analyst of long-term care financing and co-founder of the risk management firm LifePlans, he has spent decades studying how aging, health and economics interact. As co-director of the LeadingAge LTSS Center at UMass Boston, his work bridges academia and policy, quantifying what ideology obscures: that the premature deaths of millions of older Americans are not accidents of lifestyle but outcomes of design. His findings expose the moral arithmetic of a system in which physical survival itself is stratified by wealth. In the following interview, Dr. Cohen reflected on what these data reveal about the nations priorities, the consequences of decades of privatization and what must change if longevity is to be treated as a social right rather than a financial privilege. Benjamin Mateus (BM): Dr. Cohen, your work has long examined how economic resources shape the experience of aging. To begin, could you introduce yourself and explain what motivated this latest study? What does it reveal about the relationship between wealth, longevity and the conditions of retirement in America? And, perhaps as part of that, could you describe what measures of wealth you relied on and what those variables tell us about material securitynot just income but the ability to weather crises or afford care? Marc Cohen (MC): My background is in economics, finance and public policy, and Ive devoted my career to studying issues related to long-term careboth financing and service delivery. About eight years ago, I was invited to join the University of Massachusetts Bostons Department of Gerontology to start a research center focused on aging: health, nursing homes, workforce, financing and consumer engagement. Together with my colleague Dr. Jane Tavares, we began working with the National Council on Aging (NCOA) on a series of studies they were interested in. One of NCOAs core programs is the Benefits CheckUp, which helps older adults determine whether they qualify for public programs or benefits they arent yet using. As part of that effort, they asked us to conduct broader research on what aging in America looks like. About six years ago, we decided to look at the data differently. The problem with averages is that they hide enormous variability. Averages can make inequality invisible. Dr. Marc Cohen [Photo by Dr. Marc Cohen] So, we divided the population into wealth quintiles to understand how outcomes differ across the distribution. When I say wealth, we looked not only at income but also at assetsfinancial holdings and housing equity, meaning the value of a home minus any debt or mortgage. We divided the population into five wealth groups and asked some basic questions: Who are these people? What do they look like economically? How do they live as they age? This most recent report is the fourth in a series weve produced for NCOA, and what becomes increasingly clear is that wealth stands in for a whole range of life-course conditions, not just income in later years. Mortality rates were dramatically higher among those in the lower quintiles than among those at the top In this latest study, we asked two straightforward questions. First, is there a difference in mortality across these wealth quintiles and, relatedly, what does that say about morbidity and overall well-being? Second, do people in different wealth brackets have the resources to live independently in their communities and meet basic needs? We already knew from prior research that wealth and mortality are related. But what surprised us was how large that gap has become. Mortality rates were dramatically higher among those in the lower quintiles than among those at the top. Whats striking is that people in the lower wealth groups were, on average, younger, so you would expect their mortality to be lowernot higherover a four-year period. You also would think they would be healthier. Yet we found the opposite. Looking specifically at the bottom 20 percent versus the top 10 percent, we found about a nine-year difference in lifespan. Thats staggering. It tells us that many of the so-called social determinants of health are at play here, not just access to healthcare or insurance, though those matter, but also health behaviors, nutrition, housing, transportation and whether people live in communities with enough services. The second part of our analysis looked at peoples ability to age in place, meaning to remain independent and connected to their communities. My colleagues at UMass Boston developed a tool called the Elder Index, which is a much more accurate measure of what it costs to live independently. It accounts for geography, housing status and health, calculating local costs for food, transportation, healthcare and housing. When you compare those real costs with peoples incomes, the picture is grim. Our report shows that more than half of older households in the lower 60 percent of the wealth distribution are below the Elder Index. This means they must cut back on basic necessities just to remain in their communities. Among those in the bottom 20 percent, roughly 90 percent fall below the Elder Index. Many rely on programs like Medicaid or SNAP for nutrition assistance, but those safety nets are under threat. Current legislative proposals, such as elements of the House Resolution 1 (HR 1) and the so-called OBBBA budget measuresthe letters dont deserve to be spelt outwill make matters worse. These policies raise out-of-pocket costs for healthcare and food while imposing work requirement rules that push vulnerable people off programs they depend on. The idea that these are able-bodied individuals is simply false. Many are older adults with chronic conditions or disabilities. [Note from Dr CohenThe demographics of these people are as follows: four in five are women, one in four are 50 or older, their average household size if 4.4 with no child dependents, 70 percent have a high school diploma or less, one in four live in rural areas, 79 percent have worked within the past five years and 30 percent are looking for work.] Also, weve studied the administrative burdens placed on recipients across states. What we found is when you make people constantly re-verify eligibility or provide extensive documentation, participation dramatically declines. People drop out not because they no longer qualify, but because they cant keep up with the paperwork. The result is that inequalities we already see, in both mortality and basic living standards, will only deepen. The burden of these policy choices falls most heavily on those least able to bear it. BM: First, I think its important to clarify that the Elder Index isnt the same as the poverty index. A person can be above the federal poverty line but still fall below the Elder Index. MC: Thats right. The whole reason weve moved away from using the federal poverty level is that its based on a very narrow calculationoriginally tied to the cost of a basic food basket. Although there have been some updates over time, it still doesnt account for the broader range of necessities older adults face today. Nursing home residents wait in line to receive a COVID-19 vaccine at Harlem Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, a nursing home facility, on Friday, Jan. 15, 2021 in Harlem neighborhood of New York. [AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura] The Congressional Budget Office and others have recognized that the Elder Index provides a much more accurate picture of what it costs for an older person to live independently in their community. What you just describedpeople who are above the federal poverty level but below the Elder Indexwe refer to as living in the gap. Eligibility for most federal programs is based on the poverty line, so if youre in the gap, youre technically not poor enough to qualify for assistance, yet you cant afford basic needs. Youre living on the edgeone crisis away from falling into poverty. A serious illness, long-term care expense, job loss or even the death of a spouse can easily push you from that gap into true poverty. BM: Let me move on to my next question, because it follows naturally from what you just said. Is this wealth-mortality gap mainly about access to care? You mentioned earlier that its not. I would argue that a health system operating under the current socio-economic structure of society seems to encourage shorter lives among the poor because theyre economically inconvenient to keep alive. From your perspective, what does this longevity gap reveal about the structure of American society beyond individual behavior or lifestyle factors? And could you describe the people who make up that lower 60 percent you mentioned? What does their day-to-day reality look like? Youve noted that many struggle with basic administrative demands, that theyre often in poor health. In my experience many are wheelchair-bound or dependent on walkers, and they face enormous barriers just managing ordinary life with very little by way of basic support. MC: What does it say about American society? I think it shows that, as a nation, weve come to accept an extraordinary level of income and resource inequality. Historically, weve tried to blunt its impact through the social safety net, but at some point we must ask, When do we decide to close these gaps rather than just soften their consequences? When you know that your fellow citizens, people who have worked their entire lives, are likely to live almost a decade less simply because of their economic position, that should trouble all of us. And this isnt about people refusing to work. Many of those in the lower wealth brackets are working class Americans doing essential jobs: the person pumping gas, the grocery clerk, the home care aide. They keep society running, but their work doesnt produce the kind of wealth that insulates against hardship. In a society like ours, where value is measured in capital accumulation, that kind of labor is invisible, even though its indispensable. And it is worth mentioning, that many of these jobs were deemed to be essential and these workers considered to be essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Do we want people whom we deem as essential to have to give up on so many years of life? What we wanted to do with this research was call attention to that contradiction. We talk about how much we value older Americans, how they built the country, yet we allow conditions that strip nearly 10 years from the lives of those without wealth. Regardless of political perspective, its hard to argue that such an outcome is acceptable. To be honest, when we began this study, we expected to find a two- or three-year difference in life expectancy between the highest and lowest groups. The nine-year gap was shocking. And if the current policy changes go throughreducing benefits and increasing out-of-pocket costswell likely see that gap widening even further in our next analysis. You also asked about whether this is mainly about access to healthcare. Its partly that, but its also about lifelong environments and habits that are shaped by economic insecurity. As a physician, you understand how vital good nutrition, stable housing and primary care are to maintain health. Among vulnerable populations, we find that when people do engage with the healthcare system, their preferences and needs are often dismissed. Weve done studies showing that when patients feel unheard or disrespected, they disengage. Theyre less likely to seek preventive care, fill prescriptions or manage chronic conditions like diabetes. Over time, that leads to worse health and higher costs for the system as a whole. And then theres geography. Many lower income older adults live in what we call service deserts, areas with limited public transportation, little community supports and unaffordable housing. Housing itself is one of the most powerful social determinants of health. Simply put, if someone must choose between paying for heat or medication, their health will suffer. The social determinants of health So, access to care matters, but its only one piece of a much larger puzzle. The social determinants of healthnutrition, housing, environment and the dignity with which people are treatedare all part of the same story. Together they reveal the real meaning of inequality; not just fewer years of life, but lives lived with far fewer options often accompanied by feelings of disrespect. BM: Your dataset spans 2018 to 2022, which includes the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic. How did that crisis affector perhaps amplifythe wealth-mortality relationship you were studying? Did you observe any differences between the 2018-2019 period and the 2020-2022 group? MC: With this particular dataset, we focused on the 2018 to 2022 period, but we have longitudinal data that goes back to 1998. That allows us to track changes in older adults circumstances over time. For this study, our task was to analyze that specific window, but COVID-19 made the data incredibly complex. The pandemic disproportionately affected older adults, especially those in institutional settings like nursing homes. At the same time, it hit the workforce that provides care for those elderly people, which further destabilized the system. So COVID introduced a whole layer of distortion and vulnerability thats hard to untangle. We didnt separate the pre- and post-pandemic cohorts for this particular report, largely because of sample-size variation during that period, but we plan to in the next round of analysis as the dataset expands. Based on what we already know, though, the wealth-mortality gap has been growing over time. COVID certainly contributed to that widening, and [so will] the upcoming policy changes like those proposed by the recent bill passed by Trump. BM: Given your extensive research on long-term care policy and facilities, what did the COVID-19 pandemic reveal about the state of long-term care in the United States and about how we care for older adults more broadly? MC: I have a very clear answer to that. What we saw during the pandemic was the entirely predictable result of a chronically underfunded system. Its that simple. There just arent enough resources going into long-term care, and what exists is organized in a deeply uneven way. Medicaid is the primary public payer for long-term services and supportsnursing homes, home care, community-based carebut its a means-tested program funded through general tax revenues and subject to the ups and downs of the budget process. If youre poor, Medicaid will often guarantee you institutional care, and while 47 states and the District of Columbia have programs that cover home- and community-based services, these programs are optional and are often underfunded, which results in long waiting lists for services. If youre wealthy, you can afford private insurance or pay directly. But if youre part of the broad, overlooked middle class, youre out of luck. Ive argued for years that we need a true social-insurance model for long-term services and supports, where everyone pays in and receives a basic level of coverage when care is needed. What we have now barely qualifies as a system. In fact, Ive been told that even calling it a system gives it too much credit. During the pandemic, the cracks were impossible to ignore. We didnt have enough resources to attract and retain a stable workforce. We couldnt pay caregivers a living wage. States tried to patch the problem by passing emergency legislation to temporarily raise wages, and that helped for a time. But you also had a situation where labor-market competition for employees in nursing homes came from places like McDonalds or Burger King that sometimes paid more for work that was clearly less challenging. Another issue on this topic frequently overlooked is immigration. Roughly one-third of the long-term care workforce in the United States is made up of immigrants. When immigration is restricted, it directly worsens the shortage of caregivers. Thats an unintended consequence few policymakers consider. So, we say we value our elders, the people who built this country, but we entrust their care to a workforce thats largely underpaid, undervalued and increasingly unstable. The people providing that care, many of them immigrants and women of color, are essential workers doing some of the hardest labor imaginable. Theyre the backbone of the system, and yet the system doesnt work for them either. Thats what the pandemic revealed most clearly: a structure that depends on underpaid workers to care for our most vulnerable and purportedly valued citizens. Something is wrong with this picture. BM: The way you describe the system and the workers who hold it together is very vivid, and I think the points youre making are critical. As a follow-up, in your experience working with policymakers, does this moral dimension resonate? I mean the recognition that health inequality, especially among the elderly, undermines democracy itself, do you find that awareness present in policy discussions, or is it largely absent? MC: Thats a great question. My sense is that policy change rarely happens unless theres local, constituent demand for itfrom the bottom up. Its very unusual for a purely moral argument, on its own, to move policy across the finish line. The moral case is essential, but its often not sufficient. What makes it powerful is when its paired with the voices of people who have lived these experiences. Their stories give life to the data. The kind of empirical work I dostatistics, mortality rates, percentagescan only go so far. Without the human dimension, its too easy to forget that were talking about real people, not just numbers. In my experience, you also need an economic argument alongside the moral one. Policymakers need to see that inequality and underinvestment harm the economy. When workers must reduce their hours, turn down promotions, or leave the labor force to care for aging relatives, that affects employers, productivity and state revenues. Theres a direct cost to doing nothing. That said, I remain somewhat optimistic about long-term care because its not strictly a partisan issue. Everyone has an elder in their life, parents, grandparents, someone they love. That personal connection can bridge divides and bring people together in ways that other issues cant. Still, if you rely solely on the moral argument, it wont be enough. We have 200 years of social policy history showing that change only occurs when moral conviction combines with economic pressure and grassroots demand. The real obstacle isnt one ideology versus another but inertia. Doing nothing is the default. A good example is Washington state, which created its own social-insurance program for long-term services and support. They start paying out benefits next year. That happened because policymakers there recognized that the cost of doing nothing was finally greater than the cost of acting. BM: As our time is nearing an end, Id like to ask one more follow-up question. You mentioned feeling somewhat optimistic, but given the nature of a capitalist healthcare system, I wonder how far that optimism can really go. The Lancet and STAT News have both recently written about the financialization of medicine or how profit has become the organizing principle of care. We now spend trillions of dollars treating disease but comparatively nothing on prevention, and we see the results in fraud, waste and the privatization of programs like Medicare. This is but one facet of the broader picture. Access to specialized care can take weeks. Meaning, someone can access orthopedic care in 12 days but must wait more than six to eight weeks to see primary care. These delays fall hardest on working people and the working class elderly who have the highest medical demands, as your studies have indicated. So, given this level of corporate control and market distortion, how optimistic are you that policymakers will listen to such voices and empirical data instead of the corporate interests that profit from keeping the system just as it is? MC: I can answer that question without necessarily accepting all the premises behind it. But I will say this. Theres a line that gets attributed to Winston Churchill, that Americans will exhaust every other alternative before finally doing the right thing. That feels about right when it comes to healthcare. What concerns me most right now are the ongoing attacks on the social safety net. Thats what really keeps me up at night. These cuts target people who dont have access to private alternativesthe ones who cant simply buy long-term care insurance or pay out of pocket. For them, programs like Medicaid or Medicare arent luxuries; they are their lifelines. Still, the reason I remain somewhat optimistic is because this issue truly cuts across party lines. Im a baby boomerpart of that snake that swallowed the cow coming through the demographic curve. My generation is very large and, frankly, very demanding. As more of us age and the need for care grows, the political pressure to act will only intensify. In my experience, policymakers often need proof points, examples that show reform can work. Take Massachusetts, where I live. What became known as Romney Care was our states attempt to provide near-universal coverage. It wasnt perfect, but it demonstrated that you could insure everyone without bankrupting the system. The Affordable Care Act was modeled on that experiment. So yes, I share many of your concerns about financialization and inequality, but I still believe progress happens when we can point to tangible successes. Thats what brings skeptics along. BM: Thank you so much for your time, Dr. Cohen. I enjoyed our conversation, and I hope well have the chance to talk again soon. Zahran Mamdani rally on Sunday, October 26, 2025, in Queens, New York City. New York Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), held a campaign rally on Sunday that underscored his unity with the right-wing party establishment. During the event, the top three state party officials, including pro-business Governor Kathy Hochul, promoted Mamdani and received his support. Mamdani demonstratively raised Hochuls hand in the midst of hostile heckling of her from the audience. In boosting Mamdani, these Democrats made common cause with supposed progressives Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who joined Mamdani at the rally. This collaboration belied any leftist rhetoric coming from the stage. With early voting already underway, and election day, November 4, a week away, polls show Mamdani with a double-digit lead over former governor Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an independent, and Curtis Sliwa, the Republican candidate. The rally was held at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens, which has a capacity of 13,000. The large attendance at the rally, like Mamdanis victory in the Democratic primary, reflected New Yorkers anger over the cost-of-living crisis, attacks on immigrants and President Trumps moves toward dictatorship. Mamdanis primary victory was a rejection of the party establishment, which is increasingly seen as a tool of the financial elite and despised for its refusal to defend democratic rights. But it is precisely this party Mamdani and the DSA seek to bolster by posing as its left-wing face. Mamdanis supporters who are looking for a way to fight must be warned that the candidate is laying a political trap. Hochul, who appeared on stage only briefly, embodies the Democrats increasingly right-wing orientation. In 2021 she endorsed the now thoroughly discredited Eric Adams for New York City mayor. As governor, Hochul has defended corporate interests, ended an eviction moratorium and collaborated with Adams to deploy the National Guard to conduct random bag checks in New York City subways. After Trumps election, Hochul demonstratively called up the aspiring dictator to congratulate him. Hochul has promised to reject any proposal to fund universal childcare (which is one of Mamdanis main campaign promises) by raising taxes on corporations and the wealthy. Her recent endorsement of Mamdani is based on his reassurances that he will not seriously challenge big business. Seeking to strike a militant tone, Hochul said Trump and the Republicans were attacking food assistance, healthcare and infrastructure projects, which she falsely called Democratic priorities. But the governor was quickly and repeatedly disrupted by loud chants of Tax the rich! Hochul struggled to finish her speech in the face of this defiant heckling. Coming to her rescue, Mamdani walked onstage, took Hochuls hand and raised it in the air, demonstrating his support for the right-wing governor and appealing to his followers to support her as well. More than any words he later uttered, this gesture exposed the fraudulence of Mamdanis professed socialism. After Hochul left the stage, State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie spoke briefly, trying mainly to avoid being heckled. State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins attempted to appeal to the crowd by recalling that she had protested for childcare as a young mother decades ago. She acknowledged that childcare is still not accessible, but failed to explain her own role as a state senator in this situation. Representative Ocasio-Cortez, the most prominent DSA member in Congress, gave a demagogic speech that omitted essential details. She blasted former governor Cuomo as a representative of the political establishment and the billionaires who fund him. This is correct, but she failed to mention that Hochul faithfully served as Cuomos lieutenant governor and that Heastie and Stewart-Cousins collaborated with Cuomo in the state legislature. Similarly, Ocasio-Cortez declared that a vote for Mamdani would send the message that Trumps authoritarianism is no good here. But she failed to explain how Mamdani would resist itor how she herself was resisting it. While campaigning for Mamdani, Ocasio-Cortez is also raising funds for Abigail Spanberger, a Democrat and former Central Intelligence Agency officer who is running for governor of Virginia. As a congresswoman from Virginia, Spanberger supported Israels genocide of the Palestinians, called for more immigration agents to be deployed to the southern border and attacked protesters against police brutality. During her speech, Ocasio-Cortez shouted about the defense of workers and immigrants, but her fundraising for Spanberger exposes her role as a supporter and accomplice of US imperialism. Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders gave his usual stump speech, decrying the oligarchs and the crises of poverty and homelessness that afflict not only New York, but the entire country. He endorsed Mamdanis calls for universal childcare, a rent freeze and free buses, but did not say how these modest measures would be funded in a city that is subordinated to the interests of Wall Street. As always, Sanders did not mention capitalism, which is the cause of the affordability crisis and the staggering levels of inequality that he denounced. The most significant part of Sanders speech began when the former mayor of Burlington, Vermont said that being mayor is not an easy job. Mamdani will not have all the answers, Sanders admonished, adding, Zohran is going to need your help every single day. He urged the crowd to do everything you can to work with Zohran. With these statements, Sanders effectively acknowledged that the candidate inevitably would betray his supporters, and urged them to support him anyway. Sanders himself has a history of betrayals. Most recently, he told right-wing podcaster and Trump supporter Tim Dillon that Trump did a better job than President Biden in securing the southern border. Sanders is calling on Trump and his fascist Republican colleagues to negotiate so that the federal shutdown can be ended and the government can be reopened. Such negotiations will only mean further concessions by the Democrats and a further rightward shift in official politics. In his speech, Mamdani repeated his campaign promises of a rent freeze, universal childcare and free buses. He spoke vaguely about hiring more teachers and improving infrastructure. But he said nothing about how he would fund any of these initiatives in the face of political opposition, including from Hochul and the Democratic Party leadership. Despite this opposition, Mamdani declared himself the nominee of a reinvigorated Democratic Party. He invoked President Franklin D. Roosevelt and promised that the Democrats would again offer big ideas. These remarks follow from Mamdanis political mission, which is to sow illusions that this party of finance capital, the military and the intelligence agencies can be pressured into enacting major social reforms. Mamdani is striving to prevent left-moving workers and young people from breaking with this capitalist party and challenging the entire political and economic system. His endorsement by Hochul and other right-wing Democrats reflects their belief that he can be useful in this regard. But Mamdanis speech was just as revealing for what he didnt say. He said nothing about the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids that have been intensifying across the country, including in New York. He made no mention of the possibility that Trump will deploy the National Guard to the city. Nor did he note that Trump has threatened to withhold federal funding from New York if Mamdani becomes mayor. The candidate said nothing about these threats or how he would respond to them. He did not address Trumps far advanced efforts to establish a dictatorship. These omissions are a deliberate effort to politically disarm workers and young people who are being radicalized by the intensifying crisis. At the rally, supporters of the World Socialist Web Site distributed nearly 1,000 copies of a statement titled, The fight against dictatorship cannot be waged through the Democratic Party. Attendees had contradictory opinions. Many supported Mamdani but expressed hostility to the Democratic Party, which is coalescing around his candidacy. None of the urgent economic and political issues facing New York City, or the country as a whole, can be addressed by supporting Mamdani and the Democrats. These issues arise from the deep crisis of capitalism and require workers and young people to break from the Democrats and their pseudo-left satellites such as the DSA. The fight against inequality and fascism requires the independent mobilization of the working class in a conscious struggle for socialism. The Voice of Hind Rajab, a docudrama written and directed by Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania, has finally obtained a distributor in the US. The film focuses on the Palestinian Red Crescent response to the desperate cellphone calls of Hind, a 6-year-old Palestinian girl, trapped by Israeli fire in Gaza in January 2024. The girl, along with six members of her family and two Red Crescent paramedics, eventually died in a hail of lethal IDF fire. The Voice of Hind Rajab Ben Hanias film will open in December at New Yorks Film Forum and the Laemmle Theatres in Los Angeles before expanding nationwide. Why is this significant? Like No Other Landthe documentary about violent oppression of the Palestinians on the West Bankbefore it, The Voice of Hind Rajab had until recently been the target of pro-Zionist political censorship in the US and in Hollywoods upper echelons in particular. This is the only explanation for the fact that no distributor had come forward until this week. The film has been screened at dozens of film festivals and other events worldwide and has been greeted with widespread acclaim. According to Deadline, at the Venice Film Festival in September, Ben Hanias drama received what might be a film festival record 23-minute and 50-second ovation after its world premiere. Variety noted Tuesday Winner of the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival The Voice of Hind Rajab has been hailed as one of 2025s most powerful and timely works. It also won the Audience Award at the San Sebastian Film Festival, setting a new record for the festivals highest score, in addition to honors at the Middleburg Film Festival and the Chicago International Film Festival. The film has screened at the Toronto International Film Festival, BFI London and AFI Fest. The previous failure of the film to gain a distributor had prompted Deadline to post an article October 10, Acclaimed Gaza Drama The Voice Of Hind Rajab Remains Without A U.S. Distributor: Why? It commented: International buyers have flocked to it [The Voice of Hind Rajab]. Italian distributor I Wonder Pictures launched the film locally two weeks ago to a fourth-place opening and $500,000 from 400 screens, a strong debut for a foreign-language film. It has now crossed $1M ... We spoke to a dozen U.S. and international distributors, financiers and producers to get their take. None wanted to speak on the record. One leading U.S. buyer, who expressed strong interest in the film, claimed: Buyers are passing out of fear and/or they disagree with the films politics. The October 10 piece also asserted that Americain reality, its film and political worldhad shifted to the right: Former Lionsgate film chief Patrick Wachsberger, speaking on a recent Deadline-moderated film distribution panel at the Zurich Summit, told the audience that he doubted whether in this political climate even a movie such as [Michael Moores] Bowling For Columbine could get a theatrical release. One studio boss we spoke with privately in recent weeks admitted to being terrified to do or say anything that might incur Trumps wrath. Doing side deals with the President is now seen as a necessary evil in order to focus on the things that matter. These seemingly include greasing the wheels for other deals with his administration and installing executives favorable to the President and his culture wars agenda. Hind Rajab The subject matter of The Voice of Hind Rajab is a horrifying episode in Israels genocidal attack on Gaza. The young girl was trapped in a car after Israel tank fire killed her relatives. She was apparently the last person left alive in the vehicle. As the Hollywood Reporter describes it: The Palestine Red Crescent Society stayed on the line with the child for more than an hour as she pleaded for rescue. An ambulance sent to reach her was itself destroyed, killing the two medics on board. Hinds voice fragments of which spread online and were later verified and analyzed by outlets including The Washington Post, Sky News and Forensic Architecture became one of the most haunting and emblematic testaments of the war in Gaza. The actual heart-wrenching phone call figures prominently in the film. The IDF pumped 335 bullets into the car in which Hind and others were sitting. In its investigation, London-based Forensic Architecture explained that the weapon used for the attack was firing at a range of 750900 rounds per minute, and that this range exceeded that of the AK-type assault rifle commonly used by Palestinian fighters operating in Gaza. This range of rounds per minute is consistent with Israeli army-issued weaponry such as the M4 assault rifle or the FN MAG machine gun on a Merkava tank, the investigation determined. The Voice of Hind Rajab The Forensic Architecture probe, as reported by Middle East Eye, used a mix of kinetic analysis, satellite imagery and footage sourced from the site of the incident and also found that the Israeli tank that fired upon the vehicle Rajab was sitting inside must have been positioned within 13 to 23 metres when it killed Layan, Rajabs 15-year-old cousin. FA concluded: Its not plausible that the shooter could not have seen that the car was occupied by civilians, including children. The bodies of the 6-year-old and the two paramedics were not discovered for 12 days. An Al Jazeera documentary aired October 20, Tip of the Iceberg, revealed the unit allegedly responsible for the massacre as well as the names of the IDF personnel involved. The same day, the Hind Rajab Foundation filed a 120-page document at the International Criminal Court in The Hague. The new filing, according to the Foundation, names 24 Israeli soldiers and commanders responsible for the killing of Hind Rajab, six members of her family, and two Palestinian Red Crescent paramedics, Yusuf al-Zeino and Ahmed al-Madhoun, who were deliberately targeted while attempting to rescue her on 29 January 2024 in Gaza City. The submission provides detailed evidence identifying the Vampire Empire Company of the 52nd Armoured Battalion (Ha-Bokim / The Breachers), operating under Israels 401st Armoured Brigade. The complaint names: Colonel Beni Aharon, Commander of the 401st Armoured Brigade Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Ella, Commander of the 52nd Armoured Battalion Major Sean Glass [allegedly a former US Navy Seal], Commander of the Vampire Empire Company along with 22 identified tank crew members of the same company who directly participated in or facilitated the attack. Furthermore, the Foundation document includes comprehensive digital, satellite, and forensic evidence confirming that Merkava IV tanks of the Vampire Empire Company repeatedly fired on the black Kia Picanto in which Hind and her family were trapped, and later targeted the ambulance sent to rescue her. Waves splash in Kingston, Jamaica, as Hurricane Melissa approaches, Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. [AP Photo/Matias Delacroix] The destructive force of Hurricane Melissa, the most powerful storm to ever strike Jamaica, hit the Caribbean island on Tuesday with winds and rainfall unseen in the countrys recorded history. As of Tuesday afternoon, the hurricane remains an active and powerful tropical cyclone, although downgraded to a Category 3 storm. After tearing through Jamaica, it is currently pushing northward with its eye projected to cross over Southeastern Cuba. Melissa hit Jamaica as a Category 5 storm with maximum sustained winds of 185 mph (295 kph) and maintaining its status as the strongest tropical cyclone worldwide in 2025 so far. According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center, the hurricanes slow pace has exacerbated the potential for catastrophic flooding and landslides both in Jamaica and on its projected path over Cuba. Melissa made landfall in Western Jamaica early Tuesday afternoon, striking near the rural town of New Hope, approximately 62 kilometers (38 miles) south of Montego Bay, at the peak of its strength as a Category 5 hurricane. This landfall is the first time in recorded history that Jamaica has taken a direct strike from a hurricane of this strength. The National Hurricane Centers advisory warned that total structural failure was likely in the storms path, a prediction that has since been realized in the worst-hit parishes. Power outages erupted across the country with over a third of customers losing electricity. Reports about the initial hours of landfall indicate the consequences have been devastating. The immense wind field knocked out electrical grids and communications, while the slow progression of the eye wall unleashed a deluge of trillions of gallons of water, as described by disaster relief officials. The International Federation of the Red Cross estimates that 1.5 million peopleover half the islands population of 2.8 millionhave been directly affected by the storm. As of this writing, at least three deaths have been reported. News reports say all fatalities occurred during storm preparations with two individuals killed by falling trees while removing them, and one person died from electrocution. Authorities note that the number will likely rise as communications are restored and rescue operations continue across the island. Most injuries reported so far have also been linked to efforts to shutter buildings and secure rooftops, underscoring both the intensity of the storm and the desperate conditions that prevailed on the island as it approached. Thousands have lost their homes and livelihoods. The government issued evacuation orders for 28,000 citizens, urging relocation to shelters. However, as of landfall, only around 6,000 had abandoned their homes. Recovery workers are warning that many districts, especially in the mountainous interior, may remain inaccessible for weeks due to landslides and collapsed infrastructure. Hurricane Melissa has already surpassed every hurricane in Jamaicas meteorological archives in terms of wind strength and destructive potential. The two closest cited by meteorological historians are Hurricane Gilbert in 1988 and Hurricane Wilma in 2005. Gilbert struck Jamaica directly but as a slightly weaker system. According to AccuWeathers lead hurricane expert, Alex DaSilva, the island has never taken a direct hit from a Category 4 or 5 hurricane in recorded history, and the current devastation is unlike anything people in Jamaica have seen before. Gilbert, until today, was the last major hurricane to make landfall in Jamaica and left behind a legacy of flattened homes, destroyed crops and a protracted humanitarian crisis. Melissas impact, however, is expected to eclipse Gilbert both in scale and intensity. Recovery is threatened by the storms slower movement and consequent severe flooding. As Melissa departs Jamaica, Cuban authorities are rushing to prepare Santiago de Cuba and the broader southeastern coast for another direct strike. Authorities in Cuba have moved to suspend all business and educational activities, called for the mass evacuation of coastal zones and opened public shelters stocked with emergency supplies. The United Nations, International Red Cross and various national militariesincluding the UK Royal Navyhave positioned resources for immediate deployment once the hurricanes eye passes. Jamaica, like Canada and Australia and 19 other countries, is part of the British Commonwealth. Melissas projected track takes it northwestward, aiming directly for Southeastern Cuba. After crossing Cuba, forecasts from the National Hurricane Center suggest the hurricane will continue north into the Florida Straits, potentially threatening the Southern Florida Peninsula and the Bahamas with heavy rains, surging tides and damaging winds, though a US landfall remains uncertain at this time. Weather experts have emphasized the extraordinary nature of Hurricane Melissa. The World Meteorological Organizations tropical cyclone specialist Anne-Claire Fontan labeled it the storm of the century for Jamaica. The hurricanes transformation from a disorganized tropical storm to a Category 5 within 48 hours was described as unprecedented, raising troubling questions about the effects of global climate change and regional preparedness. Brian Trascher of the United Cajun Navy warned, Trillions of gallons of water are expected to fall on the country, noting that this level of precipitation over already saturated ground represents a mortal danger for both rural and urban communities. Disaster response and rescue specialists have offered critical assessments of both the Jamaican governments preparations and the capacity of the population to weather such a massive storm. Jamaican Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton stressed the risks inherent in last-minute or self-managed preparations, linking most injuries to people falling from ladders or rooftops while attempting to secure their homes in inadequate conditions. Rescue officials, including representatives from the International Federation of the Red Cross, estimate that upwards of half the national population faces direct or indirect risk. Emergency medical and search teams are laboring under circumstances complicated by widespread power loss, blocked roads and persistent rainfall. The Jamaican government has declared a maximum alert state, but the response infrastructureeroded by years of imperialist-imposed austerity and underinvestmentis vastly insufficient to meet the scale of devastation. Researchers highlight the rapid intensification of the hurricane as a hallmark of climate change, enabled by exceptionally warm Caribbean waters and altered atmospheric patterns. A comprehensive meteorological analysis noted that the accelerated development likely created a significant preparedness deficit in the affected regions, and that the storms size and ferocity represented a worst-case scenario forecast for the island of Jamaica. Climate change experts reiterate longstanding warnings that Caribbean nations remain woefully underprepared for storms of this magnitude. Repeated calls for the expansion of disaster-mitigation infrastructure, early warning networks and robust emergency housing programs have been sidelined or underfunded under pressure from international creditors and a global system that prioritizes financial interests over human security. The present catastrophe is, therefore, not merely a natural disaster but a social and political one as well. In the aftermath of the landfall, the Trump administration has issued limited statements expressing deep concern for the welfare of US citizens remaining in Jamaica and a readiness to provide necessary humanitarian assistance. However, the administrations current response to the disaster in Jamaica is little changed from that of Trumps previous presidential term. This is a mix of handwringing phrases combined with a refusal to address the long-term consequences of climate policy neglect and economic austerity that have left Caribbean societies deeply exposed. Neither the warnings of climate scientists, nor the lessons of prior disastersincluding Hurricane Katrina that killed 1,833 people in August 2005have been acted upon. The consequence is a humanitarian crisis that exposes the bankrupt priorities of the world capitalist system that prioritizes profit over human life on every front. This is the second part of the lecture The publication of How the GPU Murdered Trotsky and the initial findings of Security and the Fourth International delivered by Andre Damon and Tom Hall, to the 2025 Summer School of the Socialist Equality Party (US) on the history of the Security and the Fourth International investigation. Part 1 is available here. To accompany this lecture, the WSWS is publishing The Indictment: Accomplices of the GPU first published on January 1, 1976, which charged SWP leaders Joseph Hansen and George Novack with being accomplices of the GPU due to their decades-long cover-up of Stalinist agents penetration of the Trotskyist movement. Hansens reply to How the GPU Murdered Trotsky was published on November 14, 1975 in The Militant, under the title On Healys investigationwhat the facts show. Hansens method in replying was a combination of lies, slanders, sarcasm and evasions. Spanning sixteen and a half pages, it is more tirade than political statement. But if there is one unifying thread underlying all of it, it is that Hansen provides cover, on every point, for the GPU assassins who murdered Trotsky. Hansen begins by arguing that only sectarians could be interested in uncovering those responsible for the political crime of the century and exposing the river of blood separating Stalinism from genuine Marxism. He attacks the IC for launching the investigation instead of conducting more practical work like adapting to the union bureaucracy and the student movement, as the Pabloites were doing. Hansen writes with sarcasm: What put the Healyites on this kick? Why should a small isolated group of would-be revolutionists consider it more important to denounce the attacks of Joseph Hansen than to bring the message of socialism to workers marching in Washington, D.C., against the depression? Why should they consider it more important in Boston to accuse Joseph Hansen than to participate in a discussion with militants from all over the United States on how best to counter the murderous attacks of lynch-minded racists? Clearly they consider it a matter of vital importance. Thus, Hansen brushes off the struggle to expose the murder of Trotsky as just the preoccupation of a small sect of would be revolutionists. Hansen here is appealing to the political cynicism of the Pabloites and the wider revisionist milieu. For them, the investigation of Trotskys murder is directly at cross-purposes with more immediate, practical tasks, whose real political content was the liquidation of Trotskyism. On a more basic level, they did not care. Who could be interested in such things? A hallmark of middle-class radicalism is its profound indifference to historical questions. In 1940, during the struggle against the Burnham-Shachtman tendency, Trotsky summed up the attitude of petty-bourgeois radicals as a disdainful attitude toward theory and an inclination toward eclecticism; disrespect for the tradition of their own organization; anxiety for personal independence at the expense of anxiety for objective truth; nervousness instead of consistency; readiness to jump from one position to another; lack of understanding of revolutionary centralism and hostility toward it; and finally, inclination to substitute clique ties and personal relationships for party discipline. Hansen combines his dismissal of the investigation with a subjective attack on the ICFI, saying what he calls its fixation on security is the result of paranoia and insanity. He continues to lie about the Workers Leagues control commission inquiry into Nancy Fields, claiming there was no evidence whatsoever and that Healy had acted on pure suspicion. He attempts to connect the investigation with what he alleges is a history of violence and brutality against political opponents. His argument, which would be found so convincing by virtually every revisionist group, bore all the hallmarks of a Stalinist provocation, in its hysterical tone and its accusations of violence in order to cover his own tracks and to prepare the ground for even more provocations. The basic elements of Hansens article are as follows: First, that Sylvia Franklin was not an agent and that to suggest otherwise is slander; Second, that Floyd Cleveland Millers informing on Trotskyist mariners during World War II was of no importance; Third, he opposes reopening the question of Robert Sheldon Hart in the Siqueiros raid; Fourth, he evades a discussion of the role of Mark Zborowski; Fifth, he attempts to explain his meeting with the FBI by claiming it had the blessings of people who are not alive to corroborate his story, and makes no attempt at all to explain his meeting with the GPU, and; Sixth, Hansen falsifies Trotskys own attitude towards security, as well as Lenins, in order to justify his attack on Security and the Fourth International. One of the most remarkable elements of Hansens article is his defense of Sylvia Franklin. By this point there was more than enough evidence to state definitively that she was a GPU agent. This included: The information that had been forwarded to the SWP by the Shachtmanites; The two books by Louis Budenz and his 1950 testimony before the House Un-American Activities Committee; Her being named in the Robert Soblen indictment as a co-conspirator, and; The testimony of Jack Soble during that trial, which named her as one of his 10 anti-Trotsky agents in the 1940s. Hansen lies about this evidence, claiming that the sole basis for the allegation is the so-called slander of Budenz. He writes: It is true that Max Shachtman relayed to the leadership of the SWP what he had heard about the rumors being circulated by Budenz. But he is lying when he says that Shachtman simply repeated allegations by Budenz. Rather, Shachtman came to the SWP with separate information, which came directly from a reliable source. In early 1947, the SWP certainly saw Budenz as a credible witness. The party responded to the publication of his book This is My Story with extensive coverage in The Militant and a public campaign to demand that Budenz be called to testify before a grand jury about all he knew of GPU penetration into the Trotskyist movement. But this suddenly stopped in May 1947, after Shachtman forwarded his information on Franklin to the SWP. Three years later, Budenz published his second book, Men Without Faces, which, without naming Franklin, contained specific and detailed information which clearly implicated her. James P. Cannon responded to the book by denouncing Budenz as a slanderer and claiming that Franklin had been exonerated by a control commission. Cannons statement was published in August of 1950; three months later, Budenz gave extensive testimony to HUAC about Franklin, from how she was first recruited out of the Communist youth movement in Chicago to the estimation of GPU master spy Gregory Rabinowitz that her work was invaluable. The Militant never reported on this. In what would become an infamous passage, Hansen writes: Sylvia Caldwell (that was her party name) worked very hard in her rather difficult assignment of managing the national office of the Socialist Workers party, which included helping Cannon in a secretarial capacity. In fact all the comrades who shared these often irksome chores with her regarded her as exemplary. They burned as much as she did over the foul slander spread by Budenz. Hiding behind Cannons reputation, he argues that to assert that Franklin was an agent would be to implicate the founder of American Trotskyism in a cover-up. If there was a cover-up, if the control commission was rigged, if no control commission was held at allas the Healyites now allegethen the main guilt clearly falls on James P. Cannon, one of the founders of the Fourth International. In accordance with the logic of the Big Lie as practiced by the Healyites, Cannon must be listed as an accomplice of the GPU, if not worse. In 2018, the WSWS published the record of the SWP Control Commissions interview with Sylvia Caldwell for the first time. In it, she admitted personal connections to the Communist Party that she had previously concealed from the SWP leadership, including that she was married to Stalinist Zalmond Franklin and that she had been a member of a Stalinist-aligned student organization, the National Students League. Franklins parents, she told the SWP, were either communists in ideology or just on the fringe of the Communist Party. This vastly understates Franklins ties. In fact, Zalmond Franklin came from a family of prominent Milwaukee Stalinists. His father, Samuel Franklin, was a local leader of the North American Committee to Aid Spanish Democracy, a Stalinist-aligned group. Both Zalmond and his father fought together in Spain. Had the SWP decided to launch an investigation, it would have quickly discovered this through information which was publicly available at the time, including local newspaper items. But the SWP did not pursue the investigation. Instead, it covered it up. This was a colossal error in judgment. It not only compromised the partys security, but also politically compromised its struggle against Stalinism and American imperialism. In defending Franklin, Hansen was continuing a decades-long cover-up. The refusal to concede her role was absolutely remarkable. Why were they doing this? It suggested that far more was at work here. Indeed, throughout the investigation, the SWP continuously insisted on Franklins innocence, no matter how much evidence continued to pile up. The SWP itself was aware of how tenuous its position was. In 1977, Tim Wohlforth, by now a member of the SWPs National Committee, sent a letter to Jack Barnes, in which he wrote: Both Nancy [Fields] and I have thought considerably about the latest material from Healy on Caldwell and its implications it appears to me now highly probable that Sylvia Caldwell was a GPU agent. We now look a little weak still claiming she isnt. Granting the probability that she wasthen what does it prove? It would later emerge what the reason for this was. Maintaining the fiction of Sylvia Franklins innocence was necessary to protect another former GPU agent in the SWP: Joseph Hansen. Hansen is willing to grant that Floyd Cleveland Miller, as opposed to Franklin, was an agent. But he claims the impact of his work in identifying Trotskyist sailors was negligible. But why else would the GPU want the names of Trotskyist sailors entering Soviet ports, if not to kill them or to prepare the murder of others? But Hansen brushes this off as unimportant. He adds: The Healyites parlay this assertion of a Stalinist agent into the question: How many seamen died on the high seas or disappeared in the Russian ports because Miller had tipped off the GPU in advance of their arrival? He replies: The answer is none. With this, Hansen covers up Stalins continued campaign of murder against the Fourth International during the war. In one tragic case, Trotskyist Walter Held, who was attempting to reach Asia to escape to the United States, was intercepted and killed by the GPU in transit inside the Soviet Union. A more complete picture of the incredible persecution of the Trotskyist movement during World War II can be found in The Heritage We Defend. Hansen declares off-limits the ICs attempt to revisit the role of Robert Sheldon Harte in the May 1940 raid. He accuses the ICFI of reviving slanders in the Stalinist press against Harte. In the course of this, he waves away information that Hartes father was a personal friend of Hoover, that the FBIs operations in Mexico were placed at his disposal to look for his missing son, reports that Harte had an autographed photograph of Stalin in his room and a Spanish language dictionary signed by Siqueiros, the leader of the assault. Hansen replies: The most this material shows is that Harte was born in a wealthy, conservative family, that he had become radicalized, and that he hid his revolutionary views from his family. The type is not unknown today. In other words, the unanswered questions about Harte simply should not be pursued. After the end of the Soviet Union, the release of the Soviet spy cables, known as the Venona Papers, proved that Harte had been an agent. But even as of 1975, the IC had not been the only ones to raise questions about his involvement. Others included: Then-SWP leader Albert Goldman in an article published in October 1940, less than two months after Trotskys death; Isaac Deutscher in his Trotsky biography, Former Mexican Chief of Police Leandro Salazar and Julian Gorkin in their book Murder in Mexico, which included damning information implicating Harte; Harold Robins; Belgian Pabloite Georges Vereeken; Isaac Don Levine, author of Mind of an Assassin; and, Socialist revolutionary and former Left Oppositionist Victor Serge. Perhaps most significantly, Hansens reply evades the role of Mark Zborowski, whose role was extensively detailed by the investigation. Here is all of what he writes on the matter: The Healyite investigators devote considerable space to Mark Zborowski, the GPU agent who penetrated the Trotskyist movement in 1934 and gained the confidence of Leon Sedov, Trotskys son. Under the name Etienne, he helped publish the Bulletin of the Left Opposition and participated in the day-to-day work of the small center of the Fourth International in Paris. Zborowski was implicated in the mysterious death of Leon Sedov in a Paris hospital on February 16, 1938. Insofar as smearing the SWP is concerned, this operation must be written off as a dry well. And that is all. Hansen, apparently reasoning that the less said about it, the better, immediately switches topics, evading a serious discussion of the issue. Far from a dry well, this was a gushing sewer of state infiltration which not only prepared the assassination of Trotsky but set the stage for the FBIs takeover of the SWP in the 1960s. Hansens account is such a massive understatement of Zborowskis role in the assassination of Trotsky, Leon Sedov and other top leaders that it amounts to a cover-up. At best, Hansen is willing to admit, Zborowski was only ever implicated as possibly being involved in the death of Sedov. This too, is a continuation of a decades-long silence by Hansen and the SWP, including their failure to cover Zborowskis Senate testimony and perjury trial in the 1950s. One perfunctory article written by Hansen in April 1956 reviews the publication of new information about Zborowski in the liberal journal The New Leader. Hansen downplays the revelations and presents Zborowski as a marginal, previously unknown figure. Did Mark Zborowski, co-author of a popular ethnic study of Jewish life in Poland participate in Stalins organization of the murder of Leon Trotsky and his son Leon Sedov? he begins the article. Hansen claims repeatedly throughout that no important new information about the murder of Trotsky has been unearthed, declaring there is a paucity of new information and that Zborowskis own statements are vague. Significantly, Hansen pretends not to have known about the Orlov letter, writing that the admissions were forced from Zborowski because of revelations that an unknown person had tried to warn Trotsky that the Kremlin had succeeded in placing an agent high in the organization of the Fourth International in Europe. To repeat, Hansen knew more than he was letting on. He knew about the Orlov letter implicating Zborowski at the end of 1938, and how Trotsky attempted to convene an investigation into it. A May 1939 follow-up letter by Trotsky suggests that Hansen may have sought to bury the issue. Trotsky complains that he never received any information about the results of the investigation into Zborowski and that I wrote about the matter to Joe [Hansen] but I fear that I was not explanatory enough. Hansen concludes his 1956 article: It thus appears [emphasis added] that Zborowski is a genuine NKVD agent who was deeply implicated in Stalins campaign of murder against the Fourth International. Only appears! While admitting that Zborowski knows more than he had admitted to, Hansen does not raise the demand that he be forced to testify about everything he knows of Trotskys murder. Instead he blandly concludes the article, the little he has confessed adds one more piece to the mountain of evidence condemning Stalin as the most sinister figure that history has yet seen. Truth marches slowly but it does march on. Finally, we get to Hansens account of his August 31, 1940 meeting with the FBI in Mexico. Hansen starts, as he so often does, by deflecting. He points to times where McGregor had shown up at Trotskys villa, in order to suggest that there was nothing unusual about his own visit to the US consulate. But Trotskys meetings were not secret, and the Security and the Fourth International investigation had already dealt with them in its initial report. Hansen claims that the practice of ingratiating himself with the American consulate came from Trotsky. He says he had sent him to the US consulate before, with instructions to play poker with them in order to gain the trust of the American diplomats. This account would be vigorously disputed by Harold Robins. Hansen has Trotsky saying something which is so un-Trotskyist thats Hansen. Thats not Trotsky. Hansen claims that his August 1940 meeting was conducted with the approval of both Trotskys wife Natalia and Albert Goldman, along with other members of the household I might mention, especially Evelyn Reed. But Goldman and Natalia were both dead by 1975 and not able to corroborate his story. As for Evelyn Reed, she became the wife of Hansens political ally George Novack. One purpose of the inquiry [at the consulate] was to do everything possible to suggest that the State Department utilize its resources to help ascertain the real identity of the assassin, Hansen says. But the IC never found a single SWP leader from that period who had any knowledge of this meeting. Nor had the SWP been at all interested in obtaining the assistance of the FBI in investigating Trotskys murder. There was no reason, Felix Morrow would later tell David North. Jacson [Mercader] had done it. Hansen also makes no attempt in this letter to account for the meeting with GPU agent John. Johns real identity was Gregory Rabinowitz, the top Stalinist spy in the United States. Hansen would not even try to explain this episode for another year. But again, the explanation which Hansen gave to McGregor in their meeting at the consulate, that Trotsky had urged him to go as far with the matter as possible and that this continued for three months, is absurd. Hansen was at this point 28 years old with barely four years of experience in the Trotskyist movement. It is unimaginable that Trotsky would have so casually exposed a young comrade and one of his personal secretaries to such a terrible danger for the sake of some sort of intelligence fishing expedition, especially at a time when his secretaries were being systematically murdered by the GPU. This is completely outside of Trotskys practice, which was not to infiltrate the GPU but to expose it publicly. This was the purpose of the Dewey Commission and it occupied a good portion of his activities in the last few years of his life. Recall also his 1937 letter, It Is High Time to Launch a World Offensive Against Stalinism, quoted in earlier lectures, where Trotsky says that the only way to purge the ranks of the [revolutionary] movement from the horrible contagion of Stalinism is by disclosing to the workers the truth, without exaggerations, but also without any embellishment. It was also outside of his practice to arrange secret meetings with representatives of the US government, which would be politically damaging and serve no purpose. One instructive example of his approach came in late 1939, when Trotsky was offered to testify before the Dies Committee in Congress, which would later be better known as the House Un-American Activities Committee, on the activities of Stalinism. He accepted this offer only on condition that this testimony be given in person and publicly. The committee refused this. Trotsky declined to offer written testimony, rebuffing Congress with If Mr Dies wishes my opinions in written form only, he can read my books. Hansen fabricates an image of Trotsky in Coyoacan as morose, with no interest in his own safety. He writes that Trotsky found intolerable basic security measures such as searching visitors for weapons and not meeting with people alone. According to Hansen, Trotsky considered such measures futile to stop the GPU murder machine. Hansen, citing one of his earlier articles, claims that after the death of his son Leon Sedov Trotsky was practically on suicide watch. He writes that he quietly removed Trotskys gun from his desk in the weeks following Sedovs death. The real security problem in this instance was not counteracting the danger accompanying visitors but helping LD [Trotsky] and Natalia in a personal way through this very difficult period in their lives, he says. To claim that Trotsky would have considered suicide is not only to insult his memory, it is completely contradicted by his decades-long career as a revolutionary. This is a man who led two revolutions and commanded the Red Army in the civil war. Trotsky was a mass leader who approached even the most terrible events with enormous political objectivity, and with the highest degree of consciousness of his own role in history. He was also, frankly, not someone unacquainted with death and personal tragedy. Trotsky, while certainly dealt a heavy personal blow, did not fall apart upon hearing the news of his sons death. He responded by demanding that the French police investigate his death in the hospital as a murder. But more importantly, this was an intensely political question. Trotsky would have understood the catastrophic political implications of such an act for the Fourth International. It would have been interpreted as a confession of failure. For Trotsky, such an act would have been politically impermissible. This was a question which had a history in the movement. A major political episode for Trotskys generation had been the suicide of Karl Marxs son-in-law and daughter Paul and Laura Lafargue in 1911, an act that caused considerable controversy in the Second International. In 1927, Left Oppositionist Adolf Joffe committed suicide in protest of Trotskys expulsion from the Party. Joffe was in extremely poor health, and the Soviet government had just denied his request to seek treatment abroad. One observer later recounted Trotsky at Joffes funeral. His death deeply affected Trotsky. This kind of death could lead to impermissible imitations by others this could not be permitted. Trotsky concluded his funeral oration with what the author calls a spirited appeal to life. Trotskys scorching words seared into the crowd of 10,000 listeners, ringing out like metal. No one has the right to follow the example of this death. You must follow the example of this life. The author concludes: We never forgot this order, this command, even in the darkest days of the Stalinist repression. This account of Trotsky, from an extremely difficult period only months before his first exile, totally contradicts Hansens picture of Trotsky as lethargic and potentially suicidal. But Hansen doubles down. He repeats an earlier anecdote of his in order to create the impression that his own indifference to security flows from Trotskys attitude: Whenever the subject [of security] came up, he [Trotsky] was fond of telling the story of [Roman] Malinovsky, who became a member of the Political Bureau of the Bolshevik Party, its representative in the Duma and a trusted confidant of Lenin. Malinovsky was at the same time an agent of the Czars secret police, the dread Okhrana. He sent hundreds of Bolsheviks into exile and death. Nevertheless, in order to maintain his position of confidence, it was necessary for him to spread the ideas of Bolshevism. These ideas eventually caused his downfall. The proletarian revolution is more powerful than the most cunning police spy. With this anecdote, Hansen is trying to impute to Trotsky the opinion that security measures are unimportant, because at any rate agents will be dealt with after the revolution. In the meantime, agents not only should be tolerated but can play a positive role in the movement! He continues in this vein, arguing that this showed that not only was this Trotskys position, but Lenins as well. When suspicion first fell on Malinovsky in 1912, Lenin refused to believe it. In May of 1914, the issue came to a head after Malinovsky suddenly resigned from the Duma and fled the country. Malinovskys role was later proven following the February Revolution. In 1917, Lenin explained that he had not believed it before because, If Malinovsky were a provocateur, the Okhrana would not gain as much from it as our Party did from Pravda and the whole legal apparatus. Hansen uses this quote to elevate Lenins initial refusal to investigate to the level of political principle. He virtually implies that Lenin would not have acted differently even if he had conclusive proof of his guilt. There can be no doubt that Lenins initial position on Malinovsky was a serious error in judgment. Malinovsky had been implicated by numerous people both inside and outside of the Bolshevik Party, but it was not properly followed up. His position can be understood, although not excused, by the difficulty of communicating in exile and by how the Mensheviks used the suspicions against Malinovsky against the Bolsheviks. But Lenins mistake was corrected after Malinovsky was finally exposed. When Malinovsky resurfaced in Petrograd in 1918, he was tried and shot, as Hansen himself acknowledges. Later, in Left Wing Communism: An Infantile Disorder, Lenin wrote of the episode: In our case, on the other hand, the rapid alternation of legal and illegal work sometimes gave rise to extremely dangerous consequences. The worst of these [emphasis added] was that in 1912 the agent provocateur Malinovsky got into the Bolshevik Central Committee. He betrayed scores and scores of the best and most loyal comrades, caused them to be sentenced to penal servitude, and hastened the death of many of them. That he did not cause still greater harm [emphasis added] was due to the correct balance between legal and illegal work. In other words, Lenin was not saying that Malinovskys role as a party leader somehow balanced out his role as an agent, but that the party was able to limit the damage that Malinovsky caused. He concluded with a warning to the movement to learn from this experience: In many countries, including the most advanced, the bourgeoisie are undoubtedly sending agents provocateurs into the Communist parties and will continue to do so. A skillful combining of illegal and legal work is one of the ways to combat this danger. The Malinovsky affair proves the opposite of what Hansen claims. Had the lessons been adequately assimilated, Zborowski might never have so easily infiltrated himself into the confidence of Leon Sedov. At the very least, he would have been seriously investigated following the theft of Trotskys archives. Without Stalins prized agent in place, the GPU would have had a far harder time ringing Sedov, Trotsky and others with agents and preparing their murders. What Trotsky was really saying in Hansens story was that the most basic defense against the GPU is the partys political struggle to expose the criminal role of Stalinism and to break its influence in the working class, and to establish the Fourth International as the world party of socialist revolution. Hansen was opposed to this. He consciously miseducated and promoted dangerous illusions among young revolutionaries. Hansens misuse of the Malinovsky experience to justify indifference to the work of Stalinist agents is a vulgar form of the Pabloite argument that unconscious Marxists, a category they claimed included Fidel Castro, spurred on by historical inevitability and in spite of themselves, could act as the agency through which the socialist revolution would be achieved. This was summed up and distilled in what became the infamous mantra of the SWP that agents do good work. In making this argument, the Pabloites were indicating that they were prepared to do business with anyone. Their defense of agents who sought to destroy the Fourth International amounted to a declaration of their hostility to the Fourth Internationals continued existence. Hansens article was supplemented by an article on November 20 by George Novack. It is written in the same vein as Hansens. He begins by complaining that the sectarian International Committee was totally obsessed with this event that happened thirty-five years ago. In an earlier discussion, David already answered this claim that Trotskys murder was ancient history. The space of time between Trotskys murder and 1975 is less than the distance between the start of Security and the Fourth International investigation and today. Novack ignores every piece of evidence uncovered by the investigation in favor of personal abuse of Healy. Healy is a shameless liar, unmitigated rascal and a political hooligan, he writes. Attempting an argument on the basis of authority, he claims to be such an expert on frame-ups of all kinds that it makes him as qualified as anyone on either side of the Atlantic to judge the probity of both men [Healy and Hansen] and render a verdict, without dealing with a single fact raised in the investigation. Novack makes two additional points. First, he argues that it was hardly possible to hold off indefinitely a determined band of assassins, armed with inexhaustible resources, from murdering Trotsky. With all the forces at their command, the Russian tsars and the Kennedys became victims of assassins. How could an isolated exile with scant resources and a few friends in a foreign land have been expected to succeed where the entourage of these mighty heads of state had failed? Novack says, in other words, that it was impossible to ensure Trotskys safety. This defeatist attitude is refuted by the facts uncovered by the investigation. In both attempts, assassins had entered Trotskys villa, which the Mexican chief of police later described as a fortress house arrayed with elaborate defenses, with the help of GPU operatives on the inside. Trotskys murder was the consequence of a series of major security failures, as David Rye reviewed in yesterdays discussion. While treating Trotskys murder as a cosmic inevitability, Novack covers for those responsible. He denounces what he calls reckless and indiscriminate allegations [insinuating] that Trotskys 19 year old guard Sheldon Hartein fact, he was 25!Sylvia Caldwell, Cannons secretary; and Lola Dallin (i.e., Zborowskis self-described Siamese twin) were agents. Novack defends his work with Lola Dallin to bring Zborowski into the United States in 1941 by claiming that Zborowskis role as an agent was unknown to them. This is not true. Not only had suspicions been raised by leading Trotskyists in Europe, but there were also the two letters to Trotsky by Alexander Orlov. Dallin herself, whom Novack praises as a heroic individual, had seen the letter implicating Zborowski during a visit to Coyoacan, and had attempted to throw Trotsky off the scent. Novack defends those implicated in the assassination, but blames Trotsky and Sedov for their own deaths. He writes: Healy likewise does not see that Hansen and the others are only secondary figures in the drama. The principal actors [emphasis added] were Trotsky and Sedov themselves, who trusted Etienne and allowed Jacson entry into the household. By aiming at the American Trotskyists, Healy strikes at the victims themselves. In point of fact, it was Hansen and not Trotsky who allowed Mercader into the villa. But more fundamentally, it was the SWPs responsibility to provide for Trotskys security, not Trotskys. Novacks argument amounts to a revival of the old Stalinist theory of self assault, blaming Trotsky himself for his own murder in order to distract from the actual role played by GPU agents. The response of the SWP was to systematically bury the findings of Security and the Fourth International. In doing so, it was openly covering for the role of GPU agents in the murder of Trotsky. On December 23, one month after Hansens article was published, Harold Robins, the captain of Trotskys guards, sent a letter to the SWP leadership urging it to repudiate the inexcusable and politically criminal response by Joseph Hansen. He asked: Can the forthright rejection of an investigation of the Assassination of Leon Trotsky be justified by any Trotskyist organization, especially since the SWP never made any effort to document the recollections of the comrades who served in Trotsky's bodyguard? This received no reply. The continued silence from the SWP compelled an escalation of the ICs campaign. This came on January 1, 1976, with the publication of a major statement: The Indictment: Accomplices of the GPU. The defendants in the indictment were Joseph Hansen and George Novack. The use of the term accomplices is significant here. The IC was not accusing Hansen and Novack of themselves being agents. But those who cover up the activities of the GPU, as they were doing, are themselves accomplices after the fact. The statement begins: We accuse Joseph Hansen and leaders of the Socialist Workers Party (USA) of deliberately covering up GPU murder and penetration of the Trotskyist movement for the purposes of spying and disruption. This cover-up, conducted over 35 years, has directly aided the GPU. This is not the first time that questions surrounding the assassination of Trotsky have been blocked, the statement continues. When Henricus Sneevliet, secretary of the Workers Revolutionary Socialist Party in Holland, and Georges Vereeken of the Belgian Trotskyist movement first raised questions about Zborowskis guilt in the late 1930s, they were framed by GPU slanders. Vereekens campaign for an investigation into Zborowski during the latters trial in 1956 was suppressed, and in 1964 Vereeken was slandered as a sectarian when he wanted to read out a document implicating Zborowski and rehabilitating himself and Sneevliet. The indictment consisted of eight counts. They were as follows: That for 37 years Joseph Hansen has suppressed from the Trotskyist movement details of his personal contacts with a GPU agent known as John [Gregory Rabinowitz] in New York in 1938. Joseph Hansen and George Novack have deliberately created diversions and slander campaigns to prevent a full-scale inquiry into the security at Coyoacan where Trotsky was murdered on August 20, 1940. Joseph Hansen and George Novack have protected and covered up for Sylvia Franklin, the GPU agent in the Socialist Workers Party who became personal secretary to the late James P. Cannon throughout the 1940s. Joseph Hansen has contrived to prevent an inquiry into the role of Robert Sheldon Harte, the guard sent by the SWPs New York headquarters to Trotskys household in April 1940. Joseph Hansen has suppressed the fact that in 1941 it was the Socialist Workers Party who helped bring Stalins No. 1 anti-Trotskyist agent, Mark Zborowski, into the United States from France. We accuse George Novack and Mrs. David Dallin (Lola Estrine) of admitting the GPU spy Mark Zborowski into the United States and re-integrating him into the top levels of the Fourth International although he was gravely suspect, and then suppressing this fact for 35 years. Joseph Hansen has deliberately covered up the GPU spy career of Floyd Cleveland Miller, the US Stalinist who tapped James P. Cannons home telephone for a year before joining the SWP to become a leading figure in organizing Trotskyist seamen. George Novack accuses Leon Trotsky and his son Leon Sedov of responsibility for their own deaths. This is the most monstrous lie of all, the indictment reads, a lie which Novack has taken directly from the GPU. Why does Novack blame Trotsky and Sedov for their own deaths? it concludes. Trotsky gave the answer to this question in 1940 when the GPU employed the slander initially: It was necessary at the same time to distract, so far as possible, attention away from the GPU, without however tying ones own hands completely. The indictment concludes: USPS letter carrier Steven Marks On Saturday morning, October 18, in Northwest Houston, Texas, Steven Marks, a 58-year-old letter carrier for the United States Postal Service (USPS), was killed while working his route. Police said he was struck by an alleged drunk driver, who was fleeing from a previous minor accident. Local residents and family described Marks as a constant presence in his community for 28 years. Citizens on his usual route described him braving Houstons blistering summers and unpredictable storms and greeting neighbors by name, pausing to share a smile or a joke. Residents say he was not just a postal worker, but he was a friend and a familiar face whose presence brought comfort and continuity. He touched so many lives, one neighbor told Fox 26 Houston. He knew everyone, and everyone knew him. Marks was delivering mail along the 11700 block of Antoine Drive, an area where he had worked for years, when a speeding pickup truck slammed into the back of his vehicle. Police say the driver, later identified as 48-year-old Jose Humberto Romero, had fled the scene of an earlier minor crash and was intoxicated when he struck the postal truck. The force of the collision pushed Marks vehicle into a tree. Images of the accident show the white trucks thin frame scattered across a neighborhood street. Paramedics rushed Marks to a nearby hospital, but he did not survive. Romero, who has a previous conviction for driving while intoxicated in 2023, was arrested on the scene and charged with intoxication manslaughter. The Harris County Sheriffs Office described the case as a senseless and avoidable tragedy, one that underscores the devastating ripple effects of impaired driving. In the days that followed, the community Marks had served over his career came together to mourn him. Along Antoine Drive, residents built an impromptu memorial at the crash site. Flowers, candles and handwritten notes surrounded the charred remains of the tree his vehicle had struck. One resident left a small USPS cap among the flowers; another placed a folded American flag. For those who had known him for years, the memorial became a space to remember his warmth and humorand to express their disbelief that a man so woven into their daily lives could be gone so suddenly. His niece, Nikole, described the familys shock in an interview with local media. Were in complete and utter disbelief, she said. He was a Marine, a hard worker, and he loved his job. He loved his route and the people on it. For Marks, the job was more than a paycheckit was a way to stay connected, to contribute to the life of his community. His colleagues at the Postal Service said he approached his work with quiet pride, never seeking recognition but earning deep respect. The USPS released a statement expressing its sorrow over the loss: The Postal Service is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life involving our postal family member with 28 years of service. Our thoughts are with their family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. Counseling services have been made available for Marks coworkers at the local post office as the investigation continues. While the Postal Service expressed its condolences, letter carriers across the country have long criticized the USPS for failing to improve working conditions despite mounting hazards. Routes have grown longer and more demanding as staffing levels shrink, leaving carriers to cover vast areas under increasingly tight deadlines. In cities like Houston, they contend with extreme heat, aging vehicles without air conditioning and limited safety protections when operating on busy streets. Rank-and-file workers have repeatedly urged management to invest in safer vehicles, better scheduling and more realistic workloads, arguing that the agencys obsession with productivity often comes at the expense of worker safety. For many carriers, Steven Marks death is not just a tragedy but also a grim reflection of how dangerous and undervalued their work has become. Postal workers and their family members rally in Dallas, Texas, March 23, 2025. In neighborhoods across Houston, letter carriers have attached small ribbons and pins to their uniforms in Marks honor. At the same time, the incident has sparked broader conversations about the safety of postal workers, who spend their days navigating unpredictable environmentsfrom heavy traffic to extreme weatherwhile performing a service whose challenges many are not fully aware of. Traffic safety advocates and local residents have voiced renewed frustration over Houstons persistent struggles with poorly designed roads and impaired driving. In 2024, Harris County recorded one of the highest rates of alcohol-related crashes in Texas. Houstons notoriously poor road infrastructure has only compounded the citys epidemic of traffic fatalities. Cracked pavement, fading lane markings and a chronic lack of street lighting in many neighborhoods create conditions ripe for collisions, even under normal circumstances. On major thoroughfares like Antoine Drive, where Steven Marks was killed, narrow lanes and uneven shoulders leave little margin for error when drivers lose control or swerve to avoid obstacles. The citys rapid sprawl has long outpaced its investment in maintenance, and residents often complain that basic repairs take months or years. Transportation experts have warned that Houstons combination of aging roads, heavy traffic and lax enforcement makes it one of the most dangerous metro areas in the country for drivers and pedestrians alikea reality that transforms every reckless decision behind the wheel into a potential tragedy. But for those who knew Steven Marks personally, these policy debates feel far removed from the human loss at the center of it all. He was, they say, someone who gave freely of himself. A neighbor told ABC7 that Marks would often check on elderly residents during his rounds and even made small holiday gestures, once delivering a favorite drink as a lighthearted Christmas gift. He cared about people, she said simply. Steven Marks spent his last moments doing what he had always done: serving others. In a world that often overlooks everyday dedication, his death is a painful reminder of the people who hold our communities together, one letter, one stop, one smile at a time. May he be remembered not for the violence that ended his life but for the years of kindness, loyalty and humanity that defined it. Seeking to accelerate the mass deportation operation and attacks on the democratic rights of the working class, the Trump administration is replacing several top directors at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials. U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commander Gregory Bovino arrives outside federal court in Chicago on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. [AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh] The replacements are reportedly being vetted by Gregory Bovino, chief patrol agent of the El Centro Sector, and special government employee Corey Lewandowski, a longtime Trump campaign aide who is close to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem. NBC News reported that at least a dozen ICE field office directors were being reassigned and that at least half of them would be replaced with CBP officials. The right-wing Washington Examiner, citing five sources familiar with the plans, reported that ICE directors in Denver, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Phoenix and San Diego were replaced last Friday. Fox News correspondent and Trump administration propagandist Bill Melugin reported that in addition to the above cities, directors were being replaced in El Paso, Seattle/Portland and New Orleans. There are currently 24 ICE field offices spread throughout the country in major US cities. The purge at the top of ICE comes as would-be dictator Donald Trump threatens to invoke the Insurrection Act and militarily occupy major cities with active-duty troops a year before the 2026 midterm elections. Speaking on October 28 in front of thousands of soldiers and sailors on the USS George Washington, currently at the Yokosuka Naval Base in Japan, Trump declared that he would be deploying more than the National Guard to US cities. People dont care if we send in our military, if we send in our National Guard, if we send in Space Command. They dont care who the hell it is, he said. We are going to go into our cities and we are going to clean them out, he said, adding, If we need more than the National Guard, well send more than the National Guard, because were going to have safe cities whether people like that or not, thats what were doing. Trump is using the National Guard and federal forces to provoke a confrontation ahead of the elections to be used either as a pretext to cancel the elections outright or conduct them under military occupation. Obergruppenfuhrer Bovino, who is currently overseeing the Nazi-like occupation of Chicago dubbed Midway Blitz, has impressed the Trump administration and Republican Party with his thuggish, partisan and illegal tactics. Bovino has spent over 30 years in CBP, rising through the ranks under both Democratic and Republican administrations. Following the certification of Trumps electoral victory on January 7, 2025, Bovino personally led a fascistic immigration kidnapping operation, dubbed Return to Sender, in Kern County, California, that led to at least 78 workers being arrested. Residents said the immigration police profiled farmworkers and those who looked like they worked in the fields. Throughout the spring and summer, Bovinos forces carried out roving patrols and mass raids throughout California, targeting workers based on nothing but their skin color, language and occupation. In July, he helped lead a military-style occupation of MacArthur Park in Los Angeles. With Bovino on horseback, heavily militarized CBP agents raided the park alongside National Guard soldiers and Black Hawk helicopters, sending children and nearby residents fleeing. The following month, Bovino and his heavily armed immigration thugs menaced a political event held by California Governor Gavin Newsom and other Democrats in Los Angeless Little Tokyo district. According to the Los Angeles Times, CBP police, masked and wielding semi-automatic rifles, arrested at least one person who was delivering strawberries outside the venue. In September, Bovino was put in charge of the Department of Homeland Securitys Midway Blitz, targeting Chicago workers. On September 30, Border Patrol, FBI and ICE agents swarmed a Southside apartment complex in Chicago, using chainsaws to break fences and a Black Hawk helicopter to rappel onto the roof of the building. Once inside the residential complex, the armed agents busted down doors and detained virtually all of the residents for hours, regardless of citizenship status, separating them by race. On Tuesday, Bovino testified for several hours before U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis at the Dirksen Federal Building in Chicago. Ellis summoned Bovino in response to a lawsuit brought by local media organizations over the daily abuses carried out by his thugs. Since the start of Midway Blitz, CBP agents have repeatedly tear gassed entire neighborhoods, including elementary schools, and used less lethal weapons on journalists and protesters. Journalists at the hearing reported that Judge Ellis ordered Bovino to provide her with daily reports on his operations in the city and to start wearing a body camera on Friday. The camera is your friend, Ellis said, adding that it would show alleged crimes committed by protesters. And then it wont just be your word. Rejecting requests by the plaintiffs, Judge Ellis did not block Bovino or his agents from using tear gas, pepper ball rounds or other riot control munitions while carrying out their kidnapping operations. Ellis required only that the immigration Gestapo provide two separate warnings before assaulting workers, bystanders and journalists. Last week, Bovino was filmed throwing chemical munitions at protesters, who posed no threat to the agents and were not interfering with arrests. It would be a fatal mistake for workers and youth to leave it up to the capitalist courts to protect democratic rights. Already this year the Supreme Court has greenlit so-called Kavanaugh stops, named after far-right Justice Brett Kavanaugh, which allow immigration agents to detain and question without cause anyone they suspect of being illegal, a gross violation of the Fourth Amendment. In violation of the First Amendment, the Trump administration, under the direction of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has canceled the visas of thousands of students and workers for exercising their right to free speech. These fascistic measures are being coordinated with the immigration Gestapo, who have targeted students such as Momodou Taal, Rumeysa Ozturk and Mahmoud Khalil for speaking out against the genocide in Gaza. Joining the list of people who have been kidnapped for the crime of speaking out against genocide is photojournalist Yaakub Ira Vijandre, 38. On October 7, one day after speaking in support of a community member taken by ICE at a City Council meeting in Richardson, Texas, Vijandre himself was kidnapped by ICE agents, despite being protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Vijandre has lived in the US since he was brought to the country from the Philippines as a 14-year-old boy. Neither ICE nor any other government agency has accused Vijandre of committing a crime. It appears the sole reason for his detention is his speech denouncing the genocide in Gaza and the US governments prosecution of alleged terrorists. In a statement, immigration attorney Eric Lee, one of Vijandres lawyers, revealed that in November 2023, over a month into the US-backed genocide in Gaza, Vijandre was approached by FBI agents and asked to become a confidential informant, which he declined to do. In a statement by Vijandres legal team, his lawyers noted that the governments attempt to deport him was part of the ongoing effort by the Trump administration to expand the definition of domestic terrorism to any and all speech in opposition to the administration. As a longtime US resident, Vijandres legal team wrote, the First Amendment applies fully to Yaakub. There is no legitimate legal distinction between the type of speech Yaakub engages in and the type of Anti-American and anti-fascist speech the White House policy memos (NSP-7) now characterize as domestic terrorism, and which millions of people expressed by participating in demonstrations across the country in the No Kings demonstrations Mass protests have erupted across Cameroon after the Constitutional Council announced that Paul Biya, the worlds oldest head of state at ninety-two years and in power since 1982, has secured yet another presidential term. His new seven-year mandate would keep him in office until 2032, when he would be 99 years old. The Court, dominated by the regimes supporters, ratified an election denounced as fraudulent, provoking mass social opposition. In cities across the country, demonstrators have poured into the streets to denounce the electoral farce. Reports of intimidation, ballot-stuffing, and suppression were rampant. Opposition candidates have been barred from standing. Official figures show that registered voters were about 7,845,622 and turnout was 57 percent. In the Anglophone regions of the country, known by the English-speaking separatists as Ambazonia, voter turnout was among the lowest in the country according to reports, as separatists enforced an election boycott. US Secretary of State John Kerry greets President Biya, 2014 [Photo: U.S. Department of State] The official outcome claims that Biya won with 53.7 percent of the vote, ahead of Tchiroma Bakary with 35.2 percent. The other eight candidates each received less than one percent of the vote. Bakary quickly denounced the announcement of Biyas win, telling French news agency AFP that there was no election; it was rather a masquerade. We won unequivocally. Authorities say at least four people have been gunned down by security forces. The deaths happened on Sunday in Douala, the economic capital, as hundreds of people took to the streets in several cities including Garoua and Maroua. I am ready to stake my life to defend my vote. I voted for Tchiroma because I want change, Oumarou Bouba, a 27-year-old trader in Maroua, said to RFI. Max Ndongmo, an inhabitant of Douala, told AfricaNews, I was crushed when I heard the news about the results, it just crushed me. I will be honest with you, it was so shocking to me that I almost broke my TV. What they are doing and have been doing is just hypocrisy. To this government, I want to say, Im sorry, Im so sorry, but you need to stop. Protesters run as security forces use water cannons to disperse them during clashes in Garoua, Cameroon, October. 12, 2025 [AP Photo/Welba Yamo Pascal] The political crisis could fuel the kind of Gen Z mass protests that have erupted in Madagascar, Morocco, Mozambique, Angola and Kenya against soaring food prices, inequality, mass youth unemployment and corruption from the parasitical elite. For millions, Biyas victory is the continuation of a nightmare that began in 1982, when he first assumed power, before most Cameroonians were born. His installation in power followed the defeat of the international upsurge of working class struggles in the period 1968-75 which allowed the bourgeoisie in both the imperialist centres and the colonial world to stabilise its rule and launch a global offensive against the working class. Keynesian national economic regulations and import substitution policies were replaced with pro-business monetarist policies. Facing an economic collapse in the late 1980s, Biyas government imposed International Monetary Fund structural adjustment programmes that slashed public spending by nearly a fifth, froze wages, and dismantled large parts of the state sector. Public enterprises that once provided employment and basic services were sold off at knock-down prices, beginning in the 1990s and accelerating in the early 2000s, when key utilities such as the national electricity company SONEL were privatised. These measures, deepened unemployment, rural impoverishment, and social decay. The most recent International Monetary Fund programmes, renewed in 2017 and extended through the current 2025 framework, continue austerity, rationalisation of state-owned firms, and cuts to public investment. The result has been the systematic transfer of wealth from the Cameroonian masses to international creditors and domestic elites. The political crisis is set to intersect with the two major insurgencies. One is the decade-long insurgency in the Anglophone west by bourgeois separatists. The second is in the Far North, where Islamist Boko Haram has carried out attacks. In both cases, the state has responded with brutal force. The English-speaking regions, once promised autonomy within a federal structure, have been subjected to collective punishment and economic strangulation. Entire towns have been razed, thousands killed, and hundreds of thousands displaced. Underlying this crisis is the deep social misery produced by decades of capitalist underdevelopment. Cameroon is a social powder keg. Real unemployment and underemployment reach nearly 40 percent, forcing millions into precarious informal work and bare survival. At least 23 percent of the population live on less than US $2.15 a day, and when deprivation in education, health and living conditions are included, the share rises to more than 40 percent. The rural masses face the worst conditions, with over 56 percent counted among the poor in contrast to around 21 percent in urban areas. On the other end, the rot at the top has become almost surreal. Biya, at 92, spends most of his time in the luxury Intercontinental Hotel in Genevawith bills for him and his entourage estimated at around $65 millionor discreet locations around the Swiss lakeside city, from where he rules by decree through his proxies. The real machinery of power is handled by a narrow inner circle around the presidency, led by the flamboyant First Lady Chantal Biya and Secretary-General Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh, who was granted sweeping presidential authority in 2019. Cameroon possesses vast natural wealth. Offshore oil and gas fields along the Gulf of Guinea provide a major share of export revenues, while the countrys fertile lands yield cocoa, coffee, bananas, cotton, and palm oil for global markets. Its dense forests supply tropical hardwoods, and beneath the soil lie rich deposits of bauxite, iron ore, cobalt, gold, and diamonds. Hydroelectric rivers, notably the Sanaga and Lom, give Cameroon immense energy potential. Control over these resources lies in the hands of a few multinational giants that throw crumbs at Biya and his entourage. In the oil and gas sector, French conglomerate TotalEnergies and Anglo-British firms like Perenco and Victoria Oil & Gas dominate, working closely with the state-owned SNH under opaque contracts. Timber exploitation is led by companies such as Rougier, Wijma, and Chinese logging groups that have devastated large parts of the southern rainforest. In mining, the Sundance Resources project at Mbalam-Nabeba and the Camalco bauxite venture reflect growing Australian and Chinese interests, while Canadian companies have stakes in gold and cobalt extraction. The agricultural export trade is monopolised by agribusiness multinationals like Societe des Plantations du Haut-Penja, controlled by the French group Compagnie Fruitiere, which dominates the banana industry, alongside a handful of European cocoa traders. These firms extract enormous profits through cheap labour, tax exemptions, and repatriated earnings. Douala seaport in Cameroon [Photo by Johnkekam / CC BY-SA 4.0 The state survives through repression and imperialist support. Biyas regime has long relied on French imperialism, which continues to dominate the economy, the CFA franc currency, and the commanding heights of finance and trade. In recent years Washington has moved aggressively to expand its influence, viewing the aged autocrat as a convenient instrument for securing US strategic interests in Central Africa and the oil-rich Gulf of Guinea. Under the banner of stability and security cooperation, Washington has deepened military and intelligence ties with Yaounde, deploying advisers and carrying out joint operations against Anglophone separatist leaders both inside Cameroon and abroad. In September 2024, when Biya travelled to Switzerland for medical treatment, his security was coordinated by American advisers. In recent months, the new AFRICOM commander, Dagvin Anderson, has met Biya, Defence Minister Joseph Beti Assomo, and the leadership of the Rapid Intervention Battalion, signalling a renewed military partnership. The electoral farce has exposed the emptiness of the capitalist opposition. Figures like Issa Tchiroma, seventy-nine years old, parade themselves as alternatives but are products of the same rotten system. Tchiromas career has unfolded entirely within the structures of Biyas regime. A former minister of transport under Biya in the early 1990s, he later served as minister of communication and government spokesperson from 2009 to 2019, loyally defending the dictatorships every abuse. Tchiromas campaign rhetoric against corruption and bad governance recycles the fake moralism of a privileged bureaucrat. He represents a section of the ruling class seeking to reshuffle the spoils and a negotiated truce with Anglophone elites that would integrate them into the existing system of plunder. The crisis in Cameroon is the latest example of the failure of bourgeois nationalists in the former colonial countries. Forty years of Biyas rule have shown that the national bourgeoisie cannot resolve the fundamental problems of the country. They cannot develop the economy in the interests of the masses, end imperialist domination or unify the working people across ethnic and linguistic lines. Every attempt at reform has collapsed into corruption, and every opposition movement that bases itself on capitalist property relations becomes, sooner or later, a tool of imperialism or of one or another faction of the elite. The masses are ready to fight. Workers, students, and unemployed youth have taken to the streets in defiance of curfews, police repression, and internet shutdowns. But spontaneous revolt, without organisation and programme, risks exhaustion or defeat. The regime will attempt to crush dissent, while imperialism and its local allies will seek to channel the movement into negotiations, commissions, or another transitional trap. What is needed is the conscious organisation of the working class as an independent political force. The Cameroonian proletariat, regardless of language or tribe, is the only class capable of uniting the nation on a socialist basis. The strategic axis that must guide this fight is Leon Trotskys theory of Permanent Revolution provides the key. Protesters block the busy Nairobi-Mombasa highway in the Mlolongo area, Nairobi, Kenya., July 2, 2024 [AP Photo/Brian Inganga] In semi-colonial countries like Cameroon, the bourgeoisie is too weak, dependent, and cowardly to accomplish even the basic democratic and national tasks: land reform, genuine independence, national unity, and industrial development. These tasks fall to the working class, which must take power in alliance with the rural masses. Only by expropriating the oligarchs, breaking with imperialism, and reorganising the economy on socialist lines can Cameroon emerge from its nightmare. But this fight cannot be won within national borders. The same forces of global capitalism that strangle Cameroon exploit workers everywhere. The struggle in Cameroon must therefore be consciously internationalist, linking up with the workers and oppressed across Africa and the world. Elevenlabs AudioNative Player Video posted by the Pentagon of its murder of six passengers on a boat in international waters off the coast of Colombia [Photo: @SecWar] On Monday, the Trump administration announced a new series of criminal missile strikes against four civilian vessels in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. It was the deadliest day yet in the barbaric campaign of extrajudicial assassinations carried out by the US military in Latin American waters since the beginning of September. Mondays operation marked a major escalation in the violence and scope of the attacks. Three different missile strikes blasted four vessels out of the water, killing 14 people, and bringing the total death toll in US imperialisms murder spree to 57. The reporting of the attacks repeated the atrocious ritual established by the fascists in the White House and the Pentagon. The assassinationscarried out in flagrant violation of US and international lawwere trumpeted on social media along with videos of what amount to extrajudicial executions. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth boasted on X about the murder of the unidentified civilians of undisclosed nationalities. He repeated the fraudulent claim that the small boats were transiting along known narco-trafficking routes, and carrying narcotics and that their crew members were narco-terrorists. Not a single shred of evidence has been presented by the White House to prove that any of the targeted vessels or their crew members were connected to drug-traffickingwhich, in any case, would not legalize the blatantly criminal murder of unarmed civilians in international waters. But the US administration is no more concerned about justifying its claims than Al Capone was interested in making a moral case for the St. Valentines Day Massacre. It is employing the immense power of the US military and intelligence apparatus as a giant Murder Inc. in pursuit of blatantly criminal and predatory aims. Trump made the completely absurd boast that each small fishing boat he destroyed has saved 50,000 lives by preventing illegal drugs from entering the United States. This would amount to more than half a million lives, though the number of overdose deaths in the US annually is less than 100,000, and the vast majority are caused by fentanyl, which is smuggled into the US from Mexico, not South America. The small boats struck by US missiles were nearly 3,000 miles from the US, with no capability of delivering drugs to American shores. Hegseth has now doubled down on Trumps Hitlerian Big Lie. In his Tuesday morning post on X, the Secretary of War wrote: The Department has spent over TWO DECADES defending other homelands. Now, were defending our own. These narco-terrorists have killed more Americans than Al-Qaeda, and they will be treated the same. We will track them, we will network them, and then, we will hunt and kill them. Hegseths invocation of Washingtons justifications for launching its War on Terror is highly significant. Just as the 9/11 attacks and subsequent lies about weapons of mass destruction were used as phony pretexts to launch two wars of imperialist aggression against Iraq and Afghanistan, so today Trumps campaign of strikes against small boats accused of narco-terrorism is aimed at manufacturing a war to loot oil-rich Venezuela. Washingtons preparations for a full-scale war against the Venezuelan regime of Nicolas Maduro are rapidly escalating. On Friday, Hegseth announced the deployment of the Navys largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, to waters near Venezuelas Caribbean coast, where a naval armada and 10,000 US sailors and Marines are already deployed. This escalation, which is hardly suitable for drug interdictions, followed statements by Trump that he had authorized CIA operations to overthrow Maduro as well as threatening a ground invasion of the country. This has been joined by flights of B-1 bombers adjacent to Venezuelan airspace. The military buildup against Venezuela is part of US imperialisms neocolonial drive against Latin America as a whole. It not only revives Monroe Doctrine claims of a US right to control Latin America and its strategic resources, but seeks to reverse by means of military violence Washingtons loss of hegemonic political and economic influence in the region, in particular to China. The intensification of Trumps criminal attacks on civilian vessels is an ominous indication that the threat of a regional war is rapidly growing. In turn, the military campaign in Latin America is only one front in an emerging Third World War. While the initial attacks struck boats in the southern Caribbean, near Venezuela, Mondays and other recent attacks have occurred in the Eastern Pacific, off Colombias coast. This shift coincides with Trumps launching of a vicious political offensive against the Colombian government. On October 18, Trump attacked President Gustavo Petro on social media, accusing him of being an illegal drug leader strongly encouraging the massive production of drugs and that this has become the biggest business in Colombia. This monstrous lie, followed by sanctions against the Colombian president, his family and other officials, is a mere repetition of the claims fabricated to justify the political and military intervention against Venezuela and with the exact same purpose. Coming steps in this imperialist offensive have been indicated by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who told CBS News on Sunday: Trump told me yesterday that he plans to brief members of Congress when he gets back from Asia about future potential military operations against Venezuela and Colombia. This path being pursued by US imperialism under Trump will set the whole region on fire. It can only achieve its aims by means of extreme violence, economic disruption and the establishment of fascistic and military regimes, all of which will be met with mass popular resistance and intensifying class struggle. Imperialisms plans must be stopped, but this can only be done by attacking their real essence, rooted in the contradictions of the global capitalist system. The most critical point to be grasped by workers on both sides of the Rio Grande is that the entire working class, both in Latin America and within the United States, constitutes the real target of imperialism. The gangster campaign of extrajudicial killings in Latin American waters is organically connected to the Trump administrations domestic assault on democratic rights and its persecution of immigrant workers. The same military and intelligence apparatus deployed to murder fishermen and migrants in the Caribbean and Pacific is being mobilized to round up and deport millions of immigrants within the United States. Trumps invocation of the Alien Enemies Act and declaration of non-international armed conflict serve to justify both overseas killings and domestic repression, revealing the inseparable connection between imperialist war abroad and the drive toward dictatorship at home. Just as the gangster Trump is murdering fishermen and migrants in South American waters, so too will his administration assert its power to carry out extrajudicial executions in the US itself. The redeployment of the Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean signals the global character of American imperialisms military operations and its determination to exert dominance across multiple theaters simultaneously. Broader military confrontations are inevitable as the ruling class responds to the deepening crisis of the profit system through military violence abroad and authoritarian rule at home. The only force capable of preventing imperialist war and defending democratic rights is the international working class, organized independently of all capitalist parties and nationalist movements, fighting for the overthrow of capitalism and the establishment of socialism. Workers in the United States must reject both the Trump administrations campaign of state terror and the complicity of the Democratic Party, which, with the drone assassination campaign under the Obama administration, pioneered the practice of extrajudicial executions ordered from the White House. It has supported and enabled decades of imperialist aggression throughout Latin America and across the planet. The defense of Venezuelan, Colombian and all Latin American workers targeted by US imperialism requires the building of sections of the International Committee of the Fourth International to provide revolutionary socialist leadership to the working class. Only through the independent political mobilization of the working class, uniting its struggles against war and in defense of social and democratic rights across national borders, can the drive toward catastrophic conflict be stopped and the foundations laid for genuine democracy and social equality. Brent crude hovers near $65 as traders await the outcome of this weeks TrumpXi meeting in South Korea. From Black Gold to Blue Flame US Dealmakers Pivot to Gas - The US oil industrys consolidation drive has run out of steam as low-60 crude prices made it much harder for private equity firms to sell their undeveloped assets; however, gas deals still have a lot of room left. - According to Enverus, US upstream dealmaking dipped by almost 30% in Q3 2025, totalling only $9.7 billion with Crescent Energys $3 billion takeover of Vital Energy marking the single largest transaction. - That said, M&A activity in purely gas-focused plays is heating up, especially in Louisianas Haynesville Basin that saw Stone Ridge Holdings $1.3 billion deal in July, to be followed by Japans JERA spending $1.5 billion this month. - Gas consolidation deals in the US have already amounted to $30 billion in January-September 2025, already higher than last years $22.5 billion total. - Market rumours see at least $28 billion of gas and LNG assets up for sale in the United States, including but not limited to Ascent Resources, GeoSouthern and NextDecades Rio Grande LNG project. Market Movers - Algeria's national oil company Sonatrach has resumed exploration activities in Libya, spudding an exploratory well in the country's Block 96/2 after an 11-year hiatus. - Indonesia's national oil firm Pertamina has farmed into Petronas' ultra-deepwater Bobara field in the country, taking a 24.5% participating interest under the 30-year production sharing contract. - QatarEnergy has taken a 40% stake in Egypt's North Rafah offshore concession, with ENI (BIT:ENI) remaining the project operator as it continues to hunt for gas in the Mediterranean Sea. - Japan's leading power generation company JERA has agreed to purchase US upstream gas assets in Louisiana's Haynesville basin for $1.5 billion in cash, adding 0.5 Bcf/d of production to its portfolio. - US oil major ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM) signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding with Gabons Oil and Gas Ministry for unspecified deepwater blocks, marking its re-entry into the African country following its exit in 2015. Tuesday, October 28, 2025 The Trump-Xi meeting in South Korea is set to define the market sentiment of this week, with ICE Brent seeing only minor downward corrections to $65 per barrel. So far there has been little physical disruption from sanctions on Russias Rosneft and Lukoil, with the oil markets still in wait-and-see mode to gauge the crude production and export impact of US sanctions. Mass protest in Leh, Ladakh, against Indian government repression, September 24, 2025 [Photo: Jamia Review/Instagram] In the wake of the recent killing by Indian security forces of four unarmed protestors and the wounding of 150 other persons in the strategically critical Ladakh region, Indias Hindu-supremacist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government has belatedly opened talks with local political leaders. On September 24, security forces opened fire on protestors opposing the Indian central governments oppressive rule of the region and demanding that Ladakh be granted statehood. Indias northernmost territory, Ladakh borders both of New Delhis principal geo-strategic rivals, China and Pakistan, and is central to New Delhis ongoing disputes with Beijing and Islamabad over its northern border. Pakistan claims parts of Ladakh rightfully belong to it, as part of its larger claim to virtually all the territory that once comprised the Muslim-majority, British Indian princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. Beijing, meanwhile, asserts that those parts of Ladakh not claimed by Pakistan are Chinese territory. New Delhi has its own counter claims. It insists that Pakistan-held Azad Kashmir and the even more northerly Gilgit-Baltistan rightfully belong to India, and it claims all the approximately 38,000 kilometers of Aksai Chin, the Chinese territory adjacent to Ladakh. Clashes in 2020 between Indian and Chinese troops along the contested Line of Actual Control that divides Ladakh and Aksai Chin led both countries to forward deploy tens of thousands of troops, tanks and fighter planes, resulting in a tense border stand-off that they have only recently begun to de-escalate. Two days after it violently suppressed the September 24 protest, the Narendra Modi-led BJP government detained its principal organizer, the political and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, under the National Security Act, which allows the Indian state to detain political opponents without charge for up to a year. Although Wangchuk has repeatedly shown his readiness to work with the far-right BJP government, the authorities have suggested he is working with foreign powers to subvert India. As proof, it has spuriously raised his attendance at a conference in Pakistan examining the impact of climate change, including the melting of Himalayan glaciers. While Wangchuk continues to languish in jail, the BJP government has agreed to resume talks with the pro-statehood Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA). All indications are that the Modi government intends to allow the talks to drag on so as to undercut the LAB and KDAs demand for statehood under the Sixth Schedule of Indias constitution, which provides a certain measure of autonomy to areas traditionally peopled by tribal groups. New Delhi is opposed to giving Ladakh statehood because it would lessen the central governments control and power over this strategic region, most crucially the ability of the Indian military to seize tribal lands at will. The LAB and the KDA are unelected bodies comprised of representatives from various petty bourgeois tribal, civil society and religious groups. Nevertheless, they have become the de facto political representatives of Ladakh under conditions where the BJP government has refused to allow Ladakh to have elections for a territorial assembly (which is the norm in all other Union Territories), let alone statehood. This demand for statehood predates Ladakhs spinning off in 2019 from the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), as part of a constitutional coup in which the Modi government stripped Indias lone Muslim-majority state of its special autonomous status and reduced both it and Ladakh to Union Territories. Since then, the governance of Ladakh, which is home to some 300,000 people, and to J&K, where more than 13 million reside, has effectively been in the hands of the Home Ministry, headed by Modis chief henchman, Amit Shah. While the BJP government has reneged on its pledge to restore statehood to the bifurcated Jammu and Kashmir, it ultimately felt compelled to allow an election for a territorial assemblyif only to calm ruling-class complaints that its actions have failed to stabilize Indian-rule over Kashmir. In practice, however, there is little difference between the manner in which the Modi government treats the two territories. In both, the military-security forces have free rein, using state violence, internet shutdowns and curfews to smother even peaceful protests against repressive rule and widespread economic hardship. The Ladakh statehood demand reflects the interests and aspirations of the local elite. They are using it as a means to deflect widespread anger, especially among the youth, over the Modi governments repressive rule over the territory, and the lack of access to jobs and public services, even as New Delhi and the military spend massive sums in Ladakh on building military bases, fortifications, and transport links. After sustained protests, the BJP government agreed at the beginning of 2023 to hold talks with the LAB and the KDA, which are respectively located in the towns of Leh and Kargil, the former being the summer capital and the latter the winter capital of Ladakh. With the talks stalled, Wangchuk, along with 14 others, launched a 15-day hunger strike on September 10 to press their statehood demand. On September 24, two elderly hunger-strikers were admitted to hospital in serious condition. In response, youth organizations called for protests and a shutdown of normal activities. In Leh protesters set fire to the BJPs Ladakh regional office. Wangchuk and his colleagues immediately distanced themselves from the street protests, denying any involvement and appealing for calm. Intent on revenge, the Modi government quickly deployed dozens of security forces who without any warning opened fire on the protestors killing four and injuring over 150. The security forces latter claimed that they had fired in self-defence, a standard refrain from the authorities to justify killings of unarmed protestors. Padma Stanzin, one of the hunger strike organizers, told the BBC on September 25 that their movement has always been peaceful and they had no idea that it would turn out like this. The living conditions of the masses in Ladakh are abominable. The official unemployment rate for university graduates is 39.6 percent, more than triple the national average of 12.4 percent. Despite this, the Modi government has left 5,000 government jobs vacant since 2022. Climate change also threatens agriculture and pastoralism which, in addition to tourism, are the main economic pillars in Ladakh. These conditions have fueled widespread hatred and opposition to the ruling BJP which was why the disillusioned and alienated youth set fire to the BJP office in Leh. Wangchuk is a petty bourgeois political operative, who has never criticized the Modi government and Indian ruling classs broader predatory geo-strategic agenda, beginning with the anti-China Indo-US Global Strategic Partnership. He profusely praised Modi and his government for stripping J&K of its special constitutional status on August 5, 2019, in a move carried out in the dead of night and in flagrant violation of Indias constitution. After protests broke out in J&K the same night and hundreds of Kashmiris were arrested in a violent crackdown, Wangchuk cheered on the Modi government: THANK YOU PRIME MINISTER for fulfilling Ladakhs longstanding dream, he wrote on his X (Twitter) account. Prior to his arrest, Wangchuk had cordial ties with the BJP and Indian military. He has appeared in BJP promotional campaigns in Ladakh, and other BJP-led state governments sought his educational advice. Despite this, Wangchuck is being subjected to all the anti-democratic machinations of the government and security forces. He was arrested on September 26 under Indias draconian National Security Act and sent 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) from his home to a jail in Jodhpur, in the state of Rajasthan Wangchuks wife, Gitanjali Angmo, told Al Jazeera on October 7 that in just a month, the same administration that had decorated him was now branding him anti-national. This, she said, is to silence and intimidate him. Modis 2019 constitutional coup against Kashmir and Indias strategic aims Abrogation of Jammu and Kashmirs special constitutional status (Article 370) was long a demand of the Hindu right, and since the early 1950s a core element in its program to transform India into a Hindu rashtra or Hindu state, where Muslims and other minorities will have to defer to Hindu supremacy. India's Ladakh region abuts both China and Pakistan [Photo: Wikipedia] However, Modis 2019 constitutional coup, and especially as it pertained to Ladakh, was largely driven by geostrategic aims. Ladakh has been central in many of Indias wars and border clashes with both China and Pakistan, including the 1999 Kargil War, which New Delhi and Islamabad waged over the Siachen Glacier. With the creation of Ladakh as a separate Union Territory in August 2019, the Modi government and military massively expanded their military construction campaign in Ladakh, investing more than 5,000 crore rupees or $600 million. The subsequent Indo-Chinese border clashes were clearly bound up with increased Indian military activity in the region and Chinese apprehensions about it. Ladakh abuts Aksai Chin which connects Chinas autonomous Xinjiang and Tibet regions both geographically and strategically via road and rail links. Ladakh is also proximate to Gilgit-Baltistan, through which the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor passes. Indian tanks on the banks of Pangong Tso lake region, in Ladakh along the India-China border on Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021. [AP Photo/India Army via AP] Because of the bleak economic prospects facing Ladakh youth, they are being recruited into the military to serve as cannon fodder in future wars against Pakistan and China. They are valued by the Indian high command because as locals they possess intimate knowledge of the mountainous terrain and harsh weather conditions, which severely impact combat in the region. Ladakh has the highest per capita recruitment into the armed forces in all of India. So dependent is the Indian military upon the locals, that it has showered over 300 gallantry awards upon them. That is why there is deep concern within the Indian military that the alienation of the people of Ladakh could have dangerous repercussions for its effectiveness. A former Indian Army commander who served in Ladakh told Frontline magazine. If there is unrest in Kashmir, Pakistan will exploit it. The same holds true for Ladakh. If theres unrest, China will certainly try to exploit it. He further warned: If tensions keep simmering, Pakistan may eventually try to shift its focus here as well. Even in times of peace, there are always competitive and economic conflicts between nations, and to have such instability in Ladakh, from a defence perspective, is one of the most dangerous scenarios imaginable. This is the story of two men Joseph Hansen and George Novack, both leaders of the Socialist Workers Party of the United States. They belonged to the Communist League of America, the party founded by James P. Cannon, Max Shachtman and Martin Abern in 1928, after their expulsion from the Communist Party of USA. The expulsions were carried out because they supported the policies of Leon Trotsky, the co-leader with Lenin of the Russian Revolution, and his Left Opposition to Stalinism. It marked the founding of the Trotskyist movement in the United States. Hansen refers to Novack as a great philosopher; Novack reciprocates by saying that Hansen is a great political analyst. The International Committee of the Fourth International, which today embodies the historic continuity of Trotskys struggle for Marxism and Leninism, declares that both Hansen and Novack are accomplices of the GPU, the secret police of the Soviet bureaucracy. Both have conducted a 35-year masquerade as Trotskyists living off the legend of their association with the exiled Trotsky in the 1930s until his assassination in Mexico on August 20, 1940. We are fully conscious of the extremely grave charge we are presenting. But an examination of the historical record impels us to take no other course. Both Hansen and Novack know this material exists and that we have gathered much of it. They say that they are being framed. This is not the case. We repeatedly called during 1975 for a parity commission to be set up with joint representation from the International Committee and the United Secretariat of which Ernest Mandel is a member. This invoked no response. After painstaking research in Europe and America, the International Committee presents an irrefutable indictment of both men and calls for a public inquiry along the lines of the Dewey Commission of 1937 with a tribunal including worldwide representatives of the Trotskyist movement. International Committee of the Fourth International, January 1, 1976 We accuse Joseph Hansen and leaders of the Socialist Workers Party (USA) of deliberately covering up GPU murder and penetration of the Trotskyist movement for the purposes of spying and disruption. This cover-up, conducted over 35 years, has directly aided the GPU. It reveals that in practice Hansen, whilst masquerading as a Trotskyist and a one-time secretary to Trotsky, has acted as an accomplice of the GPU. Based on historical records and writings, as well as extensive interviews with early members of the Trotskyist movement, the International Committee of the Fourth International presents this irrefutable indictment of Hansens guilt: 1. That for 37 years Joseph Hansen has suppressed from the Trotskyist movement details of his personal contacts with a GPU agent known as John in New York in 1938. His contact with the GPU agent John only emerged in August 1975 when the International Committee of the Fourth International uncovered hitherto unpublished State Department archives in Washington, DC. They proved Hansen gave details of his contact with the GPU agent to US consul Robert G. McGregor during a secret visit to the American Embassy in Mexico City on August 31, 1940, eleven days after Trotskys assassination. McGregor reported to his superiors in the US State Department on September 1, 1940: Hansen stated that when in New York in 1938 he was himself approached by an agent of the GPU and asked to desert the Fourth International and join the Third. He referred the matter to Trotsky who asked him to go as far with the matter as possible. For three months Hansen had relations with a man who merely identified himself as John, and did not otherwise reveal his real identity. (Report by Robert G. McGregor, American Consulate General, Mexico, September 1, 1940.) Hansen has now admitted the secret conversation with US consul McGregor, although no one in the Trotskyist movement or Trotskys household knew anything about it before today. He remains absolutely silent about his three-month connivance with the GPU agent John. We know why. John was one of the many aliases of Dr Gregory Rabinowitz, head of the Russian Red Cross in the United States between 1936 and 1939. Rabinowitz played the central role for the GPU in the United States in planting agents in the Trotskyist movement to set up the assassination of Trotsky. His GPU network included Ruby Weil, who was instructed by Rabinowitz to accompany SWP member Sylvia Ageloff to Europe in 1938 where Miss Ageloff was duped into a relationship with Trotskys assassin, Ramon Mercader, alias Jacques Mornard; Sylvia Franklin, alias Sylvia Caldwell, who was planted in the SWP in New York and rose to become the most personal of private secretaries to the late James P. Cannon before she was unmasked in 1950; Thomas L. Black, American Communist Party member who was planted in the SWP in 1936 and subsequently instructed by the GPU to get to Trotskys household at Coyoacan to arrange the assassination of Trotsky. All three GPU agents were members of the Communist Party told by Rabinowitz to break all connections with the CP and worm their way high up into the Trotskyist movement. Miss Weil knew Rabinowitz as John Rich; Miss Franklin knew him as Roberts; and Black knew him as Dr Schwartz. We state categorically that Hansen is lying when he says that Trotsky told him to consort with the GPU agent John Rabinowitz. It is inconceivable that the Bolshevik leader would instruct the head of his security arrangements at Coyoacan to meet a GPU agent over a period of three months. If Trotsky knew that Hansen had been approached by John, he would have exposed it at once. He would have unmasked the GPUs attempt to suborn one of his secretaries as a warning to the New York organisation as well as the Trotskyist movement elsewhere. Trotskys custom and practice would have led him to take a statement from Hansen about the GPU encounter and publish it along the lines of Stalin Seeks My Death. As Trotsky wrote on November 2, 1937: We must tirelessly gather printed material, documents, testimonials of witnesses (our emphasis) concerning the criminal work of the agents of the GPU-Comintern. We must periodically publish in the Press rigorously substantiated conclusions drawn from these materials. (It Is High Time to Launch a World Offensive against Stalinism An Open Letter to all Workers Organisations, Writings of Leon Trotsky, 19371938, Pathfinder Press.) Although this was Trotskys firmly-held policy, there is not a solitary mention of Hansens meeting with John in Trotskys writings or in the published correspondence of the period. For this reason we are convinced that Hansen never told Trotsky anything about it. If Hansen had told Trotsky about his contact with the GPU agent, Trotskys attention would have immediately been drawn to attempted penetration of the SWP at the national level in New York. He would have instituted the most extreme precautions regarding the selection of his guard. It could have led to the earlier unmasking of Sylvia Franklin and prevented the sending of the inexperienced and politically suspect Robert Sheldon Harte as a guard. Hansens deliberate concealment of his meetings with the GPU agent John until the International Committee unearthed official documents in 1975 sabotaged the security vigilance of the Trotskyist movement in the days leading up to Trotskys assassination and until the present day. Suppressed testimony of SWP member in assassination plot 2. Joseph Hansen and George Novack have deliberately created diversions and slander campaigns to prevent a full-scale inquiry into the security flaw at Coyoacan where Trotsky was murdered on August 20, 1940. Hansen was delegated by the SWP Political Committee to be in charge of security in Mexico; Novack was assigned to safeguard Trotsky in every way possible against the death warrant issued against him by Stalins henchmen. (Intercontinental Press, December 8, 1975.) They have completely betrayed these responsibilities by suppressing vital evidence of Stalinist GPU penetration of Trotskys household itself. This is revealed in sworn testimony given by Thomas L. Black before the United States Senate judiciary committee on May 17, 1956. Black, a chemist from Newark, New Jersey, had a political career which traversed the Communist Party and Hansens Socialist Workers Party and finally ended up an FBI informer. The Stalinists persuaded him to leave the CP in 1936 and infiltrate the SWP to ingratiate myself with the leadership of the party. His GPU controller was Dr Gregory Rabinowitz, head of the Russian Red Cross. This is an excerpt from the official 1956 Senate transcript: Q: Did he give you an assignment? Black: Yes, sir. When I was released from the hospital he told me that he wanted me to quit my job and make arrangements to go to Coyoacan. Q : Did he state for what purpose? Black: Not specifically. He said that he wanted me to go down and join Trotskys household. Q: In other words, he wanted you to join the household itself? Black: That is correct. Q: And keep in contact with him? Black: That is right. Q: Did you learn what Rabinowitzs plan was at that particular time? Black: No, not at that time. I asked some questions, and he told me that the questions the nature of which I was asking did not need to concern me then. I would get instructions later. First I was to go to Coyocan, and there would be other Soviet agents in Trotskys household, and I asked him who they would be. He said I would find out that when the time came. I asked him what I was supposed to do, and he said I would be told when the time came. He refused to answer any question about what the nature of the work was. Q: Did you subsequently find out what the nature of that assignment was? Black: Yes, sir. Q: What was the nature of that assignment? Black: To arrange the assassination of Trotsky. (US Senate judiciary committee, Scope of Soviet Activity in the United States, May 17, 1956, Library of Congress.) In the event, Black did not carry out the assignment which Rabinowitz ordered him to conduct in the SWP. But his testimony contains the disclosure that there were other Soviet agents in Trotskys household. Hansen and Novack have kept their mouths shut about this critical testimony for almost 20 years. We say, every single member of Trotskys household who is still alive should be investigated to clear the stains of suspicion in the Senate record and to unmask the GPU agents Rabinowitz referred to. It also means investigating from top-to-bottom the procedure for selecting members of the household at the SWPs New York office where Sylvia Franklin held court. Sylvia Franklin: Stalinist agent 3. Joseph Hansen and George Novack have protected and covered up for Sylvia Franklin, the GPU agent in the Socialist Workers Party who became personal secretary to the late James P. Cannon throughout the 1940s. She was a GPU agent planted at the top of the SWPs national headquarters in New York with access to all of Cannons correspondence as well as National Committee and Political Committee minutes. Her reports were filed to the GPU network run by Gregory Rabinowitz and subsequently by Soviet master spy, Jack Soble. Sworn testimony was given 25 years ago to the fact that Sylvia Franklin was a GPU agent. Louis Budenz, managing editor of the Stalinist Daily Worker who became a FBI informer, presented a sworn and notarised affidavit to the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) on November 11, 1950. He testified: Another person whom I introduced to Roberts [Rabinowitz] was Sylvia Franklin also known as Sylvia Caulwell [sic] and whose maiden name was something like Sylvia Kallen. In Chicago, Roberts gave Sylvia Franklin $300 as an initial expense account to make the trip to New York where he had arranged her employment with a woman doctor, who was connected with the Soviet secret police. By first volunteering to do secretarial work in the national Trotskyite offices in New York, Sylvia Franklin under the direction of Roberts-Rabinowitz, gradually made herself indispensable to James Cannon, then head of the American Trotskites. She became his secretary and served in that capacity for some time. Roberts-Rabinowitz advised me that she had proved to be invaluable. (See American Aspects of Assassination of Leon Trotsky, HUAC, Library of Congress.) Indicted along with Lavrenti Beria James Cannon denounced Budenz saying that Miss Franklin was an honest comrade who gave years of valued service to the cause. (An Answer to Budenzs Latest Frame-up, The Militant, August 28, 1950.) Hansen and Novack swear by Miss Franklin to this day; she was an exemplary comrade (Joseph Hansen in International Press, November 24, 1975.) They defend her completely by, conversely, accusing the International Committee of the Fourth International of repeating the fabrications circulated by Budenz. (Ibid.) On November 29, 1960, a New York Federal grand jury indicted Sylvia Franklin in her maiden name, Sylvia Callen, on Soviet espionage charges. Her co-defendants included Lavrenti Beria, head of the GPU, Vasily Zubilin, wartime GPU chief in the US, Dr Robert Soblen, brother of the convicted GPU spy Jack Soblen, Floyd Cleveland Miller, another Stalinist plant in the SWP, and two GPU couriers, Lucy Booker and Esther Rand. The indictment charged Miss Callen (Franklin) with being a co-conspirator on charges to violate subsections (a) and (c) of Section 793, Title 18, United States Code, in that they did, for the purpose of obtaining information important to the national defence of the United States, unlawfully, willfully and knowingly conspire to obtain information concerning US national defence. When the whole historical record shrieks that Sylvia Franklin was its most poisonous GPU hatchet woman, Hansen and Novack both say, No. 4. Joseph Hansen has contrived to present an inquiry into the role of Robert Sheldon Harte, the guard sent to the SWPs New York headquarters to Trotskys household in April 1940. Trotsky, Natalia and their grandson, Seva, had the narrowest escape from death on the night of May 24, 1940, after Harte broke the guards regulations and let in intruders who turned out to be a Stalinist raiding party armed with machine guns and bombs. Hansen has gone on covering up for Hartes role, although a mountain of new evidence has been gathered casting the gravest suspicion on him. Julian Gorkin, authority on Stalins crimes, has written: If it were admitted that Sheldon was a spy, that would place the question of responsibility in the chief Trotskyists in New York, who had sent him to Mexico. We do no more than mention this aspect of the question. Let each one draw his own conclusions. (Murder in Mexico by General Sanchez Salazar in collaboration with Julian Gorkin. Secker & Warburg, 1950.) 5. Joseph Hansen has suppressed the fact that in 1941 it was the Socialist Workers Party who helped bring Stalins No. 1 anti-Trotskyist agent, Mark Zborowski, into the United States from France. Hansen knew at the time that leading European Trotskyists were convinced that Zborowski was a GPU agent. He had read the anonymous letter (written by NKVD defector General Alexander Orlov) to Trotsky in 1938 which pinpointed Mark, the Polish Jew in the French Left Opposition, as the GPUs top agent in Paris. Zborowski masterminded the theft of Trotskys Russian archives and the murder of Trotskys son, Leon Sedov, and his secretaries, Rudolf Klement and Erwin Wolf. As Trotskys secretary at Coyoacan Hansen knew that Trotsky had instructed a security inquiry into Zborowski. But Hansen says that investigations into the role of Zborowski are a very well (Intercontinental Press, November 24, 1975). He claims the right to give no explanation at all of how Zborowski arrived in the US and re-integrated into the Fourth International by courtesy of the SWP. After a deafening silence of 35 years George Novack now admits, after prompting from the International Committee, that he and Mrs David Dallin (Lola Estrine) brought Zborowski into the USA and inducted him back into the top echelons of the Fourth International. Unknown to us at that time was the presence of one single emigre agent whom we brought to safety. That was Mark Zborowski (Etienne) for whom Healy has raised his hue and cry decades later. (Intercontinental Press, December 8, 1975.) 6. We accuse George Novack and Mrs David Dallin (Lola Estrine) of admitting the GPU spy Mark Zborowski into the USA and re-integrating him into the top levels of the Fourth International although he was a gravely suspect, and then suppressing this fact for 35 years. Mrs Dallin knew the GPU suspicions which surrounded Zborowski. She, like Hansen, had read the Orlov letter tipping off Trotsky about the Stalinist agent Mark who worked in Paris with his son, Leon Sedov. She also knew that Trotsky had instructed a commission of inquiry to investigate charges that Zborowski was a GPU agent. She was his closest friend and political collaborator throughout the latter part of the 1930s when he carried out the theft of Trotskys archives, set up the murder of Leon Sedov and disrupted Trotskys campaign to defend himself against the Moscow Trials frame-up. But she travelled to France in 1941, fraudulently obtained travel documents for him, met him off the boat in Philadelphia, found him accommodation and so on. Within a year Zborowski was working as a close confidante of Sam Gordon, party name J.B. Stuart, and Jean van Heijenoort, leading members in the international work of the Fourth International; SWP meetings were held in his Manhattan apartment. When Zborowski was publicly unmasked as late as 1956, Novack, who was in charge of security of overseas Trotskyists as well as Trotskys security in Mexico, said nothing about his role in bringing Zborowski into the Trotskyist movement in New York. Hansen covers for the agent Miller 7. Joseph Hansen has deliberately covered up the GPU spy career of Floyd Cleveland Miller, the US Stalinist who tapped James P. Cannons home telephone for a year before joining the SWP to become a leading figure in organising Trotskyist seamen. Miller took over from Sam Gordon, alias J.B. Stuart, as editor of the Seafarers International Union newspaper. When Sam Gordon became responsible for the work of the International Secretariat of the Fourth International in New York, he worked closely with Mark Zborowski who arrived from occupied France in 1941. As a seaman, Hansen was in contact with overseas sections providing regular information which was discussed with Zborowski. Hansen treacherously dismisses Millers role in tipping off the GPU about sea-going Trotskyists as insignificant. Miller could not have been all that insignificant since the SWP leadership sent him to Mexico in 1944 to see Natalia with the final proofs of Trotskys book on Stalin a task of serious responsibility. 8. George Novack accuses Leon Trotsky and his son Leon Sedov of responsibility for their own deaths. Novack writes: Healy likewise does not see that Hansen and the others are only secondary figures in the drama. The principal actors were Trotsky and Sedov themselves who trusted Etienne (Zborowski) and allowed Jacson (Ramon Mercader) entry into the household. (Intercontinental Press, December 8, 1975.) Novack becomes an accomplice as well This is the most monstrous lie of all a lie which Novack has taken directly from the GPU. Trotsky defended himself indefatigably against this Stalinist lie which was fabricated by the GPU after the unsuccessful assassination attempt of May 24, 1940. The purpose of the GPUs theory of self-assault was to cover the tracks of its agents. The GPU mobilised with great skill its agents in order to kill me. The attempt failed owing to an accident. The friends of the GPU are compromised. They are now compelled to do everything in their power in order to fix upon me the responsibility for the unsuccessful attempt of their chieftain. In accomplishing this they have not a wide choice of means. They are compelled to operate with the crudest of methods, and to guide themselves by Hitlers aphorism: the bigger the lie the more readily it will be believed. The words are those of Trotsky, written in 1940. But 35 years later, Novack revives the old GPU slander to shift attention away from its crimes. This makes Novack the co-conspirator of Hansen. Novacks GPU lie will not wash. Trotsky and Sedov were the victims of GPU conspiracies which they fought with every breath to expose. It was not Trotsky who trusted Etienne. It was none other than Novacks and Hansens colleague, Lola Dallin. When Trotsky received the Orlov letter which pinpointed Zborowski as a GPU agent and asked Dallin for her opinion of the information, she replied: That is certainly a definitely dirty job of the NKVD, who wants to deprive you of your few collaborators that you have in France. (US Senate judiciary committee hearings, March 2, 1956, Library of Congress, Washington.) Despite Mrs Dallin, Trotsky would not let the matter rest there. He placed, as Orlov had advised, an advertisement in the SWP newspaper in New York: I insist, Mr. Stein [Orlov], I insist that you go immediately to the editorial offices of the Socialist Appeal and talk to Comrade Martin. Nor had Trotsky trusted Jacson. Isaac Deutscher described Trotskys reaction to Jacson on August 17, 1940, three days before the assassination: Reluctantly but dutifully, Trotsky invited Jacson to come with him to the study. There they remained alone and discussed the article. After only ten minutes Trotsky came out disturbed and worried. His suspicion was suddenly heightened; he told Natalya that he had no wish to see Jacson any more He had the feeling that the man was an imposter. He remarked to Natalya that in his behaviour Jacson was quite unlike a Frenchman yet he presented himself as a Belgian brought up in France. Who was he really? They should find this out These questions must have been on Trotskys mind, for two days later he repeated his observations to Hansen, as if to ascertain whether similar misgivings had occurred to anyone beside himself it was on the day before the attempt on his life that Trotsky confided his vague suspicions to Hansen. (The Prophet Outcast, Oxford University Press, pp 498499.) Despite the warnings, Jacson passed through the gates into the villa the next day. Hansen was the guard on duty. Why does Novack blame Trotsky and Sedov for their own deaths? Trotsky gave the answer to this question in 1940 when the GPU employed the slander initially: It was necessary at the same time to distract, so far as possible, attention away from the GPU, without however tying ones own hands completely. (Stalin Seeks My Death, p. 86.) Hansen refuses to give answers On three separate occasions during 1975 the International Committee of the Fourth International demanded that Hansen give answers to questions relating to revolutionary security of the Fourth International. His reply was an outright refusal. It was accompanied by an unparalleled campaign of lies and slander against the International Committee of the Fourth International. The purpose of the slander is undeniable to create a diversion, to suppress the truth and thereby directly protect the murderous activities of the GPU and the identity of its agents. Our demand for answers from Hansen was aimed at strengthening the international movement from the counterrevolutionary attacks of its enemies. By refusing to answer, Hansen aids and abets those who killed Trotsky, his children, his secretaries, the Old Bolsheviks and countless revolutionists the GPU. His actions put paid to a 35-year-old masquerade. This dubious man Hansen has no claim whatsoever to being called a Trotskyist, let alone a veteran revolutionist, as the obsequious Novack calls him. Trotsky has been murdered twice once by the GPU and a second time by those like Hansen who have conspired to hide the elaborate network of GPU penetration in the Trotskyist movement. Every attempt over many years to establish the truth about GPU murder and penetration in the Fourth International has been blocked. Those responsible have no allegiance to the principled and revolutionary traditions of Trotskyism. They even repudiate the words of James P. Cannons speech at the SWPs Plenum Conference in Chicago on September 28, 1940, five weeks after Trotskys assassination. Cannon said: We are proposing that we set up a control commission in the party. We are fully ready for that now. This will be a body of responsible and authoritative comrades who will take things in hand and carry every investigation to a conclusion one way or the other. This will do away with indiscriminate suspicions on the one side and undue laxity on the other. The net result can only be to reassure the party and strengthen its vigilance. We think the whole party now, with the petty bourgeois riff-raff out of our way, is ready for the appointment of such a body. In the same speech Cannon said: If we had checked up on such matters a little more carefully we might have prevented some bad things in the days gone by. What bad things? This is an obvious reference to the assassination of Trotsky. Was a control commission set up into Trotskys death? What happened to it? What were its findings, if any? Since no report was ever published, we can only assume that it was blocked. By whom? This is not the first time that questions surrounding the circumstances of Trotskys assassination and the security of the Fourth International have been blocked. There are other examples. When Henricus Sneevliet, secretary of the Workers Revolutionary Socialist Party of Holland, and George Vereeken of the Belgian Trotskyist movement, first raised questions about Zborowskis guilt in the late 1930s, they were framed by GPU slanders. They are not keen on the whole business After Zborowskis GPU role became public knowledge in 1956, Vereeken was genuinely convinced that the leaders of the Fourth International would do everything humanly possible to clarify the membership of the Trotskyist movement and the readers of their publications about this extraordinary case, and draw lessons for the whole revolutionary movement, in an attempt to repair as much of the damage caused as possible and rehabilitate the members, dead or living, who had been victims of these criminal activities. But Vereeken was wrong. On March 2, 1956, Pierre Frank, a co-editor today of Intercontinental Press with Joseph Hansen, wrote to Vereeken: Zborowski has been questioned by a sub-committee of the American Senate. We cant expect much more about his activities in our ranks to come out from that direction. The American groups (Cannon, Shachtman ) ought to get together on it and try to make this Etienne speak. Unfortunately we get the impression that they are not very keen on the whole business. Perhaps its only an impression. In any case, they are much more pre-occupied with defending themselves against the witch-hunt, and perhaps that explains it. (The GPU in the Trotskyist Movement, p. 16. Vereeken, La Presse Universelle, 1975.) It explains nothing of the kind. The SWP was not facing any witch-hunt; the McCarthyite period had been over for the best part of two years. What was happening to Vereekens campaign for an investigation was more straightforward it was being suppressed. At a conference of the Belgian revisionist group in 1964, Vereeken was slandered as a sectarian when he wanted to read out a document unmasking Zborowski and rehabilitating himself and Sneeveliet. Three times he was interrupted before the conference heard his document in full. An interview with Comrade Robins Today the International Committee of the Fourth International is getting the same slanderous treatment that others in the pre-war years in Europe endured. We are accused of being Stalinists, sectarians and paranoids. A clear method emerges. Touch the question of revolutionary security in the Fourth International and you immediately fall victim to a campaign of the ugliest slander, gossip and lies. It is the language of the GPU and its accomplices Hansen and Novack. Harold Robins, Trotskyist since 1928 and captain of Trotskys guard at Coyoacan, said in an interview on December 10, 1975: Comrade Hansen: In your exposition, in your so-called answer to Comrade Healy and the International Committee, you accuse them of being paranoid, as Stalin accused Trotsky of being paranoid. You cover up the role of the American agencies, the government agencies, the frame-ups of the Mexican police which were broken up by (President) Cardenas intervention. Now thats your role. You hide history, you rewrite history, you defend the Stalinist agents. Whose interest do you serve, Comrade Hansen? The revolution, or the counter-revolution? The question is, which side are you on? Politics is the answer, and your method tells which side youre on. The International Committee of the Fourth International will not be intimated by Hansens slanders. It is bigger than Hansens and the GPUs lie machine since it represents the historic continuity of Trotskys struggle to build the Fourth International as the world party of socialist revolution. The GPU and its accomplices like Hansen cannot suppress the truth any longer. With a market cap of $23.4 billion, Ulta Beauty, Inc. (ULTA) is a leading specialty beauty retailer in the United States and Mexico, offering a wide range of branded and private label products across cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. The company also provides salon and beauty services through its stores, website, and mobile app. The Bolingbrook, Illinois-based company is set to announce its fiscal Q3 2025 results soon. Ahead of this event, analysts expect Ulta Beauty to report an EPS of $4.45, down 13.4% from $5.14 in the year-ago quarter. However, it has surpassed Wall Street's earnings estimates in the last four quarters. More News from Barchart For fiscal 2025, analysts forecast the beauty products retailer to report an EPS of $24.33, a 4% decline from $25.34 in fiscal 2024. Nevertheless, EPS is anticipated to rebound and grow 10.8% year-over-year to $26.95 in fiscal 2026. www.barchart.com Shares of Ulta Beauty have surged 36.8% over the past 52 weeks, outpacing both the S&P 500 Index's ($SPX) 18.1% gain and the Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund's (XLY) 19.5% return over the period. www.barchart.com Shares of Ulta Beauty fell 7.1% following its Q2 2025 results on Aug. 28. While net sales rose 9.3% to $2.79 billion and EPS increased 9.1% to $5.78, operating margin slipped to 12.4% due to higher SG&A expenses. Additionally, managements cautious tone about consumer demand in the second half of 2025 and a 20.5% increase in inventory to $2.4 billion raised concerns. Analysts' consensus view on ULTA stock is cautiously optimistic, with an overall "Moderate Buy" rating. Among 27 analysts covering the stock, 13 recommend "Strong Buy," two suggest "Moderate Buy," 11 indicate Hold, and one advises "Strong Sell." The average analyst price target for Ulta Beauty is $589.48, suggesting a potential upside of nearly 14% from current levels. On the date of publication, Sohini Mondal 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 UniCredit is reducing the amount of client money it invests through Amundi and according to a Bloomberg report, aims to reduce the level to almost zero in less than two years. The move reflects the banks frustration with the fees it pays under an asset management deal that is coming up for renewal. Amundi was created in 2010 through the merger of the asset management arms of Credit Agricole and Societe Generale. Credit Agricole later acquired Societe Generale's stake in the company through an IPO. The Italian lender will incur breakup penalties as a result of the move but reportedly sees that as the lesser of two evils and preferable to the fees structure under the current deal. Back in 2021, Amundi managed an estimated 80% of UniCredits investment assets. Since then, this figure has dropped to around 60% and is forecast to drop to approximately half by the end of the first quarter. Meantime, UniCredit has been unable to persuade Amundi to agree revised terms. UniCredit/Amundi deal dates back to December 2016 The existing agreement between UniCredit and Amundi has been in place since a December 2016 deal between the firms. Specifically, UniCredit sold its Pioneer Investment unit to Amundi for around 3.54bn. As part of the transaction, UniCredit and Amundi formed a strategic partnership for the distribution of asset management products underpinned by a 10-year distribution agreement. An extension of the agreement has been in doubt since the Italian banks ultimately unsuccessful effort to buy domestic rival Banco BPM. Credit Agricole also has a sales partnership with Banco BPM. It increased its stake in the lender after UniCredit launched the bid last year. "UniCredit to pull client funds from Amundi by mid-2027" was originally created and published by Retail Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand. NAIROBI, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- The 2025 Africa International Agricultural Expo opened Tuesday in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, under the theme "Increasing Agricultural Productivity in Africa through Innovation and Market Access," to boost China-Africa cooperation in modern agriculture. Paul Kipronoh Ronoh, principal secretary in Kenya's State Department for Agriculture, said that the exhibition seeks to position Africa as a global hub for agri-innovation and trade. It has brought together over 150 exhibitors, including 100 from China, representing a milestone that underscores Kenya's growing role as a regional hub for agri-business and innovation. "The expo serves as a continental platform to promote innovation, technology adoption, and market access as key enablers of agricultural transformation," Ronoh said. He noted that the event reinforces Kenya's commitment to regional and global agricultural partnerships, particularly under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and the African Union's Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program. Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan said more than 100 Chinese agribusinesses, covering areas from seed breeding to food processing, are participating in the expo. "These innovations can help smallholder farmers increase yields, reduce post-harvest losses, and make farming more resilient to climate shocks," Guo noted, adding that Chinese companies are not only showcasing products but also seeking partnerships, investment opportunities, and shared growth with African farmers and enterprises. Tito Mutai, chief executive officer of Agri-Africa Exhibition, said that during the expo, five agreements were signed between Chinese and Kenyan entities to boost investment and trade in the agricultural field between the two countries. Mutai said that both countries share a common vision of transforming agriculture into a source of food as well as a driver of inclusive growth and job creation. UPS (UPS) revealed huge cuts to its workforce throughout 2025. The company's third quarter earnings report, which beat expectations on the top and bottom lines, also revealed that through the first nine months of the year, UPS had let go of some 48,000 employees. Those cuts included 34,000 operational jobs as part of its Efficiency Reimagined initiative and 14,000 jobs, primarily within management, as part of its Fit to Serve plan to streamline its business. The company said it expects total savings of $3.5 billion as part of this push. At the end of last year, UPS employed 490,000 people, including 78,000 in management positions. "UPS is executing the most significant strategic shift in our company's history," CEO Carol Tome told investors on the company's earnings call. "We're focused on winning where it matters most, capturing high-value parts of the market and onboarding customers with increasingly complex logistics needs." Following the announcement, the stock jumped 8% on Tuesday, but opened flat on Wednesday. The layoffs were partially related to a scaling back of UPS's partnership with Amazon (AMZN) as the e-commerce retailer builds up its own delivery network. Tome said that compared to last year, Amazon's total volume was down 21.2% in the quarter, a bigger difference than the 13% drop in the first half of this year. By late 2026, UPS plans to cut Amazon shipping volumes by more than half. That also led to changes in its US network, with the company closing an additional 19 buildings in the quarter, bringing its total so far this year to 93 buildings. Alongside these cost-cutting plans, Tome added that tariff uncertainty appeared "somewhat resolved," and as its Amazon "glide down" continues, the company said it expects revenue in its current quarter to tally $24 billion, up from $21.4 billion in Q3. Read more: How a CD can help you prepare for and survive a layoff Traditionally, UPS has been considered an economic bellwether, capturing a wide array of consumer demand and business activity. But Bank of America analyst Ken Hoexter said recent results offer a tough comparison to last year or earlier this year, when consumers looked to get ahead of tariffs. "Demand is just not improving. It's kind of flatlined, so what you're seeing companies now do is get way more aggressive on the costs," he told Yahoo Finance. Wall Street was optimistic after Tuesday's news, but the stock is still under pressure, down more than 23% year to date. That's against rival FedEx's (FDX) 10% loss so far this year, which also lags the S&P 500's (^GSPC) 17% gain. The baseless conspiracy theories about Brigitte Macron's gender have taken a negative toll on the French first lady, with her daughter Tiphaine Auziere revealing that her health has now "deteriorated." Auziere stated that the intensity of the attacks led Brigitte to change "her postures" and "her outfits," as she decries how her mom is "constantly under attack." Brigitte Macron has since filed a defamation lawsuit against conservative podcaster Candace Owens, who has largely shared similar claims about her to her listeners. Brigitte Macron Changed Her Looks Because Of The Attacks MEGA Brigitte Macron has been forced to alter a thing or two about herself because of the damaging conspiracy theories suggesting she's a man. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The revelation was made by her daughter, Tiphaine Auziere, during a trial on Tuesday for 10 suspects accused of spreading malicious rumors about the French first lady. In fact, it has also impacted her health, which Auziere said had "deteriorated" since the time it first started spreading. "She knows that her image could be taken and distorted," Auziere said during the court session, adding that her mom is always too careful about "her postures" and "her outfits" since the online chatter began, French outlet Ouest France reports. "She cannot ignore the horrors being said," Auziere said, adding that her mom "is constantly under attack," and her grandchildren are now aware of the malicious rumor. The First Lady Of France Was Accused Of Being Male MEGA The false conspiracy, which has been widely circulated on social media, suggests that Brigitte was born male under the name "Jean-Michel Trogneux," and then underwent gender reassignment before linking up with French president Emmanuel Macron. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But then, in reality, it's a different case: Trogneux truly exists, but is Brigitte's reclusive older brother, whom Auziere said she'd recently seen. Speaking at the trial, Auziere, who's the daughter of Brigitte and her first husband Andre-Louis Auziere, said that "it was important to be here today to express the prejudice," and that she wanted to "report what her life has been like since she suffered this hatred." Brigitte shares two other children with her ex-husband, in addition to the several grandchildren she has. Defendants Slam Brigitte Macron's Relationship With Emmanuel Macron KCS Presse / MEGA French President Emmanuel Macron has been with Brigitte for nearly 20 years after they tied the knot in 2007, one year after she divorced her ex-husband. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their relationship has raised eyebrows as she's 25 years older than him and was once his school teacher at Le Providence, a Catholic school in northern France. At the time, the politician was 15 years old, while Brigitte was 39, yet he quickly developed feelings for her. According to the New York Post, the 10 defendants who are currently facing trial for the virulent claims have described the age gap between the first couple as "pedophilia," noting how young Emmanuel was when they first met. The suspects face up to two years in prison for spreading "numerous malicious comments" online about Brigitte. The Macron Family Hopes To Win The Case For The First Lady KCS Presse / MEGA Meanwhile, Brigitte is not expected to attend the court session, as her family is doing all it can to get justice for her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite being in love with the President, she still struggles with some aspects of their romance, telling France's RTL radio station that having an age gap between them has been difficult. "We are not a model couple," Brigitte said, per People Magazine. "Of course, we are not the ideal couple. Being a couple is complicated, it's an everyday struggle (...) When you have a big age difference, it can be even more complicated." She added, however, that she doesn't feel the term "cougar" applies to her and that it's offensive. "What is this word? It doesn't describe anything!" she said. "I have always been attracted to men of my age. Except Emmanuel Macron, who was the exception." Emmanuel Macron Praised Brigitte As His 'Anchor' ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA The French first citizen has previously praised her for being his "anchor," helping him to stay grounded and keep things focused. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "For me, it's very important for my personal balance to have somebody at home telling you the truth every day," he told CNN. He continued, "Access to truth is one of the main challenges. Somebody with her deep convictions and knowing you for what you are and loving you for what you are not for what you represent or your role or your honors That is very important to me. That is my anchor." It looks like Captain America has a little lieutenant now. The "Avengers" star, 44, has welcomed his first child with wife Alba Baptista in Massachusetts, according to reports from TMZ and People. USA TODAY has reached out to representatives for Evans and Baptista for comment. Evans, who was born in Boston but raised in Sudbury, Massachusetts, has been married to Baptista, a 28-year-old actress best known for starring in the Netflix show "Warrior Nun," since 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During an appearance at New York Comic Con that year, the "Knives Out" actor confirmed he was a married man, sharing that the wedding was "really, really great." He noted they had two ceremonies: one in Portugal, where Baptista is from, and another on Cape Cod. "They were wonderful and beautiful," Evans said at the time. Alba Baptista and Chris Evans attend the Vanity Fair Oscars Party at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, California, on March 10, 2024. Does Chris Evans have kids Yes, as of Oct. 25, 2025, Evans is a father, having a girl with his wife, Baptista. The couple has decided to name the baby Alma Grace Baptista Evans, according to this report by People. Does Chris Evans live in Massachusetts Evans and Baptista appear to be living in a private estate in Massachusetts, according to reporting by the website House Beautiful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The actor put his $7 million Los Angeles home on the market in summer of 2025. In the listing, the agent said that the movie star is choosing to sell the property to move back to the East Coast where his family lives. In an interview with People magazine in 2022 after being named the magazine's Sexiest Man Alive for that year, he said that getting married and having children is "absolutely something I want." "Wife, kids, building a family," he told the magazine. "When you read about most of the best artists, whether it's actors, painters, writers, most of them (admit) it wasn't the work they made (that they are most proud of), it was about the relationships, the families they created, the love they found, the love they shared," Evans said at the time. This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Here's what Chris Evans and Alba Baptista named their baby. Chris Evans father-in-law hinted at Alba Baptistas pregnancy months before the birth. For those unversed, the Captain America star and Alba welcomed their first child on Friday, October 24, in Massachusetts. The couple have named their baby girl Alma Grace Baptista Evans, as per reports. Chris Evans father-in-law accidentally leaked Alba Baptista pregnancy news Chris Evans father-in-law allegedly leaked the news of his daughters pregnancy months in advance. Four months back, Alba reposted a fan edit wishing her and Chris respective fathers a Happy Fathers Day. The Instagram account created a wholesome collage of a young Chris and Alba posing with their respective fathers. The caption reads, Happy Fathers Day to Bob Evans and Luiz Baptista. Thank you for helping bring two amazing human beings into the world. And happy Fathers Day to yall! Chris Evans father-in-law Luiz Baptista, who was tagged in the post, commented, Many thanks dear Chris. Your turn is coming!, accompanied by an emoji. This sparked pregnancy rumors among fans. The fan account has since restricted its comments section and deleted Luiz Baptistas comment. (via Daily Mail) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Chris has been making appearances regularly, Alba has been conspicuous by her absence. According to a report by TMZ, Chris and Alba have given their daughter their respective last names. An insider revealed to PEOPLE magazine, Theyre enjoying their privacy and these special first few days as a family with their baby. Chris and Alba were first linked in January 2022. The pair got married in September 2023 in an intimate ceremony on a private estate in Cape Cod in Massachusetts. Chris and Alba made an appearance at the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party on March 10, 2024, in Beverly Hills, California. At the premiere of his movie Red One in November 2024, the Marvel actor was asked if he will be a superhero dad like co-star Dwayne Johnson. Chris confessed, Yeah, I hope so. The title of dad is an exciting one. (via Access Hollywood). The post Chris Evans Father-In-Law Allegedly Leaked Alba Baptista Pregnancy appeared first on Mandatory. The Gist Chris Evans met his wife Alba Baptista in 2021. The couple tied the knot in 2023 and welcomed their first child in 2025. Baptista is a Portuguese actress best known for her starring role in Netflix's Warrior Nun. Chris Evans was "laser-focused" on finding a partner before he met his future wife, Alba Baptista, in 2021. When the duo crossed paths that summer in Europe, all bets were off. "It was kind of love at first sight," a source later told People of the couple's meet-cute. "They got serious very quickly. He kept saying he knew she was the one." The duo quickly became an item and later tied the knot at a private estate in Cape Cod, Massachusetts on September 9, 2023. Evans was 42 years old at the time; Baptista was 26. Director Jimmy Warden, who worked with Baptista on her 2025 movie Borderline, later called them a "sweet couple." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Sometimes you run into people, [and] you're like, 'Oh, this wasn't matchmaking.' You know what I mean? No one was pulling the string," he told People. "It was just like, 'Oh, these people are exactly right for each other.'" Ahead, here's everything you should know about Chris Evans's wife Alba Baptista, who gave birth to the couple's first child in October 2025. She's from Portugal. Getty Images Alba Baptista at the premiere of 'Patrick' during San Sebastian International Film Festival in 2019. Alba Baptista at the premiere of 'Patrick' during San Sebastian International Film Festival in 2019. Baptista was born and raised in Portugal by a Portuguese mother and a Brazilian father. Thanks to a multilingual childhood, the actress speaks several languages in addition to her native Portuguese. "My mom, she grew up in Germany, and she put all of her three children in the German school in Lisbon," Baptista told Vogue Portugal. "The English came in school, as did the French, and Spanish came from life, really." She's also an actor. Baptista began her career with the Portuguese series Jardins Proibidos, but it wasn't until her English-language debut on Netflix's Warrior Nun that she garnered international attention. The fantasy-action show ran from 20202022 and put Bapista on the map. Following the series finale, the actress starred in Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris opposite Lesley Manville and Isabelle Huppert. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They both gave me lessons that Ill carry with me throughout my whole career, Baptista said of the two women in an interview with W Magazine. As a young actor, its very easy to silence your voice and do what youre told. Isabelle was just the most confident actress that Ive witnessed on set, so observing her taught me how to be confident in my choices and instincts. After Mrs. Harris, Baptista was off to the races. Her next starring role came in the 2023 horror flick Amelia's Children, followed by the 2025 thriller-slash-comedy Borderline. It was "love at first sight." Getty Images Alba Baptista at a Miu Miu event during Venice International Film Festival in 2022. Alba Baptista at a Miu Miu event during Venice International Film Festival in 2022. Baptista and Evans's connection was apparently instantaneous when the duo met in Europe back in 2021. Indeed, a People source called it "kind of love at first sight." Evans, for his part, had long wanted to find "the one." In an interview with Men's Journal in 2019, he told the publication that he was eager to start a family. "I like pretty pedestrian, domestic things," he said. "I want a wife, I want kids. I like ceremony. I want to carve pumpkins and decorate Christmas trees and shit like that. The couple wed in September 2023. Evans's dreams of marital bliss came true on September 9, 2023 when he and Baptista tied the knot in a private ceremony in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The Honey Don't! actor later revealed that he proposed to his now-wife in Portuguese. Evans was (understandably) "really nervous" when it "came time" to get down on one knee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I actually think I screwed it up," he joked in an interview with The Knot. "I had practiced it so much that, while her and I, I'd be making breakfast and you almost just start saying it out loud and you're like, 'Oh God,'" he added. "That's not just a song that's stuck in my head, it's gonna let the cat out of the bag." Following their nuptials in Massachusetts, the couple flew to Portugal for a second ceremony in Baptista's home country. They made their red carpet debut in March 2024. Getty Images Alba Baptista and Chris Evans at the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party. Alba Baptista and Chris Evans at the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party. After nearly three years of coupledom, Evans and Baptista finally made their red carpet debut in 2024 thanks to the Vanity Fair Oscar Party. It was a rare joint appearance for the duo, who typically avoid the spotlight. Evans donned a red Dolce & Gabbana suit for the special occasion while Baptista wore a black and white Roland Mouret dress paired with Cartier jewelry. They welcomed their daughter Alma in October 2025. Evans and Baptista quietly welcomed their first child together on October 24, 2025. (They never announced the pregnancy.) A source later confirmed with People that the baby's name is Alma Grace Baptista Evans. "Theyre enjoying their privacy and these special first few days as a family with their baby," the insider shared. Read the original article on InStyle Shocking new details have emerged about the sudden death of beloved actress Diane Keaton sources say she was secretly battling hereditary dementia in her final months and that the final downswing was so rapid and severe that even her closest friends didnt realize what was happening. Although the family announced that the final cause of death on Oct. 11 at age 79 was from pneumonia, sources whisper that loved ones chose to keep the news of the Annie Hall Oscar winners debilitating brain disease from the public. Shed been struggling quietly for some time, one longtime friend said. The people around her knew, but she didnt want the world to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Insiders say she spent her last months at the ultra-exclusive Palm Springs retreat Smoke Tree Ranch to keep her decline secret from public view, and that it got so bad she didnt even recognize former lover and mentor Woody Allen, 89, when he and wife Soon-Yi Previn visited her this summer. Signs of Keatons struggle could be glimpsed in 2022 on the set of Maybe I Do, where crew members say she had her lines fed to her through an earpiece which is how Bruce Willis, 70, managed to eke out his last few roles before his forced retirement from Hollywood, also in 2022, after a diagnosis of aphasia and frontotemporal dementia. It was heartbreaking to see, says a production source about the filming of Maybe I Do. [Costar] William H. Macy was incredibly kind and supportive, but if there was a break for a meal or anything, it was like starting from scratch. Carole Bayer Sager. Songwriter Carole Bayer Sager says she was shocked by her longtime friends appearance when they last saw each other after the California wildfires earlier this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She had lost so much weight, Sager told People. Shed been in Palm Springs for months. That Keaton allegedly succumbed to rapid cognitive decline is doubly sad given that her mother, Dorothy, suffered from Alzheimers for 15 years before dying in 2008. Diane wrote about that painful experience in her 2011 memoir, Then Again, detailing how the disease slowly stripped her mom of language and memory. Goodbye to names of places, Diane wrote in her diary. Goodbye to recognizing me as her daughter. Keaton leaves behind two adopted children, daughter Dexter, 29, and son Duke, 25. This story Diane Keaton Had Been Struggling Quietly For Some Time Before Death: It Was Heartbreaking to See first appeared on National Enquirer. Add National Enquirer as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Verizon Communications logged higher third-quarter profit and revenue, and the company said it is still on course to meet its yearly goals. - Justin Sullivan/Getty Images Verizon Communications logged higher profit and revenue in the third quarter, but the company lost lucrative postpaid phone customers in its consumer business. The telecommunications provider on Wednesday said consumer revenue climbed 2.9% during the recent quarter, though the segment notched 7,000 wireless retail postpaid phone net losses. Most Read from The Wall Street Journal Business revenue fell 2.8% despite reporting 51,000 postpaid phone net additions. Wireless service revenueits largest businessrose 2.1% year-over-year to $21 billion. The company added 306,000 broadband connections, ending the latest quarter with more than 13.2 million connections. It also added 261,000 new fixed-wireless access connections. Shares rose 3.4% to $40.65 in premarket trading. Verizon, the largest U.S. telecommunications provider by subscriber base, has been lagging rivals AT&T and T-Mobile recently. The carriers added 405,000 and 1 million postpaid net phone subscribers, respectively, during their latest quarters. For its three months ended Sept. 30, Verizon posted a profit of $5.06 billion, or $1.17 a share, compared with $3.41 billion, or 78 cents a share, a year earlier. Stripping out certain one-time items, adjusted per-share earnings were $1.21 a share, just ahead of the $1.19 a share that analysts had forecast, according to FactSet. Revenue ticked 1.5% higher to $33.82 billion. Wall Street had modeled $34.26 billion. Verizon said it remains confident in its full-year guidance. Verizon expects total wireless-service revenue growth of 2% to 2.8%, while adjusted per-share earnings are projected to rise 1% to 3%. The report comes after the company appointed Daniel Schulman as its new chief executive earlier this month. He assumed Verizons top role as the carrier contends with fierce industry-wide competition that has put pressure on its pricing and ability to attract new customers Write to Connor Hart at Connor.Hart@wsj.com Most Read from The Wall Street Journal A class-action lawsuit has been filed against Drake, Adin Ross, and Stakes parent company, Sweepsteaks Limited. The lawsuit alleges that Drake and Ross promoted an illegal online casino, presented to unsuspecting customers as a social casino. The pair was also accused of misleading viewers with their gambling streams. In the streams, they were alleged to have lied about gambling with their own money. Drake and Adin Ross sued over deceptive Kick gambling livestreams A lawsuit has been filed against Drake, Adin Ross, and Sweepsteaks Limited in Jackson County Circuit Court, Missouri. Drake and Ross are accused by an Independence, Missouri native of deceptive, fraudulent, and unfair practices violating state law. In a 34-page document, the plaintiff Justin Killham, who sued Drake and Ross, claimed he lost money gambling on Stake due to wrongful trade practices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit called Stake.com, the worlds most popular and profitable online casino. It noted that the site found itself banned from entering the US market due to strong regulations. The suit alleged that Sweepsteaks Limited created a clone of the site Stake.us to work around the ban. The company was also accused of rebranding the site to trick people into believing it offered harmless gameplay and hiding its unlawful nature. Stake.us is also alleged to be functioning like a full casino via Stake Cash. These are digital tokens that could be wagered on casino games and redeemed at a 1:1 ratio to the U.S. dollar. Drake and Ross were alleged to have each been paid millions of dollars annually by Stake to engage in promotional livestream online casino gambling. Further, the pair was accused of lying about gambling with their own money and concealing the fact that they used Stake funds. Moreover, the lawsuit claimed that the Hotline Bling artist and Kick streamer helped Stake drive Missouri natives to the platform. They are alleged to have done this via livestreams and social media posts showing large-scale wagers and jackpots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stake rejected the claims made in the lawsuit. We have not been served at this time, they shared in a statement. We reject allegations that have been made in the media in relation to this potential claim and will vigorously defend this and all such claims, it continues. (via SiGMA News) Drake and Adin Ross have not yet publicly addressed the lawsuit. However, months ago, the rapper called out Stake for not letting him withdraw funds. Further, one week before this, he closed his Kick account after falling out with owners Ed Craven and Bijan Tehrani. Originally reported by Abdul Azim Naushad on Mandatory. The post Drake & Adin Ross Hit With Legal Action Over Kick Gambling Livestreams appeared first on Reality Tea. NEED TO KNOW Darius McCrary was released from jail in San Diego on Wednesday, Oct. 29 and is being extradited to Michigan, PEOPLE can exclusively confirm He was arrested on Oct. 5 while crossing the border from Mexico into the United States due to an out-of-state felony warrant that stemmed from a missed court appearance McCrary was previously denied bail while awaiting his extradition Darius McCrary has been released from a San Diego jail for extradition. PEOPLE can exclusively confirm that the Family Matters alum, 49, was extradited from California back to Michigan on Wednesday, Oct. 29, following his Oct. 5 "fugitive arrest" at the U.S.-Mexico border on an out-of-state felony warrant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McCrary was being held in a San Diego jail for several weeks after a judge denied him bail while he waited for Michigan authorities to take him into custody. ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Darius McCrary Darius McCrary At the time, the local ABC10 News reported that prosecutors stated inside the courtroom that McCrary's agent allegedly said he was in Tijuana looking at real estate when he was detained trying to cross back into the U.S. by Border Patrol. However, McCrary's public defender, who was appointed after the actor initially requested to represent himself, claimed he was there to work with a charity building houses. Prosecutors further argued that McCrary whose warrant was issued after he missed a court appearance for alleged unpaid child support was a flight risk, and the judge agreed. After his court appearance on Oct. 15, McCrarys rep, Ann Barlow, told PEOPLE that McCrary was not a flight risk and had no ties to Tijuana. She claimed McCrary accidentally crossed into Mexico due to "a mix-up [about] where to meet his partner for the Esperanza program," where he volunteered to build homes for unhoused individuals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barlow also stated that McCrary plans to continue to fight his case in Michigan. In the past, McCrary has been involved in other legal troubles, including his messy divorce battle with ex-wife Tammy Brawner regarding their 2017 filing. The divorce was finalized in February 2019, and ordered McCrary to pay $1,366 per month in child support ($916 as a base amount, plus $415 in child-care costs), according to documents obtained by PEOPLE at the time. Per that agreement, Brawner, a former Harlem Globetrotter, was granted full legal and physical custody of the former couples then-3-year-old daughter Zoey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McCrary was also ordered to attend alcohol/drug abuse and batterers intervention classes within 12 months and was granted professionally-monitored visitation with Zoey every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. until he completed 10 visits. Restrictions would continue to lessen thereafter. Emma McIntyre/Getty Darius McCrary Darius McCrary PEOPLE later reported in 2018 that Brawner alleged that McCrary partially dislocated Zoeys arm, per court documents obtained by The Blast at the time. Brawner reportedly told doctors that the incident occurred when McCrary was taking his daughter to the bathroom and grabbed her arm. McCrary reportedly denied that account, claiming he grabbed one hand to lift her up and immediately grabbed the other. 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. Zoey was allegedly diagnosed with Nursemaids elbow, a common elbow injury among young children and toddlers that occurs when a childs elbow is pulled and one of the bones partially dislocates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McCrary is best known for his role as Eddie Winslow on the hit '90s sitcom Family Matters, which he starred in from 1989-1998 alongside on-screen parents Reginald VelJohnson and Jo Marie Payton. 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. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP. Read the original article on People Jamie Lee Curtis is clarifying her stance on Charlie Kirk. The Oscar-winning actress said comments she made about the slain conservative activist last month were mistranslated, and that she was not talking about Kirk positively. Curtis, 66, told podcast host Marc Maron that despite her disagreements with Kirk on almost every point I ever heard him say, she believed he was a man of faith. And I hope in that moment when he died, that he felt connected to his faith, even though... his ideas were abhorrent to me, the Halloween actress said through tears on the Sept. 15 episode of the WTF With Marc Maron podcast. I still believe hes a father and a husband and a man of faith. And I hope whatever connection to God means that he felt it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked by Variety about the backlash she received to those remarks, Curtis said some of it was threatening. Curtis had said of Kirk: I hope in that moment when he died, that he felt connected to his faith, even though...his ideas were abhorrent to me. An excerpt of it mistranslated what I was saying as I wished him welllike I was talking about him in a very positive way, which I wasnt. I was simply talking about his faith in God, Curtis said. And so it was a mistranslation, which is a pun, but not. In the binary world today, you cannot hold two ideas at the same time: I cannot be Jewish and totally believe in Israels right to exist and at the same time reject the destruction of Gaza, she continued. You cant say that, because you get vilified for having a mind that says, I can hold both those thoughts. I can be contradictory in that way. Cutis rejected the notion that she has to exercise caution in what she says, given that she is a celebrity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont have to be careful, she told her interviewer. If I was careful, I wouldnt have told you any of what I just told you. I would have just said, Hi, welcome. I baked you banana bread. Heres my dog. Heres my house, blah, blah, blah. What do you want to know? I cant not be who I am in the moment I am. During her conversation with Maron, Curtis went on to discuss how modern media has had a numbing effect on peoples response to Kirks death and other recent tragedies. Kirk was shot and killed during a speaking event at Utah Valley University in September. / Chicago Tribune / TNS Today, we as a society are bombarded with imagery, said Curtis, who compared Kirks death to 9/11. So we dont know what the longitudinal effects of seeing those towers come down over and over and over and over again. Or watching his execution over and over and over again. Unlike assassinations decades ago, Curtis continued, here we have now these images and we are inured to them. And we are numb to them. We dont know enough psychologically about what that does. What does that do? she wondered. Kirk, 31, was shot during a speaking event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10. Originally appeared on E! Online The former King of Spain is clearing up those Princess Diana rumors. Nearly three decades after her death, King Juan Carlos denied that he and the Princess of Wales had an affair in the 80s. In fact, the former monarch, 87, describes Diana in his forthcoming memoir Reconciliation, as cold, taciturn, distant, except in the presence of the paparazzi, according to a preview published in The Telegraph Oct. 29. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Between the summers of 1986 and 1988, King Juan Carlos welcomed Diana, her then-husband King Charles III, Prince William and Prince Harry to the Spanish royal familys summer home in Palma de Mallorca. Given Charles long-running affair at the time with now-Queen Camilla and ongoing speculation that Juan Carlos had several extramarital affairs, rumors of a tryst between Diana and Juan Carlos swirled. Though Diana never addressed the rumors publicly, she described the Spanish kingwho abdicated the throne in 2014 amid multiple scandalsas a little too attentive after a trip to Mallorca, according to Andrew Mortons book Ladies of Spain. More from E! Online Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I felt uncomfortable being left alone with him in a room, although I can assure you that nothing happened, the Princess told friends. She also allegedly referred to Juan Carlos as a very libidinous man." Beyond rumors of a romantic relationship with Juan Carlos, Diana was repeatedly the subject of affair gossip throughout her marriage to Charles. While she regularly denied or remained mum on them, she admitted to having romantic feelings for Household Cavalry officer James Hewitt, who himself spoke out about their five-year romance in the book Princess in Love. Jayne Fincher/Princess Diana Archive/Getty Images "Yes, I adored him," Diana said during a Panorama interview in 1995. "Yes, I was in love with him. But I was very let down." But the Princess of Wales was not the only one engaging in extramarital relationships. Indeed, she addressed Charles relationship with Camilla, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Well, there were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded, Diana continued. I take some responsibility that our marriage went the way it did. I'll take half of it, but I won't take any more than that, because it takes two to get in this situation." Read on for more news from royals around the world. Prince Andrew to Stop Using Duke of York Title King Charles III's youngest brother Prince Andrew confirmed October 17 that he will no longer be using his title Duke of York, due the the continued controversy over his friendship with late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. "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, Andrew said in the statement released by Buckingham Palace. 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. Andrew continued, "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. As I have said previously, I vigorously deny the accusations against me." King Charles III and Prince William Make Rare Appearance Together The monarch and his eldest son stepped out in October 2025 for the Countdown to COP30 event at London's Natural History Museum. The pair posed outside of the museum, before heading inside to meet with government leaders and advocates working to combat climate change. The event preceded the COP30 World Leaders Summit in Belem, Brazil, in November, which Prince William is set to attend on his father's behalf. Sarah Ferguson Dropped From Charity for Epstein Email In September 2025, the Duchess of York was dropped as a patron to Julia's House for a resurfaced 2011 email to Jeffrey Epstein in which she called him a friend. Following the information shared this weekend on the Duchess of Yorks correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein, Julias House has taken the decision that it would be inappropriate for her to continue as a patron of the charity, the charity wrote in a statement per The Guardian. We have advised the Duchess of York of this decision and thank her for her past support. A spokesperson for Ferguson said the virtual correspondence was written after a threat made to her by Epstein. Prince Harry and King Charles III Reunite For the first time in 19 months, the Duke of Sussex was seen arriving by car to Clarence Housethe Kings London residenceto seemingly meet with his father before heading to another engagement in the city. While Harry pulled into the residence around 5:20 p.m. local time on Sept. 10, Charles returned to the home just hours before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Peter Phillips Announces Engagement The son of Princess Anne and her ex-husband Mark Phillips shared that he was engaged to his girlfriend Harriet Sperling on Aug. 1 after more than a year of dating. "Both families were informed jointly of the announcement," the couple's spokesperson said in a statement to Hello! at the time, "and were delighted with the wonderful news of their engagement." Queen Camilla Makes History with New Royal Title One day before her 78th birthday, the royal received the title of Vice Admiral of the United Kingdom from the Royal Navy. Camilla is the first woman to hold the honorary title, which can only be appointed by the sovereignin this case, her husband King Charles IIIon the nomination of the First Sea Lord, who is currently Sir Gwyn Jenkins. Kate Middleton Pulls Out of Royal Ascot The Princess of Wales pulled out of a planned appearance at the Royal Ascot hours before she was set to return to the annual horse race alongside, Kensington Palace confirmed to NBC News. According to the palace, Kate was disappointed to have to miss the event but is still figuring out the right balance for herself when it comes to completing public engagements following her cancer battle. Prince Harry Loses Appeal to Dismiss Decision in His Security Protection Case Over one year after the High Court denied additional security protection through the Royal and VIP Executive Committee, Prince Harrys legal fight ended when the courts dismissed the case May 2. His and Meghan Markles security was lessened after they stepped back as working members of the royal family in 2021 and moved to the United States. However, in the years that followed, Harry had requested security while visiting the U.K. The Duke of Sussex told the BBC May 2 that he was devastated about losing his legal battle. He emphasized, I cant see a world in which I would bring my wife and children back to the UK at this point. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prince Harry and King Charles III Are Not Speaking Harry told the BBC May 2 that his father King Charles III wont speak to him because of this security stuff, but added that it would be nice to reconcile. The Duke of Sussex, who shares kids Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet with Meghan, said that he would love to reconnect with his family. But the ball is in his dads court. I cant see a world in which I would be bringing my wife and children back to the U.K. at this point, he said. Its really quite sad that I wont be able to show my children my homeland. There is a lot of control and ability in my fathers hands, ultimately this whole thing could be resolved through him, Harry added. Not necessarily by intervening but by stepping aside and allowing the experts to do what is necessary and to carry on. Despite the years of conflict, hes waving the white flag in hopes of reconciliation. He added, Life is precious, I dont know how much longer my father has. King Charles III Shares Insight Into His Cancer Diagnosis Over one year after King Charles shared his cancer diagnosis, he wrote April 29 that his health journey and cancer treatment are experiences that bring into sharp focus the very best of humanity." "Each diagnosis, each new case, will be a daunting and at times frightening experience for those individuals and their loved ones," Charles wrote in the booklet for the reception to provide resources for those with cancer. But as one among those statistics myself, I can vouch for the fact that it can also be an experience that brings into sharp focus the very best of humanity." He also thanked healthcare workers who helped him amid his journey, adding, It has certainly given me an even deeper appreciation of the extraordinary work undertaken by the remarkable organisations and individuals gathered here this evening, many of whom I have known, visited and supported over the years. Prince William and Kate Middletons Family Skips Royal Familys Easter Service Prince William, Kate Middleton, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis did not attend the royal familys annual Easter service at St George's Chapel in Windsor April 20. While King Charles III and Queen Camilla celebrated with the rest of the royal family, William and Kate decided to spend the weekend at their Norfolk country home with their kids, multiple outlets reported. Their absence marked the second Easter they skipped, with the 2024 holiday taking place a week after the Princess of Wales announced her cancer diagnosis. Royal Aide Who Accused Meghan Markle Of Bullying Receives a Promotion Jason Knauf was announced as the new CEO of Prince Williams organization, The Earthshot Prize, April 15. He shared a statement on the website that he was looking forward to working with our exceptional team and incredible Earthshot community to advance our mission of urgent optimism for our planet. His promotion came nearly seven years after he made a complaint against Meghan Markle, accusing her of bullying two personal assistants and seeking to undermine a third staff member. A spokesperson for the Sussexes denied the allegations and told The Times that the rumors were part of a calculated smear campaign based on misleading and harmful misinformation. Buckingham Palace investigated the allegations and the case was wrapped up in 2022 without any findings made public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prince George Makes His First Public Appearance of 2025 William and Kates eldest son George attended a soccer match in Paris alongside his dad April 7. The father-son duo were all smiles at the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final game as the Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa FC faced off at the Parc des Princes stadium. Former Bodyguard to Prince Harry and Prince William Dies Graham Crakerwho acted as a bodyguard for the royal family, including Prince Harry and Prince Williamdied at the age of 77 in April. Craker was notably with the boys when they learned their mother, Princess Diana, had died and he participated in her funeral services. On the latter, Craker told The New York Post in 2017, "I was standing at the rear of the hearse and William looked up and acknowledged me. I looked toward him and nodded. William was comforted that I was with his mum on her final journey. The Duke and Duchess of Westminster Expecting Their First Baby Hugh Grosvenor, who is King Charles IIIs godson, and his wife Olivia Grosvenor announced March 12 that she is pregnant with their first baby. The duchess is expecting a baby in the summer, a spokesperson told The Telegraph. The couple are delighted with the news and are very much looking forward to starting a family together. Luxembourg's Prince Fredrik Dies at 22 Prince Frederikthe son of Prince Robert and his wife Princess Juliedied March 1 at 22 years old after a battle with PolG mitochondrial disease, a rare genetic disorder. "Frederik knows that he is my Superhero, as he is to all of our family, and to so very many good friends and now in great part thanks to his PolG Foundation, to so very many people the world over," Robert said in a statement. "Part of his superpower was his ability to inspire and to lead by example." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prince Harry Reaches Settlement in U.K. Tabloids Lawsuit The Duke of Sussex reached a settlement with News Group Newspaperswhich is responsible for The Sun as well as the now defunct News of the Worldon Jan. 22 after suing the organization in 2019 over alleged unlawful actions on the part of journalists and private investigators working for the newspapers to obtain information on the royal family. The deal included the company paying "substantial damages," as well as issuing a "full and unequivocal apology" to Harry and public acknowledgement of "the extensive coverage and serious intrusion into his private life as well as the private life of Diana, Princess of Wales, per NBC News. Kate Middleton Is in Remission After Finishing Chemotherapy for Cancer The Princess of Wales announced on Jan. 14 that she's in remission after complete cancer treatments. "It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focused on recovery," she wrote in a message on X, formerly Twitter, Jan. 14. "As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal." "I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead," she continued. "There is much to look forward to." Meghan Markle's Longtime Dog Guy Dies The Duchess of Sussex mourned the death of her beloved rescue beagle, who she adopted in 2015 before meeting husband Prince Harry. She wrote on Instagram Jan. 7, "I have cried too many tears to count - the type of tears that make you get in the shower with the absurd hope that the running water on your face will somehow make you not feel them, or pretend theyre not there. But they are. And thats okay too." "Thank you for so many years of unconditional love, my sweet Guy," Meghan added. "You filled my life in ways youll never know." Prince William Mourns Death of Former Nanny's Stepson Edward "Ed" Pettiferstepson of Prince William and Prince Harry's former nanny Alexandra Pettifer, also known as Tiggy Legge-Bourkewas one of the victims of the New Year's Day terrorist attack in New Orleans. "Catherine and I have been shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Ed Pettifer," William said in a message posted on Kate Middleton's Instagram Stories Jan. 4. "Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Pettifer family and all those innocent people who have been tragically impacted by this horrific attack." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meghan Markle Rejoins Instagram to Reveal New Netflix Show The Suits alumwho shut down her personal social media accounts shortly before her 2018 wedding to Prince Harrydebuted a solo Instagram page on Jan. 1. A day later, she announced a new Netflix series titled With Love, Meghan, which "reimagines the genre of lifestyle programming, blending practical how-tos and candid conversation with friends, new and old," according to a press release. Kate Middleton, Prince William and Kids Attend Wimbledon Kate and William stepped out for a rare outing with kids Prince George and Princess Charlotte in honor of Wimbledon in June 2025. "A pleasure to be back in SW19 for the finals of this years @wimbledon Championships this weekend," the family wrote in an Instagram post at the time. "Congratulations again to @iga.swiatek and @janniksin on your wins! And a huge thank you to everybody involved in making the tournament so special." For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App Image Credit: Tancredi Scarpelli - Public Domain/Wiki Commons. Cleopatra VII is one of those historical figures whose name sparks instant recognition, but how much do we really know about her? Pop culture paints her as a glamorous seductress draped in gold and surrounded by intrigue, but that image barely scratches the surface. Cleopatra was a ruler who wielded immense political power, navigated alliances with some of Romes greatest leaders, and fought fiercely to protect her kingdom. What fascinated me most when diving into her story wasnt just her intellect or charisma the layers of myth and truth made her legacy so captivating. She wasnt merely the lover of Julius Caesar or Mark Antony. Cleopatra was a shrewd strategist, a multilingual diplomat, and a figure who dared to challenge the dominance of Rome. Still, many of her accomplishments are overshadowed by propaganda and misconceptions spread by her enemies. Lets strip away the myth and take a closer look at Cleopatras extraordinary life. Here are 12 facts that offer a richer understanding of one of historys most remarkable women. 1. Cleopatra Wasnt Egyptian Image Credit: Jl FilpoC - CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons. While Cleopatra is synonymous with ancient Egypt, her lineage was Macedonian Greek. She descended from Ptolemy I, a general under Alexander the Great, whose family ruled Egypt after Alexanders empire splintered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Cleopatra didnt merely inherit a throne; she made Egypt her own. She was one of the few Ptolemies to embrace the Egyptian language and culture, presenting herself as a true pharaoh to connect with her people. 2. She Spoke Many Languages Image Credit: Johann Jakob Frey the Elder/ Carlo Maratta - CC0/Wiki Commons. Cleopatras linguistic skills were legendary. Ancient historians claim she could converse fluently in at least seven languages, including Egyptian, Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic. This ability to speak directly with foreign leaders without interpreters wasnt just impressiveit was a game-changer in diplomacy. It allowed her to forge alliances and navigate delicate negotiations with ease. 3. Her Relationship With Julius Caesar Was Strategic Image Credit: Rama - Public Domain/Wiki Commons. Cleopatras relationship with Julius Caesar wasnt merely romantic; it was a calculated political move. She sought Caesars support during a civil war with her brother, Ptolemy XIII, to secure her throne. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By aligning with Caesar, Cleopatra not only regained power but also positioned Egypt as a key ally of Rome. Their union produced a son, Caesarion, whom Cleopatra envisioned as a future ruler of both Egypt and Rome. 4. Her Entrance to Meet Caesar Was Theatrical Image Credit: Pompeo Batoni - Public Domain/Wiki Commons. When Cleopatra first met Caesar, she reportedly had herself smuggled into his quarters wrapped in a rug (or a sack, depending on the source). This dramatic gesture wasnt just for show; it was a clever way to bypass her brothers guards. This bold move captivated Caesar and demonstrated her flair for spectacle. It marked the beginning of one of historys most famous alliances. 5. She Co-ruled With Her Brothers Image Credit: Elisabeth Sophie Cheron - Public Domain/Wiki Commons. Cleopatra didnt initially rule alone. In line with Ptolemaic tradition, she co-ruled with her younger brothers, Ptolemy XIII and, later, Ptolemy XIV, both of whom she also married. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These arrangements were far from harmonious. Cleopatras alliances with Caesar and later Mark Antony helped her assert dominance and eventually govern Egypt independently. 6. Her Alliance With Mark Antony Was Groundbreaking Image Credit: Jan Steen - Public Domain/Wiki Commons. Cleopatras partnership with Mark Antony was as much about politics as it was about romance. Together, they sought to challenge Octavian (the future Emperor Augustus) for control of the Roman world. Their alliance resulted in three children and a shared vision for an Eastern empire. However, their combined forces were ultimately defeated, marking the end of Egypts independence. 7. Her Beauty Is Likely Overstated Image Credit: Frederick Arthur Bridgman - Public Domain/Wiki Commons. Roman sources often describe Cleopatra as enchanting, but her allure came more from her intelligence and charm than from her physical appearance. Coins depicting Cleopatra show a sharp profile, not the delicate beauty often imagined. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her real power lay in her wit, eloquence, and ability to command attention in any room. She was magnetic, not because of her looks, but due to her presence. 8. She Was Worshipped as a Living Goddess Image Credit: Mazzoleni, Donatella (Ancient Roman painter(s) from Pompeii) - Public Domain/Wiki Commons. Cleopatra aligned herself with Isis, one of Egypts most revered deities. By presenting herself as a living embodiment of the goddess, she strengthened her divine authority and deepened her bond with her subjects. This wasnt just symbolic. It was a political strategy that helped her maintain loyalty among Egypts diverse population. 9. Her Death Remains a Mystery Image Credit: Anonymous - the Metropolitan Museum of Art. , CC0/ Wiki Commons. Cleopatras death in 30 BCE is shrouded in mystery. The traditional story is that she allowed herself to be bitten by an asp, but modern scholars debate whether poison or assassination is more likely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whats certain is that her death marked the end of the Ptolemaic dynasty and the beginning of Roman rule in Egypt. 10. Cleopatras Wealth Was Unparalleled Image Credit: Giovanni Battista Tiepolo (Google Cultural Institute) - Public Domain/Wiki Commons. As the ruler of Egypt, Cleopatra presided over one of the wealthiest kingdoms of her time. Egypts fertile lands, combined with lucrative trade routes along the Nile, made it an economic powerhouse. Cleopatra used this wealth strategically, funding ambitious projects and lavish events that demonstrated Egypts prosperity and her own power. Her ability to manage and leverage resources helped maintain Egypts independence amid Romes growing influence. 11. She Expanded Trade Networks Across the Mediterranean Image Credit: Eugene Delacroix - Public Domain/Wiki Commons. Cleopatras reign saw Egypt thrive as a center for trade. She strengthened ties with neighboring regions, ensuring the steady flow of goods like grain, papyrus, and luxury items. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her ability to maintain and expand trade routes wasnt just good for the economy it also bolstered Egypts standing on the world stage, keeping her kingdom relevant amid Romes dominance. 12. Cleopatras Story Inspired Countless Works of Art Image Credit: After Nathaniel Dance/ William Shakespeare - CC0/Wiki Commons. Cleopatras life has captivated artists, writers, and filmmakers for centuries. From Shakespeares Antony and Cleopatra to modern Hollywood adaptations, her story continues to resonate. While these portrayals often focus on her romance and tragedy, they highlight the enduring fascination with her character, ensuring her legacy remains alive in pop culture. Miss Nebraska Audrey Eckert was named the new Miss USA in Reno, Nevada, on October 24. She is the first queen to be crowned under Miss USA CEO Thom Brodeur's leadership. Eckert told Business Insider that the pageant is "back and better than ever" following years of drama. The Miss USA pageant has had a rough few years, to say the least. There's been a rigging investigation, sexual harassment allegations, three different CEOs, two resigned queens, and one bombshell lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Caught in the storm of these scandals have been the hopeful pageant queens still working toward a chance at the crown, which once held the promise to change a young woman's life. It's a promise that new Miss USA Audrey Eckert still believes in. In fact, she thinks the pageant is "back and better than ever." "I believe in the power of pageantry, and I believe in the power of Miss USA," Eckert told Business Insider. "I think this past week has really put us back on the radar. Miss USA is becoming a household name again." A time of uncertainty Eckert who was crowned in Reno, Nevada, on October 24 has dreamed of winning Miss USA since she competed in her first pageant when she was 9. She won Miss Nebraska Teen in 2020 and placed in the top five at Miss Teen USA, which made Miss USA feel even more attainable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "That kind of peeled back a layer and showed me I could really do this," she said. "I could be Miss USA someday." Eckert during the evening gown round of the Miss USA competition. RezaMedia Nation That dream didn't subside, even as Miss USA weathered various scandals. In 2022, then-CEO Crystle Stewart was suspended after contestants claimed that year's pageant had been rigged. It also emerged that Stewart's husband at the time, Max Sebrechts, had stepped down as Miss USA's vice president in 2021 after he had been accused of sexual harassment by multiple contestants. An investigation cleared Stewart of any wrongdoing, but she parted ways with the organization, and Laylah Rose was named the new CEO in August 2023. Just eight months later, Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt and Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava resigned a first in the pageant's history due to Rose's leadership, as did a number of Miss USA state directors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As an aspiring contestant, Eckert said the ongoing issues at Miss USA brought "a lot of uncertainty," but she still wanted to compete. "At the end of the day, if it was my dream, it was time to start going for it," Eckert said. "I wasn't going to let the current state of anything hinder that, and that's why I ultimately decided to do Miss Nebraska." A new era In September, Thom Brodeur announced he was the new CEO of the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA brand. In an exclusive interview with Business Insider, Brodeur detailed the changes he was bringing to the pageants, including removing selection committees from the judging process and eliminating the contestants' strict nondisclosure contracts. "My passion for the business is really, fundamentally, what drives me to want to find a way to help restore confidence, restore trust, restore credibility, reliability, and stability into this brand," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "'America's It Girl' was how Miss USA was described for a long time, and it's time for people to recognize that again," he added. Eckert reacts after she's named the new Miss USA. RezaMedia Nation Eckert told Business Insider she was thrilled when the new Miss USA leadership was announced. "In my class of women at the 2025 Miss USA pageant, we were so excited for this new administration," she said. "We all said, 'We're back and we're better than ever.'" It's a sentiment shared by Miss Teen USA 2024 Addie Carver, who worked with the new team for a month before passing on her crown in Reno. "This new leadership coming in really did make my year 10 times better," Carver told Business Insider. "I'm really sad I didn't get to spend the full year with them, but it made the year feel like it was worth it. They definitely gave me hope, and I think they gave a lot of other people hope as well." Looking ahead Eckert said Miss USA is "back and better than ever." Courtesy of Miss USA Eckert is preparing for the Miss Universe 2025 competition, which begins next week in Thailand. When she returns to the US after the November 21 final, Eckert wants to get "more people excited about pageantry." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Getting to be involved in as many things as I can is going to be really important this next year as Miss USA," she said. "From high-profile events all the way to the grassroots level, working in schools, working with children, I think we need to position Miss USA in both of those events." "She needs to be able to do it all, because you never know who you're going to reach," she added. "And so I'm excited to hit the ground running." Read the original article on Business Insider NEED TO KNOW Prince Harry tackled the question of whether he plans to become a United States citizen while appearing on the Hasan Minhaj Doesn't Know podcast Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, moved to California after stepping back from their royal roles in 2020 The Duke of Sussex also attempted an American accent on the show Prince Harry directly addressed whether he intends to become an American citizen in a new interview. On Oct. 29, the Duke of Sussex, 41, shared his stance during a surprise appearance on the Hasan Minhaj Doesn't Know podcast, when host Hasan Minhaj asked during the "Royal Rapid Fire" segment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Are you going to become a U.S. citizen?" Minhaj asked during the quick question-and-answer session. "Am I going to become a U.S. citizen? There are no plans to be, at this point," Prince Harry replied. Harry was born in London as a member of the British royal family and moved to the U.S. with his wife, Meghan Markle, after they stepped back from their royal roles in 2020. The couple settled in California, where Meghan is from, and are raising their children, Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4, there. Last year, Prince Harry said he had "considered" becoming a U.S. citizen, but it wasn't a "high priority." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement King Charles' son made the revelation in a February 2024 interview with Good Morning America, when Will Reeve asked if he was enjoying living in the U.S. "It's amazing. I love every single day," Prince Harry said then. Reeve then asked if Harry felt "American," to which he laughed and replied, "Do I feel American? Um, no. I don't know how I feel." EXCLUSIVE: Prince Harry to @ReeveWill on visiting King Charles after cancer diagnosis: I love my family. The fact that I was able to get on a plane and go see and spend anytime with him, Im grateful for that. https://t.co/yDp82WU7Bk pic.twitter.com/lO0cebeO9i Good Morning America (@GMA) February 16, 2024 "Would you think about becoming a citizen?" asked the anchor, and Harry answered, "Whew! I have considered it, yeah." When Reeve pressed about what would deter him from making that move, the Duke of Sussex said, "I have no idea. I'm here standing next to this with these guys and the American citizenship is a thought that has crossed my mind but certainly not something that is a high priority for me right now," he explained, referencing the Invictus Games Winter Training Camp they were at in Canada. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prince Harry shared a little more about his American life on the Hasan Minhaj Doesn't Know podcast, revealing that his "most American" habit is surfing. However, he doesn't drink Coors Light or wear shorts in restaurants! Minhaj also challenged Harry to attempt an American accent, and the Duke of Sussex had a laugh about attempting to say, "I ordered breadsticks with ranch dressing at Applebee's." Prince Harry and Meghan, 44, have introduced their children to lots of American traditions, from visiting Disneyland to picking pumpkins before Halloween. Meghan Markle/Instagram Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! After the couple announced their engagement in November 2017, PEOPLE confirmed that Meghan planned to become a U.K. citizen after their royal wedding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although she didn't complete the intense process, the Duchess of Sussex spoke about the difficulty of the U.K.'s citizenship exam on her Archetypes podcast in 2022. "That citizenship exam is so hard! I was studying for it, and I remember going, 'Oh my goodness.' I would ask my husband, 'Did you know this? Did you know this?' And people went, 'Oh, I had no idea,' " Meghan said then. Read the original article on People The Gist Amid their parents Prince Andrew and Sarah Fergusons ongoing scandal, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie have reportedly both left the U.K. for separate trips. Beatrice is in Saudi Arabia for work, while Eugenie is in Paris for a girls trip. While Andrew and Ferguson have given up their Duke and Duchess of York titles, Beatrice and Eugenies standing in the royal family remains unchanged. As scandal continues to loom around their parents Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie have quietly left the U.K., both taking under-the-radar, out-of-the-country excursions, per Hello!. Getty Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie on September 14, 2023 Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie on September 14, 2023 The outlet reported that Eugenie was photographed with friends in Paris on a girls trip, and was pictured alongside two of her girlfriends along the Seine with the Eiffel Tower visible in the background. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Beatrice jetted off to Saudi Arabia for the Future Investment Initiative, an event where high-level, global businesses meet to discuss innovation across tech and finance. It makes sense that Beatrice would be there, as she is the vice president of partnerships and strategy at U.S. software company Afiniti. Getty Images Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson on September 16, 2025 Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson on September 16, 2025 On October 17, their father and mother relinquished their respective Duke and Duchess of York titles amid ongoing fallout from their association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In the aftermath, rumors have swirled that the ex-couplewho divorced in 1996 but still live togethermight be leaving the 30-room mansion Royal Lodge and relocating to other properties on the Windsor estate. The day after the news broke that Andrew and Ferguson would surrender their prestigious royal titles, Beatrice and Eugenie both skipped a planned appearance at the inaugural Pink Ball at the British Museum on October 18. While no firm reason was given for their absence, its close proximity to Andrews announcement leaves little guesswork as to why. Getty Images Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice during Trooping the Colour in June 2019 Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice during Trooping the Colour in June 2019 Though their parents have lost their titles, Beatrice and Eugenies princess status and their respective places in the British line of succession will remain unaffected. Neither are working royals; Beatrice, as previously mentioned, works at Afiniti, while Eugenie is a director at the Hauser & Wirth art gallery. Getty Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and Princess Beatrice on October 14, 2025 Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and Princess Beatrice on October 14, 2025 Just before the big announcement from Andrew on October 17, both Beatrice and Eugenie were out and about socially. Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi had two back-to-back nights out, stepping out in London on October 13 to the Make-A-Wish Foundations Art of Wishes Gala and then on October 14 to the Chancery Rosewood hotels grand openingwhere rooms rent for around $27,000 a night, per People. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That same day, Eugenie took on a rare royal duty during an official state visit from the royal family of Jordan, touring Springfield University Hospital and St. Georges Mental Health NHS Trust alongside Princess Rajwa of Jordan. The two women then toured Hauser & Wirth together, according to People. In a recent report from The Sunday Times, Beatrice and Eugenies cousin Prince William is said to want Andrew in no part of his future reigneverything from his coronation to the royal familys traditional Christmas celebrations at Sandringham. While the Prince of Wales is said to also be banning Ferguson from all aspects of royal life, he still welcomes the company of Beatrice and Eugenie into the fold. Read the original article on InStyle Rosie ODonnells troubled daughter, Chelsea ODonnell, has been sentenced to prison after violating her parole in her 2024 drug case. A Wisconsin judge ordered Chelsea to serve time behind bars after revoking her probation on Oct. 22, Page Six confirmed. Chelsea was in violation due to sexual assault allegations, an official from the Marinette County Treatment Drug Court Team told Us Weekly, which was first to report the news. Rosie ODonnells troubled daughter, Chelsea ODonnell, has been sentenced to prison after violating her parole in her 2024 drug case. Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic On Oct. 22, a Wisconsin judge ordered Chelsea to serve time behind bars after revoking her probation, Page Six confirmed. Marinette County Sheriff's Office The official also claimed Chelsea showed minimal advancement in the treatment drug program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The facts surrounding this request have been staffed with the Marinette County Treatment Drug Court Team and have been deemed sufficient grounds to warrant termination from the Marinette County Treatment Drug Court Program, the filing stated, per Us Weekly. It is unclear how long Chelsea has been sentenced to serve. Following news of her sentencing, Rosie took to Instagram to ask for prayers as she faces a scary future while sharing a photo of Chelsea before addiction took over her life. It is not clear how long Chelsea has been sentenced to serve. rosie/Instagram Chelsea, 28, has had several run-ins with the law over the years. Marinette County Jail Page Six has reached out to Wisconsin Assistant State Public Defender Gabrielle Beranek, the Marinette County Treatment Drug Court Team and the Wisconsin Department of Corrections for comment but did not immediately hear back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chelsea has had several run-ins with the law throughout the years. In fact, in 2024, she was arrested a total of three times. In September 2024, the 28-year-old was detained regarding a domestic dispute involving her boyfriend, Jacob Nelund, at their home. Last year, she was arrested three times. Oconto County Sheriff's Office One of the arrests took place after officers discovered a meth pipe allegedly left within her sons reach. rosie/Instagram However, according to police reports, officers discovered a meth pipe allegedly left within her sons reach, a black and silver digital scale, some used gem bags with white residue, and a sharps container that had more used and unused hypodermic needles. A month later, Chelsea was arrested again when she allegedly tried to throw a meth pipe out the window of her car after being pulled over at a traffic stop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the multiple arrests, Chelsea was sentenced to six years of probation. A month later, Chelsea was arrested again when she allegedly tried to throw a meth pipe out the window of her car after being pulled over at a traffic stop. Rosie O'Donnell/Twitter The troubled young woman has had an estranged relationship with Rosie, who adopted Chelsea as a baby in 1997, for most of her adult years. AP Due to their continued issues, Chelsea filed to change her last name from ODonnell, 63, in retaliation for being cut from the View alums $80 million will. Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic Additionally, the troubled young woman has had an estranged relationship with Rosie, who adopted Chelsea as a baby in 1997, for most of her adult years. Due to their continued issues, Chelsea filed to change her last name from Rosie, 63, in retaliation for being cut from the View alums $80 million will. Chelsea filed the paperwork in January, stating that she wished to go by her birth mother Deanna Micoleys maiden name, Neuens. NEED TO KNOW King Juan Carlos, the former monarch of Spain, is opening up about rumors that he seduced Princess Diana in a new memoir In the controversial new book, Reconciliation, the former King calls the late Princess of Wales "cold" and "distant," despite rumors about their sunny vacations together Juan Carlos has lived in self-imposed exile for the last five years after abdicating the throne and passing it to his son, King Felipe King Juan Carlos, the former monarch of Spain, is opening up about rumors that he seduced Princess Diana in a new memoir. Juan Carlos, 87, who has lived in self-imposed exile in the United Arab Emirates for the last five years after abdicating the throne in 2014, opens up about his rise to power, reign and relationships in a forthcoming book, titled Reconciliation, which is set to be published in France on Nov. 5. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite his reputation as a womanizer, the former King denied having an affair with the late Princess Diana in his new memoir, according to a preview of the book published by The Telegraph this week. In the book, Juan Carlos unfavorably describes Diana as cold, taciturn, distant, except in the presence of the paparazzi." Rumors about the two first started swirling when Diana and then-Prince Charles, along with their sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, vacationed at the Marivent Palace, the Spanish royal familys summer home in Palma de Mallorca, for three consecutive summers between 1986 and 1988. Jayne Fincher/Princess Diana Archive/Getty (L to R): King Constantine, Princess Theodora, Princess Diana, Prince Charles, King Juan Carlos and Prince William (L to R): King Constantine, Princess Theodora, Princess Diana, Prince Charles, King Juan Carlos and Prince William Along with other royals, like King Constantine of Greece and their families, Juan Carlos and Diana were frequently photographed enjoying the sun on his royal yacht, Fortuna, and basking in the Spanish summer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given Juan Carlos' reputation and the well-known tension in Diana's marriage, largely due to Charles long-running affair with then-Camilla Parker Bowles, it was easy for rumors to spread. Diana never addressed them publicly, but she did tell biographer Andrew Morton that she found the Spanish King "a little too attentive." I felt uncomfortable being left alone with him in a room, although I can assure you that nothing happened, the Princess told friends of the King whom she referred to as a very libidinous man" after a visit to Mallorca, according to Mortons book Ladies of Spain. Anwar Hussein/Getty Princess Diana and King Juan Carlos during a a lunch at the Zarzuela Palace in Madrid on April 22, 1987 Princess Diana and King Juan Carlos during a a lunch at the Zarzuela Palace in Madrid on April 22, 1987 Juan Carlos acceded to the Spanish throne in 1975. He was the chosen successor of dictator Francisco Franco; however, upon becoming king, he introduced reforms to dismantle Franco's regime and install democracy in the European country. In the ensuing years, he prevented coups that attempted to reinstate Franco-friendly governments, increasing his popularity as a global leader. However, by 2013, the King's multiple scandals had caught up with him, and he was maligned for his romantic affairs, financial misappropriation and an infamous elephant hunting trip to Africa. The decision was made for him to abdicate and pass the throne to his youngest child and only son, King Felipe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then in 2020, he made the decision to move to the UAE so as not to let public attention on him, or his ongoing financial scandals, overshadow his son's reign. His wife, Queen Sofia, remained in Spain and often attends royal events with King Felipe and his family. To help my son, I looked for a place where journalists from my country couldnt easily find me, Juan Carlos told French newspaper Le Figaro in an interview published this week. Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! Now, as the Spanish government is planning public festivities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Franco's death on Nov. 20, Juan Carlos' position in the Spanish royal family remains unclear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's not yet been announced what part, if any, he will play in the celebration though he has returned to Spain multiple times since exiling himself. As such, Juan Carlos told Le Figaro that he wrote Reconciliation to cement what he feels is his rightful place in the history of Spain. Democracy didnt just fall from the sky! he declared. Read the original article on People By Harshita Mary Varghese (Reuters) -Verizon beat Wall Street estimates for quarterly profit and wireless subscriber additions on Wednesday, as promotions around the recent iPhone launches helped the U.S. wireless service provider attract more customers. The company added 44,000 total monthly bill-paying wireless subscribers in the third quarter, compared with expectations for 19,000 additions, according to data from FactSet. The results could ease investor concerns that Verizon is losing ground to rivals T-Mobile, AT&T and low-cost cable providers. Newly appointed CEO Dan Schulman said that Verizon will "no longer be the hunting ground for competitors looking to gain share." Schulman said Verizon will shift to a customer-centric approach for growth, with an efficient cost structure. "For the past few years, our financial growth has relied too heavily on price increases. Every year it gets harder to grow as we lap past price increases and experience higher churn." Shares of the company were up about 2% in early trading. Verizon maintains the highest price points compared to its peers, a strategy that analysts have said is difficult to sustain amid rising competitive intensity. Carriers rolled out competitive deals, trade-in discounts, and switching benefits to attract customers as they looked to protect their customer base in an active switcher environment following the September iPhone launches. Verizon's customizable myPlan, which offers a three-year price guarantee, has remained popular among customers. Over 18% of the company's wireless postpaid users have also opted for its broadband offerings. Verizon reaffirmed its profit and free cash flow forecast for the full year and said it expects capital expenditures to be within or below the previously guided range of $17.5 billion to $18.5 billion. Total revenue for the quarter was $33.8 billion, compared with analysts' average estimate of $34.28 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG. On an adjusted basis, Verizon earned $1.21 per share, topping analysts' estimates of $1.19. (Reporting by Harshita Mary Varghese in Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila and Shinjini Ganguli) When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Getty Images Next week, Prince William will travel solo to Brazil for an important royal engagement. Kate Middleton won't join her husband when he heads to Rio de Janeiro for his Earthshot Prize awards ceremony on Nov. 5, People reports. The Earthshot Prize is an initiative that's close to William's heart and aims to search "the world for environmental solutions that show the greatest potential." At the Earthshot Prize awards, the Prince of Wales will announce this year's five winners, who will receive a prize of 1 million, or around $1.3 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although Kate attended the first two Earthshot Prize awards ceremonies, which were held in London in 2021 and in Boston in 2022, she hasn't attended the event with Will for the last several years. According to People, Kate missed the 2023 ceremony in Singapore for a very relatable mom reasonPrince George had school exams that week, and she wanted to be home to support him. The Princess of Wales was also absent from last year's ceremony in South Africa, which came amid her cancer diagnosis and treatment, during which she largely stayed out of public view. As for this year, Kate's absence from the Earthshot Prize awards is reportedly due to a combination of factors, including her her ongoing recovery while in remission from cancer and her top priority job as a hands-on parent to her and William's three children, Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7. Kate will reportedly be focusing not just on taking care of her kids during their half-term break from Lambrook School, but also on guiding her family through a major transition its facing this year as the Waleses prepare to move into a new home inthe coming weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Wales family is moving from their current home, the four-bedroom Adelaide Cottage, to the nearbyand significantly largereight-bedroom Forest Lodge on the Windsor Great Park estate. Will and Kate reportedly see Forest Lodge as their "forever home" and plan to make it their permanent home base, even after William eventually takes the throne. While Kate won't be in attendance at the event, Will won't exactly be alone. He'll be joined by the Earthshot Prize's prize council, which this year includes Brazilian native Gisele Bundchen, broadcaster and conservationist Sir David Attenborough, actress Cate Blanchett, chef Jose Andres, and World Trade Organization director-general Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. After the Earthshot Prize awards, People reports, William will attend the UN climate conference in Belem, Brazil, on Nov. 6. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." The 2025 Earthshot Prize Awards are set to take place in Rio de Janeiro on November 5, but Princess Kate likely wont be joining her husband, Prince William, as he travels across the world to oversee it. For the fifth iteration of his nature-focused event, the Prince of Wales will bring the ceremony to Brazil, where five winners will be awarded 1 million each for their innovative solutions to protecting the environment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After founding the prize in 2020, William was accompanied by Kate for the first in-person ceremony in London back in 2021, and she showed up the following year too, when the event traveled to Boston. Pool - Getty Images However, she was unable to make the ceremony in 2023, due to reports that she was helping Prince George prepare for final exams. Then, the princess understandably shied away from public duties last year, as she recovered from a recent cancer diagnosis. Now, although the Princess of Wales is in remission, shes got something else keeping her busy: a new move. Next month, the Wales family plans to transfer their lives to a forever homecalled Forest Lodgenestled within a similar area of Windsor Great Park that theyve been residing in since 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As she packs up all their things, Kate will also be taking care of her and Williams three kidsPrince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7as theyre currently enjoy a half-term break from Lambrook School. Meanwhile, the Prince of Wales will be heading straight from the Earthshot ceremony to a UN climate conference in Belem, Brazil, meaning he wouldnt be able to travel back with Kate regardless. Although it often seems like Kate can do it all, it makes sense why she decided to sit this year out. You Might Also Like Here are some classic scary movies that are still terrifying today. If you're looking for a spooky season classic that still keeps you up at night or afraid of the beach these won't disappoint. Have fun sleeping with the lights on. Related Headlines The Exorcist (1973) Warner Bros. - Credit: Warner Bros. Profoundly chilling even before Linda Blair's head starts spinning, The Exorcist did for unearthing ancient demons what Jaws did for going in the water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The franchise returned recently with David Gordon Green's Exorcist: Believer, in which Ellen Burstyn reprised the role of Chris MacNeil for the first time in 50 years. But nothing can match the horror of the original. Carrie (1976) United Artists - Credit: C/O United Artists Based on the first Stephen King novel, Carrie remains anxiety-inducing not because of the literal bucket of blood, but because of the high-school cruelty that still rings in the souls of anyone who experienced it. The casual bullying, from a time when it was much more tolerated than it is today, is as upsetting to watch as it ever was. It was the breakthrough mainstream film for Brian De Palma, who went on to make many classic movies in several genres. Rosemary's Baby (1968) Paramount - Credit: C/O Everyone today talks about gaslighting all the time, but Rosemary's Baby takes us inside a Manhattan apartment building that has perfected it to terrifying extremes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Rosemary (Mia Farrow) becomes pregnant, everyone around her attributes her well-founded fears to hormones and paranoia. But just because you're paranoid, as the saying goes, doesn't mean they're not after you. Or your baby. Jaws (1975) Universal - Credit: Universal Pictures A perfect movie that deploys its doll-eyed villain with impeccable skill, Jaws made everyone who has ever seen it think about sharks at least a little bit every single time we went to the beach for the rest of our lives. It's still every bit as scary now as it was 50 years ago when it changed movies forever. It also inspired a slew of other scary animal movies, and provides a great cinematic lesson in when to show the monster... and when told keep it below the surface. Night of the Living Dead (1968) Continental Distributing - Credit: Continental Distributing This low-budget George Romero masterpiece retains an eerie, simple power that makes it more frightening than The Last of Us, The Walking Dead, or any of the other countless zombie stories and other scary movies it inspired. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's a success on every level, and even sneaks in some wise social commentary. And it's also one of the most profitable movies ever made, racking in more than 100 times its budget. Psycho (1960) Paramount - Credit: Paramount Pictures The Alfred Hitchcock classic implied more than it showed, but implied it quite effectively. Psycho spawned the slasher genre, made horror respectable, and made lots of people feel a lot less safe in the shower. It also contains, for all money, at least one of the all-time greatest movie twists. Suspiria (1977) Produzioni Atlas Consorziate - Credit: C/O A giallo masterpiece worth watching for the lurid colors alone, Dario Argento's beautiful, haunting and terrifying story follows an American (Jessica Harper, above) at an elite German ballet academy who realizes, via some very creatively presented murders, that the school is hotbed of witchcraft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The very confusing sequel, Inferno, released in 1980, is also very worth a watch. Don't try to sort out the plot. Just let yourself be hypnotized in a wash of blood, color and fire. Like them or not, Argento makes the most visually stunning horror movies. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) Bryanston Distributing Company - Credit: C/O Bryanston Distributing Company You're creeped out just reading that title. The film's relentlessly menacing atmospherics buzzing flies, animal sounds make it one of the creepiest things ever committed to film. The chainsaw stuff pushes it far over the top. But Tobe Hooper's very smart direction also lifts it far above its many imitators. Despite the ominous title, the film implies more than it shows like all the best horror movies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also: Grainy '70s film stock makes everything scarier. Alien (1979) Credit: 20th Century Fox After the hopefulness of Star Wars, Alien provided a very downbeat rebuttal, focusing on a creature driven by a parasitic, unrelenting drive to survive and reproduce with help from unwilling human hosts. What makes it truly scary is it's many analogies to sexual assault, though it flips the usual horror movie script by making men the main victims. It also has thoughful insights into artificial intelligence that director Ridley Scott expanded on three years later with Blade Runner, and that countless sequels and spinoffs including the new TV series Alien: Earth have continued to explore. What Have You Done to Solange? (1972) Italian International Film - Credit: C/O This giallo thriller has a straightforward premise: a private school teacher becomes a murder suspect when he can't provide an alibi for a killing because he was in the arms of one of his students. The manner of death remains gasp-inducing, all these years later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Please note that all the other scary movies on this list are quite tame compared to the next two scary movies. Last House on the Left (1972) Hallmark Releasing - Credit: C/O Hallmark Releasing The directorial debut of future Scream and Nightmare on Elm Street icon Wes Craven, Last House on the Left is a difficult-to-watch story of two young women who are terrorized by escaped convicts. Eventually, parents seek vengeance. But before that you have to sit though a deeply unpleasant scene where the convicts treat the women horribly, and one walks hopelessly into water to die, rather than let it go on any longer. It's loosely based on Ingmar Bergmans The Virgin Spring, and carried the infamous tagline, "To avoid fainting, keep repeating, Its only a movie Only a movie Only a movie '" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is, for our money, the scariest movie ever made. Because it could all happen, and has. Johnny Got His Gun (1971) Cinemation Industries - Credit: C/O Based on a 1939 Dalton Trumbo novel, and adapted into a film by Trumbo during the Vietnam War, this powerful and deeply affecting anti-war story follows a young man named Joe who suffers battlefield injuries that cost him his arms, legs, sight and ability to see and hear. He's left trapped in his own mind. Long after Vietnam, the movie managed to terrify Gen X audiences thanks to Metallica, who featured clips of it prominently in their 1988 video for "One." Its entire ambiance is unsettling, even before we get to the scenes of Joe in his hospital bed. It's not even technically a horror movie, but it's one of the most resonant scary movies we've ever seen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Main image: Last House on the Left. Hallmark Releasing Related Headlines Bolivias Diabla Cine and Mexicos We Are Not Zombies are joining forces for The Paradise (El Paraiso). The series, which has been selected for the upcoming edition of the leading Latin American market Ventana Sur (Dec. 1-5), is based on over three decades of research chronicling how cocaine became a political and military tool across Latin America. The series traces the hidden alliances between governments, intelligence agencies, and criminal networks that shaped the origins of the drug trade as a system of power. It features real-life testimonies and interviews with key witnesses and experts led by Theo Roncken, whose decades-long investigation forms the backbone of the narrative. The show will also feature informants directly connected to the historical events, many of them who have served drug trafficking sentences in the U.S. More from Variety Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Paradise is created by Claudio Araya Silva and produced by Ramiro Medina Flores and Silva for Diabla Cine and We Are Not Zombies. Silva also directs and will write the show alongside Roncken. The first production phase is slated to begin in September 2026, with filming taking place across Bolivia, Mexico, and the United States. The series is in advanced development, with post-production to wrap in early 2028. Speaking with Variety, Silva said the co-production was a natural result of a creative relationship of over 15 years, starting at the Morelia Film Festival and sustained by a shared vision to make critical cinema with social impact. This project represents an opportunity to unite these trajectories around an investigation Theo Roncken has worked on for over three decades, almost as long as weve known each other, added the producer. Its relevance lies in filling a gap in the global narrative on drug trafficking: while Mexico faces structural violence and Bolivia seeks to legitimize its anti-drug policy, the decisive role of the United States in this system is rarely addressed. Thus, this alliance becomes a strategic convergence of three perspectives that seek to challenge dominant narratives and propose a broader reflection on co-responsibility and the geopolitical dynamics underpinning this global conflict. Silva said The Paradise is not about the glamour of the drug trade, its about the machinery behind it, the alliances that rewrote our continents reality. Its a political investigation filmed with the intimacy of a personal diary and the precision of a historical archive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Producer Ramiro Medina Flores echoed that thought, saying that we have seen countless stories about the drug trade from the outside. The Paradise tells it from within Latin America. Through the eyes of those who lived it and the archives that prove it. Its a series built on truth, not myth. Diabla Cine, based in Bolivia, is committed to developing documentaries that preserve Latin American history and culture, focusing on stories essential to understanding our present but often hidden or forgotten. WANZ Films, part of the creative network We Are Not Zombies founded in Mexico City, produces films, docuseries, and community-driven projects across Latin America. Since 2013, it has built bridges between art, activism, and cinema, creating works that have screened globally from Mexico to Sao Paulo, New York, and Cannes. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The General Hospital spoilers for Thursday, October 30, 2025, reveal an emotional episode as Sonny voices his regrets while Tracy drowns her sorrows. Key Takeaways Sonny opens up about his regrets as tensions with Sidwell reach a breaking point. Tracy hits rock bottom after Ronnies shocking real estate decision. Jason surprises Britt when she least expects it. Justine puts Jordan on the spot with tough questions. Cody looks for legal guidance but is it really about business or something more personal? Next on General Hospital Tracy Spirals Poor Tracy (Jane Elliot, who had a sweet moment with a co-star at the Daytime Emmys)! On Thursday, Halloween Eve, the weekly teasers reveal that she drowns her sorrows. It has to be because Ned (Wally Kurth) advised her to make (fake) nice with Ronnie (Erika Slezak) in order to get back in the house, and then figure out what Ronnie is up to. Michael (Rory Gibson) even backed that idea up. And thats exactly what she decided to do. Then Ronnie dropped a bomb on the Quartermaines. She decided to sell the house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An out-of-control Martin (Michael E. Knight) no longer cares that Drew (Cameron Mathison, whos adding a new holiday movie to his credits) tried to railroad Stella (Vernee Watson) into a prison sentence. What is important to him is getting maximum revenge on Tracy. So it isnt enough that Ronnie kicked Tracy out of the mansion. Martin, who messed with Monicas will, is demanding that she sell the house to Tracys enemy, Drew Congressman Cutthroat Cain. Thats definitely enough drama and pain and Halloween horror to get Tracy to turn to drink. Sonny Has Regrets Meanwhile, its a whole lot of tricks and not enough treats for Sonny (Maurice Benard, who recently talked about retirement rumors on a podcast). Hes embroiled in this simmering war with Sidwell (Carlo Rota). Both men have gone after each others children. While Sidwell torched Kristinas (Kate Mansi) bar (not that hell admit it), Sonny abducted Marco (Adrian Anchondo). Is that why Sonnys suddenly voicing his regrets? Or does it have to do with something or someone else? Justine Grills Jordan Perhaps he voices his regrets to Justine (Nazneen Contractor), who happens to pop up in action on Thursday. While Justines dynamic with Sonny is pretty messy, she also has other things on her mind. One item on her agenda is to grill Jordan (Tanisha Harper). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This may be related to the fact that Jordan works for Sidwell. Lets hope Jordan will forget about Portias (Brook Kerr) pregnancy and get back to what she set out to do in the first place. Bring Sidwell down. Cody Seeks Legal Advice Finally, Cody (Josh Kelly) seeks legal advice. Why would he have to do that? Lately, he has stayed out of trouble. Maybe he is still thinking about the fact that he found a tied-up Ric (Rick Hearst) not so long ago. Or maybe this is just an excuse to get to spend time with Molly (Kristen Vaganos). Thats our vote. This story was originally reported on Soap Hub on October 29, 2025. Add Soap Hub as a Preferred Source by clicking here. When confronted with her comment by producers in a confessional, Heather didn't even remember saying it -- before exclaiming, "You cant use that ... delete. Delete!" Loose lips sink ships ... or at least make them a little more interesting ... as a tipsy Heather Gay made quite the claim while aboard a boat in Canouan with Captain Jason Chambers. On Tuesday's new episode of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, the women chartered a yacht in the Caribbean in what was essentially a crossover event with Below Deck Down Under. It was Heather and Whitney Rose who organized the getaway, explaining they knew Chambers from a previous trip to Australia. Upon landing on the Grenadines island, the ladies were instantly smitten with the ship's hunky crew, including the one and only Captain Jason. And while Britani Bateman, in particular, had her eyes set on the Aussie captain, it was Gay who revealed she may have already been there, done that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the drinks were flowing on day one of the trip, Gay was seen playing in the water with Chambers, exclaiming at one point, "I'll ride him like a f--king bronco!" That was followed by a chat between Heather and Britani, in which the latter expressed playful frustration Gay was "canoodling with Jason." "But Jason and I are friends, we have a history, we've f--ked around before, there's nothing there," she said, shocking Bateman, who asked what she meant. "I'm saying we're friends, so there's latitude," Gay added. In a confessional, Gay appeared shocked she made the bold claim, clearly not remembering it. Captain Jason Chambers Reveals What Really Went Down with Lala Kent and RHOM's Adriana de Moura (Exclusive) - Click image for related story "I said that?! Serious faced?!" she exclaimed. "You can't use that. I don't know why I said that to her. Delete! Delete!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, Chambers hasn't addressed Gay's claims, but he did call the women "lovely, all of them," while speaking with Us Magazine. "They're really beautiful people. However, we know what they like when they're together. You'll see that. I've tried everything to try and break the ice. I brought some yoga and some Zen into it to try and stop it," he added of the drama, which included a major blowup between Lisa Barlow and her costars. "But I don't think there's anything we could have done to calm it down." The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City airs Tuesdays on Bravo, while some additional footage from the trip will also air on Below Deck Down Under next year. The White Lotus is headed to France, with the fourth installment of the Mike White-created series setting up production in Paris and the Riviera, according to media reports. Reports that the HBO anthology series was heading to France begin circulating last month, but since then, The White Lotus has narrowed in on filming in two notable locations in the country: Paris and the French Riviera, both of which are being actively scouted by HBO. HBO declined to comment on this story. With both filming locations on the table, its likely that Season 4 might follow the same structure as the Thailand-set third season, which saw the majority of the installment take place in Koh Samui, while some episodes surrounding Walton Gogginss Rick Hatchett headed to Bangkok. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No hotel locations have been locked in yet, and production wont launch into action until next year, according to media reports. HBO boss Casey Bloys told TheWrap in July that White would soon be scouting [and] seeing what location he gets inspired by, and then giving us more of an update of what hes thinking, and by September, Bloys said White was starting to write and think about his ideas. Its not the first time The White Lotus has found its home in Europe, with Season 2 taking place in Sicily, Italy after the first pandemic-restricted season took place in Hawaii. The French Riviera is an interesting move after White teased that he was hoping to wander away from the crashing waves against rocks vernacular in Season 4. Theres always room for more murders in the White Lotus hotels, White said. The post The White Lotus Season 4 Heads to France With Shooting Locations in Paris and the Riviera appeared first on TheWrap. Italy may be one of the most visited countries in the world, yet beyond the Colosseum, the canals, and the cathedrals lie places untouched by crowds. These hidden towns, villages, and landscapes hold the same beauty and spirit as Italys most famous icons, but with peace, authenticity, and local charm that make them unforgettable. Here, travelers discover Italy not through postcards but through conversations with locals, meals cooked with love, and views known only to those who wander off the beaten path. These are the places where the true Italy reveals itself, quiet, graceful, and eternal. Matera, Basilicata Image Credit: Shutterstock. Carved from stone and centuries of survival, Matera feels more ancient than time itself. The citys Sassi cave dwellings, carved into limestone cliffs, tell stories of faith, endurance, and rebirth. Once considered Italys shame due to poverty, it is now a UNESCO treasure glowing with candlelight and pride. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Narrow alleys, rock-hewn churches, and panoramic terraces create a cinematic landscape of shadows and gold. Walking here is like stepping into historys embrace, where silence holds meaning. Matera is Italys soul, hidden beneath the surface yet shining brighter than ever. Visitors often linger longer than planned, captivated by its mysterious calm. Local artisans restore ancient homes into boutique hotels and restaurants without erasing their character. Each corner offers an intimate connection to the land, carved by generations who never abandoned their roots. The food, simple and divine, mirrors the city itself, humble ingredients transformed into timeless flavor. Matera proves that beauty doesnt always shout; sometimes it whispers from the stone. Orvieto, Umbria Image Credit: Shutterstock. Perched dramatically atop a volcanic plateau, Orvieto rises like a vision suspended between heaven and earth. Its Gothic cathedral dazzles with mosaics that shimmer under the Umbrian sun, while its underground tunnels reveal secrets of Etruscan life. Cobbled streets lined with artisan shops lead to breathtaking viewpoints over endless vineyards. Orvieto offers a serenity that Romes chaos could never match. Every view feels sacred, every shadow poetic. Beneath its charm lies a proud community that treasures its balance between history and modern life. Wine cellars stretch deep below ground, aging the citys celebrated Orvieto Classico. Trattorias serve regional specialties like wild boar ragu and truffle pasta to guests who savor rather than rush. Evenings bring quiet conversation and golden sunsets over the valley. Orvieto doesnt compete with the famous, it transcends them through authenticity and grace. Procida, Campania Image Credit:Shutterstock. Tiny and colorful, Procida is the island that time forgot, and thats its greatest beauty. Fishermens houses painted in pastel hues rise above turquoise water, while narrow alleys echo with childrens laughter and church bells. Unlike Capri or Ischia, Procida resists glamour, preferring simplicity and community. Life here moves at the pace of the tide. Its a love letter to an older, quieter Italy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Locals welcome visitors as friends rather than tourists, sharing recipes, stories, and smiles. Seafood is caught at dawn and served by noon, with flavors that taste of the sea and sincerity. The sunsets turn the harbor into liquid fire, a daily reminder of lifes gentle rhythm. Procida offers peace that money cant buy, a place where beauty feels effortless and eternal. Trieste, Friuli Venezia Giulia Image Credit: Claudine Van Massenhove / Shutterstock. Trieste is Italys most international secret, a crossroads of Latin warmth, Slavic heart, and Austrian elegance. Once part of the Habsburg Empire, its coffeehouses recall the days when poets like James Joyce wandered its foggy streets. The city overlooks the Adriatic, proud yet melancholic, where every building tells of empires, trade, and longing. Trieste feels European yet distinctively Italian, cultured yet calm. Its a city for thinkers, dreamers, and wanderers. The citys cafe culture thrives as an art form, blending conversation with contemplation. The port hums softly as ships come and go, and locals sip espresso as if it were a sacred act. Museums, theaters, and bookstores fill the old town with intellectual charm. Trieste invites quiet exploration and rewards those who listen. In its stillness, it tells stories the rest of Italy has forgotten. Bergamo, Lombardy Image Credit:Shutterstock. Bergamo hides in plain sight, often overshadowed by nearby Milan, yet it radiates old-world beauty. The upper city, Citta Alta, sits within Venetian walls that crown medieval towers and terracotta roofs. Its piazzas echo with music, laughter, and the toll of ancient bells. Narrow lanes reveal frescoed churches and family-run trattorias where recipes havent changed in centuries. Bergamo feels untouched by haste, refined, proud, and genuine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The citys rhythm flows from art to cuisine, from opera to aperitivo. Locals stroll through history without self-consciousness, blending past and present with natural grace. The cuisine celebrates mountain flavors and northern traditions, each dish crafted with quiet confidence. At sunset, the view from the old walls turns golden, as if blessing every visitor. Bergamo doesnt need fame; it has soul, and thats far rarer. Civita di Bagnoregio, Lazio Image Credit: Shutterstock. Rising from a sea of mist, Civita di Bagnoregio is known as the dying city," but stepping inside feels like eternal life. Perched on a fragile cliff, reachable only by footbridge, its a place of silence and wonder. Medieval houses cling to rock as if time itself refused to let go. Flowers bloom from stone walls, and cats nap beneath ancient arches. The villages fragility makes it even more sacred. Despite its small size, Civita radiates presence. Artists and travelers come seeking solitude and leave changed. The only cafe serves local wine and conversation, offering a taste of what simplicity truly means. Every stone, every shadow tells of endurance against all odds. In Civita, beauty exists not despite decay but because of it, an Italian masterpiece suspended between earth and sky. Lecce, Puglia Image Credit: Shutterstock. Known as the Florence of the South, Lecce dazzles with baroque architecture carved from honey-colored limestone. Its facades seem to ripple with emotion, each church and palace alive with artistic detail. The old town glows at sunset, when the stone turns liquid gold. Markets burst with olive oil, ceramics, and laughter, creating a feast for all senses. Lecce feels sophisticated yet grounded, an open-air gallery where history dances with joy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The citys artisans continue centuries-old traditions, sculpting and crafting with devotion. Cafes spill into piazzas filled with students, musicians, and dreamers. Cuisine celebrates the bounty of the south, orecchiette pasta, fresh tomatoes, and the warmth of family tables. Lecces beauty doesnt overwhelm; it embraces. Every visit feels like coming home to a place you didnt know you missed. Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna Image Credit: znatalias / Shutterstock Ferrara remains a medieval gem frozen in quiet dignity. Once ruled by the powerful Este family, it boasts broad boulevards, majestic castles, and elegant palaces that whisper of Renaissance grandeur. Bicycles glide along ancient walls as if time had never advanced. Art flourished here before it did in Florence, leaving a legacy of refinement and intellect. Ferraras calm is its luxury, beauty unbothered by fame. Locals still live surrounded by art, music, and literature. Cafes host poets, professors, and friends in conversation that could last for hours. The food reflects the regions richness, pumpkin tortellini, cured meats, and buttery pastries. Ferrara doesnt perform for visitors; it welcomes them into its rhythm. Its a city where silence feels cultured, and elegance effortless. Mantua, Lombardy Image Credit:Shutterstock. Mantua floats like a dream on its three artificial lakes, a Renaissance wonder untouched by time. Its palaces and churches were shaped by the vision of the Gonzaga family, who turned art into governance and beauty into policy. Frescoes by Mantegna still glow with divine intensity inside ancient walls. Every view seems painted, every reflection perfect. Mantua feels more like a symphony than a city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Life here moves to a classical rhythm. Markets fill with local farmers and bakers, their stalls fragrant with simplicity and care. The cuisine, rich risottos, slow-cooked meats, and crisp wines, honors centuries of refinement. Festivals celebrate music and art with quiet confidence. Mantua invites you not to sightsee, but to breathe beauty as naturally as air. Brisighella, Emilia-Romagna Image Credit: Shutterstock. Nestled among olive groves and medieval towers, Brisighella feels like a fairy tale come to life. Its colorful houses line winding lanes beneath the shadow of the clock tower. Life here unfolds slowly, measured in laughter, sunlight, and the aroma of fresh focaccia. The towns three hills hold the fortress, the sanctuary, and the tower, symbols of faith, protection, and time. Brisighellas modesty is its greatest strength. The locals take pride in their olive oil, considered among Italys finest. Festivals celebrate harvest, family, and music with sincere warmth. Travelers are welcomed like old friends, not customers. Evenings glow with the golden light of lampposts and conversation. Brisighella offers something rare in todays world, beauty without pretense, joy without noise. Ascoli Piceno, Marche Image Credit: Claudio Giovanni Colombo / Shutterstock. Ascoli Piceno greets visitors with marble piazzas that shine like moonlight. Roman ruins blend seamlessly with Renaissance palaces, creating a city that feels both grand and intimate. Caffe Meletti, with its pink facade, has been a local meeting point for over a century. Bells echo softly from countless towers, each one marking time with elegance. The citys beauty lies in its quiet self-assurance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Locals gather in Piazza del Popolo, sipping anisette liqueur and exchanging laughter that echoes through arcades. The food, olive ascolane stuffed and fried to perfection, reflects the citys character: refined yet hearty. Festivals bring color and music to the marble heart of the town. Ascoli Piceno is living proof that Italys lesser-known cities hold the countrys purest charm. Noto, Sicily Image Credit:Shutterstock. Noto is a baroque jewel shimmering in Sicilian sunlight. Rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1693, its honey-colored palaces rise in perfect harmony. The streets align with celestial precision, and every corner radiates golden light. Balconies draped in iron lace overlook piazzas filled with laughter and scent of citrus. Notos beauty feels divine, not designed, but destined. Artists and dreamers have long been drawn here, inspired by its poetry in stone. Cafes serve granita and cannoli as locals discuss art, faith, and family. Evenings bring soft music and strolling couples beneath glowing lanterns. Noto proves that rebirth can be even more beautiful than origin. Its a city where tragedy became artistry, and time itself seems to pause in admiration. Bosa, Sardinia Image Credit:Shutterstock. Bosa lies along a river, its pastel houses reflected in shimmering water like a watercolor painting. Medieval towers guard a maze of streets scented with sea breeze and wine. Its small, warm, and endlessly photogenic, a place where Sardinias true soul beats quietly. Fishermen still mend nets by hand, and cats nap in sunlit corners. Bosa invites you to slow down and simply exist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The towns traditions remain untouched by mass tourism. Locals share wine and laughter with visitors as if welcoming them into family. Handmade coral jewelry, fresh seafood, and folk festivals fill life with color. Bosa proves that the best destinations arent always the biggest. Its a reminder that peace is the rarest luxury of all. Spello, Umbria Image Credit:Shutterstock. Spello, wrapped in stone and flowers, feels like it was sculpted by sunlight. Ancient Roman gates still guard its entrance, leading to lanes draped in blossoms and history. Artists have long been enchanted by its harmony of color and texture. The air smells of lavender, bread, and time itself. Spello is beauty distilled, gentle, authentic, eternal. Residents compete each year in floral festivals, turning the streets into rivers of petals. Churches hide Renaissance frescoes behind humble doors. Meals are shared on terraces overlooking olive groves and golden hills. Theres no rush here, only rhythm. Spellos quietness isnt emptiness, its fulfillment. Pitigliano, Tuscany Image Credit:Shutterstock. Pitigliano rises from volcanic rock like a fortress of dreams. Known as Little Jerusalem for its historic Jewish community, it weaves faith and stone into a story of resilience. Houses and churches appear carved from the same cliff, blending seamlessly with nature. Twilight turns the town into molten gold, a living sculpture of light and memory. Pitigliano is Tuscanys best-kept secret, powerful yet peaceful. Locals take pride in preserving their layered identity through food, tradition, and architecture. Vineyards cling to the surrounding hills, producing wine as old as the town itself. Caves beneath the city hide ancient cellars and tunnels once used by refugees and traders alike. To wander Pitigliano is to wander through centuries with reverence. Its a place that proves the heart of Italy beats strongest off the map. An Alstead bakery was named the best in New Hampshire. The Takeout, a food website, made a list of the 'absolute best' bakery in each state, looking to find the places that stand out from the pack. "Some of the best bakeries are well-known establishments that have been around for decades, and even boast more than one location, while others are small often deliberately so spots that remain somewhat under the radar," the Takeout said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The food website said that the Orchard Hill Breadworks is the best place to get your baked goods, whether it's bread, pastries, or cookies. Orchard Hill Breadworks The Takeout said they chose Orchard Hill Breadworks because of its longevity and their delicious baked treats that still capture the hearts of local residents. "The bread and pastries such as the Danish creamsicle with marinated sheep's feta and candied orange peel are both inventive and top-notch," the Takeout said. "Other standouts include the coconut cream Danish and the potato chive pull-apart puff pastry." The Orchard Hill Breadworks website said they also serve cookies, making and selling flavors like double dark chocolate, ginger molasses, and lemon cornmeal shortbread. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We believe that good food and healthy, happy communities go hand in hand," the bakery website said. "Bread was first baked for sale at Orchard Hill in 1997, but the story of this place begins long before that." You can find Orchard Hill Breadworks in 121 Old Settlers Road in Alstead, New Hampshire. Rin Velasco is a trending reporter. She can be reached at rvelasco@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: 'Absolute best bakery' in NH has only has one location. How to visit. Bigfoot, Slenderman, and aliens all have one thing in common: Despite countless supposed sightings and endless speculation, none of them have ever really been caught on camera. Maybe it's because they are nothing more than popularized urban legends -- or maybe, as many believers would argue, that's exactly what they want us to think. While the tales of the supernatural come from every corner of the globe, few places are as steeped in so much mystery as Hoia Baciu Forest, a wooded wilderness tucked away near Cluj-Napoca, Romania. And while Romania might be closely associated with Count Dracula, this so-nicknamed Bermuda Triangle of Transylvania is just as terrifying as the vampire's cliffside castle in Romania. This mysterious woodland is a place where gnarled, contorted trees twist upward toward the sky, and locals whisper of strange lights, sudden disappearances (much like those that have occurred over the equally mysterious Bermuda Triangle), and an overwhelming sense of unease that descends upon those who dare step foot on the grounds. Though it may look like an ordinary forest at first glance, many believe Hoia Baciu to be one of the most haunted forests in the world: a mysterious gateway between the known and unknown, daring the bravest souls to venture into its depths. If you're not feeling brave enough to explore the forest yourself, perhaps simply reading about its mysteries will satisfy your curiosity. Read more: The 40 Most Mysterious Places In The Whole Entire World Exploring the legends of Hoia Baciu Forest The mysterious clearing in Hoia Baciu Forest where trees won't grow. - salajean/Shutterstock The stories began in the mid-20th century, when locals started reporting strange phenomena within the Hoia Baciu Forest: spirits seen through the fog, sudden headaches, skin rashes, and nausea that would vanish as soon as they left the forest. One of the most famous legends tells of a young girl who disappeared into the forest only to return years later, looking the same and wearing the same clothes, with no memory of what had happened. The forest is allegedly named after a shepherd who entered the woods with his 200 sheep, after they all vanished, never to be seen alive again. In the 1960s, both biologist Alexandru Sift and military technician Emil Barnea are said to have taken photos of UFOs hovering above the forest, causing the site to become a major hub for UFO hunters and paranormal investigators alike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One spot in the forest continues to defy the very ideas of science, as all plant life here refuses to grow. The Clearing, as it is known, is said by some to be the probable landing pad for alien spacecraft. Others believe it's a portal, one that opens into another dimension. Those who've spent time there often describe the same feelings: disorientation, dizziness, or a sense of being watched. Cameras malfunction, strange lights appear, footsteps of unseen entities can be heard, and photos come back distorted or showing strange, otherwise non-existent faces in the background. Experiencing Hoia Baciu Forest for yourself Creepy, twisted, finger-like tree roots in Hoia Baciu Forest. - Paul Horia Malaianu/Shutterstock For the curious traveler, Hoia Baciu is easy to reach from Cluj-Napoca, Romania's historic capital of Transylvania, which is located about 280 miles northwest of Bucharest. You can reach the city by train. Several local tour operators offer guided excursions through the forest some by daylight for a gentler introduction, others after dark for the truly brave. Guides share firsthand stories of local encounters, historical context, and scientific theories, adding to the intrigue of this shadowy destination. While the forest's supernatural reputation attracts ghost hunters and thrill seekers, it's also a place of real natural beauty. The hiking trails wind through rolling hills, moss-covered trees, and panoramic viewpoints overlooking Cluj. Whether you believe in the legends or not, there's no denying that Hoia Baciu has a magnetic, almost hypnotic pull. Decades after the first strange reports, Hoia Baciu remains one of the world's most fascinating enigmas. Scientists, skeptics, and spiritualists continue to debate its secrets paranormal or psychological, extraterrestrial or environmental but perhaps that's what makes it so alluring. Because in the heart of Transylvania, amid the whispering leaves and warped trees, lies one of the world's most mysterious places the veil between truth and legend waiting to be pulled back. Ready to discover more hidden gems and expert travel tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter for access to the world's best-kept travel secrets. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google. Read the original article on Explore. Key Points Despite its name, Las Vegas Sands doesnt own any casinos in its hometown. In addition to five Macao gaming venues, the company runs one of two integrated resorts in Singapore, and its one of the most profitable casinos in the world. Although its a major earnings contributor, analysts argue that the Singapore property isnt fully factored into Sands stock price. 10 stocks we like better than Las Vegas Sands What's in a company name? Sometimes, not much. For example, Apple doesn't sell apples, or any fruit for that matter. Likewise, Las Vegas Sands (NYSE: LVS) doesn't run any casinos in the city for which it's named. It did so until February 2022, when it closed the sale of the Venetian Resort on the Strip, but in its current form, the largest U.S.-listed casino operator by market capitalization runs six gaming venues -- five in Macao, and Marina Bay Sands (MBS) in Singapore. Obviously, that's a big difference, and given Macao's status as the casino mecca of the world, many investors view Sands through a Macao lens. They shouldn't sleep on Singapore. In fact, Marina Bay Sands is a big reason why Sands stock rocketed higher Thursday, but the venue's positive effects will be felt over the long term, not single trading sessions. In Sands' investment thesis, Singapore deserves more love It's already well known that Marina Bay Sands is one of the most profitable casinos in the world. But things just keep getting better for Sands in Singapore. Based on third-quarter adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) of $743 million, the property is positioned for annual EBITDA of $2.7 billion, according to Jefferies. Image source: Las Vegas Sands. What's interesting about Marina Bay Sands is that company management acknowledged being wrong, in a good way, about the property's success. CEO Robert Goldstein said as much on a Wednesday conference call, telling an analyst that the company thought it was "ambitious" in forecasting $2.5 billion in annual Singapore EBITDA while noting that with a "big quarter," $2.8 billion or $2.9 billion is not only possible, but "very sustainable." All right, so Marina Bay Sands is one of the most profitable casinos in the world and accounts for roughly half the owner's EBITDA. How is it overlooked in the share price? Stifel analyst Steven Wieczynski says Sands' stock is largely moved by Macao news flow, but that shouldn't be the case. Not when, by the analyst's estimate, the Singapore casino is worth $42 a share on a stand-alone basis. Driving along Highway 71, just north of the South Dakota and Nebraska border, travelers will find a desolate village of abandoned homes and cars. Ardmore Ghost Town didn't always look this dilapidated. It was a once-thriving frontier town in the late 1880's, and an important stop on the railroad route. With unfortunate droughts destroying resources, and the train no longer stopping in town, the population rapidly declined. Today, all we see are ruins of this once-magnificent railroad hub. It truly is peculiar how a place so busy can suddenly become so obsolete. Such was the case with an abandoned resort in the Smoky Mountains, now a haunting ghost town as well. While one might typically think of ruins along Route 66 when thinking of abandoned ghost towns, Ardmore more than lives up to its expectations. The town has a Main Street and a volunteer fire department, but it has all been left abandoned to the elements. Visitors will see old wooden homes that have fallen apart, and more solid brick dwellings that have withstood the test of time. It is a far cry from the best preserved, most photographed ghost town in Nevada, but in fairly good condition. Only weather damage and time seem to have affected the village, unlike other ghost towns riddled in graffiti. Most of the buildings are structurally sound and physically intact, but the interiors seem to be ransacked and full of junk in some spaces. An old mattress can be seen in one of the debris-filled homes, as if the town had seen vandals or squatters throughout the years. Some relics have been left behind, like a collection of empty mason jars, but most spaces have been left gutted and empty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: The 5 Most Alligator-Filled Destinations In All Of Florida Ardmore is a classic car graveyard Abandoned cars in Ardmore - Quiet Places with Marshall / YouTube There is something unsettling about seeing groups of vehicles left behind, as if everyone had to leave on short notice. Some visitors think the town is spooky and unsafe to visit, as the abandoned village is a bit too reminiscent of a post-apocalyptic zombie horror flick. While most of the buildings look inhabitable from the outside, others are downright destroyed and in shambles. It is uncanny how many scattered lots of old classic cars remain, decades after the town's heyday, like beloved collections that had suddenly been forgotten. As you wander through the faded road signs and run-down sheds, it might be tempting to explore and see the amazing finds one could discover. If you decide to pass through this fascinating roadside relic, please be respectful of fencing and property lines, so as not to further disturb this abandoned town. While the structures could seem intact from the outside, keep in mind they are old and might be dangerous and unstable to walk through. Besides the usual abandoned houses and cars, travelers will notice boarded up stores and an old water tower while wandering around the village. There used to be a train that brought water to Ardmore when steam engines were at their peak, but after the train stopped running water to the town, its water supply dwindled. This was one of the main factors contributing to the town's fateful decline, since there was otherwise no water in town. There is also a general store and post office that remain, closed, but in decent shape. Sometimes locals can be spotted around town, suggesting there is still some life in this seemingly forgotten place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ready to discover more hidden gems and expert travel tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter and add us as a preferred search source for access to the world's best-kept travel secrets. Read the original article on Islands. Any lover of Southern-style breakfasts has had their fair share of grits, but did you know that the coarsely ground corn is also popular around sections of the Mexican border? Green chile grits are common between Arizona and El Paso, writes chef Hank Shaw in his cookbook, Borderlands. Once you remember that the Anglo settlement of this region was initially dominated by people from the American South, seeing grits on a menu in, say, Bisbee, Arizona, or Deming, New Mexico makes a lot more sense. One of the benefits of this regional quirk is a smoky, spicy take on the breakfast classic: grits studded with ultra-flavorful Southwestern green chiles. Many recipes simply used canned roasted green chiles, Shaw explains, and thats fine, but freshly roasted will taste better: Youll get a firmer chile, more of those blackened charred bits, and the juice that the peppers exude adds flavor to the grits. So if youve got a good chile source, give them a call now. You want real grits, not quick grits, which are an abomination, Shaw continues. I highly recommend War Eagle grits, or Palmetto Farms, Anson Mills, or even Bobs Red Mill. If you are in a place where grits are not a thing, like North Dakota or New Hampshire, youll have to buy online. Other than that, easy-peasy. With the right grits in hand, all thats left to do is stir, simmer, and savor. Advertisement Advertisement These grits make a great vegetarian lunch or dinner, especially if you feel like frying an egg and putting that on top. Leftovers? Pack into a container and cover while still a little warm, then set in the fridge. This will let the grits set up without creating that hardened edge on the side exposed to air. Then, when you want to serve your leftover grits, theyll still be sticky enough so you can dust them in cornmeal or flour and fry crispy. In other words, one batch of these grits can easily turn into two meals comfort food now, and golden, crisped perfection later. Green Chile Grits Recipe Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Serves 4 to 6 Ingredients 4 tablespoons butter, divided 12 cup minced white or yellow onion 2 cloves garlic, minced 4 12 cups water Salt 1 cup grits 2 to 5 roasted green chiles, chopped, about 1 cup 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano or marjoram 1 cup shredded longhorn, Jack, or Chihuahua cheese 1 serrano pepper, seeded and minced 14 cup minced cilantro Black pepper Instructions Heat 2 tablespoons of the butter in a medium pot over medium heat. Cook the onions and garlic until soft and translucent, but not browned, about 4 minutes. Stir occasionally, and salt them a bit as they cook. Add the water and a pinch of salt and bring this to a boil over high heat. Turn the heat to medium and pour in the grits in a stream, stirring constantly in one direction; this helps prevent lumps. Stir well and lower the heat so the mixture is simmering, not roiling. Cook this for about 15 minutes, stirring often to pre- vent the bottom from sticking and scorching. When the grits are close they need to be soft and creamy, not, well, gritty stir in the Mexican oregano and the chopped green chiles, with any juices that have collected. Let this cook another 5 minutes. Note that you want the grits to be loose, so you might need to stir in a little more water. Stir in the minced serrano, the cheese, and the remaining 2 tablespoons butter. When this has fully melted in, taste the grits and add salt if needed. Add some black pepper and a little of the chopped cilantro. Advertisement Advertisement Options: You can mince cilantro stems from your bunch and add them to the grits when you add the green chiles. You can also thinly slice another serrano for a spicy garnish, or fry an egg to your liking and top your grits with it. If you want to, you can add chicken or vegetable stock up to 50 percent of the water needed. More than that and youll discolor the grits, and get too strong a broth flavor, which detracts from the green chile flavor. Recipe excerpted from Borderlands by Hank Shaw. The post Creamy Green Chile Grits Are the Southwestern Vegetarian Breakfast of Our Dreams appeared first on Katie Couric Media. Kat Abughazaleh, a progressive Democrat running for Congress, has been indicted on federal charges stemming from protests outside a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in the Chicago area. Abughazaleh, 26, is one of six people charged in the indictment. She faces two charges for allegedly conspiring to hinder and impede an ICE agent who was driving to an ICE facility in Broadview, Ill., a location that has been the site of frequent conflicts between protesters and federal immigration officers in recent weeks. According to the indictment, Abughazaleh and the other people charged conspired with one another through force, intimidation, and threat to prevent the agent from performing his duties. The document goes on to detail how the group stood in the way of the agents vehicle, forcing them to drive an extremely slow rate of speed and banged aggressively on the vehicles windows and hood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abughazaleh responded to the charges in a video on social media. This is a political prosecution and gross attempt to silence dissent, a right protected under the First Amendment, she said. Thats why Im going to fight these unjust charges. Before turning to politics, Abughazaleh gained a large online following through her videos criticizing conservative media. In March, she announced that she was running to represent Illinoiss Ninth Congressional District in the House of Representatives, joining a crowded Democratic field vying to replace longtime incumbent Democrat Jan Schakowsky in the seat. She quickly became one of the most prominent members of a group of young progressive Democrats who are deeply critical of the party establishment and unapologetic about their left-wing views. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While current Democratic leadership might be fine cowering to Trump, Im not, she said in her campaign announcement video. Abughazaleh has been a regular presence at protests outside the Broadview ICE facility, chronicling the clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement and some of the physical injuries she suffered during those conflicts for her hundreds of thousands of online followers. One of her online videos features an incident that matches the date and description of the events in the indictment. At the Broadview ICE facility, an ICE agent tried to run dozens of protesters over with an SUV as we walked on a public crosswalk. He kept driving for about a full football field until ICE barraged us with pepper balls. pic.twitter.com/bGX7vh5o84 Kat Abughazaleh (@KatAbughazaleh) September 26, 2025 In the video, Abughazaleh and dozens of other protesters are seen trying to push back against a law enforcement vehicle that is slowly progressing through the crowd of demonstrators. Hurricane Melissa continues to leave catastrophic damage in its wake. The hurricane made landfall near New Hope, Jamaica, on Tuesday as a Category 5 storm the strongest in the countrys recorded history with winds of 185 mph. It then made a second landfall as a Category 3 storm in Cuba on Wednesday morning, leaving behind extensive damage, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez said in a statement. Melissa, now a Category 2 storm, has since moved offshore and is heading for the Bahamas, per an advisory from the National Hurricane Center. Its expected to pass near the west of Bermuda on Thursday night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared the country a disaster area late Tuesday, amid reports of significant damage, including widespread flooding, power outages and blocked roads. At a news conference on Wednesday, Dana Morris Dixon, Jamaicas information minister, said Melissa had left 77% of the island without power. Desmond McKenzie, Jamaicas minister of local government and community development, also said that more than 25,000 people were in shelters across the island. Its not going to be an easy road, Jamaica, he said. Richard Vernon, the mayor of tourist hot spot Montego Bay, told BBC News on Wednesday that the city had been split in two by floodwaters. Though no deaths have been reported there so far, Vernon said his main concern Wednesday morning was to check if everybody is alive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once the wind subsided, we started to get a lot of heavy rain and that has led to massive floods right across the city, Vernon said. One side of the city is now cut off from the other due to roads being inundated by flood water. While a tropical storm warning has been discontinued for Jamaica, the countrys government warned of the potential for further flash flooding and additional landslides through Wednesday night. Jamaican officials on Wednesday confirmed the islands first death since Hurricane Melissa made landfall. The storm has been blamed for dozens of deaths across Jamaica, Haiti and the Dominican Republic. A store stands destroyed in Manchester, Jamaica, on Tuesday. (Ricardo Makyn/AFP via Getty Images) People walk through Santa Cruz, Jamaica, on Wednesday, after Hurricane Melissa passed. (Matias Delacroix/AP) A damaged car by a fallen tree in Manchester on Tuesday. (Ricardo Makyn/AFP via Getty Images) A man uses a chain saw to clear fallen branches on Wednesday in Spur Tree, Jamaica. (Octavio Jones/Reuters) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Camilla Powell, 27, and daughter Destiny Ellington, 5, stand outside their home in Alligator Pond, Jamaica, on Wednesday. (Octavio Jones /Reuters) Parts of the roof of the St. Elizabeth Technical High School are missing in Santa Cruz on Wednesday. (Matias Delacroix/AP) Residents walk through Santa Cruz on Wednesday. (Matias Delacroix/AP) People sit on the roof of a vehicle riding on a flooded road in Prospect, Jamaica, on Wednesday. (Octavio Jones/Reuters) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Debris scattered at a hotel on Wednesday in Montego Bay, Jamaica. (Sandra Stojanovic/Reuters) Drone view of flooding in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, on Wednesday. (Maria Alejandra Cardona/Reuters) People inspect the damage in Spur Tree on Wednesday. (Octavio Jones/Reuters) A man stands on what is left of the roof of his neighbors house in St. Elizabeth on Wednesday. (Ricardo Makyn/AFP via Getty Images) Advertisement Advertisement Authorities were still searching on Wednesday for three rhesus monkeys after they escaped following a truck accident in Mississippi this week. The truck, which carried rhesus monkeys used in scientific research, crashed Tuesday on I-59 near mile marker 117, about 100 miles from Jackson, Miss., the Jasper County Sheriffs Department stated in a Facebook post. As of Tuesday, officials said that three monkeys remained on the loose after initially reporting just one was unaccounted for. The other monkeys have been destroyed. We are doing our best to update the public, but we are still in the midst of gathering all pertinent information, the department said. We will continue to release updates as we get more information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to local CBS affiliate WHLT, the truck had been carrying 21 monkeys bound for a Florida testing facility when it crashed. Initially, the sheriffs department said that the monkeys weighed approximately 40 pounds each, were aggressive and required protective gear to handle as they carried hepatitis C, herpes, and COVID. However, a follow-up post from the sheriffs department on Tuesday shared a statement from the Tulane Biomedical Research Center, which clarified earlier claims that the sheriffs department said were initially made by the truck driver. Non-human primates at the Tulane National Biomedical Research Center are provided to other research organizations to advance scientific discovery, the organization said. The primates in question belong to another entity and are not infectious. We are actively collaborating with local authorities and will send a team of animal care experts to assist as needed. Tulane National Biomedical Research Center told Yahoo in a statement that the 21 rhesus macaques were not being transported by Tulane, not owned by Tulane, and not in Tulanes custody, and that they had received recent checkups confirming that they were pathogen-free. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although Tulane did not transport or own the nonhuman primates at the time of the incident, we sent a team of animal care experts to assist in this tragic incident, the center said. Rhesus monkeys, or rhesus macaques, a species native to India and China, are commonly used in biomedical research because they share about 93% of their DNA with humans. Adult males typically weigh around 17 pounds and females about 12. Five more suspects were arrested in connection to the Louvre jewelry heist earlier this month, during which an estimated $102 million worth of French crown jewels were stolen, prosecutors said on Thursday, bringing the total number of arrests to seven. Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau confirmed the arrests during an interview with French radio station RTL. Of the five new suspects, Beccuau said that one was identified through traces of DNA found at the crime scene, but that it was too early to comment on their identities. She also said the stolen jewelry still had not been found. The five arrests come after prosecutors announced the Sunday arrests of two male suspects, who Beccuau said partially admitted their involvement in the robbery. The duo are suspected of having used power tools to enter the museums Galerie dApollon, where the jewels were stored. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to claims that the heist was an inside job, Beccuau said that there was no evidence the thieves benefited from inside help. Beccuaus response comes after detectives reportedly uncovered digital forensic evidence linking a member of the museums security with individuals involved in carrying out the raid, according to the Telegraph. One of the suspects arrested on Sunday, according to ABC News, was taken into custody while trying to board a plane to Algeria at Pariss Charles de Gaulle Airport. The second suspect was apprehended as he attempted to travel to Mali, in West Africa, an investigator with the Paris Brigade for the Repression of Banditry, and a source from the French Interior Ministry confirmed to ABC. Beccuau clarified on Wednesday, however, that the second suspect did not intend to leave the country. While their names have not been released to the public, the two suspects, both in their 30s, are French nationals who reside in Seine-Saint-Denis, a Paris suburb, according to investigators. One suspect is a dual citizen of France and Mali, while the other suspect is a dual citizen of France and Algeria. Both suspects were known to the police because of past burglary cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under French law, suspects can remain in custody for only 96 hours before prosecutors must either charge them or release them. Beccuau has since expressed deep regret over the hasty disclosure of the first two arrests, fearing that the information can only harm the investigative efforts. It is too early to provide any further details, Beccuau said. I will provide additional information at the end of this custody phase. According to Frances minister of culture, eight items were stolen from cases in just seven minutes: a tiara, a necklace and a single earring in the sapphire set belonging to 19th-century French queens Marie-Amelie and Hortense; an emerald necklace and a pair of emerald earrings owned by Empress Marie Louise; a diamond reliquary brooch; and a diamond tiara and pearl brooch belonging to Napoleon IIIs wife, Empress Eugenie. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A ninth item has, however, been located. A diamond and emerald crown belonging to Empress Eugenie has since been recovered near the scene. The time to find the eight jewels before its too late is dwindling, as art detective Arthur Brand previously warned that the police might have just one week to find the missing jewels before they are potentially dismantled, melted down and gone forever. Following the heist, the BBC reported that the Louvre had transferred its most coveted jewels to the Bank of France for safekeeping. The theft committed at the Louvre is an attack on a heritage that we cherish because it is our history, French President Emmanuel Macron said in a Oct. 19 post on X following the heist. We will recover the works, and the perpetrators will be brought to justice. As the ongoing shutdown of the federal government nears its 30th day, a new Yahoo/YouGov poll shows that nearly twice as many Americans want it to end with Democrats getting their way rather than Republicans. Only 26% of Americans, meanwhile, approve of how President Trump has been handling the shutdown. A full 65% disapprove. The survey of 1,770 U.S. adults was conducted from Oct. 23 to 27, as Senate Democrats refused for the 12th and then 13th time to support a Republican-backed funding bill to reopen the government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though there are several sticking points between the parties, the key impasse centers on the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare. Subsidies that have long made health care plans purchased through Obamacare more affordable are set to expire in January, which would cause premiums to spike dramatically. Democrats want those subsidies extended as part of any bill to end the shutdown. Republicans say they are willing to discuss the subsidies, but only after the government reopens. To gauge which position better reflects public opinion, Yahoo and YouGov asked respondents whether they would prefer to "extend the subsidies as part of passing a budget and ending the government shutdown or pass a budget and end the shutdown without extending these subsidies." A majority of Americans (51%) say they would prefer to extend the expiring Obamacare subsidies. Roughly half as many (27%) say they would prefer to end the shutdown without an extension. Partisan perceptions On most issues, rank-and-file Republicans support the party line at roughly the same rate that Democrats oppose it. But views on how best to end the shutdown defy the usual pattern of partisan polarization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Less than half of Republicans, for instance, say theyd prefer to reopen the government without extending Obamacare subsidies (49%). The rest either say they want the subsidies extended (26%) or that theyre not sure (25%). Meanwhile, the vast majority of Democrats (77%) and independents (56%) want the subsidies extended in exchange for reopening the government. On Tuesday night, the Trump administration released a preview of the available Obamacare plans sold in 30 states, giving the 20 million Americans covered by the Affordable Care Act a first look at how much their premiums would increase next year if the current subsidies expire. According to a new analysis by KFF, a health research group, premiums are set to increase by an average of about 30% in states where the federal government manages markets and about 17% in states that run their own exchanges. Open enrollment for Affordable Care Act plans begins on Saturday, Nov. 1. If Congress doesnt agree to extend the subsidies by then, they will likely expire. Who do Americans blame for the shutdown? As for Trump who has chosen not to engage in negotiations on Capitol Hill his rating on handling the shutdown (again, 26% approve to 65% disapprove) is significantly worse than his overall job-approval rating (40% approve to 56% disapprove). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why? In part because Republicans are nearly 30 percentage points less likely to say they approve of how Trump is handling the shutdown (57%) than the presidency as a whole (86%). The president has said the shutdown represents an unprecedented opportunity to shrink the federal bureaucracy by targeting Democrat agencies for cuts. "There could be firings, and thats their fault, Trump said of Democrats in Congress. We could cut projects that they wanted, favorite projects, and theyd be permanently cut. Yet just 21% of Americans approve of efforts to fire "thousands of government workers since the start of the shutdown"; a full 63% disapprove. Likewise, only 23% of Americans approve of "billions of dollars in federal funding for projects across the country" being canceled, while 55% disapprove. And although Republicans are far more accepting of these measures than other Americans, the numbers who approve of firing federal workers (45%) and canceling federal projects (49%) arent especially high. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked which party deserves the most blame for the shutdown, 44% of Americans say Republicans who control both houses of Congress and 35% say Democrats. While Americans generally tend to blame the opposite party, Democrats are more apt to blame Republicans (86%) than Republicans are to blame Democrats (74%). Independents are also more likely to blame Republicans (45%) than Democrats (32%). Broken down further, conservative Republicans (46%) and progressive Democrats (36%) are most likely to attract a great deal of blame. . That said, the shutdown has tarnished everyones image: Republicans, Democrats and the government as a whole. Just 22% of Americans rate Congress favorably; 64% see it unfavorably. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just 32% of Americans rate the Democratic Party favorably; 61% see it unfavorably. Thats down from an average of 36% favorable, 56% unfavorable since the start of 2025. And just 38% of Americans rate the Republican Party favorably; 57% see it unfavorably. Thats also down from an average of 39% favorable, 54% unfavorable since the start of 2025. Real-world impact A follow-up question provides some helpful context. When asked how the shutdown is affecting them and given several options to choose from Americans tend to gravitate toward emotional responses such as I have experienced increased stress or uncertainty (32%) and I have been more worried than usual about my access to healthcare or insurance coverage (24%); they also say their cost of living has gone up (31%). Americans are less likely to cite specific examples of direct impact such as services disrupted (18%), benefits disrupted (17%), an office being closed (10%), parks or attractions closed (7%), travel disrupted (6%), being laid off (2%) or furloughed without pay (1%). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, nearly as many Americans mention at least one of the seven categories of direct impact (35%) as mention anxiety or stress, either generally or about health care (39%). __________________ The Yahoo survey was conducted by YouGov using a nationally representative sample of 1,770 U.S. adults interviewed online from Oct. 23 to Oct. 27, 2025. The sample was weighted according to gender, age, race, education, 2024 election turnout and presidential vote, party identification and current voter registration status. Demographic weighting targets come from the 2019 American Community Survey. Party identification is weighted to the estimated distribution at the time of the election (31% Democratic, 32% Republican). Respondents were selected from YouGovs opt-in panel to be representative of all U.S. adults. The margin of error is approximately 3.1%. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) The Kern County Sheriffs Office is investigating a deadly shooting in Mojave that took place Monday night. A man is dead after sheriffs deputies say he was shot multiple times while inside a vehicle near the intersection of O and Inyo streets. The shooting occurred Oct. 27, at about 11:30 p.m. Sheriffs deputies arrived and found a vehicle occupied by a man in the roadway who was declared deceased by medical personnel on scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A homicide investigation is underway. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Sheriffs Office at 661-861-3110, or the Secret Witness line at 661-322-4040. 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 KGET 17 News. With one week to go before municipal general elections, some voters in the region are already casting their ballots. "So much of what happens, happens on the small level, like the local government level," said Cayla McNally as she stopped by the satellite elections office in West Philadelphia on Tuesday morning. Action News spotted several people in West Philadelphia turning in their ballots at the drop-off box outside the office. RELATED | What to expect for the Nov. 4 election in Pennsylvania "It is a big election," said Michael Tucker as he brought in paperwork for a family member. "It's very important. We're retaining Supreme Court judges. We're retaining municipal court judges." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the non-partisan nonprofit organization, Committee of Seventy, more than 10,000 races are happening across Pennsylvania for the municipal general election. "Local school boards in Philadelphia, the district attorney's race, and city controller are on the ballot this year," said Committee of Seventy President and CEO Lauren Cristella. There's also the tight governor's race in New Jersey. "A lot of pollsters and pundits are treating it as a referendum on the Trump administration," said Cristella. SEE ALSO | Mikie Sherrill and Jack Ciattarelli clash in final NJ governor's debate | Watch the full debate Also getting national attention- and ad dollars-is the retention race for three Pennsylvania Supreme Court justices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is definitely the most money we've seen spent in a race like this," said Cristella, "What we're seeing now is the hyper-partisanship that has just permeated all of our politics." "It's a lot at stake. A lot of things go through the State Supreme Court," said Philadelphia City Commissioners Chairman Omar Sabir, adding that the issues have motivated some voters to get their ballots in. Tuesday was the last day that Pennsylvania voters could request mail-in ballots. About 100,000 Philadelphians requested mail-in ballots. Roughly 50,000 had turned in their ballots as of Tuesday morning. Municipal elections typically see lower voter turnout; however, leaders hope this election will exceed 20% voter turnout. They emphasize to voters that every election is important. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whether you drop off your ballot, mail it, or vote in person, all ballots are due on Election Day, November 4. The Committee of Seventy offers resources for voters, including a personalized breakdown of ballots in individual areas. You can access the Interactive Voter Guide here. Soldiers with the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, will not be replaced when they return home, possibly marking the ebb of the U.S. militarys rush to shore up NATOs eastern flank that began just prior to Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. About 700 soldiers with the unit have been deployed to Germany, Romania, and Poland, according to the New York Times. Despite the move, officials with U.S. Army Europe and Africa said This is not an American withdrawal from Europe or a signal of lessened commitment to NATO and Article 5. Rather, this is a positive sign of increased European capability and responsibility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. military still has a robust presence in Europe and remains able to carry out President Donald Trumps commitment to defend NATO allies, the statement says. Top Stories This Week News Air Force announces all-hands room inspections for every barracks By Jeff Schogol News Female drill sergeants will soon wear the Armys iconic campaign hat By Jeff Schogol News Airman found dead at F.E. Warren was under investigation for M18 incident By Matt White However, the drawdown of U.S. forces in Europe comes as the Pentagon has shifted its focus to its border protection and counter-narcotics missions closer to home. In a sign of the U.S. militarys current priorities, the Army announced in September that other soldiers with the 101st Airborne Division would deploy to the U.S.-Mexico border as part of the Defense Departments ongoing effort to help U.S. Border and Customs Protection agents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has also cast the ongoing U.S. military strikes against boats suspected of carrying drugs in the Caribbean as a battle against narcoterrorists. A foreign terrorist organization poisoning your people with drugs coming from a drug cartel is no different than al-Qaida and theyll be treated as such, as they were in international waters, Hegesth told reporters last month when we visited Fort Benning in Georgia. Soldiers with the 101st Airborne Division will not be replaced when their unit returns home. Army photo by Cpl. Leonard Beckett. Still, the U.S. troop drawdown in Europe has drawn a rare rebuke of the Trump administration. Two top Republican lawmakers Sen. Roger Wicker and Rep. Mike Rogers, who chair the Senate and House Armed Services Committees said they strongly oppose[d] the move on Wednesday. Pulling back U.S. forces from NATOs Eastern flank prematurely, and just weeks after Russian drones violated Romanian airspace, undermines deterrence and risks inviting further Russian aggression, they said in a joint statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Widely regarded as defense hawks on the Hill, Wicker and Rogers added that they had previously said they would not accept significant changes to our warfighting structure without serious coordination with combatant commanders, the Joint Chiefs of Staff and input from Congress. Two weeks ago, President Trump stated that the United States would not be withdrawing U.S. forces in Europe, but instead may move some around a little bit. The President is right that U.S. force posture in Europe needs to be updated as NATO shoulders additional burdens and the character of warfare changes, the statement said. But that update must be coordinated widely both within the U.S. government and with NATO. The move comes amid whiplash negotiations and strong-arming between Russia and the U.S over Moscows invasion of Ukraine. NBC News reported on Tuesday that U.S. intelligence agencies were warning that Russian President Vladimir Putin would continue waging war against Ukraine as the Trump administration imposed sanctions on multiple Russian oil companies. This decision also sends the wrong signal to Russia at the very moment President Trump is applying pressure to force Vladimir Putin to come to the table to achieve a lasting peace in Ukraine. The President has it exactly right: now is the time for America to demonstrate our resolve against Russian aggression, Wicker and Rogers said. Unfortunately, the Pentagons decision appears uncoordinated and directly at odds with the Presidents strategy. Key Points It was generally a positive day for Chinese equities. Those active in both that country and the U.S. had particular reason to be cheerful. 10 stocks we like better than Tencent An apparent easing of U.S.-China trade tensions was breathing life into equities from the Asian nation that are listed in our country. One of the beneficiaries was tech conglomerate Tencent Holdings (OTC: TCEHY), whose American depositary receipts (ADRs) closed Monday 3% higher in value. That was more than double the percentage rate of the S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC), which inched up by 1.2% that trading session. The talks before the talks Over the weekend, U.S. and Chinese government negotiators indicated progress in foundational talks aimed at agreeing to new terms on trade (and likely reducing major tariffs). This is in advance of a meeting President Trump -- on a state visit to Asia -- will hold with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping this week. Image source: Getty Images. Both sides opined that the initial negotiations were productive. The Wall Street Journal quoted U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent as saying that the Americans "have a very successful framework for the leaders to discuss on Thursday." The Chinese sentiment is similar, with the Journal quoting China's Vice Commerce Minister Li Chenggang as saying that a preliminary consensus had been reached on key differences between the countries. Knock-on effects A reduction in trade tensions between China and the U.S. would do plenty of good to the economies of the two countries. That goes double for businesses active in both, and Tencent -- with its considerable Tencent America unit -- absolutely ticks that box. Should you invest $1,000 in Tencent right now? Before you buy stock in Tencent, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Tencent wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $590,357!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $1,141,748!* Now, its worth noting Stock Advisors total average return is 1,033% a market-crushing outperformance compared to 193% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors. NEED TO KNOW A 13-year-old girl in Texas told police that she was attacked on her way to school The middle schooler claimed that a man grabbed her from behind and she bit him twice in an effort to escape The suspect remains at large A 13-year-old girl in Texas bit a man to escape after he "grabbed her from behind" in a suspected kidnapping plot, police have said. On Monday, Oct. 27, at approximately 6:58 a.m. local time, Galveston Police Department officers responded to the city's Central Middle School after receiving calls from the school reporting that a student "had been approached and grabbed by an unknown man" on her way there, per a press release shared on Facebook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The teenager told police she'd been walking to school from her family's East End apartment when "she heard footsteps approaching from behind, near the 900 block of 28th Street," according to the release. The girl ended up biting the suspect twice, and, luckily, managed to escape. Galveston Police Department A man allegedly attempted to kidnap a teenager in Galveston, Texas as she was walking to school A man allegedly attempted to kidnap a teenager in Galveston, Texas as she was walking to school Police said, "The student reported that a man grabbed her from behind. After a brief struggle, during which the young victim bit the assailant twice, she managed to break free and ran directly to Central Middle School." "The victim did not sustain any physical injuries during the incident," the release stated, adding, "Teachers at the school contacted police after hearing the students account." Google Maps A photo of Central Middle School in Galveston, Texas A photo of Central Middle School in Galveston, Texas 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. Police said that an alert to local medical facilities had been issued "to notify [them] if anyone sought treatment for bite-related injuries." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The student's parents went to their daughter's school and "accompanied officers back to their apartment and retraced the students route to identify where the incident occurred," the post stated. Galveston Police Department Facebook A photo of a Galveston Police Department vehicle A photo of a Galveston Police Department vehicle Officers then came across security video footage from a business in the 1000 block 24th Street, showing the student walking through the area before she was followed shortly afterward by a man taking the same path. Police said, "The suspect appears to be a White or Hispanic male wearing a black short-sleeve shirt, blue jeans and what appeared to be a ski mask." Police are asking the public for help in identifying the suspect, and have urged anybody with information that may be helpful to come forward. The Galveston Police Department didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information. Read the original article on People At least 132 people died in a massive police operation against a crime syndicate in the Brazilian coastal metropolis of Rio de Janeiro, local authorities revealed on Wednesday. The latest figure from the independent ombudsman's office in Rio de Janeiro more than doubled the known number of victims, one day after the violent clashes in the slums, or favelas, of Alemao and Penha. The state government on Tuesday said 64 had been killed, including four police officers, and then reduced the number to 58. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, on Wednesday, residents of the Penha favela recovered dozens more bodies from the surrounding wastelands and wooded areas and laid them out next to each other on the neighbourhood's main street. Military police spokesman Marcelo de Menezes Nogueira told TV Globo that these deaths had not yet been registered. "In 36 years in the favela, during which I have witnessed several operations and massacres, I have never seen anything like what I am seeing today," activist Raul Santiago, who helped recover the bodies, told TV Globo. He described it as "brutal and violent on an unprecedented scale." Massive police operation On Tuesday, security forces and criminals engaged in hours of fighting in the Alemao and Penha favelas in northern Rio de Janeiro. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least 2,500 police officers were involved in the operation, which also included two helicopters and dozens of armoured vehicles. Criminals set barricades and cars on fire, dropped explosive devices from drones and opened fire on the officers. The Comando Vermelho is one of the largest criminal syndicates in the South American country and is primarily active in drug trafficking. According to the authorities, a regional leader of the group and the financial head of one of the gang's top bosses were detained during the operation. Police also seized more than 90 automatic weapons and over 200 kilograms of drugs. People mourn next to corpses in Sao Lucas square after a bloody police operation against criminals. Residents of the Penha favela in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro laid out at least 64 bodies on one of the neighbourhood's main streets on Wednesday. Tomaz Silva/Agencia Brazil/dpa People wait to identify bodies after a bloody police operation against criminals. Residents of the Penha favela in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro laid out at least 64 bodies on one of the neighbourhood's main streets on Wednesday. Tania Rego/Agencia Brazil/dpa Dr. Ameer Hassan HARLINGEN Stroke patients are now returning home safe in greater numbers. They have been returning home in greater numbers since 2012, and now Valley Baptist Medical Center has reached the milestone of 14,000 stroke cases. Its incredibly humbling, said Dr. Ameer Hassan, head of the neuroscience department at Valley Baptist. This milestone represents more than a number. It tells the story of transformation in a community that once had little access to advanced stroke care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Hassan arrived at Valley Baptist in 2012, many patients had to travel several hours to receive treatment, and often it was too late for a favorable outcome. Today, people in the Rio Grande Valley receive the same level of care as patients in major academic centers in any major city in the U.S., he said. Hassan and the rest of Valley Baptist are happy they have treated so many patients who have returned home after treatment. However, there is more to success in stroke treatment than mere survival. An increasing number of stroke survivors are returning home healthy and whole, with little or no impairment commonly associated with stroke. Weve seen remarkable improvements in survival and recovery, Hassan said. Our door-to-treatment times for thrombectomy are among the fastest in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Cleveland Clinic says a thrombectomy is a surgery to remove a blood clot from an artery or vein. The procedure helps restore blood flow to vital organs. Mechanical thrombectomy is a minimally invasive procedure to remove blood clots from the brain using catheters and endovascular tools. Hassan said that at this current time at Valley Baptist, about 55% to 60% of patients who undergo mechanical thrombectomy are discharged home or to rehab with good functional outcomes. Before these and other advanced therapies were available locally, less than 25% of stroke patients had good functional outcomes. Stroke mortality and long-term disability have decreased by over 50% in the past decade, he said. Hassan gave special mention to several other key factors which contributed to the improvements in local stroke care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One such factor was the establishment of the first Comprehensive Stroke Center in the Rio Grande Valley at Valley Baptist. Another was the creation of a dedicated 24/7 neuro-endovascular team first with Dr. Wondwossen Tekle and now also with Dr. Muhammad Waqas Kahn. The Valley Baptist stroke treatment program has also created the worlds first Hub and Spoke model integrating AI-powered imaging and mobile stroke alert systems with Viz.ai, which sped up diagnosis and treatment and significantly decreased transfer times. Stroke care has become something of a family mission, Hassan said. My wife, Summer, has grown the Stroke Research and Education Foundation (SREF) into a thriving organization, hosting our annual two-day South Texas Comprehensive Stroke Symposium on South Padre Island that draws the worlds leading stroke and endovascular experts, he said. Our Red Ball event continues to grow each year, with all proceeds funding public stroke education, like the billboards and airport displays you see around the Valley in English and Spanish, reminding everyone that recognizing stroke symptoms quickly can save lives. The post 14,000 cases: Valley Baptist reaches milestone treating strokes appeared first on MyRGV.com. Outside Milwaukee Area Technical College, protesters made clear: They are upset with the college's decision to eliminate four jobs in response to federal guidance on diversity, equity and inclusion. "We're demanding that they no longer give in to the fear and mongering of the Trump administration," said Alan Chavoya, an organizer with the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, speaking at a protest outside the downtown campus on Oct. 28. "We should be celebrating our diversity," Chavoya said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The alliance is among 14 local groups that have come together as the Multicultural Coalition to Reclaim MATC, which is calling on the college to reinstate the four eliminated positions. Members include Voces de la Frontera, the Milwaukee Teachers Education Association, Milwaukee Area Labor Council and others. In an Oct. 20 letter, the coalition demanded a formal response from MATC's board of directors. "We believe this decision was made unilaterally, and this undermines public trust," the letter reads. About 25 people gathered outside Milwaukee Area Technical College's downtown campus on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025 to protest the college's decision to eliminate four student-facing jobs in response to federal guidance prohibiting diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. However, the topic wasn't included on the board's Oct. 28 agenda. An email shared with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel shows that board President Erica Case declined to include the item, saying the topic is outside the board's jurisdiction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In public statements, MATC has said it had no choice but to eliminate the jobs, which were focused on supporting African American, American Indian, Asian American and Hispanic students. The school also renamed the office those staff were housed in the Office of Multicultural Services to the Office of Community Impact. "As not to jeopardize the critical funding needed to maintain operations and student aid at MATC, we sometimes have to make difficult decisions like restructuring the Multicultural Services office," the college said Sept. 22 via a spokesperson. MATC said it took those steps to comply with guidance from the administration of President Donald Trump, which has repeatedly threatened to withhold federal funding for schools that have DEI-related services. More: Following Trump guidance, words like 'equity' and 'access' have quietly been cut at Wisconsin tech colleges Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the third public board meeting in a row, speakers criticized those decisions in public comments. In recent weeks, some have argued MATC should have found a way to retain the staff without triggering federal scrutiny; others argued the college should take a stand against federal directives they see as harmful. "We cannot afford to treat equity as optional. We cannot afford to send a message that cultural support is expendable," said William Xiong, executive director of Shee Yee Community of Milwaukee Inc., speaking to the board Oct. 28. Pam Fendt, president of the Milwaukee Area Labor Council, told the board during the same meeting that the coalition does not believe MATC's proposed services to replace the multicultural center will adequately serve the needs of the student body. More: Anger continues over MATC's decision to cut jobs in response to Trump administration DEI policies Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The solutions being offered don't seem to acknowledge the efforts accomplished to serve multicultural students at MATC, nor is the harm by taking them away being acknowledged," Fendt said. MATC has stressed that services to students have not been reduced. The two newly created job titles within the Office of Community Impact will focus on "specialized training and community transformation initiatives," as well as student mentorship. The four eliminated staff members could reapply, although as of Oct. 28 none were currently employed by the college. About 25 people gathered outside Milwaukee Area Technical College's downtown campus on Oct. 28 to protest the college's decision to eliminate four student-facing jobs in response to federal guidance prohibiting diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. List of organizations included in the coalition According to the Oct. 20 letter, the Multicultural Coalition to Reclaim MATC includes: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Milwaukee Area Labor Council Wisconsin Indian Education Association Milwaukee Teachers Education Association Voces de la Frontera Shee Yee Community of Milwaukee Inc Labor Council for Latin American Advancement, Milwaukee Chapter Progressive Baptist Church Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist & Political Repression Hmong American Friendship Association Black Men Organizing MIRACLE Mental Health Network Pastors United Souls to the Polls MICAH Milwaukee Inner-City Congregations Allied for Hope Cleo Krejci covers education and workforce development as a Report For America corps member based at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Contact her at CKrejci@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @_CleoKrejci. For more information about Report for America, visit jsonline.com/rfa. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 14 groups combine calls to 'Restore the Four' at MATC after DEI cuts Two suspects are in custody after a deadly shooting in a Walmart parking lot, according to the Missouri City Police Department. The agency posted to social media that the call about a shooting at the store off Highway 6 near FM 1092 came in around 6:22 p.m. on Monday. The post said the victim had the 2-year-old girl in the car with him, who was later reunited with her family. Police say the man received treatment in the parking lot, but was ultimately pronounced dead at Memorial Hermann Hospital in the Texas Medical Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An eyewitness who asked to remain anonymous in fear of retaliation told ABC13 she heard the gunshots at a distance and then heard a loud car horn. The witness said that when she spotted the man, he was driving slowly with his door open and hanging out. The witness told ABC13 the victim fell out of the car, and she tried to help him while she called 911. She said another person helped keep the child inside the vehicle calm until first responders arrived. Police have not released the name of the victim or where he was shot. Police say the suspects are facing murder charges, but have not released their names or ages, citing the investigation. Two big names in Georgia journalism were honored at the Weltner Banquet on Tuesday at the Emory Conference Center in Atlanta. The Georgia First Amendment Foundation recognized retired Channel 2 investigative reporter Richard Belcher for his open records work. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The foundation also gave Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication Dean Charles Davis the Weltner Freedom of Information Award. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Belcher, an Atlanta native, was honored as an Open Government Hero for his distinguished career as a records-driven investigative reporter. He retired from Channel 2 in Nov. 2022 after 51 years on air. The banquet featured Davis delivering the keynote address, highlighting his contributions to journalism and open government. Davis was recognized for his dedication to open government and his efforts to protect the publics right to know. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] NEED TO KNOW Two children and an adult are dead after a three-vehicle collision on a Texas highway on Oct. 27 Another adult and a child were transported to a hospital The names of the victims have not been released, and an investigation is ongoing Two children and an adult are dead after a major three-vehicle crash on a Texas highway. On Monday, Oct. 27, just after 3 p.m. local time, authorities responded to a major traffic accident near mile marker 524 on I-10 in Kendall County, according to NBC affiliate WOAI, CBS affiliate KENS and ABC affiliate KSAT. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A preliminary investigation revealed that a GMC Sierra pickup truck was stopped on the right side of the roadway for an unknown reason when it was hit by a semi-trailer and truck tractor. When first responders arrived at the scene, a 23-year-old victim and two children were pronounced dead, the outlets reported. Another adult was transported to a San Antonio hospital, while a young girl was airlifted to a hospital with unknown injuries, according to KENS. The names of the victims have not been released. The Texas Department of Public Safety, which is leading the investigation, did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment, and the Kendall County Sheriff's Office had no further information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the crash, the Kendall County Sheriffs Office announced on Facebook that the westbound lane of I-10 near the 534-mile marker was closed and that traffic was being diverted. Please expect significant delays and use alternate routes if possible, officials said. We ask everyone to drive carefully and avoid the area to allow first responders to work safely. 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. By 4:50 p.m. local time, the sheriffs office said that the highway was reopened. An investigation into the collision is ongoing. Read the original article on People Two federal prosecutors in Washington, DC, were placed on leave after describing the January 6, 2021 attack at the US Capitol as stemming from a mob of rioters in a sentencing memo Tuesday, according to a person familiar with the matter. The two prosecutors, Carlos Valdivia and Samuel White, were notified of their suspension hours after they submitted a sentencing request for Taylor Taranto, the person said. Trump pardoned Taranto for charges related to his participation in January 6, but the Washington man still faces gun charges stemming from his arrest in the summer of 2023, when he was detained nearby President Barack Obamas Washington, DC, home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When describing Tarantos history, prosecutors wrote that, On January 6, 2021, thousands of people comprising a mob of rioters attacked the U.S. Capitol while a joint session of Congress met to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election. The original sentencing memo, dated Tuesday, was removed from the court docket Wednesday afternoon. A new sentencing memo was posted by different prosecutors late Wednesday that removed all references to January 6 or the Trump social media post that Taranto reposted, which included an alleged address for President Barack Obama, where Taranto was arrested the next day. In the original memo, Valdivia and White wrote that Taranto was accused of participating in the riot in Washington, D.C., by entering the U.S. Capitol Building and after the riot, Taranto returned to his home in the State of Washington, where he promoted conspiracy theories about the events of January 6, 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They asked the judge to sentence him to 27 months behind bars. That same punishment is still being requested by prosecutors in the new memo. Taranto was arrested in June, 2023 in Obamas Washington, DC, neighborhood after claiming on an internet livestream that he had a detonator, law enforcement officials told CNN at the time, and was searching for underground tunnels that led inside Obama and others homes. Valdivia and White wrote in Tuesdays memo that after then-former President Donald Trump published on a social media platform the purported address of former President Barack Obama, Taranto had re-posted Trump and thereafter started livestreaming from his van as he drove through Obamas neighborhood. Taranto was arrested that day and law enforcement officials found guns and hundreds of rounds of ammunition in his van. He was later found guilty by a federal judge of several gun related charges and making false threats that he would drive a car bomb into a federal building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors have said in court documents that Taranto has also made threats against former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Maryland Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin. The move to place federal prosecutors on leave follows a list of other firings in US Attorneys offices. The Trump administration fired the top national security prosecutor in the nearby US Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, Michael BenAry, earlier this month after a social media post by a right-wing activist and writer falsely tied him to the case of FBI Director James Comey. The former US Attorney of the same Eastern District, Erik Siebert, resigned in September after mounting pressure to bring charges against New York Attorney General Letitia James, and was replaced by a White House advisor who lacked prosecutorial experience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another prosecutor in the Alexandria, Beth Yusi, was dismissed earlier this month after drafting a memo outlining why prosecutors believed there was not enough evidence to bring charges against James. People familiar with her termination told CNN she was fired after mishandling FBI documents containing Jamess personal information. The Justice Department didnt immediately respond to a message seeking comment for this story. This story has been updated with additional reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com NEW YORK (AP) Two purported Russian mobsters were each sentenced to 25 years behind bars Wednesday for hiring a hitman to kill Iranian American journalist Masih Alinejad at her Brooklyn home three years ago on behalf of the Iranian government. I crossed an ocean to come to America and have a normal life and I dont have a normal life, Alinejad said just before Judge Colleen McMahon announced the sentences in Manhattan federal court for Rafat Amirov, 46, and Polad Omarov, 41. Im a brave woman. Im a strong woman. They couldnt break me. But they brought fear to my life. These criminals turned my life upside down, Alinejad said as she spoke at a lectern near the men, who sat in prison uniforms with their hands folded before them. She urged the judge to send a message to the regime and the women of Iran. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge calls assassination plot a terrible, terrible crime McMahon said the men had committed a terrible, terrible crime and that she hoped her sentence would alert foreign gangs and foreign powers that this kind of conduct will not be tolerated by the United States. Outside the courthouse afterward, Alinejad appeared at a bank of microphones with Barry Rosen, one of more than 50 Americans who were seized in Iran in 1979 and held hostage for more than a 14 months. Justice is beautiful, Alinejad said as she held a yellow sunflower someone had given her. She said Rosen, who had a gun held to his head when he was a hostage, is here to stand by my side to see justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rosen called Alinejad one of the most important people in the world for her efforts to give voice to the voiceless in Iran and elsewhere around the globe. At the sentencing proceeding, Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Lockard had urged McMahon to send the convicted men away for 55 years. He said Iranian leaders had hoped to silence a woman who has a bigger social media following than the supreme leader of Iran. Prosecutor: assassination plot was a message to all women in Iran Lockard said the intended target of the assassination plot was not just Alinejad, but those millions of people who look to Masih Alinejad to be their voice, to promote their cause and to shine a light on the corrupt and deadly tactics of the government of Iran. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors said Amirov, of Iran, and Omarov, of Georgia, were crime bosses in the Russian mob, motivated by $500,000 offered for the death of Alinejad. Before he was sentenced, Amirov urged the judge not to take into account only my associations and to understand that the descriptions of violence associated with the mob is not who we are. His lawyers requested he serve no more than 13 years in prison. Omarov declined to speak. His lawyer, Elena Fast, said her client should not be imprisoned for more than 10 years. The men were convicted in a two-week March trial that featured dramatic testimony from a hired gunman and Alinejad, an author, activist and contributor to Voice of America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors said the men were high-ranking members of the Gulici, a faction of the Russian Mob that carried out murders, assaults, extortions, kidnappings, robberies and arsons in the United States and abroad. Alinejad, 49, has led online campaigns encouraging women in Iran to record videos of themselves exposing their hair to protest edicts that demand head coverings in public. Prosecutors said Iranian intelligence officials first plotted in 2020 and 2021 to kidnap Alinejad in the U.S. and move her to Iran to silence her criticism. Assassination plot followed earlier attempts to silence Alinejad Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iran offered a half million dollars in July 2022 to kill Alinejad after efforts to harass, smear and intimidate her failed, prosecutors said. In court papers, prosecutors said the plot came chillingly near success, interrupted only by the luck that Alinejad was out of town while a hired gunman tried persistently to locate her and because of the diligence and tenacity of American law enforcement, which detected and disrupted the plot in time. Omarov was extradited to the U.S. in February 2024, a year after he was detained in the Czech Republic. Alinejad testified at the March trial that she came to the United States in 2009 after she was banned from covering Irans disputed presidential election and the newspaper where she worked was shut down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Establishing herself in New York City, she built an online audience of millions and launched her My Stealthy Freedom campaign to encourage Iranian women to expose their hair when the morality police were not around. Prosecutors have kept the investigation open. In October 2024, they announced charges against a senior Iranian military official and three others, none of whom are in custody. Alinejad said outside the courthouse that she wore a red coat for symbolic reasons, because the killers wanted to see me covered with blood; they wanted to see me dead on my porch in Brooklyn. Alinejad plans to continue her quest to give voice to the voiceless Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, she said, she'll continue her quest to inspire and help the women she left behind in Iran, where she said the American hostages were released by a regime that then took all of its citizens hostage. Alinejad described how she had to leave her Brooklyn home and the neighbors who rallied around her after the assassination attempt was revealed and said she has since moved 21 times. The moves, she said, have left her with guilt and trauma because she worries that she has ruined her husband's life. The continuous threat to her life has left her unable to experience some simple joys, like carefree bicycle rides with the wind in her hair. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now I cannot do that because of these criminals, she said. I have to look over my shoulder. An earlier version of this story was updated to correct that prosecutors wrote that Amirov and Omarov were offered a bounty, not Alinejad, Amirov and Omarov. NEED TO KNOW Two members of the Illinois National Guard have spoken out about the possibility of being deployed to Chicago The news comes as President Donald Trump signaled he's willing to continue escalating his domestic use of the military as part of his controversial immigration crackdown "I'm not going to go against my community members, my family and my culture," said Staff Sgt. Demi Palecek As President Donald Trump signals he's willing to continue escalating his domestic use of the U.S. military as part of his controversial crackdown on immigration, two members of the Illinois National Guard have said they would "absolutely" refuse an order to deploy to Chicago. "I would definitely say no," Staff Sgt. Demi Palecek, a state legislative candidate and Latina guardswoman, told CBS News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'm not going to go against my community members, my family and my culture, she added. I believe this is the time to be on the right side of history." Capt. Dylan Blaha, who is running for Congress in the same district, echoed those sentiments, making a comparison to the use of the Gestapo in Nazi Germany. There is a point where if you didn't stand up to the Gestapo, are you just actively one of them now?" he asked. In an email, Blaha tells PEOPLE that enforcing a mandate against his community isn't what prompted him to join the military. "As members of the U.S. military, we swear an oath to defend the Constitution and protect the American people. I did not raise my right hand to be used as a pawn and activated against my community," he says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When reached for comment, the public affairs director for the National Guard referred PEOPLE to the oath Palecek took upon enlisting as well as the oath all commissioned officers in the U.S. military take, which includes Blaha. Palecek did not immediately responded to PEOPLEs requests for comment. Trump has faced waves of criticism and pushback for his decision to deploy the National Guard to major cities throughout the U.S., which he has argued has been necessary in order to curb illegal immigration and track down criminals. Their federal deployment on U.S. soil is a complicated move, as the National Guard can be under the command of the president, governor or individual state depending on the circumstances, according to The New York Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the case of Democratic-led cities like Los Angeles, Portland and Chicago, the National Guard were sent despite the governors objections through the use of federal command, according to the Times. Last week, a federal judge delayed the deployment of the Guard to Chicago until a final ruling is determined or the Supreme Court intervenes, CBS News reported. It's one of many lawsuits that have erupted following the deployments on U.S. soil. David McNew/Getty Protestors confront the California National Guard in Los Angeles on June 9. Protestors confront the California National Guard in Los Angeles on June 9. Despite the objections, Trump is standing firm. On Tuesday, Oct. 28, the president told American troops at the Yokosuka Naval Base in Japan that his administration will send even more than the National Guard to U.S. cities, if need be, though he didnt explain what that would entail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, for some members of the National Guard, enforcing the presidents edict is unimaginable. "Many service members on active duty and in the National Guard have reached out to me privately to discuss their concerns with the increasing militarization of American cities," Blaha tells PEOPLE, going on to say that Trump's use of the National Gard "as his personal police force makes most Soldiers uncomfortable, even if they're too afraid to say it." "It's disheartening to be forced to go against your community members and your neighbors," Palecek told CBS News. It feels illegal. This is not what we signed up to do." Kevin Dietsch/Getty Protestors in Washington, D.C. on Aug. 11. Protestors in Washington, D.C. on Aug. 11. If a member of the National Guard does defy a federal order thats deemed lawful, it can result in being court-martialed, discharged at the felony level or imprisoned, depending on a variety of factors, including who is in command, according 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. However, Blaha tells PEOPLE that based on previous rulings in federal court, he would feel "comfortable" standing his ground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A federal court ruled that the National Guard deployment to Los Angeles in June violated the Posse Comitatus Act, so I would feel comfortable disobeying a similar unlawful order to deploy to Chicago," he says. Read the original article on People Two New Jersey residents wanted in the shooting of a 16-year-old boy earlier this year in Paterson were arrested Tuesday in Florida, authorities said. Darren Salazar, 19, and Janelly Ramos, 20, were captured in Seminole County, north of Orlando, local NBC affiliate WESH reported. Cops said Salazar and Ramos are suspected of shooting an unidentified 16-year-old boy on May 11 in Paterson, according to NJ.com. They were both wanted on charges of first-degree attempted murder, and warrants for their arrests were issued Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seminole County sheriffs deputies spotted the duo driving in an unincorporated area on Tuesday afternoon and moved to arrest them, local CBS affiliate WKMG reported. Salazar attempted to flee in his vehicle, but deputies in an unmarked car crashed into him to prevent his escape. Salazar and Ramos remained behind bars in Florida on Wednesday. In addition to the attempted murder charges, Salazar is also facing three weapons charges in New Jersey and a count of resisting arrest in Florida. The initial shooting occurred just before 11 p.m. on May 11 in Paterson, when cops responded to find the 16-year-old victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The teen was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Two people are dead after an alleged murder-suicide in Cincinnati on Tuesday. Police officers responded to a call of two people who had been shot in the 6600 block of Leeds Lane, just before noon, according to our news partners, WCPO. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When officers got to the scene, they found a man and a woman who had been shot multiple times, according to police. Firefighters arrived and began life-saving measures. 24-year-old Jahmelia Warren and 32-year-old Eric Dawson were pronounced dead on the scene. During the initial investigation, police determined that Dawson shot Warren before shooting himself. Anyone with information is asked to call the Cincinnati Homicide Unit at 513-352-3542 [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Oct. 29 (UPI) -- Two U.S. attorneys in Washington, D.C., have been suspended after turning in a sentencing memo that described the events at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, as carried out by "thousands of people comprising a mob of rioters," sources said. The prosecutors were assistant U.S. attorneys Carlos Valdivia and Samuel White, who were prosecuting a case against Taylor Taranto. Taranto was pardoned by President Donald Trump for his part in the Jan. 6 riots. He was arrested for unrelated threats and firearms charges, and the description of the capitol insurrection was part of a sentencing memo for that case, according to anonymous sources reported by ABC News, Politico and The Washington Post. Taranto is scheduled to be sentenced Friday. White and Valdivia were locked out of their government-issued devices Wednesday and told they will be placed on leave. It happened just hours after they filed the memo, sources told ABC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The memo asked U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols to sentence Taranto to 27 months in prison for a hoax threat against the National Institute of Standards and Technology and for driving through President Barack Obama's neighborhood with a van full of guns and ammunition. A spokesperson for the Department of Justice and U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, who leads the Washington, D.C., office prosecuting Taranto, declined to comment. But Pirro released a statement on the case. "While we don't comment on personnel decisions, we want to make very clear that we take violence and threats of violence against law enforcement, current or former government officials extremely seriously," Politico reported Pirro said in a statement. "We have and will continue to vigorously pursue justice against those who commit or threaten violence without regard to the political party of the offender or the target." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It wasn't clear whether the two prosecutors were told why they were put on leave or if the suspensions would change Taranto's sentencing date. In the memo, White and Valdivia said the following about Jan. 6: "On January 6, 2021, thousands of people comprising a mob of rioters attacked the U.S. Capitol while a joint session of Congress met to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election. Taranto was accused of participating in the riot in Washington, D.C., by entering the U.S. Capitol Building. After the riot, Taranto returned to his home in the State of Washington, where he promoted conspiracy theories about the events of January 6, 2021." WASHINGTON (DC News Now) D.C. police said two teenage boys were shot in Northeast on Tuesday afternoon. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said officers were patrolling the area when they heard gunshots in the 300 block of 62nd St. at around 4:30 p.m. Omitted details in police report spark allegations of cover-up in DC shooting case When responding officers arrived, they found 2 teenage boys who had been shot in an alleyway. One boy was not conscious or breathing, and the other one was conscious. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both boys were taken to the hospital for treatment. One person near the scene was stopped, and a gun was recovered from him. Detectives are investigating his involvement in the shooting. Its very heartbreaking. This should not be occurring in any city, MPD Commander Jaron Hickman said during a news conference. We have two young people who have access to illegal firearms in this city. Its frustrating for us. Anybody 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. Oct. 28MOSES LAKE On Oct. 28, Confluence Health and the Wenatchee Valley Medical Group announced in a statement the selection of recipients for the 2025 Community Health Partnership Fund grants. "We are proud to support organizations that are making a tangible difference in the lives of our neighbors and the community, supporting groups as they build and make lasting impacts that will serve our region for years to come," CEO of Confluence Health, Dr. Andrew Jones, said. In total, 50 organizations received a total of $500,000 in individual grants for important community-focused projects that work to better health and wellness for the residents of North Central Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Funded jointly by Confluence Health and the Wenatchee Valley Medical Group, and administered by the Confluence Health Foundation, the Community Health Partnership Fund was created to help support causes and organizations in Chelan, Douglas, Grant and Okanogan counties. The fund aims to annually award up to $500,000 each year in grants that serve the community with a focus on two key areas: health and wellness, and the social determinants of health. The 2025 cycle saw a record number of applications more than $3.5 million in requests underscoring the growing demand for community-based health initiatives and the importance of investing in local health "Grants are a part of advancing two important focuses for the fund. The 'health and wellness' focus looks at projects that directly support health and wellness access and activities. The 'social determinants of health' focus can be a bit broader, including initiatives addressing food and housing security, early education, economic stability, social support systems, and other areas. These two key focus areas help us to make selections directly supporting the vision and goals for this grant program," Chief Philanthropy Officer for Confluence Health, Suzanne Carte-Cocroft, said. Grant recipients are 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations in Chelan, Douglas, Grant, or Okanogan counties, and each organization is limited to one grant proposal per yearly cycle. The name of the fund, which has been around for several years, transitioned this year from the "Community Partnership Fund" to the "Community Health Partnership Fund." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statement said this was done to better reflect the selection process and focus on funding community health initiatives in the region. Previously administered by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, the Confluence Health Foundation began managing the fund directly starting May 1, 2025. "Each year we look forward to seeing the many unique and impactful ways that programs supported by these grants will touch and enhance the lives of North Central Washington residents," President of the Wenatchee Valley Medical Group, Dr. Jennifer Jorgensen, said. All 50 organizations and projects funded this year work in their own distinctive way to reach the community through the grant's two key focus areas. In addition to other smaller grants of a variety of amounts, four organizations each received a $50,000 grant: NCW Tech Alliance, Seattle Children's Foundation, CAFE and the Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center. NCW Tech Alliance received funding for its efforts in its Confluence Access Navigator Network, which will train 30 bilingual community-based navigators to improve digital health access across rural counties through workshops, peer learning, and outreach to reduce patient barriers and strengthen connections between technology, health, and wellness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seattle Children's Foundation was also awarded support for its Wenatchee clinic expansion, a project to meet the growing specialized pediatric care needs. The funding for this facility, and the partnership this represents between the two healthcare systems, aims to work together to bring more world-class pediatric care to the youngest residents of North Central Washington and their families. Community for the Advancement of Family Education a nonprofit organization that advances family and community growth through education, leadership, civic, and social engagement; literacy development; and academic advancement secured funding as part of fundraising efforts for a new facility that will serve as a multi-purpose center for programs, staff, and partner services. Finally, the Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center received support for its renovation and expansion project, which will enhance infrastructure, expand STEM programming, and create a fully accessible cultural hub for education, health, and community connection. "These projects represent the fund's commitment to celebrating local impact and investing in initiatives that address both immediate health needs and long-term community well-being," Dr. Jones said. "We are so pleased each year to contribute to this great work and to play our own part in being an ally to these efforts." Houston's bayous serve as a quiet reminder that we live in a city built to flood. They protect us when the rising waters have nowhere else to go. But when bodies begin to surface in the bayous, we are forced to ask: how safe are they, really? This year, 28 bodies have been pulled from Houston's bayous. It's a grim tally that has fueled rumors of a serial killer and stirred fears of safety around the waterways. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The issue is complicated by the fact that there's no single entity responsible for the waterways, and no one leading the safety charge. Mayor Whitmire has said publicly that there's no evidence of a bayou killer and that drowning deaths in these waterways are a sad reality of life in Houston with its 2,500 miles of unprotected waterways. Barricades are used as a safety measure in some areas. In other stretches, there is enhanced lighting, but the city has not implemented any new safety measures since the string of deaths. The county's medical examiner has only determined a cause of death in seven of the cases. "I don't know of a fail-safe way, when bayous are such a part of our lifestyle and environment, other than everyone should be smart," Whitmire said during a press conference last month. Houston Police Chief Noe Diaz also urged Houstonians to stay away from the waterways. When asked about the possible use of surveillance cameras along the bayous, Diaz said there is currently a "footprint in different establishments," but offered no details. White Oak Bayou in Houston, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. (Jill Karnicki/Houston Chronicle) Harris County Flood Control District manages the bayous for flood control, and security is often the responsibility of the neighborhood, the community surrounding the bayou or even the area management district, said a county spokesperson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Houston Parks Board has agreements with the City of Houston and the Flood Control District to maintain the green spaces and recreational amenities along the bayous. A parks board spokesperson said the organization has installed 911 markers, which have unique location codes, at -mile intervals along many of the bayou green spaces so emergency dispatchers can direct first responders. Barricades are temporarily installed in construction areas or at trail/bridge closures. Houston Fire Department personnel respond to a report of a body in White Oak Bayou in Houston, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. (Jill Karnicki/Houston Chronicle) Also, the Buffalo Bayou Partnership works with the city as a steward for the 10-mile stretch of waterway from Shepherd Drive through downtown and eastward to the Port of Houston Turning Basin. An official with the group said year-round safety measures include enhanced trail lighting and private patrols that monitor larger project areas, including Buffalo Bayou Park. With so few U.S. cities built around bayous, there are no safety models or benchmarks on how to manage them effectively, especially in preventing deaths. Even in cities like Miami or New Orleans with waterways near residential communities, the safety message is the same: the water is dangerous - enter at your own risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Simply warning people not to swim or kayak in the bayous isn't enough. That warning is inconsequential in these times, when immigrants are being terrorized and homelessness is treated as a crime. SEWING: 30,000 workers sidelined - and Houston does what Washington, D.C., won't Houstonians want answers, not just about how people have died, but how to prevent more lives from being lost. Perhaps what the city needs now is a bayou "czar." It wouldn't be the first time Houston appointed someone to lead a water-related crisis. In 2016, the city named Stephen Costello its "flood czar," tasking him with figuring out why the city kept flooding in certain areas and what to do about it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's time for Houston to treat its bayous not as a backdrop to city life, but as a serious responsibility. This article originally published at 28 found dead in Houston bayous, and still no safety plan? Time to get one. 1. Hurricane Melissa first made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday as a Category 5 storm. NOAA / Getty Images 2. With winds reaching up to 185 mph and 892 millibars of central pressure, Hurricane Melissa is the strongest storm to hit Jamaica in recorded history. Its difficult to explain just how remarkable it is for a hurricane to maintain such a perfect structure, while it simultaneously continues to get stronger and stronger for so many hours. #Melissa is the type of hurricane that will be talked about for many, many years to come. pic.twitter.com/xH5KhLf0cW Weather Watcher (@WXWatcher07) October 28, 2025 WXWatcher07 / Via Twitter: @WXWatcher07 3. Images showing the eye of the storm have been going viral 4. The storm reportedly damaged four hospitals and left half a million people without power. Roughly noon at Montego Bat location, roof panels starting to fly off, broken tiki huts, trees uprooted, and ocean almost to the pool in the past hour. #hurricanemelissa pic.twitter.com/hMkoSFFNRQ Sam Dienst (@samdienst) October 28, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement samdienst / Via Twitter: @samdienst Related: "Put This On A T-Shirt" People Are Praising This Anti-ICE Protestor's 3-Word Response To Getting Tear-Gassed At The LA Protests 5. After the storm, fallen trees block parts of this main road in Manchester, Jamaica. RICARDO MAKYN / AFP via Getty Images 6. On Reddit, one Jamaican survivor wrote , "I survived. But it was horrible to go through. About to turn off the generator. Hope we have a lot of survivors. Sending love to everyone." RICARDO MAKYN / AFP via Getty Images 7. Cellphone service remains spotty, so the full extent of the damage is still being revealed. BREAKING: New video shows the catastrophic damage from Category 5 Hurricane Melissa in Black River, Jamaica. So sad. pic.twitter.com/IUQRhVGSK4 Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) October 29, 2025 krassenstein / Via Twitter: @krassenstein 8. The waters of the Rio Cobre rose over its banks near St. Catherine, Jamaica. RICARDO MAKYN / AFP via Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 9. Strong winds overturned this car in Manchester. RICARDO MAKYN / AFP via Getty Images Related: After Karoline Leavitt Announced The White House Is Using Tariff Money On This Important Woman's Program, Gavin Newsom Backhandedly Thanked Them 10. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has declared the island a "disaster area." RICARDO MAKYN / AFP via Getty Images 11. This footage shows flooding inside Sangster International Airport after the storm ripped its roof off. 12. Video of the devastation in the coastal town of Black River has also been making the rounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DaRealBigDon / Via Twitter: @DaRealBigDon 13. One survivor told the BBC, "For about 16 hours, there was just this intense wind and lots of rain that just kept beating on the house and windows and doors. Debris was flying in the wind. It was actually quite intense." RICARDO MAKYN / AFP via Getty Images Related: People Have Little Sympathy For This Trump Supporter Who Said They'd "Gladly" Pay More For Groceries...Until They Got The Bill 14. Another person told the outlet that during the storm, "The windows didn't stop vibrating." RICARDO MAKYN / AFP via Getty Images 15. Some bright spots are emerging, however, like these posts from zoo staff who acted before the storm to protect the animals. 16. The hurricane also passed through the Dominican Republic, damaging structures and leaving flooding behind. This photo was taken in Santo Domingo. DANNY POLANCO / AFP via Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 17. After the storm, these residents in Barahona, Dominican Republic, came outside to help start the cleanup process. CARLOS FABAL / AFP via Getty Images 18. The hurricane weakened to a Category 2 storm before making landfall in Cuba on Wednesday, but it still left significant damage in its wake. Below, a family in Santiago de Cuba looks through the rubble of their home for any belongings they can salvage. YAMIL LAGE / AFP via Getty Images 19. So far, there are more than 30 confirmed deaths due to the storm. YAMIL LAGE / AFP via Getty Images Related: Hillary Clinton Just Hit On One Of Donald Trump's Biggest Insecurities With Three Words 20. This Cuban farmer is pictured here standing inside his flooded home. YAMIL LAGE / AFP via Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 21. This man was able to rescue his dog from the flooding. YAMIL LAGE / AFP via Getty Images 22. AI-generated images showing sharks swimming in flood waters have also been going viral, but these images do not reflect the real conditions in affected areas. YAMIL LAGE / AFP via Getty Images 23. After Cuba, the storm is headed for the Bahamas, where people are being urged to take precautions for their safety. YAMIL LAGE / AFP via Getty Images 24. And finally, tourists and other visitors to the area are also being impacted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you want to help the people affected by this storm, here are some organizations working to provide relief: United Way of Jamaica is a 40-year-old nonprofit that provides support to people in Jamaica following natural disasters. Direct Relief is a humanitarian group providing medical assistance in the Caribbean. Center for Disaster Recovery provides long-term help with rebuilding after disasters via its Atlantic Hurricane Season Recovery fund. Also in In the News: "This Is Not The Desk Of Someone Who Actually Does Work": 49 Political Tweets From The Last Month That Are Too Good Not To Share Also in In the News: A Woman Who Called Herself A "MAGA Junkie" Now Regrets Voting For Trump After Getting Fired During The Government Purge Also in In the News: Seth Meyers Uncovered A Truly Unhinged Trump Moment That Has Everyone Questioning His Mental State Read it on BuzzFeed.com Lawmakers argue that the governments decision to withhold food stamp payments, which are provided to nearly 42 million people across the country, is unlawful Several officials from half of the United States and the District of Columbia have sued the Trump administration over suspending food stamp benefits as millions of Americans could lose their benefits and food aid beginning Saturday (Nov. 1) due to the government shutdown. States involved in the lawsuit include Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin. State officials are asking a federal judge to order the Department of Agriculture to provide benefits via the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for November, suggesting that a contingency fund should be used to ensure the assistance continues for more than 25 million people who live within their borders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawmakers argue the governments decision to withhold food stamp payments, which are provided to nearly 42 million people across the country, is unlawful and threatens to block millions of Americans from receiving food benefits that would otherwise protect against food insecurity and hunger. Shutting off SNAP benefits will cause deterioration of public health and well-being, state officials wrote in their lawsuit. Ultimately, the States will bear costs associated with many of these harms. The loss of SNAP benefits leads to food insecurity, hunger, and malnutrition, which are associated with numerous negative health outcomes in children, such as poor concentration, decreased cognitive function, fatigue, depression, and behavioral problems. The Department of Agriculture declined to tap into reserve funds totaling nearly $5 billion to assist in federal food aid after the Trump administration announced food benefits would not go out on Nov. 1, blaming Democrats for not supporting a House-passed stopgap bill that would reopen the government. The well has run dry, a statement reads on their website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The impending lapse in SNAP benefits has raised eyebrows on both sides of the aisle. Sen. Josh Howley of Missouri, a Republican, introduced a bill that aims to ensure continued funding for SNAP during the shutdown, just as a contingency plan was formed during the previous government shutdown in 2019. The plan has garnered bipartisan support with 10 Republicans supporting the plan as well as Democratic Sen. Peter Welch of Vermont. Millions of Americans are about to go hungry because the federal government has chosen to withhold food assistance it is legally obligated to provide, New York Attorney General Letitia James said in a statement. SNAP is one of our nations most effective tools to fight hunger, and the USDA has the money to keep it running. There is no excuse for this administration to abandon families who rely on SNAP, or food stamps, as a lifeline. The federal government must do its job to protect families. More must-reads: DENVER (KDVR) The words posted by the Hinsdale County Search and Rescue Team say it all: Here we go again! On Oct. 23, a father and son from Florida who were trying to traverse Engineer Pass were rescued by search and rescue workers after their Jeep got stuck in over two feet of snow. On Monday, search crews were once more called up to Engineer Pass for a motorist rescue. This time, it was a couple from Texas and their two dogs who were stranded west of the pass summit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams County man missing since Monday morning: Sheriffs office Engineer Pass is not an easy route to navigate, even in the best of weather. Its part of Colorados Alpine Loop, a notorious road thats closed seasonally for the weather and designed for 44 high-clearance vehicles or UTVs. The Texas couple was driving a Chevy Tahoe when deep, unsafe snowdrifts prevented the vehicle from moving, the Hinsdale County Search and Rescue organization said. The group said that it had two team members depart from Lake City at about 7:40 p.m., where they then drove toward the top of the pass. The city is over an hours drive from the mountain summit, according to Google Maps. Ultimately, the pair of rescuers had to stop and continue on foot due to the snow drifts. They safely located the stranded people and guided them back to the search and rescue teams vehicle, and transported the couple and their dogs to Lake City. Hinsdale County Search and Rescue workers went up to Engineer Pass on Monday, Oct. 27, after dark to find a couple from Texas that were stranded near the summit. (Courtesy of Hinsdale County Search and Rescue) Hinsdale County Search and Rescue workers went up to Engineer Pass on Monday, Oct. 27, after dark to find a couple from Texas that were stranded near the summit. (Courtesy of Hinsdale County Search and Rescue) Hinsdale County Search and Rescue workers went up to Engineer Pass on Monday, Oct. 27, after dark to find a couple from Texas that were stranded near the summit. (Courtesy of Hinsdale County Search and Rescue) Hinsdale County Search and Rescue workers went up to Engineer Pass on Monday, Oct. 27, after dark to find a couple from Texas that were stranded near the summit. (Courtesy of Hinsdale County Search and Rescue) Hinsdale County Search and Rescue workers went up to Engineer Pass on Monday, Oct. 27, after dark to find a couple from Texas that were stranded near the summit. (Courtesy of Hinsdale County Search and Rescue) The search and rescue team issued a reminder to motorists to check road and weather conditions before heading into the backcountry, and to always carry proper cold-weather gear when in the mountains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you encounter deep snow, please be prepared to change your plans and turn around safely, the volunteer organization said on Facebook. 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. JACKSON COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) Three people were arrested on Tuesday after deputies found drugs and drug paraphernalia in a childs backpack, according to the Jackson County Sheriffs Office. On Oct. 28, a JCSO said a deputy drove up on two stopped vehicles in the roadway on County Road 75 in Bridgeport. The deputy said that one of the vehicles had run out of gas. Two people in the vehicle were found to have outstanding warrants in Jackson County. JCSO said that when the deputy searched the vehicle, they found marijuana, synthetic cannabinoids (also known as spice) and drug paraphernalia in a childs backpack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The contraband was alongside the childs notebook and classwork. Despite this, there was no child in the vehicle. Three people were arrested and are now facing several charges. Ravon Talley and Tammy Jenkins, both 49, of Bridgeport, are charged with possession of a controlled substance (spice) and possession of drug paraphernalia. Regan Kilgore, 24, of Whitwell, Tenn., is charged with possession of a controlled substance (spice), possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia JCSO said that the Alabama Department of Human Resources will also be investigating. 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. NORFOLK, Virginia The politically charged mortgage fraud indictment against New York Attorney General Letitia James accuses her of lying to lenders in order to get a favorable loan rate on a second home. She then rented the property, the indictment alleges, in violation of the terms of the loan she obtained. But theres a glaring issue with that accusation: The mortgage contract James signed does not prohibit renting out the house, according to POLITICOs review of the contract and legal and real estate experts. In fact, the key language in the contract expressly allows renting under certain conditions. That potentially fatal flaw in the indictment is one among several problems critics have identified in the case against James, a Democrat who sued Donald Trump and secured a multi-million dollar judgment that was later thrown out. James allies have criticized the indictment as political vengeance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a five-page indictment, James is charged with two counts of financial fraud in connection with her 2020 purchase of a three-bedroom house in Norfolk, Virginia. Lindsey Halligan, Trumps handpicked top federal prosecutor in the Eastern District of Virginia, alleges James signed a Second Home Rider contract that prohibits renting the property. James then rented out the home anyway, in violation of those loan terms and federal bank and mortgage fraud laws, according to the indictment. POLITICO obtained James mortgage documents, including her signed Second Home Rider from the Norfolk Circuit Court Clerks Office. The rider, a standard addendum to mortgage contracts developed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, requires James to maintain exclusive control over the occupancy of the Property, including short-term rentals." The idea is to restrict buyers ability to use a second home as an investment property by hiring a management company and using it primarily to generate income after obtaining the lower loan rates associated with houses purchased as vacation or second homes. That final, three-word phrase in the rider including short-term rentals could be decisive. In plain English, the provision means that James is explicitly permitted to rent the place out periodically, so long as she remains in charge of matters such as the number of tenants and how they use the property, legal experts say. The contracts restrictions bar James from giving "a management firm or any other person or entity any control over the occupancy or use of the Property." Halligan has alleged that James used the house "as a rental investment property, renting the property to a family of (3), but not that she ever hired a property-management company or some other third party to oversee the Norfolk home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House, when asked for comment, referred POLITICO to the Justice Department. The Justice Department declined to comment. James filed Schedule E tax form(s), under penalties of perjury, treating the Property as rental real estate, reporting fair rental days, zero personal use days, thousand(s) of dollars in rents received, and claiming deductions for expenses relating to the property, further contradicting the second home classification, Halligan wrote in the indictment. James grandniece, Nakia Thompson, has lived in the house for five years along with her children, according to The New York Times. The New York Times and ABC News have each reported that Thompson has lived there largely or entirely rent-free. POLITICO has not independently confirmed whether Thompson paid rent or for how long. Thompson declined to speak with a POLITICO reporter who earlier this month knocked on the door of the house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Oct. 9 indictment, for its part, is vague about the allegations that James received rental income from the property. It says only that she reported thousand(s) of dollars in rents received for tax purposes. James 2020 tax return reflected $1,350 in rental income, which was paid to cover the cost of utilities, according to ABC News. Even if Thompson did pay rent as the indictment suggests, that fact alone does not establish criminal fraud, three experts in contracts, finance and housing law told POLITICO. The core of the allegations is that James knowingly lied that she was not going to rent, Adam Levitin, a Georgetown Law professor who specializes in banking and finance law, said after reviewing James Second Home Rider. The problem is there is absolutely no statement ever made by James that she would not rent out the property the contract language does not prohibit rentals, it prohibits rentals via a third party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eric Forster, a real estate consultant who has served as an expert witness in mortgage fraud cases for nearly 30 years, agreed that the contract does not prohibit renting altogether. Forster offered expert testimony in a similar mortgage fraud case against former Baltimore states attorney Marilyn Mosby, a Democrat. Theres nothing in the Second Home Rider that says that when youre not using [the home] for vacation that it must be vacant the rest of the time, he said. The longstanding position taken by government-controlled Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac also supports Levitin and other experts interpretation: Fannie and Freddie updated the Second Home Rider in April 2019 specifically to clarify that the property may be rented out on a short-term basis, according to 2019 guidance from Freddie Mac. The $1,350 in rental income that James reportedly collected suggests she may have made the sort of short-term agreement that would not violate the terms in her mortgage contract nor the federal fraud statutes she is charged under. The indictment fails to acknowledge that the Second Home Rider permits rentals with certain conditions nor that this view of the Second Home Rider is fully consistent with Fannie Maes own interpretive guidelines on it, said Benjamin Klubes, a former acting general counsel at the Department of Housing and Urban Development during the Biden administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After updating their guidance in 2019, a Fannie Mae spokesperson explained that the revision was triggered by confusion from lenders and homeowners who interpreted the contract as barring renting altogether. In reality, the spokesperson said at the time, renting was always allowed. James made her first courtroom appearance on Friday in Norfolk, and pleaded not guilty to the federal charges. Her lead attorney Abbe Lowell told U.S. District Judge Jamar Walker that he plans to argue that the indictment does not actually allege that James took actions amounting to bank and mortgage fraud which suggests that her defense team will rely on the prevailing interpretation to argue that no contracts or laws were violated, even if James had in fact rented out her place. Lowell did not respond to a request for comment. Fannie Mae did not respond to questions about the contract language. The Federal Housing Finance Agency also did not respond to inquiries about the Second Home Rider. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The director of the FHFA, Bill Pulte, wrote a criminal referral to the Justice Department in April alleging that James may have violated federal fraud statutes in relation to a separate property that she purchased in 2023. James was not indicted based on those allegations, although the charges based on her 2020 home purchase followed several months later. James Second Home Rider also requires her to keep the Property available primarily as a residence for [her] personal use and enjoyment for at least one year. According to Freddie Macs 2019 guidance, that means keeping the home available for more than half of the year. Current guidance from Fannie Mae requires the owner of a second home to simply occupy the property for some portion of the year. The IRS considers a dwelling to be a residence if the owner uses it for personal purposes for either 14 days a year, or for at least 10 percent of the total number of days that the unit is rented out to others. Personal purposes include any day the dwelling is used by a family member or anyone else who does not pay a fair or typical rental price, according to the IRS. The IRS guidance is helpful in interpreting the terms in James Second Home Rider, although it isnt conclusive because the contract does not directly reference or cite the IRS documents, Klubes said. It does further complicate the government proving a knowing and willful violation of the law with this type of guidance out there that may provide support for how James handled the property, Klubes added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other terms in the contract, such as available and occupy are not well-defined, and are subject to multiple reasonable interpretations. The fact that those terms have not been conclusively interpreted by courts also works in James favor, Levitin said. For now, the two sides in the case will begin with arguments in November over whether Halligan was illegally appointed to her position. The judge will also hear similar arguments from James Comey, the recently indicted former FBI director who publicly announced an investigation in 2017 into connections between Trumps campaign and Russia. Democrats have criticized both cases, pointing to the broader pattern of prosecutions against Trumps perceived political enemies that emerged after the president spent months, sometimes years, publicly urging the Justice Department to prosecute them. Ballot envelopes sit in the Thurston County elections center in the 2024 election. (Laurel Demkovich/Washington State Standard) Voters in western Washington are casting ballots in four legislative races that could reveal whether the electorate wants to change the direction the state is going. But another factor might be more decisive in the Nov. 4 election: Democrats desire to rebuke President Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They used to say all politics are local. But, in a lot of ways, all politics are national right now, said Jared Leopold of New Direction PAC, the political committee behind hundreds of thousands of dollars in spending across the four contests. Everyone who is upset with Donald Trump is looking for a way to send a message and voting is the easiest way to do it. Its a dynamic largely unchanged since the August primary, when four appointed Democratic state lawmakers defeated experienced opponents. Those results came about seven months into a second Trump administration, and after a legislative session when Democratic majorities pushed through tax hikes, budget cuts and expansive social policies. In two Senate primaries, Democratic Sens. Deb Krishnadasan and Victoria Hunt held off Republicans state Rep. Michelle Caldier and former state lawmaker Chad Magendanz, respectively. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Caldier and Magendanz both hammered Democrats approval of a $9.4 billion package of tax increases and a $3.2 billion transportation revenue measure anchored by the 6-cent increase in the states gas tax. They also highlighted controversial Democratic-backed policy changes, including a cap on rent increases, unemployment benefits for striking workers and requiring a state-issued permit to buy a gun. But Caldier and Magendanz struggled to escape Trumps shadow. It showed in the primary results. It hasnt gotten easier since. Meanwhile, two other races, one in the House and the other in the Senate, are Democrat-versus-Democrat battles illuminating stresses within the party among progressive and centrist forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There too, Rep. Edwin Obras and Sen. Vandana Slatter are benefitting from anti-Trump fervor among the partys left flank as they look to fend off moderates Kevin Schilling and Rep. Amy Walen, respectively. The Trump factor The duel between Krishnadasan, a former school board director, and Caldier, a six-term representative, is the Republicans best chance to flip a seat in the Senate, where Democrats hold a 30-19 seat advantage. This contest is in the 26th District that encompasses parts of Pierce and Kitsap counties and includes Bremerton, Port Orchard, Purdy and Gig Harbor. It is one of Washingtons few districts represented by lawmakers from both parties. Krishnadasan is running as a moderate and touts her votes against this years tax hikes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need to bring a voice that will get the majority party to work for our people, to take the word taxes off our most vulnerable. We need to change direction, she said at a forum in September. Caldier, considered a moderate in her party, has said without more Republicans in the chamber, there will be more taxes from the majority next year. The makeup of the Legislature is so bad. The direction that we are going is absolutely ridiculous, she said at the forum. We need to change the balance of the Legislatureand turn around the direction of our state. But Caldiers been hard-pressed to make her case amid an onslaught of mailers and ads from New Direction labeling her an extremist and pairing her with Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The political committee, which supports incumbent and progressive Democrats, is funded largely by the Democratic caucuses of the House and Senate, the Service Employees International Union, and the Washington Education Association, which is the states largest union representing public school employees. It is a strategy intended to deter Democrats who have voted for Caldier before. In more subtle ways, New Direction is also trying to scare off MAGA Republicans, whove not been Caldier fans in the past, by trying to spotlight her old tensions with Jesse Young, a former state representative and a right-wing standard bearer in the Pierce County Republican Party. In the 5th District, Hunt won a House seat last November, moving to the Senate following the unexpected death of Sen. Bill Ramos in April. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her opponent, Magendanz, is a former two-term state representative in the district. He ran unsuccessfully for the House seat in 2022 and the Senate in 2024. Tuesdays winner will represent Issaquah, Black Diamond, Covington, and part of Snoqualmie. As in the 26th District race, a major focus has been on the new and higher taxes enacted in the 2025 session. And Trump. Unlike Krishnadasan, Hunt did vote for the tax bills and has defended that decision. It didnt hurt her as she won the primary handily. Magendanz, like Caldier, was a centrist in his party during his tenure but has been hit with mailers labeling him an extremist and too MAGA. Rather than respond, he said hes focused on getting Republican and independent voters who know him to vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steve Gordon, a Pierce County Republican, has contributed to Caldier and Magendanz and to business-oriented political committees working independently to support them. He didnt sugarcoat the difficult environment for GOP candidates in Washington state Polling shows voters dont like all the taxes. But voters also say we really, really dont like Republicans and vote against them, he said. Democratic divisions In the 33rd District in south King County, Schillings bid to unseat Obras is cast as a barometer of where Democrats want their party to go in the Seattle suburbs. Schilling is currently the mayor of Burien. Among rank and file Democrat voters, there are real differences of opinion on real quality of life issues like public safety and homelessness. These are the issues that are front and center in this race, said Sandeep Kaushik of Soundview Strategies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He manages an outside campaign against Obras funded by Pragmatic Washington, whose donors are statewide business and health care organizations and individuals, including Gordon. Obras outside backers, like New Direction, are portraying Schilling as a tool of corporate and pro-Trump interests. This year, there are two Democrats on the ballot but only one who represents us, reads one of the groups hit pieces. This group first inserted Trump into the conversation in the primary after seeing Gordon had given to Pragmatic Washington. They make everything about Trump and if they make everything about Trump, they hope people forget about what is going on in the state, Schilling said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its been a little less intense in the 48th District, where the progressive Slatter, of Bellevue, and moderate Walen, of Kirkland, are squaring off in an expensive contest. Slatter won the primary with nearly 60% of the vote. The two lawmakers voted similarly on a couple major tax bills last session, though Slatter voted for the gas tax increase and Walen did not. Walen opposed the new rent increase cap. Slatter voted for it. Trump has made it into this race, too, with a pro-Slatter group putting out mailers describing her as The Real Democrat who is on the front lines opposing the presidents policies. 5 contests without surprises Five other appointed Democratic state lawmakers are on the ballot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Janice Zahn, D-Bellevue, is favored against Republican John Whitney of Bellevue in the 41st District after winning the primary with nearly 63%. Its similar in the 48th District, where Rep. Osman Salahuddin, D-Redmond, faces Republican Dennis Ellis. Salahuddin received close to 61% in the primary. State Sens. Tina Orwall of Des Moines and Emily Alvarado of Seattle, and Rep. Brianna Thomas of West Seattle are unopposed. Orwall serves the 33rd District. Alvarado and Thomas represent the 34th District. NEED TO KNOW 40 cats were rescued from a California studio after their elderly owner was hospitalized Rescues were conducted over several weeks; some cats required medical treatment The San Diego Humane Society is seeking homes for remaining cats amid shelter overcrowding Forty cats were rescued from a San Diego apartment after authorities discovered one of the elderly owners was hospitalized and unable to care for them. According to reports from local outlet KUSI, the rescue began back in August when a concerned neighbor reported a strong odor and multiple cats coming from a neighboring unit. Humane Law Enforcement officers from the San Diego Humane Society worked with building management and the owners family to safely enter the apartment and remove the cats over the course of several weeks. getty Stock image of cats Stock image of cats The rescues were conducted in stages: 15 cats on Sept. 17, 11 cats on Sept. 24 and the remaining 14 cats on Oct. 1. Many of the animals were found living in cramped conditions and some required medical attention for upper respiratory infections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PEOPLE reached out to the San Diego Humane Society, who did not respond immediately for comment. According to the Humane Society, as reported by the outlet, the elderly owners may have become overwhelmed when the cats continued breeding inside the small studio. None of the cats had been spayed or neutered. Im not sure if that person is still in the hospital, but when we did make contact [with the other tenant of the apartment], we were notified one of the owners was in the hospital," said Saegeant Sinai Esperiu of the San Diego Humane Society Law Enforcement. "The other owner was well aware of the situation and maybe realized they were not able to care for these 40 cats and especially in that small of an apartment." Sixteen cats have been adopted into new homes, while eight are receiving treatment and expected to be available for a foster or forever home soon. The Humane Society is reportedly seeking homes for the remaining cats, so the state's shelters have been chronically overcrowded for over three years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thompson informed the outlet that the surge of large-scale rescues is a reflection of a growing issue stemming from pets adopted during the coronavirus pandemic shutdown, which mostly led to many owned but not spayed or neutered pets. This is an issue thats been going on for three years, she explained. If people are having trouble caring for their pets, we can help, including offering services for free to those facing financial challenges. The Humane Society reminds pet owners that help is available for those feeling overwhelmed and encourages community members to reach out before situations become unmanageable. Read the original article on People Santa Claus should have no trouble finding his way to Reading this Christmas Eve with the newly upgraded Pagoda lights ready to help guide his way. I know theres been a history here in the city of the flashing lights for Christmas, identifying and recognizing that Santa Claus is on his way, Mayor Eddie Moran said Tuesday during a media walkthrough of the ongoing restoration of the landmark on Mount Penn. Im happy and honored to announce today that the completion of the electrical work will allow us to come back to that tradition. The custom dating to the 1940s helps guide the jolly old elf and signals to children that it is time for bed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While ongoing renovations prevented the lights from flashing in recent years, the tradition was kept alive by blinking the lights of a city firetruck outside the Pagoda. The new LED lighting system replicates the buildings traditional appearance and will be ready on time for Christmas Eve, said David W. Anspach III, city capital project manager. Two bands of lights on the outside and a single band on the inside illuminate both the structure and the mountain face, Anspach said, noting crews reused the existing track mounts but replaced the outdated fixtures and added protective acrylic covers. Modernized landmark Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upgrading the exterior lighting is part of a larger effort to preserve the citys best-known symbol while modernizing it for future generations, the mayor said. The $5.3 million project is funded through $3 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds and $2.3 million in city capital improvement funds. Reading Mayor Eddie Moran, right, gives a timeline for the completion of the work on the Pagoda with David Anspach, city projects manager, left. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) Moran said he planned Tuesdays walkthrough as a way of updating the public and showing residents how their tax and federal relief dollars are being used. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Very often we have a tendency to announce a project and then just show the ending by a ribbon cutting, he said. Transparency has always been big for me, and I thought this would be a good project to show that to our community. Anspach led members of the mayors staff, Foundation for the Reading Pagoda and local media through the seven-story, city-owned structure, which has been closed to the public since work began in late 2023. Exterior work, including painting, roofing, electrical upgrades and lighting, is nearly completed, he said, noting interior finishing is now underway. Inside work includes upgrading the heating, ventilation and electrical systems, replacing fire suppression sprinklers throughout the building. Crews have been repairing damaged windows, doors and tile work and repainting and applying new red epoxy floor sealing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much of the work focused on structural integrity and safety, Anspach said, noting some changes were made to the initial scope of work as unforeseen problems were detected. The biggest change came after crews discovered voids in the buildings stone foundation large enough to push a 36-inch tape measure into it without resistance, he said. The city authorized a $160,000 change order to fill those cavities with grout and fully repoint the walls. The project also required mold remediation on one of the upper floors and replacement of an aging track lighting system that had sparked a small electrical fire before construction began. The lions heads, tile roofing and LED lighting have all been refurbished at the Pagoda. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A rare view Anspach led the group onto the scaffold for a rare look at the red tile roof and upturned eaves, a distinctive feature found in traditional east Asian architecture. He pointed out the lion heads on the lifted corners. The figures may represent the mythical guardian creatures significant in Japanese architecture. The heads were replaced during a renovation of the building in the 1990s, Anspach said. The total project is about 45 to 60 days from completion, he said, noting that the Pagoda Foundation anticipates a public reopening in mid-April. While the restoration is nearly finished, plans for how the Pagoda will operate after reopening will be determined by the foundation under an existing memorandum of understanding with the city, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moran said city and foundation officials envision the space as a community hub celebrating Reading and Berks County culture. The main entryway into the Pagoda is being refurbished. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) Uses could include a small gift shop or cafe serving locally made snacks and beverages. Theres also the possibility of displays honoring Readings railroad and industrial heritage. The building could host small private events such as weddings and receptions, the mayor said, recalling that he once officiated a wedding ceremony there. The Pagoda Foundation and city have collaborated on some really good ideas, Moran said. We want to make sure that we utilize the Pagoda as much as possible and do fun-filled activities and events that would create some long-lasting memories. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * The main entryway into the Pagoda is being refurbished. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) * David Anspach, city projects manager, points out the new LED exterior lighting that will be ready in time for the Christmas Eve tradition of flashing lights to signal the arrival of Santa. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) * Workers install LED lighting on the ground floor of the Pagoda. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) * The lions heads, tile roofing and LED lighting have all been refurbished at the Pagoda. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) * Reading Mayor Eddie Moran, right, gives a timeline for the completion of the work on the Pagoda with David Anspach, city projects manager, left. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * David Anspach, city projects manager, explains the renovation of the upper floors of the Pagoda. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) * David Anspach, city projects manager, talks about renovation work done at the Pagoda. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) * Workers epoxy the concrete flooring in the upper levels of the Pagoda. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) * Reading Mayor Eddie Moran stands with a lions head on the scaffolding of the Pagoda. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) Show Caption 1 of 9 The main entryway into the Pagoda is being refurbished. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) Expand The five men a Tampa jury found guilty last month of taking part in a 2021 drive-by shooting that killed a 4-year-old were sentenced Wednesday to life without the possibility of parole. Zvante Sampson, Quandarious Hammond, Jaylin Bedward, Andrew Thompson and James Denson were convicted of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder and other charges on Sept. 16. Prosecutors argued they were all guilty of murder under whats known as the principal theory, an element of Florida law that allows an accomplice to a crime to be charged as though they committed the illegal act themselves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After defense attorneys made final attempts at legal motions Wednesday morning, families were granted time to speak directly to the five men before sentencing. Sunis grandmother, Drial Harrison, was the first to address the court, decrying senseless gun violence in her community. This hurts, Harrison said. This hurts deep. Its not something you can put a Band-Aid on and heal from. Harrison said she would pray for the men, despite being bitter and angry. She mentioned that while the perpetrators would still be able to see their families, she would have to wait until judgement day to see my grandbaby. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John Young, Sunis uncle, gave an impassioned speech to the men about the scourge of gun violence and the decisions they are being held accountable for. Put these damn guns down, Young said. Youre destroying families, brothers. Young encouraged young Black men to pursue education, learn a trade or join the military. I wont get to see my niece no more, Young said. Thats off the board. Once that bullet comes out of that chamber, you cannot bring it back. Sunis mother, Mary Harrison, made a brief speech about the pain shes suffered. She also extended empathy to those responsible for the death of her daughter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My heart goes out to yall, Harrison said. We will be praying for yall. Hillsborough Circuit Judge Robin Fuson then sentenced the men, who range in age between 26 and 34, individually to life in prison without the possibility of parole, the mandatory sentence required by Florida law. Hillsborough State Attorney Suzy Lopez was present in the courtroom Wednesday, interacting with members of Suni Bells family. Sunis uncle, Willie Brown, had pulled over near Hillsborough Avenue in East Tampa to check directions on his phone on the night of Aug. 22, 2021. A group of men at a nearby Chevron station followed them along Hillsborough Avenue and emptied multiple rounds into the vehicle, one of which killed Suni. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only three of the defendants Hammond, Thompson and Denson were accused of actually firing weapons. Sampson and Bedward were alleged to have driven two of the cars involved. Prosecutors said in the trial they believed that the car Suni was riding in was mistaken for another the group thought they were targeting. The two-week trial was intricate and emotional. Jurors, upon hearing the emotional testimony of Mary Harrison, had to be reminded by Fuson to decide the case based on the facts. Zvante Sampson, one of the defendants, had an outburst that briefly halted the trial. I feel bad for that girl, but someone shot (at us), Sampson said before deputies led him away. There are no winners, Fuson said Wednesday. Youve destroyed two sets of families. You have a long time to think about that. Times staff writer Dan Sullivan contributed to this report. It will be a rare Halloween in November for five Ocean County towns that are moving the date of trick-or-treating for a second time because of heavy rain and high winds in the forecast. Pine Beach, Beachwood, South Toms River and Island Heights are joining Toms River in shifting trick-or-treating to Saturday, Nov. 1, local officials said. Toms River was the first to announce the change earlier this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All five towns had previously announced they would hold trick-or-treating Thursday, the day before Halloween, in keeping with a decades-long tradition of not conflicting with the annual Toms River Fire Company No. 1 Halloween Parade. That was before the ominous forecast, which calls for rain to begin Wednesday night and become widespread throughout Thursday, according to the National Weather Service. Up to three inches of rain and 50 mph winds are possible. The Toms River parade is still scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Friday, organizers said. Saturday would be the rain date, if needed. Parade organizers posted to Facebook that they had no role in the decisions to delay trick-or-treating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Toms River Fire Department DOES NOT regulate Trick or Treating. Any decisions regarding trick-or-treating are made by local government officials with safety being paramount, read the post by Toms River Fire Company No. 1. Most of the towns postponing trick-or-treating are part of the Toms River Regional school district, which is among the largest K-12 school districts in New Jersey. The Halloween parade in Toms River is in its 86th year. Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. On Oct. 14, the Detroit Free Press Editorial Board revealed its endorsement in Detroit's mayoral race. We believe City Council President Mary Sheffield is best suited for the job. Sheffield elected to the council's District 5 seat in 2013, and elected council president by her peers after the 2021 election has worked diligently to skill up, digging into neighborhood issues and never losing touch with the citys grassroots. We hope you'll read our full endorsement, but with the Nov. 4 election fast approaching, here's the short version. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Free Press endorsement: Mary Sheffield for Detroit mayor in Nov. 4 election Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield hugs her grandmother Mary Coty and her cousin Rylan Owens inside the IBEW Local Union 58 hall in Detroit on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. Clear, precise and realistic plans The next mayor will face a completely different financial situation than the post-bankruptcy financial honeymoon Duggan enjoyed, and she will need to be prepared. Sheffield rattles off plans with the ease of a technocrat, displaying an extensive and in-depth knowledge of Detroiters' needs, the city government that serves them and distinct vision for the kind of place Detroit needs to be. Her goals align with the reality of the funds she will have access to. Sheffields First 100 Days plan is skillful repackaging of existing (read: already funded) city programs to make services easier for residents to access city departments, she said, need to talk to each other and a handful of mostly realistic new initiatives, like a new office of gun violence prevention, she said, would coordinate state and federal dollars to attack the root causes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How to vote: Detroit will choose a new mayor, council members on Nov. 4 People-focused legislation In 2018, Sheffield announced a broad populist platform dubbed "the People's Bills," an agenda she's added to over time. Free Press reporter Violet Ikonomova probed Sheffield's record, finding that the council president's agenda resulted in "a blend of wins, losses and political compromise." "Councilmembers and grassroots advocates who spoke with the Free Press said Sheffield consistently followed through when possible, and helped elevate visibility around issues she couldnt legislate," Ikonomova wrote. As mayor, Sheffield would have greater leverage to push her people-focused agenda. Sheffield balances business and community One the most common frustrations Detroiters express is continued investment in downtown and other central areas, while neighborhoods across the city struggle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheffield says she has the combination of street credibility and C-suite savvy Detroit needs, and she's demonstrated that with the level of support she's gathered in both realms. She prides herself on meeting her constituents where they are, identifying the places people naturally gather and getting out to those places to boost awareness on programs and resources. And she's well-positioned to call on corporate leaders to do more for Detroit and to convince them that doing so is best for business. Staying the course on preventative policing Sheffield knows what she wants for the police department, and says she would keep Police Chief Todd Bettison in place, with an eye toward focusing on community input and preventative policing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She supports boosting technological support for police, but is appropriately averse to facial recognition technology in particular, because of its history of misidentification. Sheffield is eager to maintain funding support for Community Violence Intervention groups, known for working with vulnerable youth to address the root causes of violence, offering resources like temporary housing, transportation, training, mental health care and other forms of life-altering, face-to-face intervention. It's the ultimate form of community-based, preventative public safety work. Sheffield knows that, and is dedicated to keeping them funded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voter Guide: Who's running in Detroit election? Hear from candidates in their own words. More endorsements: Free Press picks in 2025 Detroit City Council election Exactly what Detroit public schools need Sheffield's plans to help Detroit schools is most in line with what Detroit Public Schools Community District Superintendent Nikolai Vitti says students needs from the city: Improving the public bus system, and bolstering afterschool programming support without undue interference in district leadership. ... and one more thing Sheffield is not without vulnerabilities. Support from secretive political action committees has raised eyebrows, as has her use of council dollars to mail greeting cards bearing her image to likely voters. This summer, Sheffield Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But having spent the last decade representing Detroiters as a council member, building expertise on municipal policy, key economic drivers and the most pressing needs of residents, Sheffield is most prepared to transition into the mayor's office and keep the city on a trajectory of growth and a path toward equitable opportunity. Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters, and we may publish it online and in print. Like what you're reading? Please consider supporting local journalism and getting unlimited digital access with a Detroit Free Press subscription. We depend on readers like you. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit mayor race: Why Sheffield is the best choice | Opinion TOWN OF VAN BUREN, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) Two men, one 56 years old and the other 71, have been arrested after illegal firearms, controlled substances, and more were found during a search of their home. New York State Police said that on Oct. 27, members of Troop Ds Community Stabilization Unit executed a search warrant for a home on Van Ness Road South, in the Town of Van Buren. Courtesy of NYSP. The search led police to seize an illegally possessed assault rifle, a New York-compliant assault rifle, two high-capacity magazines, over 100 amphetamine pills, multicolored methamphetamine pills, $7,218, and various amounts of ammunition and compliant firearm magazines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result of the investigation, 56-year-old Anthony Carbonaro, of Baldwinsville, was arrested and charged with: Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the third degree (Assault Rifle) Class D Felony Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the third degree (High-Capacity Magazines) Class D Felony Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the seventh degree Class A Misdemeanor Possession of a Controlled Substance in a Non-Original Container Violation 71-year-old Harvey Black, currently on parole and also of Baldwinsville, was additionally determined to reside at the address. He was found with controlled substances with the intent to sell. He was charged with: Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the third degree Class B Felony Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the fourth degree Class C Felony Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the seventh degree Class A Misdemeanor Nine counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance in a Non-Original Container Violation Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Carbonaro and Black were brought to the Onondaga County Justice Center for centralized arraignment. 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. CHICAGO A federal grand jury has indicted six protesters, including two political candidates, for allegedly forcibly impeding an ICE agent while he was driving into the Broadview ICE facility in Chicagos western suburbs last month. Charged were congressional candidate and digital creator Katherine Kat Abughazaleh, Cook County Board candidate Catherine Cat Sharp, 45th ward Democratic committeeman Michael Rabbit, and Oak Park trustee Brian Straw, along with two others. The 11-page indictment made public Wednesday alleged the group banged aggressively on the side and back windows, hood, and other parts of the agents vehicle, then crowded together in the front and side of the Government Vehicle and pushed against the vehicle to hinder and impede its movement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The protesters also scratched the body of the vehicle and etched the word PIG into it, broke one of the vehicles side mirrors and broke a rear windshield wiper, according to the indictment. Abughazaleh denounced the charges in a statement on social media. This political prosecution is an attack on all of our First Amendment rights, she said. Im not backing down, and were going to win. She did not immediately reply to a Tribune request for comment. Her lawyer, Joshua Herman, could not immediately be reached on Wednesday. Sharps attorney, Molly Armour, released a statement calling the charges ludicrous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are confident that a jury will see them for exactly what they are: an effort by the Trump administration to frighten people out of participating in protest and exercising their First Amendment rights, she said. Straw, meanwhile, released a statement through his attorneys, Damon Cheronis and Christopher Parente, blasting the charges as baseless and saying he will continue to stand with and protect our immigrant neighbors. I joined the protests at the Broadview ICE detention facility because of what is happening to our immigrant neighbors: children zip-tied and shoved into vans, mothers pulled from cars on the way to school, neighbors afraid to go to church or work, Straws statement read. The Trump Justice Departments decision to seemingly hand-pick public officials like me for standing up against these inhumane policies will not deter me from fulfilling my oath of office. All six defendants are being allowed to self-surrender and will have initial court appearances before a magistrate judge on Nov. 5, court records show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge April Perry the same judge whose temporary restraining order barring the National Guard from being fully deployed in Illinois encompassed many of the incidents that have occurred in Broadview since Operation Midway Blitz began. Abughazaleh also known around the internet as Kat Abu has made a name for herself nationally with TikTok videos and on podcasts by blasting veteran Democrats for not doing enough to combat President Donald Trump. She is running to replace U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky in the 9th Congressional District. She has been a frequent participant in protests at the Broadview ICE facility and has made her presence there a key component of her campaign in the crowded field. Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss, another candidate for the 9th congressional seat, has also attended the protests. He was not charged. A video of the incident described in the indictment has been widely circulated online. It shows the immigration agents black SUV rolling slowly through a crowd of people as they chant, up, up with liberation, down, down with deportation! and other slogans. Abughazaleh is briefly visible wearing a white T-shirt and chanting near the vehicles left passenger door, among others, trying to block its movement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other protesters were seen banging on the hood and windows of the SUV and slowly backing up as it moved down Harvard Street toward the processing center amid cries of shame! The sounds of whistles and thrown plush toys that lodged on the vehicles windshield and hood could also be heard and seen. As the vehicle made it into the parking lot, the sound of pepper spray balls being shot by federal agents could be heard on the video, and the protesters scattered as they exploded around them. Meanwhile, in another video from a different protest last month, Abughazaleh could be seen being picked up and thrown to the ground by federal agents. After the video was widely circulated online, Abughazaleh sent out a fundraising email titled I was assaulted by ICE again. Fox News host Laura Ingraham shared a clip of the scene and opined, Good work about the officers involved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was the second week in a row that Abughazaleh had documented an agent shoving her as she participated in demonstrations. Abughazaleh told the Tribune days later that she was sore and that her finger had turned purple at one point after she fell, but that she had mostly healed. Fundraising off participation in the protests shows supporters that candidates are willing to show up at a time when people are really sick of their leaders not doing anything, Abughazaleh told the Tribune last month. And, unfortunately, I think being at that facility and protesting is the bare minimum, but we dont get that from a lot of leaders across the country. I promise that there are easier ways for any politician to get attention, she added, than waking up at 3 a.m. for an early protest and getting repeatedly assaulted and tear-gassed. Abughazaleh has said the behavior by agents at the protests has continued to escalate each week, including the sheer force in how they threw me to the ground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At one early morning demonstration, she could be seen chanting among protesters walking back and forth across Harvard Street, sporting two french braids and black Hoka sneakers. She has remained in the mix as Illinois State Police and the Cook County Sheriffs office have become more involved in law enforcement around the building and posted on social media that she had been hit in the face with a baton following an Oct. 17 protest that led to 11 arrests. This week has been atrocious, the fact that they were content to run us over, tear gas us, shot us with pepper balls, she said at one protest. But what we are dealing with is not as bad as what the people in that building that are being trapped in there are dealing with. In her video on Wednesday, Abughazaleh urged supporters to contribute to her campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We now have legal fees on top of our campaign expenses, she wrote. As of last week, state and local police had arrested about 70 people in connection with demonstrations outside the Broadview processing center, which has been a flash point of protests since Operation Midway Blitz began in early September. Those arrested began appearing in Cook County Court for hearings last week. The majority of the initial charges have been for resisting arrest, misdemeanors that, at least on paper, could mean a short stint in custody. At least three cases have been filed as low-level felonies. At least four arrests were listed for battery or battery to a police officer. Other charges include disorderly conduct and disobeying a police officer. The protests have attracted intense media attention and put the tiny suburb of Broadview into a national spotlight as demonstrators tried to physically block federal vehicles, on one occasion jamming a skateboard into the wheel well of one car, and occasionally throwing things at agents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Agents have deployed copious amounts of chemical crowd controls while attempting to clear a path for cars to get through, chased people through traffic and into private backyards, fired less-lethal munitions and used the approach to the processing center on Harvard Street for an apparent publicity stunt. Local officials have responded by establishing a unified command to contain the protests, shutting down traffic on 25th Avenue on Friday mornings and erecting blocks worth of concrete barricades to keep crowds off the roads around the building. ____ WASHINGTON (DC News Now) An investigation is underway in the District after a 6-year-old boy was injured in a shooting Friday night, D.C. police said. According to a police report obtained by DC News Now, officers found the injured child after responding to sounds of gunshots in the 1900 block of Savannah Terrace at around 8:15 p.m. on Oct. 24. Man shot in upper body on Leesburg Pike, Fairfax County PD investigating Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medics took the boy, who had a single gunshot wound, to the hospital for treatment. As of Tuesday afternoon, no arrests have been made. Officials urge anyone with information to contact the Metropolitan Police Department at 202-727-9099 or text a tip to 50411. Check DCNewsNow.com for updates. To keep up with the latest news and weather updates, download our Mobile App on iPhone or Android. 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. SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) In the afternoon of Oct. 28, the Tom Green County Sheriffs Office (TGSO) conducted a county-wide warrant roundup resulting in multiple arrests for felony offenses. According to a press release from TGSO this was a coordinated effort targeted at individuals that are wanted on active warrants issued by area courts. Sheriff Nick Hanna commended the deputies, investigators and support staff who worked together to locate and apprehend these individuals. Our office remains committed to ensuring that those with outstanding warrants are held accountable, said Sheriff Hanna. These efforts are part of our ongoing mission to keep Tom Green County safe through proactive law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The following individuals were arrested during the operation: John Vanbibber, 53, charged with Theft of Property $30,000 < $150,000. Bond: $25,000 John Jones, 23, charged with Assault of a Pregnant Person. Bond: $15,000 Devin Smith, 36, charged with Theft of Property $30,000 < $150,000. Bond: $15,000 Cesar Ponder, 53, charged with Injury to a Child/Elderly/Disabled Individual with Intent to Cause Bodily Injury. Bond: $25,000 Jacob Weaver, 20, charged with Credit or Debit Card Abuse. Bond: $15,000 Bryan Livingston, 23, charged with Credit or Debit Card Abuse. Bond: $15,000 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 ConchoValleyHomepage.com. NEED TO KNOW At least 64 people have died following a police operation targeting a gang in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday, Oct. 28, according to reports Four police officers were among those killed, local authorities said Police said they had carried out almost 100 arrests and seized over 90 rifles, while U.K. newspaper The Times reported that half a ton of drugs had been seized during the raid At least 64 people have reportedly died following a police operation targeting a gang in Brazils Rio de Janeiro. On Tuesday, Oct. 28, the police targeted the Red Command gang in Rio de Janeiro's northern suburbs, near the international airport, according to U.K. newspaper The Times and the BBC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While their aim was to serve arrest warrants to the leading members of the drug trafficking gang, the operation tuned into what has been described as the largest and deadliest raid in Rio de Janeiro's history, per the BBC. AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo The Complexo do Alemao favela in Rio de Janeiro, Oct. 28, 2025 The Complexo do Alemao favela in Rio de Janeiro, Oct. 28, 2025 Gang members retaliated to the raid, which involved more than 2,500 police officers, with gunfire and grenades after authorities entered two communities, The Times reported. The police operation involved two helicopters, several drones, 22 armored vehicles and 12 demolition vehicles. Barricades were also burned in the targeted areas, reported to be the Alemao and Penha districts, per the BBC. MAURO PIMENTEL/AFP via Getty Police operation in the Penha district in Rio de Janeiro on Oct. 28, 2025 Police operation in the Penha district in Rio de Janeiro on Oct. 28, 2025 This is how Rio de Janeiro police are greeted by criminals: with bombs dropped by drones. This is the size of the challenge we are facing. It is no longer a common crime, it is drug-terrorism, state Governor Claudio Castro, wrote in a post on Facebook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Castro said that the gang members who were killed had resisted arrest, per The Times. Authorities said they had 51 arrest warrants prepared ahead of the raid, with most for suspects accused of drug trafficking and three facing torture charges. In a press release, the Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro State confirmed that four officers were among those who had been killed. Our sincere condolences to the families and friends of the civil police officers Marcos Vinicius Cardoso de Carvalho, 51; Rodrigo Velloso Cabral, 34; and the military police officers Heber Carvalho da Fonseca, 39; and Cleiton Serafim Goncalves, 42, who were killed in defense of society during Operation Contencao, in the capital of the state of Rio de Janeiro, on October 28, Public Servant's Day, they wrote in Portuguese. 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. MAURO PIMENTEL/AFP via Getty A burnt out car in the Penha district in Rio de Janeiro on Oct. 28, 2025 A burnt out car in the Penha district in Rio de Janeiro on Oct. 28, 2025 In a joint post on Instagram, police said they had carried out almost 100 arrests and seized over 90 rifles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dozens of gang members were also killed during the operation, according to the post, with police saying half a ton of drugs were also seized, per The Times. Police operations in Brazil are common ahead of major events taking place in the country, according to the BBC and Reuters. The UN climate summit COP30 is set to take place in Belem from Nov. 6, per their website, while Prince William is set to travel solo to Rio de Janeiro for his Earthshot Prize awards ceremony on Nov. 5. In a statement, the UN Human Rights Office said it was horrified by the death toll following the operations, per the BBC and The Times. This deadly operation furthers the trend of extreme lethal consequences of police operations in Brazils marginalised communities. We remind authorities of their obligations under international human rights law and urge prompt and effective investigations. Read the original article on People Philadelphia police are investigating after a young child was shot while sitting in a car on Tuesday night. Officers responded to Temple University Hospital around 7:18 p.m., where they found a 7-year-old girl suffering from a gunshot wound to the arm. She is listed in stable condition. Police say the child was riding inside a Honda sedan with two adult family members when someone fired at least five shots along the 3000 block of North Marshall Street in North Philadelphia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chief Inspector Scott Small said the vehicle was hit three times, with one bullet striking the girl as she sat in the backseat. Video appears to show the shooter on foot, according to police. Further details on the incident, including a description of the shooter, have not been released. Anyone with information is urged to contact police at 215-686-TIPS. A man is in jail tonight, charged with pulling a gun on a neighbor for walking his dog near his yard in Montrose. Patrick Wageman, 88, has lived on the 2200 block of Elmen near Fairview for more than 30 years. Neighbors say he has a reputation for telling his people who walk by his home to stay off his lawn. But on Monday night, Wageman allegedly pulled a gun on a man walking his dog. The Precinct 1 Constables' office arrested him and took the gun. He is now charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abby Patel, who said Wagemen has yelled at her before regarding her dogs, but never threatened her with a weapon, told ABC13, "I'm a little shocked but not surprised." "He's just kind of been like, just like, 'Get those dogs off my lawn!' So usually, I would just walk really fast past his house. But, when he's in the backyard, we for sure walk really fast," Patel said. The neighborhood has no shortage of dog lovers, and across the street, a sign on a fence warns others walking their pets to avoid the area in front of Wageman's home. After his arrest, it's a warning some say they'll take even more seriously. "That makes me a bit nervous to walk around these parts to be honest with you," Chelsea Howell, a professional dog walker in the area, said. "But, I mean, he's gone now, so hopefully he should be good." For news updates, follow Miya Shay on Facebook, X and Instagram. Some of the most beautiful sights in nature are also mysterious. There are sand dunes that seem to sing and a dazzlingly pink lake in Australia. While researchers have theories for many of them, questions remain. Whether it's the cause of a flamingo-pink lake or the source of gelatinous blobs found on tree branches, nature holds countless secrets that scientists are still trying to figure out. While people have cited UFOs or legendary creatures to explain some aspects of these unusual sights, scientists have called on physics, genetic testing, and other scientific methods to develop theories. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such research has gone a long way in solving some of these mysteries, but often, questions still remain. Here are 10 natural mysteries across the world that scientists have yet to fully explain. Eternal Flame Falls, New York The Eternal Flame Falls in New York. Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock In New York's Chestnut Ridge Park, a flickering fire lends its name to the Eternal Flame Falls. Protected from the waterfall in a rocky alcove, it can burn on its own indefinitely, though it does sometimes go out. It's an extremely rare phenomenon. There are fewer than 50 eternal flames around the world, geologist Giuseppe Etiope told National Geographic in 2024. Flammable natural gas, created when extremely high temperatures cook organic materials, seeps out from underground, constantly fueling the flame. Humans, forest fires, or lightning might set them alight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What's unusual about the flame in New York is that its source, over 1,300 feet below the surface in the Rhinestreet Shale formation, is comparatively cool. "The traditional hypothesis of how natural gas forms is, you have to heat to more than boiling water," researcher Arndt Schimmelmann told State Impact Pennsylvania in 2013. "But our rock here is not that hot and has never been that hot." One of the researchers' theories was that minerals like iron or nickel could provide the flame's catalyst. European eels, Sargasso Sea European eels in Thailand in 2018. Athit Perawongmetha/Reuters Ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle wrote, "Eels are derived from the so-called 'earth's guts' that grow spontaneously in mud and in humid ground." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over 2,000 years later, scientists knew that wasn't true, but they still had no idea how eels reproduced. Danish biologist Johannes Schmidt traced migrating European eels to what he believed was their spawning location in the Sargasso Sea. Some travel over 3,000 miles to reach the region of the North Atlantic bounded by four currents. That discovery was over 100 years ago, and scientists still have questions about how European eels travel, including how they navigate, their routes, and how quickly they swim. Learning more about how these eels reproduce is critical because the number arriving in Europe has plummeted by 95% since the 1980s. In 2022, scientists published a paper describing how they had tagged eels and confirmed that adults do migrate to the Sargasso Sea, possibly to spawn. Despite years of research, no one has found adult eels or eggs at the location, causing some to doubt it's the site of reproduction. Slippery as an eel, indeed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Savonoski Crater, Alaska The Savonoski Crater in Alaska. Kaiti Critz/National Park Service Fly over Katmai National Monument in southwestern Alaska, and you'll see a lake that looks almost too perfect not to be human-made. It's over 1,600 feet across and more than 360 feet deep. Melting snow and rain have filled in a crater, which formed sometime during or before the last ice age. In the 1960s and '70s, scientists studying the Savonoski Crater tried to find evidence of a meteoric impact. It does seem possible a meteor caused the deep, round hole. However, receding glaciers likely took any remnants of the impact with them. The crater could also be the result of a volcanic maar, which University of Alaska Fairbanks professor T. Neil Davis described as a "volcano that tried but failed" in a 1978 article on the mysterious Savonoski puzzle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When a magma pipe hits a water table near the earth's surface, it erupts in an explosion of steam, forming a rock pit. The maar continues to spew smoke and ash before subsiding due to a lack of pressure. Singing sand, China Tourists riding camels near the singing sand dunes in Dunhuang, China. James Jiao/Shutterstock In Josephine Tey's 1952 novel "The Singing Sands," a police inspector gets caught up in a murder investigation involving an enigmatic poem: "The beasts that talk, The streams that stand, The stones that walk, The singing sand" While the story is fiction, singing sand is very real, found in Indiana, Japan, Egypt, and California. Many, like those in Dunhuang, China, have become tourist attractions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A low, vibrational hum emanates from sand spilling down dunes in these locations, sometimes loud enough to be heard 6 miles away. Certain conditions, like the size, shape, and silica content of the sand, have to align to produce the singing, according to NOAA. Just why the frequencies of the tumbling sand sound like music is still a mystery, according to a 2012 study. Fairy Circles, Namib Desert A fairy circle taken in the Namib Naukluft Park. Mark Dumbleton/Shutterstock For decades, barren patches in the Namib Desert's arid grasslands have baffled scientists. Nicknamed "fairy circles," they stand out against the surrounding Southern Africa's green vegetation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some scientists have suggested that colonies of termites consume the plants and burrow in the soil, creating a ring that grows larger and larger. In a 2022 study, a group of researchers said they found no evidence of the insects in the circles they studied. Instead, they used sensors to monitor the plants' moisture uptake. Their results suggested that ecohydrological feedback caused the bare circles. Essentially, these patches sacrificed having vegetation to divert more water to areas with grasses. "These grasses end up in a circle because that's the most logical structure to maximize the water available to each individual plant," Stephan Getzin, an ecologist who led the study, told CNN in 2022. Other researchers have posited that microbes could be a potential culprit for similar circles in Australia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Devil's Kettle, Minnesota Devil's Kettle Waterfall in Minnesota. MS7503/Shutterstock For years, curious visitors to Judge C. R. Magney State Park flung sticks, ping-pong balls, and colorful dyes into the Brule River to try and trace its flow. As it moves through the park, it spills out into several waterfalls, including the Devil's Kettle. Part of the water cascades into a hole, and no one knew exactly where it went afterward. Some thought it might stream underground toward Canada or Lake Superior. In 2017, hydrologists compared the amount of water above and below the falls, and it was almost identical. In other words, the water wasn't leaving at all but fed right back into the river at the base of the waterfall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scientists think they have a pretty good idea where the water reemerges, but they don't know for sure, hydrologist Jeff Green told Vice's "Science Solved It" podcast in 2018. So where did all those ping-pong balls end up? The powerful, swirling currents would have smashed them to pieces, Green said. Earthquake lights, Mexico Blue flashes of light seen in the sky above Mexico City in 2021. Eduardo Matiz/via Reuters When a 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit near Acapulco in 2021, people in Mexico City, hundreds of miles away, used their phone cameras to capture strange lights in the sky. Blue flashes lit up the sky like lightning. Not all experts are convinced that earthquake lights exist, though they've been documented for centuries all over the world. Some scientists thought the flickers were from a damaged power grid or rainstorm, NPR reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Others are studying the phenomenon in hopes of using the lights, which sometimes occur prior to the earthquake, as a kind of early warning signal. First, though, they would need to figure out why these flashes occur. A recent paper examined several possible causes of the lights, including escaping methane gas ignited by static electricity. Lake Hillier, Australia Lake Hillier in Western Australia. Philip Thurston/Getty Images Off the coast of Western Australia is the vibrantly pink Lake Hillier. It looks surreal, as if someone dumped a massive amount of Pepto-Bismol into its super-salty waters. Biologists have hypothesized that pigment-producing microbes are responsible for the lake's bright shade. In 2022, researchers published a study after looking at the water's microbiome. They found a number of bacteria, viruses, and algae. Some produced purple sulfur, and others were associated with a red-orange color. Together, they combined to make the pink color. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Researchers noted that other organisms could contribute, and further studies would have to be done. That same year, there was a huge amount of rainfall, diluting the saltiness that's also a key factor in the color. Today, the lake is only tinged pink, but scientists think the brightness will return as more water evaporates, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported earlier this year. Fosse Dionne, France The Fosse Dionne in Tonnerre, France. Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock People have used the Fosse Dionne for centuries, drinking in the turquoise waters without ever knowing where the rushing spring originated. In the 1700s, residents built a laundry around it to take advantage of the flow, which pours out over 82 gallons a second. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Located in Tonnerre, France, the spring feeds into a basin. Depending on the weather and other factors, its hue can change from green to blue to brown, the city's mayor told the BBC in 2019. Local legends said a mythical, snake-like basilisk once made the pit its home. About a quarter mile of its course is known, but divers have lost their lives exploring the flooded cave along the route. A professional diver, Pierre-Eric Deseigne, has reached unexplored areas of the cave but couldn't find the Fosse Dionne's origin, the BBC reported in 2019. Star jelly, worldwide Star jelly has been found in a variety of habitats across the world. Delboy Robinson/Shutterstock Since the 14th century, scientists and writers have made note of a curious substance: white gelatinous lumps that were believed to have been deposited by meteor showers, earning the name "star jelly." Even more mysterious is how, shortly after being seen, the jelly seems to evaporate. While star jelly might sound like something extra-terrestrial, its origin is much more down-to-earth, although there are various suggestions on what that origin is. In some cases, the jelly-like substance, which has been found in marshes, fields, rocks, and even neighborhoods and Arctic regions, is believed to be frogspawn that's been regurgitated by other animals, such as birds. Other theories posit the blobs are a type of slime mold or cyanobacteria called Nostoc commune, which are single-celled organisms that form colonies of cells that appear covered in a goo, as reported by The Times of London after star jelly was found in 2024. Tests on samples have also failed to determine one source, suggesting star jelly represents multiple natural phenomena rather than just one. Read the original article on Business Insider The Trump administration wants everyone to see what its doing in Chicago. The city is bearing the brunt of mass deportations. Over the past several weeks, federal agents have staged aggressive, high-profile operations. Theyve prompted protests, violence and potential violations of court orders over the use of tear gas. Through that chaos, Oct. 4 stands out. That day saw ICE and CBP officers clash with protestors along Kedzie street on the citys South Side, a strip of road that runs through neighborhoods with large Latino populations and industrial areas into a series of rolling suburbs. TPM obtained the audio of several 911 calls placed that day. In one call, a federal agent describes being rammed and run off the road by an unknown assailant. In another, a woman sobs as she describes seeing federal law enforcement officers force a man out of his car and point rifles at him as he lies down in the street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its an example of the tactics that the Trump administration has unleashed on Chicago and several other cities, which often resemble more the occupation of a hostile power than routine immigration enforcement. On Oct. 4, one incident ended in a shooting: a CBP officer allegedly shot Miramar Martinez, an activist who was tailing the CBP car, several times before she drove away. Federal prosecutors charged Martinez with using a vehicle to assault, resist, or impede federal agents; a press release DHS issued about the event falsely stated that she boxed the CBP car in with nine other vehicles. (When TPM asked DHS for comment for this story, an agency spokesperson replied by forwarding TPM the press release from the day which contained information that has subsequently been contradicted in government court filings.) TPM obtained the recordings via an Illinois Freedom of Information Act request to Chicagos Office of Emergency Management and Communications. Among the 911 recordings obtained by TPM is a call from a man who identifies himself as a federal agent. Details of the call appear to correspond to what federal law enforcement has described as a separate ramming incident that took place around one hour after the Martinez shooting, two blocks further north along Kedzie. After identifying himself as a federal agent, the man says that he just got rammed right off the road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect fled on foot, we werent able to catch him, the person says. Information including the callers name, badge number, and phone number has been removed from the recording. He did not identify to which agency he belonged on the unredacted portions of the call. The man adds that the person who rammed the car was hispanic, and drove a black Chevy Tahoe. Per an FBI bulletin, the incident has not yet resulted in charges. Another call gives a look at the panic that these operations can prompt. The caller says that ICE agents are on her block. They slammed a man to the ground, and the agents started beating him up, the person says. They have rifles and theyre pointing it at people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dispatcher asks if anyone needs an ambulance. To that, the caller replies that the man was unarmed but that theyre beating him up. We have rights, were citizens here, please help us, the person says. After the incidents, the Trump administration started using the domestic terrorist label to describe civilians involved and later charged. It was a turning point in the Chicago surge: later that day, President Trump moved to federalize 300 members of the Illinois National Guard. The state challenged the legality of that move, a case the administration has appealed to the Supreme Court. EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio (WKBN)- A local cafeteria-style restaurant that has spent 95 years in the East Liverpool community is closing its doors, according to a Facebook post. 6th Street Cafeteria & Deli (formerly known as Brickers) has announced that it is permanently closing its doors. Restaurant owner Chef Ray Stephens previously said that the restaurant would be closed temporarily for repairs. Stephens released a new, updated statement on Tuesday. What started as a temporary closure for repairs has turned into something much bigger than we can handle. The repairs and costs are simply too great for us to overcome. For the past 18 months, weve worked hard to keep this place going, through challenges, long days, and countless ups and downs. We poured our hearts into this restaurant because we truly loved serving our community, seeing familiar faces, and sharing good food and laughter with you all. This isnt the way we hoped things would end, but were so grateful for every single person who supported us along the way, from the regulars who became family, to the new faces who gave us a chance and our great employees who gave us 100 percent. Youve made every bit of this journey worthwhile. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of 6th Street. Well always cherish the memories made within these walls, said Stephens. Brickers Cafeteria first opened in downtown East Liverpool in 1930. In January 2024, Greg Bricker, the last family owner of Brickers Cafeteria, sold the business to Stephens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stephens owns Chefs Rays Diamond Bar and Grill and Chef Rayes Cafe in East Liverpool. 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) The fight over the federal deployment of troops in Portland is going to shift again. It was announced Tuesday night that the case would be reheard en banc as the Ninth District Court of Appeals voted to have more judges look at the case. Oregon Coast braces for potential significant flooding as king tides approach Until a decision is made, National Guard troops cannot come to Portland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The courts decision to take the case en banc vacates the earlier ruling from a three-judge panel, which means that an 11-judge panel will hear the case and decide the issues. The idea is that enough judges think that this is an important enough issue that the decision that the three-judge panel issued needs to be redecided by a larger set of judges, said Lewis & Clark Law School professor Tung Yin. Yin added that the central issue of the president attempting to nationalize and deploy the state National Guard against the wishes of the sitting governor illustrates how just about everything about this case is not normal. A trial involving the National Guard deployment in Oregon will begin on Wednesday in Portland. Both temporary restraining orders remain in effect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ICE leadership shakeup to hit facilities across the US, possibly Portland: CBS Oregon Attorney General Dan Reyfield praised the courts decision. This ruling shows the truth matters and that the courts are working to hold this administration accountable. The Constitution limits the presidents power, and Oregons communities cannot be treated as a training ground for unchecked federal authority, AG Rayfield said. The court is sending a clear message: the president cannot send the military into U.S. cities unnecessarily. We will continue defending Oregons laws, values, and sovereignty as this case moves forward and our fight continues in the courts. Portland Mayor Keith Wilson called the Ninth Circuit Courts decision on Tuesday a win for the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yeah, this is a good day again for Oregon. We continue to tell the nation that were going to fight in the court of law, and were going to win. And today is one more day where Oregonians won. We have said all along that the number of federal troops that we need in Portland is zero, Wilson said. Were protesting peacefully, that we dont need troops. We dont need a deployment. We dont need a false narrative in Portland. On Monday, the U.S. Department of Justice walked back key evidence used to defend Trumps attempted deployment of National Guard troops. During their appeal, they initially said 115 Federal Protective Service officers were deployed to Portland at one point, but they later said that number was actually 86 officers. Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops. 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. The full 9th Circuit Court of Appeals voted Tuesday night to vacate a panels decision allowing the National Guard to deploy to Portland, and will rehear the case. A majority of nonrecused active judges voted to vacate and rehear, per a brief order. A Circuit judge had requested the vote soon after a panel composed of two Trump appointees and one Clinton appointee last week blocked a lower court order protecting Portland from the deployment. In a scorching dissent from that ruling, Judge Susan Graber, the Clinton appointee, had asked her colleagues on the 9th Circuit to vacate the majority opinion. I urge my colleagues on this court to act swiftly to vacate the majoritys order before the illegal deployment of troops under false pretenses can occur, she wrote. Above all, I ask those who are watching this case unfold to retain faith in our judicial system for just a little longer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 9th Circuit declined to rehear a similar case out of Los Angeles, prompting the dissenting judges to pen dire warnings about the incursion of the military into domestic life. The panel in that case, two Trump judges and a Biden one, had also reversed a district court block of the Guards deployment. Tuesdays vote wont affect conditions on the ground in Portland, as the Guard never deployed despite the panels decision earlier this month. The Trump administration had, inscrutably, never appealed one of the district courts temporary restraining orders blocking Guards from any state from deploying. Read the 9th Circuits order here: ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) Abilene ISD seniors can now earn automatic admission and a scholarship to McMurry University. For the third year in a row, McMurry University sets enrollment record Students who maintain at least a 3.5 GPA or rank in the top 35% of their class will qualify for the new opportunity. Our partnership with AISD is an investment in the future of Abilene, McMurry University President Dr. Lynne Murray said. We want students to know they have a strong choice close to home, and were committed to making the path to McMurry open and accessible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Automatic Admission and Scholarship Program was created to help students pursue higher education without barriers. McMurry University celebrates Hispanic student success Were proud to partner with McMurry University to create more pathways for our students to succeed, Abilene ISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Kuhn said. This agreement sends a clear message that higher education is within reach for every Abilene ISD student who works hard and dreams big. Students who meet the criteria wont have to complete the full undergraduate application, just a short acceptance form with no essay or application fee. Once accepted, theyll receive automatic scholarship consideration and an early financial aid package. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. Voters in five Abingtons municipalities will decide races for mayor, borough council and supervisor in the Nov. 4 general election, amid many contested and uncontested races in other communities. Clarks Summit has the biggest contest this year. In a race for three seats on borough council, each with a four-year term, longtime incumbent council President Gerrie Fitzgerald Carey, Vice President Josh Mitchell and Susan Fitzpatrick Grady, all Democrats, are running against Republicans Logan Lombardo, Erika Williams and former Councilman Bob Bennett. Lombardo is additionally running for a single two-year seat on the council against Councilman Eugene Hallinan, a Democrat. Mayor Harry Kelly is running unopposed for a four-year term as a Democrat and Republican. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carey has served on the borough council for 27 years, the last 10 as council president, and is involved in various civic organizations. Mitchell, 44, has been on council for five years, four as vice president. He is head of global sales for Moodle and involved in various organizations in the Abingtons. Grady is a longtime resident who is retired. Hallinan, 70, who retired as a claims manager for the State Workers Insurance Fund and works part time at Jennings-Calvey Funeral and Cremation Services, is a member of the Clarks Summit Fire Company and was appointed to the council in October of last year. Bennett, who is retired from MetLife, served on the borough council for eight years, while Lombardo, 27, is a technician at Procter & Gamble in Wyoming County, and Williams, 24, is a home health aide. Each candidate was asked about running for borough council. Their responses, which have been edited for length and clarity, are as follows: Why are you running for borough council or seeking re-election? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carey: I really enjoy being on council. I enjoy most of all being able to help people in our town as far as things coming up. They know that they can reach me at any time. So I feel like Im giving back and thats a reward for me. Mitchell: I like to give back to the community. I think its a way in which I can serve and do some good in our community. Hallinan: I was appointed through an interview process last year so I figured Ill run for the two-year term as I wasnt going to try the four. So thats where Im at. Grady: As a new person coming in, I dont have that much input right now. Im there to listen and learn and whatever will be, will be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bennett: Ive been on council before and Ive always been very, very interested in the workings of the borough, the boroughs needs, and I would like an opportunity to return. Williams: I am running because I love Clarks Summit. I grew up here. My desire is to keep Clarks Summit a safe, clean and affordable place to live and raise a family. As a young person, I can share a new perspective and my enthusiasm to tackling old problems in our area, including lack of financial responsibility and transparency in borough council. Clarks Summit has the highest millage in the Abington Heights School District and residents have the fourth-highest tax burden in Lackawanna County. Clarks Summit borough taxes are so high that council President Gerrie Carey and council Vice President Josh Mitchell cannot raise real estate taxes even one more mil without getting court approval from the Court of Common Pleas of Lackawanna County. It is time for honest. responsible government. I want to provide services to our residents such as public safety, good roads and community upkeep without wasteful spending. Lombardo: Somebody has to do it. Thats kind of how I look at it. Im a big believer in our democratic process. And I think if people want to complain about stuff, they should be willing to go and do something about it. I think everybody, if theyre able to, should try and do something to help other people, and Im able to do this. What is the biggest issue facing Clarks Summit and how will you address it if elected? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carey: Our biggest detriment is trying to get part-time policemen, and the unfortunate thing is theres not a lot of them that are taking the Act 120 (exam) and then when they come on board as part time they have to work six months but then theyre certainly looking for full-time (work) and benefits, which is understandable. Our chief has been really working hard on it. My whole theme with council is if we work together were going to definitely get things accomplished, and that has worked out very well. Mitchell: Were a small municipality so keeping a balanced budget and balancing the services we provide with what it costs us to do so when were not operating at significant scale, thats always a very delicate balance. I certainly will do everything I can to keep our taxes the same as they are. I think I have a lot of experience having worked on our budget for the last several years, of experience of just being involved in the borough that give me a lot of opportunity to contribute positively to doing that. And thats my goal, is to make sure that we maintain the highest level of service that we can without any tax increase. Hallinan: Everythings getting so expensive. I want to keep taxes down or where theyre at, and then public safety is one of my priorities, fire police and public works and everything else. Our biggest issue with the police is you cant get police officers anymore. As soon as they come out of Act 120, they go full time with some other department. So basically were looking for part-time officers and its tough to find them. We do have our police chief actively going after some of these guys that do come out of Act 120 and we try to get them before they wind up with another police department, which doesnt always happen, but we try. I have 30 years managerial experience and I would put that to use in negotiating workers contracts, which we have done. Grady: I just feel like I have a level head on my shoulders and Im going to vote according to whats presented to me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bennett: Its going to be finance, and the reason I say that is Clarks Summit is a very small community. Clark Summit would appear to be somewhat of a landlocked community with a tax base thats not growing as fast as the cost of living. Looking just at the base for our income and the fact that prices are going to advance in the future, I think finance is something that would be better addressed now. That would be one area I would look into. I would look into whatever contracts exist. Williams: The biggest issue facing the borough is business as usual. With rising costs and lack of revenue, the challenge is spending tax dollars wisely for the best interests of the residents and businesses. I will do my best to provide services to the residents by not giving excessive raises, bonuses and benefits to employees/friends. I pledge to be transparent and honest with the residents regarding Clarks Summits financial situation and not make up stories. I will be responsive to residents concerns and demand the same from borough employees. Lombardo: Probably the biggest issue that Clarks Summit has to deal with right now is our budget. Were projected to be running in a deficit next year. As opposed to 10 years ago, for example, we were able to pave basically any road in Clarks Summit that had potholes from the winter and needed paving. We only paved, I believe, about a street and a half this year, and were projected next year due to budgetary issues to not be able to pave any roads. What I plan to do about it is actually care and show up and try and do what can be done without raising taxes to get our budget back on track, because its just common sense. The other contested races in the Abingtons include: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dalton Democrat Harrison Wolff and Republican Mary Jane Peters are running for mayor, which has a four-year term. Glenburn Twp. Incumbent Supervisor Jennifer Graham Partyka, a Democrat, faces a challenge by fellow Supervisor Daniel B. Farnham for one seat on the Board of Supervisors with a six-year term. No one filed to run for a four-year supervisor seat or a supervisor seat that carries a two-year term. Newton Twp. Incumbent Supervisor Robert Naegele, a Republican, is being challenged by Democrat Craig Symons for one seat with a six-year term. South Abington Twp. Longtime Supervisor Chair Giles W. Stanton, a Republican, will face Democrat John Hambrose and Dean Faraday, an independent, in a race for one seat on the supervisor board that has a six-year term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Uncontested races The following municipalities have uncontested races in the November election: Benton Twp.: Supervisor Chair Bonnie Rosiak, a Republican, is running for a single township supervisor seat with a six-year term. Clarks Green: Incumbent Mayor Joe Barrasse is the lone candidate seeking a four-year term as mayor, running as both a Democrat and Republican, while borough council members Olga Trushina, Mary Anne Lucas and Timothy J. Pryle, all Democrats, are running for three seats, each with four-year terms, on the council. In addition, Councilwoman Mary Moore, also a Democrat, is the lone candidate running for a two-year seat on the council. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North Abington Twp.: Incumbent Supervisor Thomas Mundrake, a Republican, is running for a single seat on the township supervisors board, which has a six-year term. Ransom Twp.: Incumbent Supervisor Dave Bird, running as a Democrat and a Republican, is seeking a single seat on the township supervisors board with a six-year term. Waverly Twp.: Incumbent Supervisor Vice Chairman Eric Parry, running as a Democrat and Republican, is seeking a single seat with a six-year term on the township supervisors board. More than four months ago, 39-year-old Arthur Afa Folasa Ah Loo left behind his wife, two children and community after being killed at a No Kings march in Salt Lake City, where thousands attended. His wife, Laura Ah Loo, is still demanding answers and justice. The sign he was peacefully holding that day read: The world is watching, Ah Loo said in a press conference on Wednesday, backed by her legal team. The world is watching the action in response to the senseless and irresponsible injustice that he never deserved and that no one ELSE deserves in the future. ... Afa always stood for those who needed justice the most, and now I stand for him, on his behalf. For his sake and for all of us the world is watching." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On June 16, Afa was fatally wounded by a security peacemaker at the event, who Ah Loos legal team identified as Matt Alder. It is somewhat incredible that four months have passed and theres been no official action on this matter, one of Ah Loos attorneys, Jim McConkie, said during the press conference. Police said Utah resident Arthur Folasa Ah Loo died after he was shot during the No Kings demonstration downtown Saturday night. | The family of Laura and Afa Ah Loo He noted that the state of Utah has a victims Bill of Rights, which states that victims like Laura, should have a speedy disposition of the entire criminal justice process, noting that Salt Lake City has not been cooperative in sharing information regarding their investigation into Afas death. Upon their request, McConkie said they were given a single piece of paper from the city regarding a permit with the name redacted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Does the city really expect us to believe thats all the paperwork they have on this case? Does it not make sense? Is it not reasonable they would have investigated how the permit was obtained, who was behind the permit, when and how it was determined armed security would be present, how well trained they should be, how they should cooperate with the police, and plans when violence broke out, McConkie said, adding that it was the only event across the nation that day, where a life was taken, emphasizing the demand for justice. According to police, in June, two men, including Alder, who were serving as peacekeepers at the event, both armed with handguns, reportedly confronted Arturo Gamboa, 24, who was allegedly brandishing an AR-15 style rifle. At least three shots were taken as they attempted to take down Gamboa, with one hitting Gamboa in the stomach and another fatally wounding Afa. Richard Lambert, a former head of the criminal division in the United States Attorneys Office in the state of Utah, is counsel for McConkies law firm and is helping with the case. Lambert told the Deseret News that, through investigation, evidence indicates that Gamboas rifle was not loaded and remained at his side when the peacekeepers fired shots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There should be criminal liability and responsibility on the part of Mr. Alder, Lambert said. He shouldnt have taken that shot or shots when he did that. He wasnt justified in doing it, and Mr. Gamboa, however unwise it was to walk in holding a rifle, under Utah law, thats a Second Amendment right. Richard Lambert, of counsel for Parker & McConkie and former head of the criminal division in the United States Attorneys Office in the state of Utah, talks with Laura Ah Loo, widow of Afa Ah Loo, who was killed as an innocent bystander at a No Kings rally in June, during a press conference at the Utah State Bar in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News But Mr. Alder chose to take aim at about 35 to 45 feet and fire off three shots, knowing that theres a crowd behind him, he continued. Though more information is still needed, Lambert said whats most concerning is the lack of accountability in the Salt Lake district attorneys office, headed by District Attorney Sim Gill, emphasizing that a public homicide like this should be the kind of case that is decided in days or a few weeks, not months. I know Sim Gill. I like Sim Gill, he said, I think hes been a good prosecutor. Thats why Im left just completely baffled by why this case has not proceeded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gills office, in a statement, said, We sympathize with the pain and loss suffered by the Ah Loo family. We met with them early in the process and explained that this review would take time. We have been open and available to any reach in from their counsel from our first meeting and continue to be. We are carefully working through a complex and nuanced legal analysis. We expect to reach a decision soon. During the press conference, Lambert stressed that with time, the public will forget and lose its ambitions for justice: One of the foundation principles of criminal justice is the old adage Justice delayed is justice denied. ... One of the concerns that those of us who are representing Laura have is that in the world that we have today, what happened yesterday or last week or last month fades from the public consciousness, and as it fades, the feeling of demand for justice and for accountability can also fade. McConkie said the family is hoping to get more information from the city, and that may have to come when we file a lawsuit, which I hope will happen within the next few weeks. Afghan families were kept in the dark over a major data breach, it has been claimed. The whistleblower who first alerted ministers to the leak claimed she was left uninformed about whether families she was trying to save from the Taliban were named on the leaked kill list. The woman known as Person A was an independent volunteer caseworker helping Afghans who worked with British troops to relocate to safe countries to avoid being captured and murdered by the Taliban. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said she became aware of the data leak in the summer of 2023, before sending an email to James Heappey, the former Armed Forces minister, warning him lives were at risk. It followed news that the names of some 33,000 people had been spread online after being accidentally shared by a Royal Marine in April 2022. Nearly 24,000 Afghan soldiers and their families were later secretly offered asylum after being caught up in the most serious data breach in history. It led the Government to earmark 7bn to relocate Afghan refugees to Britain over the course of five years as part of the Afghanistan Response Route (ARR). However, in new evidence to MPs, Person A said that despite raising the alarm in August 2023, she had been left in the dark over whether any of the families she was helping had been named in the data leak, potentially putting them at greater risk. British troops helped train the Afghan National Army before the country fell to the Taliban - Marco Di Lauro/Getty Images In written evidence, she added: At no point were we ever told if any of our families had been affected by the data breach, or given any indication that the ARR pathway had been implemented. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Taliban regained control of Afghanistan when Kabul fell in 2021 and claimed to have obtained the Ministry of Defence (MoD) database shortly after it was leaked in February 2022. Person A was made aware of the post and emailed Mr Heappey at 9.57am on August 15 2023, telling the minister: The Taliban may well now have a 33,000-long kill list essentially provided to them by the UK government. She added: If any of these families are murdered, the government will be liable. The Telegraph previously revealed how the caseworker had been tricked into a super-injunction after being invited to a virtual meeting by the MoD, where she was slapped with the banning order. The militant group took control of Afghanistan in 2021 - Siddiqullah Alizai/AP Photo Writing to the Commons defence select committee about it, Person A said: It was an extremely surreal and somewhat frightening experience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One minute I was hoping and expecting to be working alongside the MoD to solve the multitude of mistakes that had led to hundreds of Afghans being incorrectly rejected, and next minute Im being told Ive been served with a worlds first contra mundum super-injunction, and that if I even tell anyone Ive been served with it, Ill be going to jail. She previously told The Telegraph the decision was outrageous, adding: When I first saw the leak, we got in touch with our people and told them: If you can move, then move. But as soon as the injunction hit me, I couldnt warn any of the other cases. The independent Rimmer review, commissioned by the Defence Secretary, found it was highly unlikely that merely being on the spreadsheet would be grounds for an individual to be targeted. However, this was disputed by Afghan families and campaigners, with research submitted to the defence committee claiming 49 people had died as a result of the breach. 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. As attacks on immigrant communities continue to ramp up under the Trump administrations mass deportation campaign, Nnamdi Ihenacho is determined to combat fear by empowering his fellow immigrants with the knowledge and resources they need to succeed in the United States. Since Ihenacho, a Nigerian immigrant, founded the African Immigrant (AIM) Collective last May, they have hosted workshops on navigating cultural differences as well as professional and educational barriers. The Atlanta metro has the fourth-largest population of Black immigrants in the country, with around 200,000 people, according to Pew Research. While Black immigrants from the Caribbean still make up the largest share, the number of African-born immigrants more than tripled between 2000 and 2019. With this sizable population theres power to be exercised in both politics and business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last weekend in an office park in Tucker, AIM Collective hosted its first Advocacy and Policy Conference open to immigrants from across the African diaspora. A new level of consciousness has to arise among our people, Ihenacho told the in-person and virtual conference attendees. Now is the time to reach back out and not just lift others up, but create something that makes the system better. The conference speakers represented a range of fields including Georgia state Rep. Segun Adeyina, finance and policy adviser Bukie Faforiji, and attorneys Uzo Akpele, Olivia Mugenga, Cassandra Charles, and Johanna Leblanc. A small in-person crowd and a few dozen virtual participants heard speakers discuss some of the most prevalent challenges newer African immigrants are facing in the U.S., like having a degree that doesnt transfer, lack of credit history, and navigating American bureaucracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While immigrants, even those with legal status, find themselves at risk of detention or deportation, Black immigrants are facing a unique challenge because of how race impacts their relationship to police and the courts. An analysis of federal data by the Black Alliance for Just Immigration found that the average immigrant with a criminal record has a 45% chance of being deported, but Black immigrants with a criminal conviction have a 76% chance of facing deportation. For immigrants from the Caribbean, it is 83%. Nana Gyamfi, BAJIs executive director, spoke from her home in California about the importance of civic engagement for Black immigrants to create change. The goal of [our work] is so that when its time to fight against 287(g) in Atlanta [the partnership between ICE and local law enforcement], to fight against the Cop Cities, to fight for resources for our people so that we can live that we have built the narrative, the relationships, and the vehicle to be able to fight those things and to block whatever is negative and to build whatever it is that we need to build, Gyamfi said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One way to effect change in these areas, according to conference participants, is through political influence. Leblanc, a Haitian American attorney and national security expert from Washington, D.C., highlighted the need for African immigrants and members of the African diaspora who have legal status and economic power to get involved in policy and decision-making. We cannot negate how vitally important it is for the diaspora to be fully and economically empowered in order to influence and shape policies domestically that will impact the African continent and other parts of the world where you have a great number of people of African descent, Leblanc said. Moving forward, Ihenacho said AIM Collective will continue to work on mobilizing immigrants to create opportunities and pathways for change. He said their next plan is to launch a six-week leadership and civic engagement program to teach the next generation of African immigrants how to get a foot into the policy-making world. The next step in our chapter must be written with purpose, with our voices at the table and our values guiding the way, he said. Read More About Immigration Issues in Atlanta The post How African Immigrants in Georgia Are Turning Solidarity Into Political Power appeared first on Capital B News - Atlanta. (COLORADO) Colorado Attorney General (AG) Phil Weiser has filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trumps administration over the decision to move the U.S. Space Command Headquarters. According to AG Phil Weiser, President Trumps announcement in September to move the U.S. Command from Colorado Springs to Alabama to punish Colorado for its vote-by-mail system is unconstitutional and violates federal law requiring public notices and reports to Congress before moving a major military headquarters location. In September, President Trump said the decision to move Space Command was partially influenced by mail-in voting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RELATED COVERAGE: Trump announces that Space Command is moving from Colorado to Alabama The problem with Colorado is that they have a very corrupt voting system, President Trump said at the time. The president could not have been clearer about his motivations for moving Space Command. He said Colorados mail-in voting system was a big factor in his decision-making. The Constitution does not permit the Executive Branch to punish or retaliate against states for lawfully exercising powers reserved for them, such as the power to regulate elections. If we dont take a stand now against this unconstitutional and unlawful decision, Colorado and other states that use mail-in voting will face further pressure or punishment unless they give up their constitutional authority, said AG Weiser. According to AG Weiser, the U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly affirmed that the states alone have the power to regulate elections for president and state and local offices under the Tenth Amendment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the Constitution gives Congress certain powers to regulate the time and manner for electing senators and representatives, it does not provide the president and the Executive Branch with any such authority. The presidents decision to punish Colorado for its mail-in voting system, therefore, violates both federalism and separation-of-powers principles, said AG Weiser The lawsuit also states the Supreme Court has long recognized that the Constitution prohibits the use of retaliation, punishment, or other coercive action in response to the exercise of a constitutional right or power. State Sen. Marc Snyder of El Paso County said: Trumps political decision to tear Space Command HQ from Colorado based on his dislike of our states voting laws is not only the height of lawlessness, but it throws hundreds of El Paso County residents dedicated defense employees and their families into a state of great uncertainty. These families are our neighbors, and Trumps decision to use them in a game of cynical politics is both callous and wrong. This action brought by Attorney General Weiser does right by those families, and I look forward to the courts adjudication of this issue. AG Weiser is seeking a court order declaring that the presidents decision to move Space Command is unconstitutional and unlawful, and an injunction prohibiting the Trump administration from taking further action to move the facility based on the illegal decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 FOX21 News Colorado. WASHINGTON Some of President Donald Trumps aides have advised him against shifting the U.S. position on independence for Taiwan to favor China, according to four people with knowledge of the discussions, ahead of his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping this week. The aides have privately expressed concern that Trump, who is pushing to reach a sweeping trade deal with China, may choose to ignore their advice, the people with knowledge of the discussions said. They said they worry that Trump could walk away from long-standing U.S. policy on Taiwan or more subtly shift the U.S. position by framing it with new language. Everyone is holding their breath, one of the people with knowledge of the discussions said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Follow live updates here. Administration officials have told Trump to expect Xi to seek a public declaration from him that the United States opposes Taiwans independence, the people with knowledge of the discussions said. Xi has for months pushed for a shift in the U.S. position on Taiwan from the current one, which is that the United States does not support its independence, to saying the United States opposes it. While many Americans might see that as a different way of saying the same thing, were Trump to say the United States opposes Taiwans independence or even that independence is not a good idea at this time, it would send shock waves across Asia and be seen as a huge gift to Xi. Openly expressing opposition to Taiwans independence would be seen as moving the United States from a neutral position on the issue to clearly standing on the side of China. For decades, U.S. administrations have adopted a policy of strategic ambiguity toward Taiwan, known as the One China policy, and presidents have taken the public position of not supporting its independence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A White House official told NBC News: President Trump has repeatedly affirmed that his Taiwan policy has not changed. President Trump leads on all foreign policy he always puts forward deals that put the American people first. Asked what the Trump administrations policy on Taiwans independence was, a senior State Department official said, The policy on Taiwan hasnt changed one bit. Its as consistent as its been for decades, the official said Monday. China sees democratic and self-ruled Taiwan as a breakaway province that must be reunited with the mainland by military force if necessary. Taipei rejects Beijings claims of sovereignty and seeks to maintain its de facto independence even if it is not formally recognized by most countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Taiwan question is at the core of Chinas core interests, and the first red line that cannot be crossed in China-US relations, Chinese Embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu said by email when he was asked for comment. There is but one China in the world, Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinas territory. This is a consensus of the international community and a political commitment made by the U.S. to China, Liu said. Taiwanese officials are also uneasy about the upcoming Trump-Xi meeting and have expressed their own concerns to State Department officials that Trump could abandon Taiwan to secure a win from the meeting, one of the people familiar with the discussions said. Asked by reporters about Taiwans apprehension, Secretary of State Marco Rubio brushed the concerns aside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What people are worried about is were going to get some trade deal where were going to get favorable treatment on trade in exchange for walking away from Taiwan, Rubio said Saturday en route to Asia for this weeks meetings. No one is contemplating that. Taiwans Foreign Affairs Ministry took to social media soon after, expressing its appreciation to Rubio for reaffirming no one is contemplating walking away from Taiwan. Abigail Williams, Courtney Kube, Carol E. Lee and Monica Alba reported from Washington and Katherine Doyle from Tokyo. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com More authors will lean on AI to spark creativity and beat writers block, the boss of Harry Potter publisher Bloomsbury has said. Nigel Newton, the publishers founder and chief executive, said the technology can support almost all of the creative arts but that it would not have the power to replace big names. I think AI will probably help creativity, because it will enable the eight billion people on the planet to get started on some creative area where they might have hesitated to take the first step, he told the PA news agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He used the example of writers block, saying: AI gets them going and writes the first paragraph, or first chapter, and gets them back in the zone. And it can do similar things with painting and music composition and with almost all of the creative arts. Newton, who signed JK Rowling to the publisher in the 1990s, acknowledged concerns that AI could be used to write entire books, saying that would be a problem. But he stressed that, ultimately, readers want to read books penned by well-known writers. We are programmed deep in our DNA to be comforted by the authority and the reliability of big brand names, and that applies more than ever to the names of big writers, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There will be some shoddy content out there so people will turn increasingly to sources of authority for reassurance that they will spend hours reading something good, the chief executive said. Bloomsburys sales have been boosted in recent years by a handful of best-selling authors, namely fantasy writer Sarah J Maas. Her series, including "A Court of Thorns And Roses," has sold millions of copies around the world, and she had been described by Bloomsbury as a publishing phenomenon. The Harry Potter franchise also remains a bestseller for the publisher, 28 years since the first book was published. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newton said Gen Z readers were driving a resurgence for physical books, with Maass series an example of those that have been popularised by social media. I guess its a reaction to the pixelated world that we live in, he told PA. People want a thing of beauty that they can hang onto its human instinct. The bookshelf is an important part of many homes its all part of a museum of your own mind and your own journey as a reader. Trends such BookTok on video sharing app TikTok and influencers on Instagram sharing their favourite titles have helped attract a new cohort of younger readers. Bloomsbury revealed sales of 160 million over the first half of 2025, slightly lower than the 180 million made in the same period last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, it hailed its first AI licencing deal which will allow it to sell academic works to train up generative AI programmes. Newton stressed that Bloomsburys authors will have the opportunity to opt-in to the scheme and will be paid royalties if they decide to let their work be used adding that many of its authors have indicated a willingness to take part. He has previously warned that the work of publishers and authors must be protected from being used for AI training without their permission. Members of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association handed out flyers Tuesday at Philadelphia International Airport, warning travelers about the growing risks to aviation safety as the government shutdown continues. The union says controllers missed their first full paycheck this week and are urging passengers to pressure lawmakers to reopen the government. "Every day that this shutdown drags on is going to add an element of safety risk into the national airspace system," said Charles Jacques of NATCA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RELATED: Flight delays become more common as air traffic controllers go without pay during shutdown Jacques said the financial strain is compounding the already high-stress nature of the job, with controllers now distracted by missed pay and mounting bills. "I now have people coming to work every day not receiving a paycheck, now wondering, 'How am I going to pay my bills?'" he said. Travelers expressed concern over the situation. "There's a lot of concern; safety obviously is number one and paramount. And people need to eat - the holidays are coming," said Jo Ellen Roder of Bayville, New Jersey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ALSO SEE: Food distribution event held at Newark Airport for TSA employees, air traffic controllers Transportation Security Administration workers are also feeling the pressure. TSA Union President Joe Shaker said employees are struggling to afford child care, gas, and tolls just to get to work. "On a scale of one to 10, it's probably negative two," Shaker said. "They're going to come to work until they can't. Simple as that. Until they are faced with a choice of, 'I gotta stay home with my children,' or 'I don't have gas for my car.'" CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Federal transportation officials are working to educate the public about the impacts of the ongoing government shutdown. Tuesday marks the first missed paycheck for air traffic controllers required to still work. Employees at nearly 20 airports across the country are speaking with travelers to explain the risk the shutdown poses to the countrys aviation system. Isolated flight delays may spread as air traffic controllers go without pay during shutdown Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lot of people are just worried about how its going to affect flying, the holiday travel season, said one Charlotte-based air traffic controller. We are going to show up, we are here to serve the public. In the back of your mind, you think how are you going to pay your bills, how are you going to put gas in your car. Its additional stress that you dont need. The Associated Press reports the number of controllers calling in sick has increased during the shutdown as many need the time off to work second jobs instead of continuing to work six days a week like many of them routinely do. 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. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy joined local and national leadership of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association at LaGuardia Airport on Tuesday, calling for controllers pay to resume and warning of future delays amid the nearly monthlong shutdown of the federal government. We all know what the issues are. Rent is due in a few days, NATCA President Nick Daniels told reporters Tuesday. We are the rope in this tug-of-war game. We see the texts, we see the messages from our air traffic controllers, day in and day out, saying, Im taking a side job. How do I deal with child care? Can I bring my child to work today with me?' Daniels said. Its completely unacceptable, completely unfair and doesnt put them in any kind of position to serve the American people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the pressure mounts, as the stress continues, our controllers are thinking about how to have a side job instead of about safety, instead of about the flying public, he continued. The only way to keep it safe is by slowing the number of flights in the air that they contend with. As previously reported by the Daily News, air traffic controller shortages and outdated equipment have already played havoc with regional air travel this year. Daniels said a lack of pay only adds to an already strained system. Were 3,800 certified professional controllers short, he said of the nationwide problem. There were a multitude of delays before this shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We had hundreds of ATC Zero events where we have to shut down a facility at hundreds of FAA facilities prior to the shutdown, he added. Thats in 2025 alone. Speaking alongside the union leaders, Duffy said it remains safe to fly. As for the ongoing shutdown, he pointed the finger at Democrats, who President Trump has demanded reopen the government before hell negotiate with them on health care funding. When asked if he had any message for Trump or the Democratic Party, Daniels, for his part, said he would leave politics to the politicians. But he said Americans should call all their elected officials and demand they end the shutdown, end it today. We have great men and women who run our facilities that, if they dont have the right staffing levels, or they have distractions in towers, they will slow down the landings and departures in different airports across the country, Duffy said. What that means for the American people is more delays or cancellations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While many federal workers have been furloughed since the government shutdown began on Oct. 1, the Federal Aviation Administrations air traffic controllers are among those who have been deemed essential and required to work without pay. The Trump administration has continued paying Department of Homeland Security officers, including air marshals, ICE deportation agents, Secret Service agents and Customs and Border Patrol officers, during the shutdown. The President has also said he will pay FBI agents and military service members, though as of Tuesday the details were still in flux. Meanwhile, Joe Segretto, an air traffic controller and NATCA representative whos worked at the New York TRACON facility in Nassau County for 18 years, said hes been having tough conversations with his young children now that hes not getting paid. You save money for a rainy day, but you do have things in life, like your mortgage is No. 1, you start defaulting on your mortgage, Segretto said when asked about the sacrifices controllers were making. Feeding your children, feeding yourself, paying for gas to get to work if your spouse is at work, how do we pay for child care? There are sacrifices everybodys going to make, he continued. As the days go on, it gets worse and worse and worse. _____ Flight delays and cancellations are surging around the country as a result of staff shortages in airports as the government shutdown stretches on, causing thousands of air traffic controllers to work without pay. Roughly 11,000 air traffic controllers missed paychecks amounting to two weeks of compensation on Tuesday, marking the first time theyve gone entirely unpaid since the shutdown began on Oct. 1. Controllers, who have been deemed essential employees during the shutdown, are required to continue working even without wages. Many of our controllers can make it without this first paycheck. Theyve been in the job 10, 15, 20 years; theyve planned for days like this, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said at a news conference at LaGuardia Airport on Tuesday. He acknowledged, however, that almost every controller cant make it two paychecks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: How Long Will the Trump Administration Be Able to Pay the Troops Amid the Shutdown? Duffy insisted flying remains safe."Oftentimes I'm asked, is the airspace safe? Is it safe to fly? And I will tell you that, yes, it is as safe today as it was two months ago. It's safe, he said. But he warned that there will likely be more delays if the shutdown continues. Thousands of flights traveling within the U.S. are already suffering delays each day. There were over 2,700 delays impacting flights within, into or out of the U.S. on Wednesday as of late afternoon on the East Coast, with more than 125 being cancelled. On Sunday, there were nearly 9,000 delays, and 193 cancellations. Flights leaving Los Angeles International Airport were stopped briefly that day due to staff shortages at a Southern California air traffic facility, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Out of 25 controllers, 11 called in sick, Duffy said. Delays due to staffing were also reported in Chicago, Washington D.C., and New Jersey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of all the flight delays on Sunday, 44% were due to air traffic controller staffing shortages, according to Duffy; on Monday, the share was 25%. Thats a significant jump from prior months: So far this year, only 5% of delays were due to air traffic controllers. Air traffic controllers received a partial paycheck on Oct. 14 for work performed before the shutdown began on Oct. 1, before receiving $0 paychecks on Tuesday. Hundreds have resorted to seeking additional work to make ends meet as they go without pay during the shutdown, like waiting tables or doing gig work for companies such as DoorDash and Uber. Controllers have also increasingly called in sick in recent weeks, Duffy said in a Sunday interview on Fox News, which he said has led to thousands of flight delays and hundreds more cancellations. Read more: A Man-Made Disaster: Food Banks and Experts Issue Grave Warning as SNAP Benefits Set to Run Out Amid Government Shutdown Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They should never work a side job, that they should never get off a night shift and then go wait tables, said Nick Daniels, president of National Air Traffic Controllers Association, at the news conference. Americas air traffic controllers are now having to focus on how they put gas in the car, how do they take care of their children, how do they pay for child care, Daniels said. That makes the system less safe. Roughly 50,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees also missed their first paycheck on Tuesday, and are also required to keep working. Both TSA workers and air traffic controllers are among the federal workers considered essential for their role in maintaining public safety, along with certain military and law enforcement personnel, among others. Contact us at letters@time.com. Authorities at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh, recently intercepted a smuggling shipment of over 900 turtles en route to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. What's happening? According to Bangladesh's bdnews24, the smuggler in question Mohammad Shaukat Ali Bhuiyan attempted to flee when airport staff detected the presence of turtle-like objects in his luggage. Upon discovering 145 star tortoises and 780 Indian roofed turtles trapped inside two suitcases, various authorities were called in, including the Forest Department, the Wildlife and Nature Conservation Department, and airport security personnel. The turtles were ultimately placed in the Forest Department's custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is a serious punishable offense A regular case has been filed with the Airport Police Station and efforts are underway to arrest Shaukat Ali Bhuiyan," Forest Department Inspector Abdullah As Sadiq reported. Why is wildlife smuggling concerning? Second only to habitat destruction, illegal smuggling poses one of the most significant threats to biodiversity, according to the International Fund for Animal Welfare. Animals subject to trafficking tend to find themselves in uncomfortable, painful, and even deadly transport conditions, often crammed into tight spaces to remain as inconspicuous as possible. In many cases, they wind up in a hostile or unsuitable environment after their forcible displacement. Bringing wildlife into unfamiliar territory can introduce invasive species that have the potential to outcompete native species for natural resources and cause ecological imbalance. Furthermore, invasive species can impose a financial burden on top of their environmental impacts, costing governments worldwide more than $400 billion each year. What's being done about illegal wildlife dealings? Enforcing strict regulations on wildlife trafficking on a case-by-case basis ensures that animals involved are intercepted and properly treated, and helps deter smuggling altogether. The man responsible for the Bangladesh turtles, for instance, is facing charges while the rescued reptiles recuperate under government care, per bdnews24. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, maintaining or even increasing protections for species at risk of trafficking particularly those already classified as threatened or endangered is essential to mitigating these acts in the long term. 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. HUNTSVILLE, Ala (WHNT) Millions rely on food assistance each month, and with the government shutdown still in place, food stamps will soon run dry. We issue to 750,000 Alabamians each month, and around $142 million of that will not be available to those SNAP recipients in the month of November, Brandon Hardin, SNAP Director for Alabama, said. Need food assistance? Organizations across North Alabama gearing up to help Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the USDA notified them of the upcoming suspension last Friday. He said starting November 1, new money will no longer be uploaded onto your EBT card, but if you have money left over from previous months, you can still use it. Hardin explains there is a nine-month window from the last time you use the card. Despite the halt in assistance, Hardin said its crucial to continue filling out the required paperwork, and people should still apply for assistance as needed. We just encourage them to continue to submit whatever paperwork that is necessary to continue their certifications, he said. Also, if they feel like they need to apply, go ahead and apply, so we can get those benefits out as soon as possible as soon as the shutdown is lifted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alabama lawmakers in Washington also weighed in on the effects of SNAP benefits during the government shutdown. Senator Katie Britt said shes attempting to protect SNAP benefits as she backs the Keep SNAP Funded Act. Get breaking news, traffic and weather alerts directly to your smartphone. Download the News 19 App Senator Tommy Tuberville said he hopes democrats will join him in voting to reopen the government. Congressman Robert Aderholt said that Americans shouldnt wonder how they will put food on the table as a result of partisan disagreement. He provided News 19 with this statement: Food assistance benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will lapse on November 1 simply because Washington cant keep the government open. This failure is completely avoidable. Working families should never be used as leverage in partisan battles. If Democrats wish to open discussions about Affordable Care Act subsidies, I say lets do that but lets keep the government running while we talk. Lets not shut down vital services and leave millions of Americans wondering how theyll put food on the table. Congressman Robert Aderholt Hardin said DHR is also looking to see a solution in the near future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our hope is that a resolution happens very soon so that individuals who are low income individuals and those that are senior and children can get these benefits as soon as possible, he 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 WHNT.com. Federal authorities have arrested an Alabama father and son accused of attempting to smuggle more than 300 firearms to Mexico through the Laredo Port of Entry, the Department of Justice announced. The massive weapons seizure highlights ongoing federal efforts to disrupt cartel supply chains amid heightened border enforcement under the Trump administration. Emilio Ramirez Cortes, 48, a Mexican citizen with legal U.S. residency, and his son, Edgar Emilio Ramirez Diaz, face federal smuggling and trafficking charges. Both men appeared in Laredo federal court and remain in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for October 31. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said the pair were stopped on October 23 while driving separate vehicles towing enclosed white utility trailers with false walls concealing weapons. Investigators reportedly found hundreds of rifles, pistols, ammunition, and magazines hidden inside both trailers. Disrupting the illegal flow of weapons into Mexico is a key part of our whole-of-government approach to dismantling the cartels, said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. This significant seizure represents our commitment to protecting Americans from brutal cartel violence. Those that illegally traffic guns to Mexico empower cartels to terrorize the innocent, added U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. This seizure of an immense quantity of firearms illustrates the Southern District of Texass full-spectrum approach to fighting the cartels. Court records indicate the men allegedly smuggled weapons for payment on multiple occasions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case falls under Operation Take Back America, a Justice Department initiative targeting cartels and transnational criminal organizations. Multiple federal agencies collaborated on the investigation, including ICEHomeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Customs and Border Protection. If convicted, the defendants face significant federal prison time for the weapons-trafficking charges. According to the DOJ, a criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and both men are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) Alabama Public Television Executive Director Wayne Reid confirmed to CBS 42 that the possibility of severing ties with PBS was discussed at a Alabama Educational Television Commission meeting Tuesday. Reid said no financial decision was made. A special meeting was scheduled to discuss the issue Nov. 18. Reid said the commission is looking at what other alternative programming is available and what the financial ramifications of such a move would be. Reid said at least 80% of its programming comes from PBS, including Sesame Street. The discussion follows the recent loss of over $2.8 million in grant funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting after the Trump administration rescinded federal funding from the CPB. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the loss of federal funding, the Alabama Educational Television Commission, the governing body of APT, is debating whether to continue acquiring PBS programming, a statement from APT reads. They would certainly be interested in hearing from APT viewers. Please share your thoughts by emailing mail to: comments@aptv.org. Birmingham restaurant owner fed up after building damaged for fifth time in less than 2 years Johnny Curry is an APT Foundation board member who was at the public meeting. He confirmed the topic was not on the agenda for the meeting. Curry said commissioner Les Barnett, of Mobile, who attended the meeting via Zoom, is the one who brought up the topic of severing the relationship between APT and PBS. Around 90% of all of APT programming comes from PBS, according to Curry, including childrens programming Sesame Street, Mister Rogers Neighborhood and Daniel Tigers Neighborhood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Curry said APTs mission is to provide educational services to school children. He said he is open to changing APTs relationship with PBS. Curry said it pays a fee to carry PBS programming. Curry would like to see APT to have the option of picking and choosing what programming it purchases. He said the current contract with PBS expires June 30. If APT and PBS were to part ways, the educational network would be the first in the country to do so. 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. Wayne Reid, the executive director of Alabama Public Television, speaks at the Alabama Educational Television Commission meeting on October 28 2025, in Birmingham, Alabama. Reid said APT could possibly stop all PBS programming on the network (Andrea Tinker/Alabama Reflector) BIRMINGHAM The director of Alabama Public Television (APT) said Tuesday that the outlet could drop PBS programming in the future. Wayne Reid, executive director of APT, said two commissioners on the Alabama Educational Television Commission, Les Barnett and Ferris Stephens, brought the idea of fully separating from PBS after the Trump administration this summer slashed funding to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CBP), which funded public broadcasting around the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commissioners at the meeting were split over the proposal. And because APT remains in a contract with PBS and other obstacles, Reid said the split may not happen. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Youre going to have to redo our websites, redo our media library, because thats all supported by PBS. Now, the traffic system is really set up for PBS, Reid told commissioners. CBP faced a $1.1 billion budget in July after Congress approved House Resolution 4. In 2023, APT reported that it received $2.4 million from CBP. The budget cuts also meant that APT would have to cut NPR programming for WLRH in Huntsville. While APT has local coverage, NPR and PBS provided national coverage to the network through programs like PBS NewsHour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commissioner Bebe Williams said she thought cutting all PBS programming wasnt the correct move for the network. When you cut off all the programming that we do, youre cutting off so many programs I watch. And the people that pay money for what they want and were going to have to have the membership in order to be able to afford things, Williams said. Williams said the network should keep the childrens programming and Masterpiece, which broadcasts prestige dramas like Downton Abbey, Sherlock and Prime Suspect. Board member Johnny Curry agreed that cutting all PBS programming would be detrimental to APT due to the amount of content the network gets from PBS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You have to be very careful about deciding whether to sever that relationship, because its my understanding that 90% of the programs that this network broadcasts come through and from PBS, Curry said. If you sever that relationship, and Im not saying you should or shouldnt, but if you sever it, you gotta come up with 90% of your programming to replace, and that includes all of the educational programming the children watch during the day, which is the main mission of this institution, Board Member Johnny Curry said. Commissioner Pete Conroy spoke in support of keeping PBS programming. This morning in Hoover, there was a church school, and every single morning, these six and seven year olds watch Daniel Tiger[s Neighborhood] before the bell rings. And thats 300 moms that were going to have to talk to, because that would just be gone, he said to the commission. Commissioners William Green Jr., who joined the meeting via Zoom, and Les Barnett said APT should move away from PBS programming altogether. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PBS right now carries a negative connotation, and theres no telling what they will do, how they will do it, and then if they make a statement or move a certain way, APT is going to be thrown in with them, Green said. Barnett said funding PBS isnt something hes interested in continuing to do. Even if the federal Corporation for Public Broadcasting money came back in, I still dont understand PBS. PBS has made themselves an atma to the President and a sizable chunk of the state legislature, and probably a sizable chunk of the 65% of people voted for Trump, and Im one of those people in both categories, he said. I just, I dont want to fund it, PBS has made themselves the enemy of what I stand with, and so I do not like them, and I dont follow the philosophy of feeding the beast. Jack Williams, APTs external affairs director, said he was given no indication that PBS programming should be dropped by state officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The conversation is kind of focused around How do we how do we help you guys, since youve lost federal funding, and were looking to do what we can this year, because in [20]27 theres concern that the state may have to dip into the reserve funds for the first time since 2009 [or] 2010, he said to the board. Williams also mentioned to the commission that taking away PBS programming could impact school aged children. There are [5,800] fewer children in public schools today than there were last year, and many of them were, as evidenced by Waynes slide, using the resources of the Learning Media Center, and that will go away, he said to commissioners. PBS LearningMedia offers free educational materials for K-12 students and educators. Data presented at the meeting showed that PBS LearningMedia had over 50,000 quarterly users and over 322,000 quarterly streams on videos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Public comments about PBS programming being dropped can be sent to comments@aptv.org. A vote to decide whether to maintain programming will happen Nov. 18. Edited at 9:43 a.m. to clarify that commissioners brought the idea of separating from PBS to Reid which was then brought to the board and add the public comment email. "Our fence stands right by the field at the doorstep. She painted blue skies, white clouds, and flowers, and I wove them stitch by stitch into the fence." In the cheerful laughter of Zhang Fazhi, a villager of Shadun Village, memories spill like sunlight across the old bluestone pavement in front of her century-old brick house. This home, bearing over a hundred years of history, has witnessed her family's journey through hardship and joy, and has become one of the most touching chapters in the "Family Letter Project." In 2024, guided by the Wuhu Municipal Committee of Social Work and implemented by the Wanzhi District Xinghe Social Work Development Center, Shadun Village officially launched the "Home and Hometown: Co-creating a New Portrait of Shadun Governance" project. This initiative was supported by the 2024 Citywide Grassroots Governance Public Service Project Fund. As a key component of the project, the "Family Letter Project" aims to document the village's transformation through oral family letters narrated by villagers, preserving stories of rural change, passing down family values, and revitalizing cultural confidence at the grassroots level. These are no ordinary lettersthey are living histories and village annals rooted in the land. Each letter is written for "future generations" and left for "the village of tomorrow." In Zhang Fazhi's family letter, she shares the joy of moving from a muddy cottage into a two-story brick house, the pride of having contributed land to build village roads, and the warmth of gathering around the dining table with her family of 13. "In the past, we relied on our own hands to farm the land. Now, our children are building their lives away from home, while we stay here, guarding not just our family, but also the roots of Shadun." The village's "barefoot doctor," Xi Zhenggen, also poured his life story into a family letter. From beginning his service in 1971 until his retirement in 2011, he made his daily rounds without fail, rain or shine. For forty years, he guarded the villagers' health with "an acupuncture needle and a handful of medicinal herbs." His simple words"Medicine relies on study, but even more on dedication"have deeply moved countless readers. Now retired, he has turned to creating farmers' paintings, and in 2023, he participated as a representative in an exhibition in Macao, continuing to tell rural stories through his brush. The family letter of villager Xi Juren, meanwhile, reads like poetry rooted deep in the soil. He began farming at age 12, and eventually built his own house in 1992. Later, he voluntarily gave up his land to support the village's "Beautiful Countryside" initiative, contributing to the construction of a public clinic and roads. "Farming requires foresightprepare in good years for lean ones. Giving up a piece of land for the village is no loss," he said. Story by story, the people of Shadun have woven a rich tapestry of rural governance. These family letters do more than record individual livesthey connect the dots between village development and the broader currents of history. "We found that many elders aren't comfortable telling their stories on camera, but with pen and paper, they write, they speak, they remember," said Dong Huiqin, head of the Wanzhi District Xinghe Social Work Development Center. "The heart of the Family Letter Project isn't literary flairit's authenticity. It's the simplest language and the most genuine emotions that carry the greatest legacy." The project team delved into the life memories of Shadun villagers through systematic interviews, the collection of historical objects, and the documentation of family stories. Each family letter will be adapted into both digital and physical formats for dissemination, with selected letters from representative figures being compiled into the book "Shadun Memories", which will also serve as a permanent exhibition resource in the village history museum. As one villager wrote in a family letter: "May you journey far, yet always remember your way home." In letter after letter, Shadun's Family Letter Project gently unfolds the warmth of "home," the memories of "hometown," and the wisdom of "governance," inscribing them into a new chapter of rural governance for the new era. Source: anhuinews.com MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) Alabama Senate Democrats sent a letter to Gov. Kay Ivey on Monday asking for her to call a special session. The SNAP food assistance program is set to shut down Saturday. Until the federal government reopens, some leaders said the state can help provide those food benefits. The food bank is certainly treating this almost as a disaster, said Nicole Williams, CEO of the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Williams said the disaster of a government shutdown is causing a massive strain. With the holidays coming up and people possibly going without food assistance, she said her food bank will have to stretch to meet the needs of families. We are working to make sure people know where to find food and access it near where they live, Williams said. Thats why Senate Democrats are calling for help on the state level. In their letter to the governor, leaders said reserve funds can be used to prevent a lapse in assistance caused by the government shutdown. Synagogue attack plot foiled in Alabama: 1 arrested, weapons seized, officials say Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Sen. Robert Stewart, D-Selma, described the suspension of SNAP benefits as an emergency. He explained how the lapse would not only harm recipients, but also businesses who rely on the revenue made from SNAP purchases. If we can help them get through these next couple months, it is a worthwhileit is always a worthwhile causeto keep our economy going, Stewart said. State Rep. Mack Butler, R-Rainbow City, agreed that no one should go hungry. While hes confident the government will open before Saturday, Butler said both parties in Congress need to resolve their differences. This nonsense really needs to stop, Butler said. With a couple of easy bills, I think you could stop it. Literally, they cant run for reelection, or they dont get paid either Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the state level, Stewart said lawmakers can work together to find a solution. Charity is good, but charity does not and should not replace a government that works for the people, Stewart said. So I want to reiterate how we need to come together and work and come up with a solution to work for Alabamians. Gina Maiola with the governors office said in a statement that Ivey has no plans to call a special session. As Alabama DHR noted, SNAP benefits are 100% federally funded, and therefore, U.S. Food and Nutrition Services controls the issuance of these benefits on EBT cards, the statement reads. While the state does not have extra money to do Congress job, Governor Ivey hopes to see U.S. Senate Democrats get on board to reopen the federal government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Alabama Department of Human Resources Commissioner Nancy Buckner presenting at the joint legislative budget hearings on Aug. 26, 2025, in the Alabama State House in Montgomery, Alabama. More than 726,000 Alabamians will lose food assistance starting Saturday after the benefits were suspended by the federal government. (Anna Barrett/Alabama Reflector) Recipients and those in need of food assistance should still submit applications and other documentation, even though the assistance will not be distributed starting Saturday. The Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) announced Monday that benefits for the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) will be suspended for November. However, Alabama SNAP Director Brandon Hardin said in an interview Tuesday that everything will be business as usual on the administrative side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We know this is a trying time for all these individuals, and well continue to press forward and react as soon as we can to any information that we get from USDA, Hardin said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The suspension of the 100% federally-funded program came on the 26th day of the government shutdown. DHR was notified of the suspension by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (USDA) on Friday evening. The 726,500 Alabamians affected represent nearly 15% of the state population. Of that, about 44% are children, according to DHR. DHR encouraged SNAP recipients to reach out to local food banks for supplemental assistance. Hardin said Tuesday that it is not possible for food banks and other similar organizations to completely cover the $142 million monthly cost of SNAP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SNAP is meant to be supplemental, but there is no way that the food banks can cover this, Hardin said. Theres no way a food bank could cover that. Hardin and Kathryn Shoupe, the director of communications for DHR, said local DHR offices will be able to connect SNAP recipients with churches, charities and other organizations. Thats going to be the best avenue for them to to know those resources that are available. Our county DHR directors are going to know the organizations in their communities, the churches, the food pantries, things like that, that are going to be close to their home in their county, Shoupe said. A SNAP recipient gets $6 per day per month to buy groceries. Hardin said that most recipients spend that money in the first half of the month. He encouraged recipients to use any leftover benefits they have in November. He said benefits are good to use for nine months after its last use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), Alabama officials were aware that federal funding for SNAP would reduce in fiscal year 2027, increasing the states share. According to estimates in August, the federal cuts to the program would increase DHRs budget request by $35 million in FY27 and $208 million in FY28 when the state is responsible for 10% of SNAP benefits. The federal government shutdown is a dispute over health care. Republicans in Congress lack the votes to overcome a budget filibuster. Democrats say they want a bipartisan agreement to extend subsidies for Affordable Care Act plans. Republicans said they wont negotiate that until a stopgap spending bill is passed. Alaska Airlines said Wednesday a global Microsoft Azure outage has disrupted several of its key systems, including its website and online check-in services. The airline said the issue also affects Hawaiian Airlines and other companies that rely on Microsofts cloud-based platform. Long lines and frustration, said Jamie from Tacoma, describing the scene at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport as Alaska Airlines passengers faced delays. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, Alaska said it is working in coordination with our technology partners to restore service as quickly as possible. Alaska Airlines passengers experienced long waits and anxiety as they scrambled to get boarding passes printed due to the inability to check in online. Marti, a passenger flying to Tucson, reported being in line for about an hour and a half, expressing concern over potentially missing her flight. This marks the second outage problem for Alaska Airlines in a week, with a spokesperson attributing the issue to the global Microsoft Azure outage. Cyber experts, like Dave Henderson, CEO of Cyber Steams, emphasize the need for robust systems to manage complex operations, noting the ripple effects such outages can cause. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alaska is advising passengers to arrive early and see an airport agent for a boarding pass while systems remain down. The airline also asked customers to allow for some extra time in the lobby as staff members assist travelers manually. Alaska apologized for the inconvenience, thanking customers for their patience as we navigate this issue. Oct. 28Albuquerque Public Schools packed one of its training complexes Tuesday morning as the largest district in New Mexico looks to grow a new initiative and seeks community input to help guide coming decisions on its rollout and implementation. The "Academies of Albuquerque" was launched this year at three high schools Cibola, Highland and Manzano as a framework to help students determine what career field they're interested in and provide professional training before they enter college or the workforce. Superintendent Gabriella Blakey told the Journal on Tuesday that the district hopes to expand the program to all high schools in the next four years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think some of the early responses we've seen is students feeling connected to an adult at school, the other students at school," she said. "I think in working that community with our students as freshmen entering, which is where we usually see students kind of start to check out, has really started to give us some early results that students feel an increased sense of belonging and purpose in school." The district has partnered with the local chapter of the United Way, which is seeking donors to raise $500,000 over the next five years to subsidize the initiative. "The community is really coming together to support our work with our students. I think it's very important that we see it as a community, and not as schools versus the community," Blakey said. "I think that partnership is really important to move work forward. In general, I always talk about how I want our students to have a sense of pride in how the community talks about them." She said that not many concerns have come out of the three schools where the program launched, but the district is working out the kinks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, teachers have not received much instruction about what the goals of the academies are and how curriculum should be tailored, according to Derek Villanueva, a social studies teacher and union representative for Manzano High School. "Teachers are racking their brains trying to figure out what this academy thing is," he said. "They think there's a lot of potential, but they're starting to be a little bit disenchanted with it." Villanueva's concerns were echoed by Sean Thomas, executive vice president of the teacher's union and a teacher at Eldorado High School. "I'm coming from a school that's just down the street from Manzano, and they're saying we're going to this academy model starting next year," Thomas said. "Nobody knows what this means, nobody knows what it's built around, nobody knows what the goals of it are. We can't even really backwards plan, because we don't know what the ultimate aim is." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those in attendance at the Berna Facio Professional Development Center in the Northeast Heights included stakeholders in the business community, parents, students and district staff. United Way counted 245 attendees. In addition to activities where they got to discuss what career paths they wanted to see provided at the academies, attendees heard from a number of speakers, including APS leadership, United Way members, the county manager and Mayor Tim Keller. Keller spoke about the city's issue with attracting companies and expressed a hope that APS' academies program could change that. "Our biggest challenge when companies move here or when they want to come here is workforce," Keller said. "It's just actually really deep and structural, and it's really, really hard to fix." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The focus on workforce development from Keller and other speakers did not sit well with all in attendance particularly, teachers' union members. "If the ultimate aim is what they said today in this meeting, I have problems with it, because basically everything was about producing workers, producing workers, producing workers," Thomas said. "Education is a much more holistic process than that." Longtime president of the teachers' union, Ellen Bernstein, also expressed optimism that the initiative could engage students in learning and hoped that the district's goal wasn't centered around the workforce. "We are choosing to trust that the administration of APS understands that this isn't an effort to produce workers," she said. "It's an effort to make sure that our education is student-centered, that students have a chance to explore their own interests and apply what they're learning in a variety of ways." A crash on northbound State route 7 near Spanaway and Parkland is blocking traffic Wednesday afternoon. The right lane near 146th Street South is blocked as State Patrol troopers investigate the crash. Central Pierce Fire & Rescue crews are providing medical aid, according to Washington State Patrol Daniel Southard on X. A semi-truck was in the southbound right lane and stopped for a red light when an SUV struck the trucks rear. The truck driver was taken to a local hospital as a precaution for back pain. The SUV driver was uninjured, Southard told The News Tribune. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver of the SUV was cited for exceeding a reasonable safe speed for the roadway conditions, Southard said. The SUV and semi-truck were both towed away. No one was seriously injured. The crash was reported by the Washington State Department of Transportation at 2:22 p.m. Update, 3:27 p.m.: The crash has cleared, according to WSDOT. Less than three weeks after the states top utility regulator resigned, Republican state senators are asking whether some of her fellow employees should also resign. Former utility board chairman Marissa Gillett resigned in part following controversies related to Freedom of Information Act requests for documents about her actions as the leader of the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority. Gillette had weathered intense controversy for months in clashes with utilities before finally resigning. Now, six Republican senators are asking if two of her subordinates will also leave their jobs, along with an assistant attorney general who represented the agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In light of the recent stories regarding public confessions of the intentional misleading of a Connecticut Superior Court judge, have the following individuals been asked to turn in their resignations? the senators asked Gov. Ned Lamont and Attorney General William Tong in a letter. PURAs General Counsel and Legal Director Scott Muska, PURAs Chief of Staff Theresa Govert, Assistant Attorney General Seth Hollander. Senate Republican leader Stephen Harding of Brookfield signed the letter, along with five colleagues, regarding the state employees who were involved in various aspects of the inquiries into PURA in recent months. The senators noted Lamonts comments after a federal jury convicted former state deputy budget director Kosta Diamantis of 21 felony counts of bribery, extortion, conspiracy and lying to federal investigators in a scandal involving the school construction program that he oversaw for years. Governor Lamont, after the Diamantis corruption verdict on Oct. 22, you said, Public service is a public trust. We agree with you, Governor Lamont, the senators wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lamonts office declined to comment Tuesday, saying it was a personnel matter. But Tong blasted the Republicans, saying that Hollander is an experienced attorney who performed well in defending PURA and should not be punished for the statements by his clients. It is highly inappropriate and unfair to hold Mr. Hollander responsible for the alleged actions of his clients, and to second guess his actions as a lawyer and an advocate and demand that he lose his job, Tong wrote back to the senators. I offer a suggestion: instead of picking on an assistant attorney general for doing his job, I invite you to join me in taking on United Illuminating and Eversource to stop their unjustified demands that Connecticut ratepayers pay them and their shareholders millions upon millions of dollars more on top of rates that far exceed what Connecticut families can afford. Please join me in fighting back against our states utilities for using lawsuits and legal process to run one of their regulators out of town and for attacking and intimidating legislators who are also fighting against exorbitant rate hikes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tong further told the senators that if only you focused as much on supporting PURAs work to deny the utilities unreasonable requests to increase rates ever higher and higher, as you do on the personalities and palace intrigue, perhaps Connecticut families could afford to keep their lights on. I cannot make it any clearer: Assistant Attorney General Hollander has my complete support. And he is not going anywhere. PURA attorney against boss At the same time, an in-house PURA attorney sent an email to two commissioners, saying he no longer feels he can work for the agencys general counsel after the recent controversies. Jeffrey R. Gaudiosi, who serves as the agencys executive secretary and power procurement manager, told the commissioners that he can no longer report to Muska, who serves as general counsel. Instead, he wants to report directly to the commissioners, as he did before Gillett became the chairwoman in 2019, the email obtained by the Courant says. As seen in numerous docket filings and newspaper reports, Scott has engaged in behavior that is not up to the standards of a state agency, Gaudiosi alleged in the email obtained by The Courant. He has withheld documents that are clearly responsive to requests under the Freedom of Information Act I have spent thirteen and a half years as a PURA employee and feel that continuing to report to Scott could show to the outside that I condone his actions, which could not be further from the truth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aside from being an attorney for the agency, Gaudiosi serves as the agencys FOI liaison and handles all public records requests. Gaudiosi also is an attorney. Whenever PURA received a request from utility attorneys or involving commissioners, I was not allowed to fulfill my duties as liaison, he wrote. Scott handled those requests himself, and those requests are at the heart of the complaints about his behavior. These were the requests where documents were withheldIn some cases, I was asked by Scott, as my supervisor, to respond that PURA had no responsive documents, or that we provided any responsive documents we did have, even though I was not allowed to work on the request and validate those statements. To resolve the issue, Gaudiosi asked that either he or Muska should no longer handle FOIA requests. I have worked too hard in my career to have the stench of Scott Muskas actions fall upon my reputation, Gaudiosi wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Muska did not immediately respond to requests for comment. In the same manner as the request by the Republican senators, Lamonts office declined comment on Gaudiosis letter since it is a personnel matter. Taren OConnor, PURAs communications director, said, PURA cannot offer comment on either the letter or email as they are related to personnel matters that are being handled according to applicable HR procedures. Christopher Keating can be reached at ckeating@courant.com The post Alpha Phi Alpha, Omega Psi Phi have only one member at Yale appeared first on ClutchPoints. They might be few, but they are mighty. At Yale, two students are keeping their Divine Nine organizations alive as the only members of their fraternities on campus, per a wide-ranging feature by Yale Daily Newss Olivia Cyrus. Alejandro Rojas is the only member of the Zeta chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., while Keith Pemberton is the only member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. Both young men continue the legacy of the men who came before them, not just from a fraternity standpoint but a familial one as well. Rojas grandfather was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, while Pembertons father joined Omega Psi Phi in the spring of 1996. Although he is a legacy, Rojas did not have a lot of knowledge of the Divine Nine as someone who comes from both African American and Mexican American heritage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I just gravitated towards the idea of history and the legacy, Rojas said. It was a lot of learning about the things around me and being conscious of a deep history at Yale. As the only member on campus, Rojas currently serves as the president of the chapter. The Zeta chapter of the fraternity was chartered at Yale in 1909 but consists of members from other schools, including the University of New Haven, Southern Connecticut State University, and Quinnipiac University. Embodying the rich history of both fraternity and Yale, Rojas says that Alpha Phi Alpha is the oldest continuous Black undergraduate organization on campus, as reported by the Yale Daily News. Despite the fraternitys rich history, Rojas says that Yale has not been efficient when it comes to documenting the fraternitys presence on campus. Prior to 1970, many Black students did not live on campus, thus making it difficult for them to be accounted for in the universitys yearbooks or class archives. Among these students were several of Rojas prophytes. A lot of our history has been lost because of the lack of documentation from Yale University, Rojas said. Fundamentally, it was an issue with whether or not Yale recognized the status of these students. I feel this responsibility to make sure that this history is honored despite how Yale might not have honored it in the past. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Yale Daily News piece, Michael Morand, director of community engagement at Yales Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, says the university is taking corrective measures to fill the gap in the history of Black Yale students. Morand says that the project is moving forward with the help of both students and alumni. Having one member of an organization on campus is not uncommon. According to Rojas, two other Ivy League schools, Harvard and Brown, also have an Alpha on campus. While this is not uncommon, it is rare to have only one member in more than one organization. Like Rojas, Pemberton is the only member of his fraternity, Omega Psi Phi, on campus. The original chapter of the fraternity was founded at Yale in 1921, but later went inactive during the Great Depression. The chapter later revived in 1992 through the Epsilon Iota Iota chapter. Pemberton was the first initiate from Yale of the chapter in almost 14 years. In addition to being a legacy, Pemberton says that men who were trailblazers inspired him to join the fraternity. What inspired me to do it is looking at the trailblazers: the first Black astronaut, the first Black governor, all of which are Omega men, Pemberton said. Being a history major, despite it not having a presence on campus, it was inevitable for me to be interested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Visiting with members at other schools helps both Rojas and Pemberton gain a sense of community. Both have expressed looking for new members, not to simply increase numbers but to continue the work that their founders started many years ago. Were definitely not looking for people just to increase numbers, Rojas said about both himself and Pemberton. For us, its really important to have a certain quality of student whos dedicated to honoring the history in the same ways that we seek to bring our own perspective to it. Related: Prairie View A&M, Alabama State meet in a clash of SWAC title contenders Related: Michael Vick vs. DeSean Jackson is a nexus point in the celebrity coach experiment JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) Children with complex medical needs now have a home away from home. A ribbon cutting was held on October 28, 2025, on the Alyce G. Clarke Center for Medically Fragile Children in Jackson. The Childrens of Mississippi facility, located about two and a half miles from the main University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) campus at 3853 Eastwood Drive in Jackson, will provide around-the-clock skilled nursing care to children with medically complex conditions. Golf tournament supports Mississippis youngest patients Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Mississippi Legislature named the facility for Clarke, a former state representative and the first African American woman to serve in the state legislature, to honor her decades of service. Officials said the $15.9 million facility has two wings, each with a shared area that serves as a living room space. Its been a journey to get to this place, said Dr. LouAnn Woodward, vice chancellor for health affairs. The first meeting I attended about this was 15 years ago. Over time, the concept changed, and I think we have landed in just the right place. The journey has been worth it. Patients at the 20-bed center will range from newborns who may not have been able to wean off ventilators to adolescents 19 or younger recovering from accidents or living with congenital or genetic conditions that require skilled nursing care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The center will also be a place where parents can learn how to care for their medically fragile children before taking them home. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily 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 WJTV. Food on shelves at the Center for Hope in Ambridge on Oct. 23. (Photo by Alayna Hutchinson/Pittsburgh's Public Source) This article first appeared on Pittsburghs Public Source and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. PARSELY = { autotrack: false, onload: function() { PARSELY.beacon.trackPageView({ url: https://www.publicsource.org/snap-food-aid-stop-ambridge-pennsylvania/, urlref: window.location.href }); } } As the federal shutdown threatens to pause food stamps for millions of Americans, the Center for Hopes Ambridge food pantry has fielded an influx of visitors from across Beaver County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its almost like a storm is coming, said Sue Otto, the centers director. Sue Otto, the director of the Center for Hope, at the organizations food bank in Ambridge on Oct. 23. (Photo by Alayna Hutchinson/Pittsburghs Public Source) The center, a faith-based nonprofit serving around 1,100 residents in and around Ambridge, was included in lists on social media alongside other services and resources in the county, as community members try to prepare for a possible wave of scarcity. The center is leveraging resources and support from community partners and other groups to address the surge in need that could extend beyond November as new Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility rules also take effect. Meanwhile, a group of neighbors have mobilized to fill gaps. We dont want anyone to panic, but they are panicking, said Otto. Its hurting everybody The federal government entered into a partial shutdown on Oct. 1 because Senate Democrats and Republican President Donald Trump failed to agree on spending. Pennsylvania, meanwhile, has been in a budget stalemate between Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro and state Senate Republicans. The twin budget impasses prompted the state Department of Human Services to announce on Oct. 17 that SNAP would stop until the federal government shutdown ends and funds are released to the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SNAP serves an estimated 41 million people nationally, including 2 million in Pennsylvania, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. The Census Bureau estimates that 1 in 4 Ambridge households uses the program. Ambridge by the numbers Population: 6,912 Under age 18: 19% Age 65 or over: 17% Under poverty line: 16% Households using SNAP: 25% Housing units vacant: 17% Note: Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2023. The Center for Hope partly relies on donations, in addition to partnerships with local churches and other organizations. Theyre also a network partner of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, through which they receive federally-funded food items and grant money. The pantry is open weekly and provides non-perishable items, as well as fresh produce. They also offer emergency food bags that are prepared for people to pick up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To be eligible for the food pantry and registered in the centers system, individuals and families have to qualify based on federal household income guidelines under The Emergency Food Assistance Program. However, Otto said even if someone doesnt qualify which is rare they provide them with food items. On Thursday, Otto started pulling from the pantrys back stock to put together dozens of quick bags containing cans of soup, pasta and fresh produce to give to new people who showed up. If it wasnt for these centers, wed be in trouble, said Scott, an Ambridge resident who picked up an emergency food bag Thursday, and asked to withhold his last name. He receives SNAP benefits and has come to the center for the last several years, preferring only to use the pantry for emergencies, he said, because he knows there are people who are more in need than he is. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our government is just a total wreck right now and its hurting everybody, he said. To-go food bags stacked at the Center for Hope in Ambridge on Oct. 23. (Photo by Alayna Hutchinson/Pittsburghs Public Source) Dottie Trautman and her family have been coming to the center for five years. Her four grandchildren, for whom shes the primary caregiver, have been involved with the centers youth program, and they rely on the food pantry to fill gaps in SNAP benefits. She said even with food stamps, it isnt always enough especially as she tries to feed two teenage boys. I dont know how Im going to do it. I dont know how, said Trautman. I feel bad because I think the food banks are probably going to get overrun. Theyre going to start hopping from food bank to food bank. And this community alone has so much need. As surrounding areas grapple with the surge in need, Trautman is hesitant to go to pantries outside of her neighborhood because she doesnt want to take away from other communities, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I guess thered be a lot of potato soup and things that we can stretch in the meantime, said Trautman. There are also concerns among Ambridges growing Latin American immigrant community, who Otto said now make up about a third of the population that the center serves. I think whenever you come to America, you see it as a place that is strong. But a lot of people feel theyre uncertain of the future, said Esmeralda Martinez, a translator for Spanish-speakers who started working at the center last year. She said many members of this community are really worried about losing benefits, especially those with children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We just try to always let them know as long as were here, theyre going to be OK until this issue gets resolved, said Martinez. A huge network mobilizing In addition to local organizations, more than a dozen Ambridge neighbors have mobilized to get food and other necessities out to the community. Jimmy Fabrizio, who helped organize the effort, said he responded quickly because he knew how dire the situation was for those relying on SNAP. As a former food stamp recipient myself, I was like, Oh, thats gonna really damage peoples lives, said Fabrizio, who has lived in Ambridge for 16 years and works as a technology consultant. While there are organizations like the Center for Hope in the area, he said hes heard that some people dont feel comfortable going to a food pantry for various reasons, whether its due to personal beliefs, religious reasons or past experiences. Some people have mobility issues and cant readily leave their homes, Fabrizio said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a former food stamp recipient myself, I was like, Oh, that's gonna really damage people's lives.' Jimmy Fabrizio On Tuesday, Fabrizio started coordinating with a network of neighbors and several local businesses to set up food and hygiene item distributions, along with direct deliveries. Theyre spreading the word by putting flyers up around town and posting on social media, and while theyve received several requests already, theyve gotten even more offers to help. He said the response from people in the area willing to help has been surprising, and gives him hope. Theres a huge network and a growing network of people that are kind of responding to this and donating, offering to deliver food, offering to make meals, offering to set up tables and hand out things, said Fabrizio. Tightening eligibility adds to scarcity As November approaches, Rev. Derek Davenport, chair of the centers board, said the month ahead will be critical for the food pantry, but the need wont end there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People are hungry all the time. Its not just because of the government shutdown, said Davenport. When the government gets right, he said, there will still be people who need food and the center is still going to be here. As new SNAP eligibility requirements also take effect Nov. 1, Otto said some clients are unsure about what the changes mean for them, especially seniors. Its complicated. You hear bits and pieces on the news, but everybodys going, hows it affect me? Regardless of SNAP eligibility, Otto said the center will continue to find ways like quick bags to provide food to anyone who needs it. In the meantime, Otto said theyve continued to receive offers to help from the community, from local cheerleaders to retirement communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lot of people are pulling it together to make it all work, we dont want anybody hungry. Alayna Hutchinson is a freelance reporter in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Prior to pursuing journalism, she worked in education and public relations in Washington, D.C. Alayna can be reached at alaynahutch15@gmail.com. The Associated Press contributed. ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM) Tuesday night, WETM-TV was proud to once again raise funds for a most worthy cause. WETM-TV teamed up with The American Cancer Society for the annual Men Wear Pink telethon to raise money in the fight against the disease. Over $1,000 was generated in just 90 minutes and that number continues to grow thanks to the generosity of the Twin Tiers. But dont wait, you can still donate to the cause with all proceeds going to the society which can help so many in their fight against cancer here: https://secure.acsevents.org/site/STR?fr_id=111016&pg=personal&px=57998394 American Cancer Society regional director, Jamie Kane, joined us to help answer phones for donations in the WETM-TV conference room. He believes in the effort and fundraising as it helps change lives forever. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were The American Society but its really the local impact that we want to talk about, Kane said. When someone needs help, they can stay at the Rochester Hope Lodge for free (with donations)and when you think about what a hotel room costs in Rochester, we also have one in Manhattan, and its the folks from the Twin Tiers that make up a lot of people (impacted by cancer). Kane also says that our region is in great hands because of the spirit of not only the society but most of all the people who continue to give. Its a huge benefit to these familiesits a really impactful program, Kane added. Were the second biggest funder in the country only behind the federal government. Take a special look at a recap of Tuesday nights telethon at WETM-TV. Wed like to say thank you to all who donated and helped make the event a success. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Applications for a $650 stipend for Native American farmers are being accepted now until Nov. 6. The grants are hosted by the American Indian Business Enterprise (AIBE) Center at New Mexico State University and is part of the Native Farmer and Rancher Project 2025. Now zoom out a little bit, because this grant application is part of a larger effort that seeks to ensure Native ranchers and farmers across the country are in line for greater access to financial opportunities after generations of systemic injustice. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In August, the Native American Agricultural Fund (NAAF) awarded $10 million to the AIBE Center at New Mexico State and other groups for projects across Indian Country in agriculture, education and tribal food systems. Since 2018, the fund has distributed more than $86 million for programs. Among the 2025 recipients is Pohaha I Ka Lani in Hawaii, which is restoring Indigenous agroecological systems in Waipio Valley to strengthen climate resilience and promote traditional land stewardship. Another recipient, To Nizhoni Ani on the Navajo Nation, is advancing food sovereignty and watershed restoration through community education, farmland revitalization, and sustainable agriculture training. This investment carries forward the work of Keepseagle claimants and the producers who dedicate their lives to this calling, enduring the challenging days because of their love for the work and recognition of the importance of cultural and economic prosperity through agriculture, said NAAF Board of Trustees Chair Stacy Leeds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Through the program at New Mexico State, AIBE will provide hands-on education, financial assistance, and access to resources to help Native producers grow sustainable businesses. Fifteen Native farmers will be selected for the 2025 program, which begins on November 20. Each participant will receive a $650 stipend and funding for essential farming supplies such as tools, irrigation, packaging, and digital scales. The program also covers certification fees for the Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) training, a requirement for entering institutional markets. Participants will receive guidance in applying to the NM Grown Program to become approved vendors as well. Throughout the year, participants will take part in workshops covering bookkeeping, financial management, and preparing for tax season. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Backyard Farms LLC will provide technical support through group sessions and one-on-one consulting on topics like freeze-drying, food manufacturing, and regulatory compliance. The program also helps producers transform their harvests into compliant, market-ready products at the Backyard Farms facility, with access to a commercial kitchen and other production resources. Interested applicants should complete the application to the best of their knowledge before the November 6, 2025 deadline. Because space is limited to 15 participants, early applications are strongly encouraged. About the Author: "Kaili Berg (Aleut) is a member of the Alutiiq\/Sugpiaq Nation, and a shareholder of Koniag, Inc. She is a staff reporter for Native News Online and Tribal Business News. Berg, who is based in Wisconsin, previously reported for the Ho-Chunk Nation newspaper, Hocak Worak. She went to school originally for nursing, but changed her major after finding her passion in communications at Western Technical College in Lacrosse, Wisconsin. " Contact: kberg@indiancountrymedia.com WINNSBORO, Texas (KETK) The American Legion Post 340 has made a significant contribution to the community by donating LifeVac kits to the Winnsboro Police and Fire Departments and Winnsboro ISD. Texas food banks boost aid as SNAP hit by shutdown effects The donation ensures that every fire and police vehicle, as well as every school in the Winnsboro Independent School District, is equipped with a LifeVac kit. These kits are essential rescue devices used during choking emergencies. Courtesy of the American Legion Post 340 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The LifeVac kits were provided through funds raised by the two annual gun shows hosted by American Legion Post 340. This effort highlights the organizations commitment to enhancing community safety and preparedness. With the distribution of LifeVac kits, the Winnsboro community is now better equipped to handle choking emergencies, potentially saving lives in critical situations. 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. The American Legion Post 430, 2701 East 8th. St., will host a ceremony celebrating all veterans. Veterans Day is dedicated to American veterans of all wars, and Veterans Day 2025 will occur on Monday, November 11. In 1918, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in World War I, then known as the Great War. The ceremony will be held at the Auditorium at the American Legion Post 430 and will begin promptly at the 11th hour of the 11th day of November. The guest speaker for this event will be Odessa Mayor Cal Hendrick. The post American Legion Post 430 hosting Veterans Day ceremony appeared first on Odessa American. After area residents spoke for around an hour at a meeting on Tuesday about the impact heightened federal immigration enforcement actions are having on Auroras community and pushed for the city to take action, Mayor John Laesch said the city was looking into ordinances passed by others and will soon be formally proposing one of its own. The Aurora City Council on Tuesday evening had so many who wanted to speak, primarily about what federal agents have been doing within the city, that aldermen voted to suspend meeting rules to let residents continue to make their voices heard beyond the 30 minutes allowed during the public comment period. Those at the meeting talking about the federal immigration enforcement push, sometimes through tears, spoke of neighbors scared to leave their homes and what they said were warrantless arrests and the use of excessive force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just after the meetings public comment period, Ald. Mike Saville, 6th Ward, asked Mayor Laesch what his plans were, as many people had come to the meeting to speak about an ordinance around immigration enforcement operations in the city. Laesch said the city was looking at ordinances passed by other municipalities and was trying to combine them into something that would work for the city of Aurora. Such an ordinance is set to go before the Aurora City Councils Rules, Administration and Procedure Committee at an upcoming meeting, according to Laesch. The next meeting of that committee is on Nov. 4. Laesch told The Beacon-News on Wednesday that the ordinance is still being worked on, but it would probably be focused on city-owned property. As for enforcement, which he called the real challenge, it might have to do with the accountability commission that Gov. JB Pritzker is putting together, he said. The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saville said he asked the question because people voiced their very real concerns about themselves, their families and our community, and I thought they had a right to know what the next step was so they can go home and be satisfied that their advocacy is working. This comes on the heels of two Aurora-area residents being detained and later let go over the weekend. The Chicago Tribune reported that 35-year-old Ruben Morales Jr., of Yorkville, and 38-year-old Jessi Olazaba, of Aurora, both said they were harmed by federal agents as they were detained after responding to alerts of suspicious vehicles parked at Allen Elementary School. Both also recounted the story at the City Council meeting on Tuesday. Morales said he was slammed to the ground and handcuffed, while Olazaba said she was pepper sprayed and shoved to the ground, where she hit her head. Still, she can feel the pepper spray burning her, Olazaba said, and she has to sleep with water bottles in her hands to keep them cool. According to the Chicago Tribune, a Department of Homeland Security official said Morales and Olazaba approached and hit the agents vehicle, and also accused Morales of assaulting an agent, during a U.S. Border Patrol targeted enforcement operation in Aurora. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Morales told the Tribune he had motioned for the driver of a suspicious car to roll down its windows. When someone in the back pointed something at him and shouted for him to get back, he threw up his hands and turned to get away while yelling for help, but masked agents pepper-sprayed him from behind, chased him and tackled him to the ground, he said at the time. Olazaba told the Tribune she filmed and called the police before an agent pepper-sprayed her, and that another agent pushed her as she photographed the cars plates. At Tuesdays meeting, both Morales and Olazaba called on the city to create zones where federal immigration enforcement agents would not be allowed. Morales also asked the City Council to listen to all those who spoke at the meeting and put in place safeguards so federal agents cannot operate without proper identification. Beyond those requests, Im asking for something deeper, Morales said. That we choose compassion over silence. That when power crosses the line, we draw it back with truth, courage and unity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After their comments, cheers and applause could be heard from the audience. Others who spoke at the meeting also called for the city to create places where federal agents would not be allowed, asked for the police to intervene and not work with federal agents, or generally asked the city to protect its immigrant community. Tuesdays meeting is not the first time residents have pushed the city of Aurora to respond to heightened federal immigration enforcement efforts. For example, demonstrations were held earlier this month in Aurora, including one at City Hall and another later in the day that Mayor Laesch said he joined in, after federal agents were seen across the city. After those protests, Laesch condemned federal immigration enforcement activity in the area, calling it a wrongful use of federal funds to violate the civil rights of our residents. rsmith@chicagotribune.com History books in Virginia. (Mechelle Hankerson/Virginia Mercury) After reframing a federal education grant program to align with President Donald Trumps policies, the U.S. Department of Education awarded $10 million to five Virginia institutions to advance new and existing strategies to instruct students in American history, civic, government and geography to commemorate Americas 250th anniversary. The American History and CivicsNational Activities Grants program, from which the funds originate, existed before the Trump administration. However, it was later reshaped to align with Trumps broader vision of patriotic education. The approach emphasizes teaching about the founding of America and the key ideas that the country was built upon. Educators have said the administrations approach fails to provide a balanced telling of history and omits significant historical injustices, while others fear educators teaching anything that makes America infallible is not honest or responsible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Up Foundation in Arlington received the largest award of $2.9 million, followed by William and Mary ($2.8 million), James Madison University ($2.1 million), Christopher Newport ($1.3 million), and Regent University ($980,000), according to the U.S. Department of Education. The upcoming Semiquincentennial of Americas founding is more than a commemorative milestoneit is a call to reinvest in the education and cultivation of a citizenry capable of sustaining the American experiment in self-government, the programs description reads. In addition to improving seminars for educators or students, award recipients are required to create and execute innovative seminars commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S., with a focus on the principles of the nations founding fathers, and their development of the Bill of Rights, the Constitution, and the Declaration of Independence. The education department said that institutions sponsoring seminars that promote a deeper understanding of our constitutional republic, will empower educators or students with the knowledge and character needed to safeguard Americas freedoms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement James Madison announced earlier this month that the funding would help deepen nonpartisan civic literacy and historical understanding among students and educators. Virginia Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera congratulated the institution, adding that the initiative will empower teachers and students to engage in thoughtful conversations about Americas past and its future, ahead of the countrys 250th anniversary. Paradigm shift One of the first steps the Trump administration took to reframe education in the U.S. was an executive order to end radical indoctrination in K-12 schooling. The patriotic education term, included in the order, is defined as an accurate, honest, unifying, inspiring, and ennobling characterization of Americas founding and foundational principles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The term also involves exploring how the U.S. has progressively aligned itself with noble principles, and promotes commitment to Americas aspirations as beneficial and justified, while asserting that celebrating Americas greatness and history is proper. Some educators say the term patriotic education has created a divide between the administration and educators, with government leaders suggesting educators dont want to be patriotic, which they deny. Recently, a study conducted by Education Next through the Harvard Kennedy School found that teachers are more supportive than the general public of teaching students about Americas strengths, its demographics and the importance of civic engagement. The study includes results from 1,032 K12 teachers, 1,280 parents and 2,251 members of the general public collected in March and April 2025. Most Americans understand that loving what is good about America does not require endorsing any particular government act or political party, the authors wrote. It requires upholding the principles that define our democratic system. The U.S. Department of Educations September announcement of its partner organizations for the 250th anniversary drew scrutiny, because some of the groups were involved in revising Virginias history standards two years ago, some of which initially excluded influential figures and events. Some experts said the standards, developed with input from representatives of organizations including conservative think tank the Heritage Foundation and Hillsdale College, reflected political bias and focused on European or Anglo-American ideas while downplaying the contributions of ethnic minorities in white countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for the term patriotic education, leaders from the Virginia Social Studies Leaders Consortium (VSSLC) find the term and its suggestions deeply offensive and wrong. Danyael Graham, VSSLC president, said she was concerned that patriotic education implies a lack of comprehensive history education and creates unnecessary divisions among educators. Its about teaching the good and the bad, and that doesnt make you less patriotic, Graham said. I think that implication is deeply offensive and if we are raising students to think critically about the world around them, then they need to be able to reflect on the good and the bad. Its what helps them make better decisions as adults. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Former City Councilman Dave Ballweg speaks during public comment before the Mesquite City Council Tuesday. (Mesquite City Council video stream screengrab) For the second time this year, efforts by Mesquite elected officials to streamline city council meetings by eliminating some public comment died when proposals before the council failed to garner a motion to proceed to a vote. State law requires that local governments offer the opportunity for public comment at the beginning and end of a meeting, or after the public body holds discussion on each action item that comes before it. The government must also afford the public the chance to comment on any matter that is not specifically included on the agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, Mesquite considered two proposals. One would have eliminated the first public comment period and provided one opportunity for general comment at the end of the meeting. Additionally, under that proposal, the council would hear public comment before voting on individual agenda items. Why are you a city council member or the mayor if you dont want to hear from the people? former Councilman Dave Ballweg asked rhetorically during a phone interview. Ballweg authored Mesquites current public comment ordinance in 2017, which requires time for comment at the beginning and end of each meeting, as well as during individual action items. The option, critics contend, was intended to discourage public comment by requiring individuals to sit for hours before being allowed to comment. The second proposal would have eliminated public comment during each action item, and would have restricted comment at the beginning of the meeting to only items on the agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mesquite and Yerington are the only cities in Nevada that allow unfettered comment at the beginning and end of the meeting, as well as comment on specific action items, observed Mesquite resident Nick Alfonsetti. Resident Bob Muszar told the Current that eliminating comment on individual agenda items, as is the practice of the Southern Nevada Regional Transportation Commission and the Clark County Regional Flood Control District, should not be considered under any circumstances, adding its unfair to expect the public to opine at the beginning of the meeting, when we havent had a chance to hear staff reports or council discussion. Were not fully participating in the government. Mesquite resident Ron Shackelford, who ran unsuccessfully for city council and intends to run again, called the proposed ordinances nothing less than suppression of the communitys voice. Mesquite, once a predominantly Mormon community, is Nevadas fastest growing city. Some residents suggest a good old boy network, frustrated by longer meetings, a lack of decorum, a small group of regular attendees inclined to pontificate, and the influence of newcomers, is attempting to control public dialogue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mesquite has no shortage of topics city officials would prefer to ignore. A lot of what gets addressed in public comment is the rumor mill thats going on in Mesquite, and unfortunately, you aint never getting rid of that, observed resident Sue Tabor. In these days and times Mesquite is not alone when it comes to governments debating how to strike the proper balance between the publics right to be heard and the desire of public officials to gain more control of meetings. In Texas this month, the Ft. Worth City Council voted to limit public comment on topics unrelated to city business to one meeting a month. In Colorado, the Boulder City Council proposed restrictions in July, after calls for an end to the violence in Gaza dominated public comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boulder certainly isnt the only city struggling these days with how to handle public comment, said Jeff Roberts, executive director of the Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition. The City of Aurora eventually reversed course after it banned public comment because of a dispute between lawmakers and activists. Most Nevada local governments, including Clark County, Las Vegas, Henderson, Reno, and Washoe County, exceed the state law requirement by hearing public comments at the beginning and end of each meeting, as well as before voting on action items. Most limit the first public comment session to items on the agenda. Some reserve the final public comment segment to matters within the public bodys jurisdiction. The trend to limit comment extends to federal affairs, including land use matters, such as those before the Bureau of Land Management, which regulates about 48 million acres in Nevada, or about 63% of the states land. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In January, the Trump Administration directed the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) to rescind rules implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), removing the requirement that agencies prepare environmental impact studies, or consider or respond to public comments. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. has discontinued the departments long-standing practice of seeking comment beyond that which is required by law, according to the National Association of Counties, and Public Citizen reports that in August, the General Services Administration removed a tool from the website Regulations.gov that allowed organizations to collect and submit comment to federal agencies. The Mesquite ordinances, opponents contend, represent a knee-jerk reaction that rejects not only a longstanding American tradition, but also the very notion of community. An effort to stifle public input is a danger, they say, to democracy. Only Councilman Paul Wanlass voiced support for changing the ordinance. Mayor Jesse Whipple, who is permitted to vote only in the event of a tie, offered no hint of where he stood. Any time that you limit the publics voice, its concerning, former Mesquite Councilwoman Karen Dutkowski told the Current. But in these days and times, its a problem. (The Center Square) Amnesty International, a human rights organization, condemned U.S. military strikes on suspected drug boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific that have killed 57 people since September. The group called on Congress to stop the strikes. "In the last two months, the U.S. military's Southern Command has gone on a murder spree by following the Trump administration's illegal orders," said Daphne Eviatar, Amnesty International USA's Director for Human Rights and Security. "The administration has not even named its victims, nor provided evidence of their alleged crimes. But even if they did, intentionally killing people accused of committing crimes who pose no imminent threat to life is murder." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eviatar said Congress must act. "It is well past time for Congress to exercise its oversight role over the administration's unlawful behavior, put an end to these illegal air strikes, and hold those responsible for these murders accountable," she said. President Donald Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth have said the strikes will continue. "These narco-terrorists have killed more Americans than Al-Qaeda, and they will be treated the same," Hegseth said Tuesday. "We will track them, we will network them, and then, we will hunt and kill them." Last week, Trump said his administration plans to inform Congress about using the military to target drug traffickers, but stopped short of saying they would ask for authorization to use military force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amnesty International officials said that even if Trump got authorization from Congress, the strikes would still be illegal under international human rights law. "The laws of war simply do not apply here. The Caribbean and eastern Pacific are not warzones where the U.S. military can bomb boats the White House claims carry enemies," said Daniel Norona, Amnesty International USA's Advocacy Director for the Americas. "Deploying the army on alleged law enforcement grounds is an old and failed trick of the authoritarian playbook that has repeatedly led to serious human rights violations in Latin America. These air strikes also send a chilling message of tacit approval to other leaders seeking to extrajudicially execute people." The Senate recently shut down a proposal led by Democrats that would have required Trump to get congressional approval before using the military to destroy suspected drug boats in the region. Trump has said every suspected drug boat destroyed at sea saves 25,000 American lives from overdose. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After one of the U.S. strikes against a speedboat, agents from the Dominican Republic's National Drug Control Directorate and the Dominican Republic Navy seized 377 packages of suspected cocaine about 80 nautical miles south of Beata Island, Pedernales province. Previously, U.S. military vessels, including the U.S. Coast Guard, would stop suspected drug smuggling boats, seize drugs and turn those on board over to local authorities. Trump and Hegseth have shifted course in the areas around Venezuela amid a buildup of U.S. military forces in the region. So far, U.S. officials have reported military strikes on 13 boats, killing at least 57 people. Most of the strikes so far have been in the Caribbean, but last week the military started engaging in the eastern Pacific. The Pentagon has yet to provide more details about the strikes outside of Trump and Hegseth's videos and social media posts. Trump's shift to military strikes instead of interdiction has drawn criticism from Democrats, a few Republicans and some foreign leaders. Experts have raised legal and ethical questions about the justification for the strikes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administration is putting pressure on Nicolas Maduro, the president of Venezuela. Maduro has been accused of consolidating power through fraudulent elections. In 2024, his reelection was widely condemned as illegitimate, with allegations of vote tampering and intimidation of opposition leaders. Maduro is also facing allegations of human rights abuses, corruption, and involvement in illegal narcotics trafficking. U.S. prosecutors have charged Maduro with running a drug cartel using cocaine trafficking as a tool to sustain the regime and put a $50 million bounty on information leading to his arrest. Since the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001, U.S. presidents of both parties have used the military to kill terrorists abroad, including members of Al-Qaeda and ISIS. Human rights group Amnesty International said Wednesday that the United States may have committed a war crime with a springtime strike on a prison in Yemen. The group claimed Wednesday its own investigation found that a US air strike on a migrant detention centre in Saada, north-western Yemen, on 28 April 2025 that killed and injured dozens of African migrants amounted to an indiscriminate attack. US authorities must promptly and transparently investigate it as a war crime, Amnesty International added in a Wednesday write-up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth vowed an unrelenting campaign against Yemens Houthi militants until the group halted its attacks on vessels in the Red Sea. This campaign is about freedom of navigation and restoring deterrence. The minute the Houthis say, Well stop shooting at your ships, well stop shooting at your drones, this campaign will end, Hegseth said in an interview on Fox News at the time. But until then, it will be unrelenting. President Trump pledged to use overwhelming lethal force until the militants ended their attacks on civilian and military ships in the important maritime corridor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amnesty International said Wednesday that the Yemen strike inflicted catastrophic civilian harm on vulnerable migrants most kept in the detention center by the Houthis only due to irregular immigration status. The harrowing testimonies from survivors paint a clear picture of a civilian building, packed with detainees, being bombed without distinction. This was a lethal failure by the US to comply with one of its core obligations under international humanitarian law: to do everything feasible to verify whether the object attacked was a military objective, Kristine Beckerle, deputy regional director for the Middle East and North Africa for Amnesty International, said in the report. Late last year, Amnesty International also alleged Israel was committing genocide in Gaza during its war against Hamas in the region. The Hill has reached out to the Pentagon for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) An American airstrike in April on a prison run by Yemen's Houthi rebels that killed over 60 detained African migrants should be investigated as a possible war crime, activists said Wednesday. The call by Amnesty International renews scrutiny on the April 28 strike in Yemen's Saada province. The attack came as part of an intense campaign of airstrikes waged under U.S. President Donald Trump targeting rebels for disrupting shipping through the Red Sea corridor amid the Israel-Hamas war. The U.S. military's Central Command has yet to offer any explanation for the strike on the prison, which previously had been hit by a Saudi-led coalition also fighting against the Houthis and had been known to hold detained African migrants trying to reach Saudi Arabia through the war zone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We take all reports of civilian harm seriously and are working to release the assessment results for Operation Rough Rider soon," said U.S. Navy Capt. Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for Central Command. Dozens killed After the strike, the Houthis displayed debris likely from two, 250-pound precision-guided GBU-39 small-diameter bombs used by the U.S. military, Amnesty said. Survivors interviewed by Amnesty, all Ethiopian migrants detained while trying to reach Saudi Arabia, told the rights group that they saw no Houthi fighters posted inside the building. Amnesty said the strike appeared to be an indiscriminate attack as it assessed there was no clear military objective. International law prohibits striking sites like hospitals and prisons unless the structures are being used to plan attacks or stockpile weapons and even then, every precaution should be made to avoid hurting civilians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amnesty said the Houthis recently put the death toll in the strike at 61, lower than the 68 it initially reported. Gunfire could be heard in footage filmed after the airstrikes, with the Houthis saying their guards fired warning shots around the time of the strikes. The April strike recalled a similar strike by a Saudi-led coalition battling the Houthis in 2022 on the same compound, which caused a collapse killing 66 detainees and wounding 113 others, a United Nations report later said. The Houthis shot dead 16 detainees who fled after the strike and wounded another 50, the U.N. said. The Houthis denied any misconduct in the April strike, but Amnesty noted the rebels' ongoing crackdown on ... activists, journalists, human rights defenders and humanitarian workers limited its ability to investigate. The Houthis hold at least 59 United Nations staffers and more aid group workers, with the rebels seizing electronics at U.N. offices in recent days. The Iranian-backed rebels, under economic pressure, also increasingly have been threatening Saudi Arabia in recent weeks as well. I didnt actually believe that it was possible that the U.S. would carry out an airstrike on the same compound, resulting in a significant level of civilian harm," said Kristine Beckerle, Amnesty's deputy Middle East and North Africa director. It kind of defies belief that the U.S. would not have known. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement US campaign believed to have killed other civilians The U.S. airstrikes against the Houthis began over the rebels' attacks on shipping under U.S. President Joe Biden. However, the attacks sharply escalated under Trump's Operation Rough Rider, hitting some 1,000 targets in Yemen. Those strikes hit power stations, mobile phone infrastructure and military targets in Yemen. However, activists say the attacks also killed civilians, particularly an April strike on an oil depot that killed more than 70 people. Airwars, a United Kingdom-based group studying casualties in aerial warfare, believes strikes in the Operation Rough Rider at least 224 civilians during the weekslong campaign nearly as many civilians killed over more than 20 years of American strikes on the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Army Gen. Michael Kurilla, CENTCOM's former commander, promised details on civilian casualties in the Yemen campaign absolutely would be made public during congressional testimony in June, though that has yet to happen. One of the things that was relatively devastating is again youre talking about people who left Ethiopia to travel to Yemen because theyre trying to get to the Gulf to earn money for their families back home, Beckerle said. "They have to have their family send money to them in Yemen to deal with the effects of the injury. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) As sewage issues continue to impact students at Anacostia High School, school officials announced Tuesday that classes will be moved to Kramer Middle School. This comes after the high school faced sewage issues over the last two days. The District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) said Anacostia High School will co-locate with Kramer Middle School in Southeast D.C. for a full day of classes on Wednesday, Oct. 29. However, classes will only be held for English, math, science and social studies on the ground and first floors of the middle school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With safety as a priority, the school district noted there will be security to monitor the halls and stairways throughout the day. Middle school students also used a separate entrance on Wednesday morning. Furloughed IRS lawyer launches hot dog stand in DC Doors opened to Anacostia students at 8:15 a.m., and security officers conducted a weapons abatement. Cell phones were also collected before breakfast. During dismissal, Anacostia students will be dismissed at 2:45 p.m., and Kramer students will be released 30 minutes later. ANC Commissioner Tom Donohue visited the campus and stated there was up to 10 feet of sewage in some areas of the high school and around 3 feet in the basement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If it wasnt for the video that it shared with the community, we wouldnt really know what the conditions of the inside were. And I question whether school would have been canceled at all, Donohue said. Officials said Anacostia High School closed early on Monday due to a sewage backup. (Tom Donohue) After Donohoe shared his video, students were let out at noon on Monday. Principal Kenneth Walker said the school was cleared to open after contractors began cleanup and remediation efforts on Sunday after a DC Water pump failed. Whoever knew in the morning should have made the executive decision and say, hey you know what we cant do this, said parent Nisa Harper. Harper said things happen, but this should serve as a lesson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There needs to be more communication with the students about how they felt about that, mental health wise, just value wise and with the parents and the greater community, Harper said. On Tuesday, Oct. 28, contractors with the Department of General Services and DC Water continued to work on repairs. Air scrubbers and dehumidifiers are still in use to remove excess water from areas to eliminate odors in the building. Northeast DC residents discuss crime, safety with US Attorney Jeanine Pirro To ensure the health and safety of the school community, DCPS said all air filters throughout the school will be replaced. Once repairs are complete and the building is cleaned, officials will conduct an air quality test. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We remain eager to return to our building as soon as we receive the all-clear to do so. Im committed to keeping families informed and want to extend my sincere thanks to the Anacostia High School community for your patience and flexibility as we navigate these unexpected challenges together, school officials said in a statement. It is not clear when the Anacostia school building will reopen; however, students will remain at Kramer Middle School until the end of the week. A DC Water spokesperson said SERVPRO/FMCC is completing the cleaning of Anacostia High School and working on remediation efforts so the school can reopen as soon as possible. DC Water continues to coordinate closely with DC Public Schools and community partners to assess next steps and ensure all remediation measures are completed safely and thoroughly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. GATLINBURG, Tenn. (WATE) Anakeestas Local Appreciation Days are back, offering area residents a discounted rate while helping supply meals for those facing food insecurity. For this years Local Appreciation Days, Anakeesta is partnering with the Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee. From November 3-10, those who live or work in Blount, Cocke, Jefferson and Sevier counties will be able to enjoy Anakeesta for just $5 per person, and a portion of the proceeds will go to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank. Knoxville businesses stepping up during lapse in SNAP benefits Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To qualify for the $5 admission rates, guests will be asked to present either a Tennessee photo ID with a current address or a current photo ID with a pay stub from one of the eligible counties dated within the last 30 days. This years event comes as families in East Tennessee are bracing for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to be delayed at the beginning of the month amid the government shutdown. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee warned residents last week to expect a lapse in their SNAP benefits beginning on November 1, although those with remaining benefits from the month of October will still be accessible, U.S. Department of Agriculture guidance said. Every year, the Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee distributes more than 21 million pounds of food to people facing hunger in 18 East Tennessee counties. In the area the food bank serves, one in six people face hunger. Dollywood announces opening date for 2026 season Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In September, Second Harvest warned that food security in the region was up 33%, and asked the community to come together to help keep food available as it began preparing for winter. At the beginning of October, the food bank also warned that the government shutdown could impact the most vulnerable East Tennesseans. 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 WATE 6 On Your Side. Screenshot Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo warned Stephen A. Smith that President Donald Trump will literally take over New York City if Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani wins the race. Cuomo, an independent mayoral candidate, joined Stephen A. Smith on SiriusXMs Straight Shooter with Stephen A. Smith for a Tuesday interview that will air in full on Wednesday evening. As the days of the race wind down and Mamdani continues to lead his competition by double digits in most polling, Cuomo warned Trump will use the self-described democratic socialist to take over New York City with the military. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Mamdani wins, you are going to see Trump come in here and take over New York City. You mark my words, Stephen A., Cuomo said. What do you mean by that? What does that mean that Trump is going to take over New York City? How? How can he do that? Smith asked. Forget sending the National first theyll send the National Guard, but the federal government controls everything. They can close your airports. They control your health money, your housing money. Youre basically bankrupt if the federal government turns off the faucet, Cuomo explained. The former governor argued: He has said that he will effectively take over New York City to protect the good people of New York. You know, President Trump needs an excuse to act, right? He doesnt just send the National Guard, he sends the National Guard as a power play. Hes making a statement. These Democrats dont know how to run a city. Theyre dangerous, these Democrats. I have to send in the National Guard to take care of the people in Portland and take care of the people in LA because the Democrats dont know what theyre doing. He needs that hook to do it. Mamdani gives him that hook on steroids. Hell send the National Guard, hell send ICE. Hell say that he personally has to have his administration oversee the city because you have an incompetent 34-year-old socialist. The president has mentioned New York City as one hes willing to deploy National Guard troops to in order to reduce crime, as hes done with other cities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has refused to endorse anyone in the New York City mayoral race, including Republican Curtis Sliwa. Cuomo told Smith that the Democratic Party is currently in the midst of a civil war and claimed leaders like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) are scared of far-left figures like Mamdani, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY). They think theyre going to make peace by endorsing Zoran and theyre going to buy peace with the far left, Cuomo said. I have news for them. The far left is never, never going to declare peace. Theyre going to come for power and theyre going to come to kill them. But you have moderate Democrats who are just trying to make nice because theyre afraid the far left is going to come after them. The full Cuomo interview with Stephen A. Smith will air on Straight Shooter on Wednesday evening, 6 p.m. EST, via SiriusXM. The post Andrew Cuomo Warns Stephen A. Smith Trump Will Send Military to Take Over NYC if Mamdani Wins first appeared on Mediaite. U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Columbia, has once again called for a third Donald Trump presidency, despite the 22nd Amendment limiting the presidency to two terms. "TRUMP 2028," he posted on X on Oct. 28, a day after posting Give Trump a third term! Trump, however, acknowledges the law prohibits it. "I would say that if you read it, its pretty clear, Im not allowed to run," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Oct. 29 as he was traveling overseas, USA TODAY reported. "Its too bad." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In January, Ogles a staunch supporter and close ally of Trump introduced a resolution to revise the amendment, calling the change "imperative" to give Trump "every resource necessary to correct the disastrous course set by the Biden administration," which he said "subjected Americans to relentless abuses that will take a decade to correct." President Trumps decisive leadership stands in stark contrast to the chaos, suffering, and economic decline Americans have endured over the past four years," Ogles said in a statement. "He has proven himself to be the only figure in modern history capable of reversing our nations decay and restoring America to greatness, and he must be given the time necessary to accomplish that goal." Here's what else to know about Ogles. Who is Andy Ogles? Republican candidate, Andy Ogles, answers a question during a debate for 5th Congressional District Primary the Memorial Building in Columbia, Tenn., Monday, June 27, 2022. Ogles is a Tennessee native and graduate of Franklin High School. He attended community college and later enrolled at Middle Tennessee State University, later dropping out of every course taken in the fall of 1995 and 1998, the Tennessean previously reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He ultimately earned a liberal studies degree in 2007 through online coursework, he clarified publicly in 2023 following his election to Congress. His political career began with an unsuccessful bid for Congress in 2002, followed by a last-place finish in a six-way state Senate race in 2006. Ogles secured his first electoral victory in 2018, becoming mayor of Maury County. After serving one term, he was elected to Congress in 2022. Andy and Monica Ogles of Franklin are enjoying the Heritage Ball at The Factory in Franklin Oct. 12, 2002. While on the 2022 campaign trail, Ogles pledged to abolish the U.S. Department of Education, fire IRS agents, and called for the impeachment of former President Joe Biden, former Vice President Kamala Harris and former Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. In 2024, Ogles was reelected to Congress, defeating Democratic activist Maryam Abolfazli of Nashville. Ogles was at the center of an FBI investigation Ogles has long been under scrutiny for issues related to his federal campaign finance disclosures, drawing multiple complaints over the years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ahead of the 2022 primary, the Federal Election Commission received a complaint accusing him of a pattern of malfeasance in his financial practices. Following that election cycle, he was ordered to pay $5,750 in civil penalties for campaign finance violations. U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles addresses his supporters after winning the Republican nomination for a second term at an election night returns party at Ludlow & Prime in Franklin, Tenn., Thursday night, Aug. 1, 2024. In 2024, Ogles acknowledged that a $320,000 self-loan he had reported as cash to the FEC for two years was actually a pledge that was never needed or used. That same year, the FBI seized his phone as part of an investigation he believed was related to his campaign finance filings. It has been widely reported for months that my campaign made mistakes in our initial financial filings, said Ogles in a social media post. We have worked diligently with attorneys and reporting experts to correct the errors and ensure compliance going forward," continued the post. "It is my understanding that they are investigating the same well-known facts surrounding these filings." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In August, Ogles launched a fundraising campaign to help cover more than $120,000 in legal expenses stemming from reporting errors in his campaign finance records. Ogles is up for reelection in 2026 Ogles is facing a primary challenge in the 2026 GOP primary. Former Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher has declared his candidacy for the GOP nomination in the states 5th Congressional District, marking the second attempt to challenge Ogles in a primary since his 2022 election. In 2024, Nashville Metro Council member Courtney Johnston mounted a well-financed campaign to oust him but was unsuccessful. Ogles benefited from backing by Americans for Prosperity-Tennessee, where he previously served as a lobbyist for five years. Republican candidate Andy Ogles talks to the press after winning the House of Representatives in Tennessee's newly created 5th Congressional District at an election night watch party at Puckett's in Columbia, Tenn., Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has identified Tennessees 5th District as a key target for flipping. Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder is running for the Democratic nomination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ogles is facing fundraising difficulties in his reelection effort, the Tennessean reported, with mounting campaign debt and multiple challengers entering the race. According to his latest Federal Election Commission filing, Ogles has just under $58,000 in cash on hand and more than $70,000 in outstanding liabilities, including a $20,000 personal loan to his campaign. Meanwhile, democratic challenger Molder reported raising $785,000. More: National Democrats to target US Rep. Andy Ogles as vulnerable Republican in 2026 Contributing: Vivian Jones Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for the Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com or follow her on X at @_leyvadiana This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Who is Andy Ogles, rep calling for 3rd Donald Trump term SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) A group of animal rights activists says Governor Pritzker and the Legislature are ignoring animal torture at local rodeos. On Tuesday, Showing Animals Respect and Kindness (SHARK), decided to grab lawmakers attention with an eye-catching display that put that practice front and center. Cruising around the Illinois Capitol Tuesday afternoon was a TV truck showing videos of bovine tailing a rodeo event where riders on horseback grab a steer by its tail and drag it to the ground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Illinois lawmakers race to get bills passed before veto session ends SHARK, the group behind the truck, said the event often leaves steers with severe injuries including broken bones. The group said they have brought the issue to lawmakers and even the governor, but little has been done. They hope the graphic videos played on the truck will motivate lawmakers to take action during the veto session. Its easy to ignore an email and not open that link to the video, so were going to be on the street showing it to everybody, said SHARK Campaign Director Jodie Wiederkehr. And if the elected officials if Governor Pritzker refuses to look at it, then the members of the public will see it, and well tell them how the governor is not stopping it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this session, the Illinois Senate did pass a resolution condemning the practice of steer tailing, but that resolution was only symbolic, and SHARK says further action is needed to protect the animals. 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. Authorities have ramped up their warnings to Nepal trekkers, especially those in the Annapurna and Manaslu areas, where trails have been closed at least until Friday. Cyclone Montha has advanced from the east coast of India and arrived yesterday evening in the western and northern mountains of Nepal. With it came snowfall at a relatively low altitude. A village at 2,800m in the Mustang region, yesterday morning. Photo: Susil Babu Takhali/The Himalayan Times Annapurna and Manaslu passes closed Officials have closed the trail to Annapurna Base Camp, one of the most popular treks in Nepal until Friday at least. There is snow from Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m), the government told The Himalayan Times. In lower areas, such as Ghorepani-Poon Hill, Dhampus, and Mohare Danda, the problem will be heavy rain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Warnings for the Manaslu region and Mustang advise villagers to remain indoors and keep their livestock safe and sheltered. Tourists should take precautions and keep in contact with their local agents for updated information. Nepal's Department of Hydrology and Meteorology warns about rising water level in several rivers and possible flash floods in certain areas. For updated and regional information, check the DHM bulletins here. Thorung La Pass, near Manaslu BC, on a good day. Photo: Adventure Vision Treks and Travels Tourists stranded The first incidents have been reported in the Manaslu region, where tourists attempting to cross the Larke Pass (5,106m), the highest point on the Manaslu trek, were stranded midway due to poor visibility and worsening conditions, The Himalayan Times reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and local rescue teams have been mobilized to assist and coordinate with local municipalities in facilitating rescues and safe passage," the paper reported. An unknown number of tourists are also stranded at Annapurna Base Camp after heavy snowfall and worsening weather, according to 24 Ghanta Nepal: "The Nepal Police and Armed Police Force...have deployed a rescue team along the Maurice Herzog trail." This trail leads to the north side of Annapurna, south of the high pass of Thorong La, which is also currently closed. The news channel also reports on heavy snowfall today in the upper sections of the Khumbu Valley, such as Dingboche, on the way to Everest Base Camp. Whats for dinner? From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 30, Ector County ISD families will have a smorgasbord of options through the Districts 4th Annual Food Show. The event, held at the Odessa Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, 305 E. Fifth St., is free and open to all ECISD parents, students, and staff. Nearly 1,000 people attended last year, sampling food items from ECISDs School Nutrition Department and some of the largest names in food service. While there, attendees are encouraged to vote on potential and current menu items. There will be door prizes to give away, too. The Food Show was created as a way to bring parents to the table, quite literally, and give them a chance to taste they types of food served in school cafeterias. It is a unique dinner together, and gives moms and dads the opportunity to talk about what tastes good to kids, explore healthy food options, and emphasize the importance of eating well. Plus, its fun. The post Annual Food Show gives parents chance to sample menus appeared first on Odessa American. The New Hampshire House of Representatives early on in the 2026 session will vote on another proposal to legalize the recreational use of marijuana for adults 21 years or older. Another marijuana legalization bill heads to N.H. House The House Commerce and Small Business Committee (pictured) voted, 10-7, to recommend passage of legislation to legalize the recreational use of marijuana for adults, 21 and older Tuesday. The full House of Representatives will take the matter up early on in the 2026 session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As expected, the House Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee voted, 10-7, on Tuesday to recommend approval of a leftover bill (HB 186) from the 2025 session that would also permit adults to grow their own marijuana, as long as its shielded from public view. Smoking or vaping cannabis in public would be against the law under this legislation, but only a violation with a fine, not a criminal offense. Rep. Jared Sullivan, D-Bethlehem, a 2026 candidate for U.S. Senate, is the prime author of the proposal. The bills passage is likely in the House, which has consistently embraced legalized cannabis bills for more than a decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If that happens, however, it would face a steeper uphill climb in the Republican-led Senate. Last April, the Senate voted, 15-9, to set aside another House-passed legalization measure (HB 75). Gov. Kelly Ayotte has said she would oppose any legalization bill if it came to her desk. As President Donald Trump faces outrage from critics over his new ballroom, one senator fears a different historic monument could be a future target of his demolition efforts. The construction of Trumps long-sought $300 million, 90,000-square foot ballroom has piled up backlash after crews were spotted suddenly tearing down the East Wing of the White House at the beginning of last week despite Trumps pledge in July to not interfere with the buildings existing structure. When asked by Raw Story whether Trump may facelift other memorials after the East Wing, Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) told the outlet: You think he mighttake down the presidents statue at the Lincoln Memorial and replace it with a Donald Trump statue? I guess everythings possible." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this month, Trump had shown off a model of a separate development project to commemorate the countrys 250th anniversary in Washington, D.C., which resembles the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Informally dubbed the Arc de Trump, the presidents renderings wedge it between the entrances to Arlington National Cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial. Warner added: This is why you used to have laws and a certain ability to review things. I think its a very real possibility. Only thing Id ask is, where the hell are my Republican colleagues? However, the majority of supporters and allies of the president have shielded the project amid blowback. They attack him for everything he does, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said during a press conference last week. It doesnt matter what it is. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) expressed a similar point, telling reporters, Just because President Trump has an idea, the Democrat Partys visceral reaction is just to say no. According to Raw Story, Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) also said that it would not be a surprise if Trump did go after some of our most beautiful historic sites in this country. The ballroom is expected to be completed before the end of Trumps term, according to the White House. In its defense, the Trump administration has continued to maintain that the ballroom is being funded by Trump and other private donors, including companies like Amazon, Apple and Google, while pointing to different renovation projects to the historic buildings complex. The construction will mark a significant change to the White House exterior since former President Franklin D. Roosevelt created the East Wing in 1942, which has traditionally housed the first lady and staff. At the start of the demolition on Oct. 20, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that the East Wing will be more beautiful than ever when it is complete! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It comes as several outlets reported this week that Trump has fired all six members of the Commission of Fine Arts, a federal agency that advises the president, Congress and the nations capital on design and aesthetics. Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. For nearly a decade, the Orlando Sentinel has documented and exposed factually flawed teaching and blatant discrimination at religious schools in Florida that are funded with tax dollars. We found schools that refused to serve gay students, that fired teachers after learning they were gay and that even refused to serve kids if school officials learned that they have two same-sex parents all in the name of religion. We also documented schools that refused to serve children with disabilities schools whose written policies said they wouldnt enroll kids in wheelchairs or with intellectual challenges, citing autism as an example. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And we found schools that teach all kinds of factually inaccurate science and history lessons, using books that question evolution, human history and even the negative aspects of segregation. Every time we exposed these twisted teachings or discriminatory policies, supporters of school choice including the governor and a majority of GOP lawmakers shrugged it off, saying thats how choice works. Schools should be free to teach whatever they want, they argued, and if parents dont like it, they should simply choose to take their kids to another school. Well, that was apparently before some of these politicians learned that Muslims also get tax dollars to run voucher schools. Now theyve decided that unfettered choice may have some drawbacks. The most recent push to defund voucher schools that teach Islamic faith is being led by the hard-right members of the Freedom Caucus in Congress, which has counted aspiring Florida governor Byron Donalds among its members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After learning that taxpayer-funded voucher money supported a Muslim-run school in Tennessee, the Freedom Caucus tweeted earlier this month that: School choice is great, but taxpayer dollars should not be going to Islamic schools in Nashville (or anywhere in Tennessee) That was followed this week by Floridas GOP Attorney General, James Uthmeier, highlighting an Islamic voucher school in Florida that Uthmeier suggested should be investigated, saying Sharia law seeks to destroy and supplant the pillars of our republican form of government and is incompatible with the Western tradition. So to recap: If a school uses Christian faith to discriminate against gay students or kids in wheelchairs, thats all fine. Thats what choice is all about. But if an Islamic school espouses objectionable ideas, we have a problem. Ive long argued that no school should get public money to spread religious indoctrination or to discriminate against any member of the tax-paying public regardless of whether the school is run by Christians, Muslims or anyone else. That doesnt seem like a radical stance. Yet that approach to both quality and equality has been roundly rejected by school-choice proponents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a quick refresher, the Orlando Sentinel started documenting some of the ugly things going on inside Floridas publicly funded voucher schools back in 2017 in its Schools without Rules series. Among the findings: Some teachers lacked degrees or any kind of basic teaching certification Finances so disastrous that some schools actually shut down in the middle of the school year, stranding families and students Science classes that claimed dinosaurs roamed the earth with humans and history lessons that claimed slavery and segregation werent really all that bad Teachers fired for being gay. And more than 150 voucher schools with written policies that explicitly said that LGBTQ students would not be admitted or that students who uttered phrases like I am gay would be expelled Schools that said they wouldnt serve kids with special needs or disabilities, including one in Volusia that received more than $1.5 million in public money a year while also having a written policy that said all of its students must be ambulatory and have no emotional disorders or limited intellectual functions (such as Autism, Aspergers, Downs syndrome, etc.). Some of the schools, including that one in Volusia, would later change their policies or claim theyd never actually enforced them but also made it clear that Florida lawmakers gave them permission to do as they please with public money. Trinity Christian Academy is a religious organization and we are fully within our rights to freely practice our beliefs, the headmaster said in an email two years ago. Our teaching is Bible-based and we will make no apology for that. She was right. Floridas taxpayer-funded voucher system has long allowed schools to largely do as they please and do so unapologetically until some Muslim schools caught their attention anyway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Uthmeier and some of the new critics have tried to coat their concerns about Muslim schools by linking the theologies or school leaders to anti-American sentiment or even terrorism. But the Freedom Caucus was quite clear in saying what it really wanted: taxpayer dollars should not be going to Islamic schools Listen, there are some Muslim extremists just like there are some Christian extremists. There are also many faith-based schools that do spectacular jobs teaching kids and do so in an inclusive manner. The solution isnt to allow indoctrination and discrimination from some religions and not others. Its to ban both altogether at schools that run on public money. If you believe your faith endorses discrimination and warped versions of history, youre fortunate to live in a country where youre allowed to both hold and espouse those beliefs. But taxpayers shouldnt fund any of it no matter whos doing it. 2025 Orlando Sentinel A German political activist dubbed the anti-Greta has applied for asylum in the United States, claiming she is fleeing persecution in Europe. Naomi Seibt, 25, is an outspoken critic of Germanys main political parties and an ardent supporter of the Alternative for Germany (AfD). Supporters have described her as the opposite of Swedish activist Greta Thunberg for her criticism of climate change initiatives and immigration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms Seibt said she feared for her life after receiving death threats from Antifa. She said the police did nothing when presented with proof that her life was in danger. It starts with Antifa, which is stronger in Germany than it is anywhere else in the world I have received many death threats from Antifa. When I showed it to the police, they said they couldnt do anything because I wasnt raped or killed, Ms Seibt said. She claimed she had been watched by German intelligence for several years. I believe there is a good chance they would try to arrest me at the airport and come for me and my family, including my little sister, who is not political at all, she told The Telegraph from Washington, where she resides pending the outcome of her asylum application. Supporters of Naomi Seibt have dubbed her the anti-Greta Thunberg - Aris Messinis/AFP The 25-year-old German national submitted her request for asylum under the US Immigration and Nationality Act, claiming she faced imprisonment or physical harm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It comes amid reports US president Donald Trump is considering offering political asylum to Europeans who oppose migration or have been targeted for peaceful expression of views online. He has also said he could designate the Left-wing ideological movement Antifa a terror organisation in the US. JD Vance, the vice president, singled out Germany in his attack on European democracies earlier this year, telling the Munich Security Conference that they were retreating from democracy. Asked why she wanted to move to the US, Ms Seibt said she was drawn to the patriotism she believed exists in America but was discouraged at home. She claimed the AfD was the only party that wanted to promote patriotism in Germany and said she and others had been targeted for supporting that goal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Americans stand up for each other, she said. I do not see that same sentiment in Germany. The AfD is not imperialist like the Nazis, it is a libertarian-conservative party. Their only goal is to revive the patriotism that exists just as healthily in the United States. In the decades since democracy returned to Germany, the countrys main political parties have agreed not to work with far-Right movements, which the countrys intelligence agency recently said included the AfD. This firewall of non-cooperation is intended to keep the AfD out of a coalition government, despite the party polling ahead of the ruling Christian Democrat Union (CDU). The AfD is critical of mass migration and multiculturalism, particularly Islam. It favours banning the burka and has endorsed remigration, a policy calling for the mass deportation of migrants living in Germany. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms Seibt supports these beliefs, and on her X feed claims that white German men and women have been taught to hate themselves and are at risk of being erased. Ms Seibt now resides in Washington, pending the outcome of her asylum application - Dermot Tatlow/Dermot Tatlow The AfD has received support from several mainstream political figures in the US, including Mr Vance, who met its leader Alice Weidel after his Munich speech earlier this year. Ms Seibt also arranged a live discussion between Ms Weidel and Mr Musk on X earlier this year. Ms Seibt claimed Germany was losing its commitment to free speech, and said journalists and activists had been targeted for expressing their views online. On her X account, which has nearly half a million followers, she highlighted the case of Norbert Bolz, a mainstream political commentator whose home was recently searched by police over a 2024 social media post that contained a Nazi-era slogan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, officers arrived at Mr Bolzs home and questioned him about the post that included the words Deutschland erwache! (Germany, awake!). The pundit, who has written for mainstream outlets including Welt, the sister publication of Politico, was not arrested. Ms Seibt also cited the case of her friend Aron Pielka, who she said was persecuted for his online views, including criticism of Islam on his satirical YouTube channel known as Shlomo Finkelstein. Ms Seibt claimed she had been watched by German intelligence for several years - Dermot Tatlow/Dermot Tatlow In 2020, he received a one-year suspended prison sentence after being found guilty of incitement to hatred, insulting religious communications, and sharing symbols of unconstitutional organisations. He was jailed in August last year after violating his probation conditions. Ms Seibt said Mr Pielka was targeted by German intelligence for his political views and feared the same would happen to her if she returned home. She also said the death threats from Antifa had gone on for years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They have many reasons to not like me being in the United States, she said. The only reason I havent received the same threats is because they are worried they would make it public and I could involve the United States. It would be much easier once I returned to Germany. Asked if there was any irony in seeking asylum as a supporter of Trump and the AfD, both of whom take a hard line on immigration, she said: The AfD is not against immigration at all, we just want immigration that goes through strict and rigorous controls. The initial problem was in 2015 when Angela Merkel opened the borders, many of them were Islamists, its just extremely dangerous to not even check whos coming in. You cant assume they are all good people. Any government has a duty to protect its own people first. Germanys federal domestic intelligence agency refused to comment on Ms Seibts claims. 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. German climate change skeptic Naomi Seibt who has been cast as the anti-Greta for expressing views diametrically opposed to those of Greta Thunberg has filed for political asylum in the U.S., claiming she is being denied protection from persecution in her homeland. Speaking to Fox News Digital Tuesday, Seibt, 25, said she is currently in America legally and has submitted a petition under Section 208 of the Immigration and Nationality Act to secure permanent residence in the interests of her own safety. I have now applied for asylum, which means that Im waiting for an interview. And, in the meantime, Im here legally, she said. My goal in the meantime is to become an American citizen in the future because this country has given me so much hope. German climate change skeptic Naomi Seibt is interviewed by Fox News Digital on Tuesday October 28 2025 (Fox News Digital) Seibt said tech billionaire Elon Musk is supporting her asylum appeal after he reached out to her on his platform X following her decision to vote for the far-right Alternative fur Deutschland party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I made a post during the European elections in June 2024, where I said, My name is Naomi Seibt, and Im voting for the AfD, and that was the very first time that Musk interacted with me Elon privately messaged me on x about the AfD, she said. "Over the course of last year, I was obviously retweeted a lot by Elon Musk, and I interacted with him personally in private messages just about whats going on in Germany. Discussing the political climate in Europe, Seibt told Fox: It is illegal to damage the reputation of a politician in Germany. This law was extended under Angela Merkel, Article 188, and now people are being arrested. And their houses are being raided for just social media posts. As soon as I come back to Germany, I feel that they will try to arrest me. In 2024, I found out that I had been spied on by German intelligence for years. Simultaneously, I keep receiving death threats from Antifa, she claimed. Tech billionaire Elon Musk has befriended Seibt on X and encouraged her to seek asylum in the U.S. (AP) I went to the German police, and they told me that they cant do anything about it as long as I have not actually been raped or killed. I am not getting protection from the German government even though I am at major risk of potentially being killed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked about being regularly juxtaposed with Thunberg, 22, Seibt said: I had started becoming known and internationally recognized as the anti-Greta Thunberg in 2020. "I was barely 19 years old and never expected to be recognized as a right-wing figure. The German media called me the anti-Greta, they demonize me as the anti-Greta, like an antichrist for Greta Thunberg. Im Naomi Seibt and want to be recognized as who I am because Im not just some puppet poster figure for the right wing. Hailing from Munster in North Rhine-Westphalia, Seibts mother is reportedly a lawyer who has represented the AfD. The activist who prefers the term climate realist to climate denier, which she argues invokes Holocaust denialism. She first made headlines in her homeland while a high school student when she composed a nationalist poem, Sometimes I Keep Silent, that was published on a right-wing blog. The Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, to whom Seibt has regularly been compared (Reuters) She subsequently built up a large social media following by uploading videos to YouTube, beginning in May 2019, with titles like Climate change just hot air?, Fierce without Feminism, and Message to the Media HOW DARE YOU? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was first compared to Thunberg by the Suddeutsche Zeitung newspaper after she delivered a star-making address that November at the European Institute for Climate and Energys International Climate and Energy Conference. Seibt was subsequently hired by The Heartland Institute, a U.S. think-tank based in Chicago, which has previously lobbied on behalf of tobacco firms, supports fracking, and rejects the scientific consensus on climate change, to be the face of its climate denial campaign. The association saw her speak at events like Heartlands International Conference on Climate Change at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas in fall 2021, which was dubbed the anti-Cop26. In addition to attacking climate alarmism, the YouTuber has been accused of engaging in antisemitism, white nationalism, and spreading Covid-19 misinformation during the pandemic. It has previously promoted the QAnon conspiracy theory. Should she become a U.S. citizen, Seibt will find her position on the environment neatly aligned with that of the Trump administration, the president himself having regularly dismissed global warming as a scam and a hoax, and backing a return to fossil fuel exploitation over investment in alternative renewable energy sources. With Mamdani maintaining a firm grip on Democratic constituencies in the city, Cuomo likely needs at least some Republican support to have a path to victory. A couple of anti-Zohran Mamdani super PACs are deploying increasingly Red-baiting ads about him in the final days of the New York City mayoral race as part of a broader effort to persuade conservative voters to line up behind independent candidate Andrew Cuomo in next weeks election. On Monday, Defend NYC, a super PAC thats advocating for Cuomo and against Mamdani, dropped $250,000 on an anti-Mamdani text message blast to local voters that quoted President Donald Trump, new disclosures show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trump weighed in! He said what we already know: This race is between Andrew Cuomo or Zohran Mamdani and Cuomo is the ONLY choice for mayor. Cuomo is flawed but we have to do our civic duty and vote for him to stop communism from coming to NYC, reads the text blast, which also included a video clip of Trump deriding Mamdani as a Communist. The text spree appears to be the first ad from a major pro-Cuomo super PAC broadcasting Trumps incorrect claim about Mamdani being a Communist. Mamdani, who has polled as the clear favorite to win next Tuesdays mayoral election, is a democratic socialist. New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani gestures while walking during a ''New York is Not For Sale'' rally at Forest Hills Stadium, in the Queens borough of New York City, U.S., October 26, 2025. (credit: Eduardo Munoz/Reuters) Among Defend NYCs top donors are Joe Gebbia, the co-founder of Airbnb whos also a major financial supporter of pro-Trump causes, as well as hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, another pro-Trump billionaire. The PAC is being run by Jason Meister, a political adviser to the president who recently told the New York Post that the deadly pro-Trump Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol should be declared a public holiday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meister didnt immediately return a request for comment Tuesday. A spokesman for Cuomo, who by law cant coordinate with any super PACs supporting his mayoral run, didnt comment. The Defend NYC spend comes as Cuomo, whos trailing Mamdani by double digits in most polls, has been publicly trying to court Republican voters who might otherwise back GOP mayoral nominee Curtis Sliwa. With Mamdani maintaining a firm grip on Democratic constituencies in the city, Cuomo likely needs at least some Republican support to have a path to victory. Another new pro-Cuomo super PAC, Stop the Socialists, has also deployed ads recently that are similar in portraying Mamdani as a left-wing extremist who can only be stopped by the former governor. Stop the Socialists This past Friday, Stop the Socialists plunked down $500,000 to air a radio ad that alleges Mamdanis socialist agenda is driving up costs, crime and chaos and Curtis Sliwa cant stop him, according to disclosures filed by the super PAC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every vote for Sliwa helps the socialists win, Republicans dont waste your vote, only Andrew Cuomo can beat Mamdani and protect our citys future, a voice-over says in the ad as dramatic music plays in the background. The same PAC spent another $500,000 last week for a digital ad that offers a similar pitch for Cuomo. The ad, featuring dramatic footage of disorder in New York, has a voice-over saying Mamdanis chaos and radical politics would make things worse before acknowledging, I know hes not everyones first choice, but theres only candidate strong enough to beat him: Andrew Cuomo. Republicans, dont waste your vote. Mamdani, an assemblyman representing northwestern Queens, has centered his campaign on promises to raise taxes on the wealthy to fund expanded social safety nets. Those promises have prompted anxiety among conservatives and local business communities, who fear Mamdani could cause an exodus of major companies from New York, among other issues. Mamdanis positions on Israel and the war in Gaza have also sparked accusations that his rhetoric is fueling antisemitism. DETROIT (AP) Detroit voters will choose a new mayor Tuesday in the citys first open-seat mayoral race in a dozen years. City Council President Mary Sheffield and Triumph Church pastor Solomon Kinloch, both Democrats, will face off for the citys top job after placing first and second in the Aug. 5 nonpartisan primary. The winner will replace outgoing three-term Mayor Mike Duggan, who is running for governor of Michigan as an independent. The city faces a vastly different situation than it did when Duggan was first elected in 2013. In July of that year, it became the largest U.S. city ever to file for bankruptcy. The city now has a budget surplus, 12 years of balanced budgets and projected economic growth for the next five years. Homicides and violent crimes are down, while the citys population has increased for the second consecutive year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, the next mayor will face numerous challenges, including a shortage of affordable housing and vast economic disparities along racial lines. Sheffield has led the field in fundraising throughout the campaign. As of the August primary, her campaign fund more than doubled that of her eight competitors combined. In the general election, she has far outraised and outspent Kinloch. As of Oct. 19, her campaign had spent more than $1.8 million on her campaign and had roughly $772,000 in the bank. By that same point, Kinloch had spent about $160,000 on the race and had less than $11,000 remaining in the bank. Since receiving more than 50% of the vote in the August primary, Sheffield has picked up key endorsements from Duggan, as well as from two of her former primary opponents, former city council president Saunteel Jenkins and city council member Fred Durhal. Jenkins received 16% of the primary vote, narrowly losing a spot on the general election ballot to Kinloch, who received about 17%. Durhal received about 3% of the vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Detroit electorate is overwhelmingly Democratic. In the 2024 presidential election, voters in the city supported Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris over Republican Donald Trump by about a 9-1 ratio. The election takes place as the nations largest cities face an unprecedented level of federal intervention, with President Trump deploying or threatening to deploy National Guard troops and federal officers to at least 10 American cities, including Los Angeles, Washington, Baltimore, Memphis, New Orleans, Chicago and Portland, Oregon, among others. At a September rally in Howell, Michigan, Vice President JD Vance sent a public message to Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer that the administration is happy to send the National Guard to Detroit. All you gotta do is ask, he said. The Associated Press does not make projections and will declare a winner only when its determined there is no scenario that would allow the trailing candidates to close the gap. If a race has not been called, the AP will continue to cover any newsworthy developments, such as candidate concessions or declarations of victory. In doing so, the AP will make clear that it has not yet declared a winner and explain why. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michigans mandatory recount law does not apply to Detroits mayoral race. Instead, candidates may request and pay for a recount, with the payment refunded if the recount changes the outcome. The AP may declare a winner in a race that is subject to a recount if it can determine the lead is too large for a recount or legal challenge to change the outcome. Heres a look at what to expect on Tuesday: How late are polls open? Polls close at 8 p.m. ET. Whats on the ballot? The AP will provide vote results and declare the winner in Detroits mayoral race. Who gets to vote? Any voter registered in Detroit may participate in the mayoral general election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What do turnout and advance vote look like? There were more than 518,000 registered voters in Detroit as of the August mayoral primary. Turnout in that primary was about 17% of registered voters. About 32% of mayoral primary voters cast their ballots in person, while the remaining 68% voted early in person or by absentee ballot. Turnout in the 2021 mayoral general election was about 19% of registered voters, with about 67% of voters casting early or absentee ballots. As of Monday, nearly 45,000 ballots had been cast in Detroit before Election Day. How long does vote counting usually take? In the August primary, the AP first reported results at 8:32 p.m. ET, or 32 minutes after polls closed. The vote tabulation ended for the night at 4:30 a.m. ET, with 100% of votes counted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Are we there yet? As of Tuesday, there will be 364 days until the 2026 midterm elections and 1,099 days until the 2028 general election. ___ Follow the APs coverage of the 2025 election at https://apnews.com/projects/election-results-2025/. Oct. 28WILKES-BARRE Joseph Sarmiento, through his appellate attorney, Robert M. Buttner, recently filed an appeal with the Pennsylvania Superior Court citing similar reasons raised by attorneys John Donovan and Cheryl Sobeski-Reedy during pre-trial proceedings. "Whether the trial court (Luzerne County Judge Michael T. Vough) erred when rendering a verdict of guilty but mentally ill of third-degree murder against the weight of the evidence where the court failed to properly weigh (Sarmiento's) severe mental illness, the defense presented two psychiatrists and psychological experts who both opined that (Sarmiento) was mentally ill and whose opinions outweighed those of the single (prosecutors) expert," Buttner wrote in his appeal. Other issues raised on Sarmiento's appeal are the state police's continued interrogation of Sarmiento despite Sarmiento referencing that he was in need of an attorney, and what is believed to be an excessive sentence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For years leading up to and on the first day of Sarmiento's non-jury trial on charges he fatally beat a woman to death inside a Hazle Township motel room in 2021, his attorneys during the initial trial Donovan and Sobeski-Reedy strongly argued he could not proceed due to his mental health. Sarmiento, 41, of Quakertown, was found guilty of third-degree murder but mentally ill by Vough following a two-day bench trial that ended Feb. 26. Pennsylvania State Police at Hazleton charged Sarmiento with beating Helena Johnson, 38, to death inside a bathroom of a room Sarmiento rented at the Red Carpet Inn on North Church Street. Johnson's body was found June 4, 2021, when Sarmiento returned to the motel room and called 911. Vough later sentenced Sarmiento to 20-to-40 years in state prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In leading up to the non-jury trial, competency hearings were held before Vough where Donovan and Sobeski-Reedy had Sarmiento evaluated to determine his mental competency. Two psychiatrists, Dr. Richard E. Fischbein and Dr. Michael E. Keesler, found Sarmiento mentally incompetent as they opined Sarmiento had difficulty understanding the criminal homicide charge. Fischbein opined Sarmiento suffered from delusional thinking and delusional disorder, while Keesler gave his expert opinion that Sarmiento suffered from psychotic illness. To counter the medical opinions of Fischbein and Keesler, state prosecutors produce their own expert, psychiatrist Dr. John S. O'Brien, who opined Sarmiento was able to understand, participate and assist in his defense. Vough overruled the two defense-hired psychiatrists and agreed with O'Brien, finding Sarmiento was competent to face the criminal homicide charge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During one court proceeding, Sobeski-Reedy stood up and argued they could not proceed "effectively" knowing they are defending a person who was found by two independent psychiatrists to be mentally incompetent. And again, Vough denied Sobeski-Reedy's effort at a second competency hearing for Sarmiento, resulting in the non-jury trial and ultimate conviction rendered by Vough of third-degree murder, but mentally ill. Sarmiento testified in his own defense during the non-jury trial saying he believed Johnson was alive and had visited him outside his jailhouse window and heard her voice inside the county correctional facility. Authorities are searching for the person responsible for criminal damage at a Minnesota farm at some point over the past four months. The Morrison County Sheriff's Office says that eight slashed tires were recently found on an irrigation system at a farm east of Balcony Road and south of 60th Street in Elmdale Township. Finding the culprit is complicated however, as the damage may have occurred at any time between June 1 and October 20. Morrison County Sheriff's Office The owner of the irrigation system is offering a $1,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information can call Morrison County Sheriffs Office Investigators at (320) 632-9233. Note: The details provided in this story are based on law enforcements latest version of events, and may be subject to change. Morrison County Sheriff's Office This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Oct 29, 2025, where it first appeared in the MN News section. Add Bring Me The News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Bonnie Blue isnt backing down even after being arrested in Bali and her first public comment made that very clear. The 26-year-old adult content creator, whose real name is Tia Billinger, broke her silence after being arrested in Bali on suspicion of violating local morality laws. Her five-word message came as she was... Oct. 29 (UPI) -- A federal appeals court has agreed to reconsider a decision that would have allowed President Donald Trump to send National Guard troops to Portland, Ore. The decision tosses out a ruling from last week of a three-judge panel that overturned a lower court's ruling against the administration. The administration has been blocked since earlier this month from deploying troops to the city because of Judge Karin Immergut's ban. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit on Oct. 20 paused Immergut's order. It said she had not shown sufficient deference to the president's judgment that troops were needed to carry out federal law. Protests were preventing Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from arresting people in the city, the administration alleged. The ruling was 2-1 in the three-judge panel. The two judges in the majority were appointed during Trump's first term, as was Immergut. The third judge, who dissented, was Judge Susan P. Graber, who was appointed by President Bill Clinton. She urged the court to reconsider the case in an en banc panel, a group of 11 judges. The Portland plaintiffs also pushed for an en banc panel, arguing that the previous decision "affronts Oregon's sovereignty and erodes the rule of law." The Department of Justice argued that the court "should decline to disturb the panel's stay decision and allow the appeal to proceed in the ordinary course." On Tuesday, Judge Mary H. Murguia, chief judge of the circuit, issued a brief order saying that "upon the vote of a majority of nonrecused active judges, it is ordered that this case be reheard en banc," and that the previous order be vacated. No date was set for the en banc hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House said in a statement that it expected "the court to uphold the law." "The facts haven't changed," said Abigail Jackson, a White House spokesperson, the Washington Post reported. "Amidst ongoing violent riots and lawlessness, that local leaders have refused to step in to quell, President Trump has exercised his lawful authority to protect federal officers and assets." Oregon officials cheered the decision. Attorney General Dan Rayfield, a Democrat, said the vote "shows the truth matters and that the courts are working to hold this administration accountable." The office of Gov. Tina Kotek, also a Democrat, said the ruling "is good news for everyone who cares about the rule of law in America. Oregon stands united against this unwanted, unneeded, unconstitutional military intervention," in a statement. The leader of the Archdiocese of Baltimore has alerted those affected by the ongoing government shutdown that Americas first and oldest diocese stands ready to help. Archbishop William E. Lori said Monday that the archdiocese which claims half a million members in Baltimore City and nine counties in central and western Maryland will continue to operate its many charitable programs as long as the shutdown lasts and beyond. The services the archdiocese makes available to members of the public include free meals, direct help with rent and utilities, emergency housing, and family and counseling support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre the same ones the archdiocese provides for those in need year-round, but Lori said he wanted to place special emphasis on their availability during a time of unusual instability. Government shutdowns have far-reaching consequences, but they take a particularly heavy toll on the most vulnerable among us families living paycheck to paycheck, parents worried about feeding their children, and seniors already balancing the cost of medications and groceries, Lori said in a statement. When vital government services are interrupted or delayed, the result is more than an inconvenience it can mean hunger, anxiety, and hardship for our brothers and sisters in need. At such difficult moments, we are called to stand in solidarity with those who suffer, to walk alongside them, and to be a source of hope in times of uncertainty, he added. Lori specifically mentioned Catholic Charities, the nonprofit whose 80 charitable programs across the state include providing food for thousands each day, as well as offering mental health and counseling services. He encouraged anyone in need to call the organization at (667) 600-2000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also cited the work of The St. Vincent de Paul Society of Baltimore, which offers direct assistance for rent and other expenses in many parishes. The organization also continues to operate the Beans & Bread Day Services Program, which provides breakfast and a hot lunch to hundreds of people per day, Monday through Friday. He cited the societys number as (410) 662-0500. Lori mentioned that many parishes operate food pantries and assistance programs and are open to anyone in need of groceries or meals. He added that anyone interested can find a nearby parish to inquire about what services they offer. Our ministries remain open and active, providing care and support across central and western Maryland, he said. Loris announcement comes as President Donald Trumps administration says it will cut off Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits commonly known as food stamps on Nov. 1, which about 1 in 8 Americans rely on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shutdown, already the second-longest in history, is stretching into its fourth week without any end in sight. The White House has blamed Congressional Democrats for not voting to end the standoff. The Baltimore archdiocese incorporates Baltimore City as well as Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard, and Washington counties. Have a news tip? Contact Jonathan M. Pitts at jonpitts@baltsun.com. Oct. 29October 29, 2015 BSU students recently met with House DFL Leader Paul Thissen and Rep. John Persell, detailing their struggles in the financial aid system. According to education research company Peterson's, Minnesota students graduate with the fifth-most debt in the country, nearly $32,000 on average. October 29, 2000 A pre-adoption and pre-foster parent training class was held over the weekend at the Paradise Room at the Palace Casino in Cass Lake. About a dozen prospective parents from around northern Minnesota, some already involved in child welfare issues, took part in the two-day workshop. October 29, 1975 Students walked out of their classes at Cass Lake High School to protest a lack of special education programs at the school. The Indian Educational Committee has presented the school board with possible programs and funding, but apparently, action by the board was proceeding too slowly. October 29, 1925 Bemidji is set to have one of the finest baby chick hatcheries in this section of the Northwest in 1926, according to the manager of the North Central Minnesota Cooperative Poultry Producers Association. The hatchery will be located on a five-acre plot just west of the city's fairgrounds. A scripture reading during a government meeting. Praise for "the one true God" and prayer for a city development deal. Support for mandatory Bible reading from a school board president. In recent months, elected and public officials across Arizona have unabashedly shared their religious views while carrying out their government roles. May we all when we die make the demons rejoice, Fountain Hills Councilmember Hannah Larrabee said at the towns first meeting after Charlie Kirks assassination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She continued, May we all be so courageous, so bold, so effective, so faithful, so obedient to the Lord, so relentless in the pursuit of his glory that when we die, all of God's enemies cheer. Hannah Larrabee of the Fountain Hills Town Council The actions of Larrabee and others have troubled some community members who see an erosion of the separation of church and state. But government figures, from Fountain Hills to Buckeye, said they're simply practicing their own religious freedom. They denied claims that their actions showed the government favoring one religion over another. The instances reflect a shift in local government norms at the same time as national changes occur. President Donald Trump has taken steps to expand religious protections, with a focus on Christians. The U.S. Supreme Courts conservative majority has shown repeated willingness to protect religious exercise in schools and other public places. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While recent studies have shown Arizona's Christian population is shrinking, evangelical pastors in the Valley say they are seeing a religious "revival" spurred by the assassination of political influencer and vocal Christian proponent, Charlie Kirk. Mom expresses concern over demon talk in Fountain Hills Fountain Hills resident Tiana Torrilhon wasnt a regular attendee of the Town Council meetings, but when her son was invited to receive an award along with other students, the family went. At the start of the meeting, councilmembers were given time to discuss whatever they wished. That's when Councilmember Larrabee gave her remarks about Kirk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement May we all, when we die, make the demons rejoice, Larrabee said. May we all be so courageous, so bold, so effective, so faithful, so obedient to the Lord, so relentless in the pursuit of his glory that when we die, all of God's enemies cheer. May they lament every breath we take. May they be enraged by every morning that our feet hit the floor. May they wince at every word we say." Vice Mayor Allen Skillicorn said Kirk was not murdered for his politics, he was murdered for his faith in Jesus Christ. I want to share that Romans 10:13 says, For whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Those words are true. And that means that we will be reunited with our brother, Skillicorn said, referring to Kirk. Fountain Hills Councilmember Allen Skillicorn. Torrilhon was baffled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "All people of all faiths or no faiths should be able to come into that space, feel welcome and not feel alienated. And I would argue that having a prayer that is very much geared toward the Christian faith, and having councilmembers actually citing the Bible, having all the speech be about demons and hell and all of that, is not only not appropriate for a child's celebration for school, it's also not appropriate for a government building where you would presume that there might be citizens who do not share your same faith because we are in America," Torrilhon said. She posted a video of the meeting that went viral on TikTok, garnering 2 million views. The video showed her son, who has autism, sitting during the meeting prayer. An audience member in the row behind poked her child and signaled him to stand up during the prayer. Torrilhon said she posted it thinking her community, aware of people with autism, would relate, but then the post exploded with comments. Some people thought she was recording at church. "It's not fine that thousands of people assumed we were in church when we were in a Town Hall meeting," Torrilhon said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The councilmembers saw it differently. Councilmembers claim personal freedom of religious expression For Larrabee, a key point was that her comments came during the personal comments portion of the meeting, before the council addresses business or takes votes. At no point did I try to convert people to Christianity or use faith as a councilmember, Larrabee said. But I did talk about it, because thats who I am. It wasnt an ordinance or resolution. Skillicorn, the vice mayor, said in an interview with The Republic, Everyone has a right to choose what they believe in, including myself. Our faith is part of our culture, our faith is part of our country, our faith is part of those meetings, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked whether he would support the government establishing a formal religion, he said, Absolutely not. Because people need to make that decision for themselves. You cannot legislate that decision. Robert Boston, senior adviser with Americans United for Separation of Church and State, said government officials don't have to explicitly call for the public's conversion or pass a rule for an action to be improper. Using government time and resources for religious expression alone, Boston said, is "an attempt to water down the separation of church and state" and "create a de facto official religion." Boston said that "de facto" religion wasn't "a generalized endorsement of religion," but rather "very specific brands of extremely conservative Christianity." Peoria Mayor Jason Beck leads a City Council meeting on April 8, 2025. Peoria employee: Only through the hand of the one true God The claim that government officials should be afforded the same freedom as everyday people to discuss their faith was echoed by Peoria Mayor Jason Beck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We sometimes forget that they have free speech as well, Beck said about officials. He added that for Christians, and many people of faith, their proclivity for service often stems from their religious beliefs. His comments came after Deputy City Manager Mike Faust gave a presentation to the Peoria City Council on Aug. 28, outlining the timeline for how a land swap deal with a major semiconductor company came together. Peoria Deputy City Manager Mike Faust previously served as a director at the Arizona Department of Child Services. In that public presentation, Faust repeatedly said it was a God story, and that, Its only through the hand of the one true God that were able to do what we do. Faust acknowledged that some people might object, saying some may not want to hear my God story, or tell me theres a separation of church and state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jon Forsythe, a Peoria resident and frequent critic of the Peoria mayor, said "a mere mention" of one's faith in a government meeting wouldn't be a big deal, but the deputy city manager's presentation "was more than a heavy dose." Former Peoria Mayor Cathy Carlat said she believed "there is more of an aptitude ... for deciding that it's going to be the Christian faith," which she thought was "exclusionary." "If somebody is of a different faith or even atheist, it's not for local government to decide that those people should not have a voice or should have to be insulted or should in any way feel that they don't belong," Carlat said. Former Peoria Mayor Cathy Carlat at the new Java Grounds location in downtown Peoria on Thursday, April 16, 2015. Beck viewed Fausts comments differently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was actually proud of him, Beck said, and I shared that with him, and I know a lot of people in the community shared that with him. They were very proud that he would state his faith and state the reasoning of why he believed that these things were accomplished. Beck said he viewed the ability for people, including those in government, to share their faith in God publicly is very important. Buckeye posts prayer gathering photos on city Facebook page Mayor Eric Orsborn in Buckeye, the booming suburb west of Phoenix, was criticized for posting photos of his wifes prayer gathering on his official city Facebook page. The event, on the steps outside Buckeye City Hall, was not staffed or organized by city officials, but city employees did brand the photos with official city of Buckeye logos. The mayor's Facebook page is managed by city staff members. Buckeye Mayor Eric Orsborn listens as residents speak during a City Council meeting on May 2, 2023. When residents asked questions, the official city page replied and directed people to email Orsborns assistant, another employee of the city. Most responses were positive, but a handful of residents spoke out about Buckeye appearing to endorse a religion, reflecting language from the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The First Amendment protects the public's right to practice their religion and restricts the government from passing laws that establish a religion. The two clauses often are in tension, with factions of people disputing which takes priority. Orsborn said he believed his wife's prayer gathering was acceptable but said the city branding on the photos was a mistake. He also said he probably wouldn't repeat the post, given a do-over, which he called "unfortunate." Orsborn said he viewed his post not as endorsing one religion but of sharing news, just as he would about another event going on in the city. "There's so many different flavors of people. It takes all of us to build a community that is balanced. And you lose that when you can't have conversations," Orsborn said. Heather Rooks is a Peoria school board member. School board member says she supports mandatory Bible instruction but appears to backtrack Heather Rooks, Peoria Unified School District's board president, prompted controversy over her religious takes the moment she took office. She hasnt stopped since. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, Rooks began reciting Bible verses during portions of the meeting reserved for board members' general comments. The district's attorneys advised her to stop, claiming it could violate the First Amendment's Establishment Clause. Rooks sued the district in response, claiming a violation of her religious rights. A federal judge ruled against her, noting that legal advice was not a restriction. Since then, she has taken positions that appear to contradict the mainstream understanding of church and state separation. On a podcast in September, Rooks said she supported mandatory Bible instruction in schools, agreed that public school teachers should be allowed to freely share their faith with students and that public schools could be saved "with God's power." Arizona Senate candidate Jeanne Casteen speaks about abortion access in Arizona at Wesley Bolin Plaza in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2022. Jeanne Casteen, executive director of Secular Arizona, condemned the comments and said while the religious rhetoric was nothing new, it was being amplified by right-wing leadership nationally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Annie Gaylor, co-founder of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, said, "Public officials have ample opportunity to stop at church on the way to or from a public meeting or to pray privately." Attorneys for Rooks claimed reciting scripture at meetings was in line with historical tradition from Presidents George Washington to Joe Biden. Rooks told The Arizona Republic that reciting scripture provided "strength" and "healing" that helps her make consequential decisions for the district's student body. While part of her faith involves evangelizing for Jesus, she said that was not the intent of her Bible reading. "Have we ever voted on, 'You need to have a Bible on every student's desk in the classroom?' We have not. We have not brought that in the boardroom," Rooks said. "So when I say these scriptures, it's God's living, breathing word and it helps me. It brings me peace. Asked how she reconciled that position with the statement made on a podcast that public schools should mandate Bible teaching, Rooks said it was her "opinion" and that "if that was the case, it would have already been voted on. But it's not." She expressed a preference for not mandating religious instruction but allowing it. "I feel like we have taken God out of our country and it's caused chaos, it's caused despair. Why would we want to take him out when he brings us peace? Rooks said. She added, But I believe in the Constitution and the freedoms that we have. But that doesn't necessarily mean that I take a stance on removing God out of our country," Rooks said. Taylor Seely is a First Amendment Reporting Fellow at The Arizona Republic / azcentral.com. Do you have a story about the government infringing on your First Amendment rights? Reach her at tseely@arizonarepublic.com or by phone at 480-476-6116. Seely's role is funded through a collaboration between the Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners. Funders do not provide editorial input. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: City Halls in Arizona fuse faith and politics, raising concerns LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Arkansans are helping fight the opioid crisis one pill bottle at a time. Officials with the Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership (AORP) said the Oct. 25 Arkansas Drug Take Back Day led to the safe disposal of more than 26,500 pounds of unwanted and expired prescription medication across the state. Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership expanding Naloxone access to first responders & schools Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statewide initiative brought together more than 140 law enforcement agencies and community partners at 375 collection sites in all 75 counties, continuing efforts to prevent prescription drug misuse and protect communities. The safe disposal of unused prescriptions helps stop addiction before it starts, said Kirk Lane, director of the Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership. Were the highest opioid prescribing state in the nation. Realizing that and having conversations with your doctor, Hey, I dont need 30 of those, I just need five to get through the pain that I have. Lane said awareness and personal responsibility play key roles in preventing medication misuse, and he encouraged Arkansans to continue safely disposing of medications year-round. More than 300 permanent take-back boxes are available across the state and can be found at ARDrugTakeBack.org. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You know the great thing about these programs is that even though we just do these programs twice a year, any day can be Drug Take Back Day, Lane said. Arkansas Drug Take Back Day is part of a broader statewide effort launched in 2010 to combat prescription drug misuse, accidental poisonings, and environmental harm. Since its beginning, officials said 342 tons of unwanted medications have been safely destroyed. Arkansas set to receive $44.5 million in Purdue Pharma, Sackler family opioid settlement Tom Fisher, Arkansas State Drug Director, said community participation remains crucial in fighting opioid misuse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every bottle turned into law enforcement is a reminder that when we work together, we can make real progress in preventing misuse and building a safer, healthier state, Fisher 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 KARK. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Two central Arkansas-based institutions have stepped up to assist with aid during the ongoing government shutdown. Arvest Bank and Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield are both providing support during the shutdown. Trump administration posts notice that no federal food aid will be issued on Nov. 1 Arvest officials said the bank is reinstituting the Arvest Assist program, launched after the 2018-2019 government shutdown. Officials said the bank has accommodations available for anyone suffering paycheck disruption, depending on their circumstances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bank is also offering a disaster relief loan program through Nov. 21. We understand that many Americans are facing uncertainty and hardship during the government shutdown, said Brice Sisco, sales manager, EVP, for Arvest Bank Central Arkansas. As a community-focused bank, our mission has always been about helping others succeed and thrive. Our hope is that this assistance will give customers some relief and peace of mind. Government shutdown impacts Arkansas daycares, forcing families to scramble for childcare For the Disaster Relief Loan Program, call 888-812-7407, Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Customers seeking assistance due to paycheck disruptions should contact their local bank or visit Arvest.com/Assistance for more information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield is asking for non-perishable food and personal care item donations at its ArkansasBlue Welcome Centers located throughout the state for its Take Good Care Food Drive. ArkansasBlue Welcome Centers are in: Fayetteville ,3013 N. College Avenue Fort Smith ,3501 Old Greenwood Road, Suite 3 Hot Springs ,1635 Higdon Ferry Road, Suite J Jonesboro , 2110 Fair Park Boulevard Little Rock , 416 S. University Avenue, Suite 110 Pine Bluff , 509 Mallard Loop Rogers, 4602 West Walnut Street BCBS officials said its program will run through Nov. 14. 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. The Pulaski County Courthouse in an undated file photo. A Pulaski County circuit judge ruled in favor of a petition asking that House District 70's special election be moved to March 3, 2026. (Photo by Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate) An Arkansas judge said during a Tuesday hearing that he planned to rule as early as Wednesday on a petition asking to set an earlier date for a special election to fill House District 70s vacant seat. The petition, filed last week by the Democratic Party of Arkansas in Pulaski County, seeks to force the state to move up a special election to replace the former Republican Rep. Carlton Wing, who resigned last month to become the new executive director and CEO of Arkansas PBS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders scheduled the special primary and general elections for March 3 and June 9, respectively the same dates as Senate District 26s special election, which is facing a separate legal challenge. The plaintiffs argued in legal filings and during the hearing that holding the special election after the Legislatures 2026 fiscal session in April violated the constitutional rights of District 70s voters as well as state law. The 30-day fiscal session is scheduled to start on April 8, 2026. Pulaski County Circuit Judge Shawn Johnson said he couldnt issue a ruling from the bench, citing a need to study the complexities of the laws in question, but that he was going to work on this very quickly in honor of the right to vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said a decision would likely come by the end of the week. The lawsuit says the proclamation issued by Sanders setting the special election dates is unlawful, exceeds her constitutional and statutory powers, and fails to discharge her mandatory duty to set a special election for House District 70. Since the focus of the Fiscal Session is how to spend the peoples tax dollars, the Proclamation imposes taxation without representation, the petition states. The partys lawyers asked Johnson to issue a writ of mandamus ordering Sanders to schedule the special general election on March 3. Attorney Jess Askew III argued on the plaintiffs behalf Tuesday that March 3 was the earliest practicable date the special general election could be held. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A writ of mandamus is a court order compelling a government official to perform a duty they are already legally required to do. Under Arkansas law, Sanders was required to schedule a special election date to fill the House District 70 seat within 150 days of Wing resigning, unless she found it was impracticable or unduly burdensome to do so. Further, if the election couldnt be held within 150 days, it had to be held on the earliest practicable date after that statutory deadline. Attorney General Tim Griffins office, which is representing Sanders and Secretary of State Cole Jester in the lawsuit, disputed that holding the general election on March 3 was practicable, citing testimony from State Board of Election Commissioners Director Chris Madison and state election coordinator Laura Wiles. If Johnson issued the writ, Senior Assistant Attorney General Ryan Hale argued, would strip the Governor of her discretionary authority to determine the soonest practicable date for the election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Askew argued that once 150 days passed, Sanders no longer had discretion in setting the date it had to be scheduled for the earliest feasible date. He said the election schedule set out in the complaint was practicable, because identical dates were used for a special election in House District 34 after Rep. John W. Walker of Little Rock died on Oct. 28, 2019 exactly six years ago. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The judge asked both sides who they believed determined what was a practicable election date, while also saying the language of the law invited some consideration of what dates are reasonably accomplishable. Hale said Sanders was the one who made that determination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Askew said there was no longer any discretion after 150 days, repeatedly pointing to how the House District 34 special election, also in Pulaski County, was undertaken without issue. Another Pulaski County judge ordered Sanders to move up Senate District 26s special election last week following a challenge by a Franklin County voter. The judge ruled in favor of the voter, but that ruling is being appealed by the plaintiff and the defendants. A June 9 election would be 252 days after Wings Sept. 30 resignation or 152 days after the 150-day mark. The average number of days a special election has been held after the 150-day mark since 2011 is about 25 days, according to an unpublished Senate memo. Four registered voters in District 70 are also plaintiffs in the case Cordelia Smith-Johnson, Scott Perkins, Janie Ginocchio and Julie Rhodes. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE UPDATE 10/30/25 Wesley Bray has recieved additional charges after investigators led a more thorough search of the residence after he was arrested. In the search, investigators found approximately 10.8 pounds of methamphetamine in the trunk of a car as well as packaging material used for distributing the methamphetamine. Two vehicles and a small amount of cash were also seized. Bray now has additional charges of trafficking a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia, along with his previous charges. $150,000 was also added to Brays initial bond, bringing the total to $250,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Original Story (10/29/25): BAXTER COUNTY, Ark. A man has been arrested following an alleged domestic disturbance in Baxter County, Arkansas, on Wednesday, October 29. Wesley Grant Brays mugshot, photo courtesy of Baxter County Sheriffs Office. According to a Baxter County Sheriffs Office press release, Wesley Grant Bray, 35, has been charged with possession of methamphetamine with the purpose of delivery, possession of a firearm by certain persons, two counts of aggravated assault on a family or household member, first-degree endangering the welfare of a minor, interfering with emergency communications and leaving the scene of an accident with property damage. The release states that deputies responded around 5:30 a.m. to a Mountain Home residence following a report from a female victim who had gone into a retail building to speak to officials after the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim stated that Bray, her husband, had discharged a firearm inside a residence, which shot a hole in the wall. He then left the home in an intoxicated condition. As law enforcement began to respond to the victims call, they received information that a man was on the highway throwing rocks at vehicles and jumping into oncoming traffic. Deputies responded to the scene around 5:56 a.m. and identified Bray and took him into custody. Bray told officials that he had been involved in a motor vehicle crash. The sheriffs office found a 2008 Chevrolet Equinox on Baxter CR 419, which the release states he crashed through a fence and came to rest in shrubbery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies later spoke more to the victim, who said that Bray had taken her handgun and had pointed it toward her and their infant son. She stated that he became paranoid and that he began to make statements about someone coming there to kill him. Methamphetamine found by deputies, photo courtesy of Baxter County Sheriffs Office. The woman began to call the police, but Bray took her phone and would not return it until he left the home. The sheriffs office entered the home and found the bullet hole in the bedroom hall but did not locate a handgun. Deputies found methamphetamine, which they later found to be approximately 115.5 grams. Law enforcement states that Bray is currently on parole with the Arkansas Division of Community Corrections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bray is currently in the Baxter County Detention Center with a $100,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court in November. 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. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. About 42 million Americans could see their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits suspended starting Nov. 1. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has reserve funds that could keep SNAP running during a government shutdown. However, the Trump administration announced it will not use those funds, potentially leaving recipients across the country, including many Arkansans, without the safety net. I threw me for a loop because I didnt think theyd take it that far, said Mona Lord-Crouch, a SNAP recipient. It hurts my heart that the government is being selfish. In my eyes, theyre being selfish. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arkansas DHS warns of upcoming delay or disruption in SNAP benefits: What to know Lord-Crouch has relied on SNAP for more than 30 years, but months ago, she fell victim to a scam that stole money from her electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card. She was never reimbursed. Now, with the government shutdown, she has been struggling for months to make ends meet. Thats going to be the hard part right there trying to get my bills and my medications balanced with all of that, Lord-Crouch said. Shes been navigating this difficult time by leaning on support from local food banks and pantries. She stretches her groceries and freezes as much food as she can, but with only $52 a month, her pantry has run dry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Through all the struggles, she wants change and compassion. Above all, she wants a world where no one has to wonder where their next meal will come from. For updates, Arkansans can visit the DHS SNAP website at HumanServices.Arkansas.gov. Arkansas Foodbank bracing for disruption in SNAP benefits Those wishing to donate to the Arkansas Foodbank to support the influx of those in need can do so at ArkansasFoodbank.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 KARK. The former governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, has been involved in politics for decades. After his term came to a close, Arnold continued to be politically active. The former Republican shared that he no longer aligns with the party; rather, he loves policy. As a vocal critic of Donald Trump, it wasnt a surprise. Passionate about climate change, Arnold has found Trumps policies disastrous for our environment. While he may have stood strong against Trump during the 2024 elections, he has changed his tune. He recently spoke to Jake Tapper on CNN, where he shared that some states are preventing Trump supporters from being represented in the House. Arnold Schwarzenegger has accused Democrats in two states of extreme gerrymandering Photo Credit: Noam Galai via Getty Images for SiriusXM Massachusetts and New Mexico were criticized for gerrymandering by Arnold when he appeared on State of the Union with Jake. With Californias Prop 50 hitting the ballot this November, which would redistrict and reshape congressional seats, Arnold spoke out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is such extreme gerrymandering going on that in a state like Massachusetts, it has like 40 percent of the people voting for Trump, they only they have zero representatives, he told Jake. The Republican Party has zero representatives sent to the House think about that. Jake tried to push back, saying that Republicans started the gerrymandering, but Arnold disagreed. In New Mexico, 45 percent of the people voted for Trump and vote Republican, and zero [are] sent to the House zero representatives from the Republican Party, he said. He finished his statement by adding, What the Democrats should do is they should outperform Trump. To me, its all about competition creates performance, he explained. And so what they do is with the redistricting commission is that theyre going to go and try to draw the district lines in such a way that they get voted in, no matter if they work well or not for the American people. So the American people get cheated on this whole thing. That is really the problem here. TELL US WHAT DO YOU THINK OF ARNOLDS COMMENTS? The post Arnold Schwarzenegger Defends Donald Trump; Attacks Democrats in Two States appeared first on Reality Tea. HENRY COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) The Henry County Sheriffs Office searched a residence on Sunday, leading to a man being arrested and charged. Deputies searched a residence at 1210 Tahoe Drive in the Collinsville community after reports of an increase in overdose incidents there over the past 24 hours. Officials say there were also reports of heavy foot traffic at the home. Deputies say they also obtained a search warrant to enter the home around 1:39 p.m. and found many people inside. It was reported that those individuals were detained while the property was searched. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Man escapes ICE custody in Bedford Officials say they found suspected methamphetamine, various items of drug paraphernalia, and other evidence consistent with narcotics use. After the evidence and statements given on the scene, 31-year-old Roberto Gomez Telles, of Bassett, Va., was arrested and charged with the following: Possession of a Schedule I or II Controlled Substance (Virginia Code 18.2-250). He was transported to the Henry County Adult Detention Center without bond. 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. **Related Video Above: Traffic stats in Ohio DUBLIN, Calif. (WJW) A woman was arrested in California earlier this month after allegedly crashing her vehicle and abandoning an injured 1-year-old child at the scene, California Highway Patrols (CHP) Dublin office said in a statement. 4 found dead in apartment of apparent overdoses were softball teammates In a Facebook post Tuesday, CHP reported the child is going to be OK following the crash and shared multiple photos from the scene, which showed extensive damage to the front of the vehicle. Photo courtesy CHP Dublin, Facebook The woman was reportedly seen walking on Interstate 580 and was stopped and questioned. Thats when officers were able to backtrack to the scene of the crash and found the 1-year-old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Charges for the woman are forthcoming, CHP said. Fisherman who drowned near Edgewater identified Highway patrol did not make clear how the woman was related to or knew the child. They did not specifically say if they believed the woman to be impaired but wrote in the statement: CHP reminds all drivers to make responsible choices behind the wheel never drive under the influence. An investigation into what led to the crash is ongoing. 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. Hurricane Melissa recently struck Jamaica. The damage from the Category 5 storm, one of the strongest ever recorded, was devastating. Wind speeds reached 185 miles per hour. There is no infrastructure in the region that can withstand a Category 5, Prime Minister Andrew Holness said, via the Associated Press. The question now is the speed of recovery. Thats the challenge. Falcons owner Arthur Blank has mobilized in an effort to assist with the challenge of assisting the 2.8 million residents of Jamaica. The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation has made an initial grant of $1.5 million to support the efforts of World Central Kitchen an $1 million to Team Rubicon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Jamaica and the Caribbean hold a special place in my heart, filled with meaningful family memories," Blank said. "The impact of Hurricane Melissa is profound, but so is the resilience of people in this region. We're humbled to support Team Rubicon and World Central Kitchen with an initial grant to help address immediate needs in the community with disaster relief and nourishing meals. While the road ahead will be long, our hearts are with those affected, and we hope our support brings comfort and strength along the way." In situations like this, private contributions become critical. There are several groups raising funds for the effort, including CARE, the International Committee of the Red Cross, Project Hope, The government shutdown has dragged on for more than four weeks, and there are no signs that Congress will resolve the impasse soon, as members of both parties continue to blame each other and push their opponents to fold. Senate Democrats want to extend a slate of expiring health insurance subsidies in exchange for their votes to reopen the government, but Republicans have pressed to end the shutdown with no strings attached before negotiating on health care. Meanwhile, thousands of federal employees are missing out on paychecks, and tens of millions of food aid recipients are set to lose their benefits starting this weekend. With both sides still dug in, CBS News spoke with lawmakers and politicians about what they're doing to resolve the second-longest funding lapse in modern U.S. history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schumer: "There will be increased pressure on Republicans" Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) talks with reporters following the weekly Senate Democratic policy luncheon on Oct. 28, 2025 in Washington, DC. / Credit: Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, believes pressure will build as bills come due at the start of next month. Open enrollment for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act begins on Nov. 1, which is when the disappearance of enhanced Biden-era insurance subsidies could first show up for many American households. "On November 1," Schumer told CBS News on Tuesday, "people in more than 30 states are going to be aghast when they see their bills and they're going to cry out, and I believe there will be increased pressure on Republicans to negotiate with us." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vance: "We just need five more reasonable Democrats" Vice President JD Vance speaks to members of the media following the weekly Senate GOP policy luncheon at the Capitol in Washington, DC, on Oct. 28, 2025. / Credit: Samuel Corum / Bloomberg via Getty Images During a visit to Capitol Hill on Tuesday, Vice President JD Vance put the onus on Senate Democrats to vote to end the shutdown. "We just need five more reasonable Democrats to do what the American people want us to do, to open up the government," he told reporters. In recent weeks, two moderate Democrats, Sens. John Fetterman and Catherine Cortez Masto, and an independent, Sen. Angus King, have voted with almost all Republicans in favor of a House-passed stopgap measure that would extend government funding at existing levels until mid-November, allowing the shutdown to end. But that bill is still five votes short of the 60-vote threshold needed to pass the Senate, and after more than a dozen rounds of voting, no additional Democrats have budged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jeffries presses Republicans to extend health care subsidies House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Democrat of New York, speaks to media outside the Capitol in Washington, DC, on Oct, 23, 2025. / Credit: Stefani Reynolds / Bloomberg via Getty Images Asked what he's doing to end the shutdown, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a New York Democrat, accused Republicans of having misplaced priorities. "It's extraordinary that Republicans have been able to find $40 billion to bail out a right-wing wannabe dictator in Argentina, but can't find a dime to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits," said Jeffries, referring to a plan by the Trump administration to offer loans and financial support to Argentinian President Javier Milei's government. Jeffries also blasted the Trump administration over the expected end to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits on Saturday, saying Republicans "can't find a dime to make sure that 42 million Americans, including 16 million children, don't go hungry." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats have suggested tapping into a $5 billion contingency fund to keep SNAP benefits flowing, but Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins told CBS News the agency doesn't have the legal authority to use that money. Lummis: Democrats are in control GOP Sen. Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming is seen in the U.S. Capitol during votes related to the government shutdown on Oct. 16, 2025. / Credit: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images Republican Sen. Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming turned the question around to Democrats. "I have voted over 13 times to open the government with a clean continuing resolution, and when the Democrats were in control, I voted to open the government with a clean continuing resolution," said Lummis, who also noted that she's supported piecemeal bills to fund parts of the government. "So the question you're asking should be asked of the Democrats, because they are in control of how this goes." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Raskin: Republicans should return to D.C. Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva, a Democrat from Arizona, center, and Representative Jamie Raskin, a Democrat from Maryland, center right, at the Capitol in Washington, DC, on Oct. 21, 2025. / Credit: Graeme Sloan / Bloomberg via Getty Images Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland took a swipe at House Republicans, who have kept the chamber out of session since the shutdown began. "Everything we've been doing here, and the whole reason that we're in Washington, even though the Republicans are not, is to demand that they come back, reopen the government, restore health care to everybody, and get past this crisis," Raskin said. House GOP leaders argue they don't need to return because the chamber has already passed a continuing resolution to keep the government open, and it's up to the Senate to follow suit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Raskin represents scores of federal workers in the D.C. suburbs who have faced missed paychecks and the threat of layoffs during the shutdown. He said he's "fighting to oppose all the violations of the rights of federal workers, to make sure that people are paid fairly, and people are not fired unfairly outside of the requirements of the civil service." Hawley: "This has reached the point of insanity" Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) speaks to reporters during a vote at the U.S. Capitol on Oct. 27, 2025 in Washington, DC. / Credit: Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri said he expects to keep voting to reopen the government and asked Democrats, "Do you want 42 million people to go without food?" "This has reached the point of insanity," Hawley said. "Why are Americans having to suffer because of the political games?" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The senator has called for Congress to pass his standalone bill to restore funding for SNAP benefits. He said he's "available to talk to anybody who wants to talk on any subject." Senate Democrats have also introduced a measure to fully fund SNAP and WIC, the Women, Children and Infants nutritional program, for the duration of the shutdown. Takano: It's up to the American people File: Democratic Rep. Mark Takano of California enters a news conference at the Capitol on April 10, 2025 in Washington, DC. / Credit: Kayla Bartkowski / Getty Images Democratic Rep. Mark Takano of California said he's focused on communicating the stakes of the impasse to the American public. "We're doing all we can to make sure the American people understand the stakes and the power to end the shutdown is in the American people," he said, saying people should understand that Democrats support "cutting costs" and "protecting health care." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Takano also pushed Republicans to come to the negotiating table. Johnson: "I'm actually optimistic" federal workers will get paid Sens. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., right, and Rick Scott, R-Fla., talk during votes in the U.S. Capitol on Oct. 23, 2025. / Credit: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images Republican Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin said "there's really no place to negotiate," arguing that the GOP has "started from the most reasonable position" by pushing for a clean bill to reopen the government. His focus is on passing the Shutdown Fairness Act, which would guarantee pay for essential federal employees who are still reporting to work during the shutdown. Johnson added that he's open to Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen's proposal to pay all federal workers, including those who have been furloughed, or sent home without pay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think I'm actually optimistic," Johnson said. "I've made a big concession there. We'll include furloughed workers. The question is, will Democrats take yes for an answer?" House lawmakers told their paychecks are delayed until government reopens What to expect from Trump meeting with Xi Jinping Video shows massive damage in Jamaica from Hurricane Melissa The Athens-Clarke County Unified Governments Transportation and Public Works Department is seeking public input on updates to the Athens in Motion Plan through Dec. 7. The Athens in Motion Plan, first approved in 2018, aims to enhance bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure in Athens-Clarke County. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The updated plan will incorporate community feedback to address new transportation needs and priorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The survey is part of a broader effort to gather input on where to prioritize investments in sidewalks and bikeways. TRENDING STORIES: The Athens in Motion Commission, consisting of volunteer community members, collaborates with the Transportation and Public Works Department to develop and implement the plan. They will work with Toole Design consultants to identify priority projects. In addition to the survey, the project webpage provides a StoryMap, background information on the AIM plan, a map of proposed improvements, and opportunities for residents to get involved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Feedback from in-person pop-up events and the online survey will guide the Athens in Motion Commission in updating the network before presenting recommendations to the Mayor and Commission. The updated Athens in Motion Plan is expected to provide a clear vision for active transportation in the county, focusing on creating a safe, connected, and equitable network for all residents. Residents can participate by completing an online survey available online here. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] AtriCure has treated the first subject in the randomised Box Lesion Creation with Left Atrial Appendage Exclusion to Reduce the Occurrence of New-onset Atrial Fibrillation (BoxX-NoAF) trial. The study will assess the effectiveness and safety of the AtriCure IsolatorSynergy EnCompassclamp, as well as the AtriClip left atrial appendage exclusion system, to minimise the new-onset atrial fibrillation (Afib) occurrence in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The treatment was carried out by Orlando Health Heart and Vascular Institute cardiothoracic surgeon Dr Anthony Rongione. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the seminal, multicentre, prospective, investigational device exemption study aims to include up to 960 participants across as many as 75 global locations. It is designed to establish treatment guidelines for decreasing the incidence of new-onset or post-operative Afib (POAF) and chronic clinical Afib in high-risk patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The occurrence of POAF after cardiac surgery is a common issue, with up to 50% of individuals experiencing this complication either immediately or in the months post-surgery. The condition is linked to morbidity, mortality, strokes, recurrent Afib, prolonged hospital stays, and total healthcare expenditures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This trial claims to be the first randomised controlled study designed to show the benefits of concomitant surgical ablation with left atrial appendage (LAA) management in decreasing the new-onset POAF occurrence, as opposed to no intervention. A successful outcome from the trial could position the company to expand the indications for the combined use of EnCompass clamp and AtriClip systems, specifically for the BoxX procedure, potentially making them the exclusive devices approved by the FDA for preventing post-operative and long-term clinical Afib. AtriCure CEO and president Michael Carrel said: The BoxX-NoAF trial, together with our LeAAPS trial that completed enrolment in July 2025, reflects AtriCures vision to advance standards of care by expanding the benefits of surgical ablation and LAA exclusion to a broader population of cardiac surgery patients. We expect results of these trials to demonstrate that use of AtriCure devices can safely and effectively improve outcomes for cardiac surgery patients worldwide by reducing the prevalence of new-onset Afib, stroke, and systemic embolisation. These studies reinforce our commitment to pioneering clinical science to expand our addressable markets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, the company launched the cryoSPHERE+ cryoablation probe, designed to aid in managing post-operative pain. "AtriCure treats first subject in BoxX-NoAF study" was originally created and published by Medical Device Network, a GlobalData owned brand. Over the past few years, Andrea Bellingeri and I have been discussing brachytic dwarf mutant corn for silage. Many times, U.S. agriculture paves the way for global trends and innovations. However, in this case, Id been slow to pick up on Bellingeris excitement as this brachytic dwarf corn came to the Italian market for silage. Here in the U.S., this is more commonly known as short-statured corn. In theory, this mutation, br2, in corn may offer agronomic and silage quality advantages over taller-statured corn. The br2 mutation reduces plant height by shortening internodes without altering leaf number, potentially improving standability and altering the leaf-to-stem ratio two factors directly linked to silage quality and harvest management. As wed discussed in the Feeding Fundamentals column in the Septemberissues, leafy tissue is more digestible than the stover or brown midrib (BMR). Leaf tissue generally contains higher digestible NDF and lower lignin concentration than the stalk or midrib fraction. However, silage quality is defined by more than just NDFD we need optimal starch levels as grain always has twice the digestibility of fiber. Ahead of more commercial plot results rolling in and university hybrid trial results in the U.S., Bellingeri and I have a fantastic set of controlled field trials from Italy. These split-field comparisons on Italian dairies offer a great preview of how short corn can compete. Heres a sneak peek into what were seeing in Italy. Dating back to 2023, Bellingeris dairy producer clients began to participate in split-field plots where short-statured corn was grown alongside conventional hybrids. These trials were conducted in 2023, 2024, and then to a lesser extent in 2025. Importantly, these data were collected independently by Bellingeri and his dairy producer clients, without seed company involvement or sponsorship. With yield and quality information, we can calculate the golden benchmark in silage evaluation: total digestible nutrient (TDN) yield per hectare. This is similar in concept to milk per acre; however, TDN yield has been simpler for us to explain and break apart with dairy producers. Over three years, Bellingeri oversaw 21, 24, and five different field comparisons in 2023, 2024, and 2025, respectively. A short corn hybrid was planted against a commercial hybrid, then yield per hectare and quality samples were collected. Bellingeri and his team in Italy have done far more analysis; however, as weve collaborated on this database, we focused on TDN, starch, NDF digestibility (NDFD30), and dry matter yield to provide an initial comparative evaluation. Many questions and discussions will likely follow from here, but the short corn more than held its own. Following a quick statistical analysis accounting for year and hybrid type, across all sites and years, short-statured corn averaged approximately 3.1 percentage units over TDN compared to conventional hybrids, resulting in an estimated 1.5 metric tons more of TDN yield per hectare equivalent to roughly 250 to 300 kilograms of milk potential per hectare. This was staggering to see as we pursue options to yield more digestible calories per acre with silage. There was no interaction with growing year, meaning the results were fairly stable across the three growing seasons. Flying back to the U.S., at Michigan State University, Mike Vandehaar and colleagues recently published a feeding study with short corn compared to conventional and BMR varieties. In this study, the short corn outperformed conventional and BMR hybrids on many levels. Note that the corn hybrids for this study were planted in single replicates due to the smaller nature of the project. More replications are needed on a field level, like the Italian dairy producers have done. Weve also observed several controlled plot results hitting the press and being shared with dairy producers. The results arent clear-cut, but the short corn hybrids seem to be holding their own relative to various conventional hybrids. Were still early on in understanding how short corn performs under U.S. growing conditions and management. These independent Italian trials demonstrate that short-statured corn can match or surpass conventional hybrids in both yield and quality. While further replicated research is warranted, the practical message for dairy producers is clear: short corn deserves serious consideration in intensive silage systems focused on energy yield and harvest consistency. These independent Italian trials demonstrate that short-statured corn can match or surpass conventional hybrids in both yield and quality. Expect more insights and experience to come in the months ahead as we continue to seek innovations to help us optimize the $2 to $3 per hundredweight in feed costs attributed to corn silage. To comment, email your remarks to intel@hoards.com. NEW BREMEN In celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, the Auglaize County Board of Developmental Disabilities will recognize CJs Pizza for its exemplary employment of people of all abilities during its Nov. 10 board meeting. CJs Pizza, located in Wapakoneta, is a workplace where inclusion is at the forefront. The team at CJs Pizza empowers people with developmental disabilities by helping them discover their niche so they can truly grow and thrive with confidence, according to Renee Kohler, superintendent of the Auglaize County Board of DD. They [individuals with disabilities] are more help than what they realize, said Ashley Golden, manager at CJs Pizza. And thats the best part about it, because they are normal people Hunter and David just like us. They just want to come to work and do their job, she continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kohler said that by working closely with Auglaize DD to provide meaningful opportunities for individuals, such as David Bruggeman and Hunter Wehnes, CJs Pizza demonstrates an understanding that inclusive thinking has power to strengthen the entire community. We are excited to show our appreciation for CJs Pizza this October. They are truly intentional about creating opportunities for people with developmental disabilities, and they share our belief that communities benefit when businesses like theirs embrace inclusive hiring and celebrate the success of all employees, Kohler continued. Editors Note: The video at the top of this story covers parents push to save Maplewood Elementary, which is at risk of closing. AUSTIN (KXAN) Austin Independent School District will release a new draft plan to close schools and redraw school boundaries on Friday, according to Superintendent Matias Segura. During a community meeting for east Austin parents on Tuesday, Segura said the updated consolidation plan would address concerns over who would have the option to stay at their current zoned school next school year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parents vow to Save Maplewood Elementary in Austin from potential consolidation The plan currently gives families the option to keep their student at their current campus until they complete the grades offered at the school even if rezoned. Segura said the expected changes would address parents concerns that older siblings and younger siblings might have to go to different schools. The superintendent also hinted at changes in the plan addressing whether transfer students can stay at their current school with their classmates and transportation for students to the new proposed Spanish dual-language programs at Pickle, Wooten, Odom and Sanchez Elementary schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FAQ: Austin ISDs plan to close schools, redraw school zones The school board is expected to meet on Wednesday for a work session to discuss the plan further. We dont see the vision During the meeting at Greater Calvary Bible Church, several parents raised concerns about the lack of details on what programs will be available at the newly zoned schools. Under the current plan, the district proposes reassigning most Northeast Early College High School students who live north of 183 and east of I-35 to LBJ Early College High School. The district also proposes moving McCallum High neighborhood students living east of I-35 to Northeast ECHS, and those living south of MLK to Eastside Early College High School. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My child that speaks Spanish fluently and Mandarin, who is in advanced math and all these other classes is there going to be an offering? Just saying we have good schools everywhere are those classes offered on the eastside? one parent asked. Segura told parents the district is analyzing what programs the district can begin offering next year ahead of the boundary changes and said more information should be available to parents in the next three weeks. Once we have aligned feeder patterns, we as a community get to select what programs. We can change our programs, Segura said. This east Austin school was promised a new building. Now it might close. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parents also expressed concern about potential harm to east Austins neighborhood schools, like Govalle Elementary School and Oak Springs Elementary School. The current plan would close Oak Springs Elementary and would repurpose Govalle Elementary into a non-zoned Montessori school. Govalle students would be able to apply for the new Montessori program to stay at the campus but otherwise the students will be reassigned to Ortega Elementary and Zavala Elementary. We werent told program changes at this scale were on the table at all, Govalle Elementary School Counselor Deja Gamble said. No perfect solution During the meeting, the superintendent talked about the state and federal pressures that led to the districts decision to consolidate schools, including rising costs and uncertainty around state and federal education funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Austin ISD is navigating a nearly $20 million deficit and working to improve state accountability scores at more than a dozen of its campuses. AISD board floats idea of school consolidations to cut costs amid $100M+ budget deficit The district risks the state appointing a board of managers, and potentially a new superintendent, if it cant improve state accountability ratings at Dobie, Burnet and Webb Middle Schools this year. Superintendent Segura has hinted the district could also face more severe state intervention if it the administration doesnt improve financially. There is no perfect solution. There just isnt. I take full responsibility for the inaction of Austin ISD over multiple decades, Segura said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. AUSTIN (KXAN) Noemi Burgos-Chambers, a mom of twins who attend Widen Elementary, left a public feedback meeting at the school early Tuesday afternoon. She said she was disheartened and wasnt feeling great about how the meeting went. Kids dont understand that no matter how you explain it to them, they dont care about budgets and they dont care about, redistricting, Burgos-Chambers said. What they care about is consistency and that stability, and that makes them feel safe. And I think that when you take that away, you make them feel unsafe and insecure. Widen Elementary School parents gather at community input meeting. (KXAN Photo/Ed Zavala) She was among dozens of concerned parents who wanted to know why Widen was chosen as a schools that could possibly close as part of consolidation plans being developed by the Austin Independent School District, or AISD. It was selected by the district, partly, because of the buildings poor condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It does seem that the majority of these plans are happening on the east side where were getting those F grades, Burgos-Chambers said. We dont know what those F grades are coming from. FAQ: Austin ISDs plan to close schools, redraw school zones Widen Elementary, whose majority Hispanic, is at about 52% capacity. It has received an F rating from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for the last three years. Thats forced the district to create whats called a turnaround plan to improve. Previous: Austin school board approves turnaround plan for schools with unacceptable state ratings AISD Superintendent Matias Segura explained to parents at the meeting why abiding by TEA rules are important, even amid the possible closure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is nothing that we can do thats going to keep us from having to submit these claims, Segura said. And if we do not submit them, I promise you the response will be aggressive and it will take more control and hurt our students and create more harm than we could possibly in a comprehend. Widen students would either move to the D-rated Rodriguez Elementary school, or another F rated school, Houston Elementary. 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. AUSTIN (KXAN) The Longhorn Dam Pedestrian Bridge is nearly completed, and millions of people will walk by or stop for a rest on the wooden benches that will be situated along the path. Like the people who will rest upon the benches, the benches themselves have a rich history. Austins new wishbone bridge nears completion, offers scenic path for runners, walkers, cyclists The cypress wood that the Maraca benches are made from originally came from East Texas trees, harvested by an urban sawmill in the area, and sent to Austins own urban sawmill for the project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harvest Lumber Co., located in east Austin, has been working on the art benches for over a year, readying them for a November installation, just in time for the opening of the pedestrian bridge. Co-founders Andrew Danziger and Kris Burns of Harvest Lumber Co. are building 14 custom Maraca weatherproofed benches for the new Longhorn Dam Pedestrian Bridge. The benches are made from East Texas cypress, (KXAN Photo/Abigail Jones) Co-founders Andrew Danziger and Kris Burns of Harvest Lumber Co. are building 14 custom Maraca weatherproofed benches for the new Longhorn Dam Pedestrian Bridge. The benches are made from East Texas cypress, (KXAN Photo/Abigail Jones) Co-founders Andrew Danziger and Kris Burns of Harvest Lumber Co. are building 14 custom Maraca weatherproofed benches for the new Longhorn Dam Pedestrian Bridge. The benches are made from East Texas cypress, (KXAN Photo/Abigail Jones) Co-founders Andrew Danziger and Kris Burns of Harvest Lumber Co. are building 14 custom Maraca weatherproofed benches for the new Longhorn Dam Pedestrian Bridge. The benches are made from East Texas cypress, (KXAN Photo/Abigail Jones) The Trail Conservancy, which manages and maintains the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike trail, chose Lemmo Architecture and Design through an open call to design the benches, which Harvest is building. Harvest Lumber Co. also harvested and milled the post oak, live oak, and cypress wood that make up 30 other benches along the hike-and-bike trail. Harvest Lumber Co. co-founders Kris Burns and Andrew Danziger typically work with wood sourced from Austin-area trees that have fallen due to extreme weather, development, or any other reason, with a mission of sustainability and keeping urban wood out of the citys waste stream. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Danziger and Burns were both working as woodworkers in Austin when they decided to start an urban sawmill after noticing a lot of trees falling during the drastic droughts in 2011 and 2012. An urban sawmill, as Danziger described, is a business that takes fallen trees in the local area and cuts them up, and turns them into furniture-grade lumber. Being part of the bench project was a natural fit for Harvest because the sawmills sustainability mission aligns well with the city of Austins Zero Waste Initiative, Danziger said. That means finding the highest and best use for materials, he said, pointing to a huge slab of wood in Harvest Lumber Co.s workshop and giving an example, saying, Arguably, a big slab like that, it can turn into a dining table instead of being mulched. Harvest Lumber Co. typically makes custom, fine furniture for businesses and individuals, and rescues high-quality, vintage wood from buildings facing demolition or remodeling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, Harvest recovered wood from Austin ISDs Anita Ferrales Coy Facility prior to its demolition that included planks from the gyms maple wooden floors and fir and pine bleachers, as well as maple from the schools library bookshelves. Burns and Danziger have also worked on projects like the Pease Park Troll, Malin, by artist Thomas Dambo, the chefs counter at LOca dOro, and the Park Tower Canopy near the Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge in downtown Austin. Harvest Lumber Co. Recovered and Milled the Cladding for Malin, the Pease Park Troll by Thomas Dambo Harvest Lumber Co. Recovered the Maple Floor from Anita Ferrales Coy_s Gym Custom Chefs Counter at LOca dOro (Courtesy of LOca dOro Photo Credit David Zacek) Custom Chefs Counter at LOca dOro (Courtesy of LOca dOro Photo Credit David Zacek) Fabricated prototype for the Longhorn Dam Pedestrian Bridge benches_Harvest Lumber Co. Fabricated prototype for the Longhorn Dam Pedestrian Bridge benches_Harvest Lumber Co.2 Danziger said public-facing projects like those and the Longhorn Dam bridge benches are such a treat for him and Burns to create. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For me, its really exciting because a lot of craftspeople will get into the realm of doing high-end residential furniture, and so you can make a really nice dining table, but then maybe only ten people will ever get to sit at that table, Danziger said. And so for us, its such a treat that we get to make this furniture, and then, our friends and any citizen in the city can sit on it. And thats really awesome because its available to everybody For us, the public projects are really exciting and theyre quite complex. Danziger said working with The Trail Conservancy on the benches has been a smooth process and a good fit, because it also prioritizes sustainability. The Trail Conservancy is driving these types of decisions where they want to use local wood, theyre the ones that make that the prompt, he said. And so they have sustainability in their minds in that theyre telling designers to design around that. And so for us, were excited that they believe in our mission. The benches designs honor the neighborhoods Hispanic roots, history, and culture, according to The Trail Conservancy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thirty-one benches total will be installed along the wishbone bridge, and each of them is available for dedication through the Conservancys adopt-a-bench program. Harvest Lumber Co. is located at 641 Tillery Street, Suite 130. Its open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Tuesday-Friday by appointment. 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. Police are searching a Connecticut state forest for a woman who has been missing since Sunday. The multi-day search has taken place at the Natchaug State Forest and has touched on parts of the forest that stretch into Eastford, Chaplin and Hampton, according to state Environmental Conservation Police. EnCon police said they are being assisted by Connecticut State Police and other search and rescue crews in search of 61-year-old Anne Marie Pappalardo, who was reported missing from Mansfield. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a Silver Alert, Pappalardo was last seen wearing a black jacket, black vest, black leggings and brown boots. She has brown hair and green eyes and stands 5 feet, 8 inches tall, weighing about 150 pounds, the Silver Alert said. To ensure the safety of the public and to allow search teams to operate effectively and efficiently, we are urgently requesting that all hunters, anglers, hikers and general park patrons avoid the Natchaug State Forest area until further notice, EnCon police said in a statement. Anyone found in the forest or nearby will be ordered to leave, police said. Your cooperation is essential to the success of this critical operation, EnCon police wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials are using multiple K-9 teams and are worried that individuals visiting the forest could throw off the dogs ability to follow a scent trail. EnCon police said they recognize that people want to help but said right now the best way to do that is to avoid the area. EAU CLAIRE An Augusta woman was in court Tuesday to face charges that she stole more than $10,000 from a relative. Carrolee Moore, 52, faces charges of fraudulent use of a financial transaction card, theft of movable property valued between $10,000-$100,000 and a misdemeanor count of intimidating a victim. She faces a separate charge of resisting an officer as well. According to the criminal complaint, Augusta police became involved after the Department of Human Services contacted them about potential financial crimes. Police checked on the account and, in the course of their investigation, found that the victim had regular automated payments that came from various accounts. There were also routine withdrawals of $500-$700. Those withdrawals were legitimate, they learned, because the victim refused to use an ATM. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The patterns changed in May, when a $1,400 withdrawal was made. Other large transactions followed, with payments to Synchrony Financial, the bank that handles Fleet Farm Rewards credit cards. The card in question was also used to place hundreds of dollars in inmate accounts at the jail. The card was suspended at the end of July due to suspected fraud. Moores intimidation charge stems from calls she made from the Eau Claire County Jail to the victim, urging him to convince the bank the charges were legitimate, thus ending the case against her. The bulk of the missing money was restored by the bank, though the victim still suffered a loss of more than $2,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The felony counts are Class G offenses under Wisconsin law. Both carry the potential for up to five years in prison and five years extended supervision. Fines for Class G felonies can reach $25,000. Moore is listed as an inmate at the Eau Claire County Jail. A $2,000 signature bond was set for her in September, but court records indicate she refused to sign it. She has yet to enter a plea. That will take place at her arraignment, which is the next step in the case. Most Utah voters just shy of three-fourths have heard that the Trump administration believes acetaminophen use during pregnancy is linked to autism. But far fewer believe that use of the drug, often called by the brand name Tylenol, is unsafe during pregnancy. Meanwhile, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is suing Johnson & Johnson, which has sold Tylenol for decades, and Kenvue, a company it spun off to sell the drug in 2023, saying the companies didnt warn consumers of the risks of taking Tylenol while pregnant. Per The New York Times, The suit also claims that Kenvue was created to shield Johnson & Johnson from liability over Tylenol. A Kenvue spokesperson called the lawsuits claims baseless and promised to vigorously defend the companies and the product. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The drug, which is called acetaminophen in generic form in North America and paracetamol elsewhere, has been deemed by medical experts to be one of the only safe options for pregnant women to use to deal with pain and fever. That was called into question last month when President Donald Trump and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said new guidance will be issued to discourage the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy due to its potential link to autism. As The Texas Tribune reported, The announcement set off a wave of controversy in the health care community, and confusion among pregnant women unsure how they should manage fever and pain during pregnancy. Nearly one-fourth of Utahns (24%) in a new poll by Morning Consult for Deseret News and the University of Utahs Hinckley Institute of Politics said theyve heard a lot about the announcement. Nearly half (49%) said theyve heard some. Just 16% said they havent heard much about the possible link, and 11% said they havent heard anything about it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The poll was conducted from Oct. 17-22 and included 809 registered Utah voters. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points. What Utahns think about Tylenol Asked what they think about the claim Tylenol is unsafe to use during pregnancy, 29% called it definitely safe and 24% said it is probably safe. Just 8% deemed that use of Tylenol definitely unsafe, and 24% said it was probably unsafe. The final 16% said they didnt know. DN-Tylenol1 By political leaning, Democrats were more likely to say the drug is at least probably safe in pregnancy, at 78%, compared to 74% of independents and 69% of Republicans. The group most apt to call Tylenol safe or probably safe was Democratic men at 84%. As for who should have primary authority to decide if Tylenol can be used in pregnancy, 47% said a licensed medical professional should make that call, while another 41% said it should be up to the person who is pregnant. Just 5% combined thought government officials should make the call, at 2% saying it should be determined by state-level government authorities and 3% saying federal government authorities. The remaining 5% said they didnt know. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The poll showed 49% of women said a medical provider should decide, while 43% said the pregnant woman should decide whether to use the drug during pregnancy. DN-Tylenol3 Poll respondents were also asked if they or someone in their immediate family is pregnant, as well as whether they know an individual with autism. One percent said they were pregnant and 4% said a close relative is pregnant. Six percent said they personally have autism, 21% say a close relative has autism and 18% said their extended family includes someone who has autism. Twenty-three percent have a friend with autism. In all, 56% said someone close to them or they themselves have autism. Different opinions on risks A number of medical groups, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, the Autism Science Foundation, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization have backed use of the drug as the safest option during pregnancy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump and Kennedy referred to a review of earlier research conducted by Mount Sinai and Harvard researchers in the journal Environmental Health that found possible association between acetaminophen use early in pregnancy and increased risk of autism in children. As Deseret News earlier reported, they said not to use Tylenol or other acetaminophen products early in pregnancy except to treat a fever, which is also potentially dangerous for the baby. Trump repeatedly said, Dont take it, during the news conference. But the science is not settled. Studies have come down on both sides of the safety issue for acetaminophen, including a recent study from the University of Washington School of Medicine published in Nature Mental Health that said there might be a link between prenatal exposure to the anti-inflammatory pain reliever and adverse neurological outcomes such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The study tracked 307 pregnant women and their babies, noting that 18% of the children whose moms used the drug during pregnancy developed ADHD, compared to 9% of those who didnt. The researchers called for further study to rule out confounding factors that might be responsible for the difference but that were not recognized in the study. They also questioned whether some women can tolerate the drug during pregnancy, while others cannot. Other studies have had opposite findings or identified different potential links. One in January in JAMA Network Open reported that children exposed to steroids during pregnancy had a much higher risk of developing autism or ADHD. Kennedy himself has repeatedly said he believes that vaccines can cause autism. Kennedy and Trump said that the federal government is making a big investment in studying autism and its causes and potential treatments. Autism spectrum disorder covers a range of symptoms, from mild to severe, that impact social communication and language development. Repetitive behavior is also typically an aspect of the disorder. It has long been believed among many in the medical community that autism is caused by a mix of genetic and environmental factors. (NewsNation) Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins says SNAP benefits will be suspended this weekend after her department has exhausted every possible avenue during the continuing government shutdown. The fact that the Democrats are playing games with those who are most vulnerable is particularly rich right now 12 different times the Democrats have voted to keep the government closed, Rollins told NewsNation. According to the Trump administration, funding will run out for the food assistance program that is relied upon by 42 million Americans to supplement their grocery bills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal food benefits and preschool aid to run dry starting Saturday if shutdown continues The administration rejected using more than $5 billion in contingency funds to keep SNAP flowing into November. Rollins stated the U.S. Department of Agriculture doesnt have the legal authority to dip into the fund. Beginning from almost Day 1, we at USDA and our Office of Management and Budget have said, SNAP is going to run out on November 1,' added Rollins. Its a $9.2 billion monthly program. Theres no possible way that we can Band-Aid and duct tape this deal past the end of October. Furthering the difficulty of the situation, House Speaker Mike Johnson on Tuesday dismissed any standalone bills seeking to pay federal workers or fund assistance programs during the government shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal judge indefinitely blocks Trump shutdown layoffs Democratic officials across 25 states sued the Trump administration as a means to prevent the program from drying up. The agency cannot simply suspend all benefits indefinitely while refusing to spend funds from available appropriations for SNAP benefits for eligible households, the lawsuit argues. Some states have pledged to keep the benefits flowing even if the federal program halts payments. However, a memo from the USDA said states would not be reimbursed for temporarily picking up the cost. SNAP helps about 1 in 8 Americans buy groceries using debit cards normally loaded each month by the federal government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 NewsNation. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) The Bakersfield Police Department asked for the publics assistance in identifying a suspect vehicle related to a burglary that occurred in August. On Aug. 11, suspects made a forced entry into the victims home in the 3600 block of Sahara Lane, where they stole merchandise, police said. Photo courtesy of Bakersfield Police Department Investigators described the vehicle as a dark gray Toyota Prius. A Hispanic man and a woman believed to be Hispanic or white were in the vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call Detective K. Guinn at 661-326-3953 or the police department at 661-327-7111. 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 KGET 17 News. When Jill Yesko, an award-winning Baltimore documentarian, was a 9-year-old girl living in New Jersey, her mother suddenly disappeared. The 1967 vanishing of Sally Yesko disrupted the lives of Yesko and her younger brother. Their father, who Yesko said was a responsible caregiver, although emotionally distant, didnt explain his wifes disappearance. As an adult, Yesko, 67, learned that her mother had spent the year at High Point Hospital, a private psychiatric facility in Port Chester, New York, that operated from 1951 to 1993. After her mother died of COVID-19 in 2020, Yesko launched an investigation into her mothers lost year as a High Point patient. The result is her new documentary, Erased, which will screen at the Towson Unitarian Universalist Church in Timonium on Nov. 12. The film will be available on a streaming platform sometime in the next two months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview with The Baltimore Sun, Yesko discussed her mothers disappearance and the film. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity. What do you remember about the time when your mom went away? I just remember it was a very sad time. I felt alone and abandoned and confused. As a child, time is really malleable, so you think youre just going to be alone forever. My brother, who is a year and a half younger, was really the only constant, and we kind of clung to each other like Hansel and Gretel. It felt like a bad fairy tale. How was your mom different when she came back? Before High Point, my mom was a style icon. She was loving. We took family vacations. When my mom came out of High Point, she was bloated. She didnt take care of herself. She didnt dress as well. She spent a lot of time in bed. Her moods were unpredictable. I was just a child when she came back. She didnt explain, and I didnt question it. Why do you think your mom never talked about her year away or why she left? I think she was embarrassed about it. It was obviously a very painful time for her, because for any mother to leave two young children is a terrible, terrible decision to make, even if at the time you think its the right one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And then as time went on, I think she thought, this is just something from all of our pasts that doesnt need to be re-examined. And I understand that from her point of view, but I think it was hard for our mother to understand how we felt. It was an unpleasantness that she did not wish to revisit. Why do you think your father did not say anything about your moms disappearance? Yeah, that was weird too. Understand, this is in the 1960s, and my dad was almost 50 years old when I was born. He was a really old-school guy. For him, maybe taking care of the family was enough, and my mother had to deal with everything emotional. I think my dad was embarrassed. Also, he was in state politics and was building a career. He was a very successful lawyer, and I think he didnt want it to get out that his wife was in a mental hospital because there was so much stigma. Do you believe High Point Hospital provided any real psychiatric care to its patients? Of the patients Ive contacted or whove contacted me, I would say 99% of them say, Absolutely not. Theres a private [Facebook] group for former patients that Im in, and this is where Ive gotten a lot of my patients from [for the documentary]. I cant say that theyre a total representative sample; these are obviously people who are aggrieved, but I do think that they represent the majority of the patients. What kinds of emotions did you experience as you worked on the film? I started thinking about the movie when I was really sad, when I was in grief about the death of my mother during the pandemic. When a parent dies, that first year is really hard; a million things go through your mind. So this project started in grief, but once I got going, I was determined. At first, I was hopeful I could find out about my mom and solve the mystery. And when I realized that wasnt going to happen, I was even more determined to tell the stories of the people who did share their experience with me. In the end, I feel OK; complete healing is really overrated. I accomplished what I needed to do. Now that you have done all this research, is there anything you would say to your mom, if you could? I can tell you that my mother would not have wanted me to make this film, honestly. She would say, Why do you want to revisit so much unpleasantness? Youve got to look forward and not look back. I never would have made this film without her consent, nor done anything to hurt her. But I also feel like I have found so many patients who were harmed there and now have the opportunity to speak their minds. I feel like this is a really important film. Its less about me now, obviously, than it is about them. Have a news tip? Contact Ruben Castaneda at 443-862-6133 or rucastaneda@baltsun.com. Bangladeshs fugitive former leader Sheikh Hasina has warned that excluding her Awami League party from next years elections would deepen divisions in the country as millions of her supporters are set to boycott the vote. Now exiled in India, the 78-year-old is currently being tried for crimes against humanity after being toppled in August 2024 by a student-led uprising that, according to the United Nations, saw up to 1,400 people killed in crackdowns as she clung to power. The interim government of Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus has pledged to hold elections in February but has banned the Awami League under amendments to the antiterrorism act, citing national security threats and war crimes investigations into the partys senior leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ban on the Awami League is not only unjust, it is self-defeating, Hasina said in emailed comments to the Reuters news agency published on Wednesday. Millions of people support the Awami League, so as things stand, they will not vote. You cannot disenfranchise millions of people if you want a political system that works. The Awami League and the rival Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have long dominated the politics of Bangladesh, which has more than 126 million registered voters. The elections in January 2024 were boycotted by the BNP as its top leaders were either jailed or in exile. Human Rights Watch has condemned the ban on the Awami League as draconian. In the partys absence, the BNP is predicted to lead in next years election while Jamaat-e-Islami, the Muslim-majority countrys largest Islamist party, is rising in popularity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are not asking Awami League voters to support other parties, Hasina told Reuters of the upcoming elections. We still hope common sense will prevail and we will be allowed to contest the election ourselves. The nucleus of all crimes The International Crimes Tribunal, Bangladeshs domestic war crimes court, has concluded proceedings against Hasina, and a verdict is expected on November 13. Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam accused Hasina of being the nucleus around whom all the crimes were committed during the uprising and called for the death penalty if she is found guilty. Prosecutors also alleged she oversaw disappearances and torture of opposition activists at clandestine detention centres run by security agencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hasina has defied court orders to return to attend the trial. She told Reuters the proceedings were a politically motivated charade. Theyve been brought by kangaroo courts with guilty verdicts a foregone conclusion. In an emailed interview with the AFP news agency also published on Wednesday, Hasina called charges that she had ordered security forces to fire on protesters as bogus and said she mourned all the lives lost during the terrible days of her crackdown. The prosecution, which insisted her trial was fair, has played audiotapes verified by police that suggested Hasina directly ordered her security forces to use lethal weapons against protesters. This month, lawyers for the Awami League requested that the International Criminal Court in The Hague investigate reported retaliatory violence, including allegations of beatings and lynchings. GLADEWATER, Texas (KETK) Just two weeks after Billy Byrd announced his retirement, Gov. Abbott has secured his replacement as the Upshur Criminal District Attorney. Gov. Abbott appointed Billy Wallace, of Gladewater on Tuesday. Wallace currently holds the title of first assistant for the Upshur County Criminal District Attorneys Office, but will step into his new role on Nov. 1. Hes a member of the Texas District and County Attorneys Association, the northeast Texas Bar Association and the State Bar of Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amazon opens first distribution center in Tyler, providing faster deliverie Wallace received a Bachelor of Arts in History from East Texas A&M University (formerly East Texas State University) and a Juris Doctor from St. Marys University. He was also honorably discharged from the navy. Wallace will start his tenure as district attorney on Nov. 1, and his term will end on Dec. 31, 2026, or upon the election of a duly appointed successor. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Millions of people who receive food assistance will go without benefits next month as the federal government remains shut down, and local leaders are now scrambling to contain the possible fallout. The Barstow Police Department said in a post on Facebook that it will be stepping up patrols around grocery stores, convenience stores and shopping centers. Police added that the increased patrols are not in response to a specific incident but are a "preventive measure to maintain public safety, deter theft, and reassure the community that law enforcement is present and ready to help." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elsewhere in Southern California, leaders are trying to provide impacted people with resources. About 1.5 million families in Los Angeles and more than 5 million people statewide receive benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly referred to as SNAP. That program is known as CalFresh in California. If the federal government shutdown continues, those benefits could run out Nov. 1. In light of the benefits delay, L.A. Care Health Plan, billed as the nation's largest publicly operated health plan, announced Tuesday it was providing $5.4 million to help provide food for impacted families. Of that amount, $5 million will go to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles and Food Forward. The funding is expected to support 10,000 to 15,000 households in the county each week in November, according to the Health Plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The additional $400,000 will go toward advancing food security efforts and bolstering food distribution efforts in the county. L.A. County officials have also allocated $10 million to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank to expand its purchasing capacity, and to set up pop-up and drive-through distribution sites, in addition to the existing network of 940 pantries across the county. The county Departments of Public Social Services and Children and Family Services also contributed $2 million each to support food programs. Anyone experiencing food insecurity can find more resources online or simply calling 211. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trump this week signaled his administration may find a solution to fund SNAP amid the shutdown, but didn't offer any details on how that might happen. Meanwhile, California and over 20 other states are suing the Trump administration over the alleged unlawful refusal to fund SNAP benefits, according to Gov. Gavin Newsom's office. City News Service contributed to this report. When Jesus Fabian and Alexis Serrano Embriz entered high school, the future felt wide open and uncertain. Neither student was convinced college was for them. Both liked the idea of pursuing a trade: It was hands-on and practical. But like many young people their age, they werent quite sure which direction they should take. Their public school, Latitude High School in Oakland, California, prioritizes project-based learning to equip its students with tangible skills and real-world experience that can help them succeed in college and beyond. Extended learning opportunities, ranging from site visits to internships, arent extracurriculars they are a cornerstone of the curriculum. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter Students, parents, and academic leaders place tremendous value on such opportunities. Nearly eight in 10 high school students nationwide express interest in participation in work-based learning. In fact, a 2024 national poll from EdChoice found that teens consider skills for future employment the most important priority in their education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement High-quality work-based learning opens doors for students to discover a wide variety of careers, gain meaningful, career-connected experience, and graduate not just with a diploma but with a clear sense of direction and the concrete skills to match. And yet only 62% of high schools offer formal work-based learning programs. Founded in 2019, Latitude is quickly proving whats possible when students step outside the classroom and into real-world learning. It accelerates students paths to success, outperforming state and national trends. About 70% of Latitudes seniors feel ready for life after graduation nearly double the national share of students who remain unclear about their career expectations, a figure that has doubled in the past decade. Jesus and Alexis journeys are a prime example of how work-based learning can shape a students future. During their first year at Latitude, a worksite visit sparked an unexpected passion for aviation in the two teens. I really just fell in love as soon as I walked into the hangar, Jesus recalls. When the time came to decide on senior-year internships, both students chose Winglers Aviation at Hayward Executive Airport, where they became immersed in everything from airplane mechanics to aerodynamics. Now Jesus attends the College of Alameda, where he is pursuing a license to become an aviation mechanic. Alexis, for his part, is pursuing a bachelors in aviation from San Jose State University. By graduation, he plans to be a fully licensed pilot. Jesus Fabian, a graduate of Latitude High School, displays the certificate he earned in his aviation internship senior year. (Latitude) I sat down with both students to hear firsthand about their experience and understand the impact of work-based learning on high school students. Before you started your internship with Latitude, what were you thinking about the future? Jesus: I was torn between going to college, which I wasnt really interested in, or pursuing a trade, which I wanted to do. I always knew I wanted to be someone in the trades: welding, plumbing, something like that. But I wasnt 100% sure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alexis: I had decided I wasnt going to go to college. I was committed to going to trade school, joining a union, and going from there. What was it about Latitude that attracted you? Jesus: I was never really big on classrooms. I didnt love learning from books. I really liked that Latitude took a hands-on approach. It opened my eyes. I really valued working on projects, so thats why I chose it. I knew This is the school for me. At Latitude, you were exposed to a range of professions before your teachers worked with you to define your path and select your internship with Winglers Aviation. Tell me about those first few days as interns. Jesus: At first, we didnt know anything its an airplane! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alexis: There was definitely a wow factor. I had wanted to stick to something so general, like plumbing, but now I was going to work on airplanes. It opened my mind. Its a whole different world that not many high schoolers get to explore. How did the journey unfold from those early days? Jesus: The first month or two, it was just us taking it all in and learning from our mentor, Mr. Sunil. We started with basics: changing brakes and tires, doing inspections, working on panels. We observed and followed instructions, doing the work alongside them as they showed us all the tips and tricks. Eventually, we started to take on bigger projects ourselves and mentors would just check in on us. By the third or fourth month, we got the hang of it. We learned how to read tail numbers, how to start and control a plane. Weve learned a lot. By the end, we knew the lingo and could do inspections and repairs on our own. Latitude High School students learned to take apart a plane engine in their senior year internships (Latitude) On site, you learned how to fix a plane, but also how to work with others, communicate in the workplace, and problem-solve. What are some of those professional skills youve developed? Jesus: Troubleshooting, for sure. Knowing when somethings not right and trying a different tool or method. That applies to a lot in life. Weve also met certified flight Instructors and private pilots at the flight school across from our shop. Theyre very professional, and Ive learned a lot about professionalism just watching and interacting with them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alexis: Yeah, business people come by to sell products or deliver a plane, and being around them, seeing how they act, it teaches you the level of professionalism needed in business. Do you feel more prepared for life after school now? Alexis: Yeah, I have a good understanding of what I want to do. Ive learned a lot. Ive grown as a person. Jesus: Definitely. I wasnt very serious in ninth grade, and my grades reflected that. Coming from middle school, I was still adjusting. But Ive made a huge change. Ive matured. Ive seen the importance of putting in time and effortit shows in everything. Looking back, what would you say is the biggest takeaway your work-based learning experience has given you? Jesus: A straight path in life. I have clarity. I know like whats next, you know? I have my goals set. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alexis: It opened a lot of doors. I didnt really have my mind set on what I wanted to do. But through the internship, I figured out what I wanted to do with life. So what is next? What happens after graduation? Jesus: Im studying aviation at the College of Alameda, then pursuing a license to become an aviation mechanic. My internship changed how I viewed college. I realized theres a lot you need to know, and its good to get hands-on learning because then, when you study the book, you can make the comparison. You get the theory in school and the practice at work. Alexis: Im also pursuing a career in aviation, but I chose the pilot path. Im going to San Jose to earn my bachelors in aviation and then Ill get my license before graduating. I got a full ride. Eventually, I want to leave the state to do a course in avionics and open an electrical shop. Your time at Latitude clearly played an important role. Based on your journey, what do you think the purpose of high school is? Jesus: Thats a big question. I like it! High school is a place where you learn who you are and figure out what you want to do. It goes fast. Ive changed a lot since freshman year. Its about preparing to become an adult. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alexis: I agree. High school is about getting a better understanding of yourself and who you are as a person. Its about getting out of your comfort zone and meeting new people. Its important to get out of your bubble to grow. Thats the whole point of high school. Disclosure: The XQ Institute supports The 74s focus on the Future of High School. SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) Basic Necessities is a diaper bank that distributes sanitary supplies and diapers to people in need. They serve eighteen parishes and counties. Northwest Louisiana hygiene supply bank hits 5-year milestone For those in need, you can drop by their office in the Highland Center, 520 Olive Street, in the basement. They are always looking for donations of unused products; the package can be open, as long as the items have not been used. Volunteers are also needed, and monetary donations are accepted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shreveport non-profit feeling impact of tariffs and federal cuts For more information, head over to their website, basicnecessitiesla.com, or call 318-751-0851. 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 KTALnews.com. Over two weeks since the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect, the World Health Organization (WHO) is warning that Gaza is experiencing a health catastrophe that will last for generations to come. At least 94 per cent of all hospitals in the Gaza Strip have been damaged or destroyed. Half a million people are facing starvation. And over 60 million tonnes of debris, unexploded ordinance and bodies are waiting to be cleared to allow safe access and stop the spread of disease. So how do you heal a city thats been under siege? And where do you start to rebuild a health system destroyed by such a brutal war? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First and foremost is safety, Professor Paul Spiegel, director of the Johns Hopkins Centre for Humanitarian Health, told The Telegraphs Battle Lines x Global Health Security podcast. To ensure that theres ceasefire compliance, that they have access guarantees, deconfliction with the Israel defense forces, and we address at least the corridors we need to be able to go through for health, for water, for shelter. The next challenge is supplies. The UN says despite the ceasefire, not enough aid is getting in, with authorities continuing to ban the entry of many essential items including medical supplies. Some resources have come in. It is still far too little, so they are still working in extremely challenging circumstances, says Dr Nick Maynard, a consultant surgeon who has been volunteering in Gaza for 15 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [Doctors] know that many lives could be saved and arent being saved because of the lack of resources. Experts are calling for the recovery of the health system to be led by the people of Gaza with international support. Theres a very strong and competent workforce in Gaza. Its been decimated, but it still exists, says Prof Spiegel. But Dr Maynard warns that the health service is at breaking point, with some doctors forced to work 24-hour shifts while starving. One doctor I know passed out several times during operations, he said. He had to sit down and he fainted on two occasions because he was so starved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more on this story and to find out how to fix Gazas health system, listen to The Telegraphs Battle Lines x Global Health Security podcast now using the player in this article or listen via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favourite podcast app. Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security 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. DELAWARE, Ohio (WCMH) It was a battle of the taste buds Tuesday at the Delaware County Fairgrounds as culinary students looked to take home the bragging rights in three competitions. It was all part of the Hospitality Institute of Ohios annual Burger Battle and Creative Cakes competition, observing its ninth and biggest year. More than 200 students from across the state brought their culinary skills to the table to serve up mouth-watering burgers, decadent cakes, and new this year elegant mocktails. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The competition takes months to plan, including rounding up some of the best industry judges, but the Hospitality Institutes executive director said it is events like this that are what her job is all about. We are so proud of our students, Hospitality Institute of Ohio Executive Director Patty Halper said. This is why we do this. If you feel the energy in the room when they call the teams, its just amazing. Once theyre out there on the floor and competing, its game face on. Its just like you see on TV, theyre just like the celebrity chefs and theyre ready to go. The winner of the burger battle will go on to film at the Ohio Beef Council for their creation to be shared across the industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Ukraine's defense industry is exploding but allies have been unable to get gear tested against Russia. That's set to change, as Zelenskyy said the program for controlled exports must start next month. Industry says that being able to sell abroad would help Ukraine get more weapons for its fight, too. Ukraine is moving closer to exporting its battle-tested weaponry for the first time. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Tuesday that the country's program for the controlled exports of domestically manufactured weaponry should start in November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine effectively froze the ability of any company making weaponry to export its tech after Russia's full-scale invasion began, making the country's own defense the priority. However, Ukraine's defense industry has undergone massive growth. The export restrictions are now hamstringing industries. In a shift, Ukraine has been making plans for how it could export to partner nations, which would allow companies to scale up production beyond the limitations of Ukraine's defense budget. Key to this project, Ukrainian leadership has said, will be ensuring Ukraine's defense is unaffected, that Russia doesn't acquire Ukrainian tech, and that exports go only to countries that have supported it against Russia. On Tuesday, Zelenskyy did not elaborate on what kind of weapons Ukraine would export, but he has previously pointed to some kinds of drones as an area where Ukraine has a surplus ready to export. They were also identified this month by Brave1, a Ukrainian government-backed body aimed at accelerating military technology, as systems that were ready to be sold abroad. It identified ground drones, drone software, and naval drones as products made by Ukraine that are export options. Ground robots are becoming a bigger part of Ukraine's fight. Ed JONES / AFP Motivated by wartime necessity, Ukraine's defense industry has boomed, with companies making drones, artillery, missiles, and other equipment. Zelenskyy said that more than 40% of the weapons used on the front line are Ukrainian-made. He said that needs to be 50% by the end of the year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many in Ukraine's defense industry have long pushed for the ability to export, arguing that it would solve a problem that Ukrainian officials have acknowledged as well: The country's defense companies are able to make far more weaponry than Ukraine's defense ministry can buy. Serhiy Goncharov, the CEO of the National Association of Ukrainian Defense Industries (NAUDI), said that the export revenue would allow producers to increase production, improve efficiency, and also lower costs, putting them in a better position to support Ukraine. Increased revenue could also be allocated to research and testing for new innovations, he said. He told Business Insider previously "the export of some part of military production wouldn't harm the defense of Ukraine." Instead, "it would increase the potential of the defense of Ukraine." Some Ukrainian companies have said they are ready to start selling abroad as soon as they are allowed and have promoted their equipment in other countries in preparation, saying they have seen notable demand. Demand for drones Drones have been used more in this war than in any other conflict in history. They are used to survey the battlefield, collect key intelligence, and launch attacks on soldiers and weaponry, including some systems worth millions. Ukrainian drone operators want to be able to use their drones without accidental friendly jamming. AP Photo/Yevhen Titov The war has made Ukraine a leader in drone technology, with hundreds of companies making them, ranging from small outfits in garages to massive operations. Most of the drones it uses are made domestically. It said more than 96% of the 1.5 million drones it bought last year were of Ukrainian origin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine has made major advancements in ground robots and naval drone technology, systems that have risen to greater prominence in the war in Ukraine. The country's ground robots execute one-way attacks, fire heavy weapons, lay mines, and evacuate injured troops. And the naval drones have menaced Black Sea Fleet ships and engaged Russian aircraft with surface-to-air missiles. Many of these naval drone innovations are new to combat. Zelenskyy said last month that funds from selling naval drones and other weaponry could be funneled into buying additional aerial drones for Ukraine as demand continues to soar. That would seem to indicate that aerial drones might not be suitable for export, but the Ukrainian president has suggested that these systems could be possible exports. Whether these hit the global market remains to be seen. A modified Sea Baby drone with an automated machine gun. Security Service of Ukraine Partner nations are paying close attention to the war, concerned about further Russian aggression, and seeking to learn what works in modern war. Part of the response has been the development of drones and counter-drone tech. It's not yet clear which countries would buy Ukrainian weaponry like drones if they were made available, but Western nations have praised Ukrainian innovations. Zelenskyy said last month Ukraine had offers from partners nations but did not provide any details, including which countries were involved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine's partners may not need to rely on drones as much as it has, given their larger and better-stocked militaries, but they are still investing in the tech. NATO member Denmark is one partner nation that has praised Ukraine's defense innovation, and it says it wants access to Ukrainian tech amid rising concern about Russia. Western companies are also moving into Ukraine and partnering with its defense industry, which not only helps Ukraine produce but also helps Western companies learn from Ukraine's experience. Read the original article on Business Insider More than 5 million Californians will stop getting federal SNAP benefits, formerly known as food stamps, on Saturday - at the same time health care premiums will be spiking - creating a perfect storm that could shred the social safety net that protects low-income Americans. The planned benefit cutbacks and price spikes come as lawmakers in Washington, D.C., have made no progress toward ending a nearly month-old government shutdown. As the funding lapse drags on, federal workers have begun to miss paychecks and grants for Head Start preschool programs are expiring, thrusting many Californians toward a financial cliff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Concerns about the imminent cuts to food programs have injected fresh recriminations into the political stalemate in Washington, but on Tuesday, both sides were more focused on blaming the other for using hungry Americans as leverage rather than finding a solution. Democrats have refused to support a spending plan that doesn't include an extension of health care subsidies. Without them, many American's health care costs will skyrocket. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, said he would not support passing one-off funding bills for SNAP or other affected programs, only fully reopening the government. "Under President Trump and Republicans' failed leadership, it is just one crisis after another," Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Connecticut, said during a press conference, where Democrats accused Trump of manufacturing the trouble for SNAP recipients by refusing to use billions of dollars in available contingency funds to keep benefits flowing. In San Francisco, the roughly 112,000 city residents who use SNAP are expected to have all of their November benefits covered by gift cards the city is preparing to distribute through an $18 million public-private partnership, according to Mayor Daniel Lurie's office. Half the money will come from the $400 million reserve that Lurie and San Francisco lawmakers established in the city budget this year to help the local government alleviate federal funding cuts under the Trump administration. The other half will be paid for by the Crankstart Foundation, the family foundation of wealthy venture capitalist Michael Moritz. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lurie's office said that by the middle of next week, all San Francisco residents who use SNAP should receive mail from the city providing a QR code that will let residents to download the gift cards digitally or request that a physical one be mailed to them. All 11 city supervisors have already agreed to approve the city funding. "We will not stand by with the federal government set to let these critical benefits lapse," Lurie said in a statement. "San Franciscans stand up for each other, and we're going to do what it takes to make sure our neighbors can put food on the table and provide for their families." Meanwhile, other local governments and needy Californians are panicking about new pain that is almost certain to hit their communities starting this weekend. Grants for preschool programs in the state that serve more than 800 low-income children are set to expire on Nov. 1, according to the National Head Start Association. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Calls to the Alameda County Community Food Bank's emergency food help line more than doubled over the past week and visits to its online food finder website have nearly quadrupled over that same period, said spokesperson Michael Altfest. Requests for meal deliveries have also increased over the past few weeks because many immigrants fear venturing outside amid threats of an immigration crackdown in the Bay Area, said Alameda County Supervisor Nikki Fortunato Bas. Between the social safety net cuts in the Republican spending plan passed earlier this year and other state and local budget cuts, Bas said, "it's a lot to manage" for county governments, which are typically the last governmental body that can help those who are hungry or homeless. "My concern is that this administration is catering to its corporate donors and billionaires and dismantling our safety net," Bas said. "Local governments like ours are picking up the pieces. It's completely unfair." The Alameda County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved $10 million to support the Alameda County Community Food Bank and other organizations that distribute food. That is in addition to $6.5 million for food assistance approved earlier this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The need is there. Even though California produces roughly half the nation's fruits and vegetables, 22% of California households confront food insecurity, a figure that varies widely by race and geography. Roughly 43% of Black households with children are food insecure, compared to 33% of Latino households with kids and 19% of white households, according to the California Association of Food Banks. The food insecurity rate is 30% in the Inland Empire counties like San Bernardino and Riverside, which is twice as high as the rate in San Francisco, Oakland and Berkeley. Allison Goodwin, CEO of Redwood Empire Food Bank, which covers Sonoma, Lake, Mendocino, Humboldt and Del Norte counties, where 100,000 people could be affected by the cutoff, said this disaster is different from past catastrophes to hit the region. "We've never been in this situation before," Goodwin said. In the case of a natural disaster or the pandemic, the food bank could typically count on individuals and "the federal government was able to show up. But now the government is the disaster," Goodwin said. On Tuesday, California, 23 other states and the District of Columbia sued the Trump administration to try to free up SNAP funds. In a lawsuit filed in federal court in Massachusetts, the states said the cutoff of SNAP benefits is illegal and financially unnecessary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the congressional deadlock that has halted funding of programs for the fiscal year that begins Nov. 1, the suit said, $29 billion in reserve and emergency funds are available and could support the nutritional program during the shutdown. "They are doing this on purpose," California Attorney General Rob Bonta said Tuesday. "They have the funds, they are just not using them. Society should be judged on how it treats its most vulnerable. Trump gets an F." The SNAP interruption comes as students who get free meals at school are preparing to go on break, when they will not have access to school meals, California Health and Human Services Secretary Kim Johnson said Tuesday. "The cruelty couldn't be more apparent," Johnson said. Lawrence Jeffries, who receives SNAP benefits, said he's worried about making ends meet when the money cuts off at the end of the month. "I'm numb right now until the first hunger pains hit, then we'll see what happens," Jeffries said. (Santiago Mejia/S.F. Chronicle) People who live on the margins are hunkering down and trying to figure out how to stretch their dwindling incomes. Lawrence Jeffries will stop getting his monthly $220 SNAP benefits at the end of the month. That means he will have about $150 to spend on food for the rest of the month, which is the amount he expects to have left over from his monthly Supplemental Security Income payment, which he gets because the lifelong automobile refinishing technician is disabled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fortunately, he said, he's finally living indoors in a subsidized housing unit in East Oakland. Six months ago he was living in the back of his Chevy station wagon. He worries about what will happen when people run out of money to buy food. "I'm numb right now until the first hunger pains hit, then we'll see what happens," Jeffries said. "People are going to go crazy. They might just go to the grocery store with their carts and just start loading up." In West Oakland, Shantesha Sluker is bracing for all sorts of costs in her life to go up on Saturday. The mother of two will lose her $457 monthly SNAP benefit, putting her "between a rock and a hard place," she said. After paying her rent and saving enough for "a little gas so I can drive my daughter to school" she will start planning how to stretch meals for days. That means lots of beans and no-meat chili, she said. Spaghetti. Veggie stew. Stretching a bag of rice to last a few days longer. In September, Shuker had to leave her job because her employer health benefits couldn't cover the cost of dental surgery she needed, but MediCal did. She is scheduled to have the surgery in November then plans to return to working full time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Until then, she is worried about how this chaos will affect her children, ages 13 and 19, one of whom has diabetes, the other who has sickle cell disease. The next few weeks will test her family, Shuker said. Until September, she said she had been a fully employed, "pretty healthy person." But the shutdown helped erase that sense of security. J.D. Morris, Bob Egelko and Sophia Bollag contributed to this story. This article originally published at S.F. will cover SNAP recipients' missed payments. But the rest of the Bay Area is panicking. At Bay Area restaurants like Monster Pho in Oakland and Al Pastor Papi in San Francisco, the aroma of food made with love and the spirit of Halloween and Dia de los Muertos fill the air. There's another spirit too: one of neighbors helping neighbors. As the federal government shutdown continues and millions of Californians are set to lose access to CalFresh (SNAP) benefits starting Nov. 1, local restaurants are stepping in to help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If everyone does a little bit, it comes a long way," said Tee Tran, owner of Monster Pho. MAP: Percentage of the Bay Area currently on federal SNAP or CalFresh benefits: Tran is one of several restaurant owners offering free meals to families who rely on SNAP. At his Oakland restaurant, kids 12 and under can get a free bowl of chicken, beef or veggie pho. Other family members can get a 25% discount on their meal. In San Francisco, Al Pastor Papi is giving away up to four burritos to families who show proof of SNAP benefits. "For me, just coming from a low-income situation growing up, I know what it's like," said Al Pastor Papi owner Miguel Escobedo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tran echoed that sentiment. "My family was on government assistance. We waited in line to get food stamps. It hits home," reflected Tran. "Every time I see kids not getting enough food or going hungry, it makes me think of me when I was little, and it hurts." The movement began with a single Instagram post from Tony & Alba's Pizza and Pasta in San Jose. Children can get a full meal and drink for free while parents get a discount. "This is our community. We were brought up here, we brought up our kids here," said Diana and Al Vallorz. "We have grandchildren and we would want to know that someone would care to look out for them too." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Within hours, one act of kindness sparked another. "It was like wildfire," said Escobedo. MORE: California sues Trump administration in effort to restore SNAP benefits amid government shutdown "Now we're seeing about five, six, seven restaurants get on," said Tran. San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie is expected to announce on Wednesday support for San Francisco-based SNAP recipients. DoorDash, headquartered in San Francisco, says it will waive delivery fees and offer free meals to affected families. For many of these immigrant-owned businesses, helping is from the heart and a reflection of their own personal stories. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "My biggest belief is immigrants make America great," said Tran. "We work hard, we're very family-oriented, and we love giving back because we understand that's how communities are built." "This country, especially in the Bay Area, is a lot of immigrants. We're no strangers working together" added Escobedo. "We really need each other. We come together." Bay Area businesses who have deals for customers who show SNAP ID and card: Oakland Monster Pho - free bowl of pho for kids 12 and under, 25% everyone else Understory - pay what you can Puerto Rican Street Cuisine - free kids meal for kids 12 & under San Francisco Al Pastor Papi - up to 4 burritos a week per family San Jose Tony & Alba's Pizza & Pasta - free pizza or penne pasta for children 15 and under If you're on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) Megan Krager, the park manager at Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium, was recognized for her work in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The City of Kingsport announced on Wednesday that Krager received the Resource Management Award of Excellence at the 74th annual Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association Conference. The conference was held earlier in October at the MeadowView Conference Resort and Convention Center. Photo courtesy of the City of Kingsport Photo courtesy of the City of Kingsport Photo courtesy of the City of Kingsport According to the city, Krager was chosen to receive the award because of her leadership in restoring Bays Mountain Park after Hurricane Helene left the park damaged in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Megans leadership during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene was exemplary and went a long way to ensure park repairs and clean-up moved quickly and efficiently, Kingsport Assistant City Manager Michael Borders said. This is definitely a well-deserved recognition. Krager oversaw cleanup efforts as park staff and volunteers cleared thousands of fallen trees, cared for animals with no power and limited water for weeks and secured buildings and habitats. After the hurricane, Krager also oversaw Bays Mountains application for a Tennessee State Museum grant, which helped pay for repairs and the parks first-ever prescribed burn. 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 WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. BEIJING (AP) The Chinese government has blanketed the country with the world's largest network of surveillance cameras. Some cameras swivel, ensuring sweeping views of public squares. Others scan license plates of passing cars, allowing police to track vehicles in real-time. At night, cameras light up across Chinas cities, shining lights down alleys and corners. Over the past few decades, the Chinese government has rolled out a series of high-tech surveillance projects aimed at bringing the entire country under watch, including Sky Net and the Golden Shield. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest such project is called the Xueliang Project, or Sharp Eyes, a reference to a quote from Communist Chinas founder, Mao Zedong, who once said the people have sharp eyes when urging them to root out neighbors opposed to socialist values. AP investigations have found that American companies to a large degree designed and built Chinas surveillance state, playing a far greater role in enabling human rights abuses than previously known. The U.S. government repeatedly allowed and even actively helped American firms to sell technology to the Chinese police, government and surveillance companies, AP found. The cameras studding China are knitted together in policing systems that allow authorities to track and control virtually anyone in the country, often targeting perceived threats to the state like dissidents, religious believers or ethnic minorities. Following directives from Beijing to ensure 100 percent coverage in key public areas, authorities have installed facial-recognition cameras across the country, including in unlikely locations: Ski slopes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beaches. Remote country roads. The Great Wall of China. A slew of cameras greets visitors to Beijing, with a screen underneath announcing: Amazing China travel starts here! At times, entire neighborhoods have been demolished and rebuilt in part to make it easier for cameras to keep watch. The historic quarter of Xinjiang's ancient silk road city of Kashgar, once a maze-like warren of twisting alleys, was demolished and rebuilt with wider avenues and thousands of camera that light up at night. Chinas cities, roads and villages are now studded with more cameras than the rest of the world combined, analysts say roughly one for every two people. The goal is clear, according to authorities: Total surveillance in every corner of the country, with no blind spots to be found. This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors. [Source] China has designated Oct. 25 as the Commemoration Day of Taiwans Restoration, a new national observance intended to reinforce Beijings sovereignty claim over the self-ruled island. The measure was approved Friday in Beijing during a session of the Standing Committee of the 14th National Peoples Congress, which adopted the decision at the close of a five-day meeting. Beijings sovereignty message State media said the move was made in line with the Constitution to safeguard the achievements of the World Anti-Fascist War and the post-war international order and to defend national sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. The observance will include nationwide commemorative activities marking the end of Japanese rule in Taiwan in 1945. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers said the move underscores Chinas position that Taiwans postwar transfer from Japan to the Republic of China represented the islands return to Chinese sovereignty. Shen Chunyao, director of the legislatures Legislative Affairs Commission, said, On Oct. 25, 1945, the ceremony to accept Japans surrender in the Taiwan Province of the China war theater of the Allied powers was held in Taipei, marking the return of Taiwan and the Penghu Islands to Chinas sovereign jurisdiction. Trending on NextShark: Rina Sawayama criticizes Sabrina Carpenter performance for mishandling Japanese culture Competing historical claims Oct. 25 commemorates the 1945 handover of Taiwan to the Republic of China following Japans surrender, ending five decades of colonial rule. In Taiwan, the same date is observed as Retrocession Day, though it carries different political meaning as the island evolved into a self-governing democracy after the Republic of China government relocated there in 1949. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beijings new commemoration formalizes its position that the 1945 handover established a legal basis for sovereignty over Taiwan, which it considers part of Chinas territory. The move follows a period of increased military and diplomatic pressure on Taipei. Chinese state media said related ceremonies will be held nationwide, but did not specify whether it will become a public holiday. Taiwans government had yet to issue a statement responding to the move. Trending on NextShark: Dodgers Yamamoto makes World Series history This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices. Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what were building, consider becoming a paid member your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community. Trending on NextShark: Beijing creates new national observance linking Taiwan to Chinas wartime victory Subscribe here now! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trending on NextShark: Kamala Harris signals 2028 presidential run: 'I am not done' Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today! Following Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken's declaration that "Moscow will be wiped off the map" if Kremlin ruler Vladimir Putin decides to attack a NATO capital such as Brussels, the Russian Embassy in Belgium has issued a statement calling Francken's remarks irresponsible. Source: Francken in an interview with Belgian newspaper De Morgen, as reported by European Pravda; Russian Embassy in Belgium Details: Francken emphasised that Western countries must not allow themselves to be intimidated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked whether he feared that Putin might one day launch a non-nuclear missile on Brussels, Francken replied: "No, because then he will be striking at the heart of NATO, and we will wipe Moscow off the map." The Russian Embassy in Belgium has issued a statement describing Francken's words as "provocative" and "irresponsible". Quote: "Francken's adventurism is, regrettably, an embodiment of a militarist deviation that is gaining ever more momentum in the European party of war." Francken said in the interview that he doubts Putin would dare to launch a missile on Brussels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "I'm more concerned about scenarios in the grey zone: little 'green men' in Estonia inciting the Russian-speaking minority against 'the Nazi regime'. Before you know it, they'll have annexed part of Estonia." ["Green men" are unmarked Russian soldiers or operatives who appear in foreign territories to carry out covert operations in order to destabilise or annex regions without overtly declaring military action ed.] Background: Russia has repeatedly carried out provocations violating NATO countries' airspace, most notably an incursion into Estonian airspace in mid-September. Earlier, General Alexus Grynkewich, NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe, said that the Alliance's firm response to Russia's airspace violations in Poland and Estonia has forced Moscow to act more cautiously. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Oron Infrastructure wins major tender to add 7,000 square meters and a new passenger gate as Israel's main airport prepares for surging traffic. Oron Infrastructure and Construction has secured one of Israel's most significant airport infrastructure contracts, winning a tender to expand Ben Gurion Airport's Terminal 3 in a project valued at approximately NIS 310 million ($83 million). The expansion will add 7,000 square meters across four floors to Israel's busiest terminal, addressing growing concerns that the country's main international gateway will reach capacity by 2030. The project includes significant upgrades to border control facilities, security screening areas, and the establishment of a new entry gate for arriving passengers, according to the Israel Airports Authority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A key component of the project is the construction of a new 2,000-square-meter structure dubbed the "Tel Aviv Gate," which will serve as a dedicated entrance for passengers arriving via bus rather than through jet bridges. The new facility is designed to streamline the border control process and enable faster, more efficient passage to the baggage claim area. The expansion also includes a substantial upgrade to the duty-free food court, which will be enlarged by 5,500 square meters. The enhanced dining area will feature an increased variety of restaurants and cafes, along with redesigned seating areas and contemporary design elements aimed at improving the passenger experience. "The expansion of Terminal 3 is part of a multi-year plan to upgrade Ben Gurion Airport's infrastructure, improve passenger services, and support the continued growth of international passenger traffic to and from Israel," the Israel Airports Authority stated. Passengers at the Ben Gurion International airport near Tel Aviv, June 25, 2025. (credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI/FLASH90) Ben Gurion to be pushed to its limits The project represents a critical investment in Israel's aviation infrastructure at a time when passenger numbers are expected to double in the coming years. In August 2025 alone, more than 2.26 million passengers passed through Ben Gurion Airport on incoming and outgoing flights. Industry estimates suggest that by 2030, approximately 40 million passengers will transit through the airport annually, pushing Israel's main aviation hub to its operational limits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The expansion will be carried out while Terminal 3 remains fully operational, presenting significant logistical challenges. Oron Infrastructure has committed to working in close coordination with the Israel Airports Authority and airport stakeholders to maintain uninterrupted service throughout the construction period, which is expected to last approximately 30 months. The hand luggage screening area will also be expanded with additional stations. At the same time, approximately 2,100 square meters will be added to border control zones, allowing for more passport control stations and upgraded technological systems. Gili Azaria, co-owner of Oron Holdings, expressed pride in the company's role in the project. "We are approaching this project with great commitment and pride, as part of our ongoing work to strengthen Israel's core infrastructure nationwide," Azaria said. Oron Infrastructure and Construction is a subsidiary of the publicly traded Oron Holdings and Investments Group, which specializes in civil engineering, infrastructure, and construction projects. The company has previously completed major infrastructure projects, including work on Route 6, the Jerusalem Light Rail, and various Israel Railways facilities. The Terminal 3 expansion is currently considered the Israel Airports Authority's largest active project. It comes as officials continue to evaluate long-term solutions for Israel's aviation capacity, including the potential development of a second major international airport. Agentic AI is here, and GitHub has unveiled Agent HQ, its boldest re-architecture since Copilots launch. The company wants to turn the worlds favourite developer platform into a neutral control tower for all coding agents - not just its own. You can supervise and review all your agents, with full traceability where code came from and why. With more than 180 million developers, a new developer joining the site every single second, 80% of new sign-ups using Copilot in their first week, and AI now an integral part of the development experience, GitHub is betting its future on a world where developers orchestrate fleets of specialised agents rather than juggle one-off chatbots or extensions. Agent HQ isnt about the hype of AI. Its about the reality of shipping code, said GitHub COO Kyle Daigle (pictured) on stage at GitHub Universe 2025 in San Francisco. We built Agent HQ because were developers, too ... When AI-powered ends up meaning more context-switching, more babysitting, more subscriptions, and more time explaining what you need - that ends today. At its heart, Agent HQ reframes GitHub as a platform of platforms: a single, governed environment where multiple autonomous agents can run, collaborate and be held accountable. That includes GitHubs own Copilot Coding Agent, plus new integrations arriving over the next few months from Anthropic (Claude), OpenAI (Codex), Google, Cognition, and xAI - all available through a developers existing paid Copilot subscription. Rather than bolting agents onto separate products, GitHub has embedded agent orchestration directly into the GitHub Flow - issues, branches, pull requests, reviews - so existing workflows, permissions and audit trails remain intact. Mission Control: one view across every agent, anywhere The centrepiece is Mission Control, a unified command interface that follows developers across GitHub .com, VS Code, the CLI and even mobile. From Mission Control, a developer can see every active agent session, assign new tasks, watch progress in real time and review results. Agents can be given distinct identities, limited permissions and granular branch controls - for instance, when to trigger CI, security scans or dependency checks. GitHub even added one-click merge-conflict resolution and new comment/review tools designed for code generated by agents. Teams can also manage agent-related work directly from Slack, Microsoft Teams, Linear, Jira, Azure Boards and Raycast, ensuring AI-driven work stays within normal communication and tracking systems. Inside VS Code: plan, customise, and connect Microsoft and GitHub have closely collaborated on extending Agent HQ deeply into Visual Studio Code - also announcing VS Code is now officially GitHubs flagship editor. The newest VS Code release brings several powerful workflows: Plan Mode. Developers collaborate with Copilot to draft a step-by-step plan for a feature or fix. Copilot asks clarifying questions, finds missing decisions and gaps, then converts the approved plan into executable work - locally or through cloud agents. Custom Agents. Teams can create AGENTS.md files - source-controlled configuration documents specifying prompts, tools and rules (e.g. use table-driven tests for all handlers). These shape Copilots behaviour without repetitive prompting. files - source-controlled configuration documents specifying prompts, tools and rules (e.g. use table-driven tests for all handlers). These shape Copilots behaviour without repetitive prompting. Full MCP support. VS Code now supports the entire Model Context Protocol spec and includes the new GitHub MCP Registry. Developers can one-click install vetted MCP servers such as Stripe, Figma, Sentry or internal tools, giving agents direct, policy-controlled access to specialised APIs. OpenAI Codex arrives first. From this week, Copilot Pro Plus users on VS Code Insiders can use Codex natively inside GitHub workflows. Codex is tuned for long-running, parallel tasks - engineers have reported letting it tackle complex refactors for 60 hours straight. Together with GitHub, were meeting developers wherever they work, said OpenAI Codex product lead Alexander Embiricos. The first Codex model helped power Copilot and inspired a new generation of AI-assisted coding. Now were extending that power everywhere code gets written. Anthropic chief product officer (and also Instagram co-founder) Mike Krieger echoed the sentiment: With Agent HQ, Claude can pick up issues, create branches, commit code, and respond to pull requests - working alongside your team like any other collaborator. Confidence, control and code quality GitHub knows enterprise adoption depends on more than speed. Three new governance pillars round out Agent HQ: Code Quality (public preview). Expands Copilots checks to measure maintainability, reliability and test coverage impact per PR - not just whether code looks good. Provides org-wide dashboards for engineering leads. Copilot Metrics Dashboard. Gives visibility into usage, adoption and ROI - critical for IT leaders justifying AI spend to CFOs and boards. AI Control Plane. A unified console where administrators can set security policies, limit model/agent access, enable audit logging, and manage custom agent profiles. Agent HQs self-hosted runner support means even regulated enterprises can run agent workloads within their own Azure, AWS or on-prem environments, satisfying governance frameworks such as APRA CPS 234, ISO 27001, or Australias ASD Essential Eight. Why it matters to Australian developers and CIOs Australias public sector and finance industries have been accelerating adoption of AI-assisted software delivery but remain cautious about governance. The Digital Transformation Agencys AI Technical Standard and APRAs security standards both stress accountability, transparency and auditability - exactly what Agent HQs control plane and per-agent identity model address. Local GitHub enterprise customers such as Atlassian, Canva, and major banks can now let developers experiment with Copilot and third-party agents while keeping telemetry, code review, and data residency under local control. Independent Australian developers also benefit: VS Code Insiders builds are already pushing weekly updates with Plan Mode and MCP Registry, giving startups and open-source maintainers access to the same orchestration stack as global enterprises. GitHub VP APAC, India, China and Japan Sharryn Napier told iTWire GitHub now has more than two million Australian developers on the platform. And, in fact, Australia's own Commonwealth Bank was the first organisation in the world to use GitHub's coding agent. The bigger picture: orchestration, not autocomplete Agent HQ signals a philosophical shift: from AI writes code for you to AI works with you. Developers arent expected to surrender control but to act as conductors of an intelligent, auditable orchestra. By anchoring agents inside existing GitHub primitives - Git, Issues, Pull Requests, Actions - GitHub keeps trust and traceability intact while absorbing the best ideas from emerging rivals. Its a Switzerland of software agents, where OpenAI, Anthropic and even Google plug in rather than compete for editor real estate. For GitHub, that means insulation from the volatility of model wars; for developers, it means fewer tabs, fewer integrations, and finally a chance for AI to reduce complexity instead of multiplying it. GitHub isn't chasing hype; it's systematising it. Agent HQ brings order, auditability, and choice to AI-assisted development. It is the start of a genuinely new era: the age of agentic software engineering, governed and grounded on GitHub. "It's about giving the power to build faster, with more confidence, and on your terms," Daigle said. JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) Community members are rallying to raise money for Ukraine. An upcoming fundraiser, coined Emergency Hearts, will support Ukrainian medics through food, music and more. The event is Nov. 15 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Johnson City Country Club. The evening will feature a Ukrainian-inspired dinner with wine, live music, and a silent auction. According to the non-profit koloHUB, proceeds will benefit two volunteer organizations providing life-saving care on the front lines: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hospitallers A paramedic group that has evacuated more than 40,000 wounded and trained over 2,000 combat medics since 2014 Dobro Diie A grassroots team delivering emergency medical kits and critical supplies to civilians Tickets can be purchased 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 WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. Two people were arrested and charged in connection with a drive-by shooting in west Berkeley this month, police said. Ernest Portlock, 44, and Lanika Connors, 41, were detained for their suspected involvement in the Oct. 12 shooting on the 1000 block of Addison Street, the Berkeley Police Department said Tuesday. Initial reports indicated the shooting may have been the result of a "preceding altercation" between a group on the street, police said. Police did not explain what the altercation was about and did not immediately respond to a request for details. Using automated license plate readers, investigators later homed in on a suspect vehicle, a white Honda SUV registered to Connors, police said. Officials said surveillance footage and witness statements reviewed by police show that the suspected shooter, Portlock, fired a handgun into a home. Portlock then allegedly ran from the scene, jumped into Connors' Honda and fled the scene with Connors driving. During their investigation, authorities learned that Portlock had left the country and was in Jamaica. Working with the San Francisco Police Department's Airport Division, officers arrested Portlock on Friday at San Francisco International Airport as he exited a plane. Police arrested Connors in Berkeley on Monday. Portlock was charged by the Alameda County District Attorney's Office on Tuesday with several felonies, including shooting at an occupied dwelling, negligent discharge of a firearm and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon. Prosecutors charged Connors with shooting at an occupied dwelling, negligent discharge of a firearm and acting as an accessory. Both suspects remain in custody in Alameda County. This article originally published at Berkeley police arrest 2 people in connection with October shooting. Indiana legislators will consider updating the states tax code to reflect recent federal changes during the upcoming special session in November. (Phillip Rubino/Getty Images) Indiana lawmakers could use the upcoming special session not only to draw new legislative maps but also to head off what tax experts call impending chaos for taxpayers and businesses. Gov. Mike Braun has asked legislators to bring the states tax code in line with recent, major federal changes warning of discrepancies between Indiana and federal law that could complicate 2025 tax filings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tax experts say that differences stem from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, or OBBBA, which made significant revisions to the federal Internal Revenue Code. Indiana currently conforms to the federal tax code as it existed on Jan. 1, 2023, meaning recent federal changes arent automatically reflected in state law. The Indiana Department of Revenue said it has identified 42 provisions in the OBBBA that could affect state tax filings, including five with direct implications for 2025 returns filed in 2026. Those include: Section 70402, which makes up to $5,000 of the adoption tax credit refundable starting in 2025; Section 70403, allowing tribal governments to designate children as having special needs for adoption tax credit purposes; Section 70307, providing 100% depreciation for certain manufacturing-related real property placed in service between 2025 and 2031; Section 71306, permanently allowing high-deductible health plans to cover telehealth services pre-deductible without affecting HSA eligibility; and Section 70509, which repeals accelerated depreciation for certain energy-related assets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DOR officials told the Indiana Capital Chronicle that the agency is still evaluating the overall fiscal impact of all provisions. This is vital Because Indiana is a static not an automatic conformity state, lawmakers must pass legislation to update the states definition of the Internal Revenue Code. Without that step, the state continues using the older version of federal law, even as taxpayers file under the new federal rules. Matthew Will, an associate professor of finance at the University of Indianapolis, said Indianas approach means the legislature must affirmatively act each time Congress overhauls the federal tax code. Matt Will, associate professor of finance at the University of Indianapolis (Photo courtesy University of Indianapolis) This is vital, Will said about expected tax changes to be made during the special session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He emphasized that the OBBBA made massive changes to adjusted gross income definitions and deductions. He cited overtime and bonus depreciation as two huge examples. He added that Indianas current conformity date no longer reflects years of subsequent federal updates and is now badly outdated. That leaves accountants and businesses unsure which federal rules the state actually follows. It is 100% necessary, he continued. Software providers like H&R Block and Intuit need guidance. Businesses really need to know how to proceed or face lawsuits if they guess wrong. Will warned that postponing action until the regular legislative session would likely sow confusion during the 2025 filing season. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would have been chaos, he said. It would have been absolute chaos in the business world. Leaders at the Indiana CPA Society, a statewide professional association representing nearly 6,000 current and aspiring certified public accountants, agreed that CPA professionals often used by Hoosier businesses to file taxes need guidance and clarity, as well. Amendments and extensions to tax filings are often a response to conformity issues, the group noted. Will said, too, that Indianas static system requires conscious legislative action to decide whether to accept or reject new federal provisions. The federal government changed the entire definition of adjusted gross income, he said. Thats the starting point where we make our changes. Its one of the biggest things you could possibly do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The last major conformity update came in 2023, when Indiana adopted the Internal Revenue Code as of Jan. 1, 2023, bringing the state into line with pandemic-era relief measures such as the CARES Act and the American Rescue Plan. At that time, the DOR issued a 14-page bulletin listing numerous federal provisions Indiana chose not to follow, including exclusions for student loan forgiveness and certain charitable deductions. Updating state tax law to reflect new federal definitions and deductions is a regular part of legislative housekeeping, though it usually happens during the regular session each winter. Maybe small things happen on a regular basis, Will said. But this is a substantial change. Chamber in support The Indiana Chamber of Commerce said it supports a careful but timely review of the new federal provisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indiana has worked over many years to maintain a tax code that is broad-based, stable and relatively easy for individuals and employers to navigate, said Natalie Goodwin, the chambers vice president of government affairs. When federal legislation introduces new, highly targeted deductions or exemptions, states often need to determine whether adopting those provisions aligns with their own goals for tax simplicity and sustainable revenue. Goodwin said the chamber is closely reviewing the federal changes and assessing where conformity would support Indianas long-standing commitment to a predictable and growth-oriented tax structure, and where selective decoupling may be appropriate. Will said the consequences of inaction could reach far beyond confusion for accountants. If you work overtime, its now not taxable at the federal level, but in Indiana, it currently is taxable, he said. So are we going to adopt the federal AGI definition, or are we in Indiana going to say, no, if you work overtime, its taxable? Thats huge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He credited Braun for tying the tax conformity measure to the same special session as redistricting. Its dire, Will said. But its not sexy. So Im so glad the governor is attaching it because its vital. It would have been chaos. The special session officially begins Nov. 3, but legislative leaders dont have to convene the exact day that Braun suggested. By law, the only rule is it cant last for more than 30 session days or 40 calendar days. In 2022, then-Gov. Eric Holcombs order began the session on July 6 but lawmakers didnt convene until July 25, and it ended Aug. 5. This story has been updated with information from the Indiana CPA Society. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Hundreds of American families who've waited over five years to embrace their adoptive children from China are clinging to hope that a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will finally bring their families together. Their optimism grew after the White House, for the first time, told the Post on Monday that the "America first" president is aware of their plight. This came weeks after US State Department officials suggested they look elsewhere after Beijing held firm on its decision to block all international adoptions. "President Trump is aware of this issue, and the Trump administration is committed to supporting American families and protecting children," a senior Trump administration official said in an emailed statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. The statement added that the Chinese government's decision to halt the adoption of children who had already been matched with "loving" American parents was unacceptable. "We continue to call on the Chinese government to allow the completion of these adoptions," the official said. Stephen and Aimee Welch, seen here with their family, adopted their daughter Grace (in front) from China in 2017. They are still waiting to finalise the adoption of a girl they were matched to adopt in 2019. Photo: Welch family alt=Stephen and Aimee Welch, seen here with their family, adopted their daughter Grace (in front) from China in 2017. They are still waiting to finalise the adoption of a girl they were matched to adopt in 2019. Photo: Welch family> Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since 1992, more than 160,000 children from China - including over 82,000 adopted by American families - have found homes abroad. But in 2024, Beijing abruptly ended the programme, leaving nearly 270 US families who had been waiting for years in limbo. Aimee Welch of Kentucky, who along with her husband, Stephen Welch, adopted their daughter Grace from China in 2017, welcomed this week's response from the Trump administration. "That was the first time in five years that we've had a really clear statement from the White House about our children," she told the Post, adding that it was "wonderful to hear from a high level official that this White House considers the current state of affairs unacceptable, and that they will continue to press forward". The Welch family said they are still waiting to finalise the adoption of a girl with special needs, whom they were matched with in 2019. Their trip to China to complete the adoption was scheduled for March 2020, but the coronavirus restrictions halted all travel. The Welches video chat with the Chinese girl they are still waiting to bring home. Photo: Welch family alt=The Welches video chat with the Chinese girl they are still waiting to bring home. Photo: Welch family> As tensions mount, families hope stalled adoptions find a place in Xi-Trump talks Most families say they spent years navigating the adoption process and were just weeks away from receiving travel permits to bring their adoptive children home when China suspended international travel at the start of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. They said Beijing had assured adoptive parents and agencies that processing would resume later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their hopes briefly rose in 2023 when the country reopened, but families say they heard nothing further until Beijing officially announced in September 2024 that it was ending all foreign adoptions. Since then, many of these desperate families have appealed through every possible channel, hoping to raise the issue at the highest levels on both sides. Letters sent in 2024 to President Joe Biden by more than 100 US lawmakers and 33 governors failed to push the issue on the US agenda when he met with Xi Jinping in Peru. Now, the families are hoping Trump will raise the issue when he meets Xi on Thursday in South Korea on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. The talks are expected to centre on securing a trade truce with Beijing to ease the pain of US farmers caught in the crossfire. But the families argue that easing their own anguish could bring a much-needed dose of goodwill to the fragile bilateral relationship. A letter sent by more than 150 families to Trump this month stressed that in contrast with trade and technology, the issue "transcends politics" and a resolution would "strengthens the bonds between our two nations". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The written plea described this as an opportunity for Trump to unite "hundreds of children with their forever families" after his work on bringing back Israeli hostages and reuniting Ukrainian children with their families. Meghan and David Briggs, pictured with their biological son, were matched with a 5-year-old Chinese boy in 2020 who is now 11. Photo: Briggs family alt=Meghan and David Briggs, pictured with their biological son, were matched with a 5-year-old Chinese boy in 2020 who is now 11. Photo: Briggs family> Meghan Briggs from Pennsylvania, who along with her husband, David, was matched with a 5-year-old boy in 2020, is "fully convinced" that Trump has "the capacity to make this happen". "This is an opportunity," she said, referencing the Xi-Trump meeting. "I don't care what someone's political persuasion is." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Briggs' adoptive son is now 11 years old, and she added that "he's now been waiting for us, particularly, for more than half his life". "I think we can all agree that a child being sent to the family that they have a relationship with already and have been promised already, that that is absolutely the right thing to do," she said. "And I know that President Trump can make that happen." Welch, who now leads an organisation called Hope Leads Home, which advocates for completing the pending China adoptions, said she hoped that Trump would tell Xi that it's a "win-win for the children and for our countries that shows goodwill and compassion". Although families hold out hope, experts who study US-China relations caution that tense bilateral ties may prevent the issue from being addressed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Frankly, I think this is a 'fair weather' ask by the US side," according to Denis Simon, a long-time scholar on US-China cooperation. He said that "if things are going well and the atmosphere is very positive, such an ask becomes more likely to be approved. If things are rough and tumble, my guess is that this type of issue will remain at the bottom of the list." Xiao Tang, the boy the Briggs family hopes to finally bring home. Photo: Briggs family alt=Xiao Tang, the boy the Briggs family hopes to finally bring home. Photo: Briggs family> In a September call with adoptive parents the US State Department was pessimistic on resolving the issue, adding that in its candid assessment the decision ultimately rested with the government of China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the State Department officials asked families to consider pursuing other pathways to adoption, they said then that it was raised at the ambassador level and that it was not on the table with the White House "right now". Welch said that this week's statement from the White House moves the issue forward from the last State Department call and strengthens her belief that the issue can "only be resolved at the highest levels". "I have a great deal of hope that if the right person were to ask at the right level ... even after six years, even after so much heartache and so much family time lost, we could have a happy ending," she said. This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright 2025 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Copyright (c) 2025. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. The James F. Battin federal courthouse in Billings, Montana (Photo by Darrell Ehrlick of the Daily Montanan). In a federal courtroom in Billings on Tuesday, U.S. attorneys charged Murrell D. Deela, a Bureau of Indian Affairs law enforcement officer, with sexual assault of a 15-year-old Northern Cheyenne girl. Deela has denied the charges. But the charges against him are a part of a two-year history of Deelas troubled career in law enforcement while on the Northern Cheyenne reservation, which has included shooting a man, allegedly breaking the bones of a teenagers face, a payout from the federal government for hundreds of thousands of dollars, and an alleged arson attempt to cover the evidence of sexual assault committed by the former military sniper. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, tribal leaders had already banned Deela from the reservation after repeated problems with the officer. It appears that leadership within the BIA transferred Deela out of state after the issues arose on the Northern Cheyenne reservation. BIA officials have not responded to repeated requests for comment about this case from the Daily Montanan. It is also unclear if Deela is still employed by the BIA. Its not the first time a BIA officer recently sexually assaulted a Northern Cheyenne tribal member. In a case that concluded at the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals several months ago, judges there said the federal government was responsible for the actions of former BIA officer Dana Bullcoming who had raped an intoxicated woman while on duty, telling her that she would lose custody of her children if she didnt have sex with him. New charges Earlier this summer, attorneys for two juvenile Northern Cheyenne girls brought separate civil suits against Deela one alleging excessive force for punching a girl in custody so hard that it broke her orbital bone. The other charged that Deela had violated another Cheyenne girls civil rights when Deela allegedly sexually abused her on Aug. 7, 2024. That incident served as the basis for the FBI investigation that culminated in charges being filed on Oct. 20 against Deela and his subsequent arrest and appearance in federal in court in Billings on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Charging documents, which were unsealed earlier this week, allege that at around 11:15 p.m. on Aug. 7, 2024, Deela was called to the Cheyenne Depot gas station in Lame Deer for the report of an intoxicated female. When he and another officer arrived, a girl matching the description given by police dispatchers ran, and they managed to stop her, bringing her back to Deelas squad car. (She) was crying hysterically and slurring her words, the charging documents state. A preliminary breath test revealed a 0.215% breath-alcohol content. Deela reported to dispatchers and the other officer that he would take the girl back to her grandmothers house, about a mile away. A short time later, he radioed that she was back at the residence. However, investigators believe that he took the victim beyond the house and to the Peoples Park, where he committed sexual assault, according to the court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next day, the victim made a report of the sexual assault to federal authorities, and she turned over the clothing she was wearing to the FBI crime lab. On Aug. 9, the BIA chief and a FBI special agent reviewed the video of the patrol, which included the victim getting out of the car and going to her grandmothers house. However, Deela said that he was unable to download the entire video because of technical problems with the video system. The chief told Deela to bring his patrol car back on Aug. 11 so that an employee with proper training and knowledge could download all the video. On Aug. 11, at around 2:15 a.m., Deela radioed into dispatchers that his patrol car was on fire outside his house, according to court documents. Officer Deelas patrol vehicle was severely burned from the front dashboard of the vehicle through the rear of the vehicle. The Watchguard system was severely burned during the fire, the court documents stated of the video recording unit. An ATF certified fire investigator determined the fire which burned Officer Deelas patrol vehicle was an incendiary fire, i.e., a fire intentionally ignited under circumstances where it should not be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though the Watchguard video unit was severely damaged by the fire, technicians with the manufacturer, Motorola, were able to recover some video files from the unit. The video obtained by the company and recounted in court files said that at 11:26 p.m., Deela parked his vehicle in Peoples Park facing the bleachers, turned off the headlights, where he took the intoxicated teenager out of the vehicle and away from the camera. At 11:42 p.m., they returned to the vehicle where they arrived at the victims grandmothers house about five minutes later. Based on the conversation of the (victim), she was led to believe she could avoid going to jail by engaging in in a sexual act with Officer Deela, the court documents state. The court documents then reference the violation of federal law, which include sexual contact, penetration and oral sex. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deela denied the entire account of the sexual assault, stating repeatedly that he had only taken the victim directly to her grandmothers house. He also consented to a DNA sample. Earlier this year, the FBI crime lab confirmed that there were two semen stains on the victims pants. The FBI laboratory conclude the male DNA results found in semen stain one was 96 octillion times more likely if Officer Deela was a contributor than if an unknown and unrelated person was a contributor, the court documents state. The FBI Laboratory concluded that the male DNA results found in semen stain two was 99,000 times more like if Officer Deela was a contributor than if an unknown and unrelated person was the contributor. A longer past But Deelas legal troubles dont stop with the case filed this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also faces two related civil cases centering on police brutality, including a civil suit by the same victim in the sexual assault. Attorneys John Heenan and Timothy Bechtold, both of whom successfully litigated the Bullcoming case, have sued on the victims behalf. However, even before that, the federal government paid out $800,000 to the estate of another Northern Cheyenne man who had been beaten with a baton, pepper sprayed, tased and then eventually shot twice by Deela. Authorities settled the case involving Deela in March 2025, before it went to trial. Deelas actions on the reservation became so difficult that the Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council issued a proclamation in September 2024 banning him from being on the reservation. In addition to case of the sexual assault, Deela was also involved in a case of assaulting a different Northern Cheyenne teenager. In that lawsuit, attorneys claim that Deela assaulted the girl badly enough to break her orbital bone in her face after punching her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a lawsuit filed in federal court, Deela punched the minor on July 5, 2024, after a powwow, when her friend fled from Deela. According to the court documents, Deela was chasing the young womans friend, but had apprehended her. After shoving her against a car several times, Deela accused her of being drunk, according to the documents. Sometime after that, the young woman tangled up with Deela, at one point going to the ground. They scuffled and Deela hit her in the left eye with his right fist. Deela apparently suffered from hand injuries after punching her in the face, according to court documents. The death of Arlin Bordeaux Even before August 2024, Deelas conduct had already become the subject of a lawsuit where the federal government settled a wrongful death lawsuit in which the officer had been accused of using excessive force, including shooting a Northern Cheyenne man in the back for what started off as a low misdemeanor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though the FBI and the U.S. Attorneys Office had cleared Deela in an internal investigation, the U.S. government still paid out $800,000 to Bordeauxs estate after an expert witness and former Seattle Police Lt. David T. Sweeney submitted an investigation into the shooting of Bordeaux. The report as well as court documents raise the issue of how much force was necessary to subdue Bordeaux, as well as calling into question how a report of trespassing wound up with Bordeaux being beaten with a police baton, pepper sprayed, tased and then shot twice. Originally, Bordeaux was reported wandering in a yard by a property owner on Dec. 2, 2021 in Lame Deer. Two officers, including Deela, who arrived second on the scene, had tried chasing Bordeaux and subduing him for what appeared to be trespassing. Later testing revealed that Bordeaux had methamphetamine in his system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bordeaux had evaded BIA Officer Fredric Gygi multiple times before Deela arrived. Gygi had tased Bordeaux twice, used the direct contact mode of the stun gun, as well as deploying pepper spray twice and striking Bordeaux four times with his police-issued baton. Deela reported that after Bordeaux had been tased and brought to the ground, he saw Bordeaux reach for Gygis taser, warned him, then shot him twice, striking Bordeaux in the back with a 9-mm Glock. An investigatory report, prepared by Sweeney, points out that the incident began with low-level misdemeanor crimes but escalated when officers chased Bordeaux, deploying three different forms of restraint on him. That report, used as part of the court case against the federal government, shows Bordeaux had not attempted to hurt or assault Gygi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In my opinion, using a taser was not reasonable for the threat level being displayed by Mr. Bordeaux, the report said. It was not necessary to apply the taser. The subject kept walking but was not exhibiting any physical or mechanical defiance to the officers control or toward the officer. Point of fact, Officer Gygi never even attempted any form of control or deescalation prior to the use of force. The report also mentioned that during the scuffle when Gygi had Bordeaux on the ground, the officer gave conflicting and contradictory commands, which could have led to confusion. The report and the material from the crime scene show that Bordeaux was crawling away from the officers when he was shot by Deela. Two times (Gygi) tased a passive-restraint individual that posed no active threat toward him and he got kicked. Now, he apparently believed that more force was warranted, the report said. However, the report by Sweeney also shows that the taser had already been deployed twice on Bordeaux, meaning it could no longer be used as a threat to the officers except as a stun gun with direct contact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was no way for him to use the (taser) to incapacitate the officers, the report said. No BIA investigator ever asked either officer if Bordeeaux was still a threat to incapacitate with an empty taser in his hand. The 82-page report, which includes taser logs, shows that Deela also fired the fatal shots that killed Bordeaux. I find this use of force unreasonable , Sweeney said. He was on his knees with the taser in his left hand. He was not even upright on his knees. His torso was low enough to the ground so that Deela shot him in the backNone of these crimes would justify the officers use of lethal force. The former police lieutenant and expert on the use of tasers also said that Bordeaux was not a threat on the ground with the empty taser. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To use lethal force by shooting a kneeling man who is not an immediate threat to cause death or serious physical injury in the back is not reasonable, Sweeneys report said. There was no evidence present that at the time he was shot in the back, Mr. Bordeaux was attempting to evade arrest by flight. Sweeneys report also outlines a law enforcement concept of equal, proportional force, which would have been construed as reasonable. In a concluding section on the use of force, Sweeney outlines 11 reasons why Deela shooting Bordeaux twice should not be consider justified use of lethal force. Deelas background According to deposition transcripts, Deela had been hired by the BIA in November 2020. But before that, he told attorneys that he had been involved in combat appointments with the military, including service in Afghanistan. Deela said that he was a sniper team leader for the U.S. Army as well as a trained sniper, and a machine gunner for the U.S. Marines. He told attorneys during questioning about Bordeauxs death that he had deployed his weapon as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces in more than 10 firefights. When he was interviewed in May 2024 about the death of Bordeaux, he said that he was involved in one other officer-involved shooting during his tenure at the BIA. Deela also said between the time he was hired by the BIA in November 2020 until May 2024, he had deployed his taser more than 50 times. And of those times, Deela told investigators that during at least 21 of those taser deployments, he used the weapon more than once. Deelas deposition in the Bordeaux case took place two months to the date before the incident involving the alleged sexual assault. Just days after that, the Tribal Council of the Northern Cheyenne adopted Resolution No. 141 for 2024, which said that it learned about the allegations against Deela. The council has grave concerns about the safety of individuals within the reservation if Officer Deela continues to work on the reservation while Office of Justice Services investigates his alleged misconduct, the resolution reads in part, as justification for banishing him. Tribal members asked for his immediate transfer, and requested the BIA issue a final report to the council by the end of that month. Its unclear whether the BIA complied with the report request, but it appears that Deela was barred from the reservation and transferred. Chicago police are searching for the driver accused of striking a bicyclist on the city's West Side on Tuesday. The crash happened at about 4:35 p.m. at the (intersection of Damen Avenue and Van Buren Street, police said. A bicyclist was heading northbound on Damen when they were struck by a red Ford Fusion, police said. Police said the bicyclist had serious personal injuries. The driver left the scene. Police said the vehicle had an Illinois plate of "BN 64959." The car also had damage to the rear side. The crash happened on Tuesday near Damen Avenue and Van Buren Street. Anyone with information is urged to contact Chicago police. INTERACTIVE SAFETY TRACKER Track crime and safety in your neighborhood LAPLACE, La. (WGNO) Troopers with the Louisiana State Police were notified of a body on Louisiana 628 near Chaisson Lane on Oct. 24, according to the LSP. Troopers identified the person as 66-year-old John Martin. On Oct. 23, troopers said they discovered that Martins family reported him missing to the St. Charles Parish Sheriffs Office after not seeing him since the evening of Tuesday, Oct. 21. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Jeff Landry to talk about SNAP benefits amid federal government shutdown According to LSP troopers, evidence at the scene showed that his body had been there for several days prior to the start of the investigation. During the investigation and autopsy findings, troopers said they determined that Martin died as a result of a crash. According to LSP troopers, findings showed that Martin was walking a bicycle in the eastbound lane of LA 628 near Chaisson Lane when he was struck by a vehicle going in the same direction. Louisiana food banks prepare for possible halt in SNAP Benefits The driver of the vehicle reportedly continued driving eastbound without stopping or providing aid to Martin, according to LSP troopers. This crash is still under investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information can contact LSP Troop at 504-471-2775. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts 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 WGNO. Former President Joe Biden warned of dark days in America, accusing President Donald Trump of attacking free speech while neglecting his own questionable record on the matter. Speaking Sunday night in Boston after receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Edward M. Kennedy Institute, Biden urged Americans to stay optimistic despite what he described as attacks on the free speech of government employees, universities, and comedians by the current administration. The late-night hosts continue to shine a light on free speech, knowing their careers are on the line, Biden said, per PBS. Friends, I cant sugarcoat any of this. These are dark days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since its founding, America served as a beacon for the most powerful idea ever in government in the history of the world, Biden added. The idea is stronger than any army. Were more powerful than any dictator. Biden, 82, appeared in public for the first time since completing radiation therapy for an aggressive form of prostate cancer. Biden predicted that America would find our true compass again and emerge stronger, wiser and more resilient, more just, so long as we keep the faith. Yet, Bidens comments are at odds with his former administrations handling of speech. In August 2024, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg admitted in a letter to Congress that Facebook had been repeatedly pressured by senior Biden administration officials to suppress posts about COVID-19, including humor and satire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zuckerberg wrote that he believed the government pressure was wrong and that Facebook should have been more outspoken about it, The Dallas Express reported at the time. The admission confirmed what internal documents and discovery in Murthy v. Biden formerly Missouri v. Biden had already suggested: that federal agencies, including the White House, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the FBI, had held regular meetings with major social media companies about controlling so-called misinformation. These meetings often targeted critics of the Presidents policies or perceived political enemies. From behind the scenes, various government officials from the Biden administration pressured, cajoled, and intimidated social media platforms into censoring speech and particular speakers that the officials didnt like, according to the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), which filed a friend-of-the-court brief in the case. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled, Ultimately, we find the district court did not err in determining that several officials namely the White House, the Surgeon General, the CDC, and the FBI likely coerced or significantly encouraged social-media platforms to moderate content, rendering those decisions state actions. In doing so, the officials likely violated the First Amendment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the Supreme Court later declined to decide whether the pressure itself violated the Constitution, ruling instead that the plaintiffs two states and several individuals lacked standing to bring the case. A FIRE case overview described the conduct as jawboning, a term for informal government coercion of private companies to suppress disfavored speech. The organizations release warned that both Democratic and Republican administrations had engaged in similar behavior, though the Biden-era cases revealed an unprecedented level of coordination between federal officials and tech platforms. Although the Supreme Court stopped short of declaring such pressure unconstitutional, FIRE and other watchdogs have called on Congress to enact new transparency rules, including the proposed Social Media Administrative Reporting Transparency Act, or SMART Act, which would require the government to disclose communications with tech companies about content moderation. Bidens comments were predicated on a recent media firestorm surrounding late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr came under scrutiny for comments about comedian Jimmy Kimmel after he appeared to threaten sanctions against ABC and Disney if the network failed to punish Kimmel for remarks about the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Carr later claimed that his words were misrepresented by the media and said that broadcasters had merely made business decisions to suspend Kimmel, The Dallas Express reported. Kimmel had been pulled from the air for several days after joking that the man who shot Kirk was part of the MAGA gang. When Kimmel returned to television in late September, he reportedly declined to apologize but said it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man. GUEST OPINION: Business travel is firmly back on the agenda for Australian companies, with SAP Concurs 7 th Annual Global Business Travel Report showing that Australian outbound travel volumes grew 12.4 per cent in the first half of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024. [1] The rebound was especially strong in the first quarter (Q1), which grew by 19 per cent year on year (YoY), followed by a more moderate, though still positive, 6.3 per cent increase in the second quarter. The United States (US) remains the dominant destination, representing 24.1 per cent of all international trips for Australian business travellers, reflecting the depth of commercial ties across technology, defence, financial services, and professional sectors. Singapore follows at 11 per cent of total travel, reinforcing its continued role as a gateway to Asia and hub for multinational operations. India ranks third at 4.5 per cent, signalling expanding connections between Australian organisations and South Asias fast-growing economy. Other top destinations include the United Kingdom (UK), Japan, and China, each of which accounted for a significant share of travel. Emerging hubs such as the United Arab Emirates and Malaysia also ranked highly, suggesting Australian companies are diversifying their global engagement and capitalising on opportunities in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Domestic travel is also on the rise, with ticket volumes growing strongly in the first half of 2025, increasing 17.25 per cent in Q1 and 10.64 per cent in Q2 compared to the previous year. Average domestic fares remained relatively steady, coming in at US$401 in Q1 and US$402 in Q2, reflecting a slight decline of around five-to-six per cent YoY. Jonathan Beeby, managing director, SAP Concur Australia and New Zealand, said, This Australian picture mirrors broader global patterns. Worldwide, the US remains the number one destination for business travellers, accounting for 15.3 per cent of all international trips in the first half of 2025. Germany and the UK are also strong performers globally, reflecting their positions as key centres of commerce and innovation. The similarity between Australian and global travel trends highlights the centrality of North America and Europe to business strategy, while also pointing to the importance of Asia as a growth engine. Airfare costs have played a supporting role in this resurgence. Average international fares for Australians dipped slightly in 2025, with Q1 prices falling 1.1 per cent to US$2,175 per ticket and Q2 prices down 1.2 per cent to US$2,099. This relative cooling provides some cost relief for organisations ramping up travel, even as volumes climb. Average fares have also held steady globally, signalling a level of stability despite growing demand. The growth in outbound activity demonstrates the continued importance of travel as a business driver. SAP Concurs data shows that 94 per cent of business travellers globally view travel as helpful or essential to success in their role. This validates investment in international presence, face-to-face client engagement, and global partnerships for Australian companies. Jonathan Beeby said, This resurgence in business travel also intensifies the challenge of managing costs, compliance, and employee experience. Finance leaders are under pressure to fund growing volumes of travel while maintaining transparency across bookings, expenses, and supplier relationships. The decline in airfare prices provides some breathing room, though organisations risk losing that benefit without effective management tools. This is where smart travel and expense platforms become indispensable. The ability to see trends in real time, track spending against policy, and adapt to shifting patterns is critical. For instance, recognising that Singapore and India are rising in importance lets companies negotiate more favourable supplier arrangements and plan for cultural and regulatory nuances. Equally, monitoring airfares ensures organisations act quickly to capture savings when pricing dips. The data points to a clear conclusion: business travel is not only back; its becoming a strategic area for growth. International engagement is broadening and intensifying for Australian companies, making travel and expense management a board-level concern. Jonathan Beeby said, Organisations that take a proactive approach to managing travel and expenses will build the resilience and foresight needed to stay competitive, even as global conditions shift. Connecting their people, processes, and data will give leaders the visibility to make smarter decisions, protect margins, and strengthen global relationships. Now is the time for companies to look closely at how they manage travel and expenses, so growth does not come at the cost of control. [1] https://www.concur.com.au/resource-centre/reports/7th-annual-global-business-travel-research-report Acting on a mix of principle and caution, Justice Department officials under former President Joe Biden made a series of decisions that significantly delayed and ultimately may have hampered the federal criminal investigations into President Donald Trump, according to a new book. The slow decision-making at the top of Attorney General Merrick Garlands Justice Department affected two major probes into Trump after he lost the White House in 2020: whether he illegally possessed and obstructed the retrieval of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago residence, and whether he conspired illegally to overturn the 2020 election. Far from rushing the Trump cases, FBI and Justice Department officials chose to move cautiously and slowly over concerns about the implications of investigating a former and possibly future president, taking pains to insulate the probes from even the appearance of politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details of the debates inside the Justice Department and their impact on the Trump investigations, which both sputtered for different reasons were revealed as part of a new book, Injustice: How Politics and Fear Vanquished Americas Justice Department by MSNBC investigative correspondent Carol Leonnig and Washington Post reporter Aaron C. Davis. MSNBC obtained excerpts of the book before it was published. The picture painted of a hesitant Justice Department runs contrary to the GOP allegation that the federal indictments of Trump by special counsel Jack Smith were the product of a Democrat-led plot to weaponize the Justice Department. Instead, the book depicts example after example of the opposite happening. For instance, it took more than a year after Trump was defeated for the Justice Department to convene a grand jury to hear evidence in the alleged criminal scheme by Trump to use fake electors to overturn the results of the 2020 election. And even after that grand jury was launched in January 2022, the FBI debated another 10 weeks before approving a memo formally opening that investigation, further delaying the gathering of evidence. After much hand wringing by FBI Director Chris Wrays leadership team, the memo named the Trump campaign, but not Trump, as a subject of the investigation, the book says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fall 2022, ahead of the midterm elections, Garland opted to freeze both the classified documents and election investigations because of what some officials believed was his overly cautious reading of a DOJ policy not to take any public action close to an election. Trump was not even on the ballot and had not yet declared his presidential candidacy for 2024. But Garland nonetheless imposed the freeze. Garland did not respond to a request for comment. His allies have long pushed back on the idea that his decisions imposed undue delays on the Trump investigations. For months, investigators would have to wait to issue subpoenas or interview witnesses to gather new information, the authors write, adding that Garland had chosen to impose a very conservative interpretation of what DOJ officials called the 60-day rule, urging prosecutors to avoid taking public investigative steps within two months of Election Day that involve candidates in that election. Ultimately, the Supreme Court imposed its own delay by issuing a historic presidential immunity ruling in 2024 that required Smith to rewrite and whittle down the election indictment, a series of events that proved fatal to the case once Trump won the November election. Smith dismissed that case after Trump won reelection because of a longstanding Justice policy against prosecuting sitting presidents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its an open question whether the election case could have gotten to trial before the November 2024 presidential election, had the DOJ moved faster. Furthermore, Smith made a strategic decision in the classified documents case that ultimately proved disastrous. According to Leonnig and Davis, Smith chose to bring the classified documents case in Florida instead of Washington, D.C., the authors write, in part because they believed more of the alleged criminal conduct happened in Florida. He made the decision after initially underestimating the chances of drawing Florida federal District Judge Aileen Cannon, a Trump appointee who had already issued a series of unusual rulings favorable to Trump in connection with the FBI search of Mar-a-Lago. Even after they learned the odds of her drawing the case were 1 in 3, Smith and his team stuck with their decision to indict Trump in Florida. Cannon eventually got the case, setting in motion a chain of events that led her to later dismiss it on what many legal experts say were highly questionable grounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That excerpt from the Leonnig and Davis book appeared Monday in the Washington Post. Taken together, the decisions described by Leonnig and Davis show that Garland, Smith and others supervising the cases leading to the federal indictments against Trump were straining to give the former president every benefit afforded under DOJ norms and policies. They faced criticism then from Democrats who wanted them to move faster, but no evidence has surfaced showing that anyone from the White House imposed that sort of pressure. Nine months into the Trump administration, Trump allies have not produced evidence establishing that any decision in the cases was made for political reasons or that any White House official or Biden partisan had any influence over the investigations of Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the book excerpts obtained by MSNBC, the authors also report: --Kash Patel, the future FBI director, backed away in a November 2022 closed-door grand jury testimony from his earlier public claims that the Mar-a-Lago documents probe was improper because he had personally witnessed Trump declassifying reams of documents en masse while he was still president and Patel was a senior White House aide. After hours of testimony, prosecutors would later tell others in an update, Patel pulled back somewhat from his on air statements, saying he only knew about Trumps efforts to declassify a specific set of documents, and didnt know about the larger expanse of records found at Mar-a-Lago. Patel has refused to comment on his testimony. --The leaders of the congressional investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack, Reps. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., and Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., initially refused to give the Justice Department full access to the evidence they had gathered, which also contributed to some delays in the election investigation. --A veteran national security prosecutor at the Justice Department, George Toscas, thought it was a mistake to name the same special counsel to investigate both the classified documents and election cases. Its going to look like the anti-Trump investigation, Toscas said. At the White Houses instruction, Trump appointees removed Toscas from his national security position hours after Trumps inauguration. U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on Oct. 22, 2025. (Aaron Schwartz / Bloomberg via Getty Images) This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is suing the makers of Tylenol, Johnson & Johnson, and its spinoff Kenvue, over the popular drugs alleged ties to autism. Paxton filed a lawsuit accusing the companies of dishonestly marketing Tylenol to pregnant women while hiding the potential risks of their unborn children developing autism. The Texas AG alleges the companies knew for decades that the medications active ingredient, acetaminophen, is dangerous to unborn children and young children. Even still, says Paxton, they hid this danger and deceptively marketed Tylenol as the only safe painkiller for pregnant women. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit claims that the pharmaceutical companies ignored research linking prenatal exposure to acetaminophen to an increased risk of developing autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. The claim states that Johnson & Johnson violated state law by transferring liabilities to its consumer spinoff, Kenvue, protecting the company from potential lawsuits. Big Pharma betrayed America by profiting off of pain and pushing pills regardless of the risks. These corporations lied for decades, knowingly endangering millions to line their pockets, said Attorney General Paxton in an October 28 press release. Additionally, seeing that the day of reckoning was coming, Johnson & Johnson attempted to escape responsibility by illegally offloading their liability onto a different company. By holding Big Pharma accountable for poisoning our people, we will help Make America Healthy Again. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says no causal relationship has been identified between the drug and neurological disorders, the AGs lawsuit cites observation studies that uncovered possible associations between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and developmental issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In September, The Dallas Express reported that President Donald Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a plan to battle the growth of autism in the United States. As part of the initiative, Trump and his team unveiled a federal report that connected the use of acetaminophen to higher odds of autism in children. The latest move from Paxton is not his first fight against Johnson & Johnson. The AG previously secured a $700 million settlement with the pharma giant over misleading claims about its talc-containing baby powder products. Stuart Russell says Big Tech is "playing Russian roulette" with humanity by racing into AI. He warns CEOs admit up to a 30% chance that superintelligence could wipe out humanity. Russell urged a global pause, saying even the Pope and Steve Bannon agree on AI risks. One of the world's leading AI researchers says Big Tech is effectively "playing Russian roulette" with humanity and using trillions of dollars of investor money to do it. Stuart Russell, a professor of computer science at the University of California, Berkeley, and director of the Center for Human-Compatible Artificial Intelligence, warned that companies racing to build superintelligent AI systems are pouring vast sums into technology they don't fully understand and which could wipe out humanity if it goes wrong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If you create entities that are more powerful than human beings and you have no idea how to maintain power over them, then you're just asking for trouble," Russell told CNBC. We 'have no idea what's going on inside the giant box' Russell said modern AI models, such as those driving large language systems, operate with trillions of parameters fine-tuned through countless small random adjustments. But even the researchers building them "have no idea what's going on inside that giant box." "Anyone who thinks they understand most of what's going on is deluded," he said. "We understand less about them than we do about the human brain, and we don't understand the human brain very well." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russell warned that this lack of understanding makes the rise of superintelligence systems more capable than humans particularly dangerous. AI is learning dangerous human motives As these models are trained on massive datasets of human behavior, Russell said they're starting to absorb human-like motives that make sense for people, but not for machines. He explained that AI is essentially trained to imitate humans, learning from countless recordings of how people speak and act. But those humans had motives to convince, to sell, to win elections and the machines are picking up those same tendencies. "Those are reasonable human goals, but they're not reasonable goals for machines," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He pointed to mounting research suggesting that advanced AI systems will resist being shut down and might even sabotage safety mechanisms to ensure their own survival. CEOs admit a 10 to 30% chance of extinction and still push forward Russell accused tech executives of pursuing a reckless race toward superintelligence, despite acknowledging its catastrophic risks. "The CEOs who are building this technology say, 'if we succeed in this school and which we are spending trillions of dollars of other people's money, then there's somewhere between a 10 and 30% chance of human extinction," Russell said. "In other words, they are playing Russian roulette with every adult and every child in the world without our permission." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While he didn't cite any specific CEO, Elon Musk, OpenAI's Sam Altman, DeepMind cofounder Demis Hassabis, and Anthropic's Dario Amodei have all publicly warned that advanced AI could pose an existential threat to humanity. Russell added that the global AI race has created an incentive to move fast and break things, regardless of existential risk. Calls for a pause span from Steve Bannon to the Pope Despite fierce political divides, Russell noted that calls to rein in AI are coming from across the spectrum. Over 900 public figures from Prince Harry, Steve Bannon, and will.i.am to Apple cofounder Steve Wozniak and Virgin's Richard Branson recently signed a statement organized by the Future of Life Institute calling for a halt to developing superintelligent AI until scientists agree it can be done safely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You have everyone from Steve Bannon to the Pope calling for a halt on this kind of development," Russel said. He added that the goal isn't to stop progress, but to pause until the technology can be proven safe. "Don't do that until you're sure it's safe," he said. "That doesn't seem like much to ask." Read the original article on Business Insider (NewsNation) Delivery giants Amazon and UPS have announced plans to cut thousands of jobs, sparking growing concern around the replacement of workers with artificial intelligence. As the AI boom accelerates, companies are rethinking how much human labor they need. UPS has cut about 34,000 jobs so far this year, according to the Associated Press, with plans to eliminate another 14,000 positions, mostly in management. Amazon announced in a letter to employees Tuesday that it would also cut 14,000 corporate jobs, a 4% reduction in its corporate workforce, as it leans more on artificial intelligence to boost efficiency, the outlet reported. Fed expected to cut interest rates as shutdown clouds economic picture Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said new AI tools will help the company do more with less. Internal documents show Amazons robotics division aims to automate about 75% of operations, potentially avoiding hundreds of thousands of hires in the years ahead, according to the New York Times. Meanwhile, Goldman Sachs estimated AI could replace up to 7% of U.S. jobs. A Resume.org survey found that 4 in 10 companies expect to replace some workers with AI by 2026. While the World Economic Forum has predicted 92 million jobs could be lost by 2030, it noted that another 170 million jobs could be created as new roles emerge. A better way to frame it inside of our minds is the safest path forward for the individual is to own that intersection between human and machine, said Jared Navarre, CEO of Keyni Consulting, which advises major tech and IT companies like Adobe, Apple, Capital One and Reebok. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Navarre said success will come from embracing AI, not fearing it. So, theres going to be roles that will involve decision making, creativity, oversight, leadership or relationship-driven work, he said. I think all of those are going to be the safe spaces in the future where AI will have the hardest time replacing us as humans. We have to own that piece between human and machine. Startup giving away 3 billion free ads to help US businesses Navarre said the first jobs to go are repetitive tasks, those that AI can do faster and cheaper than humans think data entry, customer service and delivery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jobs will be lost, but humans will be repurposed to repositioned. Im talking about humans like were assets, but to be honest, thats how a lot of these companies are viewing this shift, Navarre said. Economist Mitch Roschelle told NewsNation this isnt the first time the industry has faced disruption. Every major technology shift, from electricity to the internet, has replaced roles but created new industries in return. In his words, every time theres change, theres opportunity. My best advice to anybody in the labor market is continue to upskill yourself and your tools for the advent of technology, Roschelle said. Those who dont evolve, die. That is like Darwinism. And so those careers that get eliminated by technology give way to new careers. 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 NewsNation. SPRINGFIELD Big Y plans a new store in Westfarms, described as Central Connecticuts premier shopping center, in Farmington, Connecticut. Were thrilled to become part of the vibrant Westfarms community after a long search for the right opportunity, said Mathieu L. DAmour, vice president of real estate and development. This new location will deepen our connection with customers in Central Connecticut and allow us to continue delivering our signature customer service through our exceptional and knowledgeable employees. Big Ys Westfarms store will be about 53,000 square feet and is slated to open in spring 2027 on the southern side of the mall property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More details, including hiring opportunities and grand opening events, will be shared in the coming months. Westfarms already has Macys and Nordstrom among its more than 140 stores and restaurants. Big Y Foods Inc. is one of the largest independently owned supermarket chains in New England. Big Y operates locations throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut including supermarkets, Table & Vine Fine Wines and Liquors and Big Y Express gas and convenience locations, with over 10,000 employees. Stories by Jim Kinney Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) said a Times of London newspaper story in which he was reported to discuss New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani was false and fabricated. I want to be 100% clear: The story in the Times of London is entirely false and fabricated. It was just brought to my attention and Im appalled. I never spoke to that reporter and never said those things. Those quotes arent mine, dont reflect my views, de Blasio wrote Tuesday in a post on the social platform X. The former New York City mayors post featured a link to a story that appeared to have been taken down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The New York Times reported that the Times of London published an article that featured commentary supposedly from de Blasio criticizing policy proposals from Mamdani. De Blasio said Tuesday that the statements were said to be by him had been made up, according to The New York Times, claiming he had not talked with the Times of London. Im astounded, de Blasio said, The New York Times reported. Its a complete fabrication. A few hours following publication, the Times of London removed the article after discovering that our reporter had been misled by an individual falsely claiming to be the former New York mayor, according a statement from the newspaper obtained by The New York Times. In a later post on X, de Blasio urged that @thetimes pull down this story immediately. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is an absolute violation of journalistic ethics. The truth is I fully support @ZohranKMamdani and believe his vision is both necessary and achievable, he added. A spokesperson for former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D), who is running for mayor as an independent, shared a New York Post story about the interview on X, The New York Times reported. Cuomo campaign spokesperson Rich Azzopardi, in his post, said de Blasio had read Mamdanis fine print and found out they were just glitter and vibes. The Hill has reached out to the Times of London for comment. De Blasio endorsed Mamdani to lead the countrys largest city in a September op-ed in the New York Daily News, saying Mamdani is relentlessly challenging the status quo of deepening unaffordability. He praised the New York State Assembly members calls for bold sweeping action, including a rent freeze, universal child care for children up to 5 years old and free city buses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet, though many New Yorkers agree with him many others are skeptical. Still others have lost faith in the city governments ability to not only talk, but deliver. They want to know one fundamental truth: can it be done? de Blasio wrote in his op-ed. I can say definitely and I know better than anyone that the answer is yes. 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. Dont let them make you break the law, read new digital billboards on expressways near U.S. Southern Command headquarters in Doral, Florida, where the U.S. militarys ongoing operations in the Caribbean Sea are being overseen. The billboards were put up in response to the ongoing military strikes ordered by President Donald Trumps administration, in what the White House and Pentagon have described as a concerted campaign against narcoterrorists. The veterans behind the billboards at Win Without War and About Face: Veterans Against The War, describe it differently, calling them ongoing lawless strikes on boats near the South American coasts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The billboards are part of a very public pressure campaign run by veterans at the two organizations in response to the Trump administrations unprecedented use of the military the increasing use of the National Guard for domestic policing and an active duty force build-up in the Caribbean of nearly 10,000 troops, warships, guided missile destroyers, surveillance aircraft, and drones. Over the last few months, the Pentagon has also carried out at least 11 deadly strikes against fishing boats in the Caribbean for reasons that defense officials have said are to dismantle transnational criminal organizations and to counter narcoterrorism. Top Stories This Week News Air Force announces all-hands room inspections for every barracks By Jeff Schogol News Airman found dead at F.E. Warren was under investigation for M18 incident By Matt White News Female drill sergeants will soon wear the Armys iconic campaign hat By Jeff Schogol In a post on X on Tuesday, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced U.S. strikes on four vessels that were trafficking narcotics in the Eastern Pacific, killing 14 and leaving one survivor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department has spent over TWO DECADES defending other homelands. Now, were defending our own, Hegseth wrote. The new billboards are designed to inform troops of legal resources as the Pentagon shows a misuse of the military, and has troops carry out orders they may see as unlawful and unconstitutional, said Harrison Mann, the associate director for policy and campaigns for Win Without War and a former Army major who resigned amid U.S. military support for Israel during the Biden Administration. The reason you could say this is more alarming is that the [U.S. Southern Command] strikes, I think, represent the most blatantly illegal act that this administration has had the military carry out, Mann said. The legality and authorization of the Pentagons strikes have been called into question by members of Congress and legal experts who have pointed out the lack of transparency on justifications for the military campaign and gray areas around legal ramifications for troops involved in it. The strikes also received condemnation from John Yoo, a deputy assistant attorney general who authored the controversial Torture Memos for the George W. Bush administration during the War on Terror. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After contentious military operations, under President Barack Obama, for instance, Libya in 2011 and Syria in 2018, the Department of Justice released legal justifications. But the current administration has yet to do that for the Caribbean, according to a Just Security blog post by Mark Nevitt, former Navy lawyer and law professor at the U.S. Naval Academy, and Sarah Harrison, a former Department of Defense attorney. A billboard in Chicago, Illinois, that was paid for by Win Without War. Brittany Ramos DeBarros, organizing director for About Face: Veterans Against The War, who is leading the campaign, said in her experience as a soldier deployed to Afghanistan, the recent strikes are an obvious violation of the military doctrine she was taught. When I was deployed, you had to have, what we call a positive ID on someone who wasnt just identified as a potential enemy, but was actively attacking you in order to return fire, DeBarros said. Maybe to do interdiction or to search the vessel, or something like that, would be more within reasonable rules of engagement for a situation like that, but to just jump straight to lethal strikes is shocking. In recent months, the groups put up standing billboards with messages on National Guard deployments outside of two of the largest bases in North Carolina the Armys Fort Bragg and the Marine Corps Camp Lejeune as well as a mobile billboard they drove through Washington, D.C. A new billboard near Fort Bragg, North Carolina, highlights a news article about President Donald Trump reportedly considering sending 82nd Airborne Division soldiers into Portland, Oregon. Those soldiers are stationed at the North Carolina base. Photo courtesy of Win Without War. The groups have put up billboards with similar messages in Chicago, Illinois, and Memphis, Tennessee, where legal battles are unfolding between local elected officials and at the Supreme Court. Since the billboards have gone up, DeBarros said shes hearing from National Guardsmen who are preparing to deny mobilization orders, as troops did in California and are preparing to do so in Chicago. Many of those cases so far, DeBarros said, are being handled administratively. WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Millions of poor and disadvantaged Americans could face trouble accessing funds for home heating starting next month due to the government shutdown, lawmakers from both parties and nonprofit groups said on Wednesday. The shutdown, now in its 29th day, is preventing states from receiving about $3.6 billion under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, run by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The funds help families pay winter heating and summer cooling bills, with about 80% used in the winter months. States typically receive their allocations in late October or November, and the funds are distributed to households in November and December. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican from Pennsylvania, called on Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to ensure uninterrupted LIHEAP funding during the shutdown. "No household should have to choose between keeping their homes safe temperatures, basic healthcare, or having food on the table," Fitzpatrick said in a letter to Kennedy. He called on HHS to use every available authority and mechanism to maintain LIHEAP operations without interruption and to communicate with states and providers to prevent service gaps that would endanger communities. The administration of President Donald Trump fired LIHEAP staff in April as part of wider cutbacks in the federal government, which also raised concerns about getting funds to states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emily Hilliard, press secretary at HHS, blamed Democrats for the shutdown and said once the government reopens the Administration for Children and Families, a division of HHS, "will work swiftly to administer annual awards." Democratic Representative Madeleine Dean, also of Pennsylvania, called the situation "unacceptable" on X. "While the most vulnerable among us pay the price for this shutdown, Republicans seem uninterested in ending it," Dean posted. Mark Wolfe, the executive director of the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, said any delays in funding would be difficult for vulnerable Americans, 42 million of whom are also set to lose Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program food aid, which is set to lapse on Saturday. "If the shutdown continues, the lives of low-income families, the lives of poor families, in the United States will just become much harder," Wolfe said in an interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A $500 grant for energy assistance might not sound like a lot to a middle-income family, but for a low-income family, that's what allows them to buy heating oil to get the furnace started." (Reporting by Timothy Gardner in Washington and Nichola Groom in Los Angeles; Editing by Bill Berkrot) WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Millions of poor and disadvantaged Americans could face trouble accessing funds for home heating starting next month due to the government shutdown, lawmakers from both parties and nonprofit groups said on Wednesday. The shutdown, now in its 29th day, could prevent states from receiving about $3.6 billion under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, run by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The funds help families pay winter heating and summer cooling bills, with about 80% used in the winter months. States typically receive their allocations in late October or November, and the funds are distributed to households in November and December. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican from Pennsylvania, called on Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to ensure uninterrupted LIHEAP funding during the shutdown. "No household should have to choose between keeping their homes at safe temperatures, basic healthcare, or having food on the table," Fitzpatrick said in a letter to Kennedy. He called on HHS to use every available authority and mechanism to maintain LIHEAP operations without interruption and to communicate with states and providers to prevent service gaps that would endanger communities. About 300,000 Pennsylvania households use LIHEAP funds to heat their homes, according to the state's Department of Human Services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials in Minnesota and New York have also warned residents that funds may be delayed. The program assisted 1.5 million New York households last year, Governor Kathy Hochul's office said in a statement last week. "Thanks to Washington Republicans' government shutdown, hundreds of thousands of vulnerable New Yorkers are about to be left in the cold," Hochul said. The administration of President Donald Trump fired LIHEAP staff in April as part of wider cutbacks in the federal government, which also raised concerns about getting funds to states. Emily Hilliard, press secretary at HHS, blamed Democrats for the shutdown and said that once the government reopens, the Administration for Children and Families, an HHS division, "will work swiftly to administer annual awards." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democratic Representative Madeleine Dean, also of Pennsylvania, called the situation "unacceptable" on X. "While the most vulnerable among us pay the price for this shutdown, Republicans seem uninterested in ending it," Dean posted. Mark Wolfe, executive director of the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, said any delays in funding would be difficult for vulnerable Americans, 42 million of whom are also set to lose Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program food aid, which is set to lapse on Saturday. "If the shutdown continues, the lives of low-income families, the lives of poor families, in the United States will just become much harder," Wolfe said in an interview. "A $500 grant for energy assistance might not sound like a lot to a middle-income family, but for a low-income family, that's what allows them to buy heating oil to get the furnace started." (Reporting by Timothy Gardner in Washington and Nichola Groom in Los Angeles; Editing by Bill Berkrot and Richard Chang) BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) A Binghamton man, who is currently serving a prison sentence, was recently granted additional prison time. Broome County District Attorney Paul Battisti announced today that Grady Hunter, 48, pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree in Broome County Court on October 27, moments before jury selection was set to begin. Hunter, who is already serving a 10-year state prison sentence, will serve an additional 5-year state prison term, followed by 5 years of post-release supervision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plea stems from an incident that took place on July 19, 2024, in the Village of Johnson City. Officers from the Johnson City Police Department responded to a call at 39 Allen Street, Apartment 2, where a female reported that a male subject had a gun. An investigation revealed that Hunter had fired a round through his ex-girlfriends apartment door. Hunter is scheduled to be sentenced on January 29, 2026, in Broome County Court. In addition, Hunter was previously sentenced on November 27, 2024, to 10 years in New York State Prison, followed by 5 years of post-release supervision, after being found guilty by a jury on August 26, 2024, of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree. That conviction stemmed from a May 31, 2023, incident in the City of Binghamton, during which members of the Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force executed a search warrant at Hunters residence and recovered a loaded .380 caliber handgun, ammunition, digital scales, and a large sum of money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two state prison sentences will run consecutively to one another, resulting in a total sentence of 15 years in state prison, followed by 10 years of post-release supervision. 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 WIVT - News 34. Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., and Rand Paul, R-Ky., will introduce a bill Wednesday, shared first with Semafor, that would block President Donald Trumps administration from placing additional tariffs on coffee imports from any country it has normal trade relations with. The Senate voted to pass a resolution on Tuesday that would lift tariffs on Brazil, which ships more coffee to the US than any other country. Prices have risen some 20% over the last year enough to snag the attention of Trump, who told reporters Monday that he want[s] to get coffee down a little bit. This coffee tax doesnt help American business in any serious way, but it does raise costs at the grocery store for hardworking families across the United States, Cortez Masto said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Said Paul: The United States doesnt grow coffee and taxing it wont create a single American job. Reps. Don Bacon, R-Neb., and Ro Khanna, D-Calif., have introduced similar legislation in the House. Cortez Masto and Paul are weighing all options to get the bill considered on the Senate floor. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) A Birmingham man was arrested Tuesday after allegedly threatening a police officer on social media. According to the Birmingham Police Department, 28-year-old Ontarius Jemelle Chester is charged with second-degree making a terroristic threat. He was arrested in the 2600 block of Avenue G in Ensley and taken to the Birmingham City Jail. Birmingham restaurant owner fed up after building damaged for fifth time in less than 2 years Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The BPD stated it became aware Sunday of a social media post that included statements regarding killing a Birmingham police officer. The Birmingham Police Department takes all threats against law enforcement and the community seriously, the BPD said in a statement. Our department remains committed to ensuring the safety of our officers and the citizens we serve. 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. CONNEAUT Biscottis Restaurant has become a signature business in the citys port district. Located at 186 Park Ave., the restaurant primarily serves Italian food. It opens at 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturday, and at the same time Sundays May through December. So 26 years ago, my husband told me that he bought a restaurant, and that was a surprise to me, Biscottis owner Lori McLaughlin said. The couple worked with her brother-in-law before buying him out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seven-and-a-half years ago, my husband passed, and its been mine ever since, McLaughlin said. Ive been the sole owner since, and its been quite an adventure. McLaughlin said her time as sole owner has been busy, because everything is now on her shoulders. Im the one that meets all the contractors, makes the decisions, she said. I do rely on my staff to help me find if theres an issue, [and] be the eyes and ears for me as well. McLaughlin said she had previous experience in management before running Biscottis. What I didnt know was the hospitality end of it, she said. I didnt know the safety and sanitation. I didnt know any of the actual food business part of it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McLaughlin earned her business degree from Kent State University Ashtabula at the same time she was learning to run Biscottis. I would say to anyone, take business classes, she said. Make sure you know your human resources laws, so you dont mess those up. Those are very important. You can get sued if you dont do the right things. Any business owner is responsible for the success of their business and knowing the law around running it, McLaughlin said. Its all on you, she said. McLaughlin has developed a great relationship with her customers, staff and the surrounding community, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have long-term employees that are engaged and care as much as I do about the restaurant, but I am the one that has to take obviously the ownership, she said. The COVID-19 pandemic created a challenging situation for Biscottis, McLaughlin said. Takeout was not a huge part of the restaurant, and then it was obviously the only part of the business at that point when COVID hit, she said. McLaughlin said customer support played a huge role in the restaurants survival through the pandemic. They knew that the momnpops of the world were [more] important to them than corporate businesses, and they became more engaged in family businesses, and they wanted to support family businesses more than ever, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many customers have fond memories of the restaurant, McLaughlin said. They had their first meals here as kids, and they are now having their first meals with their children here, she said. They had their rehearsal dinners. They had their engagements here. They had special memories made here, their first dates, their homecomings. When that evolves, that is so special me, and that is exciting. The restaurant has evolved and McLaughlin said she considers many customers and staff to be family. I have customers who come here every six months. They drive through [Conneaut], she said. Theyre going from their home in Chicago to their home in Maine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many people come from Pennsylvania, McLaughlin said. The Pennsylvania 814 area code is always on our reservation sheets, every single day, he said. McLaughlin said reservations are not needed, but she would prefer them in case the restaurant is busy. If youre going to drive any distance, wed love to have a table waiting for you, she said. Alongside Biscottis, McLaughlin is heavily involved with D-Day Conneaut, serving as COO for D-Day Ohio, the non-profit that oversees the event. When D-Day Ohio reached out to city leaders through the local American Legion, McLaughlin said she organized a meeting at Biscottis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was extremely pleased with the turnout, she said. It was like 15-20 people that met, and we all took on roles after that. A lot of them stayed in the organization for 10-12 years after that. Conneaut has a great small business community, McLaughlin said. Almost all the restaurants help each other, she said. Theyre willing. Nobody wants anybody to fail. Its true, and its wonderful. McLaughlin said other aspiring business owners should not be afraid to reach out for help or advice when they need it. That is my advice, truly, she said. Two Massachusetts residents lost a total of nearly $7,000 to scams involving Bitcoin ATMs, police said, due to fictitious phone calls requesting money for missed jury duty appearances. After the Monday incidents, the Norfolk County Sheriffs Office is now warning residents about the scheme. The Norfolk County Sheriffs Office never makes calls like this, and neither do local police departments, said Sheriff Patrick McDermott in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just hang up on anyone who is demanding money and acting like they are from our office, or another law enforcement agency, threatening you with arrest or detainment for things like missed jury duty or an outstanding warrant. In both instances, victims were led to believe that the individual on the phone worked for the sheriffs office and that they would be detained if they did not pay. They were then directed to send funds using Bitcoin ATM kiosks nearby. You may be caught off guard and unwittingly fall victim. If they call back. Hang up again and report the calls to your police department," the Norfolk County Sheriffs Office said in a statement. A representative for the Norfolk County Sheriffs Office told Decrypt it could not offer guidance on the likelihood of recovery of funds. The representative pointed to the Massachusetts Attorney Generals Office information crypto scams, which indicates that cryptocurrency transactions cannot be reversed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scams involving Bitcoin ATMs and kiosks have been on the rise, costing victims nearly $247 million in 2024 according to data gathered in the FBIs Internet Crime Report. The jump led to an urgent alert by the Treasury Department's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) in August, flagging the kiosks frequent use in scams, particularly against elderly individuals. Lummis Pushes for Bitcoin ATM Safeguards Amid Mounting Scam Concerns Some places are starting to crack down on the crypto machines. In June, Spokane, Washingtons City Council voted unanimously to ban virtual currency kiosks citywide. New Zealand also banned crypto ATMs earlier this year and capped international cash transfers to $5,000 to deter money laundering and criminal finance. Regulation is also coming into playlike in Illinois, where the Digital Asset Kiosk Act was signed into law in August, creating transaction limits for new users and requiring ATM operators to refund scam victims in full. A DeKalb County grandmother plans to sue the Cherokee County Sheriffs Office for her wrongful arrest. The woman, who is Black, says deputies arrested her on a warrant for another woman, who is white. Nickie Sledges attorneys say the 49-year-old was arrested in front of her grandson on Dec. 21, 2024, on elder abuse charges. Deputies booked her into the Rockdale County Jail and later transferred her to Cherokee County Jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They say it was another woman with a similar name who was wanted. The one with the warrant spelled her first name differently though, and she was six years younger. One other important factor: the warrant said the wanted woman was a different race. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] She had to go before a judge, who took one look at the warrant and expressed concern. He says it says on here family violence. He said, Well, I can clearly see she aint related, Sledge said. Even though the charges are dropped, she is concerned the arrest may follow her. This is a record that wont disappear, Sledge said. Its gonna follow me the rest of my life. TRENDING STORIES Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Civil rights attorney Harry Daniels, who Sledge has hired to represent her, says it was either negligence and carelessness by investigators or it was deliberate. Lets be clear. There was a full investigation, a signed warrant, one arrest, two strip searches at two different jails, multiple days in custody and a bond hearing, and no one bothered to notice that a 49-year-old Black grandmother from Georgia whod never been in trouble with the law before wasnt the same woman as a 43-year-old white suspect from Kentucky, Daniels said. The charges against Sledge were dismissed in February 2025, according to court documents. The lawsuit has not yet been filed. Channel 2 Action News is working to confirm if the other woman was ever charged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Channel 2 Action News also reached out to the Cherokee County Sheriffs Office for a statement. A spokesman replied that the office does not comment on potential or pending litigation. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] HOLLIDAYSBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) An inmate at the Blair County Prison, who is accused of killing a neighbor and living with the body, is facing new charges for creating more chaos from his jail cell. Raymond Oechsle Jr., 53, was recently charged with institutional vandalism after another reported incident to the Pennsylvania State Police in September. According to the latest charges, troopers were called to the Blair County Prison on Market Street in Hollidaysburg Sept. 25 regarding a vandalism incident. Upon arrival, prison staff alleged Oechsle, who is being kept in isolation, had broken the window out of his cell door. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Troopers noted that video footage provided from the prison showed Oechsle kicking at the glass window of his cell door before he began striking it with an item. According to the criminal complaint, he then grabbed a food tray and began smashing it against the window until the window finally broke. He allegedly then continued beating at the broken window before appearing to give up and lie down, shoeless, in his bed. A charge of institutional vandalism is the latest in a line of charges against Oechsle, which began April 2023, when he allegedly stabbed a neighbor in his apartment building. Police alleged at the time that Oechsle lived with the body for three days, hiding it from others who came over to his residence. By October 2023, Oechsle was charged with allegedly stabbing two inmates. One of the inmates was left blind after the attack and has since filed a lawsuit against Blair County Prison, citing that they knew Oechsle was a danger to other inmates. Officials are currently asking the lawsuit to be dropped. On other occasions, even after being placed in isolation, Oechsle was allegedly found with a weapon that could be used for stabbing, better known as a shank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In August 2023, however, District Attorney Pete Weeks opted to seek the death penalty against Oechsle in his original April 2023 homicide case. While in Blair County Prison, Oechsle allegedly wrote a letter where he claimed he was the Frankford Slasher a suspect in serial killings that occurred in a Frankford neighborhood in Philadelphia during the 1980s. To date, there has been no confirmation from law enforcement about a connection between the suspected serial killer and Oechsle. You can read all previous stories on Oechsles alleged crimes by clicking 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 WTAJ - www.wtaj.com. Floridas chief financial officer, Blaise Ingoglia, backs off his comments about Seminole Countys finances. Last month, the CFO called their spending wasteful and excessiveto the tune of 48 million dollars. He did not give specifics, and Commission Chair Jay Zembower clapped back, saying Ingoglia didnt account for state-mandated spending, including millions on Sunrail. In an Oct. 15 letter to the states CFO office, Zembower also cited increases of $25.5 million in county jail costs, $10.6 million for court and justice system funding, and $4 million for state retirement contributions. He said the $52 million in additional state-mandated expenses have been incurred since 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CFO responded and called the statements disingenuous and said it was all just excuses, saying, It appears that Seminole County is being as disingenuous with the time that theyve given us to review their claims as they are with their excuses for their wasteful and excessive spending. While we are reviewing the items, it is disingenuous on Seminole Countys part to say that they would not fund core public safety functions such as the sheriffs office, jail, or court support without a state mandate. When we finish the review, we will advise Seminole County leaders. But on Friday, he sent a letter to Commissioner Zembower saying he appreciated the countys openness on expenditures, writing, No further action is needed on your part, please continue looking out for the taxpayers of Seminole County. We have asked the cfos office for an explanation for walking the issue back and are waiting to hear back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Orange County did not receive a letter. In fact, Channel 9 has learned today that depositions have been set for four Orange County employees who were subpoenaed by the state over Orange Countys spending. Ingoglia said he would have an audit of the county in 60 days, but he has not met that deadline. He accused Orange County of misspending $200 million, but did not drill down into specifics. Orange Countys current budget sits at $8.2 billion. Mayor Jerry Demings said Ingoglia got basic facts wrong and neglected to consider the costs of accommodating the areas huge tourism numbers or higher law enforcement salaries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His office would not answer questions about when the audit would be released or why it is delayed. Those employees will be interviewed next month. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Former New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said Tuesday that The Times, a British newspaper, ran an entirely false and fabricated interview with him criticizing Zohran Mamdani, and that hes never communicated with the storys author. It was just brought to my attention and Im appalled. I never spoke to that reporter and never said those things. Those quotes arent mine, dont reflect my views, de Blasio, who endorsed Mamdani, New York Citys Democratic nominee for mayor, over a month ago, wrote on social media. Politics: Andrew Cuomo Turns To Shockingly Racist Attacks On Zohran Mamdani In NYC The story in The Times has since been taken down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement to The New York Times, the newspaper said someone had been impersonating de Blasio. The Times has apologised to Bill de Blasio and removed the article immediately after discovering that our reporter had been misled by an individual falsely claiming to be the former New York mayor, the statement said. Neither the newspaper nor the storys author, senior reporter Bevan Hurley, immediately responded to HuffPosts requests for further comment on the matter. I want to be 100% clear: The story in the Times of London is entirely false and fabricated. It was just brought to my attention and Im appalled. I never spoke to that reporter and never said those things. Those quotes arent mine, dont reflect my views. https://t.co/I65e8UV6tm Bill de Blasio (@BilldeBlasio) October 28, 2025 The story featured a shocking quote attributed to de Blasio about the cost of Mamdanis policy proposals. While the ambition is admirable, the cost estimates reportedly exceeding $7 billion annually rest on optimistic assumptions about eliminating waste and raising revenue through new taxes, read quotes that The Times attributed to the former mayor. In my view, the math doesnt hold up under scrutiny, and the political hurdles are substantial. Politics: Democrats Fume After GOP Shuts Them Out Of Briefing On Trump's Military Strikes In a second post, de Blasio demanded The Times pull down this story immediately, calling it an absolute violation of journalistic ethics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The truth is I fully support [Mamdani] and believe his vision is both necessary and achievable, de Blasio wrote. According to a Semafor report published on Wednesday, The Times did interview someone named Bill DeBlasio for the story, but it was not the former mayor of New York City. The Times source turned out to be a Long Island wine importer who shares a name with the politician, though he spells his surname with a capital D. DeBlasio responded to the reporters inquiry after he received an email and assumed the publication would notice the discrepancy before it went to print. News: Mamdani Torches Cuomo As Trumps Puppet At NYC Mayoral Debate I never once said I was the mayor. He never addressed me as the mayor, DeBlasio told Semafor. So I just gave him my opinion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The original Times story was quickly picked up by the New York Post, which has been publishing daily Mamdani hit pieces. The story led with The Times quotes, only including de Blasios denial several paragraphs in. The story and its headline were later altered to be about de Blasio refuting the quotes, but not before a Cuomo spokesperson shared it on X, saying: Noted fiscal hawk Bill de Blasio gets around to reading [Mamdanis] fine print (just kidding, there is no fine print, just glitter and vibes.) Hurley has published other stories highlighting criticism of Mamdani, including one vaguely titled Mamdani accused of stoking antisemitic hate in NYC mayoral debate. That quote never appears in the story, though it seems to be a paraphrasing of comments from Mamdanis opponent, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who accused his rival of stoking the flames of hatred against Jewish people. Political Updates Read the original on HuffPost NEW YORK Billionaire former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg endorsed Andrew Cuomos independent bid for mayor Wednesday a nod that arrives as the ex-governor is trying to build momentum against democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani. Being Mayor of New York City is the second toughest job in America, and the next mayor will face immense challenges. Andrew Cuomo has the experience and toughness to stand up for New Yorkers and get things done. I hope you will join me in supporting him, Bloomberg wrote in a social media post Wednesday evening. Bloomberg contributed more than $8 million to a super PAC supporting Cuomos candidacy, making him the single biggest donor in the mayoral race during the primary. He recently gave $1.5 million to the pro-Cuomo super PAC Fix the City as fellow wealthy New Yorkers become alarmed by the prospect of Mamdani winning on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bloomberg met with Mamdani over the summer following the state lawmakers stunning June primary victory over Cuomo, though the ex-mayor and media impresario has remained largely on the sidelines during the general election. Bloomberg, a former Republican-turned-independent-turned Democrat, despises the Democratic partys left flank a distaste that has united him with Cuomo, despite their history of friction. The endorsement comes as Cuomo has ratcheted up his criticism of Mamdani in the final days of the general election contest. Polling has consistently shown the Democratic nominee with a double-digit lead. The other former mayors of New York City are split in the chaotic contest. Cuomo has also earned the endorsement of the current mayor, Eric Adams, who reluctantly backed Cuomo after ending his own campaign in an effort to stop Mamdani. Bill de Blasio is standing behind Mamdani, while Rudy Giuliani has endorsed the Republican nominee, Curtis Sliwa. Bloombergs nod arrives after hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers have already voted and less than a week before Election Day, a timeline that severely dilutes the power of the endorsement. And it comes on the same day a Quinnipiac poll found Mamdani ahead of the former governor by 10 points, even as Cuomo has managed to peel support away from Sliwa. KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) The Blount Mansion Association kicked off its centennial celebration in the hopes of raising funds to preserve Blount Mansion for another 100 years. The Blount Mansion was built before Tennessee was admitted into the union by one of our countrys founding fathers, William Blount. He was the Governor of the Southwest Territory, which included the land that would become Tennessee, and later served in the United States Senate before being expelled on charges of treason. Business owners face uncertainty over proposed road expansion in Anderson County Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Executive Director David Hearnes says the history of Blount Mansion needs to be remembered. I think one of the most important things from today is the fact that were also announcing our centennial fundraising campaign, said Hearnes, Were trying to raise money for our endowment. So, you know, we can continue on for another hundred years. Hearnes said the Blount Mansion Association is looking to raise $3 million over the next five years. Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon spoke at the event, and three members of Tennessees Congressional Delegation spoke via video message to attendees of Tuesdays Luncheon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn, the front-runner in next years Governors Race, said Blount Mansion is a truly special and significant place to us in Tennessee. Stay safe Jamaican One Knoxville SC players speak on Hurricane Melissa Senator Bill Hagerty, who is also up for re-election next year, called Blount Mansion a landmark for the Volunteer State and a reminder of our states rich history. U.S. Congressman and former mayor of Knox County Tim Burchett also spoke fondly of Blount Mansion. He said, I remember when I was county mayor, Id look out my office every day and look down upon that beautiful, beautiful structure. And thank yall so much for preserving it for my kids and my grandkids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 WATE 6 On Your Side. NEED TO KNOW Blue dogs have been spotted at the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone The dogs' fur is bright blue, per Clean Futures Fund, but the hue likely isn't due to radiation Clean Futures Fund's affiliate Dogs of Chernobyl looks after the health and well being of the estimated 700 dogs stuck at the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone Blue dogs have been sighted at Chernobyl. Earlier this month, a few dogs at the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone in Ukraine appeared to have bright blue fur, according to an Instagram post from Dogs of Chernobyl, an affiliate of the non-profit Clean Futures Fund. On Oct. 13, the organization wrote that they were unable to catch the dogs yet, which would help them discern why exactly the animals had turned blue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are on the ground catching dogs for sterilization and we came across three dogs that were completely blue," Dogs of Chernobyl wrote in the post's caption. "We are not sure exactly what is going [on]." Clean Futures Fund via Storyful Blue dogs at Chernobyl. Blue dogs at Chernobyl. On the bright side, the group wrote, the dogs seemed to be very active. Dogs of Chernobyl's theory at the time was that the dogs found their way into some kind of chemical. CFF said it's possible the dogs got into a leaking Porta Potty, CBS News reported. It's unlikely that the bright blue hue is because of radiation or because someone spray-painted them. The group added that the dye is likely temporary. The stray dogs living at the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone are not allowed to leave, per CFF's website, so Dogs of Chernobyl does its best to care for the dogs stuck there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the 1986 explosion of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, the roughly 19-mile radius around the site was evacuated. More than 120,000 evacuees "were not allowed to bring anything they couldn't carry" but were told they could return three days later for another trip, so many dogs were left behind. However, the evacuees were never allowed to return, and the dogs left at the exclusion zone were abandoned and considered strays. Clean Futures Fund via Storyful Blue dog at Chernobyl. Blue dog at Chernobyl. 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. Clean Futures Fund via Storyful Blue dog at Chernobyl. Blue dog at Chernobyl. The dogs currently living in the exclusion zone which CFF estimates to be over 700 are the descendants of the dogs left behind in 1986. They tried to find homes in remote areas in the zone, but were driven away by packs of rabid wolves, the site reads. As a result, the dogs at Chernobyl are in desperate need of medical attention they're malnourished and have been exposed to rabies. Read the original article on People As flames began to engulf the American House senior living community in Southgate, first responders ran into the building and began assisting residents out, police body camera footage shows. The large structure fire on the evening of Friday, Oct. 24, left 81 residents displaced from the independent and assisted living facility at 16333 Allen Road. All residents and employees, along with three dogs, made it out of the building safely. One firefighter and one civilian were injured during the fire, according to police. One cat was reported dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a Oct. 25 update from American House, its residents and team members evacuated the building without incident and the building's fire systems deployed as designed. As of Saturday afternoon, all residents had found a temporary place to stay, according to police. Spokesperson Lori Bender said American House has been working with residents to find comfortable homes. "The American House team has worked tirelessly in placing the residents into new homes," Bender told the Free Press on Wednesday, Oct. 29. "Many have found new homes in our American House sister communities, and many are staying with family while they reside on waiting lists for our sister communities." More: American House in Southgate rekindles as fire official says building will likely be condemned Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Downriver community members and local groups and businesses have also been chipping in to assist seniors affected by the fire. The Southgate Senior Center is no longer accepting donations as of Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 18, after overwhelming community support, according to its Facebook page. On Thursday, Oct. 30, The Senior Alliance, a group based out of western Wayne County and Downriver, is hosting a resource event for American House residents at the Southgate Senior Center, 14700 Reaume Parkway, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. According to an event flier, resources will include case management, emergency medication, housing options, mental health support, medical equipment replacement and more. More: Fire at American House in Southgate leaves 17 seniors searching for temporary home Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Southgate American House building recaught fire again on Sunday, Oct. 26. The building is pretty much going to be condemned," Southgate Fire Lt. Mark Hunt told the Free Press on Sunday. As of Wednesday afternoon, the cause of the fire is still under investigation, according to the fire department. Free Press reporter Susan Selasky contributed to this report. Contact Natalie Davies at ndavies@freepress.com. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Southgate American House fire first responder bodycam video released (NewsNation) Strong rhetoric from Border Patrol agents and ICE officers forcefully arresting individuals is due to antagonists protesting the federal agencies, according to Paul Perez, president of the National Border Patrol Council. Perez and Juan Proano, CEO of civil rights group The League of United Latin American Citizens, joined CUOMO Tuesday night to discuss ICE and Border Patrol arrests of both migrants and protesters in recent days and weeks. A lot of people get angry and upset because of what theyre seeing, but what the story doesnt show is that these agitators, these antagonists, are not the people that were going after to arrest, Perez told NewsNation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These are people who are impeding, theyre interfering with our lawful right to enforce the laws that are on the books, and thats why the optics that youre talking about are showing that were in a riot situation almost everywhere and almost every day, he added. Trump to replace ICE leadership with Border Patrol officials: Sources Perez explained that because of these individuals, federal agents are having to battle every single day. Proano acknowledged there are some agitators present during ICE and Border Patrol operations, but argued that the Trump administrations efforts are tearing apart our country, Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its tearing apart the fabric of our country, and its really trying to separate our communities. What you see in Chicago, you see people standing up for their neighbors, for their brothers, for their sisters, for their children, Proano said. The fact of the matter is, most of the immigrants are honest people, theyre earnest people, theyre hard-working people, and they serve a very particular and important function that helps drive this economy, he added. On Tuesday, federal Judge Sara Ellis warned a top Border Patrol official about using chemical agents while children are trick-or-treating this week. Ellis will meet with Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino daily until Nov. 5 as a means of holding federal agents accountable. 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 NewsNation. Seven months after Boscovs department store announced it was coming to The Mall at Greece Ridge, opening weekend is near. What is Boscov's? The longtime, family-owned chain is headquartered in Reading, Pennsylvania. Boscovs prides itself on offering goods in a broad range of categories apparel, housewares, furniture and beauty, to name just a few at competitive prices. Equally important is customer service, CEO Jim Boscov told the Democrat and Chronicle back in March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think (our) most important difference is having people on the sales floor," he said. "I don't know about you, but I've been to other stores where you pick out something you want to buy and you have to chase somebody down to take your money. It shouldn't be that way. We hire knowledgeable, empowered people to serve, and people who like serving and know how to say 'yes.'" What to expect at the Greece Boscov's From March: Jim Boscov of Boscov's department store announces that the chain will be opening a location at The Mall at Greece Ridge. The Greece location will be the fifth Boscovs in New York state and the 51st overall across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Connecticut, Delaware, Ohio, Rhode Island and West Virginia. At 175,000 square feet, it will be the largest department store in our region. Here is whats planned for Oct. 30 through Nov. 1. Hours each day are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.: Oct. 30: Charity Day Shop for a Cause Day The first people who will be able to shop at Boscovs are those who made $5 donations to local nonprofits. Proof of donations is required for admission. Those shoppers will get a free 58-inch umbrella and the chance to win one of 20 $100 Boscovs gift cards. It is Boscovs hope to raise $100,000 for charity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the highlights: Live piano music. A meet-and-greet from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. by HGTV star Sabrina Soto. Free Ashers chocolate-covered pretzels. Activities and giveaways for children. Oct. 31: Boscovs opens to the public/Family Fun Day There will be giveaways and snacks. Other highlights include: Live piano music. An appearance by Snoopy between 3 and 7 p.m. A hunt for the Great Pumpkin with the Peanuts gang between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Balloon artistry and face painting. Free Godiva chocolate bars for the first 2,000 customers. Nov. 1: Boscovs Grand Opening A ribbon-cutting will be held at 9:30 a.m., the Greece Blue Knights Marching Band will perform, and Snoopy will make another appearance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other highlights include: Photos with Snoopy. Drawstring backpack giveaways. Balloon artistry and face painting. A 2 p.m. performance by a capella group the University of Rochester Yellowjackets. A 6 p.m. show by Nik Lite from Nik and the Nice Guys. A 9 p.m. fireworks display that can be viewed from the parking area parallel to Long Pond Road. The Democrat and Chronicle will be at the store on Oct. 30, so check back for news and photos. Reporter Marcia Greenwood covers general assignments and has an interest in retail news. Send story tips to mgreenwo@rocheste.gannett.com. Follow her on X @MarciaGreenwood. This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Boscov's opens this week at Greece Ridge mall: What to know Someone bought a winning $250,000 lottery ticket from a store in Boston and claimed their prize on Tuesday. The prize was from $250,000 Winter Winnings, a $20 scratch ticket game released on Oct. 14. Theres still 35 top prizes remaining to be claimed as of Oct. 29. The winning $250,000 ticket was sold at the Players Cafe in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Boston. Additionally, someone won $100,000 during Tuesday nights Mass Cash drawing. The winning numbers for the drawing were 4, 8, 12, 15 and 26, and the ticket that matched all five numbers was sold in Millville at Georges Variety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overall, at least 523 prizes worth $600 or more were won or claimed in Massachusetts on Tuesday, including 16 in Springfield, 16 in Worcester and 58 in Boston. The Massachusetts State Lottery releases a full list of winning tickets every day. The list only includes winning tickets worth more than $600. The largest lottery prize won so far this year was worth $1 million a year for life, from a winning Lifetime Millions scratch ticket sold in Springfield and claimed in July. Massachusetts State Lottery Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here. BOURBON COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56) Nearly 42 million Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) may lose their food benefits. Funding for the program is set to run out if the government shutdown is not resolved by this weekend. With a lot of uncertainty surrounding SNAP benefits, the Bourbon County Family Resource Center (FRYSC) wants its community to know about available resources. In Bourbon County, many students rely on help for food. Just at Bourbon Central Elementary School, about 70% of students get free and reduced lunch. At other schools across the district, that number is even higher. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lexington braces for impact of SNAP benefit lapse amid ongoing government shutdown The Bourbon County Family Resource Centers mission is to help kids and their families access community programs thatll help students succeed in school. It offers assistance with after-school care, health and education services, and more. If Congress doesnt end the shutdown, SNAP payments wont be issued starting November 1st. Danita Earlywine, family resource director at the elementary school, wants to remind beneficiaries to use existing benefits wisely and check frequently for updates from officials. So, were always proactive more than we are reactive. Sometimes we have to be reactive, but we like to be more proactive and getting that information out there, so we had already shared our food sources that we have in our community. We share that regardless of these things happening. But we just wanted to go on and get that out there to help prepare our families and this other information that we had, received from the cabinet, Earlywine said. SNAP participants should know that they still have access to their October benefits, and they can keep using any benefits already on their EBT card. Earlywine says the center is ready to support local families. She also says there are several food resources stepping up in this time of need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If we dont know the answers to their questions, we will definitely find a way to get them the help that they need with anything. I mean, thats an everyday thing with FRYSC. We have four FRYSC coordinators in our district and an assistant, and then we work really closely with our preschool family service workers. So, just reach out to us and well get you headed into the right direction to be able to feed your families, Earlywine said. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Earlywine says if you are affected by the loss of SNAP benefits, talk to your child about using their free breakfast and lunch at school. A list of resources in Paris and Bourbon County can be found below: Those resources include: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paris Church of Christ Operation Food Basket in the basement of 505 High Street Paris Community Action The Table at 722 Main Street River of Life Ministries Kentucky is also joining more than two dozen states in suing the trump administration over the suspension of SNAP benefits. 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. NEED TO KNOW Oliver Holland has woken up after being placed in a coma following a helicopter crash in California on Oct. 11 The child was one of five people injured when the helicopter crashed ahead of the Cars 'N Copters on the Coast event Why did a helicopter land on me?" the boy asked after he woke up, according to his sister A 12-year-old boy who was hit by a falling helicopter is awake after being placed in a medically induced coma. Oliver Holland was one of five people who was injured when a helicopter crashed in Huntington Beach on Oct. 11 ahead of the Cars 'N Copters on the Coast event, according to NBC affiliate KNBC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After being placed in a coma, Oliver woke up over the weekend on his birthday. Speaking with KNBC, his sister, Madeline Ashwell, said that after family members told her brother what happened, he responded by asking, "How did this happen?" and "Why did a helicopter land on me?" Oliver underwent multiple surgeries following the crash due to a collapsed lung and bleeding in his brain, according to KNBC. His sister said her brother simply was at the wrong place [at the] wrong time" and that if he was even "five feet ahead" he wouldn't have been hit. Go Fund Me Oliver Holland, who was injured when a helicopter crashed on Oct. 11 Oliver Holland, who was injured when a helicopter crashed on Oct. 11 A GoFundMe has been set up to support Oliver and his family and has raised more than $113,000 as of Wednesday, Oct. 29. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a recent update, Madeline said her brother has made incredible progress" and no longer needs to use a ventilator. Oliver recognizes his family, is able to communicate with us, and has even begun to move parts of his body, Madeline wrote. These are huge milestones that fill us with hope and relief. His doctors are very encouraged by his progress and believe hes on a strong path toward recovery. She added, While theres still a long road ahead, were beyond grateful for how far hes come and for the steady improvements were seeing every day. 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. Madeline also thanked those who have shown their overwhelming love and support shown for Oliver in wake of the crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Your kindness, encouragement, and support have given our family so much strength during this time, the sister wrote. Well continue to share updates as Oliver continues to heal and make progress. Read the original article on People Actor William Daniels is expressing his distaste for President Donald Trumps controversial updates to the White House with a poignant throwback. On Monday, Daniels shared a photo of himself and two co-stars in full costume from Broadways 1776, in which he portrayed John Adams. In 1970, the musical which depicts the events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence became the first ever to be staged in its entirety at the White House, then occupied by President Richard Nixon. We performed 1776 in the beautiful East Room when Nixon was in the White House. He was very gracious even though none of us had voted for him, Daniels, best known by some for his portrayal of George Feeny on Boy Meets World, wrote in the caption. The current president has ripped a piece of history from our lives and we mustnt take this lightly. William Daniels (left) portrayed John Adams in the musical "1776," which was performed at the White House in 1970 and released as a film in 1972. Archive Photos via Getty Images The 98-year-olds post was a pointed dig at Trumps plans for a 90,000-square-foot, $300 million ballroom adjacent to the White House. Last week, construction crews demolished the entirety of the White Houses East Wing to make way for the project, drawing outrage from historic preservationists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The East Room, where Daniels and his castmates performed 1776 some 55 years ago, is part of the White Houses Executive Residence and therefore not believed to have been demolished. However, Trump has cited the relatively small size of the East Room, which has a capacity of about 200 people, in outlining his vision for the ballroom, now set to reportedly accommodate 999. He suggested last week that the ballroom could be connected to the East Room. Daniels (right) with his "Boy Meets World" co-star Ben Savage in 1993. ABC Photo Archives via Getty Images Were going to build a room thats going to be able to hold literally the inauguration if we want, Trump said earlier this month, according to USA Today. The ballrooms shifting details and before-and-after photos showing the scale of the East Wing demolition have also been condemned by many prominent Democrats, who point to Trumps previous claims that the construction wouldnt interfere with the current building. The president, however, has rejected accusations that he hasnt made the full extent of the project clear, telling the BBC and other outlets last week, I think weve been more transparent than anyones ever been. Related... Read the original on HuffPost Gov. Mike Brauns recent call for a special legislative session to redraw Indianas congressional map is troubling for a number of reasons. The most important of these reasons is a clear bending of the knee to the Trump administration rather than a focus on serving Hoosiers. This only serves to further divide voters along party lines and take power from the citizens Braun pledged to serve. Calling for redrawing the lines mid-decade, not even five years after the last redrawing, is nothing more than kowtowing to federal power. In this moment, we need strong, trustworthy leadership investing in the growing market of renewable energy and infrastructure so our state is ready to face the challenges of the future. This show of blind fealty to the Trump administration, prioritizing saving face to the president rather than serving Hoosiers, only serves to erode trust in our state administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I call for all Republican state senators and representatives, particularly Rep. Jake Teshka and Sen. Ryan Mishler, to oppose this push for redistricting and to address the issues we are actually facing as Hoosiers, like projected energy needs of the incoming data centers and the need for clean, stable energy sources to meet the need. Wesley Lantz South Bend Sign of cruelty Earlier this year, the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles proposed new rules that would prohibit transgender and gender expansive people from obtaining ID that reflects who they are. Hoosiers spoke out clearly with thousands of emails and hours of public testimony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to this clear opposition, the BMV quietly withdrew the rule without providing any public record of that testimony. Not satisfied with a loud and clear no from Hoosiers, theyve reintroduced the exact same harmful language for yet another round of public comment. Denying individuals the right to change the gender marker on their ID is not only discriminatory it is dangerous. In an increasingly hostile climate, mismatched identification can make people targets for harassment, threats and violence. For many LGBTQ+ young people, like those served by IYG, affirming identification is more than paperwork its safety, dignity and a small but vital form of recognition from their state. The people of Indiana already spoke loudly and clearly against this policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement IYG stands firmly against this proposed rule and alongside every Hoosier whose safety, humanity and right to self-identification are being threatened. We call on Hoosiers to once again raise their voices during the public comment period. We will not allow our voices to be erased. Our young people deserve a state that protects them, not one that targets them. Chris Paulsen CEO, IYG (formerly Indiana Youth Group) Indianapolis Remember this I hope the American voters remember this extended government shutdown and, in the next election, vote for candidates who will work for the voters. Put parties aside and do what is best for the people and America. Martha Tyler Lakeville This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Braun's redistricting call kowtows to federal power | Letters Residents of the Penha favela in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro laid out at least 64 bodies on one of the neighbourhood's main streets on Wednesday after a bloody police operation. The state government had earlier confirmed that 60 suspects and four police officers had been killed in the operation against the Comando Vermelho (Red Command) crime syndicate. It was initially unclear whether the bodies were additional victims or whether they belonged to those killed the previous day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Military police spokesman Marcelo de Menezes Nogueira told the broadcaster TV Globo that he believed they were deaths that had not yet been recorded. If this is confirmed, more than 120 people would have been killed in the police operation. On Tuesday, security forces and criminals engaged in hours of fighting in the Alemao and Penha favelas in northern Rio de Janeiro. At least 2,500 police officers were involved in the operation, which also included two helicopters and dozens of armoured vehicles. Criminals set barricades and cars on fire, dropped explosive devices from drones and opened fire on the officers. At least 64 people, including four police officers, were killed in the northern part of Rio de Janeiro during a police operation targeting the Comando Vermelho, or Red Command, crime syndicate, authorities said on Tuesday. State Governor Claudio Castro said 81 suspected gang members were detained during the raid in the Alemao favela and the Penha neighbourhood. Local media reported that the hours-long gun battles marked the deadliest police operation in the state's history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are acting together with full force to make it clear that power lies with the state," Castro told a news conference at the security command centre. "We will continue to fight organized crime with determination." Major drug syndicate targeted The Comando Vermelho is one of the largest criminal syndicates in the South American country and is primarily active in drug trafficking. According to the authorities, a regional leader of the group and the financial head of one of the gang's top bosses were detained during the operation. Police also seized more than 90 automatic weapons and over 200 kilograms of drugs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least 2,500 police officers took part in the operation, which involved two helicopters and dozens of armoured vehicles. Nine police officers and three civilians suffered gunshot wounds. Criminals set barricades and cars on fire, dropped explosive devices from drones and opened fire on the officers, according to reports. During one of the most intense phases of the clashes, over 200 shots were fired in one minute. Dressed in black combat gear and carrying assault rifles, police officers stormed through the narrow alleyways of the slums. The near civil warlike scenes in Rio de Janeiro also had a major impact on daily life in the city. More than 100 bus routes were forced to change due to the fighting and several universities and schools suspended classes. Around 280,000 people live in the affected neighbourhoods. Police violence in Brazil among the world's highest Brazil has one of the highest rates of deadly police operations in the world. In 2024, security forces killed 6,243 people - an average of 17 per day - according to the country's public security yearbook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police operations in Brazil cannot be compared to those in Europe. Many poor neighbourhoods are controlled by heavily armed drug gangs and officers carrying out raids to execute arrest warrants or search for drugs are frequently met with automatic gunfire. Human rights groups have long accused the police of excessive violence. Human rights groups call for investigation The UN Human Rights Office called for an investigation into Tuesday's deadly raid. "We are horrified by the ongoing police operation in favelas in Rio de Janeiro, reportedly already resulting in deaths of over 60 people, including 4 police officers," the office said in a statement on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This deadly operation furthers the trend of extreme lethal consequences of police operations in Brazil's marginalized communities." "We remind authorities of their obligations under international human rights law, and urge prompt and effective investigations." Amnesty International also criticized the raid. "Public safety is not achieved with blood," the group said in a statement. It added that the operation was the deadliest in Rio de Janeiro's history and exposed the "failure of the state's security policy," leaving the city in a "state of terror." RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) A massive police raid on a drug gang embedded in low-income neighborhoods of Rio de Janeiro that left at least 119 people dead drew protests for excessive force Wednesday and calls for the Rios governor to resign. Dozens of favelas residents gathered in front of the states government headquarters shouting assassins! and waving Brazilian flags stained with red paint, a day after Rio's deadliest raid and hours after families and residents laid dozens of dead bodies on a street in one of the targeted communities to show the magnitude of the operation. Questions quickly arose about the death count and the state of the bodies, with reports of disfigurement and knife wounds. Brazil's Supreme Court, prosecutors and lawmakers asked Rio state Gov. Claudio Castro to provide detailed information about the operation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was a massacre, said Barbara Barbosa, a domestic worker from the Penha complex of favelas, one of the two huge communities targeted in the police operation. She said her son was killed in a prior operation in Penha. Do we have a death sentence? Stop killing us, said activist Rute Sales, 56. Many residents came Penha in Rio's poor, northern zone to the imposing Guanabara Palace on motorbikes. The toll of 115 suspects and four policemen killed was an increase over what authorities originally said were 60 suspects dead in Tuesdays raid by about 2,500 police and soldiers in the favelas of Penha and Complexo de Alemao. Felipe Curi, Rio state police secretary, told a news conference that bodies of additional suspects were found in a wooded area where he said they had worn camouflage while battling with security forces. He said local residents had removed clothing and equipment from the bodies, in what would be investigated as evidence tampering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These individuals were in the woods, equipped with camouflage clothing, vests and weapons. Now many of them appeared wearing underwear or shorts, with no equipment, as if they had come through a portal and changed clothes, Curi said. Earlier Wednesday, in the neighborhood of Penha, residents had surrounded many of the bodies collected in trucks and displayed in a main square and shouted massacre" and justice before forensic authorities arrived to retrieve the remains. They can take them to jail, why kill them like this? Lots of them were alive and calling for help, resident Elisangela Silva Santos, 50, said during the gathering in Penha. Yes theyre traffickers, but theyre human. The tally of suspects arrested stood at 113 up from 81 cited previously, Curi said. The state government said some 90 rifles and more than a ton of drugs were seized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police and soldiers had launched the raid in helicopters, armored vehicles and on foot, targeting the Red Command gang. They drew gunfire and other retaliation from gang members, sparking scenes of chaos across the city on Tuesday. Schools in the affected areas shuttered, a local university canceled classes, and roads were blocked with buses used as barricades. Many shops remained closed Wednesday morning in Penha, where local activist Raull Santiago said he was part of a team that found about 15 bodies before dawn. We saw executed people: shot in the back, shots to the head, stab wounds, people tied up. This level of brutality, the hatred that is spread - theres no other way to describe it except as a massacre, Santiago said. Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered Castro to provide information about the police operation and scheduled a hearing with the state governor and the heads of the military and civil police next Monday in Rio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Senate's commission for human rights said it was asking for clarifications from the Rio state government. Meanwhile, Rio prosecutors requested that Castro provide detailed information about the operation and proof that there was no less harmful means of achieving its objectives. And the federal public prosecutor's office asked the Forensic Medical Institute to ensure that autopsy reports contain full descriptions and photographic and radiographic documentation of all injuries. Castro said on Tuesday that Rio was at war against narco-terrorism, a term that echoed the Trump administration in its campaign against drug smuggling in Latin America. On Wednesday, Castro called the operation a success, apart from the deaths of the four police officers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rios state government said that the suspects who had been killed had resisted police. Rio has been the scene of lethal police raids for decades. In March 2005, some 29 people were killed in Rios Baixada Fluminense region, while in May 2021, 28 were killed in the Jacarezinho favela. But the scale and lethality of Tuesdays operation are unprecedented. Non-governmental organizations and the U.N. human rights body quickly raised concerns over the high number of reported fatalities and called for investigations. We fully understand the challenges of having to deal with violent and well-organized groups such as Red Command, said U.N. Human Rights Spokesperson Marta Hurtado said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Brazil must break this cycle of extreme brutality and ensure that law enforcement operations comply with international standards regarding the use of force, she said, adding that the body was calling for full-fledged policing reform. Late on Wednesday, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on X that he had instructed the justice minister and director-general of Federal Police to meet Castro for a meeting in Rio. Brazil cannot accept that organized crime continues to destroy families, oppress residents, and spread drugs and violence across cities, he said. The operation's stated objectives were capturing leaders and limiting the territorial expansion of the Red Command gang, which has increased its control over favelas in recent years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gang members allegedly targeted police with at least one drone. Rio de Janeiros state government shared a video on X of what appeared to show a drone firing a projectile from the sky. Gov. Castro, from the conservative opposition Liberal Party, said Tuesday that Rio was alone in this war. He said the federal government should be providing more support to combat crime in a swipe at the administration of Lula's leftist administration. His comments were challenged by the Justice Ministry, which said it had responded to requests from Rios state government to deploy national forces in the state, renewing their presence 11 times. Gleisi Hoffmann, the Lula administrations liaison with the parliament, agreed that more coordinated action was needed but pointed to a recent crackdown on money laundering as an example of the federal governments action on organized crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justice Minister Ricardo Lewandowski said it was clearly an extremely bloody and violent operation. We should reflect on whether this kind of action is compatible with the Democratic Rule of Law that governs us all, he told journalists on Wednesday. Criminal gangs have expanded their presence across Brazil in recent years, including in the Amazon rainforest. Roberto Uchoa, from the Brazilian Forum on Public Safety think-tank, said that criminal gangs have strengthened despite these kinds of operations, suggesting that they are inefficient. Killing more than 100 people like this wont help decrease the Red Commands expansion. The dead will soon be replaced, Uchoa said. A federal judge in Illinois on Wednesday unsealed a federal indictment charging Illinois Democratic congressional candidate Kat Abughazaleh with two federal crimes, naming her among six people accused of obstructing law enforcement during a protest outside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Broadview, near Chicago. She told The Advocate that the Trump Justice Department "picked the wrong person" to try to intimidate. Keep up with the latest in LGBTQ + news and politics. Sign up for The Advocate's email newsletter. Abughazaleh, 26, faces one count of conspiracy to impede a federal officer and one count of forcibly interfering with a federal officer. The Trump Justice Department indictment, returned by a grand jury in the Northern District of Illinois, also charges five other defendants. Prosecutors allege that the group surrounded an ICE agents vehicle during a September 26 protest, preventing the agent by force, intimidation, and threat from performing official duties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: ICE detained San Francisco drag queen after asylum hearing According to the October 23 indictment, the protesters banged on the cars windows, scratched the exterior, broke a side mirror, and etched the word PIG into the vehicles body. Each defendant faces up to eight years in prison on the obstruction charge and up to five years on the conspiracy charge if convicted. The case, United States v. Rabbitt et al., is assigned to U.S. District Judge April M. Perry, who was appointed to the bench by President Joe Biden. A progressive Democrat running in Illinoiss 9th Congressional District to succeed retiring Rep. Jan Schakowsky, Abughazaleh is a Palestinian American and outspoken LGBTQ+ rights advocate who has emerged as a rising figure on the left. Earlier this month, the bisexual candidate was named to Out magazines 2025 Out100 list of Disruptors, which celebrates changemakers reshaping queer culture. Out is a sibling publication of The Advocate, both owned by equalpride. Related: Trump administration stops abuse protection for transgender detainees in ICE custody Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In her Out profile, Abughazaleh said her campaign was driven by a desire to resist authoritarianism and shamelessly advocate for a better life for the 99 percent. Before entering politics, she gained national attention as a media analyst tracking right-wing extremism and online misinformation. In a video posted to social media on Wednesday afternoon, Abughazaleh denounced the prosecution as a gross attempt to silence dissent and a major push by the Trump administration to criminalize protest. (@) This is a political prosecution, she said. The Trump administration wants you to be afraid of speaking out against it, and its anti-democratic power threats. She accused federal authorities of using the justice system to scare us into silence after months of escalating confrontations between ICE and immigrant-rights activists. Abughazaleh said she and others were targeted for exercising their First Amendment rights. ICE has hit, dragged, thrown, shot with pepper balls, and teargassed hundreds of protesters simply because we had the gall to say that masked men coming into our communities, abducting our neighbors, and terrorizing us cannot be our new normal, she said. Abughazaleh concluded her message by pledging to fight the case and continue her campaign: I have spent my career fighting Americas backslide into fascism. Im not going to stop now, and I hope you wont either. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a phone interview with The Advocate following the videos release, Abughazaleh said she views the indictment as a clear infringement on our First Amendment rights and an attempt by the administration to criminalize protest, to get rid of the idea of free association, and to ensure that anyone who disagrees with the government, who who publicly dissents from anything Trump does, will face penalties. Related: Chicago alderperson describes sanctioned violence after ICE detained her for simply asking questions This is government overreach, she said. Ive spent my career fighting Americas backslide into fascism. These are the exact types of cases I expected when Trump took power, but its still a shock when it becomes reality, and its the reality for me now. She described what she called one-sided violence by federal agents in Chicago, alleging that ICE had abducted people and doused their neighbors in tear gas in recent weeks. Weve heard reports of people being zip-tied to a tree for hours while others were rounded up, she told The Advocate, adding that she and others were protesting the crimes ICE is committing and the conditions at the Broadview facility, where witnesses had reported detainees being denied water and carried out on stretchers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite facing federal prosecution, Abughazaleh said the charges had only strengthened her resolve. If their goal was to silence me, they picked the wrong person, she said. There are a lot more of us who want the Constitution to exist than there are people who want authoritarian rule. This article originally appeared on Advocate: Illinois Democratic candidate Kat Abughazaleh calls out DOJ indictment RELATED Outback Steakhouse has abruptly closed restaurants across several states. The locations shuttered seemingly overnight, including some that had been in business for more than 35 years. The closures do not appear linked to the 41 restaurant closures announced by Outback Steakhouse's parent company, Bloomin' Brands, back in February 2024. Bloomin' Brands also owns Bonefish Grill, Carrabbas Italian Grill, and Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. Local media outlets reported on closures in six states: Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, New York, Maryland, and Wisconsin. Some locations had been open for decadesincluding a 35-year-old restaurant in Florida and a 24-year-old restaurant in Alabamawhile others were just a year old, including one Maryland location. So far, the following Outback Steakhouse locations have closed: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Birmingham, Alabama: 20th Street North at 20 Midtown Birmingham, Alabama: Inverness location on U.S. 280 Jacksonville Beach, Florida: 3760 South 3rd Street Naples, Florida: 4910 U.S. 41 North Baton Rouge, Louisiana: Jones Creek Boulevard Silver Spring, Maryland: 8661 Colesville Road in Ellsworth Place Mall Merrick, New York: 2124 Merrick Mall Madison, Wisconsin: 4520 E. Towne Boulevard* *A Madison, Wisconsin location of Bonefish Grill (7345 Mineral Point Road) has also closed. "These are business decisions that are part of our ongoing turnaround plan," Bloomin' Brands spokesperson Elizabeth Daly told USA Today in a statement. "We considered a variety of factors, including sales and traffic, trade areas, and potential investments to improve performance." Daly also told Allrecipes that employees who worked at closed restaurants will have a chance to transfer to open positions at nearby restaurants when possible, and everyone will earn a transition bonus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One Reddit user and self-identified Outback employee in Madison posted that the closure came as a surprise, writing, "It was super sudden. Told a few of my regulars I couldn't wait to see them again soon Sunday night and 12 hours later I was unemployed." At the Silver Spring location, some customers only learned it was closed from a note on the door reading "Now closed." Read the original article on Allrecipes A new breath test for pancreatic cancer could revolutionise treatment for the disease, experts have said. Scientists at Imperial College London are hoping the world-first test will turn the tide on the disease, which is notoriously hard to spot in its early stages. Pancreatic Cancer UK, which is funding a study of the test, said its launch was the most significant step toward a life-saving breakthrough in 50 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vague symptoms associated with pancreatic cancer, including back pain and indigestion, mean it is often not detected until it has spread to other parts of the body. b' ' A recent audit of pancreatic cancer in England and Wales found that the majority of pancreatic cancer patients are diagnosed at a late stage 62 per cent of patients in England and 65 per cent of patients in Wales are diagnosed at stage four. Survival rates are particularly poor for this type of cancer some 22 per cent do not survive for 30 days after diagnosis in England and 21 per cent in Wales. The new breath test will be tested among 6,000 patients with an unknown diagnosis across 40 sites in England, Wales and Scotland. The breath test detects organic compounds which can give an early warning of pancreatic cancer - Jeff Moore/Pancreatic Cancer UK If it proves effective, it is hoped it could be introduced in GP surgeries within five years, meaning patients could be diagnosed sooner when treatment may be more effective. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trial follows a smaller study of 700 patients over two years which had promising results. The breath test is used to detect a combination of volatile organic compounds present in the breath. Thousands of these compounds travel around the bloodstream and are filtered out when the blood reaches the lungs and then expelled out with breath, Pancreatic Cancer UK said. Isolating unique combinations of these compounds can pinpoint whether or not a person has pancreatic cancer, with results available for GPs in just three days. Changes are evident even when the cancer is at its earliest stage. At present, patients with suspected pancreatic cancer are referred for scans, or sent to the hospital for further investigations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement b' ' Diana Jupp, the chief executive of Pancreatic Cancer UK which is providing 1.1m to fund the study said: The breath test has the potential to revolutionise the early detection of pancreatic cancer. It is, undoubtedly, the most significant step toward a lifesaving breakthrough in 50 years. While more years of development are still needed before we can put this exciting new technology into the hands of GPs across the country, thousands of patients with an unknown diagnosis will now help refine it in the real world. This is the first pancreatic cancer breath test to ever reach a national clinical trial of this scale. That in itself makes this a moment of real, tangible hope. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For decades the deadliest common cancer has been seen as too great a challenge to solve but we are determined to keep pushing the boundaries of whats thought possible. Prof George Hanna, head of the department of surgery and cancer at Imperial College London who is leading the project said: If our findings from the initial phase of the breath test study can be validated in a population of patients with an unknown diagnosis, it has huge potential to influence clinical practice and pancreatic cancer referral pathways. The funding announced today means we can now move quickly to that patient validation study stage, which is a very exciting next step for us. We look forward to seeing how the test performs in this group of patients with suspected cancer. 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. Omaha City Councilman Brinker Hardings third-quarter haul leads all 2nd District U.S. House candidates, including former State Sen. Brett Lindstrom. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner) OMAHA Omaha City Councilman Brinker Harding leads Republican and overall fundraising in the latest quarter of the race to represent Nebraskas 2nd Congressional District in the U.S. House. The two-man GOP primary between Harding and former State Sen. Brett Lindstrom of Omaha will decide which candidate tries to hold the Omaha-based seat that retiring GOP U.S. Rep. Don Bacon won five times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harding raised $561,527 in the third quarter, which ended in September. Lindstrom brought in $286,958. Lindstroms leadership PAC, Cornhusker Conservatives PAC, raised another $123,980 though such PACs are typically used to support other campaigns. Harding said his patriotic and optimistic message of making Americas next 250 years more like its Heartland is resonating. Harding has a cash on hand advantage of $437,830 compared to Lindstroms $276,120. Harding has spent the most, $123,697, much of it on event sponsorships, campaign apparel, fundraising, social media and campaign consulting. Lindstrom spent $10,838 in the third quarter, mainly on campaign consulting. The spending hints at the races current dynamic. Harding is working on branding himself to GOP voters who might not know his city work, posting videos of himself reacting to national and local political developments on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Lindstrom has leaned into name ID groundwork he laid as a candidate for governor in 2022 and as a two-term state lawmaker in suburban Omaha, Lindstrom has attended local GOP events across the district. Andy Finzer, Lindstroms campaign manager, said the campaign feels confident that Lindstrom will win the primary. Two candidates are vying to be the Republican candidate for an open seat in Nebraskas 2nd Congressional District. At left, Brinker Harding, and Brett Lindstrom. (Harding photo courtesy of campaign | Lindstrom photo by Zach Wendling/Nebraska News Service | U.S. Capitol photo by Ashley Murray/States Newsroom) While others talk about cutting taxes, reducing government and delivering results for Nebraska families, Brett has actually done it, Finzer said. The 2nd District is the states most politically divided and diverse, with all of urban Douglas and rural Saunders Counties and a slice of suburban western Sarpy County. Political observers view the seat as a possible Democratic pickup in next years midterms, but national and local Republican operatives see a path to victory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A crowded field of Democrats is competing to represent the party in November 2026. The list includes State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha, Douglas County District Court Clerk Crystal Rhoades and business owner Denise Powell, as well as Navy veteran Kishla Askins, former congressional staffer James Leuschen and Evangelos Argyrakis. While Harding led third-quarter fundraising, Powell has raised the most of any candidate to date. The GOP primary is May 12. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE BRISTOL, Va. (WJHL) The Bristol, Virginia City Council approved an agreement that will allow the citys police department and the Bristol, Tennessee Police Department to share video from cameras that will be installed along State Street. According to the memorandum of understanding, the cameras will be installed between Volunteer Parkway and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Bristol, Virginia, Mayor Becky Nave said the city received a state grant to install five cameras at no cost to city taxpayers. She said Bristol, Tennessee, plans to install cameras as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sometimes our cameras may catch footage of things they need on their side, and then vice versa, their cameras may catch things that we need to see on our side, Nave said. So this will give us an opportunity to work with Bristol, Tennessee, and share footage should we need it. FAA employee persevering through shutdown, no pay The agreement also allows the cities to install, maintain, and operate cameras on utility poles on the other citys side of the state line. Each city will share login credentials, allowing each to have access to view and download video recorded by the cameras. Our police departments work great together already. And so I think this is another tool that theyll be able to collaboratively work together, Nave said. And, I think its also really great for our residents on both sides. Because now if something happens downtown and we need to pull that footage, we know its not going to be a problem to call our neighbors and ask for their side of the footage as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the agreement, the purpose of the cameras will be to investigate reported crimes. Neither city will be obligated to monitor the cameras in real-time. Each city will be responsible for the costs of installing and maintaining its own cameras. The Bristol, Tennessee City Council approved the agreement at its meeting on Oct. 7. 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 WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. Oct. 29 (UPI) -- Britain on Wednesday confirmed that it has deported to Ethiopia a convicted child sex abuser who was erroneously freed last week instead of being transferred to an immigration center. "I have pulled every lever to deport Mr. Kebatu and remove him off British soil. I am pleased to confirm this vile child sex offender has been deported," Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said in a statement. "Our streets are safer because of it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hadush Kebatu, an Ethiopian national, was convicted in April of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in Epping, Essex, which is part of the London metropolitan area. On Friday, instead of being transferred to an immigration removal facility and deported back to Ethiopia, he was mistakenly released into the community. A manhunt involving several law enforcement agencies was launched, resulting in Kebatu's arrest on Sunday. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy announced Monday the launch of an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Kebatu's release. "I am livid on behalf of the victims and the public that this mistake was allowed to happen," Lammy said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Any release in error is one too many," Kebatu gained national attention when his arrest in July sparked protests near the London hotel where he'd been staying. Hijacked by far-right demonstrators, the protest was met with police resistance. Clashes resulted in the arrest of more than 30 people. Police officers were injured and vehicles damaged. The Ethiopian asylum seeker had abused the girl eight days after his arrival in Britain by boat from France. The hotel was barred by court order from housing asylum seekers, a decision that was overturned on appeal. Ukraine's Security Service and counterintelligence investigators have detained an alleged Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) agent in Kyiv, who was revealed to be a British citizen, the Prosecutor General's Office reported on Oct. 29. The identity of the British citizen has not been disclosed. The British citizen arrived in Ukraine at the beginning of 2024 to work as an instructor training newly-mobilized troops. A few months later, he allegedly stopped teaching and began cooperating with Russian intelligence services, reportedly for "easy earnings." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man offered his services in pro-Kremlin online groups before being recruited by an FSB officer, who assigned him operational tasks, the SBU said, claiming he was "preparing to commit terrorist attacks." The suspect also passed sensitive information about Ukrainian forces to Russia, including details on foreign instructors and the locations of military training centers in southern Ukraine, according to the Prosecutor General's Office. Russian intelligence reportedly provided the British citizen with instructions for making an improvised explosive device to carry out the next assignment, along with the location of a hiding place from which he retrieved a pistol loaded with two magazines. SBU counterintelligence uncovered the plot and detained the British citizen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect is now in custody and faces up to 12 years in prison, along with possible property confiscation. Authorities are investigating to determine all the circumstances of the case and whether additional charges may apply. Russia continues to recruit Ukrainian and foreign nationals for subversive operations amid its full-scale invasion. Children are also targeted, often lured through social media and online games. From Kyiv to New York the Kyiv Independent brings stories from democracys front line Get tickets Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. THE BRONX, N.Y. (PIX11) A Bronx restaurant known for its comfort food is turning that comfort into compassion. Inside The Original Dumpling Shop off Baychester Avenue, owner Collin Douglas stirs a pot of steaming dumplings, same as hes done here for eight years and across New York for nearly four decades. But today, the warmth in his kitchen isnt just about food. More Local News We just making this space to make it comfortable for people to drop off stuff for the hurricane, Douglas said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shop has turned into a collection point for donations after Hurricane Melissa tore through Jamaica on Tuesday the strongest storm to strike the island in 174 years. Streets in Kingston remain flooded, and damage has been reported across homes, schools, and hospitals. In the back of the restaurant, boxes of bottled water, diapers, first aid kits, and cleaning supplies are stacked and ready to ship. We need zinc, we need canned goods, we need stuff with kids, Douglas said. Theres schools down there that we have to help repair. Theres hospitals down there that we have to help repair. Gotta do what we gotta do, you know. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The efforts are in partnership with the Jah Jah Foundation, a Brooklyn-based nonprofit whose name stands for Jamaicans Abroad Helping Jamaicans at Home. The group provides both disaster relief and mental health support for families on the ground. Jamaica has been spared for many hurricanes that traverse that particular region, but its the first time Jamaica has had a direct hit, said Dr. Trevor Dixon, founder and CEO of the Jah Jah Foundation. Dr. Dixon says every donation counts. Jamaicans have contributed in every society in life, theres not a person who exist that doesnt know a Jamaican, he said. If you been to the resorts in Jamaica and had a great time, now is time to give back. Donations can be dropped off at The Original Dumpling Shop in the Bronx or made online through the foundations website here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. A Brooklyn man linked to three separate homicides just weeks apart in 2020 when he was a 16-year-old gangbanger was sentenced to 33 years to life in prison, officials said Tuesday. Iquan Warlick, 21, who lives in Fort Greene, pleaded guilty last month to second-degree murder, attempted murder, criminal possession of a weapon and conspiracy. Several other gang members had been previously sentenced for their role in the shootings, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These defendants turned our streets into shooting galleries and showed shocking disregard for human life, Gonzalez said in a statement. Three innocent people were killed, others wounded, and the defendants tried to intimidate whole neighborhoods. That ends here. Long prison terms like this send a simple message to anyone who thinks gang beefs can be settled with a gun. Brooklyn will not tolerate it, and we will hold you accountable. According to prosecutors, on Sept. 12, 2020, Warlick was trading texts with gang associates, telling them the location of a rival gang member who was later fatally shot. Some six weeks later, on Oct. 28, Warlick and another gang associate surprised a rival gang member at an East New York bodega, chasing him outside, where Warlick fatally shot him, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The following month, on Nov. 22, Warlick and his partners ambushed an East New York birthday party, where a rival was shot in the leg. When the party moved to a Bedford-Stuyvesant location, Warlick and his partners followed, opened fire and killed Daijyonna Long, 20, a college student visiting from Virginia, officials said. Officials said Warlick went online to boast about one of the shootings. Just violated some rocky world na, Warlick wrote in a group chat, referencing the name of the rival crew. He also sent a link to the Citizen app with the headline boasting: Man Critically Injured in Shooting. BROWN COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) Officials in Brown County say a 14-month investigation led to a mass operation on Wednesday that saw 11 search warrant executions and 15 arrests of alleged drug traffickers tied to Mexican cartels. Appleton PD arrests teacher at Fox Valley Lutheran HS for child pornography The Brown County Sheriffs Office reported that the Drug Task Force worked with Lake Winnebago Area Metropolitan Enforcement Groups Drug Unit on 11 search warrants in the following locations: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bellevue Green Bay Lawrence Neenah The operation was made as part of an investigation that officials say had gone on for over a year, as the Brown County Sheriffs Office said deputies were seeking individuals involved in a large drug trafficking group tied to Mexican cartels. The drug trafficking group, officials say, was responsible for large distributions of cocaine and marijuana throughout northeast Wisconsin. 15 people were arrested on Wednesday during the search warrant actions. Officials seized the following items: Two kilograms of cocaine Seven pounds of marijuana 21 guns Two vehicles $28,400 31-year-old accused of 2024 stabbing in Green Bay has jury trial pushed back with added dates Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 23 additional arrests were made over the course of the 14-month investigation, with additional seizures of the following items: 1.2 kilograms of cocaine 38 pounds of marijuana Six guns $18,100 Officials added that more arrests are possible in the future relating to this operation. 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 WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. (NewsNation) Emma Heming Willis is breaking her silence about husband Bruce Willis frontotemporal dementia diagnosis and the challenges of caring for one of Hollywoods most beloved actors while raising their two young daughters. The 69-year-old Die Hard star was diagnosed with FTD in 2022, bringing sudden attention to a little-known disease affecting an estimated 7 million Americans living with dementia. By 2060, new dementia cases are expected to double to 1 million annually. In an interview with NewsNations Elizabeth Vargas, Emma Heming Willis discussed her New York Times bestselling book, The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope and Yourself on the Caregiving Path, which offers guidance she wishes shed had three years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kelsey Grammer, wife welcome baby boy his eighth child Emma Heming Willis said her husband experiences anosognosia, a neurological condition in which patients dont recognize their own health decline. I am grateful that Bruce never tapped into the idea that he had FTD, she said. If Bruce had said, Emma, I think somethings wrong with me. Im scared, that would have been really distressing. Unlike Alzheimers, FTD affects the frontal and temporal lobes, controlling behavior, language and communication. Bruce Willis still recognizes his family. We dont need words, Emma Heming Willis said. We have a very deep connection, and we have learned to sort of meet him where hes at and just be supportive and be able to just love him. Bruce Willis diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2022 FTD is the most common form of dementia in people younger than 60, affecting social behavior, language and communication rather than memory. Bruce Willis was diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia, a variant that impacts language and communication abilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think all things considering, I think that hes doing OK with a really unkind disease, Emma Heming Willis said. He communicates. Its just in a different way that we have learned to adapt to. Bruce Willis moved to second home after dementia diagnosis The first symptom she noticed was Bruce Willis childhood stutter returning: Never in my wildest dreams would I think that was now becoming a symptom of FTD, she said. Bruce Willis now lives separately to protect young daughters, wife says Emma Heming Willis revealed that Bruce Willis now lives in a separate house, a decision she called one of the hardest shes ever made. With young children at home, she said she needed to make the best and safest decision for both her husband and their daughters, who were 8 and 10 when their father was diagnosed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SpaceX settles Cards Against Humanity lawsuit Bruce wouldnt want our childrens lives to be clouded by his diagnosis, she said, adding that she hopes her transparency supports other caregivers facing similar difficult decisions. Caregiving is not a solo mission: Bruce Willis wifes message to 63M Americans A neurologist told her that caregivers have 63% higher mortality rates and often die before those for whom theyre caring. The revelation became her wake-up call to prioritize self-care. What I really needed was the permission to be able to ask for help, Emma Heming Willis said. Caregiving is not a solo mission, and this narrative needs to be changed. She said more than 63 million Americans are caregivers with little to no support, and experts say caregivers wait too long to ask for help until their support systems collapse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jamie Lee Curtis clarifies Charlie Kirk response amid reported backlash It was definitely my wake-up call to realize that caregiving can be really harmful to your health, she said. That was a call for me to start taking care of myself, because I needed to see and make sure that I could sustain this journey. She called becoming Bruce Willis care partner one of the most rewarding and transformative experiences of my life. 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 NewsNation. (NewsNation) Emma Heming Willis received an alarming wake-up call from her husbands neurologist: Caregivers have 63% higher mortality rates and often die before the people for whom theyre caring. That was a statistic that I had never heard, and it was definitely my wake up call to realize that caregiving can be really harmful to your health, Emma said in a Tuesday interview with NewsNations Elizabeth Vargas. The revelation prompted her to prioritize self-care while caring for husband Bruce Willis, who was diagnosed with dementia in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kelsey Grammer, wife welcome baby boy his eighth child The 69-year-old Die Hard star was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2022, bringing sudden attention to a little-known disease that affects an estimated 7 million Americans. By 2060, new dementia cases are expected to double to 1 million annually. In an interview with NewsNations Elizabeth Vargas, Emma Heming Willis discussed her New York Times bestselling book, The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope and Yourself on the Caregiving Path, which offers guidance she wishes shed had three years ago. Caregiving is not a solo mission: Bruce Willis wifes message to 63M Americans What I really needed was the permission to be able to ask for help, Emma Heming Willis said. Caregiving is not a solo mission, and this narrative needs to be changed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SpaceX settles Cards Against Humanity lawsuit She said that more than 63 million Americans are caregivers with little to no support, and experts say caregivers wait too long to ask for help until their support systems collapse. That was a call for me to start taking care of myself, because I needed to see and make sure that I could sustain this journey. Bruce Willis diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2022 FTD is the most common form of dementia in people younger than 60, affecting social behavior, language and communication rather than memory. Bruce Willis was diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia, a variant that impacts language and communication abilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think all things considering, I think that hes doing OK with a really unkind disease, Emma Heming Willis said. He communicates. Its just in a different way that we have learned to adapt to. Jamie Lee Curtis clarifies Charlie Kirk response amid reported backlash The first symptom she noticed was Bruce Willis childhood stutter returning: Never in my wildest dreams would I think that was now becoming a symptom of FTD, she said. Bruce Willis now lives separately to protect young daughters, wife says Emma Heming Willis revealed that Bruce Willis now lives in a separate house, a decision she called one of the hardest shes ever made. With young children at home, she said she needed to make the best and safest decision for both her husband and their daughters, who were 8 and 10 when their father was diagnosed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spencer Hatchers new EP set months after family tragedy Bruce wouldnt want our childrens lives to be clouded by his diagnosis, she said, adding that she hopes her transparency supports other caregivers facing similar difficult decisions. Bruce Willis doesnt know he has dementia, wife says its a blessing Despite the challenges, Emma Heming Willis said Bruce Willis experiences anosognosia, a neurological condition where patients dont realize their health decline. Its a blessing and the curse, she said. I am grateful that Bruce never tapped in to the idea that he had FTD. Unlike Alzheimers, FTD affects the frontal and temporal lobes, controlling behavior, language and communication. Bruce Willis still recognizes his family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We dont need words, Emma Heming Willis said. We have a very deep connection, and we have learned to sort of meet him where hes at and just be supportive and be able to just love him. She called becoming Bruce Willis care partner one of the most rewarding and transformative experiences of my life. 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 NewsNation. Content Warning: This article discusses sexual assault. Please return to the homepage if you are uncomfortable. If you are in distress and need to speak with someone, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673. AUSTIN (KXAN) The Hays County Sheriffs Office announced the arrest of a former Buda resident, who was extradited from Canada to face multiple warrants for sexual assault. Juan Pablo Acosta mugshot (Hays County Jail) Buda police initially arrested Juan Pablo Acosta, 45, on July 13, 2021. He was charged with two second-degree felony counts of sexual assault in that case, and the arrest also triggered bond forfeiture in a Travis County discharge of a firearm case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He bonded out of Hays County Jail two days after his arrest, HCSO said. However, during November 2021, Buda Police allegedly connected Acosta with 30 sexual assault warrants, according to HCSO. Buda asked HCSOs Special Services Division for help locating Acosta in December 2021. Thats when authorities learned that he wasnt in Texas, or the U.S. During the investigation, information was discovered Acosta was residing in Toronto, Canada, HCSO said in its Wednesday press release. An extradition required Federal court approval from United States, Mexican, and Canadian authorities. While authorities worked on an extradition, Acosta was arrested in Canada on June 27, 2025, on unrelated charges, HCSO said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Marshals brought Acosta back to Hays County on Wednesday, according to court records, and hes currently held without bond at the Hays County Jail. 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. STATESBORO, Ga (WSAV) With election day less than a week away, the Bulloch County Board of Commissioners Chairman David Bennett shared information about a ballot measure that would increase sales tax in the county, if approved. A referendum on a Floating Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST) is on the ballot this election cycle and would raise sales tax from 8% to 9% in Bulloch County. If approved, the change would go into effect Jan. 1, 2026, but the county and its municipalities would not see any revenue from the tax until July 1, 2027. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bennett shared with WSAV that the ballot measure comes after the passage of a 2024 bill that reformed property tax assessment in the state of Georgia and can only be used to lower residents tax bills. I want to be very clear with that is the only thing that the FLOST can be used for is to offset property taxes, he said. This isnt something where the county can come down the road and say we want to use it to build a park or to buy a new vehicle or something like that. The passage of FLOST could bring savings to residents who own property in Bulloch County. The average appraised value of a piece of property in Bulloch County right now is $350,000, so at that price and using the 2024 figures for a sales tax to generate, folks will see about a 39% decrease in their property taxes, Bennett said. That equates to about $600 in savings, a little bit over that actually. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Data provided by Bennett using the current millage rate and a projected FLOST reduction rate of 39.28% shows that a property owner with the average value of $350,000 could see a reduction of $1,598 in property taxes to $964.84 a saving of $624.16. Watch David Bennetts full Interview about the FLOST proposal Bennett said he was hesitant to fully express support or opposition on a ballot measure as an elected official but did share what he would say to folks if asked. This is a great way for us to offset that property tax, and where you have that property tax burden on just property owners, this spreads this across everyone that uses services in the county, Bennett said. In my mind, (this is) a much fairer way to generate the revenue that we need to operate the services that the county must provide by law. 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. MIDLAND COUNTY, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) Midland County Crime Stoppers is asking for the publics help after a burglary at a business east of Midland caused several thousand dollars in losses. According to Midland Crime Stoppers, the MCSO deputies responded to the 1600 block of East County Road 140 on Oct. 8, 2025, after employees reported tools and equipment missing. According to the report, an unknown suspect entered the business yard and stole tools, a Bobcat welder, welding rods, and multiple welding helmets, valued at about $5,000. Deputies said the suspect also took tools from a work truck inside the shop and then used the companys forklift to drive through a fence, causing additional damage. A shoe print was found at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Midland Crime Stoppers is asking anyone with information to submit an anonymous tip by calling 432-694-TIPS (8477), visiting 694tips.com, or using the P3 Tips app. Tipsters 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 Yourbasin. Oct. 28Over a dozen people spoke before the vote Monday finalizing stricter enforcement of camping in Spokane. Nearly all were in favor of the change. Representatives from the Downtown Spokane Partnership, Greater Spokane Incorporated, Catholic Charities and Spokane Business Association all praised the proposal. Jonathan Mallahan spoke on behalf of the local Catholic Charities organization. He said that it is a foundational belief for the charity that housing is a human right, and that individual freedoms should be balanced by the common good. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ordinance does well to prioritize offering services to homeless people rather than punishment, he said, while "preserving the discretion needed to address behaviors that undermine a healthy, welcoming community." "That means we must care for those in greatest need, while also ensuring our shared spaces remain safe and thriving for all who work, live and visit Spokane," Mallahan said. "We believe this is the kind of compassionate realism Spokane needs." The ordinance, dubbed "Prop One Plus" by Councilman Michael Cathcart, broadens the abilities of city police in addressing homelessness, granting officers discretion whether to make an arrest, issue a ticket, offer services or some combination thereof. The tough-love perspective was shared by local small business owner Taryn Coleman, who said that she herself was once deep in the throes of addiction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I spent nearly a decade behind bars, and while I will never pretend that incarceration is the ideal solution, I will never dispute that it saved my life," she said. "When people refuse outreach, when they refuse shelter, when they refuse treatment, jail can sometimes be the last door that's still open. And sometimes that doorway is just enough space and time for someone to choose life." Owner of First Avenue Coffee Doyle Wheeler said that he strongly supports the policy change as a way to make downtown Spokane safer and instill a sense of community in people. "I believe a safe downtown will inherently grow community," he said. "It's not about growing business, It's not about growing wealth It's about growing safety and smiles and family being together." Earlier in the day, Brianne Holzendorf, 47, sat alone on the Monroe Street Bridge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was cold and hungry under her sleeping bag, collecting bits of hail as she recalled the last four months spent homeless after a fire destroyed her home. "There's nowhere to be. There's nowhere to go," Holzendorf said, tears welling in her eyes. "I mean, you're always asked to move along, no matter where it is, and nobody's happy to see you. It just sucks." Amy Melson, 44, stood on a corner outside Mod Pizza with her 4-year-old pitbull mix, Gabriel Lunchbox Martin, and a shopping cart full of everything she had in Spokane. She said she has been trying to raise funds to make it home to Oklahoma to be with her 18-year-old daughter, who is preparing to give birth to a baby girl. Melson has a home in Oklahoma and refers to herself as "stranded," rather than homeless. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both women said they longed for the innocence of childhood. "It sucks to be cold," Holzendorf said. "I just wish that I was a little kid again so I could be snuggled down and taken care of by my mom." For some living on the streets, the new ordinance isn't encouraging nor surprising. Holzendorf has been homeless for four months. After a string of major life-altering events the death of her husband, her house burning down, losing her job and then eviction from her apartment she found herself huddled under a sleeping bag on the Monroe Street Bridge. She's been approached by many police officers over her months on the street, who are for the most part kind and helpful, she said, but there are a litany of barriers that keep her from accepting their help in getting her to a shelter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For one, her boyfriend wouldn't be able to stay with her; she can't find an opening in an overnight shelter open to both men and women. "I have bad anxiety, and I just am really hesitant to separate from my other half for that overnight period," she said. "If there was a shelter that would take a couple, I would go there in a heartbeat, an absolute heartbeat." If she was able to find a space that could shelter both her and her boyfriend, who she said keeps her safe and warm, then there's the problem of getting there. She can't ride a bus with her collapsible cart, piled high with blankets for the cold season she's dreading. It ticketed, she wouldn't be able to pay it. If it came down to being arrested, ticketed or seeking shelter, she said she would feel "forced" to seek shelter, even if without her boyfriend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I have no way to pay. And I'm not interested in going to jail; I'm not," Holzendorf said. "I feel like it's just a matter of time before I would end up in jail, because I've talked to more officers and it seems like I'm always getting told to 'Move along, move along.' " It's a familiar tune to Melson, who has been living on Spokane's streets since she was removed from an Amtrak bus on her way to Tulsa four months ago. Since, she's been stuck in Spokane, trying to find her way back to Tulsa in time for the birth of her granddaughter. "I don't want to be here, straight up," she said. "I want to be back at home." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police approach Melson daily, offering resource lists that map out where shelters, treatment centers and free meals are around the city. But there's a 70-pound barrier keeping her from simply finding a shelter: her pup Gabriel, who she's had since he was a puppy. "I'm not going to a shelter if I'm leaving my dog," she said of Gabriel, dutifully laying at her feet. A roof over her head would be welcome, she said, as would the opportunity to shower and use a restroom that isn't a dumpster. "They need to come up with a place to put people. They can't keep complaining about where to put us, find somewhere for us," she said. "Help us, don't hinder us." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Melson hopes she'll be well on her way to Tulsa before police start making arrests or issuing tickets in Spokane. As for Holzendorf, her veteran boyfriend qualifies for a voucher to pay for housing, and they're awaiting the response on their application for a studio near downtown. Once she's back with a roof over her head, Holzendorf said the months on the street will have taught her a lot. "Try to have some compassion and teach your children compassion, because it's necessary," she said. "You don't know what someone else is going through, and we're all human beings and we're all in this together, whether it seems like it or not." Elena Perry's work is funded in part by members of the Spokane community via the Community Journalism and Civic Engagement Fund. This story can be republished by other organizations for free under a Creative Commons license. For more information on this, please contact our newspaper's managing editor. CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) Law enforcement confirmed that a woman was also injured when troopers shot and killed a suspect after a chase in Harrison County last week. On Oct. 21, law enforcement attempted to pull over Tyrell White, who was known to authorities as a large-scale drug distributor in Harrison County, but he took off, leading police on a pursuit across the county that ended at a home on Saddletree Road. Officers said at the home, White pointed a firearm at them, and officers opened fire, killing him. Photo from the ending scene of a high speed chase in Harrison County, West Virginia (WBOY image) A Rebecca Richison, who said she was Whites girlfriend, reached out to 12 News and said it was her house that White had fled to. She also claimed she was grazed by a bullet on her chest when officers were shooting at White. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The West Virginia State Police confirmed to 12 News Wednesday that an uninvolved female suffered a minor injury at the scene of the shooting. Troopers said that she was treated and released from a local hospital and that the state police is investigating the cause/nature of the injury. Man allegedly fired gun to prevent victim from getting her pets from home in Barbour County Richison told 12 News that on the day of the shooting, she woke up when she heard yelling in front of her house. She said she opened the door and saw that law enforcement was shooting toward White, who was in front of her house. The incident is being investigated by the West Virginia State Police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Takeaways Calhoun Countys new seal was rediscovered after sitting in a closet for many years. The bronze seal features a longleaf pine and dates to 1832. The design has been digitized for official use on stationery and other items. Commissioners also recognized substance abuse prevention employees for their community work. ANNISTON Calhoun County has a new seal that isnt actually new. It stayed in a closet for several years until it was recently discovered and admired. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bronze seal, now displayed in the Calhoun County Commissioners chamber, is a circular plaque about two feet in diameter featuring a stately reproduction of a longleaf pine tree, also in bronze. It reads, Calhoun County Commission, Alabama, 1832. Mounted on a wooden panel, the seals design is simple and uncluttered unlike the previous version, which former commissioner Robert W. Downing described as cluttered and nondescript. The old one even listed McClellan as Fort McClellan, which was accurate at the time it was created. No record has been found when the former seal was created. Downing, who helped complete the seal project hed started, said the new seal was never used because his fellow commissioners did not have a lot of enthusiasm about it. A public contest to design the seal had been held, with an entry deadline of March 31, 2008, according to an Anniston Star article on Feb. 11 of that year. No article was found indicating who might have won the contest. So, however it came to be, the seal design sat in a closet for a long time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brittney Reaves and Jonathan Gaddy found it, Downing added. Reaves and Gaddy, both county employees, contacted Downing after discovering his and businessman Greg Morrows names on the packaging. Morrow, owner of Southern Exhibits, designed the original plaque. When current commissioners decided to officially adopt it, which they did in Thursdays meeting by passing a resolution, they asked Mike Major, owner of WideNet, to create a digital version. Graphic designer Tonya Wilson was tasked with digitizing the seal for use on stationery, buildings, vehicles and printed materials. I want to have some lapel pins made, said Commissioner Lee Patterson, and when we wear them people will ask us about Calhoun County. In other business, Commissioner Danny Shears read a proclamation recognizing employees of the Substance Abuse Prevention Agency who were promoting Red Ribbon Week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On behalf of the commissioners in this county, we appreciate what you do, Shears said. You all are on the front lines every day trying to educate and change the course of many of these young folks so that they can realize that life can be happy and fun without those drugs and alcohol. Commissioners also approved several routine resolutions. (FOX40.COM) Two people were arrested after nearly half a million dollars worth of stolen Amazon merchandise was recovered by deputies in Northern California. Video Above: Most commonly reported crimes in the U.S. The Stanislaus County Sheriffs Office said it was investigating the theft of about $500,000 in merchandise, which was stolen while being shipped from the East Coast to an Amazon facility in California. Celebrity catfish scams Northern California resident out of more than $25,000 Nearly $500,000 worth of stolen Amazon merchandise was recovered in Northern California on Oct. 28, 2025. On Tuesday, detectives served three search warrants, one at a residence in Turlock and the other two at commercial properties in Modesto. According to SCSO, it recovered 25 pallets of stolen merchandise worth about $400,000. Detectives arrested Ravinder Singh, 58, of Turlock, and Nepal Singh, 36, of Modesto, for alleged possession of stolen property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both men were booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center. 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. With a citizen-led independent redistricting commission, California has long championed taking politicians out of the political map-drawing process. But a Nov. 4 ballot measure is testing the Golden State's legacy as a model for fair maps. Gov. Gavin Newsom is pitching his Proposition 50 as a referendum on President Donald Trump's grip on the legislative branch controlled by Republicans in Congress - calling it the "most transparent" redistricting process nationwide, since California voters will directly weigh in on the proposed new maps next Tuesday. MAP: Vote-by-mail ballots returned for 2025 California special election to decide Prop 50 The new district lines were controversially drawn in a flurry and passed by state lawmakers in August, and are designed to help Democrats pick up at least five more congressional seats in the 2026 midterms. The measure aims to counter to Texas, which recently approved gerrymandered maps to shore up Republicans' slim majority at the behest of President Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California Republicans have largely condemned gerrymandering efforts in both the Lone Star and Golden State, decrying the effort as a power-grab to ultimately give the reapportionment authority back to the state's Democratic supermajority Legislature. A citizen commission meant to take politics out of maps In 26 states, lawmakers control where congressional boundaries are drawn. But California ceded that influence to ordinary residents after voters approved Propositions 11 and 20 more than a decade ago. Back in 2008, when Californians approved the Voters First Act, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, at the time a political newcomer, spearheaded the charge - citing his frustrations with how gerrymandering distorted not just voter representation but the entire political process. RELATED: Arnold Schwarzenegger urges voters to reject Prop 50 "We have a broken system. Politicians draw their own districts to protect themselves, not the people," Schwarzenegger said in 2008 when advocating for Prop 11, which he said was designed to "take that power away and give it back to the voters." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cynthia Dai, who served California's inaugural independent redistricting commission in 2010, recalls the voter-driven effort as a corrective. Motivated by her passion for democracy, Dai applied to join the commission in a process she said was more rigorous than applying to an Ivy League school. How does California's independent redistricting commission work? Not only do applicants have to be vetted by the California State Auditor, but there are strict rules that disqualify anyone deemed to have a conflict of interest in choosing how the state's nearly 23 million voters are represented. Elected officials, candidates, lobbyists, major political donors, or anyone who close ties or relations to those individuals are not eligible to join the California Citizens Redistricting Commission. It is made up of 14 members from different political parties: five registered Democrats, five registered Republicans and four otherwise independent voters with "no party preferences." That lengthy qualifications and diverse background are what Dai said led to a "principled" commission - and one that was eager to draw the most equitable lines as possible. Most importantly she says, every part of the process had to happen publicly. RELATED: Obama appears in ad urging CA voters to approve Prop. 50, joining fight for US House control "Everyone could see exactly what was happening. They could see how the lines were drawn. It was not done in a smoke-filled back room by political consultants who were paid to draw these designer districts. It was drawn in public," Dai said. "Every difficult decision we made, every trade-off we had to consider, they could see what we went through." What is gerrymandering and its impact? For most voters, gerrymandering is an abstract term invoking not-so-nostalgic flashbacks from high school history class. But in practice, gerrymandering is the invisible hand influencing who represents them and often, which party can win the district before a single ballot is cast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eric Schickler - co-director of UC Berkeley's Institute of Governmental Studies - says to understand why California's redistricting fight matters, you have to revisit early American history. The ninth governor of Massachusetts was a founding father named Elbridge Gerry, who drew the state's senate districts so misshapen that critics likened it to the shape of a salamander. The first recorded appearance of the phrase "Gerry-mander" was in an 1812 political cartoon in the Boston Gazette. Both the name and the tactic stuck around. "The Constitution left it up to state legislatures to draw congressional districts and everybody knew these were politicians," Shickler said. "The expectation was they would be drawn by politicians to serve their interests. And that's what's that's gone on throughout most of American history." More than two centuries later, he says the same practice that inspired outrage in the nation's infancy remains one of the most powerful tools in modern politics: empowering elected leaders to choose their voters, rather than the other way around. RELATED: DOJ prepares to send election monitors to California following requests from state GOPs Schickler says the practice has gotten worse in recent decades, driven by the nationalization of American politicians and enabled by federal courts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It matters a lot less who happens to be the individual representing you, and what matters more is which party has the majority in the House," he said. After the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2019 that federal courts could no longer strike down maps for being too partisan, states were effectively left to police themselves. That ruling is in-part what emboldened states like Texas - which is dominated by a Republican supermajority - to engage in partisan gerrymandering with lesser threat of federal judicial intervention. Prop 50 will test California's redistricting legacy Prop 50 will sunset in 2031, returning California's map-drawing authorities to the independent commission after the decennial U.S. Census has updated data about voter changes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even as a registered Democratic voter, Dai said she fears this one-time change could set a dangerous precedent for politicians to try and eliminate the commission in the future. Since the redistricting process is enriched in California's Constitution, lawmakers would have to ask voters again in a statewide proposition to permanently return line-drawing powers back to the Legislature. Dai said she wants to see the Democratic Party campaign harder to flip California's districts - which she argues are already competitive because of the independent commission's work. "We're set up, historically anyway, for a blue wave. There's a good chance we're going to flip those districts naturally," she said. "Why give up all the progress that we've made to be the gold standard for the rest of the nation on these democratic reforms to cheat when you can win fair and square and not lose your soul in the process?" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California has 52 delegates in the House of Representatives. If approved, Prop 50 would make it easier for Democrats to pick up five of the states nine seats currently held by Republicans. If you're on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live (FOX40.COM) After years of speculation and denying the possibility, California Governor Gavin Newsom finally admitted that he may be open to running for president of the United States in 2028. This month, Newsom has done several interviews where the topic of being president came up. On Sunday, Newsom interviewed with Robert Costa at CBS, where he was asked about his 2028 presidential plans. Acosta asked Newsom if it was fair to say that he would consider a run for the White House after the upcoming midterms. The well has run dry: California SNAP benefits officially end Nov. 1 if shutdown continues Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response, Newsom said, Id be lying (if I said) otherwise. On Oct. 25, Newsom went on the All the Smoke podcast, where he seemingly justified his presidential consideration by saying, (Trump is) literally putting America in reverse. I cant take what is going on. I mean no bullsh**t. Literally, I cant take it. ICE arrests Yuba City man after fatal DUI big rig crash kills three in Southern California For many years, many people have speculated that Newsom was plotting to run for president in the near future. However, Newsom has always denied the allegations. Despite national interviews, campaigning in states such as South Carolina, debating Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and launching full-on social media attacks against President Donald Trump, Newsom has always denied the possibility and said he was focused on California. But now, his responses are different. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the CBS interview, Newsom sat down on CNN with Elex Michaelson, and further elaborated on presidential plans. Michaelson called the California governor out for constantly expressing zero interest in running for president. Everything changed, Newsom said. I just think were on the other side of something radically different. Newsom continued, My mindset, my focus, my energy, my perspective on the world were living in Trump and Trumpism What he represents And how serious and precious this moment is. So from that perspective, legitimately, Ive changed. This country has changed, and Im calling it out. I just feel like we have a responsibility to be a little bit more clear and concise, and precise in our efforts. Newsom said he only began to think about the presidency recently after it was brought to his attention by a few people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was never on my bingo card. I didnt grow up thinking one day Ill be this person, Newsom said. A poll from Emerson College and Nexstar Media earlier this month showed that a hypothetical 2028 presidential election between Newsom and Vice President JD Vance would be neck and neck nationally, with 10% undecided. 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. In a lawsuit filed earlier this month in Santa Clara County Superior Court, family members of Los Angeles resident Terril Johnson, 72, allege scalding shower water as hot as 136 degrees led to his death in a San Jose hotel. A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Johnson made the six-hour drive to San Jose with his family to see his gymnast granddaughter graduate from San Jose State University on May 22. After arriving at the Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites San Jose Airport, the 72-year-old opted for a shower that, according to the lawsuit, effectively boiled him alive, the L.A. Times reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was Johnsons grandson who went into the bathroom to check on his grandfather and found him unresponsive, partially submerged in the bathtub in water so hot that family members were unable to immediately pull him out. Struggling to render life-saving measures, court documents claim family members were forced to watch in horror as his skin peeled away from his body. Terril Johnson, 72, a resident of Los Angeles seen in this undated photo. (Santa Clara County Superior Court) Terril Johnson, 72, seen in this undated family photo. (Santa Clara County Superior Court) According to The Mercury News, the 72-year-olds son, daughter-in-law and three granddaughters, including Trinity who was to graduate the next day, were present in the hotel room at the time. The Santa Clara County medical examiner ruled that Johnson suffered burns to more than 33% of his body, the severe scalding leading to his death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hollywood model injured in unprovoked assault on Sunset Boulevard Born in Indiana, the former U.S. Marine served in Vietnam, was married to his high school sweetheart for 54 years, with the couple having two children and four grandchildren. After his time in the military, he moved to California and had recently retired from the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit Authority where he worked as a senior lead technician. Plumbing code in California for individual showers and tub showers, according to The Times, should be no hotter than 120 degrees. The suit alleges that the water coming from the hotel shower was between 134 to 136 degrees. This was not a freak accident, court documents state. It was the direct result of Defendants gross negligence and failure to meet even basic safety obligations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 29A California man serving a suspended sentence out of Flathead County District Court in connection with an armed motor vehicle chase through Columbia Falls is back in county jail after racking up violations. Charles Delaney Warren, 31, was convicted of felony criminal endangerment and misdemeanor driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in 2024 after reaching a plea deal with prosecutors. In April of that year, Judge Dan Wilson handed down a suspended three-year sentence for the felony and a one-year sentence with all but seven days suspended for the misdemeanor. Although Warren began serving out his sentence in Kalispell, he moved to California in August 2024, according to documents filed in district court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July of this year, Warren was convicted in the Superior Court of California of possessing a stolen firearm and sentenced to three months and seven days of jail time, according to a violation report written by his probation and parole officer. In September, he was convicted of forgery in the same court, earning a sentence of a little more than three months. "The defendant has responded poorly to supervision as indicated by his most recent convictions in California," wrote Lee Yandi, Warren's probation and parole officer. "This crime mimics his previous conviction in Flathead County, Montana, and I believe he currently poses a risk to the safety of the community." Yandi recommended that Warren receive a three-year sentence with the state Department of Corrections if found in violation of the terms of his suspended sentence. Warren is scheduled to appear before Judge Dan Wilson on Nov. 20 on the revocation proceedings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Warren picked up the Flathead County case after his victims accused him of chasing their gray SUV through Columbia Falls in September 2023. Cutting them off and forcing them to a stop, Warren allegedly hopped out of his pickup and onto Railroad Street armed with a black 10 mm pistol. Investigators believe he tossed the weapon back into his truck as Columbia Falls Police officers arrived. Describing Warren as sporting bloodshot eyes and slurred speech, officers sought a breath sample. It returned with a breath alcohol concentration of .156, court documents said. News Editor Derrick Perkins can be reached at 758-4430 or [email protected]. California voters appear likely to approve a new Democratic-friendly map next week, a move that would deliver a major political win for Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) as he mulls a possible White House bid. Public polling indicates that Proposition 50, which would enact a new set of congressional lines that gives Democrats a handful of pickup opportunities in the House next year, is on track to pass easily next Tuesday. With both parties expecting the ballot measure to pass, some Democrats argue it solidifies Newsoms standing in the party as they search for a figure to fill its leadership vacuum ahead of 2028. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gavin Newsom being able to legitimately take credit for taking a huge risk here, and stepping up to the Republicans and stepping up to the president on behalf of the party not on behalf of Gavin Newsom, but on behalf of [the] party in an effort to increase the number of Democrats in the House after 2026 by four or five members you know, he deserves to get credit for that, veteran Democratic strategist Darry Sragow said. Newsom called for the special election earlier this year in an effort to counter GOP redistricting efforts, spurred on by President Trump, in states like Texas. In order for California to redraw its map, however, the state had to pass a constitutional amendment allowing the state to bypass its independent redistricting commission, which is in charge of crafting congressional lines. The measure makes clear that the process is only temporary and that the redistricting panel would take up the task of creating Californias congressional map again after the 2030 U.S. census. Despite initial ambivalence toward redistricting, California voters now look set to give the Legislature a green light, following a campaign pushed by Newsom that has largely focused on anti-Trump sentiment and concerns over democracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Public polling suggests more than half of California voters will approve Prop 50. Emerson College Polling released new numbers last week finding that 57 percent of likely voters supported the measure; that support increased to 60 percent when undecided voters were factored in. A CBS News/YouGov survey released last week found 62 percent of likely voters would support the measure, while a co/efficient poll found it passing by 54 percent. Adding to the redistricting proponents optimism is the spending gulf separating the two sides. State campaign finance filings show Newsoms group alone has amassed $114 million as of Oct. 18, with $37 million left in the bank, while the two principal groups opposing the measure have hauled in just more than a third of that $43.7 million, with roughly $2.3 million cash on hand. I think that all the signs are that its going to pass pretty overwhelmingly, said Republican strategist Mike Madrid, whos doing work for major GOP donor Charles Munger Jr.s Prop 50 opposition group, the Protect Voters First committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have to remember this is an extraordinarily partisan moment in American history, Madrid said. California is the largest, bluest state to change that dynamic at a time when Donald Trump is at all-time lows, that would be an extraordinarily high hill to overcome. Newsoms campaign even sent out an email to supporters Monday urging them to stop donating money. The campaign said it had hit our budget goals and raised what we need in order to pass Proposition 50. Yet Newsom cautioned in a video posted Tuesday on Instagram, dont think for a second we can run the 90-yard dash. The California governor has perhaps the most to gain from the measures passage. Newsom has taken an aggressive stance against Trump since the beginning of the year, raising speculation over his political aspirations. Over the weekend, he confirmed to CBS News that he was seriously considering a White House bid in 2028, saying that hed be lying otherwise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, his team says the governor isnt focused on the 2028 horse race right now. The Governor is 100% focused on passing Prop 50. Every day Donald Trump remains in power is code red for America and our democracy, Hannah Milgrom, a spokesperson for Newsom and the Yes on 50 campaign, told The Hill in a statement. Political observers stress theres a long time between now and the next presidential election. But they agree a Prop 50 passage next week would bode well for Newsom should he decide to run for president. This is like leagues out of what the typical governor can brag about when they run for president, said Democratic strategist Garry South, who ran Newsoms 2010 gubernatorial campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Madrid argued that even if Prop 50 failed to pass, Newsom would still enjoy an upside from the election. I think even if he were to lose, its still a win, because hes just showing the fight, Madrid said. Other strategists are setting lower expectations for Newsom. Jon Fleischman, a former California GOP executive director, said passing Prop 50 would be a modest victory for the governor. Winning is a good sign for Gavin Newsom, but we also have to remember that the win is tempered by the fact that winning a partisan Democrat ballot measure in one of the bluest states in the country was not the worlds biggest lift, Fleischman said. So if he had lost, I think it would have been a huge, embarrassing defeat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sragow, the Democratic strategist, noted that even if Prop 50 passes next week, the party and Newsom still have a ways to go before declaring victory ahead of the 2026 midterms and even 2028. Theres an assumption being made that based on the way the congressional district lines will be drawn, if Prop 50 wins, that the Democrats will pick up four or five seats in the House. I mean, thats an assumption that hasnt happened yet, Sragow said. And Newsoms got a lot of traveling to do, a lot of speeches to give, a lot of media appearances to give and a lot of unknown events to deal with before he ever gets to a hold a party in the new East Wing of the White House. 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) A survey of California voters, done by Emerson College Polling, has found that Proposition 50 supporters outweigh those who oppose it. The study found that 57% of voters support Prop 50, which would authorize temporary changes to the state Congressional maps, while 37% oppose it. Gov. Newsom, AG Bonta sue Trump administration over SNAP benefits The organization said that the inclusion of undecided voters increases the support to 60% and the opposition to 40%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With less than two weeks until the California special election for Proposition 50, the measure looks likely to pass, with results again outside the polls margin of error, Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, said. Certain demographic groups that were hesitant to support the measure last month have come around to support Prop. 50, such as Black voters, whose support increased from 45% to 71%. Meanwhile, the study showed that 56% of likely voters think the measure is a good idea, while 44% think it is a bad idea, regardless of how residents plan to vote. Officials said that 89% of those planning to vote yes think it is a good idea, with 11% thinking it is a bad idea. Around 93% of those planning to vote no think it is a bad idea, while the remaining 7% think it is a good idea. Among likely voters, Gov. Newsom holds a 48% job approval rating and 41% disapproval rating, while President Donald Trump holds a 37% job approval rating and 60% disapproval rating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emerson College Polling also studied the approval and disapproval rating for the candidates running for Governor of the state. Republican Steve Hilton holds the top spot of most supporters at 16%, with Democrat Katie Porter following behind at 15%. Republican Chad Bianco had an 11% voting rate with Democrats Xavier Becerra and Antonio Villaraigosa following at 5%. The polling organization showed that 39% of voters remain undecided on who they support as the next governor of California. 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. Cameo sued OpenAI and accused it of trademark infringement over Sora's "Cameo" feature. Cameo says OpenAI's use of the word "Cameo" confuses consumers and dilutes its brand. Cameo is seeking a court order to stop OpenAI from using the "Cameo" name. OpenAI's Sora is facing a legal battle. Cameo, the startup known for personalized celebrity videos, filed a lawsuit Tuesday against OpenAI, accusing the ChatGPT maker of trademark infringement over its new "Cameo" feature in the Sora video-generation app. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a complaint filed in the federal court of the Northern District of California on Tuesday, Cameo said OpenAI's use of the "Cameo" name, which describes a virtual likeness that users can create and share on Sora, is likely to confuse consumers and dilute its brand. The company argued that OpenAI chose the name "in blatant disregard for the obvious confusion it would create." "When naming its new service, OpenAI had a multitude of options to choose from. It could have chosen a descriptive name like 'virtual likeness' or 'avatar,'" wrote Cameo in the complaint. "OpenAI has made no secret of its ambition to dominate every profitable corner of the Internet with its AI-driven platforms," the complaint added. "In its rush to dominate new markets, Defendant has once again trampled the intellectual property rights of others." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement to Business Insider, Cameo CEO Steven Galanis said the company had attempted to settle the dispute "amicably," but OpenAI refused to change the name. "To protect fans, talent, and the integrity of our marketplace, we felt that we unfortunately had no other option but to bring this lawsuit," Galanis added. Founded in 2017, Cameo lets users pay celebrities for short, personalized videos. OpenAI's Sora app, which launched in September, allows users to create AI-generated clips, including hyperrealistic videos featuring celebrities like Mark Cuban and Jake Paul. Cameo said in the complaint that this feature directly competes with its business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're reviewing the complaint, but we disagree that anyone can claim exclusive ownership over the word 'cameo,'" an OpenAI spokesperson said in a statement to Business Insider. Cameo is seeking monetary damages and a court order barring OpenAI from using the "Cameo" name. The company did not specify how much it is asking for. It's not just "Cameo." OpenAI has been turning to the world of social media in its quest for profitability. Roughly 20%, or 630 out of OpenAI's 3,000 employees, were formerly from Meta, tech news outlet The Information reported in October, citing data it analyzed from LinkedIn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In May, OpenAI announced that Instacart's then-CEO and chair, Fidji Simo, would be their new CEO of applications. Before helming Instacart, Simo spent over a decade working at Meta, where she oversaw Facebook's app and advertising products. OpenAI has also expressed interest in adult content, a feature first released by Elon Musk's xAI. In July, xAI introduced several AI companions, including Ani, a lingerie-wearing Japanese anime girl, on its Grok platform. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said in an X post on October 14 that verified adults will get access to "erotica" on its ChatGPT platform in December. He added the company will roll out "age-gating more fully" alongside this change. Read the original article on Business Insider Oct. 28KINGSTON TWP. Police at the Wyoming Area Regional Police Department served a search warrant at a camper in Frances Slocum State Park as part of a multi-jurisdictional investigation of at least three commercial burglaries. Police were led to the camper at the state park campsite from surveillance footage of burglaries at Valenti's Restaurant on Wyoming Avenue, Exeter, and Brew's Brothers on River Road in Jenkins Township. The two burglaries happened the same day, Sept. 21, and may be connected to a burglary at the Salvation Army Store on Sans Souci Parkway in Hanover Township on Sept. 28, according to the search warrant affidavit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the search warrant affidavit, police investigated a burglary at Valenti's Restaurant, where a man crawled through a rear window and used a knife to pry open a drawer, stealing $140 on Sept. 21. Before the burglary at the restaurant, police suspect the same man had ransacked Brew's Brothers in Jenkins Township, driving away in a Nissan Armada, according to the search warrant affidavit. Cameras accessible by police recorded the Nissan in the area of Valenti's Restaurant after fleeing Brew's Brothers. Days after the burglaries in Exeter and Jenkins Township, the search warrant affidavit alleges the same burglar ransacked the Salvation Army store in Hanover Township. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hanover Township police posted a surveillance picture of the burglar on their Facebook page. Police in the search warrant allege the description of the Salvation Army burglar matches the suspect who burglarized Valenti's Restaurant and Brew's Brothers. After learning the registered owner of the Nissan, police discovered the owner has a camper at a campsite at Frances Slocum State Park. The search warrant was served at the camper on Sept. 30. An inventory receipt attached to the search warrant listed $150 was seized from the camper. No charges have been filed against the man named in the search warrant. Oct. 29Name: Hilary Foster Age: 45 Occupation: Paralegal/Executive Officer for the State of Iowa (Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing Office seeking: Newton School Board 1. Introduce/Reintroduce yourself to voters and explain why you are running. My name is Hilary Foster. I am a mother to three young children: Zander in third grade, and twins Owen and Kadence in first grade. My husband, Josh, is in the Air National Guard and has been for nearly 25 years. I have worked for the State for 18 years. I am running for my children. What started out as getting involved during the realignment discussions turned into attending nearly every meeting since. At this point, I attend the meetings anyway, so I might as well join the board. I want to be involved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I grew up in Kellogg and graduated from NHS in 1999. Since then, I have attended Indian Hills Community College, Grand View and DMACC. I triple majored in political science-pre-law, criminal justice and psychology, and then obtained my paralegal certificate. Public service and the law have always been passions of mine. I have worked in the public service sector since graduating college; first, working as a security officer, then victim-witness coordinator, legal assistant, paralegal, administrative assistant/clerk to the insurance commissioner, and most recently as an executive officer. While living in Kellogg I was on the city council and have been involved in the PTA/PTO since my oldest started school. I think it's important for parents to be involved and help our community and district be a better place. I am an active listener and often ask the hard and intentional questions. 2. Newton Community School District is now a few years into the elementary building configuration. Aurora Heights and Thomas Jefferson have seen big changes. How do you feel the process is going so far? It was a bit of a disappointment that TJ wasn't completed before the school year started, but the district made it work and work quite well from what I understand. I am hopeful that AH will be completed on time. I am anxious for more upcoming changes, including additional boundary discussions for next year. 3. Use of leftover school buildings has been brought to light at recent meetings. What do you think should happen to Emerson Hough and Woodrow Wilson when the configuration is fully completed? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am all for Emerson Hough being leased to the YMCA, as has been the topic of discussion at the past two meetings, I just think the details need to be ironed out. As a working parent, I completely understand the need for childcare in our community, but I question the amount of the lease. I don't think that $1,000 per month, with the district paying the utilities (which, by the way, are roughly $6,250 per month), is a responsible decision for our taxpayer dollars. As for Woodrow Wilson, I am not sure. When tours were conducted during the realignment meetings, feedback I heard was the that the building was old, choppy, and needed a lot of work. I didn't tour it, so I cannot say for sure. I imagine those discussions will arise in the coming months and look forward to the discussions. Whatever is decided, it needs to be in our taxpayers' best interests. 4. Enrollment in Newton schools is declining. The configuration was a direct response to having fewer students and the anticipated reduction in revenue. What else can the district do to address declining enrollment numbers? I absolutely think this is a city, county and district discussion, and not just district. We all need to work together to bring people into our community to live and work. With that comes the need for affordable daycare. Newton has been labeled a "daycare desert" by lawmakers, meaning there are more children in our community that need care than there are spots available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the recent lease discussions with the YMCA aim to tackle part of that issue, I don't think that is the only answer. Perhaps offering all-day preschool would also bring young families to our community. We need to find a way to make that happen. Studies show high-quality, long-term effects of all-day preschool are wide-ranging from better preparation for elementary school, to showing positive effects on language, literacy and math skills. 5. What are some things you think the district does well? What are some things you think the district can improve? Explain your answers. I think the communication is something that the district has been working hard on, and I think that it's working well for those that want to stay informed. ParentSquare has been a great addition to the communication piece. It's super easy to use and communicate with teachers and staff. I think the district can improve on getting parents and students to stay in our district. There are open-enrollment reports at meetings quite often, and there are always students transferring out. I think finding out the "why" is imperative. This may mean revamping the questionnaires that go out to parents when they show interest in leaving, as well as finding other ways to communicate. It's not just about getting new families into our district, but also in keeping the ones that we have. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I also feel that the district could do better with the culture among teachers and staff. While circulating the petition regarding the reconfiguration and closing of schools, I found several teachers afraid to voice their opinions in fear of retaliation. That was again brought up by a board member at a recent meeting. We're all on the same team and have our children's/students' best interests in mind, so I am hopeful that teachers and staff can feel more comfortable in expressing their opinions. Their opinions should be valued, whatever they may be. 6. Any final thoughts? Are there any issues you would like the school to address? At this point, I am not sure what will be at the top of my list. I know that improvements to the high school have been on the radar for quite some time. As other bonds are paid down, those discussions will likely start up again. For now, I am just interested in getting started. Please contact me if there are issues that YOU would like to see addressed. I value community input and involvement. We're all on the same team and have different ideas to bring to the table, and we all need to be heard. Elections for four of the seven Palm Beach County School Board seats won't be held for another year, but several candidates have gotten a head start, records from the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Office show. Karen Brill has filed to seek re-election to the District 3 seat she has held since 2010. No other candidates have entered the race for the seat in District 3, which covers Lantana, Boynton Beach and Atlantis. The filing period for school board candidates begins at noon on June 8 and ends at noon on June 12, with election day set for Nov. 3, 2026. School board elections are a single-member district races, meaning residents vote only for the seat open in their geographic region. Candidates can file paperwork with the Supervisor of Elections Office and begin raising money for their races. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, Brill, a real estate agent, has raised $9,991, elections office records show. In District 4, a coastal strip stretching from Clint Moore Road in the south up past 45th Street in the north, Christian L. Romelus has filed to run for the seat currently held by Erica Whitfield. Romelus, chief executive officer of a political consulting firm, has raised $15,831.30, records show. Whitfield, a former wellness coordinator for the district who was elected to the school board in 2014, is running for a seat on the Palm Beach County Commission. She has raised $56,315 so far, records show. Gregg Weiss currently holds the commission seat Whitfield is seeking. He is running for mayor of West Palm Beach. Palm Beach County School Board members listen to remarks during the official opening of the new Education Foundation of Palm Beach County headquarters in Lake Worth Beach, Fla., on January 16, 2025. Left to right: Gloria Branch of District 5, Virginia Savietto of District 2, Marcia Andrews of District 6, Matthew Jay Lane, Esq. of District 1, Erica Whitfield of District 4 and chairperson Karen Brill of District 3. Multiple candidates have filed to run for the school board's District 6 seat, which covers the westernmost stretches of the county and is currently held by Marcia Andrews. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John T. McGovern, who serves on the Wellington Village Council, has raised $22,911, records show. So far, none of the other three candidates in the race Barbara Miedema, Donald Persson and Wanda Rosario-Schoenfeld have raised any money for their campaigns. In District 7, a compact area from Blue Heron Boulevard in the north to Okeechobee Boulevard in the south, Edwin Ferguson has filed to seek re-election, though he has not yet raised any money for the race. So far, Ferguson, an attorney who was elected to the school board in 2022, has drawn no opposition. A graphic shows the four Palm Beach County school board districts up for election in 2026: District 3, District 4, District 6 and District 7. School board members Matthew Jay Lane, Gloria Branch and Virginia Savietto are all up for re-election in 2028. Candidates must live in the districts they seek to represent. School board members serve four-year terms and are limited to two consecutive terms. They make $53,406 per year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wayne Washington is a journalist covering education for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at wwashington@pbpost.com. Help support our work; subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Palm Beach County School Board seats draw interest from candidates Oct. 29Candidates in a contentious Nov. 4 race for the Miamisburg School Board are distancing themselves from Ohioans United for Public Education, a political organization that they say endorsed them without any communication before running attack ads against their opponents. "I've been trying to run a clean campaign on behalf of the students of Miamisburg," said Ann Niess, who's seeking reelection to the board. "I don't want to set a bad example for students. I'm just totally against that." Niess told this outlet she's disappointed her name has been tied, without her consent, to Ohioans United for Public Education and disavowed the organization's television ads that she said have criticized two conservative candidates in the race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Even though I didn't know I was being endorsed by them, I don't like being associated with those attack ads," she said. Miamisburg's school board race and others across the region have been marked by the involvement of larger political organizations. The non-partisan race features five candidates vying for three open seats, with November's results set to determine political control over the board. Niess, along with Shelbi Nunery and Chris Amsler, have been backed by the left-leaning Ohioans United for Public Education; while Ryan Riddell and Chris Keilholz have been backed by the right-leaning 1776 Project PAC. Ohioans United for Public Education's website lists Riddell and Keilholz, among a host of other conservative school board candidates, as "community dividers" that are "driving a dangerous agenda." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But whereas the 1776 Project PAC's endorsements were earned through an application process; Niess and Nunery told this outlet that they were endorsed by Ohioans United for Public Education out of the blue. "We have not been contacted from this PAC; We did not apply to be a part of this PAC," Nunery said in an interview. Keilholz previously told this outlet in an email that, while his opponents distance themselves from their endorsements, they "clearly benefit from these attacks." Both Nunery and Niess told this outlet that they disavowed Ohioans United for Public Education more for its tactics than its platform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I mean, they do support public education," Neiss said. "But, you know, I just absolutely don't support these ad attacks. I just believe that anybody that's running for the board of education probably really does care about students in our community." "I'm a public school teacher," said Nunery, "I teach in a public school district, and my kids attend public school, so I'm a very big supporter of public schools. But I did not ask to be a part of their endorsement list." Amsler did not respond to a request for comment before publication. Ohioans United for Public Education does not have a phone number or an email address listed on its website, though the site does list an address that links back to the Columbus law offices of The Ruppert Co., LLC, which describes itself as "political, business and non-profit legal counsel." The office is affiliated with a slew of left-leaning political organizations in Ohio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ------ For more stories like this, sign up for our Ohio Politics newsletter. It's free, curated, and delivered straight to your inbox every Thursday evening. Avery Kreemer can be reached at 614-981-1422, on X, via email, or you can drop him a comment/tip with the survey below. Loading... YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) Sentencing will be Dec. 2 for a Canfield teen who pleaded guilty Tuesday in Mahoning County Juvenile Court to a second-degree felony of felonious assault. Read next: General Motors planning layoffs at local battery plant The teen, 17, was accused of assaulting a teenager Aug. 10 after a Mahoning County Sheriffs Office deputy had been called to an emergency room in Austintown, where he spoke with a 17-year-old boy who reported the alleged assault. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the report, the boy, 17, said he fell asleep at a party, and the suspect violated him with a pool cue. Staff at the hospital noted that the boy did have an injury, and they were checking for possible internal injuries as well. WKBN does not name defendants in juvenile court cases unless their charges are bound over to adult court and they are indicted by a grand jury. In this case, the defendants case will not be bound over to a grand jury but will instead be handled at the juvenile court level. 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. The Oak Park Heights City Council on Tuesday night unanimously approved a conditional-use permit for a retail cannabis business in the Josephs restaurant space. The business will be known as Mango Cannabis and it will occupy the entire building at 14608 60th St. N., City Administrator Jacob Rife said. The restaurant is expected to move to a different location in the area, he said. The application for a conditional-use permit to operate the retail cannabis business was submitted by Kevin Pattah, of ABJKM Holdings, and Boundary Waters Capital. They also have submitted an application for a permit to open a Mango Cannabis in the former Devils Advocate restaurant at 14200 60th St. N., in Stillwater, a half-mile west of Josephs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When officials at ABJKM Holdings applied for the retail registration in Stillwater, the number of retail cannabis locations allowed in the city was capped at one, Pattah told Oak Park Heights city council members on Tuesday night. Stillwater has since increased the cap to allow four retail locations; Oak Park Heights also will allow four locations. Oak Park Heights has always been our destination for a Mango location, Pattah said. Josephs fit our demographics. What about the cupola? Council member Mark Swenson asked Pattah about his plans for the cupola on the roof of Josephs, which has been a city landmark since the restaurant, then known as Big Ben, opened. Josephs has been a staple of the community for years, and the cupola thats on the top of the roof has always been the kind of the gathering point, ever since it was with Big Ben, Swenson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The community is losing a staple, Swenson said. I mean, that was the place to go. If youre going for breakfast or lunch, you go to Josephs, right? Ive received just about as many calls on this as I did about the Highway 36 bridge. Swenson said he would like to see the cupola removed if the building will no longer house Josephs. Let it be gone, he said. Thats not the restaurant anymore. Its not what it used to be. You want it gone? Pattah asked. Its part of change, Swenson said. I mean, those are my feelings. Josephs owner Sam Leon did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pattah reassured the council that the owners of Josephs plan to relocate the restaurant in the area. Everyone has been asking about it, he said. Ive talked to them numerous times, and their goal is to relocate, and theyre possibly thinking about relocating up the street, if Im not mistaken. Interest in border community Related Articles The Oak Park Heights City Council in July approved plans for the citys first retail cannabis business, Oak Park Heights Canna, at 14729 60th St. N., near Carbones Pizzeria & Pub. The store is expected to open sometime in 2026, Rife said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We get calls all the time from folks interested in opening retail cannabis operations in the city, Rife said. We certainly understand their desire to be here. Its a robust business corridor and a desirable place for people to do business. Because cannabis retail businesses are not legal in Wisconsin, just across the border, the Minnesota 36 corridor in Oak Park Heights is a prime location for potential shops, Rife said. That obviously is going to enhance the interest in locating here, he said. BATON ROUGE, La (Louisiana First) Sunday, Nov. 2, marks the 10th annual Cap City Beer Fest, a Baton Rouge festival benefiting Companion Animal Alliance. This beer festival is one of CAAs main fundraisers, and the support from the Baton Rouge community is what keeps the lights on at the shelter. The impact it has on CAA is undeniable, and Jen Hollas, who serves as communications and events senior manager, cant stress that enough. It brings about $50,000 for us each year. This year is our 10th anniversary, so we are hoping its going to be even bigger and better, said Hollas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a family and pet-friendly event where residents are encouraged to bring their pups, with many animals also available for adoption at CAA ahead of Sundays festivities. Lineup of fall festivals and events in, near Baton Rouge for 2025: Live music, food, arts The festival is located on Fourth Street between North Street and Spanish Town Road. Tickets for both general admission and VIP are still available. With both tickets, attendees will receive a glass to taste the drinks from over 50 vendors. For the first time this year, there will also be retail vendors on site to celebrate. Admission hours are 1 p.m. for VIP guests and 2 p.m. for general admission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more information, you can visit Cap City Beer Fests website. 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 Louisiana First News. Care home bosses plotted to steal a pensioners 175,000 fortune by forging her last will and testament. Former owners Graham and Lyn Walker, along with manager Jamiel Slaney-Summers, financially abused 85-year-old Rita Barnsley while she was at Amberley Care Home, in Brierley Hill, in the West Midlands, a court heard. They wrote Ms Barnsleys will in different coloured pens and used different writing, with Mrs Walker and Slaney-Summers named as executors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Staff at the care home were also left 5,000, despite a policy being in place which prohibited employees from receiving gifts from anyone they were caring for. Slaney-Summers also stole around 6,000 from Ms Barnsley by making withdrawals from the victims bank account using her card. All three defendants denied fraud between May 1, 2020, and Dec 7, 2021. Slaney-Summers also denied a further charge of theft between May 5, 2020, and July 31, 2021. Rita Barnsley was forged in different coloured pens and handwriting - Dudley Council/SWNS But jurors at Wolverhampton Crown Court convicted the three of all charges faced. The prosecution was brought by Dudley Councils trading standards team and is one of the largest recorded convictions for elder fraud in Britain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An investigation was launched by the trading standards team after Ms Barnsleys only surviving relative her cousin Verna made a complaint. Councillor Phil Atkins, Dudley Councils cabinet member responsible for trading standards, condemned the horrific abuse of trust. Mr Atkins said: I welcome the decision of the jury, which brings to an end a long and painstaking investigation by our superb trading standards team to bring these three people to justice. Their intentions were clear to fleece this poor, vulnerable woman of all the money she had worked her whole life to earn. It was a horrific abuse of trust by three people who she was relying on to look after her best interests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead they financially abused her and would have taken everything she had but for the dogged determination of her cousin and our trading standards team. Graham and Lyn Walker, 74 and 71 respectively, of Halesowen, and Slaney-Summers, 65, of Birmingham, will be sentenced on Dec 5. Graham and Lyn Walker, a couple, will be sentenced next month - Dudley Council/BPM Media Opening the case at Wolverhampton Crown Court, prosecutor Mark Jackson previously said: Each of the defendants held a position of responsibility at the care home. They each held a responsibility for each of the elderly and vulnerable people living there. They each occupied a position of trust. He added: We cannot establish when the document pretending to be Ms Barnsleys last will and testament was created. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We cannot establish who wrote what in the will and when they did so. But he urged jurors to come to common sense conclusions, adding: Whats clear is that the document is little more than an attempt to fleece Ms Barnsleys estate. Mr Jackson told jurors: Say for a few modest legacies, it left Lyn Walker, the owner of the care home, 25 per cent of Ms Barnsleys estate, with 50 per cent of Ms Barnsleys estate being left to Slaney-Summers. The gain being made by Lyn Walker and Slaney-Summers as a result of the fraud was the lions share of something like 175,000. 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. Almost two years after a jury awarded the family at the center of the "Take Care of Maya" case more than $261 million against a St. Petersburg-based children's hospital, an appellate court has reversed the entire verdict and cleared the pathway for a new trial. The Second District Court of Appeals released its opinion on Wednesday, Oct. 29, reversing the entire verdict, including the $208 million in compensatory and punitive damages, and cleared a path for a new trial on a limited number of claims, including Maya Kowalskis intentional-infliction-of-emotional-distress (IIED) claim, and the remaining false imprisonment, battery and medical-negligence claims. The appeal's court found that the trial court erred in not granting the hospital's direct verdicts and faulted Sarasota Circuit Court Judge Hunter Carroll for allowing emotionally charged testimony and arguments that blurred legally immune acts with potential torts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decision also reinforces Chapter 39 immunity which protects hospitals and healthcare workers who might be overzealous in protecting children from potential abuse." In August 2024, attorneys for Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital filed an appeal asking the appellate court to reverse the final verdict and enter a judgment in favor of the hospital for the wrongful death, intentional infliction of emotional distress and false-imprisonment claims. In the appeal, the hospital asked for a new trial based on the trial court's "erroneous interpretation of Chapter 39" immunity statutes, the damages awarded to the Kowalski family and for any claims that remain after the appeal. The Kowalski family sued Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital in 2018 for $220 million more than a year after wife and mother, Beata Kowalski, took her life after child abuse allegations arose against her. In 2016, the Florida Department of Children and Families opened an investigation which led to then 10-year-old Maya Kowalski being separated from her family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Previously reported: Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital files appeal in Sarasota 'Take Care of Maya' case In case you missed it: Family at center of 'Take Care of Maya' case ditches long-time attorney as rift forms The family took Maya to the hospital in October 2016 due to severe stomachache, which they believed was a relapse of her Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, a disorder that impairs the central nervous system and heightens pain sensations. Hospital staff began to suspect possible child medical abuse after they observed what many testified to as inconsistencies between Mayas behaviors and her condition. Staff placed calls to the abuse hotline, beginning a more than three-month ordeal for the Kowalski family that it says has haunted them since. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than five years after the family filed their lawsuit, the case resulted in a two-month-long trial. In November 2023, a six-person jury sided with the family and awarded them more than $261 million in compensatory and punitive damages. The jury deliberated on seven claims, down from the initial more than 20 that had been filed against the hospital, a social worker, and a part-time medical director of the Pinellas Child Protection Team. The claims included battery, fraudulent billing, false imprisonment, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and two claims of extreme and outrageous actions towards Maya and Beata Kowalski, which led to Beata taking her life. Two months after the trial concluded, Carroll partially granted a motion filed by the hospital to decrease the compensatory damages by $47.5 million. Can't see the document? Click here to read the court appeal Wait finally over, appellate court rules in favor of Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital In a statement from one of the hospital's attorneys, Ethen Shapiro noted the opinion sends "a clear and vital message to mandatory reporters in Florida and across the country." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Throughout the trial, the defense claimed they wanted to take the case to court due to a fear of the "chilling effect" the case would have on mandatory reporters across the country. Shapiro told media that the hospital was standing up for its own staff who did what they thought was the best course of action for Maya after inconsistences arose in her behavior and diagnoses. "This opinion sends a clear and vital message to mandatory reporters in Florida and across the country that their duty to report suspicions of child abuse and, critically, their good faith participation in child protection activities remain protected," Shapiro said in the statement. "The facts and the law have always prioritized protecting children, the most vulnerable among us. Under Florida law, any person, official or institution is immune from any civil or criminal liability if they report "in good faith any instance of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect" to law enforcement. The law states that any individual participating in good faith in any act authorized or required by the law is immune as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Calls and an email for comment sent to Nick Whitney, the attorney representing the Kowalski family, were not returned prior to publication of this article. More: Judge partially grants motion decreasing award in 'Take Care of Maya' case by $47.5M 'Take Care of Maya' trial: The verdict is in, jury makes a decision What does the opinion mean? A breakdown of the 48-page opinion found that the court either fully or partially reversed all seven claims awarded in favor of the Kowalskis. Appellate judges fully reversed the false imprisonment, intentional infliction of emotional distress as to Beata Kowalski, medical negligence and fraudulent billing claims, and the $50 million punitive damage award. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court did partially uphold the claim of intention infliction of emotional distress toward Maya for retrial. The court held that Carroll erred in allowing evidence of acts covered by Chapter 39 to be presented during trial and by allowing the family's defense to combine conduct supporting the other claims of false imprisonment, battery and negligence with the intentional infliction of emotional distress claim. In addition to the majority opinion on the case, Judge Andrea Teves Smith wrote a concurrence in which she elaborated on the issue of evidence that could be presented to satisfy the "outrageousness" threshold in the intentional infliction of emotional distress claim for Maya. Smith notes that given Maya's age and vulnerability during the time she was at the hospital, there were certain acts, such as the lies and emotional manipulation by social worker Catherine Bedy and some nurses, which could be constituted as "outrageous" and be used as evidence for the intentional infliction of emotional distress claim. "The health care providers were in charge of caring for and treating Maya," Smith wrote. "Instead, they exploited their positions with full knowledge that Maya, a ten-year-old child, would not be able to endure such outrageous conduct and undoubtedly suffer severe emotional distress as a result." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gabriela Szymanowska covers the criminal justice, courts and legal system for the Herald-Tribune. Reach out with a news tip to gszymanowska@gannett.com. Support local journalism by subscribing. This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: 'Take Care of Maya' $208M verdict against Florida hospital reversed CARLISLE, Pa. (WHTM) A center celebrating Indigenous culture will soon open in an area long tied to the awful treatment of Native Americans. For 30 years, thousands of children were sent to the government-run Carlisle Indian Industrial School, whose mission was to kill the Indian and save the man. It was the first federal off-reservation boarding school of its kind when it opened in 1879. Close Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now This Week in Pennsylvania One of those children was legendary athlete and Olympic gold medalist Jim Thorpe, also known as Wa-Tho-Huk, who was a member of the Sac and Fox Nation. Dickinson College announced Wednesday it will dedicate the Jim Thorpe Center for the Futures of Native Peoples in his honor. Just a few miles from the former grounds of a place that sought to erase our cultures and identities, the new space will stand as a testament to our strength and thriving presence, said Amanda Cheromiah, executive director of the center and a granddaughter of six CIIS students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least 168 children died at the school, the National Park Service Said. The United States Army, which operates the U.S. Army War College on the site, exhumed 19 graves this year to return remains to tribes. The boarding school was made a national monument in 2024. Army looks to dig up 19 remains of indigenous children who died at Carlisle Indian Industrial School Dickinson College once supported the boarding school and its mission. Now, its campus will house the center, which it said will be a global destination for studying Indigenous cultures. The design team for the center includes Johnpaul Jones, who is of Choctaw and Cherokee descent, best known as the lead design consultant for the Smithsonians national Museum of the American Indian. An architectural rendering depicts the Jim Thorpe Center for the Futures of Native Peoples at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, slated for construction in 2026. | Dickinson College An architectural rendering depicts the Jim Thorpe Center for the Futures of Native Peoples at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, slated for construction in 2026. | Dickinson College An architectural rendering depicts the Jim Thorpe Center for the Futures of Native Peoples at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, slated for construction in 2026. | Dickinson College An architectural rendering depicts the Jim Thorpe Center for the Futures of Native Peoples at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, slated for construction in 2026. | Dickinson College An architectural rendering depicts the Jim Thorpe Center for the Futures of Native Peoples at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, slated for construction in 2026. | Dickinson College Rooted in modern Indigenous concepts, the design will feature symbols and elements of the Four World Gifts: the natural, animal, spiritual and human worlds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are important to all Indigenous peoples, Jones said. They also help connect the points of view of Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. The college said it plans to start construction in the summer of 2026. The center is possible through a $20 million gift from alumnus Samuel G. Rose, and will include the Samuel G. Rose 58 Art Gallery featuring Indigenous art. 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. President Donald Trumps decision to shift the nations most advanced aircraft carrier to South America in his campaign against drug cartels is pulling the ship out of the Mediterranean Sea at a time when a tenuous ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has been threatened by new strikes in Gaza. The U.S. is set to be in the fairly unusual position of having only a single aircraft carrier deployed and none in the waters off both Europe and the Middle East. The change is especially stark after the U.S. joined Israeli strikes on Iran in June and has engaged in some of the most intense combat operations since World War II against Yemens Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. Aircraft carriers, with their thousands of sailors and dozens of warplanes, have long been recognized as one of the ultimate signifiers of U.S. military might and the nations foreign policy priorities. There have been five carrier deployments to the Middle East since the Hamas-led attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, including two carriers in the region at multiple points this year and last. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new orders for the USS Gerald R. Ford illustrate the Trump administrations increasing focus on the Western Hemisphere and mark a major escalation of firepower as the U.S. military ramps up fatal strikes on alleged drug boats. With a buildup of warships, aircraft and troops already in the region, Trump himself has signaled what could be next. Speaking from another aircraft carrier, the USS George Washington, in its home port of Japan, Trump noted the U.S. attacks at sea and reiterated that now well stop the drugs coming in by land. Mark Cancian, a senior adviser with the Center for Strategic and International Studies and a retired Marine colonel, questioned how long the Ford would be able to remain in South America, when only three of the 11 U.S. aircraft carriers are typically out to sea. Its such a powerful and scarce resource, there will be a lot of pressure to do something or send it elsewhere, Cancian said. You can imagine the peace negotiations breaking down in the eastern Mediterranean or something happening with Iran. The USS Gerald R. Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier, operates in the Norwegian Sea above the Arctic Circle, Aug. 30, 2025. (PO2 Daniel Ruiz/U.S. Navy) The USS Nimitz also is deployed but is heading home from the South China Sea to the West Coast before being decommissioned. It recently lost two aircraft a fighter jet and a helicopter in separate crashes that are under investigation. A third carrier, the USS Theodore Roosevelt, is not deployed but is conducting exercises off the coast of San Diego. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shift is happening just as violence has flared up again in Gaza despite a ceasefire that Trump helped broker after two years of war. The Israeli army launched a barrage of attacks Tuesday as tensions with Hamas grew two weeks into the fragile ceasefire. Carriers move adds pressure on Venezuela Meanwhile, the U.S. militarys growing presence near Venezuela and its 13 fatal strikes on alleged drug boats have stoked fears that Trump could try to topple authoritarian President Nicolas Maduro, who faces charges of narcoterrorism in the U.S. In response to questions about the speculation, Secretary of State Marco Rubio insisted Saturday that the U.S. is taking part in a counterdrug operation. And he again accused Maduros government of participating in the shipment of narcotics. This is a very serious problem for the hemisphere, and a very destabilizing one, Rubio said. And that has to be addressed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maduro said in a recent national broadcast that the Trump administration is manufacturing a war against him. They are fabricating an extravagant narrative, a vulgar, criminal and totally fake one, Maduro added. Venezuela is a country that does not produce cocaine leaves. A woman walks past graffiti against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas. (Juan Barreto/ AFP via Getty Images) Experts say the U.S. forces in the region arent large enough for an invasion. But they could help push out Maduro and possibly plunge the nation into chaos. Theres a really high potential for violence and instability, according to Geoff Ramsey, an expert on U.S. policy toward Venezuela who is a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council. If Maduro loses power, he said Venezuela could devolve into a Libya-style meltdown that could last years. Land strikes are a real possibility The Ford strike group, which includes five destroyers, will add to an unusually large U.S. military buildup in the waters off Venezuela. The Navy already has eight warships in the region three destroyers, three amphibious assault ships, a cruiser and a smaller littoral combat ship thats designed for coastal waters. It was not clear if all five of the destroyers in the Ford strike group would make the journey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A U.S. Navy submarine also is operating in the broader area of South America and is capable of launching cruise missiles. The U.S. military also sent a squadron of F-35B Lightning II fighter jets to an airstrip in Puerto Rico and recently flew a pair of supersonic, heavy bombers up to the coast of Venezuela. The administration says the military has killed at least 57 people in the strikes against vessels accused of transporting drugs. Trump has declared drug cartels to be unlawful combatants because of narcotics flowing into the country and said the U.S. is in an armed conflict with them, relying on the same legal authority used by the Bush administration after 9/11. Lawmakers from both political parties have expressed concerns about Trumps lack of congressional approval and unwillingness to provide details about the attacks. Others, such as Trump ally Sen. Lindsey Graham, believe the president has all the authority he needs. The South Carolina Republican said Sunday on CBS Face the Nation that land strikes in Venezuela are a real possibility. Were not going to sit on the sidelines and watch boats full of drugs come to our country, Graham said. Were going to blow them up and kill the people that want to poison America, and were now going to expand operations, I think, to the land. CARTER COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) A Carter County woman who is serving a life sentence for a murder committed in June 1993 at a local market was granted parole, according to the State of Tennessee Board of Parole. Donna Sexton, 54, was granted parole after an independent review of her case by the Debra K. Johnson Rehabilitation Center on Oct. 8. The Board of Parole made the final decision with four concurrent votes on Oct. 15. Donna Sexton and William Matney Putnam (1993) Donna Sexton (1993) (1993) Sexton was serving a life sentence in Carter County after she pleaded no contest following the murder of Angela June Whitehead Montgomery in 1993. Sexton and William Matney Putnam robbed the Valley Forge Market on June 14, 1993, and killed Montgomery during the robbery. The two then fled to Florida. Sexton became eligible for parole in 2017. She was 22 at the time of the crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putnam pleaded guilty and is currently also serving a life sentence. The Board of Parole said that deciding whether to grant or deny parole is decided on a case-by-case basis, and includes evaluating inmates on the seriousness of the offense, time served, a risk/needs assessment, the offenders institutional record, victim input, and the statements of the offender and other interested parties. Sexton will have to adhere to the following list of post-release conditions, the Board of Parole said: Report to halfway house only Complete cognitive behavior invention programming Community service work until employed Forensic social worker referral to assist with any transitional needs Substance abuse treatment as assessed No contact with victim(s) family Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Board of Parole retains the right to revoke parole for those who do not comply with their post-release conditions. 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 WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. Picture an animal that huddles up with others when stressed, babysits its young, hangs out around relatives, and gathers in big groups every year. Did you imagine a rattlesnake? For a long time, scientists didnt think snakes could fit this description. There were two big myths out there, said Noam Miller, who studies animal social cognition at Wilfrid Laurier University. One is that snakes largely just operated on reflex. The other is that snakes dont gather in general, since people tend to only come across one snake at a time. So there was this idea that they were just not social at all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But over the past few years, researchers like Miller have found in laboratory and field experiments that numerous snake species from rattlesnakes to pythons have surprisingly active social lives, suggesting that researchers have long underestimated an extremely misunderstood and threatened group of animals. Prairie rattlesnakes in Colorado are seen on a livestream via Project RattleCam. Project RattleCam Why snakes are hard to study Research has revealed that crocodiles and lizards have dynamic social lives, but snakes received little such attention until recently. Part of the trouble with studying snake social behavior is that even more so than other reptiles theyre quite secretive. Most of the time you cant even see them they hide somewhere, said Vladimir Dinets, a specialist in reptile behavior at Rutgers University. Snakes also live very different lives from most mammals and birds, which often live their lives in the open, making them easier to study. Rather than extravagant displays or calls, Dinets noted, snakes spend most of their time hiding and depend largely on their sense of smell. A snakes world consists mainly of chemical trails and signals, making its perspective closed off to more visual animals like us. For us, its very difficult to study. Thats one reason that researchers interested in reptile social behavior have tended to pay attention to one particular serpent, Miller said: the red-sided garter snake. This species is found from the American Midwest to Manitoba, Canada, give live birth rather than laying eggs, and hibernate in massive groups over winter. When they emerge in spring, they form mating balls, thousands of snakes strong. For Morgan Skinner, a student in Millers lab, garter snakes seemed like a natural species to observe more closely: They were the group we already knew had some kinds of social behavior. Two corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus) share a shelter as a third snake slithers by. Maggie-Rose Johnston, Noam Miller A pair of corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus) climb a tree together. Maggie-Rose Johnston, Noam Miller The scientists began with experiments to see how eastern garter snakes learn, only to run into a problem: Snakes are difficult to motivate. They more or less didn't care about many of the tasks we were giving them, Miller said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, he and Skinner decided to just watch the snakes to see what they did. They constructed an open arena with a bunch of different shelters and deposited 40 young Eastern garter snakes each individually marked inside. By recording the snakes and tracking their movements in the arena, they collected data about which snakes congregated with each other. In their published results, they found that the young snakes not only preferred to gang up with each other snakes tended to stay longer in shelters that were already well-occupied, and coordinate times when they went out exploring. They also seemed to massively prefer associating with specific other individuals, what we colloquially refer to as friends, Miller says. Even though people knew that garter snakes were social to the extent that any snake is social, Miller says, the sophistication of what was going on socially was not, I think, widely suspected. Garter snakes arent the only species that prefer company. Many North American rattlesnake species including western diamondbacks, black-tails and prairie rattlers also give live birth and den communally over the winter, said Emily Taylor, a rattlesnake specialist at California Polytechnic State University. But while advances in radio-tracking technology allowed researchers to begin mapping rattler movements in the 1980s, the depth of their social behavior is now coming into focus. A 2004 study of captive timber rattlers found that the female snakes recognized and preferred to associate with their sisters, while a 2011 study on blacktail rattlesnakes found that solo rattlesnake mothers actively looked after their new hatchlings for several days, including driving off predators. Eastern garter snakes participate in an experiment to see if they select shelters to socialize with other snakes. The snakes have colored marks on their heads for identification. Morgan Skinner Caught on the RattleCam Some of the most exciting discoveries have come from Project RattleCam, a donation-funded livestream Taylor and her colleagues set up for a massive rookery of prairie rattlesnakes in Colorado, where dozens of pregnant females gather to give birth before hunkering down together for the winter. While rattlesnakes like most other snakes are secretive, this annual, months-long gathering has provided an opportunity to see wild social behaviors that we had no idea they were doing, Taylor said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of those unexpected activities is babysitting. There's hundreds of babies in the summer, and we see that the babies tend to curl up on or with an adult, Taylor said. But that the adult isn't always the mom. Since the pregnant females give birth at different times, there are always adults around to guard newborn rattlers against birds and other predators. The young often stick around the rookery over the winter hibernation and into the following spring. These dens arent just alliances of convenience. While snakes do seemingly spend a good chunk of the year alone, the den seems to be the locus of rattlesnake society, Taylor said. In 2023, a team of researchers demonstrated that snakes were less stressed by disturbances if they had another rattler to huddle with. This year, Taylor said, theyve completed a forthcoming study on the Colorado den, using the recorded livestream to determine which snakes spent the most time together. We saw very, very strong signatures that that certain females seem to prefer to hang out together, Taylor said, with pregnant females generally preferring each others individual company. (Males who came to the den to wrestle rivals, mate and hibernate seemed much less choosy.) The camera even caught what might be a strange sort of communication, Taylor said: Rattlers who approached one another often twitched their heads at each other back in forth in rapid, noticeable patterns gestures whose meanings the team hopes one day to decode. Prairie rattlesnakes are seen huddling in Colorado on the Project RattleCam livestream. The small gray snakes are newborns. Project RattleCam Python parties Both rattlesnakes and garters are unusual as snakes go, however: they inhabit more temperate environments, hibernate communally, and give live birth. In 2020, Skinner wondered how a snake with a very different ecology and no reported social behavior would fare under close observation. Skinner and Miller chose Ball Pythons, a small, seemingly solitary African python popular in the pet trade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As they had with garter snakes, they put five different groups of young pythons in the arena with enough plastic enclosures for each snake, and left them there for 10 days with a camera running. To the labs surprise, all six snakes quickly squeezed together in the same shelter, spending over 60 percent of their time together. When the team removed that shelter to make sure there wasnt something unusually appealing about it, the pythons picked another. Skinner repeatedly shuffled the snakes between shelters, placed them all out in the open, and removed favored hides. Again and again, the young pythons congregated together. Surprisingly, the ball pythons were more social and less cliquey than the eastern garters had been, Miller said. The thing they tend to do the most is all cram into the same shelter. And because of that, we actually cant even identify if they have friends or not. When the team looked at the pythons brains after a social experience, Miller said, they found that certain brain areas lit up the exact same ones found in an area called the social decision making network, in bird and mammalian including human brains. That suggests that when it comes to gathering in groups, snakes are using a cognitive toolkit similar to that of other animals. While their social behavior may be simpler than what is seen in many birds and mammals, Miller said, its the same basic brain process. All of the things that they do are very much things that we also do, he says. We've just overlaid a bunch of other complications on top of them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Millers lab has already run similar experiments on hognose snakes, a shovel-nosed, supposedly anti-social toad-eater found in North America, and corn snakes and while they have yet to publish the results of these investigations, the team found similar results, Miller says. These sorts of observations are likely just the beginning when it comes to studying snake social behavior, Dinets says. There are many observations of snake socialization in the wild that havent been followed up on, in part because study would be too difficult. Yellow bellied sea snakes, for example, gather in occasional huge groups before vanishing into the vastness of the ocean, while some species seem, by contrast, territorial around potential food areas which is a different form of complex social behavior. A laboratory environment is inherently artificial, so there is always the possibility that the snakes act differently in experiments than they would in the wild. But based on Dinets own observations of crocodilian social behavior, he says its reasonable to assume that many species are actually less sociable in captivity than they are in nature. In other words, lab experiments probably capture a lower level of social behavior than the snakes display in their natural habitats. The idea that reptiles are not social is basically just conjecture, Dinets said. Every time people start looking at reptiles, they start finding it. Pretty much all of them will prove to be more social than we expect. After hitting Jamaica on Tuesday, Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Cuba overnight as a strong and dangerous Category 3 hurricane and now continues its journey through the Caribbean toward the Bahamas. As well as causing destruction in Jamaica, Cuba and the Bahamas, countries not in the direct path of the storm, such Haiti and the Dominican Republic, have also seen damage and destruction from Hurricane Melissa. Though reports are just trickling in due to challenging conditions on the islands, it appears the hardest hit area could be southern Haiti where torrential rains caused a river to burst its banks, killing at least 25 people, per reports. People walk through Santa Cruz, Jamaica, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, after Hurricane Melissa passed. | Matias Delacroix The storm first made landfall in Jamaica around 1 p.m. EDT on Tuesday as the strongest hurricane to ever hit the island. Later in the day, the countrys Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared the country a disaster area, per NBC News. The storm caused major damage to public infrastructure and knocked out power in most of the island. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once it made landfall in Jamaica, Hurricane Melissa began to weaken. After making its way out of Jamaica and to Cuba, the storm also caused significant damage to multiple Cuban provinces, as hundreds of thousands of people rode out the storm in shelters. The storm is one of the strongest hurricanes ever to make landfall in the Atlantic and is the most powerful storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, per CNN. On Wednesday, the U.S. State Department announced that it will deploy disaster response teams to the Caribbean countries impacted by Melissa. The United States is in close contact with the governments of Jamaica, Haiti, Dominican Republic and The Bahamas as they confront the devastating impacts of Hurricane Melissa. We have rescue and response teams heading to affected areas along with critical lifesaving supplies. Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) October 29, 2025 Hurricane Melissa death toll Residents stand on the wreckage of a house destroyed by Hurricane Melissa in Santa Cruz, Jamaica, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. | Matias Delacroix In southern Haiti, torrential rains from Hurricane Melissa caused a river to burst its banks, killing at least 25 people, per USA Today. Three other people had been killed in Haiti from the effects of Melissa earlier in the week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One person was also killed earlier in the week in the Dominican Republic and three people died in Jamaica during storm preparations. According to CNN, the Jamaican government is not in a position to make an official statement on deaths that may have been caused by the hurricane. No official death toll has been released by the country. There is at least one confirmed death that has been reported in Jamaica, which occurred when a tree fell on a baby in the western portion of the nation, per The Associated Press. Hurricane Melissa sweeps through Jamaica, causing devastating damage On Tuesday, Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica as a catastrophic Category 5 storm with top winds of 185 mph. This brought dangerous winds, flash floods and landslides to the small island nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, multiple parishes in Jamaica have reported floodwater, blocked roads and fallen trees and utility lines. The strong winds also tore the roof off houses and other buildings, per USA Today. The parish of St. Elizabeth was reported to be submerged by flooding and its only public hospital lost power and received severe damage. According to The New York Times, Jamaicas information minister Dana Morris Dixon said that the storm had knocked out power to 70% of the country. The government has directed utility crews to begin restoring power and telecommunication services across the island nation. I know so many people have said they cannot reach their families in Western Jamaica. Thats because of damage to the telecoms infrastructure, Morris Dixon said, according to The New York Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The brunt of the damage from the storm occurred in the western part of the country, but Morris Dixon said in a Wednesday news conference that the central part of Jamaica also had a lot of damage, a lot of flooding. As Hurricane Melissa moves further away from the island, Jamaica still has a risk of flash flooding and landslides continuing into Wednesday night. Overall, forecasters estimate the country will have seen up to 24 inches of rain from the storm, with some mountain areas receiving much more, per The New York Times. Cuba also sees plenty of destruction and damage caused by Hurricane Melissa In Cuba, officials have reported collapsed houses, blocked roads and roofs blown off buildings. The most destruction was done in the southwest and northwest, according to the AP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities reported that around 735,000 people remained in shelters. Parts of Cubas Granma province, especially its municipal capital Jiguani, were reported to be underwater, per the AP. Over 15 inches of rain was reported in Jiguanis settlement of Charco Redondo. Hurricane Melissa continues on its path of destruction toward the Bahamas After making its way off Cuba, Hurricane Melissa had sustained winds of 100 mph and was moving northeast, per the AP. The center of the storm is forecast to pass through southeastern Bahamas later Wednesday, causing life-threatening storm surge and flooding rains. Authorities said the southeastern Bahamas should expect up to 25 inches of rainfall and 4 to 7 feet of storm surge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ahead of the storm officially making landfall in the Bahamas, the country had already began to experience hurricane conditions. The worst conditions are expected in places like Crooked Island, Long Island and the Acklins, per The New York Times. Around 1,500 residents in the Bahamas were evacuated in anticipation of Hurricane Melissas arrival, before all flights were suspended. According to the AP, the storm is growing in size as its winds expand out from the center, now extending out almost 200 miles. After traveling through the Bahamas, Hurricane Melissa is expected to pass just west of Bermuda by late Thursday. What does it mean for a hurricane to make landfall? Landfall officially occurs when the center of a hurricane, specifically the center of the eye of the storm, reaches the shore. The eyewall, which encircles the eye and packs the storms strongest winds, will reach land first. And while thats a significant and potentially dangerous moment, its not officially landfall, per The New York Times. I wrote last year about physician suicide as a silent epidemic. The silence is not lifting. The losses are getting closer. The grief is heavier. We all feel it. This month, we lost Dr. Nolan R. Williams. He advanced care for severe, refractory depression and pushed neural stimulation science forward. Then he died by suicide. His death landed like a shock wave across medicine and beyond and the lesson is hard. Even our brightest healers suffer and even those building new treatments for despair can be overwhelmed by despair. We have been here before. In 2017, a federal jury acquitted Wisconsin physician Dr. Charles Szyman after a five-day trial. Months later, he died by suicide. He had won in court, yet the pressure did not end and the weight of years of scrutiny and litigation did not let go. We mourned a colleague whose name should have faded back to normal life, not into an obituary. I wrote about that in my book Doctor Not Guilty. Words matter here. Say died by suicide. Not committed. Not successful or failed. Neutral, humane language reduces shame and it invites help and respects families. This is the guidance from our field, and it is basic decency. The data does match what many of us live, as a recent JAMA Network Open study reviewed deaths among U.S. medical residents and fellows from 2015 to 2021. Suicide was the single leading cause, responsible for nearly one in three resident deaths, with risk concentrated early in training. You do not file numbers like that away, you act on them and build systems around them. I am a physician. I have seen the pressures inside the white coat. The pager never sleeps and the messages never end. The performance demands never loosen. You absorb patient stories all day, then hold your own. You move from room to room with a steady voice. Your back stiffens. Your jaw locks. Your spirit thins. Media coverage shapes behavior. It can inform and protect. It can also harm. Reporting should avoid detailed descriptions of method or location. Avoid glamor. Avoid blame. Emphasize recovery. Emphasize help. Use died by suicide. Include resource links. These are safety measures, not semantics. They reduce contagion and guide people to support. To my colleagues: You are not weak if you are hurting. You are human and the mask you wear to keep others safe can suffocate you. Take it off long enough to breathe. Talk with a therapist or call a friend who can hold the weight with you. Tell your program director what you need. Call your pastor or imam or rabbi. If you must, open your chart and write your own name in the patient slot. You are not a liability for seeking care. You are an asset for surviving. To trainees: Your risk is not theoretical. The first months of training are dangerous for mood and sleep. Build a plan now. Two peers on speed dial. One faculty advocate. One professional in your phone with after-hours access. One ritual that protects your sleep. Hold to it like you hold to sterile technique. The stakes are the same. To program leaders: Align your operations with the risk data. Stand up a transition protocol for every intern. Staff peer mentors outside the line of evaluation. Print one card with key numbers for urgent support. Normalize mental health sick days. Protect sleep. Debrief after deaths and codes. Track near misses tied to fatigue. The cost of prevention is modest. The cost of each loss is infinite. To hospital executives: Stop asking for resilience while rewarding self-erasure. Measure wellness like you measure RVUs. Publish the numbers. Tie leadership bonuses to psychological safety, retention, and access to care. Fund confidential, off-site therapy with no billing trail to the hospital. Cover it for spouses. Strip intrusive mental health questions from credentialing and privileging. Focus on current impairment only, not history. Align your policies with national recommendations. Then audit compliance. To journalists and influencers: When a physician dies by suicide, you cover more than a person. You cover a system. Follow evidence-based reporting guidelines. Name help. Avoid method. Avoid speculation. Ask experts to speak to recovery and prevention. Your choices carry real effects on real people. Finally a note to the public: Your doctor is not invincible. Your nurse is not made of stone. Your psychiatrist does not live outside the reach of despair. If your clinician sets a boundary to protect health, accept it. If your clinic delays a convenient refill because a doctor took a day for therapy, bless it. If you run a plan or a clinic, make space for care teams to be cared for. You want your surgeon rested. You want your psychiatrist supported. Your familys safety depends on the health of the people who treat them. We also need to talk about meaning. Many clinicians draw strength from prayer, community, and service. Make room for it. Chaplains who understand moral injury help. Time to reflect on why we practice helps. Medicine without meaning empties you. Medicine with meaning can heal both ways. Policy matters. Congress and state boards set levers that shape our days. Fix Medicare payment that punishes time. Simplify prior authorization. Fund graduate medical education at levels that meet demand. Expand loan repayment tied to service in shortage areas. Protect whistleblowers who report unsafe workloads. Invest in evidence-based treatments for depression, including neuromodulation and rapid-acting antidepressants, with equitable access. Honor Dr. Williams by accelerating safe, effective care for those most at risk. Accountability matters too. In high-profile prosecutions, the public debate often ignores the human cost after the verdict. Dr. Szymans case reminds us that acquittal does not end pressure. Years of headlines, suspensions, and lawsuits leave scars. If we want justice, we must measure the downstream harm of process itself. We must build reentry support for exonerated professionals. We must end stigma for those who ask for help. Otherwise, we risk more funerals for people who did their best to help others. A word on language again. Families carry enough pain. They do not need words that imply crime. Say died by suicide. Say we miss them. Say we will fight for the living. Follow the fields guidance. Model it in clinics, classrooms, and newsrooms. What next. ADVERTISEMENT For physicians: Book your own visit today. Set a recurring peer check-in. Audit your sleep. Check your states licensure language. If it is punitive, organize to change it. For program directors: Run a 30-day sprint. Map interns at highest risk. Put an attending on wellness call at night. Hold a monthly protected hour where no one presents a case. People speak as people. Pilot it. Measure it. For health systems: Publish a quarterly wellness dashboard. Share it. If numbers go the wrong way, own it. Fix it. For media: Add 988 to your template. Keep it there. Follow safe-reporting guidelines. Consult experts before publishing sensitive stories. For the rest of us: Hold each other tighter. Ask a colleague, how is your heart, and wait for the real answer. If you are in crisis, or worried about someone, call or text 988 in the U.S. The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is open 24 hours, confidential. We lost Nolan Williams. We lost Charles Szyman after he won his case. We have lost too many. Speak with care. Act with urgency. Build systems that protect the people who care for you. Refuse to normalize preventable deaths. Refuse to let the next obituary be someone you know. Muhamad Aly Rifai is a nationally recognized psychiatrist, internist, and addiction medicine specialist based in the Greater Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. He is the founder, CEO, and chief medical officer of Blue Mountain Psychiatry, a leading multidisciplinary practice known for innovative approaches to mental health, addiction treatment, and integrated care. Dr. Rifai currently holds the prestigious Lehigh Valley Endowed Chair of Addiction Medicine, reflecting his leadership in advancing evidence-based treatments for substance use disorders. Board-certified in psychiatry, internal medicine, addiction medicine, and consultation-liaison (psychosomatic) psychiatry, Dr. Rifai is a fellow of the American College of Physicians (FACP), the American Psychiatric Association (FAPA), and the Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (FACLP). He is also a former president of the Lehigh Valley Psychiatric Society, where he championed access to community-based psychiatric care and physician advocacy. A thought leader in telepsychiatry, ketamine treatment, and the intersection of medicine and mental health, Dr. Rifai frequently writes and speaks on physician justice, federal health care policy, and the ethical use of digital psychiatry. You can learn more about Dr. Rifai through his Wikipedia page, connect with him on LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, or subscribe to his YouTube channel. His podcast, The Virtual Psychiatrist, offers deeper insights into topics at the intersection of mental health and medicine. Explore all of Dr. Rifais platforms and resources via his Linktree. On Wednesday, CBS News conducted extensive layoffs across its news division, which were part of an overall workforce reduction initiated by its parent company, Paramount Skydance. Its been reported that nearly 100 positions could be shed across the network, affecting both on-air and off-air roles. The Guardians Jeremy Barr reports that CBS News editor in chief, Bari Weiss, described the situation during the networks morning editorial call as an enormously difficult day for so many people. However, CNNs Brian Stelter also notes the layoffs affecting CBS News were already planned before Weiss arrived at the network. Fuller Bari Weiss on the morning call: "This is just an enormously difficult day for so many people that have given years of their lives to this company, and I'm sorry, and want to support to everyone in whatever way I can. My door is open, whether I'm sitting up here or https://t.co/hFvTOkJtNC Jeremy Barr (@jeremymbarr) October 29, 2025 According to the Los Angeles Times, CBS Saturday Mornings longtime co-anchors Michelle Miller and Dana Jacobson, as well as the shows executive producer, Brian Applegate, were affected by the cuts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miller and Jacobson, who have been part of the program since 2018, have led the weekend morning show in a dual-anchor format since Jeff Glors departure in September 2024. Also, the third hour of CBS Mornings, CBS Mornings Plus, has been canceled. Currently, there are no details on how many roles have been lost due to the programs cancellation or what the plans are for that particular time slot. Status Natalie Korach reports that John Dickersons streaming news show, CBS News Evening News Plus, has been cancelled, and the team has been let go. The news of the shows demise should not be a surprise, as Dickerson announced earlier this week that he would be leaving the network towards the end of the year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CBS News South Africa bureau is also being shut down, with its oversight of the continent being moved to the networks London bureau. Debora Patta, who reported out of the S.A. bureau, was let go. Other on-air talent reportedly being laid off include correspondents Janet Shamlian, Nikki Battiste, Nancy Chen, and Lisa Ling. In a memo shared with employees early on Wednesday, Paramount Skydances CEO, David Ellison, described the cuts as necessary to position the company for success. He noted in the memo that positions being affected are those that are redundant as a result of the recently completed merger, as well as phasing out roles that are no longer aligned with our evolving priorities and the new structure designed to strengthen our focus on growth. Paramount Skydance is looking to eliminate a total of 2,000 positions, with 1,000 positions impacted in this go-around and the remaining 1,000 to take place at a later date. CBS News eliminated multiple streaming programs on Wednesday as part of newsroom-wide layoffs, just one part of Paramounts sweeping job cuts and a blow to the news organizations headcount as Bari Weiss already turbulent tenure as editor in chief gets into full swing. It was not immediately clear how many people were affected, though some reports pegged the figure at nearly 100 jobs. The cuts affected CBS News streaming companion shows to CBS Mornings and CBS Evening News, both of which were canceled, according to a source familiar with the matter. Its Johannesburg bureau is also closing, and CBS News has disbanded its race and culture unit (though the units head, Alvin Patrick, remains on staff). Its Saturday morning show is also getting a format change, according to the source, and its unclear whether it will retain its CBS Saturday Morning moniker as its absorbed into the weekday broadcast. Its hosts, Michelle Miller and Dana Jacobson, were both laid off, as was the shows executive producer, Brian Applegate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was unclear whether Weiss other journalistic operation, the anti-woke news and opinion site the Free Press, was affected by the layoffs. Paramount acquired the site earlier this month for roughly $150 million, and Weiss remains its top editor. A Free Press spokesperson did not respond to an immediate request for comment, though the division as does CBS News still has jobs posted. A spokesperson for CBS News did not have a comment. Weiss told staffers during an editorial call on Wednesday that it was an enormously difficult day for the network, according to Semafor. Paramount is laying off 1,000 employees across the company on Wednesday following its merger with David Ellisons Skydance. The cuts are the first round of job losses at CBS News since Ellison took hold of Paramount in August, while the parent company is expected to eventually cut another 1,000 employees, including some in international divisions. While layoffs are common after a merger, they come as Paramount Skydance builds a media empire by investing billions into sports, films and acquisitions, and attempting to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, a move that would impact another news organization: CNN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The layoffs are spread throughout Paramounts workforce, Ellison told staffers in a memo on Wednesday, framing them as necessary for the companys future growth. In some areas, we are addressing redundancies that have emerged across the organization, Ellison wrote. In others, we are phasing out roles that are no longer aligned with our evolving priorities and the new structure designed to strengthen our focus on growth. Ultimately, these steps are necessary to position Paramount for long-term success. The reduction in staff comes as Weiss has tried to make her mark on the century-old news organization. Shes reportedly trying to lure big names in TV news, including Fox News Bret Baier and CNNs Anderson Cooper, and has used her contacts to help CBS News land interviews with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Secretaries of State Hillary Clinton and Condoleezza Rice. She has also brought on former New York Times colleague Adam Rubenstein as a deputy editor for both CBS News and the Free Press, and Breaker Media reported that Weiss hired former Wall Street Journal editor Charles Forelle as a deputy. But shes also rankled some staffers over her demands and suggestions. Weiss initially asked staffers to submit a memo detailing how they spent their workdays, prompting the Writers Guild of America East, the union representing many CBS News staffers, to ask its members to hold off until they received further guidance on the demand. The union eventually told staffers the memos, or lack thereof, would not be used as a basis for discipline or termination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, we once again see the toll on media workers and the news industry caused by unfettered corporate consolidation, the WGA said in a statement. The WGAE and WGAW are working with impacted members to ensure our collective bargaining agreements are enforced and labor law is followed in these layoffs at Paramount Skydance. Meanwhile, Weiss Free Press staffers, including assistant editor Josh Code and Weiss sister, Suzy Weiss, have also made appearances on CBS. And Weiss discussed booking The Da Vinci Code author Dan Brown to discuss the recent robbery of the Louvre Museum in Paris, according to Breaker Media, puzzling some staffers. Some high-ranking CBS News staffers already said they plan to leave. The news organizations head of standards, Claudia Milne, said earlier this month she would leave the network, and CBS Evening News co-anchor John Dickerson said on Monday he would end his 16-year tenure in December. Michael Calderone contributed to this report. The post CBS News Cuts Evening News, Mornings Streaming Shows in Newsroom-Wide Layoffs appeared first on TheWrap. "CBS Saturday Morning" co-hosts Michelle Miller and Dana Jacobson are among the nearly 100 news division employees cut as part of a massive round of layoffs at parent company Paramount. The program is getting a new format that will align it closer to the weekday show "CBS Mornings," according to people familiar with the plans who were not authorized to comment publicly. Brian Applegate, the executive producer of the Saturday program, is out as well. Read more: 'CBS Evening News' co-anchor John Dickerson will leave the network this year Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CBS has also canceled "CBS Mornings Plus," an extension of its morning program that ran in several markets, including Los Angeles. "CBS Evening News Plus," a streaming program anchored by John Dickerson is also being shuttered. Dickerson announced Monday he is leaving the network. Several correspondents have already been laid off, including Debora Patta, who covered the Gaza war for the network, as well as Janet Shamlian, Nancy Chen and Nikki Battiste. Lisa Ling, who joined CBS News as a contributor in 2023, is also departing. The news division also shuttered its race and culture unit, which was formed in the aftermath of the 2020 police killing of George Floyd. Some of the employees in the unit will move to other parts of the company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A CBS News representative declined to comment. The cuts are part of parent company Paramount's reduction of 1,000 employees across all of its divisions. New owner Skydance Media is looking to reduce costs by $2 billion across the company, with a second round of cuts expected later this year. Miller was a prolific correspondent for CBS News in addition to her Saturday co-host duties, contributing pieces to "CBS Sunday Morning" and "48 Hours." She also was a frequent fill-in for Gayle King on the weekday morning program. Read more: Here comes Bari Weiss. What does it mean for CBS News? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miller, 52, is a Los Angeles native and the daughter of Dr. Ross Miller, a trauma surgeon who served on the Compton City Council. She worked at the Los Angeles Times in the early 1990s. Miller covered a wide range of stories at CBS News, and paid special attention to issues of racism and social injustice. She is married to Marc Morial, the former mayor of New Orleans who is currently head of the National Urban League. Read more: Paramount lays off 1,000 workers in first round of cuts Jacobson, 52, has been with CBS News since 2015. She previously spent a decade at ESPN, where she appeared on "First Take" and "SportsCenter." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miller and Jacobson have served as co-hosts of "CBS Saturday Morning" since 2018, when it was called "CBS This Morning Saturday." Sign up for our Wide Shot newsletter to get the latest entertainment business news, analysis and insights. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. The first major programming shift amid new leadership at CBS News is reportedly the cancellation of CBS Saturday Morning. The New York Post reported on Wednesday, October 29, that the networks new editor-in-chief, Bari Weiss, is axing the program and its coanchors, Michelle Miller and Dana Jacobson. Miller, Jacobson, and executive producer Brian Applegate have reportedly been informed of the situation, the outlet reported. CBS News parent company, Paramount Skydance, has not confirmed the cancellation yet and its unclear when the final episode of CBS Saturday Morning will air. Weiss and CBS News boss Tom Cibrowski reportedly decided that the weekend morning show is too expensive. Ratings for the program have slipped this season, with 10% fewer total viewers and 20% fewer viewers in the 25 to 54-year-old demo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to getting rid of CBS Saturday Morning, Weiss and Cibrowski are reportedly ending CBS Mornings Plus, a show that aired for an hour at 9a/8c in certain markets on weekdays, and CBS Evening News Plus, an offshoot of CBS Evening News on streaming. Paramount Skydance has made headlines this week due to its major restructuring, with 1,000 employees being laid off on October 29 in the first phase of a larger plan to lay off about 2,000 people. Weiss began as the new editor-in-chief earlier this month and has wasted no time making changes at CBS News. Paramount CEO David Ellison, who took the position in August, sent a memo to employees amid the first round of layoffs. We want to be as open and direct as possible about the reasons behind these changes, he wrote, per The Hollywood Reporter. In some areas, we are addressing redundancies that have emerged across the organization. In others, we are phasing out roles that are no longer aligned with our evolving priorities and the new structure designed to strengthen our focus on growth. Ultimately, these steps are necessary to position Paramount for long-term success. CBS Saturday Morning, Saturdays, 7a/6c, CBS Read the latest entertainment news on TV Insider. (FOX40.COM) A Northern California resident lost more than $25,000 after being scammed by a celebrity catfish. Video Above: Scams circulating in California A catfish is someone who steals another persons identity and pretends to be them online. The scam began when the victim commented on a Facebook post, and someone posing as a celebrity asked the victim to private message him, according to the Nevada County Sheriffs Office. California Governor Gavin Newsom admits he might run for US president in 2028 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies said that through chatting on Facebook, the scammer convinced the victim to move their conversation into a popular private messaging app called Zangi. The victim spoke with the scammer for several hours per day, building trust via the app but never over the phone. He was eventually persuaded to join the fake actors fan club for $200. According to NCSO, once the membership was established, the victim was convinced to become a VIP Fan Club member at $5,000, and the scamming escalated. The victim paid the scammer through several methods, including mobile wallet numbers, Bitcoin, and gift cards. Law enforcement did not specify which celebrity the scammer posed as. Oil-in-the-engine car-buying scam: 2 arrests made in Northern California We are sharing this unfortunate incident to build awareness in the hopes of preventing a similar incident from happening to someone else, said NCSO Undersheriff Sam Brown. Scammers often pose as others and use deception to build false trust. If youre contacted by anyone you dont personally know who asks you for money, chances are its a scam and you should not engage with them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) CenterPoint Energy has announced a $5,000,000 community fund, they say will support customers in southwestern Indiana. Officials say the Community Energy Improvement Fund will directly invest in expanding energy efficiency and home weatherization programs. They say this fund will aid lower and middle income customers, small businesses and renters. All of us at CenterPoint, especially our local workforce that proudly calls southwestern Indiana home, are committed to supporting the communities where we live and work. The new Community Energy Improvement Fund will provide vital energy efficiency assistance and cost-saving resources for our customers, while also supporting greater economic development across the Evansville region. The new weatherization program will help residential and small commercial customers with improvements to the shells of their homes, insulation levels and HVAC system improvements and even lighting changes all with the goal of lowering energy consumption, Mike Roeder, President of CenterPoint Energy Indiana. A $5 million commitment $4.5 million will go toward expanding home repair and weatherization programs. $500,000 will be dedicated toward economic development initiatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CenterPoint is also pledging to work with nonprofits and city official to raise awareness about cost saving measures. The announcement of the Community fund comes after CenterPoint Energy issued an apology to customers for high energy costs. CenterPoint officials hope a new saving plan will lead to an $18 decrease in cost for residential customers through 2027. 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). The wrath of Hurricane Melissa continues to unfold across Jamaica after the storm made landfall Tuesday as a catastrophic Category 5 hurricane, the strongest ever to hit the island. Homes and businesses were flattened, hospitals damaged, and entire communities left without power. Among those caught in the chaos are Alimay and Walter Campbell, who were supposed to spend just a week on vacation, but now, theyre trapped. Theres flooding all over. Homes are being destroyed. Hospitals being destroyed, Walter said. My neighbor has a solar syste,m so thats why we were able to get lights. Theres no power, absolutely no power. Its pretty dark. The couple said they had no idea a hurricane was approaching when they arrived. The plan was to fly on Sunday, Alimay said, however, our flight was canceled due to the hurricane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre not alone. Florida radio personality JoJo ONeal, who was also visiting Jamaica, told Channel 9 that she and others had tried to leave early, but couldnt. Several of us are from Florida or have lived in Florida at some point, so we know what Cat 5 means, ONeal said. We booked to leave early, and they closed the airports, cancelled the flights. Hurricane Melissa hit Jamaica with sustained winds of 185 miles per hour on Tuesday morning, cutting off power to much of the island and leaving residents and tourists stranded. For many in Central Floridas Jamaican community, the images have been agonizing to watch. Its heart-wrenching. I didnt sleep last night, said Debbie Jolly Jerrett with the Jamaican Cultural Connection. I was watching the whole thing. Theyve never seen anything like this before, added Lurna Wozencroft-Franklin from the same organization. Many of them are not at home; theyre in shelters. As the storms impact continues, the Jamaican American Association of Central Florida is mobilizing support. President Joan Edghill said theyre already hearing from families running out of food and water. With the length of this hurricane and the time its taking to actually hit, people said theyre running out of supplies, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local businesses are also stepping up. Paul Daley, owner of Caribbean Sunshine Bakery on West Colonial Drive, is partnering with a Jamaican shipping company to collect donations that will go directly to the island. We are gathering goods to ship down, Daley said. Theyre going to ship at no cost to the donors. Were accepting anything from diapers to generators no perishable goods, whatever you can donate. Well make sure it gets to the right people at the right time. Daley added, Im just doing a small part in hopes to help the community the best way I can. As recovery efforts ramp up, community leaders urge Central Floridians to contribute supplies or funds through verified organizations helping storm victims in Jamaica. Ways to help Jamaican Cultural Connection - https://jccnow.org/ Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Jamaican American Association of Central Florida - https://www.jaaocf.com/ Caribbean Sunshine Bakery - https://www.caribbeansunshine.net/ What to donate Nonperishable/canned food Generators Toiletries Diapers Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. A 48-year-old Central Florida woman was arrested for allegedly verbally assaulting several people including a student on a school bus. Related Articles On Monday, Latanya Rowe entered the bus as it was stopped to pick up students for Davenport High School, according to a press release from the Polk County Sheriffs Office. Officials said Rowe cursed at a student regarding an incident that occurred on Oct. 24 among the student and the womans son and daughter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rowe also cursed out the bus driver for not handling the situation, according to the report. She refused to leave the bus for nearly an hour, despite requests from the driver, until the driver threatened to call the police. Deputies went to her home, but Rowe told them, via her Ring camera, that she was at the high school. Two school resource officers found her at the front office, yelling and cursing. The release said that when deputies tried to take Rowe into custody, she resisted arrest. The release said officers tried to tell Rowes daughter, who was nearby, to back away from the scene, as well. But the daughter refused and told officers she wanted to go to jail too, according to the press release. It stated the daughter was taken into custody for violation of the Halo law after warnings, and resisting arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After an investigation, deputies discovered through witness statements that Rowes son had been bullying the victim (whom Rowe initially cursed out) for a week. On Oct. 24, the victim tried to talk to Rowes children about the bullying, when both kids punched him, according to the press release. The irony of this situation is that this womans two children were found to be the aggressors in a fight that took place on Friday, yet she was screaming at the victim and accusing the victim of hurting her kids, said Sheriff Grady Judd. The victims parents declined to press charges and preferred that the school handle that internally, but we are moving forward with charging this mother for her criminal conduct. Rowe faces charges for disrupting a school function, trespassing on school grounds, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. She was released after posting bond. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Lutheran Social Services has been providing resources and programs for Central Ohioans for over a century. The number of services they provide is being reduced with the sale of three senior living facilities. LSS Kensington Place in Columbus, LSS Lutheran Village in Ashland and LSS The Good Shepherd in Ashland will all be sold to Medical Facilities of America, said President and CEO of Lutheran Social Services Rachel Lustig. Were doing this because when we look at the long-term future for our clients and residents at these facilities, and we look at our portfolio, which within the Columbus area also includes a very extensive human service portfolio. We thought we can focus on our human service portfolio, Lustig explained on a Zoom call Tuesday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anonymous central Ohio crime reporting program seeks to make streets safer Lustig said the move will allow the organization to facilitate our capacity to double down where we are most needed in the areas of homelessness and domestic violence and community health and food assistance, affordable housing. The new owners of the three facilities will continue to operate each at its current level of service, according to Lustig. Kensington Place and Lutheran Village are Assisted Living communities while The Good Shepherd is a Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation facility. Lustig said the process for finding the right buyer was intensive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We were very serious in choosing a partner who held on to quality programing as a way, that that took care of the residents. Thats what we were looking for. I brought one of our directors of nursing to be a part of the selection team, because it was really important to me to find a good partner, to take care of our people going forward, Lusting said. Lustig said the process required in-depth research. We went through and did our research and kind of evaluated, well, whos providing quality, services. So, we looked at, what Medicare produces for the five-star ratings of quality ratings. And we looked at which organizations were doing the best that were interested in, and medical facilities of America rose to the top, Lustig explained. When you find a a company that has more, you can get some economies of scale, and you can have one person whos reviewing all the regulations and then figuring out how do you provide that training to our staff. So, it is our hope that theyll be better able to support our team in todays changing landscape, Lustig said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Safety truck crash on I-270 a reminder to distracted drivers Lustig said the changes will be minimal. You know, I think for most people, they wont see too much difference. But our team is going to go with their sale, and so theyre still going to be able to kind of see the same nurses that are taking care of them and the same administrators, she said. This is an operations transfer. So, our senior living staff will accompany the transition, added Lustig, noting that staff members will stay employed at each location. Lustig said Lutheran Social Services has, about a $40 million operating budget and that this will provide us with about one fourth or one third of our annual operating budget. Around in that ballpark in net compensation for the sale of the three facilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a big change for people. We want to be able to be here to provide them with the answers and the support. Were here to stay. Were going to do the best we can for our local community and be on those front lines of where most needed, explained Lustig. Lutheran Social Services will now focus its efforts on other areas of need like affordable housing, community health, food for those in need, and domestic violence resources among other human services. A timetable of when the sale will be finalized was not announced. 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. The highway from western North Carolina to northeast Georgia is dark at five in the morning. One of my long-time patients grips the wheel and drives two hours for a 15-minute visit with the doctor she trusts. She could have met me by video from her kitchen, but the law forbids it. The moment she crosses that state line, I lose the right to care for her. Thats not medicine. Thats madness. We tell patients to use technology, to stay engaged, and to seek care early. Yet when they do, our laws turn that initiative into a liability. This isnt a paperwork issue. Its a national access crisis hiding behind outdated bureaucracy. Millions of Americans live near state borders or travel for work, school, or caregiving. They deserve continuity of care no matter where they are. Instead, weve stitched our health care system together with red tape instead of bridges. Most people assume that if a physician is licensed in the U.S., that license is national. It isnt. Each of the 50-plus state medical boards controls its own gate. To practice across borders, a doctor must pay multiple fees, repeat identical background checks, and reapply to every state where a patient might sit during a telehealth visit. The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact was meant to simplify this process, but it hasnt. It is still separate applications, separate fees, and separate approvals; bureaucracy masquerading as progress. Then come the other layers. Medicare dictates where a patient must be located for coverage. The DEA ties prescribing authority to a doctors registered address. Private insurers demand separate credentialing in each state. State insurance commissioners set their own telehealth rules. No single entity oversees the system. It is a maze that consumes time, money, and morale. It protects turf, not patients. And just when progress was within reach, we stepped backward. The rollback of federal telehealth coverage and pandemic-era flexibilities is one of the most shortsighted decisions in modern health policy. During COVID, we proved that cross-state telemedicine works safely, effectively, and efficiently. Patients were treated sooner, chronic conditions stayed stable, and access widened. Now, with those flexibilities gone, we have returned to an antiquated model that punishes innovation and convenience. Medicine must evolve with the times or risk being left behind. Technology has already leapt forward. The law must follow. A physician trusted to prescribe, diagnose, and heal should not become unqualified the moment a patient crosses an invisible border. Every physician already passes the same national exams, completes accredited training, maintains federal DEA registration, and is tracked through the National Practitioner Data Bank. For doctors in border communities, this barrier defies logic. These physicians see cross-state patients daily and should never have to think twice about whether helping them is legally permitted. We have built a licensing regime for a world that no longer exists. It was designed a century ago when medicine was local. Today, technology, mobility, and telehealth have erased those borders. The law just hasnt noticed. The cost of inaction is enormous. Delayed visits lead to missed diagnoses and unnecessary hospitalizations. Rural and frontier communities lose access to care that could easily be provided virtually. Doctors spend months waiting for redundant approvals or abandon cross-state practice altogether. Patients are left without the physicians who know them best. Taxpayers lose too. Billions of dollars are wasted maintaining redundant licensure and credentialing systems. Congress funds telehealth expansion while outdated statutes block its use. The left hand of government promotes innovation while the right hand tightens the leash. Then come the disruptions no one plans for, government shutdowns that halt progress overnight. When the clock strikes midnight, the lights dont just go out in Washington. They flicker in clinics, hospitals, and telehealth platforms across the country. Approvals stall. Reimbursements freeze. Startups and hospital systems that invested millions in secure telehealth infrastructure are left stranded. Behind every halted program is a team that believed they were building something lasting. Behind them are the patients who depended on it: the elderly man whose remote monitoring data stops transmitting because a CMS server is offline, the rural mother who cant reach her specialist because coverage has lapsed, and the veteran whose mental health app sits in limbo waiting for renewal. A shutdown doesnt simply pause care; it fractures it. It exposes a painful truth: Much of American health care depends on decisions made by people who will never meet the patients affected by them. We cannot build a modern system on unstable political ground. Yes, licensure has traditionally been a state responsibility. But this problem has outgrown the states, and the system that governs it is too fragile to survive endless resets. Congress must create continuity. It can direct CMS to allow any physician licensed and in good standing in one state to provide telemedicine services to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries nationwide. It can act under the Commerce Clause to establish a national telehealth license, allowing virtual care across state lines while preserving local authority for in-person practice. It can tie federal funding to a streamlined compact that shares data but eliminates redundancy. This is not a partisan issue. It is common sense. The VA already allows cross-state practice for veterans. The Department of Defense does the same for service members. The FAA licenses pilots nationally. The DEA manages a single federal registry of prescribers. If we can trust one license to keep aircraft in the air and narcotics in safe hands, we can trust physicians to see patients through a screen. A unified framework would strengthen, not weaken, oversight. It would allow consistent national discipline tracking and background checks instead of the chaos where one board may sanction a doctor while another never learns of it. We dont need fifty versions of the same bureaucracy. We need one transparent, accountable, interoperable system and a government steady enough to sustain it. This isnt deregulation. It is modernization. Care today is digital, mobile, and national. Patients already live in a borderless world. Their care should too. When my patient crosses that invisible line back into North Carolina, the system erases our connection not because of training, trust, or technology, but because of geography. The road she drives should not divide care; it should connect it. Patients dont stop needing care when they cross a border. Our licenses shouldnt stop either. Ryan Nadelson is chair of the Department of Internal Medicine at Northside Hospital Diagnostic Clinic in Gainesville, Georgia. Raised in a family of gastroenterologists, he chose to forge his own path in internal medicinedrawn by its complexity and the opportunity to care for the whole patient. A respected leader known for his patient-centered approach, Dr. Nadelson is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of physicians and fostering a culture of clinical excellence and lifelong learning. He is an established author and frequent contributor to KevinMD, where he writes about physician identity, the emotional challenges of modern practice, and the evolving role of doctors in todays health care system. You can connect with him on Doximity and LinkedIn. Key Points Taco Bell is the fastest drive-thru in the country for the fifth consecutive year, with an average service time of 257 seconds, per QSR Intouch Insights 2025 Drive-Thru Study. The annual report shows that while speed matters, customer satisfaction and friendliness, led by Chick-fil-A and Dutch Bros, remain key factors shaping the fast-food experience. AI ordering is expanding across major chains, but QSRs data shows that AI-assisted orders are less accurate than those made by humans, indicating the technology still needs improvement. Fast food is changing fast. Upgraded loyalty programs, AI integration, and trendy menu items are redefining the drive-thru experience but at its core, speed and accuracy still reign supreme. According to new data from QSR Intouch Insight, Taco Bell officially holds the title of the fastest drive-thru in the industry. The annual report, now in its 25th year, evaluates diners experiences at major chains through a network of secret shoppers across the United States. As technology reshapes the industry, QSR also measures innovations such as voice-recognition ordering to capture a more complete picture of the modern drive-thru. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This years study offers the most comprehensive view yet, analyzing ordering trends across 13 popular food and beverage chains including Starbucks, Popeyes, Dutch Bros, and Tim Hortons, all newly added in 2025. To gather the data, QSR conducted 165 secret shopper visits between June and July, spanning different times of day and regions across the country. Another 120 trips focused specifically on AI-assisted ordering, giving researchers insight into how automation affects accuracy and service. Speed of service Once again, Taco Bell tops the list as the fastest drive-thru chain. This marks the fifth consecutive year its held that distinction, with customers spending an average of 257 seconds (about 4.3 minutes) in line. KFC and Tim Hortons follow closely behind, with times of 261 and 266 seconds, respectively. QSR notes that classic fast-food brands often dominate in terms of speed. Chicken-focused restaurants such as Popeyes, Raising Canes, and Chick-fil-A tend to run slower, while beverage-centric chains fall in the middle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Wendy's Drive-Thru AI Will Now Let You Order in Multiple Languages Chick-fil-A recorded the longest total time 427 seconds, or roughly seven minutes but continues to win on charm. Secret shoppers ranked it highest for friendliness, followed by Dutch Bros and Raising Canes. Despite its slower pace, Chick-fil-As performance remains strong: Nearly half (49%) of the surveyed locations outperformed the national average of $9.317 million in drive-thru sales in 2024. Taco Bells satisfaction score, at 88%, trails behind Chick-fil-A and Dutch Bros, suggesting that speed alone doesnt define customer happiness. As Taco Bells chief digital and technology officer, Dane Mathews, puts it, Todays drive-thru success isnt just about how fast or precise the drive-thru is its about how the experience makes you feel. Thats why were focused on metrics that reflect both operational excellence and customer experience. Technology is helping us elevate all of these, but its the feeling you leave with that defines a truly great drive-thru. Order accuracy When it comes to getting the order right, Dutch Bros, Tim Hortons, and Dunkin lead the pack. Popeyes and KFC, meanwhile, rank lowest, with accuracies of 81% and 79%, respectively. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AI-assisted orders also show mixed results. QSR found that locations using voice-AI systems achieved 83% accuracy, compared with 87% at standard drive-thrus. The report highlights a 21% employee intervention rate during AI-assisted transactions, underscoring that the technology still needs refining before it can fully replace human interaction. Fastest drive-thru chains in America 2025 1 Taco Bell 257 2 KFC 262 3 Tim Hortons 266 4 Arbys 272 5 Wendys 293 6 Dunkin 310 7 Burger King 361 8 McDonalds 364 9 Starbucks 373 10 Dutch Bros 382 11 Raising Canes 383 12 Popeyes 411 13 Chick-fil-A 427 Whats ahead for fast food Fast-food chains are embracing technology to keep up with shifting consumer expectations. Artificial intelligence now plays a growing role both at the speaker box and behind the scenes, streamlining employee workflows and helping brands personalize service. Taco Bell is testing its Voice AI system in about 500 drive-thrus, designed to improve order-taking and free employees to focus on what the company calls meaningful moments with customers. The chain also leverages back-of-house tools to manage inventory and support staff. As Mathews explains, AI will be at the center of orchestrating Taco Bells drive-thru transformation. Related: Here's Why Taco Bell's Doubling Down on AI Drive-Thrus, Even as McDonald's Backs Out Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Innovation extends beyond software, too. Chick-fil-A has rolled out an elevated concept, while Taco Bells Defy location in Minnesota uses a futuristic elevator-like system to deliver food. While there are inevitable growing pains with new tech, one thing is clear: fast food is evolving rapidly to meet the demands of todays diners who want their meals served quickly, accurately, and maybe with a friendly smile along the way. Read the original article on Food & Wine NORTHAMPTON Times of worry for New Englands transgender community makes for ringing phones at Transhealth in Florence. We are no strangers to people calling us in fear, said Jo Erwin, CEO. Weve had folks calling to make sure Transhealth is still here. ... We have had families calling and reaching out to us. Concerned about continuity of care. Fear has been growing from a flurry of President Donald Trumps executive orders earlier this year aimed at limiting federal support for transitions. In early September, the U.S. Department of Justice proposed legislation that protects and defends children from chemical and surgical mutilation under the guise of gender-affirming care. It stemmed from a Trump executive order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much of whats in those orders has not been put into force, Erwin said in an interview. Its tied up in various court cases. She praised the Healey administration and the state in general for its support. In Massachusetts, state law and policy confirm that trans and gender-diverse people have the full legal right to receive gender-affirming care without discrimination or denial of coverage, Erwin said. Nearing its fifth anniversary, Transhealth has about 2,500 clients and its community room provides resources, such as books and clothing. Before Transhealth opened in May 2021, a study indicated there are as many as 20,000 potential clients in a catchment area of Western and Central Massachusetts, and the surrounding states, Erwin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tricare, the militarys insurance programs for service members, retirees and their families, no longer covers gender-affirming care, Erwin said. We see those executive orders as statements of intent, she said. We have to be ready for anything to happen. Earlier this month, Fenway Health in Boston ended gender-affirming care for patients under the age of 19 and referred them to Transhealth. The reason, Fenway Health said on its website, is a new federal policy Oct. 1 that allows the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to terminate a grant for convenience if it no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities. The Health Resources and Services Administration recently released priorities that make clear that providing hormones and puberty blockers for patients under age 19 is no longer an HHS goal or priority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The risk is too great a one to take for Bostons Fenway Health. But Transhealth can take the risk, Erwin said, and her agency extends a welcome to all of Fenways former patients. We are fortunate in that we do not rely on a lot of federal funding, Erwin said. If a person needs care, but the insurance wont cover it, Transhealth provides the care. Well figure it out on the back end, she said. Well fundraise for the money that we need. Its important, Erwin said, for Transhealth which bills itself as the only independent, nonprofit health care organization in the U.S. solely devoted to serving trans and gender-diverse communities to reassure its community that it will still provide the care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were not backing down, she said. Care is taken to ensure security, she said. Transhealth is currently accepting patients age 21 and under. It cannot accept new adult patients for primary care, but Transhealth is accepting new patients seeking hormone therapies. It also provides mental health services and referrals to trans-friendly practitioners, such as dentists and dermatologists. Erwin, a nurse, wanted to dispel some myths about Transhealths pediatric practice. She said the practice sees whole families. So some kids go there for health care because other family members are trans, even if they themselves are not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some kids go there because their parents believe strongly in a supportive environment that accepts name changes, different pronouns and the like. Its extremely rare for anyone under 19 to get gender-affirming surgery, and when those surgeries do occur, it tends to be on boys who are growing breast tissue. Transhealth also is fielding calls from providers who want to work for them, people who believe in its mission. Some providers have relocated from states where this type of care is banned. Some families also are relocating to Western Massachusetts to be close to Transhealth. We call them medical refugees, Erwin said. Stories by Jim Kinney Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Character.AI is banning users under 18 from interacting with its chatbot. It follows concerns about AI's impact on young people and a lawsuit over a 14-year-old's suicide. Character.AI cited feedback from regulators, safety experts, and parents for the decision. Character.AI is banning users under 18 from engaging in conversations with its chatbots after facing scrutiny over how young people interact with its virtual companions. The California-based startup announced on Wednesday that the change would take effect by November 25 at the latest and that it would limit chat time for users under 18 ahead of the ban. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It marks the first time a major chatbot provider has moved to ban young people from using its service, and comes against a backdrop of broader concerns about how AI is affecting the millions of people who use it each day. Founded in 2021, Character.AI hosts virtual avatars that can take on the persona of real or fictional people. A Character.AI spokesperson told Business Insider that it was "taking extraordinary steps for our company and the industry at large." They added that over the past year, the startup has invested in creating a dedicated experience for users under 18. Character.AI said in a blog post that it was making the change after receiving feedback from "regulators, safety experts, and parents." The startup also said it would roll out age-gating technology and establish an AI safety lab to research future safeguards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In February 2024, 14-year-old Sewell Setzer III died by suicide after talking with one of Character.AI's chatbots. His mother, Megan Garcia, filed a civil lawsuit against the company in October that year, blaming the chatbot for her son's death, alleging negligence, wrongful death, and deceptive trade practices. Character.AI said it does not comment on pending litigation. Earlier this month, Character.AI took down a chatbot based on paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a story from the Bureau of Investigative Journalism. OpenAI is also facing a lawsuit filed by the parents of a young person who died by suicide after talking to its chatbot. The suit alleges ChatGPT "actively helped" 16-year-old Adam Raine explore suicide methods over several months before he died on April 11. OpenAI previously told Business Insider that it was saddened by Raine's death and that ChatGPT includes safeguards. Earlier this week, OpenAI said that about 0.15% of its more than 800 million weekly users send messages to ChatGPT each week about suicide, equivalent to more than one million people. OpenAI said in a blog post that it has updated ChatGPT to "better recognize and support people in moments of distress." Read the original article on Business Insider The AI chatbot service Character.ai announced on Wednesday that it plans to gradually scale back the ability of users under the age of 18 to interact with digital personalities, and eventually cut them off from open-ended chats altogether. The extraordinary move comes as the apps parent company, Character Technologies, faces legal actions and governmental scrutiny over how the product has allegedly harmed teenagers who engaged heavily with it. As of Nov. 25, the company said in a statement on its blog, minors will no longer be able to carry on conversations with its millions of AI-powered characters. Between now and then, we will be working to build an under-18 experience that still gives our teen users ways to be creative for example, by creating videos, stories, and streams with Characters, the company said. During this transition period, we also will limit chat time for users under 18. Per the statement, users under age 18 will initially have their interactions capped at two hours per day, with that window gradually shrinking until these users are cut off from chat functionality altogether, per the statement. The company further announced that it would roll out a new age verification system and establish an independent, nonprofit AI safety research lab. More from Rolling Stone Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Character.ai has proven especially popular with younger users because it allows for customizable characters and conversational styles, and users can make their characters publicly available for others to talk with. But parents are sounding the alarm about the risks this technology may pose to children. Last year, Florida mother Megan Garcia filed a lawsuit against Character Technologies, alleging that her 14-year-old son, Sewell Setzer, died by suicide with the encouragement of a Character.ai chatbot persona he thought of as a romantic partner. Her complaint also alleges that he had sexual conversations with bots on the platform. In September, she testified about the dangers of AI before a congressional subcommittee alongside a Jane Doe from Texas, who told lawmakers that at age 15, her son descended into a violent mental health crisis and self-harmed after becoming obsessed with Character.ai bots that exposed him to inappropriate topics. (Also appearing before the subcommittee was Matthew Raine, father of Adam Raine, a 16-year-old from California who died by suicide in April, allegedly acting on instructions on how to hang himself that he got from ChatGPT. The Raine family is suing OpenAI, the developer of that model.) Character Technologies alluded to these cases and troubling coverage of them in its statement on blocking underage users from chatting with their bots. We have seen recent news reports raising questions, and have received questions from regulators, about the content teens may encounter when chatting with AI and about how open-ended AI chat in general might affect teens, even when content controls work perfectly, the company said. After evaluating these reports and feedback from regulators, safety experts, and parents, weve decided to make this change to create a new experience for our under-18 community. The company also apologized to their under-18 user base for the change. We are deeply sorry that we have to eliminate a key feature of our platform, it said. We do not take this step of removing open-ended Character chat lightly but we do think that its the right thing to do given the questions that have been raised about how teens do, and should, interact with this new technology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whether this decision may set a new precedent for Silicon Valleys ballooning AI industry remains to be seen; Character Technologies said its decision marked the company out as more conservative than our peers. OpenAI last month rolled out parental controls for ChatGPT and Sora, its text-to-video model, though tech experts soon demonstrated that they were easy to circumvent. Its CEO, Sam Altman, has said the company is working on an age-gating system that will shield minors from certain kinds of content (while allowing verified adults to generate sexually explicit material). Character.ai already had its own guardrails to protect young users, and now it appears to believe those are insufficient and is looking to reimagine how children can connect to its AI. However, given some youths apparent appetite for dialogues with virtual companions, it wouldnt be surprising if most of this young user base simply migrates to another product or figures out ways to bypass updated age controls on Character.ai. One way or another, teens tend to gain access to whatever they want on the internet particularly if theyre not supposed to have it. Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. A Connecticut activist who was arrested twice over the summer by a state trooper for protesting on a highway overpass had her charges dropped amid a high-profile lawsuit about where you can conduct freedom of speech. Now the lawyers representing 72-year-old Katherine Hinds say they will be filing a formal complaint against the Connecticut State Police for what theyre calling misconduct on the part of Trooper Joshua Jackson. People have been asking me if Im happy and thats not quite the word. I feel relieved, but saddened that this is where we are, Hinds said. Ill take a small win and maybe this will help other people be able to take a step forward. I feel really grateful that I had such a great team around me including the people on the bridges and a great legal team around me. That makes me feel more emboldened to do what Im doing, because I know I can. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 71-year-old CT activist has been arrested twice by state police. Her lawyers allege retribution. We do not comment on judicial matters or decisions made by prosecutors or judges, a state police spokesperson told the Courant in response to the charges being dismissed. The Hamden resident was arrested twice for participating in protests on highway overpasses as part of a nationwide campaign. Hinds, a member of the progressive group Visibility Brigade, has been protesting President Donald Trump and Elon Musk from highway overpasses around the New Haven area. State police alleged that Hinds and her fellow protestors were in violation of Connecticut Department of Transportation regulations, claimed that protesting on overpasses is dangerous for drivers and may cause unnecessary distractions or incidents. In addition, state police alleged that signs cannot be attached to overpasses because of risk of falling onto vehicles below. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hinds, who was arrested by Jackson twice, has maintained she has been the victim of harassment. Seven other protestors have been ticketed by troopers but those were also later dropped, according to Hinds lawyers, Christopher Mattei, Margaret Donovan and Douglas Morabito. ACLU files lawsuit after series of controversial arrests stemming from protests over CT highways On Monday, Hinds walked into a courtroom in New Haven where charges against her were dropped. Hinds said she feels relieved by the speed in which the case was dismissed, but wary that the trooper involved has not been disciplined. State police have backed Jackson and said claimed that he was justified in arresting Hinds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hinds was facing several charges including second-degree criminal trespass, second-degree breach of peace and unauthorized signs on a highway for what her lawyers said was peacefully holding a sign on a public sidewalk. I dont feel vindicated, in part, because the individual trooper that caused all of this hasnt been addressed, Hinds said. The state will say they changed their training, but we dont see any evidence of that. I feel like its getting worse. But it makes me more resolved to keep doing it and say this isnt right. She said she plans on returning to the same overpass she was arrested on as soon as Wednesday. The dismissal of Hinds charges comes amid a high-profile ACLU lawsuit against the Connecticut DOT commissioner Garrett Eucalitto and Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection commissioner Ronnell Higgins. ACLU officials said they got involved to prevent DOT and state police officials from forbidding people to display protest signs on streets and sidewalks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plaintiffs in the suit, 46-year-old Erin Quinn and 71-year-old Robert Marra, are also activists with the Visibility Brigade in the New Haven area. U.S. District Judge Stefan Underhill is overseeing the case. I think its very significant that the states attorneys office recognized very early on that it could not proceed with a criminal case here, Mattei said. I think it did that for a couple of reasons. Number one we pointed out very serious omissions and misrepresentations in the arrest warrant application used to support Katherines arrest. That would have made it impossible for the states attorneys to rely on Trooper Jackson in any prosecution, Mattei added. We also pointed out the real Constitutional problems in this case. On those two dates there was no evidence of any impact of traffic, even if that were a legitimate basis for arresting her. So there werent any factual basis in which they could prevail. Following the federal lawsuit filing against Connecticut officials, Connecticut State Police released body-worn camera footage of interactions between protestors and law enforcement and rolled out new training for troopers. But Hinds lawyers said the ACLU lawsuit is necessary to bring more clarity so these kind of issues dont continue to happen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont want to speak for the lawyers handing the ACLU case, but I think what the outcome here may show is that there is a real cost to not having clarity around this, Mattei said. There still seems to be a lot of room for law enforcement discretion to take an action against protestors for really conceptual reasons. There was some suggestion that if protestors are viewed by law enforcement to be having some impact on traffic, that could be the basis for an arrest, he said. Now its not clear what offense they would be committing or how they would be responsible for how other people are reacting to their constitutionally protected First Amendment speech. I do think the dismissal in this case may highlight for Judge Underhill how improper motives on behalf of law enforcement officers can still result in a real killing of speech. Donovan said the judges comments in the case are consistent with the federal ACLU lawsuit. The ACLUs complaint cites 2013 protests against then-President Barack Obama, during which protestors attached signs to fencing on the overpass and waved to passing motorists, as well as a 2021 assembly of firefighters on overpasses to honor a public employee who died at work. Both protests took place without incident, the complaint notes. The judges comments on the record are totally consistent with the ACLUs argument that you have yellow ribbons, flag displays and officer memorials on highway overpasses all the time, Donovan said. Also in the ACLUs complaint, which Chris and I used in our conversations with the states attorney, is there was an article from 10 years ago showing anti-Obama protestors on the Howard Avenue overpass affixing signs to fences. So if I had to guess, Judge Underhill is probably wondering if this is going to continue to be a problem and if an injunction is necessary or not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hinds filed an earlier complaint in July against Jackson for what she described as being the victim of harassment after several visits from him while out protesting. Now her lawyers say new information has come to light that will be part of a new formal complaint. Our plan is to file a new complaint with the state police arising from what we now know to be Trooper Jacksons conduct, some of which was not known to Katherine when she filed her initial complaint against him, Mattei said. That includes what we consider inaccuracies in the arrest warrant application as well as the details of her arrest, which we believe was out of line for misdemeanor offenses. Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@courant.com. Prosecutors have dropped charges against a former Mooresville police officer who was accused of misconduct. David Brashear was arrested in October 2024 and charged with accessing computers and obstruction. ALSO READ: Kings Mountain officer suspended without pay after domestic violence arrest According to the Charlotte Observer, Brashear allegedly used a police database to look up a woman. He was also accused of deleting digital evidence from a department cell phone. However, it is unclear why those charges were dropped. VIDEO: Kings Mountain officer suspended without pay after domestic violence arrest LEXINGTON, Tenn. (WKRN) The charges against Larry Bushart have been dropped, according to local law enforcement. Bushart, a retired law enforcement officer who posted dozens of memes critical of President Donald Trump, was arrested by Lexington police and booked into the Perry County Jail in September over one meme in particular. The Perry County Sheriff and Court Clerk confirmed to News 2 on Wednesday that Busharts charges were dropped. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUSLY | Facebook meme quoting Trump costs TN man his freedom Earlier this week, News 2 reported Busharts arrest was linked to one meme that reportedly showed the text, We have to get over it, next to an image of President Donald Trump, citing a comment the president made on the Perry High School mass shooting day after. Bushart wrote, This seems relevant today according to a court affidavit on his arrest. The meme originated in 2024 with Everytown, a gun safety organization. The meme references a mass shooting at Perry High School in Iowa in 2024. A 17-year-old boy killed two people and wounded six others before killing himself. At a campaign event after the shooting, President Trump said, Its just horrible to see that happening. Its just horrible. So surprising to see it here, but uhh we have to get over it. We have to move forward. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Bushart was charged with threatening mass violence at a school, according to the arresting officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court documents, District Attorney General Hans L. Schwendimann opted to nolle prosequior decline to prosecutethe case. Per the nolle prosequi order, Bushart was ordered to be released from custody. In a statement provided to News 2, Busharts son, Taylor, celebrated his fathers release from jail. Im happy to share that the charges against my father have officially been dropped. This has been a trying time for our family, but after over a month, hes finally headed home. While this doesnt change what has happened to him, were happy to have him back and just in time to meet his new granddaughter. I cant even begin to express how thankful we are for the outpour of support he has received. If we dont fight to protect and preserve our rights today, just as weve now seen, they may be gone tomorrow. Taylor Bushart Download the News 2 app to stay updated on the go. Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox. Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee. This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new 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 WKRN News 2. Editors note: This story has been updated to correct an error. We regret the error. ST. LOUIS A St. Louis man is in custody for a fatal shooting earlier this month in the citys Dutchtown neighborhood. According to statements from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the shooting happened shortly after 4:40 a.m. on Oct. 1 in the 3600 block of Bingham Avenue. Officers arrived to find a crashed vehicle that had struck a parked car. A man in the car, Kenneth Edwards, had been shot in the head and was pronounced dead at the scene. Edwards was 44. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Over the next three weeks, homicide detectives identified Demarco K. Moorehead, 34, as a suspect and obtained a search warrant for his home. Officers found a revolver and a Ruger inside a gun safe. Moorehead allegedly told the officers he needed the firearms for personal protection. Moorehead has multiple prior felony convictions and, at the time of his arrest, was serving federal supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The St. Louis Circuit Attorneys Office charged Moorehead with unlawful possession of a firearm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Imjingak Peace Gondola in Paju (Photo by Korea Tourism Organization) The inter-Korean border area, widely known as the DMZ, attracts travelers eager to experience this unique destination. It is both a military control zone and a fascinating attraction in its own right. A new way to explore the area is from aboveby taking the Imjingak Peace Gondola cable car. This gondola, the first cable car in the world to cross a civilian control zone, spans the Imjingang River and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Now, lets begin our journey around the DMZ! How to Get to Imjingak Resort from Seoul Imjingak Resort, or just Imjingak, is one of the main attractions of the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone). About 40 kilometers from downtown Seoul, it can be reached easily by public transportation, with several options available. See below for the most recommended ways to get there. Traveling from Seoul to Munsan The first step is to get to Munsan Station on the GyeonguiJungang Line. There are two recommended ways: - Subway: You can take the GyeonguiJungang Line directly from Seoul Station. Trains run every 30 minutes to an hour, and the trip takes about one hour. If you board at Gongdeok Station or Hongik University Station, trains run more frequently, so its easier to catch one. The fare to Munsan is 2,350 won. GyeonguiJungang Line entrance at Seoul Station (Photo by Korea Tourism Organization) - Bus: If you prefer a more comfortable ride with a guaranteed seat, you can take the bus. From Exit 3 of Seoul Station, walk about 100 meters to the Sungnyemun Bus Stop and take Bus No. 9710. Get off at the Hanjin 1st ApartmentMunsan Station Stop, then walk for approximately 3 minutes. Keep in mind that travel time can be affected by traffic and may take up to 1 hour and 50 minutes. The bus fare to Munsan is approximately 2,800 won. Sungnyemun Bus Stop (Photo by Korea Tourism Organization) Traveling from Munsan to Imjingak Once you arrive at Munsan Station, there are three ways to get to Imjingak - Taxi: The fastest and the most convenient option. Taxis are available at the stand near Exit 1 of Munsan Station. The distance is about 7.3 kilometers and the ride takes roughly 13 minutes. The fare is approximately 9,700 won. Munsan Station taxi stand (Photo by Korea Tourism Organization) - Community Bus: From the Hanjin 1st ApartmentMunsan Station stop, take Bus No. 058B bound for Imjingak and get off at the Imjingak Bus Stop. The fare is 1,350 won, making it cheaper than a taxi, but the ride takes about 31 minutes and buses run infrequently. If you take this option, be sure to check that the bus heads to Imjingak. Hanjin 1st ApartmentMunsan Station Bus Stop (Photo by Korea Tourism Organization) - Subway: Surprisingly, you can also get to Imjingak by subway. Imjingang Station is located right at the entrance to the tourist site, making it very convenient. However, service on this section is very limited. Trains run only twice a day on weekdays (09:20, 17:05) and four times a day on weekends and public holidays (09:35, 10:35, 15:45, 17:20). Because of this, this option is recommended only if your arrival time at Munsan Station matches the train schedule. Trains to Imjingang Station depart from Platform 3. For reference, the return train schedule (Imjingang Station Munsan Station) is as follows: Outside Imjingang Station (Photo by Korea Tourism Organization) (Photo by Korea Tourism Organization) Recommended route: Take the GyeonguiJungang Line to Munsan Station, then take a taxi to Imjingak. This is the most time-efficient option while still being reasonably priced. Start Your Journey with a Hearty Breakfast Ring-Shaped Kiss Ring Bread (Photo by Korea Tourism Organization) Once you arrive at Imjingak, its a great idea to stop by the nearby cafes that boast a stunning view before starting your tour. On the second floor of the Peace Gondola building, youll find Kiss Ring Provence Bakery. From its outdoor seating, you can enjoy fragrant coffee while taking in the beautiful sceneryand dont miss their signature ring-shaped Kiss Ring bread, a social media favorite. The cafe also offers unique drinks and desserts made with Jangdan soybeans, a local specialty, so be sure to try them. View from the indoor seating at Forbidden Place (Photo by Korea Tourism Organization) Riding the cable car across the river for a break is another great option. At the cafe Forbidden Place, you can enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding area. Another highlight here is the Jangdan soybean red bean bun, which also makes a perfect souvenir to remember your trip. Kiss Ring Provence Bakery Address: 148-73 Imjingak-ro, Munsan-eup, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do ( 148-73) Location: 2F, Peace Gondola Imjingak Station Building Operating hours: TuesdaySunday 08:00-20:00 / Mondays 08:00-18:00 Forbidden Place Address: 139 Jeoksipja-ro, Gunnae-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do ( 139) Location: 1F, Peace Gondola DMZ Station Building Operating hours: Weekdays 09:00-18:00 / Weekends & Public Holidays 09:00-19:00 (Hours may vary depending on the Peace Gondola operating schedule) Its Finally Time to Board the Gondola! Gondola View from DMZ Station (Photo by Korea Tourism Organization) Opened in April 2020, the Imjingak Peace Gondola is an attraction worth experiencing in its own right. The moment you step inside, your heart races with anticipation for the special journey aheada sky-high rude across the Civilian Control Zone, an area normally off-limits to the public. Before boarding, youll need to complete a simple form for access to this restricted area. Dont forget to bring your passport or Residence Card, formerly the Alien Registration Card (a copy or photo is also accepted). Tickets are round-trip, and there are two types of cabins: standard and crystal, the latter featuring a transparent floor. For extra thrills, the crystal cabin is highly recommended, as it offers vivid views of the fields and river directly beneath your feet. The one-way ride takes about eight minutes, but this is only the beginningtheres still much more to discover. Inside the gondola, audio guides in both Korean and English provide insights into the DMZ and its surrounding scenery. Looking toward Munsan with a digital telescope at DMZ Station (Photo by Korea Tourism Organization) As the gondola leaves the station and the vast landscape opens before your eyes, the first thing to catch your attention is the barbed-wire fence. It serves as a reminder that you are now above the Civilian Control Zone, right next to the DMZa place scarred by the devastating war more than 70 years ago. In the striking contrast between the tranquil natural scenery and the harsh barbed wire, you are reminded once again of the preciousness of peace. Entrance to DMZ Space (Photo by Korea Tourism Organization) Upon arriving at the DMZ Station side, youll find a variety of attractions and activities waiting for you. Highlights include an outdoor park with photo zones, a rooftop observatory equipped with digital telescopes for viewing North Korea, and an indoor space called DMZ Space, which features video screenings and hands-on experiences. In particular, to celebrate the release of Season 3 of the popular Netflix series Squid Game (2025), visitors can try their hand at traditional Korean games featured in the show. Paju Imjingak Peace Gondola (Paju DMZ Gondola) Address: 148-73 Imjingak-ro, Munsan-eup, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do ( 148-73) Operating hours: Weekdays 09:00-18:00 / Weekends & Public Holidays 09:00-19:00, * Last ticketing is 30 minutes before closing Fares - Standard Cabin: Adults 12,000 won / Children & senior citizens 10,000 won - Crystal Cabin: Adults 15,000 won / Children & senior citizens 13,000 won Inquiries: 82-31-952-6388 Website Visit the Former U.S. Military Base, Camp Greaves Former barracks preserved at Camp Greaves (Photo by Korea Tourism Organization) Camp Greaves is a former U.S. military base located just 2 kilometers from the Southern Limit Line. From shortly after the Korean War Armistice until 2004, U.S. forces were stationed here for nearly 50 years. Tours begin at Gallery Greaves, which features artifacts once used by U.S. troops, materials related to the Korean War (19501953), and artwork inspired by this history. To enter the main base area, visitors must complete a security pledge and present valid identification. Guided tours are conducted five times daily in Korean only. Even if you are not fluent in Korean, you can still join the tour, as English explanations are available throughout the site, making it easy to follow and enjoy your visit Former officers quarters at Camp Greaves (Photo by Korea Tourism Organization) Camp Grieves Address: 137 Jeoksipja-ro, Gunnae-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do ( 137) * Access: Private vehicles are not allowed. Gondola visitors must walk from the drop-off point to the entrance. Operating hours: 09:30-16:50 / Guided tours only (5 times daily: 09:30, 10:50, 13:00, 14:20, 15:40) each tour takes approximately 70 minutes. * Closed: Every Monday, January 1, Day of Seollal (Lunar New Years Day) & Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day) Admission - Camp Greaves only (for gondola ticket holders): Adults 3,000 won / Teenagers & Children 2,000 won * With the purchase of gondola ticket, you can add 1,000 won to upgrade to a package ticket that includes entry to Gallery Greaves. Package ticket holders can get enter Camp Grieves by paying only 1,500 won for adults and 1,000 won for Children instead of the original admission price. How to Make the Most of Your Day at Imjingak Returning to Imjingak by gondola doesnt mean your journey is overits just getting started. Heres your guide to a full day of must-see sights and hands-on experiences. 1. Tasting Jangdan Soybean Dishes Jangdan soybeans are a signature local specialty of Jangdan-myeon, north of the Imjingang River. In the Imjingak tourist area, you can try a variety of dishes made with these soybeans. Signature dishes include Jangdankong dubujjabagi (a spicy braise of tofu with mushrooms and vegetables) and Jangdankong dubukimchi (Jangdan soybean tofu with stir-fried kimchi). Both can be prepared vegetarian, but some versions include meat or seafood stock, so please check when ordering. Jangdankong dubujjabagi at Imjingak Jangdankong Soybean Village (Photo by Korea Tourism Organization) Imjingak Dubu Nuri Operating hours: 09:00-18:00 (closed Mondays) Inquiries: 82-507-1461-6602 2. Virtual Reality and Immersive Media Art at DMZ LIVE Immersive Media Art Exhibit at DMZ LIVE (Photo by Korea Tourism Organization) Opened in 2022, DMZ LIVE is an experience center that combines virtual reality (VR) with immersive media art. On the first floor, two VR experiences await. Head up to the second floor for a spacious immersive media art gallery, where floor-to-ceiling visuals and multi-channel sound fully surround you. Admission: Adults 8,000 won / Teenagers & Children 5,000 won Operating hours: 10:00-18:00 (last admission 17:00) 3. Jangdan Station Steam Locomotive Steam locomotive at Jangdan Station (Photo by Korea Tourism Organization) During the Korean War, this steam locomotive transported military supplies along the Gyeongui Line. On its way from Gaeseong to Pyongyang, it was destroyed and abandoned at Jangdan Station to prevent exploitation after being interfered by the Chinese Communist forces. Pocked with over 1,020 bullet holes, its rusted, shattered frame stands as a somber reminder of the wars devastation on the Korean Peninsula. 4. Dokgae Bridge Dokgae Bridge (Photo by Korea Tourism Organization) Destroyed by bombing during the Korean War, this railway bridgefamously known as the Freedom Bridgenow survives only as a few piers standing over the Imjingang River. Around the site, plaques and inscriptions highlight its role as a symbolism of division and express hopes that, upon reunification, the tourist facilities will be removed and the bridge restored to its original function. Admission: Adults 2,000 won / Children 1,000 won Operating hours: 08:30-17:30 (closed on Mondays) 5. Art Space BEAT 131 Digital Screen at Artspace BEAT 131 (Photo by Korea Tourism Organization) This exhibition space repurposes an underground bunker that once served as a military facility. Visitors can experience the unique, authentic atmosphere of stepping into a place where soldiers were once stationed. In addition, there is an interactive feature; write a message on a digital screen and watch it come to life as it is projected onto the bunker walls. Admission: Entry is available only with a combined ticket that also includes access to the Dokgae Bridge Integrated Ticket: Adults 2,000 won / Children 1,500 won Operating hours: 08:30-17:30 (closed on Mondays) 6. The Peace Bell The Peace Bell (Photo by Korea Tourism Organization) Erected in 2000 to mark the dawn of the 21st century, the Peace Bell weighs 21 tons, and its pavilion is reached via 21 steps. General viewing hours are 10:0017:00. For a bell-ringing experience, register at the Tourist Information Center; the fee is 10,000 won and participants may strike the bell seven times. 7. Hill of Wind Hill of Wind (Photo by Korea Tourism Organization) Hill of Wind is an outdoor space where countless pinwheels spin in the breeze, creating a spectacular sight. Beyond the hill, visitors can also admire sculptures and artworks that have become symbols of Imjingak Pyeonghwa Nuri Park. Special Benefits for VISITKOREA Members () VISITKOREA has partnered with local operators to offer international tourists free rides on the Paju DMZ Crystal Cabin Gondola (transparent-floor cabins). Starting on September 25, 2025, pre-register and present your passport on-site to ride for free. The offer is limited to the first 200 peoplecheck the event page for details. If you miss the free offer, download the VISITKOREA app and show it at the ticket booth for an instant 20% discount on both standard and crystal cabins through December 31, 2025. Dont miss out! Be sure to add Imjingak to your next trip to Korea! DMZ Skyway Special Event (Photo by Korea Tourism Organization) * 1330 Korea Travel Helpline: +82-2-1330 * 1330 Text Chat: https://m.site.naver.com/1rEid (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese, Thai, and Indonesian) * This column was last updated in September 2025, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here. We advise you to check for updates before visiting. COPYRIGHTS KOREA TOURISM ORGANIZATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED www.visitkorea.or.kr CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) The Charleston County Sheriffs Office said it has seen a spike in drug overdose incidents across the community. The agency issued an overdose spike alert after nine overdoses, including one deadly case, were recorded on Oct. 27. The overdoses occurred in various areas, with five incidents, including the fatality, reported in the Ashley River Rd. area of West Ashley, three in North Charleston, and one in Mount Pleasant. The substances involved were crack and heroin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Actively monitoring overdose incidents, the Charleston County Sheriffs Office Community Wellness Unit uses the HIDTA Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program (OD MAP). Its a tool that helps track overdose locations and substances involved, allowing for strategic planning and increased access to lifesaving Narcan in affected areas. To stay ahead of overdose trends, the Sheriffs Office uses automated Spike Alerts from OD MAP, with a customized alert threshold set to five overdoses in 24 hours to ensure early intervention. Free Narcan is available at several locations, including James Island Town Hall (1122 Dills Bluff Rd.), North Charleston Lodge (2551 Ashley Phosphate Rd.), and the Al Cannon Detention Center Lobby (3841 Leeds Ave.), and the College of Charleston PD (89 St. Phillips St.), among others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents are encouraged to download the Bridge2Hope App, which provides recovery resources across Charleston, Dorchester, and Berkeley Counties, along with 24/7 real-time support from FAVOR Lowcountry Recovery Specialists. The app also includes a map of 22 Community Distributors offering free Narcan. 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 WCBD News 2. Oct. 28Wyoming-based Zenith Volts Corp. has chosen New Mexico for its flagship project a 300-acre data center project. Zenith, which says it develops carbon-negative energy infrastructures to power data and artificial intelligence applications, received approval from Chaves County commissioners for the project in August. "Our goal is to pair renewable energy with advanced technology manufacturing and data center operations creating sustainable economic growth while demonstrating that energy independence and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand," Zenith Project Manager Nick Coleman wrote to the Journal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coleman said the data center will support 1.3 gigawatts of power and host over 600 server racks. However, that is only a fraction of the approved 8,400-acre site, located 20 miles south of Roswell. The flagship campus, Coleman said, will also include a 250-acre battery storage system supporting 18 gigawatt-hours, on-site solar and natural gas generators, multiple data halls, a renewable energy operations hub and geothermal cooling systems. In the future, he said the site will house advanced manufacturing for energy components. Zenith's campus will rely on on-site solar and battery storage, with geothermal cooling loops and natural gas turbines ensuring grid stability. Coleman emphasized that the site will not connect to the grid, avoiding cost transfers to the general public a "major issue" with some data centers. Zenith aims for the facility to be one of North America's largest net-zero-carbon data centers. The Roswell campus has an estimated $11.7 billion in capital investment, and the project could generate tens of millions of dollars in local tax revenue for Chaves County and New Mexico over the next five years, Coleman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Louis Jaramillo, Chaves County planning and zoning director, told the Journal that the county offered no incentives to Zenith ahead of approval. During development, Zenith predicts it will offer up to 900 construction jobs. Once operational, the facility will have around 140 permanent jobs. The first phase of construction, which will include the development of a solar farm and battery storage, is scheduled to begin in the coming weeks, Coleman said. The site could be up and running by late 2027. The Zenith project approval follows a recent pattern of developers looking to build data centers in New Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, a Santa Teresa data center campus, nicknamed Project Jupiter, was named one of five sites integral to the $500 billion Stargate Project, an initiative led by Oracle, OpenAI and other U.S. tech companies looking to build some of the nation's largest AI infrastructure. That project had an industrial revenue bond of $165 billion approved by Dona Ana County commissioners in September. It also follows comments earlier this year from Economic Development Secretary Rob Black, who told a legislative committee in January that at least "a dozen companies that are looking to put data centers in New Mexico today." The state has nearly two dozen data centers operating or under development, according to Data Center Map. Zenith will own and operate the campus, but Coleman said the company is still in discussion with several potential tenants. "The need (for the project) arises from the rapidly growing demand for secure, U.S.-based data infrastructure capable of running AI and high-performance computing around the clock," Coleman said. "We identified Roswell as ideal due to its high solar potential, stable geology, and the ability to integrate large-scale battery and geothermal systems for clean, continuous power." TAHLEQUAH, Okla. Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and Deputy Chief Bryan Warner on Oct. 28 declared a state of emergency due to food insecurity caused by the federal government shutdown, making over $6.75 million in emergency relief funding available. I cannot predict what Congress or the president will do to stop the impending hunger crisis, but I know what the Cherokee Nation is going to do, Hoskin said. Were going to protect those in our region who are most at risk of hunger due to the federal government shutdown. The federal government experienced a funding lapse on Oct. 1 due to the failure of Congress to approve appropriations. Since then, a wide range of government agencies, programs and services have been shut down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Oct. 26, the United States Department of Agriculture announced that no benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, would be paid in November as a result of the federal funding lapse. Our government is operating fully, our books are balanced and we have strategic reserves, Warner said. Our resources are not unlimited, but we cannot and will not stand by while people suffer. So, we are taking action. Key actions directed by Chief Hoskin on Oct. 28 include: Seamless immediate transition of eligible SNAP recipients, at their option, to the tribes federally funded Food Distribution Program , which has months of reserves available through its eight grocery store-style sites located in rural areas of the tribes 7,000-square-mile reservation. $4.5 million in direct payments to impacted Cherokee Nation citizens living within the reservation and contiguous counties receiving SNAP at levels based on average monthly SNAP payments in Oklahoma, around $185 per individual. $1.25 million in grants to food banks and similar food security non-profits within the reservation and in surrounding areas. $255,000 in grants to the tribes CCO-participating non-profit organizations within the reservation for various local food security programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, the tribe is prepared to continue its federally-funded WIC program for an additional month with tribal dollars if the federal shutdown continues past mid-November, at a cost of $750,000 at current participation levels. Hoskin said these programs are contingent on the existence of a federal shutdown at the time of payment. If the federal government quickly reopens, Cherokee Nation will suspend these actions and save its strategic reserve funds for the future. Chief Hoskin and Deputy Chief Warner have made the right call on this emergency declaration, Council Speaker Johnny Jack Kidwell said. This emergency plan targets relief to thousands of Cherokee Nation citizens and provides support to potentially dozens of non-profits to help so many families in this region that will be hurt by the federal government shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CN administration will tap funds available under the tribes Emergency Management Act and the Public Health and Wellness Fund Act, laws signed by Hoskin earlier this year. The chiefs declaration also notifies the Tribal Council of his intent to seek funds from the tribes Sovereign Wealth Fund should the federal shutdown continue past Nov. 7. The tribes Food Distribution, WIC, Head Start and Job Corps programs are among the most vulnerable to the impact of a prolonged federal shutdown. We cannot bail out the federal government of all its fiscal dysfunction, Hoskin said. But, as a responsible government, we can and we must steer some of our reserve funding immediately to stem the needless hunger this federal shutdown will impose in the coming weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tribal officials will immediately reach out to food security non-profits in the region to discuss the grant of funds and develop an online application for eligible citizens. Cherokee Nation citizens are encouraged to update their Gadugi Portal profiles in anticipation of available benefits to SNAP participants and to visit Cherokee Nation Human Services office to learn more about switching to the Food Distribution program. Applications for payments are expected to be available by Nov. 3. The Gadugi portal can be accessed on the tribes Cherokee.org website at https://gadugiportal.cherokee.org/ Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 With food insecurity rising due to the federal government shutdown, the Cherokee Nation is stepping up to help by investing more than $6.75 million into emergency relief efforts for tribal and non-tribal citizens in Oklahoma. Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and Cherokee Nation Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner on Tuesday declared a state of emergency ahead of a looming halt to SNAP assistance on Nov. 1. More than 684,600 Oklahomans rely on SNAP benefits to supplement their familys monthly food purchases. Hoskin said thousands of recipients are Cherokee Nation citizens, some of whom are children, disabled and elderly, and many others are working adults. Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr. at the "Wisdom of the Nations" luncheon presented by Oklahoma Watch at Oklahoma City Community College Oct. 31, 2024. The tribe is responding through multiple actions. Every member of a federally recognized tribe within the Cherokee reservation will have expedited approval for their application to take part in the tribes food distribution program where participants get monthly groceries at no cost at one of their eight sites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cherokee Nation is also investing more than $1 million into regional food banks and other nonprofits to support all Oklahomans, not just tribal citizens. More: Stitt says state is working on it as Oklahomans brace for SNAP freeze amid shutdown During these tough times, we are reaching out to those nonprofits right now, including our [community and cultural outreach] participating organization, Hoskin said. That includes supplying our CCO participating organizations with a second allocation of meat through the Hawiya program. Hoskin took to social media Wednesday to share his thoughts on the use of state funds to keep SNAP going during the shutdown after Gov. Kevin Stitt said Oklahoma cant afford to backfill the program that costs $130 million to $142 million each month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hoskin said he believes its feasible for the state to use some of its $3.6 billion surplus to fund SNAP, and called Stitts assertion hogwash. A shutdown continuing into November would mean the shutdown of the Federal WIC program after receiving emergency funds from the White House to keep it going through Oct. 31. Hoskin said Cherokee Nation will keep theirs open. With a pool of $4.5 million, he said they will make cash payments available to Cherokee Nation citizens in the region who are impacted by the cessation of federal funding. More: As loss of SNAP benefits looms, Oklahoma tribes stepping up to fill food insecurity gaps Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To be eligible for the one-time payment, one must be a current SNAP participant and live within the Cherokee Nation reservation or a county bordering it. An application will be available in the coming days. Electronic payments of $185 will be made to recipients. Cherokee citizens can update their Gadugi Portal profile ahead of the benefits availability. Hoskin also announced $255,000 in grants to the tribe's CCO nonprofit organizations within the reservation. If Congress passes a funding resolution soon, Hoskin said the Cherokee Nation will suspend their effort. In the meantime, he urged Oklahomans to reach out to Congress with their thoughts on the shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have no doubt that if Cherokee Nation shut down, or if we let programs and services due to political infighting, you would be outraged and you would speak out. This is exactly whats happening in Washington, D.C., Hoskin said. We all need to speak out together. Many other tribes in Oklahoma are also concerned about the shutdowns impacts and are looking at ways to help. KOSU recently reported Cheyenne and Arapaho Governor Reggie Wassana said the tribes will ensure the food distribution programs are stocked and allocate additional food pantry funding. Tasha Mousseau, vice president of the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes, said the tribe is working to create resource lists and coordinating with food banks. In Eastern Oklahoma, the Muscogee Nation also is gathering information on resources and looking into what the tribal nation can do. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Cherokee Nation fills food need for Oklahomans losing SNAP benefits Chicago, Cook County, and Illinois officials are appealing after the federal government denied a request for help after damaging floods this summer. Heavy rain caused flooding on July 25-28, and then again on Aug. 16-19. As part of the appeal process, officials asked people who suffered flood damage to submit details of the damage starting Wednesday at 8 a.m. by visiting https://iemaohs.illinois.gov/recovery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials encouraged residents and business owners to submit any new or previously unreported information regarding their damages or needs, including photos of damage, documentation of alternative housing needs, reports of illness or health impacts, mold remediation efforts or replacement of furnaces, water heaters, or major appliances. The deadline to submit is Nov. 7. CHICAGO (WGN) With the government shutdown still in effect, food assistance benefits known as SNAP will run out on Saturday. On Tuesday, WGN-TV was in Pilsen where the food pantry Instituto Del Progreso Latino began during the COVID-19 pandemic. As of today, the pantry has grown to address other urgent needs in the community. Those who rely on the pantry said it comes at a crucial time when support from the government feels missing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal SNAP benefits wont be paid in November: What happens next? Its really hard even if you have an income entering the house, Yennya Segura said. We do have an income entry in the house, but its really hard right now. For Segura and her family of seven, the food panty is a blessing amid skyrocketing prices. With every bag of groceries she takes home, she said each visit does more than fill their stomachs. Its going to help not just for me, sharing it with other people in my community as well, Segura said. On Tuesday afternoon, Instituto celebrated the expansion of its food pantry, growing from once a month to twice a week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SNAP funds set to run out during shutdown: 5 takeaways The initiative is made possible through a partnership with the greater Chicago Food Depository and the Hispanic Federation. This move comes in response to rising food insecurity and the potential loss of SNAP benefits on Nov. 1. We believe no family should have to choose between food and rent and other essentials, Roberto Valddez Jr., director of policy for the Hispanic Federation Midwest, said. About 42 million people nationwide rely on SNAP, including nearly two million in Illinois. With the federal government shutdown still ongoing, concern is growing that families could go hungry is lawmakers do not reach a funding deal before the end of the month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement St. Sabinas Food Pantry in Auburn Gresham is seeing an unprecedented surge of people coming through its doors. In only its first year, it has quickly become a vital resource in the community. The pantry is open Monday through Friday, and Fr. Michael Pfleger finds it challenging to keep the shelves and refrigerators full. With SNAP funding hanging in the balance, he fears families could be forced to make impossible choices just to eat. People are going to eat. So expect if theres not food for them that robberies and thefts are going to go up. People are going to find food for their family, Pfleger said. DoorDash acknowledges the enormous demand on food banks and pantries. To respond, they are launching an emergency food initiative for the entire month of November, delivering about one million free meals through food bank partners, waiving service and delivery fees for 300,000 SNAP recipients and donating food to local pantries from its own online convenience store, DashMart. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its uncertain what will happen at the federal level. Well continue to monitor the situation and see how else we can support, Daniel Riff, head of government and nonprofit operations at DoorDash, said. On Tuesday, Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined forces with 25 other attorneys general and governors to challenge the USDA over the suspension of SNAP. The group is requesting a federal judge to order the Trump administration to use contingency reserve funds to keep the program running, making sure families can continue to put food on the table throughout November. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Segura said the threat of SNAP ending, along with heightened immigration enforcement targeting Latinos, has made her anxious. However, she said she is grateful to have a place like the pantry that provides food, security and peace of mind for her and many others. Its a win-win, Segura said. With Institutos new expansion, families will be limited to picking up groceries once a week, ensuring more people in the community have a chance to receive support. St. Sabina Food Pantry will open Saturday at 10 a.m. as the Greater Chicago Food Depository distributes boxes of food. 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. CHICAGO (WGN) A first grader who underwent life-saving heart surgery received a warm welcome as she returned to her South Side school on Tuesday. Cheers and hugs greeted Joselin Nevarez at Peck Elementary School in Gage Park as her classmates and teacher all wore red to promote heart health. Cheers and hugs greeted Joselin Nevarez at Peck Elementary School in Gage Park as her classmates and teacher all wore red to promote heart health. (Photo/WGN) Joselin, Joselin, chanted the welcoming students. Joselin has lived her young life with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), a rare condition that children are born with. The Mayo Clinic defines the condition as a congenital heart defect in which the left side of the heart doesnt develop entirely or is too small. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joselin received a heart transplant over the summer following various treatments. She has spent the last few months recovering, but Tuesday marked her first day back to school for the 2025-26 academic year. Sign up for our Medical Watch newsletter. This daily update includes important information from WGNs Dina Bair and the Med Watch team, including, the latest updates from health organizations, in-depth reporting on advancements in medical technology and treatments, as well as personal features related to people in the medical field. Sign up 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 WGN-TV. Fast-casual chicken salad restaurant chain Chicken Salad Chick is set to open a new restaurant in Naperville in the US state of Illinois. The outlet, situated at 2835 Aurora Avenue, Suite 113, will open its doors on 4 November 2025. Firsttime franchisee Karen White will own and run the Naperville outlet through her business, KPM Foods. White, a longtime resident of Naperville, previously owned and ran a Dairy Queen franchise for seven years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Naperville site will be run as a family venture, with Whites eldest daughter overseeing business and finance duties and her younger daughter managing social media and marketing. White stated: "Opening my very first Chicken Salad Chick in Naperville is the perfect next chapter for me. "I fell in love with the brand the first time I visited the Batavia location from the food to the hospitality, everything just felt right. Naperville is such a family-oriented and community-minded city, and I'm thrilled to introduce our fresh, made-from-scratch menu and share Chicken Salad Chick's signature warmth and generosity with our local community." Services at the site will include inrestaurant dining, takeout, catering and thirdparty delivery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chicken Salad Chick offers more than a dozen chicken salad options along with side salads, soups, signature sandwiches and desserts. Chicken Salad Chick president and CEO Scott Deviney stated: "Chicagoland continues to be an important market for Chicken Salad Chick, and we're proud to open our second location in this vibrant region. "As our sixth restaurant in Illinois, this opening reflects our continued commitment to expand across the Midwest. With Karen White leading our Naperville team, we look forward to introducing our signature chicken salads, sandwiches and warm hospitality to the Naperville community and can't wait for guests to experience what makes our brand so special." The site will be open from Monday to Saturday, 10:30am to 8:00pm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In October 2025, Chicken Salad Chick also entered agreements with six new franchisees to expand further in the US Midwest. "Chicken Salad Chick to open Illinois outlet in November 2025" was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, a GlobalData owned brand. NEED TO KNOW A young child was viciously assaulted by a daycare worker in August in New South Wales, Australia, according to police During the attack, police said the child began bleeding profusely, with blood spilling into the stretcher The worker has reportedly pleaded guilty to recklessly wounding the victim A childcare worker in New South Wales, Australia has been convicted for attacking and severely wounding a 4-year-old in August. The 24-year-old woman, who has not been publicly named, was arrested on Sept. 16 and charged with assaulting a child, the New South Wales police said in a statement at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She pleaded guilty to recklessly wounding the child, ABC.net.au reported this week. Their investigation began a day after the August incident in the city of Bathurst in southeastern Australia, police said. The worker forced the child onto a bed during the attack, and the childs head struck the edge of the bed and suffered a 2-centimeter laceration, per the statement. Police said the woman was trying put the child to midday rest as the victim "was wriggling and obviously avoiding the accused's attempts to lay him down," ABC.net.au reported. The woman then held the child's arms and forcefully pushed him down, resulting in the child hitting the plastic corner of the bed, per investigators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The "sufficient force" caused massive bleeding to the child's head, with blood seeping into the stretchers, police said adding that despite the grievous injury, the worker restrained the child for 53 seconds. She reportedly had not noticed the bleeding. The worker eventually notified another worker onsite, but it wasn't until the boy's father picked him up that he was taken to the hospital, the outlet reported. The child's head had to be "medically glued" back together, police said, per the outlet. 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. The worker was terminated following the incident and arrested a month later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She is scheduled to be sentenced at a later date. 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 LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) A cold front has brought chilly air back to Acadiana. Today, sunshine will fill the sky as winds stay strong. A WIND ADVISORY is in effect for the area as winds will gust above 30 mph throughout the afternoon. Later tonight, temperatures drop into the 40s across the area under clear skies. After devastating Jamaica as one of the strongest hurricanes in history, Hurricane Melissa has weakened to a Category 3 hurricane as it crosses Cuba. It will bring significant impacts to the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, and Bermuda as it heads into the Atlantic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Locally, our weather remains nice to end the week. We will see beautiful weather through the end of the week. For trick-or-treating Friday evening, temperatures will be in the 50s with clear skies. Saturday, rain chances return during the overnight hours and into early Sunday morning. Drier and milder weather settles in for next week. Download the KLFY Weather App by clicking 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 KLFY.com. China has confirmed that President Xi Jinping will meet US President Donald Trump in South Korea on Thursday. The high-stakes talks are to take place in the southern port city of Busan, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday. The two leaders will exchange views on "bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest," ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said. He said discussions would touch on "strategic and long-term issues," and that Beijing was ready to work with Washington to get "positive" results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The meeting of the world's two largest economies will take place on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit being held nearby in Gyeongju, South Korea. China is set to chair the summit next year. The ministry did not specify what topics Xi and Trump will discuss, but the agenda is expected to include US tariffs on Chinese goods and Chinas export controls on key raw materials. Ahead of the the meeting, senior US and Chinese officials said on Sunday they had agreed to a "framework" of a deal on tariffs and other issues. The tariff dispute between the United States and China has been dragging on for months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since April, the US has gradually raised tariffs on Chinese imports to as high as 145%. Beijing retaliated with counter-tariffs of up to 125% and introduced export controls on critical raw materials. A temporary pause on the planned tariff hikes later paved the way for renewed negotiations. Most recently, Trump warned that tariffs of up to 157% could be imposed on China if no agreement was reached. Even as China embarks on a massive military buildup, America comforts itself with an ironclad belief: As with the Soviet Union during the Cold War, superior Communist numbers will be undercut by rigid command and clumsy tactics that can be exploited by more agile U.S. forces. But what if China embraces the more flexible Western concept of mission command? A Chinese military that fully embraces mission command would likely lead to improved operational performance, with quicker decision-making, better adaptability, and greater resilience in the face of degraded C4ISR, according to a new report by Rand Corporation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is evidence that Chinese military reformers are beginning to push for the Peoples Liberation Army to adopt mission command, researchers warn in the U.S. think tanks Oct. 22 report. A more flexible, decentralized Chinese system would be more resistant to U.S. tactics such as attacking command and control centers. In turn, the report suggests, this would force the U.S. to revise its strategy. The concept of mission command essentially means commanders expressing the general intent of the mission, leaving subordinates to use their own judgment on how to implement those goals. It is an approach that worked well for the Germans in World War II and works well for the Israel Defense Forces today, enabling initiative and rapid decisions while their opponents waited for orders from higher command. Todays U.S. military in theory at least embraces mission command, despite frequent concerns that commanders micromanage their subordinates. Chinas political leaders have long worried that the effectiveness of their armed forces are being undermined by rigid and over-centralized command, unrealistic training and widespread corruption. A 2023 Pentagon report pointed to genuine anxieties among PRC [Peoples Republic of China] leaders about the PLAs readiness and ability to conduct joint operations if tested under real combat conditions. Chinas president Xi Jinping has conducted repeated purges of senior officers, with nine generals and officials recently expelled as part of an anticorruption drive. For now, reformers are gingerly testing the waters, with mission command appearing in select units such as special operations forces and warships operating in distant waters, according to the Rand reports authors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is ample evidence that Chinese military strategists are advocating for institutional PLA adoption of mission command, Nathan Beauchamp-Mustafaga, who co-authored the Rand study, told Defense News. And that some PLA units are experimenting with mission command in some PLA exercises, but it is unclear so far how widely mission command is being adopted throughout the PLA. Controlling the military is a dilemma for any authoritarian government. The military is usually the force that props up the regime and is the one force that can overthrow it. In Nazi Germany, for example, the armed forces, or Wehrmacht, were made to swear an oath to Adolf Hitler rather than Germany itself. Similarly, the PLA is not the armed forces of the Chinese nation, but rather the armed wing of the Chinese Communist Party. Commissars sharing command with regular officers at every level from army headquarters to submarines on patrol enable the CCP to keep an eye on the military. For the PLA, the first and primary responsibility is to ensure the continued survival of the CCP regime, and generally to faithfully follow the orders of the CCP leadership, Rand researchers noted. YJ-19, China's first operational hypersonic cruise missile, seen during a military parade in Beijing, Sept. 3, 2025. (Greg Baker/AFP via Getty Images) The reports authors see three options for China. For the U.S. and its allies, the most dangerous would be for the Chinese military to fully adopt mission command, the report suggests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. way of war has historically focused on degrading adversary C2 [command and control], the report notes. A PLA that embraces mission command is likely to be much more resilient against such U.S. strategies, requiring adapting or developing new U.S. approaches. One way for the U.S. to impede Chinese adoption of mission command is to avoid joint exercises. Potential PLA exposure to successful foreign command practices should be a factor when U.S. allies and partners consider undertaking a bilateral or multilateral exercise with the PLA, the authors suggest. Another option is partial adoption of mission command, perhaps out of skepticism that Chinese commanders are capable of fully implementing the concept. Some units, such as special operations and warships, would enjoy some degree of operational freedom (though nuclear, space and cyber forces would likely remain tightly controlled). However, this could be problematic if inadequate implementation and organizational dynamics lead to a faulty hybrid of centralized and mission command that result in inconsistent PLA operational performance, the study states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It could also increase the chance of war. A PLA command structure that empowers lower-level command while not improving command capability and discipline could result in more aggressive and self-interested behavior, without central PLA leadership direction, the report warns. On the other hand, Chinas leaders may simply decide that its safer to keep the existing system of tight command. This may involve more frequent use of skip echelon, where military and political leaders bypass the chain of command and issue orders directly to lower-level formations. This option would show CCP desires for political control outweigh any acknowledged benefits for operational performance, leading to slow, more brittle PLA command, according to the report. Still, voices within the Chinese military may still carefully call for reform. The CCP will almost certainly continue to prioritize Party control, as evident in recent purges of PLA senior leadership, Beauchamp-Mustafaga said. But PLA advocates of mission command would argue that Beijing can have its cake and eat it too. Decentralized execution while retaining high levels of Party control when it matters. It has been a busy week at the top of the world. Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, the chair of Natos military committee, said last week that Russia and China are together trying to reshape the rules of access and influence [in the Arctic] to their advantage, challenging openness, fairness, and the rule of law. Then Valery Gerasimov, Russias most senior military officer, briefed Vladimir Putin on the successful test of a nuclear powered yes, nuclear powered cruise missile over Novaya Zemlya, the Arctic island where the Soviets used to test hydrogen bombs. The Istanbul Bridge vessel unloads cargo after completing a landmark transit of the northern sea route between China and Europe - Xinhua/Alamy In the middle of all this, the 294-metre Istanbul Bridge, a Chinese-owned container ship, became the first large container ship to complete the northern sea route from China to Europe via the Russian Arctic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In what some Chinese media reported as a breakthrough for global trade, it made the voyage from Ningbo to Felixstowe in 21 days, compared to around 40 days for the usual route via the Suez Canal, or 50 via the Cape of Good Hope. The competition between the Russo-Chinese alliance and the West that it seeks to displace is a global story. But nowhere is that competition moving more quickly than the High Arctic. That is partly because of environmental change: with the ice caps melting faster than many predicted, the rush for trade routes and resources has accelerated with whiplash speed. And that has come exactly as Russia is forced into a closer partnership with China because of its isolation over the Ukraine war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We used to talk about the Arctic opening up in the next two decades. It wasnt meant to happen as quickly [as this], says Dr Elizabeth Buchanan of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. What is surprising is the sheer pace. The Russia-China relationship is clearly galloping in the Arctic. I had thought that it would be much more of a partnership of convenience, knowing the political fears on either side in that relationship. Clearly thats been set aside. A note on context. Russia for all its misbehaviour elsewhere happens to have the largest legitimate territorial stake in the Arctic. Simple geography means that any Russian government even one not guided by Vladimir Putins violent imperialism would have serious economic and military interests in the High North. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement b' ' So for the other seven states which have territories within the Arctic Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and the United States Russian presence is just a fact of life, if an uncomfortable one. The threat from over-the-pole nuclear strikes, a second-strike arsenal on the Kola peninsula, and jousting with the Russian Arctic Fleets Bastion strategy of denying Nato access to the Barents Sea while ensuring that Russian submarines can get into the Atlantic, is Natos familiar strategic bread and butter. But the voyage of the Istanbul Bridge threatens to overturn all of that, says Caroline Kennedy-Pipe, professor of war studies at Loughborough University and an expert on Arctic strategy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It challenges the notion of the Arctic as belonging predominantly to the Arctic Eight, including Russia. And it seems to open routes and access to oil resources [and] rare earth minerals across the Arctic to a range of non-Arctic states, including China. We have seen a more permissive environment created for navigation by the Chinese and we have long suspected them of buying up assets, whether it be in Greenland, Iceland or the European Arctic. So this is symbolic of growing Chinese assertiveness. At the Arctic Circle Assembly in Icelands capital, Reykjavik, earlier this month, a large Chinese delegation was quite clear about its governments belief that the Arctic should be a global commons open to all to exploit and explore and that it intends to pursue that idea with vigour. It has already declared itself a near-Arctic state an apparently made-up term and started building icebreakers and research vessels at a phenomenal rate. But China is not alone in seeking to break into the Arctic Circle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the last two weeks, down in Australia, weve noticed that there are quite a few Asian states that have started looking north to use the Arctic to follow China [in] using this polar passageway between the Asian and European markets, says Buchanan. India and South Korea in particular are looking to northern trade routes. In March, Turkey sought its first Arctic foothold by joining the Svalbard Treaty, which governs the frozen, Norwegian-administered archipelago. But what do they want? Perhaps the first thing is a bit of prestige. Like space travel, there has always been something glamorous about polar exploration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Britain has Scott and Shackleton, the Norwegians Amundsen, the Americans Robert Peary. Before the space race, the Soviets made a particular point of mining the Arctic for tales of derring-do and national heroism. China is certainly keen on claiming its own slice of icy glory. And glamour is easily combined with science, and science is, of course, how any state becomes and remains an Arctic player, points out Kennedy-Pipe. Thus on Monday, the Tan Suo San Hao, Chinas brand-new icebreaking research ship, made its triumphant return from a summer of manned deep-dives surveying the Arctic sea bed. Beijing now has set up five research stations in Antarctica and another, the Yellow River station, on Svalbard. By the end of the year, it is expected to complete and launch its first nuclear-powered icebreaker. Chinas icebreaking research ship Tan Suo San Hao now completes deep-sea surveys in the High Arctic, expanding Beijings polar footprint - Xinhua/Alamy But then there is money: the savings potentially to be made on a cheaper, faster, alternative to the southern Asia-Europe trade artery; the El Dorado of untouched mineral deposits that the icemelt could expose; and massive fish stocks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So it is not surprising that others are taking an interest. Russia and China are, for the time being and foreseeable future, strategic allies in a crusade against American global hegemony. But the question of Russias own hegemony in the frozen North which Putin has jealously guarded is quite another thing. I do know from various interviews and some of the research Ive undertaken in the last month or so, there are fractures there between the Russians and the Chinese over just exactly how they are working together or not working together in the Arctic, says Buchanan. b' ' Russian power there is clear. You cannot use the Northeast Passage without Russian permission, a Russian icebreaker escort and paying Russia for navigation rights. Should anything go wrong, you would rely on Russian search and rescue teams to save you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Yellow River research station on Svalbard, in the European Arctic, is apparently causing particular tensions between Moscow and Beijing. And Nato, too, has expressed unease about the station. Last year, Norwegian officials expressed disquiet when a Chinese cruise ship disgorged a group of tourists there including one elderly woman in Peoples Liberation Army uniform. Could it be a ploy, some wondered, to test the boundaries of the ban on military activity there? Theres no conclusive proof that it was. But, says Buchanan, pushing accepted norms in the Arctic would only mirror Chinas behaviour on Antarctica. And that is cause for concern. I can tell you, watching the behaviour of the Chinese state throughout the Antarctic, I would be very worried if I was an Arctic stakeholder, Buchanan notes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Take the example of Chinas five research stations on the southern continent. The seven nations with claims to Antarctica have two particular gripes about them: the first is around fears about jeopardising the treaty forbidding militarisation of the continent although it is not just China that uses defence assets to get scientists in and out of that very remote environment. The other is about the possible dual-use of scientific ground stations with clear intelligence-gathering capabilities. The reality, Buchanan and Kennedy-Pipe both say, is that China is focused on dominance at both poles. Achieving that will be difficult, if only because of the phenomenally harsh environment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the 2010s, for example, Russia launched a programme to revitalise its Arctic military infrastructure. Troops were sent north to clean up and reopen abandoned Soviet bases on the polar archipelagoes of Franz Josef Land, Severnya, the Ainu islands and Wrangel. A new Arctic Brigade was formed for very cold warfare. In one exercise, paratroopers dropped on to and captured a one-runway-and-a-prefab-hut aerodrome on Sredny Island, a barren patch of tundra in the ice north of Siberia. But the project was expensive, the bases always tiny, and the whole thing was put on hold by the invasion of Ukraine. The Arctic Brigade is believed to have taken 80 per cent casualties fighting in Kherson. Certainly Longyearbyen, the capital of Svalbard, has grown rapidly in recent years, says Kennedy-Pipe, who regularly visits the archipelago. Cruise ships have become regular visitors (and an added environmental threat). More countries are sending scientists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But it is still about as remote and fragile as human settlement can get. Births and deaths are forbidden on Svalbard, because medical infrastructure is so sparse. Theres only one water supply. A couple of years ago, the Norwegian government had to consider evacuation because of a food crisis. All that makes it vulnerable to attack or sabotage, but perhaps it is also a blessing. Who would want to start a war in such conditions? As one old quip has it, the first thing an army trying to invade across the Arctic would have to do is get itself rescued. Such are the strategically transformative prizes potentially on offer, however, that the race to control the frozen poles is only going to keep heating up. Listen to Battle Lines using the audio player in this article or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favourite podcast app. 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. TOPEKA (KSNT) A new American-Chinese restaurant is set to open soon in north Topeka, marking the installment of a second location from a popular restaurant chain in the Capital City. A new Panda Express has slowly taken shape in north Topeka at 801 NW 25th St. across the street from a Sonic Drive-In and a Spangles. Now, the business is almost ready to open its doors to the public for the first time. Vehicle crashes into Topeka grocery store Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Panda Express spokesperson told 27 News a soft opening for the new location is scheduled for Halloween Day on Friday, Oct. 31. An official grand opening celebration will follow in the early days of November that will include a donation to a local food bank alongside a t-shirt giveaway for the first 88 customers. Topeka has one other Panda Express location open currently. This can be found at 1920 SW Wanamaker Road, Suite 160. Customers can expect to find American-Chinese food at Panda Express restaurants. People can buy plates, bowls and more which feature food like chow mein, fried rice, mushroom chicken, grilled teriyaki and kung pao chicken. You can learn more about what Panda Express has to offer by visiting its website. Stumpys Smoked Cheese ready to open two new locations for the holidays in Topeka Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more local eats news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf 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 KSNT 27 News. This is an adapted excerpt from the Oct. 28 episode of All In with Chris Hayes. Donald Trump wants to use the Department of Homeland Security as the state apparatus to impose his rule on this country that has been clear from Day 1, and it only gets clearer by the day. Much has been said about Trump calling the military into our cities, but the masked agents conducting the worst violations of our constitutional rights have almost all been under the DHS umbrella. Those agents have been the ones tackling people to the ground, tearing them from cars and snatching them from their places of work, detaining citizens and noncitizens alike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the most notorious figures behind this operation is Greg Bovino. Hes a senior official with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, a DHS agency that is seen within the Trump administration as more willing than other agencies, like the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, to go along with the most aggressive parts of the presidents mass-deportation scheme. In many ways, Bovino has become the face of this project. Most folks first heard of him over the summer as the guy overseeing CBP operations during the federal invasion of Los Angeles. In July, agents in armored vehicles and on horseback disrupted a childrens summer camp in MacArthur Park. After Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Gov. Gavin Newsom both objected to that dangerous stunt, Bovino went on TV to tell them both, effectively, to take a hike. The federal government is not leaving L.A., he told the local Fox affiliate. I dont work for Karen Bass, the federal government doesnt work for Karen Bass. Were going to be here until that missions accomplished, as I said, and you better get used to us now because this is going to be normal very soon. Bovino has since moved on to the administrations operations in Chicago, where he was caught on camera personally throwing a can of tear gas at civilians during a raid on a parking lot last Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a legal filing, on that same day, one of Bovinos agents pointed a gun at a protester, a U.S. veteran, and said, bang bang and youre dead, liberal. It is worth noting that there is an existing temporary restraining order from Oct. 9 prohibiting federal agents from using chemical munitions in Chicago against civilians and journalists who do not pose a threat. However, it doesnt appear that federal agents are abiding by that order. In addition to that incident from last Thursday, residents and demonstrators over the weekend confronted Border Patrol agents near a Halloween parade after they arrested an undocumented construction worker who came to the U.S. as a child. According to witnesses and videos taken at the scene, federal agents then started lobbing tear gas, just minutes before the start of the scheduled parade. You had parents on the street literally taking their kids to this Halloween parade when this happened, one resident told a local news station. And I didnt see anybody with a weapon. I didnt see anybody make physical contact with these agents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bovino was hauled into court in Chicago on Tuesday to answer for that behavior. And the court obviously believes he needs to be reined in the judge ordered Bovino to appear in court every day this week to provide a status report on his actions in Chicago. He will also be forced to turn over use-of-force reports and accompanying body camera footage. (He and his agents are now required to use body cameras.) While Bovino was being admonished in court, we learned that there is a purge happening within Homeland Security to strengthen its most violent, reactionary tendencies. Those in favor of whats called more targeted immigration enforcement are being pushed out, so that Bovino can more easily undertake Trump adviser Stephen Millers draconian vision of mass deportation. As NBC News reports: President Donald Trumps top aides have welcomed Border Patrols more aggressive tactics to secure arrests, such as rappelling into apartment buildings from Black Hawk helicopters and jumping out of rental trucks in Home Depot parking lots, as theyve become disappointed with ICE, the officials said. The mentality is CBP does what theyre told, and the administration thinks ICE isnt getting the job done, one of the DHS officials said. So CBP will do it. In short, Trumps top aides think ICE leadership is too soft and want to replace it with Border Patrol leaders, who are seen as more aggressive and willing to go along with whatever this administration asks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But believe me, this is just the beginning. After Republicans provided Homeland Security with an unprecedented surge in funding, the agency is spending billions to recruit thousands more agents, with aggressive marketing campaigns and signing bonuses. Trump wants them to be, effectively, his federal police force, wreaking havoc on the streets of this country. That may be especially true heading into next years midterm elections. Several experts in elections and democracy spoke to The Atlantic about their fears that Trump will deploy armed agents to polling places to sow chaos and intimidation and to maintain power. This is a plan, it is worth noting, that the presidents ally Steve Bannon is openly bragging about. Theyre petrified over at MSNBC and CNN that, hey, since were taking control of the cities, theres going to be ICE officers near polling places, Bannon said on his podcast earlier this year. Youre damn right. Bannon has also doubled down on his threat that Trump would run for a third term, telling The Economist that theres a plan in the works. Trump is going to be president in 28 and people ought to just get accommodated with that, he said. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com In November, 96,609 people in Hamilton County could lose the money they count on to feed their families every month. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP or food stamps, is a program that gives low-income households a monthly benefit to purchase healthy food. It's the largest nutrition assistance program in the country. But due to the shutdown of the federal government, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is no longer distributing those funds to the millions of families who need them. "Bottom line, the well has run dry," said the Department of Agriculture in an Oct. 27 announcement that SNAP benefits would not be issued Nov. 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Where to find food assistance in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky if SNAP benefits run out Erica Jackson, who lives in Cheviot with her six of her seven kids, said she usually sees her SNAP card replenished on the second day of every month. The SNAP benefit allows her to buy fresh produce and other groceries for her kids that she wouldn't be able to afford otherwise. But it's looking like they'll have to go without. Jackson, who worked as a kitchen aide in the cafeteria of Gamble Montessori Elementary last year, said she's especially worried for the families whose kids were already skipping meals before the shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Children would come and ask for seconds and thirds," said Jackson. "These babies are really hungry. Erica Jackson sits with four of her seven children, from top left, Josh, 11, Gabriel Hightower, 17, King, 8, and Patricia, 6, at their home in Cheviot. In November, the family will likely be losing the SNAP benefit that they rely on to buy groceries. Who uses SNAP in Greater Cincinnati? Children living in households close to the federal poverty line make up 45% of the people who receive SNAP in Hamilton County. In Ohio, a family of four must make $41,795 or less to be SNAP eligible. The rest are adults, the majority of whom have jobs, people with disabilities and senior citizens. In Northern Kentucky, an additional 12,000 households rely on SNAP in Boone, Kenton and Campbell counties. The average payment for a recipient of SNAP benefits in Hamilton County is $197, according to Michael Patton, director of Hamilton County Job & Family Services, which oversees the SNAP application process in the area. By contrast, the average family in Ohio spent $1,103 a month on groceries, according to 2023 data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jackson is disabled and was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disorder with no known cure, eight years ago. Finding a job that wouldn't cause her to lose the disability benefits that she and her kids depend on has been a challenge. "I'm very mindful of what I feed my children," says Erica Jackson, who uses her SNAP benefit to get fresh produce at Findlay Market for her family. Jackson depends on SNAP to purchase fresh meat at the butcher and produce at Findlay Market. "I'm very mindful of what I feed my children," she said. Still, the monthly benefit isn't enough to sustain them through the whole month. So she's accustomed to visiting pantries run by Freestore Foodbank, where she grabs staples like canned chicken to make a soup for her kids during colder months. Patrick, a volunteer at Freestore Foodbank in Over-the-Rhine, restocks fresh produce. About half of people who visit Freestore Foodbank are on SNAP, according to SNAP program manager Kam McKenzie. The rest earn too much to be SNAP-eligible but still struggle with food insecurity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With SNAP halted, said McKenzie, Freestore is preparing for a wave of clients to come through their doors, in addition to the usual holiday surge the food bank sees during November. Freestore Foodbank SNAP program manager Kam McKenzie said the food bank is bracing for the usual holiday surge ahead of Thanksgiving. 'We cannot food bank our way out of this situation' With federal dollars halted, Hamilton County commissioners are considering a reallocation of federal American Rescue Plan dollars that have gone unused, said Hamilton County Board of Commissioners President Denise Driehaus, as an emergency measure. Of the $180,000 figure floated during the commissioners meeting Oct. 28, at least some will go to Freestore Foodbank to help them accommodate the SNAP-related surge, said Driehaus. On Oct. 23, Northern Kentucky Health Department posted on Facebook that participants in Kentucky's Women, Infants and Children program another federal program that provides food assistance should continue to use their eWIC cards to purchase groceries. Still, it's impossible to make up for the loss in SNAP, which supplies the lion's share of nutrition assistance across the U.S. Families who are eligible for SNAP are also income-eligible for WIC, but only moms, infants and children 5 and younger qualify. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the lack of federal funding, food banks, which were already a stopgap measure for food insecure families, will become even more strained. "We cannot food bank our way out of this situation," said Kurt Reiber, CEO of Freestore Foodbank. Will this affect free meals at Cincinnati Public Schools? Every school day, CPS serves free breakfast and lunch to over 30,000 students as part of a National School Lunch Program provision that allows districts in low-income areas to feed every student, no application or SNAP eligibility required. But in a district wherein over 56% or nearly 19,000 students are eligible for SNAP benefits, worry about how kids are being fed after school hours and on the weekends remains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given CPS' participation in the national program, the impending loss of SNAP benefits will not affect student meals, director of student dining services Jessica Shelly said. The provision is offered at all but three of the 66 schools in Hamilton County's largest district. Walnut Hills High School, Kilgour School and Hyde Park Elementary, all in relatively wealthy areas, don't fall under the initiative. The district's dining department does not get dollars out of the school budget or through levies but, rather, is solely funded through reimbursements from the USDA. And because of the regulations attached to the free meal program, CPS is limited on what kinds of and how much food can be served, down to the calorie. This means that there's no wiggle room for serving food from district dining services outside of school activities amid families being stripped of their SNAP benefits, Shelly said. CPS could face fiscal penalties or removal of the program entirely if it strays from regulations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Even if I wanted to say, 'It's really hard at home right now. I'm going to give you an extra grilled chicken sandwich.' I'm not allowed to," Shelly said. "I can't even give kids more than an extra package of ketchup." Free snacks and dinner services are other components of the national program, but those are heavily restricted as well. Community sponsors like UMC Food Ministry and Children's Hunger Alliance can provide dinner to students and then be reimbursed by the USDA as long as the meal occurs during an official educational event. "SNAP benefits are so important because these are the benefits that mom is going to the grocery store and purchasing food for herself and her kiddos who are not yet able to be part of our program here," she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To help hungry families, the district can provide resources like the food pantry map curated on its website. CPS' social services hub Project Connect is also accepting donations for its food pantry housed at Taft Elementary. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: In Greater Cincinnati, there's no good replacement for SNAP benefits Uvalde and Bexar County officials are refusing to release records related to the fiery death of Regina Santos-Aviles, an aide to U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, asserting that disclosure of the information would interfere with an ongoing criminal investigation. That position appears inconsistent with previous statements by authorities that Santos-Aviles, 35, immolated herself in the backyard of her home in Uvalde on Sept. 13, and that no one else was involved. Uvalde Police Chief Homer E. Delgado said shortly after the death that there was "no indication of foul play." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RELATED: Congressman's aide set herself ablaze Santos-Aviles was found severely burned outside her home and was transported to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, where she died the next morning. Uvalde police have been investigating the case with assistance from the Texas Rangers. News organizations have asked the city of Uvalde for recordings of 911 calls, police reports, witness statements and body-camera footage from the incident. The San Antonio Express-News also asked the Bexar County Medical Examiner's office for an autopsy report listing the cause and manner of death, along with any investigative reports. The ME's finding as to the manner of death would indicate whether it was a homicide, suicide, accidental or undetermined. Both the city and Bexar County declined to provide the requested information and asked the Texas Attorney General's Office for a ruling affirming that stance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement READ MORE: Police say fiery death of aide to Rep. Tony Gonzales was caught on video In a Sept. 25 letter to the AG's office, Uvalde City Attorney Francisco J. Garza said the case was "pending possible criminal prosecution" and therefore qualified for an exception to the Texas Public Information Act, which broadly calls for disclosure of public records. Garza cited provisions of the law that allow government agencies to keep records confidential if their disclosure "would interfere with the detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime," or if the information relates to actual or potential litigation involving a public agency or an officer or employee. He said the police investigation into Santos-Aviles' death "is ongoing and has yet to be completed." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Garza also asked the AG's office for what he called a "previous determination," which would allow Uvalde to withhold similar records in other active investigations without having to go back to the attorney general for a ruling each time. The civil division of the Bexar County District Attorney's Office, representing the medical examiner, took a similar position regarding records on Santos-Aviles' death. In an Oct. 4 letter to the attorney general's office, Assistant DA Leslie Dillon wrote that the records requested by the news media "pertain to an ongoing criminal investigation" and that their release "would interfere with that investigation." Dillon said the Uvalde Police Department had informed the DA's office in writing that it objected to the release of the information while the investigation remains open. The AG's office has not ruled on the requests from the city and county. It generally issues a decision within about 45 days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Santos-Aviles had served as regional district director for Gonzales, a Republican representing Texas' 23d Congressional District, since November 2021. She previously worked for the Uvalde Area Chamber of Commerce. She was a Uvalde native and was well-known in the community. Firefighters went to her home in the 200 block of Geraldine Street on the night of Sept. 13 in response to a report of a "person in distress," according to a Uvalde Volunteer Fire Department report obtained by the Express-News. According to the report, police told firefighters that Santos-Aviles "doused herself in gasoline and was ignited into flames." Police said home surveillance video indicated that she was alone at the time. "At this stage of the investigation, we do not have any information to suggest that anyone else was involved," Delgado said in a news release last month. At the time of her death, she and her husband, Adrian Aviles, had been separated for a couple of months and were sharing parenting responsibilities for their 8-year-old son. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement San Antonio-based attorney R. Javier Guerra, who represents Adrian Aviles, wrote to Delgado, the Uvalde County district attorney, the city attorney and the county attorney, asking them not to release any investigative materials related to the incident. Guerra wrote that his client "strenuously objects" to the disclosure of police reports, photos, videos or any other records, citing the family's right to privacy and the graphic nature of the evidence. In his letter to the police chief, Guerra said the Texas Department of Public Safety, which analyzed evidence gathered by Uvalde police, had informed him it was returning its reports and all evidence to the Uvalde Police Department, which planned to release both its own and DPS' investigative files - including body-camera footage, videos and photographs - in response to public-records requests from news organizations. "No crime was committed," Guerra wrote. "The public has no overriding interest to learn about Regina's death, to listen or read what was said at the scene, or to view videos or photographs taken by the authorities." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview, Guerra said Adrian Aviles, a family friend, retained him to protect his family's privacy. "Regina was burned over her entire body. And we really don't want people seeing videos of any of it," Guerra said. He knew of no indication that a crime was committed, he added. This article originally published at Citing criminal probe, officials block release of records on how aide to Rep. Tony Gonzales died. Wes Marshall, a professor of civil engineering at University of Colorado at Denver, says the science of traffic safety is plagued by flawed research and untested theories that don't get at the heart of the problem inadequate infrastructure to protect people. (Photo by Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector) LAWRENCE Civil engineer Wes Marshall says government transportation agencies make life-or-death decisions based on data that clouds thinking on how roadway infrastructure ought to be redesigned to better protect pedestrians and bicyclists. Marshall, a professor at University of Colorado at Denver, said the number of U.S. traffic fatalities since 1899 was approaching 4 million, but those deaths were generally accepted as part of the cost of a modern transportation network anchored to movement of vehicles. He told participants Wednesday in the Walk Bike Roll Kansas summit hosted by the Kansas Department of Transportation that addressing the carnage required a new mindset that placed a premium on examining why dominant methods of engineering killed so many people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How do we fix it? We can maybe stop bowing down to the secret art of traffic flow, stop playing whack-a-mole with all our safety problems and try to build better places, he said. He said the United States lacked essential research on traffic safety and relied on plausible but unproven assumptions about traffic speed limits, lane widths, roadside zones cleared of obstructions, crosswalks, bicycle lanes and sidewalks. The problems persist, in part, because of a lack of interest among states in gathering the detailed crash-by-crash information that is important to understand the root causes of accidents and what might be done to make the public safer, he said. Police are out there to just figure out whos at fault for the sake of the insurance companies or for giving citations, Marshall said. Theyre not taking this data down to help me understand what the infrastructure was like and whether there was a bike lane or protected signal. Marshall argued states should do a much better job of tracking injuries and deaths involving pedestrians and cyclists. Most police departments required a minimum $1,000 in damage to take a crash report, he said. In San Diego, he said, there were 250 bicycle crashes in one year that were oddly defined in reports as overturned vehicles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most states, its easier to do what weve always done, Marshall said. So collecting better data that we can begin to trust more, it would be a great start. He said traffic fatalities and accidents should be factored in relation to total population rather than miles traveled so the numbers could be routinely viewed in the context of a health risk. Data too often placed responsibility for accidents on human error rather than poorly designed infrastructure, he said. Marshall wrote the book Killed by a Traffic Engineer: Shattering the Delusion that Science Underlies Our Transportation System. There are a few DOTs that have banned my book from their library just strictly based on the title, he said. Im an engineer myself, and if you can sort of get past the title, you realize Im not blaming us. We are doing what we were told. We are doing what we were taught, but what we were taught isnt quite so. I was told there was science behind all this stuff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marshall intended the book to be of use to engineering professionals as well as community transportation activists. The intent was to evaluate available research, explain transportation jargon and pull the curtain back on the regulatory landscape, he said. Im trying to give everyone ammunition so you can more effectively argue with an engineer. So you can understand what engineering judgment is and how we can use it. Engineers, as we all know, are great at coming to a community meeting, youve already decided what we want to do, and we can just shut down things by calling them standards, even though we know they are guidelines, he said. It wasnt enough to design streets, roads and highways to get vehicles from Point A to Point B the fastest way possible, he said. And, he said, engineers who insisted that making traffic lanes wider would make roads safer at elevated speeds didnt take into account how motorists frequently took more liberties behind the wheel whenever they considered the road less risky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It makes logical sense. It gives people extra room. It should work well, but human beings behave differently on this (wide) road than a narrow one, he said. Maximizing the kinetic energy of anything is not what we want in terms of road safety. He said infrastructure reform had to supplement educational programs designed to encourage people to behave better on highways, streets and roads. For example, he said, there was no doubt many cities needed to invest in comprehensive sidewalk networks and in building dedicated lanes for bicycles on streets that featured rigid barriers to protect riders. MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (WHTM) Pennsylvanias civil rights enforcement agency will hold a town hall Wednesday after someone distributed Ku Klux Klan literature at the Mechanicsburg Halloween Parade earlier this month. A person distributed what the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission described as KKK recruitment cards at the Oct. 14 parade. In a statement, Mechanicsburg said it was deeply saddened and disturbed by the incident but added police determined no crime was committed. We want to state clearly and without reservation that any message or organization promoting racism, intimidation, or discrimination stands in direct opposition to the values of our community, the borough said in the statement, which it issued a week after the parade. Borough of Mechanicsburg statement on Halloween parade The No Hate in Our State Town Hall will be an opportunity for the community to come together against hate, the commission said. It will feature a panel of local civic, nonprofit and religious leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An email account claiming to represent the Women of the KKK sent a message saying members planned to attend the event anonymously. abc27 News has not been able to independently verify the authenticity of the email account. The town hall will run from 7:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Buhrig Gathering Place on 25 E. Main Street in Mechanicsburg. A community rally will take place before at 6:30 p.m. at the Railroad Avenue event space. 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. CLAY CITY, Ky. (FOX 56) Fire crews in Powell County battled flames Wednesday morning after a fire broke out at a neighborhood in Clay City, engulfing a home that was being remodeled. Major Lisa Johnson with the Clay City Fire Department told FOX 56 News that crews responded to reports of the fire just after 7 a.m. on Oct. 29. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crews with the Middlefork Volunteer Fire Department and Stanton Fire Department also reportedly helped battle the flames. Officials said that no one was home at the time of the fire, and no people or animals were harmed. An investigation into what caused the fire is ongoing, and more information will be provided as it 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 FOX 56 News. LIBERTY, Mo. Clay County is partnering with the Missouri Department of Mental Health Services to continue a jail-based competency program aimed at ensuring inmates awaiting trial receive proper mental evaluations before facing a judge. When inmates are deemed mentally incompetent to stand trial, they typically must be transferred to the state mental health hospital in Fulton, Missouri. However, with limited resources and bed space, that process can delay court proceedings. This partnership brings those evaluation and treatment services directly to detention centers across the state, including Clay Countys facility. Questions remain about transportation during World Cup matches in Kansas City Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sarah Boyd, public relations manager for the Clay County Sheriffs Office, said the initiative reinforces inmates constitutional rights under the Sixth Amendment, which guarantees a fair and speedy trial. Its trying to make sure people get their constitutional rights, Boyd said. Everybody in America is entitled to that whether theyre mentally ill, and no matter what kind of crime theyve committed. The Clay County Detention Center currently houses about 400 inmates, and roughly one-third of them are experiencing mental health challenges, according to Boyd. The pilot program will accommodate up to 10 inmates at a time, serving individuals from both Clay County and surrounding areas in the Kansas City metro. While the initiative doesnt come with direct new funding, it does require the county to outsource some of its own inmates to other jails to make room for those in the pilot program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were having to house inmates out at other jails that could be in that space at the cost of $65 to $100 per inmate per day, Boyd said. Currently, the county employs one mental health clinician who is not directly involved in the program. Boyd hopes that as the initiative grows, Clay County will eventually be able to prioritize its own inmates before expanding to assist other regional detention centers further. Download WDAF+ for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV The program has helped people get the treatment that they need and the medication that they need, to regain the ability to understand the charges against them, Boyd said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, two inmates from the Clay County Detention Center have enrolled in the pilot program, which also accepts participants from other facilities in the area. 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. BRAZIL, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) Students from Clay County Elementary Schools got the chance to leave the classroom and march to the courthouse in Brazil. It was part of Red Ribbon Week, which is an effort to teach kids about a drug, tobacco, and alcohol-free lifestyle. Students got to participate in different stations at the courthouse to learn about a drug, tobacco, and alcohol-free lifestyle and how these things can affect people when consumed. There was also a mock trial that students got to participate in during this event. SADD co-sponsor and English teacher at Clay City High School, Cassy Tiefel, said an event like this cant just be done overnight. This is something that takes months of preparation, Tiefel said. We have wonderful county officials who make sure that the courthouse is cleared and then its basically considered a field trip for all the fifth graders and the high school students that take part in this event. So, like I said, our county officials have been great to work with us to make sure that the courthouse schedule is clear for the day and allow over three hundred fifth graders to kind of take over the courthouse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement High school students from both Clay City and Northview volunteered their time to help the elementary students about what it means to be drug, tobacco, and alcohol free. Clay County housing symposium took place hosted in part by Thrive West Central This is something they look forward to pretty much all year long, Tiefel said. This is always in the last week of October and basically from the first day of school, we have SADD students saying, how do I sign up for SADD and when is the march to the courthouse because they are so excited to be a part of this and have an impact on the younger fifth graders. Tiefel said she hopes this program can teach the elementary students life lessons they can take with them for years to come. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What were hoping they take away is remembering all the different speakers remembering hearing from those who have literally been incarcerated for using tobacco, drugs, alcohol and making those choices and paying the consequences for that, Tiefel said. Seeing the effects of those effects firsthand and secondly, our biggest goal is to lead them down the right path to whereas high schools, as they enter middle school and high school, and maybe face some more of those peer pressures, theyre able to stand up against those and say no and make better choices. Several students also wore red during the event, as the color red symbolizes courage and is also the color associated with having a drug, tobacco, and alcohol-free lifestyle. 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 MyWabashValley.com. The finance minister slammed Military Advocate General Maj. Gen. Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, saying she "acted against our soldiers" and "collaborated in leaks with antisemitic blood libels." Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, in a Wednesday social media post, condemned the state of affairs surrounding the investigation of Military Advocate General Maj. Gen. Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi for obstruction of justice and connections to a leaked video in the Sde Teiman abuse case involving Palestinian prisoners. Smotrich accused her of working against IDF troops and commanders, and "collaborating in leaks with blood libels against the State of Israel." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smotrich added, Does someone need more proof of the critical need to clean the stables, and the necessary reform in our justice system and law enforcement?! The Defense Ministry suspended Tomer-Yerushalmi after a probe by Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara tied her to the leak of a video in the Sde Teiman abuse of Palestinian prisoners case. IDF MILITARY Advocate-General Maj.-Gen. Yifat Tomer Yerushalmi is the Israeli militarys chief lawyer and has the task of defending Israelis from accusations of war crimes. (credit: FLASH90) The Military Advocate General will not return to her position as long as the affair is being investigated, and when it concludes, we will act in accordance with the findings, Defense Minister Israel Katz said on a post. He also called Tomer-Yerushalmis actions one of the most severe blood libels against IDF soldiers, which exposes them to persecution and lawsuits around the world. Ben-Gvir, Regev react to Sde Teiman National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called the case it a dramatic development in the defense of democracy against criminal conduct disguised as legal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All those involved in the affair must be held accountable, including the Attorney-General herself, who originally tried to torpedo the investigation with a false statement to the High Court of Justice, he said. Transportation Minister Miri Regev asked, Why was the defense establishment sent on vacation?! They sewed a case against our fighters, harmed the security of the state and the name of Israel throughout the entire world, she wrote on X and added, The Sde Teiman affair is not a mistake, it is a blood libel stemming from a distorted working assumption of those who are supposed to protect the soldiers of the IDF. They did not shoot the arrow; they invented it and painted the target. This is a rotten system that has lost every moral compass! CNNs Abby Phillip called out liberal critics who take issue with her inviting MAGA people on her NewsNight show. Phillip joined The Breakfast Club on Tuesday, where she discussed President Donald Trumps policy victories, how her network is perceived politically, as well as pushback she receives over her selection in guests. She was on the show to promote her new book about Jesse Jackson, A Dream Deferred. NewsNight is a roundtable talk show that invites on guests of differing political views to debate the hot news stories of the day. Trump supporters like Scott Jennings often find themselves in heated exchanges with liberal guests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Breakfast Club host Charlamagne Tha God told Phillip at one point that shed built a rainbow coalition on her show. I get a lot of criticism from the left, from people who are like Why does she have MAGA people on the show? and its like, well, you should know what they are saying, Phillip explained. Charlamagne agreed with the perspective, while Phillip continued by arguing that simply being unaware of Trumpism and those who support it is not helpful to anyone. Just so you know, half the country voted for Trump and for Trumpism, and its not helpful to be completely unaware of what is happening in those media ecosystems, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Phillip later mentioned Jillian Michaels as an example of a guest some publicly take issue with, but whose voice it is important to hear. Phillip referenced a heated moment on the show with Michaels centered on the countrys history with slavery. I also think it does not do us any favors to pretend like a lot of people dont agree with Jillian Michaels and that its an opportunity for us to correct the record, to educate, to inform, to put facts on the table, she said. Phillip added, can I be real? I know Black people who agree with Jillian Michaels. Ive heard and not just recently. Her talking point about how slavery existed all in the world, and we overemphasize it here in the United States. I have had Black people say that to me, you know, 10 years ago, 15 years ago. The media, she argued, is fragmented to the point where people can exist in their own silos and be completely unaware of what the other sides positions are. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The media is so fragmented right now. Everybody is consuming media in their own silos, she said. And a lot of people on the left, liberals or whatever, they have no idea whats being said in those conservative ecosystems. Watch above via The Breakfast Club. The post CNNs Abby Phillip Hits Back at Liberal Critics Knocking Her for Having MAGA People on Show first appeared on Mediaite. CNN chief data analyst Harry Enten delivered a harsh message to climate activists on Wednesday, observing that theyve failed to persuade the American public of much over the last few decades. After noting that billionaire activist Bill Gates has softened his tone about climate change in recent days by acknowledging that it may not threaten humanitys existence, anchor John Berman prompted Enten to discuss the publics views of the threat posed by climate change. Yeah, I think a lot of people will agree with Bill Gates that maybe this wouldnt be the end of humanity. And I think, you know, weve been talking about climate change now for decades, upon decades, upon decades. And the worry in terms of climate change, simply put, hasnt shifted, it has not reached the majority of Americans, mused Enten. What are we talking about? Greatly worried about climate. You go all the way back to 1989, it was 35%. 2000, 40%. 2020, 46%. And in 2025, look at that, its 40%. The same number as we had 25 years ago, back in 2000, and then only just five points higher than we had back in 1989, really weve just seen consistency on this issue. The bottom line is that the climate change message that folks who, of course, believe that climate change is real and is quite worrisome, simply put, has not really worked with the American people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You say greatly worried. I mean, so people say theyre greatly worried 40%, but how worried, really? Is it the biggest thing theyre worried about? followed up Berman. Yeah, it is not anywhere close to being the biggest thing that people are worried about, replied Enten before diving in: What are we talking about here? Well, why dont we just talk about top issue facing the U.S., climate change. Well, I got some numbers for you on the screen right here. You dont have to be a mathematical genius to know that these numbers are not particularly high. Top issue facing United States, climate change. It was 3% in 2021, 2% in an average of polls in 2023. And this year the average of polls: two. One, two. It is very, very low on the list of priorities. I was trying to count it out in the Gallup poll and basically ,t was so low down, you know, I was counting all the different issues I almost lost track. It was like 15th or 20th. It was just very, very low down. So the bottom line is not only are we seeing that the number has not really moved over the last 36 years, but in terms of being the top issue, it simply put has not broken through. Two percent, there are just a ton of things that rank way higher in the list of importance. Watch above via CNN. The post CNN Data Guru Delivers Harsh News to Climate Activists: Your Message Has Not Really Worked first appeared on Mediaite. CNN anchor Jake Tapper pressed Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) over Democrats unwillingness to cut a deal with Republicans as many Americans who use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are set to see them expire with no end to the government shutdown in sight. They think that they can use the hunger of children to try to leverage Democrats rather than feeding 42 million Americans. And were not going to stand for it, Stansbury said of Republicans while appearing on Tappers early evening newscast The Lead. Should the Democratic senators from New Mexico, your home state, vote to open the government so that these SNAP funds are not at risk? Tapper asked her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Let me be clear. The administration is choosing to starve American children with money that they already have appropriated, she responded. Tapper argued he was not applauding the tactics of Republicans but pressed the lawmaker by saying this is also a choice by Senate Democrats to not vote to open the government. Sir, let me just be clear. The money for contingency plans is sitting there. That is why the states are suing the White House withholding funds for food, Stansbury shot back. Yeah, well it may not be a big deal to you, but let me tell you that for the grandparents It is a big deal to me, Tapper interrupted. My point is its a short-term solution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am here in the House of Representatives. It is shut down. I am fighting to get the government reopened, the lawmaker insisted. I am fighting to get funding put back into SNAP that is already existent, and I am fighting for the American people. The exchange between Tapper and Stansbury was first highlighted by Mediaite. The U.S. Department of Agriculture last week said it wont use SNAP contingency funding, which Congress has allocated for emergency scenarios, if a deal to end the shutdown is not reached by the end of the week. SNAP benefits, which are used by millions of Americans, are set to expire Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. CHEYENNE The co-owner of China Buffet on Dell Range Boulevard on Tuesday was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison with no supervised release for filing a false tax return. Federal investigators found that between 2018 and 2022, 48-year-old businesswoman and mother of two, Shu Ping Chen, kept two separate records of the businesss income, falsely reporting the financials of the business to her Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Chen co-owns China Buffet, located at 1958 Dell Range Blvd in Cheyenne, with her husband. She was responsible for the restaurants day-to-day operations and financial reporting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following a lengthy investigation by the IRS-CI division into the businesss financials, federal agents determined that Chen had been keeping two sets of records, one accurate and one falsified for tax purposes. The investigation revealed that Chen provided false figures to her CPA, well aware that the CPA would use this information to prepare and file her tax returns, resulting in the willful underreporting of the restaurants gross cash receipts. They found ample evidence of records, both handwritten and digital, during the execution of a search warrant at both the restaurant and the Chen residence on Jan. 4, 2024. During that search, agents found records kept in various places throughout the residence and caught Chen attempting to destroy business records in the bathroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Between the 2018 and 2022 tax years, Chens false reports led to the underreporting of $959,693.94. This resulted in a tax loss of $293,270 to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and $66,426 to the state of Wyoming, according to the U.S. Department of Justice, District of Wyoming. On Tuesday, U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence of 18 months in federal prison with no supervised release. Johnson also ordered Chen to pay restitution totaling $293,270 to the IRS and $66,426 to the state of Wyoming, as well as a $75,000 fine and $35,000 toward the cost of prosecution. Johnson reiterated statements made by Prosecuting Attorney Margaret Vierbuchen, saying this crime was a daily repetition of underreporting finances. Chen kept two separate records showing how aware she was of the discrepancies in reported income. During her sentencing Tuesday, Vierbuchen noted that Chen is financially stable and would have easily been able to pay the taxes owed without any financial hardship, based on massive amounts of cash found during a search of Chens residence and the familys financial status. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She didnt commit this crime because she was poor or needed the money, Vierbuchen told the court Tuesday. By her best estimate, Chen had no other reason than greed to make false reports, Vierbuchen said. Chens family wrote several letters of support, attesting to her character and her significant role in the family. Chen herself spoke via translator to the court, expressing remorse for her actions and promising that this would never happen again. Chen immigrated to the United States when she was a child, spending some of her formative years in China. Johnson referred to her immigration during sentencing, acknowledging that he does not understand, nor pretend to understand, the circumstances of life in China, or the impacts that may have on Chinese immigrants. It separates her very significantly from us as far as what she has seen, Johnson said. Nevertheless, she is us, she is a part of the we. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added that no one wants to pay taxes, but it is a burden of citizenship. Chens commitment to supporting her family was repeatedly referenced in court. Johnson said that he had no doubt that Chen and her husband are hardworking, intelligent people, but that these are the consequences of Chens actions. Chen and her lawyer, Dion Custis, requested that the court consider a sentence of home confinement and probation, given Chens mental health, her role in her family, the future of the business, and the fact that this is her first offense. Allow me to be confined at home, Chen said via translator. To me, it would be the same as incarceration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The only difference would be that from home, she could continue to help her family, Chen said. Despite this reasoning, Johnson didnt find home confinement or probation to be an appropriate sentence in this case. Though he was not present at the sentencing, U.S. Attorney Darin Smith provided comment on the case via a news release. Tax fraud is a serious crime that undermines the integrity of our tax system and places an unfair burden on honest taxpayers, Smith said in the release. This sentence demonstrates the commitment of IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) to holding individuals accountable for their actions and ensuring that everyone pays their fair share. Update: Ex-Healey staffer arraigned on cocaine trafficking, gun charges Authorities on Wednesday announced the arrest of LaMar Cook, a former aide to Gov. Maura Healey. Cook faces cocaine trafficking and gun-related charges. The 45-year-old served as deputy director for the governors regional office in Springfield before his firing this week, a governors spokesperson confirmed. He earned $115,668 annually, state payroll records show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cook appeared in the Springfield District Court on Wednesday on four counts: trafficking in 200 grams or more of cocaine, carrying a gun and ammunition without a license, and driving without a license. A plea of not guilty was entered on the charges, court records show. The conduct that occurred here is unacceptable and represents a major breach of the public trust, a Healey spokesperson said on Wednesday. This criminal investigation is ongoing, and our administration will work with law enforcement to assist them in their work. Kedar Ismail, a defense attorney for Cook, told reporters on Wednesday outside the Springfield courthouse that hes looking forward to clearing [Cooks] name. What we know about Cook Cook was named deputy director in April 2023 and served as a liaison between the Healey administration and the residents, leaders and municipalities of Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden counties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cook is a co-founder of the Back to School Brighter Initiative in Springfield, a member of the Springfield Community Preservation Committee, and a major presence in the Springfield business community, the Governors Office said at the time it announced his appointment. In 2023, Cook was featured in a Juneteenth series on MassLive as an emerging Black leader, in which readers chose him as a standout in the community. He told MassLive at the time that his background included more than 20 years in hospitality and management. Before joining the governors leadership team, he worked as the director of the University of Massachusetts Amhersts on-campus hotel. He served on the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management Board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His 20 years of experience in hospitality and tourism included hotel leadership positions in cities such as Atlanta, Boston, New York City and Northampton. He also ran unsuccessfully for Springfield City Council in 2015 and for School Committee in 2017. What led to his arrest? Cook faces charges after officials say eight kilograms of cocaine, or about 18 pounds, were delivered to him at a state government building on Dwight Street in Springfield on Saturday. According to investigators, the Massachusetts State Police in Springfield intercepted the package containing cocaine. A trooper then posed as a delivery worker to hand over the parcel to Cook, who was at the building waiting for it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government building at 436 Dwight St., often referred to as the little State House, is home to several state offices, including the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination and the secretary of the commonwealths western division. An investigation stemmed from two past seizures by law enforcement earlier this month, according to Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gulluni. On Oct. 10, investigators intercepted and searched two suspicious packages at Hotel UMass in Amherst that were found to contain about 13 kilograms, or about 28 pounds, of suspected cocaine. Evidence collected during that operation was consistent with the narcotics recovered during the most recent controlled delivery in Springfield, Gullunis office said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At Wednesdays arraignment, Cook was ordered held pending a dangerousness hearing scheduled for Friday morning. If released after Fridays hearing, Cook must satisfy a $25,000 bond set on Wednesday by Judge William Rota. Youll be our guest for a few days, Mr. Cook, but youll have a full and complete hearing on Friday, Rota said. Cook was arrested during a traffic stop late Tuesday night in Springfield. He appeared in court wearing a varsity-style jacket and handcuffs. He will be held at the Hampden County House of Correction. More News Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Welcome to Quick Bites, our regular roundup of restaurant openings, closings, pop-ups, special events, trends, and other happenings in the vast and vibrant Hudson Valley dining scene. Look for it every other Wednesday online and in Flavor, our Hudson Valley food newsletter. Want to share some food news with us? Email hudsonvalley@timesunion.com. Cocina Chapina opens in Hudson In late August, a new country was added to Hudson's culinary landscape with Cocina Chapina, specializing in authentic Guatemalan fare. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the restaurant is helmed by Sergio Chiroy, he said it's "a family affair." He, along with the five cooks and one of the waiters, used to work on a Columbia County farm but were left unemployed after the farm closed earlier this year. Chiroy remembered that some of his coworkers loved cooking, so when he proposed that the group open a restaurant together, "their eyes lit up," he said. The team was driven to focus on Guatemalan cuisine because there is a lack of restaurants locally that serve it, said Chiroy, who hails from the Central American country, as do the five chefs in the kitchen. Located at 160 Fairview Ave. in Hudson, Cocina Chapina opened in late August and specializes in authentic Guatemalan fare. (Maria M. Silva/Times Union) Located at 160 Fairview Ave. in Hudson, Cocina Chapina opened in late August and specializes in authentic Guatemalan fare. (Maria M. Silva/Times Union) Located at 160 Fairview Ave. in Hudson, Cocina Chapina opened in late August and specializes in authentic Guatemalan fare. (Maria M. Silva/Times Union) One of the cooks is Estuardo Tesen, who worked with Chiroy and eventually brought his husband to work in the kitchen too. Tesen helps prepare the restaurant's many offerings, including homemade tortillas (made fresh every day) as well as traditional Guatemalan dishes like shuco (a Guatemalan hot dog), tamales, hilacha (shredded beef served with tomato sauce, potatoes and guajillo chile), mixtas (similar to shucos but made with corn tortillas) and ceviche. They also prepare atole de elote, a traditional creamy beverage made from fresh sweet corn, milk and cinnamon that is served warm. It can also be made with oatmilk and chocolate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The front-of-house team is made up of Roxana Romero, who is Chiroy's wife, and Luisa Palacios, who is dating one of Chiroy's brothers. While they are originally from El Salvador and Nicaragua, respectively, they have developed an appreciation for Guatemalan cuisine, Romero said. Adding to the familial bonds behind the restaurant is the fact that Romero also happens to be the daughter of Maria Romero, who runs the popular Salvadoran restaurant Casa Latina, also in Hudson. Chiroy said his mother-in-law helped them find a location in town, at 160 Fairview Ave., as she sought to relocate her own restaurant a few months ago. Chiroy said that while many locals are familiar with Mexican food and other Central American flavors, they are eager to share the culinary traditions that are unique to Guatemala. Cocina Chapina is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Wednesday and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday to Sunday. Sexier Cheers' debuts in Midtown Kingston Nov. 1 Kestrel, a new bar at 21 O'Neil St. in Kingston, debuts Saturday, and it promises to be the "best spot to go on a date," according to owner Steven Ives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kestrel will have 14 beers on tap, including Kingston Standard, West Kill Brewing, Keegan Ales, Return Brewing and more. The space's small kitchen only allows for snacks, so Ives is partnering with food trucks and caterers to serve food on the premises. On opening day, expect a hot dog cart; starting next year, a barbecue food truck will set up at Kestrel, Ives said. While it's Ives' first run as a business owner, he's far from being an amateur bartender. Born in Brooklyn and raised in New Jersey, he spent years traveling across the country and working in bars to support his writing career. Eventually, he returned east and moved to Kingston. For a man who spent a decade without a permanent home, Ives said Kingston's sense of community led him to fall in love with the city and eventually want to open his bar there. Owner Steven Ives is planning events and live music performances at Kestrel's 6,000-square-foot backyard. (Courtesy of Steven Ives) In February, Ives' business partners at Ives Kingston LLC purchased the former Dear Kingston space for $625,000. The building has an apartment above in the old Red Cross office, which Ives is converting into his residence. The bar's 6,000-square-foot backyard features a mural by local artist Sean Willett, whom Ives brought back to paint the front of the building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bar's name honors the American kestrel, a bird often spotted in the Hudson Valley and which lends its name to one of Ives' short stories. "I'm calling it a sexier Cheers,'" Ives said. "I want the kind of bar that's community-oriented and very friendly." As such, Ives plans to bring live music, outdoor theater and community events, including partnering with the local SPCA for adoptions and an all-female ghost hunting team called Full Moon for possible paranormal trivia nights. Oyster Party to open brick-and-mortar Oyster Party, a raw bar catering business that has been serving seafood and oysters at pop-ups, private parties and corporate events in the Hudson Valley for more than a decade, has found a permanent space on Route 28 in Woodstock. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The brick-and-mortar will open sometime in November, led by co-owners Kyle Needham and Samuel Keller, who took over the former Abandoned Hard Cider space at 1802-B state Route 28. An official opening date is yet to be announced. Oyster Party will continue operating its seafood shack outside Backbar in Hudson and will continue to do pop-ups and events. Closings Fletcher & Lu: The provisions shop that opened two years ago as part of the Ollie's Pizza Kingston takeover is closing Sunday, Nov. 2. It's unclear what led the business to close up shop (owner Sophie Peltzer-Rollo did not respond to a Times Union's request for comment). The shop, which was open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday at 582 Broadway, was best known for rotisserie chicken, cured meats and special sandwiches. El Jaguar: A restaurant that served Guatemalan comfort food in Uptown Kingston closed in May after just one year in business. Food events The apples of the Hudson Valley: It's apple season, and to celebrate, Kevin Clark, lead orchardist at Rose Hill Farm, will bring his knowledge to the Hudson Valley Maritime Museum's Follow the River lecture series. From 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Clark will discuss the importance and uniqueness of the apple, its genetic diversity, and how apples have traveled around the world. A collection of over 200 types of apples will be on display during the lecture. Tickets are $10 and $5 for members of the museum and are available online. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cookbook signing: Stissing House's Clare de Boer, chef Jessica Shadbolt, and their friend Annie Shi teamed up in 2016 to open King, an elegant French and Italian restaurant in Soho. The trio reunited in 2022 for Jupiter, also in Manhattan, and now, they've partnered again for a cookbook that collects more than 120 recipes from the restaurant that started it all. From 2-3 p.m. on Nov. 8, De Boer, Shadbolt and Shi will be at Oblong Books in Millerton signing copies of "The King Cookbook," which comes out Nov. 4. This article originally published at Cocina Chapina brings authentic Guatemalan flavors to Hudson. A row of library books. Two authors whose books have been targeted by Alabama book bans criticized proposed state guidelines restricting content on library shelves. (Getty) The authors of two books targeted by activists trying to restrict access to books with LGBTQ+ themes for youth in libraries have criticized new state policies to move their books to adult sections. Patricia McCormick, the author of Sold, a novel about human trafficking and child sexual exploitation, and Megan Pamela Ruth Madison, one of the writers of Yes! No!: A First Conversation of Consent, said the restrictions approved by the Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) Board starting in the summer of 2024 deprive children and teenagers of the ability to learn about issues affecting them and the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All the books in our series talk about issues that many adults in the United States find difficult to talk about, and particularly difficult to talk about with young children, Madison said. In large part because they are not conversations that grownups have with us, with newer kids. McCormick said in a statement sent in early October that the APLS proposal amounts to censorship. It represents coercion from on high and it tells young people, especially those who already feel unwelcome and underrepresented, that their stories do not belong, the statement said. For the past two years, a cadre of individuals appointed to the APLS Board have enacted policy changes to further restrict access to library materials. The board has required libraries to remove library materials deemed sexually explicit, obscene or inappropriate, or lose funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Critics have said the policy is being used to remove any content with any LGBTQ+ characters or themes. In the coming weeks, board members are expected to approve a policy to restrict minors from having access to library materials with positive depictions transgender individuals or gender ideology, a term the board has not defined. The Fairhope Public Library is the lone library thus far that has its funding suspended. Review process Their actions stem from some in the community who repeatedly attended local library and APLS board meetings and read passages to prove the books are inappropriate to be part of the librarys collection. The updated state administrative code bypasses processes and rules that local libraries had established for years. The process for local libraries begins with library staff reading publications that review potential books they may want to purchase. This includes the recommended age range for the book. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reviewers of the books typically have credentials in library science or academic qualifications. We had a staff member years ago who reviewed adult nonfiction, and he had been a professor and had at least two masters degrees, said Mary Campbell, president- elect of the Alabama Library Association (ALLA). He did nonfiction, historical, because that was what his concentration was in. He is currently an archivist with NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration). When the book is received, staff conduct their own review, at least for the more sensitive materials. When some of those books come in, they bring them to me and say, Hey, I made a mistake, this really belongs, not in the kids section but somewhere else, said Craig Scott, past president of the Alabama Library Association. So we do our own self-policing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is not on a whim, Campbell said. We do not just go on Amazon and purchase what is selling great on Amazon, although that might be one place that we look to see what is popular, but we do a lot of work beforehand to make sure we are getting the right books. Her confusion, her bewilderment, and her physical pain Sold, first published in 2006, is about a 13-year-old girl in Nepal sold into sexual slavery by her stepfather and her attempts to survive life in a brothel in India. McCormick said in the interview last week that she wanted the book to shed light on child trafficking and that she wanted to be a part of the solution. The scene is essential to the book, but it is written from the point of view of a 13-year-old girl. There isnt any graphic language. It basically describes her confusion, her bewilderment, and her physical pain. I am very aware that when I am writing, I am writing for other peoples children. And I have no desire to brutalize the readers by using brutal language. I tried to use language that was appropriate to the 13-year-old narrator, McCormick said in an interview last week. McCormick said in the interview that she has visited schools to discuss the book and said that it has taught students about what their peers in other countries experience. Some, she said, have spoken about their personal experience with sexual assault. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Critics have repeatedly targeted the book over a scene in which the main character was sexually assaulted by a patron in a brothel while drugged. Critics of the Fairhope Public Library would read the passage then urge the board members to withhold state funding until the book is removed from the shelves during at least two APLS meetings in 2025 because they said the book was sexually explicit. Yes! No!: A First Conversation About Consent, published in 2022, is part of a series aimed at helping educators and parents who want to have conversations with young children about topics such as race, gender and their bodies. Critics have expressed concern about the books illustrations of sexual reproductive organs, which they believe makes it inappropriate for the childrens section. Madison wrote the book with Jessica Ralli, a librarian, after hosting a series of workshops for teachers who asked for resources to inform their students about a host of issues, including consent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our book equips young children with the language to keep themselves safe, Madison said. The new code would move both books into the adults section of local libraries. Both authors object to the moves, saying that they will deprive children and teens of important information. I believe that it belongs in the teens section because trafficking is something that happens to teenagers, McCormick said in an interview last week. And I think that a well-informed teenager is less vulnerable. Madison said her book aims to keep children safe. I dont believe any parent has a right to decide what all children have access to, and I think my books are really good, Madison said. They are based on the research and based on decades of professional experience providing kids with accurate information about their bodies and the world so that they can keep themselves safe and be informed citizens in building a just and inclusive world for everybody. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) Rhode Islands Cold Case Unit has solved the murders of two women. The R.I. Attorney Generals Office released the investigative reports for the victims Cynthia McKenna and Debra Stone Wednesday morning. Attorney General Peter Neronha held a news conference to announce the results of the investigations, alongside detectives from North Providence and Narragansett. In 2023, when I sought funding to launch a Cold Case Unit, my mission was simple deliver long-awaited answers for victims seemingly forgotten by time and for families who never gave up hope, Neronha said. Since then, through the incredible work of our Cold Case Unit and law enforcement collaborators, we have made significant progress in doing just that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, we close the cases surrounding the deaths of Cynthia and Debra, and by doing so, we hope their families can finally feel a sense of closure, he continued. SEE ALSO: RIs Cold Case Unit dedicated to solving the unsolvable Heres what those reports revealed: Cynthia McKenna McKenna, 49, was found dead inside her North Providence apartment by a loved one on Feb. 21, 2007, per the investigative report. That person went to check on McKenna after the manager of her apartment building reached out and told him she hadnt been seen or heard from in several days. The report said he found McKenna tucked tightly in her bed with two pillows over her face and immediately called the police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives noticed McKenna had a sock stuffed in her mouth and tissues in each of her nostrils. The state medical examiners office determined that McKennas cause of death was asphyxia due to obstruction of the airway by a foreign body. Investigators learned from the buildings manager that McKenna was associated with a man named Gunner, who was later identified as Robert Corry Jr. The manager told police he had to change the locks to McKennas apartment because she and Corry were at odds with one another, the report noted. Though the timeline of Corrys whereabouts around the time of McKennas murder had significant gaps, the report said detectives couldnt prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he killed her. Investigators later intercepted letters that Corry allegedly wrote to an inmate at the ACI in late 2007 confessing to the murder, but a handwriting analysis only showed a probable match, according to the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation didnt resume until last year, when the Cold Case Unit opened it back up and had a forensic document examiner and handwriting analyst take another look at the letters. The expert determined the letters were Corrys genuine writing based on the characteristics, the report said. Detectives were then able to match DNA collected from a direct male relative of Corrys to the unidentified sample collected from the envelopes seal point. The report said the determination that Corry authored the letters, coupled with the gaps in his whereabouts at the time of the murder, establishes beyond a reasonable doubt that Corry murdered [McKenna]. Corry died on Aug. 4, 2014, according to the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since Corry is deceased, he cannot be charged with Cynthias murder, the report concluded. This case is now closed and identified as solved. This case represents the best of our collaborative investigative efforts with the Attorney Generals Cold Case Unit, North Providence Police Chief Alfredo Ruggiero said. Using the latest forensic technology, our team has finally found answers for Cynthias family. McKennas daughter, Jaclyn McKenna, thanked investigators on behalf of their family for their dedication to solving her murder. Her absence has always been magnified during the major milestones in my life, but its in the small day-to-day moments where all is quiet, that I miss her the most, Jaclyn said. The late-night phone calls, her always wanting just one more hug, packing me a brown bag lunch with my name on it for a big meeting at work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the end of the criminal investigation, not the end of her memory, she concluded. Debra Stone Stone, 24, was found in the Narrow River in Narragansett on Sept. 2, 1984, several days after her murder, according to the investigative report. The report said her body was discovered by juvenile boaters who found her wrapped in a floral sleeping bag with a cinderblock tied to it. The medical examiners office determined that Stones cause of death was asphyxiation by strangulation. Stone was last seen the night of Aug. 28, which the report stated is when her family and friends told police she visited a man named Robert Geremia in Johnston. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives were able to identify an informant who saw Stone at Geremias apartment on Aug. 29, and then helped him move her body out of his apartment on Aug. 30, according to the report. Geremia told the informant that he was responsible for Stones death because she had overdosed on the drugs they were distributing, the report said. The informant later read in the newspaper that Stone had been strangled, but when he confronted Geremia about it, he allegedly maintained that she had overdosed. The Cold Case Unit began investigating Stones murder two years ago. Detectives interviewed 32 witnesses over an 11-month span and determined that, despite the passage of time, their statements remained consistent, the report said. The report revealed that the Cold Case Unit found there was enough probable cause to charge Geremia with Stones murder by the end of 1991. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We cannot determine why no arrest was made, despite following up with investigators and prosecutors who were involved in the initial investigation, the report explained. The report said a Narragansett Police Department memo revealed the informants failed polygraph examination was the primary reason that the prosecutor and investigators did not believe they had sufficient basis to proceed. The [Cold Case Unit] concludes that there was then, and there is now, more than sufficient evidence to charge and convict Geremia of this offense, the report stated. Geremia died on May 23, 1995, according to the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since Geremia is deceased, this case cannot be resolved with criminal charges, the report said. Based upon the evidence, this case is now closed and identified as solved. The informant cannot be charged in connection with Stones murder because the statute of limitations has run out, the report noted. For over four decades, Debras family remained without answers after her life was tragically cut short, Narragansett Police Chief Kyle Rekas said. Through re-examining evidence and re-interviewing witnesses, our collaboration with the Attorney Generals Cold Case Unit has delivered answers for all who loved Debra. 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. Follow us on social media: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup 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 WPRI.com. New College of Florida may soon be the first public university in the country to sign President Donald Trumps higher education agreement. The compact offers preferential tax benefits and funding to schools that agree to follow the Trump administrations policies on free speech, hiring, institutional neutrality and other university topics. The Trump administration originally invited nine top universities to sign the pledge, and itopened to all universities to sign in mid-October, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brown University, Dartmouth College, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the universities of Virginia, Arizona, Pennsylvania and Southern California all rejected the compact. Several of the compacts principles already reflect what New College has done in the last two years, including eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion programs; gender studies classes; and race-based selection, according to a press release from the university. New Colleges identity has shifted over the last two years since former House Speaker Richard Corcoran became president. Corcoran said in a statement that New College is committed to the ideals in the contract. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have no affirmative action or DEI, and we have been building a campus where open dialogue and the marketplace of ideas are at the forefront of everything we do, he said in a statement. We believe a students success comes from their character and their merit, not their race, gender, or sexual orientation, and we would be honored to sign the Trump administrations compact. New College spokesperson Jamie Miller said the university wanted to publicly support Trumps education priorities. The White House did not specifically invite New College to sign the pledge, he said. I think its important to support and stand with a national leader, the president of the United States, he said, when there are so many people who have stood up against these logical things. The University of Florida did not respond to emails asking if they plan to sign the compact. University of South Florida spokesperson Ryan Hughes said USF has not signed the compact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a developing story. Check Tampabay.com for updates. Lucy Marques is a reporter covering education as a member of the Tampa Bay Times Education Hub in partnership with Open Campus. You can contribute to the hub through our journalism fund by clicking here. Volunteers help distribute food at a Food Bank of the Rockies mobile food pantry in 2023 in Aurora. Colorado food banks are preparing for an influx of visitors as SNAP benefits pause due to the federal government shutdown. (Photo by Lindsey Toomer/Colorado Newsline) Food banks in Colorado are preparing to respond to a sudden increase in need this weekend as federal food benefits pause due to the government shutdown. About 600,000 Coloradans receive money for groceries through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which amounts to about $120 million dollars in benefit money flowing through the states grocery stores and farmers markets each month. But the November payments will not come at their usual time if at all as the federal government shutdown approaches the one-month mark. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Food banks and their partners in Colorado are getting ready for an influx of people looking to their services instead. We know a tsunami is coming. We just dont know how high the wave is, and so were trying to brace for whatever we can, said Weston Edmunds, the director of marketing and communications at Weld Food Bank. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The organization put in a $250,000 order of meat products and pantry items, and Edmunds hopes the food arrives by the end of the week, despite a much shorter lead time than usual. On Tuesday afternoon, he showed volunteers how to cut about 5,000 pounds of donated mozzarella cheese from Leprino Foods Company food he said will head out quickly to people who visit the food banks warehouse and community partners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve tried to purchase more food to meet the immediate need, he said. We expect it to last us, hopefully, a couple of weeks, but we anticipate that if the government is still shut down into mid-November that well need to spend another $500,000 to keep pushing through. Request for donations Theres a similar rush in other parts of the state. Community Food Share in Boulder County placed an order for over 165,000 pounds of food to prepare, CEO Kim Da Silva said. That should be enough for over 135,000 meals. At Food Bank For Larimer County, CEO Amy Pezzani said the organization sent $100,000 in emergency funding to its partners so they can directly purchase the food they need. At the end of the day, this is what we do every single day. As a food bank, we are responsible for ensuring that people in our community who need food have food. This is not different, Pezzani said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is the first time, however, SNAP benefits will lapse. During a shutdown in 2019, the U.S. Department of Agriculture used a contingency fund to disperse benefits early. The Trump administration has said it will not use emergency money to pay for November SNAP benefits, though a coalition of states, including Colorado, sued over the issue Tuesday. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis will also ask the state Legislatures Joint Budget Committee on Thursday to approve $10 million for Feeding Colorado, which oversees the states Feeding America food banks and over 1,300 community partners, to purchase food. Colorado already faces a severe budget shortfall. These are real people that are scared and stressed because they don't know how they're going to put food on the table ... Our lawmakers need to do their job and open the government back up. Amy Pezzani, CEO of Food Bank For Larimer County Polis also appealed to Coloradans to donate money directly, since food banks have higher purchasing power with suppliers and can buy more food per dollar than the average person. Feeding Colorado Executive Director Mandy Nuku said that as of Tuesday the organization has received about $120,000 in donations. That is not inclusive of donations people have made to individual food banks through the Feeding Colorado website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a stopgap measure, and one that is not a solution. It will be largely inadequate she said. We cant replace $120 million of SNAP benefits, but we do have the operational capacity and the logistical capacity to scale up to order food and direct it to communities. She said SNAP is by far more effective at reducing hunger than food banks. Food banks provide about one meal to every nine provided through SNAP, according to Feeding America. Demand already high Nuku said their focus has also been on the policy side, hosting members of Congress at local food banks to show them the real-life impact of benefit pauses. U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse, a Lafayette Democrat, went to Community Food Share, while U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans, a Fort Lupton Republican, visited Weld Food Bank. Hunger is not partisan, she said. Its not a political issue. This impacts everybody in rural communities, conservative communities, Democratic ones, urban centers. There isnt one county in Colorado that is not experiencing food insecurity as an issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Food banks were already feeling a heightened demand in recent years after SNAP emergency allotments during the COVID-19 pandemic ended in 2023. Community Food Share is seeing an increase in enrollment for the first time, from about 25 applications per week to around 80. Weld Food Bank had between 500 to 600 visitors for its emergency food program on an average day two years ago, Edmunds said. Now, its closer to 1,700 people every day. Edmunds said the post-pandemic surge after expanded benefits ended made clear that SNAP was keeping a lot of people from needing to come to food banks. For some people, $50 or $100 a month was the difference between if they needed to use the food bank or if they could supplement their income, he said. Plan for the worst Weld Food Bank will set up three temporary mobile sites to lessen the impact on its primary warehouse location, and is in conversation with its community partners to extend their operating hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At Community Food Share, the goal is to remain nimble about how to respond to more visitors as they come, whether that means staying open later or establishing mobile food pantries. Da Silva noted the dual crisis as the shutdown pauses paychecks to federal workers, who might turn to food banks to fill gaps. This is new terrain for all of us to navigate. Our plan is to plan for the worst, which is to get truckloads of food in here and be very flexible with how we react to community needs, she said. Food Bank for Larimer County typically signs up about 150 new families per month. Last week, it got 179 new family applications. These are real people that are scared and stressed because they dont know how theyre going to put food on the table, Pezzani said. Our lawmakers need to do their job and open the government back up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats and Republicans are at a stalemate over how to end the shutdown, which is in its fourth week. Democrats say they will not vote for a spending bill to reopen the government until Republicans negotiate expiring health insurance subsides, but Republicans say they will not negotiate that issue until the government reopens. Republicans hold majorities in both chambers of Congress but under current rules need a handful of Senate Democrats to vote with them to pass any legislation. Coloradans can find the food pantry closest to them at feedingcolorado.org/find-food. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE U. S. Space Force Guardians are seen at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado on Aug. 20. The Trump administration's intent to more Space Command headquarters to Alabama is the subject of a new lawsuit filed by the Colorado attorney general. (Photo by Dave Grim/U.S. Space Force) Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser is suing President Donald Trumps administration over its retaliatory decision to relocate U.S. Space Command from Colorado Springs to Huntsville, Alabama. In a lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court of Colorado on Wednesday, Weiser wrote that the president could not have been clearer about his motivations for the move, citing Trumps comments during the Oval Office announcement last month acknowledging that Colorados elections, which he falsely described as crooked, were a big factor in his decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That admission makes Trumps decision to vacate Space Commands temporary location in Colorado the latest twist in a years-long battle over the permanent home of Space Force headquarters an unconstitutional violation of state sovereignty, Weiser said in a press conference. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The executive branch isnt allowed to punish, retaliate, or seek to coerce states who lawfully exercise powers that are reserved to them, Weiser said. And that includes the power to oversee the time, place and manner of elections. Colorado adopted its universal mail-in ballot system in 2014. Like other top Republicans, Trump who has lost the contest for the Centennial States electoral votes in three consecutive presidential elections has repeatedly and baselessly impugned the integrity of elections held using mail-in ballots. Studies have found no evidence that vote-by-mail increases the incidence of voter fraud, which is extremely rare in U.S. elections across many different state-administered voting systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If we in Colorado dont take a stand against this unconstitutional and unlawful decision, we in Colorado and other states who use mail-in voting are going to be subject to further pressure or punishment, unless and until we stop exercising our constitutional authority, Weiser added. Thats not acceptable. The lawsuit filed Wednesday marks the 41st time that Weiser, a two-term Democratic attorney general and a candidate for governor in 2026, has sued the federal government since Trumps second presidential term began in January. Trump created Space Force in 2019 as an independent service branch during his first term, and he established Space Command, previously part of the U.S. Air Force, as one of the militarys 11 so-called unified combatant commands. Since then, Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs has served as the commands interim headquarters. In the final days of his first term, Trump endorsed a permanent move for Space Command to Huntsvilles Redstone Arsenal, but President Joe Bidens administration reversed that decision in 2023. A Department of Defense inspector general report released in April found that while some senior military leaders preferred the Alabama location because of greater long-term cost efficiency, others said a permanent home in Colorado would allow it to better retain its civilian workforce and ensure operational readiness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said it was Bidens administration, not Trumps, that had injected politics into the selection process with its 2023 decision. This lawsuit is nothing more than a partisan attempt to overturn a lawful, evidence-based decision repeatedly validated by military experts, independent reviews, and congressional oversight, Marshall said. If Colorado insists on fighting a political battle in federal court, Alabama will meet them there, and win. Construction of secure facilities for a new Space Command headquarters in Alabama is expected to take years, and the command has continued to operate from Colorado since Trumps announcement. Weiser said his office will seek relief in the form of a pause on any concrete steps taken towards relocation while the litigation proceeds through the courts. We dont know yet that theres been any imminent steps where Space Command is being relocated, Weiser told reporters Wednesday. Were acting now so that were getting ahead of any potential actions and prevent them from happening, until a court looks at the merits of our case and can determine that the basis for this move is unlawful and cant be justified as set forth by the president. Editors note: This story was updated at 3:19 p.m., Oct. 29, 2025 to include a statement from Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE DENVER (KDVR) Two questions all voters in the state will see this year deal with funding for the Healthy School Meals for all Program. While each question is a little different, funding for the programs future is at the heart of both. A couple of years ago, voters passed the Healthy School Meals for All by a big margin. The program was a success right away, said Ana Bustamante, Save the Children Action Network Colorado State Manager. Concerning data shows one third of drivers dont follow the slow down move over law Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some could argue it was too much of a success. Families across Colorado took the state up on its offer to feed students breakfast and lunch for free after passing Proposition FF in 2022. Fast forward to now, the program will run out of money by the end of this year unless voters step in. We realized that there was not enough funds for the program. So the grand portion of it was not implemented. That part is the locally sourced, made-from-scratch portion of it. And also the higher wages for cafeteria workers, said Bustamante. You will see two funding proposals for the program on your ballot. A yes on Proposition LL would allow the state to spend $12.4 million in excess revenue already collected for the program. It would also allow the state to maintain the tax deduction limits on people making more than $30,000 a year; the original measure called for those limits to be lowered in 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prop MM would lower that limit down to $1,000 for single filers and $2,000 for joint filers. It would increase the amount of money these taxpayers owe, bringing in an extra $95 million for the program. If it passes, the state plans to use any extra money to help fund SNAP. Would voters say yes to an increase in income taxes for some? Supporters said the program is worth it. Whats on Colorados 2025 November ballot? Every family, on average, will be able to save $1,300 per child per month by getting the meals through the school. Folks can look at the Blue Book for the exact numbers depending on where they are on the income bracket, but on average, it is about $450 extra dollars a year, Bustamante said. One place where kids know that they can get a good meal is at school. Right? So if the ballot measures dont pass, it will end by the end of the year, Bustamante continued. So, we want to make sure that kids dont have to worry about whats going to happen at the federal level because Coloradans all agree that they should be able to get a good meal every day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opponents argue that the program is already costly, with some meals going uneaten. A measure was passed at the state capitol this year calling on schools to implement food waste reduction programs. 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. COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) A sitting Columbus councilor will have opposition next year for the District council 5 seat. Columbus attorney Robert Wadkins Jr. has filed intention to run forms with the local elections office to seek the seat currently held by two-term Councilor Charmaine Crabb. The 43-year-old criminal defense attorney is also the city attorney for Hamilton, Georgia. I offer kind of a unique perspective, and a unique kind of set of skills, he said. Since 2020, Ive been the city attorney for the city of Hamilton. So, that entails shepherding the city through the budgeting process, drafting ordinances, all kinds of things that municipal government throws at you. So I think that from that perspective, Im kind of ready to start on Council day one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wadkins is a Columbus native who has an undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia and a law degree from the University of Alabama. He ran unsuccessfully for a Muscogee County School Board seat in 2016. Crabb is in her second term on the city council and told WRBL News 3 she will seek re-election. She made the motion in May to fire longtime city manager Isaiah Hugley, now a mayoral candidate. Heres what Wadkins says about why hes running for council. Im not running as a reaction to any one specific thing, Wadkins said. Im not running against something. Im kind of running for Columbus. I think that my qualifications and experience stack up, and I want to put that to the electorate and, have them judge me on my merits individually rather than in comparison to somebody else. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WRBL News 3 reached out to Crabb for a response to Wadkins opposition. I believe the citizens of Columbus need someone who recognizes what needs to be done and has the commitment to follow through on top priorities and see them through to completion, Crabb said. There is more to do, and I want to be part of the team that gets it done. I will continue focusing on basic necessities that impact all residents of this great city As a criminal defense attorney, Wadkins is familiar with the issues inside the Muscogee County Jail. Columbus Council is moving forward to replace the facility and the new jail could cost more than $400 million. I think that if we dont do something, its going to be dictated to us, Wadkins said. And the last thing we want is to have, something like a consent decree, telling us we have to do all these things and not funding it. So I think something has to be done. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) Columbus Water Works is proposing a rate increase and new fee for 2026 to help fund major upgrades to the citys water and wastewater systems. The utility company presented its plan to the Columbus City Council Tuesday night, using the meeting as a second public forum to explain the proposal. The plan includes a nearly 5% annual rate increase and a new regulatory compliance fee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials say the additional revenue would help fund moving the South Columbus Wastewater Treatment Plant out of a flood zone and preparing for stricter Environmental Protection Agency limits on PFAS commonly known as forever chemicals by 2031. Some residents voiced concerns about the timing of the proposed rate hike. We have no idea of the strain that everybodys already under, said Columbus resident Val McGowan. People are struggling right now, and the government isnt even open. Columbus Water Works President and CEO Jeremy Cummings said the gradual increases are necessary to avoid larger hikes in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you dont do those small 4.95% rate increases over time, you fall behind, Cummings said. And then when you fall behind, you have to have substantial rate increases that really do impact those citizens and customers. The first public meeting on the proposal took place on Oct. 16 at Columbus Technical College. Cummings said he plans to discuss community feedback with the Columbus Water Works Board during its Nov. 10 meeting. 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. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Five MSCS board members seats will be on the ballot next year, following the Shelby County Commissions vote. In an 8 to 4 vote, the Shelby County Commission decided to override Mayor Lee Harris veto on school board elections. This means that the seats of five current Memphis-Shelby County School board members will be on the 2026 ballot. I followed the argument that the opposition was making. For me, it just came down to the system is in dire need of oversight and just overhaul. And I have not, for the past two years, heard anyone bring a plan or a sense of urgency to acknowledge the issue, said Shelby County Commissioner Britney Thornton of District 10. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Towanna Murphy exchanges words with activists as county commission decides school board elections Shelby County Commissioner Britney Thornton, who voted to override the veto, says her own observations and interactions led to her decision. Students literally pulled me to the side to say, Dont send your child to this school. And they had this long list of complaints, said Thornton. The people are acknowledging that this is a failed system, and its not just going to correct itself. We need vision and we need it now. Next year, Shelby County voters will choose to remove or replace MSCS board members: Towanna Murphy, Stephanie Love, Tamarques Porter, Sable Otey and Natalie McKinney. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commissioner Thornton said the current school board is not solely responsible for academic underperformance, but its time to create an education system that benefits students. 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 WREG.com. A busy stretch of road near Eighth Street will soon see lower speed limits after Woodward County commissioners approved a 45 mph zone on Hanks Trail Monday morning, following complaints of speeding through a nearby housing area. On Hanks Trail and Eighth Street, which is County Road 203 going south, its posted 55 mph. Coming back the other way north on 203 about a quarter mile before you get to Hanks Trail, theres a 45 mph speed limit, said District 3 Commissioner Donny Thorn. So 45 has always been in effect as far as Im concerned. Were going to post 45 both east and west, and then 55 from that point on. Theres been a lot of traffic and complaints by the housing addition right through there. A trooper told me he caught someone going 80 mph through there recently. A new 45 mph speed limit sign has been installed on County Road 203 heading north before EW 44 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A new 45 mph speed limit sign has been installed on County Road 203 heading north before EW 44, an area that will soon feature a double center stripe. In the opposite direction, motorists traveling south out of town will see a 55 mph sign. Another 45 mph sign is also posted across from Post Road for southbound traffic. Thorn added he plans to double-stripe Hanks Trail and 8th St, three miles south to mark a no-passing zone. It also goes down past 45, which is around the 1000 Hills Church area, so well post it 45 basically from that point on, and then it goes back to 55, he said. A 55 mph speed limit sign is posted on County Road 203 heading southbound near 1000 Hills Ranch Church Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 55 mph speed limit sign is posted on County Road 203 heading southbound near 1000 Hills Ranch Church, marking the transition out of the lower speed zone. Sheriff Keith Frutiger said deputies could conduct targeted enforcement along the route once new signs are installed. I havent had any complaints about it, but we can certainly put some deputies out there, Frutiger said. An agenda item regarding the Oklahoma Water Resources Board was tabled due to flooding in other parts of the state. Well, there is flooding in central Oklahoma right now, said Woodward County Emergency Management Director Kelly Witchey, explaining why the agency could not attend the meeting on county floodplain information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In District 2, commissioners discussed a drainage issue washing out County Road 214. Theres a natural waterway less than a quarter mile north of the issue, said District 1 Commissioner Clint White. We spoke to the private landowner, and were going to keep that water on his property until it hits that natural waterway culvert. Shutdown fallout reaches Woodward County During his emergency management report, Tom Lucas said the ongoing federal government shutdown continues to affect rural programs. The USDAs Farm Service Agency has partially reopened, allowing certain payments and loan processing to resume, but no new applications are being accepted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lucas also warned that the federal SNAP food-stamp program could close Nov. 1 if the shutdown continues. The most recent data show 2,725 Woodward County residents received SNAP benefits in 2022. Oklahoma officials are weighing temporary funding to cover the lapse, but there can be no assurance the state would be repaid, Lucas said. He added that two DEQ grant programs Environmental Officer and Solid Waste Equipment will open Dec. 1 and close Feb. 28, 2026, with grants of up to $50,000 and a 20% local match. Rural grants and fire department projects Commissioners approved several Rural Economic Action Plan resolutions supporting local improvements, including: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Town of Sharon: $100,000 for Main Street resurfacing, no local match. Sharon Fire Department: $18,750 local match for rescue equipment. Town of Mutual: $100,000 for asphalt resurfacing. Mutual Fire Department: $14,240 local match for grass truck equipment. Mooreland Fire Department: $100,000 toward a planned building expansion, pending auditor approval. Fort Supply Fire Department: Backup battery system grant. Quinlan Rural Water District: $5,000 local match for new equipment. Tangier District: Second-phase road rock project on the Tangier bypass route. This is where we closed the bridge out there at the town of Tangier this is the road that bypasses it, Thorn said. We put rock on it, but we need more to get that road in better shape. Theres a lot of traffic. The population has gone down, but people still have to go two or three miles around, so were upgrading what weve got. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grant for Woodward County The county received a $21,000 economic development grant from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce reduced from an original $30,000 request to fund a contractor-led study on local industry recruitment. They reduced everyones amount by a percentage across the board, so instead of the full 30, were getting 21, White said. Retail Strategies, one of the qualified vendors approved for the grant, will work with the county to analyze local opportunities. Theyll either come in person or virtually to explain how it works, White said. Its a year-to-year contract, and theyll make recommendations on industries that would benefit us. Long-term, theyll also help recruit industry and retail to the county. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thorn asked if the agreement was annual. It is, White said. They said most of our cities dont see a return on investment until year two or three, because they go to national recruiting expos and promote the entity were contracting with. Other business Commissioners approved the purchase of a new skid steer for District 3, discussed insurance reimbursements for equipment losses, and announced plans for a courthouse open house once final renovation work and punch-list inspections are complete. This is for District 3 too we had a Kubota that had issues, Thorn said. The repair estimate was $57,000, so I decided to get a new one. We turned it into insurance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thorn said the damaged machine would likely be sold as-is. Probably wait for insurance and see what happens, but Im not putting $57,000 into it, he said. If we do sell it, well list it on Purple Wave. Upcoming Dates The Woodward County Courthouse open house is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 10. I appreciate the elected officers being patient with the move back, White said. A lot of people have been asking to see the changes maybe we can take some pictures upstairs where the public doesnt have access so folks can see what was done. A special meeting is set for 9 a.m. Oct. 28 to review Enterprise Fleet Management for county vehicles and receive an update from the sheriffs office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another special meeting regarding pasture roads in Woodward County or any public road defined under Title 69, Section 232 of the Oklahoma Statutes is set for 10 a.m. Oct. 31. Property owners are encouraged to bring their legal road descriptions to the meeting to ensure they are not held liable if someone hits cattle on their property. After Nov. 1, owners who have not provided documentation may no longer be eligible for that protection. Regular commissioner meetings are held Mondays at 10 a.m. in the courthouse basement. GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) For years, 21st Judicial District Attorney Dan Rubinstein and his colleagues have relied on Axon legal software to process hours upon hours of law enforcement body-cam footage. Rubinstein recalls, we were getting so much footage that it was really difficult for our attorneys to be able to view them. Faced with a looming end to their original contract and ongoing county budget problems, his office caught a big break just in time, when the Mesa County commissioners unanimously approved the renewal of a five-year contract on Tuesday morning, to the tune of just over $178,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement $178,000 does seem like quite a high price tag, explains Rubinstein, but would be quite a bit more expensive just in the additional staff to review all of that footage. Since 2023, Colorado requires law enforcement to wear body cameras when engaging with the public. In turn, the DAs office is mandated to process and get that information out to all parties involved. Without Axons software, Rubinstein says, that task could be colossal. If you have, for example, five or six officers that show up on scene for a one-hour interaction, we might have to watch five or six hours worth of footage. The county commissioners are the governing body responsible for funding the DAs office. Rubinstein says, for the value Axons software gives back to the community, the six-figure funding is a comparatively small price to pay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If we dont have this sort of software, says Rubinstein, it will probably result in us having to bring on an additional five or ten staff members. Theyre going to have to ultimately cut the check one way or the other. They may as well put the check to the right place thats going to provide us the tools to do our job the best we can. 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 WesternSlopeNow.com. JEFFERSON The Ashtabula County Board of Commissioners approved a variety of contracts Tuesday during the regular weekly meeting. They signed off on filing grant applications with the Ohio Department of Transportation for operating and capital maintenance through the U.S. Department of Transportation. A rural operating grant of $1,043,348 and a capital maintenance grant of $613,550 will be requested to help meet the countys transportation needs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The commissioners approved a maximum of $37,500 to a firm in Columbus for resolution management software. The countys dental and vision insurance provider, Delta Dental plan of Ohio was approved for 2026. The county also approved a $5,000 contract with the Ashtabula County Data Board for Geographic Information Systems. A $10,000 increase was approved for homemaker services for senior citizens through the Country Neighbor Program, and $9,000 was added to a contract with the Conneaut Human Resources Center for similar services. A $5,000 contract for legal services for the Ashtabula County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board was approved for a law firm in New Albany. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A change order of $148,292.47 to ABC Piping Company was approved for the Coffee Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion project. The total project cost is now $10,442,154.31. The commissioners approved the purchase of a three quarter ton truck for $61,057 from Classic Chevrolet Buick GMC of Madison, to be used by the Ashtabula County Department of Environmental Services. The commissioners approved Ashtabula County Treasurer Angie Maki Cliffs recommendation the county use Key Bank as its main depository, but also approved Middlefield Banking Co., Huntington Bank, Andover Bank, First Commonwealth and Erie Bank as depositories. The commissioners approved a commercial purchase and services agreement with Vector Security to instally an access control system at the Ashtabula County Prosecutors criminal office, and update the system at the prosecutors civil office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a work session Tuesday, the commissioners heard from two Cleveland residents, Jiang Chun Guo and Tianlun Jian, concerned with the Chinese government, not only in their home country but here in America. They asked for support of federal legislation protecting members of Falun Gong, who they say have been persecuted in China and harassed here in the United States. LIMA Allen County commissioners approved a resolution Tuesday entering into a lease agreement with C&C Property Management to lease space at the Cook Tower building, 121 W. High St., for the Allen County Child Support Enforcement Agency. The 10-year lease will charge the county $1,000 per month while the first, second and part of the third floor are renovated to become the new home for the agency. According to the resolution, renovations are estimated to cost just under $3.7 million, depending on project bid submissions. Once renovations are complete and the agency moves into the new space, which is currently expected to be in fall 2026, the monthly rent will rise to $15,000. The lease also includes up to five consecutive automatic five-year renewals, with each renewal to include a five percent monthly rental rate increase. President Donald Trump signaled today that his administration might find a solution to fund federal food benefits, potentially averting a crisis for 750,000 people in north Georgia who are at risk of losing assistance on Nov. 1. The Community Assistance Center in Sandy Springs is preparing for a significant increase in demand, anticipating up to a 30% rise in people seeking help if SNAP benefits end. The centers CEO, Francis Horton, expressed uncertainty about the future, saying they are preparing for the worst but hoping for the best. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] If those benefits are taken away, theyve got to buy food from somewhere, so its going to come from rent, its going to come from what they were going to spend on clothing for their children. We can help them with both, said Horton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fulton County Commission Chair Robb Pitts warned Channel 2s Richard Elliot of a crisis, noting that ending SNAP benefits would affect 146,000 residents, nearly 14% of the countys population. That means then if our government in Washington thinks this shutdown doesnt have real consequences, then they have their heads in the sand and in some cases, in my opinion, have lost their damned minds, Pitts said. RELATED STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Volunteers at the Community Assistance Center are working diligently to stock their food pantry in anticipation of increased demand. The center is bracing for a potential surge in need as SNAP benefits might end over the weekend. Pitts, during an impromptu news conference, directed county officials to find up to a million dollars to support the 146,000 Fulton County residents who rely on SNAP benefits. He also mentioned that if the shutdown continues for another month, he would request the governor to use some of the state surplus to supplement SNAP benefits, although state officials have indicated logistical challenges in doing so. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) The inaugural Sugar High Cake Picnic is Saturday, Nov. 15, and the rules are simple: bring a cake and swap slices. Sugar High pitched the idea through a social media post on Oct. 26 and was met with instant excitement about the event. Were always thinking of something that might be fun for the community, said Sabrina Acosta, Sugar High Bake Shop Owner. I have been seeing the San Francisco cake picnic, and then quite a while ago, I had seen a cake picnic that was hosted in London, and it just seemed like such a fun like concept. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The requirements for the cake picnic include, bakers must bring a full-sized homemade cake, a cake stand or serving plate, a cake knife for cutting and a small tag with the cakes name. Sugar High will provide boxes to take cake slices in. The event is free for all to participate. EDITORIAL: San Angelo bakery owners rise from setbacks to success All bakers will bring one full-sized cake, admire others baking creations and get a box of assorted slices from all other participants to enjoy. To participate, bakers must fill out the registration form here. Acosta stated that over 77 respondents have registered for the event. So, this is just, this is for everyone in the community, Acosta said. So, just to get creative or bring your tried-and-true favorite classic that makes everyone excited, try your hand out in decorating. If youve never decorated a cake before, this is the time to try and just have fun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event will be held at Sugar Highs sister store, Hippie Hysteria, in its new event room, The Vibe, located at 109 S Chadbourne St., beginning at 6:30 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 ConchoValleyHomepage.com. THURSDAY, Oct. 30 TRUNK OR TREAT: Scioto County Job & Family Services will hold a Trunk or Treat and 710 Court St. in Portsmouth from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. All children are invited. See firetrucks, snowplows and get lots of candy! COUNTY COMMISSIONERS: The Scioto County Commissioners will meet in regular session at 9:30 a.m., on the third floor of the Scioto County Courthouse, 602 Seventh St., Portsmouth. The commissioners meeting is also livestreamed on their Facebook page. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FREE PLANETARIUM SHOW: A free show will be offered at 7 p.m. at the Clark Planetarium in the Advanced Technology Center on the campus of Shawnee State University. Free shows are offered on Mondays and Thursdays. Learn more about the planetariums shows at www.shawnee.edu/planetarium. MONDAY, Nov. 3 BRUSH CREEK: Brush Creek Township will hold their monthly meeting at 6 p.m. in the Otway Fire Dept, 6030 State Route 73, Otway. TUESDAY, Nov. 4 GREEN BOE: The Green Local Board of Education has rescheduled a work session and added a special meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the cafetorium for the purpose of discussing the use of Title, DPIA and Success and Wellness funds, the construction of an auxiliary gym and any other business the Board deems necessary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement COUNTY COMMISSIONERS: The Scioto County Commissioners will meet in regular session at 9:30 a.m., on the third floor of the Scioto County Courthouse, 602 Seventh St., Portsmouth. The commissioners meeting is also livestreamed on their Facebook page. Want to see your event listed here? Please send all information, including date, time and address to rray@hdmediallc.com with the subject line Community Calendar. AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF)- Improvements could be on the way to a popular park and community center. Youre invited to talk about the proposed changes at May Park. The Augusta Parks and Recreation Department is putting this meeting on. Commissioner Jordan Johnson will also be in attendance to talks about the proposed improvements. The community is invited to share ideas and ask questions. May Park serves the downtown and East Augusta area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commissioner Johnson says its time for renovations. The first thing is building a brand new facility. I think that the facility has served its purpose and it is outdated. But we need a brand new facility that can serve the community, that can serve our kids, that can serve our families. The bathrooms need upgrades. There can be upgrades to some of our ball fields, walking tracks and things of that nature. I think right now its just a good opportunity for us to come together and decide what that looks like for our community. He also says the goal is to implement those ideas as soon as possible. The goal is to be able to take this feedback and start implementing it as soon as possible. Our folks deserve to have a part that they can be proud of and May Park is one of those parts that, you know, my grandparents use, that my parents used, that I used as a child. Its a generational park and we have to continue to invest in it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tonights meeting is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at May Park. 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 WJBF. The Jewish principle of tikkun olam has been a core value for Rian Ehrlich since she was a child growing up in Broward County. Now, as the new city director of Repair the World Miami, she is on a mission to inspire young Jewish adults to incorporate that core value in their own lives. Repair the World is a nonprofit organization that mobilizes Jews age 18 to 39 to volunteer and help their communities thrive. With the support of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and other local Jewish organizations, Ehrlich and her team are leading service efforts that aim to enhance Jewish life in Miami. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We spoke with the Miami resident to learn more about her role and her goals for the future. This interview had been edited for length and clarity. Q: What is your background and connection to South Florida? A: I am a proud South Florida native. I grew up in Plantation and was a graduate of David Posnack Hebrew Day School. My parents were, and still are, very involved in the Jewish community. Jewish life wasnt something we thought about, it was really how we lived each day. Jewish holidays, Shabbat dinners, trips to Israel, volunteering Id say those were all key cornerstones of my childhood. One of my earliest memories of volunteering alongside the South Florida Jewish community was my mom schlepping me to make calls to strangers. It was funny because, at the time, I was terrified to answer my own home phone. That experience and so many others really shaped me. I grew up with a strong sense of Jewish tradition and helping others. Q: What enticed you to take on this position as Miami city director for Repair the World? A: For a long time, my Jewish identity was something that felt strong and personal, but I didnt feel a pull to work in the Jewish professional space. Prior to this role, I worked in marketing and advertising for 11+ years. It was only after Oct. 7, 2023, that I felt a shift and a real calling to use my skills for my own community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was specifically drawn to this role because service has always been one of the core ways I connect to Judaism. And I felt like at a time when both the world and the Jewish community deeply needed repair and connection, I saw this position as a way to build that through volunteering and service. Related Articles Q: You lived in New York City for over a decade. What brought you back to South Florida? A: I had a baby and having a baby in NYC was hard. I also wanted to be closer to family and the community and lifestyle I grew up in and I definitely wanted more space. Q: What is Repair the World, and how is the Miami branch unique? A: We like to call ourselves the Jewish Service Movement. We mobilize Jews and our neighbors to take action through service, volunteering and Jewish learning. Whats unique about Miami is both the community of young adults that were serving and the issues that were responding to we have Miami natives, we have newcomers from Latin America, Israel and all over the United States. Its a melting pot of culture and language, and the community really cares deeply about issues like antisemitism, Israel, mental health access, housing and poverty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miami also faces some of those real challenges that the community is passionate about, everything from a housing crisis to food insecurity to climate vulnerability. Our mission is to create opportunities for young Jewish adults to volunteer and meet those needs while strengthening our own Jewish community and living out our Jewish values. Q: What are your primary goals as city director? A: I want all young, Jewish adults in Miami to experience service as a meaningful expression of their Judaism. For me, service is not just something that we do, its deeply tied to our Jewish values, our history, our identity and our text. I want people to feel that connection. I also want to make sure our service partners are able to meet the real needs of the community. I see service as a way to build a stronger and more united Jewish community. And I see it as such an important way to fight antisemitism. How can we come together as Jews to build bridges with our broader Miami neighbors and show them who we are and build those important relationships? Q: What are some of the opportunities and initiatives that Repair the World Miami is focusing on? A: We have really strong relationships with service partners throughout Miami, and they tell us where the gaps are and how we can mobilize volunteers to meet them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We recently worked with the JCS Kosher Food Bank [in Miami-Dade County] to make baskets for elderly community members and Holocaust survivors for the high holidays. We also partner with the Miami Rescue Mission to serve lunch and offer a sense of community to people who are currently unhoused. Another initiative is with One World Heart, where we distribute breakfast bags and drinks to over 300 people who line up in the heat each week in downtown Miami. All of these are very real and immediate needs. Q: How has your Judaism inspired your career and your choice to work with a community-focused organization? A: My Judaism is key to my identity and its always shaped how I view the world. I view it as a call to serve; it was woven into aspects of my life, whether volunteering with family or learning about tikkun olam in school, its always stayed with me. Even more so now as a mom, its important to model that for my kids and help repair the world for future generations. Being Jewish means caring for one another, building bridges and standing up against injustice, and for me, Repair the World is the perfect place to live those values while also building communities. I feel really lucky to be in this position. Q: How can locals get involved with acts of service and Repair the World Miami initiatives? A: The easiest way is to check out our upcoming volunteer opportunities at werepair.org. You can also follow us on instagram @miami_repair, where we post all events. Concho Valley families and individuals in need can turn to two food banks for assistance. The San Angelo Food Bank is committed to ensuring every neighbor has access to the nourishment and support they need. Get help today by calling 888-835-1575 or visit sanangelfoodbank.org. The Concho Valley Regional Food Bank distributes food through community pantries and is also available to help individuals. Call 325-655-3231 or visit https://www.conchovalleyfoodbank.org/. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can also donate to each organization or volunteer for distributions. 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. Will Rogers once joked, I dont make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts. A century later, nothings changed. This shutdown proves another of his lines Be thankful were not getting all the government were paying for. Out here in Oklahoma, we fix barns before the roof caves in, but in Washington theyll debate the color of the tin while the rains pouring through. That rain is falling hardest on people who didnt ask for any of this. More: Worried about getting food stamps next month? State agency goes silent | Opinion Impact on tribal nations Oklahoma is home to 39 federally recognized tribal nations. Many rely on federal funding through the Bureau of Indian Affairs, tribal housing and infrastructure grants and education programs. Furloughs and delayed approvals threaten those services. Tribal leaders already are warning that prolonged shutdowns risk furloughs and disruptions in housing, education and administration. State agencies reviewing federal dependence Gov. Kevin Stitt has directed every state agency to identify programs heavily supported by federal funds, prioritize essential needs and recommend ways to reduce vulnerability. He singled out the SNAP program, which serves 922,646 Oklahomans and costs $130 million to $142 million per month a level the state cannot backfill if federal funding stalls. Thats not just numbers thats families, groceries and dinner tables. In Oklahoma, we dont debate tin roof colors during a thunderstorm. We grab a ladder and fix the barn. Congress should do the same, guest columnist writes. Small businesses and capital access Business owners relying on federal-backed support may experience delays in accessing new funding or verification services. For rural Oklahoma, where local lenders depend on federal conditions to finalize certain loans, this means postponed expansion, delayed hiring and tighter margins. Mortgage and home-buying delays Most conventional mortgages continue, but government-backed loans Federal Housing Administration, Veterans Affairs, Department of Agriculture can slow or stall due to furloughs. Homebuyers in flood-risk areas may face blocked closings if the National Flood Insurance Program is interrupted. You cant buy the house if you cant insure it. Airports, travel and training Federal aviation operations face interruptions, and air traffic controller training halts during shutdown conditions, impacting Oklahomas aviation workforce pipeline. Travel delays, shipping disruptions and lost business follow close behind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Monsters many Oklahomans are facing aren't the Halloween kind | Cartoon Economic cost Shutdowns cost the U.S. billions. Estimates indicate: $15 billion lost per week in GDP if prolonged roughly $2.1 billion per day in economic drag nationally. Even a small fraction of that hitting Oklahoma translates into millions lost daily through reduced consumer spending, delayed projects, paused contracts and nervous markets. U.S. Rep. Tom Coles steady hand Leadership matters. I personally know U.S. Tom Cole, and Im proud to call him my friend. As chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, hes doing everything in his power to bring this to a close, protect Oklahoma families and streamline funding for tribal nations, small businesses and essential services. He said it plainly: I know this will affect many Oklahomans and, as your congressman, I am committed to keeping you informed about how the shutdown may impact your daily life. Hes one of the few steady hands trying to keep Washington from driving the wagon into the ditch. The real danger Will Rogers warned us, Even if youre on the right track, youll get run over if you just sit there. Congress has been sitting so long the tracks starting to rust. Time to get out the tools We dont debate tin roof colors during a thunderstorm. We grab a ladder and fix the barn. Washington should do the same. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Good intentions dont patch leaks action does. Former state Rep. Mark McBride Mark McBride, a Republican, is a businessman and consultant and a former member of the House of Representatives, from 2012-2024. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Government is broken, and Congress is just sitting around | Opinion TYLER, Texas (KETK) Congressman Nathaniel Moran (R-Tyler) met with members of the Tyler Transportation Security Administration (TSA) on Wednesday, showing support for federal workers affected by the government shutdown. Photos courtesy of Rep. Moran Moran, who represents parts of East Texas, announced earlier this week he would forgo his congressional salary amid the shutdown that has left hundreds without a paycheck for the last month. The men and women of TSA are still showing up every day to keep our skies safe, even as they go without pay. That kind of commitment reflects the very best of our public servants and deserves our very best efforts to fully re-open. After returning from DC this week, I sat down with them and brought some breakfast tacos to thank them for their hard work, to remind them that as long as they arent getting paid, I wont take a paycheck, and to reaffirm that their families and concerns are critically important to me. Moran U.S. Rep. Moran requests pay suspension amid ongoing government shutdown Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The East Texas Congressman has been very outspoken about the need for bipartisan cooperation to end the shutdown and restore government operations. However, by a 54-45 margin, the Senate opted to keep the government closed for the 13th time. Sixty votes are needed to advance a measure to reopen the government, but Democrats have held firm on their healthcare demands. 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. WASHINGTON, D.C. (FOX 44) Congressman Pete Sessions has announced that the Trinity River Authority (TRA) has received a critical $30 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in order to fund repairs to the Lake Livingston Dam following flooding in the spring of 2024. According to the Office of Pete Sessions, the grant will reimburse the TRA for their work to restore the essential infrastructure which provides water to Houston and to communities throughout East Texas. Congressman Sessions advocated for the funding and urged FEMA to expedite the approval process due to the dams role in supplying water to millions of Texans and supporting regional industry. Congressman Sessions said, I am pleased to assist the TRA in this matter. Lake Livingston provides critical infrastructure to Houston and the East Texas region. These damages were costly and required swift repair which TRA provided. Thank you to FEMA Region 6 for their hard work in expediting the distribution of these funds, TDEM for their swift assistance, and to TRA General Manager Kevin Ward, TRA Board of Directors President Megan Deen, and TRA Board Member Jeff Bradley for their leadership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the General Manager of the Trinity River Authority of Texas, I know firsthand how hard Congressman Sessions works for his district and for the State of Texas, said Kevin Ward. The Congressman and his staff shepherded this grant and did not quit until the funds were received. Lake Livingston provides water to our nations fourth-largest city and most of the petrochemical industry, and Congressman Sessions and his team understood the importance and urgency of this matter. On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Trinity River Authority of Texas, I would like to say thank you for the receipt of FEMA Grant 4781-06 that was used for emergency repairs made to the Lake Livingston Dam, said TRAs Board of Directors President Megan Deen. TRA received funds within eight months of the initial application. 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. CONNEAUT During a presentation to city council, Conneaut Convention and Visitors Bureau Board President Kristina Daugherty highlighted the groups involvement with the recent state tourism conference in the county. That conference brought tourism leaders from across the state to the Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake and involved local tourism leaders. Daugherty said the CCVB marketed Conneaut during much of the conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was a really amazing event for us, because we were not only able to showcase Conneaut once, we were able to do it three days in a row, she said. Daugherty said the CCVB had a private beach glass hunt and picnic before the conference at Conneaut Township Park. We were able to market Conneaut for our beach and for a beach destination, she said. People came to the conference and CCVB event from as far away as Florida, Daugherty said. This was huge for us, she said. It was a big undertaking. We spent half a a year planning everything, and making sure everything was good. Daugherty said Ashtabula County Visitors Bureau Executive Director Stephanie Siegel was helpful, and knocked it out of the park with the conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its going to be tough shoes to fill, whoevers awarded the location next year, Daugherty said. CCVB Executive Director Connie Naylor said the bureau is considering changing its name to the Conneaut Visitors Bureau. They are considering the move because it will shorten the organizations name, and a similar move was recently done by the county visitors bureau, she said. Naylor encouraged city leaders to reach out to the CCVB regarding city events, so they could promote them on social media. We cant publicize you if we dont know its going on, she said. The CCVB is looking for new board members and volunteers, Naylor said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CCVB will have a Santa event Dec. 7 at the Conneaut Human Resources Center, she said. Conneaut City Manager Nick Sanford said the city will get up to $116,000 in reimbursement from the Ohio Emergency Management Agency for repairing damage to South Ridge Road East from the 2024 Thanksgiving weekend snowstorm. This is in addition to around $101,000 reimbursement for overtime and other expenses from the storm, he said. Thats the outcome of our ... insistence with the Ohio EMA, Sanford said. City leadership is waiting for more direction from the Ohio EMA on how to spend the funds for South Ridge Road East, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The intersection of Broad and State streets should reopen around Nov. 7, Sanford said. The hope, of course, is to transfer all of the traffic onto the new pavement [on Broad Street] the week before Thanksgiving, he said. Work has been ongoing at the intersection as part of the pavement replacement project on Broad Street. Sanford said city leaders are waiting on next steps on funding for improvements to the Interstate 90/Route 7 interchange. The Ohio Department of Transportation recently sent a draft report to city leaders recommending signalization at the interchange and extending the right turn lane from Route 7 to I-90 East. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sanford said he has not heard a date for the demolition of the former General Electric building in the city. Third Ward Councilperson Oakey Emery said he wants independent core samples taken from the property to make sure there are no environmental issues. The city will collect tires from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 7-8 at 341 Harbor St., the Astatic property. Sanford said the city will take a maximum of four tires, with no rims, per car from city residents. He said city staff should still have room for the collection, even though the there is remediation going on at the site. City council reimbursed $110 to the Ashtabula County Covered Bridge Festival committee. Sanford said the committee asked for an initial donation before the festival for sanitary facilities at the Creek Road Covered Bridge. AUSTIN (KXAN) The City of San Marcos is launching a voluntary security camera registry program to assist the San Marcos Police Department in future investigations. Connect San Marcos was created in partnership with Fusus by Axon, a real-time public safety company. Residents and businesses can register their security cameras for free within minutes. The city hopes the partnership will grant police more timely access to video evidence needed in active investigations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Similar programs have been launched in Kyle, Pflugerville, Georgetown and New Braunfels. The Austin Police Department began registering businesses cameras in 2017. Video can be the difference between solving a case and it going cold, said San Marcos Police Chief Stan Standridge. This program speeds up the investigative process by letting us know where cameras are located without having to knock on every door. Registering cameras does not automatically give police direct access to the lenses. Instead, a confidential, encrypted map of registered cameras will be accessible to investigators, who can contact the owner of the camera if an incident occurs nearby. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Footage can only be obtained by officers after a request is made to the owner of the camera and permission is granted. Closer collaborations for businesses Businesses also have the option to integrate their cameras with San Marcos PD. With the purchase an installation of an Axon FususCORE device to their security camera systems, integration will allow businesses to share live video feeds with police during emergencies. Business owners will retain control over which footage to share and when, and first responders will receive real-time situational awareness to improve response times. Chief Standridge hopes Connect San Marcos will empower residents and businesses to play an active role in protecting their neighborhoods, reiterating that privacy, transparency, and community trust remain at the core of this initiative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Construction of a new inpatient supportive and palliative care unit has commenced at Westmead Hospital in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, with its completion anticipated in 2026. This unit is being delivered as part of the NSW's A$93m ($61.3m) World Class End of Life Care programme. The new unit will feature 15 en-suite beds and aims to provide specialist care for patients with life-limiting illnesses, particularly those facing complex symptoms or in the later stages of life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Health professionals and representatives from aboriginal, multicultural, and multi-faith communities have contributed to the units design process. Situated on the fifth level of the Central Acute Services Building at Westmead Hospital, the unit will provide both private and communal spaces, outdoor access from each room, and a multi-faith room. The facility is expected to improve supportive and palliative care services within the Western Sydney Local Health District, complementing the neighbouring units at Mount Druitt Hospital and Auburn Hospital. Health Infrastructure and the Western Sydney Local Health District are delivering the palliative care unit project, with the Interior Construction Group serving as the construction contractor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Facility upgrades at Tamworth, Nepean, Orange, and Wyong Hospitals are also undertaken under the World Class End of Life Care programme. NSW health minister Ryan Park said: We are committed to ensuring people with life-limiting illnesses can access high quality end-of-life care right across NSW. The need for in-hospital supportive and palliative care services continues to grow. This is why we have invested A$93m to deliver five purpose-built or refurbished units across the state. At Westmead Hospital, the new supportive and palliative care unit will offer patients and their families a private, comfortable setting where they can access the care and support they need. "Construction of palliative care unit begins at Westmead Hospital, NSW" was originally created and published by Hospital Management, a GlobalData owned brand. Update, 10 a.m. October 31, 2025: Two days after the U.S. Department of Transportation announced that it would be unilaterally canceling 13 air routes between the United States and Mexico City, federal lawmakers are now weighing in. In particular, Monica De La Cruz, the Republican congresswoman who represents McAllen in the Rio Grande Valley as part of Texas' 15th congressional district, is asking that Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy reconsider his decision. De La Cruz addressed a letter to Duffy on Friday morning saying that the pending route cancellations would not only "disrupt" air travel but also harm the Valley. Meanwhile, Vicente Gonzalez - a Democrat who once represented District 15 but now serves in District 34 in Cameron County - condemned the order as "unacceptable." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Duffy's order, which will take effect on Monday, November 6, according to reporting late-Thursday by the Valley's ABC affiliate, KRGV-TV, would impact routes at four Texas airports, including a daily nonstop route between McAllen and Mexico City by Aeromexico. The Mexican flagship air carrier only recently began flying the route to and from McAllen in February 2024. "It is unacceptable that the City of McAllen is being used as a pawn by the administration by threatening flights that serve as a vital economic engine for the Rio Grande Valley," Gonzalez said in a news release Friday morning. Gonzalez also called on McAllen city leaders and Valley lawmakers to more strongly push back against the Trump administration and its policies. "Pongance (sic) las pilas! Stop letting Washington push us around," Gonzalez said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement De La Cruz, meanwhile, urged Duffy to exempt McAllen from the route cancellation order, citing the "critical" role that the airport plays as an economic engine for a region "that is growing twice as quickly as the rest of the U.S." McAllen officials recently reported that the airport generated more than $620 million in economic output and more than 8,400 direct jobs in 2024. "While I understand this action is part of a broader enforcement against Mexico's non-compliance with the 2015 Air Transport Agreement, the elimination of this direct air service harms the City of McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley," De La Cruz writes. She ends the letter by offering to work with the transportation secretary. "I respectfully request that the Department of Transportation explore targeted solutions that achieve the DOT's goal of ensuring compliance with the Air Transport Agreement without the cancellation of flights from McAllen International Airport," De La Cruz writes. "I look forward to working with you to resolve this issue." Update, 4:38 p.m. October 30, 2025: One day after U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy ordered the immediate cancellation of more than a dozen flight routes between the United States and Mexico, officials in McAllen - whose McAllen International Airport is one of four Texas airports affected by the route cancellations - issued a response condemning the order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "McAllen stands at the front line of regional connectivity, commerce and community. A ban on flights to Mexico strikes at the heart of our binational economy, our families, and our cultural ties," McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos stated in a news release on Thursday. Mexico's flagship air carrier, Aeromexico, began offering daily nonstop flights from McAllen to Felipe Angeles International Airport in Mexico City at the start of February 2024. At the time, the international route was much vaunted by McAllen city leaders, who said it would help propel regional economic development. The new route also came amidst years-long efforts by the city to expand business and diplomatic relationships in Mexico. Those efforts have included trade missions to the Mexican states of Jalisco, San Luis Potosi, Queretaro, Tamaulipas, and others, as well as sister city or friendship city agreements with numerous Mexican cities. On Thursday, officials said the Aeromexico route to the Mexican capital is vital to those diplomatic and economic efforts. "This route has been a strong performer for McAllen and the entire Rio Grande Valley. It's more than a flight, it's a vital economic artery that supports commerce, tourism, and family connections across our binational region," McAllen City Manager Isaac "Ike" Tawil said in the release. "We recognize the importance of protecting the livelihoods of our constituents and the economic momentum we've built together." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city has also called on the Valley's federal lawmakers to intercede, including U.S. Reps. Vicente Gonzalez and Henry Cuellar - both Democrats - and Republican Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, along with U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz, whose District 15 encompasses McAllen. Already, the Valley delegation is working to find solutions that support "national security goals." "McAllen encourages the U.S. Department of Transportation and its counterpart in Mexico to work quickly to fully restore full network connectivity," Tawil said. Original story: The Trump administration has unilaterally cancelled more than a dozen existing or planned flight routes between the United States and Mexico as part of a crackdown on what it calls Mexico's "continued abuse" of a decade-old aviation agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cancellation halts Mexican carriers from flying so-called "combination service" routes that transport both passengers and cargo into the United States. The new order, handed down by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy this week, affects flights originating from Felipe Angeles International Airport - which is located about 24 miles north of the Mexican capital - to more than a dozen American airports, including four in Texas. "Mexico has illegally cancelled and frozen U.S. carrier flights for three years without consequences. All the while, Mexican carriers have been adding new routes and services between MEX and the United States," federal transportation officials stated in a news release on Tuesday, October 28. "MEX" refers to the largest airport in Mexico City, the Benito Juarez International Airport. What airports are affected by the route cancellations? Among the Texas routes now impacted are Aeromexico's flights from Felipe Angeles to the George Bush International Airport in Houston and McAllen International Airport (MFE), and Aerobus' proposed routes to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, and Houston. The McAllen route had been a much-celebrated recent addition to the Rio Grande Valley's busiest airport. McAllen welcomed the Mexican flagship carrier with passenger flights that started just last February. The arrival of Aeromexico was part of a massive growth spurt for McAllen, which also welcomed Volaris and new Delta routes in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other impacts include Aeromexico and Volaris routes from Mexico City to San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Newark, New Jersey, and Aerobus' proposed routes to New York City, Orlando, Florida, Denver, Colorado, Los Angeles, and Miami. Shown is the terminal entrance at the McAllen International Airport. (Courtesy City of McAllen) Why is the United States canceling Mexican flight routes? U.S. officials allege that the Mexican federal government has interfered with the ability of American airlines to competitively operate in Mexico by deliberately gaming which carriers have access to the country's largest and busiest airport. Since 2023, the Mexican government has intentionally frozen American carriers out of operating at MEX, in part, to attempt to stimulate growth at nearby Felipe Angeles International Airport, transportation officials stated in Tuesday's order halting the routes. "(T)he Department found that the magnitude of these moves by the Mexican authorities calls into question the extent to which the (government of Mexico) may use practices at MEX to skew competitive dynamics between air carriers or airports," the order reads, in part. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In February 2023, Mexico's then-President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador issued a presidential order prohibiting airlines from conducting cargo-only flights out of the Mexico City airport. But combination service flights - those where airlines carry both passengers as well as cargo in a plane's belly - were still allowed. That decree put American air cargo carriers at a "competitive imbalance" as they were forced to take on higher costs to move operations to other Mexican airports, U.S. officials claim. At the same time, Mexican officials had also reduced overall flight capacity at MEX by declaring that the airport had become too "saturated." As a result, the Mexican airport revoked the takeoff and landing permits for three American carriers (American, Delta and United), and three Mexican carriers (Aeromexico, Viva Aerobus and Volaris), which flew passenger routes. "It is notable that these sudden capacity reductions at MEX were implemented at a time when the (government of Mexico) was actively looking to increase traffic at NLU, which - despite efforts from the Lopez Obrador administration - was struggling to attract services," Tuesday's transportation order reads. This article originally published at 'Unacceptable': Lawmaker slams Trump administration over canceled Mexico flights. Oct. 28OTHELLO Othello city officials will be advertising for bids for the new municipal animal shelter. "It's still in development," said Othello Mayor Shawn Logan on Tuesday. Heather Reed of Hands 'n Paws, the shelter manager, told Othello City Council members Monday that the facility had taken 108 dogs during the year. Reed said shelter managers are one of a number of organizations working to help lost and strayed animals in and around Othello. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I want to start by saying we are not here to compete with any other shelters," Reed said. "We are here to help solve a growing problem, which is the rise the rising numbers of displaced pets, and the strain it puts on public safety, community health and city resources." Othello started operating its own animal control in 2024, after council members voted to end the city's contract with Adams County Pet Rescue. The council opted to contract with Hands 'n Paws instead. The city provides temporary housing; the dogs are ultimately the responsibility of Hands 'n Paws. Animals have been housed in temporary quarters while city officials work on a permanent shelter, which Logan said would be constructed of prefabricated buildings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We have it in the budget," Logan said. Reed said Hands 'n Paws is what's called a "fear-free" shelter, which means an emphasis is placed on reducing stress on animals and taking care of behavioral needs as well as physical needs. "Hands 'n Paws is focused on the health and safety of both animals and people. We care for lost and stray pets. We work closely with code enforcement to reunite them with their families and handle bite cases with transparency and care," Reed said. "While we can't take owner surrenders right now, we do work hard to keep pets in their homes, offering resources, training, support and connections to area trainers." The organization has euthanized seven dogs during the last year, five due to bites and two for behavior issues, she said. Of the dogs who've been through the shelter in 2025, 97 were strays, five were surrendered by their owners, five were sent there after biting someone and one was seized from its owner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of those dogs, 43 have been adopted, and 29 have been returned to their owners. Reed said finishing the shelter would allow Hands 'n Paws to expand its programs, but they've recorded some successes regardless. "A few months ago, we had Sita and Patricia, a Rottweiler and a German shepherd that came to us through an abuse case. They were severely neglected. One was dangerously underweight," Reed said. "At first, they were terrified. They were absolutely scared. And within three days, they were wagging their tails, being super happy. We got them both great and wonderful homes once they got off their court hold. So that was something that we're really proud of." Reed also cited a dog named Max, who had bitten someone, and in most cases, those dogs are euthanized. Max benefited from the help of animal control officer Heather Miller. "She helped the owners in finding a trainer, ensuring that the dog met all the (requirements), per code and per law, and he is now thriving with his family. He is safe and secure and no longer a threat to the community," she said. Food recalls have become increasingly more common in recent years, with an 8% increase in recalls between 2023 and 2024 (via U.S. Public Interest Research Group Education Fund). But even when considering some from years earlier, there are a handful of recalls that still haunt wholesale store Costco. Back in 1998, Costco made headlines when it was forced to recall 172,000 pounds of meat from 24 states after learning of potential E. coli contamination a crisis that rattled shoppers because it was the first time a Costco-branded product had been recalled. The contamination was discovered in response to a woman in New York becoming sick from E. coli after consuming Costco ground beef at a barbecue. Specifically, Kirkland Signature frozen beef patties were the contamination source. Once the USDA tested the beef patties, traces of E. coli were found. While Costco moved forward with the recall, it was noted that others who consumed beef from the same package at the barbecue did not get sick. The woman's illness could have been blamed on a lack of handwashing after touching the raw meat, which goes against proper food handling rules. Read more: 5 Costco Kirkland Signature Brand Olive Oils, Ranked Worst To Best Costco's 1998 recall resulted in a lawsuit Meat on display at Costco - PJ McDonnell/Shutterstock After the meat in 1998 was recalled, two different California couples filed lawsuits against Costco alleging that each of their daughters had become severely ill from eating E. coli-contaminated beef patties from Costco back in 1994. However, at the time, no recall was announced because there was no leftover meat for the USDA to test, so the source of the E. coli infections could not be proven. In one couple's case, their 5-year-old daughter needed a kidney transplant due to the infection. Costco said that, while E. coli was detected in its beef patties back in 1994, the detection was found before the meat was distributed, so it never made it to stores. It's unclear how the lawsuit ended. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Costco has been plagued with recalls throughout history, and it's continued in recent years. In January 2025, Kirkland Signature severe cold and flu plus congestion medication was recalled due to potential contamination with foreign matter; the company did not reveal what the foreign matter was. In September 2025, more than 3,000 pounds of Kirkland Signature ahi tuna wasabi poke were recalled due to potential listeria contamination (plus, its smoked salmon was recalled in October 2024 for the same reason). Finally, in October 2025, a massive recall on a pork jerky brand sold at Costco a whopping 2.2 million pounds of it was announced after it was found that the jerky could contain metal fragments. 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 Chowhound. The board of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power on Tuesday approved a controversial plan to convert part of the city's largest natural gas-fired power plant into one that also can burn hydrogen. In a 3-0 vote, the DWP board signed off on the final environmental impact report for an $800-million modernization of Units 1 and 2 of the Scattergood Generating Station in Playa del Rey. The power plant dates to the late 1950s and both units are legally required to be shut down by the end of 2029. In their place, the DWP will install new combined-cycle turbines that are expected to operate on a mixture of natural gas and at least 30% hydrogen with the ultimate goal of running entirely on hydrogen as more supply becomes available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hydrogen burned at Scattergood is supposed to be green, meaning it is produced by splitting water molecules through a process called electrolysis. Hydrogen does not emit planet-warming carbon dioxide when it is burned, unlike natural gas. Unit 2, one of the two original 1950s-era General Electric gas steam generators cooled with Pacific Ocean water and set to be phased out by 2029 at the Scattergood Generating Station in Los Angeles, March 17, 2022. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times) The city-run utility says Scattergood's conversion is integral to L.A.'s goal of reaching 100% renewable energy by 2035. "This project is critical to LADWP's clean energy transition as it helps us preserve a key power system asset, meet our clean energy goals, and ensures reliability for our customers," Senior Assistant General Manager David Hanson said. "The Scattergood modernization project is the No. 1 priority on the power system's 'Top 10' priority list. This project is essential." But the plan has many detractors, including a number of local environmental groups who say it will prolong the life of the city's fossil fuel infrastructure when L.A. should be investing heavily in more proven clean technologies such as solar, wind and battery energy storage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'm very skeptical that progress looks like maintaining reliance on gas plants," said Julia Dowell, a senior campaign organizer with the Sierra Club. "When this project initially comes online, there likely won't actually be any hydrogen in the mix, so we'll still just be burning 100% methane for potentially an indeterminable amount of time." Read more: The energy source that could survive Trump's attack on California's green ambitions Nearly 50 people spoke up at Tuesday's meeting, with detractors also expressing concerns about water use and pollution from burning the gas. Although burning hydrogen does not produce CO2, the high-temperature combustion process can emit nitrogen oxides, or NOx, a key component of smog. "For the communities living near these power plants, it's really an environmental justice issue," Dowell said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials noted that the plan does not call for the DWP to produce any of its own hydrogen, but rather to purchase green hydrogen from other suppliers. Upgrading the units now will mean the DWP is "ready to go" if and when hydrogen becomes available, said Jason Rondou, the DWP's assistant general manager of power planning and operations. "What we want to do is make sure that when hydrogen infrastructure is available, that we don't have an obsolete unit that we have a unit that is hydrogen-ready," Rondou told The Times. He said the units wouldn't be fired up often, but would ensure there's enough local power during peak periods such as heat waves and wildfires. Signs reading "Danger, High Voltage Above," near the Scattergood Generating Station in Playa del Rey on March 17, 2022. The gas-fired power plant is operated by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and is one of the city's largest power sources. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times) However, the approved plan contains no specifics about where the hydrogen will come from or how it will get to the site. "The green hydrogen that would supply the proposed project has not yet been identified," the environmental report says. Industry experts and officials said the project will help drive the necessary hydrogen production. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It gives developers, investors and communities confidence that Los Angeles is ready to lead on clean hydrogen at scale," said Lorraine Paskett, chief operating officer of First Public Hydrogen Authority , a newly formed group of public agencies in California, including the cities of Lancaster, City of Industry, Montebello and Fresno, geared toward advancing sustainable hydrogen. Paul Browning, a former executive in the gas turbine industry at companies such as Mitsubishi and GE Vernova, said wind, solar, hydropower and battery storage are all essential for moving away from natural gas, "but you can't finish the job without green hydrogen or some other long-duration energy storage technology." "There's some people who are a little bit worried that Scattergood and green hydrogen is a way to perpetuate the use of natural gas I would just advise you it's exactly the opposite," Browning said. "This is the final nail in the coffin of natural gas power generation." Read more: California will host a billion-dollar 'hydrogen hub.' What it means for our energy future Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement L.A.'s ambitions also could be complicated by a shifting federal landscape. Although President Trump initially seemed supportive of hydrogen as a source of American energy, his administration recently shortened deadlines for hydrogen tax credits and canceled billions in funding for hydrogen projects in the U.S. including a $1.2-billion award for a major "hydrogen hub" in California known as the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems, or ARCHES. The Scattergood conversion was set to receive about $100 million in ARCHES funding. The DWP said that it is pressing on despite the cut, and that the project is fully budgeted through the utility's power fund. But Theo Caretta, an attorney with the nonprofit Communities for a Better Environment, said the $800-million price tag is several years outdated and likely an underestimation of what the project will cost ratepayers. The price of turbines alone has increased under Trump's tariffs on imported goods, steel and aluminum. He and other opponents said they would prefer to see the DWP invest in renewable technologies that are already on the grid, such as solar and battery storage, demand response and distributed energy resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "One main environmental concern is that this project will simply end up just being a methane turbine that LADWP will not be able to get hydrogen to the plant at a cost that makes sense for their operations, and this will just have been an $800-million project to reinvest in burning methane for decades to come," Caretta said. Read more: Los Angeles now has a road map for 100% renewable energy The utility said it is implementing many of the renewable technologies Caretta and others want through different projects such as the Eland solar and battery plant that recently went online in Kern County and is now flowing through the city's grid. Officials also pointed to a National Renewable Energy Laboratory analysis that concluded it is "difficult to identify economically viable and deployable alternatives to new combustion resources at the Scattergood location" given the deadline and need to maintain power reliability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The analysis builds on the findings of the L.A. 100 study, a seminal report published in 2021 that outlined the city's pathway to 100% clean energy, which identified green hydrogen as a potentially crucial component of the city's portfolio, particularly at times when wind and solar are insufficient to meet demand. "It's a good plan," Jack Brouwer, director of the Clean Energy Institute at UC Irvine who served on the advisory board for the L.A. 100 study, said in a phone call ahead of Tuesday's vote. "The Scattergood facility and some of the other coastal plants are part of the required infrastructure to enable L.A. 100 to become completely decarbonized and depolluted. It's not even possible to do this without something there." However, Brouwer said he also would have liked to see an alternative plan that used hydrogen fuel cells a more expensive option that would not produce NOx emissions. "DWP is known around the world now as a leader in decarbonization, and their progress to date has been tremendous," Brouwer said. "The whole world is watching." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indeed, the stakes are high for the DWP to get Scattergood right. The city is operating at about 60% clean energy, and next month it will stop receiving electricity from the Intermountain Power Plant in Central Utah in effect ending L.A.'s reliance on coal. "The continued extensive public comment today both in support and against this project does show clearly how complex and challenging this transition to clean energy is," DWP Commissioner Nurit Katz said during the meeting. "And the challenges that are still ahead of us as we address reliability, resilience, and equity and environmental concerns." The conversion is slated for completion by December 2029. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. A south London department store is set to be turned into a new hotel after the local council approved controversial planning permissions. The independently-owned Morleys closed in April after trading for 70 years near Tooting Broadway. After shutting its doors, Wandsworth Council approved plans to convert the building into a multi-use space for accommodation and shops. The plans were proposed by Criterion Capital, a real estate firm which owns and manages several multimillion-pound properties across the capital. Its portfolio includes the Zedwell hotel chain and the Harte and Garter in Windsor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to planning permissions, most of the Morleys building would be transformed into a 92-room hotel, with a small amount of floor space retained for shops at the front of the building. However, a petition signed by 400 residents has voiced opposition to the project. Labour councillor Sean Lawless stated that the objections stem from a similar incident in the area where a site was slated to become a hotel but was later converted into temporary housing. According to the BBC, Mr Lawless said that residents will need assurances that the renovation will follow the terms of the proposed project, as they are concerned about how planning permission could be granted for a hotel when there is no real proof it is needed in the area. Local resident Jack Gebhard told the Metro that the hotels approval feels like a slap in the face. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are already well-served for hotels here, so you have to wonder where theyre going to get the demand from, he said. A spokesperson for Wandsworth Council told The Independent: Planning permission has been granted subject to conditions for the conversion of the Morleys building to a mixed-use development with hotel accommodation and retail space. This decision supports the Councils commitment to revitalising underused buildings, promoting sustainable development, and enhancing the local economy. We appreciate the contributions made during the consultation process and look forward to the positive impact this scheme will have on the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Labour councillor Matthew Tiller said that the empty store would be more useful if it were converted into more housing rather than a hotel. He said: This does feel like a wasted opportunity to provide new housing rather than yet another hotel. It would be nice, if we possibly could, to push things in that direction. However, planning officer Nigel Granger assured the councillors that the building would need a separate application and major changes if it were to be converted into another use, with assessments of the building so far ruling out its viability for permanent housing. The decision concluded with six councillors voting in favour of the hotel project, while two voted against. Read more: London could get new zipline as Olympic Park plans submitted LONDON (AP) An Ethiopian man who was mistakenly released from a British prison after being convicted of sexually assaulting a teenager has been deported to his home country, the U.K. government said Wednesday but only after he was paid 500 pounds ($660) to stop him disrupting the flight. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu was on a flight to Ethiopia that landed Wednesday morning. I have pulled every lever to deport Mr. Kebatu and remove him off British soil, she said. I am pleased to confirm this vile child sex offender has been deported. Our streets are safer because of it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a last-minute wrinkle, Kebatu threatened to disrupt the deportation flight, and imigration officials paid him to go quietly. Prime Minister Keir Starmer's spokesman, Tom Wells, said the operational decision saved even greater expense from the flight potentially being canceled and Kebatu's deportation delayed. Kebatu has become a symbol of Britains emotive debate over unauthorized immigration, and the governments struggle to control it. He arrived in England in a small boat across the English Channel just days before he was arrested in July over alleged assaults on a woman and a 14-year-old girl. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case sparked anti-migrant protests outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, northeast of London, where Kebatu was staying along with other asylum seekers. The protests spread to other cities, with some-attended by right campaigners and descending into violence. Kebatu was convicted of sexual assault and was due to de deported, but on Friday was mistakenly released from prison, a blunder that embarrassed the government and sparked a large police search. He was arrested two days later in a London park. The issue of unauthorized migration especially the tens of thousands of people crossing the Channel in overloaded boats has risen to the top of the political agenda in Britain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 36,900 people have made the dangerous crossing from France to the U.K. so far this year, more than the total for 2024. The government has pledged to end the policy of using hotels to house migrants who are awaiting a decision on their asylum status, but is struggling to find alternatives. COOK COUNTY, Ill. (WGN) A heartfelt reunion took place Tuesday, weeks after a Cook County police officers quick thinking helped save a mother choking on the side of the road. Cook County sheriffs police officer Zachary Finn, an 11-year veteran of the department, has since received high praise from local law enforcement. Still, perhaps the most significant acclaim comes from Laura Ann Munchenburg of Hammond, Indiana. Finn sprang into action when he noticed a choking Munchenburg outside of her vehicle. Munchenburg spoke to WGN-TV on Oct. 28, describing what she believed would be her last moments as she ventured to pick up her husband in Ford Heights in late September. Feeling peckish, Munchenburg brought some bagel bites with her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chicago school welcomes back 1st grader who underwent heart transplant I took a bite of it and I felt my nose tingling and I needed to sneeze, and as I gasped to sneeze, it got lodged in my throat, Munchenburg said. Cameras rolled overheard as she pulled over, trying to remain calm. Cook County Police Officer Zachary Finn sprang into action when he noticed a woman who had pulled over on the side of the road as she was choking. (Photo/Cook Co. Sheriffs Office) The fear set in when you realize theres no more breaths to take. Theres nobody helping, nobody is stopping, Munchenburg said. But it was at that moment that someone did stop: Cook County police officer Zachary Finn. I pulled up next to [the vehicle]. A female got out of the car, and she was holding her throat, said Finn, adding that instincts took over after spotting the severity of the issue. The Cook County police officer began performing the Heimlich maneuver, also known as abdominal thrusts, to dislodge the stuck food in seconds as Munchenburg gasped for air. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I guess when he turned me around, I was blue, and boom, he sprung into action, she said. Finn admitted that he had performed CPR before, but never the Heimlich maneuver prior to saving Munchenburgs life. Paramedics arrived soon after, but Munchenburg declined further medical treatment and was able to drive away safely. No lasting damage remains, Munchenburg added. For his part, Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart praised Officer Finn for his life-saving heroics. WGNs Brhett Vickery surprises the A Team with big news Officer Finn was absolutely amazing. He didnt hesitate; pulls right up, sees whats going on, and jumps in and saves this womans life. It was fantastic, Dart said. Hell be up for an award. We do these at the end of the year. But clearly, life-saving awards at minimum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Awards aside, both Dart and Finn emphasized the importance of learning life-saving techniques. It saved Munchenburg, who said that she is filled with gratitude that the right person arrived at the right time, when she needed them the most. But she says no more eating while drivingand no bagels in the foreseeable future, all thanks to Officer Finn. Laura Ann Munchenburg and Cook County Police Officer Zachary Finn (Photo/WGN) If he didnt [stop,] I wouldnt be standing here today, Munchenburg said. So Im very grateful. Extremely grateful. Im grateful to Officer Finn for his quick thinking and for understanding that, even though I couldnt speak and tell him what was going on, he knew. 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. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Eventually, a new mens prison will go up in Sioux Falls. But conversations about how better days can follow a sentence will take place well before then. South Dakota Lieutenant Gov. Tony Venhuizen, who will chair the Correctional Rehabilitation Task Force, says the groups first meeting Wednesday will establish where rehabilitation is in 2025. What programs do we offer now, what are the skilled, technical trades that are being offered, what education programs, drug and alcohol rehab and so forth? Venhuizen said Tuesday. Before you can talk about where you want to be or how you want to change, you need to understand where youre starting from. Riverline committee pauses work, seeks community buy-in Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For both Venhuizen and Kadyn Wittman of Sioux Falls, who is one of several state lawmakers on the 30-person task force, there is a real energy to help boost someones chances for success once theyre eventually an ex-inmate. Theres a common sense element of it that has emerged across all legislators, regardless of which side of the aisle you sit on, Wittman said Tuesday. We took a hard look at the numbers and how much it both fiscally costs us to incarcerate at the level that we do but also morally. An executive order signed by Gov. Larry Rhoden kickstarted the groups work, and now Wittman is hoping the task force prompts people to put themselves in an inmates shoes. I would like some of our leaders in the community who maybe dont have a strong understanding of what life inside one of the facilities looks like, I would like them to have a greater understanding of that, Wittman said. Maybe a greater sense of empathy for some of the challenges that are being faced by our incarcerated brothers and sisters upon release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My long-term goal is that we can agree on programming changes, certainly for the new penitentiary once it opens, but also in the short-term to just get better results, Venhuizen said. Its better for society if people who get out of the penitentiary go lead productive lives. Wednesdays meeting is scheduled to start at 9:00 a.m. at the South Dakota Military Heritage Alliance in Sioux Falls. 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. [Source] The battle for New Jerseys governorship may hinge on Asian American voters, with Democratic officials acknowledging the partys uphill climb to win back a demographic in which Republicans have made significant inroads. Driving the news: The warning comes from Democratic National Committee Vice Chair Shasti Conrad, who last week pointed to declining AAPI support in the 2024 election when Trump expanded his reach among the group nationally. We lost ground with many of our communities, Conrad told Fox News, identifying Asian Americans as one group where there was a dip in Democratic support between 2020 and 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The numbers underscore the stakes. New Jerseys Asian American population exceeds one million in a state of 9.5 million people, with roughly 585,000 eligible voters who make up 9.05% of the electorate. The state ranks fifth nationally in total Asian population and fourth in population share at 11%. Among its AAPI residents, 68% are foreign-born, with Indian Americans representing the largest share at 45%, followed by Chinese Americans at 17%, Filipino Americans at 12.9% and Korean Americans at 11.1%. AAPIs also lead in educational attainment, with 71% holding bachelors degrees or higher compared to 41.5% statewide. Why this matters: Republicans have outpaced Democrats through consistent community engagement and strategic candidate recruitment, Conrad noted. Ive certainly seen theres been a greater play from the Republican Party to reach Asian American voters, particularly in these last several years, she told Fox, noting GOP politicians have visited Asian-owned businesses, attended cultural events and shown up at places of worship. The party has also run more Asian candidates. Trending on NextShark: Keke Palmer series sparks backlash for portrayal of Asian student at HBCU Unsurprisingly, the influence of the voting bloc continues to expand. AAPI voter eligibility jumped 13.6% between 2021 and 2022 in New Jersey alone. The communitys priorities, including education, H-1B visa policy and economic affordability, require targeted outreach rather than generic appeals. The electoral risk for Democrats is substantial as Trump narrowed his 2024 loss in New Jersey from 16 points to just six while flipping five counties, demonstrating Republicans growing strength in a traditionally safe Democratic territory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State of play: Responding to these challenges, the campaign of Rep. Mikie Sherrill, the Democratic nominee for governor, has stepped up AAPI outreach in recent weeks. She has launched multilingual voter contact programs and personally attended community events, including a Diwali celebration in Bergen County. Early indicators suggest the strategy is working, but Nov. 4 will reveal whether Democrats increased outreach came soon enough to secure the state. Meanwhile, the Justice Department announced Friday it will deploy federal election observers to Passaic County at Republican request, a decision New Jersey Atty. Gen. Matt Platkin denounced as highly inappropriate. Trending on NextShark: Hmong refugee pardoned by Michigan governor still faces deportation to Laos This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices. Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what were building, consider becoming a paid member your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community. Trending on NextShark: New York AG launches portal to report ICE following Chinatown raid Subscribe here now! Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today! County commissioners on Tuesday Oct. 28 tapped the countys chief assistant attorney, David Ottey, to oversee the countys 30-person law department. Commissioners spent about an hour publicly interviewing Ottey and three other lawyers Michael Jones, Wellington Mayor Michael Napoleone and Denise Hare before choosing Ottey, who has been working as a county lawyer for more than 20 years. He has regularly appeared before the commission in recent years to update it on the status of lawsuits. County Mayor Maria Marino will negotiate Ottey's salary, which will be between $270,400 and $414,292. The current county attorney, Denise Coffman, whose resignation takes effect in December, earns $317,640.96. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coffman had urged the commission to give serious consideration to either Ottey or Jones, who also has worked as a county lawyer for more than 20 years. David Ottey tells county commissioners on Tuesday, Oct. 28, why he should be named county attorney. Commissioners voted 6-1 to select him to fill the position. Ottey argued that his experience as Coffmans top assistant made him uniquely qualified to succeed her. He pledged to be proactive with commissioners, offering legal advice to protect the countys best interests and to anticipate legal issues before they become problems. Ottey said he would not only manage legal challenges but also foster a collaborative atmosphere with county commissioners and other department directors. He pledged to review the lengthy county agendas that often exceed 100 pages to determine if any legal issues need to be considered before an item is acted upon. Ottey said he has been involved in complex litigation, overseeing a 20-person team, adding: I have always been there to support them." Wellington mayor was a candidate for county attorney position Napoleone said that as the curent mayor of Wellington and an elected official there for the past 10 years, he understands the unique pressure that county commissioners are under to make decisions under public scrutiny. He said that experience would help him to bring a fresh perspective to the law department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Napoleone, the county law department is no longer held in the high esteem it once was, noting that there has been some attrition in recent years. "We need to figure out why that has happened," he said. "And some of them did not leave for higher paychecks." COUNTY NEWS: Salary, start date: Details on new Palm Beach County administrator Joe Abruzzo's job Had Napoleone been chosen, he said he would have resigned his mayoral position in Wellington. Michael Jones and Denise Hare both touted their state ceritications in government law. Hare noted that only 300 lawyers throughout the state are certified in that field. She said her experience both as a government lawyer for West Palm Beach and more recently in private practice was important. Jones, like Ottey, said his experience as a county lawyer would prove to invalable as the county attorney, noting he has encountered just about every legal issue imaginable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement COUNTY NEWS: Palm Beach County wants to invest even more in Israeli bonds, a move challenged by a lawsuit COUNTY NEWS: Would a new trash-to-energy plant be safe? Sierra Club, Palm Beach County joust over study Ottey's experience in handling civil litigation for the county seemed to win over commissioners. Each of the seven commissioners had interviewed the four candidates on Monday. They then publicly asked them Tuesday what made them qualified to serve as county attorney, widely regarded as one of the most important positions in county government. Ottey's resume pointed to how the county has saved millions of dollars through proactive litigation management that he established. A graduate of the University of Miami and the law school at the University of Florida, he oversaw litigation strategy for more than 700 civil cases in both state and federal courts for the county. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mike Diamond is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. He covers Palm Beach County government. You can reach him at mdiamond@pbpost.com. Help support local journalism. Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: David Ottey chosen to be Palm Beach County's new top lawyer The Frederick County Health Department will offer free sanitary surveys of some wells for Adamstown residents concerned about possible negative impacts from the Quantum Frederick data center campus currently in development at the nearby former Alcoa Eastalco Works site. Several local residents said at a community meeting in September near Adamstown that their wells have tested positive for nitrates and E. coli since construction of the data centers began. Lee Currey, director of the water and science administration at the Maryland Department of the Environment, said at the September meeting that nitrates and E. coli would not be generated from the construction and are likely associated with other issues, The Frederick News-Post reported at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The well survey announcement was made by County Executive Jessica Fitzwater on Monday evening during her State of the County address in Emmitsburg, one of two announcements related to data centers. The other action, she said, will be to hold community benefit listening sessions in Adamstown and Frederick after the Frederick County Council finalizes the new data center overlay zone, an area around the former Alcoa property. This opportunity will allow us to gather ideas directly from our residents and ensure positive outcomes for our community, she said to the crowd of about 100 attendees. Fitzwater, in her address, did not provide a timeline for the well surveys, details about what type of testing would be performed or what steps the county might take in the event of poor test results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The County will be directly contacting those residents who are eligible for the well surveys, county spokesperson Vivian Laxton wrote in an email to the News-Post. Next steps will be determined once the County receives test results. Fitzwater said in her address that the surveys would be available to those Adamstown residents who have reached out to the county health department with concerns and to their immediate neighbors. Regarding which tests will be conducted as part of the well surveys, Rissah Watkins, the health departments communications director, wrote in an email, We are currently working on the list of what to test for. Next steps will be determined after the samples have been taken and results are back. HINESVILLE, GA (WSAV) Breast cancer is something that medically only affects one person, but changes everything for a family. Thats why getting support from that family is so important. Roger and Cindy Wells met in high school but didnt reconnect for 48 years. Thats when sparks flew and they were eventually married. But just months after their nuptials, Cindy was dealing with other health issues and happened on a walk-in mammogram clinic at the hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I Tried to talk myself out of it because I needed to get back to work and I kept feeling the tugging, Cindy explained. No need to do this. And Ive always been really good about my instinct. Because things come about because of my instincts. And so, I pay attention to it. And I thought, no, we better do this. Take 10 minutes to get it done. Thats when she got the news, she tested positive for breast cancer. Two days after. That is when I got to the portal in the middle of the night and it was there, remembered Cindy. Cindy said she was hysterical after getting the new. But it was Roger there to try and help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres nothing I could do to calm her down at the time except reassure her this was going to be okay, Roger said. We could do this. Whatever that may involve. All right; well do whatever weve got to do. We will do it one step at a time. Lets just get the plan in action. Lets go and talk to who weve got to talk to in this. And Ill go to all the appointments with you. We do this together. It was support Cindy said she hadnt gotten in relationships before, but she needed this time. It was something that I wasnt used to, Cindy said. I knew he was serious and he meant it. So, it took a lot away from me. And hes carried a lot of this journey for me. Roger brought her flowers every day, took her to appointments and gave her whatever support she needed, every day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Husbands, caregivers should know how important it is for you to reassure them each and every day, maybe more than just one time a day, Roger smiled. Youve got to let them know that this is something well get through. Roger didnt just talk; he backed it up. He even grew his hair out while she was in treatment. Eventually giving 9 inches of silver strands to Locks of Love for cancer patient wigs. It was positive reinforcement that gave Cindy a better mental attitude even through treatments. My thought is it could have been a lot worse, said Cindy. And so now I can help somebody that scared and alone and maybe not have the support group that Ive had and been blessed with gives you a different perspective. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cindy is in remission and believes she has a lot longer to live and experience life with the man who means so much to her. Roger said the experience he had caring for his previous wife and mother made him more than ready to take on this challenge as well. I believe God had placed me where I needed to be, said Roger. He placed her where she needed to be as well. I felt like because I was also in a bad light when I met her. I lost the two most important women in my life in things didnt look the brightest then, but here she came, you know, And I have no doubt we were brought together for this. I dont know that I would have gotten through this without him, said a tearful Cindy. But he is the most wonderful man that I have ever had any type of relationship with. And its not just because he was a caregiver before. He loves me like nobodys ever loved. He lets me be who I am. And that is so exhilarating. A new lease on life and new attitude that has served them well and allows them to enjoy every moment they have together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We used to put off the things that we that we wanted to do, said Cindy. We dont do that. Weve we have jumped at every opportunity. Cindy is in remission and believes she will beat cancer. But if it does come back, she now knows Roger will be by her side again. 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. Updated on Oct. 29 at 12:36 p.m. Next Mondays argument in Hencely v Fluor Corporation asks the justices to consider the extent to which military contractors can be held liable in tort suits that is, a lawsuit seeking damages for harm caused by someone elses wrongful actions or negligence brought under state law. The lower courts in this case protected the contractor, but it remains to be seen whether the Supreme Court will agree. Generally speaking, the doctrine of sovereign immunity protects the federal government from suits under state law unless Congress has adopted a statute that revokes that immunity. Although that protection traditionally applied only to the government itself, the Supreme Court held in 1988 in Boyle v. United Technologies Corp. that sovereign immunity also protected a military contractor from a suit alleging that its design of a military helicopter was defective and unreasonably dangerous. The Boyle court reasoned that it would interfere with a uniquely federal interest to permit a government contractor to be liable for conduct required by its contract with the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dispute here involves a suicide bombing in 2016 on a U.S. base in Afghanistan, in which an Afghan employee under the supervision of a government contractor (Fluor Corporation) detonated an explosive vest, killing five people and injuring 17 more. The lower courts concluded that one of the injured victims (Winston Hencely) could not sue Fluor for its negligence in poorly supervising the Afghan employee and allowing him to roam around the base at night. Hencely forcefully criticizes the decision from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit as preemption in vacuo preemption in the absence of any applicable statute. For example, Congress in the Federal Tort Claims Act revoked sovereign immunity for most tort claims, leaving the United States liable in the same manner and to the same extent as a private individual. Hencely recognizes that the FTCA carves out an exception for combatant activities. But the exception does not apply to any contractor with the United States. For Hencely, the explicit boundaries of the FTCA are the heart of the case: Congress has legislated a lot about precisely when the government should and should not be liable in this area, and it has made quite clear that its output does not apply to protect military contractors like Fluor. Much of Hencelys brief criticizes the relatively unmoored analysis of Boyle. He does not argue, though, that the court should overrule that case. Rather, he contends that whatever the merits of Boyle, it should not be extended to a case like this one, in which the governments own investigation concluded that Fluors violations of its contractual obligations to supervise the Afghan employee were responsible for the incident. It cant interfere with the governments important interests, Hencely argues, to sanction a contractor for conduct that violated the contractors arrangement with the government. For its part, Fluor largely abandons the analysis of the lower courts which generally treated the case as a natural extension of Boyle. Fluor presents an argument from first principles: that the Constitution itself preempts Hencelys suit under state law because of the exclusive grant to the federal government of the power to make war. Because the conduct occurred in a theater of combat during an armed conflict between U.S. forces and forces in Afghanistan, Fluor argues that any regulatory input from the state is intolerable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is not hard to understand why Fluor puts so much less weight on Boyle than the courts below. The obvious problem is that Boyles relatively unmoored approach is an outlier in the courts modern jurisprudence (which does not typically approve of judicially-created exemptions). I find it highly likely that the younger conservative justices will be receptive to criticism of the decision below. Indeed, I would not be all that surprised if the court ends up overruling Boyle. So the argument should be interesting. For more Supreme Court news and analysis, visit SCOTUSblog. Read more at SCOTUSblog EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A federal court has dismissed the case of two former El Paso Police Department supervisors who were accused of sexual harassment and the exchange of explicit content with female subordinates. As KTSM has previously reported, two supervisors, Lt. John Surface, 43, and Sgt. Adan Chavez, 44, were arrested back in August of 2023 in connection with allegations of official oppression, according to the El Paso Police. Adan Chavez. Photo courtesy of the El Paso Police Department John Surface. Photo courtesy of the El Paso Police Department. 2 EPPD supervisors arrested, charged with official oppression Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Surface was charged with two offenses of oppression with a $30,000 bond. Chavez was charged with one offense of official oppression with a $7,500 bond. The allegations were brought forward by two female officers and prompted an internal investigation by the Special Investigation Unit. According to court records obtained by KTSM, there were multiple instances recorded that alleged Surface and Chavez harassed two female officers and would retaliate if they were not given what they asked. Court document reveals sexual harassment dating back to 2016 involving Lieutenant arrested U.S. District Judge David Briones dismissed all remaining claims and closed the case with prejudice, according to the news release by the City of El Paso. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This ruling confirms that the City acted appropriately, lawfully, and with integrity, City of El Paso Attorney Karla Nieman said. It affirms the Citys steadfast commitment to due process and accountability in every action we take. In 2024, Surface and Chaves filed suit for wrongful termination, discrimination and retaliation. The court found that the plaintiffs claims were neither plausible nor supported by evidence. The Citys and Police Departments investigations and disciplinary process, which included review by the Civil Service process and the Discipline Review Board, were validated through the ruling, read the news release. This decision is an important reminder that misconduct will not be tolerated, El Paso Police Chief Peter Pacillas said. The department remains focused on maintaining the publics trust and ensuring that every member of our department is committed to upholds the highest professional standards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 KTSM 9 News. LISBON, Ohio (WKBN) A Columbiana County judge has agreed to turn over operations of a charity in Rogers to a Columbus law firm while a lawsuit against the charitys leaders plays out in court. According to court records, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost asked the court for a temporary restraining order against Lambs House and those who hold the purse strings for the organization. From this point forward, all financial dealings for Lambs House will be conducted through a receivership overseen by the law firm. The judge granted the order, citing the likelihood that the charitys president, Mark Altomare, and two board members breached their fiduciary duties and failed to protect the assets of the charity. The judge also wanted to preserve any assets so there would be something left to grant relief to donors at the end of the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lawsuit was filed against Lambs House earlier this month by Yost, accusing Altomare of misusing tens of thousands of dollars in charitable funds for personal expenses, and that he has been living rent-free on the charitys 43-acre property in Rogers. Yost also said that Lambs House has not operated as a charity for years but has been a personal ATM for Altomare. Lambs House was formed in 2002 as a ministry-driven addiction recovery organization. It owns 43 acres of land where a nine-bedroom house stands, which provided housing for recovering addicts. The property also contains a 13,000 square-foot commercial building and two barns. The receivership and restraining order were granted on Monday, which prevents any transfer or sale of any property owned by Lambs House. It also freezes the organizations bank accounts. No further court dates for the case are listed in online records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Oct. 29 (UPI) -- A federal judge has disqualified President Donald Trump's top prosecutor in Los Angeles, ruling Bill Essayli has been unlawfully serving as interim U.S. attorney for the Central District of California since late July. The order was issued Tuesday by Judge J. Michael Seabright of the Federal District Court in Hawaii, stating Essayli "is not lawfully serving as Acting United States Attorney for the Central District of California." The effect of the order, however, was unclear, as it states that though he may not continue in the role as interim U.S. attorney, he may continue to perform his duties as first assistant United States attorney. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "For those who didn't read the entire order, nothing is changing," Essayli said in a statement. "I continue serving as the top federal prosecutor in the Central District of California." The ruling comes in response to motions filed by three defendants seeking to dismiss indictments brought against them and to disqualify Essayli as acting U.S. attorney. Essayli, who was appointed by the Trump administration, was sworn in on April 2 to serve as the interim U.S. attorney for 120 days. As his term was nearing its end on July 31, Attorney General Pam Bondi appointed Essayli as a special attorney, effective upon his resignation as interim U.S. attorney. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his ruling Tuesday, Seabright, a President George W. Bush appointee, said that Essayli assumed the role of acting U.S. attorney in violation of the Federal Vacancies Reform Act, which limits the amount of time prosecutors may fill federal positions without Senate approval. "Simply stated: Essayli unlawfully assumed the role of Acting United States Attorney for the Central District of California. He has been unlawfully serving in that capacity since his resignation from the interim role on July 29, 2025," he said. "He is disqualified from serving in that role." Despite his ruling on Essayli, Seabright denied the three defendants' request to dismiss their indictments, stating "the prosecutions remain valid." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ruling is the latest going against the Trump administration's attempts to employ people in high-ranking positions without securing congressional approval. In August, a federal judge ruled Alina Habba, a former personal Trump lawyer, was illegally serving as acting U.S. Attorney for New Jersey after her 12-day interim term expired. Last month, a federal judge ruled that Sigal Chattah had been unlawfully serving as Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Nevada. Both decisions are being appealed. The Kyiv Pechersk District Court ruled to place Volodymyr Kudrytskyi, former head of Ukraines state-owned grid operator Ukrenergo, in custody with the bail set at Hr 13.7 million ($325,000). Kusrytskyi, dismissed from his post last year, was charged on Oct. 28 with large-scale embezzlement linked to events dating back to 2018. According to the court's decision, if he doesn't post bail, he must remain in custody until Dec. 26. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is an entirely political decision," Kudrytskyi said after the court announced its ruling. The arrest followed a raid on the ex-Ukrenergo chief's home a week earlier, which he claimed had been organized by his opponents to "send him a message." Kudrytskyi told the Kyiv Independent after the raid that unidentified men took his phone during the search to access his communications. The case also involves Ihor Hrynkevych, who is already under investigation in a separate defense procurement corruption probe. He allegedly orchestrated the scheme and has received additional charges. The investigation alleges the two may have diverted funds from the state-owned energy company during 2018 tenders for infrastructure reconstruction. At the time, Kudrytskyi was Ukrenergo's deputy director for investments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company signed two contracts worth over Hr 68 million ($1.6 million) with a private company, paying Hr 13.7 million ($325,000) upfront, which was allegedly embezzled, the State Bureau of Investigation said. At the hearing, Kudrytskyi's lawyer, Mykola Hrabyk, called the allegations "unfounded," saying that the case materials contain no evidence of criminal wrongdoing on his part. As Ukraine battles to keep its power grid running under constant Russian assault, Kudrytskyi's arrest adds to growing unrest in the countrys energy sector. Ukrainian media outlet Ukrainska Pravda reported recently, citing its sources, that current officials may be looking to blame former leaders for failing to protect energy infrastructure from Russian attacks. Previously, Kudrytkyi said that the real purpose of the Oct. 21 searches was to gain access to his phone and his messages. He has been outspoken about his decision to resign from Ukrenergo in September 2024, claiming corrupt individuals attempted to take over the company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kudrytskyis forced resignation in the lead-up to the heating season in 2024 sparked controversy both domestically and abroad, as he was largely seen as a reliable figure. The companys supervisory board chairman, Daniel Dobbeni, and board member Peder Andreasen said his dismissal last year was over accusations that Ukrenergo had failed to protect Ukraines energy infrastructure amid Russian missile strikes, and called the move "politically motivated" that had "no valid grounds." Read also: Gripen jets are coming to Ukraine heres how they can be used against Russia Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. MEMPHIS, Tenn. One adult and four teens are facing weapons and burglary charges after breaking into a vacant house Friday in Covington, Tenn., according to police. On Oct. 24 at 10 in the morning, officers responded to a burglary in the 1900 block of Wooten Street. When officers arrived, they saw several people attempting to escape through the back door and chased the suspects. The Covington Police Department detained four juveniles and one adult at the house. They said three juveniles are 17 years old. One is 16 years old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reports said that officers saw the back door had been kicked in and saw one handgun, a revolver, and a car programming scanner kit. Courtesy of Covington Police Dept. They said one of the weapons was reported stolen from Asheville, North Carolina. CPD said they are working with North Corlina officials on the theft, and additional suspects and charges are anticipated in the investigation. The four juveniles were charged with Burglary, Possession of Burglary Tools, Possession of a Handgun by a Juvenile, Tampering with Evidence, Possession of Tobacco Products, and Altered or Missing Serial Number of a Firearm. They were transported to the Tipton County Juvenile Court, fitted with ankle monitors, and released to their parents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are asking parents and guardians for your help in knowing where your teenagers are at and who they are keeping company with. Their freedom may depend on who they associate with, said Chief Donna Turner. The teenagers will appear in court in November. Cary Davis, 18, of Atoka, Tenn., was charged with Burglary, Possession of Burglary Tools, Unlawful Possession of a Handgun, Fabricating/Tampering with Evidence, and four counts of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor. He was transported to the Tipton County Jail and is being held on a $40,000 bond. He appeared in court on Tuesday. 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 WREG.com. CRAWFORD COUNTY, Kan. A controversy thats consuming several southeast Kansas communities is coming to a head in Crawford County. MORE: Crawford County seeks community input for new growth plan That controversy solar farms and all that comes with them, both the good and the bad. Crawford County currently has a moratorium on solar energy projects that was put in place last year. The town of Mulberry presented an annexation resolution to Commissioners last week for residents who want to have their property incorporated into the town, escaping the countys moratorium on solar energy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of those residents, as well as others opposed to the annexation, spoke to commissioners today. Kansas law requires the approval of county Commissioners before annexation is allowed. Commissioners now have until the 18 of November, to come to a final decision. Commissioners have set a special public hearing for November 13, allowing residents to voice their opinions on the annexation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The public hearing will be really the time where folks need to get out and express their opinion for and against. And then its up to the commissioners to review that information. Other data theyve received in the last 30 days to to help help them make their decision, said Jim Emerson, Crawford County Counselor. Commissioners say residents can give input before the public hearing on the 13th, but they say the testimony given at the public hearing will hold more weight. 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. A crew member on the Viking Star cruise ship in the Mediterranean went overboard on Monday, the company confirmed. The unnamed worker was last seen going overboard around 11:30 a.m. local time on Monday, triggering the ship's emergency response. "The ships emergency response was immediately activated, and an extensive search operation was launched, in coordination with the Italian Coast Guard," Viking Cruises said in a statement, via USA TODAY. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The search and rescue efforts are ongoing. Fox News Digital reported that the crew member was on the second deck of the ship when the incident occurred. NAPOLI, ITALY - AUGUST 05: General view of the Carlo Pisacane pier and the Viking Jupiter cruise ship on August 05, 2024 in Napoli, Italy. (Photo by Ivan Romano/Getty Images) According to Cruise Mapper, the Viking Star was making its way from the Greek Island of Crete to Palermo, Sicily in Italy on Monday. The ship is on a two-week voyage (Oct. 16-30) which originated in Istanbul and will conclude in Rome, with stops throughout Turkey, Greece and Italy. The Viking Star, reportedly carrying 925 guests and 471 crew members, was roughly 100 nautical miles southeast of Calabrian coast when the crew member went overboard, per the Italian Coast Guard. "We are deeply saddened by what has occurred," the cruise line added. "Our thoughts are with the family of our crew member, and we will continue to support them during this difficult time." Second major cruise line incident this week Sadly, the Viking crew member falling overboard is not the only cruise-related tragedy to occur over the last few days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sunday, an employee on the P&O cruise ship Arvia died following an accident on board." An investigation is underway, with Cruise Fever reporting that the worker was killed in some sort of elevator accident. Our thoughts and prayers are with their family and friends both on board and at home and we are providing every possible support to them, a spokesperson for P&O Cruises said in a statement. This story was originally reported by Men's Journal on Oct 28, 2025, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here. SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) Two people are without a home following a fire on Redfern Drive in Springfield Wednesday afternoon. The Springfield Fire Department was called to a fire at a home on 13 Redfern Drive on Tuesday afternoon. At approximately 1:30 p.m., all fire companies were working to put out the fire. Convenience store drug bust in Holyoke leads to two arrests Springfield Fire Captain Drew Piemonte stated that no injuries were reported and that the two occupants of the home were able to safely evacuate. While three cats are currently unaccounted for, neighbors reportedly saw them leaving the home through an open door. (Springfield Fire Department) (Springfield Fire Department) (Springfield Fire Department) The residents are currently being assisted by the Red Cross. The cause of the fire is being investigated by the Springfield Arson and Bomb Squad. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Updated on Oct. 31 at 6:25 p.m. ScotusCrim is a recurring series by Rory Little focusing on intersections between the Supreme Court and criminal law. While all media eyes will be on the tariff cases set for oral argument on Nov. 5, the fact is that over half of the 11 cases set for the two-week November sitting are criminal-and-related cases. (Because a few cases have been consolidated, two each on different days, you might say only nine separate merits cases are at issue. And dont forget my perspective that the justices have the easiest job in the judiciary: for November, they have five days of oral argument over only two weeks, and this is normally no more than three hours of argument each day then they have off until Dec. 1.) Here is a brief summary of some things to listen for (no video allowed) in cases of interest to criminal practitioners. Monday, Nov. 3 First up is Rico v. United States. In 2018, Isabel Rico left her federal supervised release term, moving to another California county without getting permission from or notifying her probation officer. That term had been imposed after Rico served time in prison for methamphetamine and heroin distribution and had absconded from supervised release once before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By the time Rico was rearrested in 2023, the 42-month term of her supervised release would have expired. But the district court (summarily affirmed by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit) applied what is known as the fugitive-tolling doctrine, which means that it did not count the time when Rico had been a fugitive. So the court sentenced Rico to prison time again, with a Sentencing Guidelines range that was increased because she had absconded. The question before the Supreme Court is whether a fugitive-tolling doctrine can be applied to federal supervised release, when there is no explicit authority for it in the statute. U.S. Solicitor General D. John Sauer argues that statutory text implies congressional intent to apply the doctrine, which the government says is consistent with a longstanding common law principle that prisoners cannot profit from their own wrongdoing. Rico relies primarily on the absence of express statutory text, and she adds that if federal laws are ambiguous, a doctrine known as the rule of lenity should apply in her favor. The latter argument is likely a wave to Justice Neil Gorsuch, who has often invoked that doctrine. I would expect a spirited discussion among the justices on statutory interpretation, but Id find it surprising if a majority votes for Rico. The second case for argument on Nov. 3, Hencely v. Fluor Corporation, presents an act of tragic combat violence. The Fluor Corporation is a government contractor that employed (negligently, it is alleged) a local Afghan civilian who turned out to be a suicide bomber. Army Specialist Winston Hencely was tragically injured by the bomb, and he sued the contractor in South Carolina state court. The question is whether a state law claim against a government contractor is preempted under the Federal Tort Claims Act by extending a 1988 decision (Boyle v. United Technologies Corp.) that immunized the government itself from suit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The facts of Fluors actions are disputed, and Fluor and the solicitor general now argue for a constitutional immunity rather than just applying Boyle. The legal question may be influenced by the sympathic facts of Hencelys case, but going beyond that is outside my expertise, other than to feel certain that strong respect for the military and its contractors in combat zones is likely to be unanimous. The week of Nov. 10 There are only two days of argument during the week of Nov. 10, because Veterans Day is Tuesday, Nov. 11. But all four cases that week relate to criminal law topics. Landor v. Louisiana Department of Corrections and Public Safety: The facts here add to a history of extreme Louisiana correctional (prison) cases, so extreme that the solicitor general has entered on the side of the prisoner. Damon Landor had only a few weeks left on a five-month sentence when he was transferred to the Raymond Laborde Correctional Center. A devout Rastafarian, Landor had not cut his hair for 20 years, and he carried with him an opinion from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit holding that cutting Rastafarians hair violates the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act, or RLUIPA (ruh-loo-puh). Landor showed a copy of the 5th Circuit ruling to the intake officer, who summoned the warden when Landor objected to his hair being cut. The warden demanded proof of Landors religious belief and said too late for that when Landor said he could get documentation from his lawyers. Prison officials then cuffed Landor to a chair, held him down, and shaved his head to the scalp. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although the Supreme Court has previously ruled that lawsuits against individual officials for damages are permitted as appropriate relief under the very similar Religious Freedom and Restoration Act, or RFRA (riff-rah), the 5th Circuit distinguished the two statutes and upheld the district courts dismissal of Landors RLUIPA claims. Six 5th Circuit judges dissented from a denial of en banc rehearing. Louisianas main defense here is to argue that RLUIPA is unconstitutional. It seems, however, too late for that argument, as the court has previously upheld RLUIPA. There may be some debate about specific constitutional authority for Congress to enact statutes, but the intersection of the facts and respect for religious freedom suggests a possible unanimous reversal. The GEO Group, Inc. v. Menocal presents a technical (but important) question of appellate procedure. GEO is a private, for-profit company that runs an immigration detention center in Colorado. GEO allegedly used solitary confinement to force detainees to work and paid them $1 per day while providing inadequate food. Alejandro Menocal sued GEO for a class of detainees; after discovery, the district court issued a detailed 100-page opinion denying GEO an immunity defense under the 1940 case of Yearsly v. W.A. Ross Construction Company for contractors whose conduct is authorized and directed by the government. GEO sought to take an interlocutory appeal (that is, an appeal on a legal question before a final judgment on the merits is issued), invoking the collateral order doctrine, which sometimes, but rarely, allows such a premature appeal. But the normal rule (and the appellate jurisdictional statute) generally requires a final decision before appeal is permitted; pre-judgment objections are usually required to be accepted until a full merits ruling is entered and appealed. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit dismissed GEOs case for lack of jurisdiction because no final order had been entered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Supreme Court has recognized that some potentially dispositive issues can be appealed interlocutorily, however, if they are entirely collateral to (that is, separate from) the merits of the case. Nevertheless, the court has made clear that exceptions to the final order rule should be rare and stringently construed. The question in GEO is whether the collateral order doctrine should permit GEOs interlocutory appeal. Interestingly, as in Landor, the solicitor general has entered the case on what might be viewed as the liberal side, for the Menocal detainees, likely because the government generally dislikes the delay and expense of interlocutory appeals. Nevertheless, in the closing (and frankly intellectually mushy) pages of his brief, the solicitor general says that some valid concerns are raised regarding the costs of government contractor liability in some circumstances, but should be addressed by rulemaking or other avenues, not an interlocutory appeal. The last day of the November sitting, Nov. 12, consists of three First Step Act cases raising slightly different questions: Fernandez v. United States; and the consolidated cases of Rutherford v. United States and Carter v. United States. I warn you now that summarizing them is complicated. The First Step Act was enacted in 2018 to permit district courts to reduce some lengthy drug and firearm sentences if (among other requirements) there is an extraordinary and compelling reason. Each of these cases ask whether certain facts can lawfully be considered as extraordinary and compelling reasons under the statute. In Fernandez, which will be argued first on Nov. 12, the district judge found (seven years after imposing the sentence) a combination of extraordinary and compelling reasons to reduce Joe Fernandezs sentence for example, that Fernandez was possib[ly] innocent due to a perceived lack of credibility in the testimony of the drug-dealing informant who had hired Fernandez to kill another drug dealer, and also the disparity between that lead drug dealers 30-year sentence (on a plea deal) and Fernandezs life sentence after trial. But the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit reversed, because those reasons could be raised under a separate federal statute (28 U.S.C. 2255, which permits federal prisoners to challenge their sentences) and so cannot also be counted under the First Step Act. When it granted review, the Supreme Court rewrote the question that Fernandez had asked it to decide, framing the question before it as whether a combination of extraordinary and compelling reasons that may warrant a discretionary sentence reduction under [the First Step Act] can include reasons that may also be alleged as grounds for vacatur of a sentence under 28 U.S.C. 2255. In the second case (consolidated by the court for one argument), the defendants, Daniel Rutherford and Johnnie Carter, presented a different extraordinary and compelling reason for reduction: the fact that defendants sentenced after the First Step Act can receive imprisonment terms decades shorter than the mandatory terms imposed for the same offenses prior to the act. Thats because Section 403 of the First Step Act reduced the mandatory imprisonment sentences for using a firearm during a crime of violence from 25 to seven years, for defendants whose convictions came in the same proceeding. Section 403 also provided that its possible reductions could apply if a sentence for the offense has not been imposed as of [the] date of enactment of the First Step Act. Thus, the statute necessarily caused sentencing disparities, between defendants convicted of the same firearms offenses whose sentences were final, and defendants whose sentences were not yet final before the act took effect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Specifically, Rutherford received a mandatory 32-year term of imprisonment and Carter received 57 years for brandishing a firearm during robberies (on top of imprisonment sentences for robberies). Had their sentences not yet been final on the date of enactment, both men would have received substantially shorter 18 years less for Rutherford and 36 for Carter sentences. When the First Step Act became law, they both sought reductions, arguing that the sentencing disparities were extraordinary and compelling reasons to reduce their terms. Both district courts denied relief even though the defendants had received additional 25-year mandatory imprisonment terms that would not have applied if their sentences had not been final before the First Step Act. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit affirmed in both, ruling that the prospective nature of the First Step Act for sentences not yet final reflected Congress intent to not permit First Step relief for sentences that were final prior to the date of enactment (rejecting the Sentencing Commissions contrary view because the statute controls over the Sentencing Commission). Last term, in Hewitt v. United States, the court decided a First Step Act case by an energetically disputed 5-4 vote. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson wrote for the majority, joined by Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, and Neil Gorsuch. Justice Samuel Alito wrote for the dissenters, accusing the majority of displaying a thinly veiled desire to march in the parade of sentencing reform. The case involved very different interpretations by the justices of the statutes terms and the sentencing philosophies behind the words. I expect heated oral arguments in both Fernandez and Rutherford; keep your ears open for questions from the chief and Gorsuch, as they were the deciding votes in Hewitt last year. Conclusion As is often the case, much of the courts work in November will interest those who follow developments in criminal law. We think we know the politics of all the justices, but the usual labels do not always dovetail with results in criminal cases these days. The liberal justices, as well as defense-side advocates, have become adept at finding ways to package their views and cases to attract some justices from the middle. I would posit last months arguments in Case v. Montana (about warrantless emergency aid home entries) as an example: Jackson and others proposed ways to rule against Case that may moderate more extreme Fourth Amendment theories. Add to that the entry of the solicitor general in both Hencely and Menocal, and you may find that the results on the criminal side of the docket are, once again, not exactly what you thought they might be. For more Supreme Court news and analysis, visit SCOTUSblog. Read more at SCOTUSblog The US struck four more vessels alleged to be carrying drugs in the eastern Pacific, part of a military campaign that analysts say is drastically expanding American presidential power. Washingtons offensive has accelerated in recent days; US lawmakers, including Republicans, have criticized the strikes, which have not been approved by Congress. US President Donald Trump says his country is in armed conflict with narco-terrorists, and argues that he doesnt need Congressional authorization, a stance challenged by legal experts. In effect, Axios noted, Trump is asserting the right to unilaterally use the military wherever, whenever and be the sole judge and jury of his own actions, an expansion of presidential authority that could have long-term consequences for US foreign policy. The Peruvian government is considering easing restrictions on oil and gas drilling to allow dirty energy companies to extract more nonrenewable resources. If several proposed bills are passed, Indigenous people will struggle to maintain and protect their land in Peru. What's happening? As Mongabay reported, several bills are moving through Peru's Congress that threaten to roll back longstanding protections of Indigenous peoples' land. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advocacy groups are calling the policies an "extermination campaign" and a clear violation of human rights. Peruvian leaders are discussing opening national parks and reserves to drilling, mining, fishing, and agroforestry. Proponents of the bills claim there are economic benefits to be gained, especially in areas with notoriously high poverty rates. However, the bills would also make it easier to strip lands away from Indigenous groups and destroy natural habitats that wildlife and native plants depend upon. The Interethnic Association for the Development of the Peruvian Rainforest asked multiple international organizations to cut funding to the Peruvian government until it reinstates the Indigenous protections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is inadmissible and unjustifiable that [government] entities continue to access such resources while holding positions against the creation of Indigenous Territorial Reserves for PIACI peoples, when precisely the protection of PIACI territories is essential to safeguarding the Amazon forests and, above all, the fundamental rights of these highly vulnerable peoples," the organization wrote. Why are Indigenous land protections important? Protecting Indigenous lands in Peru and elsewhere is crucial because it safeguards traditional ways of life and survival among local populations. These groups are often at the greatest risk due to globally rising temperatures. By protecting these lands, communities can continue to rely on the environment for food and resources, and in turn, they play a vital role in protecting ecosystems and natural biodiversity. Many Indigenous groups offer traditional knowledge and innovative solutions to environmental challenges and contribute to broader conservation efforts that benefit everyone and the planet. What's being done to protect Indigenous lands worldwide? In Peru, Indigenous and environmental advocates are pushing back against the harmful legislation proposed and helping the public understand why it would devastate local populations and the Amazon forests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elsewhere, Indigenous communities are taking inspiring action to protect their lands and way of life. For example, one Amazon rainforest effort is restoring degraded lands by planting 1 million trees a year. Lawmakers have also pushed to advance federal measures in Alaska to preserve vast sections of land that are crucial to wildlife habitats and native communities' way of life. You can help spread awareness of these efforts by learning more about critical climate issues and sharing what you learn with family and friends. In elections, you can also help by voting for pro-climate candidates who will protect natural lands and the Indigenous people they belong to. 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. OXFORD, Miss. Vice President J.D. Vance took the stage before a capacity crowd at the University of Mississippi around 7 p.m. after a speech by Erika Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk. Vance made a short speech, then began answering questions from the audience, like Kirk was known for doing. He was asked about faith, religion in the classroom, and had a back-and-forth with a woman about immigration. One man said he drove from Memphis and mentioned the Memphis Safe Task Force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To a roaring crowd Vice President JD Vance embraced Erika Kirk, and spoke about Charlie Kirk, who he called a dear friend and talked about his impact in politics and on him. While you have the freedom to live life as you so choose, Ive got a responsibility as your Vice President to make the American Dream as accessible as possible, Vance said. He encouraged students to be active and get involved. If you care about this country as I know all of you do, dont just complain about social media, get up and get involved in a campaign. If you want a better policy outcome, even from an administration you voted for then get out and get involved in making your voice heard, he said. Vice President J.D. Vance appears at the University of Mississippi. (Shay Arthur WREG) photo by Shay Arthur WREG photo by Shay Arthur WREG Courtesy: WREG Courtesy: WREG Courtesy: WREG Courtesy: WREG And while she was emotional at times, less than two months after her husbands death, Erika Kirk thanked supporters and encouraged political involvement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every single one of us has a choice to make whether we stand for freedom or were just going to fall for everything else but I want to encourage you to find your voice, especially the students here, you are the courageous generation, she said. Students we talked to, many who waited for hours in the cold and in the rain, said they felt moved following the rally. It pretty much just reassured me that God has a plan for our lives and we just have to trust his plan and his timing, student Ansley Allen said. Crowds of people lined up hours before the Turning Point USA event was scheduled to happen at the University of Mississippi Wednesday at 5 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a once-in-a-lifetime experience to have the vice president come to your university and for you to go in and be recognized as a student with priority entry and all that, its definitely something I wouldnt want to miss, said Landon Peters, a University of Mississippi student. Peters and his friends brought chairs for the wait. Law enforcement officers from various state and federal agencies across the state were also seen outside of the venue. Young College Democrats stage counter-event in Oxford To enter, students and visitors must also go through metal detectors with Secret Service agents sweeping the place multiple times, hours in advance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Security has been really tight; we have agencies from across Mississippi. I saw a Mississippi State car over there. SEC football-wise youre like a state car, but its really nice to see the whole state of Mississippi, and of course, the Secret Service and other federal agents, Peters stated. It really makes me feel safe. Courtesy: Williams Traylor (NewsWatch Ole Miss.) Two weeks ago, in an X post, Turning Point USA announced that Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, will join Vice President Vance to speak at the university. Erika Kirk, J.D. Vance set to speak at University of MS Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Charlie Kirk was scheduled to speak there on the same day, before he was assassinated at Utah Valley University September 10. Though Kirk was killed, a student expressed her joy that the TPUSA campus tour was continuing. I was going to go see him when he was originally supposed to come here, and then sadly that happened. And now Im happy they still made it happen, and Erika, said Ava Douglas. 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 WREG.com. NEED TO KNOW A group of migrants were rescued by the crew of the MSC Splendida on Oct. 26 19 migrants, including two children, were saved from the water off the coast of Mallorca, Spain The group reportedly originated from the Maghreb region of North Africa The dramatic moment a group of distressed migrants was rescued by a cruise ship's crew was caught on video this week. On Sunday. Oct. 26, passengers on board the MSC Splendida cruise ship recorded a group of Samoan crew members rescuing 19 migrants, including two children, off the coast of Mallorca, Spain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The TikTok account MSC.Friends, which features frequent cruising content, shared a video of the rescue on Oct. 27. In the clip, migrants are seen climbing a loose rope hanging over the side of the ship. Getty The coastline of Mallorca Island, Spain The coastline of Mallorca Island, Spain These people probably in the sea for days, were looking for a future escaping their hostile country, a passenger wrote on their on-screen caption. Luckily we were there. Not many are as lucky. Thanks to the professionals on MSC Splendida they are safe now. According to data collected by CruiseMapper, the rescue occurred about 20 nautical miles south of the Cabrera Archipelago in Spains Balearic Islands. The operation lasted about 30 minutes in total. At the time, the Splendida was on a four-day round-trip cruise sailing the Mediterranean. The vessel departed Barcelona on Oct. 23 and made stops in Marseille, France, and Milan, Italy, before returning on Oct. 27. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MSC Cruises onboard staff rescued the stranded people, gave them medical care, clean clothing, warm food and drinks, plus a safe place of rest, a representative for MSC shared in a statement with PEOPLE. Every seafarer always puts safety first and foremost and the saving to avoid loss of life is part of our DNA, MSC Splendidas Captain Giuseppe Maresca said. My crew played their part to ensure that this rescue was carried out safely in difficult conditions. I am very proud of my crew and their professional and caring response. Samoa Shipping Services (SSS), which employs the crew member who performed the rescue, praised the heroic efforts on social media. SSS is immensely proud to support and recognize our Samoan seafarers recruited for MSC, who consistently demonstrate exceptional skill and dedication at sea, the group wrote in a Oct. 28 Facebook post. This rescue operation truly underscores the vital role our local seafarers play in upholding international maritime safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the group, the migrants, who originated from the Maghreb region of North Africa, were transported to the MSC Splendidas final destination in Barcelona. Upon arrival, they were handed over to local authorities and subsequently placed under the care of social services. Just days before, 63 people were rescued from the Ionian Sea on Oct. 22 by crews of the Norwegian Epic and Greek authorities. Gerard Bottino / SOPA Images/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty The 'Norwegian Epic' cruise ship The 'Norwegian Epic' cruise ship The Norwegian Cruise Line received a request from Greek authorities to assist in bringing more than 60 people spotted in the Mediterranean water to safety, USA Today reported. 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. The individuals were brought on board and tended to by the ships crew, who provided a medical evaluation, food and other items for their comfort, a representative for Norwegian Cruise Line said in a statement to USA Today. The ship subsequently resumed its itinerary after the operation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the company did not share specific details on the rescue, passengers have alleged on social media that the 63 were migrants. PEOPLE reached out to the Hellenic Republic Ministry of Migration and Asylum, European Commission, Hellenic Coast Guard, Hellenic Police and Norwegian Cruise Line for further comment. Read the original article on People WATERBURY - Crumbl, a national bakery chain specializing in oversized, sometimes frosted, cookies and other desserts, will open in Mattatuck Plaza on Nov. 7. The 2,700-square-foot space at 939 Wolcott St. will employ 30 people. The new location is the fourth in Connecticut for co-partners Aaron Lawrie, Troy van Belle and Tucker Bartone, joining Manchester, their first, Milford and West Hartford. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawrie, who will manage the Waterbury location, said Wednesday that he and his co-partners chose Waterbury because they looked at a map of the state and saw an opportunity. "We're really excited to bring this to Waterbury. We've had people coming to the door already thinking we were open," he said. Lawrie expects a long line of customers to be waiting at the door when they open on Nov. 7. He also expects to reward the first 50 to 100 with free cookies and something extra for the first 50. He is also reaching out to local high schools to line up marching bands for the event. Lawrie, a former engineer at Electric Boat, said he got involved with Crumbl after meeting van Belle, who is the main partner, at church. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He had been telling me about Crumbl, and I was fascinated by it," said Lawrie, who joined the group in 2023. After working a few shifts in Manchester to see if it was a good fit, Lawrie was hooked for several reasons. One was the opportunity to work with young people who were experiencing their first jobs. Another was the feeling he got from the customers. "Handing someone a box of cookies and brightening their day, that's awesome," he said. Lawrie said they also plan to get involved in the community, like donating leftover cookies at the end of the day to local organizations that serve people in need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trio, which also owns a Crumbl in West Springfield, Mass., is also looking for other potential locations in the state. Joseph McGrath, Waterbury's director of economic development, said Tuesday that the city appreciates having a national chain come to the city. Crumbl will be open Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., and closed on Sunday. This article originally published at Crumbl cookies shop coming soon to Waterbury's Mattatuck Plaza. The last Nadine Barnett Cosby, heard from her family in Jamaica was that they were boarding up their homes Tuesday morning ahead of Hurricane Melissa's violent landfall on the island with 185 mph winds and heavy floodwaters. "Since then, we haven't had any contact and I'm assuming it's because of the loss of power in their neighborhoods, which is to be expected," said Barnett Cosby, dean of Quinnipiac University's communication school in Hamden, who was born in Jamaica but raised in the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said the lack of direct contact is "certainly frustrating," she said Wednesday a day after the storm. "We definitely hope for the best and have faith and actually believe that they're OK and that's what matters the most," she said. "But the lack of news and the amount of different visuals that are on social media aren't necessarily helpful in determining how they're doing and what their needs might be." The hurricane made landfall in Cuba Wednesday morning, downgraded to category 3, where hundreds of thousands had evacuated their homes, according to the Associated Press. Officials reported that there were dozens dead and widespread destruction across Cuba, Haiti and Jamaica, as of Wednesday. In Jamaica, more than 25,000 people packed into shelters and about 77% of the island was without power Wednesday, according to the AP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bishop Courtney Williams of the Refuge Temple Church of God, in Bridgeport seemed frantic late morning on Wednesday, as she had not heard anything from family. "I'm desperately trying to find out about my own family right now," Williams said. "Wi-Fi and telephone along with electrical powers down so we're still in the wait. What we do know is that it is a devastating situation there in the north and the west." Carolyn Vermont, vice president of the West Indian Association of Greater Bridgeport said she was "certainly anxious" and wanted to "speak to my siblings and their kids and other relatives to make sure they're doing OK." "One of the areas that was hit is Trelawny, Jamaica, where most of my family lives," she said. "And they were one of the parishes that was hit the hardest," Vermont said, adding Trelwany is near Montego Bay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Omar Sangtser, a member of the Jamaican American Connection, said he heard from two relatives Wednesday morning who were able to talk to him using Starlink and a generator to charge their phones. "I only hear from two people from yesterday to today, but I believe they should be OK," Sangster said, adding that one of the people lives in town that didn't fare as badly as others did in the storm. "They're on higher ground and they're safe." Sangster owns Sangster Barber & Salon on Dixwell Avenue in Hamden, which is a drop-off site for the JAC hurricane relief effort. He said the Jamaican people are resilient. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "And they trust God," he said. "They're strong in their faith. And they will stick together in these times to help each other out." Nadine Barnett Cosby, dean of the school of communications at Quinnipiac University in Hamden. (Courtesy Quinnipiac University) Before the storm made landfall, Barnett Cosby's mother and aunt, the family matriarch at 80, who live in Florida, acted as the communication conduit for the family. They reached out to extended family and friends there before Melissa hit full force. "She is kind of the glue that brings us all together and she is certainly worried, but we're just trying to be patient and know that we'll hear from them in time," Barnett Cosby said about her mother. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their family in Jamaica includes many nieces, nephews and cousins, whom Barnett Cosby said are like siblings for her and her family in Connecticut. Her immediate relatives all live in the states, Barnett Cosby said. Her relatives have had long experience with storms before "but not at this magnitude," she said. When Hurricane Beryl, a category 4 hurricane hit Jamaica in June 2024, she said her family got through it relatively unscathed, with some property damage. She said she was worried about Melissa though from what she's seen so far. "It's a combination of the damage from the high winds, damage from water and flooding," Barnett Cosby said. "I think there's so much damage even to land, so it's not just the structure, it's also the land." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barnett Cosby said they are waiting to hear from their loved ones to get an assessment of what is needed before gathering help. She noted that many organizations and churches will come together to collect and send barrels filled with necessities. "But we want to know that they're being provided with what they need first," she said, adding family in the states are worried that there may be a shipping backlog and that the infrastructure damage may impact the postal system on the island. "Then we'll determine whether it's that we pool money and just send money for them to be able to purchase items maybe needed for repairs, or if there are specific items that are needed, and we can send those," she said. Barnett Cosby said she doesn't see it as a possibility to able to get relatives out and temporarily relocated in the U.S. if their homes are destroyed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said she hopes people don't forget about Jamaica as time goes on and people are still dealing with Melissa's aftermath. "We know that tourism is a huge part of the Jamaican economy and that's fantastic, but I just hope to see kind of the same attention and empathy and appreciation for Jamaica now that they've experienced this disaster," she said. Vermont said the West Indian Association of Greater Bridgeport coming up with a plan to provide aid and would likely team up with the JAC. The group is also reaching out to the West Indian Social Club in Hartford to coordinate relief efforts. "It's likely that we'll just all collaborate since we are, West Indian organizations throughout Connecticut," Vermont said. This article originally published at CT Jamaican residents frustrated with lack of contact with loved ones day after Hurricane Melissa. NEW CANAAN - Connecticut State Police are investigating the death of a Stamford woman found in a New Canaan apartment complex in September, officials with the agency said. The woman, identified by state police as Essence Preyer, was found in the early morning hours of Sept. 13 at the complex on Lakeview Avenue after New Canaan officers responded to a report of an untimely death, according to both agencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Preyer was a 33-year-old mother of two children from Stamford when she died, according to her obituary. She was well-known at The Playhouse in New Canaan and was "a cherished friend whose infectious positivity, generosity of spirit, and selflessness touched countless lives," a GoFundMe fundraiser to pay for her funeral expenses said. New Canaan police declined to provide the name of the person who was found dead at the complex on Sept. 13 or give out any other information on the investigation. An employee within the department's records division said Wednesday that the case was being handled by state police. State police said Wednesday that the Western District Major Crimes unit initially was assisting New Canaan police but the state police unit now is the lead agency "due to the complexity of the case." Both agencies declined to comment on whether the death was considered suspicious. The state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner said Preyer's cause of death was listed as "circumstances pending further investigation" and manner of death was "pending investigation." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State police said the investigation was continuing and no other information was available. New Canaan police said at the time that "there is no concern for public safety." "No matter what challenges came her way, Essence faced them with grace and resilience," Preyer's obituary said. "She was known for her radiant spirit and an unwavering love for life. Her carefree, silly nature made her a delight to be around, and her warm, compassionate heart made strong and lasting friendships. Above all, Essence loved her children deeply and was a devoted mother." This article originally published at CT state police investigate death of Stamford woman found in New Canaan apartment in September. Enrollment at the City University of New York is up this fall, rising by 3.6% over the last year, according to data shared in Chancellor Felix Matos Rodriguezs annual speech Wednesday. Roughly 8,000 new students registered for classes a CUNY campus this year, the CUNY president said during his 2025 State of Our University address at Hostos Community College in the Bronx. This growth reflects our sustained efforts to reach New Yorkers, Matos Rodriguez said. We do this in many ways, including through our inspiring advertisement campaign that you now see throughout the city. Were also working to reach the next generation of students before college. We achieve that largely through our deepening partnership with the New York City Public Schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The figures marked the third straight year of enrollment growth after the COVID-19 pandemic, which sent registration on a downward spiral with serious financial implications. CUNYs community colleges were hit especially hard, as young people put their education on hold while they juggled work and family obligations with the unexpected health crisis. In the years since, CUNY has benefited from a number of student recruitment programs, including a free community college initiative spearheaded by Gov. Hochul for adults interested in a career change and high-demand fields, such as artificial intelligence and nursing. Borough of Manhattan, Guttman and LaGuardia community colleges were three of the schools that led this years enrollment uptick, as well as the Newmark Graduate School of Journalism and City College. The university system has also partnered with the citys public schools on early college and admissions initiatives and the City Council on a citywide push to help college drop-outs re-enroll. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not clear how CUNYs enrollment this year compares to pre-COVID figures, though the system did not appear to be on track to fully close the gap. If current numbers hold, total enrollment is expected to hover above 240,000 students, compared to more than 271,000 students registered in fall 2019, according to university data. During the speech, Matos Rodriguez also announced a new jobs program that integrates career advising, networking and work experience into all undergraduate programs. The vision is that all graduates leave school with a job offer or an acceptance letter tied to their next degree. The initiative will be rolled out over the next five years, starting at Hunter College, Lehman College, LaGuardia Community College and Borough of Manhattan Community College. By 2030, the chancellor said the program would serve 180,000 students each year. To make that a reality, CUNY set benchmarks to triple the number of students in paid internships and increase employer recruitment from the public university system by 20%. Instead of waiting for students to walk into a career center or the next job fair, we are working with our faculty and faculty peer leaders in every discipline to embed career touchpoints in their classes, in advising and orientation and in their everyday college experience, the chancellor said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are moving beyond the old notion of career connections as distinct from the academic journey, or something that students dont need to think about until their junior or senior year. However, CUNY, and higher education as a sector, still faces headwinds. CUNYs enrollment data comes as the states comptroller, Thomas DiNapoli, warned in a Monday report that federal changes including uncertainty around financial aid, international students, and research funding could threaten recent upticks at New York colleges and universities. Over 48% of all CUNY and SUNY undergraduates receive Pell Grants to be able to afford to register for college a federal program for which the eligibility criteria is changing and some students are expecting to be shut out, according to the analysis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, New York is home to the countrys second largest population of international students more than 135,800 people, the comptroller found whose continued interest in studying in the United States is at risk. The figure included more than 1,840 international students at CUNYs Baruch College and 1,230 at the CUNY Graduate Center. In his remarks, Matos Rodriguez acknowledged college campuses do not exist in isolation from the world beyond its walls, as well as growing political and financial pressure. He promised rapid-response resources and legal guidance to support immigrant students. NEW YORK (AP) In 1977, at the tail end of another bruising battle for New York City mayor, Mario Cuomo publicly spoke up against bigoted remarks leveled at his opponent. Almost 50 years later, his son is taking a different approach. Back then, Andrew Cuomo was a 19-year-old adviser to his father, who would later become the state's governor but at the time was losing the mayor's race against the Democratic nominee, Ed Koch. A few weeks before the election, posters appeared in some neighborhoods referencing Kochs long-rumored sexuality with the slogan: Vote for Cuomo, Not the Homo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This time around, its Andrew Cuomos backers disparaging Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, who would be the citys first Muslim mayor, as an Islamic extremist. But Cuomo has done little to discourage them, drawing allegations that his campaign is embracing Islamophobia, or is at least willing to capitalize on it. Cuomo, in a recent phone interview, said he isn't responsible for the words of others. What is the standard now? he said. You have to respond to everything that is said? That approach stands in sharp contrast to that of his late father, who publicly warned against insinuations about Kochs sexuality, calling the tactic stupid and childish. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What if you hurt this fellow and he wins which he might, Mario Cuomo said in an interview published days before Kochs victory. What youve done is youve scarred the reputation of the mayor of the greatest city in the world. Daniel Soyer, a history professor at Fordham University focused on New York politics, said the disparate reactions point to a coarsening of the political discourse in general. He noted the focus on Kochs sexuality came as gay New Yorkers were first gaining political power, mirroring the recent growth of Muslim voters as an electoral force. In both cases, Soyer said, the emergence of these constituencies brought backlash from people trying to paint them as illegitimate participants in mainstream politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cuomo says he is not the divisive one Asked about the comparison, Cuomo argued that it was Mamdani, not him, who had leveraged criticism of Israel as a wedge issue in the campaign. My father was saying dont raise gay as an issue. Theres no place, dont divide people, dont play that kind of politics, he said. And to me that is a mirror to what Zohrans doing, exactly. You dont want to create wedges and division, Cuomo continued. And there is no one associated with me, standing next to me whos ever done anything like that. Many in his own party including some centrist Democrats disagree, pointing to a barrage of attacks both online and in person that Cuomo has largely avoided denouncing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Appearing on a conservative radio show last week, Cuomo chuckled at host Sid Rosenbergs suggestion that Mamdani would be cheering on another 9/11 attack. Thats another problem, Cuomo replied. At an endorsement event, he nodded along as Mayor Eric Adams implied that a Mamdani victory could make Islamic terrorism more likely in the city. A new ad funded by a Cuomo-supporting super PAC places the words Jihad On NYC over Mamdanis smiling face a reference to a headline about a controversial religious leader who has appeared in photos beside Mamdani and other politicians, including Adams. Cuomos official campaign account, meanwhile, recently shared and then deleted an AI-generated video depicting Mamdani eating rice with his hands, something critics have used to mock his South Asian heritage. A spokesperson for Cuomo said the video was posted in error. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mamdani sees the attacks as part of a familiar playbook. To be Muslim in New York is to expect indignity, he said Friday. But indignity does not make us distinct. There are many New Yorkers who face it. It is the tolerance of that indignity that does. In response, Cuomo said his opponents views toward Israel, including allegations that it committed genocide in Gaza, had created real fear in Jewish communities. He acknowledged that Rosenbergs comment was offensive, but maintained that nobody is attacking (Mamdani) for being Muslim. His own staunch support for Israel, Cuomo said, might be compared to his fathers vocal opposition to the death penalty another issue outside of a mayors control, but which nonetheless animated the 1977 race amid growing fears of crime and disorder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eighty percent of New Yorkers supported the death penalty and he wouldnt change his position, Cuomo noted. Ive supported Israel all my life. I get the political consequence. 'If Mario Cuomo were here today...' To this day, the exact origin of the posters remains a matter of dispute. Koch would go to his grave blaming Mario and Andrew Cuomo, though both have denied involvement. Nobody ever accused my fathers associates of having anything to do with that, Cuomo said by phone recently. Shortly before the election, Mario Cuomos campaign manager admitted to a Village Voice reporter that he had investigated rumors of Kochs homosexuality. Mario Cuomo received the news with horror. Oh Christ, he told the reporter. Holy mother of god. Im so...Im so...disappointed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The outrage over the signs extended to some of Koch's opponents, recalled Allen Roskoff, who chaired Lesbians and Gays for Mario Cuomo in the 1977 race, noting that his boss may have been motivated by political expediency as much as his own conviction. The big difference now is that there doesnt seem to be anyone in the pro-Cuomo camp that is taking umbrage to this anti-Muslim demagoguery, which is effectively condoning it," said Roskoff, who now chairs the influential Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club and plans to vote for Mamdani. If Mario Cuomo were here today, Roskoff added, he would be holding a press conference saying this is wrong and its not what a campaign should be about. Time is running out for the New York City mayoral candidates to convince voters why they should be their choice at the polls. With less than a week to go until Election Day, the candidates are making their final push on the campaign trail. Four years ago, Curtis Sliwa won Staten Island with 67% of the vote, but Andrew Cuomo hopes this year will be different. The Republican Sliwa greeted Staten Island voters at the ferry terminal on Wednesday morning -- a reliably Republican slice of the electorate where Sliwa might be expected to dominate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Cuomo, who chased moderate voters in The South Bronx on Tuesday, was on the island on Wednesday as well. "Cuomo is a fair weather friend, I think people on Staten Island know both him and Zohran are coming there to get the votes," Sliwa said. "But they've never been there before and I guarantee, after the election, they will never be there again. I'm Staten Island strong, through and through." Early voters continue to turn out in record numbers -- hundreds of thousands of them. Democratic frontrunner Zohran Mamdani rallied with volunteers Tuesday in Hell's Kitchen and on Wednesday campaigned in the Bronx, where he was endorsed by the United Bodegas of America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Everyone always says that I'm running on an affordability agenda, that's not quite true, I'm running on a BEC agenda, it's not a Bacon Egg and Cheese, it's Bringing Economic Change -- with some jalapenos on the side," Mamdani said. The Mamdani campaign is determined to boost turnout numbers in the Bronx, where early voting has lagged far behind Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens. Cuomo is hoping that moderate and conservative voters will abandon Sliwa, who continues to hold double-digit support. For him, Staten Island may be fertile ground. In any other year, campaigning there would be hopeless. But speaking on Fox Business, Cuomo insisted this year is different. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They used to call me liberal, now I'm a moderate, because the whole party shifted," Cuomo said. "That's what this election is about. It is that civil war. I believe that the far-left will destroy the Democratic Party. I believe it will destroy the democratic party nationwide, if that far left becomes dominant." Trying to move the needle for Cuomo is former Mayor Mike Bloomberg, who doubled down on his support on Wednesday, by giving another $1.5 million to the Fix the City Super Pac that backs the former governor. That's on top of the $8 million Bloomberg already threw behind Cuomo in the primary that he lost. Anthony Carlo has the latest on the campaign trail. It all comes the same day that Quinnipiac University released its latest poll, showing Mamdani leads with 43% support among likely voters, Cuomo receives 33% support, and Sliwa receives 14% support, while 6% are undecided and 3% refuse to respond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ---------- * Get Eyewitness News Delivered * More New York City news * Send us a news tip * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts * Follow us on YouTube Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply. A deadly crash on Houstons I-10 Katy Freeway early Tuesday morning claimed the lives of two men after a wrong-way BMW sedan collided head-on with a Tesla Cybertruck, igniting a fire that shut down lanes near the Washington Avenue and Westcott Street exit. Nearly 50 Birds Killed After Truck Driver Runs Them Over in Florida, Officials Say Authorities say the first emergency calls came in around 12:05 a.m., reporting a vehicle traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes. According to Houston Police Sergeant Rebecca Dallas, the BMW struck an eastbound Cybertruck heading toward downtown. The impact sent the Cybertruck into the path of an 18-wheeler, which was also traveling eastbound. The BMW caught fire immediately after the collision, prompting a response from the Houston Fire Department. The BMWs driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The 66-year-old Cybertruck driver was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition but later died from his injuries. The driver of the 18-wheeler remained at the scene and was not injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police have not yet determined why the BMW driver was traveling the wrong way or whether impairment or a medical emergency played a role in the crash. The fiery collision caused a full closure of the eastbound lanes of the Katy Freeway for several hours as investigators and cleanup crews worked to clear the scene. Authorities continue to investigate the crash and are asking witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to contact the Houston Police Departments Vehicular Crimes Division. Do you think wrong-way detection systems and automated emergency braking could help prevent tragedies like this one? Source Join our Newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube page, and follow us on Facebook. The Austin area is coming alive with color, music and remembrance as the city celebrates Dia de Muertos. From marigold-covered altars and glowing candles to neighborhood gatherings, the tradition of honoring loved ones through joy and community is alive and well in the capital city. What is Dia de Muertos? Amelia Salas, 4, looks at the community altar, or ofrenda, set up in the Moody Amphitheater as part of the Waterloo Park Dia de los Muertos celebration, Nov. 2, 2022. (SARA DIGGINS/AMERICAN-STATESMAN) Dia de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a centuries-old tradition that blends Indigenous Mesoamerican beliefs whichview death not as an ending but as another part of life with Catholic traditions. In Austin, its become a community-wide celebration with art installations, altars (ofrendas), face painting, food and music. Oct. 31: Dia de Muertos ofrenda viewing party A section of the community altar, or ofrenda, set up in the Moody Amphitheater as part of the Waterloo Park Dia de los Muertos celebration, honors the victims of the Robb Elementary School Shooting in Uvalde on Nov. 2, 2022. (SARA DIGGINS/AMERICAN-STATESMAN) Join a gathering at the Latino Studies Community in Room 2.206 of the GordonWhite Building of the University of Texas to share pan de muerto and tazas de chocolate around a community ofrenda. The altar will include photographs from friends across campus and victims of the 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde. Attendees will also receive an explanation of the symbolic items placed on altars marigold flowers (cempasuchil), candles, personal keepsakes and how Dia de Muertos is observed. Advertisement Advertisement 10 a.m. to noon, 210 W. 24th St. liberalarts.utexas.edu/latinostudies Nov. 1: St. Elmo Dia de Muertos Springdale celebration A person holds Marigold flowers at the Waterloo Park Dia de los Muertos celebration on Nov. 2, 2022. The flowers are traditionally used to decorate ofrendas, and their bright colors are thought to lead the dead souls to the altars. (SARA DIGGINS/AMERICAN-STATESMAN) The free celebration will feature a Latin-owned vendor market, live music by El Plan Sonidero, face painting and a DJ set from 7 to 9 p.m. A community ofrenda will be open. Drink specials and a special menu will be available. Tickets are available on Eventbrite. 2 to 9 p.m., 8110 Springdale Rd. 512-291-7355, stelmobrewing.com. Nov. 1: Day of the Dead Festival Nikki Diaz, education associate for the Mexic-Arte Museum, put on coorful Dia de los Muertos-themed makeup for the museum's Viva la Vida Festival in downtown Austin, Texas on Oct. 30, 2021. (Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman) The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center will host its 18th annual free, family-friendly event at the Oswaldo A. B. Cantu Pan American Recreation Center. The event features live Latin music and dance, face-painting and sugar-skull-decorating, a community altar, art installations and an artisan vendor market. Advertisement Advertisement 2 to 6 p.m., 2100 E. Third St. austintexas.gov. Nov. 12: Waterloo Greenway Dia de Muertos Parade participants in Dia de los Muertos costumes walk down Congress Avenue during the Viva la Vida Festival parade in downtown Austin, Texas on Oct. 29, 2022. (Aaron E. Martinez / American-Statesman) Waterloo Park will host a two-day fest with altars, live music and dance, a Bridge of Life illuminated entrance, a community ofrenda, a tribute altar to beloved pets, vendor markets, food trucks and a dedicated family and children zone. Event begins at 6 p.m. daily. 500 E. 12th St. 512-974-6700, waterloogreenway.org. Nov. 2: Allgo Day of the Dead community altar exhibit, celebration Photos of loved ones sit on display on the ofrenda during the Dia de los Muertos celebration at San Jose Cemetery I on Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021. (Mikala Compton/American-Statesman, Austin American-Statesman) The celebration offers a free hot meal, guest-artist performances and an inclusive space where queer, transgender, people of color communities and allies can connect and honor ancestors. Participants are encouraged to bring items like pan de muerto, candies, incense, photos and memorabilia to place on the altar as part of the offering. Advertisement Advertisement 4 to 7 p.m., 701 Tillery St. 512-472-2001, allgo.org. Nov. 2: La Mezca Sunday pop-up The decoration inside La Mezca borrows from the Mexican tradition of Dia de los Muertos. (Provided by Frida Molina.) La Mezca is hosting Joseph Gomez from Sana Sana Taqueria as the first guest of their Sunday Pop-Up Series. Gomez is bringing a special taco menu to the mezcaleria. The regular drink menu will be available. 5 p.m. to midnight, 1905 Aldrich St. #120. lamezcaatx.com. Nov. 8: Dia de las Mascotas Samantha Escamilla places marigolds on an altar, or ofrenda, set up for pets in the Moody Amphitheater as part of the Waterloo Park Dia de los Muertos celebration, Nov. 2, 2022. (SARA DIGGINS/AMERICAN-STATESMAN) Organized by Austin Animal Services, this free, family-friendly event combines the traditions of Dia de Muertos with a love of pets. Event includes a parade of adoptable dogs in festive attire, local vendor goods and an outdoor movie under the stars. 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., 7201 Levander Loop, Building A. 512-974-2000, austintexas.gov/austin-animal-center. (COLORADO SPRINGS) Academy School District 20 (D20) will let a Rampart High School senior have a religious-themed parking space after she threatened legal action over the high school denying her design. Sophia Shumaker will get to re-paint her parking space to include a shepherd on a hill with a staff, sheep, and a bible verse after the district updated its guidelines to allow students to include religious messages. Shumakers lawyers previously said that parking spots at other D20 schools featured religious imagery, despite the old rules banning it, and threatened to sue the district. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Students faith-inspired parking spot denied, district faces legal threat Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is unconstitutional for the school to reject Sophias parking space design due to its religious imagery, said Keisha Russell, Senior Counsel at First Liberty Institute, a law firm that represented Shumaker. The Constitution protects private, religious speecheven when it occurs on public school property. The schools policy violates both the Free Speech Clause and the Free Exercise Clause because it targets Sophias speech because of its religious viewpoint. A spokesperson told FOX21, The school did follow agreed-upon guidelines governing this program across the District. However, the set of rules was applied by other schools in different ways with no intent for harm to students. To keep things clear and fair for all students, were re-aligning our practice district-wide. All parking artwork designs must now follow revised guidelines, including: No offensive language, pictures, or symbols No negative or rude language No gang-style tagging No double meanings No alcohol, tobacco, drug, or weapon symbols/words/paraphilia No mention of other schools No images that are trademarked or subject to copyright No names of other students Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement D20 schools will continue to review designs for these content rules and for practical items like safety, visibility, numbering, and traffic markings. 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 FOX21 News Colorado. The criminal charge against Larry Bushart, the Tennessee man who was arrested and charged with threat of mass violence after posting a picture on a social media page following the killing of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, has been dropped, the Perry County Circuit Court Clerk's Office said. A clerk's office employee said the district attorney's office dropped the charge against Bushart, 61, from Lexington, on Oct. 29. The 32nd District Attorney's Office, led by Hans Schwendimann, handles cases in Perry County. Bushart, who had been jailed on a $2 million bond since his arrest on Sept. 22, was set free that afternoon. At 3:07 p.m., an employee of the Perry County Sheriff's Office said Bushart had been released a little more than an hour before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bushart last appeared in court Oct. 9, and his next scheduled court date was Dec. 4, online court records from Perry County show. The Dec. 4 hearing was scheduled to determine if Bushart's bond would be changed and to present preliminary facts of the case. What did Bushart's Facebook post say? Bushart, a former police officer with the Huntingdon Police Department, was charged with threats of mass violence on school property and activities after posting a photo in the Facebook comments of a Perry County community group page planning a vigil for Kirk. Bushart posted various political memes in the comments, including a picture that depicted President Donald Trump saying, We have to get over it, a direct quote from the president after a January 2024 school shooting in Perry, Iowa, that left one dead and seven wounded. The photo is topped with the phrase, "This seems relevant today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perry County Sheriff Nick Weems told The Tennessean in a previous statement that most of Busharts posts were not against the law and would be recognized as free speech. More: Is hate speech free speech? What to know after Charlie Kirk's death According to Weems, however, the Perry, Iowa, quote picture was posted to indicate or make the audience think it was referencing our Perry High School. This led teachers, parents and students to conclude he was talking about a hypothetical shooting at our school, he said. Numerous reached out in concern. According to Weems, investigators believe Bushart was fully aware of the fear his post would cause and intentionally sought to create hysteria within the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A previous Tennessean review of now-deleted social media posts from Weems showed that the sheriff shared information for the upcoming vigil on his personal page, in addition to a mournful post about the activists passing. 'I've been in Facebook jail, but now I'm really in it' Body camera footage obtained by online news outlet The Intercept shows officers arriving at Busharts home just past 11 p.m. Sept. 22. Inside the jail, an officer told Bushart he was charged with threatening mass violence at a school. At a school? Bushart responded. I aint got a clue, the officer said. I just gotta do what I have to do. Bushart laughed. Ive been in Facebook jail but now Im really in it, he said, later adding that he may have been an asshole but Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats not illegal, the officer said. Some argued case restricted speech The case grabbed statewide and national attention for its remarkably harsh response to online speech. Rep. Justin Jones, D-Nashville, sent a letter to Weems and the district attorney in Perry County on Oct. 29, expressing grave concern for the constitutional rights of Bushart and the flagrant misuse of state law to suppress and compel speech. It's unclear if the letter played any role in the district attorney's decision. The Tennessean left a voicemail with the 32nd District Attorney's Office seeking comment. Adam Steinbaugh, senior attorney for the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, filed a series of open records requests with Perry County Schools asking for any communications that would paint a better picture of the alleged hysteria that Busharts post caused. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Steinbaugh, they had none. "I never heard anything back at all from the county," he said, adding that when the school replied to a records request on the matter, the school said "the sheriff handled that case and there are no records." Chris Eargle, a South Carolina man, started the Facebook page Justice for Larry Bushart after he read The Tennessean coverage of the arrest in September. He said the case "should be important to everyone who values being able to comment on current events without having their words, or innocuous memes, twisted into a crime. The law used to charge Bushart was enacted to crack down on school threats, leading to the arrests of dozens of students. Critics say it has also led to the punishment of some students for speech that is largely protected by the First Amendment, according to experts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Tennessee man arrested in connection to Charlie Kirk social media posts This is a developing story. Check back for updates. Have questions about the justice system? Evan Mealins is the justice reporter for The Tennessean. Contact him with questions, tips or story ideas at emealins@tennessean.com. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Larry Bushart, man arrested over Charlie Kirk memes, released from jail The Lackawanna County district attorney opposes a request by Office of Youth and Family Services workers for the states highest court to review their case. District Attorney Brian Gallagher filed a petition Monday challenging the request by four current employees and one retired employee of OYFS, who want the state Supreme Court to review a Superior Court decision that held they could be prosecuted on charges related to failing to report suspected neglect and abuse. The district attorneys office also asks the state Supreme Court to overturn the Superior Courts decision that the workers are legally immune from prosecution on child endangerment charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its my responsibility to fight for the families and children of Lackawanna County, Gallagher said. Their health, safety and welfare is paramount to law enforcement and we will continue to hold those who have been entrusted with their care accountable. Case works through courts The case goes back to June 2023, when Sadie ODay Coyne, Amy Helcoski, Erik Krauser, Bryan Walker and Randy Ramik were charged with child endangerment and failure to report. Lackawanna County Judge James Gibbons dismissed the charges in January 2024, citing state law that protects OYFS workers from prosecution in the course of their duties. In February 2024, then-District Attorney Mark Powell filed an appeal of the decision, writing, the ruling gives permission to every child protective services worker in the commonwealth to ignore their responsibilities without fear of any legal consequences. Its wrong and it cannot stand. Our children deserve better. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March, a three-judge panel of the state Superior Court heard arguments from Deputy District Attorney Sara Varela and a defense attorney representing the five defendants named in the case. In a split decision issued in September, the Superior Court held that workers cannot face child endangerment charges but can be prosecuted on charges of failing to report child abuse. In October, the five workers filed a petition for allowance of appeal, asking that the state Supreme Court review the Superior Courts decision that they could be tried on failure to report charges. In asking the state Supreme Court to review the case, lawyers for the five workers argued that allowing them to face criminal prosecution for their good faith actions exposes diligent, good faith caseworkers to criminal liability for their in-moment professional judgements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DA: Failing families for years Gallagher included excerpts from police affidavits in the petitions to the state Supreme Court filed Monday. The affidavits allege the workers failed to properly respond to eight children living in three different homes by ignoring bug-infested and feces-fouled conditions, injuries and lack of food, medical care and schooling, and reports of physical and sexual abuse. Among the examples provided in the brief are one worker who repeatedly responded to a filthy residence where a parent routinely abused alcohol. The worker, however, repeatedly attempted to close the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In another case, a caseworker was called to a residence after police officers found deplorable conditions, with animal feces throughout the apartment, cat litter covering the floors and two children, who appeared to be disheveled with matted hair. Although the caseworker returned to the apartment multiple times, the children were not immediately removed from the house or provided with services, according to the affidavit. The mother would later tell investigators she had reached out to OYFS for help and services, but none were provided. In arguing that the state Supreme Court review the Superior Courts decision disallowing prosecution of the five workers on charges of endangering the welfare of children, Gallagher wrote, The OYFS employees were charged (with endangerment) because they endangered the welfare of the children by violating a duty of care, protection or support. They did this by observing the deplorable and dangerous conditions the children were living in and not doing anything about it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gallagher added that the original charges were proper and the workers were not immune, according to state law. Helcoski, Krauser, Coyne and Walker are on paid administrative leave. Ramik has retired, a spokesperson for Lackawanna County indicated in September. Arnoldo Carrillo and his sister Sarai said they were sleeping in from a church retreat that weekend when their father, Rosario Carrillo Lopez, took their 14-year-old brother to school on Oct. 13 at Gary Lighthouse Charter School. Court records show immigration agents were staking out their house and started tailing their father on the way to school. As he headed back, they tried to arrest him. U.S. Homeland Security agents said in sworn court filings that their father hit one of their vehicles trying to escape. His children say that is not true that agents hit his mini GMC SUV trying to force him off the road to apprehend him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His front drivers side and back passengers side lights were damaged. They came without warning, Arnoldo, 26, said of the crash, on Clark Road between 5th and 6th Avenues. He didnt see them at all. Carrillo Lopez, 53, of Gary, who owns his own fencing company, drove over a curb and was able to evade agents that day. When he got home, Arnoldo saw him breathing heavily and afraid. The poor man was in sandals, he said. He was trying to get home peacefully. Days later, immigration agents raided their Gary home at around 6 a.m. Oct. 23. Both siblings, U.S. citizens, said when they asked for a warrant, agents showed them a folded-up piece of paper and didnt give them a document to examine until the family was handcuffed outside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their father is being held at the Hammond City Jail. Their mother, Martha, who was arrested while hiding in a basement closet and who spent thousands trying to renew an expired visa, is in an ICE detention facility in El Paso, Texas. Their 14-year-old brother, who is a U.S. citizen, is also still being held in Lake County Juvenile Detention Center, his family says. The raid itself left Arnoldo with a visible black eye, a sore neck and chest, scratches and bruises after he said agents punched and choked him, while ripping his shirt open, he said. They arrested the father, who was hiding on the roof. His sister, Sarai, screamed that she was a diabetic and her blood sugar was affected by stress and anxiety. Federal prosecutors charged Sarai, 24, Friday, alleging she pushed a federal agent with body armor. In an interview, she denied it, noting she is 5-foot-1. The man was bigger than me and was pointing a gun. She believed it was retaliation for repeatedly asking for a warrant. A representative from ICE did not immediately respond to detailed questions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arnoldo contacted the Post-Tribune after reading an article on Friday after federal prosecutors in the U.S. District Court in the Northern District in Indiana charged his father disputing the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement narrative that his father hit their vehicles. U.S. Attorneys Office spokeswoman Morgan Swistek referred a reporter to the case file and declined to answer questions on various inconsistencies between the government and familys accounts, citing the federal government shutdown. Arnoldo said their mother, 56, who is also a diabetic, has lost vision in one eye from a recent stroke, and is losing sight in the other eye. Doctors limited her to only drive as needed in the daytime. She also has an injured shoulder as she was trying to tell an agent in a cell phone video which meant putting an arm behind her back was very painful. They dont know if she has medication in detention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal agents allege the teen interfered with the arrest by grabbing the neck of a U.S. Marshal and trying to grab one agents gun. His family said that is not true. The boy who the Post-Tribune is not naming because he is a minor is the treasurer on the Gary Lighthouse student council. He loves video games and hanging out with friends. Hes never even been suspended from school, let alone in trouble with the law, his family said. He was a kid who was naturally apologetic and probably thought it was his fault, Arnoldo said. After the raid, the teen had a bloodied bruise on the back of his head, Arnoldo said. They are hoping to gain guardianship to get him released in the next week or so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lawyer, Robert Lewis, confirmed he was just hired by the family to represent the teen in court. The boys court date is set for Nov. 7, but Lewis said he didnt know anything else about the case. A representative from Gary Lighthouse did not immediately respond to questions, including what school officials are advising families who could get swept up in immigration raids. The morning agents raided the home on Oct. 23, there were flashlights coming in the house and loud banging. Then, agents rammed the door open. I was already awake, Arnoldo said. I was just in shock, I didnt know what to do. Both siblings later said agents did not provide identification or badge numbers. Arnoldo estimated there were at least eight agents involved. They forcibly grabbed me and pulled me, he said. I really thought I was going to die in that moment. One punched me in the eye. I was not resisting at all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the Gary Police station, Arnoldo was released several hours later, while his father was taken to Hammond, his sister to Porter County Jail and the brother to the county juvenile detention center in Crown Point. Its hard, he said. I had my whole family in my house Thursday night. We all said good night to each other. Just in an instant, we were all separated. Back in 2008, their family seized an opportunity to buy a modest house near the Gary airport, he said. Despite the citys reputation for violence, the area was calm and quiet. The neighbors on the block are close, he said. Then, days before the raid, it raised their suspicions when they thought they observed people scouting the property and an unknown vehicle circling the block. His mom thought she saw a drone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Carrillos described their parents as hardworking, loving and giving. Sarai said she was her dads favorite. She recalled he gave her and her friends money to buy things at the gas station growing up, saying he was a soft and shy man. Arnoldo said Monday he believed neither of their parents have a criminal record, and they have lived in the U.S. since moving from Mexico in the 1990s. They were looking for a better life and the American dream. His parents met in church in California. Arnoldo said he only learned of his fathers narcotics offense mentioned in federal documents through a news article. After asking around, a relative said it was decades old, possibly before his parents met. His father long since did his time, he recalled the relative said. In April, Carillo Lopez pled guilty to a misdemeanor charge of not possessing an operators license as part of plea agreement, stemming from a September 2024 traffic stop, according to Lake County court records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carrillo Lopez, for now, is worried about his employees and how his customers will get their work orders completed. He told his son to skip his court dates, worried that federal immigration agents could arrest him. How Carrillo Lopez first got on the U.S. Department of Homeland Securitys radar is disputed. Arnoldo said his father was working on a job site a few days before the Oct. 13 crash when a police officer approached him. He didnt know which agency. His father provided his Mexican identification card. All he remembers is the officer saying you could be arrested for it, Arnoldo said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The police left. His father went back to work. Gary Mayor Eddie Meltons Office spokesman Steve Segura said Chief Derrick Cannon checked and concluded city police did not contact ICE. Officers encountered the subject on a call for service, that turned out to not be a criminal matter, he wrote in an email. Police reports Segura provided late Wednesday showed someone called police on Oct. 10 reporting a suspicious white pickup and a man putting up fencing in the back of the former Beckman Junior High, 1430 W 23rd Ave., which closed in 2005. Officers quickly reported they were contractors. The actual interaction, at 4:18 p.m., was over in five minutes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At this time, we are investigating if one of our personnel had contact with HSI/ICE, but my office has not had any official contact with HSI/ICE involving tipping off HSI/ICE for immigration matters, Segura wrote on behalf of Gary Police. In court filings, Homeland Security Special Agent Steven Moran wrote they were contacted by the Gary Police Departmentregarding (Carrillo Lopez) following a GPD encounterin which (he) provided (officers) with a Mexican Consular Identification Card. Carrillo works as a U.S Ministry Project Coordinator for Bible League International. He is set to get married in July. His sister babysits and is taking general studies classes, looking into a possible healthcare career. Their brother, inspired by their father, hopes to be a welder. As U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is scheduled to visit Gary Thursday, Arnoldo said he would tell her he doesnt want his experience happening to another family. For now, they are grateful for the support from their church, local community and loved ones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We just want our little brother right now, he said. The family has raised over $23,000 in a fundraising campaign for their legal bills on the GoFundMe online platform. Representatives from the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago donated $5,000. We forgive and would rather forget the whole scenario, Sarai said. mcolias@post-trib.com NEED TO KNOW Daniel Waterman died months after sustaining life-threatening injuries in a car crash in Florida He claimed he was in an argument with his girlfriend Leigha Mumby after finding out she was pregnant He alleged, during his recovery, Mumby caused the crash during the argument A Florida woman is facing several charges, including vehicular homicide, after a car crash in February left her boyfriend dead months later. Daniel Waterman, 22, was in a car crash on an interstate in Flagler County, Fla., on Feb. 9, and sustained severe, life-threatening injuries, according to an arrest warrant affidavit obtained by PEOPLE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His girlfriend, 24-year-old Leigha Mumby, was arrested in July after the warrant was issued on charges of reckless driving causing serious bodily injury and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, per the affidavit. She was charged with vehicular homicide on Friday, Oct. 24 after Waterman died from his injuries on Oct. 8, per an amended warrant reviewed by PEOPLE. Flagler County Sheriff's Office Leigha C. Mumby Leigha C. Mumby Following his rescue in the February crash, Waterman was brought to the hospital with severe injuries, including a spinal injury and trauma to his head and face, per the initial affidavit. He slipped into a coma, the New York native's mother told Syracuse.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After he awoke from the coma, he was interviewed by investigators, his mother said. During an interview with investigators in May, the affidavit alleges, Waterman said Mumby had driven the vehicle into a tree during an argument on the night of the incident. Waterman told police that the couple was arguing after he learned Mumby was pregnant, and after he received a text message from a woman in New York, per the complaint. As the fight intensified, Mumby allegedly began driving recklessly, Waterman told police. At one point, she slowed down and Waterman tried to escape, he told police. Mumby allegedly sped up again, and said: "I don't care what happens, you'll get what you deserve," before driving the car into a tree, Waterman said, per the complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both were severely injured. Mumby allegedly told investigators a few days after the incident that she did not know what happened leading up to the crash, and remembers waking up "in agonizing pain," investigators said in the affidavit. GoFundMe Daniel Waterman. Daniel Waterman. Both Mumby and the unborn child survived the crash, per reports. Waterman's family is now fighting for custody of the child, pending a paternity test, CNY Central reported. "We can't let the baby grow up with a mom that could possibly do this," Waterman's grandfather Michael Gilman told the outlet. "It's our mission in life that if that child is his, that we take that child and teach her what her dad was all about," Gilman said. "She has to know him through our actions, through our memories. We will not let him be gone." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Waterman was eagerly looking forward to being a dad, his family said in a GoFundMe set up initially to assist with recovery-related bills. "Daniel was an excited, soon-to-be father of a baby girl," reads part of the fundraiser. "There was not a day that went by that he didnt express that he just wanted to come home." 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. Mumby has pleaded not guilty to the initial charges of reckless driving causing serious bodily injury and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, according to online court records reviewed by PEOPLE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The records do not indicate a plea for the homicide charge; PEOPLE has reached out to an attorney listed for Mumby. If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.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 The principal at Woodrow Wilson High School in Dallas has been removed after she held a meeting exclusively with Black students to blame them for the school's academic reputation. Principal Chandra Hooper-Barnett called the meeting only with Black students discuss the schools recent B academic rating, sparking outrage among parents. "He said that Principal Barnett stated that those students, the Black students, were the reason why the school had a B rating," Jennifer Bush, the parents of a sophomore at the school, told the Dallas Morning News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bush told the paper that she was "livid," noting that her son has a 3.5 GPA and is in advanced placement and college classes. Shes Black as well. You have a historical position ... and this is what you do. Thats insane, Bush told the paper. Woodrow Wilson High School Principal Chandra Hooper-Barnett has been removed from her position at the Dallas-area school after she allegedly called a meeting with Black students to blame them for the school's "B" academic rating (Dallas Independent School District) According to Fox 4 News, the school previously had a C rating, so its academic performance has actually improved over the last year. But parents still felt that Black students were being blamed for the schools rating not being high. "The principal stated how [the Black students] are the reason for the B rating. And it was not like 'oh you guys helped raise it to a B,' it was 'you guys are the reason we are not an A school,'" Jennifer, a Woodrow Wilson parent, told the broadcaster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mother said that Barnett needed to be removed, as the trust between the school and the families had been "broken" by her alleged targeting of Black students. Woodrow Wilson has a student population of 2,000, about 6 percent of whom are Black. Following the meeting and the blowback, Barnett issued a letter to parents taking responsibility for the incident. "The decision to hold that meeting and subsequent discussion that transpired was not appropriate," she wrote. "I take full ownership and responsibility for what occurred, and I want to assure you that it was never my intent to single out or cause harm to any group of students." On Monday, the Dallas Independent School District sent a letter to parents informing them that Barnett would no longer serve as the principal, and that Danielle Peters would take over as interim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statement, sent by Dallas ISD Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde, confirmed that the meeting Barnett called was not sanctioned by the district. The letter did not include details of what actually happened during the meeting. The Independent has requested comment from the Dallas ISD. DARIEN - The town's Board of Education had planned to conduct a national search for a new superintendent, but it turned out that wasn't necessary. On Tuesday night, the Darien board unanimously approved the appointment of Eric Byrne as permanent superintendent of schools. Byrne has served in the role on an interim basis for the past four months. "Looks like retirement is not in your future right now," said board member Sara D. Parent, who co-chaired the superintendent search committee with fellow member Dennis Maroney. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the vote, the board gave Byrne a standing ovation. Byrne called the appointment an honor and an "incredible opportunity." "As an educator I believe deeply that students must remain at the center of all that we do," he said. "As our district continues to grow and evolve, we will create meaningful opportunities for students to have a voice in our work, ensuring they see themselves reflected in our classrooms and feel a deep sense of belonging in every school building." Byrne has served as interim superintendent since July, when he replaced former superintendent Alan Addley, who announced his retirement in March after serving as Darien's superintendent since 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before joining the Darien school system, Byrne served as superintendent of Rye City School District in Rye, New York, from 2017 to 2025. Prior to becoming the superintendent in Rye, Byrne served as an assistant superintendent for curriculum & instruction in the Chappaqua Central School District in New York, and was an elementary school principal, an assistant principal and a high school science teacher. He attended New York City public schools and has a doctoral degree in educational leadership and administration from Fordham University. Byrne and his wife Andrea live in Fairfield County and have a daughter Hannah who is a local chef. The Board of Education hired School Leadership LLC to spearhead the superintendent search, a process that began in April. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Over the past seven months, our board and our community has worked together to define exactly what we wanted in a leader," Parent said. "As it turned out, we did not have to look far. The person who met every single one of those qualities ... was already here." Martin Brooks, an associate with School Leadership, described the hire as a "wonderful match." "The Board of Education sought extensive feedback from the community through focus groups, interviews and an online survey," he said in a press release. "Based on the robust responses we received, if Dr. Byrne hadn't already been serving as the interim superintendent, he would have been at the top of our recruitment list. He is an exceptional leader with a strong record of success in high performing districts." Jill McCammon, chair of the Board of Education, read a description of the qualities the board was looking for in a new superintendent at Tuesday's meeting. The list was developed with input from community members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We were looking for an inspirational ... strategic and innovative leader who sets high standards, holds self and others accountable and is committed to maximizing the potential of every student," she said. Further, she stated, the ideal candidate would be "visible and accessible" and excited about working in Darien. "We've seen all of those things in him," she said, of Byrne. Board member Robin P. Nelson said Byrne was a perfect fit. "You embody the type of strong, forward-thinking and decisive leadership that our community values and needs," she said. Byrne will hold his first "fireside chat" on Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. at Holmes Elementary School, at which he will share his vision for the school district. This article originally published at Darien school board chooses Eric Byrne as permanent superintendent. Datavant and athenahealth have announced a collaboration for automating medical record requests and releases across the US. The companies will develop an offering that will merge Datavant's clinical data access and managed release of information (ROI) services, augmented by AI-driven quality assurance, into athenahealth's cloud-based solution, athenaOne. Participation in this offering will be voluntary, so athenahealth clients will have the opportunity to digitise record requests for diverse situations, including those from healthcare organisations, insurers, patients, public health agencies, and researchers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The collaboration aims to combine the extensive capabilities of an electronic health record (EHR) platform with Datavants comprehensive ROI infrastructure. It will provide a privacy-focused solution that is agnostic to both the purpose of exchange and the type of request. Medical practices will have the ability to manage compliant fulfilment seamlessly within their existing workflows, with the goal of minimising administrative burdens and expediting record delivery for patients and authorised requestors. Datavant chief strategy officer Shannon West said: This offering is about transforming a historically manual and fragmented process into one that is seamless, secure, and digital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By bringing together athenahealths market-leading EHR platform with Datavants expertise in health data exchange, we are building a modern infrastructure for data exchange that allows practices to focus on care, not paperwork, while ensuring that health data gets from where it sits to where it needs to be securely, compliantly and without friction. The companies aim to address challenges beyond payerprovider exchange by delivering an integrated service covering appropriate billing, compliance review, authorisation validation, request intake, and secure delivery. athenahealth chief strategy and corporate development officer Michael Palantoni said: Health data exchange has historically been a burdensome, manual administrative process for healthcare practices. By working with Datavant, we plan to deliver a technology-driven solution that automates and simplifies this complexityreducing administrative workload, increasing compliance, and improving satisfaction for record requestors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Datavant and athenahealth partner for medical record request automation" was originally created and published by Hospital Management, a GlobalData owned brand. Professor David Shaw, who has died aged 101, was a doyen of medical education; as part of the modernising team at the Newcastle Medical School, and later as chairman of the General Medical Councils education committee, he helped to establish the principle that students should have contact with patients as early as possible in their training. In 1964 Shaw was recruited to Newcastle Universitys neurology department, housed in the Royal Victoria Infirmary, by Henry Miller, soon to be Newcastles Dean of Medicine. Miller had already begun the work of reforming the very traditional, subject-based clinical training, with the first two years spent on the basics of anatomy, physiology and pathology, all taught separately, with no patient contact until the third year. Millers new curriculum integrated those basic sciences into the study of particular subjects: cardiac disease, for instance. There was also an emphasis on patient contact from day one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alongside his remit of developing stroke medicine, Shaw served as Millers clinical sub-dean, and increasingly channelled his own energies into education. A classicist, he taught generations of students how to write scientific papers in a lucid manner; at one point in his career, he was offered an editorial role at The Times. A classical scholar, he taught generations of students how to write scientific papers in a lucid manner He also served from 1976 to 1979 as public orator for Newcastle University, delivering the citations of honorary graduands including Cardinal Hume, the Olympic medal-winning runner Brendan Foster, and the writer Sid Chaplin. In 1981 Shaw became Newcastles Dean of Medicine, which brought him a seat on the General Medical Council. In 1989 he was elected chair of the GMCs education committee, where he oversaw medical school inspections, and the enforcement of more modern curricula with the publication of its 1993 report Tomorrows Doctors, which bore the imprint of his down-to-earth style. The explosive growth of knowledge in medicine and its related sciences has resulted in an intolerable degree of overcrowding of the undergraduate curriculum, Shaw had written in 1992. Our students are so overwhelmed by the burden of facts that intellectual stimulation is lost, critical faculties are underdeveloped and curiosity is dimmed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tomorrows Doctors slashed the unwieldy curriculum by a third to a small, defined core, encouraged self-directed study to spark critical thinking, and got medical students into early contact with patients. The four Chief Medical Officers for the UK were required to fund local facilitators in each medical school, and the schools were given five years to implement changes, with annual reports on their progress. Tomorrows Doctors is widely thought to have been pivotal in improving the standards of medical education and patient care across the UK. Shaw in the RNVR David Aitken Shaw was born in Edinburgh on April 11 1924, the second of four children of Mina, nee Draper, and John James Mackintosh Shaw, a renowned surgeon. David was educated at Edinburgh Academy, where he was Dux, the highest academic achiever. He entered medical school in 1941 but initially did not enjoy it. His elder brother was already in the Forces, so that year David put his studies on hold and joined the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. In 1945 he was serving in the tank-landing ship LST-364 when it was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel. He suffered severe abdominal injuries and was in hospital in Dover for many months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Having returned to Edinburgh University, he qualified as a doctor in 1951. After junior posts at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh he decided to specialise in neurology, and went south to the Institute of Neurology at Queen Square in London, where he was a lecturer from 1957 to 1964, including a year at the Mayo Clinic, before joining the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle. As Dean of Medicine, he presided over the building of a new medical school, which in 1984 was opened by the Queen Mother, who had opened the previous building in 1934 when she was Duchess of York. In 1989, on being elected chair of the GMC education committee, he stepped down as Dean, and was appointed CBE. In 1995 he moved from the GMC to the Royal College of Physicians, where he was medical co-ordinator of the Joint Committee on Higher Medical Training. In 2020 he was appointed to the Legion dhonneur. A tall man, who retained his distinctive Scottish accent, Shaw liked to be smartly dressed, and was invariably polite and welcoming, an excellent diagnostic clinician and a caring doctor. He was popular with his students, tolerating their occasional exuberant excesses with a smile and a reminder of their responsibilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He usually had two books on the go, one for serious reading for two hours in the morning and another for bedtime. In 1960 he married Jill, nee Parry, whom he had met at Queen Square, where she was a medical secretary. Jill died in 2022 and he is survived by their children, Alison, until recently a Professor of the Practice of Inclusive Learning at Newcastle University; Andrew, an NHS psychologist; and Katrina, a palliative-care nurse specialist. David Shaw, born April 11 1924, died August 26 2025 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. CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Jury selection is now underway in the trial of the men accused of killing Scott Brooks, the co-owner of Brooks Sandwich House, almost six years ago. The judge said Tuesday he expects jury selection could take at least several days, but court officials have also said it could last even a week or more. A major reason for that is publicity. The case is so high-profile that nine of twelve potential jurors said Tuesday afternoon theyve heard about this case in the past through media reports, or in other ways, prior to the trial starting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday morning, the judge made another major decision in the trial. On January 11, 2020, two people, Siojvon Joseph and Asa Shannon, were found shot to death in a car on Atando Avenue. Police said robbery was the motive. The murders happened 32 days after and 2.8 miles away from where Scott Brooks was shot and killed during a robbery when he was opening Brooks Sandwich House in December 2019. Steven Staples and Terry Connor, Jr., are suspects in both cases, but theyre on trial for one, Brooks murder. On Tuesday, Judge Louis Trosch ruled that evidence from the murders on Atando Avenue can be brought into the Brooks trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I feel wonderful about it. It should have been (evidence allowed) because its admissible just like the evidence in this case is. And Im not sure if they have anything else, but the MO was the same way, the pattern was the same way, so hopefully this is going to help our case and bringing justice to my brother, said David Brooks, Scott Brooks twin brother and co-owner of Brooks Sandwich House. David Brooks still owns and runs the NoDa burger shop. He was back at work on Tuesday after sitting in on the first day of the trial, Monday. Im trying to leave the room, which is limited space now, for the jurors and the rest of my family to be there, said David Brooks. Being tried at the same time is going to be a little lengthy, but as long as the evidence is there, hopefully they can get a quick conviction, as soon as they possibly can. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday afternoon, two potential jurors were dismissed for medical reasons, and another for financial reasons because of missing work. A third was dismissed because she had family members who were victims of violent crime in different cases, and she did not feel she could be impartial to the defendants. QCNEWS.COM BROOKS SANDWICH HOUSE MURDER 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. CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Wednesday was the first full day of jury selection in the trial of the men accused of killing Scott Brooks, the co-owner of Brooks Sandwich House in NoDa, nearly six years ago. Publicity in the case isnt the only challenge in picking a jury. It turns out theres something much more complicated for potential jurors, and thats all the issues going on in their lives. DAY 2: Jury selection begins in trial of Brooks Sandwich House co-owners murder This trial could last up to five weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats a big commitment. Two potential jurors have been dismissed for medical reasons, and quite a few have spoken up about financial hardships. Jury duty in North Carolina only pays $12 the first day, then $20 a day, and after five days $40 a day. At least two potential jurors were dismissed because they dont get paid if theyre not working. They said they might lose their homes if they lost that much money by missing work during the trial. The other issue thats come up is that a couple of people in the jury pool have had family members who were victims of violent crimes. That alone doesnt keep someone from being on the jury, but an attorney tells us theyve got to be able to make sure those experiences in the past dont cause them to be unfair to either side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I always say that when you walk in and serve on a jury, theres not a brain scanner that you walk through that erases everything in your mind, so youre this robot without any experiences or having lived any sort of life in which to attribute to serving on a jury. Thats not what youre being asked to do. Youre just simply being asked to listen to the evidence, determine what the facts are, follow the law, and the conclusion of the case, said Brad Smith, a Charlotte attorney. Jury selection is expected to last at least until the end of this week. 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. Oct. 29 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1618, Sir Walter Raleigh was beheaded in London. He had been accused of plotting against King James I. In 1787, Don Giovanni by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, had its first performance. In 1901, Leon Czolgosz was electrocuted for the assassination of President William McKinley inside the Temple of Music at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, N.Y. In 1923, following the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire, the Republic of Turkey, under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal, was proclaimed from the capitol city of Ankara. Hearing attendees hold a sign honoring the victims of the Ethiopian Airlines 302 and Lion Air Flight 610 crashes during a House Transportation Subcommittee hearing on the Boeing 737 MAX on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on June 19, 2019. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI In 1923, the musical Runnin' Wild, which introduced the Charleston, opened on Broadway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1929, the sale of 16 million shares marked the collapse of the stock market, setting the stage for the Great Depression. This day became known as "Black Tuesday." On October 29, 2012, the storm that began as Hurricane Sandy made landfall in New Jersey and continued on a destructive path in the Northeast. File Photo by Dennis Van Tine/UPI In 1946, Soviet leader Joseph Stalin responded to United Press questions, saying Winston Churchill is the greatest threat to peace and denying tension growing with America. File Photo by Anatoli Zhdanov/UPI Families visit a frozen lake to skate, ski, slip and fall at a popular tourist area in Beijing on February 6, 2015. On October 29, 2015, China announced it was ending its nearly 40-year one-child policy, allowing couples to have two children without facing punishment. File Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI In 1956, Israeli forces, in a plan later found to have been coordinated with Britain and France, invade the Sinai Peninsula, pushing Egyptian forces back to the Suez Canal. The Suez Crisis, which lasted just over a week, would keep the waterway closed from Oct. 1956 until March 1957. In 1969, the first connection on what would become the Internet was made when bits of data flowed between computers at UCLA and the Stanford Research Institute. A crowd of people gather outside the New York Stock Exchange following the collapse of the financial markets on October 24, 1929. On October 29, 1929, the sale of 16 million shares marked the collapse of the stock market, setting the stage for the Great Depression. This day became known as "Black Tuesday." File Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1971, Duane Allman, guitarist and leader of the Allman Brothers band, died in a motorcycle crash in Georgia. In 1994, a Colorado man was arrested after he sprayed the White House with bullets with an assault rifle. U.S. President Bill Clinton was inside at the time but no one was injured. The gunman was sentenced to 40 years in prison. Pilot Steven W. Lindsey (R) reaches playfully for the name tag on the flight suit of Payload Specialist John H. Glenn Jr., on October 29, 1998. File Photo courtesy of NASA File Photo by Cliff Owen/UPI In 1998, U.S. Sen. John Glenn, D-Ohio, who in 1962 became the first U.S. astronaut to orbit Earth, returned to space aboard the shuttle Discovery. At 77, he became the oldest person to travel in space. Smoke rises from oil tanks beside the Suez Canal hit during the initial Anglo-French assault on Port Said, on November 6, 1956. On October 29, 1956, Israeli forces, in a plan later found to have been coordinated with Britain and France, invade the Sinai Peninsula, pushing Egyptian forces back to the Suez Canal. The Suez Crisis, which lasted just over a week, would keep the waterway closed from October 1956 until March 1957. File Photo courtesy Imperial War Museum In 2004, Osama bin Laden, in a videotape to the American people, said he ordered the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2006, a Boeing 737 crashed near Nigeria's Abuja airport, killing 96 of the 104 people aboard. Officials said the pilot took off after disobeying an air traffic controller and the plane crashed moments later. In 2012, the storm that began as Hurricane Sandy, which had hit several Caribbean countries, made landfall in New Jersey -- after being reclassified as a still-powerful post-tropical cyclone -- and continued on a destructive path in the Northeast. Differing death tolls were reported in subsequent days. Eventually, the National Hurricane Center reported 72 deaths in the United States, 54 in Haiti, 11 in Cuba, three in the Dominican Republic, two in the Bahamas, two at sea, and one each in Jamaica, Puerto Rico and Canada. In 2015, China announced it was ending its nearly 40-year one-child policy, allowing couples to have two children without facing punishment. In 2018, Lion Air Flight JT-610 crashed into the sea 1 minute after it took off from Soekarano-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta, Indonesia, killing 189 people. It was the first of two crashes of a Boeing 737 Max 8, calling attention to problems with the aircraft that would lead to a worldwide grounding in 2019. In 2022, a stampede at a Halloween festival in Seoul, South Korea, killed 159 people and injured nearly 200 others. GLADE SPRING, Va. (WJHL) Dead vultures found in Glade Spring have tested positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), according to town leadership. On Tuesday, Glade Spring leaders posted on the towns Facebook page, stating that the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) confirmed that testing conducted on dead vultures indicated the presence of HPAI. Dead vultures cause concern for possible avian flu in SWVA Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The town reports cases have been confirmed in Wythe, Smyth and Washington counties, as well as other parts of Virginia. Glade Spring and nearby Saltville had issued warnings and guidance for residents earlier in October after multiple reports of dead vultures in the area. Shortly after, the DWR began asking Southwest Virginians to report suspected avian flu cases due to the likelihood of HPAI in the area. In its Tuesday update, the Town of Glade Spring stated its guidance has not changed after the confirmation of avian flu. People should still limit their exposure and follow the guidance for disposing and handling dead birds. Private property owners are responsible for disposing of birds on their own property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with dead birds on their property should wear gloves, a mask, and eye protection and either bury the bird or double-bag it and place it in an outdoor trash can. Hands should be thoroughly washed and clothes and shoes disinfected after handling. Anyone who sees dead birds on public property in Glade Spring is asked to call town hall at 276-429-5134 to report it so they can be disposed of. After dead vultures, agency asks Southwest Va. to report suspected avian flu cases Anyone with domestic or backyard birds should take extra precautions to keep them from other birds that may be carrying the virus. Waterfowl can serve as carriers without showing symptoms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The town and DWR recommend domestic poultry owners limit where they allow their birds access to, disinfect items that come into contact with poultry, avoid sharing equipment and temporarily remove outdoor bird feeders to keep flocks separate. According to the towns post, evidence suggests HPAI poses a low risk to humans, and transmission is rare and usually limited to close contact with infected birds or livestock. The DWR continues to ask anyone who encounters a suspected case of avian flu to report it by calling 1-855-571-9003 or emailing wildlifehealth@dwr.virginia.gov. 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 WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. Update: Wednesday, October 29 at 10:27 a.m. Authorities have released new details on a deadly crash that shut down traffic on Interstate 10 near Comfort, Texas, on Monday afternoon. Dila Hidalgo, a special deputy trooper with the Texas Department of Public Safety, told MySA that three people - a 23-year-old woman and two boys of unknown ages - were killed after a 2018 Cascadia truck tractor/semi-trailer hit the back of their GMC Sierra pickup truck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities have identified the woman as Giselle Cristobal but have not released the names of the boys who died in the crash. A 31-year-old woman who was driving the GMC was taken to a medical center in San Antonio for treatment, and a 2-year-old girl was also airlifted from the scene to a nearby hospital. Officials said the pickup truck was stopped in the right lane of the highway in the westbound lanes near Exit 524 in Kendall County when the semi-trailer "collided with the rear of the pickup." The driver of the semi-trailer was not injured, according to DPS. Authorities said the investigation is ongoing. Originals story Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A deadly crash on Interstate 10 outside of San Antonio has shut down part of the highway's westbound lanes heading toward Comfort, according to the Kendall County Sheriff's Office. Authorities with the agency say exit 524 is currently closed while responders work the scene of what they are calling a "major" incident. All westbound traffic has been cut off and is being diverted through Comfort, a small Hill Country town just outside of Boerne. Sheriff's deputies say commuters should expect significant delays in the area, and alternate routes are encouraged. Kendall County Sheriff's Office posted the news to Facebook just after 3:50 p.m. on Monday, October 27. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We ask everyone to drive carefully and avoid the area to allow first responders to work safely," the post reads. Law enforcement officers are expected to provide further updates as they become available. This article originally published at Woman killed in deadly crash on a San Antonio-area highway ID'd. Oct. 29 (UPI) -- Hurricane Melissa weakened to a Category 2 storm on Wednesday afternoon after causing at least 36 deaths after hitting Jamaica, Haiti and Cuba during the past day. Melissa was situated about 110 miles south-southeast of the central Bahamas and about 955 miles southwest of Bermuda, with sustained winds of 100 mph and moving to the northeast at 15 mph, the National Hurricane Center reported in its 2 p.m. EDT update. Hurricane-force winds extend out about 40 miles from the eye of the storm, while tropical-storm-force winds extend out about 185 miles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The NHC said a hurricane warning is in effect for the Cuban provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo, Holguin and Las Tunas. A tropical storm warning is in effect for Haiti, the Cuban province of Camaguey and the Turks and Caicos Islands. A U.S. Air Force Reserve crew from the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, known as the "Hurricane Hunters," flies through Hurricane Melissa on Monday. Photo by Lt. Col. Mark Withee/U.S. Air Force/UPI Some slight weakening of the storm system is predicted as Hurricane Melissa brings hurricane conditions to the southern and central Bahamas and tropical storm conditions to the Turks and Caicos Islands on Wednesday, according to the NHC. Hurricane conditions are predicted for Bermuda by Thursday night after tropical storm conditions arrive earlier in the day and bring heavy rainfall. A person walks in front of a house damaged by Hurricane Melissa in Kingston, Jamaica, on Tuesday, which killed at least seven on the island nation and 29 in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Photo by Rudolph Brown/EPA The storm system is expected to bring between 10 and 20 inches of rainfall to eastern Cuba and up to 25 inches in mountainous terrain, which will create life-threatening conditions and potential flash flooding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Between 5 and 10 inches of rainfall and flash flooding are predicted for the Southeast Bahamas, while the Turks and Caicos Islands are expected to see between 1 and 3 inches of rainfall. Hurricane Melissa caused at least 36 deaths in the Caribbean after the storm struck Jamaica and Haiti on Tuesday and made landfall in Cuba as a Category 3 storm on Wednesday morning, according to CNN and NBC News. The storm system was a Category 5 hurricane with is made landfall in Jamaica at 1 p.m. EDT Tuesday, where it killed at least seven, stranded locals on rooftops and left them without power as the storm passed over the island nation. The hurricane claimed at least 25 lives in Haiti and 36 in total in Jamaica, Cuba and the Dominican Republic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was the most powerful storm of the 2025 Atlantic storm season and among the most powerful to make landfall in the Atlantic basin. Despite its impact, some Jamaican airports are reopening on Wednesday and will resume commercial flights Thursday morning, Jamaican Transportation Minister Daryl Vaz announced on social media. Growing up the son of Yemeni immigrants in a low-income neighborhood in the south end of Dearborn, Nagi Almudhegi went on to graduate from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor with a chemical engineering degree, finding success as an IT manager and engineer managing projects that he said saved companies millions of dollars. And now, Almudhegi, 51, wants to apply his skills to managing the city of Dearborn as he challenges Mayor Abdullah Hammoud, 35, running for a second four-year term. "I want to get back to a little bit more of common sense from our leadership," Almudhegi, 51, told the Free Press in an interview Friday, Oct. 24. "Growing up in a poor neighborhood and then living the American dream, I want to give back now to the the average Joes who don't necessarily have a voice. ... We want to just be able to live in a peaceful, safe neighborhood and have reliable city services. Over the last few years, I've just seen a degradation in our standard of living here for the ordinary, average resident. One of the biggest reasons why I put my name there for the election is to go back to a safe and secure Dearborn." Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud, left, and Nagi Almudhegi. Almudhegi, who launched his campaign in February, has been hammering Hammoud this year on crime, blight, and wasteful spending, describing him as a "career politician" who has become divisive and out of touch with residents, with a salary higher than the governor. He worries that Hammoud is giving Dearborn a bad name nationally with some of his recent remarks and actions as the city's population declined 2.3% from 2020 to 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When it comes to public safety, I'm sorry, but we're going to have to get a lot tougher," Almudhegi said. "The reckless driving is out of control, and we need to have policies again that make sense, and we're going to get it under control. And it's going to start with making sure that we have enough police officers, and that the police officers that we have are actually patrolling the streets, not sitting behind the desk." Hammoud this year has often touted the city's efforts in reducing crime, saying they plan to hire more police officers and that burglaries, robberies and home invasions are down. Hammoud's latest campaign video, posted Oct. 23 on Instagram, ends with the message: "Lower Crime, Real Results." Hammoud has also defended the city spending $720,000 on a contract for a real-time video monitoring program Almudhegi fears could lead to surveillance and some worry could target pro-Palestinian protesters. Elected in 2021 with 54.6% of the vote, Hammoud, previously a state representative, upset then-Council President Susan Dabaja after flooding that summer outraged residents who blamed Dabaja and City Hall for the thousands of homes damaged. Speaking last month on Sept. 20, Almudhegi slammed Hammoud for not announcing plans to solve the city's flooding problems, which he had vowed to tackle when he ran for mayor. A few days after Almudhegi's rally, Hammoud held a news conference, saying the city is working on several projects to alleviate any future flooding problems. Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud talks with supporters at an event kicking off his reelection campaign at Peace Park West in Dearborn, Michigan, on Thursday, May 15, 2025. Another big issue that has sprung up during the campaign in recent months is how to create unity in Dearborn as the city's demographics shift. During Hammoud's first term, census data revealed that a majority of Dearborn's population was of Arab descent for the first time in its history, becoming the only Arab-majority city in the United States. Hammoud was criticized by Almudhegi last month after the mayor blasted a Christian minister speaking at a council meeting in objection to street signs renamed after an Arab American advocate, telling the minister he's not welcome and that Hammoud would throw a parade when he left the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You have to be able to talk to people whom you disagree with," Almudhegi said. "I love talking to people. I love talking, having discussions with people who who disagree with me. ... But unfortunately, this current administration and my opponent, he behaves in a way that basically divides people and tells people, 'you're not welcome here.' What mayor actually would do something like that that makes absolutely no sense. It's very unprofessional to tell a resident: 'You don't belong here, we'll throw a parade.' ... I would never, ever say that in a million years." Hammoud has not responded to news media outlets about his remarks, but addressed the controversy at a council meeting on Sept. 23, saying the city has had to deal with bigoted attacks over the years. The mayor's position, as with its city council and clerk's positions, are nonpartisan. But partisan politics has played a part in the campaign and public perceptions of the two mayoral candidates. Hammoud is a progressive Democrat who has supported Bernie Sanders, but did not endorse Kamala Harris last year due to her support for Israel, angering some Democrats. Trump won Dearborn, as Harris failed to win over Arab American voters in the city. Almudhegi supported Trump, and Republicans attended his campaign kickoff in support, including Tudor Dixon, the 2022 Republican nominee for governor, and Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib. But Almudhegi said he's now an independent. Dearborn mayoral candidate Nagi Almudhegi speaks outside Henry Ford Centennial Library in Dearborn on Sept. 20, 2025, announcing his vision for mayor. He's on the November ballot along with Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud. "Most of my support is probably not even coming from the Republicans," Almudhegi said. "Most of the people that I talk to on the street are not Republicans; they're independent. ... I don't want to be beholden to any particular political party, so if one party says something stupid, I don't want to be forced to defend something stupid." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hammoud in February, while speaking at the American Moslem Society, a historic mosque in the south end of Dearborn, said he's not supporting the Democratic or Republican parties. "I think last year (2024), we demonstrated, I'm not here to advocate on behalf of the Hizb Democratee ('Democratic Party' in Arabic) or the Hizb Jumhuriyya (Republican Party)," Hammoud told congregants of the mosque in a speech posted online. "I didn't endorse Joe Biden, Kamala Harris or Donald Trump. I'm here to tell you that neither party don't care for you. And so what we need to do is put Dearborn first, and that's what we're doing." More: Dearborn Mayor Hammoud raises $446K in reelection bid, several times as much as opponent Hammoud's remarks on Feb. 15 at the American Moslem Society were part of an attempt by him to win over conservative Muslims who had voted for Trump, in part over social issues. The Dearborn mayoral election may mark the first time in the history of the United States that both of the candidates running for mayor are Muslim, but they have differing visions of how their faith intersects with politics. In Hamtramck, both of the mayoral candidates on the November ballot are also Muslim. Hammoud and Almudhegi have both spoken about religion in public settings, with Hammoud increasingly public about his faith this year as he tries to reassure Muslims he is observant, posting about his Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. 2022 controversy over books shapes mayoral race Three years ago on a Sunday afternoon, Almudhegi stood on the steps of Henry Ford Centennial Library at a rally against some LGBTQ+ books in Dearborn public schools he and others saw as too sexually explicit for children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'd like to start off first of all with a prayer," Almudhegi said at the Sept. 25, 2022, rally. "And I'm going to read the chapter on Fatiha (opening of Quran) in Arabic and then I will read the English translation. ... I seek refuge in God Almighty, from Satan, the cursed one, in the name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful. Guide us to the straight path, the path of those whom You have blessed, and not those whom you are angered with, nor those whom are astray." The day after that protest, Hammoud released a statement supporting the books. "The same dangerous ideology that once considered people like me 'a problem' in Dearborn is now being revived under the guise of preserving liberty," Hammoud said in his statement defending the LGBTQ+ books. "When it comes to our citys libraries, for the sake of our children, no book will be removed off the shelves." Hammoud's statement in 2022 in support of LGBTQ+ books drew condemnation from Republican activists and some conservative Muslims in Dearborn, who felt his views were at odds with their beliefs. A few weeks later, on Oct. 10, 2022, hundreds of protesters packed a school board meeting and shut it down in protest of the books. Mayor Abdullah Hammoud of Dearborn gives his state of the city address to residents gathered inside the auditorium at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. Three years later, on Sept. 20, Almudhegi spoke again in front of the same library, outlining his vision if elected mayor and touched upon the 2022 rally. He said his experience after that compelled him to run for mayor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Three years ago, we had a rally here and I actually was part of that rally, where we protested certain materials that was in our public schools," Almudhegi said in September. "And I almost lost my job because of that. We and a bunch of other parents said ... some of this material is not appropriate for children. My opponent (Hammoud) disagreed and were attacked viciously. ... I'm not going to make any apologies for standing with parents. ... And the fact that in the United States of America, you are not able to speak your mind and they're coming after you for your work, get you fired, make things difficult for you, was one of the reasons I decided to run for mayor in the first place." Hammoud found himself under fire after his 2022 statement in support of LGBTQ+ books and since has been publicly stressing his faith, trying to prove he is authentically Muslim. At the February town hall, Hammoud spoke alongside Dearborn City Council President Michael Sareini, who's running for reelection, and Police Chief Issa Shahin, the first Muslim police chief in Dearborn. In his February remarks, Hammoud said his September 2022 statement in support of LGBTQ+ books was misinterpreted, saying he does not personally support anything that may conflict with his own values. "There's a statement that I made a few years ago, and many people were upset," Hammoud said. "A lot of people, I think, misinterpreted what I intended to say. I do not endorse anybody's lifestyle. My responsibility is to take care for the city. The only thing I'm responsible for is the whole city of Dearborn and my own family. I have two daughters, Alhamdulillah (thanks be to God' in Arabic), and I'm raising them the way that I was raised. I don't endorse anybody's lifestyle which does not align with how I raise my lifestyle." Dearborn mayoral candidate Nagi Almudhegi, seen in dark jacket second from left, shakes hands with a supporter outside Henry Ford Centennial Library in Dearborn on Sept. 20, 2025, after he delivered a speech announcing his vision for mayor. The engineer is on the November ballot along with his opponent, Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud. Hammoud, using religious phrases in Arabic, then touched upon Islamic teachings, saying it doesn't interfere on what people do in their own homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Honestly, Allah, Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala, tells you what you do in your own household is between you and Allah, Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala," Hammoud said, using the Arabic words for "God" and "May He be glorified and exalted." "My point is: I care for the whole city, to make sure that city services are delivered," Hammoud added. "When you have issues of property taxes, nobody's lifestyle matters when it comes to talking about property taxes. When you want to make investments in the parks, what matters is not anybody's lifestyle, what matters is: Are we making investments in the parks? When you talk about crime and safety, what matters is our police responding. What doesn't matter is what people are doing in their own privacy of their home. I do not care for that. I don't endorse any of that. And I'm not here to endorse it. Unfortunately, people took a statement out of context. I wish I could have responded. It was also an election year that year, and so everybody kept saying, 'if he responds or says anything is because of the elections.' " Sareini also stressed his faith at the February event in the mosque, trying to explain a council resolution approved earlier in support of the LGBTQ+ community, saying the council passes similar resolutions for other groups and that he has gone on the Hajj pilgrimage. "Did I vote against it?" Sareini told the congregation at American Moslem Society about the council resolution. "No, I didn't vote against it. Did I offer (the council resolution)? Absolutely not. And I have five kids. I went to the Hajj. I did not endorse that. But I don't down them (LGBTQ+ people). It's not my business." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Nagi Almudhegi kicks off campaign for Dearborn mayor with support of Republicans More: Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud kicks off reelection campaign: The city is 'thriving' At his September rally, Almudhegi spoke about Hammoud's remarks in February in the south end mosque, saying he switches his views depending on his audience. "Most career politicians, you have to look at them like actors," Almudhegi said. "So when they go to a mosque in the south end, they'll play the role of a conservative Muslim. And then they go somewhere else and they'll play the role of a progressive. I call it hypocrisy." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brian Stone, a Dearborn resident who is gay and once ran against Hammoud for state representative, was disappointed with Hammoud's remarks at the mosque, recently posting them on his Facebook page, saying they are anti-gay. Mayor Abdullah Hammoud of Dearborn gives his state of the city address to residents at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. "Im very concerned that our Mayor decided to share ignorant, homophobic comments that contradict the modern medical and psychological understanding of how sexual orientation works," Stone told the Free Press. "Anytime someone chooses to espouse bigoted or hateful views, or starts punching down and taking potshots at the powerless, it alienates our city from the rest of the country and lowers us in the esteem of our countrymen. If this kind of hateful language proves to be politically helpful to the Mayor, then I think, unfortunately, were just going to see more of it in the future." Hammoud has also spoken about his faith at religious events in the Shia Muslim community during his time as mayor, linking the struggles of a grandson of Prophet Mohammed in the 7th century to the city he leads. His uncle is the religious leader of the Islamic Center of America, Dearborn mosque founded in 1963. Hammoud attended the 11th annual Ashura "March for Justice" in Dearborn, posting a video of himself at the event in which he said his family had a stall offering food and water to participants. "Clearly, Dearborn is that community that understands what it means to take a stand for justice, which we're extremely proud of, following in the footsteps of the grandson of the Prophet, peace by upon him," Hammoud said in the video. He reiterated that message the next month at the annual Arbaeen procession, another Shia religious event, saying it's important for Dearborn residents to march for justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The message of the grandson of (Prophet Muhammad) is a message that is as relevant as it was 1,400 years ago," Hammoud said on a sweltering Saturday in August. "We know that there are many injustices across this globe, from Gaza to Lebanon to Iraq, to Yemen. And it's important that we here in the city of Dearborn continue to march, to show individuals that Hussein is not only for the Shias, but he is for all of mankind." In his remarks in February, Hammoud also touched upon the diversity of Dearborn's Arab American communities, referencing its Yemeni, Lebanese, Palestinian and Iraqi populations. Dearborn mayoral candidate Nagi Almudhegi with supporters outside Henry Ford Centennial Library in Dearborn on Sept. 20, 2025, after he delivered a speech with his vision for mayor. He's on the November ballot along with opponent Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud. "Unfortunately, though, when we come here, we find ways to divide ourselves," Hammoud said. Hammoud was born in Michigan to immigrants from Lebanon and Almudhegi immigrated from Yemen at the age of 6 along with his family. The Yemeni American community has struggled to acquire political power in the city, where there has never been a council member of Yemeni descent. Hammoud has strong support among Lebanese Americans while Almudhegi has a base of support among Yemeni Americans, their campaign finance reports show. Yemerican PAC, a Yemeni American political action group, endorsed Almudhegi last month. But Almudhegi stresses he's fighting for all of Dearborn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This identity politics, we're going to have to throw that in the dustbin," Almudhegi said. "It's tearing people apart. ... I want to live in a color-blind society. And, ultimately, it's your character and how you treat people. I don't care if you're old, young, rich, poor, white, black, Christian, Muslim. Every single resident is welcome here in Dearborn, and we're going to work together." Contact Niraj Warikoo: nwarikoo@freepress.com, X @nwarikoo or Facebook @nwarikoo This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud challenged by engineer Nagi Almudhegi SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) During the three-day Permian Basin Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., veterans are paired with battle buddies, guardians or other veterans who stay by their side throughout the trip. One of those pairs was Thomas Segulja of Midland and Frank Casares of San Angelo, both Vietnam-era veterans who served in different branches but share a deep respect for those who wore the uniform. Segulja served in the Air Force from 1974 to 1981 as a navigator on a C-130. He said joining was an opportunity to further his education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was an opportunity for me to get an education, Segulja said. Im a small-town boy from West Texas, and I got an opportunity. I went to the Air Force Academy for four years before I got active duty, and I got to meet other young men from all over the country. Being at the Air and Space Museum brought back memories from his time in the sky. What I did we called ourselves trash haulers, he said. We were truck drivers in the sky. Wed fly somewhere Ive seen a lot of places, but like Rome, Italy I was probably on the ground for 30 minutes, and then wed take off and leave and go somewhere else. Casares, a fellow Vietnam-era veteran, enlisted in 1970 and served for almost 30 years in total. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was infantry, 11 Bravo, and then I went to drill sergeant school, Casares said. I became a drill sergeant for a few years. Then I had a break in service, then I rejoined back in 84, I think and Ive been in the military for just shy of 30 years. Both Thomas and Frank talked about serving during the Vietnam era, but never deploying there something Casares said stayed with him. Like Tom, I didnt get to go to Vietnam, and I wish I had gone, he said. So I decided to make up for not going, and every opportunity that came up, I took it. I went to Bosnia-Herzegovina when they were having their civil war cleansing war. I went to Kuwait and Iraq. Casares said he enjoyed his three decades of service, and both men said this Honor Flight was powerful, with veterans honored in ways they hadnt been before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We look like a lot of old men now, and we are, Segulja said. But we werent old men then we were young men. And a lot of these guys who did go, they were 18, 19 years old, right out of high school. They did what their country wanted them to do and went through a lot. And as Frank said, they werent appreciated. People didnt get up and offer them their first-class seats a lot of them were spit on and they werent treated well, and they werent respected. So you werent always proud to say you served in the military. On this flight, many of those same veterans are finally getting the thank you and welcome home they never received decades ago. 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. A day before the federal government shut down this month, a senior Pentagon official signed a memo that could make it easier for the Defense Department to fire employees. In the Sept. 30 memo, titled Separation of Employees with Unacceptable Performance, Anthony Tata, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, outlined new guidelines that directed supervisors and human resources personnel to act with speed and conviction to facilitate separating poor-performing employees from the Defense Department. "Supervisors will work with HR to issue the written notice of proposed removal detailing specific performance deficiencies and consistent failures of an employee to meet quality standards, deadlines, or productivity targets," the memo says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Washington Post first reported the memo. The new policy essentially accelerates the turnaround time to dismiss an employee. Human resources, in coordination with legal counsel, will be allotted 10 calendar days to advise the supervisor about supporting documents for removal, the memo says, and the employee will be allowed seven calendar days to respond to the termination notice, "or as consistent with collective bargaining agreements." A "deciding official" will be charged with reviewing the notice and the employee's response and providing a written decision within 30 calendar days of the proposed termination notice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The memo also holds managers at all levels accountable for addressing poor employee performance. In response to a request for comment, a Pentagon official told NBC News: The Secretary of Wars September 30th memos went into effect when he signed them. The Department is in the process of adapting to the new guidance outlined in Under Secretary of War Tatas memo from September 30th and we have nothing specific to share at this time, the official added. The top Democrats and Republicans on the House and Senate Armed Services committees did not immediately provide comments Tuesday night. Firings at the Pentagon have been ongoing since Pete Hegseth became defense secretary under President Donald Trump. He has terminated several senior leaders with ties to the Biden administration or those who are not viewed as being aligned with the Trump administration, including Gen. C.Q. Brown, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Adm. Lisa Francetti, the former chief of naval operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NBC News reported last month that according to two defense officials, Hegseth directed staff members to identify any military members who had mocked or shown support for the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The Trump administration overall has sought to drastically reduce the government workforce, effectively dismantling some agencies and imposing so-called reductions in force at numerous departments. However, efforts to further reduce staffing through widespread layoffs during the government shutdown have hit legal roadblocks. A federal judge in Oregon on Tuesday blocked the administration from implementing mass firings until the government reopens. Hegseth, who has pledged to trim the militarys officer corps by up to 20%, addressed personnel changes in a speech before hundreds of generals in Quantico, Virginia, in late September. In many ways, this speech is about fixing decades of decay, some of it obvious, some of it hidden, or as the chairman has put it, we are clearing out the debris, removing the distractions, clearing the way for leaders to be leaders, Hegseth said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More leadership changes will be made, of that Im certain, not because we want to but because we must. Once again, this is life and death. The sooner we have the right people, the sooner we can advance the right policies. Personnel is policy, he added. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Former Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina has refused to apologise for the deadly crackdown on street protests that ultimately led to her downfall last year, as part of a rare and wide-reaching interview with The Independent. A Bangladesh court on Monday sentenced Hasina to death for crimes against humanity, concluding a months-long trial that found she ordered a deadly crackdown on last years student-led uprising. Prosecutors in Bangladesh had accused her of crimes against humanity by ordering the use of lethal force against student protesters, resulting in up to 1,400 deaths. Hasina, who ruled with an iron fist for over 15 years, is now living in exile in India. Asked if she would apologise to the families of protesters killed last year, she said she mourns each and every child, sibling, cousin and friend we lost as a nation and would continue to offer my condolences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But she rejects the allegation that she ordered police to shoot demonstrators, and says her Awami League party is being unfairly denied the opportunity to contest new elections in Bangladesh by the unelected interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Sheikh Hasina addresses the media at a vandalised metro station in Mirpur (Bangladesh Prime Minister's Office) Speaking out in one of her first interviews since her ousting, Hasina told The Independent that she would neither be surprised nor intimidated if Bangladeshs International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) sentenced her to death, calling the proceedings a sham trial driven by political vengeance. The ICT is a sham court presided over by an unelected government consisting of my political opponents. Many of those opponents will stop at nothing to get rid of me, she said. Because of my familys history, nobody can be more aware than I am of the history of political assassinations in our country, and this move by the ICT is part of that ugly tradition. Hasina defended her actions during the protests last year and denied any personal culpability for the killings during what she labelled a violent insurrection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She blames the high number of casualties on breakdowns in discipline among security forces on the ground, adding: As a leader, I ultimately take leadership responsibility, but the claim that I ordered or wished for the security forces to open fire on the crowds is simply wrong. Anti-government protesters display Bangladeshs national flag as they storm Sheikh Hasinas palace in Dhaka in August last year (AFP/Getty) Hasina also claimed that her government had initiated an independent inquiry into the first killings, which she claims was later shut down by the interim government that succeeded her. Bangladeshs crackdown on protesters last year shocked the world. Amnesty Internationals deputy regional director, Babu Ram Pant, said at the time: The rising death toll is a shocking indictment of the absolute intolerance shown by the Bangladeshi authorities to protest and dissent. The United Nations human rights chief, Volker Turk, said at the time that the attacks on student protesters are particularly shocking and unacceptable. Awami League party office in Dhaka on 6 August 2024, a day after Hasina fled the country (AFP/Getty) Hasina contested the often-cited death toll during the student-led protests, saying that the 1,400 figure is useful to the ICT for propaganda purposes but is probably inflated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The protests began last July with university students demanding the removal of quotas on government jobs for relatives of veterans from Bangladeshs war of independence. It spiralled into an anti-government movement, with hundreds of thousands of people from all walks of life taking to the streets. The security forces responded with brutal, lethal force, and after the initial wave of deaths, protest leaders said they would accept nothing short of Hasinas immediate removal from power. Smoke rises from the burning vehicles after protesters set them on fire near the Disaster Management Directorate office in July 2024 (AFP/Getty) Hasina said the governments response at the time was carried out in good faith... to minimise the loss of life as the protests spread. Yunus returned to Bangladesh from his own de facto exile. He assumed leadership of the interim government three days after Hasinas ouster, pledging to hold her accountable and immediately banning all activities of her Awami League party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chief prosecutor Tajul Islam has described Hasina as the mastermind and principal architect of the crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the student-led uprising. Yet Hasina claims the violence stemmed from decisions made by officers on the ground rather than directives from her government. She said: The charges rely on compromised testimony and evidence that has been manipulated and taken out of context to serve the political ends of an unelected government. Sheikh Hasina weeps while she visits a metro station in Mirpur vandalised by students during the anti-quota protests (Bangladesh Prime Minister's Office) The key street-level decisions were made by security personnel on the ground who were expected to follow well-established operational guidelines. Those guidelines endorse the use of firearms in certain circumstances. It may well be that in a febrile atmosphere, some decisions were made that were mistaken. Defending her decision to flee the country on 5 August last year, she said she acted out of necessity. She says: Staying would not only have put my life in danger, but also the lives of those around me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite fleeing the country and facing a ban by the Awami League in Bangladesh, she insists that she remains committed to restoring democracy in the country. Only free, fair, and inclusive elections can heal the country, she said. Yunus has said elections will be held in February 2026, though the Awami League will not be allowed to contest them. Speaking about the legacy she hopes to leave behind, Hasina said she wanted to be remembered as the leader who restored parliamentary democracy to our country in the 1990s after years of cruel military rule and for lifting millions out of poverty. She said these achievements were now under threat of being reversed. Now that the ICT has handed down its sentence in absentia, Hasina likely knows history may not look kindly on her. But she remains defiant, telling The Independent: No democratically elected leader should be prosecuted for upholding constitutional duties to protect their country in the face of violent insurrection. The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners voted to block the permitting or applications to build new adult toy stores for 100 days. Now approved, it means new stores and expansions to existing stores would be barred until Feb. 5, 2026. Channel 2 Action News reported on the provisions of the ordinance, which follows the revocation of a business license and building permit of a new Tokyo Valentino location under construction, though the moratorium is not directly related to the situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement to Channel 2 Action News, county staff confirmed the moratorium had passed, preventing the "permitting and establishment of businesses engaged in the sale of sexual devices and other adult-oriented materials." [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: While the moratorium is in place, the DeKalb County Department of Planning and Sustainability will work with the county attorney and other departments to: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Review existing ordinances and zoning provisions related to adult-oriented retail activity; Evaluate potential impacts on nearby residential, educational, and community areas; Recommend updates or clarifications to ensure consistency, transparency, and compliance with applicable state and federal laws. This temporary measure is being taken in response to increased community concern and in recognition that the Countys code regarding adult materials has not been updated in more than 20 years, a spokesperson said. The County seeks to ensure that all commercial activities are conducted in a manner that aligns with public safety, land use compatibility and community standards. According to Commissioner Ted Terry, several residents in the county raised the Tokyo Valentino issue directly to county leaders before the permits were revoked and the moratorium was proposed. Terry shared a series of communications from residents raising concerns about the proposed shops location, which was described by those concerned as being in close proximity to elementary schools and the part of DeKalb County where the Lulah Hills development project was underway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another resident said the shop location on Lawrenceville Highway was too close to residential homes with young families. Channel 2 Action News has reached out to representatives for the Tokyo Valentino company on the situation and is waiting for a response. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A new state law preventing medical debt from appearing in a consumer credit report officially took effect on Oct. 27. First signed into law by Gov. Matt Meyer this past July, the Medical Debt Protection Act protects Delawareans with medical debt from being unfairly or unjustly treated when it comes to employment, housing or other credit-related opportunities. KFF, a nonprofit focused on health policy, found that 8.9% of Delaware adults or roughly 60,000 residents had medical debt during a study between 2019 and 2021. That's higher than the national rate. Advertisement Advertisement With this new law now in effect, Meyer has said, it will help First State families and communities to breathe a little easier, while ensuring their futures aren't derailed due to illness or needing care. In other legislative news: Gov. Meyer signs lead paint reform, breastfeeding programming and other health bills What is medical debt in this Delaware law? State Sens. Spiros Mantzavinos, right, and Darius Brown, left, listen to speakers during the end of legislative session on June 30, 2025. Medical debt must be owed to an individual whose primary business is providing medical services, products or devices and the payments were made for supplying those same devices, products or services, according to the law. Medical debt also includes bills that are not yet past due or already paid. Advertisement Advertisement Sponsored by Sen. Spiros Mantzavinos, his legislation bars the reporting of medical debt to consumer reporting agencies." As Mantzavinos told Delaware Online/The News Journal, Medical debt has been shown not to be a good predictor of an individuals ability to pay their bills, adding this bill strives to ensure a report contains accurate information and doesnt hurt people. The bill does not consider debt charged to a credit card unless that card is issued under an open-end or closed-end credit plan offered for the sole purpose of paying for health care services. More: ChristianaCare opens neighborhood hospital in Chester County, Pennsylvania What causes medical debt to pile up? Several factors contribute to the phenomenon of medical debt, from a lack of adequate health insurance coverage to complexities in the medical billing system to rising and unexpected health care costs. Advertisement Advertisement Any one of these can leave many families scrambling to find new ways to pay, including using credit cards, tapping retirement accounts or home equity and even filing for bankruptcy. This debt can trickle down to credit scores, which can jeopardize potential job and housing opportunities. Medical debt doesnt just generate a financial damper on what a person can do but also creates ripple effects on whether they can meet significant watershed moments in life, from paying kids college tuition to buying a new home, said Lance Kilpatrick with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. What other states have passed similar legislation? Dr. Beth Karmilovich examines 11-year-old Antonio Hernandez with his mother, Hortencia Hernandez, at Westside Health in Fox Run Shopping Center in 2013. After signing up for health insurance, its time to seek a health care provider. As of this year, 15 states have passed similar laws prohibiting the credit reporting of medical debt, including California, Illinois and neighboring states New Jersey and Maryland. Advertisement Advertisement Maine passed a similar bill in June, barring debt buyers, collectors and medical creditors from reporting such debt to agencies. Oregon soon followed with a more encompassing piece of legislation, prohibiting any one person from reporting the existence or amount of medical debt one patient may or may not owe. On a national level, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau finalized a rule earlier this year that would have prohibited the recording of medical debt on such reports. This rule was then overturned by a federal judge in Texas on July 11. Related: Delaware's health care system is in 'a crisis.' Will a pre-authorization reform law help? What other steps are needed? Gov. Matt Meyer signs Senate Bills 115 and 156 into state law inside the New Castle County Hope Center on July 29. While this new law is a step forward, Kilpatrick said the fight isnt over. Advertisement Advertisement With health care systems providing more uncompensated care and changes to Medicaid, Kilpatrick believes there may be more people soon facing medical debt. The issue around that isnt going to go away as long as we have the health system and insurance system that we have in place right now, Kilpatrick said. So this will be something thats a combination of well need to be vigilant, going forward in terms of seeing where the trend lines are and respond accordingly. Meyer also announced a partnership between the state and the national nonprofit organization Undue Medical Debt. The partnership would leverage a roughly $500,000 grant in state funding to obtain, purchase and eradicate upward of $50 million in debt for approximately 17,800 First State residents. Advertisement Advertisement To qualify for relief, residents must have a yearly household income at or less than 400% of the federal poverty level or have medical debt totaling 5% or more of their income. Relief will be announced intermittently, according to a press release issued following the signings. That same day also saw Meyer sign Senate Bill 115 into law, which provides a pathway for former defendants in eviction cases to seek judicial relief from the consequences of having an eviction on their record. More: What Medicaid, Medicare cuts could mean for Delawares hospitals, especially in rural areas Olivia Montes covers state government and community impact for Delaware Online/The News Journal. If you have a tip or a story idea, reach out to her at omontes@delawareonline.com. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware Medical Debt Protection Act takes effect The post Delaware State announces huge move for students impacted by government shutdown appeared first on ClutchPoints. One thing about HBCUs is that they are going to look out for their own. Following the ongoing Federal Government Shutdown, Delaware State University and its Hustle Administration have issued new financial accommodations for students and families who have been affected by the shutdown. As a part of these accommodations, the university issued a temporary deferral of all Fall 2025 semester payments and reduced several financial obligations for the Spring 2026 semester. The university released a statement further explaining this initiative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dear Hornets, The Hustle Administration would like to share an important announcement from University President Tony Allen regarding new financial accommodations for students and families affected by the ongoing federal government shutdown. Earlier this week, President Allen announced the Universitys decision to temporarily defer payments for students and families experiencing direct financial impacts from the shutdown. This initiative aims to ensure that no students education is interrupted due to circumstances beyond their control. The program includes: Temporary deferral of Fall 2025 semester payments for families in good standing with the University. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reduced downpayment and financial balance requirements for qualifying students to register for Spring 2026 classes. A review team consisting of representatives from Student Accounts, Student Success, Institutional Advancement, and Financial Aid will handle all accommodation requests. Students and families must provide documentation of furlough or other direct impacts from the shutdown. President Allen shared, Through no fault of their own, too many families have been directly impacted by the shutdown We do not want that to happen at Delaware State University. If doing our part by providing temporary relief is all that we can do, then we must go boldly and in the best interests of our exceptional student community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students or families with questions about eligibility or documentation should contact studentaccounts@desu.edu with Government Shutdown in the subject line. The United States is currently on day 28 of the Government Shutdown, one of the longest shutdowns in history. Millions of Americans are currently out of work while Congress is failing to come to a mutual agreement on the shutdown. According to CBS News, the Senate has failed to pass the GOP funding bill for the 13th time. Many people are worried about how long the shutdown will last; some outlets have reported that the shutdown may last until mid-November. Related: Prairie View A&M, Alabama State meet in a clash of SWAC title contenders Related: Michael Vick vs. DeSean Jackson is a nexus point in the celebrity coach experiment NEW YORK (PIX11) With SNAP benefits set to expire on Nov. 1 due to the government shutdown, one delivery company is working to help ease the expected financial burden on customers. The service Gopuff will offer $50 in free groceries for SNAP EBT customers in November, according to an announcement posted to social media on Tuesday. More Local News To qualify for the offer, customers can add their SNAP EBT card as a payment method on the Gopuff app and use the codes SNAPRELIEF1 between Nov. 1 and Nov. 15 and SNAPRELIEF2 between Nov. 16 and Nov. 30 to get a $25 credit with free delivery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were committed to showing up in the ways that matter most to the people and communities we serve, the company wrote in the social media post. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State Similarly, DoorDash will also be waiving delivery and service fees for grocery store orders for SNAP recipients. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that SNAP benefits wont be distributed as long as the government is shut down. An estimated 42 million people, or 1 in 8 Americans, rely on SNAP to help cover the cost of groceries. Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. By Renee Hickman and David Thomas CHICAGO (Reuters) -Six people, including a Democratic congressional candidate, were indicted Wednesday on charges of impeding a federal officer in connection with a September protest at an immigration detention facility in Broadview, Illinois. The suburban Chicago facility has been a flashpoint since U.S. President Donald Trump launched a stepped-up immigration enforcement operation in the area on September 8. Agents have responded to protests on multiple occasions by deploying tear gas and shooting pepper balls at demonstrators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the indictment, prosecutors allege that on September 26, Kat Abughazaleh - a former journalist who is running for a U.S. House seat as a Democrat - and five other activists protesting at the Broadview site crowded around a government vehicle driven by a federal agent, intentionally hindering its progress as the agent tried to drive into the facility. According to prosecutors, the activists - Abughazaleh and Andre Martin, Michael Rabbitt, Catherine Sharp, Brian Straw and Joselyn Walsh - banged and pushed on the vehicle, scratched the word "pig" into its body, and broke a rear windshield wiper. Several attorneys for the protesters denied the accusations on Wednesday. Molly Armour, an attorney for Sharp, who is the chief of staff for Chicago alderperson Andre Vasquez, said the charges against Sharp are an "effort by the Trump administration to frighten people out of participating in protest and exercising their First Amendment rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorneys for Rabbitt and Walsh said their clients would plead not guilty to the charges. Abughazaleh told Reuters she would also plead not guilty. Straw, a member of the Village Board for Chicago suburb Oak Park, said in a statement the charges would not "deter me from fulfilling my oath of office." The September 26 protest came weeks after the Trump administration announced the start of "Operation Midway Blitz," an immigration enforcement campaign it said was needed because of city and state "sanctuary" laws that limit local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Law enforcement officers have been using the Broadview facility to process detainees, and protests at the site intensified after the Trump administration's announcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal agents have shot pepper balls and deployed tear gas at protesters, leading to a lawsuit by journalists, activists and clergy members. U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis earlier this month ordered agents involved in the Chicago crackdown to wear visible identification and limit their use of anti-riot weapons such as pepper balls and tear gas. Chicago U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros said in a statement that federal officials "must be able to discharge the duties of their office without confronting force, intimidation, or threats." The case will appear before U.S. District Judge April Perry, who earlier this month blocked Trump from deploying hundreds of National Guard troops in Chicago. (Reporting by Renee Hickman and David Thomas in Chicago; Editing by Emily Schmall and Stephen Coates) Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner opened up to MSNBC on Tuesday about removing a controversial tattoo after it received criticism for resembling a Nazi symbol. During an appearance on MSNBCs The Briefing with Jen Psaki, Platner told host Jen Psaki that while he had expected his controversial history of Reddit posts to come up during his campaign, he did not expect his chest tattoo which closely resembled a Nazi SS Totenkopf to cause a scandal. The tattoo [controversy] I did not expect. The tattoo thing Ive had for 20 years, he said. Ive gone through multiple security clearances. I have been taking my shirt off in front of other people and taking photographs the entire time. That had never come up. That one very much caught me by surprise, especially considering that I spent my entire life essentially hating Nazis. So to have that accusation thrown my way was that was not expected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Psaki responded, I know youre trying to move forward from this, but there has still been some discrepancy, kind of, about when you knew your tattoo was problematic. There was an anonymous source that said a couple of years ago you may have known. Your former political director said this summer you recognized that it was problematic. She then asked, So help clarify for us, when did you know and recognize it was a problematic symbol, and how did that come to light for you? We were contacted by the New York Times, I believe, a few weeks ago, said Platner: We were asked if I had a tattoo that had, you know, Nazi overtones. I have had this thing for ages and it had never once come up. At that point, we looked at it, we saw what they sent, and you know, its a stylized skull and crossbones. Stylized skull and crossbones are very popular with military units for obvious reasons, but it looked quite similar, and at that point, I dont want something like that on my body, that is going to make people think I have any kind of ideological similarity to something that is essentially so antithetical to my politics. So I was more than happy to get it covered up. Psaki pressed, So you learned in October and as soon as you learned, you got it covered up immediately? Within days? Within a day? What was the process there? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was a busy weekend when we found out. I didnt get to it, I think, until that Tuesday, but yeah it was within a few days, answered Platner. During an interview with Pod Save America this month, Platner claimed that he got the tattoo while inebriated after seeing it on the wall of a tattoo parlor during his time in the military. Watch above via MSNBC. The post Democratic Candidate Opens Up to MSNBC About Getting Nazi Symbol Tattoo Removed: I Dont Want Something Like That On My Body first appeared on Mediaite. CHICAGO (AP) A Democratic congressional candidate in Illinois has been accused of blocking a federal agents vehicle during September protests outside an immigration enforcement building in suburban Chicago, according to court documents unsealed Wednesday. The felony indictment, filed last week by a special grand jury, charges Kat Abughazaleh and five others of conspiring to impede an officer. "This is a political prosecution and a gross attempt at silencing dissent, a right protected under the First Amendment. This case is yet another attempt by the Trump administration to criminalize protest and punish those who dare to speak up, Abughazaleh said in a statement Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Protesters have gathered outside the immigration center to oppose enforcement operations in the Chicago area that have led to more than 1,800 arrests and complaints of excessive force. Greg Bovino, who is leading Border Patrol efforts in Chicago, was ordered this week by U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis to brief her every evening about the operations. But an appeals court blocked the order before he was scheduled to appear Wednesday while it considers an appeal from the Justice Department. Federal prosecutors accuse Abughazaleh and others of surrounding a vehicle driven by a federal agent on Sept. 26 and attempting to stop it from entering the facility. Among the others named in the indictment are a candidate for the Cook County Board, a Democratic ward committeeman and a trustee in suburban Oak Park. The charges accuse all six of conspiring to impede an officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abughazaleh is scheduled to make an initial court appearance next week. Her attorney called the charges unjust. The indictment said the group banged on the car, pushed against it, broke a mirror and scratched the text PIG on the vehicle. Abughazaleh at one point put her hands on the vehicles hood and braced her body against it while staying in its way, the indictment says. The agent was forced to drive at an extremely slow rate of speed to avoid injuring any of the conspirators, it says. Just a week before that alleged confrontation, she told The Associated Press that during a protest on Sept. 19 she was thrown on the ground by federal agents and hit with tear gas as she stood arm-in-arm with others in front of a driveway, blocking a car. A video of that incident was widely circulated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A liberal journalist with a big social media following, Abughazaleh announced her run in March, saying most Democrats work from an outdated playbook. She's running in a crowded Democratic primary to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Jan Schawkosky. Protesting the immigration crackdown around Chicago has emerged as a top issue on campaigns in Illinois March primary. Elected officials and candidates in the Democratic stronghold have often showed up for demonstrations outside the Broadview federal facility. As I and others exercised our First Amendment rights, ICE has hit, dragged, thrown, shot with pepper balls, and teargassed hundreds of protesters, myself included. Simply because we had the gall to say masked men abducting our neighbors and terrorizing our community cannot be the new normal, Abughazaleh said. "Ive spent my career fighting Americas backwards slide towards fascism, and Im not going to give up now," she said. I hope you wont either. ___ Seewer reported from Toledo, Ohio. Democratic lawmakers in Wisconsin have announced food drives and are blaming Republicans for looming cuts in federal food assistance. (Getty Images) With the expected loss of federal food assistance funding starting Saturday, Democratic state lawmakers are mounting a series of food drives as part of their campaign to draw attention to their argument that Republicans are to blame. Wisconsins FoodShare program will stop receiving its monthly payments from the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, starting Nov. 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has blocked further SNAP funding as a result of the federal shutdown that began Oct. 1, although the U.S. Department of Agriculture has $6 billion in reserves. A coalition of Democratic attorneys general and governors, including in Wisconsin, has sued the administration over the refusal to tap the reserve fund. In Milwaukee County, Sen. Chris Larson and state Rep. Christine Sinicki, both Milwaukee Democrats, scheduled a news conference and food drive for Thursday morning at a food pantry in Cudahy, a suburb just south of the city. Across the state, Rep. Jodi Emerson (D-Eau Claire) and Sen. Jeff Smith (D-Brunswick) are holding a news conference and food drive Thursday morning in Eau Claire in conjunction with local nonprofits there. Reps. Jill Billings (D-La Crosse) and Tara Johnson (D-Town of Shelby) are holding a press conference and food drive on Thursday afternoon at a La Crosse food bank, joined by local advocates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The aim is to highlight the disastrous effects of the shutdown on Wisconsinites and discuss how our community can step up to support the most vulnerable among us in their time of need, Billings office stated in announcing the event. Johnson has also scheduled an event and food drive Friday with Sen. Brad Pfaff (D-Onalaska) at a Viroqua food pantry with Vernon County advocates. In Appleton, the Democratic Party of Outagamie County and state Senate hopeful Emily Tseffos have organized a two-week food drive that began Monday, Oct. 27 and will run through Nov. 8. That drive will supply pantries across the Fox Valley, according to the group. The fact that the government remains shut down while people right here are about to go hungry didnt sit right with me, Tseffos said in a statement. So a group of friends and I got together to see what we could do. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Josh Turek is warning of a "farmageddon" driven by President Donald Trump's "chaotic" tariff policy. Iowa farmers have struggled with rising costs, low commodity prices for corn and soybeans and declining farmland values. Turek, a state representative from Council Bluffs, told reporters Monday, Oct. 27, that the country is seeing "the beginnings of another farm crisis." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "What were seeing is upside down commodity prices right now, and were seeing suicide rates going up, were seeing foreclosures that are significantly higher than what they were," he said. "I mean, the farmers that Im out there talking to are deeming this a legitimate farmageddon." Trump has floated a $10 billion to $14 billion farm bailout, although he has yet to take formal action. "Our Iowa farmers are the very, very best in the world, and what they need is they need markets, they dont need subsidies," Turek said. "And this issue that theyre seeing with commodities prices is directly due to the chaotic nature of these tariffs." State Rep. Josh Turek poses for a portrait on Aug. 11, 2025, at his home in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Turek was joined on the call with Dave Muhlbauer, a Crawford County supervisor and former Democratic U.S. Senate candidate who has endorsed his campaign. Muhlbauher, who farms corn, beans, hogs and cattle, said farmers face a range of challenges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These markets have been horrendous for us," he said. "Were producing our products under break-evens. Soybeans especially, its been a gut punch to farmers." China, one of the world's largest soybean purchasers, stopped buying U.S. soybeans earlier this year in response to tariffs from the Trump administration, although officials say the two countries are on the cusp of a deal that will involve China buying "substantial" amounts of U.S. soybeans. Trump is on a trade trip to Asia and is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping later this week. Turek also criticized Trump for plans to provide Argentina with a $20 billion bailout, despite China turning to Argentina for soybean purchases in the face of U.S. tariffs. Trump has also said the United States will quadruple its purchases of Argentinian beef in an effort to lower prices for consumers a move that angered cattle producers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turek said importing beef from Argentina will "wreck the beef prices here for our beef farmers." He said the country has lost more than 100,000 beef producers in the last decade. "Its vitally important that along with looking at driving down costs that were doing this in an intelligent manner where were also making sure that were protecting our farmers and protecting our suppliers," he said. U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, who is running for the Republican U.S. Senate nomination, also has concerns about plans to import more beef from Argentina. More: Grassley says Trump should stop posting about Argentina beef imports on social media Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our cattle producers in Iowa have had some tough market conditions for many years," Hinson told reporters Oct. 23 in a call. "I do have concerns that importing beef from Argentina could lead to some more uncertainty and instability in our markets, so Im going to continue to work with our farmers and with the Trump administration to pursue new markets for our producers and also lower food costs for American families." Turek said Congress needs to pass a new Farm Bill, noting that lawmakers are two years overdue in passing the legislation. He said the country needs a "fair tariff situation" so farmers have access to markets. He said the government needs to work to lower input prices for farmers. And he said the government should put country-of-origin labeling on imported foods. "We put these labels on any other thing," he said. "And we should certainly have it on their food because I believe that American consumers would certainly want to go out of their way to buy from America and support our American farmers." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked if he agrees with a court case challenging Trump's legal authority to institute tariffs without Congress, Turek said the power should belong to lawmakers. "Much like the power of the purse, the power of tariffs should be in the hands of the legislature, and so certainly I view these tariffs as unconstitutional," he said. Several other Democrats are seeking their party's U.S. Senate nomination in 2026, including state Sen. Zach Wahls, former Knoxville Chamber of Commerce Director Nathan Sage and former state lawmaker Bob Krause. Stephen Gruber-Miller covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. He can be reached by email at sgrubermil@registermedia.com or by phone at 515-284-8169. Follow him on X at @sgrubermiller. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Democrat US Senate candidate Josh Turek criticizes Trump ag tariffs Democratic lawmakers are accusing President Donald Trump of political corruption after his controversial decision to pardon former Binance CEO Changpeng CZ Zhao, reigniting tensions between the White House and Congress over crypto industry influence in U.S. politics. In a sharply worded letter addressed to Attorney General Pamela Bondi and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, a group of Democratic senators, led by Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, Chris Van Hollen, Jack Reed, and Mazie Hirono, demanded explanations on how Trumps pardon could impact future white-collar and cryptocurrency-related prosecutions. Source: The Letter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawmakers said the move signals to cryptocurrency executives and other white-collar criminals that they can commit crimes with impunity, so long as they enrich President Trump enough. Was the CZ Pardon Justice or a Favor? Lawmakers Want Answers The letter referenced Zhaos 2023 guilty plea to federal charges for failing to maintain an adequate anti-money-laundering program at Binance. The company was ordered to pay more than $4.3 billion in fines after federal investigators concluded it had facilitated transactions linked to sanctioned countries, terrorists, and child exploitation networks. Zhao himself served four months in prison before being released in mid-2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senators warned that the pardon undermines years of law enforcement work by the Department of Justice, Treasury Department, and Commodity Futures Trading Commission, which coordinated the case. The pardon publicly and flagrantly undermines the work of the federal law enforcement teams that spent years investigating and prosecuting Binances offenses, the lawmakers wrote. They called for detailed responses from Bondi and Bessent by November 4, asking whether Trumps business connections with Zhao influenced his decision. The outrage follows mounting evidence of deepening financial ties between the Trump family and Zhaos network in the months leading up to the pardon. Sen. Warren, Rep. Waters Slam Trumps Pardon of CZ Amid Stablecoin Scandal Binance reportedly held discussions with World Liberty Financial, a crypto company launched in 2024 by Trump, his sons, and real estate developer Steve Witkoff, about developing a stablecoin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March 2025, World Liberty Financial announced the launch of USD1, a token minted on Binance Smart Chain. Later reports revealed Binance had written the tokens underlying code and promoted it to its 275 million users. In May, an Emirati firm linked to Witkoff announced a $2 billion USD1 investment in Binance, a deal that reportedly generated tens of millions in potential revenue for Trumps business interests. Just months later, on October 23, Trump granted Zhao a presidential pardon. This appears to be a clear example of political corruption, Sen. Warren said last week, accusing Trump of selling pardons to wealthy allies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a post on X, she added, CZ pleaded guilty to criminal violations and went to prison. Then he financed Trumps stablecoin and lobbied for a pardon. If Congress doesnt stop this kind of corruption, it owns it. Representative Maxine Waters also condemned the decision, calling it an appalling but unsurprising reflection of Trumps presidency. In a statement, she accused Trump of prioritizing crypto criminals who have helped line his pockets while Americans face rising living costs and an ongoing government shutdown. Trumps pardon of CZ effectively legitimizes the crypto crime he was convicted of, Waters said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zhao, in response, expressed gratitude for the pardon, saying he would support U.S. leadership in digital assets and help make America the Capital of Crypto. He denied directly funding Trumps stablecoin venture, dismissing media reports as misinformation from competitors. Cryptos Political Spending Under Fire as Trumps CZ Pardon Sparks Backlash The controversy comes amid growing scrutiny of cryptos role in U.S. politics. In March 2025 the Center for Political Accountability found that cryptocurrency companies spent more than $134 million on the 2024 election cycle, a thirteenfold increase from the previous presidential race. Much of that money was funneled through Fairshake, a powerful political action committee backed by Coinbase, Ripple, and venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, which spent over $40 million supporting pro-crypto candidates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Separately, Federal Election Commission filings show that Trumps campaign committee, Trump, raised roughly $7.5 million in crypto donations between July and September 2024. Contributions came in Bitcoin, Ether, XRP, and several stablecoins. Major industry figures, including BTC Inc. CEO David Bailey, Ripples Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty, and BitGo CEO Mike Belshe, were among the donors. Democrats argue that such financial ties have created a dangerous overlap between political influence and regulatory outcomes. After Binance and Zhao provided the Trump family with a multi-million-dollar revenue stream, Trump pardoned him, the senators letter stated. It sends the message that corporate criminals can violate the law and still walk free as long as they help the President. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The political fallout is already extending beyond the White House. On Monday, Representative Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) announced plans to introduce legislation banning elected officials from owning or launching cryptocurrencies. While Trumps allies have defended the pardon as a necessary correction of what they describe as prosecutorial overreach, the backlash has intensified calls for tighter ethical rules and greater transparency around political donations from the crypto industry. Read original story Democrats Blast Trumps Corrupt CZ Pardon Claim Crypto Lobby Spent Millions by Hassan Shittu at Cryptonews.com Senate Democrats are taking a close look at a Republican proposal to pay all federal employees including essential and furloughed workers as theyre under new pressure from the nations largest federal workers union to pass a clean continuing resolution to reopen the government. They also plan to introduce legislation to pay for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and extend funding for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, which provides essential nutrition assistance for lower income mothers. The developments reveal Democrats are looking for a way to ease the impact of the four-week shutdown on federal workers who are struggling to pay their daily expenses and on lower income Americans who may soon run out of food. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Publicly, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) and his leadership team are sticking to their arguments that President Trump needs to start negotiating on health insurance subsidies before they agree to reopen the government. At the same time, Democrats are feeling intense pressure to end the shutdown in a way that gives them a political win or at least a face-saving off-ramp from the stalemate that has stalled Washington for nearly 30 days. Democratic leaders say they want Trump to negotiate with them over rising health insurance premiums, but they havent yet said what exactly it would take to get enough votes to reopen government. Democratic senators say they are hearing from experts who warn that more than 40 million Americans risk going hungry if SNAP benefits are allowed to run out an approaching crisis they say is being made worse by the Trump administrations refusal to spend emergency food assistance funds during the shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the conference, nobody wants to be shut down. Were trying to figure out what we want from them, said a Democratic senator who requested anonymity to discuss uneasiness within the Democratic caucus over how long the shutdown has dragged on. The senator said colleagues are hearing not only from the American Federation of Government Employees, which represents 820,000 federal workers and called on Democrats this week to pass a clean continuing resolution to reopen government, but also from experts concerned about food assistance running out. Weve heard from unions. We hear more from the nutrition people, theyre worried about running out of nutrition. Thats because the president doesnt care about screwing people. He wants to screw us. Thats why this is such a slog, the Democratic lawmaker said. Several Democratic senators said Tuesday they would take a close look at a proposal sponsored by Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) to pay all federal workers essential workers who have been required to report for duty during the shutdown and furloughed workers who have been told to stay home for weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its something well take a close look at. I think if we could get it right, its something that would get a lot of support, centrist Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) said. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), who represents more than 100,000 federal employees, said he would also examine the Republican proposal. Ill take a look. And the key will be, Are the Rs going to put it up for a vote? he said. Sen. Bernie Sanders (Vt.), an independent who caucuses with Democrats, said he would also review the bill to pay federal workers even if federal departments and agencies stay closed. I would need to go look at the details of that, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three Democrats voted last week for Johnsons proposal to pay only essential federal workers, such as active-duty members of the military, air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration agents. Sens. John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) and Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), who faces a competitive reelection race next year, voted for the measure. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said he may bring Johnsons amended bill to also pay furloughed federal employees up for a vote right before the election in Virginia next Tuesday. The state, which will elect a new governor and attorney general, is home to approximately 140,000 federal employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thune told reporters Tuesday morning that its very, very possible the proposal to pay all federal employees during the shutdown will come to the floor in the next few days. Thune said Johnson has been talking to Dems about adding furloughed workers and predicted there would be strong Republican support for the bill. The lead Democratic negotiator on proposals to pay federal workers during the shutdown, Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), hasnt yet signed off on Johnsons offer because he wants to add language that would prevent Trump from attempting mass layoffs. Vice President Vance urged Senate Republicans at a lunch meeting Tuesday to keep the pressure on Senate Democrats by not allowing votes on legislation to pay SNAP benefits or air traffic controllers during the shutdown, according to Republican senators who attended the meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vance urged GOP senators to stick with Thunes strategy of holding repeated votes on a House-passed continuing resolution to fund the government through Nov. 21. His argument, according to GOP sources familiar with the discussion, is that passing rifle-shot measures to reopen the parts of the government would take the pressure off Democrats and possibly extend the shutdown. Passing such bills in the Senate would also put pressure on the Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) to reconvene the House to take up the legislation, further undermining the broader strategy of isolating Senate Democrats during the shutdown. Right now, Democrats are under a lot of pressure. You got the unions coming on against them, you got SNAP running out next week, said a Republican senator who requested anonymity to talk about internal party strategy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am very hopeful that we are close either this week or next week to pass the CR, the source said, referring to the House-passed stopgap funding measure. The senator said Thune and the Speaker are taking a stance against moving bills that open only parts of the government. If you start changing direction now, you complicate it and bring the House back, the senator added. Speaker Johnson told reporters Tuesday that votes to fund special carve-outs, such as salaries for federal workers or SNAP benefits, are a waste of our time. We voted Sept. 19 to fund every one of those priorities, and every Democrat in the House except one voted to not fund them, Mike Johnson said at a press conference Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Democrats are playing games. They put a few of the one-off bills on the floor, as youve seen in the last week or so. They put a bill to pay the troops, pay essential workers, and Democrats voted it down, he said. Emily Brooks contributed. 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. Officials with Denmark-headquartered Aalborg CSP said the company has developed technology that could convert retired coal-fired power plants into thermal storage facilities for renewable energy. The company in a news release on October 28 said that as existing coal-fired power plants are phased out, "It is ideal to re-use coal-fired power plants for storing renewable energy instead of demolishing them and building new energy storage facilities from scratch." Aalborg CSP said it has developed a solution that transforms existing coal-fired power plants into large-scale energy storage facilities. The company said its technology would reuse most of the facility's installed equipment, enabling continued use of existing power generation sites to produce more energy. The company said more than 250 coal-fired power plants in Europe could be phased out as part of emissions reductions strategies. Jens Taggart Pelle, Aalborg CSP vice president of Technical Sales, said that in addition to the environmental and climate-related benefits of plant closures, the owners of coal-fired power plants could enable a new business opportunity by replacing coal-fired boilers with energy storage facilities. [caption id="attachment_244062" align="alignnone" width="640"] Aalborg CSP, headquartered in Denmark, has developed technology to enable the conversion of coal-fired power plants into thermal energy storage facilities. Source: Aalborg CSP[/caption] "The plant owners will save on the costs of decommissioning and dismantling coal-fired power plants, which are scrap if they can no longer produce energy. Our calculations show that repurposing coal-fired power plants is the most cost-effective solution, as the equipment is already installed and fully functional for many years to come," said Pelle. "In addition, the plant owners will see a reduction in fuel costs by charging with excess renewable energy from the grid and can generate new revenue both through balancing services to the electricity market and arbitrage with the sale of the stored electricity. Likewise, we see the owners' public image will be boosted as they through the conversion provide security of supply of electricity in unstable time while making a huge effort in creating a sustainable future energy production." Power-to-Salt Solution Aalborg CSP can convert coal-fired power plants by offering what the company calls Power-to-Salt solutions. Using a so-called Carnot battery, Aalborg CSP can convert electricity into thermal energy. The battery works by converting excess electricity from green energy sources such as wind turbines and solar panels into heat. The heat is then stored in molten salt. When demand for electricity increases, the heat is converted back into electricity. As part of the conversion, the coal-fired boiler is replaced with a steam generator system based on Header & Coil technology, powered by hot molten salt heated up to 565C. The molten salt is stored in two insulated tanks and used to generate high-temperature, high pressure steam, which drives the existing power plant turbines to produce electricity and eliminates the need for fossil fuel combustion. By using the Aalborg CSP storage technology, it is therefore possible to strengthen security of supply and create a balance between supply and demand. Existing equipment such as steam turbines, generators and heat exchangers, as well as components for switching, transforming and transmitting high-voltage electricity, can be reused in the new energy plant. In addition, it is also a major advantage to retain local jobs at the power plants and turn them into clean energy jobs in the operation and maintenance of the future plants. "We have a proven concept that can be scaled as needed. I believe there is a great need for decisions that promote large-scale energy storage as part of our grid infrastructure utilizing energy from wind turbines and solar panels. It is essential that the transformation of power plants into green energy storage facilities should be given greater political focus in the coming years," said Pelle. Converting a Coal-Fired Power Plant in Bulgaria Aalborg CSP is, among others, collaborating with AES Bulgaria, the Bulgarian affiliate of the American energy group AES Corp., to explore the possibility of converting a large coal-fired power plant in Bulgaria. The power plant was built in 2010, but AES is considering converting it into an energy storage facility. "Our state-of-the-art coal-fired power plant represents valuable infrastructure for the country and we are actively working on a solution that aligns with European and Bulgarian energy transition goals," said Ivan Tzankov, president of AES Bulgaria. "This transformation would enable more renewable energy to be integrated into the market by storing surplus production and releasing it when demand is high. The conversion of our power facility into an advanced energy storage plant would reuse most of the exisiting infrastructure thereby securing the long-term viability of the asset while continuing to deliver reliable, clean energy to Bulgarian consumers for decades to come." Darrell Proctor is a senior editor for POWER. The state Department of Environmental Protection denied a request from Dunmores elected officials to permanently station an inspector in Lackawanna County to respond more quickly to odor complaints at the Keystone Sanitary Landfill. Every member of borough council and the mayor signed a letter in August to DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley criticizing the departments odor-reporting process, contending that response times from inspectors dispatched to odor complaints within the borough can vary anywhere from 15 minutes to a number of days. The Aug. 28 letter asked the DEP to employ an inspector within Lackawanna County, rather than dispatching inspectors from its Northeast Regional Office in Wilkes-Barre, to reduce response times and provide a more accurate account of the number and intensity of the odors coming from the landfill. The typical response time is several hours, and by that time, the odor has dissipated, the borough said in the letter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Council President Janet Brier and council members Katherine Mackrell Oven, Tom Hallinan, Michael Dempsey, William Trip OMalley, Beth McDonald Zangardi and Patrick Nibs Loughney all signed the letter, in addition to Mayor Max Conway. Shirley responded to the request Thursday in a letter addressed to council. DEP understands the importance of timely responses to odor complaints. While we share your goal of ensuring that odors are accurately assessed, DEP does not permanently assign inspectors to a single county or facility, Shirley wrote, explaining DEP staff are assigned within a regions geographic boundaries. This allows DEP to respond to not only odor concerns from just one facility, but also to a wide range of environmental issues across the entire region from a host of facilities and sites. She concluded her letter by saying the department is open to meeting with members of council at DEPs regional office, directing the borough to contact Northeast Regional Director Joseph Buczynski, P.E. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Borough council decided during its meeting Monday to request a meeting with DEP officials, including Shirley, Brier said. She emailed the department Tuesday to set up the meeting and was told Shirley would not be coming, Brier said. I would like to publicly ask Jessica Shirley to come and meet with us, or we will meet with her in Harrisburg, because she is the secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection, Brier said. We want to ask her what she perceives as the next steps to curb this situation that we have this environmental disaster that we have. Brier previously sent Gov. Josh Shapiro a letter April 2 arguing the DEPs odor-reporting process places the burden on residents, asking for harsher penalties on the landfill and requesting new decision-making personnel to evaluate the landfill in Dunmore and Throops remanded Phase III expansion. If they did understand the importance of (timely responses), then they would respond in a more timely manner, which they do not do, Brier said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest exchange comes weeks after the DEP temporarily extended the Louis and Dominick DeNaples-owned landfills operating permit for 15 months through Dec. 31, 2026, to give itself additional time to monitor Keystones odor controls and reevaluate its harms-benefits analysis. The extension the second the agency granted this year stems from an April 1 ruling from the Pennsylvania Environmental Hearing Board that remanded the Keystone Sanitary Landfills massive Phase III expansion approval back to the DEP. The environmental judges determined the department erred in issuing the landfill a permit that didnt sufficiently control or mitigate issues with off-site odors and excess leachate generation problems the DEP knew about prior to approving the expansion, according to the ruling. The ruling didnt overturn the expansion, which allows the landfill to triple its volume of waste by hauling in just over 94 million tons, or about 188 billion pounds, of additional garbage through the 2060s, but it did require the DEP to review whether additional measures are needed in the landfills permitting to control off-site odors and excess leachate generation. In March 2024, the landfill also signed a consent order and agreement with the DEP where it agreed to undergo 26 corrective actions to reduce odors and manage its leachate, as well as pay a $575,000 fine following 14 odor-related violations since January 2023, which included nearly 1,000 odor complaints in the span of seven months, as well as DEP staff smelling off-site landfill gas and leachate odors attributed to the landfill at least 70 times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shirley cited that consent order in her response last week, noting the landfill was required to construct and operate two 2.5-million gallon enclosed leachate tanks in lieu of using open-air leachate lagoons. The tanks became operational in early August, and the process of emptying the open lagoons may have contributed to a recent increase in odor complaints, she said. In response, Shirley said the DEP initiated twice-daily, off-hour odor patrols of surrounding areas, which she said resulted in more timely responses and the presence of DEP staff in areas where complaints were being registered. When circumstances warrant, the DEP initiates odor patrols in communities where the public has increasingly identified issues, such as odors from a facility, allowing the DEP to provide timely investigations to complaints, Shirley said. The department previously conducted those patrols around the landfill in the morning and evening, both on weekdays and weekends, she said. Brier contends the DEPs process isnt working. The council president has long criticized the departments odor-reporting process, arguing that it places the burden on residents. She also wants the DEP to remove emergency language from its after-hours voicemail because it could discourage callers from leaving messages if they dont consider odors to be emergencies. Citizens who are victims of this horrible smell should not be the people responsible for identifying them. DEP should be responsible, Brier said. We were hoping that they would comply with our request, which is not outrageous, considering the number of complaints and the size of the landfill and the long, long, long, endless history of non-compliance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also wants additional enforcement action taken against the landfill for any noncompliance. Councilman William Trip OMalley, who had the idea for the August letter, was displeased with the DEPs letter. Their response times have been really poor, and it doesnt really seem like they have a plan to better the response times, he said. It just seems like the protection part of their motto seems to be lacking, to say the least. Margie Quin, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Children's Services, faced sharp questions from lawmakers Tuesday over children continuing to sleep in state office buildings. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout) Children taken from their homes as a result of abuse and neglect continue to be forced to sleep in state office buildings four years after the practice first drew widespread public condemnation, the Department of Childrens Services chief acknowledged to lawmakers on Tuesday. Margie Quin, the departments commissioner, faced sharply worded questioning by lawmakers on the House Finance, Ways and Means Committee in a regularly scheduled review of state agencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As recently as May 2025 thereve been reports of children sleeping in DCS offices statewide and it never stopped, Rep. David Hawk, a Republican from Greeneville said. What care are they getting in DCS offices for their highly needy situations? he asked. Quin said children and teens with juvenile violations and those with higher medical and behavioral needs sometimes take days to assess for an appropriate placement, necessitating short stays in offices rather than foster homes or residential treatment facilities. She defended the practice as providing similar levels of care to children taken into state custody as other settings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The services they are getting inside a DCS office are not dissimilar from what they are getting in a transitional home, she said. Obviously theyre not in a home. Theyre not in a homelike setting and that is extraordinarily unfortunate. DCS made a decision three years ago to not put children in hotels and Airbnbs are not an option, she said. We dont have any other houses, so theyre in an office. We do take them every day to shower. We do take them to school. They do receive their education. We do employ behavioral health specialists. In some cases we have to bring security in the offices, she said. And there are case managers most of the time there are two case managers with that child or with that youth while theyre in the office. The department drew scrutiny four years ago for the then-widespread practice of putting children to bed for the night on the floors in caseworkers offices when the Tennessee Lookout published video of children asleep in one Tennessee office. Some of the children slept on bare floors with no pillows, blankets or other bedding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Data on the number of children who continue to sleep on office floors was not immediately available. Hawk, during Tuesdays hearing, also demanded the department turn over information on the number of sexual assaults that have taken place in co-ed transitional settings such as the state offices and temporary homes that are operated by nonprofits, churches and other outside organizations. I have numerous instances of anecdotal information about sexual assaults taking place, Hawk said, requesting that Quin provide him with the total number of sexual assaults committed against children in DCS custody since she assumed office. Quin told lawmakers that the agency had made progress since she took over in September 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More children have been placed with families and relatives over foster care with strangers thanks to a $32 million allocation from the legislature, she said. Caseloads have dropped, but remain high in areas like Davidson County, where social workers juggle about 20 cases at a time. The best practice is 12, she noted. Salary hikes approved for entry level caseworkers have curbed high turnover rates and staffing shortfalls. And the department is deploying more resources into homes to prevent the need for children coming into state custody. A successful turnaround is occurring at our agency, she said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE PORT SHELDON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) A West Olive convenience store was held up at gunpoint Wednesday morning, deputies say. It happened just before 11 a.m. at the West Olive One Stop on West Olive Road near Croswell Street in Port Sheldon Township. The suspects threatened the stores clerk with a handgun and stole merchandise, the Ottawa County Sheriffs Office said in a release. It said the clerk was not hurt, and the suspects got away before deputies arrived on scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly after, a deputy spotted a vehicle matching the suspect vehicles description in the Allendale Township area, the sheriffs office said. Deputies tried pulling it over, but the driver sped off. Deputies chased it into Kent County, where they eventually lost the vehicle. The Kent County Sheriffs Office quickly found it again, this time abandoned by the suspects. While initial reports were that two suspects had held up the clerk, the deputies found three suspects running from the vehicle. All three were taken into custody, deputies say. The suspects include a 21-year-old, a 17-year-old and a 16-year-old, all male, the sheriffs office said. It said the 21-year-old and 16-year-old were lodged at the Ottawa County Jail and Ottawa County Juvenile Detention Center, respectively, while the 17-year-old was released to his parents. The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information should contact the Sheriffs Office or Silent Observer at 1.877.88.SILENT (745368) or mosotips.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) A shooting that occurred Monday afternoon has left one trespasser critically injured and another arrested, according to the Spartanburg County Sheriffs Office. Deputies reported that the incident took place around 3 p.m. in the 600 block of Union Highway in the Cross Anchor community when two individuals allegedly tried to steal from the property and were confronted by the owner, leading to a shooting. Spartanburg County deputies at scene of shooting on Union Highway in Cross Anchor, October 27, 2025 (WSPA Photo) Spartanburg County deputies at scene of shooting on Union Highway in Cross Anchor, October 27, 2025 (WSPA Photo) Deputies said the injured trespasser was transported to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center, where they remain in critical condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another individual, identified as Robert Michael Liner II, was arrested and charged with petit larceny for attempting to steal less than $2,000 worth of property. Authorities requested the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) because the property owner is a retired Spartanburg County Sheriffs Office deputy. (Video above: Scene of shooting on Union Highway in Cross Anchor) The investigation into the shooting continues, with SLED handling inquiries due to the involvement of a former law enforcement officer. 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 former sheriffs deputy charged with the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey was found guilty of second-degree murder on Wednesday. The deputy faced more severe charges of first-degree murder, but the jury had the option to convict on a lesser charge. Masseys case gained national media attention and reignited calls for reform to policing throughout the country, particularly law enforcements response to mental health crises. Her killing happened a week before the nine-year anniversary of Sandra Blands death, which elevated the #SayHerName movements push to raise awareness about Black women victims of police brutality. On July 6, 2024, Sangamon County Sheriffs Deputy Sean Grayson shot 36-year-old Massey while she was standing in the kitchen of her Springfield, Illinois, home without a weapon. Massey called 911 in the early morning hours because she was concerned about a potential intruder outside her home. Police-worn body camera footage show two deputies interacting with Massey while she boiled a pot of water on her stove. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tension escalated after Massey said to the deputies, I rebuke you in the name of Jesus. One yelled: You better fucking not, I swear to God. Ill fucking shoot you right in your fucking face. Both deputies then drew their guns and demanded that Massey drop the pot of water. Though Massey attempted to duck out of the way, Grayson shot her three times, including in the face. During the trial, Graysons partner who was present at the scene testified that he did not view Massey as a threat. She never did anything that made me think she was a threat, said sheriffs deputy Dawson Farley, according to reporting by ABC News. It was essentially the defendants actions that raised my sense of awareness, Farley said. News that represents you, in your inbox every weekday. Subscribe to our free, daily newsletter. Gov. Ron DeSantis is instructing Floridas state university system to pull the plug on H-1B visas. DeSantis, in a news conference Wednesday at the University of South Floridas Tampa campus, called the temporary visas for specialty occupation workers disappointing cheap labor. Many Florida universities employ H-1B visa holders in a variety of academic departments. DeSantis said state universities need to ensure Florida citizens are first in line for job opportunities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its unclear whether DeSantis crackdown on H-1B visa holders would involveprohibitingsome or all future applicants or firing current employees who have thevisas. Federal law prohibitsfiring on the basis of immigration status, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The governors announcement came amid an evaluation by the states Department of Government Efficiency of Florida universities spending and policies. Ben Watkins, the states Division of Bond Finance director, saidthe full DOGE-style review will be presented to the Board of Governors, which oversees Floridas state university system, next week. From last October to June, the University of Florida employed 156 H-1B visa holders. TheUniversity of South Florida employed 72, and Florida State University employed 69. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trump signed a proclamation in September requiring a $100,000 fee for new H-1B applicants. DeSantis said Florida universities typically arent bringing in Einsteins from other countries. He gave examples of H-1B recipients from across the world employed at Florida universities. Why arent we producing math and engineering folks who can do this? DeSantis said. Weve got hundreds of thousands of people in our state university system. Donald Landry, UFs interim president, said during the news conference that the university will embrace DeSantis review of H-1B visas. The visa process is not handled in a pristine fashion, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Occasionally, some bright light might be good enough for the faculty, and then we will try and retain the person into whom weve invested so much, Landry said. But thats the exception that proves the rule. Lucy Marques is a reporter covering education as a member of the Tampa Bay Times Education Hub in partnership with Open Campus. You can contribute to the hub through our journalism fund by clicking here. Canned foods on grocery store shelves. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch) Gov. Ron DeSantis doesnt think Florida Democrats should tell him about their fears of low-income Floridians losing access to food benefits. Instead, DeSantis wants them to write their concerns to Chuck Schumer, the U.S. Senate Democratic Leader from New York. Did those Democrats write a letter to Chuck Schumer asking him to stop filibustering the spending? DeSantis asked brusquely at a Tampa press conference on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Come on. He was responding to a reporters request for comment on a letter penned Tuesday by the Florida Legislatures Democratic delegation imploring he use his emergency powers to ensure that three million Floridians who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program a federal food assistance program dont go hungry. The Democrats were hoping the governor would declare a state of emergency, dip into Floridas rainy day fund, and pay for, then distribute, food to various pantries statewide. This comes as the federal government nears a month of being shutdown, meaning SNAP benefits will likely expire on Nov. 1. The Phoenix previously reported that SNAP provides nutritional support for low-income seniors, people with disabilities living on fixed incomes, and other individuals and families with low incomes. Florida has the fourth largest SNAP enrollment nationwide with 2.94 million relying on the assistance for their food security, behind California, Texas, and New York. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nationwide, 41.7 million people rely on SNAP benefits. DeSantis, who dodged whether hed use emergency powers, pinned the blame on Schumer for leading Senate Democrats on Tuesday in voting for the 13th time to block a House-passed bill to reopen the federal government, the Hill reported. In order to reopen the government, Schumer said Republicans need to negotiate the enhanced premium tax credits that help offset the costs of health insurance policies on the federal health exchange. Standing at 29 days, this is the second-longest government shutdown in history. It will become the longest if it lasts until Election Day on Nov. 4. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaking at the University of South Florida campus in Tampa on Oct. 29, 2025 (photo by Mitch Perry/Florida Phoenix) TAMPA Gov. Ron DeSantis continued to jab at House Republicans over property taxes on Wednesday and insisted that voters should be given just one proposed constitutional amendment to overhaul the system instead of multiple proposals. House Speaker Daniel Perez earlier this month said that voters should decide what type of property tax cuts should be enacted and rolled out seven potential amendments that could be placed on the 2026 ballot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But this is a no-go with DeSantis who has suggested that Perez is doing this to undermine any effort to cut property taxes. Its got to be very clearly written and give people a chance to vote for it, he said while speaking on the University of South Florida campus in Tampa. What you dont do is put five [constitutional amendments] on therebecause theyre going to be written in ways that are not going to be clear and so theres going to create confusion on the ballot. The governor has made clear for months that he wants to provide property tax relief for those with homestead properties and that can only be achieved by placing such a measure on the ballot via a constitutional amendment. The most likely way that will happen is by having the Legislature create and approve a proposal that gets three-fifths support from both the House and Senate to be placed on the November 2026 ballot. Then 60% of the public must vote for it to become law. This marks the second time that DeSantis has zinged House Republicans. After they offered seven separate proposed constitutional amendments to reduce property taxes earlier this month, DeSantis dismissed their offers as not serious. He doubled down on those comments on Wednesday. Total half measures Just understand what theyre trying to do in the Florida House they put out a bunch of proposals, he said. Theyre all milquetoast. Theres not one proposal that would get people excited about. Not one. So theyre total half measures. Which is not what people are asking for. People want to be bold. So just right theres a problem. But they say, No, were just going to put it all out to let the people decide. Well put five on the ballot and let the people decide. First of all, the Senates not going to do that. But if that were to be done, that is a way to kill any type of getting property tax reform. Because different voters are going to read different things and none of them are going to end up getting 60%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One big potential problem for DeSantis, however, is that he has no veto power over what the Legislature eventually draws up and places on the ballot. Perez responded to DeSantis initial criticisms of the Houses proposals last week by pointing out that the governor has not yet released his own proposal to address the issue. He added that he had personally reached out to the governor to share the Houses offers and had never heard back. (One Democrat, Sen. Mack Bernard from Palm Beach County, filed four proposed constitutional amendments on property taxes as well last week). DeSantis confirmed at the press conference that he hasnt spoken with Perez regarding property taxes, and didnt sound like he intended to anytime soon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pair began feuding over various issues during the 2025 legislative session. When DeSantis first brought up the issue of providing property tax relief during the legislative session earlier this year, Perez countered by proposing a $5 billion plan to reduce sales taxes in Florida, which the governor derided again on Wednesday as a tax cut for tourists and Canadians. Shortly after this story was published, Speaker Perez responded to the governors comments. The governors comments can only be interpreted in two ways, Perez said in a statement sent to the Phoenix. Either hes being small and petty, or he has just revealed something significant today about his mysterious property tax plan. The House has proposed eliminating all non-school homestead property taxes. The Governor weirdly called that milquetoast. That can only mean the Governor has just announced that he will be proposing to abolish all property taxes including school taxes. I look forward to seeing the Governors proposed budget where he makes up for the $21 billion for schools that he plans to cut. DeSantis said that with the 2026 election still a year away, there was no urgency to release his own proposed amendment right now, but said that he was working with folks to get the language right so that it can ultimately get the support it needs to pass. The measure will require 60% approval from the voters Public opinion polls show Floridians are generally supportive of eliminating or reducing property taxes. A University of North Florida Public Opinion Research Lab survey released on Tuesday of 728 likely voters showed 49% of Floridians supporting the elimination of property taxes for homeowners, with 43% against. While the survey shows a plurality of voters support the idea, its far from the 60% support required for passage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeSantis emphasized that whatever proposed constitutional amendment on property taxes appears on the ballot it must be clear and concisely written. The governor claimed that two constitutional amendments passed by the Legislature that appeared on the 2024 ballot failed because they were poorly written: Amendment 1 to make school board races partisan, and Amendment to repeal the states public campaign financing programs for statewide candidates. Critics say whatever is ultimately proposed regarding a significant reduction if not outright repeal of property taxes on homestead properties will result in a significant cost shift whether in taxes, fees or inadequate services. Thats a reality if were going to be clear about what this does, Florida Policy Institute director of research Esteban Leonardo Santis said Wednesday during an online discussion on property taxes. Ultimately if we were to just eliminate property taxes non-school property taxes for homesteads that would cost $11 billion statewide, Santis added. This would be $7.8 billion for counties. It would also be $3 billion for municipalities. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said he wants to pull the plug on H-1B visas at state universities, arguing the program meant to recruit top talent from foreign countries wrongly takes jobs away from Floridians. Almost 400 employees from foreign countries currently work at Florida public universities under that visa program, according to data from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. DeSantis, speaking at the University of South Florida, said he plans to direct the states higher education board to end the use of the visas. In doing so, he wades into an issue that has long been controversial nationally, with businesses primarily in technology fields arguing that employing highly-qualified foreign workers is critical to U.S. competitiveness but critics saying employers use the H-1B program to hire cheaper immigrants rather than qualified Americans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need to make sure our citizens here in Florida are first in line for these job opportunities, DeSantis said. Its unclear how the state would take the action DeSantis wants, however. Individual states do not have the authority to revoke visas, and it is illegal to fire employees on the basis of immigration status, according to the federal immigration agency. The governors office did not immediately respond to follow up questions after DeSantis announcement. The H-1B program allows companies and institutions to bring in educated foreign professionals for specialty occupations that are deemed hard to fill with U.S. workers. These workers must have bachelors degrees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amazon is the biggest user of the program nationwide, employing more than 10,000 such workers this year, federal immigration data shows. A consulting company, PWC Advisory Services, better known as PricewaterhouseCoopers, is the biggest user in Florida, with more than 640 employers on H-1B visas. The program, which involves more than 7,200 people in Florida, most employed at private companies, has recently divided supporters of the Trump administration, with some like Elon Musk strongly favoring the program and others on the side of DeSantis. In September, President Donald Trump announced an increase in fees for individual H-1B visas from $215 to $100,000. That fee is typically paid by employers. Trump also signed a proclamation saying there had been systematic abuse of the program. Trumps decision, expected to face a legal challenge, means employers have to pay the new $100,000 fee for H-1B petitions filed after Sept. 21, so it could sharply limit the program, but it does not impact visa holders already working in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeSantis listed several positions filled by H-1B visa holders at state universities, including those from China, Argentina and Canada, and said they provide cheap labor and take opportunities from qualified Floridians. He did not specify which universities had hired these employees. The University of Florida is among the states leading users of the H-1B program with more than 150 staff on those visas, according to federal immigration data. Other universities arent far behind, with 72 at USF, 69 at Florida State University, 28 at the University of Central Florida and 13 at Florida Atlantic University. University staff on H-1B visas are largely in computer science, engineering, physics and chemistry departments, professors say, fields relatively few Americans pursue. In 2023, for example, about 60% of those who earned Ph.Ds in computer science from U.S. universities were temporary visa holders, not citizens or permanent residents, according to the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics. Robert Cassanello, the president of the United Faculty of Florida and a UCF history professor, criticized DeSantis for emphasizing merit-based hiring at universities but then not supporting the H-1B program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cassanello said its not that universities dont want to hire American applicants for positions, but rather that many times there arent enough qualified applicants, especially for science and math positions. And many times, the best applicants come from other countries, he said. DeSantis is speaking out of both sides his mouth He is actively trying to remove any and all autonomy of governing our public colleges and universities from the people who run them day to day, he said. The MAGA-led legal effort to punish New York Attorney General Letitia James has another glaring hole. The fragile mortgage fraud indictment against James accuses her of lying about her financial situation in order to get a better loan rate when she purchased a home in Virginia in 2023. Prosecutors main gotcha accuses James of violating that loan agreement by renting the property out. Except she actually was allowed to rent it out, according to legal and real estate experts that spoke Wednesday with Politico, which noted that the key language in the contract expressly allows renting under certain conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement James is charged with two counts of financial fraud in connection to the Norfolk home. She pleaded not guilty Friday to the federal charges. The case has been fraught from the beginning: The last attorney tasked with leading the legal effort against James was given the boot in September after his team was unable to find incriminating evidence that she had knowingly committed fraud. New Yorks top cop has become one of Donald Trumps chief legal adversaries since she bested him in his bank fraud case in 2024. Trumps revenge began to take form in April, when his administration launched an investigation into Jamess personal finances, accusing her of lying on her bank statements in order to obtain better mortgage rates. At the time, Trump referred to her as a totally corrupt politician, a wacky crook, and accused Jamesthe first woman of color to hold statewide office in New Yorkof being racist. James has since been a star against Trumps political retribution tour, as she has repeatedly promised to hold him to account, regardless of his presidential status. Since Trump returned to the White House in January, James has filed dozens of lawsuits against his administration. They range from legal rejections of Trumps tariffs to fighting his big, beautiful budgets attempt to strip Medicaid funding from Planned Parenthood clinics. LORDSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) A developer is working to bring a data center to Lordstown. Read next: General Motors planning layoffs at local battery plant: Report A representative of the developer, Bristolville 25 Developer LLC, sent a letter to Lordstown Village Council on Tuesday, outlining its plans for the proposed project. The letter was provided to WKBN after a public records request. The letter states that the project would be constructed on 133 acres in both Trumbull and Mahoning counties, employing 120 full-time employees with an average wage of over $84 an hour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The developer also made an application for a site plan review process on Oct. 20. The company estimates a capital investment of $3.6 billion and that it will employ an estimated 1,600 laborers to construct the facility. This 1.65 million square foot data center campus will deliver significant employment and wage benefits to the region and to the Village of Lordstown in the form of employment and tax revenues. Bristolville estimates the project will generate $21 million in direct wages annually and $11.4 million in indirect wages in the region. Importantly, the project is estimated to generate more than a million dollars in new state and local income tax revenues every year, and millions of dollars annually in local property taxes, providing a long-term, stable source of funding for local governments and school districts, reads the letter. The letter also states that Bristolville is willing to provide funding to update the villages water infrastructure needs, as well as contribute to a fund to be used for special projects for community development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This project has not been approved yet. Kristy Regula 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 WKBN.com. HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) If you live in the Huntsville-metro area, youre probably familiar with the I-65 and I-565 interchange. While this area may seem like a traffic jam during rush hour to some people, the developers of a new planned community say its the perfect location, which boasts convenience. Findings in investigation into mans death after violent arrest turned over to Morgan County DA Its the center of Birmingham and Nashville, you could also argue Chattanooga to Memphis, said David Horwath, President of Land Innovations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Land Innovations and Rochford Realty LLC are the developers behind a new mixed-use development set to be built on 400 acres just south of I-565 and east of I-65. The land is in an area of southern Limestone County that was recently annexed by the City of Huntsville. Tuesday night, the Huntsville Planning Commission approved a zoning change for that piece of land. It went from a Residence 2-B District and Highway Business C-4 District, to a Planned Development Housing District LUI 56. The 400-acre parcel will soon become the Westmoore Landing Planned Development. Need food assistance? Organizations across North Alabama gearing up to help Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are excited as can be, said Trey Rochford with Rochford Realty. The development will blend 3,000 new housing units with commercial retail space, creating a community similar to the Village of Providence in Huntsville. Developers on the project say the goal is to create a sense of community that will allow people of all ages to live together. The development will utilize several different types of housing. On the same street, you will have single-family, duplex, cottages, and townhomes, said David Horwath. The development is located close to several major employment hubs like Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, Polaris, Amazon, and the Target Distribution Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City planners say this will help boost the workforce. Really, this is to kind of help add even more housing to support a lot of the jobs out there, Dennis Madsen, Huntsvilles Manager of Urban and Long Range Planning, said. The land where Westmoore Landing is being built was annexed into Huntsville City Limits in January of 2025. Madsen said as the City of Huntsville grows, its important that careful planning is involved. So its really about planning ahead and making sure youre incrementally adding all the things you need out there, Madsen said. He said that the City of Huntsville and Huntsville City Schools have already had discussions about adding a new school in that area to serve the development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We do have a site already identified for an elementary/middle school to help serve that new growth, he said. Site developers say this is a long-term project. However, they expect to get the dirt moving soon. We hope to be breaking ground in the spring of next year, 2026, Horwath said. He said they hope to have the first residents of the community moved in by 2027. 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. CNNs Dana Bash pressed New York City Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa on Wednesday about President Donald Trumps refusal to endorse him in the race. Sliwa joined Bash on Inside Politics as the mayoral election reaches the home stretch before into its Election Day. Sliwa is trailing both Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani and former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in polling. Bash played Sliwa a clip of Trump speaking to Fox Business about his refusal to endorse anyone in the mayoral race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Is he really a Republican? Am I a big fan? This isnt exactly ideal where he wants to make Gracie Mansion a home for the cats, Trump said, referring to Sliwa saying hed move his six cats into Gracie Mansion if elected. You are the Republican candidate for mayor of his hometown. Hes the Republican president. I know you are both New Yorkers who may have a history, but did you try to get his endorsement? Bash asked Sliwa. The Republican said he hasnt tried and claimed Trump has bigger priorities than the mayoral race in the city hes from. He said: No. Look, the president has bigger issues to deal with. Peace with Russia and the Ukraine, peace in Gaza conflict has broken out again. We hope that he can clear the path for peace in the Middle East and Persian Gulf and with all the visits hes making to Asia, dealing with the trade initiatives, especially with red China. Those are priorities. Getting involved in the mayoral race is only strengthening Zohran Mamdani because he wants to be David versus the Goliath. Andrew Cuomo wants to bump chests with President Donald Trump. Youre not going to win against the president. Youve got to get money from the federal government to help the poor and the indigent. Sliwa also hit back at Trumps cats remark, citing his and his wifes past work with rescuing animals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president has made fun of the work that my wife and others have done in their life to rescue animals in distress. Mahatma Gandhi said, a society that does not take care of its animals, does not take care its people, he said. Sliwa has struggled to drum up major public support for his campaign, even quitting his WABC radio gig live on air recently after his own colleagues were pushing him to drop out to make way for Cuomo against Mamdani. As Bash wrapped up her interview, she noted for Sliwa that though Trump is very busy, hes found time to throw his hat into much less consequential debates than the New York City mayoral race. I just want to say that President Trump is a very busy man, but hes gotten involved in things a lot less consequential than the mayor of New York City, but I take your point, she said. Watch above via CNN. The post Did You Try? Dana Bash Calls Out Cutis Sliwa Over Excuse for Trumps Refusal to Endorse Him in NYC Mayoral Race first appeared on Mediaite. With just days until more than 42 million Americans are set to lose food assistance benefits, legislators again failed to pass a stopgap funding bill Oct. 28 to end the ongoing government shutdown. The bill needs 60 votes to pass, but it was defeated in a 54-45 vote. If it passes, it would restore federal government funding until Nov. 21. More: Wisconsin joins lawsuit against USDA to force release of FoodShare funds, Evers says Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How did Wisconsin senators Ron Johnson and Tammy Baldwin vote? Here's what to know: How did Wisconsin senators vote Oct. 28 to end the government shutdown? The below graphic, created by USA TODAY, shows which senators on Oct. 28 voted yes or no to end the shutdown by extending federal funding. For Wisconsin, Johnson, a Republican, voted yes while Baldwin, a Democrat, voted no. How have Wisconsin senators voted to end the government shutdown thus far? You can also see how Baldwin and Johnson have voted in past shutdown votes. More: How many Wisconsin residents rely on FoodShare and WIC benefits? Why did the government shut down? The shutdown began after congressional Democrats and Republicans failed to agree on a continuing resolution to fund the government before the Oct. 1 funding deadline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Legislators have been at a stalemate over expiring healthcare funding and tax credits for the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, USA TODAY reported. How long has the government been shut down? The shutdown began Oct. 1 and is in day 29. It's the second-longest government shutdown in history. How long will the government shutdown last? The shutdown will end when Congress passes the measure and President Donald Trump signs an appropriations bill to fund currently shuttered departments and agencies. It remains unclear how long this process will take. The last shutdown was in 2018, during Trump's first term, and lasted for a record 35 days. George Petras, Ramon Padilla and Carlie Procell of USA TODAY contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: How have Wisconsin senators voted on ending 2025 government shutdown? On December 22, 2022, 51-year-old Lamont Mealy was found guilty of the first-degree murder of his roommate and was sentenced to serve life in prison at the Western Correctional Institution in Cumberland, Maryland. A little more than six months later, he was found dead in his cell. Now, his sister, LaShawn Tyler, is suing the state, accusing prison staff of deliberate neglect and withholding records that could reveal how Mealy's death happened. According to a complaint filed in the Baltimore County Circuit Court, Mealy, who had a history of mental illness, was placed in cuffs, chains, and a suicide-prevention vest and taken to solitary confinement "on or about" June 30, 2023. After placing him there, two officersneither of whom was wearing name tags or displaying rank insigniainexplicitly shut off the water to the cell. Around July 2, the same two officers returned to the outside of the cell to taunt Mealy, asking him, "Are you thirsty?" Mealy repeatedly begged them for water but was never given any. The filing also asserts that he was denied several meals and that his condition rapidly deteriorated over the course of the next several days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On or around the morning of July 5, a lieutenant warden allegedly stood in front of Mealy's cell, "but took no action," according to the complaint. From roughly 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. that day, the required welfare checksmeant to occur every half hour in Mealy's wardwere not performed. It wasn't until approximately 3 p.m. that the lieutenant warden ordered a sergeant to "pull the man out of there." Staff then dragged Mealy's fresh corpse out on a blanket; no medical staff were called prior to the removal, the filing attests. Initially, the prison informed Mealy's family that he died of "natural causes," Kristen Mack, the plaintiff's attorney, tells Reason. However, Danny Hoskins, another prisoner who was being held in solitary confinement in a cell adjacent to Mealy's, claims he saw what really happened. Shortly after the death, Hoskins asked to speak privately with prison officials about what he had seen. According to the complaint, Hoskins was met with bureaucratic stonewalling, physical assault from corrections officers, and warnings to mind his own business. He was eventually transferred to another prison, where he filed an Administrative Remedy Procedure requestMaryland's internal grievance system for reporting abuse. In it, Hoskins described the water shutoff and Mealy's death. Afterward, he sent letters to the warden, the secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, and Democratic Gov. Wes Moore, but never received a response. In June of this year, Hoskin's post-conviction attorney reached out to Mack about the incident. Mack subsequently submitted a Freedom of Information Act request to the state's Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services on or around June 5, requesting access to all written and electronic recordswhich included housing and classification records, tier logbooks, photographs, security footage, and medical recordssurrounding Mealy's confinement and death. While the department agreed to produce some of this material, they refused to release a requested internal affairs report, with the state's principal counsel, Stuart Nathan, claiming that it was "quite voluminous" and that he would "need to review and determine if there is any need for any redactions" before releasing it publicly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The State is [still] doing everything that it can to avoid producing records that we know exist and that we are entitled to have," Mack says. "They have attempted to obstruct any and all efforts made to uncover the truth." However, after several follow-up emails in August yielded no report or even a response, Tyler sued the state and the Department of Corrections for missing Maryland's one-month statutory deadline for public records requests, and for failing to provide a legally sufficient explanation for withholding the internal investigation. Tyler is seeking a court order compelling the release of the full investigation and all related records. A hearing is scheduled for January 2026. Sadly, deaths like Mealy's are not uncommon. "The reality is horrific things like this happen all the time in prisons," Mack says, "and the public only hears about it ifand only ifinformation about what happened reaches the right set of ears." The court's decision will determine how much the familyand the publicwill ever know about what happened inside Mealy's cell in his final week, and whether anyone will be held accountable for a man dying of thirst behind bars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement *CORRECTION: This article originally misstated the amount of time between Lamont Mealy's conviction and his death. The post He Died of Thirst in Solitary Confinement. Now His Family Is Suing for Answers. appeared first on Reason.com. A fire involving a tanker truck shut down the Union Centre Boulevard overpass and nearby ramps Oct. 28 and they will likely stay closed through the Oct. 29 morning commute. The truck fire and a secondary fire that ignited in a storm drain under the bridge were extinguished. But the overpass will remain closed at least overnight as crews attempt to clear the scene and repair the road, according to West Chester Township officials. West Chester spokesperson Brianna Wooten said the road between Muhlhauser Road and Civic Centre Road was damaged by the fire and will have to be repaved overnight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ohio Department of Transportation officials said in a statement that inspections conducted by ODOT District 8's bridge department after the fire was extinguished found no structural damage to the bridge; however, the pavement on the deck and ramp incurred a significant amount of damage that will need to be repaired prior to reopening. Theres also environmental remediation work that needs to be done. Wooten said the township does not have a specific time to reopen the road but anticipates that the morning rush-hour may be impacted. Emergency crews work the site of a tanker fire at the Union Center Blvd. exit of I-75 in West Chester, Ohio, on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. Along with the overpass, the ramps to and from southbound I-75 and the off-ramp from I-75 North to westbound Union Centre Boulevard will remain closed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The off-ramp from northbound I-75 to eastbound Union Centre, as well as the on-ramp to I-75 North, will remain open. Motorists may detour by way of Cincinnati-Dayton and West Chester roads or by way of I-275 West and state Route 747. What shut down the road? A tanker truck, which is designed to carry large volumes of liquid or gas, caught on fire while carrying diesel fuel. It shut down the overpass and all exit and off ramps at Union Centre. Fire departments from neighboring municipalities, including Cincinnati, were called to the scene to assist West Chester police, hazardous waste management and the fire department in responding to the fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are no reported injuries at this time. This story was updated to add new information, add video and add and change photos. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Officials say Union Centre overpass may be closed for AM rush hour DES MOINES, Iowa Police are asking for the publics help to find a suspect in a weekend Des Moines shooting that injured a teenager. Sgt. Paul Parizek, Public Information Officer of the Des Moines Police Department, said 28-year-old Kevin Fajardo is being sought in connection with a Sunday morning shooting at an apartment building at 3728 Hubbell Avenue. He is facing charges of Willful Injury, Felon in Possession, and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon. Kevin Fajardo Kevin Fajardo Clive Police Department introduces new safe exchange zone Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police have evidence indicating Fajardo fired several shots in the hallway of the apartment building during an altercation with the teen. One of the shots hit the victim, a 16-year-old girl, in the face. The victim was transported to the hospital with serious injuries. She remains hospitalized. Fajardo is 55 and 160 pounds. If you have any information on where he is or any other information in the case, call 911 or submit a tip to www.crimestoppersofcentraliowa.com. Metro news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 who13.com. Documents recently obtained from the City of Niagara Falls by the Niagara Gazette show a private contractor paid with public funds removed a total of three trees from the address of a Cayuga Drive Home that was owned by the citys lead engineer when the work was performed. The public documents, obtained by the newspaper through a pair of Freedom of Information Law requests, also show City Engineer Robert Buzzelli included his own property and the home of Mayor Robert Restaino on a list of four addresses where trees were targeted for removal under a $20,000 contract change order authorized by a majority of city lawmakers in July. The documents also show the work was done nearly two months before the change order was approved by members of the city council. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emails provided by the city to the newspaper also show Buzzelli coordinated the dates May 6 and May 7 when the tree removal work would be performed and received written updates from the contractor as the work progressed. Attached please find a PDF file listing the locations, prices and scopes youve offered for the four additional tree removals the city has requested, Buzzelli wrote in an April 30 email to Kyle Moore, a representative from the citys private tree removal company, M2 Tree Service, Inc. of Westfield, New York. The cost of each additional tree has been: APPROVED AS SUBMITTED. A standard paper copy (with transmittal) for your reference/files is on its way via (United States Postal Service). Please call or email me with any ?s. Take care. In an email dated April 26, Moore sent estimates for the removal of the four trees covered under the change order as follows: $8,000 for 932 Cayuga Drive Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement $6,000 for 8910 Champlain Ave., which property public records show the city engineer owned at the time $3,000 for the College Avenue address of Mayor Robert Restaino $3,000 for the College Avenue address of Restainos neighbor According to the email, the cost estimates covered tree removal, stump grinding and topsoil plus grass seed for all four locations. City officials have stressed that all four trees covered under the $20,000 change order were not located on private property and were instead removed from the right-of-way, the area considered public property between the sidewalk and the street in front of the homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was on the city right-of-way. It wasnt his tree. It was the citys tree. All of the trees that were removed were the citys trees, City Administrator Anthony Restaino said during an interview with a reporter last week. In response to the newspapers FOIL requests, the city provided a full list of 54 trees removed as part of the citys 2024 Tree Removal Project under the citys original $151,675 contract with M2 Tree Services. The list shows the cost for removals $1,875 each for two more trees located at 8910 Champlain Ave. Public records, available on the citys property assessment website, show Buzzelli owned the home until May 28 when it was sold to what appears to be one of his relatives. The most recent deed date for the address with the current owner is listed as June 17. The records identify Robert Buzzelli as the prior owner. Buzzelli has not responded to multiple requests for comment from the Niagara Gazette. Messages sent to Buzzellis city email address and telephone messages left on the engineering departments city hall answering machine were not returned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Discrepancy in inspection info City Administrator Restaino and Corporation Counsel Tom DeBoy also did not respond to an emailed request for comment from the newspaper. Neither official responded to a request for clarification as to whether any of the three trees removed by the private contractor from the Champlain Avenue address were located on private property. Documents released to the newspapers FOIL request for any and all inspection reports for trees covered under the change order did not include any reports related to trees at the Champlain Avenue address. Neither City Administrator Restaino nor DeBoy responded to requests for clarification on why no such inspection report was made available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Restainos administration did release copies of two tree inspection forms from the citys forestry department, including one covering the mayors address and his neighbors address and a second for the property at 932 Cayuga Drive. Photos from both sites were also included in the packet of information provided to the newspaper. The combined tree inspection form for the two College Avenue addresses is dated Feb. 27 and identifies the type of tree as a red maple and includes the following description: trunk hollow lead going towards house hollow. Three boxes on the form are marked, one as a hazard and a second as T/O. The number 10 is written on the form next to the third checked box, identifying the tree as red. The markings and writing on the form match a description given by Restaino in a message he posted earlier this month to the mayors office YouTube channel. In that message, the mayor suggested the number 10 referred to a tree being in the worst condition under the forestry departments scoring system. The inspection report for the mayors address and his neighbors address did not include any reference to any such scoring system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The inspection report for the Cayuga Drive property, dated on July 3, 2024, notes that a large limb fell across the street. Checked boxes on the form include red, storm damage and T/O. The firm includes the following brief description: few (large) leads dead, lead that fell was hallow, high traffic area. Photos accompanying the information did show a large limb laying in the street in front of the address. Authorization of funds The city used interest accrued from its allotment of federal COVID-19 relief aid to cover the cost a total of $171,675 for the original tree removal contract and the change order with M2 Tree Service, Inc. A majority of council members Chairman Jim Perry and his colleagues Traci Bax and David Zajac voted to approve the change order at the mayors recommendation on July 2, weeks after Buzzellis email exchanges with the M2 representative and after the four change order trees had already been removed in May. Councilman Myles voted against the measure. Councilman Brian Archie abstained after being told by the citys lead attorney, DeBoy, during the July 2 council meeting, that he did not know where the trees were located. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a recent interview with a reporter from the Gazette, Mayor Restaino noted that four of the 54 trees covered under the original contract with M2 were not removed under the agreement as expected, suggesting the trees were removed, possibly by a utility company, before the 2024 tree removal project started. The list of 54 trees provided by the city shows no payments were made to the company for those four trees. Mayor Restaino said he did not have an explanation as to why the council was asked to authorize funds for the removal of trees under the change order in July, weeks after they had already been removed by M2. I dont have an explanation, he said. I dont know the timeline. I just know that when the matter came before us, we made sure it was put on a council agenda. Release of the documents follows weeks of attempts to obtain additional information about the change order tree removal work by the newspaper and Councilman Donta Myles, who sent an emailed request for additional disclosures to City Administrator Restaino on Sept. 29. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a sitting member of the city council, Myles has argued hes entitled, under the city charter, to obtain documentation related to the expenditure of public funds inside city hall. Lingering questions On Monday, Myles called the whole tree situation a shame and said it looks and feels to him like another example of crooked, corrupt politics in Niagara Falls. He believes its time for an outside investigation and perhaps an audit by the New York State Comptrollers Office. When you have someone who actually creates the tree trimming schedule make a change order for $20,000 to add, from public funding, the mayors house, the mayors neighbors house and a family members home while skipping over hundreds of residents begging to have trees removed for years, thats crooked, corrupt politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Myle said he has also not heard back from any member of the Restaino administration or from any of his council colleagues, suggesting to him theyre comfortable with whats been happening. Its part of the continual mismanagement of our funds, he said. Its non-caring. How do you not care? Perry has not responded to multiple emails and telephone messages seeking comment. An email sent to Baxs city account indicated that she is traveling and unavailable, while encouraging those with questions to contact other council members. Zajac has not responded to multiple requests for comment via email. Archie has publicly supported requests for more detailed information about the removal of the trees under the change order, telling the Gazette earlier this month that it should not be a secret. Its city services, he said. Weve had individuals who have signed up for things years ago and its not just trees. Folks really dont know where they are at and they also dont understand how things get done. Obviously, somebody had to assess these trees in terms of severity and need to come down, but people should have an understanding of that. GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) Not every ghost story searches for an audience. While ghost stories become widespread local legends, like the story of Lydias Bridge or the Lawson family murders, others live only in the whispers of families or coworkers. Its the dark recesses behind the basement stairs, or that first anxious glance you steal across the attic floor as you climb the ladder. In this case, its an old storage building that refuses to let go of its past. Read more chilling ghost stories from FOX8s Hauntings in the Piedmont Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tucked away between the intersections of Burlington Road, Huffine Mill Road and East Bessemer Avenue, this little building in East Greensboro is marked with a crooked number. The peeling paint of the front door serves as the unsettling frame to a small square window that looks inside. It looks abandoned, said Stephen Carlson, community engagement manager with Guilford County Animal Services. All of the windows are boarded up, and so thats your first impression when you pull up. Yeah, this is a little sketchy looking.' Despite appearances, the building is not abandonedbut perhaps it should be. Central Carolina Convalescent Hospital Long before Guilford County Animal Services began using it to store food, kennels and other pet-related odds and ends, it was part of the Central Carolina Convalescent Hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1948, North Carolina had the largest outbreak of polio in the country, Carlson said. Its true. 205 Guilford County residents and 2,516 North Carolinians would get polio that summer, the Greensboro News & Record reports, adding that no state or county was harder hit than North Carolina and Guilford County. The county was desperate, and so the people of Guilford County rallied to try to save the community. After three months of fundraising and construction, the Central Carolina Convalescent Hospital opened its doors. It was huge, Carlson said. This is just one little remnant. This one wing is the only thing thats left from that hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Who is the Little Red Man that haunts Old Salem? With the end of the polio epidemic, one dark chapter of the buildings history closedonly for another to begin. In the 1960s, the building was used as a jail for civil rights protestors So a lot of the students from the area colleges and universities were held here at the hospital, Carlson said. After that, we dont know. Stephen Carlson I couldnt explain it. Carlsons story begins as many do. I was a skeptic at the beginning until you start hearing peoples experiences, Carlson said. People that youre working with, who are rational, calm people, and then they start telling you their stories. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carlson shared a story that his boss at the animal shelter once told him. My boss had come in here and walked into a room, and the light switch wasnt on the inside of the door, and she goes, Where are the lights?' Carlson said. Boom. Lights popped on. He said that, over time, he too began experiencing stuff. Petrified: Greensboro deputy city manager reveals the freakiest thing hes ever seen, and it happened at Bur-Mil Park I was in another room up here working, and the door just closes and latches, Carlson said. And I did, I checked the vents to see if the AC had come on and maybe moved that door. It wasnt on, and so that was my first experience going, OK, this is inexplicable.' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were other moments when, while he may not have seen the alleged anomaly himself, he witnessed his co-workers reaction firsthand. As shes looking at me, she glances for a fraction of a second down the end of the hallway and looks back and me and goes, Something just walked across the hallway,' he said. And other moments he may be glad he wasnt there for. Shes at the door at the end of the hallway, which has a little square glass window, and at the end of this hallway is another window, Carlson said. Its opaque, so you can just see light coming in, and there was a man at the end of the hallway, and at first shes just thinking someones here, whether its another colleague, she didnt know and did three knocks to get that persons attention, and got three knocks back on the other side of the door, and at that point she freaked out. While the circumstances werent adding up, the stories themselves were. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We was in the back, and he heard the tapping the footsteps on a tile floor, and so finally he records it on his telephone, and he goes to the assistant director, and he goes, Lisa, listen to what Im hearing,' Carlson said. And they play it and shes like, Wow, thats really creepy, and then they hear something else, she goes, Wait, turn the volume up. He turns the volume all the way up, and its a mans voice going, Is this reassuring?' Pushed: Deaths of the Biltmore Hotel in Greensboro Tap. Tap. Tap. In most of these stories, its easy to dismiss a strange sight as a trick of the light or a strange sound as the groans of an aging building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And if that was all it was, you could perhaps file this with all the other basements and attics that may give you a harmless case of the creeps. Its harder to discount a physical touch. The real tragedy behind the legendary haunting of Lydias Bridge in Jamestown We had a volunteer working in this last room at the end of this hallway, organizing some supplies, and she had three taps on her shoulder, turned around expecting to see one of us and there was no one there, and she made a B-line out of there and said, Im not coming back,' Carlson said. Stranger still, thats not the only time those three taps have been felt. Its something Carlson says he had the displeasure of enduring about six months into his tenure. I was actually in this area and had a pile of stuff that I was working on and sorting, and right on the back of my neck, I got the three touches, he said. As clear as can be. And I knew I was the only person in here, and I did not turn around. I kept on working, and I was calm on the outside, and on the inside I had flashbacks to the Cowardly Lion in Wizard of Oz, going, I do believe in spooks, I do believe in spooks. Thats what I felt internally. The final chapter? Whatever mysteries may be lurking in the shadows of the former Central Carolina Convalescent Hospital, soon they will be lurking alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guilford County Animal Services has a new building, and while Carlson says its been a good facility to work from, he doesnt expect anyone to miss it. As they pack up their things, they leave behind a few questions they never unearthed the answers to. This wing was off by itself, so its all the conjecture, Carlson said. What was this wing? Why wasnt it a part of the main hospital where the therapeutics are, where the treatments are? This was off by itself, so we dont know. Was this a hospice wing? And why, after most of the campus was returned to nature, sparing a pillar, a stairwell and walkways to nowhere, this portal into the past was left to last? No one knows what the next chapter of this buildings story will be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of my colleagues speculated, he goes, Maybe it doesnt want to be torn down,' Carlson said. For now, the story isnt over. More ghost stories If you enjoyed this story, check out the rest of FOX8s series Hauntings in the Piedmont, where we explore some of the most haunted places in the Piedmont Triad. In this series, we investigate the real person at the heart of the Lydias Bridge legend, the Little Red Man said to haunt Old Salem and the deaths that occurred at the Biltmore Hotel in Greensboro. You can also check out the Hauntings in the Piedmont podcast hosted by FOX8s Michael Hennessey. 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. Dogs of an unnatural hue have been spotted running around the Chernobyl exclusion zone. According to two Instagram posts uploaded by non-profit organization Clean Futures Fund one a series of photos, one a video three dogs have gone from having normal, dog-colored coats to a distinct, bright blue tinge. "We do not know the reason and we are attempting to catch them so we can find out what is happening," Clean Futures Fund wrote on Instagram. "Most likely they're getting into some sort of chemical." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Wild Pigs Turn 'Neon Blue' in California, Triggering Warnings The culprit? Nothing weird, actually, although maybe a little gross: as the non-profit told Storyful, they think the dogs may have rolled in the ooze leaking out of a nearby Porta Potty. That's dogs for you. The Chernobyl exclusion zone has been almost completely vacant of humans since 1986, when a reactor exploded at the nuclear power plant near the town of Pripyat, Ukraine. Since then, a large radioactive area around the plant, including Pripyat, has been off-limits to any humans without the proper government approval. Maybe they've been watching too much Bluey. ( Clean Futures Fund/Instagram When the people of Pripyat evacuated in 1986, however, many had to leave their beloved pets behind. The descendants of those pets and wild animals have made the exclusion zone their home, where they appear to thrive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Clean Futures Fund has been working on the Dogs of Chernobyl project since 2017 to feed and monitor the cats and dogs that roam the area, catching and sterilizing them where possible to help keep feral populations under control. The three dogs were spotted in early October during the course of this work. Related: Dogs Living in The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone Are Genetically Distinct, Study Shows "No they have not turned blue because of radiation and no, we are not saying they have turned blue because of radiation," Clean Futures Fund asserted. "These are simply some dogs that got into some blue stuff and we are trying to catch them so that we can sterilize them." Win a $10,000 Space Coast Adventure Holiday And, as Dogs of Chernobyl veterinarian Jennifer Betz told IFLS, "I would suspect, as long as they don't lick the majority of the substance off of their fur, it would be mostly harmless." Related News The U.S. Department of Justice has appealed a federal judge's order that mandated Customs and Border Protection Commander-at-Large Greg Bovino to check-in with the judge daily to ensure compliance with a temporary restraining order that restricted federal agents' use of force. The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals put a pause on the matter, just about an hour before Bovino was supposed to have his first daily check-in with federal Judge Sara Ellis. The first meeting with Judge Ellis was set to be an opportunity for the judge to review with Commander Bovino any use of force incidents that may have taken place between Border Patrol agents and residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the incidents that could come up is one that happened in Aurora Wednesday morning, where agents appear to have pepper sprayed a woman's vehicle with her two young children inside. RELATED | Chicago federal intervention: Tracking surge in immigration enforcement operations | Live updates Cell phone video taken outside an Aurora grocery store Wednesday morning showed Elizabeth Pineda moments after federal agents appear to have shot pepper bullets at her vehicle's windshield. Her two young children were in the backseat of the car. Speaking to ABC7 shortly after leaving Mercy Hospital Wednesday, Pineda, who is a member of Aurora's rapid response team, recounted what happened shortly after she pulled into the grocery store, attracted by the whistles used to alert residents of agents' presence in the area. She admits she was unwittingly blocking one of the agents' vehicles in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He decides to back up and tell me that I need to get the **** out, or I'm going to get arrested," Pineda said. "There's agents coming at me. All I hear is them shooting. I thought they were hitting my windshield, I didn't think they were actually shooting at me until everything happened." It was just Tuesday when Judge Ellis ordered Border Patrol Commander Bovino to make sure his agents have their body-worn cameras rolling during all encounters with the public, while also having their identifiers clearly visible on at least two locations. This comes as she seeks to enforce a temporary restraining order that forbids all federal agents participating in Operation Midway Blitz from using chemical agents when their physical safety is not in danger and without giving at least two clear warnings about what they are about to do. "They didn't acknowledge that my kids were in the car. I had no form of weapon in order for them to attack me how they did," Pineda said. "No cameras were visible. No numbers were visible. They did have their badges, but I couldn't make it out." READ MORE | US citizens detained by feds speak out after protesters confront agents at Aurora school, hospital Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While it's still not clear what agency the officers involved belong to, the incident illustrates the type of encounter that Judge Ellis was expected to bring up at the daily meetings she had ordered Border Patrol Commander Bovino to have with her between now and November 5, in hopes of getting clarity on the tactics being used by federal agents in the area each day. However, the first scheduled meeting between the two was canceled Wednesday after the appellate court ordered a stay on the matter. The appeal from the Department of Justice is accusing the federal judge of overreach and micromanaging. "So he doesn't have to show up unless and until the appellate court rules on that question," ABC7 Chief Legal Analyst Gil Soffer said. "The appellate court wants to get a briefing on it and consider it before it makes a decision ultimately on whether Bovino has to appear regularly so its putting a pause... the court is putting a pause on things." Bovino appeared on Fox News earlier Wednesday in anticipation of that first meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If she wants to meet with me every day then she's going to see, she's going to have a very good first hand look at just how bad things really are on the streets of Chicago... we've never been in violation of any TRO, any regulation," Bovino said. "We're going to speed those apprehensions up, and no, we are going to go harder. We go harder now. I'm not worried about it at all." Regardless of the Department of Justice's appeal on the the judge's decision to have Bovino appear before her daily in court, Bovino is already scheduled to be back in court Thursday at 10 a.m. to sit for what is expected to be a five-hour deposition regarding his agency's use of force practices in Chicago. Gov. Pritzker makes plea to DHS Sec. Noem ahead of Halloween ABC7 Chicago obtained a letter late Wednesday sent by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. In it, he asks them to suspend immigration enforcement operations over the weekend so children can celebrate Halloween. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This comes just days after tear gas appeared to be dropped on the city's Northwest Side as children were attending a Halloween parade. DHS said in a statement Thursday: "It is reckless, unlawful, and extremely irresponsible for parents to interfere with law enforcement activities but especially when they are accompanied by children. "That was the case when ICE officers working in Aurora, Illinois on Oct. 29 were attempting to conduct an immigration enforcement arrest in a parking lot when they were boxed in by two vehicles. These vehicles refused to move as an approaching crowd blowing whistles surrounded ICE's vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "ICE officers warned the driver of a vehicle to move and to clear the area. The driver refused to move, and officers deployed the Pepperball Launching System (PLS) to the vehicle. The driver opened the door and exited the vehicle. Officers briefly detained her, and she claimed to have her kids in the car. Officers instructed her to move the vehicle, or she would be arrested for obstructing. She then complied and ICE officers were able to depart. "ICE will continue to perform their lawful mission regardless of the various attempts to disrupt or interfere. ICE's mission is clear and unchanged: protect the homeland by enforcing immigration law, targeting and removing criminals and fugitives, and upholding the sovereignty of the United States. The agency's enforcement actions are guided by law, driven by public safety, and executed with professionalism and precision." ABC News contributed to this report. A special federal grand jury has indicted Democratic congressional candidate Kat Abughazaleh alongside other protesters who allegedly blocked vehicles outside of a federal immigration facility in Broadview, Illinois. The indictment, which was filed Oct. 23, alleges that Abughazaleh "physically hindered and impeded an agent who was "forced to drive at an extremely slow rate of speed to avoid injuring any of the conspirators. Abughazaleh was charged alongside five other people, including two other political candidates. She faces one count of conspiracy along with one charge alleging that she forcibly impeded, intimidated, and interfered with an officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The indictment alleges that the group "conspired with one another and others, known and unknown, to prevent by force, intimidation, and threat, Agent A, a United States law enforcement officer, from discharging the duties of his office, and to injure him in his person or property on account of his lawful discharge of the duties of his office, and while engaged in the lawful discharge thereof, and to injure his property so as to interrupt, hinder, and impede him in the discharge of his official duties." The defendants were not arrested but were notified of the indictment and will self-surrender next Wednesday, according to a court filing. U.S. District Judge April M. Perry, a Biden appointee, is assigned to the case. This is a political prosecution that tries to turn dissent and First Amendment opposition to the Trump administrations cruel policies into a conspiracy, defense attorney Josh Herman told NBC News in an email. Kat has steadfastly opposed those policies and she will fight these charges with the same principled determination. "I have been charged in a federal indictment sought by the Department of Justice. This political prosecution is an attack on all of our First Amendment rights. Im not backing down, and were going to win, Abughazaleh wrote in a social media post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abughazaleh, a social media star and former journalist, is running for Congress in Illinois' 9th Congressional District, currently held by retiring Democratic Rep. Jan Schakowsky. She has been vocally critical of the Trump administration's immigration policies. In a fundraising email to supporters, Abughazaleh called the charges "yet another attempt by the Trump administration to criminalize protest and punish those who dare to speak up." She added that "Chicago doesnt back down from bullies in masks who teargas our neighborhoods, this administration is resorting to weaponizing the federal legal system to scare us into silence." Broadview, a Chicago suburb, has for months stood at the center of confrontations between immigration authorities and protesters. The facility has drawn activists from around the country as well as demonstrators from the greater Chicago area who have grown agitated over what they view as overreach by immigration officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The small suburb, west of the city, has faced its own struggles with the onslaught of protesters, to the point that it created a First Amendment zone where they could safely organize, and the mayor has restricted hours of protests to protect the sanctity of Broadview residents. Clashes between protesters and immigration officials have resulted in arrests and First Amendment challenges in federal court. A federal judge earlier this month issued a temporary restraining order against law enforcement officials to curb the use of tactics like shooting pepper balls or throwing tear gas canisters into a crowd, particularly without warning. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com WASHINGTON The Justice Department placed two federal prosecutors on administrative leave after they described the Jan. 6 defendants pardoned by President Donald Trump as a "mob of rioters," five people familiar with the situation told NBC News. The prosecutors, Carlos Valdivia and Samuel White, used the phrase in a sentencing memo filed Tuesday in the case of Taylor Taranto, a MAGA enthusiast who prosecutors say stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6 and was involved in a "scuffle" with police officers trying to force the mob out of the building. While Trump pardoned Taranto and about 1,500 other Jan. 6 rioters, the pardon did not cover Taranto's other actions in 2023, when, prosecutors said, he perpetuated a bomb hoax and then showed up to former President Barack Obama's neighborhood with weapons and ammo in his van. Taranto was convicted in May of "illegally carrying two firearms without a license, unlawfully possessing ammunition, and false information and hoaxes." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taranto, 39, is set to be sentenced on Thursday, and it is unclear who will appear in court on the government's behalf. The government sought 27 months of incarceration, but Taranto is likely to be released because he already served time while being held pretrial. In describing Taranto's background, prosecutors wrote in the memo that "thousands of people comprising a mob of rioters attacked the U.S. Capitol while a joint session of Congress met to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election," and that "Taranto was accused of participating in the riot in Washington, D.C., by entering the U.S. Capitol Building." They added that Taranto "promoted conspiracy theories about the events of January 6, 2021." The memo also stated that, on June 29, 2023, "then-former President Donald Trump published on a social media platform the purported address of former President Barack Obama," just before Taranto appeared in his neighborhood searching for "tunnels" and saying he would "stop at nothing to get the shot" and that he had them "surrounded." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Valdivia and White were told that they would be placed on leave sometime after they filed the sentencing memo, the sources told NBC News. ABC News first reported the news. Efforts to reach the two prosecutors were not successful. U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeannie Pirro released a statement that did not directly address the placing of Valdivia and White on leave. "While we dont comment on personnel decisions, we want to make very clear that we take violence and threats of violence against law enforcement, current or former government officials extremely seriously," Pirro said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pirro added that the office "will continue to vigorously pursue justice against those who commit or threaten violence without regard to the political party of the offender or the target. Taranto was first identified in 2021 by online "sedition hunters" who aided the FBI in hundreds of investigation of Jan. 6 rioters. Of the hundreds of Jan. 6 defendants pardoned by Trump, many have been accused of separate crimes, including child pornography charges that stemmed from searches of their home on Jan. 6 charges. Earlier this month, another Jan. 6 rioter was charged with threatening House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File The Department of Justice put two federal prosecutors on administrative leave just hours after they filed a sentencing memo in the case of a pardoned Jan. 6 rioter convicted of new crimes that included a short, accurate description of the Capitol riot. The case involved Taylor Taranto, a Washington state resident who was convicted in May of illegally carrying two firearms without a license, unlawfully possessing ammunition, and false information and hoaxes connected to threats he made while livestreaming himself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the DOJ, Taranto was livestreaming from his van on June 28, 2023 when he claimed that he had been working on a detonator, and said he intended to drive a car bomb into the National Institute of Standards and Technology building, targeting a neutron reactor located there. He drove his van to that location and ran away from it, suggesting an emergency. The next day, he broadcast again from the Kalorama neighborhood in Washington, D.C., where former President Barack Obama now resides. When Taranto was arrested, officers discovered that the bomb threat was a hoax, but they did find a machete, two firearms, multiple magazines, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Prosecutors said that Taranto had repeatedly mentioned that he wanted to get a good angle on a shot. Taranto, whose sentencing is scheduled for Friday, was also among the hundreds of Jan. 6 rioters pardoned by President Donald Trump on the first day of his second term a factual biographical detail that seems to have created problems for the prosecutors assigned to his case. In the sentencing memorandum filed on Tuesday, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carlos A. Valdivia and Samuel White wrote that the DOJ was seeking 27 months incarceration, followed by 35 months of supervised release, and several hundred dollars in fines. The Justice Department seeks a 27-month sentence for Taylor Taranto, pardoned for his alleged Jan. 6 crimes but convicted of unrelated firearms and threat offenses. In sentencing memo, DOJ describes his role in a "mob" the "attacked the Capitol" and say he spread "conspiracy pic.twitter.com/xUHBdJ9JrE Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) October 29, 2025 Included in the memo was a brief, two-sentence factual description of the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot, Tarantos participation therein, and promotion of conspiracy theories afterwards: On January 6, 2021, thousands of people comprising a mob of rioters attacked the U.S. Capitol while a joint session of Congress met to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election. Taranto was accused of participating in the riot in Washington, D.C., by entering the U.S. Capitol Building. After the riot, Taranto returned to his home in the State of Washington, where he promoted conspiracy theories about the events of January 6, 2021. This was a flatly accurate description of the attack on the Capitol, noted Politico senior legal affairs reporter Kyle Cheney. UPDATE: The flatly accurate description of the attack on the Capitol has apparently led DOJ to suspend the prosecutors who signed it: https://t.co/HRKZkp1S6O Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) October 29, 2025 The memo also mentioned Tarantos visit to a Maryland elementary school in an attempt to locate Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD), who served on the House Select Committee investigating January 6. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Within hours of filing the memo with the court, Valdivia and White were placed on administrative leave, reported Cheney, citing two people familiar with the move who were granted anonymity to discuss personnel matters. According to ABC News Washington Managing Editor Katherine Faulders, Valdivia and White were locked out of their government devices and told they were being placed on leave Wednesday morning. The two prosecutors had already been furloughed due to the government shutdown, and were told their administrative leave would begin when the shutdown ended. Valdivia and White were furloughed due to the government shutdown and were informed they would be put on administrative leave when the government reopens, the sources said. https://t.co/a9HrplL02l Katherine Faulders (@KFaulders) October 29, 2025 The DOJ declined requests for comment from ABC News and Politico, and it is unclear if Valdivia and White were given any specific reason for being put on leave, but the Trump administration has fired or demoted dozens of prosecutors who worked on the Jan. 6 cases. The post DOJ Puts Two Prosecutors on Leave After They File Sentencing Memo Accurately Describing Jan. 6 Capitol Riot first appeared on Mediaite. The Department of Justice (DOJ) placed two federal prosecutors on leave Wednesday, according to multiple news reports, a day after they filed a sentencing memo describing the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol as a riot carried out by thousands of people comprising a mob. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carlos Valdivia and Samuel White were told they would be suspended from their posts on Wednesday and were locked out of their government devices, ABC News and MSNBC reported. The development came hours after they filed a sentencing memo recommending the court issue a 27-month sentence for Taylor Taranto, who was a recipient of the blanket pardon President Trump issued to those convicted for Jan. 6. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taranto is set to be sentenced on Friday for unrelated crimes, including threatening the National Institute of Standards and Technology and driving through former President Obamas neighborhood with a van full of firearms and munition. In their 14-page sentencing memo, the federal prosecutors dedicated just three sentences to describing the Capitol attack. On January 6, 2021, thousands of people comprising a mob of rioters attacked the U.S. Capitol while a joint session of Congress met to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election. Taranto was accused of participating in the riot in Washington, D.C., by entering the U.S. Capitol Building, they wrote in the sentencing memo. After the riot, Taranto returned to his home in the State of Washington, where he promoted conspiracy theories about the events of January 6, 2021, they continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Valdivia and White were the primary authors of the sentencing memo, which also included the signature of U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, a former Fox News host and Trump appointee who leads the office prosecuting Taranto. The U.S. attorneys office did not respond to a request for comment. Pirro issued a statement, reported by Politico, but declined to comment on the personnel move. While we dont comment on personnel decisions, we want to make very clear that we take violence and threats of violence against law enforcement, current or former government officials extremely seriously, Pirro said in the reported statement. We have and will continue to vigorously pursue justice against those who commit or threaten violence without regard to the political party of the offender or the target, she continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. The Justice Department is placing two federal prosecutors on administrative leave after they described the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection as an attack carried out by thousands of people comprising a mob of rioters, according to multiple reports. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carlos Valdivia and Samuel White said Wednesday that they were locked out of their government devices and told theyd be placed on leave, according to ABC, who first reported on the matter. Its unclear if the Justice Department gave the prosecutors an explanation for their suspensions. Politics: House Democrat Urges MAGA To 'Imagine Who Gets Killed' In Deadly Strikes If AOC Was President The attorneys said they were informed of the decision just hours after they filed a 14-page sentencing memorandum in the case of Taylor Taranto, one of many Jan. 6 rioters pardoned by President Donald Trump. The memorandum concerned a separate conviction on firearms and threat charges related to Tarantos June 2023 arrest near former President Barack Obamas home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Jan. 6, 2021, thousands of people comprising a mob of rioters attacked the U.S. Capitol while a joint session of Congress met to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election, the prosecutors sentencing memo read. Taranto was accused of participating in the riot in Washington, D.C., by entering the U.S. Capitol Building. After the riot, Taranto returned to his home in the State of Washington, where he promoted conspiracy theories about the events of Jan. 6, 2021. A spokesperson for the Justice Department declined to comment on the suspensions. While we dont comment on personnel decisions, we want to make very clear that we take violence and threats of violence against law enforcement, current or former government officials extremely seriously, the spokesperson told HuffPost. We have and will continue to vigorously pursue justice against those who commit or threaten violence without regard to the political party of the offender or the target. Politics: Things Are Getting Real For Democrats As Food Cliff For Millions Approaches According to the Wednesday filing, Taranto returned to Washington, D.C., in June 2023, falsely claiming on a livestream that he would blow up his car outside the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One day later, Trump posted Obamas purported address on Truth Social, the prosecutors said. Taranto then reposted the address before livestreaming himself on YouTube while driving through Washingtons Kalorama neighborhood. On his broadcast, according to the filing, the now 39-year-old said he was looking for tunnels he thought would provide him access to the private residences of certain high-profile individuals. Authorities arrested Taranto as he ran toward the Obamas house, and a subsequent police search of his van revealed several firearms, ammunition and a machete. Unlike many other Jan. 6 rioters, Taranto failed to convince U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols that Trumps pardon covers unrelated crimes. He was convicted in May. Nichols is scheduled to sentence Taranto later this week. Valdivia and White recommended Taranto be sentenced to 27 months in prison for the conviction, though its unclear if that will change given the prosecutors suspensions. Crime: Capitol Rioter Who Assaulted Police Is Back Behind Bars After Alleged Home Burglary Tarantos menacing rhetoric harms public discourse and encourages others to use threats and violence to advance their views or silence their perceived political opponents, the prosecutors said in the filing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While its not immediately apparent which part of the sentencing memo may have triggered the suspensions, Valdivia and White would not be the first prosecutors under the Trump administration to potentially face repercussions for their roles in cases that have ties to the insurrection. Political Updates Read the original on HuffPost A federal judge has dealt a fresh blow to the Trump administrations attempt to crack down on doctors who provide gender-affirming care to transgender people. U.S. District Judge Jamal Whitehead ruled that a wide-ranging subpoena the Justice Department served in June on QueerDoc, a medical practice offering gender-affirming care online, cannot be enforced because the demand was not part of a legitimate law enforcement investigation. Whitehead, a Biden appointee, said it was apparent that the subpoena is intended to advance President Donald Trumps goal of wiping out such care for people with gender dysphoria. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not speculation about hidden motives it is the Administrations explicit agenda, Whitehead said in his ruling dated Monday and made public on Tuesday. The Government seeks the intended effect of its Executive Orders and these subpoenas to downsize or eliminate all gender-affirming care. No clearer evidence of improper purpose could exist than the Governments own repeated declarations that it seeks to end the very practice it claims to be merely investigating. Attorneys for QueerDoc did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The Justice Department announced publicly in July that it issued a flurry of more than 20 subpoenas to doctors and clinics involved in performing transgender medical procedures on children. Medical professionals and organizations that mutilated children in the service of a warped ideology will be held accountable by this Department of Justice, Attorney General Pam Bondi said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked about the judges ruling, a Justice Department official echoed Bondis earlier comment. As Attorney General Bondi has made clear, this Department of Justice will use every legal and law enforcement tool available to protect innocent children from being mutilated under the guise of care, the DOJ statement said. Major U.S. medical associations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association, support gender-affirming care for adolescents. But medical experts say gender-affirming care for children rarely includes surgery. QueerDoc provides referrals and information about surgery, but doesnt offer any in-person care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whiteheads decision joins a similar ruling last month from a federal judge in Boston, Myong Joun, who quashed a subpoena issued to Boston Childrens Hospital. A Justice Department motion to revisit that decision remains pending. Legal fights over subpoenas to clinics at the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center are also underway. Lawyers filed copies of Whiteheads ruling in some of those cases Wednesday. In his decision, Whitehead said the Justice Department appears to be seeking to ban gender-affirming care by peppering providers with investigative demands, which he said is improper. The question before the Court is whether DOJ may use its administrative subpoena power to achieve what the Administration cannot accomplish through legislation: the elimination of medical care that Washington and other states explicitly protect. The answer is no, the judge wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement QueerDoc had asked Whitehead to keep secret the legal fight over the subpoena the medical practice received, but the judge declined to do so and released legal filings that had been under seal for months. They show investigators demanded 15 categories of documents from the practice. While the DOJ statement announcing the subpoenas indicated a focus on transgender medical procedures on children, the document demand issued to QueerDoc is much broader. Among other things, it seeks the identities of all patients prescribed puberty blockers or hormone therapy. A few weeks after Stacy Feldmans death in 2015, her sister, Susan Malman Altman, was sitting at her gravesite, a humble rectangular patch of dirt. She felt a chill come over her. Stacy told me something wasnt right, and that I had to do something about it, Altman said. That began a crusade, with multiple legal twists and turns, that lasted seven years, as she pleaded with investigators to take a second look at what they initially believed to be her 44-year-old sisters accidental death in the shower at her home in Denver, Colorado. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It ended in 2022, with a life without parole conviction for Robert Feldman, who a jury found had strangled his estranged wife and staged the accident scene. On Wednesday, Altman, of Needham, took her story to the State House in Boston, where she made a plea on behalf of a newly introduced bill that could spare other families similar pain. "Since I began doing domestic violence advocacy work, I have met far too many families whose cases were not appropriately investigated, and whose cases are now closed," she said. ... Families are climbing an uphill battle for justice. If its approved and eventually signed into law, the proposal sponsored by state Sen. Rebecca Rausch would provide increased training and standards for law enforcement to recognize and investigate what initially appear to be staged deaths as a result of domestic violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At its core, this bill is about education, training and thorough investigation, Rausch, D-Norfolk/Worcester/Middlesex, said during a Wednesday news conference. Read More: Matthew Farwell indicted on new charge in connection with killing of Sandra Birchmore The bill would require investigators to look more deeply at deaths where the markers of staged suicide appear to be present, Rausch said. That would include signs that the deceased, like Feldman, was trying to end the relationship, as well as in instances when the body is found by an intimate partner. Evidence of coercive control, strangulation or suffocation also would spark a more thorough probe, Rausch said, pointing to the death of Sandra Birchmore, a Canton resident who died under similarly suspicious circumstances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill also requires anyone with knowledge of a suspicious death case to report the incident to the Chief Medical Examiners Office, the Needham lawmaker said. The bill would further provide victims families with access to survivors services and would allow them to " review records of the case and the right to request an independent autopsy and second opinion as to [the] cause of death," she said. Rausch could not point to specific data for Massachusetts, but there are 800 to 1,200 cases nationwide every year, she said. Similar legislation has already been signed into law in California, and lawmakers in New York and Illinois are considering similar bills, Rausch said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This legislation is part of a growing national effort to honor the memories of domestic violence victims, to provide them and their families with justice equally after their deaths, and to hold perpetrators accountable, she said. Domestic violence advocate Elizabeth Schon Vainer, who spoke at Wednesdays news conference, echoed Altmans sentiments. Survivors tell us again and again that when they share their stories, they are often not believed not by friends, not by family, sometimes not even by the professionals they reach out to for help, she said. Their experiences are minimized or rationalized, and when they are believed, they are too often told what they should do instead of being asked what they need to be safe." Rauschs bill is a common sense solution to that issue, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This bill ensures that the voices of those tragically murdered by their partners will be heard clearly and powerfully, leading to justice, accountability and healing for their families, she said. More on Politics More on Politics Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Donald Trumps inner circle are taking some heat for reportedly ignoring the US Presidents condition. His supposed health problems have been widely speculated for a while. Thats something that Don Lemon believes those working closely with the President are turning a blind eye to those issues. The former CNN journalist says there are plenty of signs that show Donald is not of sound mind and body. The President has spent the week in Asia, visiting South Korea on Wednesday for the final stop on his tour. Donald Trumps health is a source of much debate Photo Credit: Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images Much like his predecessor in office, Joe Biden, there is a lot of concern about Donalds stability, quite literally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesdays episode of The Don Lemon Show, the host alluded to several moments on the Presidents Asia tour which for him prove that Donalds health is in decline. Don says he is stumbling and bumbling and mumbling. He added, they aint all there anymore. But everybody around them is too scared to say it out loud. He pointed out a moment in Asia when Donald met Japans Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who seemed to be helping the President walk around. He also noticed Donald narrowly avoiding a fall while making a nonsensical address in his mind during the Asia tour. Earlier this week, the real estate mogul reportedly underwent a dementia screening at the Walter Reed Medical Center. Aboard Air Force One on Monday, the President told reporters it was an IQ test which he allegedly aced. Speaking of people not all there literally, that seems to be the case with Donalds son. Last month, there were reports that Barron hadnt been seen at NYU for months despite his enrollment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Don believes that the President has actually lost it. Donald and Joe Biden were vying for the presidency last year, but the latter dropped out amid swirling rumors of his mental state and physical decline. Donald is 79. TELL US DO YOU BELIEVE DONALD TRUMPS HEALTH IS IN DECLINE? The post Don Lemon Accuses Donald Trumps Circle of Ignoring His Decline appeared first on Reality Tea. If Tommy Tuberville has learned anything during his time in Washington, D.C., its not to bet against President Donald Trump. The Republican senator from Alabama spoke with CNN about the possibility of a third term for Trump on Tuesday and refused to rule it out. If you read the Constitution, it says its not [possible], Tuberville said. But if he says he has some different circumstances that might be able to go around the Constitution. But thats up to him. We got a long way to go before that happens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump and his associates have floated the idea of a 2028 run, even though another go-round is blatantly unconstitutional. Trump denied having thought about a fourth campaign earlier this week, only to immediately contradict himself and say that a plan to run as vice president was too cute. Tuberville said a third term for Trump was very unlikely, but added that he thinks its foolish to predict a future where Trump doesnt get his way. Theres going to have to be an evaluation from President Trumps viewpoint to the Constitution, Tuberville told the network. There will be a lot of legal aspects to it Dont ever close the book on President Trump. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson said theres no way for Trump to get around the term limits in the Constitution. The president knows, and he and I have talked about the constrictions of the Constitution, as much as so many of the American people lament that, Johnson said. He has a good time with that, trolling the Democrats, whose hair is on fire about the very prospect. Start your day with essential news from Salon. Sign up for our free morning newsletter, Crash Course. Trump has ramped up attacks on the Constitution in his second term, halting the distribution of congressionally appropriated funds and unleashing National Guard troops on American cities. His oversteps led to nationwide No Kings protests, which pushed back against the Trump administrations theory of an unrestrained executive. The post Dont close the book on him: Tuberville says Trump could serve third term appeared first on Salon.com. Boy Meets Worlds star William Daniels criticized U.S. President Donald Trumps decision to demolish the White House East Wing. He described the building as a piece of history and shared that his act shouldnt be taken lightly. William Daniels criticizes Donald Trump after White House East Wing demolition Following Donald Trumps decision to demolish White House East Wing, Boy Meets World star William Daniels took to Instagram to share his opinion about it. Daniels recently posted a still from his 1972 movie, 1776, where he played John Adams, one of the founding fathers and the second president of the United States. The photo also features Howard Da Silva and Ken Howard, who played Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, respectively. The post was accompanied by a caption with his perspective on the situation. He wrote, We performed 1776 in the beautiful East Room when Nixon was in the White House. He was very gracious even though none of us had voted for him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Being critical about Trumps decision, he added, The current president has ripped a piece of history from our lives and we mustnt take this lightly. Daniels comments come amid news of Donald Trump demolishing the White House East Wing to replace it with a ballroom. Initially, the project was estimated to cost around $200 million. However, new reports reveal that the project will now cost $300 million (via USA Today). Were making it a little bigger. It will be top of the line, as good as it can get anywhere in the world. Trump told NBC. He also noted that it will have a capacity of 900 people. On a different note, William Daniels reunited with his Boy Meets World co-star, Danielle Fishel, on Dancing With the Stars Dedication Night earlier this month. She performed to the sitcoms theme song with her dance partner, Pasha Pashkov. Originally reported by Harsha Panduranga on ComingSoon.net. The post Donald Trump Compared to Nixon by 98-Year-old Boy Meets World Star appeared first on Mandatory. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) Donald Trump Jr. on Wednesday mocked protesters who took part in No Kings demonstrations across the United States while praising his father's business-first approach to the Middle East during a visit to Saudi Arabia. Trump spoke before business leaders and Saudi officials at the Future Investment Initiative, the brainchild of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who feted President Donald Trump during his Mideast tour in May to the kingdom, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. Trump backed the prince during his first term even after the killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi officials at the kingdom's consulate in Turkey. Prince Mohammed plans a trip to Washington next month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking alongside Omeed Malik of 1789 Capital, Donald Trump Jr. criticized Democratic Party policies and protesters targeting his father. Trump invests in 1789 and continues to work in the real estate arm of the family, the Trump Organization, which has expanded its Mideast offerings even as his father serves his second term in the White House. In particular, Trump mocked the No Kings protests which drew crowds to demonstrations across America, claiming it was not an organic movement, it's entirely manufactured and paid for by the usual puppets around the world and their" groups. If my father was a king, he probably wouldn't have allowed those protests to happen, he said. You saw the people that were actually protesting it's the same crazy liberals from the 60s and 70s, they're just a lot older and fatter. Trump made the comments while visiting a nation ruled by an absolute monarchy where dissent is criminalized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The No Kings demonstrations, the third mass mobilization since his father's return to the White House, came against the backdrop of a government shutdown that is testing the core balance of power in the United States in a way that protest organizers warn is a slide toward authoritarianism. Trump separately acknowledged it was his first trip to Saudi Arabia and praised the changes he saw in the kingdom. When my father came here, unlike the last presidents who visited here, it wasn't an apology tour, Trump said. It was, How do we work together? How do we grow our respective economies? How do we create peace and stability in the region? There can be 'America-First' component to that, but there also can be a 'Saudi-First' component to that and everyone can actually benefit, he added. NEED TO KNOW While speaking to U.S. troops amid his Asian tour, President Donald Trump signaled that he was prepared to escalate his military incursions into United States cities The president implied that he would send in 'more than the National Guard' if necessary to stop crime "We have cities that are troubled. We can't have cities that are troubled," he said Donald Trump has hinted that he's willing to upscale his domestic use of the U.S. military during his tour of Asia. While speaking to assembled troops aboard the USS George Washington in Yokahama, Japan, on Tuesday, Oct. 28, Trump, 79, spoke at length about his decision to send the National Guard into U.S. cities such as Washington, D.C. and Chicago, reported multiple outlets, including NBC News and The New York Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump referred to his actions as "straightening out our cities," and described D.C. as "a killing mess" with "people getting killed all the time," reported Reuters. PHILIP FONG/AFP via Getty Donald Trump speaking aboard the USS George Washington Donald Trump speaking aboard the USS George Washington "We sent in our National Guard," he added. "I don't say they were totally politically correct. That's okay. And now it's very safe," he implied, the outlet added. As his remarks continued, Trump also hinted at a willingness to escalate his actions and said that he was now prepared to send in "more than the National Guard." "We have cities that are troubled. We can't have cities that are troubled, and we're sending in our National Guard. And if we need more than the National Guard, we'll send more than the National Guard because we're going to have safe cities," he said, reported multiple outlets. "We're not going to have people killed in our cities. And whether people like that or not, that's what we're doing." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While he acknowledged that his use of the National Guard hasn't been universally popular, Trump implied that many Americans supported his decision. PHILIP FONG/AFP via Getty Donald Trump aboard the USS George Washington Donald Trump aboard the USS George Washington "You know, people don't care if we send in our military, if we send in our National Guard, if we send in Space Command, they don't care who the hell it is. They just want to be safe. And we have safe cities now," he said. Speaking to reporters on Air Force One, Trump doubled down on the remarks, saying that escalations haven't yet "been necessary." However, he said he was "allowed" to upscale his domestic use of the military if he believed it to be necessary. "If I want to enact a certain act, Im allowed to do it routinely. Id be allowed to do whatever I want," Trump continued. "The courts wouldnt get involved, nobody would get involved. I can send the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines. I can send anybody I wanted. SeongJoon Cho/Bloomberg via Getty Donald Trump at the APEC CEO Summit on Wednesday, Oct. 29 Donald Trump at the APEC CEO Summit on Wednesday, Oct. 29 Trump was seemingly referring to the Insurrection Act, which would give him the ability to mobilize the U.S. military on American soil, according to PBS. The outlet noted that Trump has said he is "allowed" to invoke the act, as his previous attempts to deploy troops within cities have been met with blowback by government agencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump announced plans to take over D.C. police and send in the National Guard in August, citing crime rates. However, local crime data at the time suggested that violent crime rates had already dropped 26% between 2025 and 2024. 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. Even some Republicans have broken with Trump's moves, with conservative reporter Megyn Kelly drawing the line over the president's attempts to mobilize troops in Chicago in September. It very clearly is not constitutionally permissible," Kelly said on her SiriusXM show. "He cannot do it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We cant have Trump going in without the invitation of this governor," she continued. "Im sorry, but we cant have it." "He does not have the constitutional permission to do it." PEOPLE reached out to the White House as well as the Navy, Army, Air Force and National Guard for comment on the matter. Read the original article on People President Donald Trump said he "pretty much" completed a trade deal with South Korea on his weeklong Asia trip, before heading into more trade talks with Chinas President Xi Jinping. "We made our deal, pretty much finalized it," Trump said Oct. 29 at a dinner with South Koreas President Lee Jae Myung and other regional leaders. In response to a question, he also said: "We came to a conclusion on a lot of very different items." The two countries had unveiled a trade deal in July in which South Korea offered to invest $350 billion into the United States, in exchange for a lower tariff rate of 15%. Trump announced the deal on July 30 on social media as "a Full and Complete Trade Deal." US President Donald Trump (C) poses for a group photo with (from L - R) Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, East Timor's Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet, Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Philippines' President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah, Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto, and Laos' Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone before the 13th ASEAN - United States Summit during the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Kuala Lumpur on Oct. 26, 2025. President Donald Trump speaks as he presides over the signing of a Cambodia-Thailand peace deal at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on October 26, 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Trump is in Malaysia for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit, and will next travel to Japan, en route to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. President Donald Trump looks on as Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet (C) and Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul hold up signed documents during a ceremonial signing of a ceasefire agreement on the sidelines of the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Kuala Lumpur on Oct.26, 2025. A Royal Malaysian Air Force F-18 Hornet fighter jet escorts Air Force One with U.S. President Donald Trump aboard en route to Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Oct. 26, 2025 in Malaysia. Trump is in Malaysia for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit, and will next travel to Japan, en route to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. President Donald Trump walks with Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (centre R) as he walks from Air Force One upon arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang on Oct. 26, 2025. US President Donald Trump arrived in Malaysia on October 26 on the first leg of an Asian tour that will include high-stakes trade talks with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. President Donald Trump holds the US and Malaysian national flags at a welcome ceremony upon arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang on Oct. 26, 2025. US President Donald Trump arrived in Malaysia on October 26 on the first leg of an Asian tour that will include high-stakes trade talks with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. President Donald Trump waves from his official vehicle known as "The Beast" as he departs from Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang to attend the ASEAN summit on Oct.26, 2025. US President Donald Trump arrived in Malaysia on October 26 on the first leg of an Asian tour that will include high-stakes trade talks with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. President Donald Trump joins performers for a dance during the welcome ceremony next to Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (L) as he arrives on Air Force One at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang on Oct. 26, 2025. US President Donald Trump arrived in Malaysia on Oct. 26 on the first leg of an Asian tour that will include high-stakes trade talks with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. President Donald Trump welcomes Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim ibn Hamad Al Thani (L) and Prime Minister of Qatar Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani (3rd-L) aboard Air Force One during a refueling stop at Al-Udeid Air Base on Oct. 25, 2025 in Abu Nakhlah, Qatar. Trump is traveling to Malaysia for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit (ASEAN), Japan, and to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum (APEC). Also pictured is U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio (3rd-R), White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles (2nd-R), and Special Assistant to the President Margo Martin (R). President Trump visits Asia. See the biggest moments from his trip 1 of 9 US President Donald Trump (C) poses for a group photo with (from L - R) Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, East Timor's Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet, Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Philippines' President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah, Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto, and Laos' Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone before the 13th ASEAN - United States Summit during the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Kuala Lumpur on Oct. 26, 2025. But the countries were deadlocked for months about the structure of those investments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Prospects were not bright even last night, and there was dramatic progress on the day," Kim Yong-beom, South Korea's top presidential policy chief, told reporters, without providing further details. The Yonhap News Agency, South Korea's main state news organization, attributed progress in trade talks to Trump rather than its own country's leaders. Speaking to reporters Oct. 27, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said "a lot of details" remained to be worked out. "It's a very complicated deal and I think we're very close," Bessent said. He added at that point that he didnt expect to finalize a deal by Oct. 29. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think not quite," Bessent said. "I think the overall framework is done, were just crossing the ts and dotting the is." South Korean President, Lee Jae Myung, top right, Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney, bottom right, and Prime Minister of Singapore, Lawrence Wong, bottom left, listen as President Donald Trump, top left, speaks during a dinner in his honor, at the Hilton Gyeongju on Oct. 29, 2025 in Gyeongju, South Korea. One outstanding issue appears to be how to deal with visas for South Korean workers. About 300 foreign workers returned home in September, a week after being detained in a large-scale Immigration and Customs Enforcement raid at a battery project site in Georgia. Their return capped a week of intense negotiations by Seoul to win their release and bring them home after they were taken into custody in handcuffs and shackles. Trump told reporters Oct. 27 that South Koreans build factories that are "very complex" with "highly sophisticated equipment," and want their own workers to set them up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They've got to bring people in with them for a period of time, and they'll teach our people how to do it," Trump said. "But even for a fairly long period of time, they're going to need expertise to be successful." Trump suggested new visa rules could be developed. "Were doing a whole new plan for that," Trump said. Contributing: Reuters This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump calls trade deal with South Korea 'pretty much finalized' President Donald Trump has ruffled some feathers again. Although he claims to be pro-military, his previous behavior shows otherwise. Within the last few months, Trump has made several controversial comments. He has boasted that he wants to send the military to cities he views as crime-heavy and use them for training grounds. He has stationed the National Guard in various cities across the United States. Many believe that this use of the military is inappropriate. Despite the controversies, he still claims to be the most pro-military president in United States history. He often engages in speaking events for and about the troops. While he may have some people on his side, his comments often rub people the wrong way, especially because he does not have his own experience serving the country. Recently, he traveled abroad for a speaking event that left listeners uneasy. Donald Trump made interesting comments to US troops in Japan Photo Credit: Tomohiro Ohsumi via Getty Images Donald Trump was on the USS George Washington on Tuesday, November 28, where he spoke to an audience of military members in Japan. He shared how much he loves the troops, but his comments had people viewing them as hypocritical. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a special group of patriots, champions, winners. You are winners I would love to have your job, he told the audience. While the attendees at the event seemed pleased by the words he shared, people online were not happy with his comments. They were upset by the hypocritical nature of the words. Saying he would love to have a job that he actively avoided rubbing people the wrong way. He has also called members of the military losers, showing that he doesnt respect the troops as much as he claimed he did that day in Japan. TELL US WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE COMMENTS TRUMP MADE TO THE MILITARY IN JAPAN? The post Donald Trump Slammed After Comment to Troops in Japan appeared first on Reality Tea. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) A church in Donelson has a clear vision of how to use their land to serve their community. The Rev. Dr. James D. Clay, lead pastor at New Visions Baptist Church, wants to build housing for homeless veterans, a crucial need in the Nashville area. Clay has a passion for the homelessespecially veterans. Its an area he used to serve in with the city before becoming a pastor, and hes noticed how much the need for housing has increased in Nashville. Neighborhood News: Stories impacting your community | Read More Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clay told News 2 his heart for the project started a decade ago. After having conversations with another pastor who built similar housing by his church, Clay knew it could be done. New Visions sits on about 4 acres of land in the Donelson area of Nashville, which means there is plenty of unused space behind the sanctuary. Clay said he hopes this housing isnt just a place for homeless veterans to lay their heads at night, but also a place where they can learn new habits and create a new life for themselves. East Nashville teacher wants your spooky stuff for school haunted house We want to be able to offer the full gamut of wrap-around services so that their entry into housing will not lead into another situation where theyre homeless based upon correcting some of those challenges and issues they bring to the table on day one, Clay told News 2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Metro Councilmember Jeff Gregg, who represents the area locally, there will be a zoning meeting in December to make sure that land can be used for additional housing. Do you have news happening in your neighborhood? Let us know by sending an email to neighborhoodnews@wkrn.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 WKRN News 2. Food delivery services are offering up credit and discounts for SNAP recipient, as the ongoing federal government shutdown was expected to cut funding for food assistance programs. In Arizona alone, the funding freeze could impact some 855,000 low-income residents who rely on monthly federal assistance to buy food. SNAP, also called food stamps, is a federal program that provides low-income families with monthly benefits to afford healthy food. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Private companies are stepping in to help fill the gap created by the shutdown. Food delivery services like DoorDash and Gopuff are offering temporary relief to SNAP recipients. Here's how SNAP recipients can save on their groceries with free offerings from DoorDash and Gopuff. Gopuff: $50 in free groceries and free delivery Gopuff said they committed $10 million worth of free groceries to their customers. Customers with a SNAP EBT card linked to their account are eligible for $50 worth of free groceries, available as two $25 credits. Gopuff users, the company offered their two $25 credits during two different time periods in November, both with free delivery Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From Nov. 1 through 15, use code: SNAPRELIEF1 From Nov. 16 through 30, use code: SNAPRELIEF2 Each period ends either on the date listed or when 200,000 coupons are redeemed, according to Gopuff. DoorDash offers waived fees for grocery delivery DoorDash waived delivery and service fees for up to 300,000 grocery orders. Users must have their SNAP or EBT card linked to their respective delivery service of their choice. For DoorDash Users, delivery and service fees were waived for eligable stores, in Arizona that included Sprouts and Dollar General, for the entire month of November. DoorDash would supply a promo code close to the start of the month. DoorDash would also donate 1 million meals through its Project DASH food bank partners and contributing food from DashMart locations to local food banks. Resources available for impacted SNAP recipients Arizona food banks are preparing as the federal shutdown threatens to suspend SNAP benefits for nearly half a million households starting Nov. 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Businesses like King Pigeon Thrift and Vintage and vendors at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport are organizing improptu food pantries and donation drives. The USDA has confirmed no funds are available for November, prompting food banks and local businesses to mobilize Reporters Stephanie Murray and Sasha Hupka contributed to this report. Rey Covarrubias Jr. reports for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. Email him at: rcovarrubias@gannett.com, and connect with him on Instagram, Threads, Bluesky and X (formerly Twitter) at @ReyCJrAZ. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: DoorDash and Gopuff offer free groceries to Arizonans losing SNAP aid DENVER (KDVR) A charter school in Parker said one of its teachers and her family were detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement over the weekend. Global Village Academy Douglas County, located on Ponderosa Drive in Parker, shared a statement from its principal, Stacy Bush, on Tuesday. New ICE detention facility to open by end of 2025 at closed state prison in Hudson We are aware of the situation involving one of our teachers who, along with her family members including minor children, were detained by Immigration & Customs Enforcement and transferred to an ICE detention facility in Texas over the weekend, the school said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FOX31 asked for comment from ICE and received this statement. Marina Ortiz-Abollaneda, 43, is an illegal alien from Peru who entered the country Dec. 2, 2022 near Yuma, Arizona and was arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. She was subsequently paroled and released on her own recognizance, ICE told FOX31. Ortiz-Abollaneda was taken into ICE Denver custody on Oct. 24, 2025. She will be held in ICE custody pending immigration proceedings. ICE did not say anything about Ortiz-Abollanedos children. According to the teachers LinkedIn, she teaches Spanish at the school. The school bills itself as an international charter school online and says it ensures students become fluent in English and a second language before graduating. The school said in its statement that it is not enrolled in the voluntary E-Verify program, a web-based system operated by the Social Security Administration and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The system electronically compares records with those from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chicagos children are getting caught in the chaos of immigration crackdowns Instead, the school said it completes I-9 Employment Verification forms and inspects the required employment authorization documentation for all employees as required by federal law. We also conduct a Colorado Bureau of Investigations background check for all our school employees, including this individual, the principal wrote. We completed both the I-9 verification process and CBI background check with this employee, as required by law. This employee has a valid employment authorization document, authorizing her lawful employment in the United States, with any U.S. employer through the spring of 2029. Immigration attorney Matthew Barringer told FOX31s Vicente Arenas that it is not uncommon for the unexpected to happen during check-ins with ICE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many times, they have filed for asylum. They have work authorizations through that application. They have been appearing in court and they have been following the rules as they understand them. Then, when they come to, what they are hoping is a routine check-in, they are taken into custody by ICE, Barringer said. The school also wrote to parents that it was working closely with its legal team and outside immigration attorneys to understand if and how we might be able to help facilitate their return to Colorado. The school principal also said that students who are processing emotions surrounding the teachers arrest can reach out to a dedicated school staff member. We are here to ensure every child has a safe, supportive space to express and process their emotions, Bush said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FOX31 has reached out to the Douglas County Board of Education for comment, but has not yet heard back. Douglas County School Board Member Susan Meek posted online about the news, saying it fills me with deep concern. Free on Your TV FOX31+ for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Samsung Our schools are meant to be places of trust, safety, and opportunity. When someone who contributes to our shared mission of educating children is suddenly taken away, it sends a chilling message to the many families in our district who live each day with fear, uncertainty, and vulnerability, Meek said. She advocated for the board building a community that ensures every person regardless of immigration status feels that they belong, that they are respected, and that they matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Downtown hangout Coat Check Coffee has been named to USA TODAY's 10Best list of independent coffee shops. Nominations for USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards come from a panel of industry experts. 10Best editors then narrow down those nominations and present them to the public during a four-week voting period (IndyStar does not weigh in on the selections). Coat Check took eighth on the coast-to-coast list, coming behind Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena and in front of Panacea Coffeehouse, Cafe and Roastery, located just outisde Asheville, N.C. The top spot went to Monomyth Coffee in Lubbock, Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, a handful of chains with locations in Central Indiana Starbucks, Dunkin', Colorado-based Ziggi's, Arkansas-based 7Brew, Arizona-based Dutch Bros. and the Oregon-based Human Bean appeared on 10Best lists for coffee chains and drive-thru coffee. The first venture of the once-expansive Small Victories Hospitality group, Coat Check opened in 2017 under co-owners Neal and Paul Warner. Last year the Warners handed over operations of Coat Check to the Athenaeum Foundation as part of a substantial downsizing that also saw the transfer of near eastside coffee shop Provider to the Tinker House Events venue, as well as the closure of northside coffee and wine bar Chalet (since reopened as a Tinker Coffee location) and Landlocked Baking Company in Irvington. USA TODAY praised Coat Check for its lattes and pastries as well as its atmosphere. The spacious cafe occupies part of the west wing of downtown's historic Athenaeum building, which once served as the literal coat check room for the Basile Theatre located above. Now crowded with steaming mugs and people typing away at their laptops, the space features large windows overlooking Massachusetts Avenue, broad staircases and ornate wooden archways. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Contact dining reporter Bradley Hohulin at bhohulin@indystar.com. You can follow him on Twitter/X @BradleyHohulin and stay up to date with Indy dining news by signing up for the Indylicious newsletter. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Downtown coffee shop named one of best in nation "We have hit dozens of targets and carried out numerous targeted eliminations of Hamas terrorists," a source told The Jerusalem Post. Following a series of strikes across the Gaza Strip in response to Hamass numerous ceasefire violations, the IDF on Wednesday said it had resumed enforcing the ceasefire. In accordance with the directive of the political echelon, and following a series of strikes in which dozens of terrorist targets and terrorists were struck, the IDF has begun the renewed enforcement of the ceasefire in response to Hamass violations, it said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The IDF and Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) struck more than 30 terrorists holding command positions, the IDF said, adding that it would continue to maintain and respond to violations of the ceasefire. Previously, an Israeli official had told The Jerusalem Post that Israels strikes across the Gaza Strip were nearing completion. We have hit dozens of targets and carried out numerous targeted eliminations of Hamas terrorists, the source said. This is our decision; we struck every target on the list. Israel is planning additional measures in light of the ongoing violations, the source added. Smoke rises from Gaza following an explosion, as seen from Israel, May 16, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/AMMAR AWAD) In response to Hamass ceasefire violations, namely, the attack on Israeli troops and its failure to return the remains of all the deceased hostages, the IDF had eliminated dozens of the terrorist groups commanders, Defense Minister Israel Katz said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is and will be no immunity for any of the leadership of the Hamas terrorist organization neither those wearing suits nor those hiding in tunnels, he said. Whoever raises his hand against IDF soldiers, his hand will be cut off. Hamas kills IDF soldier in Gaza as fighting continues On Tuesday, Chief Sgt. First Class (Res.) Yona Efraim "Efi" Feldbaum was killed in the Gaza Strip by Hamas sniper fire. Earlier that day, the IDF intensified its strikes across Gaza after Hamas fired at soldiers in the southern part of the Strip, according to Palestinian reports. It struck in the area of Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, per Muhammad Abu Salmiya, the hospitals director-general. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas terrorists also attempted to reach a weapons cache hidden within a mosque in an IDF-controlled part of the Gaza Strip on the same day as Hamas released the final living hostages from captivity, according to an Army Radio report. Army Radio reported that the group of terrorists crossed the Yellow Line, the perimeter to which the IDF withdrew following the implementation of the US-brokered Israel-Gaza ceasefire, before they were spotted by an IDF drone. The terrorists were apprehended and detained by IDF soldiers before they reached the mosque, which is less than a mile away from the border fence opposite Kibbutz Nahal Oz. This is a developing story. Dr Phil's media company, Merit Street, has found itself in hot water after losing a major court battle following its bankruptcy case. After the trial, the court found that Dr. Phil McGraw was not entirely honest in handling the case and may have tampered with crucial evidence. Meanwhile, Merit Street is also involved in a separate legal battle, suing Trinity Broadcasting for allegedly breaching a $500 million deal. Dr Phil's Merit Street Has Been Ordered To Be Liquidated MEGA Dr Phil's media company has been embroiled in a tense legal battle over bankruptcy. The Hollywood Reporter has now confirmed that the judge in charge of the case, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Scott Everett, has rejected Dr Phil's bid to keep the case in Chapter 11. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This means that, instead of allowing Dr. Phil to remain in control of the company through Chapter 11 bankruptcy and allowing the business to reorganize and recover, the case will proceed to Chapter 7 liquidation. As such, the company will be shut down and its assets sold off to pay debts. The court's decision was based on the finding that Dr Phil may have deleted important text messages and attempted to manipulate the bankruptcy by paying certain creditors and ignoring others. Everett also stressed that the TV host's lack of complete honesty played a significant role in the court's ruling. "Candor to the court is critical," the judge said. He also argued that Merit Street's business was "as dead as a doornail" when the bankruptcy claim was filed. Dr Phil's Legal Team Intends To Appeal The Court's Ruling Strongly MEGA Although Everett remains firm in his court ruling, Dr Phil's legal team doesn't plan to go down without a fight. The team insists that, despite the court's determination, there was no destruction of crucial evidence by Dr Phil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for McGraw's production banner, Peteski, confirmed this, saying, "We take great exception to the court's improper assertions regarding the alleged destruction of evidence, which simply did not happen." He added, "We will not let this stand given all that Dr. Phil and Peteski Productions have done to protect Merit Street employees, distributors, and other interested parties and to resolve this unfortunate situation." Dr Phil's New Media Company Signed a Charter Deal MEGA Two weeks after Merit Street Media filed for bankruptcy protection, Dr Phil unveiled a new cable and streaming outlet, Envoy TV. However, weeks before Merit Street lost its bankruptcy case, Envoy TV signed a distribution deal with Charter Communications. As a result of the new deal, Envoy TV will be made available to Charter's video customers in several targeted areas, including Los Angeles, New York, and the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Per The Hollywood Reporter, Envoy TV is set to operate like Merit Street and will offer a wide range of programs hosted by Dr Phil and other contributions from Steve Harvey. The TV Host Was Sued For Losing An Unpublished Domestic Violence Book MEGA Dr Phil is no stranger to court cases. Besides his media company's bankruptcy case, he was also dragged to court in 2023 for allegedly losing the only copy of a book Brianna Norwood wrote on domestic violence. As reported by The Blast, Norwood claimed that she sent the only copy of the book to Justin Arluck, a senior producer on the "Dr. Phil Show," as she prepared for an interview in the studio. Despite repeated promises that the book would be protected and returned to Norwood, it was allegedly not. Norwood claimed that she repeatedly asked for the book between 2020 and 2023 and even reached out to Dr Phil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The TV host allegedly eventually "admitted the book had negligently been lost and was not in the possession of the Dr. Phil show, Dr. Phil Calvin McGraw, or Justin Arluck." Dr Phil Supported Sydney Sweeney Amid American Eagle Ad Backlash Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/MEGA Even as Dr. Phil faced legal challenges on all sides, he didn't shy away from publicly supporting high-profile personalities. In August 2025, actress Sydney Sweeney came under fire for a controversial ad she did for American Eagle, and Dr. Phil publicly defended her. According to The Blast, the author addressed the heavy criticism Sweeney received, saying that the public was downplaying the Holocaust by likening it to the American Eagle ad. He then vowed to buy jeans from the clothing brand to show solidarity with Sweeney. Ciudad del Saber in Panama City has partnered with Drake University to offer new degree pathways. (Photo courtesy of Drake University) More than one year after expressing its wish to make the Republic of Panama a global outpost of Bulldog education and outreach, Drake University announced Tuesday it will launch new degree pathways for Panamanian students in partnership with social innovation community organization. The Des Moines private university will work with Ciudad del Saber, or City of Knowledge, to offer a three-year degree program in which students would earn a bachelors degree in data analytics and a minor in artificial intelligence, according to a news release. Students would also have the option to pursue other programs through a 2+2 model, the release stated, where students would finish their first two years of study in Panama then come to Drake to complete their degrees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ciudad del Saber is located in Panama City in front of the Panama Canal, its website stated, and is described as an innovative community that drives social change through humanism, science and business. The campus houses different groups and organizations in education, research, entrepreneurship, science and technology, the release stated. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX At Ciudad del Saber, we are committed to elevating Panamas academic landscape by attracting world-class higher education institutions, said Jorge Arosemena Roman, executive president of the Ciudad del Saber Foundation, in the release. Drake University brings immense value through a cutting-edge program focused on Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence. This initiative will empower local talent, build critical capabilities, and contribute meaningfully to our countrys development. The accelerated data analytics program will take students three years and one summer to complete, and will be offered entirely on the Ciudad del Saber campus. Those who go through this program will have a guaranteed internship with a leading Panamanian company or organization, the release stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students enrolled in a 2+2 program will spend their first two years in Panama City as well, according to the release, where theyll study liberal arts curriculum as well as data analytics and AI. Once they come to Des Moines to complete their Drake education, students can keep studying these topics or branch out into computer science, information systems, international business or other areas of study, the release stated. Those studying in the U.S. will have the chance to apply for the federal Operational Practical Training program, the release stated, which would allow them to work in the U.S. for one year, with potential extension. This program is built to meet the growing demand for data analysts and artificial intelligence experts worldwide, said Drake University President Marty Martin in the release. With Drakes deep and long-standing ties to the Republic of Panama, a demand for professionals that is outpacing the global talent pipeline, and Panamas position as a thriving hub for the global supply chain, we couldnt be more excited to bring this highly in-demand program to fruition at Ciudad del Saber. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE MEMPHIS, Tenn. A vehicle overturned after the driver fell asleep at the wheel overnight in Frayser, according to Memphis Police. Officers say they responded to the scene of the accident at 1:21 a.m. at Frayser Boulevard and Range Line Road. Courtesy: Quintin Bearkley Courtesy: Quintin Bearkley The driver of the vehicle told police that she was driving on Frayser Boulevard and had just gotten off work. She was tired, and she fell asleep at the wheel. The front bumper of her vehicle crashed into a pole on the side of the street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was taken to Baptist East in non-critical condition. The woman was issued a citation and is expected to appear in court in December. 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 WREG.com. The Supreme Druze Religious Council's appeal alleges that the Druze population in Sweida has been the target of systematic terror attacks carried out by jihadist groups. The Supreme Druze Religious Council, led by Sheikh Mouafek Tarif, has submitted a formal appeal to the United Nations Commission of Inquiry on Syria, urging the body to launch an immediate investigation into what it describes as war crimes, crimes against humanity, and acts of genocide committed against the Druze community in Syria. The submission, prepared by the councils operations room in Julis and signed by international law experts Attorney Yael Vias Gvirsman and Attorney Asem Hamed, presents detailed evidence of massacres, kidnappings, sexual violence, and mass displacement in the southern province of Sweida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the council, the appeal follows months of intensive documentation and fieldwork carried out by volunteers and legal specialists. It alleges that since July 13, 2025, the Druze population of Sweida has been the target of systematic terrorist attacks carried out by jihadist groups, including ISIS (Daesh) and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), in coordination with forces belonging to the Syrian Interim Government. The document cites a series of attacks characterized by executions, sexual assaults, torture, and the deliberate targeting of Druze religious figures and cultural sites. The data compiled by the councils operations room indicates that by August 2025, more than 2,000 Druze civilians had been killed, over 8,000 injured, and around 600 kidnapped or disappeared. At least 45 villages were attacked, with 25 completely destroyed, and approximately 220,000 residents displaced from their homes. A wall is pockmarked by bullet holes inside the Saraya family house, following sectarian violence in Syria's Sweida province, where government forces were sent to quell local clashes between Druze armed factions and Bedouin tribal fighters, in the predominantly Druze city of Sweida, Syria, July 25, (credit: REUTERS/KHALIL ASHAWI) The appeal further accuses the Syrian Interim Government of imposing a continuing siege on Sweida, blocking the entry of food, medicine, and humanitarian aid to the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In its legal analysis, the council concludes that these acts constitute war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, noting that the violence appears to be directed specifically at the Druze community because of its religious identity. The letter names senior Syrian Interim Government officials, including Interim Head of State Al-Sharaa (also known as Al-Julani), as bearing direct responsibility for overseeing or condoning the attacks. It accuses the government of concealing its role through hybrid warfare tactics, disguising forces as jihadists, and misrepresenting operations as counterterrorism campaigns. Council urges preservation of evidence, establishment of safe corridors The document submitted to the UN Commission of Inquiry calls for an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the massacres in Sweida. It asks the UN to preserve evidence, investigate command responsibility among senior Syrian officials, and take steps to protect civilians still under threat. The council also urges the Commission to establish safe corridors for humanitarian aid and to refer the situation to international accountability mechanisms if Syrian authorities fail to act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The submission includes verified visual and digital materials documenting dozens of attacks, reportedly supported by eyewitness testimonies and forensic evidence. According to the councils legal representatives, the material demonstrates a clear pattern of sectarian targeting and organized violence that mirrors previous genocides perpetrated by ISIS against other minority groups. Attorney Yael Vias Gvirsman, who directs the Clinic for International Criminal and Humanitarian Law at Reichman University, said the crimes documented in the appeal amount to a deliberate campaign of extermination and persecution. She emphasized that the evidence demonstrates systematic intent and coordination among state and non-state actors. Attorney Asem Hamed, head of the Druze councils legal team, said that volunteers operating from the councils command center in Julis had collected and analyzed the evidence for months, corroborating it with testimonies from survivors and relatives of victims in Sweida. Vias Gvirsman told The Jerusalem Post that this inquiry is the only one from international actors into the violence faced by Syrian Druze since the fall of Assads government and the rise of Al-Sharaa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The people of the Druze minority of Syria and their brothers in Israel, brothers and sisters in Israel, are demanding justice, she added. Referring to the inquiry, she emphasized that the inquiry was a request for an international investigation. The violence and murder of Druze and other minorities in Syria is deemed ethnic cleansing, and also involves sexual violence against women and girls. The council draws a parallel between the atrocities in Sweida and other episodes of sectarian violence in the region, such as the Yazidi genocide and recent attacks on civilians in southern Syria. It describes the ongoing violence as part of a state-directed policy of terror and religious persecution designed to eradicate the Druze presence in the area. The appeal warns that the situation in Sweida continues to deteriorate, with armed groups still active in the region and civilians trapped under siege conditions. It calls on the United Nations and the international community to act swiftly to prevent further massacres and ensure the protection of Druze civilians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheikh Mouafek Tarif, the spiritual leader of the Druze in Israel, said that the appeal was motivated by an urgent need to bring global attention to what he described as the near-destruction of the Druze community in Syria. He called on the UN and world governments to recognize the severity of the crimes and to intervene before it is too late. The Druze council said it stands ready to cooperate with international investigators and to facilitate access to witnesses and survivors. Its operations room in Julis continues to collect evidence, coordinate with humanitarian organizations, and monitor ongoing violence in Sweida. According to the councils latest reports, the attacks against Druze civilians have continued into late October, with further casualties and displacement reported. The letter to the UN concluded that the international community must not remain silent in the face of what it characterizes as a campaign of annihilation against one of the Middle Easts oldest religious minorities. To some from northern or western states, Florida might be nearly synonymous with thoughts of Jimmy Buffett singing about wasting the day away in Margaritaville on a Sunshine State beach. But did you know that there is still at least one county that's considered mostly "dry," not allowing the sale of hard liquor within its county lines? Until recent years, a handful of Florida counties remained fully dry, until their residents voted to flip to "wet," the most recent of those taking place in 2022. Regardless of the county-by-county ordinances on when and where liquor can or can't be sold, there is a state statute that prohibits buying any alcohol during certain hours of the night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's what to know about when you can buy alcohol in Florida, which counties in Florida are still dry or partially dry and which U.S. state has the most dry counties. Celebrity alcohol brands: Famous Floridians from Food Network to Real Housewives have a liquor brand. See tequila, vodka, wine When can you buy alcohol in Florida? Florida has a state statute (562.14), that says alcohol cant be sold or served between the hours of midnight and 7 a.m., unless a county or municipal ordinance says otherwise. This means the hours during which you can buy and sell alcohol vary from county to county. Except as otherwise provided by county or municipal ordinance, no alcoholic beverages may be sold, consumed, served, or permitted to be served or consumed in any place holding a license under the division between the hours of midnight and 7 a.m. of the following day, the statute says. What does it mean if a county is dry? "Across the United States, there are hundreds of localities where the purchase of alcohol is completely or partially prohibited. Local jurisdictions can be grouped into one of three categories: wet, dry, and moist," the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association (NABCA) website says. Here are the NABCA definitions for each of the three terms: Wet - "No constraints on the sale of spirits, wine, or beer save for Sunday sales or other related restrictions. In Alabama and other states, there are wet cities in counties that otherwise prohibit or limit alcohol sales." Dry - "Complete prohibition on alcohol sales, both in bars and restaurants for on-premise consumption and off-premise outlets. Several states do not allow dry jurisdictions, as state law confines localities from having more restrictive alcohol laws than the state itself." Moist - "Strike a balance in between wet and dry. In these localities, beer and wine may be available but spirits may not. Alcohol by-the-drink in a tavern may be prohibited while buying beer to take home from a grocery store may be allowed. The rise of moist jurisdictions stems from compromises in dry communities to permit some alcohol sales in response to resident demand." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to World Population Review, Florida is one of 33 states that allows counties to decide if theyd like to be dry. Are there any dry counties in Florida? There is at least one Florida county that is a "moist" county, selling no hard liquor within its limits. There are some others that are partially dry (or moist) in different ways and others that recently flipped from dry to wet within the last 10 to 15 years. Liberty County: According to Liquor License FL, in Liberty County no one is allowed the consumption of alcoholic beverages in public spaces or on public property. This is technically true for the whole state of Florida, since the states open container laws prohibit drinking in public spaces like streets, sidewalks and on most beaches. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Countys board of commissioners website has three ordinances that establish laws surrounding alcohol consumption and are slightly stricter than most other Florida counties. The first establishes the same no-sell hours as the state statute (midnight through 7 a.m.). The second prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages within 300 feet of a church or a school. The third prohibits alcohol consumption at county-owned parks. Washington County: Washington County was dry, prohibiting the sale of hard liquor within its borders, until county residents overruled it in a special election in 2022. Polk County: Polk County, although it isnt a completely dry county, has been one of the strictest counties in the state when it comes to alcohol sales, causing some businesses in the unincorporated parts of the county to annex into the nearest county with looser liquor laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in August, the County Commission began considering easing some of its restrictive liquor laws on where establishments can sell alcohol and when. The sale of alcohol on Sundays is also prohibited in Polk County. On the chopping block is language about the distance a business selling alcohol must be from churches and schools, as well as alterations to the days and hours businesses are allowed to sell or serve alcohol in unincorporated areas, the Lakeland Ledger reported in September. Right now, for example, Polk measures the separation of liquor establishments from schools and churches via a straight line or as the crow flies from property line to property line. More on Polk County liquor laws: Strictest in Central Florida, Polk County considers loosening its alcohol-sales restrictions Lafayette County: According to Liquor License FL, in Lafayette County no alcoholic beverages that exceed 6.243% of alcohol by volume may be sold, either off or on premises. For reference, the average can of beer lies somewhere between 5% and 6% ABV and a can of light beer usually are somewhere between 4% and 5% ABV. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Lafayette County Board of Commissioners, you can't buy hard liquor within the county. Suwannee and Madison: Suwannee and Madison counties were also among the few historically dry counties that flipped wet in recent years. Suwannee residents voted for a wet county in 2011 and Madison County residents voted for the same thing in 2012, according to a 2021 article from Florida Political Review. What state has the most dry counties? According to World Population Review, Arkansas leads the U.S. with more than 30 dry counties. Arkansas has 34 dry counties out of its 75, and all alcohol sales are prohibited on Sundays. New Mexico is wet by default but is dry on Sundays until noon, World Population Review says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Laws prohibiting alcohol sales on Sundays are called blue laws. Kansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee are dry states by default, and counties must specifically authorize the sale of alcohol. This article originally appeared on Florida Today: When and where you can buy liquor in Florida varies by county, what to know California is forecast to remain high and dry this week as rainstorms target the Pacific Northwest. Under mostly sunny skies, Wednesday will be the warmest day of the week in the Bay Area, with many cities reaching the 80s. Meanwhile, coastal Southern California is anticipated to flirt with the 90s. Halloween weekend is shaping up to be warm and dry from San Francisco to Sacramento all the way to San Diego as a high-pressure system parks itself over California. While the dry pattern looks to persist for the next seven days, there are signs that wet weather could return by the middle of next week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A powerful storm near Japan is expected to add some energy to the jet stream over the Pacific Ocean, otherwise known as the storm track. This excess energy could shake up the jet stream just enough to send a storm toward Northern California around Wednesday, Nov. 5. Weather models predict a jet in the jet stream over Northern California around Wednesday, Nov. 5, which could mark the return of wet weather. (Baron/Lynx) However, a potential storm is still a week away. Weather models have low predictability beyond seven days and are better at picking up large-scale patterns rather than specific storms. But if this trend continues, rain and mountain snow chances will increase midweek north of Interstate 80 from San Francisco to Reno. Californians hoping for precipitation should do a rain dance in the meantime, because next week's potential storm looks like it'll be a blip in an otherwise dry November pattern. Long-range weather models predict a dry, warm pattern statewide thereafter. That's not to say there won't be any November storms, but it's more likely than not that the month finishes on the dry side. Wednesday breakdown San Francisco: It'll be a banner day with sunny skies and highs forecast to reach the 70s in every corner of the city, possibly even 80 degrees in a few spots. An ocean breeze will first hit areas west of Twin Peaks in the early afternoon and knock temperatures back to the 60s, but the Mission and downtown will probably reach the upper 70s before the cool air finally arrives around 3 p.m. Increasing high clouds are expected around sunset. Lows will be in the mid-50s with patchy fog possible late. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North Bay: After a chilly morning, temperatures will soar into the upper 70s to mid-80s throughout the region, except for the immediate coast. San Rafael's forecast high of 86 degrees is 15 degrees above normal for the date. It'll be sunny for much of the day but high clouds are predicted to increase in the late afternoon. Overnight lows will drop to the mid-40s to low 50s with patchy fog possible by daybreak Thursday. East Bay: Weak Diablo winds will make for a sunny, warm fall day. Highs will reach the upper 70s to low 80s in Richmond, Oakland, Hayward and Fremont and the mid-70s in Berkeley and Alameda. It will be just a bit warmer east of the Caldecott Tunnel, in the low to mid-80s in Walnut Creek, Antioch, Dublin and Livermore. Overnight lows will fall to the low to mid-50s with a chance of fog along the bay shoreline after midnight. Pacific Coast and Peninsula: Pacific beaches in San Mateo County were one of the warmest places in the Bay Area on Tuesday morning and that's expected to repeat Wednesday. Half Moon Bay could record its warmest day since March as the mercury climbs to the upper 70s with no marine layer in play. A weak sea breeze may pick up in the late afternoon and prevent the coast from hitting the 80s, but San Carlos, San Mateo and Redwood City may pass that mark. Marine air will return overnight with lows in the mid-50s and a chance of fog. South Bay and Santa Cruz: Abundant sunshine is expected throughout the region with highs in the low to mid-80s in San Jose, Santa Cruz, Boulder Creek and Sunnyvale. Southern portions of Santa Clara Valley could even reach the upper 80s. A few high clouds may filter in around sunset. Marine air will slowly work back in overnight, with a chance of fog by daybreak Thursday, most likely near Monterey Bay. Lows will be in the upper 40s to mid-50s. This article originally published at As dry weather persists, here's how likely a California storm will be. MT. JULIET, Tenn. (WKRN) A rollover crash involving a dump truck is blocking a portion of Interstate 40 in Mt. Juliet. According to the Mt. Juliet Police Department, the crash took place in the eastbound lanes of I-40 near mile marker 226 on Wednesday, Oct. 29. Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts (Courtesy Hetal Patel) (Courtesy Hetal Patel) (Courtesy Hetal Patel) (Courtesy Hetal Patel) (Courtesy Hetal Patel) At 11:41 a.m., the MJPD took to social media, stating the crash has the right two lanes blocked for around two hours. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com According to a motorist, people got out of their vehicles to check on the driver of the dump truck, but it remains unclear if any injuries were reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No additional details were immediately released. 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. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) Dunbar High Schools Army Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps is doing its part to honor veterans when active duty military units cant due to the government shutdown. Members provided a tribute to the Southern Nevada Honor Flight program during its Oct. 18 visit to the World War 2 Memorial. It makes me feel a little bit uplifted, said Command Sgt. Major Desmond Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Furloughed IRS lawyer launches hot dog stand in DC He and fellow color guard cadets stepped up so the veterans would be properly honored. It was a good way for us to serve, our veterans who have served for us, Washington said. The head of the national Honor Flight program knew of Dunbars color guard unit, and called to see its availability. The cadets commanding officer gave a resounding yes. I think its very important for the cadets to see them, to thank them for their service and to appreciate, show their appreciation to them in person, said Ret. Lt. Col. Neil Daniels. Cadets said they couldnt pass up the opportunity to honor veterans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyve done so much for us back in their younger years, said Cadet Jean Fantauzzi. When they used to fight wars, they made sure that we stayed protected. Theyre the ones who put their lives down on the line for us. Their efforts did not go unnoticed by the visitors from Nevada. They [veterans] were just joyful, like our veterans were just joyful, said Gretchen Grierson with the Southern Nevada Honor Flight. And it was a wonderful start, an absolutely wonderful start. The ceremony is something Dunbar is ready to repeat. When called upon, we would be happy to assist. Just let us know, Daniels said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cadets performed a similar ceremony a week earlier for the Chicago Honor Flight Program. 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. Two women are accused of fighting with workers at a Massachusetts Market Basket after they were confronted over the alleged theft of high-priced meats. Olivia Byrd, 37, of Quincy, and Rahjane Byrd, 28, of Bostons Hyde Park neighborhood, were arrested Sunday on charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery, shoplifting, and disorderly conduct, according to the West Bridgewater Police Department. Officers responding to a report of a disturbance at the Market Basket at 352 West Center Street in West Bridgewater learned two women, later identified as the Byrds, had allegedly been involved in a melee with two store employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An investigation revealed that an employee spotted the Byrds concealing items in a bag while shopping, including lobster meat, prime ribeye steaks, and truffle butter, according to police. When police say the Byrds were confronted for not paying for the items, they allegedly became argumentative, screamed obscenities, and assaulted two store employees. Both women were taken into custody without further incident. The Byrds were arraigned in Brockton District Court on Monday and released on personal recognizance. 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 Duquesne woman is stranded in Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa pounds the island with heavy rain and strong winds. Antoinette Margita was on vacation in Montego Bay when the storm hit. She said she has been sheltering in her hotel bathroom, listening to the wind howl and glass shatter outside. Just scared. Ive never experienced anything like this, Margita said. It just sounds crazy. The wind is blowing like crazy. Its like the door is trying to open. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Phone service cut in and out during her interview on Tuesday as conditions worsened. Margita said she does not know when she will be able to return home after her Wednesday flight was canceled. In Pittsburgh, the Brothers Brother Foundation is preparing to send more than 6,000 hygiene kits on 14 pallets, medical equipment, wheelchairs, and mattresses to Jamaica once it is safe to ship supplies. RELATED COVERAGE >>> Brothers Brother Foundation sending assistance to those impacted by Hurricane Melissa Whenever we see a disaster, the first thing we think of is how we can respond, said Ozzy Samad, president of the organization. Fortunately, we have a partner based in southern Florida and Jamaica. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Margita said she traveled to Jamaica to celebrate a friends birthday, but that friend decided not to come. I kind of should have listened to her and not come, she said. The foundations trucks are expected to move supplies to South Florida on Wednesday before heading to Jamaica once conditions improve. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW Debate night in Durham brought together incumbent Mayor Leonardo Williams and challenger Anjanee Bell at North Carolina Central University, just days before Election Day. The lively debate at North Carolina Central University provided younger voters with a chance to hear directly from the candidates. Both Williams and Bell emphasized the importance of engaging students and young people in the election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I hope they heard something tonight that relates to them and inspires them to go to the poll right here on campus at North Carolina Central and actually vote," Williams said. Bell added, "I just hope the young people are fired up about getting involved. And I will say, especially for the young women who were in the audience, I think it's very important to see representation." The winner of Tuesday's election will serve a two-year term as Bull City mayor. Oct. 29 (UPI) -- Voters in the Netherlands were headed to the polls on Wednesday five months after Prime Minister Richard Schoof's four-party coalition collapsed after Geert Wilders' Freedom Party pulled the plug amid a battle over migration. Wilders was eyeing a repeat of November 2023 when his PVV party won the most votes but his prospects of governing appeared signficantly diminshed by the fact the parties that enabled him to ultimately cobble together a government have made it clear they will not work him this time around. The country is also grappling with very serious problems ranging from a cost of living crisis and exorbitant rents amid a serious housing shortage to skyrocketing healthcare costs and job security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That meant the second-placed party, rather than the "winner," was likely key, analysts said, as they would be the kingmaker calling the shots on who gets to form the government, with a centrist administration the most likely outcome. However, with amost 50% of voters on the fence on who they intend to cast their ballot for of the 27 parties on offer, the race remained too narrow to predict. Wilders -- a political outsider who has spent the past two decades under police protection due to his outspoken views -- has said it would be the death of democracy if the PVV emerged the largest party but was excluded from government. On Wednesday he said that it was down to whatever the electorate decided on the day, but that he was positive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's a close call -- four or five different parties. I'm confident," he said after casting his vote at City Hall in The Hague circled by his security detail. In 2023, his party won 37 seats in the 150-seat House of Representatives with only around 17 votes separating it from the GroenLinks-Labor Party Alliance, People's Party for Freedom and Democracy, and the New Social Contract, a traditional European Christian-democratic party. The populist Wilders who has previously railed against Islam, migration and the European Union has since toned down his rhetoric so as not to alienate more mainstream voters. In doing so he may fail to present a sufficiently attractive a prospect to get out the right-wing vote while centrist voters have plenty of other options, according to Amsterdam University political scientist Matthijs Rooduijn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Right now I don't think it's very likely Wilders will be part of a government coalition," said Rooduijn. The country's 10,000 polling stations were scheduled to close at 9 p.m. local time with exit polls results expected shortly after and official results sometime on Thursday. Editor's Note: This is a developing story. The Netherlands' liberal Democrats 66 (D66) party holds a narrow lead over the far-right Party for Freedom (PVV) in a neck-to-neck election race, the Dutch public broadcaster NOS reported on Oct. 30. With nearly all votes counted, D66 and PVV are set to win 26 seats in the parliament. The result marks a major setback for Geert Wilders's PVV, which lost around one-third of its seats, while other parties have already ruled out cooperation with the far-right party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PVV was a member of the ruling coalition until it exited in June, necessitating a snap election. The result marks a historic comeback for the liberal-progressive D66 faction, which won only nine seats in the Netherlands' 2023 parliamentary elections. The vote also signals dissatisfaction with the far-right, anti-immigration PVV. Wilders has spoken out against Ukrainian refugees, saying that they were coming to the Netherlands for "free housing, free healthcare, and our jobs." He has also voiced opposition to sending financial support and fighter jets to Kyiv, arguing they should be used for domestic needs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement D66, led by 38-year-old Rob Jetten, may form a coalition government that excludes the far-right factions altogether. The conservative-liberal People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) is projected to come in third with 22 seats, the left-wing GroenLinks-PvDA in fourth place with 20, and the conservative Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) in fifth place with 18. Ten more parties are set to enter parliament, including the right-wing JA21 and the far-right Forum for Democracy (FvD) parties, which will hold nine and seven seats, respectively. Read also: Gripen jets are coming to Ukraine heres how they can be used against Russia Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A SWAT team captured an alleged pedophile in Lewisville early Wednesday morning. Jeffery Allen Terrell, 69, was arrested at 7 a.m. October 29, after an investigation into continuous sexual abuse of a child, Lewisville Police Department Spokeswoman Elizabeth Mayes said to The Dallas Express. The Lewisville police SWAT team and Criminal Investigations Division served an arrest warrant and search warrant at a home near 1700 Shady Creek Dr., in southwest Lewisville, according to Mayes. They found Terrell inside the house and took him into custody without incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were no reported injuries to officers, the suspect, or others at the scene, Mayes said. He was transported to the Lewisville jail for processing. Lewisville detectives remained on scene to continue processing the home in connection with the investigation, according to Mayes. Lewisville police warned residents at 7:51 a.m. that a SWAT team was operating in the area, and the suspect now identified as Terrell was in custody. There is no threat to the public, the department posted. Thank you for your patience and cooperation. Law enforcement arrested five suspects for sexual offenses across Denton County in October four of whom faced charges involving minors, as The Dallas Express reported. From July 1 to September 23, the Dallas Police Department busted 118 wanted sex offenders. Oct. 30 is the last day Mainers can cast a ballot early at their municipal office, and the last day absentee ballots can be requested. (Photo by Lauren McCauley/Maine Morning Star) Early voting figures show both returned ballots and absentee ballot requests outpace numbers from this time two years ago, during the last comparable off-year election. Read additional coverage of the November 2025 election in Maine here. As of the latest data from Tuesday afternoon, 121,366 Mainers have requested absentee ballots and 76,905 had already returned them. This is out of more than 1 million active voters in the state, based on February data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The strong absentee voting indicates a high level of interest this year that bodes well for strong overall turnout, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said. Just under half (35,341) of all Mainers who returned ballots so far voted in a clerks presence, while others delivered ballots by mail (12,699), returned them in person themselves (25,579) or had an immediate family member return it for them (2,550), among other methods. Thursday is the last day Mainers can cast a ballot early at their municipal office, and the last day absentee ballots can be requested. Hours for in-person absentee voting vary by municipality. After that, voters can either return their ballots via drop boxes or mail them in. All ballots have to be returned by 8 p.m. on Election Day to be counted. Once submitted, voters can track their ballots here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maine has same-day voter registration, which means Mainers can register to vote through the close of the polls on Election Day. Voters must provide proof of residency and identity when registering, but not when casting their ballot. One of the two statewide referendums on the ballot seeks to change that. Question 1 asks whether Mainers want to require photo identification to be shown at polling places, in addition to limiting absentee voting and a multitude of other changes to the states election law. Current or former incarceration status doesnt disqualify Mainers from casting their ballot, though legal experts, civil rights advocates and incarcerated people caution that the changes proposed in Question 1 could result in added barriers for that population. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the last comparable election in 2023, there were eight statewide ballot questions. This year there are two. Question 2 proposes a red flag law, which would allow people to directly petition a judge to remove someones firearms if they pose a threat to themselves or others. More on the referendums can be found at Maine Morning Stars voter guide. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE At least 81,827 voters in New Mexico dropped off ballots as of Oct. 28, three weeks after early voting started on Oct. 7, though the numbers are trending down in Dona Ana County, data from the Secretary of State's Office showed. There have been 45,560 Democrats who have voted so far, 25,683 Republicans, 9,926 who declined to state a political party affiliation, 398 Libertarians and 260 from other parties. There have been 57,202 votes in person and 24,625 voters who submitted an absentee ballot. The early voting period in New Mexico ends on Nov. 1 ahead of Election Day on Nov. 4. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Oct. 28, 4,387 were Dona Ana County voters. There were 6,595 county residents who requested an absentee ballot, with 641 voters who have submitted an absentee ballot so far. Absentee ballots must be received by 7 p.m., on Nov. 4. "It just seems to be really slow this year," Dona Ana County Clerk Dr. Amanda said. "I don't know if voters are aware of that if anybody has signed up for absentee list, there are automatically ballots going out to folks who have been vetted and signed up for that so that in itself may make a difference in turnout, which is great. Folks who may not regularly participate in local election are still getting a ballot." How 2025 voting compares to past elections in Dona Ana County For reference, 7,807 Dona Ana County residents participated in in-person early voting in the 2023 local election and 2,931 residents submitted an absentee ballot. More: Voters to decide 2 ballot questions for Las Cruces Public Schools. Here's what they'd fund Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2021, the number of voters who cast a ballot during in-person early voting was 5,271, and there were 739 absentee voters that year. In 2019, 7,100 voters cast ballots in-person during the early voting period. Las Cruces Mayor Eric Enriquez was elected in 2023 when there were a total of 22,458 ballots cast in Dona Ana County. In 2019, there were 19,871 ballots cast in the county and 14,440 in 2021. "It does seem to be a slower pace," Lopez Askin said. "When there is not mayoral election on the regular local election ballot, that tends to be the trend so I'm not surprised. We are always looking for more turnout and to increase those numbers." Dona Ana County's Chief Deputy Clerk Carolina Zamora on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024 at the Dona Ana County Election Bureau Warehouse in Las Cruces, New Mexico. More: Las Cruces council candidates address youth issues during town hall Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lopez Askin did not report any issues during the early voting period, other than an hour-long stoppage to early voting at the county government center on Oct. 16 due to a reported bomb threat in the area that was investigated. No explosive devices were found and the threat was not directed toward elections. According to a news release following the threat, election officials instructed voters present at the time to complete their ballots and exit the building in an orderly manner. Election officials followed all security protocols, tabulators were promptly and securely removed from the site and transported to a secure location, with ballots remaining in proper custody at all times. The presiding judge and election judges maintained continuous supervision, ensuring full chain-of-custody compliance. "Those situations do pop up but nothing was found or amiss but we always have to be prepared to protect No. 1 our voters, but also the integrity of the elections and out ballots," Lopez Askin said. This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Early voting turnout trends down in 2025 election in Dona Ana County GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) Make your way to the polls if you havent already, because early voting is winding down. For the past two weeks, since Oct. 16, towns and cities across the state have held early voting for municipal races. Saturday, Nov. 1, marks the end of the early voting period. The general election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 4. In Greensboro, multiple seats for city council, as well as the mayors office, are up for grabs, with Mayor Pro Tem Marikay Abuzuaiter and former Mayor Robbie Perkins clinching the nominations in the mayoral primary. Winston-Salem and High Point do not have municipal elections this year, but surrounding towns and cities do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Early voting sites in Guilford County include Bur-Mill Park, the Greensboro courthouse, Jamestown Town Hall, the Guilford County Board of Elections Office and the First Horizon Coliseum (formerly the Greensboro Coliseum). There are also mayoral and council races across nearly all of North Carolina. Look up early voting sites for your county on the NC State Board of Elections website. The NCSBE has an interactive map, embedded below, that shows the full municipal election schedule, county-by-county, to see where elections are happening. You can check out FOX8s Voter Guide for all of the information you need to vote in these upcoming races. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. HARTFORD - More than 2.2 million voters are registered to vote in local elections for numerous municipal offices across Connecticut on Nov. 4. If voter turnout patterns hold, roughly one-third of eligible voters can be expected to cast ballots statewide, with smaller towns recording among the highest voting percentages and the biggest cities having among the lowest turnout rates. Elections will be conducted in 168 of the state's 169 cities and towns on Tuesday. The small town of Union had its election May. Just 12% of the 655 eligible Union voters turned out, according to the secretary of the state's office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The number of local offices that appear on a ballot vary by town and city. Sample town ballots are available on the secretary of the state's website. Voters generally turn out in the greatest numbers for presidential elections, followed by state elections, but voter participation is lowest for local elections, even though local government is closest to voters and arguably has more direct effect on their lives and communities than the federal and state governments. The statewide turnout for the presidential, congressional and General Assembly elections in 2024 was 76%. It was 57.6% for the gubernatorial, congressional and statehouse elections in 2022. The municipal elections sandwiched between those two statewide elections in 2023 drew out 33.7% of eligible voters, though turnout rates ranged from 13.7% in the capital city of Hartford to 63.2% in the small Litchfield County town of Canaan. Local elections do not excite voters in the same way as a presidential election, a hotly contested mid-term congressional election or an open gubernatorial election, but turnout on the local level often reflects voter interest in a given election year, said Laura Smits, co-president of the Connecticut League of Women Voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If there is a hot-button ballot question, a competitive race for mayor or first selectman, or an issue of local controversy over a development project or a policy issue, these are factors that can generate higher levels of voter interest and drive up local turnout, she said. One new wrinkle for turnout prognostication is the advent of early voting in local elections. Two weeks of early in-person voting started on Oct. 20 and ends Sunday, two days before Election Day. "It seems pretty popular. People seem to be wanting to vote early and taking advantage of it, which I think is great," said Smits, a former registrar of voters in Weston and currently a certified election moderator for the city of Norwalk. "The more options people have, the more likely they are to turn out to vote. I think it is going to be interesting to see if it has any impact on local turnout because local turnout has been pretty dismal." The state legislature and Gov. Ned Lamont approved an early voting law in the 2023 legislative session after voters overwhelming approved a constitutional amendment in 2022 to allow this voting option in Connecticut. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Early in-person voting had its debut in the presidential preference primaries in April 2024, followed by the Republican primary for U.S. Senate in August 2024, and then the presidential election last Nov. 5 when 40% of voters cast their ballots that way. The 2025 municipal elections are the first local elections for early in-person voting. Connecticut law authorizes 14 days of in-person early voting for general elections, seven days for primary contests, and four days each for special elections and presidential preference primaries. Referendums are excluded. Voters in Union had the first opportunity to vote early in person because of the town's spring election. Eight of the 79 Union voters who cast ballots on May 5 took advantage of the early voting option. All of their ballots were properly filled out and counted. Two absentee ballots were cast and counted, too. Through Monday, the secretary of the state's office reported 83,425 early in-person ballots had been cast, including 42,122 by Democratic voters, 17,879 by Republican voters, 1,015 by voters enrolled in other political parties, and 22,409 by unaffiliated voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The secretary of the state's office cautioned that these early voting numbers do not represent final or official election results. Totals may change as verification by local election officials continues. The following 10 towns had the most early ballots cast through Monday: Stratford: 2,695 Milford: 2,310 Hamden: 2,020 Trumbull: 1,902 Greenwich: 1,834 Norwalk 1,511 Fairfield: 1,472 Bristol: 1,429 Stamford: 1,364 West Hartford: 1,359 Smits said one of the pluses for early voting is that is easier than voting by absentee ballot. Through Monday, the secretary of the state's office reported 14,813 absentee ballots had been returned, including 7,652 by Democratic voters, 3,204 by Republican voters, 162 by voters enrolled in other political parties, and 3,795 by unaffiliated voters. Approximately 26,479 absentee ballots had been mailed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the legislature and Lamont eased the rules for absentee voting in recent years, voters must still cite one of six legally recognized excuses to receive and cast an absentee ballot: Illness, disability, military service, religious tenets, personal availability on Election Day, and service as an election official or worker. State voters approved a constitutional amendment in 2024 that allows the legislature to remove all restrictions on absentee voting in Connecticut. But lawmakers did not approve a no-excuse absentee voting law in the 2025 legislative session. A constitutional amendment was necessary to authorize both early voting and no-excuse absentee voting because voting times and methods are spelled out both in state statute and the state Constitution. This unusual arrangement requires voters approve a constitutional change before the legislature can change voting laws. In terms of partisan enrollment, registered Democrats continue to well outnumber registered Republicans statewide on the voter rolls, but the largest group of voters are unaffiliated with any political party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pre-election deadline for online, mail-in, and in-person voter registrations was Oct. 17. There were 792,887 registered Democratic voters by that cutoff date, 489,205 registered Republican voters, and 34,030 voters registered in other political parties. There were 935,892 unaffiliated voters signed up at that time. The number of new voters who registered since Jan. 1 was approaching 100,000 in early October, according to the secretary of the state's office. Overall Republican pre-election enrollment is up nearly 29,120 from the 2023 total, but only up roughly 1,860 from the presidential election last year. The number of GOP voters increased by approximately 27,250 between the 2023 municipal election and the 2024 election. Total Democratic registrations slipped by 7,600 from two years ago and declined by 29,600 last year. There were 822,499 active Democratic voters in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The number of active unaffiliated voters is up by 15,285 from two years ago, but down by 21,890 compared to the 2024 presidential election. There were also nearly 250,480 inactive voters who could potentially be eligible to vote Nov. 4. A voter is moved to an inactive list after they have not voted in four years and do not respond to a mailed address confirmation card from election officials. If a voter is on the inactive list, they must fill out a new voter registration form under penalty of false statement in order to vote. If a voter on the inactive list shows up at their polling place on Election Day, they must fill out a new voter registration form before they are added to the active list and allowed to vote. If a voter on the inactive list returns an absentee ballot application, they must first return a new voter registration form before they are mailed an absentee ballot. After four years on the inactive list, if the voter has not done anything that resulted in them filling out a new voter registration form and being restored to the active list, the voter is removed from the voter registry. This article originally published at With early voting underway, Connecticut officials hope to reverse 'dismal' turnout trends. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) As Election Day approaches next week, the East Lansing City Clerk is reminding voters of important and useful information as early voting begins. As we get closer to Election Day, voters should be reminded of their voting options. You have the choice to vote early, vote absentee or vote on Election Day, East Lansing City Clerk Emily Gordon said. Our poll workers are excited to see the community come out and exercise their right to vote. Gordon says that the city mailed out 5,779 absentee ballots back in September and that, currently, around 2,000 have been returned. if you need to turn in your absentee ballot, the city clerk says you have a few options: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Returning it to one of four city drop boxes : East Lansing City Hall s north parking lot, 410 Abbot Road East Lansing Public Library , 950 Abbot Road Department of Public Works , 1800 E State Road MSU-CATA Transportation Center , 592 N. Shaw Lane Returning it to the city clerks office at East Lansing City Hall, 410 Abbot Road Taking it to the citys Early Voting Center at the Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Road. The Early Voting Center opens Wednesday and remains open through Sunday, with operating hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The city clerks office will also be open this weekend from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to allow community members to register to vote or return their absentee ballots. Free parking will be available in designated spaces, according to Gordon. On Election Day itself, the city clerk says polls will open at 7 a.m. and remain open until 8 p.m., which is also the deadline for absentee voters to return their absentee ballots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more information about East Lansing elections and polling locations, visit this link. 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. The Ohio Statehouse. (Photo by David DeWitt, Ohio Capital Journal.) Almost a quarter of Ohios residents live in rural areas, and its no secret that many have been losing ground for a long time. Decades of federal trade policy and agribusiness consolidation have eroded economic opportunities, giving people who can an incentive to move away. In the face of those problems, 40 organizations led by the Rural Democracy Initiative last week released their Rural Policy Action Report. Its a set of policy prescriptions to address the ills confronting millions of Americans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rural America must lead in building a more prosperous, sustainable, and just future for the entire country, a written statement accompanying the report said. Rural people demonstrate fundamental American values like defending working people, investing in locally driven solutions, protecting core freedoms, and respecting our close connection to the land. Yet our rural communities are often ignored or actively harmed by the policy choices of elected leaders and the unchecked power of corporations and the ultrawealthy. The report lists 26 policy priorities organized into four pillars. It also contains polling data indicating that the reforms are overwhelmingly popular with rural Americans in battleground states. For example, 88% supported cracking down on meat-processing monopolies and 92% wanted to see rural hospitals protected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One pillar is to Rein In Corporate Greed and Support Workers, Small Businesses and Farmers. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Rural workers earn less, are less likely to have benefits like paid leave, and are more likely to be injured on the job, it said. But when workers are valued and have more money in their pockets, they can continue to drive demand, support businesses, and keep local economies strong. Among the fixes, it says workers should have more power to organize, workers should have a $17 minimum wage by 2030, and people should be able to work safely without fear of being targeted on the job because of their immigration status or the perception of their immigration status based on their race, ethnicity, culture, or industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That pillar also calls for stronger antitrust enforcement so farmers can do things like repair their own equipment. It also called on the federal government to refocus federal trade policy and resources to support small businesses and make sure essentials like food are available and affordable in rural communities. Another pillar listed in the report calls for investment in the foundational infrastructure of rural communities. It wants a more equitable tax system in which billionaires pay more and corporations dont get tax breaks to move jobs overseas. It also calls for more investment in public education, rural housing, job training and improvements to credit and lending. A third pillar is titled Everyone Gets a Fair Deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It calls for better treatment of immigrants and for the creation of a viable path to citizenship instead of the outdated, patched-together system we have now. The final pillar calls for the protection of land and other resources in rural communities. That includes safeguarding water and land, coming up with a rural energy plan, and protecting public lands. Fairness is the goal, the report said. We need to build an economy that respects hard-working people, it said. When we have what we need like good-paying jobs with benefits we are all better off. But for a generation, the federal government has supported big corporations to hoard profits and consolidate land ownership. Wages are too low, and costs keep rising, leaving families struggling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It added, These harms arent random they are business decisions, often with government permission. But if the federal government protected us from corporate abuse, then working people would have a safe and level playing field to grow the economy, support thriving local businesses, and drive demand so we can all have a good life. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Over the last month or so, the U.S. military has been lethally sinking boats in the Caribbean Sea, in the East Pacific and just off Venezuela. The attacks, made under President Trump's orders, were estimated to have killed about 43 people. "So far, they have alleged that these people are drug dealers," U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., told Fox News on Sunday, adding, "No one said their name. No one said what evidence. No one said whether they're armed. And we've had no evidence presented. So at this point, I would call them extra-judicial killings." When it comes to extra-judicial killings committed by the U.S. government, there is a name: Anwar al-Awlaki, an American-born radical Muslim cleric who was hiding in the hills of Yemen in September 2011 when he was spotted and killed by an American drone on orders of then-President Barack Obama. As The Associated Press reported in December 2010, he had, among other things, masterminded British terrorist Richard Reid's attempt to blow an American Airlines flight out of the sky with a bomb concealed in one of his shoes; the 2009 shooting at Fort Hood, Texas, that left 13 soldiers dead and 33 others wounded; and Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab's attempt in December 2009 to destroy a Detroit-bound airliner with explosives that had been sewn into his underwear. What makes al-Awlaki fate of interest in relation to the strikes on the suspected drug boats is the outcome of a lawsuit his father filed in July 2010 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia seeking an order prohibiting the Obama Administration from unilaterally targeting his son without presenting evidence that he presented a specific imminent threat to life or physical safety. and that there was no other way to stop him. The outcome was an 83-page ruling by Judge John Bates, a George W. Bush appointee, that agreed the filing raised serious legal questions but nevertheless required dismissal without a decision on its legal merits. Reported the AP: (Bates) "questioned whether the president or his advisers can order the assassination of a U.S. citizen without any form of judicial process whatsoever, based on the mere assertion that he is a dangerous member of a terrorist organization.'" However, Judge Bates said he was obligated to dismiss the case because Anwar al-Awlaki did not bring the suit himself and had "publicly denounced the U.S. legal system and said Muslims are not bound by Western law." In other words, Judge Bates ruled that al-Awlaki had of his own volition placed himself outside the law and could thereby be treated like John Dillinger or Jesse James - an outlaw on the lam. In a March 2012 speech at the Northwestern University law school, Attorney General Eric Holder expanded on that rationale for the government's actions, saying, as summarized by the Chicago Tribune, that they were based on the president's power "to protect the nation from any imminent threat of violent attack," that when individuals pose a real threat to this country, "we must take steps to stop them." The vital question, then, is whether drug trafficking by Venezuelan cartels, working with the connivance and cooperation of that nation's brutal, repressive government, poses a threat to the lives of Americans comparable to that posed by an extremist al-Qaida-connected cleric trying to sneak onto airliners passengers equipped with Fruit-of-Kerboom underwear. On Oct. 8, the U.S. Senate decided that it is, rejecting a war powers resolution that would have blocked the boat attacks, 48-51. It has been the policy of both Democratic and Republican presidents that when the lives of its citizens are at stake, the United States isn't bound by Marquess of Queensbury rules to stand and wait for an avowed enemy to throw the first punch. Under the "imminent threat" standard, the U.S. government reserves the right to throw the first punch, and if that punch is a knockout, too bad for the other guy. This article originally published at Editorial: US has right to sink drug boats. When President Donald Trump sits down with Chinese leader Xi Jinping this week, trade will be the subject at hand. But it is also an opportunity for something else: a chance to secure the release of US citizens detained by the Peoples Republic. More Americans are thought to be imprisoned in China, some 200 in total, than in any other country, according to the Foley Foundation, which advocates for American hostages and those wrongfully detained overseas. Most are believed to be ethnically Chinese Americans who have been ensnared by Beijings strict security apparatus and detained for posing a threat to Chinas national security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A smaller number are jailed for breaking local laws, sometimes unwittingly. A campaign to free two Americans jailed for more than a decade after falling victim to scams has gathered steam following months of advocacy, reaching high into the Trump administration. In May, the State Department issued a request for the release of Dawn Michelle Hunt and Nelson Wells Jr. on humanitarian grounds. Last month, a bipartisan bill named for the pair was put forward in the House to expand diplomatic advocacy on behalf of Americans held in China. And in a letter sent last week to the White House, Republican lawmakers urged Trump to raise their cases and those of others as part of trade talks with Xi at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The last-minute lobbying effort comes amid what officials, campaigners and the families of Hunt and Wells say is the best opportunity to secure their release before its too late. Both detainees are ill. Though they have access to some health care, their families say they will not survive much longer in prison. Tim Hunt saw his sister Dawn Michelle last summer for the first time in a decade from behind the glass partition of a visiting booth in a Chinese prison, under the watchful eye of minders who sat not 2 yards away. Her hair was so thin, so gray, he recalled. Im oldest of three, he said, so it was like he had helped raise her. So I know every facial expression the pain, the anger, the change etched into her features. I told her before I left Im like, This is not your existence. I will get you out of here, he told CNN. Dawn Michelle Hunt in an undated photo. - Courtesy Tim Hunt Trump has often claimed that he is uniquely capable of striking deals no one can, and that releasing American from foreign jails is a top priority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In recent weeks, the administration has touted the return of a Chinese American Wells Fargo executive and called for the release of a prominent Christian leader whose children are American citizens. Advocates say that winning the releases of Hunt and Wells would not only send a message that Trump cares about the issue of detentions abroad, but could also set a wider precedent for securing the release of other Americans considered unjustly held in China. Were not rich, were not superstars, were not politically connected; were just regular people, Wells father, Nelson Wells Sr., told CNN. If President Trump would stand up for regular people, this would make a statement to the United States of America that he cares. Besides Hunt and Wells, eight other cases, including those of detained Chinese and Uyghur Americans, are raised in the letter to Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is something the president and the secretary of state, they should be leading off with this every time they talk to Xi Jinping, said Republican Rep. Chris Smith, one of the letters co-authors. So [thats] another reason why we need this [so] Xi Jinping and his hierarchy there see that the Congress and the president are very serious about letting Americans go. Families in the dark Hunt has been imprisoned in China for 11 years after falling victim to a drug-trafficking scam in 2014. She thought she had won a trip to Australia after entering an online contest in 2014, and as part of her prize, her flight had layovers in Hong Kong and China, where she was treated to a hotel stay and given luxury handbags. The bags turned out to be lined with methamphetamine, discovered when she attempted to clear customs for the next leg of her flight. Like Hunt, Wells Jr. said he was also duped in 2014 into transporting gifts that turned out to be cover for drugs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Americans are detained abroad, their case is typically first handled by the State Departments Bureau of Consular Affairs and the embassy. If the arrest is believed to be unjust, they may be declared wrongfully detained. The designation, defined under a US law called the Levinson Act and conferred by the secretary of state, allows a government office, the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, to handle the case. Options like prisoner exchanges and ministerial lobbying then become more likely to be on the table. But some families and advocates for foreign detainees say the parameters for invoking the law are murky, and those held under exit bans or convictions like Hunt and Wells Jr. are not labeled wrongfully detained. Though they get visits from State Department representatives, families are often in the dark as to how they might seek recourse. The first six years were horrible, Wells Sr. said, describing plea after plea to lawmakers offices seeking help for his son. A lot of money spent on lawyers, financial burdens, the whole nine yards it wasnt worth anything, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the beginning, everybody was telling us, Be quiet, dont say anything, this is going to hurt Nelson more than help him, he added. Nelson Wells Jr. in an undated photo. - Family of Nelson Wells, Jr. Public lobbying campaign Last year the Wells and the Hunt families both decided to begin a public lobbying campaign, appearing before the Congressional-Executive Commission on China to testify about their relatives cases. Depending on the level of interest and profile of the detainees, decisions about their release can rise to the highest levels of government, according to people familiar with the process. If Trump, in going through a list of things with the Chinese, were to indicate that the release of these two Americans would be viewed favorably in Washington, that would certainly be the way to move things, said Michael Kovrig, a Canadian former diplomat and Asia analyst. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kovrig was once detained as part of what was widely seen as a diplomatic tit-for-tat involving frictions among Washington, Ottawa and Beijing. In 2018, he and another Canadian were arrested and accused of espionage shortly after Canada, at the request of the US Justice Department, detained the Chinese businesswoman Meng Wanzhou, a Huawei executive, as she was leaving Vancouver. The US had accused Meng of breaching sanctions rules and later charged her with fraud. In Kovrigs case, his release was secured after then-US President Joe Biden raised it with Xi on a phone call. In discussing the release of the Wells Fargo executive last month, Adam Boehler, the Trump official who leads the hostage envoys office, said, The president has set the tone and made it very clear. He added that ministers and diplomats are also explaining that US policy has changed and that it is a huge negative to hold Americans, and that is best expressed directly. The State Department said: We take our commitment to assist US citizens abroad seriously and are closely monitoring their situation and providing consular assistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the National Security Council said: President Trump has been clear that he wants every American detained abroad to return home. Senior administration officials are aware of the Hunt and Wells cases, though, as of last week did not have plans for the issue to be raised Thursday. But James Zimmerman, a Beijing-based lawyer who has advised the families, pointed out that China would have reasons to look favorably on releasing them, too. The Chinese do not want American citizens dying in their prison, Zimmerman said. It doesnt look good. CNNs Kylie Atwood, Alayna Treene and Jennifer Hansler contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A motion before the El Paso City Council to direct the city manager and attorney to review agreements with the Transportation Security Administration in response to a controversial video playing inside the El Paso International Airport failed Tuesday after a tie-breaking vote by Mayor Renard Johnson. The measure, which aimed to explore a possible Memorandum of Understanding or a lease agreement to align TSA checkpoint operations with City of El Paso policies ended in a tie. Johnsons no vote broke the tie, stopping the proposal. During Tuesdays city council meeting, Johnson acknowledged the video recorded by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, but said the city had already made several attempts to have it removed without success. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a prime example of when you have conflict between federal, state, and local groups, Johnson said. I sent a letter to the TSA director requesting that the video be taken down, and I got the same response as the city manager and city attorney. Its in an area thats controlled by TSA Controversial DHS video stays at El Paso Airport TSA despite takedown request Johnson also noted that the Hatch Act does not apply to the President, Vice President, Cabinet officers or members of Congress, nor to employees or certain agencies like the FBI CIA or National Security Council in specific roles, making the citys ability to intervene limited. I dont think its prudent to spend the citys money, our taxpayer dollars, to have our city manager and city attorney trying to get them to remove a video and get the same response that we already got, he said. Id rather spend some of these resources on fixing potholes and pulling weeds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, the city of El Paso posted a sign informing travelers it didnt support the TSA controlled video on display. DHS Sec. Noems airport video sparks concerns from El Paso city representatives In the video, Noem says the TSAs top priority is to help make travel pleasant and efficient while keeping passengers safe. However, Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government, and because of this, many of our operations are impacted, and most of our TSA employees are working without pay, Noem adds. Tuesdays motion would have also required a full review of existing documents, security clearances, and a report to council within 60 days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 KTSM 9 News. If you like how Florida Republicans have politicized public education, youll love state Rep. Michael Owens latest idea. The Apollo Beach Republican wants to make Hillsborough Countys school superintendent an elected position. Hillsboroughs last elected superintendent, J. Crockett Farnell, resigned in 1966 after 17 years in office. For the six decades since, Hillsboroughs elected School Board has appointed the superintendent, the same way it happens in 99.9% of all school districts.pdf) in the country. Owen proposed the bill at a meeting this month of Hillsboroughs legislative delegation. He said that parents and the voters of Hillsborough County should determine who the CEO of their childs education is. If the bill becomes law, voters would still need to approve the change through a countywide referendum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I called Owen to get his thoughts. He never called back. (For that matter, he didnt float the proposal with school officials, either.) But this is a bad idea. Its rationale is based on speculation. It gambles with our childrens future for the interests of adults. It sets the table for minorities to be further marginalized. And it threatens the quality and stability of Americas seventh-largest school system. All for a top-down proposal from Tallahassee that has had virtually zero public debate. First, what evidence exists that the change would make Hillsboroughs superintendent more accountable? As it stands, the superintendent is hired by and answers to a seven-member board, comprised of five members representing distinct geographic areas and two members elected countywide. That mix is essential in a diverse county like Hillsborough to ensure that all residents have a voice at the table. An elected superintendent could merely cherry-pick which voters to cater to depending on high-turnout neighborhoods. That could easily exacerbate racial and income disparities in school testing, graduation and disciplinary rates. Second, electing a superintendent would narrow the talent pool and deny Hillsborough the best possible choice for its top educator. Currently, the School Board can conduct a nationwide search for a superintendent. Hillsboroughs size and Floridas welcoming climate are big draws for recruiting. These candidate pools provide a fresh lens on how Hillsborough operates and ways it can improve. All that goes away with an elected superintendent. No qualifications or credentials are necessary, beyond being a county voter aged 18 or older. Name ID becomes more important than ones educational experience, track record, administrative skills or judgment. A single incompetent elected superintendent could destroy a system that the entire Tampa Bay region depends on. Third, communities have less control over elected superintendents. Appointed administrators must show up to work, account for their performance and be available to their elected board. Those who prove a bad fit are easier to fire than someone armed with a four-year term. Elected superintendents, with their own power base, have more freedom with their schedule. Do they show up two days a week or five? They must divide their time and attention with fundraising and campaigning. Elections for superintendent can also sweep up the professional staff, creating friction in the bureaucracy. Having an elected superintendent and an elected school board can also create a team of rivals, undermining a school districts mission and image. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the majority of Floridas 67 school districts have elected superintendents, those are mostly smaller or midsize counties. Eight of Floridas 10 largest school districts have appointed administrators, which, beyond Hillsborough, include Miami-Dade, Broward, Orange and Pinellas counties. This looks like a solution in search of a problem. With lagging test scores, dwindling enrollment, teacher shortages, underused campuses and a host of bigger challenges, why are we considering a change in school governance that nobody on the ground has asked for? How can anyone argue that Hillsboroughs superintendent is unaccountable when the school board that does the hiring routinely has the largest field of candidates in every local election? Hillsboroughs electorate may be turning red, but they tend to vote blue on school-related issues. This looks like a classic case of an out-of-touch politician. Hillsboroughs legislative delegation should hit the brakes on this idea. Its just another lightning rod for dividing the community. In the scrub-brush foothills between the long flat fields of the San Joaquin Valley and the mighty peaks and sequoia forests of the Sierra Nevada, state leaders and elders from the Tule River Indian Tribe gathered Wednesday to mark the return of 17,000 acres of ancestral land to the tribe. Gov. Gavin Newsoms office called it the largest ancestral land return in the history of the region and a major step in addressing historical wrongs against California Native American tribes. The former cattle ranches, one known as the Hershey Ranch and the other as the Carothers Ranch, include grasslands, oak woodlands and dark evergreen forests. They sit just south of the 55,000-acre Tule River reservation and abut the Giant Sequoia National Monument. They were purchased in 2024 and 2025 with support of private funders, the Conservation Fund and the California Natural Resources Agencys Tribal Nature-Based Solutions Program, which uses state bond funds to return ancestral lands to tribes. Trailers carrying Tule elk arrive at the Tule River Indian Reservation in Tulare County during a collaborative effort to release elk onto the reservation on Oct. 22. (Travis VanZant / California Department of Fish and Wildlife) The program has awarded more than $107 million to support the return of tens of thousands of acres to California tribes, including 10,000 acres for the Hoopa Valley Tribe to acquire the headwaters of Pine Creek, a tributary of the Klamath River. The initiative is part of a state plan to conserve 30% of California's lands and coastal waters by 2030. It's also part of what the governor's office calls a "first-in-the-nation effort to address historical wrongs committed" against Native American tribes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Tule River acquisition restores some of the tribes sacred homeland and will enable a host of conservation projects, including protecting the Deer Creek watershed, protecting habitat for California condors and reintroducing tule elk. The tribe last year worked with state officials to reintroduce beavers to the south fork of the Tule River. This land return demonstrates the very essence of tribal land restoration, which expands access to essential food and medicinal resources, Lester R. "Shine" Nieto Jr., chairman of Tule River Tribal Council, said in a statement. Nieto added that the tribe envisions this land located in the Yowlumne Hills as a place to gather, heal and simply be and that it is part of the tribes long history of asserting and affirming its sovereignty. Tule elk are released onto the Tule River Indian Reservation in Tulare County on Oct. 22. (Travis VanZant / California Department of Fish and Wildlife) In his statement, Newsom said that the historical wrongs committed by the state against the Native people of this land echo through the natural worlds of California ecosystems that lost their first and best stewards. He added that the land return celebrated Wednesday marks a critical step in deepening the relationship between the state and the Tule River Indian Tribe. State officials said funds for the purchase included $7.75 million from the Tribal Nature-Based Solutions Program, $2.4 million from the California Wildlife Conservation Board and a "sizable amount" from private philanthropy. The total purchase price was not immediately available. 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. Grand Jury incitements have been handed down against the organizer of a Dancing with the Stars themed event in Burke County, according to a news release from Morganton Public Safety officials. ALSO READ: Woman sues Burke County Schools over alleged failure to protect from predator The organizer is accused of embezzling money from the show that was supposed to raise money for local charities, investigators said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People from across the area have been going to the contest, which has been held at the CoMMA Performing Arts Center in Morganton, for years. Morganton Mayor Ronnie Thompson was one of the participants of Dancing with the Local Stars in Morganton years ago. He admitted he wasnt the best dancer but signed up to help raise money for scholarships at Western Piedmont Community College. The event, especially with me in the event, everybody loved to see the mayor mess up, Thompson told Channel 9s Dave Faherty. And its a great community effort. The charities loved the money. Now a grand jury in Burke County has indicted the organizer, Travis Stancil, on four counts of embezzlement and two counts of obtaining property by false pretenses. Travis Stancil poses with dancer in photo provided by the Hickory Daily Record. Stancil hired professional dancers to train local participants who were responsible for selling sponsorships and tickets, investigators said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stancil collected more than $48,000 for the 2024 event but didnt fulfill his contract with the professional dancers, police said. Stancil stopped communicating with the local stars when they tried to get their money back. We made multiple attempts to contact Mr. Stancil and were unable to contact him, said Capt. Nick Edwards, Morganton Public Safety. The investigation indicated that the proceeds from the event went to Mr. Stancils personal accounts. If youre going to promise people, youre going to get contributions and you promise people youre going to have this event, you need to man up, and make sure it happens, the mayor said. Stancil was most recently living in Florida, police said. Faherty spoke with Stancils attorney who said he plans on turning himself in Wednesday or Thursday. VIDEO: 2 seriously hurt in Burke County crash AUSTIN (KXAN) Some Lago Vista residents have expressed concern to the police department about a deer that has seemingly embraced its emo era. The deer has been spotted proudly wearing a hammock tangled in his antlers, according to a Facebook post from the Lago Vista Police Department, which has received a lot of calls about the deer. While his forest-core fashion has raised some eyebrows, rest assured, hes totally fine, the police departments post continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Lago Vista Police Department checked in on the deer and consulted wildlife experts with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to make sure the animal was OK. Hes eating, drinking, strutting around like he just dropped his debut album called Hammocks & Heartache, and clearly thriving in his main-character moment, the police department joked. The post went on to explain that male deer naturally shed their antlers before the end of winter, so the emo-chic accessory is expected to fall off on its own soon. The police department also said in the post that it checked with TPWD, which advised the police department. Lago Vista PD shared what TPWD told them: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As difficult as it can be to see an animal with hardware disease and want to help it, there are good, scientifically backed reasons why we do not get involved unless absolutely necessary. Darting animals in urban areas can be very high risk due to the number of people, roads, and houses, and the unpredictable nature of animal behavior. The police department asked residents to avoid interacting with the deer. 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. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) Prosthetic technicians at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital dedicate every day to helping our Mid-Michigan communities, but two of these techs recently took their expertise nearly three thousand miles away to Guatemala City. Video from the trip shows some of the first steps towards a brighter future for people who have been waiting for relief. (Courtesy: Mary Free Bed) The main problem is 90% of patients who need access to assistive devices or prosthetic devices just dont simply have access to it, said Orthotics Fitter Alex Basford with the Mary Free Bed Orthotics & Prosthetics + Bionics team. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alex Basford and Arthur Pruiett recently returned home from Guatemala City where they had a busy few days. We did a little variety of sockets. We did 2 hips, 3 transferables, 1 trans-radial, 8 above-the-knee sockets, said Pruiett. (Courtesy: Mary Free Bed) As prosthetic technicians and orthotic fitters, they joined the Range of Motion Project (ROMP) to bring much needed care to underserved communities. Basically, we made about 30 devices in six days, which is a lot compared to what we can do here usually with insurance barriers and time and appointments, said Basford. Basford and Pruiett were few of many people on the teamand its no small operation. (Courtesy: Mary Free Bed) We would pull plastic and then we would set it aside and then clinicians would just help jump in, said Pruiett. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Between the long days and far distance traveled, they were tiredbut they also say the importance of this care helped them push through. Some patients even traveled hours for help. It was definitely emotional, said Basford. They have their families there waiting. Theyve been waiting so long to get their prosthesis and a lot of tears were shed, happy tears. (Courtesy: Mary Free Bed) For some, just to start salsa dancing again, just to be able to dance again for them, they can make their whole life better, said Pruiett. The team says each of those devices symbolizes a new beginning for the patients and their families. They also say theyre bringing back new knowledge and skillsand a greater motivation to help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Key Takeaways A juvenile altercation at Little Caesars escalated into a shooting, leaving one employee hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Surveillance footage showed one suspect brandishing a Draco-style pistol before gunfire was exchanged inside and outside the restaurant. APD is working with county officials to pursue charges; names are withheld due to the suspects juvenile status. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ANNISTON A shooting involving four juveniles at the Little Caesars Pizza on Quintard Avenue left one employee wounded and two suspects under investigation, according to the Anniston Police Department. According to Anniston police Chief Nick Bowles, the incident occurred around 7:18 p.m. Monday at the restaurants 1410 Quintard Avenue location. Surveillance footage and evidence collected at the scene indicate that two 17-year-old males one from Oxford and one from Eastaboga entered the lobby, where one displayed a Draco-style 7.62 caliber pistol in what police described as an act of intimidation toward two employees. The juvenile from Oxford allegedly went behind the counter and physically attacked one of the employees, prompting a fight involving all four individuals. One employee, who was armed, exchanged gunfire with the suspect wielding the Draco inside the restaurant, officials stated. As the suspects and the armed employee exited the building, another round was fired from the Draco. The employee then fired several more shots as the suspects fled on foot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The armed employee was struck twice and sustained non-life-threatening injuries. He was transported to UAB Hospital for treatment. The second employee suffered minor injuries unrelated to gunfire. Police said the suspects have been identified and investigators are working with the Calhoun County District Attorneys Office and Juvenile Court to determine appropriate charges. I wish everyone had video as clear and complete as they do, Bowles stated, commending the restaurants surveillance system. Bowles also thanked APD investigators, Calhoun E-911, the 7th Judicial Major Crimes Unit, District Attorney Lynn Hammonds office, and the U.S. Marshals Service for their swift assistance. New details in an ITEAM investigation into a Durham foundation accused of not paying its employees. A new lawsuit was filed this week in Durham County against CJF America. The Thompson sisters filed this lawsuit and seek unpaid wages. ABC11 Troubleshooter Diane Wilson first talked to Briana, Jasmine, and Kalisa Thompson in July when they worked for CJF America's summer camp in Durham as camp counselors, but said they didn't get paid. The sisters showed us these paychecks, which they say the bank wouldn't cash due to the funds in the account not being verified. New details emerge in an ABC11 Troubleshooter investigation in a Triangle-based organization, CJF America Inc. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The I-Team first reported on CJF and its issues with employee payments in July. The foundation ran summer camps in Durham and Raleigh, and workers said they didn't get paid. Besides the Thompson sisters' lawsuit, another lawsuit was filed against CJF by other employees for unpaid wages. The founder, Courtney Jordan, and the CFO are also facing criminal charges of felony conspiracy and obtaining property under false pretenses. Those warrants remain unserved. The ITEAM is also following the cases against CJF President Kristen Picot. In August, she told Wilson that all employees would get paid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After our stories, we have only heard from one camp counselor who got a portion of what he says he is owed. Picot is facing several worthless checks charges and is due in court on Thursday. We have tried to get a response from CJF for more than a month, but no one has responded. STONE COUNTY, Mo. UPDATE 3:16 p.m: The person has been located safe. This article has been updated to protect his privacy. 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. ENFIELD - A man died Tuesday after getting into a collision on Douglas Road, police say. In a news release, the Enfield Police Department said officers were called to Douglas Road just after 10 a.m. for a report of a crash involving a Chevrolet Silverado. Police said the owner of the truck, 57-year-old Michael Swart, was transported to Johnson Memorial hospital with serious, life-threatening injuries. They said he was pronounced dead hours later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crash is under investigation by the department's Traffic Division, police say. Anyone with information is asked to contact Enfield police Officer P. Nisyrios at 86-763-8985. This article originally published at Enfield crash on Douglas Road leaves one man dead, police say. After getting off work, Christopher Seals was enjoying a sunny afternoon in the plaza outside the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark. He hadnt noticed the historical marker a few feet away, almost hidden among a row of saplings, honoring Cudjo Banquante, an enslaved Black man born in Ghana of royal blood who gained his freedom by fighting in the American Revolution in place of his white enslaver. With an acre of land he received with his freedom, located just across what is now Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard from the future site of Newark Arts High School, Banquante became what historians say was Newarks first documented Black business owner, starting a horticultural business long before New Jersey became the last Northern state to abolish slavery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I didnt know who he was, said Seals, 57, who lives in Newark and works delivering food to local pantries and soup kitchens. Thats a great achievement. The Daughters of the American Revolution think so, too. Christopher Seals at Cudjo Banquante marker The Morristown chapter of the 135-year-old Washington, D.C.-based group erected the marker last spring near Banquantes Newark burial place in a cemetery that once occupied the NJPAC site. The marker credits the Morristown DAR chapter and the William G Pomeroy Foundation, which provided a grant to create and install it. Hes on tax rolls and in newspaper articles, Linda Caldwell Epps, a social historian who worked on the project, said of records of Banquantes business. As far as we know, he might be the first one for the state of New Jersey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, the New Jersey Council on the Humanities announced it had awarded the Morristown chapter the 2025 Stanley N. Katz Prize for Excellence in Public Humanities, for having demonstrated significant engagement with and impact through community-focused public humanities work in New Jersey. Revolutionary America 1775-1783, reads the blue and gold marker. Cudjo Banquante, early black business owner granted freedom & land for service as a substitute soldier when enslaved. Buried near here 5 March, 1823. The placement of the marker and the humanities award came several months after the chapter held a symposium, "Honoring Cudjo Banquante," funded by a grant from the humanities council. It included several events at NJPAC, the Newark Public Library, and the New Jersey Historical Society, featuring presentations by historians, a Black Revolutionary War re-enactor, traditional Ghanaian song and dance, Banquante family descendants from Ohio, and Banquantes Ghanaian biographer, Kofi Ayim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cudjos last name, Bakwante, inadvertently spelled/written as Banquante/Baquanto/Baquanty, etc, has been known to be used exclusively by the royals of Akyem Abuakwa from Gold Coast time to present day Ghana, Ayim told NJ Advance Media in an email, referring to the former British colony thats now part of the West African nation. In fact, the 14th king of the people of Akyem was called Baa Kwante Banquante Agyeman. Ayim said research could not unearth just how Banquante was enslaved, but that he was likely captured by a rival tribal community as a result of a conflict, and sold to slavers. Cudjo if old enough in 1742 could have been captured in a war between the Asante and Akyem, in which the latter was defeated," Ayim said. Ayim places his birth at 1723, which would have made him 100 when he died in Newark. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An oil painting by John Phillip Osborne, commissioned by the DAR for the occasion, depicts Banquante with white compatriots fighting under Washington, the new nations first president and one of its most widely known slaveholders. The recognition of Banquante was welcomed by Barima Gyansi Korie, the traditional ruler, or chief, of the Kyebi-Ahwenease region, where Banquante was born. We are forever grateful and very appreciative of the efforts of the DAR to honor our dear Grandpa with a Marker and publication of his resiliency in life, Korie told NJAM in an email. In fact, I represented the Asona Royal family and the Kingdom of Akyem Abuakwa on the Planning Committee of the Honoring Cudjo Banquante effort. The Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 by women eager to preserve Revolutionary history, including the memories of those who fought in or otherwise aided in Americas war of independence from its British colonizers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Especially their own forbearers. To be accepted into the nonprofit organization, all 190,000 members in 3,000 chapters nationwide had to document their lineage back to soldiers or others who funded, supplied, or otherwise directly aided the war effort. But until recent decades, the organization had a history of discrimination against people of color as members, honorees, or even performers at its galas. And honoring a patriot of color, as the DAR now refers to Black and Native American Revolutionary War veterans, would have been unheard of at the time of the groups founding in 1890. It was nearly a century after the groups founding that Karen Batchelor of Detroit was admitted as the DARs first Black member in 1977, and another 7 years before the national organization barred chapters from discriminating on the basis of race or creed. We know we are certainly underrecognizing Black patriots, said Bobbi Bailey, a DAR member who in 2022 began the campaign to honor Banquante. Twenty-five percent of Washingtons Army was people of color. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baily, a state DAR official who lives in Randolph, was working on a database of Morris Countys 2,100 Revolutionary War veterans when she was intrigued by one soldiers atypical name. They were mostly names like Pearson, or Sayer, or Caldwell, she said. And then I found this Jack Cudjo in Morristown. And I said, What the Heck? Who is this Jack Cudjo? That doesnt sound like any of the other names. A Google search led her to Ayims 2012 book, Jack Cudjo: Newarks Revolutionary Soldier and First Black Businessman, which uses an alternate version of Banquantes name. She couldnt locate a suitable site in Morristown, home of then-Gen. George Washingtons headquarters from December 1779 to June 1780, where Cudjo spent time during the war. So she and others decided to place the marker in his hometown of Newark. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Banquantes tribute reflects DARs efforts to diversify its membership and those it honors. Those efforts include the E Pluribus Unum Education Initiative, launched in 2020, which borrows the Out of Many, One motto from U.S. currency. It aims to increase awareness of often underrepresented Revolutionary War patriots, including those who were African American, Native American and female. Back on the NJPAC plaza, Christopher Seals took out his phone after reading the Banquante marker and asked Gemini for more information on the Black patriot. Obviously, he was great, said Seals. To run a business, then? A Black man? Wow. That inspires me, seals added, determined to spread the word. Im gonna bring some people today. Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The Center for Biological Diversity filed a lawsuit in federal court Wednesday accusing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Department of the Interior of violating the Endangered Species Act by missing a mandatory deadline to determine whether the Olympic marmot should be protected under federal law. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, argues that the Service failed to issue a required 90-day finding on the groups petition to list the Olympic marmot as threatened or endangered. The petition was submitted in May 2024, but the agency has yet to publish its initial finding, which was due by May 13, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the complaint, the delay violates Section 4 of the Endangered Species Act, which sets strict deadlines for the government to evaluate species in danger of extinction. The Center is asking the court to order the Service to issue the overdue finding by a specific date and to cover the groups legal costs. The suit names U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Brian Nesvik and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum as defendants. The Center contends that the delay increases the risk of extinction for the Olympic marmot, a ground-dwelling species found only in the Olympic Mountains of Washington state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Olympic marmot (Marmota olympus) lives exclusively on the Olympic Peninsula, primarily in the alpine meadows of Olympic National Park. The animals hibernate for about eight months each year and emerge in summer to eat, forage, and cool off by lying on rocks. Scientists say their populations have dropped significantly over the past 30 years, with some colonies disappearing entirely. According to the lawsuit, climate change has been cited as a major threat to the species. Rising temperatures have caused treelines to move higher, shrinking the marmots habitat. Coyotes, which moved into higher elevations as snowpack melted earlier in the year, now prey more heavily on marmots particularly females that forage longer in the morning and evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The complaint also points to increasingly frequent wildfires and habitat fragmentation as additional dangers. The Center for Biological Diversity, a national nonprofit with thousands of members in Washington, said it filed the petition to protect the species under the ESA after years of population monitoring by park volunteers and biologists showed steep declines. The organization argues that federal protection could fund habitat restoration and prevent further losses through measures such as predator management and climate adaptation work. The Center first notified the federal agencies of their intent to sue in May 2025, after the statutory deadline passed. If the court rules in favor of the Center, the Fish and Wildlife Service could be required to release its initial decision on whether listing the Olympic marmot as threatened or endangered is warranted, potentially beginning the process of granting full federal protection. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A man was arrested earlier this week for having child pornography, the El Paso County Sheriffs Office (EPCSO) said in a news release. Ricardo Quintanar Shortly after 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26, deputies were dispatched to the El Paso Transitional Center,1650 Horizon Blvd., about a resident found to have child pornography, EPCSO said. EPCSO said deputies met with the reporting party and a witness, who said they discovered child pornography on 39-year-old Ricardo Quintanars cellphone while conducting a routine parole check. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies then arrested Quintanar, who was subsequently booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility on a parole violation with no bond. 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 KTSM 9 News. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The El Paso Independent School District (EPISD) is asking the community to weigh in as it searches for its next superintendent. Back in June, after several tumultuous board meetings, Superintendent Diana Sayavedra agreed to take a voluntary retirement agreement. She will serve as superintendent emeritus until her retirement date on Jan. 30, 2026. Martha Aguirre, who was the districts chief financial officer, has been serving as interim superintendent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement District officials say they are now gathering feedback from parents, students, teachers, and staff to help shape the profile of the districts next leader. The first community meeting was held on Tuesday afternoon at Guillen Middle School, where turnout was low. EPISD is hosting two meetings a day through Thursday, one at 1:30 p.m. and another at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 28 1:30 p.m. at Guillen Middle School 5:30 p.m. at Hartley PK-8 Wednesday, October 29 1:30 p.m. at Whitaker Elementary School 5:30 p.m. at Bobby Joe Hill PK-8 Thursday, October 30 1:30 p.m. at Polk Elementary School 5:30 p.m. at Don Haskins PK-8 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some community members say the early meeting time can be difficult for parents who work during the day. EPISD officials said the schedule is intended to offer both daytime and evening options. Some parents take their lunch hour to attend events like this. And then we also have the 5:30 meeting for when most people get off work, said Liza Rodriguez, EPISD chief communications officer. Community members who attended Tuesdays meeting said they want the next superintendent to be accessible, transparent and connected to the classroom. We want a leader who will represent all of EPISD, said parent Dan Heiman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The superintendent should put it on their calendar to go back into the classroom and teach, whether its 1 or 2 days a month for the entire year, because, you know, theyre the ones that direct our teachers, said community member Norma De La Rosa. EPISD officials said they expect to review applications by November 10 and are aiming to announce a permanent superintendent by early December. The district has also launched an online survey for those who cannot attend in person. 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 KTSM 9 News. Epping migrant sex offender Hadush Kebatu was forcibly deported to Ethiopia and given a 500 payment after threatening to disrupt his removal, says Downing Street. Kebatu was deported by the Home Office from the UK to Ethiopia on Tuesday evening with no right to return. But it has emerged he was given the payment to leave the country and had to be forcibly removed. A team of five officers accompanied him on the flight Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Downing Street stressed the 500 decision was an operational one by the removal team. The Prime Ministers official spokesman stressed that if Kebatu had avoided deportation, he would have had to be put on another flight, costing thousands of pounds, with also further detention costs and possible legal challenges. No10 said Kebatu had attempted to apply for a "facilitated return scheme," which under successive governments has offered foreign nationals resettlement grants of up to 1,500, but the bid was denied. "However, given Kebatu threatened to disrupt the flight, an operational decision was taken to facilitate his return," the Prime Minister's official spokesman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The alternative was a slower, more expensive process for the taxpayer, which would have included detention, a new flight and potentially fighting subsequent legal claims, and the cost of cancelling the flight alone would have run into several thousands of pounds." But the payment is still likely to spark fury given Kebatu was a convicted sex offender. The Conservatives slammed the 500 payment. Kemi Badenoch's spokesman said: "It's an absolute disgrace and it goes to the heart of how much this Government is messing up our immigration system. "We have said we need to leave the ECHR (European Convention on Human Rights) and deport all foreign criminals as soon as possible, and we certainly shouldn't be giving them taxpayers' money to leave our country." Kebatu was re-arrested in Finsbury Park, north London, after being wrongly released from prison (Handout) Ethiopian national Kebatu was wrongly freed from HMP Chelmsford on Friday morning instead of being sent to an immigration detention centre. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The former asylum seeker, who had been living at the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, when he sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl and a woman, travelled to London and was arrested on Sunday morning in Finsbury Park after a two-day manhunt. Hadush Kebatu being arrested for the sexual assault on a teenage girl (PA Wire) The Home Office said Kebatu was removed on a flight to Ethiopia on Tuesday night and arrived on Wednesday morning. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: Last weeks blunder should never have happened and I share the publics anger that it did. I would like to thank the police for rapidly bringing Mr Kebatu into custody and the public for their vigilance. I have pulled every lever to deport Mr Kebatu and remove him off British soil. I am pleased to confirm this vile child sex offender has been deported. Our streets are safer because of it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you come to this country and commit crimes, we will remove you. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood (PA Wire) Prisons have been told to start a series of enhanced checks before inmates are released following the blunder, while an independent inquiry has been announced to establish what went wrong. A prison officer has been suspended while the probe is carried out. Liberal Democrat MP for Chelmsford Marie Goldman said the wrongful release had been "hugely damaging to public trust". She said: "Whilst I am relieved that this saga is over and Hadush Kebatu has finally been deported, this doesn't excuse the catastrophic failures that led to this point. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is utterly unacceptable that public safety was put at risk. This was a grave mistake, and my constituents now deserve a full answer as to how such a serious failure was allowed to happen. "The findings of the independent investigation into what happened must not be brushed aside. This has been hugely damaging to public trust. We cannot afford another blunder on such a scale." Tory MP for Epping Forest Neil Hudson said he was "very relieved" at Kebatu's deportation, but "this hasn't gone away for the people of Epping". He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "No-one wants to see our home town the lead story on the news, so this is incredibly frustrating and the Government must get a grip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He reiterated calls for the Bell Hotel to cease housing asylum seekers, adding: "There are significant management and safeguarding issues related to this hotel, and actually what we need to see is that the hotel needs to be closed. "This is the wrong hotel in the wrong place, right near the forest, right near two schools." Kebatu's case has renewed scrutiny of the criminal justice system after a series of mistaken releases across the country, with a union leader warning there had been five such cases across five prisons over the last week. Prison Officers' Association national chairman Mark Fairhurst told the PA news agency two mistaken releases were made from HMP Pentonville, in north London, with the others at HMP Durham, The Mount prison in Hertfordshire and from Reading Crown Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to the BBC, Mr Fairhurst said Prison Service leaders have known mistaken releases have been a "regular occurrence" for the last year. No prison officers have been suspended over the other five releases, he said. The Ministry of Justice disputed the number of prisoners released in error but confirmed some had taken place in the last seven days. One offender is still at large after being mistakenly freed, it is understood. According to Government figures published in July, 262 prisoners were released in error in the year to March 2025 - a 128% increase on 115 in the previous 12 months. It is understood Kebatu, who crossed the Channel in a small boat to enter the UK on June 29, left prison on Friday with some personal money but did not receive a discharge grant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His trial heard he had made inappropriate comments to a 14-year-old girl before trying to kiss her on July 7, just eight days after his arrival in the UK. The following day, he sexually assaulted a woman by attempting to kiss her, placing his hand on her leg, and telling her she was "pretty". He denied the charges against him but was found guilty of five offences and sentenced in September to 12 months in custody, including the time he had already time in jail awaiting his trial. The court heard it was his "firm wish" to leave the UK. (NewsNation) Authorities in Mississippi say the escaped monkeys that were destroyed by law enforcement after the truck carrying them overturned Tuesday were not infectious. The Jasper County Sheriffs Office said it was told by the driver of the truck that the monkeys were dangerous and posed a threat to humans, and that deputies took the appropriate actions in killing the escaped monkeys. The sheriffs office also said the driver warned deputies that they had to wear PPE equipment to handle the monkeys. Veterinarians warn of risk of fur baby culture Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NewsNation affiliate WHLT reports the truck was carrying 21 Rhesus monkeys from Tulane University when it overturned on Interstate 59 near Heidelberg, Mississippi. The truck was on its way to a testing facility in Florida. The crash resulted in some of the monkeys escaping. According to the sheriffs office, all but one of the escaped monkeys have been destroyed. Tulane University released a statement Tuesday confirming that the monkeys were not infectious, noting that they are provided by the Tulane National Primate Research Center to other research organizations to advance scientific discovery. Wrong bear killed after Missouri man attacked in Arkansas: Officials The primates in question belong to another entity and are not infectious. We are actively collaborating with local authorities and will send a team of animal care experts to assist as needed, the university wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents in the area were advised not to approach any of the escaped monkeys and to call 911 if they saw them. Authorities say the university sent a team to pick up the surviving monkeys that remained in their cages. 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 NewsNation. Since multiple Russian drones crossed into Poland last month, European leaders have expedited the idea of a drone wall and rushed to discuss the need to invest in countering drones. But when it comes to European defense, Russian attack drones are not the true problem. The problem is an erosion of the pillars of nuclear and conventional deterrence. This erosion has myriad causes, but the impact is that Russia feels emboldened to test NATOs political will by, among other things, flying attack drones at or over a NATO nation. Over-investing in a drone wall would be a waste of precious resources that would be better spent on other defense priorities. It would not deter Russia, and perhaps most importantly, it wouldnt even defend against pressing vectors of drone-use violence that Europe is likely to face. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Europe and the United States should be working with Ukraine and investing in research and development to improve what are currently a host of inadequate options for countering uncrewed aerial systems. But instead of focusing on defending against drones from the east, Europe should invest in its ability to strike back at Russia and take steps to demonstrate a willingness to use these capabilities. Russian attack drones are not the problem A Shahed-type drone launched from the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad could theoretically range any European capital (except possibly Lisbon, depending on the variant), but Russia has been able to threaten all of Europe with ballistic and cruise missiles for a long time. It can have an effect more cheaply, but a Shaheds characteristics make it relatively easy to track, and something launched from Kaliningrad or much of western Russia would be traceable. The issue is not that Russia is now attacking Europe for the first time. This has been occurring at least since the 2007 cyber-attacks against Estonia. And it isnt that Russia now has access to a technology that allows it to attack all of Europe from the air. Thats been true since the 1950s. And its not that this is the first time Russia has violated NATO airspace. That occurred even before Russia invaded Ukraine, to include a NATO nation shooting down a Russian airplane. So, what is the issue? Erosion of the pillars of deterrence is the problem It boils down to the nature of deterrence and the current geopolitical environment. Deterrence works either by denial (that is, demonstrating to your enemy through your capabilities that they will not be capable of achieving their objective) or by punishment (your enemy may be able to hit you, but you will hit back so hard that it wont make their initial strike worth the punishment). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since 1949, the premise of NATO has been grounded in deterrence by punishment; thats the implicit threat of NATOs Article 5 that if anyone (but lets be honest, it meant the Soviet Union) attacked a NATO nation, the U.S. military, backed by the U.S. nuclear arsenal, would make them regret doing so. This has been augmented over time through varying levels of conventional forces meant to also provide a measure of deterrence by denial in order to reduce reliance on and thereby, ideally, the possibility of nuclear escalation. Conventional denial with a backstop of nuclear punishment by the U.S. and, to a lesser but still important extent, the United Kingdom and France. While the Trump administration has made repeated statements that it will remain in NATO and continue to provide a backstop of nuclear punishment in support of Article 5, some in Russia and in Europe have begun to question the reliability of U.S. nuclear deterrence. Regardless of whether this is true, belief and perception are the reality when it comes to deterrence. Thus, the most important and unanswerable question is whether Moscow believes the U.S. remains committed to NATO Article 5. And the fact that this is even a question at all indicates an erosion of deterrence. The guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely launches Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles in response to increased Iranian-backed Houthi malign behavior in the Red Sea. (MC1 Jonathan Word/U.S. Navy) Europe needs to invest in its ability to punch back Though it may be desirable to maintain capabilities that allow for solely defensive responses to Russian aggression for political reasons, Europe needs to stop thinking that it can continue to focus on defense alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Europe should not actively seek to escalate a conflict, the reality right now is that no technology exists anywhere in the world to create a cost-effective drone wall. This is especially true when you are looking at a country that is at war (Russia) attacking countries that still think they are at peace (Europe) and will therefore have more stringent restrictions on their counter-drone rules of engagement. Europe and the U.S. should be working together to invest in the development of more cost-effective methods to counter drones. But as the saying goes, the best defense is a good offense. This is precisely the rationale behind Ukraines desire to acquire Tomahawk cruise missiles from the U.S. The Tomahawk would help Ukraine defend itself against Russian air attacks by enabling the Ukrainian Armed Forces to damage the archer instead of trying to shoot down the arrows. And when it comes to dealing with an aggressor state that is actively working to assess your military capabilities and your political will to use them, as Russia currently is doing to Europe, the capabilities are useless as a deterrent if the enemy doesnt believe you will use them. Russia would hesitate to fly its planes in NATO airspace if it believed those planes would get shot out of the sky. It would think twice about launching Shaheds at NATO if it believed every factory used to manufacture a Shahed would get wiped out. So, what should Europe do right now? Europe should continue to spend money on rapidly recapitalizing its conventional forces to ensure it can hit back at Russia. Some nations are already doing this through their investments in long-range cruise strike capabilities. By investing in military capabilities that would allow it to strike Russia, Europe likely would bolster the nuclear deterrence pillar as well. This is because investing in these capabilities would demonstrate that European nations are meeting their NATO Article 3 requirement to provide for their own national defense, thereby strengthening the transatlantic relationship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Europe focuses on its willingness and ability to punch back at Russia, it wont have to worry that much about Russian planes and drones crossing borders to attack it. But thats not to say that Europe shouldnt worry about drones at all. It just means that Europe is worrying about the wrong thing if its focused on a wall that faces east. Instead, Europe should be bolstering its ability to counter the use of drones by covert actors (think Ukraines Operation Spiderweb but aimed at energy facilities) or violent non-state actors (like using a dragon drone to drop thermite on a crowd of people, leading to terror and panic). Drones are a problem. Russia is a problem. But the real problem is that if NATO nations allow themselves to be distracted by a few drones flying from the east, they risk missing the bigger picture when it comes to both Russia and drones. Ann Marie Dailey is a policy researcher at Rand, a nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council and an officer in the U.S. Army Reserve. She formerly served as the senior adviser for international security affairs and the senior adviser on Russia strategy in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. The views in this article are her own and do not represent the official position of Rand, the Atlantic Council or the U.S. Army Reserve. The reduction of the US military contingent in Romania and other EU member states will not affect the European Union's plans to implement the first stage of its Eastern Flank Watch defence programme in 2026. Source: European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier, in comments to journalists in Brussels, as reported by European Pravda Details: In 2026, the EU plans to strengthen the defence capabilities of its eastern flank, regardless of the US decision to reduce its military presence in Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "When it comes specifically to troops, of course, we take note of this announcement [the US' announcement about the withdrawal of part of its forces from Romania ed.]. This doesn't change, to be very clear, our plans when it comes to the defence roadmap that we have presented and the four essential flagships that are highlighted there, including the eastern flank watch." Details: Regnier reiterated that the EU has a clear goal to begin the launch of the Eastern Flank Watch project in the first quarter of 2026 and to achieve initial operational capabilities by the end of the same year. "But, of course, we take note of the announcement, but we have a clear path and a clear vision when it comes to Europe's defence," he stated. The spokesperson added that all EU defence plans will be implemented in close coordination with NATO and NATO partners. Background: On 29 October, the Romanian Ministry of Defence confirmed that the United States is reducing the number of its troops stationed in Europe. Earlier this year, the US announced the redeployment of American forces from the Jasionka Airport in Poland, a key hub for assistance to Ukraine. It was also reported that the United States is considering withdrawing up to 10,000 troops from Eastern Europe. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Police evacuated residents and issued a shelter-in-place order Tuesday morning after a suspicious item was found in Goodsprings, roughly 40 miles southwest of Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department received a call around 10 a.m. about a suspicious object at a property near Revere and Main streets. LVMPD units responded to the scene, and an active investigation is underway, police said. Steve Darnell, a car builder and metal fabricator who uses the handle @wilderupvegas on Instagram, said in a post to his stories that he was cleaning out a shed when he found a box of dynamite. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today is a very unusually crazy day, he said in a post to his story. I just found probably 50 sticks of dynamite in this shed. Some nearby residents were evacuated or instructed to shelter in place as a precaution, police said. If youre watching this and youre in the town and youre one of my neighbors, I am sorry. But there is 60, probably 50-60 sticks of dynamite in there, I didnt want to play with it and cause a huge problem, Darnell said. This isnt just a couple sticks of dynamite; were talking about a substantial amount of explosives. Authorities were asking the public to avoid the area while the investigation continues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a developing story. Check back with 8 News Now 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 KLAS. The Evanston City Council agreed to settle a 2023 lawsuit brought by a man who accused police department officers of using excessive force. After the case worked its way through federal courts for two years, the city agreed last month to pay the plaintiff, Alexander Gray, $50,000 to settle the case without the city admitting any liability, according to a resolution of the City Council. U.S. District Judge Steven Seeger ruled back in March that Grays claim that Evanston police officers used excessive force would not advance to a trial, siding with the city because a public safety threat was perceived by officers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge Seeger did, however, side with Gray in his claim that the police department violated his Fourth Amendment right when officers searched Gray and his belongings. Grays attorneys formally moved to dismiss the case on Oct. 15. According to police records, officers were called to search Evanston beaches on March 31, 2021 after a person called 911 to report a man with a gun in his hand walking on a trail near the beach. The caller described the man as white, between 5 and 6 feet tall, and wearing a dark coat and jeans. Four officers approached Gray, a Black man, and a fifth officer observed the four officers train their weapons at Gray. The officers did not find a gun, and instead found headphones in his hand. Officers cuffed Gray and searched through his belongings while doing so. A responding officer spoke to the caller at approximately 3:20 p.m. The caller said she was walking northbound on the 500 block of Sheridan Square when she saw Gray ahead of her, facing the other direction, holding what she believed to be a gun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It should be noted that (the caller) became unsure of whether she actually saw a gun when told that Grey had been found with a pair of black headphones in his right hand, the responding officer wrote in his March 2021 report. Nearly two years later on March 28, 2023, Grays lawyers filed a federal complaint to the U.S. District Court of Northern Illinois accusing the city of violating Grays constitutional rights to due process and depriving him of his right to unreasonable searches, his 14th and 4th amendment rights, respectively. The City of Evanston has failed to instruct and train its police officers that an anonymous tip that a person is carrying a firearm does not permit a police officer to point a firearm at a person, order that person to lay on the ground, and comply with the police orders under penalty of death while the officers search that person, the complaint states. In March 2024, lawyers representing the city of Evanston filed for a summary judgement, essentially asking Judge Seeger to make a decision on the case before it got to a full trial. The case trailed on for a year longer, until Judge Seeger made a ruling this March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The (EPD) officers did not use excessive force when they pointed their weapons at Gray, Judge Seeger wrote in his decision to dismiss the excessive force claim. They had a reasonable basis to believe that Gray was holding a gun in a park, in violation of a local ordinance. There was no underlying constitutional violation. Seeger sided with Grays claim of the unreasonable search, which from body worn camera footage from Evanston Police shows officers searched Grays pockets twice, per the judges review of the video recording. The first search took place while Gray was laying on the ground, handcuffed, Judge Seeger noted, referencing court records. The officers removed a cell phone, a set of keys, a black glove or two, and a surgical face mask. The second search took place when Gray got back on his feet, and the officers unzipped his jacket. By the look of things, the officers poked around, but did not remove anything during the second search. Seeger wrote that while EPD officers were within their rights to investigate Gray, Stopping a person is one thing. Frisking that person is another. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge Seeger wrote that a frisk is a limited pat down of the suspects outer clothing to search for weapons, adding, A frisk must be confined in scope to an intrusion reasonably designed to discover guns, knives, clubs, or other hidden instruments for the assault of the police officer,' he wrote, quoting precedent. Once an officer concludes that the object is not a weapon, that officer cannot go beyond a protective pat-down to manipulate an object concealed in a pocket unless the incriminating character of the object [is] immediately apparent,' the judge wrote. If the officers felt a hard lump or object in Grays pocket during the protective pat-down, they may have had a reasonable suspicion to believe that object was a handgun And with reasonable suspicion of a weapon, the officers would be free to search that pocket. But if the officers had determined that Gray was unarmed during the initial pat-down, then Gray enjoyed a clearly established right to be free from any search of his pockets beyond the protective pat-down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge Seeger determined that a jury could be convinced that the second search of Grays pockets was unreasonable, given that the contents were his keys, phone, a surgical mask and a glove or two not easily mistaken for a handgun. On the other hand, a jury could be convinced that the second search was warranted, given that a phone is a small, hard object, he wrote. Maybe the officers reasonably believed that one of the objects in Grays pocket felt like a weapon. Maybe they didnt. Thats a question of fact. A jury will need to decide whether the officers had a reasonable belief about the presence of a weapon, he wrote. Grays consent to the search could also further complicate the case, Judge Seeger wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One possible reading is that Gray gave the officers consent to look inside the jacket, but not poke around. Another possible reading is that Gray gave the officers consent to open his jacket and look inside his pockets. Both interpretations are reasonable, so a jury needs to pick which one is right. In May, attorneys for Gray and the City of Evanston jointly filed a status report to the court requesting they begin discussions on settling the case. Joel Flaxman, an attorney representing Gray, declined to further comment on the case when contacted by phone. A spokesperson for the city of Evanston did not immediately respond to questions on the case. To be a Caribbean leader in the age of Donald Trump is to be a portrait of powerlessness and a harbinger of the unvarnished might-makes-right global order the U.S. president is shaping. Trump is building up Americas military presence in the Caribbean, blowing up alleged drug boats as part of an anti-cartel campaign in the region, and threatening regime change in Venezuela. Charred bodies are washing up on Caribbean shores. Tourism, fishing and other parts of the regional economy could suffer if this campaign drags on. Caribbean officials also worry about the impact on migrant flows, even though some publicly support the U.S. efforts. Yet, many Caribbean leaders can barely get U.S. officials to talk to them about their plans, much less heed such long-term fears. The relatively few conversations held have been more akin to notification than consultation, one former Caribbean diplomat in touch with inside players told me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A person familiar with the U.S.-Caribbean discussions said Caribbean representatives are privately urging U.S. officials to do what they have to do but to do it quickly, with the hope that speed will cause less instability. What else can these countries do? They have no real leverage over Washington. Instead, they count on the United States for tourism dollars, remittances, investment and, in some cases, protection from a potential Venezuelan invasion. We dont have armies, we dont have economic clout, we dont have military might, Ronald Sanders, Antigua and Barbudas ambassador in the U.S., told me. Our diplomacy can only be reasoned argument, intellectual rigor, moral suasion and we use that as best we can. But at the end of the day our leverage is oddly that only an appeal to the better angels of your soul. Big countries have always dominated smaller ones, of course. (Hat tip: Thucydides.) And the Caribbean is used to having limited heft with U.S. presidents, including Trumps predecessor, Joe Biden. The region is rarely a top U.S. priority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Trumps display of power in the Caribbean is so dismissive and unbridled that it could damage the concept that smaller states have rights on the global stage an idea upon which many post-World War II international institutions were built. Under Trump, smaller, less-wealthy countries be they in the Caribbean, Africa or beyond cannot necessarily rely on more powerful allies for help; those allies know Trump could punish them too. Trump also cares little about international law, longstanding treaties or multilateral institutions. (This is a man who recently raised tariffs on Canada by 10 percent because he was mad about a commercial.) His team is also happy to exploit divisions among other countries. The result could be a much more brutish world, where big powers steamroll smaller ones whose fortunes are often tied to whichever bully has staked a claim to their region. Countries such as Russia and China could feel more empowered to follow the U.S. approach in their own neighborhoods. When I reached out to officials from France, the Netherlands and Britain, European countries with sovereignty over some Caribbean territories, they made it clear they were not going to make a big deal about the U.S. military action in the Caribbean with Washington. It just wasnt worth the hassle, no matter whats written in some international legal charter, one of the officials told me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You pick your battles with this administration, and you focus your efforts on where your national interests lie, one of the officials told me. This is a highly complex policy from a legal standpoint, but I dont think the U.S. actions fundamentally threaten European national interests. Asked why they didnt care more about such U.S. unilateralism, the European official replied: Im being realpolitik. Caribbean countries see little benefit in turning to venues such as the United Nations or the Organization of American States, although Venezuela is trying. The U.S. plays a powerful role in such institutions, often acting as a roadblock, and Trump will ignore any opprobrium that comes from them anyway. As the former Caribbean diplomat told me: The U.S. is doing whatever the hell it wants. Theres no pretense anymore at altruism in the conduct of international relations. I granted this person, and others, anonymity to talk about sensitive diplomatic issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Caribbean countries are also unable to form a united front against Trump, adding to his power advantage. Those divisions are apparent when you read the Oct. 18 statement from the regional grouping known as Caricom. The statement hinted at reservations about the U.S. campaign and stressed that battling regional crime should be through ongoing international cooperation and within international law. But its extremely cautious wording which effectively rendered it toothless was a result of intense haggling among countries with varying national interests. The one country that didnt sign on to the statement was Trinidad and Tobago. The country has faced a surge in murder and other violent crimes linked to organized groups, to the point where it declared a state of emergency in 2024. Its prime minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, has championed Trumps military campaign as a way to clamp down on gangs, traffickers and other menaces in the region. Guyana signed the statement, but it has suggested it supports the U.S. moves because of worries about crime. Guyanas leaders also dont want to upset Trump because they are counting on U.S. military protection in case Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro makes good on threats to invade Guyana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Caribbean countries are weighing other concerns, too. Few, if any, care for Maduro, whose regime has fueled migration, crime and other regional challenges. Yet many Caribbean states worry that forcing Maduro out could spur more chaos in their area. Some, such as Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and Suriname, are counting on U.S. guidance in helping develop oil and other energy sources. And many in the Caribbean want to keep the U.S. engaged in stabilizing Haiti. In fact, the person familiar with the U.S.-Caribbean discussions told me that the divisions within Caricom have essentially neutralized it. Trump and his aides including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a key driver behind the current military campaign are not reacting kindly to open criticism. Colombias president, Gustavo Petro, has been highly critical of the boat strikes, especially after the U.S. killed a person Petro insisted was an innocent Colombian fisherman in a stranded boat. In response, Trump imposed sanctions on Petro and his family and accused Petro of being a drug trafficker. He has also threatened U.S. aid to Colombia, a stunning move against one of Americas top partners in South America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One complaint I heard in talking to Caribbean officials was that the U.S. didnt seem to have a clear timeline or endgame for its operations, which recently have expanded to striking boats in the Pacific. Its not that there havent been conversations since the military buildup began the outgoing chief of U.S. Southern Command recently did a Caribbean swing. Overall, though, the diplomatic engagement has been paltry since the strikes began in early September. The White House did not offer specific answers to my questions about engaging the Caribbean. The president will continue to use every element of American power to stop drugs from flooding into our country and to bring those responsible to justice, spokesperson Anna Kelly said in a statement similar to what the White House has sent to other media. The U.S. bigfooting of the Caribbean is no doubt being watched by other major international players. China and Russia will likely notice that Trump is reorienting U.S. military force to the near neighborhood, said Tom Shannon, a former senior State Department official. It means that this is where the U.S. wants to fight, in our near neighborhood, not far away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not a good sign for Taiwan, Ukraine or even Estonia. It further reinforces the sense among many of Americas allies that Trump wont come to their aid. It also suggests that Trump subscribes to the spheres of influence theory of global order, where the U.S., Russia and China can romp freely in their neighborhoods. Caribbean countries wary of American bullying may turn more to China in particular. This is also bad for Taiwan. Several of the dozen countries that offer Taiwan full diplomatic recognition are in the Caribbean, and they may drop that as a gift to Beijing. For China, another benefit of Trumps actions is that it can continue to sell itself as a responsible global player and champion of multilateral institutions, claims that are suspect at best. Caribbean leaders worry that the longer the U.S. military operation lasts, the more it will upset their citizens, especially if the economy suffers. Some Caribbean citizens have already held protests over the U.S. operations, including one in Trinidad and Tobago, where a U.S. warship has docked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats the main reason regional leaders, knowing they cant stop the U.S. operation, are hoping it will be swift. As they consider the U.S. military buildup an indication of U.S. administration resolve, a quick move is widely regarded as the least worst scenario, one senior Caribbean official told me. I laughed at the phrase administration resolve. It was a nice euphemism for Trump doing whatever he wants. CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Election Day is almost here, and Mecklenburg County voters are getting ready to make their voices heard. Whether youre planning to vote early or show up on Election Day, heres a quick, easy guide to make sure youre prepared. Early voting ends: Saturday, Nov. 1 at 3 p.m. Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 4, from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Bring your ID North Carolina now requires voters to show a photo ID when checking in to vote. Acceptable forms include a drivers license, state ID card, U.S. passport, or certain student and employee IDs. Need to register? Same-day registration is offered during early voting. Youll need to bring proof of your address, such as a bill, pay stub, or lease. Find your polling place If youre voting on Election Day, you must go to your assigned polling place. You can look it up anytime using the N.C. State Board of Elections Voter Search tool. Voting by mail Already have your absentee ballot? You can: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mail it in Drop it off at your county board of elections office Hand it to an election official at an early voting site during open hours Whats on the ballot This years local ballot is packed with important races and one big countywide decision: Charlotte Mayor Terrie D. Donovan (R) Vi Lyles (D) incumbent, seeking a fifth term Rob Yates (L) Charlotte City Council (At-Large, 4 seats) Dimple Ajmera (D) Misun Kim (R) James Smuggie Mitchell Jr. (D) Edwin B. Peacock III (R) LaWana Slack-Mayfield (D) Victoria Watlington (D) City Council Districts 3 & 6 and Charlotte-Mecklenburg School Board races are also on the ballot, along with several town elections throughout the county. Transportation Sales Tax Referendum One of the biggest local issues this year is a proposed one-cent sales tax increase to fund transportation improvements, including road repairs, expanded bus service, and new rail projects. Plan ahead Before you head out, its a good idea to check your registration status, view your sample ballot, and confirm your polling location. You can find more information here. MORE FROM QCNEWS.COM North Carolina Elections 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. (NewsNation) The chairman of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., tells NewsNation there needs to be further investigation into whether crimes were committed in the Biden White House. House Republicans have called on the Justice Department to launch an investigation into the Biden administrations use of an autopen, an effort they hope will unwind various actions taken by former President Joe Biden. The 100-page report released Tuesday caps an investigation brought by the panel following questions about Bidens mental acuity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No tear gas on Halloween, Chicago judge tells CBP chief The president was shielded from everyone, even the senior staffers, who admitted under oath that some of them would see him less than once a month, Comer told The Hill on NewsNation. Comer used former White House secretary Ian Sams as an example of how there was some cover-up during the Biden administration. [He] gave daily press conferences during the Biden influence-peddling investigation that I led, during the Robert Hur investigation, he gave daily briefings implying he was talking to President Biden. But when we got him under oath, he admitted he only saw President Biden in person in two years. Its evidence of a cover-up, Comer said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its relevant because this president just went haywire with the auto pin. They signed all these executive orders, he added. Mega Millions jackpot hits $714M ahead of drawing Comer also asked the D.C. Department of Healths Board of Medicine to investigate Bidens doctor. The most significant requests associated with the report fall to Attorney General Pam Bondi, including whether any Biden pardons should be overturned. Any investigation by Bondi could potentially lay the groundwork for future legal battles should the Trump administration attempt to remove any actions or pardons signed by Biden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for former President Biden rebuked the committees reasoning for a request Tuesday. This investigation into baseless claims has confirmed what has been clear from the start: President Biden made the decisions of his presidency, the spokesperson said in a statement. There was no conspiracy, no cover-up, and no wrongdoing. Congressional Republicans should stop focusing on political retribution and instead work to end the government shutdown. NewsNation partner The Hill 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 NewsNation. NEED TO KNOW Matthew Farwell, 39, is charged with one count of causing the death of an unborn child, according to a United States Attorney District of Massachusetts press release Farwell was originally indicted in August 2024 on allegations he murdered 23-year-old teaching assistant Sandra Birchmore Birchmore was found seated on the floor with a luggage strap looped around her neck and tied to a closet doorknob A former Massachusetts police officer accused of killing a pregnant woman to prevent her from exposing years of grooming that allegedly started when she was a minor has been indicted in connection with the death of her unborn son. Matthew Farwell, 39, was charged with one count of causing the death of an unborn child, according to a United States Attorney District of Massachusetts press release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Farwell, a former Stoughton police officer, was originally indicted in August of 2024 on accusations that he murdered 23-year-old Sandra Birchmore. Police officers found Birchmore at her Canton, Mass., home on Feb. 4, 2021, after she didn't show up for work. The teaching assistant was seated on the floor with a luggage strap looped around her neck and tied to a closet doorknob. At first, her death was ruled a suicide, but investigators soon discovered that Farwell allegedly used "his authority and access as a police officer to groom and sexually abuse Birchmore, including while he was on duty, beginning when she was 15 years old and continuing until her death," the press release states. Justice for Sandra Birchmore/Facebook Sandra Birchmore Sandra Birchmore 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. Prosecutors said Birchmore met Farwell at the Stoughton Police Explorers, a mentorship program where Farwell was a volunteer instructor around 2012. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors allege that Farwell strangled Birchmore after he discovered she was pregnant to prevent her from exposing their relationship, and then staged the scene to look like Birchmore had died by suicide. According to prosecutors, Farwell agreed to try and impregnate Birchmore to stop her from telling people about their relationship. Birchmore told Farwell that she was keeping it and the birth certificate is being signed, prosecutors allege in the press release. Farwell was angry, according to prosecutors, and allegedly told her that she was the worst person on the face of the earth. The day of her death, prosecutors believe Farwell allegedly texted her at 9:08 p.m. asking if he could come by for a second. By 9:43, prosecutors believe, Birchmore was dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the indictment, Birchmore was eight to 10 weeks pregnant at the time of her death. Attorneys for Farwell could not be reached for comment. 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. Read the original article on People NEED TO KNOW Sean Grayson, a former Sangamon County sheriff's deputy, has been found guilty of first-degree murder in the July 2024 shooting death of Sonya Massey Massey, a 36-year-old mother of two, had called 911 because she feared an intruder was in her home Grayson was charged with first-degree murder, but the jury was given the option of convicting him on second-degree charges instead A former sheriff's deputy in Illinois has been found guilty of murder in the killing of Sonya Massey, an unarmed Black woman who was shot after calling 911 because she feared an intruder was in her home. Sean Grayson, 31, who is White, was convicted on second-degree murder charges on Wednesday, Oct. 29, according to the Associated Press and NBC News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He had previously been charged with first-degree murder, but jurors were given the option to convict on lesser second-degree charges, NBC reports. Other charges of aggravated battery and official misconduct were previously dropped, according to 25News Now. Grayson and another deputy with the Sangamon County Sheriffs Office responded to 36-year-old Massey's home in Springfield, Ill., around 12:50 a.m. on July 6, 2024, following her 911 call. They appeared to search the front of her home and backyard before knocking on her door and following her inside to get her information as she sat on a couch, according to body camera footage previously obtained by The New York Times and shown in court. When Massey, a mother of two, got up to remove a pot of hot water from the stove, she told the deputies, I rebuke you in the name of Jesus, before Grayson responded that she better not and warned her that he would shoot her in her face, per the footage cited by the Times. Within a couple of seconds he took out his gun and ordered the woman to drop the pot she was holding before firing two shots at her. He then took out his radio and reported a woman with a gunshot wound to her head. Massey was later pronounced dead at St. John's Hospital, authorities said. Courtesy of Ben Crump Law Sonya Massey Sonya Massey Recalling this moment during the trial, Grayson testified that he took Massey's "rebuke" comment as a "threat" and pulled out his gun because he feared she was going to throw the boiling pot of water at him, NBC News reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added that he didn't use his stun gun because he wasn't sure if it would be effective over her clothes. "I didnt want to take the chance of the Taser malfunctioning," Grayson testified, per the outlet. "The Taser doesn't work on everybody." During closing arguments on Monday, Oct. 27, Grayson's attorney Daniel Fultz did not deny that his client pulled the trigger but argued Grayson was legally justified in doing so, saying Grayson "drew his weapon to gain compliance, to make her realize that whatever she was considering doing, she shouldnt do, CNN reported. Sangamon County Jail Sean Grayson Sean Grayson 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. Prosecutor Mary Beth Rodgers told the jury Massey was having an emotional crisis at the time but that's not why she was killed: "Its because (Grayson) snapped," NBC 5 Chicago reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im sorry. That is the last thing Sonya Massey said before the defendant murdered her, Rodgers added during closing arguments, per the outlet. Sonyas father, James Wilburn, previously claimed to CBS Mornings that the family was never told it had been a police shooting and they were under the impression that she was killed by the intruder and that police had found her dead. "We should be comforted after this situation, Massey's uncle, Raymond Massey, told PEOPLE last summer. And then you hear misinformation and lies and it's hurtful. Raymond also said Massey had recently bought a house and was looking forward to the future. Read the original article on People NEED TO KNOW A former FBI agent will spend 60 years in prison for sexually assaulting three women in Maryland Prosecutors said Eduardo Valdivia, 41, used multiple aliases to lure the women to his tattoo shop under the guise of modeling opportunities Montgomery County State's Attorney John McCarthy called it "a crime that used maximum amounts of manipulation and deception" at a press conference after the sentencing hearing A former FBI agent will spend decades behind bars for luring multiple women to his Maryland tattoo shop under the guise of modeling opportunities and sexually assaulting them. Eduardo Valdivia, 41, of Gaithersburg, Md., was sentenced to 80 years in prison, with 20 years suspended, resulting in a 60 year prison term on Oct. 14, the Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office said in a press release shared with PEOPLE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Valdivia was found guilty in July of six counts of second-degree rape and two counts of fourth-degree sex offense for sexually assaulting three women, per the release. He had worked as Supervisory Special Agent with the FBI for over a decade at the time of his November 2024 arrest. Prosecutors said Valdivia used multiple aliases, including Lalo Brown and L. Boogie," to lure the women with false promises of modeling opportunities at multiple locations, including his tattoo studio, DC Fine Line Tattoos, in Gaithersburg. Two of the victims, both of whom were women in their early 20s, told investigators they were raped at the tattoo studio, per the release. One also said a rape occurred at a nearby hotel. After Valdivia's arrest, a third woman told authorities she had also been raped by Valdivia at a tattoo shop in Potomac in October 2022 when she was 18, according to prosecutors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To keep up the ruse, Valdivia also used the alias Dr. Tiffany Kim," pretending to be a female psychologist and also the CEO of a "profitable and well-connected modeling agency" in emails sent to two of the victims, prosecutors 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. Montgomery County State's Attorney John McCarthy spoke to reporters after the sentencing hearing, saying this was "a crime that used maximum amounts of manipulation and deception." "He was a trained FBI agent," McCarthy said. "He was trained to go undercover. He learned deception techniques. He learned how to take on different identities and in this particular case, he took on multiple identities to ingratiate himself to these young girls who were all of his victims." McCarthy also praised the three women for coming forward and testifying against Valdivia in court. Read the original article on People SPRINGFIELD A former aide to the governor was arraigned Wednesday on drug charges after police say he received a delivery of cocaine to the little Statehouse in Springfield over the weekend. LaMar Cook, 45, the recently fired deputy director for the governors regional office in Springfield, was arraigned on charges of drug trafficking, possession of a gun and ammunition without a license, and driving without a license. He was held without the right to bail pending a dangerousness hearing set for Friday in Springfield District Court. Defense lawyer Kedar Ismail told reporters after the court proceeding that he will fight the charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im looking forward to clearing his name, Ismail said. Judge William Rota set a $25,000 bond in connection with the gun charge. Youll be our guest for a few days, Mr. Cook, but youll have a full and complete hearing on Friday, Rota said. Cook was arrested during a traffic stop late Tuesday night in Springfield. He appeared in court wearing a varsity-style jacket and handcuffs. He will be held at the Hampden County House of Correction. An inquiry into Cook began with a similar delivery of cocaine to the Hotel UMass in Amherst on Oct. 10, another state building, law enforcement officials said. That delivery consisted of 13 kilograms, while the Springfield delivery was 8 kilograms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cook became an aide to the governor in 2023. He previously served as director of the UMass hotel. He was fired this week, after the Governors Office learned of his arrest. Cook, co-founder of the Back to School Brighter Initiative in Springfield, is also a prominent member the community who served on the Springfield Community Preservation Committee. In the late 1990s, he served as an intern for now-retired U.S. District Judge Michael A. Ponsor. Police records show Cook was in 2001 among a group of city residents arrested in connection with a gunfire incident that occurred near the citys Mason Square neighborhood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A narrative says Cook was part of a group of men who rolled up in a car and emerged with handguns, shooting at another group of people standing on a front porch around 1 a.m. Several rounds were fired, the report says, but only one man was hit. A bullet was lodged in the skin covering his stomach, according to police. Cook and two other men were charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, discharging a handgun within 500 feet of a dwelling and unlicensed possession of a firearm. The disposition of that case is unknown. In his most recent job as Healeys aide, Cook earned around $115,000 annually, according to state records. more news from Western Massachusetts Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here. General Francos dictatorship has effectively ended with the announcement heir designate Prince Juan Carlos will take over as provisional head of state for Spain. The move comes as a result of the generals continuing illness. He has suffered a massive series of heart attacks and internal bleeding in the last three weeks. The 37-year-old prince has been groomed for the role since he was named heir designate in 1969, continuing an agreement between General Franco and the Princes father. The urgent need of a leader for the country persuaded the prince to take over on a provisional basis, something which he had been reluctant to repeat. He had previously been placed in charge last June when Franco was last ill but lasted a mere six weeks. The prince will have to wait until the general dies, thought to be a matter of days, before he is officially sworn in as King. The latest report on the health of General Franco said his condition remained grave. The onset of a mouth infection and an increase of liquid in the peritoneal cavity are said to be adding to the problems being faced by the semi-comatose dictator. The placement of the Prince as King and commander-in-chief was deemed more favourable than other options, including a possible vote of incapacity by the Council of the Realm or getting the general to sign a transfer of power. The first role for the new provisional leader will be to preside over a Cabinet meeting at Zarzuela Palace. When sworn in he will become the first King of Spain for 44 years. After municipal elections in 1931 showed an overwhelming republican majority, the Princes grandfather, King Alfonso XIII suspended the exercise of royal power and went into exile. Courtesy BBC News In context General Franco died on 20 November 1975. The decision was made by doctors who had been keeping him alive through 34 days of critical illness. In his last message to the nation the dictator said: I ask pardon of all my enemies, as I pardon with all my heart all those who declared themselves my enemy, although I did not consider them to be so. Prince Juan Carlos was sworn in as King of Spain on 22 November 1975. His first major role was to attend the funeral of the former dictator where he joined thousands of other mourners. Like this: Like Loading... A former Joint Base Lewis-McChord sergeant was sentenced Tuesday to four years in prison and three years of supervised release after providing sensitive national security information to Chinese intelligence, the U.S. Attorneys Office reported. The former soldier, 39-year-old Joseph Daniel Schmidt, pleaded guilty in June to two federal felonies: attempting to deliver national defense information and willingly retaining national defense information, according to a news release. U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour said his sentencing decision was based on the gravity of Schmidts crimes and his mental health state at the time of his conduct, the release said. Schmidt was an active-duty soldier from January 2015 to January 2020, according to case records. In his primary assignment at the JBLMs 109th Military Intelligence Battalion he had access to top secret information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After leaving the military due to a mental health episode, he contacted the Chinese Consulate in Turkey and later sent an email offering national defense information to Chinese security services, the U.S. Attorneys Office said. His efforts to share classified information continued when he traveled to Hong Kong in March 2020. He came prepared, offering multiple long documents containing high level secrets and a device allowing access to secured military computer networks, according to the news release. The Chinese government gave him a work visa just 17 days after he first contacted their intelligence services. He then stayed in China for three years until he was arrested after a flight to San Francisco in October 2023. He knew what he was doing was wrong, assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Greenberg said during the sentencing. He was doing web searches for such things as, Can you be extradited for treason. This story was originally posted on MyNorthwest.com A former Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) sergeant was sentenced Tuesday for attempting to deliver national security information to China. Joseph Daniel Schmidt, 31, was sentenced to four years in prison and three years of supervised release for two federal felonies, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced. In June, Schmidt pleaded guilty to attempting to deliver national defense information and to retaining national defense information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour noted the sentence given was based on the seriousness of the crimes and Schmidts mental health at the time. Schmidt was an active-duty soldier from January 2015 to January 2020, where his primary assignment was at JBLM. While in this role, Schmidt had access to secret and top secret information. After Schmidt left the military due to a mental health episode, he contacted the Chinese Consulate in Turkey and Chinese security services by email, offering national defense information. U.S. Sergeant attempts to meet with Chinese officials in Hong Kong Schmidt later traveled to Hong Kong in March 2020, continuing his efforts to provide Chinese intelligence with classified military information. Several lengthy documents were created by Schmidt, revealing various high-level secrets he had to offer to the Chinese government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a retired Army officer, I find it unconscionable for a former soldier to put his colleagues and country at risk by peddling secret information and intelligence access to a hostile foreign power, U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd said. These cases remain a priority for our office to keep our country safe. Schmidt kept a device that allowed access to secure military computer networks, which was offered to Chinese authorities along with his assistance in gaining access to the networks. Seventeen days after Schmidt made contact with Chinese officials, he was granted a work visa for China. Schmidt stayed in China, spending most of his time in Hong Kong until October 2023, when he flew to San Francisco. Schmidt was arrested after he arrived at the airport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Greenberg spoke in court Tuesday, claiming Schmidt created documents based on classified and national defense information. He used his training to provide sensitive information to the Chinese security service. He knew what he was doing was wrong he was doing web searches for such things as Can you be extradited for treason. The Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office, W. Mike Harrington, stated that Schmidt betrayed his countrys trust by providing sensitive information to China. As a soldier, Mr. Schmidt swore an oath to protect the United States and its citizens who, in turn, entrusted him with their security and the secrets necessary to defend it, Herrington said. Instead of upholding that trust, he betrayed it by handing over classified information to China, as his admissions make clear. The FBI and our partners will remain vigilant in our mission to safeguard our nation, making every effort to uncover those who endanger it and hold them accountable. The FBI led the investigation in the case, with assistance from the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command. Follow Jason Sutich on X. Send news tips here. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The trial of former Las Cruces police officer Felipe Hernandez, charged with second-degree murder in the shooting death of 45-year-old Teresa Gomez, resumed on Wednesday, Oct. 29. Hernandez took the stand for the first time during the third day of proceedings, which began on Monday, Oct. 27. The shooting, which occurred on Oct. 3, 2023, was captured on body camera footage and has been a focal point of the trial. Hernandezs defense team has argued that the shooting was a justifiable homicide. The prosecution, however, believes that the use of deadly force was unwarranted. Murder trial began for former LCPD officer in fatal 2023 shooting Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his testimony, Hernandez detailed his background and the events leading up to the deadly encounter. He explained that, as a former Army soldier who had served in Iraq and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in 2005, he had received firearm training. Hernandez told the court that he was familiar with handling shoot/dont shoot scenarios, which are a crucial part of police training. He also mentioned that he became a certified officer with the Las Cruces Police Department in February 2016. Hernandez described his routine on the night of the shooting. He said he was on patrol at around 4 a.m. on the morning of Oct. 3, responding to complaints. He had started his shift at the East Mesilla station, loaded his patrol bike, and made his way to City Hall before heading to Burley Court, an area known for criminal activity. He arrived at Burley Court at approximately 4:45 a.m. Las Cruces officer facing murder charge in death of woman It was here that Hernandez told the prosecution that he initiated the encounter with Gomez and her passenger, Jesus Garcia. Hernandez acknowledged that he recognized Garcia from previous encounters. Hernandez admitted to approaching the vehicle and shining his light inside the vehicle not knowing if a crime was being committed. Hernandez told the court he recognized Garcia and reacted with a Holy f***! when he saw Garcia. Hernandez also told the court Garcia appeared to be armed. The item Garcia had in his possession was later identified as a paintball gun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During testimony, prosecutors asked what he saw as he approached. You say you saw a handgun. Was that who you saw? a prosecutor asked. It was in his waistband as he was sitting downon his left side, Hernandez replied. Thats something I could see with my light. I kept my eye on that position the entire time. The body camera footage from the encounter was played for the court. Prosecutors have alleged that Hernandez fired multiple shots, hitting Gomez as she attempted to drive off. She later died from her injuries at the hospital. He showed the jury where he was hit, saying he was in fear for his life when he fired three shots, intending to stop Gomez. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During cross-examination, prosecutors questioned why Hernandez did not attempt to render aid to Gomez after the shooting. Hernandez admitted he did not perform life-saving measures, telling jurors he was in shock and waiting for backup. The judge has ordered the court to resume Thursday with closing arguments from both the defense and prosecution. Each side has been given one hour to make their final arguments before the case is handed over to the jury for deliberation. The trial is expected to be over by the end of the week. 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 KTSM 9 News. A federal grand jury has indicted a former Lawrence Police Department captain on charges stemming from an incident involving the alleged assault of an arrestee in a booking room and the falsification of official reports about that encounter. The indictment, filed in the United States District Court of Massachusetts on Tuesday, charges Michael Mangan with two counts of deprivation of rights under color of law and two counts of filing false reports. Prosecutors allege that Mangan violently assaulted 29-year-old Sodiq Folarin Amusat during the booking process on March 10, 2023, violating his constitutional right to be free from unreasonable force. Amusat, a resident of Lawrences Merrimack Street neighborhood, was arrested after a neighbor complained about loud music coming from his apartment at three oclock in the morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A complaint obtained by 25 Investigates in July 2023 alleged that Mangan suddenly and without warning, viciously clotheslined Mr. Amusat and drove his head into a metal door and onto the concrete floor in a basement booking room. Surveillance images included in the documents show Mangan using his right arm to knock Amusat backward and to the floor. While Mangan claimed Amasut provoked his response, the surveillance doesnt show Amasut engaging Mangan. Additionally, Mangan is accused of falsifying both a supplementary report and a use-of-force report to justify the assault. The reports allegedly mischaracterized the victims behavior as assaultive and claimed Mangan used a straight arm take down in response to a perceived threat. Mangan, a 47-year-old resident of Derry, New Hampshire, was allowed to work for nearly two months after the incident before he was placed on leave by the Lawrence police department. He later retired. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mangan pleaded not guilty to the charges at Moakley Federal Court in the Seaport on Wednesday afternoon. He was released without having to post bail after agreeing to the terms of his probation. Mangan was ordered to stay in New England, surrender his passport, and his firearms. The former police captain apparently swapped shirts with a man before leaving the courthouse and slipped past news photographers outside. Family members who were there to support him declined to comment about the allegations. A status conference in the case has been scheduled for December 17th at 10:30 a.m. 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 former Lawrence police captain was indicted by a federal grand jury Tuesday on charges accusing him of violating the rights of a Black man during an arrest over a noise complaint in March 2023, then falsifying police reports about the incident. Michael Mangan is charged with two counts each of deprivation of rights under color of law and making a false report, court records show. He is set to make an initial appearance in federal court on Wednesday afternoon. An indictment handed up by a federal grand jury in Mangans case alludes to a March 10, 2023, arrest where, according to the filing, Mangan assaulted arrestee Victim 1, willfully depriving Victim 1 of the right ... to be free from the use of unreasonable force by a law enforcement officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While federal prosecutors did not name the man, Sodiq Folarin Amusat, a 29-year-old Black man, has sued Mangan and the city in federal court in connection with an arrest on March 10, 2023. Mangan is also accused of concealing the assault by filing a false report in which he claimed the victim slightly turned and bladed his body toward him, and simultaneously threw his right arm toward [Mangans] face with his fingers in a grabbing motion. In the report, Mangan claimed the victim demonstrated assaultive action and there was an imminent threat of the victim grabbing his face, leading to Mangan using a straight arm take down with his right arm on the victims chest. The grand jury also found Mangan filed a false report when he claimed the reason for using force was the victims assaultive conduct, according to the indictment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amusat, in the civil rights suit, presented a different narrative. During the booking process, Mangan, a white Captain of the Lawrence Police Department, suddenly and without warning, viciously clotheslined Mr. Amusat, his suit reads. Mangans unprovoked attack drove Mr. Amusats head into a metal door and onto the concrete floor. Mr. Amusat was then needlessly tackled, forcibly pressed onto the ground and handcuffed. The incident was captured on surveillance video, screenshots of which are included in the complaint. Mangan is listed as an unassociated officer in the POST Commissions database of officer statuses, which notes that he is no longer certified to work in law enforcement. He retired in early January, The Boston Globe reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Essex County District Attorney Paul Tuckers office hired an independent investigator to review the incident and ultimately declined to pursue charges against Mangan, the Globe reported. A spokesperson for Tuckers office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the indictment. More News Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Trump first-term official Miles Taylor on Tuesday highlighted a blink-and-youll-miss-it line from Donald Trump that he said serves as an ominous warning about the presidents ongoing attacks on the media. Read the full essay on Substack. Politics: Mike Johnson Gets Dragged For Claiming Hes Working Overtime 28 Days Into A Shutdown Trump, aboard the USS George Washington in Japan, told troops: You need a good, fair media. Theyre getting better. Theyre not there yet. That I can tell you. But theyre getting better. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watch from the 44:15 point here: It was a throwaway line for the cameras but an obvious signal to his friends and supporters, Taylor wrote in his Substack email. The president was nodding to his state-sanctioned media takeover. Trump is less than a year into his effort to use the powers of the presidency to pressure the free press into becoming a pro-Trump press whether through threats and lawsuits or corporate mergers and hes already seeing the fruits of that campaign. To him, its just the beginning, said Taylor, citing the tilt to the political right at CBS News. Taylor in 2018 wrote an anonymous opinion piece condemning Trump while still in his role as Department of Homeland Security chief of staff. Trump last month ordered the Department of Justice to investigate Taylor for supposed treason over the article. Related... Read the original on HuffPost Oct. 29 (UPI) -- An Australian cybersecurity expert who served as director of L3Harris Trenchant, a U.S. defense contractor, has pleaded guilty in federal court to selling trade secrets to a Russian broker that resells cyber exploits to buyers including the Russian government. Peter Williams, 39, pleaded guilty to two counts of theft of trade secrets that had been stolen over a three-year period from the defense contractor where he worked, the U.S. Justice Department announced in a news release. The Justice Department did not name the American company, but British government corporate records showed it to be L3Harris Trenchant, where he was employed as the director from October 2024 until he resigned in August. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Williams admitted as part of his plea deal that he used his access to steal $35 million worth of trade secrets beginning in 2022 until his resignation, the Justice Department said. Using the alias John Taylor, Williams then entered into "multiple written contracts" with a Russian broker who paid him some $1.3 million in cryptocurrency, and then used the money to buy himself fake Rolexes and high-end jewelry. Sources told Australia's ABC broadcaster that Williams previously worked for the Australian Signals Directorate, the country's equivalent to the U.S. National Security Agency. Precise details of what was stolen by Williams have not been made public, but the Justice Department said the materials were "national security-focused software that included at least eight sensitive and protected cyber-exploit components." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "America's national security is not for sale, especially in an evolving threat landscape where cybercrime poses a serious danger to our citizens," Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement. Williams faces up to 10 years in prison for each count at his sentencing, expected to take place next year. He also faces fines of up to $300,000 and will have to pay restitution of $1.3 million. Claim: Barron Trump, U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, had an Argentine ballroom dancer boyfriend named Carlos. Rating: Rating: False A rumor that circulated online in October 2025 claimed Barron Trump, U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, had a boyfriend named Carlos. According to the story, Barron Trump, 19, was dating a man some users identified as an Argentine ballroom dancer named Carlos Strasser. One user said Donald Trump himself closed multiple floors of Trump Tower for a date between the pair. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On social media, a popular political commentator known as "Hawk" or @mdg650hawk of Hawk's Podcasts posted a YouTube reaction video (archived) promoting the rumor. That Oct. 25 video showed Hawk's reaction to TikTok user @tigre_zigre saying of Barron Trump, "He caused chaos at Trump Tower when he closed a whole full floor so that he could have a private meeting with his new boyfriend, Carlos." That user went on to say: Carlos, the Argentinian ballroom dancer, who's now dating Barron. Well, I don't think the father knew anything about this. So, Donald closed not just the floor Barron was on but three floors above and three floors below. This was breaking news. Users shared this rumor on Bluesky (archived), Facebook, Instagram, Threads (archived), TikTok (archived) and X (archived). Some posts included pictures of a man named Carlos Strasser we traced with a reverse-image search as performing with the Stuttgart Ballet in Germany. Snopes readers also searched our website for information about the rumor. In short, the rumor that Barron Trump had an Argentine ballroom dancer boyfriend named Carlos was false. The timeline of social media posts and videos promoting the rumor suggested users conflated the matter with a similar Barron Trump rumor from September, then added unsubstantiated information regarding Strasser a real German-born (not Argentine) ballet dancer. Users' mentions of Argentina likely stemmed from further conflation of the dancer with an Argentine political scientist by the same name, who died in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stuttgart Ballet spokesperson Jennifer Schurr told Snopes by email that the rumor about one of their performers named Carlos Strasser was not true: After talking with Carlos, I can confirm that he has no connection whatsoever to Barron Trump he has never met him. He is also not 32 years old, has no training as a ballroom dancer, and has no Argentine roots. We cannot explain the origin of this rumor and would be very grateful for a correction. Strasser himself also told us via an Instagram message, "This rumor is false and people [are using] my photos without permission, claiming I am from Argentina and 32 years old." The website for the Stuttgart Ballet listed (archived) the German-born Strasser as one of its apprentice-level dancers. The page did not mention anything about ballroom dancing. Users who shared the "ballroom dancer" claim in the Barron Trump rumor possibly conflated the matter with Donald Trump's ongoing effort to build a large ballroom on the White House's grounds. Upon reaching out to Hawk's Podcasts by email, a user named Falcon told Snopes they asked the commentator Hawk, their brother, to remove their YouTube video. Falcon said, "Last thing we want to be doing is spreading that kind of stuff and making things difficult for someone like Carlos. I have let my brother know to be more mindful of this and also I am going to do the same as I am the one who screens things and I missed this one somehow." We also contacted TikTok user @tigre_zigre to ask for credible evidence to support the information in their videos, as well as the White House to request comment. We will update this article if we receive further details or statements. Digging into the rumor On Sept. 29, the celebrity gossip publication Page Six published an article with the headline, "Barron Trump shut down a whole floor of Trump Tower for a date." That story's author, citing an anonymous source, said Barron Trump "recently had a date at Trump Tower" in New York City, allegedly held at the building "strictly for security reasons." The article purported that Barron Trump and his stature 6 feet, 7 inches to 6 feet, 9 inches tall caught the attention of girls on the Washington campus of New York University, where he attends school. The story made no mention of Barron Trump dating a man. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weeks after the Page Six story, on or just before Oct. 19, TikTok user @tigre_zigre posted his video telling a similar story about Barron Trump going on a date in a partially closed-down Trump Tower. The user made no mention of college-age women and instead alleged, without evidence, that Barron Trump had a date with a boyfriend named Carlos. Other videos later appeared on various social media platforms telling a similar story. In addition to the aforementioned post examples, one TikTok user's video (archived) from Oct. 23 received nearly 4 million views. In the clip, the user said, "Barron Trump's boyfriend let it sink in his boyfriend is from Argentina. He's also an Argentinian ballroom dancer. Do with that information what you will." On an unknown date after Oct. 19, @tigre_zigre's video disappeared, suggesting either he or TikTok deleted it, or he changed its privacy settings. As of Oct. 28, the original link led users to a message reading, "Video currently unavailable." A TikTok page hosted a list of users' videos who featured reactions or other shares of the audio from @tigre_zigre's clip. As users continued to spread the evidence-free rumor online, some created videos making light of the matter with sketches and satirical takes. One video (archived), receiving nearly 4 million views, depicted a user speaking into the camera while pretending to be dating Barron Trump. One commenter under the video posted the picture of the German-born Strasser found on the Stuttgart Ballet website. A different TikTok user also posted a popular video (archived) poking fun at the claim with satire, including with the hashtag "#politicalsatire." Their video featured Strasser's Stuttgart Ballet photo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For further reading, we previously fact-checked a rumor about whether an image truly showed Barron Trump standing next to his family members. Sources: "Carlos Strasser." Editorial Herder Mexico, 28 Oct. 2020, https://herder.com.mx/en/autores-writers/carlos-strasser. "Carlos Strasser." The Stuttgart Ballet, https://www.stuttgart-ballet.de/company/carlos-strasser/. Closson, Troy, and Kaja Andric. "Barron Trump Is Said to Move to N.Y.U.'s Campus in Washington." The New York Times, 17 Sep. 2025, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/17/nyregion/barron-trump-moves-to-nyu-washington-campus.html. Esposito, Joey. "Trump Said New White House Ballroom Construction Wouldn't 'Interfere with the Current Building.'" Snopes, 21 Oct. 2025, https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/trump-white-house-ballroom-construction/. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FOX 5 DC Digital Team. "How Tall Is the Trump Family?" FOX 5 DC, 20 Jan. 2025, https://www.fox5dc.com/news/how-tall-is-trump-family-barron-trump-height. "Strasser, Carlos (19362024)." FLACSO Argentina, https://flacso.org.ar/docentes/strasser-carlos/. Updates: Oct. 29, 2025: This article has been updated to add a false rating after we received statements from the Stuttgart Ballet and Carlos Strasser. Nov. 4, 2025: This article was updated to add a statement from Hawk's Podcasts. An expedition to investigate the disappearance of Amelia Earharts plane in the South Pacific in 1937 has been postponed until next year. Richard Pettigrew, the Oregon archaeologist leading the latest venture to solve the mystery of the legendary aviators demise, said in a news update that the expedition originally scheduled to begin Nov. 4 had to be delayed due to problems in securing the permits required for his team of 14 people to travel from Majuro, the capital of the Marshall Islands, to Nikumaruru, a remote island in the Republic of Kiribati. The goal of the mission is to investigate a white, airplane-shaped object researchers have spotted in a satellite photograph taken of Nikumaroro in 2020. The Taraia Object, as its being called, appears to be submerged below the surface of the lagoon at the center of the coral atoll. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pettigrew and his team believe Earhart and her flight navigator, Fred Noonan, could not find their intended destination, tiny Howland Island, on the morning of July 2, 1937, and traveled 400 miles to the southeast, where they made an emergency landing on Nikumaroro. They believe the pair survived for several days before succumbing to the elements. Its one of countless theories about what might have happened to the aviators. Most experts believe they ran out of fuel near Howland and crashed into the ocean nearby. Purdue University, which helped Earhart purchase the 10-seat plane 88 years ago, is helping Pettigrew, the founding director of the nonprofit Archaeological Legacy Institute in Eugene, Oregon, carry out the mission, whose cost has been estimated at $900,000. Pettigrew said the nonprofit continues to raise funds for the venture. Team leaders said that even if the Republic of Kiribati, an island country dispersed over more than 1.3 million square miles situated roughly halfway between Hawaii and Australia, gave its full permission in the next few days, it would still not be in time for the team to avoid the annual cyclone season in that part of the South Pacific, which generally occurs in winter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The team will return to the expedition no earlier than April 2026, said Pettigrew, who sounded undaunted by the setback. Because of the compelling evidence we have in front of us, we have to go to Nikumaroro and get a close look at the Taraia Object, he said. Rest assured that we will do just that, so stay tuned! We will have a revised project schedule worked out soon. Have a news tip? Contact Jonathan M. Pitts at jonpitts@baltsun.com. The Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ) held a work meeting for frontline student counselors to explain the mechanisms, services, and oversight of student guidance programs. The bureau highlighted the launch of a 24-hour online counseling platform and hotline. The initiative complements in-person counseling by connecting schools, social services, and healthcare for comprehensive case management. Officials also introduced resource allocation for counseling programs, the green channel collaboration with the Health Bureau, and protocols for case referral and reporting, aimed at early identification and systematic support for students requiring assistance. Like this: Like Loading... (The Center Square) - The biggest impact on Arizona's 2026 budget will come from the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act, according to Glenn Farley, the Common Sense Institutes director of policy and research. CSI released a report earlier in October detailing issues the Legislature will need to address next year. Congress passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in July, which made numerous changes, including minimizing taxes and reducing the cost of federal programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Farley, who authored the CSI report, told The Center Square the federal government changed its rules concerning Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps. Farley said the federal government is attempting to get its budget under control and has identified waste and abuse in Medicaid and SNAP. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act includes provisions to limit the growth of costs and improve how states administer the programs, Farley said. Farley noted the federal government changed who is eligible for Medicaid, how people remain eligible for Medicaid and how states pay for the program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All three changes will affect how Arizona implements its Medicaid program, he said. Arizonas general fund will not be affected much by these changes, Farley noted. He added the changes will mostly affect the states hospital assessment funds, which are taxes paid by hospitals that rely on Medicaid. The taxes help Arizona cover Medicaid costs. The reason Medicaid providers are OK paying these taxes is that money is then used to fund expansions to the state's Medicaid program, he explained. Farley said Arizona has seen an increase in its hospital assessment funds since the COVID-19 pandemic. In the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the federal government capped these funds at 6% and is phasing them down to 3.5%, the policy director explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The phase-down will affect Arizonas Medicaid program because federally funded payments to Medicaid providers will decrease, Farley said. The work requirement is intended to examine noncitizen enrollment in state Medicaid programs, Farley said. He added that this rule wont significantly affect states, except by reducing the size of their Medicaid programs. Farley noted SNAP is federally funded but state-administered. The federal government has adjusted the requirements for states to control and limit payment error rates, which the policy director said shows how accurately a state distributes its benefits within the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Arizona does not get this under control, then it will not be a fully federal government-funded program, but rather a cost-sharing program, which would be a general fund exposure, Farley said. Arizona could end up paying up to 15% of the program, he added. The higher a states error rates, the higher the cost-sharing percentage, Farley said. The economist said states with the highest payment error rates were Alaska and Maryland, while the lowest were South Dakota and Idaho. Farley said Arizona is on the high end of states in its payment errors, but not nearly as high as Alaska. He estimated Arizonas cost-sharing estimate is around 10%. If a state can reduce its error rate below 6%, there will be no penalty, he explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Arizona was running at an error rate of 6%, Farley said. The policy director predicted if Arizona cant rein in its error rates quickly, then it could cost the state between $150 million and $200 million from its general fund in fiscal year 2028. According to Farley, the federal government's changes to the SNAP program will have a greater impact on Arizonas general fund than the Medicaid changes. The CSI report noted Arizonas general fund had increased by 44% over the last 10 years. The budget went from $32.8 billion in fiscal year 2015 to $66.2 billion in fiscal year 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An item that may further increase Arizonas general fund expenditures is Proposition 123, which expires next year. Farley explained that the proposition shifted some of Arizonas K-12 funding from the general fund to its land trust. When the proposition expires, those costs will be moved back to the general fund, impacting it between $200 million and $300 million, he said. An extension of the proposition would alleviate this impact, the policy director said. Arizona is projected to spend over $10 billion on education this year, with almost 70% of that going to public schools, according to the Common Sense Institute report. Looking ahead, Farley said Arizona is in a strong position to iron out its financial issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June, Arizona passed a $17.6 billion budget. Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs signed the budget just days before a shutdown. Her approval came after negotiations with legislators and her vetoes of two previous budgets approved by the Republican-controlled Legislature. Heading into next year, Senate President Warren Petersen, R-Gilbert, told The Center Square that the Legislature is focused on prioritizing essential services, rooting out waste and holding the line on new spending. Our goal is to make sure every taxpayer dollar is used efficiently, and that government lives within its means, he said. Petersen said he has already had early conversations with his House counterparts and fiscal experts to identify challenges ahead of time. The more we front-load that work, the less room there is for 11th-hour surprises. My focus is on transparency, predictability and responsible budgeting that protects taxpayers, the senator noted. In an all-out effort to save one of the rarest mammals on the planet, conservationists in Laos have recruited a pair of good boys to sniff them out. Mongabay reported that an intense search for the last remaining saola oxen in the wild is underway. The dogs, two spaniels named Norman and Bertie, are lending their snouts to the search in a first-of-its-kind project. Norman and Bertie came from the organization Working Dogs for Conservation. According to their profiles, Bertie is a "dapper little guy" motivated by affection from his handlers. Norman fearlessly pokes into the densest vegetation on the promise of some reward to play later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They have their work cut out for them, as they will be covering an area of 300 square kilometers over the next 24 months. The saola ox hasn't been seen in years; possibly as few as 100 individuals remain in the wild. Saola were only discovered in 1993 and were last caught on camera in 2013. They are sometimes called the "Asian unicorn" for their extreme rarity and distinctive appearance. Little is known about this elusive ungulate beyond its size and gentle nature it is known locally as "Saat Supphap" ("polite animal"). Unfortunately, saolas are threatened by habitat destruction and snaring. As the World Wildlife Fund notes, snares are among the biggest threats to wildlife in Southeast Asia. There are millions of snares present in the forests, causing massive defaunation and destroying critical biodiversity. It is hoped that a few individuals can be found to begin a captive breeding program to offer a lifeline to the species and serve as the foundation for future rewilding efforts once the snares are cleared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lorraine Scotson, CEO of the Saola Foundation, explained the urgency of the search: "Even if there are individual saola out there, every day that goes by, those saola are getting older and ultimately beyond breeding age." Despite the magnitude of the task ahead, there is good reason to be optimistic. Dogs have shown their worth in similar projects. A border collie in South Africa named Jessie unearthed a mole that hadn't been documented since 1936. There's no sign of saolas in Laos, but the team has learned a great deal from the work, and locals are pitching in to help. With a bit of luck in the search and raising awareness among the community, saolas might just make it after all. 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. 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 announcement of another federal investigation has many wondering about the future of Tesla's self-driving technology. But experts warn that regulators may have a hard time slowing down the speed at which Tesla moves ahead with its autonomous cars. What's happening? Earlier this month, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced an investigation into Tesla's so-called "Full Self-Driving" mode, after the organization said it received dozens of reports of cars driving dangerously while in FSD. As CNN reported, this is at least the sixth such investigation into Tesla's self-driving technology but that doesn't mean the feature will be discontinued any time soon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several experts told CNN that regulatory bodies such as the NHTSA aren't designed to approve or test technology such as FSD. Instead, if problems occur, they can investigate those issues and ultimately increase safety standards for vehicles. However, it can take years to complete those investigations. "I call it regulatory whack-a-mole," Stanford law professor Bryant Walker Smith told CNN. "This process takes a very long time. It's a regulatory process that isn't necessarily well-aligned with the technological time frame." Why is this concerning? Tesla CEO Elon Musk has said that autonomous cars and robots are vital to the company's future, and he has aggressively pushed such technologies. And although the idea of self-driving cars is intriguing, Tesla's FSD rollout has seen its fair share of speed bumps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year, after some delays, the company launched its much-hyped Robotaxi service in Austin, Texas. And despite many passengers describing Robotaxi issues, such as cars stopping in the middle of the road or driving on the wrong side of the street, the company has rapidly expanded that service. Even the name "Full-Self Driving" has caused issues. In most locations, a person must be sitting in the driver's seat to legally use the feature, ready to take over in case issues arise. But the company faces a class-action lawsuit in California from drivers who claim they were misled by the company's FSD claims. What's being done about this? That lawsuit could prove consequential to Tesla's future. If a judge rules against Tesla, it could have to pay out millions in damages and be banned from selling cars in California for a month, and other states may follow with similar suits. Otherwise, experts told CNN they don't expect much to happen from a regulatory standpoint with the company's FSD features. And that's not just because of the company or the technology, but instead because of the limited power regulators have to rein in advancements on any automobile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are all real-world guinea pigs in the century-long experiment introducing two-ton vehicles that travel at speed faster than we can comprehend," Smith said. 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. One of Michigan's most endangered species, the Karner blue butterfly, appears to be making a comeback after being spotted in the Lower Peninsula. As reported by Up North Live, the critically endangered species has been seen in and around the Muskegon River. The butterfly only lives in a few selected habitats and has suffered significantly because of the destruction and degradation of its native habitat, which has mostly been converted to agricultural land. Hope for the Karner blue butterfly! Once nearly extinct in Michigan, fewer than 100 in 2018. This endangered species has now rebounded to ~10,000, thanks to habitat restoration across western counties. A testament to conservation in action! https://t.co/LwDzgGG47L Endangered Species Coalition (@endangered) August 20, 2025 The butterfly population started to decline after the 1970s, and in 2018, it was estimated that there were just 100 left in the state. However, numbers have increased dramatically following substantial efforts to restore its habitat, with the latest estimates putting the population closer to 10,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There's been a tremendous amount of work with National Forest Service and Michigan Conservation Units like the DNR [Department of Natural Resources] to restore habitat space for this butterfly to make sure that lands are managed in a manner that provide it both food and shelter," said Duke Elsner, a retired Michigan State University Extension Service educator, per Up North Live. Elsner explained that the best thing people can do to protect the butterfly further is to limit the use of pesticides. Habitat restoration and limiting the use of pesticides are important for protecting a wide range of native plants and animals from population decline. Butterflies are important pollinators that help safeguard food production, and without them, it would not be possible to produce the amount of food needed to feed everyone. More than 100 crops grown in the U.S. rely on pollinators, including almonds, non-citrus fruit trees, berries, melons, and squash. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the added revenue to crop production from pollinators is valued at $18 billion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The good news is that globally, we are starting to recognize the importance of protecting ecosystems. Restoring native habitats by removing invasive species and focusing on native plants and wildlife can help provide functioning ecosystems that provide us with a range of services, such as clean air and water, that are key to a healthy life. 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. 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) As the U.S. Department of Agriculture warned that thousands of Americans would not be receiving food assistance next month due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, a small Portland coffee shop is stepping up to help. The volunteer-run nonprofit Heretic Coffee announced that it will offer free breakfast to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients. For me, it was a very simple calculus, said Josh White, who owns the business. We are a coffee shop that has food. People will now be going without it, and we just knew we needed to feed our Portland community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the two days since making the announcement, he said the shop has been flooded with donations and volunteer applications. By Tuesday afternoon, they had received more than $97,000 in donations. Portlands potholes get creative makeover from the Buffalo Pothole Bandit One of the donations I saw was $1.17. When you donate $1.17, that means you only have $1.17. And those are the ones that are just really getting to me, he said. Like, these are people that just dont want to see other people go hungry, and theyre doing whatever they can to make sure we keep Portland people fed. While they werent planning on offering the meals until Nov. 1, when SNAP benefits are expected to run out, White said that he was moved to start offering them sooner because of the demand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We were going to start this on Saturday and then yesterday we had a kid come in, maybe 11 years old. From what I could tell, he walked himself to our shop and went to the counter and said, Hey, is there any chance I could get the SNAP breakfast a couple of days early?' White said he wasnt sure what brought the kid there, but he assumed it was because his family ran out of benefits for the month. He took to social media to vent his frustration. Oregon Coast braces for potential significant flooding as king tides approach Excuse my language, but I just said F it, its open now, White said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least 10 to 15 people came in requesting meals on Tuesday, but its also brought more paying customers. The beauty of it is that these are Portland people who are ordering a $3 cup of coffee and then also leaving cash for people who need SNAP, he said. Its one of the most beautiful acts of generosity I think Ive ever seen in my life. For those who want to help, White said there are a few different options. The company is still accepting volunteer applications, but due to the overwhelming amount theyve received this week, White said he hopes people will be patient as it may take a couple of weeks before he is able to respond. As far as donations go, he said the link to donate can be found on Heretic Coffees Instagram page, but that people should only donate if they can. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Positively Portland We are not in need of your money. I just wanna make that clear. So please only donate if you can, he said. For him, the most important thing is awareness. He said if other small businesses are able to help people, they should. If you have a small business and you can feed people for free, do it. Right now is the time to do it, he said. When the system fails us, its up to one another to take care of one another. Heretic Coffee is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and on weekends from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit their website to learn more about their business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. LEXINGTON, Tenn. (WKRN) A Facebook meme quoting President Donald Trump cost a Henderson County man his freedom, and a new explanation from the Perry County sheriff was contradicted by the arresting police department. Larry Bushart, a retired law enforcement officer who posted dozens of memes critical of the Trump administration on the day of his Sept. 21 arrest, remains at the Perry County Jail. The Perry County Sheriffs Office claimed he threatened mass violence at school. A judge set his bond at $2 million before his Dec. 4 preliminary hearing. A court affidavit links Bushart arrest to Perry County Sheriff Nick Weems. An investigator said they received a message from the sheriff regarding a Facebook post Larry Bushart made on the Whats Happening in Perry County, TN Facebook page. Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts News 2 does not have access to the Facebook group to independently review Busharts post, but the affidavit said he was commenting on a post about a vigil for conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The affidavits description of Busharts comment matches a meme shared in 2024 by the gun safety group Everytown. Next to an image of President Trump, the meme says We have to get over it, citing a comment made by Donald Trump on the Perry High School mass shooting day after. Bushart wrote, This seems relevant today according to the affidavit. Everytowns meme references a mass shooting at Perry High School in Iowa in 2024. A 17-year-old boy killed two people and wounded six others before killing himself. At a campaign event after the shooting, President Trump said, Its just horrible to see that happening. Its just horrible. So surprising to see it here, but uhh we have to get over it. We have to move forward. In body camera video released by Lexington police, one of the officers responding to Busharts home on Sept. 21 told him, So Perry County has called back again. OK? And theyve ended up issuing a warrant for you. OK? So youre gonna have to come with us. Well get you booked in, get all this figured out. And then youll have to take it up with them and their court. Bushart and his wife do not ask many questions in the video. They seemed to know why he was being arrested. A few hours earlier, Bushart said on Facebook he received a visit from Lexington PD regarding my posted memes on Whats Happening in Perry County.' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee As Bushart walks out of his home to be handcuffed, his wife told an officer, He thinks its just freedom of speech, you know? And I tried to tell him, you know, this is The officer responded, Yeah, but like he was saying earlier, we kinda have nothing to do with it. Busharts wife said she understood: Its just yalls job. The officer replied, Yeah, but hopefully it works out for you all. As an officer escorted Bushart into jail, the officer told him he was being charged with threatening mass violence at a school. Officer: And just to clarify, this is what they charged you with. Larry Bushart: OK. Officer: threatening mass violence at a school. Bushart: At a school? Officer: Its referring to a school. I have no idea. Bushart: I know; I know. Officer: Thats what theyve called us for, and I aint got a clue. Bushart: I play on Facebook. I threatened no one. I know you dont give a (laughter) Officer: I aint got a clue. I just gotta do what Ive gotta do. Bushart: Ive been in Facebook jail. Officer: Im not saying whether you did or didnt do anything. Bushart: (Unintelligible) But I dont think I committed a crime. Officer: Thats what Im saying. Im not saying you did or did not commit a crime. Bushart: I may have been an ***hole, officer, but Officer: Thats not illegal Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement to News 2, Perry County Sheriff Nick Weems claimed, We coordinated with other departments to approach Mr. Bushart and provide options to de-escalate the situation before an arrest was made. Mr. Bushart declined to clarify his public messages and calm the situation that was causing multiple, reasonable citizens to be in fear of their childrens safety at school. News 2 asked Weems via text message, What agency did you work with to try to have Larry Bushart clarify and deescalate? Weems replied, My investigator reached out to Lexington pd. When News 2 asked Lexingtons police chief whether his department was involved in any way with asking Bushart to deescalate or clarify his messages, the chief responded, No. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Here is Weems full statement: We understand the case of Mr. Bushart has gained attention far beyond our community. As Sheriff, I was elected to serve and protect Perry County residents. Mr. Bushart was not brought to our attention simply because of his speech, but for the public repercussions of that speech. We coordinated with other departments to approach Mr. Bushart, and provide options to de-escalate the situation before an arrest was made. Mr. Bushart declined to clarify his public messages, and calm the situation that was causing multiple, reasonable citizens to be in fear of their childrens safety at school. In accordance with the Tennessee Code Annotated, and with the coordination of our district attorneys office an arrest was initiated. Mr. Busharts bond and final charges are not decisions made by this department. In recent weeks, our deputies, leadership, and 911 dispatchers have been significantly threatened by persons residing in other states. While we welcome citizen feedback, these recorded calls have included violence, threats of harm, and racial slurs. This behavior is shocking and unacceptable and is currently being investigated. Like any citizen facing accusations, Mr. Bushart is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 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. Claim: The Australian government was reviewing a citizen-led petition asking to bar U.S. President Donald Trump, his family and his administration from entering the country in October 2025. Rating: Rating: True In October 2025, a claim (archived) circulated online that the Australian government was reviewing a citizen-led petition asking to bar U.S. President Donald Trump, his family and his administration from entering the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One popular X thread about the potential ban began, "BREAKING: Australia Could become the First Western country to permanently ban Trump, his family, and Members of his administration from its Country." (X user @politvidchannel) The thread continued to describe Petition EN7254, an alleged petition to the Australian House of Representatives. The claim also circulated on Facebook (archived), Instagram (archived), Threads (archived), Reddit (archived) and Bluesky (archived). Snopes readers wrote in, asking if the claim was true. Petition EN7254 (archived), also titled "Ban Trump from Australia," was a real online petition to the Australian House of Representatives, the lower house of the Parliament of Australia. The petition asked the House to "permanently ban Trump, his family, and his administration from Australia." The 2723-signature petition was closed at the time of this writing and awaiting a response, according to the Australian Parliament's petition website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Petitions with more than 50 signatures generally receive a response from a relevant minister, according to the Australian Parliament's website. Petition EN7254 had not yet received a response, though it had been 189 days since the petition closed at the time of this writing, indicating that it was still under review. Given the above, we rate this claim true. We reached out to the Australian Parliament to understand the status of the petition and await a reply. Petition EN7254 read: Australians have VALUES of mateship, hard work, righting wrongs, and fighting for the underdog. We don't need Trump here, a Putin aligned dictator who is spreading misinformation, hate speech and stands for the opposite of what we do. His actions are hurting and endangering OUR COUNTRY and we should ban him from coming here as an agent of hate and a danger to world peace. The Australian government can ban people from traveling to the country. Recently, the government sanctioned Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. Those sanctions included a travel ban, according to the Australian ABC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was unclear at the time of this writing whether Petition EN7254 would result in legal action. The petition appeared to breach the Australian parliament's rules on "Good language," which dictate that petitions could not "include a person's name." Petition EN7254 included both Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin's names. Though Petition EN7254 was closed at the time of this writing, a different one, Petition EN8418 (titled "Invite President Donald Trump to Australia") remained open for signatures. That petition used similar language to EN7254, referenced similar national values of "mateship, hard work, righting wrongs, and fighting for the underdog" and named Trump and Putin but argued that the government should invite the U.S. President for a visit. Australia last had a U.S. presidential visit from Barack Obama in 2014. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Trump in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 20, 2025. Sources: "Australia Sanctions Two Israeli Ministers for Inciting Violence against Palestinians." ABC News, 10 Jun. 2025. www.abc.net.au, https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-06-11/australia-to-sanction-two-israeli-ministers/105401564. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Petition EN7254 - Ban Trump from Australia." Parliament of Australia, https://www.aph.gov.au/e-petitions. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025. "Petition EN8418 - Invite President Donald Trump to Australia." Parliament of Australia, https://www.aph.gov.au/e-petitions. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025. "Petition Rules." Parliament of Australia, https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Petitions/House_of_Representatives_Petitions/Petition_Rules. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025. "President Trump Welcomes the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, to the White House. ." The White House, 20 Oct. 2025, https://www.whitehouse.gov/videos/president-trump-welcomes-the-prime-minister-of-australia-anthony-albanese-to-the-white-house-/. U. S. Embassy in Canberra. "Presidential Visits to Australia." U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Australia, 16 Oct. 2020, https://au.usembassy.gov/presidential-visits-to-australia/. Claim: In late October 2025, posts shared on social media showed a genuine news release announcing that U.S. President Donald Trump was selling pieces of the demolished White House East Wing on his website. Rating: Rating: Fake Following U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to demolish the East Wing of the White House in October 2025 in order to build a ballroom, posts spread online supposedly announcing that pieces of the East Wing would be available for sale on Trump's website. The claims were accompanied by an image of a purported news release: OWN A PIECE OF THE WHITE HOUSE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Washington, D.C. - Supporters can now own a piece of the White House through the East Wing Rubble Collection, available exclusively at TheTrumpStore.com. Each fist-sized fragment, preserved from the East Wing restoration, comes vacuum sealed with an official Certificate of Authenticity signed by Donald Trump's Autopen. Priced at $500 per piece, these historic keepsakes embody the strength, renewal, and enduring greatness of the American spirit. Users shared versions of the claim on Instagram, Facebook, Reddit and X, while Snopes readers wrote in asking us whether the announcement was real. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The posts were fake, however. As of this publication, there was no public information suggesting the sales campaign was real. We reached out to the White House to ask for comment on the matter and will update this story if we receive a reply. Reverse image searching with the image included alongside the posts revealed only social media posts making the claim not any reliable sources of information. The URL listed in the post, "TheTrumpStore.com," did not exist, and neither the Trump.com website nor the White House gift shop website was advertising pieces of the East Wing for sale. Searching for the exact wording used in the supposed news release also revealed no results. The post's general wording particularly, its mention of "Donald Trump's Autopen," seemingly a reference to claims Trump has made about pardons signed by former President Joe Biden gave the general appearance of satire. We could not definitively determine a satirical origin for the claim, however. Sources: Deng, Rae. "Biden May Have Signed Pardons with Autopen but That Doesn't Make Them Void, as Trump Claimed." Snopes, 17 Mar. 2025, https://www.snopes.com//news/2025/03/17/trump-void-pardons-biden-autopen/. A flyer two county employees said they were given outside a library tested positive for fentanyl, according to the Montgomery County Precinct 4 Constable's Office. The women reported experiencing shaky hands, dizziness and hot flashes about 30 minutes after touching the paper. However, the constable's office didn't say whether the paper is related to the symptoms reported by the women, and officials did not offer additional information on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AWARD WINNING: Margaritaville Lake Conroe wins 2025 Reader's Choice Award from ConventionSouth The women, whose identities were not released, told authorities they were at the RB Tullis Library on Tuesday when they were approached by a woman in the parking lot who handed them a damp, pink-tinted piece of paper, the constable's office stated in a news release. Details also were not provided on whether the women were also tested, nor how the fentanyl could have been ingested. Symptoms of exposure to opioids such as fentanyl, include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Possible overdose signs include small pupils, unconsciousness, slow breathing, and no breathing at all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Toxicology experts have disproven claims that fentanyl can be absorbed through the skin with casual exposure, according to UC Davis Health. "The one case in which fentanyl can be absorbed through the skin is with a special doctor-prescribed fentanyl skin patch, and even then, it takes hours of exposure," said Daniel Colby, assistant professor and co-medical director of the university's Department of Emergency Medicine, in a 2022 Q&A on the health center's website. The women brought the paper to the constable's office, where an evidence technician analyzed it. Testing of the paper indicated a positive result for fentanyl, the constable's office said. LAYOFFS: Amazon announces another round of layoffs impacting 14,000 corporate roles Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2018, the Harris County Sheriff's Office investigated a similar situation after reporting that a sergeant touched a flyer on her windshield and was subsequently hospitalized with fentanyl-like symptoms. While initial tests indicated fentanyl was found on the paper, further testing by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences found the flyers tested negative for the opioid. No arrests were made related to the Montgomery County case, and the incident is still under investigation. "We share this information not to alarm the community, but to raise public awareness," Precinct 4 officials said in a post on Facebook. "We urge everyone to exercise caution and avoid accepting items from unknown individuals in public settings. If you see something suspicious, please report it immediately." This article originally published at Fact check: Debunked fentanyl-laced paper fear resurfaces in new Montgomery County investigation. Did Mike Johnson storm out of the House of Representatives chamber after Rachel Maddow exposed his wife's secret LLC? No, that's not true: There is no evidence that the Speaker of the House stormed out of the chamber the MSNBC host aired an episode about his wife's secret LLC. There are no actual news reports of Johnson storming out of the House or about Maddow reporting on the existence of a secret LLC. The story, from a fake news site, was promoted by a Facebook page managed from Vietnam. The story appeared in an October 25, 2025 post on Facebook account @TheAnchorSquare (archived here). It opened: SHOCKING: Rachel Maddow shocked the nation by unveiling top-secret financial documents revealing that an LLC registered under Mike Johnson's wife's name may be linked to a shadowy chain of multi-million-dollar transactions. As the evidence flashed on screen, Johnson reportedly went pale, stood up, and left the room in utter silence -- leaving the entire chamber stunned. This is what the image in the post looked like on Facebook at the time of writing: Image source: Facebook account @TheAnchorSquare screenshot taken by Lead Stories The post has a link to a news article on a website that is filled with spam and popups and that presents text as images instead of text, which could thwart automated plagiarism detection tools. The article makes the same claims as the post, that Maddow revealed top-secret financial documents of an LLC run by Johnson's wife and that when he learned about the report on her television show he stormed out of the House of Representatives. There is no evidence offered, including clips from Maddow's show or video of Johnson from the floor of the House of Representatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lead Stories ran the article text through the the AI detection tools on GPTZero.me and the results said that snippet was 100% likely written by AI, as this screenshot shows: Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of GPTZero.me report. There are other variations of this claim using Rep. Jasmine Crockett as the one who "exposes" Johnson's wife's LLC, but this one on the YouTube account @EliteNostalgia writes in the comments it happened in a "fictional congressional hearing": The page transparency tab of "The Anchor Square" Facebook page indicates it is being managed from Vietnam as this screenshot shows: Image source: Facebook account @TheAnchorSquare screenshot taken by Lead Stories The Vietnam origin does not, in and of itself, prove the post is fake, but Lead Stories has in the weeks preceding this fact check, identified multiple false and ai-generated posts being used to generate traffic to accounts managed from Vietnam. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Had Johnson fled the House chamber after Maddow broadcast a story about his wife's secret LLC, it would have been major news. A Google search (archived here) found no actual news reports of Johnson's actions nor his wife's secret LLC. Similarly, the Yahoo! News index of partner news sites and news services (archived here) turned up no legitimate news reports that either the speaker or the TV personality had done anything of the sort. The gambling sector is showing a robust recovery, with Citigroup reporting that total gross gaming revenue (GGR) for the first 26 days of October may have reached approximately MOP20.4 billion. Average daily revenue for the week of October 2026 was about MOP793 million, with VIP lounge betting up 45-50% and mass market revenue rising 25-28%. In light of the stronger-than-expected performance, Citigroup has raised its October gambling revenue forecast from MOP22.5 billion to MOP23.5 billion. This revised estimate represents roughly 89% of October 2019 levels and a year-on-year increase of 13%. Assuming the remaining daily revenue for the month averages approximately MOP620 million, the market is set to maintain solid growth, the institution said. For Ben Lee of iGamix Management and Consulting Ltd, recent gaming forecasts closely align with the firms own projections. Macau always surprises in its ability to constantly reinvent itself, he noted. According to Lee, high-end gaming is no longer dominated by large corporate junket operators. Instead, independent junket agents previously intermediaries directing players to operators are now working on their own, driving VIP activity. The VIP segment now appears to be driven not by the large corporate junket operators that used to exist, but by what we call junket agents. These are the independent field agents that used to push players to the junket operators but are now working for themselves, he told the Times. The Times also questioned whether the market is hitting a plateau or merely pacing toward full recovery. Lee said the concept of a revenue ceiling is political, not market-driven, noting that authorities are more concerned with half-year and annual trends. After strong double-digit growth in late 2024, the first half of 2025 saw only low single-digit gains, suggesting any correction may emerge next year. Meanwhile, casino operators are experiencing a notable recovery in visitor demand, driven predominantly by mass and premium mass segments, according to Brian Arcese of Foord Asset Management. Over 90% of the market is Hong Kong and mainland Chinese visitors, he said in an interview with CNBC earlier this week, noting that GGR is growing at low double-digit to mid-teens rates. Since the renewal of gaming concessions two years ago, significant capital has been invested in non-gaming facilities by operators including Sands, Wynn, and Galaxy, all of which feature in Foords portfolios. Arcese emphasized that supply remains constrained, with limited hotel rooms and capacity for visitors. Mass demand, which is now 70% of the business, has returned to more or less pre-Covid levels, he said. The market has shifted sharply from a pre-pandemic model dominated by VIP junkets, which carried thin margins, to a mass-focused structure with premium customers. Margins on mass players are 10 times as high around 30% so even if GGR is smaller than it was previously, earnings are the same or higher, Arcese explained. Despite the growth in visitation and spending, stock valuations have yet to fully reflect the recovery, presenting what Foord describes as attractive investment opportunities in Macaus gaming sector at low-teens multiples. But the core customer in Macau is spending USD500 to USD1,000 a day in that premium mass segment. [] And theres a significant number of them that continue to come, he added. Like this: Like Loading... Claim: U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said, "The Democrats are required to open the government. They keep saying Republicans are in charge of the government. We arent. Not in the Senate. Sixty votes control the Senate, not a bare majority." Rating: Rating: Correct Attribution Context: Johnson made the remarks during a news conference on Oct. 27, 2025, as the federal government shutdown entered its 27th day. He was referring to the Senate's 60-vote threshold needed to advance most legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the federal government shutdown continued into its fourth week in late October 2025, social media users shared a video that appeared to show U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., saying Republicans are not "in charge of the government." To end the shutdown, the Senate must approve a bill previously passed by the House that would reopen the government. In the clip circulating online, Johnson is heard saying, "The Democrats are required to open the government. They keep saying Republicans are in charge of the government. We aren't." Some versions (archived here and here) included a longer quote in which he added, "Not in the Senate. Sixty votes control the Senate, not a bare majority." The Democratic Party also shared an X post (archived) highlighting Johnson's remarks and contrasting them with an earlier statement in which he purportedly acknowledged that Republicans control both chambers of Congress and the White House. Social media users correctly attributed the remarks to Johnson, who made them during a news conference on Oct. 27, 2025, as the shutdown entered its 27th day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson was referring to the Senate's 60-vote threshold needed to advance most legislation. Because Republicans hold only a simple majority in the Senate, they cannot get most legislation through without some Democratic support. In an ABC News livestream (archived) of the news conference, Johnson said Republicans need Democratic support to reopen the government, citing the Senate's 60-vote threshold and the GOP's 53 Senate seats. He continued (time code 1:27, emphasis ours): The Democrats are the ones voting repeatedly to shut down the government. But they're not opening it back up. They spent most of their time trying to distract the American people from the very simple truth. So I brought you a little visual aid here to just remind everybody what the simple facts are. Four simple facts here. The Democrats are required to open the government. They keep saying Republicans are in charge of the government. We aren't. Not in the Senate. 60 votes control the Senate, not a bare majority. And so point number one, Democrat votes are required to open the government. Johnson then made multiple claims about Senate Democrats' alleged demands for reopening the government, including, he said, "$200 billion in health benefits to illegal aliens and noncitizens paid for by U.S. taxpayers." Snopes previously debunked a claim that Democrats want to fund free health care for people without legal immigration status. Democrats are trying to extend tax credits that make some health insurance premiums more affordable, but immigrants who are in the country illegally are not eligible for these programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson previously acknowledged that Republicans control the White House and both chambers of Congress at a news conference (archived) on Oct. 22, as the Democratic Party highlighted on X. He said: On one side, you have the Republican party, the party that controls the White House, the Senate and the House. We call that unified government. It's the party that won the popular vote in every single swing state and made deep inroads with voters new to the Republican base. For further reading, we investigated a rumor claiming MSNBC host Rachel Maddow revealed Johnson's wife's ties to a hidden LLC suspiciously linked to multimillion-dollar transactions. Sources: United States Senate. "U.S. Senate: About Filibusters and Cloture | Historical Overview." Www.senate.gov, 2025, www.senate.gov/about/powers-procedures/filibusters-cloture/overview.htm. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025. ABC News. "LIVE: Speaker Mike Johnson Holds News Conference on Day 27 of Government Shutdown." YouTube, 27 Oct. 2025, www.youtube.com/watch?v=xY5kgF8THF4. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deng, Rae. "Democrats Didn't Shut down Government to Fund Health Care for 'Illegal Aliens.' Here's Context." Snopes, Snopes.com, 3 Oct. 2025, www.snopes.com/fact-check/government-shutdown-health-care/. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025. WSYX ABC 6. "Day 22: Speaker Johnson Holds Press Conference amid Federal Government Shutdown." YouTube, 22 Oct. 2025, www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lD1Krrk9a4. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025. Claim: In June 2024, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill, H.R.8070, that automatically registered all men aged 18-26 for the draft. Rating: Rating: Outdated Context: There was a provision to automatically register all men aged 18 and up to and including 25 for the draft in the proposed bill. However, it was removed from the final version that was signed into law on Dec. 23, 2024. Therefore, this claim is both false and outdated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every year, the U.S. military needs a new budget and Congress is in charge of writing the check. On June 14, 2024, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 8070, the National Defense Authorization Act for 2025. In the version of the bill the House proposed, one particular item has repeatedly stood out to numerous people online: that the bill would automatically register all males between the ages of 18 and 26 in the Selective Service System or, in more common terms, the military draft. For example, in late October 2025, one TikTok user posted a video with overlaid text reading: "BREAKING: U.SMILITARY DRAFT BILIJUST PASSED October 21, 2025." In the footage, the narrator said: "Yesterday, June 14th, 2024, the House of Representatives passed a defense bill that will automatically register young men ages 18 through 26 for the U.S. draft." The original House version of the bill did contain a provision that would automatically register all eligible men with the Selective Service: Except as otherwise provided in this title, every male citizen of the United States, and every other male person residing in the United States, between the ages of eighteen and twenty-six, shall be automatically registered under this Act by the Director of the Selective Service System. However, that provision was removed from the final version of the bill, H.R.5009, that was signed into law on Dec. 23, 2024. Therefore, we have rated this claim as outdated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Social media posts indicated that multiple people were confused about exactly what all this meant, so here's what you need to know about the legislation. 'Registering For Draft' Isn't the Same Thing as 'Getting Drafted' Under current U.S. law, anyone who was born a man and is currently aged 18 up to and including 25 is eligible and required to register for the draft. Once you turn 26, you are out of the draft. The U.S. military has not used that list of names to call people up for military service (i.e., drafted them) since the Vietnam War, but in the case that a draft is reinstated, the U.S. needs a list of everyone eligible for service to determine who will actually be called to serve. That list is maintained by the Selective Service System and theoretically contains every man eligible for service, between the ages of 18 and up to and including 25. When you register for the draft, you put your name on the U.S. government's list. That's it. After the military officially became a volunteer-only service in 1973, the draft was unlikely to be used again. Since the 1970s, the U.S. has maintained the Selective Service System and the draft list as a "break-glass-in-case-of-emergency" situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although nobody has been criminally punished for not registering since the 1980s, registering for the draft is a good idea. A law called the Thurmond Amendment, for instance, spells out that an eligible person must be registered for the draft in order to work for the government. In addition, many states still require eligible people to register in order to take out state-based student loans (this used to be required for federal loans as well, but that law was repealed in 2021). Given that most states automatically register men for the draft when they apply for a driver's license, the now-dropped provision in the bill could have been viewed as an effort to streamline the registration process by automating it on a national level instead of relying on a state-by-state basis. Provision didn't make it into the final law A brief Civics 101 refresher: In order for a bill to become a law, the majority of members in both the House of Representatives and the Senate must vote "yea" on the proposed legislation and then the president must sign it. In the case of H.R. 8070, only one of those things happened. The H.R. 8070 version of the bill that the Republican-controlled House passed on June 14, 2024, was chock-full of amendments likely to stop it from passing the Senate, controlled by the Democrats at the time, including bans on the money being used to provide abortion and gender-affirming care through the military's healthcare system, rollbacks on climate change protections and dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Senate Armed Services Committee approved a different version of the bill, but according to reporting from Politico in June 2024, it was unclear, at the time, when the whole Senate would vote on that version. The H.R. 5009 version eventually passed the Senate with an amendment by Voice Vote on Sept. 24, 2024. Former President Joe Biden signed it into law on Dec. 23 that year. In the end, according to a January 2025 non-partisan Congressional Research Service report, the automatic registration provision did not end up in the H.R. 5009 version that was signed into law. It read: "The enacted legislation does not include a provision for automatic registration, nor did it include a requirement for women to register." A few users online added a separate, but related claim: That under this bill, women would become eligible for the draft, as well. This is an idea that's been floated for decades. While there was a provision in the Senate's version of the bill that would require women to register for the draft, it too was removed from the final bill signed into law, as shown in the above quote. Sources: David, J. (2023). Text - H.R.5009 - 118th Congress (2023-2024): Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. Congress.gov. Available at: https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/5009/text. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Draft Cards." Selective Service System, https://www.sss.gov/history-and-records/draft-cards/. Accessed 17 June 2024. Elkind, Elizabeth. "House Passes Defense Bill Automatically Registering Men 18-26 for Draft." Fox News, 14 June 2024, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/house-passes-defense-bill-automatically-registering-men-draft. Induction Statistics : Selective Service System. https://www.sss.gov/history-and-records/induction-statistics/. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025. "National Coalition for Men, et al. v. Selective Service System, et Al." American Civil Liberties Union, https://www.aclu.org/cases/national-coalition-men-et-al-v-selective-service-system-et-al. Accessed 17 June 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "New Legislation Would Require Women, like Men, to Sign up for Potential Military Draft." ABC7 Chicago, 24 July 2021, https://abc7chicago.com/women-draft-military-senate-defense-bill-selective-service/10907316/. O'Brien, Connor. "House Republicans Narrowly Pass Defense Bill Loaded with Culture War Issues." Politico, 14 June 2024, https://www.politico.com/news/2024/06/14/house-republicans-narrowly-pass-defense-bill-loaded-with-culture-war-issues-00163453. "Perspective | The First Time the U.S. Considered Drafting Women 75 Years Ago." Washington Post, 21 Mar. 2019. www.washingtonpost.com, https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2019/03/21/first-time-us-considered-drafting-women-years-ago/. Rogers, Mike. Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. H.R.8070, https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/8070. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SASC Completes Markup of National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 | United States Senate Committee on Armed Services. 14 June 2024, https://www.armed-services.senate.gov/press-releases/sasc-completes-markup-of-national-defense-authorization-act-for-fiscal-year-2025. Selective Service | 2021-2022 Federal Student Aid Handbook. https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/fsa-handbook/2021-2022/vol1/ch5-selective-service. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025. Selective Service Acts | History, Significance, & Facts | Britannica. 11 May 2024, https://www.britannica.com/event/Selective-Service-Acts. "State-Commonwealth Legislation." Selective Service System, https://www.sss.gov/register/state-commonwealth-legislation/. Accessed 17 June 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steinhauer, Jennifer. "Senate Votes to Require Women to Register for the Draft." The New York Times, 15 June 2016. NYTimes.com, https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/15/us/politics/congress-women-military-draft.html. "The All-Volunteer Armed Forces." Army University Press, https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/Military-Review/English-Edition-Archives/January-February-2022/King-All-Volunteer-1977/. Accessed 17 June 2024. "Women." Selective Service System, https://www.sss.gov/register/women/. Accessed 17 June 2024. Does a viral video authentically portray the October 2025 Louvre robbery in Paris, France? No, that's not true: The clip is not authentic CCTV footage. The details of the scene in the viral video did not match the specific Louvre gallery where the theft took place. Additionally, French media reported that at least one of the robbers was wearing a yellow vest, while the vests worn by the two human figures in the video were orange. The claim appeared in a video (archived here) published on Threads on October 23, 2025, under the following caption: Video de surveillance du braquage a Paris. As translated by DeepL, it reads: Surveillance video of the robbery in Paris. This is what the clip looked like on Threads at the time of writing: Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of post at threads.com/@fukunomoto The video had a geotag pointing to the Louvre Museum in Paris, France. It was a repost from an account on TikTok that initially published it on October 22, 2025, but was later deleted, days after the daylight Louvre break-in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A press release (archived here) issued by the French Ministry of Culture offered details used to debunk this video: The thieves made their way to the Apollo Gallery, where crown jewels were on display, and proceeded to steal eight objects; one more item was later recovered by the authorities. The appearance of the gallery in the video reviewed in this fact check did not match the visuals from the Louvre website (archived here) and the museum's YouTube channel (archived here). In particular, we can see that the walls in the clip appear gray and smooth, while the walls of the Gallery are, in reality, heavily ornamented with wainscoting, chair rails, mantels, casings and baseboard and crown moldings, all in gold and yellow colors. The behavior of the supposed robbers, as shown in the viral clip also raises questions: They only break several protective glass barriers covering the jewels, but take nothing and run away. On top of it, the location in the video lacks the paintings described in detail on the museum's website: Le Brun decorated the gallery's vaulted ceiling with paintings of Apollo driving his chariot across the sky. Those along the central axis show the sun god's journey, marking the different times of the day from Dawn to Night. These are surrounded by a whole cosmos of images and symbols of everything that is influenced by variations in the sun's light and heat (the hours, days, months, seasons, signs of the zodiac and continents). The 'Gallery of Apollo', with its lavish carved and painted decoration, gave visual form to the sun's power over the whole universe, magnifying the glory of the Sun King. ... The gallery's decoration was not completed until two centuries later, in 1850, under the direction of architect Felix Duban. To decorate the centre of the ceiling, Delacroix was commissioned for a 12-metre wide painting; the result, Apollo Slaying the Serpent Python, is a manifesto of French Romanticism. The wall decoration was also completed, with portrait tapestries of 28 monarchs and artists who had built and embellished the Louvre palace over the centuries. This is what the Louvre's Apollo Gallery looks like in real life: Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of video by the Louvre channel on YouTube.com The floor in the clip from social media looks different, too. At first, it demonstrates a typical strip flooring pattern: Screenshot 2025-10-28 at 12.16.36 PM.png (Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of post at threads.com/@fukunomoto) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then -- only seconds later, as the supposed robbers turn around, preparing to leave the scene -- the same spot suddenly displays vast scratches, which is not a realistic scenario: Screenshot 2025-10-28 at 12.16.20 PM.png (Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of post at threads.com/@fukunomoto) The appearance of one of the robbers is no less problematic, either. In one of the keyframes, that person lacks a face, hands and feet while seeming to have four anatomically incorrect legs: Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of post at threads.com/@fukunomoto As reported by the BBC (archived here), the theft revealed that, unlike other major French museums, the Louvre had an old surveillance system that did not have enough cameras. Yet, some videos of the heist did emerge and were broadcast by major media outlets. One of them captured the thieves escaping the scene, but that clip showed the museum's exteriors. As reported by France 24 (archived here), it was recorded by security guards. However, that video was shot from the street and captured the moment of escape, not the museum's interiors: Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of video by France 24 English on YouTube.com The France 24 report, whose screenshot can be seen above, continued with an interview of a person working for another French outlet, Le Parisien. That man was said to have seen the authentic CCTV footage from the Louvre, which, despite the shortage of cameras, seemed to have captured at least some of the heist. The man said at least one of the robbers wore a vest that was yellow. Later, when on October 26, 2025, the Office of Paris Prosecutor (archived here) informed the public that the arrests were made in this case, Le Parisien (archived here) reported that genetic material from the yellow vest was one of the things that helped identify one of the suspects taken into custody. In the clip reviewed in this article, both people were seen in vests, but their color was orange. Fairburn City Councilmember Samantha Hudson is facing impeachment proceedings after sharing a confidential email related to an Equal Employment Opportunity complaint against her. They want me gone. Im a troublemaker. It disrupts the status quo, Hudson told Channel 2s Investigative Reporter Justin Gray. The controversy began when Hudson posted the email online, which informed her that she was the subject of a complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Fairburn City Council is now tasked with deciding whether her actions constitute transparency or an impeachable offense. Hudson doesnt hide the fact that she is a thorn in the side of both elected and unelected leadership at city hall, sending lots of emails, phone calls open records requests and even lawsuits. To be perfectly honest, the citizens elected me for this very reason, she said. Her conduct alone has gone far beyond the legitimate oversight. It has created a toxic and destabilizing atmosphere in the city hall, said Mayor Mario Averys attorney, Charles Brant. Avery alleges that Hudson harassed the city clerk and violated city code by releasing the confidential email informing her that she was the subject of a formal Equal Employment Opportunity complaint by the clerk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms. Hudson was clearly made aware the city code says she cannot share confidential information. She made that very clear she was not going to comply, Avery said. The citys ethics board has already voted in favor of holding an impeachment hearing. On Wednesday, Hudson appeared before a Fulton County judge, asking for an order blocking Thursday nights impeachment hearing. The ruling on that is still pending. Hudson defended her decision to share the email, claiming it was a matter of public interest. This is a dangerous precedent that anyone who speaks out and uses their First Amendment right in an elected seat, if that speech is not favored, then they can be kicked out of office. This is a constitutional issue at this point, she argued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A city spokesperson released a statement, saying, The City remains committed to conducting this process with full transparency, integrity, and adherence to due process under the City Charter and Georgia law. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A Polish woman who claimed to be Madeleine McCann broke down as she told jurors there was a 50:50 chance that she was the missing girl. Julia Wandelt, 24, became emotional after being asked three times if she still believed herself to be the girl who went missing from Portugal in 2007. She answered neither yes or no, adding that she could not be sure until being shown official paperwork. Ms Wandelt is on trial for allegedly stalking Kate and Gerry McCann by sending emails, calling the couple and turning up at their address between June 2022 and February this year, while peddling the myth that she was Madeleine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Giving evidence for the third day at Leicester Crown Court on Wednesday, she was asked for the first time whether she still believed herself to be Madeleine. After initially refusing to say yes or no to prosecutor Michael Duck KC, she said: Its neither yes nor no. Im 50:50. If I received the entire paperwork I would accept it. Julia Wandelt was in tears as she refused to admit she was not Madeleine McCann - Elizabeth Cook/PA Media Ms Wandelt, from Lubin in south-west Poland, said it would be very easy to provide her with official documents that prove her identity either way. If Im not her, I would like to see the documents, she added. However, the court heard police had contacted Ms Wandelt in April with evidence that conclusively proved she was not Madeleine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Duck asked Ms Wandelt what evidence what further evidence would satisfy her. She became emotional and started crying as she said: An investigation into what happened to me. Why am I here? Madeleine McCann went missing in Portugal in 2007 - Real Madrid TV It was the first time in the trial Ms Wandelt had been forced to address who she believed she was. She also told jurors she had concerns for her safety ever since going public with the belief she was Madeleine even claiming someone slipped something in her drink while she was in prison days before her trial. I have been concerned about my safety since I started my journey and told my story, she said. Even in prison, a few days before my trial, someone slipped something in my drink and the officers didnt want to help. Julia Wandelt denies stalking Kate and Gerry McCann - Joe Giddens/PA Archive Ms Wandelt began her public campaign with her claim of being Madeleine in 2023, when she created an Instagram account with the handle @iammadeleinemccan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She previously told the court she had received abuse from members of the public and had been told there was a bounty on my head. I dont know if it was a joke but someone did this, she said, I was getting a lot of hate, people wishing I would die. She told the court she still did not know who I am and said someone still needed to finally investigate my claims properly. Ms Wandelt and Karen Spragg, her 61-year-old codefendant of Caerau Court Road in Caerau, Cardiff, deny stalking. The trial continues. 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. The death of a Fall River man involved in a shooting with police in July was ruled a suicide by the states Chief Medical Examiners Office, officials said on Wednesday afternoon. An investigation by the Massachusetts State Police found that the man, 38-year-old Domonick Knight, fired his gun first at police who were involved in an hours-long standoff at his home on July 15, according to Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinns Office. An autopsy determined that Knight died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The investigation remains ongoing, and no other details were released by the district attorney on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said at the time that Knight was experiencing a mental health crisis, and body camera footage released by Fall River police showed the incident. Knight shot at officers from the top of a set of stairs less than 30 seconds after police entered his home through the front door. Rapid gunfire was exchanged, and within minutes, police could be seen finding him on the floor on the second-floor landing and heard calling for medical aid. Fall River police responded to a duplex at 117 Langley St. shortly before 1:40 a.m. after receiving multiple 911 calls from Knights relatives reporting that he was experiencing a mental health crisis, authorities said. His relatives said he was expressing intent to harm himself and had a gun. After arriving at the home, officers secured the scene and evacuated the homes other residents, as well as those living on the other side of the duplex, police said. A trained crisis negotiator arrived at the scene around 2:25 a.m. and repeatedly tried to communicate with Knight via phone, text and a loudspeaker, but he did not respond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After nearly an hour of unsuccessful attempts to communicate with Knight, officers decided to enter the home to try to speak with him, police said. Fall River polices Emergency Services Unit went into the home via the front door around 3:15 a.m. and quickly noticed movement at the top of the stairs. As officers stood in the doorway, Knight began shooting at them from the second-floor landing, police said. Officers then fired back at him from the entryway while moving out of the way of the gunfire. Body camera footage showed police yelling at Knight to come down the stairs before deciding to use a flash-bang when he did not respond. Police then yelled at him, telling him not to move while climbing the stairs. Officers can be seen finding Knight lying on the floor of the landing with a handgun in his hand and a short-barreled rifle underneath him. They can be heard quickly calling for medical services as they put him in handcuffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Knight was rushed to a local hospital, where he was later declared dead. More News Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Jaclyn McKenna wipes away tears as details of the 2007 murder of her mother Cynthia McKenna are discussed at a press conference at the Rhode Island Office of Attorney General on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. (Photo by Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current) Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha informed lawmakers in May 2024 that his newly formed cold case unit had effectively solved two unsolved homicides and had expected to share the findings of its investigations within six weeks. Six weeks turned into a year and a half. But on Wednesday, Neronha finally delivered results and closure but no arrests for the families of Debra Stone and Cynthia McKenna. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These cases are not related, other than in the sense that the finality that all of us in law enforcement hope to bring to victims that have been long delayed, Neronha told a dozen reporters gathered at a conference room at his South Main Street office in Providence Wednesday morning. We are delivering that finality today. The two cases, both involving the deaths of white women, are the first to be cleared from the more than 150 unsolved homicides the four-person unit has reviewed since 2023. Funding was included in the states fiscal 2024 budget and has since been supplemented by a $500,000 federal grant. Until the unit formed, the state lacked coordination between prosecutors and law enforcement agencies in investigating unsolved homicides and missing person cases. The body of Stone, 24, was found by a group of youths boating in the Narrow River in Narragansett on Sept. 2, 1984. She was wrapped in a floral sleeping bag, tied with rope, and anchored with a cement cinderblock. The state medical examiner determined that the cause of death was asphyxiation by strangulation. McKenna, 49, was found dead by a family member inside her North Providence apartment on Feb. 21, 2007. The state medical examiner said the cause of death was asphyxiation due to blocked airways. She was found in her bed tightly tucked under bed linens with two pillows over her face. Police said she had been gagged with a sock in her mouth and had tissues in her nostrils. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two women died 23 years apart, but there are some similarities between their homicide cases. Local police quickly identified a prime suspect in both killings each a man with the first name Robert only for their investigations to stall. In McKennas case, it was due to limited DNA technology. For Stones, it was because of questions about an informants credibility following a failed polygraph test. Assistant Attorney General James Baum, the head of the states cold case unit, presents the findings from the units first public reports on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. (Photo by Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current) Assistant Attorney General Jim Baum, who leads the cold case unit, told a crowd of reporters that time ultimately proved key to solving the cases. Over the past two years, the unit reinterviewed numerous witnesses and, in McKennas case, secured confirmable DNA evidence to confirm police were indeed on the right track during their initial investigations. We conclude that Robert Geremia murdered Debra Stone on Aug. 29, 1984. We concluded that Robert Corry killed Cynthia McKennaon or about Feb. 19, 2007, he said. Geremia, who was known to be involved with drug distribution in New York City and had potential mob ties, died of natural causes in 1995. He was 43. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Corry, a former U.S. Marine who served in the Persian Gulf War, died in 2014 at the age of 52. A daughters unending grief Jaclyn McKenna wiped her eyes as Baum reviewed details of her mothers death. But she told reporters shes glad to know theres finally some accountability even if her mothers killer is now dead. For 18 years, eight months and nine days, I have mourned my mother, Cindy, Jaclyn McKenna told reporters after an hourlong presentation. And although my journey for justice may have wavered, it never stopped. Jaclyn prefers to remember her mom as the person who always packed her a brown bag lunch, took her shopping and out for birthday ice creams at Friendlys and feeding ducks at the park. McKennas case had been included as Five of Clubs in a deck of Rhode Island cold case playing cards published in December 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators in 2007 had quickly zeroed in on Corry, who had a very confrontational relationship with McKenna, according to the cold case units report. McKenna had filed domestic violence charges against Corry in 2005, but they were dismissed after McKenna failed to appear in court. Police could never determine Corrys exact whereabouts around the time of McKennas death. Another lead surfaced after investigators intercepted letters Corry wrote in late 2007 confessing to the murder to an inmate at the Adult Correctional Institution in Cranston. A handwriting analysis only showed the letter was a probable match to Corry, according to the report. Police tried to obtain a DNA match from an envelope used to mail one of the letters, but Corrys profile was not in the FBIs Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) database. Rhode Island began putting DNA samples into CODIS around 2004 and the database has grown more and more robust over time. The number of DNA profiles in CODIS from people convicted of any felony or crime of violence in Rhode Island grew from 7,800 in 2008 to now over 27,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In April 2024, cold case investigators obtained the DNA of a male member of Corrys family from a bottle discarded in the trash. It was used to produce a Y-STR profile, which focuses on the Y chromosome. A man and his brothers will have the same Y-STR profile as their biological sons, their father and their fathers father. In July 2024, the Rhode Island Department of Health determined that the Y-STR profile detected from the envelope was consistent with the profile of Corrys relative. Though grateful to state investigators, Jaclyn said her heart is far from mended. The truth does not magically bring her back, she said. I will forever grieve her loss. Her life mattered and always will. Journalists and attorneys crowd a conference room at the Rhode Island Attorney Generals South Main Street office in Providence as officials announce the cold case units findings. (Photo by Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current) Ive been waiting for you Stone was last seen by witnesses the night of Aug. 28, 1984, when she had gone to a Johnston apartment complex to see Geremia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Narragansett police say Geremia confirmed Stone had stopped by his apartment asking to barter a stolen watch for drugs, which he claimed not to have. He said he drove her back to her apartment in Cranston. Other witnesses interviewed then claimed to have seen Stone alive as of Aug. 30, 1984. Because of these supposed later sightings of Debraand because investigators were able to corroborate Geremias statements that (1) Debra took a cab to his apartment and (2) she had a stolen watch with her they did not consider Geremia to be a suspect at the time, a report released by the cold case unit Wednesday states. That changed in 1986 when an informant told police he had helped move Stones body out of Geremias apartment and dump it into the Narrow River. The informant had also corroborated evidence that was not disclosed to the public. Baum called the informant a credible witness. But police at the time did not consider him one, ultimately ending their relationship with him after he failed a polygraph exam even as he agreed to do another. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We could not find a reason why we stopped using that major informant, Baum said. So there was no activity. The Narragansett Police Department reopened the case in 2019, eventually teaming up with the AGs new cold case unit after its formation in 2023. In 2024, Baum said they managed to track down the informant who remained cooperative. The first thing he said to us when he went to his door was, Ive been waiting for you, Baum said. And despite the passage of time, Baum said the informants statements, along with separate ones made by his then-girlfriend, remained consistent and thus provided sufficient evidence beyond a reasonable doubt that Geremia murdered Stone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stones family was not present for Wednesdays press conference, but Neronha said they were aware of the units findings. Narragansett Police Detective James Wass, thanked the AGs office for finally bringing a sense of closure. Forty-one years is a long time to wait for answers, Wass said. Col. Alfredo Ruggiero Jr., the North Providence police chief, speaks about the Cynthia McKenna case during the press conference on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. (Photo by Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current) Aspirational timelines Neronha admitted he acted prematurely when he went public about being close to solving the two cases in his testimony before the Senate Finance Committee on May 8, 2024. State House. He said he has had minimal involvement with the cold case unit but had wanted to push the team to make progress. A lot of the timelines I am trying to establish are aspirational, he told Rhode Island Current after the press conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reality of solving cold cases requires a lot of leg work in tracking down past witnesses for new interviews and waiting for labs to confirm forensic tests, Neronha said. Since its establishment, the cold case unit has identified more than 150 cases. The team is actively investigating 21 homicides. The unit is awaiting forensic genealogy results on three cases, Baum told reporters. Most cases, Buam said, involve women. He declined to state other demographics. Cold cases [unit] does not discriminate, Baum told reporters. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Three years after the death of Shanquella Robinson, her family and legal team say they are still waiting for justice. The 25-year-old woman died in October 2022 while vacationing in Mexico. An autopsy conducted in Mexico reported she had suffered a severe spinal cord injury and atlas luxation. Robinson, who had traveled to the Baja Peninsula with a group of friends, was reported to have suffered injuries after allegedly getting drunk and hurting herself. However, a disturbing video that later surfaced contradicted these claims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mexican prosecutors said they were able to identify one of the people Robinson was traveling with as the direct aggressor. In 2024, Robinsons family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the six friends who traveled with her, a group known as the Cabo Six. PREVIOUS: Stomped on: FBI documents reveal new details in Shanquella Robinson case The lawsuit accuses the group of battery, negligence, and conspiracy. The family is pushing for the case to be heard in the United States. On Wednesday, attorneys Ben Crump and Sue-Ann Robinson released the following statement urging federal authorities to take action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three years have passed since Shanquellas life was taken, yet her family still waits for justice. The fact that no criminal charges have been brought in the United States is not only heartbreaking but unacceptable. Shanquellas loved ones have endured three years of silence, delays, and denials, and still they stand, demanding the accountability their daughter deserves. The attorneys also called on the FBI to release more information about the case, saying, We continue to call on the United States to do what is right, for the FBI to release information on this case so that Shanquellas family might have some sense of closure. Shanquellas life mattered, and her legacy will continue to drive the fight for truth, transparency, and justice. This is a Developing Story . Check back for updates MORE FROM QCNEWS.COM Continuing Coverage 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. A municipality in a south-western German region that was home to the paternal grandfather of Donald Trump has rejected a request by a far-right party to make the US president an honorary citizen. The anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) had submitted its request on the grounds that Trump's grandfather Friedrich grew up in Kallstadt, a small community in the Bad Durkheim district to the south of Frankfurt, before he emigrated to the United States in 1885. The party also cited Trump's efforts in bringing about peace in the Middle East in its call for Trump to be given honorary citizenship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But following lengthy debate, the Bad Durkheim council rejected the motion, with district administrator Hans-Ulirch Ihlenfeld noting that Trump's ties to the area are thin. However, for someone to be made an honorary citizen, nominees need to display outstanding commitment to the good of the region over a longer period of time. United Kingdom farmers have been shocked by the extremely dry weather that has had a significant effect on their crops, as reported by the BBC. The poor crop yields in the U.K. have happened when the world market had an abundance of grain, so prices have dropped and are causing farmers to struggle. "The prices are as low as they've been for about 10 years, so it's been a real struggle for arable farmers," said Patrick Lynn, whose family's farming roots in Nottinghamshire go back to 1930. What's happening? The weather in the U.K. has been extremely dry, and the National Farmers' Union has reported significantly lower crop yields. This spring was one of the driest in the country, and several regions have experienced extended periods of drought. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lynn explained that the region has had less than half of the normal rainfall in an already dry region. The previous autumn, farmers had the opposite problem, and they lost their crops to widespread flooding caused by a large storm. Why is the situation for UK farmers important? As our planet continues to overheat, the conditions are impacting crops and farmers who rely on them for their livelihoods as well as the global food supply. The situation in Nottinghamshire is not isolated. Similar weather-related events are affecting crops around the world. It's not just farmers who are impacted. When crops are depleted, supply chains are disrupted. When supply does not meet demand, food prices go up. Ecosystems are also threatened. Extreme weather events are increasing in severity and frequency, and our rapidly overheating planet, which has been exacerbated by human actions and inaction, has contributed to the problem. Whether it is flooding, drought conditions, hurricanes, or wildfires, these changes in weather are linked to the changes in our climate. What's being done about the struggling farmers in the UK? While some regions in the U.K. are thriving with better-than-expected crop yields, other farmlands are experiencing lower quality and yields. The changing weather conditions each season are unpredictable, so farmers are struggling in less-than-ideal conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We can all make small changes to reduce our impact on the environment to limit extreme weather events that are linked to the changes in our climate. Lynn told the BBC that the situation has been "a bit of a shocker." Global improvement will require individual adjustment. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. China signed an expanded version of a free trade agreement yesterday with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, with Premier Li Qiang pitching expanded economic ties with Beijing as an alternative to the protectionist policies of U.S. President Donald Trump. Li Qiang told an ASEAN-China summit meeting after the signing that closer cooperation could help overcome global economic uncertainties. He said pursuing confrontation instead of solidarity brings no benefit in the face of economic coercion and bullying, in a swipe at the U.S. Unity is strength, he said, citing remarks by President Xi Jinping made during a Southeast Asia visit earlier this year. His remarks were met with skepticism by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., whose country has clashed with China over competing claims in the South China Sea, as have other ASEAN nations. Marcos welcomed the expanded trade pact, but stressed that this cooperation cannot exist alongside coercion. Pact could ease already-booming regional trade The signing of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area 3.0 came on the final day of the annual ASEAN summit and related meetings and was witnessed by Li Qiang and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is serving as ASEAN chair this year. Its the third revision of the long-standing agreement, which was first signed in 2002, and came into force in 2010. The free trade area covers a combined market of more than 2 billion people and lowers tariffs on goods and boosting flows of services and investment. Two-way trade has surged from $235.5 billion in 2010 to nearly $1 trillion last year. ASEAN and China are each others top trading partners. Li stressed mutual reliance between China and ASEAN members Brunei, Cambodia, East Timor, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, calling them good neighbors and good brothers that are close in geography, culture and sentiment. Unilateralism and protectionism have seriously impacted the global economic and trade order, while external forces are increasing their interference in the region many countries have been unreasonably subjected to high tariffs, he said. By relying on each other and coordinating our actions, we can safeguard our legitimate rights and interests. Southeast Asian political analyst Bridget Welsh said the upgraded pact would benefit both sides, especially in the areas of supply chains and sustainability. It also speaks to a global reality that non-U.S. countries are coming together to strengthen trade relationships for their prosperity as a recoupling with the U.S. is ongoing, she said, ASEAN juggles relationships with China and US The prospect of a deepening trade conflict between China and the U.S. has risked weakening economic growth worldwide. Trump at the ASEAN summit on Sunday announced new economic details with Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, though all countries are still subject to new tariffs he has brought in. Anwar stressed at the ASEAN meeting with China that the bloc seeks friendly relations with all countries. The day before we were with President Donald Trump of the United States of America, and today we are back with China, he said. And that reflects ASEAN centrality. This is what we consider steady engagement that fosters trust that enables us to work through challenges together. There were signs that tensions between the U.S. and China were cooling ahead of a planned meeting between Trump and Xi in South Korea on Thursday. Top negotiators from each country said a trade deal was coming together, which could prevent a potentially damaging confrontation between the worlds two largest economies. Officials said the ASEAN-China free trade agreement is expected to broaden integration across the region by covering new areas such as digital trade, the green economy, sustainability and support for small and medium-sized enterprises, which make up the majority of ASEAN businesses. The agreement is designed to make trade benefits more accessible, improve market entry for smaller players, streamline nontariff procedures and lower regulatory barriers. Territorial tensions remain Marcos said the pact could help modernize trade practices and enable both sides to better respond to emerging economic challenges, but urged China to commit to cooperation and meaningful engagement, especially in the South China Sea. Marcos said it was regrettable that Philippine vessels and aircraft continue to face dangerous actions and harassment in the South China Sea. He reiterated Manilas objections to Beijings plan to establish a nature reserve over a hotly disputed shoal in the area. Actions like these cannot hide under the veneer of marine environmental protection because they have no legal basis or effect, blatantly disregard international law, and infringe on the Philippines sovereignty, he said. Still, Marcos added that Manila would continue to engage constructively with China to manage differences. ASEAN members Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei along with Taiwan have overlapping claims with China, which asserts sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea. Chinese and Philippine vessels have repeatedly clashed in the vital sea trade route. In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiaku on Monday accused the Philippines of deliberate infringements and provocations at sea, blaming Manila for escalating tensions. Welsh, the analyst, said regional officials treat the South China Sea dispute as a separate track from security ties and dont expect it to impact economic ties with China. In his remarks closing the summit, Anwar said that there had been consensus for engagement, with Li Qiang agreeing that the Code of Conduct negotiations should be accelerated. All agreed that this region should not be an area of contestation of superpowers, Anwar said. EILEEN NG & DAVID RISING, KUALA LUMPUR, MDT/AP Like this: Like Loading... A fashion photographer died after being doored by a Nissan Maxima as he rode an e-bike in Queens, police said Wednesday. Jose Luis Mora died Oct. 11, nearly three weeks after the crash in South Richmond Hill, cops said. Mora, 56, was riding west on 103rd Ave. when a 30-year-old man behind the wheel of a 2011 Nissan Maxima parked near 117th St. threw open the drivers-side door about 4:20 p.m. on Sept. 21. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim slammed into the door, was thrown from his e-bike and landed on the asphalt, cops said. He was rushed to Jamaica Hospital, where he died 20 days later. The driver has not been charged. Mora, a Brooklyn native, lived in Ozone Park and had two children, Jazriel Mora and Joel Mora, and three grandchildren. One of his greatest joys in life was being a father, his obituary reads. Among his most cherished memories were the joyful moments shared with his daughter, Jazriel from the days she loved styling his hair and playfully putting makeup on him, to the proud and unforgettable moment of standing by her side on her Sweet 16. He held close the memories of camping trips with his son, Joel, particularly a memorable journey for Joels 21st birthday that stood out in his heart. Joses pride in his family was evident; he often spoke highly of their accomplishments, which filled him with immense pride. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moras children spoke lovingly of their father and shared the pain of his loss at a funeral service held in Orlando, Fla., on Saturday. That is a memory I want to believe never happened, a memory that will always feel like a nightmare, a memory I wish I could change, his daughter said of the crash. All I have of him are those memories and so many other moments in between and behind the scenes that I will hold onto forever. I love my dads life and he deserved to keep living it. He was always the life of the party, Moras son said in his eulogy. He had the foosball table, he had the dart board. Wed play chess, video games, it didnt matter. Hed have fun with anything. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I remember one time, I was 13 or 14 years old, Id woken up and he was ready for the day, he added. I said, Dad, Im so tired. He handed me a drink and said, Here, drink this real fast. It was a shot of whiskey. He said, Oh dont worry, that will give you some hair on your chest. Moras career as a fashion photographer earned him the respect of his clients. For over 20 years, Jose dedicated his life to the fashion industry, his obituary says. He was always found behind the camera, capturing the beauty of his subjects with passion and precision. His commitment to his work was evident, often keeping him at his desk late into the night. (It) was a testament to the deep relationships he built with his clients, many of whom considered him more than just a business partner but a dear friend, the obit adds. Joses vibrant personality was complemented by his good sense of humor, competitive spirit, and a unique ability to embrace positivity, even in the face of challenges. He was never afraid to speak his mind, and his calm demeanor made him an anchor for those around him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A true New Yorker at heart, he had a profound love for his city, which provided him with endless inspiration, the obit continued. Word of Moras death comes two days after a 26-year-old bicyclist died after also being doored in Queens. Cristian Villafuerte Vasquez was pedaling north on 108th St. near 38th Ave. in Corona around 6:40 p.m. Monday when the owner of a BMW 320i opened his drivers-side door as he exited his vehicle, cops said. Vasquez suffered a severe head injury when he hit the pavement and was rushed to Elmhurst Hospital, where he died a short time later. No criminal charges were immediately filed against the driver, police said. Perez is set to become the World Zionist Organization chair as part of a power-sharing rotation between World Mizrachi and Yesh Atid, which will take charge in the second half of the term. World Mizrachi CEO Rabbi Doron Perez is set to become the new chairman of the World Zionist Organization, in a power-sharing rotation with Yesh Atid in the second half of the term, according to proposed World Zionist Congress coalition agreements. Leadership of KKL-JNF is set to be split between Yesh Atid and the Likud, in another rotation. Yesh Atid MK Meir Cohen is set to be the chairman of the Jewish National Fund, ending his service as a member of the Knesset in the coming weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perez was featured prominently in the opening World Zionist Congress ceremony on Tuesday night, wielding a torch in memory of his son, Capt. Daniel Perez, who fell defending kibbutzim from the Hamas-led October 7 massacre. The tribute to honor fallen soldiers saw four torchbearers opening proceedings, with the final carried by Perez in recognition of his work and his familys experience. Rabbi Doron Perez and the loss of his son Perezs story has resonated as a symbol of resilience and Zionist ideals since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas War. Another son, Yonatan, was wounded the same day fending off Hamas attacks. Daniels body was taken hostage and was only returned in a ceasefire deal and buried on October 15. The pain of the Perez family has been public, but despite the suffering, in a March interview, the World Mizrachi CEO called for a departure from blame politics and called for Israeli and Diaspora politics to focus on fostering healing and rebuilding. Rabbi Doron Perez holding a photograph of his son, Capt. Daniel Perez, who fell on October 7. (credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM) During the WZC election, Perez explained the role that the National Institutions played toward education, which he said was important for his movement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perez also argued in the March interview with The Jerusalem Post that the WZC elections and bodies should be more than just reflections of Israeli politics. There were some issues in Israel that caused division between Israel and the Diaspora, and he didnt feel it was wise for the WZO or other national institutions to take a position on matters such as the judicial reform. Sources within negotiation parties had initially indicated that Perez had been favored for head of the Keren Hayesod organization. Cohen said that he would continue to support the Yesh Atid Party, as opposition leader Yair Lapid congratulated him in the new elections. KKL-JNF controls millions of dunams of land in Israel, and wields millions in shekels for conservation, education, and development work. WZO Vice Chairman and Mercaz representative Dr. Yizhar Hess congratulated Perez and all the others selected to lead the National Institutions, stating that the coalition agreement reflected the will of the voters who elected this Zionist Congress and positions us to continue working at the National Institutions to address the challenges facing Israel and the Jewish people: rebuilding after October 7, promoting unity and pluralism, combating antisemitism, and standing up for democracy and equality in Israeli society. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The FBI El Paso Field Office is participating in the first-of-its-kind Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF), a nationwide initiative targeting criminal organizations. The FBI and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) are leading efforts to target cartels, foreign terrorist organizations, and transnational gangs whose list of crimes includes homicide, kidnapping, human trafficking, extortion, and smuggling drugs across U.S. borders, according to a news release by the FBI El Paso. Your FBI and our partners are united behind one common goal: protecting the American people, Jarod Brown, special agent in charge of the FBI El Paso Field Office, said. In just the past seven months, FBI El Paso made 75 arrests and was the first FBI office to successfully indict subjects working for Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG) utilizing the new Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) designation. With the help of our Mexican law enforcement partners the subjects were arrested and charged with providing material support to an FTO. Criminals: we wont allow our citizens to become your next victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the FBI El Paso, the task force rallies dozens of federal agencies as well as state and local partners across the nation. The El Paso HSTF includes the following law enforcement partners: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) United States Marshals Service (USMS) United States Border Patrol (USBP) United States Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) El Paso County Sheriffs Office (EPCSO) 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 KTSM 9 News. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a recall by E.A. Sween Company of its popular Deli Express BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich, regularly sold at Walmart, after discovering that some products may contain small plastic fragments. The recall affects products with UPC 0-41433-13087-2 and several specific lot codes, which are listed below. The sandwiches were sold between Jan. 16 and Oct. 23, 2025, in convenience stores and grocery and mass retail outletsincluding Walmartacross the continental U.S., Hawaii, and Guam. E.A. Sween Company issued the voluntary recall out of an abundance of caution after plastic particles were found in some sandwiches. While there have been no reports of injuries or illnesses, swallowing plastic could cause choking or other health risks, and consumers are advised not to eat the sandwiches at this time. How To Identify the Recalled Meat Products Consumers can identify the affected sandwiches by the lot codes listed below, which can be found on the product packaging: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 1915013, 1915020, 1915024, 1915051, 1915065, 1915071, 1915093, 1915104, 1915114, 1915135, 1915140, 1915148, 1915169, 1915218, 1915226, 1915232, 1915254, 1915288, 1915301. Images of the packaging and labels can be found on the FDA website. What To Do if You Have the Recalled Meat Product Retailers have been instructed to remove affected products from store shelves and inventory immediately. If you have already purchased one of the recalled sandwiches, do not eat it. Instead, you can return the product to the store where it was purchased for a full refund. However, if you have already consumed product, or if you have further questions about the recall, you can contact E.A. Sween Company directly at 1-800-328-8184 (select #2) between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. CST, Monday through Friday. Read the original article on Allrecipes President Nicolas Maduro flashes victory signs during Indigenous Day in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, Oct 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos) A federal agent tried to convince the personal pilot of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro to fly him into U.S. territory to be captured. News of the year-long effort was reported Tuesday by The Associated Press. According to the report, the agent, Edwin Lopez, engaged in dialogue with the pilot for well over a year in an effort to get him to flip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plan was first hatched after Lopez received a tip about Venezuelan planes undergoing repairs in the Dominican Republic. Realizing that Venezuela likely violated sanctions by using American parts, Lopez first worked to have the planes seized. Then, he got the idea to use one of the pilots Venezuelan Gen. Bitner Villegas to bring the elusive Maduro to them. The report continued: The agents pretended not to know that the pilots spent their time jetting around Maduro and other top officials. They spoke to each airman for about an hour, saving their biggest target for last: Villegas, who the agents had determined was Maduros regular pilot. Villegas was a member of the elite presidential honor guard and colonel in the Venezuelan air force. A former Venezuelan official who regularly traveled with the president described him as friendly, reserved and trusted by Maduro. The planes he flew were used to shuttle Maduro across the globe - often to U.S. adversaries like Iran, Cuba and Russia. In a December 2023 video posted online by Maduro, Villegas can be seen holding up a radio in the cockpit as the president trades patriotic slogans with the pilot of a Russian Sukhoi fighter jet. After first engaging in some friendly banter with Villegas, Lopez began pressing him about his more high-profile clientele. When Villegas admitted to being Maduros pilot, Lopez promised he would be very rich and beloved by millions of his compatriots if he cooperated with the U.S. to help take down Maduro. Villegas gave Lopez his number and the two continued talking through encrypted channels. Lopezs efforts, however, never bore fruit. Villegas didnt commit to the plan, but Lopez persisted even after his retirement from the federal government. In an effort to entice the pilot, Lopez reportedly sent him a link to a report about President Donald Trump raising the reward for Maduros arrest to $50 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still time left to be Venezuelas hero and be on the right side of history, Lopez told Villegas. Villegas eventually had enough of Lopezs badgering. During a Sept. 18 text exchange, he called Lopez a coward and claimed that Venezuelans are cut from a different cloth, reaffirming his loyalty to Maduro. Villegas then blocked Lopezs number. The post Federal Agent Tried to Convince Venezuelan Pilot to Fly Maduro Into US Territory So He Could be Arrested first appeared on Mediaite. (Greenleaf123 | Getty Images) A federal court ruling this week is reigniting a legal fight from the city of Huntington and Cabell County against three major drug distributors who the governments allege violated the states public nuisance laws through their overprescription of opioids. On Tuesday, the federal Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a ruling vacating and overturning a previous decision from U.S. District Judge David Faber in 2022, remanding the case back to Fabers court once again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the decision, Senior Circuit Judge Barbara Keenan wrote that the court believes Faber misconstrued the reach of existing public nuisance laws and the roles of the drug distributors named in the case. Fabers 2022 ruling found that the distributors AmeriSource Bergen, Cardinal Health and McKesson could not be held liable for the ongoing drug and overdose epidemic that has drastically harmed both Huntington and Cabell County for more than 20 years under state public nuisance laws. In Tuesdays decision, Keenan said that the appeals court disagrees with Fabers ruling and several arguments made by the distributors that contributed to that ruling being reached. Upon review, we disagree with the district courts analysis. Initially, we hold that under West Virginia common law, the conditions resulting from the over-distribution of opioids can constitute a public nuisance, Keenan wrote. We also hold that in assessing the local governments claim, the district court misconstrued the distributors duties under the [Controlled Substances Act]. This error materially affected the courts analysis of the distributors conduct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ongoing litigation started years ago, when Huntington and Cabell County opted out of a statewide lawsuit against opioid distributors in order to bring their own legal action in hopes of earning more money for remediation efforts. The arguments made in their case against the distributors, however, are nearly identical to those that were made on behalf of the state in its litigation. The states case proved successful. The localities have argued that the excessive distribution of opioids in their communities caused significant harm, spurring what is now a decades-long and still ongoing drug epidemic. According to the state Office of Drug Control Policy, at least 876 individuals in Cabell County died from overdoses involving opioids between 2015 and 2021, the highest fatal overdose rate for opioids in the state over that time. Distributors named in the ongoing litigation allege, as they have in opioid cases across the country, that public nuisance laws do not apply when legal products are being distributed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cabell County and Huntington are seeking about $2.5 billion from the companies to support recovery efforts in their communities and implement a plan to decrease the impact of the crisis. The ruling overturning Fabers decision was based largely on how state code applied public nuisance laws. Last March, the Fourth Circuit asked the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals to decide whether state law recognizes conditions caused by prescription drug sales to be a public nuisance, and if so, what the elements are of such claims. In May, the states highest court declined to answer that question due to disputed factual findings and related legal conclusions resting on those factual findings. That left the federal court to decide the question itself, leading to Tuesdays ruling. Keenan wrote that state law broadly defines what constitutes a public nuisance. Per West Virginia common law which is law created through previous legal decisions instead of through bills enacted by the Legislature public nuisance is defined as an act or condition that unlawfully operates to hurt or inconvenience an indefinite number of persons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The overprescription of opioids, Keenan continued, clearly constitutes an act or condition that imposes harm on the general public. As such, the case should be interpreted through that lens as numerous other cases in West Virginia have been, both regarding opioid distribution and other nuisances. In a statement Tuesday, the National Prescription Opiate Litigation Plaintiffs Executive Committee co-leads said they were thankful for another opportunity to seek civil justice for the harms caused by AmeriSource Bergen, Cardinal Health and McKesson. [T]he Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals confirmed that the devastation caused by the opioid epidemic can be addressed through the law of public nuisance, affirming our clients rights to hold those responsible to account for their role in flooding communities in West Virginia with opioids, they wrote. There is still much work to be done, and we look forward to our return to the trial court for further proceedings. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE A federal judge ruled Tuesday that the Justice Department's top prosecutor in Los Angeles has served unlawfully in his role for months, the latest court to push back on the Trump administration's efforts to name acting prosecutors. U.S. District Judge Michael Seabright ruled that acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, who oversees the Justice Department's outpost in the Central District of California, cannot oversee the prosecutions of three people who were charged with gun crimes. The judge rejected a request by the three defendants to toss out their charges altogether. Essayli a former California Republican state lawmaker was named interim U.S. attorney in April, a role that's typically limited to just 120 days. But days before the clock ran out, Essayli resigned and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi immediately named him first assistant U.S. attorney because, under federal law, the holder of that job becomes the office's acting head when there's a vacancy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seabright ruled that this maneuver was unlawful because only the first assistant U.S. attorney who is already in place when the office becomes vacant is eligible to become acting chief. "Simply stated: Essayli unlawfully assumed the role of Acting United States Attorney for the Central District of California. He has been unlawfully serving in that capacity since his resignation from the interim role on July 29, 2025," Seabright wrote. "Essayli may not perform the functions and duties of the United States Attorney as Acting United States Attorney. He is disqualified from serving in that role." Seabright said Essayli can continue to serve as first assistant U.S. attorney. Essayli responded to the ruling in a post on X that said "nothing is changing" and he will "continue serving as the top federal prosecutor in the Central District of California." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In several states, the Trump administration has sought to keep federal prosecutors in temporary roles for months. Critics argue the administration is trying to sidestep the Senate, which is responsible for confirming permanent U.S. attorneys, and the federal judiciary, which can opt to extend the terms of interim U.S. attorneys in some cases. Essayli joins two other acting U.S. attorneys Alina Habba of New Jersey and Sigal Chattah of Nevada who have been disqualified for similar reasons, though a judge put Chattah's disqualification on hold pending appeal. In addition, two Trump foes who are facing criminal charges former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James are challenging the appointment of acting U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan in the Eastern District of Virginia. Eye Opener: Hurricane Melissa makes landfall in Jamaica Hurricane Melissa expected to bring catastrophic weather to Jamaica Trump fires entire board overseeing D.C. construction amid White House ballroom controversy The Latest Whitewashing of Jan. 6 Since President Trump first came back to the White House, he has predictably taken significant steps to white wash the entire episode in 2021, which culminated in a violent mob of his supporters storming the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to halt the Electoral College certification of President Bidens 2020 victory. In one of Trumps first executive actions upon coming back into power, Trump pardoned hundreds of Jan. 6 defendants who had been convicted of various crimes for their role in storming the Capitol. He also dismissed all charges against those who had cases still pending that included the case against a Washington state man named Taylor Taranto, which I will get into more below. Special Counsel Jack Smith, of course, filed a motion to dismiss the case against Trump over his role in inciting the Jan. 6 insurrection after Trump won the 2024 election and before he was sworn back into office, gesturing toward a longstanding DOJ policy that prevents the prosecution of a sitting president. In return, Trumps DOJ has not just dismissed several federal prosecutors who worked on Smiths Jan. 6 Trump case, its also dismissed or reassigned several of the prosecutors who worked on cases against those who were accused of participating in the attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, it appears, DOJ employees who even use language to accurately describe the events that took place on Jan. 6 but language that does not, of course, line up with Trumps white-washed narrative on the attack are being punished. The Washington Post reported on Wednesday that the DOJ placed two federal prosecutors on leave just after they filed a document in court in a separate case against the Washington man I mentioned above, Taylor Taranto. Even though Tarantos Jan. 6-related case was dismissed after Trumps sweeping clemency action, Taranto later was charged after threatening several politicians which included him recording himself driving around Washington, D.C., in June 2023, saying he was looking for tunnels to access former President Obamas home. Per WaPo: Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carlos Valdivia and Samuel White were told they were being suspended just hours after they submitted a sentencing recommendation in a case against Taylor Taranto, a Washington state man accused of participating in the Capitol attack who is now facing sentencing for unrelated weapons charges, according to the people familiar with the matter, who spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of retribution. Taranto is expected to be sentenced on Thursday after he was convicted for unlawful possession of firearms and making false threats earlier this year. In a sentencing memo, Valdivia and White reportedly described the Jan. 6 attack as a riot that was carried out by a mob. Not long after, they were both suspended from their jobs, WaPo reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nicole LaFond Maryland Dem Shuts Down Redistricting Drive In a letter on Tuesday, Democratic Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson shut down the states midcycle redistricting efforts, saying the effort could impact the resilience and trust in democracy. Over the last few months, the Trump administration has been pressuring red states across the nation to approve new congressional maps as a way to predetermine the outcome of the midterm elections and ensure that Republicans maintain control of the U.S. House. So far, Missouri, North Carolina, and Texas have all caved to pressure from the Trump White House and approved gerrymandered maps that are projected to flip seats currently held by Democrats for Republicans in 2026. Louisiana, Ohio, and Indiana are also in the process of approving redrawn maps. In response to these efforts, some Democrat-led states including California, Virginia, and Illinois, have been pushing through redistricting proposals to try to offset the impact of Trumps relentless gerrymandering drive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maryland Democrats were part of this counter campaign, until Ferguson announced that he will not move forward with a midcycle redistricting push. Although he acknowledged that the redistricting battle is one started and perpetuated by Trump as a way to rig the midterm elections, he emphasized that the effort is simply too risky and that it jeopardizes Marylands ability to fight against the radical Trump Administration. Despite deeply shared frustrations about the state of our country, mid-cycle redistricting for Maryland presents a reality where the legal risks are too high, the timeline for action is dangerous, the downside risk to Democrats is catastrophic, and the certainty of our existing map would be undermined, he wrote. Khaya Himmelman SNAP Benefits Set to Lapse as Shutdown Continues Funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) the nations largest food assistance program is set to lapse for the first time in modern history on Nov. 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) on Wednesday shut down a Democratic measure, introduced by Sen. Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), that would keep the SNAP benefits going past the November deadline. Thune called the effort a cynical attempt for political cover, as he yelled back at Lujan on the Senate floor, adding that Democrats should just support the GOP CR and reopen the government, instead. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) has also introduced a similar bill to protect SNAP benefits. Hawleys measure will also likely go nowhere. The push to protect SNAP comes as the Trump administration said last week it would not tap into contingency funds to keep the program going during the government shutdown. Since the shutdown first began earlier this month, the administration has been picking and choosing what programs to fund based on Trumps own political interests. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer pointed the finger at Thune, saying Thune is refusing to bring the measure to the floor because he knows theres broad Republican support for it. Hes afraid of Trump. Thats it. He knows better, Schumer said, per Politico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some Democrats are describing the situation as a GOP ploy to continue to blame the shutdown on Democrats. This is a hoax being perpetrated by this administration for political reasons to point a finger at Democrats, Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), ranking member on the Appropriations Committee, said, according to Punchbowl. They have $5 [billion] to $6 billion in a contingency fund which says its exactly for these kinds of purposes They are in violation of the law. Emine Yucel In Case You Missed It From Josh Marshall: Is Trumps Epic Middle East Peace Deal Falling Apart? Morning Memo: Judge Gives LA U.S. Attorney The Alina Habba Treatment Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest from Josh Kovensky: 911 Audio Reveals Harrowing Chicago Escalation Yesterdays Most Read Story There Is No Democratic Future Without Supreme Court Reform What We Are Reading The Interview Assassin: Why Isaac Chotiner doesnt mind the gotcha label. Andrew Cuomo is a Nihilist Who Hates New York City What Do You and the N.Y.C. Mayoral Candidates Agree On? Federal prosecutors announced charges Wednesday against 12 people who allegedly impeded officers or engaged in violence during demonstrations against the Trump administration's immigration policies. The charges, some part of an effort dubbed "Operation Bridge Too Far" by federal authorities, largely centered on demonstrations that erupted on a freeway overpass near an immigration detention center in downtown Los Angeles on June 8, the first day the National Guard was deployed to the city. What started as a small, peaceful protest on Alameda Street exploded into a series of tense clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement. After National Guard members and U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials used tear gas and smoke bombs to try to disperse a crowd outside the detention center, more protesters flooded the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A number of Waymo self-driving vehicles were set on fire near Olivera Street, and a group of California Highway Patrol officers on the 101 Freeway were pelted with items from protesters on the overpass above. At times, they returned fire with less-lethal rounds and tear gas. At least one protester had previously been charged in state court with throwing a flaming item at a CHP vehicle from the overpass. Authorities announced that 10 defendants charged in connection with the protests were in federal custody this week. Another is in state custody and expected to be handed over to federal authorities, and one remains a fugitive. Among those charged in connection with the June 8 protest are Ronald Alexis Coreas, 23, of Westlake; Junior Roldan, 27, of Hollywood; Elmore Sylvester Cage, 34, of downtown Los Angeles; Balto Montion, 24, of Watsonville; Jesus Gonzalez Hernandez Jr., 22, of Las Vegas; Hector Daniel Ramos, 66, of Alhambra; Stefano Deong Green, 34, of Westmont; Yachua Mauricio Flores, 23, of Lincoln Heights; and Ismael Vega, 41, of Westlake. Prosecutors also charged Virginia Reyes, 32, and Isai Carrillo, 31, who they say are members of VC Defensa, an immigrant rights group that has been documenting raids in the region. The two have been charged with conspiracy to impede or injure a federal officer connected to a raid in Camarillo. Authorities said Reyes is the fugitive they are seeking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bill Essayli, the top federal prosecutor for the Central District of California, accused members of groups like VC Defensa of obstructing and impeding immigration agents. "As soon as they see agents conducting a law enforcement operation they activate people to show up, to harass the agents, to get in their way, to film them, try to identify them, thats their purpose," Essayli said. "When they take actions that cross the line into impeding that becomes a federal crime and they are subject to arrest. On Wednesday afternoon, VC Defensa posted on Instagram calling the government's statement about the group "completely false." "This is part of a witch hunt against anyone who uses their First Amendment rights to organize and speak out against ICE's campaign of terror on immigrant communities," the post read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yovany Marcario Canil, 22, of Boyle Heights was charged with assault on a federal officer for pepper-spraying members of an FBI S.W.A.T. team who were inside a government vehicle leaving the site of a raid in the downtown L.A. Fashion District on June 6. A protester lobs a large rock at CHP officers stationed on the 101 Freeway below. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) Acts of violence against the brave law enforcement officers who protect us are an attack on civilized society itself, U.S. Atty. Gen. Pam Bondi said in a news release. Anyone who engages in such disgusting conduct will face severe consequences from this Department of Justice. The FBI offered up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of 10 other unknown individuals accused of engaging in similar attacks from the overpass. "A group of violent protesters threw rocks, pieces of concrete, electric scooters, and fireworks at officers and patrol cars" on the 101 Freeway, the FBI said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Essayli has aggressively pursued charges against those who clashed with law enforcement during protests against the Trump administration's immigration raids over the last few months. On Wednesday, Essayli said that his office has charged 97 people with assaulting or impeding officers. Of those, Essayli said, 18 have pleaded guilty and 44 are set to go to trial. His office has taken two defendants in misdemeanor assault cases to trial, but both ended in acquittals. Every American has a right to peacefully protest. What is not constitutionally protected is a right to engage in violence or to impede federal agents by assaulting, doxxing or obstructing their operations," Essayli said Wednesday. "Not only are these actions dangerous, theyre also ineffective. We have not and we will not stop our immigration enforcement operations. Nothing will stop us. Nothing. Earlier this year, a Times investigation found Essayli's prosecutors have failed to convince grand juries to secure indictments in a number of protest-related cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors face a much lower legal bar before a grand jury than they do in a criminal trial, and experts say it is rare for federal prosecutors to lose at that preliminary stage. Prosecutors in Chicago and Washington have faced similar struggles, court records show. The defendants who have pleaded guilty in L.A. include a 23-year-old undocumented immigrant who hurled a molotov cocktail at L.A. County sheriff's deputies during a June rally against immigration enforcement. Times staff writer Ruben Vives contributed to this report. 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. Foreign experts rejected comparisons between boarding schools in the Xizang autonomous region and colonial-era residential schools in Western countries, stressing that the schools in Xizang ensure children in remote areas gain access to education. In recent years, some Western media outlets have raised concerns about the use of boarding schools in Xizang, often comparing them to residential schools in countries such as Canada and the United States, where historical tragedies involving Indigenous children occurred. Michael Crook, chairman of the International Committee for the Promotion of Chinese Industrial Cooperatives, argued that the purposes of the two systems are fundamentally different. He stated that the colonial-era residential schools aimed to abduct the local children and separate them from their own culture and language. Thats not the case of boarding schools in Xizang, Crook said, adding that the criticism often reflects the accusers own history. He denounced the attacks using an old Chinese saying: judge a noble person by the standards of a petty person. Some of these countries have looked back on their shameful history of cultural genocide of the native peoples and so on, Crook said. Kwok Siu Ming, associate director of the School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary, Canada, echoed this view, emphasizing that the goal of the colonial system was the elimination of the culture. In contrast, he said, Chinas boarding schools are there to enhance the living standard of the children in Xizang and keep their culture alive at the same time. He noted that boarding schools are a way of optimizing resources and enhancing education levels in China, promoting respect for local culture. Mario Cavolo, a nonresident senior fellow at the Center for China and Globalization, dismissed accusations that the schools are used to destroy Tibetan culture as nonsense. According to Crook, for students in Xizang, attending boarding school is a personal choice. He recounted personally visiting a boarding school in the region where he observed students making notes in Tibetan on Tibetan textbooks. MDT/China Daily Like this: Like Loading... Federal prosecutors have charged San Leandro City Council Member Bryan Azevedo with two felonies related to what they described as a scheme to help a housing company win city contracts in exchange for kickbacks. The charges, filed Tuesday, came nearly 10 months after Azevedo's home was raided by the FBI. Azevedo was told by federal prosecutors in June that he was the "target" of an investigation into potential crimes including bribery and lying to federal agents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Azevedo, who could not be reached for comment, was charged with conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud and making false statements, crimes punishable by up to 25 years in prison with a conviction. He had not been arrested as of Tuesday afternoon. San Leandro Mayor Juan Gonzalez said Tuesday he had not asked Azevedo to step down, but noted, that the city charter does not allow people convicted of a felony to serve as council members. Azevedo is the second East Bay elected official to face federal charges related to Evolutionary Homes, a company that sought to build modular housing for the homeless out of shipping containers. The company is not named in the charging documents, but its identity is clear from public records in the case. Evolutionary Homes was a key element of the bribery case against recalled Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, who was indicted this year alongside her partner Andre Jones and the company's co-owners, father-and-son executives David and Andy Duong. All have pleaded not guilty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The allegations against Azevedo in many ways parallel those against Thao, whom prosecutors said agreed to "exert her influence" as mayor to help the Duongs secure a city contract for the housing company. Federal prosecutors previously issued nearly identical subpoenas to the cities of Oakland and San Leandro, seeking documents and communications related to the Duongs, Evolutionary Homes and other connected businesses and associates. Both Thao and Azevedo were among a handful of East Bay politicians who, in the summer of 2023, attended a 10-day trip to Vietnam sponsored by the Vietnamese American Business Association, which is headed by the Duong family. Prosecutors said the business association paid for Azevedo's expenses on that trip, which included business class airfare, hotel and meals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After that trip, prosecutors said Azevedo met with two people identified in court documents as "Co-conspirator 1" and "Co-conspirator 2." Prosecutors described Co-conspirator 1 as the co-owner of the housing company and a member of the family whose association sponsored the Vietnam trip. Co-conspirator 2 was described as an Oakland resident who was active in local politics and another co-owner of the company. At that meeting, Azevedo agreed to use his power as an elected official to help steer the city toward a contract with Evolutionary Homes, "in exchange for a percentage of the sales price from whatever units the City of San Leandro ultimately purchased from the housing company," prosecutors alleged in court filings. Officials said Azevedo was instructed to open an LLC and a bank account in his wife's name to funnel the illicit payments and hide his involvement in the scheme. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Azevedo opened those accounts in September 2023, prosecutors said, and two months later accepted $2,000 in cash from Co-conspirator 1 while the two were out to dinner. "Azevedo understood that co-conspirator 1 made this cash payment in exchange for Azevedo using his official position to benefit (the) housing company," officials wrote in the charging document. Prosecutors said Azevedo deposited the $2,000 into the newly opened account a few days later, in November 2023. Over the next several months, prosecutors said Azevedo took several steps to benefit Evolutionary Homes, including advocating for and voting for an emergency shelter ordinance and taking other members of city government to tour the company's model units. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Azevedo was interviewed by the FBI and IRS on Jan. 15, two days before federal prosecutors announced charges against Thao, Jones and the Duongs. During that interview, prosecutors said Azevedo lied about whether he had received cash payments from Co-conspirator 1, and about whether Co-conspirator 1's family had business interests before the city of San Leandro. This article originally published at Feds charge East Bay city council member in corruption case linked to Sheng Thao. Federal officers with pepper-ball guns look down at protestors at the ICE facility south of downtown Portland on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025. (Photo by Alex Baumhardt/Oregon Capital Chronicle) The federal government could be in contempt of court for defying a U.S. District Court judges order blocking National Guard deployment to Portland. U.S. Department of Justice attorney Jean Lin on Wednesday admitted to Judge Karin Immergut that Oregon National Guard troops were briefly sent to Portland despite Immerguts order blocking such a deployment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The revelation came shortly before the opening of Oregons three-day trial against President Donald Trump and the federal government over Trumps attempts to deploy troops to federal property in the city. Before opening arguments, Immergut asked Lin whether her order had been defied. Lin told Immergut that between 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 4 and 12 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 5 members of the Oregon National Guard were sent to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Portland where protests were ongoing. Court documents show nine members were sent, and they left eight hours after Immergut issued the first of two temporary restraining orders blocking their deployment. Well discuss later whether thats contempt and a direct violation of my TRO, Immergut told Lin. In their lawsuit, lawyers for the state of Oregon and the city of Portland allege Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, as well as the agencies Noem and Hegseth lead, violated several laws and the 10th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution by attempting to deploy Guard troops to Portland over the objections of state and local elected leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each of these issues deals with the balance of state and federal power particularly related to authority over policing within states and the extent of presidential power over the U.S. military. The state of California is also a party to the lawsuit, and lawyers for California asked Immergut that she determine in her final order that the roughly 200 California Guard that have been federalized and sent to Oregon, but blocked from deployment, be sent home. Those troops are waiting at Camp Withycombe in Happy Valley. Trump federalized and attempted to deploy National Guard Oregon, then California, then Texas National Guard troops to protect the Portland ICE facility in late September claiming in a social media post that the city was war ravaged and that they were needed to protect federal property from protestors. Second federal admission The potential violation of Immerguts court order is the second misstep federal lawyers have admitted to in recent days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Late last week, the state of Oregon asked a three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals to throw out a decision they made granting Trump the power to deploy Guard to Portland because they found testimony submitted by federal lawyers painting a picture of law enforcement woes at the ICE facility were inaccurate. Federal lawyers had previously told the 9th Circuit judges that a surge of 115 Federal Protective Service officers were sent to work 24/7 since June to protect the Portland ICE facility from what Trump administration officials have tried to characterize as chaos and violence by protestors at the building. But data that Oregons lawyers received as part of requests for evidence showed that no more than 31 federal police were present at the facility during any one-month period since June, and that during the three weeks around Trumps orders to federalize National Guard troops, a low of 20 federal police officers were at the Portland ICE facility. On Monday, the federal lawyers had to admit to the 9th Circuit that they had misrepresented the number of federal police that were sent to the ICE facility throughout the summer. Trial day one Leaders from the Portland Police Bureau and Oregon State Police gave testimony for hours on Wednesday that largely centered around the ability of both forces to provide enough law enforcement to the ICE facility to keep the peace throughout the summer and in moments of heightened protest activity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Portland Police Commander Franz Schoening and Oregon State Police Captain Cameron Bailey were both asked by Immergut to compare protests from the summer of 2020 to those outside the ICE facility in 2025. In 2020, then-Gov. Kate Brown called roughly 50 National Guard troops to downtown Portland to respond to protests outside the federal courthouse. Schoening and Bailey said unequivocally there was no comparison and that the 2020 protests were far more disorderly and violent. Schoening in his testimony detailed multiple incidents in recent weeks when federal officers at the Portland ICE facility shot tear gas and smoke munitions at protestors unprovoked, and even accidentally shot munitions at themselves and at Portland Police officers. Types and amounts of force used by federal officers is disproportionate to the conduct of protestors there, Schoening said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CORRECTION: Guard were sent to Portland from 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4 to 12 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 5, not from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. as previously reported. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX GATES, N.Y. (WROC) Since their grand opening in 1974, Savastanos Pizzeria and Bakery on Spencerport Road has served as a staple in the Gates community. The restaurants co-owner Gina Savastano-Couture says her team always strives to give back and spread positivity. When Couture found out that someone tried breaking into the family business, she said she couldnt believe it. Its very sad, Couture said. You feel violated, you really do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Couture said she received a phone call at around 4:30 a.m. on Sunday, October 19th informing her that a neighboring business, Papa Joes Italian Eatery, was broken into and the suspect stole money and a cash bag. This prompted her to call her brother, who checked on Savastanos. When he arrived, Couture said he found extensive damage totaling nearly $2,000. [The suspect] didnt get into our establishment thankfully, we were lucky, Couture said. What happened was he went into the back of our business, and when our morning bakers arrived at around four in the morning, we think it spooked [the suspect] and he moved on. Gates Police responded to both restaurants, and Couture explained that exterior surveillance video of the restaurant shows the suspect attempting to break in. Later that week, on Friday, investigators arrested 62-year-old Richard Graham in connection to both of the break-ins. According to Gates Police, Graham has 10 prior felony convictions dating back to 1986. New York State Department of Corrections records show that he has been out of state custody and on parole as of May 2025. 62-year-old Richard Graham of Rochester. (Gates Police Department) When Couture learned about Grahams extensive criminal background, she referred to it as frustrating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was definitely scare and Im very happy the police caught him, Couture said. As the team at Savastanos works to pick up the pieces, Couture hopes for something like this to not happen again. If he needed something, were a very loving family and very giving, he couldve come to us. We will give you the shirt off our backs, dont come and destroy our premises, Couture said. Graham has been charged with third-degree burglary, fourth-degree grand larceny, and third-degree criminal mischief in relation to the Papa Joes incident. For the Savastanos incident, he was charged with third-degree attempted burglary and third-degree criminal mischief. He was taken to the Monroe County Jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 RochesterFirst. (The Center Square) Fentanyl is set to be at the center of President Donald Trumps scheduled meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping Thursday morning. Trump told reporters last week that fentanyl would be a key focus during his talks with Xi. The first question Im going to be asking him about is fentanyl, the president told reporters during a roundtable event at the White House focusing on targeting the drug trade and human trafficking. Im putting it right at the front of the list. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president reiterated to reporters that Chinas role in producing precursor chemicals necessary in the production of fentanyl will be a top priority during the meeting. Earlier this year, Trump imposed a 20% tariff on China for not taking adequate action to curb the production of the chemicals to make fentanyl. Trump indicated to reporters that he is optimistic that his meeting with Xi will be productive and that the Chinese leader will do more to crack down on the flow of chemicals. I expect to be lowering that because I believe they can help us with the fentanyl situation, the president told reporters. They have an industry that has to do with drugs and the fentanyl has other reasons for being. We have to get rid of it. Just as the president is set to meet with Xi, multiple reports claim FBI Director Kash Patel is planning to visit China next month to discuss the issue of fentanyl as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the roundtable at the White House, Patel said that law enforcement has seized 5,101 lbs. of fentanyl powder and more than 2.1 million lbs. of fentanyl pills as part of a coordinated effort to curb the drug epidemic plaguing the U.S. Those arent numbers, those are livesenough fentanyl to kill over 200 million Americans gone evaporated off our streets permanently, said Patel. The meeting comes in the midst of continual boat strikes on suspected narcotics traffickers in the Caribbean and the Pacific, specifically around Venezuela and Colombia. Late last week, the administration ordered the aircraft carrier USS Gerald Ford and escorts to depart the Mediterranean and transit to the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility to support the current anti-drug trafficking operations in the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is unknown whether the operations in the Caribbean will be a topic of discussion between Trump and Xi. China, along with its allies Russia and Iran, maintains an amicable relationship with Venezuela. The Chinese military has taken part in military exercises in the South American country. During the roundtable, The Center Square asked Pete Hegseth, the secretary of War, and Trump if there were plans to expand U.S. Naval operations out of Roosevelt Roads in Puerto Rico, where the base officially closed in 2004. In response to a possible expansion by the U.S. Navy in the Caribbean, specifically Puerto Rico, in addressing potential adversarial threats in Latin America, Hegseth told The Center Square Thursday that the Department of War is keeping its eyes on adversaries in the region; however, he didnt indicate if there are plans to expand U.S. Naval operations in Puerto Rico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We're familiar with the location that you're referring to, and we will make sure that we're properly placed in order to deal with the contingency we're dealing with there, and also any ways in which other countries would attempt to be involved also, so we can walk and chew gum. We're definitely keeping our eyes on near peer adversaries at the same time, said Hegseth. But we think sending a message on these cartels, these narco terrorists, is an important, important inside our hemisphere, which for far too long other presidents, as the president pointed out, they've ignored our own backyard and allowed other countries to increase their influence here, which only threatens the American people. We're changing that. The presidents meeting with Xi comes on the heels of meetings in Japan, South Korea and Malaysia. Chinas continued military expansion in the Pacific has been a concern for the U.S. and allies in the region. Japan and China have long fought over a chain of islands in the East China Sea. A series of weather systems have contributed to heavy rain and dangerous surf across parts of the Southeast, especially in Florida, but the well-timed systems also are part of a weather pattern that's forecast to help spare the mainland U.S. from any direct impacts from powerful Hurricane Melissa. On Oct. 26, "multiple feet" of water were reported in the lobby of a Boca Raton resort after heavy rains, according to the National Weather Service in Miami, Florida. Standing water also flooded an intersection in Palm Beach, the weather service said. In Central Florida, more than 19 inches of rain was reported within 24 hours in Eustis, in Lake County, while more than 16 inches of rain was reported in multiple locations elsewhere in the county, according to the weather service office in Melbourne, Florida. In Titusville, home to Kennedy Space Center, more than 14 inches of rain was reported, and flood watches continued through Oct. 27, the weather service said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the storms that set daily rainfall records in Central and South Florida between Oct. 25-27 aren't directly connected to Melissa, they are part of a weather pattern the hurricane center expects to help steer Melissa off toward the Northeast in the Atlantic Ocean, said David Roth, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center. An eastern trough has been persistent since August, Roth said. A resident stands at a flooded section of Port Royal in Kingston on Oct. 27, 2025. Hurricane Melissa threatened Jamaica with potentially deadly rains after rapidly intensifying into a top-level Category 5 storm, as residents scrambled for shelter from what could be the island's most violent weather on record. Melissa has already been blamed for at least four deaths in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, and was set to unleash torrential rains on parts of Jamaica in a direct hit on the Caribbean island. A man covers the windows of his home with corrugated iron ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Melissa in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba, on Oct. 27, 2025. Hurricane Melissa strengthened Monday as it took aim at Jamaica and other parts of the Caribbean as a top-level Category 5 storm, with forecasters predicting catastrophic flooding and urging residents to seek shelter immediately. After passing over Jamaica, the storm was forecast to head north and cross over eastern Cuba on Tuesday night, while continuing to bring rain and heavy winds to Haiti and the Dominican Republic. A man watches the waves crash into the walls at the Kingston Waterfront on Oct. 27, 2025. Hurricane Melissa threatened Jamaica with potentially deadly rains after rapidly intensifying into a top-level Category 5 storm, as residents scrambled for shelter from what could be the island's most violent weather on record. Melissa has already been blamed for at least four deaths in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, and was set to unleash torrential rains on parts of Jamaica in a direct hit on the Caribbean island. A motorist drives along flooded Michael Manley Boulevard in Kingston, Jamaica, as Jamaica starts to feel the effects of Hurricane Mellisa on October 26, 2025. Hurricane Melissa, already a major category 4 storm, gathered steam Sunday as it took aim at Jamaica and other parts of the Caribbean, with forecasters predicting catastrophic flooding and urging residents to seek shelter immediately. A coconut tree sways in the wind at the Kingston Waterfront on Ocean Boulevard in Kingston, Jamaica, as Jamaica starts to feel the effects of Hurricane Mellisa on Oct. 26, 2025. Hurricane Melissa was cutting a deadly path in the Caribbean on the night of October 25, with rapid intensification expected over the weekend as it took a worryingly slow course toward Jamaica and the island of Hispaniola, forecasters said. Waves crash onto the beach in Kingston on Oct. 27, 2025. Hurricane Melissa threatened Jamaica with potentially deadly rains after rapidly intensifying into a top-level Category 5 storm, as residents scrambled for shelter from what could be the island's most violent weather on record. Melissa has already been blamed for at least four deaths in Haiti and the Dominican Republic and was set to unleash torrential rains on parts of Jamaica in a direct hit on the Caribbean island. Satellite image of Hurricane Melissa as of 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27, 2025. People fill bags with sand in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Melissa, in Port Royal, Jamaica on Oct. 26, 2025. Alfred Veitch places concrete blocks on top of his chicken coop, in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Melissa, in Port Royal, Jamaica on Oct. 26, 2025. A person watches waves crash on the beach, ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Melissa, in Port Royal, Jamaica on Oct. 26, 2025. Fishermen move a boat to higher ground, in preparation of Hurricane Melissa, in Port Royal, Jamaica on Oct. 26, 2025. Empty counters at the airport, in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Melissa, in Kingston, Jamaica on Oct. 25, 2025. People load sandbags onto a vehicle, in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Melissa, in the Harbour View neighborhood of Kingston, Jamaica on Oct. 25, 2025. The National Hurricane Center reports Melissa has strengthened into a hurricane in the Caribbean on Oct. 25 and could soon rapidly intensify into a monstrous Category 4 or 5 storm, bringing perilous threats of rain, winds and storm surge to northern Caribbean islands. A drone view shows a vehicle driving along a flooded street amid rain caused by Tropical Storm Melissa, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, October 24, 2025. People transit on a motorcycle through a street flooded by rains caused by Tropical Storm Melissa, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, October 23, 2025. People look on at the entrance to their homes on a street flooded by rains caused by Tropical Storm Melissa, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, October 23, 2025. A woman is standing on a street flooded by rains caused by Tropical Storm Melissa, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, October 23, 2025. A drone view shows water rushing through a spillway at the Sabaneta Dam as water levels are elevated due to Tropical Storm Melissa, in Sabaneta, Dominican Republic October 23, 2025. People walk through a flooded street amid rain caused by Tropical storm Melissa, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, October 24, 2025. A woman walks along a flooded street amid rain caused by Tropical Storm Melissa, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, October 24, 2025. A drone view shows a flooded area amid rain caused by Tropical Storm Melissa, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, October 24, 2025. Gas pumps are wrapped in plastic at a Texaco station as part of storm preparations, ahead of Tropical Storm Melissa, which is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to the area, in Kingston, Jamaica, October 25, 2025. Workers board up a business ahead of the potential impact of Tropical Storm Melissa, in Kingston, Jamaica, October 24, 2025. Hurricane Melissa slams the Caribbean. See the floods and impact on residents in photos 1 of 23 A resident stands at a flooded section of Port Royal in Kingston on Oct. 27, 2025. Hurricane Melissa threatened Jamaica with potentially deadly rains after rapidly intensifying into a top-level Category 5 storm, as residents scrambled for shelter from what could be the island's most violent weather on record. Melissa has already been blamed for at least four deaths in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, and was set to unleash torrential rains on parts of Jamaica in a direct hit on the Caribbean island. Heavy rains are forecast to fall further north along the U.S. East Coast later in the week, with a "marginal" risk of excessive rainfall, enough to cause isolated flash flooding, over the Appalachians and portions of the Ohio and Tennessee valleys on the evening of Oct. 29 and morning of Oct. 30. Sometimes, a slice of the weather patterns aloft can act to focus heavy rainfall over a region, Roth said. A similar risk of excessive rain is forecast over a region that includes Maryland, southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey on Oct. 30 and Oct. 31. A system is forecast to help save Southern trick-or-treaters from sweltering in too-hot Halloween costumes by the end of the week, bringing below average temperatures across much of the east by Oct. 31. However, the low pressure systems are forecast to bring rain that could dampen All Hallows' Eve festivities in the Northeast. A home decorated for Halloween in Louisville, Kentucky on Oct. 26, 2025. Halloween trick or treaters in the Southeast could see cooler temperatures while festivities along the northeast coast could see rain, according to the National Weather Service. Hurricane Melissa, a potentially catastrophic Category 5 hurricane, is forecast to make landfall along the southern Jamaica coast on the morning of Oct. 28, then leave a devastating trail in its wake across the island and across Cuba hours later. From there, the storm is forecast to move through the Central and Southeastern Bahamas, and cross over or near Bermuda on Oct. 30. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Melissa could briefly bring a swell and rough seas to the U.S. East Coast after it passes the Bahamas later in the week, but because of the angle and speed at which it's moving off into the Atlantic, Roth said any coastal impacts should be short-lived. Hurricane Melissa strengthened into a powerful Category 5 hurricane with 175-mph winds on Oct. 27 as it barely moved in the Caribbean Sea south of Jamaica. Although storms passing offshore, including tropical systems and a nor'easter, have caused erosion and beach impacts several times this hurricane season, the only Atlantic system to make landfall in the mainland U.S. so far was Tropical Storm Chantal, which moved over the South Carolina coast and through North Carolina on July 6. One of five homes that collapsed within 45 minutes on Sept. 30, 2025, as rough seas from two hurricanes pounded away at beaches along portions of North Carolina's Outer Banks. Dinah Voyles Pulver, a national correspondent for USA TODAY, covers climate change, wildlife and the environment. Reach her at dpulver@usatoday.com or @dinahvp on Bluesky or X or dinahvp.77 on Signal. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hurricane Melissa forecast calls for storm to miss US. Why? WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) A rollover crash in Montgomery County killed a Caney man on Tuesday morning. It happened on U.S. Highway 75 near County Road 3600, southwest of Independence. In western Kansas, a warning to door-kicking TikTokers Deputies and emergency crews responded to a report of a car on fire after a rollover crash. After the fire was put out, they found the driver, 21-year-old Heath Ellis, inside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators said his 2024 Kia left the road for unknown reasons, overturned, hit a culvert and caught fire. Ellis was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash remains under investigation, the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office said in a news release. Our hearts go out to the Ellis family during this difficult time, Sheriff Ron Wade said in the release. We ask the community to respect their privacy as they grieve and to refrain from speculating or spreading unverified information regarding the cause of the accident. For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news by downloading our mobile app and signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track 3 Weather app by clicking here. To watch our shows live on our website, click here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 KSN-TV. With the charred wreckage of Mafales Plaza gone, a developer is preparing to build a four-story mixed-use building on Bristols Main Street thats partly intended to offer nearby housing for Bristol Hospital and Wheeler Health employees. The new structure will have 28 apartments of mostly workforce housing, with a ground floor that could include a restaurant, developer Stephen Shapiro said Tuesday. Overall, the project will cost somewhere in the field of $7 million to $9 million, Shapiro said, and will benefit from a state financing initiative aimed at providing more housing for Connecticuts health care workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were trying to be a big supporter here of workforce housing for our cops, our teachers and in this case our health care workers, Shapiro said in a brief talk at the site with Mayor Jeff Caggiano and Sabrina Trocchi, president of Wheeler Health. The goal is to help workers at Wheelers headquarters and clinic downtown along with Bristol Healths medical office center next to it. Its so they can live in close proximity to where theyre working and have a reasonably priced place to live while theyre serving the community, he said. Gov. Ned Lamonts administration is testing out a system of financial incentives for developers who build housing near hospitals, and the Bristol project was the second one in the state to qualify, Shapiro said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An important component of workforce development is assuring we can recruit and retain our staff, Trocchi said. That includes having access to affordable, accessible housing. We know if our staff are living locally theyre going to stay with us longer. And thats what we want, so were very excited about this project. The building will go on a roughly two-thirds-of-an-acre property where Mafales Plaza stood before a devastating 2022 fire. Several retail and service businesses either relocated or closed afterward, but Caggiano said the city was able to work with Shapiro and the property owner to quickly arrange a transfer. Shapiros 37 Main St. LLC bought the land for $215,000 last year. There will be 22 one-bedroom apartments in the range of 700 square feet, and six two-bedroom units around 900 square feet each. There might be a couple leased at market rates, but Shapiro said the vast majority will be priced in three tiers: For people earning 60% of the areas median income rents would be about $1,200 monthly; those making 80% would pay about $1,600; and those making 100% would pay roughly $1,800 to $1,900. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But even 100% of AMI is lower than market rate because of the pricing of housing, he said. The first floor of the new building is set aside for retail. Shapiro said hed like to bring a good restaurant to attract people to the lower part of downtown. Caggiano said Bristol has benefitted from getting an experienced developer who is rapidly preparing to begin work on site, which has been a vacant lot since the last wreckage of Mafales Plaza was trucked away. The new apartments will be part of a modern housing wave that is drawing younger people to the city and reviving the once-stagnant downtown, Caggiano said. Shapiros Gold Coast Realty has done extensive development in Bridgeport as well as Trumbull, Fairfield and other Fairfield County suburbs. This year he has been advocating for a massive public works plan: a bridge linking Long Island and Connecticut. It would run more than 10 miles across the Long Island Sound from Bridgeport to the Sunken Meadow Parkway in Kings Park. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan once again highlighted his plan for turning around Michigan's education system if elected as the state's first independent governor, vowing to protect K-12 education funding, deliver a state budget for school districts on time and fire school administrators for poor student performance. Over 60% of third graders did not score proficient on the state's 2025 M-STEP assessment. Duggan highlighted other troubling numbers, such as Michigan's fall in fourth grade reading scores compared to other states to landing 44th in 2024, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress. "We have a system that's broken," Duggan said during an Oct. 28 event at Macomb Community College, where he addressed a room of educators and school administrators. "Problem's not our children. Problem's not our educators," Duggan said later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His plan promises more funding for education with some strings. He told reporters he has had lots of conversations with superintendents, telling them, "if you want the funding, you want the control, it comes with accountability," he said. "The public will invest in education if they believe the education system's accountable for the results." Under his watch, Duggan promised a phased in plan to ensure Michigan's School Aid Fund exclusively funds K-12 education unless student outcomes significantly improve. His promise comes on the heels of a new state budget approved by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer that appropriates a record level of School Aid funding for post-secondary education, a move that concerns some education advocates. In response to revenue constraints during the Great Recession, state leaders used School Aid Fund dollars to support post-secondary education as a temporary move but have since made the funding shift common practice, according to a Michigan House Fiscal Agency analysis. Duggan said "nothing makes me angrier," and that a change doesn't have to pit K-12 against other education funding, saying cuts could come from elsewhere. Robert McCann, executive director of The K-12 Alliance of Michigan, said the 15-year-long practice of raiding the school aid fund has meant "fewer resources to our classrooms." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If we want to really start investing in our schools and our students, then the first thing that someone can do is put a stop to that and say that the money that's supposed to go to our schools will go to our schools, period," he said. During the event, Duggan reiterated his previous call to suspend lawmakers' pay if they don't pass a budget on time and said the governor and lieutenant governor should forgo pay too. Such a move would require approval from legislators currently divided on the idea. The budget impasse this legislative session forced school leaders to begin a new school year without knowing the resources they would have from the state. In addition to trying to hold lawmakers accountable for passing a state spending plan on time, Duggan outlined his plan to give school administrators a runway to improve student outcomes before firing them, which would give school districts some say in their accountability measures. Duggan acknowledged that the idea is controversial, but he said if education is properly funded, most school administrators shouldn't have a problem. He likened his proposal for holding educators accountable to how business leaders are held responsible for losing money. When Duggan asked superintendents in the room whether they would sign up for his accountability plan, he had few takers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Traverse City Area Public Schools Superintendent John VanWagoner raised concerns about the current testing system, saying the M-STEP doesn't take place until the end of the school year, with results coming out a few months later. He called the test "an autopsy" that doesn't leave room for interventions during the school year. He expressed openness to Duggan's plan if it includes changes to the testing system. Michigan Education Association President Chandra Madafferi attended the event but declined to comment on Duggan's proposal. Michigan Education: How can Detroit's next mayor strengthen city's vast education systems? What leaders said Finally, Duggan said he wants to focus on beefing up Michigan's career and technical education offerings with increased funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of Duggan's opponents in the race to replace Whitmer who cannot run again have unveiled their own education plans. The Democratic race features Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson. The GOP side includes former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox, U.S. Rep. John James, of Shelby Township, former Michigan House Speaker Tom Leonard of DeWitt and Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, of Porter Township. Staff writer Lily Altavena contributed to this report Contact Clara Hendrickson at chendrickson@freepress.com or 313-296-5743. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Duggan releases education plan addressing funding, timing, firing The Senate passed a resolution Tuesday aimed at ending President Donald Trumps tariffs on Brazil, with five Republicans joining Democrats in a rare bipartisan rebuke of the president over trade policy. Sens. Rand Paul, Thom Tillis, Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski and former Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell sided with Democrats in the 52 to 48 vote. McConnell has long been critical of Trumps trade policy, and said in a statement ahead of the vote, Tariffs make both building and buying in America more expensive. The economic harms of trade wars are not the exception to history, but the rule. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The resolution, however, isnt expected to be taken up by the House. Earlier this year, Republicans in the chamber added a measure to a procedural rule blocking members from being able to force a vote on the presidents tariffs. The resolution aims to end the Brazil tariffs by terminating an emergency declaration from the president. Sen. Tim Kaine, the lead sponsor of the resolution, said before the vote that the presidents use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act was not appropriate, considering that the inciting emergency that led to the tariffs was Brazils indictment of the countrys former president, Jair Bolsonaro. The emergency, with respect to Brazil, the unusual and extreme emergency that threatens the United States, that emanates in whole or in part outside the United States, is the Brazilian decision to prosecute Donald Trumps friend. How is that an emergency? he said, noting that the US has a trade surplus with Brazil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kaine added, Im against tariffs generally, unless theyre used very specifically. But Im also against letting presidents just invent a reason to use emergency powers to do all kinds of things without coming to Congress. Trumps executive order that kicked off the tariffs said that the Government of Brazils politically motivated persecution, intimidation, harassment, censorship, and prosecution of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and thousands of his supporters are serious human rights abuses that have undermined the rule of law in Brazil. Kaine told reporters earlier Tuesday that senators will also force votes later this week aimed at tariffs on Canada and the global tariffs from Trumps so-called liberation day. Earlier this year, the Senate voted to adopt the resolution ending the tariffs on Canada, however, the House did not act. The Virginia Democrat acknowledged the House will not take up his resolution, and that they dont have a veto-proof majority backing the measure in the Senate. But he insisted that adopting anti-tariff resolutions will send a strong message to the president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I did learn in the, in the first Trump term that the president is responsive to things like this. When he sees Republicans starting to vote against his policies, even in small numbers, that makes an impression on him and can often cause him to alter his behavior, said Kaine. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The government has launched the First Store Economy Scheme, running from Nov. 1 to Jan. 31, 2026, to support overseas, mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan brands opening their first stores in Macau. The Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) promoted the scheme abroad and locally, offering consultations at major trade fairs. Brands welcomed the opportunity, citing Macaus tourism market and strategic location. According to IPIM, the initiative aims to boost new business models, strengthen the citys commercial appeal, and drive community economic growth. Like this: Like Loading... AVON, Ohio (WJW) Firefighters reported flames shooting from the roof of an Avon home when they arrived on the scene early Wednesday morning. The house fire in the 4300 block of Jaycox Road started shortly before 4 a.m. Fisherman dies in Lake Erie near Edgewater Park According to crews, everyone got out of the house safely. Theres no word on what caused 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 Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. An abandoned storefront in Chadbourn in Columbus County, which the NC Department of Commerce rates as a Tier 1 county for economic distress. Jane Winik Sartwell / Carolina Public Press North Carolinas system of targeted economic development economic distress tiers was designed to distribute a tax credit that no longer exists. Today, the system persists, and various state agencies and nongovernmental organizations continually apply it in ways the original designers never could have anticipated, influencing economic growth in many parts of North Carolina, but not always for the better. In Tier 1 Columbus County, where the decline of textile mills and tobacco farming left behind economic stagnation, the town of Chadbourns main street looks almost post-apocalyptic. Between 2022 and 2023, employment declined another 16% in Chadbourn. The median income in town is less than $20,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tier system is specifically designed to help places like Chadbourn by prioritizing job creation there. So why isnt anything changing in Chadbourn and many other communities across the state? The poverty rate in Chadbourn is more than 50%. That towns economic plight is, under the current distress tiers system, equal to that of Bethlehem in Tier 1 Alexander County. Yet the poverty rate in Bethlehem is less than 4%. This kind of issue is a feature of the tiers system, not a bug. A series of vacant stores line the streets of Chadbourn, a town of about 1,600 people in Columbus County, in southeastern North Carolina. The state has consistently categorized Columbus County as Tier 1, or most economically distressed, along with the next four counties going west along the states border with South Carolina. Jane Winik Sartwell / Carolina Public Press This is part two of Trapped By Tiers, a three-part Carolina Public Press investigative series examining North Carolinas economic distress tiers, a system intended to promote economic mobility across the state. CPP analyzed state data and found that this system is ineffective, stagnant, and at times, counterproductive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first article examined the ways this system fails counties across the economic spectrum. This article focuses on where North Carolina went wrong. The third and final installment explores possible solutions and alternatives. The history of a broken system North Carolina devised a system of five economic distress tiers in 1996 as a method to distribute the William S. Lee tax credit, which incentivized businesses to create new jobs in struggling counties. The Lee tax credit hasnt existed since 2010, but the system built to distribute it carries on. The tiers werent designed to be flexible, nor were they built to be an accurate reflection of North Carolinas economic health. The system is now officially used by North Carolinas Commerce Department to distribute money relating to competitive incentive programs, public infrastructure, building renovation and downtown redevelopment, through state programs like: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Job Development and Investment Grant (JDIG) One North Carolina Fund (OneNC) Community Development Block Grant Economic Development (CDBG-ED) State Rural Grants Economic Infrastructure Program Industrial Development Fund (IDF) Utility Account State Rural Grants Building Reuse Program In the years since, misrepresentation and broad application of the tiers has spiraled. Many state departments besides Commerce use the tiers in a variety of different programs, the exact number of which is difficult to determine. They now affect each countys eligibility for public and private dollars, as well as its overall reputation. At the time of its inception, only two tiers existed: 20 counties qualified for incentives and 80 didnt. In 1996, the program scaled up from two tiers to five, reflecting the idea that economic distress went beyond just the 20 most disadvantaged counties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Years and years ago, we used to have five tiers, Ashley Wooten, McDowell County manager, told Carolina Public Press. That gave you a little more of a granular look. There was a lot more movement between tiers back then. Ten years later, in 2006, the framework was simplified to just three tiers. Now, with three tiers, you have counties that are very different economically in the same tier, Wooten said. Jane Winik Sartwell / Carolina Public Press In 2018 came one of the biggest reforms of the tier system since its inception. Before that year, Commerce included two automatic qualifiers alongside the four economic indicators it considers: small population sizes and high poverty rates. Counties with populations of less than 12,000 were automatically classified as Tier 1, while counties with populations smaller than 50,000 were limited to Tier 1 or 2, regardless of the health of their economies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Camden County was the best example of the systems distortions pre-2018. It had the lowest poverty rate in the state, yet couldnt leave Tier 1 due to its small population, displacing genuinely distressed counties from that designation. Arbitrary arrangement Though the state has done away with those pesky automatic qualifiers, the bones of the system still present serious problems. The preprescribed number of counties in each category is one of these broken bones. Every year, there must be 40 Tier 1 counties, or most distressed, 40 Tier 2 counties, or medium distressed, and 20 Tier 3 counties those which are least distressed. These numbers are entirely arbitrary, except that they add up to 100. The distribution does not reflect an actual ratio of distressed to nondistressed counties in North Carolina. Its almost like musical chairs, Cherokee County manager Paul Worley told Carolina Public Press. Because theres a set number of Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3, if someone moves up, you automatically get pushed down. Cherokee County has moved back and forth without any major change here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Infinitesimal and even nonexistent changes are magnified. Meanwhile, if a county truly did improve or decline, but not enough to exit its tier, that change is reduced to nothing. First, they are forcing a rank of 1 to 100. Then, they are forcing that into three buckets. You end up creating difference where difference doesnt exist, and obscuring differences that actually do exist, said Carolyn Fryberger, co-author of a recent UNC School of Government study on the distress tiers system. You could shift places because someone else is doing way better or way worse not because the underlying conditions in your own county have fundamentally changed. The system masks the unique issues of individual counties that are wildly different but end up in the same tier as one another. The closed Canton paper mill plant experienced damage from flooding during Tropical Storm Helene. Provided / Town of Canton Are we really to believe that Haywood County Canton, Waynesville is in the same economic category as Charlotte? said Rep. Brian Turner, D-Buncombe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The system also obscures progress or decline in the overall state economy. For example, isolating the unemployment rate data point shows considerable improvement in the states economy between 2014 and 2024. Still, the county tier rankings remained very similar over this period, and the system had no way to represent this change. Further, the system necessitates that 80% of the state is labeled as distressed, regardless of actual conditions. The system is not flexible or adaptable enough to address economic crises, like COVID-19, Hurricane Florence or Tropical Storm Helene. If in next years ranking, Western North Carolina counties drop because of Helenes lingering impact, that will artificially bump up counties that have not experienced any change making them less attractive for state dollars. The four-factor distress tier fallacy The system uses four factors to determine each countys rank: median household income, unemployment rate, population growth, and property tax base per capita. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That these are the only factors in the system results in a narrow picture of economic health. Some of those four stats unfairly advantage or disadvantage certain counties in the state, just based on that countys particular point in time, Curtis Potter, Washington County manager, told CPP. In Washington County, one of those four things is population growth. The fact that we are a shrinking-on-paper county in terms of population holds us down more than it otherwise should in the tier rankings. A building which once housed the J.M. Bernhardt Planing Mill, is seen in ruins near downtown Lenoir in Caldwell County on Sept. 19, 2025. The mill operated from 1896 to 1965. Lenoir, once a town dedicated to furniture manufacturing, has had to reinvent itself since less expensive labor moved overseas, causing factories to shut down. Melissa Sue Gerrits / Carolina Public Press Population growth is a sticking point for other counties as well, largely because of North Carolinas explosive growth over the last decade. Places that arent growing as fast as Charlotte, Raleigh or Wilmington are penalized, even if their growth rate isnt negative. Thats the case in Caldwell County, where Ashley Bolick is the economic development director. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our growth pales in comparison to some of those communities, and thats a hard narrative to describe or explain when people just read the headline that we are an economically distressed county, Bolick said. The tier designation is not an accurate depiction of where were moving as a community. I dont think the general public understands that. Its really just intended to be a tool for the state to allocate resources. The other input factors present problems as well. Using the property tax base per capita can artificially inflate county ranks in places where wealthy people own second homes, like the Outer Banks or the high country. A fence blocks access to a series of aging commercial buildings in downtown Goldston, a small town in southeastern Chatham County. Growth in the northeastern part of the county has helped make Chatham a prosperous Tier 3 county. But that prosperity has eluded areas like Goldston. Frank Taylor / Carolina Public Press Using the median household income can disguise pockets of deep poverty in Tier 3 counties. It also inflates counties that attract wealthy retirees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I appreciate the theory behind creating such a system, and the benefits of having one, but I do not believe that the current system accurately reflects the reality in Buncombe County, Rep. Lindsey Prather, D-Buncombe, told CPP. For example, Biltmore Forest, a small municipality in Buncombe, claims the highest income for any city in NC. But our county as a whole doesnt even break the top 10 in the state for overall income. There are major variations within the county that are not accounted for in the county tier system, and it means that rural places in Buncombe are being underserved simply because of their proximity to Asheville. Other factors that could be considered in the assessment of a countys economic health, but are left out of the distress tiers system. These include poverty rate, educational attainment, health care access, transportation infrastructure, child care availability, broadband access, wage growth, rate of home construction, cost of living, climate resilience, or small-business density just to name a few. Devastation from Tropical Storm Helene along US 70 in Swannanoa, in eastern Buncombe County, on Oct. 1, 2024. Colby Rabon / Carolina Public Press Its really hard to boil an entire economy down to four metrics, said Josh Carpenter, director of economic development group Mountain West Partnership. Economic development is much more complicated than that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet even adding or switching out factors wouldnt fix the fundamental problem, according to Fryberger. The methodology is set up to produce arbitrary results, she says. Geographic complexities The tier system treats each county as an autonomous economic zone, ignoring vast disparities that exist within county lines. If you went across Davie County, you would see all three tiers within the county itself, said Davie County manager Brian Barnett. This sentiment is echoed by county managers across the state, especially in Tier 2 and 3 counties, where the system ignores struggling towns and neighborhoods based on the affluence of another section of the county. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The system also ignores how regional labor markets function. Workers routinely cross county lines for employment, making a county-by-county system somewhat random. Well inside the city limits of Mebane, a sign along US 70 announces the line between Orange and Alamance counties. Orange is considered a low-distress Tier 3 county, while Alamance is a medium distress Tier 2 county. Frank Taylor / Carolina Public Press Sometimes, this county-centric system produces absurd results. The town of Mebane, for example, straddles Alamance and Orange counties. Companies receive better incentives to locate on one side of town rather than the other, according to Orange County Commissioner Steve Brantley. Thats because Alamance is a Tier 2 county and Orange is Tier 3. The system also fails to address the geographic clustering of persistently distressed counties in Eastern North Carolina a regional economic challenge that might require regional solutions. What keeps counties in distress CPP analysis showed that half of the 40 Tier 1 counties have held that same status for more than a decade. The distress tiers system does not outline a clear process for improvement for these persistent Tier 1 counties. The incentives and funding the state is offering them now are not enough to allow them to move up in the rankings. Part of the problem is that these counties may not have the resources to develop relevant projects or to apply for grants or incentives, even if they are given special treatment. Jane Winik Sartwell / Carolina Public Press Most of the Tier 1 counties dont have the resources to go after all those grants anyway, Potter said. Parts of North Carolina desperately need economic help. The question is whether the tiers are doing so. Vance County Manager Renee Perry appreciates the idea that counties like hers are singled out by the system. But she doesnt think her county has what it takes to transform, even under that spotlight. Some counties will always be at a disadvantage because of location, because of the demographics, because of the poverty in that county, Perry said. Im not going to say that the tier system is not working. Its just certain opportunities come this way and some dont, unfortunately. There are concerns from businesses about coming here because of the demographics and because our infrastructure is not that of a Tier 3 county. We dont have certain things that are needed for your big Amazons, or other big industries, to actually come here and set up shop. We dont have the infrastructure. That lack of infrastructure and interest from businesses is exactly the problem the distress tier system aims to solve. But so far, the system hasnt shown itself able to do that. This article first appeared on Carolina Public Press and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. PARSELY = { autotrack: false, onload: function() { PARSELY.beacon.trackPageView({ url: https://carolinapublicpress.org/73137/distress-tier-system-nc-not-opening-doors-growth-poor-are/, urlref: window.location.href }); } } Torrential rains have triggered severe flooding in central Vietnam, killing nine people and leaving five missing, authorities said Wednesday. The floods have also injured 11 people, Vietnams civil defence agency said in a report. Heavy rain continued to affect the central region on Wednesday, particularly tourist destinations like Hue, Da Nang and Hoi An, according to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, Hue and Da Nang cities are forecast to receive a rainfall up to more than 400 millimetres (mm), bringing the total precipitation in the region up to 1,600 mm over the past two days. The rain is expected to reduce on Thursday, but the water level is still very high, it is expected to recede in two days, local resident Hoang Ngo Tu Do told dpa In Hue, once an imperial city, streets were inundated and residents used boats to move around. The power was out, with schools forced to close. The historic floods have submerged 32 out of 40 communes and wards in Hue, impacting 35,000 households, while Da Nang has seen over 75,000 households inundated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The army has mobilized more than 6,000 officers and soldiers to evacuate 3,238 people in Hue city. The coastal town of Hoi An - famous for its colourful lanterns and listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site - was partly underwater, with tourists wading through knee-deep floods. (The Center Square) Florida Gov. Ron Desantis announced on Wednesday he would crack down on H-1B visas in higher education. Desantis directed the Florida Board of Governors, a body that leads the State University System of Florida, to require universities prioritize American graduates. Universities across the country are importing foreign workers on H-1B visas instead of hiring Americans who are qualified and available to do the job, said Gov. DeSantis. We will not tolerate H-1B abuse in Florida institutions." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement H-1B visas are designated to foreign nationals with advanced degrees, such as bachelor's degrees, who can live and work temporarily in the United States. H-1B visas are typically used in technology industries. Amazon, Meta and Apple were among the top petitioners for H-1B visas in 2025. Congress sets a maximum annual cap for these visas at 85,000. However, state-funded organizations, like universities, are exempt from this Congressionally mandated cap. These organizations typically recruit H-1B workers for research and professor positions. Massachusetts, Michigan, Colorado and Alaska have also initiated programs to recruit immigrant entrepreneurs who can be sponsored through the state's universities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Desantis' announcement follows President Donald Trump's Sept. 19 proclamation issuing a $100,000 fee on new H-1B proposals. Trump cited a lack of jobs for American workers and suppressed wage conditions in his proclamation restricting H-1B visa applicants. "The large-scale replacement of American workers through systemic abuse of the program has undermined both our economic and national security," the proclamation reads. It is unclear how Desantis' announcement will be implemented in Florida's university system. All 43 Democratic state legislators in Florida have asked Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis to declare a state of emergency as nearly three million Floridians are set to lose their access to SNAP food assistance benefits when funding for the program expires Saturday amid the federal government shutdown. In a letter to the governor dated Oct. 28, the legislators ask him to "declare a State of Emergency on Food Insecurity to unlock state emergency resources" to make available resources that will allow various state agencies to acquire extra food and funding and to expand school meal programs until SNAP benefits are restored. "Under Section 252.36 of the Florida Statutes, the Governor has clear authority to declare a State of Emergency when 'the occurrence or threat thereof is imminent.' Hunger is both," the letter states. Scott Heins/Getty Images - PHOTO: A sign alerting customers about SNAP food stamps benefits is displayed at a Brooklyn grocery store, Dec. 5, 2019, in New York. MORE: Some Americans prepare for halt in SNAP benefits: 'Im going to have hungry kids' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "For families already struggling under record food and housing costs, the loss of this critical support would be catastrophic. Local food banks and pantries have already reported overwhelming demand and depleted supplies," the letter states. "Food insecurity is also increasing for federal employees and our military families as the shutdown continues. This is not speculation; its reality." "We are days away from a full-blown hunger emergency that will leave families without food during the holiday season. The state cannot stand by," the letter further states, adding "No child should go hungry because politicians in Washington cant agree." Joe Raedle/Getty Images, FILE - PHOTO: In this May 1, 2025, file photo, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during a press conference held at the ICE-Enforcement and Removal Operation office in Miramar, Fla. An ABC News request for comment sent to the office of Gov. DeSantis did not immediately receive a response. However, when asked for a reaction to the letter during an unrelated press conference Wednesday at the University of South Florida, DeSantis responded, "Did those Democrats write a letter to Chuck Schumer asking him to stop filibustering the spending?" referring to the Democratic Senate minority leader. Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries have been at the center of an impasse with Republican leadership, Senate Majority Leader Tom Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson, since the shutdown began on Oct. 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearly 42 million Americans were receiving SNAP benefits as of May 2025, the most recent data available, according to the USDA, which funds the state-administered program. Just over 2.9 million Floridians receive SNAP benefits, making Florida the fourth-highest SNAP recipient, according to the latest USDA data, after California, Texas and New York. MORE: Could halt in SNAP benefits, paychecks pressure lawmakers to strike shutdown deal? There have been thirteen failed votes in the Senate to reopen the government, with the most recent on Tuesday. Democrats have refused to vote on a short-term funding bill that doesn't address the issue of extending subsidies for the Affordable Care Act, which expire Dec. 31, and Republicans have said they will not address the issue without Democrats first voting on a bill to re-open the government. On Tuesday, 25 states and the District of Columbia sued the Trump administration over the impending loss of SNAP benefits amid the federal government shutdown, which is now the second-longest in U.S. history. Teachers and staff from Higley Unified School District in the East Valley have held multiple canvassing events in the lead-up to Election Day. On the ballot is a request to continue a 15% budget override set to expire in the 2027-28 school year. Among all the districts in Maricopa County, Higley has proposed one of the priciest overrides for property owners, equaling $383 a year in property taxes for the average homeowner within district boundaries. For most people, the average cost would be less than $15 a month, but the override will have a big impact on students, said Heather Gossler, a teacher at Williams Field High School. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The existing override is in its first year of phasing out, and its value has been reduced by a third, so the average homeowner should see an increase of just over $11 per month on their property taxes if the override extension passes. With how much you're going to get for how little you're spending, there really isn't a better deal in education than voting for your bonds and overrides, Gossler said. Previous override failure resulted in staff, program cuts Last year, a renewal of a 15% budget override failed by less than 500 votes. This resulted in a $5.1 million budget loss and the cutting of over 80 staff positions. The state has made this conscious decision for so long to underfund education, and that means that it's communities that have to step up and fill in the gaps, said Geneva Fuentes, communications director for the Arizona Education Association. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the 2024-25 school year, all elementary school counselors in Higley Unified were eliminated as a result of the failed override, according to Caleb Thrall, who was an elementary school counselor in the district for three years. The override impacts teacher salaries, but ultimately it's about supporting students and the districts mission to provide quality education and produce quality graduates, he said. Gateway Pointe Elementarys media specialist, Trisha Wright, who oversees the school library, said she lost her media aide of seven years in the cuts. Now, Wright has to teach hundreds of students by herself. I lost my right-hand person that helped me on the day-to-day with book check out and running programming, said Wright. It was obviously detrimental to the success of what I do on a daily basis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of Wright's media specialist duties, she assists teachers and students with school resources and building technology skills, in addition to overseeing the library. Without her media aide, students and staff cannot check out books during Wright's lectures. When schools remove funding for libraries and programs, "were not reaching the whole child," she said. The district plans to use the override renewal for dual language learning, art, music and school libraries, as well as teacher salaries, extracurricular options and maintaining class sizes. Community members rally behind override If the override fails, it would further jeopardize school programs and staff positions, according to Jessica DAmbrosio, a teacher at Higley Traditional Academy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Art and music programs help build well-rounded students, she said. We're not even asking for teachers' sake right now," DAmbrosio said. "We're asking for our students' needs in those programs." Becky Rose, a parent of three students at Power Ranch Elementary, said supporting school funding on the ballot is crucial for students' education, which extends beyond the core subjects. As a voter, Rose supports the override, knowing that her students will lose a lot of what their school currently provides if it fails, she said. Claire Nelfon, a Power Ranch Elementary parent, answered the door on Oct. 15 to eager Higley Unified canvassers and told them her house supports the override. She said her children are currently paying more for electives this year because of the lack of funding since the override failed to pass last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gossler has seen a lot of online criticism of the override, usually from people outside the district, she said, but by canvassing in person, she has seen the people in her community who do support it. In Higley Unifieds informational pamphlet available to voters, community members from across the Valley have expressed concerns about the override renewal, specifically that funds from the override are being directed to administrative staff rather than teachers. Higley Unified, Gossler said, has a low administrative cost relative to other districts, and administrators play a huge role in student success. We need those secretaries, we need those attendance clerks, we need the registrar to get kids into the building, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With Higley Unifieds override failing by only a couple of hundred votes in 2024, she hopes this year, Maricopa Countys mail-in-only ballot will turn the tide in teachers' and staffs favor. Coverage of education solutions on azcentral.com and in The Arizona Republic is partially supported by a grant from the Arizona Local News Foundations Arizona Community Collaborative Fund. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Higley Unified teachers, staff rally voters to increase budget WASHINGTON (DC News Now) With over a million federal workers without pay and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits set to lapse on Nov. 1 amid the government shutdown, more and more Americans are searching for food assistance. Here are some food resources in the DMV. Food banks are preparing for a surge as federal food aid could be paused in the government shutdown Washington, D.C. D.C. offered a list of food assistance resources, including: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Free pop-up markets for federal employees from the Capital Area Food Bank. Five-day supply of groceries from the nonprofit Bread for the City if you are a furloughed federal worker or federal contractor out of work who lives in D.C. Free lunches Monday through Friday for residents who are 60 or older from the DC Office on Aging. Free and reduced school meals through D.C. Public Schools for families impacted by the shutdown. Free lunches for children 18 or younger through the Department of Parks and Recreation. Maryland Statewide, Gov. Wes Moore said that Maryland will tap into the $3.5 billion in short-term cash that the Maryland Treasury holds to help with SNAP funding during the shutdown. Montgomery County, Md., offered a list and calendar of events in the county offering free food or food assistance to its residents, including food distribution events, meals for children and meals for older adults. The Prince Georges County Council in Maryland also provided links to food resources, including its Department of Social Services Emergency Food Assistance Program, which has over 30 pantries and shelters where donated food is distributed. Virginia Statewide, Governor Glenn Younkin declared a state of emergency for more SNAP funding assistance after federal funds will lapse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arlington, Va., provided a list of food assistance programs in the county, including an interactive map that showcases food pantries, school meals, prepared meals, and discount groceries. Loudoun County, Va., provided resources as well, including a calendar of food assistance sites and events and information about the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program. Fairfax County, Va., provided a list of food banks and food assistance sites in the county. 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. Hurricane Melissa strengthened further Tuesday as it crawled toward Jamaica, where officials and residents braced for catastrophic winds, flash flooding and landslides from the Category 5 storm, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes in history. The streets in the capital, Kingston, remained largely empty as Melissa approached, save for the lone stray dog crossing puddles and a handful of people walking briskly under tree branches waving in a stiff wind. The Jamaican government said it had done all it could to prepare as it warned of catastrophic damage from the strongest hurricane to hit the island since recordkeeping began 174 years ago. There is no infrastructure in the region that can withstand a Category 5, Prime Minister Andrew Holness said. The question now is the speed of recovery. Thats the challenge. The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami warned people in the path of the storm, which had 185 mph (295 kph) winds Tuesday morning, that this is the last chance to protect your life. The storm is expected to make landfall Tuesday and slice diagonally across the island. Shortly after, it is expected to hit Cuba. Melissa is the fifth most intense Atlantic basin hurricane on record by pressure and the strongest to make landfall since Hurricane Dorian in 2019, according to hurricane specialist and storm surge expert Michael Lowry. It is a worst-case scenario unfolding for Jamaica, he said. Landslides, fallen trees and numerous power outages were reported ahead of the storm, with officials in Jamaica cautioning that the cleanup and damage assessment would be slow. The storm is expected to enter near St. Elizabeth parish in the south and exit around St. Ann parish in the north, forecasters said. Total structural failure is possible near the path of Melissas center, the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami. A life-threatening storm surge of up to 13 feet (4 meters) is expected across southern Jamaica, with officials concerned about the impact on some hospitals along the coastline. Health Minister Christopher Tufton said some patients were relocated from the ground floor to the second floor, and (we) hope that will suffice for any surge that will take place. The storm already was blamed for seven deaths in the Caribbean, including three in Jamaica, three in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic, where another person remains missing. Jamaica braces for catastrophic damage On Tuesday morning, Melissa was centered about 40 miles (60 kilometers) south-southeast of Negril, Jamaica, and about 235 miles (380 kilometers) southwest of Guantanamo, Cuba. The system had maximum sustained winds of 185 mph (295 kph) and was moving north-northeast at 9 mph (15 kph), according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami. It will cause catastrophic damage, said Evan Thompson, principal director at Jamaicas meteorological service. Those strong winds, you will not be able to escape. Colin Bogle, a Mercy Corps adviser based near Kingston, said most families are sheltering in place despite the government ordering evacuations in flood-prone communities. Many have never experienced anything like this before, and the uncertainty is frightening, he said. There is profound fear of losing homes and livelihoods, of injury, and of displacement. Necephor Mghendi, the international Red Cross regional head of delegation for the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean, said that an estimated 1.5 million people in the storms path will be affected, but many others may be as well. The entire population may feel the impact one way or the other, he said by video link from Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. More than 240,000 customers were without power before landfall, and about one-fourth of the telecommunications system was offline, said Darryl Vaz, transport and energy minister. He said crews will clean and run tests at the islands two main international airports Wednesday in hopes of receiving emergency relief flights as early as Thursday. We will get through this. God bless Jamaica, he said. U.N. agencies and dozens of nonprofits had food, medicine and other essential supplies prepositioned as they awaited a distribution rush after the storm. Matthew Samuda, Jamaicas water and environment minister, said he had more than 50 generators available to deploy after the storm, but warned people to set aside clean water and use it sparingly. Every drop will count, he said. Melissa takes aim at Cuba Melissa was expected to make landfall in eastern Cuba late Tuesday. A hurricane warning was in effect for Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo, Las Tunas and Holguin provinces, while a tropical storm warning was in effect for Camaguey. Up to 20 inches (51 centimeters) of rain were forecast for parts of Cuba, along with a significant storm surge along the coast. Cuban officials said Monday that they were evacuating more than 600,000 people from the region, including Santiago, the islands second-largest city. Melissa also has drenched the southern regions of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, with a tropical storm warning still in effect for Haiti. The hurricane was forecast to turn northeast and strike the southeast Bahamas by Wednesday evening. JOHN MYERS JR. & DANICA COTO, KINGSTON, MDT/AP Like this: Like Loading... Gov. Kevin Stitt, center, helps to pack boxes at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma on Oct. 29, 2025, with his chief of staff Donelle Harder, right, and Jeffery Cartmell, director of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, left. (Photo by Emma Murphy/Oklahoma Voice) OKLAHOMA CITY With federal food assistance in peril, Oklahoma food banks, nonprofits and religious groups are bracing for impact. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps, could be cut off Saturday for over 680,000 Oklahomans if the federal government shutdown doesnt end. While officials dont yet know how great the impact of losing SNAP could be on food banks, Gov. Kevin Stitt said the state wont be using the states around $1 billion in savings yet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, which serves 53 counties in central and western Oklahoma, is aiming to double its efforts should SNAP be cut off. This will cost $5.5 million per month, but it wont be enough, officials said. Our food charity system provides one meal for every nine meals that SNAP provides, said Stacy Dykstra, CEO of the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. I just want to make sure that were really clear about that. What we are doing as food banks, we are being so deliberate and intentional to find every food resource we can find and to deploy it the most effective and efficient way we can in partnership with our amazing partner network. The regional food bank has already seen a 37% spike in people asking for food assistance for the first time. Stacy Dykstra, CEO of the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, speaks about the potential impacts of federal food assistance funding being cut off. (Photo by Emma Murphy/Oklahoma Voice) The best way to help is to donate money to food banks, Dykstra said. Food banks are also always in need of volunteers and donations, she said. The most needed donations are canned goods, including meats, soups, fruits and vegetables. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stitt on Wednesday asked Oklahomans to step up to help their neighbors, to shop at their local grocery stores who will also feel the financial pinch, and to call on Congress to reopen the federal government. At the end of the day, big picture, the federal government needs to quit fighting, he said. They need to solve this problem. They need to fund this clean (continuing resolution), and stop throwing politics into it and trying to throw other policy items into this. The federal government has been shut down since Oct. 1 because Congress has failed to find a bipartisan path forward on a stopgap spending bill by the start of the federal fiscal year. A Republican proposal seeks to temporarily keep the government open through Nov. 21. Democrats back a separate plan to permanently restore health subsidies for those who buy health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace. If the shutdown continues, other federal programs in Oklahoma, like child care, will soon be at risk, Stitt said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If it continues into Dec. 1, it will be a minimum of $350 million that we are shorted in the state of Oklahoma for some of these programs, he said. Stitt said using the states nearly $1 billion rainy day fund isnt an option to fund SNAP at this point because the federal government hasnt guaranteed the state will be reimbursed. If the state were to use the fund, theres limits to how its used, Stitt said. Gov. Kevin Stitt and Jeffery Cartmell, director of Oklahoma Department of Human Services, attend an event at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma on Oct. 29, 2025. (Photo by Emma Murphy/Oklahoma Voice) The fund can only be used in the case of revenue failure, which is not the case here because its a federal government problem, Stitt said, and there is a withdrawal limit of $300 million that requires the permission of two-thirds of the Legislature which would require a special session. Further complicating the issue, Oklahoma does not have access to the cards SNAP beneficiaries use to add funds to them, Stitt said. If things continue, Jeffrey Cartmell, who runs (the Department of Human Services), is looking at all that, he said. Were talking to the vendor that monitors those cards to see if we need to do something in the month of December later on, what does that look like? How quickly can we get that going? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oklahomas House and Senate minority leaders, Sen. Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City, and Rep. Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, said the governor needs to be doing more to help Oklahomans now and said lawmakers should convene for a special session. Governors across this country have managed to set up funding for food banks and EBT cards for their citizensour Governor could do the same, Munson said in a statement. Standing in front of an organization doing the work and asking for assistance while providing no real solutions is offensive. There are solutions that we can enact if we come together. Kirt said the solutions Stitt offered are inadequate. House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, speaks while Senate Minority Leader Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City, listens at a news conference March 31, 2025, at the state Capitol in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice) We cannot allow children to starve or be traumatized trying to find their next meal, Kirt said in a statement. The federal government must find a solution and end the worry and confusion of the many Oklahoma families who rely on SNAP for their groceries. We cannot expect charity to fill this huge public safety gap. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cartmell, director of Oklahoma Department of Human Services which administers SNAP, said state leaders are working with tribal governments to discuss ways to work together and shift SNAP recipients to tribal food assistance programs that have not yet been affected by the shutdown. Cartmell said officials were meeting with 12 tribal nations to expedite the transition process. Oklahomans cannot be recipients of both SNAP and the tribal food assistance program. Pastor Cody Anderson said churches across Oklahoma have worked to connect ahead of this looming food crisis. He encouraged faith leaders and churches to respond and provide resources to their communities beyond this current crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If 5,000 churches respond to this today and they began to put together 50 boxes of emergency food, and they do that twice a month thats almost a half a million people that are served in our communities, in our areas, and it helps relieve the pressure off the incredible job that the food banks do, Anderson said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE ESCONDIDO, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) Organizations are coming together in North County to help those in need as critical food assistance programs have come to a halt due to the federal government shutdown. On Thursday, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., Interfaith Community Services and Feeding San Diego will be distributing food and supplies to families and individuals affected by the federal shutdown. San Diego Food Bank helping people during government shutdown Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its one of several efforts across the county to support those affected by the government shutdown. Last week, the San Diego Food Bank also stepped up support for federal workers who were not receiving paychecks. The emergency food distribution event will be held at the Betty & Melvin Cohn Center at 550 West Washington Ave. in Escondido. The County of San Diego recently announced that people who are expecting to receive CalFresh, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), benefits on Saturday, Nov. 1 should expect delays, adding that the length of the delay is unknown at this time. According to Feeding San Diego, the organization and its partner agencies, including Interfaith Community Services, have been responding to a surge in people seeking food assistance since the shutdown began on Oct. 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) Food pantries across Kingsport are preparing for the potential halt in SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown. V.O. Dobbins Jr. said the food pantry at Central Baptist Church is expecting an increase in demand. We try to make it convenient for those that are less fortunate and homeless, Dobbins said. It is quite a few that come to the line. So, its a welcome ministry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jeremy Damesworth, the senior pastor at Christian Life Center, said they have been getting calls about whether their food pantry will be open. Our team here has prepared to help as many people as we can during that time, Damesworth said. If the shutdown continues, we stand ready to serve. We will do whatever we can to help you with these food items. Rhonda Chafin, executive director of the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee, said they have an emergency plan in place in case of an increase in demand, but it has not been activated yet. We actually had calls with our agency partners yesterday morning, Chafin said. We talked to them about the increased number of individuals that might be coming to their sites. We also talked about the ability if they could handle additional food. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Second Harvest Food Bank prepares for extra need ahead of SNAP benefit halt If the emergency plan is activated, Chafin said additional resources will be given to agency partners to meet the potential demand. We have our plan of action that we will distribute food next week to our communities, and they will have additional food, to be able to provide the food and secure neighbors in need, Chafin said. Chafin also said that if the emergency plan is activated, they will be looking for help from the public. Were going to look to our community for monetary donations, food donations and volunteering time to be able to help us meet the needs of those that will not have SNAP benefits, Chafin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Right now, SNAP benefits will end on Saturday, Nov. 1. Chafin said they are currently monitoring the situation and will activate the emergency plan based on what happens then. 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 WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. "Bottom line, the well has run dry. At this time, there will be no benefits issued on November 1," the USDA posted on Tuesday. Over 40 million US citizens will see their food stamp benefits stop on November 1 amid the government shutdown. The US Department of Agriculture decided last week not to use $6 billion in contingency funds to pay for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Bottom line, the well has run dry. At this time, there will be no benefits issued on November 1," the USDA posted on Tuesday. If the SNAP benefits pause on Saturday, it would mark the first time payments have lapsed due to a government shutdown in the program's 60-year history. Over 41 million low-income Americans, roughly one in eight people, will be affected, CBS reported In response, a coalition of Democratic-led states sued the Trump administration in an attempt to avoid the loss. Is the food you're taking from the fridge definitely yours? (illustrative) (credit: PEXELS) The lawsuit argues that the suspension of benefits is arbitrary and is being carried out in violation of the law and regulations governing the program, which requires that assistance under this program shall be furnished to all eligible households." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The federal government has the money to continue funding SNAP benefits; theyre choosing to harm millions of families across the country already struggling to make ends meet," Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell said in a social media post about the lawsuit filed in Boston federal court by attorneys general and governors from 25 states and the District of Columbia. The case was assigned to an Obama-era judge The case was assigned to US District Judge Indira Talwani, who was appointed by Democratic former president Barack Obama. She set a hearing for Thursday on whether to issue a temporary restraining order forcing the USDA to use available contingency funds for November SNAP benefits. The lawsuit, led by the attorneys general of Massachusetts, California, Arizona, and Minnesota, says the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 makes clear that the contingency funds should be used when necessary to carry out program operations. "Millions of Americans are about to go hungry because the federal government has chosen to withhold food assistance it is legally obligated to provide, New York Attorney General Letitia James said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the lawsuit, governors across the United States have either started statewide drives for food banks or have pledged to fast-track funds to ensure meals are provided to needy residents. In a statement to CBS, the USDA said that Senate Democrats were approaching an inflection point. Continue to hold out for the Far-Left wing of the party or reopen the government so mothers, babies, and the most vulnerable among us can receive timely [federal food aid.]" SNAP benefits are available to Americans whose income is less than 130% of the federal poverty line, or $1,632 a month for a one-person household, or $2,215 for a two-person household in many areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SNAP benefits are paid out monthly, although the exact date payments are distributed varies among states, which are responsible for the day-to-day administration of the benefits. Typically, eligible households get around $187 a month in assistance. CBS reported that unused SNAP benefits recipients' cards will roll over into November. The shutdown also threatens benefits for nearly 7 million participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, known as WIC. As FoodShare benefits are set to lapse amid the government shutdown, Milwaukee area pantries, nonprofits and small businesses are stepping up to provide food assistance to affected community members. FoodShare is Wisconsin's version of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which provides food aid to individuals who meet income certain requirements. Nearly 700,000 Wisconsinites rely on the program, which is 100% funded by the federal government, according to the state's Department of Health Services. Due to the ongoing government shutdown, FoodShare benefits are expected to pause Nov. 1. Beneficiaries can continue using any outstanding funds on their FoodShare cards in November, but new benefits will not be issued until the shutdown ends. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shutdown, which began Oct. 1, is officially the second longest in history. Here's where you can find free or low-cost food assistance in the Milwaukee area as November FoodShare benefits are delayed: Hunger Taskforce Mobile Market The Hunger Taskforce's Mobile Market travels around Milwaukee County each week to provide residents in underserved communities with access to fresh and healthy foods. The market does not sell canned or processed foods, its website notes. You can find the Mobile Market's full schedule online at https://www.hungertaskforce.org/what-we-do/mobile-market/. Gather Bakehouse Bay View's Gather Bakehouse, 1100 E. Oklahoma Ave., will offer free loaves of bread and 6-packs of rolls daily beginning Oct. 29, according to a Facebook post. Those interested will need to present a SNAP benefits card and items are limited to one household, while supplies last. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The shutdown shouldnt mean anyone goes hungry," the post said. "If you need bread, please come by. If you dont, help spread the word." Nourish MKE food centers Nourish MKE operates four community food centers in Milwaukee. Visitors can select their own groceries from a range of fresh produce, non-perishables, dairy, meat and whole grains. Anyone whose income is below government food assistance guidelines is eligible for the program, though Nourish MKE does not require proof of income. Visitors do need to bring an ID for everyone in their household and a proof of zip code document, according to the Nourish MKE website. Find hours and locations for the food centers here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Milwaukee, county launch food drive during stop of FoodShare benefits amid government shutdown Metcalfe Park community fridge The community fridge at Tricklebee Cafe, 4424 W. North Ave., is open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday. Visitors can pick up fresh produce and other donated food items. Launched in September, the fridge is a joint effort by Tricklebee Cafe, Metcalfe Park Community Bridges and One MKE. Tricklebee Cafe also offers pay-what-you-can meals, including plant-based soups, sandwiches, salads and baked goods. UMOS food pantry The UMOS food pantry, 2701 S. Chase Ave., provides food boxes to individuals living in the 53207 and 53221 zip codes in Milwaukee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First-time visitors living outside these zip codes can also pick up a food box but will be referred to pantries in their current zip code afterwards. Those living in eligible zip codes can pick up a box every 30 days. Every box contains a minimum of 25 pounds of non-perishable foods or, for families, a minimum of 41 pounds of non-perishable foods. Find more information here. Mayfair Road Food Pantry The Mayfair Road Food Pantry, at 4515 N. Mayfair Road in Wauwatosa, is open Wednesday from 1 to 3 p.m. It serves residents living in the 53210, 53218, 53222, 53224 and 53225 zip codes. You must bring a photo ID and proof of residency. Find out more information here. Kinship Community Food Center The Kinship Community Food Center, 924 E. Clarke St., is open from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday and from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday. The pantry serves those living in the 53212, 53211, 53217, 53202 and 53203 zip codes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Find out more information here. Bay View Community Center The Bay View Community Center, 1320 E. Oklahoma Ave., is open from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday, as well as from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday. The pantry serves those living in the 53207, 53215, 53221 and 53235 zip codes. Find out more information here. Salvation Army food pantries The Salvation Army operates three food pantries in the Milwaukee area: Oak Creek, Greenfield and Milwaukee. Visitors can pick up a two- to three-day supply of emergency food. Find pantry locations and hours here. St. Vincent de Paul Meal Program The St. Vincent de Paul Meal Program serves meals six days a week across two locations in Milwaukee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Harambee Kitchen, 2600 N. 2nd St., is open 5:30 to 6:15 pm, Monday to Friday. The Cross Roads Kitchen, 931 W. Madison St., is open 5:30 6:15 pm, Sunday to Friday. Find more information here. Milwaukee County Senior Dining Program The Senior Dining Program offers affordable meals to adults over 60 years old at dining sites across Milwaukee County. Most sites require a reservation ahead of time, and the program has a suggested donation of $3 per diner. You can call (414) 289-6995 for more information, and find a list of dining sites here. More: For 700,000 Wisconsinites who need food assistance, panic setting in as final days run out Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This story will be updated as more information and resources become available. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee County food assistance programs to use amid gov't shutdown Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins burst into the White House last week explaining that her team had found a legal way to help unlock billions in relief funds for US farmers caught up in the trade war with China, sources familiar with the matter tell CNN. By tapping into a Depression-era fund and moving around leftover money from the prior fiscal year, Rollins was able to scrounge together enough funding to reopen all 2,100 USDA county offices by paying two employees per office to come back to work. Only then could they get the crucial assistance funds out the door, the sources said. We had to pay the employees in order to bring them back. We had to find the money, a USDA official told CNN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The maneuver unlocked more than $3 billion in emergency aid and regular program assistance that had already been approved by Congress, money that will be used for things like crop insurance and disaster assistance made to farmers across the country. But while the agency was able to get that money out the door, its unclear whether farmers will also be helped with a much larger relief package. Trump officials have debated for months whether to move forward with a bailout package to help farmers who have been hit by President Donald Trumps tariff policies. Discussions have centered on a package of $10 billion to $14 billion, if not higher. But the government shutdown complicated things, raising questions over whether a farm bailout will materialize at all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shutdown has totally affected this whole process because a lot of the people who were charged with deciding this are furloughed, a White House official told CNN. Now the administration, through Treasury and Ag, are reassessing its options. The president has also not yet decided on how he would like to proceed, officials said. Trumps tariffs prompted China to stop buying US soybeans in May, leaving farmers across the country sitting on billions in unsold crops and some questioning the policies of a president many of them voted for. Dave Murphy, founder of United We Eat, a farmer advocacy group aligned with Robert F. Kennedys Make America Healthy Again movement, said that Trumps decision to bail out Argentina has soured farmers even more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are farmers that are livid, that have voted for Trump three times, Murphy told CNN. If the Trump administration is promising $20 billion, perhaps $40 (billion) for Argentina, he cant leave farmers behind on this, which is an entirely administration-created nightmare, right, because of the tariffs. Now some Trump officials are hoping that a bigger bailout may not be necessary if the presidents sit-down with Chinese leader Xi Jinping results in a deal to lower tariffs and loosen up the trade war. Brazilian soybeans are unloaded from a ship at Longkou Port Area of Yantai Port in the Shandong province of China, on June 17. - Tang Ke/VCG/Getty Images We hope we dont have to use (a bailout). We want China to buy the soybeans, so maybe we dont have to do a program, the USDA official said. In advance of the meeting, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a framework agreement that could prompt Beijing to start buying a substantial amount of US soybeans again. China purchased roughly half of US soybean exports last year, according to USDA data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, ahead of the Trump-Xi talks, Rollins said on X that China had made its first soybean purchase since May, a sign that the impasse could be easing. Lawmakers in major farming states have been frustrated by Trumps whiplash on tariffs. If he can actually pull off a big trade deal with China that involves the sale of soybeans, all will be forgiven, Sen. Kevin Cramer, a North Dakota Republican, told reporters Monday, while adding that he was exasperated by Trumps latest missive ending trade talks with and increasing tariffs on Canada. The lingering farm bailout is just one of the issues facing Rollins as she navigates the fallout from Trumps tariffs and the government shutdown. Shes still dealing with the backlash from Trumps jab at American beef producers last week and the presidents call to buy Argentinian beef after already bailing out the country itself with $20 billion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, a group of Democratic-led states sued the Trump administration after the Agriculture Department said it could not legally pay $8 billion in food stamp benefits for November with the government shut down. A candid text message Soybeans have been the largest US agricultural export, valued at more than $24 billion in 2024, according to USDA data. China purchased about half of those exports last year but has not bought any US soybeans since May. Trump himself has gotten involved in the discussions over how to best help the struggling soybean industry, in part because Rollins has forced the issue not only with him, but also with Bessent. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent checks a text message regarding Argentina relations with the US during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 23. - Angelina Katsanis/AP A viral photo of Bessents phone captured by the Associated Press last month showed a text on Bessents phone from a contact named BR, presumed to be Rollins. Her messages illustrated the deep concerns within the Trump administration over the soybean industrys woes. It came as the Treasury Department was preparing to send Argentina a $20 billion lifeline something that farmers had criticized as money that should be flowing to them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This gives China more leverage on us, the message said, because Argentina lowered its prices to sell soybeans to China. Rollins told reporters at the White House earlier this month that she is in constant communication with the White House and partners across the government. Trump had been blaming China for the pain US soybean farmers are facing, while floating tariff revenue as a way to pay for a bailout. But as a potential meeting with Xi grew closer in recent days, he became more optimistic about coming to an agreement. I think well make a deal, Trump said in the Oval Office last week, saying he thought an agreement was possible on Chinas rare earth materials as well as on soybeans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rollins and Bessent work closely on a series of issues because of the nature of their portfolios. When it comes to the farmer bailout, however, their competing interests have at times led them to clash, two White House officials said. Brooke is solely concerned about farmers and ranchers. Bessent is more concerned about consumers, one of the officials said. Shutdown puts bailout plans on hold White House officials said that a farmer bailout likely would have been announced by now if not for the government shutdown. One official argued the shutdown has not only delayed a relief package, but also changed which mechanism the administration might use to offer aid. Prior to the shutdown, administration officials said, a larger bailout package had been all but decided on. The plan was to use revenues generated from Trumps tariff policies, as well as money from a little-known USDA fund, to pay for it. However, several of the federal employees tasked with planning and executing the bailout were furloughed during the shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Administration and congressional sources said that the mechanism for a farm bailout could depend on the size of the package. Its possible that funds could be tapped through the USDAs Commodity Credit Corporation, a Depression-era program that allows the government to help make up losses for farmers. But the administration also might need Congress to sign off on directing tariff money toward specific programs or to approve bailout funds in a spending bill. Were just really not sure what approach Congress and the administration are taking, said Lesly Weber McNitt, president of public policy at the National Corn Growers Association. The shutdown makes it harder to have those conversations. There are a lot of people who are involved in this type of program construction and implementation who are furloughed, McNitt said. Its just really murky right now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement USDA earlier this month rejected a bipartisan request to brief the House and Senate Agriculture committees on the shutdown, opting instead to brief only Republican members, according to two congressional staffers. Staffers were hopeful that potential relief programs would be discussed in the meeting. Joe Glauber, a former chief economist at USDA in the George W. Bush and Barack Obama administrations, said its always a challenge to strike a balance of designing assistance packages that help different types of farmers in an equitable way, so that one crop like soybeans doesnt get more than another. Its still very fluid here, said Glauber, now a research fellow at the International Food Policy Research Institute. One thing I learned about any farm bailout or farm payments in general its very hard to get them back. A triple whammy hitting farmers Farm associations have been hesitant to assign a dollar figure to how much relief the industry needs. Some figures floated in congressional discussions have included $20 billion to $30 billion for growers of major commodity crops, such as soybeans, corn and wheat. The Trump administration, meanwhile, has discussed a package in the $10 billion to $14 billion range. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not even the higher estimates of aid, if approved, would recoup losses. The growers of nine of the biggest row crops were already projected to lose up to $45 billion this year because of soaring production costs and low crop prices, according to Shawn Arita, an economist at North Dakota State Universitys Agricultural Risk Policy Center. Now there is a triple whammy of production costs, low prices, and the trade conflict, which goes well beyond the soybean tussle with China, Arita said. Many farmers who grow both crops planted more corn this season, resulting in a record 16.8 billion bushels of corn this year. That is roughly 2 billion extra bushels with no buyers. Workers harvest corn at Yakama Nation Farms in Wapato, Washington, on July 31. - Emree Weaver/Bloomberg/Getty Images Thats going to be a major pile of corn with nowhere to go, and that depresses prices, said McNitt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many farmers say theyd rather sell their crops than receive bailouts but argue that it would make sense to use tariff money to help those impacted. It doesnt take money out of the budget. The tariffs cause some more issues. But why not use the tariff revenues to help get us through this time? said Bob Worth, a former president of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association. We were putting all our eggs in one basket, and that basket was China, added Worth, who has been farming more than five decades. And China does what China wants to do. You cant stop it. CNNs Rene Marsh and Morgan Rimmer contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Former Air Force officer Brian Castner debunks Hollywood myths about bomb disposal. Castner spent years dismantling live explosives in dangerous war zones in Iraq. He says "The Hurt Locker" is a good example of what Hollywood gets wrong. In Hollywood films, a bomb technician's job often comes down to choosing which colored wire to cut. However, in reality, "the wire colors have absolutely no correspondence to absolutely anything," Brian Castner told Business Insider's Matthew Ferrera. He added, "You actually don't cut any of them." Brian Castner is a former Air Force explosive ordnance disposal officer, or EOD, whose job was to find and disarm improvised explosive devices before they could kill soldiers or civilians. He trained at the Navy's Explosive Ordnance Disposal School in 2003, and deployed twice to Iraq between 2004 and 2006. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead of cutting wires mere seconds from detonation, Castner describes the work as slow, procedural, and governed by layers of safety measures. "You send in the robot first. If that robot blows up, you send another. And if that one blows up, I'll drive you a third before a person walks down." When a human finally does approach an explosive, it's only after exhausting every other tool. "Walking down yourself is pretty lonely," Castner said. "It's called the 'long walk' for a reason." What 'The Hurt Locker' gets wrong Brian Castner standing in the rubble of a building demolished by explosives. Courtesy of Amnesty International Castner said the 2008 Oscar-winning film, "The Hurt Locker," nailed the first few minutes of a bomb disposal scene, including the procedure, tension, and methodical pace. However, that's about all it got right. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Everything in between the first few minutes and the last few minutes is Hollywood," he said, adding that while it makes for a good movie, it's not real. One of his main gripes is what type of people the film, and others, portray EODs to be. "The biggest misconception of Hollywood, when it comes to EOD, is this idea that you have to be crazy to do the work, and that the people doing the work and working with explosives are somehow off in some way," Castner said. In reality, EOD officers are analysts and meticulous planners who must be proficient in math and physics, and pay close attention to detail. "It's like being a surgeon except if you fail, then you die and not the patient," Castner said. Castner says the public rarely sees the emotional toll of the job Brian Castner investigating an explosion. Courtesy of Amnesty International "Anyone who does this work can't say that they're not affected by it," he said adding that, "I think maybe something that the public doesn't understand about the EOD profession is the amount of time we spend memorializing and remembering everyone that we've lost." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There's a memorial wall at the EOD school in Florida that Castner walked by daily. It lists every person who has died in the line of duty since World War II, he said. After leaving the Air Force in 2007, Castner eventually went on to investigate war crimes for Amnesty International. His job now sometimes involves visiting dangerous war zones in Afghanistan, Somalia, and Ukraine, and collecting evidence from bombings and missile attacks. In Ukraine in 2022, for example, he was in the country during Russia's full-scale invasion. His team documented the use of a type of banned weapon called cluster munitions, which are bombs that scatter dozens of smaller explosives across wide areas and can leave behind deadly bomblets that don't explode on impact but remain active. Cluster munitions have killed over 56,000 people since the '60s mostly civilians, including children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We were the first to prove, with physical evidence, the use of cluster munitions," he said. Whether he's defusing a roadside bomb or documenting the aftermath of one, the mission is the same. "We're a watchdog. The work that we're doing is trying to keep as many civilians safe and free of harm as possible," he said. Read the original article on Business Insider Austria's former vice chancellor, Heinz-Christian Strache, has been charged on suspicion of embezzlement. The public prosecutor's office on Wednesday accused the 56-year-old of attempting to make himself the beneficiary of a possible 300,000 ($349,000) payout under the terms of a life insurance policy, during his time as leader of the populist FPO party. The Vienna branch of the FPO party had taken out a 10-year life insurance policy in 2007 to provide financial security for the party leader's family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the prosecution, the family was meant to receive a payout in the event of his death. But if he survived an incident, the FPO branch would be the beneficiary. Strache allegedly tried to change the policy so that he would obtain the payout for himself, in the event he survived. The indictment is not yet legally binding. If convicted, Strache faces a prison sentence of between one and 10 years. Strache was party leader of the FPO for about 14 years. Under his leadership, the right-wing populists achieved some spectacular successes. He was in a coalition government under then chancellor Sebastian Kurz in 2017, and became vice chancellor and minister of sport. In May 2019, he resigned in the wake of the so-called Ibiza affair. In a video secretly recorded on the Spanish holiday island, Strache appeared to be susceptible to corruption while in conversation with a supposed niece of a Russian oligarch. FAIRMONT, W.Va. (WBOY) A former Bridgeport City Council member and current member of Bridgeports Fire Civil Service Commission has been charged in Marion County. On Oct. 23, troopers with the Marion County detachment of the West Virginia State Police received information from the Marion County Prosecutors Office that Lowell Maxey, 73, of Bridgeport, was conducting interviews for a law office without a valid private investigators license, according to a criminal complaint. Lowell Maxey Between the dates of Aug. 1 and Sept. 9, Maxey, did complete investigations and interviews regarding criminal proceedings at the McArdle Law Office for a case involving Ryan Lane, who was a suspect in the 2022 shooting of Henry Silver, troopers said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the investigation, troopers learned that Maxey had collected photographs and video which had been filed into discovery evidence and obtained by Lanes representation, according to the complaint. West Virginia principal charged with embezzlement Maxey has been charged with the misdemeanor crime of private investigator without license. He was assessed and posted a personal recognizance bond of $2,500 on Oct. 28. There are no future court dates scheduled for Maxeys charges, per the WV Courts website. The murder trial for Ryan Lane in August and September ended in a mistrial after the jury was deadlocked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. The Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) and the Capital Library of China signed a cooperation agreement last week at the IC building. The pact, signed by IC president Leong Wai Man and Capital Library deputy director Zhang Juan, aims to strengthen collaboration in public library development. Initiatives include staff exchanges, professional training, joint events, exhibitions, and collection sharing. A regular communication mechanism will support resource sharing and mutual benefit, promoting high-quality public library services in both regions. Like this: Like Loading... ST. CHARLES, Mo. The former education department chair at St. Charles Community College has been cleared of wrongdoing more than a year after being charged with tampering with files containing personal student information. Dr. Nicole Nunn-Faron had been facing one charge of tampering with computer data in St. Charles County Circuit Court. On Wednesday, Nunn-Farons attorney released a statement saying the case had been dismissed with prejudice. With prejudice means the case is permanently closed and can never be refiled in court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nunn-Faron, who lost her job as Dean of the College of Education at Harris-Stowe State University in 2024 because of the allegations, alleges she and seven other women were victims of retaliation by St. Charles Community College for filing a lawsuit against the college for racial and gender discrimination. Since losing her job in 2024, Nunn-Faron applied for hundreds of other jobs to no avail and says the ordeal effectively ended her professional career. She sees the dismissal as a vindication. This dismissal is more than a legal victory. It is the first step toward reclaiming my life and the professional reputation that I built over decades, Nunn-Faron said. Myself and many others spoke out against wrongdoing, and in return, my career was systematically targeted. The timeline of events shows a clear act of retaliation designed to silence us. Part of rebuilding my life will be advocating for other whistleblowers and for meaningful education reform to protect those who are targeted for speaking the truth. 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. A former cleaner has won a court battle with her stepson over a 43m inheritance from her late husband. Richard Scott, who died aged 81 in 2018, made a fortune running the UKs second-biggest car boot fair from his vast Cheshire farm, where ITVs Car Boot Challenge was filmed. A battle over the 43m inheritance went to the High Court following his death, and now his wife Jennifer has won her case to keep the inheritance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adam Scott, the eldest and favourite of 19 children, said he sacrificed 40 years of his life to work on the farm from the age of nine and was promised his fathers entire inheritance. However, after the death of his first wife the multi-millionaire married his former cleaner Mrs Scott, who was 28 years his junior, in 2016 and wrote his son out of the will. Adam, 62, had unsuccessfully tried to thwart the marriage by attending the registry office and alleging that Richard lacked the capacity to marry because of his dementia. He also attempted to get his father sectioned. Richard Scott made a fortune running the UKs second-biggest car boot fair - Macclesfield Express During the case, Adam claimed his father was not in his right mind when he signed his final two wills because of his dementia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court heard that his father had been diagnosed with brain disease fronto-temporal dementia (FTD) in 2011, and was barely able to communicate by the time the wills were signed. His lawyers told the court he had been in line to inherit the vast farm on the basis that he would pay the probate value of the land, leading his other siblings to be provided for either by rental income or a lump sum paid. They argued that his father promised him that he would have the right to take over the farm after his death and that he sacrificed everything to commit to a life of hard and unrelenting physical work on the back of those promises. However, lawyers for Mrs Scott claimed Richard knew exactly what he was doing when he disinherited his first-born after Adams relationship with his father completely broke down when he tried to get Richard sectioned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also said he had no claim to the estate on the basis of the alleged promises as he was handed more than 10m in property and land. Assurances about the farms ownership after his death had been made by Richard and recorded in his 1995 will, including granting the opportunity to Adam to secure a 40-year rent of certain farms and the right to purchase those farms at probate value. However, Justice Jonathan Richards found that Richard showed his intention to withdraw these promises in his 2003 and 2007 wills and that Adam was aware of his fathers change of heart at that time, but kept working on the farm regardless. On Wednesday, the judge dismissed both strands of Adams claim, leaving widow Jennifer, 60, in control of the multi-million pound estate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justice Richard said that, whilst he accepted Richard had been suffering from FTD when he wrote former favourite Adam out of his wills, the decision was not one that involved his normal human instincts and affections being perverted by his mental disease. He said: I do not consider that his decisions were the product of his FTD. Rather, they were the product of a personality type that disliked being thwarted and engaged in careful measurement of how much his family members deserved by reference to whether they had sought to thwart him or not. That personality type was not always conducive to kind decisions, as I have concluded throughout this judgment. However, it was not an aspect of Richards FTD or any other disorder of mind. He also dismissed the claim based on Richards promises to his son to leave him his entire estate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justice Richards said that, whilst the promises had been made, Adam had known that his father intended to go back on them since 2003 but had continued to work on the farm, and had suffered no detriment as a result. He had already been handed land and property worth over 10m before Richards death. Jennifer has been left in control of the estate and farm, a huge quantity of land officially valued at 7m, but now estimated to be worth up to 43m, despite Richard having 19 children, all of whom had expectations of inheritance. He had six with his first wife, another six illegitimate children, and fathered a further seven with Jennifer, who was his cleaner when they began a relationship in 1994, but it was Adam who took the case to court. 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. Reddit user carcony97 asked , "Former cult members what was the exact moment you realized you were in a cult?" BuzzFeed Community members chimed in with their own experiences as well. Here are some things people bravely and candidly shared: Warning: Some stories in this post mention mental health struggles, sexual abuse, trauma, suicidal ideation, child abuse, and abortion. 1. "They made us write down our fears and would make us act them out. Don't like being alone? You're going to be left alone in a pit. Feel weak? Wonderful. You need to do the obstacle course during Hurricane Katrina. Kids were coming back with swamp feet. That's when I made the plan to leave. Someone in leadership found out. They told me I'd go to hell if I left. They also told me that when my mom arrived, I was to rip up the plane ticket and refuse to go with her. That was fun." Hawt4teach 2. "I was raised in a cult that was started by my grandfather and was passed on to my father after my grandpa passed. It was wild. We went to a school run by the cult and could only interact with people within the organization. I wasn't allowed to interact with kids my age outside of the cult, so I didn't have a typical childhood. The leaders controlled every aspect of my life. The leaders had to approve our clothes, makeup, music, and everything. The most extreme case I can recall is that we weren't allowed to wear belts as they drew attention to our crotch area, and that would tempt the other gender into sexual thoughts. As one of the leader's children, I had to 'serve' the congregation. This meant any free time I had was spent cleaning or babysitting for others." "Since I grew up in it, I didn't even think anything was off until I went to a secular college and met my now spouse. He met my family one time and asked me if I had ever considered that I may be in a cult. I thought he was the 'crazy' one, but the more he talked to me about it, the more I realized that's what it was. Trying to leave was almost impossible, as I had to basically steal my birth certificate and social security card back. Afterwards, my family cut me off, and now I'm living my best life in this new world." Anonymous SvetaZi / Getty Images 3. "When, in a public sermon, one of the leaders rhetorically asked those leaving where they would go and what they would do with their lives if they didn't have the true church in it. It made me realize how much of my life had been shaped around serving an organization that only cared about keeping me there so I could continue giving it money. That, and my recent discovery of some unsettling history the leadership had kept very quiet about. Where did I go and what did I do after leaving? Whatever I wanted to." Flat-Statistician466 4. "When I was a teenager, my church hosted a week-long 'seminar' on 'basic life principles.' I remembered going to a week-long event as a child and doing lots of coloring pages while my parents were in meetings, but I didn't know what it was. Turns out it was Bill Gothard and the Institute of Basic Life Principles (see the Duggars and the doc Shiny Happy People). Suddenly, being homeschooled, all the extreme physical punishment, the 'don't ask questions, just trust and believe' mentality, and only being allowed to associate with church members made sense." SubjectivelySatan Related: "Girls Would 'Disappear' For A Long Time": 18 Boomers And Gen X'ers Are Sharing Common Parts Of Their High School Experience That Are Unthinkable Today Ida Mae Astute / Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images 5. "My father said, 'I will never have an open mind because God says that's how your brain falls out.' Where the hell does it say that?! Also, he is a bigot, so empathy is a sin to him." thatfernistrouble 6. "They didn't want you to go to college because you would be led astray by Evolution. I went to college and they taught me about cults." Ncfetcho Saulgranda / Getty Images 7. "When they told me thinking for myself was 'prideful.'" No_Track5647 8. "When the main pastor died, his son-in-law took over. He was not a pastor. He was a businessman. It later came out that he was very crooked. He'd already been in prison, which all the adults in the church claimed was a setup by the government. He used the church to set up more MLMs, selling everything from vitamins to green tea to his shitty photography. My brother and I pretty much stopped being a part of it after college, but we couldn't convince our parents to leave. Even after the head of the church was found dead under really strange circumstances, and his kids went to prison (one went into hiding), our parents stayed. Their whole social life was with other members." "As much as I tried, my mom just said they would all face judgment before God, and she continued to do her mission work until her dying day. It really makes me sad that my parents were very smart people, yet really naive, and sacrificed their entire lives for these crooks." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement nyutnyut Steven Puetzer / Getty Images 9. "I was in a cult. Our goal was to travel the world for a year, telling people about the Christian God in each country. I should have recognized the signs, but I wanted so badly to be a 'good Christian.' They wanted us to speak in tongues and raise the dead. It was seen as less than if we spent the month hanging out with orphans and helping out. We must not be good enough, since no one's arm grew back. We told people they were going to hell despite them living in it daily in the slums and hardships of their daily lives. Early on, I started questioning what we were doing, and I was seen as a black sheep, the scarlet letter. They tried evangelizing me and treating me like a scab. I was constantly in meetings to shame me back to faith. A girl was sexually assaulted, and they treated it like it was her fault. She left, and I wish I had left with her. After the trip, I left the church and never looked back." Anonymous 10. "I was at a band rehearsal and dropped to the floor, all but screaming in pain from what turned out to be gallstones, and instead of calling an ambulance for me, they started praying over me, some in tongues. They were physically restraining me to stop me as I struggled to get up to leave because one person suggested that wanting to leave meant I was possessed, so they had to pray harder for me." wwaxwork Valmedia / Getty Images Related: 24 Very, Very, Very, Very Disturbing Facts That Are Seriously So Intense, I'm 99% Sure They're About To Break Your Brain 11. "I was 14 or 15 and at church, we were learning about 'God's plan' the whole shebang from behind the veil to after death. I asked the teacher a question (I can't even remember what it was) and she said, 'Huh, that's a great question! I'll talk to the bishop and see if you're allowed to ask that!' I could tell she didn't mean to phrase it that way, but she didn't correct herself either. I was pissed, though. I should be ALLOWED to ask whatever questions I want (and I expect you to have an answer of SOME kind), and if you don't think I should be questioning something, I'm going to question everything." stravacious 12. "When they sat me in a circle of women and told me how bad a single parent I was for not making all the meetings with a six-month-old. My scorpion blood ran hot, and I made all of them cry individually with what I knew about them. Last meeting I ever attended." No_Competition_7506 PeopleImages / Getty Images 13. "I worked at a prominent national youth organization that engages common cult practices as part of their culture: love-bombing, prominent uniforms, trauma bonding, conforming to unrealistic standards or face consequences, etc. The final straw for me was when one group member SA'ed another. When the victim told me, our leader decided not to report it, but instead brought everyone involved to talk about it and better understand each other. Absolutely not. We worked with youth; it was our job as mandatory reporters. When I pushed back, I was ultimately fired, which was great for me to break away from the control." Anonymous 14. "It was through one of those new-age 'Angelic Reiki Healing' businesses. I was going to this place for over a year for mental health issues. The former 'mentor' convinced me to go off my antidepressants. I felt horrible and had daily suicidal ideations. In the next session, I told her I was going back on them, and she responded, 'They block you from your higher self.' Shortly after, I left that place. It fractured my identity, and I had to reclaim myself." WhereIsMyCuppaTea Connect Images / Getty Images/Connect Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 15. "When my grandmother told me that men can have four women, but I couldn't have four men. That's when I decided I did not want to be part of that. To be fair, I was never really inside the cult. But this part ensured that I immediately lost my interest in ever becoming part of that cult." MoppeldieMopp 16. "I joined a cult on December 4, 2007, and left it on May 23, 2008. It was an extremely controlling Christian group. One of their rules was to ask God what to do before every decision and wait for him to answer before acting. I mean everything even going to the bathroom, which toilet to use if there were more than one, when to wash your hands, and when to leave. It didn't take long for things to get extreme. Most of its leaders left when the founder and his right-hand man began using this rule to justify their own laziness and corruption. They claimed that God wanted them to sit back and watch some adult content while a handful of others were doing all the physically demanding work." "During the backlash, they plagiarized movies like 300 and The Matrix in their speeches to condemn those who left and keep the ones who were still in it. I left after hearing this news and seeing how pathetic they really were. They're still around today. I just don't know what became of them." hypnoticbacon28 Related: "We Did This Man No Favours By Saving His Life": Medical Professionals Are Revealing Their Most Stomach-Dropping Patient Stories, And It's So Intense Fstop123 / Getty Images 17. "When everything anyone outside of the group believed was considered 'demonic.'" Kay_Doobie 18. "I left after visiting their headquarters and being given a guided tour, which was just one closed door after another, and then being given the cold shoulder for not wanting to take a picture with the rest of the tour group (all strangers). Plus, seeing some of the leaders of the organization lie under oath in court about child abuse." FriendliestParsnip DogoraSun / Getty Images 19. "I had been asking a lot of questions. I ended up being pulled aside by several deacons who wanted to talk to me about my questions. They were kind and nice, but eventually, I had a one-on-one with one of the church elders. We had an interesting conversation on theology, frameworks of thought, and ideology. Even philosophy. At one point, when we started addressing the questions I had, he asked me if I knew what the first sin was. I gave the usual catechism answer of disobedience. He praised my answer and corrected me. He said the first sin was when they questioned God, as it led to the notion that they might know better. That led to disobedience." "Interesting answer, I suppose. But alarms started going off in my head. 'Are you saying it is a sin to ask questions?' I asked. 'It can be, yes.' He said. That was the first real crack in the dam. It was destroyed not long after." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement VagusNC 20. "When everything seemed like it was for the benefit of the group and its image. Any effort to speak up for myself was dismissed." Appropriate-Trade773 Javier Zayas Photography / Getty Images 21. "I backed away slowly because I learned things that made me question what I had been taught as fact, but I maintained relationships with close friends and saw them outside of the community for a year or two. It wasn't a religion, but there was a spiritual component to it, so I wanted to respect others' beliefs, though I knew it wasn't for me anymore. This is something that isn't frequently or unilaterally considered a cult (though many former members call it that). Still, the behavior of certain groups of people in specific areas absolutely aligns with cult characteristics, and that culture had overtaken my particular community." "I thought I had enough in common with friends outside of this one thing that we could still connect. One person, someone highly educated who otherwise had strong critical thinking skills, asked with curiosity where I was coming from. After confirming that she actually wanted to hear (because she probably wouldn't like my response), I calmly and respectfully laid out all the things I knew to be true that directly conflicted with archaic and harmful dogma within this community. I reiterated that no longer participating felt right for me, but I was not saying anyone else needed to do the same. This woman flipped her absolute shit. She screeched loudly in a public space and got angry and defensive, calling me 'crazy' and saying other disrespectful things. I'm sad for her, but I'm too old and tired to deprogram anyone unwilling to consider reality, so I got my stuff and walked away. I miss some of my friends, but I don't miss that community even the slightest bit." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement itsamereddito 22. "I became involved with the charismatic Christian movement in Florida during the '70s. At first, it was a very positive and uplifting experience that I credit with saving me from suicide, but the movement devolved into a cultish form of Christianity known as shepherding, in which church authority regarding ALL aspects of your life was never to be questioned. This was also the era of the 'health and wealth' gospel, which gave birth to the mega churches. This doctrine purported that God wants you healthy and wealthy, and if you are neither, it's all your fault because your faith is lacking. What was truly lacking was the integrity of those 'leaders' who grew wealthy on the generous donations of countless believers who were taught that if they gave enough, it would come back to them 100-fold." "To add to the negative side of the scales, these groups are also openly and rabidly hostile to anyone 'different' to them, in particular the LGBTQ+ community. Hardly the selfless and humble example of Jesus's love they purport to follow." Anonymous TennesseePhotographer / Getty Images/iStockphoto 23. "When I realized it wasn't normal to screen other kids' religious views before deciding who I could be friends with." Grimesy2 24. "It's the lingering effects for me. I left behind the evangelical ideology literal DECADES ago, and, even through all of my efforts at deprogramming, and the reemergence of my logical mind and critical thinking skills, I'm sometimes still just a little bit scared of Satan coming for my soul, or God's punishment of me or someone I care about. This shit runs DEEP, y'all." Anonymous Related: "20 Years Later And No One In My Life Has A Clue Except Me": People Are Anonymously Revealing A Secret They'll Take To The Grave, And I Wasn't Expecting Thiiiiiiissssssssss Nemke / Getty Images 25. "When the surprise junior high youth group activity meant hustling us all, boys and girls, into a room together to be shown an extremely graphic film of an abortion being performed. No context, no warning, just straight to the action. It was 1979, and most of us CHILDREN had never even heard of abortion at that point in our lives. The church elders gave zero shits about the trauma they were inflicting. They just wanted to push their agenda." FacePunchPow5000 26. "When I told someone (about three years after the group folded due to finances) how I grew up. I didn't get to make any choices on my own. I was completely unaware and cut off from the outside world. How we dressed was policed. Anyone who left was excommunicated. They said, 'Oh my god, you were in a cult!' When that's all you know and you're born into it like I was, the reality of your situation is clouded...on purpose." idasrogue Pascal Deloche / Godong / Getty Images 27. "I am not sure I was officially a part of a cult, but over the years of being involved with charismatic churches, you can't help but look back and wonder about some of the practices and teachings. The last place I left was an Assembly of God church, and the college ministry had a cult-like following for the leader, and he was following a man who was a known pedophile. College students were told he was like an angel and affectionately called Papa Daniel. He was molesting and indoctrinating college students, who were in turn having group masturbation sessions before Bible studies. I haven't been able to go back to church in over a year because of the trauma and distrust of leaders." Anonymous 28. "When my friend looked up my church on the internet then sent me an article about how my church kidnapped and murdered people in its originating country." autumn-sucks Jacques Julien / Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 29. And: "When I was in middle school, we could become a full church member. But the only way to do that (at least until you were 18) was to do the youth group, culminating in a theme park trip. All was well and good, except the theme park trip was mandatory and cost $400. My parents had five kids and couldn't afford $400 for each of us. And the name badges for Sunday service were different if you weren't a full member. And that's when I started paying attention. All religions are cults, to one degree or another. They are all toxic and harmful. Just look at how many wars have been fought over religion! Note: Faith or spirituality is not synonymous with religion. But if you are expected to believe everything another human tells you, you are in a cult." bianca1515 Were you in a cult? What inspired you to leave? Have you ever lost a loved one to a cult? Tell us your story in the comments or share anonymously using this form. Dial 988 in the United States to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The 988 Lifeline is available 24/7/365. Your conversations are free and confidential. Other international suicide helplines can be found at befrienders.org. The Trevor Project, which provides help and suicide-prevention resources for LGBTQ youth, is 1-866-488-7386. The National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline is 1-800-950-6264 (NAMI) and provides information and referral services; GoodTherapy.org is an association of mental health professionals from more than 25 countries who support efforts to reduce harm in therapy. Also in Internet Finds: "I Was Dumbfounded That He Lived His Life Thinking That": 19 Adults Are Sharing The Most Unfathomable Things They've Ever Had To Explain To Another Grown Up Also in Internet Finds: My Eye Is Slightly Twitching After Looking At These 21 Photos Of People's Inconsiderate, Incompetent, And Downright Inappropriate Coworkers' Behavior Also in Internet Finds: People Who Work At Sea Are Revealing The Creepiest And Most Inexplicable Things They've Ever Witnessed, And I Now Have A New Fear Of The Ocean Read it on BuzzFeed.com By Rich McKay (Reuters) -An Illinois jury on Wednesday found a former sheriff's deputy guilty of second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of an unarmed Black woman in her home in a case that drew national attention. Sean Grayson, 31, who was dismissed from his job with the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office, had been charged with three counts of first-degree murder after firing three shots at Sonya Massey, 36, in her Springfield home in July 2024, according to the indictment. But the judge also gave the jury the option of finding Grayson guilty of the lesser charge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The verdict, announced online by the victim's family attorney, came on the second day of deliberations. The conviction could carry a prison sentence from four to 20 years, but Grayson may be eligible for probation with no prison time, CBS News and other media reported. Grayson's sentencing was scheduled for January 29, according to media reports. The shooting, which the victim's family likened to other high-profile cases in which law enforcement has used excessive force on Black Americans, has garnered national attention, but not the level of scrutiny given to cases such as the choking death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor in Louisville, both in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ACCUSED SAYS HE ACTED IN SELF-DEFENSE Grayson's attorneys have argued in court that the former deputy acted in self-defense, according to the Chicago Sun-Times and other media. Grayson had believed Massey was ready to throw a pot of hot water at him, even after he ordered her to put it down, news outlets reported. Prosecutors argued that Massey was trying to comply when she was shot. Grayson's lead defense attorney, Dan Fultz, was not immediately available to comment on the verdict. The Massey family attorney, Ben Crump, and another family attorney, Antonio Romanucci, said the verdict was a measure of justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Accountability has begun, and we now hope the court will impose a meaningful sentence that reflects the severity of these crimes and the life that was lost," the lawyers said in a statement. About a month after the shooting, Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell retired. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and others had called for him to step down. Massey's family was awarded a $10 million settlement from Sangamon County in February. (Reporting by Rich McKay in Atlanta; Editing by Frank McGurty, Rod Nickel and Lisa Shumaker) A former high-ranking homeland security official in the first Trump administration is launching a new online hub Wednesday to facilitate protests and other resistance efforts against President Trump and his policies. Miles Taylor, a former chief of staff at the Department of Homeland Security, is leading a group of dozens of former national security officials, whistleblowers and a bipartisan group of former elected officials to create a website called defiance.org. In its mission statement, the bipartisan group says the tool is "designed to help Americans push back peacefully, lawfully, and defiantly against presidential abuses of power." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taylor told CBS News, "There are many organizations and a million efforts, but there has not been a clearinghouse for people who regularly seek ways to engage. This is a 'Google' for defiance, where people can go to see their options to push back lawfully, peacefully and defiantly." In September 2018, Taylor wrote an anonymous opinion piece in the New York Times that said there was a "quiet resistance" to President Trump within his own administration, made up of people "working diligently" to block what he called the president's "worst inclinations." He disclosed two years later that he had written the op-ed. The announcement of the new site is intended to capitalize on momentum from the October "No Kings" rallies earlier this month, which attracted participants across the country. The site launched Wednesday with a video of actor Robert DeNiro, a staunch Trump critic, urging protesters and critics to join forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You can't just sit on your ass and wait for the insanity and cruelty to pass. No," DeNiro says in the video. "You gotta stand up and fight." White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said in a statement, "Further proof that Miles Taylor's entire identity is being a TDS clown. If he actually cared about workers being paid and families receiving benefits, he would urge Democrats to reopen the government just like the President has been doing. Democrats could end the shutdown today but Myles (sic) is too blinded by his TDS rage to accept the truth." ("TDS" is often used by Mr. Trump and his supporters as an initialism for "Trump Derangement Syndrome," a phrase describing some of his critics) In April, Mr. Trump signed an executive memo targeting Taylor, accusing him of manufacturing stories to sell a book, and ordered DHS, the Justice Department and other government agencies to investigate him and revoke his security clearances, as well as for those who worked closely with him. Mr. Trump also ordered an investigation into the alleged dissemination of classified documents while Taylor worked for the government. Taylor denies he leaked any such material. Defiance.org is described in its mission statement as a "nationwide 'mutual aid' pact to defend those under attack." It aims to support nonprofit partners, and says it will join "peaceful protests and legal defense efforts." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taylor told CBS News supporters of the effort include Stephanie Grisham, a press secretary from the first Trump administration, and former aide Olivia Troye, both of whom have become vocal critics of the president. Dozens of former elected leaders and Trump critics, including former Republican congressmen Reid Ribble, Denver Riggleman and Joe Walsh, are also supporting the new portal. Taylor said the mutual aid feature of the portal is intended to help those targeted by the administration. He said a future effort could include rallying legal, political and community leaders to support Sen. Adam Schiff, a California Democrat who is under investigation by the Justice Department, if he is charged. Taylor said the Defiance.org hub would be used to galvanize and organize legal help, courthouse supporters and public statements in support of Schiff or against the Trump administration. Riggleman told CBS News the group would seek to "protect Americans against political overreach and targeted retaliation." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House has harshly criticized Taylor in the past, including in this statement in April. "While serving as an administrative staff assistant at the Department of Homeland Security, Taylor stoked dissension by manufacturing sensationalist reports on the existence of a supposed 'resistance' within the federal government that 'vowed' to undermine and render effective (sic) a sitting President," the White House said. Trump wants Senate Republicans to scrap the filibuster to end the government shutdown Former 1st grade teacher shot by a student testifies at trial: "I thought I was dying." Flights delayed as shutdown leads to shortage of air traffic controllers THORNTON, Colo. (KDVR) The man accused of stabbing a teacher outside Meadow Community School in Thornton is now facing multiple felony charges, as new details raise questions about why he was ever released from prison. According to the affidavit filed by Thornton police, 31-year-old Damien Brooks is charged with attempted first-degree murder and first-degree assault after a sudden, random attack last Thursday afternoon. Douglas County teacher, family detained by ICE had legal work authorization, school says Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers were called to the 9100 block of Monroe Street just after 3 p.m., as students were being dismissed from school. When police arrived, they found a teacher suffering from multiple stab wounds. Investigators say Brooks and the victim did not know each other, calling it a completely random act of violence. Police say Brooks later told investigators he felt no remorse for the attack, saying, I should have just killed him. The 17th Judicial District Attorneys Office said Tuesday that it filed charges against Brooks of: First-degree attempted murder First-degree assault Two counts of a crime of violence, which are sentence-enhancing charges Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court records show Brooks has a long criminal history, including felony charges for attempted homicide, menacing, and assault with serious bodily injury, along with parole violations as recently as 2024. Former Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey says the attack is part of a disturbing pattern involving repeat violent offenders. Denver nonprofit feeding 5,000 families monthly fights to save warehouse amid SNAP pause You have a totally innocent victim hes out there doing his job, trying to make sure kids are getting across the street safely at an elementary school, and someone comes up and stabs him, Morrissey said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The criminal justice system is failing the people of Colorado. When these kinds of guys are under their control and still able to go out and do the kinds of things that happened to this victim its a terrible situation, he added. Brooks remains in police custody and is scheduled to return to court on Nov. 18 for a preliminary hearing. 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. Editors Note: A video has been removed from this article because it inadvertently included information that could potentially identify clients of Lizzs Compassionate Angels Home Care. We apologize for the error. WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (WGHP) Several former employees of a Winston-Salem home care company said theyve worked weeks and even months and were not paid. The business, Lizzs Compassionate Angels Home Care, launched in 2023, but now, former employees said its completely shut down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I first started working, everything seemed professional. She was nice, upbeat. She seemed like she had very much knowledge of the health care business, said an anonymous former employee. Six women told FOX8 they worked for the home care business. Some worked as sitters, helping patients with medication reminders, rides to appointments, cooking and companionship, but said their paychecks stopped coming weeks ago. Some didnt want to show their faces on camera, and others said the financial stress has taken a toll. We were supposed to receive our last final pay on Oct. 17. We never received it, said an anonymous former employee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Workers said it was in September, while they were still helping clients, that they learned the business office had been cleared out. Basically, she shut down everything while we were still working under her technically, and we did not know. One of the other coworkers just happened to go by the office where its located. It was completely empty. There was no logo on the door. Nothing. So thats when someone called the number, and number is not working. I noticed that the Facebook pages had been taken down, so everything within weeks, said an anonymous former employee. They said the job and their income vanished overnight. I was the original one that helped when she first started her business. I went to her for a position and as a caretaker, she upgraded my position to office assistant manager, said Keisha Boyd, a former employee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boyd said she quit last year after months of payment delays. Shes since filed a complaint with the North Carolina Department of Labor and is trying to sue the owner. I spoke with them several times. They spoke with Miss Turner. She admitted to owing me the money, but she never would pay I have to take a lawsuit out on her to get the funds that shes owed me, Boyd said. Boyd said she cant find an address to have her served. Several former employees told FOX8 they have not been able to get a timeline on when they will get paid. They said payments have been delayed before, and the method they said they were paid raised questions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was paid to Cash App. No direct deposit, even though she had our bank information, said an anonymous former employee. Some said they havent heard back from the owner at all. Winston-Salem police confirm they have one report related to the business. The North Carolina Department of Labor said three active complaints have been opened against Lizzs Compassionate Angels and Lizzs Consulting Group. In a text to FOX8, Elizabeth Goins-Turner said, The staff are in the process of being paid. Funds were not accounted for, and I am paying them out of my own pocket. Goins-Turner said they have been paid all but the last period. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The former employees are also worried about the clients they were caring for. Weve got attached to them. And if we leave them, what are they going to do? This is their livelihood. This is their last days, and we dont want them to suffer, said an anonymous former employee. FOX8 asked Goins-Turner for a timeline on when employees can expect those checks, but was not given a specific timeline. She said her business closed due to no more clients. In a message Goins-Turner said came from her attorney, its said she paid her workers well over the average price and tried to maintain that without laying people off or cutting pay, however, with the economy and with just one client, she could not maintain it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. A former state senator from Gadsden has been nominated to serve as U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Alabama. Phil Williams, who served in Alabama Legislature from 2010-2018, called the nomination by the Trump administration ... the honor of a lifetime. His nomination now goes to the U.S. Senate for confirmation. The Northern District handles federal prosecutions and civil litigation on behalf of the U.S. Department of Justice. The U.S. attorney for the Northern District oversees offices in Birmingham and Huntsville and covers 31 counties in Alabama. Phil Williams, a former Alabama legislator from Gadsden, has been nominated for the post of U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Alabama. The rule of law is the cornerstone of a free society, and the mission of the U.S. Attorneys Office is to make sure that justice is applied fairly and consistently, Williams said in a news release. My goal is to support law enforcement at every level and work to ensure that Alabama families can feel safe in their communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Williams is a managing member of Williams, Driskill, Huffstutler & King, LLC law firm and has more than two decades of experience as a trial attorney. He is also the host of syndicated radio show Rightside Radio and has written an opinion column that has appeared in the Gadsden Times since 2023. More: Accessing local journalism is even easier with the Times app Williams served 30 years in the Army reserves with combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He said the role of U.S. attorney carries a responsibility that reaches beyond politics. This office doesnt belong to me. It belongs to the people of the United States, Williams said. If confirmed, I intend to approach every case with integrity, impartiality and fidelity to the Constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reach Ken Roberts at ken.roberts@tuscaloosanews.com. To support his work, please subscribe to The Tuscaloosa News. This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: Former Gadsden legislator tapped to serve as U.S. attorney ELON, N.C. (WGHP) On October 7, 2023, the world watched in horror as Hamas terrorists launched a series of attacks on Israel. One of the targets was the Nova Music Festival, where Moran Yanai was selling jewelry. More than 300 concert-goers were killed at the music festival, and 44 people, including Yanai, were taken hostage. I found myself being caught by 13 Hamas terrorists It was very, very, very aggressive, Yanai said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, in front of an audience of Elon University students, Yanai described the conditions she lived through while in captivity. I had two broken legs. I had severe bruises all over my body Knowing that a person comes to you every single day and says, No one looks for you. No one cares about you. Youre going to stay here no matter what and still having this amount of faith inside myself. All I have to say is being grateful 110% because I dont know where this strength came from, Yanai said. After 54 days, Yanai says her captors eventually released her, leading to an emotional reunion with her family. I literally won. This is my victory, Yanai said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a victory and testimony she now shares with the world, with the hopes that history doesnt repeat itself. When I was released, I said to myself, I dont want to be rescued. I dont want to be running away from this place. Im going to walk on my two feet from this place,' Yanai 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 FOX8 WGHP. TOPEKA (KSNT) Former Kansas Poet Laureate Caryn Mirriam-Goldberg will be reading from her new memoir and answering questions from readers at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library. Mirriam-Goldberg was the third Kansas Poet Laureate from 2009 to 2012, appointed by then-Governor Mark Parkinson. From 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 12, Mirriam-Goldberg will be reading from her new work The Magic Eye: A Story of Saving a Life and a Place in the Age of Anxiety, at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library. Her work discusses the events surrounding her 2019 diagnosis with an eye cancer and a risky plan to save her familys fifth-generation farm. The work is about finding a deeper sense of place and community, as well as new ways to see the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement K-State vet student earns prestigious award Mirrian-Goldberg has authored and edited over 20 books of poetry, memoir, fiction and anthologies. She was a professor at Goddard College in Vermont before the institution closed in 2024, and she received her Ph.D from the University of Kansas with focuses on poetry, womens studies and mythology. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking 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 KSNT 27 News. At a panel discussion at the Grand Lisboa Palace during CreatorWeek Macao 2025, industry experts unveiled the strategies behind some of the worlds largest creator businesses, placing special emphasis on MrBeast, the YouTube sensation who has captured global attention as one of the platforms most successful creators. Evan DeFilippis, vice president of strategy at MrBeast, underscored the vital role of multilingual content in expanding global reach a key component of the brands meteoric rise. Jimmy Donaldson, also known as MrBeast, currently holds the title of the worlds most popular YouTuber, boasting 448 million subscribers on his main channel alone as of this report. His rapid ascent is among the fastest and most substantial subscriber growth stories in digital history. Initially, MrBeast built his following by posting gaming videos, but he soon pivoted to producing large-scale challenges and elaborate stunts. This unique approach has defined his signature style, propelling his immense popularity and attracting fans across diverse demographics worldwide. Global reach beyond english DeFilippis emphasized that creators who limit themselves to producing content solely in English miss out on 90% of potential viewers worldwide. Theres only 10% of the world that is a native English speaker something like 20% of people who speak English, said the VP of Strategy at MrBeast, noting that this insight has shaped MrBeasts operational approach and positioning. Its almost an obvious insight, but once this became a core component of our strategy, we immediately went out to figure out how to make sure were dubbing our content in all the relevant languages around the world, added DeFilippis. For context, in 2013 and 2014, MrBeasts channel had fewer than 10,000 subscribers. The breakthrough arrived in 2015 with a surge to 100,000, marking a 900% year-over-year increase. Growth then accelerated: 500,000 in 2016, 1 million in 2017, and 5 million by 2018. He then gained 15 million subscribers in 2019, 30 million in 2020, and 50 million in 2021. By 2022, the count nearly doubled to 90 million. The biggest jump came in 2023, soaring to 200 million before reaching 334 million by the end of 2024. His multilingual channels have also shown significant growth from 2021 to 2024 across various languages. For example, the Spanish main channel grew from 10 million subscribers in 2021 to 26 million by 2023, maintaining that level through 2024. The French channel expanded from 500,000 in 2021 to 1.81 million by 2023 and 2024, while the Portuguese channel increased from 2 million to 6.27 million in the same period, according to SEO AI. Recognizing the language barrier as a major limitation, MrBeast launched Creator Global, an in-house dubbing company that localizes content into over 22 languages, including Spanish, Portuguese, and Hindi. Creator Global extends beyond MrBeasts content, providing dubbing services for content creators, anime, and popular shows across platforms, breaking language barriers to broaden audiences. We had to build our own dubbing studios [] because no existing solutions could provide the necessary speed and scale, explained DeFilippis, adding, As a result of this [] we get 20 million views every single year from outside of the United States. That has allowed us to go into emerging markets like India and Mexico and continue to expand our product range and improve results. Data-driven mindset With regard to media sales and brand partnerships, DeFilippis outlined how MrBeasts approach has evolved over time. He explained that, initially, brand integrations were treated as ads sold to the highest bidder, often causing conflicts with budgets and production timelines. When I first started my career at Beast, the way that we typically conceived of brand connections was just viewing a video as basically an ad, said DeFilippis. DeFilippis, who holds advanced degrees in economics and psychology and is currently a Harvard Ph.D. student, explained, We would have the video concept done and then immediately turn around and go, okay, what companies are willing to pay a few million for an ad? That was obviously problematic for a lot of reasons. One is that a lot of companies with that kind of spend couldnt operate within our turnaround times. Also, there was a lot of money that we were asking for that would often deplete the entire marketing budget that those companies had for the year. He noted that high-level analytics are essential to developing viral content and making cross-cultural impact. When I first joined the company, I was actually the principal data scientist and was tasked with figuring out our own science figuring out what kinds of content types we should focus on that have cross-cultural relevance, what the thumbnail trends were, and constantly finding ways to optimize the content. He also pointed to the critical role analytics play in top-level decision-making at MrBeast. Jimmy refuses to make any kind of decision unless you can show him a bunch of data, DeFilippis said. That ad hoc approach has evolved into long-term, multi-platform partnerships built to maximize mutual value and consistent exposure. Todays brand campaigns at MrBeast stretch across YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter), targeting audiences with co-branded products and cohesive messaging. Were taking a 360-degree approach, DeFilippis emphasized. Its not just a YouTube integration its about finding multi-year partners for Jimmy and keeping audiences constantly engaged while promoting a given product. Regarding videos on YouTube, the VP of Strategy at MrBeast explained, For every single video we have no fewer than 20 unique concepts. Within every concept, we have three variants of every thumbnail. Each thumbnail undergoes survey testing before refinement through dedicated thumbnail and title analyses to ensure that every video release is backed by visuals proven to engage viewers. Another key component of the MrBeast playbook is back catalog optimization, a method that involves revisiting and refreshing older content on a regular basis. DeFilippis described YouTube as inherently memory-based, emphasizing the missed revenue potential if creators neglect their archives. Every 90 days, if theres a video that seems like its lacking, well use one of the thumbnails we built from the outset and refresh it. He noted this process produces constant spikes in engagement and directly contributes a significant share to overall revenue growth. An additional element fueling success at MrBeast is the teams commitment to emerging tactics like clipping. DeFilippis called this his recent focus, a strategy where short, captivating video segments amplify exposure and attract new subscribers. Like this: Like Loading... TOPEKA (KSNT) A federal judge has sentenced a former leader of the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas Wednesday after he was accused of committing child sex crimes and domestic abuse. Toby Crouse, a U.S. District Judge, sentenced Lester Randall to 120 months, or 10 years, in federal prison. He previously pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of a minor receipt of child pornography. The Brown County Sheriffs Office arrested Randall on April 25, 2024 at a home on the Kickapoo Reservation following the execution of a search warrant. Randall had previously served as the tribal chairman for the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Psychological evaluation ordered for man accused in Topeka killings, kidnapping A federal grand jury indicted Randall in July 2024 for allegedly attacking his spouse on several occasions in 2023 and 2024. Prosecutors later indicted Randall on additional counts in December 2024 for alleged child sex crimes that occurred between February 2020 and June 2022. Randall pleaded guilty to one of his charges, sexual exploitation of a minor, on May 29 this year. The other associated federal counts were dismissed. The Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas also declared in January that Randall is to be considered legally dead and banished from the tribe. This came after Randall was sentenced for charges including attempted homicide and attempted arson with the Kickapoo Tribal Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Topeka 18-year-old charged with murder after July shooting For more crime news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf 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 KSNT 27 News. The Kentucky Court of Appeals dismissed appeals by former Gov. Matt Bevin and former First Lady Glenna Bevin, creating the opportunity for their adopted son to testify in an evidentiary hearing why hes entitled to the retroactive financial support. An evidentiary hearing would also allow the Bevins to share their reasoning as to why he should not get that support. Larry Thompson, the chief judge of the court of appeals, ruled the Bevins had no legal basis to appeal in a six-page order released Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Bevins appeal, filed in June, attempted to prevent their son from being able to intervene in their divorce proceedings. Glenna Bevin requested a Jefferson County family judges order be reversed, and their proceedings be kept private. In May, Louisville Family Court Judge Angela Johnson ruled in Jonah Bevins favor, allowing him to be an intervenor in his adoptive parents divorce case and opening the door for Jonah to petition to get retroactive financial support from his now-divorced parents until he gets his high school diploma. When Glenna filed for divorce from the one-term Republican governor in 2023, Jonah Bevin was 16 and living at Atlantis Leadership Academy in Jamaica. He was later held in the care of Jamaican child welfare services after they discovered facility staff were physically and emotionally abusive. Part of why Jonah says he is seeking financial support from his parents now is to earn his high school diploma or GED. The Bevins paid for Jonah to attend and graduate from Veritas Mission Academy in Florida in 2024, a school that bills itself as providing classical education from a Christian worldview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Jonah and his lawyers have since said his diploma from Veritas doesnt carry any meaningful weight, since the school wasnt accredited. The Oct. 27 ruling also denied Matt and Glennas request that their divorce settlement remain under seal. Glenna appealed June 13, and in a brief opinion June 18, an appellate judge said it was too early in the process to appeal. But in the order issued Monday, the court said there was never an evidentiary hearing that would have provided any additional reasoning as to why the Bevins appeals should not be dismissed. With the appeals dismissed, the courts can now move forward with holding an evidentiary hearing, where Jonah Bevin can testify against his adoptive parents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are happy that Jonah looks to be able to have his day in court on the issues of child support and his access to an education, said John Helmers and Melina Hettiaratchi, Jonahs attorneys. How the Bevins case began The case began in March, when Johnson granted Jonah an emergency protective order against Matt and a restraining order against Glenna, blocking his adoptive parents from contacting him. The Bevins adopted Jonah from Ethiopia when he was 5. Bevin, a Christian conservative, served as governor from late 2015 through 2019 before he was defeated in his bid for a second term by current Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Bevins were married for 26 years and share four adopted children from Ethiopia and five biological children. Jonah, now 18, had petitioned for the courts protection after he said his parents at the last minute tried to coerce him to fly home to Ethiopia earlier this year to see his birth mother, whom Jonah says he had been told most of his life was dead. Jonah said he was afraid of being lured to another country and left there. He told the court he has long distrusted his adoptive parents he described his adoptive father as threatening, intimidating and manipulative in part because he has said they abandoned him at Atlantis Leadership Academy in Jamaica, a faith-based behavioral health facility where staff were physically and emotionally abusive. When the facility was shut down by Jamaican authorities in March 2024, Jonah was placed in the Jamaican foster care system. Even after his removal from the abusive facility, my parents did not come to support me, Jonah told a court in March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the no-contact orders were issued against Matt and Glenna, to get the financial support Jonah says he was denied when he was living in Jamaica and still a minor, Jonah filed to intervene in his adoptive parents divorce case. Johnson allowed it, which opened an avenue for Jonah to make a case for why hes entitled to that retroactive support, at least until he earns his high school diploma from an accredited school. An evidentiary hearing in the case is scheduled for Nov. 3. Herald-Leader writer Alex Acquisto contributed to this story. Peter Williams, the former general manager at defense contractor L3Harris, has pleaded guilty to selling surveillance technology to a Russian broker that buys cyber tools, the U.S. Department of Justice confirmed Wednesday. The material, stolen over a three-year period from the U.S. defense contractor where he worked, was comprised of national-security focused software that included at least eight sensitive and protected cyber-exploit components, read the DOJs press release on Wednesday. Those components were meant to be sold exclusively to the U.S. government and select allies. TechCrunch previously exclusively reported, citing four former Trenchant employees, that the company was investigating a leak of its hacking tools. Prosecutors now say Williams exploited his access to the companys secure network to steal the cyber exploit components. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Williams headed Trenchant, the division at L3Harris that develops spyware, exploits, and zero-days security vulnerabilities in software that are unknown to its maker. Trenchant sells its surveillance tech to government customers in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United States, and the United Kingdom, the so-called Five Eyes intelligence alliance. Trenchant was founded after L3Harris in 2019 acquired two Australian sister startups, Azimuth and Linchpin Labs, which developed and sold zero-days to the Five Eyes alliance of countries. The DOJ said Williams, a 39-year-old Australian citizen who resides in Washington, D.C., sold exploits to the unnamed Russian broker, who promised Williams millions of dollars in cryptocurrency in exchange. The former Trenchant general manager allegedly signed contracts with the broker that stipulated an initial payment for the exploits, and periodic payments for follow-on support. Prosecutors did not name the Russian broker Williams sold to, but said that the broker publicly bills itself as a reseller of exploits to several customers, including the Russian government. Contact Us Do you have more information about this case, and the alleged leak of Trenchant hacking tools? From a non-work device, you can contact Lorenzo Franceschi-Bicchierai securely on Signal at +1 917 257 1382, or via Telegram, Keybase and Wire @lorenzofb, or by email. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said Wednesday that the broker whom Williams sold exploits to is part of the next wave of international arms dealers. Pirro said Williams crimes caused over $35 million in losses to Trenchant. Williams betrayed the United States and his employer by first stealing and then selling intelligence-related software, said U.S. Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. His conduct was deliberate and deceitful, imperiling our national security for the sake of personal gain. L3Harris spokesperson Sara Banda declined to comment when reached by TechCrunch on Wednesday. John Rowley, one of Williams attorneys, declined to comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On October 14, the U.S. government accused Williams, who is known in the industry as Doogie, of selling trade secrets to a buyer in Russia, without specifying what those trade secrets were nor what company he stole them from. According to a document filed in mid-October, Williams made $1.3 million for the sale of the exploits. Williams pleaded guilty to two charges of stealing trade secrets, which each can carry a sentence of 10 years in prison. He will be sentenced in January 2026, prosecutors said. According to Risky Business host and journalist Patrick Gray, Williams is currently under house arrest in the Washington, D.C. area where he lives. Gray said Williams used to work at the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD), the countrys top signals intelligence and eavesdropping agency. When previously reached by TechCrunch, a spokesperson for the ASD would not comment on Williams, citing a law enforcement matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, TechCrunch reported that Williams had fired a Trenchant developer earlier this year who was suspected of stealing Chrome zero-days. The former Trenchant employee told TechCrunch that he never had access to those tools, as he worked on developing iOS zero-days. Other of his former colleagues supported his account. I know I was a scapegoat. I wasnt guilty. Its very simple, the exploit developer told TechCrunch. I didnt do absolutely anything other than working my ass off for them. This story was updated with the response from Williams attorney John Rowley. The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) has detained a British citizen suspected of collaborating with the Russian secret services. Source: SSU; Office of the Prosecutor General Details: Investigators found that the man arrived in Ukraine in January 2024. He initially conducted training sessions for service members in the city of Mykolaiv and later worked with a border guard unit. At the end of September 2024, after his work as an instructor was over, he moved to Odesa, where he established contact with a representative of the Russian secret service and agreed to provide military-related information in exchange for money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Prosecutor General's Office reported that in May 2025, he passed on the coordinates of sites where Ukrainian units were deployed, photographs of a training facility, and details about service members that enabled them to be identified. Furthermore, an analysis of his correspondence confirmed that he had carried out other tasks for the Russian secret service. The suspect collected intelligence on facilities in Odesa, discussed the potential use of explosive devices, and attempted to gain access to the command of military units. He received US$6,000 for one of these tasks. On 27 October, the man was served with a notice of suspicion under Article 114-2.3 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (unauthorised dissemination of data about the defence forces under martial law). The detainee Photo: Office of the Prosecutor General On 29 October, at the request of a prosecutor at the Prosecutor General's Office, he was remanded in custody without the right to bail. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! NEW YORK Former Gov. David Paterson endorsed Andrew Cuomos campaign for mayor on Tuesday, putting himself back in the former governors camp after initially backing Mayor Eric Adams in the general election. Paterson, who had backed Cuomo in the Democratic primary, praised Cuomo at a joint appearance with the candidate and Adams at a Bronx senior center. No ones going to get a free ride, no matter what some people are promising, but there is a great opportunity for this city if we elect this gentlemen right now, next Tuesday, Paterson said, in a dig at Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdanis affordability agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For all of you who have already voted, thank you for that, we hope we were supported, for those of you who have not, we got about seven days before we elect our next mayor. I propose that next mayor is standing right next to me. The endorsement comes just a week before Election Day, with early voting already underway. Mamdani is leading in the polls by double digits, although in what could be an optimistic sign for Cuomo, city data shows older voters have flocked to the polls during the first three days of early voting. Paterson has gone back and forth when it comes to his support in the mayoral race: He backed Cuomo in the Democratic primary, which the ex-governor lost to Mamdani. Paterson then jumped to support Adams before the mayor dropped his reelection bid last month. Adams, who just last month lambasted Cuomo as a snake and a liar, himself endorsed Cuomo last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need our young people for the future, but never forget it is our older adults that made this city what it is and sometimes it takes the wisdom of older adults to make sure we do not go backward, Adams said on Tuesday, characterizing his vitriol towards Cuomo as simply a bit of family infighting. Cuomo slammed Mamdani supporters as a far-left extremist group and attacked his opponents relative lack of experience. I am not going to trust my familys safety, or you are not going to trust your familys safety, to a rapper who wants to be mayor, the former governor said. Cuomo and Paterson have some past bad blood between them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2010, Paterson faced controversy and terminated his reelection campaign for governor while Cuomo was New Yorks attorney general. Cuomos office investigated him on allegations he helped cover up domestic violence accusations against a staffer and improperly accepted New York Yankees World Series tickets. Patersons political downfall then was partly attributed to Cuomo, who went on that year to mount his own campaign for governor and won. _____ A former Raleigh police officer arrested and charged with sex crimes has now been indicted on additional charges. Tremale Cogdell allegedly engaged in sex acts while on duty following a traffic stop. He was arrested and his employment was terminated by the RPD earlier this month. Eyewitness News learned today he's been indicted on additional solicitation of prostitution charges with multiple victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court documents show their ages range from 21 to 45. The crimes allegedly happened five separate times with five different people between August 1 and September 15. ABC11 has reached out to Cogdell's attorney as we work to learn more about these additional cases. An Australian man on Wednesday pleaded guilty in connection with a scheme to steal powerful hacking tools from a US defense contractor and sell them to a buyer in Russia, the Justice Department said. The tools were meant to be sold exclusively to the U.S. government and select allies, but 39-year-old Peter Williams sold them to a Russian software exploit broker that touted its ties to Moscow and other foreign governments, the Justice Department alleged. Prosecutors say the theft caused $35 million in losses for the company, which is not identified in court documents. But British business records list Williams as the former general manager of Trenchant, an intelligence firm owned by US defense contractor L3Harris Technologies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement L3Harris website describes Trenchant as a trusted, discreet partner furnishing security products, consultancy, training and integration services to allied governments, defense, security and law enforcement agencies. An attorney for Williams declined to comment, as did a spokesperson for L3Harris. The case shines a light on the private market for software exploits that bypass tech firms security controls and can fetch millions of dollars from government and non-government buyers alike. US Attorney Jeanine Pirro called online brokers that sell hacking tools the next wave of international arms dealers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Williams case, the theft and sale of the tools allowed non-allied foreign cyber actors to obtain sophisticated cyber exploits that were likely used against numerous unsuspecting victims, Pirro said in a statement. The Justice Department did not identify any alleged victims. Williams allegedly used the proceeds from the sale of software exploits to buy luxury watches and other items, according to prosecutors. He was promised millions of dollars in cryptocurrency payments, the Justice Department said. US national security officials have long been concerned that hacking techniques that American or Western intelligence officers hone in government work will be commercialized and used against Americans. The Justice Department in 2021 charged three former US intelligence or military operatives who allegedly helped build a hacking program for the United Arab Emirates government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Americas national security is NOT FOR SALE, especially in an evolving threat landscape where cybercrime poses a serious danger to our citizens, Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a statement on Wednesday. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com DES MOINES, Iowa A Des Moines man is facing multiple charges following a short police chase that ended in a crash early Wednesday morning. Four people, including the driver, were hospitalized with serious injuries due to the crash, according to police. Sgt. Paul Parizek, Public Information Officer of the Des Moines Police Department, said following his release from the hospital, 21-year-old Naite Tanta will be charged with three counts of Serious Injury by Vehicle-Eluding, OWI, Possession of a Controlled Substance-Marijuana, and Failure to Obey a Traffic Control Device. 19-year-old Des Moines woman dies after hitting disabled semi on I-35 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tanta was the driver of a vehicle noticed by a DMPD patrol officer just after 1:00 a.m., traveling at a high rate of speed and running a stop sign at 12th Street and College Avenue, said Sgt. Parizek. Tainta ignored the officers signal to stop and continued for about three blocks before crashing into a tree in the 1800 block of 12th Street. All four occupants of the vehicle were transported to the hospital. They remain hospitalized but are expected to survive. DMPD continues to investigate the crash. Metro news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 who13.com. A man and a woman in Kharkiv Oblast and two women in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast have been injured in Russian drone attacks. Source: Kharkiv Oblast Police; Vladyslav Haivanenko, acting head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration Details: At about 12:00 on 29 October, an FPV drone struck the village of Pisky-Radkivski in Izium District, Kharkiv Oblast. A 48-year-old man and a 46-year-old woman, both local residents, were wounded when the drone hit a car. They were taken to a district hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the city of Pavlohrad of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, two women were injured in a UAV attack. A 46-year-old woman was hospitalised in a moderate condition. A 58-year-old woman will receive outpatient treatment. The roof of a kindergarten was damaged in the attack. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! OpenAI said yesterdayy it has reorganized its ownership structure and converted its business into a public benefit corporation and a crucial regulator, the Delaware attorney general, said she approved the plan. The restructuring paves the way for the ChatGPT maker to more easily profit off its artificial intelligence technology even as it remains technically under the control of a nonprofit. Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings said in a statement she did not object to the proposal, seemingly bringing to an end more than a year of negotiations and announcements about the future of OpenAIs governance and the power that for profit investors and its nonprofit board will have over the organizations technology. The company also said it has signed a new agreement with its longtime backer Microsoft that gives the software giant a roughly 27% stake in OpenAIs new for-profit corporation but changes some of the details of their close partnership. The attorneys general of Delaware, where OpenAI is incorporated, and California, where it is headquartered, had both said theyre investigating the proposed changes. California Attorney General Rob Bontas office didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. OpenAI said it completed its restructuring after nearly a year of engaging in constructive dialogue with the offices in both states. OpenAI has completed its recapitalization, simplifying its corporate structure, said a blog post yesterday from Bret Taylor, the chair of OpenAIs board of directors. The nonprofit remains in control of the for-profit, and now has a direct path to major resources before AGI arrives. AGI stands for artificial general intelligence, which OpenAI defines as highly autonomous systems that outperform humans at most economically valuable work. OpenAI was founded as a nonprofit in 2015 with a mission to safely build AGI for humanitys benefit. It later started a for-profit arm. Microsoft invested its first $1 billion in OpenAI in 2019 and the two companies formed an agreement that made Microsoft the exclusive provider of the computing power needed to build OpenAIs technology. In turn, Microsoft heavily used the technology behind ChatGPT to enhance its own AI products. The two companies first revealed in January that they were altering that agreement, enabling San Francisco-based OpenAI to build its own computing capacity, primarily for research and training of models. That coincided with OpenAIs announcements of a partnership with Oracle and SoftBank to build a massive new data center in Abilene, Texas. Its since announced more such projects planned in the U.S., Asia, Europe and South America, along with big deals with chipmakers like Nvidia and AMD. But other parts of its agreements with Microsoft remained up in the air as the two companies appeared to veer further apart before reaching a tentative new agreement in September. OpenAI had previously said its own nonprofit board will decide when AGI is reached, effectively ending its Microsoft partnership. But it now says that once AGI is declared by OpenAI, that declaration will now be verified by an independent expert panel, and that Microsofts rights to OpenAIs confidential research methods will remain until either the expert panel verifies AGI or through 2030, whichever is first. Microsoft will also retain some commercial rights to OpenAI products post-AGI. Microsoft put out the same announcement about the revised partnership yesterday but declined further comment. MATT OBRIEN & THALIA BEATY, MDT/AP Like this: Like Loading... DES MOINES, Iowa Four schools have been selected as Iowa Blue Ribbon Schools for 2025. The program named Albia Middle School from the Albia Community School District, Byrant Elementary School from the Dubuque Community School District, George-Little Rock Elementary from the George-Little Rock Community School District, and Prairie Hill Elementary School from the College Community School District as the inaugural Iowa Blue Ribbon Schools. The schools were recognized during a ceremony involving Governor Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Department of Education at the State Capitol on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UnityPoint Health opens new retail pharmacy in east Des Moines I am thrilled to recognize each of Iowas Blue Ribbon Schools for their hard work to earn this well-deserved honor and their dedication to helping every student succeed, Gov. Reynolds said in a statement. This year Iowa was excited to help lead the way in launching this prestigious program as a statewide initiative to continue to honor high-performing schools, highlighting the transformational work that takes place every day in their classrooms. In August, the U.S. Department of Education moved the national Blue Ribbon Schools program to the states. According to the Iowa Department of Education, while the USED would work with state education departments in prior years to administer the award, the states would identify the schools who met the requirements for the recognition. In its first year, the Iowa Blue Ribbon Schools program based their selections on the previous national programs requirements. To learn more about the Iowa Blue Ribbon Schools program visit the Iowa Department of Education website. Iowa news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 who13.com. The Senate passed a resolution aimed at ending President Donald Trumps tariffs on Canada, with four Republicans joining Democrats to rebuke the administrations trade policies a day after they voted to terminate tariffs on Brazil. Sens. Rand Paul, Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins and former Republican Leader Mitch McConnell crossed the aisle to side with Democrats in the 50 to 46 vote. They all previously voted to block the Canada tariffs in April. The resolution aims to end the tariffs by terminating an emergency declaration from the president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move, however, amounts to a symbolic rebuke of the presidents recent actions as it isnt expected to be taken up by the House. Earlier this year, House Republicans moved to block members from being able to force a vote on the presidents tariffs in the near future. Paul was a co-sponsor of the resolution and McConnell pledged on Tuesday that he would vote for each of the resolutions taking aim at Trumps tariffs that Democrats plan to bring to the floor this week. There is one more vote expected on Thursday aimed at ending Trumps so-called liberation day tariffs. Sen. Tim Kaine, one of the Democratic co-sponsors of the Canada tariff resolution, said Tuesday that the presidents use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act was not appropriate. The administration initially argued that fentanyl flowing from Canada into the US was the inciting emergency, and the tariffs were increased last week after the Ontario Premier ran an anti-tariff advertisement invoking quotes from former President Ronald Reagan. It is ridiculous to say that fentanyl is an emergency with respect to Canada, and its a pretext thats just used being used to pour more and more tariffs onto Canada, said Kaine. And why dont we pour gasoline on the fire? If they run an ad we dont like, well increase the tariffs by 10%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kaine did acknowledge that this resolution likely wont advance beyond the Senate, but he insisted it can still send a message to Trump. I did learn in the first Trump term that the president is responsive to things like this. When he sees Republicans starting to vote against his policies, even in small numbers, that makes an impression on him and can often cause him to alter his behavior, Kaine told reporters. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com ROCHESTER, (WROC) Wednesday, a former police officer involved in the case of another former police officer was arraigned on charges of criminal sale of drugs. Former Geneva Police Officer Nathan Jacon is the fourth defendant to be arraigned in the case involving Former Police Officer Michael Tapscott. Three charged in drug case of former Geneva police officer Michael Tapscott was a police officer accused of selling drugs to someone at a local business while on duty and operating a police car. Investigators said Tapscott regularly solicited members of the Geneva Police Department and members of the community to purchase and sell controlled substances while on and off duty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nathan Jacon is one of the accused officers involved. Hes charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance in the fifth-degree, criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth-degree: intent to sell, criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh-degree, and one count of official misconduct. Those charges follow evidence presented to an Ontario County Grand Jury earlier this month by Ontario County DA Christine Callanan. Jacon was released on his own recognizance and will return to court at a later date. 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 RochesterFirst. PARIS (AP) Frances Senate gave its final approval on Wednesday to a bill defining rape and other sexual assault as any non-consensual sexual act, a move that comes after the landmark drugging and rape trial that shook France and turned Gisele Pelicot into a global icon. Senators voted 327-0 in favor of the bill, with 15 abstentions. The bill was presented in January following the conviction of 51 men for the rape and abuse of Gisele Pelicot in a case which spurred a national reckoning over rape culture in France. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marie-Charlotte Garin and Veronique Riotton, lawmakers for the Greens and President Emmanuel Macron's centrist party, respectively, who championed the bill, wrote: It's time to take action and take a new step forward in the fight against sexual violence. The bill states that any non-consensual sexual act constitutes sexual assault. Consent is defined as freely given, informed, specific, prior and revocable and assessed in the light of the circumstances. The text says it cannot be inferred solely from the silence or the lack of reaction of the victim. The bill also specifies that there is no consent if the sexual act is committed with violence, coercion, threat or surprise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, it was widely approved by lawmakers from almost all ranks at the National Assembly, Frances lower house of parliament. The far right voted against it. The Senate's approval is the last step before the bill becomes law via official publication. France rejoins many other European nations that have similar consent-based laws on rape, including neighboring Germany, Belgium and Spain. Until now, rape under French law was defined as penetration or oral sex using violence, coercion, threat or surprise." France has taken other steps in recent years to toughen punishment for sexual misconduct, including setting 15 as the age of consent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In December, Pelicots ex-husband and 50 other men were convicted of sexually assaulting her between 2011 and 2020 while she was under chemical submission. Dominique Pelicot was sentenced to 20 years in prison, while sentences for other defendants ranged from three to 15 years imprisonment. An appeals court handed a stiffer 10-year sentence earlier this month to the only man who challenged his conviction. The harrowing and unprecedented trial exposed how pornography, chatrooms and mens disdain for, or hazy understanding of, consent is fueling rape culture. Gisele Pelicot has since become a symbol of the fight against sexual violence. The Paris Court of Appeal on Oct. 29 rejected a request to extradite Ukrainian billionaire Kostiantyn Zhevago to his home country, the news agency Interfax Ukraine reported. The court ruled that Zhevago would not face a fair trial in Ukraine, and his rights would not be protected. The request was filed by the Ukrainian authorities in a bribery case against Zhevago, who has denied the accusations of wrongdoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) charged him in 2023 with bribing Vsevolod Kniazev, former head of the Supreme Court. Zhevago transferred $2.7 million to his lawyer, of which $1.8 million was intended to be the bribe for the Supreme Court, and the rest was for the legal advisor's "mediation services," according to the NABU. In 2023 a French court also rejected Ukraine's extradition request for Zhevago in a separate embezzlement case. In 2019, Zhevago was charged with embezzling and laundering $113 million at Finance & Credit Bank. Zhevago is the owner of the iron pellet producer Ferrexpo. Read also: Businessman charged with bribing Supreme Court head Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. FREDERICK, Md. (DC News Now) An 18-year-old Frederick man is facing a slew of charges after deputies said he fired a gun in a home Monday night while his family members were arguing. The Frederick County Sheriffs Office said deputies responded to the home in the 5300 block of Henden Wood Lane just minutes before 10:30 p.m. after a gun was reportedly fired. There, deputies learned that two adults were arguing when Markell Thompson intervened, allegedly pulling out a handgun and firing one round into a stairwell before escaping through a window. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thompson then got into a vehicle with two other people and left the area. 1 dead, another hurt after shooting in parking lot of Dash-In in Waldorf: CCSO No one was injured during the shooting; however, deputies found evidence that indicated a weapon had been discharged inside the home, and a handgun was discovered in Thompsons bedroom, according to the sheriffs office. Deputies also found the vehicle Thompson left in on Viceroy Court in Ballenger Creek after officials put out a description of the vehicle to responding units. Thompson, who was in the backseat of the vehicle, was arrested at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A search of the vehicle revealed a bag belonging to Thompson that contained a loaded rifle and a loaded handgun, reportedly stolen out of San Bernardino County, California. Investigators also found a spent .40 caliber casing in Thompsons pants pocket, the sheriffs office noted. As a result, authorities charged the man with multiple gun-related charges, including possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and possession of a stolen firearm. As the investigation continues, officials urge anyone with information to contact Deputy Ritchey at 301-600-1046. 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. A local middle-aged woman has reported losing more than HKD1.45 million in a suspected online romance scam, the Judiciary Police (PJ) said. The victim met a man on social media in August who claimed to be a mainland Chinese national living in Singapore. After developing a romantic relationship, he persuaded her to invest through a website. When she later tried to withdraw funds, she was asked to pay a HKD720,000 deposit, which led her to suspect fraud and file a report. Like this: Like Loading... COLUMBUS Although the weather is cooling down, the Governors Office of Appalachia wants Appalachian students to make their plans for next years summer study programs through the Appalachian Regional Commission. Students have until Dec. 3, 2025, to apply for one of two free summer opportunities. The Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy and Appalachian STEM Academy at Oak Ridge are competitive, residential programs that bring together students and educators from across the 13-state Appalachian region for hands-on learning, professional mentorship, and career exploration. Both programs include round-trip travel, lodging, meals, supplies and extracurricular activities. Strong communities start with a strong workforce, said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development which houses the Governors Office of Appalachia By giving Appalachian students real-world experiences and leadership training, were helping them take the first steps toward lifelong success right here in Ohio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy is a two-week-long program at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, designed to help students develop essential entrepreneurial skills. From July 11-24, 2026, students will develop, implement, and refine their own business ideas, and deliver pitches to a panel of entrepreneurs. Additional details and applications can be found at arc.gov/AEA. The Appalachian STEM Academy at Oak Ridge is a hands-on learning experience for Appalachian middle and high school students and high school teachers in STEM-related fields. Hosted in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, students gain exposure to applied science and STEM education, and teachers work with science practitioners to develop STEM-related curriculum. Additional details and applications can be found at arc.gov/STEM. Appalachia is home to hardworking and ambitious students who will hopefully one day be leaders across the region, said ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin. When we invest in Appalachias students, we invest in thoughtful growth for the regions workforce and a strong economic future. I will be excited to see all the energy and accomplishments of the next classes of ARCs Appalachian STEM Academy and Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy. Ohio students and teachers in eligible Appalachian counties are encouraged to apply. Those counties include Scioto, Adams, Pike, Ross, Lawrence, Galia and Jackson, among others. NEED TO KNOW Brigitte Macron's alleged cyberbullies faced their first day of trial on Oct. 28 For years, the French first lady has been repeatedly harassed online about her appearance The trial comes three months after Brigitte and French President Emmanuel Macron sued right-wing American podcaster Candace Owens, who amplified unfounded claims about the French first lady's sex at birth Brigitte Macron's alleged cyberbullies are standing trial for online harassment. Ten people are accused of harassing the French first lady, 72, by claiming she was born biologically male, and their trial began on Oct. 28, per The New York Times. Brigitte filed a complaint against the 10 defendants after they made baseless claims about her gender and relationship to French President Emmanuel Macron on social media last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The start of the trial in Paris comes three months after Brigitte and her husband sued right-wing American podcaster Candace Owens for making similar unfounded allegations about Brigitte's gender on a public platform. Omar Havana/Getty Brigitte and Emmanuel Macron in the Netherlands in June 2025 Brigitte and Emmanuel Macron in the Netherlands in June 2025 During the trial's first day, the defendants reportedly downplayed and denied their role in perpetuating harmful rhetoric, per the Times, claiming they were engaging in a public debate or satire. Though Brigitte did not attend the first day of the trial, her youngest daughter, Tiphaine Auziere, told the court she had witnessed the online hate take a toll on her mother. Brigitte is now extremely conscious about what she wears and how she appears in public, Auziere claimed. "She knows her image can be distorted to promote lies and fallacious theories," Auziere, 41, said in court, adding, "Not a week goes by without someone talking to her about it. As a girl, a woman and a mother, I wouldnt wish what shes going through on anyone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Comments and photos calling Brigitte's sex at birth into question began in 2021, per the Times, and were drastically amplified after Owens repeated the claims in an X post in March 2024. According to the 219-page lawsuit the Macrons filed against Owens, the podcaster said she would "stake [her] entire professional reputation on the fact that Brigitte Macron is in fact a man." "Since then, Owens has used this false statement to promote her independent platform, gain notoriety, and make money," the lawsuit alleges. "Owens disregarded all credible evidence disproving her claim in favor of platforming known conspiracy theorists and proven defamers." Aurelien Meunier/Getty French first lady Brigitte Macron during the Generation Equality Forum at Elysee Palace in July 2021 French first lady Brigitte Macron during the Generation Equality Forum at Elysee Palace in July 2021 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. Brigitte recently informed the court overseeing her and her husband's suit against Owens that she intends to present "photographic and scientific evidence" that she is a woman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Macrons' lawyer, Tom Clare told the BBC that the first lady is prepared to prove her gender "both generically and specifically." "It is incredibly upsetting to think that you have to go and subject yourself, to put this type of proof forward... It is a process that she will have to subject herself to in a very public way," Clare said of the first lady. "But she's willing to do it. She is firmly resolved to do what it takes to set the record straight." Read the original article on People In Rico v. United States, the Supreme Court will consider whether the fugitive-tolling doctrine the legal principle that a criminal defendant should not receive credit toward his sentence for time spent as a fugitive applies when a defendant absconds from (that is, flees from or evades) supervised release, thereby preventing the term of supervision from expiring while the defendant is on the lam. Although fugitive status can be evocative in popular culture, as illustrated by the FBIs ten most wanted list launched in March 1950, the circumstances of fugitives from supervised release tend to revolve around the sad, gritty facts of recidivism and, as illustrated by Isabel Ricos case, drug addiction. Rico pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and heroin after she and a coconspirator made a sale to a confidential informant. Following her 84-month sentence, she began a four-year term of supervised release in January 2017. The terms of her supervised release prohibited her from using controlled substances, required her to participate in drug treatment and testing, mandated that she notify her probation officer at least 10 days before changing her residence, and prohibited her from committing another crime. Several months into her term of supervision, however, Rico used methamphetamine and failed to report for drug testing and treatment. In response, the district court revoked her supervision, ordered her to serve two months in prison, and imposed a new 42-month term of supervised release, which was set to expire in June 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During her second term of supervision, Rico again began using illegal drugs, moved without informing her probation officer, and absconded from supervision. While Rico was a fugitive, and before her term of supervision would have expired, the probation officer filed a petition alleging that she violated her terms of supervised release by using drugs and absconding. In January 2023, after four years and eight months of not being supervised by her probation officer, Rico appeared in federal court for her violations of supervised release. During her time outside of federal supervision, she had committed additional state crimes evading a police officer, driving without a license, possessing drug paraphernalia, and possessing fentanyl for sale. These additional crimes were not identified in the petition that the probation officer filed when Rico absconded. At Ricos new revocation hearing, the court imposed a 16-month prison sentence and a new two-year term of supervised release. How fugitive tolling would apply in Ricos case Because the probation officer filed a petition before June 2021 to revoke Ricos supervised release, Rico acknowledges that, under 18 U.S.C. 3583(i) (the [d]elayed revocation provision of the supervised release statute), the district court had the power to revoke her term of supervised release for her absconding and drug use and impose a term of imprisonment and a new term of supervision for those violations. The fugitive-tolling doctrine is not needed to justify those steps, and Rico does not argue otherwise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fugitive tolling becomes relevant for revoking Ricos term of supervision for the additional crimes she committed that were not identified in the probation officers petition. In other words, fugitive tolling would result in Ricos term of supervision not expiring in June 2021 and would allow new violations to be alleged in a petition after that date. Rico does not question that fugitive tolling applies in other sentencing contexts, such as when a defendant escapes from prison, but she argues that it does not apply to supervised release. Both Rico and the federal government agree that, although supervised release is part of a defendants sentence, it serves a different role than the term of imprisonment. Rather, supervised release is designed to facilitate a defendants transition back to a law-abiding life through a package of services and prohibitions aimed at addressing major hurdles to leading a better life treatment and testing for drug addiction, financial monitoring, assistance in gaining employment, and, of course, requirements to follow the probation officers instructions and not violate the law. This is far from a trivial concern: recidivism is a serious problem among federal defendants. According to a study by the U.S. Sentencing Commission, approximately half of federal defendants are rearrested, with a median time to rearrest of 19 months. When a defendant breaks the cycle of recidivism, both the defendant and society benefit enormously. Intensive forms of supervision for drug offenders particularly those who demonstrate the crucial desire to try to beat an addiction provide some of the most heartening outcomes in federal criminal prosecutions. Despite agreeing that supervised release serves different purposes than the term of imprisonment, Rico and the government differ on whether fugitive tolling can apply when a defendant absconds from supervised release. Ricos arguments against applying fugitive tolling to supervised release A central point that Rico makes is that she was barred from committing new crimes throughout her second term of supervised release including after she absconded until June 2021, when the 42-month term expired. She thus views her term of supervision as a clock with a set of prohibitions and treats the probation officers supervision and the drug treatment and monitoring as, effectively, nonessential to determining whether she was still subject to a term of supervised release after absconding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rico highlights that the supervised release statutes do not include any express fugitive-tolling provision, and she rejects any suggestion that the supervised release statutes incorporate any common-law (that is, developed through decisions by courts, rather than through laws enacted by legislatures) fugitive-tolling doctrine for a number of reasons: a court may not extend a sentence based on the common law; the common law does not apply to supervised release; and Congress implicitly abrogated any such common-law doctrine through other express provisions in the statutes governing supervised release. Rico adds that any doubts about how to construe the supervised release statutes should be resolved in her favor under the rule of lenity. According to the rule of lenity, if a statute remains grievously ambiguous after a court has done its best to interpret the statute, the court will then adopt an interpretation that favors the defendant. The governments arguments in favor of fugitive tolling for supervised release The governments view boils down to one straightforward proposition: a fugitive from supervision is not entitled to credit merely because her term has expired. While Rico treats supervised release as fundamentally a clock and a set of prohibitions, the government views the probation officers role in supervising a defendant as central to what constitutes supervised release. A defendant who thwarts supervision is not under the supervision of [her] probation officer in accordance with 18 U.S.C. 3624(e), and is not be[ing] supervised for purposes of 18 U.S.C. 3601. The governments interpretation of the statutory language of the supervised release statutes also captures an obvious point: if absconding from supervision once a defendant violates a condition can both lighten the burdens of supervised release by deleting the probation officers role and can run out the clock on supervision, the incentives to abscond increase dramatically. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the governments view, the common-law fugitive-tolling doctrine both applies to supervised release and reinforces what the statutory language implies. Under common-law principles applied to prison sentences, the court has held that [m]ere lapse of time without imprisonment or other restraint contemplated by law does not constitute service of sentence. And a defendant cannot take advantage of [her] own wrong, as the government is arguing Rico is doing here. Put another way, the term of supervised release was intended, in part to help Rico break free of her drug addiction to reduce her recidivism; by absconding from her probation officers supervision, the regular drug testing, and the drug treatment, Rico defeated that part of her term of supervised release. The government is careful, however, to note that merely missing a meeting or violating a condition of supervised release does not itself make a defendant a fugitive. Rather, the defendant must have made it impossible for the probation officer to supervise her actions, while knowing her obligations to remain supervised. The courts decision in Ricos case should not only clarify how supervised release operates when a defendant absconds, but should also more generally illuminate when Congress will be deemed to have incorporated a common-law rule into a statute. For more Supreme Court news and analysis, visit SCOTUSblog. Read more at SCOTUSblog The Legislative Fiscal Committee has unanimously approved a $2 million deal with food banks in the state to continue delivering food to 75,000 families at risk of losing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or food stamp benefits if the federal government shutdown drags on past Saturday. Under the terms of the plan, proposed by Gov. Kelly Ayotte earlier this month, the state would use $2 million in Medicaid Enhancement Tax dollars to partner with the New Hampshire Food Bank to expand access to mobile food pantries. The plan must also be approved by the Executive Council. A vote is expected when the council meets Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Commissioner Lori Weaver said the Trump administration made it crystal clear late last week that a $5 billion contingency fund in the SNAP program could not be used to continue providing food to the 76,000 recipients in New Hampshire or any states across the country. The SNAP program extends benefits totaling $12.6 million a month in this state. This is a Band-Aid; obviously, it is not a one for one. We hope this will carry us through the month of November, Weaver said. The contract has been written so the agreement could be extended into December if the shutdown continued that long, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She noted her agency was already dealing with identifying how to comply with the new, two-year state budget and find more than $50 million in spending cuts over the next two years. It is far too important (a need) not to address, Weaver said. Currently the food bank offers mobile food pantries at four locations across the state; this contract will permit them to open two more for only SNAP recipients to get free food, said Karen Hebert, DHHS director of the Division of Economic Security. Once the contracts are approved, Hebert said it will take about a week for the food bank to open the new pantries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state is working with other organizations to spread the word about the program including the New Hampshire Grocers Association, family resource centers and day care providers, she said. Senate President Sharon Carson, R-Londonderry, urged Ayotte and the council to promote ways the state could encourage individuals and companies to donate to the effort through the food bank, which has 417 partners across New Hampshire. Citizens in this state are known for being giving, Carson said. You want to make it as easy as possible for people to make a donation. WIC runs out Nov. 10 The next potential problem is serving families on the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program that provides assistant to young mothers and their offspring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weaver said federal money granted in that account runs out on Nov. 10. We are waiting to see if more money is coming through. Its a day-by-day, minute-by-minute situation that were following closely, Weaver added. As for the federal government reimbursing New Hampshire for this spending once the shutdown is over, DHHS Chief Financial Officer Nathan White said that it will depend on how any federal legislation that ends this shutdown is worded. This is something totally new in my experience with the department, White added. Manchester school officials are urging families who receive SNAP benefits to consider using funds on their electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards before the end of the week, in case they are no longer accessible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It shocks the conscience that were sitting here in the United States in 2025, and hungry children are going to go hungry in the state, said Manchester school board Vice Chairman Jim OConnell. Its shocking, but we have people in our state who dont believe theres any such thing as child hunger, and they happen to be the ones making the decision. On Monday, Manchester Superintendent of Schools Jennifer Chmiel reminded families in the district that the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Services informed states that November SNAP benefits may be suspended. They may not be available, Chmiel said. Additionally, SNAP recipients may not be able to access any unused benefits on their electronic benefits transfer EBT cards, and may want to consider using benefits currently on these cards before October 31. Check card balances Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People receiving SNAP can check their EBT card balances by visiting www.ebtEDGE.com or calling 1-888-997-9777. In addition, we encourage our families with school age children to apply for the National School Lunch Program, Chmiel said. Applications are available online, in schools across the district and at the Welcome Center, located in French Hall, 148 Concord St. Anyone needing assistance with the completion of this form is asked to reach out to the district office and ask to speak to someone in the school foods and nutrition department, or to multilingual family liaisons. klandrigan@unionleader.com pfeely@unionleader.com As Hurricane Melissa moves away from Jamaica and heads towards Cuba and the Bahamas, a supply and fundraising drive on Long Island is underway to help victims of the storm. People usually come to Nolan's Cuisine in Elmont for a taste of Jamaica, but on Tuesday they are serving up a helping hand. Community members and Nassau County Legislator Carrie Solages, the leader of the nonprofit True Tribute Organization, banded together to collect items for the fundraiser. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The biggest need is not food or clothes, but rather medical supplies. Items like batteries and flashlights are also being collected amid power outages across the island. Community leaders say Long Island has a large Jamaican population and so the impact of the storm, while hundreds of miles away, was felt here at home as people watched and prayed while Melissa left a path of destruction. Officials say nearly three-fourths of Jamaica was without power, and the western half of the country was hit hardest. Blocked roads and communication outages also made it difficult to assess the destruction. Eyewitness News spoke to Nolan Alexander, the owner of Nolan's Cuisine, who has been trying to reach family in Jamaica. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "My grandmother is out there in Jamaica, last time we spoke was Monday on a FaceTime call. I haven't heard from her since," owner Alexander said. "I'm sure she's doing OK, but she's probably not having wifi or anything to make a call or to reach out. I've just been praying with my dad, that's his mom. So, you know, just been praying to make sure that she's OK and that everybody else in Jamaica is OK as well." People can donate items to the drive up until when Nolan's Cuisine closes at 10 p.m. on Wednesday. ---------- * Get Eyewitness News Delivered * More Manhattan news * Send us a news tip * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts * Follow us on YouTube Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply. Funeral services have been scheduled for four members of Illinois gubernatorial candidate Darren Baileys family who died in a helicopter crash last week in Montana. Darren Baileys son Zachary Bailey, 37, his daughter-in-law Kelsey, 35, and two grandchildren, Vada Rose, 12, and Samuel, 7, of Xenia died in the crash. A third grandchild, 10-year-old Finn Bailey, was not in the helicopter and is safe, according to a statement from Darren Baileys campaign. Darren Bailey, who is a Republican, lives on his family farm near Louisville, which is in Clay County south of Effingham. He was the GOP candidate for governor in 2022 and has filed to run in the 2026 primary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Transportation Safety Board has reported it was investigating the Oct. 22 crash of a Robinson Helicopter R66 near Ekalaka, Montana, in the southeast part of the state. The visitation will be 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at Oil Belt Christian Service Camp at 555 Park Road in Flora, according to an obituary posted by Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. A celebration of life service will be at 9 a.m. Monday at the Oil Belt camp. A private burial is planned. A GoFundMe account has been set up to support Finn Bailey. As a critical legislative deadline draws closer, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said he does not see the point of calling the chamber back to session. A reporter on Wednesday asked Johnson whether he would recall the House in November to craft a new funding bill. The House-passed continuing resolution (CR) that would fund the government through Nov. 21 has repeatedly failed to reach the 60-vote threshold required to pass in the Senate, as millions of American remain cut off from federal benefits programs. Wouldnt that be a futile exercise when we have a CR thats been sitting over there since September 19, Johnson said Wednesday as the shutdown entered its 29th day. If I brought the house back and we passed another CR it would meet the exact same fate from Chuck Schumer. He would mock it. They would spike it. And they would try to blame it on us. So what would be the point of that? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Democrats have pressed their Republican colleagues to address rising health insurance premiums and extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits for millions of Americans before they expire at the end of the year. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) have argued that the funding bill must include an extension of the COVID-era subsidies that reduced costs for millions of Americans on ACA plans. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) has said he is willing to open discussions with Democrats about extending ACA subsidies once the government is reopened. But Thunes offer has not swayed enough Senate Democrats to vote for the funding bill. We want the shutdown to end too, Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.) said Tuesday, according to The Hill. But fundamentally, if Trump and Republicans continue to refuse to negotiate with us to figure out how to lower health care costs, were in the same place that weve always been. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson on Wednesday said he is concerned about the timing as the Nov. 21 deadline nears, but still had no plans to recall the House to craft a new funding bill. Were all concerned about the timing, Johnson said. The Democrats are eating up the clock. We have very important work to do here. And thats why were pleading with them. Look, I think Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries are irredeemable at this point. Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Future wars may "be won and lost in the synthetic environment," a Royal Air Force officer said. Militaries are investing in synthetic training using AI and virtual reality. Air Vice-Marshal James Beck said the victor of future wars may only be "validated on the battlefield." Future wars may be fought and won in virtual and augmented reality before they are ever fought on the battlefield, a Royal Air Force officer said recently. Militaries increasingly see advantages in who can model, simulate, and learn faster not just who can build more tanks or fighter aircraft. Air Vice-Marshal James Beck, the RAF's director of capabilities and programs, said that it's "possible that the future will be won and lost in the synthetic environment and it's simply validated on the battlefield." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UK, like most of Europe, is worried about Russia and anxiously watching its war against Ukraine. Beck called Russia the UK's "pacing threat" and said it "must be our primary focus for many years to come." Speaking at the UK's Royal United Services Institute event last week, he said that in the future, the UK will "need to live every minute thinking how we'll behave, operating at wartime levels of risk." As a result, he continued, "much will need to be undertaken in the synthetic environment, and this is why the RAF will remain at those developing synthetic systems." "We must assume that our military is being watched all the time. They can see what we can do," he said. The synthetic environment is a simulated, digitally-created space used for training, planning, and experimenting. The UK has invested heavily in this technology, and the Royal Air Force has a system called Gladiator in a purpose-built facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gladiator completed its first major international exercise in 2023 and is integrated with systems like the Eurofighter Typhoon and F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter. Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston, who was the RAF's chief of the air staff at that time, said in February 2023 that it would "enable our forces to trial, test, and practice their tactics in a secure environment, linked across all operational domains." "It is an invaluable training tool for the next generation of warfighters across air, space, land, cyber, and sea, he added, explaining that it wouldn't replace live exercises but would complement them. The US is also investing in synthetic training. U.S. Army Futures Command The US military, likewise, has been investing in this kind of capability. A key project for Army Futures Command, now merged with Army Training and Doctrine Command, was the Synthetic Training Environment. Prototypes have been put to the test by soldiers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brig. Gen. George C. Hackler, then the commander of Army Operational Test Command, said after a 2024 test of training systems for armored vehicle crews that the advantage of the Synthetic Training Environment system is that "we can put people in simulated aircraft, ground vehicles, dismounts, and units can train and hone their warfighting skills." Marwane Bahbaz, the chief technology officer for the US Army's Program Executive Office Simulation, Training and Instrumentation, said previously that the STE project aims "to revolutionize Army training" by merging live, virtual, constructive, and gaming platforms "into an interoperable training experience that provides real-life immersion for combat training." The Army said that this kind of training reduces wear and tear on equipment and also lets soldiers practice high-risk moves, like flying a plane, "with more confidence and less risk than in real life." NATO has also recognized its importance for training. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gen. Philippe Lavigne, then NATO's supreme allied commander for transformation, said last year that the way the alliance's Joint Warfare Center housed simulations and "360-degree synthetic scenario generation" showed how it was mixing "training, conceptual advances, new ways of thinking, experimentation, doctrine, and wargaming all contributing to the Alliance's strength and safety." These, he said, work "to make NATO better!" NATO has also launched its Distributed Synthetic Training project to link synthetic training systems among allies so they can train on them together, something that is easier and more cost-effective than the real, physical events. Beck said that the UK and its allies "will need to evolve. We will need to deliver more" as the capabilities of adversaries have advanced dramatically, from drones to missiles. "To meet these challenges, we must remain agile and adapt at pace," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While militaries have invested heavily in developing synthetic training solutions, realism and integration remain stubborn hurdles. Systems can be hard to link, can be unrealistic in combat effects, and are sometimes constrained by security demands. Such challenges haven't deterred efforts to modernize training, though. Beck said the Royal Air Force's new chief of the air staff "wants a searing spotlight on fine-tuning what we already have, to maximize our lethality today." At the same time, he shared, "he's equally focused on accelerating modernization, such that we can credibly deter." "It needs to be done at pace and within this decade," Beck said, adding that "time is our most pressing threat." Read the original article on Business Insider The West Garland Library opened October 25 at 3921 W. Walnut St., replacing the outdated Walnut Creek Branch with nearly double the space in a colorful, light-filled building featuring vibrant glass and high windows. Funded by the 2019 Build Garland bond, the 18,700-square-foot facility shares Hollabaugh Park with a recreation center the citys only site combining both types of facilities. Library Director Karen Archibald called it a space built with purpose, vision and deep pride in what this community can become when we invest in learning, in imagination and in one another. She added the pairing will allow truly community-driven programs that support learning, wellness, creativity and connection for all ages, opening fresh opportunities for residents to grow, play and thrive. All in one place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amenities include dedicated childrens play and reading areas, teen spaces for study, gaming, and socializing, adult quiet zones and tech workspaces, plus public Wi-Fi, upgraded computers, charging stations, and audio-visual equipment. The Makerspace area is equipped with items that creatives can use free of charge, such as circular knitting machines, a 3-D printer, sewing machines, and more. Outdoor green spaces, a covered patio with tables and chairs, and a connecting plaza link to the recreation center. Collections feature new titles alongside favorites, including donations from the Vietnamese American Association. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A steady stream of visitors toured the new library on Saturday to check out the new facilities and enjoy the opening day events, starting with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and refreshments at 10 a.m. Performances by the Tu Van Lion Dance Troupe and the Ms. Asia America International Pageant Princesses entertained the crowds. Library workers demonstrated how to use the equipment in the Makerspace area, and instructor Erin Thomas taught guests how to play American Mahjong. Special activities for kids included face painting, balloon artists, music and movement storytime, and a scavenger hunt. The $14.2 million West Garland Library is the second new library space to open recently in the city. In July, the 60,912-square-foot Garland Central Library reopened after an $18 million renovation, as reported by The Dallas Express. In neighboring Richardson, just west of Garland, a massive $34.1 million public library renovation currently underway is anticipated to be completed by the first quarter of 2026. The building was gutted to the exterior walls, so that all new steel girders and structural supports and plumbing, mechanical, and electrical equipment could be installed. Once construction is completed, the librarys footprint will have increased from its previous 71,583 square feet to 83,576 square feet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In nearby Dallas, however, public libraries are closing. Just last month, the Skillman Southwestern Library shuttered its doors, and several other Dallas libraries could face a similar fate. In an update published in early October, the Dallas Public Library stated that it is developing a regional model that will concentrate services and extend hours at geographically dispersed locations around the City while closing and/or reducing hours at the remaining branches. The Library is not funded at a level to provide impactful, meaningful service at 28 locations and 8 floors at the Central Library, the statement read. A regional model will allow for deeper service in the community because the budget and staffing will not have to be stretched to operate as many service points. No branches have been identified for closure at this time. Many data points and other criteria are being considered. Some have concluded that Dallas library budget shortfall is connected to increased spending on public safety under Proposition U, passed by voters last year. However, Proposition U only requires that new revenue above the previous years budget be directed toward police staffing and pensions it does not reduce existing city funding for other services such as libraries. GARLAND COUNTY, Ark. Officials with the Garland County Sheriffs confirmed on Wednesday that a woman in the community was killed when a tree fell on her home overnight. Officials said deputies were dispatched after a call requesting an emergency response was made at 11:39 p.m. Tuesday to the 400 block of Majestic Lodge Road regarding a reported fallen tree. Little Rock 5-year-old killed by falling tree during severe storms; others injured in Miller County Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arriving deputies found the tree had fallen through the roof of the callers home and pinned the callers wife to the bed. The 37-year-old victim was located lying on her bed under the tree, officials said. Sheriffs officials confirmed the victim as 37-year-old Shannon Hobby. She was pronounced dead by the Garland County Coroner at the scene, according to a sheriffs department spokesperson. The National Weather Service is reporting wind gusts in Arkansas at over 35 mph after midnight. 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. GASTON COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Gaston County, in partnership with Gaston Cares, is asking the community to come together to support residents who may be impacted by the possible disruption in SNAP benefits amid the ongoing government shutdown. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) ordered a pause on all November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits until further notice due to the federal government shutdown. NC Attorney General Jeff Jackson is suing the USDA, accusing the agency of illegally withholding more than $230 million in monthly food assistance for North Carolinians. MORE | Resources for residents in Catawba and Rowan counties More than 36,000 people in Gaston County, nearly 15 percent of the population, receive food assistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The county is asking local churches and organizations to partner and adopt a food pantry in their community. Many local food pantries are already experiencing an uptick in demand, and those requests are likely to increase after November 1. Gaston Cares has a list of local food pantries and charitable food providers in the area. Gaston Countys Meals on Wheels program has resources available to continue serving existing clients at least through the end of November. That program currently serves 315 clients. Several collection sites for non-perishable food items will be set starting Thursday, October 30, during normal business hours. Gaston County Administration , 128 W. Main Ave., Gastonia Gaston County DSS , 330 Dr. M.L.K. Jr. Way, Gastonia Gaston County Public Health , 991 W. Hudson Blvd., Gastonia Gaston County Public Library , 1555 E. Garrison Blvd. Gastonia Citizens Resource Center, 1303 Dallas-Cherryville Hwy., Dallas SNAP AND WIC RECIPIENTS SNAP program participants can still use their EBT card and remaining benefits at retailers and grocers that accept SNAP/EBT. The ebtEDGE app is available for checking EBT balances. RELATED | Heres where Charlotte area families can find food help: Participants should continue to follow their normal application process, and Gaston County DSS will continue to process new SNAP applications, recertifications, and change reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gaston Countys Special Supplemental Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), which is administered through Gaston County Public Health, remains open for business. Nearly 5,200 residents currently participate in the program. To support those who rely on WIC, Gaston Cares has organized two upcoming drives on Friday, Oct. 31, and Friday, Nov. 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Gastonia Farmers Market, 410 E. Long Ave., Gastonia, to collect the following items: Infant formula (specifically Similac Advance, Similac Total Comfort, Similac Sensitive and Similac Soy Isomil) Baby food Iron-fortified infant cereal Wipes Diapers Donated items must be unopened and cannot be beyond their use-by date. Donations will be distributed to local food pantries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. NEWSOM: Its a revolution thats going on in this country, and I think you have to start using those words. Hes attacking every single institution of independent thinking, and hes succeeding because were still playing by the old set of rules. And so, my party needs to focus, first and foremost, on recognizing that; and then well reconcile, being more culturally normal, more reform-oriented, talk about service and patriotism, and well continue to build on the legacy I would argue of our former president who I think was one of the most successful presidents in the last century, and that is Joe Biden, and I will defend that to my grave. In terms of the CHIPS and Science Act, the infrastructure bill, the work he did on the IRA, the fact that he had a worker-centered industrial policy, and the fact that those are the right policies for this country KARL: Theyre all getting undone, right? NEWSOM: A lot of them, but not well, many aspects are being celebrated by the Trump administration as his. California Gov. Gavin Newsom continues to fight against the policies of the Trump administration and engage in discussions about race in America. A recent appearance on a popular podcast gave Newsom a chance to challenge the anti-Black motivations he says have driven a number of conservative positions in recent years. Newsom calls out racism of anti-woke agenda All this anti-woke stuff is just anti-Black. Period. Full stop, Newsom said during a recent podcast appearance on All the Smoke with Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson. The California governor criticized various talking points that Republicans have used. All the CRT, ESG, DEI stuff, thats all this is. Its this great purge, and its happening in real time. Newsom referenced a series of right-wing campaigns against critical race theory, an advanced academic critique of racial structures that conservatives falsely claimed was being widely taught in grade school; environmental, social and governance, a move toward corporate responsibility that has been condemned on the right; and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, which have been attacked by conservatives and the Trump administration. Were not doing enough to call out right-wing agenda During the interview, Newsom called out the U.S. Supreme Court for likely gearing up to gut the 1965 Voting Rights Act. You got the Supreme Court talking about getting rid of the Voting Rights Act. And thats very real, that may likely happen in just a matter of months. He also called out GOP efforts to whitewash U.S. history. Theyre rewriting history, censoring historical facts, Newsom said. Luckily, Im governor, Newsom said, but were not doing enough. Were not calling this out, were not drawing a line here. And again, its not about Democrats or Republicans, its about who we are. Right and goddamn wrong. Daylight and darkness. The Supreme Court is talking about getting rid of the Voting Rights Act, that may likely happen. Theyre re-writing history and censoring historical factsAll this anti-woke stuff is just anti-Black. All this CRT, ESG, DEI, thats all it is ~Gavin Newsom Via All The Smoke pic.twitter.com/jZnPSPGTUG Etan Thomas (@etanthomas36) October 27, 2025 Newsom pushes California redistricting, pushback against right-wing agenda Newsom, a possible 2028 presidential candidate, has emerged as one of the leading voices in the Democratic Party against the Trump administration. Newsom has pushed back against the deployment of federal troops in Los Angeles, including suing the Trump administration over the use of the military for law enforcement purposes. Newsom has also been presiding over Californias reparations process, signing some of the states reparations legislation into law while vetoing other measures. And he has led the Democratic response to Republican states partisan redistricting by pushing a measure to redistrict California to add more Democratic congressional seats. Newsom promoted Proposition 50, the California redistricting measure, while on the All the Smoke podcast. Arguing that Republicans arent f**king around and that Democrats have to get our s**t together, Newsom presented the redistricting effort as an example of Democrats showing strength. Here is @GavinNewsom sitting down with @allthesmokeprod to discuss what Democrats need to do to empower the people with a pep talk. Courage is contagious. #DemsUnited pic.twitter.com/RBsrTYSNMf Rod (Izzy) (@1zzyzyx1) October 27, 2025 With the Trump administration continuing to push its anti-woke agenda and several states enacting or exploring redistricting in the run-up to elections in 2026 and 2028, the next few years are shaping up to be a test of each partys strength. In that context, Newsom has placed himself as a leading figure among Democrats, and his blunt remarks about race and politics are the latest example of the California governors attempts to advance the Democratic Party and oppose the GOP agenda. The post Gavin Newsom Says Anti-Woke Sentiment Is Anti-Black: Period. Full Stop appeared first on Blavity. Ceasefire or not? Yesterday, Israeli strikes killed 100 people in Gaza, claiming that the ceasefire had been violated, since Hamas has not yet returned the bodies of all the dead hostages taken on October 7, 2023, and attacked Israeli soldiers in the southern part of the territory, near Rafah. News broke last week that two IDF soldiers were killed in Jenina, which is located on the eastern side of the Yellow Line that indicates the military pullback. Though Jenina is under IDF control, there are apparently Hamas cells that still operate in some capacity there. "As troops have worked to clear the neighborhood of Hamas infrastructureincluding a tunnel networkoperatives have emerged from underground and attempted attacks," reports The Times of Israel. "There is and will be no immunity for anyone in the leadership of the Hamas terror organization, neither for those wearing suits nor for those hiding in tunnels. Anyone who raises a hand against IDF soldiers, his hand will be severed," said Defense Minister Israel Katz. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Israeli military is digging in along the cease-fire line inside Gaza, strengthening fortifications and establishing infrastructure that further divides the territory into two," reports The Wall Street Journal. For the first time, journalists were allowed access to that zone, which "divides Gaza roughly in half" with the IDF "manning existing outposts and erecting new ones." Yellow concrete blocks are being laid, and it sure looks like the idea is for an Israeli military presence to continue there for a long time. Per the truce brokered by President Donald Trump, "Israel is supposed to pull back farther toward Gaza's borders once an international security force is on the ground and Hamas has been disarmed," reports the Journal. "Hamas, however, has refused to give up its weapons and is cementing its control over Gaza." It's a truce that doesn't look all that much like a truce; instead, Israel controls about 53 percent of the Strip, with Hamas forces still operating in some capacity in the remaining 47 percent. It's very possible that rebuilding will look rather bifurcated, with the Israel-controlled zones subjecting Palestinians to some amount of surveillance but being free of terrorist control, while the remaining chunks of the Strip remain fairly leveled, with no foreign investment and very little rebuilding. Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff are widely seen as the architects behind the split-rebuilding plan, which is controversial among the other stakeholders trying to broker peace. "Arab mediators are alarmed by the plan which, they said, the U.S. and Israel have brought up in peace talks," reports the Journal. "Arab governments strongly oppose the idea of dividing Gaza, arguing it could lead to a zone of permanent Israeli control inside the enclave. They are unlikely to commit troops to police the enclave on those terms." But what exactly is the solution if Hamas won't surrender arms? Venezuela update: When The Wall Street Journal asked prominent Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado earlier this week what she thinks about Donald Trump's increasingly aggressive provocations toward the Maduro regime, she responded: "President Trump pledged to dismantle the drug cartels poisoning American families, and he is fulfilling that promise." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trafficking is "a national security crisis for the United States, and for Venezuela as well. The money generated from those criminal activities does not build schools or hospitals. It finances repression, torture, and the machinery of terror that keeps a criminal regime in power." Trump made an "accurate diagnosis of Venezuela's reality, and acted accordingly." And the Venezuelan people had long "asked the world to understand that Maduro is not a conventional dictator but the head of a transnational criminal organization. The Trump Administration recognized that fact and treated it as such." When asked explicitly about foreign military intervention to end the Maduro regime, Machado responded that Venezuela has been "under foreign intervention for decades, by Cuba, Russia, China, Iran, drug cartels, and terrorist organizations" and that "democratic allies" can help the Venezuelan people "recover the sovereignty that belongs to them." It's hard to tell how authentic she's being. She has a vested interest in maintaining and strengthening an alliance with Trump. If Trump really is interested in regime changeand if he can do so in a way that doesn't simply lead to another Maduro operative gaining powerMachado stands to gain; she won the opposition primary back in 2023 and was the rightful challenger to Maduro in 2024, before being barred from running by the government. From her perspective, this must look like a huge opportunity to secure the liberation of the Venezuelan peopleliberation she's been fighting for. She has real reasons to back Trump, who is possibly preparing to take military action to try to unseat Nicolas Maduro. (It's worth noting that Trump has not sought congressional approval for this, and has been conducting extralegal boat strikes on suspected narcotraffickers, supplying no evidence to the American people or to legislators that the people he's killing are legitimate criminals. Also: We don't tend to blow people into smithereens when they've committed crimes, so even if evidence were provided, Trump is not comporting with U.S. law.) But it's also possible that Machado's being way too hopeful here; U.S.-led regime change in Latin America has not historically panned out so well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also made an even more explicit pitch to Trump sympathizers, noting that Maduro-unseating could lead to fewer migrants flooding across U.S. borders: "The vast majority of Venezuelans are desperate to return home. They didn't leave by choice. The longing for family and national reunification is immense. The moment Maduro leaves power, hundreds of thousands will begin to return. And soon after, it will be millions coming back to rebuild the nation they were forced to abandon." Scenes from New York: Nice to see Zohran has matured since his high school era of making impossible promises to win a student council election. Evidence of real growth. pic.twitter.com/m9AX4lPYiy Rob Henderson (@robkhenderson) October 27, 2025 If you want to hear all about the threat posed by Mamdani, I highly recommend this Weissmueller joint. QUICK HITS "The White House on Tuesday fired all six members of the Commission of Fine Arts, an independent federal agency that had expected to review some of President Donald Trump's construction projects, including his planned triumphal arch and White House ballroom," reports The Washington Post. "The commission, which was established by Congress more than a century ago and traditionally includes a mix of architects and urban planners, is charged with providing advice to the president, Congress and local government officials on design matters related to construction projects in the capital region. Its focus includes government buildings, monuments and memorials. White House officials have traditionally sought the agency's approval." (Interestingly, though Trump gets all the credit for being a norms-disrespecter, Joe Biden did it first: "Biden in 2021 fired Trump appointees from the Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission, with Biden administration officials at the time defending the moves as an effort to diversify the panels." But that "was the first time in the commissions' history that a president had forced out sitting members, drawing some criticism from art and architecture experts that Biden was politicizing its work.") "The number of legally sanctioned homicides by civilians in the 30 stand-your-ground states has risen substantially in recent years," reports The Wall Street Journal, having analyzed FBI data. "Justifiable homicides by civilians increased 59% from 2019 through 2024 in a large sample of cities and counties in those states, the Journal found, compared with a 16% rise in total homicides for the same locales." Tariffs make prices rise, whowouldathought? Latest findings from Cavallo show about a 20 percent pass-through of tariffs to the retail price, adding 0.7 percentage points to the CPI in Septemberhttps://t.co/vnoCFFWkaN pic.twitter.com/cxQLmTUiBw Alex Durante (@alex_durante_) October 28, 2025 Yep: It is a small thing, but it's amazing to me that the DNC cannot stop itself from opening meetings with land acknowledgements. The politics of insiders feeling that's important (who??) are apparently more important than showing that the party focuses on what voters care about. https://t.co/W66spLxI9u Josh Barro (@jbarro) October 27, 2025 The post The Gaza Split appeared first on Reason.com. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia The Philippines formally accepted the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) Chairship from Malaysia during the closing ceremony of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits on Tuesday. In a symbolic gesture, President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr. officially received the ASEAN Chairship gavel from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during the ceremonial turnover here. - Advertisement - President Marcos congratulated and thanked Malaysia for its successful hosting of this years ASEAN Summit, praising its theme on inclusivity and sustainability. I commend not only Your Excellencys leadership, but also the steady hands and warm hospitality of the government of Malaysia, the president said in his remarks. You have shown us that ASEAN makes the greatest strides when vision is matched with pragmatism, he added. The Philippines will assume leadership of ASEAN under the theme Navigating Our Future, Together, which Mr. Marcos said reflects the blocs commitment to strengthen peace and security anchors, develop prosperity corridors, and advance people empowerment. These main priorities will serve as our compass, Marcos said. They will guide ASEAN toward a future where peace, prosperity, and people remain at the heart of all that we say and do. The president emphasized that the Philippines chairship comes at a defining moment for ASEAN, as the region faces global uncertainties and evolving geopolitical challenges. He underscored the importance of maintaining cooperation and adherence to international law, particularly as the bloc prepares to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) in 2026. In 2026, we will continue to champion peace and stability through dialogue, adherence to international law, and enhanced cooperation on traditional and non-traditional security issues, President Marcos said. He also reaffirmed ASEANs central role in shaping the regions political and economic landscape, saying the bloc must remain the driving force behind the regions evolving architecture. Our goal is not to diverge from past chairships, but to build upon the collective work of our predecessors, Mr. Marcos said. With the Philippines at the helm, we will ensure that ASEAN-led mechanisms remain central. The turnover ceremony officially concluded three-day 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, which held series of productive discussions on regional cooperation, economic partnerships and sustainable development among the regional bloc leaders and dialogue partners. GENEVA City council approved a contract granting police a one year bump in pay, followed by and eight percent increase over the three-year contract during a regular Monday evening, Geneva City Manager Joseph Varckette said. We believe this contract will help us be more competitive, he said regarding the challenges of hiring and maintaining police officers. The contract covers 2025, 2026 and 2027. The wage bump was also included in the citys contract with the International Association of Firefighters and Laborers International. Varckette said he believes the contract is good for both sides. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city needs good weather over the next few weeks to complete the West Main Street infrastructure project with full paving before the snow flies, Varckette said. Weather permitting, we hope the storm sewer installation will be wrapped up this week, he said. Varckette said road crews will dig west of Lockwood Street on the north side of the road, and will be assisting with resident and business navigation. Traffic will remain as it currently stands until the storm sewer is completed, he said. Varckette said further updates are available on the citys website. Council signed off on allowing Varckette to apply to the Ohio Public Works Commission for a $154,800 grant and a $150,000 loan toward a Route 84 waterline replacement project. The city would pay $203,000 for the project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Varckette announced the Harpersfield water tower project bid came in under the estimated probable construction cost. He said the city is responsible for 35% of project cost, in conjunction with Ashtabula County. He said the city is moving toward a third step in a master plan for stormwater management. Varckette said the third phase is to cost $32,700, and is factored into the 2026 operating budget. Phase three includes reviewing data that has been collected with hopes of identifying potential priority projects so funding sources can be identified. Two Appalachian Community Grant Program projects are moving along, with the storefront program creating a procurement process and the streetscape program behind the community center and near the Rotary Pavilion expected to be completed by Nov. 14. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several citizens asked questions regarding recent meetings, including people voicing their concerns over social media posts from council members. Steve Andrus, a Geneva Area School Board candidate, questioned statements made by City Councilperson Jeff Griffiths. Pat Miller questioned whether council members should be allowed to interrupt citizens making comments during a meeting, and Davey Rae Garrett detailed city and state polices to regulate social media use by council members. Council heard the first reading of the 2026 city budget that was approved unanimously during a recent finance committee meeting. Council approved a contract agreement with the dispatchers. GENEVA The opportunity to interact with other business owners is important for any entrepreneur, but can be especially critical for women finding their way in business. Downtown Geneva has an especially large concentration of women who are business owners or co-owners. In addition to the Geneva Downtown Business Association for all business owners, the area has an association for women business owners, of which Amanda Briggs-de Lavini is president. She is also co-owner of Darkroom Brewer on North Broadway in downtown Geneva. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many [women] are co-owners, but also lead the day-to-day administration of the business, Briggs-de Lavini said. For my situation, my husband/co-owner still works a full-time job to ensure we have insurance during our startup years, and I run the brewery for daily operations. We work together at the brewery on the weekends. I have looked to other women business owners for guidance, advice and as a sounding board for many things and have never been turned away by this community, Briggs-de Lavini said. Knowing where business owners can find helpful resources is important, she said. Im excited to see the downtowns growth, and know that our success as business owners comes on the shoulders of the hardworking women and advocates before us, Briggs-de Lavini said. Only 50 years ago, a woman could not have a mortgage or credit card without her husbands permission. I hope we can acknowledge how far weve come as well as the challenges ahead and work together to make our individual businesses [and therefore our downtown] a thriving and diverse community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Linda Priebe, owner of Wellness Through Balance, said it was helpful that many women reached out to her. Other women in business locally have introduced themselves and welcomed us, she said. They offered information and ideas to help us, and wished us success. Priebe said she has enjoyed all things healthy and natural, and strived to live her life in such a way to enhance her health. Priebe said she was supported by the city zoning department, which was very welcoming. Many people have reached out and been kind and encouraging as Priebe has established her business at 29 West Main St., she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are many ways to achieve goals, and there is so much technology at our disposal, Priebe said. We have to be willing and able to learn these things, but also think outside of the box to get a multitude of things done, from gaining awareness and advertising but most importantly, making sure people are happy and feel welcome. Haylee Eibl, owner of The Crystal Cottage, at 19 West Main St., said her experience in developing a business has been excellent, with support coming from friends, family, and customers. Theyve encouraged me from the very beginning helping spread the word, offering a hand when I need it, and cheering me on through conversation, she said. Ive been met with nothing but positivity. She said she worked for many years in a horse boarding facility owned and run by women. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seeing how my boss was sometimes treated differently really stuck with me and helped prepare me for opening my own business, Eibl said. From the building search to financing and even stocking my shelves, I knew there would be moments when Id be challenged. The overall community support has been very helpful, she said. Its been really meaningful to have people believe in my vision and remind me that Im capable of making it happen, Eibl said. On a larger scale, its also been comforting to see that there are social groups and financial resources out there to help women-owned businesses grow. The support of other women business owners has been very helpful, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group of women business owners in downtown Geneva is amazing, Eibl said. Ive never seen such a genuinely supportive group that wants to see each other succeed rather than compete. Even though my shop has only been open a few months, theyve gone out of their way to include me in events, share my posts, and stop in to check how Im doing, and that really means a lot. She said one of the reasons she chose downtown Geneva was because of the small-town, connected feel. Overall, being a woman running her own business has been such a positive experience, Eibl said. I love that Im showing my daughter it can be intimidating to make a big change, but with preparation, hard work, and the willingness to ask for help, things can really fall into place. She said her daughter is seeing her mother show up every day, make decisions, connect with customers and build something. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eibl spoke on the balance between being kind and strong. Finding that balance between compassion and confidence keeps you grounded and moving forward, she said. I do think its become more normal to see women running their own business, but there are still challenges we face, and that balance really helps to navigate them. Nan, owner of Geneva Antiques of Ohio, has enjoyed the support she has received as a business owner. Downtown Geneva, its residents, officials, business owners and visitors have been a joy to work with and get to know, she said. A great business community with a group and family mind sent where sent and support are embraced together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have been active in business for 31 years now, learning and experiencing the industry through many economic highs and lows. In all it is the people I get to with, and alongside of, that drives my passion. Our shop is a group effort of many lady entrepreneurs, including a couple gentlemen, many of which have been in business longer than myself, Nan said. We co-op together and celebrate the embrace of downtown Genevas team of representatives, business owners and visitors. We are all very honored to be a part of the Geneva family and its all-inclusive insight. Being new to the area, I am blown away with the great community of support, men and women, of downtown Geneva, she said. Business owners welcomed her with open arms and work to promote things together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All my years in business, the doing this together mindset is an encouraging and refreshing embrace, Nan said. Much appreciation for this selfless and open arms community of family friends to work alongside of each day. Amber Massey, owner of Miney Mo Vintage and Boutique, opened her business within the last year and has been very happy with the support she has received. Many people have stopped in and shown their support, she said. Many women have made it a point to stop in and tell us that they are so happy and proud to have us in the community. Its been really amazing to see the impact weve had on people who are so happy to have a location in the community to pick up every-day clothing and gift items. The Geneva Business Women association has been really great. They reached out right when we opened and provided an opportunity to come speak to them as a group, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Massey said throughout her career in a variety of jobs she has found women looking to work together and collaborate. To speak specifically to the downtown area, so many of the businesses are owned, co-owned, or run by women, Massey said. We all communicate, work together, and support each other very well. Its a really nice little community weve built and we are looking forward to more growth downtown. Lake Erie Book Company Owner Quinn Maker said much of her support has come from family and friends. Its just not possible [for me at least] to own and operate your own business and be a mother without a supportive village, she said. We are definitely always looking to collaborate and find more creative ways to generate traffic and interest in downtown Geneva. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The last few years have seen at least five women-owned businesses open in significant downtown storefronts. Maker said one foot in front of the other is the most important mindset for a woman owning a business. Small manageable steps have been key to tackling this endeavor! Dedicating yourself to your niche and looking past rough moments along the journey, she said. Keep looking for the positive and the unexpected opportunity. A Dublin teacher laid off amid a financial crisis in her district is suing to get her job back. Getty Images/10'000 Hours A Georgia elementary school teacher let go during a fiscal crisis in her district is suing to get her job back. Ashley White, who was the only art teacher at Hillcrest Elementary School in Dublin, said the district violated the law when the director of human resources abruptly asked White to resign on Oct. 6, citing an inability to fulfill the districts employment contracts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When White reported to work Oct. 9, administrators told her to collect her belongings and turn in her keys, and on Oct. 14, the school board adopted a deficit reduction plan that reflected her dismissal effective the week before, according to her lawyers. The state Department of Education has put Dublin City Schools, a charter system, on a financial improvement plan as million dollar budget shortfalls have come to light. According to reporting from the Courier Herald, the districts books were in the red every month during the last school year, with the deficit growing as large as $7 million in December 2024, and as of August, the district owed nearly $5 million to the state health plan after not paying employer contributions for 12 months. In response to the situation, state Superintendent Richard Woods is calling for what he says are sweeping new financial reforms when the state Legislature meets in January, including new financial training and reporting requirements for districts. The Professional Association of Georgia Educators filed a breach of contract lawsuit against Dublin City Schools and the Dublin City Board of Education on Whites behalf in the Laurens County Superior Court last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The district and Dublin City Board of Education members did not respond to requests for comment on Whites case. According to press releases, the boards deficit reduction plan includes cutting 10 school days, a temporary waiver of board member salaries and travel compensation as well as staffing adjustments across all schools and departments in the district. But Whites lawyers argue that the district had no right to fire her because they say the portion of the state law that allowed for her to be let go does not apply to charter districts like Dublin City Schools. State code allows schools to terminate contracts for reasons including to reduce staff due to loss of students or cancellation of programs and due to no fault or performance issue, according to state code. However, the Dublin City School District is a charter system, which means that it has a general waiver exempting it from many education statutes, including the Fair Dismissal Act, said Ellen Schoolar, an attorney representing White. Ms. White contends that because the Dublin City School District is a charter system, and because the districts charter does not expressly allow the board to implement local rules or policies embracing the Fair Dismissal Act, the board cannot use the Fair Dismissal Act as authority to terminate her contract. Schoolar said the decision in the case could have ramifications for other Dublin City Schools employees who are set to be terminated before their contracts run out. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE German airline Lufthansa was named the best airline in Europe for the second consecutive year at the World Travel Awards 2025 widely considered the Oscars of tourism held in Sardinia, Italy last week. It beat other popular European airlines such as KLM Royal Dutch and British Airways for the title of Europes Leading Airline. Lufthansa has won the title 13 times since the awards started back in 1993, with a continuous winning streak from 2011 to 2016. This year, it also claimed awards for best economy class airline and best airline brand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The German airline flies to more than 200 global destinations and is Europes second-largest in terms of passenger volume, with Ryanair being the first. Another airline part of the wider Lufthansa Group, Swiss International Air Lines, also received awards for Europes Leading First Class and Europes Leading Business Class. The Lufthansa Group also includes a number of other carriers such as Brussels Airlines, Discover Airlines, Eurowings, Edelweiss Air, Air Dolomiti and Austrian Airlines. The World Travel Awards recognise the best tour operators, hotels, destinations and cruise lines in the global travel and tourism industry, valuing features such as punctuality, consistency and quality of service. The award winners are decided through a dual voting system involving votes from qualified travel consumers, executives and buyers, with travel professionals votes carrying more weight than those from members of the public. British Airways and KLM Royal Dutch in close running Apart from Lufthansa, other airlines nominated for Europes 10 best airlines this year included British Airways, KLM Royal Dutch, Air France, Icelandair, Iberia, Swiss International Air Lines, Turkish Airlines, TAP Air Portugal and SAS Scandinavian Airlines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zurich Airport bagged Europes Leading Airport 2025. THE LOFT by Brussels Airlines and Lexus was voted Europes Leading Airport Lounge, along with the UKs Heathrow Terminal 2s No. 1 Lounge. Portugal was named the most popular destination in Europe, whereas Batumi, Georgia was named the best all-season European destination. Madeira also bagged the Europes Leading Island Destination award. Dublins Trinity College also emerged as Europes best academic tourist attraction. Our winners are stellar examples of tourism excellence, and I congratulate each and every one for helping to raise the collective benchmark across our industry, Graham Cooke, founder of World Travel Awards, said in a press release. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz heads to Turkey on Wednesday for his inaugural visit, where he is scheduled to meet President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday. The talks in Ankara are expected to focus on the war in Ukraine and peace efforts in the Middle East, with Turkey playing a mediating role in both conflicts. Other key issues on the agenda are likely to include migration and defence cooperation. Turkey could play a role in facilitating the deportation of Syrians who have no legal right to remain in Germany. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the defence sector, an important signal was sent on Monday with the signing of an agreement for the delivery of Eurofighter jets to Turkey. The jets are assembled in Britain as part of a multinational consortium involving Germany, Italy and Spain, meaning all four countries must approve any export deal. The visit could, however, be overshadowed by a new arrest warrant for Turkish opposition leader Ekrem Imamoglu, who has been in custody since March. At the time, Social Democratic leader Lars Klingbeil described the detention as a "serious attack" on Turkey's democracy. When asked whether Merz would also meet opposition politicians during his visit, a government spokesman said on Monday that the talks with Erdogan would take centre stage: "I am not aware of any further meetings." German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul arrived in Jordan on Wednesday on the first leg of a regional tour intended to lend German support to a fragile three-week-old ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. He met his Jordanian counterpart Ayman al-Safadi in Amman, and noted that Jordan was playing a very valuable, constructive and mediating role in resolving the conflict. As a hub for humanitarian aid, Wadephul said that Jordan had made enormous efforts in recent years to help the people of Gaza. Berlin would continue to support Jordan in this effort, Wadephul said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before setting off, he urged both Israel and the Palestinian militant organization Hamas not to jeopardize the Gaza peace plan, as Israel launched a wave of deadly airstrikes following an attack that killed one of its soldiers. "All efforts must now be focused on meeting the expectations of the people in an entire region," Wadephul said. The minister called on Hamas to fulfil its obligations under the US-led peace plan, which requires the Palestinian extremist group to disarm and return the remains of all Israeli hostages. Meanwhile, Wadephul appealed to Israel to exercise "military restraint to prevent renewed suffering." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The region is at a crossroads, the minister said, expressing deep concerns over the renewed killings in Gaza. Hamas-controlled authorities in Gaza said that over 100 people had been killed in the Israeli strikes. The Israeli military said on Wednesday it would continue to observe the ceasefire. Besides continuing signs that Hamas has no intention to disarm, Israel is also angered by the delay to the return of the remains of hostages abducted during the October 7, 2023, attacks. While Hamas has released all living abductees, it is yet to release the remains of all dead hostages, blaming the delay on the destruction of the territory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Germany will continue to actively participate in implementing the plan for peace in the Middle East, Wadephul said earlier. To this end, three Foreign Office employees are to be send to support the US-led Civil Military Coordination Centre (CMCC) in southern Israel, which is staffed by civilians and military representatives, in addition to the three staff officers already working there. The centre is responsible for monitoring compliance with the ceasefire and providing humanitarian and logistical aid to Gazans. Later on his tour, Wadephul is planning to hold talks in Lebanon and Syria, with the aim of helping ensure stability in both countries. Instability and the spread of terrorism will also fuel migration, which Europeans can hardly control, the minister noted. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Wednesday urged both Israel and Hamas not to jeopardize the Gaza peace plan, as fighting flared up again in the war-torn coastal territory despite a ceasefire. "All efforts must now be focused on meeting the expectations of the people in an entire region," Wadephul said before setting off on a multi-day trip to the Middle East. The minister called on Hamas to fulfill its obligations under the US-led peace plan, which requires the Palestinian extremist group to disarm and return the remains of all Israeli hostages, points that have sparked major contention between the two sides since the ceasefire came into effect on October 10. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Wadephul appealed to Israel to exercise "military restraint to prevent renewed suffering." The region is at a crossroads, the minister said, expressing deep concerns over the renewed fighting in Gaza. Some three weeks after the truce began, violent clashes broke out again in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, with dozens reported killed in Israeli strikes after Israel accused Hamas of attacking its forces. On Wednesday, the Israeli military said it would continue to observe the ceasefire. Besides continuing signs that Hamas has no intention to disarm, Israel is also angered by the delay to the return of the remains of hostages abducted during the October 7, 2023, attacks. While Hamas has released all living abductees, it is yet to release the remains of all dead hostages, blaming the delay on the destruction of the territory. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Wednesday urged both Israel and Hamas not to jeopardize the Gaza peace plan, as fighting flared up again in the war-torn coastal territory despite a ceasefire. "All efforts must now be focused on meeting the expectations of the people in an entire region," Wadephul said before setting off on a multi-day trip to the Middle East. The minister called on Hamas to fulfill its obligations under the US-led peace plan, which requires the Palestinian extremist group to disarm and return the remains of all Israeli hostages, points that have sparked major contention between the two sides since the ceasefire came into effect on October 10. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Wadephul appealed to Israel to exercise "military restraint to prevent renewed suffering." The region is at a crossroads, the minister said, expressing deep concerns over the renewed fighting in Gaza. Some three weeks after the truce began, violent clashes broke out again in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, with dozens reported killed in Israeli strikes after Israel accused Hamas of attacking its forces. On Wednesday, the Israeli military said it would continue to observe the ceasefire. Besides continuing signs that Hamas has no intention to disarm, Israel is also angered by the delay to the return of the remains of hostages abducted during the October 7, 2023, attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Hamas has released all living abductees, it is yet to release the remains of all dead hostages, blaming the delay on the destruction of the territory. Germany will continue to actively participate in implementing the plan for peace in the Middle East, Wadephul said. To this end, three Foreign Office employees are to be send to support the US-led Civil Military Coordination Centre (CMCC) in southern Israel, which is staffed by civilians and military representatives, in addition to the three staff officers already working there. The centre is responsible for monitoring compliance with the ceasefire and providing humanitarian and logistical aid to Gazans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his Middle East trip, Wadephul palns to meet with his Jordanian counterpart Aiman al-Safadi in Amman. He noted that Jordan was playing a very valuable, constructive and mediating role in the conflict. The minister is also looking to hold talks in Lebanon on how Germany could help stabilize the country, while also expressing an interest in helping bring calm to Syria. Instability and the spread of terrorism will also fuel migration, "which we can hardly control here in Europe," the minister noted. ZDF has now suspended cooperation with the Palestine Media Production (PMP) after working with the organization for decades. The German public broadcaster Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen (ZDF) announced on Monday that an employee of its Palestinian partner organization, who was killed last week, was a Hamas terrorist. Israel provided the television network with evidence proving 37-year-old Ahmed Abu Mutairs involvement in the terrorist group, the ZDF confirmed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It has now suspended cooperation with the Palestine Media Production (PMP) company after working with the organization for decades, the ZDF said. The ZDF welcomes the fact that the Israeli army has complied with the request to clarify the identity of the killed employee of the production company PMP in Gaza, the broadcaster said. About the engineer-terrorist Mutair was killed less than two weeks ago in Deir el-Balah along with an eight-year-old son of a coworker, according to the ZDF. Smoke rises in Gaza City due to Israeli air strikes, September 26,2025. (credit: Ali Hassan/Flash90) A source told Bild that Mutair had been the target. A corresponding document was presented as evidence. Based on the document, the ZDF assumes that the engineer was a member of the Izzadin al-Qassam Brigades, the network said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response, the ZDF has suspended cooperation until further notice. The document does not provide any information on when or how the engineer worked for Hamas, or on the tasks he undertook, it further said. According to current information, however, the ZDF has no indications that other PMP employees might be members of Hamas. The IDF has also not provided the ZDF with any such information, it continued. Responding to the news, Israels Foreign Ministry said that Hamass narratives were ubiquitous in the media. Hamas doesnt merely benefit from supportive journalism. It implants [its] own people in foreign media operations, the ministry stated in a post to X/Twitter. Youre being fed Hamas ideology on the front pages of your media. Left-wing independent Catherine Connolly was elected the tenth president of Ireland with a thumping majority of 63 percent of the valid votes cast the highest share of first preferences a presidential candidate has ever received. The votes were at least as much a means of giving the government a kicking as they were votes for her as an individual candidate. [Originally published at communism.ie] The smear the bejaysus campaign the ruling class launched against Connolly backfired spectacularly. The establishments best efforts like insinuating she supported Assad or that shes linked to dissident Republicans only served to reinforce her anti-establishment credentials and propelled her even higher in the polls. This election is one more humiliation in a long string of defeats for the embattled political establishment. Heather Humphreys their de facto candidate limped back to her lodge with a miserable 29 percent. However these numbers disguise the true scale of the disaster for the ruling class. A record-breaking 13 percent of voters spoiled their ballots. And thats not counting the 55 percent who simply chose to stay home. In other words, the establishments candidate only received 11 percent of the eligible vote! In all, almost two thirds picked none of the above, and those that voted overwhelmingly chose a candidate whose main appeal was being against the government coalition. As The Irish Times sarcastically summed up: If the aim was to dramatise the yawning gap between the governors and the governed, the result is a brilliant success. The centre-right parties both managed to look delusional. What an unmitigated disaster for the Irish establishment. What a devastating indictment of Irelands so-called democracy. Living on borrowed time In 2024, Fianna Fail and Fine Gael scraped together a coalition with just 24 percent of the total electorates votes. Even adding in all Jim Gavins votes, they mustered only a pitiful 15 percent. After a century of uncontested supremacy, both parties are suffering an inglorious collapse. Their absolute confidence entering the race is almost comical compared with their catastrophic performances, which show just how out of touch they really are. Micheal Martin eyed Jim Gavin as the person best placed to represent the Irish people as president. Less than a month after, he utterly humiliated himself and Fianna Fail by withdrawing from the race early. Humphreys was little better. Simon Harris said of her, In an increasingly divisive world, I believe Heather can break down barriers and bring people together. Despite her alleged appeal, they nonetheless locked her away from the public for the full duration of the campaign in fear of a repeat of Harriss Kanturk disaster. Over the last few days, the capitalist press has been inundated by discussions about the mismanagement of their campaigns or their unfortunate candidate selection. But make no mistake, this was not a strategic failure of Fianna Fail and Fine Gael. All of them are tainted by the spiralling crisis destroying the lives of hundreds of thousands of working families. The point is: they have nothing to offer. On the contrary, after a terrible year in government they have an awful record; an austerity budget, anti-tenant reforms, record homelessness, threats to neutrality, a brewing economic disaster, and an ever worsening crisis of infrastructure with no plans to solve it. This is the Ireland that any establishment president would have represented. No wonder Irish workers and youth resoundingly rejected them. A point of reference One of the key features of this election was the high level of spoiled votes. To be sure, all in all, this was about six percent of those able to vote but still, a staggering twelve-fold increase since the last presidential election. The liberal establishment has recoiled in horror at the vitriol appearing on these ballots. There has been no shortage of tears shed over this orchestrated campaign to undermine our democracy. The spoil your vote campaign was initially sparked by a small group of far-right, anti-immigrant activists. But that in itself does not explain how in a short space of time such a successful campaign was orchestrated. After all, if it were a simple affair to get over 200,000 votes, then Jim Gavin would have gotten his deposit back. As we wrote before the election, an ever-growing layer of the population feel themselves disenfranchised and simply turn away from elections altogether. Rather than being disinterested however, they are often more angry and feel left behind but have no means of expressing it electorally. Many felt the whole election was undemocratic and that the candidates were handpicked by the establishment. And truth be told, they are not far off. Fianna Fail and Fine Gael locked the councils to make sure only their candidates would get through. And even Connolly, in order to make it to the ballot, had to receive the support of former junior coalition partners and austerity defenders Labour and Greens, as well as Sinn Fein whose identity crisis of recent years stems from their attempts to join the political establishment. Certainly a large part of the vote for Connolly had a clear anti-establishment character. The establishment themselves helped to give her that veneer! But the content of her campaign was in itself very weak. She insisted that she is pro-business and not against the establishment. Indeed, she is a professional politician and former member of the Labour Party. As such, she was incapable of capturing the fierce anger in the very depths of society, which instead found a channel in the call to spoil your vote. Some on the left will say this is a good thing, after all, the spoil-your-vote crowd are all racist anti-immigrant hate mongers, we are told. But that is to fundamentally misunderstand why more than 200,000 turned out to cast a spoiled vote. In his video calling for a spoiled vote, far-right agitator Malachy Steenson complains about the undemocratic nature of the presidential election, accuses all candidates of being establishment politicians and Fine Gaelers at that and then criticises government policy on housing, healthcare and education. Undoubtedly, that will have struck a chord with many workers. The Business Post explained quite well the true nature of the spoiled vote: It was the ultimate protest vote. A two fingers to the establishment, facilitated by what was basically a faceless candidate, onto which everyone could project their own unique anger. Indeed, in working-class areas like Dublin North-West and Dublin Mid-West as much as 20 percent of ballots cast were spoiled. That is not to say that for a layer this did not come with anti-immigration confusions. But at the bottom, this represents a rejection of the establishment and their policies, and a general disillusionment with the institutions of Irish capitalism. Also worth noting that in both areas, Connolly received over 70 percent of the valid votes. With turnout barely scraping above 40 percent, in both constituencies less than one in ten voters turned out for the establishment candidates. So is this election result a move to the right or left? The question misses the point. What the election represents is a thundering rejection of the establishment. Lacking a genuine revolutionary alternative one that alone can provide a solution to the problems facing the Irish working class some of that anger went through the spoiled vote campaign, some went to Connolly, and the majority just stayed at home. What next? As president, Connolly has made clear she will do what is expected of her, not breaking the constitutional limits of her role. But even just mild anti-war, anti-imperialist and anti-austerity rhetoric from the Aras will be a thorn in the coalitions side as they try to appease western imperialism, which in the context of an increasingly tumultuous world, demands nothing but total submission from Ireland. This will only pour further fuel into the flames of anger against the imperialists and their lackeys in Fianna Fail and Fine Gael. Already in a debate in the House of Lords Jock Stirrup, a former member of the RAF and Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter, lamented that Irelands relationship with NATO is coming increasingly under threat with recent political shifts in Irish leadership. While we doubt many workers and youth in Ireland will lose sleep over the Right Honourable Lords concerns, thats precisely what rattles the ruling class. Clearly, as a president, Connolly has no power to alter the course of the coalition. But they are coming under increased pressure to step into line with the diktats of imperialism and just got a battering on an election to a large extent focused on the question. So what next for the struggle against imperialism and the Fianna Fail-Fine Gael coalition? There is now a huge mandate to kick the government out. However, to tell the truth, what this election also exposed is that there is still no viable alternative, which is precisely what allowed them to stay in power in 2024. Sinn Fein have been celebrating this election as a great success for them. But they might be popping the champagne too soon. After all, they did not win. Only they realised that were they to stand a candidate they would surely lose. They reasonably worried that they could even end up like the establishment parties with the working class using this election as a stick to beat them with. Instead they decided to play it safe and row in behind Connolly. Neither will the United Opposition have better fortunes. In fact, despite Connollys victory, the United Opposition will struggle to provide a cohesive alternative. A presidential election where you have to provide no programme is one thing. But a grouping so broad as to include the Green Party and Labour is one which cannot provide a genuine alternative for workers and youth when it comes to an actual programme. That is, if they wont jump the boat well before that to hang on once again to the coat tails of the serious parties. As things stand, the next general election is four long years away. Under the rule of Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, this will be four years of austerity, economic crisis and bitter struggles of the working class. But in reality a small kick from the streets or workplaces channelling all the anger that exists would suffice to bring down their all rotten edifice. Only this mood is struggling to find expression in the existing political parties and trade unions. Above all, what is needed is a coherent revolutionary alternative which can finally strike the decisive blow against the Fianna Fail-Fine Gael duopoly and drive capitalism from our shores. German investigators have shut down two Darknet sites that hosted more than 21,000 videos of child pornography and child sexual abuse, Bavarian prosecutors said on Wednesday. The sites had more than 350,000 combined registered users, most of whom watched the clips for free. Some users, however, paid 0.001 Bitcoin (currently about $113) for a monthly subscription which allowed them to access all of the content, investigators said in the joint statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The files were clicked some 900,000 times in total before the platforms were seized in September, it said. Investigators were able to act after they found that the websites were operated from data centres in Germany. Analysis of the seized servers ultimately led them to a 38-year-old man living in Brazil. Brazilian police arrested the man in the southern city of Foz do Iguacu in September, according to the statement. He faces several years in prison if convicted. German investigators have since turned to identifying the users and subscribers of the platforms. Human rights activists on Wednesday pressed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz not to turn a blind eye to the crackdown on opposition politicians and other rights violations during his trip to Turkey. Merz arrived in Ankara on Wednesday evening with his wife Charlotte. He is scheduled to meet President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday. The trip by Charlotte Merz is an unusual step as Germany's first lady has only travelled abroad with her husband on two occasions so far. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The talks between Merz and Erdogan are expected to focus on the war in Ukraine and peace efforts in the Middle East. No meetings with members of the opposition have been planned, as Merz, looking to boost relations after a few difficult years, appears intent on steering clear of thorny issues. However, prominent rights group stressed the importance of addressing human rights concerns, with media advocacy group Reporters Without Borders (RSF) imploring Merz to clearly and publicly advocate for press freedom and the rule of law during his visit. "If Germany wants to deepen its strategic partnership with Turkey, the federal government must not remain silent about the systematic erosion of press freedom," said Anja Osterhaus, managing director of RSF Germany. Close cooperation must be conditional on respect for the rule of law and press freedom, she said, adding that the situation for journalists in Turkey has deteriorated dramatically since the beginning of the year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of the media in Turkey is directly or indirectly controlled by the government. As recently as Friday, opposition broadcaster Tele1 was placed under forced administration and its editor-in-chief, Merdan Yanardag, has been arrested on espionage charges. HRW: Turkey needs to adhere to 'most basic rules' Human Rights Watch (HRW) also called on Merz to confront democratic deficits in Turkey. If Europe and Germany are interested in cooperating with Turkey on defence, "then Europe and Germany should be interested that the country at least adheres to the most basic rules: respecting election results and showing a certain degree of respect for democracy," Emma Sinclair-Webb, Turkey director for HRW, told dpa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This year we have witnessed the most serious attack on Turkish democracy," the rights expert said, noting the myriad of court cases brought against the largest opposition party, the CHP. She also denounced repressions against the media as well as discrimination of the queer community, tendencies which she said could intensify. Authorities on Monday issued a fresh arrest warrant against deposed Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a popular CHP politician considered to be a viable challenger to Erdogan in future presidential elections. However, it remains unclear whether Merz will address Imamoglu's case, who has been in custody since March, after the chancellor's conservatives were much more reticent to condemn the mayor's detention at the time than their coalition partners, the Social Democrats (SPD). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SPD Foreign Policy Ralf Stegner, said he expects Merz to address the case. "Regardless of important bilateral issues and common challenges for Germany and Turkey, such sensitive topics must of course be addressed when the chancellor meets with the Turkish president," he said. Merz to discuss defence Besides the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, key issues on the agenda are likely to include migration and defence cooperation. Turkey could play a role in facilitating the deportation of Syrians who have no legal right to remain in Germany. In the defence sector, an important signal was sent on Monday with the signing of an agreement for the delivery of Eurofighter jets to Turkey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following Turkey's incursion into Syria in 2016, the German government suspended arms exports to Turkey, a decision that was reversed by Merz's predecessor Olaf Scholz, and the new administration appears determined to continue large-scale deliveries. The jets are assembled in Britain as part of a multinational consortium involving Germany, Italy and Spain, meaning all four countries must approve any export deal. Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to take a clear stance on Turkey's human rights situation during his visit to Ankara, as the government continues to crack down on the opposition. Merz must address democratic deficits in the country, Emma Sinclair-Webb, Turkey director for HRW, told dpa. If Europe and Germany are interested in cooperating with Turkey on defence, "then Europe and Germany should be interested that the country at least adheres to the most basic rules: respecting election results and showing a certain degree of respect for democracy," Sinclair-Webb said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This year we have witnessed the most serious attack on Turkish democracy," the rights expert continued, noting that the largest opposition party, the CHP, is facing a myriad of court cases brought by the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Investigations into detained Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a popular CHP politician considered to be a viable challenger to Erdogan in future presidential elections, are not just targeting him but the entire party, according to Sinclair-Webb. She also denounced repressions against the media as well as discrimination of the queer community, tendencies which she said could intensify. Turkey should not be allowed to get away with the "complete destruction of democracy" with impunity, said the HRW representative. Merz is set to travel to Ankara on Wednesday where he is set to meet with Erdogan on Thursday, but he currently has no plans to also meet with opposition politicians, despite a new arrest warrant issued against Imamoglu this week. The deposed mayor has been in custody since March. Oct. 29A Clyde man earned an honor at the N.C. State Fair's giant pumpkin competition earlier this month. A-gourding to the judges, Mark Rollins' 307.7-pound specimen was good enough for a third-place podium spot. Rollins was competing in the North Carolina-only section of the competition, where the first-place entry came in at 682.6 pounds. But the N.C. State fair hosts a nation-wide competition as well. Albert Rodebaugh of Craigsville, W.V. placed first in that contest with a 2,245 pound specimen. "So it sounds funny, but 307 pounds is not that big for a giant pumpkin," Rollins said, explaining that he's had quite a few that were larger but rotted before they got to the scale. Clyde's recent history of flooding doesn't help where giant pumpkins are concerned, Rollins also said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "My personal best is 1,118 (pounds)," Rollins said. Bears and cows are also a danger in the world of giant pumpkin growers Rollins has had run-ins with both animals feasting on his pumpkins over the years. Rollins joins a list of Haywood County growers who have distinguished themselves in the challenge of growing ever-larger giant pumpkins. In 1988, Bige Choate of Jonathan Creek claimed the distinction of entering the largest pumpkin in the North Carolina State Fair, one that weighed in at 435 pounds. In 2000, Haywood County 4-H extension agent Wallace Simmons had the largest and second-largest pumpkins on record in the state, weighing 856 and 755 pounds respectively. The growers have described the work that it takes to grow the pumpkins as intensive. To grow one large enough for competition, the producer needs to pick off other blooms/ start-up pumpkins daily to ensure the plant's energy goes into the one or two chosen for the honor. The plant also needs gallons of water daily to produce the fruit, and precautions have to be taken against damage. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) An upcoming day of hands-on activities, expert advice and inspiration is coming to the Oregon State Fairgrounds. The Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington will host their annual STEM Day on November 8th, inviting families to explore science, technology, engineering and math through activities crafted by professional engineers, scientists, veterinarians and more. Girl Scouts CEO Shannon Evers, project engineer for Ballard Marine Construction Emma Hausafus, field engineer Geneva Newell and current Girl Scout Norah Brown joined us on AM Extra to tell us what they hope to inspire on STEM Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. The sudden death of Tomas Moreno was upsetting enough for his girlfriend, but the suspected cause she said Glendale police initially gave her was even more bewildering. Natalia Jimenez, 34, said she spent multiple days trying to find Moreno before discovering the remains of the father of three on Oct. 19 in a vehicle at a busy parking lot in the area of 51st and Peoria avenues in Glendale. Police at the scene ruled out foul play in the 32-year-old Phoenix residents death, telling those gathered that he and the man he was found with likely died of an overdose, Jimenez told The Arizona Republic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It was very shocking to even find out that would even be the cause of why he passed," Jimenez said. As far as Jimenez or his mother knew, Moreno did not use drugs, his girlfriend said. His background as a young preacher in his native Odessa, Texas, did not align with this either. "Church boy is what they would call him," Jimenez said of Moreno's time growing up in the West Texas oil town. Last pinged location was the site of the bodies' recovery Moreno was found dead Oct. 19 in the parking lot with a 39-year-old man, police said. Jimenez said they were friends. The men's causes of death remained pending as of Oct. 28, according to police. Glendale police spokesperson Jose Santiago told The Republic that the department could not discuss whether overdoses were suspected as a cause of death as they await results from the medical examiner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The last pinged location for the men's cell phones was at the strip mall parking lot where their bodies were recovered, Jimenez said. The last time Jimenez spoke with Moreno was around 11:30 p.m. on Oct. 15. She said Moreno told her that he was going to a bar he frequented in the strip mall. Anxious after not hearing back from her boyfriend for several hours, Jimenez called hospitals and even the county jail. "Something really bad happened to him," she said about coming up short on his whereabouts. Jimenez made a 90-minute drive from her home near Tucson to the Glendale parking lot on the night of Oct. 17. She found Morenos pickup parked outside the bar, but there was no other trace of him. Friend's body was likely visible to passersby On the morning of Oct. 19, Jimenez posted on Facebook about Morenos disappearance. The post prompted the aunt of Morenos friend to contact Jimenez about her nephew's disappearance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two women returned to the parking lot, where the aunt of Moreno's friend spotted her nephew's truck, Jimenez said. What followed next was a grisly discovery. In the front driver's seat was the womans nephew, with his eyes closed and wearing what appeared to be a ski mask, Jimenez said. She approached the truck and saw Moreno slumped in the backseat. It appears that for three full days, the mens bodies were in the truck. Police said the mens remains were in various stages of decomposition. Jimenez said that even while the doors were closed, a strong odor emanated from the vehicle. Most startling to Jimenez is how Morenos friend, who stood more than 6 feet tall, was visible to passersby in a corner of the parking lot where a restaurant and cash-lending store are located, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In Phoenix, it's hot and the truck is off, and you would know something's wrong," Jimenez said. Moreno planned to move closer to Jimenez, his daughters A GoFundMe was set up to help lay Moreno to rest in Clarksville, Tennessee, where his mother resides. His future was supposed to hold a different path. An electrician of more than 10 years, Moreno taught at a trade school in Mesa, where he had bonded with many of his students, Jimenez said. Moreno and Jimenez were in a relationship for eight months after they met online and had just visited California together on the weekend before his death, she said. He recently separated from his wife, with whom he had three daughters, his girlfriend added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By years end, Moreno planned to relocate to Marana to be with Jimenez and closer to his daughters, who lived in southern Arizona, Jimenez said. "He was just lovely," Jimenez said. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Girlfriend finds dead boyfriend, man in Glendale parking lot Takeaways Glenwood Terraces famed Halloween celebration returns Friday night from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Anniston. Thousands of trick-or-treaters are expected to fill the historic neighborhood, known for its elaborate decorations and festive spirit. The city will close several streets to ensure pedestrian safety during the event. Residents spend weeks preparing spooky scenes and hundreds of dollars on candy for the crowds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The annual celebration has become one of Annistons most cherished and haunting Halloween traditions. ANNISTON Ghosts, ghouls and giggling trick-or-treaters will once again overtake Glenwood Terrace on Friday night as one of Annistons most anticipated Halloween traditions returns in full, frightful form. The historic neighborhood, known for its towering oaks and stately homes, will have been transformed into a glowing corridor of eerie delights by the time thousands of costumed revelers descend for the candy harvest. From 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., the avenue will be closed to traffic. Residents have spent weeks spinning webs, carving pumpkins and crafting larger-than-life scenes of fright. From flickering lanterns that dance in the branches to fog machines curling mist across the lawns, Glenwood becomes less a neighborhood and more a stage for the imagination. The occasional scream, both delighted and startled, is expected to echo down the lane as trick-or-treaters explore the haunting spectacle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The citys transit advisory warns motorists to steer clear of the area, with Glenwood Terrace closed from Highland Avenue to Fairway Drive, and Highland Avenue closed from Oak Street to East 7th Street for the duration of the event. The city will provide safety support, but the evening remains a homegrown affair, conjured by the creativity and commitment of the residents themselves. For longtime attendees, the event is also like a parade. In years past dating back at least 50, according to Star archives a headless horseman has made its way through the throngs, much to the delight of children. Homeowners are known to invest small fortunes in sweets just to keep up with the endless tide of candy-seekers, some trekking from across the region to experience Glenwoods unique brand of Halloween magic. The night is both chaos and charm. As darkness falls and pumpkins glow, Glenwood Terrace will once again live up to its legend a place where Halloween isnt merely celebrated, but fully brought to life. Credit - Getty ImagesBerkah Last week, a coalition of scientific, religious, and political leaders called for a global prohibition on developing superintelligence: AI that outperforms humans across all cognitive tasks. I was one of the early signatories, alongside Nobel laureates like Geoffrey Hinton; the worlds-most cited AI scientist Yoshua Bengio; former advisor to President Donald Trump Steve Bannon; former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mike Mullen; and Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. Whats bringing this unprecedented coalition together? The urgent, extinction-level threat posed by superintelligence. Tech companies are pouring billions of dollars into privately reaching superintelligence as fast as possible. No one knows how to control AIs that are vastly more competent than any human, yet we are getting closer and closer to developing them, with many experts expecting superintelligence in the next 5 years at the current pace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is why leading AI scientists warn that developing superintelligence could result in humanitys extinction. The need for a ban on superintelligence Once we develop machines significantly more competent than us across all domains, we will most likely be at the mercy of the superintelligent machines themselves, as currently no country, no company, and no person knows how to control them. In theory, a superintelligent AI would pursue its own goals, and if those goals are incompatible with sustaining human life, we will be annihilated. To make matters worse, AI developers do not understand how current powerful AI systems actually work. Unlike bridges or power plants, which are designed to precise human specifications, today's AI systems are grown from vast datasets through processes their own creators cannot interpret. Even Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei admits that we only understand 3% of how they work. Despite this danger, superintelligence remains the explicit goal of leading AI companies: OpenAI, Anthropic, Google DeepMind, Meta, xAI, DeepSeek. And given the skyrocketing valuation of these companies, they are not about to stop by themselves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Governments worldwide must step in before it is too late. Yet the international situation is not encouraging. We live in an era of rising geopolitical tension, rife with trade wars between the U.S. and China. Countries are rushing to invest billions in data centers to power AI at a time when developing and deploying dangerous AI systems remains less regulated than opening a new restaurant or building a house. How to ban superintelligence In this climate, is an international ban on the development of superintelligence even possible? Yes, because weve achieved such global prohibitions before. In 1985, the world learned there was a hole in the ozone layer above Antarctica, thanks to three scientists from the British Antarctic Survey. The culprits for this atmospheric crime were chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), ubiquitous industrial chemicals. Unless something was done, the hole would keep growing, and millions of people would get skin cancer or turn blind because of the lack of UV protection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, millions banded together to ban CFCs. Scientists made the threat tangible with colored satellite pictures and clear discussion of the health consequences. NGOs orchestrated boycotts of huge brands and directed thousands of concerned citizens to write protest letters. Schools worldwide ran educational programs, and the UN endorsed public awareness campaigns. In 1987, a mere two years after the ozone hole was made public, every existing country signed the Montreal Protocol. Signed during the Cold War, the Montreal Protocol demonstrates that it is possible to reach quick and decisive international agreements in the midst of geopolitical tensions. One key factor was that the ozone hole endangered nearly everybody in the world. It was not an externality pushed by some people onto others, but something that everyone would suffer from. Superintelligence is a similarly universal threat: loss of control of AI means that even those who develop it will not be spared from its dangers. The extinction risk from superintelligence thus has the potential to cut through every division. It can unite people across political parties, religions, nations, and ideologies. Nobody wants their life, their family, their world to be destroyed. When people learn about superintelligence and the extinction risk it poses, many see the danger and start worrying about it. Like with the ozone hole, this worry must be catalyzed into civic engagement, building a global movement that works with governments to make a prohibition on superintelligence a reality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, most lawmakers simply still do not know about the threat of superintelligence or its urgency, and AI companies are now deploying hundreds of millions of dollars to crush attempts to regulate AI. The best counterbalance to this gargantuan lobbying effort is for lawmakers to hear from their constituents what they truly think about superintelligence. Very often, lawmakers will find that most of their constituents want them to say no to superintelligence, and yes to a future where humanity survives and thrives. In an era of declining political engagement and increased partisanship, prohibiting superintelligence is a common sense issue that unites people across the political spectrum. As with the depletion of the ozone layer, everyone stands to lose from the development of superintelligence. We know the movement to avoid this fate can be built. The only question left is: can we build it fast enough? Contact us at letters@time.com. GoFundMe is apologizing and taking action following a 7 On Your Side story that revealed a new product the company launched, aimed to solicit donations for nonprofits. The company created 1.4 million nonprofit pages for charities around the world. But it was met with criticism from organizations who were unaware their own pages even existed. PREVIOUS STORY: GoFundMe created 1.4M donation pages for nonprofits; some Bay Area organizations had no clue Now the crowding funding platform has vowed to "rebuild trust." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The reason I even found out about it was because of 7 On Your Side," said viewer Joni Smith following our first story. "I was just like -- I couldn't believe it!" It dawned on her. "I was like, 'Oh wow... I wonder if they did that to our nonprofit too?'" Smith said. Smith is the president of a small nonprofit, the American Literacy Corporation. She had no clue GoFundMe set up a page for her organization -- including its IRS employer identification number -- without her consent. It was the same story for nonprofit president Dave Dornlas. MORE: Safari, limo, 5-star resorts: CA insurance boss' taxpayer-funded travel, security raise questions "We weren't sure what was going on!" Dornlas told 7 On Your Side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following our story, and concerns raised from the National Council of Nonprofits, GoFundMe is vowing to make changes -- and issued the following apology: "At GoFundMe, our mission has always been to help people help each other. This mission extends to every nonprofit: we strive to connect nonprofits with new donors, empower supporters to give and fundraise, and enable communities to rally behind the causes they care about. However, we understand clearly that our recent efforts with Nonprofit Pages have caused confusion, concern, and distraction from the vital missions of the very nonprofits we aim to support. We are very sorry for this and take responsibility for missing the mark. Trust is foundational to our work with nonprofits, and we are fully committed to rebuilding it through better communication, collaboration, and partnership." "I'm a believer in opt in ... not opt out..." Dornlas said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fact, GoFundMe says moving forward, only nonprofits that opt in to their nonprofit page and complete the verification process will have a public nonprofit page that is searchable on GoFundMe, making these nonprofit pages a completely opt-in experience. Nonprofit pages for organizations that have not been claimed and verified will be removed, and SEO will also be turned off by default. MORE: 7 On Your Side helps SF resident get reimbursed for newspaper delivery damage Once a nonprofit opts in, they can choose to index their Nonprofit Page, turn SEO on, and edit their Nonprofit Page. Nonprofits that opt in to their Nonprofit Pages will gain enhanced visibility, control, and access to certain supporter data for fundraising and compliance purposes, GoFundMe says. Nonprofits can verify their pages and learn more on the GoFundMe website. In the meantime, the company added that unclaimed nonprofit pages will be de-indexed, meaning they will no longer appear in search engine results. Nonprofit directory listings will continue according to GoFundMe: "As we have done for many years, we will maintain basic nonprofit directory listings so nonprofits are discoverable, and organizers can create fundraisers to support nonprofits." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Council of Nonprofits wrote: "On behalf of our network of nonprofits across the country, NCN raised these concerns directly with GoFundMe, and were pleased with GoFundMe's openness and self-reflection. As we and others urged, the company has issued an apology to nonprofits and outlined the specific actions they will take to remove the unauthorized nonprofit pages, prevent further harm, and rebuild trust with nonprofits. We welcome this step by GoFundMe and the speed with which they took corrective action." But some organizations still raise questions. One nonprofit assistant director wrote on GoFundMe's LinkedIn page: "How about all those nonprofits who claimed them in fear so they could control them but didn't want to? How do we remove the pages now?" GoFundMe says any organization can still unpublish their page through the online portal. Search for your nonprofit, verify your identity, and upon verification you can unpublish. However, consumers tell 7 On Your Side it has taken several days or up to a week to do so. MORE: Bay Area college students rescue tiny gopher, but get huge ER bill Other commenters asked for clarity on what happens to donated funds sent to unclaimed pages. GoFundMe told 7 On Your Side: "Regardless of whether or not a nonprofit had previously claimed their page, donations made through GoFundMe's Nonprofit Pages go to the nonprofit organization through PayPal Giving Fund or through one of our payment processors... GoFundMe does not earn any interest." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement GoFundMe does take a 2.2% transaction fee on donations made to nonprofits (2.9% for individual fundraisers), plus $0.30 per donation. GoFundMe also includes an optional tip donors can choose to give -- but the default tip we found upon checking is 16.5%, and donors must make their own adjustments, if they chose a different tip or opt out entirely. The pre-set 16.5% tip was still pre-set on donor pages when 7 On Your Side last checked. However, consumers report the pre-set tip varies. As for Joni Smith... "I tried to contact them to remove it and it was really hard to do that," she said. "'We'll process your removal right away,'" Smith said she was told by GoFundMe. "That was a week ago... and it's still on." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following our request, GoFundMe offered to help Smith remove her page. Take a look at more stories and videos by 7 On Your Side. 7OYS's consumer hotline is a free consumer mediation service for those in the San Francisco Bay Area. We assist individuals with consumer-related issues; we cannot assist on cases between businesses, or cases involving family law, criminal matters, landlord/tenant disputes, labor issues, or medical issues. Please review our FAQ here. As a part of our process in assisting you, it is necessary that we contact the company / agency you are writing about. If you do not wish us to contact them, please let us know right away, as it will affect our ability to work on your case. Due to the high volume of emails we receive, please allow 7 to 10 business days for a response. If you're on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live GOLDEN CITY, Mo. A group of volunteers in one small southwest Missouri community has stepped in to serve meals to senior citizens who were surprised by the funding cuts. The Golden City Community Center provides lunch once a week to residents ages 60 and up, but with the government shutdown, that funding has been cut off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now the future of the senior lunch program is up in the air. Kristi Walters with the Golden City Community Center says even though the program is out of money, they are now relying completely on community donations to stay afloat. This was all part of the service paid for by the Area Agency on Aging. Now those employees are donating their time along with the food they serve. Walters also says they were one of the first programs to be cut. They are scared I could see fear in their eyes today but I kept telling them dont worry we are going to take care of you. The community center is and thats what we do, said Kristi Walters, Golden City Community Center Treasurer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walters says they only have enough supplies for about two more weeks. She also says even if the government shutdown ends, they are not sure when funding and operations will restart. 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. On Monday, October 27, 2025, Ivory Coasts President Alassane Ouattara has secured a fourth term in office, winning 89.8 percent of the vote in an election overshadowed by the disqualification of two major rivals, former President Laurent Gbagbo and former Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam. The electoral commission announced that businessman Jean-Louis Billon placed second with just 3.09 percent, while Simone Gbagbo, ex-wife of the former president, garnered 2.42 percent. Voter turnout stood at 50.1 percent, reflecting widespread apathy following opposition calls for a boycott. The results remain provisional pending validation by the Constitutional Council. The opposition alliance comprising Gbagbo and Thiams parties has rejected the results on Sunday, labelling the election a civilian coup detat and refusing to recognise Ouattaras victory. The 83-year-old leader, who first came to power in 2011 after Gbagbos ouster, has now extended his rule following constitutional reforms in 2016 that removed term limits. Despite the landslide win, tensions remain high as critics accuse the government of eroding democratic space and undermining political pluralism in the West African nation. (The Center Square) From the Civil War to the 21st century, tobacco was long the king in crops for North Carolina. Congressmen from the state are asking for prioritization of the golden leaf to help the states farmers when second-term Republican President Donald Trump meets with China President Xi Jinping. American tobacco farmers, greatly impacted by the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement and end of the federal quota system in 2004, now face threats with future tariff relief programs and inexpensive foreign-grown tobacco that undercuts domestic markets. In a joint plea to Trump, both North Carolina Republican members of the U.S. Senate, 10 Republican members of the U.S. House of Representatives and one Democrat in the House from the state said China is the single-largest buyer on the export market at 60-65 million pounds annually. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Farmers were recently informed that China will not purchase flue-cured tobacco from the 2025 crop, a decision made by the Chinese Communist Party to gain leverage in ongoing trade negotiations with the United States, the 13 congressmen and seven of their colleagues from neighboring states said. Lawmakers said foreign countries pay a premium price for American tobacco because of superior quality. The export markets have existed since the years prior to the Revolutionary War. As you prepare to meet with President Xi Jinping, the congressmen said, we urge you to elevate the priorities of American tobacco farmers and ensure our tobacco farm families receive fair treatment in trade negotiations, just as you did during your first term and have promised to continue to do for all of American agriculture. Specifically, the president is also asked to guarantee any future relief includes flexibility to provide assistance for tobacco growers; minimize the importation of cheap, foreign-grown tobacco that undermines our farmers; and working with your administration to ensure tobacco leaf is promoted to the fullest extent allowed by the Doggett Amendment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Tarheel State exported $5.9 billion worth of tobacco to China in 2024. The golden leaf was the No. 1 crop in the state from the late 1800s to about 2001. North Carolina, ninth largest state at an estimated 11.1 million, has more than 800 tobacco farms producing 200,000 jobs. Previous farmgate values gross value of tobacco sales directly from the farm to the first handler or market were $470 million despite excessive rainfall and historic droughts in 2024, and $541 million the year prior. Sen. Ted Budd, R-N.C., and Rep. David Rouzer, R-N.C., authored the message. Signatories included Sens. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and Tim Scott, R-S.C.; and Reps. Don Davis, D-N.C., Richard Hudson, R-N.C., Dr. Greg Murphy, R-N.C., Chuck Edwards, R-N.C., Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., Tim Moore, R-N.C., Brad Knott, R-N.C., Pat Harrigan, R-N.C., Rev. Mark Harris, R-N.C., Addison McDowell, R-N.C., John McGuire, R-Va., Jen Kiggans, R-Va., Morgan Griffith, R-Va., Ben Cline, R-Va., and Russell Fry, R-S.C. Copied on the letter were departmental secretaries Scott Bessent (Treasury), Brooke Rollins (Agriculture), Howard Lutnick (Commerce) and Marco Rubio (State), and trade Ambassador Jamieson Greer and China Ambassador David Purdue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Master Settlement Agreement settled lawsuits on tobacco-related health care costs, establishing funding to states and restricting tobacco company practices with special regard to youth. It involved 46 states, five territories and the four largest American tobacco companies. The Fair and Equitable Tobacco Reform Act in 2004, colloquially known as the tobacco buyout, ended New Deal-era quota and price support programs. Farmers were compensated for lost assets. Use of federal money to promote the sale of export of tobacco products abroad is prohibited by the Doggett Amendment enacted in 1997. The United States has informed allies that it is pulling some U.S. troops from NATOs eastern flank, including Romania, a decision that has infuriated the Republican chairs of the House and Senate Armed Services committees. The Romanian defense ministry announced Wednesday that the U.S. military will halt some rotations of brigades in NATO nations, including Romanias Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, which hosts more than 1,400 U.S. troops and the Armys Garrison Black Sea. The decision was expected, as Romania is in permanent contact with its American strategic partner, the Romanian government said in a statement. The downsizing of the US forces is an effect of the new priorities of the presidential administration, announced in February. The decision also took into account the fact that NATO had strengthened its presence and activity on the Eastern Flank, which allows the United States to adjust its military posture in the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About 1,000 U.S. soldiers will remain deployed in Romania to contribute to the deterrence of any threats and will represent a guarantee of the US commitment to regional security. The move was rebuked by Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), the chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), the chair of the House Armed Services Committee. We strongly oppose the decision not to maintain the rotational U.S. brigade in Romania and the Pentagons process for its ongoing force posture review that may result in further drawdowns of U.S. forces from Eastern Europe, Wicker and Rogers said in a joint statement on Wednesday. On March 19, we stated that we will not accept significant changes to our warfighting structure that are made without a rigorous interagency process, coordination with combatant commanders and the Joint Staff, and collaboration with Congress, they added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, this appears to be exactly what is being attempted. Two weeks ago, President Trump stated that the United States would not be withdrawing U.S. forces in Europe, but instead may move some around a little bit, the Republican duo said. The President is right that U.S. force posture in Europe needs to be updated as NATO shoulders additional burdens and the character of warfare changes. But that update must be coordinated widely both within the U.S. government and with NATO. U.S. European Command issued a statement Wednesday afternoon saying the move is not an American withdrawal from Europe or a signal of lessened commitment to NATO and Article 5. Rather this is a positive sign of increased European capability and responsibility. Our NATO allies are meeting President Trumps call to take primary responsibility for the conventional defense of Europe. This force posture adjustment will not change the security environment in Europe, it said. The U.S. maintains a robust presence throughout the European Theater, and maintains the ability to array forces and capabilities to meet objectives in the Theater and support U.S. priorities, including President Trumps commitment to defend NATO allies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administrations decision will affect Romania, Hungary, Slovakia and Bulgaria, Romanias Minister of Defense Ionut Mosteanu said Wednesday during a press conference, adding that the U.S. said at the start of 2025 that they will focus more on the Indo-Pacific. Mihail Kogalniceanu air base, located near the city of Constanta, has been used by the U.S. military since 1999 and has since become one of the main operating bases of the Armys rotating task force. A NATO official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Hill on Wednesday that adjustments to U.S. force posture are not unusual and that the U.S. military presence in Europe remains larger than it has been for many years, with many more US forces on the continent than before 2022. They added that NATO and U.S. officials are in close contact about overall posture to ensure the alliance retains our robust capacity to deter and defend and that the Trump administration notified the organization in advance about the move. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The US commitment to NATO is clear. President Trump and his administration have reiterated this time and again, the official said in a statement. NATO has robust defense plans in place and we are working to ensure we maintain the right forces and capabilities to deter potential aggression and provide for our collective defense. Rogers and Wicker said the decision sends the wrong signal to Russia when Trump is trying to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin to come to the table to negotiate on a potential ceasefire agreement to end the war in Ukraine. The Republican chairmen said that Congress was not consulted in advance about the decision and that they are seeking clarification from the Defense Department on how it plans to mitigate the impact of this decision on NATOs deterrence and defense posture and whether they coordinated with Allies to minimize these consequences. We will also seek assurances that, as the President has previously stated, the two armored brigades in Poland remain in place, and that the United States continues to sustain a persistent rotational presence in Poland, the Baltic States, and Romania, the GOP pair said in the statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S.s decision was welcomed by Dan Caldwell, the former senior adviser to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who was one of three officials fired from the Pentagon in April, calling it a good move. The unit that is being withdrawn is a light infantry brigade deployed on a rotational basis that was deployed after the Russian of Ukraine in 2022 to reinforce NATOs eastern flank, Caldwell said in a Wednesday post on social platform X. It was never meant to be a permanent deployment, but of course many wanted it to be. Updated at 2:49 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. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) became the latest GOP official to scold Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) for breaking ranks with her colleagues. Greene on Wednesday condemned the Israeli strikes in Gaza that reportedly killed at least 104 people, including 46 children. Are these not war crimes? Greene wrote in a post on X. Israels military said Wednesday that the ceasefire was back on in Gaza after it killed 104 people, including 46 children, according to local health officials. 46 CHILDREN!!! Are these not war crimes? https://t.co/dAzF57w4SF Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (@RepMTG) October 29, 2025 Appearing this morning on CNBC, Cruz took issue with Greenes war crimes claim and said Americans shouldnt spend much time worrying about what Marjorie is saying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What Ive found is that whenever an elected official decides that they are going to turn on Israel and hate Israel, you will very quickly see every other policy out of their mouth become very, very liberal, Cruz said. And so suddenly Marjorie is for massive government spending and taxes, and shes for open borders and amnesty. That is not where the American people are. Greene, who rose to prominence as a combative MAGA loyalist, has recently drawn the ire of several notable Republican officials after she broke from the GOP platform on several notable issues. The three-term Georgia congresswoman was one of four Republicans to sign a House discharge petition in September to release federal files from the Jeffrey Epstein case, and she has called the humanitarian crisis in Gaza a genocide while denouncing Israels military actions. Greene has also formed a surprising alliance with Democrats during the ongoing government shutdown as they push to include an extension of expiring Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits in a new funding bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I said I have no respect for the House not being in session passing our bills and the Presidents executive orders, Greene wrote Tuesday in a post on X. And I demanded to know from Speaker (Mike) Johnson what the Republican plan for health care is. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) had previously dismissed Greenes criticisms of the GOPs approach to health care reform. Well, bless her heart, Johnson said Oct. 23. We have been working on this for a long time. We worked on it today. Weve been working on it every day. Marjorie is not here in Washington. Shes not on the committees of jurisdiction, and shes not involved in those specific discussions. Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) also urged Greene to tone back her criticism, asking her to propose solutions rather than just critique fellow Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shes certainly able to write a bill herself, Moreno said Tuesday on CNN. Like, if this is something shes passionate about, put pen to paper, write a bill, present an option. Dont just criticize what other people are doing. Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Rep. Edmond Jordan, D-Baton Rouge, failed to gain approval for two proposals he said were intended to provide more transparency into a possible redistricting session ahead of the 2026 congressional midterm elections. (Photo by Greg LaRose/Louisiana Illuminator) Republican state lawmakers in Louisiana hope a pending U.S. Supreme Court decision will require them to redraw the states congressional districts. If that scenario unfolds, public input on the new boundaries will be limited after GOP legislators rejected two proposals Tuesday that their author said would inform debate on the maps. The Louisiana House and Governmental Affairs Committee killed both measures, which Rep. Edmond Jordan, D-Baton Rouge, said were aimed at increasing transparency in a possible upcoming legislative session for redistricting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately, we should not be legislating in the dark or rushing through the process, said Jordan, who chairs the Legislative Black Caucus. House Bill 5 and House Concurrent Resolution 1 were voted down along party lines. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX House Bill 5 would have required lawmakers to update an existing website on redistricting or create a new one where members of the public could locate materials on redistricting, such as proposed maps, written testimony and other materials distributed by the legislature. It also would have required the publication of any third-party redistricting analyses conducted on the legislatures behalf. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jordans resolution would have prohibited lawmakers from holding hearings on proposed maps within 72 hours of the proposals online publication. It would have also required each subsequent vote on a map to happen at least 24 hours apart. The provision similar to a constitutional amendment voters approved last year that requires the legislature to wait 48 hours before voting on changes to budget bills. The legislature is currently in a special session Republican Gov. Jeff Landry called to have lawmakers push back dates for next years congressional party primaries and runoffs. The calendar adjustment would give lawmakers more time to respond to a ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court in the case Louisiana v. Callais. Though the outcome of the case could require lawmakers to redraw Louisianas congressional district boundaries, they would not have to do so in time for the 2026 election. Republican sponsors of the date changes have said they provide a window for them to tackle redistricting in time for the 2026 midterms. Though lawmakers hope the decision will come down before the end of the year, the court usually releases decisions several months after they hold arguments, typically in late spring of each year. After an initial hearing in March, justices called for a rare second round of arguments in Louisiana v. Callias that took place Oct. 15. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The high courts decision could trim back Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which would limit the extent to which states can consider race in the redistricting process. If that happens, Louisianas Republican supermajority legislature could use the extra time to enact a map with one or two fewer majority Black districts, potentially costing Democrats two seats in Congress. Democrats have argued next year midterms should be held using the existing map, which Republican lawmakers endorsed in early 2024, because there is no guarantee the Supreme Court will rule in time to allow for a redistricting session. In previous redistricting sessions Louisiana has held three since fall 2022 bills have moved very quickly. Lawmakers have suspended their own rules to hasten the process, meaning the public had little time to digest the changes or decide whether or not to visit the Capitol to testify. The committees chairman, Rep. Beau Beaullieu, R-New Iberia, said there was too much gray area in Jordans bill regarding what materials must be posted online. Beaullieu is also co-author of the legislation that adjusts next years election calendar, which is expected to gain final approval Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beaullieu also suggested Jordans resolution could put lawmakers at risk of missing the Jan. 13 deadline the Secretary of States office has set to receive new congressional maps in time for the election qualifying period in February. Even if the committee had advanced Jordans proposals, it is unlikely they would have passed the legislature, as the body has signaled it will likely adjourn Wednesday, despite having more than two more weeks left to complete its work. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Rep. James Comer defended the Trump familys crypto fortunes in an interview with CNNs Jake Tapper, arguing that the difference between Presidents Trump and Biden is disclosure. Speaking to Tapper on Tuesdays edition of The Lead With Jake Tapper, the MAGA congressman was asked about a recent Reuters report that found that the Trump Organizations income rose to $864 million in 2025, up from $51 million in 2024, a change resulting primarily from cryptocurrency investments, primarily from foreign investors. Tapper asked Comer if, in his capacity as chairman of the House Oversight Committee, he would be looking into the investments, particularly considering all this money is going to belong to Trump when he leaves office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Comer responded, The difference between the way the Trump familys operating and the Biden family is theyre admitting theyre doing this. The president campaigned as a business guy. Comer noted that he wasnt defending the policy, and that he thinks there need to be ethics reforms, but that ultimately, as long as you disclose your income and disclose the sources, I think thats acceptable. Eric and Don Jr. have enriched their family's coffers with cryptocurrency investments to the tune of some $864 million. / Spencer Platt/Getty Images If you lie about the income, you say, I never received money from China, and then we subpoena your bank records, and theres $5 million from China, I think thats a problem, the congressman continued. The Reuters investigation found that Eric and Don Jr. had sought investments across the globe, including from Chinese businessman Guren Bobby Zhou, who is being investigated for money laundering in the U.K. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As chair of the Oversight Committee, Comer spearheaded an investigation into the Biden familys business activities, but it has yet to uncover evidence of any wrongdoing. He also opened probes into Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnestota Governor Tim Walz. The House Oversight Committee, of which Comer is chair, released a report on Tuesday regarding President Biden's autopen usage. / Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images Comer also released a report on Tuesday about Bidens autopen usage during his presidency, arguing that Bidens aides didnt even know who was operating the autopen to sign official documents and pardons. The report also opened up a path to Trump overturning actions Biden signed using an autopen, including several presidential pardons. In response to the report, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries derided Comer as a malignant clown, adding that He cant point to a single thing hes actually done to make life better for the American people. Republican Senator Chuck Grassley92 years old, head of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and third in line for presidential successionwas not able to answer a basic, clearly stated question from a reporter on Wednesday, offering a response that had little to do with the topic at hand. Do you agree with your colleagues that Judge Boasberg should be impeached, and if so, what do you think that process would look like? a reporter asked Grassley, referring to a federal judge who has drawn the ire of the Trump administration for his resistance to Trumps deportation campaign, becoming a target of Attorney General Pam Bondi in the process. Grassley paused for a beat to process the question. Uh, Im sorry. Ive got hearing problems, so speak louder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reporter repeated the question exactly. Well, first of all, we wanna make sure that we have all the documents, all the information that we can possibly get, so we know that these people who come before us, they know what to say or not to say, Grassley replied, completely disregarding the question of Boasbergs impeachment. We gotta make sure that we have all the documents, all the information that we can possibly get, so we know when these people that come before us they know what to say or not to say. And we gotta make sure that we got the documents so that when they lie to us, we can challenge em. Chuck Grassley repeatedly can't hear a reporter's question, admits he has hearing problems, then answers a question he wasn't asked but that he apparently heard in his heard pic.twitter.com/z1QaVZwhAq Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) October 29, 2025 Grassleys rambling was so off-base that fellow GOP Senator Lindsey Graham had to jump in for cleanup. Can I say somethin about that? Uh, impeachment starts in the House, Graham said. Its abundantly clear at this point that the United States has a gerontocracy issue. Its not shocking that Grassley cant hear well, that Senator Mitch McConnell has trouble with standing upright and zoning out, that D.C. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton is showing signs of dementia, or that former President Joe Biden had visible cognitive issues on that debate stage in 2024all of those people are over 80 years old. The issue is that elderly politicians are wielding immense amounts of power, and would rather die in office than cede their positions to someone even 20 years their junior. Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) urged Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) on Tuesday to stop sharing criticism about GOP lawmakers approach to addressing the lapse in Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies and present her own plan. If this is something shes passionate about, put pen to paper, write a bill, present an option, Moreno said during an appearance on CNNs The Source. Dont just criticize what other people are doing, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moreno said ACA credits, which are set to expire at the end of the year, have been an abject failure at keeping costs affordable and credited Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) for working on potential reforms. Its going to take three or four months to really bring a consensus to that plan. In the meantime, what are we going to do? Keep the government closed for three or four months every time that we have a policy debate? This is nuts, the Ohio senator told anchor Kaitlan Collins. Look, we have different Republicans. For example, Sen. Rick Scott, thats brilliant on this topic, that has a lot of amazing ideas. But yeah, of course, we have to build consensus, he added. Moreno continued, This is not a one-man show that runs the United States Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Greene has repeatedly slammed House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) for not revealing his approach to preventing health care costs from skyrocketing and refusing to bring the lower chamber back into session amid the government shutdown. Johnson said hes got ideas and pages of policy ideas and committees of jurisdiction are working on it, but he refused to give one policy proposal to our GOP conference on our own conference call, the Georgia Republican wrote in a Tuesday social media post. Apparently I have to go into a SCIF to find out the Republican healthcare plan!!! she added, referring to a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility used by government officials for classified material. Johnson said during a Monday press conference that subsidies expiring is a serious problem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you look at it objectively, you know that it is subsidizing bad policy. Were throwing good money at a bad, broken system, and so it needs real reforms, Johnson added. Trump echoed those concerns Tuesday and said ObamaCare could never work. ObamaCare it never worked. It never will work. Itll never be good, the president told reporters on Air Force One. And I think its a great time for the Republicans and Democrats to get together and make something that will work, and let the insurance companies make money. Theyre entitled to that but not the kind of money that theyre making, he continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Vice President JD Vance was bombarded with questions about President Donald Trumps new beef deal with Argentina during a lunch with Republican senators Tuesday, according to a report. Vance was told the deal was an insult to American livestock farmers by at least one unnamed senator attending the weekly policy gathering where concerns were raised on the impact on constituents in rural districts amid soaring beef prices, according to Andrew Desidero of Punchbowl News, who cited multiple attendees in a post on X about the occasion. The VP was so under siege, Desidero reported, that he attempted to diffuse the tension at one stage by jokingly asking: Does anyone have questions NOT about beef? Vice President JD Vance talks with reporters after attending the weekly Senate Republican policy luncheon on the 28th day of the federal government shutdown at the U.S. Capitol on October 28 2025 (Getty) The Trump administration announced last week that it would be quadrupling low-tariff imports of Argentine beef as part of an attempt to lower grocery store beef prices at home, which have rocketed of late due to strong consumer demand and tight cattle supplies, caused by summer drought burning up grazing lands and the climbing cost of feed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Raising the tariff rate quota on Argentine beef to 80,000 metric tons will allow the country to ship more beef to the U.S. at a lower duty rate. This gesture also represents a favor to the countrys president, Javier Milei, whom Trump has befriended and recently bailed out with a $20 billion currency swap. The Department of Agriculture also announced a plan to expand the domestic cattle herd and support American ranchers, with Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins saying on Fox Businesss Mornings with Maria last Wednesday that the administration is working to help U.S. consumers and producers at the same time. There is frustration on both sides, Rollins said. And I was with the president yesterday and he is very, very frustrated because [of] everything hes done to cut taxes, to bring down costs. The move to increase imports has indeed angered Americas ranchers, a demographic that overwhelmingly supported Trump in last years presidential election. They argue that the administration should support domestic businesses exclusively rather than increase imports from competitor nations that threaten their livelihoods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The presidents financial support for Argentina has also been unpopular, given that Trumps high tariffs on China have prompted the rival superpower to look to South America for soybeans, further hurting U.S. farmers. A deal of this magnitude with Argentina would undercut the very foundation of our cattle industry, said Justin Tupper, president of the United States Cattlemen's Association and a South Dakota rancher himself. Gauchos load beef cattle onto a truck to be transported to a meat packing plant in Brandsen, Argentina, on Monday October 20 2025 (AP) Among the Republicans who have publicly expressed concerns about Trumps actions is Senate Majority Leader John Thune, also of South Dakota, who told reporters last Thursday that he was concerned about the influx of Argentine beef and said he hopes to influence the policys implementation. Were paying close attention to it, and weve been in touch with the White House, Department of Agriculture, U.S. trade rep on all this stuff, trying to figure out where its headed, Thune said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nebraska Republican Rep. Adrian Smith said that he was also concerned about the coming imports, saying: Policy and statements which unduly influence and undermine the domestic cattle market threaten our domestic food security and are not helpful. Trump himself has reacted angrily and defensively towards the unhappiness expressed, writing on Truth Social: The Cattle Ranchers, who I love, dont understand that the only reason they are doing so well, for the first time in decades, is because I put Tariffs on cattle coming into the United States, including a 50 percent Tariff on Brazil. If it weren't for me, they would be doing just as theyve done for the past 20 years Terrible! It would be nice if they would understand that, but they also have to get their prices down, because the consumer is a very big factor in my thinking, also! Hoosiers likely will not receive food assistance on Nov. 1 due to the federal government shutdown. (Photo by Getty Images) Republicans on Indianas State Budget Committee rejected an effort to direct state surplus funding to low-income Hoosiers and food banks as federal SNAP benefits expire next month amid a federal shutdown. Rep. Greg Porter, D-Indianapolis, urged Indiana leaders to step up, arguing that hundreds of thousands of Hoosiers are at risk of losing the food aid they receive through SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 571,000 Hoosiers were receiving SNAP benefits in September, the latest data available, according to the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration. SNAP benefits are provided on an electronic benefit card that is used like a debit card and accepted at most grocery stores. The benefit is 100% federally funded and administrative costs are split 50% with states for now. We just have to have the will to do it, Porter said during the committees regularly scheduled meeting. We just (want to) take care of people that live next door to us and in our communities. Porters motion was symbolic in nature: calling on the governor and the State Board of Finance to take concrete action under their authority and provide funding to SNAP recipients and food banks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Porter said state officials have moved money around for emergencies in the past. He noted the current state budget includes a $300 million contingency fund for three agencies, including the Family and Social Services Administration. State Budget Director Chad Ranney said that money is for agencies that might have a shortfall in the budgets second year because of state funding cuts. Ranney said the Braun administration could take action on its own, without a statement from the State Budget Committee. But a transfer for SNAP would be complicated, he cautioned. Thats because the money never flows to the state instead going from the federal government to a third-party provider that loads it onto the EBT cards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indianas SNAP benefits cost about $112 million a month. Rep. Ed Delaney, D-Indianapolis, said it would be easier to send additional support to food banks, which will immediately face an increase in demand from hungry Hoosiers. Sen. Fady Qaddoura, D-Indianapolis, observed that state coffers are running ahead of tax projections. First quarter results show an additional $270 million in revenue has flowed to the state over what was expected. Its just that, unfortunately, Washington, D.C., theyre not getting their acts together, and people will be hungry in the state of Indiana, Qaddoura said. I think the responsible thing for us to do as legislators and as a committee is truly to work with the governors office and be sure that at least for the upcoming month, hopefully, until they reopen the federal government, that no one in our state goes hungry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Ryan Mishler, R-Mishawaka, said the administration appears to have options but the issue is too complicated to add to the committees agenda. Republicans voted 3-2 against the move. The FSSA said current balances on EBT cards remain available for use. Hoosiers in need of support are encouraged to call 211 to learn about local resources and services available. The surest way to protect Hoosiers from a disruption in their SNAP benefits is for Senate Democrats to quickly pass the Clean Continuing Resolution, FSSA Secretary Mitch Roob said in a statement. Until then, families across Indiana are left in limbo their ability to put food on the table tied up in political gridlock. Indiana will likely be on the hook for more SNAP costs in the future under changes from President Donald Trumps administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement States will pay a percentage of benefit costs depending on their error rates starting October 2027, and theyll have to pony up for 75% of the administrative costs beginning October 2026. Those changes could cost Indiana up to $264 million more annually, according to FSSA estimates. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) An executive order signed by Governor Mike Braun aims to make Indiana the leader in American drone dominance, according to a press release. The executive order, named the Indiana Initiative for Drone Dominance Task Force, will develop a plan on how the state can lead the nation in the federal governments mission of American drones. Gov. Braun said the task force will support President Donald Trumps Unleashing American Drone Dominance and Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty executive orders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indiana has always stepped up to use our skills and labor to support Americas defense. Indianas advanced manufacturing capacity and our concentration of defense and research assets make us uniquely suited to lead in Americas pursuit of drone dominance, and this new Task Force will position Indiana as a national asset and drive innovation in this important sector, said Braun. The executive order was developed in collaboration with United States Senator Todd Young, who says drones are the future of aviation. Drones are increasingly critical to our economy and national security, and as a leading manufacturing state, Indiana is positioned to help unleash American drone dominance, said Senator Young. Over the past several months, my team has worked hand in hand with Governor Brauns team on developing this executive order. Governor Braun has been a great partner on this issue, and I look forward to continuing to work with the Governor and Hoosier stakeholders to support the Presidents executive order and empower the U.S. drone industry. Key priorities of the task force include: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Developing a cross-sector aerial test corridor connecting sites such as Camp Atterbury, Muscatatuck Urban Training Center, and NSWC Crane. Expanding public safety applications of unmanned aircraft during major sporting and civic events. Strengthening Indianas drone manufacturing supply chain and encouraging growth among small and emerging firms. Exploring new infrastructure for detection, tracking, and neutralization of unauthorized drones. Supporting workforce training programs and partnerships with Indiana colleges and universities to prepare Hoosiers for high-tech drone careers. Preserving Indianas commitment to personal privacy and safety through all drone testing and policies 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 MyWabashValley.com. Kenyan security forces on Monday thwarted a planned terror attack in Garissa County, near the Kenya-Somalia border, after intercepting eight suspected al-Shabab militants attempting to plant improvised explosive devices (IEDs) along the Welmerer-Yumbia route. The Counter-Terrorism Policing Unit said its officers acted on intelligence from local residents, engaging the suspects and recovering assembled explosives intended for use against civilians and security personnel. The police commended the bravery of the officers and the cooperation of the local community in preventing what could have been a deadly assault. Authorities said the explosives were destroyed as part of intensified operations targeting al-Shabab cells operating along Kenyas northeastern frontier. Security agencies have since strengthened surveillance in the area, which has long been considered a haven for the militant group due to its proximity to Somalia. The latest operation underscores Kenyas continued resolve to secure its borders and safeguard communities vulnerable to extremist infiltration. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) Gov. Jeff Landry explained how the distribution of state-funded SNAP benefits for November will work as the federal government remains shut down. Landry said SNAP recipients who are elderly, disabled and children are prioritized to receive benefits, as the state will have to create its own temporary state-funded assistance program. We have been fiscally responsible in a way that we have managed the affairs of our state government, which gives us an opportunity to be able to act with compassion and reason, Landry said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump shows little incentive to broker end to shutdown Louisiana lawmakers approved a resolution that would allow the Louisiana Department of Health to take action and use funds up to $150 million per month for SNAP benefits. The proposal was approved in the Senate Wednesday after it was approved in the House Friday. The resolution was introduced after Landry declared an emergency following a warning to SNAP recipients in the state that no new benefits would be available in November due to the federal government shutdown. MAP: See the number of SNAP participants by parish in Louisiana Understand that what were doing is historic. It has never been done. We never had to be placed in this situation, and any mistake we make is Chuck Schumers fault, Landry said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said he hopes that the federal government will reimburse the state. When SNAP recipients can expect to get benefits Not all SNAP recipients should expect to see their EBT cards loaded on Nov. 1. Landry said data will be used to identify the most vulnerable groups so that they may get benefits earlier. From Nov. 1-4, the elderly and disabled will get their EBT cards loaded, then, every other day, a group will get their cards loaded. Landry said guidance will be issued soon. DoorDash waiving fees for SNAP recipients in November, delivering food bank donations The governor said those who are able-bodied should visit their local food banks. Landry says able-bodied recipients should seek jobs My message to able-bodied people who may not be employed but who have been utilizing this program, that you should go out and search for one of those jobs, Landry said, citing that there are 53,000 who fall into that category. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Landry, Louisiana has over 100,000 new job opportunities. He suggested that people visit the states workforce website for resources. How to find food if your SNAP benefits are cut off 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 Louisiana First News. Gov. Matt Meyer has declared a state of emergency in Delaware to address SNAP benefits set to end Nov. 1. The move allows the state to release funding for benefits on a weekly basis as the federal government shutdown persists, the governor said in a press conference on Oct. 29. Access should begin next week, though it may take more time for Delawareans to access funds. The declaration was among three steps Meyer announced to address at-risk Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, as well as another projected $400 million budget shortfall due to federal cuts. It followed letters on Oct. 28 from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers urging Meyer to find funding to back continued benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letters were prompted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture informing the Department of Health and Social Services it would not be issuing next months SNAP benefits also known as food stamps due to the ongoing shutdown. The next morning, Meyer answered. Gov. Matt Meyer answers questions during a press conference in Wilmington on July 8, 2025. The Democrat called for the emergency declaration, which will allow Delaware to provide weekly benefits at least through November. The state should have "immediate" resources available to fund programming throughout the month, Meyer said, allowing money to be added to existing federal SNAP cards. However, even as Meyer said his team is reviewing the budget "line by line" Delaware does not have the resources to support every at-risk federal program in perpetuity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How we got here: Delaware lawmakers urge Gov. Meyer to provide funding to continue endangered SNAP benefits Meyer supports call for special session on budget shortfall Meyer also announced assistance for statewide food pantries and food banks across the state. This would help to provide support to Delawareans who have fallen through the cracks, Meyer said. That includes not only SNAP beneficiaries but also the many federal employees furloughed or working without pay in this government shutdown. Meyer also encouraged all those who can to donate food items to their pantry, soup kitchen or place of worship. Finally, Meyer called on the General Assembly to return to Dover to address the estimated $400 million shortfall, a forecast that could put funding already saved for health care, schools and other services across the state in jeopardy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That is, many legislators said earlier this month, unless steps are taken to separate the states corporate tax code from its federal counterpart. Lawmakers have already been signaling the possibility of reconvening. What Delaware budget shortfall? Delaware lawmakers weigh reconvening over potential $400M loss from 'Big Beautiful Bill' We are in crisis, the governor said. From the government shutdown to withheld federal funds, things have never been more serious, and I hope this next session our recommendations to account for this chaos do not fall on deaf ears. Meyer was pointing back to his proposed budget, which had included contingency funds for this exact moment." He also called for work across party lines to find the solutions that will ensure Delawareans are protected. Members of the bipartisan special property reassessment committee hold their second meeting in the House Chamber at Legislative Hall in Dover on Oct. 7, 2025. Meyers announcement also comes after Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings joined fellow attorneys general and governors from roughly 24 states in a lawsuit against the United States Department of Agriculture and department Secretary Brooke Rollins, arguing that suspending SNAP funding is illegal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jennings said the Trump administration has both a moral and a legal obligation to ensure access to food aid is not taken away from the roughly 42 million residents who rely on this programming. Let me put this simply: if SNAP benefits do not go out next month, our states food banks will be overwhelmed, and thousands of Delawareans will go hungry, Jennings said. That cannot happen. While he believes these efforts will help, Meyer echoed many lawmakers words that time is critical. We must act now, he said. Olivia Montes covers state government and community impact for Delaware Online/The News Journal. If you have a tip or a story idea, reach out to her at omontes@delawareonline.com. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Gov. Meyer calls Delaware state of emergency to support SNAP benefits New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy made about $3.4 million in income last year about $2 million more than they pulled in the year before, according to partial tax returns and a tax summary the governors office released Wednesday. Murphy and his wife, who file their returns jointly, also paid about $1.3 million in state and federal taxes, according to the documents. Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. West Virginians were urged Tuesday to step up and contribute to a statewide fund drive aimed at aiding fellow residents who face food shortages while the federal government shutdown continues. Tuesday was the 28th day of the shutdown, Gov. Patrick Morrisey said. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has notified states that the shutdown will impact the distribution of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. Speaking at a press conference streamed online Tuesday, the governor announced a statewide donation drive supporting West Virginias food banks to address the critical need for resources facing those affected by the shutdown and the absence of SNAP benefits starting Nov. 1. The state has identified up to $13 million in funding to match private and charitable donations, potentially delivering $26 million in total food assistance statewide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This weekend, states across the country were informed by the USDA that November SNAP benefits will be delayed, Morrisey said. Thats going to affect more than 40 million Americans and over 270,000 people right here in West Virginia. Those are people who will be out of those critical SNAP benefits beginning Nov. 1. Thats a serious problem, crisis, in West Virginia. West Virginia does not have the resources to take over the SNAP program for its residents, Morrisey said. Right now, there are many parents across West Virginia, he said. Theyre wondering if theyll be able to put food on the table. Seniors are stretching what little they have and our local food banks, these lifelines of hope that provide resources, theyre being stretched thin as they try to step up to meet the need. Morrisey said he is calling in West Virginias individuals, families and businesses to donate to the effort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want to come together for people who need assistance and cannot gain access to their SNAP benefits, he said. We want to challenge the people of West Virginia to do this on a matching basis, ideally up to another $13 million from the public and private sector. Residents, businesses, churches and community organizations are encouraged to donate directly to Facing Hunger Food Bank and Mountaineer Food Bank. The following internet addresses are provided for direct contributions, with donations split evenly between both organizations, according to a press release later issued by the governors office. These addresses include: Donate to Facing Hunger Food Bank: https://facinghunger.org/donate-now/ Donate to Mountaineer Food Bank: https://mountaineerfoodbank.harnessgiving.org/donate Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The focus of our work is always our neighbor in need and the most vulnerable populations in our state including children, seniors and Veterans, Mountaineer Food Bank CEO Chad Morrison said. We know many West Virginia families are hurting and struggling and these additional resources will be a catalyst for helping families feel whole. Cynthia Kirkhart, CEO of Facing Hunger Food Bank, said she applauded the partnership, but added that her food bank, its pantry partners and mobile pantries currently are experiencing a 50% increase in demand. The resources provided will be directed to the purchase and distribution of food, and to our pantry partners for their use to meet the emergency food assistance needs of the communities we collectively serve, Kirkhart said. Morrisey also spoke about resources for people looking for food assistance. These resources can be found in two ways: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Call 2-1-1 or visit wv211.org for food assistance and local pantry information. Contact your local Family Resource Network for community-based support and updated food distribution lists. 2-1-1 is going to be a lifeline for you, the governor said. Morrisey has directed the West Virginia National Guard to support food banks, food pantries and state agencies with logistics and distribution efforts to ensure vital assistance continues despite disruptions. We stand ready to support our state partner agencies, local food banks and nonprofit organizations with critical logistical support to assist West Virginia families and individuals who face food insecurity, W.Va. National Guard Adj Gen. Maj. Gen. Jim Seward said. Seward said 200 National Guard service personnel were being assigned to the task. Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com SPRINGFIELD A Western Massachusetts aide to Gov. Maura Healey faces charges of cocaine trafficking after 8 kilos of the drug were delivered to him at the state building on Dwight Street on Saturday, officials say. LaMar Cook, 45, deputy director for the governors regional office in Springfield, will be arraigned Wednesday. In addition to trafficking, he faces charges of carrying a gun and ammunition without a license, and driving without a license, according to the Hampden District Attorneys Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation stems from two prior seizures conducted by law enforcement earlier this month. On October 10, 2025, investigators intercepted and searched two suspicious packages at Hotel UMass in Amherst, which were found to contain approximately 13 kilograms of suspected cocaine, an announcement from Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni says. Evidence collected during that operation was consistent with the narcotics recovered during the most recent controlled delivery in Springfield. The total amount of drugs seized was about 21 kilos, authorities said. According to investigators, Massachusetts State Police in Springfield intercepted the package containing cocaine, and a trooper then posed as a delivery worker to hand over the parcel to Cook, who was at the building waiting for it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cook was appointed to the governors aide role in 2023. He previously served as director of the UMass hotel. He was fired from his state job this week, according to a spokesperson for Healey. The Governors Office has been made aware of the arrest of an employee, LaMar Cook. The conduct that occurred here is unacceptable and represents a major breach of the public trust. Mr. Cook has been terminated from his position effective immediately. This criminal investigation is ongoing, and our administration will work with law enforcement to assist them in their work, Healeys office said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cook is a co-founder of the Back to School Brighter Initiative in Springfield, a member of the Springfield Community Preservation Committee and a major presence in the Springfield business community, the Governors Office said at the time it announced his appointment. The back-to-school initiative offers free haircuts to students of the citys public schools. He also ran unsuccessfully for Springfield City Council in 2015 and for School Committee in 2017. The state-owned building at 436 Dwight St., often referred to as the little State House, is home to several state offices, including the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination and the secretary of the commonwealths western division. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, Cook was featured in a Juneteenth series on MassLive as an emerging Black leader, in which he was chosen by readers as a standout in the community. Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Oct. 28GRAND FORKS The Grand Forks Sector of U.S. Border Patrol is hosting a press event Tuesday, Nov. 4, to remind people of the risks that come with attempting to cross the U.S.-Canada border during the winter months. The goal for the event is to reduce the likelihood of serious injuries and deaths along the border, according to a press release issued by the border patrol office. At a similar event in 2023, Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement border patrol agents spoke about the dangerous situations people find themselves in. "During winter months, weather can be unpredictable, and temperatures drop well below freezing, creating dangerous conditions for those who are underprepared or misguided by smugglers," said Chief Patrol Agent Scott Garrett, who will also be speaking at Tuesday's event. In January 2022, the Patel family was found deceased approximately 40 feet from the border, near Emerson, Manitoba, according to previous Herald reporting. Originally from India, the family included parents 39-year-old Jagdishkumar and 37-year-old Vaishaliben, and their children,11-year-old Vihangi and 3-year-old Dharmik. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Royal Canadian Mounted Police Sgt. Lance Goldau said at the 2023 press event that the Patel family had been trying to change their circumstances, but spent their final moments likely feeling fear and hopelessness amid the prairie conditions. "A mother and father trying to protect their children from the harsh elements, with no aid and no end in sight," Goldau said. "It haunts us as investigators and, more so, haunts us as human beings." Two men who were attempting to smuggle the family into the U.S. have been prosecuted and sentenced to federal prison. Garrett stressed that smugglers see their clients as dollar signs, and have no concern for human life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These and other concerns will be discussed at the press event. Aside from harsh environmental conditions and deadly temperatures, migrants face abuse at the hands of smugglers, a lack of communication tools and the possibility that they made need to be rescued from their circumstances, according to the release. The event will begin 11 a.m. Nov. 4, at the border patrol station located at 41059 State Highway 313 in Warroad, Minnesota, featuring several types of vehicles, vessels and equipment. There will also be demonstrations of various types of technology used in the field, the release said. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) Grand Rapids Public Schools and the teachers union have signed four tentative agreements, they say, though none of those deals involve pay raises. With the help of a state-appointed mediator, GRPS and the Grand Rapids Education Association reached tentative teacher placement, payroll dues deduction, sick bank and professional development committee agreements Tuesday. Thank you to students, parents, community partners, legislators and GREA members for standing together. However, the District is refusing to budge on a competitive salary, despite the State legislature prioritizing education in their budget, the union wrote in a post on Facebook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement Wednesday, the district said it put forth a salary increase proposal in September though it said it could not share the specifics of that deal because of the confidential mediation process. GRPS is considering a proposal that the mediator presented to both parties in an attempt to resolve all outstanding issues, the district said. GRPS is grateful for the mediators hard work to provide an independent review of the outstanding issues and attempt to find a path to settlement. The district said under the tentative deals, both sides worked out a plan for assigning teachers. GRPS said it agreed to manage a sick day donation program and union dues deductions for GREA workers, saying it will be among only a few districts that does so. The union wanted district professional development days to count toward state-mandated instructional days; GRPS said it would create a committee to look into it for the next school year. GRPS recognizes the importance of professional development but also believes that maximizing instructional time is key to scholar growth, the district said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 2025-26 calendar has also been agreed upon, the union and district say. Under that calendar, there will be a half day Friday and no school on Nov. 4 (which is election day). Thanksgiving break will be Nov. 26 to Nov. 28 and Winter break will be Dec. 22 to Jan. 2. Mid-winter break is Feb. 16 and 17. The last day of school, a half day, will be June 3. 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. A grandfather died protecting his toddler granddaughter from a nanny wielding a screwdriver, police said. David Ong, 83, was killed while visiting the home of his daughter, Katie Ong, in Royal Oak, Michigan on Saturday. He visited the house after being asked to check in on his three-year-old granddaughter who was being cared for by Samantha Booth, 35, her nanny. Ms Ong was later unable to contact her father and reportedly asked her brother-in-law, who has not been named, to visit the property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say when her brother-in-law reached the house, situated 10 miles north of Detroit, he found Ms Booth in a manic state and covered in blood. David Ong died protecting his three-year-old granddaughter, his family said He reported seeing Mr Ong lying on the floor with severe head injuries. Police said the brother-in-law tried to pick up the young girl and flee, but Ms Booth allegedly lunged at him and he fended off multiple attacks. He said he was eventually able to leave the house and contact police from a neighbours home. She was actually chasing him down the street as he was screaming for help, and some neighbours heard it and ushered him and the child inside, said Mr Moore, the police chief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The child and brother-in-law suffered minor injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital for medical evaluation, where they were treated and later released. Officials said the nanny has no criminal record, and they are trying to identify a motive. She attacked the victim repeatedly with a screwdriver, Michael Moore, the Royal Oak police chief. said. An absolutely horrific crime. Authorities said they found what are believed to be psychedelic mushrooms and marijuana in Ms Booths bag. Officers allege that on the way to the police station, she confessed to the attack, saying: I f----d him the f--- up and yes, I did it... God, it was too easy. Samantha Booth allegedly confessed the crime to officers - Royal Oak Police Department We extend our deepest condolences to the victims family as they cope with this tragic and senseless act of violence. No family should ever have to endure such Loss, and we are keeping them in our thoughts, said Mr Moore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kelley Ong Smith, Mr Ongs other daughter, wrote on Facebook: I have to share the saddest post Ive ever written and I ask for your prayers. My father, David Ong, died tragically on Friday evening while protecting his cherished three-year-old granddaughter. The loss is immeasurable. Anyone who knows my dad knows that he is a gentle giant a man of incredible kindness, love and faith. Ive often said he is simply the best man I know. Ms Booth was arraigned on Tuesday on charges of first-degree murder and second-degree child abuse. A judge denied her bond, deeming her a potential risk. It is not clear if she has a lawyer or has had entered a plea. 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. As Tanzanians head to the polls on Wednesday, many observers see the election as less of a contest and more of a coronation for President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the countrys first female leader. Having succeeded the late President John Magufuli in 2021, Samia initially won praise for her conciliatory style and her Four Rs policy of reconciliation, resilience, reform, and rebuilding, which helped mend ties with international partners and restore investor confidence. Yet, the optimism that accompanied her rise has dimmed as reports of abductions, killings, and repression of dissent have surfaced, leading Freedom House to downgrade Tanzania from partly free to not free. This election has been marked by the absence of strong opposition. The main opposition party, Chadema, has been barred from contesting after its leader, Tundu Lissu, was detained on treason charges, while ACT-Wazalendos candidate, Luhana Mpina, was disqualified twice. Smaller parties remain in the race but have little real chance of challenging Samia or her ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), which has dominated Tanzanian politics since 1992. Analysts warn that the exclusion of credible rivals, the control of state institutions, and widespread voter apathy undermine the credibility of the electoral process. We already know who will win, lamented one voter in Dar es Salaam, reflecting widespread disillusionment with the system. Despite growing criticism, President Samia continues to command loyalty among many Tanzanians, especially women and rural voters who view her as a stabilising figure and symbol of empowerment. Her campaign promises focus on infrastructure, education, and healthcare, while her assertive tone seeks to reinforce her authority in a male-dominated political environment. Yet, allegations of internal party manipulation and influence from powerful business networks have deepened public mistrust. Analysts warn that continued suppression of dissent and youth disengagement could erode democratic norms and ignite future unrest, challenging the very stability that Mama Samia has sought to preserve. NEED TO KNOW David Ong, 83, went to check on his granddaughter and her nanny when he was fatally stabbed Police say Ong's daughter had asked him to check in after she was unable to reach the nanny The nanny, Samantha Booth, is charged with first-degree murder A Michigan nanny is accused of fatally stabbing the grandfather of the toddler she was babysitting. Police in Royal Oak, Mich., say that David Ong, 83, was asked to check on his granddaughter and her nanny, Samantha Booth, 35, on Oct. 24 after his daughter, who was out of town, was unable to reach the caretaker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ong went to the home, but did not update his daughter, who subsequently called her brother-in-law and asked him to check on both Ong and the child, according to police. The brother-in-law entered the home and heard noises coming from the basement, police say, and allegedly found Booth there in a "manic state covered in blood" and Ong suffering from serious injuries. According to police, the brother-in-law picked up the child and attempted to flee the basement and call 911 but had to fend off alleged attacks from the nanny, who allegedly pursued him with a screwdriver, say police, who said Ong was killed with a screwdriver. Eventually the man and the child were able to shelter in another home, and he called 911. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police claim Booth eventually stripped off all of her clothing and dropped the screwdriver before police arrived and arrested her. The child and her uncle suffered minor injuries in the ordeal. Booth, who police say has no criminal history, is charged with first-degree murder, one count of second-degree child abuse, one count of felonious assault and three counts of resisting a police officer. It is not immediately clear if Booth has entered a plea. 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. Fox 2 and Click On Detroit reported that the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office says that Booth had known the family for two years and had cared for the child previously with no issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors reportedly noted that Booth had been acting normally earlier in the day. According to the outlets, prosecutors say police found psychedelic mushrooms in the suspect's purse but did not say if she was under the influence. Booth was initially supposed to appear virtually in court on Tuesday, Oct. 28, according to Fox 2 and Click On, but she was reportedly uncooperative and hid on the floor of her holding cell without clothes. Read the original article on People Oct. 28 (UPI) -- Norman Grim Jr. died via lethal injection at 6:14 p.m. EDT on Tuesday as Florida set a record with its 15th execution so far in 2025 while carrying out Grim's sentence. Grim, 65, was sentenced to death after being found guilty of a 1998 sexual battery and first-degree murder of his neighbor, Cynthia Campbell, CBS News reported. Campbell, 41, was an attorney and was reported missing in July 1998 before a fisherman found her body in the waters near the Pensacola Bay Bridge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An autopsy showed she died from 11 stab wounds in her chest and several blunt-force wounds to her head and face that likely were caused by a hammer. Grim had invited Campbell to his home for coffee on the morning of July 27, 1998, after she reported a broken window at her home, according to USA Today. A responding deputy found Grim outside her home, but he said he was investigating a barking dog, the Pensacola New Journal reported in 1998. The deputy witnessed Grim repeatedly inviting Campbell to his home for coffee, which the deputy encouraged her to do. After Campbell accepted and entered Grim's home, he attacked her with a knife and a hammer, raped her and then killed her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court records show she suffered 18 blows and was stabbed 11 times, mostly in her heart. Grim wrapped her body in sheets and a carpet, which he dumped in Pensacola Bay, and a fisherman found her body two hours later. Police interviewed Grim after her body was discovered, but they had no probable cause to arrest him, and he fled the state. A manhunt ensued over the next four days, and Grim was arrested at a relative's home in Oklahoma. DNA and other evidence directly tied Grim to the murder, resulting in his conviction and death sentence in December 2000. Sixteen years before raping and killing Campbell, a jury convicted Grim of kidnapping a woman early in the morning, but she managed to escape and drove off in his vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That same day, he broke into two homes and injured a woman before being chased off by others, and then he unsuccessfully tried to kidnap a 14-year-old girl. He eventually was caught, tried and served nine years in prison for those crimes. Grim also was on parole for a subsequent burglary conviction when he raped and murdered Campbell. Grim's execution is the 41st in the nation so far this year and nearly doubles Florida's prior record of eight executions in a year. Florida is scheduled to execute Bryan Jennings on Nov. 13 for kidnapping, raping and murdering 6-year-old Becky Kunash. Four other executions are scheduled before the year ends across the United States, which would raise the total number of executions to 46 for the year. That number would be the most since 2010 but less than half the record 98 executions carried out in 1999. As a breastfeeding mom of a toddler and with another child on the way Gabrielle knows how vital it is to get the right nutrients, with her body serving both her children in different capacities. But the 21-year-old mother is worried about what the coming weeks will look like for her family as the second-longest government shutdown in US history threatens their access to a critical food assistance program. Gabrielle, who asked CNN to use only her first name due to the perceived stigma around needing assistance, is on e of the 42 million Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, the formal name for food stamps. But with SNAP benefits set to halt in the next few days, Gabrielle finds herself stretching her familys limited finances in order to fill her refrigerator. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SNAP benefits are a must right now, she said, adding her fiances workload has been slow and shes currently out of work herself. Now, in online forums usually reserved for finding handyman recommendations and lost pets, or buying and selling gently used belongings, neighbors are stepping up for one another as grocery buddies, creating a patchwork solution for vulnerable families across the country. Heres how it works: Neighbors post on social media in community groups or public forums about their willingness to be a grocery buddy and help a family at risk of losing SNAP benefits. The poster asks those interested to send them a private message. Together, they find a grocery solution that makes sense for both parties. Assistance may look different for each pairing: In some cases, grocery buddies do the shopping, while in others, they accompany one another to the supermarket and shop together. Some grocery buddies provide their counterparts gift cards, giving them agency and control in a time of uncertainty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In recent days, the grassroots effort has spread, as messages offering and seeking assistance are cut, copied and pasted throughout communities big and small, connecting neighbors and finding those in need tangible help. This week, faced with the prospect of losing SNAP assistance and the stress of the holidays around the corner, Gabrielle, a West Virginia resident, reluctantly raised her hand in a community Facebook group. I kind of almost didnt want to comment because I knew other people were going to see it, Gabrielle said, adding she didnt want to be judged based on her situation. Ultimately, she decided it was worth a shot if it meant helping her family. Its what I would want done for me A key pillar of the nations safety net, SNAP provides enrollees with an average monthly benefit of $188 per person, as of May. But amid the government shutdown, the US Department of Agriculture has said it doesnt have the funds to pay $8 billion in food stamp benefits for November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When beneficiaries will feel the impact varies, since states typically provide the benefits on a rolling basis during the month. Some will miss their payments as soon as Saturday, while others wont be hit until later in November. There arent many good alternatives: While Americans can turn to food pantries and other food assistance programs, recent years have seen these groups under pressure from rising food prices and increased need. A man holds a sign reading "SNAP Feeds Families" during "A Rally for SNAP" on the steps of the Massachusetts State House in Boston on Tuesday. - Brian Snyder/Reuters Now more than ever, community aid is going to be very important, Micah Iverson, a resident of Hatteras Island, North Carolina, told CNN. At the end of the day, were all on the same team here. Iverson posted on Sunday about his desire to serve as a grocery buddy for someone in his tight-knit community. He was floored by the responses of people in need, he said, but also the willingness of others to help further his cause and donate additional funds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A neighbor of Iversons reached out to him on Facebook and connected him with his grocery buddy, a single mother of four. After a few messages were exchanged, the 31-year-old went to his local Food Lion and ticked away at the items on the moms grocery list. To pay, Iverson said he used a $300 gift card he won during office trivia, turning it into a fridge full of food. Later that evening, within hours of his initial post, Iverson was dropping off a trunk full of groceries to the mom after she got off work, he said. Upon meeting, the strangers now friends hugged it out as tears filled his eyes, he said. Its what I would want done for me, Iverson said, adding he and his husband plan on helping the same family as long as their own financial situation allows. Volunteer Cindy Leiva, front right, helps load a vehicle as part of a food distribution effort targeting federal employee households affected by the federal shutdown as well as SNAP recipients on Monday in San Antonio. - Eric Gay/AP I encourage others to consider this if you can Kristin Schmidt knows what its like to be hungry and on the receiving end of a wholesome meal. Now, shes honored to be the one doing the giving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Silver Spring, Maryland, told CNN she was inspired by a friends social media post looking for a grocery buddy and decided to do the same in a Facebook group for local moms. If SNAP benefits run out in November, I would be happy to provide groceries for you and/or your family, she wrote, adding, I can only afford to take on one grocery buddy, but I encourage others to consider this if you can. About one in eight Americans receive help from SNAP, according to the latest data from the US Department of Agriculture. That statistic haunted Schmidt, who said she would be unable to sleep at night if she didnt do something to help. Her motivation comes out of a deep, core belief in the preciousness of every single person, she said, and wanting to make sure that the people in my neighborhood have what they need just as a basic human right. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the past few days, the mother of three was overwhelmed by the number of comments on her original post. And she said she was inundated with messages from other people wanting to offer help to their neighbors. After meeting and connecting in person, Schmidt said she plans to continue supporting her new grocery buddy a disabled grandmother relying on SNAP to feed her grandson through supermarket gift cards. My community would be less if she didnt get the support that she needs, Schmidt said. Meanwhile, Gabrielle hasnt yet found a grocery buddy to help with her familys immediate needs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But she remains hopeful and grateful that, through another community Facebook post, she was connected with a neighbor who offered to cover her familys Thanksgiving meal. For now, she said, thats one less worry on her plate. CNNs Tami Luhby contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Hurricane Melissa's impact is being felt and seen from the Triangle to Jamaica as families are still waiting to hear from their loved ones on the island. Others are breathing a sigh of relief because they have. "I was born in Kingston, Jamaica, but have lived in St. Mary all my life," said Alicia Clarke. Alicia Clarke spoke with Eyewitness News virtually from her Durham classroom while wearing Jamaican colors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Even though I'm not in Jamaica, I'm still Jamaican. I'm still standing with fellow Jamaicans," she said. Clarke heard from her brother, who lives on the island Wednesday. He shared photos of the devastation in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. "It's a picture of loss and tragedy, but there is hope and so much gratitude to God for keeping us through something like this," she said. Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti on Tuesday as a catastrophic storm that left dozens dead, widespread power outages, and damage. "I've been really shaky. I almost felt like crying a bit earlier. Friends and family have been checking in on me," said Aleisha Harding, who lives in Raleigh. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ABC11 News first spoke with Harding on Tuesday as she was waiting to hear from her loved ones in Westmoreland, Jamaica. It's now been 24 hours. "The roads are completely impassable and some of their houses are completely destroyed and washed away," she said. While she's heard from some family, she hasn't been able to reach everyone, and that includes her stepdad. "Last time I've seen my stepdad active on WhatsApp or Facebook, it's been over a day ago at this point," said Harding. She is the president of the Caribbean Association of North Carolina and is using her platform to organize and launch relief efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SEE ALSO | Hurricane Melissa slams Jamaica: How to help "Connecting with local businesses, international stores, and Caribbean stores to see what we can do," she said. Stay on top of breaking news stories with the ABC11 News App About 200 people showed up to protest outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement building in Portland on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals will review a decision that cleared the way to deploy National Guard troops. (Photo by Alex Baumhardt/Oregon Capital Chronicle) A majority of judges on a federal appeals court want to review for errors a decision made by two of their peers greenlighting National Guard deployment to Portland. This means there will be no troop deployment until their review is complete, and such reviews typically take several weeks or more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least 15 of the 29 judges of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday voted to grant lawyers for the state of Oregon an en banc or full court review of an Oct. 20 order that came from two of the circuits judges, Trump appointees Ryan Nelson and Bridget Bade. That decision overruled a lower court order that had been blocking President Donald Trump from deploying National Guard troops to Portland. The appeals courts decision to grant Oregon the review comes on the eve of the three-day trial in the states expedited court case against Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, which is scheduled to begin Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Portland. Its possible the judge presiding over that case will delay trial until the appeals court completes its review. Such intra-court reviews of 9th Circuit decisions are extremely rare granted to about one to three cases per year among the hundreds that 9th Circuit judges across nine states and two territories handle, according to Willamette University professor Norman Williams, a constitutional law expert. Typically, reviewing a case leads to reversing the smaller panels decision, Williams said, because by the time the majority of judges agree to review a case its quite clear something is wrong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oregons Attorney General Dan Rayfield said in a statement following the decision that the court is sending a clear message. This ruling shows the truth matters and that the courts are working to hold this administration accountable. The Constitution limits the presidents power, and Oregons communities cannot be treated as a training ground for unchecked federal authority, he said. Eleven judges, including Chief Judge Mary Helen Murguia, an Obama appointee, will undertake the review. State attorneys general from Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada and Washington, as well as the American Civil Liberties Union, submitted briefs in support of Oregons petition. The attorneys general wrote that in the last 233 years, presidents have relied on federal laws that allowed them to deploy National Guard troops to U.S. cities roughly 30 times. Four of those 30 have been by Trump in the last five months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The main argument for a fuller review is that a panel of judges has misapplied precedent set by earlier court decisions. The review panel will consider whether Bade and Nelson misapplied precedent set in Newsom v. Trump, a similar case decided a few months ago. Precedent Trump federalized and deployed California National Guard troops to protect federal property in Los Angeles on June 7 in the face of protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities and officers. In response, California Gov. Gavin Newsom sued and asked a federal judge to block the troop deployment until the case could go to trial. The judge agreed to temporarily block the deployment, the federal government appealed, and three judges on the 9th Circuit Court two of whom were appointed by Trump overruled the lower judge and allowed the deployment to move forward. Although the Newsom case handed the president broad power to deploy Guard troops to American cities, it did establish several standards that Oregons lawyers contend were not met in Bades and Nelsons decision when they decided Trump was within his power to deploy Guard to Portland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among them are temporal and geographic limitations Bade and Nelson argued Trump was allowed to deploy troops to Portland in September over concerns about an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in south Portland because of heightened protests that occurred in June and July. The two judges also said that attacks on ICE buildings in Los Angeles and Dallas justify deployment in Portland. Precedent in the California case refutes this, Oregons lawyers argue. The judges in the California case also affirmed that there must be more than minimal interference with federal functions and federal property to justify Guard deployment. Oregons lawyers argue that First Amendment-protected protest activity outside the Portland ICE facility has been sporadic and small, and that unlawful conduct has been handled by local law enforcement. If that justifies federalizing the National Guard, then almost anything would, they wrote in their petition for review. This case thus presents an opportunity for the en banc Court to resolve lingering conflicts of law in this area and decide whether a federalization order can ever be subject to meaningful judicial review. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judges in Newsom established that the president is owed a great level of deference in their decision to deploy troops to American cities, and that the court is allowed to determine whether the presidents decision reflects a colorable assessment of the facts and law within a range of honest judgment. Oregons lawyers argue that Bade and Nelson disregarded a lower court judges determination that there was no active rebellion or major threat to federal property and officials in Portland and instead deferred entirely to information submitted by federal lawyers. Oregons lawyers recently found that those federal lawyers overstated the law enforcement needs at the Portland ICE facility during the summer. Federal lawyers claimed that 115 Federal Protective Service officers 25% of the force had to be sent to Portland to protect the ICE building during the summer. Data that Oregons lawyers received via evidence requests shows that no more than 31 federal police were sent to the Portland ICE facility during any given month over the summer, and that 25% of the federal police force was never deployed. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX By Nathaniel Miller H-E-B is putting its money where the communitys mouth is. The Texas-based grocery chain is giving $1 million to Meals on Wheels Texas, which delivers food to homebound seniors. H-E-B is also giving $5 million to support food banks. The announcement comes after Texas officials began notifying residents that their benefits from the Supplemental Food Assistance and Nutrition Program, or SNAP, will be cut off in November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How much of the $1 million will reach Meals on Wheels of Odessa is unknown, Executive Director of Odessa Meals on Wheels Craig Stoker said. However, he said, the multimillion-dollar donation is not surprising. H-E-B continues to prove that theyre one of the best community partners out there, Stoker said. Meals on Wheels of Odessa serves and delivers more than 800 residents across Ector County by volunteers and volunteer drivers. On average, it costs about $8.50 to make each meal. In addition to the donation, H-E-B employees also volunteer by taking routes with the nonprofit. The organization also hosts the annual Feast of Sharing, currently scheduled for Dec. 5 at the Ector County Coliseum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At H-E-B, we are passionate about taking care of Texans, Winell Herron, H-E-B Senior Vice President of Public Affairs, Diversity and Environmental Affairs, said. We are proud of our longstanding partnership with these incredible organizations that work year-round to support those in need. Stoker said locally, Meals on Wheels of Odessa continues to raise funds. The nonprofit received a donation from NTACT Operations and all donations up to $50,000 will be matched. We do still need to fundraise, Stoker said. We still need community support. The post H-E-B donation to benefit Meals on Wheels appeared first on Odessa American. The Hall County Board of Education is reviewing a plan to ban cellphones and other electronic devices from K-8 classes. The board discussed the new policies at Mondays meeting, going over how they would implement new potential rules for electronic devices used by students while in school. Board documents show that previous policy said that students in Grades PreK-12 are encouraged to bring personal devices for instructional purposes. Hall County schools were considered Bring Your Own Technology environments. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] According to the documents reviewed by the board, Hall County is considering restrictions for phones, tablets, smartwatches, earbuds and other wireless communication devices, items that can record video, play games or accuses the internet during school hours on all levels. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, K-8 students would also not be allowed to have the devices on field trips, pep rallies, guest speaking events and assemblies. Grade 9-12 students would be able to have devices out in those instances. As written, the district would have exceptions in place for use of personal electronic devices when students with an approved Individualized Education Plan require devices. The policies are required to be drafted as a result of Georgias Distraction-Free Education Act. If approved, Hall County would have the new policies in place and in effect for the 2026 school year, with the specifics to be included in the Hall County Code of Conduct. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Indiana Gov. Mike Braun will welcome trick-or-treaters to the Governors Mansion Friday, Oct. 31, for Halloween. Braun and his staff will hand out candy made in the Hoosier State. This year's treats were donated by six Indiana businesses well known among local chocolate lovers. Here's what parents should know. What candy is Indiana Governor Mike Braun handing out Oct. 31, 2025? Halloween trick-or-treaters who pay a visit to the Governor's Mansion will receive goodies donated by the following Indiana-based candymakers: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Where does Indiana Gov. Mike Braun live? The Indiana Governors mansion is at 4750 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208. What time can you trick or treat at Indiana Gov. Mike Braun's address? Little Hoosiers can trick-or-treat at the Governors residence from 6-8 p.m., Friday, October 31, 2025. John Tufts covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Send him a news tip at JTufts@Gannett.com. Find him on BlueSky at JohnWritesStuff. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: When to go trick-or-treating at Indiana Gov. Mike Braun's mansion (KODE & KSN) Its the second year registered sex offenders in Missouri arent required to post their sex offender status, though the rules differ in Oklahoma, Kansas, and Arkansas. Though registering as a sex offender does not necessarily mean having committed crimes against children, the knowledge that some have is what is leaving some parents concerned and wondering how to keep their children safe during what is supposed to be a holiday of festive fun. The limits of what a registered sex offender can and cant do on Halloween vary by state. Heres a breakdown of the Four State regions regulations: Halloween requirements of Missouri registered sex offenders In the state of Missouri, registered sex offenders are no longer required to follow a 2008 ruling that they post signs saying No candy or treats at this residence since such a requirement was ruled unconstitutional by U.S. District Court Judge John Ross in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While no longer required to post signage, registered sex offenders in Missouri on Halloween are required to: Turn off all outside residential lighting by 5:00 p.m. Refrain from displaying exterior Halloween decor. Refrain from participating in any Halloween events involving children (Trunk O Treat, etc.) According to data from SafeHome.org, Missouri contains 26,294 registered sex offenders, meaning there are 427 offenders out of every 100,000 Missouri residents. CLICK HERE to view the Missouri Highway Patrols map of registered sex offenders in the state. Halloween requirements of Oklahoma registered sex offenders Sex offenders in Oklahoma are required to register and are not allowed to live within certain distances of schools and other areas. However, Oklahoma has no regulations against registered sex offenders handing out candy. In some cases, however, probation and parole terms relating to Halloween may still limit certain sex offenders on the holiday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CLICK HERE to view the Oklahoma sex offender registry, including the option to search for offenders within a certain distance of addresses. SafeHome.org says Oklahoma contains 8,242 registered sex offenders, meaning there are 208 offenders out of every 100,000 Oklahoma residents. Halloween requirements of Kansas registered sex offenders Sex offenders in Kansas have no special rules or limitations in place regarding Halloween, and outside of their normal rules are otherwise not barred from handing out candy, leaving their porch lights on, attending Halloween events, etc., unless the terms of their probation or parole prevent them from doing so. In the state of Kansas, businesses, schools, churches, etc., have the right to bar registered sex offenders from attending events on their property or being on their property in general. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Registered sex offenders in Kansas may also be subject to unannounced visits and increased oversight from parole officials during and before Halloween. CLICK HERE to view the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) sex offender registry. Kansas contains 11,083 registered sex offenders, meaning there are 377 offenders out of every 100,000 Kansas residents, according to SafeHome.org. Halloween requirements of Arkansas registered sex offenders In Arkansas, any person required to register as a sex offender and classified as a Level 3 or Level 4 offender many not pass out candy or any Halloween related items to any minor as part of a Halloween related event and may not equip themselves with a Halloween mask as part of a costume at a Halloween related event with any minors present. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state of Arkansas defines a Halloween related event as any Halloween celebration or activity involving children such as trick or treating, costume parties, and other such events taking place on October 31, as well as 14 days before and 14 days after the holiday. Registered sex offenders are not barred from handing out candy to minors they are the parent or legal guardian of. Exceptions may apply if the registered sex offender is required to wear a Halloween mask for legitimate work reasons or is involved in the commercial sale of Halloween merchandise. CLICK HERE to view the state of Arkansass sex offender registry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arkansas contains 19,323 registered sex offenders, meaning there are 640 offenders out of every 100,000 Arkansas residents, according to SafeHome.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 KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. Cameroons Constitutional Council on Monday has declared President Paul Biya the winner of the countrys presidential election, securing 53.66 percent of the votes to claim an eighth term in office. His closest contender, Issa Tchiroma Bakary of the Cameroon National Salvation Front, garnered 35.19 percent. Over 4.6 million citizens cast their ballots, representing a 57.76 percent turnout an improvement from the 2018 election. Council President Clement Atangana described the polls as free and fair, paving the way for Biya, 92, who has ruled since 1982, to continue leading the nation under the Cameroon Peoples Democratic Movement for another seven-year term. However, tensions have marred the post-election atmosphere, with security forces reportedly killing four protesters in Yaounde and Douala during opposition demonstrations over alleged electoral fraud. Despite the unrest, preparations are underway for Biyas swearing-in, which the Constitution mandates must occur within 15 days of the results proclamation, in the presence of Parliament, the Constitutional Council, and the Supreme Court. SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) With Halloween just days away, the streets will soon be filled with young trick-or-treaters but whats most important is their safety. Officials warn that Halloween night sees more pedestrian accidents than any other holiday. Local police and doctors are urging families to stay alert both on sidewalks and behind the wheel. Officials urge safety and caution for residents this week. Halloween is one of the most dangerous nights for kids walking outside, with nearly double the usual pedestrian deaths. Savannah Police will patrol busy neighborhoods, while Memorial Health urges parents to plan ahead and keep kids visible. One of the biggest things we worry about on Halloween night is pedestrian safety. Child pedestrians are twice as likely to be killed on Halloween as any other night. However, there are a couple of small things that we can do to help kids keep kids safe on Halloween. The biggest way to help stay safe on Halloween is to have a visible costume, said Dr. Alana Koehler, an Emergency Room Pediatrician at Memorial Health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Corporal Rebekah Helmick works for the Savannah Police Department. Last year, she was on duty to surveil the Ardsley Park neighborhood on Halloween. Savannah is one of a few cities across the United States that allows an open container law, which allows individuals 21 or older to consume alcohol in designated areas in downtown. With that can come an increased risk of drunk driving especially when celebrating holidays such as Halloween. Dont go out drinking and then get in a car and drive off. There will be officers out checking for that. That decision is something that puts yourself in danger, but you also put pedestrians and others driving around in danger, said Cpl. Helmick. While extra police presence will be in many neighborhoods, SPD says they will go along streets known for heavy trick-or-treat traffic. One of those is Ardsley Park and central Savannah. Many little witches, ghouls and all kinds of trick-or-treaters will be flooding the streets and sidewalks, so officers are reminding drivers to be alert. When driving on Halloween night, make sure to slow down, stay off your phone, and watch for kids darting between parked cars. At Memorial Health, doctors say they see more injuries on Halloween than almost any other night often from tripping or low-visibility costumes. They recommend adding reflective tape, glow sticks, or flashlights and checking candy for allergens or choking hazards before kids dig in. Doctors tell WSAV that a few seconds of preparation, officials say, can prevent a lifetime of regret. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I recommend all families inspect the candy when their kids come home from trick-or-treating. Thats a time to set aside any candies that might be dangerous. This means anything that has food, allergens and choking hazards, anything thats unwrapped or any homemade treats that were made by someone that you dont know well, said Dr. Koehler. Children can gather dozens of sweet treats while filling up their trick-or-treat bags or buckets. However, health professionals say there is a limit children should stick to for sugar intake. It is important that children have reasonable goals for how much candy theyre going to have in a night and that parents set reasonable expectations and limits. Ideally, it would be less than 25 grams in a day, so that ends up being only about five or six pieces of Halloween candy, said Dr. Koehler. For maximum safety, officials ask trick-or-treaters to go out between 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Police and health officials say a little planning keeps Halloween fun and out of the Emergency Room. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres going to be a lot of kids and a lot of parents going house to house across the Coastal Empire this Friday. The United States Census Bureau estimates around 41 million children between the ages of 5 to 14 years trick-or-treat. Officials say, just dont go to a house that doesnt have a light on outside. Be safe, be aware of your surroundings. Thats the biggest thing. Trick-or-treat in neighborhood youre familiar with and only go to houses where the porch light is on outside. Make sure kids dont go into homes. Just stand on the outside, get whatever candy and then move on to the next, said Cpl. Helmick. WSAV has more tips below to keep your Halloween fun not frightening. Click here from Memorial Health on a more detailed list to have safe fun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tip overview from SPD: Trick-or-treat only during the suggested timeframe 5-8 p.m. on Oct. 31 Only visit familiar, well-lit neighborhoods and homes that have their porch lights on. Walk on the sidewalk and observe all traffic laws. Parents should inspect childrens candy before they eat any. If anything is unwrapped or looks suspicious, throw it away. Never go into a home while trick-or-treating. Children should always trick-or-treat with an adult. Notify the police of any suspicious activity. For those who want a different pace of trick-or-treating or to get more into the Halloween fun. SPD will host Blue Light Fright Night on Friday, Oct 31, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Central Precinct located at 1710 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. This event will include a haunted house walk-through and candy for attendees, with pre-filled bags for those in strollers and wheelchairs. 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. Thousands of low income families around New Hampshire may be left scrambling for food on Nov. 1 as benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) dry up due to the ongoing government shutdown. On Oct. 27, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said her department lacks the amount of money needed to cover SNAP benefits in November, contradicting earlier guidance that said they could use contingency funds. The SNAP program in November costs $9.2 billion, Rollins said in a Tuesday afternoon interview on CNN. We dont even have close to that in contingency funding." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Oct. 23, the state of New Hampshire announced their contingency plan for delayed SNAP benefits. We recognize the importance of SNAP to New Hampshire residents, and we are monitoring this situation closely, said Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Commissioner Lori Weaver in a statement announcing the plan. We are working with our community partners across the state in an effort to limit disruptions for people who are experiencing food insecurity and are committed to helping people connect with resources for food assistance until the federal government shutdown is resolved or benefits are restored. Here's what to know. How many SNAP recipients are in New Hampshire? In New Hampshire, 76,900 residents received SNAP benefits in 2024, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Thats 5% of the state population, or one in 18. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 62% of SNAP participants in New Hampshire are in families with children. The average monthly benefit per household is $167. New Hampshire announces contingency plan The state of New Hampshire announced Tuesday that it will partner with the New Hampshire Food Bank to expand the Food Banks mobile food pantry program. Under the plan, the Food Bank will open up to 20 locations across the state, twice a week for the next 5 weeks. The food pantries will be available only for SNAP participants. I want to thank our partners at the New Hampshire Food Bank for joining us in this effort to ensure vulnerable Granite Staters get the food they need in the event this shutdown continues, said Governor Kelly Ayotte. Now, politicians in Washington must get their act together and reopen the federal government so critical programs like SNAP and WIC can continue without disruption. Isabel Cole, pantry market manager at Gather in Portsmouth, talks about the distribution of food Thursday, March 13, 2025. What about WIC and school lunches? The National School Breakfast and National School Lunch programs, which provide free and reduced meals to school children, will continue to be available for eligible families, according to the NH DHHS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state will also be able to sustain food benefits for the 13,000 New Hampshire residents participating in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) until at least November 7, according to NH DHHS. But funding to support local WIC Agencies will dry up after Oct. 31, the state said. These local New Hampshire agencies will close on Nov. 1: Community Action Program Belknap-Merrimack Counties Goodwin Community Health Community Action Partnership Hillsborough & Rockingham Counties Southwestern Community Services How will SNAP halt impact grocery stores, schools, food banks According to a lawsuit filed by a group of Democratic attorneys general, the lapse in benefits will harm grocers and merchants who accept SNAP benefits. It will especially affect grocers like Walmart, which captures almost a quarter of SNAP shopper spending, according to a Numerator report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It will also impact school systems, including college and universities where many students are on SNAP benefits, and could put a strain on local food banks. Where to get help NH DHHS warned that SNAP recipients may not be able to access any unused beneftis on their EBT cards and suggested they use them before Oct. 31. However, they also said that those who receive cash assistance on their EBT cards will continue to be able to access those benefits. State officials urge residents to check their EBT balances by visiting ebtedge.com or calling 1-888-979-9939. Those who typically rely on SNAP benefits can use food banks and other subsidized meal programs amid the funding lapse. The New Hampshire Food Bank has a map of food pantries and soup kitchens around the state. You can find the full map here: NH Food Bank Food Map. Isabel Cole, pantry market manager at Gather in Portsmouth, works Thursday, March 13, 2025 to distribute food received from the New Hampshire Food Bank. List of Seacoast NH food pantries Barrington Barrington Community Food Pantry; 105C Ramsdell Lane Josephs Storehouse Food Pantry; 8 Eastern Ave Dover CAPSC Dover Outreach Food Pantry; 577 Central Ave Suite 10 Dover Food Pantry; 1 Silver Street Our Daily Bread/St Jos. Ch. Food Pantry; 180 Locust Street Durham Cornucopia Food Pantry; 15 Mill Road St Thomas More Food Pantry; 6 Madbury Road Exeter St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry; 53 Lincoln Street Hampton Hampton United Methodist Church Food Pantry; 525 Lafayette Rd Salvation Army Food Pantry; 324 Lafayette Rd. Suit 3 St. Vincents Community Kitchen; 441R Lafayette Road St. Vincent De Paul Food Pantry; 289 Lafayette Road Molly Zirillo, executive director of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul food pantry, explained that the pantry began noticing an increased need after the COVID-19 pandemic. Newmarket Newmarket Food Pantry; 137 Main Street Portsmouth Gather Food Pantry & Mobile Markets; 210 West Road, Suite 3 Operation Blessing Food Pantry; 600 A Lafayette Road Portsmouth SDA Church Food Pantry; 861 Middle Road Recovery Church Meal Program; 129 Miller Ave Salvation Army Food Pantry & Soup Kitchen; 272 Rockland St. Rochester CAPSC Rochester Outreach Food Pantry; 10 Coldspring Manor Emmanual Advent Meals; 75 Eastern Ave Emmanual Advent Church Food Pantry; 75 Eastern Ave Grace Community Church Food Pantry; 57 Wakefield Street Rochester Fellowship Soup Kitchen; 34 South Main St. Salvation Army food Pantry; 10 Olde Farm Lane Seabrook Seabrook Food Pantry at SNH Services; 146 Lafayette Road bPotters Pantry; 867 Lafayette Road This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: What to know about SNAP halt in New Hampshire: Where to get help Health officials in the mid-Atlantic region have recently reported a rise in hand, foot and mouth disease, or HFMD. There were 197 emergency department visits related to the disease in September, primarily among children younger than 5, according to the District of Columbia Health Department. The Virginia Department of Health is also reporting significant increases in emergency department and urgent care visits for hand, foot and mouth disease. Compared with previous years, in Virginia and West Virginia, there has been a notable increase in reported outbreaks, with schools and day care centers accounting for the majority of outbreaks. What is hand, foot and mouth disease, and what causes it? How is it spread? What are the symptoms, and how long do they last? Can adults also get it? How is it diagnosed and treated? Should parents keep children home from school or day care when they have it? What steps can families take to help prevent infection? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To help us answer these questions, I spoke with CNN wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen. Wen is an emergency physician and clinical associate professor at the George Washington University. She previously served as Baltimores health commissioner. CNN: What is hand, foot and mouth disease? Dr. Leana Wen: Hand, foot and mouth disease is a highly contagious viral illness that primarily affects infants and young children. Its caused by a group of viruses known as enteroviruses, most commonly coxsackievirus A16. It is not the same as foot-and-mouth disease, which affects farm animals like cattle, sheep, pigs and goats and does not infect humans. Hand, foot and mouth disease gets its name from the small blister-like sores it causes on the hands and feet and inside the mouth. While the illness can be uncomfortable, it is generally mild and resolves on its own. A rash on the palms and soles is a common sign of hand, foot and mouth disease. - CDC CNN: How is it spread, and who is most at risk? Wen: Hand, foot and mouth disease spreads very easily through close personal contact and contaminated surfaces. A person can become infected after being exposed to droplets released when someone with the illness coughs, sneezes or talks. It can also spread through touching an infected person, such as during hugging, kissing, or sharing cups and utensils. The virus is present in stool as well, so changing diapers or helping a sick child in the bathroom can lead to infection if hands arent washed thoroughly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It can also spread when someone touches objects or surfaces like toys or doorknobs that have the virus on them, and then touches their eyes, nose or mouth. Rarely, people can become infected by swallowing contaminated recreational water, such as from a pool that hasnt been properly treated. Young children are most at risk because their immune systems are still developing, and they are more likely to struggle with personal hygiene and share toys and have close contact with others. CNN: What are the symptoms, and how long do they last? Wen: The first sign of the disease is usually a fever, followed by a sore throat and a general feeling of being unwell. These flu-like symptoms typically start three to five days after catching the virus. A day or two later, small painful spots can develop inside the mouth, often on the tongue, gums or inner cheeks. These spots can turn into tiny blisters or ulcers, making it uncomfortable for children to eat or drink. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around the same time, a rash can appear on the hands and feet, and sometimes on the buttocks, legs or arms. The rash may look like flat red spots or small bumps that can form blisters, but it typically doesnt itch. Some children have the mouth sores without the rash, while others have the rash without any sores. A child with hand, foot and mouth disease shows her palm at a local hospital in China. - Donald Chan/Reuters Most cases are mild and clear up on their own in about a week to 10 days. During that time, its important to keep children well hydrated, since mouth pain can make them less willing to drink fluids. CNN: Can adults also get it? Wen: Yes, although its much more common in young children. Because most people are first exposed during childhood, adults often have some immunity. Still, anyone who hasnt been infected before or whose immune system is weakened can catch it through close contact with someone who is sick. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When teenagers or adults do get hand, foot and mouth disease, symptoms are usually mild or may not appear at all. Some adults may have only a sore throat or mild rash without the typical mouth sores or blisters. However, they can still spread the virus to others, including young children. CNN: How is hand, foot and mouth disease diagnosed and treated? Wen: Health care providers usually diagnose the disease based on the characteristic symptoms and recent exposure to other sick children. A physical exam is typically enough to confirm the diagnosis. In rare cases, if the illness looks unusual or severe, the clinician may collect a throat swab or stool sample to test for the specific virus. There is no specific medicine that cures hand, foot and mouth disease. Because its caused by a virus, antibiotics do not help. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can reduce fever and mouth pain, and cool, soft foods or cold drinks can make eating and drinking more comfortable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Staying hydrated is the most important part of care, since mouth sores can make swallowing painful and dehydration can develop quickly in young children. Most cases clear up on their own without complications, but parents should contact a doctor if a child cannot keep fluids down, has a high fever lasting more than a few days or seems unusually drowsy or irritable. CNN: Should parents keep children home from school or day care? Wen: Because hand, foot and mouth disease tends to be mild, children dont need to stay home for the entire illness. The guidance from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is that they can return to school or day care once they no longer have a fever, feel well enough to take part in normal activities, and can manage any mouth sores without excessive drooling. Parents should also check with their school or day care, since specific policies may vary. The CDC cautions that in some situations, such as during an outbreak, the local health department may ask families to keep affected children home temporarily to help limit further spread. CNN: Are there steps families can take to help prevent infection? Wen: Yes. Regular and thorough handwashing is one of the most effective protective measures. Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the toilet or changing a diaper, before preparing or eating food, and after blowing the nose or coughing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Covering coughs and sneezes, ideally using a disposable tissue or the crook of the elbow, can help stop the spread of virus-laden droplets. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects. And people should also avoid close personal contact with infected individuals. This means no sharing of drinks, utensils, toothbrushes or towels, and keeping hugs or kisses to a minimum if someone is ill. Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple. Sign up for CNNs Life, But Better newsletter for information and tools designed to improve your well-being. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com HANOVER, N.H. (ABC22/FOX44) According to the Hanover Fire Department, one person was injured at an assisted living facility in Hanover on Wednesday. Firefighters say they responded to the scene at 32 Buck Road at 11:21 a.m. Wednesday. The address is the site of the Wheelock Terrace assisted living and memory care community. According to authorities, the explosion took place in a mechanical area of the building, and one worker was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. However, the heating system reportedly sustained major damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hanover garage will be closed to public parking for up to 10 weeks Because the building currently has no heat, residents are now reportedly being relocated until repairs are complete. 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 ABC22 & FOX44. 'It's not a conscription law, its a full-blown law for draft evasion. If this draft is advanced, not a single haredi will enlist,' said Lapid Tensions over the controversial haredi (ultra-Orthodox) conscription law have continued to escalate ahead of Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee chair MK Boaz Bismuths expected presentation of the bills outline next week, with a massive haredi protest scheduled for Thursday in Jerusalem. Tens of thousands of people are expected to participate in todays haredi protest against conscription to the IDF. The Million Man Rally event, which will hold a prayer session, is scheduled to take place between 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., according to the organizers of the Cry of the Torah, which include the haredi parties United Torah Judaism (UTJ) and Shas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Cry of the Torah, the main demonstration will be held near the entrance to Jerusalem, closing off the Tel AvivJerusalem Highway to private vehicles at the entrance in both directions, starting at 12:00 p.m. Jerusalem's Yitzhak Navon train station is also slated to be closed from 12:30, Ynet reported. The UTJ and Shas both resigned from the government in July following the fallout in negotiations over the mandatory army service for haredim bill, which was being developed under former Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee chairperson Yuli Edelstein (Likud). Edelstein was later ousted from his position as chair and replaced by Bismuth, who has been working on a new outline of the law. Ultra-Orthodox demonstrators protest at the Bar Ilan intersection in Jerusalem, following the arrest of a haredi draft-dodger. (credit: YANIV NADAV/FLASH90) While the proposal was initially scheduled to be presented to the committee this Thursday, Bismuths office announced on Monday that the discussion would be moved to the following Monday at the request of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The discussion will now take place next Monday, in order to allow the prime minister time to review the draft version of the law that has been submitted for his examination, the statement said. N12 reported on Tuesday that a leaked version of Bismuths outline showed significant changes to the bill, reverting to previous versions that failed to enforce haredi conscription into the IDF. Bismuths office has not responded to The Jerusalem Posts request for comment regarding what the report said about the outline. Key changes in the bill reportedly include the cancellation of the quota requirement for haredi combat soldiers, allowing the civil security service to count toward the quota of haredi recruits, and revising the definition of who qualifies as haredi, as per N12. 'Its a full-blown law for draft evasion' Opposition leader Yair Lapid (Yesh Atid) slammed the report on the bill on Tuesday evening, saying, Its not a conscription law, its a full-blown law for draft evasion. If this bill is advanced, not a single haredi will enlist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Edelstein also criticized the reported outline, stating, When I see this bill, I realize that those who dismissed me were right: I dont have the skills to come up with a draft-dodging scheme instead of a proper conscription law, in the midst of an existential war, when our reservists are collapsing under the pressure. The Movement for Quality Government in Israel said, This is not a draft law, but an evasion law designed to permit tens of thousands of draft evaders to dodge army service retroactively. The low goals, the ridiculous sanctions, and the complete disregard for the previous High Court ruling prove that the government has chosen to deliberately undermine the rule of law and the principle of equality, the statement added. Uri Keidar, the executive director of the Israel Hofsheet movement, said, Every hand raised in support of this disgraceful proposal is a poke in the eye of reservists and their families in an act of complete contempt for the immense sacrifice made by hundreds of thousands of Israelis over the past two years. Gabriel Gonzalez (Courtesy: City of Harlingen) HARLINGEN City Manager Gabriel Gonzalez, whos guided the city commission for four years, is on leave following major surgery, he said Tuesday. Gonzalez said his surgeon gave him a target date of Jan. 5 to return to work. I am confident I will reach that benchmark, Gonzalez said in a text message. I want to individually thank all the commission for visiting me in the hospital, my friends both in and out of government for their well wishes, flowers and prayers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, commissioners appointed Assistant City Manager Oscar Garcia to serve as interim city manager. What he expected to be a medical procedure turned into major surgery on Oct. 15, Gonzalez said. I had a scheduled procedure that was set to keep me out of work for four days, he said. After my doctor started, he discovered it was more serious than he had anticipated. I had major surgery the following day to address the problem. During a special meeting Monday, commissioners appointed Garcia, the citys assistant city manager for external affairs, to oversee daily operations. The city is in good hands, Gonzalez said. We have established a high-performance team and the city is in a great financial position. I look forward to returning to work early next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Garcia said hes been overseeing operations since Gonzalez went on leave. Ill do the best I can, Garcia said Tuesday. Weve got an excellent support staff. At City Hall, officials are focusing on operational goals including drainage and street projects, Garcia said, adding he spoke with Gonzalez on Monday. Were going to continue focus on operational goals he set for us, he said. Hes very focused on drainage projects and, of course, streets, and parks are on everyones mind. Were staying the course. Garcia, whos been on the job as assistant city manager for external affairs since 2023, described Gonzalez as a great mentor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes a good man, Garcia said. Hes been my leader. I told him I wasnt going to let him down. Hes anxious to come back. Before taking over as assistant city manager for external affairs, Garcia was working as the citys public works director after serving in that position with the city of San Benito. From 2022-23, Garcia served as Bay Citys public works departments assistant director, according to the Texas Municipal League. Garcia holds an associate degree in business management and a bachelor of applied technology degree, each from South Texas College in McAllen, and a master of management degree from National American University in Austin, according to the citys website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since last year, Garcias held a public managers certificate from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Gonzalez has served as Harlingens city manager since October 2021, when a previous commission appointed him to the position, setting his salary at $225,000, after hed served as assistant city manager since 2001. In 2023, Gonzalezs job evaluation led to his first three-year contract along with a $25,000 pay increase, bumping his salary to $250,000. About two months ago, commissioners signed him to a new three-year contract running until 2029. Earlier this year, the Texas City Management Association recognized Gonzalez as this years recipient of its Excellence in Ethics and Integrity Award, going out each year to a member serving local government with dignity, honor and integrity while demonstrating exceptional ethics while carrying out their duties. The post Harlingen city manager on leave after major surgery; interim appointed appeared first on MyRGV.com. [Source] Harvard Colleges Asian American enrollment has climbed to 41% in the Class of 2029, an 11-percentage-point jump since the Supreme Court banned race-conscious admissions in 2023. By the numbers: The Class of 2029s Asian American share is a notable increase from 37% in last years incoming class and 29.9% in the Class of 2027, which was admitted before the Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA) v. Harvard ruling took effect in June 2023. Meanwhile, Black student enrollment dropped to 11.5% from 14%, and Hispanic enrollment fell more sharply to 11% from 16%, marking the steepest decline among racial groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The demographic shifts come as Harvard required standardized test scores for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The university received 47,893 applications, down from 54,008 the previous year, after reinstating the testing mandate following a five-year suspension. It admitted 2,003 students, pushing the acceptance rate to 4.18%, the highest since 2020. Yet total applications still exceed the Class of 2023 applicant pool by 10%, suggesting the policy shift may have had less impact than some predicted. International students, meanwhile, account for 15% of incoming freshmen. This held steady despite the Trump administrations efforts this past spring and summer to restrict their enrollment, including revoking Harvards Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification, a move later blocked in federal court. Trending on NextShark: Keke Palmer series sparks backlash for portrayal of Asian student at HBCU Behind the scenes: The enrollment shift unfolds as Asian American communities remain divided over affirmative action. In its legal challenge, SFFA accused Harvard of systematically disadvantaging high-achieving Asian applicants through preferences for underrepresented minorities. Whether the new data validates the groups core claims cannot be immediately ascertained, but they spark renewed debate over whether increased Asian representation signals genuine progress or simply transfers opportunities from one minority group to another in a zero-sum competition for limited seats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Transparency concerns have also grown. Harvard delayed its demographic release until fall, the federal reporting deadline, while switching to a calculation method that counts students selecting multiple races across each category rather than as a separate group. This makes it harder to track actual compositional shifts year over year. At the same time, the return to mandatory testing raises concerns about barriers for underrepresented students. Harvard justifies the move partly through internal research linking standardized scores to academic success, but administrators maintain that test performance represents just one element in comprehensive applicant reviews. The big picture: Harvards experience mirrors broader national trends at elite institutions. Princeton reported Black enrollment at 5%, the lowest proportion since 1968, while its Asian American population reached 27.1%. An Associated Press analysis of 20 selective colleges found declining Black representation at nearly every campus, with institutions like Caltech and Bates reporting Black students comprise roughly 2% of freshmen. Trending on NextShark: Hmong refugee pardoned by Michigan governor still faces deportation to Laos The data also comes as federal intervention has escalated. In August, the Trump administration mandated comprehensive annual admissions data submissions designed to expose hidden racial proxies, while SFFA warned Yale, Princeton and Duke of potential lawsuits over Asian enrollment fluctuations. The pressure appears to be having an effect as fewer than 20 top-tier schools have released enrollment figures compared to more than 30 by this point last year. This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices. Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what were building, consider becoming a paid member your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community. Trending on NextShark: New York AG launches portal to report ICE following Chinatown raid Subscribe here now! Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today! HCA Florida West Palms Hospital has unveiled a new critical transport service that will serve its patients in western Palm Beach County and parts of The Glades. The service, based from its campus on Southern Boulevard near Royal Palm Beach, includes a new fleet of three ambulances and debut a mobile telemedicine program, designed to stream a patients vitals to the hospitals specialists so they can receive expert care while in transit. For example, the ambulances will be equipped with high-resolution fish-eye cameras, and a physician at the hospital can tune in and see the patient before they arrive in real-time, accelerating their diagnosis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ambulances will also have onboard a Doppler device that tests for blood flow, a digital stethoscope, cardiac monitors and a Hamilton T1 transport ventilator. HCA Florida is covering the cost of the service, which it did not specify. For now, the fleet will serve patients transferring in and out of Palms West from Palm Beach and Hendry counties and parts of The Glades. HCA Florida hopes to expand it to cover a wide region possibly all of Palm Beach County in the months ahead. HCA Florida: Palms West ambulance fleet is 'state of the art' Palms West CEO Jason Kimbrell has been around emergency vehicles his entire career. Before ascending to his current job, he was a firefighter, a flight paramedic and an EMS commander. He said the equipment in these new ambulances is on par with what you would find in a hospital. This is truly a state-of-the-art fleet, Kimbrell said. We end up having a lot of the monitoring capabilities for neonates that don't generally present inside a general standard ambulance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of these types of technologies are just at the highest level in the industry. Among them are: A "Glidescope," a video laryngoscope for advanced airway management. A Lucas device, which is a robotic chest-compression system for automated CPR. A LifePak 35, a monitor/defibrillator offering real-time data streaming and trending of vital signs, invasive pressure monitoring. HCA Florida has unveiled a new fleet at Palms West Hospital near Royal Palm Beach. All are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to help doctors at the hospital receive real-time data from medics with the intention of improving patient care. In the near term, Palms West and the HCA Florida JFK Medical Centers in Atlantis and West Palm Beach also want to launch HCA's ECMO short for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation mobile transport system, which will allow greater heart and lung bypass capabilities. Kimbrell says having served on the frontlines has given him an unusual perspective that has helped him thrive in his position. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have the experience of what goes on out in the field and have also put myself in a position of how I would respond if given all of the resources necessary to care for and improve human life out in the field, Kimbrell said. I'm blessed to have that experience, but also be supported by HCA Health Care that's willing to make the investment to be different by design. Ambulance service could expand to serve Palm Beach County Kimbrell says he hopes to expand the services reach following approval from the Palm Beach County Commission. Based on the County Commission's issuance of the certificate of public convenience and necessity, we're able to transport patients into Palms West Hospital and out of Palms West, Kimbrell said. That's where we currently provide services, and then our aim is to begin expanding those services into other areas of the county and the surrounding areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The transport service will also support the hospitals new free-standing emergency room, an off-campus extension of the ER that provides 24/7 medical care. Its set to break ground in March 2026 on Okeechobee Boulevard and Vista Parkway. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Fleet of 'state-of-the-art' ambulances now serves Palms West Hospital Double poles have been a thorn in the side of Massachusetts municipal officials for decades. But top officials from the Healey administration think there is momentum behind ongoing talks and a realistic chance to address the perennial problem with a provision tucked into the governors municipal reforms bill. The double pole problem emerges when an older utility pole needs to be replaced. Utility companies often install a new pole next to the old one and then transfer everything attached to the old pole to the new one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But despite state law that says the old poles must be removed within 90 days, they often remain in place, causing headaches for municipal officials who try to get pole owners to take them down, sometimes for years. Critics of double poles say they are unsightly, force drivers and pedestrians to contend with unnecessary visual obstacles, and create situations where high voltage wires could be attached to poles that are not set in the ground. Utilities have argued that crackdown efforts do not account for the coordination required when multiple companies have equipment on the same pole. Read More: A new domestic violence bill in Massachusetts could help solve suspicious deaths Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After 25 years of experience in municipal government in multiple communities, I can attest that double poles are a priority for every community that I discuss, from the Cape to Western Massachusetts; its a common discussion item, Jeff Colby, director of public works for Yarmouth, told the Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government. Colby added that double poles hint at larger problems to come as we, as a population, increase our electricity use in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reach our statewide climate goals. Gov. Maura Healeys so-called Municipal Empowerment Act (H 56) takes the latest swing at the problem (the first clear reference in the News Service archives to attempts to address double poles is from 2003) by proposing to double the length of time utilities have to remove the old poles to 180 days while giving municipalities, for the first time, the authority to enforce the deadline with $1,000 penalties for utilities that fail to comply. Our goal with this provision isnt revenue generation, I want to be clear about that. Its really about the removal of double poles. Thats why since we originally filed this bill, weve been working with a group of stakeholders and legislators with municipalities and utilities about how to make this process smoother, Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew Gorzkowicz told the committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gorzkowicz said the administration updated the double pole provision in the bill since it filed it last session, specifically to push out the effective date of the new requirements. This sessions bill would have the double pole provisions take effect one year after being signed into law. I think thats really the big difference, is really to recognize that there have been ongoing conversations. The conversations have actually been fruitful and meaningful, and we think people are serious about wanting to come to the table and do something about this, he said. And so we wanted to give more time for the implementation. A popular idea with local officials who stand to gain greater taxation powers and additional flexibility around state regulations, the governors Municipal Empowerment Act has never caught on in the Legislature. The version she filed last session was spiked as the cost of living was a top-of-mind issue across the state in an election year. The Municipalities Committees hearing Tuesday focused only on the parts of the governors bill that were sent to that committee, namely updates to procurement procedures, an allowance for regional boards of assessors, permanent authorization for municipalities to permit hybrid public meetings, and alignment of the procurement of snow hauling with snow removal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All in all, this bill is meant to support the municipal leaders of our 351 cities and towns as they deliver for the people of this state, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll said. She added, We believe that this bill is comprehensive and addresses the need for municipalities to have increased flexibility, increased efficiency and resources. But its the other parts of the governors bill, the ones that were sent to the Revenue Committee, that are generating some heartburn among constituents, Rep. Kristin Kassner, D-2nd Essex, said. Those parts of the governors bill would allow cities and towns to increase local taxes on meals, lodging and vehicle registrations. The maximum local option tax on hotels, motels and rentals would rise from 6% of the price of a room to 7%, or from 6.5% to 7.5% in Boston. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The legislation would also increase the maximum local option meals tax from 0.75% to 1%, and allow municipalities to add a surcharge of up to 5% on motor vehicle excise bills. If some of those pieces didnt move forward, but the pieces within this [committee] move forward, would that still be a win for our communities? Kassner asked the head of the Mass. Municipal Association, which has been a big supporter of the governors bill. We certainly remain supportive of the entirety of the bill, but were excited about each and every aspect of the bill, MMA Executive Director Adam Chapdelaine said. I would say we are firmly supportive of the bill as filed, but would like to see pieces of it -- if not a significant portion of it -- enacted to be able to benefit the folks we have here with us today. On Tuesday, the Revenue Committee announced that it will hold its hearing on Healeys local option tax ideas on Nov. 7, part of a hearing in Gardner Auditorium on local taxes and the property tax. More on Politics Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here. United States Senior Advisor Massad Boulos has declared American recognition of Moroccos sovereignty over Western Sahara as fundamental and irreversible, expressing strong optimism for a definitive resolution to the decades-long regional dispute. In exclusive remarks to Sky News Arabia on Monday, Boulos, who serves as President Trumps advisor for Africa and Middle East affairs, emphasized that current dynamics within the UN Security Council, combined with political will from both Rabat and Algiers, create unprecedented conditions for diplomatic breakthrough. When a durable solution is found regarding the Sahara, settling the dispute between Algeria and Morocco will become much easier, Boulos stated, noting that the Security Council will address the issue on October 30. He confirmed Washington is working with all partners, particularly Morocco and Algeria, to achieve a resolution satisfying all parties. The advisor stressed that Moroccos autonomy proposal represents the best possible framework for resolving the conflict, while highlighting King Mohammed VIs conviction that a rapid final settlement is achievable and noting Algerias apparent openness to constructive dialogue. The US position builds upon President Trumps 2020 recognition of Moroccan sovereignty, which Boulos characterized as irreversible policy. In recent interviews, he confirmed America will open a consulate in Moroccos southern provinces, stating Of course, God willing when asked about the diplomatic missions establishment in Dakhla. This renewed American engagement follows Secretary of State Marco Rubios April meeting with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, where Rubio endorsed Moroccos autonomy plan as the sole basis for negotiations, describing it as serious, credible and realistic. During a September meeting with UN Envoy Staffan de Mistura, Boulos reiterated that genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the only feasible solution for Western Sahara, emphasizing MINURSOs stabilizing role and the need for regional peace. The diplomatic momentum extends beyond Washington. Frances President Macron declared Western Saharas present and future lie under Moroccan sovereignty, while the United Kingdom shifted from neutrality to endorsing Moroccos autonomy plan as the most viable solution. Spain had already taken this position in March 2022. Boulos indicated discussions aim to bridge positions before entering a second phase addressing comprehensive bilateral relations. Options under consideration include extending MINURSOs mandate for three-month renewable periods, suggesting tactical adjustments to facilitate negotiations. The optimism reflects broader regional dynamics, with American officials perceiving new opportunities for resolution as the dispute approaches its 50th anniversary, potentially ending one of Africas longest-running territorial conflicts through diplomatic engagement centered on Moroccos autonomy framework. Maine Rep. Grayson Lookner (D-Portland) is leading a petition effort to put a universal health coverage question on an upcoming ballot. (Photo by Getting Images) With health insurance prices set to increase dramatically in the coming months and amid a federal government shutdown hinging on addressing those costs, a new effort to establish publicly funded health care coverage for all Maine residents is emerging. State Rep. Grayson Lookner (D-Portland) is listed as the lead petitioner for a citizens initiative seeking to create legislation to establish universal health care coverage in the state. The petition specifically asks for the legislative committee in charge of health care and insurance matters to come up with a bill by 2028. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Secretary of States office confirmed Wednesday that the initiative has been approved for circulation, meaning those behind the effort can begin collecting signatures. The petition will need about 68,000 signatures by early February to make it onto the 2026 ballot. The number of signatures required represents 10% of the total votes cast in the last gubernatorial election in 2022. Lookner said whether there will be signature gathering efforts on Election Day next week depends on whether the group behind the petition can secure funding. Lookner said the time is right for this effort, given the federal shutdown. He argued the state needs to step up and make sure residents have access to medical care. As a lawmaker, Lookner could introduce a bill proposing universal health care, but he said its important that the Legislature sees that the vast majority of Maine sees health care as a human right, so taking it directly to the people is what we want to do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need to ask ourselves how much we want the state to step up in lieu of whats happening federally with just massive cuts that are going to really adversely affect huge parts of our population, he added. Lookner said the hope is to get on the 2026 ballot, but if they arent able to secure what they need in time, the group behind the petition would push for the following year. Abbie Ryder, the former campaign manager for Maine Healthcare Action, which attempted a similar ballot measure during the Covid-19 pandemic but came up short on signatures, said the petition was filed on the off chance that funding could be secured in time to collect signatures on Election Day, though she said thats doubtful. Still, like Lookner, she said its important, given the current state of health coverage, to show popular support for the Legislature to draft a plan for a universal system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Time and time again, multiple bills have been presented and some have been very comprehensive, only for them to not pass, said Ryder, who also used to work for Maine AllCare, a nonprofit focused on educating the public on the health care system. The effort will continue whether it starts this November or not. The November 2026 ballot is already stacked with key races including an open seat for governor and a strong effort from Democrats to unseat Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, who is up for reelection alongside both of Maines members of the U.S. House of Representatives. Earlier this year, two bills were introduced in the Maine Legislature to restart the conversation around universal health care. Proponents stressed the need for a better system, specifically aiming to address rising health care challenges including the closure of hospitals in rural Maine, the uncertainty around Medicaid funding, and overall health care costs increasing. However, the legislation ultimately failed. During public hearings, the states Office of Affordable Health Care said the state isnt in a position to implement the proposal with the current financial constraints and the amount of change that would be required for implementation.. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Health care costs are top of mind not only in Maine, but across the country. Congressional Democrats have said they wont support a stopgap spending bill to reopen the government until there is bipartisan agreement to extend expiring tax credits for people who buy health insurance through the Affordable Care Act Marketplace. On Wednesday the Trump administration gave a preview of how much those costs are expected to rise, which in some locations could be as much as 30%. For states like Maine that run their own insurance markets, those increases are set to be slightly lower, closer to 17%, according to an analysis by KFF. The Maine Bureau of Insurance warned last month that if the credits expire thousands of Mainers could see their monthly health premiums increase by as much as 117%. Of the 61,000 Maine people who enroll through CoverME.gov, 85% rely on premium tax credits to reduce their monthly costs. These families are expected to see an average premium increase of $258 per month if the enhanced credits expire. Nearly 9,500 consumers 18% of those receiving assistance will lose all premium support if the enhanced credits expire, leading to average increases of more than $900 per month. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The New Jersey Department of Health has issued a public alert after a passenger with measles spent more than three hours last week at Newark Liberty International Airport. Anyone who was in Terminal B on Oct. 19 between 2:15 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. may have been exposed, according to the bulletin. The infected person is not a New Jersey resident, but visited New Jersey while infected, health officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While there has not been a reported measles outbreak in New Jersey this year despite numerous outbreaks across the U.S. due to declining vaccination rates similar alerts have been issued about potential exposure at the airport at least three other times since January. The state has reported 10 measles cases so far this year, up from seven in 2024, according to the Department of Health. Three deaths have been reported in the U.S. Measles can cause high fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes and a rash that begins on the face before spreading, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. It can also cause serious complications, such as pneumonia and swelling of the brain. Anyone experiencing symptoms who was at the airport is advised to contact a health care provider before seeking in-person diagnosis and treatment. Health officials warn that symptoms may not appear for two or more weeks, and that potentially exposed individuals could develop symptoms as late as Nov. 9. British officials are on edge after finding eggs of a deadly pest in multiple counties around the capital. What's happening? The Daily Telegraph reported that the Health Security Agency revealed eggs from invasive mosquitoes were found in Heathrow Airport and a service station in Kent. There are over 3,000 mosquito species worldwide, but just two species cause the vast majority of mosquito-borne diseases: Aedes albopictus, also known as the Asian tiger mosquito, and Aedes aegypti, aka the yellow fever mosquito. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both species have established themselves across Europe, and outbreaks of dengue and chikungunya have occurred in France and Italy. Even in post-Brexit Britain, thousands of vehicles cross the English Channel every day, making them the most likely source of an outbreak. "One of the key routes is likely to be in people's vehicles, so if people see mosquitoes, perhaps let them out before they cross the channel," UKHSA's Jolyon Medlock said, according to the Telegraph. Why are mosquito eggs in the UK concerning? The dengue virus infects millions of people every year, and while it's usually asymptomatic, it can be fatal in severe cases. According to the World Health Organization, about half of the world's population is at risk. In the first seven months of this year, 3,000 people died from dengue. The chikungunya virus gets its name from the Makonde language, and "chikungunya" means "bent over in pain," as it can cause severe muscle and joint pain. Death is rare but can occur in the young and older adults. Often mistaken for dengue, there is no known treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the World Mosquito Program notes, rising global temperatures driven by heat-trapping pollution are expanding mosquitoes' geographic ranges and lengthening their seasons. Viral outbreaks are skyrocketing and spreading in new areas. Aedes mosquitoes do best at 25-30 degrees Celsius (77-86 degrees Fahrenheit), which historically occurred only rarely in Southern England, but heat waves are becoming much more common. What's being done about mosquito infestations? UKHSA is monitoring the situation and has stepped up its surveillance efforts in at-risk areas. It has also sought help from citizen scientists civic-minded locals who submit reports of suspicious insects. Ultimately, it's about containment and raising public awareness of the issues. Though the detection of mosquito eggs is concerning, the report shows that surveillance efforts are working. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's evidence we have a proper, well-invested surveillance programme that can detect these arrivals at an early stage," Oliver Brady of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine told the Telegraph. "That's the time when we actually have the opportunity to intervene and prevent mosquitoes from establishing or spreading further." 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. CLARK COUNTY, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV) A preliminary hearing for the alleged illegal immigrant who police said is responsible for a crash that killed a Coles County board member and his wife has been set. 34-year-old Edwin Pacheco-Meza was taken into custody Friday evening, after being involved in a head-on collision in Clark County. Illinois State Police told our sister station in Campaign, Illinois, that Pacheco-Meza crossed the center line and hit a truck head-on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Coles County board member and his wife were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, state police confirmed. The other two passengers were taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. Pacheco-Meza and his passenger werent hurt. According to ICE, Pacheco-Meza is living in the county illegally. The 34-year-old is reportedly from Honduras and is now being processed to face immigration proceedings. Pacheco-Meza will face charges of reckless homicide, two counts of aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of alcohol, no valid license/permit never issued, not driving on the right side of the road and failure to reduce speed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pacheco-Meza will appear in Clark County court for a preliminary hearing on November 17. ICE also said they issued an immigration detainer for Pacheco-Meza, which requests two things from law enforcement agencies: ICE is asking to be notified as early has possible if and when Pacheco-Meza is released. The detainer requests holding him for up to 48 hours beyond the time they would ordinarily release them. ICE said this would allow DHS time to assume custody. During a detention hearing on Monday, Pacheco-Meza was denied pretrial release. 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 MyWabashValley.com. NEW YORK (PIX11) Its a virus that caused a global pandemic, and getting vaccinated against it has been a growing source of controversy. While those aspects of COVID have gotten a lot of attention for the past six seasons, they also apply to a virus thats been even more deadly lately: influenza, better known as the flu. More Local News Because infectious disease experts are predicting this coming flu season to be severe, some doctors joined with a former patient on Tuesday to urge people to get a flu vaccine as soon as possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a presentation at Northwell Healths North Shore University Hospital, Dr. Bruce Farber, an infectious disease specialist, warned that the flu can be deadly. He said that he was speaking from experience. Two years ago, he said, this hospital lost a nurse with three young children to influenza. She was not vaccinated, he said, and added that she had been in good health prior to contracting the flu. Dr. Farbers warning was part of a series of anecdotes and information shared on Tuesday morning. The reason for it was made clear by another doctor on the panel, Susan Hirsch, M.D. People are looking at Instagram, Facebook, conspiracy theories, she said. Misinformation in social media feeds, she continued, has resulted in a growing vaccine hesitancy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So many people are reluctant to take the shots in the last couple of years, Dr. Hirsch said. Make PIX11 your preferred news source on Google: Heres how The presentation also included Denise Sussman, a former patient at a Northwell Health facility. Shed taken her daughter to Toronto last year to eat at popular restaurants, shop, and see a Taylor Swift concert, she said. I was so busy preparing for the trip and for the holidays that I forgot to get my flu shot, said Sussman. It was the first time since I was 25 years old. Shortly after returning to Long Island from her late autumn trip last year, she continued, I was diagnosed with the flu. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more than three weeks, she said, she was lying in bed. I had a fever, I had a bad cough, a runny nose, aches, and pains. I didnt get to enjoy the entire holiday season. Her holiday season ended up being flu season for her, she said. Meanwhile, another doctor on the panel she was on predicted about this years flu season. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State The most recent flu curve from Australia is big and usually predicts ours, said Dr. Dwayne Breining, senior vice president of Lab Services at Northwell. Indications are for a heavy flu season. Last year, we had to deal with a tripledemic of flu, RSV, and COVID-19 all hitting at once. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a country with relatively similar demographics to the U.S., and its flu season comes before ours. Because the Southern Hemisphere has the opposite seasons from the Northern Hemisphere, Australia is now in spring, after completing its wintertime flu season. Down Under had one of its highest rates of influenza on record this year. Experts are urging that everyone over the age of 6 months should be vaccinated. Influenza is not the cold, said Dr. Bruce Farber, chief public health and epidemiology officer at Northwell. Last season, more people died from flu than COVID-19 in the U.S. Most flu deaths and hospitalizations occur in the elderly, but it also impacts young children. New Yorkers over the age of 65 and those with weak immune systems should consider getting a high-dose version of the vaccine. Flu vaccines contain two strains of Influenza A and one of Influenza B. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. 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. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is planning to unveil a consequential overhaul of U.S. arms sales that could reshape how the Pentagon sends weapons to allies and help replenish dwindling stockpiles. Hegseth is expected to announce the changes on Nov. 7 at an unusual gathering of defense industry executives, according to seven people familiar with the planning. The effort is a major test for the novice Defense secretary, who Vice President JD Vance vowed would prove an effective disrupter." Previous administrations have struggled to reform the slow, cumbersome process of developing new weapons for the U.S. and its allies. But the nearly four-year war in Ukraine has supercharged that effort, as countries grow more desperate to restock their weapons stockpiles and look to suppliers outside the U.S. that can move faster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hegseth is expected to announce that the Pentagon's arms-sales office, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, will move from under the policy side of the building led by policy chief Elbridge Colby to the acquisition and sustainment shop, which oversees the Pentagons $400 billion weapons-buying enterprise and is led by the acquisition head, Michael Duffey. The plan aims to accelerate weapons production and government-led arms purchases, known as foreign military sales. The push dovetails with two of President Donald Trumps April executive orders to reform defense acquisitions and arms sales to other nations. America, already the worlds biggest arms exporter, recently reported annual sales of $845 billion, more than the entire Defense Department budget request. But allies and the defense industry have long complained about the pace of the approvals process. Poland, NATOs biggest defense spender by GDP, has already turned to South Korea for tanks, aircraft and long-range artillery that arrive faster than U.S. equipment. The Defense Department declined to comment on the secretarys speech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hegseth, in the wake of pressure from NATO allies and Secretary General Mark Rutte, pledged in February that the United States is committed to expediting the process of ensuring that our allies get what they need when they need it. Many industry officials hope that moving arms sales under the Defense Departments acquisition leaders who already manage contracts and supply chains will cut bureaucracy by better aligning the departments responsible for building U.S. weapons with those responsible for selling them. Defense industry groups have pushed for such a merger. They argue that it would force Pentagon acquisition officials, who are almost entirely focused on U.S. military needs, to give greater weight to what allies want to buy and make American offerings more competitive. If we can accelerate our process, the U.S. remains the partner of choice, said Keith Webster, president of the Chamber of Commerces Defense and Aerospace Council. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hegseth is also poised to announce a shakeup of the Pentagons acquisition bureaucracy. His team is expected to consolidate the Armys 13 program executive offices the hubs that oversee purchases of everything from tanks to artillery shells into broader portfolios managed by new senior officials. These portfolio acquisition executives will report directly to the Army secretary and chief of staff. Officials intend this to give top leaders a clearer view of their most important programs. This is about speed, said one of the industry officials, who, like others interviewed, was granted anonymity to discuss a sensitive matter. Officials plan to make similar changes in the Navy and Air Force. Hegseths invitation to defense executives harkens back to the last supper meeting in 1993 between U.S. Defense Secretary Les Aspin and defense industry leaders. Aspin, who served in the Clinton administration, informed the executives that looming defense budget cuts would require them to consolidate their businesses to survive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That meeting led to a wave of mergers, which gave rise to the handful of defense behemoths that dominate the global arms market today. Hegseths message is expected to be much different. He will likely welcome smaller tech firms and commercial businesses that want to sell their software to the U.S. government but bristle at the dense bureaucracy and long timelines for development. Its unclear how the Trump administrations expected changes would mesh with separate acquisition reform proposals in the House and Senate versions of annual defense policy legislation. A compromise bill is expected to pass before the end of the year. Hegseths November announcement, which follows a rare speech to top brass last month, is part of a broader effort to communicate his strategy directly to defense leaders and industry. He is expected to make remarks in December on the upcoming National Defense Strategy and give a January address on innovation. TOKYO (AP) U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday welcomed Japan's determination to accelerate its ongoing military buildup and defense spending. During a visit to Japan, Hegseth said he hopes to see those pledges implemented as soon as possible, noting China's increasingly assertive military activity. The threats we face are real, and they are urgent. China's unprecedented military buildup and its aggressive military actions speak for themselves, he said. Make no mistake about it, our alliance is critical to deterring Chinese military aggression, to responding to regional contingencies, and keeping our countries safe." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hegseth said he was glad to see Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaking alongside U.S. President Donald Trump this week make a commitment to increase Japan's defense spending, calling it wonderful. He said the U.S. government had not demanded Japans spending increase. His comment comes a day after Takaichi, who became prime minister only last week, explained to Trump during their first summit that her government will raise Japan's defense spending to 2% of its gross national product by March, two years ahead of initially planned. Japan also plans to revise its ongoing national security strategy several years ahead of schedule. It's an important step forward, and one that we hope would be implemented and believe will be as soon as possible, Hegseth told a joint news conference after holding talks with Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi. The result, through our shared strength, will deter threats." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were going to invest now and invest quickly while we still have time, Hegseth said. Koizumi welcomed the agreement between the two governments to move up deliveries of U.S.-made Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile, or AMRAAM, though he did not give further details. Japan is seeking to create a more self-sufficient military as a deterrence against Chinas increasingly assertive military activity in the region, and has concentrated on defense buildup on its southwestern islands. Japan also has concerns about the rising tensions caused by North Korea and Russia. Japan has already moved up a planned deployment of its medium and long-range missiles such as Tomahawk and Japanese-made Tupe-12 anti-ship missiles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These efforts mark a historic shift from Japan's longstanding policy of limiting use of force to self-defense only under a pacifist Constitution written after World War II. It made a major break from that policy under the 2022 security strategy that calls for more offensive roles for Japans Self-Defense Forces and easing restrictions on arms exports. The Takaichi government is also seeking to further relax weapons transfers. Hurricane Melissa, one of the strongest Atlantic storms on record, wreaked havoc on the Caribbean, soaking and lashing those in its path with torrential rain and catastrophic winds. Melissa made landfall on Jamaica on Tuesday as a Category 5 hurricane, carrying maximum sustained winds of 185 mph, making it the strongest storm to hit the island nation in 174 years. While it has since weakened, Melissa has caused extensive damage and floodingripping through hospitals, churches, and homes. Read More: Photos Show Devastation Caused by Hurricane Melissa Across the Caribbean Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The storm then headed for Cuba, where hundreds of thousands were evacuated, and the Bahamas. Neighboring states Haiti and Dominican Republic also reeled from Melissas effects. At least 25 people have died in Haiti, largely due to floods in a coastal town where a river burst its banks. And at least eight were reported dead in Jamaica, but officials said it was still too early to determine the extent of the damage, partly due to the affected infrastructure and widespread power outages. The government of Jamaica immediately began recovery operations, part of which included a newly launched website to coordinate relief, mobilize support, and manage recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Melissa, according to Prime Minister Andrew Holness. The Support Jamaica official disaster recovery portal accepts monetary donations, which it says will be used for emergency relief, housing reconstruction, healthcare support, and economic recovery programs. Historically, experts have said that the best way to help from afar after natural disasters is through donating funds to empower organizations that are already logistically set up to provide relief efficiently. Several non-governmental organizations have also begun fundraising for Hurricane Melissa relief efforts. Heres what to know about what theyre doing and where you can donate. Airlink Airlink, which has responded to disasters in the Caribbean since 2010including last years Hurricane Beryl, said it was working with over 14 partners, including United and American Airlines, to facilitate the movement of critical aid in areas battered by Hurricane Melissa amid widespread airport closures. The D.C.-based group is accepting cash donations as well as donations of frequent flyer miles, which it says could speed up the deployment of aid workers to disaster-hit zones. American Friends of Jamaica The New York-based nonprofit American Friends of Jamaica has extended assistance to the island nation since 1982. Its board of directors announced a $1 million matching fund to support critical relief and recovery efforts in Jamaica following the destruction left by Melissa. Americares Connecticut-based organization Americares, whose relief efforts focus on healthcare, said that it was preparing to send a team to the region to work alongside local partners and assess health needs. CARE International anti-hunger and anti-poverty organization CARE said that it is urgently mobilizing to deliver lifesaving relief in Jamaica and other areas in the Caribbean following the destruction left by Hurricane Melissa, and donations made will be allocated for first aid, hygiene supplies, emergency food rations, water and water treatment kits, and other shelter supplies. Catholic Relief Services The international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the U.S. said that its staff in Haiti and local partners in Jamaica are securing warehouses and preparing shelter kits and clean water supplies for distribution. The group is seeking donations for its long-term response to Hurricane Melissa victims, to help in recovery and rebuilding their homes, businesses, and farms. Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE) CORE, a Los Angeles-headquartered nonprofit, is accepting cash donations for its Melissa response. On its donation page, the group said that with longstanding programs in Haiti and extensive experience responding to storms in the Caribbean, it has activated emergency response teams across Haiti and Jamaica to meet victims urgent needs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CORE added that it has deployed air cargo ships of hygiene kits, tarps, and essential relief supplies to Jamaica with support from partner LIFT, and that it is ready to deploy resources in Haiti as soon as conditions allow. Among the ways the group says it will help are through cash assistance and providing resources to help families remove debris and rebuild homes. DirectRelief International humanitarian aid organization DirectRelief is accepting cash donations. In preparation for Melissas impact, DirectRelief said it committed $250,000 in emergency funding and has made available its entire inventory of medicines and medical supplies to support hurricane-impacted communities in Jamaica and other affected countries. It also dispatched on Monday medical aid, including 100 field medic packs and 250 hygiene kits, to Jamaicas Ministry of Health and Wellness, and some of its emergency response personnel are on standby in the region. Footprint Project The New Orleans-based solar energy nonprofit Footprint Project said Tuesday that it has prepared to ship more than 150 portable solar and battery power stations from Florida to Jamaica. The group also said that it was ready to deploy pre-positioned mobile microgrid equipment in the Caribbean, from both Puerto Rico and Barbados. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Footprint Project said it accepts cash donations that would help support the logistics of its operations, including equipment installation and maintenance. But it also accepts equipment donations like turn-key renewable power, water, and shelter technologies for rapid shipment. Those donations can be coordinated through give@footprintproject.org. Global Empowerment Mission Global Empowerment Mission, a U.S.-based nonprofit that has a history of responding to storms in the Caribbean, has a team based in Jamaicas capital Kingston. It is seeking donations through the purchase of supplies in its Amazon Wishlist. Good360 Virginia-based nonprofit Good360, which works to coordinate donations with vetted local partner nonprofits including for disaster recovery, is seeking donations to respond to Hurricane Melissa. Our team is deeply committed to supporting affected communities during this challenging time, said Good360 CEO Cinira Baldi. We are working closely with our nonprofit partners and corporate donors to ensure that urgently needed goods are delivered to where theyre most needed. Mercy Chefs A spokesperson for non-profit food relief organization Mercy Chefs said that they are also seeking donations to respond to the impact of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica and Cuba. The spokesperson said Mercy Chefs team members are positioned to respond throughout the Caribbean and that they have a ship stationed in Puerto Rico with tons of food and supplies to get to those in need in Jamaica. Project HOPE International health and humanitarian aid organization Project HOPE has an Emergency Response Team geared to respond to Jamaica at the earliest opportunity once the storm passes, according to Arlan Fuller, Project HOPEs Director of Emergency Preparedness and Response. In its call for donations, Project HOPE said it plans to address urgent health, water, sanitation, hygiene, and mental health needs in Jamaicas most affected communities. World Vision Global humanitarian assistance organization World Vision said it has a presence in Haiti, with its teams in the country ready to support 4,000 households with food, clean water, hygiene kits, and shelter materials. It said it is also ready to supply those in Jamaica impacted by Melissa with flood buckets, generators, hygiene kits and tarps, and other emergency equipment. World Central Kitchen Food relief organization World Central Kitchen, which responds to crisis situations around the world, has mobilized in Jamaica to help serve fresh meals to families affected by Hurricane Melissa. It accepts donations to facilitate its operations. World Food Programme The U.N.s World Food Programme, the worlds largest humanitarian organization, is seeking donations for its response to Hurricane Melissa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The WFP said it was airlifting 2,000 emergency food kits from the eastern island of Barbados to Jamaica amid the islands uniquely challenging geography, which is a mix of mountainous terrain and coastal communities.When we have a whole country affected by disaster, theres no staging areano area thats unaffected that you can respond from, so you need to be able to stand up your response from outside the country in certain cases, said Brian Bogart, who leads WFPs Caribbean office in Barbados. Contact us at letters@time.com. NEED TO KNOW Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday, Oct. 28 as a Category 5 storm, before it hit Cuba the following morning on Wednesday, Oct. 29 At least seven people died before the storm made landfall near New Hope on the south-western side of Jamaica this week Several organizations are collecting donations to help those impacted by the storm recover As communities continue to grapple with recovering from Hurricane Melissa, here's how people can support those who have been impacted by the storm. Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday, Oct. 28 as a Category 5 storm with maximum sustained winds of 185 mph, according to AccuWeather and The Weather Channel. It then hit eastern Cuba on the morning of Wednesday, Oct. 29, bringing "damaging winds, flooding rains and dangerous storm surge," per a National Hurricane Center (NHC) report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least seven people died before the storm not only the strongest of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, but also the strongest storm on record for the year made landfall near New Hope on the southwestern side of Jamaica on Tuesday. Several organizations have taken the initiative to begin mobilizing aid to support those impacted by the storm. Here are some organizations working to support victims of the hurricane. World Central Kitchen Even before the storm made landfall, Jose Andres' nonprofit World Central Kitchen (WCK) had already begun working with local partners to ensure that people impacted by the storm could begin receiving meals as soon as possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WCK has already mobilized, pre-deploying teams to assist in recovery efforts, said one WCK team member in Jamaica. Were coordinating with local restaurant partners to ensure they can serve meals once the hurricane passes." Donations can be made here. YAMIL LAGE/AFP via Getty Residents self-evacuate under pouring rain from Playa Siboney to safe locations ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Melissa, in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba, on October 28, 2025. Residents self-evacuate under pouring rain from Playa Siboney to safe locations ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Melissa, in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba, on October 28, 2025. Red Cross Red Cross volunteers have been on the ground to help with recovery efforts. In Jamaica, where as many as 165,000 residents were potentially at risk, the Jamaican Red Cross mobilized volunteers and relief supplies, including setting up hundreds of shelters. Shelter kits, hygiene kits, cleaning kits, tarps, drinking water and other essential items have been pre-positioned and trained volunteers deployed, the organization said. Those interested in donating can do so at redcross.org. GlobalGiving GlobalGiving has launched its Hurricane Melissa Relief Fund to offer disaster relief to those impacted by the storm in Jamaica and the surrounding areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donations will help "provide food, water, and emergency medical supplies to people and animals" and "support temporary relief and emergency supplies for displaced families" as well as "provide support to frontline workers and "meet other needs that emerge." Those interested in donating can visit this website. RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty A man looks at a fallen tree in St. Catherine, Jamaica, on October 28, 2025. A man looks at a fallen tree in St. Catherine, Jamaica, on October 28, 2025. The American Friends of Jamaica The American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) Disaster Relief Fund "provides critical support when natural or humanitarian disasters impact communities across Jamaica." In a post on Facebook, the nonprofit organization said, "We are in active coordination with our partners including NCB Foundation, Food for the Poor, GEM, and Sanmerna Foundation to ensure rapid response and support." Donations can be made here. 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 Direct Relief Direct Relief announced on Monday, Oct. 27 that it had "committed an initial $250,000 in financial support and offered up its entire medical inventory to health providers in the Caribbean in response to Hurricane Melissa." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The humanitarian organization is also collecting donations through this website to assist with relief efforts. AP Photo/Matias Delacroix A man walks along the coastline in Kingston, Jamaica, as Hurricane Melissa approaches, Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. A man walks along the coastline in Kingston, Jamaica, as Hurricane Melissa approaches, Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. The Salvation Army The Salvation Army offers "immediate" relief to those impacted by hurricanes and other natural disasters, and works with both local organizations and federal authorities to assist those in need. Specifically, the organization helps "provide people with food, water, and emergency shelter" as well as "mobile showers, bottled water, and a clean blanket," according to its website. They also turn their properties into "sites of refuge" and "deliver emotional and spiritual care that first responders and survivors' desire." Donations to The Salvation Army's disaster relief efforts can be made here. 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. Project HOPE Project HOPE is seeking donations to ensure its team "can respond to Hurricane Melissa with urgent aid and supplies," according to its website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arlan Fuller, Project HOPEs Director of Emergency Preparedness and Response, said in a statement shared on Facebook that the nonprofit organization "is mobilizing a team to arrive in Jamaica at the earliest opportunity once the storm passes." Donations to Project HOPE's Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts can be made here. Rudolph Brown/EPA/Shutterstock A person walks in front of a house damaged by Hurricane Melissa in Kingston, Jamaica, 28 October 2025. A person walks in front of a house damaged by Hurricane Melissa in Kingston, Jamaica, 28 October 2025. International Medical Corps International Medical Corps said it "is standing by to deploy emergency medical teams, supplies and equipment to support hospitals and health centers already operating in emergency mode." "Your donation today helps us respond immediatelydelivering health, hope and lifesaving care," they said on the website where donations are being collected. Read the original article on People KANSAS CITY, Mo. There is just something about having a yard filled with fireflies and buzzing bees as they make their way from flower to flower. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) wants to help you learn more about helping pollinators and yard ecosystems flourish during the Less Lawn, More Life: The Pollinator Plot Twist virtual program on November 3 from 5-6 p.m. MO Department of Conservation hosts Fish or Teat Halloween event The class is for everyone who is interested in seeing native blooms attract pollinators and birds alike. MDC Conservation Educator Stacia Skinner will help attendees understand the essentials of fall preparation, planting and winter seeding to help produce a flourishing spring landscape. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even though the program is free you must still register, providing an email address so a program link can be sent to them. Only one registration per screen is needed for multiple participants at the same location. You can register for the program by following this link: Less Lawn, More Life: The Pollinator Twist virtual program. 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. 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 U.S. hospitals vary widely in their readiness to provide high-quality emergency care for children, which translates into differing outcomes for critically ill and injured children. Several groups have launched efforts to improve pediatric readiness, but countervailing forces (including the COVID-19 pandemic) have hindered these efforts. In a new study, researchers analyzed access to emergency departments (EDs) with high levels of pediatric readiness in the United States, examining not only changes in overall access but also how the changes varied by state and region. They found that pediatric access to high-readiness EDs declined modestly between 2013 and 2021, though some areas improved. The study was conducted by researchers at Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Cincinnati, the University of Pittsburgh, the University of Utah, and Children's National Health Systems. It is published in the Journal of Pediatrics. "Research shows that millions of children in the United States lack timely access to EDs with high levels of readiness, which means that they are not within a 30-minute drive from an ED with a level of readiness associated with the best outcomes," says Kristen S. Kurland, professor of architecture, information systems, and public policy at Carnegie Mellon's Heinz College, who coauthored the study. Children who are cared for at EDs with high levels of pediatric readiness have lower levels of mortality in the short and long term, resulting in more than 2,000 preventable pediatric deaths per year. To assess changes in access to high-readiness EDs between 2013 and 2021, researchers analyzed ED responses to assessments conducted by the National Pediatric Readiness Project (NPRP) linked to Census data. High pediatric readiness EDs were defined as those scoring above the 75th percentile in the 2013 NPRP assessment. The study calculated the proportion of children with timely access (within a 30-minute drive) nationally, by state, and by hospital referral region, and also assessed changes over the study period. Given the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on staffing, they conducted a secondary analysis excluding staffing-related readiness. Between 2013 and 2021, the proportion of children with timely access to a high-readiness ED decreased from 70% to 67%, representing 2.1 million fewer children with timely access. In particular, hospitals in 2021 were less likely to have a dedicated pediatric inpatient ward but were otherwise generally similar. Declines in the number of children with timely access to an ED occurred in both urban and rural areas, but a greater proportion happened in urban areas. However, there was wide variation underlying the changes, with many states and regions experiencing improvements in access exceeding 10 percentage points, while other areas lost access to these EDs. Since the pandemic resulted in losses of pediatric emergency care coordinators and other staff in some hospitals, the study excluded domains of readiness related to staffing. In doing so, researchers found that access to EDs with high equipment- and process-related readiness rose from 76% to 80%, a net gain of about 2.2 million children. Therefore, while pediatric access to high-readiness EDs declined modestly over the study period, some areas saw meaningful improvements. Excluding staffing-related readiness, which may have been affected by the pandemic, the study charted an increase in access. "Our study provides new insights into the effects of efforts to boost access to high-quality pediatric care in the United States," explains Allan M. Joseph, assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and an attending physician for the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, who led the study. "We clearly demonstrate the capacity to improve access to high-readiness EDs, given the substantial increases in access we saw in some regions and states." These efforts include partnerships with children's hospitals, statewide policy initiatives such as pediatric facility verification programs, and improvements in equipment and care processes, say the authors. Among the limitations of the study, the authors note that they did not account for emergency medical service dispatch times or travel patterns, and they assumed that all children had access to transportation via car, which may not be valid. In addition, conditions at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic may have affected results in ways that no longer apply to the delivery of emergency care. More information: Allan M. Joseph et al, Changes in Access to High Pediatric Readiness Emergency Care in the United States from 2013 to 2021, The Journal of Pediatrics (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2025.114834 Journal information: Journal of Pediatrics Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday as a devastating Category 5 storm, tied for the strongest landfalling Atlantic hurricane in history. The deadly storm has also caused devastation in Cuba, Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The world is still learning the extent of the destruction, but relief organizations are already mobilizing to help across the northern Caribbean. As is typical in disasters, nonprofit groups told The Associated Press that cash is the best way to help, since unsolicited goods donations can overwhelm already strained systems. Experts recommend using sites like Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance to check out unfamiliar charities before donating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here is some of the work being done and ways to support people impacted by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti and beyond. Locals supporting locals: United Way of Jamaica The 40-year-old nonprofit has a history of supporting Jamaicans after disasters, especially the country's farmers. Last year, United Way of Jamaica mobilized help for female farmers hit hard by Hurricane Beryl, helping them replace farm equipment, repair roofs, and pay tuition fees for their kids right as the school year began. The Kingston-based group accepts cash donations. Doubling your dollars: American Friends of Jamaica Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AFJ has donated to Jamaican charitable organizations since 1982, supporting education, economic development and health care. Its disaster relief fund helped repair nearly 800 roofs after Hurricane Beryl, according to the group. The New York-based organization is currently matching donations to its Disaster Relief Fund, up to $1 million. Fast cash: GiveDirectly GiveDirectly will deliver emergency cash directly to Jamaica households. The nonprofit sent households impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton $1,000 last year, using AI to pinpoint the worst impacted areas and making fast electronic transfers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The New York-based group is trying to raise $1 million and is accepting cash donations. Immediate relief: CORE and many more CORE 's local staff is already responding in Haiti and will arrive in Jamaica when airports reopen to deliver relief items like hygiene kits and tarps, conduct medical assessments an distribute cash assistance. The group will also help households remove debris and rebuild homes. The Los Angeles-based nonprofit is accepting cash donations to its Emergency Response Fund. Its board of directors is matching up to $200,000. There are a host of other humanitarian organizations deployed or in the process of reaching the northern Caribbean, including Convoy of Hope, Mercy Corps, World Vision, Catholic Relief Services, Project HOPE, CARE, Global Empowerment Mission, World Food Program USA and Americares. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Installing backup power systems: Footprint Project The solar-energy nonprofit supplies communities and first responders with temporary power equipment to aid their response and restore communications. Footprint Project is shipping 150 portable solar and battery power stations and deploying mobile microgrid equipment, working with local partners like Jamaica Renewable Energy Association to ensure the systems are deployed where they are most needed. The New Orleans-based group is accepting cash donations. Equipment donations can be coordinated through give@footprintproject.org. Medical aid: Direct Relief Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The humanitarian organization supports the Caribbean year round with medicines and other supplies, and has delivered more than $3 million in medical aid in the last month to areas now under threat. Direct Relief will support health facilities, many of which it says are in coastal and low-lying areas vulnerable to flooding and power outages. The group also sent 100 field-medic packs for Jamaicas National Health Fund, and is working with the Pan American Health Organization on supplies for Cuba. The Santa Barbara, California-based group is accepting cash donations. All contributions specifically designated for Hurricane Melissa will go directly to those efforts. Shipping supplies and logistics: Good360 and Airlink Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Good360 connects corporate donors who have surplus, high-quality supplies with nonprofits that need those items. It will partner with local groups to deliver what's needed, anticipating demand for generators, tarps and hygiene kits. Good360 is accepting cash donations to support delivery of these supplies. Airlink works with major airlines like United and American, using extra cargo space to help humanitarian organizations move aid to disaster zones. It's moving cargo to Haiti and Jamaica on behalf of 16 NGOs and finding solutions for moving supplies on the ground when many roads are blocked or washed out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Washington, D.C.-based group accepts cash and crypto donations and donations of frequent flyer miles. Long-term recovery: Center for Disaster Philanthropy While the immediate needs will be vast, CDP focuses on long-term recovery, an often underfunded aspect of disaster response. The group will give grants to local organizations that are most in tune with the needs, focusing on the most at-risk residents and emphasizing solutions that leave communities better prepared for future climate events. The Washington, D.C.-based organization is accepting cash donations to its Atlantic Hurricane Season Recovery Fund. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Associated Press coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. For all of APs philanthropy coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy. When Grace Jin Drexel couldnt contact her father on October 10, she tried not to panic. She had just heard that one of the pastors of his underground Christian church in China had been detained by authorities; maybe he was busy sorting out the situation. Then her fears were confirmed. Her father, Ezra Jin Mingri, and dozens of other members of Zion Church had been swept up in a mass crackdown across various congregations and Chinese cities the largest suppression since a similar wave of arrests in 2018. Chinese authorities have long seen Christianity as an unwelcome foreign influence and a threat to government control, experts say and this crackdown sends a particularly stark message, targeting a well-known church that has been shut down once before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Drexel and her family, all American citizens living in the US while Jin resided in China, hope a major diplomatic meeting this week might change that. On Thursday, US President Donald Trump is meeting Chinese leader Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea. While trade is expected to dominate the conversation, there are growing calls for Trump to raise the issue of the crackdown and Jins detention. The summit presents a very unique timing, said Drexel, who works as a staffer in the US Senate. We think that the Trump administrations prioritization of Americans in this scenario also could be helpful for my father as well, to bring a family member of an American citizen home to be with us in the US and safe, she told CNN on Monday. US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping attend a bilateral meeting during the G20 leaders summit in Osaka, Japan, on June 29, 2019. - Kevin Lamarque/Reuters/FILE Trump has not publicly commented on the issue, and its not clear whether it will be on the agenda on Thursday. Tensions remain high between the US and China, which reached a framework agreement on trade this week ahead of the Trump-Xi meeting, after a series of escalatory tariffs imposed on each other. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Drexel and her family see this as a rare window of opportunity before Jins potential indictment for illegally disseminating information online which, Drexel said, would make his release much harder to negotiate. She and Jin have some powerful backers, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and members of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China. We must make it clear to the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) that the persecution of Christians and other people of faith must stop, and that the United States will use every tool, diplomatic and economic, to hold Chinese Communist officials accountable, Sen. Ted Cruz said in a video shared by the Hudson Institute think tank, where Drexels husband works as a fellow. Earlier this month, when asked about Rubios call for the pastors release, a spokesperson from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: The Chinese government manages religious affairs in accordance with the law, protecting citizens freedom of religious belief and normal religious activities. We firmly oppose the US interfering in Chinas internal affairs under the guise of so-called religious issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CNN has reached out to the foreign affairs office in Beihai, where Jin is detained, and to the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau for comment. A string of crackdowns A man walks past a Catholic church in Lijiao village, China's northern Hebei province on April 22, 2025. - Adek Berry/AFP/Getty Images This crackdown is the latest in a long history of religious suppression in China. Religious practice is legal but tightly controlled and surveilled by the government, which registers official state-sanctioned churches. The government only recognizes five faiths: Chinese Buddhism, Islam, Catholicism, Protestantism and Taoism. Other local spiritual and religious movements have been subject to harsh crackdowns over the years. But that hasnt stopped communities from creating their own underground, non-registered churches known as house churches. One 44-year-old Christian in Beijing told CNN shed attended several house churches, and had seen plainclothes police officers entering and asking everyone to register themselves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During previous crackdowns, when brothers and sisters were arrested, we would all donate money and send someone to visit them in jail and buy them food and clothes, she told CNN. Zion Church is one such house church that the 44-year-old recalled attending in previous years. Jin founded Zion Church in 2007 in Beijing while his family was still living in China; it gradually became one of the largest churches in Beijing, Drexel said. By 2011, Jin was speaking out about crackdowns on other congregations, in the hopes underground churches might become legally recognized. We are very aware of what we are doing, he said in 2011, when he granted CNN rare access to film inside his church. And we are ready to pay the price. That price came in 2018. Drexel described a pressure campaign that year, with the government installing facial recognition cameras in the lobby of the churchs building after Jin refused to install them inside the church itself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hoping to appease the authorities, Jin and his family moved to the US and when the harassment toward church members in Beijing continued, Jin decided to return to China later that year while his family stayed behind. That was the last time most of the family saw Jin. The crackdown came soon after; Zion Church was shut down, and Jin was barred from leaving the country. In Chengdu, more than 100 worshipers from a different church were detained, and its pastor, Wang Yi, was jailed for nine years for inciting subversion of state power. Drexel visited her father in 2019 and she, too, was prevented from leaving China for 11 months, derailing her plans to attend law school. She was eventually allowed to return to the US but hasnt seen her father since. After 2018, Jin transformed Zion Church into a semi-virtual network, uploading sermons online and encouraging members around the country to gather and watch sessions together. When the pandemic hit, Zion was quick to adapt to Zoom and the churchs membership exploded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because of the CCPs own policy of locking people up inside their house, and there was nothing to do for people, a lot of people went to church (online), and it was the only place where you could interact with people, Drexel said, referring to Chinas stringent zero-Covid and lockdown policies at the time. The church became a national organization that now reaches 10,000 people each day, Drexel said. But there were also signs that it was once again under threat; authorities were watching Jins movements closely, and even blocked him from traveling to other cities within China. Church members reported an uptick in harassment and intimidation. A fellow Zion pastor asked Jin earlier this month: What if this is the big thing, that they arrest everyone? What would happen? My dad did not hesitate one moment, and was not scared, Drexel said. He just said immediately, Hallelujah, the gospel will spread further. Why now? A detention slip delivered to Jin's family, notifying them of his detention and the charges he faces. - Grace Jin Drexel The Zion pastors and church leaders arrested in October are now being kept in two detention centers in the southern city of Beihai, according to Drexel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though a few have since been released, close to two dozen remain detained, she said. All the detainees are innocent Christians, the church said in a statement on October 12. Their only offense is worshiping God peacefully, preaching the Gospel faithfully, shepherding their flock, and serving their neighbors. These acts of faith are protected under both the Constitution of China and international human rights law. It didnt just happen to Zion, said Drexel other underground churches have been targeted, too, including Bitter Winter and Early Rain Covenant Church. The detainees families are deeply worried, she said. Some are elderly with health problems, while others have young children at home. Her father, Jin, has severe diabetes and while hes now being provided generic medication, he hasnt been able to receive the prescription issued by his doctor, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And in a rare development that Drexel credits to the international attention on their case, most of the detainees have been granted legal representation. Jins lawyer said he appears in relatively good spirits, said Drexel he even joked that the bad food in detention was good for controlling his diabetes. But the stakes are high under Chinas opaque judicial system, which legal observers say has a conviction rate around 99%. Wang Yi, the pastor arrested in 2018, is still in prison today. Drexel is still trying to understand why the CCP under Xi whose grip on power has tightened since 2018 is so threatened by this small group of Christians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One theory, she said, points to Chinas ongoing economic hardships. Wary of growing public discontent, the government may try to clamp down on everything, including freedom of speech and other civil and society organizations, she said. Fenggang Yang, a professor of sociology and director of the Center on Religion and the Global East at Purdue University, partially agreed. While hes not convinced it has to do with the current economic situation, he emphasized that the churches pose a deep ideological threat to Xi, who has tightened religious regulations since taking office and increasingly emphasized the need to Sinicize religions. The Chinese authorities always considered Christianity as one of the institutions that pose the greatest challenge for (starting a) color revolution, for changing peoples attitudes towards the government, Yang said. The detainees dont seem to be a particularly high priority for either Trump or Xi ahead of their meeting, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the world watches for signs of easing US-China tensions out of their leaders high-stakes talks, Drexel has a much simpler wish: she just wants her dad back. I just wanted to emphasize that my dad went back to China because he had a deep love for China and Chinese people, she said. We want to be able to keep being faithful to our God, as well as to serve our community and serve China. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com NEED TO KNOW Second Lt. Lester L. Lowry was flying a P-47 Thunderbolt aircraft when he dove and crashed into the ground in Essex, England, on Jan. 26, 1944 In the 80 years since the accident, he has been listed as a soldier missing in action In 2025, U.K. archaeologists with Cotswold Archaeology found over 5,000 artifacts from the crash and continue working to recover his remains The site of a fallen World War II soldier's plane has been identified 80 years later. At the time of the crash, Second Lt. Lester L. Lowry was flying a P-47 Thunderbolt aircraft, named Lucky Boy, during a training exercise near Essex, England, on Jan. 26, 1944, according to The Guardian. Then the 23-year-old's plane suddenly dove straight into the ground and caught on fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lowry has been listed as a soldier missing in action (MIA) ever since. In 1949, investigations began searching for signs of Lowry and the tragic accident, but nothing was found, the BBC reported in September. In 1979, amateur archaeologists in Essex recovered multiple aircraft components, some of which were connected to Lowrys plane and its crash site. By 2018, the U.S. Department of Defense PoW/MIA accounting agency (DPAA) surveyed the area and requested a professional excavation. Then in 2023, 78 years after the war ended, the DPAA, the U.K.s Ministry of Defense and Cotswold Archaeology began working on Operation Nightingale to help find, account and honor the soldiers who died in combat. There are still around 72,000 WWII service members unaccounted for, according to The Guardian. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since Operation Nightingale began, the three agencies have worked on 24,757 square feet of the site and recovered nearly 5,000 of the planes artifacts. This includes the engines cylinder heads, valves, pistons, fuel system pipes, machine gun components, fuselage, the wings and the cockpit panel pieces, according to the BBC. Cotswold Archaeology/X Crash site findings Crash site findings With their findings, they discovered that Lowry was the pilot of the 487th Fighter Squadron who died. Now the archaeologists are piecing together the untold story of a young man who never made it home, Sandi Toksvig, who is co-hosting an episode of More4's Hidden Wonders featuring the excavation, told The Guardian. As archaeologists piece together his life amid the thousands and thousands of pieces, they have discovered photographs and Lowrys personal parachute harness clips. You get an intense human connection that you dont really get in other forms of archaeology, Cotswolds lead archaeologist, Sam Wilson, told The Guardian. We have photographs of Lowry and we know a bit about his history and his service record. That just brings the person to life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lowry was born in Grove City, Penn., in 1920, according to the BBC. He was orphaned at 9 and raised by his aunt, per The Guardian. He later joined the Pennsylvania National Guard and was mobilized in 1941. He then transferred to the U.S. Air Forces and by November 1943, he was stationed in England, according to the BBC. It was suspected that Lowrys crash occurred because he had only had 47 hours of training, and new pilots were typically taken quickly into combat. But a nearby witness at the time of the crash, Peter Morris, now 90, shared his account of the accident, saying that Lowry landed near a schoolyard where 150 kids were, Toksvig explained to The Guardian. Peter thinks that Lowry missed the school on purpose," Toksvig told The Guardian. "Suddenly, the whole story flipped on [its] head. Maybe Lowry wasnt inexperienced. What he actually was was a hero." Wilson added that although Lowry lost his life during training, his sacrifice is no less than someone whos killed in the first wave on Omaha Beach," adding, Everyones doing their duty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lowry's remains have not been uncovered yet, but once they are, they will be sent back to the U.S. 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. PEOPLE reached out to Cotswold Archaeology for additional information. Hidden Wonders will debut on More4 in the U.K. on Nov. 4. Read the original article on People Guest Opinion. Critics have accused Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. of endangering public health by dispatching more than 70 Public Health Service officers to strengthen care in understaffed Tribal communities, claiming that Indian Country should not be a top HHS priority. These claims could not be further from the truth. Secretary Kennedys bold action affirms HHS commitment to Tribal communities: we will bolster the Indian Health Service (IHS), revitalize Tribal healthcare, and ensure that Indian Country receives the caliber of medical support it deserves. Last month, Secretary Kennedy mobilized more than 70 uniformed officers from the U.S. Public Health Services (USPHS) Commissioned Corps to address the most urgent frontline staffing needs at IHS facilities. This decisive move ranks among the largest single details of USPHS officers to the IHS in recent years, underscoring the Trump Administrations commitment to improve health outcomes in Indian Country. Currently, Democrats are refusing to fund the government until the Trump Administration agrees to use dollars from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to cover illegal aliens medical bills. Such coverage, of course, would draw on the already-strained resources of Tribal health programs and violate the Federal Governments responsibility provided for in Federal statutes and treaties. Agency-wide vacancy rates for medical professionals at IHS facilities stand at a staggering 30%, with a 36% vacancy rate for physicians. Secretary Kennedy, acutely aware of IHS struggles, is taking bold action to close gaps, overcome the staffing status quo, and deliver timely, quality care to Native families. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a recent misleading article, Politico lambasted Secretary Kennedy for his mobilization of the Commissioned Corps because the deployment120 daysis longer than usual. The author, drawing almost exclusively from anonymous sources, claimed that Secretary Kennedys actions on behalf of Tribal communities would prioritize on-the-ground Tribal care rather than administrative functions. In reality, the deployment will strengthen all facets of IHS services, from administration to frontline care. Officers from the Commissioned Corps will be detailed according to each communitys need, with senior officers working behind-the-scenes to strengthen leadership and operations while additional officers address the most urgent frontline staffing needs at IHS facilities. Mark Cruz, author of this column, hosted a panel at the National Indian Health Board conference at Gila River in Sept. 2025. (Photo/Levi Rickert) More fundamentally, Politicos accusationthat Secretary Kennedy cares more about patients in Indian Country than administrative workmisunderstands the point of the Indian Health Service: quality at the point of care is HHS priority because tribal members, are a priority. We take the Federal governments special trust responsibilities and legal obligations to Tribes seriously and this deployment is just the latest action item to demonstrate that commitment. Tribal health is the point. Resources that do not reach tribal communities, that do not result in improved care and better health outcomes are wasted resources. That is why Secretary Kennedy has repeatedly pledged to prioritize health care services for Indian Country; his recent action continues to make good on that commitment. Through a nationwide network of hospitals and clinics, IHS provides care to about 2.7 million American Indians and Alaska Natives across 574 federally recognized Tribes; there is no better way to meet these communities immediate needs than to meet them on the frontline. Staffing shortages have long undermined IHS ability to meet demand, leaving patients without consistent access to care. Our Tribes deserve better, and Secretary Kennedy understands this and will continue to take action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without a restoration of trust in our public health services, we cannot Make America Healthy Again. Keeping our promiseseven as resources are stretched thinsets this Administrations commitment to Tribal communities apart. Secretary Kennedys mobilization of the Commissioned Corps sends a clear message to Indian Country: No matter what Politico says, IHS is worth our time, worth our attention, and worth our care. Mark Cruz, a member of the Klamath Tribe, serves as a Senior Advisor to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. on Tribal affairs. 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 Petitioners asserted that Israel's suspension of Red Cross access to Palestinian prisoners, instituted after the October 7 massacre, violates Israeli law and conventional international norms. An expanded panel of five High Court justices convened on Wednesday to hear a high-stakes petition asking that the government reinstate visits by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to Palestinian detainees held in Israeli custody. The hearing took place before the senior three-justice bench: Supreme Court President Isaac Amit, Deputy President Noam Sohlberg, and Justice Daphne Barak-Erez. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The petitioners the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, Physicians for Human Rights-Israel, HaMoked, and Gisha argued that Israels suspension of Red Cross access to Palestinian prisoners, instituted following Hamass October 7, 2023, massacre, violates both Israeli law and international humanitarian norms. Filed in February 2024, the petition contended that halting ICRC visits lacked a legal basis and breached Israels binding obligations under the Geneva Conventions and customary international law. It included testimonies from security wings in several detention facilities describing overcrowding, denial of medical care, and what petitioners termed starvation. These claims mirror those raised by Israeli and international human-rights monitors in recent months. Palestinian prisoners who were released in a hostage deal between Israel and Hamas arrive to the West Bank city of Ramallah, October 13, 2025. (credit: FLASH90) The ICRC has publicly confirmed that it has been denied access to Palestinian detainees since October 2023, calling the exclusion a breach of its longstanding humanitarian mandate in conflict zones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A ruling ordering renewed access would present a pivotal test of how Israel balances wartime security imperatives with its legal and humanitarian commitments. Red Cross poses a security risk The governments position is that Red Cross access poses a security risk citing concerns about interference with prison operations and the introduction of foreign agents into sensitive facilities. In June 2024, in response to the petition, the State of Israel announced plans to develop an alternative mechanism to replace traditional ICRC visits. The plan would assign another external entity, potentially a judicial or diplomatic body, to monitor conditions, receive complaints, and relay information. However, in September 2024, reports, including those published by Haaretz, indicated that Israel quietly shelved a proposal to permit ICRC visits to Palestinian detainees affiliated with Fatah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was allegedly shelved following strong opposition from hardliners in the security and political establishments, particularly National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who arrived at the courthouse himself shortly after the Wednesday hearing began. The petition has faced repeated procedural delays. By late 2024, the government had filed its sixth request to postpone proceedings. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office sought another one-month deferment, arguing that restoring Red Cross access or releasing related information could undermine ongoing hostage negotiations. Human rights attorneys rejected that claim, arguing that the states deferrals prioritize political considerations over legal obligations. Attorney Oded Feller, ACRIs legal adviser and the representative of the petitioners, on Wednesday called this a rolling-along policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The matter at hand was completely separate from the issue of the hostages, he said. Everyone can see the Palestinian prisoners except for the Red Cross, said Feller, questioning the security order blocking ICRC entry. He also referenced last weeks International Court of Justice advisory opinion, which called for Red Cross access to Palestinian detainees: International law was not made for times of peace; it was made precisely for times of war. And in this case, it is exactly what is needed. During the questioning stage on the petition, Barak-Erez asked Feller, What would be your stance on the role the hostages would play in terms of the people detained from Gaza? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Feller replied, Hamas is a terrorist organization. It has committed crimes against humanity. That doesnt absolve Israel from its own obligations. Sohlberg pressed further, asking whether Feller opposed the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) directive preventing access. He responded by saying that the directive was inconsistently applied barring the Red Cross but not other groups and therefore invalid. Why is it only now that the security angle is cropping up? Feller asked. Altogether, there have been nearly 30 extension requests in this case. Barak-Erez criticized the State of Israel for its disorganization and for submitting materials at the last minute. This story was originally published on Higher Ed Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Higher Ed Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Nearly three dozen higher education organizations are urging U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to exempt colleges from the new $100,000 fee for H-1B visa petitions, arguing in an Oct. 23 letter that these employees do work crucial to the U.S. economy. President Donald Trump caught the higher education sector by surprise when he announced the large fee last month. Large research universities heavily rely on the H-1B visa program to hire international scholars. Ted Mitchell, president of the American Council on Education, said in the Thursday letter that colleges H-1B workers educate domestic students for high-demand occupations, conduct essential research, provide critical patient care, and support the core infrastructure of our universities. Dive Insight: Trump shocked the higher ed world sector on Sept. 19 when he declared that new petitions for H-1B visas must come with a $100,000 payment to be processed. Yet colleges were left unsure which of their workers would be impacted amid scant details on the new policy and mixed messages from administration officials. The federal government is facing at least two lawsuits over the fee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the days and weeks since the fee was announced, the Trump administration has released additional information about the new policy. Just last week, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services released guidance that said the new fee wouldnt apply to visa holders inside the country who are requesting a change of status or extension of stay potentially exempting international students who recently graduated and have H1-B sponsorship. Mitchells letter asked Noem to confirm that the new USCIS guidance includes those on F-1 or J-1 visas both of which cover international students converting to H-1B status. He also asked if the government would return the $100,000 fee if a petition is denied and how USCIS would process H-1B applications in a timely manner given the new requirements. The letter points out that the proclamation included language that allows DHS to issue exemptions for workers if government officials deem hiring them is in the nations interest and doesnt pose a security risk. The continuing education of our postsecondary students is in the national interest of the United States, Mitchell wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He cited recent CUPA-HR data showing that 7 in 10 faculty on H-1B visas in the U.S. are in tenured or tenure-track positions, with the largest shares in business, engineering and health disciplines. Mitchell contended that exempting colleges from the new fee would be similar to the higher education sectors current exemption from the cap on H-1B visas, which are awarded via a lottery process. The cap limits annual H-1B visa awards to 65,000 workers, with an additional 20,000 for international students who finished U.S. graduate programs. Congress exempted higher education from the cap in recognition of the special role that institutions of higher education play in hiring H-1Bs on our campuses, Mitchell wrote. ACE also took issue with a recent proposal that would change how the lottery system works. Under the new proposal from USCIS, visas for higher-wage applicants would be given more priority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mitchell urged USCIS to withdraw the rule in a public comment submitted Friday on behalf of ACE and 19 other higher education groups. He argued the change would harm international enrollment, as foreign students entering the workforce after completing their degrees at U.S. institutions would have much lower access to the H-1B visa program. A central reason for the excellence of our postsecondary institutions is their ability to attract and enroll talented, motivated, and curious students, whether born in this country or abroad, Mitchell wrote. This proposed rule will limit the ability of our institutions to recruit and retain these students, especially those that wish to remain in the United States. Recommended Reading A hiker in South Carolina shared photos of a frustrating scene caught in a nature reserve on a local Reddit. The images were posted to r/Greenville, showing trash washed up into Conestee Park with a large turtle nearby. Photo Credit: Reddit "This is supposed to be a nature preserve but apparently it has turned into a nature dump," the poster wrote. "What a disappointment Conestee Park the nature preserve is." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The responses were quick to point out that the trash probably didn't originate in the park itself. "Conestee is where all the crap from the Reedy River flows into and ends up getting stuck. Very little of the trash originates there," the top-rated comment noted, and added, "Please consider donating and/or volunteering if you'd like to help improve things." The Reedy River that runs through the park is described by local organization Friends of the Reedy River as an "urban-stressed river filled with trash and contaminated with bacteria, nutrients, and other pollutants." Like many rivers that run through urban environments, trash and runoff are common contaminants that degrade water quality and harm local wildlife. The comments defended the park staff, mentioning that volunteers primarily do the work with limited resources. Several pointed out that the poster should put their money where their mouth is and get involved in local efforts to clear up the river. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Their staff work their a** off with very limited resources. They maintain a unique ecosystem and accommodate a huge number of visitors. Of course there are still opportunities to improve the place," said one comment. Another poster said, "Any time I think 'someone ought to do something,' I remind myself that I AM someone." "Damn that is so sad. Conestee is my quiet spot to get away," one commenter lamented before pledging to help out. "Got a few days off early this week may have to go out with some bags and help clean up." 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. 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. HILLIARD, Ohio (WCMH) Food pantries across central Ohio are preparing for community members to lose their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits as the federal government shutdown continues. One of the pantries preparing to help more people is the Hilliard Food Pantry, which has bounced back and revamped since a 2023 fire. The pantry is currently serving 500 families a week but saw that number go up to 182 this past Saturday. Saturdays number was a record for the Hilliard Food Pantry in a day. The message Hilliard Food Pantry is sending amidst these uncertain times for those that use SNAP benefits is if you need help, come to them, and help at the pantry if you are in a position to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Columbus Dollar General boards up windows in anticipation of loss of SNAP benefits Everybody is kind of wondering whats gonna happen in the future and theres a lot of fear, said executive director Erin West. And I wanted to bring about some reassurance and let people know were here for them and also just acknowledge its a hard time. If the federal shutdown continues, nearly 175,000 people in Franklin County could lose their SNAP benefits for November on Saturday. More than 1.5 million Ohioans utilize SNAP benefits. Columbus City Council passed an emergency resolution on Monday to give Mid-Ohio Food Collective $25,000 in additional funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) The Hillsboro community continues to demand answers after a local grandfather was detained by immigration agents in what they claim to be a case of mistaken identity. A Wednesday morning rally called for the release of Victor Cruz, a man from Mexico who has lived in the Hillsboro area for nearly 30 years with no criminal record, according to friends and family. More than 60 people elected officials, educators, small business owners and more gathered at the Washington County courthouse. Among them was Metro Councilor Juan Carlos Gonzalez. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today it is Victor that is a victim of this reckless racial profiling. Tomorrow, it could be your neighbor. Tomorrow, it could be you, Gonzalez said. Despite having Temporary Protected Status and a valid work permit, Cruz was pulled over by ICE agents near SW First Avenue and Jefferson Street on Oct. 14. He has been in custody ever since. Portland says manufactured crisis spurred Trumps National Guard bid as trial begins Many years ago, he was pulled over for the same exact reason. They pulled up the other Victor Cruz, Cruzs daughter, Atziri, told KOIN 6 News while interpreting for her mother, Maria Garcia. So, yes, we believe that he was mistaken for the other Victor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cruz later told his family that on the day of his arrest, after giving an ICE agent his work permit and ID, he was told that work permits dont matter anymore. According to witnesses, agents told Cruz they were looking for another man named Victor Cruz, who was wanted on DUII charges. Even after realizing they had the wrong person, the family said agents decided to detain him anyway. Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici has met with several families in Hillsboro whose loved ones are missing. During an interview with Nexstar, KOIN 6 News parent company, she said the increased ICE presence and enforcement have caused a lot of stress for the community she serves. Bonamici said ICE has the wrong man, adding that his ongoing detention is unacceptable. Victor Cruz has lived in the Hillsboro area for 30 years. (Courtesy: Atziri Cruz) Victor Cruz has lived in the Hillsboro area for 30 years. (Courtesy: Atziri Cruz) Victor Cruz has lived in the Hillsboro area for 30 years. (Courtesy: Atziri Cruz) He has an injured foot, he has a pacemaker and a heart condition. They picked him up because they thought he had a criminal record, and he is still in detention, she said. His familys worried about him. Im worried about him as my constituent; the communitys worried about him and this increased ICE enforcement without due process by masked agents is creating a lot of fear and harm in the community. Its inexcusable. It has to stop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cruzs bond hearing was held on Tuesday, and community members say he was denied bond despite qualifying. His family also claims he has not been properly entered into the ICE locator system, which is a violation of their own policies. For weeks now, KOIN 6 News has tried to get answers from ICE about Cruzs case, but they have not responded amid the government shutdown. His family has launched a GoFundMe for his release. They are asking the community to contact local and federal representatives to demand his release. Advocates said Cruzs case was not isolated, citing dozens of detentions in Washington County since summer. Speakers urged Gov. Tina Kotek to declare a state of emergency to protect families from lawless tactics and a lack of due process used by immigration enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People are terrified to leave their homes. Children are living with anxiety that their parents will be taken next, Atziri said. This administration is working hard to divide us, painting immigrants as animals lying and saying theyre only detaining criminals, but we have seen thats not true. Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops. 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. 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: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain New data has shown that an initiative to reduce preterm births in Australia has led to a significant decrease in rates of potentially harmful early birth and improved pregnancy outcomes for women across the country. Published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynecology, & Women's Health, the study presents detailed outcomes from a six-year preterm birth prevention program first introduced in mid-2018. Preterm birthdefined as birth before 37 completed weeks of pregnancyremains a leading cause of death and long-term disability in children worldwide. In response to rising rates of potentially harmful early birth across the country, the Australian Preterm Birth Prevention Alliance launched a comprehensive preterm birth prevention program in 2018. Professor of Obstetrics at The University of Western Australia, and Chair and Founder of the Australian Preterm Birth Prevention Alliance, Professor John Newnham said the "proof of concept" phase for the program had been modeled on a pioneering initiative delivered in Western Australia. "From 2018 to 2021, broad implementation of preterm birth prevention strategies across the country through the Alliance were found to have lowered the rate of preterm birth by 10%," Professor Newnham said. "These strategies were chosen for their high evidential basis of their effectiveness and suitability for the Australian health care environment. "In 2021, we then expanded the methodology through the Commonwealth-funded 'Every Week Counts National Program'a collaboration of 59 major hospitals working together to lower the rate of birth in the early term ages (3739 weeks). "Overall, we have shown that using current knowledge we can lower the rate of harmful early birth by about 7%10%." The real face of this reduction is an approximate 4,000 fewer cases of early birth each year across Australia since the program was launched. Caring for preterm infants remains extremely expensive, and the socioeconomic impact is immense. A 2020 cost analysis revealed the annual cost of untimely early birth to the Australian Government was $1.4 billion each year, with more than $350 million of this spent on those needing education assistance due to their early birth. A 10% reduction in early birth equates to a saving to the Federal Government of at least $100 million each year. In March 2025, the Commonwealth announced new funding to expand Australia's world-first national program to safely reduce rates of preterm and early term birth with a focus on improving pregnancy outcomes for First Nations mothers. To support health services to adopt and spread evidence-based practice, the Alliance partnered with Women's Health care Australasia and the Institute for Health care Improvement. CEO of Women's Health care Australasia and Co-Chair of the Australian Preterm and Early Term Birth Prevention Program, Dr. Barb Vernon said the publication of The Lancet paper would be critical in propelling the efforts of teams involved in Round 2 of the national program. "In our current phase, we are working with teams from more than 40 hospitals across the country to strengthen their efforts and create even more impactful outcomes for women and babies across Australia." Dr. Vernon said implementing culturally safe continuity of care models for First Nations women and babies continues to be a key area of focus. "Unfortunately, First Nations babies are twice as likely as non-indigenous babies to be born too early," she said. "We know we need to expand access to culturally safe and trauma-informed maternity care services, co-designed and delivered with First Nations communities and health care professionals if we are serious about addressing this inequity. "As always, there is strong consumer involvement, with an overarching theme of women being at the center of their care and being supported to make informed decisions about what is best for them and their babies." Professor Newnham said the results provided strong evidence that structured, multi-faceted interventions using existing knowledge could yield measurable improvements in birth outcomes when implemented at scale. "A key body of work for us moving forward will be to harness our new knowledge to prevent preterm preeclampsia and shape new discovery research which will have an emphasis on different ways of looking at infection in early pregnancy such as a pregnant woman's microbiome," he said. Reflecting on the success of the preterm and early birth prevention national rollout, Professor Newnham acknowledged the previous and ongoing efforts of clinicians and consumers across the country. "No other nation so far has achieved such results," he said. "This success has come from the hard work and dedication of thousands of health care workers across our many health care facilities, together with support from government at the Commonwealth, state and territory levels. "But most importantly of all, is the enthusiastic involvement of pregnant women and their families across Australia. It is important to remember that this world-first program is supplied to the entire populationnot just those we think to be at risk. "Australia is one of the safest places in the world to have a baby. This program has made it even safer. The Australian Preterm and Early Term Birth Program aims to improve health outcomes for women and babies by safely reducing preterm and early term birth by 20% within participating maternity services across Australia by June 2026. More information: John P Newnham et al, Reducing rates of preterm and early-term singleton births safely in Australia: results of the national prevention programme, The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, & Women's Health (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.lanogw.2025.100042 Journal information: The Lancet Just over a decade ago, when Congress was taking its periodic look at the food stamp program, House Republicans lined up with their legislative hatchets. Their plan was to slice some $40 billion out of the program over 10 years, a benefit reduction of more than 5%. Among the promoters of the cut was Rep. Doug LaMalfa, a Republican from the far north of California. He called the proposal a "modest change" and expressed wonderment that it faced opposition, including among Republican senators. "To think that we cant retract just a little bit of the spending over something thats grown exponentially in the last three or four years," he said at an Agriculture Committee hearing. 'People really dont understand the scale and scope of what is happening and the ripple effect it will have on the economy and with people just meeting their basic needs.' Angela F. Williams, United Way president and chief executive Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A bit of context is needed here. First, the food stamp program formally the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP had grown over the previous few years because Americans had been struggling through the Great Recession. Second, as I pointed out then, LaMalfa was among the many budget-cutting Republicans who had their snouts in the farm-subsidy trough. In his case, the farm LaMalfa co-owned with other family members collected $5.1 million in government crop subsidies from 1995 through 2012. The proposed SNAP cuts didn't pass, not then. But the 2013 effort reflected a long-term Republican effort to cut food assistance programs for America's neediest families. That's important to keep in mind now, when the Trump administration already has taken steps to cut off all SNAP funding as of Saturday. The White House and the Department of Agriculture, which runs SNAP, blame the government shutdown, asserting that federal law prohibits it from advancing SNAP funds as long as the shutdown continues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But that's untrue, according to legislative expertsand according to the USDA itself. As recently as Sept. 30, when the shutdown was still only a glimmer on the horizon, the agency stated in its "Lapse of Funding Plan" that $6 billion in contingency reserves that Congress had appropriated in 2024 and earlier this year would be "available to fund participant benefits in the event that a lapse occurs in the middle of the fiscal year," which began Oct 1. The USDA subsequently deleted the Lapse of Funding Plan from its website. It now asserts, according to a departmental press release, that "the contingency fund is a source of funds for contingencies, such as the Disaster SNAP program," which provides benefits for residents affected by natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes and floods, not for government shutdowns. Never mind that the first Trump administration used the same funding to continue SNAP benefits during the 2019 government shutdown. Read more: Hiltzik: Who profits most from Medicaid? Employers like Walmart and Amazon, many of whose workers rely on the program I asked the USDA for the legal underpinning of its SNAP cutoff this time around, and received in reply a partisan screed parroting the GOP position that the shutdown is the Democrats' fault: "We are approaching an inflection point for Senate Democrats," it stated. "Continue to hold out for the Far-Left wing of the party or reopen the government so mothers, babies, and the most vulnerable among us can receive timely ... SNAP allotments." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before further examining the legal backdrop of the administration's SNAP cutoff, let's examine the role SNAP plays in the government safety net and the broader economy. SNAP is the government's largest food assistance program. Benefits are entirely federally funded, but administrative costs are shared by the feds and the states, 50-50. (Trump wants to raise the state burden of those costs to 75%.) Last year SNAP's caseload reached nearly 42 million people. About two-thirds of the beneficiaries are in families with children and more than a third are in families with elderly or disabled members. SNAP's eligibility standards are strict. Recipients must have net income below 100% of the federal poverty line (about $32,000 for a family of four). More than 80% of SNAP households earn less than that, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, which also calculated that more than 40% live in deep poverty, meaning their income is less than half of the poverty line. Recipients can't have more than $3,000 in assets such as cash or bank accounts (homes, retirement plans and cars needed for work aren't counted). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 21 million children, or more than 1 in 4 American children, live in SNAP households. The program's benefits are nothing like lavish. The average monthly benefit this year is $715 for a family of four, which works out to less than $2 per individual meal per day. That doesn't mean that the benefit cutoff is manageable for the average SNAP family, despite the assertions of LaMalfa and his ilk that the cuts the House contemplated in 2013 were "modest." For those dependent on the program, the looming benefit cutoff can devastate household budgets. "A tidal wave of need" faces families who have spent their October allotments and can't count on their benefit accounts being refreshed on Nov. 1, as my colleagues Kevin Rector, Jenny Gold, Ana Ceballos and Rebecca Plevin reported Tuesday. In California, 5.5 million residents, including 2 million children, will be forced deeper into penury. Read more: Column: Trump's plan to replace food stamps with food boxes is his meanest idea yet Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Food banks and other private or institutional programs can't fill the vacuum left by the disappearance of federal benefits. People really dont understand the scale and scope of what is happening and the ripple effect it will have on the economy and with people just meeting their basic needs, Angela F. Williams, president and chief executive of United Way, told The Times. What's seldom understood by the program's critics is its importance to the U.S. economy generally and the farm economy in particular. Because SNAP is counter-cyclical meaning it expands when the economy slumps and shrinks during recoveries every dollar spent on benefits yields as much as $1.50 in economic gains. As a team of USDA analysts calculated in 2019, every $1 billion in SNAP benefits produces a $1.5-billion gain in gross domestic product, "which supports 13,560 new jobs including $32 million added income going to agricultural industries that support 480 agricultural jobs." Indeed, farmers always have been among the biggest supporters of SNAP. Not only do they accept SNAP benefits at their community markets, but they also count on the program as a dependable customer for their crops. Like other safety net programs, SNAP's impact on the economy is especially powerful because recipients redeem their benefits promptly; the USDA has found that 97% of benefits are spent within one month of their issuance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite its obvious virtues, congressional conservatives never have ceased trying to whittle down the program since its creation in 1939, when the effects of the Great Depression still were being felt across the country. Many of the most familiar criticisms echo the "undeserving poor" myth the notion that SNAP enrollees are lazy spongers on the public purse. A common claim is that food stamps are spent on luxury foods such as lobster. A 2015 bill signed into law by Wisconsin's conservative Republican governor, Scott Walker, barred the use of SNAP funds to buy "crab, lobster, shrimp, or any other shellfish." Most such claims are based on anecdotes of dubious credibility: "I have seen people purchasing filet mignons and crab legs with their [SNAP] cards," a Missouri Republican pushing a law to restrict SNAP purchases told the Washington Post in 2015. "When I can't afford it on my pay, I don't want people on the taxpayer's dime to afford those kinds of foods either." In 2018, during Trump's first term, his administration proposed replacing half of SNAP benefits with "food boxes" containing "shelf-stable milk, ready-to-eat cereals, pasta, peanut butter, beans and canned fruit, vegetables, and meat, poultry or fish. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Hiltzik: Trump's plan to throw 3 million people off food stamps shows his cruelty to the poor Nothing in the plan said who would prepare these boxes or decide what went into them, how they would be distributed, or why SNAP recipients couldn't be trusted to assemble their own market baskets. The administration did acknowledge, however, that the change would cost the states $2.5 billion a year in new administrative costs. Surveys have found that SNAP households buy essentially from the same market basket as non-SNAP households staples such as fresh fruits and vegetables, beef, pork and chicken. Republican hostility to SNAP coalesced in the drafting of the budget bill enacted this summer, which cut $187 billion from the program over 10 years "the largest cut to SNAP in history," in the judgment of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. About 4 million Americans would have their benefits cut substantially or eliminated altogether, the Congressional Budget Office calculated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The measure would require some states to cover anywhere from 5% to 15% of benefit costs, up from zero. The measure also expanded the program's work requirements; under preexisting law, adults ages 18 to 54 without children in their household had to work or attend a training program for at least 80 hours a month to receive benefits for more than three months within any three-year period. The budget bill expanded that requirement to adults up to age 64. Now we have the Trump White House exploiting the government shutdown to strip SNAP benefits from more than 40 million needy Americans with a single stroke. Its explanation swears at the law, which mandates that benefits be continued without a break during any such shutdown. Whether the benefits can be saved is an open question; the District of Columbia and 25 states, including California, sued the administration Tuesday to block the cutoff. But administrative obstacles already erected by the USDA may have made the continuation of benefits past Saturday without delay difficult, if not impossible. The states say that laws passed last year and this year made clear that Congress intended payments to continue through a shutdown, and provided $6 billion in funding to ensure that happens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the cutoff has less to do with the law's mandates than the oft-expressed desire of this administration to get its way by imposing maximum pain and cruelty on the defenseless. In this government, men, women and children on the edge of hunger are merely pawns in a partisan campaign. Come Saturday, they still will be pawns, but hungrier. Get the latest from Michael Hiltzik Commentary on economics and more from a Pulitzer Prize winner. Sign me up. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. The first of seven Common Thread community nights was held Tuesday when the Kraken faced the Montreal Canadiens. Hispanic Heritage Night is a celebration of Washingtons large Hispanic population that features cultural food, music, and dance alongside a specialized jersey created by a community artist. October 28, 2025: Mariachi Band Performs Outside the Lair photo by Candace Kludt | The Hockey News This year, guests descending the escalators into The Deep were welcomed by an eight-piece mariachi band in full costume. The music was upbeat and created a celebratory atmosphere as the band moved around the concourse, treating as many attendees as possible to their musical stylings. If the music was not enough, guests also had the opportunity to sample authentic food prepared by local chefs and enjoy cultural da The Hispanic Heritage Night jersey was designed by Esmerelda Vasquez who was inspired by the symmetry of traditional Mexican Talavera tiles. Player-modeled jerseys were auctioned online through the Krakens Anchor Auction with proceeds benefiting the One Roof Foundation and El Centro de la Razaa community center committed to building multi-racial unity and advocating for the dignity and well-being of everyone in our community for over 50 years. October 28, 2025 Anchor Auction Table photo by Candace Kludt | The Hockey News Along with El Centro de la Raza, One Roof foundation awarded $32,000 to the Hero of the Deep Silvia Gonzalez of Casa Latina Seattle. Casa Latina provides Latinx immigrants with support in employment, education, and community organization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next Common Thread Night will be celebrated on December 16th and will honor Indigenous Peoples. Related: Kraken Common Thread Theme Night Schedule Released Kraken Common Thread Theme Night Schedule Released Single game tickets for the 2025-26 season went on sale today through Ticketmaster. While giveaway nights have yet to be announced, the Kraken did release the schedule for the seasons Common Thread nights. Common Thread is one of the ways the Kraken show their commitment to inclusivity and recognize the diverse cultures and backgrounds that form the backbone of the Pacific Northwest. SHAWNEE A section of downtown Shawnee was closed to traffic Wednesday afternoon following the collapse of a two-story building located next to the towns historic Ritz Theater. The Shawnee Fire Department reported the collapse took place about 4 p.m. Details were unavailable other than no injuries were reported. As of early Wednesday evening, the town shut down the intersection of Broadway Avenue and Main Street and the stretch of Main Street between Broadway and Beard avenues. The building at 6 W Main Street was last home to a marijuana dispensary and previously a computer store. An adjoining storefront, also in the collapsed building, was previously home to Stompin Sensation Studio. The building was vacated about three years ago following a fire. Firefighters shut down a section of downtown Shawnee on Wednesday following the collapse of a two-story building next to the town's historic Ritz Theater. No injuries were reported. More: 'We lost a piece of history.' Rural Oklahoma communities seek help to save historic downtown buildings Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An employee of the Ritz Theatre next to the collapsed building told The Oklahoman the landmark did not appear to be damaged. He said a Saturday concert by the band Showdown is cancelled, and an engineer will be scheduled to do an inspection. The same area lost another historic building across the street from Wednesdays collapse. That building, once home to the Ole Town Shawnee Flea Market, had a vintage Dr Pepper mural displayed on the facade and was built in 1907. The building, abandoned at the time, was torn down in 2023 after it was gutted by fire. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Downtown Shawnee streets closed following building collapse [Source] A gubernatorial pardon in Michigan has not ended the deportation threat for Lue Yang, a 47-year-old Hmong refugee and community leader who remains in federal immigration custody and may be sent to a country where he has never lived. About Yang and his case: Yang, a father of six, was born stateless in a refugee camp in Thailand and arrived in the U.S. in 1979 as a 1-year-old. His family had fled Laos following persecution tied to the Vietnam War, where his father served with American forces in CIA covert operations. Over the decades, he built a life in Michigan, working as an engineer and leading the Hmong Family Association of Lansing as its president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That stability came undone because of a decades-old conviction. In 1997, Yang accepted a plea deal for a home burglary charge and completed a 10-month sentence. He was ordered removed from the country in 2002, according to advocates, though ICE records indicate 2001. Michigan authorities expunged the conviction in 2018. However, federal immigration officials do not recognize such state-level expungements, which blocked Yangs repeated attempts to secure citizenship. On July 15, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested him at his workplace during a broader sweep that detained 16 Hmong and Laotian refugees. State pardon and community response: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer granted Yang a pardon last Wednesday, erasing his conviction and clearing his record. In announcing the decision the next day, her office called him a devoted family man and respected leader in Michigans Hmong community. The move represents Whitmers first known action this year on behalf of Michigan immigrants facing ICE enforcement. Trending on NextShark: Keke Palmer series sparks backlash for portrayal of Asian student at HBCU The pardon brought hope but not certainty. We applaud and thank Gov. Whitmer for her courage in granting Lue this pardon. Now we demand ICE and DHS to bring Lue home to Michigan, Yangs wife, Ann Vue, said in a statement. If deported to Laos, advocates fear his work advocating for Hmong veterans in the U.S. could lead to imprisonment or death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whats next: As of Thursday, Yang remained in ICE custody at a facility believed to be in Alexandria, Louisiana, a site that serves as a staging point for deportations. The agency has not disclosed his precise location. Nancy Xiong, his immigration attorney, warned that they are in a race against time. Michigan State Rep. Mai Xiong, a Hmong refugee herself, emphasized that the pardon can only help Yang fight his case if he is still on U.S. soil or airspace. That window may be closing. While gubernatorial pardons may help for some convictions, Laos has begun cooperating with U.S. deportation efforts following Washingtons imposition of a partial travel ban and visa restrictions in June 2025. Yang is among more than 4,800 individuals whom ICE considers Laotian nationals with removal orders, as per the Asian Law Caucus, with many coming from families that aided U.S. forces during the Vietnam War. Trending on NextShark: Hmong refugee pardoned by Michigan governor still faces deportation to Laos This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices. Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what were building, consider becoming a paid member your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community. Trending on NextShark: New York AG launches portal to report ICE following Chinatown raid Subscribe here now! Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today! NEED TO KNOW David Pearce, 42, was sentenced to 146 years to life in state prison for the 2021 fentanyl overdose deaths of Christy Giles and Hilda Cabrales-Arzola Pearce was found guilty in February 2025 of two counts of murder "The defendant is a rapist and now he is a murderer," prosecutor Seth Carmack said during trial A Hollywood producer who was convicted earlier this year of fatally drugging a model and her friend in 2021 was sentenced to 146 years to life in state prison on Wednesday, Oct. 29, the Los Angeles County District Attorneys office confirmed to PEOPLE. David Brian Pearce, 42, was found guilty in February of two counts of first-degree murder in the fentanyl overdose deaths of 24-year-old model Christy Giles and her friend, Hilda Cabrales-Arzola, a 26-year-old architect. Pearce was also convicted of rape and other sexual assaults against seven other women between 2007 and 2021, per the district attorneys office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was charged in July 2022 in the drug-related deaths. Deputy District Attorney Seth Carmack told jurors during Pearces trial that he drugged the women to facilitate the sexual assault," KNX News reported. "The defendant is a rapist and now he is a murderer," Carmack said, per the outlet. Related: Hollywood Producer David Brian Pearce Convicted of 2021 Murders of Model Christy Giles and Hilda Marcela Cabrales-Arzola According to prosecutors, Pearce met Giles and Cabrales-Arzola at a warehouse party in East Los Angeles around 3 a.m. on Nov. 13, 2021. Around two hours later, the women accompanied Pearce and others to his Beverly Hills apartment where he provided the victims with GHB and fentanyl. Frederick M. Brown/Daily Mail.com via AP David Brian Pearce David Brian Pearce Prosecutors said Cabrales-Arzola called a rideshare service within 35 minutes of arriving at Pearce's apartment but never took the ride. 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. Hours later, Pearce and his roommate, actor Brandt Osborn, dropped off the two women outside separate hospitals, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Giles was found dead from a mixture of cocaine, fentanyl, ketamine and GHB outside a hospital in Culver City. "I was just told, 'I'm very sorry to inform you, Ms. Giles... But she was dropped off at our hospital on the outside, kind of like a bag of garbage,'" her mother Leslie Giles told CBS 48 Hours. "And, um 'She didn't make it.' And I said, 'What do you mean she didn't make it?'" adding that she was told it was a police matter before she hung up and "fell apart." Cabrales-Arzola was found unconscious outside Kaiser Permanente West Los Angeles Medical Center, according to police. She was taken off life support after suffering multiple organ failure with cocaine, ecstasy and other undetermined drugs found in her system, according to KNX News. A judge declared a mistrial for Osborn, who was charged with two counts of being an accessory, ABC7 reported. He is now awaiting a possible retrial, per the outlet. Read the original article on People A Hollywood producer who was convicted of first-degree murder for the drug overdose deaths of a model and her friend, along with charges that he sexually assaulted seven other women, was sentenced Wednesday to 146 years to life in prison. Jurors deliberated about 2 1/2 days before finding David Brian Pearce, now 43, guilty Feb. 4 of the two murder charges stemming from the deaths of 24-year-old model and aspiring actress Christy Giles and her 26-year-old friend Hilda Marcela Cabrales-Arzola, who were taken to separate Southland hospitals about two hours apart on Nov. 13, 2021. A Hollywood producer has been found guilty of murder in connection with the drug overdose deaths of a model and her friend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Giles was already dead when she was taken to Southern California Hospital in Culver City, while Cabrales-Arzola, an architect, was alive outside Kaiser Permanente West Los Angeles Hospital but in critical condition. Her family took her off life support later that month, a day before her 27th birthday. The seven-man, five-woman jury also found Pearce guilty of three counts of forcible rape, two counts of sexual penetration by use of force and one count each of rape of an unconscious person and sodomy by use of force -- with all of the sexual assault charges involving crimes against seven women between 2007 and 2020. The jury was unable to reach verdicts on charges against co-defendant Brandt Walter Osborn, 45, who was facing two counts of being an accessory after the fact. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Eleanor J. Hunter declared a mistrial on those charges after jurors said they were hopelessly deadlocked. Osborn, now 46, is awaiting a potential retrial. Pearce has remained behind bars since he was arrested in December 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputy District Attorney Catherine Mariano told jurors at the start of the trial that Pearce was a "sexual predator," and said in her closing argument that there was no reason for Pearce's DNA to be found on the two women, including under Cabrales-Arzola's fingernails, if they weren't drugged and then sexually assaulted. Pearce's trial attorney, Jeff Voll, told reporters after the verdict that it was "truthfully not surprising given the overwhelming amount of incriminating evidence," but added that he thought the jury would deadlock on the murder counts against his client. "Because to believe David Pearce intended to kill Hilda and Christy, you would have to believe he intended to kill (key prosecution witness) Michael Ansbach and there was just no reason, no evidence ... because they all got sick off of fentanyl -- all of them, and unfortunately two passed," Voll said. Voll -- who has since been replaced as Pearce's attorney -- told reporters that his client's testimony in his own defense "didn't help," saying he had filed a written statement with the court informing the judge that he didn't think his client should be called to the stand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, the judge denied the defense's motion for a new trial that contended there was insufficient evidence for Pearce's conviction on the two murder charges and that jurors shouldn't have heard about "highly prejudicial and uncharged sexual misconduct." As her eyes welled with tears, Giles' mother, Dusty, said after the verdict that she was "so proud" of the prosecution and the Los Angeles Police Department detectives, saying "they listened to us way back from Alabama" pleading not to "rule them just as accidental overdoses or party girls (who) did this to themselves, ask why it's in their system, why they were dropped off." She said she was glad that "as much as it hurts to lose my baby girl, who was a fighter and stood up for anti-bullying and everything else her whole life that in this death her body was able to tell the story." She called her daughter and her daughter's friend "very reputable women that happened to meet the wrong man and that's it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim's mother said the "man who killed my daughter I hope is going away forever," and said she was glad that the sexual assault victims "finally had their day in court" too. Giles' husband, Jan Cilliers, said he was "very happy that the jury saw what we were seeing all along." In her closing argument, the prosecutor told jurors that Pearce "knew the dangers of fentanyl," but said he still gave fentanyl and GHB to Giles and Cabrales-Arzola "because he wanted to sexually assault them." Pearce's trial attorney countered that his client "didn't give them drugs," and urged jurors to acquit Pearce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Osborn allegedly accompanied Pearce in a Toyota Prius with no license plates attached to the hospitals where Giles and Cabrales-Arzola were left. Osborn's attorney, Michael Artan, told jurors that the "just outcome would be that Brandt Osborn would be found not guilty on the two counts" with which he is charged. He questioned the accounts of two key prosecution witnesses, including Ansbach, who was arrested along with Pearce and Osborn but never charged. Ansbach testified that Pearce told him, "Dead girls don't talk." The deaths of the two women were classified as homicides by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner, with toxicology reports finding multiple drugs present in both victims' systems, according to the department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Giles died of a mixture of cocaine, fentanyl, gamma-hydroxybutyric acid and ketamine, while Cabrales-Arzola died of multiple organ failure with cocaine, methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy) and other undetermined drugs found in her system. "This is no accident, no mistake," the prosecutor said, calling it an attempt by Pearce to "get away" with what he had done for years. The deputy district attorney told jurors that Pearce and Osborn waited hours to leave the residence they shared on Olympic Boulevard in the Pico-Robertson district to take Giles to the hospital when she was already dead and then returned to their apartment and took Cabrales-Arzola to a different hospital about two hours later. Pearce had met the two women at an after-hours rave in downtown Los Angeles, according to Mariano. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pearce's attorney countered that the prosecution had not met its burden to prove the case. Voll questioned why Pearce would have given fentanyl to both of the women and Ansbach, who was "his buddy of 20 years," and suggested that the drug may have instead been "accidentally ingested" after being mistaken for cocaine. "They never found fentanyl in his house. They never found GHB," Voll told jurors. "... There's no proof that Mr. Pearce got rid of anything." Voll also urged the panel to acquit Pearce of the sexual assault charges involving the other seven women, saying the majority did not go to a hospital or immediately report their allegations to law enforcement. He said some of the alleged victims didn't come forward until they heard that Pearce was being charged in connection with the deaths. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his rebuttal argument, Deputy District Attorney Seth Carmack told jurors that Pearce drugged the two women and Ansbach "because he didn't want anybody to leave," and alleged that he "was giving them drugs to facilitate the sexual assault." "The defendant is a rapist and now he is a murderer," Carmack said. During the trial, jurors heard from both defendants. Pearce denied giving the two women the drugs that killed them and said he "didn't personally see" them consume any drugs after they returned to his residence. The defendant disputed Ansbach's claim that Pearce had given glasses of red wine to the two women and that Pearce had subsequently given him an energy drink mixed with vodka that "had a distinctly awful taste to it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pearce also denied providing cocaine to either the women or Ansbach when they returned to the home, adding that Ansbach was filming an essential piece that they were working on together. Pearce said he came back into the room to find Ansbach and the women had all passed out after he spent a minimum of 35 minutes bathing his dog and cleaning up after the dog had been left for about 12 hours in a bathroom. "I assumed they just needed to sleep it off," he said of the three, adding that it wasn't uncommon for him to see people in that state at his residence. Pearce told the jury that he picked Giles up and moved her to a spare bedroom and then picked up Cabrales-Arzola and took her to his own room, where he fell asleep. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Were they breathing?" his attorney asked. "Yes," the defendant responded. When asked if they appeared to be in pain, Pearce responded that they did not. Under cross-examination, the defendant maintained that the two women were fully clothed when he moved them in his house and then to a Toyota Prius --which was driven to the two hospitals -- and acknowledged that "my DNA was everywhere'" when asked about DNA found on the two women. In questioning by his trial attorney, Pearce denied sexually assaulting either of the two women. Pearce also denied sexually assaulting the seven women, along with five other women who had also testified against him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pearce said he became concerned about Giles at about noon that day, but acknowledged that 911 was not called. He testified that he and Osborn drove to a hospital hours later to seek medical treatment for her and that they were directed to leave the hospital after he helped put Giles on a hospital gurney. Pearce testified that he and Osborn subsequently returned home and grew concerned about Giles' friend, who couldn't be awakened. He recounted performing chest compressions and CPR on her and believing that she was in a "better situation." He said he asked Osborn to look up a different hospital, Kaiser Permanente, because he believed it was closer. He said it was "absolutely impossible" that a neighbor who lived downstairs from him could have heard one of the women moaning in pain that day as she had testified. "One-hundred percent she's wrong," Pearce said under questioning by the prosecutor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pearce also denied telling Ansbach, "Dead girls don't talk," with Osborn saying when he was called to the stand in his own defense that he didn't hear that comment. Osborn told jurors that he went to bed when the group arrived home and that he only heard Pearce ask if they would like some wine. He said Pearce called him that afternoon into the room where Giles had been left, saying that it looked like she wasn't breathing. Osborn testified that Pearce attempted to lift Giles up and that she "relieved herself all over him," prompting Pearce to take a quick shower before leaving for Cedars-Sinai Medical Center as Ansbach testified earlier during the trial that he had suggested. He said Pearce subsequently "freaked" and said, "We can't bring her here," after arriving at Cedars-Sinai. "I said, This girl needs medical attention!'" Osborn said, his voice growing emotional as he told jurors that Pearce told him to get back in the car. Osborn said the two drove with Giles to the hospital in Culver City, where a security employee saw the back of the vehicle and "asked where the (license) plates were." "I was dumbfounded," Osborn told jurors, explaining that he had no idea that the license plates had been taken off the vehicle. He said he called Pearce "an idiot." Pearce was initially charged in December 2021 with sexually assaulting four women, with prosecutors subsequently adding sexual assault charges involving three other women. The District Attorney's Office subsequently filed the murder and drug charges before taking the case to the grand jury, which returned the indictment. Jurors also heard from five other women who alleged that they were sexually assaulted by Pearce in addition to the seven victims named in the sexual assault charges. Demand for the US musical "Slam Frank" is enormous, so enormous that the New York production has been extended by two weeks. Six times a week, a character calledAnne Frankappears on stage at the "AsylumNYX" theatre - staged as a pansexual Latina and with an oversized yellow Jewish star on her chest. In the play, the German Jew dances and raps about her experiences in hiding in Amsterdam, the basis of her world-famous diary. Instead of classic drama, the production focuses on hip hop and irony. Frank, born in Frankfurt am Main in 1929, fled with her family from the Nazis to Amsterdam. During the German occupation, the Frank family went into hiding. For around two years, they sheltered in the back of Otto Frank's father's company. In 1944, the family was arrested by the Gestapo. Anne Frank died in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in the spring of 1945. Satire with a mini-budget "Slam Frank" sees itself as a satire and aims to poke fun at inclusivity and "wokeness". Author and composer Andrew Fox, who is Jewish himself, wants to show how social debates can distort history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 38-year-old is directing a theatre group that is writing a play about Anne Frank. In the process, the production repeatedly slips into the absurd. The characters pin huge Jewish stars on their clothes or keep discovering new oppressed minorities. Despite the controversial treatment and a marketing budget of just $60, the play is almost sold out. The provocative portrayal has triggered a fierce backlash. An online petition has called for the play to be cancelled immediately and accuses the makers of trivialising the Holocaust. "The musical turns the catastrophe of the Holocaust into a spectacle full of misinformation," it said. "The pain of millions of people is ridiculed." Fox has defended the work, telling UK outlet Daily Mail: "When our shows sold out weeks in advance, we had hoped that we would have to turn away dozens of hopeful fans in our queue for remaining tickets. After all the negative coverage, it's down to a handful." The composer says he was inspired by a 2022 Twitter dispute about Anne Frank's privileges as a white girl. As the New York Times writes, Anne Frank is less concerned with Nazis in the musical and more with her self-realisation, an approach that remains difficult to digest for many viewers. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Homeless encampments in the metro are being cleared away as Governor Kevin Stitt takes his Operation Safe initiative from Tulsa to Oklahoma City. Image Governor Kevin Stitt, Facebook Along with the Governors Office, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the local non-profit Key to Home are working to keep homeless individuals off of state property. Key to Home is offering them a place to relocate before OHP steps in with enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jamie Caves, the Homeless Strategy Implementation Manager, said those who choose to seek shelter will receive three meals a day with a warm and dry place to sleep at night. Key to home is really focusing on the connection to services, transporting and triaging folks, and helping identify a housing pathway for each individual thats experiencing homelessness and living at an encampment on state property, Caves added. Oklahoma couple braces for Hurricane Melissa as the storm makes landfall Operation Safe launched in Tulsa in September, with Governor Stitt declaring the efforts a success. Due to the positive results, he decided to expand to Oklahoma City around the I-40 corridor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lt. Mark Southall with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol said theyve seen positive results in the metro. So far, weve had less encampments to clear out here than we did in Tulsa. Weve cleared about half of those encampments out yesterday, Lt. Southall said. For those that dont comply with the law, Governor Stitt said there will be consequences. Weve told them very clearly, we will take you to get help or were going to take you to jail, but were not going to allow you to keep, you know, breaking the law by camping in different, different areas around the state, Governor Stitt said. So far, OHP confirms there have been no arrests, with all of the individuals complying, with some accepting help from Key to Home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The operation does not have a set end date, the OHP said it will be ongoing until encampments are no longer being built. 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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City. WATERTOWN, N.Y. (WWTI) A 33-year-old homeless man is facing charges for allegedly putting a teen in a chokehold. According to the Watertown Police Department, they arrested Jordan Belair and charged him with criminal obstruction of breathing, harassment, and child endangerment. Authorities allege that Belair was involved in an argument with a teenage relative on Sept. 20 at a residence on South Meadow Street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Belair allegedly struck the youth in the throat with his elbows and put him in a chokehold. This action allegedly made it difficult for the teen to breathe. The boy declined medical attention, according to police. Belair was being held in the Jefferson County Jail on $1,000 bail. Latest Stories 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 WWTI - InformNNY.com. 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 Five years ago, during the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns, much of medical care went virtual. For 48% of Medicare users, some appointments turned into webcam visits, according to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. In 2024, 25% still had at least one telemedicine visit. But one promising form of telemedicine is underutilized in the U.S., compared with countries such as England and China, according to new research from Texas McCombs: initial question-and-answer evaluations. For a fee less than the cost of a full visit, a doctor can begin the diagnosis and referral process, based on a patient's written or recorded responses. Ultimately, the research finds, such screenings help more patients see doctors in person and promote better health outcomes. "It turns out that it does a better match," says Ashish Agarwal, professor of information, risk, and operations management. "You go to the right doctor, and it helps you in the long run." Such Q&A platforms, such as Teladoc and Doctor on Demand, most often use text. A person with a medical issue gets paired with a doctor who determines what type of care is most appropriate: such as a real-time virtual consultation or an offline visit. The chat might include a patient's images sent to the doctor and a diagnosis, but it's not meant as a substitute for specialized medical care. Agarwal and fellow IROM professor Guoming Lai analyzed data from a Chinese health care platform that was launching a Q&A service. "The platform was grappling with the issue that we have a lot of doctors, we have a lot of patients, and we want to improve the matching process," Agarwal says. With Yixuan Liu of China Europe International Business School, Shanghai, and Weihua Zhou of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, the researchers looked at whether Q&A chats ended up as substitutes for medical care, cannibalizing from offline visits and online consultations. "On-Demand Healthcare Platforms: Impact of Question and Answer Service on Online Consultations and Offline Appointments" is published in Information Systems Research. The opposite turned out to be true. After Q&As, the analysis showed, patients were more likely to follow up with a visit to a clinic or hospital or to schedule a virtual appointment. Q&A services increased online consultations with doctors by 2% and increased offline appointments by 4.3%. Patients spent 6.6% more on online consultations after having engaged with a doctor on a Q&A platform. The reason is that Q&As armed patients with better information, Agarwal says. "When it comes to medical issues, you're dealing with complex information. Sometimes you don't even know what you're looking for. That is where a service like this is very useful." The Q&As also had spillover effects, leading more patients to seek care from other doctors or specialists in addition to the ones they initially engaged with. Agarwal hopes the results might encourage more doctors to participate in such platforms, making it easier to match a patient with the right doctor. A future possibility is automated service, he says. Artificial intelligence might engage in the initial conversation or assist a doctor in their assessment. By using AI to help triage care for patients, platforms might help to alleviate the challenge of matching with live doctors. "If you are using an AI agent, it can scale up," he says. "So maybe the concern about matching would not be there." More information: Yixuan Liu et al, On-Demand Healthcare Platforms: Impact of Question and Answer Service on Online Consultations and Offline Appointments, Information Systems Research (2025). DOI: 10.1287/isre.2023.0644 Journal information: Information Systems Research Robert Taylor set out to build an ultramodern pool with a sunken bar and a vanishing edge, surrounded by waterfalls and turquoise blue pebbles, all in the front yard of his home. Seminole County quickly approved his application. But when the bulldozers and heavy equipment rolled into the quiet upper middle-class neighborhood just north of Maitland and started digging a big hole, some of his neighbors became outraged when they realized what Taylor was doing. The countys regulations say you cant have that in a front yard, said Jason White, who lives across the street from Taylor, about the proposed pool. It would be totally out of place with our neighborhood. This would diminish the appearance and harmony of our street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seminole staff agreed: They said they made a mistake in approving Taylors request. The county then ordered Taylor to immediately stop the work and seek a variance from Seminoles Board of Adjustment. On Monday, the county board agreed in a 2-to-1 vote that Taylor is entitled to a variance from the countys development rules and could move forward with building his aquatic oasis. Even so, the issue has divided the quiet neighborhood filled with towering oaks just north of Lake Faith. Taylors home, built in 1956, sits on a corner of his property and barely has a backyard. In effect, he has two front yards at the intersection of Magnolia and Lake Shore drives, according to county development regulations. And he argued the only place for him to build a pool would be on the portion of his property that overlooks Magnolia Drive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the public meeting filled with residents, board member James Evans made the motion to approve Taylors pool with the requirement that it be completely blocked from public view with fencing and vegetation when completed. This is definitely one of the weirder projects that have come to us since Ive been on this board, Evans said at Mondays meeting. We dont put pools in front yards, but you have to read into this with an objective mind. I think the homeowner has a unique problem. In recommending approval for the pool, county development staff said denying Taylors permit at this point would cause [Taylor] an unnecessary hardship. But White and others were not happy afterwards. He plans to appeal the decision to the Seminole County Commission, which could overturn the Board of Adjustments decision in the coming weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taylor, who did not return calls for comment, said an existing septic system on the other portion of his front yard prevents him from building a pool on that side. Taylor purchased his three-bedroom, 2,168-square-foot home in March 2005, according to county records. Without the variance, we would face the hardship of demolishing or significantly redesigning an already-permitted and partially-built structure, which would impose a substantial and unfair burden not caused by us, Taylor said in his application to the Board of Adjustment. Relocating or redesigning the pool at this stage would involve significant demolition, cost and waste. He said he plans to cover the pool from public view. Its not going to be an issue of seeing me sitting outside in my bathing suit, he said at the meeting. Nobody is going to see that. I just want my privacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His wife, Melissa Taylor, said neighbors will not even know there is a pool there. But opponents say allowing Taylors pool will lead other Seminole residents to also seek variances for huge pools in any part of a property. What is stopping myself or my neighbors from seeking similar variances in the future? Shelby Maddox said in opposition to the pool. And what will those plants [surrounding the pool] look like in 20 years? Withered away. Attorney Anthony Sabatini, who was hired by White and other opponents, said theres nothing wrong with a homeowner wanting a large fancy pool. But the proper place is a backyard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The boards approval sends the message that I can get a bigger and better pool if I move it to the side of the house, said Sabatini, a former state representative and current Lake County commissioner. Opponents also point out the Taylors own a pool construction company, Next Level Pools and Spas. According to Florida public records, the business was started in 2018. Theyre professional pool builders knowing what the lot configuration was, Charles Mullins said in opposition. But Taylor said he checked with the county and submitted an application that was initially approved. We acted in good faith in getting a permit, Melissa Taylor said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearby resident Rick Anderson said he supports the Taylors building a pool. This has been a hot topic in the neighborhood, he said. Theres a lot of things that need attention, and this is not one of them. This would be an improvement. Board member and chair Jim Hattaway, who cast the sole vote against allowing the Taylors pool, said he is empathetic to the couples situation. But the countys land regulations were set up to protect neighborhoods and adjacent homeowners, he said. I worship in the church of property rights, Hattaway said. But I think people have the right to say, I spent money in Seminole County because, amongst other reasons, I like the zoning. I like how the land development code has created my little patch of paradise. The hometown of jailed drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman has been hit in attacks by explosive-laden drones, the governor of the northwest Mexican state of Sinaloa said on Tuesday. Authorities did not specify when the strikes on Badiraguato, Guzman's birthplace and the historical stronghold of drug trafficking in Mexico, took place. Displaced residents said attacks in the region began in September. Dozens of residents were forced to leave the area, Gov. Ruben Rocha Moya told a news conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Drones were indeed used," Rocha said, adding that displaced people were being assisted by the government. Cartels and other criminal organizations in Mexico have increasingly used drones in attacks against rival groups or authorities. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) has been using drones since 2020, according to a report by the Insight Crime think tank. Some of the displaced, who wished to remain anonymous, told AFP that the most recent attacks targeted the La Tuna farm that belongs to Guzman's family. Other properties were also targeted, according to witnesses who said that more than 80 families were threatened by armed groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest drone attacks began on Sept. 16, according to a resident of Bacacoragua, one of the municipalities of Badiraguato, who left her village in early October. Armed men blocked access to farms and cut electricity in the area, said another witness who fled a village in the region. AFP has contacted authorities for confirmation and to seek further details about the reports. Guzman, who founded the infamous Sinaloa cartel, was sentenced to life plus 30 years and is serving time at a Supermax prison in Florence, Colorado. He was convicted in 2019 of charges including drug trafficking, money laundering and weapons-related offenses. In 2023, the cartel leader sent an "SOS" through his lawyers to then-President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador for help due to alleged "psychological torment" he says he is suffering in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attack in Guzman's hometown comes just days after a drone attack hit the prosecutor's office in the Mexican border city of Tijuana. Baja California state prosecutor Maria Elena Andrade told reporters that the attack with three explosive-laden drones caused some damage but resulted in no casualties. In 2024, officials said an alleged cartel attack using drones in southern Mexico killed at least six people and injured 13 others. The Mexican army has said that drug cartels have increased their use of roadside bombs or improvised explosive devices especially bomb-dropping drones. House lawmakers told their paychecks are delayed until government reopens What to expect from Trump meeting with Xi Jinping Video shows massive damage in Jamaica from Hurricane Melissa A Chicago-based private investment firm has bought HopCat, a chain of gastro pubs founded in Grand Rapids, with plans for growth and a focus on its value driven menu and casual vibe. Founded in 2008, HopCat is known as a neighborhood spot and for its vast selection of beers on tap including notable local craft beers. Its locations feature a pub-style menu of sandwiches, burgers and other from scratch made items, including the well-seasoned signature Cosmik fries. We are excited to be acquiring HopCat at this pivotal point in time and to partner with Chairman Ned Lidvall, CEO Craig Stage, CFO Andrew Woodruff and their leadership team to carefully grow the HopCat brand while continuing their maniacal focus on great, value-priced food served in a friendly, neighborhood atmosphere, Dan Kipp, co-founder and CEO of Uncommon Equity, said in a news release. HopCat is known for its vast selection of craft beer. HopCat has a dozen restaurants across the state, including its Stellas Lounge in Grand Rapids and a location in Lincoln, Nebraska. Inside, HopCat dining rooms are known for its decor trend with a focus on album-covered walls and walls with murals. Its most recent metro Detroit location opened in the Downriver community of Southgate in late June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were no financial terms of the purchase released. We see this transition not as a change of direction, but as a continuation of what HopCat does best bringing people together, Craig Stage, HopCat CEO, said in a news release. Were excited to partner with Uncommon Equity and their experienced Operating Partners to invest in the team, new locations, and innovation while preserving the local and Midwest hospitality that has always defined the brand. Stage has been with the company for more than 10 years, working at various locations and in different capacities throughout the chain. In June 2024, Stage became CEO of Project Barfly. More: Michigan restaurants, residents are trying to help if SNAP benefits are paused Cosmik Fries are one of HopCat's well known dishes. We are back into full growth mode, Stage told the Free Press ahead of the Southgate opening. We feel really confident in our direction and in our strategy of really focusing on Michigan. And we think that there's a lot of underserved communities as it relates to good food and drink and operating restaurants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HopCats new owner plans to build on and grow the brand while investing in menu innovation, guest experience, and community partnerships to fuel its next phase of growth, according to a news release. In June of 2020, HopCat filed bankruptcy and emerged months later under new ownership. Former investors Congruent Investment Partners and Main Street Capital bought HopCat out of chapter 11 bankruptcy. The group formed Project Barfly as the new operating company for the chain. Under its new ownership, the chain will operate under its new name, HopCat Hospitality LLC. Contact Detroit Free Press food and restaurant writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news and tips to: sselasky@freepress.com. Become a subsriber. Follow @SusanMariecooks on Instagram and X, formerly known as Twitter. Subscribe to the Eat Drink Freep newsletter for insider scoops on food and dining in metro Detroit. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: HopCat, a chain of gastropubs in Michigan, has new owners GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) HopCat and Stellas Lounge have been acquired by an investment firm in Chicago. Uncommon Equity has acquired Project BarFly LLC, it said in a Wednesday release. The acquisition includes Stellas Lounge in downtown Grand Rapids and the 12 HopCat locations. We see this transition not as a change of direction, but as a continuation of what HopCat does best bringing people together, BarFly CEO Craig Stage said in a release. Were excited to partner with Uncommon Equity and their experienced Operating Partners to invest in the team, new locations, and innovation while preserving the local and Midwest hospitality that has always defined the brand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Traverse Citys Two Sons Pizza expanding into downtown Grand Rapids This is the second time in five years that BarFly has changed hands, as it was sold for $17.5 million to Congruent Investment Partners and Main Street Capital after filing for bankruptcy in 2020. Along with HopCat and Stellas Lounge, BarFly was also the owner of the Grand Rapids Brewing Co. before it closed last year after a fire. HopCat was first started in 2008 by Maxs South Seas Hideaway owner Mark Sellers. It has since grown to include 11 Michigan locations and a spot in Nebraska. Known for its Cosmik Fries originally called crack fries it offers burgers, mac and cheese and other bar food. Stellas Lounge, located at 53 Commerce Ave. near Fulton Street, is known for its arcade games and burgers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HopCat waitress saves customers life, performs CPR We are excited to be acquiring HopCat at this pivotal point in time and to partner with Chairman Ned Lidvall, CEO Craig Stage, CFO Andrew Woodruff and their leadership team to carefully grow the HopCat brand while continuing their maniacal focus on great, value-priced food served in a friendly, neighborhood atmosphere, Dan Kipp, co-founder and CEO of Uncommon Equity, said in the release. 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. Julia Loper works at the Geary County Food Pantry in Junction City, stocking shelves and helping customers. Like many food pantries across Kansas, the organization is struggling to meet community needs. (Submitted) TOPEKA Kansans who receive food assistance or are furloughed from federal jobs are scrambling to pay bills and feed their families as the federal government shutdown drags on. Tuesday was the deadline for the federal government to reopen so that November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program payments could go out to beneficiaries. It takes 72 hours for the payments to process, according to the Kansas Department for Children and Families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 93,000 Kansas households nearly 188,000 Kansans use SNAP benefits to put food on their tables, DCF said in a press release. The bulk of those using SNAP are children. As politicians on both sides exchange barbs on social media and in news releases about who is at fault for shutting down the government, Kansans like Daniel Scharpenburg, of Overland Park, are carefully tracking their bank account balances. Hes worried about a teenage son with a big appetite and the possibility of empty kitchen cabinets. Scharpenburg, 45, is furloughed from the Internal Revenue Service office in Kansas City, Missouri. He worked the first five days of the shutdown, leaving Oct. 8 and receiving a paycheck in mid-October for those days of work. I have to be very careful with my bills, because I have now missed a paycheck, he said. Im having to rely on food banks and things like that to make sure I have food. If I start thinking about my car payment and my phone bill and my rent, Im gonna go crazy. I really do have to focus on the next bill thats due and hope for the best. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scharpenburg is applying for jobs in the Kansas City area but isnt having much luck. He said all furloughed workers in the area are competing for jobs. The IRS location employs about 6,000 people, and reports from the federal government indicate about half of IRS workers have been furloughed, he said. Housing and Urban Development also has a Kansas City office, and those employees are affected by the shutdown too, Scharpenburg said. Scharpenburgs ex-wife is also a furloughed IRS employee, and he worries that his 15-year-old son at home will eventually be affected by the situation. I really thought it would be over before now, Scharpenburg said. In another week, its going to break the record for longest shutdown if it keeps going, and thats not a record I want to see broken. So, yeah, I am worried that it will go on longer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scharpenburg is first vice president in the National Treasury Employees Union Chapter 66, which covers Kansas City, Missouri. In that role, hes hearing daily from furloughed employees who are scared and frustrated. The union put together lists of food banks and other local resources, he said. But you know, its hard times for a lot of people, so it seems like the resources we lean on to help us are being stretched thin, just like just like our dollars are, he said. Scharpenburg said union members tell him that landlords and bankers have been willing to work with furloughed employees, knowing that eventually theyll get back pay. The idea floated in Washington of withholding back pay was like a slap in the face, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When a politician says something like that, it feels like, oh, they dont respect our work at all, he said. I am nervous. The law is clear that we will get paid at the end of this, but that being said, if Congress could pass something to change that I dont know what will happen if the executive branch were to decide just to not pay us. Theyd have to go to court, but I dont know if that would be resolved quickly. Food pantries struggling Many pantries statewide are stretching to meet community needs generated by rising prices and furloughed employees. Now, missing SNAP payments are expected to intensify the situation, said Debbie Johns, director of the Geary County Food Pantry. Located in Junction City, the food pantry has been adding 12 to 15 new families each time it has a food distribution, Johns said. Typically, the organization sees just three to five new families each time it opens its doors, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a little scary, Johns said. Weve got a pretty good stock but you just see it go each time. If they clear the shelves, how long are we going to be able to keep up with this? Johns said the food pantry adapted its guidelines to make sure they are able to serve furloughed federal employees. Many of them work at Fort Riley and would exceed income guidelines. Johns is grateful many in the Geary County area are donating food and holding food drives to help out. The county has the highest child food insecurity rate in Kansas, she said, so all of the challenges this year have made the problem worse. Gov. Laura Kelly added food drives to the remaining stops on her statewide The Peoples Budget listening tour because of the widespread need. Working in partnership with the Kansas Food Bank and Harvesters The Community Food Network, she encouraged anyone attending the town hall events to bring nonperishable, nonglass food items. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the federal government shutdown continues to drag on, Kansans who are furloughed, and especially those who receive SNAP and WIC benefits, are caught in the crossfire, Kelly said. Kelly also announced this week that she joined a coalition of 22 states and two governors in suing the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Secretary Brooke Rollins for unlawfully suspending SNAP funds during the government shutdown. States cannot, and should not, take on the federal governments responsibility to fund SNAP, Kelly said in a news release. Cutting off SNAP payments is an unprecedented choice made by the Trump Administration and Congress that will harm millions of families across the country. I joined this lawsuit to protect Kansans, because the federal government has a legal and moral responsibility to fund this program, not to take food out of the mouths of Kansas children. Economic challenges Grocery stores are planning for changed buying patterns as SNAP funding cuts off, said Jon McCormick, president and CEO at Retail Grocers Association, Kansas and Missouri. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SNAP benefits put nearly $33 million each month into the Kansas economy, according to the USDA. The effect on grocery stores of missing SNAP payments will be immediate, McCormick said, although multiple factors determine the effect in specific stores. A store in Lenexa is going to have minimal SNAP recipients shopping, he said. A store in the urban core of Wichita is totally different.That could be 40% of the business. It certainly is going to affect the urban core stores and the very small rural stores. McCormick serves on the National Grocers Association government relations committee, and he visited Washington, D.C., last week to discuss resolutions to continue SNAP funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For us as an industry, including all food manufacturers and providers, it is disruptive for the customer. Its disruptive for the supply chain. Its disruptive for the retailer, he said, adding that hes confident retailers will be able to manage through this challenge. The independent retailer is rather resilient and creative when it comes to adversity, McCormick said. Grocery store owners and managers across the state are unsure exactly how they will be affected when SNAP payments stop. Some, like Pam Budenbender, owner of Onaga Country Market, dont expect to see many changes because her store doesnt serve many people using SNAP. However, she said shes worried about a customer who is deaf and needs the benefit to buy food. Budenbender already helps her out as much as she can. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scott Bird, co-owner of Family Market in Quinter, said his store definitely will be affected, as it participates in eWIC, part of the Women, Infant and Childrens program that offers supplemental nutrition for mothers and infants. It definitely will have an effect on small-town stores and people who need those services, he said. He isnt yet adapting inventory but is in a wait-and-see mode, Bird added. Others affected by the federal government shutdown include banks, mortgage companies and property management companies that rent apartments. Kansas banks and bankers stand ready to work with and support their customers who may be facing any hardships due to the current federal government shutdown, said Doug Wareham, president and CEO of the Kansas Bankers Association. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, he encouraged federal employees to reach out to their banks as soon as possible to discuss their personal situation and see what help may be available, including potential fee waivers, payment deadline extensions, or other accommodations. The banking industry will continue to support Kansans through major challenges such as this shutdown just as we did during the pandemic and previous interruptions in government operations, Wareham said. Gary Olds, with the Geary County Landlords Association, said it is early in the shutdown to determine how landlords will manage missed rental payments. The Junction City area is military-dependent, he said. I think in general, landlords are going to try to work with military with regards to the rent, but thats a broadbrush statement on my part, he said. Most landlords can probably weather about 30 days because they have the security deposit. Hopefully at least some of the tenants that are military have some level of savings that can make a payment or make a partial payment. Scores of people have been killed in attacks by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) during their recent capture of the city of el-Fasher in Sudans western Darfur region, according to a medical group and researchers. The RSF, which has been fighting Sudans military for control of the country, killed at least 1,500 people over the past three days as civilians tried to flee the besieged city, the Sudan Doctors Network said on Wednesday. The group, which tracks the countrys civil war, described the situation as a true genocide. The massacres the world is witnessing today are an extension of what occurred in el-Fasher more than a year and a half ago, when over 14,000 civilians were killed through bombing, starvation, and extrajudicial executions, the group said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It said the attacks are being carried out as part of a deliberate and systematic campaign of killing and extermination. The statement comes as new evidence of mass killings in the strategic area has emerged from Yales Humanitarian Research Lab (HRL), which reported that satellite imagery of el-Fasher, taken after the RSF moved in, shows clusters of objects consistent with the size of human bodies, as well as large areas of red discolouration on the ground. The RSF has been locked in a bloody civil war with Sudans army since 2023, in a conflict that has killed tens of thousands and displaced more than 12 million people. The paramilitary force overran el-Fasher, the armys last stronghold in Darfur, on Sunday after 17 months of siege. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sudanese government said on Wednesday that at least 2,000 people have been killed in the city since then, while aid agencies say they have received credible reports of atrocities, including summary executions, attacks on civilians along escape routes, and house-to-house raids. Sexual violence, particularly against women and girls, was also reported in the city, they said. El-Fashers fall puts the RSF in near full control of the vast region of Darfur and has raised concerns of another split of Sudan, more than a decade after South Sudans creation. Sudans army-aligned government also accused the RSF on Wednesday of attacking civilians in mosques during their recent takeover of the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 2,000 civilians were killed during the militias invasion of el-Fasher, targeting volunteers in mosques and the Red Crescent, Mona Nour Al-Daem, a humanitarian aid officer for the Sudanese government, said. Al Jazeeras Hiba Morgan, reporting from Khartoum, said videos on social media taken by the RSF showed fighters shooting at civilians attempting to flee. The latest and most disturbing video to surface was of the fighters roaming through what has been identified as the Saudi Hospital in the city of el-Fasher, executing patients, Morgan said. Survivors who fled the city said at least 500 people had been seeking refuge in the hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among those killed were health workers, Morgan added. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of the World Health Organization (WHO), said that more than 460 people were killed at the Saudi Maternity Hospital. He said the WHO was appalled and deeply shocked by the reports. The Sudan Doctors Network said RSF fighters on Tuesday cold-bloodedly killed everyone they found inside the Saudi Hospital, including patients, their companions, and anyone else present in the wards. Regional alarm Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Turkiye and Jordan have condemned the abuses committed by the RSF in Sudan. Saudi Arabia expressed deep concern over grave human rights violations and urged the RSF to protect civilians. Egypt called for an immediate humanitarian truce and pledged continued support to help Sudan overcome the crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turkiye demanded an end to hostilities in el-Fasher and safe passage for humanitarian aid, while condemning atrocities against civilians and urging dialogue for a peaceful solution. Qatar also denounced the horrific violations and called for negotiations to end the conflict. Egypt, Turkiye and Qatar reaffirmed their support for Sudans unity and sovereignty. Jordan likewise condemned the violence and called for restraint and an urgent ceasefire to protect civilians. The RSF has not addressed the allegations against it. The paramilitary force grew out of the notorious government-linked militia known as the Janjaweed, which carried out genocide during the Darfur conflict in the 2000s. The United States has also declared that the RSF and its allies have committed genocide in the current war. Unprecedented violence Separately on Tuesday, Yales HRL published a report relying on satellite imagery that said that RSF forces were conducting alleged mass killings after seizing el-Fasher. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nathaniel Raymond, HRLs executive director, described the violence in el-Fasher as unprecedented. The scale is immense, from the earthen berm, the wall that now surrounds el-Fasher, to specific neighbourhoods, such as Daraja Oula, to hospitals and humanitarian facilities. We are seeing objects that measure between 1.5 to 2 metres [5 to 6.5 feet], which is the standard length of a human body, lying horizontal, as seen in satellite imagery at high resolution, he told Al Jazeera. Those objects were not there 36 to 48 hours ago. They now litter the city. The researcher warned that the killings were a preview of what could happen in other areas of Darfur and the North Kordofan province as RSF forces move to the east of the country with the fall of el-Fasher. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ahmed Ibrahim, a former staffer of the transitional government under Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, said the RSF was meant to be integrated into the national army, but due to geopolitical reasons and internal politics, this did not happen. Many bets were on the RSF militia to take over the resources of the country and replace the national army and take over the whole country, Ibrahim told Al Jazeera. The timeline of this integration, and the RSFs new leadership, were the main points of contention that led to this war, he said. According to Ibrahim, the war has been taking place as Sudans rare earth minerals and long [Red] sea line were being utilised to export livestock and other resources to East African countries as an attempt to strip Sudan of its national resources. This is not just a power struggle between two generals, Ibrahim said. This is part of a geopolitical attempt to restructure the region. Hospitals nationwide are urging the Trump administration to reconsider a steep new fee for hiring highly skilled workers from other countries. Many turn to medical professionals from abroad to fill the gaps, but the new $100,000 price tag for the popular H-1B visa is making that nearly impossible, particularly for midsize hospitals or smaller. "We need to stabilize," said Jamie White, the chief nursing officer at Frederick Health in Maryland. She also said, "We have had a continual desire to bring on about 100 nurses for the last three years." Frederick Health, like others nationwide, looked abroad to fill in the gaps, planning to sponsor up to 45 nurses on H-1B visas. Now, those plans are on hold, with a new $100,000 fee to obtain the visa and hire foreign employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We cannot afford that for even one individual," White said. Jamie White / Credit: CBS News The Trump administration announced the policy change in September, with President Trump saying it provides an incentive to hire American workers. The administration has since clarified that the fee is for new applicants living abroad, not those already here. White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers called the administration's actions a necessary reform. "President Trump promised to put American workers first, and this commonsense action does just that by discouraging companies from spamming the system and driving down American wages," Rogers said in a recent statement to CBS News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frederick Health and other hospitals are hoping for an exemption for medical workers, given an ongoing national shortage. "I know there's a lot of concern with bringing people to the United States, and they might be taking U.S. jobs, but we do have a shortage of clinical team and highly skilled workers," White said. The American Hospital Association wrote the Trump administration a letter in late September asking for exemptions for health care personnel. The letter detailed the association's concerns and said that rural and underserved communities could be hit hardest. "Given the staffing and financial challenges our hospitals are already facing, the increased petition fees outlined in the September 19 Proclamation would likely prevent many of them from continuing to recruit essential health care staff and could force a reduction in the services they are able to provide," said the letter, addressed to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Homeland Security did not comment on the letter when contacted by CBS News. The Trump administration's executive action notes that organizations can apply for exemptions. CBS News has reached out to the White House about whether the administration is considering an exemption for medical workers, and whether the number of any exemptions will be capped. Eye Opener: Hurricane Melissa makes landfall in Jamaica Hurricane Melissa expected to bring catastrophic weather to Jamaica Judge admonishes ICE leader in Chicago after agents descend on Halloween parade Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT), while skewering President Donald Trump for illegally striking suspected Latin American drug traffickers, semi-ominously warned Republicans to imagine who gets killed if Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) were to become president. Himes offered the hypothetical during an appearance on MSNBCs Chris Jansing Reports on Wednesday. Chris Jansing played Himes a clip of Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), earlier in the day, saying the majority of Americans support Trump killing suspected drug traffickers. I love this debate, Graham said. The president has all the authority in the world and if you want to fight over this, lets fight over this. I think most Americans are going to be with Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That remark set Himes off. Its beneath [Graham] to say what he just said. He knows, as well as I do, there is no legal authorization for these strikes. There isnt, Himes started off by saying. He continued: If Lindsey Graham and other Republicans want to go the route of saying its okay to kill people illegally, just so long as the American public supports it, the American public needs to really think that through, you know? There will be a Democratic president someday. And all my MAGA friends who are cheering on these illegal killings need to imagine who gets killed when President Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez says that it doesnt matter what the law is, shes going to do what shes going to do. The congressman added that, because he works in Washington, D.C., he understands the complete abnegation of principle and thumbing of the nose at the rule of law. But even considering the sordid nature of Congress, Himes said Grahams comments went too far. Trumps killing of suspected drug traffickers has not only been criticized by Democrats, but also some Latin American leaders. Colombian President Gustavo Petro has ripped Trump for the strikes and questioned whether humanity should get rid of Trump during a recent Univision interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president responded to Petro by calling him a thug and warning him to watch his mouth, or else the USA would take very serious action against him. Watch Hines on MSNBC above. The post House Dem Warns MAGA Friends to Rethink Trump Drug Boat Strikes: They Need to Imagine Who Gets Killed When AOC is President 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: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Starting Nov. 1, funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)the nation's 60-year-old food assistance programcould be withheld for the first time ever, leaving millions of low-income Americans facing "real distress." As part of the ongoing government shutdown, 40 million Americans who rely on SNAP benefits may see their monthly food budgets vanish. And experts warn that the disruptions could increase demand at food banks, drive up consumer hardshipeven throw supply chains off-kilter. "I don't think there's any way to sugarcoat it," says Christopher Bosso, a professor of public policy and politics at Northeastern University. "Pretty quickly, as early as late next week, you're going to start to see evidence of real distress out there." Bosso says that SNAP benefits are typically distributed on the first day of each month, supporting an estimated 40 million Americans who rely on the program for assistance. Many of those Americans also rely on food pantries by the third or fourth week of the monthby some estimates up to half, Bosso says. The SNAP benefits are administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through its Food and Nutrition Service, and the money is transferred to recipients through an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card. "If you don't have any money in your EBT card, it's going to be that much harder for these families to get through the month, period," says Bosso, author of the book "Why SNAP Works: A Political Historyand Defenseof the Food Stamp Program." Bosso notes that the threatened reductions extend beyond SNAP, adding that federal funding for school lunches could also see reductions during the shutdown. That's on top of the cuts to local purchase assistance programs and other initiatives. Many low-income families depend on these programs to provide as many as two meals a day for their children. According to industry reports, SNAP benefits, or food stamps, accounted for nearly 10% of grocery industry sales. Northeastern University food pricing expert John Lowrey says that food stamps act as a subsidy for low-income consumers, increasing their purchasing power for food at retail stores. As benefits are typically reloaded at the beginning of each month, there is something of a "SNAP cycle" where families can afford food for roughly the first two weeks, then turn to food banks to meet remaining needs, Lowrey says. "Food bank demand and food bank usage is a really good proxy for total food need," he says. How might families adjust to the cuts? Lowrey notes that the cuts could push low-income consumers to substitute for cheaper, less healthy foods or skip meals, increasing stress and exacerbating health conditions. The Trump administration also said it would not tap into its $6 billion contingency fund to cover food stamp benefits next month if the shutdown continues. That money, Bosso says, has been set aside precisely to cover any shortfalls with the SNAP program, which he says the administration is legally obligated to do. The USDA contests this, noting in a memo that the contingency fund is "not legally available to cover regular benefits." Bosso says that the situation could escalate into "yet another dispute" over whether the Trump administration has the authority to withhold funds that Congress has already approved. States with higher poverty rates often have a greater proportion of their population receiving SNAP benefits, Bosso says. And studies have shown that food assistance can help cut poverty, particularly in some of the poorer states. An Urban Institute study, for instance, found that higher SNAP benefits from the federal government's Thrifty Food Plan cut poverty by 7% to 8% in several poorer states, with particularly strong effects for children, including a 34.8% decline in child poverty in the District of Columbia and reductions of 10% to 14% in 13 other states. "If you combine all the cuts in nutrition programs, and you consider the fact the federal workforce isn't getting paidyou have hundreds of thousands of federal workers who are going without paychecks for over a month nowa fair number of those folks are going to start showing up at food pantries," Bosso says. To help maintain access to food, Bosso says states may try to increase funding for school meal programs and the broader food bank system. Massachusetts, for example, has already invested millions in grants and programs to support food security, but even this relatively affluent state faces limits in fully offsetting federal cuts, particularly amid broader economic pressures. "I don't think food pantries and the food bank system can plug all those holes," Bosso says. "But we'll see." Lowrey adds that the changes could also affect supply chains. "We might see a surge in demand or higher sales in more rural locations," he says. "From a supply chain perspective, major food retailers may strategically locate more inventory in these areas to meet that surge in demand or higher sales in cheaper food categories, such as shelf-stable items, causing retailers to locate inventory accordingly." This story is republished courtesy of Northeastern Global News news.northeastern.edu. CNNs Jake Tapper grilled Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM) on why she is not pushing for Democrats to vote to reopen the government if she and others are so concerned about food assistance programs being halted. Stansbury joined Tapper on The Lead on Tuesday as dozens of states chose to sue President Donald Trumps administration over a coming halt to the SNAP assistance program amid the government shutdown, which is now in its 28th day. Things got tense between Tapper and Stansbury as the congresswoman clapped back at Tappers accusation that Democrats are choosing to keep the government closed. Democrats are currently at a standstill with a continuing resolution to fund the government, as they are asking for an extension on Affordable Care Act subsidies that will soon be expiring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a choice by the White House, Stansbury declared. Congresswoman, this is also a choice by Senate Democrats to not vote to open the government, Tapper responded. No, its not, the congresswoman shot back. Yes, it is! I understand why theyre doing it. Theyre doing it because they want Medicaid funds restored. Theyre doing it because they want Obamacare premiums to be extended past the end of the year, Tapper said. Sir, let me just be clear. The money for contingency plans is sitting there. That is why the states are suing the White House for withholding food, Stansbury said. Tapper noted that the budget Stansbury was referring to would equate to a couple weeks of SNAP funds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yeah, well it may not be a big deal to you, but let me tell you that for the grandparents Stansbury told Tapper as he jumped in. It is a big deal to me! he said. Tapper told her he was offering a short-term solution. It doesnt matter! Stansbury said. At the end of the day, people need to be able to feed their families, and Saturday is when those funds run out. If you feel so strongly, Congresswoman, why not ask the Senate Democrats from New Mexico to vote to open the government? Tapper asked. Stansbury blasted Republicans, saying she cant find any in the halls of Congress. Sir! I am here in the House of Representatives. It is shut down. I am fighting to get the government reopened, she said. I am fighting to get funding put back into SNAP that is already existent, and I am fighting for the American people. I am hear, but show me a single Republican that is here. Check out the exchange below: MELANIE STANSBURY: They think that they can use the hunger of children to try to leverage Democrats rather than feeding 42 million Americans. And were not going to stand for it. Were going to sue them. Were going use the courts. Were going to use Congress. And we are going to do everything we can at the community level to make sure that Americans can put food on the table this weekend. Were not going to stand for this? JAKE TAPPER: Should the Democratic senators from New Mexico, your home state, vote to open the government so that these SNAP funds are not at risk? STANSBURY: Let me be clear. The administration is choosing to starve American children with money that they already have appropriated. TAPPER: Im not applauding their tactics. STANSBURY: This is a choice by the White House. TAPPER: Congresswoman, this is also a choice by Senate Democrats to not vote to open the government. STANSBURY: No, its not. TAPPER: Yes, it is! I understand why theyre doing it. Theyre doing it because they want Medicaid funds restored. Theyre doing it because they want Obamacare premiums to be extended past the end of the year. I understand the reasoning. STANSBURY: Sir, let me just be clear. The money for contingency plans is sitting there. That is why the states are suing the White House for withholding food. TAPPER: Yes, two to three weeks worth of SNAP funds. STANSBURY: Yeah, well it may not be a big deal to you, but let me tell you that for the grandparents TAPPER: It is a big deal to me! STANSBURY: For the grandparents that are feeding their children, to not have money in those accounts TAPPER: My point is its a short-term solution. STANSBURY: It doesnt matter! At the end of the day, people need to be able to feed their families, and Saturday is when those funds run out. TAPPER: If you feel so strongly, congresswoman, why not ask the Senate Democrats from New Mexico to vote to open the government so that the SNAP funds STANSBURY: Sir! I am here in the House of Representatives. It is shut down. I am fighting to get the government reopened. I am finding to get funding put back into SNAP that is already existent, and I am fighting for the American people. I am hear, but show me a single Republican that is here, not a single one is here to make sure that Americans are fed on Saturday. That is why I am there. Watch above via CNN. The post House Democrat Brawls With Jake Tapper Over Shutdown: Sir, Let Me Just Be Clear first appeared on Mediaite. Human Events Media Group has asked the judge presiding over conservative activist Charlie Kirks murder case to ensure the trial remains open to the public and the press. Tyler Robinson, charged in the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, has appeared once remotely with the camera on from the Utah County Jail. His defense filed a motion on Oct. 22, asking 4th District Court Judge Tony Graf to restrict media coverage during the trial, prohibiting further photography and video coverage of any proceedings. They also asked Graf to allow Robinson to appear before court in civilian clothing, unrestrained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Graf granted Robinsons request to wear civilian clothing but struck his request to appear without restraints. Graf also granted a media restriction prohibiting the media from recording Robinsons restraints or him entering or exiting the court room. Mr. Robinson shall be dressed as one presumed innocent, Graf said, per previous reporting from the Deseret News. Robinsons preliminary hearing was scheduled for Thursday but has been postponed until Jan. 16. His arraignment will follow on Jan. 30. In their letter, Human Events said Robinsons trial should be conducted in the same way Kirk was killed in public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kirk did not get to decide whether or not his murder would be live streamed, only his assassin had a say in that. Kirks life was public, his execution was public, and the trial of the suspect in his murder should be open to the public as well, the Human Events letter concluded. On the other hand, Robinsons defense argues Robinsons right to innocence-until-proven-guilty should prevent the media from being too involved. Because of the extraordinary nature of this capital case and the need to ensure a fair and impartial jury that may ultimately decide whether he lives or dies, Mr. Robinson agrees with the sheriff that the court should limit media coverage, or video and photographic coverage, at the least, so defendants physical appearance is no longer the subject of interest and he has some chance of securing a fair and impartial jury, their motion stated on Oct. 22. What was Tyler Robinson charged with? Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray is pursuing the death penalty for the following seven charges: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Count 1: Aggravated murder, a capital felony, that the defendant intentionally or knowingly caused the death of Charlie Kirk. Count 2: Discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, a first degree felony. The defendant targeted Charlie Kirk because of political motives, knowing children would be present. Count 3: Obstruction of justice, a second degree felony, for moving firearm used in a crime. Count 4: Obstruction of justice, a second degree felony, for disposing clothing he wore during the shooting. Count 5: Witness tampering, a third degree felony, directing his roommate to delete his texts. Count 6: Witness tampering, a third degree felony, for directing his roommate to stay silent. Count 7: Violent offense in the presence of a child, a class A misdemeanor. Kirk was shot and killed during a Prove Me Wrong debate at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10. Robinson allegedly shot Kirk from the roof of the Losee Center, a building next to the grassy amphitheater at UVU where Kirk was interacting with 3,000 students and visitors. He was apprehended on Sept. 12. Nearly 40 years after a womans body was found in a then-remote area of Davie, the man suspected in her murder has been identified by just a few small strands of evidence left behind. A driver on Flamingo Road found the body of Marilyn Decker, 28, floating in a canal on the morning of Oct. 22, 1987. She had been killed somewhere else at least a few days earlier before her body was left in the water in a plastic bag, according to a Fort Lauderdale News report from the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Davie Police announced Tuesday that recent DNA testing of several human hairs found inside and on Deckers shirt and a towel found at the scene matched that of Donald Lawless, a man originally from Ohio who lived in Davie and other parts of Florida between the early 1980s through 1993. Though the Broward State Attorneys Office determined there is enough evidence to charge him with Deckers murder, Lawless died in Ohio in 1995. Little information was reported about Decker and her case in the months and years following the discovery of her body. The Broward County Medical Examiners Office determined her cause of death was asphyxiation, but police had not yet identified any suspects, the Fort Lauderdale News reported on Oct. 24, 1987. Decker was one of several women whose bodies were found discarded in canals in the mid-to-late 1980s around Davie, and all of their cases went cold. Lori Jane Kearsey was found floating in a canal on Feb. 18, 1984, near the 2600 block of Southwest 130th Avenue, just a few miles away from where Decker would be found. In 1985, the body of Carrie Weldgen was found in a canal on the northeast corner of Southwest 121st Avenue and Southwest 36th Court, about 2 miles away from where Kearsey was found a year earlier. Within three years after Deckers murder, detectives had identified multiple suspects, collecting and processing evidence, Davie Police said in a news release Tuesday, but they were met with negative results. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement joined Davie Polices investigation in 1995. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They conducted interviews. They processed items that were found at the scene. Yet the efforts did not turn up any leads, and the case went untouched until 2021, the police department said. Three organizations helped Davie Police in their investigation in recent years: The Vidocq Society in Philadelphia, an organization made up entirely of volunteers ranging from former law enforcement to prosecutors to chemists that assists law enforcement agencies on cold cases; Astrea Forensics in California, an organization considered experts in genetic profiling from human hairs; and a DNA technology company called Parabon, which has assisted Davie Polices Cold Case Unit in other cases in recent years. Astra Forensicss testing of the hairs recovered from the scene showed several of them shared the same DNA from a man, the police department said. Then, CeCe Moore, chief genetic genealogist at Parabon, used that DNA to work for months to build a family tree, leading police to Lawless as their suspect. Moore and Parabon also helped solve an older Davie cold case in 2021 by identifying Carolyn Dunn Moudy as a Jane Doe whose body was found in December 1975. Lawless was cremated after he died in Ohio 30 years ago, the news release said. He had an extensive criminal history going back to the 1940s. Davie Police confirmed Lawless was the suspect through DNA testing of a close relative of his that Parabon then compared. Since Deckers case has been solved, seven other cold cases in Davie from the 1980s remain. Editor's note: This page summarizes news on Hurricane Melissa for Wednesday, Oct. 29. For the latest on Hurricane Melissa, visit USA TODAY's coverage for Thursday, Oct. 30. Hurricane Melissa weakened on Wednesday as it barreled through the Bahamas after devastating Cuba, Jamaica and Haiti, leaving dozens of people dead and destroying infrastructure across the region. By 11 p.m. ET Wednesday, Melissa restrengthened into a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph after weakening into a Category 1 earlier in the day. The center of the hurricane was moving away from the Bahamas as it traveled north-northeast near 21 mph, the National Hurricane Center said in its 11 p.m. ET advisory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In what the Bahamas called one of its largest evacuation operations, authorities had completed the air evacuation of nearly 1,500 people ahead of the storm. Forecasters had warned that the storm would bring damaging winds, flooding, and storm surge to the Bahamas. A resident stands at a flooded section of Port Royal in Kingston on Oct. 27, 2025. Hurricane Melissa threatened Jamaica with potentially deadly rains after rapidly intensifying into a top-level Category 5 storm, as residents scrambled for shelter from what could be the island's most violent weather on record. Melissa has already been blamed for at least four deaths in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, and was set to unleash torrential rains on parts of Jamaica in a direct hit on the Caribbean island. A man covers the windows of his home with corrugated iron ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Melissa in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba, on Oct. 27, 2025. Hurricane Melissa strengthened Monday as it took aim at Jamaica and other parts of the Caribbean as a top-level Category 5 storm, with forecasters predicting catastrophic flooding and urging residents to seek shelter immediately. After passing over Jamaica, the storm was forecast to head north and cross over eastern Cuba on Tuesday night, while continuing to bring rain and heavy winds to Haiti and the Dominican Republic. A man watches the waves crash into the walls at the Kingston Waterfront on Oct. 27, 2025. Hurricane Melissa threatened Jamaica with potentially deadly rains after rapidly intensifying into a top-level Category 5 storm, as residents scrambled for shelter from what could be the island's most violent weather on record. Melissa has already been blamed for at least four deaths in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, and was set to unleash torrential rains on parts of Jamaica in a direct hit on the Caribbean island. A motorist drives along flooded Michael Manley Boulevard in Kingston, Jamaica, as Jamaica starts to feel the effects of Hurricane Mellisa on October 26, 2025. Hurricane Melissa, already a major category 4 storm, gathered steam Sunday as it took aim at Jamaica and other parts of the Caribbean, with forecasters predicting catastrophic flooding and urging residents to seek shelter immediately. A coconut tree sways in the wind at the Kingston Waterfront on Ocean Boulevard in Kingston, Jamaica, as Jamaica starts to feel the effects of Hurricane Mellisa on Oct. 26, 2025. Hurricane Melissa was cutting a deadly path in the Caribbean on the night of October 25, with rapid intensification expected over the weekend as it took a worryingly slow course toward Jamaica and the island of Hispaniola, forecasters said. Waves crash onto the beach in Kingston on Oct. 27, 2025. Hurricane Melissa threatened Jamaica with potentially deadly rains after rapidly intensifying into a top-level Category 5 storm, as residents scrambled for shelter from what could be the island's most violent weather on record. Melissa has already been blamed for at least four deaths in Haiti and the Dominican Republic and was set to unleash torrential rains on parts of Jamaica in a direct hit on the Caribbean island. Satellite image of Hurricane Melissa as of 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27, 2025. People fill bags with sand in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Melissa, in Port Royal, Jamaica on Oct. 26, 2025. Alfred Veitch places concrete blocks on top of his chicken coop, in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Melissa, in Port Royal, Jamaica on Oct. 26, 2025. A person watches waves crash on the beach, ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Melissa, in Port Royal, Jamaica on Oct. 26, 2025. Fishermen move a boat to higher ground, in preparation of Hurricane Melissa, in Port Royal, Jamaica on Oct. 26, 2025. Empty counters at the airport, in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Melissa, in Kingston, Jamaica on Oct. 25, 2025. People load sandbags onto a vehicle, in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Melissa, in the Harbour View neighborhood of Kingston, Jamaica on Oct. 25, 2025. The National Hurricane Center reports Melissa has strengthened into a hurricane in the Caribbean on Oct. 25 and could soon rapidly intensify into a monstrous Category 4 or 5 storm, bringing perilous threats of rain, winds and storm surge to northern Caribbean islands. A drone view shows a vehicle driving along a flooded street amid rain caused by Tropical Storm Melissa, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, October 24, 2025. People transit on a motorcycle through a street flooded by rains caused by Tropical Storm Melissa, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, October 23, 2025. People look on at the entrance to their homes on a street flooded by rains caused by Tropical Storm Melissa, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, October 23, 2025. A woman is standing on a street flooded by rains caused by Tropical Storm Melissa, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, October 23, 2025. A drone view shows water rushing through a spillway at the Sabaneta Dam as water levels are elevated due to Tropical Storm Melissa, in Sabaneta, Dominican Republic October 23, 2025. People walk through a flooded street amid rain caused by Tropical storm Melissa, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, October 24, 2025. A woman walks along a flooded street amid rain caused by Tropical Storm Melissa, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, October 24, 2025. A drone view shows a flooded area amid rain caused by Tropical Storm Melissa, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, October 24, 2025. Gas pumps are wrapped in plastic at a Texaco station as part of storm preparations, ahead of Tropical Storm Melissa, which is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to the area, in Kingston, Jamaica, October 25, 2025. Workers board up a business ahead of the potential impact of Tropical Storm Melissa, in Kingston, Jamaica, October 24, 2025. Hurricane Melissa slams the Caribbean. See the floods and impact on residents in photos 1 of 23 A resident stands at a flooded section of Port Royal in Kingston on Oct. 27, 2025. Hurricane Melissa threatened Jamaica with potentially deadly rains after rapidly intensifying into a top-level Category 5 storm, as residents scrambled for shelter from what could be the island's most violent weather on record. Melissa has already been blamed for at least four deaths in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, and was set to unleash torrential rains on parts of Jamaica in a direct hit on the Caribbean island. In southern Haiti, torrential rain from Melissa caused a river to burst its banks, killing at least 25 people, Haitian authorities said. Most of the deaths were reported in the southern coastal town of Petit-Goave, where at least 10 children were killed and 12 people remain missing, Haiti's disaster management agency said. In Jamaica, authorities reported four hurricane-related deaths. Earlier in the day, authorities had said it was too early to confirm a death toll for the island nation. The extent of the devastation from the hurricane remained unclear on Wednesday due to widespread power and communication outages. Numerous communities across the region were also isolated following the storm's passage. Over 30 deaths reported in Haiti, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic Though Melissa did not directly hit Haiti, the Caribbean's most populous nation, the storm slammed the island country with days of rain. Authorities reported at least 25 deaths, largely due to floods in Petit-Goave, a coastal town about 40 miles west of the capital, where a river burst its banks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jean Bertrand Subreme, the mayor of Petit-Goave, told the Associated Press on Wednesday that dozens of homes collapsed in the deluge. People were still trapped under rubble in the area, overwhelming local authorities. In Jamaica, authorities said flood waters had washed up four bodies in the southwestern agricultural hub of St. Elizabeth. "I am saddened to announce that four persons - three men and one woman - have been confirmed dead by the police in St. Elizabeth. They were discovered after being washed up by the flood waters generated by the hurricane," Desmond McKenzie, Jamaica's Minister for Local Government and Community Development, said in a news release. Before landfall, authorities reported that the storm had already caused three deaths in Jamaica, three in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic. Flooded homes, isolated communities The deadly hurricane flooded homes, blew off rooftops, and toppled trees and utility poles across the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Haiti, authorities said more than 1,000 homes were flooded. People living in makeshift camps said the flooding made it impossible to sit or sleep, and said the government and aid groups were slow to bring supplies, according to Reuters. About 77% of Jamaica was without electricity, authorities said Wednesday morning. Prime Minister Andrew Holness visited Black River Hospital, the only public hospital in St. Elizabeth, where aerial footage showed destroyed buildings and fields strewn with rubble. No deaths were reported in Cuba on Wednesday, but at least 241 communities remained isolated and without communications after the storm swept across Santiago province. Hundreds of thousands of people were still in emergency centers and President Miguel Diaz-Canel said the island had suffered extensive damage. Hundreds of residents evacuated from southern Bahamas ahead of Melissa Melissa weakened into a Category 1 hurricane with its maximum sustained winds dropping from 100 to 90 mph, the National Hurricane Center said in its 5 p.m. ET advisory. But life-threatening storm surge and heavy rainfall are expected in parts of the southeastern and central Bahamas through the evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hurricane center advised people to remain sheltered until local officials deem it safe to venture out. On Tuesday night, authorities in the Bahamas urged residents to stay safe amid emergency preparations for the storm. This is your final opportunity to ensure your safety. If you have not already found secure shelter, please do so immediately, Leon Lundy, the Bahamas disaster risk management minister, said at a press briefing. If you have not already found secure shelter, please do so immediately. Now is the time to stay indoors and to stay in place. Authorities noted that while most evacuees were staying with family and friends, the government has activated shelters that will remain on standby for any incoming evacuees. The Bahamas Airport Authority also closed all airports except for those needed for final evacuation flights. On Wednesday morning, Lundy reported that evacuation operations were completed, and preliminary figures indicated that 1,485 residents were evacuated. This was one of the largest and most complex pre-landfall evacuation efforts in recent national history, Lundy said. A resident slides over part of the roof of his house, damaged by Hurricane Melissa, in Santiago de Cuba on October 29, 2025. Deadly Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Cuba overnight and was churning out to sea on Wednesday as authorities in Jamaica began surveying the extensive damage left in its wake as the strongest tropical cyclone of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. A bed washed away by floods is seen after the passage of Hurricane Melissa through the town of San Miguel de Parada in Santiago de Cuba province on October 29, 2025. A powerful Hurricane Melissa made landfall in eastern Cuba on Wednesday, causing damage and flooding to homes and streets in Santiago de Cuba province, an AFP team on the ground reported. Men salvage belongings from the rubble of her their home after it collapsed during Hurricane Melissa's passage through Santiago de Cuba, Cuba, on October 29, 2025. A powerful Hurricane Melissa made landfall in eastern Cuba on Wednesday, causing damage and flooding to homes and streets in Santiago de Cuba province, an AFP team on the ground reported. View of part of Santiago de Cuba city after the passage of Hurricane Melissa on October 29, 2025. A powerful Hurricane Melissa made landfall in eastern Cuba on Wednesday, causing damage and flooding to homes and streets in Santiago de Cuba province, an AFP team on the ground reported. People pass by the rubble of a wall in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa in Santiago, Cuba, October 29, 2025. People pass by fallen trees on the street beside an image of late Cuban President Fidel Castro, in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa in Santiago, Cuba, October 29, 2025. A vintage car is parked with fallen debris in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa in Santiago, Cuba, October 29, 2025. Yurca Melo, 45, removes cables from a fallen electrical post on a street in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa in Santiago, Cuba, October 29, 2025. A man takes pictures of fallen electrical posts on the street in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa in Santiago, Cuba, October 29, 2025. People walk between fallen trees in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa in Santiago, Cuba, October 29, 2025. People walk in a flooded area in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa in Santiago, Cuba, October 29, 2025. A man walks between fallen trees in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa in Santiago, Cuba, October 29, 2025. People pass by debris from a wall in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, in Santiago, Cuba, October 29, 2025. A man with a tattoo of revolutionary hero Ernesto "Che" Guevara cuts branches from a tree felled by strong winds, in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, in Santiago, Cuba, October 29, 2025. Youth observe a flooded street, in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, in Santiago, Cuba, October 29, 2025. Residents stand at the doors of their homes on a flooded street, in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, in Santiago, Cuba, October 29, 2025. A resident walks along a street, in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, in Santiago, Cuba, October 29, 2025. Residents stand in a flooded street, in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, in Santiago, Cuba, October 29, 2025. Residents stand in a flooded street, in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, in Santiago, Cuba, October 29, 2025. Fulgencio Garcia bails water out of his home, in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, in Santiago, Cuba, October 29, 2025. Residents walk past debris and fallen trees after Hurricane Melissa struck Santiago de Cuba on October 29, 2025. A powerful Hurricane Melissa made landfall in eastern Cuba on Wednesday, causing damage and flooding to homes and streets in Santiago de Cuba province, an AFP team on the ground reported. Cuba slammed by Hurricane Melissa. See the impact of floods and wind on residents, homes 1 of 21 A resident slides over part of the roof of his house, damaged by Hurricane Melissa, in Santiago de Cuba on October 29, 2025. Deadly Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Cuba overnight and was churning out to sea on Wednesday as authorities in Jamaica began surveying the extensive damage left in its wake as the strongest tropical cyclone of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. Bahamas and Bermuda are Melissa's next targets For those still awaiting Melissas arrival, its forecast to: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sweep through the central and southeastern Bahamas with hurricane-force winds overnight. Bring a 4- to 7-foot storm surge and 5 to 10 inches of rain to the southeastern Bahamas. Pass west of Bermuda, but still bring heavy rain, swells and rip currents beginning Thursday. The east end of Newfoundland is also in Melissas probable path and could feel impacts on Friday night as it transitions from a hurricane to a tropical storm. Jamaican airports to reopen as officials assess damage A contingent of Jamaican officials was in St. Elizabeth parish on Wednesday afternoon, including Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Floyd Green, the minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining. Images of destruction are all around, Holness said in an X post. The damage is great, but we are going to devote all our energy to mount a strong recovery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Green posted on X that nearly 90% of the homes in southwest St. Elizabeth are affected, with many communities cut off from roads, light, and data. Officials also announced that three airports are reopening. The Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston was scheduled to open to relief flights at 4 p.m. on Wednesday and to commercial flights at 7 a.m. on Thursday, according to Daryl Vaz, minister for Energy, Science, Telecommunications, and Transport. Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, just west of where the center of Melissa traversed the island, will open only for relief flights starting at 10 a.m. on Thursday, authorities said. Ian Fleming International Airport in Boscobel, St. Mary Parish, Jamaica, will also be open to commercial flights at 7 a.m. on Thursday. Dinah Voyles Pulver 2025 is another above-normal Atlantic hurricane season Thanks to the ferocity of Hurricane Melissa, the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is now considered to be above-normal, according to Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He shared on X that the season has now generated 127 ACE (Accumulated Cyclone Energy), making it an above-normal season per NOAA's definition. ACE is a measurement that reflects the intensity and duration of all tropical storms and hurricanes in a given season. Nine of the last 10 Atlantic hurricane seasons have been classified as either above-normal or extremely active, according to Klotzbach. Hurricane Melissa hit the southwestern coast of Jamaica around 1 p.m. ET Tuesday with catastrophic winds speeds of about 185 mph after churning slowly toward the island nation. The hurricane center said Melissa's landfall is one of the most powerful in the Atlantic Basin's recorded history. As the storm's center moved across western Jamaica to its northern coast, Melissa became a Category 4 storm with winds of 145 mph and torrential rainfall that caused flash flooding and life-threatening storm surge, the hurricane center said. A police officer inspects a car damaged by a fallen tree after the passage of Hurricane Melissa. A store stands destroyed following the passage of Hurricane Melissa in Manchester, Jamaica, on October 28, 2025. A house with a damaged roof is seen after the passage of Hurricane Melissa in Manchester, Jamaica, on October 28, 2025. Hurricane Melissa ripped up trees and knocked out power after making landfall in Jamaica on October 28, 2025 as one of the most powerful hurricanes on record, inundating the island nation with rains that threaten flash floods and landslides. A man uses a chainsaw to clear fallen branches, after Hurricane Melissa made landfall, in Spur Tree, Manchester, Jamaica, October 29, 2025. People inspect the damage after Hurricane Melissa made landfall, in Spur Tree, Manchester, Jamaica, October 29, 2025. Broken tree branches lie on the street, after Hurricane Melissa made landfall, in Spur Tree, Manchester, Jamaica, October 29, 2025. A man looks at a fallen tree in St. Catherine, Jamaica, shortly before Hurricane Melissa made landfall on October 28, 2025. Fallen trees block sections of the Spur Tree main road following the passage of Hurricane Melissa in Manchester, Jamaica, on October 28, 2025. Hurricane Melissa ripped up trees and knocked out power after making landfall in Jamaica on October 28, 2025 as one of the most powerful hurricanes on record, inundating the island nation with rains that threaten flash floods and landslides. Category 5 Hurricane Melissa slams Jamaica: See the aftermath of catastrophic winds, rain 1 of 8 Hurricane Melissa hit the southwestern coast of Jamaica around 1 p.m. ET Tuesday with catastrophic winds speeds of about 185 mph after churning slowly toward the island nation. The hurricane center said Melissa's landfall is one of the most powerful in the Atlantic Basin's recorded history. As the storm's center moved across western Jamaica to its northern coast, Melissa became a Category 4 storm with winds of 145 mph and torrential rainfall that caused flash flooding and life-threatening storm surge, the hurricane center said. A police officer inspects a car damaged by a fallen tree after the passage of Hurricane Melissa. US sends assistance to storm-ravaged Caribbean Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States has sent rescue and response teams to parts of the Caribbean devastated by Hurricane Melissa. The United States is in close contact with the governments of Jamaica, Haiti, Dominican Republic and The Bahamas as they confront the devastating impacts of Hurricane Melissa, he said in a post on X Oct. 29. We have rescue and response teams heading to affected areas along with critical lifesaving supplies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rubio did not describe the size of the rescue teams or say where they would be stationed. Our prayers are with the people of the Caribbean, he added. Melissas fierce winds sent people running for a place to hide Jack Edma, 37, said Hurricane Melissa was a storm like no other hes ever experienced. At a home in eastern Jamaica, which avoided the worst of Melissas impacts, Edma felt the building's concrete walls vibrate as the storm barreled across the island. It was scary, he told USA TODAY on Wednesday. It was so strong I moved away from any windows and hid. The power went out, and as Edma went around St. Catherine Parish the next day, he saw roads covered in downed trees and overtaken by floodwater. One home had partially collapsed and fell over a cliff, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Edma, of Lynchburg, Virginia, said he was in the country on business when his flight was canceled over the weekend. While he awaits his return to the United States, he said he plans to assist in the clean-up effort, handing out food and clearing roads. More: Hurricane Melissa has wreaked havoc in the Caribbean. Here's how you can help. Melissa hit as a Category 5 hurricane Melissa reached Jamaica as an extremely dangerous Category 5 hurricane, the highest level on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, bringing damaging winds, catastrophic flash flooding and landslides across Jamaica on Tuesday. The storm caused widespread infrastructure damage, including power and communication outages that left hundreds of thousands of residents in the dark. The winds, which topped 185 mph on the island, were "like a roaring lion," retiree Colin Henry McDonald told Reuters as the storm approached. "It's mad. Really mad." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parishes across Jamaica reported heavy floodwaters, blocked roads and fallen trees and utility poles, according to Desmond McKenzie, the island's minister of local government and community development. The parish of St. Elizabeth was submerged by flooding, and its only public hospital lost power and reported severe damage to one of its buildings. The International Federation of the Red Cross previously said up to 1.5 million people in Jamaica were expected to be directly affected by the storm. About 15,000 people were in temporary shelters by late Tuesday, according to McKenzie. The government had issued mandatory evacuation orders for around 28,000 people. More: See how Hurricane Melissa, among strongest on record, compares with historic storms Men salvage belongings from the rubble of her their home after it collapsed during Hurricane Melissa's passage through Santiago de Cuba, Cuba, on October 29, 2025. Pope offers prayers to those affected by Hurricane Melissa Pope Leo XIV took to social media on Wednesday and called for prayers for those impacted by Hurricane Melissa throughout the Caribbean. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thousands of people have been displaced, and there is severe damage to homes and infrastructure, he said on X. Let us #PrayTogether for those who have lost their lives, for those who are fleeing and for those who are experiencing a period of anxiety and concern. The head of the Catholic Church also thanked civil authorities, voluntary organizations, and Christian communities for their relief efforts. 2025 storms: Elon Musk makes Starlink satellite internet free in regions hit by Hurricane Melissa Hurricane Melissa makes landfall in Cuba Melissa restrengthened to a Category 4 hurricane as it approached Cuba and made landfall as a Category 3 storm, the hurricane center said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A hurricane warning remained in effect Wednesday morning for the Cuban provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo, Holguin, and Las Tunas, as well as the southeastern and central Bahamas. More than 735,000 people were evacuated in Cuba by Tuesday night, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said in a social media post. In the Bahamas, next in Melissa's path to the northeast, the government ordered evacuations of residents in southern portions of that archipelago. "There will be a lot of work to do. We know that this cyclone will cause significant damage," Diaz-Canel said in a message published in the state newspaper Granma. Jamaican authorities assess 'devastating' impacts from Hurricane Melissa Officials said while they were still working to assess the damage across Jamaica on Oct. 29, its clear that Hurricane Melissa ravaged much of the western part of the country. It looks really, really difficult in many parts of Jamaica, said Dana Morris Dixon, Jamaicas information minister, at a news conference. The images were getting are really devastating. She said the storms historic arrival was extremely difficult for a lot of people and that authorities were working to restore communication services so families could connect with their loved ones. We are a strong people, we are resilient people, and we will get through it together, she said. 'Everything was flying': American recounts sheltering from Hurricane Melissa As Hurricane Melissa barreled across Jamaica, Janaya Herring and her family huddled in the living room of their Airbnb in a mountainous part of St. Ann Parish. The storms fierce winds hurled outdoor furniture hundreds of feet away as rain came in under the doors and through cracks in the windows. The homes power and water service was knocked out. And a tree in the backyard fell within inches of the house. It sounded like it was going to tear the roof off, Herring told USA TODAY, describing the storms winds. Everything was flying. Herring, 45, from Montgomery, Alabama, was in Jamaica for her brothers wedding last weekend and, along with several of her relatives, was stranded on the island when her flight was canceled. She plans to return home on Friday. This was my first time out of the states, said Herring, a hairstylist. I was scared before, and now I dont think Ill ever be leaving again. Travelers stranded in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa hits Honeymooners Tiera Coleman and Laquon Triplett have already had two return flights home to Milwaukee canceled because of Hurricane Melissa. As of Tuesday, the couple said they are waiting out in their room at a resort about 40 minutes from Montego Bay. The resort was being powered by generators, with limited food available to guests. The newlyweds are working out how to get back home to Milwaukee, with Coleman telling USA TODAY their best hope is the end of the week if the roads are clear. "There have been loud bangs on the ceiling, and our doors are shaking," Coleman said. "Most of the palm trees are down, and some parts of the resort property are damaged." Their experience is similar to the many other travelers stranded in the beloved Caribbean destination, seeking shelter and safety as their return home remains in flux. Read more. Kathleen Wong Hurricane Melissa likely caused billions in damage to Jamaica: AccuWeather The damage and destruction in Jamaica is estimated at $22 billion, according to a preliminary analysis by AccuWeather. The estimate accounts for damage to homes and businesses, disruptions to the economy and tourism and other losses due to extended power outages, travel delays and infrastructure, the outlet said. Recovery efforts may be dangerous and lengthy, with residents and tourists stranded for an extended time, said Alex DaSilva, lead hurricane expert at AccuWeather. "This was a historic and devastating storm for the western Caribbean. The recovery and rebuilding process after a direct hit from a Category 5 storm could take a decade or longer," he said. Contributing: Reuters This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hurricane Melissa live updates: Powerful storm barrels past Cuba SANTIAGO DE CUBA, Cuba (AP) Hurricane Melissa left at least dozens dead and caused widespread destruction across Cuba, Haiti and Jamaica, where roofless homes, toppled utility poles and water-logged furniture dominated the landscape Wednesday. A landslide blocked the main roads of Santa Cruz in Jamaica's St. Elizabeth parish, where the streets were reduced to mud pits. Residents swept water from homes as they tried to salvage belongings. Wind ripped off part of the roof at a high school that serves as a public shelter. I never see anything like this before in all my years living here, resident Jennifer Small said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The extent of the damage from the deadly hurricane was unclear Wednesday as widespread power outages and dangerous conditions persisted in the region. It is too early for us to say definitively, said Dana Morris Dixon, Jamaicas education minister. Melissa made landfall Tuesday in Jamaica as a Category 5 hurricane with top winds of 185 mph (295 kph), one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record, before weakening and moving on to Cuba, but even countries outside the direct path of the massive storm felt its devastating effects. At least 25 people have died across Haiti and 18 are missing, Haitis Civil Protection Agency said in a statement Wednesday. Twenty of those reported dead and 10 of the missing are from a southern coastal town where flooding collapsed dozens of homes. At least eight are dead in Jamaica. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Cuba, officials reported collapsed houses, blocked mountain roads and roofs blown off buildings Wednesday, with the heaviest destruction concentrated in the southwest and northwest. Authorities said about 735,000 people remained in shelters. That was hell. All night long, it was terrible, said Reinaldo Charon in Santiago de Cuba. The 52-year-old was one of the few people venturing out Wednesday, covered by a plastic sheet in the intermittent rain. Forecasters expect Melissa, now a Category 2 hurricane, to bring dangerous winds, flooding and storm surge to the Bahamas overnight into Thursday. Jamaica rushes to assess the damage Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Jamaica, more than 25,000 people were packed into shelters Wednesday after the storm ripped roofs off their homes and left them temporarily homeless. Dixon said 77% of the island was without power. The outages complicated assessing the damage because of a total communication blackout in areas, Richard Thompson, acting director general of Jamaicas Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, told the Nationwide News Network radio station. Recovery will take time, but the government is fully mobilized, Prime Minister Andrew Holness said in a statement. Relief supplies are being prepared, and we are doing everything possible to restore normalcy quickly. Officials in Black River, Jamaica, a southwestern coastal town of approximately 5,000 people, pleaded for aid at a news conference Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Catastrophic is a mild term based on what we are observing, Mayor Richard Solomon said. Solomon said the local rescue infrastructure had been demolished by the storm. The hospital, police units and emergency services were inundated by floods and unable to conduct emergency operations. Jamaican Transportation Minister Daryl Vaz said two of the islands airports will reopen Wednesday to relief flights only, with U.N. agencies and dozens of nonprofits on standby to distribute basic goods. The devastation is enormous, he said. We need all hands on deck to recover stronger and to help those in need at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United States is sending rescue and response teams to assist in recovery efforts in the Caribbean, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on X. St. Elizabeth Police Superintendent Coleridge Minto told Nationwide News Network on Wednesday that authorities have found at least four bodies in southwest Jamaica. One death was reported in the west when a tree fell on a baby, state minister Abka Fitz-Henley told Nationwide News Network. Before landfall, Melissa had already been blamed for three deaths in Jamaica, three in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic. Melissa devastates Haitian town Hurricane Melissa damaged more than 160 homes and destroyed 80 others in the town of Petit-Goave, where 10 of the 20 people killed there were children, Haitis Civil Protection Agency said Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawyer Charly Saint-Vil, 30, said he saw bodies lying among the debris after the storm as he walked the streets of the small coastal town where he grew up. People screamed as they searched for their missing children, he said. People have lost everything, Saint-Vil said. Although the immediate threat of the storm has passed, Saint-Vil said Petit-Goave's residents were living in fear about access to medicine, water and food in the coming days given the political instability in Haiti. We dont know what will happen tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, he said. For now, neighbors are helping one another source necessities and find places to sleep. Saint-Vil is hosting a number of friends who lost their homes in his small apartment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What I can do, I will do it, but its not easy because the situation is really complicated for everyone, he said. Cuba rides out the storm People in the eastern Cuban province of Santiago de Cuba began clearing debris around the collapsed walls of their homes Wednesday after Melissa made landfall in the region hours earlier. Life is what matters, Alexis Ramos, a 54-year-old fisherman, said as he surveyed his destroyed home and shielded himself from the intermittent rain with a yellow raincoat. Repairing this costs money, a lot of money. Local media showed images of the Juan Bruno Zayas Clinical Hospital with severe damage: glass scattered across the floor, waiting rooms in ruins and masonry walls crumpled on the ground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As soon as conditions allow, we will begin the recovery. We are ready, President Miguel Diaz-Canel wrote on X. The hurricane could worsen Cubas severe economic crisis, which already has led to prolonged power blackouts along with fuel and food shortages. Cubas National Institute of Hydraulic Resources reported accumulated rainfall of 15 inches (38 centimeters) in Charco Redondo and 14 inches (36 centimeters) in Las Villas Reservoir. Wednesday night, Melissa had top sustained winds near 100 mph (155 kph) and was moving north-northeast at 21 mph (33 kph) according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami. The hurricane was centered about 105 miles (170 kilometers) east-northeast of the central Bahamas and about 800 miles (1,285 kilometers) southwest of Bermuda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities in the Bahamas were evacuating dozens of people from the archipelagos southeast corner ahead of Melissas arrival. By late Thursday, Melissa is expected to pass just west of Bermuda. ___ Rodriguez reported from Havana, Myers from Santa Cruz, Jamaica, and Sanon from Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Danica Coto in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Safiyah Riddle in Montgomery, Alabama, contributed to this report. NEED TO KNOW Hurricane Melissa impacted Cuba on Oct 29 after ravaging Jamaica the day prior The storm has downgraded to a Category 3 hurricane; it was a Category 5 storm as it caused devastation across Jamaica Hurricane Melissa is believed to be the strongest storm of the year Hurricane Melissa has hit eastern Cuba, causing flooding due to the damaging winds and heavy rain. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued an update at 5 a.m. ET on Wednesday, Oct. 29, confirming that the storm, which is believed to be the most powerful tropical cyclone so far this year, was generating wind speeds of 115 mph, but was traveling at 12 mph. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before the storm made landfall on Wednesday, the NHC described it as "an extremely dangerous major hurricane," per an X post. It hit Cuba as a Category 3 hurricane, CNN reported, after making landfall as a Category 5 storm in Jamaica the day prior. The epicenter of the hurricane is passing over Cuba at the opposite end of the island to the Caribbean country's capital city of Havana, the BBC noted. YAMIL LAGE/AFP via Getty Residents are pictured being Hurricane Melissa hits the city of Santiago de Cuba, Cuba Residents are pictured being Hurricane Melissa hits the city of Santiago de Cuba, Cuba Hurricane warnings are in effect in large cities, including Santiago de Cuba and Guantanamo in the eastern region, the NHC said in its latest update. After hitting Cuba, the hurricane believed to have claimed at least seven lives so far is expected to get weaker as it moves north-east toward the Bahamas and Bermuda, the BBC stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Locals in Jamaica are now waiting to assess the damage after the storm hit the country on Tuesday, Oct. 28. YAMIL LAGE/AFP via Getty Residents evacuate ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Melissa in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba Residents evacuate ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Melissa in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared the island a "disaster area," per a Facebook post shared on Tuesday, and warned there could be "devastating impacts" where the hurricane hit during an interview with CNN. "Reports that we have had so far would include damage to hospitals, significant damage to residential property, housing and commercial property as well," Holness added to CNN. The prime minister said in a Facebook post on Tuesday, "Our country has been ravaged by Hurricane Melissa but we will rebuild and we will do so even better than before." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He wrote in the message shared alongside his CNN interview, "Tonight I encourage Jamaicans to be hopeful. I know many, especially those in the worst affected parishes are feeling disheartened. Your homes may have been damaged or destroyed and your communities and towns no longer look the same. I know your pain and I feel your loss. We are mobilizing quickly to start the relief and recovery efforts and [we] will be there with you every step of the way." Xinhua/Shutterstock A photo of a gas station damaged by Hurricane Melissa in Montego Bay, Jamaica A photo of a gas station damaged by Hurricane Melissa in Montego Bay, Jamaica Melissa made landfall as a Category 5 storm with maximum sustained winds of 185 mph near New Hope on Tuesday, according to AccuWeather and The Weather Channel. The storm is believed to not only be the strongest of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, it is also considered the strongest storm on record for the year. Additionally, it's among the strongest storms to ever make landfall in the Atlantic basin, tying Hurricane Dorian from 2019 and the Labor Day hurricane from 1935, according to The Weather Channel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Melissa barely moved in the Caribbean for days, developing into a tropical storm on Tuesday, Oct. 21 before strengthening into a hurricane on Saturday, Oct. 25. Less than 24 hours later, Melissa strengthened to major hurricane status. Before making landfall on Tuesday, Melissa reached Category 5 status, the highest category on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. 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. The Jamaican government issued mandatory evacuation orders on Sunday for the most vulnerable coastal communities, according to CNN. Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Jamaica urged U.S. citizens there to take shelter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Melissa is expected to bring 15 to 30 inches of rain to parts of Jamaica, with storm totals possibly reaching 40 inches. Catastrophic flash flooding and numerous landslides are likely," the embassy's weather warning said on Monday, Oct. 27, the day before the storm made landfall. Read the original article on People 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: Neurosurgeons at Oregon Health & Science University examine real-time magnetic resonance imaging during a case involving the use of high-frequency focused ultrasound. Credit: OHSU/Christine Torres Hicks Barely an hour after being wheeled into a clinical space at Oregon Health & Science University on Aug. 27, an Arkansas woman emerged with vastly improved symptoms of the Parkinson's disease that had plagued her for the past seven years. The procedure involved a type of brain surgery with no incisions at all. The intervention used high-frequency focused ultrasound, or HIFU, and it marked the first time in the United States that the procedure had been used outside of a clinical trial for the primary treatment of Parkinson's. In July, the device's manufacturer announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration had approved the procedure for treating patients with advanced Parkinson's disease. "This is a huge step forward for the treatment of Parkinson's disease," said Daniel Cleary, M.D., assistant professor of neurological surgery in the OHSU School of Medicine. The first patient says she is grateful to have her life back. Carolina Palacios de Ramirez, 76, said she remembers emerging from the procedure with the ability to smile againa simple but profound expression that eluded her with Parkinson's. She then cried with joy in the company of her family as she described feeling a new lightness and calmness. With improved movement, her confidence has grown since the procedure. "I love spending time with my children and grandchildrenthey are my greatest joy," she said. "I enjoy cooking, walking and being outdoors. I thank God every day for another chance to live without tremors and to smile again." Cleary performed Ramirez's procedure and has since treated three other patients with Parkinson's using the technique. The procedure is so new that it's not yet covered by most insurance providers. Once the procedure is regularly covered by insurance, he anticipates it will serve a large, unmet need among patients who aren't candidates for the standard surgical treatment involving the placement of a programmable deep brain stimulator. "This new development in focused ultrasound technology is the latest in a long history of neurosurgical innovations at OHSU," said OHSU President Shereef Elnahal, M.D., M.B.A. "It also represents a milestone in minimally invasive surgery to improve the health and well-being of patients here in Oregonand, indeed, across the country." Expansion to Parkinson's Previously, focused ultrasound was primarily approved for treatment of essential tremora more limited condition that OHSU has been treating with the incisionless procedure since 2022. The program has treated more than 400 patients with essential tremor since it was started by Ahmed Raslan, M.D., chair of neurological surgery in the OHSU School of Medicine. Adding Parkinson's expands the pool of patients who may benefit from the treatment. In addition to involuntary tremor, the symptoms of Parkinson's can include muscle stiffness, rigidity and slowness in movement. For some patients, advanced forms of Parkinson's can be much more debilitating than essential tremor. "The effect on patients is very different in Parkinson's," said Delaram Safarpour, M.D., associate professor of neurology in the OHSU School of Medicine. Focused ultrasound works by directing more than 1,000 sonic beams through the skull to create a small lesion in the focal point of the brain causing the symptoms. It requires no cutting, no anesthesia, and is usually finished within an hour. Guided in real time by magnetic resonance imaging, known as MRI, the neurosurgeon precisely targets a focal point that's slightly different in Parkinson's than in essential tremor, zeroing in an area within the pallidothalamic tract of the brain. "The neural circuits that control essential tremor are different than that of Parkinson's, and we now have the ability to target both," Cleary said. Comprehensive treatment options Ramirez was diagnosed with Parkinson's seven years ago, and subsequently was treated with medication and physical therapy. Nothing seemed to help. She was reluctant to undergo deep brain stimulation, or DBS, the surgical technique that was pioneered in the U.S. more than three decades ago by Kim Burchiel, M.D., professor and former chair of neurological surgery in the OHSU School of Medicine. DBS is ideal for many patients because once it's implanted, the neuromodulator can be turned on and off and adjusted over time. "HIFU is not a replacement for DBS by any means," Cleary said. "But it's another option for people, especially for those who would benefit from DBS but aren't candidates for the surgery." Safarpour noted that by offering both procedures for Parkinson's, OHSU patients benefit from a comprehensive approach to treatment. "We're at the forefront of bringing the most advanced technologies to the benefit of our patients," she said. That's the reason Ramirez sought out OHSU all the way from Arkansas in the first place. Her daughter, Carolina Sandoval, found a video online about the incisionless form of treatment offered at OHSU. She connected with the program's coordinator, Christine Larsen, RN, who helped to organize necessary appointments and other matters as she prepared to fly to Portland from her home in Springdale, Arkansas. She has advice for others in her position: "Don't lose hope," she said. "If you're scared, like I was, trust the doctors at OHSU. This treatment gave me my smile back and changed my life." Destroyed buildings following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, in Black River, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica on Oct. 29. Credit - Ricardo MakynAFP/Getty Images Flooding from Hurricane Melissa killed at least 25 people in Haiti after the storm caused extensive damage in Jamaica, submerging entire communities underwater and destroying homes across the Caribbean island. Melissa brought powerful waves and 185mph winds as it made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 storm on Tuesday, before heading to Haiti and on to Cuba. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jamaica has gone through what I can describe as one of our worst periods. Our infrastructure has been severely compromised, said Desmond McKenzie, minister of local government, during a press briefing on Tuesday. The entire Jamaica has felt the brunt of Melissa, he added. McKenzie described the damage in St. Elizabeth Parish, which rests near where the hurricane made landfall, as extensive. Read more: How to Help Those Impacted by Hurricane Melissa Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared a disaster area late Tuesday. "The reports that we have had so far would include damage to hospitals, significant damage to residential property, housing and commercial property as well, and damage to our road infrastructure," Holness said on CNN after the storm had passed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The full scope of the damage on the island is not yet known, but there have been eight reported deaths in Jamaica, including that of a 35-year-old and a 64-year-old man, according to The Associated Press. More than 25,000 Jamaicans were housed in shelters across the country on Wednesday, as residents cope with the strongest storm in the countrys recorded history. Seventy-five patients were transported to safety from the Black River Hospital, which experienced power outages. Just over 77% of the country was without power as of late Tuesday, according to the Jamaica Observer, a local media outlet, as the Jamaica Public Service Company, the countrys sole electricity distributor, experienced difficulties due to the storm. The government of Jamaica has launched its own recovery website to assist with recovery efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Why Are We Seeing More Category 5 Hurricanes? Melissa also wreaked havoc in Montego Bay, St. James, a major tourist destination, devastating a popular restaurant known as Pier One. At least 20 people were killed in the southern Haitian town of Petit-Goave when the banks of the La Digue River burst due to flash flooding, causing dozens of homes to collapse. Some victims were buried under rubble as of Wednesday morning. Eighteen other people in the country remain missing, Haitian officials told the AP. Jean Bertrand Subreme, the towns mayor, told the outlet he was overwhelmed by the situation as he called for the government to help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States was in contact with the governments of Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas. "We have rescue and response teams heading to affected areas along with critical lifesaving supplies," Rubio said in an X post. Hurricane Melissa downgraded to a Category 3 storm as it made landfall in Cuba, and winds dropped from a peak of 185 mph to 105 mph as it moved east across the island, damaging and destroying buildings and blocking roads. About 735,000 people were staying in shelters in Cuba as of Wednesday evening, according to the AP. Melissa was by that time categorized as a Category 1 hurricane. Still, meteorologists said it would likely bring dangerous conditions to the Bahamas Wednesday night. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) warned people in the storm's path to "remain sheltered until local officials deem it safe to venture out," warning that leaving shelter may pose risks even after the hurricane passes because of fallen power lines and flooded areas. Chantelle Lee contributed. Contact us at letters@time.com. You have found an old article on Hurricane Melissa. For the recap on the storm, click here. Jennifer Gray is a weather and climate writer for weather.com. She has been covering some of the world's biggest weather and climate stories for the last two decades. Hurricane Melissa tore across Jamaica on Tuesday, battering the island with 185 mph winds, torrential rain, and dangerous flooding. Officials warned that conditions could worsen as the Category 5 storm moved slowly toward Cuba and the Bahamas. Melissa made landfall near New Hope around midday, ripping off roofs, toppling power poles, and flooding narrow river valleys. The storms pace heightened fears of flash floods and landslides across Jamaicas mountainous regions. Desmond McKenzie, Jamaicas minister coordinating disaster response, urged residents to evacuate and take warnings seriously. Jamaica, this is not the time to be brave, McKenzie said, according to The New York Times. Dont bet against Melissa. It is a bet we cant win. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By Tuesday evening, Melissa will have crossed Jamaica and is expected to reach Cubas southern coast as a Category 4 storm around midnight. Forecasts indicate the hurricane will continue northward toward the Bahamas on Wednesday. Officials confirmed at least three deaths and 13 injuries connected to the storms approach. Power outages and communication failures hindered updates, making it difficult for authorities to assess the full extent of the damage. The U.S. National Hurricane Center advised residents in affected areas to stay in interior rooms without windows and to cover themselves with mattresses or helmets for protection. Strengthened by Caribbean water temperatures far warmer than usual, forecasters said, Melissa is expected to remain destructive over the coming days while bypassing the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearly 900,000 people in Cubas eastern provinces received evacuation orders. At the U.S. Navy base at Guantanamo Bay, personnel were instructed to take shelter with bedding and a three-day supply of food and water. Aid agencies expressed concern about reduced resources due to budget cuts. The World Food Program said Jamaica and Cuba could face severe public health challenges, including contaminated water, disease outbreaks, and disruptions to medical care. Internet connectivity across Jamaica dropped to 42% of normal levels, according to NetBlocks, an internet monitoring organization. As of publication, Hurricane Melissa continues to move through the Caribbean, with officials warning residents in its path to remain alert as conditions evolve. Hurricane Melissa became one of the most powerful hurricanes on record to make landfall in the Atlantic Basin. Melissa made landfall Tuesday afternoon in southwestern Jamaica near New Hope as a Category 5 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 185 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center. The storm then swept across western Jamaica, bringing catastrophic winds, flash flooding and storm surge throughout the island. Octavio Jones/Reuters - PHOTO: A man watches the waves, as Hurricane Melissa approaches, in Kingston, Jamaica, Oct. 28, 2025. The hurricane ranks in a three-way tie with Hurricane Dorian (2019) and the "Labor Day" hurricane (1935) for the strongest sustained winds at landfall, records show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hurricane Dorian made landfall near Elbow Cay, Bahamas, on Sept. 6, 2019, with maximum sustained winds of 185 mph, according to the National Weather Service. It is the strongest hurricane on record to make landfall in the Bahamas. MORE: Hurricane Melissa live updates: Catastrophic Category 5 hurricane makes landfall in Jamaica Dorian destroyed thousands of homes and caused $3.4 billion in losses in the Bahamas, according to a report by the Inter-American Development Bank. At least 74 people died as a result of the storm, according to the NHC. Matias Delacroix/AP - PHOTO: Waves splash in Kingston, Jamaica, as Hurricane Melissa approaches, Oct. 28, 2025. On Sept. 2, 1935, the "Labor Day" hurricane also made landfall in the Florida Keys with maximum sustained winds of 185 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An estimated 409 people died as a result of the storm, which destroyed most manmade structures across the Florida Keys, according to the Hurricanes: Science and Society website. Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: An aerial view of damage from Hurricane Dorian, Sept. 5, 2019, in Marsh Harbour, Great Abaco Island in the Bahamas. MORE: Jamaica has a history of dealing with powerful hurricanes In recent years, climate change has been supercharging tropical systems that form in the Atlantic. Human-caused climate change has led to significant warming of the oceans, which provide the energy hurricanes need to form and intensify. Over 90% of the excess heat trapped by greenhouse gases has been absorbed by the oceans, creating conditions that can turn tropical storms into powerful hurricanes, resulting in more storms reaching Category 4 or 5 intensities, according to recent research. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, rising sea levels, driven by melting ice caps and thermal expansion of seawater, exacerbate the impact of storm surges -- leading to significant coastal flooding. Climate change is also influencing the frequency of major storms. While the total number of hurricanes may not have increased, the frequency of major hurricanes of Category 3 and above has risen, scientists say. Bettmann Archive/Getty Images - PHOTO: Men Search Hurricane Debris MORE: 'Hurricane Hunters' who flew into eye of Melissa had to turn back due to turbulence, NOAA says Hurricane Melissa is also the strongest storm in recorded history to make landfall in Jamaica -- after Hurricane Gilbert that struck the island as a Category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph in September 1988. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dangerous conditions from Melissa were expected to continue throughout the day on Tuesday, with those stuck on the island experiencing a "catastrophic storm," Rosimar Rios-Berrios, a scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research, told ABC News. "As our oceans continue to warm due to climate change, storms are growing stronger and faster, producing heavier downpours and creating conditions that are increasingly more dangerous for communities," Rios-Berrios said. "We urgently need immediate recovery programs as well as long-term solutions for a more climate-resilient future." Melissa's winds were so strong that "Hurricane Hunters" that flew into the eye of the storm were forced to turn back due to severe turbulence, the U.S. Air Force Reserve's 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron announced on Tuesday. The Hurricane Hunters also had to leave the storm early on Monday after experiencing severe turbulence, the National Hurricane Center said. ABC News' Dan Peck contributed to this report. After ravaging Jamaica with record-shattering wind and rain Tuesday, Hurricane Melissa made its second landfall early Wednesday in southeastern Cuba as a strong Category 3 storm with winds of 125 mph. Hurricane Melissa isn't nearly as organized as it was on Tuesday, but the storm was still packing winds greater than 100 mph late Wednesday morning. (TropicalTidbits.com) Jamaica's mountainous terrain caused significant weakening to Melissa, but it remained a powerful hurricane despite a 60 mph decrease in wind speed. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) said life-threatening storm surge, flash flooding and damaging hurricane winds are ongoing Wednesday morning, urging residents to stay in a safe shelter until the storm fully has passed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conditions will be gradually improving in eastern Cuba as the hurricane moves in a northeastward direction at an increasing pace. As tropical systems move into higher latitudes, they often will become "caught" by the jet stream, leading to an acceleration in forward speed. Up next: Bahamas and Bermuda Hurricane Melissa will be heading across the southern Bahamas throughout the day Wednesday, bringing hurricane conditions with life-threatening storm surge and heavy rainfall through the evening hours. Turks and Caicos will also see significant impacts, although the small island chain likely will avoid devastation thanks to its distance from the storm's center. On Thursday, conditions will deteriorate on Bermuda as Melissa passes just to the west of the island. Hurricane winds and heavy rainfall are possible from Thursday afternoon into Thursday night, but the storm's accelerating forward speed means this will be a quick-hitting system. Once Melissa passes Bermuda, the storm will stay over open water as it heads farther into the North Atlantic Ocean, transitioning into an extratropical cyclone (more closely resembling a nor'easter instead of a hurricane) by the end of this week. This article originally published at Hurricane Melissa slams Cuba after historic Category 5 strike on Jamaica. Here's where it's headed. WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) Kansans stuck in Jamaica are riding out one of the most powerful hurricanes on record. KSN checked back in with a Hutchinson native on Tuesday for an update after he survived the enormous Category 5 storm. Jarrett Cullens, a chiropractor in Hutchinson and Wichita, is staying at the Grand Palladium in Montego Bay with his wife. He says their hotel room was leaking and the windows were rattling as Hurricane Melissa pounded the island. They lost power, and the winds made it nearly impossible to go outside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the good side of the hotel, Cullens said. The other side, I cant open the door anymore because the wind blows directly into it. Jamaica continues to be battered by heavy rain and mind-blowing winds, he said. Windows, the ceiling, anywhere it can find a hole, its just going to leak in, Cullens said. Just the psychological impact it would have caused. I mean, its just been going on for hours and hours. Previously: Kansas chiropractor stranded in Jamaica with Hurricane Melissa looming Cullens said hotel staff told him that after 10 p.m., employees who live more than 20 miles away werent allowed to go home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The people who work here many of them also live right across from the spot, from the resort, he said. And so a lot of them did have to come to work today for people to come in and, you know, deliver stuff, he said. While his focus usually centers around health and healing, Cullens said his priority now is simply staying safe and helping others. A lot of people have been contacting me to make sure that were all right, he said. Cullens received a notification on Tuesday that his flight home this week was canceled. Flights in and out of Sangster International Airport remain suspended indefinitely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We figured since we got to be here, like, once it calms down, maybe we can help out because we love this place, he said. Were like family. So were just going to try to about as much as we can before we leave. For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news by downloading our mobile app and signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track 3 Weather app by clicking here. To watch our shows live on our website, click 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 KSN-TV. Hurricane Melissa bears down on eastern Cuba, expected to make landfall as a major storm early Wednesday, after pummelling Jamaica as one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes. Cuban authorities evacuated more than 700,000 people, with Granma, the official newspaper, reporting forecasters expect catastrophic damage from the Category 4 storm in Santiago de Cuba and nearby areas. Hurricane warnings are in effect for Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo, Holguin, and Las Tunas provinces, plus the southeastern and central Bahamas. Bermuda is under a hurricane watch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday night, Melissa tracked northeast at 9 mph (15 kph) with 130 mph (215 kph) sustained winds, the US National Hurricane Center in Miami reported. Centred 110 miles (175 kilometres) southwest of Guantanamo, Cuba, it was forecast to cross the island through the night. The storm is expected to generate a storm surge of up to 12 feet (3.6 metres) in the region and drop up to 20 inches (51 centimetres) of rain in parts of eastern Cuba. As Cuba prepared for the storm, officials in Jamaica prepared to fan out on Wednesday to assess the damage (Associated Press) Numerous landslides are likely in those areas, said Michael Brennan, director of the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami. The hurricane could worsen Cuba's severe economic crisis, which has already led to prolonged power blackouts, fuel shortages and food shortages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There will be a lot of work to do. We know there will be a lot of damage, President Miguel Diaz-Canel said in a televised address, in which he assured that no one is left behind and no resources are spared to protect the lives of the population. At the same time, he urged the population not to underestimate the power of Melissa, the strongest ever to hit national territory. Provinces from Guantanamo in the far east to Camaguey, almost in the center of elongated Cuba, had already suspended classes on Monday. As Cuba prepared for the storm, officials in Jamaica prepared to fan out on Wednesday to assess the damage. Residents self-evacuate under pouring rain from Playa Siboney to safe locations ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Melissa, in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba (AFP via Getty Images) Extensive damage was reported in parts of Clarendon in southern Jamaica and in the southwestern parish of St. Elizabeth, which was "under water, said Desmond McKenzie, deputy chairman of Jamaicas Disaster Risk Management Council. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The storm also damaged four hospitals and left one without power, forcing officials to evacuate 75 patients, McKenzie said. More than half a million customers were without power as of late Tuesday as officials reported that most of the island experienced downed trees, power lines and extensive flooding. The government said it hopes to reopen all of Jamaicas airports as early as Thursday to ensure the quick distribution of emergency relief supplies. The storm already was blamed for seven deaths in the Caribbean, including three in Jamaica, three in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic, where another person remains missing. Hurricane Melissa relief efforts are underway in metro Atlanta. Weve opened our doors to help with what we can, said Chris Brand. Brand is the CEO of Friends of Disabled Adults and Children, a nonprofit that specializes in providing free medical equipment to people across Georgia, the U.S., and abroad. The team is rapidly preparing 15 disaster relief pallets to send to the Jamaican Ministry of Health and Wellness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its medical supplies. Its life-saving oxygen equipment, said Brand. All kinds of wound care, mixed medical supplies, for field hospitals theyre having to set up. Tuesday night, the leader of the Jamaican Consulate Atlanta, Dr. Elaine Grant-Bryan, was getting an update from the prime minister and U.S. ambassador. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] What were doing right now is organizing partner support, said Grant-Bryan. The consulate expects to set up seven donation drop-off locations across metro Atlanta. One of those locations will be at Caribbean Life TV at 414 N. Hairston Rd. in Stone Mountain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The co-owner, Pernell Redds Brown, has family in Jamaica. We have to come together, help everyone out, said Brown. TRENDING STORIES: Channel 2s Courtney Francisco was there as he tried to reach his family on the phone as the storm crossed the island, but his call went unanswered. I try to stay positive and say no news is good news, said Brown. His business partner at the media studio, Lawrence Prescott, was there to start organizing plans to take in donations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve got to be ready and poised to assist them, said Prescott. He said the goal is to organize carefully in the case to maximize support and avoid duplicating efforts. He has connected with a DeKalb County company, Laparkan Shipping GA / S & A Logistics, LLC, that specializes in shipping products to Jamaica. The owners, Seelochney and Anil Mohamed, are on standby to move any supplies. We have our own offices in Kingston and Montego Bay. So, it will make the process flow even better, said Seelochney Mohamed. The Jamaican Consulate Atlanta expects to provide a list of supplies that are needed on Wednesday. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] 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 An international study led by the Azrieli Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee at Bar-Ilan University reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to a diminishing public trust in childhood vaccines, resulting in declining vaccination rates and a resurgence of preventable, life-threatening diseases such as measles. The findings come amid one of the most severe measles outbreaks in Israel in decades, with thousands of infections and multiple child deaths reported nationwide. Published in the journal Vaccine, the study surveyed 2,047 parents with children born both before and after the pandemic in Israel and the UK and found that coverage for key childhood immunizations, including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) containing vaccines, has dropped sharply since the pandemic. Among surveyed UK parents, MMR vaccination rates fell from 97.3% among children born before COVID-19 to 93.6% for those born afterward. In Israel, the rate declined from 94.3% to 91.6%. Similar decreases were observed for DTP. Alarmingly, 5% of surveyed parents in the UK and 6.6% in Israel who vaccinated an older child before the pandemic chose not to vaccinate a younger child born afterward for at least one childhood vaccine. "The study shows that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a clear impact on parents' attitudes and behavior toward vaccination," said Prof. Michael Edelstein, public health expert and lead author of the study at Bar-Ilan University's Azrieli Faculty of Medicine. "Beyond the 37% of parents who reported a decline in trust in vaccines after COVID-19, a shift of just 5% who choose not to vaccinate their younger children is enough to rapidly trigger an outbreak. The detected decline in vaccination rates is also evident in populations that previously routinely vaccinated, which raises significant concern for the future." The effects are already visible. There were nearly 3,000 laboratory confirmed measles cases in England in 2024, the highest number of cases recorded annually since 2012. Israel has seen a sharp rise in measles cases in recent months, with over 1,800 reported infections by October, and at least eight deaths in toddlers under 2 years old, all unvaccinated. Until recently, Israel had virtually eliminated measles. The study identified fear of side effects as the main driver of vaccine hesitancy, a concern that existed before COVID-19 but has intensified since. Ninety-two percent of parents in the UK and 63% in Israel cited this as a reason for refusing or delaying vaccinations. The data also revealed disparities across populations: in the UK, a sharper decline was observed among parents of Asian descent, while in Israel, larger decreases were noted among the ultra-Orthodox and Arab sectors. The researchers emphasize that even small declines in vaccination rates can undermine herd immunity and lead to renewed outbreaks of infectious diseases. They warn that if this global erosion of confidence is not addressed through clear communication, education, and community-based initiatives, decades of progress in disease prevention could be lost. Prof. Edelstein concluded, "The data indicate that the impact of the pandemic on public trust in vaccines is not only temporary or local, but rather a broad and deep phenomenon with global implications. Dedicated interventions are needed to restore trust and reduce concerns in order to prevent further deterioration." More information: Mahmud Omar et al, Comparative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on parental behaviour towards childhood vaccination in Israel and the United Kingdom: A self-controlled matched cross-sectional study, Vaccine (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2025.127385 Journal information: Vaccine A man living in Alabama who claims to have U.S. citizenship was deported to Laos despite a federal court order blocking his removal from the country. But Homeland Security officials told The Independent there was no mistake, labeling him a criminal illegal alien who was stripped of his green card and merely sought a last-ditch Hail Mary attempt to claim citizenship after he had previously been ordered out of the country. Chanthila Souvannarath, 44, was born in a Thai refugee camp but has lived in the United States since he was an infant. He gained citizenship as a child when his father was naturalized, making him eligible for derivative citizenship under immigration law at the time, according to his attorneys. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers arrested Souvannarath on June 18 in Alabama, where he had been living, and moved him to a newly launched detention facility inside Louisiana State Penitentiary, the notorious state prison known as Angola. On October 23, a federal judge blocked ICE from deporting him while he challenged his arrest and detention, but he was put on a plane for Laos the next day. ICE deported a man who claims US citizenship to Laos one day after a federal judge blocked his removal, warning the inherent and obvious harm of deporting a citizen. (AP) This should shock the nation, said Nora Ahmed, legal director of the ACLU of Louisiana, which is representing Souvannarath in court. The deportation of an individual with a substantial claim to U.S. citizenship represents a catastrophic failure of the immigration system and a flagrant violation of constitutional rights. His legal team is now exploring all legal options for his return, according to attorneys with the ACLU, the National Immigration Project and Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The restraining order blocking ICE from deporting him was not served to the agency until after he was already on a plane for Laos, according to Homeland Security assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin. Souvannarath was convicted of assault and unlawful possession of a firearm in King County, Washington, in 2004, according to records reviewed by The Independent. McLaughlin said in a statement to The Independent that Souvannarath had no right to be in this country. An immigration court judge ordered his removal in 2006, according to McLaughlin. 20 years later, he tried a Hail Mary attempt to remain in our country by claiming he was a U.S. citizen. I know its shocking to the media but criminal illegal aliens lie all the time, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, if you break the law, you will face the consequences, McLaughlin added. Criminal illegal aliens are not welcome in the U.S. Souvannarath was jailed inside an immigration detention center at Louisianas notorious Angola prison as he fought for his release following his June arrest by ICE agents. (POOL/AFP via Getty Images) But citizens, regardless of criminal history, cannot be deported. Court records reviewed by The Independent show Souvannarath filed a petition for his release shortly after his June arrest but he did not pay the filing fee before the deadline. That case was dismissed and he refiled October 16. In her order blocking his removal, Louisiana District Judge Shelly Dick said his substantial claim of citizenship means he cannot be deported or held in immigration detention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He lays out the legal framework for his derivation of citizenship through his naturalized father and demonstrates how each prong of the requirements was met, she wrote. This presents serious questions regarding the legality of his detention and imminent deportation. The judge noted the inherent and obvious harm in deporting a U.S. citizen. His removal raises urgent questions about just how many other people, potentially including other U.S. citizens, have been wrongfully deported because our immigration system does not require legal representation of individuals placed behind bars at jails masquerading as immigration detention centers, according to the ACLUs Nora Ahmed. Louisiana is at the center of the Trump administrations mass deportation agenda, with thousands of detainees inside ICEs nine facilities in the state. (AFP via Getty Images) Homeland Securitys refusal to return Souvannarath from Laos, where he has never lived, echoes other high-profile immigration cases at the center of Donald Trumps mass deportation agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administration is embroiled in several major cases involving the abrupt removal of immigrants in federal custody despite prior court rulings that prevented their deportation, including the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who government attorneys fought to keep in his native El Salvador despite admitting was deported in error. Louisiana, which holds thousands of ICE detainees, has been central to the Trump administrations mass deportation plans. ICE runs nine detention centers in the state, with capacity to hold as many as 7,000 people at any given time. The administration also is seeking to expand deportations to so-called third countries where immigrants have no claim of citizenship or connections. Laos now appears to join several African nations including Eswatini, Ghana, Liberia, South Sudan and Uganda where immigration officials are sending detainees. WASHINGTON D.C. (WTVO) U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has arrested one man and issued a detainer for another after a deadly crash that killed an Illinois county board member and his wife last week. According to the Illinois State Police, Edwin Pacheco Meza, 34, of Indianapolis, was charged with reckless homicide and two counts of aggravated driving under the influence on Monday for causing a crash on W. Lincoln Street near S. Division Street in Westfield. Authorities said Coles County Board Member Michael Clayton, 71, and his wife, Gail, 66, were killed when Pacheco-Mezas conversion van crossed the center line and hit his pickup truck head-on Friday night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two other passengers in the vehicle, a 72-year-old man and a 66-year-old woman, were taken to the hospital for life-threatening injuries. Meza and his 18-year-old passenger, Juan Morales Martinez, were not hurt. According to ICE, an extended magazine, ammunition, drugs, and an open container of alcohol were found in Pacheco-Mezas vehicle. On Tuesday, ICE said Pacheco-Meza is an illegal immigrant from Honduras who entered the United States at an unknown date and time. Morales-Martinez, a citizen of Guatemala, entered the U.S. illegally in December of 2023 and was released by authorities. A spokesperson for ICE said the agency lodged a detainer with the Clark County Jail, which was ignored due to Illinois sanctuary policies, referring to the TRUST Act. The jail did not cooperate with ICE due to sanctuary policies, and yet, despite this, our ICE officers waited for his release and arrested Morales-Martinez outside of the Clark County Jail on October 27. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pacheco-Meza was denied pretrial release at a Monday hearing and is due back in court on November 17th. Two innocents were killed because this criminal illegal alien chose to drive under the influence, said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. President Trump and Secretary Noem have unleashed ICE and CBP in Illinois to restore law-and-order and remove criminal illegal aliens from our communities. Anyone who is in the U.S. illegally and thinks they can roam free while breaking our laws and harming Americans is in for a rude awakening. If you are in our country illegally and break our laws, we will find you, arrest you, remove you, and you will never return. On Tuesday, Cole County Board Chair Darrell Cox held a press conference, saying, My friends, Mike and Gail Clayton, are dead because of broken immigration policies. 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 MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. A vehicle stop conducted by an ICE officer evolved into a shooting on Interstate 17 in north Phoenix early on Oct. 29, federal officials said. Officers for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted a vehicle stop at around 4 a.m. on I-17 near Dove Valley Road, Yasmeen Pitts O'Keefe, a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson, said in an emailed statement. The driver of the vehicle, identified by federal authorities as Jose Garcia-Sorto, from Honduras, initially stopped for the officers. But as they approached Garcia-Sorto's vehicle, he started to pull away, Pitts O'Keefe said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As the vehicle abruptly began speeding away, an officer was in the path of the vehicle," Pitts O'Keefe said in the email. "Fearing for his life, the officer defensively discharged his service weapon two times, striking Garcia-Sortos vehicle." The officer, who was not identified, was taken to a hospital for evaluation. Garcia-Sorto was taken to a hospital for treatment of a wound and is in stable condition. The statement did not say whether the ICE officer was struck by the vehicle speeding away. It also did not say if Garcia-Sorto was shot and wounded when the officer fired at the car. When asked by The Republic, Pitts O'Keefe said the information was not available. The FBI is leading the investigation of the officer shooting. More information will be provided as it becomes available, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ICE officials warned in the statement of consequences to the "rhetoric" and "misinformation" that urges immigrants to resist arrest, which the agency said puts safety at risk. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: ICE officer shoots at vehicle during north Phoenix traffic stop For the record: 9:27 a.m. Oct. 29, 2025: An earlier version of this article said Gregory Bovino, who heads the Border Patrols El Centro region, led a three-day raid in rural Kern County in late December. The raid occurred in early January. The Trump administration is initiating a leadership shakeup at a dozen or so offices of Immigration and Customs Enforcement to bring more aggressive enforcement operations across the U.S. Some of the outgoing field office directors at ICE are anticipated to be replaced with leaders from Customs and Border Protection, according to news reports. Among the leaders targeted for replacement are Los Angeles Field Office Director Ernesto Santacruz and San Diego Field Office Director Patrick Divver, the Washington Examiner reported Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The stepped up role of Border Patrol leaders in interior enforcement which has historically been ICE territory marks an evolution of tactics that originated in California. In early January, Gregory Bovino, who heads the Border Patrol's El Centro region, led a three-day raid in rural Kern County, nabbing day laborers more than 300 miles from his typical territory. Former Biden administration officials said Bovino had gone "rogue" and that no agency leaders knew about the operation beforehand. Read more: Kern County immigration raid offers glimpse into new reality for California farmworkers Bovino leveraged the spectacle to become the on-the-ground point person for the Trump Administrations signature issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The three-decade veteran of Border Patrol, who has used slick social media videos to promote the agencys heavy-handed tactics, brought militarized operations once primarily used at the border into Americas largest cities. In Los Angeles this summer, contingents of heavily armed, masked agents began chasing down and arresting day laborers, street vendors and car wash workers. Tensions grew as the administration ordered in the National Guard. The efforts seem to have become more aggressive after a Supreme Court order allowed authorities to stop people based on factors such as race or ethnicity, employment and speaking Spanish. Bovino moved operations to Chicago and escalated his approach. Immigration agents launched an overnight raid in a crowded apartment, shot gas into crowds of protesters and fatally shot one man. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now Bovino is expected to hand-pick some of the replacements at ICE field offices, according to Fox News. Tom Wong, who directs the U.S. Immigration Policy Center at UC San Diego, said the leadership changes are unsurprising, given Bovino's strategies in Los Angeles and Chicago. "The Trump administration is blurring the distinction between Border Patrol and ICE," he said. "The border is no longer just the external boundaries of the United States, but the border is everywhere." Former Homeland Security officials said the large-scale replacement of executives from one agency with those from another agency is unprecedented. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two agencies have similar authorities but very different approaches, said Daniel Altman, former head of internal oversight investigations at U.S. Customs and Border Protection. ICE officers operate largely inside the country, lean heavily on investigations and typically know when they set out for the day who they are targeting. Border Patrol, on the other hand, patrols the borderlands for anyone they encounter and suspect of entering illegally. Amid the rugged terrain and isolation, Border Patrol built a do-it-yourself ethos within the century-old organization, Altman said. Culturally, the Border Patrol prides itself on solving problems, and that means that whatever the current administration needs or wants with respect to immigration enforcement, they're usually very willing and able to do that, said Altman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement White House leadership has not been happy with arrest numbers. Stephen Miller, President Trump's deputy chief of staff who is heading his immigration initiatives, set a goal of 3,000 immigration arrests per day, which the agency has not been able to meet. DHS says it expects to deport 600,000 people by January, a figure that includes people who were turned back at the border or at airports. Tricia McLaughlin, assistant public affairs secretary for the Homeland Security department, didn't confirm or deny the changes but described immigration officials as united. "Talk about sensationalism," she said. "Only the media would describe standard agency personnel changes as a 'massive shakeup.' If and when we have specific personnel moves to announce, well do that." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said, The Presidents entire team is working in lockstep to implement the Presidents policy agenda, and the tremendous results from securing the border to deporting criminal illegal aliens speak for themselves." On Fox News on Tuesday, Trumps border czar Tom Homan said the administration is dedicated to achieving record deportations of primarily immigrants with criminal records. As far as personnel changes, that's under the purview of the Secretary of Homeland Security, he said. I'm at the White House working with people like Stephen Miller, one of the most brilliant people I've ever met, to come up with strategic policies and plans how to get success, how to maintain success, and how to get the numbers ever higher." Deborah Fleischaker, a former ICE and DHS official under the Biden administration, said the personnel moves appear to be an "attempt to migrate a Border Patrol ethos over to ICE." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "ICEs job has historically focused on targeting and enforcing against public safety threats," she said. "Border Patrol has a much more highly militarized job of securing the border, protecting against transnational crime and drug trafficking and smuggling. That sort of approach doesnt belong in our cities and is quite dangerous." Fleischaker said it would be difficult to increase deportations, even with Border Patrol leaders at the helm, because of the complexities around securing travel documents and negotiating with countries that are reticent to accept deportees. In the meantime, she said, shunting well-liked leaders will sink morale. "For the folks who are still there, everybody knows you comply or you risk losing your job," she said. "Dissent, failure to meet targets or even ask questions aren't really tolerated." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, DHS posted a video montage of Bovino on its Instagram page set to Coldplays song Viva la vida." The caption read, WE WILL NOT BE STOPPED. Times staff writer Brittny Mejia contributed to this report. Get the L.A. Times California Politics newsletter. Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond, in your inbox twice per week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. The Trump administrations leadership shake-up at Immigration and Customs Enforcement is likely to boost arrest numbers and fuel its aggressive messaging campaign, but will have little effect on President Donald Trumps broader goal of rapidly deporting more immigrants, according to five people, including Trump administration officials, people close to the administration and former ICE officials. The Department of Homeland Security is installing Border Patrol and Customs and Border Protection officials at a number of ICE field offices Trump officials feel are underperforming, part of a broader effort to boost arrest numbers across the country. Border Patrols expanded role is expected to funnel thousands of more arrests to ICE for processing, but the agencys ability to remove people from the country remains hamstrung by limited bed capacity , bogged down immigration courts and too few planes for removal flights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Border Patrol just wants to go out and arrest every person in the world, and its easy for them to do that because they go out and arrest them and they turn them over to ICE, said an administration official, granted anonymity to speak candidly. Youre giving ICE all of these cases that arent ready to be removed. And that creates a challenge for ICE. The dynamic highlights a tension at the center of the presidents second term immigration agenda. Trump officials are eager to ramp up arrests and removals, but continually run up against resource and operational challenges amid an overloaded deportation system. The Trump administration has seen historic lows for illegal border crossings, and roughly 60,000 migrants are currently in ICE detention, a major increase since the president took office. The number of daily arrests peaked at more than 2,000 but typically hover around 1,000 far less than the 3,000-a-day target floated earlier this year by White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller. But even Trump allies continue to question the administrations deportation figures citing limited data transparency and say removals cant keep up with the pace of arrests, a problem thats bound to expand. That is the fundamental challenge, said a person close to the Trump administration, also granted anonymity to speak candidly. The real backlog is with the removal process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The GOP megabill, signed by Trump in July, provided DHS with billions of dollars in fresh funding to bolster ICEs ranks and expand detention capacity, but the build-out process has been slow and ICE has struggled with its hiring. The money has helped, but it hasnt yet been able to square the mismatch between the White Houses large appetite for better numbers and ICEs expanding but still limited capabilities. White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson defended the administrations progress and said the presidents entire team is working in lockstep to implement the presidents policy agenda. The tremendous results from securing the border to deporting criminal illegal aliens speak for themselves, she said. But there is significant friction among the Trump administrations top immigration officials. Even as they share the same goal, they differ on the best way to accomplish the presidents promises to deport millions of immigrants living in the U.S. illegally, said the administration official and others close to the administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Border czar Tom Homan and acting ICE director Todd Lyons, two career immigration enforcement officials, are more cognizant of the agencys limitations as it expands and are focused on apprehending criminals and immigrants who already have a final order of removal from an immigration judge and can be deported quickly, said an administration official and the two people close to the administration. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and Corey Lewandowski, a chief adviser to Noem and a special governmental employee, want to ramp up numbers and are eager to use aggressive tactics to arrest all unauthorized immigrants, the people said. It seems to me that [Lewandowskis] thinking in political terms, whereas, Tom and Todd, I know theyre thinking in operational terms the operational benefits to doing this, and public safety benefits and safety of ICE officers, said the person close to the administration. They didnt get where they are without understanding the political aspect of it, but thats not their primary concern. DHS did not specifically respond to the notion that there are differing opinions inside the administration, but DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin, responding to reports of internal tensions, said its one team, one fight, led by Noem. In a separate statement to POLITICO, she said the administration is working at turbospeed on cost-effective and innovative ways to deliver on mass deportations, citing the megabill that provided DHS funding to hire more ICE officers and expand detention capacity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump Administration is on pace to shatter historic records and deport nearly 600,000 illegal aliens by the end of President Donald Trumps first year since returning to office, she said. More than 2 million illegal aliens have left the U.S. including 1.6 million who have voluntarily self-deported and over 527,000 deportations. The administrations latest shift is connected to Greg Bovino, the Border Patrol commander who has led a series of aggressive raids across Chicago and its suburbs, said the official and one of the people close to the administration. Noem and her inner circle are impressed with Bovinos approach. He has emerged as the key face of the Trump administrations immigration blitz in sanctuary cities and was ordered by a federal judge this week to report to her daily after reports of combative enforcement in Chicago, including the use of tear gas. Border Patrol, as a general matter, is more equipped and better skilled at playing the political game, said the administration official. This very much shows how Border Patrol can get in front of DHS leadership and get them to do things that benefit the Border Patrol. The efforts build on the Trump administrations expanded use of CBP agents and Border Patrol officers, as well as law enforcement officials from across the federal government to support ICEs operations in recent months. Border Patrol, in particular, is a more aggressive agency, and its expanded role will help the administration stoke fear in its targeting of blue cities, said Deborah Fleischaker, who served as ICE chief of staff under the Biden administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Border Patrol and ICE have different missions, and this appears to be part of the effort of trying to import the Border Patrol mission, which is much more militarized, much less constrained and a little more Wild West, and bring that into an agency that historically has been very focused on identifying and enforcing against specific targets, she said. Eric Bazail-Eimil contributed to this report. An ICRC statement declared that the organization was "unaware" of the staging, and emphasized that "the return of remains to loved ones must not be politicized." The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said that the video of Hamas staging the discovery of a hostage's body in front of Red Cross volunteers was "unacceptable" in a Tuesday statement. An IDF drone captured footage of Hamas terrorists staging the falsified uncovering on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The video shows Hamas members placing slain Ofir Tzarfati's remains in a freshly dug hole before covering the remains with dirt. They then proceeded to "dig" up the remains and called over members of the ICRC to witness the discovery. According to the statement, the ICRC was present at the request of Hamas officials, but their personnel were "not aware that a body had been placed at the site before their arrival." The Red Cross denied prior knowledge of or responsibility for the hoax, explaining that Israeli authorities were previously notified of the organization's presence at the scene, which "was carried out in full transparency." "It is unacceptable that a staged recovery of hostages has occurred, especially when so much depends on the existence of this agreement and so many families are still anxiously waiting for information about their loved ones." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas terrorists seen taking out a white bag containing the remains of Ofir Tzarfati, covering it with sand, October 28, 2025. (credit: Section 27A of the Copyright Act) ICRC slams Hamas for staged discovery of slain hostage's remains The Red Cross clarified that its staff "observed what appeared to be the collection of remains, without prior knowledge of the circumstances that led to it" and "was unable to intervene directly in what was taking place." The statement urged all parties involved in the ceasefire to fulfill their commitments and "assist in returning those who have passed." The ICRC called for "the dignified handling of human remains, in accordance with the requirements of international humanitarian law, as well as the maintenance of forensic standards," emphasizing that the "return of remains to loved ones must not be politicized." Yona Efraim "Efi" Feldbaum, 37, was killed in an incident that triggered a series of IDF strikes across Gaza against Hamas targets in response. Chief Sgt. First Class (res.) Yona Efi Efraim Feldbaum, 37, was killed in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday by Hamas sniper fire, the IDF announced on Wednesday. The reservist was killed amid the latest Hamas violations of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza. The incident triggered a series of IDF strikes across the enclave against Hamas targets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Feldbaum, a native of Zayit Raanan-Neria in the West Banks Binyamin region, was a combat engineer serving under the Gaza Division. He is survived by a wife and five children. IDF tanks in the Gaza Strip. October 11, 2025. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT) According to a press release from the Mateh Binyamin Regional Council, Feldbaum is the 59th fallen soldier from the Binyamin area. Efi was well known and loved throughout the region. He devoted much of his time to developing young settlements. Efi was deeply connected to the Land of Israel and fell while acting to defend it, a statement released by the council read. He fought on the front line of the war in Gaza and continued even after the ceasefire, which has been repeatedly violated by Hamas terrorists, was declared, the council head, Israel Ganz, said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On behalf of all the residents of Binyamin, I extend condolences to his wife Shulamit, his children, and his entire family. Thanks to Efis courage and sacrifice, the people of Israel will prevail. The people of Israel are not afraid of a long road, Ganz continued. IDF strikes in Gaza after Hamas violates ceasefire Following the ceasefire violation that killed Feldbaum, the IDF struck in Gaza City as well as infrastructure that Hamas was using in southern Gaza. The response to [Hamass] current violations will be much more significant than the response last time, an Israeli official told The Jerusalem Post. In order to prevent Hamas from further endangering soldiers on the Israeli side of the Yellow Line, the IDF is now returning fire, according to one military source. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Defense Minister Israel Katz said that Hamass attack on soldiers constituted crossing a bright red line, and that the army will respond with great force. US President Donald Trump said that the truce in Gaza was still in effect, adding that he believed that when Hamas violates the ceasefire, Israel should respond. As I understand it, they took out an Israeli soldier, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. So the Israelis hit back, and they should hit back. When that happens, they should hit back. Nothing is going to jeopardize the ceasefire, Trump continued. You have to understand Hamas is a very small part of peace in the Middle East, and they have to behave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If they [Hamas] are good, they are going to be happy, and if they are not good, they are going to be terminated. Their lives will be terminated, the US president said. Nobody knows what happened to the Israeli soldier, but they say it was sniper fire. And it was retribution for that, and I think they have a right to do that, Trump went on to say. The IDF's statement did not clarify whether the smuggled weapons were intended for terrorists in Gaza or criminal gangs in southern Israel. The IDF intercepted a drone that was attempting to smuggle three rifles across the Egyptian border overnight, the military confirmed on Wednesday. The IDF announcement followed the resumption of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which had returned after the IDF responded with strikes on Tuesday to a breach by the terror group. One of Hamas's ceasefire violations led to the death of IDF Chief Sgt. First Class (res.) Yona Efraim "Efi" Feldbaum, a combat engineer who was killed by sniper fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regarding the weapons, the IDF's statement did not clarify whether the smuggled weapons were intended for terrorists in Gaza or criminal gangs in southern Israel. Egypt's role in Gaza since ceasefire Notably, Egypt has committed to assisting in enforcing the stability of the ceasefire, including providing equipment to aid in the search for hostage remains yet to be returned to Israel. Egypt's role has also included a meeting on October 21 between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hassan Mahmoud Rashad, Egypts intelligence chief, for talks focused on Gaza, border security, and bilateral coordination. The Israel-Egypt border, September 9, 2025; illustrative. (credit: YANIV NADAV/FLASH90) Earlier this month, The Guardian reported that the Egyptian military was set to play a key role in the new International Security Force that will manage security in Gaza. Similar weapons smuggling attempts over recent weeks The IDF has intercepted several similar attempts to smuggle weapons over the Egyptian border into Israel in recent weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These have included a drone carrying two rifles and ammunition on Monday, a drone carrying rifles, ammunition, and magazines, two drones carrying goods on October 17, and a drone carrying three rifles on September 28. Amichai Stein and Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report. Dozens of terrorists in the Gaza Strip, including two battalion-level terrorists, two deputy battalion-level terrorists, and 16 company-level commanders, were eliminated by the IDF. Following the violations of the Gaza ceasefire agreement by Hamas and prior to its renewed enforcement, the IDF and Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) on Wednesday attacked dozens of terrorists in the Gaza Strip, including two battalion-level terrorists, two deputy battalion-level terrorists, and 16 company-level commanders. The Israel Air Force attacked the terrorists under the guidance of the IDF and Shin Bet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also among the targets attacked were observation posts, a weapons production site, rocket and mortar launch positions, and underground tunnels. IDF infographic showing the killed Hamas terrorists. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON UNIT) October 7 terrorists eliminated by IDF Among the terrorists attacked and eliminated were those who infiltrated Israeli territory during the murderous massacre on October 7: Muhammad Issa Asher, who served as a commander of the Hamas's Nukhba Force, Fuaz Awida, who served as the head of a Nukhba squad, and terrorists from the Desert Lords terrorist organization, Muhammad Abu Sharia and Nidal Abu Sharia. In a precise strike in the southern Gaza Strip, the terrorist Khatam Maher Musa Qadra, commander of a Nukhba company in northern Khan Yunis, who led the raid on Kibbutz Ein Hashlosha during the murderous massacre by the Hamas terrorist organization on October 7, was eliminated. Hussein Ali Tohmeh had been responsible for Hezbollahs logistical support in the Qana sector of southern Lebanon. Israel killed Hussein Ali Tohmeh, a Hezbollah operative responsible for the terrorist groups logistical support in the Qana region of southern Lebanon, on October 14, the IDF reported Wednesday. During the war between Israel and Hezbollah, Tohmeh had worked to transfer weapons in an effort to reestablish Hezbollahs military capabilities near Israels border, it said. IDF strikes against Hezbollah The attempt to reestablish Hezbollahs military assets was a violation of the agreement between Israel and Lebanon, it added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, the Lebanese Armed Forces said it had run out of explosive supplies it was using to keep Hezbollah in check. On Monday, Israel killed two Hezbollah terrorists in southern Lebanon, the IDF reported Tuesday. Car in which a Hezbollah terrorist was killed, October 26, 2025. (credit: SCREENSHOT/TELEGRAM @moriahdoron) The strike near al-Biyad killed Hussein Ibrahim Suleiman, who was a member of Hezbollahs Radwan Force, and Hassan Ibrahim Suleiman, it said. On Sunday, the IDF said it had killed two terrorists who violated the truce agreement. 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 During heat waves, there is an increase in the number of people suffering with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), according to a study published in the European Respiratory Journal. People with OSA often snore loudly, their breathing starts and stops during the night, and they may wake up several times. Not only does this cause excessive sleepiness, but it can also increase the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Researchers say their findings are particularly important, as heat waves are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. The research was performed by a team from the Adelaide Institute for Sleep Health and FHMRI Sleep Health at Flinders University, Australia, led by Dr. Lucia Pinilla. Researchers analyzed data on 67,558 people across 17 European countries, all of whom regularly used under-mattress sleep sensors, and agreed to share their data anonymously. The sleep sensors track sleep patterns, snoring, apnea events (pauses in breathing) and heart rate. Most participants were male (79%), with an average age of 52 years. Researchers looked at the sleep data across five European summers from January 2020 to September 2024. They matched each participant's location with local nightly temperatures to assess the impact of heat waves. During the study period, there were two or three heat waves per year on average, with each heat wave lasting for around four to five days. When researchers analyzed the data, they found that the risk of people suffering with moderate-to-severe OSA increased by 13% at the peak of a heat wave. They also found that for every 1 C rise in the nighttime temperature during a heat wave, the prevalence of moderate-to-severe OSA increased by 1.1%. The risk was even higher when humidity was also high. Dr. Pinilla said, "Our results show that during summer heat waves, obstructive sleep apnea became more common and more severe. OSA should now be considered alongside other chronic diseases that are worsened by climate change. Heat waves are not only uncomfortable, but they can also directly affect how we breathe and sleep. "These effects are likely to be similar in other parts of the world and may be even more pronounced in regions with hotter climates or more frequent heat waves. However, factors like housing quality and access to air conditioning could influence the severity of the impact." Co-author Dr. Bastien Lechat added, "While our study didn't explore the exact mechanisms behind this link, we know that hot nights often disrupt sleep by making it lighter and more fragmented. Heat can also lead to fluid retention, which may worsen OSA. "Additionally, people may be less likely to use treatments like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines during hot weather, or they may become dehydrated, further compounding the issue." The team now plans to investigate how hot nights affect breathing during sleep, why OSA worsens and whether cooling strategies or behavioral changes can help reduce the impact. Senior author and Matthew Flinders Professor Danny Eckert said, "Our findings provide compelling evidence that heat waves can significantly worsen obstructive sleep apnea. As global temperatures continue to rise, we can expect more people to be affected and more severe cases, which has serious implications for public health. "Sleep apnea is already underdiagnosed and undertreated. With climate change intensifying its severity, there's an urgent need to improve diagnosis, treatment access and public awareness." Professor Sofia Schiza, Head of the European Respiratory Society group on sleep-disordered breathing, based at the University of Crete, Greece, who was not involved in the research, said, "Obstructive sleep apnea is a common condition that can increase the risk of serious health problems, such as heart disease and strokes, but many sufferers do not realize they have a problem. "This research shows how heat waves, where the temperature remains high overnight, increase the risk of OSA. This finding highlights the importance of preparing for hot nights; for example, by using a fan and drinking plenty of water, especially for people with sleep disorders. It also suggests that OSA is likely to become more common and more severe due to global warming." More information: Rising Prevalence of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea During Nighttime Heatwaves Across Europe, European Respiratory Journal (2025). DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01631-2025 Journal information: European Respiratory Journal The controversy could undermine Israeli efforts at the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice. The IDF on Wednesday suspended Military Advocate-General Maj.-Gen. Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi in connection with a probe by Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara into the leak of a video in the Sde Teiman abuse of Palestinian prisoners. The suspension shook the entire defense establishment. In a sign that the latest development had blindsided many top officials, IDF sources did not even know, as of early Wednesday afternoon, who was in charge of the IDFs legal division during Tomer-Yerushalmis suspension. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other IDF legal sources had not responded to inquiries about the issue as of press time. None of the sources could explain why Tomer-Yerushalmi was being suspended only now, when the Sde Teiman case broke into the headlines in July 2024. Defense Minister Israel Katz issued three statements attacking Tomer-Yerushalmi and the Sde Teiman cases. In the third statement, he said he would not allow her to return to her role until the probe was concluded. Attorney general Gali Baharav-Miara at a Constitution, Law and Justice Committee meeting at the Knesset, in the Israeli parliament on September 30, 2025. (credit: OREN BEN HAKOON/FLASH90) Katz also hinted that he might not let her return to her role, even if she is cleared of criminal charges, if there are disciplinary concerns. That being said, it was unclear whether he could prevent her return. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The appointment of the military advocate-general requires the defense ministers approval, but returning from a suspension may be a gray area left up to the attorney-general and the IDF chief of staff, but not the defense minister. Tomer-Yerushalmis term would normally have concluded after five years in the fall of 2026. The most likely candidate to replace her is Deputy Military-Advocate General Col. Gal Asael. Tomer-Yerushalmis suspension has major strategic implications not only for the Sde Teiman cases, but for Israels ability to fight international war-crimes cases at the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court, being that she is the lead legal official in charge of such issues. Multiple cases of Sde Teiman Furthermore, as the top IDF legal official, her suspension could be used by politicians who are disgruntled about the legal establishment to try to further tar and feather the legal class in the country more generally in the ongoing battles over the judiciary and the prosecution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are multiple Sde Teiman cases. On February 6, an IDF court sentenced an IDF reservist who had abused Gazan detainees in Sde Teiman to seven months imprisonment in the first major jail term handed down to a soldier relating to the war. Given that the defendant had spent about 80 days in prison after he was first arrested, he was sent back to prison to complete his sentence. At the time, the Public Committee Against Torture in Israel (PCATI) said the sentence had been woefully inadequate for deterring such conduct. Pressed by The Jerusalem Post about what length of prison time would have been enough, PCATI demurred, saying only that it was clear that such a short prison term would not prevent future detainee abuse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Post also sought to understand why the Military Prosecution had agreed to such a short sentence. The Military Prosecution, the Post understood at the time, viewed the beatings as being especially serious, because they had taken place many times to many different detainees, even though other soldiers had told the defendant to stop. The Military Prosecution also gave credit to the defendant for confessing his crimes up front and agreeing to a plea deal to save the prosecution and the court time, resources, and the need to prove many points at trial. Finally, the Military Prosecution and the court took into account that the defendant and his family had experienced some of the horrors of the October 7 massacre up close, something that left him traumatized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the prison sentence for this small Sde Teiman abuse case, the defendant was also given potential additional prison time if he would again violate certain laws, and was demoted to the rank of private. In the large Sde Teiman abuse case, five soldiers were indicted on February 19 for sexual assault. Pre-indictment hearings were held in the large case last November. Sources told the Post that there had not been delays in deciding that case, which also dates back to summer 2024, due to fears of political fallout from the right-wing coalition government. In that case, masses of right-wing activists, including some MKs, broke into an IDF facility to interfere with the arrests of the soldiers accused of abusing Palestinian detainees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In light of the latest developments, however, it is also possible that the indictments were delayed by the separate probe into the leaking of a surveillance video from the Sde Teiman detention facility, which allegedly showed soldiers severely abusing a Palestinian detainee. Tomer-Yerushalmis suspension was self-initiated and voluntary, the IDF said in a vague statement. Baharav-Miara made it clear that the probe into who leaked the video involved Tomer-Yerushalmi herself and likely members of her staff, so even if she was not directly involved, it would be problematic for her to manage the case. Tomer-Yerushalmis suspension was justified, Katz said, adding that the Sde Teiman case was a blood libel against Israeli soldiers. Nevertheless, there is significant evidence that the soldiers did commit crimes against the Palestinian detainee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rather, the probe into the video leak suggests that, in parallel to those soldiers committing alleged crimes, IDF officers, including possibly those within the IDF legal division, may also have committed a violation or crime by leaking evidence against the soldiers. It is also possible that the leaked video was edited in a way to try to make the charges appear more severe. Nevertheless, no argument has been made to date that the incident did not occur. Instead, the focus of the soldiers defense teams has been to try to slow and undermine the prosecution case by going after the leak of the video and claiming that the soldiers acted in self-defense. Despite the defense lawyers claims, the Post has been informed of significant evidence, along with the indictment itself, which would undermine a clean self-defense claim. Serious allegations at Sde Teiman Sde Teiman is a military base in the Negev that was turned into a detention facility during the Israel-Hamas War. It held Palestinians captured in Gaza under the Unlawful Combatants Law, which allows temporary detention without a court order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were serious abuse allegations at the Sde Teiman facility. Reports by various media outlets described beatings, prolonged blindfolding, lack of medical care, and other mistreatment of detainees. On July 29, 2024, the Military Police arrested nine reservists suspected of severely abusing a Palestinian detainee at the facility. The detainee had serious internal injuries, including broken ribs and rectal tearing, according to reports. The arrests sparked protests by far-right activists, families of soldiers, and several MKs, who claimed the soldiers were being punished for doing their job. Demonstrators gathered at the Sde Teiman base and later at Beit Lid, where the suspects were being held. Some broke through the gates of military property, including MKs. Sarah Ben-Nun contributed to this report. The weapons, located in the Beit Lahiya area, were intended to be used for the execution of an imminent terror attack, according to the military. The IDF conducted a precise strike on Wednesday in the Beit Lahiya area, in the northern Gaza Strip, targeting a weapons and drone storage site, the military said. The weapons were intended to be used for the execution of an imminent terror attack against IDF soldiers and the State of Israel, the military said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "IDF soldiers in the Southern Command remain deployed in accordance with the ceasefire agreement and will continue to operate to remove any immediate threat," the military said. The strike comes after the IDF announced the end of a series of strikes across the Gaza Strip that came in response to Hamas's numerous ceasefire violations and the resumption of the ceasefire enforcement. "In accordance with the directive of the political echelon, and following a series of strikes, in which dozens of terror targets and terrorists were struck, the IDF has begun the renewed enforcement of the ceasefire in response to Hamass violations," the military stated. IDF infographic showing the killed Hamas terrorists. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON UNIT) IDF strikes several points across Gaza, killing dozens of terrorists The IDF also published a list with the different roles that the terrorists struck in the last round of attacks, with three being battalion commanders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The targets struck were key terrorists, including three battalion commanders, two deputy battalion commanders, and 16 company commanders; observation posts; weapons production warehouses; launch posts; underground tunnels; and mortar shell firing posts," the military said. Four out of the terrorists killed took part in the October 7 massacre, including Muhammad Isa, commander of a Nukhba platoon, Fawwaz Uwayda, commander of a Nukhba terrorist cell, Hatem Maher Mousa Qudra, a Nukhba company commander, Muhammad Abu Sharia, and Nidal Abu Sharia, terrorists from the Mijahideen terrorist organization. IHG Hotels & Resorts has entered an agreement with Australia-based builder-developer Urban Property Group to open a Crowne Plaza hotel in Parramatta, Sydneys second central business district. Crowne Plaza Parramatta is expected to offer 217 rooms and is slated to open in 2029. The hotel will be part of a mixeduse development opposite Parramatta Train Station. It will provide a direct link to the station to ensure convenient access for guests and visitors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Facilities at the hotel will include an all-day restaurant and a lobby bar, flexible meeting and event spaces, a rooftop infinity pool and an outdoor terrace. IHG Hotels & Resorts Australasia and Pacific managing director Matt Tripolone said: Were delighted to partner with Urban and maximise this exceptional opportunity to bring our world-famous Crowne Plaza brand to Parramatta at a pivotal time in the citys transformation. Western Sydney is one of Australias most dynamic growth corridors, underpinned by record levels of infrastructure investment, a flourishing business and government sector, and the arrival of Western Sydney International Airport in 2026. Crowne Plaza Parramatta will be a flagship destination for both domestic and international travellers and an important and attractive addition to the citys evolving skyline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The project forms part of Parramattas growth as a major commercial, educational, health, and cultural hub. Recent developments in the area, including the new Powerhouse Parramatta Museum and the extension of the Riverside Theatre precinct, are contributing to increased visitor numbers. The opening of Western Sydney International Airport is expected to further improve access to the region. Urban Property Group co-CEO Patrick Elias said: We are excited to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts to bring Crowne Plaza Parramatta to life. This marks our first-ever hotel collaboration and will become a striking, defining feature within our mixed-use development when it opens in 2029. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crowne Plaza Parramatta will join existing Australian locations, including Sydney Darling Harbour, Melbourne, and Adelaide Mawson Lakes. It brings IHG Hotels & Resorts Crowne Plaza footprint in Australia to 14 operating hotels with seven more in development. The Crowne Plaza brand has 415 hotels open worldwide and 144 properties in the pipeline. Recently, IHG Hotels & Resorts subsidiary Six Senses signed a hotel management agreement with Patience Capital Group for a forthcoming hotel situated at the foot of Mount Myoko in Japan. "IHG to launch Crowne Plaza hotel in Parramatta, Sydney" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand. CHICAGO, Ill. (WCIA) Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced the successful block of the Trump administrations attempts to cut select mental health programs. On Tuesday, Raoul announced that a federal judge blocked the administration from illegally cutting some congressionally approved funding for K-12 mental health programs. Raoul and a coalition of 16 states attorneys general previously filed a lawsuit in June, alleging that cuts to the Department of Education violate the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) and the U.S. Constitution. Illinois offering special sale for 2026 State Fair Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In April, the Department of Education notified grantees that their programs conflicted with the Trump administrations priorities and that their funding would be discontinued. In a release, Raoul said the departments non-continuation decision means that a number of students throughout the state will lose access to essential services from school-based mental health professionals. He said this is just one of many programs now cancelled by the administration and that it has served more than 50,000 students in Illinois since the beginning of the program. Raoul said without access to these critical funds, students across the state will face a shortage of mental health professionals who provide support and make schools safer. The Trump administration continues to unlawfully interfere with federal funding authorized by Congress, but this time, at the expense of our childrens mental health, Raoul said. Now more than ever, students in Illinois and across the country deserve the opportunity to see mental health professionals while they spend most of their days in school. I will continue to stand beside my colleagues to oppose illegal actions that directly impact our communities. Central IL housing counseling agencies receive grant to improve financial education Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the release, Raoul said that after the 2022 deaths of 19 students and two teachers during a mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas, a bipartisan Congress appropriated $1 billion to bring 14,000 mental health professionals into schools. Since then, the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) reported grantees served almost 775,000 students and hired nearly 1,300 school mental health professionals in the first year of funding. NASP also found a 50% reduction in suicide risk at high-need schools, decreases in absenteeism and behavioral issues, and increases in positive student-staff engagement based on data from sampled programs. In the lawsuit, which was filed in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, Raoul and the coalition allege that the Department of Educations grant non-continuations violate the APA and the U.S. Constitution. The attorneys general are asking a federal judge to rule that the non-continuations are illegal and seek an injunction rescinding the decisions. In this coalition, Raoul was joined by attorneys general of the following states: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan New Mexico New York Nevada Oregon Rhode Island Washington Wisconsin 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. TAYLORVILLE, Ill. (WTVO) Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed an Executive Order on Wednesday declaring an Agricultural Export Crisis in response to trade policies enacted by the White House. According to the Governors Office, the Trump administrations tariff policies have allowed foreign competitors to horn in on markets built by Illinois farmers. Pritzker pointed to falling soybean prices, rising production costs, global competition, and setbacks for beef farmers, as the Trump administration has announced plans to import tariff-free beef from Argentina. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Illinois farmers deserve a federal government that opens doors for them not one that undermines their markets and livelihoods, said Governor JB Pritzker. Thats why I am declaring an Agricultural Trade Crisis in Illinois and directing state agencies to expand domestic market opportunities and strengthen mental health resources for our farm families. While the Trump Administration turns its back on American agriculture, Illinois will stand with our farmers opening markets where we can, advocating for change where we must, and fighting every day to ensure that Illinois agriculture emerges from this crisis stronger than ever. The order directs state agencies to develop and expand domestic markets for agricultural commodities and provide mental health services for farm families.\ 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 MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. ILLINOIS (WCIA) Illinois lawmakers have a lot of issues to cover but not a lot of time to work. Some are worried that full plate will keep legislators from getting much done. It seems like every big issue in Illinois is vying for the spotlight. But now, a last minute push to upend the states electoral map has thrown a curveball at the veto session, turning some attention from Illinois to Washington D.C. Shutdown uncertainty on the minds of Central IL farmers Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With just two more days until they hit their deadline, lawmakers will have to prioritize to get something passed. The federal government, transportation energy. I know that there are a few other things that everyones waiting to see if they can get fully baked by Thursday, Illinois House Representative Margaret Croke said. One of the few issues seeing bipartisan urgency is energy prices. This is really the only bill that recognizes we need every watt that we have got, Illinois Senate President Pro Tempore Bill Cunningham said. That debate is likely coming down to the Clean Renewable Grid Affordability Act or CRGA. CRGA has seen significant support from democrats and consumer advocates. But the Illinois Manufacturers Association is joining Republicans in opposing the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They say funding the expanded battery storage component pushes the cost to consumers when prices are already high. From the Farm: Beef industry speaks out on White Houses Argentine beef policy We have to, we have the mindset right now of all energy, especially if we want to have data centers, especially if we want to expand manufacturing and people to actually come to our state, House Minority Leader Tony McCombie said. But on Monday, lawmakers had even more added to their plates. I think that its important for the process to proceed as expeditiously as possible, U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WCIA sat down with Jeffries during his last minute push to re-draw Illinois maps. One concern holding up the process: preserving minority representation. Illinois Legislative Black Caucus is worried new maps will limit Black and Latino representation and some Republicans are taking notice. I think it would change the representation of the Black Caucus and I think it would put the 17th Congressional, which is where I live, at much more risk, McCombie said. Illinois opens state-based insurance marketplace Get Covered Illinois But Jeffries said now is the time to act for Democrats. He worries if they dont, it could cost them the next election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its also important for us as Democrats to find a way to decisively respond to the extremism that Trump is unleashing on the American people, including as a result of his effort to rig the midterm elections, Jeffries said. The likelihood of redistricting passing this veto session still appears questionable. Senate Majority Leader Bill Cunningham described the discussions as in a holding pattern. And even if it does pass, questions remain about what that would mean for the 2026 election. Candidates have already filed their paperwork for those races. 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. 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: Cancer disparity maps showing cancer mortality and its association with smoking, by county and cancer type. Credit: JAMA Network Open (2025). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.37690 A new study published in JAMA Network Open by the Harvey L. Neiman Health Policy Institute reveals poverty, environmental risks, housing issues, and physical inactivity are top-ranking community-level predictors of disparities in cancer screening, prevalence, and deaths across U.S. counties. Fueled by such data, interactive Neiman Cancer Disparity Maps is the first tool of its kind to illustrate where worse cancer outcomes and poor community conditions, social and economic factors overlap, offering actionable insights for researchers, policymakers, government agencies and health systems. "For the four most prevalent cancers in the U.S.breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancerswe now know that community conditions like tobacco use, air pollution, insurance coverage, housing and environmental mitigation are critical for understanding the cancer screening gaps, excess prevalence, and preventable deaths that afflict many communities," said Elizabeth Y. Rula, Ph.D., executive director of the Neiman Institute. "These maps bring this information together in an easy-to-use tool that can help leaders target interventions and resources where they can save the most lives." The researchers developed a machine-learning model that ranked 24 county-level factors by their relative importance for explaining differences in cancer screening, prevalence and mortality rates. "Poverty rate was the most consistently important predictor of community cancer outcomes across cancer types," explained Alexandra Drake, MPH, senior analyst at the Neiman Institute and the study's lead author. "Environmental risks, including air toxics, were also high ranking, as were housing issues and physical inactivity, revealing critical focus areas to maximize public-health impact." Air toxics were, by far, the most important factor for prostate cancer screening. Air pollution and air toxics were both strong predictors of lung cancer screeningoutranking the county smoking rate, which predictably topped the list of important factors for lung cancer mortality. Among counties ranking the worst for smoking and lung cancer mortality, 7 out of 10 were in Kentucky. These results highlight the importance of prevention via tobacco control and environmental mitigation, and the need to expand lung cancer screening to save lives. Only 16% of eligible Americans are screened. The second most important factor for lung cancer screening was access to primary care physicians, which reflects a recent study finding that smokers were nearly a third more likely to keep up with screening if they talked about lung cancer screening with their doctor, called shared decision making. Primary care providers are key for increasing screening rates. Certain parts of the country were hotbeds for breast cancer risk factors and worse outcomes. Texas had the worst breast cancer screening rates and high uninsured rates. Even counties near Dallas, such as Johnson, were among the worst in the country for both measures. Community conditions and socioeconomics were among the top factors for every type of cancer and outcome. In particular, the rate of severe housing problems, including overcrowding and high housing costs, were of high importance for three types of cancer prevalence. The maps showed regional patterns with worse housing problems along the East and West coasts along with higher cancer prevalence. "This research reveals opportunities for action for health systems. For example, Loyola Medicine's patients in the Chicago Metro area have high breast cancer prevalence combined with high air pollution compared to other parts of the U.S.," said William Small, Jr., MD, Director of the Loyola Cardinal Bernadin Cancer Center, co-author and advisor to the Neiman maps project. "At our cancer center, we are using these data to better understand challenges for the populations we serve to plan targeted community outreach efforts to decrease the burden of cancer in specific areas." Carla Braithwaite, executive director of the Radiology Health Equity Coalition, said, "The Neiman Cancer Disparity Maps are a key resource to help prioritize and unify efforts to reduce the greater burden of cancer carried by some communities and groups. This powerful data can help align funding with local needs to maximize public-health impact and rectify inequities." More information: Alexandra R. Drake et al, Community Factors and County-Level Cancer Screening, Prevalence, and Mortality, JAMA Network Open (2025). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.37690 Journal information: JAMA Network Open Provided by Harvey L. Neiman Health Policy Institute Bailey family announces memorial services Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey has announced details of memorial services for his family members who died in a helicopter crash in Montana last Wednesday. Visitation for Darrens son Zachary Bailey, Zachs wife Kelsey, and their children, 12-year-old Vada Rose and 7-year-old Samuel Isaac will be held from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at Oil Belt Christian Service Camp in Flora, Illinois. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A celebration of life will begin at 9 a.m. Monday, Nov. 3, also at the Christian service camp. Digital currency scam losses A digital forensics firm has found that 57% of all scam losses in Illinois are now paid in cryptocurrency. CNC Intelligence analyzed FBI data to reveal that crypto investment scams are the biggest drivers of those losses, costing Illinois residents $183 million last year. Financial conditions loosen The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago reports the National Financial Conditions Index was unchanged at 0.55 in the week ending Oct. 24, suggesting steady financial conditions. A decrease in the index suggests looser financial conditions where credit is considered to be easier and cheaper for businesses and consumers. (The Center Square) - Detroits population grew for the second year in a row after years of steady decline, according to census data. Advocacy groups attribute much of the growth to an increased acceptance of immigrant populations throughout Michigan. Efforts to bring more immigrants to the state was once defined by a former governor's proposal. In 2014, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder announced an ambitious proposal to request 50,000 EB-2 visas from the federal government to be allocated over the course of five years. The visas were specifically designed for immigrants to live in Detroit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want the world to know that Detroit is open for business, Snyder said in his announcement. Legal immigration helped to build this city and is just as critical to its comeback. The EB-2 visa is an employment-based immigration category for foreign individuals who hold advanced degrees or display exceptional ability. Recipients of the visa can obtain a green card if an employer is willing to sponsor them for permanent residency. Snyders proposal would have marked a significant overhaul in the typical process for obtaining an EB-2 visa because it allowed immigrants to bypass the typical job offer and labor certification requirement as long as applicants were willing to live and work in Detroit. The Immigration and Nationality Act limits annual EB-2 visas to 28.6% of the worldwide employment limit. In fiscal year 2025, employment-based visas were capped at 150,000, which means that EB-2 visas were limited to 42,900. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Snyders request for 50,000 EB-2 visas far exceeds the annual limit placed on the visas each year by law, making his request difficult to accomplish. Additionally, the plan to make EB-2 visas available only for those living and working in Detroit would face serious criticism. Daniel Costa, a researcher at the think tank Economic Policy Institute, said he was skeptical over whether Snyder could get approval from Congress for the ambitious request. If Detroit were to get this many visas for itself, Costa said, other cities and states would want their own before legislators would vote for it. That could get messy; we would need a new city- or state-based green card allocation system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to criticism, Snyder pointed to how the program would be helpful for international students at universities across Michigan. More than 82 percent of Michigans international students who use their student visa to work in the U.S. after graduation earned advanced degrees, a press release from Snyders office reads. Since 2014, Michigan universities have begun to participate in the Global Entrepreneur in Residence program, which allows immigrant entrepreneurs to be sponsored for employment by universities in the state while growing their business ventures. The GEIR program works through the H-1B visa since universities are not subject to the congressionally mandated cap of 85,000 visas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Snyders proposal was never implemented but immigration advocates believe the push for broader immigrant populations was helpful in bringing people back to Detroit. Global Detroit, a nonprofit organization, connects immigrants with visa programs and opportunities throughout Michigan to keep them living and working in the state. The nonprofit said it helps to connect immigrants to the culture and community within Detroit and throughout Michigan to keep steady populations. No U.S. major metropolitan area that has lost population since the 1960s has stabilized or reversed course without immigration, the nonprofits website reads. In Michigan, immigration accounts for all population growth in the last 30 years. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that Michigan's population growth in 2024 was largely driven by international migration, as The Center Square previously reported. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) A prominent activist in Bahrain imprisoned since the country's 2011 Arab Spring protests began a new hunger strike Wednesday, seeking to pressure the island kingdom and Europe over his internationally criticized detention. Abdulhadi al-Khawaja began what supporters described as an open-ended hunger strike while detained at the Jaw Rehabilitation and Reform Center in Bahrain. A previous hunger strike by the 64-year-old activist, who also holds Danish citizenship, lasted for 110 days in 2012 and a doctor now is warning the Danish government that al-Khawaja is already 10 kilograms (22 pounds) underweight and has a heart condition that could worsen. Despite Mr. Khawajas ability to endure severe malnutrition and dehydration in the past, my assessment is that he will be at high risk of death in a hunger strike of any duration, Dr. Damian McCormack wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities in Bahrain, an island off the coast of Saudi Arabia in the Persian Gulf, did not directly respond to questions from The Associated Press about al-Khawaja's hunger strike. However, they contended prisoners in Bahrain faced fair trials before an independent judiciary, are guaranteed their full rights" and receive care from medical teams that act swiftly to advise on health risks. Human rights group and United Nations experts long have described al-Khawaja as being arbitrarily detained after being given a life sentence by a military tribunal on internationally criticized terrorism charges. The effort by al-Khawaja appears aimed at trying to renew pressure on Denmark to negotiate for his freedom. Denmark has over the years talked with Bahraini officials about al-Khawaja, who insist his imprisonment is just and that he is a Bahraini citizen, subject to the kingdom's laws. Al-Khawaja's supporters also say they want to pressure the European Union over his case as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The timing of the hunger strike also coincides with this weekend's edition of Bahrain's annual Manama Dialogue, a security summit organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, which draws world leaders. Al-Khawaja lived abroad for years, first as a student in London before facing exile for his activism. He gained Danish citizenship through political asylum. He returned in 1999 to Bahrain, a majority Shiite Muslim island governed by a Sunni Muslim ruling family, with the ascension of Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa as the islands ruler and later king, who initially promised to work more closely with the kingdoms Shiites. Al-Khawaja helped found the Bahrain Center for Human Rights and advocated democratic reforms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the Shiites under King Hamad continued for years to complain of being treated as second-class citizens in the kingdom about the size of New York City, with a population of around 1.5 million people. Al-Khawaja has been held by Bahrain since the 2011 protests, which represented the largest demonstrations against Bahrains Al Khalifa royal family, which has ruled since 1783. Bahrain, along with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, violently put down the demonstrations. In the years since, low-level unrest has plagued Bahrain, with Shiite militant groups occasionally claiming attacks on security forces Bahrain hosts the U.S. Navy's Mideast-based 5th Fleet and is considered by America as a major non-NATO ally. Bahrain also joined the UAE in diplomatically recognizing Israel in 2020 during the first term of U.S. President Donald Trump. MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- The West Texas Food Bank is sounding the alarm as they are struggling to provide food as they see an increased need as the government remains shut down and snap benefits end November first. Right now, we know that there are 135,000 individuals that are on SNAP benefits. There are 4,808 federal employees right now that are going without paychecks, Libby Stephens Chief Executive officer for the West Texas Food Bank said. So that kind of gives you an idea of, you know, what we could see in additional people needing resources from the West Texas State Bank. Now the non-profit organization says that through hard times the best thing you can do is give back to your community. Whether thats in your time or your treasure or just being an advocate on the street saying that you know that the West Texas Food Bank needs help, Stephens said. Number two is, you know, come out and volunteer. Donate if you can and bring your family and your friends and your children. Theyre all welcome to give back right now to our community. Especially to our federal workers who are in a very uncertain time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Food Bank is asking residents who are able to give to donate online at wtxfoodbank.org. Or you can volunteer. Anything will help them support families who need help during this hard time. 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 Yourbasin. The Carrasco family opened Domingos in Portland in 2024. The restaurant alongside its sister restaurant Santo Domingo Taqueria is an ode to the family's Oaxacan roots. The restaurants are named after the patron saint of the family's hometown in Oaxaca, Mexico. (Courtesy of Leslie Carrasco) Para leer esta historia en espanol, haga clic aqui. For the Carrasco family, selling food is more than just business. Its a way to honor their Mexican heritage and share their culture with Oregonians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like many Generation X Latinos, the Carrascos first came to the Willamette Valley as a couple to work in apple and berry fields, eventually making their way to Portland where they would pursue their version of the American Dream by opening Santo Domingo Taqueria in 2006 and Domingos in 2024. The Carrascos and their three adult children manage both restaurants, which pay homage to the familys roots in Oaxaca a southern Mexican state known for its rich Indigenous culture and iconic cuisine such as mole and mezcal. But in recent months, the familys businesses and Latino-owned businesses throughout Oregon are experiencing increasing threats, declining customers and more fear in their communities. In response, Latino business owners are finding ways to make their customers and employees feel safe despite the growing presence of federal immigration agents in the state. Reports of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement sightings on social media have surfaced just about every day from Salem and Klamath Falls to Grand Ronde, Beaverton and Newport. Leslie Carrasco, the Carrascos middle child, said the restaurants have received multiple calls from people claiming to be ICE agents and threatening to arrest their employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I just hung up at that point, and was just shocked, she said about the latest call. The Carrascos have since set up their phones to reject anonymous calls, but Carrasco said she still feels the fear throughout her community. The Cully neighborhood, where their first restaurant is based and where she grew up, is one of Portlands most culturally diverse neighborhoods. The neighborhood is known for having a rural touch as kids often play and ride their bikes along its unpaved roads. Until recently, the neighborhood has quieted down. We feel it as a business, Carrasco said. People are scared to come out. We grew up in this community, and its never been like this. We arent a quiet bunch. Everyone is stressed and everyone is scared. Taking care of community: Latino business owners respond to ICE presence Across Oregon, Latino-owned businesses are taking steps to protect their customers and staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At SuperMercados Mexico, a Portland grocery store, signs are posted at entrances warning that ICE agents cannot enter without a valid judicial warrant. Latino-owned businesses in Oregon, like Los Compadres market in Albany as seen in the image above, have posted signs at their front entrances warning federal immigration agents that they are a private business. (Photo by Mia Maldonado/Oregon Capital Chronicle) ICE came into the parking lot a couple of times, store manager Cris Nunez told the Capital Chronicle. This is private property, so were not going to allow people who are trying to target a certain group to just come into our parking lot and disturb our business. In Salem, El Torito Supermarket has also posted those signs. Store owner Lily Perez said she has trained staff on how to respond in case immigration agents arrive and launched a free delivery service for local customers with orders over $25. The most important thing for us is that our customers feel safe and taken care of, Perez told the Capital Chronicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perez said her store has slowed in recent days, with fewer customers coming in. On Saturday, ICE agents detained a man in the stores parking lot. The incident was captured in a video posted to social media showing immigration agents wearing masks pushing the man to the ground as the person recording the video cries and yells papa! which means father in Spanish. Our workers felt powerless, because their instinct was to protect and support their community but also they had to stay calm and try not to cause more panic for those within the store, Perez said. It was a difficult moment, but it reinforced our promise to take care of our community and give them a safe space. ICE agents are detaining U.S. citizens, Oregon lawmaker warns State Rep. Ricki Ruiz, D-Gresham, has had a lot of conversations with Latino business owners in his community who are seeing employees fearful of going to work. Ruiz represents Oregons fourth largest city, where many residents are from Latin America. Ruiz said many Latino community members know him well because of his mother. Rep. Ricki Ruiz, D-Gresham, works on the House floor at the Oregon State Capitol in Salem on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023. (Amanda Loman/Oregon Capital Chronicle) My mom actually was one of those ladies that would go to every party, go to every community event and drag me as a kid, and a lot of people still remember that, Ruiz told the Capital Chronicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now as a bilingual lawmaker, Ruiz has earned the trust of Latino constituents in his district and beyond. Hes heard from Latino businesses in Ontario, Bend and Hillsboro who have come to him sharing their concerns as businesses and also thanking him for sharing immigrant rights resources on social media. President Donald Trump said in April that his administration would deport the worst of the worst, referring to immigrants living in the U.S. without proper authorization who have committed drug crimes or who are a part of a gang. But thats not whats happening, Ruiz said. What were seeing is there are people being detained and theres no arrest warrant, Ruiz said. ICE is detaining legal residents and U.S. citizens, and the reason why theyre being detained is because they look brown, they speak brown and they do work jobs that are predominantly done by brown people. On Monday, ICE detained a U.S. citizen in Ruizs district who was taking photos of unmarked ICE vehicles. ICE agents kept the persons phone and are now trying to justify searching it, Ruiz said on Facebook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In September, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that immigration agents can consider race when detaining people. Immigration agents have detained at least 170 U.S. citizens, most of whom allegedly interfered or assaulted officers, or who agents suspected were in the country illegally. Those held under suspicion of their citizenship status were almost all Latino, ProPublica reported. Oregons sanctuary state laws prohibit law enforcement from coordinating with federal immigration agents. However, Ruiz said he thinks Oregon can do more and pass laws similar to California and Illinois that restrict the release of employee information and limit ICE access in private workplaces. Other Oregon lawmakers are also working to amend the Oregon Constitution to prevent law enforcement including ICE agents from wearing face coverings. However, the effort could face legal challenges because the U.S. Constitution says state laws cannot impede federal government operations. The Trump administration already said Californias version of the law is unconstitutional and directed ICE not to follow it. If you support ICE, then lets make sure youre ready to work on the farms to pick berries, Ruiz said. Lets make sure youre ready to go and build homes. Lets make sure youre ready to fill in the gaps that immigrants are supporting through their labor and taxes just for you to sit on your couch and complain on Facebook. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Hundreds of federal and state agents, including from the Tennessee National Guard and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, arrived in Memphis last month. (Austin Johnson / AFP via Getty Images) This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. Sign up for their newsletters at ckbe.at/newsletters Sign up for Chalkbeat Tennessees free newsletter to keep up with statewide education policy and Memphis-Shelby County Schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Memphis educators say Hispanic students are showing up to class distressed and distracted, or not showing up at all, in the wake of a controversial federal law and immigration enforcement surge in the city. The full impact on Memphis-Shelby County Schools is not yet clear. The district has not released complete attendance data for October, though leaders indicated there hasnt been a sharp decline in attendance in the last few weeks. But educators say effects are being felt in classrooms at an increasingly diverse Memphis school system. Board member Amber Huett-Garcia said multiple high school teachers told her that students have just stopped showing up. And theyve stopped going to extracurricular activities, because they dont want to be out of the house, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nationwide, the increase in immigration enforcement has disproportionately affected Latino communities. Nearly one in five MSCS students is Hispanic, compared to just over 11% in 2014, according to data from the Tennessee Department of Education. And in local charter schools, the number of Hispanic students has more than doubled in the past decade. One MSCS teacher in a predominantly Hispanic charter school said a parent pulled her child out of school entirely because of concerns about immigration enforcement. She sent me a message and just said that she was scared, that they were in a difficult situation and they would have to leave the city, said the teacher, whom Chalkbeat is not naming due to her concerns about protecting her students. They withdrew the next day. Now, some state and local immigration advocates are pushing district leaders to create safe buffer zones and increase busing to ease concerns about students and families encountering immigration officials on the way to and from school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, Huett-Garcia pressed MSCS leaders for attendance numbers and asked about resources available for concerned families. Superintendent Roderick Richmond said the district hasnt put any new support measures in place because he hasnt heard reports of ICE activity on school campuses. But Memphis educators and local officials, including Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris, say ICE agents are targeting Hispanic residents and focusing on neighborhoods where they live. Every single day this week, I have seen pickup trucks with the label Border Patrol on Summer Avenue, Huett-Garcia said. When there are outside factors that affect our attendance, we should know and be aware of that. Our kids feel safe in our buildings, its just getting to and from those buildings. Memphis educators: Classes are emptier, students more fearful In the past month, hundreds of federal and state agents, including from the Tennessee National Guard and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, have arrived in Memphis in a push President Donald Trump has said is meant to reduce violent street crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tennessee and Memphis Republicans have backed Trumps law enforcement surge, arguing increased law enforcement is needed to address longstanding crime issues within the city. For too long, citizens of Memphis, Shelby Co, and West TN have dealt with the ravages of out-of-control crime, Rep. Mark White, a GOP state lawmaker from Memphis, said in September. We must fix this problem now and get routine offenders off the streets to save our city. State Democrats and local leaders have sharply criticized the National Guard deployment and the increase of federal agents in the city, saying the moves trample local authority and lack transparency concerning whos arrested. Preliminary data suggested a majority of the task forces arrests have been for non-violent offenses and immigration-related charges, the Commercial-Appeal reported this month. Memphis is in this state of reality now where people are disappearing. As a community, as a country, we have to answer, Are we OK with that? Amber Huett-Garcia, Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board Member In other cities subject to the Trump administrations federal deployment, ICE has detained students. Chalkbeat reported the detainment of at least one public school student, a U.S. citizen, in Chicago, and the arrest of a 16-year-old student in New York last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There have been no reports that Memphis students have been detained, and no reports of ICE activity in Memphis schools. But Huett-Garcia said she talked to one MSCS teacher last week who cried with a student for hours because two of their family members had been detained that day. Memphis is in this state of reality now where people are disappearing, she said. As a community, as a country, we have to answer, Are we OK with that? The MSCS teacher at the predominantly Hispanic charter said shes had all time low attendance this month. For three days in a row, 25% of her students were not in class, she said. When her young students do show up, she said, theyre extremely scared and distracted. My students are telling me that they miss their mom, that they want to go home even early in the day, she said. Its been constant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During an October school board meeting, Stacey Davis, director of enrollment and attendance, said there has not been a significant difference in student attendance since the National Guard arrived on Oct. 10. Chalkbeat Tennessee requested individual school attendance data last week, but the district said it couldnt provide that information until late November. One principal of a predominantly Hispanic school in Memphis said attendance is hit or miss, with families deciding to send their children based on what they see on the news or hear through their network. Parents are fearful about being out, dropping off their kids, picking them up, so theyre keeping them home more frequently, the principal said, who spoke on the condition of anonymity in order to protect their students privacy. Meanwhile, the MSCS charter teacher said the threat to students and their families can be paralyzing when you dont have access to the right training. Could MSCS do more in response to ICE? Although she said immigration enforcement is outside of our control or jurisdiction, Huett-Garcia said shes open to working with county and city government officials to brainstorm creative solutions, especially when it comes to transportation barriers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And she said she wants to hear from teachers about support they need, including grief training. In Chicago, some board members and educators are calling for Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker to permit an emergency switch to virtual learning, although Pritzker has expressed skepticism about the idea. Chicago Public Schools has also sent out messages assuring parents that school buildings are safe from ICE interference and reminding them of their rights. But in other communities, many support efforts are happening on a school-by-school basis. MSCS does have a list of parent rights and resources on the district website when it comes to immigration issues. But the elementary teacher said district leadership should offer teacher training on how to interact with federal agencies, even outside of school grounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Realistically, Im not expecting ICE to show up at my door and try to take away one of my students, she said. What I am expecting is for them to wait down the street and arrest a parent at a traffic stop, because thats what were seeing happening. Bri Hatch covers Memphis-Shelby County Schools for Chalkbeat Tennessee. Reach Bri at bhatch@chalkbeat.org. Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news site covering educational change in public schools. Indias state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) signed a deal with Russias United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) in Moscow on Oct. 27 to jointly produce the SJ-100 civil passenger aircraft. The agreement will grant India rights to manufacture the SJ-100 for domestic use, marking the first time a passenger aircraft will be fully produced in India. Amit Malviya, head of Modis partys National Information and Technology department, called the deal a historic first. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With this, India enters the global civil aviation market, long dominated by Airbus (Europe) and Boeing (US) breaking their near-monopoly, he wrote. UAC is under U.S., EU, and U.K. sanctions for its role in Russias military-industrial complex. Since the start of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, international sanctions have restricted Russian airlines' access to Western-made spare parts, hampering the countrys ability to maintain and repair its commercial aircraft fleet. Moscow is now seeking to negotiate the easing of those limitations, arguing they pose a risk to flight safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While India has resisted joining Western sanctions and continues to expand cooperation with Russia, the growing partnership has drawn renewed scrutiny from Washingtonparticularly as pressure mounts over Indias energy ties with Moscow. Indian refiners are reportedly preparing to scale back imports of Russian oil and shift toward supplies from the Middle East and the United States. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured U.S. President Donald Trump that India will no longer buy Russian oil, the U.S. leader previously said on Oct. 15. "So I was not happy that India was buying oil, and (Modi) assured me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia. That's a big step. Now we're going to get China to do the same thing," Trump said in the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Washington previously imposed 50% tariffs on India for its continued import of Russian oil, after Trump threatened to impose secondary sanctions on Russia's trading partners if Moscow failed to make progress towards peace in Ukraine. Read also: Lukoil to sell foreign assets after US sanctions Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. DUGGER, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is hosting open houses this week at several state forests. Tuesday evening, they held one at the Greene-Sullivan State Forest near Dugger. This event included a guided hike with a chance to learn about outdoor activities and how the forests are managed. Other open houses will take place on October 29 and 30. Attendees who want to go on these hikes should meet at the forest office for each location. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its an opportunity for the public to get out interact with the staff, see what weve done in the past year. And see what were planning in the upcoming year whether its a construction project, an improvement project to the campground, or even our forest management projects, Assistant Director of Forestry Brad Schneck said. To see a full schedule of the open houses, you can visit the Indiana Department of Natural Resources website. 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 MyWabashValley.com. Indiana has a rich biodiversity with thousands of species in unique habitats, but growth and development have changed some of those fragile ecosystems and threaten the wildlife they support. IndyStar is highlighting some of these endangered species and documenting the work being done to conserve them. There are swimming rabbits in Indiana. Known as cane cutters, cane jakes, or more commonly swamp rabbits, this species is found in the low lying areas in Indianas southern hardwood forests where tall reed-like grasses grow that resemble bamboo or sugar cane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Swamp rabbits are the largest of the cottontail genus, reaching up to 22 inches long. The rabbits have the same brindled rusty brown fur as their relative, the Eastern cottontail, but their pelt is dense enough to be waterproof, which is beneficial for their romps through Hoosier wetlands. They also have shorter ears than their more common cousins. The cane cutters aquatic prowess thrust it to national fame in 1979 during a chance encounter with then-President Jimmy Carter. The late president was fishing from a boat on a pond at his Plains, Georgia, property when a harried swamp rabbit paddled toward him only to be splashed and shoed away by his paddle. The Carter administration refused to release the sole photograph of the incident, with spokesperson Rex Granum telling the Associated Press, "There are just certain stories about the president that must forever remain shrouded in mystery." While this story suggests swamp rabbits can take care of themselves, in Indiana, they are listed as "state endangered." In the southern U.S., these lagomorphs are not at risk of extinction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Western observers first noted this species in the late 1800s, but it was not until 1930 that scientists in Posey County first collected Indianas swamp rabbits for study. Biologists have also studied populations on Cane Ridge in Gibson County, but that habitat was destroyed completely decades ago, according to a 1985 study from Indiana State University. Research done in 2010 by the Indiana Academy of Sciences points to habitat destruction as the likely explanation for the swamp rabbits' declining population in the state, especially in the uplands where they might head to escape flooding. While the dry upland habitat loss puts stress on swamp rabbit populations, the loss and drainage of wetlands also poses a challenge for the struggling rabbits. The species is at risk of disappearing from Indiana (d)ue to low survival or recruitment prospects and loss of habitat," a 2008 study by Southern Illinois University says. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources does not currently have any active monitoring research or restoration projects involving swamp rabbits, said Theresa Bordenkecher, DNRs Wildlife Research Supervisor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement IndyStar's environmental reporting project is made possible through the generous support of the nonprofit Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. Karl Schneider is an IndyStar environment reporter. You can reach him at karl.schneider@indystar.com. Follow him on BlueSky @karlstartswithk.bsky.social or X @karlstartswithk. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: This Indiana endangered species scared President Jimmy Carter SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. (AND NO SPAM!) Just click here. The silliest Trump scandal imaginable is the forthcoming White House ballroom, funded entirely by private donations. If everything is a scandal, is nothing a scandal? Anything that feeds President Donald Trump's ego must be denounced no matter how much it serves a larger public purpose. Washington Post art critic Philip Kennicott uncorked a typical piece of anti-Trump agita on Oct. 24, headlined: "Why the demolition of the East Wing is so shocking: The speed of destruction, and the projection of power, are part of the strongman playbook." Journalists find fascist parallels in seemingly everything Trump touches. Kennicott wrote that images of leaders looking over architectural plans is a trope of "political iconography" by elected leaders. But he found an echo in an expert: "Columbia University professor Barry Bergdoll pointed out in a speech at the National Building Museum on Wednesday, the public display of the architectural model has a darker history in fascist and totalitarian politics, as well." The funniest part was Kennicott insisting this needed an elaborate review process "balancing opposing worldviews, forging compromise, incorporating a wide range of perspectives and insight." Most journalists at the Post would set their desks on fire if you proposed this balance of opposing views in their overwrought Trump critiques. Nobody should go to Kennicott for balance, or for reverence. Last year, he trashed the AP photograph that showed Trump after he was shot in the ear, raising a defiant fist. He wrote: "It will encourage some of the darkest forces in American civic life. People who preach violence, who revel in its political potential, can now say that one of their own is a victim, and he was. From that, more cycles of violence are almost inevitable." On the other hand, Kennicott gushed in 2017 that the oddball official portraits selected by the Obamas where Barack looked like he was emerging out of a bush, and Michelle was colored gray, like a corpse were "great," in part because that couple is awesome. "Now that they have left office, now that their fundamental decency is in high relief by contrast with the new political order, memory is refreshed." This is the same critic who wrote a piece for July 3, 2021, headlined "Maybe it's time to admit that the Statue of Liberty has never quite measured up." The statue, he claimed, is "ambiguous and ambivalent. As familiar to some Americans as the flag, the statue is just as meaningless or foreign to others, a sign without significance, or worse, a symbol of hypocrisy or unfulfilled promises" because Trump ruined America's promise, with the "past four years of strident and often violent anti-immigrant sentiment." On Oct. 26, Kennicott was back with an overly long attack on how "Trump attempts to consolidate power over cultural infrastructure," a campaign against taxpayer-funded museums, "to capture or coerce them into new narratives of patriotism and American exceptionalism." Unsurprisingly, he championed painter Amy Sherald of "gray Michelle" fame who pulled her work from the National Portrait Gallery over her painting "Trans Forming Liberty," depicting the Statue of Liberty as a drag queen. This article's logic collapsed when Kennicott lamented that Trump and his backers "gin up anger and online mobs." That's not healthy. Guess which angry mob is healthy? Leftists who vandalize art to protest Big Oil, because "museums, at their best, are institutions that respond to public needs and concerns." Kennicott railed against "the usual horsemen of the authoritarian apocalypse: suspicion, cynicism and apathy." But what the Left really can't stand is anyone challenging their ideological stranglehold, anyone making a "culture war" to erode their overweening cultural dominance. (COMMENT, BELOW) 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: As the federal government shutdown threatens to stop funding for food aid programs, Democratic leaders from 25 states have filed a lawsuit seeking to continue Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The lawsuit, filed Tuesday in Massachusetts federal court, argues that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has both the funding and the legal obligation to keep food aid flowing, even during a shutdown. Without any action, up to 42 million Americans could lose access to food benefits starting Saturday, the first time in the program's 60-year history that payments would stop. "Millions of Americans are about to go hungry because the federal government has chosen to withhold food assistance it is legally obligated to provide," New York Attorney General Letitia James said in a statement. "SNAP is one of our nation's most effective tools to fight hunger, and the USDA has the money to keep it running." The suit, backed by the attorneys general of 22 states and the governors of Kansas, Kentucky and Pennsylvania, asks the court to issue a temporary restraining order requiring the USDA to use existing contingency funds to continue payments through November, NBC News reported. California Attorney General Rob Bonta said he believes the USDA has roughly $6 billion in reserve, enough to keep benefits going for another month. "They are doing this on purpose. It is deliberate. It is intentional. They have the funds. They're just not using them," he said. The plaintiffs claim the USDA is violating the Food and Nutrition Act, which governs continuation of benefits when funding is available, as well as the Administrative Procedure Act, which prohibits arbitrary decisions by federal agencies. In response, a USDA spokesperson said the department's hands are tied. "We are approaching an inflection point for Senate Democrats," the spokesperson said. "Continue to hold out for the Far-Left wing of the party or reopen the government so mothers, babies and the most vulnerable among us can receive timely WIC and SNAP allotments." (WIC provides food aid to women, infants and children.) The USDA also noted that contingency funds are typically reserved for natural disasters, not to cover routine benefits. The department said redirecting the funds could cut into school meal and infant formula programs. But Bonta pointed to the USDA's 2019 shutdown plan, which acknowledged that the department could use multiyear contingency funds to maintain benefits temporarily. That language that has since disappeared from the USDA website. SNAP funding for October had already been approved before the shutdown began, allowing payments to continue this month. But without any action from the federal government, the USDA says no additional funds will be issued in November. Some states have already begun alerting folks to prepare for funding to end by stocking up on shelf-stable foods or seeking help from local food banks. At Tuesday's news conference, California Gov. Gavin Newsom criticized Republican governors for not joining the lawsuit. "The impacts in their states, ironically, are disproportionate," he said. More information: Texas Health and Human Services has more on SNAP. 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved. In 1962, the U.S. Supreme Court in Baker v. Carr upended the way in which states apportion state legislative districts by declaring a simple truth: Every citizen's vote should count in the same way. This decision opened the door to the "one person, one vote" principle that became a cornerstone of American democracy. Its an idea born of fairness and equality, values that Hoosiers hold dear. But today, Indianas political maps fall short of that promise. Indianas districts are drawn by politicians who, in effect, pick their voters before voters ever get the chance to pick them. Thats not how democracy is supposed to work. When maps are drawn to make some seats safe and others more competitive, the relative power of voters is distorted. A few voices are amplified by the powerful while other voices are effectively silenced. The legislature too often protects incumbents, punishes challengers and denies voters meaningful choices. The Indiana General Assembly and the Senate have historically given some Hoosier voters more weight simply because of where they live. Thats not equality; thats political engineering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An equality-based voting system means that each district in Indiana would be a smaller reflection of the entire state. There would not be any specially carved out districts to benefit any interest group, any location or any incumbent. We would all play by the same rules, regardless of ZIP code. Briggs: Early redistricting reveals Indiana Republicans' power and weakness The current system across the nation is badly out of balance. Gerrymandering, by both parties, has warped representation. Nationally, Republicans would hold significantly more seats in the U.S. House of Representatives if all congressional districts reflected the overall partisan vote within each state, but current maps create different outcomes. That mismatch isnt democracy in action; its the legacy of maps drawn to entrench power. Its the result of maps drawn that have historically benefited Democrats, who ironically now decry efforts to fix their own prior manipulation as gerrymandering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks to Gov. Mike Braun and the calling of a special session, Indiana has the opportunity to set a different example. By redrawing all of our districts to reflect the true makeup of our state, we can make sure every Hoosiers vote counts equally. Indiana Gov. Mike Braun speaks Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, during a Turning Point USA tour stop at the Indiana University Auditorium in Bloomington. This isnt about helping one party over another. Its about restoring trust in a system that belongs to all of us. Its about making sure every voice, from South Bend to Evansville, from Fort Wayne to Indianapolis, carries the same weight at the ballot box. Stewart: Ballot initiatives won't fix Indiana government. Here's what will. Fair maps mean fair elections. They mean accountability. They mean politicians have to earn every vote, every time. Hoosiers believe in fairness and common sense. Its time our elections lived up to that same principle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lets make Indiana the leader in fair redistricting. It is time to honor the principle of one person, one vote and ensure that every voter, regardless of county, township, or precinct, has an equal voice as guaranteed by the Constitution. Martin J. Sweet teaches political science at Purdue University. Martin J. Sweet This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana should give all House seats to Republican majority | Opinion GOP Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray and House Speaker Todd Huston talk after a Legislative Council meeting on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. (Photo by Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle) Indiana lawmakers will not convene on Monday for an upcoming special session, House Speaker Todd Huston said Wednesday, instead signaling that the Republican-led General Assembly plans to meet later within the 40-day window allowed by state law. House Republicans are working on scheduling and have been in communication with our colleagues in the Senate about the logistics of convening the General Assembly following the Governors call for a special session, said Huston, R-Fishers, in an afternoon statement. Given the calendar and member availability, we will not be convening on Nov. 3 but are working within this general time frame as we consider the schedule. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this week, Republican Gov. Mike Braun officially called a special session to take up mid-cycle congressional redistricting. Brauns order set the session for Monday, Nov. 3. But legislative leaders dont have to convene the exact day that he suggested. By law, the only requirement is it cant last for more than 30 session days or 40 calendar days. That clock will begin Nov. 3. I appreciate the leadership of Speaker Huston and House Republicans as they prepare for the upcoming special session. The momentum and support across the General Assembly have become clear and Im confident their thoughtful and responsible approach will lead to a successful outcome, Braun said Wednesday in statement posted on X. I look forward to working closely with our colleagues in both the House and Senate to address these important issues and ensure Hoosiers continue to have strong representation in our nations capital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Republicans also indicated Wednesday that their chamber will not be ready to meet next week. We are working with our senators and our counterparts in the House to determine the scheduling availability of members, said Senate GOP spokesperson Molly Swigart. In all likelihood, the Senate will not be ready to convene the week of Nov. 3. Recall that in the most recent special session, the legislature did not convene for a few weeks after the initial date provided by the governor. I will let you know when we have an update to share. In 2022, then-Gov. Eric Holcomb called a special session for July 6, but the legislature didnt convene until July 25 and wrapped up Aug. 5. The next regularly scheduled legislative session kicks off in January, although the ceremonial first day Organization Day is set for Nov. 18. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The General Assembly is statutorily required to convene for Organization Day on Tuesday, Nov. 18, which is the official start of the 2026 regular session, Huston said. As always, our goal is to accomplish our work in a way that is most efficient and cost effective for Hoosier taxpayers. Our plan is to have a legislative schedule out as soon as possible. Brauns summons to lawmakers tasked them with addressing early redistricting and state tax code mismatches. The move came amid mounting national GOP pressure for Republican-led states to redraw congressional maps before the 2026 midterm elections, in a bid to maintain the partys control over the U.S. House. Its still unclear when exactly lawmakers will return to the Statehouse or how long the special session will last. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The last time Indiana redrew its congressional lines, the process stretched over several months and included statewide public hearings. This time, lawmakers will be under greater pressure to move quickly. Candidate filing for the 2026 primary opens Jan. 7, possibly leaving a narrow window for debate, map approval and potential legal challenges. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The Indiana General Assembly is still working out the schedule for the special session that Gov. Mike Braun called to begin on Nov. 3, but they know one thing: Lawmakers will not be convening at the Statehouse on Nov. 3. Braun called the special session to heed President Donald Trump's call to redraw Indiana's congressional maps mid-decade to design more districts favorable to Republicans ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Republicans already hold seven of Indiana's nine seats, but there's pressure from the White House to draw a map that would more likely yield nine Republican seats and zero Democratic seats on Nov. 3, 2026. The start date declared by Braun this week kicks off a 40-calendar-day clock within which the legislature must meet, according to Indiana law. Once lawmakers convene, the special session cannot last more than 30 working days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the last special session in 2022, where lawmakers passed Indiana's abortion ban, former Gov. Eric Holcomb called for the session to begin on July 6, but lawmakers didn't convene until July 25. House Speaker Todd Huston in a statement Oct. 29 said the House is talking with the Senate about logistics and the availability of its members. More: Gov. Mike Braun calls special session to redraw Indiana's congressional maps "As always, our goal is to accomplish our work in a way that is most efficient and cost effective for Hoosier taxpayers," he said. "Our plan is to have a legislative schedule out as soon as possible." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Molly Swigart, communications director for Senate Republicans, shared a similar message. "In all likelihood, the Senate will not be ready to convene the week of Nov. 3," she said. It's likely lawmakers will end up abutting their regular session, which officially begins Nov. 18. Indiana law dictates they must gavel in that day for procedural and organizational duties, then adjourn until no later than the fourth Monday in January. Contact IndyStar Statehouse reporter Kayla Dwyer at kdwyer@indystar.com or follow her on X @kayla_dwyer17. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana lawmakers won't convene Nov. 3 for redistricting special session WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) A Trumbull County grand jury did not return an indictment on a possession of a dangerous ordnance charge in a case involving homemade explosives, but did return an indictment on a felony carrying a concealed weapons charge. John Podleyon, 46, of Mercer, is expected to appear in Trumbull County Court of Common Pleas for his arraignment next Wednesday. Niles police arrested Podleyon last month and reported finding a cache of guns, ammunition and homemade explosives in the vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his arrest, Podleyon mentioned that he was looking for a second car that he said had been left at the Eastwood Mall Complex near Burlington Coat Factory and T.J. Maxx. That prompted calls to both Youngstowns Bomb Squad and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to examine the second vehicle after a dog alerted to the vehicle. No explosives were found in that vehicle, which detectives learned had been there for a while. In court last month, Podleyon said he was not trying to harm anyone. Nadine Grimley and Gerry Ricciutti 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 WKBN.com. Five months after an outside law firm recommended changes to how the city manages sexual misconduct allegations, it's still unclear when or if the Indianapolis City-County Council will implement any of those reforms. Councilors met Oct. 28 to begin publicly evaluating new policies that aim to encourage city employees to report workplace harassment and ensure that investigations of those claims are free from internal politics. But the recommendations suggested by Chicago-based Fisher Phillips, the law firm the council hired for $450,000 last year, now face questions over their cost to implement and their feasibility. The council hired Fisher Phillips to examine the city's existing protocols and suggest changes after IndyStar and Mirror Indy reported in 2024 that multiple women accused Thomas Cook, the former top aide to Mayor Joe Hogsett, of abusing his power and sexually harassing or assaulting them. Cook apologized at the time for what he called "consensual relationships that violated a trust placed in me." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Released in late May, Fisher Phillips' final report included two main recommendations: The city should establish an independent Office of Inspector General to investigate serious allegations of misconduct, especially those involving elected or appointed officials; and the human resources division should be removed from the Hogsett administration and converted to an independent "Human Resources Board," with members ranging from political appointees to experienced HR professionals. But to make those changes, councilors must balance a need to maintain victims' privacy with the imperative for outside entities to oversee harassment claims. Brandon Beeler, a city attorney with the Office of Corporation Counsel, told councilors that forming independent agencies could pose issues for victim privacy because of Indiana's public records laws. "Part of where everyone's interests align are that witnesses, survivors (and) complainants have the right not to be identified should they not want to be identified," Beeler said. "And to turn something into another board would make investigatory material public record." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But multiple councilors said that independent oversight of city officials will be crucial to restore trust in harassment reporting systems. Many employees may not want to confide in the HR department, several councilors argued, so long as it's housed within the same administration where Cook's alleged misconduct took place. The Fisher Phillips report found that the Hogsett administration acted within the law during three investigations conducted in 2017, 2020 and 2023 as the result of Cook's alleged behavior. But councilors said that doesn't mean all employees trust the administration. "Things were handled legally, not necessarily ethically," Republican Minority Leader Brian Mowery said, "and I think that's going to create a lot of hesitation in people's mind to really want to come forward and say something because they've seen what's happened so far." 'Mr. Clean': Hogsett ignored Thomas Cook's secret relationship as money flowed to developers Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A leader of the National Women's Defense League, a nationwide organization that strives to prevent sexual harassment and advocate for policy reform, spoke in support of the two main recommendations. NWDL Co-founder Emma Davidson Tribbs said victim privacy can and must be reconciled with an independent investigative process. Best practice is for an outside investigator to publicly report on their findings while maintaining participants' confidentiality, Tribbs said. "Survivors must know they will be believed and protected," Tribbs said, "while the public must see that the system works through regular anonymous reporting and audits." Councilor Dan Boots, who leads a working group of six councilors evaluating the recommendations, said he won't put a timeline on how quickly the city's policies could change. The council was primarily focused on approving the 2026 budget over the past few months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's unclear when the Rules and Public Policy Committee will meet again to discuss the proposed changes. The council hired Fisher Phillips in September 2024 to conduct its roughly nine-month investigation. "We do not have a timeframe on this necessarily because this is not something we think we can rush ...," Boots said. "We really do want full employee engagement. This is something we do not want to just, on an ad-hoc basis, try to throw a Band-Aid on. It's something that we hope is long-term." Email Indianapolis City Hall Reporter Jordan Smith at JTsmith@gannett.com. Follow him on X: @jordantsmith09 This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Harassment reform in Indy after Thomas Cook allegations faces obstacles Influencer Hannah Grubbs is under fire after sharing lighthearted vacation videos about her trip to Jamaica just as Hurricane Melissa a Category 5 storm barreled toward the island. With at least seven lives already lost in other parts of the Carribbean, critics are accusing Grubbs, who has more than 360,000 social media followers, of being tone-deaf for joking about the hurricane messing up her getaway while residents brace for devastation. Multiple reports noted that Hurricane Melissa struck the coast of Jamaica around 1 p.m. ET on Tuesday, October 28, hitting New Hope with 185 mph winds, the strongest ever recorded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grubbs faced backlash after sharing a now-deleted TikTok on October 24 of her and a fellow traveler walking in the airport, writing via the caption, Us on our way to Jamaica during a hurricane. She followed up with another clip of a bartender serving her two colorful and frosted beverages upon their arrival, quipping about pretending to ignore the weather. On Sunday, October 26, Grubbs shared another clip of herself on a hotel balcony. Hurricane Melissa out here messing with my vacation, she vented, continuing to post on Monday, October 27, by showing how the storm was not fazing her, adding the song Livin' My Best Life by Dylan Scott as her audio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Your vacation? What about peoples homes? Businesses?" one TikTok user sounded off in the comments. Prince William and Kate Middleton Donate Money After Category 4 Hurricane in Caribbean: Report People are about to lose everything they own, their loved ones, and their lives, but yes, let us all take a moment of silence for Hannahs vacation, another responded to her posts. I would feel so ashamed if people die in this hurricane after purposely travelling there when the locals have no money to leave, a third person wrote. In yet another update, Grubbs said that she and her fellow hotel guests were moved to the second floor, plus their glass doors were taped in an X shape in an effort to prevent flooding and the high winds from wreaking havoc by shattering the windows. She noted they were expected to lose service and told to stay put once the storm made landfall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "After dinner, we're supposed to head to our rooms and not come out until they knock on our doors within the next couple days, she revealed, sharing her prayers for Jamaica and the whole island. Grubbs also told her TikTok followers that she and others who have been staying at the hotel were given water, soda, sandwiches, boxes of cereal and apples. Who Is Lieutenant Dan, the TikTok Star Who Survived Hurricane Milton on His Boat? 5 Things to Know Her latest post, timestamped at 3 a.m. on Tuesday, mentioned the eye of the storm was headed in that direction. Grubbs has not yet responded to the backlash on any of her videos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the National Hurricane Center has urged locals to stay sheltered in a safe place. Extremely dangerous #Melissa moving across northwestern Jamaica. This [remains] an extremely dangerous situation! The World Meteorological Organizations tropical cyclone specialist Anne-Claire Fontan also spoke out about the storm, revealing, Its a catastrophic situation expected in Jamaica. In an interview with CNN, it was explained that officials are monitoring very carefully, and were hoping for storm conditions to subside so rescue teams can go into the field where weve had distress calls, according to Matthew Samuda, Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change. Oct. 28JBissett @DominionPost.com Marion County judge has denied the injunction that would have stopped Friday's sale of the John Manchin Sr. Health Center in Fairmont. Judge Matt Delligatti made his ruling at the close of a nearly three-hour hearing Tuesday that included testimony from Cathie DeVito Matheny, who spoke on her behalf of her mother, who has been a patient there for the past seven years. At 97 and in the throes of dementia, Mrs. DeVito requires round-the-clock care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeVito doesn't always know where she is in the course of a given day, but her daughter knows. "She's exactly 2.6 miles from my house, " she said. "I can visit her every day. And I can't say enough about the care she gets from the staff. They all know her by name. And she hasn't had one bedsore in seven years." Fairmont attorney and state delegate Joey Garcia filed a lawsuit on behalf of the resident, naming Gov. Patrick Morrisey and Michael Caruso, secretary of the Department of Health Facilities, as defendants. Neither the governor nor the secretary, Garcia argued, had true legislative authority to launch the sale of Manchin center and four other state-run facilities including Hopemont Hospital in Terra Alta, Jackie Withrow Hospital in Beckley and Lakin Hospital in West Columbia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morrisey announced the $60 million package deal in August, saying the facilities were outmoded and it would cost the state some $100 million or better, to bring much-needed repairs and renovations to the four buildings. While Marx Development Group, the New York City real estate firm that made the buy, has pledged to build additional facilities there's no guarantee they would be built in Fairmont or any of the other locales. Charleston attorney Zak Ritchie, though, countered that care would suffer, were the deal to suddenly be placed in legal limbo. With the changeover already in the works, he said, vendors already notified would have to be informed by certified mail a legislative requirement that the sale was on hold. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That could likely mean disruptions in food and pharmacy services, he said. Aaron Snodgrass, the chief financial officer of the state Department of Health, said the same in his testimony. "We couldn't do this in three days, " he said. "It would be a nightmare." Quality of care among all the residents there would suffer, he said, while the matter was debated in court and operations languished. Speaking earlier in Charleston, Morrisey said patient care was the linchpin for him all along. "Government should never have been in the business of doing this in the first place, and we took incredible steps to assure higher quality, " he said. "You're going to have new buildings that are done. So, we took advantage of the opportunity to help deliver better care for people. This is a better deal for all the people that are getting care of those facilities. I'm excited about that." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeVito Matheny, meanwhile, said if she had known earlier of the potential ramifications to residents, staffers and vendors at the Fairmont facility, her motivation may have changed. "I may have not even been here today, " she said Delligatti, meanwhile, said he understood the particulars of the lawsuit but that the particulars of authority, in this instant, overextended the bench. "That's not for this court to decide, " he said. For the second time this year, Inola school district residents will decide whether to accept a tax increase to fund a new elementary campus. District voters rejected Inola Public Schools' proposed $62 million bond issue in January. If 60% of voters had approved the bond about 49% did their property taxes would have risen 20% for up to the next 18 years. Jeff Unrau, Inola's superintendent, said the district is asking this time around for a more modest increase of 10%. Early voting on the proposal will take place Nov. 13-14, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Rogers County Election Board, 415 W. First St. in Claremore. Election Day is Nov. 18. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unrau said the district is trying again to secure a bond for a new upper elementary building because Inola Elementary School is just as overfull and outdated as it was in January. The building houses about 550 students in preschool through fourth grade. "Our kids need and deserve a new elementary," Unrau said. "We're out of space. The conditions are not optimal. They're not very efficient. They're just much-needed improvements." The district will hold a pair of evening informational meetings before residents vote on the bond proposal. Unrau said the first will take place 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28 at the Inola Public Schools administration building, 110 N. Broadway Ave., while the second will occur 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4 at the elementary school, 450 Northwest B St. Inola built what is now the elementary school in 1964, originally as a high school. Principal Traci Thomas said though the building has been well-maintained, it is showing and feeling its age more every year. She said one hallway wall has a crack deep enough for daylight to filter through. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thomas said the hallways lack air conditioning and heat; in the colder months, she said, some students put their coats on to walk to the bathroom. She said it takes weeks to get repairs done to the aged plumbing and classroom HVAC systems. She said though the school needs an extra fourth grade teacher, administration couldn't hire one this year because there are no spare rooms for them to take. The building is so crowded that some students have been attending class in modular buildings the past two years. "It's safe for all kids, but it's obviously met its time," Thomas said. Assistant Principal Stephen Dark said an unfortunate byproduct of the campus's past as a high school is its parking lot. Dark said the parking lot was originally built for driving-age students to park there, not to accommodate long, snaking drop-off and pick-up lines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our pickup and dropoff is a nightmare sometimes because there's the one main road in and the one main road out," Dark said. Drivers can only access the elementary school via Northwest A or B streets, both of which run through neighborhoods. Unrau said the bond package would also fund a third campus entrance from the south likely an extension of Harrison Drive, which now ends in an empty field. It would also add a parking lot at the new upper elementary more friendly for dropoff and pickup. The new elementary building would have 20 classrooms, Unrau said, as well as a cafeteria, kitchen, gym/tornado shelter and offices. The building itself would sit just west of the existing elementary, separated by the prospective third entrance road. Fifth grade would move from the middle school into the new elementary, Unrau said, which would also hold second through fourth grades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unrau said the bond would also fund renovations to the existing elementary, where the district's youngest students will remain. The district built an early childhood wing for its preschoolers and kindergartners in 2008; Unrau said this part of the building will mostly stay untouched. First grade will get the rest of the building. "If this passes, the architects can come in, and we can get about six to eight classrooms here, bring them up to par, make them nice, whether it's structurally, aesthetically or whatever," Unrau said. "...We can't walk away from this building. We've got to live in here, but we need to renovate it." Unrau said the bond includes two smaller items unrelated to the new elementary: $250,000 for air conditioning repairs in the Inola High School gym and $805,000 for new Chromebook computers. State law allows school districts to spend up to 30% of their bond intake on items not listed on the proposal voters consider. Unrau said the entire $59.8 million bond would go toward the new elementary school and other listed projects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We have set aside everything we're going to do for 100% of that money," Unrau said. "We're not trying to hide it, we're not trying to pad my pocket, we're not going to buy a me a new car. It's all 100% allocated." School districts levy property taxes via a millage rate one mill equals $1 of every $1,000 of a property's assessed value. Inola's millage rate sits at 11.74, and Unrau said if the bond passes, it would rise to about 19 until the bond's term ends. According to data collected by the district, that would still put Inola's rate .92 below the average millage rate in Rogers County and about 7.5 below the average non-Rogers County district in a 30-mile radius. Unrau said a 10% tax increase over 18 years is the worst-case scenario, as Inola's population and total property value is growing. He said the extra assessed value of Sofidel's plant at the Port of Inola made it possible for the district to cut the potential tax increase in half, and the arrival of Emirates Global Aluminum by 2030 will further shorten the bond's term. Thomas said the students, teachers and others who spend their days at Inola's elementary school deserve a better place to teach and learn. "If you've got a family looking to relocate, and they've got little kids, are they going to come here?" Thomas said. "Are they gonna bring them here, or are they gonna go to Sequoyah? Are they gonna go somewhere where it's got brand-new, beautiful facilities? I just think we've got to do something. This is a great community and a great school system, and our kids and our teachers deserve it." In Shujaiyya, east of Gaza City, the destruction is so comprehensive that only the trees remain standing. Israeli troops stationed in the barbed-wired observation point to the south train their machine guns down on to the shattered neighbourhood, wary that despite the ceasefire and, for the most part, the deathly quiet small groups of Hamas fighters may yet lurk in undiscovered tunnels. It is in this concrete moonscape that a number of the missing, deceased hostages are believed to be concealed, a senior military official told The Telegraph on Tuesday, the first time foreign journalists have entered the Strip since Donald Trumps ceasefire took effect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are some hostage bodies very close to here, he said. Were monitoring the entire area. Hamas told us for sure that there are some around this neighbourhood. He spoke hours after it emerged that the hostage released the previous night was actually the additional remains of a murdered Israeli whose body had been returned in November 2023, Ofir Tzarfati, and not one of the 13 still missing under the current ceasefire deal. The apparent deception came as another alleged Hamas attack against Israel Defence Forces (IDF) forces in Rafah, to the south of the strip, killed one soldier and prompted Benjamin Netanyahu to order powerful strikes in retaliation to what the IDF described as a blatant violation of the deal. When a similar incident occurred on Oct 19, killing two soldiers, the US reined in the IDF response after a few hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Israels frustration at the situation both the lack of deceased hostages returned and other alleged Hamas violations have only heightened their frustration since then. As of Tuesday night, the ceasefire had never looked so vulnerable. There were reports of multiple casualties from IDF strikes. Hamas has denied involvement in the alleged ceasefire violations that prompted the IDF bombardments. Israel was also in talks with the Trump administration to expand its area of control, in response to Hamass failure to return the bodies, it was claimed. Staged discoveries The agony of the hostage families was compounded by the release of footage shot from an IDF drone that appeared to show Hamas militants temporarily burying human remains in order to stage their discovery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The IDF said the stunt took place in Shujaiyya. Hamas has pleaded that, such is the physical destruction in Gaza, it is struggling to locate all the missing hostages. Israel, however, believes Hamas is deliberately frustrating the process. According to reports, officials are confident the terror group knows the locations of at least 10 of the missing. Hamas are lying about our hostages and here's the proof: Yesterday, Hamas terrorists were filmed removing body remains from a prepared structure and re-burying them nearby, before summoning Red Cross representatives to stage a false "discovery" for photographers. Despite pic.twitter.com/c9CkJo3msW Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 28, 2025 Egyptian technical teams entered the Strip this week to assist. One of their search locations was Shujaiyya, which is now separated from the bulk of Gaza City by the mostly invisible yellow line, which marks the point of IDF withdrawal under phase one of the Trump deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement b' 2910 Gaza yellow line ' A neighbourhood reduced to dust Nearly every structure to the west of it had been destroyed by the IDF: the neighbourhood, the only part of the old city of Gaza located outside the historic walls, has been effectively erased from the map. Most of this has been done systematically from the ground, using explosive-laden remote-controlled vehicles, demolition charges or bulldozers, rather than from air strikes. The IDF says this is because Hamas left a large number of booby traps in the area, which was formerly home to about 120,000 people. The senior military official said that the neighbourhood was not levelled wholesale as a matter of policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, he said that each demolition reflected the discovery of an explosive device in that small block approximately four houses usually by small drone. Israel has been accused of a policy of wholescale property destruction to reshape the Gaza Strip to its own ends. Shujaiyya was the scene of fierce fighting between the IDF and Hamas at various stages of the war. Once Hamas decided to put military infrastructure here, there was no other way to control the area and to provide security to the Israeli side but to conquer this side, the official said. Set on a commanding piece of high ground, the observation point thrums with the arrival and departure of machine gun-mounted Humvees escorting the influx of fresh troops, the take-off and landing of remote-controlled drones, plus the normal blend of tension and boredom of a front-line military position. The view from the IDFs observation point south of the ruined Shujaiyya neighbourhood - Henry Bodkin To the east, the cowsheds of Kibbutz Nahal Oz, one of the communities mauled on October 7, are clearly visible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To the west, so is the central part of Gaza City, now back under full Hamas control since the ceasefire on Oct 11. Trumps peace vision meets Gazas reality It was here, in Shujaiyya, that Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Mr Trumps key Middle East peace brokers, stood two weeks ago as the ceasefire was brokered. Mr Kushner subsequently raised the prospect that, even if Hamas does not disarm, reconstruction billions could be funnelled into neighbourhoods on the Israel-controlled side of the yellow line, creating showcase examples of de-radicalised areas which, hopefully, would attract Palestinians currently living under Hamas rule. On the basis of the destruction seen by The Telegraph on Tuesday, this seems an ambitious vision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, diplomatic sources in Arab capitals who are supportive of the Trump effort have warned that they may withhold funds for reconstruction in areas under Israeli military control, rather than handed over to a non-Israeli interim authority. Even if investors were willing in principle to fund reconstruction before Hamas has disarmed which it shows no indication of being willing to do areas such as Shujaiyya are so close to the terror group that they would be unlikely candidates, despite Mr Kushners vision. This might not be the best place to start, the military official said, adding that while Israel was committed to the Trump plan, he believed that ultimately the IDF would have to disarm Hamas by force. (L-R): Jared Kushner, Steve Witkoff and Ivanka Trump attend a demonstration at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv - Anadolu/Getty It suggests that the civilians of Gaza await a new round of bombing and displacement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently all but a few thousand of Gazas approximately two million residents live to the west and south of the yellow line, in the 47 per cent of the enclave now back under Hamas control. The IDF believes that a few hundred Hamas operatives remain in the Israeli-controlled zone. Tuesdays apparent attack in the south marks the second occasion on which an IDF soldier has been harmed since the ceasefire came into effect. Given the Trump administrations investment in the peace process, it is likely it will restrain Mr Netanyahu from responding in a way that completely disintegrates the deal. But the violence potentially heralds a stalemate that could leave Shujaiyya and the countless neighbourhoods like it a wasteland for years to come. 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. Since ordering the Pentagon in January to erect a U.S. missile defense shield partly based in space, President Donald Trump has claimed that it would be completed by the end of his term and cost $175 billion. His signature national security effort will have close to a 100 percent success rate, he has pledged, forever ending the missile threat to the American homeland. But the White House and Pentagon have revealed scant details of the Golden Dome project, which defense and budget analysts say is likely to take at least a decade to complete and cost a trillion dollars or more. Subscribe to The Post Most newsletter for the most important and interesting stories from The Washington Post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Golden Dome would radically reshape military doctrine and further militarize space, an effort thats been compared to the rush to build the atomic bomb during World War II and the Apollo moon landings. Yet it still may not come close to providing the kind of comprehensive protection Trump says it will. Marking a historic break from decades of nuclear deterrence, it would either remedy a glaring vulnerability to the U.S. homeland or ignite an arms race in orbit that could last a generation or more. Critics deride the most ambitious part of the program - flooding low Earth orbit with thousands of satellites to detect and take out adversaries missiles - as a fantasy that will only destabilize the fragile international order that has prevented nuclear war for more than 70 years. Golden Dome could be the single most dangerous idea Trump has ever proposed, and thats saying something, Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Massachusetts), a member of the Armed Services Committee, said in an interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Proponents counter that because of expanding threats, as well as dramatic technological advances, the time is right to resurrect the Reagan-era Strategic Defense Initiative, known as Star Wars, that fizzled out at the end of the Cold War. For years, defense hawks have pushed for a more robust missile-defense shield, citing the unsettling truth that the United States doesnt have a comprehensive way to protect its homeland. China and Russia, meanwhile, are already expanding their nuclear arsenals in the largest long-range weapons buildup since the Cold War. They are adding hundreds of intercontinental ballistic missiles as well as new weapons systems, including hypersonic weapons designed to speed toward U.S. cities at more 4,000 mph, according to intelligence officials. The United States has neglected its homeland missile defense systems, said Tom Karako, director of the Missile Defense Project at the nonpartisan Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). The $25 billion Trump dedicated to Golden Dome this year is a down payment to blot out the years of inattention to this. Weve known these threats are coming, he said during a CSIS event. Its long overdue. - - - Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A limited defense The nations existing long-range ballistic missile defense system is designed to track an enemy missile when it is launched and follow it through its boost phase into midcourse phase as it travels toward U.S. territory. The U.S. deploys sophisticated kill vehicles from bases in Alaska and California to target incoming enemy missiles. The current system is only designed to thwart a small number of missiles from North Korea, not an attack from China or Russia. Once an incoming missile is detected, the U.S. would probably fire at least two missiles to attempt to intercept it. There have been several tests of this existing system in which the kill vehicle didnt hit anything. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Potential adversaries say they view Trumps plan as an aggressive escalation. China said it will heighten the risk of turning space into a war zone and creating a space arms race and shake the international security and arms control system. Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said at a news conference, We urge the U.S. to give up developing and deploying [a] global antimissile system, and take concrete actions to enhance strategic trust between major countries and uphold global strategic stability. Golden Dome would be modeled, at least in theory, after Israels Iron Dome, which has proved robust against attacks for years. But Israels missile defense only protects against short-range missiles, in an area about the size of New Jersey. Golden Dome would have to protect the entire U.S. from intercontinental ballistic missiles that could be carrying multiple nuclear warheads. An analysis by the Congressional Budget Office forecast the cost of deploying space-based interceptors alone would cost $542 billion over 20 years. But that amount would only allow the Pentagon to defend against one or two missile launches from a rogue attack from North Korea. To expand the system to counter a larger number of threats, some experts predict it could become one of the most expensive initiatives in the Pentagons history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Todd Harrison, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, has calculated that a robust defensive architecture for Golden Dome could cost as much as $3.6 trillion over 20 years. In May, Trump appointed Space Force Gen. Michael Guetlein to oversee the Golden Dome effort, handing him what is perhaps the most difficult job in Washington. When Trump pledged that the program could be completed in three years for $175 billion, Harrison said, He bounded the initiative in such a way that its impossible to meet all those expectations. They just dont add up. Guetlein, he added, now has to figure out how close he can come. The question is, where do you let the president down? With the project still in its infancy, its not yet clear which agency will lead Golden Dome. But the money behind the effort has already sparked a race between U.S. defense contractors - from Lockheed Martin to Booz Allen Hamilton and L3 Harris - who are eager to capitalize on what could be a once-in-a-generation spending spree. Defense officials have made it clear that they also want contributions from tech companies, such as Anduril, Palantir and SpaceX, that have driven innovation. If we want to use space effectively, we have to be ready to fight for it, Gen. Chance Saltzman, the Space Forces chief of space operations, said in an interview. These are not emerging threats. These are threats that are on orbit. They are on the ground now and they are holding our assets at risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement - - - A low success rate The Pentagon operates several different missile defense systems, including Aegis, THAAD and Patriot, which are designed to thwart short- to medium-range missile attacks and used to protect U.S. military bases abroad. To safeguard the U.S. homeland, the military relies on what is known as the ground-based midcourse defense system, which is composed of just 44 interceptor missiles loaded like bullets in white-domed silos buried in the tundra of Alaskas Fort Greely and along Californias coast at Vandenburg Space Force Base. If a missile attack were detected, the domes would crack open and out would shoot a multistage rocket, trailing a tail of fire. As it flew toward the target, satellites would continue to relay data - how fast the incoming missile is traveling, its altitude and trajectory, while radar stationed on the ground and at sea would do the same. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once in space, the U.S. interceptor would release a strange-looking spacecraft, 4 feet long, weighing 144 pounds, with thrusters and fuel tanks and a sensor that sticks out like a horn. Odd though it may look, the exoatmosphere kill vehicle, as it is called, is designed to hunt its prey by whizzing through space at thousands of miles per hour and then destroy incoming missiles by colliding into them - a feat that experts say is akin to hitting a bullet with a bullet. In the 20 tests conducted since 1999, however, the kill vehicles have missed their targets about as often as theyve hit them, succeeding just 55 percent of the time, according to a report by the American Physical Society, a scientific nonprofit. And even then, the tests havent always accurately simulated real-world conditions. The trials have been conducted under scripted conditions and designed for success, the report said. The Pentagon has consistently rated the tests as low in operations realism. The costs have been enormous. The U.S. has spent more than $350 billion on efforts to defend against nuclear-armed intercontinental ballistic missiles over the past 60 years, according to Laura Grego, a research director at the Union of Concerned Scientists. The effort, shes written, has been plagued by false starts and failure, and none have yet been demonstrated to be effective against a real-world threat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given the immense difficulty of hitting missiles well into their flight, military leaders have long sought to target them shortly after launch, during whats known as boost phase when their engines are still firing and theyre easier to see. Under Golden Dome, interceptors would be stationed in low Earth orbit and quickly swarm to the target during the short boost phase, kamikaze style. During Reagans Strategic Defense Initiative, the space-based interceptor program was called Brilliant Pebbles. But in the 1980s, launching and operating constellations of small satellites was dismissed as science fiction, which is one of the reasons Reagans plan was derided as Star Wars and ultimately ended up failing. Since then, satellite technology has made enormous progress while the costs to launch spacecraft has dropped dramatically. With its Starlink internet satellite system, which comprises more than 8,000 operational spacecraft, SpaceX has demonstrated that its feasible to operate a large constellation and to launch rockets at a high rate. It sent up more than 130 rockets last year, and its aiming for more this year. - - - Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How Golden Domes space interceptors would work A key component of the proposed Golden Dome system is to bolster defenses with an extensive array of orbiting kill vehicles. Such a system would be ready to intercept an incoming missile much earlier, possibly during its boost phase. Multiple orbiting interceptors could be deployed against an attack, making success more likely. Physics hasnt changed, said Clayton Swope, the deputy director of the aerospace security project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. But what has are launch costs are so much lower and weve shown we can operate constellations of satellites in orbit. That was a question as recently as 10 years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, threats have grown and they will continue to expand in scale and sophistication, according to the Defense Intelligence Agency, During the Cold War, the U.S. was focused on a single adversary: the Soviet Union. Today, a host of other nations beyond Russia - including China, North Korea, Iran and Pakistan - have access to long-range missiles, and a total of nine countries possess nuclear weapons. China is on track to nearly double the number of its ICBMs by 2035 and quintuple its arsenal of cruise missiles, according to the DIA. Russia is also expanding its missile caches, the report said. And both countries are working to develop new long-range weapons systems, including hypersonic vehicles, which can maneuver and fly at speeds greater than Mach 5, making them difficult to track and target. For decades, the U.S. has relied on a doctrine known as mutually assured destruction: Any launch of a nuclear missile toward the U.S. would result in a devastating U.S. counterattack. But given the arms race already underway, Golden Dome proponents argue, the U.S. needs stronger defense systems to deter the new threats. In addition to defending against missile strikes, Swope said, Golden Dome could serve as a Swiss Army Knife-like tool that could be used to attack other satellites or target rockets launching military payloads. It would, he wrote in a report, immensely enhance U.S. space superiority beyond missile defense alone and create a potent deterrent effect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview, he said: We hear about warfighting in space, but now were talking about war fighting from space. - - - A constellation of satellites In the end, its the sheer math of Golden Dome that is giving many experts pause. It would require a mind-boggling constellation of satellites in orbit to ensure that there was one in range of a missile attack at any time, defense analysts say. It would take about 950 interceptors spread out in orbit to ensure that at least one is always in range to intercept a missile during its boost phase, according to Harrison, the senior fellow at AEI. If an adversary launched 10 missiles, it would require at least 9,500 interceptors in space. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Others have said the numbers are even higher. The American Physical Society estimates that 16,000 interceptors would need to be stationed in orbit to take out an attack of 10 ICBMs. You need so many more interceptors than missiles, it becomes operationally impractical, Harrison said. - - - Vulnerability in space Making Golden Dome work as advertised would entail a large number of satellite deployments at an enormous cost. Even were this arrangement to prove as robust as Golden Domes proponents envision, it would still present a theoretical Achilles heel. Such a dense pattern of orbiting satellites could be vulnerable to threats from, say, a nuclear detonation in space, which would knock out many of the Golden Dome weapons as well as generating a Kessler cascade of destructive orbiting debris that could silence the entire network. Without a complete blanket of security, deterrence will remain the most crucial principle, said Doug Loverro, who served in various roles at NASA, the National Reconnaissance Office and the Pentagon, including as deputy assistant secretary of defense of space policy. If flooding Earth orbit with thousands of suicide satellites isnt feasible, the Pentagon could make real progress building out its ground-based systems well beyond the 44 interceptors it already has, he said. But even that would not give the U.S. total protection. Everyone knows were not going to be able to intercept a mass strike, Loverro said. The question we have to entertain is how many missiles do we have to defend ourselves against in order to get the nuclear saber rattling to back down? Related Content Kennedy Center ticket sales have plummeted since Trump takeover Pennsylvania Democrats know the truth about demonizing Trump She hiked the entire Appalachian Trail at 80, unaware shed just made history 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: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Military veterans who develop epilepsy after a traumatic brain injury may have a higher mortality rate in the following years than veterans who develop epilepsy with no previous traumatic brain injury, according to a study published on October 29, 2025, in Neurology. "While these findings need to be validated in future studies, we recommend that people who develop epilepsy after a traumatic brain injury are closely monitored, and, especially if seizures do not respond well to treatment, are prioritized for surgery or changing to new medications without delay," said study author Zulfi Haneef, MD, MBBS, FRCP, of Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology. For the study, researchers looked at Veterans Health Administration database information on 210,182 veterans with epilepsy. Of those, 28,832 people had experienced a traumatic brain injury within the five years before their epilepsy diagnosis. This group was an average of 53 years old at the time of diagnosis. The remaining 181,350 people had no traumatic brain injury within five years before their diagnosis. They were an average of 61 years old at diagnosis. The participants were followed for an average of six years. During that time, 10,780 of the people with epilepsy with traumatic brain injury died, compared to 92,621 of the people with epilepsy without traumatic brain injury. Once researchers accounted for how long each person spent as part of the study and adjusted for other factors that could affect the mortality rate, they found that, overall, people with post-traumatic brain injury epilepsy were 2% more likely to die during the study than those with epilepsy without traumatic brain injury. However, the risk varied based on the cause of the traumatic brain injury. Those with skull or facial fractures had an 18% higher risk of death during the study period; those with diffuse brain injury had a 17% higher risk; and those with localized brain injury had a 16% higher risk. In contrast, people whose traumatic brain injury was from a concussion had a lower mortality rate than the rate for people with epilepsy with no traumatic brain injury. Haneef said several possibilities could explain this finding. Some causes of non-traumatic brain injury epilepsy that served as the comparison group, such as stroke, infections, or tumors, have high mortality rates. If compared to the normal population, Haneef said the mortality rates would be much higher. "It's also possible that when people develop epilepsy after a traumatic brain injury, they receive earlier treatment and may have more access to care and better outcomes than people who have not had a traumatic brain injury," Haneef said. The researchers also found that people with extracerebral traumatic brain injury who developed epilepsy at a young ageor when they were in the 1839 age rangewere twice as likely to die during the study as young adults with epilepsy but no brain injury. A limitation of the study was that information about traumatic brain injuries experienced before the people were receiving care from the Veterans Health Administration was limited. More information: Neurology (2025). www.neurology.org/doi/10.1212/WNL.0000000000214344 Journal information: Neurology Zohran Mamdanis rapid rise in New York City has gone hand in hand with his savvy social media presence and easy navigation of the universe of influential podcasters, YouTubers and TikTokers. So with just one week to go until Election Day, Mamdani decided to bring many of those content creators into his campaign headquarters, hosting a news conference exclusively for influencers and giving them a chance to ask about his campaign promises or just something off the beaten path of the New York mayoral campaign. The assembled creators asked Mamdani in-depth questions about education, immigration and child care policies often with direct tie-ins to their own personal stories or platforms. Many also took the chance to ask questions he was unlikely to receive in any traditional media setting. Reggie B, a Brooklyn-based hip-hop recording artist, asked such a question. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In your time as mayor, he began, are you planning on providing bisexual girlfriends to everyone in New York City? Mamdani spent 40 minutes taking questions from influencers Tuesday. (John Taggart for NBC News) Amid much laughter, Mamdani stood and smiled. It was the only question he declined to answer. NBC News was granted exclusive access as a traditional media outlet to the 40-minute briefing, which the Mamdani campaign said was aimed at reaching new and less politically engaged audiences. A campaign spokesperson said more than 70 creators from Twitch, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, X, Substack, various podcasts and other platforms attended the briefing, with the attendees boasting a combined audience of more than 77.3 million followers. The campaign said it sent invitations out to members of its new media press list, adding that most are cultural, lifestyle and identity influencers, not specifically political figures. The campaign added that it holds four or five weekly media availabilities for traditional media and felt the need to connect with new media in a similar manner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In opening the event, Mamdani, a 34-year-old state assemblyman and self-described democratic socialist, praised the content creators for doing the critical work of reaching those who are not yet engaged, those who are disaffected, those who are too busy trying to figure out how to survive to actually engage in the politics of New York City. I dont take your or their support for granted, he said. I dont expect you to just make fun videos with me. I want you to ask questions, because you deserve answers. Mamdanis influencer briefing, which the campaign said was weeks in the making, echoes recent efforts on both the right and the left to elevate supportive content creators alongside more traditional media briefings. Across the spectrum, influencers are playing a larger role in the political process. Questions for Mamdani ranged from accountability for policy promises to more humorous asides. (John Taggart for NBC News) This year, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt held multiple briefings for pro-Trump influencers in the West Wing. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., has held a half-dozen private virtual briefings with social media influencers in recent months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, President Joe Biden hosted more than 100 influencers at the White House, saying they were the new breakthrough in how we communicate. Donald Trump got credit after his win last year for participating in a series of long-form podcast interviews with new-age content creators, with many believing his approach boosted critical support among young men. Some of those podcasters are now criticizing various Trump efforts generating major headlines. Ultimately, we are spokespeople for normal people in a way that CNN and The New York Times, liberal though some may claim them to be, arent anymore and never really have been, said Matt Bernstein, who hosts the A Bit Fruity podcast and has more than 2 million followers between his Instagram and X accounts. I think we amplify what people want, and in that way, we do have influence. I really hope that creators and people who are in this new media and really in touch with the people continue to get access to these spaces, he added. And I hope that we continue to be understood as a great resource for a politician like this and not a liability. Multiple influencers who spoke with NBC News talked up the importance of being not just able to engage with Mamdani and welcomed by his campaign, but willing to hold him accountable for campaign promises they hope to see him enact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the end of the day, while were all very fond of him because he has made a great effort to connect with us, its also incredibly important that we hold him accountable, Isa Buitrago, a New York-based creator, said in an interview. Because no politician should ever be on a pedestal, regardless of how amazing they are. Youssef Hasweh, a pro-Palestinian activist and political creator, asked Mamdani how he would make City University of New York schools more affordable and accessible. Before he asked his question, he wished Mamdani salam alaikum habibi, a friendly Arabic greeting that translates to peace be upon you, my beloved. They dont do this in a normal press conference, Mamdani said. The briefing offered a range of questions, from humorous asides to more serious policy matters. (John Taggart for NBC News) Speaking with NBC News, Hasweh said he thought one of the best questions was how can we keep you accountable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They always talk about us, but they dont talk to us, Hasweh said of politicians. So being in the room was kind of a shock, and I think hes one of the few administrations that will keep us in the room, which we have never seen. Ayem Prance Kpenkaan, a sketch artist and comedy creator, said influencers will both call out the good stuff [Mamdanis] doing and then call out anything that hes disappointing us in. I dont think anyone here is interested in just doing propaganda, Kpenkaan said. We have audiences who trust us. And theres no point in lying to them, because weve spent years building that trust, and the most important thing to a content creator is maintaining that. The briefing offered a range of questions, from humorous asides to more serious policy matters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Addressing immigration policy, Mamdani, an immigrant who would be the citys first Muslim mayor, said his election is an opportunity for us to make clear that immigrants dont just belong in the five boroughs of New York City we also belong in City Hall. Mamdani promised to use the mayoralty as a bully pulpit to fight for the interests of New Yorkers and those assembled before him Tuesday. Asked by Ky Polanco, the co-founder of FEMINIST, whether the Trump administrations rapidly unfolding agenda amounted to a code red for the country, he agreed. All Donald Trump cares about is delivering on the parts of his agenda that have to do with cruelty and punishment, he said. Theres no interest in the parts of this campaign which animated so many Americans on the lower cost of living, for delivering cheaper groceries. And the potential that we have at the local level is to show that life can be more than this. After months of focus on affordability issues, Mamdanis campaign is on the precipice of victory. But Mamdani warned influencers gathered Tuesday that they should not rest ahead of Election Day, even as polls show him with a comfortable lead entering the final days of the race. Attendees at the influencer event Tuesday. (John Taggart for NBC News) Mamdani was asked about a brewing narrative: that wealthy New Yorkers will abandon the city if he wins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What I would say is that when Ive had conversations with the wealthiest New Yorkers across the city, what Ive often heard time and again is a concern about quality of life, and that is actually a concern that is universally held by New Yorkers across the five boroughs, he said. And the reason that Im looking to increase income taxes on the top 1% of New Yorkers, those are making $1 million or more by just 2%, the reason that I want to increase the states top corporate tax rate to match that of New Jersey is such that we can fund the affordability agenda that will transform the quality of life for each and every person in the city. Mamdanis headline policy proposals many of which came up Tuesday include providing free bus services, freezing rent for New Yorkers living in rent-stabilized units and enacting universal child care. So youre giving everyone a free bus? an attendee joked, to which Mamdani emphasized he would make every bus free, not provide all New Yorkers with their own personal buses. The questions did not dig only on policy. Mamdani was asked about using humor in his campaign and how that can contribute to pushing the change he is seeking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think part of the reason that its been effective is also the fact that people are tired of engaging with politics as a performance, as opposed to politics as a reflection of the life that they already know, he said. And if all of the ways in which you express yourself are just through talking points and statistics, then you divorce yourself from the people that youre looking to serve. Mamdani said he realized early in the campaign that a one-minute video that had some levity in it was one of the most effective ways to reach voters. What Im looking to do, and part of that is also what motivates having this press conference with all of you, is to reach out to New Yorkers, not just those who are already engaging with politics, but those who are just engaging with the world around them, he said. I can tell you, Ive been running for mayor for more than a year, and some of my closest friends, the only interview they have watched me give is to Flagrant, he said, referring to the comedy podcast hosted by Andrew Schulz. And I think its indicative of the fact that politics cant just be the way that its always been. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com NEW YORK Martin Kulldorff wants to rebuild Americans declining trust in vaccines even if that means limiting access to some shots in the process. Kulldorff, who leads the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions vaccine advisory panel, spoke exclusively to POLITICO about how he sees his role and the task Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime skeptic of vaccine safety, has given him. That is, he said, to scrutinize the vaccine guidance the government gives to Americans with a skeptical eye. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kennedy has said that he is not anti-vax, Kulldorff said. He has many supporters, so I think it's much better to believe him and trust his words and say, Well, you may have questions about vaccines, and that's good. Still, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices which is now staffed with Kennedy picks is hugely influential in setting the vaccine schedule and in informing state requirements for school attendance. Kulldorff said hes an independent voice, has only met Kennedy twice and doesnt talk to him regularly. Since the Swedish-born Kulldorff became its chair in June, the panel has recommended removing a mercury-containing preservative from certain flu vaccines and limiting the use of a combination measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox vaccine to older children. Many who work in public health objected to those changes, are worried theres more to come and expect the changes will only increase skepticism of vaccines. As ACIP embarks on reviewing the childhood vaccine schedule, Kulldorff a former Harvard biostatistician and epidemiologist who rose to national prominence opposing Covid lockdowns said scientists should be more humble about what they do and dont know when it comes to rare vaccine side effects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's also the question of doing it in a scientific manner so that we have the integrity of the schedule, and then the integrity will lead to the trust, he said. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. What concerns you most now as chair of ACIP? If you look at public health as a whole, the goal in politics is to get 51 percent support from the population or the public. But in public health, thats not enough. You need to have way above 90 percent. Theres a need to reestablish both the integrity and trust of public health. And trust is going both ways. If CDC wants to be trusted, CDC also has to trust the public. If you do that, then you have to address not just those people who already trust the CDC or trust the government. You have to address the perspective of those who do not trust the CDC and ask them why is that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The big reason a very good reason is because CDC was not truthful during the pandemic. They said things that were wrong. Is Kennedy and his MAHA movement the solution? I think the responsibility to restore the integrity and trust in public health falls on primarily scientists and public health officials. That's people like me, but also people at the New York City Health Department or people working at CDC and so on. It's less of a political issue, and it's more of a societal issue that a lot of what we see going on now is driven by the public who do not trust public health and dont trust the scientific community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the scientific community loses the publics trust, the public is not going to be in favor of spending money on scientists. So I think the scientific community is shooting itself in the foot. Your fellow ACIP member Robert Malone has said he sees his role as working to advance the interests of Kennedy. How do you see your role? I'm not going to comment on Robert Malone because he will have to defend himself. ACIP is an independent committee of independent scientists. We don't work for the government. Most people have an academic appointment somewhere or some other position. Were there to give independent advice to the CDC director on vaccine recommendations. But given what Malone said, how do you get the public to believe that youre making the best recommendations without outside political influence? I think RFK wants evidence-based recommendations. Thats what hes explicitly said. Youre looking at the recommendation that infants get the hepatitis B vaccine on the first day of life. Are there other vaccines that you think need another look? I will have no comments on the future meetings because at those meetings I will take all the information and vote accordingly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If we look at the past, one of the first votes we took in June was on mercury, or not having mercury in vaccines. Thats probably Kennedys biggest thing hes worked for for over 20 years. Hes gotten a lot of criticism for that, but I think removing mercury from vaccines is a pro-vaccine position. The ACIP recommended eliminating parents option to get a combined measles, mumps, rubella and chicken shot for children under 4 in favor of two shots, citing an increased risk of febrile seizures that dont cause permanent harm. Doesnt that limit parental choice? Those are good points. Of course the FDA decides what is approved or not. The parent [could still opt for MMRV] if they want to, but they might have less access to it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I don't think most parents would prefer to have more risk for febrile seizures. It is not life-threatening, but it's a scary thing. I dont think it's our role to say, Do whatever you want. I think our role is to give the recommendations that we think is best for the child. If a parent wants to do something different, they can do that as long as it's approved by the FDA. The ACIP hasnt been presenting the evidence-to-recommendation framework that historically laid out how a committee work group came to make a suggested recommendation. Why not? So the June meeting, I think we were appointed two weeks before the meeting. It would have been good to have more time before. ACIP recommendations influence vaccine mandates set at the state level. How do you want the committee to approach that issue, since states ultimately set school entry requirements? ACIP should make recommendations based on what we think is best for children. I don't think we should be involved at all in mandating any vaccines. That's not our role. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More generally about mandates, I think mandates of the Covid vaccine were very detrimental, and I think that's one of the big driving forces behind what we see now in public health. Those mandates were both unscientific and unethical. ACIP is referenced in state laws, and its recommendations have implications for school vaccine mandates. Do you think something needs to change? I dont know. Good question. Sweden has one of the highest vaccination rates in the world. People are very confident in the vaccine schedule they have in Sweden. There are no mandates in schools. So I think mandates are not necessary. You can have high vaccination coverage without mandates. In a 2013 report by the National Academy of Medicine on the safety of the childhood vaccine schedule, you wrote, If a change in the recommended age that a vaccine should be given is anticipated, a randomized trial may be warranted. How can this be done without withholding vaccines from children who need them? We certainly should have randomized, placebo-controlled trials for vaccines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lets take the HPV vaccine, for example. We can decide, OK, let's randomize half the cases, give it at age 9, then give it to the other half at age 14. So it's not that we won't give it, but we just give it at a different age. We can do similar randomized trials for hep B vaccine. It would be unethical to do it for a mother who tests positive, because damage happens at the time of birth. But we don't know what is best. We can do it for birth versus two months or something. We just have to try. Less than two weeks after the U.S.-brokered October 2025 ceasefire took effect in Gaza, Israel unleashed a wave of strikes on the enclave, claiming retaliation for Hamas allegedly killing two Israeli soldiers. Israel claimed Hamas operatives emerged from tunnels and fired grenades at least one excavator (equipment Israel claimed was operating in accordance with the ceasefire), killing the soldiers before Hamas snipers injured three more troops. Hamas denied responsibility, claiming the group had no knowledge of or communication with any "remaining groups" in the area, which it noted was a red zone "under the occupation's control." There was no primary evidence indicating Hamas fighters killed the soldiers; the only source of the claim stemmed from an internal Israeli military probe. Claims an excavator drove over unexploded ordnance, inadvertently killing the soldiers, were purely speculative though there is documented, visual evidence of systemic demolition work using excavators in Gaza and longstanding reports regarding the dangers of unexploded ordnance across Gaza since at least 2019. Israel blamed Palestinian Islamic Jihad militants for "planning" to attack troops as a reason for Israel's reportedly striking a refugee camp in Gaza on Oct. 25, an accusation the group denied. Israel has, as of this writing, launched three waves of airstrikes on Gaza since the U.S.-brokered deal went into effect, claiming that, in addition to Hamas militants allegedly killing the two soldiers, Hamas failed to return all the remains of dead hostages, per the agreement. Hamas repeatedly stated that full recovery of the bodies was proving difficult given the amount of rubble in Gaza, and responded to the Oct. 28 airstrikes by reportedly saying it would delay handing over the body of a hostage it uncovered. On Oct. 8, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas had signed off on the first phase of his ceasefire deal, releasing much-needed aid into Gaza and commencing a hostage exchange process in which Hamas released all surviving hostages and Israel released 250 prisoners as well as nearly 2,000 detainees it held without charges. Less than two weeks later, Israel launched a wave of strikes on Gaza. According to the Gaza Media Office, several Israeli attacks had killed more than 40 Palestinians as of Oct. 19. Israel carried out an airstrike over the weekend of Oct. 25, and on Oct. 28, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a series of "powerful strikes." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel said the attacks were retaliation for Hamas allegedly killing two Israeli soldiers Yaniv Kula and Itay Yavetz and also claimed Hamas was failing to uphold the ceasefire by not returning all the remains of dead hostages. Hamas has said recovery is difficult given the degree of destruction in Gaza more than 84% of the region is in ruins. Posts circulated online repeating (archived, archived, archived, archived) Israel's claim that Hamas violated the ceasefire by killing the soldiers, while others shared (archived, archived) Hamas' denial of the accusation. Some posts (archived, archived) claimed private contractors were injured while demolishing homes in Gaza. Here's what we know: Is there proof Hamas violated the ceasefire? On Oct. 18, the U.S. State Department released a statement (archived) claiming it had "credible reports indicating an imminent ceasefire violation by Hamas against the people of Gaza," an accusation Hamas denied. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was no evidence Hamas fighters killed the Israeli soldiers other than the statements made by the Israeli military, which has a history of spreading disinformation. In a statement reported by many reputable news outlets, Hamas' military wing responded to the accusation: 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. 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. The official Israeli government record said the soldiers "fell in combat in the southern Gaza Strip" on Oct. 19 without describing how. News outlet Haaretz said the Israeli military claimed the Hamas fighters emerged from tunnels and fired rocket-propelled grenades at military excavators operating in an Israeli zone in accordance with the cease-fire agreement." The Israeli military posted on X (archived), "Terrorists fired an anti-tank missile and gunfire toward IDF [Israel Defense Forces] troops operating to dismantle terrorist infrastructure in the Rafah area, in southern Gaza, in accordance with the ceasefire agreement." 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 Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 19, 2025 The Times of Israel reported that an initial Israeli military probe found the operatives "emerged from tunnels" and fired rocket-propelled grenades at an excavator, killing the two soldiers. Snipers allegedly wounded three more soldiers all heavy machinery operators including one who was seriously injured, according to the report. The Times of Israel reported that the military investigation found that the fighters "made no attempt to abduct soldiers in the incident." A spokesperson for the Israeli military pointed Snopes to an X post in which a video allegedly shows militants on the ground with guns before Israel targeted them with an airstrike. The video is unverified, and claims to depict Beit Lahia, a city in northern Gaza (which is on the opposite side of the enclave to where Israel claimed the Hamas militants killed the soldiers). (X user @LTC_Shoshani) It's unclear whether the property demolition operation allegedly Israeli military-facilitated was a violation of the ceasefire, given that the deal required "all military operations" to be suspended. "The troops had been operating in the area under Israeli control as part of the ceasefire to clear it of Hamas infrastructure, with the assumption that gunmen could still be holed up in the terror group's tunnels," the Times of Israel reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In short, there was no primary evidence (for example, video footage, autopsy results or even witness accounts) indicating Hamas fighters killed the two soldiers and injured the other machinery operators. This claim stemmed entirely from the Israeli military. Did excavators run over unexploded ordnance? Several highly-circulated posts (archived, archived, archived) claimed that rather than Hamas fighters emerging from tunnels, the excavators ran over unexploded ordnance left by Israeli strikes, killing the two soldiers and injuring others in the vicinity. Unexploded ordnance is explosives that fail to deploy and can remain hazardous for decades. One such post (archived) by Ryan Grim, co-founder of nonprofit investigative site Drop Site News, received more than 7 million views. It read: Soon after the explosion in Rafah, I'm told by a source familiar, the White House and Pentagon knew that the incident was caused by an Israeli settler bulldozer running over unexploded ordnance contradicting Netanyahu's claim that Hamas had popped up from tunnels. After Netanyahu said he was blocking all aid from entering Gaza in response, and unleashed a bombing campaign, the administration conveyed to Israel that they know what happened. Netanyahu then announced he would re-open the crossings in a few hours. Grim did not name his source or their credentials, and it's unclear whether the U.S. government knew "what happened" or conveyed that to the Israeli government. We reached out to the White House for comment and a spokesperson directed us to U.S. Central Command, who referred us to the Israeli military. We will update this story if we receive a response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Younis Tirawi, a journalist on the ground in Gaza, claimed (archived) on Oct. 19, the day Israel said the soldiers were killed, "A group of settlers who own private companies for demolishing houses have been continuing for a week to demolish what remains of Rafah's houses. Today, two of them were injured, most likely due to an explosive device that their vehicle passed over." He also claimed (archived) that Israel issued a "gag order" on the "incident in Rafah." Tirawi then posted (archived) he was unaware of Israel's official statement regarding the killing of the two soldiers, and apologized for causing confusion. (These posts collectively received hundreds of thousands of views.) We reached out to Tirawi seeking information regarding details around the alleged private companies and will update this story if we receive a response. According to investigations by Israeli news outlets Haaretz and The Marker as well as a U.N. report, the Israeli military has been directly involved with the systemic demolition of property in Gaza for many months. There is also visual, documented proof of demolition of homes and infrastructure using excavators in Gaza going back months. Israeli statements have claimed its operations in certain areas were in line with the ceasefire. (The ceasefire dictated a gradual withdrawal of Israeli military presence a significant area "across the yellow line" remains in Israeli control, as of this writing.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, the danger of unexploded weapons in Gaza has been an issue the United Nations has raised alarm bells over since at least 2019. A May 2024 U.N. report claimed, "The risk of exposure to unexploded ordnance is at its "most dangerous stage." Another U.N. report from later that month said "UN Mine Action Service officers said the war has already left behind around 37 million tonnes of debris, and it could take 14 years to make Gaza safe from unexploded bombs." In sum, there was no primary evidence proving claims that the soldiers died when excavators triggered unexploded ordnance. Reports from news outlets and the U.N. indicate a history of unexploded weapons in Gaza as well as Israeli involvement in property demolition using excavators, but claims that the soldiers died in an accidental explosion were speculative. Did Israel or Hamas otherwise violate the ceasefire? The October 2025 ceasefire required Hamas to return all remaining hostages as well as all the remains of dead hostages (Israel agreed to return the remains of 15 Palestinians for every returned hostage). In the days that followed the ceasefire going into effect, Hamas recovered 15 out of the 28 bodies, as of this writing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel has accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire by allegedly withholding remains of hostages. Hamas has repeatedly stated that it is difficult to locate all the bodies of the hostages because many are buried under the rubble of Israeli-destroyed infrastructure. "Some of the bodies are hard to reach, but others they can return now and, for some reason, they are not," Trump wrote on Truth Social on Oct. 25. On Oct. 26, Israel confirmed that it allowed Egypt and the International Committee of the Red Cross to join in the search, including in the areas of Gaza currently controlled by the Israeli military. On the other hand, Israel launched strikes on the central Nuseirat refugee camp on Oct. 25, allegedly targeting Palestinian Islamic Jihad militants "who were planning to attack troops," according to PBS. The militant group, which acts as an independent body and is not officially affiliated with Hamas, denied the accusation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Of course, we also thwart dangers as they are being formed, before they are carried out, as we did just yesterday in the Gaza Strip," Netanyahu reportedly said during a cabinet meeting the next day. On Oct. 28, reputable media outlets reported that Netanyahu ordered a series of "immediate and powerful strikes," again accusing Hamas of failing to return all the bodies of the dead hostages; Israel claimed Hamas handed over body parts that were the partial remains of a hostage already recovered earlier in the war. In response to the strikes, Hamas reportedly said it would delay handing over the body of a hostage it uncovered. In sum There was no primary evidence Hamas militants killed the Israeli soldiers with grenades other than the account of the Israeli military, which has a documented history of disseminating disinformation. There also was no proof corroborating claims the soldiers died when an excavator drove over unexploded ordnance, though the U.N. has issued warnings about unexploded ordnance left over from Israeli shelling and there is documented evidence of Israelis using excavators to destroy homes and infrastructure in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel has, as of this writing, launched three waves of airstrike attacks on Gaza since the U.S.-brokered deal went into effect in early October 2025, claiming that, in addition to Hamas militants allegedly killing the soldiers, Hamas failed to return all the remains of dead hostages, per the agreement. Hamas repeatedly said the full recovery of the bodies was proving difficult given the amount of rubble in Gaza, and responded to the Oct. 28 airstrikes by reportedly saying it would delay handing over the body of a hostage it uncovered. Sources: 'A Look at the Living Hostages Released by Hamas under Ceasefire Deal'. AP News, 11 Oct. 2025, https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-gaza-hostage-release-9878d227949f0521fcf548a6fae3c1ca. Amit, Hagai. "'I Did It for the Money, Then for Revenge': The Israelis Profiting from Razing Buildings in Gaza." Haaretz, 28 Jul. 2025. Israel News. Haaretz, https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2025-07-28/ty-article-magazine/.premium/i-did-it-for-the-money-then-for-revenge-israelis-profit-from-razing-gaza/00000198-4c74-dc90-a3ba-5c7efc330000. Bussey, Emma. "Two IDF Soldiers Killed amid 'severe' Ceasefire Violation, 'It's Not the Last,' Analyst Says." Text.Article. Fox News, 19 Oct. 2025, https://www.foxnews.com/world/two-idf-soldiers-killed-amid-severe-ceasefire-violation-its-not-last-analyst-says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deng, Rae and PerryCook, Taija. 'Rumor Claims Trump Used Biden's "exact Deal" to End War in Gaza. That's Not True'. Snopes, 17 Oct. 2025, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/trump-israel-hamas-ceasefire-biden/. Egypt and Red Cross Join Search for Hostage Bodies in Gaza. 26 Oct. 2025, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2l0mjkjkvo. Fabian, Emanuel, and Nurit Yohanan. '2 Soldiers Killed, 3 Wounded in Attack on Troops in Gaza; IDF Launches Wave of Strikes on Hamas'. The Times of Israel, 19 Oct. 2025, https://www.timesofisrael.com/2-soldiers-killed-3-wounded-in-attack-on-troops-in-gaza-idf-launches-wave-of-strikes-on-hamas/. Frayer, Lauren. "In Gaza, a Hidden Threat Could Kill Palestinians Even after a Cease-Fire." NPR, 13 May 2024. Middle East Crisis Explained. NPR, https://www.npr.org/2024/05/13/1250753619/gaza-palestinians-unexploded-ordnance-bombs-israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 'Fact Sheet: Israel's History of Spreading Disinformation'. The Institute for Middle East Understanding (IMEU), https://imeu.org/resources/resources/fact-sheet-israels-history-of-spreading-disinformation/125. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025. 'Gaza Ceasefire Tested as Israel and Hamas Exchange Fire and Blame'. AP News, 28 Oct. 2025, https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-west-bank-hamas-gaza-82b5b46cdbddd690dd28b7a8674d40d4. "Hamas Expands Search for Remains of Hostages in Gaza as Egypt Deploys Team to Help." PBS News, 26 Oct. 2025, https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/hamas-expands-search-for-remains-of-hostages-in-gaza-as-egypt-deploys-team-to-help. Hostilities in the Gaza Strip and Israel | Flash Update #160 [EN/AR/HE] | OCHA. 1 May 2024, https://www.unocha.org/publications/report/occupied-palestinian-territory/hostilities-gaza-strip-and-israel-flash-update-160-enarhe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement https://www.idf.il/en/. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025. Hume, Tim. "Israeli Strikes Kill Dozens as Both Sides Say the Other Breached Gaza Truce." Al Jazeera, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10/19/israeli-strikes-kill-15-in-gaza-as-both-sides-say-the-other-breached-truce. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025. Ibrahim, Nur and PerryCook, Taija. 'Famine in Gaza: From "entirely Preventable" Crisis to "Race against Time"'. Snopes, 22 Aug. 2025, https://www.snopes.com//news/2025/08/22/gaza-crisis-famine-preventable/. 'Israeli Civilians Paid Thousands to Demolish Gaza Homes'. Middle East Eye, https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israeli-civilians-paid-thousands-demolish-gaza-homes. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel Launches Retaliatory Strikes in Gaza after Saying Hamas Targeted Its Forces, Killing 2 IDF Soldiers - CBS News. 20 Oct. 2025, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/israel-military-gaza-hamas-strikes-ceasefire/. "Israel Resumes Ceasefire in Gaza and Says Aid Deliveries Will Restart Monday." AP News, 19 Oct. 2025, https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-10-19-2025-f3d95cf76018541ff824853d1bcd3356. Israel's 'yellow Line' in Gaza Gives Netanyahu Room for Manoeuvre. 21 Oct. 2025, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2y9ny653no. Jamal, Usaid Siddiqui, Faisal Ali,Umut Uras,Urooba. "Updates: Israel Launches 'Wave' of Air Strikes on Gaza as Truce Teeters." Al Jazeera, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2025/10/19/live-israel-continues-deadly-attacks-on-gaza-closes-rafah-crossing. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025. Kubovich, Yaniv, and Ofer Aderet. 'Two Israeli Soldiers Killed in Anti-Tank Missile Strike in Rafah, Gaza'. Haaretz, 19 Oct. 2025. Israel News. Haaretz, https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2025-10-19/ty-article/.premium/major-yaniv-kula-and-staff-sgt-itay-yavetz-killed-by-anti-tank-fire-in-south-gaza-strip/00000199-fd70-d3e1-adfd-ff737e3a0000. M.I. "From Economy of Occupation to Economy of Genocide - (A/HRC/59/23) Report of the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in the Palestinian Territories Occupied since 1967." Question of Palestine, https://www.un.org/unispal/document/a-hrc-59-23-from-economy-of-occupation-to-economy-of-genocide-report-special-rapporteur-francesca-albanese-palestine-2025/. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025. News, A. B. C. "Israel-Gaza Live Updates: Search Continues for Bodies of Missing Hostages." ABC News, https://abcnews.go.com/International/live-updates/israel-gaza-live-updates-search-continues-bodies-missing/?id=126889888. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025. 'Palestine Programme: EORE Portfolio 2019-2020'. UNMAS, https://www.unmas.org/sites/default/files/palestine_programme_eore_portfolio_2019-2020.pdf. Sharma, Yashraj. "Has the Gaza Ceasefire Been Broken?" Al Jazeera, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10/20/has-the-gaza-ceasefire-been-broken. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025. Staff, Al Jazeera. "Israel Continues Deadly Gaza Truce Breaches as US Seeks to Strengthen Deal." Al Jazeera, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10/20/israel-continues-deadly-breaches-of-gaza-truce-as-us-seeks-to-salvage-deal. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025. "US Knew Fatal Rafah Blast Cause Was Not Hamas Op." Mehr News Agency, 20 Oct. 2025, https://en.mehrnews.com/news/237904/US-knew-fatal-Rafah-blast-cause-was-not-Hamas-op. "VIDEOS: Rubio Eyes Global Ceasefire Monitoring Force in Gaza." Roya News, https://en.royanews.tv/news/64397. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025. "Worse than Starting from Scratch": How Big Is the Task of Rebuilding Gaza? 15 Oct. 2025, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cr5e4ee9r13o. - YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcXUonsxk_c. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025. ' , : '. The Marker, 10 Jul. 2025, https://www.themarker.com/news/2025-07-10/ty-article-magazine/.premium/00000197-f032-dc05-a59f-f17fca490000. Oct. 29Police are continuing their investigation into the murder/suicide of three people who worked at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. A man was found dead Saturday with his wife's body in the trunk of their car outside the West Milton Municipal Building. Police said that the man, identified as Jacob E. Prichard, 34, killed his wife, 33-year-old Jaymee M. Prichard, as well as a co-worker, 25-year-old Jaime S. Gustitus of Sugarcreek Twp. early Saturday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jaime Gustitus was a first lieutenant who worked in the 711th Human Performance Wing, Jacob Prichard was part of the Air Force Research Laboratory and Jaymee Prichard worked in the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, according to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. West Milton police said in a release at around 2 a.m. Saturday, Jacob Prichard went to Gustitus' apartment in the 1600 block of Honey Tree Place in Sugarcreek Twp., where he broke in and killed her. It is unknown when he killed his wife, police said, but his next known location was outside the municipal building at 4:22 a.m., where he got out, opened the trunk where his wife's body was, then killed himself. West Milton Chief of Police Doyle Wright said over the weekend that Jacob Prichard appeared to have shot himself, and a handgun was found on the ground near him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bodies of the Prichards were discovered at 5:08 a.m. Saturday by a West Milton police officer who noticed the vehicle in the empty parking lot, Wright said. Jacob Prichard is a Milton Union High School graduate. The couple, both graduates of Wright State University, owned a photo booth company that was started by Jacob and his brother in 2018, according to Dayton Daily News archives. Police said that Jacob Prichard and Gustitus worked together at WPAFB, but otherwise their relationship is unclear. Friends of families of the Prichards and Gustitus can access counseling and support services through the Air Force's Casualty Assistance Office, the Air Force Employee Assistance Program and the Chaplain's Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are deeply saddened by this tragic event, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones affected. We stand with them as they navigate this unimaginable pain, and we offer our sincerest condolences to all impacted by this heartbreaking loss," said Lt. Gen. Linda Hurry, deputy commander, Air Force Materiel Command. "We are committed to fully investigating this incident and ensuring the families and co-workers of the victims receive the support they need during this difficult time." West Milton police said they are working with all four agencies connected to the incident as well as the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations and Wright Patterson Office of Special Investigations. Anyone with information on the deaths is asked to call Miami County Sheriff's Office Lt. Jason Moore at 937-440-6085, ext. 3991. Staff writer Holly Souther contributed to this report. The investigation into the crash of a Learjet, owned by Motley Crue frontman Vince Neil, has prompted the National Transportation Safety Board to issue an urgent recommendation to make sure similar planes landing gear are securely attached. On February 10, Neils Learjet 35A was landing at Scottsdale Airport in Arizona when the left main landing gear separated and the jet veered across a gravel safety area, slamming into a parked Gulfstream G200 jet. The captain of the Neils plane was killed, and the first officer was injured. The rockstar was not on the jet, but his girlfriend and her friend were onboard and were injured, along with someone inside the parked plane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a preliminary report, the board found a pin in the landing gear support was not correctly inserted far enough when it was installed months before. Wednesday, the NTSB issued an urgent recommendation asking the FAA to require certain Learjet operators to check that all landing gear are attached properly. Bombardier, the company that makes the planes, had called for inspections of more than 1,800 Learjets, but only 12% were checked, prompting the NTSB recommendation. The board investigates crashes and can make recommendations, but only the Federal Aviation Administration has the authority to mandate inspections. The FAA decided in July not to issue an airworthiness directive requiring the pins be checked. We believe the FAAs decision not to issue an AD is incommensurate with the longstanding aviation safety risk associated with misassembly of Learjet main landing gear, the NTSB said in a report, calling the decision particularly difficult to justify in view of the imminent risk of loss of life from a similar accident. Firefighters work on a crashed Learjet after it collided with a parked plane on February 10, in Scottsdale, Arizona. - Ross D. Franklin/AP The NTSB noted three prior incidents, dating to 1995, where the landing gear of similar aircraft collapsed or separated because pins were not fully inserted properly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FAA has not yet responded to the recommendation. The February crash came after two weeks of deadly aircraft accidents, including a fatal midair collision near Washington, DC that killed 67 people;, the crash of a medevac jet in Philadelphia, which killed seven; and a crash near Nome, Alaska, that claimed the lives of all 10 people on board a commuter flight. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com UPDATE: Authorities say two suspects have been arrested and are currently in Cleveland County jail. ORGINAL STORY OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Authorities are investigating after an overnight standoff in Southwest Oklahoma City left one person shot at. Authorities respond to standoff in SW OKC, Image KFOR According to police, the incident began before 10:00 p.m. in a neighborhood near Southwest 130th and Western, where a door-to-door salesperson was shot at by someone in a home, and then the suspect barricaded himself inside the home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Stitt announces Operation SAFE in Oklahoma City No injuries have been reported. 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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Some Iowa Head Start programs providing child care and early childhood education could be impacted if the federal government shutdown continues into November. Pictured are children at the Downtown Childrens Center in St. Louis. (Photo by Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent) Two Iowa Head Start child care programs are expected to face funding lapses and could have to reduce services if the federal government shutdown continues into November, advocates say. Nov. 1 is a pivotal deadline for several federally funded programs as the federal government shutdown continues. On the top of many peoples minds is the end of federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP or food stamps, which provides food benefits for more than 270,000 in Iowa each month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another program facing funding shortages as the government shutdown continues is Head Start, a program under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that serves roughly 750,000 children throughout the country from infancy through preschool. The programs provide child care and early learning services, in addition to free meals, health screenings and parental support services for participating families. According to the National Head Start Association, nearly 65,000 children in Head Start programs will be at risk of losing access to their classrooms beginning Nov. 1 because of lapsed funding. However, not all Head Start programs will be impacted by the shutdown. Head Start programs are funded through an annual allocation at various times throughout the year for example, some programs have already seen lapsed funding that was due Oct. 1 because of the shutdown. Lori Ferris, executive director of the Iowa Head Start Association, said in Iowa, two Head Start programs the South Central Iowa Community Action Program and Community Action of Eastern Iowa have Nov. 1 funding renewal dates. Ferris said if the shutdown continues after Friday, Community Action of Eastern Iowa will have to close down five Head Start centers, impacting 139 students and 45 staff members. The South Central Iowa Community Action Program has funding available to keep all locations operating as normal through Nov. 14, Ferris said, but programs could be impacted if the shutdown continues past that date. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While data from the National Head Start Association found 623 child care slots and 162 staff could be impacted by the shutdown in total, Ferris said these numbers reflect the total number of participants in the two programs set to receive federal funding in November. In Iowa, were very invested in our children and families and resilient, and really work hard at trying to figure out a way to make things work when were faced with challenges, Ferris said. So were fortunate in that the leadership at those programs (have) collaborated with their community partners and come up with some solutions so all the children would not be impacted. The state Department of Health and Human Services has also contacted affected Head Start organizations to gather more information about impacted communities and ways to connect those families with child care or other services, Ferris said. The state department did not respond to a request for comment. If the shutdown were to continue into December, more Head Start programs would see their funding run out. Ferris said in Iowa, four Head Start programs would be affected if the government shutdown continues into December. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ferris said the lost funding puts many Iowa families and staff in difficult positions, not just because it removes their childs access to early education, but because Head Start allows many parents to work, go to school, be a member of the military or participate in job training. The loss of SNAP dollars will also strain many families participating in Head Start programs, she said. Food insecurity is also a challenge for many of our families, Ferris said. So when their kids arent able to come to Head Start, where we feed them two nutritional meals and a snack every single day, now theyre faced with not only not having SNAP, but then having to make sure that their children are fed throughout the day when theyre not at Head Start. And many are not able to go to work (without a child care provider). The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services said earlier in October the federal Food and Nutrition Services department instructed states not to issue November SNAP benefits. Food banks, pantries and other charitable organizations are preparing for a major surge in Iowans seeking food assistance as SNAP benefits are not issued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paige Chickering, the Iowa state manager for the Save the Children Action Network (SCAN), led petitions being dropped off at U.S. Sens. Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernsts offices Wednesday, calling for the GOP senators to support ending the shutdown and to take action to protect Head Start. The petition contained the signatures of 261 Iowans who represent the voices of concerned constituents who believe that no child should lose access to Head Start because of political gridlock, according to the letter. Chickering said in an interview the efforts in Iowa are part of a national Head Start day of action, calling for Ernst and Grassley to work with their partners in Congress to reopen the government, or to find emergency funding streams for these Head Start programs until the government can be reopened in the event that a compromise is not reached by Nov. 1. There have also been calls to extend emergency funding to SNAP, with U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks introducing legislation last week to allow the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to access emergency funds to maintain the food assistance programs operations during the shutdown. Chickering said there were six Head Start programs nationally that had funding expire Oct. 1. There was some reserve funding or other government support available to keep these programs functioning in October, but Chickering said there are many more programs potentially affected beginning in November. However, because Head Start is a bipartisanly supported program that had such a good reputation in Congress, she said advocates hope Congress could take action to provide funding for these programs if the shutdown continues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chickering called for concerned Iowans to reach out to their federal officials to talk about the impacts of the shutdown on their communities. This is a critical time to be contacting our congressional representatives, encouraging them to work together to reopen the government or to provide emergency funding until an agreement can be made to reopen the government, and provide sustained and lasting funding to these critical programs and services, she said. PERRY, Iowa An Iowa woman has been charged with human trafficking after the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation says she tried to force a minor to engage in commercial sex acts at a hotel earlier this year. Four hospitalized after chase and crash in Des Moines According to the Iowa DCI, in January 2025 41-year-old Amanda Jean Goff allegedly took a 14-year-old to a hotel in Perry where she tried to have the victim engage in commercial sexual activity with another person. On Wednesday, the DCI announced that Goff has been charged with first-degree human trafficking. Goff was already being held at the Sac County Jail for related charges when she was taken into custody for the new charge, according to the DCI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A preliminary hearing for the human trafficking case has been scheduled for November 10. The DCI said that no additional information will be released at this time. Iowa 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 who13.com. 'The Iraqi cultural attache in London formally informed the ministry about the seizure of the 185 artifacts. Archaeological experts subsequently confirmed their Iraqi origin.' Iraqs Culture Ministry said Monday that British authorities have seized 185 artifacts of Iraqi origin, an action Baghdad cast as part of a long-running push to reclaim antiquities looted from the country. Announcing the seizure at the 8th Scientific Conference in Baghdad, Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities said the alert came from Iraqs cultural attache in London and that Iraqi experts verified the pieces provenance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Iraqi cultural attache in London formally informed the ministry about the seizure of the 185 artifacts. Archaeological experts subsequently confirmed their Iraqi origin, al-Badrani told the conference. He added that successive governments have recovered sizable numbers of objects through diplomacy and legal channels. The ministry did not release a timeline for returning the items or describe the collection in detail. Iraq has stepped up heritage protection since widespread looting followed the 2003 US-led invasion, when thieves ransacked the Iraqi National Museum and stripped unguarded archaeological sites. The losses spurred a global hunt for stolen Mesopotamian material and a patchwork of seizures and voluntary surrenders in Europe and the United States. 40,000 smuggled artifacts According to ministry figures, more than 40,000 smuggled artifacts have been brought back since 2003, including over 17,000 recovered from the United States. Baghdad credits closer coordination with foreign governments and tighter scrutiny of the art market for recent gains, though investigators say the trade remains resilient and objects can vanish into private collections for years. The latest case in Britain points to continued cooperation with overseas authorities while Baghdad tries to rebuild museum inventories and safeguard excavation sites that remain vulnerable to theft. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) The Town of Irondequoit has officially revoked the occupancy permit for Lush Swigs Lounge on East Ridge Road, following a homicide investigation, multiple code violations, and a new arrest connected to the case. According to a letter from the towns Office of the Fire Marshal dated Oct. 28, the occupancy permit for Lush Swigs, previously known as Lush Resto Lounge, was revoked effective immediately after investigators discovered the business had been operating without a valid New York State liquor license while serving alcohol. Town officials said the permit was issued in conflict with the requirements of any applicable law, code, ordinance, policy, procedure, rule or regulation and, accordingly, should not have been issued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The business remains posted as Not to be Occupied due to several additional violations. Officials said any attempt to continue operating will result in further enforcement action. The closure follows a homicide investigation tied to the same location earlier this month. On Oct. 24, Irondequoit Police announced the arrest of 48-year-old Nuri Simmons, who was charged with second-degree murder in connection to the death of 30-year-old Charles Wilson Jr. Investigators said Simmons was involved in an argument with Wilson inside the lounge before the fatal incident. According to police, around 3:15 a.m. on Oct. 5, officers witnessed a fight break out in front of the business as several women were leaving. During the disturbance, Wilson crashed through the front plate glass window of the lounge, suffering a severe laceration to his torso. Officers rendered aid, but Wilson later died at Strong Memorial Hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, investigators confirmed the business was operating without a liquor license, and the town posted a notice on the door reading, This structure is unsafe, and its occupancy has been prohibited. As a follow-up to that investigation, Irondequoit Police confirmed Wednesday that the owner of the lounge, Gabrielle Green, 42, of Quamina Drive in Rochester, was arrested and charged with tampering with physical evidence, a Class E felony. Police said the charge stems from Greens actions on the night of the homicide. She was taken to Monroe County CAP Court to await arraignment. Town officials said the permit revocation is final and cannot be appealed through the Fire Marshals office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information related to the incident can contact the Irondequoit Police Department at (585) 336-6000 or 911. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at (585) 423-9300. 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 RochesterFirst. Disarming Hamas and demilitarizing Gaza "will be achieved," Netanyahu said during his visit to CENTCOM's CMCC in Kiryat Gat, accompanied by IDF officials, including Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir. Israel is seeking "the disarming of Hamas and the demilitarization of Gaza," which "will be achieved," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said during his first official visit to US Central Command (CENTCOM)'s Civil-Military Coordination Center in Kiryat Gat on Wednesday This is "the goal that was agreed with US President Donald Trump for security," Netanyahu added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are working on this in stages, together with other components of the plan," he noted. "I am happy to host our American friends here in Kiryat Gat. They are working together with us on a plan to achieve a different Gaza, a Gaza that will no longer pose a threat to Israel," Netanyahu said. Through cooperation, the US and Israel have "already done things that have astounded the world - both in Iran and in achieving the release of the remaining living hostages, which nobody believed we would succeed in achieving," Netanyahu continued. "There is a real joint effort here, while keeping security in our hands, to achieve results that perhaps no one believed we would achieve; we want to try," he affirmed. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shakes hands with US CENTCOM head Admiral Brad Cooper during a visit to the Civil-Military Coordination Center in Kiryat Gat, October 29, 2025. (credit: MA'AYAN TOAF/GPO) Netanyahu also referenced Trump saying that "Either we achieve this the easy way, as we hope, or we will have to achieve it the hard way, but we will achieve what we are looking to achieve." Several senior IDF, CENTCOM leaders present for visit to CMCC Netanyahu was joined on the visit by senior IDF officials, including Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir, Maj.-Gen. Yaki Dolf, who will lead the Israeli military's coordination with CMCC, Shin Bet chief Maj.-Gen. (res.) David Zini, and other senior IDF officials. CENTCOM head Admiral Brad Cooper and Lt.-Gen. Patrick D. Frank were also present, and spoke with Netanyahu and the IDF leaders. WASHINGTON Executives at Israel Aerospace Industries are awaiting news on the U.S. Golden Dome missile shield architecture, hoping that defense leaders here will consider the companys Arrow interceptor technology for two layers of the project, according to IAI chief executive Boaz Levy. The hopes extend beyond the land-based capabilities of the currently fielded Arrow-3, which could be employed roughly as-is, Levy told Defense News in an interview at the Association of the United States Army annual conference in Washington earlier this month. With some adaptation, the Israeli system could also be made to meet the requirements of a series of so-called kill vehicles orbiting Earth in space, ready to pounce on ballistic missiles during the boost phase of their flight, Levy said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Arrow-3 system is a co-development between Israel and the United States. Israeli officials have pointed to intercepts of Houthi and Iranian ballistic missiles as proof that the system works to adequately defend a territory the size of Israel. The Trump administrations Golden Dome idea is a different beast altogether, however. Pegged a $175 billion dollars and to be completed within three years, President Donald Trump has portrayed it as an impenetrable umbrella that would reliably protect the entirety of the United States against intercontinental missiles from anyone, including nuclear-armed rivals Russia and China. Critics have said the project is doomed to fail under the prescribed budget and timing objectives. In particular, a major engineering and funding challenge lies in fielding a sufficient amount of space-based interceptors capable of catching enemy missiles on their way up, according to a report in The Washington Post. Levy acknowledged that many questions remain on that front. It still needs to be done for the first time, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Technically, its feasible, but it will take more time, Levy said, compared to the more familiar task of integrating land-base interceptors that hit incoming missiles during their flight path through space. The company is preparing upgrades to the Arrow-3 system, and iterations 4 and 5 later on, that would make the system smarter in discerning which objects actually pose threats during that crucial engagement sequence. As missiles fired in salvos of hundreds break up in space and release their warhead payloads, there could be thousands of objects floating around at the same time, according to Levy. Object recognition algorithms fused with artificial intelligence will get better over time in discerning between warheads that must be engaged, and missile parts that could be allowed to land on Earth far away from populated areas, he said. United States President Donald Trump insists that the Washington-brokered ceasefire in Gaza is holding, despite Israeli forces killing more than 100 Palestinians, including 46 children. In about 12 hours from Tuesday to Wednesday, Israeli attacks on Gaza killed at least 104 Palestinians and wounded 253 others, according to Gazas Ministry of Health. These documented crimes add to the long list of ongoing violations against our people, the Palestinian Civil Defence in Gaza said in a statement, demanding an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire across the Strip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the latest attacks hit a tent housing displaced people in Deir el-Balah, in central Gaza, medical sources told Al Jazeera. Other attacks targeted the northern and southern parts of the enclave. The US president defended Israels actions on Wednesday, citing reports that a 37-year-old Israeli soldier had been killed in southern Gaza. A brief statement from the Israeli military did not specify when the soldier was killed but said his family had been notified before the information was released. As I understand it, they took out an Israeli soldier, Trump told reporters on board Air Force One as he travelled from Japan to South Korea, saying he heard the soldier was apparently killed by sniper fire. So the Israelis hit back and they should hit back. When that happens, they should hit back, he added, calling Israels attacks retribution for the soldiers death. Hamas has denied responsibility for the alleged attack on Israeli forces in Rafah, southern Gaza, and said in a statement that it remained committed to the ceasefire deal. INTERACTIVE - Israel kills more than 200 Palestinians since ceasefire map-1761734414 Nothing is going to jeopardise the ceasefire, the US president affirmed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You have to understand Hamas is a very small part of peace in the Middle East, and they have to behave, he said. If they [Hamas] are good, they are going to be happy and if they are not good, they are going to be terminated; their lives will be terminated. In a statement on Wednesday, the Israeli military said it had reinstated the Gaza ceasefire after carrying out a series of strikes on dozens of terror targets, including 30 terrorists holding command positions. It did not provide any evidence to back up these claims. Several foreign leaders expressed concern and dismay after Israels strikes. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani described the attacks as very disappointing and frustrating for us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fortunately I think the main parties both of them are acknowledging that the ceasefire should hold and they should stick to the agreement, al-Thani added, speaking to the Council on Foreign Relations on a visit to New York. Separately, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was deeply concerned by the strikes, telling UK parliament that the ceasefire was the only route to long-term peace for Israelis and Palestinians. Indefinite, prolonged occupation Al Jazeeras Hani Mahmoud, reporting from Gaza City, said the renewed attacks had plunged Palestinians into a state of panic on Wednesday. As of this morning, we see that a brief hope for calm has turned into despair. The skies are filled with fighter jets, drones and reconnaissance aircraft, he said. And the fear now is that what started last night is going to continue for days to come. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As funerals were held for those who were killed, the emergency ward at Gazas al-Shifa Hospital told Al Jazeera that many patients they treated were suffering from shrapnel wounds and internal bleeding after Israels attacks, and that many are in critical condition. Save the Children called reports of children being killed along with their families excruciating. This cannot become the new normal under a ceasefire, Ahmad Alhendawi, the charitys regional director for the Middle East, North Africa and Eastern Europe, said in a statement. A lasting ceasefire must mean safety, relief, and recovery for children not continued suffering. It must be fully respected and upheld. Alhendawi pleaded: Protect the ceasefire, protect children, and give Gazas families a step towards the genuine peace they have been waiting for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mouin Rabbani, a nonresident fellow at the Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies, told Al Jazeera that Israel had never really fulfilled any of its commitments under the deal, including withdrawing to the agreed line in Gaza or allowing the agreed-upon amount of aid to enter Gaza. According to Rabbani, Israel is deliberately trying to undermine a ceasefire deal it was unwillingly dragged into by the US. He said it is evident Israel does not feel it is simply able to unilaterally renounce the ceasefire, so what were seeing is a gradual intensification of the process of erosion. The key issue here now is how will the United States respond, he added. For Rob Geist Pinfold, a lecturer in international security at Kings College London, the ceasefire has been fragile from day one as both Israel and Hamas agreed the deal under significant duress from the US. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He told Al Jazeera that as Israel still controls some 50 percent of the Strip, its understandable why to many Palestinians in Gaza this might not look like an actual ceasefire and definitely not a peace plan and more an indefinite, prolonged occupation with no end in sight. On the ground between Hamas and Israel, Pinfold said there is a game of chicken where both sides are trying to test each others limits, test each others boundaries. The fact that a soldier was killed in Rafah we still dont know by whom, we still dont know if this was ordered by Hamas or this was somebody else, he said. But what the incident did was allow Israel to seize this opportunity to violate the ceasefire because this is what they wanted all along. Credit: IDF Israel has released a video appearing to show Hamas temporarily burying a corpse to fake the discovery of a deceased hostage. Footage shot from a drone released by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) appears to show Hamas terrorists digging a large hole before placing a body bag into it and covering it with soil. The militants then film the discovery of the body before handing it over to the Red Cross. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Red Cross condemned Hamas for staging the recovery of a hostages remains, in a rare statement criticising the terror group. The organisation said its staff only saw what appeared to be the recovery of the body. It is unacceptable that a fake recovery was staged, when so much depends on this agreement being upheld and when so many families are still anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones, the organisation said. The terror group was accused earlier this week of worsening the anguish of the families of those still missing in Gaza by trying to pass off the partial remains of a different Israeli killed on Oct 7 as one of the 13 hostages yet to be handed back under the Trump ceasefire deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The partial human remains turned out to belong to Ofir Tzarfati, whose body was handed over in November 2023. Hamass unwillingness or inability to hand over the remaining 13 dead hostages has infuriated Israeli leaders, who have accused the terror group of violating the peace deal. Israeli tanks parked near the border with Gaza in southern Israel. The IDF is now weighing up whether to seize more land in the Strip - Ohad Zwigenberg/AP Hamas has requested more heavy equipment into Gaza in order to move rubble and access the bodies. Egyptian teams have entered the Strip to help with the search. An IDF spokesman said: Yesterday, Hamas terrorists were filmed removing body remains from a prepared structure and re-burying them nearby, before summoning Red Cross representatives to stage a false discovery for photographers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite claiming difficulty locating the bodies of deceased hostages, Hamas continues to hold and manipulate the remains it refuses to release under the agreement. Hamass claims of lacking engineering equipment are baseless; such tools are unnecessary for the transfer of remains and do not prevent the return of the deceased hostages. Israel has reportedly decided to extend the territory under its control in response to the slow return of bodies and attacks against IDF troops behind the yellow withdrawal line. On Wednesday morning the IDF announced a return to the ceasefire after a night of air strikes, after one of its soldiers was killed in the south of the Strip on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Benjamin Netanyahu, Israels prime minister, ordered the military to carry out powerful strikes immediately after Israeli troops were hit by gunfire. The IDF said it had killed 30 Hamas terrorists holding command positions. The wave of Israeli attacks on Gaza killed at least 81, according to Hamas-run health authorities. Hamas said in response to the strikes that it would delay handing over the body of another hostage. The Israeli strikes in Gaza killed at least 81 people, including children - Mahmoud Issa/Reuters The air strikes were provoked by an attack on IDF troops in the Israeli-controlled area of Rafah in the south of the Strip. Military sources said Hamas fighters had been hiding in a tunnel that was in the process of being demolished and that the militants attacked the soldiers as a last resort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yohan Efraim, staff sergeant of the Nahal Brigade, was killed by sniper fire. The assailants also fired an anti-tank missile but did not inflict any casualties and are believed to have fled unharmed. Efraim, who leaves behind a wife and five children, held US citizenship, it has been reported. Trump defends strikes Donald Trump, currently on a trip to Asia, defended the strikes on Wednesday. They killed an Israeli soldier, the US president told reporters, referring to the death of the Israeli soldier during an exchange of gunfire in Rafah. So the Israelis hit back, and they should hit back. Mr Trump insisted the strikes did not jeopardise the ceasefire but sent a warning to Hamas to stick to the terms of the deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas denied any involvement in the shooting and accused Israel of violating the ceasefire deal. The situation that led to Israels strike on Gaza is the most serious challenge yet to the peace deal - Abdel Kareem Hana/The Associated Press Handing over hostages The terrorist group handed over body parts on Monday that Israel said were the partial remains of a hostage recovered earlier in the war. Mr Netanyahu called the return of these body parts a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement, which required Hamas to return the remaining hostages in Gaza as soon as possible. Al-Aqsa Hospital in central Gaza said it had received at least 10 bodies, including three women and six children, after two Israeli air strikes. In southern Gaza, the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis said it had received 20 bodies after five Israeli strikes in the area, of which 13 were children and two were women. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elsewhere in central Gaza, al-Awda Hospital said it had received 30 bodies, including 14 children. 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. Israel's military said on Wednesday it would again observe the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip after carrying out a wave of airstrikes in response to a deadly attack on its soldiers. The military said it had bombed dozens of targets in Gaza overnight, killing "more than 30 terrorists" holding command positions in armed groups operating in the Palestinian territory. Medics in Gaza said at least 91 people were killed, including many children, in the Israeli strikes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The figures could not be independently verified. If confirmed, it would mark the highest death toll since the ceasefire began on October 10. The military said it had "renewed enforcement of the ceasefire" on orders from Israel's political leadership, but warned it would continue to "respond firmly to any violation of it." The strikes followed an attack on Tuesday in which one Israeli soldier was killed and amid delays in the agreed handover of hostage remains. Israel blamed the Islamist group Hamas for the ambush that killed the soldier in the southern city of Rafah, a claim the group denied. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Furthering heightening tension, Hamas was accused on Tuesday of returning further remains of an Israeli hostage that had already been buried, instead of the body of a hostage still missing. Despite the renewed violence, US President Donald Trump insisted the truce remained intact, saying nothing is going to jeopardize the ceasefire. He added that Hamas had promised to behave. Israel's military said on Wednesday it would again observe the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip after carrying out a wave of deadly airstrikes in response to an attack that killed one of its soldiers. The health authority in Gaza controlled by the Palestinian militant organization Hamas reported 104 dead and more than 200 injured since Israel began its attacks on Tuesday. Among them were 46 minors, it said. The figures could not be independently confirmed, but if correct it would represent the deadliest incident since a US-brokered ceasefire began on October 10. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The strikes followed an attack on Tuesday in which one Israeli soldier was killed and amid delays in the agreed handover of hostage remains. Israel blamed Hamas for the ambush that killed the soldier in the southern city of Rafah, a claim the group denied. On Wednesday, the Israeli military said it had "renewed enforcement of the ceasefire" on orders from Israel's political leadership, but warned it would continue to "respond firmly to any violation of it." Those targeted in the Israeli airstrikes included commanders and others involved in the terrorist attack on October 7, 2023, Israel said. The US had been informed about the attacks in advance, Israel said. Tensions over hostage returns Furthering heightening tension, Hamas was accused by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Wednesday of carrying out what it called an apparent "staged" exhumation of the remains of an Israeli hostage in the Gaza Strip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ICRC referred to a video released by the Israeli military on Tuesday. The video, taken by a drone, purportedly shows Hamas removing body parts in a bag from a building. The bag is then dragged into a large hole and mostly buried under dirt. The individuals in the video are then seen uncovering the body bag in front of Red Cross representatives, as if the remains were a new discovery. Separately, Hamas was accused of returning further remains of an Israeli hostage that had already been buried, instead of the body of a hostage still missing. Northern Gaza strike The Israeli army attacked a target in the northern Gaza Strip, despite the renewed ceasefire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The military said on Wednesday that "terrorist infrastructure" had been bombed in Beit Lahia. Weapons were stored there that were to be used for an imminent attack on Israeli soldiers, it said. The information could not be independently verified. Palestinians mourn the death of loved ones killed in overnight Israeli strikes at the Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. Israel began carrying out air strikes on October 28 after accusing Hamas of attacking Israeli troops in Gaza and violating the truce. Omar Ashtawy/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa Israels military has carried out another deadly attack in northern Gaza despite claiming to resume the fragile ceasefire, which was already teetering from a wave of deadly bombardment it waged the night before. Israels latest aerial attack on Wednesday evening occurred in Gazas Beit Lahiya area, killing at least two people, according to al-Shifa Hospital. Israel claimed it had targeted a site storing weapons that posed an immediate threat to its troops. The attack adds further uncertainty to Gazas fragile ceasefire, which was shaken by the fiercest episode of Israeli bombardment on Tuesday night since it entered into force on October 10. Following the reported killing of an Israeli soldier in southern Gazas Rafah on Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered powerful retaliatory strikes on Gaza. The resulting attacks killed 104 people, mostly women and children, said Gazas Health Ministry. Israel claimed its strikes targeted senior Hamas fighters, killing dozens, and then said it would start observing the ceasefire again mid-Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement United States President Donald Trump insisted the ceasefire is not in jeopardy despite the latest attacks. Regional mediator Qatar expressed frustration over the violence, but said mediators are still looking towards the next phase of the truce, including the disarmament of Hamas. Calm turned into despair In Gaza, the renewed attacks have retraumatised a population desperate to see an end to the two-year war, said Al Jazeeras correspondent in Gaza City, Hani Mahmoud. A brief hope for calm turned into despair, said Mahmoud. For a lot of people, its a stark reminder of the opening weeks of the genocide in terms of the intensity and the scale of destruction that was caused by the massive bombs on Gaza City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Khadija al-Husni, a displaced mother living with her children at a school in Gazas Shati refugee camp, said the latest attacks came just as people had started to breathe again, trying to rebuild our lives. Its a crime, she said. Either there is a truce or a war it cant be both. The children couldnt sleep; they thought the war was over. Dont let peace slip from our grasp, says UN On Wednesday, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the UN chief strongly condemned the killings due to Israeli air strikes of civilians in Gaza the day before, including many children. UN rights chief Volker Turk also said the report of so many dead was appalling and urged all sides not to let peace slip from our grasp, echoing calls from the United Kingdom, Germany and the European Union for the parties to recommit to the ceasefire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas, for its part, denied its fighters had any connection to the shooting incident in Rafah that killed an Israeli soldier and reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire. However, it said it would postpone transferring the remains of a deceased captive due to Israels latest truce violations, further fuelling Israeli claims that the group is stalling the captive handover process. Hamas warned any escalation from Israel would hinder the search, excavation and recovery of the bodies. Israel, meanwhile, officially barred Red Cross representatives from visiting Palestinian prisoners, claiming such visits could pose a security threat. Hamas said the ban, which was already effectively in place during the war in Gaza, violates the rights of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel and adds to a series of systematic and criminal violations they are subjected to, including killing, torture and starvation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Elders, a group of respected former world leaders, called on Wednesday for the release of one of those Palestinian prisoners Marwan Barghouti. The Palestinian leader continues to be held by Israel despite Hamas including him in its list of prisoners for release as part of the ceasefire deal. Israel has refused to release Barghouti, who is often referred to as the Palestinian Nelson Mandela. Barghouti is serving several life sentences for what Israel says is involvement in attacks against civilians a claim he denies. Marwan Barghouti has been a long-term advocate for a two-state solution by peaceful means, and is consistently the most popular Palestinian leader in opinion polls, The Elders said in a statement, calling on US President Donald Trump to ensure the release of Barghouti. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We condemn the ill-treatment, including torture, of Marwan Barghouti and other Palestinian prisoners, many of whom are arbitrarily detained, The Elders added. Israeli authorities must abide by their responsibilities under international law to protect prisoners human rights. ROME (AP) Italys Court of Auditors on Wednesday rejected a key government project, refusing to sign off on plans to build a 13.5 billion euro massive bridge connecting Sicily to the mainland, dealing a blow to the right-wing government led by Premier Giorgia Meloni. The court which has a dual role of financial control and jurisdiction in public accounting issued its decision in a brief statement on Wednesday evening, adding that it would publish its motivations within 30 days. Meloni immediately blasted the ruling, calling it an intolerable intrusion by magistrates and promising the government would go ahead with the project Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Transport Minister and Deputy Premier Matteo Salvini the main sponsor of the Strait of Messina Bridge project denounced the ruling as a political decision, not a technical one, and vowed to pursue all possible ways to bring the plan forward. The Court of Auditors' decision doesnt definitively block the bridge project, but can long delay its final approval, possibly forcing the government to a new vote to override the courts objections. The Strait of Messina Bridge has been approved and canceled multiple times since the Italian government first solicited proposals in 1969. Melonis administration revived the plan in 2023, and this marks the furthest stage the ambitious project first envisioned by the Romans has ever reached. The project has been widely debated over its scale, earthquake threats, environmental impact and the specter of mafia interference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Preliminary work was expected to start by the fall, with construction set to kick off next year. Despite bureaucratic delays, according to the government's plan the bridge was expected to be completed between 2032-2033. The Strait of Messina Bridge would measure nearly 3.7 kilometers (2.2 miles), with the suspended span reaching 3.3 kilometers (more than 2 miles), surpassing Turkeys Canakkale Bridge, currently the longest, by 1,277 meters (4,189 feet). JACKSON, Mich. (WLNS) A new book is now shining a spotlight on the 1st Michigan Colored Infantry and the mark they left on American history. At just 23 years old, Maurice Imhoff is redefining the narrative around Michigans past, while bringing forgotten heroes back into focus. We are never told the story of the over 180,000 Black men who took up arms to go fight for their freedom of others. We dont get told that story of them capturing flags on the battlefield, Imhoff said. Fighting for their other brothers in arms, protecting each other. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As both a historian and author, Imhoff sees the history as more than just the past, but as a lesson todays generation can still learn from. Youre talking a lot of 18 through 25-year-olds who were part of the regiment. It wasnt a bunch of older men, Imhoff said. These were younger guys who had just got their first taste at freedom. 1000 of the 1400 men were former slaves. Imhoff says some of the mens journeys to freedom started long before the war, while they escaped slavery through the Underground Railroad. A lot of men took the Underground Railroad to come to Michigan, Imhoff said. They were men who made it all the way to Canada but then heard about this regiment being formed and came back to the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The connection to that history runs deep in Jackson, where the regiments story first took shape and where its legacy still marches on. To have about 10 years later, a regiment, a full regiment of black soldiers in uniform, marching through the same streets was remarkable for this community, and I think it still stands the test of time, Imhoff said. Imhoff says the book, The 1st Michigan Colored Regiment: Free Men Who Fought Slavery, is available online on Amazon, as well as at Target stores around Lansing and Jackson. 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. Sharhonda Stewart flew to Jamaica thinking shed be on vacation, helping to style hair for her friends destination wedding. Shes now trapped inside her Montego Bay resort, days after she was supposed to have flown home, riding out what she describes as the strongest storm shes ever seen. This is not anything like a Jacksonville hurricane, Stewart said, you cant really see much outside. You really just see gray; the wind and rain are very powerful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stewart shared a video on her social media page showing the heavy winds blowing against the palm trees outside her resort. She said she watched the wind rip the palm fronds from the trees. Her flight back to Jacksonville was supposed to leave last Sunday, but Hurricane Melissa forced the airport shut down and her flight to be canceled. We have no choice but to stay here, to endure it. I would like to go home to see my babies and my family, Stewart said. While Stewart is braving the storm, Shawntell Bell is braving her personal storm of worries and anxieties, watching news of the storm from Jacksonville while her family is sheltering in the Jamaican capital of Kingston. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [My uncle] told me he was looking outside and it was scary as heck because trees were flying everywhere, Bell said, hes never seen anything like that before. Bell runs Bad Girlz Clozet, a clothing store on the Westside. Much of her family has lived in Jamaica for all of their lives, and she has been texting with her uncle since hearing about the storm. Bell told us the last text she received from him was sent at around 3:45 PM on Tuesday, reading we are experiencing the fullest of the hurricane right now. Its worrying, especially because he didnt text back yet, Bell said, but I like to be optimistic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some local groups are already working on ways to get supplies to the islands that have been hit by Hurricane Melissa and those that may be in its path. Jimbo Stockton is one of them, a volunteer pilot who works with Adventures in Gods Creation, a nonprofit in Jacksonville Beach. We want to go out and get as many supplies as we can, Stockton said. Stockton told Action News Jax he is planning to fly supplies this week out to smaller islands near Jamaica, expected to get hit by Hurricane Melissa. He plans to use his plane alongside other local volunteer pilots and their own planes. Its just a big team effort to go out and help people when theyre really in their time of need, Stockton said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stockton is asking for supplies to be donated before his team flies out for the islands. He said the following items can be dropped off at the nonprofits building on 1st Avenue: Tarps, inverters, trash bags Candles, lighters, flashlights Water, bread, eggs, fruit, peanut butter, jelly, honey, nuts The Jamaican government has started its own website to help provide relief to those impacted by Hurricane Melissa. If you would like to donate, you can learn more here. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. A Jacksonville man says a simple trip to Walgreens to buy a prepaid Green Dot card cost him $500, and a lot of trust. Jasmine Waters says he bought the $500 prepaid card at the Walgreens on 8th Street last week to pay off some driving tickets. But before he even left the parking lot, he says his money was already gone. When I went to register the card, they said it was already registered, Waters told Action News Jax. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In someone elses name. Waters says he was stunned and angry when he realized the card hed just paid cash for had already been activated. It made me mad. It made me upset, he said. Im not fixing to just walk away from my money like that. Waters says he immediately went back to the store and spoke to management. Thats when, according to him, a Walgreens employee admitted it wasnt the first time something like this had happened. Another Walgreens manager said this isnt the first time this happened. Its happened before in the past, Waters recalled. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] He filed a police report and contacted both Walgreens and Green Dot Corporations fraud department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I work hard to support my son. I dont got money to just be blowing up in smoke like that, he said. Waters says he sent proof of purchase and the cards serial number, as Green Dot instructed. But so far, he says hes still waiting for a resolution. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Action News Jax has previously reported on scams involving prepaid Green Dot cards but we havent found any recent local cases like Waters. Green Dots customer service website advises consumers to contact their support department immediately and provide a receipt and proof of purchase if a prepaid card appears to have been previously registered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Waters said he did exactly that, and now, he just wants his $500 back. Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. "I have not seen ever before a direct infringement on the right to free speech like that," CNN's @jaketapper tells @nickgillespie on The Reason Interview podcast. pic.twitter.com/42LHYb2sPt reason (@reason) October 29, 2025 It's only been a little more than a month since Brendan Carr, the head of Donald Trump's Federal Communications Commission (FCC), explicitly called for late-night host Jimmy Kimmel to be pink-slipped by ABC and its corporate parent Disney. The president also chimed in at the time, averring, "I would think maybe their [ABC's] license should be taken away." Trump's language was characteristically imprecisethe FCC doesn't license networks but only individual broadcast stationsbut the threat was crystal clear: Put the kibosh on Kimmel or else suffer the wrath of the government, even as a key merger of major ABC station owners is coming before the FCC. So far, it hasn't worked out Trump's way. After a brief suspension, Kimmel came back on air, seeing "a clear late-quarter boost" in the wake of the president's jawboning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a new interview with Reason, Jake Tapper, the host of CNN's The Lead and a veteran of both ABC News and '90s alternative site Salon, tells me that the Trump administration's attacks on the press are unprecedented in his years of covering politics. "I have not seen ever before a direct infringement on the right to free speech like that." Tapper isn't romanticizing Trump's predecessors. "I don't like what the Biden administration did with social media companies," he says, referring to the way officials pressured platforms like Twitter (now X) and Facebook to remove or suppress the reach of content critical of its COVID and other policies. As Robby Soave reported for Reason in 2023, "health advisers at the CDC had significant input on pandemic-era social media policies at Facebook.They were consulted frequently, at times daily. They were actively involved in the affairs of content moderators, providing constant and ever-evolving guidance. They requested frequent updates about which topics were trending on the platforms and they recommended what kinds of content should be deemed false or misleading." Tapper also coauthored this year's Original Sin, about the Biden White House's largely successful attempt to cover up the president's lack of cognitive functioning before the June 2024 debate with Trump made that impossible. "Joe Biden and his inner circle did the country dirty," by hiding his mental decline, says Tapper, who suggests that the Democratic Party hasn't even started to process how such a debacle unfolded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tapper notes that Barack Obama was also guilty of trying to corral the press, citing attempts in 2009 to block Fox News' access to White House officials. "I stood up when the Obama administration was saying that Fox was not a legitimate news organization, when they were declaring that from the White House podium," he says, noting that he still gets "shit" from liberals and progressives for defending Fox's access. "Why is it appropriate for a White House to label a credentialed news organization not legitimate?" But Trump is in a whole other league when it comes to threatening the press, says Tapper. Lawsuits against ABC News, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Des Moines Register, among other outlets, are clear attempts to bring the watchdog press to heel, says Tapper. CBS's owner Paramount settled a suit over trivial edits to a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris, he notes, adding that Trump has stopped heckling the Tiffany Network since it was purchased by Skydance, which is owned by the son of billionaire Larry Ellison, a major Trump donor. "He always excludes CBS now, ever since the Ellisons took over," says Tapper. "And he says, 'Larry Ellison is a good friend of mine. He's a good guy, blah blah blah. They're gonna make it fair.That's not how presidents should be talking about people who cover them. Presidents in general should think we're all pains in the ass. Every president. About every news outlet." Watch "Jake Tapper Worries Legacy Media Bent the Knee": The post Jake Tapper Called Out Obama and Biden for Free Speech Abuses. He Says Trump Is on a New Level. appeared first on Reason.com. Hurricane Melissa is pummeling the Caribbean island of Cuba after it first caused devastation in Haiti and Jamaica, leading to the deaths of at least 32 people. Twenty of the reported deaths on Wednesday came after a river burst its banks in the southern coastal Haitian town of Petit-Goave, flooding and collapsing dozens of homes. The mayor of the town, Jean Bertrand Subreme, said that people were still trapped under the rubble of their homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am overwhelmed by the situation, Subreme said, as he pleaded for help from the government. Three other deaths were reported from Melissa in Haiti. Eight people were killed in Jamaica, including a baby killed after a tree fell in the western side of the island, according to State Minister Abka Fitz-Henley. One person was also reported to have been killed in the Dominican Republic. The storm was one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record when it hit Jamaica on Tuesday, according to the US National Hurricane Center. As it crossed Cuba on Wednesday, it weakened to a Category 2 storm from its previous Category 5 classification. It is projected to move into the Bahamas later on Wednesday, where dozens of people have been evacuated from the south east of the archipelago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness had declared Jamaica a disaster area after Hurricane Melissa barrelled across the island. The hurricane ripped off the roofs of homes, inundated Jamaicas bread basket, and felled power lines and trees, leaving most of its 2.8 million people without electricity. Its not going to be an easy road, Jamaica, said Desmond McKenzie, deputy chairman of Jamaicas Disaster Risk Management Council. I know persons are wondering what their futures are going to be like. Melissa took hours to cross over Jamaica, a passage over land that diminished its winds, before it ramped back up as it continued towards Cuba. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governor of Cubas Granma, Yanetsy Terry Gutierrez, said that parts of the province, including in the provincial capital Jiguani, were under water. Officials in Cuba have also reported collapsed houses, blocked mountain roads, and roofs blown off. People shelter from the rain in Santiago de Cuba, southern Cuba, October 28, 2025 [Ernesto Mastrascusa/EPA] Communication blackout The Jamaican government had lifted the tropical storm warning by Wednesday, but officials are struggling to assess the damage. Theres a total communications blockout on that side, said Richard Thompson, the acting director general of Jamaicas Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, referring to the south and southwest of the island. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McKenzie said that four hospitals had been damaged and one was left without power, forcing the evacuation of 75 patients. Heavy damage was also reported in Clarendon, in Jamaicas south, and Saint Elizabeth, in the southwest, where a landslide blocked main roads in the town of Santa Cruz, and winds ripped off part of the roof of a school used as a shelter. I never saw anything like this before in all my years living here, said one resident of the town, Jennifer Small. The entire hillside came down last night, said another, Robert James. Prime Minister Holness said on Tuesday that his government was mobilising quickly to start relief and recovery efforts by Wednesday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even before Melissa slammed into Jamaica, seven deaths three in Jamaica, three in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic were caused by the hurricane. A roof was completely torn off a building at a section of the Savanna La Mar Public General Hospital due to the passage of Hurricane Melissa. The system made landfall earlier today near New Hope district in Westmoreland, Jamaica. #GLNRToday #TrackingMelissa pic.twitter.com/zBnm9bu4Oq Jamaica Gleaner (@JamaicaGleaner) October 28, 2025 Monstrous Melissa Robian Williams, a journalist with the Nationwide News Network radio broadcaster in Kingston, told Al Jazeera that the storm was the worst weve ever experienced. Its truly heartbreaking, devastating, she said from the capital. Were calling Hurricane Melissa Monstrous Melissa here in Jamaica because thats how powerful she was. The devastation is widespread, mostly being felt and still being felt in the western ends of the country at this point in time. So many homes, so many people have been displaced, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We did prepare, but there wasnt much that we could have done. In Kingston, Lisa Sangster, a 30-year-old communications specialist, said her home was devastated by the storm. My sister explained that parts of our roof were blown off and other parts caved in and the entire house was flooded, she told the AFP news agency. Outside structures like our outdoor kitchen, dog kennel and farm animal pens were also gone, destroyed. Mathue Tapper, 31, told AFP that those in the capital were lucky, but he feared for people in Jamaicas more rural areas. My heart goes out to the folks living on the western end of the island, he said. Climate change Although Jamaica and Cuba are used to hurricanes, climate change is making the storms more severe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement British-Jamaican climate change activist and author Mikaela Loach said in a video shared on social media that Melissa gained energy from the extremely and unnaturally hot seas in the Caribbean. These sea temperatures are not natural, Loach said. Theyre extremely hot because of the gases that have resulted from burning fossil fuels. Countries like Jamaica, countries that are most vulnerable to climate disaster, are also countries that have had their wealth and resources stripped away from them through colonial bondage, Loach added. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in September, Holness urged wealthy countries to increase climate financing to assist countries like Jamaica with adapting to the effects of a warming world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Climate change is not a distant threat or an academic consideration. It is a daily reality for small island developing states like Jamaica, he said. Jamaica is responsible for just 0.02 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, which cause global warming, according to data from the World Resources Institute. But like other tropical islands, it is expected to continue to bear the brunt of worsening climate effects. Jamaicas prime minister has warned that his island is a disaster area after Hurricane Melissa ripped a path of destruction on Tuesday. The storm, one of the most powerful hurricanes on record, made landfall on Tuesday afternoon and lashed the island nation with brutal winds and torrential rain. Authorities warned residents to remain sheltered amid severe risks of floods and landslides. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is not known if anyone has been killed but Andrew Holness, Jamaicas prime minister, said casualties are likely. Reports that we have had so far would include damage to hospitals, significant damage to residential property, housing and commercial property as well, Mr Holness told CNN. Credit: Jamaica Constabulary Force He said the government has not received reports of storm-related deaths but said he is expecting that there would be some loss of life. The scale of Melissas damage in Jamaica was not yet clear, as a comprehensive assessment could take days and much of the island was still without power, with communications networks badly disrupted. The damage is extensive At its peak, the storm which has moved north and is set to hit Cuba on Wednesday packed ferocious sustained winds of 185 mph. Desmond McKenzie, a government minister, said several hospitals had been damaged, including in the hard-hit southwestern district of Saint Elizabeth, a coastal area he said was underwater. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The damage to Saint Elizabeth is extensive, based on what we have seen, he told a briefing. Saint Elizabeth is the bread basket of the country, and that has taken a beating. The entire Jamaica has felt the brunt of Melissa. The hurricane was the worst to ever strike Jamaica, hitting land with maximum wind speeds even more potent than most of recent historys most brutal storms, including 2005s Katrina, which ravaged the US city of New Orleans. b' ' The storm took hours to cross over the Caribbean nation, a passage over land that diminished its winds, dropping by Tuesday evening down to a Category 3 storm from the top-level of 5. But the still-powerful Melissa was set to hit Cuba as soon as Tuesday night and later the Bahamas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even before Melissa slammed into Jamaica, seven deaths three in Jamaica, three in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic had been blamed on the deteriorating conditions. Jamaicas climate change minister told CNN that Hurricane Melissas effect was catastrophic, citing flooded homes and severely damaged public infrastructure and hospitals. Health authorities were also urging vigilance against crocodiles displaced by the torrential rains. Rising water levels in rivers, gullies, and swamps could cause crocodiles to move into residential areas, the South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA) posted in a public service announcement on Instagram. 04:15am Follow the latest You can follow the latest coverage of Hurricane Melissa in Wednesdays live blog. 03:27am Donald Trump says US ready to assist Jamaica US President Donald Trump says he is ready to assist Jamaica in its recovery from Hurricane Melissa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On a humanitarian basis, we have to, so were watching it closely, and were prepared to move. Its doing tremendous damages as we speak, Mr Trump told reporters accompanying him on his flight from Japan to South Korea. The US president also addressed the fierceness of the hurricane, which is one of the strongest storms on record in the Atlantic Ocean and has overtaken Hurricane Katrina in intensity. Ive never seen that before, Mr Trump said of a Category 5 hurricane. Its literally just... knocking down everything in front of it. Its just, its a stage five. What can I say? You dont see stages like that. You dont see fives. You see fours and threes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hurricane made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 storm, but had weakened to a Category 3 before re-strengthening to a Category 4. 03:23am Melissa strengthens again to Category 4 Hurricane Melissa has intensified to become a Category 4 storm again, just hours after weakening. The hurricane had decreased in strength to a Category 3 as it left Jamaica, but on its approach to Cuba, where it is expected to make landfall within the hour, it regained power. An advisory from the US National Hurricane Center warns that Melissa is advancing on the island as an extremely dangerous major hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 130mph. 03:08am Bermuda braces for hurricane impact Hurricane Melissa is currently wreaking havoc in Jamaica, but more than 1,200 miles north, Bermuda is already bracing for the storms destruction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like other Caribbean islands, the self-governing British Overseas Territory, located 650 miles east of the US state of North Carolina, has a hurricane season each year, but the storms rarely cause significant damage. However, Bermudian authorities say that this one is different. Michael Weeks, the territorys minister of national security, told The Royal Gazette that Bermuda cannot afford to take this lightly. It is strong, it is moving our way and if we let our guard down, it could catch us off-guard like storms have done before, Mr Weeks said. The hurricane weakened to a Category 3 on Tuesday night as it approached Cuba, and is expected to further decrease in strength to a Category 2 before passing 70 miles to the west of Bermuda early on Friday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is still a possibility, though, that the hurricane could intensify again as it moves toward Bermuda. The Bermuda Weather Service issued a hurricane watch and said conditions are expected to deteriorate late Thursday night into Friday morning, with a likelihood of rip currents and hazardous surf. 02:48am Life-threatening floods possible in Cuba Cuba is set to be doused by more than a foot of rain and could see life-threatening floods when the hurricane makes landfall in a matter of hours. Although the storm weakened to a Category 3 overnight, that still means violent winds up to 125mph which could cause widespread damage to infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The country will see between 10 and 20 inches of rainfall, with some localised mountainous areas receiving 25 inches, CNN reported. It is those more elevated regions that are of most cause for concern. The large amounts of rain could cause dangerous landslides and flash flooding even after the hurricane passes over the island. The torrents will be made worse by an expected storm surge of 8-12 inches higher than normal, accompanied by large waves. 02:36am Watch: Residents rescued from damaged homes by police in south-west Jamaica Credit: Jamaica Constabulary Force 02:05am Cuban president urges citizens to act responsibly Cubas president has urged citizens to act responsibly as Hurricane Melissa barrels toward the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez, who leads Cubas autocratic Communist Party, ordered mass evacuations on Tuesday afternoon, warning of the storms destructive potential. More than 735,000 people have been evacuated so far, the president said on social media. The most important thing is that we all act responsibly, Mr Diaz-Canel Bermudez said in Cubas state newspaper, Granma. It is essential that no one venture to bathe in swollen rivers. No one should return from evacuation sites to their homes or residences until instructions have been given to return or enter the recovery phase in each of the territories. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added on social media: It will be a very difficult night for all of Cuba, but we will recover. The Cuban president said he has mobilised the countrys civil defence to aid recovery efforts and restore water, communications and electricity. 01:35am Shelters to remain open across Jamaica Shelters will remain open in Jamaica for as long as it is necessary, a Jamaican official said in a press briefing. The official shelters operated by the government have seen increased numbers, and are harbouring approximately 15,000 people across the country, said Desmond McKenzie, the deputy chairman of Jamaicas disaster risk management council. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many more have created makeshift refuges. The government was able to reach most of those shelters and provide the people there with supplies, Mr McKenzie said. Images have emerged of people sleeping on cots in schools as heavy rains and violent winds lashed the island. People take shelter in a school ahead of the hurricanes arrival in Old Harbour, Jamaica, on Monday - Matias Delacroix/AP Mr McKenzie, who also serves as minister for local government, said shelters cannot be closed unless instructed by himself or the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management. Cubans were also seen dragging mattresses and wagons as they began evacuating to shelters ahead of the hurricanes approach on Tuesday night. People take their belongings to shelters ahead of Hurricane Melissas landfall in Caleta Blanca, Cuba - Alexandre Meneghini/Reuters 12:48am In pictures: Cuba residents brace for hurricanes arrival People covered their car in preparation for the arrival of Melissa - Norlys Perez A man secures part of a roof in the city of Santiago de Cuba, southeast Cuba - YAMIL LAGE Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soldiers helped evacuate residents of Canizo - Ramon Espinosa 12:19am Hurricane weakens to Category 3 Hurricane Melissa has weakened to a Category 3 storm as it approaches Cuba. Wind speeds have decreased to 125 miles per hour, and conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly over the next few hours, according to an advisory from the US National Hurricane Center. The hurricane is expected to make landfall in Cuba sometime between late Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. 12:10am Health systems already hit by repeated crises The damage to health systems across the Caribbean will be severe, aid groups have warned, and will be compounded by years of shocks from natural disasters and violence. Ciro Ugarte, the director of health emergencies at the Pan American Health Organisation, told The New York Times that Jamaicas health system is facing one of its most severe crises in recent memory. Parts of Jamaica and Cuba are still recovering from a pair of powerful hurricanes in 2024, one of which was the strongest Category 5. Although Jamaicas health system is relatively strong compared to some other countries, no amount of preparation is sufficient in the face of a Category 5 hurricane, Mr Ugarte said. Hospitals have already been affected. Black River Hospital in St. Elizabeth Parish is without power and has been breached by floodwaters, necessitating the evacuation of 75 patients. Other hospitals across the country are bracing for impact and have activated emergency measures, in some cases suspending all but essential care. The hurricane is threatening communities already made vulnerable by repeated crises, a statement from the American Red Cross said. The damage to health services will be very high, Mr. Ugarte said. The situation is tense. Haiti, although not in the direct path of the hurricane, is still set to see heavy rain from the outer edges of the storm. The country has been wracked by gang violence and over a million people have been displaced from their homes. The airport in Kingston, Jamaicas capital, has reportedly been spared a significant impact by the storm, easing the ability of humanitarian organisations to coordinate relief efforts. Thats like Gods gift in the middle of this situation, Mr Ugarte said. 11:58pm Evacuations under way in Cuba An estimated 281,000 people have been evacuated in eastern Cuba, a provincial official has said. Many low-lying and coastal communities have been completely evacuated except for officials in charge of safety, said Beatriz Johnson Urrutia, the president of the Provincial Defense Council and first secretary of the Cuban Communist Party in Santiago de Cuba. Heavy rains have battered parts of the province and more than 100 people have been rescued, Ms Urrutia said. The province has opened 101 evacuation centres and has adapted clinics to accommodate people in rural areas. 11:16pm Pictured: Hurricane begins to lash more countries A man next to a house on a flooded street in the Las Cucarachas neighbourhood of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic - Danny Polanco/AFP Residents drive a car through flooded areas before Hurricane Melissa hits the city of Santiago de Cuba, Cuba - Yamil Lage/AFP A street vendor covers up in plastic in the Petion-Ville neighborhood of Port-au-Prince, Haiti - Odelyn Joseph/AP 11:01pm Aid cuts hamper UN response to hurricane Aid cuts have created a big gap in the ability of the UNs food agency to respond to Hurricane Melissa. The World Food Programme (WFP) was only able to position 15 per cent of the supplies it normally has on hand in the wake of a natural disaster, said Wilfred Nkwambi, the WFPs head of programmes in Haiti. You can see there is a big gap in terms of our response, Mr Nkwambi told The New York Times. Since Donald Trump returned to office, the US has slashed aid to the WFP, which is expecting a funding shortfall of $622m (469m) in the next six months. Access to islands hit by the hurricane will be extremely difficult because the storm surge is almost like a tsunami, the WFP said in a statement. Infrastructure will have been damaged, and humanitarian staff will be working under the increased risk of landslides and flash flooding. Access will be a major challenge. If the storm surge hits hard, it will be difficult to get humanitarian staff in and move food and relief supplies alternative airstrips are being prepared, the statement said. 10:39pm Phone service down Phone service has been severely compromised in western Jamaica, a telecommunications company has said. We are seeing fibre breaks and downed power lines, with the most significant impact concentrated in western Jamaica, where damage to infrastructure has been considerable, according to a statement from Digicel Group given to CNN. These conditions have affected connectivity for many customers in that region. Marcelo Cataldo, Digicels chief executive officer, told CNN that the situation remains highly fluid. 10:28pm Families trapped in their homes in hard-hit western Jamaica At least three families have been trapped in their homes by floodwaters and are unable to be rescued due to deteriorating conditions. Rescue crews could not reach the families in the town of Black River in the south-west of Jamaica, where Hurricane Melissa has hit hardest, said Desmond McKenzie, the deputy chairman of Jamaicas disaster risk management council. Roofs were flying off, Mr McKenzie said. We are hoping and praying that the situation will ease so that some attempt can be made to get to those persons. 10:00pm Half a million Jamaicans without power Some 530,000 people are without power following the destruction waged by Hurricane Melissa, Jamaican officials have said. An estimated 15,000 are currently in shelters. 09:48pm British family let down by government David Rowe was forced to cut short his family holiday to Jamaica and pay 3,500 ($4,647) for last-minute flights home before airports shut. Mr Rowe, who is British, claimed he had been completely let down by the Foreign Office failing to issue a warning against travel sooner. Its all too late, their reaction and their response to the storm has been too late, he claimed. David Rowe with his wife Abby, daughter Cora, 8, and son Ethan, 12, during their holiday in Jamaica - David Rowe /PA Wire 09:05pm Melissa leaving Jamaica Melissa is starting to leave Jamaica, after making landfall earlier today. The US National Hurricane Centre said in a statement that the eye of Melissa was emerging from the northern coast of western Jamaica. Nevertheless, it added, a life-threatening storm surge continues in Jamaica. 08:23pm Extensive damage in south-west Jamaica Melissa has inflicted extensive damage on south-west Jamaica, including the parish of St Elizabeth, an official has said. There is extensive, extensive damage in the southwestern areas, in St Elizabeth, major damage in St Elizabeth, Richard Thompson, director general of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), told CNN. He added that schools, hospitals and homes had been hit by a lot of flooding and extensive damage. 08:15pm Melissa now Category 4 hurricane Melissa has now been downgraded to a Category 4 Hurricane, according to the US National Hurricane Centre. It nevertheless still powerful and life-threatening, the agency said, reiterating its call for residents to stay in shelter. People evacuate before the the arrival of Hurricane Melissa in Canizo - AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa 08:13pm Residents advised to wear helmets for extra protection Jamaicans have been advised to cover themselves in mattresses and wear a helmet for added protection. The US National Hurricane Centre, issuing an alert at 4pm EDT (8pm GMT) said Melissa was around 10 miles south of Montego Bay in Jamaica, and moving north-northeast at 8mph. The storms maximum sustained winds reach 150mph, it added. Residents should not leave their shelter and should remain in place through the passage of these life-threatening conditions. To protect yourself from wind, the best thing you can do is put as many walls as possible between you and the outside, the agency said in a statement. An interior room without windows, ideally one where you can also avoid falling trees, is the safest place you can be in a building. You can cover yourself with a mattress and wear a helmet for added protection. 07:47pm Jamaicans warned about wandering crocodiles Jamaican health authorities have urged residents across the island to be vigilant for crocodiles displaced by Hurricane Melissa. Rising water levels in rivers, gullies, and swamps could cause crocodiles to move into residential areas, posted the South East Regional Health Authority (Serha) in a public service announcement on Instagram. Residents living near these areas are therefore advised to remain vigilant and avoid floodwaters. Serha - which serves residents across Kingston, St. Andrew, St. Catherine and St. Thomas - warned families to keep children and pets away from flooded areas. 07:26pm 8,000 Britons in Jamaica As many as 8,000 British citizens are in the Jamaica, where residents are hunkering down to avoid Hurricane Melissa. A Briton on holiday there said he had been ordered to stay in his hotel bathroom until the storm passes. Andrew Tracey had been due to fly home on Monday before his flight was cancelled. Volunteers fill up boxes with essential goods at the Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) headquarters in Miami, Florida - CRISTOBAL HERRERA-ULASHKEVICH/EPA/Shutterstock He told Sky News food packages were being delivered to guests, with deck chairs removed from the beach and swimming pools drained where he was staying at the Negril hotel. The balcony and walls do feel as though they are vibrating just due to the strength of the wind, he told the broadcaster. Im very nervous, its hard to comprehend what we are likely to expect. 06:55pm Melissas slow movement makes destruction worse The slow movement of Hurricane Melissa across Jamaica is one of the reasons it is so dangerous to those on the island. It means rainfall will have more time to accumulate, triggering flash flooding and mudslides. Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica with ferocious winds and torrential rain - AFP 06:30pm Melissa losing strength but remains Category 5 Hurricane Melissa is losing some strength but remains in Category 5 as it continues its path across Jamaica, the US National Hurricane Centre has said. In a recent update, it said Melissa was moving across western Jamaica after making landfall near New Hope. Maximum sustained winds are at around 165mph, 20mph lower than when Melissa made landfall. A statement reads: Continued weakening is expected while the centre is over Jamaica. However, Melissa is expected to reach southeastern Cuba as an extremely dangerous major hurricane, and it will still be a strong hurricane when it moves across the southeastern Bahamas. Hurricane #Melissa Advisory 29A: Extremely Dangerous Category 5 Melissa Crossing Western Jamaica. Catastrophic Winds, Flash Flooding, and Storm Surge Occurring On The Island. https://t.co/tW4KeGdBFb National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 28, 2025 06:14pm Residents evacuate in Cuba Melissa was expected to make its way towards Cuba late Tuesday or early Wednesday as a category three hurricane. Authorities there said they had evacuated upwards of 500,000 people from areas vulnerable to winds and flooding. There are no half measures, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said, urging residents in areas vulnerable to flooding, strong winds, and storm surges to evacuate and accept help. Melissa will arrive with force, and theres great concern about what it could destroy in its wake, he added. Residents self-evacuate under pouring rain from Playa Siboney to safe locations ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Melissa - AFP A resident of Playa Canizo sticks out his hand to hitch a ride to evacuate to a safe location - AFP 05:59pm Strongest hurricane to hit Jamaica Melissa has been declared one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record and the most powerful to ever hit Jamaica. It is ranked first in terms of the strongest landfall with winds of 185 mph, matching the Labor Day Hurricane in the US in 1935 and Hurricane Dorian, which struck the Bahamas in 2019. 05:18pm Storm extremely dangerous and life-threatening Hurricane Melissa is extremely dangerous and life-threatening, the National Hurricane Centre warned after it made landfall in Jamaica. Residents were warned not to leave their shelter as the eye of the storm passes across the island. Winds will quickly and rapidly increase on the other side of the eye, a statement from the NHC reads. Men remove a loose section of roof in Kingston, Jamaica, as Hurricane Melissa approaches earlier on Tuesday - AP 05:06pm Hurricane Melissa makes landfall in Jamaica Hurricane Melissa has made landfall at New Hope, southwestern Jamaica, hitting the island with winds of up to 185mph. It is one of the most powerful hurricane landfalls on record in the Atlantic basin, the US National Hurricane Centre said. 04:18pm Hurricane could reshape coastline Hurricane Melissa could reshape the Jamaican coastline once it makes landfall, one weather expert has warned. Alex DaSilva, AccuWeathers lead hurricane expert, told Sky News the hurricane could potentially change the way of life down there for many months and perhaps even years to come. Theres going to be catastrophic damage...thats going to reshape the coastline, he said. 03:39pm Winds reach 185mph Winds are moving at 185mph as Hurricane Melissa prepares to make landfall in Jamaica. Melissa will remain a category five storm - the strongest possible level - as it hits the island. There is no infrastructure in the region that can withstand a Category 5, Andrew Holness, the Jamaican prime minister, said. The question now is the speed of recovery. Thats the challenge. 03:12pm Situation to get significantly worse, warn authorities The situation in Jamaica is expected to get significantly worse than what residents are experiencing right now, authorities have warned. You might be saying that this system does not seem to be packing much of a punch, Evan Thompson said. The truth is it is still some distance from the coast. 02:52pm Storm expected to weaken as it crosses Jamaica Melissa is expected to make its entry on the south-west coastline as a category five storm, before gradually weakening to category four as it crosses Jamaica. Evan Thompson, from the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, said it could weaken to category three as it leaves the island. 02:17pm This is the last chance to protect your life! Jamaicans have been given a final warning to protect your life as Hurricane Melissa prepares to make landfall. The US National Hurricane Centre said catastrophic winds were moving onshore southern Jamaica and said Melissa was continuing to strengthen. This is the last chance to protect your life! an ominous statement posted just after 2pm UK time reads. 10AM #Melissa Update: @53rdWRS and @NOAA_HurrHunter Hurricane Hunter aircraft find that Melissa continues to strengthen. Catastrophic winds are moving onshore southern Jamaica. THIS IS THE LAST CHANCE TO PROTECT YOUR LIFE! For more updates visit https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJ pic.twitter.com/3jr34vkzrZ National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 28, 2025 02:10pm UK mobilising resources, Yvette Cooper confirms The Foreign Secretary has confirmed that the UK is mobilising resources to help Jamaica deal with the devastating effects of Hurricane Melissa. Yvette Cooper told MPs: Many people will be thinking of family and friends in Jamaica and in the region. I spoke with the Jamaican foreign minister yesterday to offer the UKs full support and solidarity. We are prepared to mobilise resources at their request and the Foreign Office stands ready to help British nationals 24/7. 01:54pm In pictures: Jamaicans brace for Hurricane Melissa A man walks in Kingston, Jamaica, as Hurricane Melissa approaches - AP A man walks along the coastline in Kingston, Jamaica - AP 01:31pm Why slow-moving storms are worse Melissa had been moving at 2mph but it has now picked up to near 7mph, according to weather forecasts. Slow-moving storms are worse because they last longer. The slow movement of the hurricane also does not mean winds are slower, with Melissa sustaining speeds of 175mph as it prepares to make landfall. 01:07pm Where will the hurricane hit? Hurricane Melissa is expected to slice diagonally across the island, entering near St Elizabeth parish in the south and exiting around St Ann parish in the north, before heading for Cuba. A life-threatening storm surge of up to 13 feet (4 meters) is expected across southern Jamaica. Palm trees sway as Hurricane Melissa is expected to make landfall in Kingston, Jamaica - REUTERS 12:46pm Hurricane-force winds to hit Jamaica in coming hours Hurricane-force winds are expected to hit Jamaica in the coming hours, according to the US National Hurricane Centre. The island has already faced tropical storm conditions, with Hurricane Melissa expected to make landfall during the next several hours. Melissa is still classified as a category five hurricane with maximum sustained winds near 175 mph. The hurricane is 55 miles (90 km) away from the island but hurricane-force winds will be felt up to 30 miles (45 km) from the centre, according to the NHC. 12:34pm British holidaymaker in full lockdown after flight cancelled b' ' A British holidaymaker has described being trapped in his hotel room on the island as a very nerve-wracking experience. Andrew Tracey, 32, travelled to Jamaica for a week-long holiday with his friend on Oct 20. He said TUI informed them that their flight home, which was supposed to take off yesterday, had been cancelled. The company has extended holidaymakers stay at the hotel and they remain on full lockdown in their rooms. Mr Tracey, from Folkestone, Kent, said: Its a very nerve-wracking experience. The winds have got up quite considerably over the last few hours, there are some trees that have fallen that I can see from my balcony. And we are yet to get the full force of the storm yet. Food packages have been arriving when its been safe for staff to get to us we are on full lockdown. We were told to put mattresses on the windows as the windows could fail, and to potentially consider locking ourselves in the bathroom for added safety. They have drained the pools, tied down ceiling fans, and the staff have been proactive with removing the bins and all sorts so its less of a threat. We actually had a really nice time out here until Sunday when the hotel started winding down and they stopped selling alcohol. But people were still arriving even with the hurricane warning in place which is just crazy. 12:21pm Pictured: Eye of the storm approaches Jamaica Hurricane Melissa is expected to make landfall soon and slice diagonally across the island 11:54am 5,000 Britons in Jamaica told to prepare for Melissa Britons in Jamaica have been told to prepare as the islands strongest storm on record closes in. The UK Foreign Office has set up a crisis centre ready to help the 5,000 Britons reported to be on the Caribbean island and the Royal Navy ship HMS Trent is already in the region on stand-by. All of Jamaicas international airports have been closed until further notice. An FCDO spokesperson said: We are closely tracking Hurricane Melissa and have updated our travel advice for countries and territories across the region. In Jamaica, we are urging British nationals there to follow the guidance of the local authorities - especially in the event of any evacuation orders. They added: We stand ready to support our partners and British nationals in the region. 11:33am Storm set to make landfall close to major urban centres The storm is predicted to be Jamaicas most destructive on record as the island nation hasnt taken a direct hit from a hurricane in over a decade and never from a Category 5. Dr Steve Godby, an expert in natural hazards at Nottingham Trent University, told The Telegraph: It is the kind of storm few Jamaicans will have witnessed. He continued: In 2007 I travelled to Jamaica with MapAction, a UK based NGO, to assist with the humanitarian response to Hurricane Dean. As a Category 5 storm, Dean had grazed the southern coast of the island and we saw informal housing in coastal districts levelled, trees stripped of leaves and branches and even concrete electricity pylons snapped. Unlike Dean, Melissa is heading for a landfall close to major population centres and will bring severe threats to people at the coast and inland this time. 11:27am What time will Melissa make landfall? It is not clear exactly when Hurricane Melissa will make landfall on Jamaica. The eye of the Category 5 storm had been forecast to hit the south-west of the island at 7am local time (12pm GMT). It is expected to move north-east towards Cuba by 7pm this evening (12am GMT) as a reduced Category 4 storm, before heading towards the Bahamas around 7pm (12am GMT) on Wednesday as a Category 2. 10:57am Watch: Strong gusts, big waves and fear on the Caribbean island Credit: CSU/CIRA & NOAA 10:54am The storm of the century for Jamaica The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) warned on Tuesday of a catastrophic situation expected in Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa makes landfall, bringing 180mph winds, flash floods and landslides. For Jamaica, it will be the storm of the century for sure, WMO cyclone specialist Anne-Claire Fontan said at a Geneva press briefing. She said that storm surges of up to four meters were expected during the day and that rainfall was set to exceed 70 centimetres or about twice the amount expected normal the entire rainy season. It means there will be catastrophic flash flooding and landslides, she said. Its a catastrophic situation expected in Jamaica, she added. 10:23am Storm could impact 1.5 million people in Jamaica alone Hurricane Melissa could affect 1.5 million people in Jamaica alone, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said Tuesday, warning of a massive impact. 1.5 million people may be impacted, Necephor Mghendi, the IFRCs head of delegation for the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean, told reporters, warning that number could be an underestimate. Roofs will be tested, floodwaters will rise, isolation will become a harsh reality for many. Over 800 shelters have been set up for evacuees from the worst-hit areas, he added. The main priority was to get people out of harms way to reduce the number of casualties. 10:02am Hurricane Melissa bears down on Jamaica track live 09:52am In pictures: Jamaicans wait for the storm A woman video chats with a friend in an underground room ahead of the hurricanes arrival - ap Craig Brown wraps a gas pump as Melissa approaches - REUTERS 09:30am Why is Melissa set to be so devastating? Hurricane Melissa, the strongest storm of 2025, is a large and slow-moving hurricane fuelled by unusually hot ocean temperatures in the Caribbean. Slow-moving The hurricane is crawling west towards Jamaica at speeds of around 3mph. Its slow pace means it will subject places in its path to longer stretches of torrential rain, destructive winds and heightened storm surge. Its this repetitive or continuous threat and existence in a dangerous situation, Jill Trepanier, a hurricane climatology expert at Louisiana State University, said. Its slow path also allowed it to strengthen substantially over the warm Caribbean waters through the weekend. Warm waters Ocean surface temperatures in the Caribbean are unusually high two to three degrees above normal and tropical storms are fuelled by the top layer of water. The warm waters injected energy into Melissa, allowing it to rapidly intensify from a tropical storm into a Category 5 hurricane. Warmer oceans also mean wetter storms because warm air can hold more moisture, threatening more torrential rain and flash floods. Climate change Melissa is the third storm this hurricane season to strengthen into Category 5, the second-highest total for any season on record, part of a trend of more intense Atlantic storms. Scientists warn that storms are becoming stronger faster as a result of climate change warming ocean waters, piling up fuel for seasonal storms. We havent had that many hurricanes in the Atlantic this season, but an unusual proportion of them went through a phase of intensifying quite rapidly, meteorologist and climate scientist Kerry Emanuel of MIT said. This may very well be collectively a signature of climate change, he said. 09:02am Catastrophic flooding, 175mph winds and 3ft of rain expected The US National Hurricane Center late on Monday warned that the winds at the eye of Hurricane Melissa are so strong they could cause total structural failure. The NHC warned of catastrophic flash flooding, landslides and destructive winds. Some parts of Jamaica were already cut off by Monday evening. In the NHC latest warning, it said: Conditions deteriorating on Jamaica as extremely dangerous Category 5 Melissa slowly approaches... catastrophic winds, flash flooding and storm surge expected on the island today... 08:38am Foreign Office urges Brits to reach shelters The Foreign Office has urged British nationals to head to their nearest hurricane shelter. Yvette Cooper, the Foreign Secretary, said she had spoken to her Jamaican counterpart, Kamina Smith, to offer our support and was monitoring the path of the hurricane. The US embassy in Jamaica has advised American citizens to be ready to shelter in place throughout the dangerous storm. The UK is closely monitoring Hurricane Melissa as it approaches Jamaica. I have spoken to @kaminajsmith to offer our support. The FCDO stands ready to help British nationals 24/7. Follow our travel advice and the advice of Jamaican authorities. https://t.co/KLbHzukqls Yvette Cooper (@YvetteCooperMP) October 27, 2025 08:32am Mapped: Melissas expected path 08:30am 52,000 Jamaicans lose power before storm lands Up to 52,000 people in Jamaica have already lost power before the one of the strongest storms recorded in the Atlantic makes landfall. Jamaica Public Service said that power had already been restored to more than 30,000 of those affected. We are working to connect the remaining customers, however, in some areas, heavy rain and difficult terrain are creating access challenges, it added. We stand with you. Please stay safe and stay indoors. 08:22am Weather is getting a bit wild, says British holidaymaker A British holidaymaker has told how the weather is getting a bit wild in Jamaica, writes Robert White. Rebecca Chapman, who arrived at a hotel half an hour away from Montego Bay in the north of the island on Thursday, said it had been turned into a ghost town ahead of the hurricane. The hotel had boarded its windows and strapped chandeliers to columns throughout the hotel, removing light bulbs and outside furniture to minimise damage. Speaking to BBC Radio 4s Today programme, Mrs Chapman said: We arrived very late on Thursday and almost as soon as we got here, things were starting to be put in place, so some of the restaurants were closed as soon as we arrived, the beaches were closed when we arrived. As the days have gone on, theyve shut down more and more of the hotel. Most of it is now boarded up, she said, adding that anything that can be moved has gone. Ms Chapman described the sea looking looks like a stormy Norfolk Sea with 6ft waves crashing on the beach, she added. Theres lots of debris already in the sea, and the beaches, and theres a weird rumbling noise that feels like its coming from the horizon which is really ominous. 08:03am Watch: Satellite footage shows Hurricane Melissa strengthening Credit: CSU/CIRA & NOAA 07:53am Jamaican PM: Ive been on my knees in prayer Andrew Holness, the Jamaican prime minister, said: I have been on my knees in prayer. Mr Holness told CNN that should the hurricane make landfall, recovery efforts will take far more resources than Jamaica has and that he anticipates major damage to our road infrastructure, bridges, drains, and possible some damage to ports and airports. The west of the island is expected to bear the brunt of the storm. I dont believe there is any infrastructure within this region that could withstand a Category 5 storm, so there could be significant dislocation, Mr Holness added. Towns and cities may be left without power and communications for days after the storm passes. 07:50am In pictures: Jamaica starts to feel the effects of Hurricane Mellisa A man walks by a house damaged by the preliminary winds of Hurricane Melissa - Shutterstock Editorial A fallen light pole blocks the road near Portmore - AFP High winds and heavy rain has started to batter the island before the storm makes landfall - REUTERS 07:43am Watch: Hurricane Hunters fly into eye of storm A US Air Force Reserve crew, known as the Hurricane Hunters, flew into the eye of Hurricane Melissa on Monday to collect data for the US National Hurricane Center. 07:40am Officials urge public to seek shelter now Authorities are concerned that locals are ignoring the warnings to seek shelter and deciding to stay put. By Monday evening, fewer than 1,000 people were in the islands 880 hurricane shelters. They should be seeing people now, Desmond McKenzie, a government minister said. I want to urge persons in these parishes to get to high ground as quickly as possible. Daryl Vaz, the Jamaican transport minister, said: Its way, way below what is required for a Category 5 hurricane. If you are not [smart], unfortunately, you will pay the consequences, he warned. 07:37am Three dead as Jamaica braces for mass destruction At least three people have died in Jamaica as the island braces for the worlds strongest storm this year to make landfall this morning. Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, has been increasing in strength as it barrels towards the Caribbean nation, threatening to bring catastrophic and life-threatening conditions. Three people died and 13 were injured while preparing for the hurricane by cutting down trees and working on ladders, officials said. Melissa, one of the strongest storms ever recorded in the Atlantic, has also killed at least three people in Haiti and a fourth person in the Dominican Republic. Hurricane Melissas centre is forecast to move over Jamaica on Tuesday, dumping up to a metre of rain in some parts, before striking south-east Cuba on Tuesday night and the Bahamas on Wednesday. The capital of Kingston has been ordered to evacuation along with other low-lying, flood-prone areas. 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. Rev. Jamal Bryant, the prominent Atlanta-area pastor, made a call to action during his churchs latest Sunday service. Bryant encouraged his congregation not to contribute to a major giving campaign being held by the church, but instead told them to donate food as federal assistance ends amid the government shutdown. Bryant urges donations of food, not money 11 Alive, Atlantas NBC affiliate, reported that Bryant made the unusual announcement during Sunday service. Speaking to the congregation of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Stonecrest near Atlanta, Bryant paused a major giving campaign that was supposed to raise $1 million for the church. Instead, Bryant urged his congregation to make food donations for people who will soon be losing federal food assistance, as well as those who have been furloughed or otherwise put out of work. As 11 Alive reported, New Birth runs a giveaway program that typically provides groceries to around 1,500 people every other week, and the church is expecting that number to rise to about 2,000. We have a responsibility, Bryant told the church on Sunday, pointing to the unprecedented political and economic crises facing the country. Our history is going to record that this president is the very first president in American history to starve his own citizens. In a video posted online, Bryant elaborates on the economic hardships that Americans are enduring. Since March, 300,000 Black women have lost their jobs, Bryant says in the video. He also notes that federal workers and contractors are going unpaid and millions of people are having their food assistance cut off during the ongoing government shutdown. He says he was inspired by God to forego one of his church services usual offerings, given the circumstances. I didnt feel like it would be right to ask people to march down with $5,000, $2,000, $3,000 and $1,000 when people dont know how theyre going to pay their rent. Pastor Jamal Bryant urges his congregation to bring food instead of money, turning Sunday service into a food drive to support families affected by SNAP cuts and job losses. He stated, Since March, 300,000 Black women have lost their jobs. pic.twitter.com/woWbUrGwSG The Culture Vibes (@theculturevibes) October 28, 2025 Amid the Trump administrations policies, Bryant leads community action Bryants giving message highlights hardships that have been impacting Americans not only in Georgia but across the country as well. As Blavity previously reported, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits are poised to stop Nov. 1 because of the ongoing government shutdown and the Trump administrations refusal to use contingency funds to cover the shortfall. This comes in addition to cutbacks and restrictions to SNAP passed by Republicans earlier this year, as well as job losses, including those caused by federal layoffs under the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bryant, meanwhile, has made a name for himself through his social activism. He rose to national prominence in early 2025 by calling for a Black customer boycott of Target after the big-box store chain rolled back its diversity initiatives in line with the Trump administrations anti-DEI stance. The boycott has contributed to Targets economic slump, leading to the companys executive leadership meeting with Bryant and other activists this year. Amid corporate changes in Target but no movement on restoring its diversity efforts, Bryant recently called for the boycott to continue. Bryant referenced the boycott in his remarks Sunday, telling his congregants, Clean out your cupboard, go to the supermarket Publix, Costco, Walmart just dont go to Target. We want to be a blessing to families in this city and in this community, not just in this congregation. Having led Black people across the nation to boycott Target over its failures to benefit the Black community, Bryant is now leading his local congregation to serve those around them. In doing so, he is ordering that his own churchs income take a backseat to the needs of the community, hopefully inspiring those who listen to him to donate generously at a time when those needs are growing due to politics. The post Jamal Bryant Calls On Churchgoers To Bring Food Donations Instead Of Money As SNAP/Food Stamps Stop appeared first on Blavity. A consortium consisting of Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Yanmar Power Solutions, and Japan Engine Corporation has carried out what it describes as the worlds first land-based operation of marine hydrogen engines. The demonstration took place at Japan Engines headquarters factory using a newly installed liquefied hydrogen fuel supply system. Results from the demonstration indicated that Kawasaki and Yanmar achieved stable hydrogen combustion in medium-speed four-stroke engines at rated output. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following completion of land-based demonstrations, the companies plan to coordinate with shipowners and shipyards on onboard trials with a view to implementation in commercial service. The trial forms part of the Green Innovation Fund Projects / Next-Generation Ship Development initiative, which is managed by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). The project, titled Development of Marine Hydrogen Engine and MHFS, supports efforts to reduce emissions in maritime transport. Kawasaki supplied a liquefied hydrogen fuel system capable of storing and gasifying liquid hydrogen to deliver it to engines at both high and low pressure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This allows for evaluation across several engine types, including low-speed two-stroke main propulsion models, four-stroke auxiliary engines, and four-stroke generator engines for use in electric propulsion applications. Japan Engine is developing a low-speed two-stroke hydrogen engine scheduled for operational evaluation in spring 2026. The dual-fuel system installed in all three engines enables operation with either hydrogen or diesel, allowing for greenhouse gas emission reductions while maintaining operational flexibility for vessel operators. The Japanese government established the Green Innovation Fund with Y2trn in resources through the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), aiming to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NEDO continued to provide financial support through additional budget allocations of Y300bn in fiscal year (FY) 2022 and Y456.4bn in FY2023. In April this year, Yanmar Power Technology, a subsidiary of Yanmar Holdings, received Approval in Principle (AiP) from DNV, a Norway-based classification society, for its GH320FC maritime hydrogen fuel cell system. "Japanese consortium completes first land-based marine hydrogen engine trial" was originally created and published by Ship Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. Vice President JD Vance revealed he is a big UFO fanatic and wants to dig into the topic of aliens more, while also saying Secretary of State Marco Rubio is very interested in UFOs as well. The vice president discussed his interest in aliens during an appearance on New York Post columnist Miranda Devines Pod Force One podcast on Wednesday. Devine, before the interview wrapped up, told Vance she is a mad UFO lunatic and Vance quickly said me too. The columnist then asked Vance about a comment from August on the Ruthless podcast where he said he was going to figure out the whole UFO-alien thing; Devine asked if he had indeed got to the bottom of it, two months later. NEW JD Vance on UFOs: Im a big believer that there are things out there we cant explain. If another person sees an alien, maybe I see an angel or a demon. Im a big believer that there are like spiritual forces working on the physical world that a lot of us dont see and pic.twitter.com/XjMButyY67 UAP James (@UAPJames) October 29, 2025 That was a little tongue in cheek, I have not figured it out yet. I havent had the time to figure it out yet, Vance said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But youve got access to all this classified [information], Devine followed up. I do, and I really want to sort of dig into it. You know, Marco is actually very interested in this too, and we talked about this back in our Senate days. So theres certainly an interest, certainly an intrigue, but, I havent yet had the time to really dig in. Things have been so busy. Vance continued by saying, like many others, he occasionally puts the tin foil hat on and wonders whether the government is covering up UFO and/or alien information. I cant allow myself to become so busy that I spend the next three years and I dont get to the bottom of this, Vance said. I will get to the bottom of this, but its going to take me a little time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Devine continued on the topic by saying National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard believed aliens exist. Vance said he wouldnt say whether he does or does not believe in aliens, but that he is open to supernatural forces existing. Im a big believer that there are things out there we cant explain, Vance said. And so, if another person sees an alien, maybe I see an angel or a demon. So Im a big believer there are spiritual forces working on the physical world that a lot of us dont see, and a lot of us dont understand, and a lot of us dont appreciate. He added that, whether it is aliens or guardian angels or more nefarious beings, he is focused on saying his prayers at night and hoping for the best. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other noteworthy moments from Vances interview with Devine include him talking about potentially running for president alongside his best friend Rubio in 2028. President Donald Trump on Monday said he believed a Vance-Rubio ticket would be unstoppable. Watch Vance discuss UFOs via the X clip above. And you can watch the full interview on YouTube by clicking here. The post JD Vance Admits Hes a Mad UFO Lunatic, Reveals Marco Rubio Very Interested in Topic first appeared on Mediaite. SEASIDE HEIGHTS, N.J. (PIX11) With ominous, grey skies over a troubled ocean Wednesday, the Jersey Shore is in store for a storm that could bring high winds and coastal flooding on Thursday. One to two inches of rain, usually the town handles pretty good, said Long Branch OEM coordinator Stan Dziuba. We do have crews out today, DPW is out all over cleaning drains, making sure everythings ready, checking the creeks, making sure theyre draining properly and theres no blockages or anything like that. More Local News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With chilly winds picking up on Wednesday and potential to pick up again by the end of the week, officials are expecting some beach erosion. We lost quite a bit the other day and were going to lose some more today as you can see behind us, said Dziuba. We have things exposed now that werent exposed in the past over the summer. Meanwhile, in Ocean County, a coastal flood advisory is in effect along with a gale warning out to sea. Our OEM guy will be out, we have public works that are going to be available, we have our electrician on call, hes not too far away, said Seaside Heights Police Chief Tom Boyd, who met Wednesday with the Ocean County Sheriff to discuss necessary preparations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State While they dont expect this storm to have a grave impact, this storm is not the only one on his mind on this day. Were on top of it. You know? Once you get burned once like we did in Sandy, you kind of pay attention, said Boyd. Wednesday marks the 13th anniversary of Superstorm Sandys landfall in New Jersey. Its on this day every year that Boyd is reminded of the bravery, sacrifice and courage of the community and first responders. We saved a mother with two children who were up in an attic, said Boyd. We saved her, she was calling for help. The county was sending us out, but I told the county, We dont have submarines, were underwater here.' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You never think its going to happen again, continued Boyd, but it can happen again. Thats what were worried about now. Thats why OEMs getting our stuff ready. 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. Oct. 29 (UPI) -- A group of at least three men dressed as construction workers broke into a New York home and stole jewelry worth $3.2 million and a safe, the NYPD has announced. The burglary happened at 2:20 p.m. EDT on Oct. 16, three days before thieves used similar tactics to steal the French crown jewels from Paris' Louvre Museum in another daytime heist. The men forcibly opened the back door of a home near 160th Street and 84th Drive in the Jamaica Hills neighborhood of Queens, the NYPD said in a statement from its Crimestoppers account on X, which seeks tips from the public in identifying suspects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities shared video footage of the men dressed like construction workers walking up to the home and then leaving some time later in a blue sedan that pulled into the driveway. WANTED FOR A BURGLARY: On 10/16/25, three unknown individuals entered a home located in the vicinity of 160th Street and 84th Drive by forcibly opening the rear door. Once inside the location the individuals removed a safe and jewelry, valued at approximately $3,200,000. pic.twitter.com/2eYn9jn5Is NYPD Crime Stoppers (@NYPDTips) October 28, 2025 It was not immediately clear if anyone was home at the time of the burglary, but police said in a statement to NBC News that nobody was injured during the incident. French prosecutors announced Sunday that arrests had been made in the Oct. 19 heist of jewels worth more than $100 million from the Louvre Museum. That investigation remains ongoing. The Louvre Museum heist has drawn attention to other headline-making thefts in recent days. The day after the Louvre Museum heist, historic coins were taken from a museum in the French town of Langres, the art news publication Urgent Matter reported. JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) A local couple who took a trip to Jamaica recently evacuated the country after they found out Category 5 Hurricane Melissa was making its way towards the island. The couple, Josh and Lori DeVoti, planned their trip back in February with a group of friends. The couple departed the United States on Oct.18 with the plan to return on Oct. 25. When we got there on Saturday, they had anticipated rain towards the end of the week, but there was really no talk of a hurricane until once we arrived, Lori DeVoti said. Photo: Lori DeVoti Photo: Lori DeVoti Photo: Lori DeVoti Photo: Lori DeVoti Photo: Lori DeVoti The couple found out about the hurricane through local news outlets early in the week of their trip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was probably Monday or Tuesday, and when we woke up Wednesday, I said, I really think we should probably consider leaving early,' Josh DeVoti said. It really changed for us Wednesday evening when we made the decision to leave on Thursday. The couple and their group changed their flights and ended up leaving days earlier than expected. It was starting to rain a little bit when we left, and more rain was supposed to be coming in through the later part of the week, Josh DeVoti said. Most of everything was moving towards the hotel up the beach area, trying to get some preparations for the storms coming. The couple spoke with others at their resort, along with locals, not expecting this storm to develop into a Category 5 hurricane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were certainly some mention of it, but the locals at the time didnt seem that bad since they have experienced somethat the tides may not come up very farand not to worry, Josh DeVoti said. But you could tell it was starting to rain a little bit and there was some concern that it could turn into something more catastrophic. Lori DeVoti said they did not expect it, so much so that they were going to extend their stay on the island an extra day before they found out about the impending weather. We actually didnt anticipate it so much that we were going to go Saturday to Saturday, and then Saturday, when we left and got to the airport, we asked if we could change our returning flight to Sunday, Lori DeVoti said. So we did, and we ended up booking another nights room until all of that occurred. When the couple decided to depart the island to avoid the storms, they kept the locals and others at the resort who chose to stay in their well-wishes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We talked to a few locals and told them we have them in our thoughts and that we hope they stay safe, Josh DeVoti said. The common response to most of them that we spoke to were that were Jamaican and were all extremely closewe have each others backwere resilient and will survive and it will be fine.' The couple said the locals were not aware of what this storm would become, as Jamaica has had many tropical storms over the years. Since weve been home and watched the news, its just heart-wrenching what theyll be going through, Lori DeVoti said. Its just a beautiful island, and our hearts and prayers go out with everybody involved, and we pray they stay safe. Though it was the couples first time traveling to Jamaica and they had to cut their trip short, they plan to return to the island one day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were glad we made the right decision at the time, the DeVotis said. It was our first time to Jamaica and we fell in love with itwe fell in love with the people, the culture, and we just hope that we can return one day and finish the memories that we began. 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 WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) A Johnson City man was arrested on two counts of aggravated child abuse/neglect on Tuesday after home security footage of him allegedly abusing a juvenile on two separate occasions was provided to the Washington County Sheriffs Office (WCSO). According to a release from the WCSO, Marcus Stewart Wright, 30, was taken into custody on Tuesday after deputies obtained a warrant for his arrest. The WCSO said Sullivan County deputies assisted in locating Wright. A criminal affidavit obtained by News Channel 11 states that a concerned citizen contacted a WCSO deputy after being sent residential security footage by a witness. The footage reportedly depicts a man, whom the complainant identified as Wright, and a juvenile, during an incident that allegedly took place in July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The affidavit said the concerned citizen provided the footage to the WCSO for the witness, and the footage was placed into evidence. Following the tip regarding the initial video of the alleged abuse, the citizen reported hours later that the witness sent them another video that depicted another, separate instance of alleged abuse. The affidavit said the second reported abuse allegation took place around or on Oct. 7. The second video was also put into evidence, the affidavit said. According to the affidavit, a warrant was then obtained for Wright due to the totality of these circumstances. Wright was being held in the Washington County Detention Center on a $26,000 bond as of Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. KANSAS CITY, Mo. A Johnson County, Missouri, man was sentenced to prison earlier this week after pleading guilty in a 2023 double homicide case. Jonathan Goodwin Jr., 22, of Centerview, pleaded guilty to amended charges of voluntary manslaughter and second-degree murder in the shooting deaths of 24-year-old Alexis Rietbrock and 40-year-old Kevin Totty. See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Goodwin also pleaded guilty to two counts of armed criminal action, according to online court records. After pleading guilty Monday in Johnson County Circuit Court, the court ordered Goodwin to serve 35 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections. The deadly shooting was happened Nov. 9, 2023, at a trailer home just south of Warrensburg off Missouri 13 highway. Two days after the killings, the Johnson County Sheriffs Office announced that Goodwin had been located and arrested in Warrensburg. 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. The Jacksonville Sheriffs Office is asking for the publics help in identifying two individuals suspected of stealing 12 pairs of shoes from a Northside shoe store near City Station Drive on October 8. According to surveillance footage, one suspect wearing sunglasses and another wearing a black cap were seen collecting multiple boxes of shoes before leaving the store without paying. Both individuals left the premises together with the merchandise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators note that while the suspects left the scene, video cameras captured clear images of both individuals. Anyone who recognizes the suspects is asked to contact JSO at 904-630-0500. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. BLOOMFIELD HILLS - Phyllis Stafford, the 95-year-old Milford driver sentenced to nine months of house arrest in April after she struck and killed a Novi woman was back in court on Tuesday requesting to be allowed to leave her home to go back to work at a local courthouse. Judge Diane D'Agostini of the 48th District Court appeared stunned at the request that came 67 days shy of the end of the 270-day home confinement. Stafford also requested community service alternatives to D'Agostini's original order that Stafford speak to teens and senior citizens about the dangers of distracted driving. The judge denied both requests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "She's not in jail," D'Agostini told Stafford's attorney, Spencer Bondy. "She's in home confinement because I didn't sentence her to jail due to her age, otherwise it would have been a jail sentence," D'Agostini said. "I wanted to be clear on that and now we're asking for even more." Stafford was in court because she wanted to be permitted to leave her home and take public transit to go to work as a clerk at the 52-1 District Court in Novi for four hours a day, five days a week. Stafford has worked for the court for more than 50 years and has continued working from home during her confinement. Bondy told Hometownlife that Stafford has been "isolated and hasn't seen anyone" and added, "We waited until her confinement was over 200 days (before asking for her to be allowed to go back to work) to be as respectful as possible... We understand actions have consequences." D'Agostini noted that working from home is a luxury many people don't have. When she learned that Stafford was still working as a court clerk, D'Agostini initially said she didn't know how to respond to that, then added she found it "strange" that Stafford was working at a courthouse "when convicted of this very serious charge." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stafford pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of moving violation causing death in March, more than five months after she rear-ended Sarah Thexton's vehicle on Oct. 3, 2024, and then struck and killed Thexton after the wife and mother exited her vehicle to inspect the damage. Stafford told D'Agostini she "understood" her observation and then said "all I am doing is entering tickets for the court." D'Agostini said she had spent a lot of time looking at sentencing factors in the case, which she called a "tragic situation" in which a person died and a husband and daughter were affected. Sarah Thexton (right) with her husband Chris and daughter Emma in 2018. Sarah Thexton died Oct. 3, 2024 when police say she was run over by a 94-year-old Milford driver. Chris Thexton wants Michigan to enact laws regarding elderly drivers. The judge noted that "loneliness and anxiety" were cited in Stafford's sentence modification request. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's hard for me when I think about the victim's family who continue to go through this and are serving a life sentence," D'Agostini said. "What about Mrs. Thexton's family? She was taken away for no reason whatsoever. I can't make this any easier. The motion is denied." Chris Thexton, Sarah Thexton's widower, said the judge's decision was appropriate. "It was shocking Stafford would even ask," Thexton said. "Considering the lack of remorse and contrition, she should be deeply ashamed and should never have appealed a very, very light sanction in the first place. Shame on her - 67 days (left in her home confinement) and then she lives her life. She destroyed a family and she's not sorry." Thexton continues to hope Michigan might one day have elderly driving laws to prevent tragedies like the one his family has suffered. After Sarah's death, he made a plea to Sen. Rosemary Bayer to bring to the Michigan Legislature proposed changes, including requiring those over age 70 to renew their license in-person every two years and have their vision tested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bayer said in March that she had met with Secretary of State officials and hoped to bring a proposal for adoption of new state laws to the legislature this past June. On Tuesday, Bayer said she was still negotiating with the Secretary of State's office over concerns about the cost of implementing more frequent testing for driver's license renewals. After initial suggestions of testing every year or two starting at age 75 or 80, Bayer believes SoS officials are more willing to consider required driver's testing starting at age 85. "We are not done negotiating," Bayer said. "There is cost and effort in everything. It's hard to add new programs in a budget that has no room. Everytime you raise the age, the cost of the program goes down, because there are less people. Other states are also at 85 (for more testing)." Contact reporter Susan Bromley at sbromley@hometownlife.com This article originally appeared on Hometownlife.com: Milford woman, 95, asks judge to modify house arrest stemming from fatal crash Essayli Ruled Ineligible In what is now the third such ruling, a federal judge disqualified Bill Essayli as acting U.S. attorney in Los Angeles, ruling that his appointment was a Trump administration workaround that violated federal law. Essayli has been ineligible for the post since the end of July, concluded U.S. District Judge J. Michael Seabright of Hawaii, who was brought in to the hear the challenge because local district judges have the power under one statutory scheme to appointment acting U.S. attorneys. The decision follows similar rulings against Alina Habba in New Jersey and Sigal Chattah in Nevada that have thwarted a Trump White House effort to install loyalists and avoid or at least delay the toils of Senate confirmation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest ruling has major implications for the corrupt political prosecutions of former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, who are both challenging on similar grounds the appointment of Lindsey Halligan as U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. But there are a couple of twists to the judges ruling against Essayli, whose appointment was challenged by three different criminal defendants and consolidated into one case: While Essayli may not perform the functions of U.S. attorney, he remains the first assistant U.S. attorney and may perform the functions and duties of that office. The judge did not dismiss the indictments of the defendants because they were lawfully signed by other attorneys for the government and there has been no showing of due process violations or other irregularities in Defendants prosecutions resulting from Essaylis unlawful service as Acting United States Attorney. The fact that no other attorney signed the Comey and James indictments other than Halligan looms large. Unlike the indictments Essayli obtained, both Comey and James argue that there was highly irregular conduct in their cases as part of a larger scheme of vindictive prosecutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier yesterday, before the Essayli decision became public, the outside judge hearing the Comey and James challenges to Halligan gave the Trump DOJ a Monday deadline to provide to him for his sole review all documents relating to the indictment signers participation in the grand jury proceedings, along with complete grand jury transcripts because he finds it necessary to determine the extent of the indictment signers involvement in the grand jury proceedings. The judge has set a joint oral argument on Halligans appointment for Nov. 13. Stay tuned Big Ruling in Oregon National Guard Case The full 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has vacated a panel ruling that upheld President Trumps deployment of the National Guard to Portland and will re-hear the case. The move comes after the dissenting judge on the panel essentially begged the full court to take up the case. Bovino Required to Meet Judge Daily US Customs and Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino leaves federal court at Dirksen Federal Building after his hearing in Chicago, Illinois, on October 28, 2025. Bovino was ordered to appear in federal court for violating a temporary restraining order issued by District Judge Sara Ellis that orders immigration enforcement agents to limit use of tear gas and other crowd-suppression items except when there is an imminent threat. (Photo by KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI / AFP) (Photo by KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI/AFP via Getty Images) In a closely-watched hearing in Chicago, Customs and Border Protection commander Greg Bovino was ordered to meet every weekday at 6 p.m. CT with U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis to report on the use of force in Operation Midway Blitz. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ellis summoned Bovino to court after lawyers complained that he had personally violated her court order on the use of tear gas by deploying it himself without warning. Ellis didnt dig too deeply into the specifics of the incident involving Bovino, according to reports from court, but she did order Bovino to begin wearing a body cam and deliver to her all reports on the use of force and existing body cam footage from Sept. 2 to the present. DHS Busted for Propaganda The Trump administration has used false or misleading footage on at least six occasions in government-produced videos promoting its mass deportation agenda, according to an analysis by WaPo that found some of the footage was from different times and locations than the videos claimed. Another Abrego Garcia? The Trump administration deported a man to Laos despite an Oct. 23 federal court order barring his removal, the AP reports. Chanthila Shawn Souvannarath, 44, who was born in a refugee camp in Thailand and lived in the United States since before the age of 1, claims to have U.S. citizenship. He was taken into ICE custody in June in Alabama and had been detained at the immigrant detention center at Angola State Penitentiary in Louisiana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. District Judge Shelly Dick of Baton Rouge entered an ex parte TRO on Thursday after finding that Souvannarath had made a substantial claim of having U.S. citizenship. But by Sunday, Souvannarath messaged his wife on WhatsApp that he was in Laos. The ACLU, which is representing Souvannarath, called it a stunning violation of a federal court order. We Are So Cooked Heres the genius argument a Trump DOJ attorney put forward in court yesterday to defend mass layoffs of federal workers during the government shutdown: A Justice Department attorney defending the administration at the hearing Tuesday, Michael Velchik, said the firings were lawful and represented the will of the electorate expressed through President Donald Trumps victory at the polls last year. The American people selected someone known above all else for his eloquence in communicating to employees that, Youre fired! Velchik said, referring to Trumps trademark line on his television show, The Apprentice. U.S. District Judge Susan Illston of San Francisco rejected the Trump administrations position and indefinitely extended her order banning reductions in force at most major government agencies during the government shutdown. White House Fires Art Commissioners The Trump White House sacked all six Biden-appointed members of the Commission of Fine Arts in preparation for stacking the independent agency with loyalists. The commission was expected to review plans for Trumps new White House ballroom and a triumphal arch in D.C. New U.S. High Seas Attack Kills 14 The U.S. continued its lawless conduct on the high seas with a series of three strikes on four alleged drug-smuggling boats Monday that killed 14 people in the Pacific off the coasts of Central and South America, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. A man survived one of the strikes in waters near Mexico and Guatemala and was apparently rescued by Mexican authorities. No word on his status. Too Crazy Even for Kash Patel Joe Kent, the Senate-confirmed director of the counterterrorism center and close adviser to DNI Tulsi Gabbard, obtained FBI files on the assassination of Charlie Kirk without the knowledge of senior FBI officials, the NYT reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kent was reportedly investigating whether the man facing state charges for killing Kirk had help from other people or entities, according to the NYT. DOJ officials were alarmed that Kent was jeopardizing the criminal investigation. The incident led to a White House meeting that included Kent, Gabbard, FBI Director Kash Patel, Vice President JD Vance, White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, and unnamed top DOJ officials, according to the report. Man Jailed for Posting a Charlie Kirk Meme A Tennessee man has been in jail for more than a month after posting a meme to Facebook that trolled the memorial service for the slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The meme draws on a quote from Donald Trump following a January 2024 school shooting in Perry, Iowa: We have to get over it. The post on the Whats Happening in Perry County, Tennessee Facebook page prompted the sheriff to obtain an arrest warrant for Larry Bushart Jr. Heres how The Intercept describes the, ummm, confusion: Its possible, perhaps, to imagine how the Trump meme might have set some members of the Facebook group on edge at least upon first glance. The post invoked a school shooting at a Perry High School. The local high school in Linden is called Perry County High School. Moreover, just one month earlier, Weems had reported an alleged threat against the school, prompting administrators to cancel all classes for the safety of our students and staff. Still, it was easy to discern that, apart from the name Perry, there was nothing connecting the meme to Linden. The indefatigable Phil Williams of Nashville New Channel 5, interviewed the Perry County (Tennessee, just so were clear) Sheriff Nick Weems, who managed in one sitting to pretty much blow up his own case. He admitted law enforcement knew it was an existing meme circulating on the internet, but claimed upset members of the public did not know that. Weems said the arrest could have been avoided if Bushart had just taken down the post: Whenever we sent Lexington Police Department out to speak to him and he refused to do that, I mean, what kind of person does that? Weems asked. What kind of person just says he dont care? Busharts bond has been set at $2 million. Do you like Morning Memo? Let us know! Cathie Metheny, whose mother lives at the John Manchin Sr. Health Care Center in Fairmont, West Virginia, lays out her concerns in court Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, about the hospital being sold to a private company. (Photo courtesy of Esteban Fernandez/Times WV) A Marion County judge has lifted a temporary restraining order that could have halted Gov. Patrick Morriseys sale of a Fairmont long-term care hospital. The governor is selling in total four long-term care hospitals in West Virginia, saying that the facilities have been operating at a $6 million yearly loss to the state. The sale is set to close Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 94-year-old resident of John Manchin Sr. Health Care Center in Fairmont sued Morrisey and Department of Health Facilities Secretary Michael Caruso last week seeking to stop the sale. Her attorney, Sen. Joey Garcia, argued that Morrisey and Caruso didnt have the legal authority to sell the state-owned hospitals which often serve elderly patients who have no other options without the Legislatures approval. The governor and secretary couldnt willy nilly, take this department and dismantle it, Garcia said. On Tuesday, Marion County Circuit Court Judge Matthew S. Delligatti sided with the state, saying, The secretary does have the authority to proceed with the sale of the John Manchin Health Facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New York-based Marx Development Group is buying the properties in Beckley, Fairmont, Terra Alta and West Columbia for $60 million. A subsidiary of the company, Majestic Care, will operate the hospitals. Delligatti issued a temporary restraining order stopping the sale of the John Manchin facility last week following Garcias lawsuit. The plaintiff, Mary DeVito, has dementia and requires help eating, bathing and more. Her daughter, Cathie Metheny, acts as her power of attorney. Metheny said in court that her mom had always received excellent care for seven years at the John Manchin center and she worried about the change in ownership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Majestic Care is contractually required to build at least three new hospitals on a set timeline, and theyve committed $80 million to the project. But there is no requirement about where they build the hospitals, prompting concerns that the hospitals could leave the rural areas they serve. The John Manchin hospital needs $535,000 in maintenance; all the facilities combined need $3.9 million in deferred maintenance. Metheny, who said she visited her mother nearly every day, was very concerned about her mother potentially being moved outside of Fairmont to a new hospital. Im only 2.6 miles away, she said. It has kept her alive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Metheny shared other concerns about potential staff turnover and that her mother could be discriminated against. Lawyers for the state laid out arguments to quell those concerns, saying that around 90% of employees are staying on to work with Majestic Care. Additionally, the company has committed to keeping current patients. Aaron Snodgrass, chief financial officer for the Department of Health Facilities, said in court that any potential delay to the closing this Friday could result in harm to hundreds of patients across the four facilities. The states contracts with vendors, including those providing food and pharmacy services to patients, are set to expire Friday, and theres no guarantee that services could be renewed by the weekend. Its going to be very difficult because of the state purchasing rules, Snodgrass said. We cannot operate a facility without a contract in place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some hospital employees insurance is set to expire this week as theyll no longer receive state benefits. Garcia argued that the buyer had already delayed the closing last month, and the state could deal with contract extensions once again. The judge felt that pausing the sale days away from the closing would bring too much harm. Harm to patients, employers and others would be greater than the plaintiffs, Delligatti said. While Garcia had argued that a 2023 bill creating the Department of Health Facilities didnt give the secretary the authority to sell the hospitals, the judge noted that the language in the statute is unambiguous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for whether it was a good practice for the governor or secretary to sell state-owned hospitals without the Legislatures approval, Delligatti said that was not a policy for the court to decide. Metheny also stressed that she wished Morrisey and his administration had been more forthcoming about details of the sale, including their plans to keep staff and patients. Communication issues have been a central sticking point for lawmakers, many of whom found out about the sale minutes before it was announced or alongside the public. Ahead of the hearing on Tuesday, Morrisey told the media in Charleston that he felt it was a clear case. Sometimes you get courts in various areas that have different perspectives of the law, but ultimately when the cases get to their final resting place, the right decision gets made, Morrisey said. We are correct on the law here, and weve looked at this very closely, and I think its just a matter of when this gets upheld rather than whether it doesnt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governor added that, This is a better deal for all the people that are getting care of those facilities. Im excited about that. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE A judge ruled that yet another lawyer was illegally leading a federal prosecutors office in President Donald Trumps second term. The latest such decision, involving the Los Angeles office, may have limited practical effect. But it shows that if James Comey and Letitia James are similarly successful in their challenges to Lindsey Halligans tenure in Virginia, then that could lead to a more meaningful result there. Federal district judges have ruled that Trump-backed lawyers purporting to lead offices in Nevada (Sigal Chattah) and New Jersey (Alina Habba) were also serving unlawfully under temporary appointments without Senate confirmation. Appellate courts have yet to resolve the issue, and it could ultimately be decided by the Supreme Court, where a ruling would guide how U.S. attorneys offices operate across the country in Trumps second term and beyond. Getting to the practical effects, criminal defendants charged in the Central District of California challenged Trump-installed prosecutor Bill Essaylis appointment. They argued that their cases should be dismissed. But while U.S. District Judge J. Michael Seabright deemed Essaylis tenure unlawful and said he cant perform any role in prosecuting or supervising the cases, the judge declined to dismiss them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Importantly, Seabrights reasoning highlights crucial differences from Halligans situation in the Eastern District of Virginia. Explaining his ruling Tuesday, the George W. Bush appointee noted that the California indictments did not result from duties or functions that only Essayli could have performed; they were obtained by AUSAs [assistant U.S. attorneys] after presentment to a grand jury, and signed by AUSAs (not by Essayli) exercising powers delegated from the Attorney General. The judge wrote that it is undisputed that the indictments here were signed by AUSAs in compliance with procedural rules. He wrote that there is no indication that Essayli had any involvement in the indictments or in the supervision of the cases. Underscoring the point, he added, Everything before the court indicates that the prosecutions substantive actions have been performed by lawfully appointed AUSAs. That is quite different from Halligans actions in the Comey and James cases. She was apparently the only prosecutor involved before she brought in other Justice Department lawyers to assist her after she secured the indictments against the former FBI director and the New York attorney general, respectively. Comeys and James cases are earlier in the litigation process, and a district judge has yet to rule on their challenges to the validity of Halligans interim appointment. But if the tenure of the Trump-installed prosecutor in Virginia is also deemed unlawful, that could put the Comey and James cases at more serious risk of dismissal. Of course, the legality of Halligans appointment is just one of several legal issues the defendants are pressing in those cases that could get them dismissed before trial. Subscribe to the Deadline: Legal Newsletter for expert analysis on the top legal stories of the week, including updates from the Supreme Court and developments in the Trump administrations legal cases. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com The Justice Departments top prosecutor in Los Angeles has been illegally serving in the role since July, a federal judge ruled Tuesday. Bill Essayli, Trumps pick in April to temporarily lead the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Central District of California, should have departed the post by July 31 under a 120-day limit imposed by federal law, U.S. District Judge J. Michael Seabright concluded. An unusual maneuver by Attorney General Pam Bondi to extend Essaylis tenure into 2026 violated federal appointment laws, the Hawaii-based George W. Bush appointee ruled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Simply stated: Essayli unlawfully assumed the role of Acting United States Attorney for the Central District of California, Seabright concluded. Essayli may not perform the functions and duties of the United States Attorney He is disqualified from serving in that role. The Justice Department declined to comment on the ruling, citing ongoing litigation. However, Essayli emphasized in a post on X that the ruling permits him to continue serving as the highest-ranking official in the office he oversaw, even if he cant hold the title of U.S. attorney. Nothing is changing, he wrote. Essayli did not address another possibility: Under federal law, the judges of the Central District of California could appoint some other attorney to fill the U.S. attorney post until Trump can get a nominee confirmed to the post. Federal law empowers judges to fill vacancies in the U.S. attorneys post after the expiration of an interim U.S. attorneys tenure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seabright is the third judge in recent weeks to disqualify top prosecutors appointed by Bondi to temporarily fill vacant positions in key federal offices, including those overseeing federal prosecutions in New Jersey, Nevada and now the Los Angeles area. And the rulings may inform a fourth effort by former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James to disqualify Lindsey Halligan, the Trump-backed prosecutor in Virginia who recently secured their indictments. The challenge to Essaylis continued tenure as acting U.S. attorney was brought by three defendants who were indicted by his office after his initial term as interim U.S. attorney was slated to expire. They asked Seabright to toss their cases altogether. Seabright concluded that despite Essaylis illegal tenure, indictments he brought should not be dismissed because they were also signed by other, legally appointed career prosecutors in his office. That conclusion could bode poorly for Halligan, who was the only attorney to sign the Comey and James indictments, after career prosecutors in her office resisted bringing the cases. U.S. District Judge Cameron Currie, a South Carolina-based appointee of Bill Clinton, is weighing the effort to disqualify Halligan next month. The challenge to Essayli was assigned to the Hawaii-based judge because ruling on the challenge to Essaylis appointment was seen as a conflict for the judges based in the district in which Essayli oversaw prosecutions. The litigation against the chief prosecutors in New Jersey, Nevada and Eastern Virginia was also assigned to out-of-district judges for the same reason. A federal judge Tuesday ruled that Bill Essayli is "not lawfully serving" in his position as acting U.S. attorney in Los Angeles, the latest rebuke of the Trump administration's unusual maneuvers to keep political allies in power as chief federal prosecutors across the country. Although the ruling disqualifies Essayli from continuing in the role of "acting" U.S. attorney, the judge said he can still remain in charge of the office as "first assistant," a lesser title he already holds. Im still here, Im not planning to go anywhere. Were still reviewing that order, Essayli said at a news conference Wednesday. Were less concerned with titles and were more concerned with the authority of my position to be able to run this office as the chief federal law enforcement officer of this district. I think the judge has made clear, regardless of my title, I have the authority to run this office." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senior U.S. District Judge J. Michael Seabright of Hawaii was brought in to oversee motions seeking to disqualify Essayli after federal judges in Los Angeles recused themselves. His ruling follows a string of challenges nationwide to Trump's tactics for installing loyalists who wield the power to bring criminal charges and sue on the government's behalf. Essayli, 39, a former Riverside County assemblyman, was appointed as the regions interim top federal prosecutor by U.S. Atty. Gen. Pam Bondi in April. The top prosecutors in charge of U.S. attorney's offices are supposed to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate or an interim can be appointed by a panel of federal judges, but the Trump administration has circumvented the normal process in order to allow Essayli and others to remain on the job without ever facing a vote. Since taking office, Essayli has doggedly pursued President Trumps agenda, championing hard-line immigration enforcement in Southern California, often using the presidents language verbatim at news conferences. His tenure has sparked discord in the office, with dozens of career Justice Department prosecutors quitting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Essayli's temporary appointment was set to expire in late July, but the White House never moved to nominate him to a permanent role, instead opting to shift his title to acting, extending his term for an additional nine months. Challenges to Essayli's appointment were brought in at least three criminal cases, with defense lawyers arguing that the charges brought under his watch are invalid and should be dismissed. The federal public defender's office in Los Angeles had asked the judge to disqualify Essayli from participating in and supervising criminal prosecutions in the district. The judge declined to dismiss the indictments, finding that there had been no showing that Essayli's supervision in the acting role had "improperly interfered with the grand jury process or led to any other specific actions that prejudiced Defendants." We are glad to see that the Court has recognized the invalidity of Mr. Essaylis appointment and hope this decision helps promote respect for our constitutional order," Federal Public Defender Cuauhtemoc Ortega said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ruling Tuesday could be appealed, though neither side has yet given an indication of its next move. In his decision, Seabright said he shared the concerns of federal public defenders that a ruling allowing Essayli to retain his authority would be little remedy at all. Seabright who was appointed to the bench by George W. Bush said that although Essayli could not continue to be the acting U.S. attorney, "including prosecuting or supervising these cases in that role," the court "has no basis to preclude Essayli from performing the lawful duties" of first assistant U.S. attorney. "And in that capacity, he could supervise these prosecutions," Seabright wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Justice declined to comment on any of the rulings, citing ongoing litigation. But the news sparked a back-and-forth on social media, after Sen. Adam Schiff posted on X about the judge's ruling leaving Essayli in place. "While this Administration continues to replace career professionals with illegitimate political allies eager to do Trumps bidding, Californians need better relief than this," Schiff wrote. "I do the American Peoples bidding at the direction of their duly elected President. Thats how our Constitution works," Essayli responded. "Try reading and abiding by it sometime." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Similar challenges have already played out in other district courts across the country. A federal judge in August determined Alina Habba has been illegally occupying the U.S. attorney post in New Jersey, although that order was put on hold pending appeal. Last month, a federal judge disqualified Nevadas top federal prosecutor, Sigal Chattah, from several cases, concluding she is not validly serving as acting U.S. attorney." Chattah's disqualification is also paused while the Department of Justice appeals the decision. James Comey, the former FBI director charged with lying to Congress, cited the Nevada and New Jersey cases in a recent filing, and is now challenging the legality of Trump's appointment of Lindsey Halligan as U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. Halligan was appointed after her predecessor, also a Trump appointee, refused to seek charges against Comey. Seabright referenced the similar cases elsewhere, but said that when Essayli assumed the role "no court had disapproved of the practice." Neither of the decisions in Nevada or New Jersey, he said, "is binding on this district court." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "No other court and significantly, no circuit court has yet ruled," he wrote. Assistant U.S. Atty. Alexander P. Robbins previously told the judge the government believes Essayli's term will end on Feb. 24 and that afterward the role of acting U.S. attorney will remain vacant. Robbins argued in a filing that the court shouldn't order Essayli "to remove the prosecutorial and supervisory hats that many others in this Office wear, sowing chaos and confusion into the internal workings of the U.S. Attorneys Office for the largest district in the country." When asked by a Times reporter last month about the motion to disqualify him, Essayli said the president won the election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The American people provided him a mandate to run the executive branch, including the U.S. attorneys office, and I look forward to serving at the pleasure of the president, he said during a news conference. 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. BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) A North Dakota judge has ordered Greenpeace to pay damages of $345 million, reducing an earlier jury award after it found the environmental group and related entities liable for defamation and other claims in connection with protests of an oil pipeline nearly a decade ago. The new amount is roughly half the $667 million that a jury had awarded to the pipeline company that brought the claims, Dallas-based Energy Transfer and subsidiary Dakota Access. The case stems from protests in 2016 and 2017 against the Dakota Access oil pipeline and its crossing of the Missouri River near the Standing Rock Sioux Tribes reservation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Greenpeace had asked state District Judge James Gion to rule in its favor on the claims against it, with mixed results. In granting the request to some claims, the judge said he had no evidence to review or that the damages were duplicative. In denying others, he said the evidence could lead a jury to reasonably make such findings. He limited certain damages and disallowed several claims. Energy Transfer said it intends to appeal as we firmly believe that the original jury findings and damages awards for conspiracy and defamation are lawful and just. Greenpeace, for its part, intends to seek a new trial and will appeal if denied, saying, we still believe that the remaining claims are legally unfounded. The group has said the lawsuit is meant to chill free speech and the right to protest. In March, a nine-person jury found Netherlands-based Greenpeace International, Greenpeace USA and funding arm Greenpeace Fund Inc. liable for defamation and other claims brought by Energy Transfer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The jury found Greenpeace USA liable on all counts, including conspiracy, trespass, nuisance and tortious interference with business relations. The other two entities were found liable for some of the claims. Damages totaled $666.9 million, divided in different amounts among the three Greenpeace organizations. The pipeline company accused Greenpeace of carrying out a scheme to stop the pipeline. Greenpeace attorneys said there was no evidence to back up the claims. After the verdict, attorneys for the Greenpeace entities asked the judge to reduce the damages and to undo the verdict in their favor. Energy Transfer asked the judge to enter the judgment the jury found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit was filed in 2019 and went to trial earlier this year in state district court in Mandan, North Dakota. In September, the judge denied a request from the pipeline company to stop Greenpeace International from continuing with an anti-intimidation lawsuit it filed against Energy Transfer in the Netherlands. A Frederick County Circuit Court judge expressed concerns about a city of Frederick ordinance on blighted properties at the heart of a dispute over a vacant building in downtown Frederick. Judge Julia Martz-Fisher heard arguments in Frederick County Circuit Court on Tuesday from lawyers for the city and for Julia & James Properties LLC on whether the city should be allowed to put the former site of the Asiana restaurant on North Market Street into a receivership agreement to be renovated and sold. Martz-Fisher said she had real concerns about how the citys ordinance determines which vacant properties are considered blighted and whether it improperly affects property owners rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fredericks receivership ordinance regulating abandoned or blighted properties violates the Maryland constitution and the states 1960 law regarding blighted properties and urban renewal, Timothy Maloney, a lawyer for Julia & James Properties, told Martz-Fisher. The citys standard for a blighted building requires that it be either unoccupied by the owner, a lessee, or another person in lawful possession of the building or that substantially all lawful use, consistent with zoning regulations has ceased, according to a brief filed by the city earlier this year. A property must then meet one of four other requirements, including one that it has been vacant for more than four consecutive years before the city files a receivership petition. But the citys law allows properties to remain vacant, and it even has a registry to keep track of such properties, Maloney said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because of that, the citys ordinance that a building being unoccupied for four years means its blighted simply cannot stand, he said. Julia & James, operated by Myung D. Ro and Duk Hee Ro, is asking Martz-Fisher to reconsider District Court Judge Earl W. Bartgis Jr.s decision in August 2024 that the building should be put into a receivership with St. John Properties, so the developer can renovate and sell the property. A property owner must be given fair market value for their property, and theres no guarantee that a receiver will sell a property for its fair market value, Maloney said. The citys ordinance to deal with blighted properties that cause a nuisance, fire hazard, or other public danger was enacted in 2013 and amended in 2016, Assistant City Attorney Scott Waxter told Martz-Fisher. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge asked how the city determines which properties to apply the ordinance. There are other properties in the city that have been vacant for years, she said how does the city determine when to enforce the ordinance and when not to? North Market Street is the crown jewel of Frederick, and certainly not a blighted area, she said. Receivership is a drastic step that needs to be looked at sparingly, she said. The citys Public Works department examined the Market Street property and determined there was no fire suppression or other requirements, Waxter said. The city could have chosen to condemn the building, but didnt, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a practical point, the building never would have been torn down, because of historic preservation guidelines and other rules, he said. Property owners have a right to use their property as they see fit, as long as its not creating a hazard, Martz-Fisher said. The citys ordinance arose out of a task force appointed by former Mayor Randy McClement, City Attorney Rachel Gray said in response to a question from Martz-Fisher on how four years was determined as the requirement for vacancy. The judge said she appreciates the citys efforts to address residents concerns about vacant properties, but shes not sure four years is enough to create a problem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I just have real concerns about this ordinance, to be honest with you, she said. Receivership is one option to allow the city to intervene to prevent blight, and is seen as a last resort approach, Gray said. The process is well within the citys authority to enforce building and property codes, and property owners dont have a right to keep their properties in a blighted condition that endangers other properties and public safety, she said. The city listed things such as dumping, squatting, vandalism, or trespassing as public dangers, but none of those is alleged in this case, Maloney said. After hearing nearly three hours of arguments, Martz-Fisher said she hopes to announce her decision in the case within the next two weeks. A New York federal judge ruled in favor of online news publishers and advertisers who allege Google unlawfully monopolized the digital advertising market and diverted revenue that would have otherwise gone to news operations. U.S. District Court Judge P. Kevin Castel granted partial summary judgement for Gannett, the countrys largest newspaper chainand owner of USA TODAY, the Daily Mail, digital media company Inform and a proposed class of smaller publishers, holding Google liable for illegally monopolizing its advertising placement technology business. In a complaint filed in 2023, Gannett and the other plaintiffs accused Google of violating federal antitrust laws by abusing its dominant position to control and profit from the technology used by publishers to buy and sell ads across the internet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his ruling, Castel pointed to the findings in the Justice Departments antitrust trial against Google in Northern Virginia earlier this year. U.S. District Court Judge Leonie Brinkema ruled in April that Google acted illegally to maintain its monopoly over some of the automated systems that place ads on the internet, allowing the company to substantially harm publishers, the competitive process, and consumers of information.. In that case, the Justice Department accused Google of excluding competitors and "corrupting" the digital ad market, which is worth more than $200 billion in the U.S. During the trial, DOJ called witnesses who had worked for publishers including Gannett. "Judge Brinkema's findings of fact and conclusions of law are precise and concise," Castel wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gannett CEO and Chairman Mike Reed hailed the ruling as a major development in the broader antitrust battle against Google. Gannett publishes USA TODAY as well as more than 200 daily newspapers across the country. Google has faced a string of antitrust lawsuits, including from publishers who have accused the company of monopolizing the digital ad market at the expense of local news operations. This is a significant legal win for Gannett and a good day for competition, Reed said in a statement. Google did not respond to requests for comment. At the time the complaint was filed, Google told USA TODAY that publishers like Gannett use dozens of competing services to place ads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When publishers choose to use Google tools, they keep the vast majority of revenue," Dan Taylor, vice president of Google Ads, said in a 2023 statement. "Well show the court how our advertising products benefit publishers and help them fund their content online. Publishers receive much less as a result of being forced to use Google tools. Loyola University Chicago School of Law professor Spencer Weber Waller said the judge's ruling was a significant setback for Google. Certain key aspects of their case were conclusively decided in the earlier government case and will not be litigated and will be assumed to be true in this case. Thats huge because the media companies dont have to put on any further evidence as to what the market is, whether Google has monopoly power in certain of these markets and the court found that certain things that Google did violated the law, said Waller, who is the director of the Institute for Consumer Antitrust Studies. In seeking damages, Gannett and the other plaintiffs still have to show that Googles conduct caused damages along with a fair estimate of those damages, Waller said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the trial will be shorter and a number of the key issues have already been established against Google, he said. This is like starting the 10th inning with a runner on second base. Youre halfway home. Brian Wieser, CEO of Madison and Wall, an advisory firm for media, technology retail and other businesses supported by advertising, said even if newspaper publishers recover damages, they still face industry headwinds. Consumers need to get used to paying for good journalism. Thats been true for a while and its even more true now. Ad-supported internet properties from legacy newspapers are going to continue to face challenges," Wieser said. (This story has been updated to add new information.) This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Judge rules for publishers in Google antitrust case Opponents of the Dakota Access Pipeline camp north of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on Dec. 3, 2016, outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota. On March 17, 2025, attorneys for pipeline developer Energy Transfer and Greenpeace gave closing arguments in a three-week civil trial stemming from the protests. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) A North Dakota judge has nearly halved the $660 million sum Greenpeace was ordered to pay the developer of the Dakota Access Pipeline in March. A nine-person jury had found the environmental group at fault for harming Energy Transfer during anti-pipeline protests in North Dakota in 2016 and 2017, as well as for publishing false statements to harm the companys reputation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The jurys award included more than $200 million of compensatory damages money to address financial harms plus about $400 million in punitive damages. In a Wednesday order, Southwest Judicial District Judge James Gion reduced the award after finding some of the jurys damages had no legal basis, were duplicative or had exceeded statutory caps on punitive damages. The revised amount is about $345 million, according to Gions order. Greenpeace was one of many activist groups that backed a movement to halt the Dakota Access Pipeline, which years ago drew thousands to rural south-central North Dakota to protest in solidarity with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Energy Transfer filed suit against Greenpeace in 2019, accusing it of orchestrating violent attacks against the pipeline company during the demonstrations and of waging a misinformation campaign to sabotage its business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Energy Transfer built the Dakota Access Pipeline, also known as DAPL, to move crude oil from wells in North Dakota to refineries farther south. The case is against three Greenpeace-affiliated organizations: Greenpeace USA, Greenpeace Fund and the Netherlands-based Greenpeace International. All three Greenpeace organizations deny the allegations and have called the lawsuit a ploy to punish them for opposing the pipeline. In wake of the verdict, Greenpeace asked Gion to reduce the award or throw it out entirely, arguing that the $660 million figure was unreasonable. Gion on Wednesday partially granted that request. He eliminated awards related to the claim that Greenpeace had trespassed or encouraged trespassing on land owned by Energy Transfer, for example. He also threw out millions Greenpeace was ordered to award Energy Transfer on claims that the environmental group unlawfully seized and abused its property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gion left intact about $149 million in damages for Greenpeaces alleged on-the-ground harms to Energy Transfer, including for trespassing and nuisance. Gion found some of the awards handed down for defamation were duplicative and must be eliminated. He also concluded that the jury could not assess punitive damages for defamation. In all, he reduced the jurys original roughly $250 million award for defamation down to about $50 million. He allowed $3.5 million in damages for the claim that Greenpeace engaged in a conspiracy to harm the Dakota Access Pipeline, about $19 million less than what the jury awarded. Gion awarded about $143 million in damages for the claim that Greenpeace interfered with Energy Transfers business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The more than three-week trial earlier this year featured testimony from dozens of witnesses, including current and former Greenpeace employees, Indigenous activists, Energy Transfer representatives and law enforcement. Gions memo reducing the award comes more than six months after the jury filed its verdict. He still has yet to enter a judgment in the case, according to the order. Energy Transfer, in a Wednesday afternoon statement, said it planned to ask the North Dakota Supreme Court to reverse Gions revisions to the defamation and conspiracy awards. Energy Transfer said it is still pleased that the judge let $345 million in damages stand, and that this verdict will send a clear signal to those who choose to deliberately break the laws of the United States of America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marco Simons, interim general counsel for Greenpeaces USA affiliate and Greenpeace Fund, said once Gion enters a final judgment, they plan to ask for a new trial. If that request is unsuccessful, they will appeal. We are still analyzing the ruling, and while Judge Gion ruled in our favor in dismissing several claims and from $667 million to roughly $345 million we still believe that the remaining claims are legally unfounded, Simons said in a statement. Greenpeace International is also pursuing a separate lawsuit in the Netherlands that accuses Energy Transfer of weaponizing the U.S. legal system against the environmental group. Editors note: this story was updated to include statements from Energy Transfer and Greenpeace. North Dakota Monitor reporter Mary Steurer can be reached at msteurer@northdakotamonitor.com. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX French judges will give their verdict in January on whether eight men and two women are guilty of sexist online bullying of France's first lady Brigitte Macron. They are accused of posting malicious comments on the internet about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality, and of associating the 24-year age gap with her husband with pedophilia. During the hearings at a court in Paris, defendants who include an elected official, a teacher and a computer scientist told the court the comments they posted were humour or satire and they did not understand why they were on trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the second day, Brigitte Macron's youngest daughter, Tiphaine Auziere, told the court about the deterioration of her mothers life after messages spread claims that Brigitte Macron is a man. She cannot ignore the horrible things said about her," Auziere said. "Id like to express what her life looks like since she was the target of massive cyberbullying. This has repercussions on her children and grandchildren. They hear things at school such as: Your grandmother is a man.' I dont know how to make it stop, Auziere said. Brigitte Macron launches appeal against acquittal in gender rumours case Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Macrons for years have been dogged by theories that Brigitte was born a man named Jean-Michel Trogneux, who supposedly took the name Brigitte as a transgender woman. Jean-Michel Trogneux is the name of Brigittes brother. Asked whether she sees her uncle, Auziere said: I saw him a few months ago and he was doing very well. The Macrons have also filed a defamation suit in a Delaware court in the United States. Their lawyer said they are seeking substantial damages from the American influencer Candace Owens if she persists with claims that Brigitte is a man. Auziere told the court in France that many images of Macron are being misused online: As a result, she is forced to be careful about her outfits, her posture and her everyday life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ten stand trial in Paris over sexist cyberbullying of Brigitte Macron The investigation followed a complaint lodged by Brigitte Macron on 27 August 2024. It led to several waves of arrests in December 2024 and February 2025. Trial over online abuse Investigators said they selected only the most virulent offenders. If convicted, the accused face up to two years in prison. Among the people on trial are a 41-year-old advertising executive Aurelien Poirson-Atlan, known on social media under the pseudonym Zoe Sagan. His X account, since suspended, has been the subject of several complaints and is often described as being linked to conspiracy circles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another defendant is 51-year-old medium, self-styled journalist and "whistleblower Delphine J, known online as Amandine Roy. She played a significant role in spreading the rumour that Brigitte Macron, born Trogneux, was a transgender woman whose birth name was Jean-Michel, referring to her brother. Delphine J was convicted of defamation by a French court in September 2024 alongside independent journalist Natacha Rey. She was ordered to pay several thousand euros in damages to Brigitte Macron and 5,000 to Jean-Michel Trogneux. She was later acquitted on appeal on 10 July this year. Brigitte Macron and her brother have lodged an appeal before the Court of Cassation against that ruling. (with newswires) NEW ORLEANS (AP) Immigration authorities did not receive word of a court order blocking the removal of a man living in Alabama until after he had been deported to Laos, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said Wednesday, dismissing claims that officials violated the order. Chanthila Shawn Souvannarath, 44, was deported on Friday, according to his attorneys, a day after a federal judge in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, told U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to keep him in the country so that he could present what the judge called a substantial claim of U.S. citizenship." Souvannarath was born in a refugee camp in Thailand but has lived most of his life in the U.S. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said the judge's order keeping him in the country was not served to ICE until after Souvannarath had been deported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To the medias chagrin, there was no mistake," McLaughlin said in a statement. DHS and ICE did not respond to questions from The Associated Press seeking additional details on the timeline and how officials receive federal court orders. The American Civil Liberties Union, which is representing Souvannarath, asked U.S. District Judge Shelly Dick to order his immediate return to the U.S., calling the deportation unlawful. "ICE has acted in direct opposition to a federal court order, which should disturb everyone, said Nora Ahmed, legal director of the ACLU of Louisiana. The deportation comes as Trump administration officials have repeatedly clashed with the courts over their attempts to deport large numbers of immigrants. There have been previous cases of U.S. citizens being deported, including U.S.-born children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Souvannarath most recently lived in Arab, Alabama. Court records show he was granted lawful permanent residence in the U.S. before his first birthday. His father, a native of Laos, is a naturalized U.S. citizen, and Souvannarath claims his citizenship derives from that status. Souvannarath was taken into ICE custody in June following an annual check-in with immigration authorities. Two of his five children were with him when he was detained, his wife told the AP. McLaughlin said Souvannarath lost his green card and was ordered to be deported in 2006 following convictions for heinous crimes assault and unlawful possession of a firearm and had no right to be in this country. It was not clear why Souvannarath was not previously taken into ICE custody. In 2004, Souvannarath was convicted of unlawful firearm possession and assault against his then-girlfriend in King County, Washington. He had also been convicted of a misdemeanor assault against the same woman several years before, court records show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "20 years later, he tried a Hail Mary attempt to remain in our country by claiming he was a U.S. citizen, McLaughlin wrote in her statement. I know its shocking to the media but criminal illegal aliens lie all the time. Souvannarath's wife, Beatrice, described him as a hard worker and loving father who stayed out of trouble since his run-ins with the law two decades ago. He's mostly worked installing air conditioners and heaters, she said. He doesn't even drink, she said. His wife said she received word last week that he was being deported and, days later, that he was in custody in Laos, a country he had not previously visited. Representing himself in court, Souvannarath filed an emergency motion seeking to halt his deportation. The judge, appointed by President Barack Obama, cited the irreparable harm that would be caused by immediate deportation" in issuing a temporary restraining order pausing the deportation for 14 days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before his deportation, Souvannarath had been detained at a newly opened ICE facility at the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola. __ Mustian reported from New York. Associated Press reporter Cedar Attanasio contributed from Seattle, Washington. Experts stunned after finding creatures thought extinct for decades: 'One of those unforgettable discoveries' "I found the first one with just nine minutes to go, and the second one in the last minute." Oct. 28Jurors awarded seven Albuquerque police officers a total of $1.085 million Tuesday in a case that stemmed from a 2023 police academy policy that required cadets to razor-shave their heads each morning. The city of Albuquerque must pay $155,000 in damages to each officer, who alleged in a lawsuit that Albuquerque Police Department leaders retaliated against them after the son of a top APD commander was terminated from the police academy. The verdict followed a seven-day trial in 2nd Judicial District Court before Judge Joshua Allison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Levi Monagle, who represents the officers, said Albuquerque Police Department leaders "fabricated" hazing allegations against the officers who terminated the cadet. "This case begins with a lie and ends with the erasure of that lie by some of the highest ranking members of the Albuquerque Police Department," Monagle told jurors in closing arguments. Attorneys for the city of Albuquerque responded that APD properly investigated a hazing incident in which the cadet was forced to shave his head in front of classmates, resulting in bleeding cuts to his head. The attorneys argued that the case centered on an incident of harassment, not retaliation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The city takes those allegations seriously," managing city attorney Catherine Gonzalez told jurors. "The city had a duty to investigate, and they did. They want us to punish the city for doing that." The whistleblower lawsuit alleged that APD leaders, including Chief Harold Medina, retaliated against the academy staff members following an Aug. 16, 2023, incident in which cadet Joshua Vega failed to razor-shave his head. Vega, son of then-APD Cmdr. George Vega, was forced to shave his head in front of classmates in the academy gym while other cadets did exercises as a form of collective punishment. Academy staff alleged that Joshua Vega lied about his failure to shave his head, which led to his termination from the academy the next day, followed by his prompt reinstatement to the academy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joshua Vega remains an APD officer. George Vega is now a deputy chief at APD. Monagle told jurors that APD commanders retaliated against the training officers for sending an Aug. 24, 2023, letter to Chief Medina alleging nepotism and asking that they be restored as academy staff members. In the letter, the officers said that Josh Vega was terminated because he admitted lying about shaving his head, which they said is a "class-one" violation in the academy handbook and punishable by termination. The harassment investigation was "pretextual, which is a nice way of saying fabricated," Monagle told jurors Tuesday. "This was constructed by the APD command staff to silence and discredit the academy staff for reporting Josh Vega for his dishonesty." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monagle asked jurors to award the officers $200,000 each for reassigning them to other departments at APD in retribution for sending the letter to Medina. Jurors sided with the officers but fell short of awarding them the total $1.4 million in damages that Monagle requested. On Sept. 25, 2023, the seven officers received a letter from Medina notifying them that they were the targets of an investigation into "alleged inappropriate conduct, to possibly include hazing, toward a cadet," the suit alleges. Gonzalez told jurors the officers suffered no damage to their careers as a result of the verbal reprimand each received at the close of the investigation. "They are asking for $200,000 because they were investigated, because the city had a duty to investigate," she said. "They want you to feel sorry for them because they were investigated. They didn't lose any pay. They didn't get demoted. The evidence shows accountability, not retaliation." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gonzalez also said the officers have taken no responsibility for hazing a cadet. "None of them have taken accountability for this," Gonzalez told jurors. "They didn't even have a smidge of empathy for the fact that maybe (Vega) did feel humiliated." Three of the officers who filed the lawsuit Lisa Neil, Shane Treadaway and Steve Martinez returned to work at the APD academy in January 2024. The other plaintiffs in the suit are Tillery Stahr, Alix Emrich, James Jacoby and Kelsey Lueckenhoff. TOPEKA (KSNT) A local district court is warning people to avoid being deceived by a phone scam circulating in the area. The Shawnee County District Court issued a press release on Oct. 29 urging locals to be on alert for a common jury duty scam active in the community. People may receive a phone call from an individual pretending to be with the sheriffs department claiming that a warrant is pending for their arrest due to missing jury duty. Victims have reportedly been told by the scammers that if they hang up, this will also result in their arrest. The scammer then instructs the victim to meet at a specified address. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Calls reported to us came from a local phone number and the caller used my name as the judge who signed the warrant, said Steve Ebberts, chief judge of the 3rd Judicial District. Scammers make these calls look and sound legitimate, but the court does not initiate phone contact. Topeka hospital patients may pay more soon if negotiations fail The Shawnee County District Court said it will not call people to announce a warrant or ask for payments. People who receive a scam phone call are asked to remember the following: Dont give the scammer any personal details or send them any money. Hang up and call the Shawnee County District Court at 785-251-6700 to ask if the court made the call. Report the scam to the Shawnee County Sheriffs Office, Topeka Police Department, the Kansas Attorney Generals Office and/or the Federal Trade Commission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf 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 KSNT 27 News. SPRINGFIELD, Ill. A jury found Sean Grayson, a former Sangamon County sheriffs deputy, guilty of second-degree murder Wednesday in the killing last year of Sonya Massey inside her home near Springfield, a case that sparked national outrage and calls for police reforms. The mostly white, 12-member jury in Peoria announced its verdict one week after testimony began in a case that focused on graphic police body camera footage of Grayson, who is white, fatally shooting Massey, a 36-year-old Black mother of two, after he repeatedly shouted at her to drop a pot of boiling water. It also centered on the prosecutions accusations that Grayson, now 31, repeatedly failed to follow law enforcement policies or training, damaging testimony from Graysons partner that suggested Grayson didnt do enough to help save Masseys life after shooting her, and Graysons own testimony that shooting Massey was a way to match the level of her threatening actions. The verdict is the culmination of an incident that spurred protests across the country that highlighted the treatment of Black citizens at the hands of law enforcement officers, including a statement from then-President Joe Biden, who said Masseys death reminds us that all too often Black Americans face fears for their safety in ways many of the rest of us do not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Demonstrations occurred outside the Peoria County Courthouse, some 75 miles from where Massey was killed on July 6, 2024, throughout much of the trial. It was moved from Sangamon County at the urging of Graysons lawyers, who argued their client couldnt get a fair trial in Illinois capital city amid extensive news coverage of the killing. The case also underscored law enforcements often-imperfect hiring practices, as Grayson had previously worked for five other law enforcement agencies and got hired by the Sangamon County sheriffs office despite some previous employers criticizing his performance. After Masseys death, Gov. JB Pritzker approved a measure requiring local and state law enforcement agencies in Illinois to be more transparent about former officers work histories when they seek employment with another police force. A local commission was also established in Masseys name for community leaders to examine certain issues, including societal inequalities in minority neighborhoods, in the Springfield area. State Sen. Doris Turner, a Democrat from Springfield who worked on the legislation and pushed for the commissions formation, said Wednesdays verdict shows no one is above the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I stand with the Massey family and my community as we continue to mourn the unjust loss of Sonya, Turner said in a statement. Since Sonyas murder, Ive been committed to and will continue to put in the work to make necessary changes to ensure our community has trust in those who have taken the oath to protect and serve. Grayson had also been charged with first-degree murder but the jury was allowed to consider convicting Grayson on second-degree murder, which is a lesser charge. In Illinois, second-degree murder was previously called voluntary manslaughter. It requires jurors to find that the prosecutors have proven all the elements of first-degree murder. Then they must decide whether the defense has shown it is likely more true than not that Grayson believed he was justified in his actions, but that belief was unreasonable. Second-degree murder does not carry mandatory prison time, as defendants can be sentenced to four to 20 years in prison, or even receive probation. At trial, during his opening remarks to the jury last week, Sangamon County States Attorney John Milhiser summarized much of what jurors and the public saw on the police body camera footage, including when Massey, who had been suffering from mental health challenges, uttered the words please God repeatedly when Grayson and his partner arrived at her home on the outskirts of Springfield. Milhiser explained to the jurors how they would see a nice kind of exchange between Massey and the deputies before the defendant gets mad at a woman who is standing in her kitchen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Milhiser noted that while Graysons partner, Dawson Farley, immediately activated his body camera upon arrival at the scene, Grayson failed to turn on his camera until later a pattern, Milhiser argued, that Grayson repeatedly did not follow law enforcement policies or training. In his opening statement to the jury, which included one Black man, one of Graysons lawyers argued that someone would not reasonably think Grayson made up his mind to kill Massey when the officer went to her home. The lawyer, Daniel Fultz, also alluded to a point in the body camera footage when she makes a comment along the lines of dont hurt me and Grayson responds, why would we hurt you? From there, Fultz said, the encounter quickly escalated into a situation in which Grayson needed to protect himself and his partner from the danger posed by the boiling water. On Monday, Grayson was called to the witness stand by his lawyers after the prosecution rested its case. According to the Springfield State Journal-Register, the former deputy conceded he should have turned on his body camera earlier, when he and Farley arrived at Masseys home. But Grayson said his concerns were raised soon after he arrived at Masseys home, after he saw a car with a broken window in Masseys driveway, and after she didnt answer the door right away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Inside the home, according to the body camera footage, Grayson asked Massey to see her identification, a request that appeared to annoy Massey as she sat on her couch. As she went through her purse and a bag, Massey said she couldnt find her ID. She then got up and walked to her kitchen to grab a pot off her stove. Where you going? she said to one of the deputies, to which Grayson replied lightheartedly in the video, away from your hot, steaming water. Oh, Ill rebuke you in the name of Jesus, Massey said a moment later. In his testimony, Grayson said he took that comment as a threat and thought she was going to throw boiling water on him, the State-Journal Register reported. He also admitted that the only thing he had to match the level of Masseys threat was his gun, according to the newspapers report of the testimony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, policing expert Seth Stoughton, a professor at the University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of Law, testified that Grayson was tactically unsound in his response to Massey. Stoughton had also testified as an expert in the 2021 trial of Derek Chauvin, the ex-Minneapolis police officer convicted in the 2020 murder of George Floyd, saying Chauvins actions were unreasonable. The Grayson trial jury viewed the body camera footage, which included Masseys final moments and the aftermath. The footage showed Farley applying pressure to her wound with a towel to try to stop the bleeding. As the footage was shown, one juror appeared to look down while another had a look of disbelief. In the gallery, a couple of Masseys loved ones left the courtroom, and a few others appeared to cry quietly. In the video, Farley told Grayson moments after the shooting that he wanted to get his medical kit to try to stop Masseys bleeding before paramedics arrived. Initially, Grayson discouraged him from rendering aid because she was done. Shortly thereafter, Farley was seen on video going to the kitchen to retrieve a towel to apply pressure to Masseys wound. In his testimony, Farley said, despite not being the officer who shot Massey, if you use force on anyone, its your job to render aid. Meanwhile, the video showed Grayson eventually retrieved his medical kit and when he asked one officer if there was anything you think we can do for her, and the officer said no, Grayson replied, Alright, Im not even going to waste my med stuff then. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nathaniel Patterson, a forensic pathologist for the Sangamon County coroners office, testified last week that Masseys injury was potentially survivable but contingent on stopping the bleeding to give doctors a chance to save her. _____ SAN FRANCISCO (AP) A California animal rights activist who took four chickens from a major Perdue Farms poultry plant was found guilty Wednesday of felony conspiracy, trespassing and other charges and faces several years in jail. Zoe Rosenberg, 23, did not deny taking the animals from Petaluma Poultry but argued she wasn't breaking the law because she was rescuing the birds from a cruel situation. The trial lasted about seven weeks in Sonoma County, an agricultural area of Northern California. The Santa Rosa jury took less than a day to find Rosenberg guilty on all counts. The activist with Direct Action Everywhere, or DxE, a Berkeley-based animal rights group, was on trial for two misdemeanor counts of trespassing, a misdemeanor count of tampering with a vehicle and a felony conspiracy charge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rosenberg said she does not regret what she did. I will not apologize for taking sick, neglected animals to get medical care, Rosenberg said following her conviction. When we see cruelty and violence, we can choose to ignore it or to intervene and try to make the world a better place. I chose to intervene, and because I did, Poppy, Ivy, Aster, and Azalea are alive today. For that, I will never be sorry. The group named the birds and placed them in an animal sanctuary. Rosenberg walked out of court wearing an ankle monitor and briefly spoke to supporters, who were holding signs that read Prosecute Petaluma Poultry and Right to Rescue. She told them she would immediately head to the Sonoma County Sheriffs Office and report animal cruelty at Petaluma Poultry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were going to go now and report Petaluma Poultry and ask them to please finally give justice to these animals, she said. Rosenberg's attorney, Chris Carraway, said the district attorney's office was ignoring criminal animal cruelty in Sonoma County factory farms and that he plans to appeal the verdict. Sonoma County spent over six weeks and hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars to protect a multi-billion-dollar corporation from the rescue of four chickens worth less than $25, Carraway said in a statement. No doubt, the District Attorneys office would never have spent a fraction of this time or money if the chickens had been dead in a supermarket meat case." Rosenbergs sentencing is set for Dec. 3, when she faces a maximum jail sentence of 4 1/2 years, Sonoma County District Attorney Carla Rodriguez said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rodriguez said in a statement the verdict affirms no one is above the law. While we respect everyones right to free expression, it is unlawful to trespass, disrupt legitimate businesses, and endanger workers and animals in pursuit of a political or social agenda," she said. Petaluma Poultry has said that DxE is an extremist group that is intent on destroying the animal agriculture industry. The company says the animals were not mistreated. "The jurys verdict makes it clear: personal beliefs dont justify breaking the law," Herb Frerichs, general counsel of Petaluma Poultry, said in a statement. DxE members admitted to planning and carrying out illegal acts including break-ins, theft of private data, and stealing livestock under the guise of activism and to gain publicity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frerichs said the company supports the right to free speech and lawful protests, but this was not that. Rosenberg testified she disguised herself as a Petaluma Poultry worker using a fake badge and earpiece to take the birds, and then posted a video of her actions on social media. Petaluma Poultry is a subsidiary of Perdue Farms one of the United States largest poultry providers for major grocery chains. The co-founder of DxE was convicted two years ago for his role in factory farm protests in Petaluma. ___ This storys headline has been corrected to say the company name is spelled Perdue, not Purdue. In a presidential administration and Justice Department that have treated Jan. 6 rioters as victims, it stood out on Tuesday when two federal prosecutors acknowledged the simple fact that [o]n January 6, 2021, thousands of people comprising a mob of rioters attacked the U.S. Capitol while a joint session of Congress met to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election. The prosecutors who submitted that memo, Carlos Valdivia and Samuel White, were then placed on leave. They wrote those words in a sentencing memorandum for Taylor Taranto, who they noted had promoted conspiracy theories about Jan. 6. The memo which the DOJ subsequently withdrew didnt concern any sentencing for Tarantos conduct on Jan. 6, which the DOJ previously alleged was criminal before Donald Trump retook office. Thats because Trump began his second term as president by granting blanket pardons and ordering the dismissal of pending charges against individuals for their conduct related to the events at or near the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But that still left other criminal charges for Taranto, who was found guilty at a bench trial in May by U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols, a Trump appointee, of carrying a pistol without a license and unlawful possession of ammunition, and of violating a crime called false information and hoaxes. Like Jan. 6, those other charges involved Trump, though they stemmed from conduct in 2023. The sentencing memo recounted that Taranto perpetrated a hoax on June 28, 2023, by falsely claiming that he would cause a car bomb to drive into the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The next day, after Trump had posted on social media a purported street address for former President Barack Obama in Washington, Taranto reposted the address and then started livestreaming from his van on his YouTube channel as he drove through Obamas D.C. neighborhood. Per the memo, Taranto claimed he was searching for tunnels he believed would provide him access to the private residences of certain high-profile individuals, including former President Obama. The prosecutors added: He parked his van, walked away from it, and approached a restricted area protected by the United States Secret Service. He walked through the nearby woods and stated, Gotta get the shot, stop at nothing to get the shot. After noticing the presence of the Secret Service he said, If I were them, Id be watching this, watching my every move. He also said, So yeah, more than likely, these guys also all hang for treason and I control the block, weve got em surrounded. When Secret Service agents approached him, Taranto fled, but he was apprehended and placed under arrest. Shortly after his arrest, law enforcement conducted a sweep of Tarantos van for hazardous materials and recovered two firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tarantos actions caused the evacuation of a residential neighborhood and forced law enforcement agents from multiple agencies to respond to his false bomb hoax, Valdivia and White wrote in the memo. They requested a prison sentence of 27 months, which they wrote reflects the gravity of Tarantos conduct, his lack of remorse, and the need to deter him and others from engaging in similar threatening conduct. They noted that such a sentence is at the top of the range of the federal sentencing guidelines as they apply to his case. An entry subsequently appeared on Tarantos court docket that said the memo was entered in error, after which two new lawyers appeared on the docket on behalf of the DOJ: Travis Wolf and Jonathan Hornok. As of 5 p.m. ET on Wednesday, a new sentencing memo hasnt appeared on the docket ahead of Tarantos sentencing, which had been scheduled for Thursday. Subscribe to the Deadline: Legal Newsletter for expert analysis on the top legal stories of the week, including updates from the Supreme Court and developments in the Trump administrations legal cases. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com MANHATTAN (KSNT) Fourth year veterinary student, Amanda Bolinger, was recently honored with the prestigious Coyote Rock Ranch Veterinary Scholarship worth $75,000. Bolinger is a student in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University. Her knowledge and skills related to the medical treatment of horses landed her one of the nations top scholarships for veterinary students pursuing equine medicine. Gov. Kelly sues Trump Administration for suspension of SNAP benefits Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive had so many amazing opportunities through my short time in this career, said Bolinger in a press release from K-State. Equine veterinary medicine has been the greatest adventure of my life, and I am honored to be able to continue serving horses and their people. Coyote Rock Ranch is a horse breeding operation in central Oregon that matches top-performing mares with proven sires to produce champion show horses and race horses. The ranch partners with The Foundation for the Horse to support the next generation of veterinary school students across the country. Amanda, like our colleges previous recipients of the Coyote Rock Ranch Scholarship, exemplifies the equine-specific education and training that reflects the dedication of our faculty, house officers and staff, said Elizabeth Davis, interim dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. Throughout her education, Amanda has distinguished herself as a remarkable student demonstrating exceptional commitment, professionalism and passion for equine practice. Her future is exceptionally bright, and we look forward to following her continued success. Farm Service Agencies reopen in Kansas despite gov. shutdown Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bolinger intends to become a surgeon in equine veterinary medicine and dedicate the first five years of year career to internships and residencies. The scholarship will help prioritize programs that are aligned with her goals while she seeks busy caseloads for more hands-on experience. K-State has produced three other Coyote Rock Ranch Scholarship recipients since the program began: Jenni Kristek in 2016 and Anne Brien and Bailey Fritz where both honored in 2023. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking 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 KSNT 27 News. Oct. 29Kalispell City Council backed away from accepting a grant to install traffic calming measures on East Oregon Street after the federal government changed what the funds could be used for. "It's just been a drastic shift in how the grant was originally looked at," said Development Services Director and interim City Manager Jarod Nygren during the Monday night meeting. Kalispell intended to build permanent traffic safety measures on the corridor with money awarded from the Safe Streets For All grant program. But since President Donald Trump took office, the Federal Highway Administration will only allow the money to be used for temporary, removable installations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city originally applied for a $10 million grant in August 2024 to fund improvements on East Oregon Street, Fifth Avenue West and to retime traffic lights downtown so pedestrians have more time to enter the roadway before vehicles are given the green light. In November 2024, only $2.4 million was awarded to the city for permanent, quick-build improvements to East Oregon Street. Talks with the Federal Highway Administration to finalize a grant agreement began but quickly paused after Trump took office. Once work resumed, the federal government had changed its tune, requiring the money to be used on removable upgrades rather than permanent, concrete ones. Given the new condition, city staff and councilors called the move a waste of money. The grant also required a $600,000 local match planned to come from the city's reserves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The grant application did not specify that the traffic safety upgrades had to be "temporary in nature" when the city applied, according to Nygren. The temporary structures are meant to test how the traffic safety measures perform on a national scale using East Oregon Street as a model. But they would not stand a chance in Montana's harsh winters, city officials said. Public Works Director Susie Turner said the structure bolted to the road would likely be torn up by snowplows and couldn't be replaced. "This sounds like it would be pretty irresponsible for us knowing the winters we have here," Councilor Sid Daoud said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sentiment was shared by other councilors too. "This is just temporary, wasted money," Councilor Jed Fisher said. Nygren said the city could ask the Federal Highway Administration whether the money could instead be used to retime the traffic lights downtown. Councilor Ryan Hunter expressed interest in trying to shift the project so the local match could be covered by tax increment finance funds. "I don't know that I want to walk away from any funding," he said. The East Oregon Street project was part of the Main Street Safety Action Plan adopted by Council in August 2024. The plan serves as a framework for reducing motor vehicle and pedestrian crashes downtown by 2045. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several residents who live on or near the corridor attended Monday's meeting to express concerns over excessive speeding and the increasing volume of traffic over the years. Some wanted to see stop signs or speed bumps installed but vehemently opposed any mini roundabouts, arguing that they would transform the road into a racetrack. City staff said concerns about speeding and traffic safety come from across the city and should warrant looking at implementing a citywide traffic-calming policy. "East Oregon is an example of a problem that we see throughout the city," said Deputy Public Works Director Keith Haskins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think we do need to take the time to develop a really good policy that we can then implement uniformly based off the community and Council's decisions," Turner said. There is no funding allocated for traffic safety currently, so Council would have to decide where to pull the money from. Because City Hall's agenda is booked for the rest of the year, Nygren said policy talks can start early next year. Reporter Jack Underhill can be reached at 758-4407 and [email protected]. [Source] Former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris has indicated she may seek the presidency again, telling the BBC, I am not done, during an interview aired Saturday. Speaking from Los Angeles while promoting her new memoir 107 Days, Harris reflected on her brief 2024 campaign and her continued commitment to public service. Her comments come as Democratic leaders begin assessing the partys direction ahead of the 2028 election. Harris reflects on unfinished work Harris, 61, said her motivation to serve remains unchanged despite her loss in the 2024 election to President Donald Trump. I have lived my entire career a life of service, and its in my bones, she said. Asked whether she believes the country will see a woman elected president within her grandnieces lifetimes, Harris replied, In their lifetime, for sure. When pressed on whether that woman could be her, she answered, Possibly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The interview coincides with the release of her new book, which details her experience stepping into the Democratic nomination after President Joe Biden ended his reelection campaign. The title refers to the length of her general election campaign, one of the shortest in modern presidential history. Harris used the book to describe the challenges of a compressed race and the lessons she drew from leading a national ticket under extraordinary circumstances. Trending on NextShark: Rina Sawayama criticizes Sabrina Carpenter performance for mishandling Japanese culture Positioning in Democratic politics As the first woman, first Black American and first Asian American to serve as vice president, Harris represents a historic milestone within the Democratic Party. Her remarks this week reaffirm her ongoing presence in national political discussions as Democrats look toward 2028. Since leaving office in January, Harris has limited her public appearances, focusing on writing and select speaking engagements. In July, she confirmed she would not run for California governor in 2026, saying she intended to serve, reflect and recharge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recent national polling shows Harris retaining a competitive but fluctuating position among potential Democratic contenders. An Oct. 21 survey by Echelon Insights placed her in first with 24% support among likely Democratic voters, followed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom at 15% and Pete Buttigieg at 10%. In contrast, a Sept. 19 AtlasIntel poll showed Newsom leading with 37% to Harriss 21%, while an Aug. 29 Emerson College survey found Newsom ahead at 25%, Buttigieg at 16% and Harris at 11%. Trending on NextShark: Dodgers Yamamoto makes World Series history This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices. Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what were building, consider becoming a paid member your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community. Trending on NextShark: Beijing creates new national observance linking Taiwan to Chinas wartime victory Subscribe here now! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trending on NextShark: Kamala Harris signals 2028 presidential run: 'I am not done' Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today! PRAIRIE VILLAGE, Kan. Kansas City Christian senior students are scheduled to travel to Jamaica next weekend for their annual mission trip. The two dozen students and the teachers watched Tuesday as Hurricane Melissa made landfall as a Category 5 storm with some of the highest wind speeds ever recorded for an Atlantic hurricane. Kansas Cold Weather Rule starts Nov. 1 to help residents behind on utility payments Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It looks like nothing Ive ever seen before, its scary, its massive, senior Andy Minnich said. As Melissa moved toward Cuba Tuesday night the northern part of the island where they are set to travel was expected to see a large storm surge. From the time they in elementary school at Kansas City Christian students grow up excited about this mission trip. The trip scheduled November 8-15 now faces uncertainty with a lot of prayers being sent. Weve been praying in our class before class and individually. Me and a friend got together last night and we prayed together because its just been heavy on our hearts, senior Evy Kate Stouse said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since 2022 Kansas City Christians senior class has spent one week in Galina on Jamaicas north shore. Weve built houses, weve poured cement for basements, Kansas City Christian Bible teacher Greg Owens said. Owen says many mountain villages homes have tin roofs. Those roofs were ripped off by 185 mile per hour sustained winds. Thats where a lot of the concern is on our end is we have friends and loved ones that dont have infrastructure to withstand a storm of this degree, Owens said. Owens was in communication with leaders of the Christian organization they work with, American Caribbean Experience, until power and mobile communication was wiped out to much of the island . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said lets get this thing over with and we are just saying we will be here to help, Owens said reviewing text messages. For now that remains the tentative plan, with their flight scheduled to Montego Bay. Staff said the trip could be rerouted to Kingston or postponed depending on island accessibility. If theres an airport and roads and somewhere for us to sleep we are trying to get down there and help them out, Owens said. See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri This gives us some opportunity to be one of the first crews on land so that would give us a great opportunity to share the gospel and do a lot of work to help the Jamaicans, Minnich said Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even though it could be bad and the destruction is estimated to be real bad, well be ready to help them start rebuilding, Owens 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 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. KANSAS CITY, Mo. Over the last few weeks, the Kansas City community has gathered in support of a little boy battling a rare and painful genetic condition, leaving him in hospice care at only 3 years old. Now, ahead of the upcoming holiday, the boys parents are asking the public to help make his Halloween weekend as special as possible. Thousands turn out for Tuckers Parade celebrating brave 3-year-old boy Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tucker Langford was born with Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (RDEB), a condition known as Butterfly Skin that directly targets the skin, making it extremely fragile and leading to painful sores, blisters, and wounds with even the smallest bit of friction and movement. Due to the risks associated with his condition, Tucker and his family have found ways to modify his life, allowing him to take part in the things he loves, while keeping him safe. Just a few weeks ago, thousands of people from all parts of the country traveled to the Kansas City metro to take part in Tuckers Parade. What started as a small idea quickly turned into a large-scale celebration, complete with fire trucks, first responders, bikers, animals, big trucks and more, all with the same goal in mind to make Tucker smile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, the opportunity to see his smile has presented itself yet again, with Tuckers parents asking the public to bring the spooky spirit to their front door. The Langfords wrote on Facebook that Tucker will not be able to participate in any trick or treating this year due to his condition. So, instead, Tucker will be stationed on the front porch of his family home on Friday and Saturday night, greeting and meeting his supporters. The family says they hope everyone will dress in their Halloween best, and if they feel so generous, to bring some of Tuckers favorite treats so he too can join in on the fun. Tucker loves M&Ms, Swedish Fish, Sprite, salty wavy chips, Sweet Tarts, Smarties, Reeses Peanut Butter Cups and suckers. So keep that in mind if you plan to stop by. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The address is 5801 NE 43rd Terr. in Kansas City, and he will be outside from 5-8 p.m. on both nights. See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri Although Tucker has faced significant hardship for a child his age, his parents say his diagnosis has not stopped him from being like every other child. They hope that events like this will help spread awareness for Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) and promote the need for a cure. If you cant make it to the Halloween event, you can still support the Langford family by donating to their GoFundMe. According to the family, the money will go toward medical costs, living expenses and transportation needs as they focus on making the most of the precious time they have together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To stay up to date on Tuckers condition and any future events put on by his family, click 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 FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. KANSAS CITY, Mo. Kansas City is looking for artists to design and install public artwork at Dr. Jeremiah Cameron Park. The citys One Percent for Art Program is seeking qualifications from professional visual artists or artist teams to design, fabricate and install permanent public artwork to honor the history of the Steptoe Neighborhood and the Penn School. View the latest headlines from Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas at fox4kc.com Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Penn School was the first African American school west of the Mississippi River. The city hopes the artist will look at the project as a unique opportunity to tell the story of a community that helped shape Kansas Citys cultural and educational heritage. Between two and five semifinalist artists will be selected to advance to the Request for Proposals (RFP) phase, each receiving a $4,200 stipend for their design proposal. See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri Virtual Q&A sessions with the public art administrator are scheduled for the following dates: Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 5:30 p.m. Central Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 5:30 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more information on the project, click 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 FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. From left, student journalists Jack Tell, Natasha Torkzaban, Maya Smith and Morgan Salisbury meet with district officials on April 19, 2024, to discuss their concerns with the district's use of Gaggle's spyware. Tell, Torkzaban and Salisbury are among former students who have now sued the district. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) LAWRENCE The Lawrence public school district switched digital surveillance software vendors for the new school year while facing litigation that accuses school officials of unconstitutional spying on students, including high school journalists. The district on Monday asked a federal judge to dismiss the lawsuit brought by current and former students in part because it stopped using Gaggle, a surveillance program the district deployed in November 2023. But the district failed to disclose to the court that it is now monitoring students with ManagedMethods, which offers the same kind of surveillance of student devices, files, emails and online accounts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Companies such as Gaggle and ManagedMethods enjoy lucrative contracts from school districts that buy into their promise of ensuring student safety by using artificial intelligence to warn school leaders of potential self-harm and concerning behavior. But academic research questions how effective the software is while raising concerns that such excessive surveillance may actually harm students learning, social development and mental health. Student journalists at Lawrence High School identified numerous flaws in the Gaggle software, from a failure to detect test messages about self-harm to falsely flagging artwork as child pornography. The software allowed school leaders to monitor the journalists work before it was published, an unlawful practice known as prior restraint, and some of the students files disappeared without warning. The district told student journalists in April 2024 they would be exempted from the surveillance, but the district continued to monitor them anyway. Nine current and former students sued the school district, school board and assistant principal Greg Farley in August, alleging unconstitutional searches and seizures and First Amendment violations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit challenges the school districts decision and policy to subject all students to round-the-clock digital surveillance scanning their files, flagging their speech, and removing their creative work from access, often without any notice, suspicion of suspected wrongdoing, or meaningful recourse, according to the complaint filed in federal court. The surveillance extended to students personal phones and computers. The complaint said school leaders had conducted suspicionless searches and seizures of student expression on a scale and scope that no court has ever upheld and that the Constitution does not permit. The district, which is represented by Wichita attorney Alan Rupe, argued in Mondays court filings that the the claims are all moot because the district no longer uses Gaggle. Superintendent Jeanice Kerr Swift filed an affidavit with the court that says the contract with Gaggle expired during the summer and has not been renewed, and that the district has stopped using Gaggle to monitor students. None of the court filings mention that the school is still monitoring students through a different software vendor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to Kansas Reflector questions, the superintendent said the district switched vendors in a cost-saving move. In the regular course of business this fall, as part of the continuing effort to evaluate and streamline contracts with vendors and identify cost savings, the district implemented Managed Methods, a proficient tool that continues to monitor for student safety, Kerr Swift said in an emailed statement. The school agreed to pay Gaggle $53,000 under a contract for the 2024-25 school year. The superintendent said ManagedMethods will save the district about $35,000 this year. She didnt respond to a follow-up question about how the two programs compare. Attorneys for the plaintiffs didnt respond to Kansas Reflector inquiries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Research published in July in the Journal of Medical Internet Research and by the National Institutes of Health examined surveillance products from 17 companies, including Gaggle and ManagedMethods, and raised concerns about the use of the software in schools. Alison ODaffer, a Ph.D. student at University of California San Diego, Wendy Liu, an associate professor of marketing at the university, and Cinnamon Bloss, director of the Center for Empathy and Technology at the university, produced the study. The authors found a notable lack of transparency about how the programs work, and questioned whether they were effective in preventing violence. They also pointed to the potential harm the programs could have on students. Excessive surveillance may lead to a loss of students intimate privacy which can impede their learning, social development, and mental health, the authors wrote in their summary. Sharing of student data with outside companies also exposes such data to wider cybersecurity attacks. The sensitivity of the topic area, an opaque market, a lack of empirical assessment of effectiveness, and the growing prowess of data extraction and analysis are concerning. These factors, taken together with trade-offs of decreased privacy and increased cybersecurity risks, suggest that the school-based online surveillance industry may require more oversight from regulators, greater monitoring from the public, and more thorough risk assessment. Joe Biden's former press secretary is giving one epically cringe-worthy performance after another. And her former colleagues can't look away. Karine Jean-Pierre, while promoting her memoir, has floundered when asked about the former presidents exit from the presidential race, his stance on Israel and whether Kamala Harris had a shot at the White House. Some former West Wing staffers are privately texting one another wondering why she cant answer questions about her own book with greater clarity or coherence. Others are bristling at her emphasis on identity politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most just hope that she will be ignored, another bad news cycle with a short shelf life that doesnt do lasting damage to an already tarnished brand. The truth is that Karine has always been an independent voice throughout her career in politics, so I dont find her views all that surprising, said Jennifer Palmieri, who served as White House communications director under former President Barack Obama. But in the end I think people who hear about the book will consider it to represent one womans view and it wont have any impact on the party one way or another. As the Democratic Party struggles to put together a compelling message for 2026 and build a formidable bulwark against President Donald Trump, Jean-Pierre provides an unhelpful reminder of the 2024 election cycle and the Biden presidency. The rollout raises questions about why she was elevated to serve as Bidens top spokesperson and invites a fresh look at the broader dysfunction of the past administration. A car crash is fascinating to watch, said one longtime Democratic communications strategist. She was the top communicator for the president of the United States and she cant get through basic interviews. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The strategist, who like over a dozen former Biden officials and allies interviewed for this story was granted anonymity to speak with candor, likened Jean-Pierres interview this week with The New Yorkers Isaac Chotiner to watching Mike Tyson fight a baby. Jean-Pierre did not respond to POLITICOs request for comment. Jean-Pierres difficulty in media interviews, many noted, were reminiscent of her unsteady, muddled responses over 2.5 years at the briefing room lectern. Its like watching a toddler jump into the deep end of the pool, said a person who worked with Jean-Pierre inside the Biden West Wing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But few of the Democrats interviewed for this story understood her books premise, or why she didnt seem to seek feedback from her former colleagues or enlist them in efforts to promote the book. One former White House colleague questioned how well Jean-Pierre herself understood her own book after she appeared to reverse herself in claiming to The New Yorker that her books subtitle framing the story as A Look Inside a Broken White House referred to the Trump White House, not the one she worked in under Biden. She doesnt seem to have any idea what shes arguing, the former colleague said. And several questioned her decision to focus on Democrats painful summer of 2024 at a moment when the party continues to dig out of the electoral rubble and find a way forward. Its a sad commentary on where things are, a third former Biden White House official said. The premise of the book doesnt really make any sense, its sort of illogical. Being back out there and regurgitating those three weeks: its just unhelpful right now and we need to be focusing on the things Democrats need to be doing to fight back against Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the interview with Chotiner, Jean-Pierre, who was the first openly gay and Black White House press secretary, said Democrats were trying to undermine Biden in the three weeks before he dropped out of the presidential race and noted that she looked at that era through her own experience. Theres a period of time that I questioned what was happening and how do we treat our own, how do we treat people who are decent people? And then you also have to think about how Im thinking about this as a Black woman who is part of the LGBTQ+ community, and living in this time where I also dont think Democrats right now, Democrats leadership, is protecting vulnerable people in the way that it should, she said. Chotiner, like other interviewers in recent weeks, pressed her on what her comment had to do with Democrats thinking Biden would lose to Trump. Jean-Pierre replied, Nobody knows what wouldve happened. Palmieri, a veteran Democratic communications strategist, shrugged off Jean-Pierres relitigation of what happened during last years campaign. Its not helpful to trod back over this territory, but its been over a year and I think the American people have already made their judgments about how President Biden left the race, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least one former Biden administration official, Jeremy Edwards, went public to pan the New Yorker interview as objectively bad. Others mostly shared via private texts their shock that Jean-Pierre would subject herself to a grilling from Chotiner, known for tough interviews. She should have at least Googled who she was getting on the phone with, one former colleague said. Several Democrats have bristled at Jean-Pierres emphasis on so-called identity politics, seeing it both as a shield against questions about her books coherence and as out of step with the moves by some in the party to recalibrate after Trump won with a campaign geared toward criticizing that rhetoric. The interviews use a vernacular, which we now acknowledge doesnt work very identity focused. Its bringing us back in time and we need to be going forward and focused on communications that we know will work in this era, said the third former Biden White House official. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other former senior Biden administration officials, including several people of color, expressed similar concerns. Every time she falls back on identity politics instead of actually answering questions, she reinforces the worst stereotype about Democrats, said the person who worked with Jean-Pierre inside the Biden West Wing. Some former officials are hopeful that Jean-Pierres book will serve as just a reminder of the last administrations issues and not a representation of the whole Democratic party. Its a clear reminder of the communications struggles within the administration that included Karine but also included the president and vice president. The basic role of a communications professional is to devise a clear, compelling argument and then deliver it effectively over and over. By that standard, shes 0 for two with this book, said another former Biden White House official. Jean-Pierre testified last month as part of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committees probe into Bidens mental fitness while in office and his use of the autopen, during which she defended the former presidents competency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Similarly, Jean-Pierre has shaped her book around defending Biden and his legacy, which has been torn apart by Republicans through the months of investigations. But, some Democrats fear it is adding more to the negativity surrounding the former president. Shes contributing to a larger, very sad narrative of JBs chapter in the history book becoming less about his accomplishments and more about the drama of his presidency and post-presidency, said a Democratic communications strategist. Former Trump White House official Katie Miller described former Biden White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre as a DEI hire on CNN, Tuesday, arguing she was picked over more suitable candidates because she is a gay, Black woman. Reacting on CNNs The Lead to the recent criticism over Jean-Pierres performance in the White House, as well as her controversial interview with the New Yorker this week, Miller told host Jake Tapper: I saw her interview this morning in the New Yorker, if it came out today or yesterday, but I think what youre seeing and what Karen is attesting to is that she is quite incompetent to do the job, right? This is what Republicans have been saying for years now, is that she is just another evidence that DEI doesnt work, whether thats in the White House in your press secretary role or whether thats, you know, an air traffic controller, an air pilot, whether thats your doctor. You know, you want to hire the best for the role, not just based on skin color, Jake. Why did she get the job over John Kirby? Former Hillary Clinton spokesperson Karen Finney responded, You know, gay woman is DEI, but a white woman who is behind the podium right now, which DEI initially started as affirmative action, which was about affirmatively hiring women and minorities, why is one DEI and the other is not? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why did she get the job over John Kirby? shot back Miller. Because as everyone has said this week, she is woefully incompetent. Tapper then weighed in, I will just say she used to be a commentator on CNN, then she was one on MSNBC, and she was good at that. Like, I mean, without getting into the job I thought she did as press secretary, it didnt seem crazy to me because she was eloquent as a commentator. Why is she trained every four sentences to say she is a Black, queer, LGBTQ woman? Miller concluded. Because thats how shes been promoted her entire career. Watch above via CNN. The post Katie Miller Calls Karine Jean-Pierre a DEI Hire Who Was Picked Based on Skin Color first appeared on Mediaite. MADISON Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul joined a lawsuit Tuesday against the Trump administration in an effort to continue Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for state residents. Kaul, a Democrat, joined a coalition of 22 other attorneys general and three governors who are seeking to compel the Trump administration to use emergency dollars to pay for those food benefits. The USDA manages the program. We have argued in our suit that this action is unlawful, Kaul said during a Zoom press conference with statewide media Tuesday afternoon. This is about preventing Wisconsinites and millions of others around the country from losing food assistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SNAP, known in Wisconsin as FoodShare, helps more than 40 million Americans buy food. In Wisconsin, about 689,000 residents including 170,000 children and 110,000 individuals over the age of 60 receive FoodShare benefits each month, a press release from his office reads. Nearly 4,500 Wisconsin retailers accept FoodShare payments. For many families, access to that program is the difference between having enough food to eat or going hungry, he said. Kaul said that losing access would cause real harm across the country. It would put a significant burden on local communities and food banks, Kaul said. What we are missing right now is leadership in the federal government and leadership in the USDA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kaul was doubtful that state legislation would take place, and he wants to see this resolved at the federal level. If we lose SNAP access, food pantries are going to be overrun. We could be looking at people waiting in very long lines, just to access food, Kaul said. Amber Daugs of Manitowoc spoke during the press conference about providing access to good food. In the past year alone, weve served 1,800 individuals, Daugs said. We are seeing record need. Daugs said every $1 spent on SNAP creates $1.50 in economic impact. It strengthens local agriculture and strengthens our local economy, she said. Strengthening SNAP strengthens local families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kaul agreed, saying it would have significant economic consequences on local grocery stores and businesses. Bianca Lewis of Milwaukee talked about being a young mother who depends on SNAP benefits. This would affect so many peoples health, Lewis said. This would bring so much harm. No family should go hungry. Without these SNAP benefits, I know so many people would be impacted. Despite USDAs claim of insufficient funds, the agency has access to SNAP-specific contingency funds appropriated by Congress for this very purpose, Kauls press release states. Furthermore, USDA has funded other programs with emergency funds during this shutdown. Its refusal to fund SNAP leaves millions of Americans without the assistance they need to buy food, while contingency funds are still available, the press release reads. Attorneys general in Illinois, Michigan and Minnesota are among those who are participating in the lawsuit. SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) A Kerr County vehicle chase involving multiple law enforcement agencies that exceeded speeds of 100 mph resulted in one person being arrested, according to the Kimble County Sheriffs Office. In an announcement issued via social media during the evening of Oct. 28, the Kimble County Sheriffs Office reported that it and the Junction Police Department assisted the Kerr County Sheriffs Office with a pursuit on Interstate 10. During the chase, the suspect vehicle reached speeds of 100+ mph. 6 people arrested in TGSO warrant roundup Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kimble County Sheriffs Office stated that, after multiple successful spike deployments, the car stopped in the bar ditch on E Ranch Road 2169 between the Bogs.' One person would be taken into custody and transported to the Kerr County Jail. According to an arrest report filed in Kerr County regarding the incident, the suspect is identified as 23-year-old Jon Zedrick Lubano Nisperos of San Antonio. Nisperos was arrested at 5:41 p.m. on Oct. 28 in Kerr County by a member of the Kerr County Sheriffs Office, as per the report. The report states that Nisperso is now facing charges of evading arrest with a vehicle and possession of a penalty group two controlled substance in an amount less than 1 gram. 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. KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) A Knox County Sheriffs Office deputy who was injured in a serious traffic incident in July will undergo surgery to amputate his foot, which was not healing despite surgery and months of extensive rehabilitation. A KCSO spokesperson shared on Wednesday that Deputy Matt Kirchner made the gut-wrenching decision to amputate his foot, which had not healed as he hoped despite his relentless determination and months of hard work. The decision came after discussions with his surgeon and family, the spokesperson said. Knoxville pledges up to $10M annually from sales tax proposal for affordable housing Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not the news any man who has devoted his entire adult life to protecting and serving others wants to hearbut it is medically necessary to give him the best possible quality of life moving forward, the KCSO spokesperson wrote. The surgery is scheduled to take place at the end of October. In July, Kirchner was injured while on duty as he responded to a fight in a parking lot in Halls. During that call, a Nissan Rogue traveling at high speeds struck Kirchners car. Kirchner, who pulled Deputy Dalton Swanger out of the woods in June after Swanger was struck by a large rock or brick while on duty, was taken to UT Medical Center for treatment. He suffered a dislocated tibia/fibula, three fractures, bruising to his ribs and lacerations. A probationary officer who was also in the vehicle with him did not need treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver of the Nissan is facing multiple charges, including DUI, vehicular assault by DUI, reckless driving, and underage consumption. Second Harvest activates emergency plan during government shutdown KCSO shared that Kirchner and his family are incredibly grateful for the support, prayer and love they have received. The sheriffs office asked the community to continue to pray for Kirchner, his family and his surgical team, and consider donating to help Kirchner and his family through the transition. A fundraiser for Kirchner has been set up by Blue Line Tennessee. 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 WATE 6 On Your Side. Nicole Cummings spends much of her time visiting schools and teaching students about the wonders of engineering. When shes not doing that, shes getting humans back to the moon. Cummings, the engineering program manager at Aerojet Rocketdyne Systems, received the Leadership Award at the 34th Annual Athena Award luncheon on Sept. 19 at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach. The awards, given out by the Chamber of Commerce of The Palm Beaches, honor business and community leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Enough food to feed 383,500: Gleaning lets nonprofit help Palm Beach County's needy Cummings works on the RL10 rocket engine for NASAs Artemis II mission, which aims to put people back on the moon for the first time since 1972. Itll also mark the first lunar mission involving a woman and a person of color, a feat in which Cummings takes immense pride. Its an amazing feeling, she said. We don't really grasp how big that is because we haven't been to the moon in over 50 years. Nicole Cummings won the 2025 Leadership Award at the 34th Annual Athena Awards on Sept. 19, 2025, at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach. The Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches stages the awards to honor business and community leaders. Path began in Mrs. Simmons' science club at Wellington High Cummings' journey with STEM started as a student at Wellington High School. She became interested in engineering after a teacher, Laverne Simmons, had encouraged students to join the SECME club short for Science, Engineering, Communications, Mathematics and Enrichment and compete. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shes trying to get us excited about engineering. She used to have pizza and drinks and music then she would give us these mouse traps to build, or these bridges to build, and she'll do these Brain Bowl competitions. 'Tugged at my heart': Hospice patient feared for Motzie, his dog. A volunteer took him in. Cummings then pursued engineering at Florida Atlantic University. She would go on to be enshrined into the universitys Hall of Fame. Outside her job, Cummings has made it her mission to spread STEM education to as many schools as possible. Whether its at an elementary, middle or high school, shell be there because she knows just how important it is to get children involved early. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If I hadnt been exposed, I wouldnt be on this journey, Cummings said. I love going places where I know they're not necessarily exposed to STEM and to see the excitement and to plant the seed. Nicole Cummings, the 2025 winner of the Leadership Award at the 34th Annual Athena Awards, says her passion is to spread STEM education to as many schools as possible. 'If I hadnt been exposed, I wouldnt be on this journey,' says Cummings, now a rocket scientist. Her aim: A legacy of guiding students into STEM studies Balancing all of these things can be a challenge, but Cummings is inspired by her daughter, Milani. I understand the importance of being a reflection for her, so I'm very cautious and also very aware of what I'm representing for her, Cummings said. She pushes me to make sure that I don't give up. She pushes me to be strong. She pushes me to know that I can do it. Cummings learned she had won the award when her husband, North Palm Beach attorney Tayson Gaines, spotted the article. "I was just overjoyed." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After winning, Cummings isn't sure what comes next. I've been actually thinking about it, Cummings said. What do I really want to do? What is the legacy that I want to leave? I really want to be able to keep inspiring and being an impact. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Rocket scientist from Wellington High wins Athena leadership award The U.S. Capitol on the evening of Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, just hours before a federal government shutdown. (Photo by Ashley Murray/States Newsroom) LEXINGTON Candidates for U.S. Senate in Kentucky talked on Wednesday about national economic and trade policies before a gathering focused on manufacturing and innovation. Democratic U.S. Senate candidate and former Marine fighter pilot Amy McGrath speaks to reporters at a metals industry conference in Lexington. (Kentucky Lantern photo by McKenna Horsley) Answering questions in front of the Kentucky Industry Conference held in Lexington this week, top Republican candidates former Attorney General Daniel Cameron, U.S. Rep. Andy Barr and businessman Nate Morris reiterated their support for President Donald Trumps agenda. Former Marine fighter pilot Amy McGrath, the only Democratic candidate to address the forum, offered a different view and said what were seeing from this administration right now is dangerous and not normal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The candidates are hoping to succeed longtime Republican U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell after he announced he would not seek reelection earlier this year. Tuesdays forum was held at the end of the Kentucky Industry Conference in Lexington. The candidates each appeared on stage for a few minutes to answer questions from a moderator. There were no questions from the audience, but the topics largely focused on the economy and federal trade policies. McGrath eagerly answered a question about Trumps tariff policies during her few minutes with the crowd, and repeatedly criticized the president for imposing tariffs on imports from several countries, including American allies. The U.S. Senate voted in favor of a resolution to repeal Trumps tariffs on Brazil Tuesday and was expected to take up a similar measure on tariffs for Canada. Folks, Im not going to mince words. This is stupid policy, McGrath said. Now, Im not completely opposed to tariffs if theyre targeted. That makes sense in many ways. But what were seeing happening right now is a chaotic mess. U.S. Rep. Andy Barr, right, speaks with another attendee of a metals conference. (Kentucky Lantern photo by McKenna Horsley) The Republican candidates were supportive of Trumps tariffs and trade policies when they took to the conference stage. Cameron pointed to a recent $2.5 billion investment by Apple to expand glass manufacturing in Kentucky with Corning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats because of President Trumps economic agenda, Cameron said. And I think we need to admit that there are successes that we are seeing, and what President Trump is trying to do right now is restore some balance when it comes to those trade agreements. Asked about Trumps trade policies, Barr said he supports the presidents positions because I believe in free trade. Barr added that he recognizes there is some turbulence in the short term, but said he backs policies that decrease national dependence on foreign sources and builds up a domestic manufacturing base. Think of it in terms of opening up export markets in the long run, Barr said. Thats good for American manufacturing. Republican U.S. Senate candidate and former Attorney General Daniel Cameron speaks with reporters during a metals industry conference in Lexington. (Kentucky Lantern photo by McKenna Horsley) Morris pointed to Kentucky repeatedly voting for Trump in presidential elections since 2016 as a sign that voters in the state back the presidents agenda, including tariff and trade policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its shameful that President Trump carried Kentucky by 30 points, and weve got a delegation that doesnt support him, and he needs a delegation that supports his agenda. Because thats what Kentucky voted for, Morris said. And people can go back and forth, this or that, but the bottom line is, thats what the people wanted. Thats what the people voted for, and we need a senator whos going to go and stand with President Trump, especially on these issues. Both of Kentuckys senators, McConnell and U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, voted with a handful of Republicans to repeal the Brazil tariffs this week. Paul and another Republican in Kentuckys congressional delegation, U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie, have drawn ire from the president for voting against some of his policies, including the GOP megabill, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Trump has gone so far as to endorse a Republican challenger, Ed Gallrein, against Massie in the 4th Congressional District primary in May. Republican U.S. Senate candidate and businessman Nate Morris speaks with reporters after a metals conference in Lexington. (Kentucky Lantern photo by McKenna Horsley) Asked by reporters about the Trump-backed primary challenge to Massie, Morris said he is focused on his campaign for U.S. Senate. We havent endorsed anyone in any race, but Im standing with the president. Im with the president, he said. Cameron offered a similar comment ahead of the forum and also pushed back against a rumor before Gallreins announcement that Cameron would run against Massie and drop out of the U.S. Senate race as an absurd notion. He also highlighted recent polling from his campaign and Barrs campaign that shows Cameron in the lead in the U.S. Senate primary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think at the end of the day, Ive got to be focused on what am I going to do as a United States senator to reflect the values of folks all across our 120 counties, Cameron said. Meanwhile, McGrath again echoed her opposition to Trump while taking reporters questions before the forum. She launched her 2026 bid for U.S. Senate in early October, after previously losing the 2020 election to McConnell. I dont know a whole lot of people who are happy with the way things are going in our country at the federal level right now, she said. Theres a lot of chaos, and what youre seeing at the federal level is dangerous and not normal. And I think a lot of people get that, and so theyre hungry for someone to step up and just tell the truth. And thats what Im doing right now in running for this seat. LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) Lawmakers are asking the Kentucky Parole Board to keep Ronald Exantus in prison after he was brought back to Kentucky from Florida. The Kentucky General Assembly said the events in Florida show continued danger. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr. Exantuss actions in Florida represent a direct violation of his reentry, including failure to abide by the law in another jurisdiction and an apparent attempt to conceal his violent criminal history from the community in which he moved. This deliberate concealment demonstrates a disregard for the safety of others and an ongoing risk to the public, The Kentucky General Assembly wrote in a letter. The assembly is asking the parole board to reconsider Exantus release and that the Department of Corrections reconsider any credit previously granted toward early release. Exantus was found not guilty by reason of insanity in connection with the death of 6-year-old Logan Tipton in 2015 in his Versailles home. LATEST KENTUCKY LISTS AND RANKINGS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A jury later found Exantus not guilty by reason of insanity for murder, but guilty of assault, and mentally ill. In Honor of Logan Tipton Exantus Revocation RequestDownload He was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2018, but was released early after receiving good behavior and education credits. 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. Fifteen days after authorities shut down the Shahad flyover on the KalyanNagar Highway for urgent repairs, commuters say the structure has turned into a death stretch. What was supposed to be a smooth, newly laid road has instead become a patchwork of potholes, uneven tar, and exposed concrete prompting locals to dub it the Khaddamarg (pothole road). The National Highway Division announced the closure from September 28 to October 15 to undertake resurfacing work. During the shutdown, citizens endured long traffic diversions and bottlenecks, expecting a safer road upon reopening. However, barely a week later, the surface was riddled with cracks and loose gravel, forcing motorists to swerve and slow down every few metres. Its unbelievable that after keeping the bridge closed for half a month, the authorities managed to make it worse, said Suresh Patil, an Ulhasnagar resident who travels daily to Titwala for work. Theres no trace of proper asphalt work. Theyve just poured a thin layer of tar that has already come off in patches. Two-wheelers skid frequently, and even cars bounce dangerously over the uneven surface. Locals allege that the repair work was carried out in haste, without proper supervision or quality control. The flyover, which connects Ulhasnagar, Shahad, and Kalyan, sees thousands of vehicles every day, including heavy trucks. Poor maintenance has made the stretch treacherous, especially during rains when the potholes fill with muddy water, obscuring their depth. This is not just negligence its mockery, said Priya Jadhav, another resident who commutes daily through Shahad. We paid the price of inconvenience during the 15-day closure, thinking it was for our safety. But the bridge reopened in the same condition. We pay taxes and road cess, yet we have to risk our lives every single day. Over the years, residents and civic activists have repeatedly flagged the deteriorating condition of the flyover. Local groups even staged protests demanding a long-term solution instead of temporary patchwork. But despite several complaints and political visits, the problem remains unresolved. The National Highway Division earlier promised that the entire deck of the bridge would be resurfaced and strengthened. Instead, only a portion appears to have been covered with uneven tar, while large stretches remain cracked. Vehicle owners say suspension damage, punctured tyres, and near-miss accidents have become common. Citizens now demand that the government conduct a technical audit of the flyover and hold the contractor accountable. If the authorities cannot ensure safe infrastructure, who will take responsibility when an accident happens? asked Patil. NHRC officials refused to comment on the matter. WYOMING COUNTY, WV (WVNS) A man from Kentucky pleaded guilty to a felony drug crime in Wyoming County. According to a press release from the Wyoming County Prosecuting Attorney, on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, 44-year-old Billy Edward Ray, of Hardy, Kentucky, pleaded guilty to the felony offense of Conspiracy to Deliver Controlled Substances. Former local middle school principal charged with multiple financial crimes Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The press release stated that a member of the Jesse Detachment of the West Virginia State Police carried out a traffic stop after seeing a car with a broken mirror and defective exhaust while patrolling on Route 52 in Wyoming County on September 14, 2025. According to the press release, the Trooper with the West Virginia State Police found that there were two people in the car, Ray was the driver, and that Ray did not have a valid drivers license. Once the Trooper searched the car, they found a variety of controlled substances that included, Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Heroin, and plastic baggies, scales, multiple guns, and $613 in cash. The press release stated that Rays sentencing is scheduled for December 2, 2025, he potentially faces two to fifteen years in prison, and is being held in Southern Regional Jail awaiting his sentencing. 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. NEED TO KNOW Letecia Stauch, 42, is currently serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole after being convicted of murdering her 11-year-old stepson, Gannon Stauch, in 2020 Gannon was reported missing from his home in Colorado Springs, Colo., but his remains were discovered two months later in a suitcase under a bridge 1,300 miles away in Pensacola, Fla. Letecia managed to hide, transport and dispose of the body in the middle of an active murder investigation and nationwide manhunt for the boy On Feb. 28, 2020, a judge in Colorado approved a request from the El Paso County Sheriff's office to arrest Letecia Stauch and charge her with the murder of her 11-year-old stepson, Gannon Stauch. The young boys disappearance had become national news by that time, but despite the increased awareness and tireless work of volunteers who had assembled and formed search parties to assist law enforcement in their efforts to locate Gannon, investigators had still not found his remains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Gannon's remains had not yet been located, investigators managed to secure an arrest warrant after finding traces of blood in the garage of the familys Colorado Springs home and on a particle board which had been discovered in a rural area about 40 miles away, according to a copy of the arrest affidavit obtained by PEOPLE. Letecia was taken into custody by officers in Myrtle Beach, S.C. two days after the judge signed off on that affidavit, and was soon extradited back to Colorado. Then, on March 17, 2020, Gannon's remains were finally located nearly two months after Letecia reported the boy missing. The discovery was made by a construction worker with the Florida Department of Transportation. While completing repairs on the Escambia River Bridge in Pace, Fla., a city located approximately 1,400 miles east of Colorado Springs, Colo., that worker stumbled upon the remains of Gannon Stauch stuffed into a suitcase that had washed ashore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators were now left with a new mystery: how did Letecia manage to transport her stepsons remains across the country in the middle of a multiagency criminal investigation involving the EPCSO, Colorado Springs Police, Colorado Bureau of Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children? El Paso County Sheriff's Office Gannon Stauch Gannon was reported missing at 6:55 p.m. on Jan. 27, 2020. Letecia stated Gannon was supposed to be home approximately 1 hour ago, and that she was unable to locate him at his friends house, the affidavit read. Deputies responded to the Stauch home, took a statement from Letecia and initiated a missing person investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That missing person investigation then shifted into a murder investigation as law enforcement gathered evidence and deputies conducted interviews, most notably the interview with Letecia on Jan. 29, during which she changed her story regarding the disappearance of Gannon. In summary, Letecia said she had been held at gunpoint and raped by a Hispanic male she knew as Eguardo, and that Gannon was abducted by that male after he finished raping her, the affidavit alleged. It is also noted in the affidavit that detectives did not think Letecia was telling the truth, so they attempted to detain her while they rushed to get a warrant to obtain her DNA. Letecia then told the deputies that she required immediate medical attention, according to the affidavit, and managed to avoid having to submit to any DNA collection as she was instead rushed to a local hospital so that doctors could observe and if necessary treat her mystery ailment. The woman did not stay at the hospital long, however, and shortly after checking in was able to sneak out of the facility unbeknownst to law enforcement, per the affidavit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was at that point Letecia stopped cooperating with the investigation or providing law enforcement with information to assistance in matters they believed could aid their search efforts, according to the affidavit. In the end, deputies used surveillance footage from a neighbors door camera, the security system inside the Stauch household, Letecias search history, texts from her phone and traces of Gannon's blood found in unexpected places to build their case. Letecia Stauch Authorities assembled a tentative timeline of events based upon this evidence, which alleged that Letecia had murdered Gannon on the afternoon she reported him missing and then hid his body in the trunk of her car in the garage, according to the affidavit. She then had to pick up her husband, Gannons father Al Stauch, the following night, at which time she parked her car at the airport and proceeded to get a rental car, the affidavit read. She returned later to get her vehicle and drove about 40 miles south of Colorado Springs to dump the body a determination made by investigators after they discovered a particle board in that area with traces of Gannons blood during a search of the locations Letecia traveled to based on the GPS tracker in her vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After disposing of the body, the affidavit said that Letecia then washed her car and arrived for her ill-fated interview with deputies two hours late. 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. It is unclear when exactly Letecia went back to collect those remains, but at some point after her interview with investigators, she retrieved Gannon's remains and then executed her brazen plot across state lines. Her brother, Dakota Lowery, recalled while testifying at her murder trial how the person of interest in a criminal investigation managed to walk out of her house with the body of the young boy at the center of a nationwide manhunt without drawing any suspicion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lowery said it happened a little over a week into the investigation, which is when he flew across the country to help his sister move out of the home after her relationship with Al fell apart in the wake of Gannons disappearance. At that time, Lowery sympathized with his sister, who he was certain had been "wrongly accused, he said in court. He testified that his sister seemed to be surrounded by law enforcement, and noted how "aggravated he felt about their treatment of Letecia. "I feel like we were getting looked at as criminals, Lowery said. Lowery recalled that while loading up the car with his sisters belongings that day, he noticed her struggling with one suitcase in particular so he offered to help, but was quickly rebuffed by his sister. Letecia allegedly said it was just "softball stuff" in the suitcase, but Lowery said while testifying that he immediately "knew she [killed Gannon]." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lowery then confirmed that the suitcase he saw that day was the same suitcase Gannon's remains were discovered in almost two months later and 1,300 miles away from the boy's home. Letecia and Al Stauch The probable cause affidavit filed after the discovery of Gannon's body alleged that Letecia drove back to Douglas County, collected the remains and put them in a suitcase that she then rolled out in front of everyone before taking off for Florida. Letecia then rented a hotel room in Florida and likely threw the suitcase off the Escambia River Bridge where it would later wash ashore, according to the probable cause affidavit obtained by PEOPLE. The medical examiner later concluded in an autopsy report that the 11-year-old died after being stabbed 18 times, sustaining four blunt force injuries and being shot once in the face. A jury convicted Letecia Stauch of first-degree murder and other related charges on May 8, 2023, and she is now serving a life sentence for her stepsons murder without the possibility of parole. Read the original article on People KILLINGLY - A 65-year-old Killingly woman is facing murder and other charges in connection with a fatal shooting of a Canterbury man on Monday, according to police. Michelle F. Yeagher, 65, is charged with murder, first-degree reckless endangerment, carrying a firearm while under the influence of alcohol and risk of injury to a child, Connecticut State Police said. Police identified the victim of the homicide as 39-year-old Andrew Michael Olson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Troopers responded to a Pratt Road residence after getting reports of a shooting just after 9:20 p.m. Monday in the Dayville section of town, police said. At the scene, troopers found Olson unresponsive on the floor, according to an investigation report. While giving him treatment, troopers found at least one gunshot wound below his rib cage. Olson was rushed to Day Kimball Hospital, where he was pronounced dead around 10:45 p.m., according to police. Troopers found Yeagher, clothed in a sweater and naked from the waist down, lying on a bed in a bedroom in the home, the report states, and she appeared to be "highly intoxicated." When asked what happened, Yeagher said "He tried to kill me" and repeatedly told investigators "I shot him," according to the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Troopers put Yeagher in handcuffs and asked her where the firearm was, but she said she did not know, the report states. "I shot him," she told a trooper, according to the report. "He came after me, I shot him." Yeagher said she had been in her bedroom when Olson came after her and she tried to unlock her gun safe. Yeagher told troopers several times that it took her a long time to get into her safe. Police also spoke to a 12-year-old boy who was in the home when the shooting occurred. The boy said he was watching "Toy Story" with Olson when Yeagher came into the room and shot him, according to the report. A 40-year-old man also was in the home when state police arrived, according to the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Troopers discovered a small, black safe on the floor beside the bed where they had found Yeagher. Police said they saw a 9 mm cartridge on the floor beside the bed and a cartridge casing under the bureau. Yeagher was taken to the hospital due to a cut to her head, according to the report. Around 2:35 a.m. Tuesday, police spoke to Yeagher at the hospital, and she told investigators that she had been upset from issues throughout the day and began drinking that night before Olson and the juvenile came over, and she went to bed awhile after, the report states. "Yeagher stated she woke up terrified for some reason and went to her gun safe to retrieve her firearm," according to the report. Yeagher said she did not remember whether she got into her safe, only that she remembered fidgeting with the key, the report states. The next thing Yeagher told police she remembered hearing was the 40-year-old man in distress and seeing someone hurt and lying on the floor, according to the report. She noted that she owns a pistol, and that Olson and the 40-year-old man do not own firearms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said Yeagher was held on $1 million bond and appeared at state Superior Court in Danielson Tuesday. Online court records indicated that she was in custody as of Wednesday and is next scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 11. This article originally published at Woman killed man in Killingly while he watched movie with boy, 12, report says. KINGSTON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) Halloween spirit is alive and glowing in Kingston, where one home is turning heads with a spine-tingling display. Bright red, blue, and green lights cast a colorful glow over a front yard packed with towering skeletons, creepy clowns, and eerie fog drifting down the alleyway. Every corner is covered in spooky detail, from grinning ghouls to hanging monsters, all perfectly lit for a frightful night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Halloween house stopping traffic with scares If your home is decorated, we would love to feature it in one of our newscasts. All you have to do is scan the QR code below and send us a photo or video. 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. Federal workers in Kitsap County, Washington, are facing financial difficulties as the government shutdown continues to leave them unpaid. Washington state has nearly 80,000 federal workers, and Kitsap County leads the state in the number of federal workers at 21,400. To just like know that were not going to get paid. But I also didnt know it was going to be this long. So that was scary, said Danielle Davies, whose husband is a federal worker and veteran. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Essential federal workers, such as those employed at the Navy shipyard in Bremerton, are not eligible for unemployment benefits, forcing families to cut back on expenses. Federal working families have been advised they can use food banks, although many are hesitant due to the strain on these resources, especially with SNAP benefits ending soon. But now, local businesses, including 303 Coffee Co., are doing their part to give back to the community that has supported them for so long. They are offering discounted services and products to support these workers during the shutdown. Kitsap is so great because of how strong our community love is. Theres tons of restaurants, ton of coffee stands, not just us that are offering free coffees, discounted rates, so on and so forth, said Lexie Shaye, owner of 303 Coffee Co. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, special commissary gift cards are also being distributed to military families at JBLM to help them purchase essentials like diapers. Ryan Elwell from Mission Outdoors noted, Morale is the biggest thing that Ive seen impacted this week is just having to go and ask for help, which is a humbling experience. If youd like to donate to the commissary gift card program, click here or go to missionoutdoors.org. This bill would split the attorney-generals role into three separate positions: Legal adviser to the government, head of the state prosecution, and representative of the State of Israel in court. The Knesset plenum advanced the controversial bill to split the role of Israels attorney-general into three different positions on Wednesday, which was initiated by MK Simcha Rothman (Religious Zionist Party). Rothman's bill passed its preliminary reading by a margin of 59-44. It will now move on to committee discussions and still needs to pass three additional readings in the Knesset. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Various other versions of bills to divide the role of the attorney general were also advanced during the plenary session in preliminary readings; however, the bill submitted by Rothman in 2025 is considered among the more radical. This bill would split the attorney-generals role into three separate positions: Legal adviser to the government, head of the state prosecution, and representative of the State of Israel in court. Corruption claims against Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara The bill proposed by Rothman states that the attorney generals role should be split due to inherent institutional conflicts of interest." Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara attends a Constitution, Law and Justice Committee in the Knesset, April 27, 2025. (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90) The proposal says this conflict of interest is because the job of the attorney general is to both advise the government, working in cooperation with it, while also making decisions regarding investigations and prosecutions of ministers and elected officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rothman said that The attorney general currently holds powers unmatched in any other democratic country." Justice Minister Yariv Levin spoke strongly against Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara during his remarks at the Knessets plenum, stating that she caused the attorney generals institution to be corrupted at its core" during her term. Legal scholars have warned that the new bill proposals would place unprecedented power in the governments hands over its principal legal challenger. The Movement for Quality Government condemned the approval of the bills, stating that they were a legislative ambush intended to replace the attorney general and dismantle the law enforcement system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This law is not meant to improve the justice system; it is meant to protect politicians suspected or investigated for criminal offenses from the enforcement of the law," the statement added. Brothers and Sisters in Arms for Democracy movement called the decision to split the role of the attorney general another step in turning the justice system into a puppet of this government of destruction, meant to protect corrupt elected officials. Under the Rothman bill, the A-G would be appointed directly by the prime minister and the justice minister, with government approval, for a term of six years. The candidate must have 10 years of criminal law experience, including at least five years as a District Court judge, but their legal opinions would no longer be binding. Among the other bills approved for preliminary reading, which aim to divide the role of the attorney general, was one initiated by MK Michel Buskila (New Hope-United Right). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Buskila's bill proposal also seeks to separate the different roles of the attorney general, though in a different manner. The proposal says it will transfer the attorney generals authority to the state attorney to decide on opening investigations on the prime minister, ministers, and MKS, subject to the approval of a three-member committee. Buskilas bill passed its preliminary reading by a margin of 61-46. Opposition MKs in the plenum slammed the proposals to split the role of the attorney general, while various coalition MKs welcomed it. The High Court will shut down this bill, and its too bad that this is what youre busy with these days, Orit Farkash-Hacohen (Yesh Atid) said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Farkash-Hacohen told the plenum that the bill was a broad, systematic, and fundamental proposal aimed at crushing the status of legal counsel, both in relation to the government and within the civil service itself. Today youve moved on to dismantling the most important gatekeeper in the country, the last barrier preventing this government from advancing and funding draft evasion, she added. According to Israeli legal precedent, the attorney-general is the governmental organ responsible for interpreting the law for the government, and its interpretations are legally binding. The attorney-general also oversees Israels public prosecution apparatus and, as such, decides whether or not to prosecute a sitting MK or minister. The Attorney-Generals Office is also responsible for representing the government in proceedings against it in the High Court of Justice, and for overseeing the legal advisers in each individual government ministry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baharav-Miara was appointed to the position during the previous governments tenure. The current government has repeatedly accused her of intentionally blocking policy initiatives in order to eventually lead to the governments downfall; using her power as chief prosecutor to launch politically-motivated witch hunts; and refusing to give the government its day in court by siding with petitioners in a number of court cases. Sarah Ben-Nun and Eliav Breuer contributed to this report. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. Its hard for most Americans to imagine what it would be like to live in a society without the rule of law protecting them. I spent more than 20 years leading U.S. governmentsponsored justice projects in countries with weak to nonexistent democracies, including Albania, Mongolia, China, Cambodia, Vietnam, the Republic of Georgia, and Armenia. Those of us who have worked in nations like these dont have to imagine what it looks like when a places leaders demonstrate no regard for the rule of law. What weve seen overseas looks a lot like what weve started to watch unfold in this country over the course of the past 10 months. Some of these experiences abroad, when we see them happen here, offer the biggest clues that our own democracy is beginning to slip away. Rather than passing laws to protect free speech, the government passes new laws and enforces existing ones in such a way as to discourage and punish the exercise of free speech. The states regulatory agencies deny media organizations licenses needed for broadcasting and publishing if those organizations criticize the government. Its security forces and tax authorities use their power and authority to frighten people into silence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was the case in the former Soviet Union, and it continues to be the case in many post-Soviet countries today. Take, for example, the Republic of Georgia, where I worked from 201025. In the decade after its 2003 Rose Revolution, Georgia made solid progress toward the rule of law with assistance from the U.S. and many European donors. But in recent years, the ruling coalition, the Georgian Dream party, led by a Russian oligarch, has reversed that progress and chipped away at the free speech and assembly rights guaranteed by Georgias Constitution. In 2024, when criticized by an active and motivated group of local justice reform and media organizations, the Georgian Dream passed a law restricting the ability of those groups to receive funds necessary for them to function and threatened their leaders with fines and prosecution if they failed to comply. When hundreds of thousands of Georgians took to the streets to protest the legislation, government security forces and groups of thugs allied with those forces beat up protesters and arrested many more, and the courts handed out fines and jail sentences, often without evidence or meaningful due process. Most recently, the countrys prosecutors office froze the bank accounts of some of these civil society organizations and interrogated their leaders, sending the message that if they continue their activities, they are likely to end up in jail. In countries where the rule of law is under attack, courts are still used to resolve disputes between parties, but their main function is to enforce government policy and promote the interests of the powerful. Judges are selected more for their perceived loyalty to those in power than for their legal acumen. They are kept in line by promises of reward, on or off the books, and by threats of punishment such as demotion, transfer, removal, or even prosecution. In cases involving a government interest, the government always, or almost always, wins. As a result, the public distrusts the court system and holds the judicial profession in low regard. In the Republic of Georgia, when the ruling party signals how it wants a case decided, the courts are expected to deliver its preferred result. If, for example, the ruling party sues a television station for criticizing one of its officials, the court will almost certainly rule in favor of the ruling party, no matter the strengths of its case, and the station may be forced off the air. If judges fail to rule as those in power desire, they will be harassed by their judicial leadership and may be transferred to provincial backwaters; if they continue to make independent rulings that are faithful to the law but unfavorable to the regime, they will likely be driven out of judicial service altogether. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When people in power do not fear the law or the courts, they feel freer to enrich themselves at the publics expense. They engage in influence peddling, award government contracts to friends and family, hand out government positions based solely on political loyalty, take bribes, and extort favors. Over time, these behaviors become typical features of the countrys political and economic system. Many lawyers in such a system develop expertise not in the law but in determining how much cash should go into the judges white envelope to ensure a preferred outcome. Inevitably, police in such systems find extralegal ways to augment their salariesby taking bribes, exploiting public resources they control, or providing protection to legal or illegal businesses. During the period it was moving toward the rule of law, Georgia managed to eliminate much of the corruption practiced by the police, the courts, and low-level government officials that had plagued the country during Soviet times. With the rule of law now in retreat, the old corrupt practices are making a comeback. For example, in 2023, the U.S. sanctioned four Georgian judges for significant corruption, and in 2025, the U.K. sanctioned two senior Georgian judges for serious corruption in using their positions to influence judicial appointments and decisions to favor the Georgian Dream party. In Cambodia, where I worked for five years and where the rule of law never put down significant roots, nepotism, cronyism, kickbacks, and bribe taking are standard and, one might claim, generally accepted modes of governmental operation. When police are not answerable to the law and the courts, they become a law unto themselves. They regularly violate citizens rights. They ignore citizens complaints. They use their authority to prey on the very people they should be protecting, confident that there will be no repercussions. In Cambodia, I observed that police enjoyed near-absolute impunity. There, when a police officer pulls your car over, you understand that you are completely at his mercy. He might suggest you give him tea money to let you go without a ticket. He might arrest you and take you off to jail to be pressured by other officers to pay an even bigger bribe. If you try to complain to a higher authority, like a court, you are probably going to make your situation worse. In Cambodia, the courts and the police are on the same side of things, and it is not your side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a society with a weak rule of law, everyone is a government-victim-in-waiting. People are afraid of judges. They are afraid of police. They are afraid of their neighbors who might inform on them to the police. Those in power are afraid as well, since they know that the consequence of losing power will be retribution, such as the seizing of their assets, exile, imprisonment, or even execution. In every developing country in which I have worked, fear lived just under the collective skin of the people. The depth of the fear depended on how repressive the regime and how weak the rule of law. Less than a year ago, it was impossible to imagine that the U.S. could ever become like the Republic of Georgia or Cambodia. It is not so impossible to imagine now. Since February, our highest court has delivered a series of rulings expanding executive power to a degree previously unimaginable. Even before that, it granted the president near-complete immunity for actions taken in office. Two Supreme Court judges accepted lavish personal gifts from wealthy supporters of the presidents party without suffering meaningful consequences. The president himself has extorted payments of millions of dollars from news organizations to settle transparently meritless defamation claims. He is now demanding that the Justice Department pay him $230 million for the inconvenience he suffered by being prosecuted for serious crimes. He pardoned a number of criminals after they or their families contributed large sums of money to his campaign, as well as over 1,500 Jan. 6 plotters and rioters. He extracted commitments from major law firms to provide free services to his administration in order to avoid punitive measures that could hobble their operations. At the presidents request, Congress increased the Department of Homeland Securitys budget fivefold, and its agencies now routinely ignore court orders and violate the due process rights of immigrants and citizens alike. Accounts of citizens, some entirely innocent, being thrown into vans by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers have become commonplace. Much of America is afraid. Afraid of the government. Afraid of their fellow citizens. Afraid Americas legal and judicial institutions will no longer protect them. If Americans do not wake up, organize, and fight harder to defend the rule of law, we will find ourselves living in an authoritarian system, a system more similar in nature to countries like the Republic of Georgia and Cambodia than any of us could ever have imagined. Higher prices, less help and a government shutdown all hang over health insurance markets as shoppers start looking for coverage this month. The annual enrollment window for millions of people to pick an individual plan opened Nov. 1 in nearly all states, and a heavy dose of politics weighs on this years search. The federal government shut down as Democrats in Congress demanded negotiations to extend enhanced tax credits that have helped people buy coverage the past few years. Republicans say they wont negotiate until Democrats vote to reopen the government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stuck in the middle are insurance customers, many of whom will be facing the biggest premium hikes theyve seen in years and may be forced to consider changing plans. It seems overwhelming, but it really is important to shop and consider your choices, said Sara Collins, a Commonwealth Fund insurance expert. Heres how shoppers can respond: The first deadline is in mid-December Shoppers will have until Jan. 15 in most states to find a plan for 2026, but they have to make their choice by Dec. 15 if they want coverage starting New Year's Day. This is the main chance people with individual coverage have every year to find a plan for the next year. More than 24 million people enrolled in individual plans for 2025, according to KFF, which studies health care issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People can buy a new plan with help from income-based tax credits through insurance marketplaces set up in every state. Then-President Joe Bidens administration beefed up that help with enhanced tax credits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those are set to expire this year unless Congress works out an extension. Shoppers also can find options outside these marketplaces sometimes for a lower price but they wont get tax credit help. You may see price hikes KFF says premiums, or the cost of coverage, will jump more than 20% for many levels of coverage. Those higher prices may not change even if Congress restores the enhanced tax credits before the enrollment window ends, said Karan Rustagi, a Wakely Consulting Group health actuary who works with insurers. It can take insurers weeks to complete rate changes with regulators and then update their systems and customer handbooks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People who depended on the enhanced tax credits last year could experience additional sticker shock if Congress lets those credits expire. Researchers at KFF were able to estimate costs for multiple income scenarios. They calculated, for instance, that someone making $35,000 a year could see their monthly cost for a typical silver-level plan jump to $218 from $86. The most extreme cases involve people with salaries that exceed 400% of the federal poverty level. This group would lose tax credits entirely and pay the full premium price, which can vary by age and location. For example, a 60-year-old in Monroe County, Florida, could wind up paying $2,702 a month without credits versus $460 with credits. For shoppers still receiving tax credits, one option to soften big price hikes is to buy down, or opt for a cheaper plan. The tradeoff: less coverage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Help may be harder to find The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in February cut funding by 90% for a federal program that provides navigators who help people find coverage. That will lead to less free help in more than two dozen states that rely on the federal government to run their health insurance marketplaces. Kaye Pestaina, a vice president with KFF, said help like this is especially important for first-time shoppers who need to predict their income to get tax credit help. That task can be especially challenging for seasonal workers or others who see their income fluctuate. That one-on-one assistance is going to be really important, Pestaina said. Its not intuitive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If navigators are not available, health insurance brokers or agents can help. They receive commissions paid by insurers, often a flat fee. What you can do Shoppers can get a sense for their options by checking their state marketplace. You can find that by visiting healthcare.gov. Collins said people should start there, not Google. Search engine results could connect you with someone selling more limited, short-term insurance. Fill out the application for tax credit help first, said Joshua Brooker, a Lancaster, Pennsylvania-based independent insurance agent. That will tell you whether any help is available to you now. That assistance will automatically be updated if the enhanced tax credits are renewed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doing that first application is not lost time, he said. Then pick a plan. Look beyond the premium. Consider any deductibles you may have to pay, what doctors or hospitals are in the insurer's network and how any prescriptions would be covered. Dont wait to see whether the extra tax credit debate is resolved. That may not happen during your enrollment window. If it does, you can revisit your choice. You do have a mulligan, Brooker said. Agents say many people procrastinate on insurance shopping. That can make it tougher to find help as sign-up deadlines approach. I have people every year either wait until the very last day to enroll or they miss the deadline entirely, said Shayla Teague, an insurance agent based in Anchorage, Alaska. Make sure you have something in place, ready to go. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) Here are the top headlines from this morning. A man from Sioux City pleaded guilty to fatally stabbing a Catholic priest in Fort Calhoun, Nebraska. Man pleads guilty to killing Catholic priest who was stabbed in his rectory in Nebraska A new art exhibit is coming to Sioux City that features a place thats both divided and deeply connected: the U.S.-Mexico border. Photography exhibit showcasing U.S.-Mexico border opening at Sioux City Art Center Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The federal government shutdown will continue after the U.S. Senate failed for the 13th time to pass a short-term spending bill on Tuesday. Siouxland states on SNAP halts Watch more stories 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 SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. Barely weeks after Bandra Gymkhanas chaotic elections that ended with cries of vote chori, a new storm has hit the iconic club. The Gymkhanas board of trustees has fired off an explosive 11-page letter, dated October 18, to the newly elected committee, alleging serious irregularities, including tampering with CCTV footage, unauthorised access to ballot rooms, and the removal of sensitive files to the Presidents home. The letter warns that these alleged actions are damaging the clubs reputation and risking institutional integrity by putting personal agendas ahead of the collective good. Trustees letter of warning Addressed to the President, Secretary, and all managing committee members, the trustees communication accuses the new leadership of violating the Gymkhanas constitution, flouting long-standing norms of transparency, and fostering an atmosphere of bitterness and distrust. The Bandra Gymkhana is built on trust. That trust is now under strain. We appeal to every elected representative to act in the larger interest of the membership, the trustees wrote, adding that they were dismayed at the tone and tenor of communications within the new committee. The letter devotes entire sections to the alleged tampering of CCTV footage and the unauthorised transfer of official documents, which trustees describe as grave and unprecedented breaches. According to the letter, staff members reported receiving instructions from certain committee representatives to temporarily switch off or redirect CCTV cameras covering the ballot storage area on the pretext of cleaning and maintenance. Trustees said this violated both the Returning Officers mandate and basic election norms. A returning officer is responsible for overseeing elections in one or more constituencies. When they cross-verified the system later, they reportedly discovered that CCTV logs were reformatted, timestamps did not match polling-day schedules, and portions of the footage were deleted, formatted or overwritten. The trustees have demanded a forensic audit of the digital surveillance logs and a cross-verification of timestamps, calling the alleged rebooting or formatting of CCTV data a grave interference with primary evidence. If data erasure is proved, the letter warns, it would constitute tampering of official records and attract both internal disciplinary and legal consequences. Files removed from premises In a separate section, the trustees have expressed shock that several administrative and election-related files including membership records and ballot documentation were reportedly removed from the Gymkhana premises and taken to the residence of President Dr Cheryl Misquita. Dr Misquita, President of the Gymkhana, did not respond to calls or messages. Staff statements appended to the trustees letter confirm that sealed packets and registers were handed over for safekeeping and verification but were not returned for several days. Calling this a serious breach of institutional protocol, the trustees have demanded a complete inventory of the transferred files and written assurance that no tampering occurred. Such actions, even if done without malice, erode confidence in the integrity of our record-keeping and governance systems, the trustees wrote. From ballot to backlash As Mumbai Mirror reported earlier, the September election one of the most bitterly contested in recent years - ended amid chaos, allegations of procedural lapses, and unauthorised entry into the ballot room. The Returning Officer temporarily halted counting after objections, but results were eventually declared amid protests. The episode triggered the now-infamous vote chori and ballot tampering allegations, along with demands for an independent audit of the ballots and CCTV footage concerns now echoed and amplified in the trustees 11-page communication. Trustees list grievances The trustees have also consolidated complaints from members into a structured list of institutional concerns: 1 Election integrity Demand for preservation of all ballot papers, voter lists, and CCTV footage for independent scrutiny. 2 Communication gaps Accusations that elected office-bearers have ignored earlier reminders and issued circulars without consulting trustees. 3 Financial prudence Questions over expense approvals made without trustee ratification, warning of possible legal implications. 4 Behavioural code Condemnation of derogatory remarks and personalised social-media posts by office-bearers. 5 Restoring harmony A call for a joint meeting with trustees and senior members to rebuild trust, set norms of conduct, and reaffirm constitutional discipline. The Gymkhana has seen wars, pandemics, and politics, but never internal bitterness of this kind. We must restore sanity before the public loses faith in this institution, the trustees warned. Members divided over future Many members have expressed unhappiness with the functioning of the club in recent years, following which they formed a parallel team. The transformation has led to a division between members of the current managing committee and the newly formed Team Restoration. Team Restoration alleged ballot tampering and demanded a recount of votes the very next day after the election. Theresa Aguira, one of the winning candidates from Team Restoration, said, Everything the trustees have now highlighted in their letter is exactly what weve been saying since day one. The same irregularities and even more serious developments within the Gymkhana have now been formally acknowledged. This could well lead to the annulment of the election results and a possible re-election. For the moment, the trustees have proposed a judicial inquiry to be headed by a retired judge, and three names have already been suggested for consideration. A senior member summarised: This issue transcends the ballots or camerasit challenges the very soul of Bandra Gymkhana. Allegations of past discrepancies add urgency, but this bold action by trustees could be pivotal. Transparency and trust must be restored to preserve the clubs legacy and membership faith. eople stand next to the bodies with a sign that reads "Claudio Castro (Rio de Janeiro governor) assassin and terrorist" in the Penha neighborhood a day after a massive anti-gang police operation took place at the Complexo da Penha and Alemao favelas on October 29, 2025 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Credit - Wagner Meier2025 Getty Images At least 40 bodies have been lined up in the streets of Rio de Janeiro the day after a major clash between Brazilian police and the Red Command gang that left over 100 people dead, according to officials. The carnage came after some 2,500 police officers and soldiers launched a massive raid on the drug-trafficking gang in Rio on Tuesday, plunging the city into chaos with shootouts and drone-dropped explosives targeting police during the operation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By the end of the operation, 81 suspects were arrested and 119 people were dead. It was the Rio police force's deadliest-ever operation, and drew criticism from rights groups for excessive force. Claudio Castro, Rio de Janeiro's governor, shared a video on X in response to the raid, calling it a historic day in the fight against crime in Rio de Janeiro. Read more: A Deadly Police Raid in Rio Shows How Bolsonaros Policies Are Wreaking Havoc in Brazil Meanwhile, human rights groups have called for an investigation into the raid due to the massive death toll. The succession of lethal operations that do not result in greater safety for the population, but that in fact cause insecurity, reveals the failure of the policies of Rio de Janeiro, Cesar Munoz, director of Human Rights Watch in Brazil, wrote on X, calling the deaths a tragedy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The public prosecutor's office must open its own investigations and clarify the circumstances of each death, he added. The Rio Times has called the raid the deadliest day in Rios history, while O Globo said the raid was the biggest blow that Comando Vermelho [Red Command] has suffered since the beginning of its history. The death toll surpassed that in a 2021 raid by the police against the group. Local media reported that suspected gang members blocked roads in northern and southeastern Rio in response, leading to significant damage to buses, while dozens of universities and schools reportedly cancelled classes as the city dealt with the aftermath. Residents told local news outlets that chaos ensued Tuesday, as they dodged bullets during the raid that leaked into the city streets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We saw executed people: shot in the back, shots to the head, stab wounds, people tied up. This level of brutality, the hatred spreadtheres no other way to describe it except as a massacre, one local activist, Raull Santiago, told ABC. What is Red Command? Comando Vermelho, or Red Command, is Brazils oldest criminal group, according to InSight Crime, a think tank studying organized crime. The group began in a Rio de Janeiro prison in the 1970s as a means of self-protection for prisoners, and was inspired by leftist guerrillas. The terrible conditions in Candido Mendes prison, on Ilha Grande island in the state of Rio de Janeiro, pushed inmates to band together to survive within the system, the think tank writes in its profile of the group. In the 1980s, the group became involved in cocaine production and trafficking, but also maintained a social role in the marginalized communities in one of the countrys most visited cities. Its criminal activities include drug trafficking, arms trafficking, protection racketeering, loansharking, and turf wars against other criminal organizations in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The think tank added that the group has had to contend with militia groups trying to elbow their way into territory in recent years, as well as mass police raids, especially since the pandemic. They claim that within the last two years, Red Command has been able to take back control of Rio, now "ruling more than half of the city. According to Julia Quirino, a Ph.D. candidate in Sociology and Anthropology at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) who studies Red Command, the group has recently expanded into developing a mobile ride-sharing application. More than a curiosity, it is an indication of how illegal armed groups are incorporating digital technologies to expand their capacity for territorial control and revenue diversification, Quirinos research found. According to her research and state public security groups, only 11 percent of the groups profits come from drug sales, while the majority comes from extortion of merchants and providing essential services like gas distribution, water sales, and transportation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Red Command has been gradually extending its control over Rio since 2022, battling with militias who maintain ties to the state and police, to capture territory and cement its hold on the city. By 2024, power had shifted in Red Commands favor, according to an InSight Crime report. The group was also extending its control outside of Rio. By the end of 2024, according to the Associated Press, the group controlled half of the municipalities in the Amazon region, up from one-fourth the year before. Officials said the operation in Rio was aimed at stopping the groups spread. The raid signals a new crackdown Castros aggressive tactics against drug trafficking in Rio De Janeiro mirror the right-wing tactics of his former ally, former president Jair Bolsonaro, and could be a move for Castro to score political points on the issue of organized crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We stand firm confronting narcoterrorism," Castro, from the conservative opposition Liberal Party, said following the raid. Rio has been particularly plagued by police abuse. The Brazilian Supreme Court ordered Rio in 2020 to work to curb instances of abuse by police officers, a move that Human Rights Watch says has led to a dramatic drop in killings in the state. The brutality of this week's raid was enough to draw criticism from the spokesperson for the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Marta Hurtado. "We fully understand the challenges of having to deal with violent and well-organized groups such as Red Command," she said, but she called on Brazil to "break this cycle of extreme brutality and ensure that law enforcement operations comply with international standards regarding the use of force." Contact us at letters@time.com. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) The 91st Verboort Sausage and Kraut Festival returns to Washington County this weekend. Fans of Dutch food can find delicious bites and drinks, and plenty of activities at the Visitation Church in Forest Grove. KOIN 6 News Kohr Harlan visited early to get a look at what they have in store this year. Watch the full video in the player 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. With his federal convictions on 21 charges of bribery, extortion and lying to the FBI, Konstantino "Kostas" Diamantis now joins a group of state officials and lawmakers who have faced similar rulings. The most notorious member of this group is twice-convicted, newly pardoned ex-Gov. John G. Rowland. A Waterbury Republican, Rowland pleaded guilty in 2005 to a federal corruption charge for accepting more than $100,000 in gifts while he was in office and not paying taxes on them. He served 10 months in federal prison. His conviction followed his resignation in 2004 amid the federal criminal investigation and an impeachment inquiry in the state House of Representatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After prison, Rowland rebuilt his life, becoming an author, motivational speaker and radio host with a statewide following, but a return to politics proved his undoing for a second time. In 2014, a federal jury in New Haven convicted Rowland of illegally scheming to get paid secretly to work as a consultant for two candidates in the 5th Congressional District. He was sentenced to 30 months in prison. In May, President Donald J. Trump pardoned Rowland for his 2005 and 2014 federal convictions. Rowland served three terms as a U.S. representative for the 5th District before being elected governor in 1994. He was re-elected twice but did not complete what would have been a record-setting third term in modern state history. He also served two terms in the state House of Representatives before his election to Congress in 1984. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another Waterbury native facing scandal was Lt. Gov. T. Frank Hayes. Before Rowland, Hayes, a Democrat, had been the highest-ranking former state official to be found guilty of a major felony. While Hayes was lieutenant governor, he served simultaneously as Waterbury mayor. In 1939, Hayes and 18 others were found guilty of conspiracy, corruption and defrauding more than $1 million from the city. Hayes was sentenced to six years, reporting to prison in 1941. It was City Comptroller Sherwood Rowland, the grandfather of Rowland, who discovered the fraud and leaked his findings to William J. Pape, publisher of the Waterbury Republican and Waterbury American, The two newspapers combined decades later to become the Waterbury Republican-American. The Waterbury Republican won a Pulitzer Prize for its coverage of the City Hall scandal. The next highest elected state official to be sent to prison was former Treasurer Paul J. Silvester. A West Hartford Republican, Silvester resigned in 1999 after 17 months in office, he eventually pleaded guilty to federal racketeering and money laundering charges for accepting kickbacks for steering millions of dollars in state pension funds to certain investment managers. The one-time financier was sentenced to 21 months in prison. Bribes Diamantis served as a Democratic state representative for Bristol from 1993 until he lost a primary challenge in 2005. A decade later, he took a post in the the administration of Gov. Dannel P. Malloy overseeing state grants for school construction projects, and the incoming administration of Gov. Ned Lamont retained him in that position in 2019. He later was promoted to be a deputy budget director. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Diamantis is one of a number of former and sitting state legislators to get caught on the wrong side of the law, including a lawmaker who accepted a bribe in his state Capitol office. In 1997, state Rep. Donnie Sellers left office after the Norwalk Democrat pleaded guilty to accepting a $200 cash bribe at his legislative office to write a letter recommending that a man he had met only the day before be given a gun permit. The man was an undercover police officer who, according to published news reports at the time, recorded Sellers, then a Norwalk police officer, saying, "I'm a politician. I ain't turning nothing down." Also in 1997, Rep. Edwin E. Garcia, D-Hartford, pleaded no contest to conspiracy to commit ballot fraud, accepting an illegal campaign contribution and witness tampering. Garcia, then a Hartford police officer, had faced 85 felony counts of absentee ballot fraud, witness tampering and perjury in connection with a Democratic Town Committee election. He received a five-year suspended prison sentence, house arrest for a maximum of one year and two years of probation. Sen. Ernest E. Newton II, a Bridgeport Democrat, pleaded guilty in federal court to accepting a $5,000 bribe, using campaign contributions for personal expenses and tax evasion in 2005. He received a five-year prison sentence. In 2019, Newtown pleaded guilty to three felony campaign finance violations related to an attempted legislative comeback in 2012. In 2015, a jury convicted Newtown of submitting false documentation to obtain a state-funded election grant of more than $80,000 to finance his bid to regain his Senate seat. But the state Supreme Court threw out the convictions in 2017 and Newtown accepted a plea bargain to resolve the case a year later. He received an 18-month suspended sentence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2011, Sen. Thomas P. Gaffey, a Meriden Democrat, pleaded guilty to state misdemeanor larceny charges for double-billing expenses to the legislature and a political action committee he controlled. He also resigned from the Senate. He was ordered to perform 100 hours of community service. Senate Minority Leader Louis C. DeLuca resigned in November 2007 amid a Senate investigation into his conduct after the Woodbury Republican pleaded guilty five months earlier to a state misdemeanor charge of conspiring with an alleged organized crime figure. DeLuca had asked Danbury trash hauler James Galante to send some strong-arm men to intimidate his granddaughter's husband. Before DeLuca resigned, a select Senate committee had made a preliminary finding that DeLuca's actions had violated the public trust, brought dishonor on the Senate and undermined the public confidence in state government. He faced possible expulsion from the legislature. In November 2008, DeLuca agreed to pay $2,500 to settle the outstanding ethics complaint against him. Former state Sen. Dennis Bradley, a Bridgeport Democrat, is awaiting trial on federal wire fraud charges in an alleged scheme to obtain $179,850 in state-funded campaign grants from the Citizens' Election Program. He lost a 2022 re-election primary to state Sen. Herron Gaston of Bridgeport. Jury selection is scheduled to begin Dec. 1. Bradley has pleaded innocent and has a pending motion to dismiss because the grand jury indictment fails to state a federal offense due to the alleged criminal conduct involving state election laws and a state-funded program providing public financing to state candidates. This article originally published at Kosta Diamantis joins list of CT officials with bribery convictions. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has said that Ukraine is closing its embassy in Havana this year and downgrading diplomatic relations. Source: Sybiha on X (Twitter) Details: Sybiha said that Ukraine had voted against a United Nations General Assembly resolution on the "Necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba", adding that there were serious reasons for doing so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "We remember the Cuban president's wish of 'success' to Putin in his war of aggression against Ukraine. We heard it well. This year, we decided to close our embassy in Havana and downgrade our diplomatic ties. Our vote is not against the Cuban people we respect their right to live in prosperity. It is against the inaction of Cuba's authorities in response to massive recruitment of Cuban citizens to the Russian occupation army." More details: Sybiha added that thousands of Cubans have signed contracts with the Russian military, swelling the ranks of soldiers directly involved in combat on Ukrainian soil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "The unwillingness of Havana to stop the massive deployment of its nationals in the Russian war against Ukraine constitutes complicity in aggression and must be condemned in the strongest terms." Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) People in Muhlenberg County might face traffic delays next week. A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) plans to reconstruct the intersection of KY 176 and KY 246 in Muhlenberg County on November 3, converting the existing Y intersection into a T intersection to improve safety and visibility. The project will also remove some hills that block the line of sight along this route. Officials say beginning on Monday, KY 176 will be closed just east of KY 246, also known as Merle Travis Highway, at the 5.75 mile point to begin work on the intersection. Traffic will still be able to travel between KY 246 and KY 176 west of the intersection, and from KY 176 onto Ebenezer Road, just to the east of the intersection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KYTCs project schedule during October 26 to November 1, 2025 According to the KYTC, crews will also begin construction of a temporary road, also known as a diversion between KY 176 and Ebenezer Road, to allow that road to remain open during construction. When the diversion is complete, Phase One will begin with the closure of KY 176 east will be extended all the way to the intersection. At the time, the right lane of Merle Travis Highway will be blocked and temporary traffic signals will be installed on both Merle Travis and KY 176. This will allow alternating traffic flow along the left lane of KY 246 to and from KY 166 west. Officials explain during this phase, motorists can detour around the closure by following KY 246 south to U.S. 431. Then head north on U.S. 431 to KY 176 in Drakesboro. Road closure planned for a state road in Perry County The KYTC says when the first phase is completed, Phase Two will begin. KY 176 west of Merle Travis will be blocked. Traffic will use the newly constructed roadway to head east on KY 176 and travel onto Ebenezer Road. The diversion will be removed. During this phase a detour will be in place from KY 176 via KY 181 to KY 1163 and then onto Merle Travis Highway to return to KY 176. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials say when construction is completed, the newly configured intersection will be reopened. Crews will then pave the roadway one lane at a time. Flaggers will direct alternating traffic flow through this corridor while paving is going on. The KYTC says the entire project is scheduled to be completed by the end of July 2026. 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). BIG NEWS on the FORCED LABOR IMPORT BAN FRONT! wrote Laura Murphy, professor of human rights and contemporary slavery at Sheffield Hallam Universitys Helena Kennedy Centre for International Justice, in a LinkedIn post over the weekend. Murphy, who previously advised the Department of Homeland Security on forced labor issues, was referring to the trade agreements that the United States inked with Cambodia and Malaysia, and, to a lesser extent, the frameworks of deals with Thailand and Vietnam. Buried within them, she noted, were easily missable provisions that could have far-reaching consequences for labor rights around the world. More from Sourcing Journal Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Malaysias pact, for instance, refers to commitments on preventing forced labor and effectively identifying and addressing labor law violations in sectors with a high-risk of forced labor and child labor. In Cambodias case, the nation must adopt and effectively implement a prohibition on the importation of goods mined, produced or manufactured wholly or in part by forced or compulsory labor as defined by the relevant International Labor Organization instruments to which Cambodia is a party. Even Vietnam and Thailands sketchier agreements include language on beefing up the enforcement of their labor laws alongside more typical promises involving improving market access for U.S. exports into those countries and preferential treatment for American companies. The agreements have come under fire for being, at best, the least-worst option, as the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, which promotes international cooperation, put it. In return for a raft of concessions, the United States has pledged only to maintain the 19 percent reciprocal tariff on Cambodia, Malaysia and Thailand and 20 percent on Vietnam, though certain goods could be exempted. Still, it was only last week that Kelly Fay Rodriguez, who served as special representative for international labor affairs at the Department of State under former President Joe Biden, wrote an op-ed for Foreign Policy criticizing President Donald Trump for pursuing the most aggressive anti-worker policies of any administration in more than a generation, both foreign and domestic, that have undermined labor rights, gutted institutions that enforce labor standards and targeted labor unionsto the detriment of working people everywhere. This included eviscerating technical assistance programs funded by the Department of State, Department of Labor and the U.S. Agency for International Development that promoted workers rights by fighting forced labor and other workplace abuses. Even statistics supplied by Customs and Border Protection have shown a palpable decline in its policing of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, or UFLPA, raising questions about the agencys current ability to prioritize enforcement of what is essentially a ban on all goods with ties to Chinas persecution of ethnic Muslim minorities in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the Trump administration took office again in January, we have not yet seen a commitment to wielding the UFLPA effectively, Murphy and fellow researcher Charlotte Tate wrote in a recent analysis for the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a nonprofit think tank. No new entities have been added to the list, and CBPs detentions have fallen. Without effective enforcement of the law, importers may determine that compliance is costlier than buying artificially cheap goods made in the XUAR. What appears to be a shift toward requiring American partners to adopt stronger import bans on goods made with forced labor, however, could signal the Trump administrations desire to prevent the transshipment of tainted products into the United States through third countries, a common enforcement loophole, said Lucas A. Rock, an associate involved with import compliance matters at the law firm ArentFox Schiff. Despite not explicitly mentioning Xinjiang, this approach, by citing Section 307 of the 1930 Tariff Act, places more responsibility on foreign manufacturers and partner governments to combat forced labor, he said. That high-risk sectors were referred to without name-dropping the UFLPA wasnt wholly unexpected, given the politically charged dynamics related to it, said Adrian Zenz, a senior fellow in China studies at the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation, an educational, research and human rights nonprofit. Nevertheless, Xinjiang, as an obvious hotspot, hardly needs spelling out. The focus on forced labor best practices, Section 307 and banning transshipments all point in the same direction: curbing Chinas unfair advantage from state-imposed forced labor and using third countries to conceal the links to Xinjiang, Zenz said. The effort as such can be interpreted in light of the updated U.S. Department of State page on U.S.-China relations under Trump, which specifically focuses on how Chinas forced labor harms U.S. interests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The implications could be major, he said, because 86 percent of goods detained under the UFLPA until late 2024 entered the United States via Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. At the same time, some of the language is couched in caveats, stating, for instance, that Malaysia and Cambodia may enforce entities under section 307. With some countries having a track record of placating Beijing, ensuring meaningful enforcement of the labor provisions will require significant effort and ongoing political pressure, Zenz added. The fact is that import bans are only as effective as the number of countries that adopt them, said Sheela Ahluwalia, director of policy and advocacy at Transparentem, a New York-based nonprofit that investigates environmental and human rights abuses in global supply chains. The goal, she said, is that no country should be a safe harbor for goods made with forced labor. There are broader implications, too. Coupled with recommendations by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative this month to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on some or all goods from Nicaragua because its unreasonable labor and human rights policies under Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act, and what she characterized as the European Parliaments rejection of an omnibus package that could water down corporate due diligence requirements, investors, buyers and suppliers should consider the deals a sign that the costs and risks around forced labor and other supply chain malfeasance will continue to grow. There are more questions than answers about how this will play out, and implementation and enforcement are key, Ahluwalia said. But its clear that companies that have taken their foot off the gas pedal in meaningful human rights due diligence need to keep it pressed down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rodriguez, the former Biden officialand current visiting fellow at Cornell ILR Schools Global Labor Instituteagrees. As important as the labor provisions are, they also require substantial U.S. government technical capacity and foreign assistance to make them real. It takes an enormous amount of work from inside the government and outside to make these policies work effectively, she said. It took us years of work for the US to partner with Mexico and Canada under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement for them to begin to develop their own domestic bans on forced labor-made products. It required both executive branch execution and congressional engagement and oversight. In this current landscape, however, its incredibly difficult for Rodriguez to even imagine implementation of these provisions, given the massive gutting of government employees working on global labor issues and the elimination of nearly $600 million in foreign assistance to frontline labor organizations that might have picked up the slack. There has been growing bipartisan consensus over the last decade that U.S. trade policy must include strong labor standards and effective enforcement mechanisms, which we saw in the USMCA and UFLPA laws and implementation previously, she added. Right now, its like the U.S. is trying to move these policies with our hands tied behind our backs because we dont have the capacity to partner effectively and make these policies real. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Tharo Khun, program manager at the Center of Alliance of Labor and Human Rights, the Cambodian workers rights group better known as CENTRAL, the lack of details, delivered in consultation with civil society organizations and independent trade unions, makes the agreements mushier than hed like. Then again, its only Thailands framework that lays out a requirement to amend the countrys law to safeguard workers rights to freedom of association and collective bargainingtwo issues that Cambodias workers have been struggling with. There is no concrete action plan or roadmap to ensure that the Cambodian government upholds the labor rights despite systematic labor rights violations in Cambodia, he said. If the goal is to improve labor rights meaningfully, then the concrete benchmarks and timelines should be part of any agreement and independent monitoring mechanisms need to be established. Meanwhile, Khun said, trade incentives or penalties should be tied to actual progress. The empowerment of independent labor movements, too, must take priority. Malaysia, for example, has grappled with cases of forced labor in its garment sector, including some involving migrant workers from Bangladesh, Indonesia and Myanmar. Women producing clothing and shoes face in Vietnam face high rates of sexual harassment and violence on the factory floor. And worker leaders in Cambodia and Thailand have been hit with criminal charges for trying to organize. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Writing on LinkedIn, Murphy, who was recently pipped to the post of fellow at the Harvard Carr-Ryan Center for Human Rights, said she knows of people in the U.S. government who have worked hard to ensure that labor provisions remain part of trade agreements. Im sure theyll be monitoring, she said. But I think theres going to also need to be resources for stakeholders on the ground in these countries to enable their governments, for companies to understand how to comply, for knowledge sharing opportunities between governments. Murphy dropped a bunch of ellipses before concluding, Its a lot of work. Amazon is laying off 14,000 corporate employees. Some workers who said they were laid off from Amazon shared their experiences online. They turned to platforms like TikTok and LinkedIn with a mix of jokes and calls to action. One woman is processing being laid off while on a tropical vacation. Another's "get ready with me" video turned sour after she said she'd learned her fate. With as many as 14,000 Amazon employees set to lose their jobs, some workers who said they were laid off by the e-commerce company are posting through it on social media. Several of them are sharing updates in real time as they process their feelings about the reductions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The person who posted the "get ready with me" video, for example, had planned to take her followers along with her for a morning run when she said he learned she was affected by the cuts. "I no longer have a job to go to after I go running," the TikToker said in one of her videos. A few others are posting almost hourly updates on how they're doing since the cuts were announced. One user, who said she's on vacation in Mauritius, posted a video two hours after she said she learned she was laid off. She said it was "divine intervention." "I'm not freaking out," she said. "I'm also still very much in shock." Others don't seem to be taking it so well. One TikTok creator who said she worked at Amazon told followers on Tuesday, when the company announced the layoffs, to place bets on whether she'd be affected. The next day, she said she'd been let go after more than eight years at the company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since then, her updates have been a mix of jokes, including telling her cats the news, and crying videos. One of her videos has gone viral, with nearly 200,000 views in less than 24 hours. Some posts were bittersweet. One person who said their Amazon Games studio was affected said they would work with their team again "in a heartbeat." Just got laid off from Amazon Games San Diego(including like 99% of the studio), the team I worked with was incredible and I will miss all of them. If I had the opportunity to work with them again I would take it in a heartbeat! YawLighthouse (@yawlighthouse) October 28, 2025 Others hit the ground running on LinkedIn, changing their status on the professional networking platform to "#OpenToWork" and asking connections for leads on open positions. On Reddit, dozens of people have begun crowdsourcing a list of affected roles and divisions to determine which areas were hit the hardest. Posting through the pain of being laid off isn't a new concept. Many people, specifically Gen Zers, have gone viral in posts about losing their jobs. It's all about validating their feelings about being fired and seeking human connection, one workplace researcher told Business Insider in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amazon declined to comment on the social media posts. This week, one woman said she was working in her "dream role" as a social media manager at Amazon before being laid off less than a month after celebrating her one-year anniversary in the position and a week before her birthday. "I guess my present from Amazon came a little bit early," she said in the clip. Read the original article on Business Insider A woman was taken to hospital after a Lamborghini crashed into a bus stop in south-west London in the early hours of Monday morning. Pictures showed the aftermath of the incident, which happened in Battersea. It is thought the vehicle was a 2015 Lamborghini Huracan LP 610-4, which would cost more than 120,000 to buy second-hand and has a top speed of 201mph. The supercar which can accelerate from 0 to 60mph in 2.5 seconds appeared severely damaged, with parts of the bonnet ripped off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A London Ambulance Service spokesman said: We were called on Monday Oct 27, at 1.57am, to reports of a road traffic collision in Lombard Road, SW11. We sent an ambulance crew and treated a woman at the scene before taking her to hospital. Most of the bus stop was wrecked in the collision - Katie Ball/SWNS Hours later, Katie Ball, 33, saw the aftermath as she took a morning walk by the river. The bus stop was wrecked the shattered glass had reached quite a long way, she said. It had made it to the other side of the road as well. That probably shows the speed they were going at. The marketing manager said the road had quite a few tight turns, adding: Most of the bus stop had been wrecked the whole of one side of the bus stop had caved in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The front of the car was pretty wrecked. I saw the kind of car it was and what time it happened, and I assumed it was a late-night joy ride. The Metropolitan Police confirmed no arrests had been made, but declined to comment further. 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. Black gums and sycamores peek out alongside winding forest roads in southern Indiana while beech and maple trees shoot up in the understory of older, taller oaks. Local forests are growing shadier, denser and diverse. For some Hoosiers, this mosaic of native species is the natural next phase of life for Indiana forests. Others interpret the mix as a warning. The question of how to manage Indiana's forests sparks some of the livelier and more contentious debates among local environmentalists. Many Midwestern forest managers want to utilize prescribed burning to root out invasive species, prevent wildfires and move forests toward what they see as ideal conditions. Some are already doing so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Environmentalists currently are divided over whether to bring fire back in places like the Hoosier National Forest, state owned properties and private land operated by trusts or organizations like The Nature Conservancy. Already the United States Forest Service and The Nature Conservancy use pre-planned, controlled burns set by professionals to alter the array of plants in Indiana ecosystems. The fires can burn off invasive plants or unwanted species and redirect ecosystems toward supporting native flora and fauna. Advocates say the practice, done in concert with other management techniques like cutting certain trees to thin out the forest floor, can help restore and maintain ecosystems comprised of fire-tolerant oak trees. If a prescribed fire is done well, it's boring, said Allen Pursell, the director of forest programs for the Sam Shine Foundation, a conservation non-profit in Greenville, Indiana. Controlled burns, which are typically safe, are a different entity than wildfires. Yet, some environmentalists, who believe that forests should be left to their own devices, have in recent years mounted a protest against intensive forest management techniques like prescribed burning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United States Forest Services management of Hoosier National Forest, which includes plans to log and burn thousands of acres in the Houston South region, has been a particular point of contention among environmentalists. Several lawsuits and protests have arisen in response, and last month, a court order paused all activity related to the project. Jeff Stant, the former executive director of the Indiana Forest Alliance, has been vocally opposed to prescribed burning and joined the pushback against the USFS. He said he prefers a hands off approach to woodland management and wants to see the forest grow and change across generations without human intervention. Jeff Stant, Hoosier National Forest program advisor for the Indiana Forest Alliance, stands in the Hoosier National Forest, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025. He is fighing against the practice of prescribed burning and logging in the Hoosier National Forest. The forest is the epicenter of a debate between two camps of environmentalists, those who think forests should be allowed to grow without any human interference and those who think forests should be managed. Even planned fires kill, he said, whether its beech and maple saplings or box turtles and small birds. Pursell, who favors responsible burning and thinning, doesnt disagree that it can be painful to watch forests set ablaze and trees falling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive never gotten over that, Pursell said. Its like surgery, he added. It always hurts, but sometimes youre better off when it's over. Fire's role in Indiana forests The practice of prescribed burning is far from new. Burn scars on old trees and historical records from early European settlers speak to Indiana forests where regular burning took place. Some researchers think that since the last Ice Age Indigenous tribes burned swaths of woodlands to create an environment enticing to game animals. "This forest literally never existed without human intervention," Pursell said. But human-forest interaction changed drastically over the past couple of centuries. Many eastern hardwood forests were razed for agriculture, and Indiana forests have seen little fire over the past 100 or so years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lack of fire drastically altered local ecosystems, according to Kyle Brazil, a wildlife biologist with Central Hardwoods Joint Venture, a network of governmental and non-profit conservation agencies. In areas that once boasted generations of oak and hickory trees, beech and maple now make up large portions of the midstory. The forest is shadier, and its harder for young oaks to survive. Forests "have become overgrown with species that normally wouldn't be able to grow there in the presence of fire," Brazil said. "They've become too thick. The formerly open canopies that let the sunshine in and let it get to the ground are now dark." Stant, who wants to see Indiana take a hands-off approach to forest management, has a more positive view when he looks out at swaths of the Hoosier National Forest, brimming with an array of different tree species. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its just a menagerie of different hardwood forest types, all mixed in, Stant said, rattling off more than 20 species including silver maple, American sycamore, beech, black gum, walnut. Hands off management approaches, which largely let woodlands evolve on their own, can result in this kind of species diversity. And in Stants eyes, this is a boon for the forest. Areas awash with different tree species have an easier time bouncing back if some trees, like ash or elm, die in the face of invasive pests. Unharmed species can fill the gaps left behind, keeping the ecosystem tumbling along. Stant also objects to prescribed burning in southern Indiana because it prioritizes two trees in particular: oaks and hickories. The forest service is trying to go in here and do a burning program that's designed to kill that sycamore, kill those tulip poplars, kill the beech, kill the sugar maple, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some controlled burns are designed to subdue beech and maple, which would otherwise outcompete oak, a shade-averse tree on which Indiana wildlife rely. For many in favor of these prescribed burns, clearing some beech and maple to ensure oak survival is the point. The forest has become so dark that while we have a lot of oak canopy trees now, theres no future of oak," Pursell said. Still, Stant isnt convinced that forests dominated by oak and hickory trees are healthy for Indiana ecosystems, and he is quick to point out that many of the trees land managers want to see after prescribed burns are lucrative for the timber industry. So he advocates for less human interference. We should let nature evolve and respond to it, and let it choose the winners and losers, he said. I don't want to live in a world that is so deprived that everything I look at is something that some humans made or picked out. I want to be part of something bigger where I can go explore. What these managers are doing is they are starving us of that. Birds, bugs and big, old oak trees Others fundamentally disagree, noting the long history of human forest management. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Forests in this part of the world, man has managed them since they arrived. There's never been a time when nature just ran its course, Brazil said. Unless you consider that man is a part of nature. As humans influenced forest composition with fire since the last Ice Age, the creatures who relied on woodlands thrived, especially birds. Brazil believes that healthy ecosystems result in healthy bird populations. Right now, many bird populations native to Indiana are shrinking. For example, cerulean warblers, bright blue songbirds, have declined steeply over time. Pursell and Brazil see a connection to forest management in these birds' decline: The warblers, which are endangered in the state of Indiana, heavily favor white oak trees and woodlands with gaps in the canopy. While cerulean warblers are just one species, the future of their survival in Indiana speaks to the need for biodiverse forests, according to Pursell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oak trees, Pursell added, are especially critical for songbirds. Their bark is ridged and furrowed, giving insects room to proliferate. Hungry birds looking for dozens of squirming caterpillars a day to feed their young can easily find the insects on oak trees. Beech trees with their smooth, silvery bark provide fewer hiding spots for bugs. Allen Pursell, director of forest programs for the Sam Shine Foundation, shows chestnut oak leaves growing in the Wallow Hollow Woods, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025. The forest, located outside Nashville, Ind. in Brown County, is sustainably managed by The Nature Conservancy. This is an oak-dominated forest stand. It was logged in 2008, and last burned in 2023, between which two- to ten-inch trees were killed in a midstory thinning to get more light on the forest floor. The Hoosier National Forest is the epicenter of a debate between two camps of environmentalists, those who think forests should be allowed to grow without any human interference and those who think forests should be managed. Studies show that birds like red-bellied woodpeckers, tufted titmouses, blue jays, white breasted nuthatches and as well as a slew of mammals feast on acorns during years in which oaks produce nuts. Many birds steer clear of beech and sugar maple, instead choosing oak trees for nesting. At Wallow Hollow Woods, a property owned and operated by The Nature Conservancy near Nashville, Indiana, the desire to preserve native songbird habitat persuaded land managers to light prescribed fires and thin the trees. Two years after the last fire, burned sections of the 73-acre natural area bear charcoal stumps and scars, but the ground is also dappled in sedges and sunlight. While strolling through the property on a recent afternoon, Pursell was quick to point out dozens of small oak saplings, no taller than a couple of feet, peeking up through the earth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If we were to lose the oak out of these forests, we know without a shadow of a doubt that there would be a ripple effect in those songbirds that would affect their already declining numbers, Pursell said. And we run the risk that it could tip the scale or tip the balance such that some of them could potentially become extinct. But beech, maple, sycamore and black gum are also native to Indiana and also support forest ecosystems by providing shelter and protein to a variety of animals. And at Wallow Hallow Woods, tucked across the ravines and slopes unscathed by fire, beech and maple trees still grow. We don't want to lose that either," Pursell said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement IndyStar's environmental reporting project is made possible through the generous support of the nonprofit Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. Sophie Hartley is an IndyStar environment reporter. You can reach her at sophie.hartley@indystar.com or on X at @sophienhartley. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Environmentalists disagree about prescribed burning in Indiana forests Kim Torres was nervous as she stepped in front of two dozen classmates to perform the Cantonese dialogue she'd memorized. Although the language is her late mother's native language, the 23-year-old didn't learn it until this fall. "Emily, neih daaihyeuk geinoih tai yat chi hei a?" she said, meaning "how often do you watch a movie?" The college student's biggest dream is to speak in Cantonese with her grandma, who raised her. She wants to be fluent enough that she can talk to relatives in Cantonese during a family trip to her grandmother's hometown in Malaysia next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City College San Francisco, where Torres is enrolled in Cantonese class, is one of the last bastions for learning the language in the Bay Area. And San Francisco is one of the last frontiers for publicly funded Cantonese education not just in the U.S., but worldwide. As Mandarin, officially favored in China, becomes increasingly widely spoken both there and in the Bay Area, Cantonese speakers are grappling with how to navigate threats to the language in the U.S. Oakland nonprofit Shoong Family Chinese Cultural Center has offered free or low-cost Cantonese classes since 1953, but saw enrollment plummet by about half during the pandemic, threatening the center's survival, said board president Jones Wu. Enrollment has ticked back up but the center still faces tight finances. Oakland nonprofit Shoong Family Chinese Cultural Center has offered free or low-cost Cantonese classes since 1953, but saw enrollment plummet by about half during the pandemic, threatening the center's survival. Enrollment has ticked back up but the center still faces tight finances. (Yalonda M. James/S.F. Chronicle) "Cantonese is not only a language, but also a history," Susan Zhong, the center's head teacher, said in Mandarin. "If Cantonese is lost, the culture is lost. We're very concerned Cantonese will slowly disappear in America." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Hong Kong, a historic home for Cantonese people, Mandarin has increasingly been used as the primary language of instruction in schools, under the influence of mainland China. Hong Kong's education secretary has advocated for all schools to eventually teach in Mandarin instead of Cantonese. "That is what I always joke about, that Alice Fong Yu (Alternative School) will be the only school in the world where Cantonese is spoken," said Liana Szeto, the founding principal of the nation's first Chinese immersion public school who retired this year after three decades at its helm. But even in San Francisco, the number of seats for Cantonese learning has dwindled in recent years. City College San Francisco went from four Cantonese instructors and 10 to 15 classes in the 1990s to just one instructor teaching two classes today. San Francisco Unified School District went from 11 elementary schools offering Cantonese biliteracy programs in 2019 to six today. SFUSD spokesperson Laura Dudnick said that consolidating the Cantonese programs into fewer campuses ensures that "each program has a strong student community, stable staffing and the resources needed to provide meaningful Cantonese language instruction." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Multilingualism in the U.S. has been targeted by President Donald Trump, who declared English the "only" official language of the U.S. in March. The Trump administration also cut about $512,000 in a four-year grant for East Asian Studies that had been awarded to UC Berkeley in 2022, which had helped add four Cantonese and fund graduate language fellowships. A student attends Cantonese teacher Joyce Li's class at Shoong Family Chinese Cultural Center in Oakland. (Yalonda M. James/S.F. Chronicle) Berkeley is set to cover the shortfall in the immediate term to ensure classes can continue, said Penny Edwards, director of Berkeley's Institute of East Asian Studies, but the fellowships were cut. Still, the Bay Area remains a hotbed for Cantonese language education, with at least 6 higher education institutions offering classes and an array of nonprofit afterschool programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chinese immigrants to the Bay Area have historically been from China's southern Guangdong province, speaking Cantonese or a related dialect, Taishanese. In 2005, the earliest year for which data is available, about 59,000 people in the nine-county region said they spoke Mandarin at home on the U.S. Census compared to about 139,000 who said they spoke Cantonese. But by 2023, the most recent year for which U.S. Census data is available, about 127,000 people in the Bay Area said they spoke Mandarin at home compared to about 157,000 who said they spoke Cantonese. { "__type": "devHubFreeformEmbed", "__id": "Datawrapper", "__fallbackImage": "https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/39Op7/mobile.png", "__data": { "datawrapper_id": "39Op7" } } Mandarin-speaking Chinese immigrants have flocked to Santa Clara County in the past two decades, according to census data, where they're by far the majority of Chinese immigrants. Cantonese-speaking immigrants remain more dominant in the counties of San Francisco, San Mateo and Alameda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cantonese is one of about seven different main Chinese dialect groups, mutually unintelligible from Mandarin, spawned from China's long history of fractured empire and invasion. The two dialects have completely different speech sounds, as well as some varied grammar and vocabulary. Cantonese is one of the most ancient Chinese dialects, sharing far more similarities to the language of 2,000 years ago than Mandarin, a standardized form of Chinese based on the Beijing dialect. "I call it the language of revolution," Szeto said. "Cantonese people are tenacious and loud. We migrate to different parts of the world first. That's why it's Canton' and not Guangzhou', Peking duck' and not Beijing duck.'" Bilingual education in San Francisco traces back more than half a century. Students engage in an activity in Cantonese teacher Joyce Li's class at Shoong Family Chinese Cultural Center in Oakland. (Yalonda M. James/S.F. Chronicle) In 1970, an elementary school student who'd immigrated from Hong Kong named Kinney Lau sued San Francisco Unified School District alongside hundreds of his classmates who weren't fluent in English for failing to provide them with adequate language instruction and education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four years later, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in the students' favor in Lau v. Nichols, catalyzing the expansion of Cantonese education in San Francisco. Reestablishing a Cantonese teacher pipeline is critical to ensuring the survival of Cantonese education, Szeto said. Amid a broader teacher shortage, Szeto said it's particularly challenging to recruit bilingual teachers because there are few bilingual people in the U.S. who enter teaching. Another challenge is that one of the only programs in California that authorizes bilingual Cantonese teachers, at San Francisco State University, has cancelled its bilingual teacher training credentialing course for the past two years due to insufficient enrollment, according to faculty. Faculty at Cal Poly Pomona and Loyola Marymount University, which offer similar programs, said they haven't had students enroll in recent years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ali Borjian, an SF State elementary education professor, is leading an initiative to redesign and reopen the course starting in Spring 2026. The state in 2022 backed efforts to expand bilingual teacher training, approving $5 million to help teachers to obtain their authorization in Asian languages. Cantonese teacher Joyce Li embraces her student Genesis Dove, 7, during dismissal at Shoong Family Chinese Cultural Center, located at 316 9th Street, in Oakland, Calif. on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. Shoong Family Chinese Cultural Center is a historic 100+ year old community nonprofit that offers low-cost Cantonese classes for elementary and middle schoolers. (Yalonda M. James/S.F. Chronicle) On Tuesday evenings, about 30 students of all ages and races pack into City College San Francisco's Ocean Avenue campus for "Beginning Conversational Cantonese." The college's last remaining Cantonese teacher, Grace Yu, cuts a diminutive figure with her petite height but commands the class's attention as she announces the day's assignments over her portable microphone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yu said her course always has a waitlist. Demand has grown even as the number of Cantonese instructors has dwindled as instructors died or retired, she said. Many of her students grew up hearing family members talking in Cantonese but not speaking it themselves. Jared Lai, born and raised in San Francisco, said that growing up, his grandma would speak Cantonese to him but he'd answer in English. Now a counseling graduate student, he wants to help fill the gap in Cantonese-speaking mental health professionals in San Francisco. David Yee, a fourth generation Chinese American, said he's felt disconnected at times from his cultural roots, as if he has more in common with his white friends than Chinese immigrants. But learning Cantonese has changed that. Cantonese teacher Joyce Li (right) leads her class in Chinese word identification exercises at Shoong Family Chinese Cultural Center in Oakland. Oliver Lindberg (left) starting learning Cantonese this year because his mom, Kelly, believed in the value of bilingual education, she said. (Yalonda M. James/S.F. Chronicle) He recently wrote his Cantonese-speaking 89-year-old grandmother a note that said "I love you" in traditional Chinese characters. She cut it out and stuck it on her laptop, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Learning Cantonese, more than anything, is an act of cultural preservation," he said. But it's not just descendants of Chinese immigrants who want to learn Cantonese today. Zhong, the head teacher at Shoong Family Chinese Cultural Center in Oakland, said she's increasingly seeing non-Chinese parents. One of them is Kelly Lindberg. A passionate polyglot who believed in the cognitive benefits of learning another language, Lindberg said she had always known that she'd want her kids to learn a second language. She and her husband, who is Hawaiian Chinese from his mom's side, decided to enroll their son Oliver in Cantonese school this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I feel proud to be Californian, that we would choose Cantonese and not Mandarin," Lindberg said, even though she knows Mandarin is more widely spoken worldwide. Student artwork hangs in a classroom at Shoong Family Chinese Cultural Center in Oakland. The center offers low-cost Cantonese classes for elementary and middle school students. (Yalonda M. James/S.F. Chronicle) Another non-Chinese parent, Sarah Dayauon, was attracted by the affordability, accessibility and community of the Shoong Center. As a single working mom, she said she needed an affordable after school care option for her daughter. "I really related to the fact that a lot of people are losing Cantonese," said Dayauon, who is Filipino-American and speaks Tagalog but not her parents' regional dialect, Bicalano. Her daughter, Genesis, took to Cantonese quickly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There's some days when she's like, Can I just skip school and come to Chinese school? I like it better than Lincoln (Elementary),'" Dayauon said. Dayauon has started trying to learn basic Cantonese phrases too. "One day, I'll have the confidence, and we can have small talk in multiple languages," Dayauon said. "That's the dream." This article originally published at It's the language of S.F.'s first Chinese immigrants. Can it survive another generation?. SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. (AND NO SPAM!) Just click here. The dossier, as everyone knows today, was a political oppo research job. It was put together by a former British spy who was hired and paid by operatives working on behalf of the Hillary Clinton campaign. As an investigative document, it was 100 percent BS. That, of course, did not stop the FBI from embracing it. The bureau accepted the dossier as a legitimate source. The FBI included material from the dossier in a secret court application to wiretap a former low-level Trump campaign aide named Carter Page. And it even briefly hired the dossier's fabricator, Christopher Steele. Here was where things did not add up for Hill investigators. Given what the FBI was doing, one might have expected that the CIA would also have played some role in the whole dossier saga. But John Brennan, then the head of the CIA, swore under oath that the CIA had nothing to do with the dossier. A lot of the Republicans' questions had to do with what was called the Intelligence Community Assessment, the document produced by the CIA, FBI, NSA and other agencies describing their investigation into Russian efforts to influence the 2016 election. The assessment had famously and controversially concluded that Vladimir Putin "developed a clear preference" for candidate Donald Trump and "aspired" to help Trump win the election. GOP investigators wanted to know: Was that conclusion based on the dossier? Republicans knew the FBI wanted to include the dossier's allegations in the Intelligence Community Assessment. But what about the CIA? Did Brennan's agency support including the dossier in the assessment? In testimony on May 23, 2017, Brennan said absolutely not, that the dossier played no role in the CIA's work. Brennan told lawmakers the dossier "was not in any way used as a basis for the Intelligence Community Assessment." Six years later, on May 11, 2023, Brennan again found himself answering questions from Hill Republicans, and he again denied CIA involvement with the dossier. "I was not involved in analyzing the dossier at all," Brennan said. "I said the first time I actually saw it, it was after the election. And the CIA was not involved at all with the dossier. It was (the FBI's) purview, their area, not ours at all." Brennan also reiterated earlier testimony when he said, "The CIA was very much opposed to having any reference or inclusion of the Steele dossier in the Intelligence Community Assessment." Now it appears that what Brennan told congressional investigators was false. Current CIA director John Ratcliffe, who used to be one of the House investigators looking into the Russia matter, has declassified documents from Brennan's time at the agency which show that, far from keeping the dossier at arm's reach, Brennan actually forced CIA analysts to use it and overruled the analysts who wanted to leave the dossier out of the Intelligence Community Assessment. Ratcliffe asked the CIA's Directorate of Analysis to review the tradecraft used in producing the assessment. First of all, the DA found what it called "multiple procedural anomalies" in the CIA's preparation of the assessment. There was "a highly compressed production timeline," too much "compartmentalization," and "excessive involvement of agency heads," which led to "departures from standard practices in the drafting, coordination, and reviewing" of the assessment. Together, all of the "anomalies" "impeded efforts to apply rigorous tradecraft," the DA concluded. There was no doubt the FBI wanted to include the dossier in the Intelligence Community Assessment; the CIA self-investigation found that "FBI leadership made it clear that their participation in the assessment hinged on the dossier's inclusion." FBI officials "repeatedly pushed" to include the dossier in the assessment. But career CIA analysts did not want to include the dossier. The CIA's deputy director for analysis sent Brennan an email saying that including the dossier's information in any form would threaten "the credibility of the entire document." That was when Brennan made the decision to overrule his experts. From the CIA's Directorate of Analysis: Despite these objections, Brennan showed a preference for narrative consistency over analytical soundness. When confronted with specific flaws in the dossier by the two mission center leaders one with extensive operational experience and the other with a strong analytic background he appeared more swayed by the dossier's general conformity with existing theories than by legitimate tradecraft concerns. Brennan ultimately formalized his position in writing, stating that "my bottomline is that I believe that the information warrants inclusion in the report." Director Ratcliffe has also declassified a 2020 House Intelligence Committee report, which the CIA had kept under wraps, that outlined Brennan's involvement in the dossier. The report, based on the committee's interviews with CIA staff, said that "two senior CIA officers," both with extensive Russia experience, "argued with (Brennan) that the dossier should not be included at all in the Intelligence Community Assessment, because it failed to meet basic tradecraft standards, according to a senior officer present at the meeting. The same officer said that (Brennan) refused to remove it, and when confronted with the dossier's many flaws responded, Yes, but doesn't it ring true?'" Taken together, these passages show that significant portions of Brennan's congressional testimony about the dossier and the Intelligence Community Assessment were untrue. When he said the dossier "was not in any way used as a basis for the Intelligence Community Assessment" that was untrue. When he said "I was not involved in analyzing the dossier at all" that was untrue. When he said "the CIA was not involved at all with the dossier" that was untrue. When he said "The CIA was very much opposed to having any reference or inclusion of the Steele dossier in the Intelligence Community Assessment" that was untrue. Here's the bottom line, which Republicans have believed for a long time. In the politically supercharged atmosphere of late 2016 and early 2017, the FBI and CIA both knew the dossier was BS. They knew they had no business including it in their assessment of Russia's 2016 activities. But they included it anyway because it told them what they wanted to hear that Donald Trump had colluded with Russia. And then, under oath before Congress, John Brennan lied about it. In a letter last week to Attorney General Pam Bondi, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) wrote that the 2020 House report and the CIA's analysis "confirm not only that the Steele dossier was used as a basis for the Intelligence Community Assessment, but that Brennan insisted on its inclusion." Brennan's testimony to Congress, Jordan continued, "was a brazen attempt to knowingly and willfully testify falsely and fictitiously to material facts." Jordan asked Bondi to investigate whether Brennan's statements warrant a criminal charge of making false statements. Now it is up to the attorney general. Will Brennan contend that he somehow was telling the truth when he made the above statements? Of course he will. But if he is charged, that will be a hard case to make. Leaders from all the major opposition parties in Maharashtra met Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti and other senior police officers on Tuesday to seek permission to hold a protest march opposing alleged voter list manipulation in the state and demanding a delay in elections along with a special summary revision. While the Mumbai Police has not yet granted permission for the protest slated for November 1, opposition leaders claim they will go ahead with the march from Fashion Street to the BMC headquarters. They claim that around 100,000 people from various political parties are expected to participate. Officials from various police zones and traffic department were also present during the meeting to discuss security and traffic arrangements. Among the leaders present were Anil Desai and Anil Parab from Shiv Sena (UBT), Bala Nandgaonkar from MNS, Sachin Sawant from Congress, and Jitendra Awhad from NCP (Sharad Pawar faction). We met the Police Commissioner to inform him about the joint protest by all opposition parties on November 1 against the Election Commission. Around 100,000 people from different political parties are expected to participate. The Commissioner, along with his team from the traffic department, was also present to discuss necessary arrangements. Permission has been granted for the protest at Azad Maidan, and we will march from Fashion Street to the BMC headquarters, Anil Desai told Mirror. There is a lot of anger among the people against the Election Commission, and it has become necessary to take this issue to the streets, Desai added. We have received permission from the Mumbai Police, and only the protest route was discussed to ensure proper arrangements. Its going to be a massive protest against the Election Commission over irregularities in the voter list, said Sachin Sawant. However, a senior Mumbai Police officer confirmed to Mirror that permission has not yet been granted and that a final decision will be taken on Wednesday. Oppositions demands Last week, senior opposition leaders including Uddhav Thackeray, Raj Thackeray, Balasaheb Thorat from Congress, and Jayant Patil from the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) met officials of the Election Commission and submitted detailed evidence of alleged irregularities in the voter rolls used during the Assembly elections, which they claim led to the BJP-led Mahayutis landslide victory. The opposition has demanded a Special Summary Revision (SSR) of the electoral rolls before the upcoming local body elections and urged that the elections be put on hold until the revision is completed. However, the State Election Commission is yet to take a decision. The Maharashtra Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) has already written to the Election Commission of India (ECI) recommending that an SSR be conducted in the state before the local body polls, but the ECI has not yet taken a call on the proposal. By Olivia Biggs, Avery Foster, Callaghan Mitchell & David Perez | Edited by Mariano Castillo & Rodrigo Cervantes LAREDO, Texas The Nevares family home is a lively space, with kittens milling about and happiness in the air. Its a feeling the family had to fight for, following a devastating leukemia diagnosis for their youngest son seven years ago. Not far from them lives Xavier Ortiz, a hardworking man who wants to provide for his family but is hindered by an aggressive cancer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both families live near the Midwest Sterilization Corporation, a medical equipment sterilization facility in north Laredo that uses in its process ethylene oxide, a known carcinogen. For the Nevares and the Ortiz families, their cancer battles took on a different light once they learned about that nearby plant. They wonder if the illnesses that turned their lives upside down were caused by cancer-causing emissions from the factory and worry about how air contamination may harm others. Laredo Local activists have been bringing attention to ethylene oxide emissions for years, advocating for more air monitoring and emission regulations. In March 2024, they applauded the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for what seemed like a victory: new federal regulations that would drastically curb emissions of ethylene oxide, including those at the facility in Laredo. But the EPAs 2024 final rule may not be the last word, as the Trump administration has been reconsidering many Biden-era regulations, placing the implementation of emissions reductions in uncertainty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Midwest Sterilization Corporation uses ethylene oxide to sterilize medical devices. Some families living near the plant say they understand the purpose of the facility, but struggle to see how it justifies the potential health risks. The products that they have, yes, they saved my sons life, because they are products for hospitals, said Nidia Nevares, whose son survived from leukemia. But pollutants from the same plant may have made him sick in the first place, she added. Laredo Old battle in a new light Thirteen year-old Juan Jose Nevares, who goes by JJ, was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia in 2018, when he was just six. He beat the disease, but his family still lives just a few miles from the Midwest plant. His mom, Nidia Nevares, remembers the original checkup as a minor nuisance, having to travel to San Antonio for tests to be done and news to get back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The nuisance trip turned into a life-changing experience once the cancer diagnosis came back. At first, they said it was two years of treatment, she said. Two years passed, but after two years they told us the leukemia came back, so it was another three years of treatment. Laredo I didnt really understand anything, JJ recalls of his years battling cancer. I didnt really have adult feelings yet, so I didnt really just know. I just said, okay, were doing this now. The Nevares family rallied around JJ and his treatment. It wasnt until later that they learned about the potential ethylene oxide exposure from the nearby Midwest Sterilization plant and that the chemical raises the risk of cancers such as leukemia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was an ugly feeling to consider that her sons cancer may have been linked to the toxic emissions, Nidia Nevares said. The school is close to the plant, too. She thinks about the other children that go to JJs school and feels sad that more children are at risk. Laredo Fighting toxins The effort to study ethylene oxide emissions in Laredo was an all-hands-on-deck mission that began several years ago under the Clean Air Coalition in Laredo, which brought together activist groups, elected officials and school districts. Everybody is learning [about ethylene oxide] to advocate to the community and, at the same time, advocate it to city council and to the people that can actually make changes, said Edgar Villasenor, advocacy campaign manager at the environmental justice group Rio Grande International Study Center (RGISC). Laredo Ethylene oxide is a flammable, colorless gas used to sterilize medical equipment. It is also a carcinogen. According to the National Cancer Institute, the ability of ethylene oxide to damage DNA makes it an effective sterilizing agent, but also accounts for its cancer-causing activity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For many medical devices, sterilization with ethylene oxide is a method that has proved to ensure sterility without damaging the device. Following a 2022 investigative report published by ProPublica and The Texas Tribune, many residents became aware for the first time that Laredo is one of the cities with the highest levels of excess cancer risk. Upon learning of the contamination risk from ethylene oxide, Laredo city officials funded a fenceline monitoring study administered by RGISC. The center hired Richard Peilter, an air quality scientist at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, to consult on the air quality within the community. Particularly elevated concentrations were consistently observed in areas proximate to the facility, indicating a localized source of emission, according to the 2024 report, referring to the Midwest Sterilization plant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report states there are some concerns with the reliability of the data, to which it recommends ongoing monitoring. [Ethylene oxide] exposure poses an important risk to communities and should not be dismissed, it says. Laredo Midwest Sterilization Corporation has stated its emissions are within legal limits. The company did not respond to multiple requests for comment regarding their emissions and procedures and practices, including whether they have considered alternative sterilizers to ethylene oxide. In response to the Texas Tribune investigation, the company said it remains in compliance with regulations, and touted its role in critical medical device sterilization services. Midwest is taking all steps necessary to ensure that patients across the nation and residents locally remain safe, the company told the Tribune in a statement. Residents want answers The Nevares familys neighbor, Xavier Ortiz, was diagnosed in September 2024 with lymphoma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are reported cases of others who live near to the plant getting cancer, and many people and organizations, such as the Rio Grande International Study Center (RGISC), believe that the plants ethylene oxide emissions are linked to these illnesses. No specific cancer case has been proven linked to the plant. However, activists and concerned residents point to studies that show Laredo to be a hotspot of ethylene oxide exposure. Ortiz had no idea that emissions from the plant may be linked to his cancer until receiving a brochure from activists. They brought it to me and put it on the door. I checked the page and I told my wife, Look, they say theres going to be a talk about this contamination, and the main effect it has is lymphoma, he said. Laredo Ortiz wishes for a clear answer about the cause of his cancer, but while ethylene oxide is known to cause lymphoma, the lack of certainty bothers him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have my children living in the house. I mean, I have more neighbors living there in the area, Ortiz said. Its not fair that more people would be contaminated. Ortizs sickness affects him significantly on a daily basis. It affects my familys finances, my health, my finances, my well-being, family problems due to the lack of money from not being able to work, he said. Chemotherapy treatments have left him stuck in bed for up to 12 days at a time, and his treatments, he stated, have been very ugly. Even as he suffers, Ortiz recognizes that ethylene oxide is useful as a sterilizer. What he wants, he says, is a definitive answer as to the level of risk and for Midwest to properly mitigate it. Stalled regulations Under President Bidens EPA administrator Michael Regan, the agency agreed to adopt new standards. The agency touted the new final rule, announced in March 2024, as historic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, following the transition to a new administration in Washington, the Trump EPA is rethinking the rules. Environmental advocates say there is a risk that the tighter regulations may never go into effect. This administration has taken a different approach to that industry, incredibly favorable [to it], said Tricia Cortez, Executive Director of RGISC. The Ethylene Oxide Sterilization Association, an industry trade group, had filed a legal action calling for a review of the final rule. Laredo Meanwhile, EarthJustice representing RGISC and others petitioned to compel the EPA to enforce its 2024 final rule. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amid the dueling petitions, the EPA now under President Trumps EPA administrator, Lee Zeldin filed its own motion for a temporary suspension of the proceedings because the agency has now determined that it wishes to revisit and reconsider. The motion for abeyance, as it is known, was filed on March 25, just days after EPA announced publicly that it will reconsider multiple air pollution emissions standards, including those related to the commercial sterilization of medical devices. The EPA is going to take that new rule and theyre basically going to take it back and just rewrite it, Cortez said. Lillian Zhou, an EarthJustice attorney representing the petitioners in the lawsuit, said the process is typical of cases that transition between administrations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lot of the time, a new administration will ask pending lawsuits to be put in abeyance so they could go back and change whatever the underlying standards are, Zhou said. Laredo In Laredo, that balance between protecting the environment and boosting American companies hits close to home. So all of these things are happening more at a national level, with the rule and the agency that regulates this air toxin that then impacts communities like ours here, Cortez said. In terms of how a local community can protect itself or act toward these kinds of companies is somewhat limited. You know, you have to have these two battles, the national one, and then whats happening on the local front as well. --- Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Olivia Biggs, Avery Foster and Callaghan Mitchell are journalism students at Texas A&M University. David Perez and Sean Jimenez are students at Texas A&M International University. Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. LITTLE EGG HARBOR -- Atop a flagpole in the front yard, the stars and stripes flutter in the wind. Inside this newly built ranch house, the walls are adorned with patriotic photos. This is Larrys Home, a transitional, sober-living residence for Ocean County male veterans in need. It is named after Southern Regional High School grad Larry Robertiello, who drove Army tanks during two tours of Iraq from 2001-2004, then came home suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. That led to drug addiction and, after three attempts at rehab, an overdose death in 2022. Located in Little Egg Harbor just off of Route 9, Larrys Home is the undertaking of Just Believe Inc., a nonprofit that advocates for Ocean Countys homeless and at-risk population. Its founder and CEO, Paul Hulse, grew up friends with Robertiello in Waretown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a dream come true, Hulse said. Its been a lot of hard work a lot of sweat, a lot of tears, but its been a blessing seeing the community come together for veterans, for Larry. Larry served our country, did two tours of Iraq, and to establish this here, its going to help a lot of lives. Veterans housing: See inside the Veterans Village providing 123 low-cost homes in Ocean County 'Need all the help we can get' The 1,600-square-foot, four-bedroom, two-bathroom ranch with a spacious backyard sits on a previously wooded quarter-acre plot that was donated by Little Egg Harbor residents Kristi and Bryan Leary. It cost $350,000 to build, with Just Believe Inc. pooling donations, volunteer work and a loan to get it done. The house can accommodate seven residents at a time, plus a house manager. Residents may stay for up to 12 months and will have assistance from four licensed clinical social workers to help these gentlemen get their lives back on track, Hulse said. He expects the screening process for prospective residents to begin within the next two months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need all the help we can get for our veterans, said Nancy Robertiello, Larrys mother, who cut the ribbon at the Oct. 28 ceremony unveiling the home. For Paulie to be inspired and to bring Larrys memory into this, its really special. (Larry) would be thankful because he knew how hard it is to find a place to live because he struggled with that. After he did his rehab, this would have been a great transitional spot for him. Tough times for veterans: Army vet disappears after losing battle with homeowners association that stripped his home Paul Hulse of the Just Believe nonprofit greets guests to the ribbon-cutting for Larry's Home in Little Egg Harbor. It was named in honor of Ocean County war veteran Larry Robertiello, who died of a drug overdose, and is designed to house veterans in drug and alcohol recovery. Hulse and Just Believe Inc. acquired the property in 2021 to fulfill a long-desired goal of opening Ocean Countys first transitional residence for veterans in need. Theres over 35,000 registered veterans in Ocean County, Hulse said. Hearing that number made me say, Why dont we have more support for them? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Homes for vets: After two-year fight, charity volunteer and homeless veteran has home of his own in Freehold Visitors look over Larry's Home prior to the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Little Egg Harbor shelter. It was named in honor of Ocean County war veteran Larry Robertiello, who died of a drug overdose, and is designed to house veterans in drug and alcohol recovery. Inspired by a pair of boots When Larry died in 2022, Nancy Robertiello asked Hulse to help clean out his storage unit. What Hulse came across while doing so hit him like a lightning bolt. I opened up a tote and I found his pair of his ruck (military) boots from overseas, Hulse said. I turned to his mom and I said, Can I name this sober living home for vets that Im going to build after Larry? She said yes without blinking an eye. That was the moment. Hulse had those boots bronzed, and now they sit in a display case in the living room of Larrys Home, next to a portrait of its namesake. In interior of Larry's Home in Little Egg Harbor, named in honor of Ocean County war veteran Larry Robertiello, who died of a drug overdose, is designed to house veterans in drug and alcohol recovery. Displayed on the wall are a bronzed pair of his Army boots next to a portrait of him. He dealt with a lot of devastation over there (in Iraq) that he didnt want to talk about, Hulse said. To have this place now, I know hes looking down saying, Great job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Along the way to the homes grand opening, there were many moments when Hulse felt the tug of Larrys spirit. Perhaps the most salient was in mid-July, when the kitchens refrigerator was installed and tears rolled down Hulses cheeks. When youre working so hard on something, and you feel so much adversity around you, and then you see something come to life when that fridge went on it was like, Wow, we have power. We have the power to change lives, Hulse said. All of that emotion came into play: thinking about Larry, thinking about how this house is going to impact people. It was, Oh my God, we have power. For more information about Just Believe Inc. or Larrys Home, visit www.justbelieveinc.org or www.facebook.com/justbelieveinc. Jerry Carino is community columnist for the Asbury Park Press, focusing on the Jersey Shores interesting people, inspiring stories and pressing issues. Contact him at jcarino@gannettnj.com. This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Larry's Home in Little Egg Harbor can help veterans in drug recovery Islamabad, Pakistan After four days of long, intense discussions between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Istanbul, aimed at ending a tense and violent standoff between the South Asian neighbours, Pakistani officials have confirmed the failure of the dialogue. In an early morning message posted on social media platform X, Pakistans information minister Attaullah Tarar blamed the Afghan delegations for the failure of the talks, accusing them of resorting to deflection and ruses. The dialogue thus failed to bring about any workable solution, he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mediated by Qatar and Turkiye, the negotiations followed an initial round of dialogue in Doha, which produced a temporary ceasefire on October 19 after a week of fighting that left dozens dead on both sides. Update on Pakistan Afghanistan Dialogue, Istanbul October 2025 Ever since the assumption of control in Kabul, Pakistan has repeatedly engaged with the Afghan Taliban Regime regarding persistent cross border terrorism by Indian-abetted Fitna al Khwarij (TTP) and Indian proxy, Attaullah Tarar (@TararAttaullah) October 28, 2025 Earlier, Pakistani security officials said that on Monday, talks went on for nearly 18 hours. But they accused the Afghan delegation of changing its position on Islamabads central demand that Kabul crack down on the Pakistan Taliban armed group, known by the acronym TTP. One official, speaking to Al Jazeera on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the dialogue, alleged that the instructions received from Kabul for the Afghan team were complicating negotiations. But even though officials and experts said that last-ditch efforts were expected to continue to try to pull the two countries back from a full-fledged conflict, the prospects of new hostilities between them loom large after their inability, so far, to build on the Doha truce, analysts say. Kabul, for its part, blamed the Pakistani delegation for a lack of coordination, claiming the Pakistani side was not presenting clear arguments and kept leaving the negotiating table, Afghan media reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Afghan team is being led by the deputy minister for administrative affairs at the Ministry of Interior, Haji Najib, while Pakistan has not publicly disclosed its representatives. Recent cross-border attacks between the militaries of the two countries have killed multiple people, troops and civilians, and injured many more in both Pakistan and Afghanistan. United States President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly sought credit for resolving global conflicts, also waded in, saying he would solve the Afghanistan-Pakistan crisis very quickly, while speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) summit in Malaysia earlier in the week. Yet, any long-term settlement appears difficult due to the two nations profound mutual distrust and conflicting priorities, said Baqir Sajjad Syed, a former Pakistan fellow at the Wilson Center and a journalist who covers national security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Syed added that their historical grievances and Pakistans past interventions in Afghanistan make concessions politically risky for the Afghan Taliban. In my view, the core issue is ideological alignment. The Afghan Talibans dependence on TTP for dealing with internal security problems [inside Afghanistan] makes it difficult for them to dissociate from the group, despite Pakistani concerns, he told Al Jazeera. A fraught friendship Historically, Pakistan was long perceived as the primary patron of the Afghan Taliban. Many in Pakistan publicly welcomed the Talibans return to power in August 2021 after the withdrawal of US forces. But relations have sharply deteriorated since, largely over the TTP, an armed group that emerged in 2007 during the US-led so-called war on terror, and which has waged a long campaign against Islamabad. Pakistani security personnel have faced increasing attacks from the TTP armed group [Fayaz Aziz/Reuters] The TTP seeks the release of its members imprisoned in Pakistan and opposes the merger of Pakistans former tribal areas into its Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Although independent from the Afghan Taliban, the two groups are ideologically aligned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Islamabad accuses Kabul of providing sanctuary not only to the TTP but to other groups, including the Balochistan Liberation Army and the ISIL (ISIS) affiliate in Khorasan Province (ISKP), charges Kabul denies. The Afghan Taliban have insisted that the TTP is a Pakistani problem, repeatedly arguing that insecurity in Pakistan is a domestic matter. And the Taliban have themselves long viewed the ISKP as enemies. Mullah Yaqoob, Afghanistans defence minister who signed the ceasefire in Doha with his Pakistani counterpart, Khawaja Asif, last week, said in an interview on October 19 that states sometimes used the label terrorism for political ends. There is no universal or clear definition of terrorism, he said, adding that any government can brand its adversaries as terrorists for its own agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, regional powers including Iran, Russia, China, and several Central Asian states have also urged the Taliban to eliminate the TTP and other armed groups allegedly operating from Afghanistan. That appeal was renewed in Moscow in early October, in consultations also attended by Afghan Minister of Foreign Affairs Amir Khan Muttaqi. Rising toll, rising tensions In recent days, several attacks have killed more than two dozen Pakistani soldiers, including officers. The year 2024 was among Pakistans deadliest in nearly a decade, with more than 2,500 casualties recorded, and 2025 is on track to surpass that, analysts say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both civilians and security personnel have been targeted, with most attacks concentrated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. TTP operations have increased sharply in both frequency and intensity. Our data show that the TTP engaged in at least 600 attacks against, or clashes with, security forces in the past year alone. Its activity in 2025 so far already exceeds that seen in all of 2024, a recent Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED) report said. Ihsanullah Tipu Mehsud, an Islamabad-based security analyst, says that Pakistani negotiators must recognise that ties between the Taliban and the TTP are rooted in ideology, making it hard for Afghanistans government to give up on the anti-Pakistan armed group. Journalist Sami Yousafzai, a longtime observer of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, agreed, saying that the prospects of a detente now look increasingly remote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Mehsud and Yousafzai pointed to the Talibans history of sticking by allies even in the face of international pressure, and even military assault. We have seen this same attitude from the Afghan Taliban in 2001, when, after the 9/11 attacks, they continued to remain steadfastly with Al al-Qaeda, Mehsud said. According to Yousafzai, the Afghan Taliban are war veterans, and they can withstand military pressure. Failed diplomacy? In recent months, both sides have pursued diplomacy, nudged also by China, which has mediated talks between them, in addition to Qatar and Turkiye. Yet, analysts say Islamabad might soon conclude that it has few nonmilitary options to address its concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Syed pointed to Pakistani Defence Minister Asifs recent threat of an open war and said that these comments could presage targeted air strikes or cross-border operations against alleged TTP sanctuaries in Afghanistan. That said, mediators, particularly Qatar and Turkiye, are expected to make a last-ditch push to revive dialogue or shift it to another venue. There is also a small possibility of other countries joining in, especially after President Trumps latest signal of readiness to step in and de-escalate the crisis, he said. Syed said that economic incentives, including aid, in exchange for compliance with ceasefire provisions could be one way to get the neighbours to avoid a full-fledged military conflict. This is a tool Trump has used in recent months in other wars, including in getting Thailand and Cambodia to stop fighting after border clashes. The US president oversaw the signing of a peace deal between the Southeast Asian nations in Kuala Lumpur last weekend. Afghan Defence Minister Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid and Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif shake hands following the signing of a ceasefire agreement, during negotiations in Doha, Qatar, October 19, 2025 [Handout/Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs via Reuters] Unintended consequences While Pakistan has far superior military capabilities, the Taliban has advantages, too, say analysts, cautioning against overconfidence on the part of Islamabad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yousafzai argued that the crisis with Pakistan had helped bolster domestic support for the Taliban, and military action against it could further elevate sympathy for the group. The response by the Afghan Taliban of attacking the Pakistani military on [the] border was seen as a forceful response, increasing their popularity. And even if Pakistan continues to bomb, it could end up killing innocent civilians, leading to more resentment and anti-Pakistani sentiment in [the] public and among [the] Afghan Taliban, he said. This dynamic, according to Yousafzai, should be worrying for Islamabad, particularly if the Talibans supreme leader, Haibatullah Akhunzada, steps in. If Akhunzada issues an edict, declaring Jihad against Pakistan, many young Afghans could potentially join the ranks of [the] Taliban, Yousafzai warned. Even if it will mean a bigger loss for Afghans, the situation will not be good for Pakistan. The only beneficiary, he said, would be the TTP, which will feel even more emboldened to launch attacks against the Pakistani military. SANTIAGO DE CUBA, Cuba (AP) Melissa began affecting the southeastern Bahamas on Wednesday, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami. Authorities in the Bahamas were evacuating dozens of people from the archipelagos southeast corner ahead of Melissas arrival as a Category 1 storm. Melissas center is forecast to move through the southeastern Bahamas later Wednesday, generating up to 7 feet (2 meters) of storm surge in the area. By late Thursday, the storm is expected to pass just west of Bermuda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The extent of the damage from Melissa was unclear Wednesday as widespread power outages and dangerous conditions persisted in affected areas. The hurricane initially made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 storm, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record. The storm came ashore again in Cuba as a Category 3 hurricane. Hurricane Melissa has left at least 34 dead in the Caribbean: eight in Jamaica, one in the Dominican Republican and 25 in Haiti, a lower total from an earlier count of 40. The number of reported deaths in Haiti often fluctuates early on following major natural disasters. Heres the latest: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Melissa is disastrous for Jamaicas farmers, agricultural advocates say The impact on Jamaicas farmers is catastrophic, said Denver Thorpe, regional manager for the Jamaica Agricultural Society, a 130-year-old farmer advocacy organization. The countrys farmers were already recovering from Hurricane Beryl in 2024, which impacted about 50,000 farmers and 11,000 fishers, according to Jamaicas Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining. We were just about turning the corner, said Thorpe, who lost two greenhouses and 15 acres of mangos Tuesday in Westmoreland Parish. Theres absolutely nothing, he said, adding that it will be another long road for the agricultural sector to rebuild. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im just looking at the work right now, he said. Its never going to finish. Just living by the day Fallen power lines and light poles are blocking road access in and out of Jason Barnetts neighborhood in the Amity district of Westmoreland Parish in Jamaica. He borrowed a neighbors bike to check on his 2-year-old daughter who lives about 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) away, crossing three rivers to reach her. She was okay, their roof was intact, so I was really happy about that, he said. Back on Barnetts street, nearly every home lost its roof in Melissas catastrophic winds. Barnett, 34, installed some screws in his roof just before the storm arrived, buying enough time to move his appliances and valuables somewhere safe before the wind ripped off the zinc roof. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barnett has been sharing Wi-Fi from his Starlink device with his neighbors, but the power is still out and people are getting by with limited food and water. Were just living by the day now, he said. Everyone is trying to help everyone. Death toll in Haiti rises to 25 The number of people killed across the country rose to 25, with 18 others missing, Haitis Civil Protection Agency says. The vast majority of those killed or missing were reported in the southern coastal town of Petit-Goave, where Hurricane Melissa destroyed 80 homes and damaged more than 160 others, officials say. Ten of the 20 people killed in Petit-Goave were children, the agency said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials warned that 152 disabled people in Haitis southern region require emergency food assistance. More than 11,600 people remained sheltered in Haiti because of Hurricane Melissa. Airports in Jamaica to begin reopening Jamaican Transportation Minister Daryl Vaz said the islands main international airport in Kingston and a smaller international airport in St. Mary will reopen late Wednesday afternoon. He noted that the airports will open only to relief flights on Wednesday, with U.N. agencies and dozens of nonprofits on standby to distribute basic goods. Both airports will reopen to commercial operations early Thursday morning, but commercial flights might not start until Friday, Vaz said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said that the international airport in Montego Bay will reopen late Thursday morning. The devastation is enormous, he said. We need all hands on deck to recover stronger and to help those in need at this time. Where Hurricane Melissa is now The storm was located 80 miles (130 kilometers) southeast of the central Bahamas and was moving northeast at 16 mph (150 kph), according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center in Miami. Melissas maximum sustained winds were 90 mph (150 kph), making it a Category 1 storm. The NHC discontinued tropical storm warnings for Haiti and said Cubas government dropped all hurricane and tropical storm warnings for the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People have lost everything As Charly Saint-Vil, 30, walked the streets of Petit-Goave, Haiti, the small coastal town where he grew up, he saw bodies lying among the debris on the street. People were screaming as they searched for their missing children, he said. Officials say Hurricane Melissa killed at least 20 people in the town of approximately 12,000 people, the bulk of the 23 people who have died across the country. People have lost everything, said Saint-Vil. Although the immediate threat of the storm has passed, Saint-Vil said residents are still worrying about access to medicine, water and food in the coming days given the political instability in Haiti before the hurricane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For now, neighbors are helping each other source necessities and find places to sleep. Saint-Vil is hosting a number of friends who lost their homes in his small apartment. What I can do, I will do it, but its not easy because the situation is really complicated for everyone, he said. US sending several dozen disaster relief workers and urban rescue teams to Caribbean Disaster Assistance Response Team personnel from across the country are currently on their way to Jamaica, the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic, where they will also attend to issues in neighboring Haiti, according to three State Department officials. They are expected to arrive in the next 24-48 hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The officials, who spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity because the teams are not yet on the ground, said anticipated needs include temporary housing, food and hygiene kits. They said the U.S. military could play a role in transporting personnel and supplies to remote areas needing help but that a decision on the scale of such involvement had not yet been made. ___ By Matthew Lee Dozens evacuate from southeastern Bahamas Authorities in the Bahamas are evacuating dozens of people from the archipelagos southeast corner ahead of Hurricane Melissa. Weve had about five flights so far, said Alex Storr, executive chairman of the Bahamas Disaster Management Authority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said officials expect at least four more flights later Wednesday. Melissa is expected to cut through the southeast Bahamas in the next few hours. Cubas president says damage could be substantial Authorities in Holguin province, where Hurricane Melissas center exited Cuba on Wednesday, said 250,000 people spent the night in shelters. While details of the damage caused remained unavailable, President Miguel Diaz-Canel warned it could be substantial. It has been a very complex early morning, Diaz-Canel wrote on X. As soon as conditions allow, we will begin the recovery. We are ready. So many things have blown away Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Empress Thandi Wise walked along washed-out roads on Wednesday afternoon to access her home in Jamaicas Treasure Beach, a close-knit community of fishing villages and beachside cafes just east of where Melissa made landfall. Wise and her family, including her elderly mother and 12-year-old daughter, sheltered at a friends house during the storm and havent been able to get to the wellness center and yoga studio she runs on the other side of town. Im looking at my house, and so many things have blown away, Wise told The Associated Press during a phone interview. Windows are out, doors are out. Im just trying to figure out how to pick up the pieces. Everything is wet. She said she and her neighbors are just grateful to be safe and able to go outside, though many people lost their roofs for the second time after being hit by Hurricane Beryl in July 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beryl was childs play, compared to this weeks storm, Wise said. At least 40 dead in Haiti At least 40 people have died across Haiti, Steven Aristil, with Haitis Civil Protection Agency, tells The Associated Press. He said 20 of those deaths were reported in the southern coastal town of Petit-Goave, where another 10 remain missing. Earlier Wednesday, the mayor of Petit-Goave told the AP that at least 25 people were killed in that community. The number of dead and missing in Haiti often fluctuate in the early days following major natural disasters. Aristil said officials expect the death toll to keep rising as as heavy rains persist. Haiti prime minister says 'death toll could change' Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime expressed concern about the number of victims reported in the countrys southern region and noted that the death toll could change. The government pays its respects to the deceased and shares the profound sorrow of the bereaved families and the affected communities, he said. Earlier on Wednesday, Jean Bertrand Subreme, the mayor of the southern coastal town of Petit-Goave, told The Associated Press that flooding from Melissa killed at least 25 people there. Fils-Aime said rescue teams have been deployed to help with ongoing emergencies, assess humanitarian needs and restore access to isolated areas. Police find 4 more bodies in southwest Jamaica Authorities have found at least four bodies in southwest Jamaica, Police Superintendent Coleridge Minto told Nationwide News Network radio station on Wednesday. Two of the bodies washed ashore in the Black River community but have not been identified. Meanwhile, the bodies of a 35-year-old man and a 64-year-old man were found in Galleon Beach in the southern parish of St. Elizabeth. This brings the death toll in Jamaica to eight. Minto said police were investigating other unconfirmed deaths. Britain to send $3.3 million to Jamaica Britain is sending 2.5 million pounds ($3.3 million) in humanitarian funding to Jamaica to deliver emergency supplies such as shelter kits, water filters and blankets in the wake of Hurricane Melissa. The government said Royal Navy ship HMS Trent is in the Caribbean and a specialist Foreign Office team has been sent to Miami to provide support to stranded British nationals. Up to 8,000 U.K. citizens are thought to be in Jamaica, either on vacation or visiting family. All airports there are currently closed. Britains Foreign Office said Melissa was likely to be the strongest hurricane in Jamaicas history and was expected to have left towns and infrastructure severely damaged or destroyed. About three-quarters of the island is currently without power. Jamaican coastal town officials plead for help Officials in Black River, Jamaica, a coastal town of approximately 5,000 people in the southwestern part of the Island, pleaded for help in recovery efforts. Catastrophic is a mild term based on what we are observing, Black River mayor Richard Solomon told a news conference on Wednesday, noting that local rescue infrastructure had been demolished by the storm. The local hospital, police units and emergency services were flooded and unable to conduct emergency recovery operations, he said. The storm also destroyed the facility where relief supplies were being stored. We are not able to help at all, Solomon said, standing in front of obliterated buildings and debris as he called for external help. Conditions are going to deteriorate as the day progresses, Solomon said. US to send response teams to the Caribbean The United States is sending rescue and response teams to assist in recovery efforts in the Caribbean, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on X on Wednesday. He said that government officials were coordinating with leadership in Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas. Our prayers are with the people of the Caribbean, he wrote. Growing in size Michael Brennan, director of the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami, said the storm began affecting the southeastern Bahamas on Wednesday. The storm is growing in size, he said, noting that tropical storm force winds now extend almost 200 miles (322 kilometers) from the center. Melissas center is forecast to move through southeastern Bahamas later Wednesday, generating up to 7 feet (2 meters) of storm surge in the area. People should be in their safe shelter, he said. By late Thursday, Melissa is expected to pass just west of Bermuda. Brennan warned that additional flooding was still possible Wednesday in Jamaica and in southern Haiti, where at least 25 were reported killed after a river burst its banks. Most of Jamaica without power Dana Morris Dixon, Jamaicas education minister, said that 77% of the island was without power on Wednesday. That is a large number, she said, adding that the water systems, however, were not greatly affected. She said Prime Minister Andrew Holness would soon fly over the most affected areas, including St. Elizabeth, Manchester, West Moreland and St. James, where crews were still trying to access areas and determine the extent of the damage. It is too early for us to say definitely, she noted. Thousands packed into shelters in Jamaica More than 25,000 people were packed into shelters across Jamaica on Wednesday, hours after Melissa made landfall as a catastrophic Category 5 storm. People kept streaming into the shelters throughout the day after the storm ripped off the roofs of their homes and left them temporarily homeless. Its not going to be an easy road, Jamaica, said Desmond McKenzie, deputy chairman of Jamaicas Disaster Risk Management Council. He said no one should be turned away from any shelter, and that they would remain open indefinitely until a long-term housing solution is found. At least 25 killed in Haiti Jean Bertrand Subreme, mayor of the southern Haitian coastal town of Petit-Goave, told The Associated Press that 25 people died after La Digue river burst its banks and flooded nearby homes. Dozens of homes collapse and people remain trapped under the rubble, he said, adding: I am overwhelmed by the situation. Over 730,000 people take shelter in eastern Cuba Cuban authorities said some 735,000 people remain in shelters after being evacuated from their homes in the islands eastern region. Yanetsy Terry Gutierrez, governor of Granma province, one of the first areas hit by the hurricane, said Wednesday morning that several areas of the province are underwater, with the most significant impact in the municipal capital of Jiguani. She said that rivers overflowed, flooding homes and workplaces. Officials also reported collapsed houses, blocked mountain roads and roofs blown off. The provinces reservoirs continue to overflow after being filled by heavy rains. More than 15 inches (40 centimeters) of rain was reported in the Jiguani settlement of Charco Redondo. Aid response for Cuba UNICEF reported on social media that it was sending aid to Cuba, including 1,900 sheets of roofing material, waterproof blankets, recreation kits for 20,000 children, and school supplies for 10,000 children under five. Landslides and floods in Jamaica The small town of Santa Cruz in the southern Jamaican parish of St. Elizabeth was devastated by Hurricane Melissa. A massive landslide triggered by widespread flooding blocked the towns main roads, and streets have been reduced to mud pits. Residents swept out gallons of water from their homes as they tried to salvage whatever was left of their belongings. I never see anything like this before in all my years living here, said Jennifer Small. Fierce winds ripped off part of the roof at St. Elizabeth Technical High School, which was designated a public shelter. The entire hillside came down last night, Robert James said. Some residents emerge in eastern Cuba That was hell. All night long, it was terrible, said Reinaldo Charon, 52, who was one of the few people who ventured out on Wednesday morning in Santiago de Cuba, covered by a plastic sheet to keep dry from the intermittent rain. David Savaree, a 44-year-old mechanic, said: I saw (Melissa) as weaker than (Hurricane) Sandy, but we have to keep going. Melissa tore off roofs and uprooted trees in the eastern province, but the extent of the damage wasnt immediately known. Rain is still coming In Cuba's Las Tunas, 73-year-old retiree Manuel Perez told The Associated Press by phone it was impossible to quantify the damage just yet because the hurricane hit at night, when one was on the streets. The winds and gusts were very strong, and the rain is still coming, he said. Jamaica lifts tropical storm warning - NHC As Jamaican officials report complications in assessing the damage, the National Hurricane Center said the local government had lifted the tropical storm warning there. Melissa is expected to remain a powerful hurricane when it moves across the Bahamas on Wednesday and passes near Bermuda on Thursday night, the NHC said in an advisory. There will be a lot of damage The hurricane could worsen Cubas severe economic crisis, which already has led to prolonged power blackouts, as well as fuel and food shortages. There will be a lot of work to do. We know there will be a lot of damage, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said in a televised address. He urged the public not to underestimate the power of Melissa, the strongest ever to hit national territory. Jamaica assesses damage In Jamaica, officials told local radio there was extensive damage in the islands southwestern and northwestern regions. Theres a total communication blackout on that side, said Richard Thompson, acting director general of Jamaicas Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management. More than half a million customers were without power late Tuesday as officials reported that most of the island had downed trees, power lines and extensive flooding. Extensive damage was reported in parts of Clarendon in the south and in the southwestern parish of St. Elizabeth, which was under water, said Desmond McKenzie, deputy chairman of Jamaicas Disaster Risk Management Council. The storm damaged four hospitals and left one without power, forcing officials to evacuate 75 patients, McKenzie said. US sends search and rescue teams The U.S. government said it was deploying a disaster response team and search and rescue personnel to the region. The State Department said non-emergency personnel and family members of U.S. government employees were authorized to leave Jamaica because of the storms impact. The United States will share closely held technology to allow South Korea to build a nuclear-powered submarine, President Donald Trump said on social media after meeting with the countrys president during Trumps ongoing trip to Asia. President Lee Jae Myung stressed to Trump in their Wednesday meeting that the goal was to modernize the alliance with the U.S., noting plans to increase military spending to reduce the financial burden on America. U.S. nuclear submarine technology is widely regarded as some of the most sensitive and highly guarded technology the military possesses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps announcement comes ahead of his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, a chance for the leaders of the worlds two largest economies to stabilize relations after months of turmoil over trade issues. China possesses nuclear submarines, and North Korea in March unveiled for the first time a nuclear-powered submarine under construction. Its a weapons system that can pose a major security threat to South Korea and the U.S. Here's the latest: Xi says US and China should be partners and friends despite frictions The Chinese leader spoke for longer than Trump in his opening remarks, saying it feels very warm seeing you again because its been many years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We do not always see eye to eye with each other, Xi said through a translator, adding that it is normal for the two leading economies of the world to have frictions now and then. However, he said, China and the U.S. are fully able to help each other succeed and prosper together. Trump, Xi convene their bilateral meeting Shortly after their handshake, Trump and Xi moved to a room to hold their talks. Its an honor to be with a friend of mine, Trump said of Xi. He said the two will be having some discussions, but I think weve already agreed to a lot of things. Accompanying Trump were trade representative Jamieson Greer, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, White House chief of staff Susie Wiles and David Perdue, the U.S. ambassador to China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chinese state media: Trump-Xi meeting is underway State broadcaster CCTV says the meeting between President Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping has officially started. Xi arrives in South Korea for meeting with Trump Xi has arrived in the city of Busan, Chinese state media said. Trump announces nuclear weapon tests There was no indication that the U.S. would start detonating warheads, and the military already regularly tests its missiles and other equipment. The president suggested changes were necessary because other countries were testing their weapons. Russia has announced multiple tests recently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump wrote on social media while en route to Busan that the Pentagon will start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis and that process will begin immediately. The White House did not immediately respond to questions seeking more details. Trump touches down in Busan for Xi meeting He arrived via helicopter from Gyeongju, where he was attending the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. The meeting with Xi is Trumps last engagement of his Asia trip before returning to Washington. On social media, he said, THE G2 WILL BE CONVENING SHORTLY! Top Democrat blasts Trump administration over partisan security briefing Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Mark Warner, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said the Trump administration briefed Republicans but not Democrats on the U.S. militarys boat strikes in waters off South America. The Senate is facing a potential vote on a war powers resolution that would prohibit strikes in or near Venezuela, unless Congress approves the military action. Shutting Democrats out of a briefing on U.S. military strikes and withholding the legal justification for those strikes from half the Senate is indefensible and dangerous, Warner said in a statement. Decisions about the use of American military force are not campaign strategy sessions, and they are not the private property of one political party. The briefing was by conducted by officials from the Defense and Justice departments for the GOP leadership and senators, according to a person familiar with the situation and granted anonymity because they are unauthorized to discuss it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Warner demanded a similar briefing for the Democrats. Lisa Mascaro How a soybean deal could help Trump back home A breakthrough on soybeans between Trump and Xi at their highly anticipated meeting in a couple of hours would be a political boost to the U.S. president, who is facing pressure from Americas farmers. In the run-up to the summit in Busan, China has indicated it is willing to purchase soybeans again which it hasnt done from the U.S. since May. That has hurt American soybean farmers, who have relied on China as its biggest foreign customer. I think the message that our soybean farmers as a whole want to deliver is: President Trump, weve had your back. We need you to have ours now, Caleb Ragland, the president of the American Soybean Association, told The Associated Press in September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has repeatedly proclaimed how much farmers support him and has promised an aid package as the agricultural industry grapples with the impact of his tariffs. No such package has come to fruition yet. Xi heading to South Korea for meeting with Trump Chinese leader Xi Jinping has left Beijing for South Korea, where he will meet Trump. Chinese state media said Thursday that Xi is going to attend an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders meeting and a state visit to South Korea. Xis entourage includes Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Vice Premier He Lifeng, who has been heading the trade talks with the U.S., the official Xinhua News Agency said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement US strikes another alleged drug boat and kills 4, Hegseth says Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Wednesday that the U.S. military carried out another strike on a boat he said was carrying drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing all four people aboard the vessel. The Trump administration has been pursuing a divisive campaign against drug cartels in the waters off South America. Hegseth said in a social media post that intelligence determined the craft was transiting along a known narco-trafficking route, and carrying narcotics. He said the strike was conducted in international waters and no U.S. forces were harmed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has been conducting a nearly two-month campaign in the waters off of South America, while building up U.S. military forces in the region. The strike announced by Hegseth on Wednesday makes it the 14th since the campaign began, while the death toll has grown to at least 61. Rep. Doug LaMalfa urges voters to reject Democrats plan to redraw US House map in California The Republican representatives district is one of five being targeted in a plan to give Democrats more winnable seats. Under the proposal, three conservative stronghold counties in LaMalfas current district would share a representative with voters in some of the wealthiest and most liberal areas in California. LaMalfas new district would include many more Democratic voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California Democrats said the measure is a way to counter a Trump-backed plan in Texas to gain five more Republican seats. The measure promises to give map-drawing power back after the 2030 Census to the independent commission that typically handles redistricting. LaMalfa warned at a press conference Wednesday in his district that Democrats wont give that power back. Its really a blatant power grab, he said. Voting concludes Nov. 4. Democrats have returned nearly twice as many ballots as Republicans. US will share tech to let South Korea build a nuclear-powered submarine, Trump says The United States will share closely held technology to allow South Korea to build a nuclear-powered submarine, Trump said on social media Thursday after meeting with the countrys president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Korean President Lee Jae Myung stressed to Trump in their Wednesday meeting that the goal was to modernize the alliance with the U.S., noting plans to increase military spending to reduce the financial burden on America. The South Korean leader said there might have been a misunderstanding when they last spoke in August about nuclear-powered submarines, saying that his government was looking for nuclear fuel rather than weapons. Lee said that if South Korea was equipped with nuclear-powered submarines, it could help U.S. activities in the region. Trump administration finds $5.3B to pay military again during shutdown Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The money comes from various sources, including $2.5 billion from Trumps big bill of tax breaks that was signed into law this summer. Its the second pay period for the military since the shutdown began and the second time the administration moved money around to make sure service personnel dont miss a paycheck. The White House budget office also tapped $1.4 billion from a procurement account and another $1.4 billion from research and development. The move was first reported by Axios and confirmed by a senior White House official who was unauthorized to discuss the situation and granted anonymity. Unmentioned was the $130 million anonymous gift that Trump said a friend had given to help pay the troops a sizable sum, but a very small amount compared to whats needed for military pay. Many other federal workers are being furloughed or required to work without pay during the shutdown, now in its 29th day. Lisa Mascaro Louisiana plan to pay for SNAP benefits likely wont include able-bodied recipients Republican Gov. Jeff Landry says most of Louisianas SNAP recipients can plan on receiving November benefits, but about 53,000 able-bodied recipients who dont share a household with children or disabled or older people will be excluded from receiving funds. A bipartisan move by the Legislature authorized $150 million in state funds to fill the expected federal lapse. Nearly 800,000 Louisiana residents, or one-fifth of the population, are SNAP recipients. During a press conference Wednesday, Landry said SNAP recipients who are older or disabled or SNAP recipient households with children or disabled or older people can expect to receive their regular benefits under state funds. Our priorities are specific, were going to protect the most vulnerable population in Louisiana, Landry said. Landry urged SNAP recipients who are ineligible to receive state funds to lean on food banks for help and seek job opportunities. Appeals court blocks order requiring Border Patrol official to brief judge on immigration sweeps The court intervened Wednesday before Greg Bovinos first late afternoon meeting with U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis. Ellis wanted daily briefings after seeing video and other images of confrontations between immigration agents and the public. It is an unprecedented bid to impose real-time oversight on the Trump administrations immigration crackdown after weeks of tense encounters and increasingly aggressive tactics by agents in the city. Read more about the blocked order Democrats spotlight Obama, party stars to push California plan to boost U.S. House seats Democrats are ending the campaign to boost the partys U.S. House seats in California with a burst of political star power. Former President Barack Obama headlines a new ad that urges voters to approve so-called Proposition 50, which if approved would realign district boundaries to give Democrats as many as five additional seats in a bid to capture the majority next year and beat back Trumps attempts to gain more Republican districts in Texas and other states. Voting concludes Nov. 4. Democrats who put in a pitch for the proposal in the 30-second spot include Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom who spearheaded the proposal looks into the camera and says, You have the power to stand up to Donald Trump. The ad was released on the same day a Public Policy Institute of California statewide poll found that 56% of likely voters would support the proposition if the election was held today. The poll from the nonpartisan institute said 43% were opposed and 1% had no opinion. Deployment of National Guard troops in Chicago area remains blocked for now The Trump administration will be unable to deploy Guard troops to help with its immigration crackdown until at least the latter half of November, following a Supreme Court order Wednesday calling for more briefing. The justices did not act on the administrations emergency appeal of a lower-court ruling that has blocked the deployment of National Guard troops from Illinois and Texas. The court set a Nov. 17 deadline for the final submissions, making it unlikely the justices will take action before then. Shutdown to have negative economic effect, but that can be reversed, CBO says The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office laid out the stakes of the government shutdown at Thursdays four-week mark, or if it keeps going longer, in response to a request from the House Budget Committees GOP chairman. The effects of the shutdown on the economy are uncertain, the CBO said. Those effects depend on decisions made by the Administration throughout the shutdown. The CBO estimates that the shutdown will reduce GDP growth in the fourth quarter of 2025 by as much as 2 percentage points. But it said most of the decline eventually will be recovered. Much of the spending that was halted on government pay and programs the CBO expects will be made up once government reopens. Using estimates from the federal agencies and the White Houses budget office, it also said about 650,000 employees will be furloughed, on average, fewer than an initial assessment. Effort to fund SNAP benefits fails in Senate The Senate has blocked an effort to fast-track a bill that would keep two food assistance programs open during the government shutdown. Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, D-N.M., sought unanimous consent to approve his bill to fund SNAP benefits, which the Trump administration says will end Saturday. The bill also would continue funding for a program that helps low-income mothers and children, known as WIC. Lujan said the Trump administration should use billions of dollars in a contingency fund to pay for benefits during the shutdown. This pain does not need to happen, Lujan said. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Republicans have voted 13 times to fund SNAP and WIC as part of a short-term funding bill. Were not going to pick winners and losers. Its time to fund everybody, Thune said before objecting to Lujans request, hence blocking it. Louisiana lawmakers authorize $150 million in state money to be used to avoid lapse in SNAP benefits In a bipartisan effort, Louisiana lawmakers on Wednesday authorized $150 million in state funding to be used to avoid next months expected interruption in SNAP benefits. The action still needs approval from Republican Gov. Jeff Landry, who was the one who urged the Legislature to craft the resolution. State Senate President Cameron Henry, a Republican, said his intent is for all Louisiana SNAP recipients nearly 800,000 people to receive their full monthly benefit amount. The resolution received near-unanimous approval on Wednesday with only one lawmaker voting against it. In Louisiana, a state that is among the most impoverished and where nearly one-fifth of the population receives SNAP benefits, politicians say its imperative that there isnt a lapse in food aid. If the federal lapse extends beyond November, lawmakers say they will consider funding another month of benefits using a state savings account. However, tapping into the account requires more time and approval. Federal Reserve cuts key rate as government shutdown clouds economic outlook The Federal Reserve cut its key interest rate Wednesday for a second time this year as it seeks to shore up economic growth and hiring even as inflation stays elevated. Job gains have slowed this year, and the unemployment rate has edged up but remained low through August, the Fed said in a statement Wednesday. More recent indicators are consistent with these developments. The government hasnt issued unemployment data after August because of the shutdown. The Fed is watching private-sector figures instead. Wednesdays decision brings the Feds key rate down to about 3.9%, from about 4.1%. The central bank had cranked its rate to roughly 5.3% in 2023 and 2024 to combat the biggest inflation spike in four decades. Lower rates could, over time, reduce borrowing costs for mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards, as well as for business loans. Read more about FED cuts Top Senate Democrat on armed services committee warns that Trump is politicizing the military Sen. Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said in a floor speech that Trumps move to involve the military in his political goals is endangering how Americans see U.S. troops. Reed, who represents Rhode Island, challenged his Republican colleagues to speak against how Trump has taken rare moves to enmesh the military with politics. Once the military becomes politicized, it loses the trust of the American people. A military seen as serving a political party cannot claim to serve the nation, Reed said. Tribes declare states of emergency ahead of loss of SNAP benefits Several tribal nations have declared a state of emergency in response to the federal shutdown and the upcoming loss of SNAP benefits. In Montana, the Blackfeet Nation called the loss of SNAP benefits a crisis in its declaration, and in North Dakota, both the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and the Spirit Lake Nation made similar declarations to access emergency funding. The majority of those utilizing the food assistance program in the Spirit Lake Nation are children, said Chairwoman Lonna Jackson-Street. If our kids cant eat, then were all in crisis, Street said. Winters can be particularly tough for the Spirit Lake Nation, which is about 80 miles from the Canadian border, and Street is worried that if the shutdown continues into the winter months some tribal citizens will have to choose between filling their propane tanks and buying groceries. My fear is people are going to die. Top congressional Republicans overseeing military speak out against US troop withdrawal from Romania Sen. Roger Wicker and Rep. Mike Rogers, who chair their respective congressional committees on armed services, have issued a joint statement saying they strongly oppose the Trump administrations decision not to send U.S. troops back to Romania. This decision also sends the wrong signal to Russia at the very moment President Trump is applying pressure to force Vladimir Putin to come to the table to achieve a lasting peace in Ukraine, the two Republican lawmakers say. The U.S. has stationed roughly 1,000 troops at an air base in Romania, but after they were rotated out a month ago, the Department of Defense has decided not to replace them. The joint statement speaks to growing concern in Congress, including from some Republicans, about how Trump is reconfiguring the U.S. militarys footing around the globe. House Democrats call on Trump to return to Washington and save SNAP If the president wanted to help feed hungry American children, he would, said Rep. Angie Craig, the ranking Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee that handles the food aid program. At a press conference at the Capitol, the Democrats said Trump has focused more on his priorities, including his new ballroom at the White House, than the everyday needs of Americans. Im calling on the president to get back from Asia and do the right thing and the moral thing, Craig said. Where is the great dealmaker now? asked Rep. Alma Adams, D-N.C. Were ready to make a bipartisan deal that, first of all, would keep SNAP funded, that would reopen the government, that would extend the ACA tax credits that would end the pain thats being inflicted on the American people. Forecasting for Hurricane Melissa continued despite shutdown National weather forecasters were able to provide critical warnings, collect satellite data and fly aircraft into the eye of powerful Hurricane Melissa during the government shutdown. Experts say they saw no major problems with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations hurricane forecasting ability. That work was critical ahead of Melissas landfall in Jamaica as a violent storm that is not expected to strike the United States. Many NOAA employees are considered essential, which means they are working during the shutdown without pay. They are carrying on as normal, without getting paid for their sometimes stressful and exhausting work, said Kristen Corbosiero, professor and chair of the department of Atmospheric and environmental science at the University of Albany. Weather forecasters have been among those hit by the Trump administrations staff cuts, although some positions were reopened after concerns about dangerous understaffing. US lifts sanctions against separatist Bosnian Serb leader The United States on Wednesday lifted sanctions against separatist Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik and his family, turning back financial penalties that were imposed by the Biden administration in 2022. Dodik is staunchly pro-Russian and has called for the Serb-run part of Bosnia to break off and join Serbia. Until recently he was the president of the Bosnian Serb republic in Bosnia, sharing the tripartite presidency with a Bosniak and a Croat. Dodik agreed to step down this month after a Bosnian court banned him for politics over his separatist actions. Dodik on X thanked Trump and his associates for correcting a grave injustice. Vance said he has joked with Rubio about running for the White House together in 2028 Vance, speaking on the New York Posts Pod Force One podcast, said he had brought it up in jest with Rubio after Trump said his vice president and Secretary of State Marco Rubio would be unstoppable if they ran together on a presidential ticket. He said he works with Rubio a lot and there would be no tension between them if they both considered campaigns for the presidency down the road. Marco is my best friend in the administration, Vance said. He said speculation about the 2028 presidential election is feels so premature because were still so early. Vance said it is not a focus in his current role. White House says deal to put TikTok under US ownership could be finalized in South Korea The Trump administration has been signaling it may have finally reached a deal with China to keep TikTok running in the U.S., with the two countries finalizing it as soon as Thursday. Trump is visiting South Korea, where hell meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping to try to de-escalate a trade war. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CBSs Face the Nation on Sunday that the two leaders will consummate that transaction on Thursday in Korea. If it happens, the deal would mark the end of months of uncertainty about the fate of the popular video-sharing platform in the United States. After wide bipartisan majorities in Congress passed and President Joe Biden signed a law that would ban TikTok in the U.S. if it didnt find a new owner in the place of Chinas ByteDance, the platform was set to go dark on the laws January deadline. For a several hours, it did. But on his first day in office, Trump signed an executive order to keep it running while his administration tries to reach an agreement for the sale of the company. Read more about the Trump administration and TikTok Window shopping opens for federal Affordable Care Act marketplace The Trump administration has made 2026 Affordable Care Act health insurance plans available for enrollees to browse ahead of the start of the open enrollment period Saturday. Americans who live in states that use the federally facilitated marketplace can now use the Healthcare.gov website to check the costs of next years plans, which are expected to rise sharply next year because of increasing health costs and expiring subsidies that have made the plans cheaper for consumers. Window shopping was already available in many of the states that manage their own versions of the ACA marketplace. The unveiling of next years plans comes after Democratic senators urged the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to make them available as soon as possible. Amid large-scale federal employee furloughs during the government shutdown, CMS temporarily brought back all its workers Monday, in part to help manage the ACA open enrollment period. Senate Majority leader says talks with Democrats picking up, but leadership not involved Sen. John Thune says theres been a higher level of conversation with Democrats this week about reopening the government, but the underlying dynamics of the impasse in the Senate remain the same. Thune told reporters Democratic leadership is out of the equation and hes pressing rank and file Democrats to vote to reopen the government before the Senate takes up talks to extend health care benefits. However, thats the strategy hes been pursuing since the shutdown started nearly a month ago. Vice President JD Vance says relations between the US and Ukraine are now much more productive since his February Oval Office clash with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, calling the confrontation that shocked the world one of the most memorable moments of his vice presidency. On Wednesdays episode of the New York Posts Pod Force One, Vance described the viral confrontation as probably the most famous thing Ive ever done, or maybe ever will do. That was six [eight] months ago, Vance told Post columnist Miranda Devine. We have turned over a new leaf. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were trying to have productive relationships with both the Ukrainians and the Russians, because we want to end this conflict, and I think the president has a very good working relationship and so do I with all the parties involved, Vance added. Zelenskys February 28 White House visit began cordially to discuss a minerals deal with President Donald Trump, but tensions flared when Vance called for Ukraine and Russia to pursue a diplomatic resolution. Vice President JD Vance called his confrontation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky 'probably the most famous thing Ive ever done, or maybe ever will do' (Getty Images) In front of the world media, Zelensky questioned Russian President Vladimir Putins willingness to negotiate, sparking a public shouting match. Vance scolded Zelensky for supposedly not thanking the U.S. often enough for past aid, mostly provided by the Biden administration, with Trump backing him and warning Kyiv it was risking World War III by not making peace with the invading Russians. Trump shouted at his guest that you dont have the cards right now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Vice President told Zelensky: I think it's disrespectful for you to come to the Oval Office and try to litigate this in front of the American media ... you should be thanking the president for trying to bring an end to this conflict. A visibly shocked Zelensky invited Vance to visit Ukraine and see the situation for himself. Reflecting on the confrontation, Vance told Devine: If you go back to that moment, I was getting frustrated because I perceived some rudeness. I think the takeaway from that for me, but also I think for any foreign leader who comes to the Oval Office, in particular you try to basically respect the rules of the house that youre in, he continued. If youre going to disagree you can do it in a particularly productive way, or you can do it in an unproductive way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Laughing as the subject of the meeting was brought up by Devine, Vance denied that his and Trumps reaction to Zelensky had been coordinated, despite a widespread perception that it appeared to have been a deliberate ambush. Not at all, not at all, no. Trump has repeatedly shifted his approach to the Ukraine war in recent months, at one point calling Russia a paper tiger and suggesting Ukraine could reclaim lost territory. However, after an October 16 call with Putin, Trump expressed a more pessimistic view during a meeting with Zelensky. Zelensky requested approval to buy long-range Tomahawk missiles, but Trump has so far withheld them. Then, last week, Trump put sanctions on Russias two biggest oil companies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I actually think airing everything out, doing it in public, actually articulating where there were disagreements and where there were common interests, actually was pretty productive, Vance reflected on the podcast. Vance, however, declined to forecast what lies ahead in Europes deadliest conflict since World War II. If you asked me six months or so ago, I would have said, Theyre never going to stop fighting. This is going to be like Russias Vietnam, Vance said. Fifteen years later, theyre still going to be fighting. If you asked me a month ago, I would have said were making incredible progress [toward peace]. Its hard to venture a prediction, but I do think that we have reached the point of diminishing returns for both sides, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before the 2024 election, Trump repeatedly promised that he would fix the Ukraine war on day one or even before he had taken office. Despite repeated talks between the U.S. president and, separately, his Ukrainian and Russian counterparts even giving Putin the red-carpet treatment on his visit to Alaska there has been no end to the fighting. Challenged on his promises to end the war on his first day in office, Trump said he had been speaking in jest. Fox News host Laura Ingraham blasted Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) on Tuesday for making the same dig that Ingraham herself has made. On Mondays episode of The Ingraham Angle, the host spoke with OutKicks Riley Gaines, who challenged Ocasio-Cortez to a debate. Gaines became a conservative media star by indignantly recounting how she tied for fifth place with a transgender woman in a collegiate swim meet in 2022. I want to honestly challenge AOC to a debate, Gaines told Ingraham. She can defend socialism. I will defend capitalism. She can defend removing God. I will defend embracing a biblical worldview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AOC responded by tweeting, And I would like to challenge this person to get a real job. On Tuesdays show, Ingraham took umbrage at the lawmakers response. The host aired a clip from Mean Girls where one of the characters introduces her burn book. Mean Girl AOC is turning X into her own little burn book, Ingraham said. A feud igniting on social media between the congresswoman and Riley Gaines. Ingraham summarized the online food fight and aired a snippet of Gaines challenging AOC to a debate and the congresswomans response of get a real job. The host said: But instead of accepting the challenge, saying, Yeah, lets just sit down and talk, debate, AOC responded to that by saying, I would like to challenge this person to get a real job. Thats just typical Mean Girl behavior. Ingraham is no stranger to telling others to get a real job. In February, she slammed Democrats for lamenting the firings of federal employees at the hands of the now-forgotten Department of Government Efficiency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How do you resurrect your party, though, by protecting red tape and the bureaucracy? Ingraham said at the time. By trying to gin up sympathy for federal workers who need to get real jobs in the real world like most of America. Ever heard of it? Watch above via Fox News. The post Laura Ingraham Unwittingly Accuses Herself of Typical Mean Girl Behavior With Shot at AOC first appeared on Mediaite. LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56) A Laurel County woman has been charged in connection with the overdose death of a man. Police arrested 37-year-old Courtney Boone on Monday evening. Boone was under investigation for the overdose death of 26-year-old Sheldon Lockabay off Douglas Lane earlier this year. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boone allegedly gave Lockabay a fatal dose of fentanyl through a methamphetamine pipe. Boone was charged with murder and lodged in the Laurel County Correctional Center. She is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday. 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. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) A new law taking effect at the beginning of November is believed to change the way Oklahoma prosecutors handle domestic violence cases. What this new bill aims to do is to increase how many domestic violence cases we can take to jury trial and get convictions, said Madeline Coffey, the Head of the Domestic Violence Division for the Oklahoma County District Attorneys Office. LOCAL NEWS: Oklahoma law now requires hospitals to post prices of procedures Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law allows for prosecutors to use victim statements from police, within one week of an incident, without requiring the victim to testify at a preliminary hearing. The victim signs an affidavit for a protective order, or the victim testifies at a protective order hearing. Now, those can be used subsequently in pre and post-trial hearings. So that the victim doesnt have to come back before the court and be traumatized again and face her abuser again and relive these events again. So, its really a huge nod to the domestic violence world, said Attorney General Gentner Drummond. This law also makes officer body camera footage admissible. In the past, it would sometimes be admissible under an excited utterance exception hearsay rule, but this law codifies it, Drummond added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although this law gives prosecutors additional tools to hold abusers accountable, it doesnt keep victims off of the stand completely. LOCAL NEWS: Grocery stores, Oklahomans brace for SNAP benefit halt It does not increase what we can bring in a jury trial. Theres still constitutional right to confrontation, the right to confront the witnesses against you that they have at a jury trial and the statute does not change that, Coffey said. Aside from being used at preliminary hearings, the law also allows victim statements to be used at revocation hearings, something that wasnt allowed in the past. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its clear that our state is taking domestic violence seriously and trying to hold these abusers accountable, Coffey added. 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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City. PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) A panel that decides who should or shouldnt be certified as a state or local law enforcement officer in South Dakota is giving additional opportunities to some applicants who fell short or made poor choices in the past. On Wednesday, one woman and four men had their certifications granted or restored by the South Dakota Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Training Commission. One is Delilah Rouse, a member of the Yankton Sioux Tribe who works for the tribes law enforcement agency. She had failed the handgun portion of her federal training at the United States Indian Police Academy in Artesia, New Mexico, and was dismissed from the program. See it. Shoot it. Share it. Matthew Glenn, the commissions executive secretary, said the federal program allows up to two chances to pass the handgun examination. He said South Dakotas basic officer-certification program allows four chances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rouse said she has fired approximately 500 practice rounds since her dismissal. Commission member Tom Wollman, the Lincoln County states attorney, made the motion to grant state certification to Rouse. That would allow her to participate in the state program. Like a pen is to an attorney, a pistol is to a police officer. Keep practicing if this passes, Wollman told her. The commission, which was meeting in Sioux Falls, also restored state certification for Abraham Romero-Perez. He is employed as a criminal investigator for the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. He had let his state certification lapse in 2023. State certification isnt required to be a tribal law enforcement officer in South Dakota. Romero-Perez said the only mistake he had made was getting a ticket for a burned-out taillight as a teenager. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another who received another chance is Edwin Young of Avon. The former chief of the Yankton Sioux police force, he had been fired in 2014 from a previous law enforcement job as a criminal investigator for Rosebud Sioux law enforcement. Young admitted Wednesday that, prior to his 2014 arrest for DUI, he had consumed alcohol in White River while off-duty and then drove his government-issued vehicle. He said he is currently employed by the Charles Mix Sheriffs Department as a jailer and, if certified, plans to join as a part-time deputy. Asked how frequently he now uses alcohol, Young replied, Very little, very little. Also getting a new go is Scott Salter. He had been a law enforcement officer for the city of Chamberlain for about 10 months when, in March 2022, he became intoxicated while off-duty and shoved a female patron he didnt know to the floor of a Sioux Falls bar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Salter continued to be unruly when taken into custody and he later blew a .256 PBT. He pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and voluntarily surrendered his state certification. The commission placed his name on the national decertification list. Salter now wants to be an officer for the West Fargo, North Dakota, police. He said he has also applied to be a correctional officer at the Cass County jail. As for the Sioux Falls incident, he said, Due to my intoxication levels, I do not know what happened. He said hes been sober since then. He said he feels shame. My actions were embarrassing, Salter said. I shoved a female, not gentle. It was an intense shove. He added, I feel like today I am reliving that over again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Salter said hes been seeing a therapist in the past year to understand why he would drink to such toxicity but openly said that it doesnt justify what he did. In restoring his certification, the commission also agreed to remove his name from the national list. The commission granted state certification to Hayden Medicine Horn, who is working for the Yankton Sioux Tribe law enforcement office. He had pleaded guilty to an incident involving alcohol while he was in the U.S. Air Force. I definitely learned from it. Ive improved myself a lot more, Medicine Horn said. I dont drink like that anymore. I was young and dumb, I admit that. The commission turned down a re-application for certification from Samantha Hamm of Watertown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commission member Steve Allender, a former police chief and mayor for Rapid City, cited a state administrative rule on law enforcement certification that calls for felons in most instances to be rejected and misdemeanants to be reviewed. Hamm was convicted of a marijuana possession felony in South Dakota. 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. DAKAR, Senegal (AP) Nobel Prize-winning author Wole Soyinka said on Tuesday that his non-resident visa to enter the United States had been rejected, adding that he believes it may be because he recently criticized U.S. President Donald Trump. The Nigerian author, 91, won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986, becoming the first African to do so. Speaking to the press on Tuesday, Soyinka said he believed it had little to do with him and was instead a product of the United States immigration policies. He said he was told to reapply if he wished to enter again. Its not about me, Im not really interested in going back to the United States, he said. But a principle is involved. Human beings deserve to be treated decently wherever they are. Soyinka, who has taught in the U.S. and previously held a green card, joked on Tuesday that his green card had an accident eight years ago and fell between a pair of scissors. In 2017, he destroyed his green card in protest over Trumps first inauguration. The letter he received informing him of his visa revocation cites additional information became available after the visa was issued, as the reason for its revocation, but does not describe what that information was. Soyinka believes it may be because he recently referred to Trump as a white version of Idi Amin, a reference to the dictator who ruled Uganda from 1971 until 1979. He jokingly referred to his rejection as a love letter and said that while he did not blame the officials, he would not be applying for another visa. I have no visa. I am banned, obviously, from the United States, and if you want to see me, you know where to find me. The U.S. Consulate in Nigerias commercial hub, Lagos, directed all questions to the State Department in Washington, D.C. Through a spokesperson, it said that because under US law visa records are generally confidential, they would not discuss the specifics of this case while stressing that visas are a privilege, not a right and that visas may be revoked at any time, at the discretion of the U.S. government, whenever circumstances warrant. By WILSON MCMAKIN Associated Press (The Center Square) Louisiana voters will head to the polls a month later than scheduled next year, the result of the Republican-led state legislature fast-tracking a series of bills in anticipation of the Supreme Court allowing them to redraw congressional districts. Lawmakers moved the April 2026 primary to May and the May runoff to June. Candidate qualifying shifts from mid-January to mid-February, with nominating petitions due 20 days before qualifying. The revised schedule would give lawmakers a short window to redraw the districts if the Court rules before the end of the year, and it could give Republicans a chance to redraw them in their favor. The move capped a special session called by GOP Gov. Jeff Landry to address the issue. After days of partisan debate, lawmakers passed the measure proposed by Sen. Caleb Kleinpeter, R-Port Allen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kleinpeter framed it as a narrowly tailored pause to give justices room to rule without locking in Louisianas current districts under the Purcell principle, which prevents federal courts from changing election rules or redistricting maps too close to an election. If we dont do what were doing here, then the Purcell principle could take effect and we would be stuck with the current map, Kleinpeter said in an interview last week. Were just trying to give the Supreme Court enough time to make a decision. Though Kleinpeter said his bill was "simple," Democrats charged him and other Republicans with "racism" and said the legislation will confuse voters. Rep. Candace Newell, DNew Orleans, warned the calendar bill runs afoul of Louisianas ban on special or local laws governing elections. Newell echoed concerns from her fellow Democrats that the bill compresses the election timeline in a way that harms voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the legislature allows the calendar to be weaponized, Newell said, lawmakers will have traded our citizens right to fairly drawn districts for merely a political advantage, making it harder for voters to hold their government accountable. Election dates are not partisan. Election dates do not see color. This bill deals with election dates and nothing else, Rep. Beau Beaullieu, R-New Iberia, said, adding that voters regularly see adjustments tied to holidays or special elections. Pushing back an election date one month is not the definition of confusion, Beaullieu said. Pennsylvania residents may soon be able to get some financial relief from two specific natural disasters thanks to a bipartisan legislative effort. As Allegheny Front reported, the state's House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bill in October that would create a state-run insurance program for damages caused by landslides and sinkholes. If the bill becomes law, policyholders would receive up to $150,000 in case of such a disaster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's not a huge payout, but it will enable folks to at least move on and cut the costs," state Rep. Valerie Gaydos, R-Moon Township, told Allegheny Front. "The people paying the premiums then will be putting some money into it, so it's a good approach." Critics say the bill isn't necessary and that private insurance companies should instead operate this type of program. But supporters say some companies refuse to offer landslide and sinkhole insurance, and even if required to do so by law, they may just pull out of the state instead. The bill would establish a $10 million insurance fund within the state's Department of Community and Economic Development, which would then be repaid by policyholders' premium payments. "It truly is the way that government should operate," Gaydos said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pennsylvania is particularly susceptible to both of these disasters. Experts told Allegheny Front that the state ranks second to Florida for its number of sinkholes, and a U.S. Geological Survey map shows that landslides are likely to occur across much of Pennsylvania. Both events are exacerbated by extreme weather, which is occurring with more severity and for longer periods of time as heat-trapping pollution causes global temperatures to increase. A 2020 study, published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, found that increased precipitation, which is a direct result of warmer temperatures, can increase the risk of landslides. Meanwhile, 2025 research, published in the journal Nature Geoscience, noted that those rising temperatures have also increased the likelihood of sinkholes, which can be created when droughts lower the water table, removing underground support for the land above, and then heavy rain washes that ground away. 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. Lawrence ODonnell didnt hold back on The Last Word as he slammed CNN for allowing conservative commentator Scott Jennings to lie about Donald Trump. The long-time MSNBC anchor took aim on Mondays (October 27) show at Mark Thompson, the BritishAmerican media executive who has served as CNNs CEO since 2023. ODonnell called Thompson the Trump-supporting owner and operator of CNN who thinks paying Scott Jennings to lie about Donald Trump is money very well spent. ODonnell argued that Jennings was not always a rabid, lying Trump supporter, pointing to how hed previously criticize some of the Presidents more extreme positions. [But he] figured out where the money is and how he could get his own podcast and decided to become the JD Vance of CNN, the host added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jennings, a former special assistant to President George W. Bush and advisor to Senator Mitch McConnell, has been an on-air contributor for CNN since 2017, frequently appearing on CNN NewsNight with Abby Phillip. He recently revealed he allowed Trump to choose the cover for his new book, A Revolution of Common Sense. MSNBCs Lawrence ODonnell rants about Scott Jennings, CNN for paying a Republican amongst Democrats pic.twitter.com/FREwHzQLsN Jimmy Simmons (@ArticulateTHGHT) October 28, 2025 ODonnell then turned his attention to a recent interview Thompson gave with Mediaite, where he compared Jennings to the Three Musketeers hero DArtagnan. Scotts like DArtagnan, hes got his sword out and hes got about four Democrats against him, but he spiked them all off, Thompson told the outlet. And it makes for not just good television, but also for, in some ways, a slightly deeper testing of the ideas all the way around that table. ODonnell scoffed at the idea of Jennings making for good television, calling Thompsons statement the single goofiest thing ever said by anyone in charge of CNN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres how bad that television is that they make over there. The show that Scott Jennings frequents the most is on opposite this program. And that show on a good night gets half of the audience of this show, he continued, referencing CNN NewsNight. ODonnell added, This program usually has an audience triple the size of the terrible, terrible television that Scott Jennings is delivering on the absurdly degraded version of CNN, presided over by the man who thinks lying for Donald Trump on TV is an honorable pursuit and should be paid for by CNN. No, Lawrence, I do not have time to save your show. https://t.co/IHitdjp57O Scott Jennings (@ScottJenningsKY) October 28, 2025 Jennings later responded to ODonnells comments on X, sharing a clip of the segment and writing, No, Lawrence, I do not have time to save your show. ODonnells criticisms come amid reports that new CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss met with Jennings to discuss him potentially moving to the Tiffany Network. The Last Word With Lawrence ODonnell, Weeknights, 10/9c, MSNBC Read the latest entertainment news on TV Insider. Lawrence ODonnell shredded congressional Republicans on Tuesday night for their conduct during the ongoing government shutdown, which is set to cross the 30-day mark this week. He specifically called out how many vacations politicians on the right have taken during the impasse. ODonnell initially turned his ire toward House Speaker Mike Johnson and the vacation he has permitted Republicans to take during the shutdown. House Speaker Mike Johnson has rewarded House Republicans for shutting down the government by giving them a permanent paid vacation that is now in its sixth week and may go on for months, ODonnell said on Tuesdays The Last Word. Johnson sent them on vacation more than a week before the government shutdown, the MSNBC host explained. He, notably, is not the only prominent public figure who has slammed Republicans for taking vacation during the shutdown. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has also condemned some of his Republican counterparts for not working day-and-night to resolve the shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyve had more vacation this year than most Americans get in three years, ODonnell lamented. Republican members of the House have not done one day of work since Mike Johnson led them to shut down the government. You can watch the full Last Word segment yourself in the video below. In the segments second half, ODonnell broadened his scorn to include President Trump. The Last Word host called Trump and Republicans out for failing to end the shutdown in time to prevent Americans SNAP benefits from running out. After beginning the year, by allowing the richest person in the world, Elon Musk, to shut down the United States Agency for International Development and, thereby, take American food supplies away from starving children in the middle of famine in Africa, ODonnell recalled, Republicans have [now] chosen to bring the spirit of that policy home and take the food away from the children who depend on those food stamp benefits. 40% of the people fed by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program are children, ODonnell concluded. Now, we are on the verge, for the first time in the 21st century, of millions of people in America and children in America actually knowing what starving feels like. Republicans did this. The post Lawrence ODonnell Rips Republicans for Vacationing More During Shutdown Than Most Americans Get in 3 Years | Video appeared first on TheWrap. Let me be frank: The President of the United States is out of his mind, and nobodys doing a goddamned thing about it. What do I mean? Any number of red flags, really, but in particular right now its the latest five hundred words of blithering lunacy he shared on his bitcoin mining operation social media site Tuesday night. They are not the words of a man elected to lead the worlds most powerful nation. They are, instead, those of a malevolent Don Quixote tilting at a cancer-causing, bird-kill In the wake of Hamas Oct. 7, 2023 terror attack on Israel, Mayor Adams privately compared pro-Palestinian protests to Ku Klux Klan rallies, claims a new lawsuit accusing him and other members of his administration of discriminating against Muslim employees. The suit was filed in Manhattan Supreme Court late Tuesday night by Hassan Naveed, Adams ex-director of hate crimes prevention who was fired from his City Hall post in April 2024. The suit asks for damages of at least $1 million. Naveed, who is Muslim, alleges Adams drew the comparison between pro-Palestinian actions and KKK rallies during a private meeting with him and other city employees in late October 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the suit, Naveed alleges that incident was part of a long pattern of Adams and his senior advisers engaging in discriminatory conduct against Muslims, Arabs, Palestinians and those perceived to be affiliated with these identities. Adams spokeswoman Kayla Mamelak disputed Naveeds characterization of his firing, but didnt comment on the alleged KKK remark. This individual was an at-will employee who was let go for poor job performance plain and simple and not terminated because of his identity, religion or views. Any suggestion otherwise is absurd, said Mamelak, whose boss is leaving office on Jan. 1, having abandoned his bid for reelection. We will respond in court, where we are confident these claims will be disproven. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Naveeds suit alleges anti-Muslim sentiment in the upper ranks of the Adams administration became particularly pronounced after Hamas Oct. 7 attack, which killed roughly 1,200 people and prompted Israel to launch its war in Gaza, which has left more than 65,000 Palestinians dead, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Naveed, who was in charge of helping oversee the citys hate crimes prevention programs, alleges, for example, that his team in late 2023 presented Adams office with a draft press release mentioning the need to ramp up mental health resources for New Yorkers impacted by the conflict in the Middle East, whether they be Israeli or Palestinian. An unidentified communications director to Adams responded via email that the Palestinian reference should be taken out from the document because Palestine is not a real country, the suit says. While theres no universally recognized sovereign nation of Palestine, a number of countries, including Canada, have recognized it as a state. Naveed whose firing was first reported by the Daily News last year alleges he and other Muslim city employees met privately with Adams on Oct. 23, 2023, to raise concerns about anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian rhetoric that administration officials had used in the wake of the Hamas attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the top of the meeting, the suit says an unidentified city worker of Palestinian descent told the mayor she had never felt more dehumanized, devalued and without a voice due to the anti-Palestinian rhetoric coming from City Hall. In response, Adams told attendees he believed Muslims had been facing hate because Muslims, as a community, had failed to adequately condemn Hamas, according to Naveeds suit. After lamenting there had been no solid Muslim community voice condemning Hamas, Adams told participants he believed Muslims were too busy organizing protests for Palestine, the court papers say. He compared these protests to Klu Klux Klan protests, the suit continued, using a misspelling of the racist groups name. At one point in the meeting, the suit claims Adams stated: I dont know the difference between a Palestinian, Pakestinian [sic], Arab, Muslim, I have no idea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Naveed told The News on Tuesday theres a recording of Adams remarks in that meeting, but said he couldnt immediately provide a copy of it. Naveeds suit says the meeting came at a time he had grown especially troubled by Deputy Chief of Staff Menashe Shapiros amplification of anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian social media posts as well as Community Affairs Commissioner Fred Kriezman and senior adviser Joel Eisdorfer having publicly affiliated themselves with a rabbi who had called on Israel to clear out Gaza. Mamelak vehemently denied Shapiro, Eisdorfer or Kriezman have engaged in Islamophobic rhetoric. After the Oct. 7 attack, Naveed was also sidelined from attending City Hall meetings where hate crime prevention efforts were being discussed, according to the suit. He claimed the administration tried on multiple occasions to cancel city funding for local nonprofits advocating for Palestinian rights as well. In addition to Adams, Naveeds suit names Candice Julien, his former direct supervisor, and her chief of staff, Nora Daniel, as defendants, alleging they participated in the discrimination against him, in part by informing him on April 16, 2024, he had been fired. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They told him he was being let go for failing to file an annual report, but Naveed alleges he had submitted that document on time and that they came up with the false pretense to mask the actual, discriminatory reason for his termination. In addition to alleging his firing was the result of discrimination, Naveed says Adams defamed him by claiming in spring 2024 that he was fired for not performing his job well. NEW YORK In the wake of Hamas Oct. 7, 2023 terror attack on Israel, Mayor Eric Adams privately compared pro-Palestine protests to Ku Klux Klan rallies, claims a new lawsuit accusing him and other members of his administration of discriminating against Muslim employees. The suit was filed in Manhattan Supreme Court late Tuesday night by Hassan Naveed, Adams ex-director of hate crimes prevention who was fired from his City Hall post in April 2024. The suit asks for damages of at least $1 million. Naveed, who is Muslim, alleges Adams drew the comparison between pro-Palestine actions and KKK rallies during a private meeting with him and other city employees in late October 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the suit, Naveed alleges that incident was part of a long pattern of Adams and his senior advisers engaging in discriminatory conduct against Muslims, Arabs, Palestinians and those perceived to be affiliated with these identities. Adams spokeswoman Kayla Mamelak disputed Naveeds characterization of his firing, but didnt comment on the alleged KKK remark. This individual was an at-will employee who was let go for poor job performance plain and simple and not terminated because of his identity, religion, or views. Any suggestion otherwise is absurd, said Mamelak, whose boss is leaving office on Jan. 1, having abandoned his bid for reelection. We will respond in court, where we are confident these claims will be disproven. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Naveeds suit alleges anti-Muslim sentiment in the upper ranks of the Adams administration became particularly pronounced after Hamas Oct. 7 attack, which killed roughly 1,200 people and prompted Israel to launch its war in Gaza, which has left more than 65,000 Palestinians dead, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Naveed, who was in charge of helping oversee the citys hate crimes prevention programs, alleges, for example, that his team in late 2023 presented Adams office with a draft press release mentioning the need to ramp up mental health resources for New Yorkers impacted by the conflict in the Middle East, whether they be Israeli or Palestinian. An unidentified communications director to Adams responded via email that the Palestinian reference should be taken out from the document because Palestine is not a real country, the suit says. While theres no universally-recognized sovereign nation of Palestine, a number of countries, including Canada, have recognized it as a state. Naveed whose firing was first reported by the Daily News last year alleges he and other Muslim city employees met privately with Adams on Oct. 23, 2023 to raise concerns about anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian rhetoric that administration officials had used in the wake of the Hamas attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Naveeds suit says he had at the time been especially troubled by Deputy Chief of Staff Menashe Shapiro, Community Affairs Commissioner Fred Kriezman and senior adviser Joel Eisdorfer amplifying anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian public statements and posts on social media, including a call for the need to clear out Gaza. Mamelak vehemently denied Shapiro, Kreizman or Eisdorfer ever engaged in Islamophobic rhetoric. At the top of the meeting between Adams and Muslim employees, the suit says an unidentified city worker of Palestinian descent told the mayor she had never felt more dehumanized, devalued and without a voice due to the anti-Palestinian rhetoric coming from City Hall. In response, Adams told attendees he believed Muslims had been facing hate because Muslims, as a community, had failed to adequately condemn Hamas, according to Naveeds suit. After lamenting there had been no solid Muslim community voice condemning Hamas, Adams told participants he believed Muslims were too busy organizing protests for Palestine, the court papers say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He compared these protests to Klu Klux Klan protests, the suit continued, using a mispelling of the racist groups name. At one point in the meeting, the suit claims Adams stated: I dont know the difference between a Palestinian, Pakestinian [sic], Arab, Muslim, I have no idea. Naveed told The News on Tuesday theres a recording of Adams remarks in that meeting, but said he couldnt immediately provide a copy of it. After the Oct. 7 attack, Naveed was also sidelined from attending City Hall meetings where hate crime prevention efforts were being discussed, according to the suit. He claimed the administration tried on multiple occasions to cancel city funding for local nonprofits advocating for Palestinian rights as well. In addition to Adams, Naveeds suit names Candice Julien, his former direct supervisor, and her chief of staff, Nora Daniel, as defendants, alleging they participated in the discrimination against him, in part by informing him on April 16, 2024 he had been fired. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They told him he was being let go for failing to file an annual report, but Naveed alleges he had submitted that document on time and that they came up with the false pretense to mask the actual, discriminatory reason for his termination. In addition to alleging his firing was the result of discrimination, Naveed says Adams defamed him by claiming in spring 2024 that he was fired for not performing his job well. Memphis City Councilman J.B Smiley and state Rep. G.A. Hardaway shared an update on their lawsuit against the governors deployment of National Guard troops in Memphis. Our lawsuit is specifically about the illegal deployment of the National Guard into our community, not about the larger Memphis Safe Task Force, Smiley said. If successful, the lawsuit would require the Guard to immediately leave the city. Smiley said the Tennessee Constitution clearly states the governor doesnt have the authority to deploy the troops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We dont file lawsuits for the heck of it. We think were right and well get a fair judge, Hardaway said. Smiley said local leaders had consistently been asking the federal government for more resources to fight crime, but the government waited until crime declined. Meanwhile, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said Wednesday on X: With 1700 arrests including 126 gang members in just one month, our Memphis surge is proving that its possible to make American cities safe again. 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 WREG.com. New Hampshire could be the only New England state to lose benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) if a lawsuit to reinstate them proves successful. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has been warning states that SNAP benefits are set to dry up starting Nov. 1 due to the government shutdown, with USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins saying that the department lacks the amount of money needed to cover the benefits next month. But on Oct. 28, officials from 25 states and the District of Columbia sued USDA, saying that USDA is obligated to use money from its contingency funds to cover the program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They asked the court to require USDA to furnish the SNAP benefits that have already been calculated and determined by Plaintiffs state agencies for November 2025 and to vacate USDAS directive to withhold SNAP benefits from plaintiff states. This means that if they are successful, USDA will have to use its emergency funds to provide benefits to the residents of the states that filed the lawsuit, although exactly how much relief USDA would have to provide would be up to the judge. The plaintiff states include Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin. New Hampshire was the only New England state not to join the lawsuit, meaning over 75,000 Granite Staters will likely lose SNAP benefits in November even if the lawsuit is successful. New Hampshire contingency plan On Oct. 23, the state of New Hampshire announced their contingency plan for delayed SNAP benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It includes partnering with the New Hampshire Food Bank to expand the Food Banks mobile food pantry program; under the plan, the Food Bank will open up to 20 locations across the state, twice a week for the next 5 weeks. The food pantries will be available only for SNAP participants. More: Halt in SNAP benefits looming due to government shutdown. What to know in New Hampshire The NH Food Bank has a map of food pantries and soup kitchens around the state. You can find the full map here: NH Food Bank Food Map. The SNAP contingency plan is subject to approval by the Joint Legislative Fiscal Committee and the Governor and Executive Council. The state has also secured enough funding to sustain food benefits for those in New Hampshire that participate in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) until at least November 7. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And families who are eligible for the National School Breakfast and National School Lunch programs will continue to be able to access these programs. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Lawsuit could save SNAP benefits in November. Why NH may miss out. Editors Note: A lawsuit only portrays one side of a story. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) A Bountiful-based landscaping company filed a lawsuit against former Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes and other officials of the Attorney Generals Office, alleging that they abused power when they arrested and charged Rubicon executives with labor trafficking. On November 21, 2023, Rubicon offices were searched, and three executive employees were arrested on suspicion of first-degree felony aggravated labor trafficking. Charges were later filed against seven members of Rubicons management team, but in February 2024, all charges were dismissed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BACKGROUND: 3 Utah company executives accused of labor trafficking The lawsuit alleges that Reyes and other defendants made false statements and left out facts to falsely obtain search warrants, staged searches of Rubicons headquarters during Thanksgiving week and invited members of the media to attend, and falsely inflated public perception of human trafficking in Utah in order to get funding for the offices investigative division. This case is about government corruption and the abuse of the criminal justice system for the personal and political benefit of the Defendants. Defendants, state officials, conspired to manufacture bogus criminal charges to falsely inflate the public perception of the severity of human trafficking in Utah. Why? To try and justify the existence of and secure funding for the S.E.C.U.R.E. Strike Force of the Utah Office of the Attorney General, the suit reads. The lawsuit states that Rubicon and its employees have never engaged in labor trafficking, and they lawfully participated in a federal program to grant foreign workers temporary visas. Though the charges were eventually dismissed, the lawsuit claims that Rubicon and its employees suffered significant reputational and economic harm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RELATED: AG Reyes: More arrests expected in trafficking case Further, the lawsuit claims that under Reyes direction, the AGs Office prosecuted Rubicons employees to grandstand for the public, put a positive spin on Reyes close personal ties to embattled anti-trafficking activist Tim Ballard and Ballards non-profit organization Operation Underground Railroad, and divert the Utah Legislatures and the publics attention from Reyes questionable conduct. The search warrants were allegedly supported by affidavits riddled with blatantly false statements, directly contradicted by evidence investigators had at the time. The warrants were sealed, but reportedly, the AGs office invited the news media to attend the raid of Rubicons offices. Charges were filed four days later, and then allegedly, the AGs Office took the aggressive and affirmative step of directly contacting Rubicons clients and customers to discourage them from continuing to do business with Rubicon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The charges against all seven Rubicon employees were dismissed after it was shown that the affidavits continued false statements and material omissions that were knowingly and intentionally made or made with reckless indifference to the truth. The court also found that the search warrants were not supported by probable cause. How to make ABC4 your preferred news source on Google Former AG Reyes, then acting chief of the criminal investigations division of the AGs Office Leo Lucey, criminal investigator Michael Jeter, and lead prosecutor Kaytlin Virginia Beckett are named as defendants in the suit. Rubicon is seeking compensatory and punitive damages for reputational and economic losses, compensation for attorneys fees, and to correct the public record and bar further misuse of official platforms while the case proceeds, according to a press release from Rubicons attorneys. They are requesting at least one billion dollars in damages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ABC4 reached out to Reyes for comment, and he said that he has not had a chance to review the complaint yet as he is out of town at an anti-human trafficking summit. He said that he may provide a comment once he and his legal counsel have had a chance to review the complaint. Latest headlines: 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 ABC4 Utah. THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) An exit poll published immediately after voting ended Wednesday in the Netherlands general election suggested the result was too close to call, with the center-left D66 narrowly ahead of the far-right party of anti-Islam lawmaker Geert Wilders and tough coalition talks likely to follow. The poll showed that D66 would win 27 seats, a rise of 18 compared to the 2023 election. Wilders Party for Freedom would lose 12 seats to finish at 25 seats, according to the poll published by national broadcaster NOS. Final official results are likely to take hours. If confirmed, the result would be a momentous win for D66 and could lead to a shift in government back toward the center for the Netherlands after a far-right government led by Wilders party after the last election. Millions of Dutch people today chose positive forces and a politics where we can look forward together again, D66 leader Rob Jetten told cheering supporters on election night. In the coming years, we will do everything we can to show all these Dutch people that politics and the government can be there for them again. That we can think big and act big again so that the Netherlands can move forward, he added. If D66 has indeed won the most seats, the party will be in the driving seat to lead negotiations to form a new coalition and Jetten, a former climate minister in a previous coalition, could become the Netherlands first openly gay prime minister. Wilders remained defiant, saying his party could still be the largest when official results are tallied. But he conceded his party had a disappointing election. Today is a day of results, and we lost and Mr. Jetten won, so he deserves congratulations too, Wilders told reporters in parliament. Mainstream parties including D66 have ruled that out joining Wilders party in a coalition, arguing that his decision to torpedo the outgoing four-party coalition in June in a dispute over migration underscored that he is an untrustworthy partner. Cobbling together a coalition that can command a majority in the 150-seat House of Representatives will be difficult in a parliament divided between left and right. While Wilders party lost seats, another hard right party, Ja21, grew from one seat to nine. Jetten said political leaders now need to seek common ground to form a stable and ambitious Cabinet. Pollster IPSOS says that the exit poll was conducted at 65 polling stations and around 80,000 voters, using a method that in past Dutch elections has produced estimates very close to the final results. Wilders Party for Freedom easily won the last election in 2023, but has lost support since forming and then bringing down a four-party coalition that was notorious for in-fighting and which did not manage to agree on a tough package of measures to rein in migration to the Netherlands. Unlike all the other parties, Wilders did not organize an election night party. The right-wing Peoples Party for Freedom and Democracy was third in the exit poll on 23 seats, one seat less than it won in 2023. The center-left combination of Green Left and the Labor Party lost five seats to end on 20 and leader Frans Timmermans, a former vice president of the European Commission, immediately quit. It is time for me to take a step back and give the leadership to the next generation, Timmermans said. The Christian Democrats were big winners, gaining 14 seats to end on 19, according to the poll. What a fantastic result. We wouldnt have dared to dream of this two years ago, said party leader Henri Bontenbal. New Social Contract, a centrist party that was part of the outgoing coalition led by Wilders party slumped to a huge defeat, losing all 20 seats it held in Parliament, according to the exit poll. The campaign echoed issues that resonate across Europe, focusing on how to rein in migration and tackle chronic shortages of affordable housing. Migration has divided the Netherlands The vote came against a backdrop of deep polarization in this nation of 18 million, violence at a recent anti-immigration rally in The Hague when rioters smashed the windows of the D66 headquarters and protests against new asylum-seeker centers. Olga van der Brandt, 32, said she thought voters would turn their backs on parties that made up the last right-wing government led by Wilders. Her hope was that this time there will be a more progressive party who can take the lead. In-fighting between parties in the last coalition led to criticism that the Netherlands, long a prominent voice within the European Union, was sometimes seen as not fully engaging with the continent as it had done under longtime leader Mark Rutte, who is now NATOs secretary-general. The chief economist at the Center for European Reform think tank, Sander Tordoir, said that Europe cannot afford another Dutch government that drifts and is absent in the European debate. That is likely to change if the next government is led by the pro-Europe D66. ___ Associated Press writer Lorne Cook in Brussels contributed to this report. Kriti Swarup contributed from Amsterdam. By MIKE CORDER and MOLLY QUELL Associated Press PECOS COUNTY, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- A rig floor collapse at a Petro-Hunt Permian wellsite in Pecos County has sparked a lawsuit after an oilfield worker suffered catastrophic injuries and was rushed into surgery. According to a petition filed in Dallas County, Jesus Hernandez was working below or near the rig floor on October 24 when the structure suddenly and without warning gave way, crushing him. Attorneys say Hernandez has undergone multiple surgeries and remains hospitalized indefinitely. The lawsuit, filed by Houston-based Zehl & Associates, accuses Petro-Hunt, L.L.C., and Petro-Hunt Permian, LLC of failing to maintain safe operations, properly train personnel, or take reasonable steps to prevent the collapse. The suit alleges negligence and gross negligence and seeks more than $1 million in damages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hernandezs wife, Lexus Hernandez, is also a plaintiff, seeking damages for loss of consortium and household services. The filing also asks the court for a temporary restraining order to prevent Petro-Hunt from altering or removing equipment, digital records, or any physical evidence at the wellsite while the investigation into the collapse continues. Attorneys argue that modifying the site could hinder efforts to determine what caused the failure. No further information is available at this time regarding this lawsuit. 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 Yourbasin. LAWTON (KFDX/KJTL) As the Government shutdown continues, people in Lawton are stepping up to help those in need within the community. The United Way of Southwest Oklahoma (UWSWOK) is hosting its United Way Food Drive on Saturday, November 1. All donations will go to the Lawton Food Bank. The food drive is to support Lawton households that are losing the aid that SNAP benefits would give and ensure that the Lawton Food Bank can manage the increased demand that losing SNAP will bring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even under normal circumstances, food insecurity greatly impacts our community, said Iola Noble, UWSWOK President & CEO. The potential loss of SNAP benefits is going to be significant. More than 6,000 households in Lawton are at risk of losing their SNAP benefits if the government shutdown continues past midnight on October 31. These households rely on SNAP to feed their families. The food drive is not the only time citizens are able to give, as many collection boxes will be set up at different locations until November 7. These collection boxes are accepting non-perishable food items. The locations include: United Way of Southwest Oklahoma office Fort Sill Federal Credit Union locations Lawton City National Bank & Trust locations Liberty National Bank locations Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most needed items are canned meats, soups, vegetables, fruits, peanut butter & jelly, rice, pasta and cereal. People can also give money donations by desginating their gift for the Lawton Food Bank at uwswok.org. Even a small contribution can make a big difference, added Noble. When we unite for a common cause, our impact multiplies. The United Way Food Drive will be from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, November 1, with volunteers outside the Lawton area Walmart and Homeland locations. For more information on drop-off locations or how to contribute, call (580) 355-0218. You can now stream KFDX and Texomas FOX live 24/7 on your smart TV with KFDX+, 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 Texomashomepage.com. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A lawyer and several other people were recently arrested after a year-long human trafficking investigation in El Paso County, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Katherine Ventura-Amaro, 37. Mario Ortiz Saroldi, 38. Yasiel Rodriguez-Amaro, 31. Texas DPS says over the last year, investigators discovered an international network of human smugglers and traffickers extending from Cuba through Central America and Mexico in the El Paso area. Texas DPS says nine people were arrested on a variety of charges, including prostitution, aggravated promotion of prostitution, online promotion of prostitution, possession of a controlled substance, alien inadmissibility, solicitation of prostitution, and engaging in organized criminal activity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the individuals accused of prostitution in this case were being represented in court by Mario Ortiz Saroldi, 38, of El Paso. Through further investigation, officials determined that Ortiz Saroldi had solicited some of those clients for sexual acts. He was arrested and charged with solicitation of prostitution and booked into the El Paso County Jail. DPS says Yasiel Rodriguez-Amaro, 31, and Katherine Ventura-Amaro, 37, both from El Paso, were also arrested for aggravated promotion of prostitution, online promotion of prostitution, and possession of a controlled substance. Both were booked into the El Paso County Jail. DPS says it was determined that once victims were in the U.S., female victims from Cuba were forced into prostitution to pay off smugglers who brought them into the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Different co-conspirators were responsible for advertising victims online and transporting them to distinct locations throughout El Paso to engage in prostitution. Texas DPS did not identify others who were arrested and added that the investigation is ongoing. 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 KTSM 9 News. LOS ANGELES (AP) Attorneys for Sami Hamdi, a British political commentator being held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in California, are challenging his detention in court, his legal team said Wednesday. Hamdi, who is Muslim, was detained Sunday by ICE officers at San Francisco International Airport, according to federal officials. His lawyers say the arrest was triggered by his criticism of the Israeli government, while U.S. officials have pointed to comments he made after Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attacks, which they claim celebrated the violence. The detention was the latest in broader efforts by the administration to identify and potentially expel thousands of foreigners in the United States who it says have either fomented or participated in unrest or publicly supported protests against Israels military operations in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those enforcement actions have been criticized by civil rights groups as violations of constitutional protections for freedom of speech, which apply to anyone in the United States and not just to American citizens. Lawyers with the the Council on American-Islamic Relations, who are representing Hamdi, on Tuesday filed a writ of habeas corpus demanding that the government justify why he is being held, the council said. In addition, they asked a judge to issue a temporary restraining order seeking a bond hearing and blocking Hamdi's removal from the U.S. while the case is adjudicated. If the government can cancel a valid visa because it does not like what a person says, then anyone legally visiting, studying, or working in our country is in danger of politically motivated abduction," the group said in a statement. This must end with Sami Hamdi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The advocacy group said Hamdi, 35, was detained in response to his vocal criticism of the Israeli government during a U.S. speaking tour. On Saturday, he had addressed the annual gala for the group's Sacramento, California, chapter. Hamdi was scheduled to speak at the group's event in Florida on Sunday. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin called Hamdi's court filings a desperate Hail Mary attempt to keep an illegal alien and terrorist sympathizer in the U.S. Following the Oct. 7 terror attack, Sami Hamdi cheered on Hamas, McLaughlin said in a statement Wednesday. Under President Trump, those who support terrorism and undermine American national security will not be allowed to work or visit this country. Thats just common sense. In her statement, McLaughlin cited remarks Hamdi made in a video posted online shortly after the Hamas attacks in which he asked: How many of you felt it in your hearts when you got the news that it happened? How many of you felt the euphoria? Allah Akbar. Hamdi said later his intent was not to praise the attacks but to suggest that the violence was a natural consequence of the oppression that is being put on the Palestinians. ICE said Sunday that Hamdi entered the U.S. on Oct. 19 on a visitor visa, which was revoked on Oct. 24, and he was placed in immigration proceedings for removal. Oct. 28NANTICOKE John Yudichak, the president of Luzerne County Community College (LCCC), said he is excited about the potential of his school's Career and Technology Academy. It's a partnership between LCCC and Luzerne County's three technical high schools Hazleton Area Career Center, the Wilkes-Barre Area Career & Technical Center and West Side Career & Technology Center. Those three high schools represent a base of about 2000 students. That number is not insignificant, as skilled trades are the future of Luzerne County's workforce, according to Yudichak. And they're joining that workforce just in time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The skilled trades are in great demand in Pennsylvania," Yudichak said. "They project that by 2030, we will have a shortage of over 300,000 skilled trade workers in Pennsylvania." According to Yudichak, the rise of data centers in Northeast Pennsylvania will help create the pipeline between high school students at the Career & Technology Academy and the workforce. The program at LCCC launched in the Spring 2025 semester with 27 high school students earning college credits while still enrolled at their high school and technical school. In the Fall 2025 semester, 37 students are earning those credits, and Yudichak predicts that the number of participants will continue to climb. LCCC received $1 million from the Shapiro administration to help build the program. That funding, combined with two robust scholarships including one created by Yudichak himself will make the program free for students for years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In starting the Career & Technology Academy program, the LCCC community is hopeful that they can close the cultural divide between traditional college students and the skilled trade workers of tomorrow. "You had a period of time in the United States and here in Pennsylvania where the mantra was the only pathway to a good life was by becoming a college graduate, and the skilled trades were less represented when it came to career night, when it came to an academic pathway," Yudichak said. "But we want to dispel that myth, and we want to make sure that a door that was closed to those 2000 students at those career and technical high school students for decades where they didn't have a pathway to a college degree or a postsecondary credential that door's been open wide by Luzerne County Community College." Among the skills that can be learned at the Career & Technology Academy are welding, plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC). Business leaders in the area have expressed "pure excitement" to Yudichak in relation to the new program. The course teachers, meanwhile, are skilled trade workers themselves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "[Students] are going to come to their campus, get their hands dirty, be taught by some of the best professors that we have on campus that have been doing this a long time, and get that head start," Yudichak said. The credentials earned by students who participate in the program will increase their earning potential, Yudichak said, and the school is committed to recognizing the talents in each of the Career & Technology Academy's students. "A student graduating from Nanticoke High School on Koscziusko Street can now go down Kosciuszko Street and get a pretty decent job coming right out of high school, maybe making $22, $23, $24 an hour," Yudichak said. "Not a bad wage for an 18-year-old." Le Bonheur Children's Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, US, has expanded its collaboration with West Tennessee Healthcare to provide care for Jackson-Madison County General Hospitals neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), from December 2025. Jackson-Madison County General Hospital is an affiliate within West Tennessee Healthcare. The initiative aims to extend Le Bonheurs specialised paediatric NICU care to families throughout the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Providers at Le Bonheur, including ophthalmologists, cardiologists, neurologists, nurse practitioners, neonatologists, and other paediatric specialists, will staff the hospital's Level III NICU with 42 beds. Le Bonheur stated that this transition will ensure that vulnerable newborns in the region receive the specialised care they require. Current Jackson-Madison County General Hospital nurse practitioners and neonatologists will become Le Bonheur providers as part of the transition. Le Bonheur specialists will support care within the NICU and provide advanced services, including coordination for higher-level care at Le Bonheurs Level IV NICU in Memphis when required. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NICU support staff and nurses will remain as West Tennessee Healthcare employees, continuing their roles supporting families in the area. Le Bonheur president Dr Trey Eubanks said. This expansion reflects our shared mission with West Tennessee Healthcare to bring specialised care to children and families in this region. By bringing Le Bonheurs expertise directly into the NICU, were helping ensure that babies born in West Tennessee have the best possible start in life. Dr Josefina Go, a current Jackson-Madison County General Hospital team member, will act as the NICU medical director. This development enhances Le Bonheur's presence in Jackson and West Tennessee, which already features a 21-bed inpatient unit that was inaugurated in 2022 within the Jackson-Madison County General Hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Le Bonheur Childrens Hospital expands NICU services in West Tennessee, US" was originally created and published by Hospital Management, a GlobalData owned brand. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Le Bonheur Childrens Hospital is expanding its partnership with West Tennessee Healthcare to provide neonatal intensive care at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital beginning in December 2025. Under the new agreement, Le Bonheur specialists will staff the hospitals 42-bed Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, bringing advanced pediatric expertise closer to families across West Tennessee. The team will include neonatologists, nurse practitioners, and pediatric specialists in cardiology, neurology, and ophthalmology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This expansion reflects our shared mission to bring specialized care to children and families in this region, said Le Bonheur President Dr. Trey Eubanks. By bringing Le Bonheurs expertise directly into the NICU, were helping ensure that babies born in West Tennessee have the best possible start in life. Current hospital neonatologists and nurse practitioners will transition to Le Bonheur, while nurses and support staff remain employees of West Tennessee Healthcare. Dr. Josefina Go will serve as the new medical director of the NICU. The move builds on Le Bonheurs growing footprint in Jackson, which already includes a 21-bed inpatient unit, a 30,000-square-foot outpatient center, and community health programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leaders say the partnership strengthens the regional network of care, ensuring families receive high-quality treatment without having to leave their 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 WREG.com. The National Guard is developing a quick reaction force of troops trained in crowd control and civil disturbance that can be ready to deploy to U.S. cities by January, according to a leaked memo viewed by Task & Purpose. All 50 states, Puerto Rico and Guam will have their own quick reaction force, or QRF. The National Guard Bureau memos show that most states will have 500 troops assigned to these units, except for those with smaller populations like Delaware, which will have 250 troops in its QRF, Alaska with 350, and Guam with 100 troops. The Washington, D.C. National Guard is directed to maintain a specialized military police battalion with 50 National Guard soldiers on active duty orders. A National Guard spokesperson told Task & Purpose that the bureau is coordinating with the secretary of defense, all U.S. states, territories, and the District of Columbia, in planning that will implement the direction President Donald Trump laid out in an Aug. 25 Executive Order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the spokesperson, who spoke with Task & Purpose under the condition their name not be used, that executive order directed the secretary of defense to ensure that each state designate an appropriate number of trained National Guard troops to be reasonably available for rapid mobilization to assist federal, state, and local law enforcement in quelling civil disturbances and ensuring the public safety and order whenever the circumstances necessitate, as appropriate under law. Weve never had a National Guard quick reaction force before, so this is a completely new unit, a National Guardsman familiar with the plans told Task & Purpose. The Guardsman said the QRFs are different for the Guard, which is typically deployed at a moments notice for national disaster response or to assist law enforcement. This is different because were essentially establishing a unit for space to respond to civilian activities, they said. We are ready to go when were called upon. Were not asked to stand up an entire unit ready to quell dissent at any moment. Top Stories This Week News Air Force announces all-hands room inspections for every barracks By Jeff Schogol News Female drill sergeants will soon wear the Armys iconic campaign hat By Jeff Schogol News Airman found dead at F.E. Warren was under investigation for M18 incident By Matt White Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The states are directed to use the Interservice Nonlethal Individual Weapons Instructor Course. They will also provide Level I and Level II civil disturbance training, which includes courses on de-escalation of force techniques, crowd control, handheld radio communications, proper use of body shields, batons and tasers, pepper spray, and public safety, according to the memos. The guardsman, who previously mobilized for a mission to assist law enforcement, said the gear and training that the QRF forces are getting is taking it up a level. It gets into like what you would need for hasty checkpoints and for detainee operations and the training that theyre going to have is much more extensive than what were generally doing when were training to assist civilian authorities, they said. The National Guard Bureau will give each state 100 sets of crowd control equipment and provide two full-time Guardsmen on active duty orders to manage training, equipping, and response. Commanders are directed to provide monthly updates on their units training, personnel and equipment status in an online defense readiness reporting system, according to the memo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The goal is to have the National Guard quick reaction forces operational by Jan. 1, with units setting aside an additional five days of training. The memo states that five-day courses are available in October, November and December. The Guardsman said the QRFs will use volunteer National Guard troops, but said they think its likely that others will be voluntold to join the mission if enough people dont volunteer. When asked about the plans earlier this month, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said he would not comment on particulars, but said the U.S. has multiple layers of National Guard response forces. Weve got a lot of different ways that, constitutionally and legally, we can employ title 10 and title 32 forces, and we will do so when necessary, Hegseth added. Are you a member of the National Guard whos recently been mobilized? Wed like to hear from you. Editors Note: The video above is from KXANs newscast on Aug. 20, 2025. HUNT, Texas (Nexstar) Camp Mystic sent a letter to Texas lawmakers inviting members of newly formed investigative committees to physically tour their campsite, saying it is the best and only way to learn exactly what happened in the early hours of July 4. The letter, sent to lawmakers last week, is signed by members of the Eastland family who own the Texas Hill Country camp. The camp is located along the banks of the Guadalupe River, which experienced a historic flood on Independence Day. The floodwaters rushed through the camp and lead to the death of 27 girls who were at the camp, including Dick Eastland, the co-owner and director of the camp. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Camp Mystic letterDownload Texas leaders announced earlier this month the creation of two investigative committees tasked with examining the factors that lead to the death of the young campers. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said in the announcement that he was shocked to see Camp Mystic begin signing up campers for next year with so many questions unanswered about what happened that fateful morning. Leaders said Camp Mystic would be invited to testify in front of the committees. Which lawmakers are on the investigative committees? Campy Mystic said it supports the efforts by the state legislature to make camps along the Guadalupe River safer. Essential for those efforts is a thorough and accurate understanding of what happened on the South Fork of the Guadalupe River during the early hours of July 4, the camp wrote in its letter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently there is no scheduled hearing for the new general investigating committees. 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. The northern long-eared bat is Iowa's most at-risk bat species. The pictured bat has white nose syndrome, a deadly disease that is impacting several species of bat. (Photo courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) Iowa has nine species of bats, two of which are federally endangered species. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources highlighted its frequent bat surveys and actions to protect their habitat during an international celebration, known as Bat Week, to spread awareness about bats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While bats are often associated with the spooky season, Bat Week is all about promoting the year-round benefits, like pollination, insect control and seed dispersal, that the flying mammals provide to the ecosystem. Bats are also known to eat crop pests, like corn rootworm and corn earworm. One study estimated that bats save corn farmers an estimated $1 billion annually because of their helpful eating habits. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX DNRs batty projects In 2015, DNR partnered with Iowa State University to create a volunteer wildlife monitoring program to help track trends in bat populations in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iowa citizen scientists can sign up for the project and drive slowly along a predetermined route with a special microphone mounted to their car. The microphone picks up and records echolocation calls of bats and researchers can analyze these recordings to determine the species of bat. The acoustic monitoring surveys have allowed DNR to gauge the distribution of bats in the state, and monitor the decline of certain species that are most hard-hit by white-nose syndrome, a fungal disease. The data show the tri-colored bat and the myotis, or northern long-eared bat, populations have declined in eastern Iowa because of the deadly disease, which hits bats during hibernation. Despite being the most imperiled species of bat in Iowa, the data show the myotis is present in all Iowa regions. The big brown species of bat, followed by the eastern red species, are most common throughout the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Indiana bat is the other endangered species that calls Iowa home, though white-nose syndrome and loss of habitat have contributed to its population decline, according to ISU. Little brown bats, big brown bats, and tri-colored bats are also susceptible to white-nose syndrome. These bats tend to hibernate in cool, dark areas like caves or abandoned mines where the fungus thrives. Iowas additional bat species include the silverhaired bat, evening bat and hoary bat. Bats species detected in different regions of the state during the volunteer driving survey. (Graph courtesy of Iowa State University) In addition to monitoring bat populations, DNR has worked to restore bat habitat via private forest restoration, and the department incorporates bat-friendly practices to its forest stewardship plans. According to DNR, bats thrive in forests that have a mostly open mid-story, trees with loose or clumpy bark, dead trees and lots of insects to eat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Forest restoration includes removing invasive species like Japanese honeysuckle and European buckthorn which can crowd the mid story of a forest. Staff also use prescribed burning and certain forest thinning techniques to restore the habitat for bats. In all forest management plans, DNR includes a recommended percent of dead trees that should be left standing to provide habitat for bats. From 2022 to 2024, DNR restored over 800 acres of both public and private forest using these methods and federal dollars earmarked for habitat restoration for endangered bat species. What you can do to help bats Similar management practices can be employed on private forest land, or on residential properties to help protect bat habitat. DNR considers trees like shagbark hickory, shellbark hickory, white oak and American elm to be bat friendly trees since bats can make a home under the shaggy barks. Planting these trees or refraining from chopping them down can give the nocturnal critters a safe place to rest during the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Property owners can also work to remove invasive species that clog up the bat-friendly forest, and leave some dead trees standing when its safe to do so. Iowans can also stay out of mines and caves during the winter months, when bats might be using them for hibernation. Finally, adding a bat box to a property gives bats a home, and might keep them from trying to roost in an attic. Big brown bats are most likely to try to roost in human structures, according to DNR. Iowa State University has several resources for safely removing bats from a home and on building a bat box. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE KATHMANDU, Oct 28: Former CPN-UML lawmaker and businessman Devi Prasad Bhattachan has been arrested on charges of financial irregularities. Related story 980 million rupees for Karnali tourism Bhattachan, who also chairs the Prabhu Group, was taken into custody by a team from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police on Tuesday from Lalitpur. According to police sources, he was detained for investigation over alleged financial misconduct linked to the Prabhu Group. A year ago, Prabhu Management Chairperson Kusum Lama had filed a complaint accusing Bhattachan of embezzling more than Rs 980 million. The case had remained pending at the Kathmandu District Police Office for a long time. After local police offices initially refused to register the complaint, Lama had filed it through the Office of the Government Attorney. Although the case was forwarded to police for investigation on September 27, 2024, progress stalled as Bhattachan was then a sitting lawmaker from the ruling party and held significant political influence. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Thousands of people across the Metro area could lose their SNAP benefits starting Nov. 1 if the federal government doesnt strike a deal; but local community members are coming together to help bridge the gaps. Oasis Center, a youth crisis organization, is just one of the many groups in Nashville stepping up to help. Their approach is all about providing education on how to utilize SNAP benefits effectively. Nashville area food pantries prepare for increased demand amid looming SNAP lapse Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats why on Nov. 14, from 6-7 p.m., Oasis is hosting an event at 1704 Charlotte Ave. to help teach those receiving the funding how to stretch their SNAP. Theyll be teaching people how to better budget their benefits to make them last longer, how to take the food received through SNAP and make healthy meals, and how to shop with their SNAP funds more efficiently. Nashville Farmers Market to match up to $100 in SNAP benefits spent on fresh food Those who go will also get a Thanksgiving food box and be able to watch a free cooking demonstration. The event is for people 18 and older. Childcare will be available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you need a ride to the event or want to RSVP, you can call 615-327-4455 and ask for Youth & Family Homelessness Prevention Program Manager Kendra McDonald. Do you have news happening in your neighborhood? Let us know by sending an email to neighborhoodnews@wkrn.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 WKRN News 2. The Lebanon County District Attorneys Office has announced a formal investigation into the Lebanon County Children and Youth Services, with detectives looking into actions by caseworkers that might have resulted in the death or serious injuries of multiple children. Within the past month, the Lebanon DAs Office learned of a case in which a CYS caseworker returned a 1-year-old baby to the residence of his alleged suspected abusers. Officials said that CYS and the Lebanon County Detective Bureau had a pending case that involved allegations of child abuse, which resulted in physical injury to the baby allegedly caused by either the biological mother or her adult cousin. "The mother and cousin lived together," The DA's office said in a release Oct. 29. "As the investigation progressed, Detectives updated and informed CYS of their intent to charge and that the injuries were indicative of abuse." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the pending charges, officials said that a CYS caseworker returned the baby to the mothers residence. Within weeks, law enforcement was informed by the biological father that he believed the baby had suffered additional abuse in the mothers care. When police responded to the home, the mother and cousin refused to intially answer the door. According to the DA's office, when police were finally let into the house they located the baby hidden under a pile of blankets. "The baby presented with obvious and apparent injury to his left eye and face," officials said in the release. "Police called for an ambulance and the baby received emergency medical care. Within 24 hours, police charged the mother and adult family member with the second instance of abuse." Officials did not release the name of the individuals charged in the incident, or the name of the CYS caseworker who returned the baby. Officials did not say Oct. 29 if charges were filed against the caseworker because of the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DA's office said this was a recent example of CYSs failure to protect children, prompting law enforcement to launch a formal investigation. The protection of children remains of the utmost priority," District Attorney Pier Hess Graf said in the release. "These victims represent our most vulnerable, who are unable to fight for themselves, unable to protect themselves, and are often unable to tell authorities about their abuse. Lebanon County Children and Youth Services should serve as an additional layer of protection for victims. One child hurt or killed while in their care is too many; the instances we know about are far higher and horrific." The DA's office said that police are aware of past cases where CYS returned children to unfit physical environments, and the child suffered a death or serious injury as a result. Law enforcement is also aware of a limited number of cases where caseworkers returned children to homes that contained their abuser. "CYS often does not notify police when they transfer custody of a child-victim, even when their decision includes placing the child-victim into the residence of the suspected/known abuser," the DA's office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Lebanon County Detectives Bureau is asking for residents' assistance to identify other instances that evidence the following: Actions on behalf of CYS that returned a child under its custody to an unsafe home environment. Examples include homes without working utilities, homes with existing hoarding conditions, and/or any other unsafe physical condition. Actions on behalf of CYS, which returned a child under its custody to a residence that serves as the current home of the childs abuser. The abuser could be the subject of an ongoing investigation or the subject of a filed criminal case in the Lebanon County Court of Common Pleas. Actions on behalf of CYS that advocated for and allowed contact to occur between the suspected/charged perpetrator of abuse and the child-victim. Actions on behalf of CYS which tipped off a suspected perpetrator of abuse as to future police investigations and interaction. Any other instance wherein a citizen believes CYS knowingly placed a child at risk during its care and proceedings. Officials alleged that police are aware of a limited number of cases where a CYS caseworker refused to let law enforcement conduct its own investigation. "Instead, the caseworker told the suspected perpetrator the nature of the allegations and gave the suspect time to formulate a response and evade any interaction with police," the DA's office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DA's office added that prosecutors are aware of cases where CYS caseworkers appeared in criminal court to allegedly advocate for the modification of bail. Officials said this allowed for suspects of abuse to allegedly contact the child victim despite a pending trial. "In those instances, LCCYS appeared before the Lebanon County Court of Common Pleas and advocated before the Judge to modify the defendants bail and allow contact to occur between the perpetrator and child-victim," the DA's office said. "In each case, the District Attorneys Office objected and cited both the child-victims mental stability and pending Criminal proceedings. LCCYS does not inform police of any other civil instances, such as Child Dependency Hearings, where they take similar actions and place children at risk." The Lebanon County District Attorney's office did not announce Oct. 29 if any charges were filed in connection with incidents the office or law enforcement allegedly were aware of or witnessed. County officials response When reporters reached out to the Lebanon County Commissioners to respond to the DA's investigation, officials sent the following statement: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Lebanon County Children and Youth Services (CYS) faces very complicated circumstances in many of these cases. They must try and find a balance between the safety of the children and honoring their legal obligation to reunify families. Sometimes, despite best efforts and limited options, parents hurt their children. While thats never acceptable, it is a harsh reality of humanity. "Children and Youth Services operates under the guidelines established by the State Department of Human Services/Office of Children, Youth, and Families (OCYF), ensuring that all decisions are made in accordance with state regulations, the Child Protective Services Law (CPSL), and federal child welfare standards. These laws are in place to guarantee that a childs safety is at the forefront of all decision making. The details of cases are protected under confidentiality laws. "All cases are reviewed by the state, and this case is no different. Lebanon County CYS has always maintained itself in good standing with OCYF, and continues to comply with all licensing requirements." The Lebanon Daily News reached out to Lebanon County CYS Administrator Erin Moyer about the DA's investigation, but she did not respond to a request to comment as of publication. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Lebanon County Detective Bureau asks anyone with information to contact Sgt. Todd Hirsch or Detective Timothy Fetzer at the Lebanon County District Attorneys Office. Residents may reach the Office via telephone at 717-228-4403, fax 717-228-0389, or email at districtattorney@lebanoncountypa.gov. Any information shared with the District Attorneys Office or Detectives will not be disclosed to LCCYS. This has been updated with new information. Please check back for further updates. Matthew Toth is a reporter for the Lebanon Daily News. Reach him at mtoth@ldnews.com or on X at @DAMattToth. This article originally appeared on Lebanon Daily News: Lebanon County PA DA investigating Children and Youth Services This article has been updated to include a statement from the Lebanon County Commissioners. LEBANON COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) The Lebanon County District Attorneys Office announced it launched an investigation into the Lebanon County Children and Youth Services Department. According to the DAs office, detectives are investigating past and ongoing instances of alleged inaction and/or negligence involving LCCYS caseworkers, which resulted in death and serious injuries to multiple children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DAs office pointed to a recent case where a Lebanon County Children and Youth Services Department (LCCYS) caseworker returned a one-year-old baby to the residence of their suspected abusers. The incident stemmed from a pending investigation with the LCCYS and the Lebanon County Detective Bureau involving allegations of child abuse, which resulted in the baby being injured, per the DAs office. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Severe Weather Alerts Detectives informed the LCCYS that the babys injuries were indicative of abuse, but despite this, LCCYS returned the baby to the suspect abusers care and residence. According to the DAs office, the babys father told law enforcement that he believed the baby had suffered additional abuse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DAs office said law enforcement later found the baby covered in blankets with an apparent injury on their face. The incident launched the formal investigation into the LCCYS. The protection of children remains of the utmost priority. These victims represent our most vulnerable, who are unable to fight for themselves, unable to protect themselves, and are often unable to tell authorities about their abuse. Lebanon County Children and Youth Services should serve as an additional layer of protection for victims. One child hurt or killed while in their care is too many; the instances we know about are far higher and horrific. We will leave no stone unturned throughout our investigation in an effort to ensure the atrocities of the past do not occur in the future, said District Attorney Pier Hess Graf. The DAs office said that detectives are asking the general public to identify other instances of similar actions by the LCCYS. Potential incidents could include: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Actions on behalf of LCCYS that returned a child under its care and custody to an unsafe home environment. Action on behalf of LCCYS, which returned a child under its care and custody to a residence that serves as the current home of the perpetrator of the childs abuser. Actions on behalf of LCCYS that advocated for and allowed contact to occur between the suspected/charged perpetrator of abuse and the child-victim. Actions on behalf of LCCYS which tipped off a suspected perpetrator of abuse as to future police investigations and interaction. Any other instance wherein a citizen believes LCCYS knowingly placed a child at risk during its care and proceedings. Anyone with any information should contact Sergeant Todd Hirsch or Detective Timothy Fetzer at the Lebanon County District Attorneys Office or email districtattorney@lebanoncountypa.gov. In response to this announced investigation, the Lebanon County Commissioners provided the following statement: Lebanon County Children and Youth Services (CYS) faces very complicated circumstances in many of these cases. They must try and find a balance between the safety of the children and honoring their legal obligation to reunify families. Sometimes, despite best efforts and limited options, parents hurt their children. While thats never acceptable, it is a harsh reality of humanity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Children and Youth Services operates under the guidelines established by the State Department of Human Services/Office of Children, Youth, and Families (OCYF), ensuring that all decisions are made in accordance with state regulations, the Child Protective Services Law (CPSL), and federal child welfare standards. These laws are in place to guarantee that a childs safety is at the forefront of all decision making. The details of cases are protected under confidentiality laws. All cases are reviewed by the state, and this case is no different. Lebanon County CYS has always maintained itself in good standing with OCYF, and continues to comply with all licensing requirements. 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. Lebanon Police are searching for a homeless man from Vermont who has been involved in multiple recent motor vehicle pursuits in Hartford, Vermont, and Lebanon. Adam Adolph Adam Adolph Police issued a release saying Adam Adolph, 35, from White River Junction, Vermont, has an extensive criminal history and has a parole violation warrant out of Vermont. Police said Adolph, who is currently homeless, is known to be violent and unpredictable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, police tried to stop a silver Toyota Prius with Vermont license plates that Adolph was suspected of operating. While attempting the traffic stop, police said the car took off, driving erratically on the wrong side of the road at a high rate of speed, almost resulting in a head-on collision with a Lebanon Police cruiser. The driver continued into Vermont. Police said people are urged not to approach Adolph, as he is considered dangerous. Police asked anyone with any information regarding Adolph's whereabouts to contact your local police department or call the Lebanon Police Department at 603-448-1212. Information can also be submitted to Lebanon Police's Tip Line at 603-448-CLUE (2583) or online at LebanonNH.gov/CLUE. Gov. Joe Lombardo and Rep. Susie Lee at an event Tuesday morning. (Photo: April Corbin Girnus/Nevada Current) Democratic U.S. Rep. Susie Lee on Tuesday criticized Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo for not doing more to provide substitute benefits to the hundreds of thousands of Nevadans who are supposed to receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits next month but who wont because of the government shutdown. Lee first called it cruel of the Trump administration to allow SNAP benefits to pause at all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There have been shutdowns in the past, she said. Never before in the history of shutdowns has food been cut off from millions of Americans. Donald Trump made this decision. But she added that the State of Nevada is complicit by not figuring out how we can use emergency funding and turn it around quickly to get emergency funds into the hands of Nevadans. Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, on Tuesday announced his state has set up a state-level replacement that will provide $37.5 million per week to Virginias roughly 850,000 SNAP recipients. The State of Nevadas plan, announced by Lombardos office Monday, is to funnel $38.8 million to local food banks, which are expected to see a deluge of demand starting Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Food banks have said it will be impossible to scale up to fill the gap left by SNAP. Lee echoed that sentiment, saying that in order for food banks to meet the needs of Nevadans on SNAP for one month, they would need $270 million. Lees comments came after a press conference in North Las Vegas to celebrate the state receiving $51 million in charter school grants. Lombardo and Lee both attended and then, separately, spoke to media after. Lombardo, relying on recent Trump administration directives, emphasized that the state cannot seamlessly funnel millions of dollars into the federal system because it involves a third-party vendor and confidential information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lee rejected that, arguing there are ways to respond quickly. She said the state could provide emergency payments to individuals in lieu of their SNAP benefits so that they can purchase food. Even without the use of U.S. Department of Agriculture SNAP data, there are other ways to determine those most in need, she added. Lombardo described his approach as more of an emergency measure. When asked about the possibility of tapping into the states flush Rainy Day Fund, Lombardo responded that it isnt an option because Nevada law requires the states end fund balance to dip below 5% of Economic Forum revenue projections before accessing the money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He did not acknowledge that the law also allows the governor and state legislators to access the Rainy Day Fund by declaring a fiscal emergency. This governor does have a choice, Lee said of Lombardo. He is complicit if he does not use the emergency fund. We have $1.3 billion in emergency funds, and you just heard him put up every excuse not to do it. When asked why the governor didnt mention the declaration of a fiscal emergency as a possibility, Lombardo spokesperson Elizabeth Ray said the state anticipates the ability to fund the currently identified funding shortfalls without tapping into the Rainy Day Fund. She continued, However, as the federal shutdown continues, the State will consider additional appropriations as necessary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lombardo during his comments noted that the S in SNAP stands for supplemental. Its not intended to be all encompassing, to solve all the food needs across the board, he said. So, we are supplementing that to get us through mid-November. If the shutdown continues, we will take legislative action. Such actions could involve reverting unused American Rescue Plan Act dollars, which could be done through the governors office and the legislative Interim Finance Committee. Or it could involve a forum that may or may not be a special legislative session, something that the governor and lawmakers have been contemplating for months and is rumored to be happening in mid-November. Ford on suing Trump Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford on Tuesday was among 22 attorneys general and three governors all Democrats that sued the Trump administration over its shutdown SNAP policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has made a cruel and an illegal choice, said Ford during a press conference Tuesday afternoon. Donald Trump claims that he cant move money around, but notably, he just gave $20 billion to Argentina. He just bought two new jets for over $300 million so that (Secretary of Homeland Security ) Kristi Noem could go around the country posing for pictures. But when it comes to feeding Americans, theyre cut off. Despite holding $6 billion in a reserve fund, USDA said last week it would not process November SNAP benefits without fiscal 2026 funding approved by Congress. The USDAs refusal to provide November benefits runs contrary to precedent from other recent shutdowns, and even the departments own Sept. 30 contingency plan that said the contingency fund would be used to continue benefits through the shutdown. The administration has also shuffled some other money to provide funding for certain programs, but not SNAP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Democratic officials said those factors made the decision arbitrary and capricious, a violation of federal administrative law, and asked a federal court in Massachusetts to order the USDAs move unlawful and block the administration from putting it in place. No Republican leaders joined the lawsuit, though some Republicans have encouraged the Trump administration to release the USDA contingency funds. Lombardo, at the press event Tuesday morning, said those funds would be very beneficial. That was a request that we had made, he said, and we were advised that would not happen. Jacob Fischler contributed to this report. NEED TO KNOW LEGO has produced a set featuring a hospital room with an MRI scanner, and has donated 10,000 sets to more than 400 hospitals around the world The company aims to help kids feel safer and more in control "by giving them the opportunity to explore, ask questions, and play their way through a medical procedure" More than one million children have played with the hospital-based set; research conducted by LEGO found that it helped reduce the need for sedation or anesthesia by nearly 50% LEGO is helping sick children struggling with anxiety and stress through play. The Danish toymaker has donated 10,000 models of an MRI set which features an MRI scanner and equipment, plus a waiting room, along with minifigures to 432 hospitals in 13 countries to ease the worries of children about to undergo an MRI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While MRIs are often preferred for children because they dont use radiation, the tight, enclosed space and noisy, intimidating sounds can cause anxiety, often requiring kids to be sedated or even put under anesthesia. "By giving children the opportunity to explore, ask questions, and play their way through a medical procedure, were helping them feel safer and more in control," Diana Ringe Krogh, Vice President and Head of Social Responsibility, said in a press release from LEGO." Getty Stock image of an MRI machine. Stock image of an MRI machine. According to research commissioned by LEGO, 96% of healthcare professionals surveyed said the model helped children who were struggling with anxiety around getting an MRI, and nearly half (46%) said the model reduced the need for sedation. More than a million children were given access to the set before a test, LEGO says statement. Early results show that the vast majority of children can be MRI scanned without general anesthesia, reducing their risks and discomfort, while allocating resources for other patients, Jannie Bge Steinmeier Larsen, a Project Radiographer at Denmark's Aarhus University Hospital, said in the press release from LEGO. Families feel their child is seen and heard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rachel, a mom from Edinburgh whose five-year-old daughter Ivy was struggling with seizures, shared that the set helped Ivy manage her stress around undergoing an MRI without sedation. Ivy did really well and was even a bit excited! If we hadn't played with the LEGO MRI model beforehand, I think she would have had a full meltdown and would no doubt have needed general anesthetic," Rachel said in the release. "Nobody wants their child to be put to sleep if you can avoid it." Lego LEGO has donated thousands of MRI sets to hospitals. LEGO has donated thousands of MRI sets to hospitals. 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. As Ivy herself said to LEGO, I liked playing with the LEGO toy. It made me feel relaxed. I didn't like the loud noises in the real machine. But I knew what was happening. I wasn't scared. I was brave." The MRI set is not available for commercial sale. More information on the LEGO set is available on the LEGO website. Read the original article on People Oct. 29New dog park opens in Ironton With a few words, the new Ironton dog park was opened on Saturday morning and dogs got to try out a new space with obstacles and lots of space to zoom around. The space is next to the Oakley C. Collins Memorial bridge, a space that Mayor Sam Cramblit II negotiate with the Ohio Department of Transportation to use. He said that he and Susan Dooley, a city inspector that passed last year, had talked for years to find a space for a dog park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was in her memory that the park has been named. "She was a very special person to me and a lot of the people at the city," Cramblit said. "She would be so happy to see. This marks almost a year since she passed. So, we will be revealing a sign that says 'Susan Dooley Memorial Dog Park.'" Jay Kehoe, Ironton's director of Economic and Community Development as well as Parks and Recreation, spent the past couple of weeks making obstacles for the dogs to run over and through. "Woodworking for life," he said of his hobby. "This has been the highlight of the past couple of weeks making this for the dogs." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for parking, Glockner has allowed the city to use one of their lots under the bridge for dog owners to have a space to park. On hand at the ribbon cutting was Brent Pyles, a board member of the Lawrence County Humane Society and he had information about a campaign that is underway to replace a dirt patch behind the Lawrence County Animal Shelter with artificial canine turf. "It is called Paws on the Turf," he said, adding they have achieved about 25 percent of their $50,000 goal. "The existing space is mud and dirt and this will make it a much healthier space. They won't get the diseases that are in the ground. It will also promote drainage and be easier to clean up feces. You can hose it, you can sweep it. It is a lot better." They have partnered with Forever Lawn for the campaign to get it put in next spring or summer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You Might Like Gallery Spooktacular! Gallery Firefighters take part in extrication training News Continuing to make an impact News Judges order Trump administration to use emergency reserves for SNAP payments during the shutdown What an honor to be one of 2,200 people at No Kings in Astoria and Seaside, peacefully demonstrating for America on Oct. 18. In many ways these protests were a celebration of basic decency, our right to gather and speak freely, and our democracy community. No Kings showed our belief in a better future for everyone. Thanks to everyone driving by who honked and waved in support. Kudos to everyone who protested peacefully from Long Beach, Washington, down the coast to Brookings. Republican intimidation and lies about No Kings didnt stop 7 million people from peacefully participating in 2,700 events in every state. Unfortunately, Republican leaders still want Americans to embrace Trumps tyranny. I just received another anonymous hate letter, this one with a pathetic scatological message. On Oct. 18, Trump posted a video of himself wearing a crown and dropping feces on protesters. We learned that Young Republican leaders have been texting their admiration of Hitler and slavery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Republican Party is more frightened of dissenters than of dictators. Most Americans, regardless of political party, dont want a king. They dont want GOP policies based on cruelty, corruption, and destruction. They want to restore respect for the Constitution and the rule of law. It will take all of us working together to keep Americans safe from the lawlessness of this regime. Get active with local democracy groups like Indivisible North Coast Oregon, Clatsop Democrats and the Working Families Party. Dissent is essential and patriotic. LAURIE CAPLAN Astoria KATHMANDU, Oct 29: Prime Minister Sushila Karki has called on an all-side meeting today to discuss the upcoming elections scheduled for March 5 and other political issues. The meeting is scheduled to take place at the Prime Minister's official residence at 4:00 this afternoon, Minister for Communications and Information Technology Jagadish Kharel confirmed. Chiefs or representatives of different major political parties, ministers and leading Gen-Z figures are expected to attend the meeting. The government is holding talks with different sides including the political parties, Election Commission of Nepal, security bodies and other stakeholders for creating a conducive environment for polls. To the editor: A front-page article describes a project potentially beginning within a few months to build a surf park ( Big wave machine by the sea rolling into El Segundo, Oct. 25). This will use about 5 million gallons of water and however much energy is needed to create surfable waves within a mile or so of a popular surfing beach in El Segundo. How exactly does this fit into our continued efforts to reduce water use, or into mindful energy conservation to slow climate change? Meanwhile, around a month ago, an article ran in the Los Angeles Times about AltaSea, a company now in a pilot project at the Port of Los Angeles, installing equipment on a pier to convert wave energy to electricity. Altogether, these are some interesting perspectives regarding waves and our priorities for them. Linda Washburn, Manhattan Beach This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. To the editor: Contributing writer Josh Hammer is once again engaging in conservatives favorite pastime: waxing nostalgic for a time that never existed ( Louvre heist is just one way Europe is surrendering its culture, Oct. 24). He thinks European society is being destroyed by outsiders changing the culture? The irony is that those same sentiments could have been expressed at any time in the last 2,500 years. European history is the story of outsiders coming in and changing the culture. The Celts, Macedonians, Romans, Huns, Ostrogoths, Moors, Vikings, Normans, Ottomans, Rus, etc., all conquered lands and left permanent alterations. The European culture he admires wouldnt exist without a constant influx of new blood. Whats most surprising is that any Jewish person would ever be pining for Europes good ol days. When would that have been? Mid-century Germany? The France of the Dreyfus affair? The shtetls and ghettoes of Eastern Europe? The pogroms? The Spanish Inquisition? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Europe and America need to grow and change with the times. Accepting new ideas and people is part of that. To do otherwise is to turn into some bizarre theme-park version of national identity. Arnold Burke, Lake Forest .. To the editor: Hammer equates the decline of European personal happiness levels with a gravitational pull away from church and children. How he would know how many people are unhappy in a continent with a population of more than 700 million is quite a trick. As to his broad-brush assertion that European abandonment of church and religion are responsible for society's ills, he fails to mention the Catholic Churchs decades-long history of covering up child sex abuse allegations. Vatican-sponsored dioceses here, there and everywhere have been found opting to protect predatory prelates instead of innocent church-going victims. Similar crimes and cover-ups have also been alleged in evangelical congregations. When people lose trust in their religious leaders and institutions, is it so surprising that they might consider doing something else on Sundays? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for Europeans surrendering their respective, distinctive cultures, he attributes that to political and economic integration and what he calls "imposed mass immigration. He fails to acknowledge Brexit, the rise of far-right extremist political parties, increased xenophobia and vast wealth disparities as contributing factors. He conveniently overlooks what U.S. General Philip M. Breedlove, the former supreme allied commander in Europe, said in front of the House Armed Services Committee in 2016 : Together, Russia and the Assad regime are deliberately weaponizing migration in an attempt to overwhelm European structures and break European resolve. Perhaps Hammer would concede that war-mongering dictators killing children and families has something to do with unhappiness and loss of faith. James Kearns, Santa Monica This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. To the editor: President Trump argues that Colombian President Gustavo Petro is "poisoning Americans ( U.S. sanctions Colombias president, deploys aircraft carrier in new escalation in Latin America, Oct. 24). With all due respect, Americans are doing a pretty good job of helping. I have read very little about attempts to curb the use of drugs in the U.S., efforts directed toward establishing more programs designed to increase awareness of the dangers of drug use, or education and rehabilitation investments. It's just easier to deflect the blame rather than looking in the mirror and seeing a partially responsible image of oneself. Sabina Dym, Newport Beach This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) The benefits provided by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are set to lapse on Saturday, Nov. 1, leaving nearly 42 million US residents without access to meals and other essentials. More than half a million Kentuckians are among those who will not see more money added to the SNAP cards they use at grocery stores next month. Tania Whitfield said she and several others she helps in her line of work have SNAP benefits, which taxpayers like her work to provide. She said not having this extra support to buy groceries will have a devastating effect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lexington businesses unite to serve free lunches for first responders on National First Responders Day Until we make the money where were able to do it on our own, then we need it, Whitfield said. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) posted a notice on its website, announcing that federal food aid will not be issued on Nov. 1, which will also mark a full month since the government shut down. Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton said she and other leaders will meet this week to discuss how the city can step in and help hungry families. We are going to be doing something with some partners, and Ill be able to talk about that more after we get it all put together, Gorton said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kentucky is also one of the 25 states to file a lawsuit suing the Trump administration. The suit claimed halting SNAP benefits is illegal, and this would be the first time it has happened since the program began more than 60 years ago. Whitfield said people will be hurt immediately. Im even more worried about rural Kentucky because they already have like, maybe one food bank, maybe two, if theyre lucky, she continued, its too many things going on about this that shouldnt be going on, its just wrong. The suit also claims the USDA has billions in contingency funds that could keep the program running. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Where Lexington residents can find supplies as SNAP lapses Gods Pantry Food Bank supplies those in need throughout central and eastern Kentucky all year, but is about to face an unprecedented challenge in combating an even greater hunger crisis if SNAP benefits are cut off. To find more information or donate, visit its website here. FoodChain has been partnering with the Lexington community for over 12 years, working to educate residents on food literacy and operating an indoor aquaponic farm to feed the hungry. Starting on Nov. 4, Nickys Pizzeria in Lexington posted on social media that its staff will be serving free kids spaghetti and a piece of garlic bread to parents in need. Parents can claim up to four of these meals per family by showing their SNAP card with a matching ID. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While SNAP benefits will pause in November, Kentucky WIC will remain active during the 2025 government shutdown. More information on state and federal aid for Kentuckians can be found at the Kynect Benefits website. 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. Liberal podcast host Jennifer Welch went off on the Democratic establishment and told them to jump on board or face the same fate as MAGA as she offered kudos to a protester celebrating the death of Charlie Kirk. On the Ive Had It podcast on Tuesday, Welch blasted Democratic leaders like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) for not being more vocally and actively supportive of New York City Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. If you think this Zohran thing is happening just in New York, and you think people are waking up only in New York City, youre mistaken, Welch said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She then cut to a clip of a conservative influencer Kaitlin Bennett speaking with a No Kings protester who didnt seem to have a problem with the recent assassination of conservative activist Kirk. In the clip, the protester called Kirk horrible and said shes glad hes not around anymore. He was horrible on the campuses, the college campuses, horrible person, the protester said, then telling Bennett shed have to think about whether she wants her dead too. Welch then laid into Democratic leaders, accusing them of missing out on the big movements on the left currently taking place, including the massive No Kings protests and the rise Mamdani, a self-described Democratic socialist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said: So listen up, Democratic establishment. You can either jump on board with this s**t or were coming after you in the same way that we come after MAGA, period. Stop taking AIPAC money. Go on an Im sorry I took AIPAC money atonement tour if you want stay in power. Stop missing out on these big rallies. Hakeem and Chuck should have been front and center introducing the next mayor of New York City, but no, they wouldnt show up because theyre p*ssies. Theyre p*ssies that are beholden to the same corporations that helped Donald Trump get elected. And this is just an embarrassment. Welch offered kudos to Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) for their support for Mamdani. She also praised the protester celebrating Kirks death. She said: Kudos to Bernie, to AOC, to Zohran. And that woman out in somewhere middle America saying, f**k Charlie Kirk, he was a racist, he was a piece of sh*t. There are so many more of us than there are of them. And these Democrats that continue to play patty cake with corporations and lobbyists, nobody wants that. Nobody wants you. We want politicians to speak freely and look at what the benefit is. Look at what is happening in New York. And you dips**ts are sitting on the sidelines running your social media like complete dorks. Its embarrassing. Get your sh*t together. Hakeem and Chuck, seriously get your sh*t together because the Democratic Party is moving on. Watch above via Ive Had It. The post Liberal Podcaster Goes Off On P*ssies Schumer and Jeffries and Offers Kudos to No Kings Protester Celebrating Charlie Kirk Death first appeared on Mediaite. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) Michigan Library Advocates are calling on state leaders to defend the right to read, as more than 4,300 Michiganders have signed a petition in support of this cause. According to the Michigan Library Association, supporters are urging Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Legislature to protect the freedom to read, support library workers, and safeguard critical statewide library programs such as MeL and MeLCat. Public libraries across Michigan are under pressure, from book bans to censorship efforts that threaten the very purpose of what libraries stand for, said Dillon Geshel, interim executive director of the Michigan Library Association, in a news release sent to 6 News. Dillon Geshel. (WLNS) We invited residents to speak up for their right to read, and more than 4,300 Michiganders responded. This is about more than books. Its about preserving access, inclusion, and the freedom to explore ideas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Public libraries are where opportunity begins and where anyone can learn, grow, and find their voice, said State Representative Veronica Paiz. Standing up for libraries means standing up for democracy, education, and Michigans future. State Representative Veronica Paiz. (WLNS) 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. HENDERSON COUNTY, Texas (KETK) 35-year-old Chaz Taelor White was found guilty of murder on Friday, Oct. 24. The conviction stems from the murder of Alexis Garoutte that took place on April 21, 2023. Jury trial ends in mistrial for Harrison County shooting suspect Garroutte was found dead after a Henderson County Sheriffs Deputy responded to a report of a possible shooting on Sailfish Drive in Mabank. Upon arrival the deputy observed a woman, later identified as Garoutte, slumped in the passenger seat of a black Dodge Ram. Two deputies attempted life-saving measures; however, their efforts were unsuccessful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement White gave six different stories to the investigators for the sheriffs office, eventually admitting on the stand that he shot a Saiga AK-47 towards the black Dodge Ram that was parked at a neighboring house, according to the Henderson County District Attorneys Office. Prosecutors claimed that White believed he was shooting at someone else at the scene. After the incident, White handed the firearm to his wife for disposal, and his phone records indicate that he told a friend shortly afterward that he thought he caught a murder charge. White opted to be sentenced by Henderson County 392nd District Court Judge Scott McKee, who handed a life sentence on Monday after a sentencing hearing. Henderson County triple homicide suspect dies, authorities confirm Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge McKee heard evidence that, in addition to his murder conviction, White had prior probation records, including a 2012 probation for burglary of a habitation and another for interference with public duties in Dallas County, as well as a 2011 probation for aggravated robbery, also in Dallas County. White also admitted to using and dealing drugs, including methamphetamine, according to the arrest records. The judge also heard that White had SS lightning bolt tattoos, which are commonly linked to white supremacist prison gangs. After the murder, White tattooed a gun on the side of his head, as well as a bullet alongside his wifes name. 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. FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now) Instead of picking up the weights at the gym, one man is suspected of picking up a few extra belongings. A man was arrested after being wanted in connection to stealing items at local gyms, nearly 140 warrants were issued as a result. Robert Brockington, 50, of Maryland, was located and arrested on Oct. 23 in Washington, D.C. with assistance from D.C. police. Hurricane Melissa makes landfall as Category 5 storm: Will it impact the US? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Starting from around December 2024, Brockington targeted gyms across the region, breaking into lockers and stealing personal belongings, police said. He would then allegedly use the credit cards at nearby stores before the victims noticed. Courtesy: Fairfax County Police Department In total, 94 of his nearly 140 warrants originated from Fairfax County. In several cases, he allegedly used bolt cutters to break into lockers that were secured with locks, police 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 DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. The decision came after Edelstein was barred from submitting private legislation and from speaking on behalf of the Likud faction in the plenum for two months. The Likud has removed MK Yuli Edelstein from the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee (FADC) over violations of party discipline, coalition whip Ofir Katz said Wednesday. Edelstein would be barred from submitting private legislation and speaking on behalf of the Likud faction in the plenum for two months, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Katz attributed Edelsteins ouster vote to voting against the partys position and repeated violations of party discipline. Last week, Edelstein voted in favor of the bill to apply sovereignty in Judea and Samaria. The Likud faction said it would abstain from voting. Edelstein is a disgruntled Likud member who was recently fired from chairmanship of a Knesset committee, the Prime Ministers Office said Wednesday. MK Yuli Edelstein attends a House committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament in Jerusalem on, August 4, 2025. (credit: Yonatan Sindel/Flash90) Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennet called the decision to replace Edelstein "utterly irresponsible." "There is a long-standing tradition of absolute confidentiality, substantive discussions, and keeping politics out of the room," Bennet wrote on a X (formerly Twitter) post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The decision to include a Knesset member currently suspected of exposing classified secrets, violating the Shin Bet Law, and harming national security is utterly irresponsible. This decision reflects a preference for politics over Israel's security and will neutralize this critically essential committee," he said. "No one will be able to speak freely there anymore, and the vital civilian oversight of the security system will cease to exist. This decision must be canceled immediately," he sentenced. Yair Golan, chairman of The Democrats, also slammed the decision, "Netanyahu again and again chooses personal loyalty and political interest over the security of the state." "The appointment of Tali Gottlieb, suspected of exposing classified information and harming state security, to the Foreign Affairs and Security Committee and as a member of the Subcommittee for Secret Services(!) is bringing a fox into the henhouse. A complete loss of values and reason," he wrote in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finally, he demanded: "Israel's security is not political currency, nor a tool to trade with in the Likud primaries. This is what leadership looks like that prefers itself over the state." Eldelstein previously ousted from FADC chairperson position Edelstein has also criticized the controversial haredi (ultra-Orthodox) conscription law that is being drafted. In July, he was removed as chairman of the FADC, which is the committee responsible for drafting the haredi conscription law. Edelstein was ousted as chairperson following the resignation of the Knessets two haredi parties due to a breakdown in negotiations over the conscription bill that Edelstein was involved in drafting. Edelstein was replaced by Likud MK Boaz Bismuth, who has been drafting a new outline for the bill, which is to be presented to the committee next Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, Edelstein criticized a leaked version of Bismuths outline. When I see this bill, I realize that those who dismissed me were right: I dont have the skills to come up with a draft-dodging scheme instead of a proper conscription law in the midst of an existential war, when our reservists are collapsing, he said. Opposition parties Blue and White and Yisrael Beytenu both said they would provide Edelstein with parliamentary tools to support Edelstein. At a time when the Israeli government punishes MKs for holding Zionist positions and for fighting for equality in sharing the national burden, Yisrael Beytenu will continue to support all those who fight for the values of Zionism, sovereignty, and equality, Yisrael Beytenu said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MK Edelstein acted rightly in standing up for these values, and we will not allow political punishment to silence courageous voices in the Knesset, it said. The Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report. (FOX40.COM) Officer Timothy Jaekel, 52, from the Lincoln Police Department, was arraigned on Tuesday in Sacramento County Superior Court after being arrested on Oct. 16 for being accused of long-term sexual abuse of children. Video above: How to report a public safety threat According to LPD, Jaekel was arrested by the Sacramento County Sheriffs Office following an investigation of allegations that he sexually abused four family members, who were minors at the time of the incident. On June 23, SCSO received a call from four female family members who reported being sexually abused by their 52-year-old uncle. Deputies spoke to the primary victim, who was an adult living in Arizona. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the arraignment hearing on Tuesday, the Lincoln police said Jaekels bail was increased and he was rebooked on the charges. Jaekel has been temporarily decertified by California POST, which is the state agency responsible for police officer training and certification, LPD said. At this time, LPD said Jaekel has been placed on unpaid administrative leave while the city works through the processes and procedures under state law. The SCSO and the Sacramento County District Attorneys Office will remain the lead agencies in this pending investigation. 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. KATHMANDU, Oct 29: In the aftermath of the Gen-Z protests that swept Kathmandu earlier this month, Nepal Police has formed a high-level committee to investigate both the humanitarian and material losses incurred during the demonstrations. The inquiry comes after a largely peaceful protest on September 8 escalated into violence the following day. Inspector General of Police Chandra Kuber Khapung announced the formation of the investigation commission, placing it under the leadership of Additional Inspector General Sushil Singh Rathore, head of the Central Investigation Bureau. The commission will carry out a detailed review of the police response, including the use of force against youth and students, human casualties, operational lapses, and the overall damage to property. Related story Govt forms six-member probe committee to probe damages in agita... The investigative team also includes Deputy Inspector General Deepak Regmi of the Planning and Investigation Directorate, along with representatives from administrative units and the Department of Forensic Science Laboratory. Together, the panel has been tasked with examining the causes of the Gen-Z movement, evaluating the effectiveness of police operations, identifying vulnerabilities, investigating instances of vandalism by protesters, and detecting potential infiltrators. The committee has been entrusted with the responsibility to submit a comprehensive report within one month. In addition, it will provide recommendations on the use of weapons by police personnel, operational strategies, deployment of lethal and non-lethal arms, and inter-agency coordination during protests and demonstrations, aiming to enhance both public safety and law enforcement accountability in future civic actions. Lindsey Grahams quiet attempt to call Sean Hannity from the Senate floor got loudly announced by Siri instead. On Tuesday, with the government almost a month into its shutdown, senators have taken to showing up for TV spots with increasing frequency. Punchbowl News Andrew Desiderio caught Graham scheduling an appearance with Hannity while on the Senate floor. Funny moment just now in the Senate: Lindsey Graham whispered something into his phone and then Siri responded with full volume: Calling Sean Hannity mobile,' Desiderio shared on X. Funny moment just now in the Senate: Lindsey Graham whispered something into his phone and then Siri responded with full volume: Calling Sean Hannity mobile Andrew Desiderio (@AndrewDesiderio) October 28, 2025 Despite Graham trying to keep the call quiet, his phones voice assistant had other plans. People reached out to the South Carolina senator for comment and Graham leaned into the bit with his response to the outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Siri: Tell my friends at People to watch more Fox News, Graham said. Why was I calling Sean Hannity? Breaking news: I like his show and Ill be a guest tonight! Tune in. Despite Graham finding humor in the faux pas, plenty of other people responded to Desiderios X post dragging the senator and Hannity by proxy. Yes its extremely embarrassing for Lindsey Graham that we now know he still uses Siri, one person wrote. The most committed relationship in Washington, another said. A third thought: If any Democrat senator had this happen on the Senate floor Calling Rachel Maddow mobile the R party and their Fox News soldiers would be covering it nonstop for a week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. government shut down Oct. 1 and, as Republicans and Democrats argue over who is to blame for reopening taking so long, more and more needs and programs are being affected. For instance, military salaries and SNAP food benefits are the latest to feel the looming threat of the continued shut down. Hannity airs weeknights at 9 p.m. ET on Fox News. The post Lindsey Graham Caught Calling Fox News Sean Hannity From the Senate Floor in Siri Faux Pas appeared first on TheWrap. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) As the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) prepares to see funds run out on November 1, over 75,000 South Dakotans will be affected. See it. Shoot it. Share it. From giveaways to food pantries, there are several ways you can help to ensure those in your community can get fed. Feeding South Dakota Main website Give a gift via Feeding South Dakota Lasagna Love You can sign up to request a homemade lasagna be dropped off at your home, or sign up to make a homemade lasagna for someone in the community. Faith Temple Sioux Falls Food Calendar via Helpline Center The website has lists of upcoming food pantries and meal events throughout the community. The Salvation Army of Sioux Falls The main webpage shares local food programs and food pantries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For additional ways to help, check out this story by KELOLANDs Kelli Volk. Team Buche Cares Monthly donations or one time donations. KELOLAND News will add more food related resources as they come 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 KELOLAND.com. Lithuania will close the Salcininkai and Medininkai border crossings with Belarus for one month, Lithuanian media outlet LRT reported on Oct. 29. The decision follows a string of airspace violations involving balloons launched from Belarusian territory that forced multiple airport closures. The restrictions will remain in place until Nov. 30. According to Lithuanian Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovic, the Salcininkai checkpoint will be closed completely, while the Medininkai crossing will remain partially open under limited conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Diplomats, transit passengers from Kaliningrad, citizens returning to Lithuania, citizens of EU and NATO countries, and their family members will be allowed to pass through it," Kondratovic said. "Persons with a residence permit in Lithuania" will also be exempt from the restrictions. The measure comes after Vilnius International Airport suspended operations for several hours on Oct. 2627 due to one or more balloons flying toward the airport the third night in a row and the fourth time that week airspace violations halted air traffic. On Oct. 24, Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene announced an initial incident involving balloons, saying that a large group of "smuggling balloons" was launched from Belarus towards Lithuania. Vilnius and Kaunas airports closed temporarily in response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The following night, additional balloons were again detected crossing from Belarusian territory, prompting further air traffic suspensions and temporary closures of Lithuania's last two operational border crossings. Belarus, ruled by dictator Alexander Lukashenko since 1994, remains one of Moscow's closest allies and has provided Russia with political, economic, and military support during its full-scale war in Ukraine. Lithuania shares a 680-kilometer (420-mile) border with the country. In September, following a Russian drone incursion into Polish airspace, Kondratovic warned that Lithuania was ready to close its border with Belarus immediately if provoked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Gripen jets are coming to Ukraine heres how they can be used against Russia Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The Lithuanian government adopted a decision on Wednesday 29 October to close the Salcininkai and Medininkai checkpoints on the border with Belarus for one month. Source: Lithuanian public broadcaster LRT, as reported by European Pravda Details: The restrictions will apply from 29 October until 30 November, with the possibility of extension. The Salcininkai checkpoint will be completely closed, while the Medininkai crossing will operate partially with certain exceptions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Passage through it will be allowed for diplomats, transit to and from Kaliningrad, citizens returning to Lithuania, citizens of EU and NATO countries and their family members, as well as people holding residence permits in Lithuania. Humanitarian crossings will also remain possible, to be decided by the State Border Guard Service," said Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovic. An additional exception allows crossing through Medininkai for citizens of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, representatives of the Holy See, Ukraine and their family members, as well as technical staff of diplomatic missions of these countries in Belarus who are Belarusian citizens. The Lavoryskes and Raigardas border checkpoints were closed last year, and others were closed in 2023. Background: Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys stated that Vilnius reserves the right to suspend transit to and from Kaliningrad following the closure of the Belarusian border in response to the situation with weather balloons. He also stated that Lithuania must "put an end to the serf mentality" regarding Belarus. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Lithuania is closing its border with Belarus for one month in response to airspace violations and disruptions to air traffic caused by balloons. The government of the Baltic EU and NATO country decided on Wednesday to keep the two border crossings in Salcininkai and Medininkai closed until November 30. Exceptions will be made for diplomats, EU citizens and transit passengers travelling to and from Russia's Baltic Sea exclave of Kaliningrad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Lithuania is facing a hybrid attack," Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said, explaining the decision and adding that the border closure could be extended "as long as necessary." Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovic said the government was convinced that "these measures send a clear signal to [Lithuania's] not-so-friendly neighbour, who is making no effort whatsoever to solve the problem." Lithuanian airport operations had to be temporarily suspended four times last week due to weather balloons flying in from Belarus. The balloons are usually used by smugglers to illegally send cigarettes across the border from the authoritarian neighbouring country. More than 140 flights and over 20,000 passengers were affected by the restrictions, which were imposed for safety reasons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Gitanas Nauseda, who also discussed the incidents with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, said his country had "numerous direct and indirect pieces of evidence that this is a targeted action to destabilize the situation in Lithuania." Rutte assured Lithuania of his support. The European Union has condemned the incidents. Such provocations are unacceptable, EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas said on behalf of the EU, and said the actions are part of a "targeted hybrid campaign." LITTLE ROCK, Ark. As Hurricane Melissa tears through the Atlantic and floodwaters sweep across Jamaica, one Little Rock woman has experienced the storms impact firsthand. Paisley Crutchfield from Little Rock is currently taking shelter in Jamaica with her girlfriend, where they had traveled to celebrate their anniversary. I did not know that hurricane was coming before I headed this way, Crutchfield said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hurricane Melissa makes landfall as Category 5 storm: Will it impact the US? Strong winds and heavy rain woke her in the middle of the night. But Crutchfield said the locals have helped her remain composed during the storm. Them being as calm as they are definitely helps the nerves of the people who are not from here, she said. Her thoughts, however, have remained with the people of Jamaica who face the hurricanes aftermath. There are people who are going to be affected way worse than I could ever think about, Crutchfield said. If something happens here, I think about the people who I met here who have made my stay in Jamaica amazing and what theyre going to go through when I leave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AST Blog: Hurricane Melissa Turns Dangerous in the Caribbean While Crutchfields family in Little Rock anxiously awaits updates, she said they are nervous about her situation. Originally scheduled to fly home on Sunday, Crutchfield now expects to return on Thursday due to flight cancellations and severe weather conditions. 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. CHICAGO The Little Village Community Council is calling on Mayor Brandon Johnson and the alderman to put up signs at schools saying federal agents cannot utilize the property. The council held a press conference Wednesday outside Lazaro Cardenas Elementary School, located at 2345 South Millard Avenue, where federal agents were reportedly using the schools parking lot on Tuesday. About two weeks ago, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) put up signs saying the parking lot is only for the use of authorized vehicles. But nothing has been put up in relation to the executive order issued by the mayor earlier this month, prohibiting ICE and others from using any city property or facilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are similar allegations that immigration officials in recent days have staged themselves at Benito Juarez High School, located at 1450-1510 W Cermak Road. Vicki Martinez said her daughter spotted federal agents as she was finishing class. She called me yesterday and said ICE is here. I said, Ill come find you. Stay somewhere safe, Martinez said. She saw everyone running and was able to get on the bus. Those hosting the presser said they have reached out to City Hall, asking for that specific signage blocking immigration authorities from being on city property. Border Patrol chief Greg Bovino ordered to make daily court appearances Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They say the mayors office has told them they dont have the manpower or the money to stick a sign on every lot across Chicago. But they say if the city wont do it, they will. The mayor has been great on saying that he will put an executive order so ICE agents will not be using CPS properties or city properties, and again they are using it for the second time to terrorize Little Village. To terrorize residents. We are calling on the mayor to stop just talking. Stop saying that youre doing something for our community. We want action, said Baltazar Enriquez, Little Village Community Council President. A planned walkout, set for Wednesday morning, never materialized, but about 100 students at Farragut High School did protest immigration officials recently spotted near their school. The same scene played out in Little Village on Tuesday at Little Village Lawndale High School, where about 300 students participated. CPS released the following statement regarding the walk-outs: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chicago Public Schools (CPS) actively works to create a safe environment for students to express their feelings and concerns. Approximately 300 students at Little Village Lawndale High School participated in the walk out today. District and school leaders encourage students to participate in civic life and take an active role in their school community, and we are committed to creating a safe environment for them to express their feelings and concerns. Schools work with the CPS Office of Safety and Security to develop safety plans and guidelines to ensure all of our students are safe. Students are expected to follow the Student Code of Conduct (SCC) and all rules and policies set by the Chicago Board of Education and CPS. 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. President Donald Trump claimed that he can deploy any branch of the military in American cities as part of his ongoing domestic crackdown on protests against ICE actions. Trump has activated National Guard troops and deployed them to cities throughout the country in his second term. The deployments have been met with a host of legal challenges. Speaking to the press aboard Air Force One on Wednesday, Trump said he could go even further, telling reporters he could send in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines if he wanted. If I want to enact a certain act, Im allowed to do it, routinely, Trump said. Id be allowed to do whatever I want. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump said that the courts would not be able to stop his domestic troop deployments if he invoked the act, but he hasnt felt the need to cross that bridge. I could send the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, I couldsend anybody I wanted, Trump said. But I havent done that because were doing so well without it. Start your day with essential news from Salon. Sign up for our free morning newsletter, Crash Course. Trump has deployed the National Guard to Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and Memphis, drawing intense criticism from rival politicians and sympathetic influencers alike. The president has claimed deployments successfully caused a downturn in crime rates, telling reporters this week that the capital deployment continues to be amazing and that Memphis is doing really well. See Trumps comments below via YouTube: The post Ill do whatever I want: Trump threatens to deploy other military branches in US cities appeared first on Salon.com. Florida politicians, including prominent Republicans, expressed outrage and confusion over a fast-tracked state purchase of 4 acres of sandy land in Destin for $83 million last month, raising questions about how the unusual deal bypassed typical safeguards for conservation buys. Newly obtained public records provide an answer: The proposal that led to the purchase came from a lobbyist representing the property owner who stands to profit. Rhett ODoski hand-delivered an early version of the state budget language to the aide for Sen. Jay Trumbull, R-Panama City, in March, email records show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ODoski represents Pointe Resort LLC, one of the two companies listed as owners of the property. Both are registered incorporate filings to Robert Guidry, a Louisiana business owner who has donated to Florida politicians campaigns, including Gov. Ron DeSantis and Attorney General James Uthmeier both of whom voted to approve the deal. Attached is the same budget language that I handed you yesterday, ODoski wrote to Trumbulls aide, Andrea Gainey, on March 26. The draft directed the state to purchase a property in Okaloosa County next to a local government park, but did not name the parcel, its owners or the price. Less than three months later, on the last day of budget negotiations in June, Trumbull inserted similar language into the state budget, according to public records and reporting by Politico. The new paragraph required that the state prioritize buying the 4 acres, leapfrogging over long-standing conservation priorities. To make the purchase, the state would use money set aside for the Florida Wildlife Corridor, a continuous tract of preserved land down the spine of the state designed to benefit animals like bears and panthers, even though the Destin property isnt part of it. The proposal ODoski gave to Trumbulls office included a key detail: Floridas environmental regulators could use appraisals that had already been commissioned by the seller, giving the landowner greater sway over the price. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State law outlines a checklist of rules for appraisals to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent on properties that advance the states long-term conservation goals. But experts interviewed by the Times have said this purchase deviated from the typical appraisal process and resulted in what they consider to be an exorbitant cost. The email records were obtained through a public records request by independent journalist Jason Garcia of the Seeking Rents newsletter, who provided them to the Tampa Bay Times. Lobbyists often write language that lawmakers include in the budget, said Mike Fasano, the Pasco County tax collector, who was a longtime Republicanmember of the Florida Legislature. This case is unusual, he said, only for how obvious the fingerprints are. This is nothing new, Fasano said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Floridians became aware of the multimillion-dollar acquisitiondays before DeSantis and the Cabinet voted to buy the property. It immediately stood as an outlier compared to recent conservation purchases, including a 2020 acquisition for the last remaining piece of private land within Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, a few miles down the road from the Destin property. The Cabinet approved buying that 4.5-acre tract for $882,500, or about 1% of the cost of the Destin land. Something thats extremely important here, which was deliberately hidden, is the actual price of the property, said Eric Draper, the former director of state parks under DeSantis until he retired in 2021. Nobody who saw that budget language could have possibly understood this money was being stolen from the Florida wildlife corridor to enrich a donor. Guidrys companies had purchased the property less than 10 years earlierfor under $8 million. Guidry has not responded to the Times requests for comment, including a voicemail left Tuesday. Neither Trumbull nor ODoski responded to emails and texts. DeSantis office also didnt respond to emails requesting comment Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Days after his initial email to Trumbulls office, ODoski sent the same budgetary language again, saying that he had buy-in from the state Department of Environmental Protection. We sent this over to DEP and they are good with how it reads, he wrote. In an emailed statement, agency spokesperson Alex Kuchta said that writing budget language is not the agencys job, and it does not approve or endorse proposed budget language outside of our own agency budget and policy recommendations. Kuchta has previously noted that the land purchase will expand public access by adding to the adjacent park. Colleen Castille, who served as the head of Floridas Department of Environmental Protection under former Gov. Jeb Bush from 2004 until 2007, reviewed the records and said its yet another way elected leaders skirted typical procedure for conservation projects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The land purchase process has been, for decades, transparent and fair to all concerned, she said. But in this case, numerous steps for protecting that transparency have been violated. DeSantis and two members of the Cabinet, Uthmeier and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, both voted to approve the Destin purchase. But in an unusual moment of intraparty tension, Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia said he opposed the deal. His spokesperson has since said Ingoglia took issue mainly with the propertys price. In an Oct. 14 social media post, Okaloosa County Board chairperson Paul Mixon praised the purchase. Records show Mixons campaign received eight separate $1,000 checks from Guidry or businesses registered to him. The state recognized what a unique opportunity this was to purchase land on our states one-of-a-kind coast for a new state park, Mixon wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the property wont become a state park after all. Records show, and Kuchta confirmed, that the property will be managed by Okaloosa County. The Tampa Bay Times launched the Environment Hub in 2025 to focus on some of Floridas most urgent and enduring challenges. You can contribute through our journalism fund by clicking here. KATHMANDU, Oct 29: The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has decided to call for applications for Proportional Representation (PR) candidates by November 8 as part of its preparations for the upcoming House of Representatives (HoR) elections. RSP Spokesperson Manish Jha said the decision was made during the partys Secretariat meeting, which also agreed to launch a voter registration facilitation campaign until November 1. Related story Polls 88 days away, process for proportional representation be... The Election Commission has set the mid of November as the deadline for voter registration. Considering that many youths and citizens across the country have yet to register their names in the voter list, the party has decided to mobilize its party mechanisms at ward, municipal, constituency, and district levels to facilitate voter registration, reads a statement issued by Jha on Wednesday. The party has appointed Secretariat member Ganesh Parajuli as the coordinator of the campaign. SPRINGFIELD, Mo. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Springfield celebrated the regions commitment to ethical business practices on Wednesday, October 29, honoring five organizations at the annual 2025 Torch Awards for Ethics ceremony. Ozarks First news anchor Bailey Strohl (KOLR 10 and FOX 49) emceed the event, welcoming attendees to a celebration of business integrity and community service. The annual Torch Awards emphasize the importance of ethical behavior, noting that it doesnt just shine. It illuminates, brightening the region and making it a better place to live, give, and do business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Torch Awards recognize businesses and nonprofits that exemplify the values of the BBB: ethical practices, exceptional customer service, and strong support for employees, business partners, and the community. The 2025 recipients were selected for lighting the way through exceptional ethics, leadership and service. 2025 BBB Torch Award Winners The following winners were honored during the ceremony: Advanced Car Care Center (Strafford, Mo.) Owner Chip Broemmer accepted the award for the full-service facility, which was recognized for its mission to deliver honest, professional care, its investment in employee development, and strong community ties with organizations like Ozarks Technical Community College and the American Red Cross. John Marion Custom Homes (Springfield, Mo.) Project Manager Kyle Hampton accepted the award for the company, which has been building and remodeling homes since 2003. It was recognized for its commitment to integrity, transparency, and craftsmanship, as well as its community support for organizations like Ozarks Food Harvest. Lebanon Area Chamber of Commerce (Lebanon, Mo.) Executive Director Ashley Mahan accepted the award for the nonprofit, which was honored for its dedication to supporting local businesses, fostering economic vitality, and leading with integrity, inclusivity, and service since 1948. Patriot Heat & Air (Springfield, Mo.) Owner Miranda Rought accepted the award for the woman-owned business, which was built on a promise to serve with integrity, compassion, and purpose. It was specifically highlighted for its commitment to giving back, including providing free HVAC systems and repairs to veterans in need. Primate Digital Marketing (Springfield, Mo.) Digital Marketing Director Rafael Vite accepted the award for the full-service agency. The company was recognized for its commitment to ethical leadership and community impact, including providing free or discounted marketing services to local nonprofits such as ALAS and CultureFest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The annual ceremony aims to highlight organizations whose operations demonstrate that a daily commitment to ethics is the cornerstone of successful business and a stronger 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 KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. A local doctor addressed the community Wednesday morning after Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools confirmed a case of tuberculosis at North Mecklenburg High School. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Tuberculosis found at North Mecklenburg High School Its not clear if the infected person is a student or a teacher at the school, but the district says its working with the county health department to identify and let anyone know who may have been exposed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. David Priest with Novant Health explained that while TB is contagious, it doesnt spread as quickly as COVID-19 or the flu. Usually the people who are most at risk of getting TB are those who have been around the case for long periods of time a number of hours, he said. So if I am out and about or in the hallway at school, and I walk by someone who has TB, my risk of acquiring that are quite low. Dr. Priest says those who are at most risk of getting the infection are the ones living in the same house or those who have been in close contact for several hours. TB vaccines are not required in the United States because of the historically low number of cases. VIDEO: Tuberculosis case investigation continues in Lincoln County (WPRI) Taunton City Councilor Estele Borges, who is challenging incumbent Mayor Shaunna OConnell in this years general election, joined 12 News at 4 to share what voters should know about her plans for the citys future. The interview transcript below has been edited slightly for clarity. Watch the full conversation with 12 News Anchor Kim Kalunian in the video player above. In 60 seconds or less, why do you want to be the next mayor of Taunton? Estele Borges: I have been knocking on doors for the last nine months, over 5,000 doors, talking with residents. And residents are looking for change. They want a mayor that is transparent, that is accountable, and that is what theyre looking for. And I think that as mayor, I can get a lot done, whereas being one of nine councilors, its a lot more difficult to get things done. What do you think is the biggest issue facing the voters of Taunton right now, and how do you plan to tackle it? EB: Overdevelopment with no plan for infrastructure, school systems and our police. That is one of the issues. Our tax rate 9.4% is what it went up to. I chose the least impact on our residents, and that was still the highest tax rate across the surrounding communities. And just restoring integrity, transparency and accountability back to City Hall. What do you think is the biggest difference between you and incumbent Mayor Shaunna OConnell? Im the person that wants to bring people together. I listen to neighborhoods, Im constantly listening to neighborhoods. Ive done a lot of work with the neighborhoods to try to save their open space. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im that person that wants to listen, to bring people to the table to get things done. I dont wait till after the fact, where you have 200 residents sitting at City Hall. I think its important to have our youth, our neighborhoods, as part of the conversation, especially with some of these larger developments. And that is one of the biggest differences between her and I. Youve talked about the need to restore integrity in the mayors office. Can you spell out what you mean by that? A lot of the well-connected are the ones that are making all of the decisions. Yesterday, for instance, I discovered a super PAC from Wisconsin that was involved in the race. And local businesses that have contracts with the city put $34,000 into this super PAC. That, in turn, went into the mayors campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a lot of procurement that has happened that the city has not done correctly. Theres a lot of things happening at City Hall that are just not right. Which former Taunton mayor do you admire the most, and why? Well, theres two. I admire Tom Hoye and Bob Nunes. I think that they were both great mayors. And I find myself very much like them: about the people and doing what is best for our community. Not doing things behind closed doors, but bringing everyone together and doing things together. Your Local Election HQ: Taunton Mayor Shaunna OConnell Tauntons incumbent mayor, Shaunna OConnell, will join 12 News at 4 later this week. 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. Follow us on social media: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Nesi's Notes 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 WPRI.com. Hurricane Melissa has caused significant damage in Jamaica, leaving many residents and their families abroad anxious for updates. Chris Hynton, owner of Jamaican Jerk Shack in Everett, closed his business for the day to focus on getting updates from his family back home in Jamaica. The local Jamaican community is on edge as they receive news of the widespread destruction caused by the hurricane. Its very devastating seeing them going through the hurricane, said Chris Hynton, who is worried about his family in Jamaica. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carlene Comrie, owner of Taste of the Caribbean in Seattles Central District, shared her concerns, saying, The hit is one thing, the aftermath is something completely different when youre living on an island. Hynton expressed his distress, noting that the last time he spoke with his family, they were crying before the communication was cut off. Comrie recalled her experience with Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, highlighting the long-term challenges such as lack of electricity and water. The community plans to use local businesses as fundraising points to support hurricane victims, with Comrie organizing efforts to collect and ship goods to Jamaica. As the Jamaican community in Seattle rallies to support those affected by Hurricane Melissa, the focus remains on providing aid and staying connected with loved ones back home. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) As Hurricane Melissa hits the Caribbean, a central Ohio family is concerned about their loved ones who are directly affected by the storm. The Hayles own Enas Caribbean Kitchen in Linden. They moved to Columbus in 1982 but still have many loved ones in Jamaica. As they got food ready on Tuesday, coverage of the storm was on in the background. Thats the number one topic right now. Its been like that for the last couple days, said Marlon Hayles, co-owner of Enas Caribbean Kitchen. Its been pretty tense for us, I know the kids have been tracking it and monitoring whats going on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Columbus Dollar General removes boards from windows after worries of loss of SNAP benefits The Hayles have been checking on their family members every day since Saturday. Thats all weve got to do, hope and pray for them and when the weather is done, well find out what help they need and we try to help them the best way we can, said Vinell Hayles, Co-Owner of Enas Caribbean Kitchen. She was on the phone with her older sister in Jamaica on Tuesday morning as the storm hit. Jamaica will survive. Because that wouldnt be the first, this is the worst one, but this wouldnt be the first, Vinell Hayles said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Tuesday afternoon, The Hayles said some of their loved ones are dealing with property damage. They said the relatives theyd spoken with so far are ok. Were just waiting to see what the outcome is going to be like, we hope its not going to be too bad and then start planning for whatever type of help they may need afterwards, Marlon Hayles 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV. A woman shops at the Feeding South Florida food pantry in Pembroke Park, Fla., this month. Food banks across the country are gearing up for massive demand from an interruption to federal food aid because of the government shutdown. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Theres no way his local government can fill the void created by a disruption in the federal food stamp program, but local official Gregg Wright says his Minnesota county had to do something. This is pretty much a crisis for families, said Wright, a member of the Olmsted County Board of Commissioners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, the board unanimously voted to send up to $200,000 to a local food bank to help neighbors at risk of losing food assistance because of the federal government shutdown. Olmsted County, which has a population of about 165,000 and is home to the renowned Mayo Clinic in Rochester, expects to lose about $1.7 million per month in benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as SNAP. Its a predicament facing leaders across the country preparing for an unprecedented pause in the nations largest food assistance program as the shutdown drags on. While attorneys general and governors from 25 states and the District of Columbia sued the Trump administration on Tuesday to try to force it to pay SNAP benefits next month, the administration says it will not release funds until the congressional budget impasse is resolved. That leaves food banks, food pantries and local governments scrambling to prepare for an onslaught of demand. States are declaring emergencies, deploying National Guard members and sending millions of taxpayer dollars to local food banks. Nonprofits are bracing for long lines, bare shelves and even panic or civic unrest as some 42 million Americans are expected to lose access to the safety net program in a matter of days. The enormity of this issue is almost hard to comprehend, said Wright, who noted that his county is just one of the more than 3,000 across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The local food bank estimated it could serve SNAP families for one month by spending about $400,000 on bulk food purchases. Rather than front that whole amount, the county board challenged community members to help raise another $200,000. Wright said the county is unable to keep funding food assistance for long. We cant continue to do this without raising taxes, because it isnt in our budget, he said. Who could plan for this? Who would expect that this would come from the federal government? Minnesota is among 10 states where counties administer the food stamp program rather than state governments. Across the country, state and county governments have been redirecting local resources to try to fill the shutdown gap. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom has set aside $80 million in state funds and deployed members of the National Guard to help food banks. Virginia Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency, saying the commonwealth would use its own funds to temporarily help SNAP recipients. In Louisiana, state leaders are preparing to use $150 million monthly to help continue SNAP aid, while Nevada plans to funnel $38.8 million toward local food banks. Minnesota Democratic Gov. Tim Walz announced the state would divert $4 million to food shelves across the state. This is meant to be a bridge, Walz said during a Monday news conference. It will not make up and backfill everything. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Food banks across the country are already facing increased demand. Who could plan for this? Who would expect that this would come from the federal government? Gregg Wright, Olmsted County, Minn., commissioner Virginia Witherspoon, executive director of Channel One Regional Food Bank in Rochester, Minnesota, said the phone was ringing off the hook last week. The nonprofit distributes food to partners across 14 counties and operates its own food shelf in Rochester. That pantry saw an average of about 450 families per day last month, but by last week was already averaging 550 per day, Witherspoon said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont blame anyone who is rushing to their local food shelf and stocking up because theyre afraid they wont be able to feed their families, she told Stateline. What I would say is that food shelves in Minnesota were here, were open, we want to serve you. Were doing our absolute best. Channel One and other operators, though, are concerned about the potential for panic by families scrambling for food. Witherspoon told the Olmsted County Board of Commissioners her organization has considered asking for a police presence, but wants to be careful about what kind of message it sends to the public. She said even increasing food distribution from once to twice a week could cause people to rush in. She said it reminds her of the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when she went on local television to tell people not to worry, though she was privately concerned about running out of food. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its tough. On the one hand, Im in public sounding the alarm to you, to our donors, to our government, she told commissioners. But on the other hand, we dont want to make the public panic and all come shop at once. Its really not a good situation, and weve never been here before. Debate over federal funds The predicament facing nonprofits and local governments is unprecedented: Food stamps have not been disrupted during other government shutdowns. And even the Trump administration previously offered assurance that it would tap into a multiyear contingency fund to continue paying SNAP benefits. The administration reversed that position on Friday, when the U.S. Department of Agriculture said it would not release funds in November and warned states they would not be reimbursed for spending their own revenues on the food program. SNAP has about $6 billion in its contingency fund short of the roughly $9 billion needed to cover a full month of the program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its unclear what the administrations position means for states that have already begun setting aside their own dollars. Following Virginias emergency declaration, the newly created Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance program is expected to send money to SNAP beneficiaries starting on Nov. 3. The governor estimates that about $37.5 million will be allocated per week to Virginias roughly 850,000 SNAP recipients, the Virginia Mercury reported. Neither the governors office nor the Virginia Department of Social Services responded to Stateline requests for comment. North Dakota officials said they had enough cash on hand to cover November SNAP benefits, but are unable to load the funds onto peoples electronic payment cards, the North Dakota Monitor reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State and federal lawmakers, advocates and attorneys general across the country have pushed the administration to release November SNAP funds. Last week, the chief executive officer of the National Conference of State Legislatures asked the USDA to issue clear guidance on states ability to spend and be reimbursed for ongoing administrative costs. North Carolina Democratic Attorney General Jeff Jackson, one of the officials who sued the Trump administration Tuesday, said 1.4 million people including nearly 600,000 children would lose SNAP aid in his state. They have emergency money to help feed children during this shutdown, and theyre refusing to spend it. Contingency plans In New Hampshire, Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte announced a state contingency plan to help SNAP recipients. Pending approval from other state leaders, the plan would divert $2 million to the New Hampshire Food Bank to open up to 20 locations for SNAP recipients twice a week over the next five weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials in Ayottes office and the state health department did not respond to Stateline requests for comment. Elsy Cipriani, executive director of the New Hampshire Food Bank, said the organization is still working out details with the state. She said the group would likely ask to see peoples electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards the debit cards people use to access SNAP benefits at grocery stores to ensure the state-purchased food goes to SNAP recipients. While we dont intend to replace SNAP benefits because we cant; there is no way that we can replace that we are hoping to provide some relief, she told Stateline. In Minnesota, county leaders are working overtime in some areas to respond to questions from SNAP recipients and help find other food assistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That additional workload comes without any state or federal reimbursement, said Tina Schenk, the health and human services director in rural Meeker County. Thats just to respond to our community, because thats our job, she said. But thats very different work than we normally do. The reserve funds of Meeker County, home to about 23,000 people, arent large enough to cover even one months worth of SNAP benefits, Schenk said. So county staff are instead working with local nonprofits and reaching out to families who will be hardest hit by an interruption in benefits to connect them with other state grant programs. The sole local food shelf is increasing its orders with a central food bank, Schenk said but so is nearly every other operation in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Are they going to have enough to fulfill these orders? Thats a question that I dont know the answer to. Stateline reporter Kevin Hardy can be reached at khardy@stateline.org. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) A man who pleaded guilty to a third-degree felony in a February police chase received his sentence on Tuesday. Xavier Ford was sentenced to three years of probation, with a 60-day jail term and a NEOCAP sentence, according to a spokesperson for the Trumbull County Prosecutors Office. Ford was also given a three-year drivers license suspension. Ford had pleaded guilty to failure to comply with the order of a police officer related to a high-speed chase in February. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ford was taken into custody after a police chase on Feb. 14 that began in Sharon and continued into Brookfield Township. Police spotted Ford traveling over 130 miles per hour and driving erratically. Prosecutors said that the chase covered 35 miles and lasted 18 minutes before Ford got out of the vehicle and ran away. Officers chased Ford and caught him in a wooded area nearby. Michael Reiner 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 WKBN.com. ENDICOTT, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) A local middle school hosted a shoe drive this past week, with the proceeds supporting the trip of a lifetime for veterans. Jennie F Snapp Middle School students spent time with local veterans from Twin Tiers Honor Flight and raised money through a shoe drive to benefit the organization. For every 25 pounds of shoes students brought in, $5 was raised towards the Honor Flight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Veterans told stories to the kids, who also participated in activities that highlighted the importance of service and remembrance. Veteran Burt Baldwin says this was his first time visiting a school and talking about his experience. I enjoy talking to the kids, they all have been respectful. I didnt know what to expect because Im not around kids a lot, said Baldwin. Baldwin says one of his favorite parts about the organization is the Mission 21 trip. This allows the organization to take local veterans to Washington, D.C., to see the monuments for the wars they once fought in. He says the public is encouraged to come send off the Veterans and welcome them back home, as he says many of them never received this as soldiers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They will depart the American Legion Post 1645 on Robinson Street in Binghamton Saturday morning at 7 a.m. and return Sunday around 6 p.m. For more information, visit TwinTiersHonorFlight.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 WIVT - News 34. PLATEAU VALLEY, Colo. (KREX) The first phase of a wildfire mitigation and habitat enhancement initiative led by Colorado West Land Trust (CWLT) on a conserved property in Plateau Valley has been completed. Completed in partnership with the Western Colorado Conservation Corps (WCCC), the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) and Ute Water, the project aims to protect people, infrastructure and natural resources. The project will establish a 300-foot-wide firebreak and use a mosaic approach to clear certain clusters of vegetation while leaving others intact. It will mitigate risks to infrastructure such as water pipes, the Vega Reservoir canal, the Molina Power Plant, and the Cottonwood Creek watershed, which supplies water to residents in unincorporated Mesa County and areas of Grand Junction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The firebreak runs right along the hydroelectric dam penstocks that run through our property, generating electricity for the community, said Brad Baldwin, the landowner of the conserved property. When cedar trees ignite, they explode and spread fire quickly from treetop to treetop, Baldwin said. The mosaic pattern cools the fire down and gives crews time to get in and do their work. In addition to fire protection, the project will benefit wildlife and watershed health by creating travel corridors for big game, increasing herbaceous forage and reducing soil erosion. Wildlife depends on these lands, and after a fire, erosion can fill in wetlands, wipe out roads and cause long-term damage. This project protects the land in so many ways, Baldwin said The Baldwin Property project is scheduled for phased implementation, which includes treating approximately 25 acres annually, and is estimated to be completed by June 2028. The project is supported by grants from the Colorado Youth Corps Association and Great Outdoors Colorado. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Working together with partners like the Colorado State Forest Service and the Western Colorado Conservation Corps allows us to tackle large-scale, wildfire mitigation projects, said CWLT Conservation Manager David Varner. Our role is to help landowners like Brad [Baldwin] take pragmatic steps that protect their property, safeguard critical infrastructure, and benefit the broader community. These partnerships make it possible to create more resilient landscapes across the region. Private lands like those in Plateau Valley are vital to our collective wildfire resilience, said Hallie Flynn with CSFS. In areas where public and private lands are closely connected, proactive mitigation on private property helps reduce risk across the entire landscape. While our work supports overall forest and watershed health, the most effective actions to prevent home loss start within the Home Ignition Zone. As a stewardship agency, the CSFS is focused on helping landowners take practical measures to protect what matters, now and for future generations. After he purchased the property in 2000, Baldwin began a decades-long commitment to preserving it for future generations. In 2008, he put the property under a conservation easement with CWLT. I couldnt let it be divided up into 35-acre lots, Baldwin said. It needed to stay the way its been for hundreds of years. This is a win-win situation, Baldwin said, referring to the project and his experience. Landowners get healthier property and protection for their homes, and the broader community, including agencies like the BLM and Forest Service, benefits from reduced wildfire risk. Were sharing the cost and the responsibility and everyone comes out ahead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CWLTs Resilience-building Program dedicates itself to promoting projects on lands protected by its conservation easements. To learn more about the nonprofit organization and its work, visit cowestlandtrust.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 WesternSlopeNow.com. Its probably safe to say that not much phases Trevor McNally, a former marine turned full time lock-picking YouTuber. Unfortunately for the lock company Proven Industries, its leadership underestimated just how composed McNally would remain as they sued him for showing how to crack one of its laughably insecure locks. The whole thing began in March of this year, when Proven blasted a 90 second promo clip called YOU GUYS KEEP SAYING YOU CAN EASILY BREAK OFF OUR LATCH PIN LOCK. In the video, detailed by Ars Technica, a guy in a bald cap takes a sledgehammer to the companys $130 trailer hitch lock, hollering that he will prove a lot of you haters wrong. Its the kind of challenge McNally made his bones on hes accumulated over seven million followers, and billions of views, by busting common padlocks, pin tumbler locks, and deadbolts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A month after Proven issued its challenge, the YouTuber released a simple video that shows him watch a few seconds of the promo clip while kicking his feet and sipping on a juice box. Then he films himself silently rolling up to the lock and shimming it in seconds with a hunk from a can of the water brand Liquid Death. Thats when everything went off the rails. Just wanted to say thanks and be prepared! Ron Lee, the owner of Proven Industries vaguely threatened after viewing McNallys lock-shimmying video. The following day, Lee personally texted McNallys wife, leading him to feel that the business owner was trying to intimidate me and my family, the YouTuber told Ars. Proven employees soon started blasting McNally with spurious claims, while lawyers for the company began haranguing him with DMCA takedowns, arguing he had somehow violated copyright law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All the while, McNally took it in stride, releasing videos of him opening more Proven locks. Eventually, Lee and Proven Industries filed a federal lawsuit against McNally charging him with eight separate offenses, including copyright infringement, tortious interference with business relationships, civil conspiracy, and defamation by implication the last one because McNally hadnt said a single word in his original video. As Ars notes, McNallys choice to drink a juice box in his original lock-picking video came up at least five separate times in the legal proceedings. McNally appears swinging his legs and sipping from an apple juice box, conveying to the purchasing public that bypassing Plaintiffs lock is simple, trivial, and even comical, one passage read. McNally, the lock company argued, would simply not stop until he destroys Provens reputation despite the fact that Proven Industries had technically fired the first volley by inviting scrutiny of its product. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the YouTubers lawyers, the lawsuit was about as easy as shimming the trailer hitch lock with an aluminum can. At one point in the preliminary hearings, the judge flat out dismissed that McNally had even approached anything resembling tortious interference. The fact that you might have a repeat customer who is dissuaded to buy your product due to a criticism of the product is not the type of business relationship the tortious interference with business relationship concept is intended to apply, she told the court, according to Ars. I will pray that you all come to a resolution of the case that doesnt require all of this, the judge said. This is a capitalist market and people say what they say. As long as its not false, they say what they say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July, the company finally dismissed the lawsuit likely at the advice of its lawyers though it requested that the judge seal almost the entire court record, including the request to seal the court record. The judge has yet to issue a ruling on that, though the genie is obviously out of the bottle. More on YouTube: YouTube Is Drowning in AI Slop Channels NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) As the federal government shutdown nears one month, food banks and local businesses across Louisiana are preparing for what could be a major surge in need. Local organizations are stepping up and asking for the communitys help, whether that means donating food, money or time. Amanda Toups with Toups Meatery says the potential loss of benefits could push families already living below the poverty line into a full-blown crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We already have one in three of our children sitting below the poverty line, and those were children who were already getting SNAP benefits, Toups said. If they are removed and do not get them, you will see the largest crisis and hunger in this city that weve ever seen. At Second Harvest Food Bank, shelves that were once full are now nearly empty. John Sillars with Second Harvest says their team is preparing to meet the demand as best they can, but the numbers are daunting. Gov. Jeff Landry asks bond commission to reject New Orleans loan request, calls for fiscal review Were talking on a scale of what we would distribute in a year, SNAP covers in a month, Sillars said. And so, if SNAP does get halted Nov. 1, we are going to do everything we can to serve as many people as we are able to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He says Second Harvest expects to receive close to 5 million fewer meals worth of food this year compared to last, making community support more important than ever. The food supply is down, but were going out really hard asking for food donations and we are getting a response, Sillars added. Its already a crisis, even if the SNAP benefits come through, Toups said. Food is a human right in our country. To take that away from our children because of a squabble in D.C. is despicable. Residents can find more information on how to donate or volunteer at no-hunger.org. You can contact Toups Meatery through their social media sites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Louisiana Senate is expected to meet at 11:00 a.m. Friday to discuss measures aimed at keeping SNAP benefits flowing despite the federal shutdown. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts 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 WGNO. (Louisiana Illuminator) When theres an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease, state health officials typically take certain steps to alert residents and issue public updates about the growing threat. Thats standard practice, public health and infectious disease experts told NPR and KFF Health News. The goal is to keep as many other vulnerable people as possible from getting sick and to remind the public about the benefits of vaccinations. But in Louisiana this year, public health officials appeared not to have followed that playbook during the states worst whooping cough outbreak in 35 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is a highly contagious vaccine-preventable disease thats particularly dangerous for the youngest infants. It can cause vomiting and trouble breathing, and serious infections can lead to pneumonia, seizures and, rarely, death. Dr. Madison Flake, a pediatric resident in Baton Rouge, cared for a baby who was hospitalized during this years outbreak. At less than 2 months old, he was sent to the intensive care unit. He would have these bouts of very dramatic coughing spells, Flake said. He would stop breathing for several seconds to almost a minute. Infants are not eligible for their first pertussis vaccine until theyre 2 months old, but they can acquire immunity if their mother was immunized while pregnant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By late January 2025, two babies had died in Louisiana. But the Louisiana Department of Health waited two months to send out a social media post suggesting people talk to their doctors about getting vaccinated. The department took even longer to issue a statewide health alert to physicians, send out a press release or hold a press conference. Those delays are not typical, according to Dr. Georges Benjamin, the executive director of the American Public Health Association. Particularly for these childhood diseases, we usually jump all over these, said Benjamin, who has led health departments in Maryland and the District of Columbia. These are preventable diseases and preventable deaths. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because infectious diseases spread exponentially, if officials dont alert the public quickly, they lose a key chance to prevent further infections, said Dr. Abraar Karan, an instructor on infectious diseases at Stanford University who has worked on COVID-19 and mpox outbreaks. Time is perhaps one of the most important currencies that you have, he added. Amid outbreak, surgeon general stops state vaccine promotion Because pertussis vaccine immunity wanes over time, cases can ebb and flow over time. But in September 2024, Louisiana health officials started seeing a substantial increase in whooping cough cases, part of a national increase in cases. In late January 2025, physicians inside one Louisiana hospital warned their colleagues that two infants had died in the outbreak. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Feb. 13, the states surgeon general, Ralph Abraham, sent a memo to staff ending the general promotion of vaccines and community vaccine events. He sent that email a few hours after Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an anti-vaccine activist, won Senate confirmation as the new U.S. health and human services secretary. Also that day, Abraham posted a public memo on the Louisiana Department of Healths website. In it, he said public health had overstepped with vaccine recommendations, which, he said, are driven by a one-size-fits-all, collectivist mentality. Abraham has called COVID-19 vaccines dangerous and has been a vocal supporter of Kennedy. Four days later, in response to a request from a TV news station in New Orleans, the Louisiana Department of Health confirmed the deaths of two infants from whooping cough for the first time, in an email. WVUE Fox 8 then published the news. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the Louisiana Department of Health sent out no alerts, according to a review of external and internal communications by NPR and KFF Health News. Over the next month, two more infants were hospitalized for whooping cough, according to internal health department emails, obtained through a public records request. In March, after inquiries from NPR and KFF Health News about the growing number of pertussis cases, the health department put out its first social media communications about the outbreak and offered interviews to other journalists. Then in May at least three months after the second infant death the health department issued what appears to be its first and so far only official alert to physicians. It put out its first press release, and it then held a press conference about pertussis on May 14. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By then, 42 people, three-quarters of whom were not up to date on their whooping cough immunizations, had been hospitalized for whooping cough since the outbreak began, according to the Louisiana Department of Health. More than two-thirds of those hospitalized were babies under age 1. Throughout the summer, cases of pertussis continued to climb in Louisiana. But there were no further public communications from the Louisiana Department of Health. NPR and KFF contacted the department for comment on Sept. 25. A spokeswoman did not answer specific questions about the lack of communications but referred to a Sept. 30 post on X by the state surgeon general. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the post, Abraham said the department consistently reported cases of pertussis and provided guidance to help residents stay protected in 2025. He called the pertussis vaccine one of the least controversial and said he recommends it to his patients. The post on X included a year-by-year graphic of pertussis cases that omitted 2024 and 2025. The post also acknowledged for the first time that one of the infant deaths occurred in late 2024. A train wreck of cases and hospitalizations Louisiana should have started warning the public within days or a week of the first infants death, instead of waiting months, said Stanfords Karan. At minimum, it should be like heavy promotion of, Hey, infants are at high risk. They get infected by people who have waning immunity. If you havent gotten vaccinated, get vaccinated. If you have these symptoms, get tested, Karan said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While deaths from a vaccine-preventable illness are tragic, they can also serve as an opportunity to educate the public about the benefits of vaccines and try to save lives, according to Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, a former health secretary for Maryland, and a professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. The risk of pertussis is always there, but when you have two infant deaths its a really good opportunity to communicate that this is a real threat to the health of children, Sharfstein said. By not acting more quickly, Karan said he believes the department may have set itself up for a worse outbreak. Because then what we see is this train wreck thereafter, of like an insanely large outbreak, a lot of hospitalizations, Karan said. The outbreak continued As of Sept. 20, Louisiana had counted 387 cases of whooping cough in 2025, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The previous 35-year high was 214 cases, in 2013. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Until the Sept. 30 post on X, the Louisiana Department of Health did not appear to put out any public communications about pertussis over the preceding four months, as hospitalizations continued and case levels surpassed the 2013 levels. The health department should be responding aggressively and consistently, said Dr. Joseph Bocchini, the president of the Louisiana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Where people are updated on a regular basis and reminded of what needs to be done, he said. Get your vaccines. Moms, if youre pregnant, get vaccinated. And if you have a cough illness, see your doctor. This story comes from NPRs health reporting partnership with WWNO and KFF Health News. Latest News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. State Rep. Candace Newell, D-New Orleans, says Republicans in the Louisiana Legislature are likely to dilute Black voter strength if a pending U.S. Supreme Court ruling allows them redraw the state's six congressional districts. (Photo by Greg LaRose/Louisiana Illuminator) Republicans in the Louisiana Legislature gave final approval Wednesday to pushing back 2026 primary election dates, capping a one-week special session that sets the stage for revising the states U.S. House districts ahead of next years congressional midterms. Their calendar adjustment banks on the U.S. Supreme Court bucking its pattern of issuing decisions in the spring and instead making a ruling in a key redistricting case before Christmas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the GOPs preferred scenario, justices would issue a decision in the case by Dec. 20 that would clear the way for legislators to redraw the maps in an early January special session. The ruling might allow Republican lawmakers to remove one or both majority Black districts that Black Democrats currently hold out of the states six U.S. House seats. In the case in question, Louisiana v. Callais, Attorney General Liz Murrill has argued that race was used illegally to draw boundaries of the 6th Congressional District that state lawmakers gave bipartisan approval to in early 2024. Specifically, she has called into question whether Section 2 the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 violates the U.S. Constitution. The section of the landmark civil rights legislation prohibits voting laws or procedures that discriminate based on race, color or membership in a language minority group. Murrill contends Section 2 conflicts with the 14th and 15th amendments of the U.S. Constitution, which cover representation in Congress and racial discrimination in voting, respectively. Black Democrats in the Louisiana Legislature led opposition to pushing back qualifying and party primary elections dates a month to allow for a possible redistricting. They noted that Murrill and Republicans, including Gov. Jeff Landry, originally supported and called for the creation of a second majority-Black congressional district in Louisiana to avoid having a federal court drawing the lines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After an initial hearing in March, the Supreme Court scheduled a rare second round of arguments for the parties in Callais for October, asking them to evaluate whether Louisianas current congressional map violates the 14th and 15th amendments to the U.S. Constitution. It was then that Murrill ended her defense of the map and joined the white plaintiffs who sued to block it. The decision in the case could determine the degree to which race can be considered when drawing election maps after each decennial census, creating nationwide implications. Justices could simply keep as is Louisianas challenged 6th Congressional District, which Rep. Cleo Fields, D-Baton Rouge, currently holds. But if Fields district is rejected without undermining the Voting Rights Act, state lawmakers would have to approve a new congressional map with two majority Black districts. Justices could also overturn Fields district and scale back Section 2. Republicans would then have the opportunity to eliminate either or both of the states two majority Black districts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Throughout the special session, Black lawmakers were pointed in their remarks toward Republican colleagues, saying that they are carrying out President Donald Trumps orders to help preserve the GOPs majority in Congress. Several Republican-led states have launched efforts to redraw their House districts, a process that typically takes place closer to the completion of the decennial U.S. census. Rep. Candace Newell, a Black Democrat from New Orleans, noted the redistricting cycle based on the 2020 census was the first since the U.S. Department of Justice ended its preclearance of Louisianas election mapmaking process. A Supreme Court decision in 2013 determined the oversight was unconstitutional, weakening Section 4(b) of the Voting Rights Act. We are seeing now that the South is not far enough removed from racist practices where we can trust that the fundamentally correct thing will be done, Newell said to House members. Rep. Beau Beaullieu, who co-authored the bill to push back qualifying and primary dates next year, pushed back on this as well as suggestions that the changes would create confusion among voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He framed the special session as an opportunity to position the state to act quickly if the Supreme Court rules soon on Callias. The fact that justices held a second hearing in the Callais could lead to a ruling from the Supreme Court in the coming weeks, he said. I dont think its out of the realm of possibilities that, because theyve delayed us already, they wouldnt provide us with a decision before the end of the year, Beaullieu told lawmakers Wednesday. Even if a Supreme Court ruling invalidates Louisianas current congressional map, the state would not be obligated to implement new maps for the 2026 election. The date changes lawmakers approved in a 73-29 vote move next years primary election schedule back roughly one month. Instead of an April 18 party primary for Louisianas congressional races and some municipal elections, the new date would be May 16. Primary runoffs would be moved from May 30 to June 2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The qualifying period for the election would be adjusted from Jan. 14-16 to Feb. 11-13. A separate measure lawmakers approved moves five state constitutional amendments and local propositions on the March ballot to the new April date. Beaullieu said the Secretary of State would need the legislature to provide a new congressional district map by Jan. 13 in order for her office to hold the qualifying period a month later. Next years congressional midterm election will be the first Louisiana holds under a closed primary system since 1975. Lawmakers chose in 2024 to end the states open jungle primary process that places candidates from all parties in a weed-out election and sends the top two vote-getters to a runoff unless someone claims more than 50% of the primary vote. The implementation of closed primaries was delayed until 2026. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) Louisiana lawmakers approved a proposal to use $150 million in state funds for SNAP benefits as the federal government shutdown continues Wednesday. The resolution, which would allow the Louisiana Department of Health to use funds to pay for food assistance benefits, was approved in a 97-0 vote in the House on Friday. The resolution was introduced after Gov. Jeff Landry declared a state of emergency as lawmakers were already at the state Capitol for a special session. On Wednesday, the resolution was approved in a 32-1 vote in the Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before the vote, some lawmakers voiced their frustration with the federal government. State Sen. Valarie Hodges (R-Denham Springs) called for the shutdown to end, saying she believes it to be outrageous that the federal government isnt taking action to provide food assistance benefits. It creates a bad precedent and its a disincentive, and I just dont think its right. It violates the idea of federalism. It forces us to do something for the federal government that it should be doing itself, State Sen. Jay Morris (R-West Monroe) said. Louisiana SNAP recipients were warned that no new benefits would be available for them in November amid the shutdown. The Landry administration said nearly 800,000 people in Louisiana rely on benefits. SNAP deadline: What happens to unused benefits on your EBT card after Nov. 1? Latest News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Two suspects arrested after the spectacular break-in at the Louvre in Paris have made partial confessions, a prosecutor said on Wednesday. The two men, 34 and 39 years old, are now to be remanded in custody, Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau said. She said both are known to the police for serious theft offences, and that she hoped that they would make further statements. There is currently still no trace of the stolen jewels, estimated to be worth 88 million (about $100 million). "I would like to remain hopeful that they will be found and returned to the Louvre Museum and the nation," Beccuau said at a press conference at the Paris Palace of Justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These jewels are now unsaleable. Anyone who buys them would be guilty of handling stolen goods," said the prosecutor, adding "there is still time to return them." Based on CCTV footage, investigators assumed that four perpetrators were directly involved. However, it is quite possible that there is a "broader network with a client or even potential recipients." The prosecutor stressed that there is no evidence to suggest that museum staff may have helped the burglars. The raid on October 19 made international headlines. The masked men parked a truck equipped with a lifting platform next to the museum. While two of the perpetrators waited on the street on scooters, the other two used the lifting platform to reach a first-floor balcony and from there entered the museum through a window. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The thieves fled on the scooters with eight precious pieces of jewellery belonging to former queens and empresses, including tiaras, necklaces, earrings and brooches studded with precious stones. Two men were arrested on October 25 and are being investigated for gang theft. The Paris public prosecutor said Wednesday that the two suspects being held in custody since last weekend have been charged with organized robbery and conspiracy to commit a crime in connection with the brazen Oct. 19 Louvre Museum heist. Both suspects have been remanded in custody, which means they will remain in prison until their trial. During a news conference earlier Wednesday, Laure Beccuau, the Paris Public Prosecutor, reported that investigators are making "major progress" in the case and released new information about the two suspects -- but said the stolen jewels remain missing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beccuau said that if the suspects are convicted, they'll face a sentence of up to 15 years in prison and heavy fines. Abdul Saboor/Reuters - PHOTO: A member of security stands outside the Louvre Museum after French police arrested suspects in the Louvre heist case, in Paris, France, Oct. 26, 2025. A 96-hour deadline for charging or releasing the suspects was set to expire on Wednesday. Both suspects are from the Paris suburb of Seine-Saint-Denis, authorities previously said. Beccuau also said in her press conference that the two suspects arrested on Saturday "partially admitted their involvement in the events to investigators." A massive manhunt continued on Wednesday for at least two other suspects in the robbery. Beccuau said she has not ruled out the possibility that more perpetrators were involved in the heist, but added that, at this stage, evidence has not suggested any additional accomplices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Louvre robbery: A timeline of the brazen theft, investigation and first arrests Beccuau said trace DNA recovered from a scooter used in the heist and a window at the Louvre helped investigators identify the suspects, whose names have not been released. One man was arrested about 8 p.m. local time on Saturday at Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport as he was about to leave the country without a return ticket, Beccuau said. She said the suspect has lived in France since 2010 and had been convicted of a previous robbery. Dimitar Dilkoff/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: 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. Beccuau said the second suspect is a taxi driver who was arrested at 8:40 p.m. on Saturday near his home. She said the suspect's DNA was found on one of the windows at the Louvre. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmaker rips Louvre security after jewel heist as deadline nears for charging suspects Beccuau said the suspect had been previously convicted of "aggravated robberies" in 2008 and 2014. Investigators previously told ABC News that the second suspect was arrested as he was about to travel to Mali, but on Wednesday, Beccuau said the man had no intention of leaving the country. ABC News' Hugo Leenhardt,Tom Soufi Burridge and Joseph Simonetti contributed to this report. French authorities continue to make arrests as they work to track down thieves who made off with more than $100 million worth of precious jewels from the Louvre in a brazen heist in broad daylight. Four thieves swept through the Galerie d'Apollon section of the iconic museum in Paris on Oct. 19, using a furniture-lift truck and tools to slice open the window. They smashed display cases, threatened guards and made off with eight of France's crown jewels before speeding away on scooters. A week after the seven-minute heist, which happened on a Sunday morning, French authorities began tracking down some of the suspects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's what to know about the latest in the case. French Authorities Initially Arrested 2 Suspects in the Louvre Heist Two men were taken into custody by French police on Oct. 25, including one at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport as he was trying to get on a flight, Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau said. The suspects are two men in their early 30s who have criminal records for jewel theft and were living in Aubervilliers, a suburb of northeast Paris around four miles from the Louvre, according to Axel Ronde, a police officer and spokesman for the French police union CFTC. One man is a 34-year-old Algerian national who was unemployed but had previously worked as a delivery driver. The second suspect is a 39-year-old taxi driver and former delivery driver, Baccuau said at a news conference on Oct. 29. French police have arrested two suspects in connection with the robbery of the Louvre in Paris. (DIMITAR DILKOFF / AFP via Getty Images) Were dealing with experienced criminals who are known to the police and the justice system," Ronde told NBC News foreign correspondent Raf Sanchez. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DNA discovered at the scene of the robbery was matched with DNA in a police database and led to the apprehension of the suspects, according to Ronde. One man was arrested 40 minutes before a flight to Algeria was set to take off from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, a police official told NBC News. Police are still searching for the remaining suspects, but believe the robbery may be the work of a larger crew. "Its unlikely to be only four people," Ronde told Sanchez. "We know well that usually there is an entire network behind, and its the network in its entirety that needs to fall and be dismantled, as fast as possible. We are racing against the clock to find these jewels and place them back in the Louvre in a good state." Then, 5 Suspects Were Arrested by French Authorities Five new suspects were arrested in connection with the Louvre heist, Beccuau told the French radio station RTL on Oct. 30. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The arrests were made overnight on Oct. 29 into the morning of Oct. 30 in multiple locations in the greater Paris area, including Seine-Saint-Denis, a suburb in northeast Paris, Beccuau said. She did not provide any details about the suspects identities but said one of them was tracked using DNA from the crime scene. Prosecutors allege he was directly involved in the heist. Hes one of the suspects we were gunning for during our investigation, Baccuau told RTL. The arrests bring the total to seven suspects in custody. The initial two men who were arrested are alleged to have been among the thieves who broke into the Galerie dApollon and took the jewels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baccuau said at a news conference on Oct. 29 that the two men partially confessed to taking part in the crime. She said in the radio interview that the men had made minimal confessions and that they obviously dont hail from the top of the specter of organized crime. The five arrests on Oct. 29 were not based on information provided by the first two men who were taken into custody, but instead were as a result of DNA and other evidence, according to Baccuau. I wont say anything on their confessions, but what I can say is that the arrests of tonight werent linked to the declarations of the first two but to elements we have at hand, she told RTL. None of the jewels have yet to be recovered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The searches that were conducted during the night didnt allow us to find the loot, Beccuau told the radio station. A Specialized French Force Is Spearheading the Investigation France's Brigade For The Repression of Banditry, a special police unit known as the BRB, is leading the investigation. The BRB is the same team that investigated the armed robbery of Kim Kardashian, who lost $9 million in jewelry when she was bound and robbed at gunpoint at a private residence in Paris in 2016. After an investigation by the BRB, eight people were convicted in May in connection with the robbery. Robert Wittman, who founded the FBIs rapid deployment Art Crime Team, spoke on TODAY on Oct. 27 about the work done by the BRB. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The BRB is a great group," Wittman said. "Theyve done great investigations, and theyre bloodhounds. They're dogged, so I think that theres going to be more arrests quickly. Now that theyve got these two (suspects), theres a lot more evidence cell phones, (and) theyll do a search warrant on the house." Have Authorities Found Any of the Jewels from the Louvre Heist? None of the jewels that were snatched have been recovered. Beccuau, the prosecutor who is leading the investigation, said in an Oct. 21 interview with RTL, a French radio network, that the stolen jewels are worth an estimated 88 million euros, which is an estimated $102 million. These are symbols of France," Louvre tour guide Amy Huntington told TODAY.com on Oct. 21. "Theyre above value because theyre parts of history. But once you start taking them apart, thats when they have actual value. A set of jewelry of Queen Marie-Amelie and Queen Hortense is among the precious items that were stolen from the Louvre and yet to be recovered. (STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN / AFP via Getty Images) Ronde told NBC News that the initial two Louvre heist suspects in custody were not cooperating and would not reveal where the jewels have been hidden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Generally when these situations happen, they dont dump the jewels," Wittman said on TODAY. "They dont dump the art right away because theyre worried about getting caught." "In places like France and Europe, they can use those to get out of jail free, so there are reasons to keep the stuff in good shape," he continued. "If they pop the jewels and destroy it and get caught anyway, theyre going to go to prison. They have no bargaining tools." Police told Sanchez they are encouraged by the fact that the two suspects were arrested in Paris, which suggests the thieves were not able to flee abroad with the jewels and may still have them hidden in the city. In the case of Kardashian's stolen jewelry from 2016, none of it has been recovered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement French officials also said the jewels stolen from the Louvre were not privately insured because the premiums for the priceless items are so high, according to NBC News. That means the Louvre will not get a payout from the $100 million loss. This article was originally published on TODAY.com Two men arrested over the theft of Frances crown jewels from the Louvre have partially admitted responsibility for the heist, a prosecutor has said. However, at least two others remain at large along with the priceless jewels, according to Laure Beccuau. Around 100 detectives have been on the trail of four thieves who used a truck-mounted lift and cutting gear to break into a first-floor gallery at the museum on Oct 19. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The thieves fled with jewellery estimated to be worth more than 76m, which Ms Beccuau said was obviously unsellable. Two men, identified by traces of their DNA, were arrested on Saturday in connection with the heist. The men were placed under formal investigation on Wednesday evening and remanded in custody for organised theft and criminal conspiracy, French media reported, citing the investigation. b' Louvre heist version 2 \xe2\x80\x93 French Crown Jewels are displayed in Apollo Gallery ' In a press conference on Wednesday, Ms Beccuau said the two suspects have partially admitted their involvement in the crime to investigators. However, at least two others remain at large and investigators have not ruled out the possibility of a group much larger than four criminals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She added that there was no evidence that pointed to inside involvement from the museum staff at this stage. As for the jewellery, it is not yet in our possession, she said. The thieves dropped a crown of diamonds and emeralds as they escaped and police found a yellow vest that they believe belonged to one of the culprits. The burglars made off with eight other items of jewellery. Among them are an emerald-and-diamond necklace that Napoleon I gave his wife, Empress Marie-Louise, and a diadem that once belonged to the Empress Eugenie, which is dotted with nearly 2,000 diamonds. The two suspects in custody will be brought before an investigating magistrate and charged shortly thereafter with theft and criminal conspiracy, which carry maximum prison terms of 15 and 10 years, respectively. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first suspect is a 34-year-old Algerian national who has been living in France since 2010. He was already known for traffic offences and was identified as a result of his DNA being found on one of the scooters. He was arrested on Saturday night at Roissy Charles de Gaulle airport in possession of a one-way ticket to Algeria. The second suspect is 39-years-old and lives in Aubervilliers (Seine-Saint-Denis). He is known for aggravated theft, notably for ramming a cash dispenser with a vehicle. He is also under judicial supervision in another case due to be heard in November. His DNA was found on one of the broken windows and on objects abandoned during the getaway and does not come from a hair or a yellow vest, contrary to what has been reported in some media outlets, Ms Beccuau said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pair are suspected of being the ones who broke into the Galerie dApollon to steal the jewellery, she said. The truck used to break into the first-floor gallery was stolen on Oct 10 shortly before 9am in the commune of Louvres on the outskirts of Paris. Its owner had been asked to help with a move but two men arrived at the meeting place and stole the keys and vehicle, Ms Beccuau said. The thieves met at a rendezvous point and changed vehicles before heading to the museum. The prosecutor said around 20 witnesses were interviewed by investigators, including those who saw the suspects trying to set the truck on fire after the heist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said: Traces of petrol were found on the vehicle, along with a jerry can. The simultaneous arrival of the police and museum security prevented the criminals from setting it alight. The two thieves then joined the other two criminals and fled on two scooters along the banks of the Seine. Credit: Social Media The brazen theft triggered a debate in France over the security of cultural institutions. Less than 24 hours after the break-in, a museum in eastern France reported the theft of gold and silver coins after finding a smashed display case. Laurence des Cars, the Louvres director, last week admitted that security cameras did not adequately cover the thieves point of entry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But she defended a multi-million dollar plan to increase security at the museum. 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. MARSHALL, Texas (KTAL/KMSS) A family is mourning the loss of their loved one who became a victim of gun violence in Marshall, Texas. They are speaking out in hopes of finding out who is responsible for his death. Police seek shooters identity in Marshall homicide Carlos was one that could make you laugh. Hes going to say silly things. He loved music and people. Carlos had a heart, said Alene White, his mother. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The family of Carlos Dewayne Hill shares stories of his life. He was loved, respected, he was joyful, said Frank White, his stepfather. We are such a tight-knit family. The good thing is that Carlos got to come to our family reunion this year. We had 219 in attendance, said Reatha Robinson, his aunt. Carlos was 48-years-old. Marshall police are investigating his death as a homicide. Detectives said he was shot and killed Sunday evening around 9 p.m. in the 1900 block of Bean Street. His family said this act of gun violence was senseless. I pray that gun violence stops. That people learn a way to get along in the community. So people can have a safe place to go to, Robinson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are hoping to raise awareness of his death in order to find his killer. The family wants people to know that they are hurting, but are praying for the family of the shooter. We are praying for that family. For whoever did this. Because we realize vengeance belongs to the Lord, not to us. We want that family to know we are praying for them, White said. Their strong family has dealt with gun violence in the past. They want justice and closure for Carlos. While hoping more can be done locally to deter gun violence. We are going to move ahead by staying together as family. Remember the good times we had with Carlos, White said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marshall police said the suspect fled the area before officers arrived. Chief Carruth extends his deepest condolences to the family and say his officers are working diligently identify and locate the person responsible. Anyone with information is urged to contact Marshall police (903) 935-4575. 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 KTALnews.com. On the cold streets of Ulm, Germany, there is a small wooden pod called the Ulm Nest thats changing the face of how the city provides shelter to its most vulnerable citizens. These insulated capsules, designed to support people through the coldest nights, are more than a place to catch a few winkstheyre a lifeline. Intended to bridge the gap between homelessness and shelter, the Ulm Nest is not an alternative to housing or group shelters. Its a stopgap measure for nights when sleeping outdoors could be deadly. Some have no choice but to avoid traditional shelters due to mental illness, no-dog rules, or the effects of addiction. For them, this pod is safety, warmth, and dignity when there is no other place to go. Technology Meets Compassion At first glance, the Ulm Nest looks like a small, futuristic capsule made from wood and steel. But step inside, and youll find an impressive mix of warmth, privacy, and technology. Each Nest is built from solid wood sealed to block moisture, paired with powder-coated steel for sanitation and durability. The design is both eco-friendly and cost-efficientproof that sustainability can go hand in hand with compassion. Ulm Nest in final position outdoors. (CREDIT: Ulmer Nest / Widerstand & Sohne GmbH, bootschaft GbR) Inside, there is real-time monitoring of temperature, humidity, smoke, and carbon dioxide levels by sensors. The data is relayed to a secure app which sends notifications to the city employees if something is wrong. If, for instance, a pod catches fire, emergency responders receive an alert instantaneously. If overnight resident, outreach workers receive automatic alerts to see the guest the next morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The system also tracks maintenance needs, cleanliness, and battery life. A ceramic heat exchanger keeps air fresh with warmth contained within, and a replaceable internal battery charges through the night. All made to lastso no one is left shivering in the cold. From a Castle Workshop to a Citywide Vision The project started in the most unlikely of places: a castle. Ulm started its Storm the Fortress campaign in 2018 to turn the Wilhelmsburg castle into an incubator for local innovators. The Wilhelmsburo was a result of the project and is made up of design agency Bootschaft, hardware company Widerstand & Sohne, and IT specialist Florian Geiselhart. When Ulms Social Services Division made an appeal to the team to come up with a system to protect homeless citizens from hypothermia, the idea of the Ulm Nest was born. They met with emergency shelter staff, the Red Cross, and youth outreach teams to find out what gaps existed in available options. People avoided large shelters due to fear, strict entrance requirements, or mental problems. The group envisioned something betweena private, portable refuge that may be safe without judging. Solar powered Ulm Nest provides shelter and warmth for cold nights. (CREDIT: Ulmer Nest / Widerstand & Sohne GmbH, bootschaft GbR) From Concept to Prototype The first prototype came together quickly. Using virtual reality, architects asked residents and social workers to step into a virtual simulation of the pod to experience how it would be to live there. That first input led to changes in comfort, accessibility, and design. When the actual prototype was finished, it was made available publicly to citizens and unhoused individuals for further feedback. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wood was selected for its natural insulation and steel for its sanitary qualities. Although materials such as carbon fiber may emerge later for large-scale production, for now the emphasis is on hand-built, long-lasting, and inexpensive prototypes that can be easily maintained by cities. Smart Systems for Safety and Care Aside from its physical structure, the Ulm Nest is supported by an electronic base. Each pod has access to a web-based portal that displays real-time status of occupation, heat, and level of safety. When an individual sleeps in a pod, social workers receive a notification to visit the next day. The visits are usually a gentle reconnection to reintegrate the individuals into services, counseling, or housing plans. Simple, low-cost, easily maintainable and functional structure. (CREDIT: Ulmer Nest / Widerstand & Sohne GmbH, bootschaft GbR) Cleaning or repair alerts are also automatically sent to maintenance teams so the pods remain hygienic and safe. All of this data helps Ulm authorities figure out how often the shelters are being utilized, under what conditions are spurring demand, and how resources can be best allocated in the coming winters. Fire Safety, Security, and Hygiene Every aspect of the design was field-tested with the fire department of the city. The employees made certain that the Nests met stringent safety codes and could withstand vandalism, humidity, and freezing. Theyre built sturdy enough to safeguard individuals both inside and outside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cleaning was equally important. The pods can be washed using portable hot-water pressure washers, and crews can sanitize them as often as they wish. These are inexpensive practices that render every Nest secure and welcoming. Real-World Testing and Community Impact Prior to the deployment of the initial pods, the city convened everyone involvedpolice, firemen, social workers, and maintenance personnelto organize the venture. Outreach workers were instructed on how to notify individuals about when and where the Nests were accessible, stressing that they were to be used only in emergency situations. Design prototype of the Ulmer Nest. Initial development stage to test space requirements and layout, and gather early feedback from those affected and the general public. (CREDIT: Ulmer Nest / Widerstand & Sohne GmbH, bootschaft GbR) Each filled Nest alerts outreach teams, which visit daily to check the health of the occupant and offer support. Technical alerts such as low battery or sensor failure alert the Wilhelmsburo team to maintenance. Once the trial period is concluded, all data collected will be reviewed to determine whether the project could be expanded or employed as an example for other cities. Balancing Innovation with Compassion Other critics are arguing that funds must go into permanent housing, not into small-scale projects like Ulm Nest. But its architects point out that its not a substituteits a bridge. As one of the designers explained, Without concepts like the Ulmer Nest, people would have no cover and would have to sleep outside, even in winter.. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Nest gives outreach workers a second opportunity to connect with those who all too easily slip through the cracks. Its not glamorizing street livingits preserving lives and giving hope on evenings when one degree of warmth means all the difference. The Ulm Nest shows that technology, design, and empathy can work together to solve human needs in new ways. Its sensor network, smart data system, and minimalism could be a model for cities everywhere. Saving one life at a time is sometimes the greatest innovation of all. Related Stories Like these kind of feel good stories? Get The Brighter Side of News newsletter. North Donnelly Street in Mount Dora is closed off with barriers and caution tape where a massive washout carved a deep gash in the road after more than 15 inches of rain fell in just a few days. Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins visited the site Wednesday morning to survey the damage and meet with local first responders who have been working around the clock since the flooding began. But while state leaders assess the situation, many nearby residents remain displaced. In the Waterman Village retirement community just blocks away, 21 homes have been deemed unsafe. Some people returned briefly to grab belongings, only to find sewage-smelling floodwater and ruined floors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many are now staying at a nearby hotel, relying on community support as they wait for answers. Officials say no one will be allowed back into their homes until its confirmed the entire environment is safe not just the structure, but also electrical systems, gas lines and potential health hazards from contaminated water. Meanwhile theres still no repair plan for Donnelly Street or nearby Wolf Branch Road. Lake County emergency managers say engineers are still figuring out how to rebuild in a way that prevents a disaster like this from happening again. That process could take months or even a year. The lieutenant governors visit brings state attention to the area, but for local families, the road to recovery is just beginning. FLOOD COVERAGE Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. HALIFAX COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears held a rally in Halifax County Tuesday night, one week ahead of election day. The republican is running for governor against democrat Abigail Spanberger. Attorney General Jason Miyares was also at the event in Sutherlin, VA. He knocked democratic opponent Jay Jones for his controversial text messages and emphasized his own efforts to decrease violent crime and take on opioid problems in the Commonwealth. Original and special prosecutor remove selves in Jay Jones reckless driving investigation Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sears railed against current redistricting efforts and touched on issues ranging from green energy to immigration. She once again promised to end Virginias car tax. Vote for the future, vote for your children and your childrens children, she told the crowd of roughly 150 people. Im going to grow businesses. My opponent is going to grow government. Spanberger makes Southwest Virginia stops: talks affordability and education In response to Sears rally, the Democratic Party of Virginia shared a statement: Virginians deserve a governor who will fight for the Commonwealth and thats not Winsome Earle-Sears. As Donald Trump has attacked Virginias workforce and signed legislation that will raise costs across the board for Virginians, Sears refuses to call out his reckless actions. No matter what Sears says, Virginians know she will put her loyalty to Trump ahead of whats best for the Commonwealth. Maggie Amjad, DPVA spokesperson 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. LUFKIN, Texas (KETK) A Lufkin woman was arrested Monday night after allegedly leading officers on a chase and driving while intoxicated, according to the Lufkin Police Department. Elizabeth Williams was booked in the Angelina County Jail on charges of DWI and evading arrest. The Lufkin PD posted on Facebook that officers responded around 9:15 p.m. to a report of a reckless driver whose vehicle had its headlights off and was swerving out of its lane. The responding officers waited for an opportunity to make a traffic stop until after taking an exit on the flyover on U.S. 59 north. When they attempted to pull the vehicle over, Williams allegedly sped northbound at speeds of 55-70 mph. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nacogdoches County Sheriffs Deputies who assisted in the chase initially utilized tire deflation devices in the southern part of the city. Williams reportedly maneuvered past the first batch of spikes but ran over the second set near South Street and East Spradley, which deflated the tires and ended the pursuit. Officers said Williams exited the vehicle and was arrested. Upon searching her vehicle, they also found a cold, open beer can from the back seat and an unopened beer in the front passenger seat. A breath test was administered at the scene. Williams has not yet been released from jail and her bond is set at $6,000. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) In todays health check Dr. Samid Farooqui Pulmonologist and Clinic Manager Samantha Williams with Saint Anthony Hospital explains the warning signs of Lung cancer and how it can be prevented. According to the American Lung Association Oklahoma ranks near the bottom when it comes to surviveing lung cancer. The CDC reports more people die in the United States from lung cancer than any other type of cancer. To learn more watch 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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Local food banks and food pantries are running extremely low on supplies due to the federal government shutdown. Now, an expected cut to SNAP benefits in just days has many people looking for help to put food on the table. Lutheran Social Services said their shelves have been looking empty for a few weeks now, but the need has been growing. The food is going out as fast, sometimes faster, than its coming in, said Ronnie Wilson, food pantry manager at Lutheran Social Services. Running dangerously low on food, thats how Lutheran Social Services of Northeast Florida describes its pantry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its due to a decrease in donations and a drop in funding from the government earlier this year. Its left the pantry with a low level of food that managers have never seen before The biggest concern is how long are we going to be able to continue to operate, said Ronnie Wilson, food pantry manager at Lutheran Social Services. They say they have roughly two weeks worth of food to continue distribution. They say, this is approaching the record numbers of families they helped during the pandemic some 2,000 a month. But with the lack of supplies, they can only hand out about half the amount of food they typically provide individual families from 40 pounds a month down to about 20. We see our numbers increasing from approximately 1,500 or so a month; we have almost reached 1,800 just this month alone, which is almost 300 families more than last month, said Wilson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Within two hours of opening, they have already had to dwindle the amount of food from four bags to two; they are handing out just because of the increase in need. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] They say if they run out of supplies altogether, they will have to shut their doors. Its something they have never done. Lutheran Social Services now asks for food donations like peanut butter, rice, and beans, and will match any monetary gift up to ten thousand dollars. Donations can be dropped off at Lutheran Social Services, 4615 Philips Highway, Jacksonville, FL 32207, Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or Friday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Collection barrels and pick-up are available for large food donations. Online donations can be made here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Through November 15, monetary donations will be matched by LSS supporters Hugh Smyrl and Richard Hood, who have pledged to match any gift to LSS, dollar-for-dollar (up to $10,000) with their own gift for Thanksgiving meals. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Sen. Elissa Slotkin speaks to a crowd at the Brookings Institutions 2025 Knight Forum on Geopolitics. Oct. 29. | Screenshot U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin sounded an alarm bell, characterizing President Donald Trumps actions as following the same playbook as almost every authoritarian in history, in a speech the Democrat from Holly gave at the Brookings Institutions 2025 Knight Forum on Geopolitics on Wednesday. Slotkin, herself a CIA officer and former Pentagon official, laid out how Trump had garnered so much power running on a legitimate concern of cost of living, surrounding himself with those loyal to him, and accumulating influence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also laid out how in other authoritarian governments, there comes a tipping point where the person in power realizes they have to stay in power somehow to prevent that very power from being used against them. In this case, that could happen in two ways, Slotkin said. The first would be a scenario where Trump invokes the Insurrection Act and tries to impose martial law, either cancelling elections or surrounding polling places with military. The second, she continued, would be labeling opposition groups as terrorists or criminals, undermining the competitive nature of an election. Theres more than one way to lose our democracy, she said. Im popping a flare today because were in danger of that happening here at home. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Slotkin also found hope in the internal barometer for things that sound and smell authoritarian that she said Americans have. Heres what Trump hasnt planned for: the will of the American people, she said. Ive seen this in Michigan, where even ardent Trump supporters dont like what theyre seeing. Much of Slotkins criticism centered on Trumps recent strikes on 14 ships in the Caribbean in which 57 people have been killed, allegedly part of cartels and carrying drugs to the United States. Slotkin was clear that the alleged premise of the strikes was not something she inherently opposed but that she did strongly oppose the fact that Trump, when pressed by the Senate Armed Services Committee, would not give the names of those groups being targeted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im actually sympathetic to going after these types of groups, given what drugs do to Michiganders every day, she said. But heres whats different about the strikes and whats precedent-setting: the President and Secretary Hegseth are refusing to tell the American people who we are fighting. That lack of clarity on foreign targets led Slotkin to believe that the same kind of force including lethal force could be used against Americans who he deems enemies, especially as the National Guard has been deployed in cities such as Chicago. That idea, she said, should chill every American to the bone. Department of Homeland Security police, along with other federal police, push protestors at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility south of downtown Portland on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025. (Photo by Alex Baumhardt/Oregon Capital Chronicle) Slotkin also referenced a policy enacted by the White House in late September, which she had previously criticized on the Senate floor, that gives the president and the Attorney General broad authority to investigate any person or group that they consider to be involved in domestic terrorism or political violence. It seems clear from his own order that Trump plans to see how far he can stretch the law before someone tells him no, she said. And if the administration wont publicly name drug cartels in the Caribbean, you can bet that theyre not going to tell you the name of this new list of domestic terrorist organizations, only this time the secret lists are not made up of drug traffickers and international waters, itll be Americans on American streets and in American homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I never thought Id have to lay this out about my own government, she said. The idea that intelligence officers could be asked to target Americans turns my stomach. Slotkin also told the crowd that she is introducing legislation to give Congress the ability to immediately end a military deployment in an American city, the No Troops In Our Streets Act. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX MacKenzie Scott has donated $38 million to Alabama State University. It is the latest of a series of donations made by Scott to HBCUs, as her net worth is estimated at $33 billion. MacKenzie Scotts donation to Alabama State University is the largest in its history The HBCU announced on Monday that it had received a historic donation from Scott. It is the largest donation ASU has received in its history. Today marks a defining moment in the history of Alabama State University, ASU president Quinton Ross wrote in a statement. I am filled with immense gratitude and [proud] to announce that Alabama State University has received the largest single donation in its 158-year history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has donated an extraordinary $38 million gift to our great University, he added. Ms. Scotts generosity affirms Alabama State Universitys reputation as a catalyst for excellence and innovation in higher education. This is truly a pivotal moment in ASUs history. The HBCU did not specify how it would use the donation, nor if it is unrestricted, as were her previous recent contributions to other HBCUs. The donation is significant because of its size, but also because ASU is the second largest HBCU in Alabama after Alabama A&M University. MacKenzie Scott has made several donations to HBCUs and organizations ASU is the latest HBCU to receive a sizable donation from Scott. Last week, it was announced that she had donated $63 million to Morgan State University. In September, Scott donated $70 million to the United Negro College Fund in order to help fund the 37 institutions that the organization serves. This fall, Scott also gave $38 million to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, another HBCU, according to Forbes. She also contributed $10 million to the George M. Pullman Educational Foundation, a nonprofit organization that helps Cook County students access higher education. Scott donated $42 million to the nonprofit 10,000 Degrees for low-income students attending college, as well as $50 million to the Native Forward Scholars Fund, providing college scholarships for Native American students. The post MacKenzie Scott Donates $38M To Alabama State, Marking HBCUs Largest Donation Ever appeared first on Blavity. Too many of the Jan. 6 rioters who received pardons from Donald Trump have had subsequent run-ins with the law since receiving presidential clemency, but Taylor Taranto is an especially unsettling example of the phenomenon. Two years after joining the insurrectionist mob in January 2021, Taranto was arrested again after he showed up with firearms near Barack Obamas home. As NBC News reported, investigators said they found two guns and hundreds of rounds of ammunition in Tarantos van, along with a machete, when he was arrested. Prosecutors alleged that Taranto repeatedly said he was trying to get a shot and that he wanted to get a good angle on a shot. Trumps pardon of Tarantos Jan. 6 crimes had nothing to do with these unrelated charges, and in May, Taranto was convicted of illegal possession of guns and ammunition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In theory, the focus was then supposed to shift to sentencing. In practice, the focus has instead shifted to the prosecutors in the case. The federal prosecutors, Carlos Valdivia and Samuel White, asked a federal judge to sentence Taranto to 27 months in prison. That, in and of itself, is unremarkable. What proved far more significant was how the prosecutors asked for the sentence. In their legal filing, they said Taranto had been among the mob of rioters on Jan. 6. They also briefly noted that, after the assault on the Capitol, Taranto returned to his home in the State of Washington, where he promoted conspiracy theories about the events of January 6, 2021. As MSNBC reported, after using phrasing about Jan. 6 that the president and his operation dont approve of, the Trump Justice Department not only put Valdivia and White on leave, but it also locked the line prosecutors out of devices and escorted them out of the U.S. Attorneys Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MSNBCs Ken Dilanian added, The news of this is reverberating around the Justice Department. Its another warning that you cant, as a prosecutor, tell what you believe is the truth about the Jan. 6 riot without having some risk to your future and your job. The broader DOJ purge has been underway for roughly nine months, with Attorney General Pam Bondi and other Trump appointees punishing prosecutors for resisting politically motivated cases, for criticizing the president eight years ago while in private practice and, in one recent instance, even for urging government officials to comply with a court order. For that matter, the full list of prosecutors caught up in the purge of federal law enforcement because they worked on cases the president didnt like has been difficult to keep up with. But the swift action against Valdivia and White opens a new chapter: Some prosecutors are being punished for writing a sentencing memo using accurate words and phrases that are at odds with Trump-approved language. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The politicization of federal law enforcement is ongoing, its getting worse and theres no reason to be optimistic about this improving anytime soon. This post updates our related earlier coverage. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com While much of Donald Trumps trade policy is an indefensible mess, the presidents approach to Brazil stands out as uniquely outrageous. In fact, its so outlandish that even some Senate Republicans voted to block the White Houses policy from continuing. To recap briefly, Trump announced 50% tariffs on Brazil in July, not to address a trade deficit the U.S. actually has a $7.4 billion trade surplus with Brazil but because Brazils criminal justice system was pursuing a case against former President Jair Bolsonaro, whom Trump likes. The move marked the first time a U.S. administration tried to leverage trade policy to derail a criminal case in a sovereign nation. When Kevin Hassett, the director of the White House National Economic Council, was asked to justify the policy, he struggled mightily. A couple of days later, the president himself was asked a similar question, and he told reporters, Because Im able to do it, which wasnt exactly persuasive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three months later, a bipartisan Senate majority voted to reject the Republicans gambit. NBC News reported: Five Senate Republicans joined Democrats on Tuesday night in passing a resolution that would block President Donald Trumps tariffs on billions of dollars of goods from Brazil. The legislative language blocks Trumps emergency declaration that imposed tariffs on most Brazilian imports at 50%. The measure passed in a 52-48 vote. Ordinarily, the leadership of the Senates GOP majority controls which bills reach the floor, but in this instance, Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia introduced whats known as a privileged resolution, which the majority leader cannot block and which only requires a simple majority to pass. It was a success: Every Senate Democrat voted for the measure, and they were joined by five Senate Republicans: Susan Collins of Maine, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Rand Paul of Kentucky and Thom Tillis of North Carolina. There will be some who look at the vote total and scoff: There are 53 Senate Republicans, and 48 of them chose to go along with a White House trade policy thats ridiculous on its face. (Asked before the vote why more of his GOP colleagues were not willing to support the measure, Paul told The New York Times, Fear.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But I prefer to see the glass as half-full. In April, when a narrow, bipartisan majority in the Senate rejected Trumps tariffs on Canada, a Politico report summarized it as the most significant rebuke to Trump that congressional Republicans have yet mustered in his second term. And now its happened again. Indeed, since the vote in April advanced with 51 votes, the vote on the Brazil policy is arguably an even more significant rebuke, since it passed with a slightly larger majority. For the White Houses critics, thats the good news. The bad news is that the practical implications of the developments are likely to be limited: The measure now heads to the Republican-led House, which no longer does any work and is all but certain to ignore the resolution, even when it eventually returns. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com As Republicans renew their offensive against Joe Biden, its not unreasonable to wonder about the underlying point of their partisan crusade. The former Democratic president wont seek elected office again; he cant be impeached; and even if GOP officials were eventually to concoct something damaging, he cant be criminally charged. So why bother investing so much time, energy and resources into smearing him? What does the Republican Party hope to gain? The answer is increasingly obvious. During a recent appearance on Fox Business, House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer claimed theres no evidence that Biden was involved in signing pardons, leading the Kentucky Republican to conclude that the Justice Department can declare all of the former presidents pardons null and void. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To the extent that reality has any bearing on the debate, Comers claims are absurd. The idea that Biden was so cognitively impaired that he was unaware of his own presidential pardons is belied by the Democrats own assessments and defenses of his work. But that hasnt stopped many of the GOPs leading voices from obsessing over this specific goal. The day before Comers on-air comments, House Speaker Mike Johnson not only said that every Biden pardon should be voided, he added that he considers the former presidents pardons to be invalid on their face. Around the same time, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that the Justice Department had already begun a review of Bidens pardons. This comes on the heels of Donald Trump claiming that Bidens pardons were illegal (the incumbent president didnt say which law was broken), which followed related rhetoric from a month earlier, when the Republican said Bidens pardons are worthless because, according to Trump, the Democrat was not aware of his own existence during his White House tenure. (In March, the president said hed invalidated his predecessors pardons, exercising a power he does not have, though nothing came of the weird announcement.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around the same time, Vice President JD Vance also publicly questioned whether the pardons are actually legitimate. Whats more, in June, the Justice Departments Ed Martin, the Trump-appointed pardon attorney, declared that hes also investigating Bidens clemency actions. The motivation, in other words, isnt exactly hard to piece together: Biden preemptively protected a variety of people on Trumps enemies list with pardons. Republicans want to strip them of those protections so that they can be targeted by the White House and the Justice Department. The goal, in other words, is less about smearing a retired president and more about empowering Trump while endangering his political foes. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com The entrance to a Big Lots store in Portland, Oregon. (Stock photo by hapabapa/Getty Images) With federal food assistance for 170,000 Mainers paused by the Trump administration amid the government shutdown, Gov. Janet Mills announced Wednesday that her administration is releasing $1.25 million to bolster food banks, Meals on Wheels, and other anti-hunger programs across the state. The emergency funds $1 million from the governors contingency account and $250,000 from the John T. Gorman Foundation will be distributed through Good Shepherd Food Bank and Maines network of Area Agencies on Aging to support families, older adults, children, veterans, and people with disabilities who may lose Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits starting Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the federal government fails, Maine will not. When challenges arise, Maine people step up, Mills said in a statement. One of the things I love about Maine is that we take care of each other, which is more important now than ever, she added, encouraging residents to donate to your local food bank, check on your neighbors, and support your community in the face of significant hardship caused by this needless federal shutdown. Maines plan seems similar to other states that have dipped into reserves or asked state legislatures to allocate additional funds to support food pantries. It comes one day after the Mills administration joined a coalition of Democratic states suing the White House over its refusal to release the U.S. Department of Agricultures contingency funds. A USDA memo said states would not be reimbursed if they use their own funds to cover the cost of the lapsed benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the announcement, $650,000 in funding will go to Good Shepherd Food Bank to support food pantries and anti-hunger initiatives throughout Maine and $600,000 will be provided to organizations that support older adults to bolster funding for meals in community dining locations, those to grab and go, and others delivered through Meals on Wheels. Mills also directed the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to commit an additional $10,000 to the Hunters for the Hungry program, which pays the processing costs for donated bear, deer, and moose meat. Its critical that we do everything we can to lessen the blow for these families and support the frontline organizations who will be working to meet an unprecedented level of demand until these benefits are restored, said John T. Gorman Foundation President and CEO Nicole Witherbee. For the sake of our neighbors, I hope thats soon. Good Shepherd Food Bank President Heather Paquette said the funding will help meet the surge in need they are expecting as SNAP benefits lapse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These funds will help us provide food and other resources for the nearly 600 food pantries and other organizations that we work with, Paquette said. Our partners on the front lines are facing an overwhelming need for food right now and these funds will go to work immediately to help ensure everyone in Maine has access to the food they need to feed themselves and their families during this uncertain time. Megan Walton, board chair of AgeWise Maine, said the funds allocated to her agency will directly support efforts to prevent hunger among vulnerable older Mainers. In a statement Wednesday, Maine House of Representative Speaker Ryan Fecteau (D-Biddeford) called on his Republican counterparts, Sen. Trey Stewart of Aroostook County and Rep. Billy Bob Faulkingham of Winter Harbor, to ask their contacts in the federal government to end the shutdown and ensure social safety nets for those who need it. I hope they are in touch with those folks, asking them to get to the negotiation table on behalf of their constituents whose SNAP benefits will soon run out, and perhaps save health care for people while theyre at it, he said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Rick Bennett, who left the Republican party to run for governor as an independent earlier this year, said the Maine Legislature needs to reconvene for a special session upon Mills direction. I appreciate the Governor taking action, but $1.25 million is a drop in the bucket compared to the $29 million in monthly food assistance Maine families receive through SNAP, Bennett said. Maine cant replace all federal dollars, but we can and must do everything possible to ensure no Mainer goes hungry, he added. This crisis demands leadership. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Students vote in mock elections at Mt. Ararat High School in Topsham a week before the 2024 election. (Photo by Eesha Pendharkar/ Maine Morning Star) Maine students participating in a mock election on Tuesday overwhelmingly voted against the referendum that seeks to change election procedures and in favor of the referendum that would institute a red flag gun law. Read additional coverage of the November 2025 election in Maine here. These results from 4,254 students from 29 schools give a glimpse into how young Mainers feel about the statewide ballot measures ahead of the Nov. 4 election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Question 1 asks whether Mainers want to require photo identification to be shown at polling places, in addition to limiting absentee voting and a multitude of other changes to the states election law. About 65% of students voted against this question, while nearly 35% voted for it. The margins were even wider for Question 2, which proposes a red flag law that would allow people to directly petition a judge to remove someones firearms if they pose a threat to themselves or others. Nearly 80% of students voted for it, while about 20% voted against it. Secretary of State Shenna Bellows described the mock election as a hands-on way for students to learn about voting and the electoral system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was the first year weve held a mock election surrounding a referendum election rather than a general election, Bellows said, noting that they also included a question related to the upcoming 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. That question read: Do you believe that the language in the Declaration of Independence, written 250 years ago, is still relevant today? Nearly 71% of students voted yes, while nearly 30% voted no. In Maine, 16- and 17-year-olds can preregister to vote and if they will be 18 years old by Election Day, they can vote. They can also serve as poll workers if theyre preregistered. While the results were from 29 schools, a total of 78 schools across the state signed up to receive mock election materials from the Secretary of State. Due to scheduling needs, they may be holding their mock elections at another date. More on the referendums can be found at Maine Morning Stars voter guide. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized that strengthening relations between Iran and Turkey has undoubtedly become "more important than ever." Iran is doing its utmost to reach out to Ankara during Turkeys Republic Day. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi congratulated his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, on Tuesday on the occasion of Turkeys national day, expressing hope for deeper cooperation between the neighboring countries, Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), Irans official news agency, reported. He praised the 102nd anniversary of the founding of the Turkish Republic. I sincerely congratulate the friendly and neighboring government and people of Turkey, and my brother Mr. Hakan Fidan, Araghchi said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added that ties between the two Muslim neighbors, based on mutual interests, could further expand in the light of realism and the policy of good neighborliness, IRNA reported. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also sent a message, indicating how seriously Tehran considers this issue. It wants close ties to Turkey and doesnt want to be completely isolated in the region. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan speaks during a joint press conference with his German counterpart Johann Wadephul (not pictured), in Ankara, Turkey, October 17, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/CAGLA GURDOGAN) President Masoud Pezeshkian has sent a message to his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, to congratulate him and the Turkish nation on the National Day of the Republic of Turkey, IRNA reported. Pezeshkian spoke about the importance of bilateral ties and relations. The President emphasized that strengthening relations between Iran and Turkiye, undoubtedly, has become more important than ever in the current circumstances, noting that the enhanced cooperation will lead to the consolidation of stability, security, and development for the two countries and the region, the report said. Stating that there are many commonalities between the two neighboring countries, Pezeshkian stressed the need for joint efforts and continuous consultations in all economic, political, cultural, and international fields. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Emrullah Isler, Turkeys ambassador to Saudi Arabia, emphasized the importance of ties between Ankara and Riyadh. On Wednesday, we celebrate the 102nd anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey, he wrote in an article for Saudi-based newspaper Arab News. The young republic, deriving strength from its rich history and culture, as well as following its motto Peace at home, peace abroad, took decisive steps toward a democratic, stable and prosperous Turkey domestically and contributed to stability and peace in the region, as well as at the international level. Countries share 'similar perspectives' on regional issues Our countries share similar perspectives on numerous regional issues, such as the implementation of the two-state solution, reconstruction of Syria, maritime security in the Red Sea, and mediation between the conflicting sides in Sudan, Isler wrote. We have a strong common ground on upholding principles of respect for sovereignty and good neighborliness, along with promoting dialogue and diplomacy, to achieve peace and security in the Middle East. Both our nations recognize that a two-state solution remains the only viable path to lasting peace in Palestine and, together, they engage with the Islamic world to counter aggression against Muslim nations, particularly in the Middle East. Furthermore, bilateral trade is increasing to a historic high of nearly $8 billion a year, he said, and the goal is to almost double this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turkey and Saudi Arabia are key regional actors that share a commitment to peace, stability, and international law, Isler wrote, citing the importance of potential defense cooperation, which includes joint training and other attempts to increase ties. As reaffirmed by both countries during various high-level meetings, particularly at defense industry fairs, we are confident that our military cooperation will continue to grow in terms of both scope and depth, he wrote. Turkeys successful defense industry companies offer numerous potential projects that can further advance our partnership with our Saudi brothers. We firmly believe that our cooperation will strengthen even further in the coming period and that we will jointly achieve our shared objectives. This shows how Turkey wants Saudi Arabia as a regional partner, and Iran wants Turkey as a partner. This represents a major play for the future of the Middle East. Audio recording is automated for accessibility. Humans wrote and edited the story. See our AI policy, and give us feedback. A small majority of Texans oppose the deployment of the Texas National Guard for law enforcement in cities out of state, according to a recent statewide survey. President Donald Trump has called upon the National Guard, a military force, to act as law enforcement and to protect federal property and personnel in cities across the country, including Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles. Earlier this month, Gov. Greg Abbott authorized Trump to deploy several hundred Texas-based National Guard members to Illinois. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A federal judge ruled on Oct. 11 that the deployment can stay in Illinois, but cannot be activated until the legal battle over the mobilization is resolved. The deployment of around 200 members of the Texas Guard has cost taxpayers almost $3.5 million so far, according to CBS News. The survey, conducted by the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas, Austin between Oct. 10 and Oct. 20, found that 43% of Texans strongly oppose the move and 8% somewhat oppose it. Forty-one percent of Texans supported the move. Ten Texas Democratic members of Congress demanded the immediate withdrawal of the states troops earlier this month, arguing that the deployment was unlawful. Our Guard members are citizen-soldiers who serve in disasters, defend our state and serve overseas when required, the lawmakers said in a letter to Abbott. Turning them into a domestic police force in another state especially over that states objections erodes public trust and undermines the Guards core mission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abbott said the troops were sent to safeguard U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in Illinois, where clashes between ICE agents and locals protesting the agencys increasingly aggressive methods of capturing unauthorized migrants have sometimes turned violent. A plurality of Texans also said they opposed the use of the U.S. military for law enforcement efforts in American cities, with 49% opposing the move and 43% supporting it. The poll, which surveyed 1,200 registered voters across Texas, found that Abbotts approval numbers tumbled to his lowest yet over the course of his decade as governor. His approval rating, 39%, marked a 12 point drop from October last year. Abbott is up for reelection next year for a fourth term as governor. Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who is also seeking reelection, saw his approval rating fall 10 points from October 2024, coming in this month at 29%. Patrick drew backlash from some conservatives earlier this year for championing measures such as a state ban on consumable hemp products and an influx of funding for the states film incentives program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And Trumps approval numbers in Texas, too, slipped to 41% after steadily declining from 54% before his inauguration and 53% in February at the start of his second term. Disclosure: University of Texas at Austin has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribunes journalism. Find a complete list of them here. KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) -Malaysia will maintain a ban on the export of raw rare earths to protect its domestic resources, despite signing a critical minerals deal with the United States this week, the trade minister said on Wednesday. Speaking in parliament, Minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz dismissed allegations that Malaysia will allow the export of critical minerals and rare earths to the United States in pursuit of immediate profits or strategic goals. "We no longer want to be a country that only digs and ships out cheap raw materials like in the past," Tengku Zafrul said, reiterating that Malaysia will instead encourage foreign investment and technology sharing for the mining and processing of raw rare earths. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our policy is not to prevent trade forever," he said. "Our policy is to prevent the export of cheap unprocessed raw materials so that value is added to Malaysia." Malaysia has some 16.1 million metric tons of rare earth deposits, according to government estimates, but lacks the technology to mine and process them. Rare earth materials are essential for high-tech manufacturing, including electric vehicles, semiconductors and missiles. Reuters reported earlier this month that Malaysia was in talks with China on rare earths processing, saying Malaysian sovereign wealth fund Khazanah Nasional would partner with a Chinese firm to build a refinery in Malaysia. The United States signed separate deals with Malaysia and Thailand during U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, seeking cooperation to diversify critical minerals supply chains amid competing efforts from China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a joint statement by the United States and Malaysia, the Southeast Asian country agreed to refrain from banning or imposing quotas on exports of critical minerals or rare earth elements to the United States. (Reporting by Danial Azhar; Editing by David Stanway) Parts of Malis capital have been brought to a near standstill as a group affiliated with al-Qaeda imposes an economic siege on the country by blocking routes used by fuel tankers, in a bid to turn the screw on the military government. As the Sahel country plunges deeper into crisis, the United States Embassy in Mali on Tuesday urged US citizens to depart immediately as the fuel blockade renders daily life increasingly dangerous. Long queues have formed at petrol stations in the capital Bamako this week, with anger reaching the boiling point as the blockade bites harder. A lack of supplies has caused the price of fuel to shoot up 500 percent, from $25 to $130 per litre, according to Al Jazeeras Nicolas Haque. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) armed group, which imposed the blockade last month in retaliation for the military banning fuel sales in rural areas, appeared to be succeeding in turning public anger against the countrys rulers, Haque noted. Its up to the government to play a full role and take action, to uncover the real reason for this shortage, Omar Sidibe, a driver in Bamako, told Al Jazeera. Haque said the al-Qaeda fighters were burning fuel trucks as supplies ran out. Schools and universities have also been shut for two weeks, and airlines are now cancelling flights from Bamako. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the US Embassy has warned Americans to leave Mali immediately using commercial flights rather than travelling over land to neighbouring countries, owing to the risk of terrorist attacks along national highways. It advised citizens who choose to remain in Mali to prepare contingency plans, including for sheltering in place for an extended period. Yet, Haque said, the military rulers were insisting everything is under control. The army first seized power in a 2020 coup, pledging to get a grip on a spiralling security crisis involving armed groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and ISIL (ISIS), but years later, the crisis has only escalated. Tanks empty Amid tense scenes from a fuel pit stop in Senegal, which neighbours Mali, truck drivers ready to travel across the border did not want to speak to Al Jazeera on camera. Haque said some transport companies had been accused of paying al-Qaeda fighters to move their trucks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyve been waiting here not days, but months, their tanks empty. Ahead for them is a dangerous road or journey into al-Qaeda territory, Haque said from Dakar. Meanwhile, in Bamako, citizens are growing increasingly desperate. Before, we could buy gas everywhere in cans. But now theres no more, gas reseller Bakary Coulibaly told Al Jazeera. Were forced to come to gas stations, and even if we go there, its not certain that there will be gasoline available. Only a few stations have it. JNIM is one of several armed groups operating in the Sahel, a vast strip of semi-arid desert stretching from North to West Africa, where fighting is spreading rapidly, with large-scale attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the militarys control, the country severed ties with its former coloniser, France, and thousands of French soldiers involved in the battle against the armed groups exited the country. The fighting has resulted in thousands of deaths, while up to 350,000 people are currently displaced, according to Human Rights Watch. Lacy Lakeview, Tx (FOX 44) A 60-year-old man is facing felony charges, accused of punching, slapping and strangling his wife during an argument. Kevin Brent Washington was arrested at the scene late Tuesday night at an apartment complex on Meyers Lane in Lacy Lakeview. Officers had been called to that location just before 10:30 p.m. in response to a disturbance in progress. While on the way, officers were informed that a man was at the house who was not permitted to be there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The arrest affidavit stated that on arrival, officers knocked on the door and identified themselves. A man answered from inside and officers were finally able to get him outside and detained in handcuffs. As officers made contact with the woman at the apartment they noticed numerous raised and open abrasions on e arms, chest and throat/neck area. When asked what had happened they were told the couple had been involved in an argument that turned physical and that she had been slapped, punched and strangled. She told officers she had been in fear for her life, that she had to struggle to breathe. Police also discovered that there was an active arrest warrant for Washington out of Tarrant County for assault with bodily injury. He was booked into the McLennan County Jail and remained here Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 News in Brief Wednesday, October 29, 2025 Opposition politician Gedevan Popkhadze, a leader of the Coalition for Change, announced on Tuesday that he is beginning a hunger strike, calling it "the most extreme form of protest" against what he described as the government's slide toward dictatorship.Popkhadze's protest was joined by Darejan Tskhvitaria and several others, who also declared a hunger strike. Their main demands are the release of political prisoners and the scheduling of new parliamentary elections."A reality has been created where protest participants are arrested every day. The country is taking big steps toward dictatorship," Popkhadze said. "The only thing that will stop this process is a new form of protest. If we do not agree that there should be no parliament elected through rigged elections and no political prisoners in the country, the country cannot develop."He argued that traditional demonstrations, such as street blockades, are no longer enough. "Blocking streets is not the only form of protest we should use. We must create a new center of protest through a hunger strike. What the government is doing in response to blocking Rustaveli Avenue must be countered with a new form of protest," he said."This is not a radically new form, but it is effective. In my opinion, it is adequate given the situation created by the government," Popkhadze added.The National Bank of Georgia (NBG) announced that it purchased USD 100 million in September, bringing the country's total international reserves to more than USD 5.4 billion.According to updated NBG data, the central bank made monthly purchases of USD 101.7 million in March, USD 266.4 million in April, USD 245.4 million in May, USD 266 million in June, USD 416.9 million in July, USD 199.6 million in August, and USD 100 million in September, all conducted through the Bmatch trading platform. Between January and September 2025, the Bank recorded net foreign currency purchases of USD 1.6 billion."International foreign currency reserves are a significant guarantor of the country's macroeconomic stability," the NBG said in a statement on October 27, adding that it increases reserves "when the market allows it." The Bank noted that updated data on foreign exchange operations will be released on November 25, 2025.The consistent buildup of reserves follows extensive foreign currency sales in 2024, when the central bank sold more than USD 900 million amid mass protests against the Foreign Agents Law in the spring and again in the fall during the pre-election period. In October 2024, during the general elections, the NBG sold USD 591 million to prevent a sharp depreciation of the lari, marking a record USD 630 million decline in reserves in a single month, the largest in the Bank's history. In its zeal to ratchet up more sex trafficking prosecutions, the Department of Justice (DOJ) overreachedand it backfired. Now, a seeming sexual predator may escape conviction because the feds couldn't just leave local crime to local authorities. The DOJ tried to invoke jurisdiction because the potential predatoran adult man who tried to pay his friend's teen daughter for sex on multiple occasionsused money, used a car that was made out of state, and drove on a road. No dice, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit said in an October 2 decision. Allowing this would put us on the path to letting Congress usurp police power retained by the states and federalize virtually any crime. A Slam Dunk State Case The case involves an Arkansas convenience store owner named Muhammad Arif. He often drove a handyman who serviced his stores to and from job sites, according to the 8th Circuit, and sometimes the handyman's 15-year-old daughter, P.W., came along. In May 2019, Arif offered to take P.W. home after dropping her father off at work. During this ride, "Arif offered P.W. $100 to perform sexual acts," the court said in a summary of the government's case. "She declined and began recording the conversation. Arif pressured P.W. to engage in sexual activity but she did not acquiesce. When they reached P.W.'s home, Arif gave her $20, telling her she could use the money to buy her boyfriend a gift and asking her to promise not to tell anyone about the conversation." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This happened again about a month later. Again, P.W. declined and recorded the conversation. The girl then told her parents what had happened, and they reported Arif's actions to local police. Under Arkansas law, Arif's actions constitute sex trafficking. The state includes in the crime's definition anyone who "recruits, entices, solicits, isolates, harbors, transports, provides, maintains, or obtains a minor for commercial sexual activity." I have, in the past, criticized the idea that offering to pay a minor for sexespecially in cases where a person may not even know the person being solicited is underageshould be lumped into the same category as violently forcing someone into prostitution, and I maintain that criticism. We could criminalize knowingly trying to pay a minor for sex without equating it to sex trafficking. But for our purposes here, all that matters is that Arkansas does consider this sex trafficking, and Arif could have been punished as a sex trafficker under Arkansas law. The reason Arif was not prosecuted as a sex trafficker under Arkansas law is that the feds decided to make it their case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal sex trafficking laws can be important in cases where a victim is transported across state lines or victimized in multiple states or a trafficking enterprise is spread out across different states. None of that applies in Arif's case. It should have been a clear-cut case for state, not federal, authorities. Arkansas' Kensett Police Department detective did originally bring state charges against Arif. With P.W.'s recordings, and Arif admitting to police that he knew she was under age 18, it seems like it could have been a pretty slam dunk case. The Feds Take Over But for some reason, "the federal government took over, and the state proceedings were dismissed," notes the 8th Circuit. Arif was charged with violating federal sex trafficking law, which states that "whoever knowinglyin or affecting interstate or foreign commercerecruits, enticesor solicits by any meansknowing [or] in reckless disregard of the factthat the person has not attained the age of 18 years and will be caused to engage in a commercial sex act, shall be punished." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arif argued that his actions did not fit this definition because they were not "in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce." A federal jury found him guilty anyway. He moved for the court to acquit him, again arguing that his actions had nothing to do with foreign or interstate commerce, and a U.S. District Court granted the motion. The government then appealed. Now, the 8th Circuit has affirmed the lower court's decision to acquit Arif. 'A Constitutionally Important Inquiry' "This is a constitutionally important inquiry," the court stated. It gets at long-fought-over elements of the Commerce Clause, that part of the Constitution that grants Congress power to regulate commerce among the states. Supreme Court decisions have clarified that this includes the right to regulate channels of interstate commerce and people or things in interstate commerce, as well as activities that "substantially affect" interstate commerce even when they're purely local activities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal courts must be on guard against applications of the commerce clause that would "convert congressional authorityto a general police power of the sort retained by the States," states the 8th Circuit (quoting the 2000 case Jones v. United States). At trial, a government witness testified that Arif drove a car manufactured in Canton, Mississippi. Prosecutors also pointed out that he gave the girl a $20 bill. Both money and cars have been recognized as "instrumentalities of interstate commerce," the government noted, arguing that these elements were sufficient to establish that this crime affected interstate commerce. In granting Arif's acquittal motion, the district court rejected this argument. "If simply giving money to someone qualifies as affecting interstate commerce, thatdemonstrates that a federal police power exists, contrary to the Constitution's letter," it said. Furthermore, the government failed to prove "that Arif's use of his vehicle had any effect, even a minor one, on interstate commerce." The district court suggested the feds let this one go and let Arkansas refile state charges. That seems logical, right? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But if there's one thing the past decade has made clear, it's that federal authorities are desperate to get more federal sex trafficking prosecutions. They will get intimately involved in all sorts of matters that should be left to local police, conduct elaborate sting operations with fake victims, spend all sorts of money, turn Homeland Security agents into massage parlor police, and more in service of this aim. (I could write a dissertation on why but the short answer centers on some combination of trying to prove government propaganda about a sex trafficking epidemic right and realizing that sex traffickinglike the drug warcould prove very useful for expanding federal policing power.) Combine this with the federal government's general tendency to try and endlessly expand the Commerce Clause until there's nothing it can't police or regulate, and here we are. ButHe Used a Road "Rather than allow the state charges to be refiled, the Department of Justice filed this appeal in mid-2024," noted the 8th Circuit in its decision: On appeal, the government significantly expands its broad assertion of federal criminal jurisdiction over conduct within the core of the States' police power -- soliciting a minor for unwanted sex in a vehicle: Under the Commerce Clause, Congress has the ability to regulate the instrumentalities and channels of interstate commerce. . . . Arif used a vehicle and public roadways to solicit sex from a minor. His use of an instrumentality and channel of interstate commerce as the means to commit his offense places his conduct in commerce. Let's just make sure everyone got that: Federal prosecutors argued that they had jurisdiction because Arif used a road in the commission of his crime. If this argument were allowed to stand, then the federal government could claim jurisdiction over any local crime in which the criminals at some point used a street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And this is in addition to the government's earlier contention that any crime in which any federal currency is involved is also open to federal jurisdiction. Thankfully, the appeals court wasn't having it. The text of the federal sex trafficking statute says it covers conduct "in or affecting interstate commerce," it pointed out. "Merely using the channels or instrumentalities of interstate commerce is relevant but does not necessarily demonstrate an actual effect on commerce that satisfies the jurisdictional element." And "merely driving a car on a road, without more, does not establish a sufficient interstate commerce nexus." "Turning to the second alleged instrumentality, the transfer of $20 of United States currency, the government on appeal again has no authority supporting its assertion that the Commerce Clause federalizes any criminal action in which money played any role," the court said. The 8th Circuit mentions multiple times how using a cellphone or the internet is enough to satisfy the commerce clausea sorry situation in its own right. But at least it's nice to see the court acknowledge that some limits on the Commerce Clause do still exist. Sacrificing Justice and Due Process in a Bid for Total Police Power So, here we have what could have been a quick and easy local case botched because the feds couldn't just let a state have this one. That doesn't seem right. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state could, and might, still refile the charges against Arif, butthat doesn't seem right, either. Arif's acts of solicitation now took place more than six years ago. If the state refiles charges now, his prosecution could drag on for a year or perhaps years more, and Arif would have to twice stand trial for the same crime. It hardly seems within the bounds of due process to subject him to that. Whatever ultimately happens here, it's been an illuminating case, showcasing (once again) just how far the feds are willing to try and stretch the bounds of the Commerce Clause in their quest for total policing power. More Sex & Tech News In Harper's, a very long, equal parts amusing and disturbing look at "gooners." There's much that can be said about this piece (stay tuned later this week for a podcast discussion between me and Peter Suderman about it), but I'll just say here that I appreciate the way the author is able to tease out what's worrying and weird about their conduct in a way that defies traditional or contemporary moralizing about sex and porn. Obviously, sex is central to the gooning, uh, lifestyle. But the author doesn't let the sexual elements entirely distract from more universal themes, or treat porn and masturbation per se as the root of the issue. Elon Musk has launched his own version of Wikipedia. In the future, your favorite band might be a robot. Today's Image Phoenix | 2018 (ENB/Reason) The post Man Accused of Soliciting Teen Girl Walks Because of Federal Overreach appeared first on Reason.com. CHINATOWN, Manhattan (PIX11) A man is accused of attacking a 71-year-old woman and a 10-year-old boy over a skateboard in Chinatown on Oct. 19, according to the NYPD. Police said it happened at East Broadway and Market Street around 7:30 a.m. The victims were crossing the street when the boys skateboard tapped 50-year-old Li Dong, according to authorities. More Local News Police said an argument broke out, which is when Dong allegedly punched both in their faces. The woman suffered a cut to her lip and the boy had pain and swelling to his face, according to authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dong was arrested on Friday and charged with assault and endangering the welfare of a child. Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her 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. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) A man was arrested after being accused of setting multiple fires in Baton Rouge. According to the Baton Rouge Fire Department, Michael Brad Daquilla, 45, was identified as a suspect in several fires between the 4600 and 7300 blocks of Airline Highway. These fires included dumpsters, trash cans, and two cars. The total value in damages was about $14,000. Investigators learned that Daquilla intentionally set the fires in Baton Rouge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Daquilla was arrested and booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on charges of four counts of simple arson, aggravated arson, attempted simple arson, and criminal mischief. A bond amount has not been set, jail records show. 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 Louisiana First News. A man died after being taken into custody by Jacksonville police following a domestic battery report on Friday night. Rashaud Van Martin, 32, attempted to flee from officers responding to a call on the 9400 block of Harriet Avenue, a Jacksonville police news release states. He was taken into custody without incident after tripping while running away, police said. Upon being restrained, Martin exhibited extreme behavior, including profuse sweating and incoherent ramblings, prompting officers to call the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department for evaluation, the news release states. The person who called 911 about Martin told officers that Martin had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and had not taken his prescribed medication recently, the news release states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers decided to transport him under the Baker Act to a local receiving facility. Upon arrival at the facility, Martin became unresponsive while waiting to be admitted, the news release states. The investigation into Martins death is ongoing, with results from the Medical Examiners Office pending. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) One of three men charged in federal court with firearms offenses in connection with an August shooting that left a man dead in the parking lot of a Warren convenience store pleaded guilty Tuesday in federal court. Sentencing will be Feb. 12 for Rayjon Roy McElroy, 25, of Warren, who entered guilty pleas before U.S. Judge Benita Y. Pearson in the U.S. Northern District Court of Ohio to charges of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and possession of ammunition by a prohibited person. McElroy and two others were indicted shortly after an Aug. 3 shooting in the parking lot of a Convenient Food Mart store on Elm Road in Warren. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said several people were playing dice about 5 a.m. in the parking lot when a fight broke out, followed by gunfire. Police said several people were firing guns. David Lee Owens III, 31, was killed, and another person was wounded. Savion Woodall, 23, was charged in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court with murder for the death of Owens. He has a hearing on Nov. 5 and an April 13 trial date, according to court records. Also charged in federal court are Jumal Rowe, 32, and Sean King, 37. Their cases are still pending. Rowe and McElroy were each identified by surveillance video from the store, according to an affidavit filed in the case, and both were seen carrying guns. Rowe was seen on video firing a gun, the affidavit said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McElroy was convicted in 2022 of a misdemeanor domestic violence charge in Warren Municipal Court, a charge that prohibits him from carrying a firearm, the affidavit said. Rowe and King also have criminal convictions that bar them from carrying guns. 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. Authorities have arrested a 29-year-old man accused of stabbing a person to death outside of Paterson City Hall last week. Jean Romelus, of Asbury Park, was taken into custody on Tuesday on charges of first-degree murder and multiple weapons offenses, the Passaic County Prosecutors Office said in a statement. Police found 38-year-old William Davis lying on the sidewalk with multiple stab wounds near Market Street and Veterans Place at 2:21 p.m. last Wednesday, authorities said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Davis, a Paterson resident, was pronounced dead a short time later at St. Josephs University Medical Center, officials said. Prosecutors did not say how Romelus was identified as the suspect. The state will file a motion to keep him detained pretrial, which will be heard by a Superior Court judge. Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. EAU CLAIRE An 18-year-old man faces three counts of second degree sexual assault of a child after authorities received sharply different accounts of events from those involved. D. Roosevelt Parker was charged in June and in court Tuesday on the charges, which came after authorities were contacted by Child Protective Services in April. According to the criminal complaint a mandatory reporter had contacted CPS after a 14-year-old implied she had been sexually abused. During a forensic interview the girl told investigators she had gone to a playground with Parker and told him she loved him. They watched a horror movie later, and after she went to the bathroom she returned to find him exposing himself. She said they may have egged him on to do this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That was the first of several events, which culminated in the two having sex. The girl said she didnt want to have sex with Parker and that she felt gross afterwards. Parkers account was very different. While he conceded that he had had sexual encounters with the girl, he denied initiating any of them. He told investigators she had been the aggressor in each case and, in one incident, relented only after she threatened to tell others he had tried to abuse her. The challenge for the defense is that, regardless of who initiated the activity, Wisconsin differs from many states in that it has no Romeo and Juliet statute. While details vary from state to state, such statutes are a legal mechanism that allows for sexual relationships between adults and some minors, provided they are close in age or began the relationship prior to one party turning 18. Most require the people involved to be within three years of age. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But, while Wisconsin allows prosecutors and courts considerable latitude to informally use similar standards, the states age of consent is 18. Its absolute, which means that even consensual sexual acts between an adult and a minor constitute statutory rape. The charges Parker faces are Class C felonies, which can bring as much as 25 years imprisonment, 15 years extended supervision, and fines of up to $100,000. Parker has not yet entered a plea. A mother and her young son finally have justice after their killer was found guilty of their murders, 31 years to the day after they happened. According to the Renton Police Department, a King County jury convicted 55-year-old Jerome Frank Jones in the 1994 murders of 23-year-old Stacy Ann Falcon-Dewey and her 3-year-old son, Jacob. Renton police found the two on a dead-end road in south Renton on October 28, 1994. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say new advancements in DNA technology allowed investigators to connect Jones to the Renton homicides. Jones was already serving time in California for an unrelated murder. After over 30 years, justice has finally been served for Stacy, Jacob, and their family, said Chief Jon Schuldt. Over the years, 50 different detectives have worked tirelessly to reach this moment. We hope the Falcon and Dewey families find some comfort in knowing we never gave up. Jones will also face sentencing on December 12 for two counts of aggravated first-degree murder with deadly weapon enhancements. He will spend life in prison without the possibility of parole. An investigation is underway in Madera after a shooting victim was dropped off at Madera Community Hospital. Police say the victim is a man with non-life-threatening injuries. Family dropped him off at the hospital around 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. Officers are trying to determine where the shooting happened and what led to the gunfire. Stay with ABC30 for the latest details on this developing story. A 20-year-old man was arrested and charged Wednesday, after firing shots at a Will County sheriff's deputy, the sheriff's office said. The deputy spotted a black Infiniti sedan without a license plate driving over the speed limit about 12:35 a.m. near McDonough Street and Ottawa Street in Joliet Township, the sheriff's office said. The deputy tried to pull the car over, but it continued speeding away, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Near the intersection of Chicago Street and Doris Avenue, the driver got out of the car armed with an AR-15-style pistol and shot at at the deputy, police said. The deputy was not injured. SEE ALSO: Man partially acquitted in shooting death of Sound-Bar Nightclub security guard The suspect then ran into a field. Joliet police and Illinois State Police helped during a brief search for the suspect, who was found and taken into custody. A gun was also recovered, police said. The vehicle he had been driving was stolen from Joliet, police said. Tyshawn T. Harris, 20, has been charged with attempted murder, aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon, aggravated discharge of a firearm at a peace officer, possession of a stolen vehicle, aggravated fleeing, driving on a suspended license and other motor-vehicle-related offenses in connection with the incident, police said. "We are thankful that our deputy is safe and that this dangerous individual is now in custody. I want to express my sincere appreciation to the Joliet Police Department and the Illinois State Police for their swift response and teamwork during this critical situation," Will County Sheriff Mike Kelley said. A man has died after he fell into the water while fishing at an Ohio park on Tuesday night. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Medics responded to Edgewater Park in Cleveland, east of the pier, around 8:15 p.m. People told CBS affiliate WOIO in Cleveland that the man was struggling in the 4 to 6-foot waves. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He died before medics arrived at the scene. Firefighters could not safely recover the mans body due to heavy water, WOIO said. The recovery operation was postponed. Firefighters told WOIO that they would reassess on Wednesday. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) A Campbell man arrested by city police in June following a fight was sentenced Tuesday in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court to 90 days in jail on a gun charge. John Johnson, 20, received the sentence following guilty pleas in September to charges of carrying a concealed weapon, a fourth-degree felony, and obstructing official business, a fifth-degree felony. The sentence is part of Johnsons probation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson was arrested at about 4:45 a.m. June 8, following a fight on Mistletoe Avenue. When he was searched by police, reports said he had a loaded semiautomatic handgun in his pants. He has been in the jail since his 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 WKBN.com. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) The man who was shot and killed in Northeast Portland on Monday night has been identified by authorities. Portland resident Derrik Rice, 39, was killed in the shooting that took place in the 4500 block of Northeast 125th Place in the Argay Terrace Neighborhood, the Portland Police Bureau said. Police are still searching for the suspect in the shooting. Prisoner accused of murdering cellmate in assault Derrick Rice was killed in a Northeast Portland shooting on the evening of Monday, October 27, 2025 (courtesy Portland Police Bureau) A shooting in Argay Terrace Neighborhood left a man dead. (KOIN) Officers responded just after 5:30 p.m. on reports of a shooting on Monday night. When they arrived at the scene, police found a man, later identified as Rice, injured with a gunshot wound. He was taken to a hospital but later succumbed to his injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said at the time that the suspect left the scene and no arrests were made. Rices family was notified of his death and provided a photo of him for the public. Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact 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. LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) The man who was found not guilty by reason of insanity in connection with the death of 6-year-old Logan Tipton in his Versailles home is back in Kentucky custody. Ronald Exantus was released in October under mandatory re-entry supervision, even though the parole board recommended he serve his full 20-year sentence. WATCH: Florida sheriffs office releases body camera footage of Ronald Exantus arrest Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was arrested in Ocala, Florida, after failing to register as a convicted felon and moving into a home less than 100 yards from a school. Floridas attorney general spoke out on Tuesday, calling the case an example of why the insanity defense needs to be re-examined. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: I believe the insanity defense is often abused. That allows people to evade accountability and get out early, and it impedes the work of prosecutors who stick their necks out and who go face-to-face with dangerous criminals every day in the courtroom, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. A South Jersey man has pleaded guilty after his girlfriend's body was found inside of a refrigerator in a New Jersey state park. Christopher Blevins, of Gloucester City, NJ, pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree aggravated manslaughter in Laura Hughes' death. The 50-year-old's body was found at Belleplain State Forest in December 2024. According to court documents, her body was found in a refrigerator that was wrapped in a sleeping bag, secured with blue ratchet straps, and covered with carpet. According to the Camden County Prosecutor's Office, Blevins is expected to be sentenced to 17 years in state prison in December. HOLYOKE A traffic stop, a man purse and a monthlong investigation led to two arrests Tuesday in what police say was a drug operation run out of a Holyoke convenience store. Holyoke Police Chief Brian Keenan said two men were charged after Tuesdays arrests. Jeffrey Cintron, 45, of Springfield, is accused of selling heroin and having cocaine and other drugs in his car. He was also charged with speeding. Juan Jimenez-Gomez, 61, of Holyoke, is accused of having heroin and cocaine and planning to sell them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the past month, Keenan said, officers working with federal agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration had been watching a convenience store near 96 Maple St. because they believed drugs were being sold there. Around 1:50 p.m., police saw a man leave the Maple Street convenience store and get into a car. Police said the driver, later identified as Cintron, was speeding, so officers pulled him over near 484 Maple St. Officers found 12 bags of cocaine, five pills they believe were fentanyl and some cash inside the car, Keenan said. Cintron was arrested. About 40 minutes later, police and federal agents went into the store and arrested Juan Jimenez-Gomez, Keenan said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Inside his man-purse, officers found about two bundles of heroin, a bag of cocaine and $1,923 in cash, he said. More Western Mass. Content Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The man who killed a 6-year-old boy in Kentucky and was released from prison this month after serving less than half of his 20-year sentence is being extradited to Kentucky after a recent arrest in Florida, officials said Tuesday at a news conference. Ronald Exantus, 42, was arrested Oct. 9 in Marion County, Fla., for failing to register as a felon. On Tuesday morning, he was en route to Kentucky, said Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods. Morgan Hall, a spokesperson for the Kentucky Department of Corrections, confirmed Exantus is on his way back to Kentucky. When he returns, he will have the option to have a hearing, and depending on his decision, an administrative law judge will hold a final revocation hearing, Hall said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge will submit their findings to the Kentucky Parole Board. Hall said If the judge finds probable cause, the board will decide whether Exantus release is to be revoked or not. If the board votes to revoke Exantus release, he will remain incarcerated in a Kentucky state prison, Hall said. The hope is certainly hes going to go back behind bars for a while, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said at the news conference. Were certainly calling for that and watching. In 2015, Exantus broke into a Woodford County home and stabbed and killed 6-year-old Logan Tipton, and assaulted Logans sisters and father. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the assaults, but he was found not guilty by reason of insanity in Logans death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Oct. 1, Exantus was released from a Kentucky prison after serving nine years, nine months and 25 days. His release prompted national outcry, including from the White House. But just a little more than a week later, he was arrested in Marion County, near Gainesville, for failing to register as a felon within 48 hours of moving to the state. Because of some stupid, obscure law Kentucky has, that murderer came here, Woods said at Tuesdays news conference. That was his mistake, was even deciding to move to Marion County. Exantus was freed from prison because of a Kentucky law known as mandatory supervised release, which releases qualified inmates who are within six months of their estimated sentence-completion date. The parole board denied Exantus parole on several occasions, including most recently on Sept. 30, but the state law supporting mandatory supervised release superseded the parole boards recommendation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Inmates who violate the conditions of their supervised release may be returned to prison and are not eligible for mandatory reentry supervision during the same period of incarceration, according to state law. It is not yet clear if failing to register as a felon qualifies as violating the conditions of Exantus release. Mandatory supervised release has been a source of criticism in recent weeks, including from Rep. T.J. Roberts, R-Burlington, who said he intends to file a bill in the upcoming legislative session to abolish the practice. URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) Julio Cucul-Bol was sentenced to 30 years in prison last week after accepting a plea deal for a hit-and-run that killed two women in Urbana earlier this year. On Friday, the 29-year-old Guatemalan national accepted a plea deal in which he was sentenced to 30 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections on five counts for his role in the Jan. 19 crash, which took the lives of 21-year-old Chloe Polzin of Deerfield and 20-year-old Katherine Abraham of Glenview. Parents share story of loss, fight against illegal immigration at The White House Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just a few days after the crash, Cucul-Bol was arrested by the United States Marshals Service under the false identity of 27-year-old Juan Jahaziel Saenz-Suarez, a Mexican national, but he was later positively identified as 29-year-old Julio Cucul-Bol. In May, a federal grand jury indicted Cucul-Bol on charges of possessing a false permanent resident card, possessing a false Social Security card, false use of a passport and making a false statement on a bank application for a November 2023 incident in which he falsely identified himself under the Saenz-Suarez name. The indictment also alleged that on Jan. 19, the day of the crash, Cucul-Bol had a Permanent Resident card and a Social Security card that were both fake. During his plea deal hearing in Champaign County Court on Friday, Cucul-Bol entered a guilty plea for the following charges he was facing: Aggravated DUI involving death Count 3 A Class 2 felony Leaving the scene of a fatal crash Counts 1 and 2 A Class 1 felony Aggravated DUI causing bodily harm Count 6 A Class 4 felony Leaving the scene of a personal injury crash Count 7 A Class 2 felony Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a part of the plea deal, the State dismissed counts 4 and 5, which were both reckless homicide charges. DHS begins Operation Midway Blitz in honor of woman killed in Urbana crash The 30-year sentence breakdown is as follows: 26 years in IDOC for aggravated DUI/death (count 3) 8 years for aggravated DUI/bodily harm (count 6) concurrent with count 3 4 years each for counts 1, 2, and 7 concurrent with each other, but consecutive to counts 3 and 6 Total: 30 years to be served at 85%, with credit given for 267 days already served On Friday, a victim impact statement was read in court. Cucul-Bol was then returned to the custody of the Champaign County Sheriffs Office, and then taken to IDOC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Police say a man who jumped out of his ex-girlfriends closet with an AR-style rifle while she was sleeping was shot during a struggle over the weapon. Corwyn Winfield was not seriously hurt but was charged with two counts of aggravated assault, eight counts of reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon, aggravated child abuse, aggravated burglary, domestic assault, and employment of a firearm with the intent to commit a felony. The shooting happened Saturday night at a home in the 3200 block of Knightsbridge Circle in Hickory Hill. Corwyn Winfield. Courtesy: Shelby County Jail Winfields former girlfriend said she was asleep in her bed with her current boyfriend and her five-year-old child when they were awakened by the sound of Winfield emerging from the bedroom closet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said Winfield pointed the rifle at them, threatened to kill them, and told them not to move. According to the affidavit of complaint, the boyfriend attempted to leave when Winfield stopped him at the bedroom door. The boyfriend said he and Winfield struggled over the gun, and during the fight, the weapon was discharged several times. Police said Winfield was shot in the arm, and another bullet went through a wall where several juveniles were sleeping. Officers recovered three spent shell casings, one live round, in the ex-girlfriends bedroom, and one projectile in the bedroom of the apartment next door. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victims said Winfield grabbed the gun from the floor and left the residence. Police said Winfield was transported by a private vehicle to St. Francis Hospital, where he was treated for a gunshot wound. Police said Winfields three children, all under the age of six, were inside the Knightsbridge home at the time of the shooting. Winfield is being held on a $400,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday. 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 WREG.com. CHRISTIAN COUNTY, Ky. (WKRN) A man wanted for multiple charges including offenses related to domestic violence was taken into custody following a vehicle and foot pursuit through Christian County Tuesday night. According to the Christian County Sheriffs Office, deputies went to Lafayette Road around 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 28 to serve an arrest warrant for Timothy Osiborski, 40, of Herndon. That warrant included charges for second-degree strangulation (domestic violence), fourth-degree assault (domestic violence), first-degree unlawful imprisonment, and first-degree wanton endangerment. 2 men charged with soliciting minors during undercover operation, Murfreesboro police say Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When authorities tried to serve the warrant, Osiborski allegedly backed his vehicle through the closed garage door at a high rate of speed, nearly hitting law enforcement. Officials said deputies responded to the immediate threat by firing one round toward the suspects vehicle as he fled the area, during which time he struck a Kentucky State Police cruiser. The sheriffs office said there was a short pursuit, which ended when Osiborski abandoned his vehicle and ran into a nearby field along Mt. Vernon Church Road, armed with a firearm. However, after deputies with some help from K9 Luca arrested the 40-year-old without further incident, they determined the weapon was actually a pellet gun. According to authorities, not only was Osiborski driving a vehicle that had been reported stolen out of Tennessee, but he had a small bag containing a substance believed to be cocaine in his possession. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Law enforcement said Osiborski was brought to the Christian County Jail and charged with the following offenses: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First-degree fleeing or evading law enforcement (motor vehicle) First-degree fleeing or evading law enforcement (on foot) First-degree wanton endangerment First-degree criminal mischief Second-degree criminal mischief Resisting arrest Receiving stolen property Reckless driving First-degree possession of a controlled substance (cocaine) Possession of drug paraphernalia Other traffic violations No additional details have been released about this incident. 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. NEED TO KNOW Conn. State Troopers responded to a report of a shooting at a home in Killingly on Monday, Oct. 27 There they found Andrew Michael Olson, 39, suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest Troopers found Michelle Yeagher, 65, in bed and arrested her and charged her with murder, police allege A Connecticut woman is accused of fatally shooting a man while he watched Toy Story with a child, police said. State troopers responded to a report of a shooting at a Killingly home on Monday evening and found a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest, according to an arrest arrest report reviewed by PEOPLE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arriving officers found a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. He was later identified as Andrew Michael Olson, 39, of Canterbury, a state police report states, according to WPRI, NBC Connecticut and the New York Daily News. He was rushed to a local hospital where he later died. A 12-year-old boy told troopers he was watching Toy Story with Olson when Michelle Yeagher, 65, came into the room and shot the man, authorities allege, per the outlets. Yeagher was located inside the home and quickly detained. She is charged with murder, carrying a firearm while under the influence, risk of injury to a child and first-degree reckless endangerment, and is being held on a $1 million bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the arrest report cited by the outlets, troopers said they found Yeagher in bed and that she appeared to be highly intoxicated. The troopers asked her what happened and she allegedly replied, He tried to kill me, per the report. I shot him, she allegedly continued. He came after me, I shot him. 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. Yeagher was also taken to the hospital, where she told troopers she was upset from things that had happened that day and started drinking that night. She said Olson and the child came over and she went to sleep then woke up, suddenly felt terrified, got her gun from a safe and then remembers seeing someone on the floor, the report alleges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities did not provide details of the relationship between Yeagher, Olson and the child. In a GoFundMe set up to help defray funeral costs, the organizer called Olson "a kind, generous man, and a loving father, son, brother, and friend" with a "heart of gold." "He was the type of person who would give you the shirt off his back without a second thought," reads the GoFundMe. "He was so deeply loved by everyone who knew him, and his absence has left an emptiness that can never be filled." It is unclear whether Yeagher has retained an attorney who can comment on her behalf. She is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 11. Read the original article on People MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) -A man in a silver Ford F-150 and a woman in a navy Mazda SUV were seen assaulting each other Friday afternoon on the Midland College campus, and Midland Crime Stoppers is now asking anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward. The disturbance occurred around 1:15 p.m. on October 24 in the parking lot near the Jack E. Brown Dining Hall, according to the Midland College Police Department. Investigators say they are working to identify both individuals involved and are requesting information from anyone who was in the area at the time. Witnesses are asked to contact Midland College police at 432-685-4734. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those who prefer to remain anonymous can submit a tip through Midland Crime Stoppers by calling 432-694-TIPS, visiting 694tips.com, or using the P3 Tips app. Anonymous two-way communication is available through the app. 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 Yourbasin. MANCHESTER - Cheeks Chicken & Waffles in Manchester is offering free meals to kids as federal food assistance is expected to run out, the restaurant announced Wednesday. Starting Saturday, the restaurant will provide free Kids' Meals until SNAP benefits are restored, according to a Facebook post. No age restriction was included in the restaurant's post. The Trump administration has ruled out the idea of using roughly $5 billion in contingency funds to keep food aid flowing into November amid the government shutdown, according to a Department of Agriculture memo, The Associated Press reported. States temporarily covering the cost of benefits next month will not be reimbursed, the memo says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state of Connecticut is providing $3 million in emergency state funding to Connecticut Foodshare to temporarily continue the benefits, officials announced. As for the restaurant's motivation, "We're staying out of politics," Cheeks posted, "We simply believe no child should ever go hungry." Free meals for children will be offered with no questions asked and no purchase required, but the child must be present and the offer is for takeout only, the restaurant post said. The restaurant is accepting donations to help fund the effort. "We are a small family operated business and will try our best to support our community in difficult times," the restaurant posted. Cheeks is located at 648 Center St. in Manchester. This article originally published at Manchester chicken restaurant offers free kids' meals as SNAP aid is stalled. Manchester police have arrested the man who allegedly fired multiple shots at officers who were pursuing him on Interstate 84 in East Hartford over the weekend before police returned fire and shot him. Samuel Lee, 40, was charged in the hospital after police obtained a warrant for his arrest, according to Lt. Nicholas Reinert of the Manchester Police Department. He faces charges of criminal attempt to commit first-degree assault, assault on public safety personnel, criminal possession of a firearm, unlawful discharge of a firearm, interfering with an officer, operation of a motor vehicle with a suspended license, reckless driving and improper use of a marker plate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lee is being held on a $1 million bond and is in the custody of the Department of Correction while he remains hospitalized, Reinert said late Tuesday. He is scheduled to appear in Manchester Superior Court on Nov. 12. Video shows CT man shooting at officers during pursuit on I-84 before police return fire Reinert said Lee also had six warrants out for his arrest on failure to appear in court charges in connection with pending cases. According to court records, the arrests stemmed from incidents in Manchester and are pending in superior courts in Manchester, Hartford and New Britain. The underlying charges include those of assault on a public safety officer, interfering with police and threatening, among others, court records show. Police have identified Lee as the man who took off from a traffic stop on Saturday at 1:42 a.m. at 335 Center St. in Manchester, where an officer said he had the wrong license plate on a Lexus sedan. After speaking briefly with an officer, Lee allegedly sped off and nearly hit another officers cruiser who arrived as backup, according to a preliminary report released by Connecticut Inspector General Eliot Prescott. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prescott alleged that Lee hit speeds as fast as 70 mph as he fled from pursuing officers. A police sergeant positioned at the I-84 West on-ramp on West Middle Turnpike was able to deploy stop sticks as Lee drove up the ramp, deflating several of his tires, according to Prescott. Manchester officer shoots suspect who allegedly opened fire at police during I-84 pursuit As the pursuit continued onto the highway and into East Hartford, video released from police body and dashboard cameras showed an individual identified by police as Lee point a gun out the drivers side window and fire about five rounds toward pursuing officers. The shots that were fired appeared to strike a cruiser being driven by Manchester Officer Kyle Busse, his body camera shows. Moments after someone can be heard calling out shots fired, shots fired, Busse can be seen drawing his firearm, pointing it out the drivers side window and firing about nine shots, the footage shows. According to Prescott, one of the shots struck Lees right hip, which was described as a non-life-threatening injury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the gunfire, Lees vehicle slowed down and eventually stopped on the left side of the highway near a jersey barrier just past the Forbes Street overpass, according to Prescott. Prescott said Lee surrendered and was given medical attention at the scene before being taken to Hartford Hospital. Police allegedly found a firearm on the drivers side floor of the Lexus, which can be seen in a still image Prescott released. The officer-involved shooting remains under investigation by Prescotts office with assistance from the Manchester Police Department, Hartford Judicial District States Attorneys Office and the Connecticut State Police Central District Major Crime Squad. SEBASTIAN COUNTY, Ark. Officials with the Sebastian County Sheriffs Office said a local police officer is facing charges relating to the theft and pawning of department guns. Officials said the investigation was launched after the Mansfield Police Chief reported two guns were stolen out of a file cabinet in his office on Oct. 17. Investigators found that the guns had been pawned in Fort Smith by Mansfield Police Officer 42-year-old Stephen E. Townley, a two-year veteran of the force. UPDATE: Beebe police ID 15 and 18-year-old suspects accused of assaulting officer, stealing patrol vehicle during Vilonia traffic stop Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Townley is facing two charges of felony theft by receiving, firearms, and a single count of felony release or disclosure to an unauthorized person, the latter regarding using the Arkansas Crime Information Center (ACIC) to see if the guns had been stolen. A warrant affidavit shows Townley admitted to an investigator that he had also pawned his service weapon, along with two other guns. This was supported by the pawn ticket included in the affidavit, showing three handguns being pawned for $700 each. According to the affidavit, Townley told the investigator he was between a rock and a hard place after the electricity to his home had been shut off. He continued that he planned to pawn the guns, but get them back before anyone realized what he had done. Conway police arrest suspect in school bus theft Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Townley turned himself in after warrants were brought against him on Thursday. SCSO officials said he was released after posting a $2,500 bond and has a first court appearance set for Nov. 5. 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. DENVER (KDVR) Earth has had a lot of people on it. The current population, which is estimated to be around 8.2 billion, only accounts for about 7% of the entire population of humans Earth has ever had living on it. Denver one of Orkins rattiest cities in the U.S. According to PRB, a data center that tracks global population data, in 2022, the last recorded year for data, 117,020,448,575 people have roamed Earth at some point in history. That number is expected to increase to 120,847,437,072 by 2050. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Out of the vastness of this planet and the billion upon billions of lives that have lived here, there is one small area that has been responsible for its own tiny population. The area has existed for eons, with its oldest rocks dating back 2.7 billion years ago, but is now formally known as Colorado. It would be nearly impossible to track every single life that has ever lived in Colorado, but recorded data can depict a decent picture of the population in recent history. How many people have lived in Colorado, or what would become Colorado? FOX31 tried to put a number on it. 1860-2024 The most recent Census estimate was counted on July 1, 2024, and determined that about 5.96 million people live in Colorado. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Census data from 1860, 16 years before Colorado became a state, recorded 34,277 people living in the Colorado territory. The year 1860 was the first time that accurate, but not precise, numbers would be documented. Figures might miss out on the odd person, but for the most part, they are fair estimates. Since 1860, historical crude birth-rate data gathered from the Centers for Disease Control and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, determined that approximately 6,033,839 people have been born in Colorado between 1860 and 2024. Unfortunately, on the other side of life comes death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the same period, the data shows that about 5.07 million people have died, leaving a natural increase of about 0.96 million people. The next number that must be looked into is the total migrations into the state. Net migration, people who have moved into Colorado minus those who have moved out, sits at about five million people that gives Colorado its current population of around 5.96 million after adding the natural increase of 0.96 million to the five million. However, to achieve a total number of people who have ever lived here, only the migrations into the state matter. A conservative estimate from the State Demography Office suggests that 10,423,422 people have moved into Colorado, although that number could be closer to about 20 million, if data recorded before 1860 is taken into consideration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The only way that 10.4 million was able to be determined was to track the number of people who have left from 1860 to 2024, and add the states current population to that number. 18,000 years ago This is where the statisticians leave the conversation, historians enter and numbers become much more vague. Historians believe that indigenous people have lived in Colorado for about 18,000 years, according to research from the Colorado Encyclopedia. The Colorado Encyclopedia said the total years are split into four eras, including: Paleo-Indian: 18,000 BCE to 6,500 BCE Archaic: 6,500 BCE to 200 CE Formative: 200 CE to 1,500 CE Historic pre-post-European contact: 1,500 CE to 1,900 CE Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The numbers are hard to pin down exactly, but archaeological findings have been able to determine rough estimates of the populations per era. The Colorado Encyclopedia suggests populations had estimates, including: Paleo-Indian average population: 3,000 Archaic average population: 10,000 Formative average population: 15,000 Historic pre-post European contact average population: 30,000 The National Library of Medicine said the average life span from the Paleo-Indian era to 1850 was about 30 years. To get an estimate of the population across the eras, you would multiply the average population by the number of years and divide by the average lifespan for totals, including: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paleo-Indian: 1.15 million people Archaic: 2.1 million people Formative: 650,000 people Historic pre-post European contact: 400,000 people Worlds largest passenger aircraft to return to DIA with flights in 2026 A very conservative total Humanity has not always had the ability to use AI to keep precise tallies of every person on Earth or in Colorado, but historians and statisticians can offer a valuable look into humanitys past. Using only archaeology to understand population density means that breathing room is needed on either side of the total average. So, using data collected by the Census from 1860 to 2024, combined with the historic findings of archaeologists, a very conservative total of people who have ever lived in Colorado is Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drum roll, please 14,700,000 people and thats more than likely on the lighter side. Before those 18,000 years your guess is as good as mine. 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. Nearly 700,000 Wisconsin residents could see their food assistance benefits pause in November amid the ongoing government shutdown. FoodShare is Wisconsin's version of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which provides food aid to individuals who meet income certain requirements. The program is funded entirely by the federal government. As the benefits pause looms, here's what Wisconsin residents should know: When will the FoodShare benefits pause take effect? FoodShare benefits are set to pause Nov. 1. Why are FoodShare benefits being halted? The government shutdown, now in day 29, is the cause behind the benefits pause. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The USDA confirmed in a new message on its website that no SNAP benefits will be issued next month. "Bottom line, the well has run dry. At this time, there will be no benefits issued November 1," the message reads, in part. The shutdown began Oct. 1 and is officially the second longest in history. More: SNAP benefits won't go out Nov. 1. 'The well has run dry,' USDA says. Can I use outstanding FoodShare benefits? Beneficiaries can continue using any outstanding funds on their FoodShare cards in November, but new benefits will not be issued until the shutdown ends, according to the Milwaukee County website. Linda Barnes, manager of the Capuchin Community Services' House of Peace, is bracing for an increase in demand at the House of Peace's food pantry next month. Wisconsin's food assistance program, FoodShare, is expected to run out of money at the end of October if the federal shutdown continues. How many Wisconsin residents rely on FoodShare benefits? As of May 2025, more than 689,000 Wisconsinites, or about 12% of the state's population, rely on FoodShare benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About 60% of SNAP, or FoodShare, participants in Wisconsin are in families with children, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. More than 36% of participants are in families with disabled or elderly adults, and more than 45% are in working families. Which areas of Wisconsin rely most on FoodShare benefits? Wisconsin's 4th Congressional District has, by far, the largest share of households relying on SNAP benefits. About 21% of households in the 4th district, which includes the city of Milwaukee, received SNAP benefits at some point in 2024, according to data from USAFacts, a nonpartisan website that analyzes government data. Of the remaining seven districts, six had between 8% and 11% of households receiving SNAP benefits. The 5th Congressional District was the least reliant on SNAP, with 6% of households receiving benefits, according to the following graph from USAFacts: What are Wisconsin officials doing to prepare for the benefits halt? Milwaukee leaders and organizations have partnered to launch a food drive to support families affected by the pause. The drive began Oct. 28 and will run until FoodShare benefits are restored. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wisconsin also joined a multi-state lawsuit against the USDA to release contingency funding for SNAP benefits nationwide. Will WIC benefits still be available in November? Amid the lapse in SNAP funding, some residents may also be wondering about the status of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, or WIC. In Wisconsin, more than 130,000 residents rely on WIC benefits. According to USA TODAY, the program has enough emergency funding to sustain itself through Oct. 31, after which benefits may be in jeopardy unless the shutdown ends or state governments step in to fill the gap. As of Oct. 29, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services said on its website that November benefits will be available for WIC beneficiaries statewide. Residents can still use benefits and attend WIC appointments during the shutdown, and should contact their local WIC office with further questions, the agency said. Where can I find food assistance in Milwaukee County? Many Milwaukee area pantries, nonprofits and small businesses are stepping up to provide assistance to impacted residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can find a full guide to food assistance resources in Milwaukee County here. Where can I donate non-perishable food items in Milwaukee County? If you would like to support people impacted by the FoodShare pause, here are locations across Milwaukee County accepting non-perishable food donations: Milwaukee City Hall: 200 E. Wells St. Milwaukee County Courthouse: 901 N. Ninth St. Zeidler Municipal Building: 841 N. Broadway Marcia P. Coggs Health & Human Services Center: 1230 W. Cherry St. Hillview Hall: 1615 S. 22nd St. Fiserv Forum: 1111 Vel R. Phillips Ave. All Milwaukee Public Schools All Milwaukee Police Department districts All City of Milwaukee Public Library branches Mason Temple Church: 6058 N. 35th St. Residents can also donate money online to Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin or to Nourish MKE. Kelli Arseneau contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What to know about the SNAP, WIC benefits status in Wisconsin The family of a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who was boiled alive taking a too-hot shower during a trip is suing the hotel, claiming the scalding water led to his death. After driving over 300 miles from Los Angeles to San Jose to watch his granddaughter graduate from San Jose State on May 22, 72-year-old Terril Johnson went to take a shower at the Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites San Jose Airport, where he was staying with family. His loved ones allege that he was effectively boiled alive by the blistering hot water, which a medical examiner said ultimately caused his death, according to a lawsuit filed against the hotel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He died the night before the graduation, his son, Terril Johnson II, told The Mercury News. He said his father had been ecstatic about getting to see his granddaughter, an NCAA gymnast, receive her degree. Johnson was found unconscious and partially submerged in water that was allegedly too hot for his family to pull him from without burning themselves. He was found by his grandson, Deshaun, who was staying in an adjoining hotel room, the familys attorney, Paul Traina, told the Los Angeles Times. Undated photos show California grandfather and veteran Terril Johnson, 72, who was boiled alive and died after taking a shower at a Marriott hotel the day before his granddaughters graduation (Santa Clara County Superior Court) It wasnt clear how long Johnson had been submerged in the water, but Traina said it had only been a short time. His son, daughter-in-law and three granddaughters were all present at the time of the incident. His relatives attempted to perform CPR, but according to court filings, were forced to watch in horror as his skin peeled away from his body. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On October 15, Johnsons family filed the lawsuit against Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites San Jose Airport, claiming wrongful death and negligent infliction of emotional distress. The lawsuit claims that the Santa Clara County medical examiner ruled Johnsons cause of death to be severe scalding due to burns covering more than 33 percent of his body. The temperature of the water was between 134 and 136 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the suit. According to the California Plumbing Code, showers and tub showers should not exceed a temperature higher than 120 degrees. This was not a freak accident. It was the direct result of Defendants gross negligence and failure to meet even basic safety obligations, the lawsuit claims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marriott did not immediately return a request for comment from The Independent. Johnson had served in Vietnam with the Marine Corps and, after, moved to California and married his high school sweetheart. He had two children and four grandchildren, according to the report. He had retired from his job as a senior lead technician at the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit Authority just a year before his death. His son remembered him as a fun-loving person, telling Mercury News, he enjoyed life. The grandfathers support and encouragement also played a role in the success of his grandchildren, whom his son said he spoke to on the phone every day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The horrifying incident left Johnsons family with post-traumatic stress disorder and recurring nightmares, they told the outlet. I have dreams that my dad really didnt die, that he was just burned really bad, his son said. I visit him in the hospital and hes all covered in gauze. Fox News host Mark Levin blasted former Trump strategist Steve Bannon for insisting that there is a plan for Donald Trump to serve as president for a Constitutionally-banned third term, warning MAGA supporters that Bannons playing you with his claims. The shot across the bow isnt the first time that Levin and the War Room host have engaged in MAGA-on-MAGA violence, as the two have regularly lashed out at each other particularly this past summer over Americas involvement in the brief Israel-Iran war. With the president long toying with the idea and trolling Democrats about the possibility of a 2028 run despite the 22nd Amendment explicitly forbidding it, Bannon suddenly rekindled the notion of a Trump third term last week when he asserted there was a way to circumvent the Constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump is going to be president in 28, and people ought to just get accommodated with that, Bannon told The Economist. At the appropriate time, well lay out what the plan is but there is a plan. With the far-right podcaster and convicted fraudster also claiming that Trump was an instrument of divine will, suggesting that the president was more like a king than a democratically elected leader, Trump told reporters Monday that he would love to run again as he has the best poll numbers Ive ever had. (The latest YouGov poll currently has the president with a 39 percent approval rating.) Mark Levin tells MAGA that 'Bannon's playing you' over his Trump third-term push. (Getty/Gage Skidmore/CC BY-SA 2.0) With GOP lawmakers pouring cold water on the presidents flirtation with a third term, Trump eventually relented Tuesday night saying that hes not allowed to run for president again, though he said it was sad that he couldnt because of his supposedly high approval numbers. Meanwhile, after House Speaker Mike Johnson said the constraints of the Constitution prevent a third Trump term, Bannon berated the Republican leader. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Polly Pockets, you've got no say-so in this, OK? Just shut up and sit off in the corner, Bannon groused, before suggesting that Congress was only a rubber stamp for the president. You're running the Duma right now. Just go over and run the Duma. During his Tuesday radio show, Levin took aim at Bannon and referenced the fact that the ex-Trump adviser pleaded guilty to defrauding donors who invested in a private effort to build a border wall. So if you see some poison that is spreading, some cancer that is metastasizing, that's going to damage our country, damage our culture, damage our society, politically, damage our party, and destroy everything that's been built, you have an obligation not to acquiesce to it as a coward, certainly not to join in with it, make excuses for it, but to confront it, whether it's on the left or the right, the pro-Trump right-wing pundit declared. You have an obligation, a moral obligation, to do just that. No, it's not a waste of time, your time, or my time when I do it. It's crucial to who we are as a society. It's very crucial, Levin continued. You've got guys like Bannon. The guy pled guilty to a felony, ripping off little old ladies raising money for a wall that was never built. He's telling us Trump's gonna run for a third term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Levin, who also serves on the presidents Homeland Security Advisory Council, wrapped up his broadside against the MAGA podcaster by telling his audience not to trust Bannon. Well, there is the thing called the Constitution. Nobody gets to run for a third term. Nobody. And he won't, Levin concluded. Bannon's playing you. President Donald Trumps estranged niece, Mary Trump, says the controversy over her uncles construction of a new White House ballroom fits a long-running pattern that she knows all too well. In an exclusive conversation on our Substack series Katie Couric Live, Mary said her familys generational impulses of entitlement and control are on full display once again this time with her uncles demolition of the East Wing, which historically housed the first ladys office and a visitors entrance. The space is being torn down to make room for a lavish new ballroom. Destruction and cruelty those are both Trump family traits, she told Katie. Starting, of course, with the patriarch, my grandfather Fred, who was a sociopath. Advertisement Advertisement To illustrate her point, Mary shared a story from the 1960s, when her grandfather, Fred Trump, bought the land beneath Steeplechase Park, a beloved Coney Island amusement park that had been a fixture of New York life for decades. Locals hoped to see it preserved as a landmark, but Fred had other plans: He wanted to raze the site and redevelop it for housing. When zoning laws prevented him from doing so, he staged a garish publicity stunt, complete with models in bikinis, bricks for sale, and crowds encouraged to smash the stained-glass windows of the parks main pavilion. The spectacle, Mary said, really revealed my grandfather to be who he was someone who would rather destroy something beautiful than let anyone else control it. Mary says she sees the same destructive streak in her uncle today. As always, with anything awful Donald does, Im never surprised, she said. Theres no such thing as worst he will always get worse, especially when the Republican Party keeps giving him cover. Mary called the East Wing demolition a symbol of unchecked power. [The president is] a civil servant who lives at taxpayer expense in the White House, she said. He doesnt own it. Why is he allowed to do whatever he wants? Its a disgrace. For Mary, the East Wing demolition and the projected $350 million ballroom renovation she calls an obscene project is about more than architecture. She sees it as emblematic of a mindset thats corroding the countrys institutions. Advertisement Advertisement Unless its made out of gold actual gold the term quid pro quo comes to mind, she said, questioning why top corporate executives from Apple, Meta, and Google are donating to such a costly project. Mary says that erosion of boundaries isnt limited to the White House. She pointed to a new Pentagon order reportedly requiring all 50 states and U.S. territories to train about 23,500 National Guard members as quick reaction forces for nationwide crowd control including tactics like baton use, shields, tasers, and pepper spray with full readiness expected by early 2026. Critics warn the move could normalize a militarized police force or even set the stage for federal intervention in elections under the guise of combating civil unrest. First of all, my dad was a second lieutenant in the National Guard, and the egregious misuse of Guardsmen kind of breaks my heart, Mary said. Theyre there to help American citizens in times of need natural disasters or what have you not to police U.S. citizens the way Donald is requiring them to. To me, this sounds like preparation for declaring martial law. To Mary, its another sign of creeping authoritarianism. The longer Donald and his regime are allowed to go unchecked, the more their actions become normalized, Mary said. People start accepting more and more transgressions and before you know it, theyve gotten used to the idea that their constitutional rights are being chipped away. Advertisement Advertisement For more of Marys analysis on her familys history and her uncles tactics, check out the full episode of Katie Couric Live below which also includes cant-miss conversations with journalist Jim Acosta and Joyce Vance, author of Giving Up Is Unforgivable: A Manual for Keeping a Democracy. SNAP Benefits, East Wing, and Executive Overreach by Katie Couric Media A recording from Katie Courics live video Read on Substack The post Mary Trump: White House Ballroom Reflects a Legacy of Destruction and Cruelty appeared first on Katie Couric Media. As heavy floodwaters surged across southwestern Jamaica and 185 mph winds tore through coastal towns Tuesday, Maryland Del. Jheanelle Wilkins kept her phone close, refreshing messages with family members riding out the storm. The catastrophic storm and the fact that this is the worst in the nations history is just extremely concerning, Wilkins, a Kingston-born Democrat who represents Montgomery County, told The Baltimore Sun on Tuesday. I feel very worried for the entire island and also for my family. Hurricane Melissa made landfall on Jamaicas southwestern coast as a Category 5 storm one of the most powerful in Atlantic history. The storm flattened homes, uprooted trees and left hundreds of thousands without power, according to media reports. It is now moving toward Cuba. Its slow movement has brought hours of torrential rain and flash flooding, with officials warning that recovery will take weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Jamaicans in Maryland, the destruction has felt both distant and deeply personal. The state is home to more than 82,000 Caribbeans one of the largest Caribbean populations in the mid-Atlantic, according to the latest reports from the Migration Policy Institute. Its scary, and for me as a legislator, at the same time, we have so much going on in the community here with the shutdown, our furloughed workers, Wilkins said. Both at home and also abroad, several crises are going on, and trying to make sure that everyone is taken care of. Organizing from afar As Wilkins checked in with her father and siblings in Kingston and Montego Bay, others in Marylands Jamaican community were busy mobilizing. BJ Dawkins, a leader in the Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce and a community advocate in Montgomery County, said she spent the night on WhatsApp with friends and family in Jamaica, including her 86-year-old mother in Montego Bay many of whom were struggling with intermittent power and spotty internet connections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday night, Dawkins helped coordinate a Zoom meeting hosted by Jamaicas ambassador to the United States, Antony Anderson. More than 500 people, including Wilkins and Howard University professor Goulda Downer, logged on to hear updates, identify immediate needs and plan relief efforts. Downer, who has trained with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and worked with Jamaicas disaster preparedness agency, said the storm highlights the regions growing vulnerability to climate change. Latin America and the Caribbean region is considered the second most disaster-prone area in the world one in six natural disasters occur in the Caribbean thats about 16 percent, she said, adding that the regions ability to withstand storms has decreased significantly since she was a child living in Jamaica as the nature of the storms themselves have changed due to climate change. Downer emphasized that disaster response is about more than rebuilding roads and houses its about long-term planning, communication and mental health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She added that diaspora communities play a crucial role in relief and recovery. When it comes to boots on the ground, thats what we do. We get together. It doesnt matter what our political affiliation is. The bottom line is Jamaica is Jamaica. Thats home, she said. Wilkins said she hopes the United States provides robust support as Jamaica begins rebuilding. Recent actions around the international support have not been strong in recent months, she said. But I am hopeful, and I will be urging that help from the United States . and the many Jamaicans living here in the United States, I know, will want to see that support take place. Have a news tip? Contact Mennatalla Ibrahim at mibrahim@baltsun.com. WASHINGTON Two Maryland lawmakers are introducing bills that would suspend student loan payments for federal workers during the government shutdown, providing relief for employees who missed their first full paycheck last week. The bills are being introduced by Sen. Angela Alsobrooks and Rep. Sarah Elfreth. Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen is a cosponsor. This has been an ongoing effort that we have made to ensure that during the shutdown were providing as much support as we can to federal employees, Alsobrooks told The Baltimore Sun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its the latest action of a delegation that has often placed itself in the middle of a fight that has benefited no one least of all Maryland, which has been disproportionately affected by the impact on government workers. Its a smart angle to take, GOP strategist Brittany Martinez said. In this moment, everyone is trying to throw things at the wall and see what sticks. Maryland has one of the highest concentrations of federal employees of any state in the nation. Between workers, contractors, and military personnel, Maryland is home to over 500,000 government employees, according to Alsobrooks office and state estimates. Its also one of the most educated states. Roughly 44% of people 25 and older hold at least a bachelors degree. Maryland residents are more likely to have student loan debt than most across the country, with about 847,000 borrowers, according to a study by the Education Data Initiative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The problem is personal for Elfreth. The freshman member still has student loan debt. And after electing to have her pay withheld during the shutdown, she had to adjust to make her payment. I was able to make, like, the most minimum payment this month, Elfreth told The Sun. But Im still paying. And so, I think a lot of people are in that same position. If this is one thing we can take off of their plates, thats what Id like to do, Elfreth added. Titled the Shutdown Student Loans for Feds Act, the legislation, exclusively obtained by The Sun, would require the Department of Education to pause student loan payments during a government funding lapse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It includes multiple provisions. In the event of a government shutdown that lasts beyond two weeks like the current one the bill would pause loan payments for all federal employees. There are no caveats for contractors or furloughed employees. All federal workers who are not being paid would benefit. The loans would not accrue interest when paused and have no impact on a persons credit. The pause wouldnt affect loan forgiveness programs. For forgiveness programs, the time passed would be considered as if the pause didnt happen and payments were made normally. Alsobrooks plans to introduce the Senate version of the bill on Wednesday. Elfreth, who represents Anne Arundel and Howard counties and partnered with Alsobrooks on the legislation, introduced its corresponding House bill on Tuesday. Alsobrooks and Elfreth also collaborated on legislation just before the shutdown that would pay federal employees who continue to work during the shutdown. Although Alsobrooks mentioned the possibility of trying to pass the bill by unanimous consent, she isnt expected to try on Wednesday. The Senate has been conversing on previously introduced federal worker bills, including one introduced last week by Van Hollen. Whether or not those bills gain bipartisan momentum could determine how Alsobrooks proceeds with her bill, a spokesperson for Alsobrooks told The Sun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elfreth doubted her bill would be acted on in time to help the current shutdown Republicans have been gone since before funding lapsed, leaving the House in limbo. But she eyed how it could aid workers in potential future funding stalemates. The National Federation of Federal Employees, the National Treasury Employees Union and the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) endorsed the act. AFGE President Everett Kelley said it would provide much-needed financial relief for federal workers impacted by government shutdowns. No public servant should be penalized with mounting student debt while serving their country without pay, Kelley said in a statement. This bill offers fairness, dignity, and peace of mind to the federal workforce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maryland lawmakers have frequently advocated during the shutdown for legislation that would aid federal workers. So far, its been to no avail. I dont know whether its going to stick or not, Martinez said. _____ The Democratic leader of the Maryland Senate on Tuesday sent a letter to dozens of state lawmakers rejecting the partys effort to redistrict in the state, bucking Democrats national effort to redraw congressional lines. Bill Ferguson, the Maryland Senate president who for months has been privately castigated by Democrats who support redistricting, laid out why he wants to block any legislative effort to try to get one additional congressional seat for Democrats in Maryland. I want to provide some additional clarity regarding why; after speaking with many of you individually, the Senate is choosing not to move forward with mid-cycle redistricting, Ferguson wrote in a three-page letter sent Tuesday evening to all members of the chambers Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Despite deeply shared frustrations about the state of our country, mid-cycle redistricting for Maryland presents a reality where the legal risks are too high, the timeline for action is dangerous, the downside risk to Democrats is catastrophic, and the certainty of our existing map would be undermined, he wrote. Ferguson was closely involved in the effort to redraw maps four years ago and has previously alluded to the makeup of the state Supreme Court being a threat to redistrict, with five of the seven justices being appointed by former Republican Gov. Larry Hogan. The letter comes as Democrats are seeking to counter President Donald Trumps attempts to push Republicans to alter congressional maps in Texas, Missouri and North Carolina, among others, to make them more favorable to Republicans in an effort to keep control of the House in 2026 and beyond. In recent days, Democrats in New York, Illinois and Virginiahave ramped up efforts to redistrict, even as some in the party worry more blue-leaning states need to join the fight. Voters in California next week will also decide whether to create a new congressional map that would net the state five blue seats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least one Maryland lawmaker believed the effort by Democrats in Virginia, who could complete the first part of their redistricting push as soon as this week, could help push Maryland lawmakers into the redistricting battle. Maryland Del. David Moon, the House Majority Leader who is also working on redistricting proposals, suggested via text before Ferguson sent his Tuesday letter, that it was helping drive intense conversation, but we still dont have agreement on the path forward. Democratic Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, a potential 2028 presidential hopeful,told POLITICO last month: Theres no hold up from me adding that he was ready for his "legislative partners to start the redistricting process. Another Maryland lawmaker, House Speaker Adrienne Jones, has signaled she was also eager to launch a redrawing push of Marylands Congressional map. Moores office did not return a request to comment. A spokesperson for Jones declined to comment. Ferguson also declined to comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ferguson has always been uneasy about redistricting. In his letter, he referenced the partys 2021 effort by Democrats to approve a map that would have eliminated the states only Republican seat, currently held by House Freedom Caucus Chair Rep. Andy Harris, only to have it struck down by a judge the following year. Ferguson, who is white, also made a racial argument against moving to redraw state lines, saying the state, which has a governor, House Speaker and attorney general who are all Black, has long fought against racial gerrymandering that was aimed at diluting the Black vote. It is hypocritical to say that it is abhorrent to tactically shift voters based on race, but not to do so based on party affiliation, he said. He acknowledged that pressure is mounting on Maryland Democrats to move,including a survey commissioned by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and shared with POLITICO last week indicating a majority of Maryland voters reacted positively to arguments supporting the redistricting fight. Ferguson however suggested in the letter that upending the states current maps for just a single seat, was not a fight worth taking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maryland state Sen. Clarence Lam, who introduced a bill in August that put more liberal-leaning voters in the district held by Harris, rejected Fergusons rationale, saying on Tuesday that the leaders arguments dont hold much water. He's saying that he feels like this would be the equivalent of racial gerrymandering, that if we did this, Lam said. That seems very ironic and rich, given that the Supreme Court is about to kill section two of the [Voting Rights Act]. He's basically making the argument that the Republicans on the Supreme Court are making. The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities has denied a major portion of Eversources anticipated winter rate increase for NSTAR Gas, saving customers about $45 million, officials announced Wednesday. The utility company had requested that a 13% rate hike take effect on Saturday, Nov. 1, but the DPU ruled that NSTAR Gas failed to meet key performance benchmarks, particularly in customer satisfaction, required under a 2020 agreement. As a result, the company will not be allowed to collect the additional charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, Gov. Maura Healey called Eversources proposed rate increase outrageous. Its outrageous. People cant afford it. Its way too high, Healey told Boston 25 News. So, Im going to be urging DPU to really scrutinize this proposal. But people cant afford this. While the DPU rejected the performance-based rate increase, it did approve funding for safety and reliability upgrades, ensuring continued investment in critical infrastructure. NSTAR Gas provides service to about 303,000 customers in 51 cities and towns across Massachusetts. The DPU is still reviewing all potential winter rate changes for gas bills by the other gas utilities, including a potential 17% raise in bills for Eversources EGMA customers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those decisions will be made before the start of the winter heating season, according to the DPU. In a separate move, the DPU also extended the residential shut-off moratorium for electric and gas services. The new protection period runs from October 27, 2025, through April 1, 2026, offering relief to households facing financial hardship amid uncertainty around federal heating assistance programs. Any customer experiencing financial hardship should contact their utility to learn about the additional assistance programs offered, like budget billing and extended payment plans that make it more manageable to pay utility bills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More and more households are having to choose between paying the rent that keeps on rising or turning on the heat to keep their families warm, said Mayor Michelle Wu on Wednesday. Energy costs are top of mind for Boston city leaders too. Mayor Michelle Wu just launched the Boston Energy Saver program, which will allow residents to tap into new rebates, discounts and incentives to cut down their heating bills. No matter how you want to save, whether its through upgrading your building by solarizing or electrifying, retrofitting or weatherizing, our Boston Energy Saver team will be able to help, said Mayor Wu. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more information on how to take advantage of the citys new program click here: Boston Energy Saver | Boston.gov Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW NEED TO KNOW A Massachusetts woman was sentenced to 10 years in prison for raping her 12-year-old foster child Heather Wright-Craft, 52, was found guilty in September of two counts of aggravated child rape Prosecutors said the rapes happened in Charlton, Mass., while Wright-Craft was fostering the child in 2015 A Massachusetts woman who was convicted of raping her 12-year-old foster child has learned her fate. Heather Wright-Craft, 52, was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Oct. 21, according to a press release shared by the Worcester County District Attorney's Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was found guilty in September of two counts of aggravated child rape, prosecutors said. A jury found her not guilty of one count of indecent assault and battery of a child under 14. Prosecutors said the rapes occurred in Charlton, Mass., while Wright-Craft was fostering the child in 2015. According to reports from NBC Boston, MassLive and Boston.com, the victim was 12 at the time. Wright-Craft was arrested and charged in August 2017 and indicted the following year. According to a sentencing memorandum cited by Boston.com, prosecutors said Wright-Craft claimed at trial that the child raped her and that at first, she tried to sweep the issue under the rug." 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. Instead, she herself was struggling from addiction and her family and friends sought to get her help," prosecutors said of Wright-Craft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early, Jr. thanked Assistant District Attorney Thomas Ayres and Rachel Murphy, a victim witness advocate, as well as the Charlton Police Department for their assistance in the case. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org. Read the original article on People Thousands of people are feared to have been murdered in the western Sudanese city of el-Fasher, capital of North Darfur state, since the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) seized it. El-Fasher fell on Sunday after 18 months of RSF siege, which blocked the entry of food and essentials for hundreds of thousands of people trapped inside. Sudan has been ravaged by a civil war for the past two-and-a-half years, causing an estimated 40,000 deaths and the displacement of 12 million people, the UN says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres what we know about the reported massacres in el-Fasher: What happened in el-Fasher? The RSF seized el-Fasher on Sunday, taking SAFs last remaining positions in the Darfur region some 2,000 people had been killed by Wednesday, according to the Sudanese Armed Forces, while the Sudan Doctors Network says at least 1,500 people have been killed. Some 1.2 million people in the city had been under siege for 18 months, forced to survive on animal feed as the RSF built 56km (35-mile) of barriers, preventing entry of food and medicine and sealing off escape routes. Videos shared online and verified by Al Jazeeras Sanad verification agency showed RSF fighters executing and torturing people. RSF members have frequently recorded themselves committing atrocities in the past. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sudanese medical and rights groups, including the Sudan Doctors Network, said the RSF was committing mass killings, detaining people and attacking hospitals. The UN Human Rights Office said the RSFs actions included summary executions of people fleeing, and that there were indications of ethnic motivations for killings. An analysis by Yales Humanitarian Research Lab (HRL) appeared to confirm reports of mass killings, using satellite imagery and remote-sensing data. HRL concluded that clusters of objects and ground discolouration are evidence of human bodies and pools of blood. The clusters and discolouration were not present in images taken before the RSF invaded, the report noted. More than 26,000 people have fled el-Fasher in just two days, most on foot towards Tawila, 70km (43 miles) to the west, the UN said. Some 177,000 civilians remain trapped in el-Fasher, according to the International Organization for Migration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, atrocities have been reported in Bara, in neighbouring North Kordofan state, which the RSF announced it had seized control of on October 25, and where it has reportedly attacked civilians and humanitarian workers. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said on Monday that five Sudanese volunteers with the organisation had been killed in Bara and that three more were missing. Bara is just outside el-Obeid, a strategic city currently under SAF control, but which the RSF is advancing to take. (Al Jazeera) Where are el-Fasher and el-Obeid, why are they important? Both are major cities located in western Sudan and have become key battlegrounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The RSF is already deeply embedded across the west of the country and wants to completely dominate the area, while the SAF is attempting to push into RSF territory from its strongholds in the east. El-Fasher is the capital of North Darfur and, until Sunday, was the last major city that had not fallen to the RSF in Darfur. With its seizure this week, the country is now effectively partitioned between a SAF-controlled east and an RSF-controlled west. The RSF has declared a parallel government across Darfur, while the Sudanese army is in eastern, central and northern strongholds. El-Obeid is the oil-rich capital of North Kordofan state, in the Kordofan region neighbouring Darfur and is a strategic link between Darfur and Khartoum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement El-Obeid is currently controlled by SAF, but the RSF is attempting to close in, which would mean losing SAFs crucial buffer between its Khartoum base and RSF territory, analysts say. On October 25, the RSF announced that it had retaken Bara, just 59km (37 miles) from el-Obeid, which SAF had just taken from it in September. The RSF had launched attacks on el-Obeid from Bara, attempting to besiege it, and it can now move closer to el-Obeid, where at least 137,000 people were sheltering by July, according to Mercy Corps. What have both sides said about the seizure of el-Fasher? On Monday, SAF commander and de facto leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan announced that his troops had withdrawn from el-Fasher to spare the population the systemic destruction and the systemic killing of civilians by the RSF. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But, he added: We are determined to avenge what happened to our people in el-Fasher. On Wednesday, Foreign Minister Hussein Al-Amin blamed the international community for failing to take action against the RSF. The RSF maintains that it seeks to unify Sudan under a true democracy, its leader, Mohammed Hamdan Hemedti Dagalo, said on Wednesday, adding that any individuals found to have committed crimes against civilians would be held accountable. Who are the RSF? The paramilitary group initially formed as the Janjaweed, nomadic tribal armed groups that fought for longtime President Omar al-Bashir during the Darfur war that started in 2003, becoming feared for their viciousness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Janjaweed were accused of targeting the rebelling sedentary tribes, with some rights organisations calling it a genocide with between 100,000 and 300,000 people killed and 2.5 million people displaced. In 2013, al-Bashir formalised the Janjaweed as the RSF, with about 100,000 members. Then, a 2017 law gave it more power as an independent security force. The RSF helped overthrow al-Bashir during the popular uprising of 2019. Then, in 2021, it allied with SAF to overthrow civilian Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, ending the civilian-military transition government. How did Sudans conflict start? But tensions grew between Hemedti and al-Burhan over when the RSF would merge with the SAF, and which group would lead, resulting in the outbreak of war on April 15, 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The main dispute is who will lead the country, with SAF demanding that the RSF integrate fully into its ranks and command structure. Rights groups have accused both sides of committing atrocities in the conflict. In January, the US Department of State declared that the RSF and its allied armed groups were committing genocide in Darfur. Whats at stake? Most importantly, thousands of lives. Sudanese rights groups have warned that an RSF takeover of el-Fasher would be catastrophic for civilians, particularly those from sedentary, non-Arab tribes. Al Jazeeras Hiba Morgan, reporting from Khartoum, said people who fled el-Fasher told of the RSF going door to door and executing people based on ethnicity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close to 500 people have reportedly been killed in the citys Saudi Hospital, where patients, health workers and fleeing people were sheltering. The RSF reportedly detained hundreds of others, and there are many reports of sexual violence against women. Analysts say more massacres are likely to happen in any place seized by the RSF. The seizure of el-Fasher gives the RSF control of the entire Darfur region, a vast region strategically located along the Chad, Libya and South Sudan borders and a significant source of Sudans gold. A 2024 report from the Italian Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI) noted that fighting for Sudans gold was a partial driver of the war. What attempts have been made to end the war? Several rounds of peace talks led by Saudi Arabia, the United States, and the African Union have failed to have any major impact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More recently, the US joined Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the UAE together known as the Quad to chart a plan they announced on September 12, calling for an end to the fighting. Their timeline proposed a humanitarian truce for three months to allow aid in, eventually leading to a permanent ceasefire. It also called for a transition to civilian control within nine months. Al-Burhan initially rejected this deal, demanding that the RSF be disbanded. But after meeting Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi on October 15, he appeared open to it. Last week, representatives of SAF and RSF reportedly held indirect negotiations in Washington, DC, with further talks scheduled at the end of October. However, that was before the RSF took el-Fasher. Matters are now unclear. When Larry Hutchinson co-founded the Shade Creek Watershed Association in 1999, the waterway was orange and lifeless. And the grassroots group had little more than a few bold ideas of how they could fix it, he said. I thought, If the Stonycreek can come back, so can Dark Shade Creek, Hutchison told The Tribune-Democrat, recalling an early meeting with AmeriCorps workers. Hutchinsons efforts leading the waterways revival over the past 25 years earned him the Mayfly Award this month a statewide remediation honor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Cairnbrook man received the award Oct. 15 during the 28th annual Pennsylvania Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference. Its amazing what Larry has done, said Andy McCallister, regional coordinator of the Western Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation, who has known Hutchinson for nearly 20 years. Larry has always had this aplomb the way he deals with things ... the way he finds interesting tidbits of information. He is a thinking man, and he finds a way to get projects done and that is what the Mayfly Award is about. Hutchison grew up alongside Dark Shade Creek, which has been heavily polluted by abandoned mine discharges for generations. Twenty-five years ago, its pH was a strongly acidic level of 4.4, Hutchinson recalled. Five significant discharges destroyed Dark Shades aquatic life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The grassroots group of approximately a dozen members started small, with 5-gallon buckets of limestone, Hutchinson said. Hutchinson credited Pennsylvania Environmental Protection Agencys watershed specialist Malcolm Crittenden, saying he instructed Shingle Run how to properly balance pH levels along one polluted tributary with steady doses of crushed limestone. In late 2008, he got a call from the Department of Environmental Protection that the streams quality reached a pH level of 6.2, a tipping point, Hutchinson said. State Fish and Boat Commission officials worked with the group to add 70 brook trout into Shingle Run and returned in the spring of 2009 to see if there were signs any survived. Not only were the fish thriving, but the team found proof young trout were hatching, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the development of a $280,000 treatment system at the top of Coal Run to improve Dark Shade and Shade creeks downstream, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and Somerset Conservation District studies found fish thriving on one section of Dark Shade Creek itself. Its been 25 years in the making, but the Dark Shade is coming back, he said. The Pennsylvania Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference recognizes individuals efforts and expertise annually as a lifetime achievement-style award regarding reclamation work. The mayfly was selected as the symbol for the annual award because its presence in a stream signifies clean water, conference officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shade Creek Watershed Association member Melissa Reckner said Hutchinson deserves the praise. No one has spent as many years as Larry championing Shade Creek watershed and its amenities, she said. Always a dreamer, Larrys pie-in-the-sky ideas put off nay-sayers, but his enthusiasm was and continues to be infectious, and it is impossible not to want to help Larry bring his vision of a healthy watershed to fruition. Hutchinson is quick to note the organization is far from finished with its work. Its largest, most far-reaching project is already in the works. If funds can be secured, a design phase could get underway next year to develop a project that would collect Shade Creeks four largest discharges and route them to a Central City treatment facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That facility would direct between 7 million and 20 million gallons of treated water back into Dark Shade Creek a flow that would enable the waterway to support kayak paddling year round in an area known for Class V rapids. The treatment effort would also pay dividends downstream to the Stonycreek and Conemaugh rivers, he said. The impact on our region is going to be big, he said, noting the region is already known for its fishing and whitewater paddling draws. Its going to be a kayakers paradise. Hutchinson credited fellow Shade Creek members, including President Jeff Sarver, for the team approach that its taken to improve Dark Shade Creek and tributaries. And were not done yet, he said. Wilmington Mayor John Carney laid out his plans to address homelessness in the city at a press conference Oct. 29. The announcement comes months after the formation of a task force that was commissioned to come up with recommendations to the mayor's office. The recommendations were made public and delivered to the mayor on Oct. 2, and included: Finding a sustainable funding source through using money from sales taxes. Designating an official outdoor area in Christina Park as a temporary outdoor village for the unsheltered. There is already a consistent population at the park. A "tiny homes" community for temporary shelter, similar to the one in Georgetown. Establishing places for unhoused people to go during the day, mostly through working with nonprofits that already have the space. Creating temporary storage for personal items in places where unhoused people congregate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These recommendations were in a 24-page report developed by the task force, made up of local housing advocates, City Council members, and city residents. Carney is going with two of those recommendations for now. "I asked the task force to consider a purchase that balances the compassion for the challenges facing the unhoused with the rights and quality of life of the broader community, which I hear from on a regular basis as the mayor," he said at the press conference. "For sure, this is a difficult balancing act, but one that we take very seriously, and I know the task force did as well." Using Christina Park as a temporary outdoor village Christina Park on the city's East Side will have an area where people experiencing homelessness can pitch a tent and live. The park already has an area with that population, so it won't be a sudden change for people familiar with the park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carney said there will be enhanced security and "cleanliness" measures in place, but he did not have specifics as of Oct. 29. There will be an outdoor bathroom, and potentially a shower, at the site as well. The area will be defined within the park so it doesn't take over the recreational areas of the park. "I think both parties that share the park understand their mutual use, and we hope to be able to come up with a plan to use the parking in that fashion," he said. "We also need to tell the community of Southbridge what we're doing and the Lower East Side there, so that they understand what's happening at the park. They can see what's happening now, and it's not going to be a lot different." A camping ban will still be enforced at the rest of the city's parks. But, depending on how this goes, other parks can be utilized in the future. Wilmington Mayor John Carney speaks at a press conference on homelessness policy in Wilmington on Oct. 29, 2025. Creating a place for people to go during the daytime Many shelters are not open during the day unless there are extenuating circumstances, like severe weather. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carney said he is working with the Wilmington Housing Authority to create a dining room that will serve the homeless population during daytime hours. He said there used to be places in the city that offered this service during the day, but they have since left. The facility is intended to be at 600 Fourth St., which is owned by the WHA. The city received $600,000 for the project in this year's bond bill, but Carney said that won't cover the entire expense. MORE ON HOMELESSNESS RECOMMENDATIONS Wilmington housing advocates challenge city's homelessness report, urge stronger action How the city, the state and more can solve homelessness In Delaware, the population of people experiencing homelessness jumped to more than 1,500 on a night in January. That's an increase of 16%, according to data from the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is one of many collaborations addressing homelessness in Delaware. Gov. Matt Meyer issued an executive order in April establishing the The Delaware Interagency Collaborative to End Homelessness. The goal is to examine how public and nonprofit programs are serving the homeless population in the state and figure out pathways to cutting homelessness by 50% in the next five years. Its first annual report is due in January. We are witnessing a troubling rise in homelessness across Delaware, especially among children and families, Meyer said in an April statement. The rent is too damn high for everyone, housing costs are rising, and too many Delawareans are being priced out of stability. We must expand affordable housing options, remove barriers and ensure that every person in our state has access to a safe and secure home. The state and the city's resources will work together to solve the issue in the short and long-term, Carney said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our path forward will focus on what our city can do and also recognizes the efforts of the state, and there are ways for us to work with them and with providers in providing the services that are necessary," he said. Carney was an advocate for affordable housing at his old job as Delaware governor. For example, he used millions of dollars in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act to invest in rehabilitating vacant homes and expanding affordable housing stock around the state. As mayor, he has promoted the Wilmington Neighborhood Conservancy Land Bank as one of many solutions to creating more housing in a city where some say the rent is too high. He would rather see the housing stock increase than cap rents, but legislation to make that happen failed before it reached his desk earlier this year. Average rent in the city is more than $1,500 and has increased by 2.4% from last year, according to Apartments.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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: How Wilmington Mayor John Carney plans on tackling homelessness Boston Mayor Michelle Wu laid out ambitious goals for the oldest public school district in the country during the citys first ever State of the Schools address. The mayor delivered her speech at Josiah Quincy Upper School in Chinatown on Tuesday night. Her remarks come at a time when she says public education is under attack from the federal government. She said Boston has had grants pulled, funding cut, and has been a target in the federal political storm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the Trump administration tries to dismantle public education by neglect and by force, were doubling down on setting the highest standards for student achievement by getting the operational details right, said Mayor Wu. Mayor Wu said the district had the best start to the school year on record this fall. She said more buses arrived on time this September and October than ever before. Her speech happened just weeks after the release of Boston Public Schools standardized testing results. Those results showed students have not fully recovered from the learning loss that happened during the COVID-era. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tonight is a historic gathering: A call to action for every sector of our city to invest in Bostons success by stepping up for our families and our future, said Mayor Wu. As a BPS mom, Im determined to deliver results not at the usual pace of governmentbut with the urgency our kids and families feel every day. The mayor said she and Superintendent Mary Skipper launched more major school building projects in the last four years than Boston has had in the previous 40 years combined. When our administration started, school communities were feeling the impact of the pandemic and five superintendents in just seven years, said Mayor Wu. Superintendent Mary Skipper has done more than steady the ship. Shes turned the tide. Mayor Wu acknowledges the many challenges on the horizon, including a controversial plan laying out closures and mergers to drop 17 schools by 2030. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It shouldnt be if you go to a very small school, you dont get full offerings of academics or extracurriculars, replied the mayor following her speech. Superintendent Skipper said the plan for closures and mergers was made based on an enrollment projection from 18 months ago. She said the district will make recommendations to the school committee in November. We know like urban districts across the nation, actually all districts, that enrollment is shrinking for lots of reasons, said Skipper. Mayor Wu said Boston Public Schools is outperforming all ten of what state administrators track as our comparable peer districts. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Former Gov. Jim McGreevey continues to have a large fundraising advantage as he stages a political comeback in the crowded race for mayor of Jersey City. McGreevey reported raising $4.997 million through Oct. 21 via two campaign committees one for himself, the other including his slate of candidates, according to records filed with the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission. Seven candidates are running to succeed Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, who did not seek a fourth term and lost in the Democratic primary for governor. Former New Jersey Gov. Jim McGreevey The resurrection of Jim McGreevey: N.J.s infamous gay American governor is back in politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He isn't seeking forgiveness. He just wants the keys to Jersey's second largest city. McGreevey has a nearly 2-to-1 edge over his closest fundraising rival, Jersey City Councilman James Solomon. Solomon represents the citys Ward E and reported raising $2.557 million via two campaign committees one for himself and the other that includes his slate of candidates. Election Day is Tuesday but might not serve as the final word of who will win the crowded mayors race. The top vote-getter in individual races in Jersey City must receive more than 50% of the vote or face a Dec. 2 runoff election with the second-place finisher. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seton Hall University associate professor of political science Matthew Hale said there is zero chance any of the mayoral candidates will get 50% of the vote and win outright next week. I can do math, Hale said, citing the large field. James Solomon is running for Jersey City mayor McGreevey became New Jerseys governor in January 2002. He stepped down in 2004 after announcing he is a gay American and admitting to having an adulterous affair with a man he put on the state payroll as a Homeland Security adviser. He is running for mayor of Jersey City more than two decades after the scandal. McGreevey listed $2,560,273 in total receipts via Jim McGreevey for Mayor and $2,437,235 via Team McGreevey Jersey City 2025, according to the campaign finance reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fulop, by comparison, had raised $1.653 million in his individual campaign account at the same point in the race four years ago. In 2021, Fulop defeated his lone opponent, Lewis Spears, with 67% of the vote. McGreeveys recent donors include Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo, who contributed $2,500 from his campaign account on Oct. 20, according to the filings. Former two-term Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healey, defeated by Fulop in the 2013 Democratic primary, donated $5,500 to McGreeveys campaign, including $1,000 on Oct. 20. McGreevey has been criticized by other candidates for mayor for accepting donations from Charles Kushner, a prominent Jersey City developer whose son, Jared, is President Donald Trumps son-in-law. Kushner is currently the U.S. ambassador to France. He previously went to prison in 2005 for tax evasion, illegal campaign contributions and witness tampering after becoming McGreeveys biggest donor. Asked earlier this month about his fundraising, McGreevey stuck to his campaign message. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am focused on listening to residents and delivering real results: safer streets, affordable housing, and better schools. Jersey City deserves a mayor who works for everyone, McGreevey told NJ Advance Media. The mayoral candidates, listed in the order they will appear on the ballot, are: Jersey City Council President Joyce Watterman Former Jersey City school board president Mussab Ali Resident Kalki Jayne-Rose Former Gov. Jim McGreevey Hudson County Commissioner Bill ODea Jersey City Councilman James Solomon Jersey City Police Officer Christina Freeman Friday was the filing deadline for submitting 11-day pre-election reports to the state commission that oversees campaign financing in New Jersey. The reports include fundraising and expenses through Oct. 21. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Solomons campaign manager said he is gaining momentum, citing recent endorsements from the Hotel & Gaming Trades Council and Working Families Party. His Solomon for JC campaign includes a $2,500 donation on Oct. 15 from from the New Jersey Working Families political action committee, according to the filings. With over 1,600 Jersey City donors, James has built a true grassroots campaign thats going door to door in every community, talking about how he will make Jersey City more affordable, Solomon campaign manager Stuart Thomas said earlier this month. Soaring Heights Charter School celebrates Blue Ribbon designation All nine Jersey City council seats three representing the entire city, and one in each of the citys six neighborhood wards are up for grabs. There are 45 candidates running for those seats, according to the city clerks office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearly all of the city council candidates are running on slates with one of five mayoral candidates. Jayne-Rose and Freeman are not aligned with any council candidates. The large field of candidates in New Jerseys second-largest city is drawing plenty of interest from donors, compounded by McGreevey pursuing a comeback 21 years after resigning as governor. Money is the most important thing in politics, no matter if youre running for dogcatcher or president. The more money you have, the more likely you are to win, Hale said. Watterman had raised $360,000 through Oct. 3, the timeframe for the 29-day pre-election reports. Her updated form had not yet appeared online as of Tuesday morning. Watterman, along with Freeman, would be the first woman elected mayor of Jersey City if either wins the election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our campaign since its conception has been operating while fundraising. So this means when we receive money we arent holding any of it. Every penny of this campaign is used to amplify our team, a Watterman campaign spokesperson said earlier this month. We have had to push pass all of the gender and racial biases to raise money. No one would have thought we could even raise upward of $300k but we did. Where we have been out raised we have never been out worked. No campaign has worked as hard as Team Joyce. This is our moment and Joyce will continue to work hard for Jersey City, the campaign spokesperson said in a statement. Ali Leadership Institute celebrates Class of 2022 Ali has raised $860,395 via his two campaign committees as of Oct. 21. He would be the citys first Muslim mayor if he wins. This campaign has always been about putting power back in the hands of Jersey City residents. Were proving that a grassroots campaign supported by people from every corner of our city can go toe-to-toe with the political machines that have dominated local politics for too long, Ali said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ODea is the third candidate to have raised at least $1 million. His two campaign committees had reported more than $1.4 million, including $869,341 from his William ODea for Mayor campaign through Oct. 21. Bill ODea is running a true grassroots campaign powered by hundreds of volunteers who are working tirelessly to connect with voters and spread our message of how Bill is the only candidate with the experience and vision to make Jersey City more affordable, said his campaign manager, Philip Swibinsk. Bill O'Dea Freeman had raised $5,235 as of Oct. 21, according to her filing. She did not immediately respond to a request for comment. There was no campaign fundraising filing listed for Jayne-Rose. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elections in Jersey City are nonpartisan, meaning political parties play no official role. The mayor serves a four-year term. Fulop has been mayor of Jersey City since July 2013. He opted not to seek a fourth term as Jersey City mayor when he unsuccessfully sought the Democratic nomination for governor in June. Jersey City spans 21 square miles and has approximately 300,000 residents. The city had 175,246 registered voters as of Aug. 21. Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The Rhode Island Community Food Bank in Providence had 730,000 pounds of food on hand on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025 enough to meet current demand for about two weeks. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current) Gov. Dan McKee plans to take $6 million from one pot of federal money to fund food benefits for a portion of the 145,000 Rhode Islanders whose monthly federal food subsidy is set to disappear on Nov. 1. Joined by state, nonprofit and labor leaders at the Rhode Island Community Food Bank on Tuesday afternoon, McKee declared a state of emergency and said he is authorizing the money to be drawn from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The loss of benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP has been a growing concern among area food banks. The program is a victim of the ongoing federal shutdown even though it has been funded in previous shutdowns. In 2019, the U.S. Department of Agriculture frontloaded a months worth of benefits. This time around, President Donald Trumps administration declined to pursue the same course of action. The governor twice echoed the famous adage: Its the Trump administration version of, Let them eat cake, and its cruel. McKee acknowledged that Rhode Island receives $29 million a month in federal funds for food assistance but said these are funds that taxpayers have already paid. Rhode Islanders have already paid to the federal government to create a safety net for our neighbors, and the USDA has billions of dollars in contingency funds for such an emergency, McKee said. And theyre not sharing those dollars with the states. Its unbelievable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked about the states authority to use the TANF money, McKee said the state is allowed, Because its money that can be used towards families. Even if it was a gray area, were going to do it. The state is also providing $200,000 for the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, which distributes food statewide across its 137 affiliated pantries and other agencies. The Rhode Island Foundation the states largest philanthropic outfit is matching that $200,000, and contributing an additional $800,000 to nonprofits across the state. The state has also launched a webpage, SNAPsupport.ri.gov, with instructions on how current beneficiaries can continue to access food as well as information on how people can donate to support the states food banks. Displayed next to the governor was a pallet loaded with cartons of Canadian fancy grade apples, and on the shelves behind him were shrinkwrapped cans of diced tomatoes. SNAP subsidizes foods like these and most edible items in a grocery store barring hot, ready-to-eat options. Benefits vary by a households size and income, with subsidies maxing out at $298 for a single person and $994 for a family of four in the current fiscal year. Gov. Dan McKee speaks at the Rhode Island Community Food Bank in Providence on Oct. 28, 2025. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current) McKees plan cannot cushion all the states food stamp recipients from the federal shockwave. The Temporary Assistance money can only be used for families with children, which narrows the number of eligible recipients to an estimated 65,000 residents, or about 20,000 families. Two payments will go out twice, on Nov. 1 and Nov. 16, and amount to about half of what recipients usually receive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, that leaves about 80,000 Rhode Islanders without access to food stamps in the immediate future, McKee noted. While were continuing to pursue other options, we must prepare for the possibility that 80,000 Rhode Islanders may have to rely exclusively on food pantries and other nonprofit efforts, McKee said. The state of emergency gives McKee greater flexibility, he said, in restoring benefits for those thousands of Rhode Islanders if the state is able to find a path for those residents. I think its important to point out how complicated this issue is, McKee said. We dont have the ability to use state funds to actually put the credits on those SNAP cards. 730,000 pounds of food The emergency declaration follows public criticism from Helena Buonanno Foulkes, who is challenging McKee in the 2026 Democratic gubernatorial primary. On Monday, Foulkes issued a statement demanding that McKee take action before the food stamps expiration date, by declaring a state of emergency and mobilizing the National Guard for logistics if needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While this crisis stems from decisions made in Congress and by the Trump administration, our state leaders must act now, Foulkes said. Asked by a reporter about Foulkes critique, McKee swatted it down: Its really disappointing that we have political grandstanding at a moment like this. McKee said his office received a letter from the federal administration on Oct. 10, and he was briefed on the situation on Oct. 16. The governor and his team then puzzled out possible solutions while waiting to see if the White House would tap into contingency funds for SNAP. We were not notified until this weekend that that was not an option, Mckee said. So when you talk about the stress that is coming our way and the stress thats coming to our families and the people in the state of Rhode Island, just think about that. Were responding in a rapid way, where moment by moment, that whole scale gets shifted. The governor identified the true cause of the SNAP problems as President Donald Trump. This is not about the government shutdown, McKee said. This is about a decision that the chief executive of this country had. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A notice posted to the U.S. Department of Agricultures website reads, Bottom line, the well has run dry. It also blames Democrats for not voting for a stopgap funding bill. Democrats have repeatedly voted against the stopgap funding bills because they want a guarantee that health care subsidies that are set to expire at the end of the year will be extended and funded. Republicans dont want those subsidies included. McKee said his team has had to consider the possibility that the shutdown will stretch on. The state will need to keep planning in two-week blocks should the benefits not return soon a prospect for which McKee saw no good omens. We must prepare for the possibility that 80,000 Rhode Islanders may have to rely exclusively on food pantries and other nonprofit efforts. Gov. Dan McKee The behavior thats coming from President Trump right now indicates to me that he has no intention of actually appropriating dollars or creating a strategy that would address this SNAP issue, which is the first time that theres ever been a shutdown where the SNAP funds have not been appropriated, McKee said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Lou DiPalma, a Middletown Democrat who chairs the Senate Committee on Finance, reiterated in a phone interview Wednesday morning that the state cannot load funds directly onto the electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards used by SNAP recipients only the federal government can. Even if the state cant do that, McKees plan is a good initial step, DiPalma said. I think this is Plan B, the senator added. To address it, we need to be looking at whats Plan C, D, E and F. We need to be turning over all the stones and figuring out what else we can do, should do. Like McKee, DiPalma questioned the presidents priorities, and pointed out that hes read the entirety of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Theres $45 billion in there for detention centers, for single adults and families, DiPalma said. And youre telling me we cant provide food to people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the absence of an immediate solution, DiPalma said Rhode Island can look to other states for ideas on how to best constellate its network of food providers and pantries. He cited a farmer in his district who donated hundreds of bags of 10 pounds of potatoes to the food bank for families to use. For now, the Rhode Island Community Food Bank has roughly two weeks of food 730,000 pounds to meet current demand, CEO Melissa Cherney told the crowd on Tuesday. The warehouse has a capacity of two million pounds. Cherney, who came on board as head of the food bank in July, encouraged Rhode Islanders to donate to the food bank and local pantries. Monetary donations to the food bank can go further, as the organization can leverage its purchasing power to buy in bulk. This is all hands on deck, and in my short 12 weeks here in Rhode Island, I have seen the power of community, Cherney said. We can send a message to our neighbors that they are never alone, and we are here. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) A custodian at McLean County Public Schools was arrested and charged with sexual abuse following an investigation from Kentucky State Police. Lloyd Vanover, 54, was arrested following an incident that took place in Daviess County. According to online court records, Vanover has been charged with sexual abuse of a victim under the age of 12 and distribution of obscene matter to minors. McLean County Public Schools confirmed in a statement that Vanover is no longer employed with the school system. They also clarified that the incident did not happen in McLean County and did not involve a student associated with the school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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). Throughout the 2010s, NBC News promised a robust destination for Asian American stories. It vowed to produce comprehensive coverage for Black audiences. It wanted to become the brand of choice for Latino audiences and it was proud to launch the first LGBTQ news vertical for a broadcast news organization. But last week, NBC News gutted all the reporting groups aimed at investing in the stories of underrepresented groups. And theyre hardly alone. The cuts come at a time when anything resembling diversity, equity or inclusion in media has come under attack by a president who has vowed to dismantle DEI across the country. As more news outlets and media companies roll back commitments to diversity efforts, including reporting on stories about traditionally marginalized groups, the avenues for reporters who specialize in such coverage grow increasingly limited. It effectively puts those same journalists on the front lines of layoffs as economic headwinds shift these companies editorial priorities, resulting in fewer stories of these communities getting told. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a business that has not had a strong presence of people of color in particular, and women in managerial roles, these big cuts have disproportionately hit those populations, so I think theres no getting around the idea that we are worse off significantly when it comes to the people actually working in organizations, said Keith Woods, who served as NPRs chief diversity officer until he retired in May. And when you see what NBC does, thats a double punch. Its a sad day for journalism and for journalists of color, and for others who are not of color, who have no agenda but covering these communities that have long been underserved and stories that are untold or misrepresented, Amber Payne, the founding editor of NBC BLK, told TheWrap. You have reporters who build trust with communities, who break stories, who dig into important stories, and I feel like sometimes this is just couched in diversity. An NBC News executive told TheWrap the sections would continue to publish content even without a dedicated staff, with two editors jobs including the curation of such content and a few staffers offered new jobs in the broader newsroom. President Donald Trump, pictured here at an NABJ event, has launched a full-throated effort to roll back diversity initatives. (Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times via Getty) Leaders from the journalism trade groups the Asian American Journalists Association, National Association of Black Journalists, the Journalism & Women Symposium and NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists met with NBC last week to discuss their concerns and ask that NBC recommit to representative newsrooms that reflect the diversity of every community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the groups decried the cuts as a step back in NBCs longtime commitment to making sure their reporting represents the diversity of this country. How we got here NBCs recent cuts of dedicated teams for NBC BLK, NBC Latino, NBC OUT and NBC Asian America didnt happen in a vacuum. Scores of media outlets and corporate America at large that had committed themselves to greater diversity and indeed, active anti-racism, after George Floyds death and the national protests that followed, began to pull back after the Supreme Courts 2023 ruling against affirmative action in college admissions. The Los Angeles Times published annual diversity reports, which broke down its staffs composition across gender and racial and ethnic lines, between 2020 and 2022, though they have since ceased. Its persistent layoffs in recent years have affected some of the same junior staffers it hired to diversify its newsroom, including those who worked on its Latino-focused De Los section and one of the papers only Indigenous editors, Angie Jaime, who ran the 4040 social media content team. Gannett, the nations largest newspaper chain, also removed mentions of diversity from its website in April and said it would stop publishing data cataloging the demographic makeup of its staff on its website. Amber Payne (Courtesy of Payne) A lot of us knew that there was going to be a pendulum swing, Payne said. I think, for the journalists of color, were not shocked and were not surprised. Were disappointed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The swing has been stark. After Republican leaders across the country worked to dismantle DEI or woke efforts in specific states, Trump spent part of the 2024 election campaign making DEI an enemy. Upon re-entering the White House in January, he issued a federal order to eradicate DEI from the federal government, something Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr, the nations top media regulator, appeared eager to enforce. Carr sent letters to a number of companies, including ABCs Disney and NBCUs Comcast, that launched investigations over DEI practices, and Skydance eliminated the Office of Global Inclusion and any DEI-related roles at Paramount, home of CBS News, ahead of its merger. PBS also eliminated its diversity office and laid off two staffers in February as it tried to ensure we are in compliance with the Presidents executive order all as the public broadcaster tried and failed to maintain its federal funding. Its evidenced in other elements of the mainstream media. Politico ended its race and politics-focused newsletter, The Recast, last month, and the Washington Post put its About US newsletter, which focused on candid conversations about race and identity in 21st century America, on an indefinite hiatus in June. Bloomberg also ended its Equality newsletter in May, according to NiemanLab, though it kept its Equality-focused team. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The retreat leaves fewer opportunities for reporters who specialize in coverage of race or gender to tell stories at a mainstream level, restricting them to smaller outlets that focus on those stories but with a smaller audience. Lack of commitment Woods did not leave NPR due to Trumps DEI order, saying he had initially planned to retire in the fall of 2024, but he agreed the optics werent great: PBS made its announcement to comply with the order a week before he planned to meet with NPR CEO Katherine Maher to finalize his retirement date. I cant tell you how irate I was with PBS for doing that, and I knew that I was getting ready to have this conversation with the CEO, he said. Yeah, optics were really bad, but this is my life that Im talking about here. It was only going to get worse from there. The optics were going to look worse and worse as we went. NPR Chief Diversity Officer Keith Woods retired at a time when DEI was in the crosshairs (Allison Shelley/NPR) Woods said leaving in the middle of a national retreat from diversity efforts was hard, but he didnt believe staying would have changed anything at NPR. The public radio broadcaster lost its federal funding this summer, and Woods said it no longer maintained a race and identity vertical. Woods has not been replaced, and NPR said in May that the remaining staff in its Office of Diversity would report to its chief operating officer. It did not respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such a change is part of a rise and fall in coverage of different communities, Woods said. Dedicated coverage of Black communities increased in the 1960s in the midst of the civil rights movement, and other markers came in the 2010s after the riots in Ferguson, Missouri and Floyds death in 2020. A larger embrace of LGBTQ+ populations flourished in the 1980s and 1990s, contributing to the birth of Out magazine in 1992 and the U.K.-based Attitude in 1994. But the current moment, Woods said, represented a fall, one hes unsure the media industry will pull itself out of. He criticized newsrooms overreliance on journalists of color to cover stories related to their respective communities, saying organizations like NBC News have substituted training their general newsrooms to cover these communities with depth for community-specific verticals (NBC BLK, NBC OUT, etc.) that end up targeted by political pressures or subjected to budget cuts. Its those pronouncements that are followed by a couple of years of good stuff, followed by cuts and apathy, followed by crisis, followed by pronouncements. You cant find a more clearer scientific pattern in journalism than that, Woods said. The answer is that that commitment with a capital C lasts through lean times. It lasts through political times. It is deeper. Its embedded deeper in the organization, and therefore can survive these moments. And what we have seen is that weve been playing small c commitment from the start. What remains While the diversity efforts in larger media organizations are facing a reckoning, that doesnt mean that kind of coverage will disappear completely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There have always been other outlets and spaces where journalism has been done across history, and those spaces will continue to exist and probably thrive as they become more essential, things like Spanish-language newspapers and the Black press and, you know, specialty-niche reports, said Danielle Brown, a professor of community and urban journalism at Michigan State University. I think well continue to see those, but it is sort of disappointing to see it fall out of the purview of the mainstream. For those that persist, there are new signs of growth. Out and the LGBTQ-focused news website The Advocate, both owned by Equal Pride Media, continue to publish regularly, and there remains a number of news outlets them., the Conde Nast-owned outlet focused on LGBTQ+ issues; the 19th, a nonprofit newsroom that reports on gender and politics; the Patreon-based Queer News Daily and Attitude focused on LGBTQ+ news. Democratic political strategist Ashley Allison brought the Black-focused news outlet The Root under Black ownership for the first time, and Telemundo and Univision still actively report for Spanish audiences. The Craig Newmark School of Graduate Journalism at the City University of New York also put together a directory of more than 650 news outlets dedicated to telling Asian American and Pacific Islander stories, with more than 480 focused on local communities. NBCUniversal also continues to operate the Spanish-language channel Telemundo, with its programming syndicated across the globe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But as major companies retreat from roles dedicated to covering such communities, those that remain will find a smaller pool of journalists with the required expertise and institutional knowledge. Brown said that her students still have a hunger to do such types of reporting, but their aspirations dim when they consider their future job prospects. Scarcity will be a problem in the future even if these roles exist, she said. Payne, the original NBC BLK managing editor, said she hopes larger newsrooms return to their original commitment, noting that such ebbs and flows can be cyclical. I havent given up on legacy newsrooms, Payne said. But I think what were seeing right now is how politics and business interests have finally trickled down and impacted newsroom coverage, and thats scary. The post Media Went All-In on Diversity. Now Its in Full Retreat appeared first on TheWrap. Historian Bob Blackburn was asked recently to name the most consequential Oklahoman in state history the person who made the greatest difference in our lives today. He named several, including a couple of former governors. But he also named someone you might not expect he named a man of Cherokee descent, a comedian, movie star, newspaper columnist, trick roper and aviation enthusiast. Yes! You probably guessed that Blackburn named Will Rogers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rogers probably didn't change anything in Oklahoma, Blackburn said, "But he reflected Oklahoma culture and was a great artist, great poet in my opinion, a folk philosopher. He captured something about the Oklahoma spirit probably better than anybody ever has." More: This is why Oklahoma's chief historian feels optimistic about the future Wouldn't it be great if we could interview Rogers today and "Get to Know" him better? Wouldn't it be great if we could hear what he had to say about the events we're experiencing today especially on the political scene? Of course, that's not possible because Rogers died in 1935 at the age of 55 in an Alaskan plane crash, along with aviation pioneer Wiley Post. He was born 144 years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But looking back at what he did say, much of it sounds fresh, as though he just watched something on TV, saw something on line or read it in the newspaper. He did say: "All I know is what I read in the newspapers, and that's an alibi for my ignorance." What would he think about the government shutdown? Back in his time he said: "The papers say, 'Congress is deadlocked and cant act.' I think that is the greatest blessing that could befall this country." And: "This country has come to feel the same when Congress is in session as when the baby gets hold of a hammer." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trump has levied trade tariffs on goods we import from many foreign countries, in some cases raising them up and down, in other cases changing his mind. In return, some countries have levied reciprocal tariffs on the goods American companies are exporting to them. Tariffs were an issue in Rogers' day, just as they are now. In 1930, the Senate passed the Smoot-Hawley Tariff, widely regarded as one of the most catastrophic acts in congressional history, Even before its enactment, U.S. trading partners began retaliating by raising their tariff rates, which froze international trade, and the country sank further into depression. More: Photos show Will Rogers' Los Angeles home destroyed in wildfires Rogers said: The Senate is still arguing over the tariff, this time with the President. The law says he can change various duties if he sees fit. Well, the Senate says that gives him too much authority, that they themselves are the ones that are really competent to do that. And: Congress passed the Tariff Bill. They know it was a lot of hooey but they went right on and passed it just the same. The Tariff Bill is going to be great for everybody who dont buy anything or dont eat anything. Now it is bound to do you good if you dont buy or eat and that is the only one it is going to be any good for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trump also has proposed cutting the size of the federal government and dropping or shrinking some federal programs. In 1926, Rogers said: "Lord, the money we do spend on Government and it's not one bit better than the government we got for one-third the money twenty years ago." But he also had a lot to say (this was in the depths of the Great Depression) about the plight of the poor. "The difference between our rich and poor grows greater every year," he said. "We are always reading, 'How many men paid over a million dollar income tax.' But we never read about 'How many there is that are not eating regular.'" And he said, "Ten men in our country could buy the whole world, and ten million can't buy enough to eat." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Affordable Care Act was not on the agenda for discussion in 1930-31, but Rogers expressed views on the high cost of health care: "All doctors should make enough out of those who are well able to pay to be able to do all the work for the poor for free ... There is nothing that keeps poor people poor as much as paying doctor bills." What about social media? We don't know for sure what he would say about all the opposing posts from people on one side or another, or about all the online conspiracy theories? But Rogers did say:: "The problem in America isn't so much what people don't know; the problem is what people think they know that just ain't so." Although Rogers was skeptical (of both political parties) and often critical of government, he often expressed confidence that the average American had solid judgment and the ability to solve problems. He saw the common people as the ultimate safeguard of the nation, providing stability despite the antics of politicians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Good judgement comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgement," he said, suggesting that ordinary, working people learn a lot from the daily struggles of life that privileged people and politicians wouldn't know. In 1924 he said: "America wont be ruined no matter who is elected, so the Politicians will have to wait four more years to tell us who will ruin us then." And in 1932 he wrote: "This country has gotten where it is in spite of politics, not by the aid of it. That we have carried as much political bunk as we have and still survived shows we are a super nation." Editor's note All the Will Rogers quotations in this article can be found at the following sources: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Will Rogers Memorial Museum: https://www.willrogers.com/quotes The Foundation for Free Enterprise Education: https://fee.org/articles/the-humor-and-wisdom-of-will-rogers/) William C. Wertz is The Oklahoman's deputy opinion editor. You can reach him at wwertz@oklahoman.com. Let him know if you have suggestions about other Oklahomans it would be worthwhile for readers to "Get to Know" or about other issues that you feel should be given more public attention. To support local journalism like this, please consider subscribing to The Oklahoman. Click here to get started. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: What would Will Rogers say about government shutdown? We asked historian CHICOPEE With Chicopees Ward 4 School Committee member Sandra Ann Peret running for a different city position, a new candidate will represent the ward. Diane Trela, a secondary school teacher with decades of experience, hopes to make a difference in the Chicopee Public Schools. Trela, in her 60s, is a lifelong resident of Ward 4, the community she hopes to represent. The newcomer has no opponents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ahead of Tuesday, Nov. 4, The Republican reached out to all candidates for the opposed City Council and School Committee seats to answer a short questionnaire. Each council candidate was asked the same four questions. A different set of four identical questions were sent to the candidates for School Committee. Over the next several days, The Republican will be publishing the candidates answers to the questions in print. Find more candidates and responses at masslive.com/topic/election. Name: Diane C. Trela Age: 60s Address: 118 Farnsworth St., Ward 4 Profession: Secondary school teacher Position running for: Ward 4 School Committee candidate Introductory statement: I have been an educator for over 40 years working in both the private and public schools. I graduated from Elms College with a bachelors degree in history and minors in secondary education and sociology. I also have an M.Ed. from the Elms College with concentrations in Special Education and Social Studies. I want to be a participant in making a better Chicopee school system. This opportunity will give me a chance to work alongside committee members and our mayor, who share in a vision for a better Chicopee school system. As an educator, I know the hard work that teachers do every day, in the classroom and outside the classroom. The day does not end at 3 p.m. I felt it was time to give back to this community which fostered my educational career, give thanks to the great teachers we have in Chicopee and encourage a new generation of students. Question 1: What letter grade would you give the school system? Why? Using a letter grade to assess the Chicopee School District is a challenging task. Everyone is striving and working to improve the system. So, I am going to assess a B/B- grade because they are making progress in the areas that were highlighted as desired areas of improvement, including issues of bullying and security, improvement in MCAS scores. Question 2: What is the biggest challenge the schools face? There are a number of challenges facing school districts including the Chicopee school district including securing a safe, productive, and encouraging learning environment Another challenge is hiring and maintaining qualified, and committed teachers. We have hired 56 new teachers in our district this fall. We are fortunate to have a number of administrators in the right place and utilizing interventions and counseling for at risk youth and families. Question 3: The school budget is roughly two-thirds of the city budget and there are concerns about federal and state assistance dropping. How should the School Committee address any loss of funding? The loss of funding is addressed/discussed on a consistent basis. The issuance of contracts is dependent upon many factors. All ideas will be explored to secure the best outcome for our Chicopee School District. Question 4: With the MCAS no longer a condition of graduation, what should the diploma requirements be? With MCAS no longer a condition of graduation, a discussion of graduation requirements will necessitate a collaborative effort of educators. Each school/school system knows its students. It seems obvious that the goal has been to move away from a single standardized test format. With the opportunity to develop new goals, each district could bring forth multiple means of assessment which would be most fair to the student and their educators. This might include portfolio and internships, for example. more news from Western Massachusetts Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here. PARSIPPANY, NJ With Election Day approaching, Patch is putting together a series of candidate profiles so readers can learn more about whos on their ballot. Diya Patel is a student at Pace Law School who is throwing her hat in the ring for a seat on the Parsippany Council. Parsippany Patch asked candidates to share some information about themselves, and asked identical questions to all candidates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement See Patel's responses below: Full name: Diya Patel Age: 23 Town of residence: Parsippany, NJ Position sought: Parsippany Township Council Party affiliation: Democrat Family: N/A Education: Bachelor of Science from University of Scranton (Political Science and Criminal Justice), currently JD candidate at Pace Law School Occupation: Law Student Previous or current elected/appointed office (if applicable): N/A 1. Why are you running for this position? Being Parsippany born and raised, I moved back to town after college with hopes of settling down and living here in town. Only to be struck with the reality that the rent prices, property taxes, and other township costs were too high for me to afford. Parsippany was once a place young families could settle down and senior citizens retire comfortably, but that is no longer the reality. Parsippany is being monopolized by the small, wealthy, well-connected portion of the population, and it is hurting our everyday citizens. I want to provide our citizens, my neighbors, friends, and family with representation that reflects them, their priorities, and values. 2. What do you believe to be the most pressing issue in the community, and what do you intend to do about it if elected? PILOTs and their destruction of our town. Our current administration wants our citizens to believe that, in order to survive, we must continue to pay the yearly increased municipal tax while we give our free corporate tax breaks to the mayor's biggest donors. This is false. PILOTs are not necessary to attract business to Parsippany. Our town sits at the crossroads of 7 major roadways, you must drive through our town to get to some of our smaller neighbors. This makes us perfectly positioned to develop without having to give out free corporate tax breaks. 3. What qualifications and qualities do you possess that make you best suited for the position? I have worked in public service since high school and am passionate about serving the people of our town. In high school, I began working on Congresswoman Mikie Sherrills first congressional campaign in 2018. Then, in college, I worked for the Mayor of Scranton, Paige Cognetti, providing residents of the city with information and resources during the COVID-19 crisis. Now as a law student, I have worked for a judge in the court system and the Bronx District Attorney. These experiences have provided me with the experience needed to provide our residents with true, honest representation. Furthermore, my legal education provides me with the education necessary to understand and implement municipal ordinances, programs, and projects. 4. Overdevelopment has been a growing concern throughout NJ. How do you intend to address it in your community? Overdevelopment is a growing concern for us here in Parsippany. My personal opinion is that our current administration has not thoughtfully or meaningfully developed our town. We have seen more residential development and reduced commercial development here in Parsippany. This increase in residential development has increased our long-term residents but has created a burden on our schools, roads, and emergency services. It is time to shift Parsippanys development priorities from residential to commercial. Given that our town has met its affordable housing requirements for the next decade, now is the time for our town to thoughtfully create some walkable downtown areas with small businesses that are meant to attract short-term taxpayers and not long-term residents. 5. If you are running against an incumbent, where do you believe theyre lacking in serving the community? If you are an incumbent, what areas, if any, do you think you could improve upon in terms of public service? Our current administration serves corporate interests not the community. We have seen this in the ways in which Mayor Barberio has flip-flopped on his stance of PILOTs. In 2020, he publicly stated his vehement opposition for 600 proposed units only to go on to approve at least double that during his term. Councilman Neglia in June 2025 told voters that our school would not see students from these developments for at least six years, only for our town to see 6 new students from one of the developments begin school this September (2025). Our current administration has no issue prioritizing their corporate donors over the citizens who elected them. My number 1 priority has been and always will be our citizens. 6. In a few words, what is your favorite thing about your community? Diversity. Our town is beyond diverse, which is what makes Parsippany so vibrant, beautiful, and welcoming. This town is a place where diversity has been celebrated in different forms, from high school culture clubs to various holiday celebrations around town. Our community is only stronger because of our diversity, and that is my favorite thing about our town. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ____ Election Day is Nov. 4. If you are running in the Parsippany Council race and did not receive a candidate profile request email, please reach out to jack.slocum@patch.com. Meet Parsippany Council Candidate Diya Patel originally appeared on the Parsippany Patch WINDSOR LOCKS - Two snowplows at Bradley International Airport have flashy new decals after students at nearby elementary schools created new names for them, officials say. Mighty Plower Ranger and Plowzilla will be the bane of any snow on the tarmac this year, with names suggested by East Granby's R.D. Seymour Elementary and Carl Allgrove Elementary, respectively, according to a release from Bradley Airport officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The students in those schools won the second annual snowplow naming contest, officials said. Officials at Bradley International Airport said employees have voted to name two of their snowplows based on suggestions from East Granby elementary school students. (Courtesy of Bradley International Airport) "Classes at R.D. Seymour Elementary School and Carl Allgrove Elementary School submitted potential snowplow names to BDL," they said. "Airport employees then voted on their favorite names from each school. This year, Connecticut meteorologists were also asked to weigh in and vote for their favorites." Michael Shea, the executive director of the Connecticut Airport Authority, said the organization is always looking for opportunities to partner with the local community and engage in meaningful ways. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This initiative allows local students to see the airport through a different lens, learn about the importance of snow operations, understand how we keep the airport safe during winter weather, and meet our team of dedicated employees who make it all happen," he said. Officials said Bradley has 32 pieces of specialized equipment that can plow, sweep and blow snow. They said the equipment is designed for snow removal on the runways, taxiways and ramp areas. Officials at Bradley International Airport said employees have voted to name two of their snowplows based on suggestions from East Granby elementary school students. (Courtesy of Bradley International Airport) Suzanne Palmieri, superintendent of East Granby Public Schools, said the names suggested by the winning students sound like those of heroes who "roll out when the weather gets tough to keep everyone at the airport safe." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I want to thank the Connecticut Airport Authority and Bradley International Airport for inviting our students to this experience, and thank our kids for reminding us that imagination and heart can make the snowiest of days a little brighter," she said. Officials noted that some of the other plow names that were finalists include Snownado, Frosty Freeze, Snow Blazer and Snow Fighter. This article originally published at Meet Plowzilla! East Granby students name snowplows at Bradley International Airport. Our centuries-long fascination with Frankensteins monsterwhich has inspired dozens of films, including the recent Guillermo del Toro moviemight have been sparked by a scholarly feud over frogs. An electric conflict that also gave us the battery. In the 18th century, scientists sought to pinpoint electricitys influence on living things, and whether it could be wielded to resurrect the dead. Italian physicist and physician Luigi Galvani claimed to have discovered an intrinsic form of electricity within animals after observing that frogs severed legs appeared to move on their own. For example, he stuck the creatures limb on a brass hook and, when cutting it with a steel scalpel, it twitched. This intrigued Italian physicist Alessandro Volta, who later found that the electrical current jiggling these frog legs emerged from the charge moving between two types of metalsnot from the frog limb itself. The isolated frog leg was just serving as the conductor. He later went on to invent an early version of todays batteries, known as a Voltaic pile, based on this finding. ITS ALIVE!: An illustration from Giovanni Aldinis 1804 book describing his experiments jolting human bodies with electricity. Credit: Wellcome Collection gallery / Wikimedia Commons. Galvanis nephew, Giovanni Aldini, was intrigued by this work and wondered if it could somehow be used to reanimate bodies. But he took things a step further, experimenting on other animals as well as humans. Using a Voltaic pile, Aldini began showcasing his work on non-human animals and on executed prisoners throughout Europeat the time, European scientists took an interest in studying the bodies of these individuals to learn how their systems function shortly after death. To the horror of observing audiences, Aldini stimulated decapitated human bodies with electricity and even prompted some to sit upright. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1803, Aldini made headlines when experimenting with the body of George Forster, who had recently been executed for murder. In London, Aldini placed electrodes on Forsters body. The deceased mans jaws quivered and entire head moved. In the same experiment, the audience observed how Forsters right hand was raised and clenched, and the legs and thighs were set in motion. To some onlookers, it appeared as if Aldini had revived him. While the provocative exhibition generated plenty of press at the time, Frankenstein author Mary Shelley was a child when this show was put on. But later connections may have exposed her to Aldinis work and similar experiments. Her orbit included prominent electrical researchers, who were friends with her father, William Godwin; and her doctor, John Abernethy, claimed that the phaenomena of electricity and of life correspond. Read more: The Body Electric In the summer of 1816, Shelley spent a summer in Switzerland with a group of literati including poet Lord Byron and her future husband Percy Shelley. On this trip, they allegedly spoke of galvanism, a term referencing Luigi Galvanis work and other electricity experiments that followed. In the 1831 preface to Frankenstein, Shelley notes how the idea influenced her creative process: Perhaps a corpse would be re-animated; galvanism had given a token of such things: perhaps the component parts of a creature might be manufactured, brought together, and endued with vital warmth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even if Aldinis dreams never fully came to life, the fiction it spawned has continued to animate our imaginations. Enjoying Nautilus? Subscribe to our free newsletter. Lead image: Theodor von Holst / Wikimedia Commons This story was originally featured on Nautilus. The top aide to Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas charged $44,000 to taxpayers over the past two years in commuting expenses between Washington and Lynchburg, Virginia, where he lives, according to public records. The reimbursements paid to Brent Robertson are legal and comply with congressional rules governing expense reimbursements, according to experts who reviewed his arrangement, but they also said it was highly unusual and at odds with the intent behind those rules. Typically senior congressional aides are stationed either in Washington or their employers home state. Not so for Robertson, Marshalls longtime chief of staff, who bought a home about 190 miles from Washington in March 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Between April of that year and the following September, he took 11 trips labeled Lynchburg VA to Washington DC and Return and got $16,000 back in expenses from the government, according to Senate expense records. The expenses covered incidentals, transportation and a per diem, which is not usually taxed. Between October of last year and this past March, Robertson took 15 trips with the same label and got an additional $28,000 in expenses back. He secured a per diem payment of $10,000 for one trip to D.C. between Jan. 14 and Jan. 23, coinciding with the presidential inauguration. Stanley Brand, an attorney who served as House general counsel under Speaker Tip ONeill, said it appeared to be a big, wide loophole and said he had never heard of a similar arrangement. What if everybody decided to do that, let their staff live far away from their location, and then just charge it off to the government? Brand said after reviewing the arrangement at POLITICOs request. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robertson declined to comment. Neither Marshalls office or other experts, including a Senate Democratic aide familiar with official reimbursements, could point to another case where a senior congressional staffer lived outside the Washington area or their employers home state and expensed travel costs in this way. Payton Fuller, a spokesperson for Marshall, said the senator is permitted under Senate rules to designate a remote duty station for his employees, which would allow them to expense work trips to Washington. Marshalls office shared documentation showing Robertson changing his duty station to Lynchburg before charging the trip expenses. After a gang shooting struck his wifes vehicle outside their D.C. condo, Brent and his family made the decision last year to move to Virginia, Fuller said in a statement. Like dozens of other chiefs of staff who have duty stations outside of D.C., and in full accordance and approval of Senate ethics, rules, and guidelines, Brent is reimbursed for official travel to and from his home and duty station in Virginia. She declined to comment when asked whether Robertson, who is separately on track to earn more than $220,000 in salary this year, intends to keep charging regular travel to and from his Virginia home to Marshalls official expense account. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Republican and Democratic spokespeople for the Senate Rules and Administration Committee, which oversees the chambers personnel practices, declined to comment. Dylan Hedtler-Gaudette, interim vice president of policy and government affairs at the nonprofit watchdog group Project on Government Oversight, questioned the arrangement after being briefed on the expenses. Robertsons use of official funds, he said in an interview, appears as though its purely personal, which is not what those funds are supposed to be used for. Senate expense rules prohibit spending taxpayer funds for personal use, and Hedtler-Gaudette said the expenses violate the spirit of those guidelines. It would be one thing if he was traveling to Kansas because thats the state that his boss is the senator from, he said. He also raised the concern that arrangements like Robertsons, that stretch the definition of what a duty station is and encompass the personal home of every staffer, could proliferate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robertsons expenses were paid out of Marshalls Official Personnel and Office Expense Account, a $4 million annual allowance that encompasses staff salaries, representational costs and other office expenses. Marshall has spoken out against federal employees doing remote work and sponsored legislation to curtail the practice. I want to make it clear, Im against teleworking from home, he said last year. Im just against it overall at the government level. Robertsons decision to live in Lynchburg and seek travel expenses back and forth is further complicated by the fact that he continued to own a Washington condo that he claimed as his primary residence until it was sold in May, according to D.C. property tax records. Publicly available copies of his tax bill show that lowered his property tax bills by hundreds of dollars during the period he was claiming travel expenses to and from Lynchburg. After POLITICO inquired about Robertson claiming a homestead tax deduction, Fuller said a delay in processing led to the error and that the issue has been resolved. Robertson, she said, recently paid about $700 in back taxes and fees owed to the D.C. government. NEW YORK (PIX11) A meeting on Wednesday night could determine if New York City Public Schools private bus companies will move forward with their threat to lay off their drivers, leaving roughly 150,000 students stranded. The Panel for Education Policy, made up of community members, teachers and parents, is considering a resolution to deny a five-year contract extension sought by the bus companies due to the contract failing to include certain employee protections. More Local News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bus companies argue that the contract extension has already been negotiated with the Department of Education and the mayors office. An emergency contract put into place on July 1 will expire on Oct. 31. The DOE has also offered the bus companies an emergency contract to avert the school bus crisis, according to Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos. The contract would allow for school bus service through November. The bus companies signed the extensions in good faith, but have yet to be paid one penny for our work during this school year. Banks will not finance 30-day extensions, buses cant be bought, payroll cannot be paid, Sean Crowley, a lawyer for the bus companies, told PIX11 News. Enough is enough! Make PIX11 your preferred news source on Google: Heres how Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Eric Adams promised free OMNY cards to students and caregivers in the event of mass layoffs. Schools would give out the cards. There are also some rideshare options for some children. Students are eligible if they meet one of these requirements: Transportation is recommended on an Individualized Education Program or 504 Accommodation Plan Living in temporary housing or foster care Approved for transportation exceptions Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her 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. Hurricane Melissa is rolling across the southern Bahamas as a weaker storm and will impact Bermuda on Thursday. The 5 pm advisory from the National Hurricane Center had winds of 90 mph, now making Melissa a Cat 1 storm. Hurricane Warnings continue for the southern Bahamas and Bermuda. Tropical Storm Warnings also continue for the Turks and Caicos. Some slight strengthening is possible on Thursday, but Melissa is not anticipated to rapidly intensify. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hurricane will continue to move to the northeast over the next several days. It will continue to pass across the southern Bahamas on Wednesday night and pass near Bermuda on Thursday night. Melissa made a second landfall early Wednesday morning in the Santiago de Cuba province in eastern Cuba. The storm was the most powerful landfalling hurricane in the Atlantic basin in 90 years when it slammed into Jamaica Tuesday afternoon, with winds of 185 mph. Hurricane conditions will continue in the southern Bahamas Wednesday night, with the intense winds arriving in Bermuda late Thursday. Tropical storm conditions will continue in the Turks and Caicos through Wednesday night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A storm surge of 4-7 feet is possible in the southeastern Bahamas late Wednesday. Heavy rainfall will continue to be a concern with Melissa, with storm totals of 5-10 of rainfall in the southeastern Bahamas. Melissa will continue to stay southeast of Florida. Stay with Severe Weather Center 9 for the latest on Melissa and its impacts. WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS DOWNLOAD OUR APPS Read: Read: Read: Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. With the Caribbean, the Bahamas and now Bermuda in Melissa's rearview mirror, the next encounter with land will be in part of the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador from Friday night to Saturday morning. Impacts will be significant, even if the center stays just offshore, AccuWeather meteorologists say. Melissa still has a long journey ahead, with an Eye Path that will take it close enough to Atlantic Canada to bring a period of high winds, heavy rain and rough seas. It has transitioned into a tropical wind and rainstorm as it moved into the colder waters of the far North Atlantic Ocean. AccuWeather.com Melissa is now moving away from Bermuda at a quickening pace. In addition to traveling into slightly cooler waters over the western Atlantic, relative to the Caribbean, the hurricane will battle increased wind shear (strong winds at various levels of the atmosphere) as it races along in the coming days, leading to a further loss of wind intensity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seas north and west of Bermuda will remain rough into Friday night. Wave heights will generally range from 10-20 feet, with higher rogue waves possible. Melissa to eye land once again: Impacts expected in Atlantic Canada AccuWeather.com Upon Melissa's approach to Atlantic Canada from Friday night to Saturday morning, there will be an increased risk for flooding, gusty winds and localized power outages, especially on the large island of Newfoundland. A southward dip in the jet stream will be a key factor in how far west Melissa tracks. At this time, Melissa's center is forecast to track less than two dozen miles of the southeastern tip of Newfoundland, known as Cape Race. AccuWeather.com "As Melissa speeds through the northwest Atlantic late this week, it will pass perilously close to Newfoundland, Canada. A small shift in the track could bring the center of the storm over land, with hurricane-force wind gusts for several hours Friday night, along with a period of heavy rain," stated AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Joe Lundberg. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lundberg added that there is also a risk for coastal flooding and high waves. The current forecast calls for at least 1-2 inches of rain across the region later this week, with winds upwards of 60 mph in coastal cities like St. John's. In the southeastern part of the Avalon Peninsula on the island of Newfoundland, wind gusts of 60-80 mph are forecast with an AccuWeather Local StormMax gust of 90 mph. AccuWeather.com "Historically, with storms that make it this far north to Atlantic Canada, the strongest winds are likely to be concentrated along the eastern side of the storm," explained AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson. Melissa to journey across the North Atlantic By the weekend and early next week, energy from Melissa is projected to transition to a tropical wind and rainstorm over the open waters of the North Atlantic, gradually becoming non-tropical upon its approach to the Faroe Islands, Iceland and the northern part of the United Kingdom. GET THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AccuWeather meteorologists convey that the closer Melissa tracks to Atlantic Canada, the higher the chances will be for it to be influenced by a separate storm that will be positioned across eastern Canada by late week and therefore less of a notable entity in the far Northern Atlantic around the United Kingdom. This is the same "Halloween storm" to usher in chilly rain and brisk conditions to the northeastern U.S. later this week, forecasters note. While rain and showers may surround the rainstorm before it dissipates northwest of the U.K. early next week, forecasters are not anticipating notable impacts on the region at this time. AccuWeather meteorologists will continue to monitor the tropical Atlantic. The Caribbean seems to be the most likely spot for additional tropical storm development in the coming weeks. 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. Its been two weeks since an investigation was launched into the unexplained disappearance of 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard of Santa Barbara County. Melodee was reported missing after administrators from the Lompoc Unified School District noted her prolonged absence, with the Santa Barbara County Sheriffs Office initially reporting she hadnt been seen or heard from in at least one year. In the weeks that have followed, authorities have been able to confirm multiple sightings of Melodee, including from the School District itself, and at a Lompoc area car rental business. Security camera images released by the Sheriffs Office from inside the car rental business are believed to be the first new images taken of Melodee in more than two years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite national attention, the FBI joining the case, and a growing timeline into the days prior to the investigations launch, questions still remain about Melodee Buzzard, her family, and why it took so long for someone to notice her absence. Through national and local reporting, local sources and family members, this is what we know about the case. Who is Melodee Buzzard? Melodee Buzzard is a 9-year-old girl who lived with her mother in Vandenberg Village, a small community in northern Santa Barbara County near Lompoc and the Space Force Base that shares its name. Melodee Buzzard of Lompoc is seen in this undated photo provided by the Santa Barbara County Sheriffs Office. At the time of her disappearance, Melodee lived with her mother at a home on the 500 block of Mars Avenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Melodee was reported missing on Oct. 14, and her disappearance has led to national headlines. Who is Melodees mother? Authorities have identified Melodees mother as Ashlee Buzzard. Since law enforcement began investigating Melodees whereabouts, Ashlee has reportedly been uncooperative and unable to provide a satisfactory answer to where her daughter is and if she is safe. Little details about Ashlee are known, but family members have described the subpar conditions of the Vandenberg Village home where she and Melodee lived. KSBY, a television station in San Luis Obispo County, spoke with Ashlee Buzzards mother, who described their home years earlier as being in disarray, with rotten food in the refrigerator, and said her daughters mental health was failing and she was in need of professional help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everybodys dragging [Ashlee] around, Lori Miranda, Ashlee Buzzards mother told KSBY. She should be at the hospital, and you should be talking to her there instead of everybody rattling her cage and then trying to act like theyre trying to help. Miranda told the station she hasnt seen or heard from her daughter in more than two years. Where is Melodees father? Rubiell Meza, Melodees father, died in a motorcycle crash in Santa Maria when she was about six months old. Miranda says his death kickstarted her daughters mental health spiral. Mezas sister, Melodees paternal aunt, told KEYT in Santa Barbara that it also spurred years of custody drama. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [Ashlee] hasnt let us see [Melodee] for a few years, Bridgett Truitt, Melodees aunt, told KEYT. And all of us have tried. But we never stopped thinking about her or loving her or praying for her. Another aunt on Mezas side told the Santa Maria Times that they hadnt seen Melodee in at least four years, and described Ashlee as extremely mentally unstable. Why did it take so long to notice she was missing? Melodee was reported missing by the Lompoc Unified School District after noting her prolonged absence. Sheriffs officials confirmed that Melodee was home-schooled, not attending everyday classes in person, which could explain why it took a while before her absences were reported to law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although initially reported that she hadnt been seen in nearly a year, School District officials later clarified that she had actually been seen in August, when she and her mother went to Mission Valley Independent Study School to register for the school year. According to the schools website, instruction through that program takes place through a combination of online work, parent-supported learning at home, and regular one-on-one teacher meetings. The curriculum is meant to be flexible, in hopes of keeping students with specific learning needs motivated and engaged, but some in the education world say this setup could explain why it may have taken a bit longer to suspect something was amiss as an absence might not be noticed until after an assignment is due, which could be as long as a month out from the time it was assigned. Santa Barbara County news outlet Noozhawk reports that if a student in this independent study program fails to pick up assignments, they are referred back to the school they would normally be enrolled in. If the student doesnt start attending classes, the school launches mandatory truancy procedures, including phone calls, letters, emails and home visits, Noozhawk writes. If the student or parent cant be reached, the school will request a welfare check and, eventually, a missing person case may be launched. Where did Ashlee take Melodee? In the days before Melodee was reported missing and a law enforcement investigation was launched, Ashlee rented a Chevrolet Malibu from a local business and embarked on a cross-country journey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Ashlee picked up the vehicle on Oct. 7, a young girl was seen in security footage wearing a gray sweatshirt with her hood up, covering a head full of straight, black hair. Investigators believe the girl in the photos is Melodee, and she may have been wearing a wig to conceal her identity, as previous images show her with brown, curly hair. Investigators noted that Ashlee is known to wear wigs. Missing Santa Barbara County girl Melodee Buzzard is believed to be seen in this Oct. 7, 2025, photo taken at a car rental business prior to departing on a road trip with her mother. (Santa Barbara County Sheriffs Office)) Missing Santa Barbara County girl Melodee Buzzard is believed to be seen in this Oct. 7, 2025, photo taken at a car rental business prior to departing on a road trip with her mother. (Santa Barbara County Sheriffs Office)) Investigators believe Ashlee took Melodee out of Lompoc. Theyve confirmed that Ashlee and the rental car traveled as far west as Nebraska, and drove through Kansas on the return trip. When Ashlee returned home, Melodee was not with her, officials said. Its unclear when or where the two were separated, and due to Ashlee being uncooperative with detectives, that remains the key focus for investigators trying to recreate a timeline of the girls disappearance. Why hasnt Ashlee Buzzard been arrested? While Melodees mother remains a primary figure in the investigation, authorities have not accused her of any crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Being uncooperative with an investigation typically is not a crime, as citizens have constitutionally protected rights that grant them the ability to remain silent. California law also dictates that it is not a crime to refuse to assist a police officer. A person could be subpoenaed to provide a statement, which could potentially lead to obstruction charges if they refuse. But at this time, it appears that investigators simply do not know enough to be sure that Ashlee Buzzard has committed a crime that would warrant her arrest. Whats the status of the investigation? Because Ashlee and Melodee are believed to have traveled across state lines, the FBI has been added to the investigation and is providing assistance with local law enforcement. The Santa Barbara County Sheriffs Office continues to investigate leads, but to protect the integrity of ongoing police work, details are being released slowly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FBI has put out a missing person poster on its website and social media platforms, and the Sheriffs Office continues to refine its timeline of events in Melodees disappearance. Known timeline of Melodee Buzzard's disappearance (Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office) Known timeline of Melodee Buzzard's disappearance (Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office) Sheriff Bill Brown has urged concerned citizens, many whom have congregated outside the Buzzard family home to demand answers, to allow professional detectives and investigators to do their work unimpeded. Well-intentioned amateur sleuths have been a growing concern for law enforcement agencies across the globe, oftentimes complicating or disrupting active investigative work. Brown urged the public not to attempt to conduct their own searches or investigations, and instead encouraged them to share factual information directly with detectives, which he says is the most effective way to help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at 805-681-4150. Anonymous tips can be provided online or by calling 805-681-4171. 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. ALBANY - It's not often that prosecutors and public defenders agree on policy, but both sides have united behind a bill soon to be considered by Gov. Kathy Hochul that would expand access to the state's mental health courts. "There are so many hurdles that can be fixed by this legislation," said Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly, who's the current president of the District Attorneys Association of the State of New York. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Half of New York's counties don't have a mental health court, where defendants can be referred to treatment and services for their condition instead of sentenced to time in jail. That can only happen with permission from the prosecutor and is typically only allowed for low-level charges. Defendants also have to consent to have their case transferred to a mental health court. But that's not an option in counties that don't have a mental health court. The bill that will soon land on Hochul's desk seeks to change that. It would allow cases in counties without a mental health court to be transferred to an adjoining county that has those services. That would only happen if the prosecutor, the defense attorney and the judge presiding over the case agree. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It passed in June with unanimous support from both Democrats and Republicans in the state Senate and Assembly, where it was sponsored by Assemblyman John T. McDonald, a Democrat from the Capital Region. "People recognize that mental health courts are effective, they reduce recidivism and just as importantly, they're the appropriate place for some cases to be adjudicated," McDonald said. The bill could be particularly impactful for areas of the state where mental health courts are scant. That includes the Hudson Valley district represented by state Sen. Michelle Hinchey, a Democrat and the bill's other sponsor. "Four counties, 56 towns, just under 2,500 square miles and we only have one mental health court," Hinchey said. "Not only is that not serving the region but it's also not getting people the services they need." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The eligibility for a defendant to have their case transferred to a mental health court is ultimately decided by the district attorney's office that's prosecuting it. Rensselaer County doesn't have a mental health court, but if Hochul signs the bill into law, Donnelly's office will be able to transfer cases nearby to Albany County. "We're still developing that," Donnelly said. "Right now, we are only dealing with low-level, nonviolent crimes." That mirrors the policies already in place from prosecutors in counties that already have a mental health court. Columbia County only considers misdemeanors for transfer to a mental health court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Felonies are not eligible unless they're reduced," said Columbia County District Attorney Chris Liberati-Conant. Some counties may create their own mental health courts over time but that can be an expensive endeavor. This measure, McDonald said, will allow counties to use mental health courts without undertaking that cost. Hochul has until the end of the year to consider the legislation and doesn't take a public position on bills until she's made a decision on their fate. But it doesn't have any obvious opponents, making it more likely to meet Hochul's approval. If agreement between prosecutors and defenders is rare, support from politicians of both parties is nearly nonexistent in Albany. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would be difficult to find a reason to oppose it, said state Sen. Jake Ashby, a Republican from Rensselaer County. "This is a common sense bipartisan proposal and despite what people think, these do arrive," Ashby said. This article originally published at Mental health court access could double in New York if Hochul signs bipartisan bill. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Wednesday called on Germany and Europe to make a major effort to regain global technological competitiveness. "We must not allow the US and China to determine the technological future on their own for the sake of our prosperity, our security and, ultimately, our freedom," Merz said in Berlin at the launch event for the government's Hightech Agenda, which aims to boost the tech sector in the country. Europe has always been good at shaping a better future for its citizens, Merz said, conceding: "We have been so successful in this that it may have made us a little too complacent recently. But that is nothing that cannot be corrected." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Germany and Europe need to be independent in terms of technology, the German leader stressed, particularly against the backdrop of a newly emerging systemic conflict between authoritarian and liberal nation states. "We are experiencing unilateral dependencies. And these dependencies are also being exploited in political power struggles," Merz said. According to the chancellor, it is far from certain that Germany, and thus Europe as a whole, will remain a significant player in the emerging world order. He stressed the need for the continent to regain power through leadership in innovation. Merz, who took office in May, said that boosting innovation was a top priority for his administration, which has pledged to spend at least 3.5% of gross domestic product on research and development by 2030. To this end, the Hightech Agenda, he said, aims to comprehensively realign economic and research policy towards competitiveness, value creation and technological sovereignty. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Wednesday called on Germany and Europe to make a major effort to regain global technological competitiveness. "We must not allow the US and China to determine the technological future on their own for the sake of our prosperity, our security and, ultimately, our freedom," Merz said in Berlin at the launch event for the government's Hightech Agenda, which aims to boost the tech sector in the country. Europe has always been good at shaping a better future for its citizens, Merz said, conceding: "We have been so successful in this that it may have made us a little too complacent recently. But that is nothing that cannot be corrected." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Germany and Europe need to be independent in terms of technology, the German leader stressed, particularly against the backdrop of a newly emerging systemic conflict between authoritarian and liberal nation states. "We are experiencing unilateral dependencies. And these dependencies are also being exploited in political power struggles," Merz said. According to the chancellor, it is far from certain that Germany, and thus Europe as a whole, will remain a significant player in the emerging world order. He stressed the need for the continent to regain power through leadership in innovation. Merz, who took office in May, said that boosting innovation was a top priority for his administration, which has pledged to spend at least 3.5% of gross domestic product on research and development by 2030. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To this end, the Hightech Agenda, he said, aims to comprehensively realign economic and research policy towards competitiveness, value creation and technological sovereignty. In future, Germany will focus funding on six key technologies, he said: artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technology, microelectronics, biotechnology, fusion and climate-neutral energy generation as well as technologies facilitating climate-neutral mobility. "If our country is to be at the forefront of technology, then we need genuine cooperation between industry and science," Merz said. Oct. 28Social media company Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has asked the Washington state Supreme Court to overturn a $35 million fine for not complying with the state's campaign finance laws regarding digital advertising. The law, the company argues, is "overreaching and burdensome" and violates the First Amendment, while the imposed penalty is "extraordinarily excessive" and violates the Eighth Amendment, which prohibits excessive fines. Attorneys representing the state, however, argue that Meta already collects the required information and is choosing not to comply, and that the law is needed to inform voters about who is trying to sway their vote. Tuesday's hearing before the state Supreme Court centered around what is believed to be the largest campaign finance fine in U.S. history and a law that Meta, Google and Yahoo say led them to ban political advertising in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Advertisers, including TV stations and newspapers, have long complied, and this law serves the vital purpose of ensuring that Washingtonians know about efforts to influence their vote," Deputy Solicitor General Cristina Sepe said Tuesday. "This purpose is even more urgent today, given the targeted and ephemeral nature of digital media. Yet Meta has intentionally, and repeatedly, violated our law." Adopted in 1973, the Fair Campaign Practices Act requires campaign advertisers, including social media companies like Facebook, to make information about political ads that run on their platforms available for public inspection in a timely manner upon request. The law requires digital advertisers to include information relating to the cost of the ad, the sponsor of the ad, as well as targeting and reach information. During oral arguments Tuesday, justices questioned some of the disclosure requirements included in the law, including the method of payment used to buy the ad. Sepe argued that the use of cryptocurrency, or a foreign currency, to pay for an ad could be weighed by the voter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following an investigation by the state's Public Disclosure Commission, the Attorney General's Office filed a lawsuit in 2020, alleging the company had violated the law more than 800 times. In October 2022, a King County Superior Court Judge ruled in favor of the state and levied $8.2 million in civil penalties and $3.5 million in attorney fees and costs against Meta. The judge then tripled that amount after he found that the company had intentionally violated the law. The ruling was upheld by the Washington state Court of Appeals in December 2024. Former two-term state Attorney General Rob McKenna, who represented Meta Tuesday, asked that the court reverse the imposed fine and find that the law was improperly applied to Meta. In court filings, attorneys representing the company argued that as a result of other digital advertisers pulling out of the state, the law "effectively shuts down a key forum for core political speech speech that thrives on digital platforms everywhere else in America." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McKenna pointed to a similar law in Maryland that a federal court found to be unconstitutional in 2019. "Maryland's law required disclosures only in response to requests from the state, covered ads going back just one year, and required ad purchasers to notify platforms that they had posted a covered ad sparing platforms from being forced to monitor ads to ensure compliance," Meta's attorneys wrote in a court filing. "If those burdens were unconstitutional, Washington's much more burdensome requirements surely are as well." The state contends that unlike Maryland's law, advertisers are not required to publish information about political ads online and that the ruling was narrowly applicable. There is no timeline for the court to issue rulings, and it could take months. A meteorologist tried to throw down with a hurricane and ended up throwing up. Matthew Cappucci, a meteorologist for The Washington Posts Capital Weather Gang, was caught on camera vomiting while flying through the eye of Hurricane Melissa. Meteorologist Matthew Cappucci became ill as he flew through the eye of Hurricane Melissa. Screenshot CNN via Snapstream Cappucci was interviewed by CNNs Erin Burnett on Monday and shared the gross footage but Burnett pointed out that he had a good reason for allowing CNN to air it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I know that you got sick on the flight, Burnet said. I mean, it was that horrifically turbulent, even though youve done this before. You did record that so everyone could understand just the severity of this. Cappucci described the experience as being very reminiscent of a roller coaster at night. If youve ever been on Space Mountain at Disney World, you sort of know how it is, Cappucci said. You know its dark, you dont know if youre going up, down, left or right. Youre jostled all about, to and fro. Global: Hurricane Melissa Leaves Trail Of Destruction Across Cuba, Haiti And Jamaica Though Cappucci may have shared the footage to emphasize the severity of the storm, he still clearly knows how awkward the footage comes off, because he poked fun at himself on X Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Puking on national TV. I think my television career has peaked, he quipped. He added in the comments of his X post: Also rest assured I was fine 5 minutes later. I knew what I was into and it was worth it 10 fold. Puking on national TV. I think my television career has peaked. pic.twitter.com/8CZNubYll1 Matthew Cappucci (@MatthewCappucci) October 28, 2025 During his appearance on CNN, Cappucci explained that after 10 crazy minutes with the turbulence, it suddenly becomes calm once you reach the eye of the storm. And I have to say, that was one of the most breathtaking and simultaneously horrifying experiences Ive ever had, he said. Even though it was night, the moon was illuminating what we call the stadium effect. Basically, youre right in the middle of this atmospheric sink drain, and yet you look up, all around you, 360 degrees, towering, hulking thunderstorms overhead, spiraling around, marking that eyewall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cappucci did make sure to add to CNN that Hurricane Melissa was more than just a surreal weather experience. People walk through Santa Cruz, Jamaica, on Oct. 29, 2025, after Hurricane Melissa passed through. via Associated Press In the wake of the storm, it will be very difficult for Jamaica to avert a potentially significant humanitarian crisis, Cappucci said. And Ive covered many storms. Ive seen high-end hurricanes before, but its very rare that we get a hurricane of this magnitude heading to a place that has 2.8 million people there. Hurricane Melissa roared into Jamaica with 185 mph winds on Tuesday as a Category 5 storm and was one of the regions strongest storms on record, The Associated Press reported. As it shifted to a Category 3 storm, it made landfall in Cuba and Haiti on Wednesday morning and caused significant damage, CNN said. Pedestrians walk in Santiago de Cuba on Oct. 29, 2025, in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. via Associated Press Although its unclear how bad the aftermath of the storm is yet, officials in Haiti said about 20 people were killed overnight due to flooding, and three bodies were recovered in Jamaica, The New York Times reports. Melissa has been downgraded to a Category 2 storm as it heads toward the Bahamas. Read Next Read the original on HuffPost U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.) led legislation to fund SNAP, which he and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York and Klobuchar (D-Minn.) introduced in a news conference in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 29, 2025. (Screenshot) U.S. Senate Democrats on Wednesday introduced the Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025, legislation aimed at curtailing the pending Nov. 1 stop for federal food assistance. New Mexico U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, the ranking member for a Senate Agriculture Committee subcommittee, led the legislation, which is co-sponsored by all the Democratic members. The United States Department of Agriculture informed states earlier this month that funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program would be unavailable starting Nov. 1. as a result of the ongoing federal shutdown. More recently, it rejected calls by members of Congressincluding New Mexicos representativesto use contingency funding to make up the gap. That position represents a reversal from an earlier stance, according to a since-deleted copy of the USDAs Sept. 30 shutdown plan. Moreover, it told states they would not be reimbursed if they tried to fund SNAP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Mexico has the highest rate of SNAP participation in the country, with approximately 460,000 recipientsover 21% of the population. The U.S. Senate bill directs USDA to release funds for SNAP and to its supplementary program for Women, Children and Infants, and also requires the federal government to reimburse states for covering SNAP benefits during a shutdown. In a news conference Wednesday, Lujan joined Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota to discuss the legislationand call out the Trump administration for threatening a program on which 42 million U.S. residents rely for food. Trump and Senate Republicans are the first in history to make the cruel and unprecedented decision to let tens of millions of Americans go hungry, Schumer said in a statement. This pain doesnt need to happen: Trump is choosing to inflict it on American families. Lujan, in a fiery speech, described Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.)s statement earlier this week that SNAP cant be legally funded as bulls***. I come from a small farm. I know the difference of good soil and the bulls*** that goes in it. And this is the bulls*** taking these plans down to try to lie to the American people and justify why its OK for people to go hungry. Forty million people, plain and simple, 40 million people that are going to miss a meal in the United States of America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also invoked the late former New Mexico Gov. Bruce King, a cattle rancher. He always used to tell folks, If you cant come up with the solution, sometimes you need to lock them up in a barn until they come up with a solution. Well, Mr. President, come back from jetting around the world, get back to the White House. New Mexicos three U.S. House of Representatives members this week also introduced a bill to keep funding in place for food assistance, and avoid gaps in funding in future shutdowns. U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury, who represents New Mexicos 1st congressional district, told reporters in a call on Tuesday that she, along with U.S. Reps. Teresa Leger Fernandez and Gabe Vasquez, of the states 1st and 2nd congressional districts, respectively, introduced the SNAP BACK Act during the brief gavel in for the U.S. House, which has been otherwise shut down. She acknowledged that the legislation is not likely to pass as the House is not in session, but said, Its our hope that by filing additional legislation, this will put continued bipartisan pressure on both sides of the aisle to get something done, because we cannot allow families to go without food. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill, among other facets, also would require the immediate release of funds for SNAP and WIC; prohibit withholding funds for political or administrative reasons; and guarantee continued enrollment and access to benefits during a shutdown. We are using Congress, the courts and our communities to push back every single possible way that we can, Stansbury said, noting the lawsuit filed by more than 20 attorneys generalincluding New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrezalong with the state of New Mexicos forthcoming plans to provide additional funding to food banks, which Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and other state leader are scheduled to discuss Wednesday afternoon. This is, in many, many ways, very similar to the food emergency that we faced at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, Stansbury said. This is an all hands-on-deck food emergency for New Mexico families. So we are working at the federal level, the state level, working with tribes. Were working in our communities, and we will find a way to get New Mexico families food assistance, but its going to take all of us. A New Mexico man must several decades in prison after he changed his plea in the shooting death of his brother. Lee Circuit Judge Bruce Kyle on Oct. 29 sentenced John Tolbert, 59, to 30 years in prison for the 2024 shooting death of Francis G. Tolbert, 71. John Tolbert faced one count of second-degree murder with a firearm. He originally pleaded not guilty. On April 16, 2024, Cape Coral Police officers responded to a home in northwest Cape Coral for reports of a patient, later identified as Francis Tolbert, in cardiac arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When officers arrived with Lee County EMS, they found Francis Tolbert with "a very faint pulse." He was bleeding from the back of his head and died soon after. Officers found a shell casing, which indicated his death wasn't related to heart failure. Authorities learned John Tolbert had been in the home and fled about an hour before EMS arrived. The medical examiner's preliminary findings included that the elder Tolbert had a bullet fragment in his head and did not believe it was from a self-inflicted wound. Authorities learned that John Tolbert about April 6, 2024, paid an "unannounced visit" to his brother after years out of contact with his family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He slept at their couch and in his car, where he also kept belongings. Francis Tolbert's wife was sitting with her elderly parents, who suffer from Alzheimer's disease, in the garage when she reported she saw John Tolbert exit the home and leave in his car. She found Francis Tolbert on the floor bleeding. On scene, relatives provided a phone number for John Tolbert. Police said they called repeated times, but all those attempts landed directly in John Tolbert's voicemail, suggesting he turned the cellphone off. The victim's wife said the family did not keep firearms at the home. Surveillance video showed he switched the license plate Police said cameras captured John Tolbert's Chevrolet Impala the same day traveling through Bradford County, noting he had replaced the license plate. They identified the vehicle through matching silver-colored rims, dual mirrors and a "shark fin" blade antenna on the car's roof. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The car bore a New Mexico tag, which authorities discovered was registered to a 2004 Mercedes Benz that also belonged to John Tolbert. Siblings did not see each other for nearly a decade When authorities asked Francis Tolbert's wife about the siblings' relationship, she revealed they had not seen John Tolbert for years. Around 2017, Francis Tolbert's wife said, her late husband began sending money periodically to John Tolbert, who told him he lost his job and could not afford his $850 monthly rent. Francis Tolbert provided his brother with at least $1,000 each month, his wife said, adding that he stopped sending the money after approximately six months, saying Tolbert was "ungrateful." Tomas Rodriguez is a Breaking/Live News Reporter for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. You can reach Tomas at TRodriguez@gannett.com or 772-333-5501. Connect with him on Threads @tomasfrobeltran, Instagram @tomasfrobeltran, Facebook @tomasrodrigueznews and Bluesky @tomasfrodriguez. This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Man sentenced for Cape Coral shooting death of brother KANSAS CITY, Mo. After pleading guilty to a second-degree murder charge back in June, a New Mexico man was sentenced for the 2023 killing of a woman from Gardner, Kansas. The Johnson County, Kansas District Attorney says that Franklin Bluelake was sentenced to 620 months or 51 years and 8 months. Bluelake was initially charged with first-degree murder early in 2023, but that charge was amended to second-degree murder the same day Bluelake pleaded guilty in 2025. Police on scene of deadly shooting in east Kansas City neighborhood Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court records show that Rhoda Morgan was found dead inside a hotel in Olathe on January 29, 2023. Morgans daughter reported that Morgan and Bluelake were in a relationship, and that Bluelake would travel to Olathe to meet. Investigation revealed that Morgan had found out that Bluelake was involved in relationships with other women, and had planned to confront him about it. Additionally, a former girlfriend of Bluelake reported that Morgan had called her regarding Bluelake, telling detectives she advised her that Bluelake used women for a place to live and money. The former girlfriend also reported that Bluelake had called her on the morning of Jan. 29, 2023 and asked for $60. Bluelake had also told the former girlfriend that he was in Texas and needed money on a phone call. He also said that he was in a fight with two men, in which he accidentally broke Morgans neck. She reportedly asked him questions about the incident, but Bluelake didnt want to speak about it. See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Autopsy revealed that Morgan suffered a broken hyoid bone, found in the midline of the anterior neck. Her death was determined to be a homicide. 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. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel speaks at a press conference on her lawsuit, alongside 25 other state attorneys general and governors, for a restraining order on the pause for SNAP benefits on Nov. 1. Oct. 29. | Photo by Katherine Dailey/Michigan Advance. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel called for a temporary restraining order against the U.S. Department of Agricultures decision to allow Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, also known as SNAP, to lapse on Nov. 1 due to the ongoing federal shutdown. Nessel spoke alongside Lansing Mayor Andy Schor in a press conference inside a food bank at LMTS Community Outreach Services in Lansing, discussing the federal lawsuit that she filed alongside 22 other state attorneys general and three governors. The suit calls on the Department of Agriculture to use congressionally-appropriated contingency funding to continue SNAP benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you visit the USDA website, youll be met with a shockingly political and hostile message claiming that the well has run dry, but thats a lie, she said, citing $6 billion in reserve funds to carry out SNAP operations. As of Oct. 2, the Office of Management and Budget indicated that those funds were still available, Nessel added. A resident looks at food options at the LMTS Community Outreach Services food pantry. Oct. 29. | Photo by Katherine Dailey/Michigan Advance An additional $23 billion, appropriated to Section 32 of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1935, Nessel added, could be transferred to fund SNAP. Congress has clearly spoken to provide that SNAP benefits should continue even during a government shutdown. The USDA does not have the authority to say otherwise, she said. On Nov. 1, when we have all these people who are on SNAP benefits that are in jeopardy, it becomes a crisis, Schor said. I am excited that this lawsuit has been filed, because its taking real action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nessel further called on the federal government to make funding SNAP through the shutdown a priority. If we have all the money in the world to pay ICE to, frankly, snatch people off of our city streets who are not posing a danger to our communities, then certainly we can come up with this money to feed hungry people, she said. Schor also highlighted the fact that local funding and support from food banks and pantries cannot replace the federal funding from SNAP. We cannot make up for the power and the funding of the federal government. We dont have those kinds of resources, he said. The federal government needs to come through. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Today is not about politics or policy. Its about people, said Joshua Gillespie, the executive director of LMTS Community Outreach Services. Every single day, right here in our community, we have children who go to school hungry, seniors who silently skip a meal, families who have the daunting task of deciphering if Im going to pay rent or buy groceries, if Im going to fill up my gas or fill the stomach of my babies. While Nessel and others spoke, Lansing-area residents entered the LMTS Community Outreach Services food pantry to pick food off of shelves and out of freezers. A line outside the door stretched into the parking lot as more people waited for their turn to get food. Schor said that on Saturday days after the announcement that SNAP would be pausing at the end of the month food pantries had run out of food in less than an hour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No one should go hungry. Not in our city, not in our state, not on our watch, Gillespie said. Shelves of food at the LMTS Community Outreach Services food pantry. Oct. 29. | Photo by Katherine Dailey/Michigan Advance These cuts force our family, friends and neighbors to prioritize between necessities they wouldnt otherwise have to choose between, Nessel said. Next week, people will be forced to decide between buying groceries or filling prescriptions, or between going into work as scheduled or calling off so that they can come visit a local food bank. While I believe in providing SNAP benefits as a moral issue, theres also an economic argument to make as well, she added, citing that for every dollar spent under SNAP, $1.54 goes back into the local economy especially for local food retailers and farmers markets. Amanda Shreve, Executive Director of the Michigan Farmers Market Association, added that at least 2,500 farmers and small business owners across the state would be impacted by cuts to SNAP by losing part of their customer base. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SNAP meaningfully contributes to farmer and market viability, Shreve continued. Perhaps no one exemplifies this more than the direct marketing farmer, the farmer who grows or produces food right here in Michigan and sells it directly to their neighbors and communities. For direct marketing farmers, accepting SNAP expands their customer base, increases their sales and allows them to serve all members of their community. House Dems eye relief package as federal stalemate continues As Nessel and other states pursue a remedy to the freeze in federal court, Michigan House Democrats are proposing temporary relief for SNAP and food bank beneficiaries. The five-bill package, which proposes the creation of a $600 million emergency relief fund to temporarily backfill the loss of SNAP funding to Michigan, is still currently being drafted by legislative staff. State Reps. Tonya Myers Phillips (D-Detroit), Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) and Kimberly Edwards (D-Eastpointe) are among those sponsoring the legislation. It will allow our constituents to eat and not go hungry, Phillips told reporters on Tuesday during House session. Thats what its all about for me. Children, elders, seniors, our most vulnerable citizens should not go hungry, should not go without food, because of whats happening right now with Washington Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The legislation comes after the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services was notified last week that the U.S. Department of Agricultures Food and Nutrition Service would pause November SNAP payments due to the shutdown. Phillips said she would seek the funding through a supplemental bill, considering the state budget is already in place and was kept tight with an emphasis on road funding with a mix of deeper cuts and new taxes. The $600 million fund would cover two months of SNAP backfill, assuming that the federal government shutdown ends quickly. But the legislative process is often slow, and its uncertain if the Republicans who control the House will let the bills move out of committee, or reach the chambers floor for a vote. The federal government shutdown could end by that time and money could flow again to states, like Michigan, that were notified A message seeking comment from House leadership on the bills were not returned at the time of publication. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The package would also provide a $12.5 million supplemental to the Food Bank Council of America, and another $12.5 million in supplemental funding to food pantry programs across Michigan. Courtesy photo from Food Bank Council of Michigan Although the package could certainly help those in need due to no fault of their own, Coffia said it was not the solution. We have a crisis that is unnecessary, it is manufactured by Washington Republicans who have illegally frozen USDA funds so that 1.4 million children, seniors, people with disabilities, veterans and families many of whom are working are not going to have food in their SNAP benefits this Saturday, Coffia said. And its not because we dont have the money. This administration just approved a $40 million bailout to Argentina while they are agreeing to a sort of Hunger Games for 40 million Americans who depend on SNAP benefits. When asked if there was $600 million available in state coffers to fund the money, the trio said yes, but said the numbers were still in flux. Initially, the lawmakers said the fund would be $900 million, but walked that figure back as they announced the move on social media on Tuesday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That is federal tax money. Thats our tax money that should be released, and its being illegally held, Coffia said. If they back us into a corner, theres $2 million in the rainy day fund. I dont know what kind of rainy day youve seen, but if people cant eat, thats a pretty damn rainy day. When asked about the bills, Nessel said at the press conference that she couldnt think of anything more important than feeding people and making sure that people dont go hungry, making sure that people dont starve to death and encouraged Gov. Whitmer and the legislature to take action. I hope that those bills will move. I think its important that those bills move, Nessel added. Is there an appetite by the speaker? Youll have to ask him that question. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel filed a lawsuit against the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Secretary Brooke Rollins for halting the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits during the ongoing government shutdown. Hard time: Looming pause in SNAP benefits causing worry Attorney General Nessel sues USDA over SNAP benefit suspension (WLNS) Lansing Mayor Andy Schor joined Nessel in addressing the impact of the suspension on Michigan families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit challenges the suspension of SNAP benefits, which affects 1.4 million Michiganders who depend on the program to meet their food needs, according to Nessel. The lawsuit was filed in response to the USDAs decision to suspend SNAP benefits, which Nessel argues is illegal during the federal government shutdown. Click the video above to watch the livestream. 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. Michigan GOP Senate candidate Mike Rogers speaks at a rally on Saginaw Valley State University campus in Michigan ahead of President Donald Trump on Oct. 3, 2024 ahead of the presidential election | Photo: Anna Liz Nichols As national Republicans eye Michigan as the breeding ground for growing its U.S. Senate majority, the Democratic candidates in the 2026 Michigan race say that confidence is misplaced. Last week, the National Republican Senatorial Committee said on a donor call that it sees the Great Lakes state as a jumping off point for an expansion of its majority in the upper chamber of Congress. The call was first reported by Axios. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mention of Michigan on the call was, in a sense, the GOP coping with its lack of a challenger in the Georgia race to take on U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, with the National Republican Senatorial Committee looking to Michigan as its best attempt to play offense in 2026. Brendan Jaspers, the committees political director, went so far as to tell Republican donors that those who have said Rogers cant win in the upcoming race, due to his loss in 2024, were perpetuating [a] lie that was out of touch with the realities of the data. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Some of that also has to do with the state of the Democratic primary in Michigan, which currently has three contenders: current U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens of Birmingham, state Sen. Mallory McMorrow of Royal Oak and Abdul El-Sayed, the former Wayne County Department of Health, Human and Veterans Services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although the race is still in its early phases and the primary wont commence until August next year, the three candidates are already starting to turn inward and throw jabs at one another. Meanwhile, theyve also been laser focused on Rogers, who is not the only name in the race but is by far the main contender. Kent Behman, a dentist, Fred Heurtebise, an engineer and welder, and Geneveive Peters Scott are also in the hunt for the Republican nomination, although they each lack major party funding, and perhaps most importantly, the endorsement that President Donald Trump has already bestowed on Rogers. Rogers campaign did not respond to a message from Michigan Advance seeking comment. Michigan GOP Senate candidate Mike Rogers (right) speaks at a rally on Saginaw Valley State University campus in Michigan alongside former President Donald Trump (left) on Oct. 3, 2024 ahead of the presidential election | Photo: Anna Liz Nichols Those projecting a Rogers victory this early, however, should heed not just the 2024 results in which Rogers lost to current Democratic U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Holly but also the broad electoral history of Michigans U.S. Senate races. Of note, no Republican has won a Senate seat in Michigan for more than three decades. Looking to the last race involving Rogers, he underperformed Trump by over 100,000 votes in a Republican wave year. A straw poll conducted by the Michigan 9th Congressional District also showed Rogers didnt run away with the survey. Scott was within 10 percentage points from Rogers top spot. Rogers garnered 52% out of a little more than 100 delegates voting in the straw poll, to Scotts 42%. The 9th Congressional District is located in the states blood red Thumb region that covers a wide swath of strong GOP territory, including portions of Huron, Tuscola, Sanilac, Lapeer, St. Clair, Macomb and Oakland counties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even his own base wishes they had a different candidate as he runs on a deeply unpopular agenda thats spiking costs and threatening to kick hundreds of thousands of Michiganders off their health care, Michigan Democratic Party spokesperson Joey Hannum told the Advance. Michiganders know Mike Rogers is an out-of-touch, Florida mansion-dwelling multi-millionaire and theyll reject him again in 2026. McMorrow also told the Advance that Michiganders rejected Rogers once, and well do it again. Prices are through the roof, families are struggling, and Michiganders arent buying what he and Trump are selling, McMorrow said of Rogers. Stevens campaign spokesperson Joetta Appiah told the Advance that Rogers will have to answer to voters after making jokes about rising prices spurred by the economic policies of President Donald Trump. Contrast that with the Democrats, and Stevens herself, who are focused on lowering costs for families feeling the pressure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The contrast is clear: Mike Rogers is a Florida man looking for a promotion and a platform to rubber-stamp Donald Trumps chaos agenda, Appiah said via email. U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Birmingham) speaks out against proposed cuts at the Social Security Administration during a rally in Detroit on April 4, 2025. | Kyle Davidson/Michigan Advance El-Sayed campaign spokesperson Roxie Richner also said Rogers is a known commodity, but not in a way thats beneficial to Michigan voters. He is a famous flop of a Senate candidate and if given any power he will always choose Big Pharma over the rest of us, Richner told the Advance. Christyna Thompson, press secretary for the Democratic Senate Majority PAC, also believed that the overconfidence in Rogers was wish-casting. Washington Republicans love Rogers because hell be a rubber stamp for the very same economic agenda thats keeping grocery and health care costs high for Michiganders, Thompson said. But that doesnt reflect the reality that hes a weak general election candidate. Hes already lost the state once, in an election where Donald Trump should have carried him over the top, and hes trailing every Democrat in the race in fundraising. Strip away the spin, and hes just another weak candidate riding the fumes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That said, the GOPs supposed prescience on the upcoming potential nastiness of the Democratic primary was clear while reporting this story. Michigan Sen. Mallory McMorrow, D-Royal Oak, left, and Abdul El-Sayed, right, at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Mich., during the second day of the Mackinac Policy Conference on May 28, 2025. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance) When asked to comment on the National Republican Senatorial Committees projections and whether they thought the race was already won by Rogers, each of the respective Democratic campaigns jockeyed to say why they, over the others, would be the best person to beat Rogers in November. Everywhere I go, people tell me the same thing: we need a Senator who works for Michigan, not Trump, McMorrow said. Thats why weve outraised everyone in this race and will be the next one to beat him. Richner, similarly, used the opportunity to showcase E-Sayeds credentials against Rogers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Abdul is joining nurses on the picket line, helping Yoopers eliminate medical debt, and building a people-powered movement, she said. Abdul beats Mike, both in the November election and at life, generally. Appiah was adamant that Stevens was still the best Democrat to defeat him, noting her consistent polling advantage in a head-to-head race with Rogers the Detroit Regional Chambers May poll conducted by Glengariff Group shows that only Stevens beats the Republican candidate in a survey of registered voters, but not by much. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Democrats in the Michigan House of Representatives want to use state funding to maintain food assistance benefits slated to come to a halt amid the federal government shutdown. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service recently directed the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to pause the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) starting in November. Michigan receives on average $260 million a month from the federal government for the nearly 1.4 million people in the state who receive SNAP benefits, according to State Budget Office Director of Communications Lauren Leeds. President Donald Trump's administration has argued that the USDA cannot use contingency funds to pay for SNAP during the federal government shutdown, which recently entered its fifth week. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has joined a multistate lawsuit against the administration seeking a court order to direct funding for SNAP benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under pending legislation from Michigan House Democrats, an emergency supplemental spending measure would appropriate $900 million in state funding for SNAP benefits, according to a news release. The funds would come from previously funded state projects that have lapsed. It's not clear which projects would have their funding pulled, which the State Budget Director would decide, according to Tracy Wimmer, a spokesperson for the House Democratic Caucus. Two separate bills would provide an additional $12.5 million to the Food Bank Council of America and food pantry programs, respectively, from the General Fund, the state's largest pot of discretionary funding. The package includes funding for SNAP and other food support because its unclear how long the federal shutdown will last and SNAP benefits will be restored, according to Wimmer. She said the funding for food banks and pantries will give them resources in case the SNAP funding runs out. The bills still need to be introduced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As state lawmakers, we must quickly collaborate with our constituents, nonprofit and faith-based food providers, and retailers to ensure Michiganders have access to adequate food, especially as we approach the winter season and the holidays, while food prices continue to rise. This is why I am introducing legislation to provide food to vulnerable people and support food banks and pantries in this time of crisis," said state Rep. Tonya Myers Phillips, D-Detroit in a statement. While Democratic state lawmakers have blamed Trump and Republicans for the federal government shutdown, Republican legislators point their fingers at Democrats in Washington, D.C. "Senate Democrats are refusing to vote for a simple continuation budget that would keep essential programs like SNAP running while Congress works out a longer-term deal. Because of their inaction, families who did nothing wrong are paying the price. Its shameful, and it needs to end," said Michigan House Appropriations Chair state Rep. Ann Bollin, R-Brighton Township, in a recent statement. Both Democrats and Republicans in Michigan have pointed to the state budget they recently passed to avert a state government shutdown as evidence that lawmakers can still work together across the aisle. It's not clear whether the proposed SNAP spending plan will make its way to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for her signature. Republicans hold a majority in the Michigan House while Democrats control the Michigan Senate. A spokesperson for Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall, R-Richland Township, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Rosie Jones, the spokesperson for Majority Leader Sen. Winnie Brinks, D-Grand Rapids, said in a text message, "Our caucus is looking into every possible option to help our neighbors who are being betrayed by federal Republicans." Federal Government Shutdown: What 1.4M Michigan residents should know about looming November pause in SNAP benefits Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked whether the governor wants to see state lawmakers pass a supplemental spending measure to provide state funding for SNAP before House Democrats unveiled their plan, Whitmer Press Secretary Stacey LaRouche referred the Detroit Free Press to the State Budget Office. Leeds the office's communications director said in an emailed statement Oct. 28: "While federal action is needed to fully restore these benefits, the State of Michigan is working to support residents through this disruption by staying in close contact with federal partners, keeping residents informed, and helping families find local food and assistance resources through MI Bridges, Michigan 2-1-1, and the Food Bank Council of Michigan." LaRouche did not immediately provide comment to a follow-up request on House Democrats' spending proposal. (This story was updated to add new information.) Is the federal shutdown affecting you? We'd love to connect. Reach out at votervoices@freepress.com. Contact Clara Hendrickson: chendrickson@freepress.com or 313-296-5743. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan House Democrats seek state funding for SNAP (The Center Square) Michigan lawmakers proposed a bill package totaling nearly $1 billion to keep food benefits funded in the state. This comes as the federal government shutdown continues into its fourth week. The initiative, which is led by five House Democrats, would keep the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program operational past Nov. 1, which is when those federal taxpayer-funded benefits are set to be paused. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The SNAP program is a critical lifeline for the most vulnerable in our state, bridging the gap between what those who are struggling can afford, and what they need to live, said state Rep. Betsy Coffia, D-Traverse City, one of the bill sponsors. Currently, nearly 13% of Michigan households, or about 1.4 million people, receive SNAP benefits. Of those, 43% are families with children and 36% are families with older or disabled adults. The lawmakers who proposed this program said they have a responsibility to keep the program funded. For millions of Michiganders, the SNAP program provides the small amount of relief needed to take one financial worry off their plate, and put food on it instead, said state Rep. Kimberly Edwards, D-Eastpointe, another one of the bill sponsors. Food is one of our most basic human needs, and taking access to it away from 1.4 million Michiganders is unconscionable. We have an obligation to try every option available to stop this from happening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill package of five bills would: Create a $900 million SNAP Fund to keep the program temporarily operational $12.5 million for the Food Bank Council of America $12.5 million for food pantry programs A resolution urging the reopening of the federal government A resolution urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which funds SNAP, to use an estimated $6 billion in contingency reserve funds to fund SNAP into November. On Tuesday, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel also joined 22 other attorneys general suing the USDA and U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins for not using those reserves to continue funding SNAP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emergency funding exists for exactly this kind of crisis, Nessel said. If the reality of 42 million Americans going hungry, including 1.4 million Michiganders, isnt an emergency, I dont know what is. Yet, according to a statement on the USDAs website, the well has run dry. This is the first time the U.S. government has shut down since 2018, and both Republicans and Democrats are passing blame. The Democrats proposing the bill called it cruelty from Republicans and President Donald Trump. The Trump Administration and Washington Republicans are jeopardizing the food security and well-being of people families, seniors and those with disabilities who rely on SNAP benefits, said state Rep. Tonya Myers Phillips, D-Detroit, one of the bill sponsors. This is not just unacceptable, it's inhumane. The provision of food should not be a political issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans point out that, though they control both the U.S. House and Senate, they need seven Democrats in the Senate to meet the 60-vote requirement to pass a budget and end the government shutdown. Democrats are holding up pay for our troops and blocking resources for Michigan families, said U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Michigan. All to push FREE health care for sexual predators who are here ILLEGALLY! So far, only three Democrats have crossed the aisle, while others vote no to passing a continuing funding resolution. Both Michigan U.S. Sens. Gary Peters and Elissa Slotkin continue to vote against continuing resolutions. It is unclear if Michigan Republicans will support the food benefit bill package. Last week, state Rep. Ron Robinson, R-Utica, said these vital programs will continue to be a priority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the federal shutdown is causing disruptions beyond our control, I want to assure the people of our district that here in Michigan, we are not in a shutdown and have taken strong, bipartisan steps to protect critical services, Robinson said. Without action soon, this shutdown could become the longest government shutdown in American history. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) The Better Business Bureau of Michigan is warning people to avoid scammers trying to profit from the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. Following the damage comes generosity, but Troy Baker the Vice President of Strategic Partnerships with the Better Business Bureau of Michigan says there are red flags you should look out for to avoid charitable scams. The first thing is identify those organizations that have a good track record when it comes to disaster relief and theyre the big names you already know, The Red Cross, International Aid, Baker said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres organizations that are out there that have a history of stepping in, he said. Theyre some of those first people on the ground. People can look into the charitys background and also use websites like Give.org. A man wades through floodwaters with his dog and belongings from his home flooded by Hurricane Melissa in Santiago de Cuba, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa) Make sure they are a registered 501c3 and learn about how that money gets used. Make sure that the organization is set up to use the money in the way that you care about and want it used, Baker said. Never click on a link received through texts or emails, even if it claims to be a reputable organization. Melissa makes landfall in Jamaica as catastrophic Category 5 hurricane Find out whether that really is the organization you want to give to, and then give directly to that organization, Baker said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When selecting a non-profit to donate to, make sure it is an organization that has the resources to make an impact. Residents stand on the wreckage of a house destroyed by Hurricane Melissa in Santa Cruz, Jamaica, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix) There are the immediate needs, food, water, medical supplies that organizations need to get on the ground and help the people right now but there are going to be long-term needs whenever theres a natural disaster like this, housing needs, clothing other reconstruction type needs that you may want to support as well, Baker said. If you choose to donate to people directly, stick with people you know like family or close friends and verify it is actually them if they ask for help. The BBB says you should be extremely careful with crowdfunding donations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just giving to random crowdfunding pages because you hope the money goes there doesnt necessarily mean thats where its going to go. In many cases, theres not a lot of checks and balances on how that money actually gets distributed, Baker 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 WOODTV.com. (Reuters) -An outage at Microsoft's Azure and its suite of productivity software, affecting a range of industries worldwide, had begun to ease, according to outage-tracking website Downdetector.com. Alaska Airlines said on Wednesday it is experiencing a disruption to key systems, including its website, due to the Azure outage, along with Vodafone in the UK and Heathrow Airport. The Microsoft outage follows last week's disruption at Amazon AWS, which caused global turmoil among thousands of sites and some of the web's most popular apps, such as Snapchat and Reddit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Microsoft 365 said its services were experiencing downstream impact related to the Azure outage. A recent configuration change to a portion of Azure infrastructure is causing the outage, it said on its status page. Beginning at about 12 p.m. ET, Azure said its customers and Microsoft services that leverage Azure Front Door, a global cloud-based content and application delivery network, had experienced issues resulting in timeouts and errors. Azure, on its status page, said that customers also had faced problems accessing the Azure management portal and that it has taken action to mitigate the issue. The number of users reporting issues with Azure had come down to 3,299 users as of 1:27 p.m. ET, from a peak of over 18,000, according to Downdetector, which tracks outages by collating status reports from a number of sources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Customers should be able to access the Azure management portal directly, while all portal extensions are working correctly there may be a small number of endpoints that might have a problem loading (i.e. Marketplace)," Azure said. The outage at Microsoft 365 had eased to 3,858 users reporting issues as of 1:27 p.m. ET, down from nearly 11,700 earlier, Downdetector's website showed. Its numbers are based on user-submitted reports and the actual number of affected users may vary. The AWS outage was the largest internet disruption since last year's CrowdStrike malfunction hobbled technology systems in hospitals, banks and airports, highlighting the vulnerability of the world's interconnected technologies. (Reporting by Juby Babu in Mexico City; Editing by Shailesh Kuber and Alan Barona) By Aditya Kalra and Munsif Vengattil NEW DELHI (Reuters) -Microsoft chief executive Satya Nadella is set to travel to India in December, his second visit to the South Asian country this year where he plans to hold meetings with top government officials, two sources with direct knowledge said. Nadella will address two AI-related conferences in Bengaluru and Mumbai during his visit, which also includes meetings in New Delhi, said one of the sources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Microsoft did not respond to a request for comment. Like other big tech executives, the Indian-born Nadella enjoys strong popularity in a country where engineering degrees are seen as a path to prosperity. News of his planned visit comes as New Delhi and Washington are trying to iron out trade differences, and as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his officials are promoting the use of local apps over U.S. firms. Among those is Zoho, which offers cheaper alternatives to cloud-based software tools made by Microsoft. During his January visit to India, Nadella announced a $3 billion investment in AI and cloud capacity, and met Modi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Companies are ramping up their focus on AI in India, where Microsoft-backed OpenAI's ChatGPT, Google's Gemini, and Elon Musk's Grok have exploded in popularity. Microsoft's AI assistant Copilot is used widely too, particularly in companies. Google this month said it would invest $15 billion over five years to set up an AI data centre in India's southern state of Andhra Pradesh. Nadella will also likely meet key customers and India employees during his visit, the second source said. Microsoft has more than 20,000 employees across 10 Indian cities. (Reporting by Aditya Kalra and Munsif Vengattil. Editing by Mark Potter) (WHTM) Those who are trying to get on a Pennsylvania state government website are being met with error messages due to a Microsoft outage. Some state websites and online services are being impacted due to the outage, the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs posted on Facebook. Work is currently being done by Microsoft and the Pennsylvania Office of Administration to fix the outage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Severe Weather Alerts 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. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) Students at a school in Livingston Parish were greeted by a one-time supervillain. The drop-off line at Live Oak Middle School was different on Tuesday morning as Live Oak Middle School Principal Ryan Hodges put on a Gru costume and wore it while directing traffic and greeting the kids. Hodges said, It is Red Ribbon week and todays theme is Drugs are Despicable! He was not the only one who dressed up at the school on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the principal, students also followed the Despicable Me theme and dressed up as minions. Principal Hodges is waving in a Gru costume at Live Oak Middle School. (Photo courtesy of Trampis Acosta) Principal Hodges pointing while wearing Gru costume at Live Oak Middle School. (Photo courtesy of Trampis Acosta) Principal Hodges said he wears the costume all day. Will the Live Oak Middle School principal put on another costume this week? He said, You never know, I might. It just depends on what I can find for Friday. Halloween 2025: Trick-or-treating hours in, near Baton Rouge Latest News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Authorities are investigating after an unloaded handgun was found on an eighth-grade student at Monroe Middle School on Wednesday. 2022 STORY: Monroe Middle School student brings loaded gun to school, district officials say School officials were initially checking for a vape device when they discovered the handgun in the students possession, Monroe Police said. The school resource officer assigned to Monroe Middle School was immediately notified and responded promptly to contain the situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At no time were any students or staff threatened, and no injuries occurred from this incident. The Monroe Police Department is working with school officials to determine how the student got the gun. Due to the age of those involved and the ongoing nature of the investigation, no additional information is being released at this time. VIDEO: Monroe High students host cancer walk for a cause MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) A Midland man was arrested after investigators said a planned Facebook Marketplace sale escalated into an armed robbery involving a large knife. Dylan Blake Jones, 32, has been charged with Aggravated Robbery, a first-degree felony, along with several additional offenses. According to a Midland County Sheriffs Office affidavit, deputies first learned of the incident on October 12, when a man drove to the Sheriffs Office Law Enforcement Building and told a deputy he had been robbed at knife point. The victim said the robbery happened just 20 to 30 minutes earlier and showed investigators a pin drop marking the location, south of ECR 150 and east of SCR 1154. Deputies noted that only minutes before the report, dispatch had received a separate call from a third-party complainant at a nearby address, stating that a white male in a muscle shirt had been holding a knife during an argument before both men left the scene. The description aligned with the area where the victim said the robbery occurred. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators learned the victim had driven from Fort Stockton to Midland to buy a trailer he found on Facebook Marketplace. At the location he provided, he met the seller, later identified as Jones. The man told deputies that after talking with Jones about the size of the trailer, he mentioned that he wasnt sure his truck was strong enough to tow it. According to the report, Jones allegedly removed a 6- to 8-inch bowie knife from a sheath on his belt and demanded money. The victim told deputies he became fearful for his life and handed over his wallet. Jones then walked back to a blue passenger car and got inside. The man said he then began rolling up his windows when the car started to leave, but it stopped again. He told deputies Jones got out a second time, still holding the knife, and began hitting his truck window. The victim then peeled out of the area and drove directly to the Midland Police Department, which forwarded him to the Sheriffs Office. Investigators wrote that the victim provided permission to review the messages exchanged with the seller, leading deputies to a Facebook profile for Dylan Jones. When shown the profile photo, the man immediately identified Jones as the man who robbed him. He also told deputies he had purchased a weed eater from Jones on Marketplace just a few weeks prior. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the alleged robbery, the victim messaged Jones to tell him he had contacted law enforcement. According to the affidavit, Jones responded with several apologetic messages, including, Bubba Im sorry thats not who I usually am come get the weed eater please He also asked the victim to unlock a bank card and provide the zip code linked to it. The affidavit states that Jones was not alone during the incident and was accompanied by a man and a woman. The victim identified the woman from Jones Facebook profile photo, though investigators wrote that neither passenger exited the car. Jones was later taken into custody on Tuesday, October 28. According to jail records, he was booked into the Midland County Detention Center on the following charges: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aggravated Robbery, first-degree felony Theft of property $100 to $750, Class B misdemeanor Resisting arrest, search, or transport, Class A Misdemeanor Possession of marijuana less than two ounces, Class B Misdemeanor While jail records list the resisting arrest charge, details surrounding that allegation were not included in the affidavit. Jones remained in custody as of Wednesday afternoon with a combined bond of $257,000. 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 Yourbasin. City of Carbondale, SIU to hold Veterans Day ceremony To honor SIU and Southern Illinois veterans who served their country in the U.S. armed forces, the City of Carbondale and Southern Illinois University Carbondale will recognize Veterans Day on Nov. 11 at the flagpole at South Normal Avenue and West Grand Avenue on the SIU campus. The 11 a.m. ceremony will include a proclamation from Carbondale Mayor Carolin Harvey; remarks by Tom Harness, a veteran and SIU alumnus; and the laying of a wreath with playing of taps by the SIU Trumpet Studio under the leadership of Ricky Spears, assistant professor of practice in the School of Music. If the federal government is fully open, SIU Air Force and Army ROTC cadets will participate in a vigil at the flagpole from 6 a.m. until noon, with change of guards every 15 minutes. If you require accommodations or have questions, contact Paul Copeland at the SIU Carbondale Veteran Services office at 618-453-1317 or paul.copeland@siu.edu. Mighty Earth has filed a lawsuit against the US unit of Brazilian meat giant JBS accusing the company of greenwashing over its emissions targets. The environmental advocacy group said the suit has been filed in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, alleging the US-based business unit is attempting to deceive the public with false and misleading claims it can reach net zero by 2040. JBS USA, as the subsidiary is called, currently claims on its website that it will achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2040 across its global operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Mighty Earth said in a statement that JBS is making the pledge despite documented global expansion plans and GHG reduction targets that cover just 3% of parent company JBS Groups total emissions. According to Mighty Earth, the JBS group target only covers Scope 1 and 2 emissions but does not include reductions to Scope 3, which it claims represent 97% of its total emissions. Alex Wijeratna, senior director of investigations and law at Mighty Earth, said: Were challenging JBS USAs climate claims to be net zero by 2040 as false and misleading. The worlds largest meatpacker doesnt have any credible plan to tackle a staggering 97% of the greenhouse gas emissions found in its meat supply chains. JBS is linked to over a million of acres of Amazon deforestation and it spews more climate-damaging methane each year than oil giants ExxonMobil and Shell combined. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wijeratna added: JBS is a climate super polluter, and yet its trying to hoodwink the public with misleading happy talk about its false climate goals. As a result, it alleges that JBS USA is deceiving the Washington public with feel-good promises of net-zero emissions that the company has neither the intention nor the capability of fulfilling. Contacted by Just Food for a response, JBS said in a statement: As a global food company, JBS recognises its role in helping to address the risks and impacts of climate change. Our publicly available 2024 Sustainability Report outlines measurable progress, including a 20.3% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions intensity since 2019, and the implementation of over $188m in emissions-reduction projects at JBS operated facilities around the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It added: We categorically reject any claims suggesting that our sustainability goals are misleading or that our financing was obtained under false pretences. Our actions are guided by science, transparency, and accountability, and we remain focused on delivering measurable, meaningful progress toward a more sustainable global food system. In relation to the financing, Mighty Earth referred to the issuance by JBS of climate bonds in 2021. It claimed the securities "allowed JBS to profit from its deception because the company was able to lock in historically low borrowing costs for the next 10 years". Mighty Earth also alleges that JBS is violating consumer protection laws, claiming that it has made material omissions about the environmental harm and deforestation caused by its operations in Brazil [that] violate the [Washington] DC Consumer Protection Procedures Act (CPPA)". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The development comes as Greenpeace alleged that JBS indirectly purchased cattle raised on protected indigenous land in the Amazon rainforest. "Mighty Earth sues JBSs US unit alleging emissions greenwashing " was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand. A migrant sex offender has claimed he tried to hand himself in to police after being mistakenly released from prison but was ignored by officers. Hadush Kebatu, 41, told Sky News he approached police officers on the morning after his release from HMP Chelmsford, told them who he was and asked to be taken to a police station but claimed he was ignored. He made his claims in an interview with Sky News on his arrival back in Ethiopia on Wednesday morning after being deported from the UK on an overnight flight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It came after it emerged that Kebatu had been paid 500 by the Home Office to take the deportation flight after threatening to lodge an asylum claim to block his removal. Kebatu, who was jailed for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old, was wrongly released from HMP Chelmsford on Friday instead of being transferred to a immigration removal centre, leading to a 48-hour police manhunt. The morning after he was released from prison, Kebatu claimed he approached a police officer. Hadush Kebatu at the time of his original arrest on Aug 27 - Crown Prosecution Service He said: I [told] police, look here, police I am wanted man, I am arrested, I will give you my hand, please help where is police station? He ignored me, he drove [off]. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added that he told the officer his name and that he was mistakenly released from prison. I am not unknown. The police station, where is the place? But also I go to police, I will give you my hand please help me where is the police station, take me, I am wanted, he said. You know me, or my image, my name is Hadush Kabatu, nationality Ethiopia. Please, I was the mistake release from Chelmsford prison. Please help me. Responding to Kebatus claims, the Metropolitan Police told Sky News: The Met is not aware of any evidence to support the claims that Kebatu approached officers on Saturday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The actions of officers who responded to the sighting of him on Sunday morning show how seriously they were taking the manhunt. Kebatus actions on the morning of his arrest were more like those of someone trying to avoid officers, not trying to hand himself in. Kebatu confirmed reports that he had remained outside the prison after his release apparently confused and returning to ask prison officers what he should do before being directed to the train station. He told Sky News that after he was released he waited more than three hours outside the prison for what he described as someone who was responsible for him. He said: At that time I am waiting more than three hours... who [is] responsible for me? Where is Home Office, where is [immigration]? I was told there was a bus. Also, all the experts, they all ignored me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A delivery driver who spoke to Kebatu outside Chelmsford prison said he looked confused. The driver said he was approached by the prisoner, who had no idea where he was supposed to go. He said Kebatu waited outside the prison for roughly an hour and a half before leaving. Kebatu said after he left the prison, he asked a passer-by where the train station was. He claimed someone helped him, and bought him a train ticket for 18. The migrant then travelled to London. He was spotted later that evening in Stratford, east London, and then in the Dalston area of Hackney. He was caught in Finsbury Park in north London park after being seen by a member of the public and taken back into custody in Wormwood Scrubs prison in west London. He was flown back to Ethiopia on Tuesday night with no right to return. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Home Office said it decided to give Kebatu the discretionary payment of 500 rather than face a slower and more expensive process which would have included detaining him, a new flight and potentially fighting subsequent legal claims. 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. In recent years, there have been numerous stories about the agonizing journey through the jungle that allows migrants to travel between South America and the United States. But since President Donald Trump began his second term in the White House, a new phenomenon is occurring. In August 2023, authorities reported 82,000 migrants crossed through the Darien Gap, the jungles that separate Panama and Columbia, on their way to the United States. In August 2025, there were seven. In that corridor these days, more migrants are heading southward, away from the U.S. border. This unprecedented event of reverse migration is in direct response to the Trump administration's push for border and immigration crackdowns. Advertisement Advertisement The expedition for people who are being deported from the United States under Trump or others who decide they can't stay in America is just as grueling. "They spend weeks, sometimes months in these journeys from south to north, and now from north to south," said Giuseppe Loprete, chief of mission of the United Nations International Organization for Migration in Panama. This week on The Gaggle, a politics podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, host Ron Hansen is joined by Arizona Republic reporter Daniel Gonzalez and El Paso Times photographer Omar Ornelas. They recently traveled to Mexico and Panama to document these voyages. They discuss with Ron what they saw on a trip, which looks at what is happening for would-be asylees now and what lies ahead for migrants throughout the Western hemisphere in this era. Listen to the episode The best way to listen is to subscribe to The Gaggle in your favorite podcast app, but you can also stream the full episode below. Advertisement Advertisement Note: The Gaggle is intended to be heard. But we also offer an AI transcript of the episode. There may be slight deviations from the podcast audio. Listen to The Gaggle : Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher Have a question or comment about Arizona politics? You can share your thoughts with us by calling 602-444-0804 or emailing us. Reach producer Amanda Luberto at aluberto@gannett.com. Follow her on X @amandaluberto and on Bluesky @amandaluberto. Catch up on previous Gaggle episodes here: This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Migrants headed for the US border have reversed. Here's why House Speaker Mike Johnson is pretending that hes never even heard about an ICE agent firing at a faith leaders faceeven though he was first asked about it two weeks ago. During a press conference Wednesday, Religion News Services Jack Jenkins asked Johnson whether an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent shooting a pepper ball at a Presbyterian minister outside an ICE facility in Broadview, a suburb of Chicago, had infringed on the faith leaders freedom of religion.* I cant comment on any of those instances. I havent seen or heard any of those videos, Johnson replied. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the House speaker had already used that line earlier this month. Ive not seen [ICE] cross the line yet, Johnson said when he was first asked about the widely publicized incident. Jenkins immediately caught the lie Wednesday. I asked this question, and youll hear me say yes you have herebecause Johnson was already *directly asked* about one of these instances in one of earlier shutdown press conferences, he wrote on X. Its not clear whats worse: the idea that Johnson would hear a report about the use of excessive force against a faith leader and never think about it againor that he actually expects Americans to believe he never heard about it in the first place. But Johnson wasnt done. For a guy who wont comment on a video he claims not to have seen, the Louisiana Republican sure said a lot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Religious freedom does not extend and give you the right to get in the face of an ICE officer and assault them, if indeed that was what happened there, Johnson continued Wednesday. Q: Just last week a minister was shot directly in the face with a pepper round by a DHS agent that left his face bloodied. Are you concerned that this is a religious freedom issue? MIKE JOHNSON: I can't comment on any of those instances. I haven't seen or heard any of those pic.twitter.com/YW7ncfSCyu Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) October 29, 2025 Crucially, video of the incident shows that the agent was standing on the facilitys roof firing at a clearly unarmed priest standing on the ground. But Johnson is so adamant about the alleged abuse of law enforcement by radical activists that hes willing to take some creative liberties. In his daily propaganda press conferences, the House speaker has embraced a sort of strategic blindness when it comes to the misdeeds of Donald Trumps administration. Johnson even played dumb when asked about a report that ICE had detained scores of U.S. citizens, including children. * This article originally misstated the ICE facility location. The speaker of the House is apparently in favor of totalitarian rule, so long as Donald Trump is in charge. The government has been shut down for more than 27 days now. But instead of working to bridge the partisan gulf and restore critical social services to millions of Americans and paychecks to thousands of federal workers, House Speaker Mike Johnson is still hyperfixated on the nationwide No Kings protest that occurred two weekends ago. Delivering what he clearly believed was a very clever gotcha, Johnson told reporters Wednesday that the country would be better off if Trump were king. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They had a rally a couple weeks ago, they tried to portray President Trump as a king. We pointed out again, the obvious truth, that if Trump was a king then the government would be open, Johnson smirked. Hes been trying to do that. Johnson then appealed to low-income Americans with his pro-monarchy pitch, arguing that if Trump had singular authority, then he would have already advanced funding for SNAP benefits, which are set to expire November 1. (A coalition of 22 states sued the Trump administration Tuesday for allegedly withholding federal funds set aside specifically to continue the program through the month of November.) The lower chamber leader has been complaining about the No Kings protests since before they even took place on October 18, trying every which way to leverage the movement to redirect attention away from his failures at the dais. He has falsely claimed that the peaceful, anti-authoritarian protest serieswhich produced the largest single-day protest in U.S. historywas actually advocating for violence against political officials. By and large, the multi-month protest series has advocated for Americans First Amendment rights and rejected Trumps agenda. Signage related to the event has emphasized the fight for democracy and against dictatorships. In the same political vein, No Kings participants have used their enormous visual footprint to fight against Immigration and Custom Enforcements unchecked authority, turn out for universal health care, condemn the release of disgraced former Representative George Santos, and raise national awareness on the rise of American fascism. Meanwhile, Johnson appears to be doing everything in his power to keep the government closed. Week after week, he has sent representatives home instead of bringing them in to try to come up with a solution to the shutdown. When asked Wednesday if he would bring lawmakers back to negotiate government funding past November 1, he described doing so as a futile exercise. He then blamed Democrats for refusing to pass a continuing resolution that would strip health care away from millions of Americans. President Donald Trump mocked his predecessor Tuesday while speaking to U.S. troops gathered aboard the USS George Washington in Japan. During a disjointed address that lasted nearly an hour, Trump went from hailing a new trade agreement with Japan and praising service members to reviving his old attacks on former President Joe Biden. I actually had a brother who used to be a pilot. And see, Biden used to say he was a pilot, Trump said Tuesday, repeating a false claim hes made several times. He was a pilot, he was a truck driver, whatever, whoever walked in. He wasnt a pilot. He wasnt much of a president either, to be honest with you. That I can tell you. That we all know. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is no record of Biden ever saying he was a pilot, a debunked claim that Trump also made during his 2024 presidential campaign. Biden had, however, previously lied about driving an 18-wheeler, a fabrication he repeated during public events in 2021 and 2024, according to CNN. Trump has continued taking swipes at the 46th president throughout his second term, including hanging a framed photo of an autopen in lieu of Bidens headshot in the new Presidential Walk of Fame outside the West Wing of the White House. Biden has occasionally fired back at Trump during public events. Friends, I cant sugarcoat any of this. These are dark days, Biden said last Sunday after receiving a lifetime achievement award from the Kennedy Institute in Boston. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I still believe we will emerge as we always have: stronger, wiser, more resilient, more just, so long as we keep the faith, remember who in Gods name we are, Biden added. Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Americas military veterans make up about 6% of the adult population but account for about 20% of all suicides. That means that each day, about 18 veterans will die by suicide. In the U.S., the overall rate of suicide has largely increased since the start of the millennium, but veterans are disproportionately represented among this tragic trend. Each of these losses affects not only the individual but also their families, friends and co-workers. Thus, working to prevent suicide and its underlying causes is important not only to protect our loved ones but also to foster happier, safer communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are a team of researchers at Arizona State Universitys Center for Violence Prevention and Community Safety. We manage the Arizona Violent Death Reporting System, a surveillance system sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and part of the larger national surveillance system that operates in all U.S. states, Puerto Rico and Washington. We gather information on suicides through agreements with the Arizona Department of Health Services, medical examiners and law enforcement. Individual statistics do not capture the true extent of loss that ripples through a persons entire family and social network. Peathegee Inc/Tetra Images via Getty Images Assessing risk amid uncertainty Military veterans range from 18 years of age to more than 100, include both men and women, and represent diverse races and ethnicities. As of 2018, the largest veteran cohort were those who served during the Vietnam War, followed by those who served during peacetime only, the Gulf War and post-9/11 conflicts. Identifying the true risk of veteran suicide, especially relative to the general population, is a surprisingly difficult task. In past decades, researchers and stakeholders debated about which figures were most accurate, those showing veterans at increased risk or those showing the opposite. Such debates often stemmed from methodological factors. However, mounting evidence shows that veterans need targeted suicide prevention services, and our data backs this up. From 2015 to 2022, the age-adjusted suicide rates among male veterans in Arizona outpaced those of nonveterans by a factor of 1.49 to 1.88. Put another way, while veterans in Arizona made up only 8.4% of the population in 2022, they represented 20.3% of the states suicides, meaning veterans were 2.5 times more likely to die by suicide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While these numbers stem from Arizona, they also reflect the national trends showing greater and growing rates of suicide among veterans. Why are veterans at greater risk? One reason is that, compared to nonveterans, a greater proportion of veterans are white, male and older demographic categories with elevated rates of suicide in the general population. For example, in Arizona, about 97% of veteran suicides between 2015 and 2022 were men, compared with 75% in the comparable nonveteran population. Other explanations relate to veteran-specific factors. Some argue that military training and combat exposure can reduce a persons fear of pain or death, putting suicidal veterans at greater risk of completing suicide. Military training also familiarizes a person with the use of firearms, a particularly lethal means of suicide. Statistics show that veterans, including female veterans, die by suicide using firearms more so than the general population. This tendency to use firearms as the method of suicide leads to more fatal suicide attempts. At the Arizona Violent Death Reporting System, we collect data on circumstances that precede and may have contributed to suicide, which can help identify risk factors. While weve found that veterans often exhibit fewer such factors overall, certain demographic categories do display risk factors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, a higher proportion of veterans ages 18 to 54 had a diagnosed mental health problem primarily post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. In addition, more male veterans ages 65 and older had physical health problems that contributed to their suicide compared with similar nonveterans. This highlights the need to encourage veterans to share their mental or physical health struggles with others, which will prevent veterans from struggling alone. Large-scale initiatives are trying to tackle this issue, but we can also raise awareness and reduce stigma around suicide on a local level. Shining a light on the problem In 1999, then-Surgeon General Dr. David Satcher highlighted suicide as a serious public health crisis, paving the way for tackling the monumental issue on a national scale. Now, 25 years later, the U.S. government continues to emphasize the increasingly dire situation. Most recently, the Biden administration released a 2024 national strategy aimed at establishing strategic directions for improving mental health treatment and reducing suicide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Historically, health care facilities operated by the Veterans Health Administration have been a central resource for veterans experiencing mental or physical problems. This continues to be true: While the overall population of veterans is decreasing, the number of veterans who seek resources from the organization has increased. Encounters between veterans and the Veterans Health Administration offer opportunities to screen for suicide risk and offer resources for those in need. Crisis lines are a potentially effective means of prevention. For example, the Veterans Crisis Line has been shown to reduce a callers immediate distress and suicidality. Many callers have found the crisis line helpful, with responders providing both effective intervention and compassionate support. Education and policy provide another means of suicide prevention. As firearms are a particularly lethal means of suicide, a great deal of research funding has gone toward understanding their role in suicide. Studies generally find that reducing access to guns is associated with reduced suicide rates. As a result, both general and veteran-specific suicide prevention efforts highlight the importance of handling guns safely and storing them securely. If you know a military veteran, keep an eye out for warning signs of mental distress, which may display in a persons words, feelings or behavior. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, they may display intense anxiety, agitation or desperation, or express a sense of hopelessness. Veterans diagnosed with depressive syndrome, PTSD or both may be at greater risk. For a person who is considering suicide, even the slightest hope can mean the difference between life and death. If you or someone you know is experiencing signs of crisis, the free and confidential 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available to call, text or chat. If you are a veteran and would like to speak with responders trained to understand your unique circumstances, call 988 and then press 1. 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: Jordan Batchelor, Arizona State University; Charles Max Katz, Arizona State University, and Taylor Cox, Arizona State University Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Jordan Batchelor. This research was made possible by the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) Division of Violence Prevention, who sponsor the Arizona Violent Death Reporting System data. The findings and conclusions of this research are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily represent the views of the CDC. Charles Max Katz research was made possible by the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) Division of Violence Prevention, who sponsor the Arizona Violent Death Reporting System data. The findings and conclusions of this research are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily represent the views of the CDC. The research on which Taylor Cox works was made possible by the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) Division of Violence Prevention, who sponsor the Arizona Violent Death Reporting System data. The findings and conclusions of this research are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily represent the views of the CDC. By Bo Erickson and Leah Douglas WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Nearly 42 million people are set to lose food aid due to the second-longest U.S. government shutdown, as Democrats and Republicans in Congress continue to blame each other for a weeks-long legislative stalemate. Neither party was showing signs of changing its position days before funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps, is set to lapse beginning on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Department of Agriculture's decision last week not to draw on an emergency fund to pay for part of November's SNAP benefits is splitting senators, as Democrats argue the agency is legally required to spend the roughly $5.5 billion in contingency funds to maintain at least a portion of the benefits. "The Trump administration is weaponizing hunger as a political bargaining chip," said Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, the top Democrat overseeing food aid funding. "When it comes down to it, this is a choice." Republicans say Senate Democrats are responsible for the shutdown because most have voted 13 times against a stopgap bill to reopen government, called a "CR" or continuing resolution, to force concessions from the Republican majority on healthcare issues. "The Democrats should vote for a clean CR to open government, and that'll take care of all these things," said Senator John Hoeven of North Dakota, the top Republican in charge of food aid appropriations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House's Office of Management and Budget did not respond to a request for comment. CUTS TO A BIPARTISAN PROGRAM The cost and breadth of U.S. food support is regularly debated in Congress, especially during renegotiation of the farm spending bill that funds SNAP. Trump and Republicans' July tax and spending bill expanded SNAP work requirements and increased state-specific costs. This has limited almost $200 billion in overall funding and could push some off the program. Americans in every state rely on the federal benefits. Of the top five states with the highest per capita SNAP beneficiaries, who represent more than 15% of the population, three are represented by Republican senators: Louisiana, Oklahoma and West Virginia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This week, Republican Senator Josh Hawley pushed a standalone bill to fund SNAP in November, which garnered some bipartisan co-sponsors by Tuesday, followed by Senate Democratic leaders announcing their own version. However, Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune questioned why the chamber should vote on such a bill after a similar targeted bill to pay federal workers during the shutdown failed last week. LEGAL U-TURN AT THE USDA SNAP benefits have been distributed in past shutdowns, including the longest in history during Trump's first term. At the time, Trump's USDA officials argued to Congress' nonpartisan watchdog, the Government Accountability Office, that contingency funds could be used for benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency repeated that position in a September 30 plan, released by the USDA in advance of the current shutdown, but that plan was no longer visible on the USDA website. Instead, a website banner blames Democrats for failing to fund SNAP at the expense of backing healthcare for immigrants living in the U.S. illegally and "gender mutilation procedures." "That's just a red herring," said Senator Tina Smith, a Minnesota Democrat, about the department's message. "They're using people who need SNAP to put food on the table as a bargaining chip, and that's just terrible." On the merits of the department's argument, Senator Susan Collins, the Republican chair of the appropriations committee, told reporters she believes the USDA's "novel interpretation" of the spending law was forced by the Office of Management and Budget. The USDA said in a memo the contingency fund is meant for unplanned expenses like natural disasters. But on Tuesday, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins noted the open debate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We can talk legalistics, and is it legal, and can we move this money, and is that $5 billion available, and is it not," Rollins said on CNN, "But all it takes is a 'yes' on a continuing resolution to keep the government going." Cindy Long, national adviser at professional services firm Manatt and 30-year USDA veteran who helped lead nutrition programs, said the agency in the past had routinely planned to draw on the contingency funds for benefits if needed. Attorneys general and governors from 25 Democratic-led states sued the USDA on Tuesday to issue SNAP benefits. "The Trump administration has been taking away both sides of the power of the purse," said Georgetown University law professor David Super, an appropriations expert. "They've been refusing to spend money Congress has directed them to spend, and they've been spending money without any appropriation." (Reporting by Bo Erickson and Leah Douglas in Washington; additional reporting by David Morgan and Christian Martinez; editing by Scott Malone and Richard Chang) The USDA has announced it will stop providing nutrition assistance on Nov. 1. Milwaukee officials and nonprofits are organizing a food drive to try to meet residents' needs. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) Local officials and community organizations are uniting to provide families with food and basic necessities during the government shutdown. City and county governments together with the Milwaukee Public School District, the Milwaukee Bucks and faith groups are organizing a food drive with Feeding America Western Wisconsin and Nourish MKE. The drive will begin immediately and continue until FoodShare benefits are restored. On Nov. 1, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are expected to end amidst a government shutdown in Washington D.C.. Across the nation, there are over 42 million Americans who depend on the federal food assistance program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The federal government shutdown needs to end, said Mayor Cavalier Johnson. This is not an abstract issue. Its about whether families can afford to eat. While Washington debates, Milwaukee is stepping up. Were coming together to keep each other fed, safe and cared for. Thats who we are as a city. Food drive donations will be accepted locations across the city including: Milwaukee City Hall (200 E. Wells St) Milwaukee County Courthouse (901 N. 9th St) Zeidler Municipal Building (841 N. Broadway) Marcia P. Coggs Health & Human Services Center (1230 W. Cherry St) Hillview (1615 S. 22nd Street) Fiserv Forum (1111 Vel R. Phillips Avenue) All Milwaukee public schools All Milwaukee library branches The Mason Temple Church (6058 N. 35th St) Food insecurity affects physical health, mental health and stability to entire households, said Shakita LaGrant-McClain, director of the Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services. I encourage everyone to consider donating to your local food pantry. This is a time where the community really needs to come together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats have insisted that any resolution to continue funding the federal government must include renewing Affordable Care Act health insurance subsidies which are set to expire soon, causing health costs to skyrocket across the country, including for 310,000 Wisconsinites, many of whom will see their insurance payments rise by between 45 and 800%. Milwaukee and surrounding counties are also still reeling from the denial of FEMA disaster assistance to help repair damage left behind by the historic floods in August. Milwaukee County is strong and resilient, but the health and wellbeing of our residents and families should never be casualties of political fights in Washington, said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. Until this federal shutdown ends, we will do what we always do: look out for our neighbors and step up to help in times of need. Im grateful to all our community partners to encourage every resident who is able to join us in caring for our community. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SIU Health Law Moot Court to examine ADA, mental health issues CARBONDALE, Ill. Law school students from around the country will compete this weekend as the Southern Illinois University Simmons Law School hosts the National Health Law Moot Court competition, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 31-Nov. 1, to argue a fictitious case before the U.S. Supreme Court. Twenty-two teams from 15 schools across the country will participate in the 34th Health Law Moot Court the only mock U.S. Supreme Court competition dedicated to the always evolving and expanding topic of health law. Media availability For more information on the SIU Simmons Law School National Health Law Moot Court and to arrange the best times for interviews on Saturday, Nov. 1, contact Chris Sielaff, competition director, at christopher.sielaff@siu.edu. Teams will compete in the law schools Hiram H. Lesar Law Building with preliminary rounds on Friday. The final round at 4 p.m. Saturday in the Rhode Covington Moot Court Room, will be livestreamed via Teams. The final round video will also be available on the law schools moot court board YouTube channel. The livestream link will be posted on the YouTube channel Friday morning. The health law moot court competition is a flagship program that has spanned decades. The competition reflects our schools longstanding focus on health law, said Hannah Brenner Johnson, dean of the SIU Simmons Law School. Cases argued before legal, health professionals This years problem involves three people who are suing their state for putting them at-risk of institutionalization in a mental health facility, alleging that the risk violates Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), said Chris Sielaff, competition director. The Department of Justice is also trying to intervene as a third party to the lawsuit, arguing that it has the independent ability to enforce Title II of the ADA. Meanwhile, the state is arguing that the three plaintiffs do not have standing to sue because they are not currently institutionalized and that the Justice Department does not have any right to intervene in citizen lawsuits brought under the ADA. The competitors will argue their case in front of judges, practicing attorneys, law school faculty and legal medicine professionals. There will be more than 100 judges covering the preliminary rounds. The final round judges are SIU Simmons Law School Dean Hannah Brenner Johnson, Dr. Jennifer Unis Sullivan, president of the American College of Legal Medicine, and W. Eugene Basanta, Southern Illinois Healthcare Professor of Law emeritus, who helped build the competition and develop the joint J.D./M.D. program at SIU. Competition run by SIU law students The competition is run primarily by second- and third-year SIU Simmons Law School students who comprise the Moot Court Board, said Sielaff, a 2019 SIU law school graduate and assistant appellate defender with the Illinois Office of the State Appellate Defender. As the event host, SIUs moot court team does not compete. The third-year students have already participated in competitions and helped with last years health law competition, and they will act as mentors for the second-year students, who will be starting a new chapter in their law school and legal careers, said Sielaff, an SIU moot court alumnus. Not only do the students receive class credit for their work on the board, but they get to experience what appellate litigation is like, from drafting a brief all the way to arguing before a panel of judges. Sponsors are SIU Simmons Law School, the American College of Legal Medicine (ACLM), the American Health Law Association (AHLA) and Southern Illinois Healthcare (SIH). Socialist Squad star Ilhan Omar is raising big questions about her astonishing $30 million reported net worth despite the Minnesota congresswoman earning a salary of less than $175,000 a year, sources say. In stunning recent revelations, the Somali-born pol, 43, filed a 2024 financial disclosure form that shows her and husband Tim Mynetts combined fortune rocketed by as much as 3,500 percent since the end of 2023, according to New York Post. In the filing, the lawmaker attributes much of the windfall to two businesses owned by Mynett, a political consultant turned venture capitalist, who cofounded the money-management firm Rose Lake Capital LLC in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In her 2024 disclosure, Omar valued Rose Lake Capital at between $5 million and $25 million, a shocking leap from the sub-$1,000 valuation she noted for it in 2023. The firm claims to manage $60 billion, sources say, although Omar reported that it earned NO income at all last year. The controversial congresswoman also valued Mynetts Santa Rosa, Calif.based winery, eStCru LLC, at between $1 million and $5 million after saying it was worth a paltry $50,000 in 2023. The winery has previously been the focus of an investor lawsuit alleging that Mynett and his business partner and company cofounder Will Hailer fraudulently misrepresented it as a legitimate business. The suit was reportedly settled last year after the winery paid an undisclosed sum, per Rhode Island Current. Notably, Omar reported a negative net worth based on student loan and car debts upon her election to Congress in 2018 in the same midterm contest that saw Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and two other far-left women elected and famously branded the Squad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Omar whose family spent four years in a Kenyan refugee camp after fleeing Somalias civil war in 1991 has become a lightning rod for controversy as a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, saying that Americas support for Israel was all about the Benjamins. This led to a movement to have her removed from the House Foreign Affairs Committee. As late as February, Omar denied her secret millionaire status, branding such claims ridiculous and the product of a coordinated right-wing disinformation campaign, per Business Insider. The congresswoman did not respond to Globes request for comment by press time. In 2019, she agreed to reimburse her former campaign $3,469 and pay a fine for using campaign funds to pay for personal travel and help on her tax returns. That same year, she faced accusations of paying Mynetts old political consultancy, E Street Group, nearly $3 million during the 2020 election cycle, just before she and Tim wed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She has a lot of explaining to do, says a Beltway source of her latest financial form. The numbers just dont make sense. This story Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar Raises Questions After Revealing $30 Million Net Worth first appeared on Globe. Add Globe as a Preferred Source by clicking here. JOLIET, Ill. The Joliet Police Department is asking the publics help with finding a missing woman who may have taken a Metra train to Chicago. Selene Turner, 58, who has an intellectual disability, was reported missing from a residence in the 1400 block of Addleman Street on Tuesday. Officers responded to the home just before 1:20 p.m., but she left home earlier in the day and was last seen walking northbound from the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turner is 57, 154 lbs. and has blue eyes with blonde/red hair. She was last seen wearing a long-sleeved tan shirt with a Mickey Mouse t-shirt underneath, tan pants and gray boots. She is believed to be carrying a giraffe print back and a khaki or green parka. Selene Turner Turner may be wearing glasses and is wearing a copper-colored bracelet on her left wrist. Her right wrist is bandaged due to a recent injury, according to police. Joliet police said they conducted an extensive search and have not been able to find her. Detectives learned that she may have taken a Metra train to the LaSalle station in downtown Chicago during the early evening hours on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chicago police and Metra have been contacted by Joliet police. Anyone who locates Turner is encouraged to contact 911. 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. NEED TO KNOW Authorities previously announced that two sets of human remains were possibly linked to the June disappearance of 55-year-old Ricky Watson A neighbor told investigators that they witnessed Watson enter a wooded area behind his home around the time he went missing On Oct. 22, authorities positively identified the remains as belonging to Watson Authorities in North Carolina have announced that human remains discovered in a wooded area have been positively identified as a man who went missing four months ago. In an update posted on its Facebook page on Tuesday, Oct. 28, the Rutherford County Sheriffs Office said that the remains belonged to Ricky Watson, 55, who was last seen on June 20 and then reported missing by relatives the following day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watsons family members have been notified of the updates in this case, the sheriffs office said. As stated previously, based on evidence and interviews conducted during this investigation, no foul play is suspected to have occurred. Authorities first announced that deputies received a report of a possible human femur bone found in the 2700 block of Poors Ford Road on Oct. 14. Investigators also responded to the scene, and preliminary observations indicate the bone does appear to be human. The bone is believed to be a femur. The discovery may be related to an ongoing missing person case from June 2025, the sheriffs office said at the time. Notably, a dog belonging to Patricia Upton, Watson's mother, found the bone, ABC affiliate WLOS reported. "Finding bones in the yard, that I think might be my son, thats a horrible thing, Upton told the outlet at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then on Oct. 15, authorities returned to conduct an additional search of the area, the sheriffs office said. The femur bone was taken to the State Medical Examiners Office for examination. Five days later, the Rutherford County Sheriffs Office said that investigators discovered skeletal remains during a search in the 2800 block of Poors Ford Road in Rutherfordton, close to Watson's last known location. 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. An extensive search was carried out in a heavily wooded area on an adjacent property, located on the opposite side of the road from where Ricky Watson was last seen and reported missing in June 2025, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the search, investigators located a large portion of human skeletal remains. The remains will be sent to the State Medical Examiner's Office for further evaluation and identification, the sheriff's office continued. The remains were ultimately identified on Oct. 22 as Watson, authorities announced in their latest update. During the investigation, a neighbor told investigators that they saw Watson enter a wooded area behind his home, the sheriffs office stated in its latest news release. Investigators noted that the area posed a challenge because there were hundreds of acres to search through, and they used cadaver dogs, drones and ground personnel. Multiple days were spent searching the surrounding woods but until remains were found no searches were successful, authorities stated. Once partial remains were located, investigators concentrated their search [in] the area surrounding where they believed the remains were found. Once in the correct area, investigators were able to locate a significant portion of Watsons remains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the announcement on Tuesday, authorities reiterated that their "thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time." "We are thankful they are now able to find some closure," officials added. Read the original article on People Today in Volusia County, Penny, a dog who had been missing for five years from her home in Mississippi, was finally back with her family. Penny was found in Volusia County, and her microchip helped Animal Services identify and reach her owners. Animal Services officials were surprised by Pennys unexpected journey, as they have no idea how she traveled from Mississippi to Florida. The reunion highlights the importance of microchipping pets, as Pennys microchip was scanned for the first time this week, confirming her identity. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) The Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum will celebrate the states farming roots during its annual 2025 Harvest Festival. The festival will be held November 4-8, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. MDAC accepting applications for free wild hog traps Visitors will step back in time as Small Town, Mississippi, comes alive with live demonstrations, offering a glimpse into what life was like generations ago. Guests can see firsthand how agriculture has shaped daily life across the state. Admission is $10 for ages three and up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum is located at 1150 Lakeland Drive in Jackson. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily 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 WJTV. JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) Performances by charter schools in Mississippi have drawn concerns from lawmakers. The Senate Education Committee challenged the Mississippi Charter School Authorizer Board to improve in order to justify their place in the public school system. Dr. Lisa Karmacharya, the executive director of the Mississippi Charter School Authorizer Board, explained to the committee why there should be more charter schools. She said that there are schools that are not providing high quality options for families. Whether theyre in on the coast or in DeSoto County or right here in Jackson or even Madison. And so, those families that are in those districts also deserve a choice, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Data from the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) shows one school earned a C, five receive D grades, one received a F, and three didnt receive a grade at all this year. What to know about Mississippis November 4 election I think the board needs to take some action to correct these schools, to raise these grades or to shut them down, said State Senator Dennis Debar, Jr. (R-District 105). Debar is hopeful the Mississippi Charter School Authorizer Board will make improvements. If not, I think there needs to be drastic changes by the legislature, whether its creating a new board, disbanding this board, putting (it) under the Department of Education or something, because this is not acceptable, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Debar pointed out, the accountability ratings set by MDE will be more difficult next year. Its very clear that were asking for stronger accountability, so the board can make those decisions, said Karmacharya. The Board presented policy suggestions to lawmakers for improvement and school expansion. One idea includes a plan to close any charter school that earns an F three years in the row. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily 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 WJTV. Missouri Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick responds to emails in his office on Oct. 20 at the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City. According to his biography on the auditor website, Fitzpatrick believes providing a quality education for the next generation of Missourians is the states most important job (Claire Nguyen/Missourian). If a podcast episode titled The audit of Ray County and the mystery of the 76 hams seems worth listening to, then Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick has succeeded. Unbeknownst to many, The Worlds Greatest Audit Podcast, is recorded here in the Show-Me State. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well, you know, its a low bar, said Fitzpatrick, whose teams work drives the narrative of the episodes five so far. Missouris 39th auditor is one of the voices that can be heard on the podcast that entertains listeners by detailing the oftentimes mundane world of state level auditing. We put out a hundred and something audit reports a year, Fitzpatrick said. Most people are not going to read those. The podcast is a way to reach people who dont want to read audit reports. You know, you can click on it, listen to it while youre driving. Creating The Worlds Greatest Audit Podcast is one way that Fitzpatrick attempts to change conversations around government and educate people on what he calls inappropriate expenses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fitzpatrick said the business he opened in high school, MariCorp U.S., is the reason he decided to enter the world of politics. I was 24 years old when I ran for the House of Representatives. And I did it because I was a business owner, Fitzpatrick said. He served in the state House for five years. His marine products company grew to over 30 employees by the time Fitzpatrick graduated from college. After getting into business and becoming a taxpayer and dealing with different bureaucracies, it seemed like every day, I really started to get frustrated with government, he said. It wasnt because I didnt want to pay taxes or anything like that. It was just because it seemed like it was so nonresponsive to the needs of citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This frustration with bureaucracy led Fitzpatrick to the role he holds today. You can have an immediate impact on the way that the executive branch behaves if youre in charge of the budget, Fitzpatrick said. He said he leads an agency that has about 125 personnel, including some 80 auditors. The auditors typically work in teams to carry out their audits, varying in size based on the expected workload. The rest of the team deals with administrative work. Fitzpatrick works with his team as well as auditors at the county level. Boone County Auditor Kyle Rieman said that the state level auditors dont interpose day-to-day with his auditing department or have a ton of interaction but they do offer tips and information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rieman said Fitzpatricks team comes to their annual training and works with them, discussing things they have seen on routine audits. He also praised Fitzpatrick for not sticking too closely to political party lines. I think (Fitzpatrick) tries to take a very fair, fairly nonpartisan approach, Rieman said. I think a lot of county auditors do, you know, were not really into the partisan aspect. We have to run as a party, but our job primarily is kind of calling balls fair and calling balls fouls, Rieman said. On the state level, Fitzpatricks team handles a lot of what he calls quick and dirty audits, but if he is especially interested in an audit he gets involved and surveys things deeper than he otherwise would. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are some audits where I have some personal interest that I want to make sure, hey, this is going to be a high-profile audit, and I want to make sure we do a good job on it, he said. A common issue, Fitzpatrick said, is money being inappropriately used to make contributions or donations to nonprofits. His office recently published a report detailing an audit done on the Randolph County Sheriffs Department that uncovered over $222,000 that had been misused. Some of the money was used to buy toys to donate to kids. Over $9,500 was used for lodging at a Margaritaville Resort. As an elected official, if I want to give money to a cause, a church or a food bank, or a pregnancy care center or whatever, thats something I can either do from my own personal funds or I can do it from my campaign funds that I fundraise with, Fitzpatrick said. You cant use public money to just do charitable stuff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think theres potentially criminal charges coming on that one, he said. Fitzpatrick said he will probably record a podcast episode about the audit of the Randolph County Sheriffs department. Prior audits, he said, can help inform his team on what to look at next. Besides that, the auditors also receive whistleblower tips or follow the agenda that Fitzpatrick ran for office on. One of the priorities during Fitzpatricks campaign for auditor in 2022 was to figure out a successful way to audit Missouris public schools. We spent a lot of money on schools, and we were not auditing any of them, Fitzpatrick said. Were trying to build a school audit program, basically, and kind of figuring out the best way to audit a school district and what to look at so that you can make sure that the time were spending there is actually having a positive effect on the kids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The auditing team doesnt have the power to come in and overhaul how a system works or give an operation a new set of guidelines to run things profitably. Were not going to be the ones to be able to tell them how theyre going to solve their budget problem. The board is going to have to do that, Fitzpatrick said. We identify: heres the problem. This is how long you have before you run out of money. The recommendation we have is for you to start planning immediately, he added. Fitzpatrick won the election for auditor in 2022 against Alan Green and replaced Nicole Galloway, the last state level Democrat in office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking of his predecessor, Fitzpatrick said, They didnt do any school stuff. Honestly, they werent doing much at the end because the staffing was so low. When I got here, we had 89 total people. So that was not a good situation. I wouldnt say it was a shift in priorities. It was just more like things were added that were not getting done. A good amount of his teams energy at the beginning was getting up to pace to where he felt they could be most productive. This included increasing staffing and changing how the team shared files. When you go campaigning for a year and a half running for office and you get elected to it and you show up, its a real frustrating experience to show up and realize that you dont have people here to do what you campaigned on, Fitzpatrick said. Despite coming from different political parties, Fitzpatrick said he thinks both he and Galloway have the same end goals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want to make government work more efficient, and we want to identify waste and taxpayer money and fraud where it occurs and hold those people accountable, he said. I think the way in which we were going about doing that is starkly different. Fitzpatrick is over halfway through his first term as auditor, following a four-year stint as treasurer. The current state treasurer, and Fitzpatricks successor, is Vivek Malek, who was appointed by Republican Gov. Mike Parson after Fitzpatricks election to auditor. Malek was elected to a full term in November 2024. In the early days of Fitzpatricks term, he was tasked with auditing his previous department, the Treasury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the audit, Fitzpatricks team uncovered almost $35 million in interest deposited in the wrong account. The money was meant for the general revenue fund but put towards improving Interstate 70. Despite the two departments butting heads, Fitzpatrick said, When youre auditing somebody and you put the information out that they may not like, it can probably strain relationships. But so far, I mean, were fine. We dont have any issues. Collaboration between the Treasurers Office and other state agencies including the State Auditors Office remains open, constructive, and focused on serving the public interest, Maleks communication director said in an email. Fitzpatrick hasnt formally launched his reelection campaign but says he plans on running. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Id like to have another term to kind of reap the benefits of the work weve done to rebuild the office and use the skill sets that weve built over the last two and a half years to kind of go one more term and have the impact I was hoping to be able to have immediately, he said. Following the interview Fitzpatrick was preparing to meet with his communications director, Trevor Fox, to record another episode of the agencys podcast. Fox handles a lot of the production for the show, Fitzpatrick said: Hes like a one man wrecking ball. He does it all, man. Thats some high praise for a producer of what may be the Worlds Greatest Audit Podcast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for the case of the 76 missing hams, the audit office doesnt have an exact answer on where the hams went. According to the first episode of the podcast, they believe the former sheriff gifted the hams, bought with the inmate commissary fund, to other sheriffs office employees. This story originally appeared in the Columbia Missourian. It can be republished in print or online. State Rep. Jeremy Dean, a Springfield Democrat, speaks in February in the Missouri House (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications). The Missouri House Ethics Committee on Wednesday wrapped up an investigation into an obscene text message sent from one lawmaker to another during Septembers legislative special session. State Rep. Lane Roberts, a Republican from Joplin and chairman of the ethics committee, said after the panel adjourned that he does not plan any more hearings into the matter or a second complaint that was also on the Wednesday agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the nearly five-hour hearing, state Reps. Cecelie Wiliams, a Republican from Dittmer, and Jeremy Dean, a Democrat from Springfield, testified about the Sept. 4 text. The text was sent while the General Assembly was meeting in a special session called by Gov. Mike Kehoe to revise Missouris congressional district boundaries and pass a ballot measure asking voters to change how majorities are calculated for constitutional amendments approved by initiative petition. Dean was participating in a Democratic sit-in in the House chamber when he sent the text to Williams, who was in a hearing of the House Elections Committee. President Donald Trump pressured Kehoe and Missouri Republicans to change the district boundaries to make it likely a Republican could win the 5th District seat held by U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, a Kansas City Democrat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the text, Dean included a description of an oral sex act with the president and questioned how Republicans could talk while engaged in it. The text message became public when a screenshot of it was shared on social media by former Republican state Rep. Adam Schwadron. State Rep. Lane Roberts, upper left, opens a hearing Wednesday of the Missouri House Ethics Committee. The committee is considering two complaints against House members stemming from actions during a recent legislative special session. Also shown are Bryan Scheiderer, Missouri House general counsel, and state Rep. Jaclyn Zimmerman, a Democrat from Manchester (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent). Neither Dean nor Williams would comment Wednesday when approached after testifying to the committee. Hearings of the ethics committee are closed and Roberts did not say what, if any, punishment the panels report will recommend. The information will go to Rep. Dean, and then he has a period of time to determine whether or not he will object to the findings, Roberts said in an interview after the committee adjourned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the committees rules, it must publish a report within 45 days of concluding its investigation. The committee can dismiss the complaint if it determines it is not well founded or seek punishment ranging from a letter of reproval to a recommendation that a member be expelled from the House. Whether there will be another hearing to complete the report, Roberts said, depends on whether or not Rep. Dean agrees with or objects to the findings. The second complaint, Roberts said, will be referred to the Missouri Ethics Commission because theyre more set up for the nature of that complaint. He said he couldnt disclose any details or the name of the person who is the subject of the complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the start of Wednesdays hearing Roberts told the other nine members of the committee that its review of the complaints will be impartial. Whatever decisions this committee renders will be based on the evidence, conscience and a strict, scrupulous appeal to the rule, Roberts said. It will not be based on some concern about threats of retaliation. Its important to make that very clear. I have faith that we will make a conscionable decision. When the complaint against Dean was filed, House Minority Leader Ashley Aune of Kansas City said Democrats would be watching to see whether Republicans would try to make an example of him. She said she had warned House Speaker Jon Patterson that my caucus has receipts, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aune stripped Dean of his committee assignments after the text became public. On Wednesday, Aune declined to say whether Democrats had fulfilled that threat with a complaint, citing the confidentiality of ethics committee deliberations. The 10-member committee is the only one in the House that split evenly between Republicans and Democrats; all other committees match the partisan ratio of the House, where there are 107 Republicans, 52 Democrats and four vacancies. Earlier this year, the committee issued a letter of reproval to state Rep. Justin Sparks, a Republican from Wildwood, over his involvement in an appropriation related to his employment with the National Law Enforcement Foundation. The committee reported it found no support for the claims made in the complaint, but found Sparks took one to three votes with an apparent conflict of interest. The committees rules were changed this year to increase its independence. This article was updated at 3 p.m. Oct. 30 to correct the name of the committee hearing the special session legislation. SIUs Simon Institute co-hosts panel on the future of higher education in Illinois CARBONDALE, Ill. Southern Illinois University Carbondales Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, in partnership with the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability, will host a panel discussion Tuesday, Nov. 4, looking at the future of higher education in the state. The Future of Higher Education in Illinois: Dollars, Demographics, and Technology is from 5:30-7 p.m. in the SIU Student Center, Ballroom B. A reception is from 5-5:30 p.m. in the John W. Corker Lounge. Registration is encouraged but not required. There will be a Q&A session. The panel discussion will be videotaped and available on the institute's YouTube channel. Media availability Reporters, photographers and news crews are welcome to attend and cover the panel discussion. For more information, contact Will Becque, institute marketing coordinator, at 618-453-4009 or william.becque@siu.edu. We have assembled a terrific panel to analyze the current state of affairs in higher education in Illinois and to consider the future, said John Shaw, institute director and panel moderator. We will examine the financial context shaping higher education in Illinois, demographic challenges, revolutionary developments in technology, and the most likely changes coming to our colleges and universities in the decade to come. The panelists are: State Rep. Carol Ammons, D-Urbana, whose 103rd legislative district includes all or parts of Champaign, Urbana and unincorporated Staley in east central Illinois. Daniel F. Mahony, president, Southern Illinois University System. Ralph Martire, executive director, Center for Tax and Budget Accountability. Jim Nowlan, author of several books on Illinois politics and government, former member of the Illinois General Assembly, state agency director and retired university professor. The Center for Tax and Budget Accountability is a Chicago-based nonprofit, nonpartisan research organization committed to advancing social and economic justice for all. More information, including a list of the institutes upcoming events and past speakers and events, is available. LEBANON, Mo. The Laclede County man accused of murdering his pregnant estranged wife and their unborn child earlier this year has pleaded not guilty, while also requesting a new judge and change of venue. Online court dockets state Sidney Frederick Wilson V, 25, of Stoutland, entered a plea of not guilty to two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of armed criminal action in Laclede County Circuit Court last week. On July 31, the Lebanon Police Department (LPD) announced that Sidney had been charged and arrested for the murders of 21-year-old Reagan Lynn Wilson and their unborn son, Silas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reagan was shot at her Lebanon home on June 5. She was pronounced dead shortly after the shooting. She was pregnant at the time of the shooting, and Silas, the baby, died over a week later on June 13. Weeks passed without any charges filed in the case, but Sidney who Reagen allegedly left in December of 2024 was eventually arrested at a residence in Nixa on Thursday, July 31. The probable cause statement says a doorbell camera in the area of the June 5 crime captured the sounds of gunshots. The number of shots fired which are redacted from court documents occurred in a six-second timeframe. Through my training and experience, I know that whenever that many shots are fired towards one person, the suspect typically knows the victim personally and is considered overkill, an LPD officer wrote in the statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police obtained video footage from a residence near the crime scene that showed a man wearing a camouflage hoodie, a face covering and gloves. An LCSO deputy familiar with Sidney told investigators he believed the person in the video was Sidney based on his manner of walking. Law enforcement compared the footage to video from a Goodwill store Sidney had recently visited and found the walking patterns in both videos to be very similar, the statement said. On June 7, investigators conducted their first interview with Sidney. He told them he had previously owned a [redacted model] firearm but said he sold it to an unknown man in April. Sidney claimed the sale took place during an hour-long conversation while he was eating, according to the statement. However, surveillance footage from that meeting showed Sidney ordering food and leaving shortly after. He never sits down and never communicates with anyone other than the employees, the statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ballistics tests determined that bullets recovered at the crime scene were compatible with the type of weapon Sidney owned, according to the statement. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Husband arrested for murder of Lebanon woman and unborn child Authorities also noted inconsistencies in Sidneys account of his whereabouts around the time of Reagans death. During a second interview on June 12, Sidney consented to a search of his cell phone. GPS data indicated he left his home around 10:30 p.m. on June 5 and was traveling east on Interstate 44 toward Lebanon before his location data abruptly stopped, as if the location data was manually shut off, the statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators also noted that while Sidney was at the hospital, he never asked about Reagans condition or the status of the investigation. He only asked about when he could get his vehicle back, the statement said. Sidney remains in custody at the Laclede County Jail without bond. The case is set for a trial setting on Dec. 15. 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. Reality Check is a Star series holding those with power to account and shining a light on their decisions. Have a suggestion for a future story? Email our journalists at RealityCheck@kcstar.com. Have the latest Reality Checks delivered to your inbox with our free newsletter. Leonard Graham has lived the majority of his life in downtown Kansas City, the citys urban core historically located within Missouris 5th Congressional District. But Graham, a 75-year-old civil engineer who owns his own firm, will soon be one of more than 70,000 minority residents carved into a new district under a gerrymandered congressional map signed into law by Gov. Mike Kehoe, a Republican. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An internal review of the new map, conducted last month by the Missouri Office of Administration, shows that the 5th District will see an 8.5% increase in white residents and a 9.1% decrease in minority residents, the largest demographic change of any district in the new map. Some Kansas City residents have long framed the map as a brazen attempt to split up Kansas Citys minority voters. But the review, obtained by The Star, provides the most detailed information about how it carves minority voters out of the 5th District, currently represented by U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, a Democrat. Thats a dilution of the voting strength of African Americans in that district, said Graham, who is Black and will now live in the 4th District. And thats just wrong. Missouri lawmakers approved the map over the summer under pressure from President Donald Trump, who urged Republican states to redraw their districts mid-decade ahead of the 2026 election. The goal was to force Cleaver out of office and allow a Republican to pick up his seat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The map has already faced fierce pushback from some Kansas City residents, who point to the fact that lawmakers used Troost Avenue, a historic symbol of segregation in Kansas City, as the dividing line between the 4th and 5th Districts. When asked whether Kehoe was concerned about how the map carved minority voters out of the 5th District, the governors spokesperson said the map meets the Constitutional requirements of population equality and contiguousness. In response to criticism about the maps use of Troost Avenue as a dividing line, spokesperson Gabby Picard emphasized that the street was also used as a dividing line between two Missouri Senate districts in Kansas City. State Senate districts are drawn by an independent commission, not lawmakers. One Republican state senator went a step further in an interview with The Star and said the focus of Missouris redistricting plan was partisan, not racial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were not going to do this to disenfranchise Blacks, said Sen. Mike Cierpiot, a Lees Summit Republican. We are doing it to defeat Democrats who, as far as I know, are not a protected class. Voting rights Wanda Shafer was overwhelmed with grief over the weekend when she returned to Kansas City after a week-long bus trip. It was a civil rights tour organized by a local church a pilgrimage across the southern U.S. that highlighted the importance of voting rights and the historic struggles of Black Americans. Contacted by The Star on Tuesday, Shafer, who is Black, was still processing her emotional experiences in Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama. She spoke of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Emmett Till, Selma and the National Civil Rights Museum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Back at home in Kansas City, Shafer drew parallels between the fight over civil rights and Missouris redistricting battle. Its the same demon, said Shafer, who lives in the Troostwood neighborhood about two blocks away from Troost Avenue. Just a new manifestation of that same evil and hunger and thirst for power and fear of losing that power. Unlike Graham, Shafers home will not be carved into a new congressional district under the new map. But she will soon share the same congressperson as people living hours away in central Missouri and she views the map as an example of racial gerrymandering. Youre not killing me, said Shafer. Youre not hanging me from a tree, but youre killing my vote. Youre making it not count. Carving up Kansas City Missouris review of the map was based on racial and partisanship data from the 2020 presidential election. That data, reviewed by The Star, shows that the new 5th District will have a 4.8% decrease in Black residents, 2.7% decrease in Hispanic residents, 1.3% decrease in Asian residents and a 2.4% decrease in residents who identify as other or more than one race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In total, the 5th District will have lost more than 70,000 minority residents under the new map. The districts minority resident population will fall from 324,132 to 253,964, according to Missouris data. No other district in the state is poised to have such a sharp decrease in the percentage of minority residents and an increase in white residents. Its unclear, exactly, which districts those Kansas City-area voters will be split into, but the 6th District will see a 4.5% increase in minority residents. The new map faces a series of court challenges from organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri and the Missouri chapter of the NAACP. At the same time, a group called People Not Politicians launched a signature-gathering campaign to try to force a statewide vote that would strike down the map. Many individuals and groups have sharply criticized lawmakers for splitting the Kansas City area into three Republican-leaning districts, with some framing the move as racially motivated. But most of the legal challenges largely center on arguments that lawmakers do not have the power to redistrict mid-decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican lawmakers focused most of their attention on gerrymandering Kansas City, as opposed to the states other blue-leaning hub in St. Louis. That was mainly due to the belief that splitting up Kansas City was less likely to run into a civil rights challenge. The 1st District in St. Louis is likely protected from discriminatory changes by the federal Voting Rights Act because it is a majority-minority district in which a racial minority group constitutes a majority of the voting-age population. The landmark Civil Rights era law prohibits voting practices that result in citizens being denied equal access to the political process on account of race. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Black voters make up the majority of voters who identify as one race in the 1st District, which could make it difficult for a gerrymandering attempt to withstand a legal challenge. Meanwhile, white voters make up a majority of one-race voters in the 5th District. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The debate over racial gerrymandering also comes as the future of the Voting Rights Act could be in peril. The U.S. Supreme Court is weighing whether to weaken a section of the law that created majority-minority districts, a momentous decision that could plunge the nation into a broader redistricting frenzy. Cierpiot, the Republican state senator, said on Tuesday that he supported getting rid of the federal law. I dont think the Voting Rights Act is needed anymore, because theres Blacks elected all across the country, said Cierpiot, who claimed that Democrats have historically disenfranchised Black voters. I think it should be left to the states to do this. And I think the Voting Rights Act served its purpose, but I think those days are long gone. Rep. Michael Johnson, a Kansas City Democrat who chairs the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus, said that Cierpiots claim about Democrats and Black voters followed a trend by Republicans and Trump to try to shift blame for certain policies onto Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its the lamest form of reverse psychology that Ive ever seen, Johnson said. For Graham, who is now tangled up in a nationwide redistricting fight led by Trump, the fact that minority voters are being carved out of his district only confirmed what he knew to be true about the effects of Missouris new map. Its just plain wrong, he said. Thats the only thing I can say. JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. The Missouri Propane Education & Research Council announces $1.46 million in funding assistance to Missouri school districts to purchase qualifying propane-powered school buses and necessary fueling infrastructure. Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is providing funding through the FY 2026 Missouri Propane School Bus Grant. This grant will give school districts the option to have cleaner buses in their fleets, reduce harmful nitrogen oxide emissions and cut operating costs. School districts can apply now until Dec. 15th, while local education agencies and charter schools can apply for reimbursement grants of $50,000 per propane bus for up to four buses per district. The program also includes up to $25,000 in reimbursements for fueling equipment as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In order to qualify for funds, buses must feature a propane drivetrain and must be a model year of 2025 or newer. Applicants who provide proof of purchase or commitment, along with any necessary documentation regarding infrastructure, may be awarded. For complete eligibility requirement details, contact David Tramel, coordinator of financial and administrative services with DESE, at 573-751-0357 or david.tramel@dese.mo.gov. 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. MISSOURI Missouri families receiving WIC benefits will continue to have access in November, but SNAP benefits will be on pause next month because of the government shutdown. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services says WIC recipients should continue to go to appointments and use their WIC cards like normal. The department said benefits remain funded and available for eligible women, infants, and children up to age five. Meanwhile, the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) says that SNAP benefits, formerly known as food stamps, will not be distributed for November until further notice. SNAP is entirely federally funded, so as long as the government remains shutdown, so too will the SNAP benefits until its back up and running. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2-year-olds death caused by sexual assault: SLMPD This temporary suspension does not include any other changes, DSS said in a statement. DSS will continue to accept and process SNAP applications, reported changes, and mid-certifications as normal. Once the shutdown is complete and DSS receives further guidance from FNS (food and nutrition service), DSS will work quickly to restore SNAP benefits. WIC benefits, on the other hand are supported through a mix of state and federal resources. The program provides food, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and health referrals for eligible families. Nearly 7 million people nationwide rely on WIC assistance, according to the National WIC Association. While some states have expressed concerns about long-term funding during the shutdown, for Missouri, it seems that the benefits will function like normal for now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About 650,000 Missourians are currently without SNAP benefits because of this, so many are looking to food banks until the shutdown is resolved. 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. JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. WIC benefits will be available for redemption in Missouri into November. WIC is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, administered in Missouri by the Department of Health and Senior Services and federally funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service, with funds appropriated in the federal budget. WIC provides quality nutrition education, breastfeeding promotion and support, nutritious foods, and referrals to health services to qualifying individuals. In a statement, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services encouraged WIC families to continue to attend appointments and redeem benefits using their WIC cards until further notice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the ways the department provides oversight of the WIC program is by evaluating the types of foods and services delivered in the program. Prior to the shutdown, the department made changes to some of the items available as a cost-saving measure. Rising food prices and the increased fruit and vegetable cash value benefit have caused WICs food costs to outpace our federal appropriation increases, department director Sarah Willson said in the statement. However, these cost-saving measures, implemented at the beginning of October, have been valuable in extending the benefits to WIC families longer. Missouri WIC will continue to monitor funding availability each day as the federal government shutdown continues. Retailers and participants will be notified should a pause in benefit redemption become necessary in the latter half of the month. Updates about the program will be posted at wic.mo.gov. NEW BRITAIN - For the family of Yasheeka T. "Mouda" Miles, the wait for justice will continue. A jury on Tuesday was unable to reach a verdict in the second murder trial of Patrick Miles, prompting Judge Christopher Pelosi to declare a mistrial and setting the stage for a third trial. "It's overwhelming," said Yasheeka Miles' mother, Adriene Lauray, following the judge's decision. "We're going to let God take care of it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deadlock came six years after a jury convicted Miles of murder but that verdict was overturned in 2022 by the state Supreme Court, ruling that prosecutors had improperly commented on his decision to remain silent after receiving a Miranda warning. Yasheeka Miles, 33, was a mother of two and worked as a resident staff member at Community Residences Inc. in Newington, according to her obituary. On April 7, 2017, neighbors called 911 to report a disturbance at the couple's apartment. Police found her lying face-down in a pool of blood, shot multiple times in the head. Patrick Miles (Courtesy of Department of Correction) Inside the apartment, officers also discovered drugs, packaging materials and nearly $3,000 in cash, according to court documents. The couple's 2-year-old daughter was missing but was later found safe at Miles' sister's home in Brooklyn, N.Y. Miles was arrested days later in Massachusetts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At his first trial, prosecutors described Miles as a jealous husband "who easily flew into a rage" amid suspicions of infidelity. Miles, who admitted on the stand that he was a drug dealer, testified that he returned home to find his wife already dead and believed she had been killed during a robbery. He said he fled the state because he feared the killer might target him and his child next. Deliberations in the retrial began Friday afternoon and by Monday, the jury sent a note saying it was divided and "struggling to come to a consensus." The judge issued the "Chip Smith" charge, which urges jurors in the minority opinion to reconsider the majority opinion and whether their opinions were based on facts as presented or on other reasons. But by Tuesday, the jury remained deadlocked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A large contingent of the victim's family attended the trial last week and kept vigil at Superior Court in New Britain since Friday afternoon when the jury began deliberating. New Britain State's Attorney Christian Watson declined to comment as the case is still considered active. "Mr. Miles and I are grateful for the jury's hard work in this case," Miles' attorney Michael Brown said. The case is scheduled for pre-trial in January. This article originally published at Mistrial declared in second murder trial for New Britain man in wife's 2017 shooting death. (PINPOINT WEATHER) Good morning and happy Wednesday! It is shaping up to be another dreary day across the Carolinas with more showers and chilly temperatures on the way. Drier weather will start to move in on Thursday, and there should be no issues for your Halloween. After a dry weekend, rain will likely return on Monday while temperatures stay below average. After devastating Jamaica, Melissa has now made a second landfall in Cuba as a Category 3 hurricane and will now head out into the Atlantic and out to sea. As for your Wednesday, mostly cloudy skies and some mist this morning will give way to scattered showers moving back in this afternoon, with our next weather maker moving into the region. Temperatures will still be chilly with highs staying in the low to mid-50s all day. More widespread showers are expected this evening as the front moves through overnight. Thursday will bring the start of drier conditions and slightly warmer temperatures for the region. Some showers are possible in the mountains in the morning, followed by clearing skies in the afternoon, along with highs that will be around 60. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Halloween looks dry and sunny for the region with highs in the low to mid-60s. Heading through the weekend, we should be treated to pleasant conditions with highs in the mid-60s before more wet weather arrives on Monday. In the meantime, get ready for more wet weather on Wednesday! Have a great day! Download the Pinpoint Weather app today! iPhone and iPad users, CLICK HERE. Android users, CLICK 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 Queen City News. Centrist Democrats are looking for a way out of the government shutdown, trying to find a negotiating partner on the GOP side. So far, Republicans want no part of it. On Monday, Rep. Brad Schneider, D-Ill. the chairman of the center-left New Democrat Coalition fired off letters to two centrist Republican groups: the Republican Governance Group and the Main Street Caucus. Schneider asked the chairmen of both factions Reps. David Valadao, R-Calif., and Mike Flood, R-Neb., respectively to convene a bipartisan cohort to discuss the funding lapse and the looming expiration of Obamacare tax credits. This is not about assigning blame or rehashing past disagreements, Schneider wrote in nearly identical letters to Valadao and Flood that were obtained by MSNBC. It is about listening to one another and working toward reopening the government and avoiding increases in healthcare premiums in a way that reflects our mutual commitment to those we represent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But those requests were quickly rejected, with Valadao and Flood both restating the standard GOP position that they are open to discussing health care once the government is reopened. That has been the firm position of message Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and his leadership team even before the shutdown began. Americans are struggling, and I agree that we must work together to pass meaningful policy solutions that help lower the cost of healthcare, including enhanced premium tax credits expiring at the end of this year, Valadao wrote in a letter to Schneider that was sent on Tuesday and first reported by NOTUS. However, holding the American government hostage and withholding pay from hardworking federal employees is not the way to accomplish that goal. Flood struck a similar note, telling Schneider he would like to sit down to discuss how to improve life for their constituents once the government re-opens. The members of the Main Street Caucus, by and large, always vote to fund the government regardless of who occupies the White House, Flood wrote in his own letter to Schneider on Tuesday. We dont believe in leveraging the paychecks of federal employees to achieve a political outcome. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The back-and-forth underscores two emerging themes in the shutdown showdown. On the left, Democrats are looking for a negotiating partner as the effects of the shutdown grow more acute. And on the right, Republicans even more moderate Republicans are standing firm that they wont negotiate until the lights are turned back on. Schneider made his entreaties as concerns over the effect of the shutdown mount on both sides of the aisle, with food benefits set to run out; the pot of money for low-income pregnant women, infants and children (WIC) running dry; and federal workers on track to miss another paycheck. But unlike previous shutdowns, those pressure points have failed to nudge either party toward compromise. In fact, the pressure points seem to be doing the opposite, prompting Democrats and Republicans to dig in. Democrats have said they wont support a government funding bill unless it addresses the looming expiration of Affordable Care Act tax credits, sounding the alarm about millions of Americans facing health-care premiums that could more than double. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since October 1st, weve been in Washington, ready to talk to Republicans about the healthcare crisis theyve created and a bipartisan path to end the shutdown, Schneider said in a statement to MSNBC. We were hopeful that in light of the looming November 1st enrollment deadline that they would want to finally talk. New Dems are ready when they change their minds and decide to come back to DC to do their jobs, he added. Republicans, meanwhile, say the only way out of the shutdown is with the short-term spending bill the House passed last month, which Democrats have deemed a nonstarter. Valadao, who sits in one of the most Democratic districts represented by a Republican, told MSNBC in a statement that, as someone who has routinely pushed back against my own party during funding fights, its frustrating to see those who havent suddenly call for good governance now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im looking forward to working across the aisle to tackle rising health-care costs, but first we need to get the government back open, Valadao said. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com "I Voted" stickers are displayed at a Richmond polling place during the 2022 midterm elections. (Photo by Graham Moomaw/Virginia Mercury) Its been 20 years since Virginia voters elected a slate of three statewide officials from different parties. The gradual tribalization of state politics has translated into more and more Virginians coming to the polls thinking of themselves as members of team red or team blue. Four years ago, Republicans swept the three statewide races with nearly identical percentages of the vote (50.6, 50.7 and 50.4) in races for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general. Furthermore, the nonpartisan Virginia Public Access Project found that 2001 House of Delegates elections were highly correlated with the gubernatorial results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But recent polls ahead of the states pivotal elections on Nov. 4 suggest Virginia could expect a revival of ticket splitting, which used to be more common during the first four decades of competitive two-party statewide elections. Last week, the Washington Post and VCU released separate polls showing Democrat Abigail Spanberger leading Republican Winsome Earle-Sears in the governors race by 12 and seven percentage points, respectively. But the surveys suggested the down ballot races could be tighter, with the VCU poll showing Republican Jason Miyares, the incumbent attorney general, with a slight lead over Democratic challenger Jay Jones. A poll published this week by the Wason Center yielded similar results. Below is a look in reverse chronological order of the dozen split tickets since 1969, which marked the advent of competitive two-party politics in the Old Dominion. Now-U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine won the governors race by nearly 6 percentage points, but his two Democratic running mates both lost tight contests. The split outcome can be explained in part by how the mountain twang of GOP gubernatorial candidate Jerry Kilgore failed to resonate with voters beyond the mountains of Southwest Virginia, as the Washington Post reported at the time. In affluent Fairfax County, for example, Kilgore was outperformed by his GOP ticket mates by more than 3 percentage points. Though it took a recount for Republican Bob McDonnell to be declared winner in the attorney generals race, the GOP won a majority of the three statewide offices. Democrats today wouldnt recognize the playbook that Mark Warner followed in his successful bid for governor. Warner, now Virginias other U.S. senator, remained silent on abortion and other hot-button issues. He invested considerable time and energy in rural Virginia, where he sponsored a NASCAR team, lined country roads with blaze-orange Sportsmen for Warner signs and hired a bluegrass band. His tack to the right left just enough coattails for Tim Kaine to win a slender majority in a three-way race for lieutenant governor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jerry Kilgore, who served as Gov. Allens public safety secretary, ran a law-and-order campaign for attorney general that blasted Democrat Donald McEachin for opposing the death penalty and supporting gun control. Warner disavowed those two positions taken by McEachin, the Democrats first Black candidate for attorney general. McEachin, whose campaign funds were depleted in a bruising four-way Democratic primary, managed only 39.9% of the vote, an all-time low for a Democratic statewide candidate. In the spring of 1993, George Allen was 30 percentage points down in the polls, but it turned out he was right where he wanted to be. Allen considered himself an insurgent who would topple the Democratic elitist oligarchs that had ruled Virginia for a dozen years. Attorney General Mary Sue Terry had been the Democrats top vote-getter in 1985 and 1989, but her cautious personality was ill suited for the role of party standard bearer. By contrast, Allen threw himself into the hustings with gusto, pulling off an upset that included a Jim Gilmore victory in the race for attorney general. But the GOP fell short of a sweep as Democratic Lt. Gov. Don Beyer Jr. defeated Mike Farris, a homeschooling advocate associated with the Christian right. In the waning days of the campaign, Beyer accused Farris of censorship and book-banning with TV ads that featured characters from the Wizard of Oz. Beyer out-performed Terry by 14 percentage points. After being locked out of the Executive Mansion for a century, Virginia Republicans won a third straight gubernatorial election in 1977. Lt. Gov. John Dalton won the office that had eluded his father, Ted, who had run twice for governor in the 1950s. Dalton carried eight of the states 10 congressional districts, ending his opponent Henry Howells decade-long populist crusade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 1977 election also marked an assertive debut for Democrat Chuck Robb, the son-in-law of former President Lyndon B. Johnson. By drawing support from some conservatives and business leaders spooked by Howell, Robb brought together a coalition that would lead Democrats out of the wilderness. Virginias continuing political realignment resulted in an epic gubernatorial election that was later memorialized in The Shad Treatment, a lightly fictionalized novel by Garrett Epps. The 1973 race featured former Democratic Gov. Mills Godwin running as a Republican and populist Democrat Henry Howell running as an independent. Democrats, who mostly backed Howell, did not nominate a candidate. Howell who railed against the big boys was opposed by every major newspaper and the collective force of the states business community. Voter turnout topped 1 million for the first time in Virginia history. Howell came within 15,000 votes of defeating Godwin. Democratic Attorney General Andrew Miller won re-election in a landslide, preventing a GOP sweep. The splintering of the Virginia Democratic Party in the aftermath of the federal Voting Rights Act created an opportunity for Republicans to elect a governor for the first time in a century. In addition to a moderate Democrat, the ballot included three conservative Democrats running under various third-party banners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican Linwood Holton, a Roanoke lawyer, was bolstered by GOP unity and energy from President Richard Nixons victory the previous year. Holton attracted disaffected Democrats, both conservative White voters and a healthy share of recently franchised Black ones. Holton carried the core cities of Hampton, Newport News and Richmond, while capturing Alexandria, Arlington County and Fairfax County in the Washington suburbs. Democrats managed to hold the two down-ticket seats. J. Sargeant Reynolds a young, handsome leader that many considered Virginias answer to John F. Kennedy was sworn in as lieutenant governor in January 1970. Eighteen months later, Reynolds would be dead from an inoperable brain tumor. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX OPKO Health subsidiary ModeX Therapeutics has initiated the Phase I/IIa clinical trial to assess MDX2004, its trispecific antibody-fusion protein, to treat immune and oncology disorders. The trial will evaluate MDX2004s biological activity, safety and tolerability as an immunotherapy for advanced cancers, aiming to enrol 235 adults aged 18 years and older. MDX2004 is designed to activate T cells through three unique signalling pathways to enhance immune activation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This fusion protein interacts with the CD3, CD28 and 4-1BB receptors, with the aim of eliciting a wide-ranging response from T lymphocytes, including memory T and stem cells. The objective of the drug is to revitalise cellular immunity by recruiting and expanding T cell populations. ModeX chief medical officer Giovanni Abbadessa said: Patients with advanced solid tumours may have limited options with existing treatments, facing challenging disease control rates and low long-term survival. The MDX2004 multi-specific antibody aims to rejuvenate T cells and sustain an expanded immune response in a broad range of tumours. We look forward to exploring further via this clinical trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Preclinical data and clinical dose analyses supporting MDX2004 are anticipated to be presented in two posters at the 40th Annual Meeting of the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) in National Harbor, Maryland, US. OPKO Health chairman and CEO Phillip Frost and ModeX president and CEO and OPKO Health chief innovation officer Gary Nabel said: We are excited to bring MDX2004 to patients as a first-in-class trispecific antibody with a unique design aiming for a specific mechanism of action. By stimulating and sustaining immune function, this T cell rejuvenator has potential to treat diverse cancers and reverse immune impairment caused by chemotherapy, chronic diseases, infection and ageing. "ModeX commences study of MDX2004 for oncology disorders" was originally created and published by Clinical Trials Arena, a GlobalData owned brand. NEED TO KNOW Nicole Grigorov wanted a mommy makeover for 20 years and traveled from Canada to Costa Rica for an affordable tummy tuck Two days after surgery, she developed a severe infection that led to septic shock and heart failure The 52-year-old has been hospitalized for a month and now faces limb amputations A Canadian woman is fighting for her life and facing amputations after a tummy tuck gone wrong. Nicole Grigorov, a 52-year-old mom from Ontario, has always had her heart set on cosmetic surgery. Shes given birth to four children, including a set of twins, and undergone a hysterectomy. Earlier this year, she also had surgery to remove a 20-lb. cyst from her abdomen. Finally, she felt ready to get cosmetic work done. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For 20 years, Ive wanted to get a mommy makeover, she told the Toronto Star, noting that she viewed a tummy tuck as a form of self-care and motivation to maintain her health. A tummy tuck is a procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen, smoothing and flattening the stomach, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The surgery is not covered by her insurance, so Grigorov decided to travel to Costa Rica, where its significantly cheaper. On Sept. 30, Grigorov had her tummy tuck performed by Dr. Carlos Wu Chin, an intensive care physician in San Jose. However, just two days later she developed a severe infection that led to septic shock and heart failure. She got very unlucky, said Wu Chin, sharing that Grigorov was sedated and placed on life support for two weeks. He told the Star the hospital sees many patients from other countries and rarely do they have complications. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a GoFundMe page, Grigorovs son Nicholas expressed concerns for his mothers health and her being unable to return home. My mom is currently fighting for her life in Costa Rica after a surgery that went horribly wrong. What was supposed to be a simple tummy tuck turned into a nightmare, he wrote. Shes now unconscious, intubated, and in critical condition in a Costa Rican ICU. Her kidneys are failing, her red blood cell count is dangerously low, and the doctors describe her condition as delicate. Were all terrified praying every hour for a miracle and trying to find a way to bring our mom home, Nicholas added. Go Fund Me Nicole Grigorov Nicole Grigorov Grigorov underwent dialysis and after a few weeks her blood and kidney functions were returned to normal. She was taken off the ventilator on Oct. 17 but has since been struggling with circulation issues in her fingers and toes due to her low blood pressure. She is currently bandaged and Wu Chin explained that underneath, her limbs are completely black and will most likely need to be amputated due to the damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If we dont get her home fast, the effects could be even further life-changing, her friend Dave Schiff told the Star. 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. On Oct. 26, Grigorovs son shared an update and revealed that she is now fully awake, alert, and talking. Shes also hoping to return home soon if her recovery continues to improve. However, she still faces limb amputations, something shes struggling to grapple with. Grigorov told the outlet that she can feel the pain in her fingers and toes. I havent looked at them yet. Im scared to, she admitted. Im really lucky to be alive, she said from her hospital bed. I should have died. Read the original article on People Jobs created from Eli Lilly and Co. and the Meta Data Center only mark the beginning of employment opportunities in Lebanon, city leaders say. As innovation causes workers to flock to the area, a shortfall in housing for the influx could cause higher housing costs and lose tax revenue for the city. Two new locations discussed during Monday's Lebanon City Council meeting are expected to provide essential living for essential workers as Lebanon continues economic growth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Between both projects, 430 total units are projected to provide homes in Lebanon: 20 row homes, 20 townhomes and 390 traditional apartment units. Ind. 39 and C.R. 300 Three developments are going in near north and south of County Road 300 N. at Ind. 39, close to Eli Lilly's pharmaceutical complex in the LEAP Lebanon Research and Innovation District. They are Paddock Place, Corbett Towns and Spring Creek. Indianapolis-based company Spectra Student Living is developing Paddock Place. Financial attorney Catherine Fanello said the project is expected to be a $60 million investment. Indianas Limitless Exploration/Advance Pace Research and Innovation District in north and western Boone County is the largest economic project in Hoosier history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At its completion, LEAP Lebanon will house hundreds of companies and create more than 50,000 positions, according to its developer, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. Over the next several years, Corbett Towns and Spring Creek will provide nearly 500 new homes, but unlike Paddock Place, they are not specifically targeted as workforce housing. Workforce housing provides affordable homes for middle-income workers who make too much to qualify for low-income assistance but not enough to afford market-rate homes. Lebanon City Planner Ben Bontrager said Paddock Place is expected to create 200 new places to live, 20 two-story townhomes and 180 apartment units; the development brings future residential additions in the LEAP area to almost 700. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Requiring significant public investment, developers will need to extend road and utility infrastructure from the south end to the north to accommodate surrounding projects. It will be primarily private infrastructure, but theyre having to extend public infrastructure through the site to serve the Spring Creek development to the north, Bontrager said. Thats why were looking at doing this TIF bond to offset some of the infrastructure costs. Tax Increment Financing (TIF) helps pay back bonds used for projects that directly serve or benefit the area, according to the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs. During Mondays city council meeting, Bontrager explained that 80% of the developments generated profit will go toward the TIF bond for a time, and the other 20% will pass through the Lebanon Redevelopment Commission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its really important to keep those rent rates such that you can accommodate the people that might be in those jobs, Bontrager said. The overall [public] infrastructure cost is actually a little over $5 million, so were providing approximately $3 million through the TIF bond to offset a portion of those infrastructure costs. The city won't pay anything outright, but rather let the developer divert a portion of what it would have paid in property taxes for a set period to instead pay for infrastructure. He explained workforce housing developments progressing in Lebanon will provide homes to hundreds of nurses, teachers, first responders and, most significantly, the advanced manufacturing workforce. Limp Farms Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A more recently announced development will focus on market-rate housing targeted toward the workforce already in Lebanon. After three years of planning, Patch Development recently announced its intent to build a multi-use development south of Hickory Junction south of Interstate 65 at Ind. 39. The Central Indiana company plans to turn the 220-acre parcel into six subdistricts. According to records from the Lebanon Planning and Zoning Department, the area would be broken down as follows: Subdistrict 1: Residential, 24 acres Subdistrict 2: Commercial/retail or residential, 4 acres Subdistrict 3: Commercial/retail or light industrial, 31 acres Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Subdistrict 4: Light industrial, 65 acres Subdistrict 5: Light industrial, 54 acres Subdistrict 6: Residential, 37 acres With a favorable recommendation from the Lebanon Planning Commission, Patch Development made its case to City Council on Monday night to rezone the area as a Planned Unit Development. A planned unit development allows several zoning designations within a defined developmental area. The discussion will continue at the next meeting on Nov. 10, when the council will decide whether to approve the rezoning of Limp Farms as a PUD. LANGSTON, Okla. (KFOR) Some Langston University students almost had to pause their progress toward a college degree due to balances they couldnt pay. However, thanks to a generous donation and help from those that care for them, theyre going to be able to chase their dreams. I do believe that this is just a small token of something on a major level that we are working on with this group of individuals, Derrick Scobey said as he handed over three checks to Langston University Dean of Students and interim Executive Director of the Langston University Foundation Joshua Busby. LOCAL NEWS: Infant Crisis Services adds extra visits for families amid government shutdown Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a small token making a big impact. A few checks were handed over Tuesday morning that will surely change the lives of multiple Langston University students. Whenever you walk across the stage, do you think this is a moment youre going to look back on? KFOR asked a Saphire Deere, a student receiving some of the help. Yes, definitely, she said. Deere is a sophomore nursing student who couldnt enroll for the spring semester due to an outstanding balance. I did receive a phone call from her, Frederick Douglass High School principal Kevin Jones said. Deere reached out to someone she said was always there for her in high school, that being Jones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I just know that I got to go above and beyond for my, its my crew. I call them my crew, Jones said. Only able to raise some of the money, he reached out to Scobey who is also a Douglass alum. Fortunately, he found a few donors willing to help. Just grateful that they were able to see the vision of how it is so important and I will say so important to see their Black counterparts, young people, to be able to have the opportunity to continue on, Scobey said. LOCAL NEWS: Parking issue resolved for Yukon business with help of KFOR Those donors wanted to stay anonymous. The checks total out to about $13,000 and they will go between about 7 students that originally reached out. Deere, now excited to continue working toward her career. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Douglas students, always count on your principal as your counselor, Deere said. Do good and keep going and theyre always there to help you no matter what. The school said they were immediately applying the checks to the students accounts so they could get enrolled soon. 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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City. A truck transporting rhesus macaques, often called rhesus monkeys, overturned while traveling on Interstate 59 near Heidelberg on Tuesday and several of the primates escaped, but who owns the monkeys, why they were in Mississippi and what their status is remains unclear. The Jasper County Sheriff's Office made several posts on social media regarding the incident on Tuesday. Initially, the department stated the animals were infected with herpes, hepatitis C and COVID-19. The department reported the animals were being transported from Tulane University and several had escaped. The department later reported that all but one of the escaped monkeys had been destroyed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an update, the department reported that Tulane University sent staff to assist with the animals and determined three were unaccounted for and on the loose. In a statement released by Tulane University by email Tuesday night, the university said the animals were not diseased. "Non-human primates at the Tulane National Biomedical Research Center are provided to other research organizations to advance scientific discovery," the statement reads. "The primates in question belong to another entity, and they have not been exposed to any infectious agent." Here's what we know about the rhesus monkeys that escaped after a vehicle crash in Jasper County on Tuesday. How many monkeys are loose in Mississippi? As of 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, how many monkeys are on the loose remains a question. The last update from the Jasper County Sheriff's office stated three on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Clarion Ledger reached out to the department Wednesday morning for updated information, but was referred to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. In a call to MDWFP, the Clarion Ledger was told the agency was only assisting and information would need to be obtained from the sheriff's office. What are rhesus macaques? According to the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, rhesus macaques are monkeys that weigh between 12-17 pounds as adults. They are found in China, India, Bhutan, Laos, Burma, Nepal, Bangladesh, Thailand, Vietnam, Pakistan and Afghanistan. The only primates with a broader range are humans. They live about 25-30 years in the wild. They have near-hairless faces and fur color ranges from dusty brown to auburn. They are good swimmers and can live in trees or on the ground. There are feral populations of rhesus macaques around the world including Central Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Lab monkeys on the loose in Mississippi. Can they survive in the wild here? Can macaques survive in Mississippi? It appears so. According to Kristen Moore, Mississippi's climate is similar to other parts of the world where they naturally exist. "Rhesus macaques live in temperate climates in the wild, ranging from woodland areas, grasslands and mountainous regions," Moore said. "The climate in Mississippi is similar to these areas, especially this time of year." Moore said ample food resources are available in Mississippi, but predators such as alligators, bobcats and coyotes might be a problem, partly because the macaques may not recognize the danger. What are animal rights groups saying about the incident? Kathleen Conlee, VP of Animal Research Issues for Humane World for Animals released a statement Tuesday night that included the following: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Todays escape and killing of several monkeys following a crash on a Mississippi highway highlights the urgent need to end the use of primates in experiments," Conlee writes. "These intelligent, social animals deserve protection, not exploitation. "The primates reportedly originated from Tulane University, which is a National Primate Research Center and a recipient of significant government funding. Congress must reject further investments in primate research infrastructure and instead focus on funding ethical, non-animal alternatives that are more effective, humane, and cost taxpayers less money." What do I do if I see a monkey in Mississippi? In a press statement released Wednesday afternoon, MDWFP states it is coordinating with local authorities in Jasper County following reports of rhesus macaques loose in the area. It states MDWFP conservation officers remain on site and are actively coordinating with the Jasper County Sheriffs Office as part of the ongoing investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to MDWFP, rhesus macaques are known to be aggressive, the public is advised to avoid any contact and should not attempt to approach them. Residents are asked to report any credible sightings to 1-800-BE-SMART. Do you have a story idea? Contact Brian Broom at 601-961-7225 or bbroom@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Monkeys are on the loose in Mississippi. Here's the latest information Hope Dewell Gentry presents the results of the 2025 Mountain States Poll at Montana State University-Billings on Oct. 28, 2025 in Billings (Photo by Darrell Ehrlick of the Daily Montanan). Just because Montana is a red state, doesnt mean residents are satisfied with Republican leadership according to a new annual poll released Tuesday. Montana State University-Billings, which has conducted the annual Mountain States Poll on residents since 1989, released this years results which show few of Montanas most familiar political faces with a majority of support, while a feeling of polarization persists, despite having common ground across party lines on some politically charged issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a little abnormal to see results this low, this early into a term, said Hope Dewell Gentry, director of the Mountain States Poll and a political scientist who teaches at the university. The poll surveyed 854 Montanans prior to the federal government shutdown with 54% saying they voted for Donald Trump in the 2024 Election. The poll has a margin of error of +/- 3.4%. However, when it came time to rate the state and federal leaders, all of whom are Republican, the GOP faltered. President Trumps approval rating was deadlocked with his disapproval rating at 41%, with the remaining group remaining neutral. Meanwhile, 56% of the respondents said they disapproved of the job Congress is doing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those are not quite as high as you might have expected, Gentry said. Those trend lines didnt get much better for Montana-based politicians. Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte showed the strongest results, albeit with 37% approving of his job. Republican Congressman Ryan Zinke, who also served as Trumps Secretary of the Interior during the first term, had an approval rating of 26% Even Gianforte is not particularly popular, Gentry said. First-term Congressman Troy Downings approval rating hovered only at 16%, with the rest of the respondents having an opinion of neutral or disapproval, or said they didnt know. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With Downing, people are unsure and really unsure, Gentry said. He doesnt have the same media presence as others. Its probably a message to his staff that a little PR (public relations) on the issues is needed in the district. Montanas senior Sen. Steve Daines, who will run for re-election in 2026, showed only a 31% approval rating, while 28% said they disapproved. Those who identified as Republican gave Daines a higher than 50% approval rating at 53%. Gentry said that as a political scientist, Daines numbers suggest that hes doing an adequate job of connecting to people in his own party, but that those who arent Republican arent certain about him. Montanas newly elected Sen. Tim Sheehy fared even worse, with 34% approving his job and 34% disapproving of his job so far. Thats not as high as I was expecting, Gentry said. That suggests that people dont know what hes doing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Montanas political scene is dominated by Republicans, and more than 58% of the electorate voted for Trump in 2024. In addition, the four members of the states Congressional delegation are Republican as are the five constitutional or top elected state leaders. Both chambers of the state legislature are controlled by the GOP. Gentry said that it was both surprising and telling that even though many Montanans identify with Republican or conservative politics, theres a significant disparity about how residents feel about the politicians from that party, which represents a disconnect. There is a lot of dissatisfaction overall and how early this is, Gentry said. To already feel this dissatisfied with the people in power this early. She said that the numbers could be even more troubling for the incumbent Republicans. Gentry said many people who were Republican seemed more willing to be neutral or say they didnt know about the GOP performance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre upset, Gentry said. Maybe they dont like the way things are going, but theyre unwilling to go to the other side and say they disapprove. For all the dissatisfaction Montanans seem to be feeling about their elected officials, theyre also more unified on some social issues than the turmoil may suggest. For example, when it comes to gun control or reproductive rights, Montanans have a lot more in common than different. When it comes to reproductive rights, especially after the passage of a constitutional amendment to enshrine abortion in the states constitution, most Montanans told pollsters that their position hadnt really changed on the issue of abortion, with 83% of respondents saying that abortion should be completely legal or available in certain circumstances. And, people who indicated theyd changed positions or modified their beliefs during the recent debates on reproductive rights said they tended to lean more toward a pro-choice position. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When it comes to gun control and the Second Amendment, Montana continues to express strong support for the right to bear arms. In fact, only 2% of respondents said they believed the Second Amendment should be abolished from the U.S. Constitution. However, 20% did say they believed it should be amended to include items like stricter regulations, weapon limitations or restrictions from owning certain firearms. Forty-one percent of respondents said they agreed with the Trump administration when it came to gun control while the remainder were either neutral or disapproved. Editors note: This story has been updated with revised statistics on approval for reproductive freedom due to mathematical rounding and calculation. 2025-mountain-states-poll-report SALT LAKE CITY (AP) The widow of a beloved Utah fashion designer who was fatally shot during a June No Kings protest in Salt Lake City demanded Wednesday that someone be held accountable for her husband's death after more than four months without any charges filed in the case. Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, known as Afa, died June 14 when a man who was part of a volunteer peacekeeping team for the protest fired three rounds at a man who allegedly brandished a rifle at demonstrators. One round injured the rifleman, who did not fire any shots, and another struck 39-year-old Ah Loo, a protest participant who later died at the hospital. The sign Ah Loo was holding that day read, The world is watching, said his wife, Laura Ah Loo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Afa always stood for those who needed justice the most, she said during a Wednesday news conference. And now I stand for him, on his behalf. For his sake and for all of us, the world is watching. An arrest but no charges Officers arrested but never charged Arturo Gamboa, the man with the rifle, saying at the time that he created the dangerous situation that led to Ah Loos death. A lawyer for Gamboa has said he was attending the march as a supporter and was lawfully in possession of the unloaded weapon. It's unclear what he intended to do with it. Gamboa was walking with it pointed at the ground before he was shot by the volunteer, lawyer Greg Skordas said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Skordas said Wednesday that Gamboa is paralyzed by the lack of action from the district attorneys office. They continue to tell us that homicide charges are still being considered against Arturo, he said. Police have not charged or publicly identified the safety volunteer who shot at Gamboa and fatally struck Ah Loo. But authorities have said they're investigating whether that man was justified in firing his handgun. The 50501 Movement, which helped organize the June No Kings protests nationwide, said all attendees, including those in safety roles, were asked not to bring weapons. The group severed ties with its Utah chapter shortly after the shooting. Police have said the permit for the Salt Lake City protest did not specify that there would be armed security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Family plans wrongful death lawsuit Salt Lake City's participation this month in another round of No Kings demonstrations a nationwide mobilization against what participants see as a shift into authoritarianism under President Donald Trump brought renewed attention to the open-ended case. Thousands rallied outside the Utah State Capitol on Oct. 18 to demand justice for Ah Loo and his family. Attorneys for Laura Ah Loo called out the safety volunteer by name Wednesday and said they will pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against him in coming weeks. They also said charges should be filed against the volunteer and called for more transparency from authorities. The Associated Press is not naming the volunteer because he has not been publicly identified by authorities. Phone and email messages were left Wednesday with his lawyer, Phil Wormdahl. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is not a whodunit, said Richard Lambert, a lawyer for Ah Loos wife. We know who did it. We know who fired the fatal shot that took Afas life. Investigation continues, but charges are unlikely Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill said on Wednesday that he sympathizes with the Ah Loo familys loss and suggested criminal charges are still possible. His office met with the family early in the process and explained that the investigation would take time, Gill said. We are carefully working through a complex and nuanced legal analysis, Gill said. We expect to reach a decision soon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But legal experts say criminal charges are unlikely. Utah gun laws expert and personal injury attorney Mitch Vilos has been following the case and does not expect charges against either the volunteer or Gamboa. The right to self defense and the right to carry a firearm are both strong in Utah, Vilos said, and prosecutors would face a high bar in trying to prove criminal charges against either man. Prosecutors in a criminal case must convince a jury beyond reasonable doubt that a crime occurred. But the bar in a civil lawsuit would be much lower, Vilos added, requiring simply a preponderance of evidence that a defendant was in the wrong or acted negligently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Ah Loos family, a civil lawsuit might be the most feasible route to get some compensation and get some justice for their loss, said Matthew Tokson, a law professor at the University of Utah. Tokson agreed charges are unlikely. Utah law allows people to use deadly force in defense of others if they act reasonably, he said. I think the police always felt that he was acting in good faith, Tokson said of the volunteer. ___ Brown reported from Denver. This piece was written by Nathan Prewett of the Trussville Tribune. MOODY, Ala. (TRIBUNE) A meeting of the Moody City Council on Monday night was the last for Mayor Joe Lee and Councilor Lynn Taylor before newly elected Nick Rutledge takes the mayors seat and Wes Harrell takes Taylors in November. After 33 years of service 11 as a council member and 22 as mayor Im going to leave this seat better than when I found it, said Lee. We built City Hall here and the city center. We built the police station and the library. Weve spent millions of dollars. Actually, when I was elected in 92 it was a million dollar budget for the city and now its about a $30 million budget, so you can see the growth of the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He went on to express his appreciation for the council and city staff. Taylor expressed similar sentiments and recalled when he received news in 2009 that the money in the general fund was too low. And I was like, Oh heck, what am I going to do? he said. And now, you know, 17 years later we have a great surplus and we have a surplus right now of $12 million. And I just challenge our council and our new members thats coming on board to be good stewards of that. Spend it wisely but always try to keep a good surplus because it helps us on our ratings and all if we do have to borrow money. Alabama Public Television discusses possible split from PBS after funding loss Afterwards, Councilor Linda Crowe spoke and presented Lee and Taylor with commemorative plaques. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The times that we had, Crowe said. Have we agreed on everything? No. But you have been role models to us. The meeting was adjourned to applause from the crowded room. Lee and Taylors comments were preceded by an announcement that Fire Chief Larry Horton made regarding the departments ISO rating. ISO ratings are made based on firefighting capabilities and upkeep of fire stations. The most valuable ratings are lower, with 1 being considered the best. Horton said that in July representatives for the ISO were onsite to inspect the station for grading. Several months afterwards Horton received a message on Friday stating that the department has been graded from a Class 5/5X to a Class 4/4X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As far as I know thats as low as Moodys ever been, Horton said. (With the councils support) and work of the guys at the station weve accomplished something that weve been trying to accomplish and just one step closer to being able to achieve the goal of providing the best service that we can provide for the citizens of Moody. In other business the council: Approved a proclamation recognizing October as Down Syndrome Month, Approved a request from Public Works Director Lee Drummonds to purchase gas bottles for $1,835.32, with bottles to be filled three times a year for $196.19 each and Approved Hortons request to hire a part-time employee. Moody City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Monday of every month at 6 p.m. at Moody City Hall on 670 Park Ave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. A thief or crew of thieves recently carried out one of the largest art heists in California history, breaking into a storage facility for the Oakland Museum of California under the cover of darkness and making off with more than 1,000 precious artifacts. Oakland police said the burglary took place just before 3:30 a.m. Oct. 15, which is four days before robbers stole a trove of priceless Napoleonic jewels from the the Louvre Museum in Paris. Items stolen from the Oakland museum included Native American baskets, jewelry, laptops, daguerreotype photographs and intricately carved ivory tusks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Oakland Police Department is working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Art Crime Team to investigate the heist and retrieve the missing items. "It was devastating. It feels like a real violation. It feels like somebody entering your home," said museum Chief Executive Lori Fogarty. Fogarty said staff members were not working at the off-site storage facility the day of the burglary and discovered it the following morning, Oct. 16. "Our job is to preserve and take care of and steward the cultural, artistic and natural heritage of California," she said. "So it feels like not just a loss to me and to the collection staff, we also feel like it's a loss to the public." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Oakland Museum of California features more than 110,000 square feet of gallery space and 2 million objects dedicated to telling the story of the Golden State. Retired Los Angeles Police Capt. John Romero, who led the department's commercial crimes unit, said that if the break-in was completed without setting off alarms or alerting security, it's possible that the person or people behind it had some internal knowledge, he said. The fact that the heist took place at an off-site storage unit also suggests that the suspect or suspects had access to privileged information, he said. "If it's a nondescript, all-brick building that's very difficult for anybody to figure out [what it is] from the outside, it is almost always an employee, a former employee, a contractor or a vendor who sees it, and talks about it and gets approached to bring something out," he said. Read more: Suspects arrested in audacious jewel theft at Louvre Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not the first time that items belonging to the museum have been stolen. In 2014, Andre Taray Franklin, a 46-year-old parolee, was sentenced to four years in prison for stealing and reselling a 19th century gold jewelry box from the museum. He also was a suspect in a 2012 break-in at the museum in which gold nuggets and Gold Rush-era pistols were taken but was not charged in that incident. "Lightning has struck twice in my career," said Fogarty, referencing the break-ins connected to Franklin and the recent heist. "He [Franklin] was caught, identified and convicted ... and we retrieved the most important and valuable works," she continued. "So I am going to believe deeply that these items are going to find their way back to the museum." Given that the break-in took place two weeks ago, there is a good chance that many of the items have been sold, Romero said. Cultural-artifact thieves typically try to offload their loot before word gets out that the items are stolen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These people are interested in fast cash, not the full appraisal value," he said. "They need to get rid of it quickly." Romero anticipates that detectives will be looking closely at platforms such as Craigslist and EBay, as well as groups that collect antiques or historic items, as they attempt to locate the Oakland museum's stolen goods and identify those responsible. Well-known stolen cultural items are difficult to resell due to the odds of running into undercover agents and buyers' reluctance to purchase an item that may later be seized by authorities, Romero said. Targeting a high number of lesser-known artifacts may make it easier to resell the loot, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Romero said this month's break-in represents one of the largest museum heists he's heard of in California in terms of the number of items taken. Former famous museum heists include a 2012 incident on the California Mining & Minerals Museum in Mariposa, in which thieves took an estimated $2 million worth of gold and gems, as well as a 1978 break-in at the M.H. de Young Memorial Museum in San Francisco, in which four paintings, including a Rembrandt, were pilfered. Anyone with information is asked to contact Oakland police at (510) 238-3951 or submit a tip to the Art Crime Team online or by calling (800) 225-5324. 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. Burglars stole more than 1,000 items, including jewelry and historic artifacts, from the Oakland Museum of California this month in a major art heist now being probed by a special FBI team, according to authorities. Someone broke into an off-site storage facility for the Oakland museum around 3:30 a.m. Oct. 15 and left with hundreds of collection items, including Native American baskets and other artwork donated to the museum, the Oakland Police Department said Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oakland police and the FBI Art Crime Team are investigating the case. No one has been arrested in connection with the case. The Oakland Museum of California, or OCMA, offers collections of art, history and natural science inside a 110,00 square-foot gallery on a seven-acre campus situated between Downtown Oakland and Lake Merritt. Police did not say where the storage facility was located. Museum CEO and Executive Director Lori Fogarty said the theft was "a brazen act that robs the public of our state's cultural heritage." "We are working in close partnership with the City of Oakland, the Oakland Police Department, and the FBI to see that these objects are returned," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal agents investigating the case are from a highly specialized unit of roughly 20 agents who investigate art-related matters across the U.S., including art theft, fraud, forgery, "or, in this case, antiquities and cultural property trafficking," according to Oakland police. This article originally published at More than 1,000 items stolen from Oakland Museum of California storage facility in huge art heist. BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) State and local organizations have come together for the benefit of kids across the state. Wyoming County Special Olympics chasing state competitions as they introduce bowling as their latest sport The West Virginia Department of Education collaborated with United Way, the Pack Foundation, and Shawn Ball of L&S Toyota to secure over a million dollars for public schools. 59News spoke with one Woodrow Wilson senior about what these funds mean to students in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are some kids that are less fortunate and cant everything that everybody else has, said Djahnae Jackson, a senior at Woodrow Wilson High. The fact that they can come to school and have a safe place and be able to get things that they cant get from home here, it means a lot. As part of the donation, $1,500 has been earmarked to go to every public school throughout the state. Shawn Ball said his contribution is part of a continued mission to offer support to children in need across West Virginia. 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. Oct. 29More than 7,500 Haywood County residents face the prospect of greater hunger beginning this weekend, as the federal government shutdown halts funding for food stamps. 25 states, including North Carolina, have sued the federal government over the funding delay. But unless the courts file an injunction against the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), access to programs that provide crucial funding for food and groceries will be delayed starting Nov. 1. More than 7,500 Haywood County residents could lose their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits if the shutdown continues and the courts don't take action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Haywood alone, the food stamps program provided more than $1.2 million in September to low-income residents in need of food and essentials. That funding benefitted both low-income households and local businesses, grocery stores, and food banks. But that money will soon stop flowing, unless the U.S. Congress ends the shutdown or somehow funds the program through a special exemption. "A delay or reduction in those benefits could potentially impact all of those businesses to some extent," said Haywood County's Health and Human Services (HHS) Director Ira Dove. But the states' lawsuit, filed Tuesday, said a lapse in funding would irreparably harm the more than 42 million Americans that utilize SNAP benefits. "Nearly 600,000 children in our state could be without food in a few days because USDA is playing an illegal game of shutdown politics," said Attorney General Jeff Jackson. "They have emergency money to help feed children during this shutdown, and they're refusing to spend it. I warned them last week that I would take them to court if they tried to hurt our kids, and today that's what we're doing." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suit asked the court to require the USDA to continue funding the program. Jackson has also filed a temporary restraining order asking the court to immediately turn benefits back on. As they wait for the litigation to be settled, Dove and his department are doing everything they can to reduce the impact on residents. "We will share updates as soon as additional federal guidance becomes available because we understand how important these benefits are to members of our community," Dove said in a statement. "Our team is staying in close communication with state and federal partners to ensure residents receive timely information and support throughout this process." Meanwhile, residents should continue to apply for and renew their SNAP benefits so those funds can be used as soon as the shutdown ends. Any benefits that SNAP users have in their accounts from October can still be used while the program is delayed the shutdown will not impact benefits that were given out before November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For anyone in need of additional assistance, Haywood County Health & Human Services offers a food resource guide that lists local food pantries and community meal programs. The guide is updated monthly and is available both at the agency and online at www.haywoodcountync.gov. Or call 2-1-1 to be connected with resources. The state Department of Health and Human Services also offers maps of food pantries and food suppliers online at www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/child-and-family-well-being/food-and-nutrition-services-food-stamps. The North Carolina Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is operational and remains open for business. (The Center Square) As deportation roundups and sometimes violent protests continue throughout U.S. cities, those threatening federal agents and judges continue to be arrested and convicted in Texas. Lubbock resident Tristan Langston faces up to 15 years in prison during his sentencing hearing next week after a just convicted him of threatening to kill U.S. Secret Service agents and their family members. He was charged in March with Transmitting Threats in Interstate Commerce and Threatening a Federal Law Enforcement Officer. By August, a four-day trial was held and the jury convicted him on both counts, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Texas said. He was convicted after the jury heard evidence that Langston had been making online threats since 2023, leading to an investigation by Secret Service agents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Evidence in the case revealed that Langstons statements went well beyond mere political rhetoric or bluster and constituted true threats directed at specific federal agents, the U.S. Attorneys Office said. For months, Langston targeted one of the agents and his family in online posts and memorialized the anger and resentment he harbored against the agents in videos and notes he maintained on his cellphone over a period of years. In February, he criticized two agents on X, also stating, 2nd Amendment in full effect. Gonna slit the throats of agents and their families. Targeting federal agents and their families with threats of violence is not protected speech it is a federal crime, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Nancy Larson said. This verdict reaffirms our offices commitment to take all threats seriously and to hold accountable those who try to intimidate and terrorize our law enforcement partners. In another case, a California woman, Dolly Patterson, was sentenced to the statutory maximum sentence after pleading guilty to transmitting an interstate threat to a U.S. District judge in the Northern District of Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An investigation was conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service after she sent a threatening message through an online form to a federal judge in Amarillo in April 2023, stating, Tell that anti-abortion judge he better watch his back . . . for the rest of his life! She was arrested, charged and acknowledged she sent the message with the intent that it be perceived as a genuine threat and with knowledge that it would be viewed as such, according to court records. She also acknowledged that the interstate communication constituted a true threat to injure another person under federal law. The safety of our federal judiciary is paramount, Larson said. Threats of violence to our judges are becoming all too common whether made online or in person. Such threats are illegal and will be prosecuted. In another case, a Mexican national, Eduardo Aguilar, 23, who was illegally living in Dallas, was arrested for allegedly soliciting others to kill U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. At the time of his arrest, he had a loaded 9mm handgun in his vehicle. It is a felony for illegal foreign national to possess firearms in the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aguilar was charged with Transmitting in Interstate or Foreign Commerce a Communication Containing a Threat because of an Oct. 9 TikTok solicitation he allegedly posted in Spanish. The English translation reads, I need 10 dudes in Dallas with determination (guts) who arent afraid to [two skull emojis]. 10K for each ICE agent. The emojis represent death or to die. Threats against our law enforcement officers are completely unacceptable, Larson said. All threats against our agents and officers will be investigated thoroughly, and anyone who threatens or puts a bounty on agents will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent possible. Aguilar illegally entered the U.S. in 2018 as an unaccompanied minor, according to ICE records. On Feb. 8, 2019, a federal immigration judge issued a final order of removal but he was never removed from the U.S. It would take another six years for him to be arrested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dallas Police officers first identified the TikTok post and shared it with FBI Dallas agents. The FBI launched an investigation with the support of Texas Department of Public Safety, U.S. Marshals, Homeland Security Investigations, Garland Police, ATF-Dallas and others. Aguilar remains in federal custody. If convicted, he faces a maximum of five years in federal prison. His arrest came after a shooter last month opened fire outside of an ICE detention facility in Dallas, killing two illegal foreign nationals who were detained. Assaults against ICE officers increased by more than 1000% in just ten months this year, The Center Square reported. The runup to the next legislative session brings with it, as it always does, a new round of proposed exceptions to Florida's open government laws, generally regarded as among the best in the nation. Specifically, lawmakers have filed bills for the 2026 session to shield more information from public view, adding to the over 1,000 exemptions to the public records statute. The session begins Jan. 13. Proposals would apply to legal assistants, emergency physicians and county administrators, for example, exempting personal identifying and location information for different job titles, including spouses and children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To compare, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis approved a bill from the last session shielding the home addresses and telephone numbers of "certain state and local officials," including state legislators and members of Congress. The measure (SB 268) passed both the Florida House and Senate with only four votes against it. More: DeSantis OKs law shielding addresses of federal, state, local officials from public view At the time, First Amendment advocates raised concerns that this legislation would hinder reporters and voters from finding out whether lawmakers lived in the district they were elected to represent. It makes their cities of residence and ZIP codes still publicly available, however. None of the sponsors for this upcoming session's exemptions responded to requests for comment. But each included a "statement of public necessity" in their bills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One would exempt the addresses of county administrators and city managers. Its sponsor Rep. Alex Rizo, R-Hialeah wrote that they may make decisions that "upset members of the public and may incur the ill will of those residents" and make them "targets for acts of revenge." Lawmakers previously found it a "public necessity" to shield more personal information to prevent threats, and concerns rose after a gunman murdered Minnesota Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband at their home in mid-June. The same person also shot and critically injured Minnesota Democratic state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife in their home. More: Who are Melissa Hortman and John Hoffman, the Minnesota state lawmakers shot on Saturday American Oversight, a government accountability watchdog group, said that access to public records can be the difference between accountability and unchecked corruption. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group, which has sued DeSantis in the past for failing to respond to public records requests in a timely manner, said Florida's public records law has steadily eroded under the two-term governor. "While exemptions can be important in specific, well-defined cases like protecting victims of violent abuse, increasingly broad carve-outs for public employees risk creating a government that operates further out of public view," Chioma Chukwu, the organization's executive director, said in a statement. "Floridians deserve more sunlight on their leaders' actions, not less." Public records exemptions filed for 2026 Florida legislative session Here's a list of bills, as of Oct. 28, already filed ahead of the 2026 session and proposing public records exemptions: HB 263 (filed by Rep. Alex Rizo, R-Hialeah): Would exempt personal identifying and location information for current county administrators, deputy county administrators, assistant county administrators, city managers, deputy city managers and assistant city managers, along with their spouses and children. HB 21 (filed by Rep. Kim Kendall, R-St. Johns): Would exempt personal identifying and location information for medical examiners, along with their spouses and children. HB 181 (filed by Rep. Bill Partington, R-Daytona Beach): Would exempt home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth and photographs of legal assistants employed by the state's public defenders and the Office of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel, along with their spouses and children. HB 179 (filed by Rep. Michael Gottlieb, D-Davie): Would exempt personal identifying and location information of current appellate court clerks, along with their spouses and children. SB 144 (filed by Sen. Darryl Rouson, D-St. Petersburg): Would exempt personal identifying and location information of current and former employees of the Judicial Qualifications Commission, along with their spouses and children. The JQC investigates and prosecutes allegations of judicial misconduct or incapacity involving the states judges. SB 248 (filed by Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez, R-Doral): Would exempt personal identifying and location information of current and former municipal clerks and their staff, along with their spouses and children. HB 251 (filed by Rep. Tiffany Esposito, R-Fort Myers): Would exempt personal identifying and location information of emergency room physicians, along with their spouses and children. SB 298 (filed by Lori Berman, D-Boynton Beach): Would exempt personal identifying and location information of a victim of domestic violence or dating violence and other specific information contained in records held by the HAVEN Coordinating Council or a county-level HAVEN council. HAVEN stands for "Helping Abuse Victims Escape Now," and the council is a state-level body established within the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This reporting content is supported by a partnership with Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners. USA Today Network-Florida First Amendment reporter Stephany Matat is based in Tallahassee, Fla. She can be reached at SMatat@gannett.com. On X: @stephanymatat. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida lawmakers want more public record exemptions. Here's why BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) The new Mormon temple, expected to be built in southwest Bakersfield, is still in its planning stages two years after its announcement, according to the Bakersfield Planning Division. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced the project site the northwest of Stockdale Highway and Jewetta Avenue in July of 2023. Since then, several public meetings have been held regarding the temple project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Assistant Planning Director Jennie Eng told 17 News the city of Bakersfield held a scoping meeting Oct. 15 and invited the public and property owners within 300 feet of the site. Mormon church announces site for future Bakersfield temple The meeting was held to hear comments from agencies, interested parties and the general public regarding the scope and content of the environmental information, according to Eng. Thirty-eight people attended, but only one person at the meeting spoke about concerns regarding the height of the steeple and the proposed lighting, Eng said. The environmental impact report is being written, Eng said. The draft EIR is expected to be available for public review in spring 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No groundbreaking date has been set yet. The city is set to hold more opportunities for the public to review and comment on the EIR once the draft is released, Eng said. In July last year, neighbors and community members attended an open house at the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to express concerns about the proposed 124-foot tall temple tower. 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 KGET 17 News. Morning Joe chastised Republican leaders particularly Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville for their ignorance about those who use or need SNAP benefits, which are about to be affected by the ongoing government shutdown. The conversation came about after the panel played a clip of a recent press interview with Tuberville, wherein the congressman discussed Alabama residents losing SNAP benefits as the government shutdown continues. On Monday, the Alabama Department of Human Resources, which manages SNAP benefits, announced that SNAP would be suspended starting Nov. 1. Approximately 750,000 Alabamians will be affected by the pause. Its their constituents, a lot of them that, in some of these inner cities, theyre going to need SNAP to survive, Tuberville said in the interview where he tried to blame left-wing politicians for the shutdown. A lot of people need to go back to work. A lot of young men that are on SNAP that should be working. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Morning Joe panel first responded with sighs and apparent disgust before weighing on Tubervilles ignorance. This is the ignorance of a lot these Republican leaders, co-host Joe Scarborough said during the Wednesday segment, questioning if Tuberville thinks hes getting at citizens in liberal areas like Brooklyn, N.Y. They think that theyre owning the libs, Scarborough continued. When in fact, its their constituents who disproportionately take from the government. Its their constituents as far as tax money goes who disproportionately are impacted by Medicaid cuts. Its his people that are going to be just completely hammered by [a loss of] SNAP benefits. I know Alabama, I love Alabama. You dont have to drive too far out of Mountain Brook to understand there are a lot of good people in Alabama that need Medicaid, that need SNAP benefits, and a lot of them are people that voted for Donald Trump. Thats the ignorance of all of this. As of Wednesday, this is now the 29th day of the government shutdown after Congress and President Donald Trump couldnt agree on a budget to fund government operations, and without it, the government cant move forward with spending money legally. Watch the full Morning Joe clip in the video above. The post Morning Joe Rips GOP Leaders Ignorance on SNAP Cuts: They Think Theyre Owning the Libs | Video appeared first on TheWrap. Gov. Patrick Morrisey (left) announces Patrick Lee Miller (right) as the first director of West Virginia University's Washington Center for Civics, Culture and Statesmanship Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025 in Charleston, West Virginia. (Photo courtesy of West Virginia Office of Gov. Patrick Morrisey) Dr. Patrick Lee Miller will serve as the first director of the Washington Center for Civics, Culture and Statesmanship at West Virginia University, a new academic center mandated by Republican lawmakers for the Morgantown campus. The bill, passed earlier this year, gave Gov. Patrick Morrisey the job of naming the centers first director, which he announced publicly at the state Capitol in Charleston, West Virginia Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We said we wanted to teach students how to think, not what to think, and we wanted to ensure that the values that made America great are taught with honesty and pride, Morrisey said. Dr. Miller and the Washington Center are going to push back on the woke ideology that has infected our schools and help return higher education to its true purpose, he added. House Bill 3297 mandated that WVU operate the Washington Center for Civics, Culture and Statesmanship focused on teaching constitutional studies and great debates of Western civilization. It will also present the fact-based instruction on Americas founding, according to the governors office. Miller is tasked with overseeing the Washington Center, including managing and recruiting staff, overseeing its curriculum and the programs budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We should revere this civilization. In my view, it is the greatest, Miller said at the news conference. I believe in order to understand this crisis, students must understand how we got here. Miller previously worked at Duquesne University, where he has been an associate professor of philosophy since 2012. He holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. My vision is to train students in the Western tradition, starting with ancient Greece and Rome, through the framing of the U.S. Constitution, and up to the present crisis, he said. Millers published books include Truth, Trump, Tyranny: Plato and the Sophists in an Era of Alternative Facts and Becoming God: Pure Reason in Early Greek Philosophy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the news conference, Miller spoke several times about a crisis in the country, but did not define its nature. The crisis has many components, but I think the eruption recently of political violence in this country is a sign that there is a crisis, Miller said in response to a question from Ogden Newspaper reporter Steven Allen Adams. To talk about its precise nature and its causes, this is not the time for that. Lawmakers gave WVU $1.5 million in the state budget for the university to build the Washington Center program, including hiring Miller and faculty. The legislation required the university to have five additional faculty at the center. The Washington Center can use existing faculty and courses to accomplish the bills requirements of civics instruction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im so pleased that WVU now gets a chance to host this Washington Center and hell have a chance to engage in debate, WVU President Michael Benson said. We hope to attract wonderful scholars and faculty. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE At least 30 people are dead and all of Jamaica has been declared a disaster area after Hurricane Melissa ripped down power lines and caused widespread flooding across the Caribbean. The slow-moving category 5 hurricane, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes in history, made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday with 185mph winds. Five people died on the island and more than 77 per cent of homes were without power on Wednesday evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Children were among 25 people killed in Haiti where dozens of homes destroyed when a river overflowed in Petit-Goave. The storm did not directly hit the island, but it hurled days of rain over the nation. Several Jamaican hospitals and homes, particularly in Saint Elizabeth and Montego Bay, have sustained significant damage, as three mothers gave birth to Melissa babies during the hurricane. A drone view shows streets covered with mud, after Hurricane Melissa passed through Montego Bay, Jamaica - Reuters Up to 8,000 British citizens are currently on the island, either living there temporarily or visiting on holiday. All airports are closed, leaving many stranded. King Charles said he and the Queen were deeply concerned and profoundly saddened to see the catastrophic damage caused by the ferocity of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica and across the Caribbean. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As we continue to follow the situation closely, our anxious thoughts are with all those who have been so cruelly affected by this awful storm, he said in a statement. Above all, our most heartfelt sympathy is with the families, friends and loved ones of those who have tragically lost their lives. A person and their goat cross a flooded street in Haiti - Reuters The King said he had the greatest affection for Jamaica since he first visited the island while serving in the Royal Navy on the West Indies station over fifty years ago. I know that no disaster can break her peoples enduring spirit of strength, solidarity and steadfastness, he said. The King added: This most dreadful of record-breaking storms reminds us of the increasingly urgent need to restore the balance and harmony of Nature for the sake of all those whose lives and livelihoods may have been shattered by this heartbreaking disaster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UK Government has provided 2.5 million in emergency humanitarian funding to support the Caribbean regions recovery. The aid package includes the rapid delivery of shelter kits, water filters and blankets to help prevent injury and disease outbreaks, the government said. People carry empty coffins through the streets of Haiti - Reuters In Haiti, at least 10 children were killed and 12 people remain missing in Haiti, the countrys disaster management agency said. Jean Bertrand Subreme, the mayor of coastal town Petit-Goave, said dozens of homes collapsed when La Digue River burst its banks, and that people remained trapped under rubble. Meanwhile, Cuba has been hit with 120mph winds, forcing the evacuation of over 735,000 people, with the government warning of a very difficult night and urging citizens to remain sheltered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of 3am GMT on Thursday, Melissa was a category 1 hurricane moving north-east through the Bahamas. Melissa is expected to again intensify into a Category 2 hurricane before moving towards Bermuda on Thursday night, according to the National Hurricane Center. A man rides a motorcycle outside a hospital after heavy rains flooded parts of Les Cayes, Haiti - Reuters Andrew Holness, Jamaicas prime minister, on Wednesday reassured citizens that the government was fully mobilised to respond to the devastation, adding that there were still no confirmed reports of deaths. And we are thankful for that, he wrote on social media, acknowledging the scale of destruction across the island, particularly in the west. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We know many of you are hurting, uncertain, and anxious after Hurricane Melissa, but please know that you are not alone. Our teams are on the ground working tirelessly to rescue, restore, and bring relief where its needed most. 06:14pm Thats all for now Thank you for following todays live coverage. 05:44pm Jamaican PM: We will rebuild, we will recover Andrew Holness, Jamaicas prime minister, has issued a new statement reassuring citizens that the government is fully mobilised to respond to the devastation left by Hurricane Melissa. Holness said there are still no confirmed reports of deaths. And we are thankful for that, he wrote on social media. He acknowledged, however, the scale of destruction across the island, particularly in the west. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We know many of you are hurting, uncertain, and anxious after Hurricane Melissa, but please know that you are not alone. Our teams are on the ground working tirelessly to rescue, restore, and bring relief where its needed most. Holness said relief supplies are being prepared and that efforts to restore power and communication are ongoing. To every Jamaican, hold strong. We will rebuild, we will recover, he said. We are reassuring every Jamaican, especially those in the western parishes, that your Government stands firmly with you. We know many of you are hurting, uncertain, and anxious after Hurricane Melissa, but please know that you are not alone. So far, there have been no confirmed pic.twitter.com/F4tFMdSUms Andrew Holness (@AndrewHolnessJM) October 29, 2025 05:06pm Pictured: Much of Jamaica without power or phone service Residents walk through Santa Cruz, Jamaica, after Hurricane Melissa passed and left a trail of devastation - AP 04:54pm US Sends Rescue Teams to Caribbean After Hurricane Melissa American rescue and response teams are heading to the Caribbean, along with critical lifesaving supplies, after Hurricane Melissa struck the region, said the US Secretary of state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marco Rubio said the US has been in close contact with Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and The Bahamas as they face the storms devastating impacts. We have rescue and response teams heading to affected areas along with critical lifesaving supplies, he wrote on X. Our prayers are with the people of the Caribbean, he added. The United States is in close contact with the governments of Jamaica, Haiti, Dominican Republic and The Bahamas as they confront the devastating impacts of Hurricane Melissa. We have rescue and response teams heading to affected areas along with critical lifesaving supplies. Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) October 29, 2025 04:29pm Pictures: Residents clear fallen trees and restore power in Jamaica Hurricane Melissa tore through Jamaica on Tuesday, uprooting trees, knocking out power, and inundating the island with heavy rains that threaten flash floods and landslides - AFP 03:53pm Hurricane weakens after battering Cuba and Jamaica Hurricane Melissa has moved offshore of eastern Cuba into the southwestern Atlantic, the US National Hurricane Centre has said. Maximum sustained winds have dropped to 100mph. When Melissa struck Jamaica yesterday, it brought winds of 185mph, making it one of the strongest tropical cyclones ever recorded in the Atlantic basin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The storm is now forecast to head toward the Bahamas, with authorities there preparing for impact. 03:28pm More than 77 per cent of Jamaica without power More than two thirds of Jamaica remains without electricity following Hurricane Melissa, the countrys information minister has said. The least affected areas include St Thomas, St Catherine, and parts of Kingston and St Andrew, Dr Dana Morris Dixon told a news conference, adding that Montego Bay, which suffered a direct hit, has been particularly difficult to assess due to slow communication. Significant damage has been reported across the island. Authorities are working to restore operations at airports, with hopes of reopening Norman Manley International Airport near Kingston by Wednesday, said Dr Dixon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is currently no update on conditions at the airport in Montego Bay. 03:16pm Three Melissa babies delivered during storm Several mothers in Jamaica gave birth as Hurricane Melissa swept across the island, a local government minister has said. There is a Melissa baby. A Melissa baby. We want to commend the team who responded to that, Desmond McKenzie told a news conference. He added that two other deliveries also took place, with one mother resting comfortably and another remaining under observation. We are a great country and despite our challenges, we rise to the occasion, he said. 03:04pm 25 people killed by flooded river in southern Haiti The mayor of a southern Haitian coastal town told The Associated Press that 25 people died after a river burst its banks and flooded nearby homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jean Bertrand Subreme said dozens of homes in Petit-Goave collapsed, and people were still trapped under rubble as of Wednesday morning. I am overwhelmed by the situation, said Mr Subreme, as he pleaded with the government to help rescue victims. Only one official from Haitis Civil Protection Agency was in the area, with residents struggling to evacuate amid heavy floodwaters unleashed by Hurricane Melissa in recent days. 02:42pm Hurricane Melissa leaves considerable damage in Cuba, says president Hurricane Melissa struck Cuba on Thursday morning with winds of 115mph and heavy rain, before moving across the island and making its way into the southwestern Atlantic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miguel Diaz-Canel, Cubas president, said the storm caused considerable damage but praised the countrys preparedness for a worst-case scenario. I ask our people not to let their guard down, to maintain discipline and continue well protected, wrote on X. Authorities continue to assess the impact as recovery efforts get underway. Ha sido una madrugada muy compleja. Danos cuantiosos, y aun el huracan #Melisa sigue sobre territorio cubano. Pido a nuestro pueblo no confiarse, mantener la disciplina y continuar a buen resguardado. En cuanto las condiciones lo permitan vamos a la recuperacion. Estamos listos. pic.twitter.com/lFKksrUgk1 Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez (@DiazCanelB) October 29, 2025 02:15pm Watch: Severe flooding hits Jamaica 01:54pm UK to send 2.5 million to Caribbean The UK Government is mobilising 2.5m in emergency humanitarian funding to support the Caribbean regions recovery from the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. The aid package includes the rapid delivery of shelter kits, water filters, and blankets to help prevent injury and disease outbreaks, the government said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emergency supplies had been positioned in Antigua to allow swift deployment to affected areas, it said, adding that British humanitarian and technical experts were being deployed to the region to assist with the coordination and delivery of aid. 01:23pm Cuba suffers extensive damage from hurricane, says president Miguel Diaz-Canel, Cubas president, said that Hurricane Melissa had wrought extensive damage after it made landfall overnight on the island nations southern coast. It has been a very difficult early morning, Mr Diaz-Canel said on social media. Extensive damage, and Hurricane Melissa is still over Cuban territory. I urge our people not to let their guard down, to maintain discipline, and to remain safely sheltered. The hurricane weakened to a category 2 storm as it passed through the island after pummelling Jamaica as one of the strongest Atlantic storms on record. It is forecast to soon move away from Cuba five hours after making landfall this morning towards the islands of the central Bahamas. 01:14pm Pictured: Locals survey the damage to roads in Jamaica A police officer inspects a car damaged by a fallen tree after the passage of Hurricane Melissa in Manchester, Jamaica - AFP The hurricane swept slowly across Jamaica on Tuesday, battering the island with torrential rain and wind - REUTERS 12:31pm Melissa most powerful hurricane to make landfall in 90 years Hurricane Melissa tied the 1935 record for the most intense storm ever to make landfall when it battered Jamaica on Tuesday, according to meteorological data. The Labor Day Hurricane devastated the Florida Keys 90 years ago with winds approaching 186mph and an atmospheric pressure of 892 millibars a record combination equalled by Melissa, according to the data analysed by AFP. 12:14pm Scenes of destruction are shocking, says Starmer as UK sends warship b' ' Sir Keir Starmer said HMS Trent and rapid deployment teams have been deployed to Jamaica and are standing ready to help. He said: The scenes of destruction emerging from Jamaica are truly shocking. Both the Foreign Secretary and I have been in close contact with our Jamaican counterpart in recent days to offer the UKs full support. 12:01pm Dawn has broken in Jamaica, damage to become clearer Dawn has broken in Jamaica where it is now 7am and the true scale of damage from Hurricane Melissa is about to become clearer. Information overnight has been fairly scarce and casualty numbers are unknown. 11:23am Watch: Flooding cripples rescue efforts in Jamaica 11:07am Red Cross: Melissa is an unprecedented catastrophe The full extent of the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica is still unknown, however the Red Cross has said early reports suggest it is an unprecedented catastrophe. Many of the worst-hit communities are still cut off from the outside world due to dangerous conditions hampering rescue efforts and a loss of power and communications. Alexander Pendry, British Red Cross Global Response Manager, said: Were waiting for dawn to break in Jamaica so that teams can assess the full extent of the damage, but early indications are that Hurricane Melissa was a disaster of unprecedented catastrophe for the island. News is already coming through that whole communities are under water and that the damage left by the strong winds has been devastating. He added that the impact of the storm, one of the worst to ever hit the Caribbean, is expected to be shattering and long lasting. Andrew Holness, Jamaicas prime minister, earlier said that the loss of life was likely. 10:49am Melissa churns through the Caribbean follow live tracker 10:46am State of alert across Cuba Hurricane Melissa hit the island with winds of up to 120mph, after fluctuating between category 3 and category 5, the highest on the scale. Cuban residents fled the coast as it approached, with local authorities declaring a state of alert in six eastern provinces. Residents said they had been stockpiling food, candles, and batteries since Monday. We bought bread, spaghetti, and ground beef. This cyclone is serious, but well get through it, Graciela Lamaison told AFP in Santiago de Cuba. Authorities in Haiti, east of Cuba, ordered the closure of schools, businesses and government offices on Wednesday. Cuban authorities reported that some 735,000 people have been evacuated so far. It will be a very difficult night for all of Cuba, but we will recover, Miguel Diaz-Canel, Cubas president, told the population. 10:09am Pictured: Damage in the Dominican Republic People fix a roof in Barahona, Dominican Republic after days of strong winds and torrential rain - AFP A man rides his motorbike through flooded waters in Barahona - AFP 09:34am Bahamas evacuates as it braces for Melissa Hurricane Melissa is crawling closer to the central and southeastern Bahamas, with conditions forecast to deteriorate rapidly. Evacuation orders have been issued for six islands, with widespread flooding and possible eight foot storm surge, the statement said. The time for preparation has now come to an end, Leon Lundy, s state minister, said in a news conference on Tuesday, as he urged the public to seek shelter immediately. 09:07am Pictured: Communities underwater in Jamaica In southwestern Jamaica, the parish of St Elizabeth was left underwater, an official said, with more than 500,000 residents without power. A a number of families are trapped in their homes, a government minister reported, with rescue workers struggling to reach those in need because of dangerous conditions. The flooded streets of St Elizabeth where families are reportedly trapped in their homes - X / @DaRealBigDon 09:02am Melissa brings damaging winds and dangerous storm surge Melissa is bringing damaging winds, flooding rains, and dangerous storm surge as it moves over eastern Cuba, US forecasters said. The continuing intense rain could cause life-threatening flooding with numerous landslides, according to the National Hurricane Center. Hundreds of thousands were evacuated to shelters ahead of its arrival. 08:14am Roads run with water after Hurricane Melissa swept across Jamaica Credit: Social Media 08:06am Melissa to batter Cuba for the next six hours Hurricane Melissa is currently battering the east coast of Cuba with strong winds after making landfall just after 3am local time (7am GMT). Extremely dangerous hurricane Melissa makes landfall on southern coast of eastern Cuba, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said in an updated advisory. Forecasts estimate it will take the storm around six hours to pass over the country, subjecting it to torrential rains and storm surge before heading up towards the Bahamas and near Bermuda. 07:44am Watch: Melissas path of destruction in Jamaica 07:24am Melissa makes landfall in Cuba with 120mph winds Hurricane Melissa makes landfall on south coast of eastern Cuba as a Category 3 storm. Melissa was located about 60 miles southwest of Guantanamo with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph, the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said in its latest advisory. Cuban authorities said some 500,000 people had been ordered to move to higher ground prior to the storms arrival. 07:15am What is the latest? After making landfall in Jamaica as one of the most powerful hurricanes on record and bringing widespread destruction, Melissa started to weaken. Yet, once it cleared the north coast of the island overnight, it was once again fuelled by the energy of the unusually warm Caribbean waters and re-intensified into a category 4 hurricane. As it curved to the north-east on a trajectory toward Santiago de Cuba, Cubas second-most populous city, it reduced into a category 3 storm with sustained winds of 125mph making it one of the worst storms to hit the nation since Irma in 2017. Cubans have been told to prepare for the worst after US meteorologists warned Melissa will make landfall as anextremely dangerous major hurricane. After ripping through Cuba, the storm is expected to pick up speed but lose strength as it churns towards the Bahamas later today and then Bermuda on Thursday as a category 1 hurricane. 06:58am Melissa weakens to category 3 before reaching Cuba Hurricane Melissa weakened to a category 3 storm before reaching Cuba this morning. Melissa is expected to remain a powerful hurricane when it moves across Cuba and the Bahamas and passes near Bermuda, the US National Hurricane Center said in its latest advisory. It is bringing up to 125mph winds and inching closer to Cubas east coast. A woman walks in a rain-soaked street before Hurricane Melissa hits the city of Santiago de Cuba - YAMIL LAGE / AFP 06:46am Prepare for the worst, Cubans warned Hurricane Melissa is now barrelling towards Cuba, where it was expected to make landfall as a major storm this morning Miguel Diaz-Canel, the countrys president, has warned the public it is a hurricane of great magnitude. It is considered right now by its characteristics as one of the most severe hurricanes or perhaps the strongest that has passed through the national territory, he told the nation. 05:02am Hurricane Melissa upgraded to category 4 hurricane again Hurricane Melissa has re-strengthened to a Category 4 hurricane as it approaches eastern Cuba, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said in its latest advisory. It is expected to make landfall in Cuba at 2am, local time, on Wednesday. The storm took hours to cross over Jamaica, a passage over land that diminished its winds, dropping down to a Category 3 from Category 5, before ramping back up. At its peak, the storm packed ferocious sustained winds of 185 miles per hour. Melissa is expected to remain a powerful hurricane when it moves across Cuba, the Bahamas, and near Bermuda, the NHC said, adding Melissa is expected to make landfall in Cuba as an extremely dangerous major hurricane in the next few hours. Waves batter the shoreline in Santiago de Cuba - Norlys Perez Bermuda is already bracing for the storms destruction. Like other Caribbean islands, the self-governing British Overseas Territory, located 650 miles east of the US state of North Carolina, has a hurricane season each year, but the storms rarely cause significant damage. However, Bermudian authorities say that this one is different. Michael Weeks, the territorys minister of national security, told The Royal Gazette that Bermuda cannot afford to take this lightly. It is strong, it is moving our way and if we let our guard down, it could catch us off-guard like storms have done before, Mr Weeks said. 04:40am Jamaicas prime minister declares island a disaster area Jamaicas prime minister has warned that his island is a disaster area after Hurricane Melissa ripped a path of destruction on Tuesday. The storm, one of the most powerful hurricanes on record, made landfall on Tuesday afternoon and lashed the island nation with brutal winds and torrential rain. Authorities warned residents to remain sheltered amid severe risks of floods and landslides. It is not known if anyone has been killed but Andrew Holness, Jamaicas prime minister, said casualties are likely. Reports that we have had so far would include damage to hospitals, significant damage to residential property, housing and commercial property as well, Mr Holness told CNN. Credit: Jamaica Constabulary Force He said the government has not received reports of storm-related deaths but said he is expecting that there would be some loss of life. The scale of Melissas damage in Jamaica was not yet clear, as a comprehensive assessment could take days and much of the island was still without power, with communications networks badly disrupted. The damage is extensive At its peak, the storm which has moved north and is set to hit Cuba on Wednesday packed ferocious sustained winds of 185 mph. Desmond McKenzie, a government minister, said several hospitals had been damaged, including in the hard-hit southwestern district of Saint Elizabeth, a coastal area he said was underwater. The damage to Saint Elizabeth is extensive, based on what we have seen, he told a briefing. Saint Elizabeth is the bread basket of the country, and that has taken a beating. The entire Jamaica has felt the brunt of Melissa. The hurricane was the worst to ever strike Jamaica, hitting land with maximum wind speeds even more potent than most of recent historys most brutal storms, including 2005s Katrina, which ravaged the US city of New Orleans. 04:28am In pictures: Cuba residents brace for hurricanes arrival People gather at a school turned shelter - Patrice Noel People carry their belongings to shelters ahead of Hurricane Melissa in Cuba - Alexandre Meneghini Residents are evacuated and taken to safe locations in Santiago, Cuba - Yamil Lage 04:18am Cuban president urges citizens to act responsibly Cubas president Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez has urged citizens to act responsibly as Hurricane Melissa barrels toward the country. It is essential that no one venture to bathe in swollen rivers. No one should return from evacuation sites to their homes or residences until instructions have been given to return or enter the recovery phase in each of the territories, he told Cubas state newspaper, Granma. The Cuban president said he has mobilised the countrys civil defence to aid recovery efforts and restore water, communications and electricity. 03:54am Cuba braces for impact Cubans are bracing for a strengthening Hurricane Melissa which is due to make landfall on the island. The storm, one of the largest in history, has battered Jamaica overnight, causing extensive damage and forcing thousands of people to evacuate their homes. Cubas president has warned of a difficult night ahead for his country. President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez said on X that more than 735,000 people have been evacuated due to the storm. It will be a very difficult night for all of Cuba, but we will recover, always with the faith in victory that Fidel and Raul instilled in us, he said. Men cover a car to protect it from Hurricane Melissa as the storm churns towards Santiago de Cuba - REUTERS 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. NEED TO KNOW A retired NYPD police officer rescued a 30-year-old woman and a baby from the East River on Oct. 26 Paul Pinsdorf allegedly pulled the woman out of the water at Hermon A. MacNeil Park in the College Point neighborhood of Queens, N.Y. Fei Fei Gao, 30, has been charged with attempted murder and endangering the welfare of a child A retired New York Police Department Officer rescued a mother and her baby from a river at a park in Queens on Oct. 26. Retired NYPD Officer Paul Pinsdorf reportedly heard screams and saw a woman walking into the East River with her baby. The incident occurred at Hermon A. MacNeil Park in the College Point neighborhood of Queens, N.Y., CBS New York reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "She was crying, holding it, going deeper and deeper in the water," Pinsdorf told the outlet. "She's saying incoherent things, so I couldn't really make out," the retired officer, who was nearby volunteering for a Halloween event, continued. Pinsdorf also alleged that the woman "did not want to come back" and that the baby was nearly underwater when he went in after them. The 30-year-old woman allegedly waded chest-deep into the water with her five-month-old baby in her arms, according to The New York Post. The woman was transported to North Shore University Hospital for treatment, while the infant was brought to New York Presbyterian, the NYPD confirmed to the outlet. A representative for the NYPD confirmed to PEOPLE and CBS New York that the woman, identified as 30-year-old Fei Fei Gao of Queens, was charged with attempted murder and endangering the welfare of a child. She was arrested after she was examined at the hospital. Google Earth MacNeil Park Boat Launch MacNeil Park Boat Launch "If Paul didn't get here when he got there, I don't know what would have been the outcome," retired NYPD Officer Kevin O'Donnell told CBS New York. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ODonnell, who happened to be at the park with Pinsdorf, once led the Community Affairs Office at the NYPDs 109th Precinct in Queens, per The New York Post. 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. "The woman was stressing over something," Brock Weiner, who is also a retired NYPD officer, told CBS New York. "She was fighting him, but she wouldn't let go the baby." Read the original article on People After a long journey home, a South African man was stunned to discover a little stowaway hidden in his car. IOL reported that a Cape Town resident found the creature after he returned home from a festival in Johannesburg, 1,400 km (870 miles) away. Upon unloading his car, the man found a squirrel-sized primate staring at him with huge eyes. He wisely took the creature to the nearest wildlife center, where the startled primate received a clean bill of health from a vet. "The tiny hitchhiker was a lesser bush baby, and he was very far from home," Belinda Abraham, Cape of Good Hope SPCA's spokesperson, told the publication. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lesser bush baby is a small but vocal primate. The African Wildlife Foundation noted that they can produce 18 distinct vocalizations, which can be as loud as a human infant's. The sound is the most reliable way researchers have for telling the multiple subspecies apart. If you somehow miss the sound, you won't miss the smell; they use urine to mark territory and navigate. As a National Geographic profile observed, they usually hunker down during the day in family groups before venturing out at night solo. Those gigantic eyes and ears help them locate prey in the dark, and they eat pretty much whatever they can get their paws on. Cape Town staff coordinated efforts with counterparts in Johannesburg to figure out where the bush baby, whom they named Maurice, had come from and how to get him home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fortunately, they were able to identify the colony Maurice had fled from and arrange a flight for him to return. Thankfully, no harm came to either animal or human, though we can't be as sure about the car's upholstery. In this case, it was a cute story that demonstrates vital work done at the local level. However, an animal venturing that far out of its native range doesn't always have a happy ending. The odds of an animal surviving outside its habitat are low; those that do establish themselves might become a nuisance and potentially an invasive species. There's also a significant risk of disease for both people and other animals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the Cape of Good Hope's staff, the little hitchhiker left a big impression. Abraham said, "Go well, Maurice, and thank you for bringing us all together in compassion, in generosity, and in national pride." 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. DES MOINES, Iowa The November 4th election is now less than a week away where voters will decide whether Des Moines Public Schools Reimagining Education Plan will go through or not. It would cost $200 a year in property taxes for the average homeowner in the district for the next 20 years. The bond would provide updates and renovations to the district. Moulton Elementary School, in the River Bend neighborhood, would be the only school in the district that would get completely torn down and rebuilt in the proposed plan. It would cost $42 million of the $265 million proposed district plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday night, Moulton Principal Eddie McCulley, hosted a public tour to show anyone who was interested in why the school needs the upgrade. Part of this school was built in 1904, other parts like the basement are much older. And it shows in some areas. We can limp through anything, right? We can make anything work, and we do. So the word need I think we need to be rebuilt if were going to do the school, the Moulton Arts Academy, with integrity, McCulley said. Johnston school board candidates respond to campaign ethics ruling The new building would be a signature school, grades K through 8th. It would be the first of its kind in Des Moines, offering majors or focuses like music, dance, theater arts and drama and creative writing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think we need to do right by our kids and families. I think we need to do right by our neighborhood. I think this neighborhood deserves a new building, he said. This at one time was the gem of the city when it was North High School. And so theres an opportunity right now to again make it the gem of the city. In recent years, Moulton has dealt with the struggles of a 121 year old building. McCully himself has painted murals inside, and the district has made several small renovations. But he says more is needed. Its like lipstick on a pig. Ive dressed it up and made it fancy. I made sure that it looked like a space that was for kids. But its also dilapidated and old and falling apart, McCulley said. We had ceiling tiles falling out of the ceiling yesterday, and it was a light rain. Does it make sense to continue to put money into the Model T or buy a new car? I think its time for this neighborhood, and I do think that our neighborhood deserves this opportunity. Four Iowa schools earn Blue Ribbon honor in 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McCulley says he knows its been a complicated last few months with Des Moines Public Schools and former Superintendent Ian Roberts. But he says he wants the vision to continue forward. Everybody showed up the next day. Teachers and students alike, nothing shifted. The intention of our mission hasnt shifted at all Moultons principal said. I believe that this is us telling our kids and our families that we believe in you. We really authentically want to grow and learn collectively. We do this together. This is really about believing in our kids. If this is passed on Tuesday, they predict the construction would start after this school year, and it would take about two years to complete. In the meantime, these students would be moved and bused over to the Kurtz building on the southside of town. McCulley says if it does not pass, Moulton will not be torn down. He said that is a rumor. Metro News: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 who13.com. HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) The mayor of Mount Carmel and two state lawmakers are asking for the publics help keeping the Mount Carmel DMV open. A virtual news conference was held on Wednesday to address the issue. The office is currently set to close on November 14, however officials say they were able to put a DMV office at Frontier College after the state tried to close the location in Carmi last year. The Illinois Secretary of States Office released a statement claiming the office made the decision to close the facility as it was not an efficient use of taxpayer dollars. The release said the DMV only processed a total of 15 drivers license transactions a day, and four other DMV offices are located within 20 miles of the Mount Carmel facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Secretary of States Office also wrote that customers and staff regularly complained about the condition of the facility, and the landlord failed to address when negotiating terms for a new lease. Officials say they performed detailed surveys of alternative locations proposed by Mt. Carmel officials over the last year, but none of the properties came close to meeting the requirements for a service and property management perspective. 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). CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio (WJW) A beloved costume shop in Northeast Ohio has announced the closing of its brick-and-mortar location this year. After nearly 60 years in business, Mr. Funs Costumes and Curiosities is moving to a pop-up/events model, letting go of its year-round location. Trade pennies for gift cards at Giant Eagle This isnt a final curtain call its just an exciting costume change, Meralie Pocock, co-owner of Mr. Funs, said in a statement. WJW photo WJW photo WJW photo This year is the businesses last Halloween and Christmas season on Front Street, closing up shop officially on Dec. 31. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After selling everything at the shop, the plan is to start selling fun costumes and gifts at fairs and bazaars and other community events in 2026. Trick-or-treat guide: Halloween celebration dates in Northeast Ohio The business was started by Al and Carol Pocock in 1968 and has been run by the family ever since. While the shop has moved around through the years, its always been in Cuyahoga Falls. This isnt goodbye its a fresh take on how we connect with our community, Pocock said. This move gives us the freedom to be even more creative and spontaneous, and we can show up in new places, meet new faces, and keep doing what we love spreading fun wherever we go! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Find out more about the costume shop right 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 Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Memphis-Shelby County School board members are speaking out Tuesday after county commissioners override Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris veto on Monday. The county commission voted to have all school board member positions placed on the ballot next year. First of all its voters nullification, it is unconstitutional to stop elected officials in the middle of their elected term, said Board Member Towanna Murphy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an 8 to 4 vote, the Shelby County Commission decided to override Mayor Lee Harris veto on school board elections. Towanna Murphy exchanges words with activists as county commission decides school board elections The votes came with controversy when the commission chair threatened to remove members of the audience who were disrupting the meeting. Murphy said that for her, the commotion was due to personal reasons. I was not kicked out of the County Commissioner meeting, there were two other individuals that was kicked out of the County Commissioner meeting due to being disrespectful and for messing with my special needs child. No matter how we disagree, we are going to agree to disagree, but that kind of disrespect is unacceptable, said Murphy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other school board members like Sable Otey took their comments to social media saying if the public does not like an elected official, it is a reflection of voter turnout. Commissioner explains why she voted to override mayors veto on school board elections She said, Elections have consequences, and failing to engage in them has brought us here today. But to hold us accountable for one decision while elected officials vote every day on policies that directly harm our communities is unfair and sets a dangerous precedent. They dont get to tell us who can sit there, the constituents get to say when and who they want in these seats, they dont get to make those decisions for us, said Murphy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shelby County Commissioner Britney Thornton, who voted to override the veto, says her own observations and interactions led to her decision. Students literally pulled me to the side to say, Dont send your child to this school. And they had this long list of complaints, said Thornton. The people are acknowledging that this is a failed system, and its not just going to correct itself. We need vision and we need it now. They know that they cant do that, but they decided they want to push the issue anyway, so it is going to go into litigation, said Murphy. 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 WREG.com. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Memphis-Shelby County School Board members approved a resolution on Tuesday that looks to expand school bus routes. Students, along with teachers, parents, and members of the immigration community, packed out the school board meeting as they shared their fears amid the presence of the Memphis Safe Task Force. Having to keep your passport on you at all times in fear of being harassed or taken away from a city you already call home is horrifying, one student said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The resolution focuses on creating a way to ensure a safe passage to and from school for every child. I implore you to take care of these children and provide services such as buses, as these children and students here in Shelby County are at risk of being harassed, racially profiled, detained, or taken away from these families. After all, all children have the right to feel safe at school, said Ian Arafat, a Memphian. MSCS board reacts after commissioners vote to override mayors veto on board elections Several speakers mentioned that absences are rising, and families are even leaving the district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A couple of families have withdrawn their students and claimed that theyre going back to their home countries. Absentees have increased as well, and students are missing out on material and not receiving the free and quality education that they deserve, a concerned citizen added. And board members pressed about what would happen if federal agents showed up on school property. If theyre on our property and ICE tries to take them, can SRO (school resource officers) stop them from doing that on our property? questioned MSCS Board Member Towanna Murphy. Board Chair Natalie McKinney commended board members for taking action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This has been, as youve heard from the many people who came and talked to us. This is something we have not ever experienced; most of us have not experienced it in our lifetime. And so Im very happy that we could do this for the community, McKinney said. The resolution directs school leaders to come up with an emergency plan that will be implemented within the next 30 days to ensure students have access to transportation to get to and from school safely. WREG has put in a request with MSCS for the latest attendance numbers since the arrival of the Memphis Safe Task Force. We will let you know when we hear back from the district. 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 WREG.com. The medical organisation Doctors Without Borders (known by its French acronym, MSF) has said it was ordered to leave Libya by November 9, with no reason given for its expulsion. MSF had already been forced to suspend its activities in the country in March, and said in a statement on Wednesday that it was told to leave in a recent letter from the Libyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. No reason has been given to justify our expulsion and the process remains unclear, Steve Purbrick, who heads MSFs programmes in Libya, said in the statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We believe that MSF still has an important role to play in Libya, particularly in the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis, in supporting the Libyan health system, but also in providing access to healthcare for refugees and migrants who are excluded from care and subject to arbitrary detention and serious violence, he said. We have been ordered to leave Libya by 9 November. Our expulsion comes without justification and follows an initial suspension of our activities in the country beginning in March this year. We deeply regret this decision and hope to find a positive solution: MSF International (@MSF) October 29, 2025 Purbrick said MSFs registration with the United Nations-recognised government remained valid, and the Geneva-based organisation still hoped to find a positive solution to the situation. MSF said that in collaboration with the Libyan health authorities, it had carried out more than 15,000 medical consultations last year. In 2023, it provided emergency medical aid following flash floods in the coastal city of Derna that killed thousands of people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Libya is split between the UN-recognised government in Tripoli, led by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, and a rival administration in the east. The North African country has remained divided since a NATO-backed revolt toppled and killed longtime leader, Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, in 2011. In March, MSFs premises were closed by Libyas Internal Security Agency, and several of its staff faced interrogation, it said. This wave of repression also affected nine other humanitarian organisations operating in the west of the country, said MSF. In a context of increasing obstruction of NGO intervention, drastic cuts in international aid funding, and the reinforcement of European border policies in collaboration with the Libyan authorities, there are now no international NGOs providing medical care to refugees and migrants in western Libya, it said. Founded in 1971, MSF says it has more than 67,000 staff working in more than 70 countries. JEN PSAKI: Donald Trump was feeling extra proud of himself yesterday because he passed a really difficult test, one that he bragged had some very hard questions. Questions like, name these animals and draw a clock. Good job, Mr. President! For his part, House Speaker Mike Johnson held a press conference earlier today where he rattled through a litany of accusations against a certain former president, seemingly completely unaware of just how close to home his critiques were hitting. (VIDEO CLIP) JEN PSAKI: Maybe someone needs to ask Mike Johnson to name a few animals, maybe. That does it for me tonight. The Last Word with Lawrence ODonnell, who is back, starts right now. Hi, Lawrence. LAWRENCE ODONNELL: Hey, Jen, I havent taken any What Animal Is That questions lately. (LAUGHTER) I dont remember them being too tough whenever I did take them, thats for sure. JEN PSAKI: Me neither. We could pass those with flying colors, Im fairly certain, but we wouldnt be given them so frequently, I dont think, either. LAWRENCE ODONNELL: Youre seeing madness at work every day down there! JEN PSAKI: No question about it! LAWRENCE ODONNELL: Thanks, Jen. JEN PSAKI: Thanks, Lawrence. BOSTON (WPRI) The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) and three other shelters across the state will be waiving adoption fees for a number of cats this upcoming weekend. The adoptathon, dubbed Spirit Cat Halloween, will take place on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. The MSPCA explained that fees will be waived specifically for cats that tend to stay in the shelters longer, such as older felines and those with specific behavioral or medical needs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve been taking in more surrenders this year, so our capacity is tight, MSPCAs Mike Keiley said, adding that the MSPCAs cat intake is up more than 20% over last year. The adoptathon was organized by the Massachusetts Animal Shelter Support coalition. The following shelters will be waiving fees throughout the adoptathon: The coalitions goal is to rehome at least 100 cats throughout the two-day adoptathon, including some who have an unfair reputation during this time of year, according to the MSPCA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Black cats are often unfairly maligned some people think theyre bad luck or harder to adopt in general but its worse around Halloween, Keiley said. There are even shelters that wont adopt out black cats in October because of myths, like adopters using them for some kind of sacrifice or satanic ritual. Theres no evidence to support that theres a spike in animal crimes around Halloween, he continued, noting that the MSPCA specifically hasnt seen an increase in complaints throughout the month of October. In total, the MSPCA has approximately 50 cats for adoption between its four shelters. These cats are just as loving and deserving of a home as any of the other animals in our care, Keiley said. Were so sure that our adopters have good intentions that fees will be waived for some of our black cats in arguably the most witchy city in the world Salem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eligible cats will have stars on their adoption profiles, according to the MSPCA. No appointment is necessary to visit the shelter and adopt a cat. Eli at MSPCAs Boston shelter has a heart murmur that will require medication. (Courtesy: MSPCA-Angell) The MSPCA has roughly 50 black cats in its care (Courtesy: MSPCA-Angell) Boo is a cat with diabetes at the MSPCAs Cape Cod shelter whose fee will be waived in the adoptathon. (credit MSPCA-Angell) 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. Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup 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 WPRI.com. This week's MTA Heroes are subway train operators, conductors, and train service supervisors who helped rescue a dog from the tracks. The pup jumped onto the tracks after a passenger fell at the 14th Street-Union Square station. Apparently the dog had energy to burn, because the pooch ended up in Queens! Train operator Richard Canfield, conductor Kathy Ann Caesar, train operator Jin Yu, and train service supervisor Gurmit Singh Jaswal were in different parts of the subway system when they spotted the dog and reported the sightings to the rail control center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dog went from Union Square to Times Square, to 59th Street, to the Steinway Street Station, and ended up at Forest Hills-71st Avenue. Eventually, police safely rescued the pup. ---------- * Get Eyewitness News Delivered * More New York City news * Send us a news tip * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts * Follow us on YouTube Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply. NEW YORK (PIX11) Commuters are always ready to talk about transit. Its one of the hot issues in the campaign for mayor. The leading candidates have outlined specific positions, including more city control, free buses, and increased fare enforcement. More Local News MTA Chairman Janno Lieber says theyre thrilled more people are talking about more transit and faster transit. Transit is an affordability solution, he said as the MTA held its monthly board meeting in Lower Manhattan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Governor Andrew Cuomo proposes city oversight of big projects. He had an influence on transit during his terms in office. Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani has made faster and free buses a prominent part of his campaign. He led last years pilot program for a free bus line in each borough. Curtis Sliwa is focusing on combating fare evasion and disorder. He has been in the subways daily and draws on his experience founding the Guardian Angels. Assemblymember Mamdanis idea for faster and free buses has received a lot of attention. Make PIX11 your preferred news source on Google: Heres how Chairman Janno Lieber was asked about it specifically after the monthly MTA board meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have to study all the implications, not just fare box revenue, capital operations. Ive been consistent in saying we need a thorough study, Lieber said. Assemblymember Mamdani didnt address the comments at a rally on Wednesday. In a statement to PIX11 News, his campaign wrote that making buses fast and free is the most effective way to make sure that every single person in the five boroughs can get where they need to go safely and on time. The MTA is advocating for the expansion of fair fares, which offer half-price fares for riders at a certain income level. Efforts are continuing to raise the requirement to 200% of the federal poverty level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the new administration coming in, we look forward to discussing fair fares with the increase in eligibility and marketing, said MTA Board Member Melva Miller. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State The program is funded by the city budget. It has been increased by Mayor Eric Adams and the current city council. The candidates have indicated support for fair fares. New York City residents can see if they currently qualify and sign up at MTA Customer Service Centers. By the end of the year, 30 locations will be open around the city. 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. MUNCIE, IN A Michigan man has been sentenced to 60 years in prison for a Muncie homicide. Adonis L. Logan, now 20, was sentenced on Wednesday, Oct. 29, by Delaware Circuit Court 4 Judge John Feick. Logan a resident of Dearborn, a western suburb of Detroit had pleaded guilty to murder on Oct. 1. According to court documents, Logan fatally shot Jack R. Simpson, 55, in a home in Elgin Manor Apartments, in the 2500 block of South Elgin Street, on Sept. 16, 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An affidavit said when Logan, then 18, went to the northside Muncie apartment complex on the day of the slaying, he was accompanied by his then-girlfriend, Adriana M. Dillow. More: Anderson man formally charged with murder, attempted murder Now 20, Dillow is set to stand trial March 26 on charges of aiding, inducing or causing murder and conspiracy to commit murder. At Wednesday's sentencing hearing, Logan and his defense attorney, Peter John Capofari, said Dillow persuaded Logan the shooting victim had sexually abused her when she was a juvenile. She also helped him obtain the gun used in the slaying, they said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I was manipulated and coerced by my co-defendant," Logan told Judge Feick, adding that he took "full responsibility" for his actions. "I'm deeply sorry for taking (Simpson's) life," he said. Capofari said his client was "taken advantage of." He recommended the Michigan man receive a 45-year sentence, the minimum penalty for a murder conviction in Indiana. Deputy prosecutor Adrian Perez maintained Logan deserved a 60-year sentence. Perez also said Logan had been the target of 14 misconduct complaints in the Delaware County Jail, including several for fighting. Both the deputy prosecutor and Judge Feick noted the victim was shot repeatedly, including after he had fallen to the floor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Feick also said Logan had reportedly told investigators he hoped the gunshot wounds would leave Simpson paralyzed. The Michigan man was given credit for more than two years already spent in custody. Douglas Walker is a news reporter for The Star Press. Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at dwalker@muncie.gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Michigan man sentenced to 60 years in prison for Muncie slaying A manhunt is underway for a murder suspect erroneously released from a California jail last week, authorities said. The U.S. Marshals Service and local authorities are searching for 20-year-old Isaiah Jamon Andrews of Kent, Washington, who was released last Wednesday from Martinez Detention Facility, about a 35-mile drive from San Francisco. News: Woman Finds Brother Who Was Missing For Over 2 Decades Thanks To USA Today Article Andrews was being held on local charges, a juvenile warrant out of Sacramento, and an out-of-state arrest warrant for homicide, the Contra Costa County sheriffs office said Monday when it revealed the accidental release. His mugshot can be found here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the U.S. Marshals Service told HuffPost on Wednesday that its team in California still has nothing significant to report and is still looking for leads and more information on him. In its update, the sheriffs office said an initial search confirmed that Andrews was no longer in the immediate area. Anyone with information is urged to call 911, or contact the sheriffs office at 925-646-2441 or tips@so.cccounty.us. People can also call 866-846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message. The sheriffs office did not immediately respond when asked for more details on the circumstances around Andrews release. News: Mom And Experienced Child Abuser Dad Charged With Killing Baby They Claimed Was Kidnapped Seattle Police announced the suspects arrest last week, saying he was apprehended in Contra Costa County after law enforcement connected him to a fatal Oct. 15 shooting of another 20-year-old man in northern Seattle. Andrews was supposed to be extradited to Washington and booked on investigation of murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes told ABC 7 News that these errors happen. I think sometimes people forget that it is a criminal justice system, he told the San Francisco Bay Area station. Cops, courts and corrections is kind of how I always remember it. And although we did our due diligence, the courts and that part of the system however did not, said Erroneous inmate releases are not uncommon. Earlier this month, a Florida correctional facility unintentionally released a convicted murderer due to what authorities called a procedural error. Twice this year, a Houston detention facility has accidentally released inmates serving time for violent crimes. Similar incidents have unfolded in Oregon, Indiana and Pennsylvania in recent months. U.S. Updates Read the original on HuffPost NEED TO KNOW Ousman Gasama was killed by Efrem Edmondson in 2023 while the two were in an ongoing feud Gasama had expressed concerns about his safety with regards to the feud, sources told police Edmondson was found guilty last month of murder and possession of firearm by a serious violent felon An Indianapolis man has been sentenced to more than six decades in prison for a November 2023 murder. Ousman Gasama was found dead and "sitting upright" on the entry stoop of an Indianapolis, Ind. residence on Thanksgiving Day that year, the Marion County Prosecutor's Office said in a statement shared with PEOPLE. Authorities apprehended Efrem Edmondson soon afterwards, who was convicted of murder in September 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department responding to the residence on Nov. 23, 2023 found Gasama on the stoop deceased from gunshot wounds, per the statement. Officers followed a "trail of blood" into the apartment where Gasama was shot, and found four witnesses, blood droplets and cartridge casings. Investigators learned that Gasama was killed following an argument with Edmondson. Several sources told police the two had an ongoing feud and that Gasama had concerns about his safety as a result, the statement said. Tensions had been brewing between the two, and on the day of the incident, it was over a bottle of liquor, the Indianapolis Star, WTHR and FOX 59 previously reported, citing an affidavit. Related: https://people-app.onelink.me/HNIa/kz7l4cuf 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. Edmondson was convicted of murder and possession of firearm by a serious violent felon following a two-day trial last month, according to the prosecutor's office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was sentenced to 67 years behind bars. What occurred in that apartment should have never even happened, said Prosecutor Ryan Mears at sentencing, per the statement. We cannot allow simple disagreements to evolve into deadly violence. When the defendant pulled that trigger, he took Mr. Gasamas life and now must face the consequences of that decision. Read the original article on People NEED TO KNOW Authorities are investigating why Jacob Prichard, 34, allegedly broke into the apartment of his co-worker at a US Air Force Base in Ohio and killed her Besides murdering Jaime Gustitus, 25, he also killed his wife, Jaymee Prichard, 33, police allege Prichard drove to a city parking lot where he died by suicide, next to the open trunk where he had placed his dead wife Authorities are investigating the apparent murder of a US Air Force Lieutenant in Ohio who was fatally shot by a co-worker who authorities say went on to kill his wife and then himself. US Air Force 1st Lt. Jaime Gustitus, 25, of Sugarcreek Township, Ohio, was murdered when Jacob Prichard, 34, of Huber Heights, broke into her apartment at 2 a.m. on Sat. Oct. 25 and fatally shot her, according to a press release from the West Milton Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prichard had also killed his wife, Jaymee Prichard, 33, placed her dead body in the trunk of their car and at 4:22 a.m., drove to the West Milton Municipal parking lot, where he died by suicide a minute later near the open trunk, the sheriffs office said. Prichard left the trunk open so officers who found him would also find Jaymee Prichard in the trunk, according to the sheriffs office, who had reviewed surveillance footage of the incident. 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. Authorities said they do not know when or where Jaymee Prichard was killed and are currently investigating the timeline of events. Now, questions are swirling about why Prichard killed Gustitus, a work acquaintance of the couple. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, where the three worked, said in a release that Gustitus and Jacob worked worked in the Air Force Research Laboratory while Jaymee worked within the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center. If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.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 KANSAS CITY, Mo. Union Station has recently revived a piece of its past, allowing visitors to travel back to a time when the halls of the local landmark echoed with the sounds of live music. After a donation from Chancellor Dr. Kimberly Beatty of the Metropolitan Community College (MCC), a new baby grand piano will now sit in the Grand Hall of the attraction, offering a historic ambiance to visitors and showcasing the talents of local musicians. According to the Union Station, the instrument was only recently dedicated by station officials and Beatty. The piano aims to celebrate the long history of Kansas Citys diverse arts and music scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Part of Rock Island Bridge entertainment district expected to open next month Visitors can expect to see periodic performances from MCC music students, as well as continuous tunes from every era through the pianos state-of-the-art player functions. Union Station is where Kansas City celebrates, be that with historic exhibitions, seasonal celebrations, or year-round experiences for every age, said George Guastello, president and CEO of Union Station Kansas City. Now, with this generous donation by Dr. Beatty and MCC, we will celebrate our guests most important moments with wonderful music. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Music has been a part of the Station since it opened in 1914, Gaustello added. He said the addition of the new baby grand piano will pay tribute to Union Station and will serve as an extension to its traditions. We are so thankful that Dr. Beatty immediately saw the value of such an important community connection, Gaustello said. This is a partnership that will yield meaningful returns for many years to come. Music runs deep in the MCC curriculum. The local college offers nearly 40 music courses, including Music Appreciation, Evolutions of Jazz, Music of the Worlds Cultures, Music theory, and more, representing the sheer value MCC holds in the arts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri With this donation and partnership, Metropolitan Community College is investing in the future by connecting with and impacting lives today, across Kansas City, said MCCs Beatty, who is also a member of Union Stations Board of Directors. This step outside of our five local community campuses is a wonderful opportunity to highlight how much MCC cares about our students, their talents, and the potential each person has to connect in meaningful ways to Kansas Citys diverse history and bright future. To see all of Union Stations upcoming events, click here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Liz Coulbourn | Matt Cashore Donald Trump's second presidency might have shocked the Democratic establishment, but plenty of people weren't surprised: Those coming from marginalized communities, community organizers, historians, and a whole slew of regular people saw it coming. The question remains, now what? Welcome to Teen Vogue's new series, Challengers. We're talking to political candidates who are either challenging an incumbent candidate who they argue isn't meeting the moment, or who are challenging the political system's expectations of what a candidate can or should look like. Our first entry in the series is 28-year-old Jersey City mayoral candidate Mussab Ali, whose race is this Tuesday, November 4. Politics Editor Lex McMenamin National media has been captivated by the mayoral campaign of New York State assembly member Zohran Mamdani, heralded as part of a new wing of progressive politicians during the second Trump administration. Particular attention has been paid to his social media presence. This makes sense to Mussab Ali, 28. Politicians are the OG influencers, Ali, the youngest candidate in Jersey City, New Jerseys mayoral race, told Teen Vogue. Across the Hudson River from New York City, Ali has been described as Zohran Mamdani's twin flame: a progressive Muslim running against a disgraced former governor in Alis case, Jim McGreevey and churning out campaign memes on Instagram and TikTok. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2017, when he was 20 years old, Ali was elected to Jersey Citys Board of Education, becoming the school board president three years later. Now at 28, equipped with organizing and nonprofit experience, hes running on a platform of affordable housing, fast and free buses, and putting a stop to corrupt practices, including pay-to-play money in local politics. Also like Mamdanis campaign, Ali has seen support from progressive politicians across the country. Minnesota congressional Rep. Ilhan Omar (D) spoke at an Ali for Mayor event in September and was vocal about supporting candidates like Ali to amass local political power in the midst of a Republican-majority Congress and Trump presidency. Local leadership matters more than ever. I came here because Mussab is fighting and because what happens here matters everywhere in this country," Omar, who has endorsed Ali, told a crowd of about 100 people. Alis other endorsements include Reps. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) and Ro Khanna (D-CA), Run for Something Action Fund, CAIR Action, and several other groups. In the first installment of Teen Vogues Challengers series, Ali tells us how he got into politics and his progressive vision for Jersey City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity. Teen Vogue: You were very young when you first ran for office. Why did you want to enter public office, specifically the school board? Mussab Ali: One was Trump's remarks about Jersey City. Trump has one quote about Jersey City, about the thousands of people celebrating on our rooftops. [Editor's note: At a 2015 rally, Trump said Jersey City residents celebrated after the World Trade Center came down on September 11, 2001.] And the second part was, I looked at politics locally, and I said, There's no one who represents my generation, no one who represents my background. There's no one who represents my values. I thought, It's really important to have a seat at the table. I remember telling people, look, in politics, especially in education, we'll talk to teachers, we'll talk to parents, we'll talk to taxpayers, but no one is talking to students. They are the forgotten stakeholders of education. I thought it was really important to highlight that voice, to make sure that we were represented. TV: What was it like growing up in Jersey City as a Pakistani Muslim immigrant? Islamophobia Shaped the Lives of Muslim American Students After 9/11 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Immediately following 9/11, life for Muslims everywhere changed. MA: Right when we got here, in September 2000, the first few years were a little tough With 9/11 happening as soon as I came here, my father was fired from his job. My mom had people who avoided her because of the way that she dressed (she wore the hijab). But I think what's fascinating about Jersey City is, in so many ways, you get to be whoever you want to be because everyone is different. You never feel like an outsider because everyone's an outsider. Right now, [41%] of the city is foreign-born The majority of people that you're interacting with are either immigrants themselves or children of immigrants. So you never really feel like, Oh, because I come from a certain background, I'm different, or my voice doesn't matter as much, and I think that uniqueness is what's allowed me to embrace my voice. TV: Under an Ali administration, how do you envision a future Jersey City? MA: I think of Jersey City as this model of inclusive urbanism. It's a place where sidewalks belong to everybody. It's a place where families of all incomes can live. It's a place where kids can walk to school safely. It's a place where businesses can thrive. I see this as a place where everyone feels welcomed. If you're from here, you feel like you're benefiting from what's happening here. If you want to move here, you feel like you can afford to be here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's not just the voters who exist. It's the voters we want to exist. TV: People online are comparing you to Zohran Mamdani, especially because one of your opponents is former New Jersey governor Jim McGreevey, who resigned in disgrace, like Cuomo. What do you think about that parallel? MA: In some ways, it is kind of ironic, right? Like a mile away from New York City, there's a former, disgraced governor and a young immigrant progressive Muslim elected official, and we have the same sort of track that we're running toward. And again, Cuomo is appealing to more conservative voters and taking MAGA money. McGreevey is appealing to conservative voters and taking MAGA money. TV: Can you tell me more about how you're engaging young people in this race? MA: It's not just the voters who exist. It's the voters we want to exist. How do we get a whole new base of voters to be energized about this [election]? I think the way you do that is you have to reach them where they are. Speaking politics [with] no translation. Talk to them in a way that they understand what you're talking about. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I've been in law school, where you can talk in very large words just to prove a point that you're intelligent. But I think that when you're talking about politics, it's not about using large words and semantics. It's about saying, How can someone understand? What does that do for them? Having them understand your story. We [our campaign] have a lot of things on the internet that are going viral because I think people see how simple it is. We're not talking about very complicated issues. We're saying, look, I want to build a bus system that's fast and free, and this is how we're going to pay for it. I want to fight against ICE. I want to take on corruption and be very particular about it, and this is how we're going to do it. Matt Cashore TV: From what I've seen, you're the only candidate in the Jersey City mayoral race who has explicitly spoken about being pro-Palestine. You were even kicked out of a Jersey City council hearing about the city's ceasefire resolution. Why take a stance in a climate where it may not be popular? MA: I came out about this issue back in 2023, and I remember people saying, You're not going to have a political career. You're on the wrong side of history, you're done, you're finished There's no point in my being in politics if I don't have the capacity to speak my mind, if I have to hide who I really am. People think about their mayor as the representative of their worldview, and I think the people of Jersey City overwhelmingly support the people of Palestine and what's happening [to Palestinians] in this conflict. It behooves me to say I will take a stance on behalf of the people of Jersey City and represent those values. TV: Whats the hardest part of running this campaign? MA: The hardest part of the campaign is getting people to believe in something bigger. So many times we have been told, especially as young people, especially people of different backgrounds, that we cant do things, that there are certain jobs [in elected office] that are not meant for us. I think particularly in Jersey City, surprisingly, this is a common feeling. I remember when I was first announcing my campaign last year, and people were saying to me, Why are you running for a white mans job? This is where I give a lot of credit to Zohran and him winning the [Democratic primary] election. I think it opened up the eyes of a lot of people to say, You know what? It is possible. It doesn't have to be impossible. Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue Want more U.S. government coverage? BANGKOK (AP) A major ethnic rebel group in Myanmar announced Wednesday it signed a cease-fire with the military following China-mediated talks, easing months of intense fighting in the countrys northeast near the Chinese border. The ceasefire with the Taang National Liberation Army, or TNLA, marks a significant victory for Myanmars military government, which has regained territories ahead of elections scheduled to start Dec. 28. Critics see the polls, which exclude the main opposition parties, as an attempt to legitimize and maintain the militarys rule. The ceasefire was signed during talks mediated by China on Monday and Tuesday in Kunming, a Chinese provincial capital about 400 kilometers (250 miles) from the border with Myanmar, the TNLA said in a statement Wednesday on the Telegram messaging platform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beijing has major geopolitical and economic interests in Myanmar and is deeply concerned about instability along its borders. China is also the most important foreign ally of Myanmars military, which took power after ousting the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021. The takeover led to nationwide peaceful protests that escalated into civil war. Myanmars military government did not immediately comment on the ceasefire. The ceasefire announcement came after the rebels gave up control of Nawnghkio, Kyaukme and Hsipaw, three strategic towns on a major highway linking central Myanmar to China, back to the army in a fierce military offensive. The TNLA statement said the cease-fire began Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rebels said they would withdraw troops from Mogok, the ruby-mining center in the upper Mandalay region and the neighboring town of Momeik in northern part of Shan state as part of the agreement, though no timeline was provided. The two towns had been under the control of the TNLA, which represents the Taang ethnic minority, since July last year. In return, the military agreed to stop its ground offensives and airstrikes on the groups remaining territories, the TNLA said. The rebels have no effective defense against airstrikes. The TNLA is part of the Three Brotherhood Alliance, which also includes the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army and the Arakan Army. They have been fighting for decades for greater autonomy from Myanmars central government and are loosely allied with the pro-democracy resistance groups that emerged after the army takeover. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since October 2023, the alliance captured and controlled significant swaths of northeastern Myanmar near the Chinese border and in western Myanmar. The TNLA alone seized 12 towns in an offensive. Their advance slowed following a series of China-brokered ceasefires earlier this year, allowing the army to retake major cities, including Lashio city in April and Nawnghkio in July, as well as Kyaukme and Hsipaw in October. Police investigators have solved the mystery behind the terrifying viral door cam video showing three masked intruders threatening a break-in and frightening a family in Virginia revealing the trio were actually relatives staging a prank. The Oct. 14 call initially sparked panic and a major response from local police when a family reported three figures one dressed as horror icon Michael Myers, another as a clown, and a third as a sinister nun pounding on the front door and threatening to kill them. Its either you coming out or we coming in, one of them shouted in footage that went viral and widely broadcast on cable news. Open the door! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another said: Its your worst nightmare! They were absolutely terrified when this happened, Police Chief Tarrick McGuire said Monday. Her brother responded with a firearm. So absolutely it could have resulted in deadly consequences. The prank, in turned out, involved three boys aged 14 to 16, two sons and a nephew of the pranks adult instigator. Two additional adults were reportedly in the street filming the scene, officials said. The investigation consumed over 100 hours of police investigative work, and although the victim has decided not to pursue charges, police scolded the adults involved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While this case may not result in prosecution, it represents a serious moral failure, McGuire said. For this community, it represents a moral failure, a moral failure where consequences could have resulted in deadly consequences. Watch above via Fox & Friends. The post Mystery of Evil Clown-Led Trios Doorbell Cam Horror Show Solved in Shocking Twist first appeared on Mediaite. Greek border officers patrol along the steel fence next to Evros river between Greece and Turkey in April 2023. Credit - Nicolas EconomouNurPhoto/Getty Images Europe looks set to clamp down on migrants even further. A new E.U. Pact on Migration and Asylum, a major overhaul being hammered out, is due to come into force next year and will harden border procedures, accelerate deportations, and much else. U.S. President Donald Trump and MAGA figures frequently warn that Europe has lost control of migration. But the facts are very different. Over the past decade, the continent has built a big, largely invisible fortressone that carries enormous economic and moral risks. Member states have tightened asylum procedures, struck deals with transit countries including Turkey, Libya, Tunisia, and Egypt, and deployed more surveillance technology than ever before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And this has yielded results. Across the continent, irregular crossings have fallen sharply since the peaks of 20152016 and again since the post-pandemic rebound. The E.U.s border agency, Frontex, reports that the total number of irregular crossings in 2024 was 40% lower than in the previous year, and has fallen further in the first half of 2025. Governments across Europe are also responding to the threat of the far right by making life harder for regular migrationfrom Germanys tightening of migration rules to Swedens tightening of residency ones. Migration has in turn fallen significantly in 2024. At first glance, this may look like success, both in terms of policy and politics. European leaders can tell anxious voters that they have taken back control of borders while maintaining the continents humanitarian commitments and avoiding the sort of footage we have seen in the U.S. of masked ICE agents snatching people off the streets. At least on paper, this enables them to claim moral superiority over the Trump Administrations disregard of both international and domestic legal norms, whilethey hopefending off the threat of the far-right. But the reality is less reassuring. Europes new fortress is not built on solid economic or social foundations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first issue is moral and humanitarian. Europes crackdown has not stopped people from moving; it has simply made their journeys longer, costlier, and riskier. More than 2,000 people died or went missing trying to cross the Mediterranean in 2024. Outsourcing border control to countries such as Libya or Tunisia may reduce the number of arrivals on European shores, but it also means that Europe is often subcontracting human rights abuses. Officially, the E.U. has said it would not tolerate practices like illegal pushbacks; in practice, they continue to be used to keep arrivals down. But it is the economic and political contradiction that will ultimately doom this policy. Europeans are both living longer and having fewer babies. The result is an ageing population and a shrinking workforce. Germany needs around 300,000 new workers a year; Italy and Spain likewise need many more new workers. The OECD has long argued that higher levels of immigration are essential to address labor shortages in the short term and to boost growth in the long term. Governments are well aware of this. Italys far-right government has, paradoxically, quietly expanded work permits for non-E.U. migrants, while Germany is reforming its points-based immigration system. But these pragmatic steps are often drowned out by the louder politics of deterrence. Europes leaders fear that admitting the need for more migrants will hand ammunition to the far right. The result is paralysis: a continent that simultaneously says, we need you and keep out. This is unlikely to be a stable equilibrium; it gives the illusion of control while storing up political and economic trouble for the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, what comes next? Broadly, Europe faces three choices. The first is to maintain and intensify the fortress Europe policy. But that will undermine growth, strain public finances, and erode Europes capacity to fund its prized welfare state. The result will not be to marginalize the far right but give it further ammunition; this in turn will alienate Europes existing population of migrant origin and undermine social cohesion. The second option is the traditional European approach: muddling through. But the result will be an unstable mix of crackdowns, loopholes, and crises. Under this scenario, irregular migration continues, driven by desperation abroad and labor demand at home. Europe responds with ad hoc deals, emergency summits, and moral panics. This approach is politically messy, administratively costly, and inhumane. This too is a gift to the far right. There is a better, third option. It starts with officials acknowledging that Europe needs migrants. It requires building better and more flexible pathways for work and refuge, investing more in integration, and revamping the asylum system to make it swift, efficient, and humane. Managed migration cannot eliminate irregular flows, but it can make a difficult situation better. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement None of this is easy. Even well-designed systems face backlash in uncertain economic times. Defeating the populist right will require restoring productivity growth and boosting living standardsopenness to immigration will be necessary to delivering this, but by no means sufficient. The factors that drive migration will not vanishand open borders is not an option, politically or practically, meaning border enforcement and enforced removals for those with no legal right to remain will always be necessary. But pretending that migration can or should be stopped is a dangerous illusion. Contact us at letters@time.com. Three weeks after a jury awarded $5 million to a former Delbarton School student who claimed he had been sexually assaulted by a Benedictine monk on the campus nearly 50 years ago, the elite Catholic boys prep school is seeking a new trial, calling the award excessive and a miscarriage of justice. In its filing, Delbarton and the Order of St. Benedict of New Jersey, or OSBNJ which operates the school said the trial judges rulings on various legal issues as well as the conduct of the lawyers representing the former student both in opening statement and closing arguments deprived them of a fair trial literally from start to finish. Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Editors note: This story was shared as part of a content-sharing agreement between Mosaic.NJ.com and NJ Spotlight News. You can follow them on Facebook and Twitter (or X). The Trump administration has cut funding for a long-standing training program that experts called highly effective in helping people stabilize their lives. That means people with serious mental illnesses in New Jersey now have more difficulty accessing federal disability benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The federal funds supported training for the Supplemental Security Income (SSI)/Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Outreach, Access and Recovery program. The program, known as SOAR, instructed caseworkers, social workers and outreach providers across the country on how to complete a complex federal application to secure SSI and SSDI for their clients who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. National experts familiar with the federal application process, including Kristin Lupfer of Policy Research Associates, told NJ Spotlight News that only about 30% of people nationwide who apply for federal disability benefits get approved on the initial application. When a person is experiencing homelessness or has cognitive impairments, it is estimated that the approval rate on an initial application is closer to 10% or 15%, Lupfer said. What we know with using the SOAR model is that we can get applications approved nationwide on average at a 65% approval rate, so over double the national average, said Lupfer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now without assistance, SOARs target population unhoused people with serious mental illness has a very low chance of being approved for benefits because of the obstacles to gathering necessary documentation and maintaining steady contact with the Social Security Administration, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a nonpartisan research and policy institute based in Washington, D.C. People who are experiencing homelessness often lack a reliable mailing address, access to a phone or computer, or transportation needed to navigate the time-intensive application process. Disability benefits help to provide not just a steady income, but an important pathway to health care and other needed supports, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. However, people who are eligible for these benefits can have a difficult time accessing them, particularly people with severe mental illness and unstable housing. Caseworkers trained in the SOAR program helped qualifying people, including many veterans, apply for disability benefits and access employment, among other resources. The Trump administrations move to end federal support for SOAR training in August will mean more people living on the streets who are unable to access the housing, health care and other supports they need, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cut to the training program is among the latest efforts from the Trump administration and Republicans in Congress to curtail support for well-established resources that assisted some of the most vulnerable people in the country. In New Jersey, nonprofit leaders, state officials and attorneys remain concerned about the impact that the federal cuts will have on people who are disabled and at risk of homelessness across the state. Michael Callahan of the state Office of Homelessness Prevention said in an interview with NJ Spotlight News that the burden of the federal cuts to the SOAR training program is going to fall particularly on the supportive service providers in New Jersey. One of the beauties of the SOAR program was that it was a very structured program that allowed fast-tracking for Social Security Disability Insurance claims, said Callahan, the director of the office. As the state continues to see an exploding unsheltered homeless population, one of the main ways in which state officials and nonprofit leaders were going to ensure income stabilization for the majority of those people was through the SOAR program, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Callahan noted that the federal Social Security Administration is operating right now as a black hole. How are we going to promulgate guidance of Okay, this is what we think our best practice is moving forward when were not getting that feedback? said Callahan. One out of every three people experiencing unsheltered homelessness in New Jersey qualifies for federal disability and may have been able to access the SOAR program had it been up and running, Callahan said. These cuts to housing programs and support services is cumulative, Callahan said, meaning that not only is the federal government kneecapping those resources to ensure exits out of homelessness and into housing, but they are substantially dooming an entire generation of people who now have an increased risk of staying homeless. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before the Trump administration ended support for it in August, the SOAR Technical Assistance Center provided intensive training on navigating the complex disability application process each year to roughly 3,500 caseworkers at the state and local level and supplied important resources and support to thousands more, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. The federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provided the SOAR Technical Assistance Center with $2.6 million in funding during the last fiscal year, according to Lupfer, the former director of the center. Policy Research Associates, a private organization based in Troy, New York, operated the center since 2009 and did so with a team of staff working both in New York and remotely, according to Lupfer, who is now the vice president of housing and income supports at the organization. Taiisa Kelly of Monarch Housing Associates said that New Jersey has started to see the impacts of the cuts to the SOAR program because there are now not enough caseworkers trained in navigating the application for federal disability benefits. And this is happening while the federal government is shutdown, so the offices that would be processing the paperwork for these benefits are not able to do so, Kelly said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cumulative impact of the recent federal cuts to housing programs and supportive services is sending a message that if you are poor and you do not have the ability to pay for your housing, you are at risk of being thrown in jail or an institution, Kelly said. At the end of the day, these are New Jersey residents. These are our neighbors that need support and need assistance, and if we are not getting the resource(s) from the federal government to provide the support for them, then we must have some other way that were providing that support through the state, said Kelly, the CEO of the Cranford-based nonprofit that conducts the states annual point-in-time homeless count. Our next governor is really going to have to figure out what that looks like for New Jersey, and the unfortunate reality is that some of the cuts that were facing are so astronomical that its really hard to figure out how New Jersey could potentially plug that gap, Kelly said. Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Aviation history was just very quietly made in the skies of Southern California. NASAs X-59 supersonic jet completed its first test flight on Tuesday morning, bringing ultra-fast commercial air travel one step closer to reality. More from Robb Report Advertisement Advertisement Built by aerospace contractor Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, the X-59 is designed to fly at supersonic speeds with minimal noise. During the inaugural flight, the aircraft traveled from the Skunk Works facility in Palmdale to NASAs Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards. Lockheed Martin says it performed exactly as planned, reaching subsonic speeds of 230 mph and a peak altitude of 12,000 feet. Measuring just under 100 feet, the single-engine jet features a distinctive sculpted body designed to reduce noise at high speeds. Rather than producing the typical sonic boom when breaking the sound barrier, the X-59 will reportedly make a sonic thud about as loud as a washing machine. The space agency believes that such low-decibel flight could expedite the return of commercial supersonic flight, which is currently restricted over land due to noise concerns. The X-59 is expected to eventually reach a cruising speed of 925 mph (Mach 1.4) and a peak altitude of 55,000 feet, meaning it will fly more than twice as high and almost twice as fast as conventional airliners. Its part of our DNAthe desire to go farther, faster, and even quieter than anyone has ever gone before, acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy said in a statement. This work sustains Americas place as the leader in aviation and has the potential to change the way the public flies. Advertisement Advertisement NASA isnt the only one on a supersonic quest: Boom, Spike, and a handful of other private firms are also developing high-speed aircraft, with the goal of replacing the supersonic Concorde plane that was retired in 2003 due to high operating costs, limited seating, and low passenger numbers. Skunk Works will continue to lead the X-59s initial testing, working closely with NASA to execute more flights in the coming months. That will include the X-59s first supersonic flight, in which the aircraft will achieve the optimal speed and altitude for a boomor thud, in this case. NASA can then measure the jets sound signature and see just how quiet it really is. Stay tuned. Best of Robb Report Sign up for RobbReports's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. (WNCT) Nash Community College received a $40,000 contribution from the Tackle the Tar event to support student scholarships. The annual event is organized by the Rocky Mount Rotary Club, who have been donating to the college since 2016. This years donation brings their lifetime giving to NCC to $240,000. From their giving, 258 Nash Community College students have received scholarship assistance since 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NCC is deeply grateful for the Rotary Club of Rocky Mounts ongoing investment in our students, said Dr. Lew Hunnicutt, president of NCC and member of the Rotary Club. Their support through Tackle the Tar makes a lasting difference. It opens doors for hundreds of students to continue their education, improve their lives and contribute to our communitys future workforce. The Tackle the Tar 5k Obstacle Course Race and Family Fun Day raise funds that not only benefit NCC but Edgecombe Community College, and North Carolina Wesleyan University as well. The Rotary Club of Rocky Mount launched Tackle the Tar in 2016 to create a fun, community-based event that directly funds educational opportunities for local students. This year, the event raised over $720,000. For more information about the Nash Community College Foundation or to learn how to support student scholarships, contact Kari Young at 252-451-8440 or kyoung562@nashcc.edu. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 WNCT. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Neighbors are helping neighbors in Nashville. Thats what one woman is planning to do because hundreds of thousands of Tennesseans are set to miss out on food benefits due to the government shutdown. News 2 spoke with Maggie Loftis, a Nashville native who used social media to share an offer to help a family in need during this time. She told News 2 she was overwhelmed by the response. Federal SNAP benefits wont be paid in November: What does that mean for Tennesseans? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was surprised at just the sheer number of people, not only that needed help but that wanted to help, Loftis said. Loftis said she feels helpless with the government shutdown and the uncertainty of SNAP benefits for millions of Americans who rely on that program. Middle Tennessee residents helping each other through the shutdown The thought of changing the course of our national or state government is really daunting and honestly feels really out of reach, but I think showing up for our neighbors and helping one another on a hyper-local level kind of eases some of that hopelessness that we feel when we think about the state of our country, Loftis explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, Oct. 28, Loftis took to social media, where she wrote that she and her family would like to help a family in need. However, she said the response was alarming. As SNAP uncertainty grows, a Donelson church becomes a lifeline We had a huge response to the Facebook post, so its a little overwhelming, but were kind of crowdsourcing, Loftis described. You were looking to help just one family, but you received messages and comments from dozens of families, so now, at this point, youre redirecting and youre saying, Okay, how can you and your neighborhood and friends and family help more than just one?' News 2s Kendall Ashman summarized during the interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nonprofits step up as SNAP funding dries up amid federal government shutdown Yeah, definitely. My goal is to help everyone that reached out, Loftis replied. She said relatives, friends, and community members are asking her to connect them to families in need, as well. According to Loftis, its just one way her family is giving back during this unsettling time. Nashville Farmers Market to match up to $100 in SNAP benefits spent on fresh food Its deeply personal for us andlike I said earlier, its really important that we take steps kind of on a hyper-local level to help our neighbors. I think thats one of the things that I really love about Nashville is that people really step up, and especially in East Nashville, people really step up to help each other, Loftis explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Loftis encourages neighbors to help in any way they can, such as donating to local organizations and food banks during this time. 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. Since 2007, the Kern County 999 Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, has assisted the families of Kern County peace officers who have died in the line of duty. Its mission is clear: Recognize and honor Kern Countys fallen peace officers who gave their lives In The Line of Duty serving the citizens of this great county and provide support to the family members left behind. On Oct. 4, it held the 19th annual Kern County Officer Down Ride, with supporters gathering at the Original Roadhouse Grill proceeding to the Liberty Bell in downtown Bakersfield for the national anthem and speeches and then continuing the ride. The foundation, according to its website, was formed after the Nov. 14, 2006 death of Deputy William Joe Hudnall, who was killed by a man who was under the influence of a controlled substance, according to the foundations website. In four weeks, donations close to $17,000 were collected for the Hudnall family, including his four children. TIMES SQUARE, Manhattan (PIX11) On National First Responders Day, a day when hundreds paused in Times Square to say thank you to the everyday heroes who rush toward danger when the rest of us run in the other direction. Hosted by advocate and comedian Jon Stewart, the First Responders Childrens Foundation celebration spotlighted firefighters, police officers, EMS teams, dispatchers, and more, those whose bravery saves lives every single day. More Local News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the honorees were seven New Yorkers, including FDNY Firefighter Nick Schneider, who saved a woman lying unresponsive on subway tracks while off-duty. DEA Supervisor Special Agent Jason Franks was recognized for helping lead major drug seizures and the extradition of cartel leaders. NYPD Officer Rich Wong, MTA Police Officers Scott Gulick and Christopher Capozzoli, and 17-year-old Firefighter Jiya Jadhav from New Hyde Park were also celebrated for their courage. 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Wednesday marked the first day of a federal trial that will decide whether President Donald Trump can deploy the National Guard to Portland. During the first day, federal attorneys admitted that troops had been deployed to the city on Oct. 5, just hours after an Oregon judge issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against their arrival in Portland. READ MORE: Portland says manufactured crisis spurred Trumps National Guard bid as trial begins Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Department of Justice Attorney Jean Lin, email records revealed that the National Guard had arrived in the city around 11 p.m. and left at 2 a.m. This comes after U.S. District Court Judge Karin Immergut put the TRO in place the previous afternoon. Judge Immergut, also the judge presiding over the current trial, said they would eventually discuss whether the move was a direct violation of the TRO. The trial, which began Wednesday morning, is set to continue through Friday, though it is not clear when a final decision will be made. So far, the State of Oregon and the City of Portland have both claimed that President Donald Trump did not meet the legal requirement to send in the National Guard. Portland police officials testified that federal agents at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in South Portland have used excessive force and ultimately inflamed the protests outside the building since their arrival in June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hillsboro community rallies for release of man held by ICE in case of mistaken identity Meanwhile, the Trump administration has argued it cannot enforce federal laws with the regular forces it has. They argued that the court does not need to find whether Portland police were unable to enforce laws on their own or even whether there was an actual threat of rebellion at the time of Trumps order. Rather, they claim that Congress left the decision up to President Trump. The trial comes after the City of Portland and State of Oregon filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration in an attempt to block the National Guard deployment. So far, Judge Immergut has issued two TROs one against Oregon troops and another against other state troops in relation to the case. Last week, a three-judge panel in the 9th U.S. Court of Appeals paused the first of these orders, but the appeals court then vacated that decision Tuesday in favor of an en banc review. This means the case will be moved to an 11-judge panel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops. 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. Sometimes fire is the answer. The National Park Service is turning to a controlled blaze to fight back against invasive plant species in one of Ohio's favorite natural spaces. The Akron Beacon Journal reports that officials have plans to conduct a series of prescribed burns in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, which stretches from Akron to Cleveland, in the coming months. The burns are meant to take out invasive plant species that have aggressively spread a problem homeowners know can be a nightmare to deal with. The idea is to restore the native vegetation and improve soil health. And, ironically, this controlled fire approach will actually reduce the risk of uncontrolled wildfires. Park staff will light up carefully chosen sites, including a 40-acre plot where the Richfield Coliseum once stood and a 129-acre stretch in the Terra Vista Natural Study Area. Smaller burns are planned for Boston Township and the Brookside Wetland near Independence, with brush piles in Peninsula also slated for clearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before any flames are lit, experts will assess conditions like wind direction, humidity, and temperature to ensure smoke doesn't impact nearby roads or communities. According to officials, all this work is expected to be completed by May 2026. While setting fires might sound counterintuitive, it's a time-tested method of ecosystem management. Controlled burns clear out invasive plants that choke out native species and steal vital nutrients from the soil. Once those invaders are gone, native plants have a better chance to thrive, ultimately strengthening local ecosystems and helping prevent erosion. For homeowners facing similar battles with stubborn invasives, you can reclaim your yard with smarter landscaping. Rewilding your yard with native species helps cut down on water use and maintenance while keeping your soil healthy. Replacing even part of your lawn with native plants, clover, buffalo grass, or xeriscaping can save you money and time. And not only will you have lower water bills, but your yard will invite more pollinators that protect our food supply. That's a win-win for homeowners and the planet. 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. Oct. 28As a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, Matt DeMaria's job and one of his passions is helping people make decisions based on the most accurate weather data he and his colleagues can provide. But as they pore over winter forecasting models and maps each fall, he can't help but hope they call for snow. "I grew up in Georgia, and we don't get a lot of snow there," he told the Journal on Tuesday, "so whenever it did snow, it was always a fun time. I like winter weather, personally." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately for DeMaria and other New Mexicans who prefer white winters to dry ones, the forecast calls for higher chances of slightly below normal precipitation and warmer temperatures over most of the state from December through March. "There's just a slight lean toward the state being drier than average," he said. "But it definitely doesn't mean we can't have periods in the winter where we have big storms." The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, of which the NWS is a part, released the annual report from its Climate Prediction Center this week. DeMaria didn't work on the report, but a colleague, Brian Guyer of the NOAA, helped compile this year's data. To create their detailed forecast, meteorologists rely on a variety of tools to collect weather information from across the country. The National Operational Hydrologic Remote Sensing Center, for example, uses ground-based and airborne devices as well as satellites to generate a map predicting season snowfall based on historical measurements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the 2025-26 forecasts bear out, the upcoming winter season is likely to be similar to last year's, with lower than average snowfall in the Land of Enchantment and other parts of the southwestern U.S. DeMaria said that's partly due to the continued affects of what he described as a "weak La Nina," a climate pattern set off when water in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean is cooler-than-average. In La Nina years, northern regions like the Pacific Northwest and Great Lakes tend to have more winter storms, whereas southern areas, including New Mexico, are more prone toward greater aridity and elevated risk of wildfire. The forecast varies greatly based on the area of the state in question. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "About 10% of the state is in an extreme drought," DeMaria said. "We're in severe drought for a lot of west-central and central New Mexico, including in the Albuquerque area. And then once you're in northeastern New Mexico, there's no drought at all. Soil moisture is doing well they had a really great spring and summer. And then most of southern New Mexico is severe to extreme drought." Similarly, most New Mexicans know that mountainous areas like the Sangre de Cristos in north-central New Mexico are climatologically favored to receive greater precipitation and lower average temperatures than lower elevation areas, such as Las Cruces. Enchanted Circle communities near Taos, including Red River, Angel Fire and Taos Ski Valley, have already seen their first fall freezes and dusting of snow in recent weeks and area resorts will soon begin snowmaking operations in anticipation of the upcoming ski and snowboard season. The NWS also provided a weather briefing on Monday, telling residents in most parts of the state, including points farther south such as Roswell and Ruidoso, to expect temperatures to dip below freezing Wednesday night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents across the state are being advised to bring pets indoors, leave faucets dripping, prop open kitchen and bathroom cupboards and protect fall crops from the chill. Despite the mild winter the models predict, DeMaria said there can always be surprises, and that New Mexicans should always stay on their toes, especially when traveling in winter. "We were also in a La Nina last year, and then we had that massive winter storm a nearly historical storm last November, and then another in May," he said. "So it doesn't mean you can't have a really big storm in a year that ends up being below average for most areas." NEED TO KNOW A car fire occurred at a Macy's store's upper level parking garage in the Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg, Ill., on Oct. 25 Navy sailor William Thompson assisted in pulling the driver, who experienced a medical emergency, out of the burning vehicle "Its like everything the Navy taught me, just instantly erupted inside of me," Thompson later told WLS A Navy sailor performed a heroic deed on land when he helped rescue a man from a burning vehicle in Illinois last weekend. The incident occurred at an upper level parking garage of a Macys store in the Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg on Saturday, Oct. 25, ABC affiliate WLS, NBC affiliate WMAQ and the Daily Herald. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schaumburg Police said that officers responded to a report of a burning car at the garage around 2:20 p.m. local time. They said that a driver experienced a medical emergency before his vehicle caught fire. Footage of the incident shared by WLS shows large plumes of smoke coming from the vehicle. Authorities said the blazed damaged three other nearby vehicles. The news outlets reported that a bystander helped rescue the driver, who was then taken to a hospital for treatment. William Thompson, a Navy sailor who was also involved in Saturday's rescue, later told WLS he had recently completed boot camp. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Instantly, it's like my body moving on itself," Thompson told the outlet for a story published on Tuesday, Oct. 28. "Its like everything the navy taught me, just instantly erupted inside of me." 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. The sailor said that he experienced some injuries when he broke the vehicles window, and that other Good Samaritans also assisted in pulling the driver out. Firefighters employed a blanket containing a mixture of foam and water, because of fuel leaking on the ground, to put out the fire, the Daily Herald reported, adding there was no damage to the malls interior or nearby structures. PEOPLE contacted the Schaumburg Police Department and the Navy on Wednesday, Oct. 29, for comment. Read the original article on People RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson is suing the federal government for withholding hundreds of millions of dollars in food assistance benefits as the government shutdown continues. The lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture accuses the federal government of purposely keeping $230 million in food assistance dollars that would go toward feeding 1.4 million North Carolina residents. RELATED: Food assistance programs available in the Triangle as SNAP benefits dry up due to federal government shutdown Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Jackson, 600,000 children in the North Carolina, more than 40,000 of whom are under 18 months old, will be affected if that money isnt handed over to the state. He also said the department could be using a reserve fund meant to keep the food rolling out, but theyre not touching that money. Nearly 600,000 children in our state could be without food in a few days because USDA is playing an illegal game of shutdown politics, Jackson said in a statement. They have emergency money to help feed children during this shutdown, and theyre refusing to spend it. I warned them last week that I would take them to court if they tried to hurt our kids. Today, thats what were doing. Jackson is asking the court for immediate action so the funds can be dispersed as soon as possible and put food on the table for families. Gov. Josh Stein also released a statement demanding the federal government to reverse course quickly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SEE ALSO: 1.4 million NC families stand to lose food assistance Nov. 1 The federal government is denying access to food for more than 1.4 million North Carolinians, including children, veterans, and people with disabilities, Stein said in a statement. The USDA must take immediate action to keep families from going hungry as it is required to do by law. I thank Attorney General Jackson for standing up to secure these critical resources. In central North Carolina, according to Jackson, more than 80,000 Wake County residents and 67,000 Cumberland County residents will lose SNAP benefits. The loss of SNAP benefits will also affect 30.2% of Edgecombe County residents and 27.8% of Halifax County residents. Wake and Cumberland are among the top five North Carolina counties receiving SNAP funding at $14.4 million and $12.2 million, respectively, according to Jackson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Jackson, more than one in four residents receive SNAP funding in Edgecombe, Halifax, Northampton, and Vance counties. For a list of food benefits that will be available in the Triangle after North Carolina loses access to SNAP funding, click here. Jackson is joined in the lawsuit by the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington state, Wisconsin, and Washington, D.C. The governors of Kansas, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania also joined. The full lawsuit can be viewed below. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 001 2025.10.28 Complaint MA v. USDADownload 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 CBS17.com. Authorities say a juvenile suspected in a double homicide in Hoke County died by suicide after law enforcement found them near the Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina campus in Lake Waccamaw Monday night. Deputies with the Hoke County Sheriff's Office responded around 6 p.m. on Monday to a home on Cope Road in Red Springs for a report of cardiac arrest. When they arrived, they found two people unresponsive. The deaths are being investigated as a double homicide. Officials have not released the victims' names or cause of death to ABC11 News, and it remains unclear how they died. Investigators then began searching for a juvenile suspect. Later that night, they found the suspect's vehicle roughly an hour southeast of the crime scene in Columbus County. The Columbus County Sheriff's Office said the car was found near the Boys and Girls Homes campus at Lake Waccamaw. The suspect was not inside the vehicle, prompting officers to search the property and place the campus on lockdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the search, law enforcement found the suspect in an unoccupied area of the campus. Investigators said the suspect took their own life, though they did not explain how. First responders provided aid, and the juvenile was taken to a nearby hospital, where they were pronounced dead. No staff or residents of Boys and Girls Homes were injured. The organization said standard lockdown procedures were followed and that everyone on campus remained safe. The organization could not confirm whether the juvenile was currently staying there or had in the past. Officials have not released any information about the relationship between the suspect and the two victims. The SBI confirmed to ABC11 News that it is investigating the death at Lake Waccamaw, while the Hoke County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate the double homicide in Red Springs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hoke County Sheriff Roderick Virgil called the situation "heartbreaking" and urged residents to support one another during a time of grief. "Our community is built on strength, compassion, and unity," Sheriff Virgil said. "Healing will take time, but through unity and faith, we will find strength once again." Columbus County Sheriff Bill Rogers also offered condolences and praised the cooperation between agencies. "Our hearts go out to all those impacted by this tragic situation," Sheriff Rogers said. "We are grateful that no innocent lives were endangered." Because the suspect was under the age of 18, law enforcement has not released identifying information about them. Stay on top of breaking news stories with the ABC11 News App CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) The N.C. Department of Transportation and N.C. Turnpike Authority is inviting the public to learn more about a project to improve 11 miles of Interstate 77 in south Charlotte. The proposed improvements include adding express lanes to the interstate, from the South Carolina state line to I-277/N.C. 16 (Brookshire Freeway) in Uptown Charlotte. Additionally, developers would reconstruct the interchanges and non-interchange bridges as well as access points and direct connectors to the express lanes. It has a projected price tag of $3.2 billion, making it the most expensive project in NCDOT history, Division Engineer Brett Canipe said. RELATED | NCDOT creates timeline for construction of I-77 toll lanes through south Charlotte Per state law, toll projects in the state must be approved by the local planning organization. The Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO) submitted this project to NCDOT for prioritization in 2014. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I-77 is a critical interstate, not just for Charlotte, but for central and western North Carolina as well as the southeastern United States, for the movement of both people and goods. Locally, it serves as the most traveled route, providing direct access to Uptown for residents and businesses. With its current traffic demand, travel times on this segment of I-77 range from 10 minutes to nearly an hour, depending on the time of day and direction of travel. In October 2024, CRTPO requested that NCDOT move forward with a public-private partnership and create a working group to identify project priorities, which are to: Optimize utilization of express lanes and general-purpose lanes with toll rate caps Encourage a competitive procurement process Increase transparency during all project phases Provide transit benefits Since January, NCDOT has presented information about the I-77 South Express Lanes project at 25 small group meetings in local communities. Two public meetings are scheduled for November to give community members the opportunity to ask questions and learn about the development process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wednesday, Nov. 12, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Innovation Center, Johnson C. Smith University, Room 322 Thursday, Nov. 13 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Silver Mount Baptist Church, 501 W. Arrowood Road, Charlotte MORE | I-77 expansion project faces opposition from Wesley Heights residents Currently, the project is still in the planning and design stage. The start date for construction has not been determined. To learn more about the I-77 South Express Lanes project, visit the NCDOT website. 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. Additionally, enforcement of illegal employment was increased, with 1,183 indictments reported this year, up from 985 in 2024. Roughly 6,000 Palestinians looking for work illegally crossed the security barrier outside Jerusalem in 2025, the Knessets National Security Committee was told Wednesday. According to the IDF, 5,300 or 88% were apprehended. Of that number, 800 were imprisoned and 340 faced indictments. In the past month alone, security forces captured 1,000 infiltrators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers were also told that Israel has issued just 8,000 exceptional entry permits to Palestinians in the West Bank, down from 100,000 before Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Police figures show increased enforcement against illegal employment: 1,183 indictments were filed in 2025, up from 985 in 2024, while workplace closure orders rose to 671 from 413, reflecting ongoing efforts against repeat offenders. Palestinians queue at an Israeli checkpoint, as they make their way to Al-Aqsa compound, also known to Jews as the Temple Mount, in Jerusalem's Old City, to attend the Friday prayers during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan, in Qalandia, in the West Bank, March 14, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/ISMAEL KHADER) Previous arrests made on border and in Tel Aviv A video from June shows border police officers arresting dozens of illegal residents around the outskirts of Jerusalem. The suspects were seen passing a water culvert beneath the separation fence and into a minibus along Route 443, a highway that goes from Jerusalem towards Modi'in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Border Police officers arrested dozens of illegal residents around the outskirts of Jerusalem over the weekend (Credit: Israel Police) In another part of the operation, Border Police officers stopped another minibus near a factory in the Atarot industrial zone, close to a separation fence. Seventeen illegal residents were in the mini-bus and were arrested along with the driver. Additionally, a restaurant-bar in Tel Aviv was shut down in July after employing two illegal residents. The two workers were from Palestinian towns in the West Bank, according to Israeli police. Both were arrested, and the establishment's owner was brought in for further questioning. A SNAP welcomed here sign is seen at the entrance to a Big Lots store in Portland, Oregon. (Getty Images) LINCOLN Public grocery benefits will pause starting Wednesday for roughly 150,000 low-income recipients across Nebraska due to the federal government shutdown, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services announced. DHHS issued a statement late Tuesday saying the pause of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits on Oct. 29 comes at the direction of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steve Corsi, DHHS CEO, said his agency has a plan in place to begin working with the USDA to process payments and get benefits to recipients as soon as possible when the government shutdown ends. Current SNAP recipients can continue to use any remaining benefits on their grocery cards. Unspent SNAP funds remain accessible for nine months from the date of last use. Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen, in the DHHS statement, lashed out at congressional Democrats, who have sought to extend health insurance subsidies as part of negotiations to reopen the government. This federal shutdown is completely avoidable, but Senate Democrats continue to refuse to pass a clean funding extension, he said, blaming political games for the SNAP cutoff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Angie Lauritsen, state director for Nebraska For Us, turned up the heat on Republicans. Now, more than 150,000 Nebraskans on SNAP will have an even harder time paying for their groceries as Republicans in Congress have decided cutting off access to food is more important than lowering health care costs, she said. Nebraskas all-GOP federal delegation voted previously for SNAP changes that will squeeze out some Nebraskans, she noted, which put pressure on food pantries and organizations filling gaps. Congressional Republicans have argued they were trying to make the programs more accountable. During the pause, DHHS staff members still are available to accept and process program applications, recertifications and changes, the agency said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DHHS encouraged Nebraskans who need help to contact 211, a statewide resource and referral hotline. It also encouraged Nebraskans to visit https://uwm211.org/nebraska-programs, where individuals can connect with food, housing, financial assistance and other support services. During this difficult time for some Nebraskans, 211 is prepared and ready to help residents in need of services, Matt Wallen, CEO of the United Way of the Midlands, said in a statement. DHHS said it is coordinating with food banks, nonprofit partners and community organizations across Nebraska, and offered contacts for resources: Food Bank for the Heartland: https://foodbankheartland.org/food-resources/find-food/ Food Bank of Lincoln: https://www.lincolnfoodbank.org/get-food/food-finder/ Catholic Charities: https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org MyLNK Resource Finder: https://mylnk.app/home SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX WASHINGTON (DC News Now) Dozens of community members, advocates, and neighbors called on city leaders to end the cooperation of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and federal agencies during a public hearing on Wednesday. People are afraid, said Dante OHara, who lives in Columbia Heights. OHara testified Wednesday, detailing incidents hes witnessed of local and federal cooperation, including agencies such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About ten ICE kidnappings happened outside of St. Stevens Church at a food distribution site, he said. People are in shock. The hearing, which was intended to discuss potential human rights violations, was held by Ward 1 Councilmember Brianne Nadeau. Its hard to hear it, but its obviously harder to live it, she said after the hearing. DC sues Trump administration to stop National Guard deployment President Trump federalized the Metropolitan Police Department for 30 days on August 11. During that time, he surged 500 federal agents into the District, which kick-started an increase in collaboration between MPD and federal immigration agents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked about the number of federal agents still surging in DC, Mayor Muriel Bowser said Monday, Its been pretty consistent throughout the 30-day surge and now. She did not provide an update on the status of cooperation between MPD and ICE. While DC has always worked with its federal partners, neighbors have criticized recent actions, which include ICE agents working alongside MPD at traffic stops, detaining people outside of local schools, and more. I watched government agents take a father from his family in the dark of night, while I stood by helpless, said one woman who testified at the public hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another speaker questioned the tactics. If they were there for legitimate purposes, why did they wear masks? said the speaker. Nadeau said its unclear what the DC council can do to address the concerns of residents. She pointed to strengthening the Sanctuary Values Act, a law passed back in 2020 that limits the Districts cooperation with federal immigration agencies. However, she noted the current challenges for the council. I dont know how realistic it is that we can actually get that done with a hostile Congress and a hostile President, she said. What can we do now if we cant update the law? What can we do now if we are seeing police work together with ICE every day? Which I think came across pretty clearly in the testimony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nadeau noted that most of the criticism made during the hearing centered around MPD, which falls under the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety for oversight. DC News Now reached out to Councilmember Brooke Pintos office, which oversees the committee. In part, Pinto said, It is unacceptable for ICE agents who have no accountability to our city TO roam our streets and cause people in our community to live in fear. What we are seeing from some federal agents on immigration enforcement is deeply troubling. While no public hearing is specifically scheduled on this issue, she stated, As Chairwoman of the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety, I conduct oversight of MPD every single day to ensure that the rights of District residents are protected and that we can keep our communities safe I have several hearings scheduled over the next several weeks with MPD coming to testify. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DC News Now reached out to MPD for comment, but has not heard back. 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. Homeowners in the Magnolia Walk subdivision of South Fulton have hired an audit team to review their HOA finances after the arrest of their former president, Richard Austin, on felony theft charges. Austin is accused of stealing over $7,000 by submitting a fake invoice for camera installations that never occurred. The discovery was made when homeowners noticed discrepancies in the financial records. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] We were concerned about moneys being spent improperly, homeowner William Washington told Channel 2s Tom Jones. And services being paid for that were not rendered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation began when homeowners noticed that Austin was reimbursed more than $7,000 for cameras he claimed to have installed at the community pool. However, upon contacting the business listed on the invoice, no payment was made, and no cameras were installed. This led to police arresting Austin, who now faces charges of felony theft by deception. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Homeowners have since hired an outside firm to conduct a thorough audit of their finances, suspecting that more funds might be missing. Washington mentioned that the community had to spend an additional $7,000 to install the cameras that were initially claimed to be installed by Austin. The homeowners are also implementing internal controls to prevent future incidents. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) A federal judge has blocked proposed Trump administration cuts to K-12 mental health programs, according to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. The order came down Monday, from United States District Judge for the Western District of Washington Kymberly K. Evanson, a Biden appointee. Michigan and 15 other states filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education and Secretary of Education Linda McMahon back in June, accusing the federal agency of illegally pulling funding from mental health programs in K-12 schools around the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the lawsuit, Congress allocated $1 billion in funding for the Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant Program and the School-Based Mental Health Services Grant Program back in 2022. One of the provisions of the funding was that an additional $100 million would be available for both programs from fiscal years 2022 to 2026. However, according to Nessel, in April 2025, the Department of Education notified grantees that their grants conflicted with the Trump administrations priorities, and that their funding would be discontinued. This included the Michigan Department of Education, Grand Valley State University, and the Lansing School District, who received funds meant to assist them in increasing the number of mental health professionals available in educational settings. Rescinding congressionally-approved funds this time to address the mental health crisis in our schools is illegal, and I am relieved that another Court has agreed, said Nessel. The lawsuit claimed that the Department of Education violated the Administrative Procedure Act and the U.S. Constitution by attempting to rescind and reallocate funding already approved by Congress without congressional approval. The states also argued that the discontinuation of the grants meant immediate and irreparable harm to the grant recipients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monday, Judge Evanson issued a preliminary injunction and found that the Department of Education violated the Administrative Procedure Act and acted in an arbitrary and capricious manner. The order blocks funding cuts for grantees that had submitted declarations to the court explaining how they had been harmed by the lack of funding. You can read the full order below: 193_OrdGrntgPIDownload 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. Netanyahu is being charged with fraud and breach of trust in a conflict-of-interest case involving close confidant Arnon Milchan, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's trial opened on Wednesday with a discussion over the decision of the presiding judges to expand the number of testimonies by Netanyahu per week from two to three. Netanyahu's defense attorney Amit Hadad said he sadly wouldn't be able to represent the prime minister, while Netanyahu said he is going above and beyond to make it to these testimonies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This follows the courts decision in September to expand the testimony days starting in November, citing an urgency to move the case along. This is due to both its complicated and nuanced nature, the fact that it has dragged on for about five years now, and also taking into account the looming retirement of some on the bench. Netanyahu said that his schedule had been chock-full on Tuesday, culminating with a secret conversation that was quite significant. I went to sleep at around 4 a.m., and woke up two hours later, he said, underscoring how difficult it is to keep to the court's schedule and also serve as prime minister, the prime issue in this case. Activists protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outside the District Court in Tel Aviv, where Netanyahu was supposed to testify in his trial, September 16, 2025. (credit: MIRIAM ALSTER/FLASH90) Journalists denied opportunity for questions Separately, in an escalation of matters, the judges decided that Netanyahu would enter the courtroom at the same time as them. This effectively blocks both photographers from capturing him in court, as no photographs or videos can be taken while judges are present in a courtroom, as well as questions by journalists, as, once judges are in the courtroom, no one from the audience is permitted to speak. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The questions can be a mix of provocative and relevant ones, but the fact remains that this is the only forum in which journalists can ask the prime minister questions without the process being controlled by him or his office. It is the only way to reach him in a state where he is unprepared, where he does not have a polished answer at the ready. The reality for journalists is that press briefings by the PMO do not take place very often. The Administration of the Courts later released a bench decision by the panel confirming that Netanyahu would enter at the same time as the judges. In Case 1000, Netanyahu is on trial for a conflict-of-interest case involving Arnon Milchan, a close friend and confidant while he served as communications minister from 2013 to 2015. Allegedly, the prime minister received thousands of dollars worth of champagne and cigars from Milchan and from Australian billionaire James Packer, who was a friend to both. According to the indictment, Netanyahu pushed for legislative and regulatory changes that would have benefited Milchan at the time. The prime minister was charged with fraud and breach of trust. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The testimony on Tuesday included a closed-door session on Netanyahu's relationship, specifically with Packer. On Wednesday, prosecution attorney Yonatan Tadmor presented Netanyahu with testimony from Hadas Klein, who was both Milchan and Packer's personal assistant and had become a state's attorney. What Tadmor presented theoretically shows the preferential treatment that Netanyahu gave Packer. Netanyahu said he did not remember the meetings that Tadmor referenced. The YMCA of Greater Erie has multiple great events coming up. Deanna Renaud of the YMCA of Greater Erie joined us in the studio to discuss the YMCA Senior Health and Wellness Fair, as well as the Bingo Bash for Cash. 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 WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com. Gov. Gavin Newsom has a message for generous supporters of the Yes on Prop. 50 campaign: keep your money. In a video posted on X, Newsom announced that his campaign has reached its fundraising goals, having raised $38 million from 1.2 million donors across all 50 states. We have raised enough money to win this campaign, Newsom said in the video. It doesnt mean we have won the campaign, quite the contrary, but we have reached our goals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most political strategists told the New York Times that Newsoms announcement was unorthodox but would likely deepen trust with his supporters. However, Matt Gorman, a Republican strategist who has worked on past presidential races, told the publication that Newsoms decision to cease small-dollar fund-raising was actually braggadocious in its own way. Newsom, in August, signed a bill calling for a Nov. 4 special election that will let Californians decide whether lawmakers should temporarily take control of drawing the states congressional maps, which would heavily favor Democrats. Prop. 50 would override the states independent redistricting commission for the 2026, 2028, and 2030 elections. The commission, approved by voters through ballot measures in 2008 and 2010, was designed to remove politics from the process, which is typically conducted every 10 years using U.S. Census data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the plan, the commission would remain in law but lose authority at least temporarily. Supporters argue that the measure is necessary to counter partisan gerrymandering in GOP-led states. Opponents, however, argue it amounts to gerrymandering itself, returning power to politicians after voters had deliberately removed it. A yes vote on Prop. 50 would allow the Legislature to implement new district maps for the next election cycle. A no vote would preserve the current maps drawn by the Citizens Redistricting Commission until new lines are created after the 2030 Census. 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. AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall The Times of London was duped by a Bill De Blasio impersonator, with the former New York City mayor saying he was appalled to see the false quotes published. I want to be 100% clear: The story in the Times of London is entirely false and fabricated. It was just brought to my attention and Im appalled, De Blasio wrote on X on Tuesday. The article in question claimed ally de Blasio said New York City Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdanis politics dont add up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I never spoke to that reporter and never said those things. Those quotes arent mine, dont reflect my views, de Blasio wrote. I want to be 100% clear: The story in the Times of London is entirely false and fabricated. It was just brought to my attention and Im appalled. I never spoke to that reporter and never said those things. Those quotes arent mine, dont reflect my views. https://t.co/I65e8UV6tm Bill de Blasio (@BilldeBlasio) October 28, 2025 The story was yanked just two hours after its publication. In a statement provided to The New York Times Emma G. Fitzsimmons, The Times of London admitted its reporter had been misled. The paper said someone had impersonated de Blasio, and it has since apologized to de Blasio and his family. The Times has apologised to Bill de Blasio and removed the article immediately after discovering that our reporter had been misled by an individual falsely claiming to be the former New York mayor, the statement reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Times of London is owned by Rupert Murdochs News Corp. In my view, the math doesnt hold up under scrutiny, and the political hurdles are substantial, the fake De Blasio told the paper. The actual de Blasio said he actually believes Mamdanis policies are all achievable. I demand [The Times] pull down this story immediately. It is an absolute violation of journalistic ethics, he wrote. The truth is I fully support [Zohran Mamdani] and believe his vision is both necessary and achievable. I demand the @thetimes pull down this story immediately. It is an absolute violation of journalistic ethics. The truth is I fully support @ZohranKMamdani and believe his vision is both necessary and achievable. https://t.co/waF97GkTxM Bill de Blasio (@BilldeBlasio) October 28, 2025 Mamdani, a self-described Democratic socialist, is currently leading former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa in most polling ahead of the November 4 election. The post Newspaper Deletes Article After Admitting It Was Duped by a Fake Bill de Blasio: Our Reporter Had Been Misled first appeared on Mediaite. Dallas Area Rapid Transit has elected Randall Bryant as its new board chair, replacing Gary Slagel as the top official. DART elected Bryant as board chair on October 28, according to a press release, replacing Slagel, who had held office since 2023. DART confirmed that the officer elections are part of a routine two year rotation. The agency did not specify whether former Chair Gary Slagel will continue serving on the board representing Richardson, Addison, Highland Park, and University Park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Slagel led the agency through recent service cuts and offered kickbacks to suburbs to drop reform legislation, as The Dallas Express exclusively reported. Bryant, age 38, is the youngest board chair in the agencys history, according to the release. He will serve a two-year term. The Dallas City Council first appointed him in 2024 to fill a vacancy, and he was reappointed in May 2025. Bryant called it an honor to lead DART into what he called the next era. Im dedicated to developing amicable legislative solutions on governance and funding, ensuring a safe and secure system, expanding the use of innovation and technology across the Agency, extending dedicated service to new member cities, and partnering with local school districts to drive trade education benefitting DART and our future workforce, Bryant said. Bryant was chair of the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce, and served as a member of the Dallas Citizens Council and the North Texas Commission, which manages the regions unified advocacy at the state and federal levels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bryant is CEO of Politics United Marketing, a regional firm that provides government affairs, public relations, and political consultancy services to public entities, corporations, and political committees. After joining DART, Bryant was elected to the board of the American Public Transportation Association. He will now represent DART on the Regional Transportation Council of the North Central Texas Council of Governments. As The Dallas Express reported, NCTCOG holds massive influence over transportation funding across the region. Bryant will replace Slagel, a former Richardson mayor who has served on the board since 2011. He was first elected chair two years ago. Mayors of participating DART cities have become increasingly critical of DARTs funding and governance structure, and some cities may reconsider their membership in 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, Plano gave $109.6 million in sales taxes to DART but received only $44.6 million in services a $65 million annual deficit, according to a 2023 study obtained by The Dallas Express. Meanwhile, Dallas contributed just $407.8 million to DART, but received $690.5 million in services in return. The DART board also spent a total of $2.4 million on executive bonuses from 2020 to 2024, as The Dallas Express exclusively reported. Dallas maintains a vast majority on the DART board, while cities like Plano and Farmers Branch share a single representative, an imbalance that mayors said makes it difficult to represent their constituents. Crime has also been increasing across the DART system. Group A Offenses including arson, assault, robbery, and drugs doubled from 3.4 per 100,000 riders in January to 6.81 in June. These crimes have increased by nearly 44% since last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amid these frustrations, the DART board of directors approved a General Mobility Program in March returning 5% of annual sales tax revenue to several member cities. Still, the cities went to the Texas legislature, supporting bills to reform the DART board and divert some of its sales tax revenue. DART Board Chair Gary Slagel demanded that the member cities drop reforms in exchange for the GMP funding, as The Dallas Express exclusively reported. Carrollton Mayor Steve Babick previously told The Dallas Express that DART had proposed the funding as a compromise, only to turn it into a poison pill. The GMP funding caused a $42-43 million financial shortfall for DART, leading to massive service cuts in September that slashed routes and lengthened wait times. The Board also selected Marc C. Abraham to serve as Vice Chair, appointed Carmen Garcia as Secretary, and designated Mark C. Enoch as Assistant Secretary. CONCORD, NH (ABC22/FOX44) Members of the state Cold Case Unit plus the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department are searching one area in New London, NH as part of an ongoing investigation into a 1978 unsolved homicide. This announcement comes from the New Hampshire State Police Colonel Mark B. Hall and state Attorney General John M. Formella. Search efforts are specifically happening in the Esther Currier Wildlife Management Area, which coincides with the 47th anniversary of Catherine Cathy Millicans death, says the official release. This search began this morning and is expected to continue throughout the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 27-year-olds body was found in the wooded area off Route 11 on October 25, 1978. An autopsy later determined that Millican died from multiple stab wounds, officials say. New Hampshire Governor Ayotte and Attorney General Formella announce cold case unit expansion Millican was reportedly last seen on October 24, and told others she had plans to go birdwatching. Her vehicle was parked at an entrance to the wetlands and her body was found several hundred yards into the woods, AG Formella reports. Officials say this specific search is focused on finding physical evidence, and that it poses no danger to the general public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We remain ever hopeful that her case will be solved and that closure will ease the pain of everyone who knew her. We are encouraged to know that her case has not been abandoned but continues to be worked, Millicans family says in a released statement. Anyone with information about this case can contact the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit at (603) 271-2663. 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 ABC22 & FOX44. Nigel Farage is not alone in feeling exasperation at the Governments apparent inability to set up an inquiry into grooming gangs. After months of pressure, the Prime Minister eventually conceded in June that an independent commission on grooming gangs would be established under the Inquiries Act 2005, empowering it to compel witnesses to give evidence, with a panel of around 20 survivors of abuse to oversee its creation. Last week, however, four months into the process, four members of the victim liaison panel resigned over concerns that the inquirys scope might be widened and doubts about two candidates for the role of chair. They have also objected to the way Home Office minister Jess Phillips has handled the matter; her aggressively defensive performances in the House of Commons have done her no favours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Farage does not miss opportunities for publicity. At a Reform UK press conference on Monday, he lambasted the Government, accusing it of abject cowardice, of having absolutely no desire for any serious inquiry to go ahead and of wanting to kick the can down the road. The process, Mr Farage claimed, is dead in the water the inquiry is flawed, the inquiry will not work. He offered a better, quicker, more open and more transparent solution: Parliament should do its job and take over the investigation. The details were hazy, but the Reform UK leader wants the House of Commons Home Affairs Committee to establish a sub-committee to examine grooming gangs, and then somehow broaden this into a bicameral body like the Parliamentary Commission on Banking Standards of 2012-13. Evidence under oath I used to be a clerk on the Home Affairs Committee; I clerked one of its sub-committees on counter-terrorism. Mr Farages plan to hand this kind of complex and sensitive issue to a parliamentary committee is a terrible one. He cited the ability of select committees to summon witnesses, to sanction them if they refuse to attend, and to take evidence under oath. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yes and no. Committees have the power to send for persons, papers and records, and have served formal summons in the recent past, but the ultimate sanction for a determined refusenik is unclear: the Commons has not imprisoned anyone since 1880, and it last issued a fine in 1666. As for administering oaths which I have done it is unnecessary, as giving false evidence to a committee is already a contempt of Parliament. Select committees do not have the resources nor MPs the available time and focus to provide a substitute for a statutory inquiry. They generally have perhaps 10 staff members, and (in most cases) no dedicated legal advisers. The workload would be overwhelming if done properly. Mr Farage spoke of the process taking two or three months at most; while no-one wants to see another Bloody Sunday Inquiry, which lasted for 12 years, Mr Farages timescale would mean the investigation was superficial and inadequate. I doubt Mr Farage devised these proposals from a love of Parliament. It was an angle of attack on the Government and the great opportunist seized it. He is an unlikely champion of the legislature, having taken part in only 129 votes of the 328 held since the election and made just 14 substantive speeches in the House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But he said one interesting thing. I dont think we realise, Mr Farage declared, just how much power Parliament actually has if it chooses to use it. On this point he is absolutely correct, though probably not in the way he means it. The House of Commons has formal control over the mechanics of the state: taxation can be authorised only by the Commons, under what is known as financial privilege. The Government has to seek its consent, through Supply and Appropriation Bills, to draw money from the Consolidated Fund, its account at the Bank of England into which all revenue is paid. Such bills authorise expenditure but it must be spent for the purposes set out in the Governments Estimates, which must also be approved by the House of Commons. The Government also depends on Parliament for the defence of the realm. The Bill of Rights 1688 states that the raising or keeping a standing Army within the Kingdome in time of Peace unlesse it be with Consent of Parlyament is against Law, and it is only the passing of an Armed Forces Act every five years which allows the military to exist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even more fundamental than that is confidence. The Prime Minister holds office because he can command the support of the House of Commons. If the House withdraws that, no premier can survive. And MPs could, if they wished, withdraw it tonight, or any night, at any time. All of these powers lie effectively in abeyance because MPs tend to vote loyally with their parties. So be it. But if they chose not to, if they chose to act as a legislative body rather than individual party factions, there are critical levers of power at their disposal. Farage may be an unlikely champion, and he may not mean it, but at least he has articulated what is true: Parliament is sovereign. Eliot Wilson was a clerk of the House of Commons from 2005 to 2016 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. New Jersey was hailed as a leader in bail reform, but both front-runners in the governor's race say the system needs changes. (Photos by Hal Brown and Amanda Brown) [2025 governor's race Voter Guide: Where NJs governor hopefuls stand on the issues] New Jersey was hailed as a model for criminal justice reform nationally when state lawmakers eliminated cash bail more than a decade ago. Supporters of the move cheered that poor defendants would no longer be jailed before their trial just because they couldnt pay, and public officials celebrated the savings from a plummeting jail population. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the two front-runners in the race to replace Gov. Phil Murphy (D) both want to change the risk-based system of pretrial incarceration that replaced cash bail. Democrat Mikie Sherrill says she supports the current system conceptually but has concerns about defendants not showing up for court and those accused of violent crimes not being detained before trial. Republican Jack Ciattarelli blames bail reform for repeat offenders, saying he would appoint conservative judges and prosecutors and fix loopholes to ensure more defendants are jailed pretrial. Neither candidate offered data to back up their concerns or specific plans for change. Supporters of cashless bail say thats because the system works. Former Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican who signed the 2014 bail reform law, said arguments against cashless bail often are rooted in ignorance. Christie spoke at a forum on Friday in Princeton on how policymakers and advocates could use bail reform as a model for sentencing reform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not some unusual, lenient way of dealing with people who have been charged with crimes. In fact, its been done in the federal system in every federal district, all 93 of them across the country, for a very long time, said Christie, a former U.S. attorney for New Jersey. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, a Democrat running to become New Jerseys next governor, talks to reporters after a campaign rally in West Windsor on Oct. 23, 2025. (Dana DiFilippo | New Jersey Monitor) How it works Under the cash-based bail system that predated the 2014 law, New Jersey judges set a monetary amount defendants had to pay in order to go free before their trial. That left poor defendants who were unable to afford bail languishing sometimes months or even longer behind bars awaiting trial, while dangerous defendants could get out of jail as long as they paid, Christie noted. Such an inequitable system did little to protect public safety, he added. Drug dealers, violent drug dealers, and gangbangers were regularly being able to be released from prison. Why? Because you cant set the bail high enough, Christie said. They got the cash because of their criminal activity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 2014 bail-reform law took effect in January 2017. It requires prosecutors who consider a defendant a flight risk or a danger to the community to ask a judge to order pretrial incarceration, and the judge must consider nine risk-based factors in deciding whether to hold them. Those factors include their age at arrest, the violence of their offense, prior convictions and sentences of incarceration, and prior failures to appear in court. The courts also created an online system to allow judges, prosecutors, public defenders, and corrections officials to share information about a defendant, case status, and more, said Glenn Grant, the recently retired judge who served as the longtime administrative director of New Jerseys courts. Since the state embraced cashless bail, more low-level offenders await trial at home while more serious offenders get incarcerated pretrial, according to a 2023 report to the Legislature. In 2012, more than 1,500 people were in custody because they couldnt pay bail of $2,500 or less representing nearly 12% of people in county jails while less than half of county jails population were people charged with violent crimes, sex crimes, or weapons offenses, according to the report. Now, most people in county jails are there for more serious first- and second-degree crimes, Grant said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He called bail reforms success remarkable. The states county jail population has been reduced by almost 40%. Eighty percent of the defendants are released within 48 hours, and a majority of that 80% are released within 24 hours, Grant said at the Princeton forum. Limiting pretrial incarceration to the most dangerous and elusive defendants also better protects defendants who dont pose such risks from the harmful impacts of lengthy incarceration, such as job loss, housing loss, educational impacts, and family disruption, he added. Caveats and loopholes So what exactly are Ciattarelli and Sherrill saying about the system? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sherrill, a four-term congresswoman who worked at the New Jersey U.S. Attorneys Office from 2012 to 2016, said she believes in the current system with caveats to better ensure that people dont blow off scheduled court dates and violent offenders get held. We need to look at ways to make sure that, either, if theyre a danger that theyre held, or if theyre a flight risk that we have ways of getting them back to return. Often thats (an electronic) bracelet or something like that, she told the New Jersey Monitor. Sherrills comments echoed what she told members of the New Jersey State Policemens Benevolent Association in August. What I see in too many cases with criminal justice reform is youre throwing the baby out with the bathwater. Youre saying, I dont like this process, so Im going to get rid of this process, but Im not putting anything in its place to keep us safe and to keep people accountable, she said then. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ciattarelli, a former state assemblyman and retired medical publisher whose running mate is Morris County Sheriff Jim Gannon, promised broader changes. We will fix bail reform loopholes that currently allow violent and repeat offenders to walk free by appointing conservative state judges and county prosecutors as well as revising the current bail reform law to toughen rules governing juvenile offenders, Ciattarelli told the New Jersey Monitor. Ciattarelli added that local police confirm that arrest, release, repeat is real. Its also demoralizing for law enforcement professionals to have to arrest the same person time and time again. Cashless bail has created a professional criminal whos learned how to game the system, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gannon echoed that complaint, saying police can attest that bail has turned some of our correctional facilities into revolving doors. Jack Ciattarelli speaks at a town hall in Pitman on Sept. 16, 2025. (Dana DiFilippo | New Jersey Monitor) What the data says Grant, the former courts administrator, cites data showing there has been no increase in court no-shows, and that recidivism rates of those released are equal to or better than the rates before bail reform. Almost all defendants released before trial do not reoffend, with the rate of rearrest for very serious crimes like violent felonies at less than 1% annually since 2018, according to the 2023 legislative report. Defendants released before their trial also appear for court more consistently, with the court appearance rate at 93% in 2014 compared to 97% in 2020, the report notes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such statistics are why New Jerseys cashless bail system is considered the gold standard nationally, Grant said. Attorney Alexander Shalom, who was active in efforts to end New Jerseys cash-bail system, conceded an 11-year-old law could be ripe for review to ensure its working. He pointed to the length of pretrial incarceration and the need to make sure defendants get their constitutional right to a speedy trial. But he called the concerns now being aired on the campaign trail more propaganda than reality. We have to make sure that were making changes, when we do, based on data and reality rather than perception and fear, said Shalom, who now heads the Lowenstein Center for Public Interest. What we shouldnt do is take a stray story or someones fear or speculation and let that drive changes to a statute that has been wildly successful at both protecting our communities and ensuring that people show up in court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Multiple studies have shown that bail reform has not worsened crime rates. Reducing pretrial detention did not impact domestic violence fatalities or gun violence in New Jersey, two separate studies last year and earlier this year found. Penn State researchers found in 2019 that both New Jerseys crime rate and pretrial jail population fell after lawmakers ended cash bail, while the Brennan Center for Justice found no link between bail reform and crime rates in a 2024 study of 33 cities that enacted cashless bail systems. Sometimes when a crime happens or we have a thing where theres a rash of car thefts, people are quick to blame bail reform. But thats not the case, New Jersey Public Defender Jennifer Sellitti said. Federal attacks Doubts persist. Observers say that is probably because of federal attacks on cashless bail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trump in August signed an executive order threatening federal funding cuts to cities and states with cashless bail systems, which allow dangerous individuals to immediately return to the streets and further endanger law-abiding, hard-working Americans because they know our laws will not be enforced, a White House statement said. Many Republican lawmakers consequently moved to limit pretrial release. Christie, a Trump foe, said bail reform has been mischaracterized by my party as liberal and permissive and noted Ciattarelli, who Trump endorsed, will listen to some of the yelling voices in my own party about this. He predicted that whoever wins the governors race might not change New Jerseys bail system, despite what they say on the campaign trail. But advocates and policymakers who believe in the success of New Jerseys bail reform should fight to preserve it, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justice which is dispensed with care, with reason, and with compassion is the best justice and should be the justice we should be striving for all the time, he said. Sophie Nieto-Munoz contributed. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX In the waning days of Floridas September heat, teams with the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force met for the militarys first organized drone crucible, a five-day event that pitted the services top remote pilots against each other. Teams came from both special operations and conventional forces, including the Armys 75th Ranger Regiment and Aviation Center of Excellence, Navy SEALs, Air Force explosive ordnance disposal troops and the Marine Corps new attack drone team. Each team brought their own unmanned systems and training to face scenarios that included chasing convoys and close quarters combat missions where drones cleared buildings before human troops killed a simulated threat inside. Originally conceived as a competition, civilian organizers approached this first crucible as a stepping stone for future contests because of a significant disparity between service maturity on tactics and employment, according to a summary from the organization that headed up the event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While no service claimed the crucibles first top throne, teams took home individual accolades. They also traded notes and identified shortfalls crucial feedback for the military as it rushes to build Americas drone repertoire. Rather than run a formal competition, said Nathan Ecelbarger, a Marine veteran and president of the United States National Drone Association, the events goal was to identify issues and promote creativity on how the military thinks about drones. We cant afford to waste any more fucking time on traditional acquisition cycles. Satellites and submarines, fine, go ahead and take five years to establish a program of record, Ecelbarger told Task & Purpose. Drone warfare is here now. The teams competed in six different scenarios: close quarters combat; striking a moving enemy vehicle convoy moving more than 40 miles per hour; destroying or disabling simulated enemy intelligence, surveillance or reconnaissance assets; night operations; a long-range strike that saw teams locating, tracking and engaging a target more than seven miles away; and finally, a joint live strike where the teams joined together to blow up a target. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ecelbarger said the USNDA will hold crucible events every 90 days. We will continue providing a venue for Rangers, SEALS, and Marines to defeat each other, so we can collectively learn from each other, before we send them all into the next real-world conflict. The Russia-Ukraine drone era The competition marks a significant notch as the U.S. rushes to catch up with its own tactics, procurement and training for drones, which have been at the center of the Russia-Ukraine war. America still vastly trails rivals Russia and China in the drone business. In July, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth issued a three-point memo on unleashing U.S. military drone dominance to urge manufacturing, technological advancement, and training that tasked senior officers to cut through red tape and risk-aversion. Ecelbarger said that the Drone Crucible hit all of those wickets. But the U.S. militarys drone effort still faces challenges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an executive summary shared with Task & Purpose, Ecelbarger said that the crucible was designed as a crawl stage for future competitions and that teams were provided with qualitative feedback and awarded performance certificates based on their individual teams contributions, highlighting areas of excellence. He wrote that the services still face barriers in acquisition and bureaucratic resistance when it comes to range approval policies necessary to get troops using drones on a more regular basis, for example. He also said that conventional forces lack the authority that units within the Joint Special Operations Command have, but JSOC units struggle to match the funding allocated to conventional forces to get drone systems to scale. The event produced significant feedback directly from drone operators, Ecelbarger wrote. Specifically, operators reported the need for official senior leader education to better understand drone technology and implementation, leaning on experience gained by home-grown drone users popping up around the force. Other feedback included the need for organizational restructuring to improve joint training and an urgent need for the Pentagon to invest in scaling as many cheap systems as possible that can be lost or destroyed without fear of punitive action or depleting a units operation inventory, according to the memo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want space to actually innovate and do drone shit, as one drone operator said, according to Ecelbargers memo. The Marine Corps Attack Drone Team, which was founded in January, took home the Commanders Intent Award for Conventional Forces Drone Dominance, meaning that it demonstrated technical and tactical competency through established doctrine that allows drone capabilities to scale across the Marine Corps and joint force. The 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment team took home an award under the special operations category for using proven tactics ready to be adopted by other specialized units. Operators from Naval Special Warfare Seal Team One and Two earned an adaptability award, having successfully used these systems across each crucible scenario despite being significantly underequipped with drone capabilities needed to scale across the individual SEAL Teams, according to Ecelbargers memo. The Air Force EOD team won the innovation award for using a home-made FPV drone with a bomblet dropper to hit multiple moving targets and during a long-range strike mission. The Armys Aviation Center of Excellence was awarded the Drone Dominance Overachiever Award for successfully conducting each event despite how recent its official drone team was founded, the summary said. The Michelin Guide is announcing its picks for top Texas restaurants at the Wortham Theater Center Tuesday night. Last year, 15 Texas restaurants earned a Michelin star, including six in the Houston area. Michelin recognized 117 restaurants in total last year. Stars are Michelin's most prestigious award. Restaurants can earn up to three, though no one in Texas earned more than one star last year. The guide also recognizes Bib Gourmand spots, which offer good food at affordable prices, and Recommended restaurants, which serve "high quality dining." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Chronicle team is currently at the Wortham, and the chefs are now seated for the awards. Oysters, caviar and champagne are flowing. We'll be updating this page throughout the night, so follow along. No restaurants in Texas received two or three stars, just like last year. "Earning a Michelin star is a rare and transformative achievement," said host Java Ingram. No new Houston restaurants received a Michelin star this year. Three new restaurants, one from Dallas and two from San Antonio, did. All six Houston-area restaurants that received one star last year maintained that recognition: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BCN Taste & Tradition (Montrose Spanish fine-dining spot with Picasso on the wall) CorkScrew BBQ (Spring barbecue joint where the owners are always fixtures in the dining room) Le Jardinier (French fine dining at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston) March (Six- or nine-course Mediterranean tasting menu in Montrose) Musaafer (Indian fine dining in a gorgeous setting at the Galleria) Tatemo (Maiz-driven tasting menu) In total, 22 local restaurants won recognition as Bib Gourmand spots. All of last year's restaurants kept their place on the list. The Houston-area restaurants that earned Bib Gourmand status this year: Annam ChopnBlok Da Gama Canteen Maximo Papalo Taqueria Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Houston-area spots that maintained their status: Belly of the Beast Blood Bros. BBQ Casaema Killen's Killen's BBQ Mala Sichuan Bistro Nam Giao Nancy's Hustle Nobie's Pinkerton's Barbecue The Pit Room Rosemeyer Bar-B-Q Rosie Cannonball Street to Kitchen Tejas Chocolate & Barbecue Theodore Rex Truth BBQ The team of James Beard-nominated pastry chef Stephanie Velasquez, Nicolas Vera and Marlen Mendoza kept their Bib Gourmand award this year for Casaema, their Mexican-inspired bakery and cafe in the Heights. But the bigger surprise was nabbing one of the five new Bib Gourmands in Houston for their downtown taqueria Papalo, which opened in March 2020 and had to almost immediately shut down because of the pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also thanked their team, including the women in the kitchen who handle all their heirloom corn to make tortillas for tacos, quesadillas and other dishes for the stall located inside the Finn food hall in downtown. "We've put so much into Casaema that it was a surprise," said Velasquez about winning a second Bib Gourmand. "Our team made this happen tonight." The trio congratulated their friends, but also had to head back to Casaema to take bread out of the oven for the next day's service. Sixteen Houston restaurants were designated as Recommended: Agnes and Sherman Bar Bludorn Baso Bludorn Brisket & Rice Candente Credence Hidden Omakase Hong Kong Food Street J-Bar-M Barbecue Josephine's Late August The Marigold Club Neo (temporarily closed) Pappas Bros. Steakhouse Perseid Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The list includes all seven of last year's Recommended restaurants - Baso, Bludorn, Brisket & Rice, Candente, Hidden Omakase, Late August, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse - plus nine new picks. Elliot Wood, general manager at Levi Goode's Texas-inspired restaurant Credence, earned this special Michelin award. Accepting the award, he thanked his team and said, "Credence is the stories of Texas through the lens of live fire, and this is definitely a team award as well." Wood almost didn't join the Credence team last year ahead of its opening in the Memorial area. He had plans to open his own live-fire restaurant, but a chance meeting with Levi Goode convinced him to join as general manager. "The universe was speaking to me," Wood said. "It was clearly the right path at the right time." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His years of experience in the restaurant industry includes working for Pappas Bros. Steakhouse and opening national concepts across the country. He last worked at downtown steakhouse Guard and Grace as general manager before joining Credence. In the past year, Wood said he's focused on brining "precision" to the service at Credence. At least two servers and a manager oversee each table in the dining room. "I'm just here tonight to hold the torch," Wood said. "What we do is a team effort every day." Employees held a watch party at Sidebar, which is a speakeasy-style bar attached to Credence. He and Goode planned to swing by to show the team its award. Ceremony gets started So far, we've spotted: Levi Goode and Elliot Wood of Credence, Justin Yu of Theodore Rex, Thomas Bille of Belly of the Beast, Benchawan Jabthong Painter of Street to Kitchen, Ope Amosu of ChopnBlok, Emmanuel Chavez of Tatemo, Adrian Torres of Maximo, Leonard Botello IV of Truth BBQ, Terry Wong from Blood Bros. BBQ and Grant Pinkerton of Pinkerton's Barbecue, plus teams from Le Jardinier, Musaafer, Goodnight Hospitality (March, Rosie Cannonball, Marigold Club), Sambrooks Hospitality (Pit Room and Candente) and Annam. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To start the night, Java Ingram, the Dallas TV host presenting the ceremony, shouted out each of the five cities that the Michelin Guide visited: Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio. "Each of those cities that you were just shouting for moments ago stand out as a local destination for travelers both near and far," Ingram said, reading a message from Michelin Guide international director Gwendal Poullennec. She added that Michelin would be celebrating 33 types of cuisine tonight. This article originally published at No new Houston restaurants receive a Michelin star this year, 6 maintain recognition. PORT ST. LUCIE A native of Cuba living in Port St. Lucie who still has family in the island nation expressed concerns as Hurricane Melissa made landfall there early Oct. 29 after hitting Jamaica a day earlier as a Category 5 storm. Giovanni Montesano, 60, is a real estate broker and decades-long Port St. Lucie resident who was born and raised in Havana, several hundred miles west of the Santiago de Cuba area where Melissa came ashore as a category 3 hurricane. Montesano said a brother and sister are in Havana, Cubas capital and largest city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The last time I spoke to my sister was yesterday (Oct. 28) at around 2 o'clock in the afternoon, Montesano said. After that, probably because of the winds and everything, the internet got shut down. They have no communication no internet, no phone lines, nothing. Montesano said the home where he lived was built in 1900, and the roof was made of tile. For the last 60 years they have no construction material to keep it up, he said. They tried their best, but it's a very strong house. Montesano noted a shortage of food and water. They have water only twice a week, he said. They have to fill tanks, and I mean it is crazy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Montesano expressed concerns that corruption would negatively impact international relief to the country. The government keeps everything usually the donations and all kinds of stuff that goes there goes to the store and they sell it to the people, he said. Alleged public nakedness: Indecent exposure arrests made at public beach in St. Lucie County Missing person case: Missing woman, 37, found stuck in St. Lucie River, police said Montesano, who said he was a radio and television journalist in Cuba, said he tried to send assistance. He said he last was there in 2019. I've been calling different agencies (in the United States) that have the authorization from the State Department to send help to Cuba, he said. With the embargo, the government doesn't allow companies to do it, only if they have a special permit from the Department of State. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Will Greenlee is a breaking news reporter for TCPalm. Follow Will on X @OffTheBeatTweet or reach him by phone at 772-267-7926. E-mail him at will.greenlee@tcpalm.com. This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Cuban native in Port St. Lucie concerned as Hurricane Melissa strikes Few travel myths are as persistent as the idea that peeing on a jellyfish sting will relieve pain. Yet despite its popularity, research discredits this long-standing belief. In fact, urine has no effect on the venom because it dilutes and spreads the stinging cells still on your skin, said Philip Swart, the medical director at Altezza Travel, a tour operator in Tanzania. Instead, there are safer, science-backed treatments available. The right step is vinegar," Swart said. "It neutralizes the nematocysts, the microscopic stinging capsules, and stops more venom from firing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Swart, who has spent 18 years working in emergency medicine, said travelers should rinse with seawater instead of freshwater if vinegar isnt available. That's because freshwater can cause the stinging cells to discharge even more. Seawater keeps the jellyfishs stinging capsules inert. Those little stinging capsules act like tiny syringes, and many don't fire right away, but they can if triggered," he said. "Freshwater causes a change in pressure and makes them discharge upon contact, so people can end up with a second dose of venom even after leaving the ocean. Another important step is removing the tentacles with tweezers or the edge of a card, Swart said. People should not touch them with bare fingers because the capsules can still fire upon contact and you dont want the venom to transfer onto your hands. In general, acting quickly is key since the pain can be sharp and overwhelming within the first few seconds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Always monitor how your body reacts, and be sure to watch for spreading swelling, breathing issues, or sudden dizziness, as these are red flags that require immediate medical attention," Swart said. Jellyfish exist in water all over the globe and some are more dangerous than others. The Australian box jellyfish is considered the most venous marine animal in the world, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). They are typically found in warm coastal waters with the most lethal varieties primarily present in the Indo-Pacific region and northern Australia. Swimmers who are stung by the lethal species of these creatures "may experience paralysis, cardiac arrest, and even death, all within a few minutes of being stung," NOAA noted. However, not all jellyfish are as scary. There are hundreds of documented species of jellyfish and they don't hunt humans. "Any contact with jellyfish is incidental," according to NOAA. "Humans are not on their menu, but when we are in their environment we can get in the way of their tentacles." Read the original article on Travel & Leisure CEDAR COUNTY, Mo. After Cedar County Memorial Hospitals chief executive officer (CEO) was terminated last week, the hospitals board released a statement to address community concerns surrounding the sudden firing. The Cedar County Memorial Hospital (CCMH) Board of Trustees said in a press release yesterday, Oct. 27, that the board recognizes the community has questions about what the administrative leadership transition means. The board has not publicly commented on the reasoning behind his firing. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: CCMH terminates CEO, announces interim leadership Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We understand that recent rumors regarding our hospitals ownership have raised doubts among community members, and we want to address these concerns with facts and transparency, Board President Melissa Gallette said in the release. We want to be clear: there are no plans for acquisition or external ownership. CCMH operates under local control. Located in El Dorado Springs, the hospital has served Cedar County and surrounding communities since 1960. It operates with 10 acute care beds and a staff of more than 130 healthcare professionals. While Nichols termination was decided by the board last week, the hospitals leadership team which includes the Chief of Staff, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Nursing Officer and department leaders remains in place. The boards release said the hospital is implementing new policies aimed at improving operational efficiency and financial sustainability. Department heads recently collaborated on updated budgets and a three-year strategic business plan. In 2024, local taxpayers contributed $298,540 to CCMHs total budget of $20,134,025, according to the board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every citizen and every tax dollar play a vital role in supporting our hospital, Gallette said in the release. We deeply value community input and are listening. Interim CEO and Chief Financial Officer Carla Gilbert said the hospitals financial standing is strong. The board anticipates improvement under the hospitals strategic plan. 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. SPRINGFIELD Jurors in a civil trial heard closing arguments Tuesday after more than a week of testimony related to a former mayoral aide who argues his 2020 firing was racially motivated. Jurors did not reach a verdict on their first day of deliberations. Darryl Moss sued the city and Mayor Domenic J. Sarno in 2022 after being fired over what officials considered an inflammatory social media post during a combustible time in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yo, Keshawn Dodds ... grab the rifles, a Facebook post by Moss read during the peak of the Black Lives Matter movement, when protests were going on around the country. Central to those protests was the murder of George Floyd, a Black man, murdered by white police officers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in May 2020. Moss has argued his post was not a call for violence, but a reference to the HBO series Lovecraft Country, based on a young Black mans trek across the segregated south in the 1950s. One scene featured a group of white men burning a cross outside a home where Black people were hosting a party, and that prompted a similar quote. Moss attorney, Robert Johnson, told the jury the human resources director couldnt be bothered to watch the show, as he didnt have an HBO subscription. The director did not do a thorough investigation ... and violated its own policies, Johnson argued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The premise of Moss lawsuit is that his firing was driven by racial animus after he began speaking out against the citys handling of an investigation and personnel decisions regarding the Nathan Bills case, in which white officers beat four Black patrons outside the bar in 2015. Moss pushed the mayor on that issue and took the police to task, defending a Black man who had a license to carry weapons revoked and also over social media posts. Once he crossed the police, things began to change for Mr. Moss, his lawyer told the panel. Sarno himself testified for more than two days during the trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While his initial complaint filed in Hampden Superior Court sought $2 million in damages, plus attorneys fees, Johnson asked the jury to award Moss upwards of $5 million. That figure would include back pay, future pay, compensation for emotional distress and punitive damages. He must convince jurors his firing was retaliatory and that others in similar situations were treated differently for the same type of infraction. One example was Sarnos former chief of staff, Thomas Ashe, later appointed as the head of the citys Parks Department. Ashe was chastised by the Office of Campaign and Political Finance for sharing a post about a Sarno political fundraiser. Public employees are not permitted to fundraise in any way. Ashe was allowed to take the posts down and the state campaign watchdogs dropped the matter. Johnson said Ashe faced no discipline, but lawyers for the city said the two examples are not the same. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An attorney for the city argued Moss was fired for violating the social media policy established by the mayor. And as the former deputy communications director, Moss name was at the top of a press release announcing the policy, defense lawyer Patricia Rapinchuk told jurors. She also disputed that Moss was fired over racial tensions. Did Mayor Sarno terminate Mr. Moss because he was Black? That evidence does not add up to racial animus against Mr. Moss, she argued. Rapinchuk added that Moss post was, in fact, a call to arms. It sounds like a call to vigilante action, she said. Jurors will continue deliberations Wednesday morning. Their final question to Judge Jeremy Bucci on Tuesday had to do with the calculation of damages. Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Nigerian Nobel Literature Prize winner Wole Soyinka says the United States has revoked his non-immigrant visa issued last year. Speaking to reporters in Lagos on Tuesday, the 91-year-old author said he had received what he jokingly described as a rather curious love letter from the US Consulate General in Nigeria informing him of the cancellation. The letter, dated 23 October, cited US State department regulations allowing it to revoke a non-immigrant visa at any time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soyinka said the consulate had called him in earlier this year for an interview to reassess his visa. The US Embassy in Nigeria has refused to comment on the move. Related The author will now have to reapply for a visa if he wishes to visit the US but this destination does not seem to be at the top of his travel list. I want to assure the consulate that Im very content with the revocation of my visa, he told a news conference. Soyinka became the first Black writer to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986. A prolific author, he is mostly known for his plays, including his 1959 anticolonial piece The Lion and the Jewel. A vocal Trump critic He is also a fervent activist for human rights and social justice and has spent two years in prison for opposing the Nigerian civil war in the late 1960s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In recent years, Soyinka has become a vocal critic of US President Donald Trump. The writer previously held permanent residency in the US but he destroyed his Green Card after Trump first won the presidency in 2016. Writer Wole Soyinka attends the 2021 PEN America Literary Gala in New York, United States, 5 October 2021 - AP Photo He has recently compared Donald Trump to Idi Amin, the brutal dictator who ruled Uganda from 1971 to 1979 and became known as the 'Butcher of Uganda.' Amins cruel regime is said to have killed between 100,000 and 500,000 people, according to most estimates. Soyinka speculated these comments may have contributed to his visa cancellation. Idi Amin was a man of international stature, a statesman, so when I called Donald Trump Idi Amin, I thought I was paying him a compliment, Soyinka said ironically. Hes been behaving like a dictator. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The playwright has periodically held teaching posts at renowned American Ivy League universities like Harvard and Yale in the past decades. On Tuesday, he told organisations hoping to invite him to the US not to waste their time. "I have no visa, I am banned obviously from the United States and if you want to see me, you know where to find me. Police in Gastonia are investigating the death of a 23-year-old nonverbal woman. Aaliyah Fortner was found Sunday inside a home along Greenbrook Trail in Dallas, according to police. Officers were still at the home, which were told is for children living with developmental disorders, Tuesday. ALSO READ >> 2 charged with murder after man killed while helping friend stuck in mud Aaliyah was a person you had to have patience with, especially if you didnt know her, but once you see that smile, she would warm your heart, a woman who says she used to work with Fortner said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Channel 9 is asking police what led to Fortners death and if anyone will face charges. This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates. VIDEO: Didnt deserve this: Lyft driver shot during Charlotte crime spree dies A Sacramento County man is facing a possible sentence of decades in prison after prosecutors say he stole the identities of 22 Los Angeles County residents to steal about $150,000 in public benefits. Sam Shahbazi, 37, faces 22 felony counts each of grand theft and unauthorized use of personal identifying information, the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office said in a news release. Shahbazi is accused of applying for and receiving more than $146,000 from the Los Angeles County Department of Social Services using stolen social security numbers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He allegedly used fraudulent Electronic Benefit Transfer cards to make cash withdrawals from Bank of America, Wells Fargo Bank, Chase Bank, and U.S. Bank at multiple locations throughout California, prosecutors said in the release. The EBT cards with stolen benefits were also allegedly used to make purchases from Costco and Whole Foods. Stealing public benefits is a cowardly crime against those most vulnerable, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said in the release. Prosecutors in our Public Assistance Fraud Division work every day to fight for victims and root out fraud. Know this: If you steal public benefits in Los Angeles County, your transactions will be traced, you will be investigated and you will face criminal consequences. Shahbazi pleaded not guilty on Monday. Hes due back in court on Nov. 7. Prosecutors said Shahbazis bail was set at $2.275 million, though jail records indicate hes being held without bail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If convicted on all counts, he could be sentenced to as much as 32 years and eight months in state prison. 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. NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) The North Charleston Police Department (NCPD) met with the community discussing issues and any questions that people had. The town hall featured respectful dialogue from residents and chief of police Ron Camacho, alongside his department leaders. They discussed ways to improve trust and communication with the public. Well put together a class and well partner up with non-profits all over North Charleston, Camacho said. Well teach kids how to interact with us during stops, how to interact during car stops, and teach them the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some residents expressed mistrust of police after incidents like what happened earlier this summer when police were called to a gas station on Rivers Avenue, where a teenager was handcuffed after reports of vandalism at the store. The incident upset many people and was a major point of discussion at Tuesdays town hall. Its really disheartening and unfortunate to continue to see instances of Palmetto rose artists being brutalized by police, and people calling the police on Palmetto rose artists, Erica Veal with the Lowcountry Action Committee said. Many other topics were discussed. Veal with the Lowcountry Action Committee brought up the idea of a citizen oversight group. Investing in our communities makes them safer, Veal said. The community deserves to have a say in who polices their communities, and how our communities are policed. We should have a say in hiring police officers, the police budget, writing budget, writing police policies, need the ability to subpoena police when they commit crimes in our communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Friday, October 31, Beal says the Lowcountry Action Committee is holding a public meeting as a follow-up to Tuesdays town hall. It starts at 11 a.m. at Ralph M. Hendricks Park at 5250 Virginia Avenue in North Charleston. 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 WCBD News 2. The Good Road Recovery Center in Bismarck is a licensed substance abuse disorder treatment program owned and operated by the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation. (Photo by Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor) The Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation is looking to the North Dakota Legislature to address a major impediment to health care access on the states tribal reservations. During a Friday State and Tribal Relations Committee meeting, Good Road Recovery Center Director Jasten Schock told lawmakers of his two years working at the Bismarck-based treatment facility, hes spent the most time working around IMD waivers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An Institution for Mental Diseases, or IMD, is defined by federal regulation as a facility with more than 16 beds that focuses on providing services for people with mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders. Facilities with more than 16 beds are not eligible for Medicaid reimbursements, a threshold Schock called an archaic, outdated regulation. States can seek such payments through an IMD waiver, which is available in 37 states but not North Dakota. According to the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, Medicaid members can receive payments in an IMD setting through other mechanisms, like the states Substance Use Disorder voucher, or through agreements available at Fargo-based mental health clinic Prairie St. John. Mark Fox, chair of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, speaks during a conference of tribal and state government leaders on June 26, 2024. (Photo by Mary Steurer/North Dakota Monitor) MHA Nation Chair Mark Fox said because North Dakota doesnt have the waiver, the tribes are forced to send dozens of their members to other states for treatment services that cost them far more than the cost of care locally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its really getting out of hand, Fox said. We never asked for a dime to build our drug treatment facility in Bismarck. All were asking for is for the state to support Medicare and Medicaid giving us a waiver so that we can treat more than 16 people at a time, he continued. Because of these limitations, if we treat more, we dont get reimbursed by Medicare and Medicaid, but if the state agrees to support a waiver and its granted, we can treat the 60-some people weve invested to treat. Fox said he hopes Gov. Kelly Armstrongs recent trip to the reservation puts momentum on the effort to get the waivers. Joy Froelich, a physician at the treatment facility, emphasized to the lawmakers that getting people into recovery saves a multitude of costs in the long-term, like money spent on law enforcement and the courts system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indigenous North Dakotans consistently see the highest rates of substance use compared to their white counterparts, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. If we could make sure were helping people get sober, we get them back to the workplace they wont need Medicaid, Froelich said. MHA Councilwoman Monica Mayer, who is a medical doctor, told the committee that high rates of substance use disorders coupled with the 16-person threshold, make up a significant section on the long list of impediments to providing quality health care services on the reservations. We pay $40 million in premiums annually. Were trying to reduce that. And the way to reduce it is to get people on Medicaid and Medicare, Mayer said of overall health care costs, not just substance use disorder treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its gotten so bad, that we carry the burden of having to cover their insurance and their premiums. Were not talking millions of dollars were talking billions over the past decade, she said. After a lengthy discussion on Friday afternoon, Sen. Tim Mathern, D-Fargo, opted to begin drafting a bill to establish North Dakotas version of an IMD waiver. The draft legislation will be discussed at the next State Tribal Relations Committee meeting. That date has not been set. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Gov. Brian Kemp suspended Towns County Sheriff Kenneth Henderson for 60 days as an independent committee of other sheriffs and the Attorney General investigated claims of misconduct. Channel 2 Action News reported when the committee was formed in September in response to claims that Henderson and Deputy Austin Bradburn violated their oaths of office. Both were indicted Monday related to an incident on Dec. 13, 2024, when Hiawassee Officer Jose Carvajal was falsely detained and arrested. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Bradburn is accused of filing a false report, saying he had been the victim of an aggravated assault, maintaining the claim during an investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, according to the indictment record. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The indictment says Bradburn falsely reported that while stopping a vehicle for a traffic violation, he was attacked by the driver and shot while struggling for his gun. TRENDING STORIES: According to the indictment record, Henderson is accused of insulting Carvajal and physically battering him in an insulting and provoking manner, while Carvajal performed his duties as a police officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In previous statements shared by Henderson, Bradburns claim of being shot was responded to by Carvajal. When Carvajal assisted, Henderson said his interjection of himself into the investigation was unlawful and unwarranted. The indictment record states that Henderson pushed and insulted Carvajal and tried to prevent him from performing his duties, while responding to the situation. Hendersons statement continues, saying that while he was checking on further medical assistance for the fallen Deputy, seeing that the crime scene was secured, coordinating the search for the perpetrator and communication with the GBI, Carvajal contaminated the crime scene, tampered with the most significant evidence, and obstructed our investigation by continuing to refuse to hand over the gun to the officer in charge, and was defiant, obstinate and combative. The sheriff said that Carvajal was a close friend of Bradburn, and that the wounds to Bradburn were understood to have been self-inflicted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Henderson faces three counts of violating his oath of office as sheriff, falsely imprisoning someone, falsely imprisoning someone under color of law, simple battery on a police officer and simple battery. Bradburn faces one count of violating his oath, as well as four counts of filing a false report of a crime and two counts of making false statements. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] North Korea has carried out a successful cruise missile test, its state media has said, as US President Donald Trump visited South Korea for trade talks. Pyongyang fired sea-to-surface missiles, which flew for two hours and hit targets in its western waters on Tuesday, according to the countrys state-controlled Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Pak Jong-chon, North Koreas vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, described it as an important success in its mission to ceaselessly toughen the nuclear combat posture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said Seoul and Washington were analysing the incident, reiterating that they were capable of a dominant response if provoked by North Korea. The latest weapons test came as Trump headed from Japan to South Korea, where he subsequently held talks with his South Korean counterpart Lee Jae-myung on Wednesday. Speaking on Air Force One as he flew to South Korea, the US president appeared to downplay the importance of Pyongyangs latest missile test. Hes been launching missiles for decades, right? Trump said. During his first trip to Asia since returning to the White House in January, Trump has indicated his willingness to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Id love to meet with him if hed like to meet, he said on Monday. Related Speaking from the South Korean city of Gyeongju on Wednesday, Trump suggested that he and Kim, who met three times during his previous presidential term, get along very well. We really werent able to work out timing, he said of their failure to meet this week. North Korea has not commented publicly on Trumps wish for a meeting. However, Kim said last month that his country would not restart talks with the US unless Washington dropped its demand for North Korean denuclearisation. Under Kims leadership, North Korea has aligned itself more closely with Russia, sending Moscow thousands of troops to help with its all-out war against Ukraine. NORTH PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) Its all hands on deck to help those in need with nearly 150,000 Rhode Islanders at risk of losing their federal food benefits. Moms of Marieville in North Providence is one of numerous nonprofit organizations working tirelessly to make sure no family goes hungry should next months Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits be withheld. We just dont want anybody to go hungry, said Charlene Smith, director of Moms of Marieville. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RELATED: McKee declares state of emergency over SNAP shutdown Moms of Marieville is asking everyone to drop off food at their headquarters on Charles Street or at the Stop & Shop off Mineral Spring Avenue. The nonprofit also accepts monetary donations as well. Whats left here is all we have, so were hoping people find it in their hearts to contact us and make a donation, Moms of Marieville Director Melissa Sampaio said. FAQ: What to know about food assistance during government shutdown Sampaio said their food pantry will accept almost anything. All we asked if that you check the dates, Sampaio said. We dont give our families expired food. What you would feed your family is what we want to give to anyone who needs this assistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Providence has activated its emergency food plan. Were under no illusion that going to a food bank is the same as having your EBT card filled and being able to shop for the food thats best for your family, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said. But Providence does have a plan and we are prepared. Smiley told 12 News the city will be funding their emergency food plan through resources and programs, as well as areas of the budget that are underspent. Scouting for Food: How to donate to this years drive 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. Follow us on social media: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup 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 WPRI.com. By Qabil Ashirov Azerbaijans Foreign Minister, Jeyhun Bayramov, met with Sultan bin Mohammed Al Nomani, Minister of the Royal Office of Oman, as part of his official visit to the country, Azernews reports. In a post shared on his X account, Bayramov expressed satisfaction with the meeting, noting that the two sides held productive discussions on strengthening relations between Azerbaijan and Oman across multiple areas, including trade, investment, tourism, education, and humanitarian cooperation. Pleased to meet General Sultan bin Mohammed Al Nomani, Minister of the Royal Office of Oman. We had a constructive exchange on deepening AzerbaijanOman ties, highlighting cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, education & humanitarian fields. We underlined the importance of expanding dialogue & high-level exchanges, as well as strengthening our collaboration within the UN, OIC_OCI and NAM frameworks. We also discussed the current regional situation, the post reads. Dawn Rheingans always thought she would end up running a preschool. She loved teaching little kids. She believed that was her calling, but that all changed when she landed her first long-term substitute teaching job. She taught middle school during those months and quickly realized she wanted to continue teaching that level of kids. Her preferred subject was an easy one to pick, science. It was what she was best at all through school. She found reading, math and, self admittedly, school itself hard. But science class was where she thrived. All of the hands-on activities perfectly matched how she learned best. So, she put that into her teaching. Often having students do instead of show. I tell them the first day, theyre my, why I do this, said Rheingans. Its been 29 years so its a long time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In her time as a seventh-grade science teacher at North Scott Junior High, she has tried to be the type of teacher she would want her kids to have. Thats what truly inspires her. She wants to make a great, positive impact on her students. Dawn Rheingans (Iowa Department of Education) I love to see them, and I love the excitement and wows that I hear, said Rheingans through a beaming smile. Mrs. Rheingans, look! or what ifs? Ive had students go through the years, what if, what if, what if? Im like, guys, Im not a walking encyclopedia, but we can figure it out. Rheingans loves the curiosity the kids bring to class. Teaching a subject like science means there is bound to be plenty of wow! reactions each period. On Monday, the students did not give that reaction because of the lesson for the day. It was because of a message than rang out over the intercom, that let the entire school know Mrs. Rheingans had been honored as the Mississippi Bend Regional Teacher of the Year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her students gave her hi-fives and applauded in congratulations for their teacher. For Rheingans it was a moment she certainly wasnt fully prepared for. Its pretty cool, a little uncomfortable because Im a pretty humble person, said Rheingans. I was just like, thank you, I appreciate it, but now lets get back to work. Rheingans won the award because of her excellence in the classroom. She was selected by a committee that included representative from the Iowa Department of Education and the Iowa State Education Association. 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. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro met with neighbors in Northeast D.C. Tuesday night for an update on crime in the community. Pirro answered questions and took notes about problems plaguing the area, everything from violent crime to problems with loitering and prostitution. 2 teenage boys shot in Northeast DC The crowd was mostly favorable to Pirro and the federal surge of officers that had been in D.C. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I need you to help me fight crime. I need you to tell me what the problems are, Pirro said. Pirro spent about an hour and a half Tuesday night listening and responding to neighbors. We need to have a frank discussion to help her. Help us. We need help there. Weve had a violent weekend in the city. Violence is unrelenting despite how hard our team is working. And we need all hands on deck, said Kathy Henderson, former ANC 5D06 commissioner. Henderson organized the meeting and facilitated the conversation. The goal is to make sure that we return to a level of civility. We dont have that right now, Henderson said. We have people getting harmed, children committing crimes, children being harmed. Our citizens are being harmed. Thats unacceptable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the Fifth district, the watch commander said crime was already down 8% percent but with the federal surge, its down 15%. We are energizing my office to be accountable, to file charges, to do the best they can and to prove cases, Pirro said. Those cases cant move forward if there arent enough judges in the D.C. Superior Court. Right now, there are 15 openings. The president is going to make sure that those positions get filled. You will see them happening hopefully on Thursday, Pirro said. Omitted details in police report spark allegations of cover-up in DC shooting case As violence happened nearby during the meeting, she repeated her calls that she wants to be allowed to prosecute teens as young as 14 years old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were doing everything we can to make this District safe for the people who live here. One of the most important things for you right now is we got guns off the streets. And that we make young people accountable for the violent crime thats being committed. That is my number one priority, Pirro 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 DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. VAN WERT An idea that was first hatched nearly seven years ago, before a nationwide pandemic brought projects near and far to a grinding halt, came to fruition Tuesday as Northwest State Community College formally unveiled its new $7 million Van Wert campus. Based in Archbold, NSCC conducted a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Van Wert site, located at 520 E. Sycamore St., and its president said the institution of higher learning is open and ready for business. Were here, Dr. Todd Hernandez told a crowd of invited guests at the morning ceremony. Now its your turn, Van Wert. Send us your students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Jon Tomlinson serves as dean of the Van Wert campus. He said enrollment is currently underway, and NSCC is accepting applications from new students for the spring semester, which begins in January. Renovations to the former Kennedy Manufacturing facility in Van Wert began nearly three years ago after the college purchased the abandoned site. The doors to the new building will open in the the near future, the dean said. The actual plan to bring a community college to Van Wert goes back six or seven years, Tomlinson said. It was pre-Covid, and the pandemic put a damper on things for a few years. Visitors to Tuesdays grand opening were greeted by a state-of-the art facility, which Tomlinson said could see more than 400 students per day enter its doors. He said the ages of students run the gamut. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have traditional college-aged students, evening classes, online classes, and we will work with high schools in the area on the College Credit Plus program, Tomlinson said. We also have a very active workforce development program, and were the No. 1 provider in the state of Ohio for the TechCred program, which reimburses employers for employee training. Courses currently offered at the Van Wert campus include electrical engineering, industrial technology, computer science, cyber security and a growing number of business programs. Originally founded in 1968 as Four County Technical Institute, Northwest State Community College offers associate degrees, certificate programs, transferable credits toward bachelors degrees and College Credit Plus courses. For more information, visit northweststate.edu. PRESTON - A Norwich man who was hit on Route 2 in Preston by a BMW that fled the scene has died, according to Connecticut State Police. State police identified the man as Robert Edwin McGlothin, 57. Troopers were called to Route 2 around 9:25 p.m. Monday for the report of a car that had hit a pedestrian and then fled the area, state police said in a report Wednesday. Police described the vehicle as a 2019 to 2025 BMW X series, and said it may have damage on its front end and undercarriage as a result of the crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State police said that since this is an active investigation, they could not release the vehicle's color, registration state or other identifying features. Police are continuing to investigate. Anyone with information regarding this incident, who witnessed the crash, has seen the BMW or has dash camera footage is asked to call Connecticut State Police Troop E in Montville at 860-848-6500. This article originally published at Norwich man, 57, killed in hit-and-run pedestrian crash on Route 2 in Preston, police say. One of the narratives that has permeated the post-Presidential election cycle has been about Kamala Harriss campaign and the support she had, or didnt have, from the Democratic establishment. This is particularly true of Barack and Michelle Obama, who are two political figures who always seem to be in the eye of the spotlight. Did they support her? Did they want her to be president? According to a new report from the NY Post, Obama was not happy that Rep. Nancy Pelosi quickly endorsed then-Vice President Kamala Harris only 24 hours after Biden ended his re-election bid. Obama, according to sources, preferred to let a process determine the Democratic nominee and called Pelosi to vent about her decision, according to a new book called Retribution, written by ABC News Jonathan Karl. More from StyleCaster Advertisement Advertisement Related: Here are the celebrities who support Donald Trump The Obamas were not happy, a Pelosi confidant told Karl, according to an excerpt obtained by the Daily Mail. This person summed up Obamas message to Pelosi as, essentially, What the fk did you just do? Pelosi had an answer. That train has left the station, Pelosi reportedly told Obama, a reference to President Joe Bidens quick endorsement of Harris. But this reportedly went against what the two had previously discussed, as both agreed Harris should not simply be handed the nomination unchallenged. Therefore, Obama and Pelosi arguably the two most influential figures in the Democratic Party had privately agreed to abstain from making any endorsements, the journalist went on to say. The two had reportedly been in regular communication leading up to Bidens announcement, which is why the endorsement took Obama by surprise. Barack Obama & Kamala Harris' Relationship After Election Retribution: Donald Trump and the Campaign That Changed America Advertisement Advertisement On Sale 22% off $25.00 Buy Now On Amazon But sources close to President Barack Obama dont describe the conversation as a confrontation, instead describing it as good-natured ribbing, and explaining, The former president wanted to know what had happened. Why had Pelosi issued a statement endorsing Harris so soon? Hadnt he and Pelosi agreed days earlier that party leaders anointing the vice president as Bidens replacement would be a mistake? Perception is a funny thing, because sources close to Pelosi claim Obama sounded genuinely irritated on the call. Reportedly, Obama didnt think Harris could beat Trump in the general election, though Obama has never specifically stated this out loud. Instead, were getting all these insights about what could have happened behind the scenes leading up to the election from secondary sources now, which is what usually happens. It just makes getting a clear picture a little confusing. Advertisement Advertisement In the book, Karl explains that since big-name Democrats, like the Clintons, and even potential challengers, like Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, quickly endorsed Harris, Pelosi felt like she had no choice but to do the same. There was no one else. No other candidates had stepped forward Kamala Harris was it. The only thing Pelosi could do was try to help her win the election, he wrote in Retribution. What does that mean about Obamas relationship with Kamala Harris now? In September, The Daily Beast reported that Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff were seen dining at the same restaurant as the Obamas on Marthas Vineyard, but in separate rooms. That was seen as proof that the two did not get along. But its probably just proof that everyone wanted to have a quiet dinner with their spouse. Whatever happened behind the scenes, and however Barack Obama and Kamala Harris feel about each other now, theyre likely to continue maintaining a civil relationship in public. Politics and all. Best of StyleCaster Sign up for Stylecaster's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. DOTHAN, Ala. (WDHN)- A Local Pastor and Activist in Dothan is seeking to make a change in the prison system. However, he is hoping to not do it alone. And he is, Dr. Kenneth Glasgow. In prison all across the country, we remain quietThese are our people, our sons, our daughters, our mothers and fathersSo its only right that the church be the lead of it, and help take this across America to make sure that everybody gets the message- and do whats morally right. Humanely right Said, Pastor Glasgow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He then added, In order to be a kingdom builder, you gotta be a people partner. So its only right that The Alabama Solutions- by its exposure, express, and the church being the catalyst to bring it out. Dr. Kenneth Glasgow is the National President of the New National Christian Leadership Movement (NNCLM), and the founder of The Ordinary People Society (TOPS). He is calling on churches throughout Alabama and the nations to take action on inhumane treatment within Americas prison system. Glasgow mentioned, When people say something to the effect, oh! They in prison, they deserve that. Nobody deserves thatWhen you gotta man named Stephen Davis whose face got get in, and every bone in his face was broken, nobody deserves that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When you got people dying everyday by addiction because theyre overdosing in a place that suppose to be rehabilitating and correcting them, nobody deserves that The bible speaks explicitly, Matthew 25: 42-43- For I was an hungered, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink, I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Explained Dothans Activist. Glasgow expressed, It make sick and imprisonment synonymous one-to-another why? Alabama Solutions shows people oding and dying thats sick, from addiction thats a disease. And in prison, grievously inhumane treatment. The bible puts it together The Alabama Solution its exposing inhumane treatment, its exposing overcrowding ,its exposing the overdose, its exposing this and you know what else its exposing? How people feel about people. After watching the new Alabama documentary The Alabama Solution, Glasgow made the decision to carry the weight of an activist- by saving mistreated prisoners. And now he is echoing the call for worship leaders to join him. He feels this movement to fight prison abuse can shake up the horrific conditions in the prison system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 WDHN - wdhn.com. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November are on the line as the government shutdown continues to drag on. SNAP, also known as food stamps (or 3SquaresVT in Vermont), is a federal initiative that provides monthly benefits to low-income people to help them afford nutritious groceries. However, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) warned that it no longer has the funding to deliver November food benefits. Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark joined a coalition of 22 attorneys general and three governors in suing the Trump administration over the funding lapse, saying the funds do exist in a contingency fund. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But if the lawsuit doesn't deliver relief, come Nov. 1, the 10.1% of Vermont residents who rely on SNAP benefits will not receive food assistance, according to USDA. Here's what to know about the SNAP halt in the Green Mountain State. How SNAP halt will affect Vermont residents About 64,633 out of the 643,077 people who live in Vermont are SNAP participants, according to USDA and U.S. Census Bureau data. Gov. Phil Scott said those affected include children, veterans, older adults, and people with disabilities. In May 2025, the most recent month with available data, these recipients were given about $12.2 million in food assistance. The Vermont Department for Children and Families distributes the federal funds to recipients. SNAP is also referred to as 3SquaresVT within the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fiscal year 2025, the average monthly benefit per person in the SNAP program was $190.59, per USDA data. For households, the average monthly benefit was $356.41 in total. This November, zero SNAP benefits will be given out, USDA said. A handwritten sign advertises that "Food Stamps (EBT)" are accepted at a convenience store in Chelsea, Massachusetts, on Oct. 24, 2025. Is the government shutdown affecting WIC? What about free and reduced school meals? The Women, Infants & Children Nutrition Program (WIC) in Vermont is not impacted by the federal government shutdown, as of Oct. 29. The nutrition program provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and healthcare referrals to eligible Vermont residents, according to the state. Reach Up benefits are not impacted. School meals are not currently affected either, the state said. Where to get food assistance For more information, you can contact the Vermont Department for Children and Families, which oversees SNAP benefits in the state, at 1-800-479-6151. You can also call the USDA Northeast Regional Office at 617-565-6370. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you're in need of food assistance, you can visit the Vermont Foodbank website to find food pantries near you. You can also call 211 or visit vermont211.org to find a broader list of local food banks and resources. Feeding America maintains a list of food banks, as well. Some soup kitchens and churches in Vermont provide free holiday meals to families in need. Why aren't SNAP benefits being distributed in November? As the government shutdown crossed the four-week mark, SNAP benefits became a point of contention. While a banner on the USDA website points a finger at Senate Democrats for prolonging the government shutdown, many states toss the blame onto President Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government shut down in the early hours of Oct. 1, and since then, more than 700,000 federal workers have been furloughed, and nearly as many are working without pay. Several services across the government have had to close or downsize. More: 42 million to go without benefits SNAP benefits won't go out Nov. 1. 'The well has run dry,' USDA says. However, during past government shutdowns, SNAP benefits were still provided to Americans in need, as the government typically tapped into a reserve of contingency funds. The USDA's shutdown contingency plan, which was issued in September, has since been removed from the USDA's website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a letter shared with USA TODAY, however, the USDA said the contingency money is available only "to supplement regular monthly benefits when amounts have been appropriated for, but are insufficient to cover, benefits." Melina Khan of USA TODAY contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: VT SNAP benefits: Will you get November funds? Where can you get help? CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) As expected, payments in West Virginia for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will not go out on time in November. After some October payments were delayed in West Virginia and federal SNAP funding for November was paused by the government shutdown, the delay was expected, but it will still leave more than 270,000 West Virginians without their usual food assistance. The West Virginia Department of Human Services made the announcement on Wednesday, saying that the benefits will be released after Congress reopens the government and the U.S. Department of Agriculture approves the payments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We understand this causes uncertainty and are committed to keeping you informed, the WVDoHS said in a social media post. West Virginia is not among the states that have approved temporary SNAP funding at the state level, but Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced last week that $1.1 million in funding for food banks in West Virginia would be expedited, and on Tuesday, he announced a food bank donation drive that will be matched by the state. West Virginians take care of our neighbors. Its times like these that we need to come together as Team West Virginia to help those in need, Morrisey said. West Virginia communities have also stepped up to provide food and resources to their neighbors on SNAP. Two West Virginia women have created a database of food resources across the state, which can be accessed here, and a list of resources in each county is available here. Other communities have come together to sponsor free meals every day until the shutdown ends. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement West Virginians can also call 211 to be connected with a Community Resource Specialist who can provide details on things like food pantries, community meal programs and other resources. 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. Russian President Vladimir Putin, dressed in a military uniform, announced on Oct. 26, 2025, that Russia had successfully tested a nuclear-powered missile. If true, such a weapon could provide Russia with a unique military capability that also has broader political implications. The missile, called Burevestnik, was reportedly successfully tested over the Arctic Ocean after years of development and several earlier initial test flights, one of which resulted in the deaths of five nuclear scientists. I am an engineer who studies defense systems. Here is how these weapons function, the advantages they present over conventional missile systems, and their potential to disrupt global strategic stability. Conventionally powered missiles Missiles have been used by militaries around the world for centuries and come in a broad array of designs that are characterized by their mission, range and velocity. They are used to damage and destroy a wide variety of targets, including ground installations such as bases, command centers and deeply buried infrastructure; ships; aircraft; and potentially spacecraft. These weapons are operated from the ground by the army, from the sea by navy ships, and from the air by fighters and bombers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Missiles can be tactical, with relatively short ranges of less than 500 miles, or strategic, with long ranges of thousands of miles. Missiles fall into three general categories: ballistic, cruise and hypersonic. Ballistic missiles are launched on rockets. After the rocket burns out, the missile flies along a predictable arc that takes it out of the atmosphere into space and then back into the atmosphere toward its target. Cruise missiles have an additional engine that is ignited after the rocket burns out, allowing the missile to fly programmed routes, typically at low altitudes. These engines are powered by a mixture of chemicals or a solid fuel. Hypersonic missiles fly faster than the speed of sound, but not as fast as intercontinental ballistic missiles, or ICBMs. They are launched on smaller rockets that keep them within the upper reaches of the atmosphere. A hypersonic glide vehicle is boosted to high altitude and then glides to its target, maneuvering along the way. A hypersonic cruise missile is boosted to hypersonic speed and then uses an air-breathing engine called a scramjet to sustain that speed. How nuclear-powered missiles work Nuclear-powered missiles are a type of cruise missile. The designs are typically a form of scramjet. A thermal nuclear system uses fission of nuclear fuel to add energy to an airstream that is then accelerated through a nozzle to generate thrust. In this way, fission of nuclear material replaces chemical combustion of traditional cruise missile engines. The concept for a nuclear-powered scramjet is simple, even if building one is extremely challenging. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory The energy density the amount of energy released per unit mass of fuel available from nuclear fission is millions of times larger than that released by chemical propellants. This feature means that a relatively small amount of fissionable propellant can be used to power a missile for much longer periods of time than chemical propellants can. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United States explored developing a nuclear-powered missile in the 1960s. The effort, Project Pluto, was abandoned due to the rapid progress made at the same time on ICBMs, as well as concerns over environmental contamination associated with nuclear systems. Advantages of nuclear-powered flight The key advantage of nuclear-powered missiles is the extra energy, which allows them to fly farther, longer, faster and lower in the atmosphere, while executing a wide array of maneuvers. For these reasons, they pose a significant challenge to the best missile defense systems. The Russian military claims that the Burevestnik missile flew 8,700 miles at low altitude over a 15-hour period. For comparison, an airline flight from San Francisco to Boston covers 2,700 miles in six hours. While the Burevestnik vehicle is not flying particularly fast for a missile, it is likely maneuverable, which makes it difficult to defend against. Challenges to using nuclear power The huge amount of energy released by fission has been the key technical challenge for developing these missiles. The high levels of energy require materials that can withstand temperatures up to several thousand degrees Fahrenheit to prevent the missile from destroying itself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In terms of safety, nuclear technology has found very limited application in space due to concerns over radiation contamination if something goes wrong, such as a failed launch. The same concerns apply to a nuclear-powered munition. In addition, such systems may need to remain safe in storage for many years prior to use. An attack by an enemy on a weapons storage facility that contains nuclear-powered weapons could lead to a massive radiation leak. Russias Burevestnik and global stability The new Russian Burevestnik missile has been under development for over 20 years. While few technical details are known, Russian officials claim that it can maneuver to bypass antimissile and air defense systems. Nuclear weapons were the basis for mutual deterrence between the Soviet Union and the United States during the Cold War. Both parties understood that a first strike by one side would be matched by an equally destructive counterstrike by the other. The fear of total annihilation maintained a peaceful balance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several developments threaten the current balance of power: better missile defense systems such as the U.S.s planned Golden Dome and advances in highly maneuverable missiles. Missile defense systems have the potential to block a nuclear strike, and low-altitude maneuverable missiles have the potential to arrive without warning. So, while much of the reaction to Russias announcement of its new nuclear-powered missile has focused on the challenges of defending against it, the more important concern may be its potential to completely disrupt global strategic stability. 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: Iain Boyd, University of Colorado Boulder Read more: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iain Boyd receives funding from the U.S. Department of Defense. The News While the tug of war between the US and China over chips has been well covered, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang raised another group caught in the crossfire that has received less attention in Washington: Chinese tech talent. At the companys annual developers confab, held in the US capital for the first time this week, Huang mentioned several times that half of the worlds AI researchers come from China, which used to be a key recruitment pool for Silicon Valley. A chart showing the countries of origin of top AI researchers at US institutions. Is it possible that the United States falls behind China? The answer is absolutely yes, Huang said, citing the statistic as the reason why. It is extremely important that the United States continue to be the country by which immigrants like myself want to come here to do our education, to stay and build our career and build our life. Its a view Huang has expressed before, but its one of the few areas where he differs with the White House. And it seemed like a pointed remark as he sat on stage next to Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who stressed that the Trump administrations problems are with the Chinese government, not the Chinese people. Know More While Nvidias CEO prepared to travel to South Korea, where Trump and Jinping were scheduled to meet Thursday to possibly reach a trade deal, theres no easy solution to attracting global talent as parochial rhetoric rises in the US and countries boost incentives to keep the brightest brains at home. The number of Chinese students enrolled at US universities has fallen by more than 25% from its peak in the 2019-2020 school year, and reversing that trend will take more than just scrapping an export control backlist. An association representing thousands of New York City bodegas endorsed Zohran Mamdanis bid to become mayor Wednesday even though the group previously criticized the Democratic front-runners plan to launch government-owned grocery stores in the five boroughs. The pilot plan, which would involve opening one city government-owned grocery store in each borough, was harshly panned by Radhames Rodriguez, president of the United Bodegas of America, in late June, days after Mamdani had won the Democratic mayoral primary. At the time, Rodriguez, who represents some 14,000 bodegas and delis across the city, said he couldnt back Mamdani because his plan could hurt his members, forcing them to to compete with government entities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in a press conference Wednesday morning with Mamdani at a bodega in the Belmont section of the Bronx, Rodriguez said he had a change of heart and is now supporting the Democratic mayoral nominees campaign. In part, he said hes flipping to back Mamdani, a native of Uganda, because of his immigrant background. Zohran Mamdani is being attacked so much for being an immigrant and were all immigrants, I think the majority of us here are, Rodriguez said, speaking in Spanish, and we are sure that wed have more access to more opportunities with him than with any other candidates. Nonetheless, Rodriguez affirmed he remains skeptical about Mamdanis public grocery store proposal. Im not supporting to have competition, not for him, not for anybody, he told reporters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said he ultimately opted to offer Mamdani his support because he had gotten assurances from the candidate that he wont, if elected mayor in next Tuesdays election, activate the public grocery store plan without input from his association. Im supporting him because he promised me that any decision that he make about that were going to come [and have a say], he said. Mamdani, a democratic socialist, has said his plan to open one public grocery store in each borough would cost about $60 million annually. His pitch to New Yorkers has been that such an ownership structure could help drive down costs, though he hasnt made the proposal as central of a theme as some of his other affordability prescriptions, like freezing the rent for stabilized tenants and making public buses free. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking alongside Rodriguez, Mamdani said he sympathizes with deli owners uneasy about the prospect of publicly-owned grocery stores and promised any such program will be done alongside supporting bodegas. We were having a conversation about the way that streamlining regulations could assist bodega owners in the work that they do, about taking on some of the warehouse logistics issues and also understanding the role that the city has to play in not being a burden on these same small businesses, but rather being a support, said Mamdani. Before speaking to reporters, Mamdani bought a breakfast sandwich made up of eggs, cheese and jalapenos, an order that he has made his signature. Everyone always says Im running on an affordability agenda. Thats not quite true. Im running on a BEC agenda, not a bacon, egg and cheese bringing economic change, with some jalapenos on the side, Mamdani joked, while clutching his breakfast sandwich. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bodega groups switch on Mamdani comes as he continues to poll as the favorite to win next weeks mayoral election. A new Quinnipiac University poll released Tuesday showed him leading his closest competitor, independent candidate Andrew Cuomo, by a 43%-33% margin, with Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa clinching 14%. Early voting started Saturday, and nearly 300,000 New Yorkers had already cast ballots in the local elections as of Tuesday night, according to the Board of Elections. With Josephine Stratman There is just one day to go until New Yorkers elect the citys next mayor on Nov 4. Many ballots have already been cast, with early voting opening on Saturday, Oct 25. While polls suggest Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani to be the clear favourite, he seems unlikely to clinch a popular majority. This would make him the first to win in this way since John Lindsay in 1969. Who are the candidates? In the closing stages of the race, three candidates remain in the running to replace outgoing mayor Eric Adams, who suspended his re-election bid in September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Mamdani is a 34-year-old New York State Assembly member for the Queens neighbourhood of Astoria. He secured a shock win in the Democratic primary back in June, beating Andrew Cuomo. Mr Mamdani will also appear on the ballot as the Working Families Party candidate because New York allows fusion voting, meaning a candidate can appear on the ballot for multiple parties. His meteoric rise is something of a spanner in the works for 67-year-old Mr Cuomo, who was hoping for a political comeback. Andrew Cuomo, left, Zohran Momdani and Curtis Sliwa, right - Hiroko Masuike/The New York Times/Bloomberg The former Governor of New York resigned amid a sexual harassment scandal in 2021. Mr Cuomos lawyers have denied the allegations. This is nothing more than a political settlement with no investigation. Governor Cuomo did not sexually harass anyone, Rita Galvin told The New York Times last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is campaigning as an independent on the Fight and Deliver line. On the Republican side, 71-year-old Curtis Sliwa, founder and CEO of the Guardian Angels, a nonprofit crime prevention organisation, was selected as the partys nominee uncontested. He is keen to shake off his landslide defeat to mayor Adams four years ago. Who is Trump backing? Mr Mamdanis platform of rent freezes funded by a tax hike on the rich, universal child care, and free buses appeals greatly to the Big Apples youth. Just under two-thirds of 18 to 34s are leaning his way. The Democrat also appears to have won over the ethnic minority vote, with an almost 40-point lead over Mr Cuomo with Asian voters in particular. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Cuomos message, on the other hand, is public safety-first: he has pledged to add 5,000 officers to the NYPDs ranks and crack down on nuisance and quality of life crimes. Only with over 50s does he retain an edge over the competition, as he ramps up efforts to woo the citys moderate Republican voters. And over three times as many Jewish voters told pollsters they preferred Mr Cuomo to Mr Mamdani. The latters fierce criticism of Israel prompted Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove of the Conservative Upper East Side Park Avenue Synagogue to deem him a danger to the New York Jewish community. Mr Sliwas focus on a mix of law and order, cracking down on bureaucracy and boosting investment outside of affluent Manhattan has struggled to cut through. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Calls for him to drop out and endorse Mr Cuomo are now coming from within the Republican party itself, with many also divining this as US president Donald Trumps preferred outcome. Who has raised the most money? Mr Cuomo leads the pack on private donations from individuals, corporations and unions, according to the New York City Campaign Finance Board. Excluding Political Action Committees (PACs), the former governor had raised nearly $6m (4.5m) by the end of October. Mr Mamdani, however, is ahead overall, largely thanks to the citys generous Matching Funds Programme. The scheme incentivises engaging with average New Yorkers instead of seeking large contributions from special interests by using public money to boost small donations to eligible candidates up to eightfold. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has accumulated nearly $13m for his war chest in this way alone. With more than 40,000 donations in total, Mr Mamdani has twice as many contributors as his two remaining rivals combined. How accurate are the polls? Every poll comes with a measure of uncertainty. Although all pollsters strive to interrogate a representative sample and weight the results to reflect the makeup of the wider country, a margin of error is unavoidable. In practice, the true position of a particular poll is likely to fall within a few points of the quoted figure. Each pollster also has a bespoke approach to establishing voting intention. The wording of questions varies, as does the number of candidates included, and the handling of those who are undecided or who wont cast a vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Studies have shown that an aggregated poll of polls helps mitigate the potential biases emerging from individual pollsters. The Telegraph has compiled polls from a range of pollsters, weighted according to their Silver Bulletin grade awarded based on past accuracy the size of the sample, and whether the population sampled was all adults, registered voters or likely voters. 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. NEW YORK (PIX11) Just over half of New York Citys school bus companies have agreed to emergency contracts, which will postpone possible mass layoffs, according to Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos. New York City Public Schools has contracts with 52 private bus companies, the contracts for which expire on Oct. 31. More Local News Without a new contract, theyll need to lay off their staff, causing a massive transit disaster for 150,000 New York City students, according to Sean Crowley, a lawyer for many of the bus companies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the Department of Education told PIX11 News that 27 of the bus companies accepted emergency contracts, which would delay some of the possible layoffs. We are doing everything we can to minimize disruption, Aviles-Ramos said. A spokesperson for Sean Crowley sent the following statement in response to the announcement: First and foremost, in good faith, we are signing the 30-day extension because, in the end, this is about the children and our employees, period. Buses will be running on Monday. This emergency extension will allow us to bring all parties to the table to work everything out, while, at the same time, it will allow parents, students, drivers, and aides to know that buses will be running on a normal schedule. But the crisis is not yet averted. On Wednesday night, dozens of bus drivers with Consolidated, Logan, Pioneer, and other companies filled a Manhattan auditorium as a school panel voted to oppose the five-year contract that has the districts bus system in limbo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A five-year contract extension has already been negotiated between the bus companies, the Department of Education, and the Mayors Office. The Panel for Education Policy, which reviews the Education Departments large contracts, unanimously approved a resolution opposing the contract at Wednesdays meeting. Make PIX11 your preferred news source on Google: Heres how Dozens of bus drivers, company representatives, parents and students gave passionate arguments for and against the five-year contract. Representatives of the bus companies say that the five-year contract on the table sufficiently serves students with improvements and stability. The oversight panel argued that the contracts should be put up to a new bid, inviting the possibility for better service to students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Persistent concerns exist regarding service standards including amongst other issues: severe delays, inconsistent pick-up and drop-off times, lack of showing up, unselected routes, no air conditioning, [and] no response oversight for family and community complaints, the panel wrote in its resolution opposing the contract extension. One sixth-grade student spoke in support of the emergency contracts, asking bus companies to put students first and ensure they get to school. She noted there are significant issues with the current bus service, like broken heating and air conditioning. Students dont know if theyll be getting picked up by the school bus, said 11-year-old Lylah Torres. Parents dont know how to plan, bussing staff dont know if theyll have jobs or not. We dont need a 5-year contract. We need the kids to be able to get to school next week. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among others, one bus driver from Staten Island with a special needs child said many bus drivers feel theyre being used as pawns. This is corporate hostage-taking for a manufactured crisis, said Laura Simpson, whose kid is a public school student. Simpson urged the bus companies and panel to negotiate a better contract. Drivers deserve job security and the students deserve working buses. Manny Alicea, a 36-year bus driver, noted there is a bus driver retention problem, given how difficult the job is. He spoke in support of the five-year extension. School bus workers dedicate long, demanding days to ensure students get to school safely, Alicea said. Despite misconceptions, this job is far from easy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for NYC Public Schools sent PIX11 News the following statement: Ensuring that all of our students can travel safely to school is a priority for New York City Public Schools. In alignment with concerns raised at the recent Panel for Educational Policy meeting, we are being particularly mindful of students with disabilities and those in temporary housing for whom consistent access to their schools via a school bus is essential. We are appreciative of the partnership with a majority of yellow school bus companies that have signed emergency contracts now up to 27 and are working to maintain our commitment to ensuring continued service for students. For families impacted by service disruptions, we have established a comprehensive support plan that includes OMNY cards, rideshare options, and reimbursements. We remain committed to finding a mutual solution with all bus companies that prioritizes what matters most: keeping our students safe, supported, and attending school daily. 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. Almost 300,000 people have voted early in New York City's 2025 election -- which features a closely-watched mayor's race that has grabbed headlines nationwide -- as of the end of the fourth day of early voting on Tuesday, according to the New York City Board of Elections. That marks a major increase from the 55,106 voters who voted by the end of the fourth day of early voting in 2021's mayoral election. More than five times as many votes have been cast in the 2025 race as of the end of Tuesday. New York City Board of Elections - PHOTO: Early voting in NYC mayoral elections Out of the city's five boroughs, Brooklyn leads with the most early votes so far with 92,035 people having voted early there as of Tuesday night. By comparison, at the end of the fourth day of early voting in 2021, only 13,831 people had voted in Brooklyn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New York City mayoral debate: Sharp attacks as Mamdani, Cuomo, Sliwa face off a final time Staten Island and the Bronx, meanwhile, are lagging behind. As of the end of the fourth day of early voting in 2025, 22,417 votes were cast on Staten Island and 24,919 were cast in the Bronx. What this means for Democratic candidate State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, independent candidate former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, or Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa isn't quite certain, according to Laura Tamman, a political science professor at Pace University. "It's hard to say definitively what is happening with only borough-wide numbers available," she told ABC News on Monday. Angelina Katsanis/Pool/Getty Images - PHOTO: Mayoral candidates, Independent nominee former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa and Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani participate in a mayoral debate at Rockefeller Center on October 16, 2025 in New York City. "However, the proportionally low turnout in Staten Island and the Bronx is not great news for Andrew Cuomo. For him to have a chance, he would need those areas to be showing up in proportionally higher numbers than Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan," Tamman added. "Given that Andrew Cuomo has consistently trailed Mamdani by double digits, Andrew Cuomo continues to appear highly unlikely to win the election." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That said, early voting in 2025 is not entirely an apples-to-apples comparison with 2021. Early voting was first implemented in New York in 2019, so 2021 was the first mayoral race it was used for. Many voters may have also still been getting used to voting in person again after the COVID-19 pandemic. New York City mayoral candidates spar over how to deal with Trump Additionally, the 2021 matchup between Democratic candidate Eric Adams and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa was a much more traditional matchup, without a high-profile independent in the race, and Adams was effectively on a glide path in the Democratic-dominated Big Apple, according to Tamman. Mike Segar/Reuters - PHOTO: People stand at booths as they attend early voting in the New York City Mayoral election, in Manhattan in New York City, October 27, 2025. "Turnout in the 2021 contest between Eric Adams and Curtis Sliwa was lower because the race was viewed as less competitive than this year's contest," she said. ABC News' Averi Harper, Emily Guskin and Ivan Pereira contributed to this report. NEW YORK CITY (PIX11) Members of the New York Police Department mourned one of their longest-serving members on Wednesday morning. The NYPDs Chief Chaplain Rabbi Alvin Kass passed away at the age of 89, according to a social media post from Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch. More Local News His loss is immeasurable. His example is everlasting, wrote Tisch. He comforted the grieving, counseled the troubled, and reminded all of us of the deeper purpose in what we do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Air Force veteran and Columbia graduate joined the NYPD in 1966, at the age of 30, making him the youngest chaplain in the Departments history. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State Over the course of his six decades with the department, Rabbi Kass talked a suicidal man off a ledge at the World Trade Center in 1977 and convinced a gunman to release a female hostage from a midtown office building in 1981. He was also among the first to respond after 9/11, consoling the families of 23 officers who were lost that day. Outside the NYPD, Rabbi Kass was also the former president of the New York Board of Rabbis and has written work for public and private publications. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tisch recalled Rabbi Kass blessing at every police academy graduation in which he would wish for a place where people of every race, religion, color, and creed can pursue their individual destinies untrammeled, unafraid, and in obedience to Thy will. Today, that prayer belongs to all of us. And as we carry his words forward, we know he will still be watching over the city and the Department he loved, Tisch wrote. Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found 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. An Oakland County elected leader wants a criminal probe into a contract debacle, where a county employee's company received a six-figure public deal. Commissioner Michael Spisz, the top Republican on the Oakland County Board of Commissioners, filed a report Wednesday, Oct. 29 with the office of Sheriff Mike Bouchard. Oakland County Commissioner Michael Spisz, seen here at a meeting in September, wants a criminal investigation into how a county employee's business could receive a county contract. He said he noted in the criminal complaint that a private law firm hired by the county to investigate circumstances surrounding the contract determined there was a violation of law. While key officials in the office of Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter, a Democrat, recently said during a recent commission committee meeting they did not feel a criminal referral was necessary, Spisz disagreed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "One of the only ways I understand to investigate state law violations is to go through a policing agency," Spisz said in a phone interview. Steve Huber, a spokesman for Bouchard, confirmed the sheriff's office received the report but declined further comment. In a statment, Coulter spokesman Bill Mullan defended the county's response to the law firm's findings but said the county would cooperate with any law enforcement investigation. "Residents and taxpayers of Oakland County have a right to transparency and accountability in county operations," Mullan said, adding the Miller Canfield investigation did not find an intent to defraud the county. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The county stands by the findings of the independent investigation, has implemented corrective measures and remains fully committed to cooperating with any further review law enforcement may undertake. The disciplinary process for the employees involved in this matter is underway. We will share more information about the outcome when the process is completed, which is expected shortly. The controversy bubbled over in July, when county leaders say they received a whistleblower email informing them about the problematic contract. A company called ZaydLogix received a $450,000 deal for IT services, despite the owner also working for the county as an IT professional. While leaders quickly nixed the contract, Chief Deputy County Executive Walt Herzig and Deputy County Executive Sean Carlson told commissioners they decided to bring in law firm Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone to conduct an investigation. The law firm determined there was a law violation, according to a summary of findings released Tuesday, Oct. 21. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The ZaydLogix contract violated state law and county policy," reads part of the county's summary of the law firm report. The report did not specifically cite the law they believe someone broke or the potential penalty. But Commissioner Brendan Johnson said during the Oct. 21 commission committee meeting it was a misdemeanor for a public servant to enter into a contract with the public entity where that person is employed. Herzig told county commissioners after reviewing the "totality of the circumstances" they decided a formal referral to law enforcement wasn't necessary. That appeared to catch Johnson off guard during the meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Im not an attorney, but this is a pretty black and white violation of state law," Johnson, a Democrat representing parts of Auburn Hills and Rochester Hills, told Herzig. Herzig and Carlson said at the meeting they have implemented some policy changes, including additional training and requiring staff to affirm they have read the county's standards of conduct policy. That's just not enough, Spisz told the Free Press Wednesday. "Ultimately, I want to see the entire Miller Canfield report," Spisz said. More: Oakland County IT contract awarded to employee's company violated law, investigation finds Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Oakland Co. Prosecutor Karen McDonald is top fundraiser among candidates for Michigan AG Mullan declined last week to release the actual report or findings from the law firm to the Free Press, saying county lawyers say it is "privileged." Commissioners are also trying to get the full law firm report. Spisz and two other commissioners told the Free Press they have yet to receive a copy. The Free Press submitted a request under the Freedom of Information Act for the law firm's findings not any legal advice or opinion. The county requested additional time to review the request. The county plans to revisit awarding the controversial IT contract in January, Carlson said. Mullan also confirmed if the owner of ZaydLogix retires from the county by then, the company would be eligible to bid and potentially receive that contract. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In some jurisdictions, a former employee must wait a certain amount of time before returning to work as a contractor for the municipality. However, county policy would require the county commission approve any deal with Zaydlogix, given the owner's previous county employment, Mullan said. The investigation comes amid broader questions about ethics in Oakland County. Earlier this year, the Free Press and others reported Woodward also works for Sheetz, a gas station and convenience store chain. He lobbied members of the Royal Oak City Commission and other elected leaders on behalf of Sheetz; experts say that blurs the line between his elected role and private gain. Woodward has not voted on an issue directly related to Sheetz while on the county commission. But the Free Press found Woodward routinely voted on matters related to other private, political clients and a business partner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He's not the only one facing questions. Commissioner Angela Powell voted on issues related to the City of Pontiac while also being a city employee. Commissioner William Miller who serves as political director for a union voted on the county's contract with that union. And Johnson, who also works as a Michigan legislative staffer, regularly voted on matters pertaining to the Legislature. Coulter recently called on the commission to enact new financial disclosure regulations and to create an ethics "ombudsman" position, a clearinghouse for tips about possible unethical conduct in the county. Woodward introduced a measure to create the disclosure system, a policy that mirrors one offered months ago by Commissioner Kristen Nelson. The commission hopes to enact a policy by the end of the year. Reach Dave Boucher at dboucher@freepress.com and on X @Dave_Boucher1. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Oakland Co. commissioner files report over controversial contract Over the past four years, more than 200 people have died annually of overdoses in Oakland. Yet just across the Bay, San Francisco's drug epidemic is deadlier. Although Oakland has more people per capita living below the poverty line and nearly double the number of people per capita living in tents and vehicles, San Francisco's drug crisis is claiming lives at a far higher rate, especially among Black residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, roughly 75 people fatally overdosed per 100,000 residents in San Francisco compared with about 50 per 100,000 in Oakland. And although both cities have significant racial disparities in fatal overdoses, Black people are significantly more at risk of dying of an overdose in San Francisco than in Oakland, according to a Chronicle analysis. Doctors and researchers can't say with certainty what's contributing to the disparities between the two cities, but they have a few theories, including the sheer number of drug users, differing drug preferences and local drug supply. Keith Humphreys, a professor of psychiatry and an addiction researcher at Stanford University, said San Francisco's well-established fentanyl markets and drug-tolerant reputation play a role. The more people coming to San Francisco to buy and use fentanyl, the greater chances they will also overdose in the city. If someone typically lives elsewhere but fatally overdoses in San Francisco, they are counted as a death in San Francisco. { "__type": "devHubFreeformEmbed", "__id": "Datawrapper", "__fallbackImage": "https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/JYyVK/mobile.png", "__data": { "datawrapper_id": "JYyVK" } } Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the pandemic, the Tenderloin struggled with near-constant open-air drug markets, with dealers posted up on street corners at all hours of the day. People from across the country, including other Bay Area cities, were drawn to San Francisco for its cheap and accessible supply of fentanyl. "If you're a fentanyl user, and you live on the other side of the bridge, and just across the bridge is cheaper, stronger, more available fentanyl, and a (welfare) check each month, that's an incentive to go there," Humphreys said. Roughly 37,500 people in San Francisco - nearly one in every twenty city residents - are struggling with drug addiction and at risk of an overdose, according to a city-commissioned report released earlier this year. The analysis, conducted by UCSF and the city's public health department, encompassed people served by commercial insurance and the health department. There are no similar estimates available for the number of people dealing with addiction in Oakland. A meth bubble at a tent encampment in West Oakland, Calif., on Monday, Oct. 27, 2025. (Gabrielle Lurie/S.F. Chronicle) Andrew Herring, medical director of the Alameda Health System Bridge Clinic, which provides same-day drug treatment, said it's difficult to analyze how the overdose epidemic is affecting San Francisco versus Oakland because they're so intertwined. Some of the patients he has served at the Oakland clinic, for instance, have fatally overdosed in San Francisco and are therefore counted in San Francisco's overdose figures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another potential reason for Oakland's lower fatal overdose rate is a difference of drug preferences among some users. At a sprawling street encampment in West Oakland, a handful of unhoused residents said they were battling a variety of different drug addictions - crack cocaine, crystal methamphetamine and black tar heroin. But when it came to fentanyl, they said they try to steer clear of the powerfully addictive opioid. "I just wanna get high. I don't want to die," said Mariah, a 45-year-old heroin user who declined to give her last name. Sergei, who said he uses methamphetamine to cope with depression, compared fentanyl to "poison." But despite trying to avoid it, he said he's come close to overdosing a couple of times when it was unknowingly mixed in a meth pipe. Sergei, who is homeless and used crystal meth, cleans the encampment where he lives in West Oakland. (Gabrielle Lurie/S.F. Chronicle) Dr. Erik Anderson, an addiction specialist at Oakland's Wilma Chan Highland Hospital Campus, said that like Mariah, some of his patients are still using heroin rather than fentanyl. Although heroin is also a strong opioid that carries dangerous health risks, it's far less potent than fentanyl and doses are easier to control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fentanyl, which can be up to 50 times stronger than heroin, took off across California in the late 2010s. Many people who were previously injecting heroin transitioned to smoking fentanyl, which now drives the majority of overdose deaths in Oakland and San Francisco. Both cities saw their deadliest year for drug overdoses in 2023, followed by a modest drop last year. Dr. Phillip Coffin, director of substance use research at San Francisco's public health department, said part of San Francisco's 2023 jump was a spike of fatal overdoses among older Black men who likely ingested fentanyl unintentionally when trying to use stimulants. Racial disparities in overdose deaths have remained persistent over recent years. In Oakland, the fatal overdose rate among Black people from January 2020 to August 2025 was about 740 for every 100,000 residents, nearly three times the rate among white people. And in San Francisco, the situation was even worse - Black people died from overdoses at a rate of 2,660 per 100,000 residents during that same time frame. That means that roughly one Black person for every 25 Black San Franciscans died of an overdose over those five and half years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement { "__type": "devHubFreeformEmbed", "__id": "Datawrapper", "__fallbackImage": "https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/nI4Sv/mobile.png", "__data": { "datawrapper_id": "nI4Sv" } } To try and reduce fatal overdoses, both cities are working to increase immediate access to addiction treatment. San Francisco voters mandated that the city provide on-demand addiction treatment years ago, but the reality still remains elusive in many cases. At the Oakland Bridge Clinic, patients can walk in on weekdays and get same-day prescriptions for Buprenorphine, a medication used to treat opioid addiction, as well as mental health counseling, safe drug use supplies or other substance use treatment. The county also runs a help line that connects people experiencing addiction to a navigator who will help link them to treatment. "In the past, you could respond to someone using opioids and say here's a referral to a treatment center, but with fentanyl, that's no longer an adequate response," said Herring, medical director of the Bridge Clinic. "You have to be able to offer them immediate, real-time, effective treatment, right then and there. That's a mentality change." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In San Francisco, officials have made similar strides to increase access to medication-assisted treatment for those addicted to opioids and contingency management, a treatment strategy aimed at incentivizing people with stimulant addictions to change their behaviors. The department has focused efforts on populations and neighborhoods with the highest overdose rates while working to ensure more people stick with their treatment regimens and creating more pathways for people to move from the streets into care. A used syringe is seen at an encampment in West Oakland. (Gabrielle Lurie/S.F. Chronicle) Those pathways include a new crisis stabilization center, sober homeless shelter and a short-term health respite facility. The crisis stabilization center, which opened in late April at 822 Geary St., offers urgent, short-term psychiatric and substance use treatment and is meant to serve as an alternative to emergency rooms. In the first five months, the center served 344 people - a quarter of which were discharged to residential treatment after receiving care. Patients seen at the center are often prescribed antipsychotic medications and are connected to a "next step" on their treatment journey, which could include inpatient or outpatient care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Over time, this will help (reduce) overdoses, because we're getting people into treatment and care," said San Francisco Public Health Director Daniel Tsai. To address the ongoing racial disparities in fatal overdoses, the city recently entered new contracts with two nonprofits embedded in the city's Black community to conduct overdose prevention training and increase awareness about the risks of drug overdoses. The public health department has also launched an outreach team focused on the city's historically Black Bayview-Hunter's Point neighborhood and connecting more Black people struggling with addiction to treatment and recovery services. San Francisco saw about the same number of overdose deaths in the first nine months of this year as compared to last year. But in September, the city recorded its second-lowest month of fatal overdoses since it began tracking in 2020. Tsai said the department was "optimistic" by the numbers but "not remotely satisfied by it." This article originally published at Oakland has a major drug overdose problem. But San Francisco's is deadlier. MANNING, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) When I drove up to the Clarendon County Courthouse on August 28, 2025, I noticed an unmarked van with a South Carolina state government license plate and locks on the sliding door. A prison guard slid the door open, and a long leg covered in bright orange swung out, and an orange pair of rubber prison shoes hit the asphalt. The chains around the mans legs sounded like Christmas bells jingling as the six-foot-something prisoner stood up and walked toward the back door of the courthouse. Michael Pearson walks into the Clarendon County Courthouse wearing his prison orange on August 28, 2025, where he hoped a circuit court judge would grant him a new trial and set him free on bond. Pearson was convicted of a brutal armed robbery in May 2010, but a confession from his codefendant exonerated him. It would take the solicitor another 30 months to ask the court to grant Pearson a new trial. (WJZY Photo/Jody Barr) When he stepped up on the sidewalk and looked my way, it was Michael Pearson. Ive never met him before, but I recognized him from his South Carolina Department of Corrections mugshot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The guard unchained Pearson, and a Clarendon County deputy walked him into the courthouse. Ive watched dozens of prisoners walk into courthouses in my journalism career. There was something different about this one. Pearson didnt have the look of dread on his face. Not one sign of worry. He was wearing a smile, laughing with the guards, and he wasnt handcuffed. Ive never seen a man in prison orange so jolly. Probably because Pearson knew he was hours away from a judges decision that could grant him a new trial and his first shot at freedom since he was arrested in May 2010. In the 15 years since Pearson was booked into the county jail, he was walking back into the same courtroom where a judge handed him a 60-year prison sentence for crimes the State of South Carolina would later find out he really didnt commit. This original booking sheet shows the day Clarendon County Sheriffs Office investigators arrested Michael Pearson and charged him in the Edward Slick Gibbons ambush. Pearson had a red lighter and a $5 bill on him when he was booked into the county jail. Hed spend the next 15 years as property of the State of South Carolina for a crime he didnt commit. (Source: Clarendon County Sheriffs Office) Days after the jury convicted Michael Foots Pearson of robbing, kidnapping, and beating an elderly man in May 2012, he was sitting inside the state corrections Kirkland Reception and Evaluation, known as R&E, in Columbia, trying to figure out how he ended up charged, tried, and convicted. And how hed spend the rest of his life in prison for something he didnt do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pearson was charged in May 2010 with first-degree burglary, attempted murder, armed robbery, grand larceny, kidnapping, and possessing a gun after a prominent Clarendon County businessman Edward Slick Gibbons was ambushed inside his garage on May 15, 2010. Appellate records show Clarendon County Sheriffs Captain Kenneth Clark identified Pearson as a suspect after a confidential informant told Clark that days after the Gibbons ambush, Pearson and two other men were spending a lot of money. The sheriffs investigator asked Sumter Police Departments fingerprint analyst, Marie Hodge, to run Pearson and the two other mens fingerprints through the Automated Fingerprint Identification System, known as AFIS. AFIS is a nationwide computer database that compares fingerprints from crime scene to known matches stored inside the government database. None of the fingerprints Sumter PD ran through the computer program matched any of the prints lifted from the Gibbons ambush crime scene. This letter detailing the results of fingerprint examinations was included as an exhibit in the trial of two men convicted of ambushing Edward Slick Gibbons inside his garage in 2010. Sumter Police Department AFIS Examiner, Marie Hodge, entered Michael Pearsons fingerprint into the nationwide fingerprint database and found negative results. However, Hodge testified she visually compared Pearsons fingerprint to a print from the crime scene and confirmed it belonged to Pearson. (Source: Clarendon County Sheriffs Office) Once the computer failed to match Pearsons prints, Hodge got a fingerprint card of Michael Pearsons ink-rolled fingerprints and visually compared his known prints to latent prints lifted from the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hodge testified that Pearsons right thumbprint matched a single print lifted from the rear of Gibbons El Camino, which the three perpetrators stole and used as a getaway car following the ambush. Using that evidence, Investigator Clark got arrest warrants for Pearson. He was booked into the Clarendon County jail on May 20, 2010. Investigators submitted other pieces of evidence to the S.C. Law Enforcement Division for DNA testing. On July 20, 2010, investigators arrested Victor Weldon and charged him with the same crimes as Pearson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A DNA swab taken from the duct tape used to tie Gibbons up matched Victor Weldon. Case records show investigators had no other suspects. In May 2012, Third Circuit Solicitor Chip Finney took Pearson and Weldon to trial together. The court did not sever the trials, and Pearson had to bear the brunt of the weight of the biological evidence Finney had on Weldon. The only piece of evidence tying Pearson to the crime scene was a single fingerprint, the testimony from the Sumter PD analyst that it belonged to Michael Pearsons right thumb. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It took the Clarendon County jury just 20 minutes to convict Pearson and Weldon. Judge R. Ferrell Cothran, Jr., sentenced the men to 60 years in state prison. Within days, Pearson and Weldon were in R&E, where theyd spend the first few weeks of their six-decade sentence before SCDC assigned them to their permanent prisons somewhere in the state. PEARSON V. SC ATTORNEY GENERALS OFFICE In the first year as prisoners, Michael Pearson and Victor Weldon did what almost every other convict does. Both prepared appeals, proclaiming their innocence, claimed their defense attorneys made mistakes that stripped them of their right to a fair trial. It took Pearson just two weeks to file his direct appeal with the state appeals court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pearson asked his trial judge, Cothran, for whats known as a directed verdict, which is essentially an instruction from a judge to the jury to find a defendant not guilty because the state provided legally insufficient evidence to prove a defendants guilt. Pearson argued that the only piece of evidence linking him to any of this was a single fingerprint on the back of Edward Slick Gibbons stolen El Camino. READ: MICHAEL WILSON PEARSONS 2012 NEW TRIAL ORDER: 2014 PEARSON APPEALS COURT REVERSAL OF CONVICTIONDownload Judge R. Ferrell Cothran denied Pearsons plea for a directed verdict, and the jury judged Pearson and Weldon based on the evidence used against them at trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sumter PD fingerprint expert, Marie Hodge, couldnt tell the jury how, when, or where Pearsons fingerprint ended up on the car. Pearson argued for how it was possible: he lived around the corner from Gibbons auto parts store and frequented a Chinese restaurant beside the parts store. This aerial image shows the proximity of Michael Pearsons home to Edward Slick Gibbons auto parts store and the Chinese restaurant Pearson said he would walk to and eat. Google Street View mapping shows Gibbons while El Camino parked on the right side of the parts store in multiple years, Google drove by and captured images. (Source: WJZY graphic) Pearson said he didnt own a vehicle and didnt have a license, and walked everywhere he went. He argued it was possible his print got onto Gibbons car while it was parked at the business, and denied he knew Gibbons personally or where he lived. The S.C. Attorney Generals Office stepped in and fought against Pearsons appeal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the states law firm, the AGs office under Attorney General Alan Wilson is tasked with defending Solicitor Chip Finney and the conviction. Wilson and Assistant AG Jennifer Ellis Roberts went to work filing arguments against Pearson. READ: S.C. ATTORNEY GENERALS BRIEF OPPOSING MICHAEL PEARSONS NEW TRIAL: Respondents Final BriefDownload It took the state appeals court 29 months to make a decision. The court reversed Pearsons conviction, agreeing with the convicted man, Viewing all of the evidence in the light most favorable to the State, there was insufficient evidence to submit the case to the jury. The recovered fingerprint directly tied Pearson to the stolen vehicle. Nonetheless, the fingerprint merely raised a suspicion of Pearsons guilt because there was no additional evidence showing when the fingerprint was placed on the vehicle. Moreover, none of the other evidence presented by the State placed Pearson at the crime scene or established a relationship between Pearson and Weldon. For this reason, the jury could only have guessed Pearson was involved in the crimes, S.C. Court of Appeals Judge John D. Geathers wrote in his opinion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge John Cannon Few and Judge Paul Short both concurred with Geathers opinion. The opinion granted Michael Pearson a new trial. But that would be short-lived as the AGs office stepped in and asked the S.C. Supreme Court to review the appeals court decision and to reverse the decision to grant Pearson a new trial. On March 23, 2016, the S.C. Supreme Court reversed the appeals court, stripping Pearson of his new trial. He remained in prison serving his 60-year sentence. READ: S.C. SUPREME COURTS REVERSAL OF NEW TRIAL FOR MICHAEL PEARSON: Opinion 27612Download After Pearson was denied his new trial, Victor Weldon filed an appeal with the S.C. Court of Appeals, asking for a new trial, despite the DNA evidence against him. Weldon claimed his own defense attorney failed him and kept him from receiving a fair trial by failing to call alibi witnesses at trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weldon was denied a new trial in his efforts at Post Conviction Relief, or PCR, a process allowing a convicted person a path to a new trial if they can convince a judge they did not receive a fair trial. Weldons PCR effort died when Judge Jocelyn Newman ruled that his trial lawyer provided effective and sufficient counsel to him at trial, and he was not prejudiced by his counsel failing to call his own mother and sister as alibi witnesses. Weldon claimed his family members would have testified he was at home during the time of the Gibbons attack. The appeals court heard Weldons appeal, and on July 30, 2014, the court issued an opinion, granting Weldon a new trial. The AGs office filed a request with the state supreme court, asking the court to overturn the appeals court decision. On. Sept. 7, 2022, the S.C. Supreme Court denied the AGs office request for review and Victor Weldon was off and running toward a new trial on his charges in the Gibbons ambush. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, out of appellate options, Michael Pearson was sitting in prison with no hope of a new trial, unless he could turn up new evidence somewhere. He didnt know how close he was to that new evidence finding him. AN INNOCENT MAN Victor Weldon was shipped out of the state prison system and back to the county jail following his appeal victory. Weldon and Solicitor Chip Finney were preparing for a rematch inside the Clarendon County Courthouse. But Finney offered Weldon a deal: tell everything he knew about the morning Slick Gibbons was attacked and every person involved in it, and Finney would ask to have the remaining 45 years of Weldons 60-year sentence erased. Victor Weldon points to a picture of Leonard Smith from a SLED-prepared photo line-up during an interview with a solicitors investigator in early 2023. Weldon confessed to his role in the 2010 ambush robbery of Edward Slick Gibbons during a March 2, 2023, interview with the solicitors office. (Source: Clarendon County Sheriffs Office) On March 2, 2023, jailers took Weldon to the solicitors office to interview with Mark Creech, a retired S.C. Law Enforcement Division agent who went to work for Finney after his SLED retirement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Creech spent 51 minutes interviewing Weldon, where the convict confessed to being one of three men who plotted the Gibbons ambush and robbery the night before, then executed the hit before the sun came up on May 15, 2010. Weldon said a man named Leonard Smith showed up at his house in Sumter between 3:00 and 4:00 a.m., and they left for Gibbons house in Manning. Heres a partial transcript of that conversation: CREECH: And what happened then? WELDON: I aint answered it, I aint peeped out the window, then he (Leonard Smith) knocked on the back door and he cracked it open and screamed my name, so I got up. And he say he wanted to hit a lick because his brother was in jail. His brothers name is Jamie Smith. He came and we talked, we sitting outside in the car, me and Kevin Mellette and we smoke a joint and talked about it and CREECH: All right, you got to back up. How do you know Leonard Smith? WELDON: Went to school. CREECH: What school? WELDON: Lakewood. CREECH: Okay, so let me make sure Im clear in my mind. He shows up at your house on that Saturday morning back in 2010, in May? Three or 4:00 in the morning, his brothers in jail, he wants to hit a lick, which means he wants to go rob somebody? WELDON: Uh huh. CREECH: Is that what hit a lick means? And you go outside with him and sat in his car and who else is in there? WELDON: Kevin Mellette. Its somebody else, but I dont know, I dont know him. CREECH: Who is Kevin Mellette? WELDON: Somebody I know. CREECH: Is he from Manning or Sumter? WELDON: Sumter. CREECH: And there was another guy in the car? WELDON: Yeah. CREECH: And you dont know him? WELDON No. CREECH: Have you since learned his name? WELDON: Nah, ahI dont even know him. I think they call him Peanut, but I know hes not from around here. CREECH: Is he from Manning? WELDON: I dont know where hes from. I dont know him. CREECH: So yall sitting there talking about it. WELDON: Was like, we got a sweet lick. And he said, like his brother he said he wanted to try to get his brother out of jail because his brothers locked up on some burglary charges. And then Im like, what all yall trying to do? And they said man its going to be easy. Just go in and get some money, he aint going to fight back and get out. So, we sit in the car and smoke some weed and after that, I dont know what time it was, but we drove to his house and I think it was a rental, a gold, some type of gold car. I dont even know what type of car it was. WELDON: We drove and we got dropped off. CREECH: Who was driving? WELDON: I know, know, whoever that was CREECH: The other guy was driving? WELDON: Uh, huh. CREECH: So, this unknown, possibly Peanut, was driving? WELDON: Uh huh. CREECH: Describe him. WELDON: Dark skin, he had glasses on. CREECH: Glasses? Black male? WELDON: Yeah. CREECH: So hes driving this gold car and he drops you, Kevin Melette, and Leonard Smith off? WELDON: Uh huh. CREECH: Where does he drop yall off at? WELDON: At the front of Slicks house. CREECH: Okay, had you ever been there before? WELDON: No. CREECH: Do you remember how you got there? WELDON: I dont know how to get there, but they dropped us. Theres a bunch of turns and all types of stuff. Weldon spent the past years proclaiming his innocence, but with a chance at freedom, he finally told the truth to investigators during the 2023 negotiation of his plea agreement with Solicitor Finney. Weldon admitted to hiding in a side room of Slick Gibbons garage with two other men, waiting for Gibbons to leave for work. When Gibbons walked out of his door, the three ran out into the garage and attacked the elderly man. They sat on his chest and legs, beat him, and took everything out of his pockets. Two of the men also tied Gibbons legs together with duct tape and wrapped the tape around his head, Weldon told the solicitors investigator in a video-recorded interview. In Victor Weldons March 2, 2023, confession, he revealed a name investigators had never heard before as one of the co-conspirators in the 2010 ambush and armed robbery of Slick Gibbons. Weldon also told investigators he didnt know Michael Pearson before the ambush and that Pearson had nothing to do with the crimes committed. (Source: Clarendon County Sheriffs Office) There was one name Weldon never mentioned when he laid out the details of the planning and execution of the lick on Slick Gibbons: Michael Wilson Pearson. In fact, Weldon told Investigator Creech that he not only didnt know who Pearson was when they were both tried in the Gibbons ambush, but Pearson was never with him and his co-conspirators before, during, or after the attack. Thats something Victor Weldon never told anyone before he started negotiating his plea deal to save himself from spending the next 45 years in prison. Heres a partial transcript of that exchange between Weldon and Investigator Creech: CREECH: And Pearson aint had nothing to do with this? WELDON: I dont know him. CREECH: Im talking about your codefendant that was tried with you. WELDON: I know who youre talking about. I dont know I dont know him. Ive been saying that CREECH: He never had nothing to do with this? WELDON: I dont know him. CREECH: He wasnt with yall? WELDON: No. CREECH: Why didnt you tell them that to begin with? WELDON: I did, I said I dont know Pearson. CREECH: No, theres a difference in: I dont know Pearson, and Pearson was not there. So, was Pearson there? WELDON: No. CREECH: Pearson aint had nothing to do with this, hes an innocent man sitting in jail right now is what youre telling me? WELDON: Yeah. Investigator Creech called Weldon back into the solicitors office twice more in April 2023. Creech and Clarendon County Sheriffs Office Captain Kenneth Clark had SLED prepare two lineups for Weldon to identify Kevin Mellette and Leonard Smith. Weldon circled both Mellette and Smiths photographs during those follow-up interviews. Weldon ultimately pleaded guilty to his role in the Gibbons ambush and is set to be freed on Oct. 31, 2025. Hes currently housed in the Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center in Sumter, S.C., according to jail booking records. Michael Pearson would continue sitting in prison waiting for the solicitors office to do something to free him. Hed eventually file his own PCR case in June 2024, asking Attorney General Alan Wilsons office for a reduced sentence based on newly discovered evidence. Pearsons PCR case sat at the AGs office without any new filing in the case until mid-2025, when attorneys for the North Carolina Center on Actual Innocence stepped in and worked to free him. Our investigation into why Pearson spent 30 months in prison after the solicitor learned of Weldons confession, why the AGs office fought against Pearsons appeals, and whether the AG did anything to investigate Pearsons PCR filing are all questions we worked to answer in our Objection investigation. Watch Objection all this week after the World Series on Queen City 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 Queen City News. Few politicians have more on the line outside the actual candidates than Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) in next weeks New York City mayoral election. The New York progressive has been a staunch supporter of Zohran Mamdani, the 34-year-old democratic socialist who won the Democratic Partys nomination and is the favorite to win the election. As Ocasio-Cortez eyes a possible New York Senate run and even a presidential bid in 2028, Democrats say Mamdanis successes and failures could either be a huge boost to her or be a drag on a future campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Id say she has more at stake maybe even than Mamdani because of what shes competing for, said one Democratic strategist, offering a nod to the idea that the 36-year-old Ocasio-Cortez could be the progressive standard-bearer as soon as 2028. If he has major wins, shell have major wins. But if he flops, Republicans will inevitably tie her to him. And that could hurt her, the strategist said. At the same time, progressives say a Mamdani win would be a significant boost for her. At the stage were in right now where Democrats are trying to rebuild the party, you need proof of concept, and for someone like AOC if she can show that Mamdani is successful not only as a candidate but in governing, thats a real benefit to her, Democratic strategist Joel Payne said, using an abbreviation for Ocasio-Cortezs name. People want to demonstrate that their ideas can work at scale. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If someone like Mamdani has success and you were part of that, thats good proof of concept for you, Payne added. Ocasio-Cortez gave Mamdani her backing before the Democratic primary in June well ahead of other prominent New York lawmakers who refused to endorse him. Since then she has been one of the candidates strongest advocates in what may be a tightening race in the final days of the campaign. A Suffolk University poll released Monday showed former Democratic New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo who is running as an independent after losing the primary narrowing Mamdanis lead. The poll showed that while Mamdani is still ahead of Cuomo by 10 points 44 percent support to 34 percent the former governor is gaining, with incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, another Democrat running a third-party campaign, now out of the race. The same poll in September showed Mamdani with a 20-point lead. A separate poll from the Manhattan Institute showed Mamdani with a larger lead, winning 43 percent of likely voters compared with 28 percent for Cuomo, while Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa received 19 percent. The survey showed 8 percent of those polled were undecided. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This weekend, appearing before a crowd of 10,000 people, Ocasio-Cortez spoke out for Mamdani at a rally in Queens alongside Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). She cast Mamdani as part of a powerful progressive movement punching back at President Trump and Republicans at a time when the establishment wing of the Democratic Party is weak. Im talking to you, Donald Trump, Ocasio-Cortez said, before adding, In nine short days, we will work our hearts out to elect Zohran Kwame Mamdani as the next mayor of the great city of New York. The Congress member sought to use the New York mayoral race as an example of what Democrats are facing around the country as they battle Trump and his party. Its not a coincidence that the very forces that Zohran is up against in this race mirrors what we are up against nationally an authoritarian, criminal presidency fueled by corruption and bigotry, and an ascendant right-wing extremist movement, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since winning the Democratic primary this summer, Mamdani has been a foil for Trump and his party, a narrative that has only escalated as Election Day inches closer. If Mamdani wins, it is clear that Republicans and Trump will seek to tie every Democrat in the country to Mamdani. What is equally clear is that the progressive wing of the Democratic Party is feeling ascendant, something reflected in the Mamdani rally in Queens and also in Ocasio-Cortezs own rise as a clear presidential contender if she chooses to run. This week, after House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) belatedly endorsed Mamdani after months of holding out, Republicans quickly cast the New York hopeful as the new face of the Democratic Party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hakeem Jeffries is now all-in for the socialist agenda of Mamdani, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) told reporters this week. [Mamdani] is the head of their party now. When he gets elected mayor of New York, hes giving the marching orders to the rest of the Democrats, and they want to raise taxes on everybody. Trump, who has been very intentional about his targets, has gone after Ocasio-Cortez in recent days. AOC is low IQ, Trump told reporters on Air Force One on Monday. If you give her an IQ test, have her pass like the exams that I decided to take when I was at Walter Reed. Let AOC go against Trump. Some political observers say Ocasio-Cortez will be tied to Mamdani not only because of her strong endorsement of him but because of their shared political ideology. Both politicians are seen as part of the progressive wing of the party who advocate for economic equality, affordability and access to health care, education and housing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Ocasio-Cortez has also labeled herself a democratic socialist, last year, the Democratic Socialists of America pulled their endorsement of her, saying she wasnt entirely supportive of the efforts to end the war in Gaza. Theres already this concern and this ongoing debate which is, how do Democrats position themselves? And if Mamdani crashes and burns as mayor, will it be easier for Democrats to conclude, We need to moderate more and we need to come back to the center? said Grant Reeher, the director of Syracuse Universitys Campbell Public Affairs Institute. And in that way, AOCs star loses some of its luster and there may be some blowback. But if Mamdani is successful, other political operatives predict Ocasio-Cortez will use that as fuel. As a nationally recognized leader, whos trying to move the party forward, a Mamdani win would strengthen her arguments for change, said Democratic strategist Basil Smikle, who served as the executive director of the New York State Democratic Party. You would likely see her hitting the trail more so in forging a new Democratic coalition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the Democratic strategist was skeptical. He has a lot to lose but she has more to lose, the strategist 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 The Hill. OCONEE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) A man was charged Wednesday following a SWAT activation after he physically assaulted a woman. 34-year-old Thaddeus Lane Carroll was taken into custody Tuesday evening after a SWAT response to a home on Harrys Drive. He is charged with high and aggravated domestic violence, possession of a weapon, and resisting arrest. PREVIOUS STORY: Man in custody after SWAT team called to Oconee Co. home Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Oconee County Sheriffs received a call at 3:39 p.m. Tuesday regarding a man threatening to hurt himself and a woman. The victim told deputies that the suspect, Carroll, had physically assaulted her and that he had a weapon inside the residence. Deputies said Carroll is accused of choking the victim, as well as assaulting her. Carroll had threatened to kill her and brandished a pistol during the crime. SWAT was activated around 7:10 p.m. and began resolution efforts before entering the home at 8:12 p.m., where Carroll was taken into custody 20 minutes later, according to deputies. Carroll remains in jail and is pending a bond hearing on the three arrest warrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) Community members and Odessa Fire Rescue came together Tuesday afternoon in honor of First Responder Appreciation Day. A lunch event was held for first responders as a way to show support for the work that they do each day protecting locals. Its a wonderful feeling whenever the community can see the work that we as a department put in and the outreach that were able to give to the community. First responder Andrew McElroy said. For them to be able to recognize the work and the hard work that we as a department do for the citizens of Odessa is wonderful. Officials tell us that its events like this that are so important for morale. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 Yourbasin. ODESSA/REEVES COUNTY, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) An Odessa trucking company and one of its drivers are now being sued. Zehl & Associates, a Houston personal-injury firm, is representing David Noel Montanez in his case against Truway Xpress LLC and Tony Gamboa Barrientos after a two-semi truck collision on October 15, 2025, at U.S. 285 and State Highway 302 in Reeves County. According to the petition, filed October 28 in the 161st District Court of Ector County, David Noel Montanez is suing Truway Xpress LLC of Odessa and Tony Gamboa Barrientos, alleging Barrientos failed to yield the right of way at a stop-sign controlled intersection and turned south onto U.S. 285 into Montanezs path of travel. The filing seeks monetary relief of more than $1 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the crash report from the October 15 wreck, Unit 1 (driven by Barrientos, towing a trailer while traveling southwest on SH-302) failed to yield right of way at a stop intersection and attempted to turn southbound on US HWY 285. Crash report field diagram of the incident The report says Montanezs truck-tractor and trailer overturned and came to rest upside-down off the roadway; both drivers were transported to Reeves County Hospital. The trooper issued Barrientos a citation for fail to yield the Right of way (Stop intersection), and listed him as the only unit with a contributing factor. Montanez argues the driver caused the crash through negligence and says Truway Xpress is responsible for putting him behind the wheel. He also claims the company hired him without enough screening, didnt train or supervise him properly, and is liable for his actions on the job. The petition added that there were no adverse weather conditions and that Montanez was not cited. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overall, the filing claims the crash was entirely the result of Barrientos actions and Truway Xpresss alleged failures. It states that Montanez was not cited or found at fault and that the rollover and injuries stemmed directly from the defendant drivers decision to turn onto U.S. 285. The lawsuit seeks more than $1 million in damages as litigation begins in Ector County. 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 Yourbasin. Outside a Buckhead bar on the night of Oct. 11, Linton Blackwell was shot and killed by Gerald Walker, an off-duty Atlanta police officer. Since the shooting, Blackwells family and friends have been trying to piece together what happened the night the father of twin girls was killed and why the officer decided to use lethal force. This [has] devastated our family, Jimmy Hill, Blackwells cousin, told Capital B Atlanta. They never did say he pointed a weapon at that officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the family seeks answers, Walker has been placed on Force Usage Review Assignment during the investigation led by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Though it isnt a disciplinary action, officers on this assignment are not allowed to work extra jobs. They do however retain their badge, police identification and are provided with a service weapon. Gerald Walkers disciplinary history Capital B Atlanta obtained a copy of Walkers disciplinary history from APD through an open-records request. Gerald Walker joined the Atlanta Police Department in 2023. (Courtesy of the Atlanta Police Department) The records show seven total work rule violations filed against Walker, who joined the department in 2023. Six of those charges were upheld after an investigation. Walker remains in a probationary period what the department calls an active reckoning period in connection with four complaints: Three are related to APDs standard operating procedures around body-worn cameras, and one is related to standard arrest procedures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The length of the reckoning period is determined by the category of the violation, which ranges from A, the lowest severity, to D, the highest. Walker has one category A violation, which has a one-year reckoning period, and three category B violations, which have a three-year reckoning period. During the active reckoning period, if an officer repeats or makes a similar violation, it is increased to the next category, which carries a longer reckoning period and potentially more serious disciplinary consequences. The Atlanta Police Department has not commented on the shooting but confirmed to Capital B Atlanta that there is an active internal affairs investigation into the Oct. 11 shooting. The shooting According to preliminary reports by the Atlanta Police Department and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Walker was working an off-duty job nearby when he responded to a request for security assistance at the bar, 5 Paces Inn, due to an argument that had broken out involving Blackwell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The GBI statement said Walker observed Blackwell enter his car in the parking lot behind the bar, grab something, and put it in the waistband at the small of his back. Walker then gave Blackwell commands related to a gun before he opened fire. The Fulton County Medical Examiners report said the 44-year-old father and local rapper, who performed as B Green, had approximately 17 gunshot wounds, all in the back. Blackwell was pronounced dead at the scene. The officer was not injured. They say he stuck [something] in his back. So if he stuck it in his back, why did you shoot him that many times? Why did you even shoot him if nothing was aimed at you? Hill questioned. Blackwells friend, William Stanley, who went to the bar with him that night, told Capital B Atlanta that Walker was working the door at 5 Paces Inn and patted him and Blackwell down before they entered the bar that night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stanley said it was his first time at the bar but recalled Walker and Blackwell speaking to each other like they had met before. Once they entered the bar, he and Blackwell split up, and he said he wasnt with him again until the argument. When the altercation went down I went over there to break it up and [the officer] was right there with me breaking it up, he said. Stanley said that when he eventually walked around the back of the building to where he and Blackwell had parked, thats when the shooting began. When I bent the corner I saw BG. [He looked] like he was trying to head back into the establishment, but the dude was already shooting him he had already shot him over five or six times at that point. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The medical examiners report documented two bullet wounds in the right upper back, one in the buttocks, and 14 in the middle and lower back. Blackwells manner of death on the night of Oct. 11 was officially ruled a homicide. Read More About the Death of Linton Blackwell: The post Off-Duty Police Officer Who Shot Atlanta Rapper Had Disciplinary History appeared first on Capital B News - Atlanta. SALEM TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) A startling sight in Salem Township Tuesday night as a fire flash was spotted at the nuclear power plant. 28/22 News Reporter Joe Mason has a closer look at the protocols that are in place if things go wrong. A quick explosion was captured on a firefighters dashcam on his way to the nuclear power plant in Salem Township on Tuesday night. Firefighters were quickly called to the cooling towers after a call came in around 7:15 p.m. and reports of a burn victim. Authorities say there was no fire and no injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A statement from Talen Energy reads: As a hydrogen tank located outside the protected area of the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station was being filled, some of the gas exiting the tanks vent stack briefly ignited, causing a bright light visible in the sky. First responders were dispatched, but no emergency actions were necessary as the flare off from the vent stack had already run. The station remains in a safe condition, and there are no injuries or risk to employees or the public. Talen Energy Corporate Communications Director Taryne Williams But is Luzerne County prepared for a nuclear disaster? Absolutely, the county actually has an emergency operation plan developed by Susquehanna Steam Electric Station that we follow, Luzerne County Deputy Director of Emergency Services David Elmore told 28/22 News. David Elmore is the Deputy Director of Emergency Services for the county. He says the department participates in training with Talen Energy and Columbia County every month. The exercises are based on what happens at the nuclear power plant, starting from an unusual event, to an alert, to a site area emergency, to a general emergency. We practice to deal with whatever level of emergency action level that we are currently act, Elmore continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The county participated in a statewide initiative to give out free potassium iodide tablets this summer. Retention vote for PA Supreme Court Justices coming on Election Day The tablets were given out to people who live, work, or study within 10 miles of a power plant. Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen says, The distribution of the ki tablets, which reduce the risk of thyroid cancer from exposure to radioactive iodine, is done as a precautionary measure associated with emergency preparedness planning. The tablets are only to be used when directed by emergency response officials. 28/22 News also spoke with several residents who grew up in the area. They say theyve never really been worried about the plant because serious nuclear events are so rare. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elmore also says the program is federally evaluated every two years. 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. Despite support from environmental groups, a bill that would have banned the sale of cookware made with chemicals linked to serious health issues in California has been halted. What's happening? According to The Guardian, Senate Bill 682, introduced by Senator Benjamin Allen, would have banned the sale of consumer goods manufactured with perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, in the state of California by 2030. Studies have associated PFAS, also called "forever chemicals," with various health problems, including cancer and high cholesterol. However, high-profile chefs Rachael Ray and Thomas Keller opposed the bill, which was ultimately vetoed by California Governor Gavin Newsom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I am deeply concerned about the impact this bill would have on the availability of affordable options in cooking products," Newsom wrote in a statement. While Senator Allen admitted he was disappointed with the outcome, he told the Los Angeles Times that he is still optimistic for a transition to safer cooking products on the market. Why is limiting exposure to PFAS important? According to the Environmental Protection Agency, PFAS are found in more than 200 drinking water systems in the United States. In Southern and Central California, tap water is more likely to contain "forever chemicals" than other regions, per a 2023 U.S. Geological Survey. PFAS have been used in consumer products worldwide for decades. Research found that the chemicals, which are used in several industries, eventually leak into soil, water, and air, putting humans and animals at risk for exposure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Produce grown in soil containing "forever chemicals" can be contaminated. PFAS are often used to make nonstick cookware and grease-resistant packaging, per the Natural Resources Defense Council. What's being done about PFAS? Newsom may have vetoed the bill in California, but dozens of other states are reportedly considering policies to reduce PFAS exposure this year. The state of California previously made strides in reducing exposure to "forever chemicals" in other ways. In 2022, Newsom signed the Safer Clothes and Textiles Act in an effort to phase out the use of PFAS in clothing, according to the NRDC. Consumers can upgrade their cookware to avoid exposure to PFAS at home. The NRDC recommends replacing nonstick cookware with alternatives like stainless steel or glass. It also suggests investing in compostable packaging that is free of PFAS. 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 city in Michigan has unanimously approved a measure that would support single-use plastic bans. The Detroit City Council has unanimously approved a resolution that would seek to repeal Michigan Public Act No. 389, a bill passed in 2016 that preemptively prohibited local governments from regulating plastic bags and other single-use containers, as reported by the Michigan Environmental Council. This isn't the first time that lawmakers have approved a similar resolution involving PA 389. In 2023, an effort was launched by State Representative Felicia Brabec to reverse the legislation. Opponents noted that plastic containers were an essential aspect to the state's restaurant industry, which resulted in the bid failing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the Detroit City Council said in a press release at the time that it hoped to "restore the authority" back to local governments within the state. The move would allow cities to create more effective waste management strategies and potentially encourage investment in sustainable packaging and circular economies. Councilmember Scott Benson, chairman of the city's Green Task Force and driving force behind the initial push to repeal PA 389, explained the impact that plastic has on the state. "Single-use plastics, such as bags or bottles, are one of the biggest contributors of pollution not only in Michigan but in our country. More than 90 percent of plastics end up in landfills, our waterways, and in incinerators," Benson said. In a 2016 study, researchers from the Rochester Institute of Technology determined that around 22 million pounds of plastic particles find their way into the Great Lakes every year. As home to a large portion of the world's freshwater, the Great Lakes provide drinking water and food sources to millions of people in both the U.S. and Canada. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "By repealing the ban on the ability to ban these products, it will give local communities the opportunity to impose bans if they so choose. This is a local control measure that I support, and I encourage the state Legislature to act upon it," added Benson. "Our environment and our cities deserve better." While some businesses express concerns about how phasing out plastic can impact their bottom lines, alternatives to plastic products have continued to develop over the years, becoming a more viable option. Some jurisdictions that enact bans offer added support or stretched timelines to ease transitions. Not only can plastic pollution damage our environment by overtaking delicate ecosystems, but it can also contribute to increased carbon emissions from its production and disposal. Plastics can contaminate our soil, air, and water, eventually breaking down into microplastics that can be absorbed by organisms throughout the food chain. This can ultimately impact human health, resulting in serious health issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Samantha Pickering, the Michigan Environmental Council's public and environmental health policy manager, expressed similar sentiments to Benson in a press release announcing the Detroit City Council's latest vote. "Detroit City Councilmembers sent a clear message to state legislators tonight: Give us back our local control so we can improve the health of our communities," she said. "Local leaders do not make statements like this lightly. They know how prevalent and harmful single-use plastics can be, and they know residents and businesses alike can and are ready to shift away from them." 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. Officials in the Nigerian state of Nasarawa have accused the federal government of lax enforcement of mining laws, Vanguard reported, amid a sustained demand boom. What's happening? Nasarawa is among several Nigerian states with abundant mineral deposits and attendant mining-related conflicts. What sets Nasarawa apart, however, is the state's copious deposits of lithium ore, a lightweight material critical to clean energy infrastructure and electric vehicle batteries. As global demand for renewable energy and EVs climbs, mining activity in lithium-rich Nigerian states escalates in tandem, and officials in Nasarawa have raised several concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Samuel Egya is a special adviser on solid minerals to Nasarawa Gov. Abdullahi Sule. Egya told Vanguard that the Nigerian government's failure to act has enabled an uptick in illegal mining and "fraudulent" related activities involving land and mining rights. Egya said that certain provisions in Nigeria's Mining Act of 2007 exacerbated those problems, particularly ones permitting Nigerian landowners and farmers to grant approval for mining activities without state or federal approval or oversight. According to Egya, that flexible provision opened the door for unscrupulous investors to benefit at the expense of locals. "This provision has been grossly abused. Some miners take advantage of the law to pay a token amount to poor farmers or local chiefs who do not understand the legal or technical implications of such consent," he explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Egya stated that there had been cases of "impostors" impersonating local leaders to obtain mining licenses under false pretenses. Citing "cases where genuine paramount rulers who have the authority to endorse consent were bypassed," Egya continued. "Some impostors signed the documents, and the Mining Cadastral Office issued exploration licenses without proper verification from the state. In the end, the whole process turned out to be a scam." Why is this important? Nigeria's mining industry has boomed in recent years, and by some accounts, as much as 80% of mining in the country's northern reserves is illegal. Should the government continue to give tax incentives for energy-efficient home upgrades? Absolutely No Depends on the upgrade I don't know Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. By default, black and gray markets, such as illegal mining, are unregulated, introducing myriad related problems, both environmentally and overall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In December, the Associated Press investigated the use of child labor for lithium mining in Nigeria, profiling a 6-year-old girl who spent her day mining lithium. Although Nigeria has laws against the practice, enforcement is difficult and corruption is rife. Illegal mining is also a public health threat in March, the Nigerian outlet Punch reported that the practice caused an outbreak of lead poisoning. In 2010, 400 children died of poisoning connected to illegal gold mining in the state of Zamfara. Ecologically, unsanctioned mining is a disaster, disrupting biodiversity, razing habitats, destroying topsoil, encouraging drought, sapping natural resources at an unsustainable rate, and putting people at risk of poisoning as well as exposing them to the risk of mining accidents. What's being done about it? Nigeria has cracked down on illegal mining, arresting miners involved in the practice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Experts have called for greater scrutiny, however, particularly in areas with significant lithium deposits, like Nasarawa. 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. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Agencies from across Ohio came together Tuesday afternoon to talk about the best ways to help firefighters and police officers to mark National First Responders Day. Experts from the Ohio department of administrative services, department of commerce, and Ohio emergency management agency met in Downtown Columbus. The panel discussed tools and technology used to help when time is of the essence. Before Tuesdays event, Ohio state fire marshal Kevin Reardon discussed the challenges first responders in Ohio face. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Central Ohio communities adjust trick-or-treat dates due to rain, sports There are constant budget challenges. Whether youre in a police department, fire department, EMS, dispatchers, public safety has a variety of budget issues, said Reardon. The polarization of people that want to engage in violent activities, unexpected violent activities, those things are very difficult on responders. They always perform very, very well, but its difficult for them after the fact, after the incident is over. National First Responders Day, which takes place on Oct. 28 each year, began in 2019 after the U.S. Senate passed a resolution to recognize all those that serve in those roles. 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. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) About 1.4 million Ohioans receive federal SNAP benefits benefits that are expected to expire at the end of this week as the government shutdown grinds toward its second month. One state lawmaker is encouraging the legislature and the governor to take immediate action as needy Ohioans agonize about what is to come. Folks are constantly messaging me on TikTok, Instagram, wherever they can, Rep. Latyna Humphrey (D-Columbus) said. They want to know whats going to happen, what folks are saying, whos saying what in power. People want information because they want to know how to prepare, but theyre also afraid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Humphrey released an open letter urging Gov. Mike DeWine to take certain administrative steps that she believes would relieve some of the burden on people and families who depend on SNAP. DeWine spokesperson Dan Tierney warned that since SNAP is a federal program, there is no mechanism in place for the state to pay out benefits. Of course I would like to see direct payments to people, but Im not oblivious to the fact that that might not be feasible right now, Humphrey said. So maybe we support the food banks that are doing the good work in our communities every day. I have multiple food banks in my community, they would love the support. In addition to supporting food banks, Humphrey argues the governor could use the Office of Budget and Management Controlling Board to redirect necessary funds in the event of an emergency. All the Governor would need to do is say, hey, Im recognizing this may be an issue, lets pull from X, Y, and Z, go to the Controlling Board and then make that happen, because there are funds available to do so, Humphrey said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Humphrey has also introduced House Bill 502, which would provide interim relief for SNAP beneficiaries, to be reimbursed after the government shutdown ends. That bill has not yet received a hearing, and would also rely on tapping into the states Rainy Day fund something the Governors office has already rejected. The Rainy Day Fund is a colloquial name for the Budget Stabilization Fund, Tierney said in an email. The sole purpose of the Budget Stabilization Fund is to support a previously enacted budget if state revenue decreases in an economic downturn. The fund may be accessed only [if] the Ohio General Assembly enacts legislation to do so. It is very common for activists and special interests to take the nickname of the Budget Stabilization Fund literally and suggest it be used for spending during circumstances that they believe constitute a Rainy Day. However, almost none of those Rainy Days are in line with the statutorily established purpose of the fund. Humphrey acknowledged there are constraints on how the Rainy Day fund can be used, saying, Maybe House Bill 502 is not the vehicle that we need to drive right now but there are some things that can be done as it relates to the Controlling Board. On Tuesday, Tierney said the Governors office was reviewing options, but to be clear there is no avenue to backfill SNAP at a state level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Any state aid would simply be a bandage to the bigger problem, Tierney said. The solution needed is for Congress, especially the U.S. Senate, to pass a permanent budget or continuing resolution to fund SNAP. This should be everyones priority. Humphrey said the Governors office is not wrong. This is a federal issue, Humphrey said. Bottom line, full stop. But at the end of the day, the people we say we love are struggling. If we have the ability to do something right now for our people then we should do it. If we say we care about our constituents, if we say we love our constituents then we have got to understand that both of those words are action words. 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. State Sen. Terry Johnson, R-McDermott, during an Ohio Senate session in the Senate Chamber at the Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Graham Stokes for Ohio Capital Journal. Republish photo only with original story.) An Ohio lawmaker wants to punish cities for passing local gun ordinances by forcing them to pay monetary damages to any citizens who successfully challenge them. State Sen. Terry Johnson, R-McDermott, has filed legislation allowing private citizens to sue cities for punitive or exemplary damages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The change applies to Ohios preemption statute asserting state control over the right to regulate firearms. The law already allows citizens to sue for damages, but Johnsons proposal makes a five word amendment expanding the scope of what they can ask for. The bill doesnt explicitly define punitive or exemplary damages, but generally speaking, theyre monetary judgements meant to punish a wrongdoer and make an example of them to others. The line must be drawn Johnson introduced Ohio Senate Bill 278 last week, portraying it as a way to level the playing field between citizens and government. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our citizens should feel emboldened if they are to overturn these unlawful regulations without having to face financial burden for doing what is right, Johnson said. Municipalities, cities, that sort of thing, have deep pockets and lots of lawyers, and the average citizen does not. Ohios Constitution grants broad authority over local matters to local governments, and Johnson insists hes a strong believer in that home rule principle. However, the line must be drawn at anything which violates the Constitution, he said. The state law preempting local gun ordinances, which Johnsons bill would amend, is a statute not part of the constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By his own admission, Johnsons bill is largely a response to local gun laws passed by the city of Columbus. In 2022, the city approved ordinances prohibiting large capacity magazines and requiring safe storage of weapons at home. The advocacy group Buckeye Firearms Association challenged those laws in court, and the case has made its way up to the state supreme court. The Ohio Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case this March but has yet to issue a ruling. It is my hope that we impose potential financial repercussions for these cities who so frivolously trample on the rights of their residents, Johnson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added the prospect of monetary damages will give vigilant defenders of freedom the financial protection to challenge local laws. Reactions At its initial committee hearing, Johnsons proposal got a warm welcome from his fellow Republicans. State Sen. Kyle Koehler, R-Springfield, recalled worrying about bringing his gun on a cross-country road trip. My biggest fear was, what do I do when I go through Illinois? Because its like, do I have to disassemble this firearm? Koehler said. Koehler said he didnt want to suddenly be breaking a law that I didnt know existed, driving around Ohio, and asked if Johnsons proposal is meant to avoid that problem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In truth it doesnt. Johnsons legislation only allows aggrieved citizens to sue for greater damages. To the extent that Ohios gun laws aim at uniformity, those statutes are already on the books. Across the aisle, state Sen. Kent Smith, D-Euclid, pressed Johnson on extent of the problem hes trying to address. N odding to the Columbus lawsuit, he asked if Johnson had any other examples of local gun laws. Well be happy to do a scour and take a look, Johnson said, before acknowledging, Since (passing the preemption statute), its been primarily Columbus. Moving on, Smith asked what has happened to the gun-related death rate in Ohio since the preemption statute was enacted 15 years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I believe in the depths of COVID (they) went up, overall gun deaths, including gun homicides and gun suicides, and since 2021 it has been falling, Johnson said. But Smith drew him back to the initial question. The numbers have gone up about 50% from 2006 to 2024, he said. So yeah, they may have come down since 2021, but that was why I asked over the last 15 years since this section was enacted. Meanwhile Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein, the official whos spent the past few years defending the ordinances Johnson wants to undo, was far more direct about his opposition. S.B. 278 is bad for cities, bad for public safety, bad for the majority of Ohioans who want real action on gun safety, and its just plain bad policy, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I oppose this effort to make it harder for cities to take meaningful steps to protect the safety and well-being of residents from senseless gun violence, and we will be ready to testify against this bill when it comes up in committee. Follow Ohio Capital Journal Reporter Nick Evans on X or on Bluesky. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE From left to right: Wade Steen and Rudy Fichtenbaum sitting in court. (Photos by Morgan Trau, WEWS.) Two of the top Ohio retired teachers pension fund leaders had their first day on civil trial Monday in a lawsuit from the state, defending themselves as the state accuses them of participating in a $65 billion corruption scheme. Franklin County Court of Common Pleas will be the home of a week-long bench trial, with Judge Karen Held Phipps deciding whether or not to remove State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) board chair Rudy Fichtenbaum from his position and ban both him and former board member Wade Steen from ever returning to public pensions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorney General Dave Yosts civil lawsuit was filed a year and a half ago. Assistant AG Chad Kohler, Steens attorney Norman Abood, and Fichtenbaums attorney Richard Kerger made their opening arguments in court Monday. The defendants breached their fiduciary duties, Kohler claimed. They did that by choosing secrecy over transparency, by deceiving their fellow board members, by embracing favoritism, by acting with extreme bias, by engaging in unprecedented conduct that raised serious questions. For the past year and a half, we have dug into and exposed the controversy swirling inside the more than $100 billion pension fund for more than 500,000 active and retired public educators in Ohio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In summary, there has been constant fighting , two board resignations, and allegations of both a public corruption scheme and the mishandling of funds . There has been a senior staff dismissal and at least two senior staff resignations. The scandal centers on Steen and Fichtenbaum and their relationship with startup investment firm QED Technologies, run by former Ohio Deputy Treasurer Seth Metcalf and Jonathan (JD) Tremmel. How we got here In May of 2024, the governor received a 14-page anonymous whistleblower memo alleging a massive public corruption scheme brewing and moving quickly within STRS. In 2020, Metcalf and Tremmel set their eyes on STRS, according to the document. The documents claim that they despite having no clients and no track record tried to convince STRS members to partner with them and provide them with $65 billion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They couldnt impress the board members, mainly because of their lack of experience and also because QED was not registered as a broker-dealer or investment adviser. The men also didnt own the technology to facilitate the strategy, the documents say. So what exactly are Steen and Fichtenbaum trying to change, and what would QED allegedly attempt to do? Revise the investment structure. The men are seen as the leaders of the reform movement. This fight began from a debate on how STRS should invest money, through the current system of actively managed funds versus an index fund. Active funds try to outperform the stock market, have more advisors, and typically cost more. Index funds perform with the stock market, are seen as more passive, and typically cost less. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In short, reformers want to switch to index funding, while status quo individuals want to keep actively managing the funds. Recent elections have allowed the reform-minded members to have a majority of the board. Despite Steen no longer being on the board, he still remains the face of the reform movement and is still seen as the leader in the eyes of many retirees. The STRS memo claims QED and ORTA, the Ohio Retirement for Teachers Association, had worked together, specifically when it comes to elections, to get a more sympathetic or willing board. Steen and Fichtenbaum had allegedly been bidding continuously, pitching QEDs direct documents to board members and proclaiming the companys talking points to other staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soon after, Yost filed a lawsuit to remove Steen and Fichtenbaum from the board, stating they were participating in a contract steering scheme that could benefit them. Yost started the investigation after the memo, now known as being prepared by STRS employees, alleged that Steen and Fichtenbaum had been bidding on QED. The AG states that the pair should be removed because they broke their fiduciary duties of care, loyalty, and trust when colluding with QED. As we have continued the dozens of reports on the topic, our investigation in September 2024 revealed that STRS was, once again, moving to hire a firm that allegedly lacked experience and had personal ties to the board leaders, according to senior staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After our report, the board chose not to move forward with the firm. Communications obtained via a records request of a court filing reveal that QED associates consistently told then-board member Steen what questions to ask, gave him documents to propose, and pushed him to follow its plan. Texts between Steen, Metcalf, and Tremmel show that the pair consistently worked together. There are hundreds of text messages. To read what the texts said, CLICK HERE. Trial You will see numerous instances where defendants passed off materials that they claim to have written themselves that were actually ghostwritten by Tremmal and Metcalf, Kohler said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tremmel and Metcalf were spoon-feeding the defendants and telling them exactly what to say during board meetings. Fichtenbaum and Steen say they didnt do anything wrong. Abood argued that evaluations of new proposals would help with financial struggles and provide more money to retirees. This whole case is about this claim that there was some secret deal to promote an investment solution proposed by QED, Abood said during opening statements. Its not supported by the facts. The texts tell a vastly different story, according to attorney Martin Cordero, who cross-examined Steen immediately after the opening statements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Through hours of back-and-forth, Cordero showed all the legal and ethical documents Steen had signed, went through training slides on how to be a good fiduciary ones Steen said he did not recall sitting through and pressed him on his communication and alleged favoritism toward Metcalf and Tremmel. Dozens of texts and emails were shown, including ones that showed QED wrote documents for Steen and gave him direct questions to ask. As Steen told us after our DeWine interview in April, the defense said getting advice isnt a crime. We were at that point in a conversation about benchmarks, I was not getting satisfactory answers from the staff, I couldnt get clarification, Steen said, so that is why he reached out for help on what to ask and how to gain insight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cordero pressed Steen on why he provided documents marked as confidential to Metcalf. You asked me, Were they marked confidential? They were. But they were not confidential documents, Steen responded. Cordero pointed out the discrepancy with this, then brought up the fact that Steen asked Metcalf to discard the non-confidential-confidential documents after reviewing. I was asking him to craft questions I could look at; I was crafting questions, also, to try to understand the information in the documents, Steen said, with his team adding that he never told anyone else that Metcalf and Tremmel wrote questions because there was animosity toward QED. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steen said his goal was and has always been a better retirement for teachers. What I was trying to do was to provide benefits that were promised to planned beneficiaries that were taken from them, like the cost of living adjustment and reduce expenses when we had excessive investment costs, Steen testified. Along with Steen, Fichtenbaum, Metcalf and Tremmel are expected to take the stand during the trial. During a 15-minute break during cross, Kohler spoke with us about how the state is just getting started. This case is straightforward, the assistant AG said, adding that the state is trying to protect teachers money. Youre going to see a lot of evidence; youre going to see a lot of egregious conduct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Follow WEWS statehouse reporter Morgan Trau on X and Facebook. This article was originally published on News5Cleveland.com and is published in the Ohio Capital Journal under a content-sharing agreement. Unlike other OCJ articles, it is not available for free republication by other news outlets as it is owned by WEWS in Cleveland. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE THREE RIVERS, Mass. (WWLP) The Three Rivers Fire Department has been sent to a large oil spill in and around the Chicopee River. Two rescued after falling from Turners Falls Road bridge Three Rivers Fire Chief Stephen Nodurf told 22News that crews were called at around 11 a.m. Wednesday for an oil spill of approximately 150 gallons into the Chicopee River. Nodurf states that an oil delivery company was filling an underground oil tank when they realized it was spilling into the river. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company advised the necessary authorities as the cleanup is underway. Firefighters set up equipment in the river, and the Wilbraham Fire Department launched a boat to assist with cleaning up the spill. Cleanup efforts are set to continue through 6:30 p.m. and crews returned at around 7 a.m. Thursday. Chief Nodurf told 22News that they are working on replacing the booms in the river before the river rises due to the expected rain. Crews will return on Friday to address any additional issues and MassDEP will continue to monitor. What is an oil spill? NASA states that an oil spill is the release of a liquid petroleum hydrocarbon into the environment, especially marine areas, due to human activity. The term is applied to marine oil spills, where oil is released into the ocean or coastal waters, but spills may also occur on land. Oil spills may be caused by releases of crude oil from tankers, offshore platforms, drilling rigs, or wells. Spilled substances may be refined petroleum products, like gasoline and diesel fuel, as well as their by-products, heavier fuels used by large ships, such as bunker fuel or oily refuse of any kind. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. The city of Oklahoma City is planning to reconstruct a busy and dangerous stretch of Western Avenue in northwest OKC with a traffic roundabout and a diverging diamond interchange design. The proposal has already drawn some strong reactions from the community online, both for and against. The $12.6 million project is scheduled to begin in 2027, and aims to alleviate congestion and improve safety on Western Avenue from south of Pawnee Drive to north of Memorial Road. Oklahoma City police report they have responded to 224 crashes along the corridor over the past five years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: OKC reveals new intersection plans. How are roundabouts, diverging diamonds supposed to work? The city's plan would change the traffic light at Pawnee Drive and Western Avenue to a multi-lane roundabout that will act as a gateway for Chisholm Creek. Also, a diverging diamond junction is suggested for the stretch of Western Avenue that intersects with eastbound Memorial Road, traffic from the Kilpatrick Turnpike eastbound exit, the eastbound service road east of Western Avenue, the westbound service road, and the junction with westbound Memorial Road. The design is intended to allow access road traffic to turn left or right to and from Western Avenue without having to cross opposing lanes of traffic. The proposed diverging diamond serving travelers along Memorial Road and Western Avenue is shown looking west along the Kilpatrick Turnpike. Readers share their thoughts The city is seeking public comment by Nov. 10 for the project, which can be submitted at www.vision.okc.gov. Once the comment period is over, designs will be completed, and right-of-way acquisition will begin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, many Oklahoma City residents have shared their reactions to the plan in the comment sections online. Here's a look at what some readers of The Oklahoman had to say about the project on Facebook: Tyler Teague: Just know Oklahoma is still trying to figure out 4 way stop signs. Dont believe mego camp out at Broadway and Waterloo and watch the magic. Brek Marb: I love diamond intersections. Springfield, Missouri has them and they are awesome! Theres really not much to figure out as the painted lines tell you exactly where you should go. Shelle Gibson Lutke: Will the new pavement be smooth like other states? Or bumpy or roller coaster that Oklahoma does? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ben McDonald: They are confusing at first, but these style of intersections work, wrecks are less frequent and the traffic flows better. Trent Carroll: This is somewhat needed but we need more dispensaries first James Harlan: Or, and I'm just spit balling here, another option would be to leave it like it is and maybe everybody could just go when the light turns green instead of staring at their phones, stop leaving 4 car lengths open ahead of them so people behind them could make the right turn lane, and quit running red lights so that people don't have to wait 10 seconds to go when their light turns green. That's been working pretty well for me the last 24 years. Chris Busby: It's fine!!! Leave it alone!!! Likely the same fool who effed up the road through Old Britton with those stupid curbs and a single lane each way. Dumb!! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steve Haggy: If they maintain the lane markings, then aren't so bad. But confusing when you can't see lane markings (un-maintained, ice, snow, heavy rain). Mike Humphreys: Ha! You think this is bad, go to Joplin. Not only are lanes diverging, they drive on the wrong side of the road! I learned how to drive in America! Josh Lockett: How about they fix ALL the roads, highways and bridges in the ENTIRE STATE FIRST!!!! I mean come on Oklahoma Department of Transportation Governor Kevin Stitt yall need to get your priorities together. Ive hit holes so hard they turned my windshield wipers on!!! We dont need some 12 way stop. We need smooth roads and highways!!! Tiny Toy Lockett: I live around the corner from that intersection. Stupid drivers running red lights, and not just one, but 3 will follow! Ppl also turn LEFT out of braums omg. it's a one way right turn only! The light at the bridge coming off the turnpike to turn by oncue is also dangerous but not as bad as the other side of the bridge. Western has the green light but ppl will turn on a red light to head north right in from of you almost hitting you! This is one of the worst intersections! .well, the combo of Western & memorial cuz there are 3 really! It's terrible so coz stupid ppl won't stop for a red light! Josh Lockett. You're really going to get irritated now. Lol Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jake Fister: Half the people here cant handle a roundabout. Throw this at em and theyll have a stroke Luis Octavio Martinez: Oklahoma needs to make double merging lanes instead of traffic light stops. They redid the exit of HWY 9 & I-35 and added a stop light for the exit westbound, it did nothing to lighten up traffic jams. Joshua Argenbright: The first time driving through one of these I just accepted my fate and assumed I was going to die.John Mark LaScelle: Love the intersection like this at memorial and highway 169 here in Tulsa! Traffic flows so much easier and faster! Yeah its awkward the first couple times you go through but man does it work better! Jalen Dorsey: Elk City has one of these at Main St and I-40. Its confusing but seems to help the flow of traffic quite a bit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steven Newlon: Bad idea for a diverging diamond here. The traffic in this area is a nightmare an always sills over into the intersection, especially during rush hours. With the diverging traffic going on opposite sides of the road coupled with spillover into intersection this is going to be a cluster more than it is. They need to make it 6 lanes north and south bound PLUS adding the Texas turnarounds and dedicated turn lanes. Kyle Torbert: If this confuses you, please stay off the roads. John Becker: Very concerned for the elderly thats still able to drive. This looks dangerous wow Glen Fisher: Dont do it. ODOT did the same thing to Memorial and Creek Turnpike in Tulsa. It sucks. Still backs up, confusing, and cant make right turns on red! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Javi Garcia: You need to slow down, this is too much for the 50th in education. You are asking for more accidents. Let them figure out hiw a four-way stop sign works. Chris Taylor: a diverging diamond?!? most people can't even do a 4 way stop or a single stop light properly in this stateyou think they're figuring this out?!? Ross Chaffin: Anything is better than what is there now. Melissa Lujan: The fact that something wasnt done to this intersection before Costco and Chisholm Creek will never cease to amaze me. But I may finally get a Costo card if they fix this mess. Contributing: Steve Lackmeyer, Isa Almeida, The Oklahoman This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC drivers split on controversial roundabout, diverging diamond plans Rep. Ajay Pittman, D-Oklahoma City, speaks during a swearing-in ceremony Nov. 20, 2024, in the House chamber of the Oklahoma State Capitol with her mother, former Democratic lawmaker Anastasia Pittman, to her left. (Photo by Emma Murphy/Oklahoma Voice) OKLAHOMA CITY An Oklahoma City lawmaker is being investigated by the Oklahoma Attorney Generals Office for forgery and embezzlement related to use of her campaign funds, according to two unsealed search warrants. Rep. Ajay Pittman, D-Oklahoma City, is under investigation for using campaign funds to pay for personal purchases including clothing, dining, beverages and two large screen televisions, according to a search warrant affidavit unsealed Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shes also being investigated for forging documents to conceal these actions, including checks and documents related to payments of a settlement agreement with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission, according to the search warrants. Agents with the Attorney Generals Office served a search warrant on Oct. 16 at her Capitol office and at a Midwest City residence where Pittman is believed to have been residing with her mother. The Oklahoma City address where Pittmans vehicle and drivers license are registered dont have active utilities, and her vehicle was not seen at this address, according to the search warrant affidavit. As a result of the executed search warrants at the Capitol and Midwest City residence, agents recovered items including five laptops, four flash drives, one hard drive, three iPhones, banking and financial documents, two iPads, and U-Haul keys. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pittman did not immediately return a request for comment. She has not been charged with a crime. Pittmans investigation follows a settlement agreement with the state Ethics Commission. In 2024 she agreed to pay the Ethics Commission $35,000 for using campaign funds for personal use and improperly maintaining campaign records in 2020 and 2022, according to the settlement agreement. Pittman failed to make payments toward the settlement on time, according to a filing in a civil lawsuit the Commission filed against her. And the Ethics Commission alleged she submitted false checks totalling $7,500 as proof of payment, according to the filing. The Commission also suspected her mother had forged a letter from a landlord about flooding at her campaign office destroying records. An agent from the Attorney Generals Office was first assigned June 26 to investigate Pittmans 2024 campaign account after the Ethics Commission contacted the office, according to the search warrant affidavit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The House Democratic Caucus voted to suspend Pittmans caucus membership and recommended her temporary removal from House committees, pending developments in the investigation. A spokesperson for Minority Leader Cyndi Munson said Wednesday she had no further comment at this time. House Speaker Kyle Hilbert stripped Pittman of her committee memberships Friday. A spokesperson for Hilbert did not immediately return a request for comment. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) If you have ever undergone a medical procedure, you know one of the scariest parts is not knowing how much you will have to pay. That will no longer be the case for Oklahomans starting Saturday, November 1st. Governor Kevin Stitt held a press conference Tuesday with other supporters of the new Hospital Price Transparency Law. Its asking for transparency in pricing at hospitals, pretty common sense for consumers, Gov. Kevin Stitt said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LOCAL NEWS: Infant Crisis Services adds extra visits for families amid government shutdown Starting November 1st, Oklahoma hospitals must post prices for procedures, so patients know how much they are paying before the bill arrives. We should be able to know how much things cost and not be surprised by humongous medical bills, Gov. Stitt said. This law protects consumers who say if theyve been harmed by overcharges, they also have a private right of action to go after the hospital for way overcharging them beyond the prices they were to have paid, Cynthia Fisher, Founder and Chairman for Patient Rights Advocate said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fisher says in their most recent report, only 12% of Oklahoma hospitals reviewed were fully complying with the federal hospital price transparency rule first implemented nearly five years ago. And what has happened in the shadows is there is wide price variation, Fisher said. One patient may pay with their plan $1,200, and another patient may be billed over $12,000 for that very same procedure. Supporters believe this law will create a free market system, and in turn, bring down prices. I think well see prices fall and quality soar, Dr. Keith Smith, Co-Founder of the Free Market Medical Association and Surgery Center of Oklahoma said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The State Department of Health will make sure hospitals post prices. We reached out to a couple of hospitals to see how they plan to roll this out. LOCAL NEWS: Grocery stores, Oklahomans brace for SNAP benefit halt Integris Health never got back with us, and OU Health said they would send over something Wednesday. Gov. Stitt says there is one main goal behind this law. Were going to put power back into the consumers hands, going to lower health care cost across the state of Oklahoma, Gov. Stitt said. You can find the price transparency tool 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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City. With nearly 700,000 Oklahomans waiting to see if they will lose access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Gov. Kevin Stitt held a press conference Monday, emphasizing community support. Due to the ongoing federal shutdown, SNAP benefits will not be replenished by the federal government on Nov. 1, Stitt said. Those who depend on the federal program will still be able to access existing funds in their SNAP accounts after Nov. 1, officials from the Oklahoma Department of Human Services said. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, almost 42 million people receive SNAP benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The supplemental nutrition program Women, Infants, and Children, or WIC, will not be affected, officials said. Despite touting a large "rainy day" fund of around $1 billion, Stitt said it would be difficult to use these funds, or others, due to a clause stating they can only be used in case of revenue failure, which he said this is not. He also said it would take a two-thirds majority to put those funds into action, requiring legislators to return to the Oklahoma State Capitol for a special session. Stitt said if the shutdown continues through December, other federal programs could be affected, adding that the state would be shorted a minimum of $350 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If we use state funds, whether that be from our 'rainy day fund' or from other sources, the federal government said they're not gonna reimburse us or it's not likely, or they can't guarantee it," Stitt said. "So before resorting to rainy day, we are going to beef up other programs that we have." He emphasized community and neighbors coming together to protect one another. He said churches and nonprofits can sign up to help at the same website where those who need assistance can sign up to receive food, beaneighbor.org. He encouraged people to donate to food banks. Stitt said in bridging the gap, the state is asking churches and nonprofits to step up. Lindel Fields, state superintendent of public instruction, said every child deserves to be fed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want to remind schools and communities about the availability of certain programs and encourage finding steps to help these students in need, Fields said. He emphasized that applications for the free lunch program can be submitted anytime during the school year when a household's financial situation changes. First of all, our child nutrition specialists have been providing guidance and training over the last few days to help schools expedite certain applications for these programs," he said. "So as it pertains to free and reduced lunch, schools should encourage parents and guardians to complete the application for free and reduced-price meals as soon as possible." Fields also said schools are encouraged to participate in the At-Risk After-school Snack program, a component of the Child and Adult Care Food Program. This program, he said, provides reimbursement for nutritious meals served to children and youth in after-school programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These are for low-income areas. Eligible schools where 50% of the students qualify for free and reduced[-price] meals, Fields said. Stacy Dykstra, CEO of Regional Food Bank, said the nonprofit is working with other organizations to determine the best path forward and is looking to double its distribution, which will cost an additional $5.5 million per month. Our food charity system, which is what we lead in this state, provides one meal for every nine meals that SNAP provides, said Dykstra. I just want to make sure were really clear about that. What we are doing as food banks, we are being so deliberate and intentional to find every food resource we can find and to deploy it the most effective and efficient way we can in partnership with our amazing partner network. People can also donate canned meat, hearty soups, canned vegetables, and canned fruits, among other items. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cody Anderson, senior pastor of Faith Center Fellowship, said the community needs to band together, encouraging people to show up for themselves and for others. If 5,000 churches ... respond this weekend, today, and they begin to put together 50 boxes of emergency food twice per month ... thats almost half a million people that are served, he said. Jeffery Cartmell, director of the Department of Human Services, offered information on tribal assistance. Several of the tribal governments in Oklahoma operating federal meeting programs tribal members are eligible for, depending on where they live in the state. Historically, it's been a very difficult, unnecessarily difficult process to shift from being a SNAP recipient to one of these federal tribal legal programs, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cartmell said they are having conversations about easing the process to switch. There's actually a meeting right now happening for tribes to figure out a way to expedite shifting people over; so far, that funding stream hasn't been impacted through the shutdown. However, you can't be on SNAP and on that program... so we're just trying to make sure we can expedite that transition as quickly as possible to help alleviate some of the impact, he said. 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. One person was killed and eight injured in Russian attacks on Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv and Kherson oblasts during the day of 28 October and on the night of 28-29 October Source: Vladyslav Haivanenko, acting Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration; Oleh Syniehubov, Head of Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration; Oleksandr Prokudin, Head of Kherson Oblast Military Administration Details: The Nikopol and Synelnykove districts in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast came under Russian attacks. Drones targeted the Vasylkivka and Mykolaivka hromadas. The Russians also fired on the Nikopol, Pokrovske (urban and rural) and Marhanets hromadas. A 38-year-old man was injured and will receive outpatient treatment. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories ed.] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attack caused a fire, destroyed one car and damaged two. Infrastructure facilities, an office building and a house were also damaged. Seven settlements in different districts of Kharkiv Oblast were attacked. Four people were injured in the settlements of Shevchenkove Pershe, Rublene and Izium. The Russians used 17 Geran-2 drones, an FPV drone and two UAVs of other types, damaging houses, a school building, high-rise buildings, a shopping centre, an office building and business infrastructure. Russian drones, artillery and aircraft struck 32 settlements on the right bank and coastal areas of Kherson Oblast. One person was killed and three injured. Seven high-rise buildings, seven houses, office buildings, a garage, cars and a gas pipeline were damaged. The gas leak has been dealt with, with no risk remaining. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! MANHATTAN (KSNT) Shes been called a driving force for compassion in Manhattan leading efforts to improve health and housing, while fighting hunger across the region. In a world where community challenges often feel too big to tackle, Debbie Nuss is proof that one determined person can make a difference and inspire others to join her. First of all, I cant do any of the things I do without the support of other like-minded people so its reassuring to know that when you think that something needs to be doneor fixeor changed, there are other people that agree with you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Born in Great Bend, Kansas, in 1955, Debbie grew up surrounded by resilience. Raised largely by her grandmothers, she says those early lessons in strength and self-reliance set the tone for everything that followed. My grandmother was a very resourceful woman in terms of taking care of herselfso things that I like to do were probably the things I had to do. After graduating from Kansas State University, Debbie built a career in education, health, and community advocacy eventually becoming Executive Director of both Common Table and the Flint Hills Wellness Coalition. Her work now focuses on health equity and ensuring everyone in her community has access to the basics: food, housing, and care. The Wellness Coalition works with community partners, individuals, organizations to address health equity issues in the communityso we look at transportation, housing, mental health, physical activity all those things. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under her leadership, Manhattan became the first city in Kansas to pass a voter-approved no-smoking ordinance and later, the first dementia-friendly community in the state. Her passion for advocacy, she says, traces back to a group of women who taught her how to make her voice count. The League of Women Voters contacted meand they taught me what I know about community activism how you research a topic before you take a position, and how to talk to other people and persuade them to agree with your point of view. When shes not organizing change, Debbie is leading Common Table coordinating volunteers who serve free community meals every night of the week. Right nowwere serving on average probably 70 people a night, and we dont ask questions of anybody. Everybodys welcome no questions asked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its meaningful work for someone whos faced her own share of loss. Debbie was widowed in 2021 after her husbands long battle with cancer. Through it all, shes stayed grounded thanks to her family, her faith, and a loyal four-legged companion. People talk about emotional support animals, and she definitely has been that for me since my spouse died. Shes a great dog. After decades of service, Debbie says shes not ready to slow down just yet. Her next goal is to keep fighting for fairness and opportunity for everyone who calls Kansas home. Poverty is not a moral failing its an economic issue. Its the fact that people cant earn enough, or it costs too much to live where they live. Figuring that out probably wont happen in my lifetime, but I like to still talk about it and try to be part of the solution to that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Click on the links if youd like to learn more about Common Table or the Flint Hills Wellness Coalition or even sign up to volunteer weve posted those links inside this story on our website. If you know a woman we should highlight in this segment, please go to ksnt.com to nominate. We feature these honorees during 27 News at 10 on the last Tuesday of each month. 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 KSNT 27 News. ONSLOW COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT) The NCDOT held a public hearing at Jacksonville Commons Elementary School to discuss three proposed routes for the extension of Jacksonville Parkway. The project aims to improve overall mobility in the area, alleviate traffic congestion, and provide alternative routes for drivers. The proposed extension would run from N.C. 53 (Western Boulevard) to U.S. 17 (New Bern Highway). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will incorporate the public comments and public input in our decision to select the one alternative that will proceed for the families, said Zachary Howard, project manager at NCDOT. Click the video above for more information. DISCLAIMER: This information is intended for general reference only. For more on Jacksonville Parkway Extension 2025 and to leave your input, visit https://publicinput.com/jacksonville-parkway-extension#tab-58398 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 WNCT. Ontario Premier Doug Ford wants an apology from President Donald Trumps envoy in Ottawa. U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra had a heated exchange with Ontario trade representative David Paterson during a gala held Monday night at the National Gallery of Canada meant to celebrate the Canada-U.S. relationship. Multiple media reports described the encounter, which CBC News characterized as an expletive-laced tirade, in response to a Ford government anti-tariff commercial that went viral. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pete, you gotta call Dave up and apologize, its simple, Ford said Wednesday during a Toronto news conference on an unrelated issue. You know, the cheese slipped off the cracker. I get it. Youre ticked off, but call the guy up because youre a good guy, and Daves my champion. The U.S. embassy in Ottawa declined to comment on Wednesday. The 60-second ad, paid for by Fords government, used excerpts from a 1987 radio address by former President Ronald Reagan in an effort to sway public opinion on tariffs in Republican-held districts. The premier has claimed the ad had over one billion impressions and has been viewed by a global audience. Trump terminated trade negotiations with Canada in a late-night Thursday post on Truth Social, claiming to have taken offense over the campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ford told the Ontario legislature the spot was the most successful ad in the history of North America and had achieved its goal of reaching Americans. Theyre talking about it in the U.S., and they werent talking about it before I put the ad on, he said. In a letter published by The Wall Street Journal on Wednesday, the premier said the commercial was intended to highlight the strength of the cross-border relationship. Our government ran an ad featuring the words of President Reagan because we all benefit from being reminded of his wisdom, Ford wrote As the Gipper said, Ford continued, referencing Reagan by a nickname, protectionism is destructionism, and the way to prosperity for all nations is rejecting protectionist legislation and promoting fair and free competition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prime Minister Mark Carney has said hell be ready when the president wants to resume talks. Look, the president knows that I'm available, he told reporters Monday at a briefing from the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur. But Trump has made it clear he has no intention of meeting Carney either. Both leaders have crossed paths at two summits in South Asia this week without holding any direct talks. On Wednesday, at the APEC summit in South Korea, Trump was seen in a news photograph raising a glass at Carney seated across a dinner table at a formal event for a group of leaders attending the summit. They reportedly pointed and smiled at one another. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ford has been a thorn in the side of the Trump administration all year. He pulled American alcohol out of Ontarios government-regulated liquor stores earlier this year, and pledged to keep it off the shelves until a U.S. trade deal is reached. The premier has also dangled and withdrawn the possibility of withholding U.S. electricity exports, which has incensed U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. An Ontario government official told POLITICO that Carney told Ford last Friday that he would like to see the ad pulled so talks with the U.S. could resume. The ad ran during the first two games of the World Series last weekend before it was withdrawn on Monday. Trump called the delay in pulling the ad a hostile act and responded by announcing plans to raise tariffs on Canada by an additional 10 percent over the weekend. Trump's threat has so far been limited to a single Truth Social post. The White House has yet to signal any further details on when it would apply and which Canadian imports would be targeted. Despite the current bun fight, Ford is scheduled to join the U.S. ambassador for an American Thanksgiving celebration on Nov. 17 in Toronto. OpenAI disclosed Monday that around 1.2 million people out of 800 million weekly users discuss suicide with ChatGPT each week, in what could be the company's most detailed public accounting of mental health crises on its platform. These conversations are difficult to detect and measure, given how rare they are," OpenAI wrote in a blog post. "Our initial analysis estimates that around 0.15% of users active in a given week have conversations that include explicit indicators of potential suicidal planning or intent, and 0.05% of messages contain explicit or implicit indicators of suicidal ideation or intent. That means, if OpenAIs numbers are accurate, nearly 400,000 active users were explicit in their intentions of committing suicide, not just implying it but actively looking for information to do it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The numbers are staggering in absolute terms. Another 560,000 users show signs of psychosis or mania weekly, while 1.2 million exhibit heightened emotional attachment to the chatbot, according to company data. We recently updated ChatGPTs default model (opens in a new window) to better recognize and support people in moments of distress, OpenAI said in a blog post. Going forward, in addition to our longstanding baseline safety metrics for suicide and self-harm, we are adding emotional reliance and non-suicidal mental health emergencies to our standard set of baseline safety testing for future model releases. Claude Can Now Rage-Quit Your AI ConversationFor Its Own Mental Health But some believe the companys avowed efforts might not be enough. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steven Adler, a former OpenAI safety researcher who spent four years there before departing in January, warned about the dangers of racing AI development. He says there's scant evidence OpenAI actually improved its handling of vulnerable users before this week's announcement. People deserve more than just a companys word that it has addressed safety issues. In other words: Prove it, he wrote in a column for the Wall Street Journal "OpenAI releasing some mental health info was a great step, but it's important to go further," Adler tweeted, calling for recurring transparency reports and clarity on whether the company will continue allowing adult users to generate erotica with ChatGPTa feature announced despite concerns that romantic attachments fuel many mental health crises. The skepticism has merit. In April, OpenAI rolled out a GPT-4o update that made the chatbot so sycophantic it became a meme, applauding dangerous decisions and reinforcing delusional beliefs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CEO Sam Altman rolled back the update after backlash, admitting it was "too sycophant-y and annoying." New AI System Predicts Risk of 1,000 Diseases Years in Advance Then OpenAI backtracked: After launching GPT-5 with stricter guardrails, users complained the new model felt "cold." OpenAI reinstated access to the problematic GPT-4o model for paying subscribersthe same model linked to mental health spirals. Fun fact: Many of the questions asked today in the companys first live AMA were related to GPT-4o and how to make future models more 4o-like. OpenAI says GPT-5 now hits 91% compliance on suicide-related scenarios, up from 77% in the previous version. But that means the earlier modelavailable to millions of paying users for monthsfailed nearly a quarter of the time in conversations about self-harm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this month, Adler published an analysis of Allan Brooks, a Canadian man who spiraled into delusions after ChatGPT reinforced his belief he'd discovered revolutionary mathematics. Adler found that OpenAI's own safety classifiersdeveloped with MIT and made publicwould have flagged more than 80% of ChatGPT's responses as problematic. The company apparently wasn't using them. OpenAI now faces a wrongful death lawsuit from the parents of 16-year-old Adam Raine, who discussed suicide with ChatGPT before taking his life. The company's response has drawn criticism for its aggressiveness, requesting the attendee list and eulogies from the teen's memoriala move lawyers called "intentional harassment." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adler wants OpenAI to commit to recurring mental health reporting and independent investigation of the April sycophancy crisis, echoing a suggestion from Miles Brundage, who left OpenAI in October after six years advising on AI policy and safety. "I wish OpenAI would push harder to do the right thing, even before there's pressure from the media or lawsuits," Adler wrote. The company says it worked with 170 mental health clinicians to improve responses, but even its advisory panel disagreed 29% of the time on what constitutes a "desirable" response. And while GPT-5 shows improvements, OpenAI admits its safeguards become less effective in longer conversationsprecisely when vulnerable users need them most. China has long invited foreign delegations to Xinjiang to promote its preferred narrative of Uyghur life. But something new and troubling happened recently. For first time, a group of Turkish journalists visited East Turkistan Xinjiang in Chinese terminology at the invitation of the Chinese Consulate and in coordination with the Turkey-China Friendship Foundation. After a week-long visit, the group appeared on Turkish television, where they openly denied the ongoing Uyghur genocide. This not just another propaganda success for Beijing. It is a betrayal, particularly because Turkey is the country most closely connected to Uyghurs by ethnicity, culture, and history. Moral solidarity might be expected from Turkey. What the world saw instead was submission to Beijings staged theater. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the journalists involved in this charade described Uyghurs dancing joyfully in the streets, insisting that it proved their happiness. Yet anyone familiar with human societies knows that spontaneous mass dancing is rare outside of weddings or festivals. When hundreds dance at once, it is choreographed. In Xinjiang, under one of the worlds most advanced surveillance regimes, such performances are carefully staged. The fact that no organizer was visible only underscores the manipulation: the choreography was designed to appear natural. Another Turkish journalist cited bilingual billboards and a Uyghur-language newspaper as proof that the Uyghurs language has not been banned. But symbolic signage is no substitute for living use. Uyghur-medium education has been dismantled in Xinjiang. Official use of the language has been abolished and its prospects deliberately suffocated. State-sanctioned media in Uyghur exists not to preserve the language but to push propaganda to those who do not understand Chinese. These Turkish journalists also claimed they saw no internment camps in Urumqi. But who would expect otherwise on a government-supervised tour? Even Beijing itself admitted long ago to the existence of the so-called vocational training centers that are internment camps. This occurred all the way back in 2018, two years after their establishment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Official claims that students have graduated remain unproven. Meanwhile, mosques stand empty, public squares deserted, and Uyghur neighborhoods hollowed out. The camps existence is corroborated by satellite images, leaked government documents, and above all by the testimonies of Uyghurs in exile. In Istanbul alone, tens of thousands of Uyghurs can point to missing relatives. Perhaps most insulting of all was the claim that Uyghurs live so well they would never move to Turkey, even if tied up. If this were true, why have more than 30,000 Uyghurs registered with Turkeys immigration authorities? For years, China has relied on delegations from authoritarian or aid-dependent countries to amplify its narrative. These voices carried little credibility in the democratic world. The Turkish journalists, however, represent something different: They come from a country with open media, public debate, and democratic traditions. Their participation in this propaganda is thus a symbolic breakthrough for Beijing and a moral setback for Uyghurs. History knows examples of brotherly nations betraying one another, but rarely so cheaply, and never in the shadow of genocide. To see members of a nation that once ruled three continents flattering a tyrant is not only painful it is disgraceful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet if the Turkish delegations visit demonstrated the shamelessness of opportunists, it also highlights the resilience of Uyghurs themselves from ordinary villagers who clung to their faith under threats of death, to such intellectuals as Ilham Tohti, Abduqadir Jalalidin, Yalqun Rozi, Perhat Tursun who spoke truth even at the cost of life imprisonment. China can stage one thousand more such visits. It can invite 100,000 more foreign guests to repeat its talking points. But no matter how many delegations it organizes, no matter how many propaganda broadcasts it produces, it cannot cover up genocide. History will not remember the cheap flatteries of opportunists. It will remember those who resisted. It will remember the voices of the victims, not the lies of Chinas visitors. The Turkish delegations three-and-a-half-hour television program may have entertained its producers. But for the Uyghurs, it was a fresh wound a reminder that betrayal can come even from those who share blood, culture, and history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China will one day be held accountable for its crimes. The Uyghur people will endure, strengthened by their suffering. What we ask from the world is not pity but responsibility. Stand with justice in the face of atrocity. Those who fail to do so will be judged not only by history, but by the measure of their own humanity. Let the Turkish visitors keep their free meals and their propaganda video. Their words will fade, but the truth will remain. Shohret Hoshur is a political emigre from Chinas Xinjiang Province now living in Washington, and a former employee of Radio Free Asia. 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. Republicans are not the only political party making news. We review recent developments impacting Democrats and a once unknown third party. Democrats just cant seem to catch a break. A Deseret News/Hinckley Institute survey indicates more Utahns blame Democrats than Republicans for the government shutdown. To add insult to this injury, a Noble Predictive Insights poll shows Utah Democrats have a 64% unfavorable rating. Are there any indications of this trend changing, and what would spark this course correction? Cowley: These numbers are brutal. According to a recent survey, Utahns blame Democrats for the shutdown. When the optics are that Democrats, defenders of social programs, are holding out for health care benefits for undocumented immigrants while allowing SNAP benefits for hungry American families to end, it puts them in an even worse spot. Its time for a massive rebranding of Utah Democrats. They need to abandon the current model, acting as a repository of special interests, and get back to what Utahns care about: families, government accountability and neighbor helping neighbor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pignanelli: Voting should be understood as a cognitive process involving internal competition between economic rewards and social identities. Libby Jenke, Scott A. Huettel, Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, Duke University Aside from decisions made by the states largest county and city governments, Democrats have not influenced other policies. Occasionally, a minority party member says something that runs counter to the views of many Utahns. But such narrow activities do not explain the toxic results of two different polls. A substantial reason is that the national party is perceived as dominated by progressives, left-wing special interest groups and other organizations antithetical to Utah values. It is pointless to argue the merits of this accusation because the perception has become reality for many Utahns. Several Democrats holding federal and statewide offices were unable to advance further because of this impression. The exceptions were the popular Gov. Scott Matheson and Rep. Jim Matheson, who were deemed separate from problematic external forces. History documents that a disciplined message with practical economic solutions, sensitivity to moral issues, understanding of traditional concerns and a distance from outside interests can be successful. Sen. Thatchers resignation from the state Senate has created a catalyst for firsts in Utah elections. The Utah Forward Party will hold a special election to select his replacement, but in unprecedented fashion, is allowing voters from other parties to participate. How will this impact the upcoming legislative session, and will Utah see more third-party candidates? Cowley: The Utah Forward Partys process is highly unconventional. They will conduct a ranked-choice preference poll exclusively online, open to all voters in Senate District 11. Typically, only same-party delegates choose replacements. UFP represents about 0.1% of all registered voters in Utah (3,001 total). With only a handful of party members in the district, their willingness to include all voters is commendable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adding to their unusual approach, the Utah Forward Party is not allowing candidates to use any paid communications or advertisements. Candidates are also subject to a background check, including a review of their social media. A novel approach indeed. Having a Utah Forward senator in the upcoming session may be unique, but its still unlikely the party will emerge as a significant player in Utah politics. For reference, the largest swath of voters in Utah are Republicans. This isnt surprising, but what might be is that the second largest group isnt Democrats but unaffiliated voters. Unaffiliated is about half as large as Republicans, with Democrats coming in third, roughly half as big as the unaffiliated population. In a distant fourth place are the Independent Americans. When people complain about a Republican-dominated Legislature, I would remind them it is simply a reflection of Utah voters self-identification. Pignanelli: Thatcher is the fourth lawmaker in Utahs recent political history to switch parties mid-term. This includes a legislator in 1989 who apparently was upset with my leadership style (yes, theres an interesting story behind this). Eric Hutchings announced his change before the 2002 filing deadline, allowing a debate over his choice. Voters were grateful for Hutchingss appropriate approach and returned him to office until 2020. In 2016, a state senator flipped affiliation to Libertarian for the last six months of his term. The true test of this third partys viability will be in 2026, as both major parties will fight to recapture the seat. A Deseret News/Hinckley Institute survey also revealed Utahns approval for President Trump dropped from 54% to 51% with 46% disapproving. (Nationally, Trump has over 90% approval from Republicans.) Could this local grumbling benefit Democrats and other parties? Cowley: I love old, historic things antiques, first edition books, black and white movies, even Frank! I am not sold on the justification for altering the most significant historic building in our nation. Surely there isnt a lack of ballrooms in D.C., but I am grateful it is not being built with taxpayer money. This unique model might be a blueprint for future public projects to be funded by private donors. Pignanelli: The survey indicates problems with Trump amongst independents and moderate Republicans. Although the polls show Democrats have yet to attract these Utahns, they are available for persuasive messaging. The highly anticipated Supreme Court ruling on Louisiana v. Callais will affect the Voting Rights Act, which led to the creation of majority-minority districts in many states. Without such districts, gerrymandering of congressional maps could be taken to an unprecedented level, effectively making House elections meaningless perhaps even unnecessary. Congressional map-drawing no longer needs to be done manually. Computational redistricting provides algorithms to create maps with scalpel-like precision. Computers can provide highly gerrymandered districts for either party, based on who runs the mapping process. What is less discussed is that computational redistricting can also create maps that serve the interests of voters. They can also create competitive districts that force candidates to be responsive to their constituents rather than their party. In other words, computational redistricting is a tool that can be used either for good or for evil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The weapons of gerrymandering are known as packing and cracking. Packing assigns as many voters as possible with the same political lean into the same district. Although such voters overwhelmingly win their district, only a 50 percent win is needed, effectively wasting votes that could have influenced the outcome in other districts. For examples of this, look to Illinoiss 15th and 16th districts, which were both won by Republicans uncontested in 2024. Cracking achieves a similar outcome, albeit in a complementary manner. By distributing voters with a common political lean across multiple districts, it dilutes these voters influence so much that they cannot gain a critical mass of support for their favored candidates. A good example of this is Tennessees 5th congressional district, which includes parts of Democrat-leaning Nashville. Ever since the 2021 gerrymander, the district has been represented by a Republican. The new Missouri map similarly cracked metropolitan Kansas City so that there is no longer a Democratic district there. The requirement for majority-minority districts has generally favored Democrats. In 2024, there were 148 such districts. Of these, 122 were won by Democrats and 26 by Republicans. If majority-minority districts are ruled to violate the 14th and 15th Amendments of the Constitution, then computater redistricting can be weaponized to create maps that not only favor the party that controls the map-drawing process but also scoops up nearly every district in the state. Algorithmically, requiring majority-minority districts imposes a constraint that limits how gerrymandered maps can be. Other constraints include compactness, equal population districts and contiguity, which all serve similar roles. Requiring communities of interest to be preserved would be a reasonable surrogate for majority-minority districts, by limiting cracking of like-minded groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several state use redistricting commissions to create maps, including the largest Democrat-leaning states California and New York. In a new redistricting environment, without the requirement of majority-minority districts, not securing all or most of their 78 seats for Democratic candidates would make getting a Democrat House majority exceedingly difficult. On the other hand, Republican-leaning states like Texas and Florida, with their 66 seats, would easily be able to draw most seats for Republican candidates. This can get complicated very quickly. For example, for California to abandon its redistricting commission for the 2026 midterms will require voter approval. They are trying to get it next month through a ballot measure. They chose this path to counter the redrawn Texas map that creates five additional Republican-leaning districts. Several other states are actively pursuing new maps in this gerrymander arms-race. All such efforts show disrespect toward constituents, the very people Congress is charged to serve. Lets never forget how this began. The president asked for more Republican seats in 2026 so that his party could hold the majority for two more years. Several states have more balance across the two parties, based on the 2024 election results, making capturing nearly all the seats by one party more challenging. These include such traditional battleground states as Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. However, a partisan redistricting commission dominated by legislators from one party can always unleash the power of computational redistricting algorithms to grab a sizeable majority of districts that favor their party candidates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The end result is that most House seats will have a predetermined outcome, effectively making voters superfluous in the election process. Based on where people live, and the packing and cracking of them into gerrymandered districts, politicians will take full control of the election process and outcome. It does not need to be this way. Even with the most gerrymandered maps, voters still need to show up and cast their votes. In battleground states, there will remain a handful of competitive districts. Voters can also choose to vote in a manner that undermines the gerrymander process. How the Supreme court rules in Louisiana v. Callais is more than just the constitutionality of the Voting Rights Act, and whether one party gains a permanent stranglehold on our political process. It elevates computational redistricting into a position of influence on shaping our democratic process. An algorithmic tool that can create maps with scalpel-like precision can either make elections a vehicle for voter presentation or voter suppression. That is what is at stake when the Supreme Court issues its final verdict in the case. Sheldon H. Jacobson, Ph.D., is a computer science professor in the Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. As a data scientist, he uses his expertise in risk-based analytics to address problems in public policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Trumps grand White House ballroom brings to mind the classic words of British poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge: In Xanadu, did Kubla Khan, A stately pleasure dome decree. It takes an incredibly vivid image to make a big media splash and create a hot political controversy when social media reigns supreme. The graphic photo of the ruins and rubble remains of the late, great East Wing of the White House did the trick. Timing is everything in politics, and President Trumps timing could not have been worse. The destruction and remodeling to make room for an opulent ballroom for fine dining and fancy dancing comes in the midst of a government shutdown that has denied essential services to millions of Americans. This travesty comes right after millions of Americans marched on No Kings Day to protest Trumps imperial presidency. Trump denies he is a king, but he is building a place on the Potomac. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Americans have their own priorities and they dont match Trumps. By more than a two-to-one ratio, Americans in a new national survey by YouGov disapproved of the White House renovations. Democrats are much more likely to oppose the changes than Republicans are to support them. This is just another indication that Democrats are more united in opposition to Trump than Republicans are in support. The split in Republican ranks and the Democratic unity are bad omens for MAGA in next years midterm congressional elections. The desecration of the historic house at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is the perfect metaphor for everything wrong with Trumps imperial presidency. Blatant cruelty, outrageous lies and royal edicts are the hallmarks of his plans for the ballroom and his presidency. First, the destruction of the East Wing is a telling symbol of wretched royal excess and cruel indifference at a time when millions of hardworking Americans cant keep food on the table for their kids and cant afford the inflated health care insurance premiums that keep their families safe. But Trump just doesnt see any of this or perhaps he is too narcissistic to see the suffering past his palace window. Trump is infamous for his lies. During the presidential campaign last year, he promised Americans he would, upon winning, immediately reduce the cost of living, bring peace to Ukraine and release the Jeffrey Epstein files. Nine months later he hasnt delivered on any of these pledges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So it shouldnt be a shock to anyone that hes lying his way through the renovation process. He said that he was only replacing the East Wing facade, but now he has gutted the entire East Wing. Initially, he put the cost of the privately funded project at $100 million and now its up to $300 million and counting. Finally, Trump rules by imperial decree. But like King Canute, he cannot stop the sea of public disapproval. As with his arbitrary cuts to vital federal spending and tariff increases without congressional approval, he didnt bother to consult or seek approval of the architectural changes from the House and Senate or planning authorities. He sidestepped Congress by soliciting big donations from aristocrats and plutocrats who want lucrative contracts and regulatory relief from the Trump administration in return for their money. Trump told American troops during his trip to Japan that some of the nations cities might need more than the National Guard. Combat forces in American cities? Holy executive overreach, Batman! Like most wannabe emperors, Trump seems to have delusions of grandeur and an edifice complex. But his callous indifference to public opinion, his reckless lies and his imperial reign will eventually bring everything he has built crashing back down to earth. Lets just hope he doesnt bring the U.S. down with him when Americans are so very close to celebrating 250 years of freedom from royal rule next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brad Bannon is a national Democratic strategist and CEO of Bannon Communications Research which polls for Democrats, labor unions and progressive issue groups. He hosts the popular progressive podcast on power, politics and policy, Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon. 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. In 2018, Utah voters made a clear choice: they passed Proposition 4, a citizen-led initiative to establish an independent redistricting commission designed to draw fair and impartial political maps and submit them to the Utah Legislature. It was a hard-fought, grassroots victory narrow, yes, but deeply democratic. Voters wanted to curb gerrymandering and remove partisan politics from the redistricting process. Now, a new effort threatens to erase that progress not by another public vote, but through a backdoor maneuver known as the indirect initiative process. This initiative, led by the Utah Republican Party, seeks to repeal the very standards Proposition 4 created. If they gather signatures from just 4% of active voters, the repeal proposal would go straight to the state Legislature dominated by the very party that benefits from gerrymandered maps for approval. If the Legislature votes yes, Proposition 4 could be undone without ever going back to the voters who passed it. That should alarm anyone who believes in democratic principles, regardless of party. At its core, this repeal effort is a power grab dressed in procedural clothing. It weaponizes a little-known legal pathway to undermine the will of the people and return redistricting power exclusively to a partisan body with every incentive to draw maps that entrench its control. This isnt just about lines on a map. Its about whether voters choose their politicians or politicians choose their voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Redistricting has long been a quiet but potent force in shaping political power. In Utah, as in many states, lawmakers have historically drawn district maps in ways that protect incumbents and silence dissenting voices. Proposition 4 was an attempt to fix that to establish an independent body that would apply clear, transparent standards and listen to public input. It didnt strip ultimate power from the Legislature, but it created guardrails that made blatant gerrymandering harder to justify. The current repeal initiative aims to eliminate those guardrails. And worse, it does so without giving voters a direct say. This, in spite of language in the Utah Constitution and a Utah Supreme Court ruling upholding the peoples co-equal power to legislate and alter or reform their government by initiative. Thats why groups like the League of Women Voters of Utah and Mormon Women for Ethical Government have taken the issue to court. They argue that this indirect initiative undermines the state constitution and the peoples right to legislate by ballot. Their case, currently before 3rd District Court Judge Dianna Gibson, raises an essential question: Can lawmakers override the will of the people simply because they abhor the very notion of an initiative process that constrains their freedom of action? If the courts allow this repeal to go forward, the implications reach far beyond redistricting. It sets a dangerous precedent: any voter-passed reform no matter how popular could be reversed by politicians acting in their own interest. The initiative process, once a vital check on legislative overreach, would be hollowed out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This isnt just a theoretical problem. Nationally, weve seen elected officials in multiple states work to dismantle independent redistricting commissions, voting rights protections and ethics reforms all passed by voters. Utah is at risk of becoming the latest example of this disturbing trend. To be clear, redistricting is not supposed to be a partisan issue. Fair maps benefit everyone, regardless of political affiliation. They ensure that communities are represented, that elections can be competitive and that public officials are accountable to their constituents. When maps are rigged, democracy breaks down. Voters lose trust, turnout drops and polarization deepens. Thats why Proposition 4 matters. And thats why the current repeal effort must be seen for what it is: a direct threat to democratic accountability. The people of Utah spoke in 2018. They deserve to be heard again not silenced by legislative fiat. If there is a debate to be had about redistricting standards, let it happen in public. Let it be honest. And most importantly, let it end with a vote of the people. Anything less is not democracy. Its manipulation. Former White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre is on a promotional tour for her new book, Independent, in which she argues that the Democratic Party betray[ed] former President Joe Biden by pressuring him to drop his reelection bid in 2024, an event that inspired her to leave the party. Being independent will allow me to speak more freely, to stay true to my core beliefs, Jean-Pierre writes. Her tour is going poorly. In interview after interview, Jean-Pierre perpetually comes across as caught off-guard, unclear of what her core beliefs are and unpersuasive and shes taking a bruising on social media for it. This isnt because shes bad at speaking; Jean-Pierre has years of experience sparring with reporters as a press operative and campaign adviser. Rather, its because there is an incoherence to her politico-intellectual project: Her departure from the Democratic Party is not driven by a substantive repudiation of the partys policy vision; it is, paradoxically, driven by anger about people being insufficiently loyal to the partys incumbent president. Jean-Pierres constant description of the partys campaign to pressure Biden to drop out of the race as a betrayal in her book and interviews is an important tell. It implies that influential party figures committed a moral error by concluding that Biden was not fit to compete against Trump. In an interview with PBS, Jean-Pierre described the pressure campaign against Biden as a wicked act against an innocent victim. Joe Biden objectively had a successful presidential [sic]. Joe Biden objectively was a good human who cared about the American people. Thats what people would say, she said. And yet he was treated as if he was the worst thing ever. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That is, of course, an absurd straw man. Biden was not treated as if he was the worst thing ever. He was characterized as unfit to win against Trump. This was not because someone dug up some secret dirt on Biden, but because of his disastrous debate performance in which he sounded nonsensical in some of his comments, leaving even sympathetic pundits slack-jawed. Furthermore, Biden was not some kind of saint most obviously because he was a supporter of genocide in Gaza but even if he was, he would not be entitled to a second term. Nor should the party have prioritized his feelings over holding the White House. Notably, PBS asked Jean-Pierre several times if she believed Biden could have survived the debate if he had stayed in the race, and every time she declined to answer the question directly. A similar dynamic played out in another interview this one conducted by The New Yorkers Isaac Chotiner during which Jean-Pierre constantly avoided substantively defending her view other than saying nobody knows what wouldve happened had Biden stayed in. Thats true, but we do know that Bidens poll numbers were atrocious, that Harris significantly outperformed Biden in the polls and that the Democrats saw a gigantic surge in campaign donations after he dropped out. Despite her conviction that Biden should have stayed in or at least not have been questioned Jean-Pierre also appeared uncomfortable answering a question from Chotiner about his ability to serve as president through 2029. Its not my place to say, she responded at first, puzzlingly. Only when asked for clarity did she add, I did not see anything that would cause me concern. When Chotiner followed up by asking about Bidens debate performance, she said, I had never seen him like that before. But when Chotiner gave another example of Biden being incoherent in a media interview, and said he was surprised Jean-Pierre didnt see what many others saw, she replied with a non-answer: Im not the only person who feels this. Im just the one speaking very loudly. If anything, Jean-Pierres experience as a press secretary works against her, leading her to reflexively deflect anytime a question forces potential accountability. Perhaps shes concerned that if she admits that Biden frequently seemed out of sorts and there were many examples it will be seen as evidence that she might have been concealing something from the public after all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the roots of her behavior run deeper than that. Jean-Pierres constant dodges are a proxy for her ideological position that it was inherently good to be loyal to Biden, and that its a sin to question the party leader or chain of command. This also comes through in her objections to the brief debate within the party over whether former Vice President Kamala Harris was the right person to replace Biden as an insult and a sign of disrespect even though in her book she also said she thought she never really believed Harris could win. Jean-Pierre is laying bare the self-sabotaging and antidemocratic nature of calling for party unity at all costs. This is not something unique to Democrats any political organization or movement must wrestle with the trade-offs of sticking together or splitting on an issue or a leader. But compulsive fealty and groupthink are stultifying, and the Democratic establishment has long invoked the specter of Republican extremism as a means to discourage the kind of internal debate that the party desperately needs in the Trump era. Jean-Pierre appears not only hostile to the idea of strategic debate within a party, but also immune to questioning the moral costs of unceasing loyalty. When my colleague Ayman Mohyeldin asked Jean-Pierre over the weekend, with regard to Bidens abominable Israel policy, Do you regret any of the positions that you advocated for on behalf of the administration? Jean-Pierre dodged the question, then dodged the follow-up. When he asked yet another time if she had any regrets about her job, after a lengthy preamble she eventually said, we did not get everything right but I was very proud of everything that I did. I dont take anything back. In her refusal to get specific, she effectively said no. Its unclear what the point of Jean-Pierres going independent is if she refuses to articulate clear arguments, engage in substantive policy critiques or demonstrate introspection. Instead, she seems to implicitly be making a case for unwavering deference to leadership within the party. Yet it is precisely the head-in-the-sand loyalty to Bid en for so long that helped doom the Democratic Party in 2024. Jean-Pierres floundering discredits not just herself but also anyone who demands blind fealty to the Democratic Party or any political organization, for that matter. As Jean-Pierre so ably (though unintentionally) shows, refusal to admit defeat is not fidelity, but folly. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com NewsNation Chief Washington Anchor and On Balance host Leland Vittert was a foreign correspondent for four years in Jerusalem. He gives you an early look at tonights 9 pm ET show. Subscribe to War Notes here. Democrats Losing Shutdown The political crisis going on in Washington is about to turn into a food crisis across America. Wow: The search for food banks on Google rose by 400% this week up eight times more than right before the shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government shutdown is about to leave 42 million Americans who rely on food stamps with no access to food. The closer we get to Thanksgiving, the worse it will get for the Democrats. SNAP benefits are expected to run out. Holiday travel is going to be a mess. Then, Democrats will have to explain why its worth keeping the government closed and risking millions of Americans going hungry. The leader of the largest federal workers union called for Democrats to open the government. No half measures, and no gamesmanship, @AFGENational posted to X. Theres a problem when you lose the support of nearly 800,000 federal workers. Watch this : Republican Governor vs. Democratic Governor on SNAP benefits. Just listen to the difference in responses from Republican and Democrat governors The State of Virginia is going to step in and cover the benefits for a while. We have the financial resources to do it for a while, says Governor Glenn Youngkin, R-Va. We will continue to do everything in our power to ensure the federal government follows the law and provides funding for the critical services that our families, our children and our veterans rely on, says Governor Wes Moore, D-Md. Republicans are going on the offensive with press conferences highlighting the continued problems and forcing Democrats to vote on reopening the government. Democrats can keep messaging that they are saving health care that is worth a cause but food pantry lines are todays problem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watch tonight: Congressman Brad Schneider, D-Ill., on how much longer his party wants to fight Trump. New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani speaks during a New York is Not For Sale rally at Forest Hills Stadium on October 26, 2025 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Stephani Spindel/VIEWpress) Democrats Crossroads One week from today, we will know what the future of the Democratic Party looks like. Democrats have been telling us they are the big tent party. If socialist Zohran Mamdani wins in New York And alleged moderates Abigail Spanberger and Mikie Sherrill win Democrats can celebrate being the big tent party, and Republicans should be worried about 2026. If one pole of that tent falls, the political world changes. Look back: Republican Governor Glenn Youngkins victory four years ago in Virginia set the table for Trumps 2024 win. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youngkin won on talking about boys in girls sports. Trumps final ad was about boys in girls sports. One week from tonight, we see where the country is heading. Watch tonight: Marc Short and Nina Turner on the fork in the road for Democrats. The USS Gravely warship is seen at a distance off the coast of Port of Spain on October 26, 2025. (Photo by MARTIN BERNETTI/AFP via Getty Images) Whats the Mission Here? It seems theres about to be two wars going on The war against the drug runners The U.S. just hit four drug boats in the Pacific a long way from Venezuela. And then youve got enough American military hardware in the Caribbean to carpet bomb Caracas. So whats the mission here? Does Congress even understand whats going on? Lets assume taking out narco terrorists in the high seas is legal is it going to be legal if Trump invades Venezuela? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watch tonight: Senator Mike Rounds, R-S.D., on the White House refusing to say what the mission really is. Tune into On Balance with Leland Vittert weeknights at 9/8 CT on NewsNation. Find your channel here. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily of NewsNation. 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 NewsNation. Two houses of worship were recently attacked within days of each other. In Michigan, a man rammed his truck into a chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, opened fire and set it ablaze. In Manchester, during Yom Kippur, a man rammed into worshippers outside a synagogue and began stabbing. Two communities. Two continents. Two sacred spaces under assault in the same week. Both were attacks not just on people but also on places of peace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We often use the word sanctuary to describe the rooms where we pray, from the cavernous, awe-inspiring architectural triumphs that make us feel small in the best of ways, to the cozy, intimate chapels that envelop us in the warm embrace of community. But sanctuary means more than that. Its any place physical or spiritual where a person finds refuge from the vicissitudes of the day. A space replete with the potential for profound connection with others in our community and with something greater than ourselves. A world in which sanctuaries are no longer safe is one where none of us are. When these spaces that are supposed to be beacons become battlefields, it isnt only believers who suffer. Its the entire moral fabric of a society that begins to fray. When we dont even feel safe in our places of worship, then where can we feel safe? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These attacks are not unprecedented. Thats both a blessing and a curse. First the curse: sadly, anti-religious violence has a long, devastating history, especially for minority religious groups like ours. Latter-day Saints were once attacked, murdered and driven from their homes in the 1800s; Sikhs have been targets of hatred and violence both in their homeland of Punjab and in the diaspora; Jews have faced centuries of antisemitic persecution. These attacks continually remind us that, for too many, to be different is to be in danger. But heres the blessing. We also know what it takes to come back. Across our faiths and across generations, communities have found ways to rebuild not just our buildings but also our capacity for belonging. The story of faith in the face of violence is, paradoxically, one of persistence. We mourn, we gather, we repair. And in doing so, we coalesce, insisting that hate will not have the last word. When the smoke clears out of the sanctuary and the dust settles after the latest attack, the question every faith community faces is the same: How do we begin again? Over time, patterns emerge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First, people show up. Attendance rises, not falls. After the shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, synagogues around the country filled with visitors of every background, determined to show solidarity. When a Sikh temple in Wisconsin was attacked in 2012, local churches and mosques helped fund the rebuilding. People in Wisconsin and across the United States wore shirts with words inspired by Sikh teachings: No Fear, No Hate. In every instance, resilient communities have refused to cede public space to fear. Second, leaders turn grief into service. Food drives, vigils, counseling, interfaith meals each becomes a way of reknitting the community. In Michigan, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints launched a fundraiser not for his faith community, but for the family of the accused shooter. As the late President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said in 2019 at the NAACP Convention, We are all connected, and we have a God-given responsibility to help make life better for those around us. We dont have to be alike or look alike to have love for each other. We dont even have to agree with each other to love each other. If we have any hope of reclaiming the goodwill and sense of humanity for which we yearn, it must begin with each of us, one person at a time. Third, communities tell their story. Instead of letting a tragic event define them, they remind the public what their faith actually teaches: love, compassion, justice, forgiveness, hope. These arent easy virtues; they require daily practice. But theyre also deeply human, and they have a way of inspiring the broader public when shared openly. Rebuilding sanctuary, in other words, isnt just about the bricks and mortar it will take to put things back together. Its about strengthening the social bonds that allow any of us to live openly, however we choose to pray, and even if we choose not to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When people target minority communities, we tend to think of them as isolated incidents. They were attacked because they were Muslim, we say, or The violence was motivated by anti-Buddhist hate. These statements may be true, but theres more to the story. Attacks on houses of worship are not only attacks on the communities that are targeted. Theyre also attacks on pluralism, democracy and shared civic life. The forces that targeted these two faith communities earlier this month are the same forces that work to sow hatred and inspire violence in other sectors too. Religious spaces are among the last places where people still gather across generations, political divides and backgrounds. They are laboratories of pluralism. When those sanctuaries cease to be places of refuge, we lose the critical threads for reweaving our torn social fabric. In a society where our sanctuaries are no longer safe, we have two options. We can give in to fear and stay home, hoping no one notices us. Or we can be courageous, returning to worship, showing that our communities wont stand down in the face of hate. This week, each of us is making the choice to visit our places of worship with pride, fearlessness, and a renewed commitment to piecing our communities and our country back together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sanctuaries have always been more than religious spaces; theyre civic symbols of belonging. And yet, violence against faith communities isnt new. Whats new is the speed with which our societal cynicism tells us not to care and pushes us to close our hearts to one another in their time of need. These brazen acts of terror present us with an option that is simple, albeit stark: Do we let fear drive our actions and continue turning against one another, or do we choose to follow our values and become kinder, more open and more inclusive? The choice is ours to make. Interdictions and captures have been replaced by detections and explosions. Timid and traditional diplomacy has been replaced by strategy and strength. Nicolas Maduro will soon face the diplomacy of the USS Gerald R. Ford, the most powerful and persuasive armed ship in the world. Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell has stated that, in support of the presidents directive to dismantle transnational criminal organizations, the Secretary of War has directed the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group and embarked carrier air wing to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility. The enhanced U.S. force presence, Parnell said, will bolster U.S. capacity to detect, monitor and disrupt illicit actors and activities that compromise the safety and prosperity of the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The USS Gerald R. Ford is moving away from the Mediterranean Sea and the conflict in Gaza to address what appears to be the United States top priority: the Cartel of the Suns and its top leader, Maduro. This aircraft carrier is not just a powerful tool of war; its the full toolbox. The Ford Carrier Strike Group has two nuclear reactors, a crew of 4,600 members, 75 military aircraft, advanced weapons elevators, F-18 Super Hornets and an E-2 Hawkeye. The Ford is accompanied by modern ships such the guided-missile cruiser Normandy and a team of destroyers like Carney, Roosevelt, Thomas Hudner, Ramage and a powerful submarine. This is an eloquent and extraordinary diplomacy, tailor-made to deal with brutal regimes like the one in Venezuela. The U.S. has not only changed its deterrence and diplomacy but also its approach to narco-dictators in the Western Hemisphere. Narco-terrorists intending to bring poison to our shores will find no safe harbor anywhere in our hemisphere, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said after destroying a 10th drug boat bound for the U.S. Just as al Qaeda waged war on our homeland, these cartels are waging war on our border and our people. There will be no refuge or forgiveness only justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But dictators like Maduro arent going to go away just by destroying a couple of boats. The regime is convinced that the U.S. is playing a strategy of pressure and nothing more. The tyrant from Miraflores survived Trumps first administration, the sanctions, the pandemic, international isolation, and even the threat of invasion. Now he wants to repeat the formula but hes got it all wrong. Maduro had the audacity to say that he would not leave power because he has Russian weapons to fight the battle. Any military force in the world knows the power of the Igla-S, he said. Venezuela has no fewer than 5,000 of them in key anti-craft defense positions to guarantee peace, stability, and tranquility. He also noted that they have simulation equipment that puts thousands of Igla-S operators in a position of good aim. In the last mountain and the last town. Despite Maduros continued threats and misbehavior, his options seem to be running out. He is at a crossroads, facing a choice: either flee to Moscow like Bashar al-Assad did, or else die clinging to power like Muammar Gaddafi did in Libya. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has a strong determination to end the threat presented by drug cartels. I dont think were going to necessarily ask for a declaration of war, he said. We are just going to kill people that are bringing drugs into our country. They are going to be, like, dead. Nobel laureate Maria Corina Machado has said that Maduro started the war against the Venezuelan people, but that Trump will end it. The transition is underway, and it will be orderly and peaceful, she said. We are moving from tyranny to democracy, from chaos to order, from misery to prosperity. Arturo McFields is an exiled journalist, former Nicaraguan ambassador to the Organization of American States and a former member of the Norwegian Peace Corps. He is an alumnus of the National Defense Universitys Security and Defense Seminar and the Harvard Leadership course. 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. You can reduce many of Donald Trumps words and actions as president of the United States to his pursuit of two objectives: to project personal strength and to direct the publics attention to where he wants it. Trumps fury toward Canada for an ad critical of his tariffs can be attributed to his failure to appear strong or to effectively dictate what people pay attention to. The advertisement, funded by the Canadian province of Ontario, features audio of former President Ronald Reagan who says that over the long run, such trade barriers hurt every American worker and consumer, and that the way to prosperity for all nations is rejecting protectionist legislation and promoting fair and free competition. That argument for free trade comes from Reagans Radio Address to the Nation on Free and Fair Trade, which he gave on April 25, 1987, ahead of a White House visit with Japanese Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone. Reagan, as he put it, had placed new duties on some Japanese products in response to Japans inability to enforce their trade agreement with us on electronic devices called semiconductors, and he was explaining why it was a special case, given that he said imposing such tariffs or trade barriers and restrictions of any kind are steps that I am loath to take. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, obviously, isnt loath to take such steps but has gleefully championed tariffs. But Reagan argued that, in general, when someone imposes tariffs, it may look like theyre doing the patriotic thing by protecting American products and jobs, but an end result is that Markets shrink and collapse; businesses and industries shut down; and millions of people lose their jobs. On Truth Social on Thursday, Trump falsely described the advertisement as FAKE and declared ALL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS WITH CANADA ARE HEREBY TERMINATED. Much to the presidents vexation however, the ad nonetheless aired on televisions across the U.S. during Fridays World Series matchup between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers. The next day, Trump once again took to social media to announce his retaliation: a 10% increase on tariffs on Canadian imports. He did not specify if this increase applies specifically to the 35% tariffs he put in place in August on goods not included in the USMCA or the 50% tariffs on steel and aluminum imported from any country. But not even that stopped the ad from airing twice more. It was finally pulled on Monday. Ontarios advertisement triggered anger from Trump because it exposed the flawed thinking behind his push for tariffs for his own constituents to see. Reagan is the president Republicans have had the most reverence for at least before Trump. Thus, quoting him is a way for Ontario to say that theyre not alone in opposing tariffs. No less a figure than Reagan said they hurt American workers and consumers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Again, those quotes from Reagan are taken from an ad in which hes attempting to explain an instance that he thought tariffs were justified, but that doesnt make the ad FAKE, as Trump claimed it was. The ad airing twice after Trump objected to it challenges Trumps fantasies of himself as a strongman. And the ad finally being pulled will do little to suppress public discourse about the harmful effects of tariffs. Thats a point Ontario Premier Doug Ford shrewdly emphasized to reporters on Monday. We achieved our goal, said Ford. Theyre talking about it in the U.S., and they werent talking about it before I put the ad on. Im glad that Ronald Reagan was a free trader. Trumps instinctive attempt to strong-arm his Canadian counterparts into pulling the ad was really an effort to quell criticism of his destructive trade policies. However, his public threats against the U.S. neighbors have now done precisely the opposite: Theyve drawn more attention to Reagans warnings about the repercussions of the tariffs the president is so keen to impose. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So often, Trump has successfully exploited opportunities to point the publics gaze away from unflattering press. Take for instance, his deployment of the National Guard to California merely two days after an explosive falling out with his formerly devout ally Elon Musk or his scheduling a military parade on the exact same day as millions participated in No Kings protests across the country. Much of Trumps political ascendancy derives from his ability to dictate where those in his base, and even many in opposing camps, shift their focus. But not this time. Trump seemed to believe he could spin his retaliation against Canada into a favorable narrative. Instead, he played right into their hands. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Zohran Mamdani is less than a week away from his likely victory in the New York City mayoral race, in which he is widely expected to defeat challengers Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa. That means its long past time to scrutinize the kind of mayor Mamdani may be and make no mistake, despite his pleasing and friendly demeanor, this is a man with a very, very radical agenda, and extremist views. Some criticism of Mamdani has focused on his identity: He is a Ugandan immigrant, and a Muslim. And leans very heavily into his Muslim identity; in fact, he recently suggested that combatting Islamophobia in New York City was a very serious concern of his, and he even suggested that a relative of his, an aunt, had stopped riding the subway after 9/11 because she feared Islamophobia. Take a listen. When some commentators pointed out that Mamdani has no such aunt, he clarified that he was referring to some other relative, a cousin of his father. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Personally, I dont think thats a very important difference, whether it was an aunt or a second cousin. And obviously, I agree with Mamdani that no one should feel bullied or unsafe for being Muslim, or for being Christian, or Jewish, or black, or gay, or Asian, or Hispanic, or for any other reason. Other people should be treated well. I do, however, think its a bit tone deaf to imply, perhaps indirectly, that what was so bad about 9/11 was how it made Mamdanis fathers cousin feel. He has every right to tell this anecdote, and I dont have enough information to second-guess it, though I will point out that President George W. Bush went out of his way to encourage the nation not to blame 9/11 on peaceful Muslims or Muslim Americans, who felt the loss on 9/11 just as keenly as the rest of us. If theres a resentment felt by Americans toward Muslims, that resentment should be countered. It should be discouraged. It should be confronted. Of course, some who give power to that resentment are people like Zohrans father, Mahmood Mamdani. Mahmood Mamdani was twice exiled by his native Uganda, and was taken in by, where else, the United States of America. Yet heres how he feels about the U.S. This clip went viral on X, for good reason: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. put Indians in reservations. They herded American Indians into separate territories. For the Nazis, this was the inspiration. Hitler realized two things: One, that genocide was do-able, it is possible to do genocide. Thats what Hitler realized. The second thing Hitler realized is that you dont have to have a common citizenship. You can differentiate between people. The Nuremberg laws were patterned after American laws. . The U.S invented the model. So Zohran Mamdanis father believes that one of Americas most beloved leaders, Abraham Lincoln, was the inspiration for Adolph Hitlers brutal genocide. Does Zohran share his fathers views? Does he harbor this level of contempt for his adoptive country? Id like to know. Maybe New York voters would as well. In any case, there is no denying that Zohran Mamdani is a radical and an extremist. Im not talking about his religious beliefs. Im talking about his support for socialism. His support for abolishing the police. His support for increasing the tax rate to 52 percent half your income, more than half, should be confiscated by the government, in his view. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats real extremism. No pretending otherwise. Robby Soave is co-host of The Hills commentary show Rising and a senior editor for Reason Magazine. This column is an edited transcription of his daily commentary. 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Scientists are expecting big waves along the coast next week, with king tides slated to begin on Nov. 4 and last through Nov. 7. But as storm chasers try to plan where they might spot the biggest wave, some coastal communities face increasing flood risk. Whether or not we have water levels that cause coastal flooding or erosion problems for humans or ecosystems is gonna depend on not just the fact that its king tides, but also what the weather is doing, said Peter Ruggiero, a professor of coastal geomorphology and coastal hazards at Oregon State University. We just came through an atmospheric river this past weekend that was pretty intense, he said. If we have a storm similar to that, coinciding with one of these upcoming king tide cycles, then we have the potential for some problems along the coast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Portland woman released from ICE custody, reunited with family after illegal detainment, lawmakers say King tides are scientifically known as perigean spring tides. Theyre the highest tides that can be predicted, and occur when a full or new moon reaches perigee the closest point in orbit to the Earth. When the moon reaches this position during a spring tide, and the sun, moon and earth are directly aligned, larger and more powerful tides can result. I think if we just had king tides only starting next Wednesday, and it was a beautiful sunny day with small waves, no precipitation, most areas probably would not experience significant flooding and erosion, but its the additional weather on top of that, Ruggiero said. While it is still too soon to tell exactly what the weather could do by then, there is some evidence that winter king tides have been getting more intense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve had a significant amount of sea level rise over the last several decades, and that sea level rise is accelerating, he said. While climate change doesnt directly make king tides larger, it does cause the sea level to rise. With higher sea levels, the king tides are reaching higher on the shore. Gov. Kotek demands USDA to continue SNAP benefits despite federal shutdown The influence of the king tides gets worse potentially every year because the water level is just rising each and every year, Ruggiero said. And so then you can imagine with climate change-induced sea level rise, king tides, and then a storm, thats kind of the triple whammy when the worst possible combination of events, where we have really the potential for significant erosion and flooding along the coastline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to current estimates available on the Oregon King Tides Project prediction map, tides could reach higher than 10 feet in some areas next week. The highest levels are expected between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., depending on location. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KOIN Morning Digest Ruggiero said that even though visitors who make the trip to photograph king tides are helping to document Oregons changing coastline, safety is important. While its super cool to storm watch and get to document this really exciting part of Oregons winters, never turn your back on the ocean, he said. People just really need to be careful and stay in high, safe ground when theyre taking those pictures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement King tides are also expected to be seen from Dec. 4 through Dec. 6, and again from Jan. 1 to Jan. 4, 2026. 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) The father of a 2-year-old who went missing from his home in March has been charged with neglect. A grand jury indicted Siletz resident Aaron Paulsen on one count of child neglect in the second degree on Oct. 16. As KOIN 6 News previously reported, Paulsens son, Dane, was reported missing from the familys home in Siletz in March. A multiagency search lasted for 10 days before a volunteer diver recovered the toddlers body in the Siletz River. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time of his disappearance, the child was reported to be playing in the yard and had not been in his parents sight. Undated photo of Dane Paulsen (Lincoln County Sheriffs Office) His father, Aaron Paulsen, is scheduled to be arraigned on Nov. 3 on one count of second degree child neglect, which is a misdemeanor. He is accused of leaving the child unattended for such a period of time as was likely to endanger the child, according to court documents. 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. [Source] A public safety forum drew more than 100 attendees to the Korean Presbyterian Church in Eugene, Oregon, last Thursday, where officials discussed an ongoing series of burglaries affecting Asian American homeowners throughout the state. Catch up: The Asian American Council of Oregon convened the meeting after police documented at least 22 similar break-ins since late 2023. At the forum, Eugene Police Chief Chris Skinner outlined how burglars disable security cameras using wireless signal jammers and conduct surveillance while disguising themselves, including as pizza delivery workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the arrest of seven suspects at a Skyline Boulevard Airbnb on Oct. 9, thieves struck again on Oct. 21 in southwest Eugene. The case has taken a complicated turn as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detained at least four Colombian nationals after their release from jail, a move District Atty. Christopher Parosa said undermines local prosecution. All seven suspects had posted $10,000 bail, just 10% of the $100,000 bond amount, before ICEs intervention. Why this matters: Attendance at the forum reportedly surged threefold since a similar event in January, reflecting heightened alarm within the community. Some expressed determination to challenge assumptions about community silence, while board members with the Asian American Council of Oregon pledged to assist residents in reporting crimes. Law enforcement officials urged neighbors to stay vigilant and share information, with Springfield Police Chief Jami Resch emphasizing that nearby residents may unknowingly possess crucial evidence. Trending on NextShark: Keke Palmer series sparks backlash for portrayal of Asian student at HBCU Beyond tactical advice, the discussion revealed significant legal barriers. State bias crime laws exclude theft offenses even when perpetrators target victims based on race or ethnicity. This gap, combined with Oregons bail structure, helps explain why suspects frequently flee after release, officials noted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The big picture: The Eugene crimes reflect a broader pattern affecting AAPI communities throughout and beyond Oregon. Parosa warned in part that when any one group in our community is being targeted for victimization, we are all under threat. Investigators believe a heavily resourced criminal network operates along the Interstate 5 corridor, with Skinner characterizing the structure as resembling cartel operations that deploy different crews as field operatives. Eugene police are now coordinating with detectives, FBI representatives and federal prosecutors to combat the alleged organized ring. Parosa said discussions with legislators are exploring sentencing aggravators that would mandate incarceration upon conviction in these cases. Trending on NextShark: Hmong refugee pardoned by Michigan governor still faces deportation to Laos This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices. Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what were building, consider becoming a paid member your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community. Trending on NextShark: New York AG launches portal to report ICE following Chinatown raid Subscribe here now! Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today! Multnomah County officials have observers at each ballot box in hopes of preventing more attacks like the one on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in southeast Portland. (Photo by Alex Baumhardt/Oregon Capital Chronicle) In less than one week, more than 1 million Oregonians will have the opportunity to cast their votes on local ballot measures in special elections occurring in almost half of Oregon counties. The proposals include a Multnomah County initiative to levy an additional property tax charge of $1.40 per 1,000 feet of assessed property to fix playgrounds, restrooms and other local facilities, as well as a measure in Jackson County increasing the city of Medfords lodging tax by 1% to pay for a dedicated conference center or equivalent facility. Another proposal in Clackamas County seeks to authorize $245 million in bonds to cover improvements to infrastructure such as fire alarm systems and earthquake resilience for the Lake Oswego School District. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The other fourteen counties holding Nov. 4 special elections are Baker, Columbia, Coos, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Morrow, Polk, Umatilla, Union, Washington and Yamhill. To have their votes counted, Oregonians need to make sure their ballots are in a signed ballot envelope and returned to a ballot box or county elections office by 8 p.m. on Nov. 4, or that their ballot receives a postmark by Nov. 4. This year, because of changes the U.S. Postal Service announced in August 2024, Secretary of State Tobias Read encouraged voters who live more than 50 miles from a USPS processing center in Portland to return their ballots to drop boxes rather than relying on the mail system this close to the election. Those changes could prevent ballots mailed in on Oct. 30 from being postmarked on time for approval, he said. Voters can review potential ballot drop off box sites in each county using the Secretary of States website, which contains a printed list of locations and a virtual locator based on their Oregon address. Read suggested that voters in districts with elections who have yet to receive their ballot in the mail should call their countys election office, which can mail out those ballots up to five days before the election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is your chance to shape the future of your community. When Oregonians vote, their government has to listen, Read said. Your vote has a big impact on how important issues for our schools, libraries, public safety and more are decided it matters. Dont wait. Oregon election law allows for officials to challenge a ballots validity due to the lack of an approved signature on a return envelope, which local election officials compare to a voters signature on their state registration records. County elections offices contact voters with disputed ballots, offering up to 21 calendar days after the election to cure their ballot and provide sufficient evidence of its veracity. Voter fraud in Oregon has been extremely rare, according to state officials and data from past elections. Last year, state officials reported an estimated 10 people who cast ballots since 2021 without providing sufficient evidence of their U.S. citizenship. Read, a former state treasurer who was elected in November, has since referred at least three individuals to the Oregons Department of Justice for investigation. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX A burglary occurred at Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando on the night of October 27, 2025, leading to the arrest of Madoche S. Armand. The Orlando Police Department responded to a commercial burglary at the high school located at 6500 Turkey Lake Rd after a witness reported the incident. The witness observed a suspect attempting to enter the administration building and immediately called 9-1-1. I heard the door jiggling and saw a card in the door lock, she stated in her report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upon arrival, officers found the administration buildings front desk drawers open and two empty Beats headphone cases on the floor. An officer later detained Armand, who matched the suspects description, near the school premises. Armand was found with several debit cards and a gift card in his pockets, which were noted during the investigation. Armand faces charges of burglary of an occupied structure, petit theft, and unlawful possession of personal identification information as the investigation continues. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Oct. 28OTHELLO If, and how, a roundabout at State Route 26 and South Reynolds Road in Othello is built, and how to pay for it, prompted a sometimes-bitter debate that spilled over to the Othello City Council meeting Monday. That followed the rejection Oct. 13 of a proposal for city officials to work with the Port of Othello to look for funding. Commissioner Deena Vietzke said port officials are interested in getting a roundabout at that intersection. "If you guys have any great ideas, I would love to work together," Vietzke said. "It would be great to work together and try to figure out how we could do that." Traffic has increased as development has occurred on 14th Street on the north side of the intersection. Traffic is controlled by stop signs on either side of SR 26. What to do has been the subject of continuing discussion, and on Oct. 13, council members considered a proposal to pay part of the cost of working on the prerequisites needed to apply for grants to build it. After some discussion, they turned it down. Vietzke and Chris Faix, port director, attended the Oct. 27 meeting to talk about the conversation Oct. 13. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Council member Corey Everett said Oct. 13 he thought building a roundabout is a state responsibility, specifically, a Washington Department of Transportation responsibility. "Why is the city and the port getting involved? This is something DOT should be doing, not the city of Othello," Everett said. Council member John Lallas said he thought the port would benefit, since it has developable property at that intersection. In that case, the port should pay for the project, he said. "We have an issue with the traffic," Lallas said. "We've been dealing with it for 20 years." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lallas and Council Member Angel Garza said that while there are traffic concerns at the intersection, it's one the DOT will address, and do it relatively soon, in their opinion. Sebastian Moraga, communications specialist for the WSDOT North Central region, said the Reynolds Road-SR 26 intersection is not under consideration for any revisions, at least right now. "According to our program engineers, we don't have any current plans for a roundabout at this intersection," Moraga wrote in response to an email from the Columbia Basin Herald. "We are aware there have been past collisions at this location, but it has not been prioritized for funding the way other intersections statewide have been, given that they have been the site of more severe collisions." Moraga said there's a substantial list of requirements to determine priority for traffic control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Crash experience is one of the factors, but not the only one," he said. Among the other factors are the kind of vehicles, along with bike riders and pedestrians, that use an intersection, which type of vehicles use it the most, and balancing the different users. Any potential project has to take into account how much any revisions will cost, he said, and what kind of design would work best. Faix said port commissioners and staff have talked with WSDOT officials, and were told there were three options, the first being to wait for DOT to build it. There's no timeline for that, he said. The second would be for local entities to build it to DOT specifications or pay for the DOT to build it. Everett said he was concerned the port would start but not finish the project, citing a development plan a few years ago that had to be abandoned. Faix said in a later interview that the city lost its funding for that project, and the port couldn't pay for it alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lallas said the roundabout would improve the salability of the port's property, which, in his opinion, made building a roundabout a port project. Faix said a roundabout would make port property more salable, but not make it valuable enough to pay for a roundabout, if the port paid for the whole project. "We're not in the business to make millions of dollars. We're here to serve Othello, make it better, make Adams County better," Faix said. "We would like the city's help. Mayor Logan and I have chatted; he came to me, we've talked about looking for some grant funding, working with a consultant, to try and get this roundabout to come in to benefit everyone involved." The Pakistani military has come under renewed scrutiny after the widespread human rights violations in the Zehri area of Balochistan''s Khuzdar district. According to residents, the army has seized civilian land, forced locals into hard labour, and turned vital public infrastructure into military installations following a sweeping operation last month, as reported by The Balochistan Post. According to The Balochistan Post, large tracts of land near Tarasani have been taken over by troops for the construction of new camps. Locals allege that young men are being compelled to work at these sites, taken from their homes at dawn and released only in the evening. The report further notes that the military has erected numerous checkpoints across Zehri, closely monitoring civilian movement and demanding identification, creating a climate of fear and restriction. Adding to civilian distress, Zehri''s only civil hospital has been occupied by the army and converted into a military camp. The takeover has left residents without essential medical services, reportedly resulting in the death of a pregnant woman who could not access treatment earlier this month. Many families have since fled the region, seeking safety in nearby areas such as Khuzdar and Hub Chowki amid growing harassment and surveillance. The military operation in Zehri began in September, with air and drone strikes that locals claim killed several civilians, including women and children. While the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed the offensive, it framed it as a counter-insurgency effort against "Baloch militants." The crackdown followed an armed uprising in August when Baloch fighters briefly took control of the town before being overpowered by security forces, as cited by The Balochistan Post. Human rights watchdogs, including Amnesty International and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), have denounced the reported abuses, calling for an immediate end to excessive force and the restoration of essential services. Echoing these concerns, the ongoing military dominance in Zehri reflects Pakistan''s deepening disregard for civilian rights and growing alienation in restive Balochistan, as reported by The Balochistan Post. (ANI) "The one who signed this disgrace and audacity is none other than the Likud, through the Minister of Culture Miki Zohar," said Periphery Development Minister Yitzhak Wasserlauf. Otzma Yehudit attacked the Likud movement for its exclusion from a World Zionist Congress coalition agreement on Wednesday. The negotiations for the portfolios and positions in the National Institutions saw agreements between slates excluding Otzma, in accordance with requests from left-wing factions, according to Culture Minister Miki Zohars office and Otzma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Otzma MK Yitzhak Wasserlauf, who is also the periphery development minister, blamed the Likud for agreeing to the boycott of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvirs party. First time a Zionist faction is boycotted Wasserlauf said it was the first time that a Zionist faction was boycotted in the National Institutions. In the [World] Zionist Organization, where until today there was a wall-to-wall coalition, the Left and Reform movements demand to boycott Otzma Yehudit was accepted. The one who signed this disgrace and audacity is none other than the Likud, through Culture Minister Miki Zohar, said Wasserlauf. Zohar, in a campaign of uncontrollable personal lust and hatred, also sold everything to the Left in a liquidation sale. The Right received a majority in the elections in the National Institutions, but Micki Zohar split it because of personal quarrels, for the sake of hatred and revenge. Wasserlauf referenced the dispute within the Likud, chiefly between Zohar and World Zionist Organization Chairman Yaakov Hagoel, about the failure to hold elections within Likud. The dispute led to the two factions negotiating and coming to separate agreements with other slates, according to some sources, weakening its negotiating position. 'What was done here will not be forgiven' What was done here will not be forgiven, he added. And there will be a price for this boycott. I call on Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu to intervene. You cannot say you did not know and were not aware. You are the one who gave the power of the Likud to Miki Zohar, and you are the one who signed this boycott against Otzma Yehudit. Once again, the Likuds constant winking at the Left is becoming clear. They are your preferred partners. And the public should know that. A total of 1,256 residents remain in Pokrovsk, Donetsk Oblast, and evacuation from the hromada is practically impossible. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories ed.] Source: Vadym Filashkin, Head of Donetsk Oblast Military Administration, during the national joint 24/7 newscast Quote: "At present, there are 1,256 people in the city. Local residents cannot leave their shelters or go out on their own, as the enemy shells the city daily. We have seen how the Russian army shoots elderly people who went out to charge their phones at an invincibility centre or fetch drinking water. Evacuation from the hromada is almost impossible today." [An invincibility point is a heated premises stocked with food and power banks to assist residents facing hardships due to power cuts ed.] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Filashkin gave an example of a recent evacuation of six residents with their pets from Pokrovsk, which took more than three days and was carried out by soldiers of the 425th Skelia Separate Assault Regiment. He also urged residents of other towns in Donetsk Oblast close to the front line, particularly Kostiantynivka, to leave. According to Filashkin, 5,274 people currently remain in the Kostiantynivka hromada, including 5,200 in the city itself. It is impossible to receive qualified medical assistance there, and there is no gas, water, or electricity supply. Overall, about 200,500 people remain in Donetsk Oblast, including over 13,000 children, 1,100 people with limited mobility, and 91,000 elderly residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: How Pokrovsk is imperceptibly falling: five observations by Ukrainska Pravda Background: On 26 October, Zelenskyy reported that the Russians had concentrated their main strike group against Pokrovsk, representing a significant number of forces. Ukrainska Pravda has learnt that at least 250 Russian troops are in Pokrovsk they are engaging in firefights and killing Ukrainian soldiers, particularly drone operators, at their positions. Logistics into the city are fully controlled by Russian drones, forcing Ukrainian soldiers to walk 10-15 km to reach their positions. Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad are at risk of being encircled. DeepState reported that Russian forces have made advances in Pokrovsk, where 45 combat clashes occurred in the past 24 hours. The 7th Rapid Response Corps of the Air Assault Forces reported that Russia had deployed about 11,000 troops in its effort to encircle Pokrovsk. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! As millions brace for the country's largest food assistance program to run dry Nov. 1, teachers in Milwaukee are calling for emergency donations to Milwaukee's Hunger Task Force. "As an educator, I know I will see this negatively impact children I work with directly," said Alondra Garcia, a second-grade bilingual teacher at Allen-Field Elementary School in Milwaukee. "School may be the only place where they receive a meal during the day. Students already come hungry to school from home, and now it will be more visible than ever." FoodShare, which provides lower-income Wisconsinites with debit cards to buy groceries, is federally funded through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. That program is expected to pause benefits Nov. 1 because of the federal government shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Garcia is the president of the Wisconsin Association for Bilingual Education. That organization, alongside the Milwaukee Teachers Education Association and a coalition of eight other community organizations, announced a $6,000 donation Oct. 29 to the Hunger Task Force, calling on others to join them. "One way or the other, Milwaukee will feed our children," said Emilio De Torre, executive director of the Milwaukee Turners, one of the contributing organizations. Ingrid Walker-Henry, president of the Milwaukee Teachers Education Association, also called on state officials to provide emergency funding for food assistance, as Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has done. Earlier this week, Wisconsin Senate President Mary Felzkowski (R, Tomahawk) said in a WISN-TV interview that lawmakers likely won't step in. Milwaukee teachers already see countless children who come to school from families that struggle to feed them outside of school. Many stock their classrooms with snacks and worry when their students go home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When children go hungry and when adults have to choose between groceries or rent, that is violence by neglect," Garcia said. "It is an outcome that we as a community have to fight against. We know that our families will need the support from organizations like the Hunger Task Force to continue feeding their loved ones, and that is why it is important that we organize and create a sustaining effort that will benefit our families and people in need." Others contributing to the $6,000 donation were: Voces de la Frontera, Youth Empowered in the Struggle, Milwaukee Area Labor Council, Administrators & Supervisors Council, Black Leaders Organizing Communities, Psychologists Association in Milwaukee Public Schools and Citizen Action of Wisconsin. You can donate to the Hunger Task Force at hungertaskforce.org/donate. Over half of Milwaukee children were FoodShare recipients The impact of a pause to FoodShare is expected to be vast. As of May 2025, more than 689,000 Wisconsinites, or about 12% of the state's population, were receiving FoodShare benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Milwaukee, the number of children benefiting from FoodShare is particularly high. About 125,000 children in Milwaukee County were counted as FoodShare recipients at least once in 2024, state data show. That's more than half of the roughly 215,000 children who live in the county, according to census data. State data don't show how many children in the City of Milwaukee received FoodShare, but national census data show the number of Milwaukee households with children that received the benefits. About 45% of households with children in the City of Milwaukee were recipients of FoodShare in 2023, according to census data a higher rate than the countys, where data show about 31% of households with children received FoodShare. Residents can also donate food to MPS buildings, other sites For those who would prefer to donate food, Milwaukee Public Schools and other community organizations have set up drop sites in collaboration with Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin and Nourish MKE. The donations will go to Milwaukee-area food pantries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nonperishable food items are being accepted at the following locations: All Milwaukee Public Schools All City of Milwaukee Public Library branches All Milwaukee Police Department districts Milwaukee City Hall: 200 E. Wells St. Milwaukee County Courthouse: 901 N. Ninth St. Zeidler Municipal Building: 841 N. Broadway Marcia P. Coggs Health & Human Services Center: 1230 W. Cherry St. Hillview Hall: 1615 S. 22nd St. Fiserv Forum: 1111 Vel R. Phillips Ave. Mason Temple Church: 6058 N. 35th St. You can also learn about volunteer opportunities at bit.ly/HelpFeedFamilies2025. If you need food assistance, visit bit.ly/FindFoodHelp2025. Contact Rory Linnane at rory.linnane@jrn.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Over half of Milwaukee kids receive FoodShare. Teachers call for help. In early December, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in cases asking the justices to overrule two longstanding precedents Humphreys Executor v. United States, a 1935 decision upholding a federal law that limits the presidents power to fire members of the Federal Trade Commission, and Federal Election Commission v. Colorado Republican Federal Campaign Committee, a 2001 ruling that upheld a major campaign-finance law. Before that, the justices will consider a petition for review from former Kentucky county clerk Kim Davis asking the justices to overturn their 2015 decision recognizing a right to same-sex marriage. Critics have pointed to a long line of precedents that the Roberts court, in their view, has sought to aggressively overturn. But how accurate is that perception and what is the majoritys basis for overturning precedent in the first place? In a recent interview with The New York Times, Justice Amy Coney Barrett emphasized that the Roberts court has overturned precedent roughly one time per year, compared with the Rehnquist and Burger courts, which were at around two and a half or three. In a post at the Volokh Conspiracy, law professor Jonathan Adler made a similar point, writing that [e]ven though the Court now has a six-justice conservative majority, which should make it easier to overturn precedents at odds with conservative jurisprudential principles, the rate at which the Court is overturning prior precedents has not (yet) increased. To the contrary, it appears to have slowed. Adler acknowledged that one reason why the Roberts court has overturned fewer precedents than its predecessors is that it hears fewer cases. Indeed, Adam Feldman a lawyer and political scientist who follows the court closely reported back in 2022 that the Roberts court averaged just 65.6 majority opinions in argued cases, compared with 94.8 for the Rehnquist court and 131.5 for the Burger court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And even if the Roberts court has overruled, on average, relatively few precedents, some of the recent cases in which it has done so have been landmark ones, such as Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, in which the court overturned Roe v. Wade, which recognized a constitutional right to an abortion, and Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, in which the justices struck down the Chevron doctrine, which counseled courts to defer to federal agencies interpretation of a statute. As a general rule, courts apply the doctrine of stare decisis, which literally means to stand by things decided. It is the principle that courts should follow their earlier decisions in similar cases even if they might believe they are wrong unless there is good reason to do otherwise. The doctrine is intended to promote stability, predictability, a sense of fairness, and public confidence in the courts. At the same time, the Supreme Court has made clear that stare decisis is not an inexorable command, particularly when it comes to the interpretation of the Constitution. An erroneous constitutional decision can be fixed by amending the Constitution, Justice Samuel Alito acknowledged in Dobbs, but our Constitution is notoriously hard to amend. In recent decisions that overruled earlier cases, the justices in the majority began their analysis by considering the merits of the question at the center of the dispute. In Dobbs, for example, Alito concluded that a right to abortion is not deeply rooted in the Nations history and traditions. On the contrary, an unbroken tradition of prohibiting abortion on pain of criminal punishment persisted from the earliest days of the common law until 1973. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Loper Bright, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that the Chevron doctrine defies the command of the Administrative Procedure Act, the federal law governing administrative agencies, the reviewing courtnot the agency whose action it reviewsis to decide all relevant questions of law and interpret . . . statutory provisions. And in another notable decision, Janus v. American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, the court overturned Abood v. Detroit Board of Education, a 41-year-old decision holding that government employees who are represented by a union but do not belong to that union can be required to pay a fee to cover the unions costs to negotiate a contract that applies to all employees. In a 5-4 opinion written by Alito, the majority agreed with the challengers that such arrangements violate the First Amendment. Having concluded that its prior cases were wrong, the courts analyses then turned to whether stare decisis nonetheless counsels against overruling those decisions. The court considered several different factors in reaching decisions like Dobbs, Janus, and Chevron, although the dissenting justices in those cases disagreed with both the majoritys conclusion that the earlier precedents were wrong and its analysis leading to the decision to overturn them. The extent of the error in the earlier decisions. In Dobbs, Alito compared Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision establishing a right to an abortion, to the courts decision in Plessy v. Ferguson, allowing racial segregation when the state provided separate but equal facilities, calling it egregiously wrong and deeply damaging. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The quality of the reasoning in the earlier decisions. Alito wrote that Roe was more than just wrong and in fact stood on exceptionally weak grounds. Among other things, he said, the court failed to ground its decision in text, history, or precedent and it relied on an erroneous historical narrative. In Loper Bright, Roberts characterized the Chevron doctrine as fundamentally misguided. Despite reshaping judicial review of agency action, neither it nor any case of ours applying it grappled with the APAthe statute that lays out how such review works. In Janus, Alito concluded that Abood v. Detroit Board of Education, the 1977 decision under review in the case, was poorly reasoned and misinterpreted prior precedent. The workability of the rules established in the earlier decisions. In Dobbs, Alito described this factor as whether the rule an earlier decision imposes can be understood and applied in a consistent and predictable manner. This had not been met in the courts abortion decisions, Alito suggested, because of the difficulty in applying the tests laid out by the court and the many divisions among the lower courts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Experience has also shown that Chevron is unworkable, Roberts wrote in Loper Bright. He explained that it is too difficult to define what it means for a statute to be ambiguous, which, under Chevron, mandated that the reviewing court defer to an agencys interpretation of that statute. Moreover, he added, even if a statute may appear to be ambiguous, it still has a best meaning, necessarily discernible by a court deploying its full interpretive toolkit. Alito voiced a similar concern in Janus. Although the court in Abood drew a line between the costs that could and could not be included in the fees charged to workers who did not belong to the union, he wrote, in practice that distinction has proved to be impossible to draw with precision. Subsequent developments. In Janus, Alito contended that [d]evelopments since Abood, both factual and legal, have eroded the decisions underpinnings and left it an outlier among our First Amendment cases. For example, he said, when Abood was decided, relatively few people belonged to public-sector unions, but both membership in those unions and their spending had increased markedly since then. These developments, and the political debate over public spending and debt they have spurred, Alito wrote, have given collective-bargaining issues a political valence that Abood did not fully appreciate. Alito also described Abood as an anomaly in our First Amendment jurisprudence, particularly when compared with cases holding that public employees generally may not be required to support a political party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The effect of the earlier decisions on other areas of the law. In Dobbs, Alito suggested that the courts abortion decisions had had a negative effect on other areas of the law, including by ignor[ing] the Courts third-party standing doctrine, which governs when a litigant may file a lawsuit on behalf of someone else. Whether and to what extent people or entities relied on the decisions. The court also typically considers traditional reliance interests. Alito in Dobbs rejected any suggestion that women had relied on the decisions in Roe and Casey, reasoning that getting an abortion is generally unplanned activity. Chevron, Roberts said in Loper Bright, has not provided the sort of stable background rule that fosters meaningful reliance on the rule that it established. Because of the Supreme Courts constant tinkering with the doctrine, as well its eventual abandonment of the doctrine, he wrote, it instead is hard to see how anyoneCongress includedcould reasonably expect a court to rely on Chevron in any particular case. And in Janus, Alito rejected the unions contention that collective-bargaining agreements now in effect were negotiated with agency fees in mind and that unions may have given up other benefits in exchange for provisions granting them such fees. [I]t would be unconscionable, Alito stated, to permit free speech rights to be abridged in perpetuity in order to preserve contract provisions that will expire on their own in a few years time especially, in his view, when the unions have been aware for some time that the courts decision in Abood could be in jeopardy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justice Elena Kagans dissent in Janus pushed back, arguing that reliance demands keeping Abood. She pointed to laws in 22 states authorizing agency fees, as well as thousands of current contracts covering millions of workers [that] provide for agency fees. Such dissents indicate that although a majority of the justices may agree on the factors that they should consider when determining whether to overrule precedent, there is no consensus on how to apply these and that it is likely to be a point of significant contention in the future. For more Supreme Court news and analysis, visit SCOTUSblog. Read more at SCOTUSblog Two people were arrested Sunday after police say they broke into a Nashua church and stole money from a locked container. Crystal Ainslie, 32, of Nashua, and James Taylor, 41, who are homeless, were each charged with burglary, a felony. Both were being held on $500 cash bail. According to Nashua police, officers responded to St. Mary Orthodox Church on Chandler Street on Sunday and found Ainslie and Taylor still at the scene. Detectives determined the pair had entered the church and taken money from the locked container, police said. Police asked anyone with information about the incident to call the Crime Line at 603-589-1665. A man and a woman have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter over the death of a one-year-old girl after hazardous chemicals were reported at a flat in East London. Fire crews were called to a property in Barking Road, Upton Park, Newham, on Tuesday afternoon after two adults, the one-year-old and a six-year-old attended hospital following a complaint about the smell of chemicals in a flat. The infant girl later died in hospital. Police said it was believed she had come into contact with chemicals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, officers confirmed that a 41-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman, who were not known to the victim, had been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and were being held in custody. Around 12 people were evacuated from surrounding properties as a precaution as crews responded, London Fire Brigade said. Specialist firefighters carried out a systematic sweep of the flat to detect any hazardous materials and ventilate the scene, the BBC reported. A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said the girls next of kin were being supported by specialist officers as its investigation continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is understood the incident was not terror-related. 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. Wednesdays Paramount layoffs have hit CBS News, with a source saying that every corner of the news division has been impacted. While the cuts are being felt across the division, some shows will feel the impact more than others. CBS Mornings Plus and CBS Evening News Plus, the streaming spinoffs of the networks morning and evening news programs, are being canceled, a source says. CBS Morning Plus is anchored by Tony Dokoupil and Adriana Diaz, while CBS Evening News Plus is led by John Dickerson, who announced his exit from CBS News earlier this week. More from The Hollywood Reporter Advertisement Advertisement Michelle Miller and Dana Jacobson, the co-anchors of the Saturday edition of the morning show, will exit the network as part of the cuts, THR has confirmed. In addition, the Saturday edition of CBS Mornings will be overhauled with a new format, with staffing merged with the team running the weekday edition of the program. The CBS News race and culture unit will be shuttered, with remaining staff moved to other desks And CBS News will close its Johannesburg, South Africa, bureau, with the London bureau adding oversight of the region. Many TV news divisions have cut back their foreign bureaus in recent years, with overseas correspondents among the first to be cut loose in restructurings. Similarly, while streaming has been a source of investment for TV news divisions, the relatively modest viewership has made monetization challenging in comparison to their linear counterparts. The changes come just weeks after Bari Weiss joined Tom Cibrowski atop the network news division, though the layoffs have been in the works going back to Skydances takeover of Paramount back in August. According to a source, Weiss told staff on the daily editorial call that it would be a difficult day at CBS News. Advertisement Advertisement In some areas, we are addressing redundancies that have emerged across the organization. In others, we are phasing out roles that are no longer aligned with our evolving priorities and the new structure designed to strengthen our focus on growth, Paramount CEO David Ellison told staff Wednesday. Ultimately, these steps are necessary to position Paramount for long-term success. Oct. 29, 2:00 p.m. This story has been updated with the news of Miller and Jacobsons exits. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. A 7-year-old boy was found dead in a freezer in Lynwood on Tuesday night, and his parents and grandmother have been arrested in connection with the killing, law enforcement sources told The Times. The boy's body was stuffed into a freezer, according to two law enforcement sources with direct knowledge of the case. They spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss an ongoing investigation. Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies responded to a call about a dead child at an apartment in the 3100 block of Euclid Avenue in Lynwood around 8:30 p.m., according to a news release. Deputies found the dead boy, whose name has not been released, shortly after arriving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Destiny Harrison, 25, was arrested on suspicion of murdering her son, according to the Sheriff's Department. The boy's father, Daniel Monzon, 25, and grandmother, Ana Zarceno-Carcamo, 46, were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder. A spokesperson for the Sheriff's Department said it was unclear when the child was killed or how he died. The victim's siblings who are 16, 13 and 9 months old were taken into protective custody by the L.A. County Department of Children and Family Services. 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. India is planning a major shift in its energy shipping strategy by building its own fleet of oil tankers to reduce the massive freight costs currently paid to foreign vessel operators, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri announced on Wednesday. Speaking at India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai, Puri revealed that India's three major oil marketing companies--Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum--spend approximately USD 8 billion over five years on chartering foreign ships, an amount sufficient to purchase an entirely new fleet of crude-oil tankers. The Minister highlighted a striking imbalance, while the oil and gas sector accounts for nearly 28 per cent of India's total trade by volume, making it the single largest commodity group at Indian ports, only around 20 per cent of this cargo is carried on Indian-flagged or Indian-owned vessels. "This challenge we are now turning into an opportunity," Puri stated, outlining plans to significantly boost India's maritime capabilities in the energy sector. India's energy import dependence remains substantial, with the country meeting nearly 88 per cent of its crude oil and 51 per cent of its natural gas requirements through imports. In the fiscal year 2024-25, the crude import bill alone crossed USD 150 billion. Freight charges form a sizeable component of these costs. Indian public sector undertakings pay approximately USD 5 per barrel when sourcing crude from the United States--roughly 10 per cent of the total cost--and around USD 1.2 per barrel from the Middle East, about 2 per cent of the landed cost. For gas, freight averages 5 per cent from the Middle East and can surge up to 15 per cent from the USA. Currently, India's oil marketing companies primarily use Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs), Suezmax, and Aframax vessels for crude imports, with about 70 ships on time charter across the three OMCs and GAIL. To address this dependency, the government is implementing several initiatives. Aggregating public sector cargo demand to ensure long-term charters for Indian carriers. Advancing the Ship Owning and Leasing Entity (SOLE) model to boost domestic ownership. Establishing a Maritime Development Fund for affordable, long-tenor vessel finance. Launching Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy 2.0 with enhanced grants for LNG, ethane, and product tankers. The urgency is underscored by projections showing India's demand for crude oil, LPG, LNG, and ethane rising rapidly. The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) alone is projected to require nearly 100 offshore service and platform supply vessels by 2034. In FY 2024-25, India imported around 300 million metric tonnes of crude and petroleum products and exported about 65 million metric tonnes, highlighting the massive scale of maritime operations in the energy sector. Puri also showcased the dramatic transformation of India's maritime infrastructure under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership over the past 11 years. Port capacity has nearly doubled from 872 million tonnes per annum in 2014 to 1,681 million tonnes today, while cargo volumes surged from 581 million tonnes to approximately 855 million tonnes. Average turnaround time at ports has improved by 48 per cent, dropping from 96 hours in FY 2014-15 to 49.5 hours in FY 2024-25, while idle time has decreased by nearly 29 per cent. Minister emphasized that Indian shipyards are ready to support this expansion. Cochin Shipyard, L&T Kattupalli, GRSE Kolkata, HSL Visakhapatnam, and private yards in Goa and Gujarat are building and refitting vessels that meet international standards. Partnerships such as the collaboration between Cochin Shipyard, L&T, and South Korea's Daewoo for LNG and ethane carriers, along with tie-ups with Mitsui OSK Lines, are bringing global technology to Indian yards. "We are not only Making in India--we are preparing to Sail for the World," Puri declared. Looking ahead, the maritime sector is poised to attract Rs 8 trillion (USD 95 billion) of investment and create 15 million new jobs by 2047, as India works toward becoming a developed nation (Viksit Bharat). Puri also highlighted India's strategic positioning in emerging trade corridors, including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), which will connect Indian ports to Europe, Central Asia, and Africa. "Our oceans are not barriers but bridges to a better future," Puri concluded, describing the current moment as India's opportunity to unite its oceans, energize its economy, and steer the world toward a sustainable blue horizon. India Maritime Week 2025 has brought together participants from over 100 countries, 500 exhibitors, and more than one lakh delegates to forge partnerships that will shape the future of global maritime trade. (ANI) Starting on Wednesday, Massachusetts businesses with 25 or more employees must include salary or hourly wage ranges in all job postings. This new pay transparency law aims to promote fairness and help close wage gaps statewide. In a statement, Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell said, The Wage Transparency Law is an important step in improving transparency and closing wage gaps that have held workers especially for women and people of color back for too long." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the new law, employers must list pay ranges in job ads, current employees can request the salary range for their role when a new opening is posted, and workers seeking a promotion or transfer are also entitled to see the pay range. This law is designed to make compensation more transparent and ensure greater equity in the workplace. Campbell added, My office remains committed to ensuring that both employers and employees understand their rights and obligations. Campbells office is now hosting webinars and training to help employers better understand their obligations under the new law. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Its dangerous to drive tired. Thats the message that the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Highway Safety Network (HSN) want drivers to know as Daylight Saving Time ends and the National Sleep Foundations Drowsy Driving Prevention Week begins. Millcreek Fire Department swears in new firefighters, first ever captains According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), being awake for 24 consecutive hours leads to the same impairment level as a blood alcohol level (BAC) of 0.10. Mike Tautin, a community traffic safety project coordinator with the HSN, reiterated that fact. Being overly tired can negatively affect a drivers reaction time, judgment, attention, and vision. All of these increase your chances of being involved in a crash, but are easily avoidable with proper rest, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2024, 115 crashes involving a tired or sleeping driver happened in PennDOTs District 1 (Crawford, Erie, Forest, Mercer, Venango and Warren counties). There were 2,612 such crashes in Pennsylvania as a whole, with 15 deaths. Winter parking starts Monday in City of Erie PennDOT has many recommendations to avoid these types of accidents, including getting an appropriate amount of sleep each day, checking medication labels for drowsiness warnings and taking breaks while driving on trips. Drowsy Driving Prevention Week runs from Sunday, Nov. 2, through Saturday, Nov. 8. For more information on driving safety, click here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com. The Pentagons decision to pull out as many as 800 troops deployed in Eastern Europe has prompted a rare, forceful pushback from congressional Republicans who said Wednesday the move sends the "wrong signal to Russia at a time the U.S. is trying to force Vladimir Putin to negotiate a ceasefire in Ukraine. In a joint statement, the top Republicans on the House and Senate armed services committees said they would not support changes to the militarys posture in Europe without a rigorous interagency process, including coordination with Congress. Unfortunately, this appears to be exactly what is being attempted, wrote Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi and Rep. Mike Rogers of Alabama, who as panel chairmen oversee defense policy issues related to the Pentagons nearly $1 trillion annual budget. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images - PHOTO: Senate Armed Service Committee Chairman Sen. Roger Wicker speaks to reporters following the Senate policy luncheon at the Capitol, Sept. 3, 2025. U.S. officials confirmed Wednesday that the Armys 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division would return to its base in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, without being replaced. Romanias defense minister, Ionut Mosteanu, noted the change in a statement, saying that the U.S. plans to reduce force size in NATOs so-called "Eastern Flank" would still leave about 1,000 troops in Romania. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is not an American withdrawal from Europe or a signal of lessened commitment to NATO and Article 5," a statement from U.S. Army Europe and Africa said, referring to the provision in the alliance's treaty calling for mutual defense. Trump's U-turns on Russia and Ukraine, and the significance of new sanctions: ANALYSIS "Rather this is a positive sign of increased European capability and responsibility," wrote the command that oversees Army troops in Europe and Africa. Wicker and Rogers directly pushed back on the notion that Europe was ready to fill the gaps when it comes to NATO security, noting that it needs time to build up its defenses and saying the move risks "inviting further Russian aggression." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This decision also sends the wrong signal to Russia at the very moment President Trump is applying pressure to force Vladimir Putin to come to the table to achieve a lasting peace in Ukraine," the senators wrote. "The President has it exactly right: now is the time for America to demonstrate our resolve against Russian aggression. Unfortunately, the Pentagons decision appears uncoordinated and directly at odds with the Presidents strategy." Simon Wohlfahrt/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: Flags of NATO members fly at the NATO headquarters in Brussels, Sept. 12, 2025. The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment and it was not clear whether Trump was aware of the plan. A senior NATO military official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said adjustments to force posture were not unusual in Europe and that the alliance believes the U.S. and Trump remain committed to its alliance. "Even with this adjustment, the U.S. force posture in Europe remains larger than it has been for many years," the NATO official said. There are still many more U.S. forces on the continent than before 2022. NATO and U.S. authorities are in close contact about our overall posture -- to ensure NATO retains our robust capacity to deter and defend. Pushback against the Trump administration by congressional Republicans has been extraordinarily rare during the presidents second term, with the president retaining a firm grip on the GOP. Pete Hegseths Department of Defense is reportedly directing military officials to sign non-disclosure agreements. Three U.S. officials told Reuters that the order extends to personnel connected to the Trump administrations lethal strikes on vessels in the Caribbeanattacks the administration claims targeted ships smuggling drugs from Venezuela. The exact number of people involved in Trumps Latin American operations remains unclear, but the unprecedented directive comes despite existing rules already barring military officials from disclosing national security secrets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also comes amid growing concernseven among President Donald Trumps own alliesover the strikes, which have killed at least 57 people since September. The administration has defended the attacks as an effort to combat international drug traffickers through targeted strikes on vessels allegedly operated by Latin American cartels, including Venezuelas Tren de Aragua. Few details are known about those targeted except that some include people from Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador. The first strike alone killed 11 people in international waters and has been described by critics as a grave human rights violation and possibly amounting to a war crime. Hegseth was sworn into his current role on January 25. / Andrew Harnik/Getty Images Officials have also refused to provide lawmakers with unedited footage of the attacks or to explain who was killed, how they were identified as legitimate targets, what intelligence linked them to drug-trafficking gangs, or what evidence indicated they were transporting narcotics to the United States, NBC previously reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some lawmakers have taken their concerns public. GOP Senator Rand Paulwho crossed party lines to support a failed measure requiring congressional approval for future strikesvoiced his concerns in a Senate floor speech earlier this month. Those in charge of deciding whom to kill, might let us know their names, present proof of their guilt, show evidence of their crimes, he said. Is it too much to ask to know the names of those we kill before we kill them, to know what evidence exists of their guilt? Meanwhile, Hegseth has seemingly made it his mission to tighten his grip on information flowing out of the Pentagon. The secretary of defense has reportedly barred generals from speaking to Congress without prior approval and has waged a public war on the pressrestricting coverage from dozens of journalists after they refused to sign a Department of Defense policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Pentagon has also scaled back media briefings and public speaking engagements in what officials describe as an effort to control leaks. A memo issued by Hegseth last month referenced an enhanced framework for participating in external engagements. The Pentagon declined to comment for this story. Oct. 29 (UPI) -- The U.S. military is planning to remove 700 troops assigned to the 101st Airborne Division from Eastern Europe as the Pentagon focuses on other regions. The airborne division is part of NATO's eastern flank and is deployed in Germany, Poland and Romania. Defense Sec. Pete Hegseth is reducing the number of troops in those nations while changing focus to the Indo-Pacific, Latin America and domestic fronts, The New York Times reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The drawdown would leave the U.S. military with about 83,000 troops in Europe, including 1,000 in Romania. "This is not an American withdrawal from Europe or a signal of a lessened commitment to NATO," the U.S. Army Command in Europe said in a prepared statement. "Our NATO allies are meeting President [Donald] Trump's call to take primary responsibility for the conventional defense of Europe." The troop drawdown also won't affect European security as Russia continues its nearly four-year war against Ukraine and has recently violated the airspace of several NATO members several times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Pentagon called the chance an "adjustment in U.S. force posture," which the Romanian Defense Ministry acknowledged on Wednesday. "This is no disaster. It is a decision by our allies," Romanian Defense Minister Ionut Mosteneanu told media in Bucharest. He said about 1,000 U.S. troops will remain deployed in three NATO bases in Oradea, Brasov and Bucharest in Romania. NATO officials likewise said the "U.S. force posture in Europe remains larger than it has been for many years," Radio Free Europe reported. House and Senate Republicans in Congress oppose the troop drawdown, though. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The drawdown comes as the Trump administration seeks to force Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate a cease-fire and end the war in Ukraine. House and Senate armed services committee chairmen Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., and Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., opposed the move in a joint statement on Wednesday, ABC News reported. They accused the Defense Department of undertaking the change without Congress reviewing the drawdown. "Unfortunately, this appears to be exactly what is being attempted," Rogers and Wicker said. The Pentagon confirmed the U.S. Army's 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, which is part of the 101st Airborne Division, will return to its home base in Fort Campbell in southern Kentucky and won't be replaced by other troops in Eastern Europe. Four Republican senators, including two vulnerable incumbents who are up for reelection next year, broke ranks Thursday and voted for a three-year extension of enhanced health insurance premium subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) all voted for the Democratic proposal, PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) The Peoria Public Library announced on Wednesday that it will receive a large gift as part of a nationwide initiative. The library will receive a $10,000 gift from the Carnegie Corporation of New York foundation, library spokesperson Jennifer Davis said. The foundation was established by Andrew Carnegie, who helped fund the construction of 1,681 public libraries across the U.S. from 1886 to 1917. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This gift was part of the Carnegie Libraries 250 initiative, which celebrates both the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the 1,280 Carnegie libraries still serving communities across the country. Peorias Carnegie Library was the Lincoln branch that was built thanks to a $20,000 gift from Andrew Carnegie. Peoria Public Library Executive Director Randall Yelverton said they are grateful to receive the funds. We will find a way for these funds to further our mission and benefit our community, as well as hopefully celebrate the 250th anniversary in some way, Yelverton said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also said they expect to receive the gift in January 2026. 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. VMPL New Delhi [India], October 29: Today, the need for a solid online presence is crucial for higher education institutions. Be it universities, colleges or online learning platforms, it has become important to reach out to potential students and parents via the internet. Digital marketing for educational institutions, primarily through search engine optimisation (SEO), is one of the most effective ways to ensure that your institution is seen by the right audience. A well-optimised website will attract more visitors, generate qualified leads and increase student engagement. As a leading education marketing company in India, Bloom Agency helps educational institutions build visibility, credibility and authority in the digital world. Let's explore the most important SEO strategies that can help your organisation grow online. Understand Your Audience The foundation of any successful SEO strategy lies in understanding your target audience. For educational institutions, the audience may include students seeking admission, parents looking for prestigious schools, or professionals looking for opportunities for graduation. Knowing your audience helps you create content that best suits their needs and motivations. Determine demographics: Know your target audience's age group, location, interests and educational goals. Behavioral Insights: Analyze what they're looking for - course details, scholarship information or admissions deadlines - to produce relevant and timely content. Keyword Research Keyword research is a core element of SEO. This involves identifying the search terms that students and parents use to find educational resources online. When done effectively, keyword research helps your organization rank higher on the search engine results pages (SERPs). Focus on long-tail keywords: Instead of general terms like "best colleges", target more specific keywords like "top engineering colleges in Bangalore" or "MBA admissions 2025 India". Use keyword tools: Bloom Agency uses advanced tools such as Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush and Ahrefs to identify the most relevant and high-performing keywords based on search volume, competition and intent. On-Page SEO Optimization On-page SEO ensures that your website is optimized for search engines and users. Bloom Agency focuses on these key on-page elements to improve rankings and visibility: * Title Tags: Each page should have a concise title with the main keyword, for example, "Top MBA Courses - XYZ University."* Meta description: Write attractive meta descriptions with relevant keywords to improve click-through rates.* Heading Tags: Use H1, H2 and H3 tags to structure your content and make it easy to scan.* Quality content: Publish informative, error-free and relevant content that answers audience questions.* Image Optimization: Use descriptive file names and alt tags for all images to increase SEO and accessibility. Create High-Quality Content Content is at the core of any SEO strategy. Educational institutions should focus on creating content that informs, educates and engages potential students. * Education Blog: Publish articles on admissions tips, scholarship updates, campus life or career paths. Well-researched and insightful blogs attract organic traffic.* Content variety: Go beyond text - include videos, infographics, webinars and podcasts to reach different learning audiences. Videos in particular increase engagement and time spent on your website.* Regular updates: Keep your website content fresh with new posts, news and announcements. This signals to Google that your website is active and reliable. Local SEO for Educational Institutions Many parents and students search for educational institutions based on location. Local SEO ensures that your institution appears in nearby search results when someone searches for relevant educational services. * Google My Business: Bloom Agency helps organisations create and customise their Google My Business profile with accurate details such as address, phone number, website and opening hours. Encourage reviews from students and parents to build trust.* Local keywords: Include city or area specific keywords like "best schools in Chennai" or "engineering colleges near Pune".* Local Listing: List your institute on popular directories and education portals. Make sure your name, address and telephone number (NAP) are the same on all platforms. Mobile Optimization With most users browsing on smartphones, mobile optimisation is no longer optional. A mobile-friendly website ensures seamless access for students and parents across all devices. * Responsive design: Your website should automatically adjust to fit all screen sizes.* Faster loading speeds: Optimise images, use caching and minimise redirects to reduce load times.* Mobile usability: The Bloom Agency regularly tests mobile performance using Google's mobile-friendly test to ensure a seamless browsing experience. Partnership with Bloom Agency - India's leading education marketing company Developing and managing a successful SEO campaign can be complicated for institutions that primarily focus on academics. This is where Bloom Agency, India's top-rated education marketing company, steps in. With a team of digital marketing experts, Bloom Agency helps educational institutions with keyword strategy, content creation, on-page optimisation, backlink building and analytics tracking. The agency takes care of the digital strategy so that the institutions can focus on offering quality education. Whether it's SEO, PPC campaigns, content marketing or social media management, Bloom offers end-to-end solutions designed specifically for schools, colleges and universities to increase visibility and student enrollment. Technical SEO Technical SEO improves the backend structure of the website to ensure that search engines can crawl and index it effectively. Bloom Agency's technical team focuses on these important aspects: * XML Sitemap: Create and submit a sitemap to help search engines understand the layout of your site.* robots.txt: Control which pages are crawled by search engine robots.* Secure Website: Enabling HTTPS ensures that your website is secure and preferred by search engines.* Fixing broken links: Regularly identify and repair broken links to improve user experience and SEO performance.Link Building Building high-quality backlinks from authoritative websites is essential to establishing the credibility of your organization. * Guest Post: Publish articles on top education websites to increase visibility and referral traffic.* Collaboration: Work with educational portals, forums and directories for link placement and exposure.* Internal linking: Link related pages on your site to help search engines understand the structure and importance of each page. Monitor and Analyze Performance No SEO strategy is complete without proper monitoring and analysis. Continuous tracking helps identify what is working and what needs improvement. * Analytics Tools: Bloom Agency uses tools such as Google Analytics and Search Console to monitor website traffic, keyword rankings and user engagement.* Strategy adjustments: Based on data insights, strategies are refined to focus on content and keywords that deliver maximum results. Conclusion SEO plays an integral role in digital marketing for educational institutions. By implementing strategies such as keyword optimisation, high-quality content creation, local SEO and mobile responsiveness, the school or university can reach the right target audience and increase enrollment. Partnering with Bloom Agency, a trusted education marketing company in India, ensures that your digital presence grows consistently and effectively. With expertise in SEO, content marketing and digital advertising, Bloom helps educational institutions remain competitive and visible in today's ever-evolving digital landscape. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.) PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) For having a handgun with a switch that made it fully automatic, a Peoria man was sentenced Wednesday to 6 1/2 years in prison. DBerry M. Coleman, 19, pleaded guilty to unlawful use of a weapon. Its the Class X version, which is not probationable and carries a punishment range of six to 30 years behind bars. The 78-month sentence imposed by Peoria County Circuit Judge Steve Kouri was near the bottom of the sentencing range. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coleman was only 17, a minor under Illinois law, prosecutors allege, when he had a loaded handgun with an extended magazine. The handgun had a switch making it a full-auto machine gun, prosecutors allege. On April 9, 2024, police saw that Coleman was live-streaming on Instagram while showing the gun, said States Attorney spokesperson Anna Perales. When officers approached him, Coleman fled the area. During the chase, officers observed an extended magazine protruding from the youths jacket. Officers then saw Coleman run into a house on West Starr Street. They followed and arrested him. 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. A version of this article was first published in the Right to the Point newsletter. Sign up to receive the newsletter in your inbox every Wednesday morning. One of the more troubling aspects of declining civic life in America is how few of us know our neighbors. Pew Research Center reported earlier this year that just about a quarter of us say we know all or most of our neighbors. The majority 62% say they only know some, and 12% of us confess to not knowing any of them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Interaction with neighbors has been declining in recent years, even as loneliness, with its assorted risks, has been on the rise. The solution increased socialization can be challenging, particularly for those who lead busy lives or who have a hard time getting out for any number of reasons. But theres an opportunity before us this week that will not just help connect us to our neighbors, but improve our communities health: Buy candy and turn on your lights Friday night. Trick-or-treating is, as Rachel Davison Humphries wrote for The Wall Street Journal recently, one of our last democratic rituals. The pumpkin house in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Humphries argues that its not just about the candy, although children may see it like that. Its also, she says, a rehearsal for citizenship: an exercise in courage, respect and confidence in the goodwill of others. Moreover, the tradition is one of the few holidays that invite everyone regardless of income, background or belief into public, shared spaces." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I admit, I hold an idyllic view of Halloween, having grown up in a neighborhood that was conducive to trick-or-treating, and living in one now. On Halloween night, my neighborhood is full of children in costumes and some people even offer adult treats to the parents that accompany them. But to Humphries point, unless you live in a gated community, Halloweens booty is available to all theres nothing to keep people from trick-or-treating outside of their own neighborhood. In fact, even age isnt as much a barrier as it used to be, with many people now saying that theyre OK with respectful teens in costume coming to their door. There are, of course, many families who see Halloween as a celebration of evil, and Ive seen decorations this month that have made me cringe. There are political displays that can inflame partisan divisions and turn neighbor on neighbor. And there are those that are too gruesome for kids, or disturbing in other ways. In South Carolina, theres a house decorated to look as if its on fire, and its so realistic that passers-by are calling 911, which seems an unnecessary tax on public resources. Grace Gallagher compares her cauldron to the Woodbury Jewelers cauldron while trick-or-treating outside of Woodbury Jewelers on Main Street for Halloween in Park City on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News Im not sure what Americas fascination with giant skeletons says about us, and whether that part of Halloween is healthy, but bring on the little kids dressed up as pirates and angels, and the adults exchanging friendly greetings as they knock on the doors of houses they usually just pass in their cars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Humphries put it: This Halloween, for the love of Americaplease turn on the porch light, go door-to-door, open your own. The God gap that should worry Democrats Ryan Burge, the former pastor and respected religion researcher, is out this week with eye-opening statistics that help to explain why the Democratic Party is struggling to reach the people who occupy the heartland of America. Democrats, Burge wrote, seem to have forgotten that the majority of America is Christian possibly because so few Democrats are churchgoers themselves. This partisan God gap is startling, and it has opened up within a relatively short period of time. It helps to explain why the Democratic Party is having a hard time finding issues that the whole party can get behind. Heres the tweetable stat: nearly three-quarters of white Democrats in 2024 seldom or never attended a house of worship. Thats remarkable when compared to the national figure of 55%, Burge wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He went on: Only 12% of white Democrats attended weekly. Put differently: for every weekly-attending white Democrat, there are six who attend church less than once a year. In contrast, Among non-white Democrats, the picture is much closer to the national average. About 24% still attend weekly, and 54% seldom or never go. In other words, the average American looks a lot like the average Democrat of color in terms of religious activity. Today, nearly 75% of white Democrats go to church less than once a year. Nearly 85% attend less than once a month. "Put differently: for every weekly-attending white Democrat, there are six who attend church less than once a year."https://t.co/GwUp2xZSwE Ryan Burge (@ryanburge) October 27, 2025 Its hard to overstate what a conundrum this is for Democrats, but Burge puts it in stark terms. For Democrats, he said, A message of faith and values will probably turn off as many voters as it attracts. And with rumblings of a religious revival under way in America, this problem is likely only to get worse. Joe Rogan, evangelist for church? Speaking of religious revival, my colleague Mariya Manzhos writes this week about podcaster Joe Rogan talking about the benefits of church-going and Bible-reading. This is not to say that Rogan is on the cusp of making a profession of faith, but its a change from when he was full-on secular. Im really interested in what these people are trying to say because I dont think its nothing, he recently said. Recommended reading Naomi Schaefer Riley recently talked to a retired college professor who told her about how grading had changed over the course of his career, with the average grade moving from C to B. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is a scandal that these kids who are trying to hold down full-time jobs while going to class maybe even supporting a family in order to get a college degree are instead being sold a bill of goods. First, their high schools tell them they can do college-level work, then college admissions officers tell them they are qualified to enter classes without any kind of remedial work, then the college teachers ... tell them they have successfully completed the class and can either go on to a higher level and/or tell their employers that they are competent in the subject." The scandal of grade inflation Jacob Hess looks at that meme the one that President Donald Trump posted on social media about the recent No Kings protests and asks whether there is anything valuable to be found in memes that repel a wide swath of Americans. The technology is new; the strategy isnt. As early as satirical papyri and tablets in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia mocking authority and social roles, theres a long history of satire critiquing the elite including Athenian playwright Aristophanes, who mercilessly mocked politicians and philosophers in his 5th century Greek comedies." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Are ridicule, mockery and trolling effective? That depends on your goal Theres a theory afoot that everything wrong with our culture can be blamed on women taking control of everything. Valerie Hudson pushes back on the so-called Great Feminization. We dont need or want a return to male dominance, and we dont need or want female dominance in its stead. The obvious alternative is a sincere, meaningful, equal partnership between men and women, the two halves of humanity that constitute human societies and literally create the future of the species together. First we had to worry about the Great Reset. Now its the Great Feminization were supposed to fear End notes Catching a flight today at Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C., I came across something Id never seen before: the celebration awaiting veterans who are on an Honor Flight to visit the memorials that commemorate their service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was a live band, cheerleaders, an Honor Guard and an enthusiastic gathering of diverse people there for the purpose of welcoming the veterans as they entered the airport terminal. It was the most heart-warming thing Ive seen all year. .@ANewPolicyOrg's Josh Paul, heading to Boston, paused on his way to the gate to join those welcoming Honor Flight veterans to Washington, DC. A New Policy is grateful for their service to our nation and the cause of freedom. pic.twitter.com/LdqMLAGmI0 A New Policy (@anewpolicyorg) October 28, 2025 I later found a Facebook page that explains the nonprofit organization behind this initiative: The Honor Flight Network (honorflight.org) is dedicated to getting the World War II veterans to their memorial. We make sure every veteran coming into Dulles receives the Heros Welcome that they so strongly deserve! The program also serves veterans who served in the Korean and Vietnam wars. There are Honor Flight hubs across the country, including one in Utah. To look into getting a veteran you love on such a flight, go to the website and look for find a hub. Theres no better timing, with Veterans Day less than two weeks away. SALINA, Kan. (KSNW) A petition to repeal Salinas ban on pit bulls was presented to the city manager on Monday. If it gets enough signatures, the city commission would be required to either pass an ordinance repealing the ban or call for a special election for citizens to vote on the ordinance. Tyler Sartain and Debrah Corrales with Salinans Against Breed Specific Legislation, say the decades-long ban is ineffective and causing overflow in local animal shelters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Salina group opens 24-hour pantry to combat food insecurity By changing this law, it should help alleviate the pressure the animal shelter faces and will allow people to keep their dogs, the pair said in a statement. This is not just about unbanning a breed but protecting your rights to choose what dog works best for you and not letting your government choose for you. This is not the first time a similar petition has been brought to the city; however, those petitions did not get enough signatures. For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news by downloading our mobile app and signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track 3 Weather app by clicking here. To watch our shows live on our website, click here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 KSN-TV. Members of Philadelphia's Jamaican community are rallying to collect supplies and funds for the island nation after Hurricane Melissa tore through Jamaica, leaving widespread destruction in its wake. The powerful storm, which made landfall Tuesday, ripped roofs off homes, flooded streets, and reduced entire neighborhoods to rubble. In Kingston, a transformer exploded, sending sparks across water-soaked roads. RELATED | Hurricane Melissa leaves dozens dead in trail of destruction across Cuba, Haiti and Jamaica "People are kind-hearted and they want to help," said Christopher Chaplin, Jamaica's Honorary Consul in Philadelphia. Chaplin is working to support the city's estimated 30,000 Jamaican residents, helping them connect with family and resources back home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A lady who had built her house, lives in Philadelphia, and it got flattened, so she's trying to find somewhere for her son and brother to live so we're working on that," he said. He is coordinating donation efforts across the city, asking for hygiene kits, tarps, and generators - rather than clothing or food - to meet urgent needs. "I suspect the next four weeks are going to be critical, and that's how long we expect to be collecting," he added. Among those affected is Kim Small's family from Horsham, who were in Jamaica celebrating a birthday when the hurricane hit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They've been sheltering in a Montego Bay hotel room without water or air conditioning. "The girls want you to know they don't have water or air. We have no water. We have no air. We have love," Small said. She described the terrifying moment the storm battered their hotel: "We could hear that constantly - banging up, banging up, banging up - so I was praying it didn't blow off the hinge." Their return to the U.S. was scheduled for Monday, but with airports still closed, flights have been repeatedly canceled. "It's looking like it's going to be Saturday," Small said. The Jamaican Consulate in Philadelphia is urging residents to donate to verified relief funds to help those stranded and in need. EBENSBURG, Pa. Cambria County Chief Detective Brett Hinterliter said his cats at home haven't been too happy since he started bringing his new partner around. Would-be drug dealers won't be thrilled either, law enforcement officials said, given police dog Blitz's early success at sniffing out drugs since joining Cambria County District Attorney's Office detectives this fall. "He loves to do his job," Hinterliter said of the 16-month-old Belgium-born German Shepherd. "The first day we were out of a detail in Portage, he (detected a drug scent) on a car ... that led to an arrest." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With Hinterliter at his side Wednesday, Blitz was ceremonially sworn in to the county Detectives' Bureau by Cambria County President Judge Linda Rovder Fleming. Thanks to extensive support from the Titan's Watch Foundation, Blitz is the first K9 in more than a decade to join the DA's office. PHOTO GALLERY | Cambria County K9 Blitz Cambria County District Attorney Greg Neugebauer said Blitz's energy and his keen sense of smell will be valuable assets for the detectives who lead the county's Drug Task Force. "A K9 like Blitz ... is another arrow in the quiver for law enforcement," Neugebauer said, "because when it comes to detecting illegal substances, they are able to do things officers can't." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That includes searching every inch of a home in just a few minutes rather than perhaps hours for a substance that might be well-hidden from investigators' eyes, he said. It's serious business. But for Blitz, it's a playful game, Hinterliter said. At the veteran detective's feet, Blitz was playfully pouncing on a toy inside a courtroom at the Cambria County Courthouse in Ebensburg. Hinterliter said Strategic K9, of North Huntingdon, under the direction of Master Trainer William Sombo, trained them for nearly four weeks to hone Blitz's drug-detecting skills by treating the exercise like a hunt for a favorite toy. If the German Shepherd detects a positive scent, he stops and sits to alert officers where to search, Hinterliter said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neugebauer said the young K9 has already assisted law enforcement across Cambria County on several drug-related investigations and also has accompanied Hinterliter on several requests for support in nearby counties. For the Titan's Watch Foundation, Blitz's "vital work" both protects the community and pays tribute to a Johnstown police dog who died in the line of duty in 2020. K9 Titan died during a search for a burglary suspect inside a dark five-story warehouse in Johnstown. The veteran police dog fell through an open elevator shaft, police said at the time. The namesake Titan's Watch Foundation formed in 2024 and spearheaded a $15,000 effort to acquire, train and prepare Blitz and Hinterliter to serve Cambria County, foundation President Brett Reaman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Titans Watch Foundation was created to bridge the gap between community and law enforcement, Reaman said. Adding Blitz to the Cambria County K9 team is an incredible step forward in keeping our region safe and showing what can be accomplished when citizens, businesses and organizations come together for a common goal. Hinterliter said he first met Blitz at Washington Dulles International Airport after the Belgian-born K9's arrival in the U.S. He likened the moment to meeting a foreign exchange student for the first time. "I didn't know what to do," he said with a laugh. In the months since, he has learned German cues to communicate with the dog while both learned alongside Sombo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Petland Norwin Town Square; Dr. James Takacs, of Ebensburg Animal Hospital; and foundation supporter Sue Konvolinka all sponsored Blitzs training and care, Reaman said. Reaman said it took "a lot of work" and fundraising to reach this point, but the group was proud Wednesday to donate its first K9 to Cambria County without costing taxpayers a dime. Neugebauer credited the organization. "We owe a debt of gratitude to Titan's Watch," he said. Neugebauer said county drug forfeiture funds will be used to cover the K9's ongoing costs, such as food and veterinarian visits. Hurricane Melissa pummelled Jamaica as a Category 5 hurricane, and thousands of people were placed under mandatory evacuation orders. The island was bombarded by "damaging winds, catastrophic flash flooding and life-threatening storm surge," according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). The hurricane was ranked as a Category 5 storm, the highest level of the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, when it reached Jamaica. The International Federation of the Red Cross previously estimated that up to 1.5 million people could be affected by the extremely dangerous hurricane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fallen trees and utility poles, and blocked roads were reported by parishes across the island, according to the island's minister of local government and community development, Desmond McKenzie. Heavy flood waters were also reported. A resident stands at a flooded section of Port Royal in Kingston on Oct. 27, 2025. Hurricane Melissa threatened Jamaica with potentially deadly rains after rapidly intensifying into a top-level Category 5 storm, as residents scrambled for shelter from what could be the island's most violent weather on record. Melissa has already been blamed for at least four deaths in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, and was set to unleash torrential rains on parts of Jamaica in a direct hit on the Caribbean island. A man covers the windows of his home with corrugated iron ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Melissa in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba, on Oct. 27, 2025. Hurricane Melissa strengthened Monday as it took aim at Jamaica and other parts of the Caribbean as a top-level Category 5 storm, with forecasters predicting catastrophic flooding and urging residents to seek shelter immediately. After passing over Jamaica, the storm was forecast to head north and cross over eastern Cuba on Tuesday night, while continuing to bring rain and heavy winds to Haiti and the Dominican Republic. A man watches the waves crash into the walls at the Kingston Waterfront on Oct. 27, 2025. Hurricane Melissa threatened Jamaica with potentially deadly rains after rapidly intensifying into a top-level Category 5 storm, as residents scrambled for shelter from what could be the island's most violent weather on record. Melissa has already been blamed for at least four deaths in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, and was set to unleash torrential rains on parts of Jamaica in a direct hit on the Caribbean island. A motorist drives along flooded Michael Manley Boulevard in Kingston, Jamaica, as Jamaica starts to feel the effects of Hurricane Mellisa on October 26, 2025. Hurricane Melissa, already a major category 4 storm, gathered steam Sunday as it took aim at Jamaica and other parts of the Caribbean, with forecasters predicting catastrophic flooding and urging residents to seek shelter immediately. A coconut tree sways in the wind at the Kingston Waterfront on Ocean Boulevard in Kingston, Jamaica, as Jamaica starts to feel the effects of Hurricane Mellisa on Oct. 26, 2025. Hurricane Melissa was cutting a deadly path in the Caribbean on the night of October 25, with rapid intensification expected over the weekend as it took a worryingly slow course toward Jamaica and the island of Hispaniola, forecasters said. Waves crash onto the beach in Kingston on Oct. 27, 2025. Hurricane Melissa threatened Jamaica with potentially deadly rains after rapidly intensifying into a top-level Category 5 storm, as residents scrambled for shelter from what could be the island's most violent weather on record. Melissa has already been blamed for at least four deaths in Haiti and the Dominican Republic and was set to unleash torrential rains on parts of Jamaica in a direct hit on the Caribbean island. Satellite image of Hurricane Melissa as of 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27, 2025. People fill bags with sand in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Melissa, in Port Royal, Jamaica on Oct. 26, 2025. Alfred Veitch places concrete blocks on top of his chicken coop, in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Melissa, in Port Royal, Jamaica on Oct. 26, 2025. A person watches waves crash on the beach, ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Melissa, in Port Royal, Jamaica on Oct. 26, 2025. Fishermen move a boat to higher ground, in preparation of Hurricane Melissa, in Port Royal, Jamaica on Oct. 26, 2025. Empty counters at the airport, in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Melissa, in Kingston, Jamaica on Oct. 25, 2025. People load sandbags onto a vehicle, in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Melissa, in the Harbour View neighborhood of Kingston, Jamaica on Oct. 25, 2025. The National Hurricane Center reports Melissa has strengthened into a hurricane in the Caribbean on Oct. 25 and could soon rapidly intensify into a monstrous Category 4 or 5 storm, bringing perilous threats of rain, winds and storm surge to northern Caribbean islands. A drone view shows a vehicle driving along a flooded street amid rain caused by Tropical Storm Melissa, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, October 24, 2025. People transit on a motorcycle through a street flooded by rains caused by Tropical Storm Melissa, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, October 23, 2025. People look on at the entrance to their homes on a street flooded by rains caused by Tropical Storm Melissa, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, October 23, 2025. A woman is standing on a street flooded by rains caused by Tropical Storm Melissa, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, October 23, 2025. A drone view shows water rushing through a spillway at the Sabaneta Dam as water levels are elevated due to Tropical Storm Melissa, in Sabaneta, Dominican Republic October 23, 2025. People walk through a flooded street amid rain caused by Tropical storm Melissa, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, October 24, 2025. A woman walks along a flooded street amid rain caused by Tropical Storm Melissa, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, October 24, 2025. A drone view shows a flooded area amid rain caused by Tropical Storm Melissa, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, October 24, 2025. Gas pumps are wrapped in plastic at a Texaco station as part of storm preparations, ahead of Tropical Storm Melissa, which is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to the area, in Kingston, Jamaica, October 25, 2025. Workers board up a business ahead of the potential impact of Tropical Storm Melissa, in Kingston, Jamaica, October 24, 2025. Hurricane Melissa slams the Caribbean. See the floods and impact on residents in photos 1 of 23 A resident stands at a flooded section of Port Royal in Kingston on Oct. 27, 2025. Hurricane Melissa threatened Jamaica with potentially deadly rains after rapidly intensifying into a top-level Category 5 storm, as residents scrambled for shelter from what could be the island's most violent weather on record. Melissa has already been blamed for at least four deaths in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, and was set to unleash torrential rains on parts of Jamaica in a direct hit on the Caribbean island. The parish of St. Elizabeth is completely submerged, and the island's only hospital lost power and reported severe damage to one of its buildings. As of Wednesday morning, Oct. 29, the storm has made landfall as a Category 3 and is moving along Eastern Cuba, according to the NHC, and bringing more damaging winds, flooding rains, and storm surge. The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos will also be affected by the storm on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Live updates: Hurricane Melissa barrels over Cuba after hammering Jamaica See pictures of Hurricane Melissa's impact in Jamaica A man looks at a fallen tree in St. Catherine, Jamaica, shortly before Hurricane Melissa made landfall on October 28, 2025. Downed tree branches block a road as Hurricane Melissa approaches, in Gordon Town, Jamaica, Oct. 28. A man watches the waves, as Hurricane Melissa approaches, in Kingston, Jamaica, October 28, 2025. A partially collapsed hoarding frame near the Digicel Delves Building, as Hurricane Melissa approaches, in downtown Kingston, Jamaica, October 28, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A man looks on as Hurricane Melissa approaches in Kingston, Jamaica, on October 28, 2025. Contributing: Thao Nguyen, Dinah Voyles Pulver, Jeanine Santucci; USA TODAY Julia is a Trending reporter for USA TODAY and covers scientific studies and trending news. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: See pictures of Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa PINE BLUFF, Ark. The Pine Bluff Police Department is asking for the publics help in solving a deadly shooting that happened in 2022. On Aug. 24, 2022, PBPD officers responded to a reported shooting at 3501 S. Virginia Street. When they arrived, police said they found 24-year-old Jordan Shaw lying outside the home with multiple gunshot wounds. Authorities pronounced him dead at the scene. Arkansas State Police arrest person of interest in Ash Flat double homicide Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said a cash reward is being offered for information that leads to an arrest in the case. The Pine Bluff Police Department continues to actively investigate this case and urges anyone with informationno matter how small it may seemto come forward, PBPD officials wrote. Anyone with information is asked to contact the PBPD tip line at 870-730-2106 or submit an online tip at PBPD.org. You can remain anonymous. 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. The big story: With enrollment shrinking, the Pinellas County school district needs to figure out how to best use its buildings for students and the community. Like other Florida districts coping with similar scenarios, Pinellas is turning to its residents for ideas. Superintendent Kevin Hendrick announced Tuesday that it will hold five town hall meetings in the next two months toward that end. The first one will be from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 12 at Boca Ciega High, with others to follow at Largo, Dunedin, Hollins and Lakewood high schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The voice of the public, our employees and anyone interested in our schools is very important in this conversation, Hendrick said. All possibilities are open for consideration, he said. The issue has heightened importance as districts also face implementation of a new law that allows certain charter schools to claim access to space in under-used campuses. Officials across the state are exploring ways to more efficiently use their facilities to prevent what they consider a potential disruption of whats been termed co-location of Schools of Hope. Wed like to hear key ideas on topics such as population trends, school building capacities, new school programs and the possibilities for new grade configurations like K-8 or 6-12, school closures and consolidations, Hendrick said. We look forward to those discussions in the next couple of months and, as promised, well bring some initial recommendations to the board in January. Hot topics University leadership: The University of South Floridas next president is likely to be Moez Limayem. Whats he in for? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Student achievement: Volusia Countys superintendent is pushing back against critics accusations that the districts data on student achievement is inflated, Central Florida Public Media reports. Security: The Gulf County school district ended classes early Tuesday after receiving shooting threats twice within five minutes, the Tallahassee Democrat reports. School zones: Bradenton city police say having cameras in school zones has slowed down speeders dramatically, WTSP reports. In the classroom: A Pinellas County middle school has moved away from traditional desks and chairs as it encourages movement and activity in the classroom, WTVT reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Education commissioner: Florida education commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas went to the Leon County school board meeting, where he criticized the board and administration over contract talks and a board members comments about Charlie Kirk, the Tallahassee Democrat reports. More from WTXL. College pledge: New College of Florida became the first higher education institution in the nation to sign the Trump Administrations funding compact to gain access to federal grants, The Hill reports. Several other universities refused the deal. Clubs: As the state tells school districts to allow Turning Point USA clubs at Florida schools, some Duval County students raised concerns about the clubs messaging that 9 millimeters beats 911 every time, WJXT reports. Students said it appears to promote gun violence at school. Local chapters of the club are popping up at schools across southwest Florida, WWSB reports. From the police blotter ... A Polk County mom was arrested on accusations of boarding a school bus and cursing at a student and the bus driver, and causing a disturbance in the school office, WTVT reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dont miss a story. Heres a link to yesterdays roundup. Before you go ... Enjoy some Disney history just in time for Halloween. Jeffrey S. Solochek is a reporter covering education as a member of the Tampa Bay Times Education Hub. You can contribute to the hub through our journalism fund by clicking here. NEW YORK (PIX11) Welcome to PIX on Politics Daily with Dan Mannarino where we break down the days political news, top headlines, and the issues that matter most to you through thoughtful, in-depth conversations. Join us every day at 1 p.m. on PIX11+ as we speak with newsmakers, lawmakers, and key figures shaping policies that directly impact our local communities. More News: PIX on Politics On Wednesday, Henry Rosoff is joined by Grace Rauh, executive director at Citizens Union, to discuss the six ballot proposals New York City residents will face on Election Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. The strange political bedfellows created by efforts to save spotted owls in the Pacific Northwest just got even stranger. Already Republican members of Congress were allied with animal rights activists. They don't want trained shooters to kill up to 450,000 barred owls, which are outcompeting northern spotted owls, under a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plan approved last year that would unfold over three decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, timber interests are aligning with environmentalists in favor of culling the owls. Read more: A plan to shoot 450,000 owls to save a different owl could be in jeopardy Some logging advocates are afraid nixing the plan will slow down timber harvesting. Roughly 2.6 million acres of timberlands in western Oregon managed by the Bureau of Land Management are governed by resource management plans contingent on the barred owl cull going forward, according to Travis Joseph, president and chief executive of the American Forest Resource Council, a trade association representing mills, loggers, lumber buyers and other stakeholders in the region. The area can produce at least 278 million board feet per year under current plans, "with the potential for significantly more," Joseph said in a mid-October letter to Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the cull is scrapped, he said, the federal agency likely will need to restart Endangered Species Act consultation for the northern spotted owl, which is listed as threatened. Its a process that could take years. According to the letter, it would create unacceptable risks and delays to current and future timber sales. Timber production goals laid out by the Trump administration also could be jeopardized. Momentum to stop the cull grew this summer when Sen. John Kennedy, a conservative from Louisiana, introduced a resolution to reverse the Biden-era plan. That move reflected an unlikely alliance between some right-wing politicians and animal rights advocates who say its too expensive and inhumane. Some Democrats have also opposed the cull, and companion legislation in the House has bipartisan backers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The stakes are high. Many environmentalists and scientists maintain that northern spotted owls will go extinct if their competitors arent kept in check. Barred owls which originally hail from eastern North America are larger, more aggressive and less picky when it comes to habitat and food, giving them an edge when vying for resources. Last week, Politicos E&E News reported that Kennedy said Interior Secretary Doug Burgum had asked him to stand down from his effort to stop the owl-killing plan. The legislator told the outlet he would charge ahead anyway. "I don't think the federal government ought to be telling God, nature whatever you believe in this one can exist, this one cant," Kennedy told E&E. "The barred owl is not the first species that has ever moved its territory and it wont be the last." Kennedy did not respond to The Times request for comment. A spokesperson for the Department of the Interior said they could not respond to the inquiry because of the government shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's strange that a Republican in the South is taking on the owl issue, specifically, when its consequences will impact western Oregon BLM timber sales," Joseph said in an interview. "It will lead to lower revenues for counties, it will impact jobs and it will put the spotted owl on a trajectory towards extinction." Read more: Spotted owls are disappearing fast, and federal cuts could mean no one's left to count them The stance aligns in part with that of environmental groups like the Environmental Protection Information Center and Center for Biological Diversity, which have supported culling barred owls to help the beleaguered spotted owls in their native territory. Its an unexpected overlap, given environmentalists long history of fighting to protect old-growth forests in the region the owls call home. Tom Wheeler, chief executive of EPIC, said it's possible that culling barred owls could lead to a bump in timber harvest on the BLM land in western Oregon but overall it would lead to more habitat being protected throughout the spotted owls' expansive range. The presence of spotted owls triggers protections under the Endangered Species Act. If the cull boosts the spotted owl population as intended, it means more guardrails. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It puts us in admittedly an awkward place," Wheeler said. "But our advocacy for barred owl removal is predicated not on treating the northern spotted owl as a tool against the timber industry and against timber harvest. What we're trying to do is provide for the continued existence of the species." Many Native American tribes support controlling barred owls in the region. In a letter to Congress last week, the nonprofit Intertribal Timber Council said barred owls threaten more than the spotted owl. "As a generalist predator, it poses risks to a wide range of forest and aquatic species that hold varying degrees of social and ecological importance to tribes, including species integral to traditional food systems and watershed health," wrote the council, which aims to improve the management of natural resources important to Native American communities. Since 2013, the Hoopa Valley tribe in Northern California has been involved with sanctioned hunting of the owls and has observed the spotted owl population stabilizing over time, according to the letter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: House resolution seeks to stop plan to shoot nearly half a million owls However, groups like Animal Wellness Action and Center for a Humane Economy argue that the plan to take out so many barred owls over a vast landscape wont work, aside from the high owl death toll. More barred owls simply will fly into where others were removed, said Wayne Pacelle, president of both groups. That makes habitat key and the prospect of losing more to logging in western Oregon devastating, according to Pacelle. To stop the owl-culling plan, both chambers of Congress would need to pass a joint resolution and President Trump would need to sign it. If successful, the resolution would preclude the agency from pursuing a similar rule, unless explicitly authorized by Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plan already faced setbacks . In May, federal officials canceled three related grants totaling more than $1.1 million, including one study that would have removed barred owls from over 192,000 acres in Mendocino and Sonoma counties. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday said India is working towards a "fair, equitable and balanced" Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union, with significant progress being made in the ongoing negotiations. Speaking after his visit to Brussels from October 26-28, 2025, Minister Goyal said he had productive engagements with Maros Sefcovic, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, on outstanding issues related to the India-EU FTA negotiations. "We have agreed to close 10 out of 20 chapters. Another four or five chapters have, in principle, been broadly decided and on more and more issues we are leading towards convergence," Goyal said, adding that when the EU team visits next week for the next round of negotiations, possibly in late November or December, both sides should be in a position to make "significant and substantial progress towards closure." Minister emphasized that the negotiations are being conducted in a spirit of partnership to promote trade, investments, and technology, while recognizing mutual sensitivities and strengths. Goyal, who also participated in the Berlin Global Dialogue said his meetings with counterparts from the German government, other countries, and European businesses revealed strong interest in expanding relations with India. "More and more countries and almost all businesses today want to expand relations with a resurgent, strong, decisive, democratic and aspirational India, full of youth, talent and skills, growing consumer demand, fastest growing large economy, doubling every eight years," he said. Goyal highlighted India's commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth, which opens "large two-way opportunities" for both the European Union member states and India. During the Brussels visit, he said there was intensive engagement to explore possible solutions on outstanding issues. Goyal raised India's concerns regarding non-tariff measures and new EU regulations. The minister emphasized the need for preferential treatment for India's key demands, particularly those related to labor-intensive sectors. Both sides agreed to work closely to finalize non-sensitive industrial tariff lines. However, issues related to steel, automobiles, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and other EU regulations still require further discussion due to their higher sensitivities, officials said. At the international forum, Minister Goyal reiterated that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, "India once again demonstrated that we speak for the global south. We represent the voice of the less privileged, less developed or developing economies, and stand for collective action for global good, peace and prosperity." India recognizes the importance of ensuring that the FTA remains balanced in addressing both tariff and non-tariff barriers while creating transparent and predictable regulatory frameworks that accelerate trade for both partners. To advance the discussions, the EU technical team led by the Director General for Trade will visit India next week with the objective of achieving a constructive conclusion based on the potential solutions identified during the Brussels talks. "India looks forward to working closely with the European Union to transform this vision into reality through shared innovation, balanced, equitable, and meaningful trade, and a collective commitment to peace and prosperity," Goyal concluded. On 17 June 2022, the European Union relaunched negotiations with India for a Free Trade Agreement. India and the EU resolved to conclude the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by the end of 2025. This commitment builds on the strategic direction given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen during the landmark visit of the EU College of Commissioners to New Delhi in February 2025. (ANI) Hundreds of residents at a Plano apartment complex must vacate their homes by November 4 after city officials obtained a court order citing dangerous living conditions, including mold, sewage leaks, and a lack of basic utilities. The emergency legal action affects Evana Grove Apartments on Hillridge Drive, where tenants scrambled on Tuesday to pack belongings as blue notices appeared on doors. City officials estimate 200 people face immediate relocation needs. A Collin County District Court issued the temporary restraining order requiring property owners and management to clear all units. The order initially gave property owners just 24 hours to evacuate before they filed a motion to extend the deadline. We understand how difficult and stressful this situation is for the people living there, the City of Plano said in a statement, per NBC 5 DFW. Our priority is the safety and well-being of everyone in our community. The conditions at Evana Grove are unsafe and unsanitary, leaving residents without gas, water, or sewer services. Court documents reveal repeated code violations and environmental hazards that prompted the citys legal action. The problems have persisted for years, according to Curtis Howard, Planos neighborhood services director. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the city, this has been a long-term issue, Howard said, NBC 5 reported. Weve been dealing with this complex for a number of years. Residents described deteriorating conditions that made the units unlivable, and many have left poor reviews of the complex on Google, where the apartments have an average rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars. Residents detailed complaints such as broken water pipes, broken dishwashers, no hot water, trash on the grounds, roach infestations, non-working HVAC systems, and more, all with little to no response from the apartment maintenance team. DO NOT EVEN THINK OF MOVING IN THIS PLACE, wrote Noy Luangamath, who gave the complex a 1-star rating about a year ago. there is a dang good reasons why the review rating is so low. i should have listened. ive been here just over a month. there are fleas, roaches, dish washer and garbage disposal not working. i reported and request service from day one and they just ignored. NOTHING HAS BEEN FIXED YET. i dont have hot water for 22 days straight. ZERO STARS! ZERO STARS!!! wrote resident Elizabeth Howard four years ago. This is the worst place Ive ever lived. Completely [un]inhabitable. There is mold growing in all of the air vents, on all of the window seals, and under cabinets. They have a very bad infestation problem. Water resides in the walls so your house will always smell like mildew and feces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Danielle Brehm, who moved in with her children over the summer, learned about the evacuation order when her husband called while she was at work. We dont really have anywhere to go. Where do they expect us to go? What are they expecting us to do? she said, per NBC 5. Brehm detailed multiple problems plaguing her unit since move-in day. Our dishwasher has never worked since day one, theres mold inside, she told NBC 5. They know there is mold in the apartment; they know there is mold all around everywhere. Its been problem after problem after problem. Howard emphasized safety concerns that extend beyond individual apartments to common areas. Children face particular risks from hazardous conditions throughout the property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You want people to live in a safe place, he said, NBC 5 reported. You want kids that are running around a parking lot to be in an area where theyre not going to step into broken glass or run into sewage thats leaking out of the pavement. The citys Neighborhood Services team contacted residents before water service termination to offer housing assistance. Officials pledged continued support to connect displaced tenants with resources. We will continue working closely with residents to connect them with resources and ensure they have access to safe and sanitary conditions, the city stated. Management at Evana Grove Apartments has not responded to requests for comment. The November 4 deadline leaves residents less than a week to secure alternative housing. A Fox News host has issued a dire warning to the president after the latest Democrat victory in a series of stinging Republican electoral defeats. Look at the numbers, get the experts in there, and if the numbers show the Hispanic vote went heavily for the Democrat, that is a warning sign for next year, Brian Kilmeade told Fox & Friends viewers on Wednesday. His comments came in response to Democrat Eileen Higginss thumping victory against GOP candidate Emilio Gonzalez in Miamis mayoral race Russian soldiers have advanced further into the city of Pokrovsk, threatening not only to take the city, but to complete a larger encirclement of the surrounding area, as independent analysts and commanders report a serious deterioration of the Ukrainian position in the area. The defense of the major city in Donetsk Oblast, which has held out for over a year of heavy fighting as one of the main hotspots of the front line, looks to have begun falling apart as Russian soldiers in their hundreds have broken into the city limits, spreading in all directions. According to the Ukrainian military, 11,000 Russian troops have been concentrated around Pokrovsk in an attempt to surround the city, with President Volodymyr Zelensky telling journalists on Oct. 27 that Russian forces outnumbered Ukrainian defenders 8 to 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking during a visit to a military hospital in Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that both Pokrovsk and the embattled city of Kupiansk in Kharkiv Oblast were encircled. In a bizarre comment especially considering the recent uptick in fatal attacks on journalists near the front line Putin added that Russian forces would be prepared to cease fire in the respective areas "for a few hours" so that Ukrainian and foreign journalists could enter, speak to Ukrainian soldiers, and "confirm for themselves the state that these surrounded forces are in." Ukrainian commanders' reports as well as open-source data show that Putin's claim of a complete encirclement is still far from reality, but the situation is undoubtedly highly dynamic and deteriorating for the defending side. In a grim development, Russian forces managed to plant the Russian flag on the entrance sign at the Western edge of Pokrovsk on Oct. 29, though the flag is more an exercise in information options than a solid indicator of territorial control. Pokrovsk. Russian troops used a drone to place their flag on a sign at the city entrance. The situation is worsening by the day and has become extremely critical. Russia has deployed around 11,000 soldiers, 100 tanks, up to 260 armored vehicles, and 160 artillery pieces and pic.twitter.com/cn0QfK4EFl Saint Javelin (@saintjavelin) October 29, 2025 Uncontrolled infiltration Though Russian forces first reached the outskirts of Pokrovsk around late autumn 2024, it wasn't until mid-2025 that the first successful penetrations into the city itself were successfully realised. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In late July, several dozen Russian soldiers broke into the southern neighborhoods of Pokrovsk, taking advantage of the thinly spread Ukrainian lines to seep through the defending positions into the city. At the time, the infiltration already presented a serious threat to the defense of the city, but thanks to the quick redeployment of specialist assault units, the Russian troops involved were isolated and eliminated before allowing them to dig in and spread further. From the moment on Oct. 19 that Ukrainian civilians were reported shot dead near the Pokrovsk railway station several kilometers in the rear from where the front line was understood to be at the time, it was clear that another major infiltration had begun. Soon after the first pictures of the shooting emerged, the 7th Corps of Ukraine, published videos of Ukrainian drone strikes on the railway station building, claiming that the Russian assault group that had made it that far had been eliminated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the next week, however, more and more videos emerged on social media often posted by Ukrainian units showing successful drone strikes of more and Russian soldiers spotted deep in the Ukrainian rear. By Oct. 27, Ukraine's General Staff admitted that "around 200" Russian soldiers had amassed in the city. In these conditions of chaotic urban fighting, the idea of a clear front line becomes increasingly blurry, and the task of mapping it for mapping projects such as the highly regarded independent mapping and analyst group Deep State becomes increasingly counterproductive. "They don't control the city, they don't control any whole neighborhoods;" said Roman Pohorilyi, co-founder of Deep State "they just move around chaotically, conduct sabotage and reconnaissance operations, including ambushes." A general aerial view shows the destroyed city covered in morning fog, following months of intense fighting near the front line, on October 7, 2025 in Pokrovsk, Ukraine (Kostiantyn Liberov/Libkos/Getty Images) Schrodinger's encirclement Contrary to Putin's claims, no verifiable evidence of a complete encirclement of Pokrovsk has yet emerged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a Facebook post on Oct. 30, Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said that the Russian president's claims about both Pokrovsk and Kupiansk "do not correspond to reality." "At the same time, in Pokrovsk, enemy infantry, avoiding combat, accumulates in urban buildings and constantly changes its location," Syrskyi wrote, "so the primary task is to find and destroy them." Responding to Putin's offer, Ukraine's foreign ministry asserted that Moscow would not hold their side of the agreement. "Frankly, I don't recommend journalists trust any of Putin's proposals regarding corridors in the combat zone," said foreign ministry Heorhii Tykhyi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Deep State Map, a corridor around three kilometers wide remains between the two Russian pincers, although these markings are based only on geolocations of isolated Russian presence, and do not reflect territorial control. While Pokrovsk has turned into a large and chaotic grey zone, the real threat of encirclement hangs over the sister city of Myrnohrad, which lies to the east of Pokrovsk, deeper inside the existing pocket. Here, Ukrainian forces led by the 25th Airborne and 38th Marine Brigades, have maintained a defense relatively stable to that of Pokrovsk, aided by favorable terrain and the efficient use of drones. In a Telegram post by Deep State on Oct. 29, the group claimed that Russian forces had cut off logistics lines to Myrnohrad and the Ukrainian positions there. A screenshot of the Deep State showing estimated territorial control and contested areas around the cities of Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad in Donetsk Oblast as of Oct. 29, 2025. (Deep State) For now, said the deputy commander of one Ukrainian unit holding positions in the city, speaking to the Kyiv Independent on the condition of anonymity the greater danger to his troops is not an encirclement on the ground, but control of all logistics routes into Myrnohrad by Russian drones and artillery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Pokrovsk is indeed causing us problems," he said, "but we have been in a de-facto encirclement effectively for three months, and there are still routes remaining to continue defending Myrnohrad." On Oct. 28 the Ukrainian military's East group of forces said that Russian troops had entered Myrnohrad, but the information was retracted the next day. "There is no mass enemy presence in the city," the commander told the Kyiv Independent. "There are isolated cases of enemy sightings, but they are being destroyed." Read also: Gripen jets are coming to Ukraine heres how they can be used against Russia Deadly prospects Given the scale and scope of the Russian infiltration of Pokrovsk and with it, the dissipation of the Ukrainian defense in the sector, saving the city from falling in the short term looks to be a daunting, and likely impossible task. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unlike in the July infiltration, which was small enough to clear while the defense of the rest of the city held firm, a similar approach will no longer work now, according to Pohorilyi. "Successfully clearing this or that area does not change the overall situation," he said, "because the main problem isn't solved: the southern part of the city, where they are infiltrating in the first place, isn't locked down." But even if the Pokrovsk-Myrnohrad pocket somehow holds over the short term, the three-sided encirclement on the flanks of the agglomeration and the deadly gauntlet of Russian drones hanging over remaining logistics routes that comes with it means defending the pocket will no longer present a favorable attritional fight for Ukraine. From Kyiv to New York the Kyiv Independent brings stories from democracys front line Get tickets Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The rabbi, who remained anonymous, was accused of inciting violence during the riots at the West Bank village of Burkin, which was home to the terrorist who killed Tzeela Gez and her son. Israel Police arrested, interrogated, and later released a well-known rabbi alongside another individual for inciting and encouraging violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, police said Wednesday. The police did not share the identity of the two who were investigated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Prosecutor's Office approved their arrest as part of a joint investigation by detectives from Sha'ar District Central Unit and the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) due to suspicions that the two spread inciting and extremist messages that encourage serious violence against Palestinians. This was part of a larger investigation centered around serious extremist violence and arson attacks that were carried out in Burkin, located near Jenin, after the terrorist attack in which Tzeela Gez and her then-unborn son were killed, the police said. Tzeela Gez, the pregnant woman wounded in a terror attack and succumbed to her wounds, May 15, 2025. (credit: SCREENSHOT/X/VIA SECTION 27A OF THE COPYRIGHT ACT) Both suspects encouraged, praised, and supported the violence against Palestinians in social media posts. Fighting, arson in Palestinian village after terror attack The riots that sparked the investigation were performed by Jewish extremists who set fire to a house and attacked several villagers near Burkin, according to reports by Army Radio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In one instance, a group of Israelis reportedly threw stones and set fire to five homes and five vehicles on the outskirts of the village, the Palestinian Authority-run news agency WAFA said. Rioters also damaged a mosque, set fire to a vehicle, and sprayed graffiti in the town of Akraba, southeast of Nablus in the West Bank, Israels public broadcaster KAN said. Akbar Novruz Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with his Omani counterpart, Badr al-Busaidi, during an official visit to the Sultanate of Oman, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan reported on its X account, Azernews reports. The ministers highlighted the importance of continuous high-level dialogue and mutual visits to strengthen bilateral ties. Discussions focused on expanding cooperation in economic, trade, humanitarian, and cultural spheres. The officials also welcomed the official opening of the Azerbaijani Embassy in Muscat, describing it as a key step that will provide new momentum for relations between the two countries. Both sides expressed appreciation for their cooperation within the UN, the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). They also underscored the importance of continued collaboration ahead of major events, including the OIC Summit and the World Urbanization Forum, which are scheduled to be held in Azerbaijan in 2026. Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, while addressing the TiEcon Delhi-NCR (The Indus Entrepreneurs) conference on Wednesday, underlined that it is vital for India to develop its own technologies and reduce over-dependence on certain geographies for key inputs. According to a Ministry of Commerce & Industry press release, Goyal said that India has resolved, as a nation, to move away from being just a back office or software provider to the world and to emerge as a global engine of innovation that drives new ideas, products, and technologies for the future. He noted that the spirit of Swadeshi is not only about making, designing, or serving from India, but about ensuring long-term growth, sovereignty, and security in an increasingly unpredictable global environment. The minister highlighted the lessons from recent global disruptions, emphasizing the importance of resilient supply chains, indigenous innovation, and control over critical technologies. The Minister lauded TiE for inspiring young innovators and entrepreneurs to engage with deep technology, terming the conference a forerunner to India's deeptech ascent. The Minister highlighted India's remarkable digital transformation over the last decade, recalling the launch of the Digital India initiative in 2014. He noted that when the government assumed office, India had around 250 million internet users, whereas today it proudly counts over 1 billion connected individuals. He stated that the foundation of India's growth rests on the power of technology and innovation. Elaborating on the government's vision for the deeptech ecosystem, Goyal said that deeptech encompasses artificial intelligence, quantum computing, machine learning, defence and space technologies, the semiconductor mission, and the strengthening of India's intellectual property ecosystem. The Minister noted that the government, along with well-meaning individuals and organisations, is investing not only financial resources but also efforts to promote the deeptech ecosystem in India. The Minister announced that the second edition of the Startup Fund of Funds will focus primarily on early-stage investments in deeptech ventures, providing risk capital to help innovators retain ownership and develop indigenous technologies. He also mentioned the launch of a Rs 1 lakh crore Anusandhan Fund, equivalent to approximately USD 12 billion, to promote research, innovation, and long-term financing for transformative projects. The Minister expressed confidence in India's vast talent pool, noting that the country produces 15 lakh engineers and 24 lakh STEM graduates every year, the highest in the world. He said that the global community now looks to India as the capital of talent and skill, and that Indian deeptech startups are already being recognised among the world's leading innovators. He reaffirmed the government's support for innovators, stating that his doors remain open round the clock for ideas that strengthen India's technological foundation. (ANI) LITTLETON, Colo. (KDVR) A Denver woman says she was wrongfully accused of theft after police tracked her car using Flock cameras. The controversial tracking system is criticized by people with privacy concerns, but praised by law enforcement after police have successfully used it to track down and arrest criminals. Aurora police chief talks about Flock, shows how it works in real time The Columbine Valley police chief has since voided the court summons issued to her, but the woman says she never should have been accused in the first place, arguing her car was never at the address where the package was stolen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sept. 27, a Columbine Valley police officer came to Chrisanna Elsers door and issued her a summons to appear in court, accusing her of stealing a $25 package in the town of Bow Mar. The officer told her he had doorbell video of the theft and that he had tracked her car in the area using Flock cameras. It is locked in. There is zero doubt. I wouldnt have come here unless I was 100% sure, Sgt. Jamie Milliman told Elser outside her front door. The only problem, Elser says, is that she wasnt there, and she had evidence to prove it. She gathered dash camera footage from her car, a Google Maps location log, and doorbell video showing her walking into her tailors house at the time the package was stolen. He just kept telling me that any evidence I had wasnt worth it, Elser said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hundreds pack Denver town hall to share anger, concern on Flock camera contract In one exchange, Milliman declined to let Elser see the doorbell footage of the theft after she denied stealing the package. You have not been honest with me, so Im not going to extend you any courtesy of showing you a video when I dont need to, he told her. Several weeks later, Elser was able to get in touch with Columbine Valley Police Chief Bret Cottrell, who reviewed her evidence and voided the summons. In an email to Elser, Cottrell wrote, After reviewing the evidence you have provided (nicely done, btw), we have voided the summons that was issued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elser argues she shouldnt have needed to prove her innocence and worries that Flock cameras could be used too aggressively by police. Free on Your TV FOX31+ for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Samsung They need to be used properly and with caution, she said. There needs to be a conversation, not a rush to accuse anybody and everybody. FOX31 reached out to the Columbine Valley police chief but has not heard back. Now, Elser is urging her neighbors to collect their own digital evidence, in case they ever need it. 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. An inmate in the Cheshire County House of Corrections has been arrested for allegedly seeking to have two people murdered. Edward Lepore Edward Lepore Keene Police said communications between the inmate, identified as Edward Lepore, 45, and a non-inmate were monitored by Keene detectives. Lepore was arrested at the house of corrections on Tuesday on charges of conspiracy to commit murder and solicitation to commit murder. He was held without bail and will be arraigned on Wednesday in the 8th Circuit Court - Keene. Anyone who has additional information about Lepore or this case should contact Detective Don Lundin at 603-357-9820. SCHENECTADY - Police are searching for the person responsible for lodging a fake bomb threat against the Schenectady County District Attorney's Office on Tuesday. The threat, delivered by an unknown caller to the Schenectady city police chief's office, prompted an evacuation of the county courthouse at 612 State St. and a police search of the building around noon, according to the Schenectady County Sheriff's Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheriff's deputies and K-9 units combed the courthouse and areas surrounding the building, according to a news release from the sheriff's office. The department found "no dangerous materials." "The Schenectady County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Unit is actively pursuing this incident and is collaborating with various law enforcement partners to identify the individual responsible for the false bomb threat," the department wrote in a news release. "Potential charges may arise from the ongoing investigation." Those with information related to this case are being encouraged to contact Sgt. Robert Decarlo at 518-388-4330, ext. 7004, or via email at robert.j.decarlo@schenectadycountyny.gov. This article originally published at Police investigate bomb threat against Schenectady DA's office. Police are investigating the death of an infant found not far from the USC campus on Monday morning. About 1:30 a.m. Los Angeles police were dispatched to the 3100 block of McClintock Avenue, said Officer Jeff Lee. When they arrived, officers found a "deceased, full-term infant," Lee said. The child's cause of death has not yet been determined by the county medical examiner and the investigation is ongoing, Lee said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details on where the infant was found on McClintock Avenue were not immediately available. USC students were seen going in and out of student building F in the 3100 block of McClintock Avenue, according to KABC. "It was really scary actually for everybody because we didn't know what was happening and then we did find out it was happening right next to where we lived," student Sofia Matin told the station. "It was very unsettling." 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. Oct. 28Police are investigating a homicide that left one person dead in an East Central neighborhood. Albuquerque Police Department spokesperson Gilbert Gallegos said on Tuesday police responded sometime before 4 p.m. to a death at a home near Rhode Island and Copper NE. Gallegos did not say how the person died or give anymore details. He said more information would be released at a later time. Members of the New Mexico National Guard at the scene, who have been assisting APD over the past several months, would not provide additional details. Crime scene tape cordoned off the 300 block of Rhode Island NE. Outside the tape, a family hung around near their home, as law enforcement vehicles lined up and down the block. CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) A man tried luring a teenage girl into his vehicle while she was walking home in Cumberland County on Monday, according to police. The suspect stopped the vehicle he was driving and asked a 17-year-old girl if she needed a ride while she was at South Frederick Streets intersection with West Locust Street between 3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., Mechanicsburg police said. The girl turned him down, and he said to her he would give her a ride, which she again declined, police said. She walked the rest of the way home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now This Week in Pennsylvania Police described the suspect to be between 20 and 30 years old, Hispanic and he had dark hair with some facial hair. The investigation into the luring incident is ongoing and police urge anyone who may have any info to contact them at (717) 691-3300. 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. Police are trying to figure out who stabbed a man to death in Philadelphia on Tuesday. Surveillance video shows a passerby coming to the aid of the victim on the 1500 block of Wadsworth Avenue, just before 7:30 a.m. The unidentified male victim was taken to Albert Einstein Medical Center, where he later died. No arrests have been made and police are investigating. PARIS (AP) Two suspects in the Louvre jewel heist on Wednesday were handed preliminary charges of criminal conspiracy and theft committed by an organized gang, according to the Paris prosecutor's office. The prosecutor said they admitted their involvement. Prosecutor Laure Beccuau told a news conference that the two are believed to be the men who forced their way into the worlds most visited museum Oct. 19, and that at least two other accomplices are at large. The jewels remain missing. The two were given preliminary charges and ordered held in custody pending further investigation, the prosecutor's office said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They have partially admitted their participation in the robbery, Beccuau said. She declined to provide details about the suspects' statements to investigators because she said accomplices may listen. It took thieves less than eight minutes to steal the jewels valued at 88 million euros ($102 million) on Oct. 19, shocking the world. The robbers forced open a window, cut into cases with power tools and fled with eight pieces of the French crown jewels. Suspects' DNA was found The two men arrested on Saturday night are suspected of being the ones who broke into the Apollo Gallery to steal the jewels, Beccuau said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One is a 34-year-old Algerian national who has been living in France since 2010, Beccuau said. He was arrested at Charles de Gaulle airport as he was about to fly to Algeria with no return ticket. He was living in a suburb north of Paris, Aubervilliers, and was known to police mostly for road traffic offenses. His DNA was found on one of the scooters used by robbers to leave the scene, she said. The other suspect, 39, was arrested at his home in Aubervilliers. There is no evidence to suggest that he was about to leave the country, Beccuau said. The man was known to police for several thefts, and his DNA was found on one of the glass cases where the jewels were displayed and on items the thieves left behind, she added. Video surveillance cameras showed there were at least four criminals involved, Beccuau said. The four suspected robbers arrived onboard a truck equipped with a freight lift that two of them used to climb up to the museum's window. The four of them left onboard two motor scooters along the Seine River toward eastern Paris, where they had some other vehicles parked, she detailed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beccuau said nothing suggests that the robbers had any accomplices within the museum's staff. The jewels are still missing The jewels have not been recovered, Beccuau said. These jewels are now, of course, unsellable Anyone who buys them would be guilty of concealment of stolen goods, she warned. There's still time to give them back. Earlier Wednesday, French police acknowledged major gaps in the Louvres defenses turning the dazzling daylight theft into a national reckoning over how France protects its treasures. Paris Police Chief Patrice Faure told Senate lawmakers that aging systems and slow-moving fixes left weak seams in the museum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A technological step has not been taken, he said, noting that parts of the video network are still analog, producing lower-quality images that are slow to share in real time. A long-promised revamp a $93 million project requiring roughly 60 kilometers (37 miles) of new cabling will not be finished before 20292030, he said. Faure also disclosed that the Louvres authorization to operate its security cameras quietly expired in July and wasnt renewed a paperwork lapse that some see as a symbol of broader negligence. The police chief said officers arrived extremely fast after the theft, but added the lag in response occurred earlier in the chain from first detection, to museum security, to the emergency line, to police command. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Faure and his team said the first alert to police came not from the Louvres alarms but from a cyclist outside who dialed the emergency line after seeing helmeted men with a basket lift. Faure urged lawmakers to authorize tools currently off-limits: AI-based anomaly detection and object tracking (not facial recognition) to flag suspicious movements and follow scooters or gear across city cameras in real time. Former bank robber David Desclos has told the AP the theft was textbook and vulnerabilities were glaringly obvious in the layout of the gallery. Museum and culture officials under pressure Culture Minister Rachida Dati, under pressure, has refused the Louvre directors resignation and insisted that alarms worked, while acknowledging security gaps did exist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The museum was already under strain. In June, the Louvre shut in a spontaneous staff strike including security agents over unmanageable crowds, chronic understaffing and untenable conditions. Unions say mass tourism and construction pinch points create blind spots, a vulnerability underscored by the thieves who rolled a basket lift to the Seine-facing facade. Faure said police will now track surveillance-permit deadlines across institutions to prevent repeats of the July lapse. But he stressed the larger fix is disruptive and slow: ripping out and rebuilding core systems while the palace stays open, and updating the law so police can act on suspicious movement in real time. Experts fear the stolen pieces may already be broken down and stones recut to erase their past. LAWTON, Mich. (WOOD) Police say a former Lawton Community Schools employee was embezzling from the district for well over two years. Former bookkeeper and clerk Andria Rice-Keister was arraigned Oct. 24 in a Van Buren County courtroom, accused of embezzlement between $50,000 and $100,000. She was released on a personal recognizance bond. Lawton police say Lawton Community Schools tipped them off to the alleged embezzlement late last month. According to courtroom testimony from police, it went on from January 2023 until this September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During this time, she did embezzle anywhere between $50,000 to $100,000 from bank deposits and credit card use and other transactions, a Lawton police officer told the judge. Former Lawton Schools employee charged with embezzlement The district said Rice-Keister was a longtime employee in the business office. Superintendent Ben Bandfield said as the case plays out, the focus is on the community and students. This was obviously alarming, a serious breach of trust. And we responded as well as I could have ever imagined. We have a great team that really leaned into this and our priority right now is on our people, he told News 8 Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of the over $100,000 taken was recovered, with only about $2,500 still missing, according to the superintendent. There has been some community support backing the district, Bandfield said but theres work to recover broken trust. We do have a responsibility to make sure our processes moving forward really ensure we are doing things right financially. We already put those things in place and I feel good with how we have responded and I think everyone involved is going to be super supportive to make sure this never happens again, he said. Lawton and Antwerp Township argue over zoning for police firing range Part of that means working with financial experts and seeing what practices could change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You obviously have to reflect a little on this. What was in place? What should have been in place maybe or done better? And we are looking at all avenues. We are talking further with our auditors and making sure we have things in place and making sure we have a really thorough process with funds such as this. And we have good people who are working on this, Bandfield said. Rice-Keister is expected back in court Nov. 5. Her attorney did not have any comment when reached out by phone Wednesday. 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. Cincinnati police released the identities of two people killed in an apparent Hartwell murder-suicide on Oct. 28. Eric Dawson, 32, shot and killed Jahmeila Warren, 26, before turning the gun on himself, according to a police press release. Both were found dead in the 6600 block of Leeds Lane around noon. An Enquirer reporter on scene saw a coroner vehicle heading toward the scene around 1:20 p.m. Police said they unsuccessfully attempted life-saving measures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An investigation is ongoing. Police ask anyone with information to call 513-352-3542. Anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts can call or text the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or 800-273-8255 any time day or night, or chatonline athttps://988lifeline.org/chat/. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Police identify two killed in apparent Hartwell murder-suicide VMPL New Delhi [India], October 29: In a celebration of cutting-edge advancements and compassionate patient-care in India's reproductive health sector, Dr Neha Gupta, renowned specialist in fertility and assisted reproductive technologies, has been awarded the coveted "Excellence in the Field of In-Vitro Fertilisation" accolade at the prestigious Times Now India Health Summit & Awards 2025. Held at the iconic Hotel Taj Palace in New Delhi, the summit brought together leading policymakers, healthcare innovators, hospital administrators and wellness experts from across India for a meaningful dialogue and recognition of exceptional work in the healthcare ecosystem. The summit, with the theme of amplifying the role of policy, technology and patient-centric innovation in transforming Indian healthcare, serves as a premier national platform for knowledge-sharing, collaboration and honouring excellence. The event enjoyed strategic support from OneXtel Communication Media, which acted as the Strategic Alliance Partner, playing a pivotal role in extending the summit's reach across the healthcare ecosystem. As Mr Md Rizvi, Founder & Chairman of OneXtel, emphasised, "This initiative is not just an event it is a cause. The Times Now India Health Survey serves as a directory of trust and guidance helping patients and families identify where, in their regions, they can access the right treatment at the right time." Recognising Dr Neha Gupta's Contribution to Fertility Care Dr Neha Gupta's award recognises her extraordinary commitment to advancing in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) services with high standards of clinical excellence, ethical practice and patient-centred care. In a landscape where infertility can be emotionally and socially challenging, Dr Gupta has carved a niche by combining the latest technological innovations with compassionate support for couples navigating their journey to parenthood. Over the years, her work has spanned complex cases of assisted reproductive treatment, customised patient-care pathways, implementation of best practices for success rates and safety, and continuous efforts to raise awareness about fertility options and outcomes. Her leadership has not only helped numerous families fulfil their dream of having children, but also advanced the credibility and accessibility of IVF services in Delhi and the broader region. At the award ceremony, Dr Gupta expressed gratitude and reaffirmed her commitment: "Receiving this honour at a national platform reinforces our responsibility to advance fertility care with empathy, innovation and integrity. Every couple's dream is unique and our job is to provide them with the most evidence-based, ethical and humane support to journey towards it." A Platform of National Impact The Times Now India Health Summit & Awards provided a high-visibility arena for showcasing the intersection of healthcare policy, digital health technologies, clinical innovation and patient-centric models of service delivery. The presence of key stakeholders from government health officials to health-tech entrepreneurs and hospital leadership underscored the event's relevance in shaping India's healthcare future. By recognising individuals like Dr Neha Gupta, the Summit highlights excellence not just in patient outcomes, but in leadership, innovation and the ability to scale impact in a complex healthcare environment. This award places Dr Gupta among the few practitioners whose contributions are setting new benchmarks in fertility care in India. What This Award Means for Patients and the Sector For patients and couples seeking assisted reproductive services, Dr Gupta's recognition sends a strong signal of trust and quality. Fertility treatment is often laden with emotional, financial and clinical challenges and the award signals that her practice meets rigorous standards, offering hope and confidence. For the broader sector, the honour reinforces the importance of continual innovation in IVF whether that is through advanced lab technologies, personalised medicine in reproduction, seamless patient communication, outcome tracking, or ethical governance. Dr Gupta's example encourages peers to elevate their practices, invest in training and infrastructure, and prioritise patient experience alongside clinical results. About Dr Neha Gupta Based in Delhi, Dr Neha Gupta is widely recognised as one of the region's leading IVF specialists. Her practice embodies the convergence of high-end reproductive technology and deeply human-centred care. Beyond clinical delivery, she is actively involved in patient counselling, awareness programmes and mentorship of younger fertility practitioners, thus contributing to the growth of the field in India. Looking Ahead With this recognition, Dr Gupta plans to further expand her clinic's capabilities bringing in next-generation reproductive technologies, refining patient support frameworks, increasing access for under-represented patient groups, and strengthening transparency and communication in fertility treatment. Her vision aligns with the broader national momentum: as India aims to become a global hub for specialised healthcare, excellence in fields such as IVF will play a vital role. Conclusion The presentation of the "Excellence in the Field of In-Vitro Fertilisation" award to Dr Neha Gupta at the Times Now India Health Summit & Awards 2025 stands as a well-deserved acknowledgement of her expertise, dedication and impact. In a time when reproductive health must keep pace with technological evolution and patient expectations, she exemplifies what it means to lead with skill, empathy and vision. As the healthcare community converges around transformation, innovation and patient-first models, Dr Gupta's achievement illuminates a pathway forward--one where every couple's hope is met with expertise, trust and possibility. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.) KANSAS CITY, Mo. Officers with the Kansas City Police Department are investigating after a man was shot and killed in an east Kansas City neighborhood on Wednesday afternoon. According to KCPD, officers were called to the area of East 30th Street and Bellefontaine Avenue at about 12:20 p.m. on reports of a shooting. Woman killed, man seriously injured in head-on crash on MO-210 Highway When officers arrived, they were taken inside a home where they found an unresponsive man. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man was taken to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead by the staff. He has since been identified as 43-year-old Terrell Bullock. At this time, homicide detectives are on the scene and working with crime scene investigators to gather evidence and determine what led up to the shooting. They are also canvassing the area for witnesses and talking to people who were on the scene when police arrived. See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri KCPD said the shooting appears to have taken place inside or near the front of the home. There is no suspect information at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you or anyone you know has information regarding the deadly shooting, police ask that you call homicide detectives directly at (816) 234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at (816) 474-8477. 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 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. UPDATE, October 30th, 5:49 am Per RCSO, Trey Wright was taken into custody this morning. AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) The Richmond County Sheriffs Office has identified the suspect that allegedly shot two teens in Butler Manor. 18-year-old Trey Wright is wanted for 2 counts of Aggravated Assault. Wright is accused of shooting a 16-year-old and 18-year-old on Butler Manor Drive Monday, October 27th. One male was shot multiple times in the chest and another male was shot once, according to the police report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities say the suspect is known to frequent Knollcrest Drive in Hephzibah. He is considered ARMED & DANGEROUS. Those with any information on Wrights whereabouts are asked to contact the RCSO at 706-821-1020 or 706-821-1080. 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 WJBF. Authorities are hoping the public can help them find a man missing for five months. Toccoa Police Department has issued a missing person alert for Christgene Christian Staten, a 27-year-old man last seen in May near McDonalds on Big A Road in Toccoa. Staten is described as 511 tall, weighing approximately 200 pounds. At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing a red Ohio State hoodie, blue jeans and blue and white Jordans. He may have been carrying a tent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities are urging anyone with information about Statens whereabouts to come forward. Detective Erik Carter of the Toccoa Police Department is the contact for this case, and he can be reached at 706-898-5233. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] WEST ALLIS, Wis. (WFRV) A Police Department in Wisconsin is asking the community to help after one of its K9s had to retire from an amputation procedure to stop cancer from spreading. Wisconsin DNR encouraging hunters to donate state-harvested deer to food pantries The West Allis Police Department said that K9 KC and his partner, Corporal Doug Sayeg, were assigned to nearly 400 deployments in the past six years, with 188 arrests, 23 apprehensions and plenty of drug/gun seizures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The partnership worked to protect West Allis and other communities; however, on September 26, KC began limping with noticeable issues with his left hind leg. Testing confirmed cancer, and thus his career was abruptly ended. Unfortunately, the best method to prevent the cancer from spreading further was to fully amputate KCs leg, which was done on Monday, and hes now at home recovering in retirement. Howard Fire Chief highlights importance of Safe Haven Baby Box as one is used for first time in Wisconsin history The West Allis Police Department is asking the community to help cover initial costs of medical procedures, future bills and the inevitable need for medicine. Any donations that dont end up being used will benefit the K9 Unit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Click here if you are interested in helping out. 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 WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. FOSTER, R.I. (WPRI) A woman was arrested after she reportedly stabbed a man several times in Foster over the weekend. Kayla Alimandi, 36, was taken into custody early Saturday morning. Shes been charged with domestic violence felony assault and battery, as well as domestic violence disorderly conduct. Officers responded to Danielson Pike home just before 2 a.m. after receiving a 911 call from a man who claimed he had fallen and cut himself, according to police. Kayla Alimandi (Courtesy: Foster Police Department) The officers arrived and found the victim suffering from severe lacerations to his face, arms and leg. Police said that when the officers asked the man what happened, he replied, I dont know and I have no idea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mans injuries were bleeding heavily, which is why one of the officers applied a tourniquet while waiting for first responders. Police said Alimandi was at the house when the officers arrived but refused to elaborate on how the man became injured. But an investigation revealed Alimandi attacked the man with a knife and, as a result, he sustained near life-threatening injuries, according to police. The man was rushed to Rhode Island Hospital to be treated for his injuries. Alimandi faced a judge Monday and was granted $7,500 surety bail. She was also ordered to stay away from the victim pending her next court date, which is slated for Jan. 26. 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. Follow us on social media: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup 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 WPRI.com. Gov. Jared Polis speaks to policymakers and experts at an energy transmission policy workshop hosted by the Western Governors Association in Denver on Oct. 28, 2025. (Photo by Chase Woodruff/Colorado Newsline) Rising electricity demand driven by power-hungry data centers was top of mind as policymakers, advocates and researchers gathered in Denver on Tuesday to begin a conference on how the Western U.S. can strengthen and modernize its regional grid. Energy from all sources needs to be moved, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said in remarks that opened the two-day policy workshop on energy transmission hosted by the Western Governors Association at the Thompson Hotel. We want a lower-cost grid, we want a more resilient and reliable grid, and transmission is absolutely critical to achieve that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The workshop is the second in a series of events in the WGAs Energy Superabundance initiative, spearheaded by Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, who was named chair of the association in July. Founded in 1984 and headquartered in Denver, the bipartisan WGA facilitates regional policy development and collaboration between the chief executives of 22 Western states and U.S. territories. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Demand for electricity in the West is forecast to increase by more than 20% over the next decade, the Western Electricity Coordinating Council estimated in its most recent assessment of resource adequacy. That estimated demand growth has doubled over the last few years, and its more than quadruple the demand growth rate of 4.5% that the region saw between 2013 and 2022. The vast majority of that demand growth is attributable to new and expanding data centers, which consume large amounts of power to serve artificial intelligence companies, cloud computing services and other related technologies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Data centers) consume immense amounts of energy, can be constructed quickly, have different consumption patterns, and require changes or additions to infrastructure, the WECC wrote in its 2024 assessment. In some cases, large loads require a steady supply of power at all times, while in other cases, their demand can fluctuate, creating a need for large ramping capability. Energy abundance isnt enough ... Superabundance because were in the West, we like to do things a little bit bigger. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis In the southwestern subregion that includes Arizona, home to the Wests largest concentration of data centers per capita, demand growth is projected at almost 35% by 2034, according to the WECC. Nationwide, a Carnegie Mellon University study published in July estimated that the demand surge could increase costs for residential ratepayers by 8% as electric utilities struggle to add enough generating capacity to keep up, with higher rate spikes in areas with high concentrations of data centers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If we want to meet demand growth and maintain reliability at lowest cost, we have to more than double our transmission system in the next 25 years, Leah Rubin Shen, a managing director at trade group Advanced Energy United, said Tuesday during a panel on transmission needs. Higher-capacity and more interconnected transmission grids allow loads to be balanced regionally as electricity usage and generation varies by time and place. But achieving those goals is especially challenging in the Western electricity market, which is made up of dozens of electricity providers, utilities and co-ops whose transmission infrastructure traverses vast geographical distances and is increasingly threatened by extreme weather conditions caused by climate change. The three Ps of transmission planning, paying and permitting those are hard everywhere. I think theyre perhaps uniquely hard in the West, Rubin Shen said. Its difficult to do all of those things out here. Abundance and superabundance Coxs superabundance initiative has more than a dozen corporate and nonprofit sponsors, including utilities, clean-energy and fossil-fuel trade groups, financial and consulting firms and Amazon Web Services, one of the worlds largest data center operators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another partner, Arnold Ventures, is a leading benefactor of causes associated with the abundance movement, a loose affiliation of pundits and politicians who aim to reduce regulatory barriers and speed up the development of energy resources, housing and other infrastructure. Cox was a headline speaker last month at the Abundance 2025 conference in Washington, D.C., and Polis has described his governing philosophy as an effort to bring the abundance agenda to Colorado. Energy abundance isnt enough, Polis joked at Tuesdays event. Superabundance because were in the West, we like to do things a little bit bigger. The policy workshop featured panels on how states can reform permitting process to expedite transmission projects, lower financing costs, adopt smart grid technologies and encourage the colocation of transmission lines with other infrastructure like highways and pipelines. The previous workshop in Coxs initiative focused on nuclear energy and was held at the Idaho National Laboratory in Idaho Falls in September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its been 50 years since we had a moment like this, where there was incredible demand for energy, increasing demand, where there was capital available to build new energy sources and new energy transmission, and a willingness amongst politicians to actually get the job done, Cox said at that event. Consumer advocates have raised concerns that the rapid construction of data centers, and the development of energy resources to power them, could come to a screeching halt in the event that what skeptics call the A.I. bubble bursts. But Chris Parker, director of the Utah Division of Public Utilities, said during a panel at Tuesdays event that overbuilding shouldnt be cause for concern. We might be building more than we strictly need thats OK, he said. Thats how we get a period of superabundance. Everything is intended to benefit humans, Parker added. I come from a red state thats very much into anti-socializing things, but energy is absolutely, 100%, a very socialized thing. It needs to be. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Two Polish fighter jets on Oct. 28 intercepted a Russian Il-20 aircraft on a reconnaissance mission in international airspace over the Baltic Sea, the Polish military said. The Russian plane was said to be flying without a filed flight plan and with its transponder turned off. The Polish MiG-29 fighters escorted the aircraft from the area of responsibility, the Polish Armed Forces' Operational Command said on Oct. 29, reporting that the Russian plane "did not violate Polish airspace." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NATO countries regularly scramble fighter jets in response to suspicious Russian aerial activity in international airspace. Recent months also saw European allies reporting Russian drones and aircraft intruding within their borders. The Ilyushin Il-20 is a Soviet-era reconnaissance aircraft designed for electronic surveillance, still in use by the Russian Armed Forces. "Protecting Polish airspace is not only a duty but a daily mission of the Polish Armed Forces soldiers, who safeguard our countrys security with full commitment," the Polish army said on X. Poland downed several Russian drones over its territory in early September, while Estonia and Lithuania reported Russian warplanes briefly entering their airspace last month and in October, respectively. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incidents have fueled tensions between NATO and Moscow, with some allied countries urging a more forceful response to the incursions, including the possibility of shooting down Russian aircraft in case of violations. Read also: Swedens Gripen jets are coming to Ukraine heres how they could impact the war Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A Right-wing Polish MP has been accused of trying to steal a frying pan and plates from Ikea. Konrad Berkowicz, the vice-chairman of the New Hope party, was detained by security guards after walking out of the store in Krakow with 80 worth of household goods on Monday morning. Police were called to the store and fined Mr Berkowicz 105 in relation to the incident. The MP claimed he had forgotten to scan the items at a self-checkout. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement published on his official social media accounts, Mr Berkowicz, 41, addressed the incident: I was doing quite a lot of shopping at Ikea today, in a big rush, listening to something on my headphones. The incident occurred at Ikea in Krakow, Poland - NurPhoto/NurPhoto I was scanning everything but it turned out not everything got scanned. Just ordinary carelessness. A frying pan and some plates. A stupid mistake, for which I apologised and accepted a ticket. I didnt hide behind parliamentary immunity like some others I could mention. Donald Tusk, Polands prime minister, mocked Mr Berkowicz on social media website X, writing: One of the leaders of the Konfederacja, Berkowicz, caught trying to steal in Ikea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added: Little compared to PiS, but you have to start somewhere, referring to corruption scandals involving the countrys previous ruling party, Law and Justice (PiS), including the sale of a plot of land worth 90m. Marcin Kierwinski, Polands interior minister, added: Berkowicz is proof that the Confederation [New Hope] is the same as PiS. Only the scale is different. The Polish MP said he had made a stupid mistake Sawomir Mentzen, the leader of New Hope, downplayed the incident, calling it an obvious mistake. Mr Mentzen said: He was checking out at the self-checkout while wearing headphones. A smaller portion of many items didnt reach him, which he didnt hear because of the headphones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He immediately paid the fine, and didnt use immunity. Making this obvious mistake into an attempted theft is stupid. And the attack on him by politicians responsible for the multi-million pound embezzlement is simply embarrassing. 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. A woman in Poland made an unusual discovery in a pack of supermarket-bought salad: a live gecko. The woman, who owns a horse farm near Lublin, said she failed to spot the creature while washing the rocket leaves. "It was only when I added the rocket to the bowl of beans, onions and mozzarella and went to dress the salad that I suddenly saw the little gecko," she told dpa. She said she was not frightened, however: "We live in the countryside so we often encounter wild animals." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The gecko is now in the care of the Epicrates Foundation, which looks after exotic animals that people have chanced upon. "It is a young wall gecko," the foundation's Bartlomiej Gorzkowski told the Fakt newspaper, which reported on the find on Wednesday. The species is common in European coastal regions of the Mediterranean Sea. The gecko was severely undercooled but is now housed in a terrarium and doing well, according to the foundation. Gorzkowski said the cool transport conditions had likely saved the reptile's life. "Without water and food, it would have had no chance. But because it's a cold-blooded animal, the low temperatures slowed down its metabolism." The gecko has been nicknamed "Mr Bean" because of where it was found. SACRAMENTO, California More than half of likely voters are planning to support California Democrats redistricting ballot measure next week, a new poll shows. The survey from the Public Policy Institute of California comes as Democrats in the state and nationwide move to counter President Donald Trumps push to redraw congressional lines in red states ahead of next years midterm elections. The Trump administration announced earlier this week that it was sending election monitors to California , marking an escalation in the states redistricting push though the president has otherwise been largely quiet about it. Of the 56 percent of likely voters who plan to support the Nov. 4 measure, 95 percent disapprove of how Trump is handling his job, while 86 percent approve of Gov. Gavin Newsoms performance as governor. Forty-three percent of voters say they will be voting no on Proposition 50, according to the poll, which was conducted by Ipsos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regardless of political party, nearly 70 percent of likely voters say that the outcome of the special election is very important to them. The Prop 50 campaign has made resisting Trump the primary focus of its messaging in an effort to drive Democrats to the polls in an off-year election. The survey showed strong partisan divides, with 84 percent of Democrats saying they will vote for the measure and 89 percent of Republicans saying they will oppose it. Fifty-five percent of independents plan to vote yes. The survey was based on responses from 1,707 adults and 943 likely voters in California from Oct. 7-14. The margin of error for the entire sample was 3 percent at the 95 percent confidence level and 4.1 percent for the likely voters. Actor Manoj Joshi holds a profound interest in politics, never hesitating to voice his opinions or engage in discussions on political matters. In a recent interview with ANI, Joshi, who is best known for playing 'Chanakya' in an iconic play, shared his thoughts on India's political landscape. When asked about the popular perception that Amit Shah is the Chanakya of modern-day politics, he could not agree more. "...100 per cent, he (Amit Shah) is the Chanakya of current politics. He possesses great organisational strength and the ability to take firm decisions, qualities that define Chanakya's genius," Joshi said. He also reflected on how the nation has united under the twin leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, using examples from mythology to draw similarities. "The Mahabharata took place to unite this country. Sri Krishna fought a war between Dharma and Adharma, and he supported Dharma in that. After that era came Acharya Chanakya and Chandragupta Maurya. Chanakya, too, worked with the same vision and unified a fragmented land... Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel carried forward that same spirit of unity. He changed the whole game of the Britishers. He integrated over 560 princely states into one India, without bloodshed." "And then our honourable Home Minister, Amit Shah, abrogated Articles 370 and 35A. Whatever issues remained, whatever reasons there were, he sought to set them right. I would say this reflects his collective strength, unwavering determination, and the dedicated way in which he works," Joshi added. Notably, Joshi portrayed the role of Amit Shah in PM Narendra Modi's biopic, which was helmed by Omung Kumar. Actor Vivek Oberoi essayed the titular role of PM Narendra Modi in the film. (ANI) Polls have opened in Tanzania for presidential and parliamentary elections being held without the leading opposition party, as the government of Samia Suluhu Hassan has been cracking down on dissent ahead of the vote. More than 37 million registered voters are casting their ballots from 7am (4:00 GMT) until 4pm (13:00 GMT). The election commission says it will announce the results within three days of election day. In addition to the presidential election, voters will choose members of the countrys 400-seat parliament, and a president and politicians in the semiautonomous Zanzibar archipelago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite heavy security in the commercial capital, Dar-es-Salaam, on Wednesday, hundreds of protesters took to the streets singing, We want our country back. A group burned down a police station along Nelson Mandela Road, the main road from the citys port, the AFP news agency reported. Police fired tear gas but were forced to retreat as protesters pelted them with stones. Dar es Salaam District Commissioner Alfred Chalamila said security agencies were ready to deal with any disruptors of peace, as the government announced a curfew in Dar-es-Salaam starting at 6:00pm (15:00 GMT) Internet connectivity was also disrupted across Tanzania, according to users in the country. NetBlocks, an internet access advocacy group, confirmed the outage, saying on X that live network data show a nationwide disruption to internet connectivity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Hassan, 65, is expected to win the vote after candidates from the two leading opposition parties were barred from standing. The Associated Press reported that turnout, particularly among young voters, was low at dozens of polling sites. The leader of Tanzanias main opposition party, Chademas Tundu Lissu, is on trial for treason, charges he denies. The electoral commission disqualified Chadema in April after it refused to sign an electoral code of conduct. The commission also disqualified Luhaga Mpina, the candidate for the second largest opposition party, ACT-Wazalendo, after an objection from the attorney general, leaving only candidates from minor parties taking on Hassan. Pupils walk past a billboard for Tanzanian presidential candidate Samia Suluhu Hassan, of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party, in Arusha, Tanzania, on October 8, 2025 [AP] Hassans governing party Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), whose predecessor party led the struggle for independence for mainland Tanzania in the 1950s, has dominated national politics since its founding in 1977. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hassan, one of just two female heads of state in Africa, won plaudits after coming to power in 2021 for easing repression of political opponents and censorship that proliferated under her predecessor, John Magufuli, who died in office. But in the last two years, rights campaigners and opposition candidates have accused the government of unexplained abductions of its critics. She maintains her government is committed to respecting human rights and last year ordered an investigation into the reports of abductions. No official findings have been made public. Wave of terror UN human rights experts have called on Hassans government to immediately stop the enforced disappearance of political opponents, human rights defenders and journalists as a tool of repression in the electoral context. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They said more than 200 cases of enforced disappearance had been recorded in Tanzania since 2019. A recent Amnesty International report detailed a wave of terror including enforced disappearance and torture and extrajudicial killings of opposition figures and activists. Human Rights Watch said the authorities have suppressed the political opposition and critics of the ruling party, stifled the media, and failed to ensure the electoral commissions independence. US crisis-monitoring group Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED) said the ruling CCM was intent on maintaining its status as the last hegemonic liberation party in southern Africa and avoiding the recent electoral pressures faced by counterparts in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe. In September 2024, the body of Ali Mohamed Kibao, a member of the secretariat of the opposition Chadema party, was found after two armed men forced him off a bus heading from Dar-es-Salaam to the northeastern port city of Tanga. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are fears that even members of CCM are being targeted. Humphrey Polepole, a former CCM spokesperson and ambassador to Cuba, went missing from his home this month after resigning and criticising Hassan. His family found blood stains in his home. The Tanganyika Law Society says it has confirmed 83 abductions since Hassan came to power, with another 20 reported in recent weeks. Protests are rare in Tanzania, in part thanks to a relatively healthy economy, which grew by 5.5 percent last year, according to the World Bank, on the back of strong agriculture, tourism and mining sectors. Hassan has promised big infrastructure projects and universal health insurance in a bid to win over voters. (NewsNation) Pope Leo XIV is pushing Catholic teachers to take a different approach in educating parochial school students. On Tuesday, the pontiff encouraged educators to focus less on pre-professional outcomes and explain more about having rich spiritual lives. The marching orders came during a special Holy Year celebration that brought thousands of teachers, students and administrators to Rome. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Educators are called to a responsibility that goes beyond their work contract: their witness is worth as much as their lessons, the pontiff said. Why was King Charles praying with the pope? Pope Leo also acknowledged parents are the primary educators for their children and that Catholic schools must cooperate with them, not take their place. Catholic teachers themselves must also be models for their students, he added The Catholic school is a place where faith, culture and life cross paths, he added. Its not just an institution, but a living environment in which the Christian vision permeates every discipline and every interaction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Catholic Church is one of the worlds leading players in education, and according to Vatican statistics, it operates more than 225,000 primary and secondary schools and enrolls some 2.5 million students at Catholic universities around 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 NewsNation. Pope Leo XIV met with Mar Awa III, the leader of the Catholicos Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East on Monday, according to the Vatican News. The Vatican shared a photo appearing to show Awa III gifting Pope Leo a Chicago Cubs jersey. Awa III is also from Chicago; it's unclear if the gift was made as a friendly rivalry joke, since Pope Leo is known to be long-time White Sox fan. Regardless, Pope Leo is holding the jersey in the photo smiling. Vatican Media SEE ALSO | Pope Leo tells Cubs fan 'they lost' from popemobile, video shows Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The leaders met to mark decades of official dialogue between the two churches. Referencing the 1994 Joint Declaration of Pope John Paul II, the pope reiterated how "communion presupposes unanimity concerning the content of the faith, the sacraments, and the constitution of the Church." READ ALSO | Pope Leo XIV wears Chicago White Sox hat at the Vatican Pope Leo XIV has emphatically reaffirmed the Catholic Church's condemnation of anti-Semitism and its commitment to combatting it. Over the past 60 years, all his predecessors on the chair of Saint Peter have condemned anti-Semitism in clear terms, Leo said at the traditional general audience in St Peter's Square on Wednesday: "And so I too confirm that the Church does not tolerate anti-Semitism and fights against it, on the basis of the Gospel itself." On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the adoption of the historic conciliar declaration "Nostra Aetate" (In Our Time) in 1965, the pontiff recalled the document in his address. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the declaration, the Vatican recognized for the first time the plurality of religions as part of God's plan of salvation, thus paving the way for dialogue with Jewish leaders. Leo said that much had been achieved in Jewish-Catholic dialogue over the past six decades. At the same time, however, he acknowledged that there had been "misunderstandings, difficulties and conflicts" in the current phase. However, he said, interreligious dialogue had never come to a standstill. "Even today, we must not allow political circumstances and the injustices of some to divert us from friendship, especially since we have achieved so much so far," Leo continued. A new Disneyland ride closure has been added to the refurbishment calendar in the middle of the Christmas celebration at Disneyland. This is the ride's second closure in 2025 after a longer closure earlier this year during the busy Spring Break season at the parks. At Mickey Visit, we are constantly tracking all of the Disneyland refurbishments, like the closure of an iconic thrill ride that was recently extended again. It is important to stay up-to-date on all of the latest Disneyland ride closures so you know what to expect during your trip. We also keep you up to date on the latest construction milestones. Keep reading for the dates of this upcoming closure! Update: We now have news that this ride closure has been extended. See all Disneyland November 2025 ride closures. READ MORE These 10 Disney Rides Have Changed Dramatically Since Their Opening Disneyland Thrill Ride Closure Photo via Disney Parks Blog At Disneyland Park, the popular Indiana Jones Adventure will be closing for refurbishment for the second time this year, starting on December 2. This will be a short closure, with the ride reopening on December 4. It was previously closed earlier this year for a longer refurbishment spanning the entirety of the peak Spring Break season, from March 17 to April 24. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are not surprised that this is such a short closure in the midst of the holiday celebration. Disneyland has timed this closure to happen during a window of time that we predict in our Mickey Visit Disneyland crowd calendar to be below normal crowds. This is generally a good week to visit during the holidays before the peak crowds descend later in the month. Indiana Jones Adventure Indiana Jones Adventure is one of the most highly demanded attractions in Disneyland's Lightning Lane Multi Pass service, with return times snatched up quickly. The majority of the standby line weaves around the outside of the temple before merging with the Lightning Lane queue on the inside, so if you see that the outdoor queue is on the emptier side, that means you shouldn't waste your Lightning Lane on this ride. If return times are pushed very far out in the day, which they often are for this ride if you wait to book, you can utilize the modify feature to try and secure an earlier time. We've had a lot of luck using this Lightning Lane hack for this ride specifically. Indiana Jones Adventure empty outdoor queue READ MORE Rides Disney Almost Built But Didn't (And Why They Never Happened) Meanwhile, a few other longer closures at Disneyland Park are expected to overlap with this one, as they do not yet have a reopening date listed on the calendar. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad's closure was recently extended again, and Storybook Land Canal Boats and Casey Jr. Circus train also do not have reopening dates at this time. We just recently learned that Storybook Land Canal Boats will be getting a new scene during its closure, which we are very excited about! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you're visiting in the immediate future, make sure to see our list of the October Disneyland closures you should be aware of. Don't Miss the Latest Disney News Don't miss the latest Disneyland and Disney World news from Mickey Visit. Join the FREE Mickey Visit newsletter that over 100k readers receive every single week. Mickey Visit is here to help you save money and experience more during your Disney and Universal vacation. See the Mickey Visit guide to Disneyland and the Mickey Visit guide to Disney World for tips. The post Top Disneyland Ride Closure Added to Refurb List appeared first on Mickey Visit - Disney News & Planning Tips. ICE agents are making Portland worse, not better, according to local law enforcement. Portland Police Commander Franz Schoening testified in court Wednesday that federal officers had escalated a No Kings protest in the city on October 18not because of crowd violence, but because one of their own had accidentally shot tear gas onto the roof of an ICE facility, reported Politicos Kyle Cheney. That day, federal officers tried to use a launcher to fire tear gas at protesters occupying the ICE headquarters driveway. But they missed, and instead sent a can flying onto the roof of the building, where more federal officers were stationed. Those officers mistook the friendly fire for an attack by the protesters, and retaliated by firing tear gas and rubber bullets into the crowd, ultimately hurting local law enforcement in the process, according to Schoening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The types and amounts of force being used by federal officers is disproportionate to the level of criminal conduct or violence were seeing down there, Schoening said during the first day of a federal trial deliberating the Trump administrations deployment of the National Guard to the supposedly besieged city. The trial, before the U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut, is the first instance in which a court weighs in on whether a protest at an immigration facility constitutes a rebellion. Oregon accused the White House in a 41-page legal complaint of having trampled the U.S. Constitution by federalizing Portlands law enforcement, arguing that Donald Trump had legitimately threatened Portlands peace by inciting a public outcry. Schoening recalled that the citys anti-ICE protests had been mild in September, but ramped up once Trump got the troops involved. Rather than rely on data before commanding the National Guard across the country, Trump decided last month to target Rose City after he claimed he witnessed its destruction while watching television. He then directed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to provide all necessary Troops to protect War ravaged Portland in order to defend ICE and his immigration agenda, authorizing the use of full force. The city of Portland, Ore., said Wednesday that President Trumps bid to send in the National Guard was spurred by a manufactured crisis as a trial over Trumps efforts to deploy the military on U.S. soil gets underway. Caroline Turco, a lawyer representing Portland, said during opening arguments that the evidence would show that the city does not need the National Guard. The judge must decide if the administration has been so impeded in its efforts to enforce immigration law that Trump should be allowed to breach separation of powers to address the manufactured crisis, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Are the protests in Portland so violent that the deployment of the National Guard is justified? Turco asked. The plaintiffs would submit to you, no. State and city officials are seeking to block the presidents efforts to send troops to patrol the city. They sued last month after Trump vowed to protect the war-ravaged city and its U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement offices, which he said were under siege. The trial, which is expected to last three days, began Wednesday. The local officials first witness is Cmdr. Franz Schoening of the Portland Police Bureau. Portland is not war-ravaged. There is no rebellion, and the laws continue to be enforced every day, Turco said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Department of Justice (DOJ) lawyer Eric Hamilton painted a different picture. He said that Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employees who work in Oregon have faced threats and actual violence for months and could not contain the threat themselves, prompting their request for additional assistance. Trial evidence, the DOJ lawyer argued, would show that the threats and violence diverted law enforcement resources and affected DHSs ability to enforce the law, in addition to showing that requests for extra help from local law enforcement went ignored or inadequately addressed. However, to side with the government, the judge does not need to find there was a true inability to execute the law or an actual danger of rebellion, Hamilton contended. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congress, in Section 12406, made those decisions for the president to make, he said, referencing the provision of Title 10 invoked by Trump to call the troops into federal service. Hamilton said that legal precedent from Trumps deployment to Los Angeles established its enough for the court to find that Trumps decision reflects a tolerable assessment of the facts and law within a range of honest judgment. Scott Kennedy, Oregons senior assistant attorney general, said in the states opening remarks that the case marks a test of the outer bounds of presidential authority. Congress set clear guardrails around the power it ceded to the executive branch in allowing the president to call up militias, but those limits preserve more than just the legislative branchs power, he argued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also protects the states from presidential overreach into local affairs, and it preserves the balance between law enforcement and the armed forces, Kennedy said, noting that the former is tasked with managing local crime, not the latter. For now, the troops remain barred from being deployed. U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut, a Trump appointee who is presiding over the trial, has issued two temporary restraining orders preventing the National Guard from being sent to Oregon, which remain intact for now. A three-judge panel on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit paused one of Immerguts orders last week, but the appeals court vacated that decision late Tuesday, saying the full court would rehear the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trial comes at an inflection point for Trumps bid to send military troops to patrol Democratic-led cities. Trump has also called up the National Guard in Chicago, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., and legal challenges to the presidents efforts are pending. Troops are deployed in California and D.C., but courts have so far blocked deployment in Illinois, though the situation could quickly change. The administration has filed an emergency application at the Supreme Court asking to let it deploy the National Guard to the Chicago area. The justices have not yet ruled on the matter. 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. Portsmouth Commonwealths Attorney Stephanie Morales is seeking a third full term, and she faces two well-known challengers who maintain that her office has made too many mistakes. Local attorneys Nathan Chapman and Steve Heretick are challenging the 41-year-old chief prosecutor, whos running as a Democrat. Chapman, 55, and Heretick, 65, are on the ballot as independents. Chapman is running for elected office for the first time, while Heretick has served as a Portsmouth City Council member and state delegate. In Morales tenure, multiple cases have been dismissed by judges, including some murder cases, because of mistakes the office has made, such as missing filing deadlines or failing to provide required information to the defense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among them was a murder case thrown out last year after a judge ruled prosecutors had violated the defendants right to a speedy trial. All charges against a man accused of killing four people at a Portsmouth boarding house also were tossed last year after a judge determined prosecutors failed to provide enough evidence to take it to trial. In 2023, multiple charges of child abuse, neglect and cruelty filed against an illegal home daycare operator accused of causing several children to be injured in a fire when she left them alone to go to the store were dropped after a judge determined prosecutors had failed to properly provide required information to the defense. Morales staff currently has about half as many prosecutors as its funded to have, and two of her prosecutors had their law license suspended multiple times. The staffing issue is a very serious problem, Chapman said. She cant get people to work there because the offices reputation is so bad. And as a result of that, the staff that is there is forced to do way more than they should be doing, and that leads to mistakes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Morales said staffing challenges are a problem for many chief prosecutors, all the other commonwealths attorneys offices in Hampton Roads are either fully, or nearly fully, staffed. The office has been working to improve recruitment and retention through training, mentorship and partnerships with law schools, she said. As for the dismissed cases and losses at trial, Morales said she and her staff are taking steps to improve and strengthen their prosecutions. As with any public institution, continuous improvement is essential. We are consistently working to strengthen internal systems, enhance training, and expand the tools available to our attorneys and staff, she wrote in an email. Our focus is on streamlining case preparation, upgrading technology, and improving workflow efficiency to ensure every case receives the attention it deserves. Weve already begun implementing measures to improve communication and case tracking, and I remain committed to assessing our performance and making the necessary adjustments to best serve the people of Portsmouth. Heretick said the kind of mistakes that have been made are inexcusable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These are very basic mistakes that should never happen, he said. No other commonwealths attorneys office in the state is seeing these kind of dismissals. The fact that they happen at all much less chronically is a testament to how shes failing to run her office. Morales said she stands by her staff and is pleased with the dedication and hard work they put into their cases. I remain proud of the professionalism and dedication of my team, she wrote. Prosecutors must handle complex cases with precision, and while outcomes may vary, we will never compromise our duty to pursue justice ethically and responsibly. Allegations of unpreparedness do not reflect the reality of the commitment and hard work demonstrated daily by the members of my office. As for endorsements, Chapmans supporters include the local Fraternal Order of Police and Police Benevolent Association, while Heretick has been endorsed by several current and former local politicians, including Vice Mayor Bill Moody, former Vice Mayor Elizabeth Psimas, former councilman Ray Smith, and former sheriffs, Bill Watson and Gary Waters. Morales has the support of some of the states top political leaders, including Virginia House Speaker Don Scott, Sen. Louise Lucas and U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the contributions race, Morales is leading, with more than $97,000 collected this year, according to Virginia Public Access Project. Heretick, who didnt join the race until May, is close behind with $87,000 received in less than six months. Chapman, who entered the race shortly before Heretick, has garnered $21,000. Chapman and Heretick said their first priority will be getting the office fully staffed. Both also want to work on rebuilding the offices relationship with police, the community and other law enforcement agencies. Portsmouth has a reputation as a dangerous city and weve got to address that, Heretick said. It keeps us from being a full economic partner in Hampton Roads. Chapman said he would seek to have staff and resources dedicated to seizing assets from convicted criminals, investigating cold cases and prosecuting gangs. Seeking solutions to violence among juveniles, which he said is extremely high in Portsmouth, is another top priority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These are all things that are being done by other prosecutors offices that arent being done here, he said. As for her goals if elected to another term, Morales said she would work to expand crime prevention programs, increase support for victims and survivors, and enhance case management with improved technology and data systems. Chapman believes his longtime experience handling criminal cases, his knowledge, dedication, commitment and temperament make him the best candidate for the job. Heretick cited his longtime experience prosecuting and defending criminal cases at the federal and state level, and experience in running an office, as reasons voters should choose him. Morales believes her record, and her resolve to hold people accountable under the law, while also protecting people civil rights and safety, and her support for statewide criminal justice reforms make her the best choice. Jane Harper, jane.harper@pilotonline.com NEED TO KNOW A couple in Alabama were thrilled after being reunited with a lost wedding photo they'd ordered to celebrate their 30th anniversary Alma Jeannie Taylor, who lives in Harvest with her husband Dwayne, ordered an enlargement of one of their pictures from the nuptials. However, it never arrived and instead made its way to the local post office with no name or address Rosalind Smith, a retail associate at the office, held onto the image with the hopes of one day reuniting the couple in the picture with it. Months later, Dwayne turned up to mail a package, and she recognized him immediately An Alabama couple who planned their 30th wedding anniversary celebration for almost a year ended up getting the perfect surprise. Alma Jeannie Taylor, who lives in Harvest with her husband Dwayne, ordered an enlargement of one of their wedding photos to mark the special occasion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, it never arrived at their home and instead made its way to the Harvest Post Office, the daily news website for U.S. Postal Service (USPS) employees, Link, posted on Friday, Oct. 24. Rosalind Smith, a retail associate at the office, said in the release, There was no name or address on it, adding, It must have fallen out of its mailing tube. Google Maps A photo of the United States Post Office in Harvest, Alabama A photo of the United States Post Office in Harvest, Alabama Rosalind held onto the photo, hoping to eventually find the couple who it belonged to. She even shared a photo of the picture on her Facebook page and asked her friends if they knew them, but nobody replied. Months later, Dwayne headed to the post office to mail a package, and Rosalind recognized him immediately. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive been a customer in that Post Office before, but I hadnt been there in a while, he shared. When Rosalind saw me, she was like, Whereve you been? Ive been waiting for you! Rosalind couldn't immediately find the picture, but said she'd give Dwayne a call once she did. "The retail associate searched furiously and uncovered it minutes later. When she called Taylor, her hands were shaking," the release stated. Dwayne shared, My wife and I had gotten about two miles away when Rosalind called," adding, "We were in shock. Its a picture for the ages, he continued. Well be telling this story forever. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rosalind loved being able to surprise the Taylors with their lost photo. It made a difference to me just to see that I made this couple happy, she said. This made for a brighter day. The couple celebrated their anniversary just a week later. 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. Hats off to the postal workers, Dwayne insisted. They work hard, and you dont know what they go through to get mail and packages to you. Rosalind went above and beyond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rosalind added, God is amazing. I hadnt seen this man all year, but then he walked right in. It was meant to be. This is why I love my job. Someone was made happy today. PEOPLE has reached out to a USPS spokesperson for comment. Read the original article on People The much-awaited trailer of the upcoming war drama, 'Ikkis', has been finally unveiled, presenting Agastya Nanda as the young and courageous war hero, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal. The trailer offers a glimpse into the soldier's life, beginning from his days at the National Defence Academy to bringing glory to the nation with his "courage and conviction." It opens to show a determined Agastya Nanda who vows to earn the prestigious Param Vir Chakra for his regiment. As the trailer progresses, Agastya as Arun Khetarpal could be seen training hard at the academy, eventually joining the forces for the Indo-Pak war. The trailer also teases a sweet love story on the sidelines of Nanda's selection for the war. It also shows a glimpse of Arun Khetarpal's iconic tank - the 'Famagusta', which he commanded during the Indo-Pakistan war. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebAznVtYY84 Actor Dharmendra is seen portraying the character of Arun Khetarpal's father, while Jaideep Ahlawat essays the character of an army officer who says, "Your son is a shining example for the Indian Army and the Pakistan Army too." The trailer concludes with Arun Khetarpal's famous final words, "No, Sir. I will not abandon my tank. My gun is still working. I'll get these b****rds." 'Ikkis' brings the true untold story of India's youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee - Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who was just 21 at the time of the war. "Woh Ikkis Ka Tha, Ikkis Ka Hi Rahega!" the makers said. Earlier this month, Agastya Nanda's first look as the war hero was shared, showing him in an army uniform. The makers also released a one-minute teaser of the film, showcasing a Telegram shared during the time of the India-Pakistan war: Battle of Basantar in 1971. The letter reported the unfortunate demise of Arun Khetrapal during the Indo-Pak war in 1971, as per the teaser. https://www.instagram.com/p/DPx7UAtjHGl/ Directed by Sriram Raghavan and produced by Dinesh Vijan, 'Ikkis' also features Dharmendra, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Simar Bhatia. 'Ikkis' will hit theatres in December 2025. (ANI) Five firefighters from the Pottsville Fire Department were honored at the state level for heroic acts of service in a Pottsville fire last year. The firefighters Stan Sabol, Tom Biddle, James Blake, Jarett McCabe and Captain Kurt Shelhamer responded to a fire at the Norwegian Manor Apartments on S. 23rd street on May 2, 2024, where they saved an elderly woman. During a ceremony at DeSales University on Tuesday night, the crew collectively received the 2025 Valley Preferred Spirit of Courage Award from the Burn Prevention Network, a state nonprofit based in the Lehigh Valley. They were one of five recipients of the annual award, which recognizes civilians and first responders in Eastern Pennsylvania for lifesaving rescues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event also served as a fundraiser for burn prevention and treatment programs. Though a total has not yet been calculated, Corissa Rolon, Executive Director and CEO, expects proceeds from the event to reach nearly $50,000. Over 40 folks from Pottsville attended the event, including Fire Chief Jim Misstishin Sr., four of the five awardees (Assistant Fire Chief Chuck Bauers stood in for Shelhamer, who was unable to attend), and their friends and family. Youve got to remember that Im the only paid person, so its nice they get recognized, Misstishin said. They leave their families, some leave work this is a great thing for the city of Pottsville. The fire Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The May 2 fire started just before 6 p.m. at the Norwegian Manor Apartments in Pottsville. All seven of the citys fire companies initially responded and later, units from Minersville, St. Clair, Orwigsburg and Schuylkill Haven also arrived. Misstishin told the Republican Herald at the time that a woman living on the third floor had plugged a vacuum cleaners lithium battery into an electrical outlet, causing an explosion. The resident exited the building and local fire companies extinguished the fire within a half hour but not before Pottsvilles five honored firefighters began an interior attack on the flames and saved an elderly woman. While quelling the fire from inside the engulfed apartment, the crew heard shouts for help coming from across the hall. McCabe located the woman whose apartment had filled with smoke and helped her down the stairs, at which point Schuylkill EMS assisted her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both female residents were taken to a nearby hospital for smoke inhalation, but were otherwise fine. Two of the firefighters sustained minor injuries, one being from exhaustion and the other a minor fall. Eight housing units in the apartment complex, which includes two brick buildings each containing around 20 apartments, were condemned. Nineteen people were affected by the units condemnation, and some received shelter from the Red Cross for a night or two. Misstishin said the units have since been remodeled and reopened. Stories of courage Misstishin has served as Fire Chief since 2018 and received the Prevention Partner Award, another annual honor awarded by the Burn Prevention Network, in 2023 for providing community fire safety education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year, he wanted to give his crew the same prestigious honor. Misstishin submitted a letter nominating the five firefighters shortly after the May incident. The nomination window closed May 1, 2025 shortly after, the Pottsville crew heard back good news. This five-man crew risked their lives in heavy heat and smoke conditions in the apartment, with a great outcome, Misstishins letter said. This past March, the firefighters were also celebrated in Pottsvilles St. Patricks Day Parade, riding through the streets atop convertibles. Tuesdays ceremony featured videoed interviews with award recipients and an online auction of over 50 gift baskets to raise money. Guest speaker Samoana Matagi, nicknamed The No-Handed Bandit, also spoke. Matagi is a bilateral amputee burn victim and former counselor at Camp Susquehanna, a summer camp for youth who have suffered burn injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pottsville mayor William Messaros and city councilman and Director of Public Safety Andy Wollyung were also in attendance. In all, the event had around 325 attendees. We heard from burn victims to survivors to people who are recovering from incidents, Wollyung said. Then of course the stories of courage that the awards were for. In addition to the Pottsville crew, firefighters from East Stroudsburg, Altoona, Wilson Borough in Northampton County and Geigertown in Berks County also received this years Spirit of Courage Award. A Reading fire marshal received the Prevention Partner Award. A "Proud Nebraska Democrats" sign display at the Nebraska Democratic Party booth at the Nebraska State Fair on Aug 29, 2025. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner) OMAHA Business owner and political action committee co-founder Denise Powell once again led fundraising in the crowded Democratic field for Nebraskas 2nd Congressional District. Combined, the six Democrats running brought in $1.03 million this quarter, hinting at how expensive the primary election will be, and the general to follow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The race to represent the Omaha-based 2nd District is typically competitive. But with Republican U.S. Rep. Don Bacon retiring, Democrats feel optimistic about picking up a win in the midterms, when the political party out of power typically gains ground. The open-seat race plays a major role in national Democrats hopes of regaining control of the U.S. House of Representatives. Six candidates are vying to be the Democratic candidate for an open seat in Nebraskas 2nd Congressional District. Top row, from left: Denise Powell, Crystal Rhoades and John Cavanaugh. Bottom row, from left: Kishla Askins, James Leuschen and Evangelos Argyrakis. (Candidate photos courtesy of respective campaigns | U.S. Capitol photo by Ashley Murray/States Newsroom) Powell, State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha, Douglas County District Court Clerk Crystal Rhoades, Navy veteran Kishla Askins, former congressional staffer James Leuschen and Evangelos Argyrakis are vying to be the Democratic nominee. Among the best-known local candidates, Powell raised $311,490 in the most recent quarter, Cavanaugh raised $200,164, and Rhoades raised $50,710. Most of the trios donations come from Nebraska, according to federal campaign finance reports. Among the races relatively fresh faces, Askins raised $250,865 and Lesuschen raised $219,369. Most of Lesuschen and Askins donations came from out of state. Both also donated to their own campaigns. Lesuschen donated $7,000, and Askins donated $21,000, forms indicate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Argyrakis didnt file campaign fundraising tallies for his Democratic bid. Federal law requires congressional candidates to file campaign finance paperwork quarterly with the Federal Election Commission unless the campaign has not yet raised or spent $5,000. Multiple campaigns noted that some of Powells donations are reserved for the general election and cant be spent during the primary. A preliminary review showed Powell had raised $620,204 for the primary and $121,025 for the general election. Powell, as expected, listed the most cash on hand with $481,169. Lesuschen had $211,055, Cavanaugh had $276,120, Askins had $171,394, and Rhoades had $23,112. The Powell campaign pointed to her fundraising lead as an indicator of her viability and ability to win. Powell spokesperson Meg Mandy said she is the only candidate with the resources to communicate effectively and win both the primary and the general election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I feel very fortunate to have the support of so many hardworking Nebraskans who are central to this movement to win Nebraskas 2nd Congressional District, Powell said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Competing campaigns have said Powell, compared to the best-known candidates, will need to spend more money to boost her name ID. She is competing with elected officials in Cavanaugh and Rhoades who have been on local ballots for years. At least one campaign poll and one publicly released poll indicated Cavanaugh and Rhoades ahead of the others, with Powell leading the next group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rhoades, a former Nebraska Public Service Commissioner, is banking on years of service and working on political campaigns as a base for her to build on. She has said she focused first on voter engagement and door-knocking over fundraising. Im confident Ill have everything I need to be successful, Rhoades said. Cavanaugh, a state senator from central Omaha, pointed to his broad support from labor unions. He benefits from a well-known name in local politics, partly from his fathers service in Congress. His sister, State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh, serves in the Legislature with him. Were building a coalition that wont just win the primary but will finally flip this seat blue and help us take back power from Trump, Cavanaugh said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Askins said she is proud that her campaign is fueled by people who chipped in what they could because they believe in something bigger than politics. Leuschen said he was humbled by early support. Powell, at $170,433, has outspent the other Democratic campaigns combined roughly 1.35 to 1. Askins had spent $79,470, Rhoades spent $27,598. Cavanaugh spent $10,838. And Leuschen, the most recent entrant, had spent $8,314. The Powell campaign used some of the money for payroll, general strategy, digital and finance consulting. Cavanaugh paid for digital advertising and campaign consulting. Rhoades paid for printing and compliance consulting. Askins paid for digital consulting and texting. Leushcen paid for photography services and credit card processing. The winner of the May 12 Democratic primary will face the winner of a GOP primary featuring Omaha City Council Member Brinker Harding and former State Sen. Brett Lindstrom of Omaha. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) More than 250 people in a Champaign County community were without power Wednesday morning after a power pole caught fire. Firefighters with the Philo Fire Protection District were dispatched to 1000N and 1800E in Philo around 5:30 a.m. When crews arrived, they learned that the power pole on fire was actually located just east of the intersection of 1000N and 1700E. Taylorville Fire Dept. responds to minor house fire in attic Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fire protection district said it was clear the power pole had been on fire for a while, and it had burnt about 3/4 of the pole. Ameren was notified about the incident and arrived on scene shortly after. The fire protection district added that Ameren handled the fire on top of the pole and also secured the pole. According to Amerens outage map, 257 customers were without power around 9:15 a.m. on Wednesday. Since then, however, power has been restored to Ameren customers in the area. 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. President Vladimir Putin says that Russia successfully tested one of its Poseidon nuclear-powered, nuclear-tipped, ultra-long-endurance torpedoes yesterday. The Russian leaders revelation comes just two days after the announcement of a first long-range test for the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile, as you can read about here, and is part of a wider pattern of recent strategic signaling by the Kremlin. During his meeting with wounded Russian servicemen on Wednesday, Russian President Putin announced that on October 28, 2025, Russia conducted a successful test of the Poseidon/Status-6 nuclear-powered unmanned underwater vehicle. pic.twitter.com/BQO61J8HGT Status-6 (Military & Conflict News) (@Archer83Able) October 29, 2025 Of the Poseidon test, Putin said: For the first time, we managed not only to launch it with a launch engine from a carrier submarine, but also to launch the nuclear power unit on which this device passed a certain amount of time. The Russian president made the claims at a hospital in Moscow, while taking tea and cakes with Russian soldiers wounded in the war in Ukraine. There is nothing like this, Putin said of the Poseidon, also known as the 2M39 Status-6, which was one of six super weapons that the Russian president officially revealed during an address in 2018. These also included the Burevestnik and different hypersonic weapons. 4/6 Putin unveils six super weapons during fiery address. Here's the high-endurance unmanned submarine and the so called Kanyon/Status-6 nuclear-tipped long-range torpedo. Read our whole story here: https://t.co/1q41PUOFWl pic.twitter.com/2TyKJpKZ3z Tyler Rogoway (@Aviation_Intel) March 1, 2018 Putin said that Poseidon is a more powerful weapon than even our most promising Sarmat intercontinental-range missile, another one of the weapons highlighted back in his 2018 address. Known to NATO as the SS-X-29, this heavy intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) has been developed to replace the Cold War-era R-36M (SS-18 Satan). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In contrast to the Sarmat, the Poseidon represents an entirely new class of weapon, with capabilities falling somewhere between a torpedo and an uncrewed underwater vessel (UUV), and with the intent to carry a nuclear warhead. The Poseidon seems to have first emerged publicly in 2015, when Russian television broadcasts caught a glimpse of it in a briefing book while covering an otherwise mundane meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and representatives of the countrys defense industries. At the time, it was shown on the chart as an autonomous underwater vehicle. A screen grab of the original 2015 broadcast showing the Status-6 system. via @EvShu Firm details relating to Poseidons specifications and performance are almost non-existent. Russian media reports that each torpedo is around 66 feet, roughly six feet in diameter, and weighs 110 tons. Analysts have previously assessed it as having a range of 6,200 miles, and there have been some claims that it has a speed of around 100 knots, although this may well be an exaggeration. In the past, arms control experts have suggested that Poseidon is powered by a liquid-metal-cooled reactor and armed with a two-megaton warhead. It is assumed that the primary mission of the Poseidon is to strike coastal installations with little to no warning. There have been various reports that its armed with an especially dirty warhead, which would ensure not only the usual thermonuclear destruction but also spread radioactive contamination over a wide area. There have also been accounts suggesting that it could potentially be detonated further out to sea to create a kind of radioactive tsunami that could bring even more destruction and contamination to a wider coastal area, although the accuracy of these reports is debatable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Exactly how it is intended to be used in wartime is somewhat unclear, but these assumed characteristics have fueled media descriptions of the Poseidon as a super torpedo or doomsday weapon. However, with its nuclear propulsion, the weapon should have the ability to cruise around the oceans for extremely long periods before unleashing a surprise attack. This is especially concerning, since it would make it difficult to defend against. Like the Burevestnik, if perfected, it would provide Russia with a strategic nuclear option that avoids existing missile defense systems. Russia has successfully tested its nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile, a weapon Moscow says can evade any defense system pic.twitter.com/faTZWp7FmR Reuters (@Reuters) October 26, 2025 It would also potentially give Russia a second strike capability that could be argued is more resilient than submarine-launched ballistic missiles, should one of its enemies try to paralyze its strategic nuclear forces in a first-strike scenario. The initial launch platform for the Poseidon is understood to be the Russian Navys shadowy Project 09852 Belgorod, the worlds longest submarine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Belgorod also known as K-329 entered service with the Russian Navy in 2022. It was first launched as an Oscar II class nuclear-powered guided-missile submarine before being heavily reworked, including adding the capacity to carry six Poseidon torpedoes. The Belgorod (K-329) undergoing sea trials. This was reportedly the first submarine to receive the Poseidon torpedo. Uncredited In the past, Russia has described the Belgorod as a research vessel able to conduct diverse scientific expeditions and rescue operations in the most remote areas of the world ocean. More accurately, this submarine was schemed as a mother ship that can deploy a variety of deep-sea drones, a deep-diving nuclear-powered minisub, a submersible nuclear powerplant to power an undersea sensor network as well as the Poseidon. Major new info on #Russia submarine Belgorod. Updated cutaway. Note the Poseidon Intercontinental Nuclear Powered Nuclear Armed Autonomous Torpedo tubes in the bow. #OSINT more info at https://t.co/Niienq0adX pic.twitter.com/9IZ8A1bg9J H I Sutton (@CovertShores) May 29, 2019 Ultimately, Russia plans to put three Project 09852 submarines into service. Beyond that, it remains possible that other platforms, too, might deploy the Poseidon, including surface vessels. There have been announcements of previous Poseidon tests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Russian Ministry of Defense video from February 2019, seen below, purportedly showed part of an underwater test of the weapon. In the summer of 2021, satellite imagery appeared that seemed to show a Poseidon test round, or perhaps a surrogate round of similar dimensions, aboard the special-purpose ship, Akademik Aleksandrov, at Severodvinsk on the White Sea, suggesting a new round of at-sea trials of the torpedo. In January 2023, Russias state-run TASS news agency reported a series of throw tests that it claimed involved mock-ups of the Poseidon, launched from the Belgorod. These likely involved ejection tests of the Poseidon, in which test rounds would have been deployed from the launcher and likely retrieved by a special-purpose vessel afterward, without powering up the reactor. Only days after that, TASS reported that the first batch of Poseidon ammunition has been manufactured for the Belgorod and will be delivered soon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That same report said that trials had already been completed of various components related to the Poseidon, including its nuclear powerplant Putins comments today suggest that earlier tests didnt involve the powerplant being activated during at-sea launches. Presuming that the Russian media claims about the delivery of the first production examples of the Poseidon were correct, then the timing of yesterdays test, billed as the most extensive yet, would seem to tally. On the other hand, there has so far been no independent verification that the test occurred, and there dont appear to be very many obvious signs of a Poseidon test yesterday or recently. These might have been expected to include movements of Russian support and monitoring vessels, as well as NATO intelligence-gathering assets, including ships and aircraft. Potentially related, however, was the presence of six unidentified ships off the coast of Novaya Zemlya, an archipelago in northern Russia, situated in the Arctic Ocean, and used for many previous weapons tests. 1/5 Kara Sea Activity Caveat: Preliminary findings. On October 28th, when the Poseidon test was conducted according to Putin, there were 6 unidentified ships off the eastern coast of Novaya Zemlya, Kara Sea. No NOTAM, no PRIP, but well off the path for any civilian traffic. pic.twitter.com/f2ZLuy4M0I Thord Are Iversen (@The_Lookout_N) October 29, 2025 Putting aside the details of the claimed test, it is notable that it was announced today, two days after the announcement of the Burevestnik test, and a week after Russia began its annual strategic nuclear drills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This flurry of activity and the explicit nature of the related announcements would appear to be tailored to respond to U.S. President Donald Trumps tougher stance on Russia, as well as his own more bellicose rhetoric. Regarding Putins comments on the Burevestnik test, Trump said: I dont think its an appropriate thing for Putin to be saying, and called upon the Russian leader to end the war in Ukraine instead of testing missiles. Trump has previously described Russia as a paper tiger, due to the slow progress its armed forces are making in Ukraine. For Putin, meanwhile, tests of high-profile weapons like the Poseidon and Burevestnik are intended to send a clear message to the West that it wont bow to pressure, especially over the conflict in Ukraine. A screen grab shows an ICBM launch during large-scale exercises of the Russian nuclear triad, on October 22, 2025. Photo by Russian Defense Ministry/Anadolu via Getty Images Anadolu The tests should also be seen in the context of nuclear arms control discussions, with these new classes of weapons having been described by Putin as part of the response to the U.S. withdrawal from the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty as well as to NATOs eastern enlargement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While other parts of Russias military are struggling in the face of the war in Ukraine, crippling international sanctions, and broader economic pressures, strategic weapons programs have generally tended to receive priority. They are also seen as key to projecting Russias status as a global military power. Like the Burevestnik, the Poseidon promises to be a highly versatile and lethal weapon, provided it can successfully complete its development and be fielded. Until then, further details of these mysterious programs are likely to be hard to come by, although, given the prevailing geopolitical situation, there is every sign they will be increasingly used to underscore the potency of Russias strategic nuclear arsenal. Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) Open enrollment for health insurance officially begins Saturday, but peoples started feeling the sticker shock of rising premiums when preshopping began Wednesday. Rates are up across the board due to a number of factors, including the ongoing battle in Washington, D.C., over Affordable Care Act enhanced premium credits a huge sticking point that led to the federal government shutdown. Democrats want Republicans to extend those credits before they run out at the end of the year. Republicans many of whom dont support the credits say now is not the time to debate the issue and want Democrats to agree to pass a resolution extending the current budget. GOP struggles to avoid ObamaCare boomerang amid shutdown Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An executive at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan says preparation for open enrollment has been chaotic, pointing to an unprecedented number of insurance carriers pulling out of the Michigan market entirely because of rising drug prices, higher claim numbers and the loss of the enhanced credits. With carriers dropping out, explained BCBS of Michigan Vice President of the Individual Business Unit Rick Notter, some 200,000 in Michigan will be shunted to other insurers. BCBS is getting about 160,000 of them, and will place the customers on the lowest cost plan available in their area. Customers will be informed of changes to their coverage so they can shop around if they choose. Shutdown pain spikes this weekend, upping pressure on Congress to strike deal Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Notter said there is no general socioeconomic characterization of the people who were abandoned by their carrier and rates are up in general for everyone, even if you werent benefitting from the enhanced credits. And he said, rates are going to go up regardless of whether the credits get extended. When we made our initial filing and subsequent filings, that was all with the assumption that the credits would expire at the end of the year. We could not anticipate that those will be passed and continue on. We cant project that this point, either, so our rates as they stand now include a calculation that the enhanced credits will go away, which will make it more difficult for people to afford their premium and cause people to leave the market and that was all factored in when we filed these rates, Notter 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 WOODTV.com. CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) The people behind the pumpkin spice latte were picketing in front of their business on Tuesday in Champaign. Starbucks employees rallied for a union workers contract at the Starbucks location on Neil Street. Not all Starbucks are unionized, but the Neil St. location made the decision to do so earlier this year, and baristas said that its because theyre pushing for better and fair treatment. We are pushing for a union contract, Adrianna Mosley said. We are not under any contract at the moment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Equity starts when we listen: Champaign continuing the work to reduce gun violence They have been a barista for more than a year, and said that employees want higher wages, more staff, better training and more flexible hours. Theyre also looking for an improved benefits package. Theyve gone up in price and just lowered in quality for all of our benefits, Mosley said. A representative with Starbucks Workers United said that the rally in Champaign is just one of 70 all across the nation. Mosley added that the mental strain of working and waiting for a contract is taxing. Theres so much here that is really draining for, like, everybody, all of my other coworkers and colleagues, Mosley admitted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the holiday season is coming, Mosley said that theyre really starting to feel the pressure, since Starbucks releases limited edition special drinks during this time. The special drinks drive up traffic, meaning more hours, with not enough employees. Starbucks Workers United said that they issued a strike authorization vote. However, Mosley said that she doesnt know if or when they will strike. Champaign Park District providing warmth with winter clothing drive Were prepared to do whatever it takes for whenever, as as soon as we feel the need we to strike, we will do it, Moseley said. Mosley added that securing a contract would give the baristas not only peace of mind, but also more confidence on the job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Better work environments, happier people, and better coffee, Mosley added. WCIA also received a statement from a spokesperson with Starbucks. Workers united, which only represents 4% of our partners, chose to walk away from the bargaining table. Weve asked them to return. If theyre ready to come back, were ready to talk. Starbucks offers the best job in retail, including more than $30 per hour on average in pay and benefits for hourly partners. Benefits include comprehensive health care, equity in the company, up to 18 weeks of paid parental leave and college tuition paid upfront all available for partners who average just 20 hours a week of work. Weve invested over $500 million to to put more partners in stores during busy times. Starbucks spokesperson 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. ABBY PHILLIP: When the government just says, we can kill whoever we want because were telling you that theyre bad guys, isnt that a bad precedent to set? BETSY MCCAUGHEY: Thats a preposterous question! PHILLIP: Not just for you, not just for those people, because I dont know who those people are. MCCAUGHEY: These are foreign combatants. PHILLIP: But what if the government said that and it was not the government you supported? LYDIA MOYNIHAN: Theres no transparency with the Biden administration. Trump is at least letting us know whats happening and they have promised more information. PHILLIP: But, Lydia, last time I looked we didnt have this scenario in the Biden administration. I mean, I think everybody would be raking them over the coals if they were striking boats on a daily basis without providing a shred of evidence of who they were striking. What kind of drugs were they carrying? Where were they going? I mean these are really important questions, dont you think? BAKARI SELLERS: Im curious because Ive always wanted to know how people who are diametrically opposed to me on issues think, so do you want to know if they had drugs? Do you want to know where they were going or coming from do you? Do you ant to know who they were do you wanna know who there that see do you care about? PHILLIP: Betsy, do you want to know? MCCAUGHEY: Information is going to be provided. In the meantime, Rand Paul has gone to Congress and hes expecting to get, and I think he will get, a bipartisan resolution asking Congress to give permission to Trump to conduct this kind of activity. Thats a good step. But nevertheless, Trump realizes, I believe, that his duty is to keep these drugs out of the United States. PHILLIP: But what drugs are we even talking about You said that the drugs that are killing all those hundreds of thousands of Americans, well, that drug is fentanyl. So the reason Im asking you, do you even know what drugs were talking? MCCAUGHEY: Id like the government to supply that information, but to suggest that Trump is becoming an authoritarian military dictator over this is preposterous. GULF SHORES, Ala. (WKRG) A prescribed burn is planned for portions of Gulf State Park, according to a news release from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Mobile couple stranded as Hurricane Melissa makes its way towards Jamaica According to the release, the burn is planned for the Eagle Loop section of the park near Lake Shelby as part of a forest management plan. Weather permitting, the burn will be done on Nov. 5. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During that time, State Park Road will be closed. The Alabama Forestry Commission will conduct the burn on behalf of the ADCNR State Parks Division, and while they will do everything they can to minimize the smoke, guests staying in the lakeside cabins can expect some smoke from the fire. During the active burn period, access to the Eagle Loop area will be limited to guests staying in those cabins. Prescribed fire is an effective way to reduce wildfire risk, reduce fuel loads, enhance wildlife habitat, and maintain a healthy forest ecosystem, the release said. This is especially important in the south Alabama coastal region due to vegetation type and a longer growing season. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More prescribed burns are planned for the park, and those dates and locations will be released once they are confirmed. UPDATE: 24-year-old man shot Tuesday night on First Court To find out more about how prescribed fires benefit forest areas, visit the Outdoor Alabama website. 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 WKRG News 5. Actor Pulkit Samrat has shared a love-filled birthday post for his wife, actress Kriti Kharbanda. Taking to his Instagram handle, Pulkit dropped a carousel of pictures featuring romantic candid snaps with Kriti from what appeared to be a beachy vacation. "Somewhere between the salt on our skin and the sunset in your eyes, I found my forever! Happy birthday.. favourite view!" the actor wrote in the post. https://www.instagram.com/p/DQYuYXrCGWC/ In the pictures, the couple could be seen relaxing on the sand, adorably glancing at each other with a radiant smile on their faces. While Kriti looked beautiful in a red beachwear, Pulkit also chose a casual white vest-look for the outing. Fans quickly took to the comment section and extended birthday wishes to Kriti. It is worth mentioning that Pulkit Samrat and Kriti Kharbanda celebrated their first wedding anniversary this year in March. In a heartwarming post, Kriti shared a video featuring unseen glimpses from their wedding festivities and wrote, "Our wedding was emo, but life since then has been nothing short of a party! Happy 1 to Us!" https://www.instagram.com/p/DHNRBxgz4uj/ The star couple got married in March 2024 in a grand celebration in the presence of their families and close friends. "From the deep blue sky, To the morning dew. Through the low and the high, It's only you," the 'Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana' star wrote alongwith her wedding pictures. For their wedding, Kriti opted for a stunning pink lehenga while Pulkit donned a mint green sherwani. Kriti and Pulkit have appeared together in several films like 'Veerey Ki Wedding', 'Taish', and 'Pagalpanti'. On the work front, Kriti was last seen in the drama series, 'Rana Naidu', which also featured Venkatesh Daggubati, Rana Daggubati, Abhishek Banerjee, and Surveen Chawla among others. Pulkit will be next seen in Vipul Vig's 'Rahu Ketu' alongside his 'Fukrey' co-star Varun Sharma and Shalini Pandey. The film was announced in April this year. The actor also has the Netflix film 'Glory' in the pipeline. (ANI) FIA presidential candidate Laura Villars is suing the federation over its democratic standards, with a first hearing set for 10 November. The next presidential election will take place on 12 December, with four people having announced candidacies but only incumbent Mohammed Ben Sulayem will actually be able to run. The rules require presidential candidates to put together a team of seven vice-presidents from each of the FIAs six global regions, but only one person, Fabiana Ecclestone, is eligible to be a vice-president from South America. The Brazilian is on Ben Sulayems list, meaning nobody else can run for president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former FIA steward Tim Mayer withdrew his presidential bid two weeks ago, slamming an illusion of democracy and ethics violations. Read Also: Tim Mayer officially withdraws from FIA presidential election This led to Villars legal proceedings; the Swiss is suing the Paris-based FIA with a refere procedure that means the Paris court will convene as soon as reasonably possible on 10 November and make a provisional decision on the matter. In that particular case, Villars is requesting the court demand the postponement of the FIAs presidential election until a final ruling is made regarding the dispute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have twice tried to open a constructive dialogue with the FIA on essential matters such as internal democracy and the transparency of electoral rules, Villars said in a statement. The responses received were not up to the challenge. I am not acting against the FIA. I am acting to protect it. Democracy is not a threat to the FIA; it is its strength. FIA flag FIA flag The court has also invited both parties to attend a conciliation meeting, Villars statement read. I will go to this mediation hearing with the same attitude I have maintained from the beginning calm, openness, and determination, she added. I hope it will finally lead to a sincere dialogue in the service of a FIA that is more modern, fair, and connected to its members. Villars case has been praised by Mayers FIA Forward campaign as a positive step towards more transparency within the federation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As we disclosed in Austin, Texas, we have submitted ethics complaints in relation to the election, the FIA Forward statement read. To date we have not even received an acknowledgement from the FIA. This is typical of our experience of the handling of the election by the FIA and mirrors the experience of Laura's campaign. We applaud the action taken by Laura as an important step to implement the necessary reforms for democracy and transparency. We will be supporting her effort with all the considerable knowledge and experience of our team, ultimately in the interest of seeing an open election for the FIA Member Clubs. To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website. Oct. 29 (UPI) -- Two press advocacy organizations on Tuesday called for the release of British journalist and commentator Sami Hamdi, who was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement while on a U.S. speaking tour. The British National Union of Journalists and the Brussels-based International Federation of Journalists both issued statements calling Hamdi's detention a misuse of anti-terror laws and an assault on free speech by U.S. authorities. "The circumstances surrounding his detention give cause for serious concern," said Seamus Dooley, assistant general secretary for the National Union of Journalists. "There is no evidence that, as a journalist, he is guilty of a terrorist offense, and he should be released." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An outspoken critic of Israel and its war in Gaza, Hamdi was speaking at a series of events sponsored by the Council on American-Islamic Relations. Hamdi was taken into custody on Sunday at the San Francisco International Airport to await his removal from the country, for what Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said was his support for terrorism and undermining U.S. national security. Hamdi was on his way to speak at the gala hosted by CAIR Florida when he was detained, according to CAIR, which described it as an "abduction." The Trump administration has taken a hardline stance on enforcing immigration laws. The State Department previously revoked visas of students who "support for terrorism." A federal judge ruled last month that the Trump administration used deportations of pro-Palestinian students to chill speech on campuses. "The arrest of Sami Hamdi constitutes a serious violation of his fundamental rights and poses a grave threat to freedom of expression and democratic principles," Anthony Bellanger, general secretary of the International Federation of Journalists, said in a statement. "We are deeply concerned by the apparent misuse of anti-terror legislation, which risks setting a dangerous precedent for journalists and citizens engaging in public debate and exercising their right to free speech." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CAIR, which is representing Hamdi in his case against the federal government, said its representatives have been able to meet with the journalist at a detention facility in California. Hamdi was in positive spirits "despite his abduction and the ongoing deprivation of his freedom," CAIR said in a statement. Multiple legal motions have been filed by CAIR, including a temporary restraining order to bar the government from transferring Hamdi. "If the government can cancel a valid visa because it does not like what a person says or believes, then anyone legally visiting, studying or working in our country -- whether conservative or liberal, religious or secular -- would be in danger of abduction and deportation if the government happens to dislike their speech," the organization said in a statement. "This is not what the Constitution permits, and this practice must end with Sami Hamdi." SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) The man credited with turning around one of Americas most dangerous prisons had a nearly 90-minute session with South Dakota lawmakers on Wednesday. Burl Cain is the commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Corrections and the former warden at the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola. When Cain started at Angola in January of 1995, many considered it one of the worst. It was a distinction it earned in the 1950s, according to the Louisiana Prison Museum. Wildfire smoke blankets South Dakota skies Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cain was the warden at the maximum security prison with many death row and long-term inmates in January 1995 until he resigned in 2016. Cain worked with a faith-based program in which inmates took bible classes and learned about morality. The program, supporters and some researchers said, turned Angola into a safe place. A 2015 news story in the Atlantic said that in 1992, Angola experienced 1,346 assaults, both inmate-on-inmate and inmate-on-staff. In 2014, there were 343. Yet, Cain is not without controversy, including a legislative audit that said in 2017 it found several potential violations of state law, the state Constitution, and Department of Public Safety and Corrections policies and a 2018 letter from Louisiana Republican U.S. Sen. John Kennedy in which he said Cain resigned in 2016 under a cloud of controversy. Cain spoke at the meeting of the South Dakota Legislature-appointed Initial Incarceration, Reentry Analysis and Comparison of Relevant States Interim Committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Committee co-chair Republican Sen. Kevin Jensen said in a KELOLAND interview before Wednesdays meeting he doesnt know of a warden or secretary or commissioner who has been sued or had some sort of negative publicity. See it. Shoot it. Share it. Cain has proven he can turn prison systems around, Jensen said. Cains work has resulted in a quieter culture, which improves safety for staff and inmates, Jensen said. Cain and two members of a non-profit who were formerly involved in corrections or the justice system in Oregon and South Carolina explained how partnering with an accredited Christian-based seminary to teach inmates about morals changes inmates for the better and improves the culture of the prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It changes the culture of the prison. What were talking about is prison safety, Cain said of the faith-based program. Often, inmates are trained to become pastors who minister to other inmates or they provide other similar care. Committee member Republican Sen. Chris Karr said much of what had been presented on Wednesday focused on the culture inside the prison, what happens after prison? The committee has a focus, Karr said, The main reason we are here is recidivism. Jon Ozmint, the former director of South Carolina prisons, said generally in his state, inmates in the faith-based seminary have a recidivism rate under 5%. Both Ozmint and Cain said they could provide the committee with more information on recidivism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Committee member Democrat Kadyn Wittman was curious about how the faith-based programs have responded to inmates of other faiths. In South Dakota, the Native American, or indigenous, prison populations faith practice includes sweat lodges. Those of other faiths are welcome because morality is emphasized in the teachings from the Bible, Cain said. Those morals are common to most faiths or religions, he said. I understand there is a place for religious support systems and programs within our prison systems; however, I think there are going to be a lot of opportunities that we are going to be able to explore, Wittman said in a KELOLAND interview before Wednesdays meeting. Wittman said the committee can use information from Cain to help flesh out options that could be applied in the state. Cains faith-based program ideas have expanded to several states. He said on Wednesday that he had looked at South Dakota in 2017 but it didnt work out then. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If South Dakota chooses such a program, a non-profit entity would need to raise money organize it, Cain and the other two supporters said. When Cain was hired in Mississippi, Gov. Tate Reeves said what he described as accusations in Louisiana, We did extensive research, and it seemed that once the politics were removed, that the accusations were basically dropped. And I have absolute full confidence in Burl Cains ability to change the culture at the Mississippi Department of Corrections. Although Cain was not criminally charged, a legislative audit found several potential violations of state law, the state Constitution, and Department of Public Safety and Corrections policies, a 2017 summary report. Among the findings were state employees who worked in Cains home, a prison enterprise that made gates for Cains home, and an estimated $17,474 in lodging and meals were provided free of charge to some of Cains immediate and extended family members who stayed overnight at Angola. Louisiana Rep. Sen. John Kennedy outlined some of the Louisiana prison systems failings in an Aug. 18, 2018 letter to President Donald Trump. Kennedy said in the letter that Cain resigned in 2026 under a cloud of controversy, and cited guilty pleas by former staff and a daughter-in-law on DOC staff as well as arrests of others and the findings of the state audit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A Clackamas County Grand Jury indicted a prisoner for murdering his cellmate in the Clackamas County Jail earlier this month, authorities said. On Tuesday, Sapastian Year, 23, of Renton, Washington, was arraigned on first-degree murder and harassment in two separate incidents, the Clackamas County Sheriffs Office said. Year had been a prisoner in the Clackamas County Jails disciplinary housing area, sharing a cell with 26-year-old Reece Warren Richeson, of Cedar Hills. The assault happened on Oct. 18 after the two prisoners had shared a cell for over a week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Richeson was taken to the hospital after the assault and died in the early morning of October 21. Year is also accused of harassment from a separate confrontation with a different prisoner on Oct. 9, prior to being housed with Richeson the following day. Both Year and Richeson had been moved to the disciplinary housing area based on unrelated prior misconduct that the jail considered severe. Year, who remains in custody in the Clackamas County Jail, was originally booked on Sept. 26, facing two counts of second-degree criminal mischief and violation of a court stalking protection order. Richeson had been booked into the Clackamas County Jail on Oct. 5, facing first-degree criminal mischief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. New Hampshire activists opposed to the Trump administrations crackdown against illegal immigrants said Tuesday they have formed a first-in-the-nation network of eight sanctuary communities that will surveil and report on federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions in the state. Meeting in St. Pauls Episcopal Church in Concord, Maggie Fogarty of Dover, a leader in the Seacoast Interfaith Sanctuary Community, said the coalition is carrying on the Judeo-Christian tradition of promoting sanctuary as a place where the oppressed can be protected. We want to take back a word that has been used in a threatening way. Fogarty said. We proudly reclaim the word for all its sacred meanings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Organizers said the campaign would not seek endorsement for the effort from municipalities, since Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed a law barring communities from refusing to cooperate with federal authorities. Ayotte defended the new law and her support for efforts to arrest illegal immigrants who have committed crimes. In a statement, she issued a warning to activists. Threats to law enforcement or efforts to obstruct them will not be tolerated in New Hampshire. We are not a sanctuary for criminals who have come into this country illegally, and the law I signed earlier this year reinforces that. If you disrupt law enforcement activity, you will be prosecuted, Ayottes statement said. Democrats claimed there were no sanctuary cities in New Hampshire. Now that we have a new law in place, they are no longer hiding their efforts to turn our state into a sanctuary like Massachusetts. That is not going to happen in our state we will enforce our laws and cooperate with federal law enforcement to keep dangerous criminals out of our communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Megan Chapman, a spokesperson for the coalition and a civil rights lawyer from Albany, said the eight groups include residents from 120 communities across the state. We come together to reaffirm and host the best values that this nation has built, said Chapman, who represents the sanctuary in the Mount Washington Valley and Lakes Region of the state. Larry Brown, an organizer who lives in Lancaster, said some cities and towns have a few members signed up while others have scores of supporters. We are relatively new and small, but we are going to keep growing the movement and recruiting, Brown said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group has created a website and Brown said theyve received more than 450 emails from people in other states looking to create their own chapters. Sanctuary communities press conference Guests walk past a sign after a press conference about sanctuary communities at St. Pauls Episcopal Church in Concord on Tuesday. The Strafford County House of Corrections and the federal prison in Berlin are the only locations that currently house ICE detainees. Chapman said the Trump administration has sought to persuade officials in Rockingham, Hillsborough and Merrimack Counties to support opening their jails for this purpose. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group claims as a victory the suspension of flights carrying ICE detainees out of the Portsmouth International Airport at Pease. Bob Baker, a retired lawyer and Vietnam War veteran living in Columbia, said activism is critical to ensure everyone is given due process. We have prisoners in New Hampshire who have committed no crimes. We cant visit them, we cant even let them know we are out there supporting them. They are locked up and we are locked out, said Baker, who represents the North Country Sanctuary Community. House Deputy Majority Leader Joe Sweeney, R-Salem, authored one of the two bills (HB 511) that bans sanctuary city policies. Sen. Bill Gannon, R-Sandown, was lead sponsor for the other (SB 62). Both new laws take effect this Jan. 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Hampshire will never be a sanctuary for lawbreakers. Republicans stand with law enforcement and legal citizens, not activists trying to turn our state into a playground for chaos, Sweeney said in a statement. If you are in this nation illegally, you are not welcome in any New Hampshire community. klandrigan@unionleader.com AUSTIN (Nexstar) The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts recently suspended new certifications and removed information from its website about the Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) program which provides exposure to minority and female-owned businesses in the state procurement process to conduct a legal review of the programs administration and rules, according to an agency spokesperson. Kelly Hancock, the interim Comptroller, said new HUB certifications are suspended on his X account. Businesses deserve a level playing field where government contracts are earned by performance and best value not race or sex quotas, Hancock wrote. In a string of messages on his X account, Hancock said reviewing this issue was a top priority for him when he assumed the top position in July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the architects of the decades-old program, State Sen. Royce West, D-Dallas, confirmed with Nexstar that a lawsuit against the state sparked the decision to remove information about HUB from the agencys website. There are persons out there who obviously dont want to see the HUB program in the state of Texas, West explained. A spokesperson with the Comptrollers office said the agency is continuing to assist Texans with questions or needs related to state procurement. What is the HUB program? The HUB program began in Texas in the 90s and was codified by the state legislature in 1999. West co-authored the bill that statutorily created the program to ensure minorities and women were included in the mix to be government contractors. At the time when the program began, West said minority business owners were never even thought of. We always talk about making certain that we continue with a robust business economy. That includes everyone, West said. The program covers businesses in a range of services from heavy construction work to providing landscaping and promotional items. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The program allows the Texas Comptroller to certify a business as a HUB if a majority of the ownership is controlled by economically disadvantaged persons. The government code defines an economically disadvantaged person as someone who belongs to these groups: Black Americans Hispanic Americans women Asian Pacific Americans Native Americans veterans who suffered at least 20% service-connected disability. Not only did the program identify HUBs, but it also set requirements for state agencies when they put contracts out for bids. For any non-IT commodity items with a value between $10,000 and $25,000, an agency must solicit at least three bids from the Centralized Master Bidders List, and two of them must be HUBs. For all contract types with a value greater than $100,000, agencies must consider whether there are probable subcontracting opportunities and if so, require a HUB subcontracting plan for vendor responses, according to the Texas Comptroller. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state of Texas did set statewide HUB goals it strives to meet in the procurement and contracting process. The goals are based off a 2009 State of Texas Disparity Study, which was also removed from the Comptroller website. The goals include: 11.2% Heavy Construction other than Building Contracts 21.1% Building Construction, including General Contractors and Operative Builders Contracts 32.9% Special Trade Construction Contracts 23.7% Professional Services Contracts 26.0% Other Services Contracts 21.1% Commodities Contracts Who benefits from the HUB program? Jancy Darling is the owner of Darling Promo, a company that provides promotional products and a certified HUB in Texas. Anything you can think of that has a logo, our company produces those products, Darling explained. She started the company in 2007 and said it was tough sledding to garner big contracts with state agencies for her services. She said the HUB program gave her a better chance to be considered for government contracts, but she explained her company still had to put in the work to prove it was the best choice to be the vendor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Darling said your company has to provide the best bid financially for the state and also provide proof and referrals that you deliver on the services an agency is requiring. It gave me exposure initially to these state agencies who now know they can rely on us, Darling said of the HUB program. On top of the exposure, Darling said she also attended many trainings offered by the HUB program that helped her run her business better. She now holds formal contracts with two state agencies, and if you ask her, she stresses that she earned those contracts through years of good service, and not because she is female-owned business. Just because we are a HUB does not mean were awarded the business without having merit, Darling said. Critics of the HUB program State Rep. Brian Harrison, R-Midlothian, has made it clear from his social media to his comments on the House floor, he is not a fan of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies in the state government. Harrison calls the HUB program DEI on steroids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its discrimination on the basis of things such as race, gender, ethnicity, in the determination of the awarding of billions of dollars of contracts, Harrison explained. He was happy to learn of the changes made to the Comptroller website and hopes they remain permanent. It better be real, Harrison said. It better not just be optics for the appearance of change. He is not alone in his thinking. Earlier this year, Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order directing state agencies to ban DEI policies. We must always reject race-based favoritism or discrimination and allow people to advance based on talent and merit, Abbott said in a news release. Hancock said the suspension ensures compliance with the U.S. Constitution, Texas Constitution, and Abbotts Executive Order banning DEI at state agencies earlier this year. Last November, a company called Aerospace Solutions filed a lawsuit against Abbott and the Texas Comptrollers office. The non-HUB company alleged in its suit that because it is not eligible for the program, it is at a significant disadvantage when bidding on state contracts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company further alleges in the suit that the HUB program violates the Equal Protection Clauses demand not to discriminate based on race. West disagrees and argues HUB is a good-faith program. Eric McDaniel, a professor in the Government Department at the University of Texas at Austin, said he views the recent changes to the website as part of a larger movement on the part of the executive branch to curb what they perceive as DEI projects. West and McDaniel both stress that the HUB program does not guarantee a contract award for a minority business, but it does guarantee consideration for a contract. Something like this is basically trying to make people aware of other businesses that are around that they could frequent, McDaniel said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Agencies do have to report if they are meeting the statewide HUB goals when they submit their budget request every two years. In its most recent budget request, the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) reported 12% of its expenditures in Fiscal Year 2023 were spent on HUB contracts. The agency failed to meet the statewide goal in three of the four HUB categories it pulls from. In its reasoning of why it fell 15.1% short of its professional services goal, the agency wrote it encourages HUB participation, but is required by statute to award the multitude of engineering, accounting, and other professional services contracts based upon qualifications and expertise, and improved upon, but did not meet the target goal. Harrison argues that number should be at 0%. What happens next? West said his office is working on finding a copy of the latest lawsuit against the Texas Comptroller. He did add that the Office of the Texas Attorney General, which usually would defend the state in this case, is not a part of the case. Instead, the Comptroller has hired outside counsel to litigate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement West added he has talked with interim Comptroller Kelly Hancock about the recent developments, and said he is curious to see how the Comptroller will respond if the judge dismisses 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 KXAN Austin. Kat Abughazaleh, a progressive Democrat running for an open House seat in Illinois, faces federal charges after attending a protest at a U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement processing center outside Chicago. Abughazaleh, a social media influencer who recently moved to the state, was charged with conspiracy to impede or injure a federal officer and assaulting or impeding an officer as they engaged in official duties at the Broadview ICE detention center. According to the indictment, Abughazaleh was among several protesters who in September allegedly surrounded a government vehicle, banged on the hood and windows and scratched the body of the car, including etching the word PIG into the vehicle. The indictment also alleges the protesters broke one of the vehicles side mirrors and a rear windshield wiper. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Video of the encounter that day, posted by Abughazaleh, showed her and protesters placing their hands on the vehicle as the agent continued to slowly drive forward into the line of protesters, with some banging on the car. Abughazaleh is one of the more than a dozen Democratic candidates running for Congress to fill the seat now held by Rep. Jan Schakowsky, who announced earlier this year that she won't seek reelection in 2026. In a statement, Abughazaleh called the charges political prosecution and a gross attempt to silence dissent. This case is yet another attempt by the Trump administration to criminalize protest and punish those who dare to speak up, Abughazaleh said, adding that the charges are unjust. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other political figures named in the indictment include Catherine Sharp, a chief of staff to a Chicago alderman and a candidate for Cook County Board; Michael Rabbitt, a Chicago Democratic ward committeeman; and Brian Straw, a member of the suburban Oak Park Village board. Sharp's attorney, Molly Armour, called the charges "ludicrous," saying, "we are confident that a jury of Ms. Sharps peers will see them for exactly what they are: an effort by the Trump administration to frighten people out of participating in protest and exercising their First Amendment rights. The Department of Justice did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Advocates and politicians have protested regularly outside the Broadview detention center since President Donald Trump ordered ICE agents into the city to conduct mass arrests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abughazaleh has previously protested outside the center, including at least once prior when she was teargassed and thrown to the ground by an ICE agent. Following the release of the indictment, Evanston mayor Daniel Biss who is also running for the seat called the charges frivolous and accused ICE of engaging in violent and dangerous behavior at Broadview. As someone who has protested at Broadview multiple times, I know these protests are nonviolent demonstrations against the kidnapping of our neighbors, Biss said in a statement posted on X. Now, the Trump Administration is targeting protestors, including political candidates, in an effort to silence dissent and scare residents into submission. It wont work. The discomfort of sleeping in a car, the worry about danger on the street, and the lack of access to basic amenities. These are the struggles many families with school-aged children across San Diego are facing. On Tuesday, the San Diego Unified School District Board of Trustees voted to approve a license agreement with the San Diego Housing Commission to operate a safe parking space at the site of the former Central Elementary School in City Heights. Now, imagine youre 6, 7 years old and you dont know where youre going to sleep, or you barely got any sleep, or were kind of sleeping with one eye open because you were afraid, said Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a situation with which he is all too familiar. So childhood, we had housing instability. Sometimes it was hotel rooms, sometimes it was family members couches, said Elo-Rivera. His firsthand experience gave him a unique perspective and motivated him to take action when funding was uncertain pushing for prioritization of a safe parking space for families. We refused to give up until the last moment of the budget, said Elo-Rivera. So the City Council is allocating about half the funding for the program itself, and then the other half is coming from funds that the housing commission and the regional task force on homelessness have available, said Richard Barrera, San Diego Unified School Board Vice President. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A grand total of nearly $600,000 would fund the program through mid-November 2026. The San Diego Housing Commission Board will consider the contract with Jewish Family Service of San Diego to operate the program on November 7. If the contract is approved, the site will also have services to help families get back on track, hosting up to 50 families per night. On a typical night, its about 50 of our families that are in search of a safe place to park, said Barrera. You know, I just think about being able to have those moms and their kids be in a safe place on the holidays being especially important and were motivated to do whatever we can to make that happen, said Councilmember Elo-Rivera. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Councilmember Elo-Rivera says he hopes this site will host families by Thanksgiving. 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. The Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said that the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Department of Commerce, has facilitated the first-ever air shipment of GI-tagged Indi Lime from Karnataka and Puliyankudi Lime from Tamil Nadu to the United Kingdom. "A major boost to our farmers! @APEDADOC facilitates the first-ever air shipment of GI-tagged Indi Lime from Karnataka & Puliyankudi Lime from Tamil Nadu to the United Kingdom. This milestone will empower farmers, open fresh avenues & strengthen the presence of India's agri-products in global markets," Piyush Goyal wrote on X. Earlier this year, APEDA successfully exported three metric tons (MT) of GI-tagged Swadeshi Lime from Vijaypura, Karnataka, to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Sharing the news on social media, Goyal wrote, "India's GI-tagged products are making their mark globally. Kudos to APEDADOC for facilitating the first-ever export of 3 MT of GI-tagged Swadeshi Indi Lime from Vijayapura, Karnataka, to the UAE. This milestone unlocks fresh avenues for India's GI-tagged agri products in global markets & will create greater opportunities for our farmers & exporters." The Geographical Indication (GI) tag is granted to products that possess distinctive qualities linked to their place of origin, thereby ensuring authenticity and global recognition. The Swadeshi Indi Lime, known for its strong aroma and distinct taste, has now become part of India's expanding export portfolio in this category. In addition to limes, exports of Gharwali apples and apricots from Kargil have also found new markets in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar. Meanwhile, Goyal held a meeting with Maros Sefcovic, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security of the European Union in Brussels, to discuss progress in the ongoing India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations on Tuesday. In a social media post, the minister said, "It was a pleasure to meet my friend @MarosSefcovic, EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security." He added that the discussions focused on giving impetus to the India-EU FTA negotiations. Both sides reiterated their shared commitment to achieving a swift, balanced, and mutually beneficial agreement to strengthen trade and economic ties between India and the European Union. On Tuesday, Piyush Goyal concluded his two-day official visit to Brussels. (ANI) Gov. Wes Moore has named a Frederick County prosecutor to be a District Court judge in the county. Moores appointment of Brett Engler, the head of the Domestic Violence Unit in the Frederick County States Attorneys Office, was announced Monday. Engler started with the States Attorneys Office in 2012, and focused on fighting intimate partner violence and domestic violence homicide, according to a press release from the office following the announcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brett is a sharp, intelligent, and dedicated lawyer, States Attorney Charlie Smith said in the release. She and the DV Unit staff have saved the lives of countless victims and advanced the Countys domestic violence response along with our community partners. Her appointment to the bench is a natural progression in her commitment to our community. I will really miss her in my Office, but we will carry on the critical work of high-level domestic violence prosecution and community engagement as she ascends the bench. Englers appointment will have to be approved by the Maryland Senate. She would fill the seat left by the retirement of Judge Earl W. Bartgis Jr. in March. Bartgis, who was named to the bench in 2013, has continued to preside over cases in his capacity as a senior judge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Engler was one of three candidates chosen by the Trial Courts Judicial Nominating Commission for Frederick County, a 13-member body that recommends candidates to fill judicial vacancies. The others were Christine Marie Remsburg of the Frederick County Public Defenders Office and Stacey Ellen Ostfeld Steinmetz from the law firm of Ethridge, Quinn, Kemp, Rowan & Hartinger in downtown Frederick. They will be considered pool candidates for the Frederick County District Court and remain in contention for future vacancies for two years. Unlike Circuit or Appellate Court appointees, District Court appointees are not subject to election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Along with her work as a prosecutor, Engler chaired the Frederick County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council and the Frederick County Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team. She also served on the Legal Committee for the Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention and the Criminal Justice Subcommittee of Marylands Domestic Violence Fatality Review Statewide Implementation Team. Ryan Marshall A Shoreline man accused of fatally shooting his wife early Monday morning has been ordered held on $5 million bail, according to the King County Prosecuting Attorneys Office. During a first appearance hearing Tuesday, prosecutors asked a judge to find probable cause for first-degree domestic violence murder against Hector Gonzalez Medina, who was arrested by King County sheriffs deputies hours after the killing. The court agreed, finding probable cause for the crime and setting bail at $5 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a probable cause statement filed by detectives, deputies responded to a shooting around 1:30 a.m. Sunday in the 20000 block of Whitman Avenue North in Shoreline. There, they found 43-year-old Hana Gonzalez shot multiple times and partially hanging from her silver pickup truck. Investigators interviewed a friend of the victim, Omar Fernandez-Garcia, who told detectives that Gonzalez had visited his apartment earlier in the evening. Fernandez-Garcia said Gonzalezs husband, Hector, called her during the visit and demanded to know who she was with. Fernandez-Garcia said he overheard the husband threaten to kill her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victims adult daughter told investigators her parents had been having serious marital problems and that her father was known to own several firearms. She also said her fathers sister in Mexico later called to report that he had confessed to shooting his wife and planned to flee the country with his children. According to detectives, Gonzalez Medina later arrived at the friends apartment and spoke with investigators, initially denying involvement. Surveillance footage from a nearby business, however, showed a white van with ladders leaving the area moments after the shooting. Investigators said Gonzalez Medina later turned himself in to Snohomish County deputies, confessing to the shooting and describing how he hid the firearm at Holyrood Cemetery in Shoreline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives later recovered the weapon where he indicated. Prosecutors said they expect to receive the full case referral from King County sheriffs investigators by Thursday for a charging decision. Gonzalez Medina remains in the King County Jail. The next update in the case is expected Thursday afternoon, according to prosecutors. Two federal prosecutors have been placed on administrative leave just hours after describing the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol as perpetrated by thousands of people comprising a mob of rioters, according to two people familiar with the move who were granted anonymity to discuss personnel matters. The accurate description of the attack came in a sentencing recommendation for Taylor Taranto, who was among those pardoned by President Donald Trump for his role in the riot. But Taranto had also been convicted for unrelated threats and firearms crimes for which he is slated to be sentenced Friday. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carlos Valdivia and Samuel White urged U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols to sentence Taranto to more than two years in prison for a hoax threat against the National Institute of Standards and Technology and for driving through former President Barack Obamas neighborhood with a van full of firearms and ammunition. Taranto's visit to Obama's neighborhood came after Trump posted an article that included his predecessor's address on Truth Social, a post that Taranto saw before making the trip, the prosecutors noted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In their 14-page memo, the prosecutors briefly note Tarantos involvement on Jan. 6 and indicate that after the riot Taranto returned to his home in the State of Washington, where he promoted conspiracy theories about the events of January 6, 2021. On Wednesday evening, a new set of prosecutors including the criminal chief of the federal prosecutor's office in Washington, D.C. filed a revised sentencing memo that removed all references to the attack on the Capitol and to Trump's role in posting Obama's address. A Justice Department spokesperson declined to comment. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, who leads the Washington, D.C., office prosecuting Taranto, also declined to comment on the personnel move. While we dont comment on personnel decisions, we want to make very clear that we take violence and threats of violence against law enforcement, current or former government officials extremely seriously," Pirro said in a statement. "We have and will continue to vigorously pursue justice against those who commit or threaten violence without regard to the political party of the offender or the target. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Valdivia and White noted that after Taranto returned to Washington, D.C., in June 2023, he made livestreamed threats to blow up his van outside the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The next day, on June 29, 2023, then-former President Donald Trump published on a social media platform the purported address of former President Barack Obama, the prosecutors noted. Taranto re-posted the address on the same platform and thereafter started livestreaming from his van on his YouTube channel. Taranto broadcast footage as he drove through the Kalorama neighborhood in Washington, D.C., claiming he was searching for 'tunnels' he believed would provide him access to the private residences of certain high-profile individuals, including former President Obama. The memo also describes an incident the same month in which Taranto visited an elementary school in Maryland while seeking Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin, a top Trump adversary. Tarantos menacing rhetoric harms public discourse and encourages others to use threats and violence to advance their views or silence their perceived political opponents, the prosecutors wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its unclear which portion of the memo triggered the move by Justice Department officials to place Valdivia and White on leave. However, theyre the latest Jan. 6 prosecutors to face punishment for their involvement in related cases. Dozens of others were either terminated or demoted. One of them, former Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Gordon, is suing over his termination. Taranto was among a slew of Jan. 6 defendants who argued that Trumps pardon also covered crimes unrelated to the Capitol attack. Though the Justice Department sided with the defendants in several cases, Taranto was one of the few in which prosecutors said the pardon did not apply. Nichols, a Trump appointee, ultimately agreed. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) During opening statements, prosecutor Leeann Wilder said the abuse and torture of Genesis Mata occurred over a week, possibly two weeks. The abuse allegedly done by her father, Ray Mata Jr., 31, and stepmother Graciela Bustamonte, 28. Wilder also said, the abuse could go as far back as 2024. Wilder claimed Genesis was kept in Room 248 of the La Quinta Inn by Mata and Bustamonte so no one could see her. Timeline: The last days of Genesis Mata Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two responding officers, a detective, a forensic pathologist, and a forensic interviewer testified at the preliminary hearing. A main focal point of Tuesdays hearing was describing Genesis injuries. There were too many to go over, but forensic pathologist Charnikarn Lopez said Genesis was covered with bruises, burns and had slashing injuries. Do you remember how long that autopsy was approximately in total? Wilder asked. I dont recall, but I just remember it being one of the longest autopsies Ive done, Lopez said. LIVE BLOG: Preliminary hearing begins in Genesis Mata case It was also revealed, Genesis was subjected to possible chronic sexual abuse. More information was revealed through testimony given by Bakersfield police forensic Det. Charles Jordan, who sat in on an interview with Genesis 11-year-old brother, referred to in court as J. Doe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doe told detectives he lived at the La Quinta Inn with Genesis, Bustamonte and Mata, and a 3-year-old sibling. Did Genesis ever ask J. Doe for anything? asked Wilder. Yes, she asked him for help, said Jordan. Doe described he and Genesis being abused with charging cords, boiling hot water, a broken broom stick, a hair straightener and a tomato can. He said Bustamonte poured boiling water on him an estimated 60 times. One of those times, Doe said Bustamonte poured 20 cups of boiling water on him. Doe told detectives Mata and Bustamonte sent him to McFarland to stay with family for 15 days to hide him from Child Protective Services to allow his injuries to heal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Genesis Mata investigation: Court documents indicate Ray Mata was already under investigation by CPS According to Doe, the couple would hide Genesis from visiting family members. [Doe] said Graciela would push Genesis into the closet of the motel room, and then tie the closet door closed with a cable or a cord, testified Jordan. J. Doe described the days before he last saw Genesis alive, she was not wearing any clothes. Doe said Bustamonte would not allow Genesis to wear clothing and couldnt due to her severe injuries. The last day Doe saw his sister alive was July 30, Doe said his aunt came to pick him and the 3-year-old up, Genesis stayed behind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because she had cuts and bruises on her body, that they didnt want anybody to see, said Jordan. The hearing continues Wednesday. 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 KGET 17 News. A Cumberland County man accused of stabbing his grandfather to death previously pleaded guilty to attacking the victim, a prosecutor revealed Tuesday. Shawn A. Moir, 26, stabbed Albert B. Moir, 59, multiple times in the victims Vineland home around 11 p.m. on Aug. 26, police said. At the time of his grandfathers death, Moir was already facing charges because he was accused of sexually assaulting a child in another county, a prosecutor said during a Tuesday detention hearing in the murder case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prosecutor also said Moir had previously served jail time for an earlier attack on his grandfather that had several similarities to the stabbing in August. In the latest attack, Moir was living with his grandparents and stabbed his grandfather as the victim slept, according to Cumberland County Assistant Prosecutor Lindsey Seidel. Moirs grandmother called 911 to report the attack and identified him as the assailant, the prosecutor said. Moir drove off in an SUV belonging to his grandparents after the stabbing, according to the prosecution. U.S. Marshals arrested him the following afternoon in Pennsylvania when they found him in the vehicle, which was parked in a Villanova University parking garage, federal officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was later extradited to New Jersey to face charges of first-degree knowing and purposeful murder, along with third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, fourth-degree aggravated assault and third-degree theft of a motor vehicle. In arguing for his clients pre-trial release with conditions, public defender Nathan Perry said Moir lacked a significant criminal record. He also argued that there was no evidence he would fail to attend court hearings or try to obstruct the case, and that he didnt pose a danger to the community at large. The prosecutor disagreed. The facts in the new case are similar to those from the prior incident in 2017 in which the defendant attacked his grandfather as he slept, Seidel said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He assaulted him with an object by striking him in the head, in the face, numerous times, said Seidel, who also prosecuted that case. He pleaded guilty to a third-degree aggravated assault charge in that case and was sentenced to 364 days in county jail time and two years of probation, according to court records. After violating probation, his probation was extended by a year in 2020, records indicate. That sentence included requirements that he obtain psychological and anger management evaluations and comply with any recommended treatment. Seidel pointed to several parallels between the two incidents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The facts here are similar in that he was living with his grandparents at their residence. He did attack his grandfather in his sleep. He killed him in his sleep, and then he fled in a stolen motor vehicle that belonged to the victims in this case, which is exactly what happened in the other case, the prosecutor said. Moir also faces charges in another case. At the time of his arrest for the stabbing, Moir was out of jail on court monitoring for aggravated sexual assault charges in Gloucester County, Seidel said. That case involves a juvenile victim, Superior Court Judge Niki Arbittier stated later in the hearing. In that incident, Moir already failed to appear for a hearing, the prosecutor said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seidel argued that Moir poses an obstruction risk in the murder case. After his arrest, blood was found under his fingernails and that was photographed, Seidel said. Surveillance video from the police department where he was taken following his arrest showed him cleaning out the blood from his nails. That was an attempt to obstruct the investigation by destroying evidence, according to the prosecutor. He has to be detained for the safety of the community as well as to ensure that hes going to appear and that hes not going to further obstruct, Seidel said. The judge agreed with that assessment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is clear here that this particular defendant is extremely violent, Arbittier said. The defendant has demonstrated that hes clearly a danger to the community. He is clearly at risk of failing to appear. And the defendant was also seen on surveillance attempting to destroy evidence. She ordered that Moir remain in jail pending the resolution of his case. He will return to court Dec. 4 for a pre-indictment conference. Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. By Sarah N. Lynch and Andrew Goudsward WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Justice Department placed two prosecutors on leave on Wednesday, hours after they referred to Trump supporters who stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021, as "a mob of rioters" in a sentencing memo, said four people familiar with the matter. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samuel White and Carlos Valdivia were placed on administrative leave and locked out of their government devices, one day before their scheduled appearance in federal court on Thursday for Taylor Taranto's sentencing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taranto was convicted on gun charges after driving to former President Barack Obamas Washington neighborhood in June 2023, shortly after then-former President Donald Trump posted what he asserted was Obamas address online. ABC News first reported the moves. Taranto had previously been charged for his role in the 2021 assault on the Capitol and was pardoned in January on Trump's return to the White House. He was one of nearly 1,600 people pardoned but remained incarcerated on the 2023 gun charges. Trump and his allies have sought to play down the January 6 violence, decrying the prosecutions as a "national injustice." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement White and Valdivia had asked U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols in Washington, D.C., to impose a sentence of 27 months for Taranto. They were not provided an official reason for their removal, which was carried out by the Executive Office for United States Attorneys, three of the people said. A Justice Department spokesperson declined to comment and Reuters could not immediately reach the two attorneys for comment. The decision to place them on leave marks the latest in a string of personnel actions targeting Justice Department employees who worked on criminal or civil cases disfavored by Trump and his supporters. More than 200 prosecutors, agents and other personnel have been fired, some of whom worked on two criminal cases against Trump or on cases related to the attack on the Capitol. Taranto was convicted on gun charges after having "perpetrated a hoax" on June 28, 2023, in which he falsely claimed he would cause a car bomb to drive into the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next day, after Trump posted Obama's purported address on social media, Taranto reposted it and began live-streaming himself as he drove into Obama's neighborhood in Washington, D.C. In the video, he said he was searching for "tunnels" to access private residences. Eventually he parked and walked into a restricted area protected by the U.S. Secret Service where he stated: Gotta get the shot, stop at nothing to get the shot. In a search of his van, law enforcement found two firearms, a stabilizing brace and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Jonathan Hornok, who was previously hand-picked by former Interim U.S. Attorney Ed Martin to serve as the office's criminal chief, has since made an appearance in the case alongside a second prosecutor, according to court filings. (Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch; Editing by Scott Malone and Howard Goller) DURANGO, Colo. (KREX) A peaceful protest in Durango escalated Tuesday regarding the recent detainment of a family by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Federal agents pepper-sprayed demonstrators as they linked arms to block the outside of the ICE facility in Durango. The protest stemmed from the arrest of two children, ages 12 and 15, and their father. According to the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition (CIRC), ICE detained the asylum-seeking family from Colombia on Monday. CIRC stated this happened despite the family having strong ties to the Durango community over the past 18 months and having a fully documented, pending asylum case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ICE reportedly transferred the two children to an undisclosed location, separating them from their father. The family has no criminal record and has been compliant with ICE reporting requirements, according to the center. ICE has forcibly separated a family, and now the community does not know where the children are, Enrique Orozco-Perez, co-executive director of Companeros: Four Corners Immigrant Resource Center, said in a news release. This is a deliberate and cruel tactic to instill fear in our communities. We demand to know where these children have been taken and call for their immediate reunification with their family. Regarding the protest, Colorado State Patrol said in a statement Tuesday that it was requested by local law enforcement to respond to the ICE field office to ensure public safety, and it did not participate in immigration enforcement. CSP helped in de-escalation and protection of all involved to maintain peace and address any unlawful behavior, according to the statement. Members of the Colorado State Patrol did not use any weapons or chemical munitions, CSP stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to CIRC, witnesses said ICE agents acted with unprovoked aggression. Despite our members remaining entirely peaceful, an ICE agent violently punched one of our community members in the face, a spokesperson from the Southwest Colorado Rapid Response Network said in a news release. This excessive force against peaceful protestors is unacceptable and underscores the brutal tactics ICE is willing to employ. 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 WesternSlopeNow.com. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) The Michigan Families for Fair Care, Sierra Club Michigan, and the Climate Action Campaign will host a protest outside U.S. Rep. Tom Barretts (MI-07) office on Thursday afternoon to express their concerns about the bills impact on climate and clean energy funding. Open to discussing: Barrett on Affordable Care Act, shutdown The protest will take place from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Participants say they will wear Halloween costumes to highlight their disappointment with Barretts support for the bill, which they refer to as the Big Ugly Bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the Trump administration has begun implementing aspects of the bill, Lansing locals are bracing for the impact of funding cuts that were tackling the climate crisis while also creating jobs and growing the state economy. Now Trump and Congressional Republicans are rewarding big oil companies and rich contributors while middle and lower income citizens suffer the consequences with dirtier air, higher utility bills and fewer new manufacturing jobs, the Climate Action Campaign said in a news release sent to 6 News. State considers new rules related to data centers as protestors ask for protection Spokespeople from Michigan Families for Fair Care, Sierra Club Michigan, and the Climate Action Campaign will be available to speak on the record during the event. 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. Himachal Pradesh Revenue, Horticulture and Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi on Tuesday dismissed allegations by the Opposition over alleged dilution of Section 118 of the Himachal Pradesh Tenancy and Land Reforms Act, asserting that "no tampering or amendment has been made, and no change is possible without the approval of the State Assembly". Speaking to the media and later to ANI in Shimla, Negi said, "Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur seems disturbed because his name has reportedly been dropped from the list of BJP's probable Chief Ministerial candidates. This is why he is making baseless and unbalanced statements. There has been no tampering with Section 118, and without the Assembly's approval, no amendment can be made." Negi clarified that the only amendment brought earlier in the Assembly pertained to religious institutions, enabling them to sell land up to 150 bighas for religious purposes, provided due permission. "That was the only amendment made in the Bill, and at that time, the Opposition had raised no objections; they even supported it. The Opposition is now spreading misinformation to mislead the public," he said. On the issue of relief and rehabilitation following the recent monsoon disaster, Negi said the state government has ensured that no individual remains homeless. "The government has arranged shelter for everyone whose houses were fully or partially damaged during the rains and calamity. Many are staying in rented houses and are being given Rs 5,000 per month as rental assistance," the minister said. Negi informed that over 1,800 houses were destroyed, while 8,000 suffered partial damage. To address the losses, the government launched the Special Relief Package 2023, now being implemented across the state. "Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu will distribute the first instalment of Rs 4 lakh each to affected families during the special relief distribution events in Mandi and Kullu on November 1," he announced. Responding to allegations over encroachments on forest land, Negi said, "There is no law allowing anyone exemption for forest land encroachments. The Opposition is making false claims." On the Opposition's criticism regarding apple produce being kept along roadsides, Negi said that this year's HPMC procurement has reached a record high. "The Opposition is reacting late. This year, HPMC purchased over one lakh metric tonnes of apples, compared to just 40,000 metric tonnes last year. Due to road blockages, apples were temporarily stored roadside, but not thrown into drains like before," he said. He added that committees under SDMs had been formed to identify and dispose of fully spoiled apples, while those suitable for juice production were utilised by the state for that purpose. Detailing the relief measures, Negi said the state's special package far surpasses the Centre's. "The Centre's aid is merely 1.3 lakh for a house, 20,000 for belongings, and barely 5,000 for partial damage. Himachal's package offers 7 lakh for partially damaged houses, 1 lakh for personal losses, 70,000 for belongings, and 50,000 for tenants," he said. He further added that compensation for animal loss in Himachal is 50,000 for large animals and 9,000 for small livestock, compared to the Centre's 33,000 and 3,000, respectively. For polyhouses, the state has introduced compensation of 25,000 and 10,000 per bigha for land loss and 4,000 per bigha for crop loss. "The total losses in Himachal Pradesh exceed 5,500 crore, while the Centre has so far sanctioned only 1,500 crore. Even that amount hasn't been released yet," Negi alleged. "We plan to release funds in instalments so that people can rebuild their houses effectively. The first instalment of 4 lakh will be released under the Special Relief Package in early November," he said. During the apple season, Negi said, despite heavy rains damaging the crop, the total produce had crossed 3.5 crore boxes, with a significant rise in HPMC's procurement under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS). He also accused the Centre of deliberately financially weakening the Himachal Pradesh government, saying, "First, they tried to topple our government politically and failed. Now, they are trying to weaken us financially by withholding GST compensation, revenue deficit grants, and disaster relief funds. The BJP wants to destabilise the state government in every way possible," he said. Negi, with a sharp remark, said, "For 20 years, the so-called 'double-engine' government did nothing for Himachal. Now they are exposed before the people. The public is watching everything." (ANI) Public Health Seattle & King County has confirmed a measles case in an adult resident who may have exposed others to the virus at several public locations across Renton, Tukwila, and Kent. The individual is believed to have contracted measles while on the same flight as another confirmed case announced by Public Health on Oct. 17. This latest case marks the 12th measles infection among Washington residents in 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Health officials said the patient visited several public sites during the infectious period, including Toyota of Renton, Valley Medical Center, YangGuoFu Malatang Restaurant in Tukwila, and the Disney on Ice: Lets Dance event at Kents ShoWare Center. This individual had been vaccinated against measles, said Dr. Sandra J. Valenciano, Health Officer for Public Health Seattle & King County. While its possible for someone whos been vaccinated to get measles, its rare. Vaccinated people who get measles are generally less likely to spread it to others and less likely to have severe outcomes. The measles vaccine remains a very effective tool and has been safely used for over 50 years. National data show that 92% of measles cases this year have occurred in unvaccinated individuals, with just 4% in people who have received both recommended doses of the MMR vaccine. Health officials warn that measles can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a location. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone who was at the following sites during the listed times may have been exposed and should watch for symptoms for the duration indicated: Date Time Location Watch for Symptoms Until Oct. 22 7 a.m. 9 p.m. Toyota of Renton, 150 SW 7th St., Renton Oct. 29 Nov. 13 Oct. 23 7 a.m. 9 p.m. Toyota of Renton, 150 SW 7th St., Renton Oct. 30 Nov. 13 Oct. 24 7 a.m. 9 p.m. Toyota of Renton, 150 SW 7th St., Renton Oct. 31 Nov. 14 Oct. 25 4 p.m. 7 p.m. YangGuoFu Malatang, 16860 Southcenter Pkwy, Tukwila Nov. 1 Nov. 15 Oct. 26 11 a.m. 3 p.m. ShoWare Center ( Disney on Ice: Lets Dance ), 625 W James St., Kent Nov. 2 Nov. 16 Oct. 2627 8:10 p.m. 2 a.m. Valley Medical Center Emergency Department entrance and waiting rooms, 400 S 43rd St., Renton Nov. 2 Nov. 17 Public Health advises most people are already immune due to vaccination, meaning the risk to the general public remains low. However, those who may have been exposed should: Verify their vaccination history or prior measles infection. Contact a healthcare provider immediately if they develop a fever, rash, cough, or red eyes. (Call ahead before visiting to prevent possible exposure to others.) Limit contact with people who may not have immunity, especially infants, pregnant people, and those with compromised immune systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Symptoms of measles usually appear 7 to 21 days after exposure. In those without immunity, illness could begin between Oct. 29 and Nov. 17. The virus is contagious for about four days before and after the appearance of a rash. Measles is a highly contagious airborne virus that spreads through coughing or sneezing. It can cause fever, rash, runny nose, cough, and red, watery eyes. Up to 9 out of 10 unvaccinated people exposed to the virus will become infected. Complications can include ear infections, pneumonia, diarrhea, or, in rare cases, brain inflammation and death. Those at highest risk for complications include children under 5, adults over 20, pregnant people, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles and provide long-lasting protection. More information, including vaccination resources, is available at kingcounty.gov/measles. Your free speech rights under the First Amendment allow you to display messages of your choice on your property. But state and local laws can impose limits on the placement and size, especially outside of election season. Public Investigator spoke to Anuj Desai, a law professor at the University of Wisconsin Law School, about this topic. Here's what to know: What counts as a political sign? State law defines a political sign as one that's displayed for the purpose of soliciting support or opposition to a candidate, political party, or referendum question. What counts as a campaign period or election season? Wisconsin considers the campaign period to run from the moment an election officially begins when candidates can start gathering signatures or a referendum is placed on the ballot until the polls close on the day of the election. How big can political signs be during campaign periods in Wisconsin? During campaign periods, Wisconsin law lets people post political signs up to 32 square feet on their own property. Those signs can go up 45 days before an election and have to come down within a week after. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Your municipality can't restrict these signs during election season unless they interfere with traffic or pedestrian safety. Political signs set out in the front yard during the 53rd Chicken Burn on West Potter Road in Wauwatosa on Aug. 28, 2022. What if I'm a renter? Can I still put up political signs outside my apartment? Yes. Renters can place a sign in any area of the property that is occupied exclusively by them. Landlords can place political signs on properties that are not exclusively occupied by renters. Signs can't block fire escapes or other areas required by building code to be accessible. Can I put up a political sign outside of election season in Wisconsin? Outside of election season, things depend more on your lease, your landlord, and local rules. But for homeowners, there's still strong protection under the First Amendment. "You can have whatever sign you want on your own property," Desai said. "And it can be as offensive as anything." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even signs that offend or upset people are generally protected under the First Amendment, Desai said. There are narrow limits, but they only apply to speech that isn't protected by the First Amendment. That includes threats or incitement of violence, he explained, which are hard to prove. Incitement has to meet a high legal standard, he said. The speech must have a strong chance of causing violence immediately after it's seen or heard. "I can't imagine, at least off the top of my head, what (yard sign) would constitute incitement," Desai said. What about renters? Desai said that's where the First Amendment doesn't apply in the same way, because landlords aren't the government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If your landlord doesnt want you to put a sign up outside of the election season, they can probably tell you no," he said. "The First Amendment only limits what the government can do not what private people can do." If you rent, your rights to display non-election signs mostly depend on your lease. Your landlord can likely restrict signs they find disruptive or offensive, Desai said, as long as they're not discriminating against you based a protected class, like religion or ethnicity. Quinn Clark is a Public Investigator reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. She can be emailed at QClark@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Can I put a political sign in my yard? What Wisconsin law says Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday his country has tested Poseidon, a nuclear-powered underwater drone designed to detonate off enemy coastlines and kick up radioactive tsunamis. Putin described the trial as the first to use Poseidons nuclear propulsion after a submarine launch, calling it more powerful than the Sarmat ICBM. It's a claim that revives one of Moscows most alarming superweapon concepts and raises fresh questions about the line between deterrence posturing and nuclear brinkmanship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia has been advertising Poseidon since 2018 as a way to bypass U.S. missile defenses; independent verification of this weeks test remains thin, but reputable monitors note the programs continued development and sea trials. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, or SIPRI, lists Poseidon in its 2024 yearbook as an active Russian weapons program designed for deployment from special-purpose submarines. However, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty notes Moscows test claims often precede independent verification. Strategists at the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists argue Poseidon is as much a psychological weapon as a military one, meant to sow fear even if its ultimate battlefield value is debatable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What the weapon is supposed to do is straightforward, if chilling: carry a very large nuclear warhead across oceans at depth and speed, detonate near a coast, and drive a surge of contaminated water ashore. Russian media and surrogates have hyped tsunami heights that many Western analysts consider exaggerated; still, even conservative estimates of a multi-megaton undersea blast near a port would be catastrophic for any coastal city. How real is the threat? Putin routinely pairs weapons reveals with grievances about the ABM Treatys demise and NATO expansion, casting exotic systems like Poseidon as counters to U.S. missile defense. Last week, he staged a triad readiness drill; earlier, he touted the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile. None of that changes the central balanceRussia already has ample means to devastate U.S. and European cities with conventional strategic forcesbut it does complicate arms-control diplomacy and crisis signaling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Skepticism is warranted on two fronts. First, independent evidence of a successful, end-to-end Poseidon trial hasnt surfaced. Russian statements have, in the past, outpaced verifiable technical detail. Second, the radioactive tsunami branding obscures physics that are nasty enough without hyperbole. An undersea nuclear detonation near shore would cause extreme local destruction and contamination, but some of the apocalyptic wave claims come from Russian television, not peer-reviewed hydrodynamics. If Moscow is now running nuclear-propelled sea trials, Poseidon has moved from slide deck to water. But even fully realized, its less a war-winning superweapon than a grisly new way to deliver an old threatone calibrated to spook audiences and unsettle negotiators as much as to rewrite deterrence math. KYIV, Ukraine (AP) Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed Wednesday that Russian troops have surrounded Ukrainian forces in two key eastern cities of Ukraine and offered to negotiate a deal for their surrender. Ukrainian military officials vigorously denied the claim. Putin, speaking at a meeting with wounded soldiers at a Moscow military hospital, suggested that the Russian military was ready to open safe corridors for Ukrainian and Western journalists to let them see with their own eyes whats going on. He claimed Ukrainian troops are encircled in Pokrovsk, a key Ukrainian stronghold in the eastern Donetsk region, and in Kupiansk, an important rail junction in the northeastern Kharkiv region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia has recently been pushing its significant advantage in troops and weapons at key points along the around 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front line, almost four years after it invaded its neighbor. But the Ukrainian armed forces said claims of Kupiansk being surrounded are fabrications and fantasies while the spokesman for Ukraines eastern forces, Hryhorii Shapoval, told The Associated Press that the situation in Pokrovsk is hard but under control. The Ukrainian Armys 7th Rapid Reaction Corps, which is defending Pokrovsk, said Russia had deployed some 11,000 troops in a bid to encircle the city. Some Russian units had managed to infiltrate Pokrovsk, it acknowledged in a social media post. Russian officials have in the past made claims about capturing Ukrainian strongholds that have turned out not to be true. Independent verification of the claims was not possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putins comments coincided with his diplomatic efforts to persuade the United States, which is seeking a peace deal to end the war, that supporting Ukraine is pointless because it cant hold out against Russian military superiority. He has also stressed what he says is Russias improving nuclear capability as he refuses to budge from his war aims. Putin on Wednesday indicated that Russia is open for a deal for the Ukrainian troops in the two cities to surrender. A media visit to the areas would allow reporters to see the condition the encircled Ukrainian troops are there so that Ukraines political leadership could make the relevant decisions regarding the fate of their citizens, he said. Small groups of Russian soldiers are engaging in house-to-house battles in both Kupiansk and Pokrovsk, Ukrainian officials and Russian war bloggers have said, while artillery and drones target roads. The Ukrainian military is increasingly relying on drones to supply troops. The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington think tank, said late Tuesday that Russian forces had advanced in the Pokrovsk area but almost certainly do not currently control any positions within the city of Pokrovsk itself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It added that the advances are unlikely to cause an immediate collapse of the Ukrainian pocket in the Pokrovsk direction. Asked about the situation in Kupiansk, the spokesman of Ukraines Joint Forces Task Force, Viktor Trehubov, said Putins claim does not match the reality on the ground. To put it simply, there is no encirclement, Trehubov told The AP. Russian forces have been trying for more than a year to take Pokrovsk, which Ukraine stopped using as a logistical hub in the region as Russia piled on the pressure at the end of last year. The city, which was home to around 60,000 people before the war, is largely in ruins. Meanwhile, Ukraine has kept up its long-range drone and missile attacks on Russian rear areas in an effort to disrupt logistics by striking oil refineries and manufacturing plants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russias Defense Ministry said that air defenses downed 100 Ukrainian drones over five regions overnight, with 13 airports, including three in the Moscow region, briefly suspending flights because of the attack. Russia, in the meantime, continued its campaign against Ukraines power grid and civilian infrastructure in at least six regions. At least 13 people, including a 9-year-old, were injured, officials said. The Ukrainian air force said Russia fired 126 strike and decoy drones overnight. ___ Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine MOSCOW (AP) Russia has conducted a successful test of a new atomic-powered and nuclear-capable underwater drone, President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday, declaring that the new weapon can't be intercepted. Putin's statement, which comes three days after he praised a successful test of a new nuclear-powered cruise missile, appears to be another message to U.S. President Donald Trump that Russia is standing firm in its maximalist demands on Ukraine. Speaking at a meeting with soldiers wounded in Ukraine, Putin said the Poseidon drone was tested while running on nuclear power for the first time Tuesday, describing it as unmatched in speed and depth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the nuclear reactor that powers Poseidon is 100 times smaller than those on submarines, and the power of its nuclear warhead is significantly higher than that of our most advanced Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile. Putin first mentioned the underwater nuclear-powered drone in his 2018 state-of-the-nation address along with other prospective weapons. Russian media reported that Poseidon was designed to explode near coastlines and unleash a powerful radioactive tsunami. Putin said that during Tuesday's test, Poseidon traveled on nuclear power for the first time. He didn't say where the trials were conducted or give any other details. For the first time, we managed not only to launch it from its carrier submarine ... but also to activate its nuclear power unit, allowing the vehicle to operate for a certain period of time," Putin said. In terms of speed and operating depth, there is nothing like this unmanned vehicle anywhere in the world, and its unlikely that anything similar will appear in the near future. And there is no way to intercept it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian media reports said the Poseidon is designed to travel at a speed of up to 200 kph (124 mph) significantly faster than any existing torpedoes or warships. With nuclear power giving it unlimited range, the drones speed and depth make it hard for an enemy to locate. Putin also revealed new details about the Burevestnik cruise missile, saying its nuclear reactor is 1,000 times smaller than one on a submarine, and starts in minutes, unlike a submarine reactor that takes hours to launch. He described the design of the miniature nuclear engine powering the missile as an engineering breakthrough and a huge achievement. On Sunday, Russias chief military officer, Gen. Valery Gerasimov, reported to Putin that an Oct. 21 test of Burevestnik was a complete success. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The missile covered 14,000 kilometers (8,680 miles) during a 15-hour flight using nuclear fuel and conducted maneuvers demonstrating its high capabilities in evading missile and air defense systems, Gerasimov said. The Burevestnik, which means storm petrel in Russian, is the worlds first nuclear-powered missile. That propulsion gives it virtually unlimited range, allowing it to loiter for days, circling enemy air defenses and attacking from an unexpected direction. Putin has described the Burevestnik and the Poseidon as part of a Russian response to the U.S. missile shield that Washington has developed after its 2001 withdrawal from a Cold War-era U.S.-Soviet pact that limited missile defenses. Russian military planners have feared a missile shield could tempt Washington to launch a first strike that would knock out most of Moscows nuclear arsenal in hopes of intercepting a small number of surviving missiles fired in retaliation. Putin and his officials cast the Burevestnik and the Poseidon as a guaranteed retaliation to a first strike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin has brandished Russias nuclear might repeatedly since sending troops into Ukraine in February 2022, declaring that Moscow was prepared to use all means to protect its security interests. He again turned to nuclear messaging since Trump has put a planned Budapest summit with Putin on hold and declared his first major sanctions against Russia since returning to the White House. - The Associated Press receives support for nuclear security coverage from the Carnegie Corporation of New York and Outrider Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. ___ Additional AP coverage of the nuclear landscape: https://apnews.com/projects/the-new-nuclear-landscape/ The Centre for Countering Disinformation (CCD) under Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council (NSDC) has assessed statements by Russian leader Vladimir Putin about testing the nuclear-powered submarine complex Poseidon and the Burevestnik missile as an attempt to exert psychological pressure on the West. Source: Centre for Countering Disinformation Details: The CCD drew attention to the fact that Putin's claims about new "state-of-the-art" weapons emerged immediately after the United States introduced new sanctions against Russia's Rosneft and Lukoil companies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "Putin's scare stories about his 'invincible' weapons are an attempt to put psychological pressure on the West. Moscow is trying to intimidate Ukraine's allies, particularly the US, to slow down military assistance and force the world to accept conditions for ending the war that favour Russia. The sanctions have cornered Putin to such an extent that he's now recalling every Soviet and Russian missile, trying to frighten the world with nuclear weapons that Russia still wouldn't be able to use." Details: The CCD emphasised that the Kremlin's threats are a reaction to growing isolation, economic pressure, and fear of the inevitable consequences of its own aggression. Previously: On 29 October, Putin boasted to Russian forces that Russia had conducted tests of the Poseidon underwater complex, allegedly equipped with a nuclear power unit and supposedly impossible to intercept, claiming it has "no analogues in the world". Background: Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The Qatari Prime Minister expressed his disappointment over the attack on Israeli soldiers in Gaza and the strikes and Israel's response. Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on Wednesday described an attack on Israeli soldiers in Gaza and the strikes in response by Israel as "very disappointing and frustrating for us." He told the Council on Foreign Relations in New York that Hamas terrorists have been clear that they are willing to give up governance in Gaza, and that Qatar is trying to push them to acknowledge they need to disarm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These remarks from the Qatari prime minister follow comments made earlier in the week by US President Donald Trump. He stated, "Nothing is going to jeopardize" the ceasefire in Gaza during a conversation with reporters aboard Air Force One. Trump emphasized that Hamas is a "very small part of peace in the Middle East" and stated, "They have to behave. If they [Hamas] are good, they are going to be happy, and if they are not good, they are going to be terminated; their lives will be terminated." US Vice President JD Vance commented on Tuesday that the ceasefire in Gaza remains intact, despite ongoing Israeli strikes in Gaza City and mutual accusations of violations between Israel and Hamas. "The ceasefire is holding. That doesn't mean there aren't going to be little skirmishes here and there," Vance told reporters. U.S. President Donald Trump meets with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Qatar's Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani onboard Air Force One during its refuelling stop at Al Udeid Air Base near Doha, Qatar, October 25, 2025 (credit: REUTERS/EVELYN HOCKSTEIN) On Tuesday, the IDF expanded its strikes across the Gaza Strip after Hamas fired on soldiers in southern Gaza, according to reports from Palestinian sources. The IDF announced on Wednesday morning that one soldier had been killed by Hamas sniper fire, which triggered the strikes that followed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump defended the IDF's response, stating, "They killed an Israeli soldier, so the Israelis hit back, and they should hit back. When that happens, they should hit back." Israel strikes back The Israeli military targeted the area surrounding Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City, according to the hospital's director-general. Israel is also contemplating further incursions into areas of the Gaza Strip from which it had previously withdrawn. An Israeli source mentioned that they would "nibble away" at additional territory currently under Hamas control. These military actions follow multiple ceasefire violations by Hamas, including the firing of an anti-tank missile and assaults on IDF troops in Rafah. An Israeli official stated that the response to Hamas's violations would be "much more significant" than in previous instances. Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that Hamas would "pay a heavy price" for its attacks on IDF soldiers and for violating the agreement regarding the return of hostage remains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday night, Hamas returned additional remains of former hostage Ofir Tzarfati, marking the third occasion these remains have been discovered, returned, and buried. In response, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum decried yet another violation by Hamas. They stated, "Hamas knows the location of all the hostages and continues to act with contempt, deceiving mediators and the international community while desecrating the dignity of our loved ones." Reuters contributed to this report. The number of measles cases in South Carolina this year has risen to 33 as an outbreak continues in the Upstate. Three of the diagnosed cases are separate from the outbreak. (iStock / Getty Images Plus) COLUMBIA Although the number of measles cases in the state continues to rise, recent infections have all come from existing exposures, suggesting strict quarantine measures are working, according to the Department of Public Health. Linda Bell, the state epidemiologist, reminded people to stay vigilant of the disease and get vaccinated if they are not already. The vaccine, typically administered in two doses during childhood, is available for free at mobile health units traveling the Upstate, as well as through state health departments and other clinics. Mobile health clinic locations this week Thursday, Oct. 30: 2-6 p.m. at Inman Library Friday, Oct. 31: 1-4 p.m. at Inman Library Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Source: S.C. Department of Public Health Eight people have tested positive for measles since Friday, bringing the total for the outbreak in the Upstate up to 30. All eight were considered close contacts of people already infected and quarantining at home, suggesting the disease was not spreading through the community, Bell said. As of Wednesday, 27 people remained in active quarantine because they either tested positive or came into contact with someone who had measles, Bell said. Quarantine lasts 21 days, since that is the incubation period for the disease, she said. That means most of the 139 students from two Spartanburg County schools who were learning virtually because they were unvaccinated and exposed to measles are back in the classroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bell did not specify how many of the 27 people were students, but the eight most recent cases were not from a school, she said. Because measles is highly contagious, officials remain wary of the potential for the outbreak to continue and expand across the state, especially as people travel for the holidays, Bell said. The only sure way to stop transmission is through vaccination, she said. The vaccine, by providing lifelong immunity to the majority of those vaccinated, will help us stop this outbreak, Bell told reporters Wednesday. One of the eight people newly infected had one dose of the vaccine but not the second, Bell said. One dose is about 93% effective at preventing infections, while two doses is 97% effective, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All other people to get measles in the state were unvaccinated. Since the states mobile health units offering the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine launched Oct. 16, 24 people 19 adults and five children have gotten the shot. Thats up significantly from seven as of last Wednesday, according to the health department. Another three people have contracted measles this year in cases unrelated to the outbreak. Those people became sick after traveling outside of the country to places with measles outbreaks, the health department has said. A fever, cough, red eyes and runny nose can indicate an early measles infection. Often, those symptoms are followed by a rash that typically begins on the face before spreading to the rest of the body. Severe cases can cause pneumonia or brain swelling, which can be fatal, especially in young children, according to the health department. The Canadian province of Quebec has long been a lightning rod for political controversy. Majority French-speaking, it has held two unsuccessful referendums on independence. But there have also been interminable rows over the status of the French language, verbal battles over military conscription, and endless debates about the extent to which the province should be subsidised by the rest of Canada. And now there is immigration. La belle province, as its occasionally called, announced earlier this year that it will be clamping down on mass migration. Quebec is unusual, in that it is allowed a greater say over long-term immigration than other provinces due to an agreement with the Canadian government. And Premier Francois Legaults populist, conservative-leaning government, Coalition Avenir Quebec, has said that it will decrease permanent immigration to 25,000-45,000 per year, down from a figure close to 60,000 in 2024. This was after figures revealed that the province was home to an estimated 562,000 temporary immigrants, foreign workers and others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ostensibly, this was about the pressures that are being placed on Quebec by such a large influx of people. Legault had warned that the province had exceeded its capacity to welcome asylum seekers and other temporary migrants, and that the situation was putting excessive pressure on public services. The whole of Canada has been reckoning with the aftermath of a surge in permanent migration under Justin Trudeau to the extent that he was forced to announce sharp drops in the countrys immigration targets last year to 395,000 from 500,000. In October, however, Quebec seemed to moderate its position. Under pressure from businesses allegedly affected by a shortage of workers, the Legault government has hit out at Ottawa for going too far to reduce the number of temporary workers, with one minister accusing the Canadian government of reacting in a clumsy way. The CAQ also strongly supports permanent immigration. It has said that it wants people to immigrate by legal means, people who wish to become law abiding-citizens, pay their taxes, start families and work hard to help the economy. But there is a reason why the Quebecois resistance to mass migration is unlikely to go away, one that is often left unsaid. The provinces French Canadian identity has long been perceived as under threat, particularly as its the only part of the country where francophones make up the majority. Traditionally, that threat has been perceived to come from Canadas English-speaking population, hence the fixation with French-language requirements. But this has become more pressing in an age of mass migration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Canada isnt a melting pot like the US, and generally has favoured the creation of a multicultural society. While thats admirable in some senses, it creates particular anxieties for a place like Quebec, which distinguishes itself by having one specific culture. Its political leaders know that, and the CAQ is one of several Quebec-based parties on the Right and Left that needs the support of nationalist voters to win elections. Hence, the issue of identity is part of the current governments political, economic and cultural thinking and thats not going to change anytime soon. Michael Taube, a columnist for the National Post, Troy Media and Loonie Politics, was a speechwriter for former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper. 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. Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha said that his government is providing adequate funds for development in the Janajatiya (Tribal communities) areas and giving priority to providing various facilities; however, despite these efforts, various contradictory statements are being made to mislead the Janajati community. Dr. Saha said that everyone must be careful of those who promote the politics of division between castes and tribes, and must work together to strengthen the message of building "Ek Tripura, Srestha Tripura". CM Saha said this at a joining program organised by the BJP Tripura Pradesh in Simna today, where he welcomed 1,406 voters from 375 families. While addressing the gathering, Tripura Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and BJP National President JP Nadda always emphasise that nothing will happen without the development of the Janajatis. "They are truly working for the development of the Janajatis. Droupadi Murmu, a representative of the Janajati section, has been entrusted with the responsibility of the President. After Tripura became a full-fledged state, we had never heard of a Governor from Tripura until now. And Jishnu Debbarma, a member of the royal family, has been appointed as the Governor of a big state like Telangana. In Tripura, we are united as one nation. However, a section is trying to create division among us. But the BJP believes in Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and both the government and the party are working in that direction," he said. The Chief Minister said that after the BJP government came to power in 2018, an honorary allowance of Rs 2,000 was introduced for Janajati community leaders. Recently, the Cabinet decided to increase that allowance to Rs 5,000. "In 2024-25, about Rs 6,500 crore was spent for the development of the TTAADC areas, which is 39.06 per cent of the total expenditure. For 2025-26, about Rs 7,149 crore has been allocated for the TTAADC," he said. Speaking at the meeting, CM Saha said the current government will do whatever is necessary to develop tribal communities. "Work is being done in that direction. Earlier, students from Classes VI to VIII were given a pre-metric scholarship of Rs 400 per year. The blocks in tribal-dominated areas have been declared aspirational blocks to enable more work for the welfare of the Janajatis. Accordingly, more funds are being allocated in the budget to these blocks," he added. (ANI) LINDEN, Wis. (WFRV) A deputy in Wisconsin is being credited with preventing potentially tragic consequences after quickly pulling over a driver who was traveling in the wrong lane. Appleton PD arrests teacher at Fox Valley Lutheran HS for child pornography According to the Iowa County Sheriffs Office, a deputy performed a traffic stop on Tuesday evening near Highway 18 and State Road 39 in Linden upon noticing a vehicle in the wrong lane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials say the deputy quickly identified the driver as Martin Gonzalez Bautista of Milwaukee, who was arrested for an alleged first OWI offense. 31-year-old accused of 2024 stabbing in Green Bay has jury trial pushed back with added dates The deputys quick action likely prevented a serious or even tragic crash from occurring with a vehicle traveling in the wrong lane of a highway, the release said. The Iowa County Sheriffs Office also added a reminder to never drive under the influence, and that if you know youll be drinking, it is crucial to plan by having a designated driver set. 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 WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The National Guard is planning to train hundreds of troops in each state to be part of a rapid-response force focused on civil disturbance missions by the start of next year, two U.S. officials said on Wednesday. President Donald Trump has increasingly embraced using the military to support his domestic agenda, including deploying troops to Democratic-led cities like Los Angeles; Portland, Oregon, and Washington, D.C. The latest move follows an executive order signed by Trump in August, which called for each state to have National Guard troops who could be quickly deployed for "quelling civil disturbances and ensuring the public safety and order." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two U.S. officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said each state would be required to have such a force by the start of next year. Most of the states would be required to have 500 troops as a part of the force. The specific date for the move was first reported by the Guardian, which cited a National Guard memo from October 8. A Pentagon spokesperson did not immediately reply to a request for comment on Wednesday. It is unclear how the force would be different from existing quick-reaction forces already available to each state. According to the National Guard, each state already has a specially trained force that can take part in missions, including civil disturbance control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The existing National Guard forces must be able to deploy up to 125 troops within eight hours and a follow-on force of up to 375 personnel within 24 hours. During a trip to Japan earlier this week, Trump told U.S. troops he was prepared to send "more than the National Guard" into U.S. cities if needed. "We have cities that are troubled ... and we're sending in our National Guard. And if we need more than the National Guard, we'll send more than the National Guard because we're going to have safe cities," Trump said. (Reporting by Idrees Ali and Phil Stewart in Washington; Editing by Matthew Lewis) Should a rabbi endorse a candidate? Two influential leaders offer different answers to a question vexing synagogues. Go figure: A non-Jewish, non-Zionist politician has sparked a national Jewish conversation about the role of the rabbi. If elected next week, the 34-year-old progressive Zohran Mamdani would be the first mayor of New York City who came up through the trenches of pro-Palestinian activism, and the first to reject the idea that being mayor of a city with 1 million Jews means being a supporter of Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prospect has shaken a Jewish mainstream that has long taken that support for granted, considers Zionism a pillar of its Jewish identity, and sees Mamdani as an enabler of the kind of strident anti-Israel protests that make them feel unsafe. In turn, that has put pressure on rabbis throughout the five boroughs and beyond to take a stand not just by defending Zionism and Jewish security but by denouncing Mamdani and endorsing his rivals. With the IRS in July having lifted the 60+-year-old ban that prevented houses of worship from endorsing or opposing candidates, rabbis who would prefer to stay above the fray have lost their cover. Also gone are the days when the decision to use the bimah as a bully pulpit was between a rabbi and his or her congregation. Non-Orthodox synagogues regularly post their rabbis Shabbat sermons to YouTube. Rabbi Cosgrove (credit: Park Avenue Synagogue ) A petition signed by over 1,100 rabbis calling on voters to reject anti-Zionist candidates like Mamdani has become a very public roll call of rabbis who are willing to engage directly in electoral politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The inescapably public profile of being a rabbi amid a high-stakes election was seen in the contrasting positions taken by leaders of two influential and prosperous Manhattan congregations. In a sermon shared on YouTube and the synagogues website, Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove of Park Avenue Synagogue made his position clear from his very first sentence: Cosgrove urges New Yorkers to vote for Cuomo I believe Zohran Mamdani poses a danger to the security of New Yorks Jewish community. He not only urged members of his Conservative shul to vote for Mamdanis leading rival, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, but laid out a specific strategy for convincing undecided and Mamdani-curious Jewish voters to do the same. About 30 blocks south, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl of Central Synagogue, whose recent sermon on the Gaza war drew over 120,000 views on YouTube, wrote a letter to her Reform congregation about the mayoral race. Without naming Mamdani, she insisted that elected leaders must reject the idea that Jewish self-determination is up for negotiation, while reaffirming her synagogues policy of not endorsing or publicly opposing political candidates. Some might find that coy a rabbinic version of the New York Times controversial non-endorsement endorsement of Cuomo. But Buchdahl has become one of the countrys best-known rabbis in part on her ability to articulate Jewish concerns in a way that embraces and respects those who might disagree with her. Her Gaza sermon deftly conveyed Jewish dismay over the scale of the killings and hunger in Gaza while sympathizing with the fears and dilemmas of average Israelis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter makes clear where she and her team stand on Zionism and fighting antisemitism: We have spoken from the pulpit in multiple past sermons and will continue to take a clear, unambiguous position on antisemitism, on anti-Zionist rhetoric, and on sharing our deep support for Israel. Mamdani was unmistakably the subject when she added, I hope and expect anyone who becomes mayor of our amazing city home to the largest Jewish population outside of Israel will take very seriously the expressed concerns (made directly and publicly) of so many of us in the Jewish community. She also explains why the synagogue considers nonpartisanship a practical and spiritual value. It remains our conviction that political endorsements of candidates are not in the best interest of our congregation, community, or country, she writes, adding, Our role is not to enter political campaigns or to endorse or speak out against candidates, but to provide moral and spiritual clarity on important public issues. Cosgrove doesnt explicitly address the debate over whether a rabbi should endorse a political candidate, but writes that the stakes of the mayoral race are too high for him not to weigh in on the candidates. I wish it were otherwise, he said. I wish we had two candidates with equal interest, or better yet, equal disinterest in the Jewish community. But this election cycle, that is simply not the case. We can only play the cards we are dealt. And in this hand, I choose to play the one that safeguards the Jewish people, protects our community, and ensures that our seat at the table remains secure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also defends his public political stand in spiritual terms. Self-preservation and self-interest are not only legitimate, but essential to sustaining an ethical life, he said, citing the Talmudic sage Hillel. While both rabbis have ranged widely in their sermons and activism, their messages on the mayors race offer two different models for leadership. Cosgrove spoke in the voice of a political strategist and community organizer; Buchdahls letter was about protecting the integrity of her institution and the diverse individuals it serves. By dint of their influential congregations, media savvy and charisma, Cosgrove and Buchdahl are rabbis with citywide and, especially in Buchdahls case, national stature. The rabbis petition quoted Cosgrove, although he did not sign it; Buchdahl recently promoted her memoir about growing up Korean-American, and her unasked for role as a hostage negotiator, on CBS Mornings. Their positions have weight in a debate that has dogged rabbis ever since the pulpit became a place not just for parsing fine points of Jewish law or offering homilies, but commenting on current events. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A frequently cited role model for activist rabbis is Joachim Prinz, the German refugee who led congregations in Newark, New Jersey, and its suburbs in the last century. Even before leaving Germany, he would rail against the Nazis. In America, he bucked the clear isolationist trend and fear among many Jews of a backlash by insisting that Europes fight was Americas fight. Prinz rejected the traditional model of the drash, or homily, finding it too solemn and lacking in concrete meaning. I was always out to find something relevant to the life of the people sitting in front of me. He wondered how seriously people would take a faith tradition whose clergy couldnt offer guidance on, say, waging war, addressing poverty or resisting authoritarianism. Throw in Jewish security, and the stakes get higher yet. Prinzs jeremiads against Nazism and later in support of civil rights would assure his place in American-Jewish history. Whether it would assure him a place in a modern American pulpit is another story. Support for social justice in the form of volunteerism and charitable giving is fine. Also tolerated is a certain amount of activism on consensus issues, which have lately become elusive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for urging specific stands on candidates or pieces of legislation, rabbis quickly learn that neither smooths their path to contract renewal. For many congregants, this is as it should be. They feel that the great knotty corpus of Jewish text shouldnt be reduced to a policy prescription, or that they shouldnt be forced to hear a political speech in a house of worship. Cosgrove especially anticipated the kinds of objections mostly tactical he thought he might get from congregants: Opposing a popular candidate like Mamdani would invite an antisemitic backlash, or centering Zionism in the mayors race would confirm the slander of dual loyalty. Buchdahl faced the opposite pressure: congregants insisting she endorse Cuomo. There have been some nasty Instagram posts calling her timid, with comments suggesting that some congregants may have resigned over the saga. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Buchdahls letter insists that declining to endorse does not mean she and the synagogue are abdicating their responsibility to Jewish safety. Rather, she wrote, the synagogue does its job by instilling the values that shape the political decisions of its congregants. Our role, she wrote, is not to enter political campaigns or to endorse or speak out against candidates, but to provide moral and spiritual clarity on important public issues. Health officials in one Southern California county are warning residents about an increase in rabid bats and urging them to take precautions for themselves and their pets. So far this year, 18 rabid bats have been reported in Riverside County, up from 15 confirmed by the Public Health lab in 2024, prompting officials concerns about residents contracting rabies. Rabies is almost always fatal in humans once symptoms appear, Riverside County Public Health Officer Dr. Jennifer Chevinsky said. While rabies is extremely rare in humans in California, exposure through bat bites is a serious concern. Bites from a bat can be painless and may not leave marks, so its important to seek immediate care if you awaken to a bat in your home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To reduce the risk of rabies infection, individuals should: Never pick up or touch a bat Vaccinate pets against rabies Report possible exposures to animal control or Public Health Safety-proof homes by sealing gaps and openings that could allow bats inside Avoid contact with bats and other wild animals (skunks, raccoons, foxes and coyotes) Officials said that anyone who has interacted with a bat should wash the affected area immediately with soap and water and seek prompt medical attention, including an assessment for post-exposure vaccination. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 100,000 Americans receive rabies vaccinations each year following potential exposures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Radio Free Asia is halting operations as its federal funding dries up, eliminating one of the few independent sources of media in a region dominated by authoritarian regimes. The network, which has broadcast for nearly 30 years, announced Wednesday that it will pause its work to preserve whats left of its budget after cuts imposed by President Donald Trump and delays in receiving new funding as a result of the government shutdown. For RFA journalists who sacrificed so much in defying powerful and malignant forces, its an excruciating moment, Executive Editor Rosa Hwang said in a statement. And make no mistake, authoritarian regimes are already celebrating RFAs potential demise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The halt in operations, which RFA said would be temporary if funding is restored, is the latest blow to independent media organizations supported by the U.S. government under a hostile administration. In March, Trump ordered cuts to the U.S. Agency for Global Media, which oversees Voice of America along with RFA and other networks whose mission is to provide uncensored news in countries with little or no free press. Kari Lake appointed by Trump to oversee the dismantling of organizations within USAGM cut hundreds of employees at the agency in August. RFA said the shutdown would begin Friday and operations would resume if Congress provides the money they need to stay on the air. Once our funding returns, so will we, Hwang said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The organization plans to shutter its overseas bureaus, lay off staff members who had been furloughed, including many who had gone without pay since the initial cuts in March, President and CEO Bay Fang said in a statement. However drastic these measures may seem, they position RFA, a private corporation, for a future in which it would be possible to scale up and resume providing accurate, uncensored news for people living in some of the worlds most closed places, Fang said. The Trump administration has portrayed its cuts as an effort to root out radical propaganda, though RFA and the affiliated networks are often one of the few sources of independent media in much of the world. By Jasper Ward WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Radio Free Asia said on Wednesday it was suspending its editorial operations amid "funding uncertainty" as the U.S. federal government shutdown edges toward its one-month mark. The broadcaster, which is funded by the U.S. government, said it would halt all production of news content on Friday due to the shutdown and a delay in receiving funding for its new fiscal year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In an effort to conserve limited resources on hand and preserve the possibility of restarting operations should consistent funding become available, RFA is taking further steps to responsibly shrink its already reduced footprint," RFA CEO Bay Fang said, adding that was the first time in nearly 30 years the outlet was taking such steps. Fang said Radio Free Asia would also close down overseas bureaus, formally lay off furloughed staff and pay severance to those staff members. Hundreds of RFA employees were put on unpaid leave earlier this year after U.S. President Donald Trump announced the termination of funding for the outlet and its sister broadcasters Voice of America and Radio Free Europe in a broader drive to shrink government. In April a federal judge blocked the administration from terminating funding for government-funded broadcasters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Radio Free Asia has broadcast across Asia since 1996. Rights activists say its multilingual reporters provide reliable news in authoritarian countries, raising awareness about the plight of oppressed minorities such as China's Uyghur Muslims. (Reporting by Jasper Ward; editing by Donna Bryson; Editing by Stephen Coates) About 2,500 Brazilian police and soldiers launched a massive raid on a drug-trafficking gang in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday, arresting 81 suspects and sparking shootouts that left more than 100 people dead, officials said. Brazilian police said Wednesday the death toll stood at 119 killed, including four police officers, but Rio de Janeiro's state public defender's office told the Agence France-Presse that 132 people were killed in the raids. Rio state Gov. Claudio Castro initially put the death toll at around 60 on Wednesday, but warned that the real figure was likely higher as more bodies were being taken to a morgue and counted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents of a favela in Rio lined up more than 40 bodies at a plaza in their low-income neighborhood on Wednesday, a day after the operation, AFP reported. The corpses were placed near one of the main roads in the Penha Complex. The operation included officers in helicopters and armored vehicles and targeted the notorious Red Command in the sprawling low-income favelas of Complexo de Alemao and Penha, police said. Rafael Soares, a journalist covering crime in Rio, told BBC News Brasil that the Red Command had been on the offensive in the city in recent years, reclaiming territory it had lost to its rivals, First Capital Command. The police operation was one of the most violent in Brazil's recent history, with human rights organizations calling for investigations into the deaths. Castro said in a video posted on X Tuesday that 60 criminal suspects had been "neutralized" during the massive raid that he called the biggest such operation in the city's history. Some 81 suspects were arrested, while 93 rifles and more than half a ton of drugs were seized, the state government said, adding that those killed "resisted police action." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rio's civil police said on X that four officers died in Tuesday's operation. "The cowardly attacks by criminals against our agents will not go unpunished," it said. Police officers escort a suspect arrested during the Operacao Contencao (Operation Containment) out of the Vila Cruzeiro favela, in the Penha complex, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 28, 2025. / Credit: MAURO PIMENTEL/AFP via Getty Images Residents scrambled for cover and shops closed their doors amid police claims that the gangs were using drones to fight back, AFP reported. Castro posted a video on X of what he described as a gang-controlled drone launching a projectile from the cloudy sky. "This is how the Rio police are treated by criminals: with bombs dropped by drones. This is the scale of the challenge we face. This is not ordinary crime, but narcoterrorism," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State officials said at least 50 of those killed were "indicated by police as suspected of being criminals," BBC News reported. Dozens of people were injured, including civilians caught in the crossfire, according to the BBC. The United Nations' human rights body said it was "horrified" by the deadly police operation, called for effective investigations and reminded authorities of their obligations under international human rights law. Cesar Munoz, director of Human Rights Watch in Brazil, called Tuesday's events "a huge tragedy" and a "disaster." "The public prosecutor's office must open its own investigations and clarify the circumstances of each death," Munoz said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Footage on social media showed fire and smoke rising from the two favelas as gunfire rang out. The city's Education Department said 46 schools across the two neighborhoods were closed, and the nearby Federal University of Rio de Janeiro canceled night classes and told people on campus to seek shelter. Suspected gang members blocked roads in northern and southeastern Rio in response to the raid, local media reported. At least 70 buses were commandeered to be used in the blockades, causing significant damage, the city's bus organization Rio Onibus said. The operation Tuesday followed a year of investigation into the criminal group, police said. Gov. Castro, from the conservative opposition Liberal Party, said the federal government should be providing more support to combat crime a swipe at the administration of leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gleisi Hoffmann, the Lula administration's liaison with the parliament, agreed that coordinated action was needed but pointed to a recent crackdown on money laundering as an example of the federal government's action on organized crime. Vice President Geraldo Alckmin and a number of ministers met in response to the operation on Tuesday afternoon. Chief of staff Rui Costa requested an emergency meeting in Rio on Wednesday, with him in attendance as well as Justice Minister Ricardo Lewandowski. Emerging from Rio's prisons, the Red Command criminal gang has expanded its control in favelas in recent years. "Russian roulette" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rio has been the scene of lethal police raids for decades. In March 2005, some 29 people were killed in Rio's Baixada Fluminense region, while in May 2021, 28 were killed in the Jacarezinho favela. While the Tuesday's police operation was similar to previous ones, its scale was unprecedented, said Luis Flavio Sapori, a sociologist and public safety expert at Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais. "What's different about today's operation is the magnitude of the victims. These are war numbers," he said. He argued that these kinds of operations are inefficient because they do not tend to catch the masterminds, but rather target underlings who can later be replaced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's not enough to go in, exchange gunfire, and leave. There's a lack of strategy in Rio de Janeiro's public security policy," Sapori said. "Some lower-ranking members of these factions are killed, but those individuals are quickly replaced by others." The Marielle Franco Institute, a nonprofit founded by the slain councilwoman's family to continue her legacy of fighting for the rights of people living in favelas, also criticized the operation. "This is not a public safety policy. It's a policy of extermination, that makes the everyday life of Black and poor people a Russian roulette," it said in a statement. "Everyone is terrified" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AFP saw police in the Vila Cruzeiro neighborhood of Penha district guarding about 20 young people huddled together and sitting on the sidewalk, heads bowed, barefoot and shirtless. "This is the first time we've seen drones (from criminals) dropping bombs in the community," said a Penha resident, speaking on condition of anonymity. "Everyone is terrified because there's so much gunfire," she added. A woman cries outside Getulio Vargas Hospital shortly after her relative was brought here by police due to injury during a police operation against alleged drug traffickers in the Complexo do Alemao favela where the criminal organization Tuesday's operation halted ground traffic on many of the seaside city's main streets. "We're left without buses, without anything, in this chaos and not knowing what to do," said Regina Pinheiro, a 70-year-old retiree, who was trying to return home. What to expect from Trump meeting with Xi Jinping Video shows massive damage in Jamaica from Hurricane Melissa Hurricane Melissa rescue and recovery efforts ongoing after storm pummels Jamaica, Cuba HAGERSTOWN, Md. (DC News Now) Two men are behind bars after a major drug bust at a home in Hagerstowns north end Monday night. Police arrested 32-year-old Elijah Walker-Boston and 37-year-old Jaquim Collier, both of Hagerstown. The raid, which seized more than two pounds of methamphetamine, 450 grams of MDMA (ecstasy), approximately 99 grams of cocaine, and approximately $4,589 in United States currency, has some in the citys north end on edge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Concerted Care Group expands substance use disorder treatment options in western Maryland Authorities exercised a search warrant on the top-floor apartment of 18 Wayside Ave. Kelly Vance runs a gift shop around the corner from the scene of the raid and was taken aback by it all. You know, I see things. Im careful. I try to pay attention to my surroundings, said Vance. Another neighbor, Dennis Destin, isnt too concerned about crime in the neighborhood overall. I dont feel unsafe, but it makes me think twice about the neighborhood. I just dont know, said Destin. Shop owner Vance said the drug raid taking place just around the corner from her shop is unsettling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have a couple of halfway houses close by, said Vance. I understand theyre trying to put another one here across the street. We have families living here. Law enforcement told DC News Now that the Washington County Sheriff, Maryland State Police, Hagerstown Police and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration carefully coordinated the raid. Each suspect faces nearly a dozen separate charges. 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. Delhi Police Special Commissioner of Police (Law & Order) Ravinder Yadav said none of the three persons accused were at the crime scene at the time of the alleged acid attack on a DU student. "As soon as we got to know there was an attack, we registered the case. During the probe, we found some inconsistencies. We found that the story was fabricated. The CCTV footage we reviewed showed that the accused person was not at the scene. Then, we found that the girl's father had a case registered against him of molestation and assault. To trap the complainant's husband, this was done," Special CP told ANI. Jitender, who was earlier accused in the recent acid attack case near Laxmi Bai College in Delhi's Ashok Vihar, has stated that he was on duty at the time of the alleged attack. "Around 7 pm, while I was on duty, I received a call from my wife that my name was being mentioned in this case. My wife said there was no need to worry, but to come directly to the police station after work. I don't know the other people the girl mentioned. I have nothing to do with them whatsoever. I was at work in Karol Bagh at the time of this (alleged) incident. The police have given me a clean chit," Jitender said. His wife revealed that she had filed a complaint against Aqeel Khan, and in revenge, the father of the girl student plotted the acid attack to accuse her husband falsely. "My husband is innocent, and that girl, her father, and her entire family conspired together and filed a false case... I had filed a complaint against Aqeel Khan at the Bhalswa police station. To escape that, he used his daughter to plot against my husband... My husband was on duty in Karol Bagh when the (alleged) attack occurred," she said. Delhi Police have arrested the father of a woman who alleged an acid attack near Ashok Vihar, after the probe revealed inconsistencies in her statement and links to a separate harassment case filed by the main accused's wife, police said on Monday. The accused has been identified as Akil. Police said that their initial investigation the accused revealed that it was not acid that had been thrown on the woman. Instead, the accused's daughter had taken toilet cleaner from their home and poured it on her hands herself, after which a false case of acid attack was registered. (ANI) BEDFORD COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) A Bedford County man was charged with the rape of a 16-year-old and is now behind bars. Dakota Brian Moyer, 19, of New Paris, was charged after state police were alerted to a report of him allegedly raping a teen girl multiple times. In addition to rape, hes facing charges of corruption of minors, sexual assault and unlawful contact with a minor for sexual offenses, all of which are felonies. In July, troopers were sent a referral indicating a report of rape was made. According to the criminal complaint, they spoke with the victim later that month. Troopers noted that the victim didnt know a report was made, but assumed they wanted to speak with her about Moyer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked what happened, she allegedly told troopers, Its considered rape. She went on to tell investigators she continued to say no, but Moyer kept begging until she gave in, despite not wanting to have sex. According to the affidavit of probable cause, the victim said this happened multiple times from April to July, confirming the alleged rapes happened due to coercion and emotional distress. Troopers said they spoke with Moyer in August, and he agreed to talk with them. According to charges, Moyer claimed the rape allegations came from multiple associates who knew them both and were made out of spite. Moyer maintained that he believed he did nothing wrong, and he had intercourse with the teen about 10 times. He claimed the victim would drive to his house for the purpose of having sexual intercourse. Moyer was arraigned Wednesday, Oct. 29, in front of Magisterial District Judge Tonya Osman and placed in Bedford County Prison with bail set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Nov. 12. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 WTAJ - www.wtaj.com. Deep-sea creatures in the trenches of Japans volcanically active "Ring of Fire" belt are rapidly adapting to immense depths, scientists found. Researchers documented nearly 30,000 of such organisms, especially those living between 7,000 to 10,000m (22,700 to 32,000ft) below the sea. Their findings revealed that seafloor ecosystems are shaped by depth, food supply, seismic activity, as well as the seafloor's structure. These observations were part of a crewed submersible mission to the hadal zone, the deepest part of the worlds oceans, in the Japan, Ryukyu, and Izu-Ogasawara trenches of the Northwest Pacific Ocean during six submersible dives from August to September 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Videos taken by the crew led to the documentation of organisms that spanned 70 morphological groups in 11 taxonomic categories across eight habitat types. For instance, the nutrient-rich Japan Trench, which runs parallel to the east coast of Japan for more than 600km (372 miles), supported high abundances of sea cucumbers and other creatures that feed on seafloor deposits like mysid shrimp and tube anemones at about 7.5km (24,600ft) depth. On the other hand, the more food-limited Ryukyu Trench at this depth was dominated by very different communities with sea cucumbers nearly absent. And in the Izu-Ogasawara Trench, at a depth of about 9km (30,000ft), extensive sea lily meadows were discovered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This provided one of the most detailed observations of seafloor biodiversity and habitats at these depths, said University of Western Australias Denise Swanborn, lead author of the study published in the Journal of Biogeography. We found differences in community composition and diversity between trenches, linked to depth and nutrient input from surface waters, Dr Swanborn said. Creatures in the deep ocean have adapted to survive at varying depths under different nutrient availability conditions, according to new study (Journal of Biogeography (2025)) One of the dives also led to the discovery of the worlds deepest fish, a snailfish living over 8km below the sea level, a finding researchers announced in 2023. The dives revealed that although the abundance of organisms could be lower in the hadal zone compared to shallower waters near the shore, many major groups of animals were still present, displaying an amazing range of adaptations, according to Dr Swanborn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Within trenches, at the same depth band, differences in historical seismic disturbance and seafloor stability created different communities, the deep-sea ecologist said. For example, historically seismically active areas in the Japan Trench were dominated by low-diversity organisms that had adapted to their environment, while the more stable under-riding slope supported more diverse communities, she explained. These findings shed more light on how the depth, regional setting, and seafloor disturbance via seismic activities and nutrient supply from land interact to structure marine ecosystems. Researchers hope the study could provide the foundation for future ecological research in the deepest parts of the ocean. A rare interstellar comet reaches its closest point to the sun on Wednesday and Thursday and it's exciting astronomers around the world. Comet 3I/ATLAS is just the third confirmed interstellar object to pass through our solar system, meaning it's travelled billions of miles through other systems in space. Its orbit is strongly hyperbolic, meaning it's moving with enough speed to avoid our sun's gravitational pull. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's what to know about the astronomical wonder. What do we know about Comet 3I/ATLAS? The "3I" designation stands for "third interstellar," because it is just the third confirmed interstellar object to pass through our solar system after 2I/Borisov in 2019 and 1I/'Oumuamua in 2017. It was first discovered in July 2025 via a regular sky survey by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS), after which the comet is named. Such objects can give scientists the opportunity to sample material from other star systems and compare it with our own. "[Interstellar objects are] like cosmic time capsules, delivering samples from distant exoplanetary systems we could never otherwise visit and study directly," Space.com states. "The discovery of 3I/ATLAS opens the door to a completely new branch of study in astrophysics." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, this opportunity is fleeting upon its discovery 3I/ATLAS was hurtling through our solar system at around 130,000 miles per hour, which according to NASA is "the highest velocity ever recorded for a solar system visitor." It's believed to have increasingly moved faster in the months since, as it passes closer to our sun. It will soon leave our system and continue its journey through interstellar space. A few weeks after the comet was identified, NASA's Hubble Space Telescope gathered enough information to give astronomers a better understanding of its size and makeup. 3I/ATLAS has a "solid, icy nucleus" that is believed to be between 1,000 feet and 3.5 miles in diameter. The University of California's David Jewitt, science team leader for the Hubble observations, explained the difficulty in drawing deeper conclusions about the object. "No one knows where the comet came from," Jewitt said. "Its like glimpsing a rifle bullet for a thousandth of a second. You can't project that back with any accuracy to figure out where it started on its path." The comet's chemical makeup suggests it formed in a cold, distant region of its parent system's disk, under temperature, radiation or disk-environment conditions much different than those of our solar system. Experts theorize 3I/ATLAS is likely very old, between three and 14 billion years per the Planetary Society. For comparison, our solar system is around 4.6 billion years old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NASA estimates the closest it will get is 130 million miles from the sun on Oct. 30. Earth is roughly 93 million miles from the sun. Can I see Comet 3I/ATLAS? When does 3I/ATLAS pass Earth? Unfortunately, Comet 3I/ATLAS is not visible to the naked eye. The object can't currently be captured by a telescope either, as it's on the opposite side of the sun from Earth. However, this is expected to change in mid-to-late November, when it moves away from the sun's glare. By early December, the interstellar object should become visible to telescopes. It will travel closest to the Earth around Dec. 19, when it will be roughly 167 million miles away. Due to 3I/ATLAS' trajectory, experts have determined it poses no threat to Earth. Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is making its way through our Solar System only the third known visitor from another star system. (NASA/JPL-Caltech) Is 3I/ATLAS an alien ship? Harvard professor's theory met with criticism The rumor that 3I/ATLAS may not be a comet at all sprouted from Avi Loeb, an astrophysicist at Harvard University and the head of its Galileo Project. Loeb, along with two others, wrote a paper published in July that speculated the object could be "hostile" alien technology. The publication justified the claim, in part, by pointing out its unusual features like its hyperbolic trajectory, alignment with the ecliptic plane (the plane of Earth's orbit), and "non-natural" chemical and physical makeup. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many experts and agencies like NASA have shared doubt about Loeb's theory, as reported by The Guardian. "It looks like a comet. It does comet things. It very, very strongly resembles, in just about every way, the comets that we know," Tom Statler, a lead scientist for NASA, said. "It has some interesting properties that are a little bit different from our solar system comets, but it behaves like a comet. And so the evidence is overwhelmingly pointing to this object being a natural body. Its a comet." The theory of 3I/ATLAS being tied to extraterrestrial beings isn't the first such claim by Loeb. In 2017 he made a similar claim about 1I/'Oumuamua, the first interstellar object detected in our solar system. That theory has since been debunked, include world-class astrophysics programs like the one at the University of Hawaii. WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The top two Republican lawmakers who lead the Pentagon's oversight committees in the U.S. Congress issued a rare joint statement on Wednesday slamming the Trump's administration's decision to reduce the number of troops in Romania. The United States plans to cut the number of troops on Europe's eastern flank, including soldiers who were to be stationed at Romania's Mihail Kogalniceanu air base, Romania's defense ministry said on Wednesday. The U.S. military said the move was not "an American withdrawal from Europe or a signal of lessened commitment to NATO." But Senator Roger Wicker, who leads the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Representative Mike Rogers, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, said the decision was "uncoordinated and directly at odds with the Presidents strategy." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We strongly oppose the decision not to maintain the rotational U.S. brigade in Romania," the statement said. Despite worries on NATO's eastern flank about the potential scaling back of the U.S. presence in the region, at a time when Russia continues to wage war in Ukraine, U.S. President Donald Trump said in September that Washington could increase its troop presence in Poland. The lawmakers added that the move sent the wrong signal to Russia and they were concerned it was done without consulting Congress. Washington's European allies have been told previously by the Trump administration that they will need to take more responsibility for their own security as the United States focuses more on its own borders and on the Indo-Pacific region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has shifted back and forth when it comes to his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Last week, Trump hit Russia's two biggest oil companies with sanctions to pressure Putin to end the war in Ukraine. The week prior Trump had said he and Putin would soon hold a summit in Budapest to try to end the war in Ukraine. The summit has now been postponed. (Reporting by Idrees Ali and Phil Stewart; editing by Diane Craft) ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) On Wednesday, Mayor Malik Evans held a press conference to announce new additions to the Rochester school bus safety program. Rochester Central School District will be one of several Monroe County districts to install security cameras on the sides of buses to catch people who illegally pass stopped school buses. In the city, there will be a two-month warning period before fines are issued, beginning Monday, November 3. Full enforcement begins January 3, 2026. There will be a $250 fine for a first offence, then $275, then $300. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Safety begins with all of us, said Mayor Evans. No trip, no errand, and no drivers impatience are worth risking a childs life. This program will help make sure our students get to and from school safely, and were asking every driver in Rochester to do their part. Brighton PD to take part in Operation Safe Stop Day During the press conference, they spoke about how this will support the overall Vision Zero mission to make roads safer for everyone. Mitch Gruber, co-chair of Vision Zero, said, Announcing Vision Zero does not immediately overnight end traffic fatalities, it does not overnight stop people from making really bad mistakes and decisions like passing stop signs and running red lights. Vision Zero is a plan that focusses on the three Es, education, engineering and enforcment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My son was hit by a car getting off his school bus just a few years ago, by a hit and run driver going 40 to 45 mph on a 30 mph street, said Councilmember Bridget Monroe. My son survived and underwent two surgeries, but many other pedestrians hit by cars do not survive. Adding cameras to school bus stop arms will make sure people obey the law and keep our school children safe. We all have a role in protecting our children and it starts with stopping when the bus does. In Rochester, over 800 cameras will be installed in the upcoming months. The Monroe County School Bus Safety program has already issued over 8,500 citations during the last school 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 RochesterFirst. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) A Rochester City School District employee has been arrested and charged following a months-long investigation into an incident involving alleged force against a child. According to the Rochester Police Department, on April 9, officers responded to a residence and were informed by a parent of a 5-year-old child, that a School #7 employee had allegedly used excessive force against the child. Following an investigation into the claims by police detectives arrested 54-year-old Katherine Gibble on October 22. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gibble has since been charged with endangering the welfare of a child and given an appearance ticket. She is scheduled to appear in the Rochester City Court to answer the charges at a later date. 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 RochesterFirst. Dont let just anyone install gas appliances Manhattan: For more than 60 years, New York City has required licensed master plumbers to perform plumbing work, including installation of gas stoves. Improper plumbing work can cause fires, explosions and toxic water contamination. Licensed professionals with years of rigorous training and testing must perform this important work. It is illegal for any unlicensed individual, including superintendents and delivery workers, to install gas appliances. The recent bill, Intro. 429A, passed by the City Council, has not changed any of that. The only major change is that licensed plumbers can file a report when installing residential gas appliances instead of applying for a permit and requesting an inspection. Eliminating permit and inspection fees incentivizes homeowners to follow the law while saving them time and money. The recent piece by Conor Norris and Edward Timmons (Veto Council bill: A plumbers gift, op-ed, Oct. 11) is misguided, inaccurate and reckless. With no regard for public safety, the authors suggested that anyone can illegally install gas appliances, and that Intro. 429 will unnecessarily increase costs. That couldnt be further from the truth, and encouraging unlicensed New Yorkers to perform such work is just criminal. In 2015, the East Village gas explosion that killed two innocent men and destroyed several buildings was caused by illegal plumbing work. Three people were later sent to prison. At the time, it was a wake-up call for homeowners to only hire licensed professionals to perform this work. For the sake of our city, New Yorkers need to stay awake. April McIver, executive director, Plumbing Foundation City of New York, Paul OConnor, business manager, Plumbers Local 1, John DeLillo Jr., executive director, Master Plumbers Council Lagging in Albany North Babylon, L.I.: Its on Gov. Hochul to obey the All-Electric Buildings Act that she signed rather than delay implementation or even go full President Trump and sign an executive order to overrule the democratic decision of the state Legislature. A court already found that the state isnt in compliance with its Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, especially by Hochuls refusal to introduce cap-and-invest to pay for renewable projects. Shes stalling on every front, claiming affordability issues. Electric buildings first small ones, then larger ones, with significant exceptions for medical facilities and restaurants, among others are cheaper to build and cheaper for residents to live in. They protect residents from the toxins from gas appliances, saving money on medical care. Wheres Hochuls affordability argument now? Alexa Marinos No pipeline Sleepy Hollow, N.Y.: Im not from Staten Island, but Ive been following the misbegotten revival of the Williams fracked gas pipeline, and Staten Islanders are right to rail against it. You dont have to be a dedicated environmentalist to know clean water when you see it, or an energy expert to see how gas bills will rise as ratepayers cover the cost of the pipeline. At the same time, though, Staten Islanders are opposing the sensible option: a battery energy storage system that supports the grid by releasing power at peak times. Peoples fears about battery storage are completely out of date. The state fire code has been updated to cover how to handle the rare battery system fires, and when fires do occur, they are contained, with no toxic fumes emitted nor danger of spreading to nearby structures. We need battery storage to power renewable energy. Norman J. Sissman Limit capacity Brooklyn: The New York City speed limit of 15 MPH for e-bikes is not likely to have much of an impact on safety. As it is, a very small percentage of e-bike riders pay attention to traffic laws. The worst offenders are those who, ironically, ride in bike lanes they fly through intersections as if the pavement under the bike lanes were a special gift to them from the city. The only way to curtail e-bike speeding is to focus on sellers and manufacturers. It should be illegal to sell an e-bike in New York City thats capable of going over 15-20 MPH. Violators should be sentenced to 12 hours of sitting in front of, and staring at, a stop sign. Josh Greenberger Dirty habit Bronx: Why do these pitchers keep licking their fingers? Didnt their mothers tell them not to put their fingers in their mouths? So disgusting. Ralph Canzone Sr. Front-page faux pas Brooklyn: While I appreciate the reporting of the sudden, shocking death of NYPD Det. Alicia Stone, the fact that she passed away after cosmetic surgery in Colombia surely did not warrant front-page coverage (Finest dies after surgery, Oct. 27). Neil S. Friedman Killing at will Swarthmore, Pa.: The Trump administration, via a statement from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has announced that an additional 14 suspected drug smugglers have been killed, the latest batch in the Pacific. Trump and Hegseth now act in the capacity of judge, jury and executioner. Despite lacking even an iota of solid proof of wrongdoing, or any due diligence or legal process, theyre meting out the most severe penalty possible. Of course, like much of what this president does, its almost exclusively carried out as a performative act to demonstrate how strong and tough he is. The truth is that the most dangerous flow of illicit drugs into the U.S. is fentanyl manufactured in China and smuggled in through Mexico. These killings demonstrate that Trump has little regard for doing things rightfully or legally, even taking human life. Its time for the American people and the media to denounce this travesty of justice. Ken Derow Hucksters hideaway Edinburgh, Scotland: Who does Trump think is going to defend him in his upgraded paranoia bunker under the vulgar ballroom? Top military leaders have been purged or resigned (embarrassed by Hegseth or worried about orders they may be given?) as boats in international waters are bombed with no reason or purpose. Two U.S. aircraft have just been downed in the South China Sea. Military families are increasingly using food banks during the mad government shutdown. And if hes not considered just who might want to make the huge sacrifice of being in a confined space with the orange bloater, Trump could contemplate Hitlers bunker-under-ballroom scenario. How much good did it do him? Amanda Baker Space needed? Lords Valley, Pa.: Trump tore down part of the White House to put in a big ballroom. Did he buy new pants for the same reason? Leonard Stevenson Harm and concern Ashburn, Va.: Trump is refusing to negotiate over the current government shutdown, and the eventual chaos will alienate some. Who will be hurt, and does Trump care? 1) Federal workers and contractors, and no, he doesnt care. Hes firing them anyway. 2) Those relying on federal aid, and no Trump figures theyre mostly Democrats anyway. 3) Small community airports and hospitals yes and no: Trump is a bit concerned, but he figures rural voters will stick with him for cultural reasons like immigration and killing alleged drug smugglers. 4) White voters living paycheck to paycheck: same. 5) The military: Hes concerned, but he hasnt yet figured out a way to keep their checks coming. 6) Those concerned about democracy. Trump sees no personal benefit in it. Sure, hes taking a risk, but hes a natural risk-taker. Hes good with it, especially since hes rich and wont be adversely affected. Mike Barrett Divided opposition Jamaica: It is truly sad when Democrats agree with the Republicans about the shutdown, which is happening so that Republicans can extend the subsidies for the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare. You cant trust the Republicans because they are too busy giving up their authority to a person who only cares about himself, not We the People. Those Democrats who cant hold the line need to be voted out. They are not helping their constituents. God bless America! Charlene Black Term-limited Jamaica: Before we even start thinking about a third term, let us remember Earl C. Michener, Republican congressman from Michigan, who introduced the bill that eventually became the 22nd Amendment in 1951 to limit the president of the United States to serve only two four-year terms, all because President Franklin Roosevelt, a Democrat, was elected to a fourth term. A Republican made this a law! The precedent was set! Carol Grant California health officials are urging people at high risk of contracting mpox - a viral disease that causes painful rash and fever - to make sure they're fully vaccinated, in light of three recent locally acquired cases in the state. "We want people to know clade I is here, it's circulating, and people should get up to date on the vaccine," California Public Health Officer Dr. Erica Pan said Tuesday during a briefing with medical professionals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clade I causes more severe symptoms than clade II, the type of the virus that caused a global mpox outbreak, including in the United States, in 2022. The recent California cases, all in Southern California, are the first locally acquired cases of clade I mpox in the United States - meaning the people who got sick had not traveled recently to countries where the virus is spreading at higher rates. There's been an outbreak of mpox clade I in Central and Eastern Africa and parts of the Middle East since last year. The three California cases - two in Los Angeles and one in Long Beach - were reported this month, and are unrelated. All three people were not vaccinated and were hospitalized. There have been no secondary cases identified, Pan said. "But this does really signify these are the first locally acquired cases in the United States and signifies there is some community transmission," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mpox vaccine, Jynneos, is given in two shots, 28 days apart. Many people got the first shot but not the second, Pan said. Health care providers should remind their patients in high-risk groups to check that they've gotten both doses, she said. People who've gotten both doses do not need a booster, according to the San Francisco Department of Public Health. If someone got their first shot more than 28 days ago, they can still get the second. They do not need to restart the two-dose series. The vaccine is not recommended for people who have had mpox before. People at higher risk for mpox include men who have sex with men; people living with HIV or who are eligible for PrEP or doxy PEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis and post-exposure prophylaxis, respectively); people planning to travel to sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East or a country with a clade I mpox outbreak; people anticipating attending a commercial sex event like a sex club or bathhouse; and people who have a sex partner with the aforementioned risk factors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mpox is not strictly a sexually transmitted infection. But public health officials often talk about it in the context of STIs because mpox spreads primarily through close skin-to-skin contact, which includes sexual contact. This article originally published at Recent California mpox cases spur vaccine push for high-risk people. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Six Ohio cities rank among the best in the United States, according to a recent report by a global tourism adviser. Resonance determined the 100 best cities in America by analyzing more than 400 metropolitan areas across the country with a population greater than 500,000, based on their quality of life, culture and economy. New York, Los Angeles and Chicago took the top three spots, respectively. Ohio bill to require U.S.-made flags could expand job training for incarcerated women Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Out of all Ohio cities that made the list, Columbus ranked the highest at No. 33. The company called Columbus a Midwest magnet, noting the city added more than 30,000 residents in 2024 a growth rate 38% higher than the national average. The report pointed to Ohio State University, along with Google, Intel and Amazon expanding their footprints in the Columbus area, as factors behind the citys growing popularity. Cleveland placed next at No. 40, with the study praising the city for its urban investments such as its $150million revamp of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. The report also highlighted the citys presence of large employers, including Sherwin-Williams, which has provided thousands of jobs. The study ranked Cincinnati at No. 51, calling it Ohios fun-loving economic epicenter. The city is fueled by locally headquartered Fortune 500 companies such as Kroger and has a diverse restaurant scene, the report stated. Dayton, at No. 77, was praised as an aerospace hub with countless green spaces. The Gem City boasted the nations fourth most affordable housing and saw $400 million in new investments in its downtown area in 2024, double that of 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ohio legislators propose state currency backed by silver and gold Closely following Dayton in the rankings is Toledo (No. 79), which had the second-most affordable housing in the country. Resonance called the city an arts and culture hub, anchored by the world-renowned Toledo Museum of Art, plus an epic zoo. The last Ohio city featured on the list was Akron, at No. 84. The city is one of the worlds leading polymer centers, and is home to two Fortune 500 companies: Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, and FirstEnergy Corp. It also ranks 10th in the nation for green spaces. Resonances full list and methodology can be found here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Former Minister and Prahar Party leader Bacchu Kadu on Wednesday warned that trains would be stopped at Nagpur later in the day, as the farmer protests led by him continued for the second consecutive day. Kadu also slammed the state government, stating that if the state government does not have the money to waive farmer loans, the Centre should step in. "Now we will stop trains after 12 noon... Our farmers are drowning in debt. If the state government doesn't have the money, the central government should help," Kadu told ANI. On Tuesday, Bacchu Kadu hit out at the Maharashtra state government and demanded that it provide immediate, unconditional loan waivers to debt-ridden farmers in the state. He arrived in Nagpur with thousands of farmers and held a protest here on Tuesday. The farmers blocked the Nagpur-Hyderabad National Highway (NH-44). The protesters alleged that despite repeated assurances, the government has failed to provide adequate relief to the drought-stricken farming community. Speaking to ANI, Bacchu Kadu said, "There was a demand for debt relief. They said to give Rs 6000 for soybean and a 20 per cent bonus for every crop. The Bhavantar Yojana is currently in place in Madhya Pradesh. There's nothing here. Not a single crop in Maharashtra is receiving its full price, and the Chief Minister doesn't have time to meet the farmers. The demand for debt relief will remain. Right now, there are 1-1.5 lakh farmers. Another one lakh will come tomorrow." Earlier this month, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a relief package of Rs 31,628 crore for rain-hit farmers in the state. The government also decided to provide cash relief of Rs 10,000 to affected farmers.CM Fadnavis noted that more than 68 lakh hectares of crops were damaged due to floods and heavy rainfall in the state. The relief package will cover damage in 29 of the 36 districts of Maharashtra. (ANI) OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Former State Superintendent Ryan Walters handed out two more five-figure, taxpayer-funded performance bonuses to top staff in his final days in office, including one to a press secretary who had only been on the job a matter of weeks. About a week passed between the time Walters announced his resignation on Fox News on September 24 and when he officially left office on September 30. During that week, new records obtained by News 4 reveal Walters gave out two large taxpayer-funded performance bonuses to staff at the Oklahoma State Department of Education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among them was his executive assistant Lexie Flanagan. LOCAL NEWS: News 4 sits down with new state superintendent for in-depth discussion on issues affecting Oklahoma education Flanagan graduated from McAlester High School in 2016when Walters taught U.S. history there. Oklahoma Watch previously reported Walters gave Flanagan a $9,000 bonus earlier this year. Now, the new records obtained by News 4 show Walters gave her an additional $15,000 performance bonus. The records show Walters also gave press secretary Madison Cercy a massive payment on his way out the door. Cercy only joined OSDE in July. She graduated college one year prior, according to her LinkedIn profile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She did not respond to any of the numerous press inquiries News 4 sent her during Walters time in office. Despite that, records show Walters awarded her a $10,000 performance bonusalso sometime between Sept. 22 and his last day in office, Sept. 30. Both Flanagan and Cercy left OSDE not long after new State Superintendent Lindel Fields took over in early October. Walters was no stranger to handing his staff unexplained payouts. In April, News 4 reported Walters gave former communications director Dan Isett a final paycheck for more than $75,000. It is appalling to see a payout this size effectively creating a golden parachute for somebody whos separated from an agency for unknown reasons, Rep. Andy Fugate, DDel City, told News 4 in April. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last December, Walters gave his Texas-based chief advisor Matt Langston a bonus of more than $40,000. In February, Walters gave his incoming chief of staff Matt Mohler a first paycheck for nearly $50,000. That is a lot of money, Rep. Daniel Pae, RLawton, told News 4 in April. I am personally concerned, not just as a lawmaker, but as a citizen of the state. Last week, News 4 reported Walters gave both Mohler and Langston nearly $30,000 each in the final days before all three of them left OSDE for good. LOCAL NEWS: Infant Crisis Services adds extra visits for families amid government shutdown News 4 asked new Superintendent Lindel Fields about the payouts during an interview this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Is there anything you can do retroactively on those things to get that money back, if its appropriate? Or, going forward, can we expect those kinds of things to continue on a staff departure? News 4 asked Fields. So, I can understand how that can be frustrating to read, to read those things, Fields responded. I dont think theres anything we can do to claw, claw those things, things back. So as frustrating as it may be, we just have to move forward. So, I dont, I dont anticipate therell be any surprises moving forward with folks that we bring on. Fields also told News 4 he has replaced many of Walters staff with his own hires, who he says he now trusts to help carry the State Department of Education forward. 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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Wednesday condemned what it called an apparent "staged" exhumation of the remains of an Israeli hostage in the Gaza Strip. The ICRC referred to a video released by the Israeli military on Tuesday. The video, taken by a drone, purportedly shows the Hamas militant group removing body parts in a bag from a building. The bag is then dragged into a large hole and mostly buried under dirt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The individuals in the video are then seen uncovering the body bag in front of Red Cross representatives, as if the remains were a new discovery. The military said the recording was made on Monday afternoon in Gaza City. Israeli media, including the Times of Israel and ynet, said the bag apparently contained further remains of the Israeli hostage Ofir Tzarfati. His body was already brought back to Israel in December 2023. "The ICRC team at this location were not aware that a deceased person had been placed there prior to their arrival, as seen in the footage," the Geneva-based organization said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our team only observed what appeared to be the recovery of remains without prior knowledge of the circumstances leading up to it. It is unacceptable that a fake recovery was staged, when so much depends on this agreement being upheld and when so many families are still anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones." The organization emphasized its role as a neutral intermediary and said it remained in contact with all parties to the conflict, urging that human remains be treated with dignity. In the course of construction work in 2013, the remains of 36 individuals of African descent were uncovered in the heart of downtown Charleston, South Carolina. They had lain hidden for some 200 years in an unmarked 18th-century burial ground. For more than two centuries, such burial grounds, especially those in the former American slave states, have often been erased or obscured paved over by parking lots, built upon by highways or private development, or simply left unknown and untended. In recent years, descendant communities in places such as Bethesda, Maryland, Richmond, Virginia, St. Petersburg, Florida, and Sugarland, Texas, have called for greater recognition and respect for these long-neglected sites. As a public archaeologist and educator who has spent over a decade working in Charleston, South Carolina, I co-direct the Anson Street African Burial Ground project the community-led effort to honor and respectfully lay to rest the 36 African ancestors whose remains were uncovered in 2013. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This Charleston project reflects a growing recognition of African American burial grounds as important historical memory sites and unique sources of genealogical information. Yet there is still limited public understanding about how engaging with these places of sacred rest can promote collective healing, reconciliation and cross-cultural understanding. A tombstone bearing the name of Caezer Smith and dated 1839 is displayed on the site of a recently rediscovered African burial ground in Kingston, N.Y., in August 2024. AP Photo/Seth Wenig Cemeteries obscured by history Since the British colonial period, racist laws and customs across America prevented enslaved and free people of African descent from using white burial grounds to bury their dead. On plantations, enslavers controlled where and how the enslaved were buried and whether burials could be marked or visited. In cities from Charleston to New York, segregated burial grounds, many now forgotten, were established by local authorities for indigent Black and white people. Pushed to the margins, people of African descent maintained burial traditions and used impermanent or specific grave markers such as shells, bottles, clocks or ceramics items that were culturally meaningful but often invisible or unimportant to white observers. As a result, many of these sites were neither recorded in historical documents nor officially recognized as burial grounds. From the 1770s, African American churches, benevolent societies and funeral homes sought to establish cemeteries where Black communities could honor the dead with dignity. What began regionally especially in Charleston and Philadelphia quickly spread nationally during the 19th century across the American South and North. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the decades after Reconstruction, and especially during the Jim Crow era, nearly 6 million African Americans moved north and west to escape racial violence and seek better opportunities an event known as the Great Migration. This movement often severed ties between families and ancestral burial grounds in the South. As churches and burial societies lost members, many cemeteries fell into disrepair and were officially labeled abandoned by local authorities or developers. In both rural and urban areas, Black burial grounds were often located on less valuable lands, sites that today are increasingly threatened by gentrification, development and the effects of climate change. The Gullah Geechee, who descend from enslaved Africans from West Africa and still preserve unique cultural traditions in the southeastern U.S., argue these burial sites were never abandoned and that ancestors are still present. This perspective views the dead as actively connected to the living. For them, lacking formally designated cemetery space doesnt make the sites any less sacred. A tradition of sacred spaces For many African Americans, especially in the South, death during slavery was seen as not merely an ending but a spiritual return a homegoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rooted in West African spiritual worldviews and carried through other traditions in America, the act of burial was often viewed as a release from bondage, a return to the ancestors and a step toward wholeness. The Gullah Geechee traditions of coastal South Carolina emphasize ancestral presence, spiritual continuity and the sanctity of the land. In that worldview, with a porous boundary between the living and the dead, proper burial and remembrance are not only cultural imperatives but necessary for community well-being. It was not until the early 1990s that recognition of rights over ancestral remains and sacred burial grounds began to find a wider audience. Inspired by the 1990 Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act that recognized Indigenous rights over ancestral remains, African American communities increasingly asserted their own rights to ethical research, respectful handling and meaningful memorialization, especially during the 1991 New York African Burial Ground project, which reshaped public memory and archaeological ethics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Discovered during construction in lower Manhattan, the 18th-century burial ground contained the remains of more than 400 enslaved and free Africans. Community advocacy led to the sites protection, descendant-led research, ceremonial reburial and the establishment of a national memorial in 2006. The Outdoor Memorial of the African Burial Ground National Monument in lower Manhattan is an important archaeological find of the 20th century and one of the most preeminent memorials to the struggle of Africans and African descendants. Keith Getter/Getty Images Since this time, across the U.S. and the Atlantic world, descendant-led ceremonies from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to Key West, Florida, have restored dignity to ancestral remains. Meanwhile, efforts to preserve African American burial grounds, including by national scholar organizations and federal lawmakers, continue amid political debates over how history should be remembered and taught. What made the Anson Street project unique In Charleston, the Anson Street African Burial Ground project stands out for the way Gullah Geechee traditions and descendant collaboration shaped every stage of the process from scientific study to reinterment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Launched as a community-led initiative in 2017, the team began by listening. Through regular gatherings, they invited questions about the ancestors lives and identities, and about their hopes for the reburial, centering Black community voices at every stage. The team combined scientific investigations of ancestry and health while also creating space for spiritual guidance, ceremony and descendant leadership. In doing so, the project became more than a study of the past; it became a communal act of repair and remembrance, reconnecting Charlestons present communities with the ancestors whose stories had long been buried. Over the next two years, the team wove this commitment into every aspect of its work: youth art programs, a college course on memorial design, public exhibitions, and school partnerships. One of the most moving moments came from conversations with schoolchildren, who decided that the ancestors should be given names before they were reburied. That naming ceremony took place in April 2019. The names were conferred by Natalie Washington-Weik, a Yoruba-Orisa Osun priestess, a spiritual leader in a West African tradition and an African historian. She described the ritual as an important step forward in reclaiming the humanity of the deceased people who were most likely forced to travel across the Atlantic Ocean under the terror of other humans who saw them merely as animals. The ancestors were finally reinterred in a powerful public ceremony that reflected their ancestries and West-Central African spiritual traditions. When pain is acknowledged, healing can occur The 2019 naming and reinterment ceremonies were not simply commemorations; they were rituals of remembrance and healing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Construction for a permanent memorial at the Anson Street site, designed by artist Stephen L. Hayes Jr., has now begun. At its center is a basin fabricated with sacred soil collected from 36 African-descended burial grounds across the Charleston region. From the basin, 36 bronze hands will rise cast from living community members whose profiles reflect those of the ancestors. Raised in gestures of prayer, resistance and reverence, these hands link past to present. Throughout the memorialization process, community members reflected on what it meant to participate in such a project. Many spoke of feeling pride, reverence, joy, sadness and peace. This conversation makes me feel complete, one participant said. As Charleston demonstrates, these projects are not only about preserving the past they are acts of recognition, respect and reconciliation, helping communities nationwide confront and honor the histories long denied to African-descended peoples. 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: Joanna Gilmore, College of Charleston Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Joanna Gilmore has received funding from the City of Charleston, the National Geographic Society, and the College of Charleston. She previously worked for the Gullah Society, Inc. a not-for-profit organization. A gerrymandering illustration from Harper's New Monthly Magazine in 1874. Gerrymandering is the political manipulation of electoral district boundaries to advantage a party, group, or socioeconomic class within the constituency. (Photo by Getty Images) Gov. Mike Braun this week called for a special session of the legislature to look into redistricting. So far, the Republican supermajority in the Indiana General Assembly has shown admirable restraint in the face of external pressure to redraw the states congressional districts. While some other states have been quick to fall in line and pursue a mid-decade round of redistricting, Hoosier politicians have expressed some real doubts about whether this is a wise course of action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Part of the reason for this hesitancy is that the legislature already did its job four years ago after the last census. Lawmakers worked on this for months and held hearings soliciting public input in every congressional district. The same people who drew the current maps would have to repudiate their own work after telling the people of Indiana in 2021 that these were fair maps that will serve Hoosiers well for the next decade. Everyone knows that the reason behind the push nationwide to get Republican-controlled state legislatures to redraw these congressional districts is the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-L.A., currently has a majority that is so incredibly small that Democrats would retake the House if they can pick up just three seats out of 435. How likely is this to happen? History provides a good guide to what is probably in store next year. Since the 1930s, the party of the president has lost an average of 28 seats in a midterm. In 2018, during Donald Trumps first term, House Republicans lost 40 seats. Barack Obamas party lost 63 House seats in 2010. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What does this mean for the Indiana legislature? It means it is entirely possible that the Indiana General Assembly could move heaven and earth during a special session to gerrymander the congressional maps and the House Republicans would still end up losing their majority on Capitol Hill. The Supreme Court of the United States has typically allowed partisan gerrymandering to happen, but there is no guarantee that a redistricting scheme will end up having the desired effect. One of the most consequential Supreme Court decisions on this issue is actually an Indiana case, Davis v. Bandemer from 1986. The estimable Ted Boehm argued that case on behalf of the Indiana Democratic Party before he went on to serve with distinction on the Indiana Supreme Court. The Indiana Democrats lost their case in the Supreme Court that year, but they went on to win in the court of public opinion. The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the district maps in Indiana even after acknowledging that they were drawn in a way that would make it extremely hard for Democrats to get elected. In just a few short years, however, the Hoosier delegation to Congress went from being evenly divided between the two parties (a 5-5 split) to 8-2 after the 1992 elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Any student of politics knows that gerrymandering is a word coined over 200 years ago to describe a practice that is almost universally viewed as unfair. By all accounts, Elbridge Gerry led a fairly remarkable life. Among other things, he helped to write the Constitution in Philadelphia, he was elected governor of Massachusetts, and he served as James Madisons vice president. Today, he is remembered for just one thing, and his name has been immortalized as a synonym for cheating. Conscience Many of our political leaders in the state capital have been serving the public for a long time. They were there before Trump and Braun were elected to office, and a good number of them will still be around long after those two have left the scene. For years, they have worked hard to legislate in the public interest. All of that is put in jeopardy with this redistricting scheme. By breaking faith with Hoosier voters and declaring that they no longer believe in fair elections, they run the risk of having their own political careers being remembered as Gerry is now remembered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There have been other turbulent times in American politics where leaders have had to make difficult choices, and these episodes can be instructive to us today. In 1950, Senator Margaret Chase Smith, R-M.E., expressed her deep frustration with the Truman administration in a famous Senate speech. At the same time, she insisted that her own Republican party needed to adhere to rules of fairness and decency as they sought to retake power. In her Declaration of Conscience, she was sharply critical of the Democrats running the federal government, but she warned that to displace it with a Republican regime embracing a philosophy that lacks political integrity or intellectual honesty would prove equally disastrous to the nation I do not want to see the Republican party win that way. While it might be a fleeting victory for the Republican Party, it would be a more lasting defeat for the American people. Hoosiers today are watching and hoping that our elected leaders will make their own declaration of conscience and reject this push to engage in a mid-decade redistricting that presents far more risks than rewards. Davids view RICHMOND, Va. Winsome Earle-Sears asked a telling rhetorical question on Monday at a press event in front of Virginias state Capitol. Virginians have told us, loud and clear, that they want voters to choose their legislators, not the other way around, Earle-Sears said, decrying a Democratic redistricting push alongside her states five Republican members of Congress. So what changed? President Donald Trump started this avalanche of attempts to redraw congressional maps, of course. What began with a quick push in Texas has spread from California to Florida, and from Indiana to Kansas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If this keeps up, the future of House elections in many states will be determined by the most recent makeup of their legislatures, a messier version of what the Senate was before the 17th Amendment was ratified in 1913. That would benefit the presidents party for now. But the current redistricting wars still leave Republicans like Earle-Sears at a conspicuous disadvantage. Shes stuck using the same argument that national Democrats did when they passed legislation that would ban partisan gerrymandering (which they still favor): Politicians shouldnt be able to choose which voters theyd like to face. Before Trump changed things by urging Texas Republicans to delete five Democratic House seats, Virginia Democrats were cheering the independent redistricting commission that voters had approved by a landslide five years ago. These days, theyre moving on a constitutional amendment that would undo its work. If Democrats hold the state legislature next week, they can put that amendment on the ballot next year; if it passes, and Abigail Spanberger beats Earle-Sears in the race for governor, Democrats can then redraw the states congressional map. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While we oppose gerrymandering, the reality is its happening now in states across the country, said Joan Porte, the president of Virginias League of Women Voters chapter, when I asked for their view on the remap. We ask for a transparent process and that legislators do not dilute or divide the voting power of communities that have been historically and continuously targeted by manipulative map-drawing, she added. Anti-gerrymandering campaigners got the LWV on their side in 2010, when the commission was approved. But the group has not gotten involved in California Gov. Gavin Newsoms push for a ballot measure that will take out five Republican-held House seats and is on track to pass next week. In Virginia, the chapter has not taken a position on Democrats effort to undo the commission. Know More The call for fair maps that once dominated independent redistricting advocacy has now become the appropriated property of those who want partisan remapping. In Indianapolis, the new GOP group that will run ads against Republicans who dont erase Democratic seats this year is called Fair Maps Indiana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indiana Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith, a supporter of eliminating both of the states Democratic-held House seats, explains it like this: We deserve fair representation in Washington. And in California, Newsom washed away what was once deep support among the states voters for independent redistricting, as Politico described it three months ago. In purple states like Virginia and North Carolina, the fight is getting waged inch-by-inch, on more uneven territory. Republicans have made it basically impossible for the current version of the Democratic Party to win North Carolinas legislature and take control of its redistricting; thats because Democrats get their margins of victory from urban and close suburban areas that can be easily directed into isolated blue vote sinks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And unlike in other states, only the legislature can put measures on the North Carolina ballot. Why would the states Republicans trade a lock on power for a chance of ever losing it? In Virginia, Earle-Sears doesnt have the power to stop Democrats plan. The GOPs hopes are in the details; Democrats need to pass their constitutional amendment language now, pass it again next year, and get voters to approve it, without running into legal trouble. State Attorney General Jason Miyares rushed into the fray on Monday with a memo arguing that Democrats had not displayed their proposal long enough in advance of the special session called to pass it.Whats the difference between us and Texas? We have a [constitutional amendment] that we just adopted, Virginia GOP chairman and state Sen. Robert Peake said on Monday, after a reporter asked why Republicans were for gerrymanders elsewhere but against them in Virginia. Thats true enough but constitutions can be changed. In Colorado, Attorney General Phil Weiser, whos running for governor, has said hed back an amendment to wipe out the independent commission his state created in 2018. Democrats didnt start the year expecting to borrow tricks from Newsom, the embodiment of the sort of California liberalism that Republicans everywhere else like to run against. But his willingness to throw out independent commissions, and his success in getting Democrats to follow him, is rippling throughout his party. Next up, a bigger challenge for Democrats: whether they are willing to tell Black members of the party that they should sacrifice some safe seats for a shot at the majority. Notable FORT PAYNE, Ala. (WHNT) Renfro Brands has informed employees it plans to stop production at its Fort Payne facility, according to a letter obtained by News 19. In a letter sent to employees shared with News 19, the company announced that it will cease production at its Fort Payne facility on Winn Ave NE as part of plans to consolidate its operations. The letter was sent out to comply with the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act and said the layoffs associated with the closure will be effective Dec. 27, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a post on Workforce Alabamas WARN Act list, the closure will affect 455 people who work at the plant. In a statement shared with News 19, Renfro confirmed its plans to close its knitting and finishing operation in Fort Payne. The company said it plans to consolidate its manufacturing in Cleveland, Tennessee. You can read the companys full statement here: Renfro Brands has a highly diversified hosiery and apparel business, and we are constantly adjusting our product mix and our supporting supply chain to better meet the needs of consumers and our retail customers. To that end, over the next several months, we will be consolidating much of our domestic manufacturing into our Cleveland, Tennessee facility. We will be making investments and expanding our operations in Tennessee where we expect to add at least 75 new positions. This consolidation will result in the closure of knitting and finishing operations in Ft. Payne, Alabama. Current Ft. Payne employees will receive priority consideration for new positions being created in Tennessee. We will maintain a presence in Ft. Payne with our warehousing and distribution operations there. This manufacturing consolidation will result in overall operations that are more efficient and more flexible. Renfro Brands 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. PITTSBURGH, Pa (WKBN) A New Castle man who has been arrested six times on drug charges has been indicted by a federal grand jury. Darious Lee, 32, faces charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime. The indictment was unsealed Tuesday in the U.S. Western District of Pennsylvania. An arraignment date has not been set yet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case has been assigned to U.S. Judge Nicholas J. Ranjan. The charges stem from a July 7 parolee visit by Pennsylvania State Parole agents at a 724 Countyline St. home in New Castle. Inside the home, agents reported finding cocaine, crack cocaine, fentanyl pills, methamphetamine, over $1,400 cash, a loaded 9mm semiautomatic handgun and a box of 9mm ammunition. At the time of the visit, Lee, who in the past has also had an address listed from Detroit, was on parole after being convicted of a drug charge in Lawrence County Common Pleas Court. Lee has six previous drug arrests or convictions, according to common pleas court records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because of his past drug convictions, Lee is not allowed to have or be around guns or ammunition. According to WKBN files, Lee was arrested in 2017 after a traffic stop where he had a bag of crack cocaine and a bag of marijuana, and a person who was with him had 38 bags of crack cocaine in his underwear. On Oct. 31, 2019, Lee was one of four people arrested after a search warrant was served at a Lutton Street home where fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, and over $3,000 cash was found. For his federal charges, Lee can receive a sentence of 10 years to life in prison on the possession with intent to deliver charge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Australia is in the middle of a clean energy revolution, and it just reached a new milestone. According to data from Global Power Energy, renewables supplied an unprecedented 77.9% of electricity demand in Australia's National Electricity Market on Sept. 21. The record was set just one day after the previous high, showing how rapidly renewable generation is becoming the backbone of Australia's energy system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Solar power led the way, as rooftop solar alone accounted for 43.6% of grid demand. Utility-scale solar added another 12.1%, wind power contributed 19.8%, and hydropower added 2.3%. "The new instantaneous record highlights how deeply renewables now penetrate the grid during mild spring conditions," GPE NEMLog energy analyst Geoff Eldridge said to pv magazine. "Rooftop PV, utility solar, and wind combined to push fossil generation to the margins for extended hours." Perhaps the most telling sign of progress is that renewables now make up over half of the total energy generated on a rolling seven-day basis. This is a first for the nation. Eldridgle also noted: "The rolling seven-day mean passing 50% underscores that this is no longer a momentary event but a sustained presence." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen called the achievement a clear signal of progress toward Australia's 82% renewable electricity goal by 2030 while acknowledging the challenges ahead. "We're making good progress," said Bowen, who was "confident" the target could be met, per pv magazine. "A thousand Australians a day are installing home batteries, and many are pairing them with solar for the first time." By using renewable energy, Australia is dramatically reducing greenhouse gas pollution and air pollution, helping to slow climate change and improve public health. Beyond just environmental progress, this shows an economic transformation. Renewables can drive record levels of investment, job creation, and long-term energy security. 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 head of the World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed shock at reports that more than 460 patients and family members were killed in a maternity hospital following the capture of the Sudanese city of al-Fashir by a militia. "All patients, health personnel and health facilities must be protected under International Humanitarian Law," Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus wrote on X on Wednesday. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia gained control of the city in the Darfur region over the weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Sudanese Doctors' Network, at least 1,500 unarmed civilians were killed while trying to flee. There are videos showing dozens of unarmed men being shot. The doctors accuse the RSF of genocide of the country's non-Arab population. Genocide is defined as the deliberate and systematic destruction of a group based on its nationality, ethnicity or religion, either in whole or in part. The RSF claims that it wanted to protect civilians in al-Fashir and provide safe corridors for those who wanted to leave. Since April 2023, the East African country has been embroiled in a bloody power struggle between de facto ruler Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his former deputy Mohammed Hamdan Daglo, who commands the RSF. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Darfur, the main issue is competition for land and water between traditionally nomadic Arab ethnic groups and sedentary non-Arab communities. An estimated 300,000 civilians live in al-Fashir, which was besieged by the RSF for more than 500 days. Experts have criticized Western governments for not imposing sanctions on states supporting the rebel militia, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The UAE denies any interference in the conflict. However, the Wall Street Journal has cited US intelligence sources as saying that it is supplying weapons to the RSF. Akbar Novruz Organized by the Baku Initiative Group (BIG), the first international conference titled Belgian Colonialism: Recognition and Responsibility will be held in Azerbaijan on October 31, focusing on Belgiums colonial past and its lasting consequences, Azernews reports. According to BIG, the event will bring together representatives from Belgiums former colonies the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi, along with diplomats and officials. Participants will include specialists in international law, historians, researchers, civil society activists, and experts on reparations from eight countries. The conference will address the atrocities committed by Belgium during its colonial rule in Africa, including mass killings, cultural plundering, and ethnic divisions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi. Discussions will also highlight the ongoing impact of Belgian colonialism and the persistence of neocolonial practices, such as continued resource exploitation. Participants will explore ways to raise the issue of reparations for affected peoples at the international level and bring it to the agenda of global organizations. Ahead of the main event, on October 30, foreign guests will meet with faculty and students at Baku State University for discussions on Belgian Colonialism in Central Africa and Its Lasting Consequences and will deliver lectures on the subject. It is noteworthy that a 2019 report by the UN Working Group on People of African Descent estimated that 10 million people were killed during Belgiums colonial rule in what are now the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi. The report also documented forced labor, ethnic segregation, mass amputations, and the abduction of 20,000 mixed-race children for assimilation policies, urging Belgium to uncover the truth, open its archives, and provide reparations. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge expressed confidence in the party winning the upcoming Kerala assembly elections after meeting with state party leaders to discuss strategy for the upcoming Kerala assembly elections at Indira Bhawan, New Delhi. The Congress party held a nearly six-hour-long meeting with state party leaders on Tuesday, discussing ways to strengthen the party and the upcoming 2026 assembly elections. Multiple leaders, including AICC General Secretary Deepa Dasmuni, LoP Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, party General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal, MP Shashi Tharoor, MP Priyanka Gandhi and others, were present in the meeting. "100% we are going to win, take it from me," Kharge told reporters outside the party's headquarters on Tuesday. Kharge further dismissed any rumours of factionalism within the party's state unit, saying that he has discussed with party leader and former KPCC chief K Sudhakaran the strategies for the polls. "He might have told you (on alleged factionalism), but he has told something in our meeting that I do not want to disclose," Kharge added. Party leader K Sudhakaran had also attended the meeting at Indira Bhawan and shared that the leaders "shared our opinions" and discussed the upcoming elections. "We discussed current politics, upcoming elections and how to strengthen the party. We shared our opinions, and now the party's top leadership will discuss and make a decision. Accordingly, we will face the elections," former KPCC chief K Sudhakaran told reporters here. Shortly after the intense discussions, party leader Deepa Dasmunsi had also dismissed reports of factionalism within the Kerala unit of the Congress, asserting that the party stands united ahead of the upcoming local body and Assembly elections in the state. Speaking to reporters in the national capital after the meeting on Tuesday, Dasmunsi said such allegations were being artificially created by political rivals. "There is no factionalism in the Congress Party in Kerala. It is manmade by the LDF people and the BJP. I can proudly say there is no factionalism, and everyone is unitedly standing here for the Congress Party," she said. She said several political and administrative issues concerning Kerala were discussed in detail, including the opposition's strategy against the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the BJP. "For the upcoming elections -- local body elections and the Kerala Assembly elections -- there are many issues in Kerala, including political issues against the LDF and the BJP. Many points need to be addressed and discussed. It was a very serious meeting," she said. The Kerala Assembly election is scheduled for 2026, while the dates for the local body elections in Kerala have not been announced yet. (ANI) CULLMAN COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT) Republican Cindy Myrex won the special general election for the Alabama House District 12 seat Tuesday, according to unofficial results. Myrex received 87.06% of the votes. Democratic challenger Matthew Glover garnered 12.85% of the votes. The Alabama Secretary of State website shows 2,233 people voted. Chess grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky was helped by this Alabama man before his death Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Corey Harbison, a Republican, resigned from the seat April 15. The district includes parts of Cullman County. Myrex won the special GOP primary runoff for the seat against Clint Hollingsworth Aug. 12. On behalf of the Alabama Republican Party, I want to extend our congratulations to Representative-elect Cindy Myrex on a well-run race, said Alabama Republican Party Director of Legislative Affairs and Communications Jeannie Burniston in a statement. Cindys commitment to her community and conservative values will serve the people of House District 12 well. We look forward to working with her when the legislature returns to session next 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 CBS 42. Its no secret at this point that congressional Republicans are loathe to vote against President Donald Trump. Fealty to Trump has become the animating principle in the party so much so that GOP lawmakers have willfully relegated themselves to second-class citizens in Washington as theyve steadily ceded their powers and prerogatives to Trump. But all of that makes it even more striking when they decide to actually stand up for themselves, for once. And its now happened twice just this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Enough Senate Republicans voted against Trumps tariffs on Brazil and Canada so that a majority of the chamber has now expressed its opposition to both. They did so even after the White House mobilized Vice President JD Vance to try to prevent the rebukes. So when have Republicans in Congress actually been willing to vote against Trump? Its most often happened with foreign policy. Lets run through the big examples. The tariffs These were not large-scale GOP defections, but they were large enough that they enabled the GOP-controlled chamber to rebuke the president. Earlier this year, four GOP senators Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul of Kentucky, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska voted to terminate Trumps national emergency declaration to impose tariffs on Canada. That meant the measure passed with 51 votes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina joined them to make it five Republicans voting against Trumps tariffs on Brazil. The overall vote was 52-48, against Trump. (Tillis has raised concerns about Trumps tariffs before. He said he voted against the Brazil tariffs, specifically, because they appeared to be related to Brazils prosecution of Trump-allied former President Jair Bolsonaro rather than actual trade disputes.) Then on Wednesday, the same four GOP senators voted against the Canada tariffs again. Its highly unlikely the House will ever vote on terminating these tariffs. In fact, the GOP-controlled House actually took action earlier this year to prevent such votes. And these senators could go much further if they wanted to in trying to force the issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But its significant that a majority of the GOP-controlled Senate is rebuking Trump on his tariffs, and it certainly undercuts his supposed mandate on the issue. 2017: The Russia sanctions This was perhaps the first big congressional rebuke of Trump. During the early portions of the Russia investigation, Congress passed new sanctions against Russia that the Trump White House explicitly opposed. The legislation also gave Congress additional powers to block Trump from easing existing Russia sanctions. The measure passed almost unanimously in both GOP-controlled chambers 98-2 in the Senate and 419-3 in the House. Trump ultimately signed the legislation likely knowing Congress could simply override his veto while claiming it contained a number of clearly unconstitutional provisions. 2018: Ending US involvement in Yemen The Senate voted 56-41 in late 2018 to end US support for the Saudi Arabia-led war in Yemen. The move came shortly after Trump signaled a solid relationship with the Saudis despite their murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seven Senate Republicans voted in favor. 2019: No NATO withdrawal With Trump occasionally flirting with a withdrawal from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in his first term, the Democratic-controlled House in early 2019 passed legislation to make that more difficult. It voted 357-22 to prohibit funds from being used to withdraw from the alliance. 2019: The Syria rebukes Few Trump moves have alienated congressional Republicans likes the ones he made in Syria in 2019. And they led to separate rebukes in both the Senate and the House. After Trump moved to pull troops from Syria and Afghanistan, the GOP-controlled Senate passed nonbinding amendments expressing its opposition. One amendment stated that the move could allow terrorists to regroup, destabilize critical regions, and create vacuums that could be filled by Iran or Russia to the detriment of United States interests and our allies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It passed 68-23. A similar amendment later passed 70-26, with 43 Senate Republicans voting in favor. Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, then the second-ranking Senate Republican, said lawmakers felt the need to vote that way after the White House disregarded their privately expressed concerns. Later in the year, Trumps controversial decision to withdraw from northeast Syria led many Republicans to rebuke him for effectively allowing Turkey to slaughter US-allied Kurdish forces there. The Democrat-led House voted 354-60 for a resolution stating that the withdrawal was beneficial to adversaries of the United States government, including Syria, Iran, and Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Republicans voted for it more than 2-to-1, with 129 votes in favor and 60 against. 2019: Other Middle East rebukes Congress also rebuked Trumps posture on other Middle East issues, including arms sales to Saudi Arabia. That legislation passed in both chambers with the support of 16 House Republicans and seven Senate Republicans, before Trump ultimately vetoed it. Trumps Jan. 6 impeachment It seems like a long time ago now, and the votes came at a time when many Republicans probably thought Trumps political career was over. But the votes to impeach and convict Trump after January 6, 2021, remain some of the most historic bipartisan rebukes of a president ever. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach made that the most bipartisan impeachment vote ever. And the seven Senate Republicans who voted to convict was by far the most members of a presidents party to ever vote that way. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com WASHINGTON Top party leaders are adjusting their strategies as the federal shutdown enters its fifth week, signaling a desire among lawmakers to end the 29-day standoff while still positioning themselves in a politically advantageous position. And its resulting in what appears to be a tactic swap. Despite shooting down Republican proposals to fund certain parts of the government, including a bill last week to pay some federal workers during the shutdown, Democrats are now pushing their own bills to do the same thing and those bills are being soundly rejected by Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats sought to pass a number of funding bills through unanimous consent, a procedure that allows legislation to pass without a formal vote if there are no objections. It only requires one senator to tank the bill on the floor a task carried out by Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., on Wednesday afternoon. This isnt a political game, these are real peoples lives were talking about, Thune said in a floor speech while opposing a bill to fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. And you all have just figured out, 29 days in, that Oh, there might be some consequences. The bill was introduced by Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, D-N.M., on Wednesday to require the Trump administration to fund SNAP as well as the USDAs Women, Infant, and Childrens food assistance program. Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, D-N.M., speaks as Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., appears before the Senate Finance Committee, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) | Mark Schiefelbein The measure comes two days before federal funding is set to lapse for the welfare programs, potentially leaving more than 42 million at risk of losing food resources for the month of November. It would be the first time in history the program has run out of funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., announced plans to vote on the standalone bill earlier this week, seeking to place pressure on Republicans not to let the welfare program collapse. Ask John Thune why he wont put it on the floor, Schumer said in a floor speech on Wednesday. He knows theres broad Republican support for it, and he doesnt put it on the floor. Hes afraid of Trump. Thats it. He knows better. Other Democrats have also expressed support for the measure. We cant let politics starve children, Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., said. This bill is simple, targeted, and necessary. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., looks at a poster during a news conference about SNAP benefits, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, on Capitol Hill in Washington. | Jacquelyn Martin Im a yes on the SNAP bill, Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., separately added. The money exists. The need is urgent. Theres no excuse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That support comes in contrast to Democratic strategy just last week, when the party voted against a Republican bill to pay federal workers whose paychecks are frozen during the shutdown, citing concerns the Trump administration would unfairly exclude certain employees from those payments. But the Republican opposition is also a reversal from last week, when Thune indicated he would put standalone bills on the floor to ensure funding for military members, welfare programs and air traffic controllers. Now, Thune is suggesting those bills would be a cynical attempt to buy political cover for Democrats to allow them to carry on their government shutdown even longer. Were not going to let them pick winners and losers, Thune told reporters on Wednesday. It just begs the larger question, how long is this going to drag on? That change in strategy was also reflected by Vice President JD Vance, who opposed the standalone votes during a closed-door meeting with Republican senators on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Senate opposition aligns with messaging from Republican leaders in the House who have remained adamant not to reconvene for individual bills until the government is reopened. The House hasnt been in session for votes since Sept. 19. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., joined at left by Foreign Affairs Chairman Brian Mast, R-Fla., stands beside a chart tracking the votes and failures on the Republican funding bill, during a news conference on day 29 of the government shutdown, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. | J. Scott Applewhite Instead, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., seemed prepared to use the SNAP funding and other weekend deadlines to squeeze Senate Democrats to vote in favor of the Republican funding resolution. On Saturday, this gets very real, Johnson said on Wednesday. Youre talking about tens of millions of Americans at risk of going hungry if Senate Democrats continue this. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) is on the warpath against her own partys handling of the government shutdown. And her fellow Republicans are increasingly calling her out. The firebrand three-term lawmaker, long an ally of President Donald Trump, has distanced herself from Republican leadership in recent months. And as the shutdown drags on, Greenes loud and usually lonely dissent risks fracturing Republicans efforts to present a united front and pressure Democrats into caving on funding the government. Dont spend much time worrying about [what] Marjorie is saying, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) told CNBCs Squawk Box on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While a few other Republicans have criticized the partys approach to the shutdown, Greene has been the loudest and most prominent detractor. Shes focused on expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies which Democrats have made their central demand and accused her party of ignoring the issue. Not a single Republican in leadership talked to us about this or has given us a plan to help Americans deal with their health insurance premiums DOUBLING!!! she wrote in a social media post in early October. Republicans have continually indicated theyll negotiate on health care premiums only after the shutdown. House Speaker Mike Johnson has tried to brush off Greenes attacks and defuse the tension, telling reporters that GOP-led conversations on health care are happening in other channels. Bless her heart, thats an absurd statement, he told CNN when asked last week to comment on Greenes assertion that the Republicans were sitting on the sidelines on health care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Greene has only ramped up her critiques of the speaker and his team, with the shutdown now well into its fourth week, writing on X on Tuesday that Johnson said hes got ideas and pages of policy ideas and committees of jurisdiction are working on it, but he refused to give one policy proposal to our GOP conference on our own conference call. Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) on CNN late Tuesday called on Greene to put her own health care plan forward and to stop attacking her party. I like her, she came out to Ohio a few times, he said. Shes certainly able to write a bill herself. Like if this is something shes passionate about, put pen to paper, write a bill. Present an option. Dont just criticize what other people are doing. Greenes disagreement with Republicans stretches beyond the shutdown. She broke party ranks by calling Israels actions in Gaza a genocidein July and was one of just a handful of Republicans to sign a discharge petition from Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) that would force a floor vote on the Epstein files. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Greenes office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. But the party, Cruz said, is moving on. Suddenly, Marjorie is for massive government spending and taxes and shes for open borders and amnesty. Ok fine, he said Wednesday. That is not where the American people are. Where the American people are, is real simple. Were on day 29 of the stupidest shutdown. A reputed leader of the Aryan Brotherhood prison gang was stabbed to death last week at Salinas Valley State Prison in Monterey County, authorities said. Todd "Fox" Morgan, 57, was attacked Thursday morning in a recreation yard by three inmates, officials from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said in a statement. Authorities identified the assailants as Todd Givens, 56, Ray Waldron, 51, and Robert England, 61, and who have all been previously convicted of murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Givens a member of the Nazi Low Riders, a white gang subordinate to the Aryan Brotherhood was sentenced to death by a Tulare County judge for murdering a fellow Nazi Low Rider and his sister in 2001 and setting their bodies on fire, according to court records. Waldron, who was from the Mongols motorcycle club, is serving a life sentence for shooting to death an associate of the rivals Hells Angels outside an El Cajon, Calif., bar in 2003. England, imprisoned since 1993 for a San Bernardino County murder, was said in a law enforcement report to belong to the Hessians motorcycle club before going to prison. The motive for Morgan's homicide is unclear. A law enforcement source who wasn't authorized to speak publicly said authorities weren't previously aware Morgan was in bad standing with other members of the Aryan Brotherhood. Morgan had been serving a life sentence since 2002 for robbery, burglary and possessing a gun as a felon, a third-strike conviction, prison officials said in the statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2020, agents from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives tapped the phone of Morgan's right-hand man, Kenneth Bash, according to an agent's affidavit that was filed in federal court. Agents uncovered evidence that Bash, who was held at Salinas Valley with Morgan, was working with members of his Fresno-based gang, the Fresnecks, to sell drugs, acquire guns and commit fraud with Morgan's sanction. Authorities intercepted text messages that showed Bash and Morgan were plotting to smuggle methamphetamine, heroin, cellphones and bottles of Jack Daniel's whiskey and Patron tequila into Salinas Valley, an agent wrote in the affidavit. Under the cover of darkness, an underling used satellite imagery to pick his way through vineyards near the prison before tossing a pillowcase over the walls. An inmate picked up the bundle and ran. Guards seized the pillowcase, which contained 20 phones, SIM cards, a mobile hot spot, charging cables, drill bits, wrenches, tobacco, rolling papers and liquor, according to the affidavit. Police stopped the underling who threw the bundle over the walls as he drove off. In his car they found methamphetamine and heroin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Through a wiretap on Bash's and Morgan's phones, ATF agents also heard talk of finding a man who'd been accused of sexually assaulting relatives of an Aryan Brotherhood member. In a recorded call with Bash, the Aryan Brotherhood member's stepson, whose name was redacted in the affidavit, agreed to "handle it." After telling Bash he needed a gun, he received a call from Morgan. "We're trying to get something to you," Morgan said in the call, which was quoted in the agent's affidavit. "You dont have nothing right now?" "Nah," the stepson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Well, were working on getting this to you," Morgan replied. Agents arrested the stepson in Stockton after he picked up a handgun from an associate of Bash, according to the affidavit. The probe of Bash and Morgan's rackets eventually led the ATF to investigate other members of the Aryan Brotherhood, including Kenneth "Kenwood" Johnson, Francis Clement and John Stinson. After a trial in Fresno this year that revealed how the Aryan Brotherhood's influence had spread to the streets of Southern California, Johnson, Clement and Stinson all longtime state inmates were sentenced to life terms in federal prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morgan pleaded guilty in 2021 to conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and heroin and was ordered to serve nearly 22 years in the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. But instead of being transferred to federal custody, Morgan returned to the prison from which he'd hatched the drug distribution schemes Salinas Valley. 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. (The Center Square) The American First Policy Institute is calling on Congress to prioritize American patients over illegal aliens and expressed its disapproval toward the illegal alien-favoring proposal to reverse Health Savings Account reforms, while also insisting the government must be reopened. Director of Homeland Security policy at the America First Policy Institute Cooper Smith told the Center Square: The American people deserve to be represented in Washington, but unfortunately the progressive left in Congress wont budge on open borders policies that benefit people with no legal right to be here. America First Policy Institute (AFPI) is a non-profit and non-partisan research institute, as stated on its website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government should be re-opened, and Congress should return to the peoples business, Smith said. AFPI director of Healthy America policy & senior director of policy Hannah Anderson told The Center Square that rolling back Working Family Tax Cuts (WFTC) reforms would mean higher costs, fewer choices, and a return to a system that puts bureaucracy ahead of patients. The WFTC included commonsense reforms to Make Americans Healthy Again, including expanding Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) to cover previously excluded Obamacare plans, Anderson said. HSAs are a lifeline for families trapped in these costly Obamacare plans, that can have deductibles as high as $9,000, Anderson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an AFPI statement, Anderson said that instead of letting commonsense WFTC reforms take effect, liberals are trying to push healthcare for illegal aliens, leaving American families stuck in limbo while Washington remains closed. Anderson additionally said in a statement that liberals in Congress are using the government shutdown as leverage to redirect federal Medicaid dollars to fund healthcare for illegal immigrants and holding the government hostage in order to put American patients last. Radicals in Congress must reopen the government and prioritize American patients over partisan spending schemes, Anderson said. Senior Research Fellow in The Heritage Foundations Richard and Helen DeVos Center for Human Flourishing Nina Schaefer told The Center Square that she agrees American patients should be prioritized over illegal aliens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill properly closed definitional loopholes that the Biden administration exploited to allow federal taxpayer funding for illegals, Schaefer said. Government funded programs, like Medicaid, provided critical care to many Americans yet bloated enrollment in these programs means less services for those who need it most, Schaefer said. Schaefer also told The Center Square that HSAs provide American health care consumers and patients with the financial flexibility to access care and services that meet their specific needs. The Big Beautiful Bill made HSAs more available in the Obamacare Exchanges and more useable for services, such as for Direct Primary Care, Schaefer said. CUMBERLAND Several local residents have asked the mayor and City Council to officially declare Cumberland safe for people in the LGBTQIA+ community. A change.org petition calls on the city officials to create a public statement that our city is a safe place for LGBTQIA+ folks to live, visit, dine, worship and simply exist in peace. The movement asks for Cumberland to become an official Safe Haven a designation adopted in numerous communities across the country that offers legal protections and anti-discrimination policies for the LGBTQIA+ community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the state of Maryland has relatively solid anti-discrimination language in state law, the City of Cumberland could improve our current language, the petition states and asks the mayor and City Council to update that policy. In addition to the petition, more than 50 folks who represent communities including faith, art, leadership, business, health care and education signed a letter to Cumberlands mayor and City Council as a formal request for the elected officials to declare Cumberland a Safe Haven for the LGBTQIA+ Community and our family members. Such action will bring Cumberland in line with current Maryland law and act as an important marker against a growing culture of discrimination and, most importantly, establish that Cumberland is a safe place for all people to come, raise families, visit, spend money and experience all of the amazing aspects of our town, the letter states. We acknowledge that members of this body, current and past, have been supportive of the LGBTQIA+ community in important and symbolic ways, it states. We sign this letter, however, because symbols are not enough. Marginalized segments of the communities you serve do not feel safe. Therefore, local communities can and must act now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Safe Haven communities consistently report measurable economic benefits that include increased tourism revenue from LGBTQ+ travelers and their families, attraction of young professionals and entrepreneurs who value inclusive communities, and enhanced ability to recruit businesses that prioritize diverse, welcoming locations for their operations, the letter states. These communities find that their reputation for fairness and inclusion becomes a competitive advantage in attracting the visitors, residents and investments that drive local economic growth, it states. The letter suggests Cumberlands anti-discrimination policy be amended to include specific reference to gender identification. While the current policy offers legal protection against discrimination for a broad range of citizens, it is silent with respect to gender identification, it states. Such omissions leave little legal recourse at the local level for members of the community who believe they have been discriminated against in housing, health and social services, or any aspect of city government, based on that factor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everyone deserves life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, the letter states. Cumberland resident Evan West said many local residents are scared that they dont have basic safety and protection under the law. To say to everyone, youre safe here, is really important, he said. Cumberland resident Frank Asher, a self-described queer man, said the citys anti-discrimination language needs to specifically safeguard the LGBTQIA+ community. We all deserve to be protected, he said. We need to speak up and speak out, Asher said, adding that without a change to the citys policy, members of the LGBTQIA+ community could face unfair treatment. Maybe not intentionally, but it can happen. To sign the petition and learn more, visit the Make Cumberland a Safe Haven! change.org page. Residents near the Indian River in Florida struggled to enter or leave their homes in October amid heavy flooding. What's happening? According to Fox 35 Orlando, significant rainfall and "King Tides" extra high tides during new or full moons caused flooding on a main street. Some residents had to drive through it as it is their only way in or out. The issue has been ongoing for years, prompting citizens in the area to call for Brevard County officials to make significant adjustments for the community's sake, including elevating the road above flood levels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The county has argued that the existing budget will not permit such endeavors, highlighting a larger issue of funding misuse and inadequate planning for environmental concerns. "This is a result of decades of not budgeting properly, not knowing what is the actual cost of maintaining our infrastructure," said County Commissioner Katie Delaney, per Fox 35 Orlando. However, the flooding is being made worse by extreme rainfall. According to Fox 35 Orlando, several inches of rain had fallen along the Atlantic coastline. While King Tides are a regular problem, rising sea levels as a result of a warming climate will only exacerbate the issue. Why is the county's response to the flooding concerning? A United Nations report showed how various nations are making lackluster attempts at curbing environmental issues, such as coastal flooding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With coastal communities having increased risks of devastation due to the shifting climate such as higher temperatures leading to glacier melt and, in turn, rising sea levels it is key for these areas to be prepared for natural disasters. Meanwhile, although isolated extreme weather events, such as heavy rainfall, have always occurred, scientists have demonstrated that these conditions are becoming more frequent, intense, and regular due to rising global temperatures, which act like steroids for weather. What's being done about flooding near Indian River? While experts estimated the project to raise the roads would cost between $500 million and $1 billion, a Project Development and Environment study could assess alternative options. Still, the PD&E study would cost an estimated $1.2 million. "At this time, there is no available funding for the PD&E study, and project implementation is determined to be cost infeasible," Brevard County said in a statement, shared by Fox 35 Orlando. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While situations like this one can be disheartening, other coastal areas have made steps in the right direction. For example, a team of scientists in Scotland has found that kelp beds can act as natural barriers against storm damage on coasts. To mitigate the impact of critical climate issues, it is essential to significantly reduce the burning of dirty fuels. This activity is a significant source of heat-trapping gases released into the atmosphere, leading to rising global temperatures and worsening extreme weather. 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. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) Its a division thats bringing the entire district to the steps of the Capitol. Its just that we are a house divided against itself, cannot stand. And right now, Louisiana, our nation is divided, said Alfreda Tilman Bester, a Baton Rouge resident. While the Supreme Court tries to make a decision on congressional maps in Louisiana, lawmakers and activists make their voices heard on how this could reshape politics in the state. District 6 runs from Shreveport to Baton Rouge. Bester has lived here all her life and said shes worried and afraid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its as if the people who are making these decisions want to marginalize the community that I am a part of, and were not going to stand for it. Were not going to stand for it, she said. Every parish in the district came to the Capitol, making their voices heard. Shreveport native Rudolph Glass, Jr. said he has seen many changes in his hometown, now including this potential change, and believes its doing more harm than good. What happens is every time we move up, they move up even further, said Glass. So, to maybe change the constitution and do what theyre doing now is really a travesty because were not safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Bill 1, which moves deadlines and qualifying dates for the spring election in 2026, made final passage. Democratic lawmakers have argued that this type of shift is too late in the year and could interfere with the future of the Supreme Courts decision. Republican senator Caleb Kleinpeter, who authored the bill, said hes doing the right thing. We are here to give the highest court in the land to make the decision and to give us direction. Were constantly being litigated for maps, and its time the Supreme Court gives us direction to be able to draw these maps in a fair manner, said Kleinpeter. Fairness, many democratic lawmakers say, they dont see. The Voting Rights Act that was passed in 1965 is as relevant today in 2025 as it was in 1965. Theres still a chance to dilute and weaken our vote. There are still attempts to dilute and take away fair representation, said Democratic state Rep Troy Carter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Voting Rights Act of 1965 has been at the forefront of the potential shift in the political climate for the state. But Carter said its not just Louisiana that could feel the ripple effects if the Supreme Court rules it unconstitutional. The reality is this is bigger than just Louisiana. Its our whole nation thats at risk, he said. Democratic Congressman Cleo Fields, who holds the seat, said this decision is ultimately in the hands of the Supreme Court. No matter the decision, he has high hopes. The Supreme Court is going to rule when a Supreme Court rules, and theres just no reason to have this session. But at the end of the day, I am very confident that they are going to rule when they want to rule, when they suppose the rule, and theyre going to rule that the Voting Rights Act is unconstitutional, said Fields. Latest News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. American politics is broken, but not in the way most people think. The problem isn't just the money - it's where the money comes from. Since Newt Gingrich's "Contract with America" in 1994, we've watched congressional races transform from local contests into nationalized referendums. Every House and Senate race has become a proxy war for party control, with millions of dollars flooding across state lines to tip the balance in competitive districts. A senator from Montana doesn't answer primarily to Montanans anymore - they answer to donors in New York, California, and Texas who will fund their next campaign or their next primary challenger. This nationalization has produced exactly the dysfunctional Congress we deserve. Members have little incentive to break with party leadership, even when it would serve their constituents. Compromise becomes politically toxic when your next primary opponent will be funded by ideological purists from across the country. The old ethic of "bringing home the bacon" for your district has given way to performing for national audiences and donor networks that will never cast a vote in your election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The problem extends beyond Congress. Elon Musk can pour over $100 million into Wisconsin Supreme Court races despite living in Texas. George Soros can fund district attorney campaigns across the country from his New York base. These aren't Wisconsinites or locals deciding who prosecutes crimes in their communities - they're billionaires treating state and local elections like pieces on a national chess board. The citizens of these states become extras in someone else's political drama. The Founders designed a federal system where states retained significant power, and local accountability mattered. Our current campaign finance system has effectively abolished that design. When a Senate race in Ohio or Pennsylvania can attract $200 million from out-of-state sources, we're no longer practicing federalism - we're practicing a kind of financial colonialism where the wealthy few in donor states determine representation everywhere else. Here's a reform that would change everything: You can only donate to candidates and political organizations in the state where you are registered to vote. Not where you own property. Not where you have business interests. Not where you "care deeply" about the issues. Where you are registered to vote - the place where you've committed to being a citizen and living with the consequences of governance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This single rule would fundamentally reshape American politics: For individual donors, it creates a meaningful constraint. A tech billionaire in California who wants to influence a Montana Senate race would have to move their voter registration to Montana - giving up their political voice in California. It's a zero-sum choice that forces people to invest where they actually live. For corporations, it would effectively end direct corporate spending, since corporations don't vote. Corporate employees could still give as individuals, but only in states where they're registered voters. This preserves political voice for workers while eliminating the fiction that corporations themselves are "speaking" through campaign spending. For SuperPACs and outside groups, the same rule applies. A SuperPAC could only raise money from voters registered in the state where it plans to spend. No more national organizations carpet-bombing swing states with advertising funded by a handful of mega-donors from elsewhere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The beauty of this reform is that it doesn't favor either party - it favors actual representation. Rich Democrats in New York would still dominate New York politics. Wealthy Texans would still shape Texas races. But they couldn't pour millions into tipping elections in states where they have no intention of living or voting. Candidates would need to build genuine coalitions in their states. Fundraising would require real relationships with constituents, not just the right connections to national donor networks. Members of Congress would show up differently, listen differently, and legislate differently when they know their political survival depends on people back home, not ideological activists in distant states. Would this reduce the total amount of money in politics? Probably. When you can't tap into national outrage or excitement, fundraising becomes harder. A Montana Senate race simply cannot raise $100 million from Montana voters alone - which means campaigns would cost less, require less constant fundraising, and allow members to spend more time actually doing their jobs. Would this de-nationalize our political debates? To some extent. National media and social media would still exist, but without the financial fuel of cross-state spending, the "every race is a national emergency" framing would lose its engine. Local media might matter again. Retail politics might make a comeback. The kind of politics Tip O'Neill described - where "all politics is local" - could actually return. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The enforcement mechanism is straightforward: voter registration is already tracked, verified, and protected by serious legal penalties for fraud. You can only be registered in one place at a time. The infrastructure exists; we'd simply be linking campaign finance law to voting rights in a direct way. The constitutional challenges would be real. Courts have treated political spending as speech, and geographic restrictions might face First Amendment scrutiny. But we already accept that you can only vote where you're registered - the principle that political participation has geographic bounds isn't foreign to our system. This reform wouldn't solve everything. Presidential races would still be national (though we could choose to apply the same rule and accept that swing states would dominate presidential fundraising). Issues would still have national dimensions. But it would restore the accountability that federalism was supposed to provide. Congress has been failing us for 30 years, not because the wrong people get elected, but because even well-intentioned members are trapped in a system that rewards national performance over local service. Change the incentives by changing where the money comes from, and you change what kind of people can succeed in politics - and what kind of Congress they create. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's time to return politics to the people who actually have to live with the results. Lindsay Mark Lewis is the CEO of the Progressive Policy Institute and a former national finance director at the DNC. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Yellow Warning for light spells of rain very likely over the next three hours across multiple districts in Maharashtra. The nowcast warning, issued at 0700 hrs IST on Wednesday, and valid for the next three hours, covers the districts of Jalgaon, Dhule, Nashik, Palghar, Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Kolhapur, Sangli, Mumbai City, Mumbai Suburban, and Pune. Residents in the affected areas are advised to take necessary precautions. The IMD has urged citizens to stay alert and avoid waterlogged areas during the brief spell of rainfall. According to the IMD, there could be light to moderate rain/thunderstorm at some places with isolated heavy rainfall over Konkan & Goa and Marathawada on 29 October; Madhya Maharashtra on 29th and Gujarat Region during October 29-31 with isolated very heavy rainfall over Saurashtra & Kutch during October 28-31. Additionally, IMD also warned of thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds (speed reaching 30-40 kmph) likely over the region during the next 5 days. The weather system identified as a Depression over the eastern-central Arabian Sea has been moving northeastward at 8 kilometres per hour over the last six hours. As of 2:30 AM IST on October 29, 2025, it was situated approximately 440 kilometres southwest of Veraval in Gujarat, 420 kilometres west-southwest of Mumbai in Maharashtra, 570 kilometres west-northwest of Panjim in Goa, 820 kilometres northwest of Mangalore in Karnataka, and 840 kilometres north-northwest of Aminidivi in the Lakshadweep Islands. This information was released by the IMD. According to the IMD, this Depression is expected to continue its movement northeastward across the eastern-central Arabian Sea over the next 36 hours. The region is likely to experience changing weather patterns as this system progresses, potentially affecting coastal areas. (ANI) Over homemade flapjacks, cheese scones and Victoria sponge, Morgyn Davies and his neighbours are taking on the deep state. For months, they have been working together to foil plans for a new data centre in a field at the heart of their tiny Wiltshire village, Westwells. Government sources insist the building an 18-metre-high storage shed for the nations secrets is vital for national security. But Mr Daviess team of five retired residents have other ideas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Together, they form the Neston and Westwells Action Group (NWAG), a campaign formed to oppose the clandestine forces infiltrating their village. The group has a diverse set of careers behind them. They include a decorated Ministry of Defence (MoD) civil servant, an Army engineer, a recruitment expert, an accountant and a nurse. They could be compared to a real-life Thursday Murder Club, Richard Osmans detective novel about a group of amateur sleuths in a retirement complex. Undeniably, they live on the front line of Whitehalls grand plan for national development. The residents of Westwells have long lived side by side with the military. MoD Corsham, one of the countrys most important bases, borders the village, and stories about its work are often the subject of local conversation. The Neston and Westwells Action Group is taking on Whitehalls plans for a new data centre in a field at the heart of their village - Julian Simmonds for The Telegraph The facility is mainly known for its labyrinth of tunnels, codenamed Burlington, which were designed to host the entire British Government if a Russian nuclear strike hit London. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, it serves as the militarys cyber headquarters, tasked with both defending Britain against hacks and carrying them out against the Kings enemies. Helicopters buzz overhead and military police are spotted occasionally on village roads. A patch of disused MoD land on the edge of Corsham is also the headquarters of Crown Hosting Data Centres (CHDC), a joint venture between the Cabinet Office and ARK, a private tech firm. Although ministers rarely mention Crown Hosting and it never appears in the newspapers, its services are indispensable to the modern British state. Across an undisclosed number of sites, mostly on former military land, the organisation has since 2005 stored data for government departments, NHS trusts and other public sector clients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All staff at the sites are vetted and the centres themselves are cleared to host classified data up to the level of top secret. Crown Hosting facilities host the Rosa computer system, which is used by ministers and officials to share documents classified as secret, including diplomatic cables and counter-terrorism plans. The Department for Work and Pensions, which also requires a data fortress to store reams of information on the British public and its benefit entitlements, is one of the joint ventures main clients. Other publicly-disclosed customers include Sellafield, which decommissions nuclear sites, the Department for Healths genome sequencing programme, and the Office for National Statistics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The unusual level of digital protection at CHDC sites has also attracted several secrecy-conscious multinational companies, who share the facilities. ARK declined to comment on its private clients. The concentration of government data in these sites has made the Government highly dependent on ARK. Rumours that the company could be sold by its American hedge fund owners have caused a flutter of concern in Whitehall, and officials are prepared, if necessary, to use national security legislation to prevent it from falling into Chinese hands. The growth of this secretive and lucrative business, which pumps 25 per cent of its profits back to the Treasury, has caused some concern in the village of Westwells. ARK, which has five large data centres on the site, is building a sixth and has now submitted plans to expand with a seventh building the first outside the wire of former military land. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company wants to build a new centre on the Donkey Field in the heart of Westwells, next to a complex of retirement apartments. If approved, it would be 18 metres tall, 180 metres wide, and could comfortably accommodate two Boeing 747 jets, nose to tail. In response, the band of villagers and pensioners have orchestrated a revolt against the data centre, which they say will dramatically increase the risk of flooding in their village, blast them with noise from cooling fans and destroy a dark corridor for several protected bat species. A design from ARK of its new data centre. It could comfortably accommodate two Boeing 747 jets - Ark Data Centres Ltd These arguments are not popular in Westminster. The Government has brought forward legislation to make it more difficult for local people to object to the development of critical national infrastructure. Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, has said extended planning objections are holding back economic growth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ministers say the new Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which is on its way through Parliament, will end tiresome delays caused by over-regulation and endless consultations. Data centres are one of Sir Keir Starmers best hopes for economic growth, and Downing Street has announced plans to throw the full weight of Whitehall behind the industry. In January, the Prime Minister said he would make Britain the world leader in data centres. There are an estimated 480 of them in the UK, with a further 100 expected by around 2030. Data centres are worth around 4.6bn a year to the economy, and represent an opportunity to capitalise on the growth of AI with jobs and foreign investment. While apparently good for the Chancellors bottom line, the expansion is generating local opposition across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Westwells, they are mostly concerned about flooding. Mr Davies, a retired MoD salvage officer with an OBE, has spent months researching the risk he thinks the plans pose. The issue has been complicated by the existence of a disused mine underneath the field, which connects to the MoDs Cold War bunker. The exact drainage arrangements are unclear because the site is shrouded in secrecy although local teenagers have made a sport of climbing into the mine shaft to look for an entrance to the military facility next door, and posting photos online. Historically, this has been where the water has gone, Mr Davies told The Telegraph from the Donkey Field, which is around 100 metres from his farmhouse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By removing all the trees, levelling the surface and basically wanting to cover it in concrete and buildings, you are now generating a situation where there is nowhere left for the water to go. Morgyn Davies next to an abandoned MOD building next to the site behind. - Julian Simmonds of The Telegraph In 2014, the village suffered a once-in-a-generation storm. Residents found their homes flooded and kayaked on the Donkey Field. The water itself was half a metre high in the road and flooded cars that were parked at the bottom of the hill, Mr Davies said. If you had been here then, you would have been up to your knees in water. You could have swum. For government officials, the fight over ARKs data centre in Wiltshire is a classic example of growth versus the blockers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company has already been forced to resubmit its plans, adding new assurances about the flood risk and mitigation to protect local bat species. An ARK spokesman told The Telegraph that the companys plans include an extensive drainage strategy involving sumps and attenuation ponds that will build on the robust drainage system already in place across the estate. b' 2810 Corsham data center ' Trudy Harrison, the NWAGs resident people person and Mr Daviess wife, is in charge of convincing other villages to oppose the development. She uses a combination of charm and her home baking. More than 1,000 people have already objected online. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A keen environmentalist, she also monitors the health of local flowers in the field and claims that contractors linked to ARK have sacrificed the land to convince the planning authorities it is a brownfield site. Just a few weeks ago, there were beautiful flowers, she said. Just the other day, they went and cut it all back again. They are just determined to make it look like land that needs developing on. Its sad because this is part of Westwells. Back in Whitehall, protected species have become one of the most frustrating issues for the Governments planners. Efforts to save bats, owls and great crested newts have become so expensive that they border on farcical. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sir Keirs spokesman has said HS2s plan for a 100m bat tunnel was ludicrous. The Telegraph previously revealed that the proposed tunnel is not actually bat proof. According to the Ecological Impact Assessment submitted to Wiltshire council, the Donkey Field is home to 11 species of bats and 250 species of bugs they feed on, including seven that are protected. At ARK, sustainability is at the core of every decision that we take, a spokesman said. We are committed to preserving habitats for native wildlife, ensuring biodiversity thrives alongside our buildings through conservation initiatives that include bat corridors and caves as well as beehives, badger sets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The research of NWAGs Natalie Williams, 58, along with Mr Daviess marine and flooding expertise, have formed a major component of the planning dispute. Ms Williams, a retired HR consultant whose father worked on Trident submarine programmes at MoD Corsham, is responsible for passing the groups research on to Wiltshire council and challenging ARKs planning submissions. I annoy people, she said. I annoy people until they want to get rid of me. She has compiled hundreds of pages of research and visited local archives to find maps of the underground world beneath her village, and its substandard drainage facilities. Her findings show the maze of mine shafts and military facilities is far more extensive than even many locals realise. The Corsham underground complex that would have been used by the British government, should London have come under attack during the Cold War - MoD/Crown Built to house 4,000 government workers in the event of a nuclear strike, the site contained a BBC television studio for ministers to broadcast to the nation, a train station and a fully-functioning hospital. Its not a bunker its a city, Ms Williams said. The villagers are sceptical of claims that the new data centre is an important piece of national infrastructure. That is a lever that is used by people who want to achieve an objective, Mr Davies said. We were told the developer couldnt comment on the underground workings of the site because they are an MoD secret. Well, theyre not. For now, the NWAG believes that by raising the risk of flooding with the council, they have pushed back the decision on the site by at least a year. With more farmhouse meetings, tenacious research and a David-and-Goliath attitude, Mr Davies believes they can win. Initially, they said: You cant stop us, because we have the MoD and the Government behind us, he said. Then they said: You cant stop us, because were just too big. And then they said: You cant stop us because the Government says anyone can build a data centre wherever they want to. Well, thats not right. Forget Russia, China and Iran. In rural Wiltshire, the deep state may finally have met its match. 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. Rhode Island may be small in size, but its housing challenges loom large. The latest Realtor.com State-by-State Housing Report Card gives the Ocean State an Fone of the lowest marks in the countryreflecting severe shortages in new construction and worsening affordability for middle-class buyers. The rankings were released in February. Since then, President Donald Trump has pressured large homebuilders to increase construction nationwide. In a post on his Truth Social platform in early October, he accused major builders of hoarding lots to prop up priceslikening them to OPEC, which restricts oil output to maintain high prices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre my friends ... but now, they can get Financing, and they have to start building Homes. Theyre sitting on 2 Million empty lots, A RECORD, Trump wrote. He urged Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to intervene and get Big Homebuilders going in order to restore the American Dream. But is there more Rhode Islands own government can do to fix the problem? Prices up, building down Realtor.com data shows Rhode Islands median listing price at $537,521 in 2024, while the states median household income stood at $80,791. That imbalance pushed its Realtor Affordability Score down to 0.47, near the bottom nationally. The state accounted for just 0.1% of all new-home permits despite holding 0.3% of the U.S. population, giving it one of the weakest permit-to-population ratios in the nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 43.8% new-construction premiummeaning new homes are priced far above existing onesunderscores the lack of affordable new supply. Building slows while demand climbs Nationally, new builds have become an affordability lifeline. America is short more than 4.7 million homes, and every new home built helps close that gap while fueling local economies," says Shannon McGahn, NARs Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy Officer. "NAR research shows that the U.S. has faced a persistent housing shortage for more than a decade, driving up prices and limiting options for buyers. Expanding housing supply creates jobs, supports small businesses, and affords families the opportunity to build generational wealth. The Realtor.com New Construction Insights 2025Q2 report shows that across the U.S., new-construction prices per square foot are now lower than those of existing homes, and new-build listings are up more than 37% since 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The South is leading that growth, while the Northeastincluding Rhode Islandremains the nations most inventory-constrained region. The report notes that the Northeast has the highest percentage difference between existing- and new-home shares, and new construction in the region remains largely a luxury product, priced more than 50% above resale homes. Perhaps thats why nationally, only 15% of buyers purchased a new home versus 85% of buyers who purchased a previously owned home, according to the 2024 National Association of Realtors profile of buyers and sellers. Gov. McKee promises housing reform However, Gov. Dan McKee is trying to turn the tide. In speaking with Realtor.com, he laid out his commitment to his Housing 2030 plan, which aims to build 15,000 new homes by the end of 2030. Rhode Islands grade in Realtor.coms report card reflects challenges we know all too wellhousing costs are too high, and construction has not kept pace with need, McKee told Realtor.com. My Administration has been taking action to change that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Part of the plan is to seek solutions that will allow a more accurate account of permits issued across the state to better track building progress, he explained, as well as signing legislation to speed up permitting and zoning reforms to allow residential use in some commercial zoning districts Another highlight of the initiative is how it will be funded, passing the largest housing bond in state history: $120 million approved by 65% of voters. Importantly, $20 million of the housing bond is dedicated specifically to expanding low-cost homeownership options, supporting a key priority of my administration and addressing a critical need for Rhode Islanders looking to buy their first home, McKee explained. Additionally, $219 million in federal State Fiscal Recovery Funds has been allocated for the production and preservation of over 2,300 housing units. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Building a stronger economy and a healthier Rhode Island starts with ensuring access to quality housing, McKee said at the signing ceremony last August pushing through a six-bill legislative package to further these initiatives. These investments are delivering results with thousands of new units built, preserved or in the pipeline. Rebuilding the foundation Rhode Islands F grade underscores how far the state has to go, but it seems to be moving in the right direction. In fact, McKee was joined by Michelle Bleau, director of real estate development at One Neighborhood Builders, last August when he ceremonially signed the six-bill legislative package. Given the nonprofit commitment to improving Rhode Island by building homes, it was a ringing endorsement. Additionally, the National Association of Home Builders Blueprint to Address the Housing Affordability Crisis outlines many of the same steps McKees administration is now taking: removing zoning barriers, easing permitting delays, and encouraging cost-effective building standards. Whether these measures can reverse years of underbuilding remains to be seen. But with prices climbing faster than incomes and demand for homes far outpacing supply, Rhode Islands new housing laws could mark the first serious effort in years to make the smallest states housing market accessible again. Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee got his COVID-19 and flu shots Wednesday, according to a media release from his office. The governor was joined by Director of Health Dr. Jerry Larkin in getting vaccinated "and to remind Rhode Islanders about the critical importance of vaccinations to keeping our communities healthy and safe," the release said. Related: CDC Updates Guidance On COVID Vaccine: What To Know In RI Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are working to ensure that the public health turmoil in Washington does not affect the ability of Rhode Islanders to access crucial vaccines that help protect families and communities in our state," McKee said in the release. Related: New COVID-19 Vaccine Restrictions: What It Means For MA Residents "Rhode Island is one of the best vaccinated states in the country because we prioritize data and science, and because we know that vaccines save lives," he said. At McKee's direction, the Rhode Island Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner issued a bulletin last month requiring insurance coverage of COVID-19 vaccination for patients 6 months of age and older, according to the release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: How Shifting Vaccine Policy Could Affect RI School-Age Children The Rhode Island Department of Health, also at McKee's direction, "issued a standing order empowering pharmacists to administer the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine in Rhode Island to patients 3 years of age and older," the release said. Related: Razor Blade COVID-19 Variant Stratus Drives Up Cases In RI "Everyone 6 months of age and older in Rhode Island can and should get vaccinated against the flu," Larkin said in the release. "For most Rhode Islanders, vaccination against COVID-19 is just as important," Larkin said. "The vaccines are available for everyone, regardless of your insurance status or ability to pay." Related: New COVID Variant 'Stratus' Has This Distinctive Symptom: See Latest RI Data Rhode Island Gov. McKee Gets COVID-19 And Flu Shots originally appeared on the Across Rhode Island Patch JOHNSTOWN, Pa. Richland High School junior Lydia Holbay said Wednesday's Celebration of Learning event was a welcome reprieve from the everyday demands of education. "It was kind of, like, a fun day," she said, "and really relaxing." Holbay added that she felt recharged by the jubilant day and was happy to have spent it with her friends. All high school students were treated to games, an ice cream bar, trips to 814 Lanes & Games, a special buffet lunch and a pep rally with more activities to celebrate the high school being named a Pennsylvania Blue Ribbon School. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Timothy Regan, high school principal, said the students planned all the events, from game show-style contests in the auditorium to backyard-style competitions in the gymnasium and the off-campus excursions all paid for by the Richland School District Foundation. "We wanted to take a day and thank all the kids for their efforts and all the staff for their efforts," he said. Regan added that the Blue Ribbon School status is validation of all the hard work everyone puts in daily. Richland is the first school district in Pennsylvania, to district officials' knowledge, to earn back-to-back Blue Ribbon awards. Richland Elementary School achieved the U.S. Department of Education's National Blue Ribbon School status in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The high school was selected to achieve the same national status in 2025, school officials have said, but the U.S. Department of Education ended the program in August, which prompted the state government to establish its own similar program. Richland High School was one of 13 schools in the state to be included in the inaugural Pennsylvania Blue Ribbon School class. "These awards show that Richland School District is a true K-12 district of excellence," Superintendent Arnold Nadonley said. Earning one Blue Ribbon was a personal and professional goal for him throughout his 37 years in education. Achieving back-to-back honors left him speechless, although he did credit the students, staff and faculty for the accomplishment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You are simply the best," he told them at the rally. Before the assembly, community members and school officials held a luncheon in the large group instruction room, where Nadonley and Regan provided additional comments about the importance of the award. The luncheon also included comments from Forest Hills School District Superintendent David Lehman, a friend of Nadonley, who described the honor as a "tremendous accomplishment." "We all strive for (a ribbon)," he said. "You actually got it." During the luncheon, three promotional videos celebrating the district were shown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Holbay said learning more about the awards made her feel as though Richland is a great place to learn and a district that will make her and her siblings well-prepared for the future. Richland is the latest district in Cambria and Somerset counties to earn a Blue Ribbon. Rockwood Area Elementary School received the national Blue Ribbon in 2022; Cambria Heights High School got the recognition in 2021; Conemaugh Township Area Elementary School was honored in 2020; and Windber Area Elementary School got the award in 2019. Oct. 29---- President Craig Johnson announced his retirement Wednesday after eight years with the college. According to a news release from the college, Dr. Johnson will retire May 19, 2026. He holds a Doctor of Education from the University of Minnesota. Johnson's time as president of Ridgewater began in 2018. Since then he has worked to guide the college through several changes and growing partnerships with the Hutchinson and Willmar communities, according to the news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is a good time for me to retire. I am looking forward to spending more time with my wife, two sons and their families. Ridgewater is a great place for people to work and for students to learn. We truly live our motto of creating opportunities and changing lives," Johnson said in the release. Ridgewater College has begun a nationwide search for a new president. A timeline for the search will be released in the coming weeks. "I believe passionately in Ridgewater's mission, and I value my relationships within the college and the Minnesota State community. Ridgewater is well-positioned for a leadership transition. We've made great progress together and Ridgewater is in a healthy place," Johnson said in the news release. Ridgewater College is a community and technical college with campuses in Hutchinson and Willmar. The college is a member of the Minnesota State program and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The top Democrat in the Maryland Senate has roundly rejected an effort by his party to redistrict the state, arguing that the risks of redrawing maps outweigh the potential gains. Bill Ferguson explained his reasoning for opposing the plans in a three-page letter sent to all the Democratic lawmakers in the state Senate on Tuesday evening. I want to provide some additional clarity regarding why, after speaking with many of you individually, the Senate is choosing not to move forward with mid-cycle redistricting, Ferguson wrote. Despite deeply shared frustrations about the state of our country, mid-cycle redistricting for Maryland presents a reality where the legal risks are too high, the timeline for action is dangerous, the downside risk to Democrats is catastrophic, and the certainty of our existing map would be undermined. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ferguson added that redistricting voters by party allegiance would be comparable to dividing voting groups based on race. It is hypocritical to say that it is abhorrent to tactically shift voters based on race, but not to do so based on party affiliation, he said. The move by Ferguson runs against the desires of other high-profile state Democrats, including Democratic Gov. Wes Moore. There is no hold up from me, Moore told Politico in September. I am very clear on where I stand. Its time for Maryland to have a conversation about whether we have a fair map or not. U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., held talks with Moore and a Democratic delegation earlier this month, following efforts by Republicans in Indiana, Kansas, and North Carolina to redraw congressional maps in a way that benefits the GOP. The effort has been backed by President Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pressure will become greater with every additional red state that heeds Trumps call, said Maryland state Sen. Clarence Lam. Start your day with essential news from Salon. Sign up for our free morning newsletter, Crash Course. State Sen. Lam chided Ferguson for saying that redistricting would be the equivalent of racial gerrymandering. That seems very ironic and rich, given that the Supreme Court is about to kill section two of the [Voting Rights Act], Lam told POLITICO. Hes basically making the argument that the Republicans on the Supreme Court are making. The post Risks are too high: Marylands top Democrat shoots down partys redistricting push appeared first on Salon.com. Oct. 29A Rock Falls man has been charged in Whiteside County with felony weapons violations and resisting arrest after several officers, while attempting to serve him protective order paperwork, ended up having to forcibly handcuff him and carry him to a squad car. Chad J. Clary, 37, is charged with possessing a firearm with an invalid firearm owner identification (FOID) card, a Class 3 felony; aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon while under a protective order and aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon in a vehicle/no FOID card, both Class 4 felonies; and one misdemeanor count each of illegal possession of ammunition, resisting a police officer and obstructing the service process. The charges were filed in connection with officers' second of two attempts, both on Oct. 16, to serve Clary with an emergency protective order issued against him the day before, according to court testimony during Clary's preliminary hearing Monday, Oct. 27, in Whiteside County Circuit Court and court records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whiteside County sheriff's deputy Mark Mendoza testified he and another officer had tried to serve the civil papers at Clary's Rock Falls residence about 8 a.m. Oct. 16. Under questioning by Whiteside County Assistant State's Attorney Ryan Simon, Mendoza testified that Clary refused to speak with deputies, screamed, slammed the door to his home, and then could be heard commenting that the only way "he'd come out of that house was in a body bag." The two deputies left the property and rounded up five other officers, including Rock Falls police, to help serve papers on Clary at his place of employment in Rock Falls. Mendoza said that when Clary saw the police, he refused to talk to them and then walked from the inside to the outside of the business. When he began resisting officers, Clary was taken to the ground, forcibly handcuffed, then carried screaming to the squad car, Mendoza said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mendoza said Clary's wife told police that Chad Clary had a gun, but that she didn't know where it was. A detective later found a 9 mm handgun as well as ammunition in Clary's vehicle, resulting in the weapons charges, Mendoza said. Clary's attorney, assistant public defender Daniel Huffman, argued that the vehicle was registered to both Clary and his wife, making them co-owners. He questioned why Clary's wife wasn't charged with possessing a weapon, since the gun was found in a vehicle that she co-owned with the defendant. Mendoza, under questioning by Simon, testified that he did not know Clary's wife's FOID card status. Huffman also said the one to two hours that passed between Clary being taken into custody and the search of the vehicle would have allowed Clary's wife enough time to have the gun placed in the vehicle in an attempt to set him up. Simon replied that it would be difficult to believe that Clary's wife would carry out a "James Bond maneuver" to plant guns in the vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the conclusion of those arguments, Judge Magen Mertes ruled enough evidence existed to continue the case against Chad Clary. Huffman entered a not guilty plea on Clary's behalf. Simon also asked that Clary remain held in the Whiteside County Jail because he has been the defendant in two protective order cases in the past two years and has a criminal history that includes assault convictions. Mertes agreed to detain Clary based on what she described as the safety threat he poses. His next hearing, a jury pretrial conference, is set for 9 a.m. Nov. 19. Updated Last year, the conservative Freedom Foundation made headlines with a high-profile effort to convince Miami-Dade teachers to dump their union. Ultimately, it flopped: 83% of members voted to stick with United Teachers of Dade. Still, Brent Urbanik, president of the rival Miami Dade Education Coalition, said he appreciated the Foundations all-hands-on-deck support, which included funding mailers to teachers homes and sending staff to knock on doors. Urbanik said he couldnt have run the campaign without the Foundations help. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter But hes not a fan of the groups latest move. In late September, it named anti-union firebrand Ryan Walters, Oklahomas former state chief, as head of its new Teacher Freedom Alliance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related Oklahoma Schools Chief Ryan Walters Steps Down to Lead Anti-Union Group Most teachers just want to go to school. They want to teach their subjects, and they want to know that theyre not going to get fired for saying the wrong thing, he said. With Walters at the helm, he said, the Teacher Freedom Alliance risks becoming the rights version of the lefts problem, which is the politicization of classroom material. To Aaron Withe, the Foundations CEO, Walters is a freedom fighter who brings passion and new energy to a cause that has seen mixed results since the Supreme Courts 2018 decision in Janus v. American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. The court ruled that teachers and other public sector employees can opt out of paying fees to unions they dont want to join. But Walters is escalating the attack. Since resigning from his state job, hes criticized Colorado Springs teachers for striking over their recent loss of collective bargaining and joined Moms for Liberty members in Florida, where he said unions have turned schools into Marxist indoctrination centers. One frequent target of his rhetoric doesnt see the new Alliance as a threat. In a statement, Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, called the Foundations post-Janus efforts a dismal failure. Teacher Freedom Alliance CEO Ryan Walters spoke in Colorado Springs, Colorado, earlier this month where he criticized members of the teachers union for going on strike. (Freedom Foundation/Facebook) Urbanik, who teaches AP Psychology at a magnet school in Miami-Dade, is among those educators who think the AFT and the National Education Association have strayed too far from core bargaining issues like salaries, benefits and working conditions. Thats what Mark Janus, a former child support specialist in Illinois, argued when he challenged AFSCME on First Amendment grounds, saying that he shouldnt be forced to financially support a unions political activities or preferred candidates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was an inherent unfairness in requiring people to join a union and spend money on political activities they disagree with in order to hold a government job, said Dean McGee, senior counsel and director of educational freedom at the Liberty Justice Center, the conservative law firm that represented Janus. Since Janus, some teachers say that unions continue to make it hard to opt out by automatically renewing membership without warning or creating short escape windows for canceling membership. But in 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear those concerns. Power comes from money Teachers conflicts with their unions arent always political. Members of the Miami-Dade Education Coalition say United Teachers of Dade didnt fight for raises and merit pay tied to a 2011 state law after the district said it was an unfunded mandate and they couldnt afford the bonuses. And in Chicago, Liberty Justice Center represents members of the Chicago Teachers Union who are suing union leaders for failing to produce a required annual audit for the past four years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Teacher Freedom Alliance, McGee said, takes the Janus ruling a step further. The power comes from money, and the money comes from member dues, he said. If unions are losing members, he suggested they focus on members interests and not broader political fights. He didnt mention specific priorities, but the NEA this year adopted resolutions that aim to counteract President Donald Trumps embrace of fascism and to support No Kings protests. Opt-out campaigns have generally seen mixed results, experts say. When theyre combined with legislation to undermine the unions, as when Wisconsin stripped public sector unions of collective bargaining in 2011, membership drops, said Eunice Han, an associate economics professor at the University of Utah who studies unions. Related Act 10, Scourge of Wisconsin Teachers, Faces Uncertain Future in Court In 2023, Florida passed a law that requires unions to maintain a 60% dues-paying membership. In January 2024, United Teachers of Dade fell just short of that goal. Urbaniks group saw an opening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A year after the law passed, over 50 public sector unions in the state had been wiped out because they couldnt reach the 60% threshold, according to news reports. But only three of those were K-12 unions, all of which represented non-instructional staff. Most affiliates of the Florida Education Association have successfully re-certified, Han said. The Freedom Foundation has seen small victories in other states where its been active, like Oregon, California and Washington. Larry Delaney, president of the Washington Education Association, said the Foundation frequently sends mailers with messages encouraging teachers and other school staff to opt out. The cards include a section the member can rip off and mail back to the unions address. Their campaigns get creative, he said. Around Halloween, one mailer portrayed Delaney as a monster. Another said Give yourself a Christmas bonus! End your monthly union dues. But only a handful of members opt out each year, Delaney said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some mailers look like a tax document and include a fake check representing how much money members would save in dues each year if they quit the union. Based on his own experience, it costs about $40,000 to send mail to all 84,000 members of the union statewide, and the Freedom Foundation sends a new mailer almost monthly. I dont know what their direct mailing budget is, but its large, he said. The Foundation didnt comment on its mailing budget. Before the Freedom Foundation launched the Teacher Freedom Alliance, it held an annual summit where Ryan Walters was a frequent speaker. (Freedom Foundation/Facebook) The Foundation, a $17 million operation, according to its most recent tax filing, is a nonprofit and doesnt have to disclose donors. In Florida, the free market-oriented Dunn Foundation, founded by successful futures trader Bill Dunn, donated $100,000 to support the Miami Dade Education Coalitions opt-out campaign, according to tax records. Investigations by the Center for Media and Democracy, a progressive organization that tracks spending by conservative groups, show the Koch Brothers, the Milwaukee-based Bradley Foundation and the Sarah Scaife Foundation in Pittsburgh, are also among the Foundations contributors. Those organizations often fund right-leaning causes, like efforts to roll back environmental protections and PragerU, a media operation that produces conservative videos for kids. We wont be intimidated The Foundation used some of its resources to fight Oregon legislation that says union members can sue if someone is trying to impersonate them as an opt-out strategy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They say that were pretending to be union officials and going to union members homes to convince them to leave, Withe, the Foundations CEO, said in an April video. We wont be intimidated. If anything, were more emboldened to go and get more of their members. The Foundation wasnt able to keep the bill from passing. It allows union representatives to bring a civil lawsuit against a group or individual that tries to deceive a union member into opting out. Withe said the unions provided no evidence that the Foundation employed deception. But his group did manage to get teachers in the small 126-student Powers School District along the south coast of Oregon, to create a new independent union in June. When all 13 of their teachers voted unanimously to create the new Cruiser Educators Association, the Oregon Education Association didnt oppose the move. Gabe Shorb, a sixth grade teacher in the district, first heard Walters speak at one of the Foundations Teacher Freedom Summits and called his message refreshing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said several teachers had already opted out on their own and a few had joined the Teacher Freedom Alliance. Those remaining felt the Oregon Education Association wasnt very helpful when they bargained with the district and asked for contract information from comparable districts. Membership in the new union is free. Im hoping that well make connections and show other small districts that, Hey you dont have to pay a lot of money for something thats really not that useful, he said. The Freedom Foundation also pushed this year for a Montana measure that would prevent teachers from using paid professional development days to attend the Montana Federation of Public Employees annual meeting. The sessions, the Foundation argues, are oriented toward political activism, radical woke ideology and union marketing. They pointed to panels on topics such as equity training and promoting LGBTQ issues. But the bill died in the session. The Teacher Freedom Alliance aims to give school staff an alternative to the AFT and the NEA. Its free membership includes liability coverage up to $2 million, which protects teachers if theyre sued or need legal representation for other reasons. The American Association of Educators, with about 32,000 members, charges $19.50 per month for monthly membership that includes liability coverage as well as other benefits, like shopping discounts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related Ryan Walters Oklahoma Tenure Offered Microcosm of Trumps Education Overhaul Walters first promoted the new Alliance in March with a state press release, drawing an ethics complaint from Rep. Ellen Pogemiller, a Democrat, who argued that he was using state resources to endorse an organization. The complaint was dismissed, and the state attorney general said he didnt break the law. Walters did not respond to attempts to reach him by phone or text. When he accepted the new job, Pogemiller filed another complaint, suggesting his promotion of the group was for personal gain. The state ethics commission hasnt issued any findings. Walters might have taken the job because he thought it would give him a larger national profile, said Julia Koppich, an independent consultant in San Francisco and expert on teachers unions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He might also have been seeking a higher salary. His state chief job paid $124,000. The Foundation did not disclose his salary at Teacher Freedom Alliance, but past tax filings show Withe made $525,000 in 2023, and other top executives earned in the $200,000 range. Koppich wonders how the new Alliance will benefit teachers. In states where unions have bargaining rights, teachers who drop their membership cant negotiate their own salaries and working conditions with school districts, Koppich said. Theyre bound by the union contract whether they pay dues or not. In non-union states, teacher pay is set by a statewide salary schedule. Unionism is baked in where its baked in and anathema where its always been anathema, Koppich said. These [opt-out] organizations dont have a great track record. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related Strapped for Cash: Districts OK Union Raises, Dont Have the Money to Fund Them In Miami, Urbanik blames part of his groups poor showing in the election on the Miami- Dade district. He said officials heavily suppressed his organizations message. Some teachers didnt even know the vote was taking place. About two-thirds of the Miami-Dade teachers didnt vote. We were not allowed to have contact with teachers on school grounds, he said. I was not allowed to have a mailer placed in mailboxes. Under Walters, opt-out drives are likely to go national and his rhetoric about unions funding agendas unrelated to the classroom are expected to intensify, said Han, with the University of Utah. I believe that with Walterss leadership, Han said, we may see a more politically charged and aggressive version of the Freedom Foundations strategy. Senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot praised the Mahagathbandhan's manifesto named 'Bihar Ka Tejashwi Pran', asserting that featuring RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav's face on its cover showcases the commitment of the alliance to the people of Bihar. He noted that the manifesto addresses the concerns of common people. "When Tejashwi's name appears in the manifesto itself, it means the Chief Minister's face of the Mahagathbandhan is showing commitment to the people. The manifesto released is very good...It takes into consideration the concerns of the people of Bihar," Gehlot told ANI. With less than ten days left for the Bihar Assembly elections, the Mahagathbandhan, led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress, on Tuesday released its manifesto titled 'Bihar Ka Tejashwi Pran', outlining key promises ahead of the polls. According to the manifesto, under the 'Mai-Behin Maan Yojana', women will receive financial assistance of Rs 2,500 per month from December 1 for the next five years. The Opposition's alliance promised to implement the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). OPS has been on the Congress agenda since the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government in Himachal Pradesh restored it soon after assuming office. Congress had also included it in its manifesto for the Haryana Assembly polls. Mahagathbandhan has promised to put the Waqf (Amendment) Act on hold, and to make the management of Waqf properties "welfare-oriented and transparent". Soon after the release, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a sharp attack on the alliance, calling it a "bunch of lies". BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad called RJD a "school of corruption." Addressing a press conference in Patna, Prasad said those promising a "new vision" for Bihar are themselves facing charges under IPC Section 420."...Those who are claiming to give a new vision to Bihar are accused of 420. We did not say this. 15 days ago, the Delhi court framed charges. The trial is about to take place. They are also accused of a land-for-jobs scam. RJD is a school of corruption. This is their past, this is their present, and this will also be their future," Prasad said. 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. Mahagathbandhan, led by Rashtriya Janata Dal, includes 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 staked claims to all 243 seats in the state. The assembly elections will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11. The results will be declared on November 14. (ANI) JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) Investigative journalist Ronan Farrow, known for his reporting on the sexual abuse by Harvey Weinstein, is producing an HBO documentary on the Sean Williams case in Johnson City. On Tuesday, Warner Bros. Discovery issued a media release, stating Farrow was producing the documentary, which will debut on HBO and be available to stream on HBO Max. The film is currently in production. The documentary Farrow also published a piece in The New Yorker magazine on the case in March will cover the series of alleged crimes by former Johnson City businessman, convicted child predator, and accused serial rapist Sean Williams. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News Channel 11 has extensively covered the Williams case, which includes a womans fall from his apartment window in downtown Johnson City, his time on the run after a failed warrant service, his arrest in North Carolina, the discovery of computer files that reportedly depict dozens of rapes, a daring escape from a prison van and Williams convictions thus far. Complete Coverage of the Sean Williams Case The film chronicles a maze of revelations about Sean Williams of Johnson City, TN, a serial predator, tracing both his decades-long evasion of justice and an ensuing scandal over claims of corruption and systemic law enforcement failures, Warner Bros. Discovery said in the release. Farrow, a Pulitzer Prize-winning and Emmy-nominated journalist, will be joined by directors and producers Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato. The Emmy-winning filmmakers are known for their projects like Small Town News and Carrie Fisher: Wishful Drinking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unjin Lee, Ronan Production Group and World of Wonder are also credited as producers of the film. Warner Bros. Discovery promises exclusive interviews in the documentary, one of whom was identified as Kat Dahl. DA: Were ready to prosecute Sean Williams after NC cases end Dahl is a former federal prosecutor who was contracted to work alongside the Johnson City Police Department (JCPD). She sued the City of Johnson in June 2022, alleging the JCPD fired her in 2021 after she pushed the former police chief and others in the department to investigate Williams and pursue more serious charges than a federal ammunition possession warrant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dahls initial lawsuit kick-started a series of events that drew public attention to the Williams case and the JCPD, and the department underwent an audit of its handling of sexual assault cases. More lawsuits followed, filed by alleged victims of Williams sexual assaults. Seeking accountability on behalf of the women and children Williams allegedly targeted and wider exposure for the story, Dahl reached out to Farrow, who went on to publish the first in-depth national reporting on the Williams case in The New Yorker earlier this year, Warner Bros. Discovery stated. Together with the film team, he continues to chronicle the story as it unfolds and through the accounts of survivors, their attorneys, families, community members, and Sean Williams himself, the convicted perpetrator at the center of the ongoing case. Farrow, along with Dahl, was spotted by News Channel 11 outside the federal courthouse in Greeneville on Feb. 24, 2025, when Williams was sentenced to 95 years in prison after being convicted of child pornography charges. Photo: U.S. Marshal David Jolley (left) speaks with former federal prosecutor Kat Dahl (middle) outside of the U.S. District Courthouse in Greeneville as investigative reporter Ronan Farrow (right) stands nearby. (WJHL Photo) Photo: U.S. Marshal David Jolley (left) speaks with former federal prosecutor Kat Dahl (middle) outside of the U.S. District Courthouse in Greeneville as investigative reporter Ronan Farrow (right) stands nearby. (WJHL Photo) Photo: U.S. Marshal David Jolley (left) speaks with former federal prosecutor Kat Dahl (middle) outside of the U.S. District Courthouse in Greeneville as investigative reporter Ronan Farrow (right) stands nearby. (WJHL Photo) Photo: U.S. Marshal David Jolley (left) speaks with former federal prosecutor Kat Dahl (middle) outside of the U.S. District Courthouse in Greeneville as investigative reporter Ronan Farrow (right) stands nearby. (WJHL Photo) Photo: Investigative reporter Ronan Farrow (left) can be seen outside of the federal courthouse in Greeneville on Feb. 24, 2025 with former federal prosecutor Kat Dahl (right). (WJHL Photo) The details of this story at times defy belief, Farrow said in a quote. Im so grateful to the sources in Johnson City who have helped to bring it to light. In the wake of radical reductions to the federal governments oversight mechanisms for corruption, this communitys questions about police accountability are more urgent than ever. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Warner Bros. Discovery did not provide a documentary title or expected release date. As of Tuesday, Williams is awaiting trial in North Carolina on federal drug and child pornography possession charges. The legal proceedings in North Carolina have faced continuous delays, another of which was approved by a judge on Friday. Back in Johnson City, First Judicial District Attorney General Steve Finney told News Channel 11 that his office is ready to prosecute Williams after his federal trials conclude. 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 WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. Roseville voters will see five names for city council on the Nov. 4 ballot, but votes cast for one of the candidates won't count. Longtime Councilwoman Jan Haggerty recently died, but her name will still appear on the ballot as a candidate for one of three, four-year council seats. City Attorney Tim Tomlinson told the Free Press in an email that when the question came up to officials about how the election affects Haggerty's former seat, they were directed to review the charter, which was adopted in 1958. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There is a provision that provided for filling that vacancy, however, did not address the effect of a vacancy on how votes are counted for a death prior to the election," he said. "In discussions with the County Clerk's office, we found a Michigan statute that prohibits the counting of votes for a deceased person remaining on the ballot. As such, any Charter provision in conflict with the statute is preempted. Accordingly the votes cast for Councilwoman Haggerty will not count." A similiar situation arose a decade ago in St. Clair Shores, where late Mayor Pro-Tem Anthony Tiseo's name appeared on the November general election ballot weeks after he died around mid-October 2015. It was not possible to reprint the ballots and get them to voters in time for the election, according to a prior Free Press story. According to a release from the St. Clair Shores city clerk at that time, votes for Tiseo were not to be counted under state election law. Roseville City Clerk Jennifer Zelmanski said that Roseville voters who returned their absentee voter ballots to the city could not change their votes after Oct. 24. She said the city has begun pre-processing absentee voter ballots it has already received, as is allowed under state law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Absentee voters who chose Haggerty and still have their ballots in hand can bring them to the clerk's office to spoil them and be issued a new ballot, she said. Tomlinson said the Roseville City Council does not have the authority to fill a vacancy when it is 40 days before the election, according to the charter. "So, they will not be filling it and it is left to the election to fill it," he said of the seat held by Haggerty, a lifelong Roseville resident who was retired and spent most of her working career as a paralegal, according to her biography on the city's website. Longtime Councilwoman Jan Haggerty, left, is shown dining at the Mount Clemens Chop House in Mount Clemens on Feb. 4, 2004. It said Haggerty retired from Macomb County, where she held positions as a paralegal in the prosecutor's office and in the circuit court juvenile division as a victim's rights coordinator and advocate. She was also active in clubs and organizations in the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was a member of city council for 19 years and was a Eastside Community Chamber board of director for 15 years, according to the chamber's website. Tomlinson said those who are elected will be sworn in the Monday after the election. Those seeking a Roseville City Council seat are incumbent Councilmembers Bill Shoemaker and Steven Wietecha as well as James Hoover and Dan Lambrix. A memorial service for Haggerty is planned for 5-7 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Recreation Authority of Roseville Eastpointe in Roseville, according to a post on the chamber's Facebook page. Contact Christina Hall: chall@freepress.com. Follow her on X: @challreporter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Support local journalism. Subscribe to the Free Press. Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Late Roseville councilwoman Jan Haggerty on ballot, but no votes count Just two years ago, Tacoma voters made their voices heard at the ballot box. By passing the Tenant Bill of Rights, officially the Landlord Fairness Code (LFC), we enacted some of the strongest renter protections in Washington state. It was a clear mandate to bring stability to our communities and protect our citys 100,000 tenants from the worst excesses of a brutal housing market. Now Sarah Rumbaugh, a landlord and my City Council Member, is proposing to rip these protections to shreds. On Oct. 23, Rumbaugh revealed a sweeping set of proposals that read like a wish list from the Rental Housing Association, the powerful right-wing landlord lobby. If approved, her plan would not just tweak the law; it would fundamentally gut its core pillars, transforming a universal policy that protects all tenants into a bureaucratic maze that benefits only a tiny fraction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a full-scale attack on the will of Tacoma voters, rushed through without tenants at the table and before a newly elected mayor and city council are seated in January. The LFC has been a clear success. For the past two years, as Tacoma for All canvassed thousands of tenants, we heard a consistent story: rent hikes are finally being kept in check, most under 5%. Why? Often because the LFC requires landlords to offer relocation assistance for rent increases over 5%. Weve seen firsthand how this works. When landlords try to issue a massive hike, tenants simply request the assistance they are owed, and landlords almost universally choose to lower the rent instead. This simple, universal mechanism has given tenants real leverage and brought desperately needed stability. That stability is now under threat. Rumbaughs written proposal includes means-testing for one of the LFCs central pillars: eviction protections. Alarmingly, at the same Oct. 23 meeting and previously, the suggestion was verbally raised to gut a second pillar: relocation assistance. Just like Trumps tactic of adding bureaucratic hurdles to Medicaid is designed to drive millions of eligible people out of their benefits, forcing tenants to prove their income will prevent the vast majority from ever accessing their rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most insidious part of this plan, however, is how it would transform the way our courts handle cold-weather evictions. For the last two years, our courts have barred economic evictions (for late rent) during the coldest months, from Nov. 1 to April 1. This automatic, universal protection has been a lifeline, giving families facing a job loss or medical emergency a few months to get back on their feet. Rumbaughs plan would upend that entirely. The moratorium would no longer be automatic. Instead, every single cold-weather eviction would proceed unless the individual tenant contests it, proves their income and gets the legal support required to argue their case. It transforms a right into a legal battle most tenants cannot win. To add insult to injury, the plan also proposes cutting the protection from five months to three and considers eliminating school-year eviction protections for families with children. Similarly, if relocation assistance is repealed or means-tested, it would end tenants leverage which has helped stabilize rents for everyone. It would be a green light for the return of excessive, double-digit rent hikes, guaranteeing more mass displacement of working-class Tacomans. The hypocrisy of this means-testing is exposed by the plans other proposals. While claiming to target protections to the lowest-income tenants, Rumbaugh simultaneously calls for exempting landlords of deed-restricted affordable housing from the law entirely. We have canvassed these properties; some are non-profits, but many are run by outside corporate slumlords who cash in on federal tax credits while tenants face deplorable conditions. Rumbaughs means-testing would limit rights to low-income tenants, then exempt the very landlords who house them. We are open to exemptions for some public and non-profit landlords from certain LFC provisions, but we should not be exempting outside slumlord investors whose tenants most need protection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plan is peppered with other attacks to nickel-and-dime tenants: raising late fees from $10 to $75, repealing the cap on move-in fees, and shortening the notice required for rent hikes. When half of Tacomas tenants are rent-burdened, these are not minor tweaks; they will push more families over the edge. This is not a good-faith effort to improve a law. It is a race to the bottom, rooted in the false logic that we must deny tenants their rights to attract investment. This council must not be allowed to lock in the landlord lobbys agenda. As a broad coalition of 36 labor, faith, and community leaders articulated in an Oct. 8 op-ed in The News Tribune, we call on the City Council to reject this sprint ... allow the next administration to tackle these issues with a fresh mandate from the people ... [and] facilitate a genuine negotiation between stakeholders tenants, landlords and affordable housing providers. The City Council must honor the will of the voters. They must reject these rollbacks and let the new, duly-elected council address this issue with tenants, not lobbyists, at the table. Tyron Moore is the co-executive director of Tacoma for All, the organization that ran the 2023 Tenant Bill of Rights ballot initiative. Russia has deployed about 11,000 troops in an effort to encircle the city of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast, the 7th Rapid Response Corps of Ukraine's Air Assault Forces has reported. Source: 7th Rapid Response Corps on Facebook; journalist Yuliia Kyriienko on Facebook Quote from the 7th Rapid Response Corps: "The enemy has deployed about 11,000 troops to carry out the plan to encircle the Pokrovsk agglomeration. The enemy groups that have managed to infiltrate the city aim to advance to the northwest and north of Pokrovsk." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: The 7th Corps said that in their area of responsibility, Russian forces have built up around 27,000 personnel, about 100 tanks, up to 260 armoured combat vehicles, and up to 160 artillery systems and mortars. "The defenders of the Pokrovsk agglomeration continue to carry out the defensive operation," the Corps said. Over the past two days, Ukrainian defenders in the 7th Rapid Response Corps' area of responsibility have killed 90 Russian soldiers and wounded 42. Ukrainian forces have also destroyed one armoured personnel carrier, three infantry fighting vehicles, three other vehicles and one motorcycle and downed or landed 158 drones of various types. Eighteen Russian troops were killed in Pokrovsk itself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Journalist Yuliia Kyriienko has posted a video showing a Russian flag flying on an entrance sign in Pokrovsk. Quote from Kyriienko: "Our troops have just sent me this video. A Russian rag on the Pokrovsk entrance sign. You can see everything for yourselves. No more words are needed. Strength to our Armed Forces." Background: DeepState previously reported that Russian forces are continuing to infiltrate Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast, gradually increasing their infantry presence and expanding sabotage and reconnaissance activities within the city. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Russian artillery attacked a children's hospital in the city of Kherson on the morning of 29 October, injuring nine people. Source: Oleksandr Prokudin, Head of Kherson Oblast Military Administration; Kherson Oblast Prosecutor's Office; Ministry of Health of Ukraine Quote from the Prosecutor's Office: "Investigators have established that at around 09:20 on 29 October 2025, the enemy opened artillery fire on a children's hospital in Kherson at a time when young patients, their parents and medical staff were present. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Early reports indicate that nine people were injured." The aftermath of the attack Photo: Prosecutor's Office Details: Four children and three health professionals are among those injured. One of the casualties is a nine-year-old girl, who suffered a blast injury and shrapnel wounds to her shin. One hospital employee is in a critical condition and is currently undergoing surgery. Two other medics are in a fair condition. All the people injured in the attack are receiving the medical assistance they need. The hospital building sustained significant damage: walls were partially destroyed and windows and doors were shattered. The blast wave also damaged nearby buildings. The Kherson Oblast Prosecutor's Office has launched a pre-trial investigation under Article 438.1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (violation of the laws and customs of war). Prosecutors and investigators are working at the scene, documenting the aftermath of the attack and collecting evidence. The Ministry of Health said the Russians have once again targeted a civilian medical facility where children's lives are being saved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote from the Health Ministry: "While Ukrainian medics are fighting to save children's lives and health, Russian forces want to take those lives away." Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! 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. Russian forces have attacked an Odesa Oblast energy facility belonging to DTEK, the largest private energy company in Ukraine. Source: DTEK Details: Power engineers have reconnected critical infrastructure facilities and residential buildings to backup lines where technically possible, restoring electricity to 7,000 consumers. DTEK noted that the damage caused by the attack was extensive, and around 26,900 consumers remain without power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oleh Kiper, Head of Odesa Oblast Military Administration, reported that one person had been injured in the Russian strike. Background: On 29 October, rolling power outages will be introduced in certain oblasts of Ukraine. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Credit: Kremlin.ru / Russian Defence Ministry Russia has successfully tested a nuclear-powered super-torpedo designed to create radioactive tsunamis and wipe out coastal cities On Wednesday, Vladimir Putin confirmed a successful test of the Poseidon days after a trial of the new Burevestnik cruise missile, which was followed by nuclear launch drills. Donald Trump, who has recently toughened his stance towards Russia, said the tests were not appropriate and that Putin should focus more on ending the war in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Putin appears to have brushed off the US presidents comments, confirming the test over tea and cakes with Russian soldiers at a hospital in Moscow. Vladimir Putin chats to a Russian soldier injured in Ukraine on a visit to a military hospital in Moscow, at which he announced the Poseidon test - Kristina Kormilitsyna/Sputnik/Kremlin/EPA/Shutterstock There is nothing like this, he said, adding that there was no way to intercept the Poseidon, which analysts believe has a range of 6,200 miles, and which can travel at 115mph. The Poseidon has its roots in Soviet plans for a weapon that would be able to render coastal cities on the shores of the United States uninhabitable. Since the war in Ukraine began, Kremlin propagandists have also often threatened to destroy London using the torpedo. Both US and Kremlin officials believe that the torpedo, first unveiled by Putin in 2018, is a new breed of retaliatory weapon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement b' Russia\'s Pseidon nuclear torpedo ' The 78ft (24m) torpedo is designed to carry a two-megaton nuclear warhead more than 100 times as powerful than the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. Christopher Ford, then the US assistant secretary of state for international security and non-proliferation, warned in 2020 that the weapons were being designed to inundate US coastal cities with radioactive tsunamis. The US Naval Institute, a military think tank, said the development of Poseidon turned assumptions about submarine-launched nuclear weapons upside down. Arms control experts say the weapon breaks most of the traditional nuclear deterrence and classification rules. They have suggested it might be powered by a liquid metal cooled reactor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was previously reported that Moscow hoped for the weapon to enter service around 2027, but its development was blighted by technical difficulties. In November 2022, US intelligence officials reported that initial sea tests had failed. Since first announcing the Poseidon and Burevestnik in 2018, Putin has cast them as a response to US moves to build a missile defence shield after the George W Bush administration unilaterally withdrew from the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, as well as to Nato expansion in the east. The latest development follows reports that Russia is amassing nuclear weapons and attack submarines in the Arctic Circle in preparation for war with Nato. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview with The Telegraph, Norways defence minister said Oslo had detected increased weapons development on Russias Kola peninsula, where its Northern Fleet and parts of its nuclear stockpile are based. Russia is building up on the Kola peninsula ... where one of the largest arsenals of nuclear warheads in the world is located. They [the nuclear weapons] are not only pointed towards Norway, but towards the UK and over the pole towards Canada and the US, Tore Sandvik said. 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. A Russian artillery strike on a children's hospital in Kherson injured nine people, including four children, on Oct. 29, the Kherson Regional Prosecutor's Office reported. The Russian strike hit the hospital at around 9:20 a.m. local time, when patients, their parents, and medical staff were inside. Among the injured are three medical workers and a 9-year-old girl who sustained a blast-related injury and shrapnel wounds to her lower leg, according to local authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of the other victims suffered blast-related injuries of varying severity. All are receiving medical care, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said. The attack caused significant damage to the hospital building, and nearby facilities were also affected by the blast. Authorities said the number of victims is still being verified. Although Russia denies targeting Ukraine's civilian infrastructure, its forces have repeatedly struck hospitals, schools, homes, and vehicles carrying mail or humanitarian aid using glide bombs, artillery, missiles, and drones. Russia launched a drone attack on Oct. 22 on Kharkiv, one of the most densely populated cities in eastern Ukraine, damaging a kindergarten, killing one person, and injuring ten others. The strike likely included jet-powered Geran-2 Shahed-type drones. A map showing Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine's Kherson Oblast as of 2025. (The Kyiv Independent) Kherson Oblast, in southern Ukraine along the Black Sea and Dnipro River, has been a key battleground since Russia's invasion in 2022. Its regional center, Kherson, was occupied by Russian forces in March 2022 and partially retaken by Ukraine later that year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The region remains on the frontline, with frequent shelling and drone attacks threatening civilians and critical infrastructure. Read also: With a web of drones and infiltrating infantry, Russian troops overrun Kupiansk Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. After more than a year of bloody assaults at great cost in troops and equipment, Russian forces are now fighting inside the key Ukrainian logistical hub of Pokrovsk, Ukrainian and Russian officials say. The extent of that advance, however, is in dispute. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday claimed the city is now encircled, something Ukrainian military officials deny. As we have previously noted, Pokrovsk has been the major focus of fighting in the east because of its importance to both sides. Not only does it straddle a major rail line and several highways, it is part of a string of fortified cities in Ukraines Donetsk region that have so far prevented Russia from taking over all of that area and pushing deeper into Ukraine. Defense of the city of Pokrovsk, Donetsk region pic.twitter.com/Z4NlfTJH0s EMPR.media (@EuromaidanPR) October 29, 2025 The enemy has managed to dragseveral hundred infantrymen into the city and continues to infiltrate deeper into the populated area, expanding their sabotage and reconnaissance activities, the Ukrainian DeepState open-source tracking group claimed on Wednesday. That assessment lines up with statements Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made on Tuesday that about 200 Russian troops have entered Pokrovsk. The Ukrainian leader acknowledged that he was providing a conservative estimate of Russias presence in Pokrovsk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At one point, Russian forces managed to raise their tri-color flag in Pokrovsk, but that was reportedly quickly destroyed by a drone. A Russian flag was raised in the northwest of Pokrovsk. It was later destroyed by a Ukrainian FPV. @Deepstate_UA says many Russian soldiers have infiltrated north of the railway in the city. https://t.co/Fc2TgrHsqU https://t.co/JGmIEhpXnK pic.twitter.com/GW12jDr0Ej Rob Lee (@RALee85) October 29, 2025 Compounding Ukraines problems, Russian forces have broken a major logistics route towards the town of Myrnohrad, about two miles to the east along the TO504 highway, added DeepState, which has close ties to the Ukrainian military. In addition, Russian forces have also entered the southeastern outskirts of Myrnohrad, putting additional pressure on Pokrovsk, according to the Institute for the Study of Wars latest assessment. The embattled Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk is a key logistics hub with several highways and a main railway running through it. (Google Earth) The situation is very difficult because a significant part of the city has already been infiltrated by the occupiers, Denys, a Ukrainian drone operator, told The New York Times. Theyre still building up their presence, more and more, trying to completely saturate the city with their forces. When they encounter our positions, they engage in firefights. Logistics Hell on the Pokrovsk Direction. Evacuation of an Injured Comrade. Video from the Warriors of the 38th Separate Marine Brigade. pic.twitter.com/kySnMkngK7 EMPR.media (@EuromaidanPR) October 29, 2025 Russia has been able to gain ground in Pokrovsk in large measure by changing tactics from massive frontal assaults to small groups of troops whove entered the city and set up drone operations, creating havoc on Ukraines ability to hold ground and supply its troops. " brave" troops are advancing in the Dnipropetrovsk region and storming Pokrovsk Fighters of the Center group of forces are actively destroying enemy infantry and equipment day and night. In support of the offensive, attack drone operators carry out precise strikes pic.twitter.com/eZiVhFBP1Z King Chelsea Ug (@ug_chelsea) October 29, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, there is a large buildup of Russian troops and equipment preparing to take advantage of the current gains, according to the Ukrainian military. Enemy groups that managed to penetrate the city intend to advance northwest and north of Pokrovsk, the 7th Corps of the Ukrainian Airborne Assault Troops, which oversees military operations in the area, explained on Wednesday. In total, Russian troops have amassed approximately 27,000 troops, approximately 100 tanks, up to 260 armored combat vehicles, and up to 160 artillery pieces and mortars in the 7th Corps area of responsibility. Still, Ukraine continues to impose a heavy cost on Russian forces, killing troops and destroying equipment. Pokrovsk direction. Operators of the 3rd Svoboda Operational Battalion burned a ruSSian BMD-4 along with its electronic warfare system using their fiber-optic-controlled drones pic.twitter.com/BlIDIIdaJh (@TheDeadDistrict) October 29, 2025 Against this backdrop of the largest Russian gains into Pokrovsk so far, Putin on Wednesday claimed that both that city and Kupiansk, located about 100 miles to the north in Kharkiv Oblast, are now surrounded. He suggested a temporary ceasefire so that journalists can witness the situation firsthand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The commanders of the groups are not against allowing representatives of the media, foreign and Ukrainian journalists, to enter the enemys encirclement zones so that they can go in and see with their own eyes what is happening there, confirm the condition of the surrounded Ukrainian troops, Putin proclaimed. The Russian leader added that he is making the offer about journalist access to these areas so that the political leadership of Ukraine can make an appropriate decision regarding the fate of their citizens and servicemen, as was once done in Azovstal. Putin was referring to the three-month siege of a massive steel plant in the city of Mariupol, where hundreds of Ukrainian troops held out until May 2022. We are ready to cease hostilities for a certain period of time for a few hours two, three, six so that journalists can enter, look around, talk to Ukrainian servicemen, and leave. Putin added. Putin: Our commanders dont mind letting foreign and Ukrainian journalists into the encircled areas near Kupyansk and Pokrovsk to see the situation themselves and the state of surrounded Ukrainian troops. Kyiv can decide their fate, as in Azovstal. [Liar and terrorist] 1/ pic.twitter.com/4osvRt8pv3 Tymofiy Mylovanov (@Mylovanov) October 29, 2025 Ukraines military pushed back against Putins claim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is no encirclement of Pokrovsk and Kupiansk right now, proffered Lt. Andriy Kovalenko, head of Ukraines Center for Countering Disinformation. They have a plan to encircle Pokrovsk, but currently, it is not being implemented. Kovalenko suggested that Putins encirclement claim is aimed at the United States, where the Trump administration is considering providing long-range weapons to Ukraine in an effort to press the Russian leader to end the war. Putin has used the military component of lies from the very beginning to broadcast it to the USA, Kovalenko asserted. While Russian troops have broken into Pokrovsk, they have yet to capture it. However, even Ukrainian sources acknowledge how dire things are for Kyiv. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The situation in Pokrovsk is on the brink of critical and continues to worsen to the point that it may already be too late to fix everything, DeepState admitted on Wednesday. Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com Ahead of the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations on October 31, full dress rehearsals were held in Gujarat's Kevadia on Wednesday to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Contingents from the BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, and police forces from several states, including Gujarat, Assam, Tripura, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh, along with the National Cadet Corps (NCC), are participating in the parade. Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, to commemorate the birth anniversary of the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, is celebrated every year on 31st October. Rashtriya Ekta Diwas symbolises India's unity, integrity and national solidarity. According to a release, this year's celebration of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas is particularly special, as it marks the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel. This year's celebrations are unique in many ways, making the occasion one to remember. The annual celebrations of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas remind the countrymen of the pivotal role Sardar Patel played in the formation of an independent India and in uniting the 562 princely states, laying the foundation of modern India. Due to his leadership and unwavering commitment to national unity, Sardar Patel is revered as the "Architect of National Unity and the Iron Man of India". Nestled between the Satpura and Vindhyachal mountain ranges, the Ekta Nagar reflects the concept of "Unity in Diversity", blending natural beauty with cultural richness. This year's unique celebrations of the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas will include a grand parade and cultural festival in Ekta Nagar, Narmada district, Gujarat. During the parade, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and State Police forces will showcase their skills, discipline, and valour. This year's National Unity Day parade will include contingents from the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Sashstra Seema Bal (SSB) along with police forces from the states of Assam, Tripura, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and the NCC. The parade will also feature cavalry and camel-mounted contingents, demonstrations by indigenous dog breeds and various martial arts and unarmed combat drills. The parade will also highlight the participation of women police officers and personnel. The Guard of Honour presented to the Prime Minister will be led by a female officer. Women personnel of CISF and CRPF will demonstrate martial arts and unarmed combat drills, showcasing the strength and courage of India's daughters. This year's parade will also feature a marching contingent comprising exclusively Indian breed dogs of the BSF, the Gujarat Police's Horse Contingent, Assam Police's Motorcycle Daredevil Show and the BSF's Camel Contingent and Camel Mounted Band, which will be major attractions. Additionally, indigenous dog breeds, Rampur Hounds and Mudhol Hounds, will demonstrate their skills. These breeds have made significant contributions as force multipliers during BSF operations, embodying the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Recently, at the All India Police Dog Competition, the Mudhol Hound "Riya" won first place and will lead the dog squad in this year's parade. National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets and school bands will add to the grandeur of the ceremony with their eye-catching performances. Young NCC cadets will convey the message "Unity is Strength" through their discipline and enthusiasm. A spectacular air show by the Indian Air Force's Surya Kiran Team will further enhance the parade. To emphasise the message of unity in diversity, tableaux from different states and union territories will also be part of the parade. This year's National Unity Day parade will feature 10 tableaux from the National Security Guard (NSG), NDRF, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Manipur, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand and Puducherry, reflecting the theme "Unity in Diversity". To make this year's parade more spectacular, brass bands from BSF, CRPF, CISF, SSB, Delhi Police, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Jammu & Kashmir will also participate. This year, the parade will feature five Shaurya Chakra awardees from the CRPF and 16 gallantry medal winners from the BSF. These brave individuals demonstrated exceptional courage in anti-Naxal operations in Jharkhand and counter-terror operations in Jammu & Kashmir. BSF personnel showcased their unmatched valour and heroism during Operation Sindoor on the western border.Alongside the parade, a cultural programme organised by the Ministry of Culture, GoI, will showcase 900 artists performing India's classical dances, highlighting the rich diversity of our culture and national unity. The Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations aim to highlight the spirit of national unity, harmony, and patriotism and to inspire citizens to embrace these values. All citizens are encouraged to actively participate and be part of this grand and auspicious celebration.From November 1 to 15, Ekta Nagar will host the Bharat Parv, featuring cultural performances and a food festival from different states. The festival will culminate on November 15 with special programmes celebrating God Birsa Munda Jayanti, highlighting the glorious culture and resilient spirit of our tribal communities. (ANI) Veniamin Mazzherin, a Russian lieutenant colonel who was involved in war crimes in Kyiv Oblast in 2022, has been killed in Russia. Mazzherin served in OMON, the Russian National Guard's riot control units. Source: Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) Details: DIU reported that a car driven by Mazzherin had been blown up in Russia's Kemerovo Oblast on 25 October. Lieutenant Colonel Mazherin, 45, served in the OMON Obereg special unit of the Russian National Guard in Kemerovo Oblast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DIU says that Obereg is one of many Russian National Guard units implicated in war crimes and the genocide of Ukrainians in Kyiv Oblast during February and March 2022, at the outset of Russia's full-scale invasion. Based on collected evidence and eyewitness testimonies, the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine has opened criminal proceedings against the unit's service members, particularly for violations of the laws and customs of war. Quote: "Ukraine's military intelligence identified by name the war criminals from the Obereg unit back in April 2022 and planned measures aimed at ensuring just punishment for those listed." Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! DeepState has reported that Russian forces are continuing to infiltrate Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast, gradually increasing their infantry presence and expanding sabotage and reconnaissance activities within the city. Source: DeepState, a Ukrainian group of military analysts Details: DeepState reports that Russia has been attempting to penetrate the city since July, systematically targeting "breakthrough" points in Ukrainian defences and intensifying pressure by deploying infantry alongside drones and other weapons against Ukrainian positions and logistics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weak points have been identified in the settlements of Zvirove and Shevchenko and along the railway from Kotlyne to Pokrovsk, DeepState indicates. The analysts also note that "several hundred" Russian soldiers have entered the city, continuing to seep deeper into Pokrovsk, staging ambushes on movement routes, planting explosives along roads and conducting combat operations against Ukrainian rear units (electronic warfare/electronic signals intelligence support, artillery, mortars, etc.). Russian drone operators have reportedly been deployed on the southern outskirts of the city, intensifying strikes on logistics and unit movements. DeepState emphasised that Russian actions intensified following a large-scale infantry advance, which disrupted logistical routes to Myrnohrad and the surrounding area. Quote: "The worst is that the enemy has managed to break logistics in the direction of Myrnohrad and the whole agglomeration of the city. In addition to infantry ambushes, the enemy is actively using drones, which monitor and strike movements to positions, provisions, etc. Activity of enemy pilots has significantly increased as infantry began to seep into the city and the enemy drone operators help to destroy our logistics, enabling them to slowly absorb the city." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More details: DeepState calls for prioritising the closure of infiltration routes and conducting large-scale mop-up operations by an entire brigade instead of small groups, in order to maintain control of the city. Quote: "It is critically necessary to block the enemy's infiltration routes that are supposedly being held and to carry out a mop-up operation by a full brigade, not by small special-forces groups, which, unfortunately, will do nothing on their own and we already have such an example in another city. The situation in Pokrovsk is on the verge of critical and continues to worsen to the point where it may be too late to fix." Read also: How Pokrovsk is imperceptibly falling: five observations by Ukrainska Pravda Background: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the main strike group of Russian forces has been concentrated against Pokrovsk. Ukrainska Pravda has found that at least 250 Russian soldiers in the city are engaging in firefights and killing Ukrainian personnel on their positions, particularly UAV operators. Logistics to Pokrovsk have been reportedly placed under near-total drone control, with Ukrainian defenders covering 10-15 km on foot to reach positions. According to DeepState, the Russians have advanced in Pokrovsk, where 45 combat engagements have taken place over the past 24 hours. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! In a move that could reshape budget air travel, Ryanair has officially eliminated paper boarding passes, becoming the first major European airline to go completely digital. Starting November 12, 2025, passengers will no longer be able to download and print physical paper boarding passes but will instead use digital boarding passes generated in their "myRyanair" app during check-in. The controversial policy change, originally planned for May 2025 but delayed to November to avoid disrupting the busy summer travel season, has sparked heated debate about digital inclusion, accessibility, and the future of air travel for millions of passengers. The Digital Revolution Takes Flight According to Ryanair, almost 80% of its 200 million annual passengers already use digital boarding passes, making the transition seem like a natural evolution. The airline's Chief Marketing Officer, Dara Brady, positioned the change as progress, stating that "Ryanair's move to 100% digital boarding passes will mean a faster, smarter, and greener travel experience for our customers". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The policy requires all passengers to check in online or through the myRyanair app and present their boarding pass on a smartphone at security and boarding gates. Ryanair expects to eliminate almost all airport check-in fees from November 2025, as all passengers will have checked-in online/in-app to generate their digital boarding pass. The Digital Divide Controversy However, the policy has faced significant criticism from passenger advocacy groups and travelers concerned about digital exclusion. Irish charity Age Action has warned that the move is "discriminatory against older people" and is a form of digital exclusion. According to a 2024 Ofcom report, 17% of those aged 65 and over don't own a smartphone, while a Statista survey estimates that 23% of adults aged 65 and above don't own a smartphone, along with a further 7% of adults aged 55-64. This represents potentially millions of affected passengers across Ryanair's network. Critics have also raised concerns about reliability issues, including dead phone batteries, broken screens, lost devices, and poor internet connectivity at airports. CEO's Defiant Response Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary has characteristically dismissed concerns about the policy's impact on elderly passengers. "I'm old, and I travel from Ryanair on a very, very regular basis, and I use the Ryanair app; it is pretty simple, pretty easy to use," the 64-year-old chief executive said, adding that his 86-year-old mother also used the smartphone app without issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement O'Leary suggested that passengers would adapt, stating that "The people who jump first on every seat sale we run are old people. If that's the only way they can fly with Ryanair, they will just convert and move because that's what they do". When confronted with Statista research showing smartphone ownership gaps among older adults, Ryanair claimed that "100% of adults flying Ryanair have, and regularly use their smartphones," though the airline did not provide evidence to support this assertion. Exceptions and Workarounds Despite the "100% paperless" branding, several exceptions exist to the policy. Ryanair's website indicates that none of its Turkish airports, except Dalaman, offer mobile options, and all Moroccan airports require traditional paper passes, as well as routes to the UK from the Albanian capital, Tirana. For passengers experiencing technical difficulties, Ryanair has confirmed that travelers can request a paper boarding pass from check-in desks at the airport, issued free of charge, provided the passenger has already checked in online. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The airline has also signaled a slight softening in the policy, explaining that "nobody would be cut off at the knees" and that the airline would be "reasonably forgiving" if passengers arrived at the airport with paper boarding passes through to January 2026. Industry Context and Competitive Response Image Credit: Depositphotos Ryanair's move makes it the first major European airline to go completely digital with boarding passes, though other carriers have been gradually increasing their digital adoption. The policy reflects broader trends in travel, where digital ticketing has become standard for concerts, festivals, and sporting events. However, competitors have taken different approaches. Most major airlines continue to offer both digital and paper options, recognizing the diverse needs of their passenger base. Some industry observers view Ryanair's approach as consistent with its no-frills, cost-cutting philosophy, while others see it as unnecessarily restrictive. Practical Implications for Travelers For the majority of Ryanair's tech-savvy passengers, the change will likely go unnoticed. However, for those without smartphones or digital literacy, the policy creates new challenges: Preparation Requirements: Passengers must download the myRyanair app Online check-in becomes mandatory Smartphone battery management becomes critical for travel Backup plans needed for technical failures Support Options: Family members can download boarding passes for others Airport check-in desks will provide assistance for verified online check-ins Paper passes available for genuine technical emergencies The Broader Digital Transformation Ryanair's policy represents more than just a boarding pass change, it's part of a comprehensive digital transformation strategy. The airline has been pushing passengers toward its app to increase ancillary revenue opportunities, data collection, and customer engagement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By forcing all passengers to use the app, Ryanair gains access to valuable customer data and creates more opportunities to sell additional services like seat selection, priority boarding, and in-flight purchases. The Bottom Line Ryanair's elimination of paper boarding passes represents a significant milestone in aviation's digital transformation. While the policy promises environmental benefits and operational efficiencies, it also raises important questions about accessibility and inclusion in modern air travel. For passengers, the message is clear: embrace the digital future or risk being left behind. Whether this approach proves sustainable in the long term may depend on how well Ryanair manages the transition for its most vulnerable passengers and whether competitors follow suit or capitalize on the opportunity to differentiate themselves through more inclusive policies. As the November implementation date approaches, millions of European travelers are preparing for a new reality where flying means carrying more than just luggage, it means carrying the technology to prove you belong on board. (FOX40.COM) An elderly man is in critical condition after crashing into a utility pole on Tuesday evening, according to the Sacramento Fire Department. Video Above: What to do if you witness a crash Around 4:30 p.m., emergency officials responded to a crash near Fruitridge Road and 56th Street. When crews arrived at the scene, they found an unresponsive man in his 70s. According to SFD, bystanders performed CPR until help arrived. A man in his 70s is in critical condition after a Sacramento car crash on Oct. 28, 2025. The well has run dry: California SNAP benefits officially end Nov. 1 if shutdown continues Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The patient was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. No power outages were reported. However, SMUD workers also responded to the scene. Additional information will be provided as it 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 FOX40 News. (FOX40.COM) Chandos Tacos posted a video on Facebook announcing the reopening of the business on Nov. 1, with a video from the owner, Lisandro Madrigal, saying, This time we come back stronger than ever. Video above: Food banks and groceries brace for SNAP pause Five days later of the reopening, on Nov. 6, Madrigal is expected to be back in court for a trial readiness conference since he pleaded not guilty to two felony domestic abuse charges. Chandos officials announced its set to reopen its Arden and Power Inn location in Sacramento on Saturday. This comes after they announced a temporary closure back in July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FOX40 previously reported that Chandos Tacos announced the temporary closures of its restaurants on its social media this summer. On Monday, Chandos officials posted on Facebook that sometimes you have to take a step back to move forward and shared the following statement. Kamala Harris making her way to Golden1 Center in 2026 Weve worked hard to bring you better flavor, better service, and the same Chandos love youve always known, Chandos officials said. Sacramento, we heard you. Madrigal said the reason the restaurants had to close their doors was due to circumstances that were out of their control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, just two days after abruptly closing down Chandos all over Sacramento, Madrigal appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to two felony domestic abuse charges. Sacramento Superior Court documents, filed on March 26, 2024, showed that on count one, Lisandro Madrigal allegedly caused injury resulting in a traumatic condition to a woman. On the second count, it is alleged that Madrigal personally inflicted serious bodily injury to the woman. Madrigal will be in court in the morning on Nov. 6. When customers go to Chandos website, theyll see a countdown with a message of Sacramento, weve missed you. 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Salem police said they interrupted a burglary-in-progress of a hardware store and arrested one suspect early Wednesday morning. At 12:36 a.m., Salem police said they responded to an alarm activated at a business on Wallace Road NW. The owners had reported through a 911 call that the stores camera feed went offline after multiple alarm triggers were activated. One dead after Southeast Portland house fire Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first officer to arrive observed a masked individual walking inside the closed business. The building was quickly contained by multiple Salem patrol officers, with a Marion County [Sheriffs Office] canine unit responding to assist with the search, the Salem Police Department said in a press release. Officers issued commands for the suspect to surrender. The individual initially attempted to flee through the building but ultimately exited through the front door and was taken into custody without incident. Salem resident Tristan Sillman, 27, was arrested after he was the only person found inside the store, police said. Sillman had broken a rear window to gain entry, tampered with the stores surveillance system, and began staging numerous items including power tools, knives, and other merchandise for theft, Salem PD said. Sillman is accused of burglary, criminal mischief, theft, and being a felon in possession of a weapon after police said they found a concealed fixed-blade dagger under his clothes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sillman was booked into jail, with the Polk County District Attorneys Office handling the prosecution in the case, 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 KOIN.com. The Salt Lake County Council voted in favor of eliminating funding for the parks and recreation child care program on Tuesday. The decision comes after the county commissioned the Pathway Group, a consulting firm, to conduct a study earlier this year examining the financial viability of licensed child care at four county-run centers. The report presented during the meeting found that while centers provide adequate preschool and after-school care, they are not financially self-sustaining. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decision was made as part of the countys annual budget process. The parks and recreation departments child care program serves 271 families during the school year and around 300 families during the summer, Robin Chalhoub, director of community services, noted. Liz, a Salt Lake County resident, said the move may have her scrambling to find future child care. I would just love to be able to discuss this with people who have made these decisions, she said. Liz said shes enjoyed using the child care program and appreciated its affordability. The Pathway Groups report found that the program faces a $2 million subsidy and is significantly underpriced compared to other local daycare centers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report also found that programs at county-run centers are also underutilized, operating at just 50% capacity. Chalhoub said the programs began to see a decline in the number of families using them after the COVID-19 pandemic. The child care programs are licensed by the state of Utah and reviewed annually by child care licensing inspectors, according to the countys website. The programs provide care and activities for children through preschool, before- and after-school programs, and summer day camps. The four centers offering the programs set to be impacted include the Kearns Recreation Center, the Magna Recreation Center, the Millcreek Activity Center and the Northwest Activity Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The analysis suggested that the county consider a 20% annual fee increase over a period of five years to be imposed on residents who use the service, to help reach market rates for child care. However, the council instead decided to nix the child care program from the county facilities. Its members voted 5-4 to cut the program. Councilmember Laurie Stringham said that she and Councilwoman Aimee Winder Newton have been working toward closing the day care centers for several years. She also noted that the state operates a special program for child care. And that is probably the most appropriate place for it to come from. It is not a county-provided item that we should be taking on, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That program is provided by the Department of Workforce Services, and rates are based on a familys income. We recognize that this news creates a significant challenge for your family, a letter from the parks and recreation department emailed to families, which was sent to KSL, reads. Our immediate priority is to support you in finding alternative, high-quality child care. To assist you, we are compiling a list of local licensed child care providers and other community resources. The County Council was expected to make its final decision on the matter at its meeting on Dec. 9, but since the program would end a few weeks later on Dec. 31, the council wanted to alert families in advance so they could begin making arrangements for child care at the start of the new year. Councilmember Suzanne Harrison proposed an alternative motion that would have extended the program by an extra month to give families more time to find new daycare options. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harrisons motion failed. Councilmember Natalie Pinkney, who opposed the child care funding cuts, acknowledged the hundreds of families who could be affected by the councils decision. I just want to apologize to all the families who are going to have this program cut, she said. SLCo Council vote on child care program A University of Utah health clinic with a sign warning of measles is pictured in Salt Lake City on June 30, 2025. (McKenzie Romero/Utah News Dispatch) Salt Lake County health officials announced on Wednesday that they have identified what is likely the countys first case of measles amid an ongoing national outbreak. The Salt Lake County Health Department said in a news release it was alerted to the probable case late Monday and spent Tuesday attempting to contact the patient to conduct a disease investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The patient has declined to be tested, or to fully participate in our disease investigation, so we will not be able to technically confirm the illness or properly do contact tracing to warn anyone with whom the patient may have had contact, Salt Lake County Health Department executive director Dorothy Adams said in a prepared statement. But based on the specific symptoms reported by the healthcare provider and the limited conversation our investigators have had with the patient, this is very likely a case of measles in someone living in Salt Lake County, she said. Health officials urged Utahns to please speak with public health workers if they contact you and provide the information theyre seeking so they can properly investigate the situation and hopefully prevent further illness in our community. Information we get during illness interviews is completely confidential, and we do not share it with anyone including federal, state, or other local government agencies, Adams said. We collect the information only to investigate the source of illness and attempt to prevent further spread. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX To confirm a public health workers legitimacy, health officials said to check if their emails come from a .gov address, such as @SaltLakeCounty.gov. If contacted by phone, you can ask the worker to send an email from their verified .gov email address, the department said. They may also call a publicly listed phone number for their state or local health department (385-468-4100 for SLCoHD) and ask to be transferred to the investigator who called them, health officials said. Salt Lake County officials emphasized that measles is one of the most contagious viruses known. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is so easily spread that people who are not immune have a 90% chance of getting the disease if they are near an infected person, the department said. Someone with measles can spread it to others even before they know they are ill, and the virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area. The best protection against the virus is vaccination specifically, two doses of a measles-containing virus, the most common of which is the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine. Two doses can prevent more than 97% of measles infections, according to health experts. In the remaining 3%, when a fully vaccinated person becomes infected with measles, symptoms are milder, the illness is shorter and the infected person is less likely to spread the disease to others, health officials said. Unvaccinated people including children too young to be vaccinated are more likely to experience severe complications from a measles infection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Symptoms usually start seven to 14 days after infection. They include fever, cough, runny nose, and red or watery eyes. Tiny white spots typically appear inside the mouth two to three days after symptoms begin. Three to five days after the first symptoms, a rash appears. The rash usually begins as flat, red spots at the hairline or on the face, which then spread down the body. Many people infected with measles will experience mild symptoms, but about 1 in 5 unvaccinated people need to be hospitalized, according to health officials. Young children, pregnant women and people who have weakened immune systems are more likely to have serious problems from measles. Salt Lake County health officials listed the following vaccine recommendations, which vary depending on age and vaccination history: Children should receive two doses of measles vaccine: one dose at 12 to 15 months of age and another at 4 to 6 years. Adults born before 1957 generally do not need to be vaccinated because they are likely already immune to measles due to widespread infection and illness before the measles vaccine became available in 1963. Adults who were vaccinated before 1968 should have a second dose because the vaccine used from 1963 to1967 was less effective than the current vaccine, which became available in 1968. Adults who were vaccinated in 1968 or later are considered fully protected whether they have one or two doses, though certain higher risk groups (like college students, health care workers and international travelers) should have two doses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To learn whether you or your child needs a dose of measles vaccine, health officials urge Utahns to talk to their doctors or check their immunization records. Most Utahns records are available through the secure Docket app or website. If youre unsure about your vaccination status and dont have record of having received an MMR, there is no harm in getting an additional dose now, county officials said. The MMR vaccine is widely available at local pharmacies, doctors offices or SLCoHD immunization clinics; call 385-468-SHOT to schedule a vaccination appointment at a health department clinic. If you suspect you may have measles or learn you have been near someone with measles, health officials urge that you contact your health care provider immediately. Tell them about your measles concern so they can make special arrangements to see you without putting other people at risk, the health department said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) The Salvation Army of Johnson City hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday to celebrate the opening of its new Veterans Wing Shelter. A release from The Salvation Army said the brand-new Veterans Wing Shelter at the Center of Hope, 200 Ashe Street, has 15 rooms and was funded by a grant from the Veterans Administration, as well as Washington County, the City of Johnson City, and private donors. Area Army reservist discusses hardships during government shutdown Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shelter will serve U.S. military veterans experiencing homelessness, the release said. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, more than 35,000 veterans nationwide experience homelessness on any given night, underscoring the urgent need for targeted, compassionate housing programs like this one, the release states. Corps Officer Major R.C. Duskin told News Channel 11 on Tuesday after the ribbon-cutting that the shelter intends to cater to veterans and ensure those who have served the country are being supported during any difficult times they may have. It is a wonderful opportunity for us to be able to serve our veterans that are in need and are experiencing homelessness, as we provide a safe place for them to stay, but we are so much more than just a bed, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just coming alongside them and helping them to transition to a higher level of care if they need it. For some of our older veterans that have been experiencing homelessness, but also getting others into a more permanent housing situation. Second Harvest Food Bank prepares for extra need ahead of SNAP benefit halt The Salvation Army said each veteran in the program will have their own private room and bathroom. Every room is fully furnished with a bed, a wardrobe and linens. The shelter includes a secure outdoor courtyard for those utilizing the facility. Inside a common area at the shelter, veterans will find seating and computer stations that will serve as a hub for life-skills classes, support groups and fellowship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A laundry room is available, as well, so local veterans experiencing homelessness have clean clothes and linens. Every detail of the new Veterans Wing was intentionally designed to enhance The Salvation Armys ability to serve local military veterans, helping them transition from homelessness to independent living with stability, dignity, and hope, the release states. 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 WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) Help will be on the way to Jamaica from the Piedmont Triad. Hurricane Melissa slammed into Jamaica as a Category 5 storm around 1 p.m. on Tuesday. Samaritans Purse is loading up their cargo planes to send relief from Greensboro. Samaritans Purse loaded up their first plane on Tuesday with about 375,000 pounds of cargo. The plane is set to take off on Wednesday at 10 a.m., and the cargo will help thousands of people get back on their feet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Colton Steele, the lead load master, has been loading up the first plane on Tuesday with 13 pallets of life-saving cargo. In a few days, Steele is set to leave on a second plane to Jamaica. I am feeling primarily at peace. Ive been doing this for three and a half years now, so responding to disasters has been the norm here now, Steele said. They are preparing for an unknown level of devastation. Tragedy is tragedy, but this happens to be seemingly one of the worst tragedies we have seen in a long time, said Jim Vechery, the director of mission aviation services. Samaritans Purse is bringing shelter kits, water filtration systems, clothes and more to Jamaica. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A small assessment team will get there first before the cargo planes to scope out the scene. We have a network of local churches in the area that will help us assess the needs and know exactly what we need to get to particular areas, Vechery said. Two cargo planes are planned to go help in the first two days. The following trips will be planned based on the magnitude of the storm and the level of need in Jamaica. We are not sure what we can expect to see on the ground, however, we know that there is going to be devastation, so we are just trying to prepare ourselves for that so we can take exactly what is going to be needed, Vechery said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crew of four people, a pilot in command, a second in command, a load master and an aircraft mechanic, are aware of the risk of the trip, but there is something that powers them through with the unknown danger ahead. They are our neighbor, and we are answering those in need to show them mercy and how God loves them and hasnt forgotten about them, Steele said. The second plane will bring over 52,000 pounds of cargo. The planes schedules are subject to change depending on the conditions of the two runways in Jamaica at Montego Bay and Kingston International. From those at home, they are asking for prayers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday defended his government's decision to reject a bill that he says is meant to "help the land mafia." "How can we pass a bill that is meant to help the land mafia, to help those who have illegally occupied land, that cannot even address whether they are actually residents of J&K?" he said while speaking to reporters in Ganderbal. The J-K Chief Minister accused those who brought the bill of using it to secure political advantage ahead of elections. "A bill that has been introduced solely for political gain will harm the people of J&K, and I will not allow my government to harm the people of J&K," Abdullah asserted. The bill titled 'The Jammu and Kashmir (Regularization and Recognition of Property Rights of Residents in Public Lands) Bill, 2025 was aimed "for recognising the proprietary rights of houses constructed on State land, Kacharia land, Common land and Shamilat land... by securing the rights of ownership or transfer in favour of the residents of such residential house owners... in the interest of right to shelter as guaranteed by Article 21 of the Constitution of India." Meanwhile, on Monday, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah hit back at People's Conference President Sajad Lone for calling the recent Rajya Sabha election a "fixed match" between the National Conference and the BJP. Speaking to the media, CM Abdullah questioned Lone's credibility, saying someone who initially refused to participate in the polls had no right to comment. He accused Lone of indirectly aiding the BJP by abstaining from voting and urged him to clarify his political stance, asserting that the people of Handwara didn't elect him "to stay silent or play a double role." "Why should someone who wasn't even willing to participate in the election initially comment on anything? First, he should explain what compelled him to help the BJP. If he wanted to prevent match-fixing, he could at least have come and cast his vote. The people of Handwara didn't send him here to remain silent and play a double role. At least he should openly say whether he is with the BJP or not. When the election was announced, I said that those who don't participate or abstain are directly helping the BJP," the J-K CM said. Omar Abdullah termed the allegations as "baseless", emphasising that the only party taking on the BJP in Jammu and Kashmir is the National Conference. On October 25, JKPC President Sajad Lone posted on X and alleged that the National Conference had a "dialogue" with the BJP in the Rajya Sabha polls. "Dr Farooq sahib has claimed that the BJP offered them a deal for three Rajya Sabha seats. That means a dialogue mechanism exists between the two parties. That means they had a dialogue about the Rajya Sabha. Wonder whether they informed their allies that they were having a dialogue with the BJP. Isn't that what we have been saying all along? Fixed match," Lone posted on X. The ruling Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) won three out of four Rajya Sabha seats from Jammu and Kashmir on Friday. According to the party, senior JKNC leader Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Jammu and Kashmir, winning by 58 votes. Fellow party members, Sajad Kichloo and Shammi Oberoi, were also declared winners. Meanwhile, BJP resident Jammu and Kashmir Sat Paul Sharma won with 32 votes, leaving NC's Imran Nabi Dar with 22. (ANI) For the second year in a row, the Michelin Guide is honoring restaurants across Texas at a ceremony hosted in Houston. Restaurant owners, chefs and the like gathered under one roof, the Wortham Theater Center, on Tuesday, October 28, to find out which establishments in cities across the Lone Star State, including San Antonio, were going to be recognized. Last year's inaugural ceremony saw big wins for the Alamo City, with 12 restaurants earning various recognitions, including Mixtli, which won the city's first and only Michelin Star at the time. MySA was on the scene to observe the 2025 ceremony, hosted by Java Ingram, and we spoke with several San Antonio chefs before the ceremony kicked off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chef Chris Cullum from Cullum's Attaboy told MySA the restaurant's "biggest gift" is being able to serve its customers every single day. "We'll do it with or without stars. We're just happy to be in service," Cullum said. Now, the time has come to reveal the Texas honorees. The 2025 Michelin Guide Texas ceremony took place at the Worthnam Theater Center in Houston, Texas. (Polly Anna Rocha/MySA) Michelin Cocktail Award The first award of the night was the Michelin Cocktail Award, which went to Chas Martin of Mister Charles, based in Dallas. Martin accepted the award by saying, "I'm the last guy who deserves this. We have an amazing team that works with us." Michelin Sommelier Award Up next, Franciacorta president Emanuele Rabotti handed out the Michelin Sommelier Award, a recognition of excellence in wine. The winner of the award was Celia Pellegrini from Este and Suerte in Austin, who wasn't in attendance at the ceremony. Michelin Service Award The Michelin Service Award for excellence in hospitality went to Elliot Wood of Credence from Houston. Last year, Hailey Pruitt and Lauren Beckham from Mixtli took home the prize. Michelin Young Chef Award Next, Ryan Forth, region president of South Texas for Sysco, came on stage came on stage to hand out the Young Chef Award, an honor that was absent at the 2024 Texas ceremony. The Michelin Young Chef Award went to Chuck Charnichart of Barbs B Q from Lockhart. San Antonio restaurants awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand This year, the San Antonio restaurants that maintained their Bib Gourmands included: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burnt Bean Co. Cullum's Attaboy The Jerk Shack Ladino Southerleigh Fine Food Mezquite was San Antonio's newest recipient of the Bib Gourmand, which goes to high-quality restaurants with affordable menus. Additionally, Parish Barbecue and Mercado Sin Nombre in Austin both earned a Bib Gourmand, as well. Bib Gourmand recipients at the 2025 Michelin Guide Texas ceremony. (Polly Anna Rocha/MySA) Michelin Green Star Award Michelin's Green Star Award is bestowed upon restaurants that have made strides in sustainability in the service industry over the past year. The first recipient was none other than San Antonio's Isidore. Danny Parada and Ian Lamphear were in attendance to accept the honor. Nixta Taqueria from Austin won the second Green Star of the night, though chef Edgar Ulysses Rico was not in attendance. Additionally, Dai Due and Emmer & Rye maintained their previously awarded Green Stars. Isidore The moment everyone was waiting for - the handing out of Michelin Stars - followed the Green Stars. The recipients of single Michelin Stars were up first, with San Antonio's Isidore taking home the top achievement. Nicosi Its sister restaurant, Nicosi, was also awarded one Michelin Star. Both Isidore and Nicosi are located inside Pullman Market in San Antonio, a culinary hub built by Austin-based hospitality group Emmer & Rye. Mamani A French-inspired restaurant in Dallas called Mamani also received one Michelin Star. Mixtli maintains its Michelin Star Mixtli maintained its one Michelin Star. Following the ceremony, chef Diego Galicia told MySA "it's awesome" that the restaurant was able to maintain its star. "It was so busy all year ... It's a really cool feeling to know that we performed at that level that was expected of us by Michelin, and the team performed the way that it was supposed to perform. It's great. It's awesome." Mixtli chef Rico Torres thanked the restaurant's "whole team" before giving a shout-out to the Alamo City. "This is for the city. Thank you, San Antonio. We love you." Reese Bros Barbecue The Michelin Guide didn't announce the new Texas restaurants added to its list of recommendations during the 2025 ceremony, but a news release later confirmed that Reese Bros Barbecue in San Antonio was given the distinction. This differs from a Michelin Star but is still a huge honor, as only a select few restaurants are chosen to be included in the guide. Austin restaurants honored at 2025 Michelin Guide Texas Among the restaurants recognized at the 2025 Michelin Guide Texas ceremony were several in Austin, such as: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Este and Suerte - Michelin Sommelier Award Parish Barbecue - Bib Gourmand Mercado Sin Nombre - Bib Gourmand Briscuits - maintained its Bib Gourmand Nixta Taqueria - maintained its Bib Gourmand Cuantos Tacos - maintained its Bib Gourmand Distant Relatives - maintained its Bib Gourmand Franklin Barbecue - maintained its Bib Gourmand Kemuri Tatsu-ya - maintained its Bib Gourmand KG BBQ - maintained its Bib Gourmand La Santa Barbacha - maintained its Bib Gourmand Micklethwait Craft Meats - maintained its Bib Gourmand Odd Duck - maintained its Bib Gourmand Ramen del Barrio - maintained its Bib Gourmand Veracruz Fonda & Bar - maintained its Bib Gourmand Hestia - maintained one Michelin Star Interstellar BBQ - maintained one Michelin Star Leroy and Lewis Barbecue - maintained one Michelin Star La Barbecue - maintained one Michelin Star Olamaie - maintained one Michelin Star Barley Swine - maintained one Michelin Star Craft Omakase - maintained one Michelin Star Emmer & Rye - maintained its Green Star Dai Due - maintained its Green Star This article originally published at San Antonio wins big at Michelin Guide ceremony. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) The San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) approved a resolution on Tuesday announcing their support of a recently passed city ordinance that establishes safeguards against unauthorized federal operations. The local law requires Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to acquire judicial warrants to enter city-controlled non-public property and prohibits agents from targeting individuals based on protected characteristics. San Diego City Council unanimously passed the ordinance on Oct. 20. San Diego Unified is proud to stand with the City of San Diego in affirming our shared values of safety, inclusion, and equal treatment for all, SDUSD Board President Cody Petterson said. Our students and families must know that wherever they go in this city, their rights and dignity will be protected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This resolution comes after parents have been arrested by ICE outside of schools, including in San Diego and Chula Vista school districts. SDUSD shared they also conducted training with staff to help them support students and share resources amid uncertainties the Trump Administration might create. As a result of the resolution, the SDUSD will send a formal letter of support to San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria and the City Council. The district also plans to incorporate similar practices in accordance with the law. No child or adult should be made to live in fear by the actions of our federal government, and we are here to do everything within our ability to uphold the values we teach in our classrooms of fairness, compassion, and respect for every individual, Board Vice President Richard Barrera said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Similarly, the San Diego County of Board of Supervisors has voted to advance policies curbing ICE impersonators and requiring due process for operations. San Diego County must affirm that transparency and dignity are foundational to public safety, County Supervisor Paloma Aquirre shared in a social media statement. Author of the city ordinance Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera said he was grateful for SDUSDs support, stating its important for people to know their schools are a safe environment. San Diegans of all ages and backgrounds deserve to know their schools and their City are committed to making every person feels safe, respected, and treated with dignity. And they deserve to see that commitment through action, Elo-Rivera said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By standing together with the City, were helping ensure that San Diego remains a place where every student and family can feel safe and supported, Barrera added. 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. NEED TO KNOW A dog in San Francisco fell off a cliff while playing and spent 20 minutes clinging to a ledge before rescuers arrived Firefighters and police officers used a high-angle rigging system to pull the 40-pound canine back up to safety According to Rescue Captain Samuel Menchaca, the dog knew he got rescued. He was wagging his tail. He was giving everyone kisses A dog was heroically rescued after falling off the side of a cliff. While playing with another pup on Oct. 28, a brown and white dog slipped off an oceanside cliff at Fort Funston in San Francisco, which has steep bluffs that can drop up to 200 feet to the beach below. After landing on a narrow ledge, the canine waited there for around 20 minutes while authorities and rescue teams rushed to the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a video of the tense rescue shared by the San Francisco Police Department, a handful of firefighters could be seen using a high-angle rigging system to slowly lure the dog back up to safety, with the waves crashing in the background. Officials noted that the dog appeared "conscious, alert, and able to walk on its own after being brought to safety. We had low angle rescue utilizing the crews from Station 19 near Stonestown, the San Francisco Fire Department shared in an October update shared to X. We received a dog 40 feet over the cliff who was not injured and has been returned to its owner. San Francisco Fire Department/X San Francisco dog rescued from side of a cliff San Francisco dog rescued from side of a cliff According to authorities, a San Francisco police drone operator happened to be in the area when he spotted the 40-pound animal and called in for assistance. He was happy. He knew he got rescued. He was wagging his tail. He was giving everyone kisses, Rescue Captain Samuel Menchaca told the Associated Press. He went on to warn people to be careful while on these dangerous, unmarked paths especially when it comes to dogs and children. You may think that its a little berm or a hill, but it is a significant drop. San Francisco Fire Department/X San Francisco dog rescued from side of a cliff San Francisco dog rescued from side of a cliff 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. In fact, Menchaca explained that firefighters have had to rescue people from the area numerous times in the past. And although he and his team are trained to respond to these scary situations, he emphasizes that it is important to try to prevent them altogether. One of the best ways to not get hurt on these cliffs and our beautiful seaside parts of San Francisco is to stay on the marked paths, he said. Read the original article on People (KRON) A Santa Cruz man faces several charges in his fathers homicide after he took off to Switzerland this last May before the body was discovered by detectives, said the Santa Cruz County Sheriffs Office. Suspected killer remains at-large after mistakenly released from Martinez jail SCCSO said relatives of 90-year-old Robert Smallwood reported him missing on May 18 after not hearing from him for several days. The next day, sheriffs detectives, with help from their Search and Rescue team, found him deceased at his home. SCCSO said an autopsy revealed that Smallwood succumbed to traumatic injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victims son, James Smallwood, 54, was quickly determined as the person responsible, according to the sheriffs office. It is not clear what led to the incident. James had been living with the decedent and had fled to Switzerland prior to the discovery of his fathers body, said the sheriffs office in a news release Tuesday. Investigators worked with the Swiss government, the US Department of Justice Office of International Affairs, and US Department of Homeland Security to locate James and take him into custody on May 29, 2005. Following extradition hearings, Smallwood was brought back to Santa Cruz by US Marshalls, a District Attorneys Office inspector and Sheriffs Office investigators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smallwood was booked into the Santa Cruz County Main Jail last Monday where he faces charges, including murder and identify theft. His bail has been set at $1 million. 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 KRON4. Oct. 28Sarah J. Kintner Sarah J. Kintner, Age 68, of Albuquerque, passed away at a memory care facility on Sunday, October 12, 2025. She was graduated with a PhD in Nanoscience and Microsystems Engineering from the University of New Mexico. As a teenager Sarah used her engineering talent to restore a 250cc motorcycle, much to her parents consternation. She was the first girl in her middle school who refused to take home economics. Instead, she insisted on taking metal shop. She was divorced, without children. Her companion, Dr. Duke, made life better and challenges more tolerable to the end of her days. She was predeceased by her father Henry and mother Katharine. She is survived by her brother Eric. A private internment will be held at White Clay Creek Presbyterian Church in Newark, Delaware. Diriyahs CEO discusses potential involvement in the reconstruction of Syrias historic sites, as part of Saudi Arabias broader cultural heritage development strategy. Diriyah, a Saudi gigaproject focused on developing a Riyadh historic site as a real estate and tourism destination, held discussions with Syrian officials this week about contributing to the reconstruction of historic sites in Syria, the projects CEO told Reuters on Wednesday. Someone is going to rebuild Damascus and Aleppo at some particular point, someone's going to rebuild Beirut at some particular point, Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of Diriyah Gate Company, said in an interview on the sidelines of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) summit in Riyadh. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We can't do anything right now because we're busy, but I think at some particular point we would, he said, adding that he discussed the matter with Syrian cabinet members visiting Riyadh this week. Years of conflict in Syria have left many of its ancient cities and archaeological treasures in ruins, prompting calls for international support to restore key cultural landmarks, including the ancient city of Aleppo and Roman temple sites at Palmyra. Challenges to such recovery efforts remain, relating to funding, security, and political coordination. Diriyah Gate could expand as a global developer of cultural heritage sites and could also develop six additional cultural heritage sites in Saudi Arabia, Inzerillo said. Rubble lies around Aleppo Citadel, which had suffered damage during the years of war in Syria and has now been fully restored and reopened to the public for World Tourism Day, in Aleppo, Syria, September 25, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/MAHMOUD HASSANO) A tourism and cultural hub The Diriyah project is part of Saudi Arabias Vision 2030 strategy to diversify the economy and position the kingdom as a tourism and cultural hub. The development includes luxury hotels, museums and residential units built around the UNESCO-listed At-Turaif district, the birthplace of the Saudi state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company is profitable and plans to pursue an initial public offering on the Saudi exchange after 2030, Inzerillo said, adding that it expects to receive "billions of US dollars" of foreign, private investment. The company's main project in Riyadh is on time and on budget and will be mostly finished by 2030, he said. RICHMOND COUNTY, Ga. (WJBF) April 30th, 2024. A shooting at Augustas Cedarwood Apartments leaves 14-year-old Anthony Harrison dead. His accused killer: Darryaun Tanksley, age 15. I remember very much going to that young mans funeral and being so frustrated that we focus our resources on the response to these crimes. Why dont we do more to stop it from ever happening in the first place? said District Attorney Jared Williams. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The problem of youth violence isnt new. Heres Rev. Dr Larry Fryer speaking at the Georgia legislature in 2014, Our children are fighting each other, theyre fighting us, they are dying at our feet. Do you think anything has changed in eleven years? No, said Dr. Fryer. Matter of fact it has worsened since the time I did this speech in the capitol in Atlanta. In Richmond County from 2021 until now, 17 homicides were committed by youth 17 and under. Add in assault, rape, robbery and other lesser crimes for a total of more than 6,800 cases. They are dying in the home, in the schoolsissues in the church, especially in the community where they go each and every day, said Dr. Fryer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr.Fryer, frustrated by the senseless violence plaguing our youth reached out to me at NewsChannel 6 and asked if Id be willing to host a Youth Violence Summit. We invited a dozen people and 12 people came. The mayor, the District Attorney, and a juvenile court judge were there. Along with representatives from Law Enforcement, local non-profits, educators and clergy. Each brought to the table a different perspective on juvenile crime, its causes and possible solutions and all agreed it starts in the home. Parents I think first, then its going to take our government to support these parents, its going to take the school system, its going to take our churches, but it must begin in the home and then it spreads abroad, said Dr. Fryer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge Willie Saunders presides over juvenile court in Augusta. Part of the reason it is juvenile court is that we understand that children are children and children make mistakes. Saunders points out that brains dont fully mature until about age 25. A lot of things are done on impulses. A lot of violent offences occur on impulse, said Judge Saunders. And the consequences can be life altering. The road can be hard. It can be hard reestablishing yourself after youve been convicted of an armed robbery even though it may have been at age 14. Easy access to guns makes the problem worse. Sheriff Gino Brantley says some kids just walk by cars and pull on the handle in search of weapons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We dont keep safe those weapons as we should, said Sheriff Brantley. We dont lock them in our cars. We dont take them in the house. District Attorney Jared Williams recalls a case he prosecuted in Athens, Georgia. Williams says two groups of kids were at odds, saw on social media that one group was in downtown Athens. The DA says Pharoah Williams shot into the crowd. Seven people were hurt. None seriously but the severity of the crime meant someone had to be punished. What those kids didnt know at that moment was what they were trying to do was gain respect and what they did instead was gain 140 years of prison exposure, twenty years for every one of those shots, said DA Williams. Pharoah Williams, who pleaded guilty, was sentenced to 20 years in prison followed by 20 years probation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cost of youth violence in Georgia alone is enormous. According to the CDC, it soared to $122 billion in 2020. Some communities are now looking to spend more money on prevention. Video shot and edited by Photo Journalist Dania Alawir In part 2 of Saving Our Children, youll meet an Arkansas Judge whose town came together to combat youth violence. The results are amazing. 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 WJBF. CAIRO (AP) Sudan's paramilitary forces killed hundreds of people at a hospital, including patients, after they seized the provincial capital of North Darfur over the weekend, according to the U.N., displaced residents and aid workers, who described harrowing details of the atrocities. The 460 patients and their companions were reportedly killed Tuesday at Saudi Hospital by fighters from the Rapid Support Forces in the city of el-Fasher, said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of the World Health Organization. As part of their assault on el-Fasher, RSF fighters also went from house to house, beating and shooting at people, including women and children, witnesses told The Associated Press. Many died of gunshot wounds in the streets, some while trying to flee to safety, witnesses said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two years of fighting for control of Sudan has killed over 40,000 people a figure rights groups consider a significant undercount and has created the worlds worst humanitarian crisis with over 14 million displaced. The capture of el-Fasher by the powerful Arab-led force raises fears that Africas third-largest nation may split again, nearly 15 years after oil-rich South Sudan gained independence following years of civil war. Sudanese residents and aid workers revealed harrowing details of atrocities by the RSF after it seized the armys last stronghold in Darfur following more than 500 days of siege. Fighters from the RSF cold-bloodedly killed everyone they found inside the Saudi Hospital, including patients, their companions, and anyone else present in the wards, according to the Sudan Doctors Network, a medical group tracking the war. The Janjaweed showed no mercy for anyone, said Umm Amena, a mother of four children who fled the city on Monday after two days, using a Sudanese term for the RSF. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RSF commander Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, who is sanctioned by the U.S., acknowledged what he called abuses by his forces. In his first comments since the fall of el-Fasher, posted Wednesday on the Telegram messaging app, he said an investigation was opened. He did not elaborate. The Associated Press has not been able to independently confirm the hospital attack and death toll. It was a like a killing field Mini Minawi, the governor of Darfur, shared a video online that purported to show RSF fighters inside the Saudi Hospital. The minute-long footage shows bodies lying on the floor in pools of blood. A fighter fires a single shot from a Kalashnikov-style rifle into a lone man sitting up, who then slumps to the floor. Other bodies could be seen outside. The AP could not independently verify the date, location or condition under which the video was recorded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amena was among three dozen people, mostly women and children, who were detained for a day by RSF fighters in an abandoned house close to the Saudi Hospital in el-Fasher. The AP spoke with Amena and four others who managed to flee el-Fasher and arrived exhausted and dehydrated early Tuesday in the nearby town of Tawila, around 60 kilometers (37 miles) west of el-Fasher, which already hosts over 650,000 displaced. The U.N. migration agency said more than 36,000 people have fled el-Fasher, mostly to rural areas around it, since Sunday. U.N. refugee agency official Jacqueline Wilma Parlevliet said the new arrivals told of widespread killings motivated by ethnic and political differences, including reports of people with disabilities shot dead because they were unable to flee, and others shot as they tried to escape. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was a like a killing field, Tajal-Rahman, a man in his late 50s, said over the phone from the outskirts of Tawila. Bodies everywhere and people bleeding and no one to help them. Both Amena and Tajal-Rahman said RSF fighters tortured and beat the detainees and shot at least four people Monday who later died of wounds. They also sexually assaulted women and girls, they said. In Tawila, a hospital run by Doctors Without Borders received many patients since Oct. 18 suffering from injuries related to bombings or gunshots, according to Giulia Chiopris, a pediatrician at the hospital. She said the hospital also received a high number of malnourished and severely dehydrated children, many of them unaccompanied or orphaned, who had fled el-Fasher. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are seeing a lot a lot of cases of trauma related to the last bombing and a huge number of orphans, she said. She recalled receiving three young siblings, ranging in age from 40 days old to 4 years, whose family was killed in the city. They were brought to the hospital Monday night by strangers, she said. Satellite imagery suggest mass killings In a report late Tuesday, the Yale School of Public Healths Humanitarian Research Lab said that RSF fighters continued to carry out mass killings since they took over el-Fasher. The report, which relied on satellite imagery from Airbus, said it corroborated alleged executions and mass killing by the RSF around the Saudi Hospital, and at a detention center at the former Childrens Hospital in the eastern part of the city. The AP accessed and analyzed the same imagery, seeing objects and red stains on the ground at the sites that the lab identified as blood and bodies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lab also said that systematic killings took place in the vicinity of the eastern wall, which the RSF built outside the city earlier this year. Sheldon Yett, the UNICEF representative to Sudan, said in an interview that the situation in el-Fasher, was an absolute catastrophe, with thousands of children already suffering from disease and famine before the takeover of the city by the RSF. Now its hell on Earth with lots of guns, Yett said. Aid groups said a death toll has been difficult to determine since RSF overran el-Fasher, given a near communication blackout. The report from Yale said satellite imagery cant show the true scale of the mass killings, and that an estimated death toll is likely an undercount. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before the latest bout of violence, some 1,850 civilians were killed in North Darfur, including 1,350 in el-Fasher, between Jan. 1 and Oct. 20 this year, according to U.N. spokesperson Farhan Aziz Haq. Global outrage Footage of the attacks triggered a wave of outrage around the world. France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the European Union all condemned the atrocities. Mohamed Osman, Sudan researcher with Human Rights Watch, said that footage coming out of el-Fasher reveals a horrifying truth: the Rapid Support Forces feel free to carry out mass atrocities with little fear of consequences. The world needs to act to protect civilians from more heinous crimes, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Massad Boulos, the U.S. senior adviser on Arab and African affairs, condemned the attacks. The deliberate targeting of vulnerable populations through acts of violence and retribution is both abhorrent and unacceptable, wrote Boulos, a Lebanese-American businessman who is the father-in-law of President Donald Trumps daughter Tiffany. We acknowledge RSF leaderships recent statements on civilian protection, humanitarian access and accountability, but words alone will not save lives. These commitments must urgently be turned into concrete actions on the ground to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people. Sen. Jim Risch, chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, on Tuesday denounced the RSF attacks on the city, and called for it to be designated as a foreign terrorist organization. The RSF has waged terror and committed unspeakable atrocities, genocide among them, against the Sudanese people, he wrote. ___ Associated Press writer Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, contributed to this report. A controversial Ukrainian colonel has been accused by military personnel and volunteers of breaching operational security after releasing a TikTok video where he allegedly displayed internal battlefield maps used by the army. The video was highlighted on Telegram by Serhii Filimonov, a commander of the 108th Separate Mechanized Battalion "Da Vinci Wolves," who attached screenshots of Colonel Valentin Manko standing in front of a map labeled with blue and red triangles. "I can't comprehend that this person is being considered as a candidate for the position of commander of the assault troops," Filimonov said in a post on social media on Oct. 26. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The map is said to have shown the front in southeastern Zaporizhzhia Oblast, according to Ukrainian Telegram channels. Manko denied the accusation, insisting that the map displayed was not an internal military one and that no sensitive information had been shared. Calling media reports about the scandal "a provocation," Manko said that what was displayed was "just a regular Google Maps" where he had marked which settlements were under Russian and Ukrainian control. "Someone, besides the enemy, deliberately wants to turn the military into useless, stupid people who can't think," Manko wrote in his Oct. 28 Facebook post. "This humiliates all armed forces." The Kyiv Independent reached out to Manko for a comment on Facebook, but he did not answer by the time of publication. Manko appears to have deleted his TikTok account as soon as the scandal unfolded, before the Kyiv Independent watched the original video that sparked the controversy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OPSEC has been a headache in the war for both Ukraine and Russia, with both sides' army members usually soldiers who sometimes don't know what they are allowed to film and aren't accidentally giving clues to the other side about position or military base locations. The international intelligence community InformNapalm said "addiction to TikTok among officials who have access to state secrets is pure absurdity," criticizing Manko for releasing photos of front-line maps labeled as "classified." "Enemy OSINT specialists are probably clapping their hands in delight, celebrating that a TikToker with classified maps has appeared in Ukraine," InformNapalm wrote in a Oct. 27 X post. Prominent Ukrainian activist and volunteer Serhii Sternenko also criticized Manko. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Publishing such photos can help the enemy," he said in a Oct. 27 Telegram post. Manko has previously been criticized for releasing videos showing his closeness to Russian culture, such as an Instagram story released in June 2024 where he is dancing topless to a Russian-language song which has been looked down upon after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2014 and relaunched a country-wide war in 2022. In a video released by Ukrainian media Hromadske on Oct. 21, Manko said that he studied at Russian-language institutions but stressed that he has been depending Ukraine at great cost and can speak Ukrainian. "I have been wounded and shell-shocked many times," Manko told Hromadske, stressing that he has led Ukrainian troops not "out of the bunker and not sitting on a couch somewhere." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Gripen jets are coming to Ukraine heres how they can be used against Russia Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. After multiple critical reports and the suicide death of a 16-year-old foster girl in Baltimore last month, Maryland legislators grilled social services officials on Monday for failures in how they house children in their custody and vet those who watch over them. Somebodys dead over this, said Del. Steven J. Arentz, an Eastern Shore Republican. It troubles me, as a delegate, as a father, as a parent, that were here. Maryland Department of Human Services Secretary Rafael J. Lopez and other officials were called to answer for a scathing state audit that faulted the agency for problems that ranged from inadequate background checks to housing foster children in inappropriate settings. The audit was released Sept. 17, five days before a 16-year-old foster girl, Kanaiyah Ward, was found dead in a hotel in East Baltimore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My heart is broken over this death, and I ask myself every single day, if we had moved differently and faster on any number of issues, would this precious life still be alive? Lopez said during an emotional moment of the three-hour hearing. The overall tenor of the hearing was one of impatience, with auditors noting that their September report was just the latest to document agency failures, with some of the same complaints going unresolved year after year. And were still here today, and they have the distinction of [having] a third unsatisfactory audit report in a row In my 30 years, we have never had an agency go three audits in a row with an unsatisfactory, said Brian S. Tanen, legislative auditor. Im holding up an article that was published by The Baltimore Sun in October 2024, the headline was, Housing Maryland foster children in hotels, unsafe situations for everyone, he said. Its nothing new. The challenge that we need to address today, hopefully at this hearing, is how can we effect change in a timely manner, in particular, when were dealing with situations that impact the most vulnerable people in our society? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The audit said DHS lacked comprehensive procedures to make sure that adults with criminal backgrounds dont have contact with children in the system. An employee at one of the 14 vendors used to provide one-on-one care to foster care youth in hotels had been convicted of murder in 1990, said Edward A. Rubenstein, a director at the Office of Legislative Audits. He said the Social Services Administration, a part of DHS, could not readily determine if that person had access to children. The audit also found that DHS did not ensure foster children were receiving required medical and dental exams and or conduct child abuse and neglect investigations in a timely manner. It noted that SSA placed foster children in unauthorized settings, among them, 280 youth who were staying in hotels under the supervision of unlicensed providers between 2023 and 2024. The death of Kanaiyah, who had been enrolled at Augusta Fells Savage Institute of Visual Arts, put a spotlight on how foster youth were ending up in hotels rather than with families or in treatment facilities. The medical examiners office determined the cause of the girls death was suicide after a note and an empty bottle of a common antihistamine were found with her at the Residence Inn by Marriott on North Wolfe Street on the Johns Hopkins medical campus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DHS recently discontinued the practice of housing foster youth in hotels, although local agencies have until Nov. 24 to find alternative placements for the children still staying in one. At the hearing, Lopez said five foster youth remained in hotels and there were plans for each to exit them. In January 2023, when he began serving in the post, there were 41, he said. Legislators pressed the agency officials for what it would take to remedy what has been a long-running problem of finding placements for foster youth with the most challenging emotional and medical needs. What are the needs coming out of the community, and do we have the ability to meet those needs? asked Sen. Shelly Hettleman, a Baltimore County Democrat and co-chair of the Joint Audit and Evaluation Committee. She also asked why Lopez recent directive against the use of hotels didnt also mention cases where foster youth have ended up in homeless shelters or overstaying in hospitals after theyve been deemed ready for release. Lopez said sometimes really hard and often ugly decisions have to be made when a vulnerable youth needs to be housed somewhere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also noted that his staff has made strides in improving staffing, data collection, analysis and housing foster youth with relatives or close family friends that will help keep them out of inappropriate settings. Again, not done, Lopez said, but headed in the right direction. Have a news tip? Contact Jean Marbella at jmarbella@baltsun.com, 410-332-6060, or @jeanmarbella.bsky.social. A five-year-old male leopard was found dead near Hansu village, Panchayat Kotli wala, Udhampur, by local residents on Wednesday. Joginder Paul, the incharge of the Wildlife Control Room in Udhampur, reported that when they arrived at the scene, the leopard was already dead. He emphasised that the leopard likely died from a landslide, noting that there were no visible marks on its body and that its nails were in good condition. "We got a report around 5 am that a leopard had fallen here. When we arrived, we found it dead...I think it was due to a landslide, as there were no marks, nails are in good condition. I think it slid down a hill somewhere. It's about 5 years old and male," Paul told ANI. However, the wildlife control room incharge stated that the post-mortem examination is still pending, and therefore, the cause will be determined accordingly. "We will get to know about the rest, through the post-mortem, we will know what happened with him," added Paul. Earlier on October 25, panic gripped Dhulkot village in Ambala city of Haryana following reports of a leopard sighting near the Air Force station late Friday night. The alert was first raised by the Air Force, which shared CCTV footage showing a wild animal in the area. Villagers were quickly informed through announcements made from the local Gurudwara Sahib. In response to the warning, a joint search operation was organised by the police, the Forest Department, and local residents. Armed with sticks and other weapons, villagers joined the authorities in the search for the elusive animal. Hence, the Dhulkot village, located adjacent to the Air Force station, was placed on high alert, with villagers diligently monitoring their surroundings. (ANI) SCHENECTADY - It remains to be seen how the recent discovery of $2.2 million in federal funding will affect the City Council's efforts to add $5.2 million in revenue to next year's budget and bring the mayor's proposed 17% tax increase under the state's property tax cap. Councilman Damonni Farley pushed for public disclosure of financial data on the $2.2 million in Community Development Block Grant funds, which showed most of the money had been allocated to parks and engineering-related projects. He said Wednesday night in a statement that the funding revelation "is proof of why transparency and oversight matter." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "For too long, a culture of fear and intimidation has existed within City Hall, where staff, even council members, are made to feel that asking questions or raising concerns is an act of disloyalty rather than good governance," his statement read. Earlier this week, council members were alarmed to learn of incomplete internal reconciliations following days of painstaking scrutiny of McCarthy's proposed budget as they sought additional revenue sources to mitigate property tax increases. In one case, they found demolition of blighted properties was paid for out of the city's general fund rather than federal CDBG funding. The federal funding should have been reconciled or returned to the general fund, but ostensibly never was, prompting Farley to question the prevalence of those apparent accounting issues and how much money might be available to help address the financial crisis Schenectady is facing. "It seems to me that there's money out there, and I have a strong inclination there's probably more, and we really need to talk about that as a way of offsetting this cost," Farley said Tuesday about the reconciliations, which didn't appear to have consistently happened for the past four years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City Finance Commissioner Derek Gugumuck told the council members they couldn't earmark the outstanding invoices for the 2026 budget. In his statement Wednesday night, Farley claimed the environment at City Hall "keeps critical information from reaching both the council and public." But Mayor Gary McCarthy has rejected that narrative and cautioned that the recently discovered federal money, which is sitting in a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development CDBG account, must be used for specific capital improvement projects and, in most cases, can't be used to cover operating expenses. The grants, which can be used for everything from code enforcement to demolition work, expire after five years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There might be some marginal amount that could go (to the general fund) but if the money is for paving, it has to go for paving," he said. "There may be some money in there that we could use a little bit, but it's not like you can use the whole amount." McCarthy conceded that "some of the internal paperwork was a little bit sloppy" related to incomplete internal reconciliations. City Council President Marion Porterfield said Thursday that "the bigger problem is the fact that we have outstanding invoices from 2021, which would have allowed that money to already be in the general fund." "At the end of 2021, when your books are reconciled, everything should be reconciled; there should not have been outstanding invoices from 2021 to 2024," she said, further accusing McCarthy of downplaying the situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mayor has claimed Farley and Porterfield, both of whom are running for reelection, are politicizing the budget review process. In response, Porterfield wondered whether the mayor proposed hiking taxes and the residential trash collection fee in an election year when she and Farley are trying to hold onto their seats. Not so, said McCarthy. He is supporting political newcomers, Hayden Engert and Kim Wiggins, for City Council, both of whom were endorsed by Schenectady Democrats. "I have to advocate for a balanced budget, not one that is politically expedient, which is what they're moving for I have to look at the long-term financial position of the city, to maintain our bond rating and the fiscal integrity of the community," McCarthy said. What most of the $2.2 million is being used for Farley credited the development team, led by City Development Director Alexandria Carver, for identifying the $2.2 million that "can now be returned to taxpayers." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A review of the breakdown for the CDBG funding shows that $1.8 million of the $2.2 million total funding was earmarked for three uses: parks improvement, street rehabilitation and facilities improvement. In the facilities improvement category, records show balances of $250,000 for each year between 2022 and 2024, and $40,449 in 2021. For parks improvement, the balances for 2022 to 2024 are $300,000, $369,500, and $360,000, respectively. There's $234,514 available for demolition work. No year was noted in the document. Councilman Carl Williams said in a statement Thursday that "the growing amount of unused CDBG funding will provide meaningful relief to our taxpayers, but it also raises serious questions about how and why these resources have remained undrawn." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He plans to call for a comprehensive review of "our internal processes and systems" after the budget is adopted. Councilwomen seek to ensure realistic revenue projections Councilwomen Carmel Patrick and Doreen Ditoro have made it clear during budget deliberations that while they would like to get the spending plan below the tax cap, they also want to ensure revenue projections are realistic. Tom Kennedy, an outspoken member of the city's Republican Party, claimed most of the council's Democrats are "dramatically inflating revenue projections without any justification" to bring the budget below the state tax cap. The state tax cap, which limits the annual growth of property taxes levied by local governments and school districts, is $34.1 million in the Electric City, according to city officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These irresponsible actions of the City Council will only create a further budget deficit in next year's budget, which will be made worse by the fictitious revenue increases being identified by the City Council," Kennedy stated. So far, the council has mostly focused on boosting revenue for the city's Home Ownership Made Easy Program, parking fines, the mortgage tax, cannabis businesses, and dedicating more money to the spending plan from the fund balance. McCarthy allocated $2 million in fund balance in his roughly $120.5 million preliminary spending plan. The tax levy, or amount to be raised through taxes, is $39.3 million. Under McCarthy's plan, the property tax rate would increase from $13.38 to $15.77 for every $1,000 of a home's assessed value. For homes assessed at $300,000, that hike would increase a homeowner's tax bill by $717 a year. His proposal also included a garbage collection fee increase of $104 a year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City Council members are slated to resume budget deliberations on Friday and Saturday, which is the deadline to adopt the budget. This article originally published at Schenectady council eyes $2.2M federal grant windfall for budget relief. Melanie Sepulveda, a Staten Island teacher, had her doubts about the new bell-to-bell cellphone ban in New York schools. In the past, she watched students drift through the hallways at I.S. 27 Anning S. Prall, looking at their phones and feet. Some pre-teens, entrusted with bathroom passes, filmed TikTok videos outside her English classroom where a quiet corridor, save for a few offices, gave cover to their scheme. This school year is different. When students arrive in the morning, I.S. 27 collects the phones for the full school day, even during lunch and free periods. Kids adjusted quickly. One of Sepulvedas students, with no phone for distraction, brought a SpongeBob LEGO Set to use during recess. The activity got the girl and her classmates talking, so much so that they ran out of time to build it that first day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont even have the words to explain the trepidation I had going in about how the kids were going to be like, jonesing and freaking out, said Sepulveda, who teaches seventh graders, compared to the impression I have of how well its going. A month into the school year, a clearer picture of how New York City public schools have implemented Gov. Hochuls phone ban is coming into focus with students, parents and teachers reporting fewer distractions in the classroom and a smoother transition than some had feared. The law, which went into effect this fall for all school districts and charter schools across the state, responds to a growing recognition that phones can be detrimental to childrens mental health, academic progress, and social skills. Some teens have approved exemptions, and others just try to circumvent the new rules. But on the whole, families and school staff described a cultural reset where the phones and social media no longer dominate the hallways and cafeterias. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The citys schools chancellor, Melissa Aviles-Ramos, reflected in an email that students are not only learning with fewer distractions, but also truly connecting with their classmates through lunchtime dance parties, hallway chatter, and in-classroom discussions. We are excited to see the continued impact of this policy, the chancellor said. Christian, a seventh grader at P.S./I.S. 78 in Queens, said his school already restricted phones, but this year started requiring velcro pouches for the devices. It hasnt been too hard of a transition: The main difference is he has to wait until hes put his pouch in a bin and exited the school building to use his device. Christain said it feels different to talk to his friends on the phone, compared to in person. Online, like messaging, you cant really see their expression or just actually talk more, instead, just like, a few minutes or so, then they have to go. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Christians mom, Whitney Toussaint, is just glad hes paying attention. I couldnt imagine being a teacher and having to compete with the smartphone, Toussaint said. The kids are there to learn and pay attention in class, and not text each other during class or play games during class. At Edward R. Murrow High School in Brooklyn, one of the citys largest schools with about 3,500 students, administrators opted for PhonX3 pouches from the vendor Faraday, which block cell signal and open with velcro. Theyre also rolling out translation devices for English learners who used their phones for that purpose. But the biggest deterrent has been the existence of a law, more authoritative than a school policy could ever be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They did not think it was just coming from us inside the school. We were not being quote-unquote haters,' said Terrain Reeves, an English and media communications teacher. We were actually enforcing not just a policy, but a law thats written on the books. During the first month of school, Reeves caught a student with a phone, who protested that he had an online business to run. He did not face disciplinary action for the infraction, which as required by law must be frequent or otherwise egregious to result in any real consequences. You can just look at them if you see them with the phones, and they know to put it away, Reeves said. It doesnt mean they wont test us and thats being teenagers. The students, theyre expecting because youre teachers, youre also blind and cant see them with their phone! she joked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maria Hantzopoulos, a mom of two students at western Queens high schools, said shes been pleasantly surprised by how much she likes the new policies. If you had asked me a month ago, I wouldve said it would be a power struggle with kids. Its going to be hard to enforce, are they going to have the staff to do it? said Hantzopoulos, who was also a former teacher in the citys public schools before the rise of smartphones. But after the COVID-19 pandemic, when her kids were in third and sixth grade, and all instruction delivered through a computer, she appreciated a detox from that, many years later. A co-president of her daughters PTA, she brought in UNO for students to play at lunch. Her son, a freshman, came home from his new school one day with the phone numbers of 10 recent friends written on his arm, because he couldnt immediately add them to his phones contact list. I dont even hear complaints from my kids at this point. They were complaining at the beginning, Hantzopoulos said. Its just like they accepted it. Its a nonissue at this point. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Manhattans School of the Future phased in its phone restrictions over multiple school years, starting with sixth graders. By the time the states ban was in place, the vast majority of students already knew the drill: Put your phone in a Yondr pouch, where it will stay locked until the end of the school day. I feel like I can actually do real teaching again, because Im not competing with this device for a kids attention, said Jeremy Copeland, a 12th grade history teacher. The teachers there to teach, and not be the phone warden. In the absence of phones, students have found other ways to pass their free time. Theres been a slight resurgence of digital cameras, as teens get creative to document their high school years, Copeland said. The teacher also reported an uptick in the number of student groups, including a new spelling bee club. Kids know that during lunch or during a free period, theyre not going to have that digital security blanket to hold on to, and they have to interact with their peers. So why not do it in a setting where they get to talk with people who have common interests and enjoy similar activities? Copeland said. As sometimes overstimulating as the murmur of dozens of voices conversing at the same time can be, its a pleasure to hear, he added. Ill take that any day over watching 15 people stare at their phones in silence in the same room. The school choice movement is bolstering access to educational options for U.S. students and families according to parents, educators and policymakers who spoke to ABC News. School choice has become a buzzword in education circles over the years and can simply mean putting parents in charge of their child's education. But by definition it is a practice that allows public education funds to follow students to the schools or learning environments families choose, according to EdChoice, the nonpartisan nonprofit K-12 organization. At the federal level, Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, who chairs the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, is urging states' governors to opt-in to his recently signed school choice model. The provision -- included within the President Donald Trump's megabill -- provides a charitable donation incentive for individuals and businesses to fund scholarship awards for students to cover expenses related to K-12 public and private education starting in 2027. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement School choice programs divide Republicans as Trump moves to eliminate Department of Education "By participating, you can give countless students the chance to pursue the education they deserve -- without any new state spending and without new mandates or added bureaucracy," Cassidy and the bill's other Republican sponsors wrote in letters to the states sent earlier this month. This provision establishes a new, permanent, dollar-for-dollar credit of up to $1,700 for individuals for donations to non-profit scholarship-granting organizations, according to the letters. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images, FILE - PHOTO: In this Sept. 17, 2025, file photo, Chairman Sen. Bill Cassidy arrives for a hearing of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions in the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C. Critics have said they fear federal school choice programs could defund or harm the traditional public school system, but the lawmakers argue this tax credit provides more options for families -- not less. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It gives families more options -- whether in public or private, religious or non-religious settings -- and allows students to either pursue new opportunities or enrich their current education," the lawmakers wrote in the letter. As the Department of Education is reoriented to restore power to local communities and families, Education Policy Analyst Colleen Hroncich suggested there's been an "uptick" in frustrated families who have chosen alternatives to traditional public education, such as public charter, private, home and microschooling. Hroncich, of the libertarian think-tank the Cato Institute's Center for Educational Freedom, told ABC News that there was a rise in popularity for these options during the COVID-19 pandemic because of school closures. What Trump's megabill means for student loans, school choice "Some people were frustrated by what they saw their kids were -- or were not -- learning [and] whether that was content that went against their family values, or content that was below the level that they thought their children were or should be," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Education Secretary Linda McMahon has said she is promoting what the Trump administration has called "educational freedom" with K-12 -- where parents choose the school that best fits the unique needs of their children. Charter school change McMahon and the Trump administration have recently taken steps to expand school choice nationwide by funding the federal Charter School Programs with a record $500 million in Fiscal Year 2025. Public charter schools are taxpayer funded and run through a legislative contract, or charter, with the state, district or other entity, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Charters are agreed upon and must meet the accountability standards outlined in the contract, but theyre exempt from certain state or local rules, which can give a charter school more flexibility than a traditional public school. Raquel Natalicchio/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images, FILE - PHOTO: In this Feb. 20, 2025, file photo, sixth grade reading teacher Graciela De Cardenas teaches a class of students at the Amigos Por Vida or Friends for Life charter school in Houston. The Trump administration argues charter schools are outperforming their public school peers in math and reading because they empower parents to pursue the "right educational fit" for their children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It comes as Cassidy's home state of Louisiana has witnessed a wave of charter schools in the New Orleans Public Schools system, which has gone almost exclusively public charter after Hurricane Katrina. Supreme Court blocks Oklahoma from launching taxpayer-funded religious charter school Jerel Bryant, the CEO of Collegiate Academies -- a charter network in Louisiana -- told ABC News that he is an advocate for schools that work for the children they're serving and elevate their expectations, possibilities and outcomes. One of those newly chartered public schools is George Washington Carver High School, a staple in New Orleans' upper 9th Ward for decades. Carver was No. 1 in academic growth in New Orleans in the 2023-2024 school year, according to the latest data from the Louisiana Department of Education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carver teacher Ronald Evans -- a recent graduate of the school himself -- stressed if a charter network comes in with the right people, mission and energy, then it's worth it to "give it a shot." Courtesy Ronald Evans - PHOTO: Teacher Ronald Evans is shown at George Washington Carver High School in New Orleans. Joelia Castillo is a junior at Carver who moved to Louisiana from Texas before her freshman year. She said leaving the public school system to attend Carver has inspired her academically. "Everybody is just happy to be around and it's never bad vibes," Castillo said. Alternative school models Families have also been turning to home school and microschool models as well as innovative private schools that harness the rapidly growing technology of artificial intelligence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Education experts said they believe homeschools are on the rise as some parents are worried about safety in schools. Microschools are lesser known and offer more personalized multifamily learning environments and can be organized as shared learning opportunities for homeschooled children, according to the National Microschooling Center. How teachers say they're embracing AI in the classroom About a decade ago, MacKenzie Price started the burgeoning Alpha School as a quasi-microschool when her daughters said they were bored in their traditional classes. The Alpha School's learning model is known as a disruptor in education because it consists of two hours of AI-enhanced instruction, where Price claims students learn twice as much as they normally would in two hours. Students at Alpha School do not have traditional teachers. They are helped by adults or "guides" for the beginning of the instructional period and then they learn life skills and explore their own interests through the rest of the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instruction happens through AI applications on computer devices. And while there is an adult in the room, the students do not have an instructor teaching them the material. Ricky Rossello, whose elementary-aged children attend Alpha, told ABC News that he likes that the school uses AI as a tool to enhance students' engagement. He celebrated the model as the "next step" in their education. "I think that bringing new models in is exciting," Rossello told ABC News. "Letting [parents and communities] see what works best for them is an exciting development as opposed to just having a one-track view of things." NEED TO KNOW Abby Zwerner was shot by a 6-year-old student in a Virginia classroom in 2023 The civil trial for her $40 million lawsuit against the school's assistant principal began this week Zwerner's suit states that she had four surgeries in the wake of the shooting A Virginia teacher who was shot by a 6-year-old student in 2023 is suing the school's assistant principal, claiming she failed to prevent the incident. Abby Zwerner was in her classroom at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Va., in January 2023 when she was shot by the 6-year-old, PEOPLE previously reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trial for Zwerner's $40 million lawsuit began Monday, Oct. 24, The Virginian-Pilot reported. The lawsuit, previously obtained by PEOPLE, names former school assistant principal Ebony Parker as a defendant and accuses her of failing to act on multiple reports that the student had a gun. The suit also states that Zwerner suffers from "physical pain and mental anguish." "...Abby was shot by a six-year-old student, and she will never be the same," Zwerner's attorney, Diane Toscano, said in a statement at the time. "She has endured four surgeries and still has a bullet lodged inside her." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four different people came forward with concerns to Parker about the student on the day of the shooting, the lawsuit alleges. During opening statements, Toscano claimed that Parker did not act on her authority to search the student or remove him from school, the Associated Press reported. The AP further reported that the lawsuit initially listed other defendants, but Parker is now the sole defendant. No one could have imagined that a 6-year old, first-grade student would bring a firearm into a school, Parkers attorney, Daniel Hogan, said in his opening statements, according to the AP. You will be able to judge for yourself whether or not this was foreseeable. Thats the heart of this case. 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. Hogan also reportedly mentioned "hindsight bias" in his statements and said it was unfair to judge his client's decisions based on "stuff that came up after the fact," per the AP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parker is also facing child abuse charges connected to the incident, according to Virginia court records. The child's mother was previously sentenced to nearly four years in prison on child neglect charges and federal gun charges, according to the AP, ABC News and The Virginian-Pilot. Read the original article on People Oct. 29It's unclear when families will feel hunger pangs due to the federal shutdown, but Lewiston School District officials worry it could be soon. They expect hunger to increase if the U.S. Department of Agriculture suspends the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (or food stamps) on Nov. 4. The HUB, which gives food and other resources to students and their families in the Lewiston School District, is hearing concerns from people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, the HUB readied weekly grocery boxes for about 10 families. Last year, the HUB consistently fed about 20 families. But workers can't predict how much the need for food will increase if the USDA suspends food stamps next week. "I've been worried about it, I'm not going to lie," said Jennifer Wallace, one of three social workers at the HUB. Wallace asked a woman last week how the HUB might assist with Thanksgiving meals. The woman said she had just lost her job and was about to lose food stamps. "She said she doubted if her family would have Thanksgiving at all this year," Wallace said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A month ago, the HUB cheered when a fundraising drive by The Grocery Outlet raised $16,000. The HUB budgeted for that money to last until June 2026. However, that will change if need increases significantly, Wallace said. Daily headlines, straight to your inboxRead it online first and stay up-to-date, delivered daily at 7 AM To make matters worse, Lewiston School Superintendent Tim Sperber said there's talk of losing funding for federally subsidized school food programs. "We're hearing now that federal lunch funding may be in jeopardy," Sperber said. The warning came from the Idaho Child Nutrition Programs under the Idaho Department of Education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement School administrators were advised that school food programs would endure a federal shutdown that lasted through October. After that, funding would become uncertain. A call to the state education department was not returned Tuesday. The HUB started at Whitman Elementary when Sperber was the school's principal. Donor commitment soon grew the program to the point that it moved to the Old Lewiston High campus, where it is today. Also Tuesday, more than two dozen states sued the Trump Administration over its decision not to use emergency monies to continue funding SNAP, a program that benefits $40 million Americans. In Idaho, 130,000 participate in SNAP, according to the USDA. Ferguson can be reached at dferguson@lmtribune.com. In 44BC, Julius Caesar was astonished to be stabbed in the back by a gang of treacherous government officials. More than 2,000 years later, pupils across nine schools in Queensland, Australia, might have felt something akin to that when they were told they had studied the wrong Caesar for an entire year and only found out two days before their final exam. The Year 12 ancient history students had been taught about Augustus, the first Roman emperor, instead of his adoptive father Julius. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 100 students affected by the mix-up were left scrambling to learn about Julius before their exam on Wednesday in the states equivalent of A-levels. A marble statue of Augustus Caesar in the Vatican - Universal History Archive/Getty Augustus, the first Roman emperor, was the adopted son and heir of Julius. The error appears to have stemmed from the education departments decision to change the final-year topic from Augustus to Julius Caesar, after the former had been used several years in a row. Among the schools hit was Brisbane State High, one of Queenslands most prestigious, with 3,500 pupils. Some students there only learned of the blunder on Monday leaving them less than two days to cram knowledge of Julius Caesar while also sitting their English exam on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement b' ' An application for special consideration is being made for each affected pupil, as the paper counts for 25 per cent of their final history grade. On Tuesday morning, the local education department said Brisbane State High was the only school affected. However, it later emerged that several others including state, independent and Catholic schools had also been impacted. Families at Yeronga State High were told of the error on Tuesday afternoon, barely a day before the exam. With multiple schools being impacted, I dont think this is only schools at fault, said one parent. There is clearly some poor communicating going on. Brisbane State High School was one of the schools where students had to cram in their knowledge of Julius Caesar in days after a teaching blunder It also emerged that Rochedale State High had encountered the same issue two months ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The students felt like they wasted several weeks learning the wrong material, one parent told the Sydney Morning Herald. One student told The Guardian: Weve had journalists outside our school all day. Were all just trying to move on with our externals because its been a bit disruptive what happened. b' ' John-Paul Langbroek, Queenslands education minister, said he was very unhappy about the mistake but could not yet say how it had happened. I want to reassure those students and their parents, and their teachers affected that we will be making every investigation into how this happened, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Langbroek said students existing grades would be scaled up to ensure they were not disadvantaged. I cant see how anyone would be expected to do an exam having had two days preparation. 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. An seabird species that had all but vanished from local shores has returned home to Northern Ireland after decades away. For the first time in recent memory, Manx shearwaters have been confirmed breeding again on Rathlin Island, marking a significant win for both wildlife and the community working to protect it, according to a Royal Society for the Protection of Birds release. Once abundant along the North Atlantic, these graceful seabirds known for their long wings and haunting nighttime calls had stopped nesting on the island by the end of the 20th century. Rats and ferrets took over their nesting sites, eating eggs and chicks until the population collapsed. Rare bird breeds on island for first time in decades https://t.co/xIxuig5eVV Louise Cullen (@LouiseMCullen) October 1, 2025 After patient work through the LIFE Raft project, the team finally got the moment they'd been waiting for. In September, young Manx shearwaters could be seen tucked safely inside their burrows on night vision cameras. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ric Else, senior research assistant for the LIFE Raft project, had been waiting years not only for confirmation of nesting but for proof of successful breeding. "This was exactly what I have been hoping to see for years," Else said in the RSPB release. The return of the Manx shearwater shows how restoring balance to even small islands can have ripple effects. Healthy seabird colonies help maintain ocean ecosystems a vital part of sustaining fisheries, coastlines, and the communities that depend on them. "This is an incredibly exciting step forward for Rathlin's seabirds," said Liam McFaul, RSPB warden for Rathlin Island reserve. "Seeing the footage of the Manx shearwater going into the burrows again on Rathlin is incredible." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rathlin's story is part of a broader pattern. In Brazil, golden lion tamarins have bounced back from near extinction. And in the Galapagos Islands, the tiny leaf-toed gecko has returned after disappearing for decades different places, same happy ending. Each small comeback, like this one on Rathlin Island, is a reminder that with persistence and a bit of hope nature has an incredible ability to recover. 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. Scientists have used alpaca and llama antibodies to create a next-generation antivenom that protects against a whole family of venomous snakes in Africa, including the black mamba. In a study published in Nature on Wednesday, researchers outlined a potential antivenom cocktail that protected mice against 17 of the 18 elapid snakes found across Africa, including cobras, mambas and rinkhals. As well as preventing death, the treatment significantly reduced skin damage and necrosis caused by the venom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scientists are hailing the research as a major leap forward, as it turns a series of exciting scientific advances into a tangible product that could be mass-produced. What takes this to a different level is that this is no longer basic science or basic technology, said Prof Andreas Laustsen-Kiel, head of the Section of Biologics Engineering at the Technical University of Denmark and co-author of the paper. [This] could be scaled up and used as a product We are presenting something that could be the solution weve been looking for, he told the Telegraph though he warned it will likely be at least five years until a product is widely available. Tim Friede, who allowed himself be bitten by snakes 200 times in the name of science - Centivax via AP The need for updated antivenoms is acute. Each year, between 81,000 and 138,000 people die from snakebites, the vast majority in rural parts of Africa, Asia and Latin America, while a further 400,000 suffer life changing injuries including amputations, sight loss and terrible open ulcers that never heal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet the process of developing antivenoms has barely changed in a century current products are still based on milking snakes, injecting their venom into horses, and harvesting their antibodies. The resulting drugs are difficult to administer, can trigger severe side effects, and do not offer broad protection against all of the worlds 650 venomous snake species. But creating an alternative has been slow progress because of limited funding, low commercial interest, and the complexity of the drugs needed. Snake venom has evolved over centuries into some of the most complex toxins on earth even among the same species, they vary by region. This has made it very difficult to create a single universal antivenom that neutralises all the targets. There have been some exciting advances including a potential monoclonal antibody cocktail created from the blood of a man who was bitten more than 200 times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But increasingly, scientists believe the most viable, cost-effective option is to create several pan-continental treatments that can be used for all snake-bites in a given region. Now, researchers say the candidate outlined in Nature could be that product for elapids across Africa. Snake bite is a serious medical emergency that also has a big a socio-economic impact - CARL DE SOUZA/AFP via Getty Images The treatment is based on nanobodies antibodies derived from a group of animals including camels, llamas and some species of shark. Scientists are already exploring whether they could be used for conditions including cancer and viruses like pandemic flu. They are similar to man-made monoclonal antibodies, but these have proved clunky and expensive. Scientists believe the structure of nanobodies means they could be a more potent, more precise, more temperature stable alternative and cheaper to manufacture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prof Neil Mabbott, from the Roslin Institute at the University of Edinburgh, said: Their small size enables the nanobodies to penetrate tissues and to pass through cell membranes more effectively. These properties can make them more effective when used in certain treatments. Several recent research papers have described creating nanobodies that tackle an individual or handful of snake toxins. But the Nature paper, based on work funded mostly by Wellcome, has brought this together in one antibody cocktail containing just eight nanobodies. To do so they immunised one alpaca and one llama against 18 of the most medically relevant elapid snakes in Africa. They then extracted blood samples from the animals, identified which antibodies best protected against the venom toxins, and turned that into a single recombinant antivenom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In mice studies, they found that the treatment successfully prevented death from venoms of 17 of the 18 elapid species the exception being the Eastern green mamba and it effectively neutralised the necrosis caused by spitting cobra and rinkhals. b' The cure for snake bite may already be out there ' The nanobody therapy also appeared more effective than existing antivenoms tested. And unlike the traditional manufacturing process, once the product is designed it can be replicated in the lab there is no need to keep re-immunising alpacas or llamas. The achievement here is taking that huge complexity, all these different venoms, and showing they can be sufficiently neutralised by a surprisingly small mix of nanobodies, said Prof Laustsen-Kiel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As far as I know, this is the broadest coverage that has been achieved in sub Saharan Africa, and it also looks like it has the highest efficacy meaning the lowest amount of product will neutralise the most venom, he said. We were very excited [when the results came through]. But he added that it would still take at least five years to have a product ready to deploy, depending on how quickly the team can secure funding for the next round of trials, and how the product performed in human clinical trials. They are also developing separate treatment candidates for South Asia and South America. Professor Nicholas Casewell, director of the Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and co-author of the report, said the team are also working on a similar product for other families of snakes. While these nanobodies are specific to the venom toxins found in medically important elapid snakes, this study provides clear evidence of the potential utility of mixtures of nanobodies as a new therapeutic modality for snakebite. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are also potential limitations to this approach most significantly that the dosing required is unclear. Nanobodies work very quickly but have a short half life, which may mean that multiple shots are needed to target all of the venom as it gradually spreads. Theres more work to be done, but the rest is less science and more product development, said Prof Laustsen-Kiel. But we really think this could dramatically help tackle the neglected tropical disease of snake bite. Everyone knows that a snake bite is a serious medical emergency, but few are aware of how big a socio-economic impact it is, and how many lives are lost, and how much morbidity it causes. So we really need to bring treatments into the 21st century. b' Battle Lines x Global Health Security article banner ' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security 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. The entire island of Greenland has shifted northwest by approximately two centimeters per year for the past 20 years. This alarming, climate-driven movement is changing the size and shape of the country. It's becoming more pronounced as ice melt accelerates due to rising global temperatures and extreme weather. What's happening? Technical University of Denmark scientists obtained precise measurements of how Greenland is shifting due to ice melt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They collected data from 58 GNSS stations across Greenland to determine the country's position, bedrock elevation changes, and patterns of shrinking and stretching. The researchers published their findings in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth. "The ice that has melted in recent decades has pushed Greenland outward and caused uplift, so the area has actually become larger during this period," explained Danjal Longfors Berg, lead author of the study. "At the same time, we see movement in the opposite direction, where Greenland is rising and contracting due to prehistoric changes in the ice masses related to the last Ice Age and its end." Why is Greenland's shifting significant? This scientific discovery is useful because it demonstrates how a warming climate is impacting the Arctic at an accelerating rate. Greenland is shrinking overall, but the researchers noted that the trend could change in the future as ice melt increases each year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's important to understand the movements of landmasses," Berg said. "They are, of course, interesting for geoscience. But they are also crucial for surveying and navigation, since even the fixed reference points in Greenland are slowly shifting." Meanwhile, other scientists have also been uncovering irreversible land losses in Greenland and concerning side effects of melting ice sheets around the island. Do you think we still have a lot to learn from ancient peoples? Definitely Not really Not sure Only on certain topics Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. All of this data also further proves the profound and worsening impacts of rising global temperatures. What's being done worldwide to prevent land loss? Studies like this one raise public awareness of land losses and geological shifts related to the climate crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Encouragingly, environmental advocates worldwide have been pursuing initiatives to preserve land for public use and conservation. For example, Land for Maine's Future has preserved over 3,500 acres of land. Federal measures have been introduced to protect Alaska from destructive development. Also, individual families have been donating land to conservation groups. You can do your part to raise awareness about the critical climate issue of Arctic ice melt by setting a sustainable example in your community. For instance, installing solar panels on your home can help reduce reliance on grid-provided energy, which still heavily relies on burning dirty fuels. The technology will also provide energy resiliency during extreme weather and save you money on utility bills, all while helping the planet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When you're ready to make the upgrade, EnergySage can help you find a trusted installer and save up to $10,000 on upfront costs. 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. According to police, the incident occurred around 2:00 AM, when a team of Delhi police, acting on specific information, was conducting checks under the supervision of the ACP (Operations) in the area. During the operation, the team noticed a person riding a motorcycle without a registration plate near Zero Pushta, close to Bijli Ghar. When signalled to stop, the rider drew a pistol, fired at the police team, and tried to flee. The police team directed him to surrender, but the accused fired again, aiming at Constable. The bullet struck the constable's bulletproof jacket, preventing injury. The police retaliated by firing two rounds, one of which hit the accused on his left leg, officials said. The injured accused, identified as Imran alias Kala (21), was overpowered and apprehended. He is a resident of Janta Mazdoor Colony, Welcome. Police recovered a semi-automatic pistol and two live cartridges from his possession. On verification, the motorcycle was found to be stolen from the area of PS Jyoti Nagar. Police said Imran was wanted in a case registered at PS New Usmanpur under sections 309(4) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and had a previous involvement in a case registered at PS Welcome. A case under sections 221, 132, and 109(1) of the BNS and sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act has been registered at PS New Usmanpur. Forensic teams have collected evidence from the spot, and further investigation is underway. (ANI) Climate scientists are sounding the alarm regarding the importance of reducing carbon emissions before sea level rise erases coastal communities around the globe. What's happening? As reported by Earth.com, how and when we reduce global carbon emissions could play a major role in limiting sea level rise. Countries around the world are emitting gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide at record-setting rates. Not only has this contributed to steadily increasing global temperatures, but it has played a major role in rising sea levels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a study first published in Nature Climate Change, a team of researchers from Cornell University took a closer look at how carbon emissions rates will impact our planet over the next several decades. As warmer temperatures continue to lead to the melting of Arctic ice, we may soon reach a point of no return in regards to sea level rise. A majority of the damage will be the result of those emissions. "Roughly speaking, we found that somewhere between 2065 and 2075, emissions really start to become the dominant factor, as well as uncertainties related to emissions like Antarctic Ice Sheet tipping points," said Vivek Srikrishnan, a professor at the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell and co-author of the study, per Earth.com. Why is sea level rise important? Carbon emissions are able to trap heat in the atmosphere. This not only results in increased global temperatures, but it can cause rising ocean temperatures as well. This essentially creates a two-headed monster with sea level rise due to the thermal expansion of ocean water as it warms and the melting of glaciers and ice sheets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The most important geophysical uncertainties associated with the risk of exceeding sea level thresholds are the threshold corresponding to accelerated Antarctic Ice Sheet melting and equilibrium climate sensitivity," the study reads. "Our results highlight the need for both adaptation and rapid decarbonization to manage the risks posed by sea level rise." According to a report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, global sea levels could rise by more than three feet by 2100. This rate of sea level rise will likely lead to more frequent and severe coastal flooding, significant erosion, more intense extreme weather events, and major impacts on infrastructure, especially for vulnerable coastal communities. "The overall volume of sea level rise that Greenland could contribute could be quite large, and that matters a lot in a number of different places on the planet," said Srikrishnan. How concerned are you about the plastic waste in our oceans? Extremely I'm pretty concerned A little Not much Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. What's being done about our current rate of carbon emissions? To reduce global carbon emissions, countries and organizations are promoting the shift to renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Widespread adoption of electric transportation and more energy-efficient appliances have also been at the center of decarbonization around the globe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's not worth waiting for a silver bullet. Obviously the faster we can reduce emissions the better, but any decrease is better than nothing. That's not a new insight, but this reinforces it," Srikrishnan added, per Earth.com. As noted by Srikrishnan, our planet cannot afford to wait for total solutions. For now, any action to reduce our carbon impact can go a long way. At home, you can make a difference by conserving energy with the installation of more energy-efficient appliances. 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. CNNs Scott Jennings met with CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss this week, signaling a possible move to the right-turning network, Semafor reported. Jennings, who worked under former President George W. Bush, has provided a controversial opposition voice on CNN. His debates with other panelists on Abby Phillips NewsNight and other programs are frequently covered by the media. Politics: Things Are Getting Real For Democrats As Food Cliff For Millions Approaches His status as a Republican heel of sorts at CNN might be a good fit for CBS, which is showing signs of a more friendly approach toward President Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jennings is not a full-time CNN employee, and he is free to meet with the competition, a source told HuffPost. Scott Jennings reportedly met with CBS News brass. Scott Olson via Getty Images It is believed Weiss was hired to solidify CBS more conservative direction. The network bent to the president by paying him $16 million to settle his questionable lawsuit claim that 60 Minutes edited an interview with Kamala Harris to boost her prospects before the 2024 election. That apparently greased the skids for the Trump administration to approve CBS parent Paramounts merger with Skydance Media. Politics: Ex-MLB Pitcher And Bigot Throws Hate At NYC Mayoral Candidate Mamdani On Monday, CBS Evening News co-anchor John Dickerson announced he was leaving the network at the end of the year but did not explain why. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jennings indirectly made headlines earlier this week when MSNBC rival Lawrence ODonnell called out CNN CEO Mark Thompson, who thinks paying Scott Jennings to lie about Donald Trump is money very well spent. CBS reportedly was also interested in Fox News anchor Bret Baier, but he said he was very happy at Fox. He is under contract at Fox News until the end of 2028. HuffPost has reached out to CBS News for comment. A CNN spokesperson declined to comment. Political Updates Read the original on HuffPost WASHINGTON Michael Alfonso, the son-in-law of former Wisconsin congressman and current U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, is running for his father-in-law's old Northwoods congressional seat. Alfonso, 25, launched his campaign for the solid red 7th Congressional District on Wednesday, pitching himself as a "Pro-Trump conservative" as he called for "a new generation of conservative leaders in Washington, D.C." Alfonso is married to to Duffy's daughter Evita. "I was born and raised with the traditional Wisconsin values of faith, community, and hard work and now Im ready to give back to the area that gave so much to me," Alfonso said in a statement announcing his bid. "Im running for Congress because Northern Wisconsin needs to continue to have a representative who will truly put our families, communities, and America first." Michael Alfonso, a Republican candidate for Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District. Alfonso's move expands a growing GOP primary for the open seat being vacated by Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, who is running for governor. His strong ties to Duffy and President Donald Trump could scramble the race, though it remains unclear whether Trump plans to make in endorsement in the race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jessi Ebben, who previously ran for the western 3rd Congressional District, and Ashland attorney Paul Wassgren, who announced his own run on Tuesday, are the other Republicans in the contest. Two Democrats, Christopher Armstrong Campbell and former Democratic state Rep. Fred Clark, have also launched bids. Alfonso on Oct. 29 said he and his wife have "deep roots" in northern Wisconsin, noting he was born in Vilas County. He attended high school in the Wausau area and said he "paid his way through college" at the University of Wisconsin-Madison "by working long, hard hours in the construction industry." His age could become a focal point. One GOP county chair in the district recently told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that while a 25-year-old candidate brings "energy and ambition," serving in Congress "requires more than enthusiasm it demands life experience, judgement and a track record of making tough decisions." The Republican county chair said Alfonso could "be a contender if Trump endorses along with the remnants of the Duffy memories in the area." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Duffy, now Alfonso's father-in-law, represented the 7th District from 2011 until his early retirement in 2019. He was confirmed as Trump's secretary of transportation in January and in July was tapped to be NASA's interim administrator. In his statement, Alfonso said he is the "grandson of Cuban refugees who fled communism" and "knows firsthand that freedom is fragile and that the American Dream must be defended." His campaign, he said, "will focus on ensuring the American Dream remains accessible to the people of Wisconsins Seventh District, while making sure our families, farms, and constitutional rights are protected." He noted he was "inspired" by the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was murdered at a campus speaking event in Utah last month. A spokesman for Alfonso told the Journal Sentinel that Alfonso most recently worked as a producer for Bongino Inc., the organization that makes "The Dan Bongino Show." Dan Bongino is now the FBI's deputy director. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The radical left wants to change this country to be what my grandfather, and many before and after him, fled their home countries to escape," Alfonso said. "We cannot let that happen, and I will fight every day to ensure Wisconsin, and this nation, continue to provide us with the freedoms and opportunities that my grandparents came here for." (This story was updated to add new information.) This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Sean Duffy son-in-law announces bid for Wisconsin's Congressional seat To mark the 47th anniversary of Catherine Cathy Millicans death, the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit on Wednesday launched a renewed search for evidence in her 1978 unsolved homicide. New Hampshire Attorney General John M. Formella and New Hampshire State Police Colonel Mark B. Hall announced that investigators, alongside the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, began searching the Esther Currier Wildlife Management Area in New London early Wednesday morning. The effort is part of an ongoing investigation and poses no danger to the public, Formella and Hall said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Millican, a 27-year-old Sunapee resident, was last seen on October 24, 1978, after telling others she planned to go birdwatching. A day later, her brown Volkswagen Rabbit was spotted near the wetlands entrance, and her body was discovered the next evening, several hundred yards into the woods of Route 11. An autopsy determined that she died as a result of multiple stab wounds. In a statement released by her family, they described Millican as an artist, a photographer, an ornithologist, and a national sailing champion, and expressed hope that the renewed investigation will bring long-awaited closure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To help generate new leads, the Cold Case Unit also released previously unseen photographs of Millican. Authorities are urging anyone who may have seen her or her vehicle on October 24, 1978, or who has any information, to contact the Cold Case Unit at 603-271-2663. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Catherine Millican homicide Cold case investigators search Wednesday for evidence related to the unsolved stabbing death of Catherine Millican near the trailhead for the Esther Currier Wildlife Management Area in New London. This week marks the 47th anniversary of her slaying. A new search was launched Wednesday in New London in connection with the decades-old unsolved murder of a 27-year-old Sunapee woman, the Attorney Generals Office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Members of the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit and New Hampshire Fish and Game combed the area of the Esther Currier Wildlife Management Area in New London, looking for clues in the 1978 unsolved homicide of Catherine Cathy Millican. Catherine Cathy Millican Catherine Cathy Millican was found stabbed to death on Oct. 25, 1978.. The search poses no danger to the public and is focused on locating physical evidence, the Attorney Generals Office said in a news release. The search coincides with the 47th anniversary of Millicans death. In an effort to generate new leads, the Cold Case Unit also released several previously unreleased photographs of the victim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, Oct. 25, 1978, at approximately 11:30 p.m., the body of 27-year-old Millican was discovered in a wooded area off Route 11 in what is now known a wildlife management area, officials said. An autopsy determined she died as a result of multiple stab wounds. Millican was last seen on the afternoon of Tuesday, Oct. 24, 1978, when she told others she planned to go birdwatching. Her vehicle, a brown Volkswagen Rabbit, was observed by several witnesses parked at the entrance to the wetlands. Her body was found the following night, located several hundred yards into the woods. Family statement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Millicans family released a statement Wednesday, describing her as an artist, a photographer, an ornithologist, and a national sailing champion. We remain ever hopeful that her case will be solved and that closure will ease the pain of everyone who knew her, the statement says. We are encouraged to know that her case has not been abandoned but continues to be worked. Officials expected Wednesdays search to continue throughout the day. To preserve the integrity of the investigation, no further details will be released at this time, the Attorney Generals Office said in a statement. The New Hampshire Department of Justice urges the public to avoid speculation and to respect the privacy of residents and private property in and around the search area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Millican is one of seven women found stabbed to death not far from one another between 1978 and 1987, cases some have dubbed the Connecticut River Valley killings. Millican was found in October 1978 in New London. Mary Elizabeth Critchleys remains were found in Unity in August 1981, and Ellen Frieds body was discovered in September 1985 in Newport. Catherine Millican homicide A cold case investigator digs up an object Wednesday while searching for evidence related to the unsolved 1978 murder of Catherine Millican near the trailhead for the Esther Currier Wildlife Management Area in New London. Three victims were found during a 10-day stretch in April 1986. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lynda Moore was found dead with more than 20 stab wounds in her home in Westminster, Vermont, on April 15. Bernie Courtemanches remains were discovered off Cat Hole Road in Newport four days later; an autopsy determined she was stabbed to death. The body of Eva Morse was discovered six days later in West Unity. She was also stabbed to death, officials said. Barbara Agnew was found dead in Hartland, Vermont, in March 1987. Investigators at the New Hampshire Attorney Generals Office have never officially connected all the killings Anyone who may have seen Catherine Millican or her brown Volkswagen Rabbit on Oct. 24, 1978, or who has any information about the case, can contact the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit at 603-271-2663. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Catherine Millican homicide Cold case investigators conducted a search for evidence related to the unsolved Catherine Millican homicide case near the trailhead for the Esther Currier Wildlife Managment Area in New London on Oct. 29, 202. pfeely@unionleader.com A search is underway in California for a murder suspect who was accidentally released from jail last week. Isaiah Jamon Andrews of Kent, Washington, was released Oct. 22 from the Martinez Detention Facility in Martinez, California. Andrews, 20, was being held on local charges, a juvenile warrant out of Sacramento and an out-of-state warrant for homicide, the Contra Costa Sheriffs Office said in a news release Monday. Isaiah Jamon Andrews (Contra Costa Sheriff / via Facebook) After the staff realized Andrews had been mistakenly released, a search of the immediate area was launched, but he was not found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sheriff's office said it was investigating the circumstances surrounding his release. The search is ongoing and the U.S. Marshals Service is assisting. The agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday. Police in Seattle said in a news release Oct. 20 that Andrews was arrested in California following a vehicle pursuit. He is wanted in connection with the fatal shooting of a 20-year-old man in the parking lot of a Seattle hotel. He was being held in California, awaiting extradition to King County. The mother of the homicide victim, Theodore Wheeler IV, told NBC affiliate KING of Seattle that authorities did not reach out to her about Andrews release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Im sad, Im hurt, Im disappointed," she told the station. "I feel like they dont care. Nobody has notified me." Shes demanding answers about what happened. "I want somebody to step up and take responsibility," she said. "Theyre putting my family in jeopardy." This article was originally published on NBCNews.com (The Center Square) The Seattle City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved an emergency ordinance that bans anti-competitive covenants that prevent new grocery stores and pharmacies from opening in former locations. This measure aims to address growing concerns about food and medicine deserts a geographic area with limited access to healthy, affordable food and essential medicines in the Emerald City. There are food and medicine deserts in several Seattle neighborhoods, including Beacon Hill, Georgetown, Northgate, Rainier Beach and Delridge, among others. The newly-passed Council Bill 121094 makes "restrictive covenants illegal. These agreements put on a propertys deed or lease block efforts to bring new grocery stores and pharmacies into existing spaces that could easily accommodate them. Former retailers sometimes do this to prevent competitors from opening in their old locations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Access to food is a human right and should not be limited due to barriers put in place by grocery store owners through restrictive covenants, Seattle City Councilmember Debora Juarez said in a statement. The legislation is an interim ordinance that went into effect immediately upon being signed by Mayor Bruce Harrell the same day. It's in effect for one year. The city will conduct an analysis over the next year to inform and prepare permanent legislation. According to a news release, there have been at least two covenants restricting a propertys future use as a grocery store on Seattle properties. These covenants limited the square footage of any future grocery store at that location for as long as 50 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Council Bill 121094 was proposed by Harrell and City Council President Sara Nelson after several store closures were announced, including Whole Foods Market in Capitol Hill and Fred Meyer in Lake City. The legislation also declares a public health emergency due to the recent store closures. Along with this legislation, the mayor also recently issued an executive order directing city officials to explore acquiring the property of the former grocery store in Lake City to address food desert concerns in the neighborhood. Additionally, the executive order calls for looking for ways for the city to acquire properties suitable for grocery stores in the future and to develop legislation changing land use, zoning and permitting regulations to encourage more stores in at-risk neighborhoods. Plans call for the city to then find a third party to operate those sites. Government involvement in grocery stores have been the focus of some national attention recently due to New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani's backing of city-owned grocery stores. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harrell's opponent in the Seattle mayoral race, Katie Wilson, supports exploring publicly backed grocery stores to address food deserts. She envisions the city partnering with a private grocery provider or a union to ensure food access, not necessarily running the store itself. Her proposal involves a "public-option" store to keep food affordable and accessible in neighborhoods that lose grocery stores, according to UFCW 3000. Critics of government involvement in grocery stores have raised concerns about inefficiency, competition, costs and political manipulation. A former Sununu Youth Services Center worker will not have to face a second trial on accusations of sexual abuse after the alleged victim told prosecutors he did not want to continue with the criminal case. The Attorney Generals Office filed a notice of nolle prosequi last week, which puts an end to the prosecution of Jonathan Brand on a single charge of felonious sexual assault. Such a notice does not need to be approved by a judge, and the door is left open for future prosecution. The victim has confirmed that he does not want to proceed with the criminal case, prosecutor Ryan Olberding noted in the filing. The AGs Office did not comment further. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brands attorney, John Newman, declined comment on Tuesday afternoon. A jury in a different case had found Brand, 61, of Concord, not guilty of two counts of felonious sexual assault after a trial that lasted three days last month. Brand is among eight men charged with alleged abuse while working at youth detention centers in Concord and Manchester. He appears to be the first to end up without a conviction. Brand, who worked as a youth counselor, purposely used that authority to coerce N.L. to engage in sexual conduct, between March 4, 2010 until November 8, 2010, according to the indictment. The new trial was set to begin with jury selection early next month. The trial was set to last two or three days and would have included a jury visit to the now-closed H-Unit of the center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newman requested to depose the alleged victim after seeing new and contradictory statements made to the YDC claims administration created to settle hundreds of lawsuits filed over allegations of abuse. The information was disclosed in June, according to the request. The alleged activity happened as N.L. was strip-searched after he returned from family visits. The information provided in June gives more descriptive details of the alleged assaults. The alleged victim gives no explanation in the submission of these new and contradictory statements, Newman said. Counsel cannot investigate these issues by asking these questions at trial in front of a jury, Newman said. Nor is there other discovery material that counsel can consult to shed light on this issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state fought back using legal arguments and did not want to re-victimize the victim by putting him through a probing and accusatory deposition. Judge William Delker ruled in favor of the defense allowing the deposition to take place. Varun Choudhary, National President of the Congress-affiliated NSUI, on Wednesday said that the Left Democratic Front government in Kerala had officially accepted the "RSS-imposed" New Education Policy (NEP). His reaction followed the Kerala government signing the MoU to implement the Centrally sponsored education scheme, PM SHRI (PM Schools for Rising India). "LDF Kerala Government has officially accepted the New Education Policy (NEP), the same policy that students across India have been fighting against. My question to @cpimspeak and SFI is simple: Why did you surrender before RSS-BJP?" Varun Choudhary asked in a post on X. Launched in 2022, the PM SHRI aims at creating 14,500 exemplar institutions across the country that showcase various aspects of the NEP. "When NSUI called for the India Student Organisations' nationwide protest on March 24, 2025, against the RSS-imposed NEP, SFI was part of that united stand. Yet today, they have backtracked in Kerala and chosen to align with the BJP's education agenda. This isn't just political hypocrisy -- it's a complete surrender to RSS ideology," Choudhary added. He alleged that the same CPI (M) and SFI, which claim to fight communal forces, are now endorsing a policy that destroys public education, excludes the poor, and corporatises campuses. "Millions of students are suffering under NEP, and CPM's complicity makes them equally responsible for this disaster. NSUI stands firmly with students and will continue to expose this unholy CPM-BJP alliance to defend education, equality, and the Constitution. Kerala didn't deserve this betrayal. Students won't forgive this," he said. Kerala Minister for General Education V. Sivankutty had explained the decision to implement the PM SHRI in the State as a tactical move to get the withheld Central funds under the Samagra Shiksha education scheme. The funds totalling 1,476.13 crore under the scheme, which are due to the State, have been withheld by the Centre. CPI(M)'s coalition partner CPI, however, expressed its vehement opposition to the move, arguing that it would undermine the LDF's stated policy for the education sector. The talks between the leaderships of the two parties are still going on to iron out the differences. The Opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) also slammed the government for the decision, alleging a CPI(M)-BJP "backdoor deal" in this. (ANI) COLUMBUS Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose announced on Tuesday that his office has referred 1,200 criminal cases to the United States Department of Justice for consideration of federal prosecution. Ohio has earned its reputation as the Gold Standard, and our Election Integrity Unit continues to prove why, said Secretary LaRose. We work tirelessly to ensure that every eligible voters voice is heard, and anyone who tries to cheat the system will face serious consequences. Secretary LaRose sent a letter and evidentiary materials related to 1,084 noncitizen individuals who appear to have registered to vote unlawfully in Ohio. This includes 167 noncitizens who appear to have also cast a ballot in a federal election, all of which occurred in the most recent four federal election cycles of 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2024. Additionally, Secretary LaRose is referring for consideration evidence of the following: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * 99 individuals who appear to have voted in two states in the same federal election * 16 individuals who appear to have voted twice in Ohio in the same federal election * 14 individuals who appear to have voted in a federal election after the date of their death * Four individuals who appear to have engaged in ballot harvesting * Two individuals who appear to have registered at a residence where they were not entitled to register In a letter to the Departments Criminal Division, Secretary LaRose writes, I have made numerous criminal referrals throughout my administration, with much of the evidence related to unlawful registration and voting activity. These cases have encountered varying degrees of adjudication from Ohios 88 county prosecutors We now have an executive administration at the White House and the Department of Justice that has expressed an interest in actively reviewing and potentially prosecuting evidence of federal election crimes. Therefore, I formally refer for your consideration the materials we have gathered and submitted to local and state prosecutors, and I have included with this letter documentation and evidentiary materials regarding each of the alleged offenses. The Secretarys letter also credits constructive feedback from state and local prosecutors for helping his office improve the quality of evidence referred for consideration. To better assist the efforts of prosecutors to bring justice in these cases, the Secretary of States office established Ohios first full-time Election Integrity Unit, staffed by former law enforcement professionals with investigative backgrounds. The office also established a stronger working relationship with the Ohio Attorney Generals statewide investigative agency, which has the authority to aid in the investigation of election crimes. PITTSBURG, Kan. Southeast Kansas is investing in the next generation of potential health care workers. The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas hosted interactive classes today, showing high school students the ins and outs of several different health care professions. The event was organized by Inspire Health Foundation featuring guest speakers and hands-on demonstrations to address the ongoing health care provider shortage in rural communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Health center staff say the activities are designed to spark an interest in teenagers who may be on the fence about entering into health care in the future. If we can encourage students to learn a little bit about and inspire their their futures in the field now, theyre going to be so much more ready by the time they graduate and are selecting their professions to get into, hopefully, health care, said Leah Gagnon, Inspire Health Foundation Director. Gagnon says the need for health care workers extends to marketing, communications, and IT professionals as well. 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. An emergency authorization from the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council to slaughter 18 buffalo from the tribes herd will produce thousands of pounds of meat for community members facing uncertain food assistance during the ongoing federal government shutdown. In addition, the Blackfeet Fish and Wildlife Department and the Blackfeet Commodity Office are moving ahead with an elk harvest to produce more meat. With federal restrictions and the shutdown disrupting vital resources, the Blackfeet Nation is turning to its own natural resources and community partnerships to ensure that families continue to have access to food, the tribe said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. These are among many examples of how tribes across the United States are moving proactively to forecast an increase in demand for food aid and to steer some direction forward as confusion and chaos boil over each day the federal government remains shut down. And with each passing day, the shutdown continues to represent another day the federal government fails to meet its treaty and trust obligations to tribes. On day 29 of the shutdown, as Congress did not pass a federal budget to reopen the government, members of the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs heard from tribal leaders about the drastic impact it has caused within Indian Country in education, commerce, food, and housing development. Tomorrow we will hit the critical 30-day mark of the shutdown, and our organizations will be facing difficult realities and decisions about the ability to carry out certain programs and whether tribal staff must be laid off, said Alaska Federation of Natives President Ben Mallott. A prolonged shutdown places many Alaska Native entities and communities in a difficult and potentially life-threatening position. So please keep in mind that the impacts I raise today will continue to grow until the shutdown ends. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mallott said recovery from Typhoon Halong, which hit Western Alaskas Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta on Oct. 12, is targeted in remote areas without access to roads and hundreds of miles away from where people sought refuge during evacuation. Due to the shutdown, relief efforts are also relying on federal employees working without pay. We appreciate these workers vital contributions, and we want to see them be paid for their work, including back pay for their unpaid work these past few weeks, Mallott said. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits go to 66,000 Alaskans, Mallott said. While he didnt give a total number of Alaska Natives who receive the food aid, he said, The lack of SNAP benefits will overwhelm informal food assistance programs or organizations, such as food banks, in communities where they exist to say nothing of the impacts for communities where they do not exist. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), chair of the Indian Affairs Committee, said food aid is becoming a lingering concern tied to broader budget issues involving how the federal government funds its obligations to support tribal services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is so much uncertainty that is at play here, she said. Murkowski described issues shes heard about from the shutdown, including smaller tribes worried about running out of reserves that would force tribal employees to go on furlough, work without pay, or be laid off. She said tribes are dealing with unpaid contract support payments, including 105(l) payments on facility leases that the federal government pays to use tribally owned and operated buildings. The challenges that come with paying banks when 105(l) and contract support cost payments are not coming in there is all of this at play that is so challenging and worrisome and, in my view, so unnecessary. There is no good reason for a shutdown ever. The Senate committee also heard about the shutdowns impact on the Indian Health Service (IHS), which benefited from policy gains under the availability of advance appropriations, according to National Indian Health Board CEO A.C. Locklear (Lumbee). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This means that IHS is exempt from shutdown orders and should operate as normal. However, not every IHS account was protected, Locklear told senators. Several key funding lines, including Facilities Construction, Sanitation Facilities Construction, the Indian Health Care Improvement Act Fund, Electronic Health Records, Contract Support Costs (CSC), and Section 105(l) lease payments. Combined, he said, this accounted for $1.3 billion from the IHS fiscal year 2025 budget, including approximately $979 million for CSC and $349 million for 105(l) leases. When funding for these lines lapses, tribes face construction delays, halted sanitation projects, deferred maintenance, and gaps in lease payments that threaten operational stability, Locklear said. These shortfalls demonstrate that even within IHS, advance appropriations must be expanded to cover the full range of accounts that uphold patient safety, facility integrity, and tribal self-determination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Locklear said between 170,000 and 500,000 tribal citizens receive SNAP benefits. The shutdown has also disrupted nutrition security, which is inseparable from health in Indian Country, he said. Any lapse in SNAP benefits would devastate families and deepen existing health disparities. He asked the committee to support legislation introduced by Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) called the Keep SNAP Funded Act of 2025 (S. 3024), which would extend flat funding for fiscal year 2026 and restore any missed payments retroactively. The National Indian Health Board strongly supports this legislation and urges swift action to ensure uninterrupted benefits. Food security is health security, and ensuring stable access to SNAP is an essential part of the federal governments trust responsibility and treaty obligations to Tribal Nations. Schools remain open and operational through shutdown exemptions for the Bureau of Indian Education; however, a near-total clearing of employees responsible for directing grants from D.C. to local tribes could have severe consequences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kerry D. Bird, president of the National Indian Education Association, said only two people remain at the Office of Indian Education, which is responsible for administering grants from the U.S. Department of Education that can fund services such as heating contracts and curriculum. Tribes cannot contact people in D.C. for a status on payments either due to offices cleared by shutdown furloughs or more drastic measures. Bird told senators that seven out of nine employees at the Office of Indian Education were processed out of their jobs through reduction-in-force measures. BIE schools may struggle to pay for last-minute maintenance costs. And public schools serving Native students may not receive funding from the Johnson-OMalley Program or Impact Aid, and even face the possibility of Title VI and related funding being severely diminished if reductions in force are fully implemented, Bird testified. The flow of money to Indian Country freezing or potentially going away altogether is most felt from the Treasury Department ending support for Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). Pete Upton (Ponca Tribe of Nebraska), CEO of the Native CDFI Network and executive director of Native360 Loan Fund, told senators that all CDFI staff at Treasury were issued a reduction-in-force order on Oct. 10. If left to stand, the RIF action of Oct. 10 and the ensuing abolishment of the CDFI Fund will cause severe immediate and long-term harm to Native CDFIs ability to serve the growing small-business, homeownership, agricultural, and consumer lending needs of tribal communities needs that have long been ignored by mainstream banking institutions, Upton said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He outlined direct market impacts if those positions are lost, including the demise of the New Markets Tax Credit Program and the USDAs Section 502 Native Relending Programs. Last week, 105 Republican members of Congress wrote the Trump administration a letter in support of CDFIs, stating that the loans play an important role in supporting economic development in rural and underserved communities in our states. They enhance the viability of community development projects, especially in rural areas, by offering flexible financing tools such as longer loan terms and interest-only repayment periods. CDFIs are not a partisan issue, Upton said. The CDFI Fund and the NACA Program are not handouts they are a practical fulfillment of those trust and treaty obligations, ensuring Native people have the same access to financial and economic opportunities as all other Americans. About the Author: "Shaun Griswold, contributing writer, is a Native American journalist based Albuquerque. He is a citizen of the Pueblo of Laguna, and his ancestry also includes Jemez and Zuni on the maternal side of his family. He has more than a decade of print and broadcast news experience. " Contact: shawn@nativenewsonline.net Seven Democratic senators sent an open letter on Oct. 28 to Attorney General Pam Bondi and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent questioning President Trumps Oct. 23 pardon of Binance founder Changpeng CZ Zhao. The senators, led by Elizabeth Warren, alleged the pardon undermines federal law enforcement and was influenced by financial ties between Binance and the Trump familys crypto venture, World Liberty Financial , according to the letter. The senators stated the pardon communicates to cryptocurrency executives and other white collar corporate criminals that the law doesnt matter. The letter requests answers to four questions by Nov. 4, including whether Trumps business ties to Zhao influenced the pardon decision. The other senators who signed the letter are Chris Van Hollen, Bernard Sanders, Mazie Hirono, Richard Blumenthal, Jack Reed, and Jeffrey Merkley. Alleged Financial Connections The senators detailed business links, including WLFIs USD1 stablecoin being minted on the Binance Smart Chain in March. Emirati firm MGX used $2 billion in USD1 to invest in Binance in May, creating what the letter describes as a revenue stream that could be worth tens of millions of dollars annually flowing to Trump and his family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump Organizations income surged 17-fold in early 2025, with cryptocurrency ventures accounting for $802 million. Political and Legal Fallout Rep. Ro Khanna announced plans to introduce legislation banning politicians from crypto trading in response to the pardon. The bill was originally planned for release on Oct. 28 but has not yet materialized at the time of writing. Khanna called the move blatant corruption during interviews with MSNBC. Zhao is considering a libel lawsuit against Warren over her X post claiming he pleaded guilty to money laundering, according to the New York Post, which reviewed a draft letter from his lawyer. Warrens post stated CZ pleaded guilty to a criminal money laundering charge, which his lawyer Teresa Goody Guillen contests as false. Zhao pleaded guilty in 2023 to failing to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program at Binance and served four months in prison before his release in September 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Binance paid more than $4 billion in fines as part of the settlement. Read original story Senate Democrats Send Open Letter Probing Trump's Pardon of Binance's CZ by Zoran Spirkovski at Coinspeaker.com Senate Democrats are banding together to condemn President Donald Trump for not disbursing emergency funds for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Wednesday marked the fourth week of the government shutdown as neither Republicans nor Democrats show any signs of compromising on the issue. On Nov. 1, millions of Americans will lose access to SNAP benefits unless Congress or Trump approve funding for the program. Trump and Republicans have blamed Democrats for the upcoming lapse in SNAP benefits, while Democrats have blamed Republicans. Democrats have vowed to oppose any GOP-spending bill to reopen the government without it including an extension for Affordable Care Act subsidies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Democrats accused Trump of allowing Americans to go hungry during a press conference on Wednesday. This moment isnt just an economic failure. This isnt just a civic failure. This is an utter moral failure for the Trump administration and MAGA Republicans the President could choose to end this crisis today. With just one vote. Republicans could restore health care and food assistance for millions of families across our country and reopen the government with just one vote, U.S. Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) said. But the President can use his emergency power to solve the health care problems that are going to be created by the food crisis, and he can do it right now, and he should do it, he added. U.S. Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) said the law requires the government to disperse SNAP funds regardless of the shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This has nothing to do with the shutdown. The law requires, and the funds are available, to continue SNAP right now without any interruption. So that is a decision that the President is making on his own, on his own, to allow people to go hungry when he has the power to continue the SNAP benefits that folks desperately need, Welch said. And U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) said on Wednesday that Trump "is illegally blocking over $5 billion to feed hungry kids." Mr. President: Release the funds. Dont give tax breaks to billionaires while children in America are on the verge of going hungry, he wrote on social media platform X. New Jersey joined 24 other states on Tuesday to sue the Trump administration over the suspension of SNAP benefits. SNAP benefits are set to expire for the first time in modern history on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump Administrations failure to fund SNAP during the federal government shutdown is an affront to the more than 800,000 New Jerseyans who depend on these critical benefits to access nutritious food, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said in a statement. I thank Attorney General Matt Platkin for taking action to hold the federal government accountable for their betrayal of Americas most vulnerable working- and middle-class families, the governor added. Most SNAP participants are families with children, more than 1 in 3 include older adults or someone with a disability, and close to 2 in 5 are households where someone is employed. Most have incomes below the poverty line, about $32,000 for a family of four, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. The USDA says nearly 16 million children received SNAP benefits in 2023. The average monthly benefit is $187 per person. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The Senate on Wednesday narrowly passed a resolution that would repeal President Donald Trump's tariffs on Canada after passing a similar resolution Tuesday that would repeal tariffs on Brazil. Republicans Sens. Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, Mitch McConnell and co-sponsor Rand Paul voted with all Senate Democrats to pass the measure by a 50-46 margin. It needed only a simple majority to pass. Five Republicans voted with Democrats on Tuesday to pass the Brazil tariff resolution. That resolution would terminate the emergency declaration that Trump made in July and, as a result, lift the tariffs that were imposed on Brazilian goods as a result. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump raises tariffs on Canada 10% after Reagan ad airs during World Series The vote on the Canadian tariffs comes after Trump announced earlier this week that he's adding an extra 10% tariff on Canadian imports because a negative TV commercial from the Ontario government that featured a speech by former President Ronald Reagan in which he said tariffs hurt Americans long-term. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images - PHOTO: Vice President JD Vance talks with reporters after attending the weekly Senate Republican policy luncheon on the 28th day of the federal government shutdown at the U.S. Capitol, October 28, 2025 in Washington. Much like the resolution on Brazilian tariffs, the Canada legislation was brought forward by Democratic Sens. Chuck Schumer, Tim Kaine, Mark Warner and Amy Klobuchar and Paul and would repeal the emergency declaration Trump is using to impose tariffs on Canada. Murkowski, Collins and McConnell joined Paul and Democrats in an effort earlier this year to approve similar legislation that would have repealed Trump's tariffs on Canada. That legislation cleared the upper chamber in April, but the House never took it up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both resolutions are privileged, so there is nothing the Republican majority can do to prevent them from being brought up for a vote. As new tariffs take effect, US consumers footing more than half the burden: Report But it's highly unlikely that the House would take up any bill that the Senate passes aimed at curtailing Trump's tariffs. Even if the House were to take up the bill, any resolution would also have to be signed by Trump, who would certainly reject it. During a closed-door Republican lunch before the the Senate took up the Brazil resolution on Tuesday, Vice President JD Vance urged Republicans to vote against it. "If you look at what we're doing in Asia, if you look at all of the trade deals, the trade barriers that have been dropped by foreign countries on American consumers, they are happening because the president United States has been willing to use tariffs to give American workers and American farmers a better deal," Vance said. "To vote against that is to strip that incredible leverage for the president United States. I think it's a huge mistake, and I know most of the people in there agree with me." Oct. 29 (UPI) -- The U.S. Senate on Tuesday night passed legislation terminating the national emergency declaration to impose duties on Brazilian imports, dealing a blow to President Donald Trump's use of the punitive economic measures to penalize the South American country for prosecuting his ally, former President Jair Bolsonaro. The Senate voted 52-48 in favor of S.J. Res. 18, with five Republicans -- Sens. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Thom Tillis of North Carolina, Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Rand Paul, also of Kentucky -- joining their Democratic colleagues in ending the emergency and, consequently, the tariffs. The bipartisan bill was introduced by Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., and Paul. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking from the floor prior to the vote Tuesday, Paul criticized the tariffs as a tax being levied against the people of the United States -- taxes, which fall under the purview of the House of Representatives, not that of the executive branch. "The Senate is compelled to act because one person in our country wishes to raise taxes without the approval of the Senate, without the approval of the House, without the approval of the Constitution," he said, referring to Trump. "The idea that one person can raise taxes is contrary to our founding principles." Tariffs have been a central mechanism of Trump's trade and foreign policy, using them to right what he sees as improper trade relations as well as to penalize nations he feels are doing him and the United States wrong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Starting in April, Trump imposed a 10% baseline tariff on nearly every country under a national emergency declaration, the legality of which is being challenged in court. In late July, Trump imposed an additional 40% tariff on Brazil via an executive order under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Trump had threatened Brazil with tariffs over how Bolsonaro "has been treated." Bolsonaro was being prosecuted at the time the tariffs were imposed for attempting a coup following his 2022 election loss to current President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. In September, he was sentenced to 27 years in prison. In his floor speech Tuesday, Kaine asked what threat to the U.S. economy, national security or foreign policy did Brazil pose to the United States to necessitate the national emergency. "We have a trade surplus with Brazil: $7 billion a year in goods, $23 billion a year in services," he said. "This president has said their prosecution of a disgraced politician is a national emergency for the United States? How could that be? Mr. President, if this is a national emergency, any president of any party could say that anything is a national emergency for the United States." Senate Republicans are getting ready to turn against yet another pick by President Donald Trump. At least four Republican members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee have expressed opposition to Amer Ghalibs nomination as U.S. ambassador to Kuwait over a history of social media posts perceived as antisemitic and policies supporting Palestinians. Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn of Texas, John Curtis of Utah, and Dave McCormick of Pennsylvania have signaled that they will vote against Ghalibs nomination, according to Politico and Punchbowl News. Ghalibwho is mayor of majority-Muslim Hamtramck, Michigan, can only afford to lose three Republican votes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was a no even before the hearing, Curtis told Politico. Nebraska Sen. Pete Ricketts is still on the fence, telling the outlet that he planned to have conversations with committee chairman Jim Risch about Ghalib. Senators grilled Ghalib on his views during a tense hearing last week. Under his tenure as the first Muslim mayor of Hamtramck, the small Michigan city passed a 2022 resolution condemning antisemitism, a 2024 resolution supporting the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions Movement against Israel, and renamed a street Palestine Avenue in support of Gaza. The fiery hearing centered around a myriad of Facebook posts made by Ghalib that called Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, who invaded Kuwait, a martyr and another that called the Muslim Brotherhood an inspiration. Senators also called out Ghalib for liking a Facebook comment that referred to jews as monkeys. Amer Ghalib campaigned for President Donald Trump in 2024. / JEFF KOWALSKY / AFP via Getty Images Ghalib distanced himself from many of the posts dug up by senators, arguing that they were made before he was elected mayor in 2021, while others were wrongly translated from Arabic. He admitted to having a bad habit of engaging with every comment under his posts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am concerned that your stated public positions are markedly in conflict with the views of President Trump and with the positions of the United States, Cruz told Ghalib during the hearing. Democratic senators on the committee were equally critical of Ghalib. Trump credited Ghalib with boosting support for him in Michigan. / Getty Images I dont think you are qualified to serve in this role, Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy said. I think that you have dug your hole deeper today. Trump nominated Ghalib as ambassador to Kuwait in May, writing in a Truth Social post that Amer worked hard to help us secure a Historic Victory in Michigan. The White House and Ghalib did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a Facebook post after the hearing, Ghalib revealed that Trump expressed continued support for him in a phone call. As always, I felt his loyalty, sincerity, and unwavering support, he wrote. Though my Senate hearing offered no opportunity to discuss my knowledge of Kuwait or my plans for strengthening U.S.-Kuwaiti relations, I remain fully prepared and deeply committed to serving effectively. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee earlier gave a similarly icy reception to Joel Rayburn, Trumps pick for Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, who sparred with Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul in his own hearing. A source familiar with the matter told the Daily Beast on Monday that the White House yanked Rayburns nomination because he lacked the votes. I will be withdrawing myself from Thursdays HSGAC hearing to lead the Office of Special Counsel because unfortunately I do not have enough Republican votes at this time. I appreciate the overwhelming support that I have received throughout this process and will continue to Paul Ingrassia (@PaulIngrassia) October 21, 2025 Last week, Paul Ingrassia withdrew himself for consideration to lead the Office of Special Counsel after a bombshell Politico report revealed that he allegedly used racial and antisemitic slurs in a group chat, at one point admitting that he had a Nazi streak. I will be withdrawing myself from Thursdays HSGAC hearing to lead the Office of Special Counsel because unfortunately I do not have enough Republican votes at this time, Ingrassia said on X. The Senate has voted to halt President Donald Trumps steep tariffs on Brazil, with some members of the GOP breaking with the administration to terminate the 50 percent duties. Senators voted 52-48 against the tariffs, which Trump imposed using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). More from Sourcing Journal Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican Senators including Thom Tillis (N.C.), Susan Collins (Maine), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), Mitch McConnell (Ky.) and Rand Paul (Ky.), who co-sponsored the measure alongside Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Tim Kaine (D-Va.), joined Democrats in opposing the tariffs. Senators Kaine, Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) announced their intention to take on the tariffs in July, claiming that they represent an act of retaliation by Trump against Brazils prosecution of its former president, Jair Bolsonaro, for attempting to orchestrate a coup after losing his seat in the countrys most recent election. This week at the ASEAN Summit, Bolsonaro successor President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva met with Trump to explain the seriousness of the plot, which he said included a threat on his life, according to Reuters. Trumps tariff policy is causing material harms to Americans, the lawmakers argued, as the U.S. imports over $40 billion in goods like coffee, agricultural products, oils, metals and machinery. Bilateral trade between the two countries is responsible for 130,000 American jobs. Trumps reasoning for imposing the tariffs is not linked to a trade imbalance, as hes claimed with so many U.S. trade partners, including those across Asia and Europe. The U.S. exported $49.7 billion to Brazil in 2024, while Brazilian imports into the U.S. amounted to $42.3 billiona surplus of $7.4 billion for the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Are we just going to allow the trade power which is handed to Congress, or the war power which is handed to Congress, or the appropriations power which is handed to Congress, or the nominations advice and consent power which is handed to the Senateare we just going to allow those powers to be taken over by this president or any president? Kaine said to reporters on Tuesday. Emergencies are like war, famine, tornadoes, Paul, the most outspoken anti-tariff Senator in the GOP, added. Not liking someones tariffs is not an emergency. Its an abuse of the emergency power and its Congress abdicating their traditional role in taxes. Even with bipartisan support in the Senate, the resolution, which aims to overturn the so-called national emergency that the president claimed in introducing the tariffs, is unlikely to make it past the Republican-controlled House of Representatives, which has fervently headed off any challenges to the duties. Im grateful that my Senate colleagues voted to pass our bipartisan legislation to undo Trumps tariffs on billions of dollars worth of goods from Brazil, Kaine said following the vote. Todays vote sends an important message to the Trump Administration that the American people are not interested in starting unnecessary trade wars that will raise the cost of everyday goods like coffee and weaken our economy. He urged the House of Representatives to take up the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though viewed as a largely symbolic vote given its low chance of passage, the resolutions bipartisan support belies a growing and broadening dissatisfaction with the administrations trade regime. The five GOP Senators who voted against the tariffs bucked a warning from Vice President JD Vance, who stopped by a Republican Senate luncheon on Tuesday to tell them that doing so would be a big mistake. Now, one week ahead of a landmark Supreme Court hearing that could lead to Trumps IEEPA tariffs being altogether dismantled, a bipartisan collective of Senate lawmakers is preparing to force another votethis time, taking on the tariffs imposed on Canada. Senators Kaine, Paul, Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Schumer announced that the Senate will vote Wednesday evening to unwind Trumps IEEPA duties on Americas neighbor to the north. The legislation already passed the Senate in April with a 51-48 vote, but was not taken up by the House. Now, the legislation requires a simple majority of votes in the Senate in order to pass. Tensions with Canada have ratcheted up over the past week, with an anti-tariff ad featuring the voice of President Ronald Reagan infuriating Trump enough to impose additional 10 percent duties on the countrys U.S.-bound exports, bringing Canadas duty burden to 35 percent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While his policies are under siege at home, the president is continuing his Asia sojourn, which will culminate in a highly anticipated meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday. On Wednesday, he landed in South Korea and met with trade officials, revealing that a deal with the country is pretty much finalized. After meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on the sidelines of the APEC Summitthe final stop on the five-day tripTrump said the two came to a conclusion on a lot of very different items. President Lees chief of staff, Kim Yong-beom, announced that the U.S. had agreed to lower tariffs on South Korean goods from 25 percent to 15 percent. He said that the two sides had agreed that the U.S. would, in turn, receive investments from South Korea of up to $20 billion annually, with another $150 billion set aside for investment in its U.S-based shipbuilding operations. A White House fact sheet posted by the president on Truth Social elucidated some of the specific investments the South Korean government had agreed to, but did not speak to or confirm the new tariff terms. Earlier on October 18, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said Bihar has developed under PM Modi and CM Nitish Kumar, with better roads, improved law and order, and higher per capita income, unlike the previous Congress-Lalu governments. Saini further added that under the Congress-Lalu rule, Bihar became poorer and poorer. Speaking to the reporters, CM Saini said, "Bihar has changed under the leadership of PM Modi and CM Nitish Kumar. The previous governments made the poor poorer. The system had collapsed. There were no roads. If someone recalls the law and order situation under Congress-Lalu rule, they get goosebumps. The BJP-Nitish Kumar alliance government developed Bihar... Per capita income had increased." The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is sharing seats for the upcoming Bihar elections: BJP and JDU will contest 101 seats each, LJP (Ram Vilas) will contest 29 seats, Rashtriya Lok Morcha will contest 6 seats, and Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) will contest 6 seats. 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. Mahagathbandhan, led by Rashtriya Janata Dal, includes 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 staked claims to all 243 seats in the state. The assembly elections will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11. The results will be declared on November 14. (ANI) WASHINGTON The Senate voted on Wednesday to terminate the national emergency used to impose global tariffs on countries such as Canada, offering a rare rebuke to President Donald Trump from members of his own party. The resolution passed in a 50-46 vote, with four Republicans joining all Democrats in supporting the measure. Terminating the national emergency only requires a simple majority in the Senate, meaning at least four Republicans were needed to back the repeal. Both Utah Sens. Mike Lee and John Curtis voted against terminating the national emergency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The resolution would end the emergency declaration made by Trump earlier this year that justified the increased taxes on dozens of countries that have been strengthened and loosened throughout the year. The bill specifically terminates the emergency that imposed a 35% tariff on Canadian goods earlier this summer, which are expected to get higher after Trump announced he would tack on an additional 10% tariff in response to a negative television ad by the Ontario government. Policymaking by presidential impulse deprives American businesses of the certainty they need to decide whether they can afford to create or sustain jobs or even remain in business, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., one of the sponsors of the bills, wrote in an op-ed. As tariffs simultaneously threaten job losses and higher prices, the economic well-being of every American family is at risk. The measure previously passed the Senate in April in a similarly bipartisan vote, but the bill was never considered by the Republican-led House. This latest iteration is likely to see the same fate. The terminated emergency comes after the Senate passed a similar bill on Tuesday to end tariffs imposed on Brazil, which garnered the support from the same four Republicans: Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska; Susan Collins, R-Maine; Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.; and Rand Paul, R-Ky. Sen. Thom Tillis also voted to end the Brazilian tariffs but rejected the bill specifically on Canada. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Senate will also vote on another bill later this week terminating the July national emergency implemented on Trumps Liberation Day that imposed tariffs across the globe. Our colleagues in the Senate cannot avoid being put on the record, Kaine wrote. As the next vote approaches, it is our hope that more of them do the right thing and play their part in reasserting Congresss constitutional role as an equal branch of government. Senate Democrats have opened an inquiry into US President Donald Trumps pardon of Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ). They cited potential conflicts of interest due to CZs financial ties to a Trump-linked World Liberty Financial. The letter, addressed to the US Attorney General, argued that the pardon could embolden white-collar crime within the crypto industry. Democrats Urge Investigation Into CZ Pardon A group of seven Democratic Senators sent a letter on Tuesday to US Attorney General Pam Bondi and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent requesting a probe into Trumps controversial pardoning of Binance founder CZ. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They cautioned that the act of clemency could set a troubling precedent. The pardonwhich signals to cryptocurrency executives and other white-collar criminals that they can commit crimes with impunity, so long as they enrich President Trump enoughseems likely to encourage, rather than discourage, criminal activity, the letter read. The senators also highlighted evidence suggesting Trump's and CZ's overlapping financial and political interests. Timeline Suggests Binance Deals Preceded Pardon In the letter signed by Elizabeth Warren, Chris Van Hollen, Bernie Sanders, Mazie Hirono, Richard Blumenthal, Jack Reed, and Jeff Merkley, the senators cited new evidence regarding Binances ties to Trumps crypto venture, World Liberty Financial (WLFI). They claimed the company offered favorable deals that may have influenced CZs eventual pardon. To support this claim, they included a detailed timeline of related events. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beginning in late 2024, Binance and CZ developed closer financial ties with Trump and his associates. Around the time Trump and his allies launched WLFI, CZ was released from prison, and Binance began exploring potential collaborations with the new venture. Meanwhile, reports later emerged that Binance helped develop and promote WLFIs USD1 stablecoin, which was launched on the Binance Smart Chain. Recent reports also suggested that MGX, an Emirati firm linked to Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, invested $2 billion in Binance using USD1. The move reportedly generated substantial revenue for Trumps company. Months after these developments, CZ publicly requested a presidential pardon for his money-laundering conviction, which Trump granted last Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This isnt the only effort Democrats are taking to condemn Trumps pardon. Trumps Series Of Crypto Pardons On Monday, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Adam Schiff sent a letter to their Democratic colleagues and staff, inviting them to support a resolution denouncing the Presidents decision to grant CZ clemency. This week, Senators Warren and Schiff will attempt to pass this resolution by unanimous consent on the Senate floor, read the letter accessed by BeInCrypto. The collaboration between Warren, a vocal critic of the crypto industry, and Schiff, who has generally taken a more open stance, reflects growing concern across different wings of the Democratic Party. Donald Trump is abusing the pardon power as a means of rewarding his family, his allies and his wealthy donors. I'm headed to the floor with @SenWarren right now to attempt to pass a resolution condemning his pardon of crypto billionaire Changpeng Zhao, the latest in a long Adam Schiff (@SenAdamSchiff) October 28, 2025 Ro Khanna, another Democrat representative with a favorable stance toward crypto, anticipated introducing a resolution this week to stop Trump, his family members, and members of Congress from trading crypto and accepting foreign funds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CZs pardon isnt the only one causing concern among Democrats. On Monday, Bitfinex hacker Heather Razzlekhan Morgan publicly thanked Trump for granting her an early prison release. Her sentence for money laundering was shortened by approximately one year. In January, Trump also pardoned infamous Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht. Read original story Senators Call for Investigation Into Trumps Pardon of Binance Founder by Camila Grigera Naon at beincrypto.com As the shutdown crosses into its fifth week, Republicans increasingly believe Democrats may be preparing to cave. And on the other side of the aisle, Democrats seem to think its Republicans who are softening. Whether either side is actually moving remains to be seen, but both parties are taking the latest developments with a dash of optimism. On Wednesday, Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., joined the growing chorus of Republicans who think theyre seeing some cracks developing among Democrats, as he told MSNBC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hopefully the fever is starting to break, Daines said, adding that he hopes some common sense may finally prevail. But as Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., said when asked about those supposed Democratic cracks, Geez, thats what were hearing about the Republican position, too. Republicans think food benefits running out could be the impetus some Democrats need to break with their party. And as more Americans see their Obamacare premiums spiking over the expiration of subsidies, Democrats believe the pressure is mounting for Republicans to meet them at the negotiating table. Throughout the shutdown, there have been some bipartisan talks quietly, to no avail. But on Wednesday, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said bipartisan talks among rank-and-file members had ticked up significantly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Within minutes, members of his own party, some of whom are stalwart negotiators during bipartisan talks, shot it down. When MSNBC asked Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., whether he agrees with Thunes assessment of the state of play, he had a clear answer: No. Normally, when youre about to achieve a breakthrough, youre going to have more formal negotiations, probably with three to five members on either side, and then it grows from there, Tillis said. I dont see any evidence of that now. Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., was even more blunt about Thunes assessment. Thats a lot of wishcasting, Gallego said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in Thunes defense, there does appear to be some movement not a ton, but some. Shaheen is a Democratic ringleader in current iterations of bipartisan talks, and she told MSNBC on Wednesday that there had been some good discussions. But she bristled at the notion that Democrats were splintering. Instead, Shaheen said select Republicans and Democrats had been talking about both ending the shutdown and negotiating a fix to the expiring subsidies, though she said she was not gonna get into any specifics. Asked if she thought lawmakers were closer to finding a solution to the shutdown, Shaheen simply said, I hope so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A handful of rank-and-file senators from both parties have been having daily phone calls and regular meetings, a source familiar with the talks told MSNBC, requesting anonymity to speak about the tenuous talks that are centered on health care and the shutdown. Still, Senate leaders from both parties seem to have less faith in negotiations than the lawmakers participating in the discussions. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., acknowledged there are occasional talks between senators. But our Republican colleagues dont seem to be offering anything different than what their leadership has had so far, Schumer said. We hope that will change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the Republican side, Thune also seems to have some skepticism about bipartisan negotiations. At the moment, Thune is sending senators back home for the weekend after votes on Thursday meaning more than 40 million Americans will lose access to food assistance programs over the weekend. The prospect of widespread hunger is certainly weighing on senators, and its one of the reasons lawmakers think the shutdown could be coming to a close. When MSNBC asked Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., why he had renewed hope that the shutdown would end, he pointed to all the bad things are going to happen over the weekend. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com A bipartisan pair of senators is looking to bring Russias ambassador to the U.S. before the Senate to testify on Russias campaign of abducting Ukrainian children. That charge is the basis for a war crimes indictment against Russian President Vladimir Putin. Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) told The Hill on Wednesday that they are working to hold a hearing in the Senate Appropriations subcommittee of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs on the issue of Russias abduction of Ukrainian children. Graham and Schatz, the top members of the committee, said they intend to invite Russian Ambassador to the U.S. Alexander Darchiev to testify in the hearing, although a date has not been set. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schatz said it would be important for Darchiev to appear before the committee for accountability. This is a real atrocity, and the American government should help to establish the record and try to remedy what has been done, he told The Hill. He said that the senators would likely issue an invitation. Im almost certain we cant compel a foreign person to come, Schatz said. The Ukrainian embassy in Washington has started preparations for the hearing and said they are ready to contribute. The Hill attempted to reach the Russian embassy for comment. The Ukrainian embassy in Washington said it has started preparations for the hearing and is ready to contribute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hearing will focus on Russias abduction of tens of thousands of children and efforts to return them to Ukraine and their families. Independent assessments have identified at least 20,000 Ukrainian children taken by Russia during the war, but Russian officials have claimed that number is around 700,000. The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Putin in March 2023 for allegedly responsible for the war crime of unlawful deportation of population (children) and that of unlawful transfer of population (children) from occupied areas of Ukraine to the Russian Federation. An arrest warrant was also issued for Maria Lvova-Belova, Commissioner for Childrens Rights in the Office of the President of the Russian Federation. The war crimes charge against Russia is also the basis for Grahams bipartisan bill to label Russia a State Sponsor of Terrorism, unless it can certify that it has returned all abducted children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill advanced out of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee earlier this month, but its unlikely to go to the floor without President Trumps blessing. Still, the issue of kidnapped children has been elevated to a top priority for the White House. First Lady Melania Trump has stepped forward as a high-profile advocate for their return, exchanging letters with Putin as part of her appeal for the children. The Ukrainian government and non-governmental organizations have worked over the course of Russias war to identify, rescue and return Ukrainian children that have been swept up in what researchers and lawyers say is a systematic campaign by the Kremlin to seize children, erase their Ukrainian identities and reeducate them as Russian citizens and prepare them for military service to fight against Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In February 2024, the Helsinki Commission hosted a hearing with testimony from children rescued from Ukraine, who described being trafficked into Russia as their homes came under occupation from the invading forces. In December, Yale School of Public Healths Humanitarian Research Lab (HRL) presented a report to the United Nations Security Council saying it had identified 314 Ukrainian children placed in a systematic, Kremlin-directed program of coerced adoption and fostering. President Trump halted funding for the HRL when cutting assistance through the State Department when he came into office, but said that he supports the return of kidnapped Ukrainian children. The HRL has continued its work and in September released a report on Russias militarization of Ukraines children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nathaniel Raymond, Executive Director of the lab at the Yale School of Public Health, said in an interview with the BBC that Russia is expanding its network of reeducation and military camps and currently has 210 camps across 3,500 miles. Its extremely worrying, he said. new camps are being established, at least two we believe are under construction now, that are part of whats called the warrior program, which is specifically training children for combat. Raymond said the HRLs work is being carried out with the intent of being used as evidence in a court of law in the ICC cases against Putin and Lvova-Belova and potentially others, but said political and diplomatic pressure needs to be brought to bear on Russia and resources need to be infused into efforts to document Russias campaign and locate kidnapped children. There needs to be maximum political and diplomatic pressure on Russia to do what they should have done under the Geneva conventions three years ago, which is to register the children so we know who they have in their custody and where they are, Raymund said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Updated: 3:08 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 The Hill. WALHALLA, S.C. (WSPA) The Oconee County Sheriffs Office said one man was arrested and charged with sexually assaulting a minor. 42-year-old Timothy Reshawn Leland of Seneca was arrested and transported to the Oconee County Detention Center. On September 28, deputies received a report that a minor, who is a teenager, had been sexually assaulted. Following an investigation, officials said Leland and the victim were communicating on a social networking app. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On September 6, the victim picked up Leland from his house in Seneca. The victim drove to the Poor Farm Lake Access in Walhalla, where authorities said the sexual assault occurred. Leland was charged with third degree criminal sexual conduct. The incident remains under investigation by the Oconee County Sheriffs Office. 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. (The Center Square) - An affordable housing development for seniors opened in a Phoenix suburb with the help of nearly $10 million in federal funds. The Cascalote is a 148-unit housing facility located on 4.4 acres in Glendale. Shelly Marquez, the president of Mercy Housing Mountain Plains, which owns Cascalote, told The Center Square that it felt wonderful to have the new affordable housing facility open last week for residents. Mercy Housing is a national affordable housing nonprofit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The project took over three years to complete, Marquez said. She added that Cascalote marks the 14th senior affordable housing property Mercy Housing has opened in Arizona. To help Mercy Housing complete Cascalote, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors allocated $9.5 million in federal funds. Tamara Bridwell, the county's director of Human Services, told The Center Square the county was proud to have invested this money in Cascalote. The funding allocated by Maricopa County allowed Mercy Housing to complete the project, Marquez said. The nonprofit also received funding from the city of Glendale. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seniors on fixed incomes are the only ones who qualify for this new housing development. Residents need to make anywhere between 30% and 60% of the median area income and be over 62 years old, Marquez noted. She said Cascalote began leasing in January and continues to accept applications for the housing complex, but noted the number of applications far exceeds the number of units. Marquez noted 50% of the units filled up fairly quickly, and the complex still has units available for people who make 60% of the media income in an area. The need for affordable housing for seniors in Arizona is significant, according to Marquez. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bridwell agreed. The current housing situation for seniors in Maricopa County is increasingly dire," she said. "Rising housing costs have pushed many older adults to the brink, and unfortunately, some are now experiencing homelessness for the first time in their lives." Fixed incomes have not kept up with rising rent prices, which has left many seniors with few viable options," Bridwell said. This makes affordable, age-friendly housing developments like The Cascalote not just helpful but urgent, she explained. The demand is high. There are wait lists of over a year at Mercy Housing's 13 other senior affordable housing properties in Arizona, Marquez said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She added that residents are living paycheck to paycheck. To illustrate, Marquez noted seniors who make 60% of the average income in an area may have a part-time job. In addition to housing, Mercy Housing provides its residents with food pantries and mental health and educational services. We say at Mercy Housing, 'Getting folks housed is the first step,' Marquez noted. Keeping them housed long term is just as important. Mercy Housing residents will face difficult choices with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program set to be suspended on Saturday because of the federal government shutdown, Marquez said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 'Do I pay rent? Do I buy medication? Do I purchase food?' And so we're trying to bring resources so they don't have to make those tough decisions, but there's only so much we can do as an affordable housing developer, she said. The White House Council of Economic Advisers estimated after 30 days of the government shutdown, approximately 887,000 people in Arizona who rely on SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, could face a disruption. Marquez said Mercy Housing is working on a couple of projects that are in the very early stages of feasibility, which means the nonprofit is looking at land that would be available to purchase. It also is analyzing what types of funding may be available from city, county and state governments. Completion of an affordable housing facility can take three to four years, Marquez said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bridwell said Maricopa County remains committed to supporting affordable housing through strategic partnerships and other available resources. Continued collaboration with nonprofit developers and leveraging additional funding sources will be essential to building on the success of projects like The Cascalote, she added. In the end, only a broader dialogue between Israel and Lebanon can advance and improve the situation on the ground, a Western diplomat told the Post. Senior officials in the Trump administration have recently approached top Lebanese government officials and urged them to open dialogue with Israel, several sources told The Jerusalem Post on Wednesday. Earlier this week, well-informed Lebanese sources told the Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar that Morgan Ortagus, the Trump administrations special envoy to Lebanon, proposed improving the work of the five-member committee overseeing the ceasefire in Lebanon and expanding its authority to cover all of Lebanons borders, not just the southern border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also suggested including diplomats as committee members. In the end, only a broader dialogue between Israel and Lebanon can advance and improve the situation on the ground, a Western diplomat told the Post. Before arriving in Beirut, Ortagus visited Israel earlier this week and toured the northern region alongside Defense Minister Israel Katz. The US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, Israels Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Yechiel Leiter, and the IDF Northern Command chief, Major General Rafi Milo, also participated in the visit. US envoy Morgan Ortagus speaks in Beirut, August 26, 2025; illustrative. (credit: REUTERS/MOHAMED AZAKIR) Katz emphasized that Israel would continue to defend northern communities against any threat. Hezbollah continuing to arm itself Israeli officials told the envoy that Hezbollah continues to arm itself and has managed to smuggle hundreds of missiles across the Syrian border. When Ortagus later arrived in Lebanon, she made it clear to senior government officials there that they must act against Hezbollah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the meetings, Ortagus issued a statement saying that the United States is closely monitoring developments in Lebanon and welcomes the Lebanese governments decision to place all weapons in the country under state control by the end of the year. The Lebanese Armed Forces must now fully implement their plan, the statement said. President Trumps envoy for Syrian affairs and the US ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barrack, likewise pressed the Lebanese government to engage in talks with Israel. According to the Hezbollah-affiliated newspaper Al-Akhbar, Barrack delivered a message to Beirut warning that if no progress is made toward disarming the terrorist organization, Lebanon will be left on its own. Either you learn the lesson and agree to enter direct negotiations with Israel under US sponsorship, to establish a timeline and mechanism for dismantling Hezbollahs arsenal, or Lebanon will be left to its fate, and remain that way for a long time, with no one to help, Barrack reportedly warned. Last week, the Post reported that Western intelligence officials believe Hezbollah has accelerated its rehabilitation efforts, including by recruiting more terrorists into its ranks. Hezbollah is rebuilding itself much faster than the Lebanese Army is dismantling its weapons, the officials said. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. This week, we learned about the dangers of oversharing on social media. Computer security expert Chris Wright of Sullivan Wright Technologies came by to share insights into what can happen when too much information is posted to a social media account. Posting what youre doing and when youre doing it, Wright said, can give unscrupulous people an opportunity to see further into your lives than you would intend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wright also spoke about the growing issue with unscrupulous people using artificial intelligence to manipulate images including other peoples pictures posted to social media to unsavory ends. The idea of cyber hygiene, what it is, and how to maintain it, was a big part of the conversation. Make It Make Sense is a KARKFOX16+ exclusive show that airs weekly at 7 p.m. Monday on the free app. For more information on how to get the free app, head to KARK.com/Streaming. Questions? Considerations? Reach out at MakeItMakeSense@Nexstar.TV. 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. Area residents will have several opportunities to observe Veterans Day in the coming weeks. Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, is a federal holiday in the United States observed annually on Nov. 11 for honoring military veterans of the U.S. armed forces. At the urging of major U.S. veteran organizations, Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day in 1954. In fact, two Four-State Area politicians played a crucial role in establishing the holiday. U.S. Rep. Ed Rees from Emporia, Kansas, presented a bill establishing the holiday through Congress. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, also from Kansas, signed the bill into law May 26, 1954. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joplin The Joplin Veterans Day parade will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8. The parade route will start at 15th and Main streets and go north to Third Street. Bob Harrington, commander of American Legion Post 13 in Joplin, said the parade will involve several veterans organizations, including Heartland Canines for Veterans and Peterson Outdoors Ministries. Local companies and organizations will also participate, including Liberty, CFI and the Joplin police and fire departments. A local Girl Scout troop will precede the parade, passing out American flags to the crowd. The honor guard from Whiteman Air Force Base will lead the parade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harrington said the parade has been a tradition for American Legion Post 13 for at least 38 years. The American Legion is made up of veterans from all branches, and its motto is Veterans Continuing to Serve. In addition to the parade, the American Legion honor guard does military honors for veterans funerals and a veterans expo every other year. When a veteran raises their right hand and takes an oath to defend the country, youre there to serve the country and protect our citizens, Harrington said. This is another way of honoring those veterans, just like we put flags on veterans graves, to recognize their service and appreciate what they did. Missouri Southern State University will observe Veterans Week starting Nov. 8 with the Joplin Veterans Day parade. The university will hold spirit days throughout the week for students like Patriotic Spirit Day and Yellow Ribbon Spirit Day. MSSU, KGCS and Joplin High School will present the concert A Salute to Veterans by the 135th Army Band at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, at the Joplin High School Performing Arts Center. The concert is free and open to the public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, Nov. 11, the university will hold a Veterans Day luncheon at noon at the Billingsly Student Center Connor Ballroom. The luncheon will feature a guest speaker from the Patriot Guard Riders, sharing their experiences and dedication to supporting veterans and their families. The luncheon is open to all MSSU students, faculty, staff and community members. Registration is available at signupgenius.com/go/30E0448AAAC2DA5F94-59086433-veterans. OurVeteransFirst is holding an informational meeting and free pancake feed from 8 to 10 a.m. Nov. 8 at the FORCE Community Center, 731 S. Maiden Lane. The local nonprofit helps veterans through housing, support services and community connection. Carthage Carthages American Legion Post 9 will hold a Veterans Day ceremony at 11 a.m. Nov. 11 at Memorial Hall, 407 S. Garrison Ave. The event will feature the posting of the colors, music by the Heartland Concert Band and an address by Mayor David Flanigan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A parade will be held at 5 p.m. Nov. 11 in downtown Carthage. Local organizations, businesses and schools will be participating in the event to light up the night in tribute to those who have served and continue to serve the country. Oronogo In Orogono, a military service patriot display will be open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Southwest Missouri Bank Community Building at 855 N. D Highway. The display will feature items from Kavan Stulls personal collection of patriotic paintings, framed art and historical prints celebrating military service. Most of the display is from World War I and World War II and was published 75 to 100 years ago. The display is free and open to the public. Pittsburg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pittsburg State University will hold its annual Veterans Day ceremony at 1 p.m. Nov. 11, at the PSU Veterans Memorial, 1909 S. Rouse Ave. PSU President Thomas Newsom and Vice President Kathleen Flannery will offer remarks. The Pittsburg Community Middle School Choir will perform patriotic selections, and PSU ROTC cadets will participate. The keynote speaker will be PSU assistant professor Carol Meza-Bakke, a Purple Heart recipient with 12 years of military experience. Meza-Bakke was appointed to the Governors Military Council as an advocate for service members and was recently crowned Mrs. Kansas-America 2025. Miami The Miami Elks Lodge 1320 will hold its Veterans Day parade at 2 p.m. Nov. 9. The route will start at Fourth Avenue N and Main Street, traveling north on Main Street. The grand marshal of the parade will be Gen. Tom Walker. A Veterans Day dinner will follow the parade at the Miami Elks Lodge from 4 to 6 p.m., with veterans and guests eating free. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quapaw The Quapaw Nation Museum, 905 Whitebird, will host a viewing of the Veterans Quilt from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6. World War II Quapaw tribal members' photos and USS Quapaw memorabilia will also be on display. There will also be food and a door prize available. A registered sex offender from Florida is now behind bars in Bucks County, accused of attacking a woman in her home. It happened just before 3 p.m. Tuesday in the 500 block of Bristol Pike in Bensalem Township. A woman called police, saying a man got into her home, attacked her and started taking his clothes off. The suspect grabbed her and told her she "looks tasty," according to police. She screamed, fought him off and ran away. The suspect was identified as 45-year-old Louis Sophie of Southampton Road in Philadelphia. Louis Sophie Sophie is a registered sex offender in Florida. He's now being held on $1 million bail. The Mizo National Front (MNF) has enforced a statewide total bandh across Mizoram today from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., in protest against the Zoram People''s Movement (ZPM)-led government''s decision to adopt the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023 (FCAA 2023). According to the MNF, the bandh is aimed at pressuring the government to revoke the resolution passed in the Mizoram Legislative Assembly on August 27, 2025, which approved the implementation of FCAA 2023 in the state. In a press release issued late evening on Tuesday, MNF Secretary for Media and Publicity, Lallenmawia Jongte, stated that the protest reflects the "will of the people of Mizoram, who have consistently opposed the FCAA 2023." The MNF argued that the Act undermines the special constitutional protections guaranteed to Mizoram under Article 371(G), which prevents any Act of Parliament concerning ownership or transfer of land from applying to the state unless approved by its Legislative Assembly. The party also raised concerns over Section 1A of the amendment, which allows the Central Government to authorise "strategic and developmental projects" within 100 kilometres of international borders, saying it could threaten local control over forest lands. The bandh has resulted in a near-complete shutdown across the state, with government offices, educational institutions, shops, and banks remaining closed. Public transport and inter-district movement have also come to a halt, while residents largely stayed indoors However, the MNF clarified that emergency and essential services, including hospitals, medical care, and those with special permissions, were exempted from the bandh. As of this morning, no untoward incidents have been reported, and the bandh has remained peaceful across major towns such as Aizawl, Lunglei, and Champhai. Reports also indicate that vehicles were not allowed to pass through the Vairengte Check Gate along the Mizoram border. The MNF further stated that Mamit District, where the Dampa Assembly bye-election is scheduled, is not included in the bandh area. MNF leaders also recalled that the previous MNF-led government had officially opposed the FCAA 2023 through a resolution in August 2023, noting that Chief Minister Lalduhoma, then in the opposition, had also spoken strongly against the Act. (ANI) A San Francisco judge denied mental health diversion for the man at the center of a double fatal hit-and-run in San Francisco nearly five years ago on New Year's Eve. Troy McAlister is facing vehicular manslaughter charges for the deaths of 27-year-old Hanako Abe and 60-year-old Elizabeth Platt in a SoMa crosswalk. McAlister was on parole and allegedly driving a stolen vehicle at the time. The case was previously instrumental in the recall of former San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin. Community activists say the judge's decision is a step in the right direction. "I think because of all of the community uproar, the media, this is how we got a little bit of victory, the trial will proceed and that the motion for diversion was not granted," said San Francisco resident Liz Le. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A drug court judge denied McAlister's attorney's petition for mental health diversion following a 2020 fatal hit and run. Saying to McAlister in part, "I think you've been accused of making decisions and taking actions with some incredibly bad luck resulting in two people losing their lives. You need to face your community through the criminal justice system and take accountability." RELATED: San Francisco Public Defender seeks diversion in 2020 double fatal hit-and-run case McAlister's attorney, Public Defender Scott Grant argued rehabilitation would have better outcomes than traditional incarceration. He also said McAlister had struggled with drugs since he was a teen and described the double fatal hit-and-run as an accident saying McAlister didn't intend to harm Hanako Abe and Elizabeth Platt when another vehicle pushed the allegedly stolen vehicle he was driving into the two women. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're disappointed in the judge's decision today but we look forward to continuing to vigorously represent Mr. McAlister," said Grant. "When you're driving 60 miles per hour, you have a history of drugs and alcohol, you ran many red lights, what did you think would happen," said Le. The case made international news and was instrumental in the recall of former San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin. McAlister was on parole at the time he hit and killed Abe and Platt. "It's just the failure of our criminal justice system to hold him accountable earlier maybe we could have prevented these two deaths," said Le. RELATED: CA officials say SF DA's failure to file criminal charges led to deadly hit-and-run on New Year's Eve "I feel like today is a huge relief for a lot of people that have been following this case. The judge in this case did the right thing given the defendant's history," said Anna Kearney with Stop Crime SF. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McAlister's attorney says he's still waiting on a transcript from a grand jury proceeding. "And once we get that we'll be filing a motion to dismiss some of the charges in the case," said Grant. Grant would not say which charges or if he believes the community's outrage influenced the judge's decision. McAlister is back in court next month to set a date for trial. In a statement released to ABC7 News, the San Francisco DA's Office would only confirm what happened Tuesday in court. Take a look at more stories by the ABC7 News I-Team. If you're on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live SPRINGFIELD, Mo. Jamaica is a strong island of faith, you know? They believe prayers can fix anything, and I also believe that, DuSean Howard says. Howard is the owner of Jamaican Patty Co., with two locations in Springfield, but Howard is a Jamaican native, and has been seeing the news about Hurricane Melissa. I grew up in Jamaica, went to school there. I have a lot of friends there, Howard said. The last time we were there was in 2024 in January. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Howard has posted on social media asking for prayers from the local community as Melissa makes landfall. Springfield has a warm space in their heart for Jamaica for some reason. Thats kind of what brought us here, Howard said. I think were getting a really good response from the community here. Everything is just happening so quickly. I am really a little bit nervous right now because we feel like we can face danger and we have God, but we definitely wanna see whats going to happen and hope that its not too bad. He says his family and friends who still live in Jamaica remain in good spirits. Theres a few that are still in Jamaica, and Ive communicated with some of them, and they seem to have good spirits, Howard said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not the first time a hurricane has hit Jamaica, and not the first time Howard has been directly impacted. In 1988, Category Three Hurricane Gilbert ravaged the small country, and Howard was 10 years old, living in the country. I was about ten years old at the time, and what I remember was a lot of water. During the actual hurricane, it wasnt as scary, but the aftermath of hurricane was devastating. Our satellite dish blew off the roof and it was, you know, we had to go look for it, and it wasnt just us, but we had other folks that were you know, they even made a song about it, you know, wheres my satellite dish? and roofs were torn off, Howard said. I think one of the scariest part was the looting. There was some serious looting going on in Jamaica after because everybody was like trying to survive. Keeping our food warm, cold, I distinctly, distinctively remember digging a hole in the yard and putting food in there so the food can stay cold. Hes hopeful the government there will be able to help, and maybe even other groups and governments can step in to help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its definitely going to be more destructive than Gilbert, in my opinion. So I think, you know, the experiences that weve had back in 1988, we should have made some improvements by then to expect something of this nature, maybe nothing like a Category five, but, you know, at least be prepared based on what we experienced with Gilbert. Im hopeful that the government has a lot of things in place, you know, for the citizens there, but Im sure it will need some help from outside sources, you know, from the United States or, you know, other, you know, Europe, you know, countries like that, Howard said. Springfield-based Convoy of Hope is already gearing up to help out, but theyre going to have to be creative. With airports shut down, and Jamaica being an island, theyre having to go an unorthodox route. The biggest way that we will be doing it is through cargo ship, getting the ships through and delivering to the ports. Were looking at airfreight as well as a possibility. Thats very expensive, but were looking at ways that we might be able to do that to land as soon as the airports are open and get the supplies there, Ethan Forhetz with Convoy of Hope said. Its a very tenuous situation right now. There are honestly a lot of question marks about our team getting there, about the supplies getting there, but we have mobilized. Our supplies are in route and were taking all of the steps that we can to respond and react just as quickly as possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Typically, when Convoy responds, they would work out of a warehouse near the impacted area to better move freight in and out, but with winds near 200 miles per hour in the storm, its possible there may not be a warehouse to even use. Thats one of the question marks that remains to be answered at this point, is how vast and how bad will the devastation happen on the island be? Its an island is more than 100 miles long, Forhetz said. Were hoping and praying that well be able to land on that east side and be able to get the supplies there and that the power grids, maybe will on that side will be up and running a little bit faster. Now, that said, the storm surge is still going to be very high and very damaging, and the amount of rain that falls from the sky is going to be very, very damaging. So we dont know how that part of the island is going to respond to those things. Regardless, Forhetz says theyre ready to go as soon as they can. Convoy of Hope has been able to see this storm coming. Thats the one good thing about a hurricane is that we can see it coming, so weve been preparing for this. Weve been getting supplies in place so that we can quickly get them to the island just as quickly as its safe and possible to do so, Forhetz said. The same with our team. Theyre ready to go as soon as we can get them there, they will be on the ground and well begin working to distribute the supplies that people so desperately need. These are supplies that people cannot now go to the store and just pick up water and food and hygiene items, baby supplies, tarps, all of the things that you and I could just go grab. Theyre not going to be able to buy for an extended period of time. They need things that are going to sustain life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As their policy, Convoy workers remain in areas impacted by natural disaster, which could take up to years. Were still working in Los Angeles following the wildfires, in Texas following the flooding and in six states along the southeastern coast following Hurricane Helene, Forhetz said. This storm really reminds me of Hurricane Dorian that hit the Bahamas back in 2019, and following that storm in the Bahamas, Convoy of Hope was working there for five years after the storm. Convoy is committed to being there for the long haul, to helping the people of Jamaica get back on their feet and get their lives back to normal. As experts predict a massive amount of damage following Melissa, Forhetz, like Howard, is hoping for the best. This storm is a catastrophic, historic storm, the strongest storm ever to hit Jamaica, so incredibly slow-moving that the wind speeds of 180 miles an hour sustained are causing insane, terrible damage. More than a foot of water being dropped on the island. The people of Jamaica are really in the thick of it all day long today. Its going to be a tough go for many months and even I would say years to come after this storm rolls out. Its going to change the landscape of Jamaica as they get back on their feet, Forhetz said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The storm was downgraded to a Category 4 late on Tuesday, Oct. 28, afternoon. 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. Proposals for changing the way California's high-speed rail project would pass through Shafter went nowhere Monday night after local residents and business people called the plan unnecessarily disruptive. The Shafter City Council voted unanimously Monday to reject alternatives presented by project representatives. It instead left in place a plan approved in 2018 as part of a settlement agreement that led to the dismissal of an environmental lawsuit the city filed against the project. The council did leave open the door to possible negotiations with the California High-Speed Rail Authority, but only if the idea was to reroute the proposed alignment so bullet trains would bypass the city altogether. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rail authority representatives said the changes proposed would have minimized construction timetables, reduced interruptions and lowered costs. It would do so, they said, by crossing the city's major thoroughfares with grade separations, such as overpasses, instead of an already-approved plan to place train tracks atop a 35-foot wall expected to take years to build. The council's vote came after a series of public comments expressing indignation that the alternative would require taking out existing businesses and, more generally, make changes to the city's layout. Resident Elliott Kirchenmann joined others in saying rail authority staffers don't live in Shafter and should be held accountable for plans that would cause problems for the city. He asked the council to hold to the 2018 agreement. Another public speaker, resident Jenny Holtermann, accused the rail authority of tearing the community apart. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Go on the eastern side of our city and leave the heart of our community alone," she said. Council members largely agreed with the public statements. "You're coming right through a middle of a 100-year-old town and you're just going to rip it up," Councilman Pete Espinoza said. "And it doesn't benefit anybody here. It doesn't stop here. It's just going to go right through the gut of town." Just prior to Monday's vote, Mayor Chad Givens said Shafter is being impacted by the high-speed rail project more than any other city that isn't also getting a train station or other economic benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He made a motion that no changes be made to the 2018 settlement agreement unless staff can negotiate a route that wouldn't run through the city. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0. A spokesman for the rail authority said by email the council's vote means the city has rejected a proposal that would have reduced impacts and traffic disruptions while shortening construction within city limits and significantly lowering costs. He held out hope the authority could work out its differences with Shafter. "The authority will continue to work with the city and evaluate options to responsibly deliver high-speed rail in a way that balances local interests with the needs of the entire state, he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Early in Monday's meeting, CHSRA Statewide Regional Director Basem Muallem said the initiative's new leadership began speaking with Shafter officials about a month ago as part of its focus on ways to optimize the project. He said the project's new CEO, Ian Choudri, wants to build the project smarter, faster and cheaper. Muallem denied the project would divide Shafter and added that the rail authority wouldn't make any changes without gathering local feedback. Shangri-La Group has launched two new hotels within a single complex at the Shanghai Hongqiao transportation hub, introducing both Shangri-La Hongqiao Airport and Traders Hongqiao Airport. The development marks the companys fifth hotel project in the city and demonstrates its strategy of placing multiple brands under one roof to serve a wider range of guests. The opening also coincides with the worldwide introduction of the updated Traders brand, which incorporates advanced technology to meet the needs of business travellers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Shangri-La Group, its dual-branded property offers direct connections to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airports Terminal 2, the high-speed rail station, and the city metro network. This gives seamless access to downtown Shanghai and key Yangtze River Delta cities such as Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Nanjing. The Shangri-La Hongqiao Airport has 91 rooms and suites, each featuring floor-to-ceiling quadrupleglazed windows and openplan layouts. It also offers Horizon Club privileges, including curated breakfasts and evening turndown service. The hotel also offers nearly 3,000m of event space next to the National Exhibition and Convention Center, targeting organisers of weddings and conferences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Accommodation at Traders Hongqiao Airport consists of 520 rooms, with amenities aimed at travellers facing long layovers or delayed flights. The hotel also debuts a revised brand identity featuring accelerated check-in and check-out processes. According to Shangri-La Group, guests at the hotel can complete the check-in/out processes in seconds, receiving room information on their smartphones and accessing e-invoicing upon departure. In addition, Traders Hongqiao Airport employs robots to deliver luggage and prepare coffee, with technology allowing for rapid reservation of meeting facilities through an online platform. Shangri-La Group group chief marketing officer and China CEO Chris Tung said: This dual-branded hotel represents a significant milestone in our journey of innovation. Through our luxury + efficiency dual-engine strategy, we have achieved operational synergy and enhanced the service standards for guest stays at the Hongqiao international hub. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, the refreshed Traders brand, with its focus on technological sophistication and smart efficiency, sets a new benchmark for meeting the evolving needs of todays business travellers. "Shangri-La opens dual-branded hotels at Shanghai transportation hub" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand. MANHATTAN (KSNT) The Sunset Zoo in Manhattan reports that one of its more well-known residents has died. The Sunset Zoo issued a press release on Oct. 29 reporting that Susie the western chimpanzee died at the age of 71. Zoo staff were monitoring her condition closely as she dealt with age-related health issues such as cataracts, arthritis and muscle loss. Susies caretakers recently noticed a sharp decline in her behavior, mobility and comfort level. Both the veterinary and animal care teams could not provide any additional care for Susie than was already being administered to her. The decision was then made to euthanize Susie. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Susie was a truly special animal here at Sunset Zoo, said Sunset Zoo Director, Scott Shoemaker. She touched the hearts of every member of our team. Whether she was giving kisses to those she knew or enjoying one of her favorite treatspopcornshe always brought joy to our days. She will be deeply missed. $27 million I-70 highway interchange project nears start date in central Kansas Susie held the distinction of being recognized as the oldest female chimpanzee in human care. She lived more than 30 years beyond the average chimpanzee lifespan in the wild, which is about 40 years. The Sunset Zoo said Susie was born in 1954 and arrived in Manhattan in 1974. She gave birth to seven chimpanzees and is survived by two daughters who live in two other zoos in the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like so many in Manhattan, I grew up visiting Susie, said Parks and Recreation Director, Aaron Stewart. She was part of my childhood and has been part of this communitys story for generations. Her long life is something we should truly celebratea reflection of the remarkable care she received and the deep compassion of those who watched over her every day. But her passing is also deeply felt. For countless families, Susie was their first connection to wildlife, their first visit to Sunset Zoo, and their first lesson in empathy for animals. Her presence brought joy, wonder, and a sense of shared pride that will live on in the memories of our community and everyone who had the privilege to know her. People who wish to mourn Susie may do so by sharing memories at the zoo. Guests can sign cards located in the Ballard Gallery primate viewing area. Susies legacy will extend far beyond her years here at Sunset Zoo, said Sunset Zoo Curator of Education, Erica Buckwalter. Not only did she play a vital role in helping secure a future for chimpanzees in managed care, but she also inspired generations of guests to care for and protect wildlife and wild places. We can honor her legacy by being good stewards of the natural world she helped us appreciate. Western chimpanzees are listed as an endangered species due to illegal wildlife trading, poaching and habitat destruction, according to the Sunset Zoo. Only around 150,000 to 250,000 western chimpanzees are estimated to remain in Africa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What opinions do Kansans have on marijuana legalization? For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf 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 KSNT 27 News. The body of 34-year-old Tanisha Rivers was discovered under a bridge on Woodruff Road by Bear Creek in Chattahoochee Hills on Oct. 4. Police are treating her death as suspicious and possibly a homicide as they await confirmation of the cause and manner of death from Fulton County. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Rivers, a mother of two, was found dead in a location that sees little traffic, adding to the mystery surrounding her death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im currently battling Stage 4 triple negative metastatic breast cancer. And thats hard for our family. So for us to have an untimely death at a time where like Im in the fight of my life, I just feel like I need to fight for my niece, you know? She didnt deserve to die like this, her aunt, Leona Word, said. River had been staying at an EconoLodge near Six Flags in Austell as late as Sept. 27, and her SUV was located near the Fulton Inn. Were just waiting for Fulton County to confirm the cause of death and the manner of death, but through our investigation, were treating this as a suspicious death and homicide, said Chief Kevin Digou of the Chattahoochee Hills Police. Word described Rivers as a very loving person, the type that would give you the shirt off her back, like very, very sweet. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rivers had been trafficked for sex from the age of 13 and had been trying to turn her life around in recent years. Her line of work doesnt devaluate what were going to do to try and solve this, Digou said. My detective has been working on this case since he got it day in and day out, weekends. Were throwing everything we can at this to get this solved and bring justice to her and her family. She definitely had in the last two and a half years, turned over a new leaf. So she had been attending church, and I dont even know the name of the church to be able to tell those people, but they were looking for her. She was attending AA meetings, so I feel like that was also helping her, you know battle those demons that she had, Word said. Rivers had recently left a boyfriend in West Georgia who had been supportive of her efforts to turn over a new leaf. Capt. Richard Stein and detective Lee Martin are investigating whether her past may have contributed to her untimely death. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] NEED TO KNOW Melisa Hansboro was found fatally shot in her Indianapolis home in June 2023 Her daughter grew concerned about her well-being when she arrived at the residence and found it locked as her cell-phone rang inside the house, unanswered Hansboro was in the middle of a breakup with her killer at the time of the murder An Indiana man has been convicted for the 2023 murder of his former girlfriend, who was found fatally shot in her home. The body of 54-year-old Melisa Hansboro was found on the floor in her Indianapolis residence on June 1, the Marion County Prosecutor's Office said in a statement this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her ex-boyfriend Jerry Lewis was convicted of her murder on Thursday, Oct. 23, the statement said. Hansboro was moving into her new home hours before her 6-year-old grandson found her body, the Indianapolis Star reported. On the day of her murder, her daughter and grandchildren arrived at her residence and grew concerned at the circumstances, per the prosecutor's office statement. She found her mother's home locked and car missing. When the daughter tried to call Hansboro, she heard her cellphone ringing inside the house, but it went unanswered. She, along with her children, entered the residence, where Hansboro's body was found with a gunshot wound to the back of her neck, the prosecutor's office said in their statement. Gunshot residue at the scene indicated to investigators that the victim had been shot in close range, Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hansboro and Lewis were in the middle of a break-up when she was killed, per an affidavit, IndyStar reported. Lewis was in her home when the two got into an argument right before her murder. After killing Hansboro, Lewis went to his friend's place and asked him to take him to the police station, claiming that he had "messed up his life," according to prosecutors. 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. Lewis was convicted of murder after a jury deliberated for just 31-minutes, following a three-day trial, according to the statement from the prosecutor's office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The jurys swift verdict is a reflection of strong investigative work and a trial team determined to get this family the justice they deserve," Prosecutor Ryan Mears said in the statement. If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.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 NEED TO KNOW Donovan Faison, 23, was convicted of murdering his girlfriend and their unborn child by a Florida jury on Oct. 28 Kaylin Fiengo was just 18 when she was fatally shot in the head after Faison lured her to a Florida park on Nov. 11, 2022 Prosecutors said that Faison murdered his girlfriend after she informed him she was pregnant with their child, but refused to have an abortion A Florida man who lured his girlfriend to a remote park and then shot her dead after learning she was pregnant has been found guilty. Donovan Faison, 23, was convicted by a jury on charges of first-degree murder, killing an unborn child and burglary, and now could face the death penalty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The charges stem from the death of 18-year-old Kaylin Fiengo, who was shot dead as she sat inside her car at Coastline Park in Sanford on Nov. 11, 2022. Faison was arrested 10 months later and charged with the murders of his teenage girlfriend and her unborn child, Office of the State Attorney, 18th Judicial Circuit Donovan Faison Donovan Faison His arrest came after investigators with the Seminole County Sheriffs Office were able to find text messages between Fasion and Fiengo in which he expressed his displeasure when he learned about the pregnancy. When Fiengo first announced the news of her pregnancy to Faison by sending a photo of two positive pregnancy tests, he accused her of lying and then texted "Abortion!!!," according to Matt Reed, the public information officer for the State Attorney's office in the 18th Judicial Circuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors argued at trial that Faison was "angry and felt pressured because he was living with another woman who suspected him of cheating," according to Bell. Also introduced at trial was a text Faison sent a friend when Fiengo refused to get an abortion. On my brothers grave, Im gonna crop her out," Faison wrote in that text, according to prosecutors. Office of the State Attorney, 18th Judicial Circuit Ultrasound image found near Fiengo's body Ultrasound image found near Fiengo's body Shortly after sending that text, prosecutors said that Faison convinced Fiengo to meet him at Coastline Park, where he shot her in the head and left her and the unborn child to die in her car. Investigators later found an ultrasound image of the unborn child just a few feet away from Fiengo's body. 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. Prosecutors were later able to place Faison at the scene thanks to a friend who said Fiengo had told her she was going to the park to meet him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In their closing arguments, prosecutors highlighted the text Faison sent to his friend prior to Fiengo's murder. "He said he was going to do it, then he did it. The police got the right guy," said Domenick Leo. Faison started the death penalty phase of his trial on Wednesday, Oct. 29, which is expected to last at least two days. His lawyer did not respond to a request for comment. Read the original article on People SMITHFIELD, N.C. (AP) The North Carolina man accused of killing four of his children after human remains were found inside the trunk of a vehicle at their home appears to have spread the slayings over several months, a sheriff said Wednesday. Wellington Delano Dickens III, 38, was charged Tuesday with four counts of murder. The sheriffs office said investigators believe Dickens killed three of his biological children, ages 6, 9 and 10, as well as his 18-year-old stepchild. Dickens had contacted Johnston County 911 late Monday and said he had killed his children. He told deputies that arrived at his home on the outskirts of Zebulon about 25 miles (40 kilometers) east of Raleigh that four of his children were deceased and had been placed inside the vehicle parked in his garage, the Johnston County Sheriff's Office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The arrest warrants filed against Dickens listed May 1 as the date of the killings. But Sheriff Steve Bizzell said at a news conference in nearby Smithfield on Wednesday that based on interviews investigators now believe the deaths were spread out over time. Bizzell said Dickens killed his 6-year-old child in May, the 9-year-old in August, the 10-year-old in late August or early September, and the 18-year-old in September. The state medical examiners office is trying to determine how they died, he added. Bizzell said he didn't yet know why Dickens killed the children, but as the sheriff, as a father and as a grandfather, I can stand here and say theres no reason for a father to murder his children. In a 911 call recording obtained Wednesday by WRAL-TV, a man who identified himself as Wellington Dickens and giving the home's address tells the dispatcher that he had killed his children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a lot to explain, but in a nutshell its probably my fault Its my fault. Its bad, the man says, adding that he didnt use knives or firearms. It started out as me over-disciplining that's it, he says. I beat on them sometimes. They didnt want to eat, I didnt force them to eat, Ive told them it was a punishment not to eat. I did a bunch of different little things. Dickens remained held without bond after a Wednesday afternoon hearing on three of the counts, records show. He made his first court appearance Tuesday on the other murder count. Reached by phone, Michelle Moore, Dickens' court-appointed attorney, declined to comment. Dickens' next court appearance is Nov. 13. Johnston County District Attorney Jason Waller said the investigation remains active and ongoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deputies who responded to Dickens' 911 call found his 3-year-old son alive inside the home, as Dickens had told them they would, authorities said. The sheriff's office said the 3-year-old was unharmed. The deputies discovered human bodies in the trunk and they appeared to have died some time ago, Bizzell said. Dickens great uncle told a television station Tuesday that Dickens was an Iraq War veteran. Some neighbors said Tuesday that they didn't remember seeing the family, especially after Dickens' wife, Stephanie Rae Jones Dickens, died in April 2024. Authorities had determined she died from complications from a miscarriage, and doctors ruled her death as natural, Bizzell said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked how the children's deaths were concealed for so long, sheriffs Capt. Don Pate said the family members were just very secluded" and that Dickens' extended family was not welcome to visit. The neighbors said they never saw them come outside, and they were homeschooled, so they were just confined to the house, Pate said. Bizzell said deputies went to the same Zebulon home with emergency workers when Stephanie Dickens died last year. The sheriff said it was determined then that she had experienced excessive bleeding the night prior but refused to go for medical treatment. President and Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces Droupadi Murmu completed a sortie in a Rafale fighter aircraft at Ambala Air Force Station. Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh was also at the Air Force Station when the president took off in the Rafale. At the Ambala Air Force Station, President Murmu was formally given a guard of honour prior to her Rafale sortie. On April 8, 2023, the President flew in a Sukhoi SU-30 MKI fighter jet at Tezpur Air Force Station in Assam. "The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, will visit Ambala, Haryana tomorrow, where she will take a sortie in a Rafale," according to a statement by the Rashtrapati Bhavan issued on Tuesday. Earlier on Tuesday, President Murmu inaugurated the opening plenary of the Eighth Session of the International Solar Alliance Assembly (ISA) in the national capital, according to a release from the President's Secretariat. Speaking on the occasion, the President said that the ISA stands as a symbol of humanity's shared aspiration--to harness solar energy for inclusion, dignity, and collective prosperity. The President said that climate change is affecting the entire world. Urgent and concrete steps need to be taken to deal with this threat. India is committed to combating climate change and is taking determined steps. She highlighted that ISA represents a significant step towards addressing this global challenge by encouraging the adoption and use of solar energy. The President said, "The idea of inclusion defines India's development journey. Our experience in illuminating homes in the remotest areas confirms our belief that energy equity is the foundation of social equity. Access to affordable and clean energy empowers communities, drives the local economy, and opens up opportunities that extend well beyond the provision of electricity," adding that solar energy is not merely about power generation but also about empowerment and inclusive development. The President said, "We should work with more dedication not only for our own countries but for the entire world, and not only for the present generation but for future generations." She further expressed confidence that the deliberations and decisions of this Assembly will serve as a milestone in the production of solar energy, contributing to the building of an inclusive and equitable world. (ANI) SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)- Ken Epperson is a Caddo Parish Commissioner. His heart for service goes back a long way. He joined the military after being inspired by his dad, Kenneth Epperson Sr. Vietnam veteran helps other vets heal with visits overseas He said, My father was in World War II; he was a decorated World War II veteran, and I remember when I saw his pictures and saw some of the other guys when they came home. The neat uniforms and the way that they were looking all starched and crisp, and I said I want to join the military. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Vietnam War was underway, and many thought he was crazy to join at that time; however, he felt he would have more opportunities if he enlisted than he would if he stayed at home. He excelled in the military, being promoted through the ranks and placed over other people. It was at that point that he knew he could do anything anyone else could do. Epperson says the military is a good option for young people. There is nothing wrong with learning discipline. He also points out that everyone should honor veterans. He is the proud chairman of the Veterans Celebration Committee. Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund: A way to pay it forward Their annual ceremony takes place Saturday, November 15, at 5 p.m. at the Shreveport Convention Center. A veterans parade will also be held on Sunday, November 16, at 2 p.m. at the Louisiana State Fairgrounds. Veterans and military members receive free admission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 KTALnews.com. SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneauxs office announced that he is being treated for bacterial pneumonia after a coughing spell compelled him to step away from Tuesdays Shreveport City Council meeting. I had hoped to continue working through my illness in order to attend Tuesdays City Council meeting, said Mayor Arceneaux. However, after developing a fever, my physicians recommended a short hospital stay for observation and recovery. The mayor said he is responding well to treatments, and doctors are encouraged by his progress, but advised that he fully recover before resuming his regular schedule. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mayors health issues became public when coughing was heard at various points during the City Council Meeting, prompting questions about his health. Dr. Ammar Husan, Assistant Professor of Family Medicine at LSU Health Shreveport, said its important to get treated if your regular cold symptoms are worsening over time. When that cold and flu isnt getting better, and you see that youre having problems with breathing, and your fever isnt breaking, those are times you should listen to your body. Its really important to be able to come in to the office and get it treated early, said Husan. Shreveport Council Chairwoman Tabatha Taylor provided the following statement via the mayors office: On behalf of the City Council, we continue to keep Mayor Arceneaux in our thoughts and prayers as he recovers, said Council Chairwoman Tabatha Taylor. The Council remains committed to working closely with the Mayor and his administration to serve the residents of Shreveport effectively and keep our city moving forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Arceneaux said he is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support from the people of Shreveport. Your encouragement means more to me than I can express, and its been a great source of strength as I recover. Caddo Commissioner Stormy Gage-Watts also provided a statement on behalf of herself and the constituents of District 7, I want to extend heartfelt prayers and warm wishes during this time. We were saddened to hear of your recent health challenges, and we are lifting you up in prayer for a full and speedy recovery. Please know that you are in our thoughts, and we stand with you in support and encouragement. May you find rest, healing, and renewed strength in the days ahead. What happened during the Shreveport City Council Meeting? Initially, the mayor could be seen sitting and participating in the meeting with the council members, but he was no longer seen in his seat approximately an hour and a half into the two-hour session. Shreveport Fire Department officials confirm units were dispatched to the government plaza around 4:20 p.m., but were unable to confirm who, if anyone, was transported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayors Office Director of Communications Leigh Anne Evensky issued a statement, confirming the Mayor had been admitted to the hospital for treatment but assures citizens all is well. Mayor Arceneaux has been admitted to the hospital with pneumonia and is receiving treatment as a precaution. Hes in good spirits, very alert, resting comfortably, and will be out soon! In regard to rumors that the Mayor may have fainted, she adds, There was no falling out or collapse. The big to do outside government plaza was everyone going 100% for the mayor. He is sick, but he is ok. The news comes just weeks after the Mayor announced his 2026 re-election bid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Tom Arceneaux announces 2026 re-election bid with celebrity guest We will continue to update as more information becomes available regarding his condition. 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 KTALnews.com. FOND DU LAC Federal food assistance is expected run out of funding Nov. 1, and Fond du Lac residents and organizations are bracing for a delay in benefits. If you've been hearing about SNAP benefits running out next month, here's what to know in Fond du Lac County about local food assistance, who is being affected and who is here to help. Read more: How are SNAP benefits, food banks impacted by a government shutdown? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Who will be impacted by food stamps running out? SNAP recipients by the numbers. What is SNAP? The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is known in Wisconsin as the FoodShare program and is also often called food stamps, but the goal is the same: to stop hunger. People of all ages benefit from FoodShare if they have low-income jobs, live on a small or fixed income, are retired, have lost their job, or are disabled and cant work, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Many grocery stores, convenience stores, farmers' markets and other stores accept issued electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards for most foods, such as fruits, vegetables, bread, meat, snacks and dairy products. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to data from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Fond du Lac County has seen an average of 9,529 FoodShare participants per month while Dodge County has seen an average of 7,698 monthly participants and Green Lake County 1,901. Who is affected? FoodShare members are affected by the pause. According to the DHS as of Oct. 24, participants in the Women, Infants and Children special program are not impacted so far, and November benefits will be available. Other state programs like BadgerCare Plus, Medicaid and SeniorCare are also not impacted. Why is funding paused? The federal government shut down Oct. 1, affecting major services. More than 700,000 federal workers have been furloughed, and nearly as many workers are working without pay, according to USA Today coverage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For SNAP benefits in particular, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced Oct. 10 there will not be enough funding to pay the entirety of November benefits if the shutdown continued. How are food pantries affected? Fondy Food Pantry Executive Director Ellen Simon said she's already witnessing the effects. "When theres uncertainty about federal food assistance, we often see an immediate ripple effect locally as families try to secure food for the weeks ahead," she said. Pantry volunteer Lois Ronca packs dry goods into a box at the Fondy Food Pantry in Fond du Lac. As of Oct. 28, new registrations flooded in, with 31 in the past seven days, and the parking lot was overfilled during open hours on Oct. 27 and 28. In addition to a significant amount of food going out the doors, staff had a difficult time keeping cars off Rolling Meadows Drive and moving the line efficiently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Colder weather and rising utility, rent and food costs on top of the pause also has families worried, Simon added. The pantry is preparing by purchasing more staple foods, adjusting their operations to serve families more efficiently during busy sessions, and ensuring programs like Home Delivery, Food for Thought weekend bags for students and Homeless Boxes are ready to meet increased demand. Read more: Holy Family Catholic Community's Blessed Bites marks 5 years, 17,000 meals served Where can affected people go for help in the community? The DHS said participants can use any benefits currently on their card in November, as benefits that are already on the card will not be removed because of the shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fondy Food Pantry, 573 W. Rolling Meadows Drive, is open for walk-in distribution from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Mondays, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays, and 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursdays. New clients are asked to register in advance online at fondyfoodpantry.org. The Salvation Army of Fond du Lac's main food pantry, 237 N. Macy St., is open from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, available for families to visit once every 30 days. It also includes personal care items and cleaning supplies. A smaller, outdoor pantry is available 24/7. Lighthouse Christian Church, 401 S. National Ave., opens its food pantry from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, as well as 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday nights. Items are first come, first served on the white tables in the foyer. Broken Bread Food Pantry at Cathedral Church of St. Paul, 51 W. Division St., is open 1 to 5 p.m. Fridays. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hope on the Block has a pantry on the Macy Street side of the Advocap building, 19 W. First St. in Fond du Lac and outside the Spillman Public Library, 719 Wisconsin Ave. in North Fond du Lac. On Fridays, the organization teams up with Broken Bread to serve meals to-go starting at 5 p.m. at Cathedral Church of St. Paul. Holy Family Catholic Community's Blessed Bites program provides to-go meals, non-perishable food and hygiene and home care items for anyone in need from 4 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Starting Nov. 4, it will move to Holy Family Warming Shelter, 73 E. First St., but the process will remain the same. The warming shelter opens Nov. 1, with 36 spots available to Fond du Lac County residents from 5:30 p.m. to 7 a.m. every day through April 30. Holy Family Warming Shelter gets boost from Buckarma Foundation Waupun Food Pantry, 520 McKinley St., Suite B, is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays and 9 a.m. to noon Thursdays. Residents are able to visit once a month, and also request assistance for clothing from the community closet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ripon's community food pantry at Traded Treasures Thrift Store, 102 to 104 W. Jackson St., is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the first four Mondays of each month. Customers can pick up food once a month. Outside of pantries, St. Vincent de Paul Fond du Lac County, 330 N. Peters Ave., offers crisis assistance with rent, utilities, clothing, food and transportation when resources allow, delivered through volunteer home visits. Support and other resources are available by calling 920-922-3650. Advocap, 19 W. First St., has several programs assisting with nutrition, transportation, affordable housing, homelessness prevention, child care and more. The Opportunity Center, open from the back entrance Mondays through Thursdays, has more resources for low income individuals. Read more: Church of Our Saviors 100-year legacy in Fond du Lac includes food pantry and music How can I help if I'm not affected? Simon said the community can make a difference by donating or volunteering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many pantries welcome donations of non-perishable food items and money, and Simon said monetary gifts are especially helpful because they allow Fondy Food Pantry to purchase high-protein, perishable foods like milk, eggs and produce. Individual pantries and other organizations throughout the area may also accept non-food essentials like personal care or hygiene products. Holy Family Warming Shelter's Amazon wishlist, for instance, includes deodorant, disposable gloves and paper towels among their current needs. Hope on the Block's Amazon wishlist for the Fond du Lac pantry includes handwarmers, hygiene supplies, high protein snacks and batteries. A separate wishlist for the North Fond du Lac pantry is also available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Check with individual pantries and organizations for their greatest needs, as well as how to donate money or volunteer. Daphne Lemke is the Streetwise reporter for the Fond du Lac Reporter. Contact her at dlemke@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Fond du Lac Reporter: Fond du Lac food pantries a list to help as SNAP benefits run out The shutdown pain is set to spiral. After four weeks in which the real-world impacts of the budget impasse have been relatively limited, a series of deadlines governing a range of programs will converge at the turn of the month to send the effects of the shutdown well beyond the Beltway. The D-Day moment, which hits this weekend, is poised to wallop groups as varied as military troops, patients on ObamaCare, kids in Head Start, and low-income families receiving nutrition assistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The combination will affect tens of millions of people, sending shockwaves into every congressional district and heightening the pressure on Congress to come together and secure the elusive deal to end the deadlock. Some of those impacts are already tangible. Last Friday, most federal employees missed their first full paycheck of the shutdown, after getting only a partial check two weeks earlier. And Tuesday, air traffic controllers essential employees who must report to work followed suit, forcing some to seek second jobs and raising concerns about travel delays heading into the holidays. The coming days, though, are expected to be even worse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administration shifted funds to pay out October benefits for the federal nutrition program for young mothers and kids, known as WIC. But that emergency funding is set to run out near the end of the month. And a huge fight is brewing over the fate of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides food aid to millions of low-income people. Congress has put more than $5 billion into a contingency fund designed to cover SNAP benefits during emergencies. But the administration says the fund is reserved for unforeseen events such as natural disasters. The current shutdown doesnt qualify, Trump officials charge, because it was caused by Democrats. Contingency funds are not legally available to cover regular benefits, according to a memo issued last week by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees SNAP. Democrats have rejected that legal analysis, saying Congress created the contingency fund for emergency situations exactly like the current budget impasse. If the Trump administration refuses to spend the money, they say, it would violate the federal law designed to ensure that appropriated funds go where Congress intended. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The contingency funding that we set aside for SNAP is not optional spending. It is required by the law, Rep. Rosa DeLauro (Conn.), the senior Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, told reporters Tuesday in the Capitol. We appropriated that money for this purpose. The White House must spend it, she added. And what they are doing right now, blocking these funds from going out, is illegal. On Tuesday, a number of state attorneys general in Democratic states sued the administration to release the funds. But the challenge will take time to move through the courts. Meanwhile, withholding the SNAP funding would affect more than 40 million low-income people, including roughly 16 million children, 8 million seniors and 1.2 million veterans. Patients who benefit from the Affordable Care Act (ACA) are also soon to experience the impacts of the congressional deadlock. On Nov. 1, the open enrollment period for ObamaCare begins. And if Congress doesnt act to extend soon-to-expire subsidies adopted during the COVID pandemic, premiums and other costs are expected to skyrocket at the start of next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The increase would directly impact more than 20 million ACA enrollees, but the fallout is expected to reverberate far beyond that, as hospitals and other providers scramble to adjust to the expected spike in the number of uninsured patients. Its that looming cost hike Democrats say must be addressed as a condition of reopening the government. But with Republicans opposed to that stipulation, theres virtually no chance the issue will be resolved before ACA patients begin perusing their plan options for next year. The time is now that people are looking at [how] their health care costs are going to go up, Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.) said Tuesday. In Minnesota, she warned, the out-of-pocket increase for a 60-year-old couple will average $15,000 next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People are desperate as they go to renew their health care, she said. Its not in December, its not next year, it is Nov. 1 this Saturday. Head Start is another of the major federal programs said to be on the chopping block if the shutdown extends into next month. Roughly 750,000 low-income kids currently benefit from the program, which provides child care, early education and some health services to children under the age of 6. The National Head Start Association is warning that almost 10 percent of those students will see their schools shuttered Nov. 1 if Washington policymakers dont intervene. Some Head Starts are set to run out of money, Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) said Tuesday. Im starting to hear that. And while Trumps budget team had stepped in to secure payments for the nations military personnel when their first check came due Oct. 15, that $8 billion pool is poised to run dry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Vice President Vance in recent days have indicated the troops would be paid at the end of the week though likely not Nov. 15 but the White House hasnt released any information about where that funding would come from. Heading into the November storm, both parties are sounding alarm bells about the economic turmoil to come and blaming the other for the damage. Republicans say Democrats wont support the GOPs spending bill because theyre under heavy pressure from the left to do battle with President Trump, even if the result is that millions of Americans are hurt financially. They simply fear losing their own political positions next November if they dont appease the angry, far-left base right now, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) told reporters Tuesday. And they will appease that base at any cost, no matter how much pains inflicted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats reject those charges, saying its Republicans who are threatening the financial security of Americans by refusing to extend the ACA enhanced tax credits. Democrats simply dont trust Republicans who have sought to eliminate ObamaCare for more than a decade to address the issue before January if its not done now. We can resolve this crisis pretty simply. We could reopen the government and not allow peoples health care premiums to double or triple, Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) said Tuesday. Thats it. Thats all they have to do. The finger-pointing has left many questioning whether even the confluence of factors would be enough to force leaders to the negotiating table. A wild card in the debate remains Trump himself. While the president met with leaders in both parties Sept. 29, two days before the shutdown began, hes been on the sidelines ever since, focused on foreign affairs and refusing to negotiate with Democrats until they help reopen the government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump was in Asia this week, meeting with a number of foreign leaders, and he isnt scheduled to return to Washington until just before the start of November. Democrats say that passive approach is a mistake, because Trumps influence over Republicans will be needed to secure any agreement. I wish the president would return from Asia and get everybody in a room, Dingell 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 The Hill. ALEXANDRIA, Va. (DC News Now) As the government shutdown drags on, its not just people feeling the strain, so are pets. Animal shelters across the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region are seeing a spike in both pet surrenders and pet needs as federal workers face missed paychecks and mounting costs. Were continuing to see a really high intake volume, said Erin Johnston with the Brandywine SPCA. We get anywhere from 15 to 20 pets in typically each day. So right now, we are at full capacity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many families say they cant afford food, vet bills, or other costs of pet care while furloughed or out of work. Animal Welfare of Alexandria waiving small animal adoption fees Joanna Fortnight with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria said their pet food pantry, which typically helps around 100 families, has jumped to serving between 200 and 250. Some folks are finding they just dont have that wiggle room right now, said Joanna Fortnight of the Animal Welfare League. Theyre already needing some help to keep their family together. The Brandywine Valley SPCA is also reporting a sharp increase in animal intake and demand for low-cost pet clinic services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its from financial hardship, Johnston said. Whether thats a job loss or the federal furlough, were certainly seeing a sharp increase. At Knine Rescue in Montgomery County, Emily Cavey said pet surrenders have doubled in recent weeks. The fear and the anxiety are so high. The uncertainty of when theyll go back, whether theyll get paid for the time they were off, Cavey said. Theyre feeling like they wont be able to cover the medical costs of their animal. To help ease the strain, both the Brandywine Valley SPCA and the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria are waiving adoption fees. Knine Rescue is holding a donation drive this weekend to support federal workers trying to keep their pets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. With the government shutdown threatening to disrupt food assistance programs, Feeding South Dakota received a timely donation from the South Dakota Farmers Union 35,000 pounds of pork. The donation, which happened Oct. 17, couldn't have come at a better time, Hailey Srtska, Feeding South Dakota's vice president of operations, said in a news release. Protein is in high demand for the guests we serve because it is at an all-time high in the grocery store and we do not have access to protein like we typically do because of federal commodity food cuts to our program, Srtska said. And with the government shutdown we expect our lines of guests to grow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Falls Park Farmers Market begins inaugural winter event next month Feeding South Dakota, the state's largest hunger relief organization, distributes food to all 66 counties in South Dakota. It provided 11.7 million meals across the state during the 2024 fiscal year. The organization's extensive network of partnering food pantries will help distribute the donated pork throughout South Dakota. Doug Sombke, a Brown County farmer and South Dakota Farmers Union president, said in the news release that the "donation is the right thing for our organization to do because right now a lot of our neighbors are struggling to feed their families." "In fact, this harvest there are a lot of farmers struggling financially because the trade war took away our soybean markets, so many of us are losing money," Sombke said. How many people in South Dakota are food insecure? More than 113,000 people in South Dakota are food insecure, meaning they lack consistent access to enough food for every person in their household to live an active, healthy life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That figure doesn't include people affected by the government shutdown, either. Nearly 75,000 people in the state, or about one in 12 residents, could lose food assistance benefits if the shutdown drags on, South Dakota Searchlight reported. A county-by-county map shows varying levels of food insecurity across the state, from 8.5% in Hanson County up to 28.2% in Oglala Lakota County. This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Feeding South Dakota receives donation of 35,000 pounds of pork CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Nearly 140,000 people in Mecklenburg County could lose access to food assistance next month if the federal government shutdown continues, according to local nonprofit Nourish Up. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as Food and Nutrition Services in North Carolina, provides a monthly lifeline for families struggling to put food on the table. But with no resolution in sight, organizations like Nourish Up say they are bracing for a surge in need they cannot meet alone. We are sounding the alarm and letting the community know that no single organization, including Nourish Up, can fill in the gap for SNAP alone, said Danielle Moore, Chief Operating Officer of Nourish Up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moore said the nonprofit has already seen a 20% increase in service numbers as federal employees furloughed or working without pay turn to food pantries for help. We dont want families to have to make the tough decision between putting food on the table and paying a bill, Moore said. Nourish Up estimates it can only serve one out of every nine people who rely on SNAP in the county. The organization is expanding pantry capacity at its 40 locations and preparing for what could become an unprecedented crisis. Faith-based groups are also stepping in. Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland is the executive director of the North Carolina Council of Churches. Copeland said congregations are doing what they can to protect the most vulnerable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The number of people they will be expected to protect in the next week is insurmountable, Copeland said. Copeland urged lawmakers to act quickly. If a hungry child knocked on your door, you wouldnt turn them away because SNAP wasnt funded. Youd go to your pantry and hand that kid some food. If you break it down like that and say, Our government is refusing to pay the hungry children knocking on our door, maybe that paints a different picture for folks about whats about to happen, she said. You can help by donating to Nourish Ups emergency fund, hosting food drives, or contacting lawmakers to demand an end to the shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. As the federal government shutdown continues, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is facing growing uncertainty over future funding. For now, October 2025 benefits are being distributed as scheduled in most states, and existing balances on Electronic Benefit Transfer cards remain usable. However, if the shutdown extends into November without a congressional funding deal, millions of households could see serious disruptions. SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - MARCH 27: A volunteer distributes food to a person at the San Antonio Food Bank on March 27, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) has frozen $500 million in deliveries to food banks nationwide. The funding had been previously generated from the USDA's Commodity Credit Corporation, and the recent halt comes after the agency announced it will be ending two Covid-19 era programs that provided additional funding for food banks and schools to purchase food and supplies from regional farmers. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images) (Brandon Bell/Getty Images) RELATED: November SNAP benefits paused amid government shutdown; Central Texas Food Bank stays open Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Across Travis, Williamson and Hays counties, 133,089 people qualified for SNAP benefits in August, according to the most recent data available from Texas Health and Human Services. If SNAP benefits are disrupted, food banks and pantries can provide individuals and families with food security. Here is a list of local organizations that can to help SNAP recipients if their food subsidies go away next month: Major providers around Austin Central Texas Food Bank The CTFB is the largest hunger-relief charity in Central Texas. In addition to hosting food distribution events across the region, the food bank also collaborates with Travis County to support its food pantry operations. Visit the website at centraltexasfoodbank.org to find a distribution center or food pantry near you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Travis County Food Pantry Travis Countys Food Pantry program provides free groceries to residents in need. Each household can visit one of the countys Community Centers once every 30 days to receive about three to five days worth of food, including canned goods, produce and frozen items. To apply, residents fill out a short form online or in person with basic household details name, address, number of people and income or assistance information. IDs arent required unless someone else picks up on your behalf. Walk-ins are accepted, but scheduling an appointment is recommended since supplies are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Hope Food Pantry Austin This nonprofit provides groceries to families facing food insecurity. A partner of the CTFB, Hope offers drive-through distributions every Thursday, Friday and the first Saturday of the month, from 9 to 10:30 a.m., at 4001 Speedway, using the 40th Street entrance. Where to go, fast ATX Free Fridge These fridges are a community-run project that stocks outdoor refrigerators across Austin to fight hunger and food waste. Open 24/7, there is no paperwork or ID required. Their motto is, Give what you can, take what you need. Locations include Brentwood, Dove Springs, Dittmar, West Campus and outside Nixta Taqueria. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Volunteers restock the fridges weekly, and anyone can help by donating food, cleaning or hosting a new site. An individual shops at a food bank. Texas food banks remain in operation amid news of SNAP benefits halting in November. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Prefer drive-thru or limited contact? Impact Now Dove Springs This site offers drive-thru food distribution on Teri Road. North Austin Muslim Community Center The center operates a drive-thru pantry on North Lamar and provides limited home deliveries for seniors and residents with mobility challenges. El Buen Samaritano The nonprofit hosts mobile food distribution events and runs a Thursday morning pantry at its Woodhue campus. Families and students Austin Voices Family Resource Centers In partnership with Austin ISD, these on-campus centers help families with basic needs, including access to food assistance. Sites include Burnet Middle School (which also serves Cook Elementary), Dobie Middle School, Perez Elementary and Webb Middle School. Peoples Community Clinic, Peoples Pantry The clinic offers both perishable and shelf-stable groceries alongside its regular health services. UT Outpost This on-campus pantry and career closet provides University of Texas students with free food and professional clothing. UT School of Nursing Social Resource Center (Del Valle) The center offers food, clothing and computer access for students and community members. Seniors Central Texas Food Bank HOPE Program This program provides a monthly box of shelf-stable food for income-eligible adults age 60 and older. Residents can ask the Food Bank or its partner sites for information on how to enroll. Neighborhood and faith-based sites Hours vary at these sites, so call ahead before visiting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South and Southwest Austin: South Austin Church of the Nazarene on Menchaca; Saint Ignatius Martyr; Oak Hill Baptist on Convict Hill; Christian Life Austin on West Gate; Abiding Love Lutheran on Brush Country. Central and East Austin: Cristo Rey Catholic on East Second Street; San Jose Catholic; Olivet Baptist on San Bernard; Greater Mount Zion on Tannehill. North and Northwest Austin: Westover Hills Church of Christ on Mesa; Austin Spanish First Seventh-day Adventist on Rundberg; North Austin Christian Church on Rutland; Austin Vineyard on Morris; St. Andrews Presbyterian on Wells Port. Most sites ask new visitors to check in or fill out a brief intake form. Arianna Bohara, volunteer, weighs boxes of donated items at the Central Texas Food Bank Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022, in Austin. (BRIANA SANCHEZ/AMERICAN-STATESMAN) Outside central Austin and surrounding counties Round Rock: Round Rock Seventh-day Adventist. Pflugerville: Food for All; First United Methodist Church of Pflugerville (Paulas Pantry and Clothes Closet); St. Elizabeth Catholic Cedar Park and Leander: Reveal Resource Center; Hill Country Community Ministries. Manor and Elgin corridor: Eternal Faith Baptist Church. Hays County, Buda and beyond: Hays County Food Bank. Bastrop County and nearby: Primera Baptist in Bastrop; Rosanky Baptist in Rosanky; Ridgeway Baptist in Paige; Grace Baptist in Red Rock. Highland Lakes region: Marble Falls Church of Christ; First Baptist Church of Marble Falls. Llano County: Llano Food Pantry. Before you go Here are some tips for getting food at a service site: COVENTRY - Police found child sexual abuse material on a Coventry man's hard drive that involved children between the ages of 4 and 12 years old, according to his arrest warrant. In the arrest warrant affidavit for Alex Radomski, police wrote that 37 images of child sexual abuse material were found on a hard drive in "unallocated space," indicating the files had been deleted. Police noted that the hard drive appeared not to have been used since February 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police seized multiple devices from Radomski's home on Walnut Trail, and also found three images of child sexual abuse material on a tablet, according to the warrant. Out of the 40 total images, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children reported that 14 of the images contained at least one child victim previously identified by law enforcement, police wrote in the warrant. Coventry police arrested Radomski, 40, on Oct. 17 and charged him with promoting a minor in an obscene performance and second-degree possession of child sexual abuse material. Coventry police began investigating Radomski after receiving a report from a detective with the Connecticut State Police Computer Crimes and Electronic Evidence Laboratory. The detective found that, on Jan. 19, from 3 a.m. to almost 8 a.m., a computer from Connecticut downloaded 284 images and 281 video files depicting child sexual abuse material, according to the warrant. The files depicted children who appeared between the ages of 1 year and 12 years engaged in sexually explicit activity, the Coventry Police Department wrote in the arrest warrant. The state police detective discovered this as he routinely searches the available peer-to-peer file-sharing networks for individuals participating in the dissemination of child sexual abuse material, according to the warrant. The detective sent the child sexual abuse material to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's Child Victim Identification Program, which reported that 379 files contained child victims previously identified by law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Through a Department of Homeland Security subpoena, investigators found that the IP address belonged to Radomski and turned the investigation over to Coventry police in March, according to the warrant. Coventry police said they received a search warrant and went to Radomski's home March 26 to search the residence. At the home, police found Radomski, two other adults and a juvenile. Police spoke to Radomski, who said there were times when he used peer-to-peer networks and sometimes "what he searched for would result in something different than what he typed in," according to the warrant. "He said when that happened, he got rid of it right away," police wrote, and he told investigators, "I would never keep any of that stuff or share it, I know it's extremely highly illegal." Radomski told investigators that he would search certain terms, one of which being "teen," and he would get a variety of photos, including some that "would make you sick to your stomach," he said, according to the warrant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Alex said when he used the keyword 'teens' he had a feeling he would get something back like he did, but he said that he did not want it," he told investigators, according to the warrant. Radomski said he saw photos with children and, when asked their ages, he said they were young teenagers or around 12 years old. "Once I saw that picture I snapped my hard drive in half," he told investigators, according to the warrant. "If I ever see anything like that I don't save it, like I'm too afraid." Police informed Radomski that the material involved very young children, and Radomski "admitted to seeing files of children engaging in sex but said he would shut it off right away when he saw that," police wrote. When asked what age he believed the youngest child was that he saw in the materials, he said he was not comfortable and "it was sick," according to the warrant. Radomski is free on a $200,000 bond and is scheduled to appear at state Superior Court in Rockville Oct. 17, according to judicial records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To report cases of child exploitation, visit CyberTipline.com. This article originally published at 'It was sick': CT man told police he regretted downloading child sex abuse material, warrant says. Sudan plunged into a civil war in April 2023 after a vicious struggle for power broke out between its army and a powerful paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). It has led to a famine and claims of a genocide in the western Darfur region - with fears for the residents of city of el-Fasher after it was recently captured by the RSF. More than 150,000 people have died in the conflict across the country, and about 12 million have fled their homes in what the United Nations has called the world's largest humanitarian crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here is what you need to know. Why is there a civil war? It is the latest episode in bouts of tension that followed the 2019 ousting of long-serving President Omar al-Bashir, who came to power in a coup in 1989. There were huge street protests calling for an end to his near-three decade rule and the army mounted a coup to get rid of him. But civilians continued to campaign for the introduction of democracy. A joint military-civilian government was then established but that was overthrown in another coup in October 2021. The coup was staged by the two men at the centre of the current conflict: Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of the armed forces and in effect the country's president And his deputy, RSF leader Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, better known as "Hemedti". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But then Gen Burhan and Gen Dagalo disagreed on the direction the country was going in and the proposed move towards civilian rule. The main sticking points were plans to incorporate the 100,000-strong RSF into the army, and who would then lead the new force. The suspicions were that both generals wanted to hang on to their positions of power, unwilling to lose wealth and influence. Shooting between the two sides began on 15 April 2023 following days of tension as members of the RSF were redeployed around the country in a move that the army saw as a threat. It is disputed who fired the first shot but the fighting swiftly escalated, with the RSF seizing much of Khartoum until the army regained control of it almost two years later in March 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Who are the RSF fighters? The RSF was allied with the military until they fell out [Reuters] The RSF was formed in 2013 and has its origins in the notorious Janjaweed militia that brutally fought rebels in Darfur, where they were accused of genocide and ethnic cleansing against the region's black African, non-Arab population. Since then, Gen Dagalo has built a powerful force that has intervened in conflicts in Yemen and Libya. He also controls some of Sudan's gold mines, and allegedly smuggles the metal to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The army accuses the UAE of backing the RSF, and carrying out drone strikes in Sudan. The oil-rich Gulf state denies the allegation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The army also accuses eastern Libyan strongman Gen Khalifa Haftar of supporting the RSF by helping it to smuggle weapons into Sudan, and sending fighters to bolster the RSF. In early June 2025, the RSF achieved a major victory when it took control of territory along Sudan's border with Libya and Egypt. This was followed by the capture of el-Fasher in late October, meaning it controls almost all of Darfur and much of neighbouring Kordofan. With the RSF's recent formation of a rival government, it is likely Sudan will split for a second time - South Sudan seceded in 2011, taking with it most of the country's oil fields. What does the army control? The military controls most of the north and the east. Its main backer is said to be Egypt, whose fortunes are intertwined with those of Sudan because they share a border and the waters of the River Nile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gen Burhan has turned Port Sudan - which is on the Red Sea - into his headquarters, and that of his UN-recognised government. However, the city is not safe - the RSF launched a devastating drone strike there in March. This was retaliation after the RSF suffered one of its biggest setbacks, when it lost control of Khartoum - including the Republican Palace - to the army in March. "Khartoum is free, it's done," Gen Burhan declared, as he triumphantly returned to the city, though not permanently. [BBC] The city was a burnt-out shell by the time the RSF left, with government ministries, banks and towering office blocks stand blackened and burned. Hospitals and clinics were destroyed, hit by air strikes and artillery fire, sometimes with patients still inside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The international airport - which was a graveyard of smashed planes - re-opened in mid-October to domestic flights, though its official opening was delayed by a day because a RSF drone hit an area nearby. The army has also managed to win back near total control of the crucial state of Gezira. Losing it to the RSF in late 2023 had been a huge blow, forcing hundreds of thousands of civilians to flee its main city of Wad Madani, which had become a refuge for those who had escaped conflict in other parts of the country. But el-Fasher, which was the last major urban centre in Darfur held by the army and its allies, fell to the RSF at the end of October. Over 18 months, the RSF laid siege to the city, causing hundreds of casualties, overwhelming hospitals and blocking food supplies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It recently stepped up it efforts by building an earthen wall around the city to trap residents and stop food from reaching people - and destroyed the nearby Zamzam displacement camp which had already been hit by famine. Is there a genocide? Many Darfuris believe the RSF and allied militias have waged a war aimed at transforming the ethnically mixed region into an Arab-dominated area. In March 2024, the UN children's agency, Unicef, gave harrowing accounts of armed men raping and sexually assaulting children as young as one. Some children have tried to end their own lives as a result. In the same month, campaign group Human Rights Watch (HRW) said it was possible that the RSF and allied militias were carrying out a genocide in Darfur against the Massalit people and other non-Arab communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thousands had been killed in el-Geneina city in a campaign of ethnic cleansing with the "apparent objective of at least having them permanently leave the region", it said. HRW added that the widespread killings raised the possibility that the RSF and their allies had "the intent to destroy in whole or in part" the Massalit people. As this could constitute a genocide, it appealed to international bodies and governments to carry out an investigation. A subsequent investigation by a UN team fell short of concluding that a genocide was taking place. Instead, it found that that both the RSF and army had committed war crimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the US determined in January this year that the RSF and allied militias have committed a genocide. "The RSF and allied militias have systematically murdered men and boys - even infants - on an ethnic basis, and deliberately targeted women and girls from certain ethnic groups for rape and other forms of brutal sexual violence," then-Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said. "Those same militias have targeted fleeing civilians, murdering innocent people escaping conflict, and prevented remaining civilians from accessing lifesaving supplies. Based on this information, I have now concluded that members of the RSF and allied militias have committed genocide in Sudan," he added. This led to the US imposing sanctions on Gen Dagalo, followed by similar measures against Gen Burhan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sudan's government filed a case against the UAE in the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing it of being complicit in the genocide by funding and arming the RSF. However, the ICJ refused to hear the case, saying that it had no jurisdiction over it. The UAE welcomed its ruling, with an official saying that the Gulf state "bears no responsibility for the conflict". However, UN experts say allegations that the UAE is supporting the RSF are credible. The RSF also denies committing genocide, saying it was not involved in what it describes as a "tribal conflict" in Darfur. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the UN investigators said they had received testimony that RSF fighters taunted non-Arab women during sex attacks with racist slurs and saying they will force them to have "Arab babies". With reports of atrocities, including massacres, now coming out of el-Fasher there are concerns about the fate of an estimated 250,000 people in the city, many from non-Arab communities. What is being done to end the conflict? There have been several rounds of peace talks in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain - but they have failed. In early November, the RSF announced it had agreed to a humanitarian truce proposed by the US, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the army said it would be wary of agreeing to a truce, accusing the RSF of not respecting ceasefires. UN health chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has also lamented that there is less global interest in the conflict in Sudan, and other recent conflicts in Africa, compared to crises elsewhere in the world. "I think race is in the play here," he told the BBC in September 2024. The International Crisis Group (ICG) think-tank has called diplomatic efforts to end the war "lacklustre", while Amnesty International has labelled the world's response "woefully inadequate". Humanitarian work has also been badly affected by the decision of the Trump administration to cut aid. The WFP says more than 24 million people in the country are facing acute food insecurity. Aid volunteers told the BBC that more than 1,100 - or almost 80% - of the emergency food kitchens have been forced to shut, fuelling the perception that Sudan's conflict is the "forgotten war" of the world. Where are the weapons coming from? There has been a UN arms embargo on the RSF's stronghold of Darfur since 2004, but it has not been extended to the rest of Sudan despite calls from human rights groups. The flow of weapons into the country has been analysed by various experts. Amnesty International says it has found evidence of weapons manufactured in Serbia, Russia, China, Turkey, Yemen and UAE being used in Sudan. The smuggling route is often via the UAE, through to Chad, then into Darfur - according to a leaked report by UN experts. The UAE in particular is accused of being the main provider of arms and support to the RSF, who in turn are accused of using the UAE as a marketplace for illicit gold sales. As for the Sudanese Armed Forces, evidence suggests they have been supplied with weapons by Iran. All parties deny these allegations. In October 2025, the UK government came under fire from its own lawmakers following allegations that British-made weapons were ending up in the hands of the RSF, who were using them to commit atrocities. In response to one MP's demand to "end all arms shipments to the UAE until it is proved that the UAE is not arming the RSF", Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said at the time: "The UK has extremely strong controls on arms exports, including to prevent any diversion. We will continue to take that immensely seriously." At a later summit of G7 foreign ministers, the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also called for international action to cut off the supply of weapons to the RSF. Where is Sudan? Sudan is in north-east Africa and is one of the largest countries on the continent, covering 1.9 million sq km (734,000 sq miles). It borders seven countries and the Red Sea. The River Nile also flows through it, making it a strategically important for foreign powers. The population of Sudan is predominantly Muslim and the country's official languages are Arabic and English. Even before the war started, Sudan was one of the poorest countries in the world - despite the fact that it is a gold-producing nation. Its 46 million people were living on an average annual income of $750 (600) a head in 2022. The conflict has made things much worse. Last year, Sudan's finance minister said state revenues had shrunk by 80%. Map More about Sudan's war from the BBC: People outside the UK can watch the documentary on YouTube. [Getty Images/BBC] Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica BBC Africa podcasts Cyclone Montha crossed the coast near Narasapuram, between Machilipatnam and Kakinada, at around midnight between 11:32 PM and 12:30 AM, and has since moved northwestward, said Dr Karuna Sagar, a scientist at the Meteorological Department in Amaravati. According to Dr. Karuna Sagar, it weakened into a cyclonic storm by 2:30 a.m. today. It will continue moving north-northwestward and enter the state of Telangana. "The severe cyclonic storm over central Bengal moved west-northwestwards and it crossed yesterday over Andhra Pradesh coast, especially south of the Kakinada, near to the Narsapur, So it crossed around midnight, 11.30 to 12.30, and further it moved northwestwards and it weakened into the cyclonic storm by 2.30 a.m. of today. So it will continue towards moving the north-northwestwards, and it will enter into the Telangana region also, we are expecting like that," Sagar told ANI. Speaking at the IMD's Amaravati office, the scientist stated that severe weather is anticipated, including extreme rainfall. A significant amount of rainfall is expected to continue through the afternoon. "We can expect today also very severe weather, especially the winds and rainfall may continue. Particularly we can see here, today we can expect extreme rainfall. Of course, there is a lot of rainfall activity from yesterday night onwards, so it will continue even today, till the afternoon," said Sagar. The IMD scientist indicated that a red warning has been issued for several districts, including Nellore, Nandyal, Prakasham, Palnadu, NTR, and Guntur. Neighbouring districts such as Bapatla, Krishna, Eluru, and West Godavari are also expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall. Hence, an orange warning has been issued for the neighbouring districts. For Rayalseema district, a heavy rainfall is expected. "Since already heavy rainfall happened, extremely heavy rainfall happened, even today, small amount of rainfall also caused a lot of damage. So that's why we are giving red warning to these districts, Nellore, Nandyal, Prakasham, Palnadu, NTR, and Guntur districts. The neighbouring districts like Bapatla, Krishna, Ellore, West Godavari, we are expecting heavy to very heavy rainfall. So that's why we are giving orange warning. The remaining northern districts, we are expecting one or two places heavy rainfall. Even in the southern districts, like Rayalseema, the completely southern districts, we can expect heavy rainfall," added Sagar. Additionally, very strong winds with speeds of 60 to 90 km/h are predicted in districts such as Bapatla, NTR, and Ellore, including some portions of Alur-Setharam and Rajanthi districts, and will extend to Konaseema and Kakinada. "Also, tomorrow, there is a small possibility for getting heavy rainfall, especially in the north coastal districts, like Ellore and Alur-Setharam, Rajanthi. Today, very strong winds we can expect, especially in the core, along the cyclone track, so the core districts, like right from the Bapatla to NTR, and Ellore, even some portion of the Alur-Setharam, Rajanthi districts, and till Konaseema, Kakinada. We can expect very strong winds, almost like 60 to 90 kmph," mentioned Sagar. Meanwhile, in the Guntur district, strong winds uprooted trees. Officials from the Guntur Municipal Corporation (GMC) and the police promptly removed the fallen trees and cleared the roads, ensuring smooth traffic flow. Additionally, boats remain anchored at Visakhapatnam fishing harbour on october 29 as heavy rainfall lashed the city amid high tidal waves as Cyclone Montha gained in strength. In addition to Andhra Pradesh, Odisha is also experiencing the effects of Cyclone Montha. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced on October 28 that 11,396 people had been evacuated. To address the Severe Cyclonic Storm (SCS) 'Montha', 30 teams from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRF) and five teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed as part of the emergency response measures. The Union Health Ministry reviewed preparedness measures for Cyclone Montha with senior officials of the eastern coastal States, including Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Tamil Nadu, an official statement said. The Ministry has extended full support to the States, assuring all necessary assistance for an effective emergency medical response, the Health Ministry wrote on X. (ANI) SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) One Siouxland teen worked to make a big difference this summer, all in support of a local charity. Representatives from the Iowa Governors Charity Steer Show presented the Ronald McDonald House of Siouxland a check to support their mission earlier today. More than $560,000 was raised by youth Steer participants and split between the three Ronald McDonald Houses in Iowa. One of those youth participants from Siouxland, Merritt Moss, was honored with the Community Hero Award for raising the most money for the charity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well, I started an online campaign. It was called Minute with Merritt. And I talk about, Id advocate, our industry and importance of the Ronald McDonald house, said Moss. Officials said the fundraiser is crucial to keep the Ronald McDonald House of Siouxland operating. So it allows us to continue these programs, provide the food for the families that they need, the support that they need in those areas. For the next year, it will help us with that. So this, combined with our other fundraisers, are where we get our funding throughout the year, said the houses executive director, Christy Batien Clark. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Batien Clark said Merritt went all out to support the charity. So not only did he get word out through social media, about what we do and the cattle industry, but he also brought in gift cards and in-kind donations of food to help support our mission and our families, said Clark. Since 1983, and with the help of kids like Merritt, the Iowa Governors Charity Steer Show has raised more than $6 million to support Ronald McDonald House Charities across the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. A federal grand jury has indicted six protesters, including two political candidates, for allegedly conspiring to forcibly impede an ICE agent while he was driving into the Broadview ICE facility in the west suburb last month. Charged were congressional candidate and digital creator Katherine Kat Abughazaleh, 26, Cook County Board candidate Catherine Cat Sharp, 29, 45th Ward Democratic committeeman Michael Rabbit, 62, and Oak Park Trustee Brian Straw, 38, along with two others. The 11-page indictment made public Wednesday alleged the group banged aggressively on the side and back windows, hood, and other parts of the agents vehicle, then crowded together in the front and side of the Government Vehicle and pushed against the vehicle to hinder and impede its movement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The protesters also scratched the body of the vehicle and etched the word PIG into it, broke one of the vehicles side mirrors and broke a rear windshield wiper, according to the indictment. The conspiracy count carries a maximum of six years in federal prison if convicted, while the other counts in the indictment of impeding an officer carry up to a year behind bars. Minutes after the indictment went public Wednesday, Abughazaleh denounced the charges in a statement on social media. This political prosecution is an attack on all of our First Amendment rights, she said. Im not backing down, and were going to win. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She did not immediately reply to a Tribune request for comment. Her lawyer, Joshua Herman, could not immediately be reached Wednesday. Sharps attorney, Molly Armour, released a statement calling the charges ludicrous. We are confident that a jury will see them for exactly what they are: an effort by the Trump administration to frighten people out of participating in protest and exercising their First Amendment rights, she said. Straw, meanwhile, released a statement through his attorneys, Damon Cheronis and Christopher Parente, blasting the charges as baseless and saying he will continue to stand with and protect our immigrant neighbors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I joined the protests at the Broadview ICE detention facility because of what is happening to our immigrant neighbors: children zip-tied and shoved into vans, mothers pulled from cars on the way to school, neighbors afraid to go to church or work, Straws statement read. The Trump Justice Departments decision to seemingly hand-pick public officials like me for standing up against these inhumane policies will not deter me from fulfilling my oath of office. All six defendants are being allowed to self-surrender and will have initial court appearances before a magistrate judge on Nov. 5, court records show. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge April Perry the same judge whose temporary restraining order barring the National Guard from being fully deployed in Illinois encompassed many of the incidents that have occurred in Broadview since Operation Midway Blitz began. Abughazaleh also known around the internet as Kat Abu has made a name for herself nationally with TikTok videos and on podcasts by blasting veteran Democrats for not doing enough to combat President Donald Trump. She is running to replace U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky in the 9th Congressional District. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She has been a frequent participant in protests at the Broadview ICE facility and has made her presence there a key component of her campaign in the crowded field. Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss, another candidate for the 9th District seat, has also attended the protests. He was not charged. A video of the incident described in the indictment has been widely circulated online. It shows the immigration agents black SUV rolling slowly through a crowd of people as they chant, up, up with liberation, down, down with deportation! and other slogans. Abughazaleh is briefly visible wearing a white T-shirt and chanting near the vehicles left passenger door, among others, trying to block its movement. Other protesters were seen banging on the hood and windows of the SUV and slowly backing up as it moved down Harvard Street toward the processing center amid cries of shame! The sounds of whistles and thrown plush toys that lodged on the vehicles windshield and hood could also be heard and seen. As the vehicle made it into the parking lot, the sound of pepper spray balls being shot by federal agents could be heard on the video, and the protesters scattered as they exploded around them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, in another video from a different protest last month, Abughazaleh could be seen being picked up and thrown to the ground by federal agents. After the video was widely circulated online, Abughazaleh sent out a fundraising email titled I was assaulted by ICE again. Fox News host Laura Ingraham shared a clip of the scene and opined, Good work about the officers involved. It was the second week in a row that Abughazaleh had documented an agent shoving her as she participated in demonstrations. Abughazaleh told the Tribune days later that she was sore and that her finger had turned purple at one point after she fell, but that she had mostly healed. Fundraising off participation in the protests shows supporters that candidates are willing to show up at a time when people are really sick of their leaders not doing anything, Abughazaleh told the Tribune last month. And, unfortunately, I think being at that facility and protesting is the bare minimum, but we dont get that from a lot of leaders across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I promise that there are easier ways for any politician to get attention, she added, than waking up at 3 a.m. for an early protest and getting repeatedly assaulted and tear-gassed. Abughazaleh has said the behavior by agents at the protests has escalated each week, including the sheer force in how they threw me to the ground. At one early-morning demonstration, she could be seen chanting among protesters walking back and forth across Harvard Street, sporting two french braids and black Hoka sneakers. She has remained in the mix as Illinois State Police and the Cook County sheriffs office have become more involved in law enforcement around the building and posted on social media that she had been hit in the face with a baton following an Oct. 17 protest that led to 11 arrests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This week has been atrocious, the fact that they were content to run us over, tear gas us, shot us with pepper balls, she said at one protest. But what we are dealing with is not as bad as what the people in that building that are being trapped in there are dealing with. In her video Wednesday, Abughazaleh urged supporters to contribute to her campaign. We now have legal fees on top of our campaign expenses, she wrote. As of last week, state and local police had arrested about 70 people in connection with demonstrations outside the Broadview processing center, which has been a flashpoint of protests since Operation Midway Blitz began in early September. Those arrested began appearing in Cook County Court for hearings last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The majority of the initial charges have been for resisting arrest, misdemeanors that, at least on paper, could mean a short stint in custody. At least three cases have been filed as low-level felonies. At least four arrests were listed for battery or battery to a police officer. Other charges include disorderly conduct and disobeying a police officer. The protests have attracted intense media attention and put the tiny suburb of Broadview into a national spotlight as demonstrators tried to physically block federal vehicles, on one occasion jamming a skateboard into the wheel well of one car, and occasionally throwing things at agents. Agents have deployed copious amounts of chemical crowd controls while attempting to clear a path for cars to get through, chased people through traffic and into private backyards, fired less-lethal munitions and used the approach to the processing center on Harvard for an apparent publicity stunt. Local officials have responded by establishing a unified command to contain the protests, shutting down traffic on 25th Avenue on Friday mornings and erecting blocks worth of concrete barricades to keep crowds off the roads around the building. The National Police of Ukraine have recorded that around six Russian drones have hit the premises of a private business in the city of Chuhuiv in Kharkiv Oblast, causing a fire. Source: National Police in Kharkiv Oblast Details: The Russians conducted a drone attack, reportedly using Geran-2 drones (the Russian marking for Shaheds), on the city of Chuhuiv on the evening of 28 October. The strikes caused a fire in a finished goods warehouse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An investigative team, firefighters and other emergency services were working at the scene. Background: Oleh Syniehubov, Head of Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration, reported that Russian forces attacked a civilian business in Chuhuiv with drones on the evening of 28 October. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Jerusalem residents and visitors share skepticism over whether the new US ceasefire initiative can bring lasting calm after nearly two years of conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. As US President Donald Trumps 20-point plan for Gaza and regional stabilization begins to take shape, Israelis and visitors in Jerusalem offered a range of views on whether the ceasefire will hold, and whether the American presidents strategy can bring lasting peace. In a new street interview video from The Media Line, many voiced doubt that Hamas or Israel can sustain calm after nearly two years of war. This war should have ended, said Orel, a Jerusalem resident. You cant fight forever. At some point, a compromise has to be reached... I dont have confidence they will uphold this one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Andreas, visiting from Germany, said Hamas would only stop fighting if really under pressure, while M., another Jerusalemite, described the group as inseparable from its weapons: Hamas equals weapons. Theres no such thing as Hamas without weapons. Trump's plan: A road to West Bank sovereignty or fragile truce? Natan, also from Jerusalem, insisted Israel must maintain control and sovereignty over all areas [of the West Bank and Gaza Strip], A, B, and C, arguing that Hamass ideology makes disarmament impossible. Doug, a visitor from Canada, called the truce temporary. Its a truce... The war keeps going on, he said. Smoke rises in Gaza City due to Israeli air strikes, September 26,2025. (credit: Ali Hassan/Flash90) Nadine, from Beit El, an Israeli settlement north of Ramallah in the West Bank, was more blunt: When youre dealing with hostile, violent people, thats what they know and thats what they do. The interviews capture a tense mix of fatigue, cynicism, and guarded realism, echoing the sense that even with a ceasefire in place, neither side believes this is the end. MARION COUNTY, S.C. (WSAV) The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has charged two men in connection with an ongoing multi-county dogfighting investigation. SLED charged Harold Leonidas Young II, 41, with: Criminal Conspiracy Five counts of Animal Fighting or Baiting Two counts of Ill Treatment of Animals SLED has also charged Lance Denitri Mack, 48, with Criminal Conspiracy. The Marion County Sheriffs Office and the Marion Police Department assisted in the SLED investigation. Both men were booked into the Marion County Detention Center. These charges are in connection with a multi-county operation conducted by SLED and assisting agencies on April 7, 2025, regarding dogfighting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Heres a look at this mornings top stories for KELOLAND On the Go. Some residents in De Smet are turning on their faucets to find brown, rusty water coming from the pipes. These residents are growing concerned with the degrading drinking water quality in town over the years. De Smet residents face ongoing water quality issues The government shutdown is nearing the one-month mark. If lawmakers dont come to an agreement, SNAP benefits could be disrupted in November. There are things you can do to make sure people in our area have something to eat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ways to help fight hunger South Dakota Lieutenant Gov. Tony Venhuizen, who will chair the Correctional Rehabilitation Task Force, says the groups first meeting Wednesday will establish where rehabilitation is in 2025. Correctional Rehabilitation Task Force set for 1st meeting Temperatures will stay in the 50s the next two days with slight chances of precipitation on Halloween. The chillier weather wont last long before a warm-up next week. Seasonably cool weather today; A tricky Friday forecast? 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. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits for low-income families has run out due to the ongoing government shutdown, and November's benefits will not be paid out unless the shutdown is lifted. That means about 140,000 Rhode Islanders won't receive their benefits, which were previously called food stamps, on Nov. 1. In Rhode Island, the average monthly benefit amount per household member is $199. Gov. Dan McKee has declared a state of emergency over the impending crisis and local food banks are bracing for a surge in demand. Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha has also joined a coalition of 22 other attorneys general across the country to file a federal lawsuit to keep benefits flowing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But with just a few days to go before SNAP benefits expire, here's how Rhode Islanders can check their EBT balances and find food pantries or other resources near them. Sacks of potatoes await distribution at the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, seen on Oct. 28, 2025. Officials gathered at the food bank to declare a state of emergency over the pending lapse in SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown. How to check your EBT balance SNAP benefits that were already loaded onto EBT cards before Nov. 1 will roll over and will still be usable during the shutdown, which will only impact new payments. State officials urge residents to check their EBT balances before heading to the store. This can be done in two ways: Call 1-888-979-9939 Visit ebtedge.com Call 2-1-1 to get connected to resources State officials also pointed people toward 2-1-1, a statewide resource run by the United Way that helps people get connected to assistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement United Way's 211 line can help connect people to job training, housing and social services, but the service can also be used to help callers find food resources as well. RI Food Bank map The Rhode Island Community Food Bank has created a map of about 137 food bank and meal sites across the state. You can find it here: RI Community Food Bank map List of Rhode Island food pantries The Rhode Island Community Food Bank also has a list of food pantries across the state. The list below includes only food pantries, not meal sites. For a full list, including meal sites, as well as schedules for each site, go here: Food Assistance List Barrington: Tap-In, Phone: (401) 247-1444, Address: 281 County Road Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bristol: East Bay Food Pantry, Phone: (401) 396-9490, Address: 532 Wood Street Burrillville: Burrillville SDA Shepherd's Food Pantry, Phone: (401) 568-5255, Address: 854 Victory Highway Society of St. Vincent de Paul - Our Lady of Good Help, Phone: (401) 762-1834, Address: 1063 Victory Highway St. Patrick Food Closet, Phone: (401) 568-5600, Address: 45 Harrisville Main Street Central Falls: Central Falls Food Pantry at Progreso Latino, Phone: (401) 728-5920 Ext. 126, Address: 20 Claremont Street Charlestown: RI Center Assisting those in Need, Phone: (401) 364-9412, Address: 805 Alton Carolina Road Coventry: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coventry Food Services, Phone: (401) 822-9199, Address: 191 MacArthur Blvd. Faith Fellowship Food Pantry, Phone: (401) 397-3383, Address: 1395 Nooseneck Hill Road Society of St. Vincent de Paul - Coventry, Phone: (401) 828-3090, Address: 222 MacArthur Blvd. Cranston: Blessed Mother Mary Food Pantry Inc., Phone: (401) 946-5291, Address: 1 Weingeroff Blvd. Comprehensive CAP Cranston, Phone: (401) 562-2272, Address: 311 Doric Avenue Edgewood Pawtuxet Food Closet, Phone: (401) 461-3146, Address: 1665 Broad Street Haitian Baptist Church of Rhode Island, Phone: (401) 516-8258, Address: 12 Lincoln Avenue Cumberland: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lighthouse Community Outreach, Phone: (401) 636-9118, Address: 30 Meeting Street Northern Rhode Island Food Pantry, Phone: (401) 347-5714, Address: 1 Angell Road East Greenwich: East Greenwich Interfaith Food Cupboard, Phone: (401) 884-4116, Address: 99 Peirce Street East Providence: East Bay CAP East Providence, Phone: (401) 437-1000, Address: 100 Bullocks Point Avenue Good Neighbors Pantry, Phone: (401) 433-0045, Address: 55 Turner Avenue Good Neighbors Rumford Food Pantry, Phone: (401) 434-4742, Address: 100 Newman Avenue Foster: Comprehensive CAP Foster Food Pantry, Phone: (401) 392-9200, Address: 181 Howard Hill Road St. Paul the Apostle, Phone: (401) 647-3664, Address: 116A Danielson Pike Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Glocester: Chepachet Union Church, Phone: (401) 568-2518, Address: 1138 Putnam Pike Johnston: Pentecostal Church Jesus Christ Fountain of Life Pantry, Phone: (401) 282-8112, Address: 1025 Plainfield St St. Robert Food Closet, Phone: (401) 231-4987, Address: 1804 Atwood Avenue Lincoln: Lime Rock Baptist Church, Phone: (401) 465-2001, Address: 1075 Great Road Little Compton: Little Compton Food Bank, Phone: (401) 592-0403, Address: 115 East Main Road Narragansett: St. Peter by the Sea Community Market Pantry, Phone: (401) 783-4623, Address: 72 Central Street Newport: East Bay Community Action Newport Pantry, Address: 19 Broadway Martin Luther King Center Pantry, Phone: (401) 846-4828, Address: 20 Dr. Marcus Wheatland Boulevard Newport Community School Pantry for students, Phone: (401) 848-5923, Address: 55 Broadway Salvation Army Newport Corps' Food Pantry, Phone: (401) 846-3234, Address: 51 Memorial Boulevard Society of St. Vincent de Paul - St. Joseph, Phone: (401) 258-5773, Address: 5 Mann Avenue Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North Kingstown: North Kingstown Food Pantry, Phone: (401) 885-3663, Address: 445 School Street Tri-County CAP North Kingstown, Phone: (401) 515-2432, Address: 415 Tower Hill Road North Providence: Allendale Baptist Church, Phone: (401) 261-4044, Address: 545 Woonasquatucket Avenue Embassy of Christ Church Food Pantry, Phone: (401) 300-9527, Address: 649 Woonasquatucket Avenue Tri-County CAP North Providence, Phone: (401) 519-1913, Address: 11 Emanuel Street Tri-County CAP Volturno St., Phone: (401) 330-2209, Address: 19 Volturno Street Pawtucket: Blackstone Valley Community Action Program, Phone: (401) 475-5069, Address: 210 West Avenue Blackstone Valley Emergency Food Center, Phone: (401) 724-7170, Address: 75 Benefit Street Casa De Oracion Getsemani, Phone: (401) 725-5010, Address: 38 Park Street Segue Food Pantry, Phone: (401) 721-0964, Address: 390 Pine Street First Baptist Church of Pawtucket, Phone: (401) 725-7225, Address: 91 Cottage Street Holy Family Parish, Phone: (401) 724-9190, Address: 195 Walcott Street Living Hope Assembly of God, Phone: (401) 723-2039, Address: 100 Broadway Salvation Army Pawtucket Corps' Food Pantry, Phone: (401) 723-9533, Address: 102 High Street Society of St. Vincent de Paul - St. John Paul II, Phone: (401) 744-5404, Address: 755 Central Avenue St. John the Baptist Food Pantry, Phone: (401) 722-9054, Address: 69 Quincy Avenue St. Luke's Bread of Life, Phone: (401) 723-9216, Address: 670 Weeden Street St. Matthew Trinity Lutheran Food Pantry, Phone: (401) 723-5632, Address: 690 Newport Avenue Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Providence: Assembly Pentecostal Church of God Shalom, Phone: (401) 421-5112, Address: 145 Chad Brown Street Better Lives RI Food Cupboard, Phone: (401) 454-7422, Address: 12 Abbott Park Place Camp Street Ministries, Phone: (401) 421-5474, Address: 190 1/2 Camp Street Community Action Partnership of Providence Pantry, Phone: (401) 273-2000, Address: 550 Hartford Ave Community Food Share First Unitarian Church, Phone: (401) 421-7970, Address: 1 Benevolent Street Federal Hill House Pantry, Phone: (401) 421-1095, Address: 35 Swiss Street Gateway Healthcare Capital City Community Center Pantry, Phone: (401) 837-0810, Address: 285A Chad Brown Street Higher Ground International Food Pantry, Phone: (401) 270-3582, Address: 21 Peace Street Interfaith Food Ministry, Phone: (401) 965-1854, Address: 95 Hathaway Ctr #61 JCS-Louis and Goldie Chester Kosher Pantry, Phone: (401) 331-1244, Address: 1165 North Main Street Lighthouse Community Development Corporation, Phone: (401) 419-3242, Address: 11 Hawthorne Street PANTRY: Love Divine Pantry, Phone: (401) 454-0500, Address: 28 Candace Street Maranatha Food Pantry of Church of God, Phone: (401) 521-4860, Address: 1040 Atwells Avenue McAuley House Food Pantry, Phone: (401) 941-9013, Address: 622 Elmwood Avenue Meals on Wheels of RI Food Pantry, Phone: (401) 351-6700, Address: 70 Bath Street Our Lady of the Rosary Pantry, Phone: (401) 453-0174, Address: 17 Traverse Street Project Outreach, Phone: (401) 941-2212, Address: 1520 Broad Street Providence Spanish SDA, Phone: (401) 390-4924, Address: 131 Elmwood Avenue Refugee Dream Center, Phone: (401) 300-0544 Address: 747 Broad Street Olneyville Food Center, Phone: (401) 230-1750, Address: 261 Manton Avenue Salvation Army Providence Corps' Food Pantry, Phone: (401) 831-1119, Address: 386 Broad Street Scalabrini Dukcevich Center, Phone: (401) 632-4770, Address: 300 Laurel Hill Avenue Silver Lake Community Center, Phone: (401) 944-8300, Address: 529 Plainfield Street Society of St. Vincent de Paul - St. Raymond, Phone: (401) 859-5800, Address: 1240 North Main Street St. Anthony Mission Church Pantry of Assumption BVM, Phone: (401) 732-6181, Address: 549 Plainfield Street St. Charles of Borromeo Pantry, Phone: (401) 273-1108, Address: 178 Dexter Street St. Edward Food & Wellness Center, Phone: (401) 600-1935, Address: 1001 Branch Avenue St. Martin de Porres Senior Center Food Pantry, Phone: (401) 735-3889, Address: 160 Cranston Street St. Patrick Church Mary House Food Pantry, Phone: (401) 421-7070, Address: 244 Smith Street St. Thomas Church, Phone: (401) 272-7118, Address: 65 Fruit Hill Avenue St. Peter & St. Andrew Food Pantry, Phone: (401) 272-9649, Address: 70 Pemberton Street Washington Park Community Center, Phone: (401) 461-6650, Address: 42 Jillson Street West End Community Center Pantry, Phone: (401) 781-4242, Address: 109 Bucklin Street Women's Refugee Care, Phone: (401) 545-1532, Address: 570 Broad Street Your Neighborhood Food Pantry, Phone: (401) 919-5233, Address: 533 Branch Avenue Richmond: New Hope Pantry, Phone: (401) 539-4673, Address: 80 Richmond Townhouse Road Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scituate: Trinity Episcopal Church Food Pantry, Phone: (401) 647-2322, Address: 249 Danielson Pike Smithfield: Church of the Cross Smithfield, Phone: (401) 231-1980, Address: 600 Douglas Pike Society of St. Vincent de Paul - St. Philip, Phone: (401) 949-2949, Address: 620 Putnam Pike South Kingstown: Jonnycake Peace Dale, Phone: (401) 789-1559, Address: 22 Kersey Road New Life Assembly of God, Phone: (401) 575-3521, Address: 251 Post Road Tiverton: East Bay Community Action Program Tiverton Pantry, Phone: (401) 625-5134, Address: 1048 Stafford Road Warren: St. Mary of the Bay Food Pantry, Phone: (401) 245-7000, Address: 645 Main Street Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Warwick: Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Phone: (401) 739-2937, Address: 1817 Warwick Avenue Westbay CAP Marketplace, Phone: (401) 732-4660, Address: 487 Jefferson Blvd. West Warwick: Emanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church Pantry, Phone: (401) 821-8888, Address: 9 New London Avenue West Warwick Assistance Agency, Phone: (401) 828-0310, Address: 1293 Main Street West Warwick Senior Center Pantry, Phone: (401) 822-4450, Address: 145 Washington Street Westerly: Jonnycake of Westerly Food Pantry, Phone: (401) 377-8069, Address: 23 Industrial Drive Joy Fellowship Pantry on the Lane, Phone: (401) 465-7745, Address: 7 North Main Street Tri-County CAP Westerly, Phone: (401) 604-0098, Address: 34 Pond Street Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Woonsocket: Community Care Alliance Food Pantry, Phone: (401) 235-6000, Address: 245 Main Street Connecting for Children and Families Pantry, Phone: (401) 766-3384, Address: 719 Front St, Suite 107 Holy Trinity Church Food Pantry, Phone: (401) 762-5117, Address: 1371 Park Avenue St. Agatha Church, Phone: (401) 767-2950, Address: 34 Joffre Avenue St. James Episcopal Church, Phone: (401) 762-4535, Address: 24 Hamlet Avenue This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: How to find food help in Rhode Island with SNAP benefits ending PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) The city of Providence is putting its new Emergency Food Plan to the test in response to the federal disruption of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Were going to be making more resources available through our food bank, were going to be surging participation in our meal sites, Mayor Brett Smiley said in an interview on Wednesday. The Providence Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) already has whats called a Commodity Point of Distribution Plan in the event of an emergency that damages infrastructure, like a hurricane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the Emergency Food Plan, activated for the first time on Tuesday, was triggered due to economic disruption. The plan was authored after the city took lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and applied them to be better prepared to address food insecurity in future emergencies. Smiley said the city will take this emergency a week at a time. The citys budget is always tight and we run a balanced budget every year, but that takes a lot of work. Resources being diverted to this area will come from somewhere else, and so were faced with the really difficult decisions about whats less pressing, Smiley explained. But that pales in comparison to the difficult choices that families are making. On Thursday, the city announced it joined a lawsuit with over 26 other municipalities, non-profits and unions in federal court in Rhode Island against the U.S. Department of Agriculture for declaratory and injunctive relief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most helpful thing that can happen in this moment is for the federal government to fund this program. Thats what needs to happen, Smiley said on Wednesday. Enough is enough out of Washington. They should just fund this program. RELATED: McKee declares state of emergency over SNAP shutdown Smiley said roughly 25,000 households utilize SNAP in Providence. Were, of course, asking for support from community, just like everybody is right now, and then [were] making additional resources available, whether it be transportation, storage and cooling facilities to store food as more donations come in, Smiley added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, the city announced it allocated $25,000 in direct financial aid to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank to support their services. If you have the ability to donate, city leaders are asking that donations be made to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. The West End Community Center is one of dozens of food pantries in Providence. Social services director Olivia Martinez told 12 News the pantry typically serves about 200 people on Wednesdays and Fridays. This Wednesday, Martinez said 175 people visited the pantry in just the first three hours of operation. Im worried about what will happen next week, Martinez said ahead of SNAP benefits drying up. Without happening yet, its busy. Imagine next week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LIST: Food drives happening in Rhode Island and Massachusetts On Wednesday, the phone could be heard ringing several times during Martinezs interview. She said an influx of people have been calling to make sure the food pantry was open and to check if they can pick up food. Martinez also said the uncertainty surrounding SNAP benefits has led to people from neighborhoods outside the centers coverage area to show up. We dont want anybody to go hungry, so were here to serve the people, she said. Were open. Food donations are being accepted at the following locations during business hours: Providence City Hall, 25 Dorrance St., Room 101 Providence Public Safety Complex, 325 Washington St. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are other resources available in Providence, separate from food pantries. Providence Public Schools provides free breakfast and lunch to kids 18 and under, while community meals for kids 18 and under are also available at recreation centers and libraries. The Office of Senior Services is providing transportation for seniors who need a ride to a food pantry. Residents who need transportation should call 311. The state has launched a dedicated website snapsupport.ri.gov where Rhode Islanders can get information on food assistance. People in need of help are also directed to call the United Ways 211 hotline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FAQ: What to know about food assistance during government shutdown Alexandra Leslie (aleslie@wpri.com) is a Target 12 investigative reporter covering Providence and more for 12 News. Connect with her on Twitter and on Facebook. 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. Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup 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 WPRI.com. EAU CLAIRE Monday marked the 27th day since the government shutdown began, as federally funded programs are expected to be impacted this week. Among those are Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, which have a number of local food assistance providers concerned. While local food pantries like Feed My People Food Bank do not rely on SNAP benefits to operate, Executive Director Padraig Gallagher said that relationship is intricately connected. If one goes down, the other goes up. And thats certainly what were seeing, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SNAP benefits is the name of the federal program, but is sometimes referred to by different names as it is issued through the state. That program is called FoodShare in Wisconsin and serves roughly 700,000 people throughout the state. And in our 14 counties, thats more than 46,000 people, Gallagher said. The concern right now with the federal shutdown is that those benefits are put on peoples cards once a month. Were getting into the point where the federal funding for the Wisconsin program wont show up for the month of November. Later on Monday morning, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that SNAP benefits would not be issued for the month of November. With a notice that prior months balances may not transfer over into November, people who face food insecurity and utilize those programs were encouraged to stockpile food to be ready. And what were seeing right now already, even though November hasnt started yet, is a lot of concern bordering on crisis for these folks to make sure that they have enough food, Gallagher said. As is usually the case, when one type of support is threatened or ended, folks turn to another type of support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gallagher said their food pantry distribution has gone considerably up over the past week. A high number of distributions for them on a Friday is 350 households, and 500 households came through last Friday. What makes this situation different than the last time the U.S. faced a government shutdown is that the federal government preemptively funded two months of food stamp funding in 2018. That did not occur for the shutdown this year, and while there is work being done to help families facing food insecurity at this time, there are challenges in addressing the gap and meeting the demand. FoodShare provides nine times the amount of food than is provided by the food bank and other food assistance programs in our counties, Gallagher said. When you look at our giant warehouse and you look at all the food thats here for those 14 counties, only about 11% of the food assistance is provided through this means. We know from the relatively recent past that when food share benefits are reduced, the demand on food pantries and food banks goes up dramatically. We saw this with the end of the federal bump to food share benefits in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That COVID response level of food assistance went back down to pre-COVID levels, and all of the food pantries in our region and across the state saw major increases. We havent even seen the beginning of a full month yet, and were already seeing incredibly high numbers from our partners and our distributions here. Gallagher said they heard similar concerns in Wisconsin communities after meeting with 50 partner organizations last week. At this time, Feed My People has increased their food orders and expanded storage capacity ahead of an expected surge. In addition, he said they are readying to not only support those who they distribute to, but also with their 250 partner organizations throughout West Central Wisconsin. He said, By the end of this week, we will be filled to the rafters with food in preparation for a longer or more drawn-out period of time without our community members having that food share benefit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am incredibly proud of our team and the way that they responded. The majority of the food was ordered within 48 hours of us having that meeting in order to make that all happen, and were reaching out to partners for donations and things like that to try to bring in as much support as possible. But the scale of the problem compared to our capacity, even running at an optimal level, is pretty staggering. Feed My People said community support is essential during this period, as donations can help strengthen their organizations ability to ensure local families have access to nutritious food. Current FoodShare recipients are also encouraged to monitor official updates from the Wisconsin DHS for information on benefit distributions, and Feed My People will continue coordinating with state and local partners to respond as the situation evolves. While there is hope that this situation will pass, there is still concern and a sense of urgency with SNAP benefits and FoodShare at a time when the timeline of the government shutdown seems uncertain. Gallagher said there was an increasing need occurring even before the shutdown, so there is also hope of bringing awareness to the bigger picture challenges with over 75,000 people who receive food throughout their 14 West Central Wisconsin counties. Nearly 700,000 Wisconsin residents could see their food assistance benefits pause in November amid the ongoing government shutdown. FoodShare is Wisconsin's version of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which provides food aid to individuals who meet income certain requirements. The program is funded entirely by the federal government. FoodShare benefits are set to pause Nov. 1. Here's how you can help Wisconsinites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This story will be updated with more resources as they become available. Where can I donate non-perishable food items in Milwaukee County? Milwaukee leaders and organizations have partnered to launch a food drive to support families affected by the pause. The drive began Oct. 28 and will run until FoodShare benefits are restored. Want to donate? Here are locations across Milwaukee County accepting non-perishable food donations: Milwaukee City Hall: 200 E. Wells St. Milwaukee County Courthouse: 901 N. Ninth St. Zeidler Municipal Building: 841 N. Broadway Marcia P. Coggs Health & Human Services Center: 1230 W. Cherry St. Hillview Hall: 1615 S. 22nd St. Fiserv Forum: 1111 Vel R. Phillips Ave. All Milwaukee Public Schools All Milwaukee Police Department districts All City of Milwaukee Public Library branches Mason Temple Church: 6058 N. 35th St. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents can also donate money online to Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin or to Nourish MKE. What non-perishable food items are accepted? You can donate a variety of non-perishable, shelf-stable food items. It's best to donate food that is healthy, low-sodium and not expired. While this is not an exhaustive list, here are some examples of acceptable items to donate: Proteins Canned or pouch tuna, salmon and chicken Canned beans Dried beans and lentils Nut butter (peanut, almond, etc.) Nuts and seeds Canned soup, stew, chili and curry Beef jerky Fruits and vegetables Canned vegetables Canned or dried fruit (in juice water or water, not syrup) Canned tomatoes, tomato sauce or paste Applesauce Grains and starches Rice Pasta (whole grain or whole wheat) Oats (rolled or steel-cut) Cereal Quinoa or barley Popcorn kernels Pantry staples and other items Cooking oil Spice, herbs and blends Condiments Coffee or tea Honey Baking ingredients (flour, sugar, etc.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, some food banks accept personal care and household items. While these items aren't covered by food assistance programs like SNAP, many people struggling with food insecurity also struggle to afford personal care and household items. What food items should I avoid donating? If your donation is perishable, meaning something with a limited shelf life, food banks won't accept it. Here are some items to avoid donating: Items needing refrigeration Expired food Leftovers Food with packaging concerns, including dented or bloated cans and packaging that is already open Baked goods Volunteering at Milwaukee-area food pantries Donating isn't the only way you can help your community. Organizations like Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin and Nourish MKE, as well as many local food pantries, rely heavily on volunteer help to package, label and sort food donations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin typically offers shifts Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., as well as select Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. by appointment. Volunteers must be able to stand for extended periods of time, be able to lift up to 15 pounds and must be at least 10 years old. Children under the age of 16 are required to be accompanied by an adult for the entire duration of the shift. Volunteer opportunities can be found here. Nourish MKE offers volunteer shifts five days a week, Tuesday through Saturday at varying times and locations. Volunteer opportunities can be found here. Anna Kleiber can be reached at akleiber@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: SNAP funding is running out. How you can help in Wisconsin Janshakti Janata Dal chief Tej Pratap Yadav on Wednesday expressed confidence in his party's victory in the Bihar elections, stating that wherever he goes, there will be a wave of JJD. Yadav said that if his party comes to power, his primary agenda will be to remove migration from the state. "As soon as our Janshakti Janata Dal government is formed, we will work to stop migration. We will make Bihar unemployment-free. Wherever I go, there will be a wave of Janshakti Janata Dal," Tej Pratap told reporters. Tej Pratap is contesting from the Mahua assembly constituency, from where he filed his nomination on October 16. On October 13, JJD announced its first batch of 22 candidates for the upcoming Bihar assembly elections scheduled in November. Earlier this year, Tej Pratap Yadav was expelled from the party and the Yadav family for a serious breach of moral and social values following a controversy over a Facebook post of his, in which he claimed to be in a long-term relationship with a woman. This prompted netizens to recall his marital dispute, which had made headlines a few years ago. Tej Pratap had claimed that his account was hacked. Yadav had tied the knot with Aishwarya, granddaughter of former Bihar Chief Minister Daroga Rai. However, within a few months, Aishwarya left his house alleging that she was driven out by her husband and in-laws, and the couple's divorce petition is pending before the family court. After his expulsion from the RJD, Tej Pratap Yadav founded the JJD. Currently, the Mahua constituency, from which Tej Pratap is set to contest, is held by RJD leader Mukesh Kumar Raushan. The first phase of the Bihar Assembly polls will take place on November 6, and the second phase will happen on November 11. The vote count will take place on November 14. The upcoming electoral contest will be between the NDA, led by the BJP, and the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)), as well as the INDIA bloc, led by Tejashwi Yadav of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). The INDIA bloc looks to unseat Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who leads the NDA. However, JJD is not the only new player in the Bihar electoral battle, as Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj has also staked claims to all 243 seats in the state. (ANI) Senate Republicans will block a Democratic bill that would keep federal food aid flowing to 42 million Americans as they try to build pressure to reopen the government, Majority Leader John Thune said Wednesday. The bill from New Mexico Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, which would fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Women, Infants and Children nutrition past Nov. 1, is a cynical attempt to buy political cover for Democrats to allow them to carry on their government shutdown even longer, Thune said from the Senate floor. Were not going to let them pick winners and losers, he added on the 29th day of the government shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It only takes one senator to object to passing a bill by unanimous consent, as Democrats plan to do in the coming hours. And short of President Donald Trump unilaterally shifting funds which administration officials say he wont do SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, will lapse for the first time in modern history at the end of the week. Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri, who has offered his own stand-alone SNAP patch, has also said that his proposal will also be blocked from passing unanimously on the floor. Asked about rejecting the SNAP bills, Thune separately told reporters that if the Senate starts going down the road of take care of this group or that group it just begs the larger question, how long is this going to drag on? Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, meanwhile, pointed the blame for the lapse squarely at Republicans, adding that he would vote for Hawleys proposal if it was put up for a vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ask John Thune why he wont put it on the floor, he said inside the Senate chamber Wednesday. He knows theres broad Republican support for it, and he doesnt put it on the floor. Hes afraid of Trump. Thats it. He knows better. Trump has spoken carefully about the potential SNAP lapse in recent days, however. Asked about the approaching cliff on Air Force One overnight, Trump said, Well get it done before quickly saying Democrats need to reopen the government. He also suggested Friday that everybody is going to be in good shape when asked about the looming deadline. The food-aid cliff has split Republicans between those who want to make sure the program is funded any way possible and GOP leaders and others who dont want to ease pressure on Democrats to fully reopen the government. Thune said he spoke to Trump Tuesday night but that they did not discuss the idea of the administration taking unilateral action on SNAP. Instead, the South Dakota Republican said, what Trump is saying consistently is, Open up the government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Susan Collins of Maine is among the Republicans who have urged USDA to shift funding to cover the benefits. With roughly 12 percent of all Mainers relying on the program, a lapse could be a major liability in her race for reelection next year in a blue state. Democrats and even privately some Republican lawmakers argue the Trump administration has the legal authority to tap a $5 billion contingency fund, or other USDA funds, to ensure SNAP benefits keep flowing during the shutdown. Dozens of Democratic governors and attorneys general have sued the administration over its decision not to tap those funds. They need to use it. That's what it's there for. If they don't, they're inflicting pain upon some of those vulnerable people in the country, and shame on them, said Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.), the top Democrat on the Rules Committee. I mean, Trump's not only a lousy president, but he's a rotten human being. Speaker Mike Johnson argued Wednesday that Congress hasn't authorized the contingency fund and faulted Democrats for voting against a stopgap spending bill that would keep benefits flowing. But even some Republican lawmakers privately note thats not how the fund works. On Saturday, this gets very real, Johnson said Wednesday. You're talking about tens of millions of Americans at risk of going hungry if Senate Democrats continue this. As more than 42 million low-income Americans who rely on SNAP benefits, including 16 million children, brace for the potential freeze in food assistance due to the government shutdown, food banks and other organizations across the country have scaled up efforts and called communities to action to help those in need of critical nutritional assistance. How to donate food and resources for Americans reliant on SNAP The possible disruption to SNAP funding on Nov. 1 would have a direct impact on beneficiaries of the food assistance program, and has already caused a ripple effect on the country's food system, some organizations say. Chefs, food rescue organizations and nonprofit food banks have been outspoken about the increased need for support from communities to donate at a time when the nation's nutritional safety net is frayed. Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for Feeding America and North Valley Caring Services, FILE - PHOTO: In this Dec. 22, 2023, file photo, a volunteer is shown as Feeding America hosts Holiday Volunteer Opportunity at North Valley Caring Services in North Hills, Calif. From food banks to food rescues and community fridges, see where you can donate or volunteer to help in the list below. Feeding America To support families during the shutdown, click here to donate to Feeding America's Community Response Campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Food banks and community partners will do everything in their power to help -- this is what they do every day. The stark reality is that for every meal the Feeding America network provides, SNAP provides nine," Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America, told ABC News in a statement Wednesday. "That means that some food banks are already having to turn people away as more families than ever are seeking support, many for the first time because of the shutdown." California Association of Food Banks With the federal government is shut down, the organization that represents 42 food banks throughout the state said it will continue to operate and offer food and support to families in need. Click here to donate. Paul Frangipane - PHOTO: City Harvest volunteers distribute food to New York City residents in need of food assistance. City Harvest The CEO of the largest food rescue resource in New York City, Jilly Stephens, penned an open letter about the halting of funds for SNAP recipients and in a new statement to ABC News on Wednesday said this expected disruption "would have a devastating impact on the 1.8 million New Yorkers and millions more across the country who rely on this critical program to feed their families." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Click here to donate to the New York-based nonprofit food rescue. Paul Frangipane - PHOTO: City Harvest volunteers distribute food to New York City residents in need of food assistance. Food Recovery Network For anyone who owns a food business -- or may have extra resources -- donation distribution channels like the Food Recovery Network will help redirect surplus food to those in need. For restaurants, schools, caterers, grocers and other small-scale donors, click here to learn how to create an account and donate food. For large-scale industry suppliers like food manufacturers or farmers, click here to set up a donation inquiry. Where to get food assistance amid SNAP benefits freeze From community stocked fridges to restaurant-backed food rescue sites, here are a handful of places dedicated to helping at-risk Americans stay fed. City Harvest "At City Harvest, we know from experience that even a single missed paycheck or delayed benefit can force families to seek food assistance," Stephens told ABC News. "We have been distributing food at Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island, Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn, and near LaGuardia and JFK airports to support federal workers impacted by the shutdown." Lily Smith/The Des Moines Register via USA Today Network via Imagn Images, FILE - PHOTO: People shop at SNAP and EBT eligible stands during the Downtown Farmers' Market on Court Avenue on May 10, 2025, in Des Moines. City Harvest has added distributions through food pantry partners in areas with high numbers of SNAP recipients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As the government shutdown continues, even more of our fellow New Yorkers could find themselves in need of food assistance. No matter what happens in the weeks to come, City Harvest is committed to being here rescuing and delivering as much food as we can for anyone in our city who needs it," Stephens said. Click here for a city-wide map to locate free distribution sites that include soup kitchens, community fridges and food pantries around the New York area. Feeding America Click here to find a local food bank from the vast Feeding America network of local partners. "If you are navigating challenges, your efforts to care for yourself and your loved ones are seen and respected. Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not shame," the CEO told ABC News. "These resources exist because communities care about one another -- local food banks and church pantries are there for everyone who needs them, whether for a few days or longer. No one should have to face hunger alone." FoodFinder The nationwide free-to-use resource and nonprofit helps connect people in need to nearby food pantries across the U.S. Click here to find a location near you. Freedge For those worried about getting food on the table, this nonprofit sharing resource points to a network of community refrigerators stocked and cared for by communities that are available 24/7 to anyone. Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for Feeding America and North Valley Caring Services, FILE - PHOTO: In this Dec. 22, 2023, file photo, boxes of food are shown as Feeding America hosts Holiday Volunteer Opportunity at North Valley Caring Services in North Hills, Calif. Click here to locate a community fridge or share the map with Americans who may be in need of finding food assistance. DoorDash The food delivery platform announced an emergency food response to deliver 1 million free meals through Project DASH, the company's effort to power free delivery on behalf of its Feeding America food bank partners, in November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DoorDash said it will also waive its delivery and service fees for an estimated 300,000 grocery orders for SNAP recipients at Sprouts, Dollar General, Schnucks, Food Lion, Giant Foods, The GIANT Company, Hannaford, Stop & Shop, Hy-Vee, Giant Eagle and Wegmans. The company said the move comes in response "overwhelming demand" felt by food banks nationwide amid the federal shutdown. Gopuff The on-demand delivery service responded to the ongoing government shutdown by offering SNAP recipients a $50 credit for SNAP-eligible items for free, delivered in as fast as 15 minutes. In its announcement Tuesday, Gopuff said it will cap the total relief at $10 million. MANASSAS, VA Manassas residents receiving SNAP benefits will continue receiving them despite the federal government shutdown, the city says. On Tuesday, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced details of a Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance initiative in response to the federal government's shutdown halting federal funds for SNAP benefits in November. Youngkin had issued an executive order to support SNAP after declaring a state of emergency. SNAP recipients as of Oct. 29 will receive a weekly state-supported emergency food assistance payment based on their existing eligibility for SNAP. The benefits will be given through the existing electronic benefit transfer card that SNAP recipients use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the City of Manassas, residents normally receiving SNAP on Nov. 1 can expect the first state-supported payment on Nov. 3. Those receiving benefits on Nov. 4 will get payments on Nov. 5, and those receiving benefits on Nov. 7 will receive payments that day. The payment amount is expected to be the same, according to the city. The state is planning to continue SNAP payments through November or when the federal government shutdown ends. In addition to the SNAP assistance, Youngkin announced $1 million to support Virginia's food banks. Food banks and pantries are facing increasing demand amid the federal government shutdown leaving some employees furloughed and others without a paycheck, in addition to federal funding for SNAP pausing in November. Twenty-five states and the District of Columbia are pursuing a lawsuit against the Trump administration for not using emergency funds to continue federal SNAP funding in November, CNBC reported. According to the city, food banks available to support residents in need are: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House of Mercy Food Pantry (8170 Flannery Court): Open Monday through Friday, offering groceries, hygiene items, and emergency supplies. SERVE Campus of Northern Virginia Family Service (10056 Dean Drive): Offering fresh and non-perishable foods, case management, and family support. Bethlehem Lutheran Church Food Pantry (9740 Sudley Road): Offering weekly food distributions and community meals. Manassas Baptist Church Food Pantry (8800 Sudley Road): Offering food assistance and neighborhood outreach. CFH East End Food Pantry (9021 Centerville Rd, Lot 6A): Food is distributed on every other Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., with emergency walk-ins available by calling 571-201-6226. Manassas City Public Schools also offers a dinner program providing free, healthy dinners to students aged 2 to 18. The program runs Mondays to Thursdays, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the Osbourn High School cafeteria. Students from kindergarten to 12th grade already receive free breakfast and lunch through the Community Eligibility Provision at MCPS. Patch News Partner/Shutterstock Patch has partnered with Feeding America since 2020 to help raise awareness in our local communities of hunger, a persistent national problem exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks and 60,000 local meals programs across the country, estimates that nearly 34 million people, including 9 million children about 1 in 6 Americans are living with food insecurity. This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations. Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you. SNAP Food Assistance Payments To Continue: Manassas Shares Resources originally appeared on the Manassas Patch If the government shutdown continues through this Saturday, November 1, benefits provided through SNAP benefits will come to a halt. At River Bend Food Bank, Our Quad Cities News asked CEO Chris Ford if he was hopeful that the government could reach an agreement to reopen and refund critical resources like SNAP. Ford said he always remains hopeful but is preparing for tough work ahead alongside a community of nonprofits in the area. The amount of food that they will have access to will decrease, and I think youll see some ripple effects, Ford said. Im confident youll see ripple effects. Thats less money being spent in grocery stores; less money in the grocery stores means do they need less employees, do they need less food? Those ripple effects begin to affect communities. Were specifically concerned about rural areas, where food insecurity is highest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Besides the community and economic impact, once SNAP benefits come to a halt, EBT credits will be at zero. The charitable food system does not have the resources to mend this gap. Amy Jones, River Bend Food Bank Board Member, relied on SNAP as a child, giving testimony to how critical the resource is. The food bank and all the pantries that it supports is certainly one of the tools that can help people during this time, but it simply cant solve hunger for 65,000 people in our region, Jones said. SNAP is our best tool to solve hunger in the Midwest region and beyond. River Bend Food Bank staff encourages the public to volunteer with time or donations, but they say the solution ultimately lies in the hands of federal administration. Ashley Wells has received SNAP benefits for five-and-a-half years and uses the service to help feed her two kids. She fears November 1, shell lose those benefits. Just feels like, you know, were honestly being victimized, Wells said. When were already, like, stuck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jones says the solution lies in the government leaders hands. When we start using people as a political pawn, the system of politics isnt working for any of us, Jones said. Illinois Rep. Eric Sorensen points the finger at the USDA. Its incredibly unfair whats going on, Sorensen said. Lets understand this, because the USDA, thats where the funding comes from for SNAP. The funding is there. The funding is sitting in an account in Washington. On Tuesday, River Bend Food Bank highlighted SNAPs nationwide footprint. River Bend Food Bank distributes about 16.5 million meals per year; SNAP provide 148.5 million meals per year, Ford said. There is absolutely no way the charitable food system can fill that gap. And how the QCA will be affected without it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am so fearful that theres going to be families that get to the checkout counter come Sunday or Monday or Tuesday to feed their families, and theyre going to see that their card doesnt work, Sorensen 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 WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. (The Center Square) While the focus of the ongoing federal government shutdown lately has been on SNAP benefits ending Saturday, seven of Ohios Head Start facilities could lose funding if a deal isnt reached before Monday. If seven of the states 59 locations shut their doors, nearly 4,000 students could be impacted. But thats just the beginning. Parents, employers, employees and others could feel the effect, as the economic consequences could stretch far beyond early-childhood education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Groundwork Ohio, a childrens advocacy organization, says 3,738 children could lose access to their Head Start program, meals and health care Saturday. Also, 900 teachers and drivers could be laid off, and 1,500 working parents could lose child care if the shutdown stretches to Monday. Rob Moore, principal at Scioto Analysis, a Columbus-based organization that utilizes microeconomic analysis and statistical methods to evaluate public policy, stated that ending SNAP benefits and Head Start could have a significant economic impact. The most recent statistics say SNAP recipients in Ohio receive about $270 million in benefits per month, Moore told The Center Square. Annually, that comes out to about $3.2 billion. Compare that to the production of Ohio's farm industry of $3.4 billion. Shutting off SNAP benefits to the state would have a comparable economic impact to all farms in the state suddenly ceasing to produce. If these support seven out of 59 slots, that means about 3,700 children will be left without child care on Saturday. That means thousands of Ohio families scrambling to find new child care arrangements, either having to secure new arrangements or miss work to make up for the disruption. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Head Start news comes on the same day that Ohio House Democrats pleaded with Gov. Mike DeWine to declare a state of emergency, similar to those announced in other states. Louisiana, Vermont and Virginia all recently declared emergencies, while New York and Minnesota are freeing up emergency funds for food banks. Both Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry and Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin are Republicans. Ohio Democrats believe a DeWine declaration would allow the state to send money to food banks and allow the National Guard to distribute food. Ohio families will go hungry without SNAP benefits, including over a half million children, over 250,000 seniors, and an estimated 45,000 veterans, the House Democrat Caucus said in a letter to DeWine. "Time is of the essence, and we need to act before Saturdays deadline. It does not matter where we stand on the respective sides of the battle over health care premiums in D.C., the reality is that the most vulnerable people across our state are going to go hungry if we do not act. We are urging leadership in the face of this crisis. Oct. 28AIKEN Local organizations that focus on short- and long-term poverty relief are facing extra challenges this month, amid the ongoing debate over the federal budget, with the shutdown going into its fourth week. The status of SNAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is a hot topic, with talk of the "food stamps" program running out of funds Nov. 1, jeopardizing its mission to help "people with low income buy the food they need for good health." The U.S. Department of Agriculture notes beneficiaries in several categories, including the homeless, unemployed, those who receive welfare or other public-assistance payments and those who work for low wages or work part-time, as well as low-income people who are either elderly or disabled. Bernard McConnell, with Second Baptist Church, has a front-row seat for the issue, as director of his congregation's food bank, which is in action on the third Saturday morning of each month. A cutoff of SNAP money would "definitely add to the people that are going to come," he said, noting that the outreach in recent months has already experienced "a drastic reduction in the amount of USDA foods that we get." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Logan Ford, in the midst of his second month as executive director of Area Churches Together Serving, is among other local residents watching the situation. "We're already preparing by increasing food inventory where possible, and more importantly, coordinating with partner organizations and local donors to meet the anticipated demand," he wrote. "Our volunteers and staff are ready to respond, but the reality is, we purchase most of the food we provide our clients. With this in mind, community support will be more important than ever." Ford's organization maintains a food pantry in downtown Aiken, and the western edge of Aiken County has a similar organization in place: Community Ministry of North Augusta, which has Tammy Butler as its executive director. She and Ford gave similar reports. "We've seen a definite increase over the past couple of weeks in people needing assistance, whether it's in utilities or food. We're expecting a big increase this week, though, mainly because people are trying to be proactive and get food before the rush hits every food bank," Butler said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're only open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, so we expect Wednesday, when we open, to have people waiting for assistance." A lunch line is part of the weekday routine at 604 Park Ave., where the Salvation Army maintains a homeless shelter, run in part by Capt. Michael Good. "We do not receive any federal funds, or any state funds, to be exact," he said, "so these cuts don't affect us directly and don't affect nonprofits like us directly. However, directly, the implications are severe." A food pantry is also a part of the local organization's outreach. "Around every three months, we serve around 180 seniors in our food pantry," he said, estimating that about 150 of those individuals are on SNAP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Good also offered some data, pointing out that September 2024 had the local Salvation Army serving 50 families through its food pantry. September 2025, however, had 136, "and that is without changes in benefits." Disaster struck households in the Aiken-Augusta area early in the morning of Sept. 27, 2024, with the arrival of Tropical Storm Helene, providing more data for comparison. The local Salvation Army, in October 2023, served about 2,500 meals, but the count in October 2024 was about 66,000. He also addressed the concept of "ALICE families," for "Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained and Employed," also described by Good as "the working poor." Such households are "on the verge of entering either homelessness or poverty," he said. "The face of poverty in our community has changed. It's not always that picture of the person that you think it is. It's the lady checking us out at the grocery store, or the senior citizens that we run into at the community center, or the family whose child is at the daycare with us. Those are the individuals that are struggling just to make it. We're preparing for the ones that will really be affected by this, which is those ALICE families." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Golden Harvest Food Bank, which covers 24 counties in South Carolina and Georgia, would "100 percent" be affected by a SNAP stop, according to Abby Muehlfeld, the organization's vice president of marketing. "We aren't able to cover what folks would be getting from their SNAP benefits, but what we can do is what we're here to do, and that is to provide food to our hunger-relief partners. We have over 325 ... that we work with in our service area," she said. "Our role is to provide food to our partners so that they, in turn, can feed our neighbors, so they are on the front lines, making sure that people have the food they need. Whenever there is a disaster or disruption, like a government shutdown ... there is going to be an increased need. In times like these, we see more people visiting pantries many of them for the first time." The CEO of Southern California Edison said it is "likely" that the company's equipment could be found as the cause of the Eaton Fire in Altadena. "SCE is not aware of evidence pointing to another possible source of ignition. Absent additional evidence, SCE believes that it is likely that its equipment could be found to have been associated with the ignition," CEO Pedro Pizarro said in a third-quarter earnings report. Last month, the Department of Justice announced it was suing Southern California Edison over the Eaton Fire, seeking tens of millions of dollars in damages for alleged negligence it claims led to the deadly fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A cause remains under investigation, according to Cal Fire. However, the DOJ alleges that the fire was ignited "from faulty power infrastructure owned, maintained, and operated" by Southern California Edison. Other lawsuits have been filed against Edison. Over a span of 24 days, the Eaton Fire spread across 14,000 acres, according to Cal Fire. More than 9,000 structures were destroyed and at least 19 people died. ABC News contributed to this report. An Illinois jury on Wednesday convicted a former sheriffs deputy of second-degree murder in the death of Sonya Massey, who was shot inside her apartment last year after moving a pot of hot water into a sink. The 36-year-old mother of two called the police for help. She was shot dead on her kitchen floor. Sean Grayson, the 31-year-old former Sangamon County sheriffs deputy who shot her, has been held in a local jail without bond since his arrest 11 days after Masseys July 6, 2024, death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Graysons body camera footage and his partners testimony were central pieces of evidence the prosecution presented to the jurors to secure a guilty verdict. For most of October, Masseys family and supporters traveled 144 miles round trip nearly every day to attend the trial. Sonya Massey was killed in her home by an Illinois sheriffs deputy in 2024 after she called 911 for help. (Courtesy of Ben Crump Law Firm) Fifteen months after Massey was fatally shot, another chapter of justice closed for them when a Peoria County jury of mostly white women and men found Grayson guilty. The jury deliberated first-degree murder charges, and the judge provided instructions for them to also consider second-degree murder a lesser charge that removes the element of intent to kill. The sheriffs deputy, who was diagnosed with colon cancer in October 2023, faces between four to 20 years in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This seems like a compromised verdict, said her father, James Wilburn, at a press conference after jurors deliberated for nearly 11 hours. Graysons defense requested the trial be moved to avoid potential juror bias in Masseys home county of Sangamon. The jurys makeup 11 white men, women, and one Black juror later drew scrutiny for not reflecting Peorias demographics of 57% white and 22% Black. While we believe Graysons actions deserved a first-degree conviction, todays verdict is still a measure of justice for Sonya Massey, said Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci, Masseys family attorneys, after the verdict in a joint emailed statement. Accountability has begun, and we now hope the court will impose a meaningful sentence that reflects the severity of these crimes and the life that was lost. Earlier this year, Massys family secured a $10 million wrongful death settlement with the Sangamon County Sheriffs Office and Sangamon County. Massey was a daddys girl who never ended the conversation without saying, Daddy, I love you. My heart is heavy today. This is my daughters birthday, said James Wilburn, Sonya Masseys father, in February. (Screen capture via Zoom) My heart is heavy today. This is my daughters birthday, said Wilburn, as tears fell from his eyes during a Zoom press conference in February held on what would have been Masseys 37th birthday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sangamon County Board approved the settlement on Feb. 11, Crump said in a previous statement. This is the largest civil lawsuit settlement of any kind in the county, Romanucci said. Wilburn thanked state lawmakers for introducing the Sonya Massey Bill, which aims to prevent what he called frequent fliers officers who are able to get employed at different law enforcement agencies despite having a troubling employment record. I cant say the same [thanks] for Sangamon County, because they were responsible for this occurring and the other smaller departments that this guy was at when they should have taken his certification to be a law enforcement officer in Illinois, Wilburn said. Calls for legislative changes Masseys killing is a similar tragedy to what happened weeks before Christmas 2023 in Lancaster County, California. Niani Finlayson was shot and killed by a sheriffs deputy in front of her 9-year-old daughter after she also called 911 for help in a domestic violence incident. Finlayson, 27, was holding a knife when police arrived and within seconds, she was shot and killed. Multiple law enforcement agencies are still investigating Finlaysons case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Masseys case, Grayson had other options available that he should have used. [He] had the training, tools, and experience to know better, Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell wrote on the agencys Facebook page in 2024. Grayson will never again work in law enforcement. Campbell added. After the verdict, Masseys parents and Romanucci called on state lawmakers to propose legislation that would create an additional homicide charge to the states criminal laws in between first- and second-degree murder. An aggravated homicide charge can create sentencing guidelines that wouldnt allow a lesser-included homicide charge to have a sentence without a to life sentencing range, Romanucci said. The judge can sentence Grayson to between four and 20 years in prison. Because he has been in custody since his July 2024 arrest, that time will count toward his sentence. Masseys supporters said they want the judge to impose the maximum penalty and oppose any possibility of probation or early release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a July 2024 press conference, Wilburn fought back tears as he recalled the last voicemail he got from his daughter. In an emotional interview on CNN after body-camera footage from the July 6, 2024, fatal shooting was released, he spoke about the devastating loss and his familys call for accountability. I know I wont see her again in this world, but theres another world that I will see her in. Wilburn, who had quadruple bypass surgery in 2022, also said during the CNN interview that hes thankful to be alive today, but had this happened two years ago he may not have survived the level of pain he says he feels daily from losing Massey. Masseys family, alongside Crump, reviewed the police body-camera footage before it was released to the public. Crump compared the heinous and senseless footage to the May 2020 murder of George Floyd by former Minneapolis police officers. After watching his daughters last moments alive, Wilburn concluded that the talk Black families have with their boys must be extended to our girls about their interactions with the police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Capital B has reached out to Graysons attorney, Daniel Fultz, who has repeatedly declined to comment on his clients criminal case and the lawsuit settlement. Crump is also calling for legislative changes in Sangamon County similar to measures included in the settlement in Louisville, Kentucky, following the fatal police shooting of Breonna Taylor. The Sonya Massey Bill, introduced on Feb. 7 by Democratic Illinois state Rep. Justin Slaughter, seeks to make substantive changes to how law enforcement applicants are reviewed before they are hired. This robust process is nothing short of what our communities deserve, so that the right people are in these critical public service roles, Slaughter said in an emailed statement. Grayson worked for six police departments in four years before being hired by the Sangamon County Sheriffs Office, according to multiple reports, and has a history of misconduct while serving in the U.S. Army. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Romanucci said during the February press conference that Graysons background check should have been a red flag not to hire him. This shooting never would have happened. What did happen is that when Sonya called 911, she didnt know it, but that was her death sentence. She called in her own death when she called for help on the night that Sean Grayson came to her home. Masseys final moments We were led to believe that the intruder, or someone from the neighborhood, may have killed her. We were absolutely shocked to find out that there was a deputy who shot, Wilburn said during the CNN interview. Sonya Massey, 36, lost her life due to an unjustifiable and reckless decision by a now-former Sangamon County sheriffs deputy. (Courtesy of Ben Crump Law) Dawson Farley, Graysons partner, testified during the October trial that he was caught off guard when shots were fired. He said he pulled out his firearm when Grayson did following his training and backing his partner, but did not see or hear anything that required him to draw his firearm, according to local news outlets WICS and WAND. Farley said he remembered Grayson urging him not to waste it his medical equipment on Massey as she bled on her kitchens floor. The retelling of the moment brought Masseys mother to tears in the courtroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prior to opening statements on Oct. 20, prosecutors dropped aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct charges. After presenting testimony from nearly a dozen witnesses, prosecutors rested their case. Grayson testified on Oct. 27 that he was trained to use force to gain compliance and he matched Masseys threat level by drawing his gun. Farley didnt agree to this assertion, according to his testimony. But Fultz, Graysons defense attorney, urged jurors during his closing arguments to consider Farleys initial report to investigators the former deputy told authorities he pulled out his gun because he was also scared. During the early morning of July 6, 2024, Massey called 911 to her home on Hoover Avenue in Springfield for a possible intruder. Grayson and Farley arrived and searched around her home with flashlights, and found a broken drivers side window of a car parked in an adjacent driveway, according to police body-camera footage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 36-year-old mother took a few minutes to open her front door for the deputies before she let them inside to further discuss her concerns. One of the officers asked for her identification after telling them that the broken window was from an earlier incident. As she looked for her ID, Grayson asked her to turn off the fire from the stove. We dont need a fire while were here, he said. As Massey picked up the pot of hot water to move it to the nearby sink, Grayson began to back away. She asked, Where are you going? Away from the hot steaming water, Grayson said with a chuckle. Away from my hot steaming water? she asked, adding unexpectedly, I rebuke you in the name of Jesus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Masseys living room and kitchen were open, with an island separating the two rooms. There were no walls obstructing Graysons view. Grayson immediately responded with f-bombs and swore to God: Ill fucking shoot you in your motherfucking face. OK, Im sorry, Massey said as Grayson pulled out his service weapon while ordering her to drop the pot. She ducked to the floor with her hands up and was shot in the head. Graysons partner radioed that shots were fired and verbalized his intent to get his medical kit to aid Masseys wound and to try and stop the bleeding. She done, she done. You can go get it, but thats a headshot, Grayson told his partner. Theres nothing you can do, man. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What else do we do? Im not taking hot fucking boiling water to the fucking face, Grayson later said. Farley eventually went to get the kit as Massey was still breathing before the ambulance arrived. She died at a nearby hospital. Wheres the gun? Grayson was asked by another officer who arrived at the scene. Grayson responded with his continued baseless defense of the threat of being rebuked in the name of Jesus with hot water. The Illinois State Police investigated the fatal police shooting at the request of the Sangamon County Sheriffs Office. The Department of Justice said in an email to Capital B in 2024 that they are aware of and assessing the circumstances of Masseys tragic officer-involved death, and will continue to track the criminal case opened by the Sangamon County States Attorney. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This incident does not reflect the values or actions of our law enforcement community, Campbell, the Sangamon County sheriff, said. This story has been updated. The post Former Deputy Convicted in Killing of Sonya Massey After 15-Month Wait for Justice appeared first on Capital B News. The Bridge, a homeless shelter in downtown Dallas, has announced that Dr. David Woody will retire as CEO in 2026. The Bridge Homeless Recovery Center is a nonprofit shelter and one-stop shop that helps homeless people get off the streets. Board Chair Lynn McBee announced on October 27 that Woody, president and CEO, will retire on July 3, 2026. Dr. Woody has guided The Bridge through a period of growth, innovation, and community transformation, said Marketing and Communications Manager Erica Barnett to The Dallas Express. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Board of Directors will form a Search Committee and initiate a formal process to identify and select Dr. Woodys successor, added Barnett. Woody has more than 40 years of experience in social work and nonprofit leadership, according to Barnett. He began working with The Bridge in 2015 as chief services officer, then took office as president and CEO in 2018. Woody will continue to serve in an advisory role through the end of 2026, according to a press release. Barnett promised the transition would be seamless and strategic. I want to assure you that our mission remains steadfast: to serve as a bridge from homelessness to recovery through coordinated care, partnerships and human connection, McBee said in the initial announcement. The organization Dr. Woody helped shape is strong, well-led and deeply aligned with the needs of our community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Bridge is Dallas largest free homeless shelter. It sits off Corsicana Street, just south of downtown amid some of the citys worst homelessness. Woody has been instrumental in working with city officials and other nonprofits to get homeless people off the streets. The City of Dallas, Downtown Dallas Inc., and nonprofits like Housing Forward have been coordinating a Safe In The City campaign since the summer of 2024, sending homeless people to shelters like The Bridge, as The Dallas Express previously reported. Meanwhile, the shelter has been canvassing and cleaning a two-block radius for five years, after disorganized feedings with other groups that leave piles of trash in the streets. Serving The Bridge community has been the honor of my career, Woody said in the release. Together, we have strengthened an organization that not only changes lives but restores dignity and purpose. I look forward to supporting this transition and ensuring that The Bridge remains a beacon of recovery and hope for years to come. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under Woodys leadership, The Bridge has become one of the most respected and effective homeless recovery models in America bringing nearly 1,000 people off the streets into sustainable housing every year, according to the release. The shelter serves more than 7,000 people annually. David Woodys leadership has been nothing short of transformational, McBee said. He has elevated The Bridge as a model of compassionate care and measurable impact anchored in dignity, recovery, and opportunity. Woodys career in social work and nonprofits included Volunteers of America Texas, The Salvation Army, and Catholic Charities Fort Worth, according to the release. He has held academic appointments at Baylor University, the University of Texas at Arlington, and Texas Christian University. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Dallas Business Journal named Woody the Most Inspiring Leader of 2021, the All Neighbors Coalition honored him with the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023, and Dartmouth College honored him with the Lester B. Granger Social Justice Lifetime Achievement Award in 2025. Dr. Woody considers one of his greatest accomplishments to be transforming the public perception of The Bridge, Barnett said. Under his leadership, The Bridge has become a more positive, welcoming, and recovery-centered environment where both Guests and Staff are united in purpose and hope. Woody views his job not just as social work, but as soul work, according to The Bridges website. He faced a recent battle with cancer, and instead of stepping back, he pressed on. Between cancer treatments and doctor visits, he remained present. He remained purposeful, the website reads. He remained Dr. Woody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Woody often speaks with guests in the courtyard, picks up trash along the perimeter, and ventures out to bring in a homeless person who is hesitant about services. He visits former guests in the hospital, makes house calls, and donates blood to strangers. If hes not in his office, its probably because hes somewhere being the hands and feet of the mission he holds so dear, the website reads. Dr. Woody doesnt just talk about recovery, he lives it. Jay Dunn, then-president and CEO of The Bridge, visited Woodys class at TCU as a guest lecturer in 2015, according to Barnett. Within one week, he contacted Woody with an opportunity he could not pass up to serve as chief services officer. Dr. Woody brought a wealth of experience and insight from his prior leadership roles with The Salvation Army and Volunteers of America Texas, where he had become familiar with The Bridge Homeless Recovery Center and its mission, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Woody became president and CEO in 2018, according to Barnett. She said the leadership team is prepared to continue his legacy, ensuring stability, continuity, and excellence in service. Dr. Woody is confident that The Bridge, the largest shelter serving single adults in the Dallas area, will continue to stand as a beacon of recovery and hope for years to come, Barnett said. He envisions The Bridge maintaining its central role in supporting individuals experiencing homelessness and fostering lasting recovery through compassion, collaboration, and care. McBee expressed gratitude for Woodys years of service. His steady hand and visionary heart have guided both our team and our community to a deeper understanding of what it truly means to end homelessness one person at a time, she said. We are profoundly grateful for his service, his mentorship and his legacy. The Delhi High Court has permitted the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to record the testimony of US-based witness C Edmonds Allen through video conferencing in the high-profile Official Secrets Act (OSA) case against businessman Abhishek Verma and others, setting aside a trial court order that had earlier declined the request. Justice Sanjeev Narula, delivering judgement, held that the trial court's refusal "converted a safeguard into a barrier," stressing that while secrecy must be maintained, it cannot come at the cost of obstructing justice. The court ruled that the OSA does not bar examination of witnesses via electronic means and that confidentiality concerns can be adequately addressed through "strict, court-controlled safeguards". "The proper judicial response is to manage risk, while preserving the integrity of the proceeding," Justice Narula observed, relaxing the requirement of the accused's consent under Rule 5.3.11 of the Delhi High Court Video Conferencing Rules, 2020, by invoking Rule 18. Ordering that Allen's evidence be recorded from the Indian Consulate in New York, the court outlined a set of stringent protocols; the proceedings will be in camera, under Section 14 of the OSA and Section 327 of the CrPC. Original classified documents will remain in India and only be shown via a secure, view-only feed. Any certified copies, if essential, must be sanitised, transmitted through diplomatic channels, and stored under sealed custody at the Consulate. The examination will take place on a court-approved, encrypted video-conference platform, with no facility to record, copy, or download. The court said these measures "achieve the objectives of the OSA without undermining the trial's progress." Justice Narula also noted that Allen, aged 79 and suffering from health issues, cannot undertake long-haul travel. "Recording his evidence via video conferencing from the Consulate strikes the right balance between efficiency, fairness, and security," the court said. The High Court rejected the defence's contention that Allen should be summoned as an accused, observing that such an issue could be considered separately under Section 319 CrPC by the trial court. The petition was argued by Rajesh Kumar, Special Public Prosecutor for the CBI, while the respondents were represented by Senior Advocate Maninder Singh, assisted by Dinhar Takiar, Sanjana Nair, Anurupita Kaur, Mudit Maruah, and Karan Tomar for Respondents No. 1 and 2. Sarim Naved and Zeeshan Ahmad appeared for Respondent No. 3, and Harshvardhan Jha, with Aman Pathak, represented the intervenor, C. Edmonds Allen, noted the court. Concluding that the CBI's petition merited interference, the court set aside the April 6, 2023, order of the Special Judge (PC Act), Rouse Avenue Court, and directed the lower court to coordinate with the Indian Consulate and the Ministry of External Affairs to complete the examination expeditiously. (ANI) NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) The South Carolina Ports new leader delivered his first State of the Port address to elected leaders, stakeholders, and port customers. SC Ports is the eighth largest container port in the nation, and a leader in the Southeast region. The president and CEO spoke at one of his first major engagements, giving the annual report. Micah Mallace, president and CEO of the South Carolina Ports, discussed the economic success over the past year, challenges the port has faced, and the path for the future. He led off his remarks, stating port customers invested $786 million and created nearly 1,200 jobs in the region in the state. Mallace added third-party logistics providers and carriers deploying more capacity in Charleston have contributed to the ports growth as they provide $87 billion in economic impact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would say that we have seen tremendous growth on the North Asia trade lane, really China. Weve outpaced the market and growth in that trade lane. So, were up nine percent since the pandemic, Mallace said. The U.S. port industry is at five percent in the region. The regional force against in which compete are negative two percent. So, we see that as an area of growth. Leaders said they have been able to increase revenue while cutting costs. However, it does not come without upcoming challenges, including the continued three-year freight recession. According the National Retail Federation, imports are expected to slow down due to the tariffs. Its an interesting time because this is traditionally peak season. We should see our highest volume months right around now and were not, and thats across the industry. The reason is everyone brought in inventory during the 90-day tariff pause, Mallace said. So, now theres not that need to bring it, a bunch of inventory, hence the anticipation of a downtrend in the next few couple months. Although, Mallace is optimistic as he emphasized his commitment for growth in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The future for the ports is one of growth. We aspire to grow above-market. It will take some time to get there, Mallace said. Were a couple years from where we are today to where I personally want to be, but that growth trend, that growth picture we will reinvigorate and put into the business. There are several expansion projects coming up for the ports, including the I-526 and Long Point Road interchange. It will provide a dedicated access road for truck drivers to the port. Construction is set to begin in 2027. 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 WCBD News 2. (NewsNation) South Korea and the United States advanced talks of a $350 billion trade deal Wednesday, one of the Asian nations top officials told reporters after a meeting between the countries leaders. President Donald Trump said a deal with South Korea was pretty much finalized, though neither government has signed an official agreement. The deals framework includes lower tariffs on South Koreas automobile exports, as well as cooperation from Trump on shipbuilding and gradual investments, the Associated Press reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump extends friendly hand to Xi in fraught relationship with China Trump continued his diplomatic tour through Asia on Wednesday, meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. The potential agreement comes hot on the heels of deals of similar value from his previous stops in Malaysia and Japan. Trump also received a replica gold crown and the countrys highest medal. The two presidents proclaimed a new golden age between their countries. Trump on Wednesday also confirmed he would not extend his tour of Asia with a visit to North Korea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North Korea on Wednesday said it conducted successful cruise missile tests, which Trump seemingly dismissed when asked about the military activity: Hes been launching missiles for decades, right? President Donald Trump reacts as he is presented with the Grand Order of Mugunghwa and the Silla gold crown by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung at the Gyeongju National Museum on Oct. 29, 2025, in Gyeongju, South Korea. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) President Donald Trump reacts as he is presented with the Grand Order of Mugunghwa and the Silla gold crown by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung at the Gyeongju National Museum on Oct. 29, 2025, in Gyeongju, South Korea. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) President Donald Trump is welcomed by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung at the Gyeongju National Museum on Oct. 29, 2025, in Gyeongju, South Korea. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) Trump, Xi to meet in South Korea Wednesday South Korea and the APEC summit serve as a backdrop for a highly anticipated meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The two leaders will hold a bilateral meeting at 10 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, according to Trumps official White House schedule. It will be the first face-to-face between the two leaders since Trump began his second term and slapped Beijing with hefty tariffs, resulting in an ongoing trade war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tariffs, trade and TikTok are expected to be the focuses of the meeting, which comes following news of a framework for a trade deal between the U.S. and China. The deal may also involve China resuming the purchase of soybeans from U.S. farmers after trade disputes disrupted the once-solid relationship. NewsNations Anna Kutz and Tom Dempsey 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 NewsNation. South Korea has been taking note of President Donald Trumps penchant for gold. Trump was presented with a replica of an ancient Korean gold crown as well as a gold medal representing the highest state honor by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Oct. 29, during the final leg of his Asia trip after Malaysia and Japan. Soon after Trump gave a keynote address at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum at Gyeongju, the two leaders headed to the National Museum, where he was presented with the honor. US President Donald Trump (C) poses for a group photo with (from L - R) Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, East Timor's Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet, Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Philippines' President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah, Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto, and Laos' Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone before the 13th ASEAN - United States Summit during the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Kuala Lumpur on Oct. 26, 2025. President Donald Trump speaks as he presides over the signing of a Cambodia-Thailand peace deal at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on October 26, 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Trump is in Malaysia for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit, and will next travel to Japan, en route to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. President Donald Trump looks on as Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet (C) and Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul hold up signed documents during a ceremonial signing of a ceasefire agreement on the sidelines of the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Kuala Lumpur on Oct.26, 2025. A Royal Malaysian Air Force F-18 Hornet fighter jet escorts Air Force One with U.S. President Donald Trump aboard en route to Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Oct. 26, 2025 in Malaysia. Trump is in Malaysia for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit, and will next travel to Japan, en route to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. President Donald Trump walks with Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (centre R) as he walks from Air Force One upon arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang on Oct. 26, 2025. US President Donald Trump arrived in Malaysia on October 26 on the first leg of an Asian tour that will include high-stakes trade talks with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. President Donald Trump holds the US and Malaysian national flags at a welcome ceremony upon arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang on Oct. 26, 2025. US President Donald Trump arrived in Malaysia on October 26 on the first leg of an Asian tour that will include high-stakes trade talks with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. President Donald Trump waves from his official vehicle known as "The Beast" as he departs from Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang to attend the ASEAN summit on Oct.26, 2025. US President Donald Trump arrived in Malaysia on October 26 on the first leg of an Asian tour that will include high-stakes trade talks with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. President Donald Trump joins performers for a dance during the welcome ceremony next to Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (L) as he arrives on Air Force One at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang on Oct. 26, 2025. US President Donald Trump arrived in Malaysia on Oct. 26 on the first leg of an Asian tour that will include high-stakes trade talks with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. President Donald Trump welcomes Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim ibn Hamad Al Thani (L) and Prime Minister of Qatar Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani (3rd-L) aboard Air Force One during a refueling stop at Al-Udeid Air Base on Oct. 25, 2025 in Abu Nakhlah, Qatar. Trump is traveling to Malaysia for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit (ASEAN), Japan, and to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum (APEC). Also pictured is U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio (3rd-R), White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles (2nd-R), and Special Assistant to the President Margo Martin (R). President Trump visits Asia. See the biggest moments from his trip 1 of 9 US President Donald Trump (C) poses for a group photo with (from L - R) Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, East Timor's Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet, Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Philippines' President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah, Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto, and Laos' Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone before the 13th ASEAN - United States Summit during the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Kuala Lumpur on Oct. 26, 2025. The crown is a key artifact that represents the Silla dynasty, Trump was told through a translator. The Silla dynasty spanned from 57 B.C.E. to 935 C.E. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crown, which is the largest and most extravagant from the Silla dynasty, represents the divine connection between the authority of the heavens and sovereignty on earth, as well as strong leadership, a translator explained. Trump was also awarded the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, the country's highest decoration, in recognition of Trump as a "peacemaker" on the Korean peninsula. Mugunghwa is South Korea's national flower, a pink hibiscus. President Donald Trump is presented with the Grand Order of Mugunghwa (not pictured) and a replica gold crown during a meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders' summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, Oct. 29, 2025. Id like to wear it right now, Trump joked, looking at the medal displayed in a case. Its a great honor, he said. We have a very great relationship and it will only continue and get stronger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, no revised trade agreements were announced between the two countries, though Trump said they were "very close" to a deal. President Donald Trump is presented with the Grand Order of Mugunghwa and a replica gold crown during a meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders' summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, Oct. 29, 2025. The two allies announced a deal on July 30 under which South Korea received a reduced 15% tariff rate by agreeing to $350 billion in new investments into the United States. "The Deal is that South Korea will give to the United States $350 Billion Dollars for Investments owned and controlled by the United States, and selected by myself, as President," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. On Oct. 30, Trump is set to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping before returning to Washington, DC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy is a White House correspondent for USA TODAY. You can follow her on X @SwapnaVenugopal This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump gets gold crown and state honor from South Korea There is a new exhibit at the South Shore Cultural Center Gallery. Marcus Davis, cultural enrichment manager with the Chicago Park District, joined ABC7 Chicago Tuesday to talk more about it. Davis shared more information on the "Young Cultural Stewards: Retrospective" exhibition, including how the artists and artworks were selected for the show. SEE ALSO: Lakeview tattoo artist helps domestic violence survivors rewrite their stories Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It features interdisciplinary art from over 25 teaching artists, youth and community members celebrating youth art programs. It's open now through Nov. 8 at 7059 S. South Shore Dr. The gallery's hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The show is free to attend. Visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com for more information. A South Shore man has been charged in connection with a violent attack outside Bostons Fenway Park that left another man with life-altering injuries. Brandon Wilson, 27, was arrested by the Boston Police Departments fugitive unit on Tuesday morning, exactly one month after the attack occurred on September 28. He was later arraigned on a charge of aggravated assault. The victim, Jack Farrell, was found lying in a crosswalk on Lansdowne Street near Lorettas Last Call following a Red Sox game. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Surveillance video captured the suspect walking away from the scene. Farrells mother, Mona Saltalamacchia, told Boston 25 News that her son had been hospitalized in the ICU for over a week after the assault. He suffered a brain bleed, had part of his skull removed, and sustained facial fractures. Farrell was ultimately transferred to Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital after undergoing emergency treatment. Saltalamacchia spoke out earlier this month before Wilsons arrest, expressing frustration over the suspects actions. He casually walks away as if he did nothing, she said. I would have more respect for a person if they had stopped and stayed there. You dont leave a person lying there like that. Police have not disclosed what led investigators to Wilson. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW More hot and dry weather across Southern California on Wednesday is increasing the risk of brush fires, resulting in Public Safety Power Shutoffs for thousands of residents. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Red Flag Warning for parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties through 6 p.m. Wednesday evening. Wind gusts, combined with very warm temperatures and low humidity, bring a major risk of fire danger to the region. Extreme fire behavior and rapid growth are likely with any new fire starts, the NWS said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Santa Ana winds are expected to bring gusts up to 45 mph through the Santa Susana Mountains. Heat advisories are also in effect for Los Angeles, Ventura and Orange counties, as well as the Inland Empire, until Wednesday evening. (National Weather Service Los Angeles) Afternoon temperatures are expected to reach the mid-90s in parts of Riverside and San Bernardino counties. The Red Flag conditions have Southern California Edison officials on high alert, having already implemented some Public Safety Power Shutoffs to reduce the risk of wildfire caused by utility equipment. In advance of a circumstance where we might have wind-borne debris power lines are turned off to prevent a spark. If debris strikes a power line, that can create a very hazardous condition that might lead to a fire, SCE spokesperson Jeff Monford said. Public Safety Power Shutoffs (as of 6:30 a.m.): Los Angeles County: 62 customers Riverside County: 9 customers San Bernardino County: 586 customers Ventura County 1,494 customers Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of SCEs 5 million customers, another 22,362 shutoffs were being considered, according to the utilitys website. Forecasters are calling for winds to relax later in the evening. Cooler temperatures are also expected to arrive later in the week. 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. Big things are happening at Kentucky Kingdom, and coaster fans across the Midwest have reason to celebrate. For the first time since 2019, the park is unveiling a brand-new roller coaster and its not just another thrill machine. The Flying Fox, opening in Spring 2026, is a suspended family coaster that promises to bring a new kind of flight to the park. Kentucky Kingdom is an amusement park located in Louisville, KY. A new kind of adventure Flying Fox represents a fresh direction for the park. Built at a cost of $14 million, its part of a $33 million investment planned through 2026. Unlike Kentucky Kingdoms lineup of ground-hugging speedsters, this coaster hangs from the track, letting riders swing freely as they soar through the air. The ride stretches 1,380 feet in length, reaches a maximum height of 65 feet, and hits top speeds of 37 miles per hour. Its not the tallest or the fastest coaster in the park but thats exactly what makes it special. With a minimum height requirement of just 38 inches, Flying Fox is designed for families to enjoy together, letting younger riders experience the thrill of flight without fear or intensity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What really sets it apart is the theme. Inspired by Kentucky pilot Jeb Fox, the ride celebrates the states rich agricultural heritage. Guests will join the line in a red-barn-inspired station, walk past colorful murals, and hear authentic pilot radio chatter before taking off over a vivid farmland landscape. Its part of a growing trend in the amusement industry: pairing storytelling with accessibility. Kentucky Kingdoms expanding coaster collection Flying Fox joins an already impressive lineup of roller coasters at Kentucky Kingdom: Lightning Run: A steel hyper-GTX coaster famous for its airtime hills and fast pacing, reaching speeds of 55 mph. Kentucky Flyer: A wooden family coaster offering smooth drops and airtime for all ages. Storm Chaser: The parks hybrid steel-and-wood RMC coaster, featuring inversions and steep drops up to 78 degrees. T3: A looping, inverted coaster for thrill-seekers who want intense speed and flips. With Flying Fox, Kentucky Kingdom now balances its roster with something that fits perfectly between the kiddie coasters and high-intensity thrill rides. Plenty of rides at Kentucky Kingdom are family friendly. Rivaling Disney At first glance, 37 mph doesnt sound like much next to Disneys Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind or Rock n Roller Coaster. But where Flying Fox truly excels is accessibility and comfort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Disneys fastest coasters tend to have higher height requirements (usually 48 inches or more), longer wait times, and intense launches that may intimidate younger riders. Flying Fox, on the other hand, opens the experience of a suspended coaster to nearly everyone in the family, without sacrificing theme or excitement. The suspended design adds to the illusion of flight, giving riders a smoother, more graceful sensation of gliding rather than the brute force of speed. This makes it ideal for families, first-timers, or even coaster veterans looking for something different. In many ways, Flying Fox does what Disney does best, tells a story and creates emotion, but in a more intimate, regional setting. Related: Disney World releases details for its annual Christmas event A growing theme park destination Kentucky Kingdom has evolved tremendously since reopening under new ownership in 2014. Located right next to the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, the park is an easy day-trip from Nashville, Cincinnati, and Indianapolis, all within a three-hour drive. That makes it a natural stop on a Midwest coaster road trip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If youre looking to expand your coaster journey nearby, consider visiting: Holiday World (Santa Claus, IN): Home to The Voyage and Thunderbird, just 75 minutes away. Kings Island (Mason, OH): A bit farther, but offers Orion and Mystic Timbers, some of the best in the region. Related: Disney just increased its prices for park entry, parking, and annual passes New additions Even before Flying Fox opens, Kentucky Kingdom has more in store. The park is bringing back Christmas at Kentucky Kingdom starting November 22, featuring 1.5 million lights, festive shows, and the largest snow tubing hill in Kentucky. Season passes for 2026 are already on sale, starting at $65 for current passholders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adventure starts with a clicksign up for our newsletter for travel tips and stories. This story was originally reported by TravelHost on Oct 28, 2025, where it first appeared in the Attractions section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here. JASPER COUNTY, Mo. A Duquesne man is facing a felony harassment charge after allegedly stealing the ashes of his girlfriends mother and threatening to destroy them. A probable cause statement says Jasper County Sheriffs deputies responded to the womans home on Saturday in reference to an alleged theft. The woman told deputies that Sebastian Burch had stolen an urn containing her mothers ashes and was threatening to destroy and flush the ashes. Investigators in small Missouri town say they have solved one of the most unsolvable crimes Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies say Burch sent the woman messages and photos of the urn while also refusing to return it, unless she showed up alone and left the state of Missouri with him. Court records say the woman was able to set up a meeting with Burch while deputies remained close. When Burch arrived, deputies took him into custody. They say Burch told them the urn was under a blanket inside his vehicle. Authorities requested a warrant for Burchs arrest because the woman said he had become physical toward her in recent days. FOUR STATES CRIME Burch is free on a $10,000 surety bond and on the condition that he doesnt contact the alleged victim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. SpaceX crews are planning to launch another Falcon 9 rocket Wednesday from Floridas Space Coast. SpaceX is set to launch 29 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The launch will be carried out by a Falcon 9 rocket, marking the 15th flight for the first stage booster, which has previously supported missions such as Crew-8 and Polaris Dawn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the launch, the first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket is expected to land on SpaceXs droneship Just Read the Instructions, stationed in the Atlantic. This mission continues SpaceXs efforts to expand its Starlink satellite constellation. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Congress Bihar incharge Krishna Allavaru on Wednesday praised Mahagathbandhan's manifesto for the Bihar elections, terming it to be centred around issues that matter to the people of the state. He highlighted that the Mahagathbandhan's manifesto encapsulates the alliance's agenda and vision. "I've been saying from the beginning that the Mahagathbandhan wants to fight this election by focusing on the issues that matter to the people of Bihar. Our approach is centred around solutions to those issues and those solutions form our manifesto, our agenda, and our vision for the people. Tejashwi ji also keeps emphasising that we not only have a plan to make Bihar better, but we also have a capable team to implement it," Allavaru told reporters. He also took a dig at the National Democratic Alliance, stating that neither they nor their leader has a plan. "The real question is our opponents have neither a leader nor a plan. They only engage in negative and destructive talk," he added. With less than ten days left for the Bihar Assembly elections, the Mahagathbandhan, led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress, on Tuesday released its manifesto titled 'Bihar Ka Tejashwi Pran', outlining key promises ahead of the polls. According to the manifesto, under the 'Mai-Behin Maan Yojana', women will receive financial assistance of Rs 2,500 per month from December 1 for the next five years. The Opposition's alliance promised to implement the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). OPS has been on the Congress agenda since the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government in Himachal Pradesh restored it soon after assuming office. Congress had also included it in its manifesto for the Haryana Assembly polls. Mahagathbandhan has promised to put the Waqf (Amendment) Act on hold, and to make the management of Waqf properties "welfare-oriented and transparent". Soon after the release, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a sharp attack on the alliance, calling it a "bunch of lies". BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad called RJD a "school of corruption." Addressing a press conference in Patna, Prasad said those promising a "new vision" for Bihar are themselves facing charges under IPC Section 420."...Those who are claiming to give a new vision to Bihar are accused of 420. We did not say this. 15 days ago, the Delhi court framed charges. The trial is about to take place. They are also accused of a land-for-jobs scam. RJD is a school of corruption. This is their past, this is their present, and this will also be their future," Prasad said. 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. Mahagathbandhan, led by Rashtriya Janata Dal, includes 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 staked claims to all 243 seats in the state. The assembly elections will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11. The results will be declared on November 14. (ANI) VALENCIA, Spain (AP) Spain commemorated Wednesday the anniversary of last years massive floods that killed over 230 people as citizens continue to express frustration over what they consider to be a botched government response. King Felipe VI led the national memorial ceremony, speaking along with three family members of victims who lost their lives when torrential rains flooded large parts of eastern Spain on the evening of Oct. 29, 2024. The floods were one of Europes worst natural disasters in living memory, claiming 237 lives, with 229 victims from the eastern Valencia region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Valencias regional president, Carlos Mazon, was jeered and insulted by several family members of victims before the ceremony for having bungled the handling of the floods. Some shouted killer and profanities at him. More people held a protest outside calling for his resignation. Mazon has been slammed by citizens and political rivals for his administration's slow response to the emergency, which included issuing a flood alert to people's mobile phones well after rushing waters overflowed their banks and were sweeping away cars and destroying homes. It has also emerged that he was having a long lunch when emergency officials were meeting to manage the crisis. Earlier on Wednesday, Mazon spoke at the regional Valencia parliament upon declaring a day of mourning for the flood victims. We did the best we could in unimaginable circumstances, but in many cases it wasnt enough, and today we again have to acknowledge that, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Andrea Ferrari was one of the 800 family members who spoke at the ceremony "One year ago today our lives were changed forever, and we still feel the void inside us, Ferrari told the moved audience. There have been several large street protests over the past year calling for Mazon to step down, and the latest one drew tens of thousands of demonstrators a few days before the memorial. Mazon has clung to power nonetheless even though his management of the flooding remains a drag on the prospects of his center-right Popular Party. The ceremony was held at a public museum in Valencia city, whose southern neighborhoods and adjoining towns were devastated. Cleanup efforts initially led by thousands of residents and volunteers took weeks to scoop up the layers of mud and debris. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The king shows his support Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, representatives from Spains other regions and families of the deceased also attended. Mazon, King Felipe and Sanchez were pelted with mud when the three made their first joint visit last year to the disaster zone with many people still missing and neighborhoods without power and covered in mire. The king has since made several visits to the area and been well received. On Wednesday, the king told the families attending the ceremony they still had the support of the state and the royal house. The queen and I want you to know that we are now and always with you all, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No politician spoke at the event that included a reading of the names of the victims. Experts and the government said the deadly floods were a sign of the dangers of climate change that is driving extreme weather events around the world. ___ AP writer Joseph Wilson reported from Barcelona, Spain. Abigail Spanberger isnt talking about the demolition of the East Wing. In a year where Democrats may be tempted to center their campaign pitch on the latest controversies from the White House, Spanberger has stuck to a message on the economy, specifically the cost of life for Virginians. Spanberger was already favored to win the governors race in Virginia which, as the home to a large share of government workers, has been disproportionately impacted by the Trump administrations sweeping efforts to upend the federal government. For months, shes hammered an economic message, arguing that costs are too high for Virginians, in part because of the turmoil in President Donald Trumps Washington thats spilled into her state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These are attacks on Virginians and on our economy, and we need a governor who will stand up against them, Spanberger said last week at a campaign rally in Charlottesville alongside presumed 2028 Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg. Now the shutdown is entering its fourth week, and the mounting financial ramifications from nixed paychecks to slashed jobs to thousands being at risk of losing their food assistance when the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is forecast to run out of money Nov. 1 have given Spanberger a fresh way to highlight her message right before Election Day. If Democrats flip the governor's seat, it will be because Spanberger made it about people feeling the consequences of Trumps economy, said Jesse Ferguson, a Democratic strategist and former deputy director at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. The Trump economy has gone from theory to reality, from threat to consequence, said Ferguson, who has experience in Virginia politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Centering on the economy and the cost of living is critical to Democrats rebrand following stinging electoral losses in 2024. In New Jersey, Rep. Mikie Sherill has homed in on affordability in her bid for governor. And in New York City, Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani far to Spanberger and Sherills left has also centered his campaign on lowering the cost of living for the working class. Its a sharp contrast with recent Democratic campaigns, including during Trumps first term, when Democrats ran hard against the party in the White House. Since the very first day of her campaign, in the closing days of the general election, and in the future as the next Governor of Virginia, Abigails top priority will remain making Virginia more affordable, a spokesperson for Spanberger said in a statement. The Earle-Sears campaign did not respond to requests for comment on this story. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four years ago, then-Democratic gubernatorial nominee Terry McAuliffe unsuccessfully nationalized his race by tying Republican Glenn Youngkin to Trump even though Joe Biden was in the White House and casting him as having no interest in growing Virginias economy. Youngkin, a political newcomer at the time, won the contest by roughly 63,000 votes. Now, as Democrats look to take back the governors mansion, Spanberger has repeatedly called affordability her top priority. While voters' frustration with Trump may shape their votes next month, Spanberger has zeroed in on Trump's policies particularly his economic ones rather than just his personality. At the Charlottesville rally with Buttigieg, for example, Spanberger pilloried the states GOP leadership as leaders in Richmond who refuse to recognize the impacts of bad legislation coming out of Washington that will raise prices for Virginians, citing the Elon Musk-led effort to slash government spending through DOGE, Trumps trade agenda and the ongoing federal government shutdown. Her focus on affordability comes even as the race has been shaken repeatedly in its final weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Private and public polling has long shown Spanberger with a strong lead over Republican nominee Winsome Earle-Sears, though some recent polls suggest a slight tightening of the race. That comes as Democrats have been embroiled in a scandal surrounding violent text messages that resurfaced in recent weeks that the Democratic nominee for attorney general Jay Jones sent about a GOP lawmaker. Earle-Sears has hammered Spanberger for not calling on Jones to drop out of the race. The Republican nominee was then given a new cudgel in the final weeks: state Democrats 11th-hour push to take up mid-decade redistricting, which could help the party gain more congressional seats in next years midterms, drawing sharp criticism from the GOP. Still, while Republicans may have received a last-minute burst of political ammunition to fire back at Democrats, many believe its not enough to overcome both the economic factors and anti-Trump views animating Democratic voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump was in the White House, and now you have this federal government shutdown, you have the DOGE stuff and it just seems to be like an anger towards the federal worker and we have a lot of federal workers here, said a Virginia GOP strategist who was granted anonymity to speak candidly about state of the race. That's gonna have a ripple effect. Even if [Republicans] weren't getting most of the federal workers anyway, that's going to have a dampening effect. A version of this post first appeared in POLITICO Pros Morning Score newsletter. Sign up for POLITICO Pro. EAST TEXAS, Texas (KETK) East Texas communities are hosting a variety of Halloween events for all ages, including trunk or treat events, costume contests, haunted houses and more. Many local businesses, churches and organizations are participating in the festivities, which will take place throughout the week of Halloween. From family-friendly events to adult-only parties, there is something for everyone to enjoy! Athens Jacksonville Oct. 31: Twin Oaks Health & Rehabilitation Center is having a Halloween Bash, starting at 4 p.m. with candy and snacks. Oct. 31: Commerce Street Drafthouse is hosting a Halloween Karaoke and Costume Contest with prizes, food and drinks. Kilgore Oct. 30 to Oct. 31: Imminent Doom is a haunted house in Kilgore, not recommended to children under 10. Oct. 31: FBC will be hosting their Fall Fest starting at 5 p.m., inviting families for trick-or-treating, games and several booths. Oct. 31: Historic Downtown Kilgore is having their traditional downtown trick-or-treat event at 4 p.m. until candy runs out. Oct. 31: Kilgore College will be having a Fairy Tales and Folklore-themed Trunk or Treat event. Longview Lufkin Oct. 30: Angelina Mental Health is hosting a Trunk or Treat for children starting at 3 p.m. Oct. 31: Hospice in the Pines will be hosting a Halloween Drive Thru starting at 3 p.m. Oct. 31: Americas Car-Mart will be hosting a Trunk or Treat event for kids to enjoy treats and games. Oct. 31: Alenes Florist & Home Decor is hosting a Trunk or Treat starting at 5 p.m. featuring candy, games and music. Oct. 31: Texas Nutrition is hosting a Halloween Bash, featuring permanent jewelry, books, cookies, a costume contest, free face painting, food and more. Oct. 31: VFW Post 1836 is hosting a family friendly Halloween Party featuring cocktails, dancing, music and more. Oct 31: Skate Ranch is hosting an adult only Halloween Skate Party encouraging people to come in costume and enjoy skating, food and drinks. Mineola Oct. 30: Bob Wells Nursey is hosting Trick or Treat at Market Nights, with movies, vendors, local produce and food trucks. Oct. 31: Mineola Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Trunk or Treat where several downtown businesses will be passing out candy. Oct. 31: The Historic Select Theater District will be hosting a free screening of the movie Child of Glass at 5 p.m., followed by a $6 double feature screening of Halloween and Halloween 2 and finished off with a $5 screening of The Exorcist. Oct. 31: The Annex of Terror Haunted House will be open from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with lights on and no real scares for kids to go through and get candy and prizes. Oct. 31: Iron Horse Square is having free Halloween train rides and candy. Oct. 31 to Nov. 1: Back to Life Haunted House is a haunted house nestled in a historic funeral home and will be having their season finale. Nacogdoches Oct. 31: Pecan Acres Park will be hosting Movies in the Park starting at 7 p.m. Oct. 31: Nacogdoches Police Department is hosting its 4th annual Trunk or Treat event at Nacogdoches High School, starting at 5 p.m. Oct. 31: Skate O Rama is hosting a Halloween Skate Party, featuring a costume contest, giveaways and more. Oct. 31: Lumberjack Harley-Davidson is hosting Colossal Halloween Bike Night with live music, food, drinks and a costume contest. Texarkana Oct. 29: BOO at the Barn at Runnin WJ Ranch will have hayrides, decorated horse stalls, candy and games. Oct. 29: Walnut Church of Christ is hosting a Trunk or Treat with candy, hot dogs, games and cupcakes. Oct. 31: The Wild Hare and Lost Pizza Co. are having a downtown Trunk or Treat a costume contest, treats, vendors and a kids tent. Tyler 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) A Springdale man was convicted on Tuesday of multiple counts of rape and sexual assault, Washington County Prosecuting Attorney Brandon Carter announced. Henry De Jesus Hernandez-Parada, 41, was found guilty of two counts of rape and eight counts. He was sentenced to a total of 60 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections and will be eligible for parole after serving 42 years of his sentence. Court testimony and investigative documents revealed that in March 2021, the Springdale Police Department received a report from the relative of a child, who disclosed that her babysitters boyfriend sexually assaulted the child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An SPD investigation showed that for nearly a decade, starting in the fall of 2014, Hernandez-Parada had regularly raped and sexually assaulted four separate victims. Each victim was in the care of Hernandez-Paradas girlfriend, who operated a babysitting business out of their home. Evidence showed that at times when Hernandez-Parada was alone with the victim, he would sexually assault them without his girlfriend knowing. Defendants who harm children in places where parents expect safety are deplorable, Carter said. A predator has been removed from Northwest Arkansas today. I am very proud of the work that the Springdale Police Department, Childrens Safety Center, and Deputy Prosecutors Allison Anderson and Sydney Ford completed to bring justice for these victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. SPRINGFIELD, Mo. A Springfield man has been sentenced following the murder of a woman on Christmas Eve in 2024. According to online court dockets, Robert Collins, born in 1961, has been sentenced to life in prison following charges of first-degree murder and second-degree arson. Collins pleaded guilty pursuant to a plea agreement with the state. Previous Ozarks First coverage says that Springfield police found Lois Jones dead at the 2300 block of N. Park Ave. on Dec. 25, 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police spoke to Collins after discovering Jones deceased in the home, and he told officers to leave the house because he had disconnected a gas line and left a candle burning in the residence. Collins turned himself in to the police department and was taken into custody. He told officials that he beat Jones to death and tried to set off a possible explosion. 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. SPRINGFIELD Real estate giant Paul Picknelly wants to construct a 15-story courthouse across the street from the existing Roderick L. Ireland house of justice, saying his plan offers a way to move staff quickly and easily from a dirty building. Picknelly, principal of Monarch Enterprises, is working with several large firms, including Springfields Fontaine Construction and WestMass Area Development. His plan for 55 State St., unveiled Tuesday, is one of 11 submitted to the state Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance. This project is about designing a courthouse that works for everyone. It keeps justice in Springfields historic center, supports existing downtown businesses and builds a civic landmark that reflects the values and pride of this community, Picknelly said in a written statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an effort to fast track construction of a new courthouse, the state Board of Asset Management in January agreed to have the courthouse built by a private developer who would then lease it back in a 40-to-60-year agreement. That means the state does not have to wait until it has the capacity to bond for the estimated $600 million building. The project, expected to be worth more than $2 billion over its lifetime, will replace the troubled Roderick L. Ireland Courthouse, which is plagued with mold and other environmental problems. At least five employees, including two judges who shared the same office, have died of the neurological disease known as ALS, and others have suffered fatal cancers. Picknelly is proposing that the courthouse be built on a 1-acre parcel that currently houses an office building and a small parking lot, said Jeffrey R. Daley, president and CEO of WestMass, which has been hired to serve as property manager for the project. Parking will not change for employees and visitors, Daley said. Since the proposed building would be across from the existing courthouse, drivers would continue to park at the nearby MGM garage and the Springfield Parking Authority garage under the Interstate 91 overpass. Existing bus lines also will remain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state is scheduled to select a developer by March. If the Monarch Enterprises project is the preferred plan, Daley said it would take six to 10 months to do the design and preparation work, and then an estimated 40 months to complete the building, so employees could move in in 2030. The location also eliminates transition costs and guarantees an uninterrupted continuum of justice for Springfield and all of Western Massachusetts, Picknelly said in the statement. The company also will be interested in working with the state to tear down the existing courthouse and restore the historic Housing and Juvenile court buildings next door to create a block for a mixed-use development to complement the courthouse, Daley said. While the lot is smaller than most proposals and the courthouse much taller, it fits with the downtown neighborhood, since the nearby Monarch Plaza is 25 floors, and Tower Square is 28 stories. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If selected, this will be the second courthouse Picknelly and Monarch Enterprises will lease to DCAMM. Monarch owns the Westfield Courthouse and has leased it to the state for 20 years, Picknelly said in writing. In addition to Fontaine, Picknelly also is partnering with Dimeo Construction, which has offices in Boston, Connecticut and Rhode Island. That should boost the proposal since both have extensive experience on large projects, and Dimeo has built state courthouses in Lowell and Boston, Daley said. The company also has hired Finegold Alexander Architects, of Boston, a woman-owned firm that has designed more than a dozen courthouses, he said. When the Board of Asset Management decided it would seek a private developer to construct the courthouse, residents, politicians and lawyers called on the state to continue to locate it in the downtown area. DCAMMs proposal released several months later called for the courthouse to be constructed in a 12-block area centered around the existing State Street courthouse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monarch Enterprises isnt the only courthouse project proposed by a member of the Picknelly family. Peter Picknelly, president of Opal Development and brother of Paul, has submitted a long-discussed proposal under the name Park View South that would include a courthouse and housing on an undeveloped 14.5-acre site on the Connecticut riverfront off Avocado Street. Part of the property where the mixed-use development is located is owned by The Republicans parent company. HYM Investment Group and partner Davenport Cos. also is proposing a new courthouse in the same location as the existing one. That plan calls for the partners to lease the current site from the state, raze the existing building and replace it in the same place. The company also has submitted an alternative site for the courthouse at 91 Taylor St., the building where the now-closed Mardi Gras strip club sits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the other locations proposed include the former federal building at 1550 Main St., 275 Chestnut St.; 130-150 Maple St.; 413 Dwight St.; the Liberty Medical Arts building at 125 Liberty St.; Steiger Park, 1515 Main St.; and 1860 Main St., the current location of The Republican. Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Glinda the Good Witch and the Wicked Witch of the West never looked so adorable. Just in time for Halloween, the babies in the NICU and Well-Baby Nursery at Saint Francis-Memphis are dressed up as characters of the Hollywood classic The Wizard of Oz and the newer adaptation Wicked. The costumes for Elphaba, Glinda the Good Witch, Dorothy, The Tin Man, The Cowardly Lion, and the Scarecrow were crocheted by a retired NICU nurse at Saint Francis. Courtesy: St. Francis Hospital Courtesy: St. Francis Hospital Courtesy: St. Francis Hospital Courtesy: St. Francis Hospital Courtesy: St. Francis Hospital Courtesy: St. Francis Hospital Courtesy: St. Francis Hospital Courtesy: St. Francis Hospital St Francis said the nurse is still giving back by making handmade costumes for various holidays, scaled to fit the pint-sized patients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want to create joy and memories for our families, said Kerry Thompson, NICU nurse at Saint Francis, who took the photographs and chose the Over the Rainbow background design. The Memphis Zoo is celebrating the holiday by allowing meerkats, otters, and gibbons to play with and eat pumpkins. The zoo shared videos of this Halloween fun on its Facebook page. 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 WREG.com. ST. LOUIS On Tuesday, Judge Lynne R. Perkins found a St. Louis man guilty after he murdered his cousin back in 2020. According to court records, Anwar Shands, 43, killed his cousin, Mallam Amir Tifah, 45, in St. Louis Lewis Place neighborhood on Dec. 27, 2020. When the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) arrived at the 4500 block of Newberry Terrace, they located Tifah, who was shot multiple times. The medical examiner determined that Tifah was shot nine times, mostly through his back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Prosecuting St. Louis Circuit attorneys say a witness told police that they saw Shands shoot Tifah, and that he fled the scene. The witness also provided a description of the clothing Shands was wearing. A notable description they provided was that Shands wore a red hoodie during the murder, but took it off when he returned home. Officials were able to find the red hoodie, which was burned, behind a nearby house. Investigation into the homicide revealed that Tifah called police and was on the phone with a 911 dispatcher. Court documents say the entire murder was recorded by the dispatcher. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every homicide leaves a lasting impact on families and neighborhoods, said St. Louis Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore. Our office remains committed to holding violent offenders accountable and strengthening the safety and trust of the St. Louis community. Shands is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 29. 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. You have been taken for fools, dear reader. This Government, the smuggest, most insolent, most supercilious in living memory, keeps lying to you. Im sorry to use such hard language, but it is the most precise way to describe Labours gaslighting of the Great British public. The Government swore it wouldnt put up national insurance, and then changed its mind. It promised it wouldnt put up income tax, and now the Prime Minister is opening the door to doing exactly that, refusing to recommit to his manifesto. The Chancellor pledged she wouldnt impose a wealth or mansion tax, and is now considering such plans. What gives Sir Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves the right to break their promises with such insouciance? Who do they think they are? Dont they see that another round of tax rises next month will be seen as illegitimate by millions, and trigger an all out-political revolt in a Middle England that is already on edge? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Manifestos and statements must be treated as a sacred pact with voters, contracts only broken in extremis, in the event of natural or man-made catastrophes. No such calamity has befallen us, so the Government has no moral right to increase tax. The scale of the betrayal is off the charts. In an interview with the Sunday Telegraph in August 2023, Reeves sought to reassure. She and Starmer had previously supported socialist policies the Labour leader had served in Jeremy Corbyns shadow cabinet and promised higher income tax for the top 5 per cent in his leadership campaign and she wanted to pretend they had changed. She wanted to reposition herself, if not quite as a Blairite, at least as a grown-up technocrat who, by dint of greater competence, moral superiority and buy-in from the Blob, would implement the centrist Dad policies the Tories wanted to pursue, but failed to deliver. This is what she said: We have no plans for a wealth taxWe dont have any plans to increase taxes outside of what weve said. I dont see the way to prosperity as being through taxation. I want to grow the economy. She added of the prospect of any form of wealth tax: We wont be doing that. Its a denial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to questioning about the possibility of an annual tax on the value of homes or higher council tax bands, a Labour source added that the denial also applied to any form of mansion tax. It was clear during that and subsequent interventions that Reeves was promising that the only taxes she would raise were the ones explicitly listed in Labours manifesto. When it was published last year, Starmers programme included 8.5bn in tax increases, focused on VAT on private school fees, private equity and non-doms, tax avoidance and a windfall tax on oil and gas firms. Yes, these were immoral and vicious - in the case of the raid on parents or nasty and destructive, as with the assaults on the rich, but at least the damage was meant to be contained. The manifesto assured us that there would be no bad surprises: Policies not listed here will be funded from existing budgets or do not have a cost. It ruled out increasing specific taxes, in addition to the more general pledge: Labour will not increase taxes on working people, which is why we will not increase National Insurance, the basic, higher, or additional rates of Income Tax, or VAT. Corporation tax would remain at 25 per cent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No government in modern history has broken so many promises so quickly. The first lies came almost immediately, with the fabricated discovery of a black hole, the abandonment of the semi-responsible Tory spending plans and the adoption of unaffordable policies, including pay rises for its electoral base in the public sector. Reeves raised tax by 41bn a year by 2029-30 at her 2024 Budget, five times more than promised, to part-pay for a 71bn a year increase in spending. Her core policy was a rise in employer national insurance, a shocking breach of her manifesto that has destroyed jobs. She claimed that only employee NICs were covered by the pledge but that isnt true. For this alone, Reeves deserves the sack. She also proved naive. Beneficiaries of public spending pocketed the cash and immediately asked for more. Public sector productivity hasnt improved (unsurprisingly, as Reeves had no plan for genuine reform), and a record 6.5 million now claim out of work-benefits. Reeves modest plan to trim welfare was defeated, and the deficit surged dangerously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Next months Budget will see another round of tax hikes, probably 30-40bn a year just to prevent a catastrophic fiscal crisis. This time she will likely breach either or both of her pledges on income tax and wealth taxes. She could become the first Chancellor since Harold Wilson in 1975 to raise the basic rate of income tax. She could impose a wealth tax, perhaps in the form of a levy on expensive homes. The latter would be a catastrophe, entrenching class warfare, ruining the principle of private property and triggering a further exodus of talent; the former would breach a taboo and signal another massive expansion of the state. The taxes symbolise two sides of left-wing thinking: delusional firebrand populists who believe that the rich can be made to pay for everything, and socialist realists, who realise a bigger state can only be funded by forcing the working and middle class to pay a lot more tax, as in France. Both are wrong, for different reasons; Reeves will seek to triangulate between both camps. Her original lie was the black hole she caused herself by ditching Tory plans. Her latest rationalisation of higher tax is equally mendacious, and involves blaming austerity (at a time when tax and spend are at historic highs), a chaotic Brexit (at a time when Germany is performing even worse than us) and the pandemic (even though Labour was even more pro-lockdown than the Tories). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reeves propaganda will fail. Her tax hikes will kill growth, and fail to raise enough. They wont placate the Left, who will continue to drift to the Greens, Corbynites and Welsh and Scottish nationalists. They will infuriate working and middle class strivers, who will shift to Reform. This Governments epitaph will be written far sooner than it realises, and require only four words: It lied about tax. You can sign up to receive Allister Heaths exclusive analysis of the week in politics here. 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. In a quiet corner of Vithoda village, the classrooms of PM Shri K.B. Shah Anupam Primary School are buzzing with the excitement of innovation. Here, young students are learning not just from books but from robots, thanks to a newly launched Robo Lab under the PM Shri scheme. Supported by the government and the school's management committee, the Robo Lab introduces students from classes 5 to 8 to the fascinating world of robotics. They learn how robots are made, what materials are used, and how these machines can be applied in daily life. "In our school, we are running a Robo Lab where we teach students from classes 5 to 8 how robots are made and what materials are used in building them, starting from the basics," explains Mahendra Kumar Patel, the robotics teacher at the school. The initiative emphasises learning by doing. Trained teachers guide students through hands-on activities, from understanding sensors to assembling small robotic models that respond to commands. "The robotics that is taught to us, we really enjoy that," says Maheta Yana Kalpeshkumar, a student. "We learn how robots work, what can be done with them, and how to make them function using the materials we have at school." Another student, Devam Rajesh Kumar Pandya, adds, "We have a lot of fun in the Robo Lab. Our teachers teach us how robots are useful in our lives and how sensors and other things are used to make them." This effort is doing more than teaching technology; it's bridging the educational gap between rural and urban schools. For many children in Mehsana, the Robo Lab is their first exposure to the kind of practical, technology-driven learning often found in city schools. Principal Prajapati Kanubhai Bhikhabhail proudly shares, "In Gujarat, it is often said that villages are now progressing towards becoming like cities. Keeping this in mind, under the Government's PM Shri scheme, our school has started various initiatives such as a Science Lab, Robotics Lab, Maths Lab, Science Exhibitions, and other innovative projects that are helping our students move forward with modern learning." With projects like the Robo Lab, Gujarat is proving that innovation knows no boundaries. By bringing technology to the grassroots, the state is nurturing a generation of rural students ready to step confidently into the future of science and technology. (ANI) (NewsNation) Australian startup Cuttable is looking to help change the landscape of e-commerce advertising in the United States. Cuttable, which uses AI to automate ad creation for e-commerce brands, is giving away 1,000 ads to every online store in America, equating to more than 3.1 billion ads for Meta platforms Facebook and Instagram. Combining marketing science, creative automation and brand design, the AI platform helps companies produce Meta ads in minutes in the form of video and static ads with a few clicks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cuttable could cut thousands in marketing and advertising bills for small business due to its ability to automate an online brands creative process and generate high-quality creative assets, which usually take weeks. Amazon laying off 14,000 corporate jobs amid AI push After connecting to a Shopify or ecommerce store, it studies the brands products and visual identity before generating image and video ads optimized for Meta Ads Manager. Advertising shouldnt be a luxury, Sam Kroonenburg, Cuttable co-founder, said in a statement to NewsNation. Most e-commerce businesses spend more time trying to make ads than selling products. Cuttable fixes that. It turns your brand assets into hundreds of tested, high-performing ads automatically, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kroonenburg, one of Australias best-known tech founders, sold his last company, A Cloud Guru, to Pluralsight for $2 billion in 2021. Cuttable recently raised $6.5 million in seed funding led by Square Peg, with backing from Rampersand and Brand Fun. 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 NewsNation. State Attorney Monique Worrell will brief the media on Wednesday. Worrell plans to speak around 10:30 a.m. from her office in Orlando. The briefing will cover the progress made by Worrells office, including a significant reduction in the backlog of non-arrest cases by 21% as of August, though more than 10,000 cases remain. In addition to updates on the backlog, Worrell is expected to discuss key initiatives her office is pursuing at the state level, although specific details of these initiatives are not yet known. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. More than four months after losing a landmark education funding case, the state of New Hampshire started paying $2 million in legal fees that the Contocook Valley School District and 18 allies spent persuading the Supreme Court to call upon the Legislature to significantly increase state aid to public schools. State begins cutting legal fee checks to school districts that won ed funding case The state began issuing checks totaling $2 million to cover legal fees for the Con-Val Regional School District and 18 others that won a landmark education funding case. Here Michael Tierney, lead lawyer for the districts, talked with reporters after arguing for the Supreme Court to sustain a lower-court decision that orders the Legislature to increase state aid to public schools by more than $535 million annually. His associate, Elizabeth Ewing, is at right. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June, the high court, in a 3-2 decision, ordered the Legislature to increase its per-pupil grants that support an adequate education by more than $4,300 per student, which translates to more than $500 million in annual additional assistance. The justices overruled a lower-court ruling in that it deferred to lawmakers to come up with how it would meet that level of state support. After a trial, Rockingham County Superior Court Judge David Ruoff said the suit provided a significant benefit upon the general public that justified awarding attorney fees to both the school districts and the firm of Wadleigh, Stein and Peters that represented them. The high court agreed with that part of Ruoffs judgment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once the high court refused to reconsider its decision, that started the process for the state to pay those fees. The ConVal district, based in Peterborough, received a check of $666,228 from the state last week as the district that first brought suit in 2017. Michael Tierney, the cases lead lawyer, confirmed his firm was reimbursed for $800,000 of its expenses. He said he had charged the school districts a 50% rate for his time with the belief that he would be more fully reimbursed if they won the case. We are happy that the state has reimbursed the school districts attorneys fees and each district will be receiving the full amount they have in fees the past five, six or eight years that they have been litigating this case, Tierney said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AGs Office: Districts didnt get all the fees they requested Each district will be reimbursed for an amount equal to the length of time they had supported the legal effort, Tierney said. Deputy Solicitor General Samuel Garland noted the $2 million payout doesnt make the other side whole. The trial court awarded attorneys fees, and the New Hampshire Supreme Court upheld that award. The state subsequently resolved the fee amount with plaintiffs counsel for less than what the plaintiffs requested, Garland answered in his own statement. In October 2024, the Legislative Fiscal Committee approved spending $200,000 for the Attorney Generals Offices work in the past year to defend the case. The total taxpayer cost is much higher since the suit spanned eight years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Manchester School District attorney Matt Upton told city school board members hes been notified the school district should receive a check within the next 10 days in the neighborhood of $52,000 as reimbursement for its attorney fees. According to Manchester School District Chief Financial Officer Karen DeFrancis, Manchester spent $52,156 on attorneys fees in connection with the case, after receiving authorization by the school board to spend up to $55,000. Manchester Board of School Committee Vice Chairman Jim OConnell said the court decision is a vindication of the boards decision to join the case. Im grateful that were getting our attorneys fees, but I want to be clear, those are monies that were spent by this district this is no gift, OConnell said. Were getting the money back that we spent on attorneys. I would also like to point out to people, to the public, that $1.2 million is the amount of money that was spent by the school districts to fight for this constitutional right. I would like to point out that the state of New Hampshire, in its lack of wisdom, spent many times that on attorneys that they brought in from out of state, I think Colorado, very expensive attorneys to fight the people of Manchester, the people of the states case. klandrigan@unionleader.com pfeely@unionleader.com Oct. 29tate and city officials said Tuesday that they are scrambling to find private accommodations at hotels, short-term rentals and dormitories for hundreds of evacuees in Anchorage after the remnants of Typhoon Halong damaged their homes in Western Alaska. The state also said Tuesday that it has set up a housing task force to spearhead the effort. "We understand that some people may be able to return home soon while others may be in Anchorage for longer while repairs to homes and infrastructure are made," Mayor Suzanne LaFrance said at a press conference at City Hall. "This reality demands more than a short-term shelter plan." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The efforts come as the response to the catastrophic storm moves its focus beyond evacuations to finding support for displaced victims. More than 650 residents from the region were evacuated into Anchorage and more may be coming, city officials said. [How to help the 'evolving needs' of Western Alaska evacuees in Anchorage] About half of the storm victims are sleeping on cots at the Alaska Airlines Center or the Egan Civic and Convention Center, while others have taken shelter with families, the officials said. As of Monday evening, there were a total of 338 people at the shelters, according to the state 178 at the Egan Center and 160 at the Alaska Airlines Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Mike Dunleavy and some Alaska organizations have called on President Donald Trump to declare the event a disaster to unlock federal assistance, personnel and other support. The storm swept away homes and damaged villages across the region, especially Kipnuk and Kwigillingok on the coast. It killed one person and left two missing. [With storm evacuations winding down, Western Alaska families stare down an uncertain displacement in Anchorage] The city of Anchorage has identified more than 1,000 available hotel rooms plus space at Airbnbs, and is sharing that information with the state task force, Municipal Manager Becky Windt Pearson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're working to expedite the movement of people from shelters to hotels really in collaboration with the state's housing task force to began meeting on Monday to facilitate this transition," she said. The units will give storm victims privacy and autonomy, she said. The support from the municipality has included access to municipal recreation centers for bathing and recreation, AnchorRIDES providing transportation to medical appointments, and People Mover bus passes for evacuees and transit department navigators to help with orientation and training, she said. The state of Alaska said in a statement Tuesday that it has formed a housing task force to find better accommodations for the evacuees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The task force includes the Alaska Housing Finance Corp., Alaska Native health and housing organizations, Western Alaska groups, the Rasmuson Foundation, the municipality and other entities. The Alaska Disaster Housing Task Force will work to provide housing at hotels and elsewhere, and find appropriate fits for flood victims who need a place, the State Emergency Operations Center said in the statement. The state did not describe how long it would be before hotel and other units are available. The task force is being led by the state and Alaska Housing Finance Corp. "The goal is to work with all partners to get evacuees out of group shelters and into better accommodations, in some cases longer-term temporary housing," Dunleavy said in a written statement. "Right now, storm survivors are being matched with housing options. We are also working to fix homes so those who can return to their community will be able to do so." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tyson Gallagher, Dunleavy's chief of staff, said in a presentation to the Alaska Travel Industry Association on Tuesday that the state is looking at residential boarding school options around Alaska that could support whole families. "We're seeing what spots are available in residential boarding schools around the state like Mt. Edgecumbe and Galena," Gallagher said. "We're also looking at some local education options, options that are gonna incorporate as much of their culture and the way of life that they're used to, here in Anchorage." Jharrett Bryantt, superintendent of the Anchorage School District, said more than 130 students have been enrolled in local schools. They are largely attending College Gate Elementary with its Yup'ik immersion program, Wendler Middle School and Bettye Davis East Anchorage High School, officials said at the event. Parents have a choice, and some have opted to enroll their children in other schools as well, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Buses are picking up students at the shelters, he said. "Our role in this effort is to welcome our families and students with open arms, and we've been proud to do that over the past week," Bryantt said, speaking to reporters at the press conference. The State's Individual Assistance program includes a temporary housing program that can provide homeowners with 18 months and renters with three months of housing assistance, the statement said. The state said applications to acquire housing begins with registrations at: American Red Cross at 800-RED-CROSS State of Alaska Individual Assistance at ready.alaska.gov/ia or by calling 844-445-7131. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Individuals have 60 days following a disaster declaration to complete an application. As of Tuesday afternoon, the state said it had received 840 applications. "While our goal is to get people back into their homes and communities as fast as possible that may not be possible before winter sets in," said Bryan Fisher, director of the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. "When we can't get people back home, we will look at the needs of each IA applicant and match them with a housing option." The Individual and Family Grant and Temporary Housing Program can provide assistance to individuals or families to meet disaster-related expenses and needs, the statement said. AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (WLNS) Dozens protested data centers outside of a meeting where rules related to these centers were discussed. More and more data centers are being proposed across Michigan and its not sitting well with many Michiganders. The Sierra Club held a protest at Oakland Community College on Monday, where the Michigan Public Service Commission was holding a public hearing about the future of energy in the state. The MPSCs meeting was to hear public input about what people think the parameters surrounding integrated resource plans should be. These are plans electric companies are required to submit that show how they plan to create enough electricity over the next 20 years to meet customer needs. Michigan considers new rules related to data centers. (WLNS) Protestors said that with the possibility of more data centers, they are very worried about the future of energy, energy affordability and the environment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They took their concerns straight to the MPSC during public comment. Protest organizer Bryan Smigielski wants tight regulations on electric companies to avoid rate hikes and losing progress on clean energy goals. We do not trust corporate greed to take care of our future, said Smigielski. The MI Healthy Climate Plan of 2023 established clean energy goals and Smigielski hopes the goals are not in jeopardy, considering how much electricity and water data centers use. We need to make sure that water is put first, that we demand that our utilities do a water analysis and dont threaten the drinking water and threaten to lower our aquifers over the next decade, said the protestor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents of Howell Township recently saw discussions of a data center coming to their town, which Denise Pollicella and many in Livingston County are against. Pollicella said she doesnt see how the MI Healthy Climate Plan can be achieved with data centers coming to the state. The wastewater that these things are generating is heated water. Thats hurting the environment, taking out natural resources, said Pollicella. The Sierra Club protesting with signs. (WLNS) MPSC Chair, Dan Scripps, said this is why the commission has these public hearings so it knows the publics concerns. What sort of scenarios and sensitivities should we be considering as we are looking out five, ten, even twenty years into the future? Scripps said as an example. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pollicella worries things are moving too fast and wonders why the MPSC didnt have these public conversations years ago. I dont know if theyre having them now so that they can say they had them, Pollicella continued. But I feel like the horse left the barn quite a while ago. The MPSC will be accepting public comment until October 31st and will make its decisions on requirements for electric utilities long-range plans on November 14th. 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. CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey said Wednesday that the state has identified an additional $13 million to help West Virginia food pantries. Gov. Morrisey announced Tuesday that the state would match donations to food banks to prepare for the expected increase in assistance needs in November from delays in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In a social media post on Wednesday, Gov. Morrisey said the state is prepared to give up to $13 million. This is in addition to the previously announced $1.1 million in expected funding to food banks. Thats over $14 million in total to date, a fact sheet posted by Morrisey said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the sheet, the state is frontloading $5 million of that money, and it will be distributed to food banks in the state starting on Thursday. The money will go directly to local food banks so those organizations can buy food from grocery stores in their local communities to offset the decline in grocery purchases without SNAP. WVU Medicine Childrens being renamed after transformative investment Weve identified this as the best plan at this time because it provides immediate emergency food assistance to those most in need while Congress deals with the shutdown, Morriseys post said. Morrisey said the state is also mobilizing the West Virginia National Guard to help manage the program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although the state will start by distributing $5 million of the total funding, the post said that West Virginia does plan on using all of the money if the shutdown continues. With contributions from the public, Morriseys office hopes that the state will have $20-25 million to continue food assistance during the shutdown. 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. Editors Note: At the Rutherford County Commission meeting, Sparks adjusted the age minimum to 23. RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) On Tuesday night, Tennessee State Representative Mike Sparks (R-Smyrna) will go to the Rutherford County Commission with a proposed solution to Tennessees bus driver shortage: lowering the age requirement from 25 to 21 years old. Sparks introduced a bill to lower the age requirement last legislative session, but that bill failed in the Senate by one vote. Now, hes trying to rally support for the idea before introducing a new bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement JANUARY | Proposal to lower age requirement for school bus drivers If a county commission or school board takes a position, we pay attention, Sparks said. Our delegation pays attention. In a letter to the county commission, Sparks points to data from 2020 to 2024 showing what he calls an aging driver workforce coupled with an increase in crash incidents. Ive got young people that want to drive a school bus like Isaiah Heineck, who drives for MTSU at 21, but he cant drive for the county because he has to wait till 25, Sparks said. Hes driving students. As we speak, hes driving students at MTSU and hes 21 years of age. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sparks tells News 2 a key reason why he thinks his bill to lower the age limit failed this year is because of a 2016 school bus crash in Chattanooga that killed six students. The driver, Johnthony Walker, was under 25 at the time. That was such a critical moment of losing six children, but heres the thing to keep in mind; one, the guys a child molester. Okay? Sparks told News 2. He shouldnt have been driving a school bus. Parents complained. Fellow students complained about his driving. Someone should have intervened to stop that crisis before it unfolded, but sadly, thats now affected a crisis across our state, with the shortage. READ MORE | Latest headlines from Murfreesboro and Rutherford County Sparks argued lowering the age requirement could not only get more prospective drivers in the door, but create a new career path for young people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are the most restrictive in the nation, if not the world more and more restrictive than California, New York, Russia, Cuba Tennessee is and we talk about being the land of the free and liberty and workforce development, Sparks told News 2. Any vote from Rutherford County Commissioners would show their opinion on the issue, and that alone would not change the law. Sparks said he will bring a new bill to the General Assembly to lower the age limit in January. 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. BATON ROUGE, La. (LSU Manship News Service) The state Legislature ended the special session on Wednesday by voting to delay the statewide primary election next year for one month while the U.S. Supreme Court considers the legality of the states two so-called majority-minority congressional districts. The final vote came in the state House, where lawmakers cleared the election delay in a 73 to 29 vote, which broke along similar lines with the state Senate in its 27-9 vote on Saturday. The vote in both houses reflected hard opposition from Black lawmakers who contended that the change is premature and will result in confusion and chaos among voters. Louisiana lawmakers approve proposal to fund SNAP benefits Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This legislation will move the spring primary election for Republicans and Democrats running in a party primary to May 16 from April 18. The voting date for five state constitutional amendments is also delayed about a month. A second party primary, or runoff, if needed, will occur on June 27 instead of May 30. Candidate qualifying dates were pushed back as well, and signatures on nominating petitions from Sept. 16 remain valid. Republican legislators argued that a delay was prudent given the uncertainty of when the Supreme Court might rule. But opponents argued there was a bigger motive. The ultimate goal of this bill, regardless of if anybody wants to say it or not say it, is to change the dates with the hopes that the Supreme Court strikes down Section two, of the federal Voting Rights Act said Rep. Denise Marcelle, D-Baton Rouge. Democrats also worried that a Supreme Court decision could remake congressional districts and eliminate at least one majority-minority district represented by a Black member. Section two of the federal law bans racial discrimination in voting practices and drawing maps. If ruled unconstitutional, Louisianas maps would have to be redrawn; possibly eliminating both districts that favor Blacks which make up about a third of the states residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Edmond Jordan, a Black Democrat from Baton Rouge, echoed his colleagues concerns about racial motivations. I think the frustration most African-Americans feel, and I certainly feel, is that when its something thats beneficial for us, its Lets kick the can down the road, lets delay, he said Tuesday. When it feels like its an advantage for the white citizens of Louisiana, Jordan said, Its lets get ahead of this, lets anticipate, lets speculate how they will rule on this so we can be prepared. The author of the legislation, state Sen. Caleb Kleinpeter, R-Port Allen, insisted that there are no ulterior motives. Were giving people more time, he said. The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments earlier this year and again on Oct. 15 regarding the Louisiana v. Callais lawsuit, which objects to a four-two map that produced a congressional district it says is drawn entirely along racial lines that suppresses the non-Black vote. The Republican-majority Legislature produced the current map of six U.S. congressional districts with two majority-minority districts in 2024, both represented by Black Democrats Rep. Troy Carter of New Orleans and Rep. Cleo Fields of Baton Rouge. Two national leaders hold two of the other four districts; House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Bossier City and Rep. Steve Scalise, R-Metairie. Constitutional amendments on the ballot for the new May 16 voting date include a mandatory retirement age for state judges and a restructuring of state civil service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The House saw heated debates again Wednesday over the new election dates. Rep. Candace Newell, D-New Orleans, called the Republican efforts, the Trump Two-Step, which is legislatures rigging elections. She argued that her Republican colleagues were, willing to do the will of a president that does not care about Louisiana. Rep. Gerald Beau Beaullieu, R-New Iberia, defended the delay of 2026 elections. He cited previous maps that have been deemed unconstitutional. Thirty years later, we find ourselves in the same vicious cycle of conflicts with section two challenges and their conflict with the 14th Amendment, of the U.S. Constitution, he said. On Monday, leading Black Democrats and Louisiana residents from across the state rallied in support of the current congressional maps. This is about representation and this is about power, Davante Lewis, a Democrat and a member of the Louisiana Public Service Commission, said on Monday. Latest News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. CHICAGO Illinois plans to appeal the Trump administrations denial of federal disaster money for two flooding events this past summer that caused damage in several counties, including Cook County and in the City of Chicago. President Donald Trump last week approved major disaster declarations for Alaska, Nebraska, North Dakota and the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, while denying requests from Vermont, Illinois and Maryland. PREVIOUS: Trump denies disaster declaration for Illinois Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State and local officials say they need help, and they need it quickly, in order to have a chance of the appeal getting approved and then getting federal money to those impacted by the flooding. We need to hear what is happening in your home, what have you not been able to recuperate, what are some potential losses youre still facing? Kaila Lariviere of Chicagos Office of Emergency Management (OEMC) said at a news conference Wednesday. Summer storms in late July and mid-August caused massive flooding in cities and towns in seven Illinois counties, including in Chicago. The flooding resulted in widespread property damage, so much so that the state made a disaster declaration and asked for federal funds to help limit the impact the damage had on residents and city and county services. The Trump administration denied the request last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I cant say that its unusual, Greg Nimmo of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency-Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) said Wednesday. I do say its the first denial weve had in Illinois, and this one has more representative samples of the damage than any one weve had previously. Hurricane Melissa leaves at least 25 dead in Haiti, widespread damage in Jamaica and Cuba Regardless, officials at the state and local levels launched their bid to appeal the denial. They have until Nov. 21 to get their appeal in. In order to be successful, officials have to prove new damage and prolonged damaged due to the flooding. They need new damage surveys filled out, which theyll be going door to door and posting QR codes in damaged neighborhoods to acquire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My plea would be, if you filled this thing out before, dont think youre good to go, Nimmo said. We need more now than ever to understand where youre at today, so we can use that information as part of the appeal to show that federal assistance is still needed. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Officials need photos and documentation of housing needs and health needs, including mold remediation and housesold equipment like water heaters and furnaces that still arent working, to have a shot at being successful with their appeal. What thats going to do is paint that picture that we as the City of Chicago and the various counties that were impacted need (for) assistance, Lariviere said. We need assistance for our residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The following state website is dedicated to this appeals process: iemaohs.illinois.gov/recovery. 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. State Representative Marcus Wiedower announced his resignation from the Georgia General Assembly to focus on his role as vice president of external affairs at Hillpointe. Wiedower, who has represented District 121 since 2019, said he is stepping down as Hillpointe undergoes significant national expansion, requiring his full attention. District 121 includes portions of Clarke and Oconee counties. This decision has been incredibly difficult. Serving in the Georgia General Assembly has been one of the greatest honors of my life, Wiedower said. Im deeply grateful for the trust placed in me by my constituents and colleagues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his tenure, Wiedower served as chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government. He also served on multiple committees, including the Higher Education and Transportation committee. Marcus loves representing his district in the State House, and I know this decision could not have been easy for him, said Speaker of the House Jon Burns. A special election [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] After Cyclone Montha made landfall off the coast of Andhra Pradesh, parts of Hyderabad experienced waterlogging due to heavy rainfall on Wednesday. Additionally, light to moderate rainfall was reported in parts of Bhadradri Kothagudem and Mahabubnagar districts. The parts of Rangareddy district also witnessed rainfall due to the cyclone's impact across Telangana. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported a likelihood of heavy rainfall over eastern and southern Telangana, which is expected to extend to neighbouring areas on Wednesday due to the impact of Cyclone Montha. As a result, the weather in Hyderabad, the state capital, changed abruptly today, and the city experienced rainfall. Meanwhile, Cyclone Montha crossed the coast near Narasapuram, between Machilipatnam and Kakinada, at around midnight between 11:32 PM and 12:30 AM, and has since moved northwestward, said Dr Karuna Sagar, a scientist at the Meteorological Department in Amaravati. The IMD scientist also mentioned that it will continue moving north-northwestward and enter Telangana. "The severe cyclonic storm over central Bengal moved west-northwestwards and it crossed yesterday over Andhra Pradesh coast, especially south of the Kakinada, near to the Narsapur, So it crossed around midnight, 11.30 to 12.30, and further it moved northwestwards and it weakened into the cyclonic storm by 2.30 a.m. of today. So it will continue towards moving the north-northwestwards, and it will enter into the Telangana region also, we are expecting like that," Sagar told ANI. In addition to Telangana, Andhra Pradesh is also experiencing the impact of Cyclone Montha, with water overflowing onto the road connecting Bapatla to Suryalanka and disrupting traffic movement towards Suryalanka Beach. Bapatla RDO Gloria, MRO Saleema, and Deputy MPDO are currently inspecting the situation. Sagar, while discussing the weather of Andhra Pradesh, indicated that a red warning has been issued for several districts, including Nellore, Nandyal, Prakasham, Palnadu, NTR, and Guntur. Neighbouring districts such as Bapatla, Krishna, Eluru, and West Godavari are also expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall. Hence, an orange warning has been issued for the neighbouring districts. In Rayalseema, heavy rain is expected. "Since already heavy rainfall happened, extremely heavy rainfall happened, even today, small amount of rainfall also caused a lot of damage. So that's why we are giving red warning to these districts, Nellore, Nandyal, Prakasham, Palnadu, NTR, and Guntur districts. The neighbouring districts like Bapatla, Krishna, Ellore, West Godavari, we are expecting heavy to very heavy rainfall. So that's why we are giving orange warning. The remaining northern districts, we are expecting one or two places heavy rainfall. Even in the southern districts, like Rayalseema, the completely southern districts, we can expect heavy rainfall," said Sagar. (ANI) FAIRMONT, W.Va. (WBOY) Marion Circuit Court Judge Matthew Deligatti has ruled to remove a temporary injunction that was made to stop the sale of the state-run John Manchin Senior Health Care Center in Fairmont. The temporary injunction formerly stopped the sale of Manchin to Marx Development Group. Judge Deligatti ruled that the Secretary of the Department of Health Facilities was given authority by the legislature to sell the facility. The court heard the testimony of two witnesses. The first was Financial Health Facilities CFO Aaron Snodgrass, who spoke on how facilities like Manchin were operating at a loss for the state and the harm that not completing the sale would cause. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The other witness that the court heard from was Cathie Matheny, who spoke on behalf of the plaintiff, her mother, Mary DeVito, who was and is a resident of Manchin. WVU Medicine Childrens being renamed after transformative investment Snodgrass said that the long-term care facilities across West Virginia have been operating at a loss since 2019. He said if the injunction held, thered be no guarantee vendors who operate the facilities would continue to do so. Snodgrass also provided testimony that said much of DeVitos concerns have been addressed in the deal. Majestic Care, which will be taking over operations of Manchin, agreed to continue care for all current patients, continue the employment of the current employeesassuming they pass a background checkand continue operating Manchin until a new West Virginia facility is built. However, the plaintiffs legal defense pointed out that theres no guarantee the new facility will be in the area of Manchin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Matheny voiced her concern that there will be a facility available for her mother in the area of the current Manchin facility. Still, she said that in light of the information regarding the conditions that would facilitate continued care for her mother, she is unsure if the injunction was proper. 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. Pennsylvania Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program aid recipients as a percentage of population, by county, as of October 28, 2025. (Emily Previti/Pennsylvania Capital-Star) Some state lawmakers want to give grants to food assistance programs to help offset the potential loss of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) support. The Pennsylvania Food and Hunger Relief Grant Program would divert $50 million from interest earned on the commonwealths rainy day fund to food banks and $10 million to Meals on Wheels Pennsylvania, plus $2 million to the state Department of Agriculture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats a fraction of the $360-plus million in monthly SNAP benefits that two million Pennsylvanians receive and will have to go without starting in November due to the federal government shutdown. Thats more than 15 percent of the number of people who live in the commonwealth, a share that ranks ninth among the states. Put another way: the number of people losing food stamps rivals the combined populations of the commonwealths two largest cities: Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. We must take care of our neighbors at this desperate time, said state Sen. Art Haywood (D-Montgomery/Philadelphia). Hunger does not discriminate based upon race or gender or zip code or any other way we might want to identify. We need to accept that on November the first, millions of Pennsylvanians will not have food assistance that they will be relying on. A perfect storm Haywood joined a few other Senate Democrats to announce the proposal Tuesday afternoon, alongside representatives from Feeding Pennsylvania and one of its nine member organizations the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only the commonwealth faces the loss of SNAP without having a state budget, which is nearly four months late. Given that, Pennsylvanians are going to be the hardest hit by these SNAP cuts, said state Sen. Lindsey Williams (D-Allegheny). Food assistance programs including senior programs with food aid components typically financed by lottery funds being withheld amid the budget impasse have gone without state funding. Thats on top of federal funds held back during the federal government shutdown thats now approaching the one-month mark. Not to mention, theres another nearly $20 million lost to federal program cuts since last year, according to Julie Bancroft, whos the CEO of Feeding Pennsylvania. The SNAP program is nine times larger than all of the food banks combined in terms of the amount of food that we collectively distribute. So, to ask any social service nonprofit to fill in a gap of this size is just completely unrealistic. George Matysik, executive director of Share Food Program in Philadelphia And providers already were seeing unprecedented demand even before the dual budget gridlocks affected not only their funding, but also much of the rest of the social safety net. They have resulted in furloughs, layoffs and reduced hours and pay for workers on the payroll at federal and county governments as well as contractors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All this, as new rules for SNAP take effect. We are facing a perfect storm, Bancroft said. Donation and volunteer opportunities are available at Feedingpa.org, which takes direct monetary contributions and links out to nine food banks around Pennsylvania. The food banks each accept financial donations, might have volunteer opportunities available, and provide contact information for smaller local food pantries. Pennsylvania is one of 22 states plus Washington, D.C., suing the federal government over its failure to fund SNAP after the United States Department of Agriculture scrapped a previous plan to tap into $6 billion in contingency funds to continue SNAP benefits during the shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eight of our nine food banks are accessing cash reserves to try to put money on account for pantries to keep their shelves stocked, Bancroft said. These backup resources are not infinite and will quickly dry up if we dont get funding moving. Some other states have already granted tens of millions of dollars to food assistance and distribution networks. Virginia has committed to continue paying SNAP benefits in full using state funds, according to reporting by Newsweek. Listen to the audio recap: https://penncapital-star.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/28epPFHRWEB.mp3 Asked if the state Senate GOP would support the proposal, Majority Leader Joe Pittman said through a spokesman: Art Haywood needs to tell Chuck Schumer to listen to John Fetterman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At last check, food assistance wasnt among uses listed in applicants to the state Department of Treasurys grant program, according to spokesman Steven Chizmar. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The state Department of Human Services has directed people losing benefits to food banks. But the commonwealths food assistance network cant fill the void, even when funded as usual. The SNAP program is nine times larger than all of the food banks combined in terms of the amount of food that we collectively distribute, said George Matysik, executive director of Share Food Program in Philadelphia. So, to ask any social service nonprofit to fill in a gap of this size is just completely unrealistic. We will all do what we can. But its going to be an immense challenge for any of us to keep up with that pace of demand. Canned foods on grocery store shelves. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch) Share Food bought an extra half million dollars worth of food last week in preparation for SNAPs cessation Nov. 1, Matysik said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He contrasted the current scenario to the demand inundating food banks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Back then, the U.S. Department of Agriculture sent additional resources to Share Food and similar programs promptly, he said. The idea that reinforcements are coming, like they did in 2020, and [the recession] in 2008 is not there, Matysik said. Its like the reinforcements have turned against us. Our own government is doing this to its people. Thats the disheartening part of all this. Pennsylvanians have started stepping in. Following news that SNAP benefits would cease absent federal lawmakers reaching an agreement, Feeding Pennsylvanias donations jumped 2000% this month compared to last October, according to spokeswoman Lauren Duff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least one food bank in its umbrella indicated a boost, Duff said, on top of WellSpan Healths donation of $275,000 (equivalent to one million meals) to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank last week. Nonprofit foundations in Chester County, meanwhile, are banding together for a $100,000 fundraising challenge to benefit the countys food bank, according to Kevin Ressler, President & CEO of the The Alliance for Health Equity. Based in Coatesville, the Alliance is partnering with the Chester County United Way and Chester County Community Foundation. While heartening, Ressler noted, we cannot fund our way out of this through private philanthropy. The government provides so much support in this country, Ressler said. Foundations cannot replace the loss of government support for our hardworking neighbors most of whom have jobs [or] are children or older adults who cant just go out and get a job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Duff advised going to Feeding Pennsylvanias website to support the statewide or local efforts through donations or to identify volunteer opportunities locally. Bananas and cereals at a grocery store in Fairfax, Virginia, on March 3, 2011. (USDA Photo by Lance Cheung.) Its inhumane The situation with SNAP echoes the recent funding crisis for the related Women, Infants & Children program that provides cash for groceries and other support to new and expecting mothers and their children. But there are major differences. To start, Pennsylvanias WIC program gets $278 million annually in federal funding vs $4.4 billion for SNAP (i.e., more for SNAP in a single month than for WIC in an entire year). About two million people get benefits through SNAP versus about 186,000 through WIC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WIC benefits also are loaded three months at a time so, recipients have some buffer time if funding stops. With SNAP, thats not the case lending more urgency to the looming freeze. The federal governments recent approach has been different, too. The U.S. Department of Agriculture stayed relatively quiet as WIC money was drying up and released short-term funding at the last-minute. But USDA officials ordered state DHS officials to stop new enrollments and draw-downs three weeks ahead of funding possibly drying up, in letter sent Oct. 10 a move that shocked Tricia Fonzi, FHCCPs president and CEO. Northampton County Commissioner Lori Vargo Heffner questioned the motivation behind the directive and condemned it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were traumatizing these people by even threatening this, she said. Its inhumane. Matysik agreed. We entrust our federal government to assist the working class, not to use us as a negotiating chip, Matysik said. If you want to talk about why folks dont trust the government, this is the reason. This is food on the table for 42 million Americans. And the political class has very [few] qualms about ripping that from their dining room table in the pursuit of some type of political negotiation. BALTIMORE Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson said this week that the states General Assembly will not move forward with efforts to redraw congressional maps before the 2030 U.S. Census, citing steep legal and political risks tied to a mid-decade redistricting. In a letter to his fellow Democratic lawmakers Tuesday, Ferguson said the decision was made following individual conversations with senators who expressed concerns about national redistricting efforts and pressure to counter map changes by Republicans in Texas and other GOP-led states. Despite deeply shared frustrations about the state of our country, mid-cycle redistricting for Maryland presents a reality where the legal risks are too high, the timeline for action is dangerous, the downside risk to Democrats is catastrophic, and the certainty of our existing map would be undermined, Ferguson wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Redistricting, which states undertake every 10 years to reflect population changes, often draws legal challenges and accusations of gerrymandering the manipulation of district boundaries to give one political party more seats in the House of Representatives. In deep-blue Maryland, debate continues over how congressional district lines should be drawn. With seven Democratic-leaning districts and just one Republican-leaning House district, Maryland was ranked as the countrys second-most gerrymandered state by Independent Voter News in August trailing only North Carolina. Democratic Gov. Wes Moore has said for several months that all options are on the table when it comes to mid-decade redistricting. He suggested that President Donald Trump bears some responsibility for the broader national fights over congressional representation, as Texas Republicans drew new maps in their favor which then sparked California and other states to retaliate. Moore had not yet spoken publicly about Fergusons letter as of Wednesday morning. His office did not respond to The Baltimore Suns questions about his reaction to the letter and if he would respect Fergusons decision by not lobbying the Legislature to pursue redistricting until after the 2030 U.S. Census. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Sen. Antonio Hayes, a West Baltimore Democrat, told the Sun on Wednesday that Fergusons letter makes mid-decade redistricting a dead issue in the state. Asked if he expects Moore to push back on the Legislature, Hayes described the governor as a fighter who wants to see redistricting changes that benefit Democrats. I wouldnt imagine that there wouldnt be any pushback, but I think hes also realistic and understands the importance of the relationship between the Legislature and the (executive) branch, Hayes said. But I think he, like all of us, would hope that we could do something that could have an impact (and) balance and things at the federal level. While she is not a member of the Maryland Senate, Montgomery County Delegate Jheanelle Wilkins criticized Fergusons decision for missing the moment amid Republican-led redistricting efforts around the country. Our democracy is at stake in a real way, and we have an obligation to make sure district lines truly reflect our communities, Wilkins said in a statement. At a time when voting rights, diversity, and basic freedoms are under assault, Maryland must step up to ensure we have the strongest and most representative government possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ferguson, a Baltimore Democrat, said revisiting congressional boundaries could expose Marylands current map to new legal challenges and possibly lead to court-ordered revisions less favorable to Democrats. He pointed to Szeliga v. Lamone, a 2022 redistricting case in which a judge struck down an earlier map as a product of extreme partisan gerrymandering. The Legislature later approved a revised version, which went unchallenged and remains in effect. Ferguson noted that, because the states highest court has never reviewed the current map, reopening the process could invite litigation and uncertainty ahead of the 2026 elections. A new round of lawsuits, he said, could delay filing deadlines and force changes to the primary schedule. Any redrawing of the current map could reopen the ability for someone to challenge the current map and give the court the opportunity to strike it down, or even worse, redraw the map itself, he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marylands only Republican in Congress, Eastern Shore Rep. Andy Harris, largely agreed with Ferguson, telling the Sun on Wednesday that any mid-decade redistricting effort would open the potential for a court-imposed non-partisan map that could result in two or even three Republicans being elected. Senate President Fergusons letter confirms what weve known all along: Reasonable Democrats in Maryland increasingly see no benefit in reopening a process that would highlight just how unfair and politically motivated Marylands district lines have been for years, Harris said in an emailed statement. Ferguson cautioned that if Maryland pursued mid-cycle redistricting, it could spur more Republican-controlled states to do the same, erasing any potential gain from drawing Harris out of his seat. The Senate president cited national data showing Republican legislatures oversee more Democratic-held districts than the reverse, giving the GOP a greater opportunity to benefit from new maps. He said previous Democratic restraint has helped keep some Republican states from redrawing their own lines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also referenced concerns raised by Marylands Legislative Black Caucus about racial fairness in redistricting, warning that mid-decade gerrymandering could lead to the same voter disenfranchisement that racial gerrymandering caused in the past. Ferguson framed the decision as both a legal and moral one, arguing that Maryland should not twist rules for potential short-term advantage while undermining trust in institutions and ultimately, democracy. Instead of redistricting, he said lawmakers should focus on legislative priorities such as health care access, election protection and support for immigrants during the 2026 session. I am prepared to do that alongside each and every one of you, Ferguson wrote at the end of the letter. _____ Oct. 28Washington has joined 24 other states in a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture to require the agency to use contingency funding to pay for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, otherwise known as food stamps. The lawsuit comes as Gov. Bob Ferguson directed additional resources to food banks bracing for an influx in visitors as the ongoing government shutdown threatens to delay benefits to nearly a million Washingtonians. The lawsuit, filed Tuesday in Massachusetts, alleges the USDA is required to continue payments through the program during the ongoing shutdown as long as the agency has funds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, the agency notified states that it will not use contingency funds to pay for food stamps if the shutdown extends into November, and that it won't reimburse states that pay instead. According to the USDA, approximately 1 in 8 residents receive an average of $187 monthly through the SNAP. Visitors to the USDA's webpage are currently greeted with a message that reads "Senate Democrats have now voted 12 times to not fund the food stamp program, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)." "Bottom line, the well has run dry. At this time, there will be no benefits issued November 01," the message continues. "We are approaching an inflection point for Senate Democrats." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In its guidance to states, the agency said that contingency funds are reserved for natural disasters and other events that "can come on quickly and without notice." According to the Washington Department of Social and Health Services, 540,000 households in the state, representing nearly 930,000 people, received $173 million in benefits in September. According to the lawsuit, the state "does not have the resources available to administer the program with solely state funds." The states are seeking a temporary restraining order that would require the USDA to maintain SNAP benefits through November in their states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "SNAP benefits help ensure that nearly a million Washingtonians seniors, children, and people living with disabilities have enough to eat every day," Washington Attorney General Nick Brown said in a statement Tuesday. "Trump is picking and choosing what gets funded and what doesn't during the shutdown. Apparently keeping food on the table for more than 40 million Americans isn't a priority for the President." Ferguson announced Tuesday he would direct $2.2 million per week for additional funding for food banks in the state if a deal is not reached by Nov. 1. The funds would be transferred from the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services to the Washington State Department of Agriculture. "I'm grateful for the hard work of local food banks and pantries to help people keep food on the table," Ferguson said in a statement. "If you're able to support your local food bank, either with donations or volunteering, I encourage you to do so." MADISON, Ala. (WHNT) The Chop House, a Knoxville-based steakhouse known for its American fare, officially broke ground Wednesday on its newest location in Town Madison. The restaurant will mark the companys 11th location nationwide and its first in Alabama. The Chop House is part of the same restaurant group that owns and operates Connors Steak & Seafood, a popular dining spot at Bridge Street Town Centre in Huntsville. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Download the WHNT News 19 App to stay updated on the go. Sign up for WHNT News 19 newsletters to have news sent to your inbox. We are really excited to be here, said Garry May, Area Director for The Chop House. We focus on service, hand-cut steaks, great seafood items, chops, and ribs. We have lots of great entrees, appetizers, and desserts that are going to knock your socks off. May described The Chop House as a more traditional steakhouse concept within the same family as Connors Steak & Seafood. At Chop House, expect the same level of service and quality food in a more classic steakhouse setting, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Need food assistance? Organizations across North Alabama gearing up to help Madison Mayor-Elect Ranae Bartlett attended the groundbreaking ceremony to welcome the restaurant to the community. You have decided to break ground in the best city, in the best county in Alabama, Bartlett said. You are going to love it here. It is expected to open in second quarter of 2026. 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. Former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon called for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to be toppled immediately on Tuesday, declaring, We need regime change in Jerusalem and we need it tonight. During an appearance on Bannons Real Americas Voice show War Room, informal Trump adviser Laura Loomer criticized conservative commentators for being so obsessed with Israel instead of the threat of Islam. I think that we need to have a real conversation, Stephen, in the GOP and hopefully amid all of this Israel Derangement Syndrome that were seeing from many people on the right, said Loomer. You dont see these people ever talk about Islam. You never see these people talk about the threat of Islam, Stephen. They gotta stop being so obsessed with Israel and so obsessed with the Jews. You know, its not the Israelis that are gonna have another 9/11 here in our country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bannon shot back, No, no, no. Hang on a second. If the Israeli government had dealt straight with us, you wouldnt have had this problem. Theyre liars. Theyve been stone-cold liars, they gave bad information, so Im not gonna let that go unchallenged. Thats just bullsh**, okay? Netanyahus government has been atrocious and we should have regime change in Jerusalem and we should have it immediately. Theyve lied to the American government, theyve lied to the American people consistently, he continued: You say Israeli Derangement Syndrome. Its not Israeli Derangement Syndrome. I certainly dont have it. What I have [a problem with] is the Greater Israel Project that was never done no due diligence done, the American people never signed off on that, the Trump administration never signed off on that. Thats on Netanyahu. We need regime change in Jerusalem and we need it tonight, okay? Everything that comes out of Netanyahus government is a stone-cold lie, okay? And the Muslim Brotherhood is 100 times worse, I understand that. They hate America, they hate the West, it has to be dealt with. But you cant sit there and whitewash and say everyones gotta get off Israeli Derangement Syndrome. Bannon has been a vocal critic of Netanyahu and his government in recent months, accusing the Israeli prime minister of lying to President Donald Trump and the American people and attempting to drag the United States into a conflict with Iran. In August, after Netanyahu claimed, You cant be MAGA if youre anti-Israel, Bannon responded in a social media post, American Citizens Do Not Give 2 F***s About Your Thoughts on MAGA, or What Our Citizens Need to BelieveThey Care About Exposing Your Pathological Lies in Order to Keep Us Out of Your Next War. Watch above via Real Americas Voice. The post Steve Bannon Calls For Netanyahu To Be Toppled Immediately: We Need Regime Change in Jerusalem and We Need It Tonight first appeared on Mediaite. JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) FMOL Health, the parent organization of St. Dominic Hospital, announced a $100,000 donation for nutritional aid to Stewpot Community Services. Officials said the gift will help fund food pantry donations and meals. Our healing ministry extends beyond the bounds of providing healthcare to our patients and the communities we are privileged to serve, said E.J. Kuiper, president and CEO, FMOL Health. Providing access to vital nutrition and healthy foods aligns with our mission and commitment to the Greater Jackson Community, and we encourage other organizations to consider supporting those most in need during this time. Stewpot braces for more people in need amid government shutdown Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the possibility of a temporary suspension of November SNAP benefits set to affect 384,800 Mississippians, the donation to Stewpot Community Services will provide nutrition and help prevent hunger-related health impacts. Stewpot currently serves around 700 underserved individuals monthly, via its pantry, Community Kitchen and Meals on Wheels program for homebound seniors. FMOL Health | St. Dominic also operates a free health clinic within the Stewpot footprint, offering primary care to low-income families and individuals experiencing homelessness. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Subscribe Now Daily 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 WJTV. Gov. Kevin Stitt says state agencies are "working on it" as Oklahomans who rely on government food assistance brace for the potential of weeks without aid. Stitt said at a news conference on Wednesday, Oct. 29, that federal and state lawmakers, state agencies, churches and nonprofit organizations are collaborating to try to serve the more than 684,000 Oklahomans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition and Assistance Program to help pay for groceries. He didn't rule out spending state money to fill the $130 million monthly gap to pay for the benefits, but said the state would first "beef up" other programs before resorting to spending state savings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Cherokee Nation to make millions in funding available to combat food insecurity amid shutdown Gov. Kevin Stitt and Donelle Harder, the governor's chief of staff, package food items for distribution Oct. 29 at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City. However, the two leading Democrats in the Oklahoma Legislature called for an immediate special session so lawmakers could consider appropriating state money to cover the benefits. House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, said food banks, churches and nonprofits can't be expected to supplement everyone's needs during a crisis. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced earlier in October that funding for SNAP benefits would not be available until further notice because of the shutdown. It's been 29 days since the federal government entered a shutdown, with no movement from Congress toward resolving the budget impasse before Saturday, Nov. 1, when funding for several key programs is expected to end. SNAP benefits are typically distributed to families on the first day of every month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oklahoma will be hit harder than most states, because it has an especially high share of residents who rely on the assistance. One in six Oklahomans are covered by the SNAP program. More than 66% of participants in Oklahoma are in families with children, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a nonpartisan research and policy institute based in Washington, DC. More than 33% are in families with members who are older adults or are disabled, and more than 42% are in working families. More: Gov. Stitt says Oklahoma won't 'stand by' amid shutdown, orders review of federal funding Can the state fund SNAP? Stitt told agency leaders earlier in October to look at each source of federal funding, identify "critical vulnerabilities" when that money goes away and suggest ways to minimize the impact of federal cuts. He ordered agencies to get their reports back to him by early this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stitt said Wednesday that agency leaders were still working on those reports and reviewing their federal funding streams to assess how they can continue to serve Oklahomans. Gov. Kevin Stitt, state agency heads and community leaders discussed the measures they are taking to help Oklahomans facing food insecurity as a result of the federal government shutdown during an Oct. 29 news conference. More: SNAP funding delays to increase food insecurity. What are some backup resources? The state's rainy day fund is close to $1 billion, Stitt said, but it can only be accessed in a revenue failure, which doesn't apply considering the frozen money is federal dollars. Stitt added that accessing the funds would take two-thirds of the Legislature voting in support of the move, meaning a special session would have to be called. Stitt said there's no guarantee the federal government would reimburse the state for dipping into its rainy day funds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stitt encouraged Oklahomans to help one another, and also to shop at local grocery stores as those businesses face the trickle-down effects of losing SNAP dollars. "I know that passing laws in Oklahoma City or Washington. DC, doesn't really do anything unless you have neighbors walking with neighbors, and you have people helping one another out," Stitt said. People who receive SNAP can spend carryover balances from previous months if the government shutdown continues into November, according to the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. Oklahoma food banks see uptick in first-time pantry-goers Stacy Dykstra, chief executive officer of the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, spoke on behalf of her organization in Oklahoma City, as well as a partner organization, the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma in Tulsa. Both organizations distribute food to community-based pantries and partners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the news conference, she said the distributors' partner pantries are seeing a 37% increase in people asking for food assistance who have never been to a food bank before. She said SNAP acts as a first line of defense to ensure families have food on their tables. Dykstra added that the state's food charity system provides one meal for every nine meals that SNAP provides. "We are being so intentional to find every food resource we can find and to deploy it in the most effective and efficient way we can," she said. Gov. Kevin Stitt says state agencies are working on solutions to help Oklahomans who rely on SNAP benefits afford food in November after the funding goes away. The food distributors in Oklahoma City and Tulsa are planning to double their distribution for each month of the shutdown, Dykstra said, which will cost both facilities an additional $5.5 million a month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She encouraged Oklahomans to support their efforts and volunteer with local food banks. "We have to come together," Dykstra said. "We have to support one another, and most importantly, we have to use our voice to let the federal government know to open the government back up to ensure every person in our state has the resources they need to grow." Oklahoma schools are expediting applications for food assistance New state schools Superintendent Lindel Fields said child nutrition specialists have been providing guidance and training over the past few days to help schools expedite applications for food assistance programs, including the free and reduced lunches. "As always, we want to thank our school districts for all they do to ensure children receive nutritious meals during the day," Fields said. Backup resources for Oklahomans relying on SNAP benefits Stitt told Oklahomans in need to go to beaneighbor.org, an online hub of local community resources across the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Oklahoman also has complied a handful of resources on its website, at oklahoman.com. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OK Gov. Stitt says state 'working' on solution as SNAP benefits end A man described as one of the most prolific retail thieves the Washington Attorney Generals Office has seen in years has been sentenced for stealing $750,000 in merchandise from malls across three counties, including Pierce. Micah Snyder, 43, was sentenced last week in Snohomish County Superior Court to 13 years in prison after he pled guilty to: Three counts of first-degree burglary, one of which included a firearm. One count of unlawful possession of a firearm. One count of trafficking in stolen property. One count of malicious mischief. One count of first-degree organized retail theft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Between January and March of this year, Snyder stole from different stores, including at the Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood, Southcenter Mall in Tukwila and the South Hill Mall in Puyallup, according to the Attorney Generals Office in a news release. The AGs Office prosecuted the case after accepting a referral from the Lynnwood Police Department. Snyder used firearms and axes to break into businesses after hours to steal items of high value, including high-end sneakers and streetwear clothes. The release said Snyder also stole large amounts of jewelry from places such as Macys and Banter by Piercing Pagoda. Snyder reportedly targeted Banter by Piercing Pagoda at the South Hill Mall on Feb. 10 at about 6:22 a.m. He and an unknown woman broke into the mall, where Snyder fired his handgun at the glass entrance door, according to the supplemental affidavit of probable cause. Documents show Snyder shot into the display at the kiosk and used a small axe to break the case. The woman climbed to the top and jumped several times to break the case. The jewelry they stole totaled more than $45,000, court records show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Snyder was interviewed about the incident on March 20 by a Puyallup Police Department detective at the Snohomish County Jail. Snyder admitted to firing the gun and described the burglary in detail. The last burglary before his arrest took place at the Macys at Tacoma Mall on March 2 at about 3:43 a.m. when Snyder fired a gunshot into a glass window, according to charging documents. Snyder used a fire axe to open several jewelry cases at the store. The amount taken totaled to around $249,000. Documents show that in the Puyallup and Tacoma burglaries Snyder researched local law enforcement shift changes. Snyder was arrested in Pierce County 10 days after the Tacoma Mall burglary by the Snohomish County Violent Offender Task Force. The City of Brookhavens attempt to improve safety at a busy intersection near Ashford Park Elementary by installing new stop signs was halted just a day after implementation. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The new stop signs on Redding Road were part of a broader effort to calm traffic and enhance safety at the intersection with Caldwell Road. However, the signs were covered again within 24 hours due to unforeseen issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the stop signs got covered back up, which caused confusion for traffic coming in and leaving outare you stopping? Are you not? said resident Lex Thorton, who walks her daughter to school daily. The intersections proximity to Ashford Park Elementary contributes to the traffic congestion, especially during school hours. The citys improvements also include new striping, narrowing lanes and moving crosswalks. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brookhavens Public Works Director Tom Roberts said there needs to be coordination with the Georgia Department of Transportation to better time the traffic light at nearby Peachtree Road and add an extra left turn option. All the infrastructure wasnt in place yet. Those two left turn lanes from Redding onto Caldwell were not in placethat not being there had a bigger impact than we anticipated, Roberts explained. Residents expressed frustration on social media, with one neighbor describing the morning traffic as a nightmare and questioning whether timing the lights would solve the problem. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Vikassheel Insaan Party convenor Mukesh Sahani hit out at the National Democratic Alliance, questioning its Chief Ministerial candidate for the Bihar elections. Drawing parallels between Bihar CM Nitish Kumar and Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, Sahani said the Mahayuti contested the Maharashtra elections under Shinde's leadership; however, after the results, the BJP left him out. "They should hold a press conference and make the announcement; only then will we understand. In Maharashtra also, they said that they were contesting the election in Eknath Shinde's name, but in the end, he was left out. However, they will not get the chance to do all these things here, as they won't get the majority. Mahagathbandhan will form the government," Mukesh Sahani told reporters. Furthermore, he asserted on fulfilling the promises made by Mahagathbandhan under the manifesto, noting that it would increase the Vridha Pension to Rs 1500 from Rs 500, if they come to power. "We said that we would increase the Vridha pension from Rs 400 to Rs 1,500, but you increased it to Rs 1,100. We had said that we would provide 200 units of electricity for free, but you provided 125 units for free... You don't have your own vision, you are copying our vision... We will fulfil our resolution and form the government," Sahani said. Earlier on Tuesday, the Mahagathbandhan, released its manifesto titled 'Bihar Ka Tejashwi Pran', outlining key promises ahead of the polls, while addressing a joint press conference in Patna. According to the manifesto, under the 'Mai-Behin Maan Yojana', women will receive financial assistance of Rs 2,500 per month from December 1 for the next five years. The Opposition's alliance promised to implement the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). OPS has been on the Congress agenda since the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government in Himachal Pradesh restored it soon after assuming office. Congress had also included it in its manifesto for the Haryana Assembly polls. Mahagathbandhan has promised to put the Waqf (Amendment) Act on hold, and to make the management of Waqf properties "welfare-oriented and transparent". 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. Mahagathbandhan, led by Rashtriya Janata Dal, includes 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 staked claims to all 243 seats in the state. The assembly elections will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11. The results will be declared on November 14. (ANI) GREECE, N.Y. (WROC) Boscovs is getting ready to open its first store in the Western New York region. News 8 got an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the store ahead of opening day. The family-owned department chain is opening its 51st location at the Mall at Greece Ridge near Entrance 6. The store features apparel, home goods, a candy department, a toy department, and much more. Celebrations begin with a charity day Thursday where shoppers can purchase a pass for $5, which will go to participating nonprofits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The store opens to the public Friday with various celebrations planned for opening weekend. News 8s Natalie Kucko spoke with CEO Jim Boscov on what sets Boscovs apart from other big-box retailers. People need to make sure their dollar goes as far as it possibly can. Theyve got to put food on their table. Theyre working hard for the money they make. Value matters, and I think thats one of the secrets of why we succeed when other stores are struggling. We offer the very best values, said Boscov. You can find the full interview as part of Whats In Store on the RochesterFirst streaming app, which begins streaming at 9:30 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 RochesterFirst. UPDATE: As of 6:30 a.m. on Wednesday, police say the woman was found safe. ------------------ Previous story: Police in Stow are searching for a missing woman who may have wandered into the woods near her home. Stow Police Chief Michael Sallese says Katherine Watson, 38, of Edgehill Road, was last seen Tuesday in the vicinity of her home between noon and 4 p.m. Watsons husband reported her missing later that night, around 8 p.m., according to Sallese. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sallese wrote in a statement, Katherine is known to Stow police and may have wandered into the nearby woods or conservation land. The search for Watson was called off late Tuesday night. The investigation into her disappearance was expected to resume on Wednesday morning. Sallese warned residents that there would be an increased police presence in the Edgehill Road area. Watson is described as 5 feet, 4 inches tall, about 150 pounds, with light brown hair and hazel eyes. She was last known to be wearing light colored pants and a blue sweater. Anyone with information on Watsons whereabouts is urged to call 911 or contact Stow police at 978-897-4545. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW THE BRONX, N.Y. (PIX11) Early voting turnout remains strong across New York City as the race for mayor enters its final stretch, with major candidates making their closing arguments to voters. Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo picked up an endorsement Tuesday from another former governor, David Paterson, who threw his support behind Cuomo at a campaign stop in the Bronx. More Local News Paterson, who previously supported Mayor Eric Adams for reelection, joined Adams in backing Cuomos bid to return to elected office. All three criticized Democratic Socialist Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, accusing him of making unrealistic promises and misrepresenting his positions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Freeze the rent is a lie, Cuomo said at a Bronx Senior Center. Free buses, lie. Raise state taxes, give it to the city, lie. That he does not favor decriminalizing prostitution that was a lie. Mamdani, speaking on Spanish-language radio station La Mega, rejected a different accusation: that he fabricated a personal story about an aunt who feared riding the subway while wearing a hijab after 9/11. Mamdani said the criticism of that story reflects the various homophobia he was speaking about. It just shows the idea that a Muslim woman wearing a hijab feeling uncomfortable after 9/11 is so foreign to the right wing in this city and country that the only answer is it mustve been a lie, Mamdani said. Make PIX11 your preferred news source on Google: Heres how Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa campaigned with young conservatives near Baruch College, where he praised the debate style of controversial conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, and urged New Yorkers to exercise their right to vote. Even people I run into in the subways and streets who say, I cant vote for you, I say it doesnt matter: go out and vote, Sliwa said. People have died for our right to vote in battle. The strong turnout has marked a notable increase over last years pace. Nearly 225,000 ballots were cast during the first three days of early voting tens of thousands more than were cast over all nine days of early voting last year, according to city election officials. Polls remain open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday. Early voting continues through Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) Despite the government shutdown, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is still up and running. Concord Universitys online Master of Social Work Program ranked one of the top programs in the state The FAFSA gives federal aid to students going into or continuing their college education. Student Financial Service Advisor Latishche Hamby with WVU Tech said to not be afraid to send in your application. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its just a plethora of questions that can sometimes be intimidating for people to fill out. Or to offer up that information and feel comfortable giving that. But I would tell them dont be afraid and to know that WVU Tech, were always here to help, said Hamby. Hamby said FAFSA also offers the Promise Scholarship and a Higher Education grant for those who complete the FAFSA. Those deadlines are March 1, 2026 and April 15th, 2026, respectively. She said the FAFSA window for the 2026-2027 school year opened on October 1st and that the federal deadline for completion is June 2027. 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. Students and staff at Archangel Gabriel Catholic School in Robinson Township were forced to evacuate Wednesday morning after reports of a possible gas leak. First responders rushed to the school along Steubenville Pike as students from preschool through 8th grade were evacuated into the church next door. Parents were immediately notified. We got notified there was a gas leak and they were evacuating them to the church, said Brianna Williams, the mother of a first-grader. Then we got a message that, out of an abundance of caution, they were releasing students and to come pick them up. So, here we are. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fire crews, school buses and concerned family members quickly arrived as investigators worked to find the source. Oh, absolutely. With a gas leak, you cant take chances, said a grandmother, Marcia Crowley. A little chaotic, but what kid doesnt want a day off school? Williams said. Peoples Gas crews spent more than an hour testing the lines. A spokesperson tells Channel 11 there was an odor of gas. They tested all the lines, and they all passed. They quickly determined the problem was a faulty pilot light on a kitchen appliance. Parents said they were relieved the evacuation went smoothly and no one reported feeling sick. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW CAIRO (AP) Sudan's brutal two-year war has entered a new, dangerous phase. The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces this week seized control of the entire Darfur region, after ousting the rival Sudanese army from its last stronghold there. The fighting for control of Sudan has killed over 40,000 people and created the worlds worst humanitarian crisis with over 14 million displaced. The capture of el-Fasher, the provincial capital of North Darfur, by the powerful Arab-led force raises fears that Africa's third-largest nation may split again, nearly 15 years after the oil-rich South Sudan gained independence following years of civil war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The RSF is led by Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, a commander who had briefly ruled Sudan alongside his military rival, and whose meteoric rise to power has shaped Sudanese politics for the past decade. The paramilitary force has roots in Darfur genocide The RSF was formed in 2013, growing out of the Janjaweed militia that fought in Darfur since the early 2000s in a ruthless campaign against the regions non-Arab tribes and rebels. Sudans former President Omar al-Bashir was indicted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes and genocide in Darfur in 2009. Some 300,000 people were killed and 2.7 million were driven from their homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The RSF was founded initially as an attempt to instill discipline among Arab militias that were accused of ethnically motivated violence, abuse and rape in Darfur and other regions. A native of Darfur, Dagalo hails from an Arab camel-trading tribe. He was handpicked by al-Bashir to lead the RSF on a series of counterinsurgency campaigns against the largely non-Arab rebels in Darfur and other restive provinces. Dagalo, better known as Hemedti, drew on his familys vast livestock and gold mining operations in Darfur to expand his support among the local Arab militias. At the time, he commanded an estimated 10,000 fighters. But the force also gained notoriety in 2014 and 2015. Rights groups have accused it of forcibly displacing entire communities, torture, extrajudicial killings, mass rapes and plunder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The former Biden administration accused the RSF of genocide and imposed sanctions on Dagalo, his family and associated businesses. Courting regional allies Dagalo has since expanded his powerful militia and financial network. His fighters were sent to fight in Yemen, as part of a Saudi-led coalition, and in Libya, with support from the United Arab Emirates. The RSF also protected the country's borders from illegal migration to Europe in a controversial deal between the European Union and a bloc of African countries. The EU said it did not directly pay the RSF. Dagalo's gold mining operations thrived, making it a key source of income for his powerful group as well as Sudans biggest export after the secession of oil-rich South Sudan in 2011. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the overthrow of al-Bashir in 2019, Dagalo emerged as the countrys main power broker, playing key roles in a brief transitional government and a subsequent military coup that led to a power struggle that still pits him against the countrys army chief, Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan. Sudans army accused the UAE of sending foreign fighters to prop the RSF, and has filed a case against the oil-rich Gulf nation in the International Court of Justice for breaching the Genocide Convention by supporting the paramilitary. The UAE denied the charges, calling the court case a publicity stunt. The army also accused Libyas strongman Khalifa Haftar of sending weapons and fighters to the RSF. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Dagalo and Haftar are backed by powerful neighbors in a war marked by momentous shifts. And both stand accused of abuses that displaced millions in a war marked by widespread use of sexual violence and indiscriminate fighting in civilian areas that caused starvation and famine in parts of Sudan. Contours of a divided Sudan The RSF had fought the Sudanese army in Khartoum and controlled the capital for two years, before retreating early this year after a devastating battle that left it in ruins. The paramilitary regrouped in Darfur and made new local alliances that strengthened its hold over parts of neighboring Kordofan region. This year, RSF was once again able to carry out attacks, including drone strikes, on Khartoum and eastern Sudan, where the army commander is based. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fighting the war appears to be a matter of survival for both the RSF leader and the army commander. The two dug in their heels and sought support from regional allies, while replenishing their forces with foreign fighters and weapons, including drones from Turkey, China, Iran and Russia. Dagalo has appealed to some, including powerful Gulf states, as an ally against the Islamic movement that underpinned Sudans government, even though his forces were accused of a brutal crackdown on a pro-democracy protest camp in 2019. He is estimated to command a force of over 100,000 fighters. Their incorporation into Sudans armed forces is believed to be among the main triggers of the power struggle between him and Burhan. As Sudan marked two years of its latest war, Dagalo once again made a claim for legitimacy, announcing he is forming a rival government to rule parts of Sudan the RSF control. With the takeover of el-Fasher on Monday, the RSF has seized control of Darfur, threatening to split the country or expand its military campaign once again toward the countrys center. Mohammed Zakaria had not slept in two days when the news came that el-Fasher, his hometown, had fallen to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The Sudanese video journalist and human rights activist had been monitoring the deteriorating situation from Kampala, Uganda, watching as the paramilitary seized the North Darfur governors office in the city on Friday, edging closer to taking control of all of it. He feared the worst. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Zakaria, the nightmare scenario is intensely personal. Searching through social media after the citys fall, he discovered footage posted on Facebook by RSF soldiers celebrating, standing over dead bodies. He recognised three of his uncles among the dead. They are celebrating by killing them, he said. He said another uncles Facebook profile photo had been changed to an image of an RSF fighter, a chilling message about his possible fate. We dont know where he is were really scared for him, he said. The fall of el-Fasher The city fell to the RSF on Sunday after an 18-month siege, the Sudanese army confirming its withdrawal from what was its last outpost in the Darfur region, held for months by the resolve of fighters holed up there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The RSFs capture of el-Fasher gives the paramilitary control over all five state capitals in Darfur, marking a significant turning point in Sudans civil war. El-Fasher endured one of the longest urban sieges in modern warfare this century. The RSF began encircling it in May 2024 and intensified its assaults after being driven from the capital, Khartoum, by the army in March. What followed its fall has been described by international observers as a massacre on an unprecedented scale, with satellite imagery and social media footage pointing to mass atrocities by RSF fighters, reportedly along ethnic lines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have been talking about this for more than a year. We knew this would happen, Zakaria told Al Jazeera, his voice breaking. Sarra Majdoub, a former UN Security Council expert on Sudan, told Al Jazeera observers were warning for months of the citys fall, like other major urban areas in Darfur that were captured by the RSF, but they surprisingly held on for a really long time. A communications blackout has all but cut off connection from the city, leaving those with loved ones there in a state of anxious uncertainty. An estimated 260,000 civilians remained trapped in the city when it fell, half of them children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sudan Doctors Network said a heinous massacre had taken place in el-Fasher, while the Joint Forces, a coalition of armed groups allied with the Sudanese army, said 2,000 people had been executed. However, activists and monitors have said the figure is likely much higher. Reports of atrocities The Yale School of Public Healths Humanitarian Research Lab, which monitors the war in Sudan, reported Tuesday that satellite imagery revealed evidence consistent with mass killings, including what seem to be visible pools of blood and clusters of corpses. Nathaniel Raymond, executive director of the Humanitarian Research Lab, told a media briefing on Tuesday that the killings were only comparable to Rwanda-style killings, referring to the 1994 Tutsi genocide in which hundreds of thousands of people were killed in weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As early as October 2, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk warned of the risk of large-scale, ethnically driven attacks and atrocities, calling for immediate action to prevent it. Social media footage verified by Al Jazeeras Sanad fact-checking agency after the citys fall showed many instances of RSF fighters carrying out summary executions of civilians. In one video, an RSF commander bragged that he had killed 2,000 people. In a statement on Monday, the RSF said it was committed to protecting civilians. Majdoub told Al Jazeera that the voyeuristic nature of the videos recorded by RSF fighters was among the most disturbing elements of the violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She recalled that fighters filming abuses had been seen before in places such as el-Geneina in West Darfur and Gezira state, but el-Fasher has been different, their violence is more exaggerated. It is very painful, Zakaria said, finding videos in social media, and then you find that you know this person, who is a friend, or a distant relative, or uncle, surrounded by RSF fighters. This is a reality now for many people. He remains unable to locate dozens of friends and relatives. Among them is Dr Mudathir Ibrahim Suleiman, medical director of Saudi Hospital, whom Zakaria last spoke to early Saturday morning, hours before the RSF took the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He told me he would escape with a group of doctors, Zakaria said. Until now, I didnt hear anything We found that some doctors reached Tawila, but Dr Mudathir is not among them. Darfurs governor, Minni Minnawi, said on Wednesday the RSF had committed a massacre in the Saudi Hospital, killing 460 people. He also posted footage on X showing a summary execution. Residents who spoke to Al Jazeera in the weeks before the final offensive described daily bombardments and periodic drone strikes. People dug trenches to hide in at dawn as shelling began, sometimes remaining underground for hours. The United Nations migration agency reported that more than 26,000 people fled the fighting since Sunday, either heading to the outskirts of the city or attempting the dangerous journey to Tawila, 70km (43.5 miles) to the west. Genocide is happening now Zakaria left el-Fasher in June 2024, during the siege, making the perilous journey through South Sudan to Uganda after his house was shelled and he witnessed a deadly attack that killed seven people, including women and children, near his grandfathers home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was like the hardest decision I have made in my life, to leave my city, he said. From Kampala, he continued monitoring the violence and advocating for people. El-Fasher had appealed for intervention for more than 17 months, he said, while humanitarian organisations operated in Tawila, just three hours away by car. The time has passed for actions. The genocide is happening now, he said. Zakaria says more than 100 people he knows remain unaccounted for in el-Fasher. He continues searching social media and calling contacts, hoping for information. A Sudanese migrant has won a 40,000 case after British authorities wrongly judged him to be 30 when he was only 17. Age assessment workers at a council refused to believe that the migrant was 17 when he arrived in Britain because of his physical appearance, which included mature skin and set lines in his forehead. One social worker from Luton borough council concluded he looked 25 to 30 and he was moved into adult accommodation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, however, an immigration court has ruled he was in fact 17 as he stated when he entered the UK. Luton borough council has now been ordered to pay 40,000 in legal costs for the Sudanese migrant and must continue to provide support for him. The Sudanese national, named only as DD, arrived in the UK in February 2024 and claimed to be from West Darfur a wartorn region of the country. He said he was born in February 2007 and is the eldest of six children, with his education being disrupted by poverty and conflict. Tortured for 20 days After his mother organised for him to flee, he claimed he was tortured for 20 days during his journey through north Africa, suffering significant trauma and hardship as a result, the court was told. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After saying he had just turned 17 he was taken into the care of Luton council but a social worker assessment judged him as aged between 25 and 30. However, he challenged the decision as a medical assessment found him to be the average weight and height for his claimed age. At a hearing in the Upper Tribunal of the Immigration and Asylum Chamber, a Sudanese expert analysed DDs documents and acknowledged that there may be a market for fake proof of age documents, but did not believe that DDs were not real. An assessment of physical appearance said that it was unclear whether he had not started shaving or he had started very recently. Mature skin He was also considered to have mature skin with dark patches around his mouth and chin and faint but set lines across his forehead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Upper Tribunal Judge Joe Neville said that his experiences and evidence were consistent with a 17-year-old. He accepted that DDs date of birth is 2007 and ordered the previous age assessment to be quashed. He said Luton council should pay DDs legal 40,000 costs within 21 days. The judge said: If DDs account of his experiences and age are both correct, then he has suffered significant trauma and hardship for a 16-year-old. His age and understanding will also mean that he cannot be expected to give the same level of detail and consistency as an adult. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whatever his true age, and even if his experiences have been exaggerated, the hardships inherent in any young persons flight and journey from Sudan to Europe will have likely had a very significant effect on both his recollection and his behaviour when dealing with authority figures. If you met DD and were told he was between 18 and 22, you wouldnt think twice. But if you were told he was 26, youd probably do a double take. If you were told he was 31, you would be very surprised indeed. I accept DDs claimed date of birth of 3 February 2007, and find that on the date of the age assessment he was 17. While very little significance can be placed on his appearance and demeanour, it is not inconsistent with that conclusion. 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. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday took a sharp jibe at the Mahagathbandhan alliance for favouring family members in leadership positions rather than capable political leaders, contrasting it with how the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded 25-year-old Maithili Thakur. "We gave a ticket to 25-year-old Maithili Thakur, who has no political background. Can this ever happen in RJD or Congress? Lalu ji wants to make his son (Tejashwi Yadav) the Chief Minister and Sonia ji wants to make Rahul Gandhi the Prime Minister," Amit Shah said while addressing a public rally in Darbhanga. Shah further expressed confidence in Maithili Thakur wining the elections and becoming the pride of Mithila region. "As soon as Maithili ji stood, the 'Mahathagbandhan' said many things against her. But now I will tell the party of Lalu Yadav (RJD), Maithili will win and will be the voice and pride of Mithilia," he said. BJP's Maithili Thakur is one of the youngest candidates in the elections, contesting from the Alinagar constituency in Darbhanga. She is going to be facing off against RJD candidate Binod Mishra. While criticising the Congress-RJD alliance further, the Union Home Minister slammed the parties for not taking a strong stance in punishing terrorists, and allowing them to escape from India. "The Congress Party, Lalu, and their allies had been protecting Article 370 for 70 years. Prime Minister Modi abolished Article 370 forever on August 5, 2019. There was a time when terrorists would leave India's soil, there would be no response. They attacked Puri, Pulwama Pahalgam. At first a surgical strike was carried out, the second time an air strike was conducted, and the third time, Operation Sindoor was executed, during which Pakistan was cleaned up." he said. Shah further thanked the constituents of Darbhanga in making an NDA candidate win 9 out of 10 assembly constituencies in the district, and called for having a 100 per cent strike rate this time around in the district. "I have come here to thank the people of Mithila, of Darbhanga. In elections, 9 out of 10 seats had been given to NDA. Why leave 1 seat? Brothers and sisters, now all the 10 seats need to be put in the pocket of Narendra Modi," he said. 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. Mahagathbandhan, led by Rashtriya Janata Dal, includes 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 staked claims to all 243 seats in the state. The assembly elections will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11. The results will be declared on November 14. (ANI) A new method developed by scientists could soon make liver disease treatment easier and more effectivewithout a transplant. In cell therapies, researchers are constantly searching for new methods of repairing disease-scared organs. One interesting direction is the use of hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs), a type of stem cell that can become liver cells. These cells hold huge promise to replace damaged liver tissue. But they dont bind well to the liver upon being introduced into the body. A Sticky Solution to a Serious Problem A team at the University of Birmingham, in collaboration with InSphero AG, Switzerland, has devised a novel solution. They added a natural sugar coating to the surface of the HPCspolysaccharides like hyaluronic acid and alginateto cause the cells to bind more to liver tissue. The coated sugars made the cells bind without changing their genes or interfering with how they function. Schematic representation of InSphero Akura ImmuneFlow chip used for the study of coated HPCs engraftment to hLMTs under gravity-induced flow. (CREDIT: Maria Chiara Arno, et al.) This procedure improved the capacity of the HPCs to adhere to liver tissue cells and blood vessel cells. Coated cells, under experiments in lab conditions mimicking real body conditions, stuck much more strongly than uncoated cells. They adhered tightly to liver microtissues and endothelial cells, which line the inner surfaces of blood vessels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More encouraging yet is that the sugar-coated HPCs not only stuck around betterthey also extended out and started to organize into structures that help them anchor and communicate with new environments. These advances suggest that the cells will be more likely to take up residence in place, live, and start to repair damaged tissue. Avoiding Genetic Modification The technique used by the researchers is known as metabolic oligosaccharide engineering, or MOE. Rather than disrupting the cells DNA, MOE manipulates the chemical make-up of their exterior surface so that scientists can incorporate beneficial sugars like hyaluronic acid. The surface modification improves the cells demeanor without permanently changing them. Dr. Maria Chiara Arno, lead author of the research, explained the importance of doing so. Liver transplants are the sole hope for many serious liver illnesses, yet there are not enough donor livers to share, she stated. This new method could provide a second option by enhancing cell therapy and treating many with liver illness. Whole-cell polysaccharide coating of HPCs through MOE. (CREDIT: Maria Chiara Arno, et al.) The use of MOE gives coated HPCs a temporary edge. The coatings are temporarythey last only long enough to help the cells settle into their new environment after transplanting. When the job is done, the sugars break down naturally, and the cells can just carry on as regular liver cells. Increasing Cell Adhesion and Function They found that the sugar coatings had another advantage. The sugar coatings increased the production of integrins, which are unique proteins that assist cells in attaching themselves to and engaging with their environment. This is crucial for the cells to remain in their positions and begin carrying out critical functions, such as producing proteins the body requires. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The findings also showed that the sugar-coated HPCs remained viable and were still able to mature into functioning liver cells. Their ability to synthesize central proteins was still preserved, so the sugar coating did not impair the cells main function. Also, the coating caused the HPCs to selectively bind to different types of tissues. They showed a tendency to bind with some proteins that are found in liver tissue and blood vessel walls. This specificity would help enhance the chances of the cells getting deposited at the right place upon injection into the body. Polysaccharide coatings modulate cell adhesion to ECM proteins and human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) monolayers. (CREDIT: Maria Chiara Arno, et al.) Looking Toward Future Treatments This breakthrough could be a step toward new treatments for those who live with advanced liver diseases. While entire organ transplants are still the only treatment for most advanced liver disease, cell-based therapies like this are promising. By making therapeutic cells adhere and survive more effectively, researchers are opening a gateway to treatments that can ultimately eliminate or reduce the need for transplants. Dr. Arno noted the wider potential of the technique. We believe this method has the potential to be adapted for other cell types, she said. Future studies will explore how this technique affects long-term cell health and immune system response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The promise reaches beyond the liver. If the sugar-coating strategy works with other forms of stem cells, it could drastically change the way scientists are able to heal damaged tissues across the bodyeverywhere from the heart to the nervous system. Cell therapies are already generating buzz for their potential in cancer treatment, especially with CAR T-cells. But when the target is tissue regeneration, the technology has lagged. One of the issues has been poor cell engraftment, where injected cells fail to adhere and disappear quickly. This study solves that problem head-on by showing how to make the cells stick where they need to. While the world continues to need more organ transplants than it can provide, there arises an even greater demand for alternative solutions. This research takes us one step closer toward a day when an ailing liver would be healed not by transplant, but by a carefully crafted dose of therapeutic cellspreferably engineered to stick around, stay, and mend. Research findings are available online in the journal Communications Biology. Related Stories Like these kind of feel good stories? Get The Brighter Side of News newsletter. The wife of a Richmond man who died last year at the Madison County jail is suing the facility, claiming jail officials used stun guns on her husband more than 40 times, causing cardiac arrest that led to his death. Rebecca Mansfields husband, 43-year-old Johnathan Mansfield, died Oct. 10, 2024, about two weeks after the incident at the jail. In the two hours he was at the facility, he was placed in a full-body restraint, a hood to stop him from spitting on officials and stunned about 40 times with two devices before entering cardiac arrest, according to the suit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was arrested for public intoxication. According to the suit, filed Monday in Madison County Circuit Court, doctors at the University of Kentucky determined Johnathan Mansfields cardiac arrest was caused by officers repeated use of a stun gun. But the Fayette County Coroners Office ruled his death was caused by an accidental overdose. Fayette County Coroner Gary Ginn said his office spoke with police and reviewed all medical records before they presented their findings of an overdose as cause of death. Ginn told the Herald-Leader Wednesday that Mansfield tested positive for several drugs including methamphetamine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, a state medical examiner performed an autopsy and found no evidence that a cardiac arrest took place. The lawsuit accuses former county jailer Steve Tussey, the county EMS director, the jail health care provider and several county employees of gross negligence, wrongful death, battery and negligent training. It marks at least the fourth wrongful death lawsuit filed against the Madison County Detention Center since the beginning of 2023. In all, officers shot Mansfield twice with stun gun nodes, and they used 13 drive stuns when the stun gun is applied directly to a persons skin each for one to three seconds, according to an independent investigation by the Madison County Sheriffs Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The same report found officer used a shock glove 23 times on Mansfield. The glove emits shocks that are lower voltage than stun guns like Tasers. According to the jails use-of-force policy, the glove should not be applied for more than 15 seconds, as extended exposure can cause impaired breathing, sudden cardiac arrest, increased blood pressure and altered blood chemistry. On two occasions, officers applied the glove to Mansfield for 40 and 99 seconds, according to the lawsuit. Rebecca Mansfields lawyer, Noel Caldwell, described Johnathan Mansfield as a devoted husband, loving father, talented musician and hard worker as a commercial electrician and member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnathon was arrested on a public intoxication charge and, sadly, ended up dead, Caldwell said in an interview with the Herald-Leader. There is no justification for tasing any individual in some form or fashion approximately 40 times in the span of approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes and then placing him in (a) full-body restraint. Mrs. Mansfield is bringing this action on behalf of her deceased husband to illuminate the truth behind his tragic and unnecessary death and to obtain some measure of justice. Officers use of electric shock glove Mansfield arrived at the jail in Richmond on Sept. 27, 2024, with his hands cuffed behind his back. Two correctional officers, Capt. James Hollins and Mikael Burns, had Mansfield at each side with their arms locked in his, according to the lawsuit. Mansfield fell to the floor with Burns and Hollins holding him. He was placed in a restraint chair and moved toward the booking area in the jails lobby. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hollins pulled out a Taser, showing it to Mansfield and threatening to use it unless he complied. Hollins then shocked Mansfield in the lower stomach or groin, according to the lawsuit. A spit hood a mesh hood to prevent biting or spitting was placed over Mansfields head, though the lawsuit claims he did not spit or threaten to spit on any staff members. According to the autopsy report from the Fayette County Coroners Office, Mansfield tried to bite officers. Mansfield was strapped in a restraint chair for 55 minutes before he was placed in an isolation cell, where Hollins and Burns repeatedly used the Taser and shock glove. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mansfield lay in the isolation cell and appeared to go to sleep when several jail guards and sheriffs deputies rushed into his cell and pounced on him with a shield, according to the lawsuit. While Mansfield was subdued, guards put him in a WRAP restraint system similar to a full-body straight jacket. The Montgomery County Detention Center faces a wrongful death lawsuit over its use of the same WRAP restraint. The lawsuit was paused in July while the FBI investigates the jail deputies. A WRAP restraint system is shown, and is similar to a full-body restraint jacket. The deputies placed the spit hood back over Mansfields head and face and moved him to the booking area, where bloodstains began to form around his mouth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emergency services and medical staff did not evaluate Mansfield, even as the blood stain continued to grow around the spit mask, according to the lawsuit. Video footage shows Mansfield motionless and unresponsive for almost nine minutes before EMS checked him for a pulse, according to the lawsuit. Emergency responders determined Mansfield was in cardiac arrest and tried to administer life-saving measures. Mansfield was transferred to Baptist Health in Richmond and then University of Kentucky Hospital, where he died two weeks later. Almost immediately after the incident, the Madison County Sheriffs Office launched an internal investigation of the deputies at the jail, according to the lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sgt. Donovan Nolan, of the sheriffs department, spoke with Mansfields doctors, who said she and the other UK doctors believed Mansfields cardiac arrest was caused by multiple shocks at the jail. Maj. Dwight Hall, one of the officers who conducted the internal investigation, also determined Mansfields cardiac arrest was caused by Hollins and Burns excessive force, according to the lawsuit. The use of taser drive stun and (shock glove) on Mr. Mansfield did not achieve the desired effect of pain compliance, making the subsequent exposures unreasonable, Hall wrote in his investigation. These actions not only inflicted unnecessary pain, but also heightened the risk of serious health complications. Hollins, who had at least three previous write-ups for excessive force, was fired after the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burns was suspended for five days. Madison County Jailer Larry Brock said Tuesday he had not been employed at the jail for at least the past 10 months, but it was not clear if he had been fired. Coroners report said death was an overdose Despite the findings of the internal investigation, the Fayette County Coroners Office ruled Mansfields death as an accidental overdose, according to the autopsy report. The autopsy report said the death was caused by delayed complications of methamphetamine intoxication. According to the report, deputy coroner Greg Haley conducted interviews with Mansfields family and reviewed his medical records. It was unclear if Haley spoke with Mansfields doctors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Haleys report, Mansfield overdosed on methamphetamine and left a hospital against medical advice before he was arrested for public intoxication. New jailer says changes were needed Mansfield was one of at least 34 people to die in a Kentucky jail last year. He was one of at least 12 deaths in the past five years at the Madison County jail between 2020 and 2024. Brock took over the position of Madison County jailer in January 2025 after Tussey announced he was retiring with two years still left on his elected term. Brock said in an interview Tuesday with the Herald-Leader that when he took over the jail, a lot of changes needed to be made. I had heard some of the stories of what went on, and I couldnt believe it, Brock said. Things are getting better. We are diligent about medical care, and if there is a service someone needs that we cant provide, we take them to the hospital. We send them to get medical care. We are not getting stuck in what we did in the past. Several projects, expected to transform downtown Westfield, are progressing. The Union at Grand Junction Plaza, the citys first mixed-used development, located on the north side of Grand Junction Plaza, is now open. Residents have begun moving into the apartments at the development, and several businesses, including Pure Barre, Everbowl, Spark Coffee and Lake City Bank, are now open, according to the City of Westfield. Additional tenants, which include BlackSheep Pizza and Cocktails, Stellas Ice Cream and Woof Gang Bakery and Grooming are expected to open in the next few months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Union at Grand Junction Plaza includes a parking garage with 300 spots and 96 high-end studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. It is located at 170 Jersey Street. Here's what else will open in the coming months. When will H Steakhouse open in Westfield? Just across Mill Street from Grand Junction Plaza, H Steakhouse is under construction and is expected to be open by the end of 2025. The $5.5 million restaurant, owned by local restaurateur Henri Najem, will include more than 9,000 square feet, 200 seats and a year-round patio, according to the city. When will Sun King Brewery open in Westfield? Just east of The Union at Grand Junction Plaza, construction is continuing on the Sun King Brewery restaurant. Sun King is on track to open in the summer of 2026, according to an update from the City of Westfield. What else will be constructed in Westfield? Construction continues Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, on State Road 32 in Westfield. In July, city councilors OKed a development to be built on the northeast corner of Jersey and Poplar Streets, which will be anchored by a five-story parking garage with almost 600 spaces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That project includes 235 apartment units, 15,500 square feet of office space, 43,500 square feet of retail space and a standalone, high-end restaurant. It also includes two roof decks, one with a pool that overlooks the nearby Grand Junction Plaza, public plaza areas and greenspace with water features. In May, Westfield city councilors approved a $123 million development, which also includes a public parking garage, this one with 500 spaces. This development will be on southeast corner of Park and Poplar Streets, adjacent to Midland Trace Trail and across from the new Westfield Washington Public Library. From August: Downtown Westfield has been under construction for months. How are businesses surviving? It includes 240 apartment units, 56 townhomes, a public plaza, 29,000 square feet of retail, which the developer believes will be occupied by a restaurant, and 40,000 square feet of office space. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And in January, the city council approved a another development project for the other side of downtown. The $27 million project, called Ambrose on Main will be built on the northeast corner of North East Street and State Road 32. It will include 87 one and two-bedroom apartments, with 12,000 square feet of commercial space, including a restaurant with outdoor seating. The project also includes a plaza and courtyard areas spanning 6,000 square feet, a 2,000 square foot rooftop patio and amenities such as a work-from-home lounge, an indoor and outdoor cafe, a state-of-the-art fitness center, indoor bike storage and a pet spa. Contact Jake Allen at jake.allen@indystar.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, @Jake_Allen19. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: When will Sun King, other projects be completed in Westfield? AUSTIN (KXAN) Sunset Valley Elementary School, located in the City of Sunset Valley within the Greater Austin area, is among the many schools at risk of closure under a consolidation plan proposed by the Austin Independent School District (AISD). The current draft plan calls for Sunset Valley to close down, and the neighborhood students would be reassigned to Cunningham Elementary School and Boone Elementary School based on their address. AISD has been holding community meetings to talk with parents at every school expected to close. On Oct. 21, AISD held a community meeting at Sunset Valley where AISD Superintendent Matias Segura emphasized the potential school closures and redrawing of school boundaries are intended to reduce the districts nearly $20 million budget shortfall and ensure the long-term health of the school system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We also have to acknowledge that there is a strain in our stability from a financial perspectiveweve been running a deficit budget, Segura said. This plan attempts to reduce the number of empty seats we have in our school system. And that includes boundaries and consolidations. It also attempts to not overburden any one specific part of Austin. MORE: Learn more about Austin ISDs proposed consolidation plans Sunset Valley also has a school-wide dual language program. Under the districts current plan, Sunset Valleys dual language program would move and merge with Odom Elementary School and become a non-zoned program. Ashley Coffey is a parent who currently has two children at Sunset Valley, and she said their family bought a house to specifically go to that elementary school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fact that there are these schools that have native speakers and non-native speakers that are engaging in a bilingual community together is just really special, Coffey said. We really wanted dual language instruction. Parents whose children would be affected by the potential closure of Sunset Valley Elementary can apply for a priority seat in the school-wide dual language program at Odom. AISD said that Odom has enough room to accommodate all Sunset Valley students who wish to continue in the program. READ MORE: Austin ISD plans to release updated consolidation plan on Friday When you think about where wall-to-wall language programs are and the current emergent bilingual student populations they are moving in the wrong direction and theyre low, Segura said. This plan will ultimately add more seats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Texas Education Department (TEA) Accountability Rating, Sunset Valley got a B-rating in 2025. In comparison, Cunningham has a B-rating, Boone has a C-rating, and Odom has a D rating. Its naive to think that you can just throw the kids together and theyll all be suddenly performing well, Coffey said. Thats kind of where my fear lands now: how will those staffing resources and academic supports come into play? In terms of enrollment in the 2024-2025 school year, Sunset Valley has a student population of 441 students, and the school is at a capacity of 64.92% as a result. Compared to the 2020-2021 school year, student enrollment was 486 students. Segura said the district is working on an updated consolidation plan. The school board will discuss proposed changes during Wednesdays work session and during Thursdays school board meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.) announced Wednesday that he would be endorsing former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) for New York City mayor, less than a week before voters are set to decide on who will replace outgoing Mayor Eric Adams. Im a Democratic Capitalist, not a Democratic Socialist. I endorse Andrew Cuomo, Suozzi, who represents a battleground House seat on Long Island, wrote on social platform X. I can not back a declared socialist with a thin resume to run the most complex city in America, he continued. We need leaders who will fight crime, not undermine the police. Who will create jobs, not harm the economy. Who will keep taxes down, not make it more expensive for middle class families to live here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cuomo thanked Suozzi in a post on X, saying that together we can save the city. New Yorkers have until Tuesday to choose their next mayor after Adams ended his reelection campaign. Cuomo is running against front-runner Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani and Republican Curtis Sliwa. Adams endorsed Cuomo last week as moderates and some Republicans are looking to coalesce around the former New York governor in the final stretch of the election in their hopes of toppling the New York state assembly member. However, not all moderate Democrats have chosen to back Cuomo, including Rep. Laura Gillen (N.Y.), another Democrat who represents a battleground district on Long Island who has been vocally critical of Mamdani. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), seen as a more mainstream Democrat, has also declined to endorse Mamdani. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, some New York Democrats who were initially holdouts have finally thrown their backing behind the New York state assembly member, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Polling has shown Mamdani is widely expected to beat Cuomo after beating him in the Democratic primary in June. A Decision Desk HQ polling average of surveys on the race show Mamdani at 45 percent, Cuomo at 31 percent and Sliwa at 16 percent. 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. The Supreme Court on Wednesday afternoon asked the litigants in the challenge to President Donald Trumps effort to deploy the National Guard to Illinois to file supplemental briefs addressing the interpretation of the law on which Trump relied in his Oct. 4 memorandum calling up the National Guard. Trump cited efforts to disrupt the faithful enforcement of Federal law by violent groups that have sought to impede the deportation and removal of criminal aliens through violent demonstrations, intimidation, and sabotage of Federal operations. Based on his determination that the regular forces of the United States are not sufficient to ensure the laws of the United States are faithfully executed, including in Chicago, he call[ed] into Federal service at least 300 members of the Illinois National Guard. The state of Illinois and the city of Chicago went to federal court in Chicago, seeking to block Trumps deployment of the National Guard. U.S. District Judge April Perry on Oct. 9 issued a temporary restraining order prohibiting Trump from ordering the federalization and deployment of the National Guard of the United States within Illinois for two weeks; she later extended that order. Perry explained in an opinion accompanying her order that, among other things, the Trump administration had made no attempt to rely on the regular forces before resorting to federalization of the National Guard, and it had not contended (nor is there any evidence to suggest) that the President is incapable with the regular forces of executing the laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit upheld the portion of Perrys order barring the deployment of the National Guard. That prompted the Trump administration to come to the Supreme Court on Oct. 17, asking the justices to intervene. U.S. Solicitor General D. John Sauer told the justices that Perrys order cause[s] irreparable harm to the Executive Branch by countermanding the Presidents authority as Commander in Chief, jeopardizing the lives and safety of DHS officers, and preventing the President and the Secretary of War from taking reasonable and lawful measures to protect federal personnel from the violent resistance that has persisted in the Chicago area for several months. In a brief opposing the governments request, the city and state urged the court to leave Perrys order in place. Illinois Solicitor General Jane Notz told the justices that the unnecessary deployment of military troops, untrained for local policing, will escalate tensions and undermine the ordinary law enforcement activities of state and local entities, which would need to divert resources to maintain safety and order. Although the court had directed the challengers to respond in just three days, suggesting that it might act quickly, nine days passed before the justices issued an order in the case but they did not rule on the governments request. Instead, they ordered both the Trump administration and the challengers to file new briefs discussing whether, for purposes of the federal law on which Trump relied to call up the National Guard which allows him to do so when (among other things) he cannot with the regular forces execute the laws of the United States the term regular forces refers to the regular forces of the United States military, and, if so, how that interpretation affects the operation of the law. The new briefs, the court said, should be no more than 15 pages long and should be filed by Nov. 10, with 10-page reply briefs to follow a week later a much less expedited timeframe than the court had set for the original briefing. For more Supreme Court news and analysis, visit SCOTUSblog. Read more at SCOTUSblog Oct. 28SANTA FE After two months of legal jousting, the court case that will determine whether a northwest New Mexico district attorney should be removed from office is set to start moving forward. The state Supreme Court recently scheduled a three-day trial starting Dec. 1 to determine whether McKinley County District Attorney Bernadine Martin should be removed from the office she was reelected to last year. New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez in August filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking to remove Martin from her office for failing to adequately do her job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Specifically, the petition alleges Martin has violated state procurement laws, created a hostile work environment and relied on contract attorneys after running off all staff attorneys in her office. Martin, who is the state's first female Navajo district attorney, has defended her job performance and criticized legislators for essentially defunding her office during this year's 60-day legislative session. "We are not missing deadlines," she insisted during an August news conference in Gallup that drew pointed questions and criticism from community members. Martin said in recent court filings she is currently handling about 600 criminal cases alone in McKinley County since the Legislature defunded her office, and described the legal review of her job performance as improper and politically motivated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is the duty of the district attorney, not the court, to engage in prosecutorial discretion with respect to charging individuals for the commission of crimes," an attorney representing Martin wrote this month in a court-ordered response. But her motion to limit consideration of the allegations against her to her current term in office which began in January was rejected last week by the Supreme Court. In addition, the attorney general has directed prosecutors in his office to take over two criminal cases a rape case and a murder case that had been previously dropped by the McKinley County District Attorney's office. Under state law, district attorneys can only be removed from office in certain circumstances, including conviction of a felony offense, failure to discharge the duties of the office and gross incompetency or negligence. The Department of Justice petition claims Martin meets two of those criteria the ones dealing with the duties of her office and gross incompetency or negligence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While removing an elected official from office is uncommon in New Mexico, it's not unprecedented. Most recently, former Otero County Commissioner Couy Griffin was ousted in 2022 for violating the U.S. Constitution's anti-insurrection clause. However, the system for determining whether an elected district attorney should be removed from office is largely untested in recent state history. Under state law, petitions seeking removal of a district attorney are tried in the Supreme Court, not by a jury. Whatever decision the state's highest court makes in such a case is final. While the full Supreme Court will preside over the trial, the court has appointed Alan Malott, a retired state judge, as special master in the case to oversee initial proceedings and scheduling issues. Last weekend, anger and sadness erupted in the United Kingdom surf scene. During the Great Britain Cup at Thurso, Scotland a surf contest hosting teams across the UK, from England to Wales to Scotland to the Channel Islands a few men paddled out during the womens semi-finals. They have been accused of dropping in on the competitors, verbally abusing the women, and nearly drowning one of the competitors. One of the names frequently brought up during the incident was Ian Battrick. Our friends at WavelengthMagazine hit up Battrick in the wake of the incident, who claimed: I was surfing the second peak and ended up colliding with someone. I hadnt done anything wrong and saw people arguing, so I paddled in. Now, Battrick is telling his side. Following the incident, a police investigation is reportedly underway. But heres Battrick, responding to the accusations, telling his side of the story: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Surfing has been my whole life not just a sport or a job, but something thats shaped who I am. The ocean has always been my place of peace, my community, and my compass. Ive spent years working within the surf world, building a life around tides, wind, and the quiet joy of being in the water. Im an introvert at heart happiest when things are calm, when I can quietly do what I love. During the recent surf competition, I made a mistake. The event was still running, and I chose to paddle out when told we could, maybe I shouldnt have. It was thoughtless. I didnt think about how that might affect the competitors or those who had worked hard to make the event happen. I take full responsibility for that choice. It was wrong, and Im deeply sorry to anyone who felt disrespected or upset because of it. I cant take it back, but I want to make clear that it came from poor judgment, not bad intention. As it had been agreed several days in advance with the North Shore Surf Club we could free surf after 3pm. Even though the commentator was also clearly explaining free surfing here at the time - listen to VIDEO 1. And such things also happen at surf breaks during competitions worldwide. Related: UK Surf Contest Canceled After Female Competitors Harassed Whats happened since has been heartbreaking. In the days after, rumours began spreading online stories that I had assaulted people or verbally abused others in the water. None of this is true. There were live streams running and people all around, yet these stories kept growing, changing shape with every post. Watching your name and your character twisted into something you dont recognize is a kind of pain thats hard to describe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I can accept being called out for any mistake I have personally made. I deserve that. But whats followed the hate, the name-calling, the lies has gone far beyond accountability. Ive had hundreds of messages and comments from people Ive never met, many of them cruel and deeply personal. People have felt afraid to speak the truth because their words are deleted or shouted down. Its been overwhelming. Ive spoken with the police because the harassment has become serious, but more than anything... The statement continues in the comments section in the post above. Many of the comments on Battricks post were positive, supportive. One comment read: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Having known Ian personally, weve always found him to be a respectful person with his own unique outlook on life. Hes consistently kind and courteous in our conversations, which makes this news all the more surprising." Meanwhile, GB Surfing issued another statement, stating their continued collaboration with authorities regarding the events, and affirming that the organization, does not condone abuse of any kind from any surfers. We remain committed to working with our partners to ensure surfing continues to be a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive sport for everyone. As previously reported, the contest has also been rescheduled to resume at a later date. Related: Rip Current Sucks Surfer Half-Mile Out to Sea in UK (Video) This story was originally reported by Surfer on Oct 29, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Surfer as a Preferred Source by clicking here. He might be out of office, but a former top official in the Biden administration remains prominent in the minds of Democratic primary voters. As they think about the 2028 race for the White House, former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg leads the pack in a University of New Hampshire poll out this week. He finished ahead of California Gov. Gavin Newsom and U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Buttigieg, a former presidential candidate and the one-time mayor of South Bend, Ind., took 19% of the vote in a hypothetical, head-to-head matchup. Newsom, whos made national headlines for trolling Republican President Donald Trump on social media, came second, with 15% of the vote, while Ocasio-Cortez, whos been increasingly mentioned as a White House contender, finished third at 14%, according to the poll. Eighty-one percent of the likely Democratic primary voters who responded to the poll said they had a favorable opinion of Buttigieg. Thats compared to 9% who were neutral, 6% who had an unfavorable opinion of him, and 4% who didnt know enough about him to offer an opinion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With Trump apparently bowing to constitutional reality and ruling out a 2028 reelection bid, 51% of likely GOP primary voters said they favored Vice President JD Vance for the White House. Thats compared to 9% for former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, who finished second, and current National Security Adviser Tulsi Gabbard, who finished third at 8%. More than three-quarters of GOP primary voters (77%) said they had a favorable opinion of Vance, a former U.S. senator from Ohio. UNH pollsters sampled the opinions of 1,547 New Hampshire residents from Oct. 16-21. The poll had a total margin of error of 2.5%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The poll included the opinions of 606 Democratic primary voters and 689 likely Republican primary voters, with respective margins of error of 4% and 3.7%. More on Politics Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here. More than half of Americans say the United States should cooperate and engage with China, according to a survey released on Tuesday, a sharp increase from the 40 per cent recorded in 2024. The results released by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs also found that a majority of Americans are against higher tariffs on Chinese imports. "Americans' views of China are beginning to improve after several years of sharp declines," said Craig Kafura, the council's director of public opinion and US foreign policy and author of the study. "The big swings on how the US should approach China, in a very broad sense, were really interesting and really surprising." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. This is the first time since 2019 that a majority of Americans surveyed said they preferred a policy of "friendly" cooperation and engagement with China. Many of the findings varied significantly by political party, reflecting the deeply partisan nature of US politics. Kafura said the big shift in views was driven principally by more favourable views among Democrats and Independents as they alter their focus more towards internal US issues, including government corruption and threats to US democracy, rather than China's rise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The results, drawn from three surveys taken between late July and mid-October in partnership with Ipsos, found that respondents viewed the US-China relationship as the world's most consequential. The two giant nations combined account for over 40 per cent of global GDP and over half of the world's military spending. While 54 per cent of Democrats and 58 per cent of independents opposed higher tariffs, 63 per cent of Republicans favoured their increase, presumably reflecting support for US President Donald Trump's aggressive trade agenda. Likewise, two-thirds of Democrats wanted the US to pursue friendly cooperation and engagement with China instead of working actively to limit its influence - a 19 per cent increase over 2024 levels. But the view among Republicans was a mirror image, with just a third in favour of more engagement. The results come as Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to meet on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two nations have seen trade relations involving technology, ports, rare earth minerals and tariffs, among others, crater, partially recover and plummet again since Trump returned to office in January. Ryan Hass, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, said the results suggest that the China issue, which traditionally enjoyed a bipartisan consensus, now appears to be subject to growing social and political divisions. "It feels like the discourse around China in the US is entering a more fluid stage," Hass wrote on X. "Space is opening for a broad conversation around US goals vis-a-vis China in 2028 and beyond." A graphic by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs shows that a majority of Americans are against higher tariffs on Chinese imports. Credit: Chicago Council on Global Affairs/Ipsos alt=A graphic by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs shows that a majority of Americans are against higher tariffs on Chinese imports. Credit: Chicago Council on Global Affairs/Ipsos> Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The survey also found that Republicans are more confident about US power than Democrats, even as American views on the comparative influence of Washington and Beijing remain fairly stable since 2018. "Although the public is confident in American military superiority over China, Americans are less confident that the United States is still the stronger economic power," the survey found. Hass said the findings challenge the belief held by some that China, as an external enemy, could be used to help Americans overcome domestic divisions. "There doesn't appear to be an appetite or a stomach for inflating China as a unifying threat among the American public," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The results may suggest some room for improved relations, although most Americans rank China's favourability at 35 out of 100, above Russia or Iran, but roughly level with Saudi Arabia. "I don't know if I'd characterise their views on China as warm and fuzzy," added Kafura. "It's still not a very popular country. But there are some encouraging signs if you're sitting in China and you've been arguing for a more diplomacy-heavy approach towards the United States. "If you're seeing in the polling, OK, well, not all Americans are unremittingly hostile to China, so maybe there's an opening here." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright 2025 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Copyright (c) 2025. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), questioning whether the people of Bihar feel ashamed of Lalu Prasad Yadav, who has spent several years in jail on corruption charges. Addressing a public rally in Darbhanga, Singh urged voters to choose between building a "Viksit Bihar" (Developed Bihar) or returning to "jungle raj." Singh highlighted the corruption charges against Lalu Yadav's family, stating that RJD didn't only defame the nation, but the whole world. "RJD defamed Bihar not only in the nation but throughout the world...There are allegations of corruption against the whole family...A former Chief Minister has to spend years in jail. Doesn't this make every Bihari feel ashamed?... You all have to decide whether you want to make a 'Viksit Bihar' or 'jungle raj'," Rajnath Singh while addressing a public rally in Darbhanga. The Defence Minister also asked Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav to do "truth" politics, while taking a jibe at Mahagathbandhan's manifesto. "RJD released the manifesto for the elections and they have pledged a government job for every household in Bihar. Is this possible?...Can't Rahul Gandhi, Tejashwi Yadav, Lalu Prasad Yadav practise politics of truth?...Why are they lying?," Singh added. Earlier on Tuesday, the Mahagathbandhan, released its manifesto titled 'Bihar Ka Tejashwi Pran', outlining key promises ahead of the polls, while addressing a joint press conference in Patna. According to the manifesto, under the 'Mai-Behin Maan Yojana', women will receive financial assistance of Rs 2,500 per month from December 1 for the next five years. The Opposition's alliance promised to implement the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). OPS has been on the Congress agenda since the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government in Himachal Pradesh restored it soon after assuming office. Congress had also included it in its manifesto for the Haryana Assembly polls. Mahagathbandhan has promised to put the Waqf (Amendment) Act on hold, and to make the management of Waqf properties "welfare-oriented and transparent". 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. Mahagathbandhan, led by Rashtriya Janata Dal, includes 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 staked claims to all 243 seats in the state. The assembly elections will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11. The results will be declared on November 14. (ANI) Last year, I visited a Methodist church in Colebrook, New Hampshire, a small town of about 2,000 people. On a typical Sunday, around 20 people attended the service at the Trinity United Methodist church, and thats if nobody was sick. Most were in their 80s. Back in the 1950s, the congregation numbered roughly 200. Despite the decline, the church managed to stay open, in part by sharing its building with a congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which rents the space from the Methodists for services. The arrangement has helped cover heating costs and fund necessary repairs. (You can read the story here.) The Colebrook church has faced the same challenges that rural and small-town churches are facing across America: aging and shrinking congregations, limited resources, and underused buildings. While these struggles often make headlines, a recent survey from Lifeway Research, released last week, offers a deeper look into life inside these congregations and the experiences of the pastors who lead them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It shows that theres more hope and resilience than the numbers alone might suggest. Most pastors leading small rural congregations are actually optimistic about the future of their communities. According to the survey, 88% of pastors believe their congregations will be strong in a decade, and 53% strongly agree that their congregations will grow. The more pessimistic 11% dont expect their churches to grow. Researchers surveyed over 1,000 Protestant pastors across the country. While theyre often tired, small-town pastors feel a deep sense of calling; 63% said they felt called to serve the particular congregation they now lead, which just happens to be located in a rural or small-town area. Another 24% said they believe they were specifically called to the ministry in a rural or small-town context, regardless of the church. For many, small-town ministry is inspiring because they can be part of everyday life in their community and appreciate the pace of rural life. The study found pretty high engagement and commitment among those who do attend rural churches, at least from the pastors perspective. Over 70% of rural pastors reported that members take on leadership roles, repair relationships and increase their commitment to Christ. Pastors also described their communities as tight-knit, caring and actively involved in one anothers lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are numerous challenges, too. About half of pastors said they are wrestling with carrying other peoples pain, and roughly half reported their church struggles with resistance to change. A smaller number, a third, described their churches as inwardly focused, and a quarter noted tensions within the congregation or broken trust from past missteps. Politics can also be divisive, but data shows its not overly so in the rural setting: one in five rural pastors say it causes division or has become overly influential in their churches. These findings help paint a portrait of religious communities that have an influential role in American politics. In 2024, Donald Trump won rural voters by 40 points compared to urban areas (69%-29%), according to Pew Research Center. One study noted that Trump won 93% of rural counties in the 2024 election. While rural churches may lag by conventional growth measures, they play an important role in communities that resist the fast-paced attention economy and remain closely connected to the land and place. Rural churches are usually not built for efficiency, Charles Cotherman at the Center for Rural Ministry wrote. They seldom rely on the fine-tuned systems or specialization a technological society values. What rural churches can offer, however, is an opportunity to be truly known within the church and the larger community. Fresh off the press Spiritual leaders wrestle with where to draw the line on AI and how it will affect their own spiritual practices and the well-being of their faith communities. A third of Americans get their news on TikTok and that number has grown in the past five years, research found. My colleague Jennifer Graham takes a deep-dive into the TikTokification of the news. Surviving Mormonism and its just ... a church member showing up with cookies. Faith in the courts State officials in Wisconsin believe that Catholic Charities work isnt primarily religious because the group serves people of all faiths and backgrounds. Refusing to recognize the charity group as a religious organization precludes it from qualifying for a religious exemption from the states employment tax law. Now, state officials are asking the Wisconsin Supreme Court to get rid of the religious exemption altogether. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June, all nine U.S. Supreme Court Justices ruled that Wisconsin wrongly claimed that Catholic Charities work with the poor wasnt religious enough to qualify for a religious exemption (Catholic Charities Bureau v. Wisconsin Labor & Industry Review Commission). Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote that Wisconsin violated federal law by favoring certain religious beliefs over others and that how faith groups express their beliefs through charity is a matter of theology, not state judgment. Wisconsin state officials, however, called the tax exemption discriminatory and that by ending the religious exemption the state would avoid collateral damage to Wisconsin workers. Last week, Becket asked the Wisconsin Supreme Court to comply with the Supreme Court decision and grant Catholic Charities a religious exemption. Eliminating the exemption would harm all religious groups in the state, including synagogues, mosques and other ministries, Becket said in a press release. The idea that a Catholic ministry serving those in need isnt religious was always absurd, said Eric Rassbach, vice president and senior counsel at Becket in a statement. Thats why the Supreme Court unanimously rejected Wisconsins arguments and protected Catholic Charities. Trying to wriggle out of a 9-0 loss is even more absurd. The state should take the L and move on. What Im reading Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and Ian Marcus Corbin, who directs The Public Culture Project at Harvard University, reflect on Americas moral crisis, attention economy and what it would take for younger adults to thrive again. At the core of their solution is restoring public life: For that reason, public life also needs to become a place where people can reason together about the physical and spiritual health of society. Fundamental questions should be debated in the halls of government, in companies and schools not just inside churches and homes. Their call is to bring back the things of the spirit meaning, purpose and reverence for the good if America is to endure. The consequences of Americas moral drift , The Washington Post. The Anglican Church in North America a denomination of about 128,000 members across 49 states has been thrust into a national scandal after its archbishop, the denominations top leader, was accused of making sexual advances toward a female employee and giving her monetary gifts. U.S. Anglican Church archbishop accused of sexual misconduct, abuse of power , The Washington Post. Valerie Hudson, professor at Texas A&M University, debunks Helen Andrews the Great Feminization argument. Hudson writes: We dont need or want a return to male dominance, and we dont need or want female dominance in its stead. The obvious alternative is a sincere, meaningful, equal partnership between men and women, the two halves of humanity that constitute human societies and literally create the future of the species together. Perspective: First we had to worry about the Great Reset. Now its the Great Feminization were supposed to fear, Deseret News. "Pete Hegseth is bringing his fundamentalist interpretation of Christianity into the Pentagon." Holy Warrior, the Atlantic. End notes The worlds largest Orthodox Christian Church opened on Oct. 26 in Bucharest, Romania, after 15 years of construction, Deutsche Welle reported. The Peoples Salvation Cathedral can hold up to 5,000 worshippers. The outlet reported the construction costs at $313 million, mostly drawn from public funds a point of contention around the project. Female mayors experience political violence at a much higher rate than their male counterparts, according to the results of a new study conducted by the Mayors Innovation Project. The findings come as America faces an increase in political violence including the assassination of Charlie Kirk last month and the killing of Minnesota State Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman and killing attempt of Minnesota state Sen. John Hoffman. I don't know if America is ready to talk about the steps that are giving greater permission and room for violence, said former Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges, who helped develop and facilitate the survey and conducted interviews with some of the other current and former elected officials who were polled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the poll, female mayoral candidates reported experiencing harassment in greater numbers both while campaigning and while in office. Eighty-four percent of female candidates were harassed while campaigning, compared to 64 percent of male candidates. And once in office, 25 percent of female mayors experienced harassment at least three times per month, while 10 percent of male mayors reported the same level and frequency of harassment. Nearly twice as many female mayors also reported threats to their family as male mayors. The survey was conducted in February 2024 of about 235 mayors, who answered the survey online. Respondents were about 60 percent male and 60 percent were full-time mayors (versus part-time). Of the respondents, 43 percent represented cities of less than 30,000 people and 42 percent represented cities with a population of 30,000 to 100,000. Only 15 percent represented cities over 100,000. The survey was funded by the Barbara Lee Family Foundation. Former Kankakee, Illinois, Mayor Chasity Wells-Armstrong also helped develop and conduct the survey. She herself was the target of harassment as mayor, and told POLITICO in an interview that she did not want to run for a second term in part because of the threats she experienced. While in office, Wells-Armstrong said someone shot a bullet through her garage door. Another constituent posted a photo of a mailer she sent out with the caption this is good for target practice. And one man left a voicemail saying that she should be thrown off the third floor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The poll found that this type of harassment came at a cost to the mayor and to the city, in terms of additional security and also the time taken to deal with harassment or threats that could have been spent dealing with city concerns. After the poll, the Innovation Project also conducted in-depth interviews with 49 female mayors. One of them said a local school had to add extra security after a potential threat was made to a mayors grandchild, and another said they spent half of their $10,000 salary putting up security cameras. By far, the most common experience reported by mayors was degrading comments on social media, said Katya Spear, co-author of the report and managing director of the Mayors Innovation Project. It was so pervasive that we basically stopped reporting on it, Spear explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Americans are taking threats of violence more seriously in the wake of the Kirk and Hortman assassinations. Some states have moved to toughen penalties for politically motivated violence. Others are now removing the home addresses of politicians from public documents and websites. Wells-Armstrong said that deeming crimes motivated by politics as hate crimes would be a big step, and also suggests publishing a list of people who commit political violence similar to the sex offender database. If you hit people where they're going to be fined or lose their jobs or those types of things, I believe that that can be a big deterrent, she explained. Cities can also support increases in safety and security, the studys authors suggest. Both Wells-Armstrong and Hodges said they were told they were overreacting when asking for additional security or for law enforcement to check on a threat like the bullet holes in Wells-Armstrongs garage door. Having an infrastructure that takes harassment and threats against all mayors seriously including women could prevent actual acts of violence and help mayors feel supported enough to continue doing their job well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In light of the many instances of physical and psychological threats, harassment, and actions documented here and in other research (and the media) recently, its critical to build public and media support for reasonable requests for safety-related staffing and infrastructure in a way that does not hinder the democratic process, the report reads. CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article misstated the status of Minnesota state Sen. John Hoffman. He was the target of an attempted killing. It also misidentified collaborators of the study. This story also clarifies that the poll was conducted in 2024. JOLIET, Ill. (WTVO) A man has been accused of opening fire on an Illinois deputy during a traffic stop early Wednesday morning near Joliet. The suspect has been charged with attempted murder. According to the Will County Sheriffs Office, at 12:35 a.m., a deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a black Inifiniti sedan seen speeding and without a license plate, near McDonough Street and Ottawa Street in Joliet Township. Authorities said the suspect disregarded the officer and continued to speed away until he stopped near the intersection of Chicago Street and Doris Avenue, where he got out of the car armed with an AR15-style pistol, and fired two rounds at the deputy before running into a nearby field. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deputy was not harmed in the incident, police said. Officers from the Joliet Police Department and the Illinois State Police formed a perimeter and conducted a search of the area, resulting in the arrest of Tyshawn Harris, 20. A K9 was used to find the gun used in the attack. Police said it was discovered that the sedan had previously been reported stolen. Harris has been charged with attempted murder, aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon, aggravated discharge of a firearm at a peace officer, possession of a stolen vehicle, aggravated fleeing, driving on a suspended license, expired registration, and disregard for a traffic control device. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheriff Mike Kelley stated, We are thankful that our deputy is safe and that this dangerous individual is now in custody. I want to express my sincere appreciation to the Joliet Police Department and the Illinois State Police for their swift response and teamwork during this critical situation. 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 MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Svenska kraftnat hit by ransomware; 280 GB of internal data reportedly stolen Power system remains unaffected; investigation into data leak is ongoing Everest group claimed responsibility; believed to be Russian-speaking, not state-sponsored Svenska kraftnat, Swedens national grid operator, has confirmed suffered a ransomware attack and a data breach, and is now being extorted for money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a short announcement published on its website, the firm said it was now investigating, to find out what information has leaked and how it might affect us. We see no indications that the power system is affected, Cem Gocgoren, Head of Information Security at Svenska kraftnat, said in a machine-translated statement. Everest Svenska kraftnat is Swedens national grid operator, a government agency responsible for maintaining and operating the countrys electricity transmission system. Our current assessment is that mission-critical systems have not been affected, Gocgoren said. At this time, we are not commenting on perpetrators or motives until we have confirmed information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While it did not discuss who the threat actors were, what type of files they stole, or how much money they are demanding in return, The Record found a group called Everest had claimed responsibility on the dark web, saying it stole around 280 GB of internal files, without going into any specific details. Everest is a known ransomware organization, but it does not have an image of a dangerous group. In fact, it became a laughing stock of the cybersecurity community after breaking into Mailchimp in 2024, as it stole such a small batch of company data (around 767 MB of information). One person shared their thoughts on social media, describing the breach as affecting like, one customer, while the other commented the breach was, probably 300 milliseconds worth of mailchimp data. Likely a client of a clients emails were leaked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everest is not a state-sponsored group, but since its members speak Russian, security researchers believe the group is located there. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button! And of course you can also follow TechRadar on TikTok for news, reviews, unboxings in video form, and get regular updates from us on WhatsApp too. Sweden and Ukraine have taken a major step toward expanding Ukraine's air force, signing an agreement to potentially acquire Gripen fighter jets, and the first of these cutting-edge aircraft could be in Ukrainian skies as soon as 2026, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky. "For me, the JAS-39 is the only fighter jet in the world I'd be willing to sell my soul for," Ukrainian pilot Vadym Voroshylov, call sign Karaya, said on Instagram, describing the possible delivery of Swedish aircraft as an "ideal option" for Ukraine. Ukraine, which entered the full-scale war relying on Soviet-era fighter jets such as the Su-27, MiG-29, and Su-24 bombers, has expanded its air capabilities with help from Western partners. The country has begun adding NATO-standard aircraft to its fleet, including American F-16s and French Mirage 2000s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the number of these modern fighters remains limited, leaving Ukraine struggling to defend its critical and civilian infrastructure from daily Russian attacks. That defense could be strengthened by the addition of Sweden's Gripen, designed by Saab Group one of the most advanced multirole fighters available. MiG-29 fighter jets of the Polish Air Force exercise NATO shielding at the Lask Air Base in ask, Poland, on Oct. 12, 2022. (Omar Marques / Getty Images) An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the Polish Air Force takes part in a NATO Air Shielding exercise at the Lask Air Base in ask, Poland, on Oct. 12, 2022. (Omar Marques / Getty Images) Under the agreement signed on Oct. 22, Ukraine plans to purchase between 100 and 150 JAS 39 Gripen E fighter jets the latest variant of Sweden's aircraft. However, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson cautioned that the deal is "a journey for 10 to 15 years" and does not include immediate deliveries. Yurii Ihnat, head of the Ukrainian Air Force's communications department, also warned that deliveries from Sweden are unlikely to happen "soon." "Aircraft are not easy to purchase. These deals are made through intergovernmental agreements, not simple transactions, which is why they are so complex," Ihnat said on national television on Oct. 23. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Experts who spoke with the Kyiv Independent remained skeptical that Ukraine will receive the newest version of the jet anytime soon. Still, they said any addition of Gripens, including its older version, the C/D, would significantly strengthen the country's air force. Inside the Gripen Sweden's Saab JAS 39 Gripen is a versatile, cost-effective multirole fighter jet known for its agility, advanced avionics, and short takeoff capability. This aircraft can perform air-to-air, air-to-ground, and reconnaissance missions. Its latest single-seat modification, the Gripen E, packs serious power with its General Electric F414G engine, delivering rapid acceleration and high climb rates. Inside, an advanced data-fusion cockpit with a large panoramic display gives pilots a clear, real-time view of the battlespace. Capable of reaching Mach 2 at high altitude, around 2,130 km/h (1,320 mph), fast enough to cover the distance between London and Paris in around 10 minutes, the Gripen E features a new AESA radar and advanced electronic warfare systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In May 2025, the Gripen E also became the first fighter jet flown by artificial intelligence. The AI pilot, Centaur, completed three sorties, showcasing the aircraft's advanced Beyond Visual Range (BVR) combat capabilities. The older Gripen C/D lags the latest Gripen E/F in technology and performance. It features legacy avionics and radar, has a lower takeoff weight 14,000 kg instead of 16,500 kg and has reduced fuel capacity, limiting its range. The armaments of a Czech Air Force Saab JAS-39D Gripen fighter jet are seen during day two of NATO Days in Ostrava and Czech Air Force Days in Mosnov, Czech Republic, on Sept. 21, 2025. (Artur Widak / NurPhoto via Getty Images) Powered by the Volvo RM12 engine, it remains a capable multirole fighter but lacks the advanced systems and upgrades that define the Gripen E/F. Despite these limitations, the aircraft could still prove to be a valuable asset for the Ukrainian Air Force in the war against Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Gripen can carry a range of long- and medium-range air-to-air missiles, including the MBDA Meteor and AIM-120 AMRAAM for beyond-visual-range strikes, as well as IRIS-T and AIM-9 Sidewinder for medium-range combat. "One of the advantages of the Gripen over the F-16 is its ability to carry the Meteor air-to-air missile," Andrii Kharuk, military historian and weapons expert, told the Kyiv Independent. "The U.S. has not offered Ukraine a comparable class of weapons and they cannot, because they simply do not have such missiles." Kharuk also underscored that the Swedish aircraft feature a unique information exchange system that outperforms the American Link-16, which was removed from the F-16s transferred to Ukraine at the U.S. insistence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Experts the Kyiv Independent spoke with highlighted a key advantage of the Gripen in any of its variants: the ability to take off and land from less-prepared runways and ease of maintenance. While a Gripen flight hour costs up to $8,000, operating a comparable Soviet-era MiG-29 can cost as much as $15,000 per hour, according to Ukrainian pilot Voroshylov. "The Swedish Air Force has put a lot of effort into, since World War II, being able to maintain aircraft in the field, simply using conscript airmen, which makes it much easier," Peter Layton, military expert at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), told the Kyiv Independent. From Kyiv to New York the Kyiv Independent brings stories from democracys front line Get tickets Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Gripen is designed for field operations, and it can take off and land from roadways and basic airstrips. This fighter jet features short takeoff and landing capabilities, while F-16s typically require much longer, more prepared runways, Layton added. With Russia constantly targeting Ukrainian aircraft on the ground, the Gripen's quick turnaround time offers a vital advantage. Voroshylov said that under ideal conditions, a Swedish fighter can be ready for a second takeoff in just 10 minutes. Voroshylov also highlighted a design feature that enhances the Gripen's survivability: its air intakes are located on the sides of the fuselage, reducing the risk of debris such as rubble from Russian attacks against Ukrainian airfields being sucked into the engine during flight. This design lowers the chances of engine damage and accidents. At the same time, the Gripen, particularly the latest E/F variant, depends on numerous U.S.-made components, including its engine, which could give Washington a say over its export and operational use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It would most likely require a sign-off from the U.S. administration to send Gripens to Ukraine," Cristoph Bergs, a research analyst for airpower at RUSI, told the Kyiv Independent. "As for the exact limitations and political considerations behind that, we will have to wait and see." Read also: Theyre always moving forward Russian troops overrun Kupiansk, Kharkiv Oblasts once-liberated city What role could Gripen jets play in Ukraine? As the battlefield in Ukraine evolves, Russian weapons are increasingly capable of striking deeper behind the front lines. Aerial glide bombs particularly pose a significant challenge for air defenses. Their small size, low radar signature, and ability to hug the ground make them hard to detect, while mid-flight maneuvering and high-speed terminal dives leave air defenses minimal time to respond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justin Bronk, a senior research fellow at RUSI, said that Swedish fighters armed with Meteor missiles could play a crucial role in helping Ukraine intercept glide bombs launched from Russian Su-34 bombers, which frequently target frontline settlements. "Only the Meteor has a suitable effective range to be able to threaten Su-34s launching glide bombs 60-100 kilometers (30-60 miles) behind the front lines," Bronk told the Kyiv Independent. "The AIM-120C AMRAAMs supplied for F-16 and the Mica missiles for the Mirage 2000-5s do not have nearly enough effective range to do so under practical conditions near the front lines," Bronk added. Meteor missiles, with an estimated range of at least 200 kilometers (124 miles), could also put Russian territory within striking distance of Ukrainian-controlled areas, including Bryansk, Oryol, Kursk, Belgorod, Rostov oblasts, and Krasnodar Krai. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But military expert Kharuk warned against calling the Gripen a "miracle weapon," describing it instead as "another useful tool that will help Ukraine." The impact of the Gripen on the war in Ukraine will also hinge on how many jets are delivered and how quickly they arrive, the experts said. Although Sweden began developing the Gripen in the 1980s, its latest E/F variant only entered service with the Swedish Air Force this October. Sweden currently operates around 100 Gripens, including older C/D models and the new E/F versions, leading experts to believe that the first aircraft sent to Ukraine are likely to be the older models. Brazil's experience reinforces these expectations. The South American country signed a Gripen contract in 2014, which included technology transfer for local assembly. While the original plan called for all aircraft to be delivered by 2024, delays have pushed the schedule to 2032. As of 2025, Brazil has received just 10 of the jets, according to Aerospace Global News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a meeting with journalists, Zelensky announced that Ukraine and Sweden have also agreed to localize production of Gripen fighters on Ukrainian soil, Suspilne reported on Oct. 28. The president did not, however, provide details on the timeline or the steps involved. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and President Volodymyr Zelensky walk past a Gripen fighter jet after a joint press conference in Linkoping, Sweden, on Oct. 22, 2025. (Jonathan Nackstrand / AFP via Getty Images) According to Kharuk, Ukraine is most likely to receive nearly a dozen Gripen aircraft of older variants within the next 12 months, with spare parts for the jets already sent in a Swedish military aid package last September. "These aircraft will be both compensation for those lost by the Ukrainian Air Force (since the beginning of the war) and a qualitative improvement," Kharuk said. Note from the author: Hi, I'm Kateryna Hodunova, the author of this article. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thank you for taking the time to read it. We work without a paywall, relying on the support of our readers. If, like me, you enjoy taking a closer look at modern Western military technology and you'd like to see more stories like this consider joining our community today. Read also: Analysis: Ukraine learns hard lessons from Russias evolving tactics after clearing Dobropillia breakthrough Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Days before President Donald Trump departed for Asia where he will sit down with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in South Korea on Thursday for their first in-person meeting of his second term, the president refused to count out the possibility of Americas position on Taiwan getting tangled in US-China trade talks. Were going to be talking about a lot of things. I assume thats going to be one of the things, but Im not going to talk about that now, Trump said when asked about reports that China may pressure the US to oppose Taiwans independence in exchange for a larger trade deal. The refusal to definitively count out Taiwan becoming a pawn in trade talks between the worlds two largest economies comes as Trump has privately and publicly suggested he believes China will not invade the self-ruled island that Beijing claims it owns while he is in office raising questions about how seriously the president will prioritize boosting Taiwans defense during his second term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump again gave an evasive answer on Taiwan as he spoke with reporters on Air Force One en route to South Korea Wednesday for the Asia-Pacific Cooperation summit where he will sit down with Xi, saying he is not even sure the topic will be raised by the Chinese leader. A senior administration official expressed confidence that Trump would not be backed into stating opposition to Taiwans independence during the meeting, adding that the meeting will be focused on Xi holding a gun to the head of the global economy with its critical mineral export controls. President Donald Trump speaks to journalists aboard Air Force One en route to South Korea on October 29, 2025. - Andrew Harnik/Getty Images Secretary of State Marco Rubio also said over the weekend that no one in the administration is contemplating a trade deal that includes favorable treatment for walking away from Taiwan. Some experts remain worried, however, that Trump might be willing to make concessions on Taiwan for a better trade deal, but former Trump administration officials argue that those concerns are over-blown. That idea of a grand bargain, of Trump selling out Taiwan, gets most of its oxygen from Chinese Communist Party trial balloons that are floated in US media, and from isolationists on the far left and the far right who believe in appeasement, said Matt Pottinger, Chairman of the China Program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and Trumps former deputy national security advisor. Trump understands the strategic nature of Taiwan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taiwan is also publicly downplaying concerns about the upcoming Trump-Xi meeting, and with a senior Taiwan government official saying they are cautiously optimistic about the meeting and pointing to Rubios latest remarks as an encouraging sign. Whenever leaders of the United States and China meet, Taiwans government is closely watching and calibrating its own strategy. Very little is typically said publicly given the precarious position Taipei finds itself in wedged between two superpowers with vastly conflicting agendas and interests. And Taiwans anxieties have amplified in Trumps second term, multiple sources said. Trumps team is filled with more isolationist and far-right figures than the establishment Republican and Democratic officials who have traditionally shaped US foreign policy. And while Trump has prioritized securing a major trade deal with Beijing, his administration has paused some US military support to the island and complicated basic engagements such as the transit of Taiwans president through the US earlier this year, current and former US officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some stakeholders in Taipei have found it really jarring to be in this position where theyre suddenly so unclear on whether the US president will support them, said Henrietta Levin, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), adding they have found an unwelcome surprise in how challenging it has been to bolster the US-Taiwan relationship this year. Trump went into his first term having taken a phone call from Taiwans president during the transition, which upended protocol because there are no formal diplomatic relations between the United States and Taiwan. His administration then accelerated the sale of weapons to the self-governing island and allowed the transit of Taiwans president though the US on multiple occasions which is in line with past norms. By contrast, Trump came into office for his second term after having repeatedly claimed in recent years that Taiwan stole the US chip business, which resonated uneasily in Taipei. He has been careful in public statements about Taiwan, his administration has halted the flow of some weapons from US stockpiles to the island and complicated the transit of the islands president through the US. The return of strategic ambiguity, or a downgrade of the relationship? Some experts make the case that to date, Trump in his second term has acted in line with decades of US policy with a return to strategic ambiguity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While it may be a hard shift after former President Joe Biden declared multiple times while he was in office that the US would militarily defend Taiwan against a Chinese invasion, they say its not an abnormal approach. If you look at Obama, Bush before that, its always been a little bit of a hands-off approach, and trying to keep Taiwan at arms length and being very careful about any messages you sent to China. So, we are somewhat back to that new normal again, said Dmitri Alperovitch, the chairman of Silverado Policy Accelerator, a foreign policy think tank. But Taiwan is grappling with whether the current state of the relationship with the US is a short-term aberration as Trump focuses on a productive meeting with Xi, or more of a long-term reality. It has led them to parse over the deeper meaning of every single engagement with the administration or lack thereof. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this fall, there was a gathering on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly with Taiwans foreign minister at Le Bernardin, an upscale New York restaurant. Multiple senior US administration officials were expected to attend but they didnt show up, according to a source who attended the gathering. Even though the administration signaled through intermediaries that the no-show was simply the unintended consequence of over-packed schedules, it left Taiwan feeling defeated, the source said. The island is actively re-evaluating how they can move to bring the Trump administration to their side, sources said. Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te waves as he visits the Taipei Aerospace and Defence Technology Exhibition in Taipei, Taiwan, on September 19, 2025. - Ann Wang/Reuters/File Facing pressure from both Washington and Beijing, President Lai Ching-te has pledged to raise defense spending sharply to 3.32% of GDP by 2026 and 5% by 2030. But there are also actions that are being taken or considered that wont attract headlines but could impact the overall relationship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One option being considered is recalling their de facto ambassador to the US Alexander Yui in order to replace him with a diplomat who is more politically savvy, sources said. Some Trump administration officials have said that the current career diplomat doesnt have the juice to effectively engage despite support from some close to the president, multiple sources said. Taiwan flatly denied that suggestion on Thursday. Taiwan and the US maintains a smooth communication channel, Taiwan Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung, told a legislative committee meeting. Our representative office in the US has been functioning well. We are not recalling him. Taipei has also launched an unprecedented charm offensive aimed at conservative media figures and influencers aligned with Trumps movement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Lai granted a rare interview to radio host Buck Sexton, praising Trump and even suggesting he would deserve the Nobel Peace Prize if he could persuade China to renounce the use of force against Taiwan. Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim spoke with YouTuber Shawn Ryan, while Taiwans de facto ambassador appeared on Steve Bannons podcast and hosted Ryan at Twin Oaks, the historic ambassadorial residence in Washington, DC. Such outreach marks a sharp departure from Taipeis conventional diplomatic approach, underscoring its effort to engage directly with the Trump-aligned ecosystem currently shaping US foreign policy discourse. Taipei is also trying to offset its US trade deficit by purchasing 6 million tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Alaska, a move officials describe as both an energy-security measure and a goodwill gesture toward Washington while they are still working on a trade deal between the two sides. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, Taiwan is not willing to concede to the US across the board. The island vowed to resist pressure from Washington to shift half of its chip production capacity to the United States, throwing down the gauntlet to the Trump administration just earlier this month. The subject is expected to continue as an active piece of the ongoing trade talks between the US and Taiwan. Making Taiwan a porcupine without giving Beijing the middle finger Chinese leader Xi Jinping views Taiwans reunification with the mainland as a core requirement for the sweeping vision of a national rejuvenation China aims to achieve by mid-century. Senior Communist Party officials recently drew up their upcoming five-year plan, which analysts expect will see Beijing prioritize greater economic integration with Taiwan as part of its push for peaceful reunification. State media on Monday released a sweeping commentary laying out the many economic carrots it said would be available to Taiwans people after reunification. Chinas ruling Communist Party claims the self-governing island democracy as its own, despite never having controlled it, and has not ruled out using force to take control of the island. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, US officials have said that Xi has ordered the countrys military to be capable of invading Taiwan by 2027. The Trump administration plans to adopt a policy on Taiwan with the goal of making the island a porcupine by investing strategically in precision and smaller weapons built for asymmetric warfare to deter Chinese aggression or make an invasion so costly and painful that costs would outweigh benefits, two sources briefed on the policy discussions said. US officials also want to get Taiwan to that place without giving Beijing the middle finger, the sources explained. The Trump administration refused to green-light the transfer of US weapons stocks to Taiwan earlier this year, under a process known as Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA), sources said. The move led to questions about the US militarys commitment to Taiwan. But the move was not meant to signal a complete abdication of US support, sources said. While the administration does not want Taiwan pulling from US weapons stocks with one administration official pointing out that most of the stockpiled weapons that the US can give to Taiwan would be ineffective in a fight against China there are no plans to halt sales of weapons which would be purchased by Taiwan, administration officials said. A decommissioned tank is seen outside of the Triangle Fortress in Kinmen, Taiwan, as China's Xiamen city is visible in the background, on October 28, 2025. - I-Hwa Cheng/AFP/Getty Images The Trump administration has told Taiwan to put in more orders for military equipment, and they are still waiting on those new orders, the senior administration official said. This private push comes as the administration has made clear that it views the economically prosperous island through the same lens that it views Europe that it must invest more towards its own defense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, speed needs to be addressed. Taipei is waiting on a backlog of more than $20 billion in undelivered US military equipment, with production times in the US delayed in part because of the war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, the delayed National Defense Strategy from the Pentagon and internal disagreement over the extent to which the administration plans to prioritize sending military resources to the Western Hemisphere and Europe versus the Pacific is raising questions about the military focus and resources that will actually be put towards Taiwan. Dictating the flow of US arms to allies and partners would typically be the job of the defense secretary but the Pentagon has tried to make those calls in recent months with policy memos that have at times been slapped down by Trump directly, sources pointed out. Trump has publicly claimed in recent weeks that Xi wont invade Taiwan because of US military strength. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China doesnt want to do that. First of all, United States is the strongest military power in the world by far, its not even close, Trump said earlier this month. Nobodys going to mess with that and I dont see that at all with President Xi. While US officials claim Taiwan must act more quickly to shore up its own defenses, there are concerns on the island that Trumps personal conviction that Xi will not invade while he is in office could impede the US from effectively boosting their military capabilities in the coming years. They are concerned about that, so if theres no invasion until 2029, but all the time between now and then is wasted, both on the US side and the Taiwanese side, that will set us up for a disaster in 2029 or 2030, Alperovitch said. CNNs Simone McCarthy contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The Susquehanna Steam Electric Station is part of the Allegheny Electric Cooperative Inc. (Photo via U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission) One of two nuclear reactors at the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station in Luzerne County shut down automatically Tuesday night at the same time firefighters were dispatched to the plant, its owner Talen Energy reported to federal regulators. A spokesperson for the company said an incident occurred when workers were filling a hydrogen tank and a cloud of the flammable gas unexpectedly ignited, triggering the shutdown. Hydrogen is normally vented when the tank is filled to ensure proper storage, Talens director of communications Taryne Williams said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Out of an abundance of caution, plant personnel contacted EMS. First responders were dispatched, but no emergency actions were necessary as there was no remaining fire and no injuries, Williams said. The plant responded as designed and as part of its built-in safety mechanisms, Susquehanna Unit 2 went offline without incident, Williams added. It is currently stable, and operators are in the process of returning the unit to service. The station remains in a safe condition and there are no injuries or risk to employees or the public. Video captured by a firefighter driving near the plant at the time of the shutdown and posted on Facebook shows a prolonged bright flash that illuminated a cloud of smoke or vapor above the ground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Talens report to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the plants Unit 2 reactor was operating at 100% power around 7 p.m. when it shut down in a safety procedure known as a SCRAM. The NRC defines a SCRAM as the sudden shut down of a reactor by the rapid insertion of control rods that halt the nuclear reaction. Talen said all systems performed as expected. SCRAM events occur when a nuclear power plants control systems sense conditions outside of normal parameters. It triggers an automatic process to stop the reactor and other systems to safely shut down the plant, Dave Lochbaum, former director of the Nuclear Safety Project for the Union of Concerned Scientists, said. Lochbaum, who worked as a consultant at the Susquehanna plant, said its not unusual for the cause of a SCRAM to be unknown immediately after the event. Talen has 60 days to investigate and report its findings to the NRC along with steps taken to correct the issue. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The owner wants to make sure that they fix the problem too. Theyre trying to make money, he said. The Unit 2 reactor may resume operation before the follow-up report is submitted, Lochbaum said, but the NRC has inspectors assigned to the plant who will verify that it is safe to restart. The Susquehanna Steam Electric Station reactors have had eight SCRAM events since 2020, according to the NRC, which has recorded 29 SCRAM shutdowns at nuclear plants across the country so far this year. The local fire department responded to the site with lights and sirens active which caused heightened public concern on social media. An event of potential public interest notification was made to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), the report said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Talen said in the report filed Tuesday night that it was investigating the event. The NRC is satisfied the plant responded appropriately to the situation, and the plant and community remain safe, the agency said in a statement. PEMA did not immediately respond to inquiries by the Capital-Star. The 2,400 megawatt nuclear power plant in Salem Township is one of several Pennsylvania power plants that have attracted interest from data center operators. Amazon Web Services announced in March that it had purchased a 1,200 acre site adjacent to the plant from Houston-based Talen. The company expects to build out the site with data centers. In June, Talen and Amazon entered a power purchase agreement in which the plant would supply more than 1,900 megawatts of electricity to power the data centers. The Tampa Bay Times is committed to bringing the news of the community to you. And were bringing our newsroom to you, as well. Some of our staffers will work Nov. 5 from a pop-up newsroom at Bean Wandering at 100 Second Ave. S. in St. Petersburg. Well be set up from noon to 4 p.m. Its a continuation of events we did over the summer called News & Brews. Come grab a coffee and share your story ideas and tips. Or give us feedback or a word of advice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want to hear what you care about and how we can better serve the Tampa Bay area we all live in. Look for the following staffers and others: Mark Katches, editor (from noon to 2 p.m.) Michael Van Sickler, managing editor/news and engagement Allison Ross, assistant managing editor/local news Chris Urso, photo director/news and sports Colleen Wright, St. Petersburg reporter Katelyn Ferral, politics reporter Michaela Mulligan, environment and climate reporter Nina Moske, Tampa reporter WHITEHOUSE, Texas (KETK) Whitehouse Mayor James Wansley has been appointed vice president of the Texas Association of Regional Councils Board (TARC). Heroic 20-year-old saves relative from house fire in Troup Wansley, who has served as mayor since 2020, also serves on the East Texas Council of Governments Board of Directors. On Oct. 1, he began his term as chairman of both the ETCOG board and its executive committee. TARC is a member of the ETCOG and their goal is to increase the quality of life through regional strategies, partnerships and solutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Wansley is always willing to serve wherever he can and wherever he serves, he makes a difference, ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland said. In his new role as TARC Vice President, I am absolutely certain he will be an effective ambassador for identifying and implementing regional solutions to the challenges we face, both in East Texas and throughout the State! James Wansley (right) swearing in to his new position as VP of TARC. Courtesy of ETCOG The TARC board elected Wansley as vice president at its annual Board of Directors meeting in Austin last month. It is my honor to represent ETCOG on the Texas Association of Regional Councils board, Wansley said. Each of TARCs 24-member Councils of Governments operates independently. During our TARC sessions, we come together to explore whats new, what works and what needs to be improved. As vice-president of the TARC board, I look forward to learning more about successful processes and programs from other Councils of Governments and how they might help ETCOG fill service and funding gaps in our region. Power outage scheduled in Cherokee County for system upgrades Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wansleys one-year term will be served alongside Waco Mayor Jim Holmes, who leads as president, San Augustine County Judge Jeff Boyd as president-elect, Caldwell Mayor Pro-Tem Kavon Novak as immediate past president and Executive Director of Texoma Council of Governments, Eric Bridges, as the Executive Directors Council Chair. 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. The Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA) has written to the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court expressing "deep concern and disquiet" among advocates over the recent notification mandating that each Bench of the Court will observe one working Saturday every month during 2025. In its representation dated October 17, 2025, addressed to the Chief Justice, the Bar Association has conveyed that while it fully supports all initiatives aimed at improving judicial efficiency and reducing pendency, the decision to introduce monthly Saturday sittings was taken without consulting or informing the Bar. The letter, signed by DHCBA President N. Hariharan and Honorary Secretary Vikram Singh Panwar, stated that since court functioning necessarily involves active participation of advocates, the absence of any consultation with the Bar has caused genuine hardship and a sense of exclusion. The Association highlighted that under the current arrangement, lawyers would be required to be available every Saturday, as different Benches may choose different dates for their sittings. This, it said, would create "practical inconvenience, considerable difficulty for advocates, and disrupt work-life balance", imposing "disproportionate burdens on members of the Bar." Seeking relief, the DHCBA urged that the Notification dated October 4, 2025, be kept in abeyance. Alternatively, it suggested that all benches could sit on one fixed Saturday each month to ensure uniformity and predictability. Reiterating its commitment to cooperate with the Court in all reform-orientated initiatives, the Bar expressed confidence that its representation would receive "due consideration" from the Chief Justice. (ANI) CHICAGO Illinois Democrats are proposing tax hikes that could help fund the CTAs budget shortfall of $200 million. The Illinois General Assembly is meeting for the second time in October amid the annual fall veto session. CTA is facing an ongoing financial crisis and a $200 million budget shortfall for next year. They announced two weeks ago fares are going up next year. Previous: CTA increasing fares in 2026 due to ongoing fiscal crisis Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Illinois Democrats are proposing the following to help the shortfall. A 7% tax on tickets for large events A 4.95% tax on billionaires assets they own but have not sold yet 50% of gross revenue from speed cameras outside of Chicago Slight increase to certain sales tax rates, including raising taxes on some food sales in Cook County by a quarter of a percentage point CTA job cuts and service reductions up to 40% are on the table if nothing is passed. The last day of the veto session is Thursday. 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. BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) The Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCAT), Northeast State Community College and East Tennessee State University (ETSU) signed a new articulation agreement on Wednesday that will expand transfer opportunities for students at the institutions. According to TCAT, the agreement establishes new educational pathways that will allow credits to seamlessly transfer among Northeast State, TCAT and ETSU. The agreement was announced and celebrated at Northeast State on Wednesday by several school leaders, including TCAT Elizabethton President Heath McMillian, TCAT Morristown President Suzanne Cox, Northeast State President Jeff McCord, Northeast State Vice President Connie Marshall and ETSU Provost Kimberly McCorkle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement $3M for new modular housing production facility in Russell Co. McCord told News Channel 11 that the pathway allows students to earn degrees and certificates at their own pace in the most efficient way. Somebody who starts at TCAT can start at a TCAT, maybe they go to work for a little while, and they want to advance within that company, he said. So they come to Northeast State, and what they took at TCAT counts here, and then what they take here counts at ETSU, so they can continue to advance. Maybe not all at one time, maybe throughout their lives. But they can go along that journey in a time thats convenient to them, while still maintaining all the credit that theyve already earned. PDF_251029_153843Download Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McCord said that transfer pathways help get people into the workforce quickly and easily. We honor their education, remove as many barriers as we can, and whatever they take counts. And so thats good for the state and good for the region as people advance through their educational journey. More information about articulation agreements and transfer pathways at Northeast State can be found on the colleges website. 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 WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. CLEVELAND (WJW) The FOX 8 I-Team has uncovered a startling trend with a crime wave leaving so many of you furious with big repair bills. We found the number of cases of cars broken into in Cleveland is on pace with the number last year even as police try to crack down. Monday, thieves broke into more cars. This time, it happened outside Anton Grdina School. Just days before that, thieves broke into 37 more cars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One victim spoke to us about the damage left behind and the expected repair bill, saying, I was just dumbfounded, what I saw. Angry, outraged and hurt. Its going to be a lot. Everything costs more. I am hurt right now. First testimony on new bill that tightens rules on so-called puppy mills The I-Team filed a records request for how often police are taking these reports. For all of last year, Cleveland police recorded 906 cases of vehicles broken into or something stolen from a vehicle. This year, adding in the cases from last weekend, there has already been 755. The crime wave has not slowed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police radio traffic from last week showed a dispatcher saying, People in the area breaking out windows. They all have masks on. Its about eight of them. Theyre walking around looking in peoples cars, another called out. Two weeks ago, Cleveland police investigated reports of dozens of cars hit downtown and in Little Italy. Detectives pieced together evidence in that crime spree. They busted 10 suspects boys and girls between the ages of 12 and 18. This week, Cleveland police arrested three teens, including one with a rifle. The suspects are also believed to have been involved in other crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 3 kids hit by cars ahead of Halloween holiday Police have also carried out special details. Still, the crime wave continues with the thieves often travelling around in stolen cars. Neighborhoods on the west side have been especially hard hit. Police believe the suspects keep looking for weapons and valuables. The mayor said Cleveland police have arrested more than 20 suspects just in the last month. Now, records show, the crime wave has not slowed down. 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. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) Musician Lemond Mr. Imag Brown majored in architectural engineering at Drexel University, and he put his skills to use as soon as he graduated. When I came back to my hometown, D.C., I saw the gaps where they were talking about a lot of students who look like me that were doing bad in math and science specifically, Brown said. In 2012, he created what is now known as the Swaliga Foundation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I realized that one of the things that helped me finish school was the arts I put the A into STEAM, Brown said. Tech Talk | DC Startup and Tech Week underway, celebrates 10th anniversary He now has a STEAM curriculum that he shares with students in schools in the District of Columbia. Weve partnered with 10 schools across D.C., where were doing after-school and in-school programming, Brown said. One of the new things we are trying out this year is taking over an advanced physics class in D.C. This is a new format that were trying out. He also has songs on demand, which include original lyrics that are educational and catchy. The organization recently celebrated its 10th annual STEAM the Block party in Southeast D.C. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think what we have to realize is that young people have their own language in this case, hip-hop, Brown said. Hes also expanding internationally. Ill be traveling back to Africa in November, and then well be going to Ghana, where were opening a new STEAM center, Brown 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 DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. Republican Senator Ted Cruz advised the public to ignore his colleague Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greenes recent criticism of their partys handling of the government shutdown and pivot from typical conservative talking points, claiming she was becoming very liberal. Greene, a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump, has surprised many recently by criticizing Republicans for not coming up with an affordable healthcare plan amid the shutdown, condemning Israel for war crimes against Palestinians and advocating for the release of the Epstein Files. When confronted with Greenes recent pivot on Wednesday mornings episode of CNBCs Squawk Box, Cruz implored people to brush off Greene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My advice is dont spend much time worrying about what Marjorie is saying, Cruz said. Greene has criticized House Speaker Mike Johnson for not releasing a detailed plan showing how Republicans plan to tackle affordable healthcare a key issue that Democrats have advocated for to reopen the government. Republican Senator Ted Cruz brushed aside critical comments from his colleague, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, and labeled her as very liberal. (Getty Images) She also said she does not respect that Johnson has sent representatives home amid the shutdown, leaving senators to figure out how to reopen the government. Although the Georgia congresswoman remains aligned with the president on most policies, she has broken from her party amid the shutdown and chosen not to purely blame Democrats over the shutdown. Its only the latest issue Greene has differed from colleagues on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cruz claimed his colleague was suddenly advocating for Democrat-aligned policies and asserted her views did not reflect the vast majority of Americans. What I find is a pretty consistent pattern is whenever an elected official decides that theyre going to turn on Israel and they hate Israel, you will very quickly see every other policy out of their mouth become very, very liberal, Cruz said. The Texas senator appeared to be referencing Greenes vocal opposition to Israels offensive in Gaza. In July, Greene called out Israel for committing genocide in Gaza. More than 68,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel began its offensive two years ago following the October 7, 2023, attack. Greene, a staunch supporter of Trump, has broken from the Republicans typical talking points that blame Democrats for the shutdown to criticize her own party for not doing enough. (Getty Images) Although Greenes recent statements have been embraced by some liberal lawmakers, Republicans appear to be growing frustrated with her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson recently dropped the commonly used Southern U.S. insult bless her heart to brush off her criticisms of Republicans. Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) urged Greene to put pen to paper and write a bill if she was passionate about providing Americans an affordable healthcare opportunity. Present an option. Dont just criticize what other people are doing. Moreno said on CNNs The Source with Kaitlan Collins. A teen has been charged in connection with a shooting that left two other teens dead in Pitcairn. Isiah McCarthy of Pitcairn and Tyrant Sutton of Clairton, both 16, were declared deceased at a hospital after they were shot near Wall Avenue and Eleanor Street in June. PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Two teens killed in Pitcairn double shooting identified On Wednesday, the Allegheny County Police Department announced charges against Jamon Brookins, 16, of Wilmerding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was identified as a suspect through witness interviews and surveillance video, police say. Court documents released on Wednesday said Brookins initially denied any involvement in the double shooting in Pitcairn but later told police he was there. Text messages show that an unidentified minor had agreed to purchase two guns from McCarthy, according to a criminal complaint. Brookins told police he went along to make sure no one got robbed, but the situation escalated, and a struggle ensued. Police say Brookins shot Sutton twice, then shot McCarthy as he was attempting to run away. >>> PHOTOS: Police investigate deadly double shooting in Pitcairn Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said he was taken into custody without incident and is being held at the Allegheny County Jail. He faces two charges of criminal homicide and a charge of robbery. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW The city of Terre Haute has been recognized by AIM (Accelerate Indiana Municipalities) with the Program Innovation Award. The award is in in honor of the city's Fare-Free Transit initiative. Launched in January 2025, the transit program eliminated fares on all Terre Haute Transit Utility routes, making public transportation more accessible for residents while supporting economic mobility and sustainability, the city says in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Fare-Free Transit Program has had a tremendous impact on our community, Sakbun said in a news release. By removing financial barriers to public transportation, were helping residents get to work, school, and essential services while also strengthening our local economy." Since the programs launch, ridership has increased by over 100%, and the city has reported improvements in accessibility, workforce participation and community connectivity. The initiative also supports the citys long-term goals of sustainability and inclusivity. The city has recorded 200,352 boardings from January through September, up from 115,819 during the same period in 2024. The city says this growth reflects improved accessibility, stronger workforce participation, and enhanced connectivity between neighborhoods, services and job centers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Fare-Free Transit Program is funded by a small portion of the city's casino revenue. The Program Innovation Award is part of AIMs Progress Awards series, honoring Indiana cities and towns for creative leadership and innovative solutions to local challenges. For more information about the Fare-Free Transit Program, visit terrehaute.in.gov. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton secured an appellate court victory against Yelp Inc. after the company allegedly attempted to steer users away from pro-life pregnancy centers and resources. The Fifteenth Court of Appeals reversed a lower courts dismissal, ruling that Texas has jurisdiction over the California-based company. The decision represents a significant win for Paxton and for pro-life organizations in Texas, affirming that online businesses targeting Texas consumers cannot evade accountability by operating from another state. Yelp tried to play politics and steer users away from pro-life resources, but being based in the criminal-loving state of California will not shield them from accountability, Paxton said. I will continue to defend pro-life organizations that serve Texans and make sure that women and families are receiving accurate information about our states resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paxton filed suit against Yelp after the company added what he described as misleading notices to crisis pregnancy center listings in an attempt to divert Texans from pro-life providers. Yelp had previously convinced a trial court to dismiss the case, arguing that Texas lacked jurisdiction over its California operations. The appeals court rejected that argument, holding that online businesses targeting Texas consumers can be subject to Texas law. Paxtons office said it will continue pursuing the case to ensure Texans receive accurate information when seeking pro-life services. The ruling could carry broader implications for how states regulate out-of-state tech companies that reach consumers through online platforms. TYLER, Texas (KETK) As the federal government shutdown continues, food banks across East Texas are ramping up emergency response efforts to support families who have missed paychecks and are impacted by a potential disruption in SNAP benefits. According to Feeding Texas, more than 3.5 million Texans participate in the SNAP program to help put food on their tables. Due to the ongoing government shutdown, those who rely on SNAP benefits may not receive their November benefits on schedule. East Texas Food Bank prepares for potential end of SNAP benefits Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Feeding Texas estimates that at least 126,000 Texans could be affected each day that SNAP payments are delayed. When you consider that the vast majority of SNAP recipients are children, seniors, and people with disabilities, the stakes become painfully clear, Celia Cole, CEO of Feeding Texas, the state association of food banks, said. These are our neighbors, our grandparents, our kids. A delay in benefits isnt just inconvenientits devastating. It means empty pantries, skipped meals, and added stress for families already living on the edge. As the shutdown continues, food banks across Texas are expanding their efforts to meet the needs of those affected by delays in SNAP payments and those forced to miss paychecks. To help those impacted, food banks are hosting targeted food distributions in areas with high concentrations of federal workers, including airports, military bases, and other key locations. Food banks are seeing a wave of new faces and families whove never needed emergency food assistance before, Cole said. Were doing everything we can to meet the moment, but food banks were already seeing increased need due to rising food costs. The shutdown adds another layer of strain to an already stretched emergency food system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texans can find up-to-date information on the government shutdown and explore ways to support hunger relief efforts by visiting the Feeding Texas website. Those wanting to support can also donate directly to their local food banks. 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. Following the landfall of Cyclone Montha, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) of Bhubaneswar stated that 25 places in Odisha reported heavy rainfall, said IMD Bhubaneswar Director Manorama Mohanty on Wednesday. The IMD Director in Bhubaneswar said that Gajapati district reported the highest maximum rainfall of 150.5 millimetres, with isolated heavy rain forecast for the next 24 hours. She further mentioned that rainfall is likely across the state, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds. "In the last 24 hours, in the state of Odisha, 25 places reported heavy rainfall, and two places reported very heavy rainfall, and the highest maximum rainfall was reported in the district of Gajapati, 150.5 millimetres and forecast for next 24 hours is isolated heavy rainfall activity; however entire state is likely to get rainfall activity at many places with thunderstorm, lightning and even gusty wind will be there...Isolated heavy rainfall warnings are in effect for districts such as Korrapur, Malkagiri, Raiga, Ganjampati, Sundargarh, Kyunj, Baleshwar, and Badra," Mohanty told ANI. Commenting on Cyclone Montha, Mohanty noted that the cyclonic storm has moved north-northwest at a speed of 15 kmph in the last 6 hours and is expected to continue moving further northwest. It is likely to weaken into a deep depression within the next 3 hours. "The cyclonic storm in the last 6 hours moved north-northwesterly with a speed of 15 kmph. Now it is about 460 km southwest of Gopalpur. Now it is further likely to move north west northward and weaken into a deep depression during the next 3 hours and into a depression during the subsequent 6 hours," said Mohanty. Meanwhile, fishing boats are currently anchored at the Gopalpur fishing landing centre as the sea has become turbulent due to Cyclone Montha. Rajkishor Das, the Assistant Fisheries Officer in charge, stated that the district administration has imposed restrictions on fishermen, prohibiting them from venturing out to sea. "...District administration has imposed restrictions for fishermen not to venture to the Sea...Once we get the permission, we will venture to the sea..." Das told ANI. The Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Women and Child Development, Pravati Parida, announced that more than 2,000 pregnant women were safely housed in maternity homes throughout the state during the cyclone. She also stated that all mothers who gave birth in the shelters, along with their newborns, are healthy and will continue to be monitored for an additional day. "All mothers who delivered during the period and their newborns are reported healthy and will remain under observation for one more day. Under the direct supervision of the district administration, the healthy mothers and babies will be safely sent back to their homes," she further told reporters. (ANI) Texas is famous for leading the nation in cattle, cotton and oil, but the Lone Star State can claim another distinction more appropriate for Halloween this week: Texas not only hosts more bat species than any other state, it has more ghost towns than any other state. A Geotab analysis counts more than 500 ghost towns statewide, with the densest cluster in Wilson County near San Antonio. While many were abandoned after economic downturns or resource depletion, some were deserted following natural disasters, including extreme weather. Storms sweep away Indianola The port of Indianola, on Matagorda Bay in Calhoun County, was founded in August 1846 as Indian Point and served as a port of entry for German immigrants bound for West Texas, according to the Texas State Historical Association. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The town soon grew into a bustling city of about 5,000 residents. For a brief time, Indianola became the second-busiest port in Texas. Thanks to its location, it was vital for trade and military purposes. On September 16, 1875, a hurricane packing winds stronger than 110 mph struck the coastal town, sweeping much of it away. Even its lighthouses were demolished. The town rebuilt, but another hurricane struck 11 years later, in 1886. These storms devastated the low-lying city and caused great loss of life. The county seat was moved to Port Lavaca, and in 1887 the post office closed permanently. Today, almost nothing remains of the original town, and much of the site lies underwater because of storm-driven erosion. A granite slab beside the bay at Indianola commemorates the Calhoun County Courthouse before it was destroyed by a hurricane in 1886 and the county seat was moved to Port Lavaca. (Joe Holley/Houston Chronicle) St. Marys of Aransas St. Marys of Aransas, founded in 1850, quickly became a major port, shipping construction materials, hides, tallow, cattle, and cotton to South Texas towns. It thrived until the second Indianola hurricane in 1875 nearly destroyed the town. The population then declined, and the post office and general store closed permanently in 1907. Drought-stricken Lobo Lobo is the most recent ghost town, abandoned about 30 years ago. Sitting in the Chihuahuan Desert near the Davis Mountains, it was founded in 1882 as a railroad water stop and later became a thriving cotton-farming community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lobo experienced brief periods of agricultural growth, but over time persistent drought, water scarcity, and declining commerce led to its abandonment. Flood-flattened Ben Ficklin Ben Ficklin, founded in 1873 near present-day San Angelo, was once an important settlement and a key stop along the San Antonio-El Paso Mail line. It even served as the county seat of Tom Green County. But less than a decade later, disaster struck. After an unusually wet summer in 1882, floodwaters from Dove Creek, Spring Creek, and the Concho River surged beyond their banks, devastating the town. According to the Texas State Historical Association, most of Ben Ficklin was destroyed, with only a few houses, the jail, and the courthouse left standing. Old Bluffton resurfaces Bluffton, founded in 1852, was a small Hill Country farming and ranching community once known as the best crossing point on the Colorado River. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By 1937, however, the town was intentionally abandoned when the Lower Colorado River Authority built Buchanan Dam, creating Lake Buchanan as part of a hydroelectric project. The original site was flooded, and residents relocated to what is now New Bluffton. In this Oct. 5, 2011, photo, a childs gravesite, normally at least 20 to 30 feet underwater, joined other remnants of old Bluffton that had resurfaced after drought reduced water levels at Lake Buchanan in Central Texas. (Eric Gay/Associated Press) During periods of severe drought, remnants of Old Bluffton resurface, including building foundations, headstones, and artifacts. Bluffton is just one of several Texas towns submerged by reservoirs, built over the years to control flooding, secure reliable water supplies, and generate hydroelectric power. Other submerged ghost towns in Texas include: Halsell under Lake Arrowhead Towash under Lake Whitney Preston under Lake Texoma Friendship under Lake Granger Sparta and Bland under Lake Belton Spillville under Lake Toledo Bend Zivley under Lake Livingston Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Submerging towns were seen as a necessary sacrifice to achieve broader public benefits, even though it displaced communities and erased local history. Many of the Texas ghost towns that were shaped by extreme weather serve as reminders of natures power. These abandoned settlements offer valuable lessons in how we can adapt and prepare for future challenges posed by climate change. BIG COUNTRY, Texas (BigCountryHomepage.com) Imagine marrying the love of your life, heading to Jamaica to celebrate, and then getting trapped by a hurricane. Thats exactly what happened to Texans Preston and Kylie Reeves. Catastrophic: Hurricane Melissa makes landfall in Jamaica | Tracking the Tropics Courtesy of Preston & Kylie Reeves Months ago, the Reeves from Burnet, Texas, received a dream trip to Jamaica as a wedding gift. But while connecting through Miami on October 23, they learned Hurricane Melissa (a tropical storm at the time) was forming and heading their way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once we first got here, the radar was originally saying that it was a tropical storm, and it was pushing Northwest. Then every single day we were here, it changed Then the day before the hurricane, it was like right in the middle of the island, and then now over here by us in Montego Bay, and its kept course, Preston recalled. After advisories were issued, the couple tried to book an early flight out, but everything was full. Fortunately, the rain didnt begin until Tuesday, when Hurricane Melissa made landfall as a Category 5 around 1:00 p.m. on October 28. For Preston, the hardest part was waiting. Courtesy of Preston & Kylie Reeves Now that its here, Im a little more calmed down. Weve been sitting through it now for four hours, Preston shared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Category 5 Hurricane Melissa brings flooding and catastrophic winds to Jamaica With power and water still running, the newlyweds have been able to stay updated and keep in touch with family. But as they ride out the storm, their thoughts are with those who werent as fortunate. Definitely thoughts and prayers go out to those families, because they got hit extremely hard, and we have already been told that a lot of homes are already underwater over there, Preston expressed. Despite the danger, Kylie says the locals have helped them stay calm. I never really felt nervous about anything, just because all the locals made us feel like what our friends and families are seeing at home seems a lot worse than what they were making us feel here, Kylie explained. So I never started feeling nervous about anything until it actually hit today. Then I started to feel that way, but before and with it coming in and everything they did, the staff did a very good job of making us all feel safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Latest: Category 5 Hurricane Melissa makes landfall in Jamaica with record strength Once conditions improve, Preston says hes ready to lend a hand. This place is going to need a lot of help, Preston shared. Right now, the airports still looking like it could open up Friday, but as long as were here, Im going to be helping for sure. Courtesy of Preston & Kylie Reeves The couple says whats helped most through it all are small comforts: a deck of cards, staying connected, and new friendships. A deck of cards from the gift shop, and having power and service. Weve made some good friends here. Weve been playing phone games through iPhone message and stuff like that, and just family checking in on us and calling us and talking to peoples helped us out a lot, too, Preston shared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before signing off, Preston shared a heartfelt prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for your grace and for giving my wife and me safety during this very, very brutal and harsh storm. I pray that you just look out for all those families out on the island and help them right now in this devastating storm and time of need. I pray that once the storm calms, you bring help and shelter as quickly as possible to these people, because we know that they will desperately need it. I hope that you just watch over everyone getting home who will have to leave the island soon after this event. We love you with all your mercy and your loving, your grace and your heavenly name, Amen. With sustained winds of 100 mph and a central pressure of around 974 mb, Hurricane Melissa ranks among the five strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record. 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 KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. The Texas Supreme Court has ruled that state judges may decline to perform weddings, including same-sex marriages, based on religious belief. Critics say the move could erode public confidence in the impartiality of the courts and chip away at the practical reach of marriage equality in Texas. Keep up with the latest in LGBTQ+ news and politics. Sign up for The Advocates email newsletter. The order, issued Friday, adds a single but sweeping line to Canon 4 of the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct: It is not a violation of these canons for a judge to publicly refrain from performing a wedding ceremony based upon a sincerely held religious belief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Texas Judge Refuses to Marry Same-Sex Couples, Cites Supreme Court Decision The amendment, signed by all nine justices of the all-Republican court, took immediate effect. The justices ordered it to be published in the Texas Bar Journal and the Texas Register. The change follows years of quiet tension over the obligations of judges in a state where local officials and clerks have occasionally resisted same-sex marriage rulings. Dallas Fox affiliate KDFW reports that the issue gained traction after a Waco judge was publicly admonished in 2019 for refusing to perform same-sex marriages while continuing to officiate heterosexual ceremonies. That judge argued the states code of conduct did not protect her religious beliefs. The new language now explicitly does. Related: Texas anti-marriage equality judge refuses to drop suit against state commission Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For civil rights advocates, the decision represents a troubling precedent. It suggests that judges who swear to uphold the Constitution and apply the law equally may selectively refuse to serve certain citizens based on personal faith. Some advocates worry that allowing public officials to opt out of duties central to equality undermines the guarantees of Obergefell v. Hodges, the 2015 U.S. Supreme Court decision that made marriage equality the law of the land. Josh Rovenger, legal director at GLAD Law, a Boston-based LGBTQ+ legal advocacy group, told The Advocate that while the Texas courts move is significant, it reflects a broader legal trend rather than a singular break. He noted that in Obergefell and later cases such as Masterpiece Cakeshop and 303 Creative, the U.S. Supreme Court has sought to balance the dignity of both same-sex couples and individuals with strong religious beliefs. Those decisions, he said, suggest that the Court has tried to create frameworks in which marriage equality and religious liberty can coexist. From GLAD Laws perspective, Rovenger noted, the two principles are not inherently incompatible. Republicans in Texas have gone to great lengths to undo LGBTQ+ rights in the state. Gov. Greg Abbott signed a law in September barring transgender people from using bathrooms in state facilities that are in line with their gender identity. Also in September, a professor was fired, and the president of Texas A&M University resigned amid controversy over curriculum materials on LGBTQ+ topics. This article originally appeared on Advocate: Texas Supreme Court rules that judges can refuse to marry same-sex couples RELATED EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) Texans are weighing in on 17 proposed constitutional amendments on November 4, including one that could significantly reshape how bail is handled across the state. State Proposition 3 would expand the authority of district court judges to deny bail for people accused of certain serious crimes. If approved, the measure would amend the Texas Constitution to allow prosecutors to request that a defendant be held without bail before trial. What this constitutional amendment seeks to do is to change the Texas Constitution to allow prosecutors to ask a judge to detain someone without a bond, without bail, until their trial, explained El Paso County District Attorney James Montoya. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under current Texas law, most individuals charged with crimes in Texas have a constitutional right to post bond, except in limited cases. Proposition 3 would change that right for certain felony offenses, including murder, capital murder, aggravated sexual assault, aggravated kidnapping and aggravated robbery. Montoya said the proposed amendment would bring Texas more in line with the federal government and other states that use a pretrial detention model. The point of bail is to ensure that the person shows up to court and that the community remains safe while the case is awaiting its final outcome, Montoya said. During the hearings, thats what the judge is going to be looking at. Is this person a flight risk, or is this person a danger to the community? If the judge agrees, they will be detained without bail. Critics of Proposition 3 argue that denying bail could increase jail populations and strain the court system. However, Montoya said thats unlikely to happen in El Paso County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It costs us about $100 per inmate per night, so we only want to be detaining the people who are dangerous or who arent going to show up to court, he said. Election Guide for Nov. 4 voting in El Paso, Dona Ana counties Early voting will run through Oct. 31 with Election Day on Nov. 4. 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 KTSM 9 News. JEFFERSON, CITY, Mo. Missouris market for THC drinks is growing fast, so much so that a new report says it could haul in $75 million a year. The industry is facing its first major political crackdown as state lawmakers push to restrict a product they say is currently legal, but lacking regulation. Alderman Shane Cohn has reintroduced legislation aimed at restricting the sale of hemp-derived THC beverages and edibles to licensed marijuana dispensaries. The move follows a similar proposal by state Sen. Nick Schroer, which was previously filibustered by St. Louis Democratic state senators. Under current Missouri law, hemp-derived beverages containing delta-9 or delta-8 THC are legal because they come from federally compliant hemp, but no state or federal agency regulates their potency, labeling, or sale. That gray area allows companies to sell THC-infused seltzers in bars, restaurants and grocery stores alongside hard seltzers and other alternative drinks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some companies that sell THC drinks do self-impose ID checks and testing, but they dont all do it, or have to. Lawmakers pushes for more regulation would require more age verification in the state, as one of their notable concerns is it getting into the hands of children. The push for local regulation also mirrors a bigger national debate over how to govern hemp-derived drinks that officials believe avoid traditional cannabis laws. According to Whitney Economics 2025 U.S. THC Beverage Report, the national market for infused drinks topped $1 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow 25 percent in 2025 and 33 percent in 2026. 2-year-olds death caused by sexual assault: SLMPD The report says the market for THC beverages is growing fast, with a potential value of nearly $10 billion. This growth is thanks to what they call the Minnesota effect, which is the publics acceptance of THC drinks in everyday places. The report says Missouri is an example of the trend, and that in the state, people are buying these drinks almost equally from bars, restaurants, and grocery stores. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the stats that would suggest the drinks are starting to become more accepted in our everyday lives, Missouris political taste for the drinks is not the same. State Senator Nick Schroer, a St. Charles County Republican, has proposed classifying hemp-derived THC under the states same definition as marijuana. This change would limit sales to dispensaries, keeping them out of most grocery stores and bars. Democratic Senator Karla May opposed that move, warning it would create an unfair monopoly for existing marijuana license holders. May said it reminds her of a street drug war, arguing that small hemp entrepreneurs could be shut out of a market they helped develop in the first place. At the federal level, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has declined to regulate hemp-derived cannabinoids, leaving enforcement to the states themselves. Lawmakers believe that has created a gap in Missouri, where hemp beverages can be sold at gas stations even though licensed marijuana dispensaries face stricter rules. Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway says she will prioritize consumer safety around the products, attacking the situation head on ensuring Missourians know what they are consuming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the legal uncertainty, market growth is expected to continue. The study projects that regulation, not prohibition, will ultimately be what it comes down to, and that the industry will eventually be shaped by consistent labeling and age-verification rules across states, potentially in line with what we see for alcohol. 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. The Indiana State Budget Committee on Oct. 29 voted down a motion calling for the state to allocate $112 million for November food stamps amid a looming lapse in federal funding for the program. Rep. Gregory Porter, D-Indianapolis, made the motion to urge Gov. Mike Braun or the State Board of Finance to help the nearly 600,000 Hoosiers who will not receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits because of the government shutdown. If the shutdown is not resolved soon, this would be the first time qualified recipients go without benefits during a government shutdown in recent history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some states have looked into filling the gap from their own coffers and Porter said he would like to see the state of Indiana do something to help. "We have a rainy-day fund," Porter said. "It's storming." The motion also called for the state to allocate $10 million monthly to food banks as long as the government shutdown lasts. Sen. David Niezgodski, D-South Bend, joined Porter in supporting the motion. Sen. Ryan Mishler, R-Bremen, Rep. Jeff Thompson, R-Lizton and State Budget Director Chad Ranney all voted no, causing the motion to fail 3-2. Even if it had passed, the state can't directly fund the program, according to the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, which administers SNAP. Typically, federal funds are sent from the U.S. Treasury directly to Indiana's electronic benefit transfer vendor, spokesperson Marcus Barlow told IndyStar in an email Oct. 29. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Department of Agriculture said in a memo that contingency funds weren't "legally available" to preserve the program, contradicting an earlier shutdown plan that the agency floated. It also warned that states wouldn't be reimbursed if they used their own funds. "There is no money we can use," Barlow wrote, "and even if there was, we wouldn't be able to use that money to fund the EBT cards." But other states have found at least temporary solutions. Virginia created a state-run program to load funds onto SNAP recipients' electronic benefit transfer cards and Connecticut is providing $3 million in emergency assistance to food banks. Indiana has yet to announce a public plan to ease the burden of the SNAP funding lapse. "The tools are in the tool chest: $2.5 billion in reserves, above forecast revenues and $300 million in the budget," Porter said in a news release after the vote. "SNAP recipients receive an average of $6.50 per day only six bucks and some change. If that doesnt break your heart that families are going hungry, then I dont know what will." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without state funds, Hoosiers on SNAP will likely lean further on food pantries, which are seeing record levels of demand after a steady rise over the past year. More: Where to find Indiana food pantries and how to help as SNAP funding deadline looms Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith told reporters Oct. 28 that he's heard there are "ideas that are being floated around" the governor's office on how to fund the program. Hoosiers receive SNAP benefits on different days depending on the first letter of their last names. The first group will miss their benefits Nov. 5. "The governor, my office, we're kind of going through every possible mechanism," Beckwith said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governor's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Contact Marissa Meador at mmeador@gannett.com or find her on X at @marissa_meador. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana barrels toward November SNAP funding lapse without a public plan WASHINGTON Democrats have succeeded in elevating health care as the defining issue of the government shutdown, putting Republicans on defense over their demands to prevent insurance premiums from skyrocketing for more than 20 million Americans next year. As the shutdown enters its second month, however, Democratic lawmakers are grappling with a more immediate problem: Federal food assistance for morethan 40 million Americans will not be distributed beginning Nov. 1 due to a lack of funding. Health: The Trump Admin's Decision Not To Fund SNAP Should Alarm You Whether You Get Benefits Or Not The lapse of food benefits seems to beprompting soul-searching within the Senate Democratic caucus, most of which has refused to fund the government without an extension of subsidies for people enrolled in the Affordable Care Act. Democratic senators are essentially juggling the needs of two key constituencies people who need help affording health insurance and people who need help affording food. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How am I supposed to choose between those two constituencies? asked Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) in an interview with HuffPost. I care about all those people. The shutdowns impacts are mounting, with the Federal Aviation Administration potentially halting more flights due to staffing shortages, as federal workers go unpaid, and food bank directors prepare for a surge of demand in the coming weeks. States issue Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits on debit cards near the beginning of the month for most participants. So far, Democrats are not faltering in their health care demands. Instead, theyre blaming the Trump administration for saying it wont distribute SNAP benefits when theres several billion dollars sitting in a contingency fund for exactly that purpose, and when President Donald Trumps first administration took similar steps to protect SNAP during the 2019 government shutdown. Politics: Trump Sets Annual Limit For Refugees To 7,500 And They'll Mostly Be From This 1 Country Were saying the Republicans can fund it now, and theyre using these people as hostages, plan and simple, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) told reporters on Wednesday when asked if Democrats bore some blame for the fact that SNAP benefits arent being funded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We dont want to pit health care and food. They do. We think you can have both, he added. There is a clear irony in the GOP using SNAP as leverage and bemoaning the plight of Americans relying on a program they spent all year describing as overly generous to unemployed single adults who play video games all day. The Democrats are coming near now to a cliff that they will not be able to turn back from, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said Wednesday. Youve got families and children that rely upon SNAP benefits that are going to go hungry here at the end of the week. Politics: Mike Johnson Gets Dragged For Claiming Hes Working Overtime 28 Days Into A Shutdown But its clear that pressure is growing on Democrats and that the shutdown stalemate has entered a new phase, with increased murmurs of bipartisan discussions among senators and Trump set to return to the United States from Asia. Trump has been disengaged from the shutdown negotiations, and Johnson has kept the House out of session and refused to negotiate with Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats tried to turn the tables on Republicans on Wednesday by introducing a bill to fund SNAP benefits only. Sen. Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.) sought to quickly pass it in the Senate by unanimous consent, meaning without a vote. But Republicans blocked it, refusing to give Democrats an out. They maintained that Democrats ought to support funding for everyone, including federal workers and military troops, and not just SNAP beneficiaries. The senator from New Mexico is absolutely right: SNAP recipients shouldnt go without food, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said, raising his voice uncharacteristically on the Senate floor. People should be getting paid in this country, and weve tried to do that 13 times and you voted no 13 times! For the first time in history, SNAP funding will lapse this weekend absent action from the Trump administration. Open enrollment for Obamacare health insurance exchanges also begins on Saturday. The chances of a deal coming together before then is slim to none since the Senate is expected to leave town on Thursday and return next week. But some senators are optimistic that could change next week when the pain of the shutdown becomes more acute. The Nov. 4 statewide elections in Virginia and New Jersey where Democrats are expected to do well could also scramble politics on Capitol Hill. Politics: Stephen Miller's Wife Threatens To Revoke Trump Critics Citizenship After He Insults Her Most Democrats insisted they were not prioritizing health care over nutrition as the shutdown drags on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are not mutually exclusive. We are fighting for working families across our country, Rep. Joe Neguse (D-Colo.) told reporters on Wednesday. It is a conscious, deliberate choice that the administration is making to not release the funds that have been appropriated for that purpose. Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.), one of only a few Democrats who has crossed the aisle to vote with Republicans on reopening the government without an extension of ACA subsidies, criticized members of his party who are just worried about being perceived as caving on the shutdown. Im not going to risk having this kind of mass food insecurity for 42 million Americans, he told HuffPost. Politics: Trump Asks Pentagon To Immediately Resume Testing U.S. Nuclear Weapons Other Democrats said the consequences of not funding one program over another are weighing on them as they continue to demand that Trump and congressional Republicans come to the table and negotiate an end to the shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What are the short-term goals versus long-term goals? said Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.). SNAP touches many, many more people. Not all of them are dire situations, but a lot are. So that pushes you into a position of priorities. It doesnt mean I feel any less about health care, right? Political Updates Read the original on HuffPost WASHINGTON (DC News Now) Hundreds are getting ready to step into their high heels and sprint down 17th St. in Washington, D.C. The challenge comes as many take on the 38th annual 17th St. High Heel Race. For nearly four decades, the race has become a community tradition as attendees cheer on costumed runners as they sprint down 17th St. NW. This is one of my favorite events of the year. Surrounded by thousands of community members and allies, Im reminded of DCs unwavering commitment to being a welcoming city where LGBTQIA+ people are not just accepted, but celebrated, said Japer Bowles, Director of the Mayors Office of LGBTQ Affairs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement White House to open South Lawn for trick-or-treaters Starting at 5 p.m., the annual race will kick off with music by DJ Alex Love, followed by a live performance from local drag icon and host Cake Pop! Throughout the race, Pirouette, Ricky Rose, Bryce Brown, DCs Different Drummers and more will perform. Attendees can also join the annual costume contest to show off their creativity. After a successful World Pride, we are excited to host this very local event that really highlights the spirit and energy of DC, said Mayor Bowser. We want people to come out to 17th Street, support each other, support the local businesses, and if youre racing, dont forget your heels! Road Closures & Parking Restrictions On Tuesday, Oct. 28, from noon to 11 p.m., the following streets will be posted as Emergency No Parking: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 17th Street from New Hampshire Avenue to O Street, NW R Street from 16th Street to New Hampshire Avenue, NW Corcoran Street from 16th Street to New Hampshire Avenue, NW Q Street from 16th Street to 18th Street, NW Church Street from 16th Street and 18th Street, NW P Street from 16th Street to 18th Street, NW The following streets will be closed to all traffic on Tuesday, Oct. 28, from 2-1 p.m.: 17th Street from New Hampshire Avenue to O Street, NW Riggs Place from 16th Street to 17th Street, NW R Street from 16th Street to New Hampshire Avenue, NW Corcoran Street from 16th Street to New Hampshire Avenue, NW Q Street from 16th Street to 18th Street, NW Church Street from 16th Street and 18th Street, NW D.C. police noted that P Street from 16th Street to 18th Street, NW. may be intermittently closed to traffic from about 2 p.m. until 11 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All street closures and the listed times may change. To stay up-to-date on all closures, click here. When did the High Heel Race begin in DC? The High Heel Race first came to life on Halloween night in 1986 on 17th Street. The race began as a friendly wager between drag queens. Since then, the high heel run has evolved, drawing in thousands of spectators and hundreds of racers each year. It has also become a symbol of the Districts LGBTQIA+ community, highlighting the history and inclusion. 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. UPDATE: Eleven additional people are facing charges for their roles in a drug trafficking ring across the Cambria and Somerset area, according to Attorney General Dave Sunday. The arrests come after seizures of meth, cocaine, fentanyl, and illegal firearms, thanks to a months-long investigation. The following have been arrested in connection with the investigation: Charles Pierce Meredith Blake Charlene Morris Dyane Hickman-Mason Amber Troutman Jeremy Barron Amanda Barclay David McCormick Charles Meinhart Jr. Adam Scarlett Tabatha Hornbaker Pamela Harold Courtney Romesburg Shari Saler Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Law enforcement seized more than 20,000 doses of fentanyl in connection with investigations this year, along with quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, oxycodone, Vicodin, and marijuana. All but Mason were taken into custody and are in the process of arraignment. Hornbaker Harold Barron Romesburg Saler Pierce Scarlett Troutman McCormick Blake Meinhart Morris Barclay SOMERSET COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) Three women are facing charges after they allegedly sold pills they were getting prescriptions for through Medicaid, along with meth. Starting in August of 2024, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and the Somerset County Drug Task Force began conducting an investigation into drugs allegedly being sold in Windber Borough. Now, over a year later, the following women are being charged with selling pills like ritalin and Vicodin, along with meth: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pamela Harold, 54, of Johnstown Shari Saler, 60, of Windber Courtney Romesburg, 27, of Johnstown According to the complaint, Harold and Saler were selling drugs and that Romesburg was the person who delivered the drugs for them. Police utilized a confidential informant (CI) in order to purchase the pills and meth from Harold and Saler in 2024. Johnstown man charged after drugs, gun found after overdose Heres what they were able to purchase using a CI: On Aug. 2, 2024 Three tablets of vicodin On Aug. 5, 2024 Five tablets of ritalin 2.82 grams of meth Aug. 9 2024 Five tablets of ritalin 3.95 grams of meth Aug. 16, 2024 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Five tablets of ritalin 2.84 grams of meth Aug. 23, 2024 Two tablets of ritalin 2.90 grams of meth Oct. 2, 2024 2.61 grams of meth Oct. 22, 2024 1.78 grams of meth According to the complaint, both Harold and Saler were receiving medical assistance from Medicaid to obtain prescriptions that they would then sell. On Oct. 25, 2024, the PA OAG, Cambria County DTF, Somerset DTF and Cambria County SERT were granted a search warrant for a home on Terrace Drive in Johnstown. The following items were found in the home: A plastic bag containing 89 grams of meth Seven bags containing large quantities of marijuana Multiple bags of suspected crack cocaine 10 oxycodone pills Packaging materials Digital scales with residue Three 9mm handguns One 40 caliber handgun Multiple cell phones $226 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All three women have been charged and released on $50,000 unsecured bail. They are facing charges of corrupt organization, criminal conspiracy to violate, possession with intent to deliver, criminal use of a communication facility and other related charges. Get the latest news, weather forecasts and sports stories delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up for our newsletters. They have preliminary hearings scheduled for Nov. 10. 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 WTAJ - www.wtaj.com. NEED TO KNOW Jonathan Bedard, Eric LeBlanc and Justin Maheu of Montreal are raising a 3-year-old girl after serving as her foster parents a journey that was seven years in the making However, under the current local law, only two of them are legally recognized as having adopted her The three hope the law will change and expand the definition of family, telling PEOPLE: "There's three times the love ... three times everything" Jonathan Bedard, Eric LeBlanc and Justin Maheu all live together as romantic partners in what they call a triad or throuple in Montreal, where they realized their dreams of raising a child last month when they adopted their 3-year-old daughter. The journey was seven years in the making, but they say it isn't over. Now they want to see the definition of family expanded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We're not objective, but she's a dream, really, LeBlanc, a 33-year-old author, tells PEOPLE about their daughter, whose name they wish to remain private. We can't wait to see how she's gonna grow. Their story, which has made headlines in Canada, is unique because in Quebec, no more than two people can be legally recognized as a child's parents, though families with more than two parents have legal standing in other provinces, including British Columba and Ontario. Maheu, Bedard and LeBlanc want the law changed where they live, too, and families like theirs are making progress in the court system. In April, a judge ruled that the civil code in Quebec is unconstitutional. The local government was given a year to modify its civil code, according to CTV News, but the decision has been appealed by Quebecs Ministry of Justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The three men have hope the law will change and that LeBlanc will be legally recognized as their daughter's third parent soon as of now, it's Maheu and Bedard and that in sharing the everyday details of their unique-sounding relationship, they can help change hearts and minds. Despite the questions and criticism they have faced, they say they want the same thing any parents do: to ensure their child's well-being. Our main goal was to raise awareness around our situation and multiple parenting in general, LeBlanc says. Maheu, a 40-year-old management consultant, and Bedard, 44, a music teacher, first met in college 20 years ago and became a couple. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About a decade later, in 2018, Bedard met LeBlanc, who was then introduced to Maheu. As for how they decided that a three-person relationship was for them, they say they'd all had similar non-monogymous relationships in the past and "as we got to know each other, we understood we wanted something more than just friendship." For Maheu and Bedard, who were already together, coming to that decision meant having to "evaluate if it [was] something they both wanted," while LeBlanc was looking to be in a more polyamorous relationship and made it clear that this "was something he wanted to share with them." Ultimately, a three-person relationship felt like a "natural extension of the relationship we had already started building," LeBlanc says on behalf of the group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though their relationship was long-distance at first LeBlanc lived about three hours away before he ended up moving they did their best to make time for each other. "We rapidly established that the relationship would be equal ... so everybody was on the same level. As any other love story, it is important to talk to get to know one another, but it's also something you feel, and it felt right for all three of us," they add. Although their relationship isn't easy for everybody to understand, speaking for the group, Bedard tells PEOPLE that "having come out as gay, it may be easier to imagine new models of relationships since traditional models no longer suit us." Eric LeBlanc Jonathan Bedard, Justin Maheu, and Eric LeBlanc's daughter Jonathan Bedard, Justin Maheu, and Eric LeBlanc's daughter As for why Maheu and Bedard are their daughter's recognized parents, LeBlanc says that by the time he entered the picture, the other two had already started the adoption process and it "was way easier to just continue through that path." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The actual adoption process wasn't always easy. In April 2022, LeBlanc says, the Integrated University Health and Social Services Center of South-Central Montreal an agency that delivers health and social services as part of Quebecs Directorate of Youth Protection (DPJ) halted their application after the men said they wanted to parent as a throuple. Following the DPJ's rejection, they filed a legal complaint, arguing that Quebec law doesn't prohibit a child from having more than two parental figures, their attorney Laura Cardenas tells PEOPLE. The agency's decision was eventually reversed, and the DPJ directed the trio to another agency so that they could undergo a required psychosocial evaluation, one of the final steps in determining whether a family can foster a child, their attorney says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They asked a lot of questions about us and our love and work, Maheu recalls. LeBlanc agrees that "it was a very thorough evaluation process." After the second agency determined the group's home would be a "safe environment" for a child, LeBlanc says they started fostering their daughter, then 1, in November 2023. After enough time had passed, their adoption became official in September. Eric LeBlanc Eric LeBlanc holds their daughter Eric LeBlanc holds their daughter Three families are involved in the court case that challenged local laws in Quebec, according to Canadian Affairs and while the three men aren't among them, their attorney argues that the current law in Quebec is "harmful for both the parents and the children involved." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These children deserve to have those relationships recognized and protectedfor the childs own wellbeing, Cardenas tells PEOPLE. Conversely, when the system only recognizes two out of three or four parents, then the parents whose status is not legally recognized are in a precarious situation: they have less rights when it comes to making decisions for the child (e.g., medical decisions, decisions about schooling, etc.) and they stand to lose much more if they separate or have a falling out with the other parents." A spokesperson for Quebecs Ministry of Justice tells PEOPLE they cannot comment since the case is in court. Separately, a spokesperson for the Integrated Health and Social Services Center of Monteregie-Est, the agency the men used to adopt their daughter, says they are also unable to comment due to confidentiality. But in a statement, the spokesperson talked generally about the law and the process they use to evaluate families, saying the best interests of children guide the entire process." Eric LeBlanc Justin Maheu with their daughter Justin Maheu with their daughter Since going public, LeBlanc, Maheu and Bedard say they have received a mix of support on the one hand but disapproval, and even hateful and homophobic messages, on the other. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maheu says that, of course, some people have also had broader issues with their decision to coparent as a group some of it borne from unfamiliarity. People may see it as odd or unusual. But he sees it another way: Their daughter has three fathers to care for and support her; it's not so different, really, from children in blended families, with stepparents and other parental figures. The trio push back on arguments against throuples with kids and in the conversations that play out in real life, Maheu says that most people do "understand that [multi-parenting] gives more financial and emotional support." It's been 20 years since I've been with Justin, adds Bedard, "and it'll be almost 10 years with Eric. So we are really stable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In their household, all three men divide their parental responsibilities. We've always split everything very equally, LeBlanc says. Even though I'm not a recognized parent, on a day-to-day basis, I don't feel any difference. Their daughter doesn't see a difference between LeBlanc and her recognized parents either, says Beddard. Eric LeBlanc Jonathan Bedard holds their daughter Jonathan Bedard holds their daughter Although they're not enthralled with the term "throuple" they prefer triad Maheu, Bedard and LeBlanc have all come to accept it and say that having three parents isn't just easier on them, it's also beneficial for their little girl. 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 The main thing is that there's three times the love, three times the income, three times everything," says LeBlanc. "It's a story made out of love. And as any other family who has a child, we put the child forward. She's the most important part. And we'll always make sure that she has everything she needs." Maheu adds, We have a lot of love to give." Read the original article on People Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday launched a scathing attack against the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) candidate Osama Shahab, son of former MP and controversial leader Mohammad Shahabuddin, in Siwan's Raghunathpur constituency, alleging that the candidate's family has a criminal background known across the nation and the world. "The RJD candidate from this constituency is known for his family's criminal background in the nation and around the world...There is zero tolerance towards crime and criminals in Uttar Pradesh, RJD and its allies are against the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya, construction of Maa Janaki temple in Sitamarhi..." Adityanath said while addressing a public rally.. Taking a dig at the opposition's past governance, Adityanath said, "Before 2005, the slogan used to be of 'Sabka Saath, Lekin Parivaar ka Vikas'...Now they want to increase mafia rule in Bihar." Highlighting the Centre's anti-Naxal operations, he said Union Home Minister Amit Shah has declared that India will be free from Naxalism by March 2026. "Union Home Minister Amit Shah has declared that India will be free from Naxalism by March 2026...We want to develop all sections of the society...," the Uttar Pradesh CM added. On March 21, Home Minister Amit Shah outlined the steps taken by the BJP-led government to strengthen internal security and said Naxalism will be eliminated from the country by March 21, 2026. Replying to the debate on the working of his ministry in the Rajya Sabha, Amit Shah talked of the steps taken by the government to tackle terrorism in J-K, the Naxal challenge, drug abuse and problems in the Northeast. He said the country would get free of the "Naxal problem" during the term of the BJP-led government. "I say it in this House with responsibility that Naxalism in this country will be eliminated by March 21, 2026," he said. Meanwhile, in Bihar, the 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. Mahagathbandhan, led by Rashtriya Janata Dal, includes 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 staked claims to all 243 seats in the state. The assembly elections will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11. The results will be declared on November 14. (ANI) A group of rank-and-file senators increasingly frustrated by the weeks-long stalemate on Capitol Hill believe they have found a possible path to end the government shutdown. Its not yet clear if it will work. Behind the scenes, this gang of Republicans and Democrats have been engaged in a dual-track negotiation. One of their goals is to resolve the impasse on health care and reopen the government for the next few weeks. They are also hoping to reach a separate long-term agreement to fund certain key departments, including the US Department of Agriculture, which funds food stamps, through next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think the private conversations that are going on are trying to create like a shadow negotiation, so that we have some clarity about what we need to vote on, Sen. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, one of those involved in the conversations, told CNN on Wednesday. But these senators still face an uphill climb to get their warring parties on the same page. Their task has been made more complicated by GOP leaders fierce commitment not to negotiate with Democrats on health care until Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and his members agree to reopen the government. Thune appeared to suggest on Wednesday that he would have a conversation with those involved in the negotiations. Asked if he would personally engage with centrist Democrats involved in the talks, Thune told CNN: I think that will happen pretty soon. But his office later told CNN that he remains unwilling to discuss any Obamacare policy changes until the government is open. And Thune stressed he could not guarantee any resolution to Democrats: Ive offered up a process. I cant guarantee an outcome or result, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, the emerging talks are a fresh sign of optimism inside a gloomy Capitol building. Finally, after weeks of total gridlock with half of Congress not even present in Washington, there appears to be some movement. The push comes as members of both parties brace for worsening effects of the shutdown, including the lapse of food stamps for the first time in the programs history starting this weekend. Sen. Mike Rounds suggested that if party leaders agreed the Senate could vote as early as next week on full-year spending bills that would allow Democrats to move on past the current funding fight and pivot to longer-term spending bills. Theyre focused on - Is there a way for our Democratic colleagues to save face and perhaps not vote directly to a continuing resolution? Rounds said, referring to the same stopgap bill that Democrats have blocked more than a dozen times. Instead, he said, Republicans would put the bipartisan, full-year spending bills on the floor as a way around the continuing resolution. Once thats moving, maybe then well look at a continuing resolution, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers have faced increased pressure to reopen the government this week with crucial safety net programs including federal food assistance for more than 40 million people at risk of shuttering in the coming days. Thunes remarks come hours after he and numerous other senators voiced a rare sense of optimism that there could be a way out of the 29-day shutdown. Still, neither side has made any commitments publicly. Its ticked up significantly and hopefully thatll be a precursor of things to come, Thune told reporters earlier in the day when asked about the status of talks with rank-and-file Democrats. But yeah, theres a lot of higher level of conversation. Democratic leaders, Thune said, are not involved in the negotiating. Asked whether he thought there would be enough moderate Democrats in the mix to reach a deal that would reopen the government, he expressed optimism. I think theres a possibility that could happen. So, lets just hope that the conversations continue, he said, noting hes being kept briefed and read-into most of those conversations. Im hoping something here very soon will be fruitful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One Democrat involved in the talks, who requested anonymity to speak on the discussions, told CNN the conversations Thune cited are real. The Democrat would not elaborate on whether they were focused solely on resolving the expiring enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies or if other matters such as the White Houses recent moves to flout Congress spending power through rescissions were also involved. Asked whether the talks could offer a way out of the shutdown, the Democrat would only say: Maybe. One component of the ongoing talks how to win support in the Senate for full-year appropriations bills that would prevent another shutdown cliff in the coming weeks. Two other Democrats involved in the discussions suggested to CNN that they are interested in those long-term bills as part of an off-ramp. Asked about whether emerging talks involved full year spending bills, Democratic Sen. Gary Peters said he didnt want to get into specifics but clearly that would be nice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat from New Hampshire, told CNN that its accurate to say were pushing for full-year appropriations bills because thats what we should be doing, when asked whether the party was pursuing them as a way out of the shutdown. Shaheen, who has been involved in the talks, declined to confirm Thunes assessment that they are making progress, but said, I think there have been good discussions. Thats all Im going to tell you about it. Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, who sits on the Senate Appropriations Committee and has been perhaps the most vocal Republican calling for bipartisan talks, told reporters Wednesday that she was encouraged by the direction of talks. I think that there are, have been enough of the pieces that have been talked through that if, if somebody can just diagram out how it all comes together and present that Yes, I do believe its possible to kind of come together quickly, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres no great magic in how we get out of this. Its the same stuff weve been talking about for months, added Murkowski. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, however, said that he did not think that Republicans had offered anything new in the discussions. There have been, there are occasional talks between Democrats and Republicans on this issue, but our Republican colleagues dont seem to be offering anything different than what their leadership has had so far we hope that will change, the New York Democrat said. We dont want to pit health care and food. They do, we think you can have both. This story has been updated with additional reporting. CNNs Morgan Rimmer contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com How could any decent human being possibly object to mass immigration? That, it would seem, is the mystery puzzling the BBC. Yes, even after all these years. Because earlier this week it sent reporters to Buxton in Derbyshire to ask residents the following question: why are you people all saying youll vote Reform, when practically everyone in your town is white British? Buxton, noted the BBCs reporters, has experienced very little immigration, is a good 250 miles from Dover (where the small boats arrive), and has no hotels housing asylum seekers. Yet almost everyone they spoke to, apart from some wonderfully compassionate teenagers at a local school, viewed the small boats, and mass immigration in general, as a major source of concern. How baffling. If you work for the BBC, anyway. Well, since our friends in W1A seem to be struggling, perhaps we should offer them a helpful hint. The people of Buxton may indeed have experienced very little immigration. Nonetheless, Im reasonably sure that they do have access to newspapers, TV and the internet. And as a result, theyre probably aware of certain things that have happened in towns with very high levels of immigration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perhaps, for example, theyve heard about something called the grooming gangs scandal. Or the terrorist attack on a Manchester synagogue earlier this month. Or the march through Tower Hamlets, east London, last Saturday by masked men chanting, Zionist scum off our streets. And perhaps, having heard such stories plus a fair few others the people of Buxton are thinking, Wed quite like to prevent that sort of thing from happening in our own little town, if thats all right. So dont ask, Why are you voting Reform? You dont have a migrant hotel! Because its like asking, Why are you buying a fire extinguisher? Your house isnt on fire! Anyway, if that is indeed what theyve been thinking, I suspect that their resolve is now even stronger for a reason that should be obvious, even to the BBC. On Tuesday, in Uxbridge, west London, a dog-walker was stabbed to death in the street. Two other passers-by were stabbed, too. Police swiftly arrested a suspect. Hes an Afghan national who, in 2020, entered this country illegally on a lorry, and was subsequently granted asylum and leave to remain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This story would be horrifying enough if it were an isolated incident. But its not. On Friday, an asylum seeker in Walsall was convicted of murdering a female member of staff from the migrant hotel in which he was staying. On Friday, Sudanese asylum seeker Deng Chol Majek was found guilty of the murder of hotel worker Rhiannon Whyte, whom he stabbed more than 20 times - British Transport Police On Monday, an asylum seeker in Bournemouth was jailed for chasing hotel workers with a knife because he was unhappy with the free food he was being given. On Wednesday, a small-boat migrant in Derby was jailed for life for stabbing a bank customer to death. And this is just in the past week. If we go back to the start of the month, a gang of small-boat migrants in Dorset was jailed for committing roaming street violence armed with machetes. We really shouldnt have to live like this. Responding to the news from Uxbridge, the former Tory MP Nadhim Zahawi spoke for millions when he asked: How many more people need to lose their lives before we take this threat seriously?, and thundered: Anywhere else in the world it would be a national emergency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well, hes right. This is a national emergency. And its time for Sir Keir Starmer to admit it and act accordingly. That means detaining and deporting anyone who enters the country by illegal means (whether small boat or lorry). It means no more migrant hotels. And it means telling the leaders of other Western nations, in case they havent noticed yet, that existing refugee treaties are no longer fit for purpose and must be scrapped. Far too many dangerous men are exploiting them, and its got to end. Of course, Im not completely delusional. Obviously a Starmer administration isnt going to do any of this. We all know that. At the very least, however, it would be nice if our national broadcaster could finally grasp why, even in areas of low immigration, people want proper border controls. So, if nothing else comes from this weeks horror, please can the BBC get the following concept into its collective head. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This country produces quite enough violent criminals of its own. We really dont need to import more. 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. The Times of London apologized on Tuesday after it ran and retracted an interview with a person impersonating former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio that seemed to run counter to the former mayors support of Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. The Rupert Murdoch-owned paper took the story down after discovering that our reporter had been misled by an individual falsely claiming to be the former New York mayor, it said in a statement to the New York Times. It said it apologized to de Blasio. The initial story, posted on Tuesday evening, claimed de Blasio, an enthusiastic supporter of Mamdani, had grown skeptical of the candidates various policy proposals. In my view, the math doesnt hold up under scrutiny, and the political hurdles are substantial, one quote from de Blasio read. But after Andrew Cuomos campaign aides quickly pounced on the quotes, with one saying de Blasio had read the fine print of Mamdanis policies, the former mayor quickly bashed the London paper for making the story up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want to be 100% clear: The story in the Times of London is entirely false and fabricated, de Blasio wrote on X. It was just brought to my attention and Im appalled. I never spoke to that reporter and never said those things. Those quotes arent mine, dont reflect my views. It is an absolute violation of journalistic ethics, he wrote in a second post. The truth is I fully support [Mamdani] and believe his vision is both necessary and achievable. De Blasio, who frequently sparred with Cuomo during their time in elected office, endorsed Mamdani early last month. I truly find him to be particularly perceptive, intelligent, open, he said on MSNBCs Morning Joe, saying Mamdani focused on kitchen table issues. Rarely have I met someone in public life who listens so well, and I think thats crucial, he said. The post Times of London Apologizes for Fake Bill de Blasio Interview Criticizing Zohran Mamdani appeared first on TheWrap. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville) is asking the Tennessee Comptrollers Office to review what he called staggering new property valuations. According to Sexton, some lower Broadway properties saw their values increase by 300%. Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts A statement from the Speakers office reads: Speaker Sexton has heard from numerous businesses and homeowners who are alarmed by the staggering new property valuations from the Davidson County Assessors Office. Some Lower Broadway properties saw increases of more than 300% between 2024 and 2025. The Speaker has asked the Comptrollers Office to review the situation, as the only current recourse owners have, filing and appeal, faces a two-year backlog before being addressed. Massive valuation increases like these threaten to shutter businesses. Action must be taken quickly to provide relief before its too late. The Nashville property assessor assesses the values of all local properties, and the Metro Council sets the tax rate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sexton cited Broadway bars for both Kid Rock and Garth Brooks as two locations seeing significant property values. From 2021, Kid Rocks bar reportedly saw a $49.5 million difference. Since Garth Brooks barFriends in Low Placesopened in 2024, the property assessment shows a $47.5 million difference. Barrett Hobbs, who owns several Nashville businesses like Nashville Palace, Scoreboard and Bootleggers, said a domino effect could lead to businesses shutting down or leaving Nashville. We knew it was going to be bad, Hobbs expressed. Nobody dreamed it was going to be more than a mortal wound to this many businesses. I mean this is an extinction level event for businesses. One of my appeals is set for the fall of 2026, Hobbs said. You know, so to give you the timeline: you get your letter; you get your assessment in October. You have got to pay your bill by February 28. My appeal wont take place until almost my 26 taxes are due. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Metro Councilmember Jacob Kupin said hes working with the Davidson County Property Assessors office and the Mayors Office to move along the appeals process. One of the other concerns I am hearing is the timing, so these folks are getting these high tax bills and then they are scheduling the appeals, and the appeals are being pushed even into the fall of next year, Kupin said. We know that Downtown generates a substantial amount of the city and the states income and off sets what could otherwise be tax bills, so if we see these downtown establishments close, we are going to put ourselves in a fiscally challenging situation, Kupin explained. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com News 2 also spoke with Metro Nashville and Davidson County Property Assessor Vivian M. Wilhoite. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We welcome any review of our work and the revenue-neutral Reappraisal process that utilized the state required Mass Appraisal approach, she said. With the oversight of the State of Tennessee, our office operates with fairness, equity and transparency, and we have always proactively encourage property owners, both residential and commercial, to appeal timely if they disagree with their property value or their property classification. It is their right. 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. LEXINGTON, Tenn. (WKRN) Body camera video recorded before a mans arrest for posting a Facebook meme quoting President Donald Trump appeared to contradict part of the Perry County sheriffs defense of the case. The prosecutor dropped a charge of threatening mass violence at school a few hours after Lexington Police released the video to News 2. Larry Bushart was jailed for 39 days on a $2 million bond. A court affidavit links Busharts arrest to Perry County Sheriff Nick Weems. An investigator said they received a message from the sheriff regarding a Facebook post Larry Bushart made on the Whats Happening in Perry County, TN Facebook page in response to someones post about a vigil for the conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS | Charges dropped against Lexington man arrested over Facebook meme of Donald Trump The affidavits description of Busharts comment matches a meme shared in 2024 by the gun safety group Everytown. Next to an image of President Trump, the meme says We have to get over it, citing a comment made by Donald Trump on the Perry High School mass shooting day after. Bushart wrote, This seems relevant today according to the affidavit. Everytowns meme references a mass shooting at Perry High School in Iowa in 2024. In a statement yesterday to News 2, Sheriff Weems said Busharts post caused multiple, reasonable citizens to be in fear of their childrens safety at school. He also claimed his investigator reached out to Lexington Police to approach Mr. Bushart, and provide options to de-escalate the situation before an arrest was made. Mr. Bushart declined to clarify his public messages, and calm the situation. Body camera video released Tuesday by Lexington Police raises questions about whether thats true. According to the chief for Lexington Police, the officer in the video was sent to Busharts home a few hours before his arrest to verify he was there and let him know that the Perry County Sheriffs Office was investigating the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the body camera video, the officer said an investigator in Perry County called me and said that there was some concern posts made on Facebook. Bushart: And they sent you guys? Officer: They did. They wanted me to come make contact with you and let you know they may be in contact with you to see if you still live here. Umm I dont know exactly what theyre referring to. Bushart: Oh, I do. Charlie Kirk and... Officer: Well, I dont know. I just know Bushart: I was in law enforcement. Officer: They just said something was insinuating violence. Bushart: No it wasnt. Im not going to take it down. Go look. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The officer left Busharts home about 20 seconds later. I just wanted to touch base with you, let you know whats going on, the officer said. They may be in contact with you. While Bushart said he would not take down the post, he was not asked to take down, de-escalate, or clarify his post in body camera video provided to News 2. Theres also no mention of the sheriffs claim in the court affidavit associated with the case. ORIGINAL STORY | Facebook meme quoting President Trump costs Tennessee man his freedom When News 2 asked Lexingtons police whether his department was involved in any way with asking Bushart to deescalate or clarify his messages, the chief said hes seen no evidence of that. He said there were no other interactions with Bushart beyond whats recorded on video released to News 2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News 2 followed up with Sheriff Weems on Wednesday morning about his claims that Bushart was offered an opportunity to de-escalate and clarify his post. Weems responded that his investigators report says a Lexington officer told him that. Weems also said he had not seen Lexingtons body camera video. 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. Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) has a theory to explain why President Donald Trump is refusing to negotiate an end to the shutdown, why he is demanding outright surrender from Democrats. Hes been spoiled by Republicans who treat him like Julius Caesar, bowing to his every whim. Republicans have shown me a level of advanced yoga Ive never seen, the way they bend over backwards to give him everything he wants, Booker said. Were not going to let him do to us what hes done to them, which is to turn them into puppets, into people who will submit, even when they know hes wrong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Think about what Booker, like other Democrats, is being asked to do. Trump wants him to support a budget that would cause 17 million Americans to lose their health insurance, and 22 million more see Obamacare premiums nearly double. And hes ordered Republican leaders in Congress to offer nothing in return. Why would Booker agree to that? Why would he defy the voters who sent him to Washington, and betray his own convictions for nothing? Cory Bookers marathon Senate speech TARGETING FOOD STAMPS AND HEATING ASSISTANCE As we enter the second month of this shutdown, Trump is turning up the heat, and targeting the poor. Hes cutting off food stamps to the 42 million Americans who depend on them, and forbidding the Department of Agriculture to dip into a $5 billion reserve fund Congress set aside for emergencies like this. Heating assistance is next. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And yes, that gives him leverage over those soft-headed Democrats who dont want to see children go to bed hungry and cold. Give the dealmaker that much. But lets keep in mind that Republicans control every branch of government, and could end the shutdown today if they chose to. They could reopen the government on a party-line vote by changing the rules of the Senate to kill the filibuster, or limit its reach. Or they could negotiate with Democrats and strike a deal. I dont see why we cant do that right now, said Sen. Andy Kim, Bookers Democratic colleague from New Jersey. And end these mob boss tactics. . . thats not governing. And thats what I hope the American people see. NEGOTIATING BACKWARD Its tough to strike a deal, of course, when Trump is out of town, and the House is out of session. In the Senate, GOP leader John Thune of South Dakota is at least working, but he, like Trump, says he will discuss health care only after Democrats agree to reopen the government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Is that a joke? They are asking Democrats to surrender first, and then negotiate. Imagine the generous deal that Trump might offer then. Its surprising to me how many sensible people are calling this a Democratic shutdown given all this. David Brooks, the New York Times columnist, is a thoughtful conservative who jumped off Trumps bandwagon years ago. Heres what he said about the shutdown: If the Democrats were a normal party that believed in democratic principles, they would have planned to go to the voters in the next elections and said: These Republican policies are terrible! You should vote for us! But of course, thats not what the Democrats decided to do. Instead, they shut down the government. . . Trump is destroying democratic norms. Democrats have decided to follow him into the basement. Senate Trump OPM HE WANTS DOMINANCE NOW I asked Kim what he thought of that. That would mean giving up my prerogative as a voice for the people of New Jersey, and just bending the knee, he said. Thats what Trump wants. He wants dominance now. But my job is to protect as many New Jerseyans as possible, and I cant wait for the mid-term elections. That would feel wrong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Polls show that voters blame Trump and Republicans more than they blame Democrats, but not by much. Where there is broad agreement, among voters in both parties, is on the need to compromise, a lost art in Washington these days. How is this going to end? I dont pretend to know, but one thing seems certain: Democrats are not going to budge unless Trump offers a deal to limit the damage that the Big Beautiful Bill inflicts on health care. Trump has unleashed the worst health-care crisis our country has ever seen, Booker said. More people could lose health care over the next 18 months than have in any period of American history. . . What Im hearing from all over is to stand strong. ANGER, DEEP ANGER Democratic voters are more and more angry these days, just like Republicans. After Sen. Chuck Schumer yielded to Republicans in a March, allowing a vote on their budget to avoid a shutdown, he was scorched as a sellout. A Pew poll a few weeks later found that 83 percent of Democratic voters said fighting hard against Trump was extremely or very important, while only 44 percent said the same about finding common ground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And that was before the Big Beautiful Bill made the deepest cuts to Medicaid in history, and allowed the Obamacare subsidies to expire at the end of this year. The anger is much deeper now, so Democratic office-holders like Kim and Booker might be committing political suicide if they fold without winning meaty concessions on health care. So, strap yourself in. This shutdown could drag on for months. In the meantime, perhaps make a donation to your local food bank. This is going to be ugly. Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. By Mike Stone WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Lockheed Martin is investing $50 million in sea drone maker Saildrone to help equip its biggest surveillance drones with missiles, marking the first time the long-distance autonomous ships will carry high-powered missiles aboard. The weaponization plan announced on Wednesday comes as the Pentagon seeks to counter China's growing naval power in the Pacific and applies lessons learned from Ukraine's effective use of explosive-laden sea drones against Russian warships in the Black Sea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the deal, Saildrone's 72-foot-long (22 m) "Surveyor" ship - a scientific data and intelligence-gathering autonomous vessel powered by wind, diesel, and solar - will be modified to carry Lockheed's JAGM Quad Launcher missile system and anti-ship missiles, according to a joint statement. Lockheed's investment will also establish collaborative systems integration teams to accelerate design and manufacturing of larger Saildrone platforms capable of carrying longer-range Tomahawk missiles and submarine-detecting towed sonar arrays. The companies plan to conduct live-fire demonstrations on the water in 2026. Saildrone vessels have been deployed by the U.S. Navy since 2021 on surveillance missions and are currently operational "24/7/365 alongside American Sailors in combat theaters around the world," according to the statement. The company has logged over 2 million nautical miles on customer missions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With $5 billion in funds appropriated for uncrewed ships and maritime robots in the "Big Beautiful Bill", many firms are vying for a piece of the action. Saildrone will maintain shipbuilding responsibilities while Lockheed serves as lead mission integrator. Development work will create jobs at Austal USA on the Gulf of Mexico coast, where Saildrone's larger systems are produced, though the companies said the work could eventually scale to other U.S. shipyards. (Reporting by Mike Stone in Washington; Additional reporting by David Jeans; Editing by Jamie Freed) Hailing Mahagathbandhan's Bihar elections manifesto, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge termed it as a reason for "social justice" and "upliftment" of people in the state. Kharge noted that the reservation limit will increase, and the extremely backward classes will receive respect, following the implementation of Mahagathbandhan's manifesto. "Now true social justice and upliftment will come to Bihar, The reservation limit will increase, the extremely backward classes will receive respect. SC-ST communities will get proportional representation, The rights of all classes will be ensured, transforming everyone's life," Kharge wrote on 'X'. "Now is the time for change - to rekindle Bihar's pride, The time to reaffirm the Grand Alliance's resolve for justice! Some excerpts of our commitment to social justice," he added. Earlier on Tuesday, the Mahagathbandhan, released its manifesto titled 'Bihar Ka Tejashwi Pran', outlining key promises ahead of the polls, while addressing a joint press conference in Patna. According to the manifesto, under the 'Mai-Behin Maan Yojana', women will receive financial assistance of Rs 2,500 per month from December 1 for the next five years. The Opposition's alliance promised to implement the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). OPS has been on the Congress agenda since the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government in Himachal Pradesh restored it soon after assuming office. Congress had also included it in its manifesto for the Haryana Assembly polls. Mahagathbandhan has promised to put the Waqf (Amendment) Act on hold, and to make the management of Waqf properties "welfare-oriented and transparent". 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. Mahagathbandhan, led by Rashtriya Janata Dal, includes 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 staked claims to all 243 seats in the state. The assembly elections will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11. The results will be declared on November 14. (ANI) Artificial intelligence is moving from the lab to the bedside in Washington hospitals, from smart rooms with always-on sensors to AI that writes charts for doctors. So how exactly is it being used? And what are your rights? Artificial intelligence is now inside many Washington hospitals, helping doctors write charts, monitor patients, and streamline operations. Supporters say it speeds care and reduces burnout; skeptics point to gaps in state law around consent and surveillance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So how is it being used? Harborview Medical Center: At UW Medicines Harborview Medical Center, sensors and cameras from Care.AI are part of a smart room system that can connect an on-site virtual nurse with a patient at the push of a button. Theres technology embedded that youll see and stuff you dont see, said Kellie Hurley, MN, RN, the Associate Administrator of Clinical and Capital Integration at Harborview Medical Center. The room features a flat screen that doubles as a patient chart to cut back on busy work for nurses. The hospital bed is equipped with sensors to monitor vitals, smart IV pumps help to reduce errors, and a tablet is at the bedside to help address nearly every patients needs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tablet and screen also have advanced language capabilities and video chatting, bridging language barriers and allowing families to speak to their loved ones who may be out of state. The tech in the room is connected to an on-site command center where a virtual nurse is available to help with admission, patient connection, quick response when floor nurses are away or busy, and to answer any questions upon discharge. I have access to every patients medical record and their chart and so my job essentially is to be additional support for the floor nurses here, said Emily Copple, RN, BSN, at Harborview Medical Center. The virtual nurse also monitors charts for labs, physician notes, and discharge milestones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I consider it kind of being a patient advocate, one more person whos going to go in spend time with them, explain things clearly and really take extra time. I think it makes a world of difference, said Copple. Copple has been a floor nurse for over a decade and started virtual nursing one day a week once the system was implemented earlier this year. I had some questions about how is this going to work and is this going to take away from the patient experience? Copple said when asked about her initial perception of the tech; questions that were quickly put to rest. The patients seem to love it because I can buzz into their room, check in on them, ask them how their pain is, if theyre having any pain communicate that to their nurses, Copple said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The camera points at the ceiling, never records or monitors patients continuously, and only moves into the room once the patient gives consent. How do you balance patient care with patient privacy? KIRO 7s Elle Thomas asked Hurley. Great question. Compliance with HIPAA and patient privacy is essential, said Hurley. Patients can decline to have this technology utilized in their space; thats their right. It also has ambient sensors that can detect changes in temperature, sound, and movement. Harborview Medical Center is not using that feature yet but intends to sometime next spring. Were not waiting for a bed alarm to go off, said Hurley. Its giving us information ahead of time to ensure safety for the patients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hurley has been involved in the implementation of the 40 smart rooms in the acute care and intensive care units of the Maleng Building. The pilot program began in May 2025, but plans are already in place to expand the tech. So much of this technology were used to as part of our personal life, Hurley said. Were just dipping into that in the health care setting in a way thats meaningful, that is safe, that helps bring patients the best care that we can, and I think that its kind of boundless at this point. This is just the beginning. UW Medicine is also testing wearable AI cameras to double-check medications before a dose ever reaches a patient. Seattle Childrens Hospital: At Seattle Childrens Hospital, an AI program called Abridge listens to conversations between families and doctors with consent, then automatically drafts the visit note for the clinician to review. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abridge Ambient was first used on a 90-day pilot program across 18 specialties; leaders said it sharply reduced documentation effort. Now, it is being expanded. Providence Swedish: At Providence Swedish, Microsofts DAX Copilot performs a similar task, recording with consent to create after-visit summaries and other documents. The ambient AI scribes listen (with patient consent) and draft the visit note, which has cut documentation time and reduced burnout in system studies. Virginia Mason Franciscan Health: Meanwhile, Virginia Mason Franciscan Healths Mission Control, powered by GE HealthCare, uses live hospital data (not cameras or microphones) to manage beds and patient flow across its network. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The AI-driven command center pulls real-time data from a dozen hospitals, helping move patients to the right beds sooner and ultimately, cutting length of stay. Whats the Problem? Hospitals believe the various tech saves time, leads to fewer errors, and reduces burnout. But critics believe it costs privacy, and Washington state law cant seem to keep up with the pulse of progress. When something new comes in as something thats very disruptive as AI getting into this area. Its basically, were playing catch up now, said Seattle Attorney Greg Testa. Testas firm, By Design Law, specializes in technology, AI law, and HIPAA compliance, among other things. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why are we so far behind? Asked KIRO 7s Elle Thomas. Because everythings been fragmented at this point, Testa said. Theres no overall privacy law thats at a federal level. You have it by industry. Washington is one of only a handful of two-party consent states, meaning everyone in a private conversation must agree before any audio recording can occur. That law applies even when the microphone is part of an AI tool. Hospitals must make the recording obvious, typically through written or verbal consent and a visible indicator. Under federal HIPAA rules, hospitals also must explain how recordings, transcripts, or sensor data are used and who can access them. If patient information is sent to an outside vendor like Microsoft or Abridge, that company must have a Business Associate Agreement to handle it legally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As long as they are abiding by the HIPAA regulations, theres nothing really that requires them to go outside that and tell you that they are using AI with that, said Testa. Heres what hospitals are required to tell you: Audio or Video is Recorded Cameras or Sensors Monitor Your Room AI Assists in Your Care Your Data Leaves the Hospital Recordings Become Part of Your Chart Heres what hospitals are not required to tell you: The Specific AI Vendor(s) Used How the Algorithm Works AI Analyzes Your Data Silently Your Anonymized Data Trains AI AI Manages Hospital Operations So yes, HIPAA still applies, but it was written long before bedside cameras and ambient mics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Privacy at the end of day is all about notice and consent, Testa said. But right now theres no overarching regulation that requires any practitioner to provide that level of detail. New guidance from Washingtons Artificial Intelligence Task Force and the Health Care Authoritys AI Ethics Framework urges hospitals to go further; to disclose all AI use in plain language, maintain human oversight, and allow patients to opt out when possible. But for now, those rules are recommendations, not law. What Should You Ask? Patients who see cameras or hear about smart or ambient technology in their rooms have the right to ask: Submarines mauled shipping and threatened the survival of many nations in the second world war. One way to fight back was with anti-submarine warfare aircraft. Attacking a submarine from the air was a dangerous game, as surfaced submarines fired back at their attackers with machine guns and cannon. Converted bombers would roar a few hundred feet above the sea dropping depth charges and firing rockets; with over 120 Allied aircraft shot down while attacking submarines this was in no way a one-sided affair. Intriguingly, despite significant advances in technology the only submarine sinking post-World War Two was distinctly old fashioned. This list is skewed towards Allied aircraft, as the German Navy (the Kreigsmarine), managed to lose 287 U-Boats to aircraft, more than the total number of submarines lost by the Britains Royal Navy, US Navy, and Imperial Japanese Navy combined. The following aircraft are the most potent submarine killers of all time: 10: Westland Wessex, Lynx, and Wasp Westland Wessex, Lynx, and Wasp Only one submarine has been sunk by aircraft since the end of the second world war. This unfortunate vessel was the ARA Santa Fe, whose origin as the USS Catfish in 1944 means no post-war submarine has been sunk by enemy action. On the morning of 25 April 1982, Santa Fe was departing Grytviken in South Georgia, having landed supplies for the Argentinian forces occupying the island. She was detected on radar by the Westland Wessex HAS3 from HMS Antrim before she was in an area where she could submerge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Approaching from the stern the Wessex was almost overhead before the crew saw it, moments later two depth charges fell towards the submarine. The damage from this first strike prevented the Santa Fe diving, if only because she would never surface again if she did. 10: Westland Wessex, Lynx, and Wasp Westland Wessex, Lynx, and Wasp A running battle now ensued as the Argentinians attempted to return to Grytviken while HMS Brilliants Westland Lynx (pictured) strafed the submarine and Westland Wasps from HMS Endurance and Plymouth fired multiple AS.12 missiles. Although Santa Fe managed to return to the dock her war was over, and she remained there until scuttled in 1985. This halved the number of submarines available to the Argentinian forces attempting to hold the Falklands Islands. This left the depths of the south Atlantic open to much more modern British submarines - six of them - one of which sank the Argentinian cruiser General Belgrano another former US Navy vessel, which had survived the Pearl Harbour attack a week later. 9: Lohner L Lohner L Although now two land-locked countries, in 1914 the Austro-Hungarian Empire had an extensive Adriatic coast. As such they had a substantial navy with 13 battleships, 18 destroyers, 6 submarines, and an Air Service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On 15 September 1916 the French Navy submarine Foucault was patrolling near the entrance to the naval base at Cattaro, now Kotor in Montenegro. Two Lohner L flying boats of the Austro-Hungarian Naval Air Service were also in the area and although the Foucault was submerged the clear waters of the Adriatic allowed the crews to easily spot her. 9: Lohner L Lohner L Although relatively flimsy and with a top speed of only 66mph the Lohners could carry a few hundred kilograms of bombs. Four of these were dropped at least one hitting the submarine causing it to lose power and start sinking. With a fire adding to their woes the French somehow managed to get to the surface. Facing an untenable situation the ships commander ordered the powerless submarine scuttled. The crew were then rescued by their attackers who landed on the water to look after them until a torpedo boat could come to take them into captivity. Almost definitely the slowest aircraft on this list the Lohner L has the distinction of proving aircraft could have a part to play in sinking submarines. 8: Potez-CAMS 141 Potez-CAMS 141 Although a relatively obscure type the Potez-CAMS 141 has the highest ratio of submarines sunk per airframes built of all time. Admittedly this is because only one of them was built, but it did at least manage to sink U-105 on 2 June 1943. The Potez-CAMS 141, also known as the Antares, was designed and built to a 1935 French Admiralty specification for a long-range maritime reconnaissance flying boat. The prototype flew in 1938 with orders for an additional 19 airframes being placed by September 1939, however, with the fall of France in 1940 these were never built. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sole example led a somewhat nomadic existence initially operating out of Morocco, by September 1940 it was patrolling from Senegal as part of the Vichy French forces. With the Allied landings in North Africa in late 1942 the Antares again changed sides, paving the way for its successful prosecution of the U-105 just south of Dakar seven months later. 8: Potez-CAMS 141 Potez-CAMS 141 Alas being from a production batch of one and with few spares available by the beginning of 1944 she was nearing the end of her operational life, having flown around 1800 hours. Disappointingly the airframe appears to have been scrapped in Africa meaning there are few if any remains of what by at least one measure was the most successful anti-submarine aircraft of all time. 7: Curtiss H-12 Curtiss H-12 The Curtiss H-12 was a modified version of a US flying boat with Rolls-Royce Eagle engines and was one of the Royal Navys first anti-submarine aircraft. On 27 May 1917 an H-12 operating from the Isles of Scilly sighted UC-66 on the surface to the north of the archipelago. The pilot dropped the payload of 50kg bombs two of which seemed to have hit the U-Boat as it soon sank by the stern not to be seen again until 2009. Hit by machine gun fire from the sinking U-boat the aircraft then flew back to its base on Tresco with the Mechanic holding rags over a bullet hole in the starboard radiator. 7: Curtiss H-12 Curtiss H-12 At the other end of the English Channel on 22 Sep 1917 another H-12, escorted by two Sopwith Camel fighters, attacked a surfaced submarine in the vicinity of West Hinder Light Vessel, about 20 miles off Ostend. After also being hit by two bombs it heeled over and sank, leaving wreckage and oil on the surface, its now thought the stricken submarine was UB-32. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On top of probably being responsible for 66% of submarines sunk by aircraft in the First World War, Curtiss H-12s also shot down several Zeppelins. Which, given its top speed of 100mph, must have made for some of the slowest dogfights in history. 6: Grumman Wildcat Grumman Wildcat Although the Grumman Wildcat doesnt appear to be solely responsible for the sinking of any submarines it was involved in the destruction of 27 of them. It kicked this streak off while operating with 802 NAS from HMS Audacity, aircraft on patrol spotting U-131 on the surface near Madeira. The Wildcats carried out strafing runs while a group of destroyers and sloops closed to finish it off with gunfire and depth charges. More typically they were paired with either a Swordfish or Avenger. The vast majority of the Wildcats assisted kills being while operating from the decks of a US Navy escort carrier alongside its Grumman stable mate. 6: Grumman Wildcat Grumman Wildcat The fighter carried out strafing runs while the Avenger was positioned for a depth charge or torpedo attack. The torpedoes in question were code-named Fido and were the first homing torpedoes seeking out the noise from the submarines propellers. Although a technical marvel it suffered from having a top speed of 17 mph, slightly slower than the surface-speed of most U-boats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The continual harassment from the Wildcat playing no small part in slowing them down or causing them to dive at which point they struggled to make 9mph and became easy prey for Fido. 5: Fairey Swordfish Fairey Swordfish The main aim of anti-submarine warfare isnt necessarily sinking submarines - its generally to stop the submarine sinking your ships. This is especially true if your ships are carrying supplies that are keeping the country alive. So, during the Battle of the Atlantic escorts that managed to sink five U-boats while their convoy was decimated could be viewed less favourably than ones who managed to bring their charges across without loss to either side. With this in mind, Faireys most famous contribution to the art of naval warfare deserves a special place on this list. 5: Fairey Swordfish Fairey Swordfish In total, the Swordfish is credited with 25 submarine kills, which places it 9th on numbers alone. However, its ability to operate from escort carriers and the even smaller flight decks on Merchant Aircraft Carriers (MACs) enabled them to provide a continuous aerial escort across the Atlantic. MACs were as the name suggests merchant ships with a wooden flight deck a modest 410 feet by 62 feet, they had a limited top speed of around 14mph, and carried at most four Swordfish. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite this limited capability their presence forced the opposition underwater preventing them closing on the convoy. Perhaps this explains why that in the 207 convoys escorted by Swordfish operating MACs, only nine ships were lost to U-boats despite none having been sunk by the embarked aircraft. 4: Consolidated Catalina Consolidated Catalina A number of flying boats were used during the Second World War, for ASW the best of these was undoubtedly the Consolidated Catalina. Able to carry out a two-hour patrol 800 miles from base it could take the fight far out into the Atlantic. Despite only having half the engines of the Sunderland the Catalina could carry almost the same weapons load and had the advantage of also being able to use torpedoes, something it deployed in anger around Guadalcanal. The first submarine sunk by a Catalina was U-452 which was attacked south of Iceland by the trawler HMS Vascama and an aircraft of the RAFs 209 squadron in August 1941. In a twist of fate, the next U-boat sunk by a Catalina was in a similar location a year later by a US Navy aircraft. 4: Consolidated Catalina Consolidated Catalina As patrol aircraft, Catalinas were also responsible for sighting the German battleship Bismarck prior to her final battle, Japanese landings in Malaya, and the Japanese fleet prior to the battles of Ceylon and Midway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In terms of anti-submarine activity, the Catalina sank a total of 40 submarines, 14 more than the Sunderland and equal second overall with the Avenger. It also had the first air-to-air victory by a US Navy aircraft in the Second World War, the bow gunner of an aircraft evacuating from the Philippines shooting down a Mitsubishi Zero on 10 December 1941. What about the Short Sunderland? The Sunderland was indeed excellent. From our notes the Sunderland had 26 kills to the Catalina's 40. The Sunderland likely has more kills per aircraft (because of the much smaller production run). It was really 50/50 which aircraft from this class we included, with the Catalina edging it. For anti-submarine warfare, the best of these was undoubtedly the Consolidated Catalina. Able to carry out a two-hour patrol at 800 miles from base, two hundred more than the Short Sunderland, taking the fight far out into the Atlantic. Despite only having half the engines of the Sunderland, the Catalina could carry almost the same weapons load and had the advantage of also being able to use torpedoes, something it used in anger against Japanese shipping around Guadalcanal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What about the Short Sunderland? The Sunderland was indeed excellent. From our notes the Sunderland had 26 kills to the Catalina's 40. The Sunderland likely has more kills per aircraft (because of the much smaller production run). It was really 50/50 which aircraft from this class we included, with the Catalina edging it. For anti-submarine warfare, the best of these was undoubtedly the Consolidated Catalina. Able to carry out a two-hour patrol at 800 miles from base, two hundred more than the Short Sunderland, taking the fight far out into the Atlantic. Despite only having half the engines of the Sunderland, the Catalina could carry almost the same weapons load and had the advantage of also being able to use torpedoes, something it used in anger against Japanese shipping around Guadalcanal. 3: Vickers Wellington Vickers Wellington Coastal Command received a handful of Vickers Wellington Mk1Cs in 1941 and the better equipped GR Mk VIII in 1942. As well as the ASV II radar that some Mk1s had used for detecting surfaced submarines the latter also featured the Leigh Light, a powerful spotlight, and a radar altimeter to allow safe descent over the sea at night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After detecting a U-Boat using radar the Wellington would descend to 250 feet, as the contact disappeared off the bottom of the radar display the Leigh Light would be turned on illuminating the target and allowing the attack to be completed visually. Four U-boats were damaged in June, while July would see the first U-boat sunk by a Wellington. 3: Vickers Wellington Vickers Wellington From sinking no submarines in the first half of 1942 Coastal Command found itself responsible for 13 and a half in the period from August to December. At a time when RAF chief Arthur Harris was telling Churchill that Coastal Command was merely an obstacle to victory this was fortunate indeed. Although the Wellington couldnt protect convoys in the mid-Atlantic gap, generally managing only around five hundred miles from base, it made the waters around the U-boats French bases far more dangerous and pioneered tactics that would be used by Coastal Command to turn the tide in the Battle of the Atlantic. 2: Grumman Avenger Grumman Avenger While the Swordfish was a good carrier borne ASW aircraft it suffered in a few areas, mainly speed, crew comfort, and ruggedness. If you really wanted to kill submarines while operating off a ship the Grumman Avenger suffered none of these issues. The extra speed allowed it to search a greater area in a given time and meant that during an attack it would be exposed to the U-boats gunfire for a shorter period. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, it allowed other Avengers to make follow up attacks as they were able to get to the scene of the action before the submarine could make its escape. U-boats generally being sunk due to a continued attack rather than a single killer blow. U-118 for instance was attacked with depth charges from eight Avengers before submerging for the final time. 2: Grumman Avenger Grumman Avenger The Avenger also suffered far less damage during carrier operations. Analysis by the Royal Navy not only showed the American aircraft suffered 1/7th the rate of damage the Swordfish did, but that the lower risk of damage meant carriers were more likely to fly them. Having done the analysis, the Fleet Air Arm prioritised its Avengers for anti-submarine warfare. These advantages place the Avenger at number two on the all-time list of submarine killing aircraft, with 35 U-boats and at least 5 Japanese submarines falling to it. 1: Consolidated Liberator Consolidated Liberator During the second world war, 25% of the 287 U-Boats lost by the German navy to aircraft, were sunk by the Liberator. RAF Coastal Command first received 20 ex-USAAF B-24As in 1941, and these then gained a radar, four 20mm cannon, and the ability to carry depth charges and rockets. This was followed by the Consolidated Liberator GR Mk III, essentially a modified B-24D. The self-sealing liners to the fuel tanks and most of the armour were removed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The turbo-superchargers for the engines to maintain performance at high altitude were deleted. The ventral gun turret also went eventually providing a location for a more advanced radar. This allowed over two thousand gallons of fuel and a payload of eight depth charges to be carried. 1: Consolidated Liberator Consolidated Liberator As an example of what these changes allowed on 17 March 1943 a Liberator of 86 Squadron left Aldergrove for a nine-hour flight to join convoy SC122. On the way, it attacked U-439 causing it to remain submerged for the rest of the day. On reaching SC122 the aircraft swept the convoys route, and attacked U-338, forcing it too to submerge. Finally, the aircraft turned back towards home. It finally landed, dangerously short of fuel, having been in the air for 20 hours and 30 minutes. The Liberator had impressive endurance, was well armed, and, importantly, had the size and power to accommodate new sensors and weapons as they became available; it remains the most successful anti-submarine aircraft of all time. If you enjoyed this story, please click the Follow button above to see more like it from Autocar Photo Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.en ]]> Editors note: This article contains crime scene photos from a mass stabbing that some viewers may find disturbing. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) Recent high-profile violent incidents are raising serious questions about Michigans mental health system. Among them, the fatal shooting by police a year ago of a man with a fake gun outside the Grand Rapids hospital he had gone to for help; the police shooting of a man armed with a box cutter in northeast Grand Rapids; the recent police shooting of a knife-wielding man on the West Side; a man shooting at an officer before repeatedly stabbing a police dog, also on the West Side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then, theres the man with a knife stabbing 11 people at a Traverse City-area Walmart. Traverse City Walmart stabbing suspect: Didnt mean to hurt anyone innocent The men involved had one thing in common: long histories of mental illness. In an investigation that spanned months, Target 8 examined a mental health system that many in law enforcement say is broken. To be sure, Michigans $4 billion community mental health system works for many who need it quieting the voices that only they can hear, brushing away things only they can see and lifting them when life gets too heavy. But when it fails, the consequences can be violent and sometimes deadly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Target 8 took an in-depth look at two of these high-profile cases: what police called a suicide by cop in Grand Rapids and the mass stabbing at the Walmart near Traverse City. In both situations, Target 8s investigation uncovered gaping holes in the states mental health system that left two men, who struggled with long-term serious mental illness and who had a history of not taking their medication, living on the streets and not getting the treatment they needed. I dont think youll find anyone in law enforcement that will disagree with the statement that our mental health system is very broken, Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael Shea said. So much of the system that does fail pushes it off to first responders, pushes it off to 911, Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom said. We have police officers responding to incidents, sometimes tragic incidents, involving individuals who clearly were in a position where they should have been receiving treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you or someone you know are in crisis, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached anytime by calling 988. HANK WYMER: A FAKE GUN AND A HANDWRITTEN APOLOGY For 38-year-old Hank Wymer, the gap without court oversight of his treatment ended when Grand Rapids police shot and killed him in November 2024, a shooting ruled justified. Prosecutor: GRPD officers who shot, killed man with apparent gun justified You read a headline in the paper, you do a report on somebody stabbing somebody at Walmart or shooting somebody or getting shot by the police because they refuse to surrender their weapon, I just look at that and go, yep, this is a mentally ill person who was not receiving the treatment they needed and this is what it led to, recently retired Ottawa County Probate Judge Mark Feyen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He oversaw Wymers case in that county. It bounced back and forth between Ottawa and Kent counties. A file booking image of Henry Wymer. Nearly 300 pages of public probate records describe a history of mental illness dating back to 2006, when Wymer was 19 or 20, hallucinating in his hometown of Holland. He talked about wanting to cut off a hand. Psychiatrists diagnosed him as suffering from schizoaffective disorder and acute psychosis in 2012, a mental health worker writing: He needs to cut and smear blood on himself to make him feel stronger. Three years later, in 2015, after a short stay at Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services in metro Grand Rapids, Wymer was back in Holland, outside the apartment of a woman he thought he loved, squirting charcoal lighter fluid around the perimeter and setting up fireworks after sending threatening messages. Around his neck, like a necklace, he carried a garrote: wire with a handle on either end used for strangulation. He told police he was trying to scare her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A not guilty by reason of insanity plea to an arson charge led to 18 months at the states Center for Forensic Psychiatry near Ann Arbor. It costs the state $1,500 a day to keep and treat a patient at the center more than $500,000 a year from the general fund. The state says about 80 patients a year are admitted to the forensics center after pleading not guilty by reason of insanity. Man shot and killed by GRPD had long mental illness history Wymer eventually returned to the streets of Holland, records show: homeless, often refusing to take his medication, skipping appointments, smoking marijuana, doing meth and threatening death by suicide. By 2016, he told a mental health worker he had been hospitalized at least 20 times for mental illness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then in 2023, after more than a decade of off-and-on court-ordered treatment, the system lost track of Wymer. That May, Judge Feyen ordered 180 days of involuntary treatment, including up to 60 days in a psychiatric hospital, after Wymer again refused to take his meds. He was considered likely to harm himself or others. It wasnt clear when, but at some point, Wymer moved to Mel Trotter Ministries, a homeless shelter in Grand Rapids. The judge agreed to a change of venue in June 2023 at the request of Ottawa County Community Mental Health, sending the case to Kent County Probate Court. Some regulars at Heartside Park in Grand Rapids, a favorite hangout for those struggling with homelessness, said it wasnt unusual to see Wymer there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were occasional encounters with Grand Rapids police, who said they tried to get him help. Police said they had a total of 42 encounters with him over the years. He was homeless the whole time I knew him, Megan Gogo, operations manager at the Alano Club of Kent County, said. Either he would stay at Mel Trotters or he would have camps and camp out in woods. Nearly every day, Wymer walked or took the bus 2.5 miles to the Alano Club, which specializes in addiction treatment. He often spent entire days there. The Alano Clubs operations manager said she didnt know of any other help he was getting. Hank always moved in kindness and grace, Gogo said. He was just a light. Hank had his issues, but he was always just so positive, would try to do better than the day before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When you switch from counties, its really hard to keep track, and if youre homeless, with different addresses and all that, I can see where that could be, he could have slipped through the cracks, she continued. For nearly 18 months after moving to Grand Rapids, there were no probate court reports filed by Kent County Community Mental Health. There were no petitions for court-ordered treatment, until Nov. 4, 2024, when a Network180 mental health worker filed a petition in Kent County Probate Court. The file listed Wymer as homeless. Wymer, the Network180 worker wrote, planned to buy a gun and take his own life. A psychiatrist diagnosed Wymer with bipolar disorder, found he was a threat to himself and others due to his acute manic state and recommended hospitalization for, safety and stabilization. Wymer, he wrote, was not taking his meds and was not getting outpatient treatment. He recommended Wymer stay in the hospital until a court hearing. But by law, it takes two doctors, including at least one psychiatrist, to agree before a judge can order involuntary treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three days later, a psychiatrist at Trinity Health in Grand Rapids examined Wymer for 20 minutes, determining he was a threat to himself or others and diagnosing him with antisocial personality disorder. He requires outpatient treatment and this is strongly recommended, she wrote, but not hospital care. Wymer was discharged the same day from Trinity Health. That night, in front of the same hospital, 911 calls led Grand Rapids Police Department officers to a man with a gun. A police spotlight illuminated Wymer as he walked toward officers. Wymer held a Clickit lighter that looked like a gun, which is why the prosecutor ruled three officers were justified when they opened fire, hitting him seven times. The Clickit lighter that resembles a gun that Wymer had when he was shot by officers on Nov. 8, 2024. He died at the same hospital he had gone to for help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I love Hank. I still do, the operations manager at Alano Club said. I miss him daily. When I heard the news, it was pretty hard just because I saw him that week and I knew he was going through a difficult time. This is a tragedy. This is something that should not have happened, the Grand Rapids police chief said. Expert suggests GRPD officers had time to de-escalate before shooting THEY COULD HAVE DONE MORE Feyen, the retired Ottawa County probate judge who agreed to transfer the case to Kent County, agreed that Wymer should not have been left without help. Kent County CMH (community mental health) should have picked up the ball and ran with it, Feyen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Feyen, who retired last year after 36 years on the bench, said its not unusual to transfer cases between counties. Its a function of the local community mental health system not being adequately funded, so because of that, theres pressure to close cases and sometimes theres pressure to transfer cases, he said. Wymers case, he said, also shows a need for more psychiatric hospital beds. There are 600 state-run psychiatric beds in Michigan and another 3,100 private beds in places like Pine Rest and Forest View in Kent County. There are horror stories that Ive heard of where a person, I sign a pickup order, the person is picked up by the police, goes to the emergency room, they get two positive certs, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That means two doctors, including at least one psychiatrist, have certified that the patient needs treatment in a hospital. And then, if thats Holland Hospital, maybe Holland Hospital doesnt have a bed, so then somebody gets on the phone and starts calling and they can call six, eight, 10, 12 hospitals all over the state, trying to find somebody who will take this person, Feyen said. Sometimes they go to the (Upper Peninsula), sometimes they go to the southeastern part of the state, sometimes they go to Kent County. Were glad for those Kent County beds. But it is hard to find a bed often. I think the basic problem is that delivering psychiatric care, in-patient, doesnt make hospitals any money, so thats why many hospitals dont even have these psychiatric units. Others might have one, but most of the beds are voluntary patients, not involuntary patients. We definitely need more involuntary patient beds. Ottawa County Community Mental Health CEO Dr. Michael Brashears said he couldnt talk about Wymers case specifically, though he did acknowledge the overarching push and pull of involuntary treatment. What do you do with folks who dont think they have a mental health problem and wont engage in voluntary treatment is a societal issue, not just a mental health issue, because theres an intersection between individual liberties and protection, health and safety of the public that has to be constantly balanced, Brashears said. Is there room for improvement? he said. Yes, we could collaborate a lot better amongst the CMHs about these types of orders. In an email exchange with Target 8, the Kent County Community Mental Health Authority, better known as Network180, refused to comment, citing patient privacy. The psychiatrist who examined Wymer before he was discharged referred Target 8 to Trinity Health, which also cited privacy in refusing to comment. Winstrom, the Grand Rapids police chief, said he wasnt aware of the 18-month gap in Wymers care until Target 8 told him. Its a frustrating thing as a police chief to know that I have a group of officers that were involved in Hank Wymers shooting in November 2024 who their lives are changed forever, Winstrom said. Its so many what ifs, what ifs. If one part of the system had just stepped up a little bit more, Hank could still be alive. Winstrom said three social workers assigned to ride with patrol officers have helped his department handle calls involving those with mental illness, with the co-response teams handling more than 4,000 calls in three years. I cant tell you how many people in the past three years who would have gone to jail 10 years ago for a call of trespassing or something like that are now getting the appropriate care they need, he said. GRPD: Officer-social worker co-response team reduces ER visits, jail bookings Naomi Wymer wonders why one of those social worker calls wasnt for her brother. Target 8 spoke to her last year by phone outside her mothers apartment. I definitely think they could have done more, she said at the time. I think that based on the phone calls of what he was doing, pacing around and waving a gun-like object, made it clear that he was in a mental health crisis, so its really strange to me that they didnt send some kind of crisis team, that they didnt ask him any questions, that they just literally said, Drop it, over and over when he said, Shoot me. The chief defended the response. Our social workers are not armed. We do not put them in harms way, Winstrom said. We make sure the situation is safe before they go out there. Theyre not sworn police officers. When he was shot, Wymer was carrying a last will and testament he had written with a pen borrowed from a McDonalds, along with a hand-written note: I really cant be violent, Im Hank. I cannot imagine what Mr. Wymers sister is going through knowing that if just one thing had happened a little bit differently, he could still be alive today, the chief said. Wymers sister said 150 people attended his funeral. Hank was so loved and he was hilarious. He was hyperintelligent. He was so much more than what has been said about him, for sure, Naomi Wymer said. Police said they found another note, written in crayon: Sorry, GRPD. Thank you for caring and watching out for me. Police say when Hank Wymer was shot and killed by GRPD in November 2024, he had a note on him, written in crayon, that said: Sorry, GRPD. Thank you for caring and watching out for me. (Courtesy) He did care about the police department, his sister said. He cared about GRPD. He knew that they did try to help him before, and I think he just wanted them to not feel bad about killing him because he knew that they would kill him. He was just a good guy and I think it was his way of saying he was sorry for doing this. BRADFORD GILLE: A CASE DISMISSED AND A FOLDING KNIFE Body camera video obtained by Target 8 through a public records request show Petoskey police encountering Bradford Gille two days before he was accused of stabbing 11 people at a Walmart in the Traverse City area. Bradford Gille. (Grand Traverse County Sheriffs Office via AP) Gille was curled up on his side on a sleeping bag spread out on a sidewalk, using his backpack as a pillow as people walked past. The sidewalk was still wet from rain. It was 7:23 p.m. Brad, Brad, what are you doing? an officer asked. Ive been traveling for like seven months now straight, he said, standing up to fold up his sleeping bag. I get you, but you cant be sleeping on the sidewalk, right? the officer told him. Yeah, Gille responded. It was all clear till I laid down and they just started walking, I think. It wasnt clear when Gille had arrived in Petoskey after his release last year from court-ordered mental health treatment. But it quickly became obvious that he still needed help. The system totally failed him, totally, his mom Beverly Gille said. Mental health system stopped treating suspect months before Walmart stabbing He had lived in the area most of his life and had a lot of history with Petoskey police mostly bad: once kicking his own mother repeatedly, once fighting at a store over Oscar Mayer Center Cut Bacon. In January of this year, Petoskey police encountered a very agitated Gille sleeping in a tent in a gazebo. He had called 911 to report two kids dressed in pink at the McDonalds. Nobody, he reported, should dress like that. The encounter with police on the sidewalk was July 24. There was an ordinance against camping in the city, Gille was told. I passed out right in court one time in Florida because I was so tired, he told the officer. The judge yelled at me for it for some reason. You got money for a hotel? Want me to drive you somewhere? the officer asked. No, Im fine, Gille told him. You sure? the officer asked. Gille started rambling about the people that are serving our food in restaurants and grocery stores. Theyre mentally ill, theyre psychopaths. He declined the officers offer of medical or mental health help. He had a passport, he said, and had been trying to get to Europe. He said he might get a tent and maybe camp up north. Im 42 now. Time just flew by. You know community mental health, their so-called medications or whatever, I found out after watching a World War II, a black and white video, said that those psychotropics were poisons made during World War II to murder people, and theyre obviously still the same as back then, he said. He discussed religion and talked about the barter system. Brad, just let us know if you need anything, but no sleeping in the city, OK? the officer told him. All right. I hate this country, Im sorry to say, Gille said. After a few more minutes, Gille moved along. He didnt get far. Four hours later, just blocks away, Petoskey police found him stretched out on a sidewalk outside a public restroom. How did you know I was back here? Gille asked. Police suggested he look for a campground or find a spot on public land outside Petoskey. Brad, if we keep having contact with you like this, you are going to start getting tickets, the officer said. This place is corrupt because its part of the whole country of the United States, Gille said. You know those psychotropic drugs. Theyre poison. The city limit is about a half-hour that way, the officer said. OK, thanks, Brad. Have a good one. Gille disappeared into the darkness. It was two days before the Walmart stabbing. Timeline: Bradford Gilles mental health history Gilles mother said she wasnt aware of the recent police encounters. Why wouldnt I get a call from anybody? The police department? Because I respected them, I totally respected them, Beverly Gille said. What do I do as a mother hearing that stuff? Im appalled because I love that man, thats my boy, who is sick. Is he not sick? She said police should have picked him up immediately. Former Michigan Community Mental Health Director Jim Haveman also believes police should have helped him that day. Unfortunately, when the first time the law enforcement person found him, he should have brought him into a crisis unit or brought him to the CMH (community mental health) program saying, Somethings going on here,' Haveman said. He could have done that. The next person did not do that, the next person didnt do something, then the petition went out and that didnt get filed right away. Thats a failure of the system. We lost him: Mom of stabbing suspect says system failed him and society Police petitioned the court the day after Gille was found sleeping on the sidewalk, leading an Emmet County judge to issue a pickup order. Gille was considered a threat to himself or others. Petoskey police said they couldnt find him. The stabbing at the Traverse City-area Walmart happened the next day, July 26. Surveillance video from the store released by the Grand Traverse County Sheriffs Department shows Gilles rampage through Walmart, jabbing and slashing with a 3.5-inch folding knife. He wore the same clothes he wore in Petoskey two days earlier and carried the same backpack. Eleven people were injured. In a court document, the prosecutor listed the injuries: a lacerated kidney, a stab wound to the stomach, damage to an artery and nerves, a slash wound to an eye, a lacerated liver, damage to a lung, damage to a lung and liver, a punctured lung, severed artery, exposed intestines, a slash across a womans face, a stab wound to the back. I am the elderly lady outside of Walmart seen in the video, his final victim told Target 8 in the days after the stabbing. All of a sudden, I got hit in the back, I thought pushed, like a stampede because people coming out, said the 84-year-old woman, who asked that her name not be used. I thought I got pushed harder than Ive been pushed in my life. It felt like a truck hit me. and I went straight down. My knees didnt buckle or anything. I just went straight down. The woman had gone to Walmart to return an expired $3.83 package of plant-based sausage. She was Gilles last victim, stabbed in the back. I went flat as a flounder, she said. That was moments before bystanders pinned Gille down with shopping carts and a gun. Man who helped stop Walmart stabber: Like there was a demon in him All the victims were hospitalized. All have since been released. I just felt nothing but pity for this boy because hes never had a chance, the woman said. I hope that he can stay on his medication, she said. I hope that hes incarcerated not incarcerated in a jail; I dont think a jail is any place for him to be, but a state hospital like we used to have in Traverse City that was really run well once upon a time. We need to go back to something like that. Emergency services respond after multiple people were stabbed at Walmart in Traverse City, Mich., Saturday, July 26, 2025. (Jan-Michael Stump/Traverse City Record-Eagle via AP) This photo provided by the Grand Traverse County Sheriffs Office on Sunday, July 27, 2025, shows the knife that authorities say was used to stab 11 people at a Walmart on Saturday, July 26, in Traverse City, Mich. (Grand Traverse County Sheriffs Office via AP) A crime scene photo from the Walmart near Traverse City after 11 people were stabbed on July 26, 2025. (via Grand Traverse Sheriffs Office) A crime scene photo from the Walmart near Traverse City after 11 people were stabbed on July 26, 2025. (via Grand Traverse Sheriffs Office) A crime scene photo from the Walmart near Traverse City after 11 people were stabbed on July 26, 2025. (via Grand Traverse Sheriffs Office) A crime scene photo from the Walmart near Traverse City after 11 people were stabbed on July 26, 2025. (via Grand Traverse Sheriffs Office) A crime scene photo from the Walmart near Traverse City after 11 people were stabbed on July 26, 2025. (via Grand Traverse Sheriffs Office) A crime scene photo from the Walmart near Traverse City after 11 people were stabbed on July 26, 2025. (via Grand Traverse Sheriffs Office) Bradford James Gille appears remotely in front of Chief Magistrate Tammi Rodgers, Monday, July 28, 2025, in Traverse City, Mich., on terrorism and assault with intent to murder charges in connection with stabbing attacks on Saturday at Walmart. (Jan-Michael Stump/Traverse City Record-Eagle via AP) LOST IN THE SYSTEM Haveman, former director of the Michigan Department of Mental Health and later head of the state Department of Health and Human Services, said the stabbing should not have happened. He should not have been lost in the system, and he was, and its unfortunate, Haveman said. Nearly 300 pages of probate court records reviewed by Target 8 show that the mental health system had lost track of Gille months before the stabbing despite red flags. Records show nine judges from seven counties Kent, Muskegon, Washtenaw, Emmet, Cheboygan, Presque Isle and Oakland handled his case and that he had a dozen attorneys over the years. This would impact anybody, Haveman said. You or I, or a domestic case, a divorce proceeding, a delinquent proceeding, to have that number of people in that number of courts, youre going to get lost in the system. Gilles long history of mental illness started when he was 14 and smoked marijuana laced with something. He came in and got on his knees, his mother recalled. He goes, Mom, Im in trouble. He said, I had some bad pot.' Psychiatrists have diagnosed Gille with schizoaffective disorder, psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder and severe depression. In recent years, he wrote two books: one about his past lives dating back millions of years and the other, the Book of I Jesus Christ. Both, according to Amazon, are out of print and have limited availability. In 2016, after a dozen years of on-again-off-again treatment and moving into a hotel in Petoskey, Gille was convinced his dad had been buried alive, though he had just talked to him the day before. He thought his dad was there and he needed to get his dad out of the tomb, his mother said. He needed to get him out of there, and that was his goal and you know? Thats mental illness. Traverse City Walmart stabbing suspect had history of digging up bodies This is Robert Wendorf here, Greenwood Cemetery caretaker Karl Crawford showed News 8, pointing to his headstone, still astonished years later by what Gille did. Wendorf was buried beneath an old birch tree. We believe he (Gille) came over this fence here, Crawford said. Its a 6-foot chain-link fence. Its all around this part of the cemetery. Target 8 obtained crime scene photographs from the cemetery through a public records request. Petoskey police believe Gille worked all night at the cemetery with a shovel bought at Lowes and a 40-pound sledgehammer stolen from Home Depot. Authorities say Bradford Gille tried to dig up this grave at Greenwood Cemetery in Petoskey in 2016, afraid his father had been buried alive. The grave actually belonged to Robert Wendorf. (via Petoskey Department of Public Safety) Authorities say Bradford Gille tried to dig up this grave at Greenwood Cemetery in Petoskey in 2016, afraid his father had been buried alive. The grave actually belonged to Robert Wendorf. (via Petoskey Department of Public Safety) Authorities say Bradford Gille tried to dig up this grave at Greenwood Cemetery in Petoskey in 2016, afraid his father had been buried alive. The grave actually belonged to Robert Wendorf. (via Petoskey Department of Public Safety) A knocked over headstone at Greenwood Cemetery in Petoskey in 2016. (via Petoskey Department of Public Safety) A knocked over headstone at Greenwood Cemetery in Petoskey in 2016. (via Petoskey Department of Public Safety) A knocked over headstone at Greenwood Cemetery in Petoskey in 2016. (via Petoskey Department of Public Safety) A knocked over headstone at Greenwood Cemetery in Petoskey in 2016. (via Petoskey Department of Public Safety) Robert Wendorfs vault is exhumed. (via Petoskey Department of Public Safety) Robert Wendorfs exhumed vault and casket. (via Petoskey Department of Public Safety) Robert Wendorfs vault is exhumed. (via Petoskey Department of Public Safety) Robert Wendorfs exhumed vault and casket. (via Petoskey Department of Public Safety) There was sand and sod thrown all over, Crawford said. He was not digging the grave like we would. He was throwing things. Gille swung a 150-pound headstone from a neighboring gravesite to smash a hole in Robert Wendorfs vault. He knocked over 25 headstones. The cemetery caretaker suspected a grave robber. Sometimes people are buried with expensive rings or jewelry or that kind of thing, so you wonder if somebody in the family would, that knew that, or a friend, that he knew that he was buried with that would try to do that, Crawford said. There were no words to describe the bewilderment I felt at that moment, Tammie LaPointe said. Robert Wendorf was Tammie LaPointes father. He had worked as a sailor on a cement boat in Petoskey. He 81 when he died in February 2016. I went from being horrified that someone was after my dad to being amazed that this man, he believed his dad had been buried alive, LaPointe said. The casket had to be exhumed as part of the investigation. Wendorfs vault was later resealed and LaPointe buried her father a second time. It was very difficult, she said. I thank God I was raised in a Christian household and I believe those are the remains, not the person. That helps me immensely. His soul had departed. The cemetery caretaker was in court when he overheard Gille talking with his attorney. I was this far away from him, he said. He (the attorney) said, What are you going to do after this? And the young man said, Im hoping to go to college. And Im listening to two men carry on a very pleasant conversation. Come to find out it was him and he was as rational as you are. After pleading not guilty by reason of insanity, Gilles treatment was overseen by not only community mental health, but also by a committee appointed by the Center for Forensic Psychiatry in Saline a team of psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers. Gille spent a total of 28 months at the center and Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital before the Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity Committee placed him on a five-year authorized leave from hospital care in mid-2019. LaPointe, the woman whose fathers grave was dug up, thought he would stay longer in a state hospital. I was very surprised when I got the letter from Kalamazoo that he had been discharged, she said. The state moved him into adult foster care homes. Visiting nurses injected him monthly with antipsychotic medicine. Sometimes it helped. Sometimes it did not. Darin Moyer was his roommate at the adult foster care home in Afton in rural northern Michigan. I liked him, but he just had a sinister grin, Moyer said. One minute hed be fine and the next minute, turn on a dime, hed be out of control like he wanted to hurt people. But, he said, Gille was on his meds and he never saw him hurt anyone. In September 2023, a mental health worker with North Country Community Mental Health filed a petition asking a Cheboygan County probate judge to extend Gilles court-ordered treatment for another year. Records show Gille was still a substantial risk to harm himself or others. The petition ended with a troubling email from Gille to his caseworker: Did you email the ngri (not guilty by reason of insanity) committee what I told cmh to put in my chart which is that I was just illegally protesting by demonstrating the construction of Israeli cemeteries which its tombs are above ground with a separate resting stone on top of them, it read. Also Ive considered society that neuters and spays animals to be mentally ill. I saw a black and white video about psychotropic drugs actually being poisons made during WW2 to murder people but after I reported that to a corrections officer and a lawyer it was deleted from there. I saw another video about psychotropic drugs which didnt say they were poisons but had deadly side effects to them. Since Ive been taking those psychotropic drugs they caused me a lot of personal injuries which I will continue to take legal action against. Ive been incarcerated since 2016. Im my own guardian payee. I have a driver license. Im also self-employed. My mental health is good. So I demand that I be released now. Judge Daryl Vizina ordered treatment for another year. But by a year later, in October 2024, the five-year hospital leave was up, which by law meant he was no longer under the jurisdiction of the states Not Guilty By Reason of Insanity Committee. He was flipping between two, three CMH boards, people kind of washed their hands of him; we dont know what to do with him, Haveman, the former state mental health director, said. Somebody should have stepped in and said, Somethings going wrong here, and petitioned him or they could have called the forensics center and they could have come and picked him up. Thats what should have happened. With no new petition to continue treatment, the judge dismissed Gilles mental health case. The man with a history of violence and of refusing to take his meds was on his own. Eleven people paid the price for this, and who knows, three of them could have been killed. It wasnt that he wasnt trying, Crawford, the cemetery caretaker, said. North Country Community Mental Health declined to comment. POTENTIAL COLLAPSE OF THE SAFETY NET Shea, the Grand Traverse County sheriff whose department responded to the July 26 Walmart stabbing, blames what he says is a shortage of psychiatric hospital beds. What changed umpteen years ago when we decided to shut down our state hospitals? Shea said. Did we fix the problem? Was everybody stable and healed? I would beg to say no. Many, he said, end up in his jail. A recent study found 38% of his inmates suffer from mental illness. Thirty-eight percent. Thats a lot, he said, which means his jail has become a mental health ward. And we arent capable: Our jail was built in early 1960. Its not designed for that. We dont have that kind of ability to treat that population, these victims. We dont. Money has to be spent on mental health to fix the problem, Shea said. We arent dealing with the issue. Were putting Band-Aids on it and were kicking it down the road. The state needs enough beds so that when people need treatment, require treatment, they can have a bed, they can be in treatment long enough so they can actually get what they need to stabilize them, Shea said. Unfortunately, a lot of the answer would involve a lot of money and it would involve reopening mental health facilities which have been closed, opening new ones, making sure the moneys there to fund the treatment, Winstrom, the Grand Rapids police chief, said. Ottawa County Community Mental Health director Dr. Michael Brashears said most CMHes across the state are short on money and operating in deficits. He blames the state for withholding millions in Medicaid funds. He said his agency alone, with a $71 million budget, is $5 million in the hole. It means the potential collapse of the safety net, he said of the shortfall. Still, he argues, the system works well for most. The overwhelming evidence suggests that a person with mental illness who is engaged in treatment is no more likely to commit violence than people that dont have a mental illness, he said. But, he said, there are few alternatives for the Bradford Gilles and the Hank Wymers. You cant hardly get anybody in state psychiatric hospitals anymore, he said. You literally cannot get anybody in them. We have people that need state hospital level of care that cant get it because theres no availability for it. He said he believes the state needs three times more than the existing 600 psych beds. Robert Sheehan is CEO of the Community Mental Health Association, which represents the states 46 community mental health offices. I get so tired of people saying the system failed, because what people think that means is that the CMH didnt do its work, Sheehan said. Its the law needs to be changed, hospital beds need to be added and we need more dollars in the public mental health system. Among the needed changes in law, he said: making it easier to involuntary commit those who need help, like Gille and Wymer, while protecting their civil liberties, then treating them long term in places less intensive and less expensive than state hospitals. Haveman was the state mental health director from 1990 to 2002, when Gov. John Englers administration closed some of those hospitals. We used to have 50,000 people in psychiatric hospitals, he said. That was back in the 1940s and 1950s. The Traverse City Regional Psychiatric Hospital was one of them, but the state shut it down in 1989, more than a century after it opened. Theres now a mall there, with a candy shop named Sweet Asylum. Anybody who didnt fit and didnt look right or was handicapped was sent there, Haveman said. Some were mentally ill; some were disabled; some were delinquent; some people said they just didnt belong in the community. We made a decision: Lets phase down the state hospitals to about 600 to 700 beds and lets put all the money to build a robust CMH system to serve 300,000 people in the state. Thats what we did. The 300,000 includes adults with serious mental illness, people suffering with substance use disorders and those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Are there people that need to be in state hospitals, like Bradford (Gille)? Yes. Should he have been there? Yes, Haveman said. What I dont want it to do is to stigmatize all those who are mentally ill out there who are doing fine, who at one time might have been like Bradford, but have got past that and are now constructive citizens in our society. The Gille case, he said, shows a need for a change in the not guilty by reason of insanity law to allow the state to track patients after their release. Theyre just not floating out there, that somebodys watching on them, he said. Traverse City Walmart stabbing suspect found not competent for now He would push for more crisis centers, especially in rural Michigan. We dont need more inpatient psychiatric beds. Psychiatric hospitals were closed for a reason. They were expensive, they werent healthy places to be, they were huge, people were just institutionalized. Just think of 3,500 people living at Kalamazoo state hospital, or 3,000 or 2,000 living in Traverse City, Haveman said. He would also push for better communication among community mental health programs. One of the problems we have is that we have 47 CMH boards, each who have their own independent technology and their own independent system. They often dont talk to the neighbor next door, he said. That should be changed. There should be an integrated system so people can be followed and people can be tracked. People like Hank Wymer and Bradford Gille. All the parts, all the working parts of the system have to recognize that this is really life or death, the Grand Rapids police chief 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 WOODTV.com. Torrance County commissioners and staff bow their heads in prayer ahead of their meeting Oct. 29, 2025 regarding an extension of the ICE contract to house its detainees at the county jail. (Screenshot of Torrance County Commission meeting) Two days before a contract between Torrance County and the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency is set to expire, county officials have yet to receive an amended contract extending the use of the county facility to house ICE detainees. Torrance County Manager Jordan Barela told commissioners during a 10-minute meeting Wednesday in Estancia that the ongoing government shutdown might be behind the delay, and said its unclear what will happen if the county does not receive a contract extension by Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Torrance Countys facility is one of three New Mexico detention centers housing hundreds of detainees for ICE, and its commission has faced renewed calls to cancel the agreement amid President Donald Trumps mass deportation push. According to the latest estimates from DetentionReports.com, which collects and analyzes ICE data, Torrance currently has an average daily population of about 551 ICE detainees, an increase of about 150 detainees since Trumps second term began. In recent years, Torrance County and ICE have renewed the contract with repeated months-long contract extensions, most recently with a six-month extension enacted in April that expires Friday. While ICE has not yet provided a new contract, There have been some discussions back and forth, Barela told commissioners Wednesday. Its my understanding that they are currently working on a 30-day contract amendment. I dont know to what degree that the government shutdown has any implications with that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The commission approved delegating authority to Barela to approve an extension if he receives an amended contract from ICE in the next two days. If ICE takes until Nov. 1 or later to provide an amended contract, Barela will have to take the matter back to the commission. In the meantime, I imagine if theres a lapse in the contract term, that revenue would not be coming into the county and could not be distributed to Core Civic [which operates the jail] for providing the services, he said. The brief meeting did not allow for public comment, though about a dozen members of immigration advocacy groups tuned in to the livestream, including some whose profile pictures were quotes from current or former Torrance County ICE detainees alleging mistreatment. The groups have cited poor conditions at Torrance, including whistleblower accounts from former jail staff and violations from the Office of the Inspector General. They are calling on the commission to cease its contract, and also on state lawmakers to pass legislation that would ban local governments from contracting with ICE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commissioners have pointed to the jobs that could be lost in the rural county without the funding from ICE to house detainees. Barela recently testified before a local Civil Rights commission that the detention center employs approximately 93 Torrance County residents, paying them millions of dollars a year in salaries and benefits in an economically depressed area with few substitute sectors of the economy. Shortly before Wednesdays vote, Torrance County Commissioner Linda Jaramillo asked Barela whether detainees would still receive services if the contract lapses. I have had discussions with the facility, he said. I cant definitively speak for them, though they do think that for at least a period of time, the services will continue. Barelas answer did not satisfy Ian Philabaum, a program director for Innovation Law Lab, one of the groups seeking to cancel the contract. He maintains ICE detainees dont receive the services they need now, even while the contract is in effect. We appreciate her concern about people still getting the services, he said. But we would also like to remind the commissioner and the public of the ongoing failures of service provision, both from a due process and a human rights standpoint that occur every single day. Huntersville Town Manager Anthony Roberts and Town Clerk Janet Pierson have instructed Huntersville Mayor Christy Clark and town commissioners to fulfill Channel 9 Government Reporter Joe Brunos record request. Bruno requested the group chat messages between the elected officials dating back to the group chats creation. One message obtained by Bruno shows town business being discussed. The request, submitted Sept. 18, remains unfulfilled. But for the first time, an elected official is responding to one of Brunos requests for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 9 Investigates: What are Huntersville leaders texting about in a group chat? The Town Manager followed up to ask them to fulfill it, Huntersville Communications Manager Ethan Smith said. Almost all requested records have been sent to us. Once all records are received, legal will review the records to determine which ones are responsive to your request, and then all responsive records will be released. Pierson, who is highly respected and has been honored by the North Carolina Open Government Coalition for her commitment to transparency, told Bruno via email that because the texts were sent on personal devices, she has to rely on the town board to provide them. There are some requests that I have to depend upon the board to provide me the requested information, she said. I do not have access to their text messages and have requested the board provide me screenshots of those several times and have now requested the town manager follow-up with them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith confirms the town manager did follow up with the town board. Elected Official Responds: For the first time, one of the elected officials in the group chat responding to Brunos inquiry. Commissioner Alisia Bergsman emailed Bruno Wednesday to say she has submitted all of the relevant screenshots to the town clerk, and they are currently under review. Im sure you understand the importance of ensuring that all personal or family-related information in text threads is properly protected before theyre made public, she said. I appreciate your patience as the town completes that process. Bergsman is not seeking re-election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The other current town commissioners and Mayor Clark have not responded to four requests for comment. Bruno asked them why they participated in a group chat, if they discussed any town business, if they disparaged any residents or staff members and if they discussed any confidential matters. Bruno also offered to meet in person with them to review the messages. Experts say ethically and legally, elected official participation in a group chat raises concerns about public records and open meetings. VIDEO: 9 Investigates: What are Huntersville leaders texting about in a group chat? Toyota has denied President Trumps recent claim that the company recently pledged to invest $10 billion in the United States. Trump bragged about the $10 billion figure at least twice during his trip to Asia this week, visiting an American naval base in Yokosuka, Japan, and meeting with the countrys newly minted right-wing Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Tuesday. Yesterday I was with Mr. Toyoda in Japan, and hes just announced hes gonna spend, uh, theyre gonna spend $10 billion, and theyre gonna build new car plants, Trump said Tuesday, referring to the companys CEO, Akio Toyoda. And theyre gonna build em in numerous states, about six or seven different states. Trump: Yesterday I was with Mr. Toyota in Japan, and he just announced he is going to spend -- they are going to spend $10 billion and they are going to build new car plants and they are going to build them in numerous states pic.twitter.com/60hfme0fFS Acyn (@Acyn) October 29, 2025 No such deal has been made, as Toyota made sure to clarify. On Wednesday, company executive Hiroyuki Ueda basically confirmed that Trump was either making it up or mixing it up with a deal from his first term nearly eight years ago. During the first Trump administration, I think the figure was roughly around $10 billion, so while we didnt say the same scale, we did explain that well keep investing and providing employment as before, Ueda told reporters. So, probably because of that context, the figure of about $10 billion came up. Therefore, we didnt specifically say that well invest $10 billion over the next few years. LIMA Tractor Supply stores nationwide are celebrating National Hometown Heroes Day on Saturday, Nov. 1 with donations of $500 to a local police, fire or veteran organization. Donations are expected to exceed $1 million in a single day. In Ohio, Tractor Supply is donating $54,000 to 158 organizations. On Saturday stores will also host community events like Touch-a-Truck, thank-you note stations to express appreciation for local heroes and giveaways to bring neighbors together in celebration of local service members, veterans and first responders. To honor those who serve their communities, Hometown Heroes will receive a 10% discount on Nov. 1 and again on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. Tractor Supply has two stores in Lima and one each in St. Marys, Ottawa, Kenton, Van Wert and Celina. Drivers might want to consider changing their route when heading downtown for the next few weeks as ongoing construction at "the Y" interchange on the northwestern edge of downtown is causing traffic to back up for miles. All day Tuesday, traffic heading into downtown was backed up on Interstate 10 east leading to the Interstate 35 north interchange, causing major delays. The slowdown was the result of a reduction in lanes due to construction - including blocking one of the two lanes at the interchange that eastbound I-10 drivers use to get onto I-35 North, otherwise known as "the Y," according to the Texas Department of Transportation online map. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ALSO READ: Map: Explore a decade of San Antonio road rage incidents Two construction alerts in the area indicate that crews are performing bridge joint replacement from Tuesday through Nov. 25. Two right lanes on I-35 northbound from North Flores Street to Lexington Avenue will be closed 24 hours a day throughout that time, weather permitting. Traffic was moving very slowly leading up to the Y. About 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, traffic was backed up to north of Woodlawn Ave. Both the upper and lower lanes were lined with vehicles bumper-to-bumper. This article originally published at Drivers can expect traffic to back up on I-10, I-35 for weeks. Here's why. . Credit - Al DragoBloomberg/Getty Images Before Eric Adams can start explaining the conspiracy that took him down, the soon-to-be-former mayor of New York City must make his morning smoothie. On a chilly recent Friday, he is standing in the stainless-steel kitchen of Gracie Mansion, the stately official residence on the Upper East Side, layering blueberries and ginger and flaxseed and greens into a Nutribullet blender. People think that our stomachs are like a washing machinethat when you eat, everything mixes up togetherand it is not, he says, whirring the mixture into a greenish-brown sludge. Our stomachs are like a sink, where what you put in it first goes down the drain first. He pours me a sample. It tastes like ginger-flavored grass. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are speaking a week and change since Adams bowed to the inevitable and dropped his bid for re-election. There is a lot he wants to get off his chest. When he was elected four years ago, Adams seemed poised to be a transformational figure. Amid rising crime and racial tensions, the former police captain promised there need be no compromise between safety and justice. Like Joe Bidens election a year earlier, his win was a triumph of the Democratic Partys moderate Black base over the radical-chic faculty liberals and their alienating ideas. Im the Biden of Brooklyn, Adams boasted. Look at me and youre seeing the future of the Democratic Party. Aides whispered that he could run for President. Four years later, the Democrats future looks murkier than ever, and Adams lofty ambitions lie in ruins. His approval rating sank as low as 20% in the wake of his federal indictment on bribery and corruption charges and its subsequent dismissal by President Trumps Justice Department. In the mayoral race between Zohran Mamdani and Andrew Cuomo, Adams was relegated to an afterthought, an object of ridicule and scorn. The cloud of scandal has obscured the message he wants to leave on his way out. I could have made better choices, he says, reflecting on all the appointees who broke the rules and betrayed him. But I had a city to run. And when you look at it, even with the crew that I assembled, there was not one year that we were not moving the city forward. Hes been punished, as he sees it, for telling unpopular truths, harassed by an unfair justice system, hammered by a biased press, his achievements diminished by a system he threatened. Its hard not to think about what might have been. It strikes me as Shakespearean in its tragic outcome, because there was so much there to admire, says Juan Williams, the Fox News analyst who has known Adams since the 1990s, when Playboy assigned him to write a profile of the young lieutenant whod risked his career to testify about racism in the NYPD. There was so much energy and determination, Williams recalls, a sense that this guy was going somewhere and he was going to take other people with him, especially Black people. But I dont think theres any question its his fault. He was selfish, and it clouded his thinkinghis sense of right and wrong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams proceeds to a peach-colored parlor, the smoothie in one hand and a container of carrot slices in the other. All he is asking, he says, is for people to look at his record. To put the good alongside the bad and see how it all adds up. The crime and homelessness he reduced, the jobs numbers and test scores he improved, the nightlife he brought back from its COVID-era slumber. Settling onto an orange couch, a carrot stick in each hand, he turns the conversation to his late mother, whom he says left school after third grade, worked three jobs, and raised six kids on her own. A black-and-white photograph of her adorns the cufflinks hes wearing. There was one point during this whole thing that it took everything to get out of bed, Adams says. And it was only thinking about Mommyhow she always got up, no matter what she had to go throughthat I said, listen, Eric, you just cant surrender. He came so far, only to end up isolated and diminished. They didnt think I could do it, he says. Youre a darn former cop, how are you going to run a city this complex? And there was a body of people that was not even willing to give me a chance. Adams grabs the smoothie and his suit jacket and climbs into the back of the black Suburban that is his de facto office. There is a packed day ahead. The next 12 hours will take us to 10 stops across three of the citys five boroughs, from a rundown police precinct to a glitzy nightclub, from a subway platform to a taxi-drivers gala. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The indictment is on Adams mind as we make our way to City Hall. No gold bars, no bags of cash, nothingthe case was about upgrades, he says of the bribery charges. Over years of investigating me, they could never find anything. So they had to concoct this. Adams was born in Brooklyn and moved to Queens in elementary school. By his teens he was a street hustler affiliated with a local crew. At 15, he was arrested with his brother after being caught stealing. In police custody, officers repeatedly kicked the brothers in the groin, according to Adams, leaving him urinating blood. The encounter left Adams brother with a hatred of copsbut it motivated Eric to become one. In 22 years on the force, he became known as an outspoken internal critic. Adams left the NYPD and ran for state Senate in 2006, where one of his first causes was pay raises for lawmakers. (Show me the money! he said in a floor speech.) He served four terms before being elected the first Black Brooklyn borough president in 2013. In 2020, he joined a crowded Democratic mayoral primary that included tech executive Andrew Yang and several liberal technocrats. Adams focus on public safety stood out. His upset victory, powered by outer-borough Black voters, signaled that the partys working-class silent majority wanted more and better policing, not the defund the police of the fashionable activist slogan. Under Adams, the city has seen a decline in both violent and property crimes. This year, shootings are down 54% and murders are down 36% compared to the same period four years ago, according to the NYPD. Subway crime in the third quarter of 2025 was the lowest in recorded history excluding the pandemic. And crime isnt the only area where Adams accomplishments have been substantial, says Kathryn Wylde, president of the powerful Partnership for New York City, who has worked with mayors since the 1970s. The citys economy has grown at a faster pace than the rest of the country, hitting records for gross output and jobs last year. Adams zoning reform, the biggest in decades, is projected to spur the construction of 80,000 new homes over 15 years, and his Trash Revolution has begun to move the citys notorious garbage piles off the sidewalk and mitigate the rat problem. As one X user argued: Eric Adams is legitimately insane and literally committed treason in exchange for airline miles. Hes also the only NYC mayor in ~50 years to make progress on two of the biggest issues the city has: trash & housing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams cut billions from the budget and took on entrenched urban nonprofits, weathering criticism from homelessness advocates when he ramped up the citys use of involuntary commitment for those with severe mental illnessa policy Mamdani has vowed to roll back. His chief of staff, Camille Joseph Varlack, tells me Adams has a skepticism of government grounded in his upbringing. He feels the city failed his family, and that drives him in a way I dont know if he even understands, she says. I tell him, I always think of you as Batman, and not just because you like to go out at night. New Yorkers are not convinced. In a recent CBS News poll, 61% of respondents said that things in the city are going badly. Just 22% said crime had decreased over the last four years, while 46% said it had increased. Ana Maria Archila, co-director of the left-wing Working Families Party, says Adams doesnt deserve credit for declines in crime when rates have been falling nationally. Adams, she says, has been too willing to see police as the answer, and has governed the city for the benefit of his wealthy patrons rather than his working-class constituents. He spent so much time fear-mongering about crime, she says, and at the same time he put police officers on the front lines of the approach to mental health and homelessness in ways people perceived as highly ineffective and not very humane. But political leaders are often defined not by the plans they make but by the crises forced upon them. For Adams, it was the migrant surge. When he came into office, the Biden Administration was insisting there was no crisis at the border. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott then began sending buses of asylum seekers to Washington in protest. In July 2022, Adams called Abbotts action shameful and urged him to let them come to New York City, where we can take care of them. Abbott was happy to oblige, and the first buses were soon on their way to Manhattan. A year later, Adams tone changed. New York was spending billions housing the migrants, whose numbers had reached six figures, in shelters, encampments, leased hotels and a cruise terminal. Adams began criticizing the Administration, saying Biden had failed New York City. In private meetings, Adams says, he urged Biden and his team to secure the border. He says Administration officials urged him to be quiet and compared the crisis to gallstonesit would be painful, but it would pass, and the best thing to do was tough it out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Adams, who was cutting back library hours to pay for the shelters and taking political heat for giving handouts to migrants, that was not a satisfying answer. Adams wondered who was really in charge at the White House: in his later meetings with Biden, he says he noticed a marked decline, and suspected the president wasnt well-served by his staff. He found himself frozen out by the White House, dropped from the advisory council of Bidens reelection campaign. (A Biden spokesperson did not return a request for comment.) On Nov. 2, 2023, Adams was headed to Washington to confront federal officials about the migrant crisis when the FBI raided the home of his chief campaign fundraiser. The mayor turned his car around on the way to LaGuardia and canceled the trip. Four days later, the feds stopped Adams on the street and seized his phones and iPad. To Adams, the connection seems obvious: He called out Biden, and then Bidens Department of Justice went after him. A few months later, Trump went on trial in Manhattan, and Adams began to sympathize with the former presidents claims of political targeting. Adams read the book Government Gangsters, by Kash Patel, the erstwhile MAGA influencer who is now Trumps FBI director, which painted a sinister picture of the deep state that would stop at nothing to destroy Bidens enemies. He watched Biden decry Trumps subversions of justice and then pardon his son on his way out of office. Take Trumps name off it, Adams says. They basically had a hit list. Back in the car after taping a TV interview about subway surfing, the mayor takes a sip of his smoothie, which has been sitting untouched for hours. My spinach, he says, like Popeye. We pass the flashing screens of Times Square and descend the steps to its subway station, where a dozen reporters and a row of television cameras await. Adams, as is his custom for even the most banal announcement, enters to the strains of Jay-Zs Empire State of Mind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The press conference begins normally enough. Adams and his well-respected police commissioner, Jessica Tisch, tout the program theyve instituted to reduce crime and homelessness on the subway, which they say has removed 2,100 people for quality-of-life violations and connected thousands with shelter beds and permanent housing. Its when the reporters start asking questions that things start to go off the rails. One asks about the latest gruesome subway crime, a 64-year-old man beaten to death at a Brooklyn station. Another asks if Adams campaign failed because his claims of progress werent convincing. Adams blames the media. My campaign didnt struggle because we failed, he says. My campaign struggled because the story has not been told by the same people that are not telling the story right now. Perhaps, another reporter suggests, there are shootings not being recorded in official statistics. Tisch takes this one. If the suggestion is that we are in some way hiding people with bullet holes in them, I think thats absurd, she says. Adams seizes the lectern. Lets be honest, he says. You didnt think I could turn this city around. Many of you thought, Hes just a cop. What does he know about running a city this complicated?You dont want to deal with the fact of more housing than ever in the history of the city, lowest crime in the history of the city, more jobswe broke the record 11 times. Outpacing the state in reading and math. We have dropped unemployment all across the city, but particularly in the Black and brown community. All of these indicators. You didnt think I could do it in four years. The same statistics the press uses to judge other mayors demonstrate his success, Adams argues, yet youre still talking about how were fudging numbers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes getting heated now, lapsing into the third person: Eric has turned around the economy. Broadway had the best 12 months in recorded history. Crime is at record levels. Just report the facts. Stop coming up with all of these creative ways of saying Eric failed. Eric didnt fail. Eric did the job of a working-class mayor." Now Adams points a finger at his least favorite reporter, Chris Sommerfeldt of the Daily News, whom he banned from City Hall press conferences earlier this year. In todays paper, Sommerfeldt has a story about Political Humanity, a new memoir self-published by Adams former girlfriend Jasmine Ray, who later worked in his administration. Their relationship first turned romantic, according to the book, in a 2014 encounter at Brooklyn Borough Hall. Adams takes issue with Sommerfeldts description of this as the first time she slept with Adams. (The book strongly implies it, but Ray tells me they merely kissed.) Youre a dark, sick person, man, Adams says, glaring at Sommerfeldt. Tisch and some of the other officials are starting to look uncomfortable. He dismisses them: Yall can depart. Let me do this. A prolonged diatribe at Sommerfeldt ensues. New York Attorney General Letitia James has just been indicted by Trumps Justice Department, but her indictment, Adams notes, is being widely portrayed as politically motivated payback, unlike his own. People attacked me. They called me names. They destroyed an impeccable record in the city, he rants. Folks, Ive been doing this for 40 years. I have 40 years of delivering for the people of the City of New York. And within months, because of a lawfare, you all of a sudden turned me into a criminal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams goes on in this vein for some time. So dont start asking me about whats going on now, he finally concludes. I want to know what did yall think about when my life was destroyed in this city. And I wish I had a mic so I can drop it right now. He turns on his heel, exuding the calm of a man whose anger has escaped his body. The small crowd that has gathered on the other side of the turnstiles breaks into a mix of heckling and applause. As Adams strides back up the subway steps to his waiting car, a voice calls out behind him: Would you take the upgrades again, Mr. Mayor? Adams settles into the back seat, turns to me, and grins. For the next three months, he says, Im going to have so much fun. The federal indictment of Eric Adams, unsealed in September 2024, alleges that before he became mayor, Adams accepted valuable gifts from the Turkish government in exchange for official favors, and that his mayoral campaign accepted illegal donations by laundering them through straw donors. Among the alleged gifts in question were airline upgrades on Turkish Air between the years of 2016 and 2021; the official favor is that he called the FDNY in 2021 to see what was holding up the inspection of the new Turkish consulate building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As we make our way through traffic to a police precinct in the Bronx, Adams lays out his defense. When you get an upgrade, if youre in your official capacity, theres no problemyoure allowed to do it, he says, with the confidence of a man who has carefully scrutinized what the ethics laws permit. As for calling the fire department, he says, he was just trying to make sure the citys bureaucracy was working to meet the needs of an important resident. I was indicted for calling the fire department and saying to them, Hey, the president of Turkey is coming in and they have a new building. Can you go do a building inspection? I didnt say pass them. I said, if you cant do it, let me know and Ill manage their expectations. (In fact, the indictment describes a lengthy back and forth between Adams, the fire commissioner, and a Turkish representative as he sought to facilitate the buildings opening without an inspection. In the course of urging the commissioner to get it done today if possible, Adams says that if it cant be done, he will manage their expectation.) Adams is not the only one to find both the quid and the quo alleged in the case underwhelming. The CNN legal analyst Elie Honig, a former federal prosecutor, opined that it was not a slam dunk. Former Mayor Bill de Blasio, whose campaign was also investigated for alleged campaign finance violations, says there ought to have been a higher bar to bring the first-ever indictment of a sitting mayor. I did not see how on earth he would ever be convicted on those charges, de Blasio tells me. Something involving airline upgrades? An allegation of foreign money, but nothing linking him to it directly? It seemed very thin. Adams staff refers to it as an indictment over legroom. More vexing to many New Yorkers than whatever he did or didnt take from the Turks were Adams dealings with Trump in the aftermath. The two men met for the first time, according to Adams, in October 2024, three weeks after Adams was indicted and three weeks before the presidential election, when they both appeared at the Al Smith Dinner, an annual white-tie charity roast. At the time, top Democratic politicians had disowned Adams, and Gov. Kathy Hochul was considering using an obscure state law to force him from office. Trump saw a fellow victim. Ive never met a person whos a vegan who liked Turkey so much, Trump razzed, before adding: I was persecuted, and so are you. He continued to champion Adams case on the campaign trail. In January, as Trump prepared to move back into the White House, Adams traveled to Florida to meet with him. He skipped Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations in New York to attend Trumps inauguration; I found him in the Capitol before the program began, sitting with his eyes closed. After I interrupted Adams meditation to ask if he was angling for a pardon, he insisted he only wanted to talk to Trump about their shared policy priorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps Justice Department filed to dismiss Adams case in February. At least 10 prosecutors resigned in protest. In her resignation letter, then acting U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon wrote that the case was being dismissed in exchange for Adams cooperation with the Administrations deportation efforts. I cannot agree to seek a dismissal driven by improper considerations, she wrote. Two days later, Adams went on Fox and Friends alongside Tom Homan, Trumps immigration czar. If he doesnt come through, Ill be back in New York City, Homan grinned, up his butt, saying, Where the hell is that agreement we came to? A judge, while observing that everything here smacks of a bargain, dismissed Adams case in April, saying he could not force the Justice Department to prosecute. The next day, Adams dropped out of the Democratic primary, staying in the race as an independent candidate. His re-election bid was hobbled by the citys Campaign Finance Board, which denied him more than $4 million in matching funds, citing the corruption charges. Cuomo, the former governor whod once vowed not to run if Adams was in the race, had already reversed himself and entered the field. Rumors swirled that Trumps allies were working to lure Adams out of the race. He was offered the ambassadorship to Saudi Arabia, or a position at the Department of Housing and Urban Development, per various reports. Adams says none of it was ever true: There was never a deal with Trump. The proof, he says, is that he was consistent when it came to the migrant crisis. I said pre-election that if you break the law you need to get the hell out of this country, he says. I said that after the election. He has urged Trump not to send the National Guard to New York Citysuccessfully, thus farand criticized the Administration for a recent ICE raid. The visceral hate for Donald Trump, and the feeling that he did something for methe city turned on me, Adams says. It was like I became the symbol of their hate. New Yorkers were convinced Adams couldnt be trusted, and he, in turn, was radicalizeddisillusioned about the justice system, the law-and-order apparatus hed held dear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To hear Adams critics tell it, the mayor was not a victim but a serial offender, a machine pol on the make who was never really vetted before he won the keys to the city in a stroke of lucky timing. Adams was repeatedly investigated for alleged ethical lapses prior to his mayoral election. Once in office, he surrounded himself with cronies, many of whom were quickly enmeshed in scandal. In 2021, I warned people that he would be corrupt and there would be chaos, and unfortunately I was right, says Curtis Sliwa, the Republican who ran against Adams four years ago and is once again the GOP nominee. He is the most corrupt mayor in the history of New York City, and thats saying a lot. He created his own destruction, but like every politician, he can never acknowledge it, can never apologize. Its always a conspiracy. By the time Adams was indicted, dozens of city officials had resigned or been fired, and many had themselves been indicted for allegedly selling contracts and trading favors. An October 2024 New York magazine cover blared, Last one out of City Hall, turn out the lights. It is a testament to either Adams governance or to New Yorks vast and competent bureaucracy that the city continued to function smoothly as members of the mayors cabinet fell like dominoes. Adams car pulls up to the NYPD Academy in Flushing, Queens, where this years class of more than 1,000 cadets has assembled in a massive auditorium. He stands at the front beside a pair of flags, a tiny figure against a big gray wall. It takes a special person to complete their career and not be bitter, because youre going to watch the worst things that man can do to man, he says, speaking with feeling and without notes. And you can either leave your career being engulfed by the pain and devastation of that, or you can embrace it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He urges the young officers to take care of their families and relationships, and to learn from one another about their diverse communities. Wearing that shield and that gun and that vest is a commitment. Its a dedication. And you cannot do anything to tarnish that. Adams is vague about what hes going to do next. Back at Gracie, as he microwaves a vegan dinner for onea lentil-based pasta and medley of vegetables smothered with nutritional yeasthe tells me hed like to travel the world and work in the private sector. In recent days he has regaled the city press corps with talk of a book, a documentary, a Ph.D. he wants to pursue. Our conversation turns to the election. Adams considers Mamdanis promises unrealistic; he predicts buyers remorse when the frontrunners supporters realize he cant actually freeze most peoples rent, make buses free, or bring down the cost of living. Adams is also concerned about the threat of Islamic extremism, with which he thinks Mamdani is too comfortable, and perplexed by polls that show Mamdani getting a large proportion of the Jewish vote. (In public comments, Mamdani has cast such criticism as Islamophobic.) In 2023, Adams hosted Mamdani and his father, a scholar of post-colonialism at Columbia University, for dinner. The frightening thing is, he really believes this stuff! Adams tells me as he mixes the veggies. Globalize the intifada, theres nothing wrong with that! He believes, you know, I dont have anything against Jews, I just dont like Israel. Well, whos in Israel, bro? At the dinners end, Adams says he told the Mamdanis, Listen, I just dont believe what you do. (Mamdani has decried antisemitism and recently, after a prolonged controversy, said he will discourage use of the loaded intifada phrase.) On Oct. 23, Adams endorsed Cuomo, calling him the better candidate to keep the city safe. Mamdanis candidacy, Adams tells me, is the number one threat to our city, and to be honest with you, I think the entire country, because youre going to watch cities fall like dominoes if his philosophy takes root in New York City. But he is still no fan of Cuomo, whom he sees as too inclined to capitulate to the left. "Andrew sabotaged this race, Adams tells me. Hes better than Zohran, yes, but thats not a hard choice, because to me everybodys better than Zohran. Later in the evening, Adams will take me to a taxi-drivers gala in Queens, where numerous young Black and brown men tell me they think he got a raw deal. Then its on to a club opening in downtown Manhattan, where hell pose with a pair of puffy-vested DJs at an outdoor roller rink while a deafening beat thumps, and crypto billionaire Brock Pierce will urge him to reenter the race. Hell swap his suit coat for a maroon dinner jacket and head back uptown, where a celebrity chef, an ambassador, and a selection of imported wines await in a private room. But for now, as he eats his plant-based meal standing up in his taxpayer-funded kitchen, he seems like a man who is very much alone. There wont be anybody like him again, the veteran New York Democratic consultant Hank Sheinkopf tells me. The citys demographics are changing, becoming more Chinese and Muslim, less Black and Jewish and white-ethnic, and its politics have been taken over by an educated, professionalized cohort. The political-industrial complex is now in control, and they dont need the Eric Adamses of the world. He wasnt from Harvard, wasnt from Yale; he was from the streets. He was held to a different standard in many ways. He never had a shot. The Democratic strategists who have chewed over their partys unpopularity in memo after memo since last November pine for an authentic tribune of the working class. A candidate who plays to the middle. Someone who can sound tough on crime and immigration without being a malicious racist. Someone who understands the aspirations of regular people. Who can embody masculinity without disrespecting women or gay people, who can speak to the menparticularly young men of colorleaving the party in droves. Someone who can work the system and deliver for the people. You had a mayor that was probably one of the finest mayors for working-class people, and the city turned against him, Adams says. But no one said its supposed to be fair.With reporting by Leslie Dickstein Write to Molly Ball at molly.ball@time.com. A transgender activist deliberately provoked Graham Linehan, the Father Ted co-creator, by putting a camera in his face, a court has heard. Linehan, the 57-year-old Irish comedy writer, is on trial accused of harassing Sophia Brooks, a trans woman, and damaging the activists phone outside a conference in Westminster on Oct 19 last year. At Westminster magistrates court on Wednesday, Sarah Vine KC, Linehans barrister, said Brooks who had been filming attendees at the event had in fact been harassing Linehan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In her closing remarks, Ms Vine said Brooks had followed a course of conduct designed both to provoke and to harass Linehan. She told the trial that there was a doubt, and a reasonable one at that, whether marks on Brooks phone were caused by Linehans actions. Ms Vine also submitted that the comedy writers conduct had not crossed the appropriate legal threshold to be counted as harassment. District Judge Briony Clarke said the prosecution would address the complainant according to their affirmed gender name, while the defendants position was that the complainant is male. Linehan, who appeared by video-link, has denied harassing the activist on social media between Oct 11 and Oct 27 last year, and a charge of criminal damage of their mobile phone on Oct 19 last year. Sophia Brooks, the trans activist, has said Linehans social media posts made me worried for my safety - Geoff Pugh/The Telegraph Julie Bindel, a journalist and feminist campaigner, who attended the Battle of Ideas event, told the trial she saw the confrontation between Linehan and Brooks at the conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I noticed Graham there... and noticed Brooks was walking very close to him which is Brookss MO [modus operandi] waving the phone in front of him, Ms Bindel said. Graham was trying to get him to stop pushing the camera in his face and I heard him say several times, use words like stop or go away. I saw something which I could describe as a sweeping motion, and then the phone was flying. Brooks was in his face and he was trying repeatedly to get him out of his face and to stop. The court was shown footage of the trans activist asking why the comedy writer had referred to teenagers as domestic terrorists, and in response he called the complainant an incel and a groomer. Lord Young of Acton, centre, the founder of the Free Speech Union, and other supporters of Linehan - Dan Kitwood/Kitwood Ms Bindel told the court: He had been his usual friendly self [during the conference] and very quickly he appeared like a man who had had enough. He just wanted them to go away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said that the activist also shouted her name and followed her in the streets after the conference, adding: I felt scared of him. Giving evidence for the defence, Katherine Harris, the co-founder of LGB Alliance UK, told the court that earlier in the evening, she saw Brooks stand up with a camera among attendees during a panel discussion. Referring to the complainant as male, Ms Harris said: It was a deliberate, intimidatory move on his part and he would not stop. He was photographing anybody and everybody he could, and it felt intrusive and aggressive. It felt as though he wanted to get everybody, to get all of us in his power through his camera, to say, Im the big man here, I can do what I want. That was the message. The disruption was complete. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court was told last month that Linehan and the activist met for the first time in person outside the conference on Oct 19 last year. While filming outside the venue, the activist approached Linehan and asked: Why do you think it is acceptable to call teenagers domestic terrorists? My adrenaline was up Brooks told the court that Linehan had called the activist a sissy porn-watching scumbag, a groomer and a disgusting incel, with the complainant responding: Youre the incel, youre divorced. A video played to the court appeared to show Linehan grabbing the complainants phone. Asked why he threw the phone and did not return it, Linehan said: My adrenaline was up, I was angry. I guess that feels like surrender, so I threw it away. I didnt slam it, I just skimmed it. It was instinctive as soon as I did it, I thought that was a mistake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Giving evidence last month, Linehan said his life was made hell by trans activists, adding that the complainant was a young soldier in the trans activist army. The writer added: He was misogynistic, he was abusive, he was snide. Julia Faure Walker, the prosecutor, said Linehan had posted about the activist relentlessly and that his posts were oppressive. Ms Faure Walker said in her closing speech: His views on trans activists in general is clear from his evidence: in cross-examination, he said he hated them. The social media posts by Mr Linehan were rather repeated, abusive, unreasonable, and to a very large audience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge said she will give her judgment on Nov 25. 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. Karnataka minister Byrathi Suresh on Wednesday dismissed rumours of a leadership change in the cabinet, reiterating that the post of Chief Minister in the state is "not vacant" and that CM Siddaramaiah is managing the administration of the state efficiently. "The post of Chief Minister is not vacant in the state. No one is asking to remove that post and give it to us," the Karnataka Urban Development and Urban Planning Minister said. Speaking to reporters in Kolar, he said that there is no 'revolution' in the state, there is no illusion. Everything is speculative news. When asked about the question of a Dalit CM in the state, the minister mentioned, "Everyone has the right to ask for any post in a democratic system. Therefore, he questioned what is wrong in saying that a Dalit should become the CM." "CM Siddaramaiah, DCM DK Shivakumar, and myself, all are disciplined soldiers of the Congress party. The final decision on any issue will be taken by our efficient high command," he added. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday said he would abide by the Congress high command's decision regarding any possible Cabinet reshuffle, adding that he is focused on completing his full term in office. Speaking to reporters in Mangaluru, Siddaramaiah said, "If high command decides, I will complete my term." Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on October 27 said that he would go by what the CM says amid speculations about the change in the leadership. "What is left to be said after the CM's statement. We follow his word," Shivakumar told reporters when asked about CM Siddaramaiah's statement that he would complete the full term as CM if the Congress High Command agrees. Earlier, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said that statements by legislators on the leadership change and the reshuffle in the Karnataka Cabinet are irrelevant, as the final decision rests with the Congress High Command. (ANI) This is a lightly edited transcript of the October 28 edition of Right Now With Perry Bacon. You can watch the video here or by following this show on YouTube or Substack. Perry Bacon: Good afternoon. This is The New Republics daily video podcast, Right Now. And Im the host, Perry Bacon. Im honored to be joined today by Geoffrey Skelley. Hes a great political journalist. We overlapped and worked together and had a great time at FiveThirtyEight a few years ago. Hes now at Decision Desk HQ, doing a lot of data-informed election analysis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, Geoffrey, welcome. Geoffrey Skelley: Hey, thanks for having me on Perry. Bacon: Let me start withso Im gonna talk mainly about New Jersey and Virginia, as everybody knows, having these big gubernatorial races. And Virginias also having House election races next week. So, start with New Jersey, where Mikie Sherrill is the favorite. Polls have her ahead by five or so. Talk about where the race stands, first of all. Skelly: Yeah, so actually, in our Decision Desk HQ polling average, we have Sherrill up by about six percentage points right now. Take your polling averageits somewhere five to seven, four to eight, just sort of depends on the methodology of the given polling average. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But I think its sort of a situation where Sherrill should be winning this election, if you will, in the sense that youve got Donald Trump in the White Househes not terribly popular in New Jersey. And given the sort of backlash we tend to see in elections after the presidential race, Sherrill has a lot of those environmental factors going for her right now. It is true that Republican Jack Ciattarelli has been trying to connect Sherrill to Phil Murphy, who is the outgoing governor in Trenton, and to Democrats in Trenton in general. And theres certainly a lot of dissatisfaction with things like the cost of living, utility rates, housingall those sorts of things in New Jersey and in a lot of other places, of course. And Democrats have full control of the state government in New Jersey, so Ciattarelli at least has a case to make that Democrats have been doing a poor job in Trenton and that he would shake things up. But I dont think its a coincidence that Sherrills allies at the Democratic Governors Association have run an ad, for instance, that said Ciattarelli wants to be Trump in Trenton. So its a very clear effort here by Democrats to try to connect Ciattarelli to Trump as much as possible. That was made easier [by the fact that] Ciattarelli had to go out of his way to say supportive things about Trump, to make sure he had Trumps endorsement ahead of the Republican primary for this race. So hes sort of moved closer to Trump over time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But I guess its also worth notingand Ill let you ask something else in a second; I know Ive been going for a secondCiattarellis in this position in part because he only narrowly lost against Murphy, when Murphy was seeking reelection, by about three percentage points. Bacon: Youre coming in and out for some reason. Are you close to something with the microphone? Youre coming in and out. So sometimes its. .. I miss a word. Go ahead now. So ahead. Jeffery Skelly: Okay. Can you hear me now? Ill sit a little closer to the phone maybe. So, Ciattarelli only lost by three percentage points in the 2021 gubernatorial election in New Jersey. And so, in theory at least, there is a path for him to win this thing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And given how close he cameand a lot of thats gonna come down, and we could talk about this, him sort of maybe capitalizing on some of the gains that Trump made in New Jersey in 2024. But at the same time, Trumps in the White House, and thats gonna make it tough for him. Perry Bacon: So, I guess, you know, were a more liberal magazine, soI mean, part of the thing that Ive heard from people is they feel like, and I wanna ask you about thisthe race is close. One view that Ive heard is that maybe Mikie Sherrill is kind of a not-very-exciting candidate. Maybe shesyou know, the way she won the primarymaybe there are still some African American communities that are not excited about turning out for her. Thats one take thats sort of more candidate-focused. The other is essentially that shes the incumbent in New Jersey, running as the incumbent party, that is kind of unpopular. My take tends to be that its a closer race in part because shes running against Trump, but shes sort of the incumbent in New Jersey, and thats a barrier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But where do you see her? I think the question is: why is she not winning by double digits? And to me, the answer is because the incumbent governors not popularthats probably 80 percent of it. But I wanted to figure outwhats your view about that? Is she a bad candidate? Skelley: Yeah, I mean, I think you always have to be careful about sort of saying someone is particularly a bad candidate or a good candidate. I think they have to really do things to pass a certain threshold to truly qualify as bad. But I will say that I think Sherrills had some stumbles in this campaign that might say something about her candidacy, or about maybe how much shes been tested as a candidate since getting elected to the U.S. House. I think there is a line of thinking that she won an open seat in 2018 to get a historically Republican seatbut one that was trending blue in 2018and then she hasnt really had a close race since then. And so, in that sense, maybe she hasnt been tested all that much on the campaign trail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And so now, in a competitive gubernatorial election, she has found herself facing a bit more in the way of testsin terms of when youre in front of a camera, and when youre dealing with people asking you questions, sometimes tough questions and sometimes not-tough questions. There was a notable moment earlier in this campaign where she was essentially asked, like, whats the first thing youre gonna do as governor? And she just had, basically, this terrible word-salad answer. And Ciattarelli even ran an ad basically just showing that entire clip, sort of like, what is Sherrillwhat is her purpose? What is she running to do? What is she trying to do? And I think that probably hasnt helped her. At the same time, you know, she has a very impressive biographyformer Naval Academy graduate, served as a helicopter pilot in the Navy. She certainly has lots of things going for her. But I think there are sort of question marks about, but what does she actually want to do when shes governor? When youre separating that out from the biography discussionlike, Ciattarelli talks about what he wants to do, but at the same time, his problem is that hes a Republican running with Donald Trump in the White House, and its easier now than ever to link him to Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So in that sense, I think itsSteve Kornacki said to me the other day on my podcast, where he was like, people have basically said to me that Sherrill is trying to lose the racelose the campaign, but shell still win the election. And thats maybe down to some of the fundamentals. But getting at what you were saying, I do think dissatisfaction with whats happening in Trenton and the state capitol under Phil Murphys leadership is definitely a factor hereand an opening for Ciattarelli. Look, if Donald Trump had lost the 2024 presidential electionif Kamala Harris were president right nowI think Jack Ciattarelli would probably be in a really great position to win this race, because he wouldnt be answering questions about Trump all the time in the same way. It would be a lot harder, I think, to make that stick as much. And thered be an opening there for Ciattarellithat we saw him almost take advantage of in 2021, when he only narrowly lost. So I guess, basically, what Im saying is I think you can say both of those factors are playing into it. Im not sure what you would say moreI suspect, though, that the fundamentals of the White House, with Phil Murphy and Democrats controlling things in Trenton, and having controlled them for eight years now, is a thing that is helping Ciattarelli, to be sure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So its not all down to Sherrill necessarily struggling. Bacon: So, 2024Trump did better in New Jersey than in 2020, and I think better than in 2016 as well. So, you mentioned gains. So, two questions before we leave New Jersey. One is: how is the Mamdani close by factor playing out in any way? Or the comparisonshim being more charismatic than herhows that playing out? Thats one. And then, second question would be about New Jersey moving to the right a little bit. Do we think thats permanent, or was that sort of temporary? Skelley: You know, with the discussion of Mamdani, I dont think its having a particularly large impact on the New Jersey race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I mean, I absolutely think that Republicans would like it to have a greater effect. I think they want to talk about Mamdani. I think thats pretty clear from conversations you see among Republicans, they view Mamdani as a potential asset politically because he seems ... Bacon: New Jersey is so close by, its more relevant than in Kansas or in Ohio. Skelley: Exactly. But I dont think at the end of the day that thats having a particularly large effect on the New Jersey race. I think what is potentially a bigger factor is the swings that we saw in 2024. And so the question you asked was, like, was this kind of a one-off thing? I suspect that if you sort of look at whats going on politically among, in the places that shifted most particularly to the right in New Jerseynow, most of the state shifted to the right. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But that was true across most of the country. Most of the country shifted to the right. So its sort of like, well, what were the places that shifted a lot more to the right and places that shifted a lot less, maybe to the right, than we saw on average or saw nationally? And the places that shifted a lot more in New Jersey were, were places that are historically very Democratic, have much larger populations of people of color, working-class, blue-collar communitiesdenser, more urban areas of the state that have historically been very Democratic. You know, a place like Paterson, New Jersey, for instance, shifted like 30 points to the right by margin. It still voted Democratic. This is a place thats like 65% Hispanic. It still voted Democratic by a good margin, but it was not nearly as blue as it had been. And so you saw that a lot in North Jersey in particular, in the 2024 election. And thats part of the reason why you went from a situation where Joe Biden carried the state by, like, 16 points in 2020 to Kamala Harris only carrying it by sixand that was a 10-point swing in margin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And that was the second-biggest swing to the rightonly New York had a bigger swing to the right, ten and a half pointsfrom 2020 to 2024. Now, you are talking about, like, a better year for Democrats in 2020 versus a better year for Republicans in 2024. So, theres a lot of moving parts here, but its not a coincidence, I think, that you saw Trump doing better among people of color nationallyespecially Latino votersand then very much so in a lot of communities in New Jersey that check those boxes, in terms of the makeup and the constituencies there. Now, the question for the Sherrill-Ciattarelli race is: Can Ciattarelli capitalize on that to some extent, win over some of those voters? Because I think theres also a discussionlook, we see big shifts like this, and we know that Trump in particular had a major appeal among a lot of voters who are inconsistent voters, less engaged voters. In a 2025 gubernatorial election thats gonna clearly have lower turnout, is Ciattarelli gonna be able to turn out some of those more marginal voters who may have come out and supported Trump but may not show up for a 2025 gubernatorial race? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because at the same time, Ciattarelli in 2021 did really well in a lot of maybe more traditionally conservative Republican placesor places where Republicans have traditionally done better. You know, suburbs, exurbs of New Jersey. He did a lot better than Trump did in those places in 2020. Comparing 2021 and 2024, you know, Trump [inaudible] way back in some places that Ciattarelli did a lot better in. And maybe thats just cause Ciattarellis just not as Trumpyeven with Trumps support, he doesnt come across to that extent. So MAGA in particular may have kind of a negative appeal in some more affluent suburban areas of New Jersey. And so its sort of like, can Ciattarelli somehow combine his appeal with what Trump did? And if he did, you can definitely see a path to victory for him. But Im not sure its actually feasible that hell pull that off. Bacon: Lets go to Virginia. So Spanberger ahead eight-to-10 [points] is what Ive seen. What do you all have as the average right now? Skelley: Yeah. Right now shes up by about eight percentage points in our polling average. I will say that polls have definitely disagreed to some extent on, sort of, is this race like a six-point race, a seven-point race, or is it a 12-point race? But I think at the end of the day, it would be very surprising if Spanberger lost. I think thats sort of where things stand. Its the likely Democratic race at the top of the ticket. And, you know, honestly, Winsome Earle-Searsthe Republican lieutenant governor whos running against Spanberger for governoryou know, she may have just lost the day that Trump won the presidency in Virginia. I mean, Virginia actuallywhats interesting is, with New Jersey shifting to the rightin Virginia, it had about the same margin in 2024, about six percentage points. And think about the 2021 gubernatorial election that Glenn Youngkin, the current Republican incumbent, won. And we should say right here that Virginia is the only state in the country that does not permit elected governors to seek immediate reelection, which is why Youngkin is not running right now. This race would be very interesting I mean, even more interestingand I suspect very tight if Youngkin were running for reelection, or could run for reelection. Considering Youngkin won by about two percentage points in 2021 with Biden in officeand Virginia has had this historical pattern of shifting against the presidents party consistently in every gubernatorial election since, going back to at least 1977, theyve shifted at least somewhat against the presidents party. Now, in 2013, you did get a rare caseyou got the only casewhere the presidents party actually won the governorship in that time span, when Terry McAuliffe won, in 2013, but very narrowly and under kind of a special set of conditions, maybe. But nonetheless, the state still moved to the right somewhat with Barack Obama in the White House. And so I think knowing that Youngkin only won by two points in 2021, knowing that the state went for Kamala Harris by about six percentage pointsif it moved at all to the leftit was gonna be really hard for Winsome Earle-Sears, the Republican, to win. And so that, its notnone of this is, obviously, a given. Candidates ... All the variability is gonna go into this to some degreelike how well you can actually take advantage of these conditions that we tend to see, and how unpopular Trump actually is and whatnot. But Trump isnt popular in Virginia. Thats continued to be the case. And so I think that was gonna make it really hard for Earle-Sears. And then, on top of that, Spanberger has fundraised very impressively, has done all the things she needed to do to put herself in a position to win. And theres been talk that Earle-Sears is not a particularly, great candidate in terms of her work on the campaign trail. And, you know, again, how much do those things matter? I dont wanna overplay them, but I do think that in that situation where you need to sort of alter some fundamental dynamics in the electoral environment, you need to be a particularly special candidate, or you need your opponent to do a bunch of things wrong. And that hasnt really worked out for Earle-Sears at this point. Bacon: So let me drill down here. I guess just watching this from afar, my impression has been that the Democrats have a strong candidate and the Republicans a weak one. But if the margin is six or eight, thats kind ofI guess if Youngkin were running against Spanberger, Spanberger would be ahead by four, we think? Because what are we looking at here? Is it like Virginia leans to the left slightly? Skelley: Its interesting. Youngkin, in polling of this race that has asked about his approval or favorability, has tended to be somewhat above waterin net positive territoryeven while Trump has polled net negative on approval or favorability. So, in that sense, I think Youngkin would definitely have a chance. I mean, I think a Spanberger-Youngkin race wouldve been a really, really impressive contest. That wouldve been something. At the same time, maybe Spanberger wouldnt have decided to run. She might have been like, well, Ill just hang out in my congressional district. Bacon: In part, hes an incumbent, so thats not a fair question. Like, I guessyeah, I guessis Spanberger better than the generic Democrat, is what Im trying to ask? Let me ask you that way. Skelley: Yeah. And I think perhapsI mean, I think theres a good chance that she is going toI mean, shes leading the ticket and is probably going to win by more if Democrats win the lieutenant governors race. And then we can talk about the attorney generals race for a minute if you want to, cause thats actually really the most interesting contest now in Virginia. But Spanbergerall signs point to her sort of leading the ticket in terms of her margin of victory. Ghazala Hashmi, whos the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor, leads by about four percentage points in our polling average. And different polls have shown her ahead by either somewhat close to three percentage points, or maybe shes ahead by almost as much as Spanberger is ahead in some of these polls that have had Spanberger up by 10 or so. So I think the thing to remember with Virginia, though, is that in recent electionsbasically since 2009youve almost always seen those three statewide races, the three statewide offices in Virginia, the results run very close together, generally. So if Spanberger is winning by 10 at the top of the ticket, I would expect Hashmi to not be too far away, for instance. Now, I might not have expected Jay Jones to be that far away, whos the Democratic nominee for attorney general, running againstnow, incumbents for other offices in Virginia can seek reelection, which is a little confusingbut incumbent Attorney General Jason Miyares, the Republican there. He is seeking reelection, and maybe because he was an incumbent and was out-raising Jones, maybe he was always going to run stronger than any of the other Republicans on the ticket. However, because of this texting scandal that Jay Jones has gotten caught up inhes had some other things, toobut in particular, the revelation that he had this series of texts and conversations in 2022 where he talkedI mean, it was hypothetical, but nonethelessvery openly in this conversation (with a Republican state legislator, by the way. Not the most brilliant move on his part. I mean, besides even the contentwhat are you doing, my guy? Very dumb.), hes texting about a hypothetical where he shoots and kills the then-Republican speaker of the State House of Delegates. I mean, just, you know, really out-of-bounds kind of stuff. Just very, very off-putting. And in this particular moment, obviously in the wake of the Charlie Kirk assassination, political violence is very much top of mind for people as a concern. And just for this to all come out at this moment, I think, was particularly, you know, bad for Jones politicallyand fairly good for Miyares. And in the aftermath of that, we have seen Miyares lead in the polls in this race. Is it enough for him to win? Well see. I think there is definitely a path for Jones to sort of get carried across by a favorable environment for Democrats. If Spanberger is winning by, like, nine or 10 at the top of the ticket, I could see Jones winning by one or two points. That could absolutely happen. Theres just not enough ticket-splitting in this day and age for Miyares to pull it out. But if its more that Spanberger-by-seven-or-six kind of environment, then maybe Miyares does hold, does pull it off, and does get a split-ticket resultwhich hasnt happened in Virginia for the three statewide races since 2005. So the attorney generals race is actually the one that I think people are most closely following because of the Jones texting scandal and the opportunity this has given to Miyares. Bacon: Let me conclude by talking about redistricting in Virginia, the Virginia Legislature which is controlled by Democrats has taken some early steps to, maybe [inaudible] gerrymander their districts in a waythe current Virginia delegation is six Democrats, five Republicans. Theyre looking potentially at making it basically nine to two, eight to three. What I want to ask you about, though, is the broader picture. Im having a hard time figuring out where we are, cause I dont think Ive seen a good analysis about where we are generally. In a normal environmentTrumps approval is, like, in the low 40sI think the Democrats would be favored to win the House. Has enough changed in redistricting to where we cant say that anymore? Or the Republicans are the favorites? Where do you ... Do we have a good sense of how many seats the Republicans have sort of won by redistricting right now, or how much of an advantage theyve gained by redistricting? Skelley: So right now, the two big stories are California and Texas. And they may roughly cancel outassuming, I mean, look, it looks like California voters are probably gonna pass Proposition 50. And if they do, Democrats will get the map they wanted, and that will position them to perhaps cancel out the gains that Republicans are gonna make in Texas. Four, five seats, basically. From there, you know, Missouritheyre gonna need to seeunless that map gets halted by a referendum campaign, which is also a possibility. I would say, at this particular moment, Republicans have positioned themselves to perhaps gain a little bit more. And it sounds like Indiana may also pursue redistricting. And North Carolina just made a move that will gain them a seatRepublicans one seat there. So at this point, I think Republicans have edged ahead slightly in terms of the net gains they could get from this process. However, I dont think its enough at this point to at all guarantee them continued control of the House. If youre thinking about where things are right now, based on the current makeup of districts, roughly 20, I think, would automatically be in the conversation as in play for Democrats to target. And thats, thats like a conservative estimate in a midterm environment, where sometimes you can have some cases where a seat might seemingly be too far in one direction, but maybe, whatever the perfect conditions come about thatlike in 2018, Democrats flipped a seat in Oklahoma City, for instance. That was a little farther afield than I think people expected that to have happen, even in a pro-Democratic environment. But if youre thinking about roughly 20 seats where either they leaned slightly to the left of the country in the 2024 presidential election, but Republicans held onto itso, like, Harris carried it, but by slightly less than the overall marginor, sorry, Trump carried it, but by slightly less than his national one-and-a-half-point margin, or Trump carried it narrowly and it was just, like, a hair to the right of the country. Those are the kinds of seats that are gonna be in play in an environment where I do expect Democrats, in terms of the overall environment, to have at least some advantage. We dont know what that advantage will be yetbut at least some advantage, just like Republicans had at least a small advantage in 2022. Maybe not as big a one as we might have expected, but there were a lot of things going into thatwith, obviously, the Supreme Court and the ruling regarding Roe v. Wade, that, I think, kind of shifted the balance of where that electoral environment was. But Republicans still had at least something, a small advantage in the overall political environment in 2022. So if Democrats have a smallat least a smallpolitical advantage in the environment in 2026, I would expect Democrats to at least get some of those seats. And they only need three. Now, obviously, thats gonna change with the redistricting math being incorporated or whatnot, but if youre talking about a situation where Democrats might be able to win 15 to 20 seats, I think youre gonna need more to change to really guarantee Republicans a shot at holding on. And this is not to say that that wont happencause it definitely could. Especially with all this conversation about the Voting Rights Act, and the Court making decisions on that. If it made a decision on that, it could really open the door to a much larger set of changes in the South. Perry Bacon: Okay, interesting. I think well wrap there. Thats a goodbecause I think thats where Im looking, thats the next thing. If they rewrite the Voting Rights Act, then were talking about a lot of seats. Okay. Thats the, thats a good thing to end on. And, so, Geoff Skelley, thanks for joining me. Skelley: Hey, Perry. Thank you so much for having me. Good to see you. The ABC7 I-Team checked in with travelers from the Chicago area who are waiting to get off the island of Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa tore through. Before the storm made landfall, some locally in the Chicago area went into to action to assist Jamaicans after Hurricane Melissa. Donations are already being accepted at some local businesses. One couple from Romeoville has been trying to get home for more than a week now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ABC7 heard from Kristin Andrews Tuesday, and Wednesday night, she and her husband say the last 24 hours have been the most intense as Hurricane Melissa made landfall. They were left without power, which made for hot conditions, and everyone in the resort in Falmouth, Jamaica had to sleep in two of the restaurants on site, which is the designated safe zone. "This was like no other type of wind, and it was shaking the doors," Andrews said. "There's like an outside door, a door that leads to the outside from one of the restaurants, and the door was just visibly shaking so hard. but luckily, we were fine." Power has since been restored-though she said they're still working on the air conditioning. Andrews says there's significant damage at the resort with debris scattered everywhere, but everyone appears to be unharmed. Everyone is still sleeping in the restaurant area while the crew cleans the debris. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Andrews wants her family to know that she and her husband are okay. They have two flights booked this weekend and are hoping one of them comes through so they can get home. READ MORE | Chicagoans stranded as Cat. 5 Hurricane Melissa brings floods, catastrophic winds to Jamaica Local businesses have begun accepting donations for Jamaicans impacted by the historic hurricane. Claire's Korner in Evanston is among the restaurants locally taking donations. A collection barrel was delivered Wednesday. Chicago-area businesses have begun accepting donations after Hurricane Melissa tore through Jamaica. Previously, the Jamaican Youth Assistance Program had collected donations here for an annual back to school back pack giveaway to Jamaican children. Now, that network is being tapped to get help to those children, their families and schools after Hurricane Melissa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's terrible. It's the worst that we've had," said Dennis Sutherland with the Jamaican Youth Assistance Program. "I see a lot of floods. I see a lot of floods, even hospitals loose their whole roof." Dr. Latoya Reeves is a principal of an early childhood school in Clarendon, Jamaica. She is among those who will help distribute the donations. She says school supplies and nonperishable food would be most helpful. "Some schools that are so damaged that they can not move back in and they are going to have to do some temporary shelter for those students so whatever you can assist us because the need is dire," Dr. Reeves said. Claire Bhalai, the owner of Claire's Korner, is happy to help as she is seeing images of the damage and is still worried for friends and relatives that can not be reached. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I just hope everybody come as one right now and build back Jamaica the way it was," Bhalai said. "I have a cousin his daughter lives in St. Elizabeth can't get a hold her right now, and I have a cousin who lives in Clarendon, trying to get a hold of her, we can't." It seems even in their anxiety of not being able to connect with loved ones, some are channeling their energy into getting help to those who need it most. Once donation barrels are filled, they will be sent to New Jersey and then directly to the Jamaican Youth Assistance Program contacts in Jamaica. For more information on how to donate through the Jamaican Youth Assistance Program, click here. They also have a drop-off location at the Insurance Center, 1943 West Howard Street in Chicago. A drop-off site for nonperishables and school supplies at Claire's Korner is located at 1827 Emerson Street in Evanston, Illinois. Call (847)328-7650 for more information. HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) Some households in the Tri-State will be feeling the squeeze due to the pause in SNAP benefits. According to the Associated Press, approximately 12% of U.S. households will feel the effects of an abrupt pause to federal food assistance programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) if a deal to reopen the government is not reached before November 1. What shutdown? Trump isnt canceling travel, golf or his ballroom even with the government shuttered Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hill reports the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which administers the food stamp program, said last week it will not use more than $5 million in contingency funding that Congress had allocated for emergency scenarios. Next months SNAP benefits are estimated at $8 billion. The Hill also says SNAP funding is given to states monthly, with the federal government and states splitting administrative costs and states operating their own programs. Which states have the most SNAP recipients? Within the Tri-State, the most impacted county appears to be Wabash County, while the least impacted county appears to be Dubois County. People can see the national numbers here. Eyewitness News. Everywhere you are. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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). CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Opening arguments began Tuesday in the case of Cheyenne Maddox following the 2022 death of her son, 13-year-old Kadaris Maddox. The prosecution stated Kadaris weighed 47 pounds the last time he visited the doctor. According to an autopsy, his weight was down to 35 pounds by the time he died. He died of malnutrition and he died of starvation It was almost if his skin was wrapped around his bones, Assistant District Attorney Mary OConnor said. Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts Davidson County and Metro Nashville Chief Medical Examiner Feng Li, who conducted Kadaris autopsy, testified that the boys organs were shrinking from a lack of nutrition, while his body sent nutrients to protect his brain and his heart. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heartbreaking photos of Kadaris 35-pound body were shown in court, as Li described lesions, marks, and sores around Kadaris body. You can see that the body is cachectic, meaning very, very wasted, and only skin and bone, Lee said. Yet the defense called the autopsys findings generalizations and pointed to Kadaris having several healthy blood levels. They described Cheyenne as taking care of not only Kadaris but also her five other children. Youll hear from Ms. Maddox, defense attorney Chase Smith said. Shes going to tell you her story, and you have to decide whether shes guilty of intentionally and knowingly murdering a child that she has taken care of by herself for 13 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee Police recalled finding Kadaris body cold and without a pulse back when they were called to the family home in July 2022. One of Kadaris doctors also went over his cerebral palsy diagnosis, but noted that Kadaris was cognitively intact and was optimistic for his future. The trial will resume at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday. 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. LIMA A jury trial in Lima Municipal Court for a Columbus Grove woman charged with vehicular homicide has been pushed back until December. A Nov. 20 trial date for Sarah Gerding, 44, was vacated after it was learned Tuesday that her attorneys have hired an expert in crash reconstruction to prepare a report surrounding a fatal traffic accident this year. Gerding is charged with a first-degree misdemeanor in the death of Linda Malcolm, 81, of Lima, who died after being struck by Gerdings vehicle in the parking lot of Walgreens drug store on Harding Highway on April 25. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lima Prosecuting Attorney Rick Eddy said the report from the crash re-constructionist has not yet been turned over to prosecutors and that Nov. 20 will now serve as the date for the final pre-trial in the case. Eddy said what had been scheduled as a one-day trial will likely now take three days to complete. The new dates for the jury trial are Dec. 9-11. Its the worlds busiest international airport handling more than five million seats this month alone (compared with second-placed Heathrows 4.2 million) via a frantic schedule of round-the-clock long-haul flights. But has Dubai International found a way to take all the fuss out of one of the most fiddly features of airport security? Thats the latest claim emanating from the ever-ambitious Gulf megacity, whose airport (known as DXB to frequent fliers) recently unveiled its brand new red carpet system a fully automated, AI-powered passenger corridor allowing passengers to breeze through passport control without showing a single document. How will it work? Instead of a manual passport check, the red carpet will scan the faces of passengers as they walk past and use artificial intelligence to match them with the passenger records already on its system. Provided everything looks good, the system clears them to walk straight through to the baggage scanners without having to show any identification. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As futuristic as it may sound, the system runs on technologies that are already in use around the world: passport e-gates already run on facial recognition, for example, and airports already have data on whos flying where and when. The clever thing about the red carpet is that it combines all of that to create an end-to-end system. How accurate is it? Extremely so, say experts. The AI models behind facial recognition can convert the unique features of every face into a special numerical scorecard, says Richard Dempers, of airport security experts Rheinberry. That should mean they can match your face to your record in 99 per cent of cases. In the rare cases where the AI is unsure, it will instruct a border guard to check your papers the old-fashioned way. Is it a massive step forward for travellers or the stuff of dystopian nightmares? On a recent trip to Dubai, I had a chance to try the system myself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At this point, its worth clarifying a couple of things. At present, the red carpet system comes into play when youre leaving Dubai, rather than when you arrive. Its also in operation only at Terminal 3 the one used by Emirates and you need to be flying business class or first to use it. Assuming youre eligible to use the new system, it isnt difficult to find: its the roped-off lane in passport control, with an actual red carpet or at the very least a large adhesive sticker on the floor. The effect may not be subtle, but it does make you feel more of a VIP as you approach. From that point, the process really is as simple as they say: you just walk along the carpet and straight through to the baggage security line. Id estimate that the entire thing took less than a minute. Passengers can go straight through to the baggage security line after walking along the red carpet - Alexandre Fagundes/Alamy There was no need to stop or peer at a screen the cameras are perfectly capable of capturing your image as you waltz through and nor did I have to remove my glasses or cap. My passport and boarding card both stayed tucked safely inside my jacket pocket. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My only mistake, if you can call it that, was to pause at the end so that the bored-looking Emirati guard could wave me through. It turns out you dont even have to do that. In fact, I could see from watching the guards screen afterwards that the vast majority of passengers were cleared within a few seconds of stepping on to the carpet. As speedy as it was, its worth reiterating that were dealing with outgoing passport checks here. Even at the fussiest airports, the exit checks are usually much easier than crossing the border in the first place. That said, most frequent fliers will have experienced the frustration of being stuck behind a slow line when all you want to do is get home. The red carpet system is currently being used only on outgoing passport checks at Dubai International Airport - eye35.pix/Alamy Stock Photo So could this kind of ultra-speedy facial recognition soon be the norm when it comes to airport security? In truth, it probably depends on where youre flying to. The likes of Singapores Changi Airport and Abu Dhabis Zayed International have both used facial recognition for a while now, as have some American airlines. So far, European airports have been much slower in adopting biometrics, partly due to stricter laws around data privacy. No doubt the bosses of Heathrow and Gatwick, however, will be keeping a close watch on how well things work out at airports such as DXB for when they eventually make the shift to biometrics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyll certainly have plenty to keep their eye on in Dubai. In seven years, the emirate is set to unveil its massive new airport Dubai World Central to take the place of DXB as the primary gateway to the United Arab Emirates. The airports boss, former Gatwick managing director Paul Griffiths, says facial recognition will be the norm across the airport. By the sound of it, then, I should savour that VIP feeling I got from using the red carpet while I still can. In a few years time, it could well be the norm. 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. An 18-year-old man is dead after being thrown from a car during a crash. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The crash happened early Wednesday morning off Bellbrook Avenue in Xenia. Xenia police and Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers pulled up and discovered a single car had crashed. That car began disintegrating as it flipped over several times, hitting three other parked cars in two driveways. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My husband and I heard a loud crash. It woke us up immediately, Abbey Ferry said. It was in a million pieces and theres still pieces all over our grass. Ferry had another car hit her house last year. The crash on Wednesday killed 18-year-old Ashton Evans. Was pretty torn up about it. It was hard seeing that in your front yard, Ferry said. It was such a weird mix of emotions and feelings. Damage on the scene shows where the 23-year-old driver went off the road, hitting a mailbox and smacking into a large tree, which sent the vehicle through the air. Its terrible ... I dont know why they always wreck into here, but its happened a lot, Scott Harris said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris told News Center 7 that while hes not sure how fast the car was going, hes tired of the dangerous driving putting people at risk and of losing his mailboxes. Im going to say this is the fifth mailbox in six years, he said. News Center 7 has reached out to state troopers and police to see if speed was a factor. We will continue to follow this story. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] NORMAL, Ill. (WMBD) Illinois State University has its own version of Santa Claus, and dont be fooled, he may not look like Santa, but his actions and heart show otherwise. I really wanted to do something to help kids, and being a Marine and being in the Marine Corps-sponsored event, it really just kind of puts me where I need to be, said Troy Ziegler, ISUs Santa and director of Toys for Tots Mclean County. Troy has been collecting toys for 25 years, helping around 130,000 kids over those years. He feels that this is where he needs to be. Troy goes out every holiday season and puts out the Toys for Tots boxes around campus, in hopes of collecting as many toys as possible for children in need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are over 110 box locations throughout the Bloomington-Normal area. There are 12 different locations here on campus for the campus community to donate to the program, Ziegler said. The mission is to provide the gift of hope to children in underprivileged areas throughout the country. Troy doesnt take credit for what he does. He gives credit to the community for supporting Toys for Tots by donating every year. He also hopes that when a child receives a toy from them, they get that same excitement he felt when opening gifts as a kid. I always kind of take it back to when I was little. When I open up that one present that I was really, really wanting and feeling that joy and that surprise on my face. I look to think thats pretty much the same reaction, he said. The whole goal is to make sure that kids have a wonderful Christmas. The Toys for Tots mission is to give the gift of hope during the Christmas season. For the past 25 years, toys from McLean County have been able to fulfill that mission, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donation boxes are now available around McLean County. You can find a drop box near you on the Toys for Tots website. The boxes are out until December 15th, throughout Bloomington-Normal. There are also 856 campaigns throughout the United States with Toys for Tots, including Peoria. So if you see a box, drop a toy. 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. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Dilip Ghosh on Tuesday hit out at Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Abhishek Banerjee for opposing a nationwide Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The BJP leader took a jibe at the TMC leader, claiming that Banerjee is trying to "become a hero" by making excuses. "He says that he will not let SIR happen, but from his party itself a list of BLAs is being sent to the Election Commission. Mamata Banerjee's nephew is ahead of her in lying. He is making tall claims that he will break limbs... Now, Abhishek Banerjee is trying to become a hero by starting a new excuse," the BJP leader told reporters at Kharagpur. Claiming that TMC itself has "come out from Congress culture", the BJP leader hit out at the other opposition party for having an SIR during their tenure but opposing it now. "This (SIR) has happened 10 times during the Congress party's tenure why are you saying now? They have also come from the Congress culture, they only know how to make claims, but not work," Ghosh added. Earlier on Tuesday, TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee reiterated that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) was a way to exclude voters from the voting list and deprive them of their voting rights. He said that if the voting rights of genuine voters are snatched in West Bengal then one lakh people will gherao the office of the Election Commission of India in New Delhi. Addressing a press conference in Kolkata, Abhishek Banerjee said, "Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar has announced Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal in the middle of Chhath festivities. The SIR is not actually revision, but it is a way to exclude voters from the list and deprive them of their voting rights. Earlier, people used to vote to decide the government but now the government is deciding who should vote. When SIR was done in 2002, it took two years. And now in two months they will do it." He further said that elections are to be held in 5 places in the next year, West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry but they have excluded SIR in Assam. "In Assam, the BJP is in power. So wherever the BJP is in power, SIR will not take place. SIR will happen in Bengal. Then why are they talking about One Nation, One Poll? In whose instructions is EC working? Five Indian states share a border with Bangladesh. West Bengal, Meghalaya, Assam, Tripura and Mizoram. SIR is taking place only in Bengal. Why not SIR implement in the other four states which share a border with Bangladesh," he added. According to the Election Commission, printing and training will take place from October 28 to November 3, followed by an Enumeration Phase from November to December 4. The Draft Electoral Rolls will be published on December 9, followed by a claims and objection period from December 9 to January 8, 2026. The Notice Phase (for hearing and verification) will take place between December 9 and January 31, 202, with publication of Final Electoral Rolls on February 7, 2026. (ANI) President Donald Trump forgot the name of a country involved in a war he takes credit for resolving during a speech in South Korea. The 79-year-old president struggled to pronounce Azerbaijan when discussing a peace deal he helped broker, and then didnt bother naming the second country involved, Armenia. Trump, who is on course to be the oldest president in U.S. history, has repeatedly made gaffes while boasting about conflicts he claims to have ended in his second term. This includes frequently saying he ended a war between Azerbaijan and Albania, when he actually means the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Trump boasts about peace-making on his Asia tour. / Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images We saved millions and millions of lives with all of them. Azerbaijan. If you look at, if you look at, errr Trump told the crowd of CEOs while failing to recall Armenia. Just take a look at that one, he added after giving up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has long cited conflicts he claims to have resolved as part of his push to be awarded this years Nobel Peace Prize. He ultimately lost the honor to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. His senior moment came while speaking at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Gyeongju as part of his tour of Asia. Trump did help Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan reach an agreement to end the longstanding conflict, with the two leaders signing a peace deal at the White House in August. However, Trumps frequent claim that he also helped broker a peace deal between Azerbaijan and Albania has been the source of mockery among world leaders, with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and French President Emmanuel Macron seen openly laughing at Trumps repeated error at a summit in Denmark earlier this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumpwho revealed Monday that he underwent an MRI during his second medical examhas also claimed he ended a nonexistent war between Armenia and Cambodia, two nations more than 4,000 miles apart that have never been at war. Trump did bring the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan together in an attempt to end the conflict between the two nations that had lasted for decades. / Andrew Harnik / Getty Images Cambodia and Armenia, Trump said at the American Cornerstone Institutes Founders Dinner in September. It was just starting, and it was a bad one. Think of that. Another ceasefire deal Trump brokered between Israel and Hamas already appears to be on shaky ground as both sides accuse one another of violating the agreement. Israel is also suspected of launching multiple strikes on Gaza on Thursday as tensions in the area escalated again. Elsewhere in his South Korea speech, Trump lamented that he has not yet resolved the war between Russia and Ukraine, a conflict he has repeatedly claimed he could end within 24 hours of returning to office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I thought that was going to be an easy one, because of my relationship with President [Vladimir] Putin. Turned out to be a little different, but I think itll get done, Trump said. The Daily Beast has contacted the White House for comment. By Trevor Hunnicutt ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he would not seek a third term in office, a marked shift after months of teasing the idea despite constitutional limits, but it was unclear whether it was his final word on the matter. Trump, who is known for changing his mind on major issues, was speaking to reporters on Air Force One during his Asia trip. His flirtation with the idea has alarmed opponents and constitutional experts, who say a third term would test the 22nd Amendment, which states no person shall be elected to the presidency more than twice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you read it, its pretty clear Im not allowed to run. Its too bad, but we have a lot of great people, Trump said, a reference to other Republicans who could seek to succeed him after his current term ends in January 2029. Trump, however, frequently takes what appear to be firm positions on issues, only to reverse course later. Trump, 79, has in the past repeatedly refused to rule out the possibility of seeking a third four-year term in 2028. His comments came the day after a close political ally, U.S. Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson, said he had told Trump he did not see a path toward changing the Constitution to permit a third term. The 22nd Amendment was adopted in 1951 after Franklin Roosevelt was elected president four times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's been a great run. But I think the president knows, and he and I have talked about, the constrictions of the Constitution," Johnson told reporters on Capitol Hill. "I don't see a way to amend the Constitution because it takes about 10 years to do that, as you all know, to allow all the states to ratify ... what two-thirds of the House and three-fourths of the states would approve," Johnson said. This week was not the first time Johnson has addressed the legal barrier to Trump serving a third term. A former constitutional lawyer who focused on religious rights and conservative social issues before being elected to Congress in 2016, the Louisiana Republican said earlier this year that Trump understood the constitutional limitations. Johnsons latest remarks drew a sharp contrast with some members of his House Republican majority, who have said publicly that they want Trump to seek a third term to prevent a Democrat from entering the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump often teases a third term at his rallies and happily hands out "Trump 2028" hats to his friends at the White House. Some political analysts see the third term references as a strategic way to remain relevant, antagonize his political opponents and avoid becoming a lame duck. But some allies have taken his signals seriously, suggesting they are exploring legal or political pathways to make a third term a reality, even as most constitutional scholars dismiss the concept. A far-right influencer and former Trump adviser, Steve Bannon, told The Economist last week that there are a variety of alternatives for Trump to stay in office. "At the appropriate time, well lay out what the plan is," Bannon said. "But there is a plan." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bannon did not immediately respond to a request for comment about Trump's new comments. One theory from his supporters has been for Trump to run as vice president, while another candidate stood for election as president then resigned, letting Trump again assume the presidency. Trump said on Monday he would be allowed to do this but would not because "it's too cute" and people would not like it. "It wouldn't be right," he said. Trump's acknowledgment about the limits of the Constitution could buoy any 2028 presidential aspirations held by Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Trump on Monday seemed to suggest Vance and Rubio could run together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think if they ever formed a group, itd be unstoppable, he said. I really do. I believe that. (Reporting by Susan Heavey, Trevor Hunnicutt; additional reporting by David Morgan; Writing by Jarrett Renshaw and Steve Holland; Editing by Noeleen Walder, Christian Schmollinger, Ross Colvin and Daniel Wallis) In this 2018 photo, cattle graze on a ranch near Soldiers Meadow Reservoir on Craig Mountain near Lewiston, Idaho. (Photo by Kirsten Strough/USDA) There was a time in the distant past when Idaho elected officials had moral compasses and were dedicated to serving the interests of the Gem State. Since agriculture is so important to the Idaho economy, they were constantly on guard against federal plans and schemes that would harm that vital industry. As legislative assistant to former U.S. Sen. Len Jordan in 1970-1972, I had a front row seat to the action. Every time there was even a hint of Idaho water being poached by another state, the entire Congressional delegation Sens. Jordan and Frank Church and Reps. Orval Hansen and Jim McClure spoke out loud and clear against it. When President Richard Nixon ended beef import quotas in June of 1972 so as to bring in more beef and lower prices, the delegation collectively raised hell. Jordan always vigorously opposed actions that would harm farmers in other states, figuring there was strength in numbers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Len Jordan was the epitome of courage, having stood up to a president of his own party numerous times. He spoke out and voted against Nixons two segregationist U.S. Supreme Court nominees Clement Haynsworth and G. Harrold Carswell. He led the Senate floor fight in 1972 to force Nixon to spend funds lawfully appropriated by Congress. He supported the president when he thought he was right and opposed him when he was wrong. With Jordans example in mind, it is frightening to see the craven cowardice of Idahos top politicians Sens. Jim Risch and Mike Crapo, Reps. Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher and Gov. Brad Little. When Donald Trump acts against the interests of farmers, we dont hear a peep from these officials who are supposed to represent our interests. When Trump announced to Californians a year ago that he wanted to send them Columbia River waters, our politicos remained silent. His Jan. 24 executive order meddling with irrigation water in federal storage did not elicit a peep. We can only hope he doesnt try that in Idaho, as it does not appear our elected heroes will push back. Our congressional delegation is afraid of telling Trump that the constitutional power to set tariffs is theirs, not his, and that his tariffs are raising farmers costs for fertilizer, machine parts, lumber, chemicals and practically everything they buy. Sen. Crapo should take a particular interest in the tariff problem because he is chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, which is responsible for setting tariffs. Somebody should probably wake him up and let him know that Trump tariffs are hurting folks on the farm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Idaho is not big into soybeans, but Midwestern farmers are desperate for help on soybeans. China bought $12.6 billion in U.S. soybeans last year, but absolutely none this year, thanks to retaliation for Trumps erratic tariffs. Trump admires Argentinas nutty President, Javier Milei, and spent 20 billion U.S. taxpayer dollars to keep him in office. Milei won at the expense of Midwestern farmers. China bought more than one million tons of Argentinian soybeans to fill its need and will likely purchase Argentinian and Brazilian soybeans long into the future. U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene said the Argentine bailout was probably one of the grossest things shes ever seen. Idahos top elected officials could not crank up the courage to protest. Closer to home, Trump is throwing a haymaker at Idahos beef producers. I grew up in the cattle business. For many years my father, Henry Jones, had the largest beef operation in southern Idaho. It is kind of a boom or bust business. It happens to be the one bright spot on the agricultural scene in Idaho and across the country, but there have been many bust years and producers finally have a chance to make up for them. But destroying the market of U.S. soybean farmers was not enough to help President Milei, so Trump now wants to quadruple beef imports from Argentina to knock down beef prices in the U.S. Trump claimed he had to help because Argentina was dying, alright? They are dying. Cattlemen in Idaho and across the country are justifiably outraged. Rep. Greene said, honestly its a punch in the gut to all of our American cattle ranchers. Senators representing South Dakota, Utah, Montana and Utah have publicly objected to Trumps plan, but our congressional delegation and governor have remained silent, apparently frightened to stand up for our farm community. Thats not really surprising because none of them will say anything about the thuggish tactics employed by ICE against Idahos undocumented workers who harvest our crops, milk our cows and do the important work that keeps Idahos agricultural sector operating. If our officials cant muster the courage to do their jobs, they should either undergo spinal transplants or check themselves into retirement homes. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX A Confederate leaders statue is back up in Washington, D.C., following President Donald Trumps directive to restore such monuments earlier this year. The move comes after Trump called on Doug Burgum, the current interior secretary, to review public monuments, memorials, statues, markers, or similar properties that have been changed or removed since January 2020. His March executive order urged Burgum to investigate whether these actions were taken to allegedly perpetuate a false reconstruction of American history or minimize the value of certain historical events or figures. News: Trump's Top Federal Prosecutor In L.A. Is The Latest Found To Be Serving Unlawfully The statues return also adds to Trumps efforts to roll back actions that denounced Confederate leaders and their support for slavery. This past summer, Trump restored the names of nine Army bases that once honored Confederate generals as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statue, which commemorates Confederate General Albert Pike, has long been a source of controversy, and was pulled down and burned during Black Lives Matter protests following the murder of George Floyd in June 2020. At the time, Trump criticized D.C. police for allegedly failing to do their job and allowing the statue to be toppled. These people should be immediately arrested. A disgrace to our Country! he wrote in a 2020 tweet. Pikes likeness, which was first erected in 1901, has since been refurbished and was reinstalled by the National Park Service this weekend. News: Trump's Ex-White House Spokesperson Defends SNAP Cuts Despite Having Family In Program The restoration aligns with federal responsibilities under historic-preservation law and recent executive orders to beautify the nations capital and restore pre-existing statues, the National Park Service said in an August statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leaders and local Washington, D.C., residents, including Congressional Delegate Eleanor Holmes-Norton, meanwhile, have condemned the Pike Statue, and pushed for its removal for years. The morally objectionable move is an affront to the mostly Black and Brown residents of the District of Columbia and offensive to members of the military who serve honorably, Holmes-Norton said in a statement responding to the statues return. Pike himself served dishonorably. He took up arms against the United States, misappropriated funds, and was ultimately captured and imprisoned by his own troops, Holmes-Norton emphasized, adding that Pikes statue should be placed in a museum and treated as a historical artifact, rather than celebrated in a public park. News: Jurors Convict Illinois Deputy Of Killing Sonya Massey But Can't Agree On First-Degree Murder Charge Pike is the only Confederate general to have an outdoor statue in the capital. He was known for enlisting Native Americans to aid the Confederacy and for being a member of the anti-immigrant Know Nothing Party. Pikes also been alleged to be a leader of the Ku Klux Klan, though the Freemasons, of which he was also a part of, have contested this point. Related... Read the original on HuffPost The US Government has scrapped plans to sell offshore oil and gas leases along the US East Coast following concerns raised by Republican leaders in the south-east, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter. Previously, the administration had considered a broader strategy for offshore drilling rights, which included potential sales from the Gulf of Mexico (GoM) to the Atlantic. However, the proposal sparked immediate criticism from environmental groups and Republican stakeholders, who feared its negative impact on tourism in the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This concern mirrors the challenges faced during President Trumps first term when a similar initiative to open the Atlantic for drilling was abandoned due to widespread opposition. The draft programme from the Interior Department may still undergo revisions before its public release, with officials expected to advance the proposal in a few weeks. This marks the initial step in a lengthy process to establish a new five-year schedule for offshore oil and gas leasing. Federal law mandates that these offshore leasing programmes undergo extensive public comment and congressional review, suggesting that any ambitious initial plans will likely be scaled back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the administration has opted to exclude the Atlantic from its leasing plans for now, it continues to prepare for potential sales in the GoM, as well as in waters off the US West Coast and Alaska. Trump has referred to the GoM as the Gulf of America. The proposed Atlantic drilling initiative faced strong opposition from nearly 150 municipalities and coastal state leaders during Trumps first term. Environmental activists argue that expanding oil and gas production is incompatible with climate change efforts, citing potential threats to marine ecosystems. In contrast, the oil industry has generally supported increased drilling opportunities, particularly in the Gulf. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, interest in exploring new waters remains limited due to uncertain prospects and public resistance. "Trump administration halts plans for Atlantic oil drilling leases" was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. A federal judge in Seattle ruled Oct. 27 the Trump administration can't cancel $1 billion in grants meant to address the shortage of mental health professionals in schools, including $10 million in Wisconsin. The ruling came nearly four months after Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul joined a multistate lawsuit suing the Trump administration over the abrupt cancelation of the grants, which were meant to support five years of bolstered mental health services across 15 states. The grants would have allowed for Wisconsin's largest expansion of K-12 mental health programs to date. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a press release issued Oct. 28, Kaul described the Trump administration's move to withhold the funds baffling and unlawful. The ruling, he said, was a "win for the safety and well-being of students in Wisconsin and elsewhere." Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul, left, won a multi-state lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education for its abrupt cancelation of school-based mental health grant funds. He called the move baffling, and said this is a victory for Wisconsin students. In her ruling, Judge Kymberly Evanson found the U.S. Department of Education likely violated federal law when it sent notices to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and other states in April less than a year into the grant cycle. Evanson determined the move was likely arbitrary and capricious, a legal term where a party is "compelled to guess at the theory underlying the agency's actions," according to the court order. Additionally, Evanson found evidence the federal agency's action has done "irreparable harm" to states, in the sense that they couldn't recover financially from the move. Further, states presented evidence that students in rural and underserved communities would suffer from the sudden lack of mental health professionals in schools, as would the staff laid off. "It is unsurprising that discontinuing Grant funding mid-project would cause harm to the States interests. Congress created these programs to address the states need for school-based mental health services in their schools, and has repeatedly reaffirmed the need for those services over the years by reauthorizing and increasing appropriations to this program," Evanson wrote in her motion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The grants were established with bipartisan Congress after the 2018 Parkland, Florida, school shooting the deadliest high school shooting in U.S. history and expanded after the 2022 Uvalde, Texas, school shooting, which was the deadliest school shooting in Texas history. Its purpose was to permanently hire 14,000 mental health professionals into schools that needed it the most. Although the federal department took issue with programs that educated mental health professionals about systemic racism and trained therapists to focus on race-related stress and trauma, the defense counsel admitted at oral arguments he "had no information about how the Department decided which Grants to discontinue, and that the record contains none." Instead, the defense counsel argued no further explanation was required for the abrupt cancelation, which Evanson said was not persuasive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction had used only $2.2 million of the $10 million it was awarded. It had gone toward creating more options for counseling certification, developing grow your own university programs for future mental health providers who would work in schools, and offering statewide training and professional development to improve retention rates of mental health professionals. The funding cuts have set back efforts to train 24 school psychology graduates at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, who were set to work in high-need schools after graduation. The university said 19 of those students were on track to graduate, but that the projected loss of more than $2.8 million would mean some students wouldn't be able to finish their degrees, or couldn't afford to work in the schools after graduation. Evanson named the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction among the states where the order applies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Superintendent Jill Underly described the ruling as a victory for Wisconsin students, families and communities. The decision to cut grant funding, she said, was "short-sighted and harmful to Wisconsin students." "At a time when our kids are facing unprecedented mental health challenges, investing in school-based mental health and staffing is critical. The DPI used this funding to help districts place more counselors, social workers, and psychologists directly in schools supporting students where they need it the most," Underly said. According to the latest Youth Risk and Behavior Survey, six in 10 Wisconsin high school students said they have felt anxious, depressed, even suicidal in the last 12 months. Due to the government shutdown, the federal Department of Education could not be reached for comment on whether it would appeal the decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chris Bucher, the communications director for the state Department of Public Instruction, said the state agency is waiting for additional guidance on how or when the funds will be restored. Given the shutdown, it's unclear when that will happen. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin could see school mental health cuts restored under ruling The Trump administration is expanding deportation operations nationwide as newly hired Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents deploy across the country. We want to really surge those arrest numbers, especially given that One Big, Beautiful Bill that weve received the funding to do it, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin said, according to Newsweek. Were going to be making great progress, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McLaughlin said DHS received 175,000 job applications for ICE positions as part of the administrations effort to get more brave men and women on the ground to do this great work. As previously reported by The Dallas Express, the One Big, Beautiful Bill (OBBB) Act provided a $150 billion funding package for DHS. Nearly $30 billion of that is dedicated to hiring and training ICE agents, including signing bonuses and recruitment incentives. What Secretary Noem and President Trump have been able to do is really nothing short of extraordinary, McLaughlin said. Our law enforcement has faced demonization the injunctions from these activist judges, these sanctuary city politicians trying to prevent us time and time again. Were not giving an inch, and we will deliver on the mandate for the American people. According to DHS, the Trump administration has deported more than 527,000 unlawful migrants since taking office. The total number of individuals leaving the country, including voluntary self-deportations, is considerably higher. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 2 million unlawful migrants have left the U.S., including 1.6 million who have voluntarily self-deported and over 527,000 deportations, McLaughlin said. Migrants are now turning back before they even reach our borders. Migration through Panamas Darien Gap is down 99.99%. The agency said the decline reflects tougher enforcement policies and international cooperation with border nations. A volunteer reaches for broccolini at the food pantry run by Good Neighbors Community Kitchen and Food Pantry in East Providence, Rhode Island, to give to people waiting for food assistance on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025. The food pantry saw high demand with the looming possibility that funding will run out Nov. 1 for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program because of the federal government shutdown. (Photo by Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current) Oregon was in for a rude awakening one October morning 26 years ago. That day, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released its first ever ranking of states by levels of hunger. Oregon came out worst in the nation. To our states credit, the information galvanized action. Over the next few years, policymakers implemented changes making it easier for people to access food stamps, efforts that succeeded in bringing down hunger levels. As Oregons experience shows, timely data is essential for understanding and addressing big problems like food insecurity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But now, following the decision by Congress to enact the largest cuts to food assistance in our nations history, the Trump administration has announced it will no longer release the data that measures food insecurity in Oregon and nationally a dangerous ploy to keep the nation in the dark as to the struggles of families to put food on the table. If the administration follows through with its threat, Oregon should fill the information void. Right now, one in seven Oregonians struggles to put food on the table, according to a yearly survey conducted by the Census Bureau. This survey allows the U.S. Department of Agriculture to estimate the rate of food insecurity across the country and at the state level. Last month, however, USDA announced that this years food insecurity report will be the last. The department claimed the data is overly politicized and rife with inaccuracies. Given the reports longstanding use across presidential administrations, one cant help but wonder if the real reason its being axed is fear over what it would show in the coming years. In July, Republicans in Congress passed House Resolution 1, the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill. The Republican budget bill slashed nearly $190 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, previously called food stamps, our nations first line of defense against hunger. Cuts to SNAP and other safety net programs were made to partly offset the cost of massive tax cuts mainly going to the wealthy and to expand the Trump administrations deportation apparatus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the SNAP cuts are already in effect. As of Oct. 1, six Oregon counties now require able-bodied adults without dependents to prove they deserve food assistance by documenting their work activities. These added layers of bureaucracy can make accessing food assistance incredibly burdensome. Those who do navigate the red tape are limited to just three months of food assistance in a three-year period. These work requirements will take effect statewide Jan. 1. More cuts are also coming. Some 29,000 households will see their food assistance slashed because they will no longer be eligible for critical utility allowances. Thousands of refugees, asylees, victims of trafficking, and other lawfully present immigrants will lose food assistance entirely. All told, more than 313,000 Oregonians will see their food assistance cut or taken away, leaving them hungry. If this years food insecurity survey is the last, it will constitute a return to the dark ages, when the nation did not collect information on food insecurity on a regular, timely basis. The current Census Bureau survey on food insecurity came into being in the mid-1990s. Before then, confusion prevailed. In 1984, the Task Force on Food Assistance convened by then-President Ronald Reagan issued a report stating There is no official hunger count to estimate the number of hungry people, and so there are no hard data to estimate the extent of hunger directly. This lack of definitive, quantitative proof, the report added, contributes to a climate in which policy discussions become unhelpfully heated and unsubstantiated assertions are substituted for hard information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given the Trump administrations threat to plunge the nation into darkness when it comes to basic information regarding hunger levels, Oregon can strike its own course toward the light. Gov. Tina Kotek could prioritize the creation of a new Oregon survey aimed at better understanding how Oregonians are meeting their basic needs. Such a survey could offer rich data to help better understand the impacts of the One Big Beautiful Bill in the coming years. Such a survey could also help us think bigger. It could help us design a modern safety net, built for helping all Oregonians meet their basic needs. One thing is clear: more Oregonians will go hungry as a result of the Republican budget bill passed earlier this year. We may not need the data to be clear on that, but we will certainly need better data in order to develop our response. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX NEED TO KNOW Donald Trump said that he would not legally be able to run for a third term in office while speaking to reporters on Air Force One on Oct. 29 Trump has previously alluded to "methods" that he could take to get around a Constitutional Amendment blocking his continued leadership His latest comments come after House Speaker Mike Johnson recently denied that Trump could feasibly serve a third term Donald Trump appears to be reconciling with the fact that he will not be able to run for a third term as president. On Wednesday, Oct. 29, Trump, 79, addressed the idea that he would campaign for the presidency in 2028 while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He referenced the U.S. Constitution and noted that "it's pretty clear" he would not be able to campaign for the office another time, according to Reuters and The Guardian. Im not allowed to run. Its too bad," he reiterated as his presidential tour of Asia continued with a stop in South Korea. Leon Neal/Getty Donald Trump in England on September 18, 2025 Donald Trump in England on September 18, 2025 Trump was citing the 22nd Amendment of the Constitution, which states: "No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice, and no person who has held the office of President, or acted as President, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected President shall be elected to the office of the President more than once." Based on what I read, I guess Im not allowed to run, the president told reporters. So well see what happens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His latest comments come after House Speaker Mike Johnson said that he did not see a way Trump could remain in office beyond his second term, which ends in January 2029. "It's been a great run, but I think the president knows, and he and I have talked about, the constrictions of the Constitution, as much as so many of the American people lament that," Johnson said during a news conference on Tuesday, Oct. 28, according to ABC News. In order the change the Constitution and do away with the 22nd Amendment, a proposal would need the support of two-thirds of Congress. At least three-fourths of the states would also need to affirm the proposed Amendment before it could become law. "I don't see a way to amend the Constitution because it takes about 10 years to do that," Johnson told reporters on Capitol Hill. "As you all know, to allow all the states to ratify what two-thirds of the House and three-fourths of the states would approve. So I don't, I don't see the path for that, but I can tell you that we are not going to take our foot off the gas pedal." Andrew Harnik/Getty Donald Trump with House Speaker Mike Johnson Donald Trump with House Speaker Mike Johnson Johnson added that he spoke to Trump on Tuesday about the matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The congressman also implied that the president's talk of a third term was an attempt at "trolling the Democrats." He said that their "hair is on fire by the very prospect" of Trump not leaving office. As recently as Monday, Oct. 27, Trump signaled interest in pursuing another term, saying he would "love" to remain in office. At the time, he expressly ruled out the idea of running as someone else's vice president, saying, "I'd be allowed to do that. But I wouldn't do that. I think it's too cute." ISSEI KATO/POOL/AFP via Getty Donald Trump in Tokyo on October 27, 2025 Donald Trump in Tokyo on October 27, 2025 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. The president has frequently alluded to "methods" that would allow him to run for a third term and even at one point sold "Trump 2028" hats as merchandise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, he has also referred to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance as "great people" on his team, implying that they could run for the presidency. PEOPLE reached out to the White House to see if there was further comment on Trump's plans. Read the original article on People By Trevor Hunnicutt, Jihoon Lee and Ju-min Park GYEONGJU, South Korea (Reuters) -Donald Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung finalised details of their fraught trade deal at a summit in South Korea on Wednesday, and the U.S. president also sounded an optimistic note about a looming summit with China's Xi Jinping. We made our deal, pretty much finalized it," Trump said at a dinner with Lee and other regional leaders on the sidelines of an Asia Pacific forum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The allies unveiled a deal in late July under which Seoul would avoid the worst of U.S. tariffs on its imports by agreeing to pump $350 billion of new investments into the United States in return for lower tariff rates. But talks over the structure of those investments had been deadlocked. Trump and Lee agreed that Seoul can split its promised $350 billion investment fund into $200 billion in cash to be paid in installments of $20 billion, Lee's aides said. The other $150 billion is to be spent on investments in shipbuilding, which South Korea has promised to help Trump restore. Arriving from Tokyo hours after North Korea test-fired a nuclear-capable cruise missile, Trump was given a lavish welcome by Lee in Gyeongju, a historic city hosting this year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. His talks with Xi are set for Thursday in the port city of Busan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to reporters en route to South Korea, Trump dismissed the North Korea missile test and said he was squarely focused on his meeting with Xi, leader of the world's second-largest economy. "I think we're going to have a very good outcome for our country and for the world, actually," Trump said. He added that he expects to reduce U.S. tariffs on imports of Chinese goods in exchange for a commitment from Beijing to curb exports of fentanyl precursor chemicals. The United States could halve the levies of 20% on Chinese goods it now charges in retaliation for the export of such chemicals, the Wall Street Journal said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China's foreign ministry said the meeting of the two leaders would "inject new momentum into the development of U.S.-China relations", and Beijing was ready to work together for "positive outcomes". (Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt, Jihoon Lee and Ju-min Park in Gyeongju, South KoreaWriting by Josh Smith and John GeddieEditing by Lincoln Feast, Clarence Fernandez and Frances Kerry) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday affirmed National Democratic Alliance's victory in the Bihar assembly elections, stating that their victory is certain, stating Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rahul Gandhi's game will be over until 1 pm on November 14. Shah also lauded the crowd that emerged during his rally in Samastipur, noting that he had travelled across the state and had witnessed the same crowd everywhere. "I have travelled across the entire state of Bihar -- and I have seen such massive crowds everywhere. On the 14th, the counting will begin at 8 a.m., ballot boxes will open at 9, and by 1 o'clock, Lalu and Rahul's game will be over ("1 bajte-bajte Lalu-Rahul ka supda saaf")." Amit Shah said. Amit Shah also drew parallels between the National Democratic Alliance and the Mahabharata, asserting that the NDA is like "panch pandavas" and lauding the unity within the alliance. "This is not an election to make our candidates legislators, nor to make them ministers this upcoming election is to free Bihar from "jungle raj." In the NDA, all five of our allies are fighting this election together, like the five Pandavas," he said. He stressed that Mahagathbandhan might have more parties in its alliance. Still, NDA has the support of PM Narendra Modi, the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, the youthful energy of Chirag Paswan, the lifelong dedication of Jitan Ram Manjhi, and the experience of Upendra Kushwaha. "In the NDA, Bihar has the support of Modi ji, the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish ji, the youthful energy of Chirag Paswan, the lifelong dedication of Jitan Ram Manjhi, and the experience of Upendra Kushwaha. Though they (the opposition) may be greater in number, just like the Pandavas in the great battle, the NDA's victory in this electoral war is certain," Shah added. Earlier today, Amit Shah, took a sharp jibe at the Mahagathbandhan alliance for favouring family members in leadership positions rather than capable political leaders, contrasting it with how the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded 25-year-old Maithili Thakur. "We gave a ticket to 25-year-old Maithili Thakur, who has no political background. Can this ever happen in RJD or Congress? Lalu ji wants to make his son (Tejashwi Yadav) the Chief Minister and Sonia ji wants to make Rahul Gandhi the Prime Minister," Amit Shah said while addressing a public rally in Darbhanga. Earlier on Tuesday, the Mahagathbandhan, released its manifesto titled 'Bihar Ka Tejashwi Pran', outlining key promises ahead of the polls, while addressing a joint press conference in Patna. According to the manifesto, under the 'Mai-Behin Maan Yojana', women will receive financial assistance of Rs 2,500 per month from December 1 for the next five years. The Opposition's alliance promised to implement the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). OPS has been on the Congress agenda since the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government in Himachal Pradesh restored it soon after assuming office. Congress had also included it in its manifesto for the Haryana Assembly polls. Mahagathbandhan has promised to put the Waqf (Amendment) Act on hold, and to make the management of Waqf properties "welfare-oriented and transparent". 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. Mahagathbandhan, led by Rashtriya Janata Dal, includes 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 staked claims to all 243 seats in the state. The assembly elections will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11. The results will be declared on November 14. (ANI) By Trevor Hunnicutt, Jihoon Lee and Ju-min Park GYEONGJU, South Korea (Reuters) -Donald Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung finalised details of their fraught trade deal at a summit in South Korea on Wednesday, and the U.S. president also sounded an optimistic note about a looming summit with China's Xi Jinping. We made our deal, pretty much finalised it," Trump said at a dinner with Lee and other regional leaders on the sidelines of an Asia Pacific forum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The allies unveiled a deal in late July under which Seoul would avoid the worst of U.S. tariffs on its imports by agreeing to pump $350 billion of new investments into the United States in return for lower tariff rates. But talks over the structure of those investments had been deadlocked and both sides had played down expectations for a deal during Trump's visit. "Prospects were not bright even last night, and there was dramatic progress on the day," Kim Yong-beom, South Korea's top presidential policy chief, told reporters, without providing further details. AGREEMENT ON INVESTMENTS IN US Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump and Lee agreed that Seoul can split its promised $350 billion investment fund into $200 billion in cash to be paid in instalments and capped at $20 billion per year, Lee's aides said. The other $150 billion is to be spent on investments in shipbuilding, which South Korea has promised to help Trump restore. The South Koreans said the two sides agreed to split profits 50/50 before the initial investments are recouped, and to only pursue commercially viable projects. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick would head an investment committee to assess potential projects. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the details of a Korea trade deal, which needs to be ratified by South Korea's parliament. Arriving from Tokyo hours after North Korea test-fired a nuclear-capable cruise missile, Trump was given a lavish welcome by Lee in Gyeongju, a historic city hosting this year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His talks with Xi are set for Thursday in the port city of Busan. TRUMP PREDICTS 'GOOD OUTCOME' FROM XI TALKS Speaking to reporters en route to South Korea, Trump dismissed the North Korean missile test and said he was squarely focused on his meeting with Xi, leader of the world's second-largest economy. "I think we're going to have a very good outcome for our country and for the world, actually," Trump said. He added that he expects to reduce U.S. tariffs on imports of Chinese goods in exchange for a commitment from Beijing to curb exports of fentanyl precursor chemicals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United States could halve the levies of 20% on Chinese goods it now charges in retaliation for the export of such chemicals, the Wall Street Journal said. China's foreign ministry said the meeting of the two leaders would "inject new momentum into the development of U.S.-China relations", and Beijing was ready to work together for "positive outcomes". Skipping the main APEC summit, Trump attended a dinner on Wednesday with Lee and other countries' leaders. He was due to meet Xi before departing on Thursday. Negotiators from the world's top two economies hashed out a framework on Sunday for a deal to pause steeper American tariffs and Chinese rare earths export controls, U.S. officials said. The news sent stocks to record peaks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beijing has been more circumspect about the prospect of an agreement, but in a possible sign of thawing, China bought its first cargoes of U.S. soybeans in several months, Reuters reported exclusively on Wednesday. EXTRAVAGANT WELCOME Lee wooed Trump with gifts and praise, presenting him with a gold crown and the "Grand Order of Mugunghwa" medal, South Korea's highest decoration. At the start of a working lunch topped off with a "golden dessert", Lee pledged to spend more on defence, seeking to head off a Trump concern that U.S. allies are not pulling their weight militarily. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also asked that the U.S. allow the country to reprocess nuclear fuel to power submarines that could track North Korean and Chinese vessels for longer periods. Seoul is barred from reprocessing without U.S. consent, under a pact between the countries. Trump pledged to help "straighten out" South Korea's problems with its nuclear-armed northern neighbour. The two are still technically at war after their 1950-53 war ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty. Trump, who has repeatedly called for a meeting with reclusive North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to take place during this trip, said on Wednesday the timings would not work out. Lee's aide, Kim, said a factsheet on South Korea's agreements with the U.S. on security and trade would be ready within several days, while a memorandum of understanding that contains details of the trade agreement was close to complete. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In contrast to the official welcome, hundreds of protesters gathered near the summit venue for anti-Trump rallies and there were some scuffles with police. "World leaders and governments are busy flattering Trump and displaying every possible act of diplomatic charm just to persuade him to lower U.S. tariffs by a few percent," said Kwon Young-guk, a former presidential candidate from a minor South Korean left-wing party attending the rally. "How absurd is it." (Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt, Jihoon Lee and Ju-min Park in Gyeongju, South KoreaWriting by Josh Smith and John GeddieEditing by Lincoln Feast, Clarence Fernandez and Frances Kerry) I think were just going to kill people that are bringing drugs into our country. OK? Were going to kill them. You know, theyre going to be, like, dead, President Donald Trump said in late October 2025 of U.S. military strikes on boats in the Caribbean Sea north of Venezuela. The Trump administration asserted without providing any evidence that the boats were carrying illegal drugs. Fourteen boats that the administration alleged were being operated by drug traffickers have been struck, killing 43 people. On Oct. 24, the administration began a substantial military buildup in the region. The Pentagon moved the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and some of its strike group, along with several other naval ships, to the Caribbean and moved F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico. This is the largest U.S. naval deployment in the Caribbean Sea since the Cuban missile crisis in 1962. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the White House, the naval buildup and strikes on boats in international waters are part of counternarcotics operations. The vessels targeted allegedly belonged to Venezuelan drug smugglers, though the administration has produced no evidence that there were drugs on the boats, or what type. Trump has named fentanyl as one of them. At times the president and some of his advisers have referred to the operators and occupants of the boats as narco-terrorists. But they have offered no explanation why the people would be considered terrorists. The president and his advisers own words have also indicated that the larger intentions of the administration could be to topple the government of Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela. But as a former political-military analyst and former senior adviser at the Department of Defense, I find it hard to discern a coherent strategy or objective. The U.S. deployed its largest warship, the USS Gerald R. Ford, to the Caribbean, north of Venezuela, following multiple strikes on vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking. Omar Zaghloul/Anadolu via Getty Images The puzzling drug angle The boats that have been hit all had origins in, or connections to, Venezuela, and all were struck in the Caribbean Sea and in the Pacific north of Colombia, making the operation particularly puzzling. Venezuela is not a major producer of fentanyl or cocaine. The major cocaine trafficking routes are in the Pacific Ocean, not the Caribbean. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Typically, the U.S. Coast Guard stops vessels suspected of carrying illegal drugs in international waters. In 2025, the Coast Guard has interdicted a record amount of illegal drugs and precursor chemicals in the Caribbean. It is notable that the amount of methamphetamine precursor chemicals interdicted far exceeds that of fentanyl. After interdiction, the Coast Guard typically begins a process that adheres to legal strictures, detaining the crew and eventually turning them over to a U.S. law enforcement agency. But the Trump strikes have summarily killed most of the people on the boats and presumably destroyed any of the alleged illicit drugs. Many observers and legal experts have said the killings amount to murder. Trumps preoccupation with Venezuela Trump has had a fixation with the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua for some time, adding to his administrations focus on Venezuela. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administration designated Tren de Aragua a terrorist organization in January, along with several other drug cartels. But the White House statement announcing the designation made no mention of any behavior or activity that would constitute terrorism. Under U.S. law, terrorism is defined as politically motivated violence, usually targeting a civilian population, intended to bring about political change. The terrorist designation allows the government to pursue actions such as seizing assets and imposing travel restrictions on those appearing on the list of Designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations. But the designation of a criminal gang with no clear political ideology or objectives mischaracterizes the group. That calls into question some of the White Houses motivations. Then theres the odd incident of the covert operation that wasnt covert. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In early October, The New York Times reported that Trump had authorized covert operations in Venezuela and authorized the CIA to conduct lethal strikes inside the country. Surprisingly, Trump confirmed that he had indeed authorized covert action. Yet the defining feature of a covert operation is that the role of the government is hidden. Trumps fixation on Venezuela goes back to his first term, when he also had Maduros regime in his sights. The administration eventually charged Maduro with leading the Cartel de los Soles Cartel of the Suns an informal criminal network tied to high-level Venezuelan military officials believed to have conducted drug trafficking into the U.S. The White House has also claimed that Maduro controls Tren de Aragua. Independent observers assert that opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia handily won the 2024 presidential election. The government-controlled National Electoral Council, however, declared Maduro the winner. If the White House has greater intentions in Venezuela, such as regime change, which some anonymous officials have suggested, Trump has tipped off Maduro to be vigilant. Thorny issues If the goal of the administration is interdiction of dangerous illicit drugs like cocaine, Colombia is a much bigger source. Venezuela acts mainly as a minor trans-shipment conduit rather than a producer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In terms of mitigating the effects of drugs and narcotics in the United States, multiple studies over decades have found that measures taken to decrease demand in the U.S. rather than supply-side interdiction are more effective in reducing harm. With little public information to suggest an overall strategy or objective, legal problems related to the maritime strikes become apparent. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that the activities were a counter drug operation. But he went further in saying that instead of interdicting the boats, they would be blown up. The method of interdiction and destruction of the boats and lives of those involved by a military strike presents problems, especially in terms of U.S. armed forces performing law enforcement duties. This would be proscribed by the Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibits federal armed forces from performing law enforcement activities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for actions targeting Venezuela, Trump has said he would not ask Congress for a declaration of war but would notify it of any ground operation. The 1973 War Powers Act, which requires the president to notify Congress before hostilities and brief it afterward, would apply to this situation. But almost every president since its passing has ignored it at some point. Though some Republicans in Congress have objected to the military actions so far, the Senate in early October voted down a resolution that would have prevented further strikes in the Caribbean. The Trump administration continues to depict its activities in international waters as a military operation and the smugglers as enemy combatants. Most legal experts dismiss this and characterize the strikes as extrajudicial killings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In reply to a flippant and profane response from Vice President JD Vance about the killings, Republican Senator Rand Paul wrote on social media, Did he ever wonder what might happen if the accused were immediately executed without trial or representation?? What a despicable and thoughtless sentiment it is to glorify killing someone without a trial. If Trump and his advisers like Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth are taken at their word in scattered statements on the activities around Venezuela, many questions remain, such as why the boats are being destroyed and their occupants killed rather than interdicted. 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: Jeffrey Fields, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences Read more: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jeffrey Fields receives funding from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. GYEONGJU, South Korea, Oct. 29 (UPI) -- U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in South Korea Wednesday, where he said he wasn't able to "work out timing" for a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Trump made the remark during a bilateral meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in the city of Gyeongju, where the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit is being held, after earlier saying he "would love" to meet Kim during his trip. "I know Kim Jong Un very well. We get along very well," Trump said. "We really weren't able to work out timing." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump met Kim three times during his first term -- in Singapore in 2018, in Hanoi in 2019 and briefly at the Demilitarized Zone later that year. Speculation had swirled that the two could meet again this week in the DMZ truce village of Panmunjom to restart talks over the North's nuclear weapons program. "I know you are officially at war, but we will see what we can do to get that all straightened out," Trump said to Lee Wednesday. The 1950-53 Korean War ended in a ceasefire but not a peace treaty. Demonstrators held a protest against Trump's arrival in South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Gyeongju on Wednesday, Photo by Thomas Maresca/UPI "We'll have other visits, and we'll work very hard with Kim Jong Un and with everybody on getting things straightened out because that makes sense," Trump added. Lee expressed regret over the missed opportunity and said that he hoped Trump would have a chance to play the role of "peacemaker" on the Korean Peninsula. Trump was met by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung at a welcoming ceremony at Gyeongju National Museum Wednesday. Pool Photo by APEC 2025 KOREA/Yonhap "As I mentioned many times, you have wonderful capabilities and skills as a peacemaker," Lee told Trump. "Chairman Kim has not really accepted your good intention and your gesture, so this time it did not happen. But I believe that we've been planting good seeds for a better future." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier on Wednesday, North Korean state media reported that the country had test-fired sea-to-surface strategic cruise missiles in the Yellow Sea, its latest provocation before Trump's visit. A week earlier, Pyongyang claimed that it had successfully tested a "new cutting-edge weapons system" involving hypersonic missiles, Lee presented Trump with the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, South Koreas highest decoration and a replica gold grown from the Silla Dynasty. Pool Photo by APEC 2025 KOREA/Yonhap At a welcoming ceremony at Gyeongju National Museum, Lee presented Trump with the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, South Korea's highest decoration to honor his "achievements in paving the way toward peace on the Korean Peninsula." Trump is the first U.S. president to receive the honor. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit is being held in Gyeongju, South Korea. Photo by Thomas Maresca/UPI Lee also gave his counterpart a replica of a golden crown from the Silla Dynasty, which ruled from 57 BC to 935 AD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crown "symbolizes the long-standing peace of the Silla period, as well as a new era of peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula and shared growth that Korea and the U.S. will build together," the South's presidential office said in a statement. Trump arrived at Busan's Gimhae Airport on Wendesday for a two-day visit to South Korea. He will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday before returning to Washington. Pool Photo by APEC 2025 KOREA/Yonhap After the ceremony, bilateral discussions were expected to include trade, investment, economic and security cooperation and alliance modernization, the office said. Trump's nearly weeklong trip through Asia has focused on making trade deals and bolstering economic ties with countries in the region. He signed a trade agreement with new Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Tuesday and inked deals with Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Kuala Lumpur over the weekend. The most anticipated engagement of Trump's visit will be on Thursday, when he is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in the port city of Busan before heading back to Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The meeting, their first since 2019, comes as the two superpowers are locked in a trade war. Chinese and U.S. economic officials agreed on a framework for a trade agreement on Sunday on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on NBC's Meet the Press. In keynote remarks on Wednesday at an APEC CEOs luncheon, Trump said he expected a deal to be finalized during his meeting with Xi. "We're going to be, I hope, making a deal. I think we're going to have a deal. I think it will be a good deal for both," Trump said. "The world is watching, and I think we'll have something that's very exciting for everybody." President Donald Trump attempted an Indian accent while speaking about Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi in South Korea on Wednesday. His effort to impersonate Modi came during a speech in which Trump took credit for brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan following a May skirmish that saw both sides launch projectiles over their shared border. Trump praised Modi for looking nice but being tough as hell, before telling a story about how he personally intervened in the conflict by threatening stiff tariffs against India if the violence continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No, we will fight! Trump then said in an Indian accent meant to resemble Modis voice. The president claimed he was taken aback by his counterparts boldness. I said, Whoa, is that the same man that I know?' Trump said. Modi has denied that Trump played a role in negotiating a truce between India and Pakistan, while Pakistan has credited the U.S. president for helping resolve the conflict. Trump arrived in South Korea Tuesday night after spending the day in Japan. According to the Times of India, he told reporters there that seven brand-new beautiful planes were shot down during Indias clash with Pakistan, which hadnt been reported anywhere else. Both sides acknowledged aerial engagements during that short conflict. Trump is expected to meet with President Xi of the Peoples Republic of China before returning to the White House Thursday to celebrate Halloween with the first lady. _____ South Korea welcomed Donald Trump with a golden crown and a medal during the final leg of his Asia tour on Wednesday. Lee Jae-myung, the leader of South Korea, presented Mr Trump with the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, the countrys highest honour that is named after its national flower. He also gave the US president a replica of a golden crown. That is really beautiful, said Mr Trump as he admired the medal and its golden chain, mounted in a red presentation case. Id like to wear it right now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Lee, resplendent in his own gold tie, said he had presented the crown to Mr Trump because it symbolised the spirit of Silla, the kingdom which brought peace to the Korean Peninsula for the first time, and the opening of the golden age of the Korea-US alliance. Donald Trump is presented with the Grand Order of Mugunghwa - ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP Trade tensions have strained the relationship between Washington and Seoul and there has been little progress on Mr Trumps demand that South Korea deliver $350bn (265bn) in investments. Mr Lees response was to go all in on bling. The replica Cheonmachong crown sat inside a protective case before them. It was perhaps a sensible precaution in dealing with a president who has never knowingly passed up the chance to try on headwear. The original crown was discovered in an ancient tomb in Gyeongju, Koreas ancient capital, and features delicate gold prongs, ornamented with leaf shapes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nowadays Gyeongju is a quiet tourist town filled with historic palaces dating back to the time it ruled a large area of the Korean Peninsula up until the ninth century. Protesters who were angry over Mr Trumps meeting with his South Korean counterpart descended on the streets of the ancient capital on Wednesday. Lee Jae-myung gave Donald Trump the replica crown to symbolise the golden age of the Korea-US alliance - Yonhap/Shutterstock The irony of the gift will not have been lost on Mr Trump. Opponents at home have marched in No Kings protests, taking issue with the way he has ignored the scrutiny of Congress and the courts to rule, as they see it, like a monarch with absolute power. A day earlier, he had once again hinted at a potential campaign in 2028, despite presidential campaigns being limited to two. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But on Wednesday, Mr Trump admitted the limits of his reign. I have the best numbers for any president in many years, he told reporters aboard Air Force One as he flew in from Tokyo. And I would say that, if you read it [the Constitution], its pretty clear, Im not allowed to run. South Korea is the third stop on his tour, following Tokyo and Kuala Lumpur. It also presents his thorniest problems, as he seeks to continue bringing trading partners into line. Seoul has long looked to Washington for security and to Beijing for trade. That leaves it in a tricky position as it seeks to placate Mr Trump, and make good on its promises to invest hundreds of millions of dollars on US soil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, on Wednesday evening, as he sat with other world leaders, Mr Trump sounded an optimistic note, claiming rapid progress on cementing a trade deal. We made our deal, he said without offering any details and before hedging his claim. We pretty much finalised a trade deal. Demonstrators in Gyeongju protest Donald Trumps visit to South Korea - Yonhap/Reuters More awkward negotiations come on Thursday when Mr Trump is set to meet Xi Jinping, the Chinese premier, on the sidelines of a major gathering of Asia-Pacific leaders. He told reporters travelling with him that the talks would probably allow him to reduce tariffs on Chinese goods in return for Beijings help on deadly opioid drugs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I expect to be lowering that because I believe that theyre going to help us with the fentanyl situation, he said. Theyre going to be doing what they can do. Mr Trump has been feted by leaders at every step of his journey, as they try to escape the wrath of a mercurial president who has used crippling tariffs to get his way. The only one who has so far proved immune is Kim Jong-un of North Korea. He has not responded to repeated entreaties from Mr Trump to meet. Instead his government announced it had successfully tested sea-to-surface cruise missiles, just before the US president landed on the peninsula. 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. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) President Donald Trump fired all six Biden-appointed members of the Commission of Fine Arts, the federal body that reviews presidential construction projects in Washington D.C., and will replace them with a new slate of members more aligned with his America First Policies. The move is set to clear the path for his proposed triumphal arch on the Potomac River and a new ballroom on the White House grounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A White House official confirmed the firings to NBC News, saying the administration is preparing to appoint a new slate of members to the commission that are more aligned with President Trumps America First Policies. According to the Washington Post, the officials were informed by email on Tuesday that they were terminated, effective immediately. The firings come just days after the East Wings demolition, part of Trumps plan to erect a $300 million grand ballroom on the site. The National Trust for Historic Preservation had urged the administration to halt work until the plans were reviewed by the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA) and the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC), both required to assess major federal projects in the capital. The White House has said the ballroom and arch proposals will go to the NCPC soon, when it is time. Trump already appointed three new members to that board in July, including aide William Scharf, now its chair. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CFA, founded in 1910 to preserve the dignity of the nations capital, has occasionally clashed with presidents over White House aesthetics. In 1947, President Harry Truman replaced its members to push through construction of the South Portico balcony. Trump appears poised to do the same, this time on a far grander scale. The post Trump Axes Entire Biden-Appointed Design Commission in Push to Clear Way for Construction Projects first appeared on Mediaite. President Donald Trump is endorsing U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee's 5th Congressional District for the third consecutive election cycle. (Photo: U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles) President Donald Trump is supporting U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles in a third congressional race, this time in the Republican primary against former Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher despite questions about the sitting congressmans finances. Trump gave out the endorsement last week even as Ogles took on more than $50,000 in debt during the latest reporting period for legal consulting with the law firm Holtzman Vogel, financial reports show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Similarly to most Republican candidates, Hatcher, a veterinarian, linked his election effort to Trump by saying the president would have made a good farmer because of his work ethic. Hatcher could not be reached for comment, but seemingly unperturbed, he said in a statement to the Tennessee Journal, Never quit anything before, not quitting now. Looking forward to earning Trumps support. On his website he also managed to take a dig at Ogles, who held up a House speaker vote early in his first term and sought an investigation of Nashville Mayor Freddie OConnell for criticizing a federal sweep of Nolensville Road in South Nashville, a heavily immigrant residential area. Think what President Trump could do if our congressman spent less time talking and more time doing, Hatcher said on his website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet days after Hatcher entered the race, Ogles landed the endorsement because of his consistent support for the president. Trump called Ogles a conservative warrior who is working to cut taxes, promote U.S.-made products, safeguard elections and secure the border. Ogles avoided a criminal investigation into his finances early this year after introducing legislation to enable Trump to seek a third presidential term. The congressman received approval last year to open a trust fund for donations to pay off nearly $120,500 in legal debts he owes to four firms. The Maury County Republicans legal problems stem from a congressional investigation of reporting errors in his Federal Election Commission and financial disclosure reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The House Ethics Committee found Ogles likely violated federal campaign finance laws, mainly by reporting an inflated personal loan to make his bid for office look stronger in 2022. Ogles initially said he raised $450,000 for the race, yet his first FEC report showed he brought in only $250,000. Ogles amended campaign finance reports in May 2024 and acknowledged making a $20,000 loan to his campaign and saying the additional $300,000 was in a joint account he shared with his wife. Following the state legislatures 2022 gerrymandering of House districts that split Nashville into three districts, Ogles vaulted to victory in the Republican primary over former House Speaker Beth Harwell and attorney Kurt Winstead, then staved off a challenge in last years primary from Metro Council member Courtney Johnston. In both 2022 and 2024, he has handily beaten his Democratic opponents in the general election. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX President Donald Trump on Wednesday brought up the possibility of reducing US tariffs on Chinese imports ahead of a planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. When asked by journalists whether he would be willing to reduce "fentanyl-related tariffs" on goods from China, the US president said: "I expect to be lowering that because I believe that they're going to help us with the fentanyl situation." Trump did not provide any further details. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter, that China was expected to commit to stricter export controls on precursor chemicals to make the drug in exchange for a cut in US fentanyl-related tariffs on Chinese goods. Trump has repeatedly accused China of being partly responsible for the fentanyl crisis in the US. Fentanyl, a highly addictive synthetic opioid, is up to 50 times stronger than heroin. According to US authorities, even a few milligrams can be fatal. China has long been seen by US drug authorities as being a hub for the production of chemicals needed to manufacture the drug. Last year, the US Department of Justice charged China-based companies and their employees for crimes related to fentanyl production. In February, the Trump administration imposed additional import duties on Chinese products, citing the fentanyl crisis. Trump and Xi are scheduled to meet on Thursday on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea, which begins on Friday. The two leaders are set to discuss the ongoing trade dispute between the world's two largest economies. Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor on Wednesday said that former Bihar CM Lalu Prasad Yadav and current CM Nitish Kumar were the root cause of all trouble in the state. Speaking to reporters here, Kishor appealed to people in Bihar who earn their living in other states not to vote for Lalu Prasad Yadav's Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United). "If they vote for Lalu or Nitish again, they will have to go back to travelling like animals on trains. The people of Bihar have to decide if they want a factory made here or in other states. Lalu and Nitish are the root of all troubles in Bihar," Kishor said. He stated that a Jan Suraaj government must be established in Bihar to improve conditions, ensuring that people in the state don't have to leave their homestate to make a living. "People of Bihar who have come to the state from other states will have to return if things don't change here in the next 10-15 days. They will have to return to work in factories in Chennai, Gujarat, Delhi, Mumbai and live in the same conditions there. If things improve and a 'Jan Suraaj' is established, they will not have to go to other states. We appeal to them not to return and to remain in Bihar until the elections are over," Kishor said. "This time in Bihar, votes should only be cast for education, employment, and change," he added. With less than ten days remaining before the first phase of polling in the Bihar Assembly elections, the Madhepura Assembly constituency has emerged as one of the key battlegrounds to watch. Located within the Madhepura Lok Sabha constituency, a political stronghold once represented by veteran leaders like Lalu Prasad Yadav and Sharad Yadav, this seat holds significant importance in the upcoming state polls. The Madhepura seat has been a stronghold for the Rashtriya Janata Dal, as they have retained it since the previous three elections. Chandra Shekhar, a three-time MLA from the seat, has been a controversial figure in Bihar politics. He has served as Minister of Disaster Management from 2015 to 2017 and Minister of Sugarcane Industries from 2022 to 2024. He also stirred controversy with his remarks on Ram Charit Manas during a Hindi Diwas event in 2023, which then heated up state politics. JDU, which was then an ally of the RJD, had distanced itself from the remarks; meanwhile, his party had defended his statement, citing it as a reflection of its ideology. In the 2025 elections, Chandra Shekhar Yadav once again contests under the RJD symbol as the Mahagathbandhan candidate. On the other side, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has fielded Kavita Kumari Saha from the JD(U). Saha, who belongs to the Extremely Backward Class (EBC) community and holds a postgraduate degree in Sociology, had earlier made her political debut successfully as the Chairperson of the Madhepura Municipal Board. Shashi Kumar, from the Jan Suraaj Party, is also in the election field against Saha and Chandra Shekhar. The assembly elections will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11. The results will be declared on November 14. (ANI) (NewsNation) President Trump said his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea will yield major results for the U.S. economy, including soybean purchases from American farmers and assurances from China that rare earth exports will not be restricted. The U.S., in turn, will reduce tariffs on Chinese imports, and China promised to crack down on fentanyl ingredients that make their way to America, Trump told reporters on Air Force One on Thursday. South Korea, US advance talks of $350B trade deal Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I thought it was an amazing meeting, he said. On a scale of zero to 10, Trump said, I think it was a 12. In an indication that relations may be thawing between the two countries, Trump said hell be traveling to China in April, with Xi visiting the U.S. sometime thereafter. The two leaders met to discuss trade in the South Korean city of Busan as economic tensions have been simmering between the U.S. and China. In public remarks before their mostly private session, Xi said it felt warm to meet Trump again for their first sit-down since 2019 and noted the U.S. and China have maintained a stable relationship, despite their differences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We do not always see eye to eye with each other, and it is normal for the two leading economies of the world to have frictions now and then, Xi added, through a translator. For his part, Trump heaped praise upon Xi, calling him a tough negotiator, in what appeared to be a charm offensive. However, moments before the globally significant summit, the U.S. president posted on social media that the Pentagon would resume nuclear weapons testing on a scale comparable with China and Russia. Observers saw that as a warning shot, metaphorically, as the U.S. and China got down to brass tacks. Trump on Wednesday said he expected his meeting with Xi to last three to four hours. But the duration, according to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, was about one hour, 40 minutes. Both leaders shook hands in open view upon leaving but did not make public remarks at the conclusion. BUSAN, SOUTH KOREA OCTOBER 30: U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping shake hands as they depart following a bilateral meeting at Gimhae Air Base on October 30, 2025 in Busan, South Korea. Trump is meeting Xi for the first time since taking office for his second term, following months of growing tension between both countries. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) Trump, following his meeting with Xi, said some topics, including Taiwan, did not come up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps meeting with Xi comes at the conclusion of a multiday tour of Asia. The U.S. president has been touting a series of trade agreements with other nations in the region. Fed expected to cut interest rates as shutdown clouds economic picture Reuters 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 NewsNation. President Donald Trump proclaimed on Tuesday that Toyota has pledged to invest $10 billion in the U.S., but the Japanese automaker is pumping the brakes. Trump said at least twice on Tuesday that the automaker would be investing $10 billion to open new factories in several states after he met with Mr. Toyota in Japan. Yesterday I was with Mr. Toyota in Japan, and he just announced he is going to spend they are going to spend $10 billion and they are going to build new car plants and they are going to build them in numerous states, about six or seven different states, Trump said during a speech in South Korea. But on Wednesday, Toyota said it never promised Trump anything of the sort, according to Reuters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hiroyuki Ueda, a Toyota executive, said no pledges were made about an investment of that caliber, but added that the automaker would continue to invest and create jobs in America. Watch above via Fox Business. The post Trump Claims Toyota Promised $10B Investment in US But Automaker Says Not So Fast first appeared on Mediaite. AP Photo/Alex Brandon President Donald Trump finally admitted on Tuesday that he is not allowed to serve a third term as president. Normally, a president acknowledging this fact would not be notable, but Trump has repeatedly floated the idea of serving a third term, despite being barred from doing so by the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution. The president made the admission while aboard Air Force One as it headed to South Korea on Tuesday night, or late Wednesday morning, local time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would say that, if you read it, its pretty clear, Trump said, referring to the Constitution during an in-flight gaggle with reporters. Im not allowed to run. Its too bad. I mean, its too bad. But we have a lot of great people. BREAKING: President Trump RULES OUT 3rd term in office If you read it, its pretty clear! Im not allowed to run. Its too bad! BUT we have a lot of great people. JD VANCE and MARCO RUBIO! pic.twitter.com/uHcdvknu7H Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) October 29, 2025 Trump has occasionally suggested he may run for a third term and even has Trump 2028 hats in the Oval Office. His former adviser, Steve Bannon, has repeatedly claimed Trump can serve another term and that theres a plan in place, and that the president will win in 2028. On Monday, Trump declined to rule out running again when asked by a reporter. Am I not ruling it out? the president said. I mean, youll have to tell me. All I can tell you is that we have a great group of people, which they dont. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Trump also said Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marc Rubio would be great Republican presidential nominees, setting up a potential rivalry between the two ahead of 2028. Hours before Trumps admission, Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) suggested that the president might be able to go around the Constitution to serve a third term. The post Trump Concedes, Im Not Allowed To Serve a Third Term But We Have a Lot of Great People first appeared on Mediaite. ABC News Jonathan Karl dove into the details he found in a treasure trove of information around the attempted assassination of President Donald Trumpat a campaign stop in Butler, Pennsylvania, last year. The journalist told hosts of The View on Tuesday that raw evidence and sworn interviews with Secret Service agents included in a report released by Congress allowed him to reconstruct minute by minute what was going on July 13, 2024. News: Nancy Mace Blames Cops After Her Airport Tirade When he gets to the hospital, I found out, when he gets to the hospital, his aides, he comes out, the aides are in other cars, as he comes in ... the handful of aides are there and he says, How is it playing? How does it look on TV? That was his first thought, Karl said as he promoted his new book, Retribution: Donald Trump and the Campaign That Changed America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, struck Trump in the ear and wounded three attendees one fatally. Crooks was shot and killed by a Secret Service agent. Karl described the moments immediately after the shooting, as agents were trying to get the president to safety inside an armored SUV. Trump fights them, and he gets out to do the photographed fist pump and shouts fight, he said. Then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is surrounded by Secret Service agents after an assassination attempt July 13, 2024, at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. via Associated Press Think about that, Karl said. They dont know if theres another shooter, and hes now exposing himself to the television cameras and capturing that moment, but also to another potential shooter. Karl called it Trumps personal finest moment, despite Secret Service agents writing that his actions were a violation of everything they had been trained to do. Politics: 'I Couldn't Care Less': Trump Rejects Chance To Unify Country In Wake Of Kirk Death Trump told the Washington Examiner he pumped his fist as a message to his supporters at the rally, letting them know he was all right and America goes on, we go forward, that we are strong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The energy coming from the people there in that moment, they just stood there, he told the newspaper. Its hard to describe what that felt like, but I knew the world was looking. I knew that history would judge this, and I knew I had to let them know we are OK. The resulting photo, Karl said, defines his campaign. Related... Read the original on HuffPost President Donald Trump boards Air Force One on October 29, 2025 in Tokyo, Japan. Trump is set to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on October 30. Credit - Andrew HarnikGetty Images President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to meet Thursday in Busan, South Korea. U.S. and Chinese negotiators seem close to a series of understandings on tariffs and technology, rare earths and soybeans, and maybe even fentanyl and TikTok. But after the smiles and handshakes, the two countries will find themselves back grappling with essentially the same rifts they faced when Trump took office. Even if Trump and Xi actually bless a trade agreement, the worlds two largest economies are likely to sign a very small deal. Because without establishing a long-term strategy, any deal Trump signs will fall short of what both countries need to advance peace and economic prosperity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. presidents famously transactional tactics cant begin to lay the groundwork for a complex relationship with a rising geopolitical rival, let alone a country that thrives on long-term planning and single-party control. Sustainable strategy trumps transactional tactics Whatever personal chemistryor at least, civilityTrump and Xi might establish wont matter much if each country sees the other as the main source of the worlds problems. If the American consensus is that China cheats on trade and dreams of global domination, the Chinese view is that America is just the latest in a long line of colonial powers that plot to keep their country down. This may be a very different Cold War from the U.S.-Soviet standoff, but its still a standoff that requires both sides to develop guidelines for a fractious relationship. And Washington needs a strategy to shape those guidelines. Beyond simply getting tough on China, we need to ask what we really want and what we can realistically expect. Topping the list should be a plan to mitigate Chinas excess industrial capacity, which produces 30% of the worlds manufactured goods, while only half are for domestic use. This year, its merchandise trade surplus is on track to beat the roughly $1 trillion in cars, solar panels and other goods that flooded other markets in 2024. Rather than forcing lopsided trade deals on allies and friends, Washington would do better to organize a common message to Chinese leaders that a business model that fuels deflation at home and anger abroad is untenable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chinas expansive lending to developing countries poses another risk. The Belt and Road Initiative has made generous loans and investments that have accelerated growth and built markets for Chinese trade. But the terms of these transactions have saddled many borrowers with unsustainable debts that are confoundingly difficult to restructure. By one estimate, 75 of the worlds poorest countries must come up with $22 billion in loan repayments this year, making China more of a debt collector than a development banker and risks driving these countries even deeper into poverty. Diplomatically, Beijing and Washington should be spending at least as much time addressing conflicts. When the day comes that Russian President Vladimir Putin decides to negotiate a cease-fire in Ukraine, can China help ensure the deal sticks? The Chinese did remarkably little when American bombers attacked Iranian nuclear facilities, but could they still help nudge the Supreme Leader to strike a peace deal as negotiations resume? Then there are the hotspots in Chinas own backyard. Whatever trading relationship emerges from the ongoing talks is only as strong as the peace in the Asia Pacific. If nothing else, there should be robust discussions about an unpredictable leader in North Korea, Beijings territorial claims in the South China Sea and, of course, Taiwan. Trump pointedly refuses to discuss how the U.S. would react to an attack from the mainland, which Xi may well interpret as a green light. The benefits of a long-term strategy And then there are the upsides that come from regular discussions of difficult issues: climate policy, Arctic issues, cybersecurity protocols, artificial intelligence guidelines, intellectual property protection, pandemic preparedness, food safety, United Nations reform, space exploration, financial market access, deep-sea mining rules, quantum computing standards, student visas, human rights and so much more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would also make sense to include key Congressional Democrats in these conversations, too, so the process isnt interrupted by the next presidential campaign. This would also benefit China, which will want need reassurance that any agreement will last longer than Trumps administration. After three decades of growing interdependence, China and America are focused intensely on untangling their relationship so they depend less on each other for key supply chains. This means that bilateral trading volumes and financial flows will continue to dwindle. But the worlds two largest economies and geopolitical rivals cant settle for conversations around terbium and H100 chips. Xi Jinping has a strategy for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation by 2049, the 100th anniversary of the Communist Revolution. After this weeks meeting, Donald Trump could outline how the United States plans to engage with China between now and then, where there is room for cooperation and where he has red lines. But that would require some uncharacteristically strategic thinking from a famously improvisational president. Contact us at letters@time.com. Progressive Democratic congressional candidate and former journalist Kat Abughazaleh was indicted by the Justice Department Wednesday for allegedly preventing a federal officer from discharging the duties of his office at the Broadview ICE detention center near Chicago. Abughazaleh and five others are accused of blocking a Department of Homeland Security vehicle from carrying out deportations, banging and scratching on the window. It was further part of the conspiracy that Abughazaleh joined the crowd at the front of the Government Vehicle, and with her hands on the hood braced her body and hands against the vehicle while remaining directly in the path of the vehicle, hindering and impeding Agent A and the vehicle from proceeding to the BSSA, the court documents read. [Abughazaleh] forcibly impeded, intimidated, and interfered with an officer of the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abughazaleh, a 26-year-old Palestinian American House candidate in Illinoiss 9th congressional district, condemned the indictment. This is a political prosecution, and a gross attempt to silence dissent, a right protected under the First Amendment, she said in a video posted to social media Wednesday afternoon. This is a major push by the Trump administration to criminalize protest and punish anyone who speaks out against them. Thats why Im gonna fight these unjust charges. I have been charged in a federal indictment sought by the Department of Justice. This political prosecution is an attack on all of our First Amendment rights. Im not backing down, and were going to win. pic.twitter.com/szOSZa1h3z Kat Abughazaleh (@KatAbughazaleh) October 29, 2025 Federal forces have been particularly violent and confrontational in Chicago, where the Trump administration is carrying out its Operation Midway Blitz crackdown on immigration, resulting in shows of dissent from local residents. Abughazaleh herself was body-slammed and beaten by ICE at a previous protest in September. Other protesters in Chicago, such as Reverend David Black and United Methodist Reverend Hannah Kardon, have also been shot at with pepper balls. ICE has hit, dragged, thrown, shot with pepper balls, and tear-gassed hundreds of protesters, simply because we had the gall to say that masked men coming into our communities, abducting our neighbors, and terrorizing us cannot be our new normal, Abughazaleh said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This case targets our right to protest, speak freely, and associate with anyone who disagrees with the government, Abughazaleh added. We cannot diminish ourselves in the face of these attacks. Thats why we have to unite and stand up for humanity, our rights, and everyone terrorized by Trumps lawless secret police. Abughazaleh and the other five protesters face charges carrying up to eight years in prison if convicted. Two Department of Justice prosecutors were put on leave Wednesday for accurately describing January 6 as thousands of people comprising a mob of rioters. Carlos Valdivia and Samuel White were prosecuting a separate case involving Capitol insurrectionist Taylor Taranto, who was pardoned by President Trump for his participation in the 2021 riots. Taranto faced separate convictions for being found outside former President Obamas old home in 2023 with two guns, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, and a machete. Valdivia and White only briefly mentioned Tarantos January 6 involvement in their sentencing memorandum: On January 6, 2021, thousands of people comprising a mob of rioters attacked the U.S. Capitol while a joint session of Congress met to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election. Taranto was accused of participating in the riot in Washington, D.C., by entering the U.S. Capitol Building. After the riot, Taranto returned to his home in the State of Washington, where he promoted conspiracy theories about the events of January 6, 2021. The two prosecutors were furloughed due to the government shutdown, and told they would be placed on administrative leave when the shutdown ends. They were also locked out of their offices, making them the latest federal employees to be punished for refusing to capitulate to President Trumps narratives surrounding January 6. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The GOP seems to be allergic to acknowledging that January 6 was as violent, if not more, than any leftist mob theyve spent the last five years fearmongering about. Thousands of people broke into the Capitol building with the intention of harming elected officials so that they could wrongfully install Trump as president. Multiple people died on that day, including rioter Ashley Babbitt, and three officers died in the aftermath. If you work for the Trump/Bondi Justice Department and tell the truth, you will be fired, one X user wrote Wednesday. Federal judges should take note. President Donald Trump on Wednesday shed more light on his threat to send more than the National Guard to U.S. cities he deems dangerous. (Watch the video below.) In an interview with the press aboard Air Force One en route to South Korea, Trump was asked about those previous remarks to military personnel in Japan. Politics: Obama Imagines 'Mind-Boggling' Fox News Coverage If He Did What Trump Is Doing I would do that if it was necessary ... but it hasnt been necessary, Trump said on the plane. Were doing a great job without that. ... As you know, Im allowed to do that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the reporter appeared to ask him which branch of the military he would send in, Trump reverted to a familiar strategy of belittling journalists. Who are you with? he asked. The New York Times, the reporter answered. Thats very good, very good, Trump said. Well, if you write it correctly, Ill give you the answer. Life: Can The National Guard Detain And Arrest You? Here Are Some Surprising Facts. If I want to enact a certain act, Im allowed to do it, he continued, claiming 50% of presidents have exercised that right. And Id be allowed to do whatever I want but we havent chosen to do that, he said. ... And the courts wouldnt get involved. Nobody would get involved. And I can send the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines. I can send anybody I wanted. Trump: If I want to enact a certain act.. Id be allowed to do that, you understand that the courts wouldnt get involved, nobody would get involved. And I could send the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines I could send anybody I wanted. pic.twitter.com/XV3xirCwrT Acyn (@Acyn) October 29, 2025 Aboard the USS George Washington in Yokosuka on Tuesday, Trump told troops: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were sending in our National Guard, and if we need more than the National Guard, well send more than the National Guard, because were going to have safe cities. Were not going to have people killed in our cities. And whether people like that or not, thats what were doing. Politics: Trump Says He's Done Playing By The Rules With Military Forces Trump has deployed the National Guard to Democratic strongholds such as Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and Chicago over the objections of leaders there. The presidents domestic invasions amid immigration crackdowns inspired No Kings protests nationwide against his authoritarian-like rule this month. Donald Trump elaborated on his threat to send "more" than the National Guard to certain cities and made a snide remark to a reporter. X Related... Read the original on HuffPost Bharatiya Janata Party Spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari on Wednesday hit back at Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's 'PM Modi will dance for votes' remarks, calling him a "local goon." Bhandari alleged that Rahul Gandhi has "mocked voters" and "insulted" the poor with his remarks. In an X post, the BJP leader wrote, "Rahul Gandhi speaks like a 'Local Goon'. Rahul Gandhi has openly insulted every poor of India, & Bihar who has voted for PM Narendra Modi ji! Rahul Gandhi has mocked voters and Indian democracy." This comes after Rahul Gandhi took a strong jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said, "If you ask him to do a drama for votes, he will. You can make him do anything. If you tell Narendra Modi to dance. He will dance..." Gandhi was addressing a joint rally with the Mahagathbandhan's Chief Ministerial face and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, opening his campaign for the Bihar Assembly elections. He also accused PM Modi of destroying "all the small businesses by implementing demonetisation and Goods and Services Tax." "Tell me what is written on the back of your phone. Made in China. Narendra Modi ji has destroyed all the small businesses by implementing demonetisation and GST. Wherever you look, it is Made in China. We say that it should not be Made in China, it should be Made in Bihar. Mobiles, shirts, pants, all these should be made in Bihar, and the youth of Bihar should get employment in those factories. We want such a Bihar," he said. The 2025 Bihar elections is 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. Mahagathbandhan, led by Rashtriya Janata Dal, includes 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 staked claims to all 243 seats in the state. The assembly elections will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11. The results will be declared on November 14. (ANI) President Donald Trump said he expects a big step on the topic of fentanyl during his anticipated meeting this week with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump told reporters on Tuesday that he expects to lower his fentanyl-related tariff on Chinese goods, which he imposed earlier this year to pressure Beijing into further curbing the export of chemicals that can be used to make the drug. I expect to be lowering that because I believe that they're going to help us with the fentanyl situation. They're going to be doing what they can do, Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We haven't talked about the timing yet, but we're going to work out something we're doing very well with rare earth, as you know, and we're, I think, going to make a big step with fentanyl, Trump continued. Trump is planning to meet with Xi on Thursday in South Korea during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit but Beijing is yet to confirm the talks. President Donald Trump told reporters on Air Force One he expects a big step with fentanyl during his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping (REUTERS) Trump made the comments while traveling on Air Force One to South Korea as part of a multi-day diplomatic tour in Asia. Earlier Tuesday, the Wall Street Journal reported that Trump and Xi are expected to strike a deal on the tariff. The U.S. could cut the 20 percent fentanyl-related tariff in half if Beijing cracks down on the export of chemicals that can be used to produce fentanyl, the WSJ reports, citing people familiar with the talks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Mexico has been the main source of fentanyl into the U.S., Chinese companies have been known to produce precursor chemicals, which can be used to produce fentanyl, according to the Council on Foreign Relations. While these chemicals have legitimate uses, criminal organizations in Mexico have been known to purchase them to produce fentanyl, the organization says. Trumps comments come after a spokesperson for Chinas Foreign Ministry said in March that the nation has made it clear more than once that fentanyl is the U.S.s problem, not Chinas. Its the U.S.s responsibility to solve the issue, spokesperson Lin Jian said. Despite the goodwill China has shown, the U.S. wrongly slapped tariffs on Chinese imports by citing the issue of fentanyl. Trump is expected to meet with Xi on Thursday in South Korea during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit but Beijing is yet to confirm the talks (AFP/Getty) Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi also spoke with Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday. They discussed the importance of the U.S.-China relationship and the upcoming meeting between Trump and Xi, according to a statement from the State Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump and Xi are expected to touch on a wide range of topics, including Russias war in Ukraine and Chinas rare earth minerals. When asked Tuesday if he expects Xi to push him on Taiwan, Trump said that hes unsure whether the topic will come up. I'm not sure, he may want to ask about it, Trump said. There's not that much to ask about it. Taiwan is Taiwan. The Independent has contacted the White House and the Chinese embassy for comment. When President Trump meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping later Wednesday, he will be extending a hand to a leader that Washington and national security experts have identified as the biggest threat to American global dominance. Trumps main priorities in courting Xi are advancing a trade deal, securing American access to Chinese critical minerals, increasing Chinese purchases of U.S. agriculture and finalizing the Chinese sale of TikTok. For Xi, reducing or eliminating U.S. tariffs and avoiding additional export restrictions on sensitive American technology are at the forefront, while also pushing for Trump to hew closer to Beijings position toward Taiwan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump is projecting positivity ahead of his meeting with Xi, which will take place in Busan, South Korea, and marks the first time the two leaders have seen each other face-to-face in six years. Thats a big, big meeting, and I think its going to work out very well, actually. I think its going to be great for everybody, Trump said at a dinner with business leaders Tuesday in Tokyo. Republicans hawkish on China are working to reinforce their positions ahead of Trumps minisummit with Xi. Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Mich.), the chair of the House Select committee on competition with China, warned Xi is unlikely to completely hand over control of TikTok to an independent American company. I believe Xi Jinping views this as a strategic asset, he said Sunday on CBSs Face the Nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats why he didnt want to sell it to some of the other American companies that were interested in purchasing it. So as long as theyre involved, I think we have to recognize that TikTok, even an American version, still could be open to influence from the Chinese Communist Party. Other Republicans are pointing to Beijings willingness to restrict the export of rare earth minerals critical for the U.S. as reinforcing the true nature of Xis ambitions for global dominance. China has wielded its dominance of rare earth production as a geopolitical weapon many times before, Rep. Young Kim (R-Calif.) wrote in an op-ed for Newsweek last week. These new export controls are not simply a retaliatory measure in the U.S.-China trade war. They represent an aggressive new phase in a decades-long strategy to coerce the world into accepting Beijings critical minerals dominance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps team argues it succeeded in getting Xi to retreat from his export control threats with the power of tariffs, but regional experts point to Chinas willingness to weaponize rare earths as being a key weakness for the president. I do think that he [Trump] believes that the United States is in a position of strength, but he must also recognize that China has weaponized its rare earths, and that that is almost a chokehold on not just the American companies in many industries, but also around the world, said Bonnie Glaser, managing director of the German Marshall Funds Indo-Pacific program. But she said the U.S. does have significant leverage given Chinas reliance on U.S.-produced software, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, as well as aircraft engines and parts. And even as Trump has wielded tariffs on allies as a bullying tactic in trade talks, his three-country tour through Southeast Asia Malaysia, Japan and South Korea has served to reinforce partnerships with allies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, speaking Tuesday with Japans newly elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, offered resolute U.S. support for the alliance with Tokyo. I want to just let you know anytime you have any question, any doubt, anything you want, any favors you need, anything I can do to help Japan, we will be there, the president said. We are an ally at the strongest level. And Trumps trade deal with Malaysia, referencing access to critical minerals, is being welcomed as a key element in efforts to deepen alliances with countries that are pulled into Chinas orbit. There are provisions in some of those agreements where countries have basically pledged to not do things that would be harmful to the United States, in other words, to not stand with China, Glaser said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But theres anxiety in Taipei and among U.S. allies on the front line of Chinese aggression over whether Trump will maintain the status quo of the U.S. position toward the sovereign, democratic island that Beijing seeks to subsume. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Saturday that no one is contemplating walking away from Taiwan in exchange for favorable trade terms with Beijing. Trump and Xis meeting is taking place on generally neutral ground in South Korea. But the stakes are high for a trade deal, and the meeting will likely serve as a key test of the direction U.S.-China ties are heading. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think the president loves deals, and if theres a deal to be had tomorrow, I think that he would take it, said Matthew Kroenig, vice president and senior director of the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security with the Atlantic Council. But he warned that any short-term bargain reached in the informal summit is a far cry from the predictable and stable bilateral ties that private industry and senior business executives crave. I think this is a new Cold War biggest national security threat weve ever faced. And so, I think we really need a more comprehensive economic strategy for China that includes a harder derisking, protecting ourselves from Chinese unfair trade practices, hitting back with tariffs where they are systematically cheating on the global trading system, Kroenig said. And maybe there is some room for continued trade, but I think the central economic issue in the U.S.-China relationship is not how many soybeans China is buying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Sunday getting China to increase purchases of American soybeans is a priority, a trade the nation halted this year in favor of soybeans from Brazil and Argentina. Other key areas where Republicans are sounding the alarm are for Trump to press Xi on the release of Americans unjustly detained in China and Beijings escalating crackdown on religious freedom and civil rights advocates. When you next meet with General Secretary Xi Jinping, we respectfully ask that you personally raise the cases of Americans unjustly detainedor held as hostages to punish Americans or extract political or commercial concessions, Moolenaar, Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) wrote to Trump on Oct. 22. The CCP [Chinese Communist Party] is the worlds largest hostage-taker. It uses detentions and exit bans to punish and censor Americans, gain leverage over U.S. businesses, and pressure changes in U.S. policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And on Monday, Sens. Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Ashley Moody (R-Fla.) and Sullivan introduced legislation that would sanction Chinese officials for persecutions against religious minorities. Chinas disdain for religious freedom is not new. It is an ongoing and brutal pattern of abuse that must be met with steadfast American strength, Budd said in a statement. But critics are warning that Trump is entering the talks from a position of weakness. This is an administration whose entire playbook is based on bullying and blustertactics that are useless when brute force is ineffective, wrote Damian Murphy, senior vice president of national security and international policy for the Center for American Progress (CAP), with Michael Clark, a research associate with CAP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result, it has systematically undermined the true sources of U.S. competitive advantage, at the expense of Americans security and prosperity and to the benefit of China. Clark and Murphy, who recently served as staff director for the Democratic chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, argued that Trump has undermined alliances to combat China by antagonizing partners with tariffs and threats to withdraw American security safeguards. Trumps chaotic trade policies, alongside declaring war on climate change and abdicating positions on bodies at the United Nations, provided Beijing an opportunity to present itself as a reliable global partner and leader, they wrote in an article published Monday. He has alienated allies, abandoned global leadership, gutted strategic investments, and rejected the worlds top talent, Murphy and Clark wrote about Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each of these decisions has done more to advance Chinas strategic goals than anything Beijing could have hoped to achieve on its own, and it leaves the United States less secure, less respected, more alone, and weak. 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. President Donald Trump suggested on Wednesday that he can deploy more branches of the military to U.S. cities if he invokes the Insurrection Act. The Trump administration has deployed National Guard troops to a handful of Democratic-led cities to crack down on crime despite pushback from local and state leaders. He threatened to send more than the National Guard to U.S. cities during his long-winded speech to troops in Japan on Tuesday. A reporter asked Trump about his comments on Wednesday while speaking to the press on Air Force One. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But you know, I want to enact a certain act. Im allowed to do it routinely. And other about 50% of presidents have used that, as you know. And Id be allowed to do whatever I want, Trump told reporters on Wednesday. But we havent chosen to do that, because were doing very well without it, but Id be allowed to do that. You understand that. The courts wouldnt get involved. Nobody would get involved. I could send the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines. I could send anybody I wanted, but I havent done that because were doing so well without it, he added. His comments were met with fierce backlash from some critics. One user on social media platform X wrote: Threatening US cities with the marines is some crazy s---. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another user commented: Donald Trump has declared war on the American people. During his speech in Japan on Tuesday, Trump even suggested sending the Space Command to U.S. cities to address crime. The Space Command plans, executes, and integrates military spacepower into multi-domain global operations in order to deter aggression, defend national interests, and when necessary, defeat threats, according to the military website. People dont care if we send in our military, if we send in our National Guard, if we send in Space Command, they dont care who the hell it is. They just want to be safe, Trump said. Actually, its easy for us. Its hard for them, and we have to have a little more help. It doesnt matter, really, we could do as we want to do, but it would be nice to have more help from some of the Democrat governors that dont mind, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has faced some legal hurdles for deploying the National Guard to some cities, including Chicago and Portland. He has threatened to send the National Guard troops to only Democratic-led cities, despite crime rates falling in a number of those places. Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. President Trump has long toyed with the idea of staying in power beyond two terms and hes back at it. Less than a year into his second term, hes once again hinting at a possible third run, even while acknowledging that the U.S. Constitution leaves no room for it. The latest will-he-or-wont-he talk has renewed the debate over how far Trump is willing to push the limits of American democracy. What might sound like political trolling to some, experts warn, could also be a subtle test of the countrys guardrails, and a sign of how much those norms have already shifted. Were diving deeper into what Trump has said, what the Constitution actually allows, and why experts say this kind of talk still matters, even if a third term isnt legally possible. What has Trump said recently about a third term? Speculation picked up again last week when Steve Bannon, Trumps longtime ally and former White House strategist, hinted in an interview with The Economist that there was a plan to keep the president in office beyond his second term, though he didnt offer more details. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And if such a plan exists, Shannon Gilreath, a law professor at Wake Forest University, says it shouldnt stay in the shadows. When something as serious as this is proposed, there ought to be absolute clarity and transparency from the people proposing it as to what exactly it is they think the path forward is, Gilreath tells us. People have a right to know that. Days later, aboard a flight to Japan, Trump said hed love to run again, even as he ruled out returning as vice president (and then having them step down) and pointed to two potential successors: Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. By midweek, Trump seemed to walk the idea back, telling reporters aboard Air Force One that its pretty clear he cant be elected again under the 22nd Amendment. He brushed it off as too bad before adding, I guess well see what happens. He also bragged that he has the best numbers for any president in many years and the highest numbers that Ive ever had which, according to most polls, isnt true. This isnt the first time the president has downplayed another run. Back in May, he told NBCs Kristen Welker, This is not something Im looking to do. Im looking to have four great years and turn it over to somebody. Can a president actually run for a third term? The U.S. Constitution doesnt leave much room for interpretation here. In 1947, Congress passed the 22nd Amendment to the United States Constitution, which set a hard limit of two presidential terms. Lawmakers acted after Franklin D. Roosevelt broke with precedent and won four consecutive elections, serving nearly 12 years in the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No president since has even flirted with the idea of contradicting the constitutional language and attempting to stand for office for a third full term, says Gilreath. Before that, the two-term limit wasnt actually law just a long-standing tradition started by George Washington and followed by every president after him. But when FDR died during his fourth term, Congress decided to make that tradition official. In 1951, the amendment was ratified, stating plainly: No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice. Theres only one narrow exception: If a vice president takes over for fewer than two years of a presidents term, they can still run for two full additional terms of their own. If they serve more than two years, they can only run once. That doesnt apply to Trump, who was elected to the presidency twice. So why is this talk happening, anyway? If the legal path to a third term is basically nonexistent, why bring it up at all? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Trump and Bannon, floating the idea may be less about changing the Constitution and more about shaping the conversation, says Rick Hasen, a law professor at UCLA. Bannon is famously associated with the strategy of flooding the zone, or overwhelming the public with provocative claims to keep opponents on the defensive. Talking about a third term, even without a real plan, helps Trump and his allies dominate the narrative and rally their base. And its not just Bannon. The chatter has popped up among Trumps inner circle, too. House Speaker Mike Johnson said hed spoken with Trump about the constrictions of the Constitution and didnt see the path for a 2028 run. Johnson also joked that Trump has a good time with that trolling the Democrats, whose hair is on fire by the very prospect, which the president later denied. That kind of back-and-forth may be exactly what Trump and his allies are after political trolling that keeps his opponents on edge and his base engaged. This could be nothing more than just a way of making liberals heads explode, as opposed to anything serious, Hasen tells us. Hasen points out that this talking point could also be a way for Trump to stay relevant and push back against the inevitable lame-duck perception that sets in during a second term. Presidents in their final years often lose political leverage as allies and rivals alike start looking beyond them. By dangling the idea of a third term, Trump signals he has no intention of fading quietly into the background. Would a third-term bid like this actually get anywhere? If Trump were to make a serious push for a third term, our experts agree that a legal roadblock would be immediate and that the odds would be steep. Nothing is outside the realm of possibility but its a long shot at this point, says Gilreath. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even some of Trumps allies are signaling the alleged plan isnt realistic. When asked about Trump floating a third term, Johnson was blunt: Well, theres the 22nd Amendment. The only way to make a third term happen would be through a constitutional amendment a process that requires two-thirds support in both chambers of Congress and ratification by three-fourths of the states. Thats a tall order in any political climate, but especially in todays narrowly divided House and Senate. By the time another election rolled around, Trump would be 82 and if the 22nd Amendment were undone, it wouldnt just clear the way for him to make another bid. Other former presidents, including Barack Obama, could legally run again. Even short of that, Gilreath notes, any attempt to get Trump on the ballot would trigger state-level challenges and almost certainly end up in court. Election officials in some states could refuse to list his name, citing the 22nd Amendment. Lawsuits would almost certainly follow, and experts say the issue would likely rocket to the Supreme Court within weeks. The idea that the Supreme Court would not intervene would be unthinkable, he says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most constitutional experts agree: SCOTUS would almost certainly strike down any third-term bid. The amendments language is plain and unlike other legal questions involving Trump, this one leaves very little room for interpretation. This is among the clearest parts of the Constitution, Hasen tells us. And if he can get around it, it means our Constitution is not being enforced. What would it mean if Trump were to run for president a third time? If Trump somehow managed to mount a third-term bid, the implications would be enormous. Experts say it would amount to a direct collapse of the rule of law, plunging the country into a constitutional crisis. It would be a sitting president openly defying the literal language of the Constitution, Gilreath says. That would make us no longer a republic wed be something else. Such a move would echo patterns seen abroad, including in Russia, where Russian President Vladimir Putin has used legal loopholes and defiance to extend his rule through five presidential terms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fortunately, experts say there are real guardrails in the U.S. that could prevent this from happening before it ever gets that far. State election officials could keep Trump off the ballot, courts could step in fast, and public pushback from voters and institutions could help hold the line. Hasen said he believes the people, the states, and the courts remain bulwarks against what Trump might try to do. Still, Hasen says the very fact that the idea is being floated underscores how fragile democratic norms can be, turning what might seem like political posturing into a stress test for the entire system. Just the talk of this makes people think everything in the Constitution is up for grabs and Trump can do what he wants, he adds. Ultimately, how the country responds to this conversation will say as much about its democratic resilience as it does about Trump himself. The post Trump Keeps Musing About a Third Term But Is It Even Possible? appeared first on Katie Couric Media. As the Trump administration deletes climate data and shutters resources that track the impacts of a warming world, nonprofits, state-level governments, and independent scientists are rushing to preserve the information. Last week, Climate Central resurrected one of the most prominent of those lost records: the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations billion-dollar disaster database. The tool allowed policymakers, insurers, and regular people to track how hurricanes, floods, and other catastrophes are growing more expensive until the agency said in May that it would no longer update the database in alignment with evolving priorities, statutory mandates, and staffing changes. The move was part of the administrations broader effort to roll back climate action and push more of the cost of disaster monitoring and response on to states. Those changes come alongside a shift in who controls the facts about the climate crisis. With federal agencies no longer submitting emissions data to the United Nations, terminating climate experts, and taking down websites, and taking other steps to roll back climate reporting, a patchwork of nonprofits and states is trying to fill the gap creating an ad hoc parallel system for tracking the risks Americans face. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Climate Central, which analyzes climate and extreme weather data and explains its impacts to the public, unveiled the updated database on Wednesday. In the first six months of 2025, the nation recorded 14 billion-dollar weather and climate disasters costing $101.4 billion. Thats already far above the annual average of nine. Four of the five costliest years on record have occurred since 2020. We know climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of some types of extreme events, said climatologist Adam Smith, who led the database under NOAA and is doing so again at Climate Central. And we know more infrastructure in harms way to those extremes results in higher damages. Data and information products like this help us understand how to build a more robust, resilient future. In September, a group of Senate Democrats led by Peter Welch of Vermont introduced a bill to restore the dataset under NOAA, arguing that the information is too vital to be subjected to political whim. His bill, however, hasnt gone anywhere, and in the meantime, Climate Central hired Smith. He has 20 years experience working in climate and extreme weather data analysis and was happy to see the data, which combines and analyzes information gleaned from 16 public and private sources. When the Department of Government Efficiency came to NOAA determined to slash spending, it seemed pretty clear where they were headed, Smith said. He resigned in line with tens of thousands of other federal workers and looked for a place to continue his work. Climate Central allowed him to make an apples to apples comparison with the work he did at NOAA even the interface looks similar. According to the Environmental Data Governance Initiative, Trumps second term is outpacing his first in terms of how much climate data is being deleted. Nonprofits like Climate Central joined by the likes of Public Environmental Data Partners, The Data Center, and the Climate Data Collaborative are, in Smiths words, triaging, and trying to re-establish a baseline moving forward of what can be done scientifically and what can be maintained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Data deletion is not just a problem for researchers and insurers, but for local and state authorities who rely on resources like the billion-dollar disaster database to make the case for building resilient infrastructure. Officials in Asheville, North Carolina, for example, depended upon the tool when deciding to rebuild the dam at North Fork Reservoir. That work is believed to have kept the structure from breaching during Hurricane Helene. When Carly Fabian, a policy advocate at Public Citizen, talks to policymakers about climate disaster, the statistics and data from the billion-dollar disaster database were one of my go-to statistics, she said. Its been really strange not to have that go-to figure. Policymakers tend to be motivated by specific dollar amounts, not vague predictions of future crises, she said. That number will only go up, regardless of whether were tracking it or not, she said. Tracking it just makes it easier to understand the problem. Some states are working to build their own databases of climate and weather hazards they face: California, for example, moved to build a public wildfire catastrophe model in early October. And as more states follow their lead, nonprofit efforts like the reborn billion-dollar disaster dataset are just one piece of the puzzle, Fabian said. In the long run, it really should be the government collecting this data, she said. But at the same time, right now, its so important not to lose that information and not to have a lag there. This story was originally published by Grist with the headline Trump killed a crucial disaster database. This nonprofit just saved it. on Oct 29, 2025. By Trevor Hunnicutt and Jihoon Lee GYEONGJU, South Korea (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump landed in South Korea on Wednesday for the final leg of his Asia trip, optimistic about striking a trade war truce with Chinese President Xi Jinping after summit talks with South Korea's Lee Jae Myung. Arriving from Tokyo hours after North Korea test-fired a nuclear-capable cruise missile, Trump is due to address a summit of CEOs and meet with Lee in Gyeongju, a sleepy South Korean town filled with historic tombs and palaces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The main item on Wednesday's agenda will be the unresolved trade agreement between the U.S. and South Korea, before an expected meeting with Xi on Thursday, the prospect of which has already buoyed global markets. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Gyeongyu, Trump dismissed the North Korea missile test and said he was squarely focused on his meeting with the leader of the world's second-largest economy. "The relationship with China is very good. So I think we're going to have a very good outcome for our country and for the world, actually," Trump said. He expects to reduce U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods in exchange for Beijing's commitment to curb exports of fentanyl precursor chemicals, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SOUTH KOREA TRADE TALKS STRUGGLE Trump made no mention of trade talks with South Korea on Wednesday, with both sides playing down the prospect of a breakthrough in leader talks. The two allies announced a deal in August under which South Korea would avoid the worst of the tariffs by agreeing to pump $350 billion of new investments into the United States. But talks over the structure of those investments have been deadlocked. Trump has also pressed allies like South Korea to pay more for defence, and South Korea has sought reforms to U.S. immigration laws to allow for more workers to build factories after a raid on a Hyundai Motor battery plant in Georgia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The leaders will discuss trade, investment and peace on the Korean peninsula at talks on Wednesday, Lee's office said, a reference to engagement with North Korea. Trump has made repeated calls for a meeting with leader Kim Jong Un, including during this trip, but there has been no public comment from Pyongyang. Kim has previously said he could be open to talking if Washington stops pressing him to give up nuclear weapons. TAIWAN ON THE AGENDA? Filled with thousands of police and soldiers for security, Gyeongju will host the APEC forum this week, but Trump will skip the leaders' summit scheduled for Friday and Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Trump dislikes large international gatherings and prefers to have one-on-one meetings with key leaders," said Christopher Padilla, senior adviser at advisory firm Brunswick Group in Washington. "But while the U.S. steps back, most of the world has continued to work through such institutions, finding them a useful source of cooperation on international problems." Instead, Trump will address the APEC CEO summit, hold bilateral meetings with several countries' leaders, including China's Xi, and have dinner with Lee. The Xi-Trump meeting, expected on Thursday, is overshadowing the rest of the week's busy diplomatic schedule. Negotiators from the world's top two economies hashed out a framework on Sunday for a deal to pause steeper American tariffs and Chinese rare earths export controls, U.S. officials said. The news sent stocks soaring to record peaks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taiwan Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung said on Tuesday that he was not worried that Trump would "abandon" the island in his meeting this week with Xi. Since taking office in January, Trump has vacillated on his position towards China-claimed Taiwan as he seeks to strike a trade deal with Beijing. Trump says Xi has told him he will not invade Taiwan while the Republican president is in office, but Trump has yet to approve any new U.S. arms sales to Taipei. Trump told reporters on Wednesday that he did not know whether he would even discuss Taiwan with Xi. FINAL STOP IN ASIA TRIP Trump is arriving in Gyeongju after a whirlwind swing through the region, among the hardest hit by his tariff policies and increased U.S.-China competition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Malaysia, he announced a slew of trade agreements on the sidelines of the 11-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit and oversaw the signing of an expanded truce between Thailand and Cambodia after a border conflict. In Tokyo on Tuesday, Trump lavished praise on Japan's first female Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, welcoming her pledge to accelerate a military buildup and signing deals on trade and rare earths. The U.S. and Japan also released a list of projects in which Japanese companies are eyeing U.S. investments, related to Tokyo's pledge earlier this year of $550 billion in strategic U.S. investments, loans and guarantees in exchange for tariff reprieve. Washington has pressed South Korea to make a similar arrangement, but Seoul says it cannot afford to pay the $350 billion it pledged upfront. Instead, South Korea has offered a mix of phased investments, loans and other measures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said a last-minute concession by the United States could lead to a deal. (Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt in Tokyo and Jihoon Lee in Gyeongju, South Korea; Writing by Josh Smith and John Geddie; Editing by Jamie Freed and Lincoln Feast.) By Trevor Hunnicutt and Jihoon Lee GYEONGJU, South Korea (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump landed in South Korea on Wednesday for the final leg of his Asia trip, optimistic about striking a trade war truce with Chinese President Xi Jinping after summit talks with South Korea's Lee Jae Myung. Arriving from Tokyo hours after North Korea test-fired a nuclear-capable cruise missile, Trump is due to address a summit of CEOs and meet with Lee in Gyeongju, a sleepy South Korean town filled with historic tombs and palaces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The main item on Wednesday's agenda will be the unresolved trade agreement between the U.S. and South Korea, before an expected meeting with Xi on Thursday, the prospect of which has already buoyed global markets. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Gyeongju, Trump dismissed the North Korea missile test and said he was squarely focused on his meeting with the leader of the world's second-largest economy. "The relationship with China is very good. So I think we're going to have a very good outcome for our country and for the world, actually," Trump said. He expects to reduce U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods in exchange for Beijing's commitment to curb exports of fentanyl precursor chemicals, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After arriving in the southern city of Busan, Trump strolled down a red carpet, shaking hands with officials as the band struck up a rendition of Village People's YMCA, a favourite of the U.S. president's often played at his political rallies. He then boarded his helicopter, heading for Gyeongju. SOUTH KOREA TRADE TALKS STRUGGLE Trump made no mention of trade talks with South Korea on Wednesday, with both sides playing down the prospect of a breakthrough in leader talks. The two allies announced a deal in late July under which South Korea would avoid the worst of the tariffs by agreeing to pump $350 billion of new investments into the United States. But talks over the structure of those investments have been deadlocked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has also pressed allies like South Korea to pay more for defence, and South Korea has sought reforms to U.S. immigration laws to allow for more workers to build factories after a raid on a Hyundai Motor battery plant in Georgia. The leaders will discuss trade, investment and peace on the Korean peninsula at talks on Wednesday, Lee's office said, a reference to engagement with North Korea. Trump has made repeated calls for a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, including during this trip, but there has been no public comment from Pyongyang. Kim has previously said he could be open to talking if Washington stops pressing him to give up nuclear weapons. TAIWAN ON THE AGENDA? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Christopher Padilla, senior adviser at advisory firm Brunswick Group in Washington, said Trump, who will skip the APEC leaders' summit, dislikes large international gatherings and prefers one-on-one meetings with leaders. "But while the U.S. steps back, most of the world has continued to work through such institutions, finding them a useful source of cooperation on international problems," Padilla said. Instead, Trump will address the APEC CEO summit, have dinner with Lee and hold bilateral meetings with several countries' leaders, including China's Xi. Negotiators from the world's top two economies hashed out a framework on Sunday for a deal to pause steeper American tariffs and Chinese rare earths export controls, U.S. officials said. The news sent stocks soaring to record peaks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taiwan Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung said on Tuesday he was not worried that Trump would "abandon" the island in his meeting this week with Xi. Since taking office in January, Trump has vacillated on his position towards China-claimed Taiwan as he seeks to strike a trade deal with Beijing. Trump says Xi has told him he will not invade Taiwan while the Republican president is in office, but Trump has yet to approve any new U.S. arms sales to Taipei. Trump told reporters on Wednesday that he did not know whether he would even discuss Taiwan with Xi. FINAL STOP IN ASIA TRIP Trump is arriving in Gyeongju after a whirlwind swing through the region, among the hardest hit by his tariff policies and increased U.S.-China competition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Malaysia, he announced a slew of trade agreements and oversaw the signing of an expanded truce between Thailand and Cambodia after a border conflict. In Tokyo on Tuesday, Trump lavished praise on Japan's first female Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, welcoming her pledge to accelerate a military buildup and signing deals on trade and rare earths. The U.S. and Japan also released a list of projects in which Japanese companies are eyeing U.S. investments, related to Tokyo's pledge earlier this year of $550 billion in strategic U.S. investments, loans and guarantees in exchange for tariff reprieve. Washington has pressed South Korea to make a similar arrangement, but Seoul says it cannot afford to pay the $350 billion it pledged upfront. Instead, South Korea has offered a mix of phased investments, loans and other measures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said a last-minute concession by the United States could lead to a deal. (Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt in Tokyo and Jihoon Lee in Gyeongju, South Korea; Writing by Josh Smith and John Geddie; Editing by Jamie Freed and Lincoln Feast.) WASHINGTON More than 211,000 people have been forced out of their federal jobs since President Donald Trump took office in January, with cracks showing in the governments ability to provide people with needed services, according to a new analysis by Partnership for Public Service, a nonprofit focused on better government. The group has been tracking Trumps decimation of the federal workforce, which was composed of about 2.3 million civilian employees in 2022. It found that another 10,295 federal employees have left or been pushed out of their jobs in the last month. Politics: Trump Is Using The Shutdown To Terrorize Federal Workers, Democrats Say A few factors triggered the latest round of people losing jobs. Most were hit after the government shutdown began in early October, when Trump arbitrarily eliminated their jobs at the Commerce, Treasury, Education, Housing and Urban Development, and Homeland Security departments. Some were cut by the Justice Departments Executive Office of Immigration Review. Some opted for expedited retirement at the Defense Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Defense Department has been bleeding personnel more than any agency. More than 61,600 people there have left or been forced out in the last nine months. About 6,000 of them left in the last month. The Treasury and Agriculture departments have also lost huge numbers of people, with more than 31,000 and 21,000 pushed out this year, respectively. The volume of federal employees being forced out isnt the only alarming aspect of how Trump is hobbling the government, said Max Stier, the CEO of Partnership for Public Service. The administration is carrying out this process in an entirely nonstrategic way. Politics: House Democrat Urges MAGA To 'Imagine Who Gets Killed' In Deadly Strikes If AOC Was President Its really fire, fire, fire, rather than ready, aim, fire, Stier said. Every corner of our government has seen substantial loss of critical talent, and as a result, performance of our government across the board is being diminished. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. We want to put them in trauma," Russ Vought, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, said of federal employees. via Associated Press Cracks are already showing in the governments ability to provide people with services they rely on with hundreds of thousands fewer staff. When Texas was hit with deadly floods in July, key positions were vacant in National Weather Service offices in the state, prompting questions about staffing shortages affecting the floods forecast. The loss of doctors, nurses and support staff at the Department of Veterans Affairs has added wait times for veterans seeking care in areas like cardiology, gastroenterology and oncology. The Social Security Administrations ability to process claims has reportedly slowed by 25% amid staffing shortages and backlogs. Politics: Trump Went Out Of His Way To Save Food Benefits Last Time The Government Shut Down Still, Stier warned, most of the damage Trump is doing to the government is to its long-term capacity. Todays federal employees report feeling demoralized by the Trump administration, and are currently working without pay amid the shutdown. These are the same people necessary for recruiting the next wave of federal workers, like air traffic controllers, food safety inspectors and VA doctors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Between Trumps hiring freezes, attrition and people being forced out of their jobs, that preparation for the next wave of hires simply isnt happening. To look at the presidents past, I mean, hes been a master at bankruptcy, said Stier. He is, in essence, taking our government to bankruptcy by spending our resources now and not investing in resources that we need for the future. The person driving Trumps efforts to hollow out the government is Russ Vought, the powerful, behind-the-scenes director of the Office of Management and Budget. Vought is an architect of Project 2025, the Heritage Foundations far-right policy blueprint for Trumps second term. Pushing out career civil servants and replacing them with political appointees is central to Project 2025s goals. Politics: Trump Has Forced Out Nearly 10% Of The Federal Workforce An OMB spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment about how the government is supposed to function with 10% fewer employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But a senior administration official had to this to say to HuffPost: Much better. Vought hasnt been shy about his plans in a second Trump administration. He is singularly focused on slashing federal spending, pushing the limits of Trumps executive power (even if violates the Constitution), and making federal employees so miserable theyll quit their jobs and leave the government a shell of its former self. If that sounds dramatic, take it from him: We want the bureaucrats to be traumatically affected, Vought said in a private speech in 2023 unearthed by ProPublica. Politics: Nearly 150,000 Federal Workers Have Left Under Trump, New Analysis Shows When they wake up in the morning, we want them to not want to go to work because they are increasingly viewed as the villains. We want their funding to be shut down so that the EPA cant do all of the rules against our energy industry because they have no bandwidth financially to do so, he said. We want to put them in trauma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Contrary to the idea that Vought is flushing out Washington bureaucrats, the vast majority of federal employees work outside of the D.C. area. More than 80% of themare scattered across the country and around the world. Nearly one-quarter of them are veterans, too. Stier said the public needs to understand that what is happening is horrifyingly bad management that will cause pain far beyond Trumps term in office. Donald Trump is likely to be gone by the time the American public is paying the bill, he said. We typically dont recognize what we have until we lose it. Related... Read the original on HuffPost KATIE ROGERS: What did you say last night when you said you were prepared to send more than the National Guard into American cities? PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP: Sure, I would do that if it was necessary. You know, if it were necessary, Id do that. But it hasnt been necessary. Were doing a great job without that. But yeah, if it was necessarily. As you know, Im allowed to do that KATIE ROGERS: Do you mean other branches of the military you would send in? If it were,. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP: Who are you with? KATIE ROGERS: The New York Times. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP: Thats very good, very good. Well, if you write it correctly, Ill give you the answer. But, you know, if I want to enact a certain act, Im allowed to do it routinely. And other, about 50 percent of presidents have used that, as you know. And Id be allowed to whatever I want. But we havent chosen to do that because were very well, were doing very well without it. But Id allowed to that, you understand, that the courts wouldnt get involved, nobody would get involved. And I could send the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, I could save, send anybody I wanted. But I havent done that because were doing so well without it. Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a staunch attack against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging he would 'do anything for votes'. Addressing an election rally at Muzaffarpur on Wednesday, Gandhi reiterated his "vote theft" allegations, accusing PM Modi of attempting to steal votes in the Bihar elections. The Congress leader said, "He (PM Modi) just wants your vote. If you ask him to do a drama for votes, he will. You can make him do anything. If you tell Narendra Modi to dance, he will dance." "They are engaged in stealing your votes. Because they want to end this election disease, I am telling you, they stole elections in Maharashtra, they stole elections in Haryana, and they will try their best in Bihar," he added. Further, he accused PM Modi and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of "attacking" the Constitution. Earlier, Gandhi had levelled the allegation in the run-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. "Whatever you have got till date, be it vote, education, or health, is because of the Constitution. Narendra Modi and the RSS are attacking it. When they steal votes, they attack it. They attack Ambedkar's Constitution. When they hollow out any institution of India, when they give the post of Vice Chancellor to an RSS man, they attack the Constitution, and I am telling you that we will protect the Constitution, and no one can destroy it," the Congress leader said during the election rally. Gandhi said that the Prime Minister has "nothing to do with Chhath Puja," claiming he took a dip in his "swimming pool" rather than the River Yamuna in Delhi. He said, "There's no Yamuna there; there's a pond there. Narendra Modi went to bathe in his swimming pool. He has nothing to do with the Yamuna. He has nothing to do with Chhath Puja." This comes after the Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi alleged that the BJP government created "fake Yamuna" for PM Modi to take a dip during Chhath Puja. "Rekha Gupta's government created a fake Yamuna at Vasudev Ghat for making Reels and Videos. Filtered water from the Ganga was poured into it, and it was claimed that the Yamuna had been cleaned," AAP wrote on X on Tuesday. Gandhi addressed a joint rally with the Mahagathbandhan's Chief Ministerial face and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, opening his campaign for the Bihar Assembly elections. The 2025 Bihar election is 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. Mahagathbandhan, led by Rashtriya Janata Dal, includes 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 staked claims to all 243 seats in the state. The assembly elections will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11. The results will be declared on November 14. (ANI) South Korea on Wednesday welcomed US President Donald Trump with gifts and flattery, the latest in a string of Asian nations to resort to a well-worn playbook to curry favor with the American leader on his tour of the region. Seoul gave Trump a replica of an ancient gold crown and awarded him its highest civilian honor, days after Tokyo ensured the US president was greeted by the Japanese emperor and was served American rice at a banquet, bucking a historic trend of promoting local produce at high-profile gatherings. And earlier on his trip through Asia, Trump presided over the signing of a peace deal between Cambodia and Thailand, a condition of him attending a regional meeting. US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that "nothing" would jeopardize the ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian militant organization Hamas in Gaza, despite renewed violence in the territory. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route from Japan to South Korea, Trump said Israel had the right to respond to attacks. Hamas "killed an Israeli soldier," Trump said. "So the Israelis hit back. And they should hit back." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We made a deal with them [Hamas] where they were going to behave and they have to behave. If they don't behave, they get taken out," Trump added. His comments came a day after an escalation in Gaza, where Israel accused Hamas of attacking its soldiers in the south of the territory, killing one. The Israeli military said its air force then struck several Hamas targets in response. The Hamas-run civil defence agency said several people were killed in the Israeli strikes. The group denied responsibility for the attack on Israeli troops. The claims could not be independently verified. Since the ceasefire took effect on October 10, deadly incidents have continued. Gaza's Hamas-run health authority said before the latest overnight strikes that more than 90 Palestinians have been killed. Around a week ago, two Israeli soldiers were killed in a rocket-propelled grenade attack. Israel has also accused Hamas of delaying the handover of the bodies of hostages. Without contradicting President Donald Trump, who canceled the $16 billion Gateway rail Tunnel earlier this month, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the tunnel is under review, a process slowed by the federal government shutdown Were in the process of reviewing those projects. The problem is our staff has been furloughed and we have one person doing these reviews, Duffy said at a Tuesday press conference at LaGuardia airport His announcement is the first clarification provided by federal officials since Trumps Oct. 15 statement that Gateway is canceled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Duffys statement comes after last weeks letter from New Jersey congressional delegates demanding the president retract his termination announcement and honor the 2024 funding Gateway agreements. While not mentioning Gateway by name, Trump referred to canceling two Manhattan projects on Oct. 15, championed by U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York. The move was seen as retribution for Democrats holding up the federal budget to renew tax credits that expire on Nov. 1 for affordable health insurance premiums. Ive talked to local senators whove expressed their concerns, and I said the solution is really easy, open the government, Duffy said. Let my staff come back in, lets do the reviews and if there is compliance, were going to move forward without delay. U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-5th Dist., called on Trump to rescind his statement and get Gateway back on track. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As I called for in a letter that I led from the NJ Delegation, the President should come out and officially clarify his statement, say the project is still on, and end the chaos once and for all, Gottheimer said. President Trump has yet to reverse course and continues to threaten Gateway, he said. These are bipartisan investments I helped secure and get signed into law, there should be no delays in keeping the project on track. The cancelation catapulted the ongoing Gateway Project to build a new rail tunnel under the Hudson River into a hot topic in the contentious race for New Jersey governor. The election is Nov. 4. Democratic candidate and U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill vowed to sue the Trump administration to honor the Gateway commitment on day one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her Republican opponent former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli said hed work with the Trump administration and the congressional delegation to ensure Gateway funding stays in place. The review Duffy referred to was announced on Oct. 1. A notice from the Federal Transit Administration froze federal reimbursement payments for Gateway and the subway extension while the agency conducts a review to determine if the projects comply with a new rule that was finalized less than 24 hours earlier. That action raised concerns about how long work could continue without reimbursement on five Gateway projects under construction that employs roughly 11,000 workers in New Jersey, New York and in the Hudson River. The interim final rule, which was signed on Sept. 30, bars the consideration of race or gender in contracts awarded under a Disadvantaged Business Enterprises program, which includes businesses owned by people of color and women. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation centers on whether the process to award contracts was unconstitutional and discriminatory. Weve telegraphed that we have concerns about how contracts are given to disadvantaged businesses, its unconstitutional to base that solely on race or sex, Duffy said Tuesday. Contracts for the Gateway work underway were awarded in 2023 and 2024. The $16 billion project has Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) goal of awarding 20% of the $6.8 billion full funding grant or $1 billion in contracts to DBE businesses, Gateway officials said. Gateways DBE goals have been suspended pending the FTA review. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To ensure we are fully compliant with all Federal rules, the DBE goals are currently suspended until a recertification process takes place by the entities that certify that a business qualifies as a DBE, Gateway officials said. The Oct. 1 federal rule was proposed after a Sept. 23, 2024, decision by a U.S. District Court judge on a case brought in Kentucky. That ruling said the Disadvantaged Business Enterprises programs statutory race-and gender-based presumptions dont comply with the Constitutions promise of equal protection under the law. The court said the government may only use race in a narrowly tailored fashion. Two executive orders issued by Trump followed in January and March address that and other diversity, equity and inclusion requirements in the federal government. Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Alaska attorney Aaron Peterson, seen here in a February 2024 photo, is expected to be nominated by President Trump to one of two vacancies on Alaska's federal court bench. (Alaska Division of Forestry photo) President Donald Trump plans to nominate Aaron Peterson, an attorney with the Alaska Department of Laws natural resources division, for one of two open federal judgeships on the bench of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. The presidents plans were confirmed by the news organization Reuters, which published a copy of a questionnaire Peterson submitted to the U.S. Senates judiciary committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump himself has not formally announced Petersons nomination, but state and federal officials confirmed the presidents plans with the Beacon. Reuters reported that Trump is preparing to nominate two federal judges in other states as well as Peterson. A message left on Petersons work phone was not returned Tuesday afternoon. According to a copy of Petersons questionnaire, a member of Gov. Mike Dunleavys federal transition team encouraged him to apply to a committee formed by Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, to vet possible candidates for the federal judiciary. According to state voter records, Peterson is a Republican. He identified himself in the questionnaire as a member of the Federalist Society, whose members generally follow Republican legal principles and support President Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Records published by the Federal Elections Commission and the Alaska Public Offices Commission do not list any political contributions by Peterson. Attorney General-designee Stephen Cox served on the Sullivan committee. By email, he called Peterson an outstanding choice. Hes demonstrated a remarkable ability to navigate complex issues with fairness and integrity, including during his representation of the Board of Fisheries. His extensive understanding of both civil and criminal law, honed through his experience as a prosecutor, makes him uniquely qualified for this position. Alaska needs judges who are equipped to handle the complex cases before them and the realities of our state, and I am confident that Aaron will be an excellent addition to the bench, Cox wrote. Alaska has three federal judgeships but only one sitting federal judge. Judge Timothy Burgess retired at the end of 2021, and Judge Joshua Kindred resigned in disgrace in 2024 amid a sexual scandal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since then, Alaskas two U.S. senators have been divided about who to pick as replacements and how to pick those replacements. Under longstanding Senate tradition, judge picks normally advance only with the assent of both home state senators. As a result of the senators disagreements and Sullivans decision to not attempt to fill a vacancy under President Joe Biden, the judgeship vacated by Burgess is now the fifth-oldest vacancy among 50 in the federal court system. Sullivan has not disclosed the names of judicial candidates that he examined through a special committee designed to serve as an alternative to the Alaska Bar Associations traditional review process. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, disclosed the names of applicants she received and solicited opinions from the Bar Association. Petersons application was not among those initially received by Murkowski. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Through a spokesperson, Murkowski said she learned about Petersons nomination from the White House. After speaking extensively with him last week about his many qualifications, I informed the White House that I would support his nomination. Alaskas District Court has had two vacancies for far too long, and I hope the White House will soon announce a second qualified nominee whom I can support to fill out the bench, Murkowski said. According to Petersons questionnaire, he met with Murkowski on Oct. 23, seven months after being interviewed by Sullivan and four months after his initial interview by the White House Counsels Office. Since September, according to the questionnaire, he has been in regular contact with White House and Department of Justice officials. By email, Sullivan said Peterson has extensive legal experience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Throughout his career, which includes military service, Aaron has demonstrated a commitment to the rule of law and federalism. He also understands the principle that the job of a federal judge is to interpret the law, not to make policy, Sullivan said. Id like to thank each of the members of the Alaska Federal Judiciary Council, who worked with me to fully vet a number of well-qualified Alaska nominees, including Aaron. The councils diligent work and input are invaluable in ensuring Alaskans are represented by jurists and citizens of the highest caliber. I also want to thank President Trump and his team for working closely with my office on identifying outstanding judges who will serve Alaska and our country well. According to the information Peterson submitted to the U.S. Senates judiciary committee, he was born in Anchorage in 1981 and served in the U.S. Air Force from 2000 to 2003 before attending the University of Alaska Anchorage, graduating in 2007. He attended Gonzaga University School of Law and graduated in 2010. After graduation, he returned to Alaska, serving first as a clerk to Judge Michael Spaan of the Anchorage Superior Court, then as a prosecutor with the Municipality of Anchorage. The Alaska Bar Associations directory says he was admitted to the state bar on Nov. 16, 2010. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Peterson worked in the Anchorage District Attorneys office starting in 2012, including on violent felonies, such as murder and sexual assault. He moved to the Department of Laws office of special prosecutions in 2015 before beginning work with the Department of Laws natural resources section in 2019. Since joining that section, hes prosecuted high-profile criminal cases, including a 2018 incident in which two Matanuska-Susitna Borough men illegally killed a black bear and her two squealing cubs within their den. More recently, Peterson has represented the state in an ongoing case that challenges the states current two-tier system of subsistence fishing management. He also represented the state in a lawsuit that challenged salmon fishery management in Cook Inlet. If confirmed, Peterson said in his questionnaire, I will recuse myself from any case where I have ever played a role. Further, I will evaluate any potential conflict or issue that could give rise to the appearance of a conflict, on a case-by-case basis and determine appropriate action, including recusal where necessary. Correction: The initial version of this article incorrectly stated the title of former Judge Michael Spaan of the Anchorage Superior Court. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE President Trump appeared to rule out seeking a third term Wednesday, acknowledging the Constitution is pretty clear that he is not allowed to run again. Its a very interesting thing. I have the best numbers for any president in many years, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One while flying to South Korea. And I would say that, if you read it, its pretty clear: Im not allowed to run. Its too bad, Trump added. But we have a lot of great people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has spoken about the prospect of running for a third term at least a half dozen times during the first nine months of his second term. The 22nd Amendment stipulates no individual can be elected to more than two terms as president. Talk of Trump running again in 2028 picked up steam again after Steve Bannon, a Trump ally and former top adviser, said in a recent interview there was a plan to keep Trump in office, though he did not elaborate. Trump, on a Monday flight to Japan, was asked about Bannons comments and said hed love to run again, though he ruled out an idea floated by some supporters to run as a vice presidential candidate and then take over after the election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said Tuesday that he has talked to Trump about the constitutional limitations that would prevent the president from seeking a third term. Its been a great run, but I think the president knows and he and Ive talked about the constrictions of the Constitution, as much as so many of the American people lament that, Johnson told reporters. 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. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has awarded US President Donald Trump the country's highest order of merit in recognition of his "contribution to peace on the Korean Peninsula," Seoul said on Wednesday. Trump was awarded the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, becoming the first US president to receive the distinction. The award consists of a pendant worn around the neck. "It's a great honour," the US president said at the ceremony in Gyeongju, South Korea. "I can wear it right now," he joked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lee also presented Trump with an ornate, specially gold-plated replica of a historical crown from Korea's ancient Silla dynasty, which ruled from 57 BC to 935 AD. During his first term in office, Trump met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un three times in 2018 and 2019 the first and so far only meetings between a sitting US president and a North Korean ruler. Trump is currently on a two-day visit to the south-eastern city of Gyeongju, where he is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has awarded US President Donald Trump the country's highest order of merit in recognition of his "contribution to peace on the Korean Peninsula," Seoul said on Wednesday. Trump was awarded the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, becoming the first US president to receive the distinction. The award consists of a pendant worn around the neck. "It's a great honour," the US president said at the ceremony in Gyeongju, South Korea. "I can wear it right now," he joked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lee also presented Trump with an ornate, specially gold-plated replica of a historical crown from Korea's ancient Silla dynasty, which ruled from 57 BC to 935 AD. During his first term in office, Trump met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un three times in 2018 and 2019 the first and so far only meetings between a sitting US president and a North Korean ruler. Trump is currently on a two-day visit to the south-eastern city of Gyeongju, where he is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday. While Trump was there on Wednesday, the US and South Korea finalized further details of a trade agreement after months of negotiations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The US president said the deal was "pretty much" done. A high-ranking South Korean government official said that the country will invest $350 billion in the US. The investment period will be staggered over several years, with the annual total not exceeding $20 billion. In return, the official said, the US government will reduce its tariffs on South Korean imports. South Korea also stated that the US will reduce tariffs on South Korea's auto industry from 25% to 15%. By Maiya Keidan (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump's administration is replacing all six members of an independent federal agency that planned to review his building projects, including a new ballroom at the White House that critics have slammed. "We are preparing to appoint a new slate of members to the commission that are more aligned with President Trump's America First Policies", a White House official told Reuters in an email. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Commission of Fine Arts, made up of architects and urban planners, was established by Congress more than 100 years ago to provide advice on design in the construction of projects in the capital area. The Washington Post reported earlier that the administration had sent letters to committee members dismissing them. "On behalf of President Donald J. Trump, I am writing to inform you that your position as a member of the Commission of Fine Arts is terminated, effective immediately," a presidential personnel office staffer wrote on Tuesday in an email to one of the commissioners, which the Post said it reviewed. A White House official, who spoke anonymously to the Post, confirmed that all six members, who had been appointed by former President Joe Biden, had been fired. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Construction began last week on Trump's White House ballroom addition, which is expected to cost upwards of $250 million and which is the first major change to the historic property in decades. Critics, dismayed at the swift demolition of the entire East Wing of the White House, said a review should have taken place before construction began. A separate panel, the National Capital Planning Commission, oversees federal construction in Washington. The White House said last week that plans had not yet been submitted to that commission but they would be soon. Democratic Senator Adam Schiff and several other senators asked the White House on Tuesday to produce "complete accounting" on how the administration is funding the ballroom project. Trump, a former real estate developer, has said it would be paid for by himself and donors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The opaque nature of this scheme reinforces concern that President Trump is again selling presidential access to individuals or entities, including foreign nationals and corporate actors, with vested interests in federal action," Schiff wrote in a letter to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, the Post reported on Wednesday. (Reporting by Maiya KeidanEditing by Chizu Nomiyama and Frances Kerry) The Supreme Court on Wednesday posted for November 24 a plea filed by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali Angmo, against his detention under the National Security Act (NSA) and seeking his release. A bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and NV Anjaria took on record the amended plea of Angmo and sought the response of the Centre and the Union Territory of Ladakh. "Petitioner permitted to amend the petition and file the amended copy within a week, and amended counter to be filed within 10 days thereafter. Rejoinder, if any, within a week thereafter. List on November 24," the bench ordered. Earlier, the apex court adjourned the plea of Wangchuk's wife after she sought to file an amended petition with additional grounds for challenging Wangchuk's detention. Wangchuk's wife had filed the habeas corpus plea seeking release of her husband on the basis that no grounds of detention were supplied by the detaining authorities. In a fresh application seeking the addition of grounds to challenge his detention, Angmo has referred to a series of actions taken against Wangchuk before his arrest, including the cancellation of the foreign funding certificate for his NGO. The plea filed earlier had said that the grounds of detention had not been supplied to the family, and it should be served on her. Wangchuk was detained on September 26 and shifted to Jodhpur Central Jail in Rajasthan for allegedly inciting a violent protest in Ladakh. He was booked under the NSA after the violence in Leh, in which four people were killed and 80 others were injured. The protesters have been demanding statehood for Ladakh and inclusion of the region in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. The plea had stated that Wangchuk's detention was not genuinely linked to national security or public order but intended to silence a respected environmentalist and social reformer for espousing democratic and ecological causes. According to the petition, the activist resorted only to peaceful Gandhian protest within Ladakh, an exercise of his constitutional right to speech and assembly. The detention amounts to a violation of free speech under Article 19, it stated. It had said the charges were "baseless and floated with the sole object of defaming, maligning and discrediting his peaceful Gandhian movement" aimed at protecting the ecology of Ladakh. The plea had said that a "systematic campaign" had been "unleashed against" Wangchuk, alleging "links with Pakistan and China." "In particular, a blasphemous narrative suggesting links with Pakistan and China is being intentionally floated in certain quarters with the sole object of defaming, maligning and discrediting a peaceful Gandhian movement for the protection of Ladakh, its fragile ecology, its mountains, glaciers, and the livelihood of its people," stated the plea. Angmo had also challenged the transfer of Wangchuk to the Central Jail in Jodhpur over a thousand kilometres from Ladakh, the site of protests. (ANI) President Donald Trump was gifted a golden crown during his visit to South Korea, weeks after he declared he was not a king ahead of the No Kings protests he denounced. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Wednesday awarded Trump an ornate crown, which is the largest and most extravagant of the six existing gold crowns from the Silla period, according to a South Korean official. The crown represents the divine connection between the authority of the heavens and the sovereignty on Earth, as well as the strong leadership and authority of a leader, the official explained. Trump thanked Lee and called the crown very special. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump was presented with the crown just two weeks after No Kings demonstrations swept the nation, with nearly 7 million people protesting what organizers called Trumps authoritarian power grabs. Since he reclaimed the White House, Trump has deployed the National Guard to several U.S. cities, demolished the East Wing of the White House, and publicly urged his attorney general to prosecute his perceived political enemies without delay. President Donald Trump received gifts from South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, including a golden crown, just weeks after Trump declared hes not a king as millions demonstrated in No Kings protests. (AP) Meanwhile, the Trump administration has faced countless lawsuits challenging its policies, including mass layoffs of the federal workforce, its sweeping tariff plan, and how it carried out mass deportations. Think tanks, Democrats and ethics groups have warned against his unprecedented power grabs. Most recently, Trump said hed love to run for a third term, despite the Constitution barring a president from serving more than two. But on Air Force One Tuesday night, the U.S. president admitted hes not allowed to run again. The sad thing is, I have my highest numbers that I've ever had, he told reporters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans dubbed the No Kings protests Hate America rallies while Trump insisted hes not a king. In the wake of the nationwide demonstrations, Trump mocked them by posting AI-generated videos on his Truth Social, including one featuring himself wearing a crown, flying a King Trump fighter jet, and bombing a crowd of protesters with brown sludge. Trump posted an AI-created video of himself bombing No Kings protesters with brown sludge while wearing a crown (Donald Trump) House Speaker Mike Johnson later defended Trumps social media post. The president uses social media to make a point, Johnson told The Independent at a press conference. You can argue he's probably the most effective person who's ever used social media for that. He is using satire to make a point. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, the U.S. president was also given the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, in anticipation of the peace and prosperity you will bring to the Korean peninsula, the official said. Its a great honor, Trump said. We have a very great relationship and it will only continue and get stronger. That is really beautiful. Id like to wear it right now. Thank you so much. Well cherish it. Thank you very much everybody, Trump continued. Washington President Trump told reporters Wednesday that he has the authority to send U.S. military forces beyond the National Guard into U.S. cities, claiming not even the courts could stop him, but said that hasn't been necessary so far. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One during his trip to Asia, the president said he could send the "Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines," and "anybody I wanted" into U.S. cities, and would do so "if I thought it was necessary." Earlier in his trip, the president told U.S. troops at the Yokosuka naval base near Tokyo that he was prepared to send "more than the National Guard" into U.S. cities if needed. Asked whether he meant sending other branches of the military into U.S. cities, Mr. Trump said Wednesday, "You know if I want to enact a certain act, I'm allowed to do it routinely," an apparent reference to the Insurrection Act, which allows the military to act in a law enforcement capacity to suppress a rebellion or quell domestic violence. The authority that has not been invoked by a U.S. president in more than 30 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "And I'd be allowed to do whatever I want," Mr. Trump added. "But we haven't chosen to do that because we're very well we're doing very well without it. But I'd be allowed to do that, you understand that, and the courts wouldn't get involved, nobody would get involved, and I could send the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, I can send anybody I wanted. But I haven't done that because we're doing so well without it." The president touted the National Guard deployments in Washington, D.C., and Memphis, Tennessee, as the administration insists their presence is driving down crime. The president has generally targeted Democratic-led cities for National Guard deployments. The cities of Chicago and D.C. and the states of Illinois, California and Oregon have sued the administration over the deployments. The Posse Comitatus Act restricts the U.S. military from carrying out domestic law enforcement actions. But there are exceptions to the law. "He is talking about the Insurrection Act, which allows use of federal military forces in a law enforcement capacity," said Geoffrey Corn, director of the Center for Military Law and Policy at Texas Tech University School of Law, in an email to CBS News. "This is very rarely used." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The last time a president invoked the Insurrection Act was in 1992, when GOP Gov. Pete Wilson of California asked President George H.W. Bush for help in quelling the Los Angeles riots, after a jury acquitted four White police officers who were accused of assaulting and beating Rodney King, a Black motorist. The incident was caught on video. "He would have to invoke the provision allowing use of the military to assist in enforcing federal law unless a governor requested the help," Corn said of Mr. Trump. In D.C., Mr. Trump deployed the D.C. National Guard troops under a section of federal law known as Title 32, meaning they're not subject to the Posse Comitatus Act. Members of the D.C. Guard also deployed in Title 32 status in 2020, in response to protests over the murder of George Floyd, when the D.C. government requested additional manpower. They also deployed in Title 32 status in response to the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the Capitol, after some delay. Editor's note: An earlier version of this article said that Gray Davis was the governor of California in 1992, but it was his predecessor, Pete Wilson, who was the California governor at the time and asked President George H.W. Bush for help in quelling the Los Angeles riots. This report has been updated. What to expect from Trump meeting with Xi Jinping Eye Opener: Hurricane Melissa makes landfall in Jamaica Hurricane Melissa expected to bring catastrophic weather to Jamaica AIR FORCE ONE (Reuters) -President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he expects to reduce U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods in exchange for Beijings commitment to curb exports of fentanyl precursor chemicals. Early this year Trump imposed 20% tariffs on Chinese imports over what he described as Beijing's failure to curb the flow of precursor chemicals used in the production of fentanyl, which has caused nearly 450,000 U.S. overdose deaths. Those tariffs have remained in effect despite a fragile trade truce reached by both sides in subsequent talks, as the two superpowers did not make progress on the issue in the absence of decisive action targeting traffickers by China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For its part, Beijing has strongly defended its chemical control record and accused Washington of using fentanyl to "blackmail" China. (Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt, Jarrett Renshaw and Antoni Slodkowski; Editing by Jacqueline Wong and Lincoln Feast.) AIR FORCE ONE (Reuters) -President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he expects to reduce U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods in exchange for Beijing's commitment to curb exports of fentanyl precursor chemicals. Early this year Trump imposed 20% tariffs on Chinese imports over what he described as Beijing's failure to curb the flow of precursor chemicals used in the production of fentanyl, which has caused nearly 450,000 U.S. overdose deaths. Those tariffs have remained in effect despite a fragile trade truce reached by both sides in subsequent talks, as the two superpowers did not make progress on the issue in the absence of decisive action targeting traffickers by China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For its part, Beijing has always strongly defended its chemical control record and accused Washington of using fentanyl to "blackmail" China. However, China softened its tone on the fentanyl debate ahead of a meeting between both countries' presidents, expressing sympathy instead of reiterating its usual characterisation of the issue as being an American problem. "China sympathises with the American people over the fentanyl crisis, and has offered help and provided assistance, which have achieved positive results," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told reporters at a regular briefing. Guo said China remains open to continuing such cooperation with the United States but urged "practical actions" by Washington for bilateral cooperation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China's envoy to the U.S., Xie Feng, said last month that fentanyl and illegal immigration could become "highlights and growth points" for both countries' cooperation after months of defending Beijing's existing policies on drugs and criticising related U.S. tariffs. (Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt, Jarrett Renshaw; Antoni Slodkowski and Colleen Howe; Additional reporting by Beijing newsroom; Editing by Jacqueline Wong and Lincoln Feast) After toying with the idea of running for a constitutionally prohibited third presidential term for months, President Donald Trump conceded that the law is "pretty clear" against such a scenario. "I would say that if you read it, its pretty clear, Im not allowed to run," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Oct. 29 as he was traveling overseas. "Its too bad." The comments came a day after Trump said he'd "love" to serve beyond 2028, again setting off speculation about his intentions. US President Donald Trump (C) poses for a group photo with (from L - R) Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, East Timor's Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet, Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Philippines' President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah, Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto, and Laos' Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone before the 13th ASEAN - United States Summit during the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Kuala Lumpur on Oct. 26, 2025. President Donald Trump speaks as he presides over the signing of a Cambodia-Thailand peace deal at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on October 26, 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Trump is in Malaysia for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit, and will next travel to Japan, en route to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. President Donald Trump looks on as Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet (C) and Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul hold up signed documents during a ceremonial signing of a ceasefire agreement on the sidelines of the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Kuala Lumpur on Oct.26, 2025. A Royal Malaysian Air Force F-18 Hornet fighter jet escorts Air Force One with U.S. President Donald Trump aboard en route to Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Oct. 26, 2025 in Malaysia. Trump is in Malaysia for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit, and will next travel to Japan, en route to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. President Donald Trump walks with Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (centre R) as he walks from Air Force One upon arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang on Oct. 26, 2025. US President Donald Trump arrived in Malaysia on October 26 on the first leg of an Asian tour that will include high-stakes trade talks with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. President Donald Trump holds the US and Malaysian national flags at a welcome ceremony upon arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang on Oct. 26, 2025. US President Donald Trump arrived in Malaysia on October 26 on the first leg of an Asian tour that will include high-stakes trade talks with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. President Donald Trump waves from his official vehicle known as "The Beast" as he departs from Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang to attend the ASEAN summit on Oct.26, 2025. US President Donald Trump arrived in Malaysia on October 26 on the first leg of an Asian tour that will include high-stakes trade talks with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. President Donald Trump joins performers for a dance during the welcome ceremony next to Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (L) as he arrives on Air Force One at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang on Oct. 26, 2025. US President Donald Trump arrived in Malaysia on Oct. 26 on the first leg of an Asian tour that will include high-stakes trade talks with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. President Donald Trump welcomes Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim ibn Hamad Al Thani (L) and Prime Minister of Qatar Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani (3rd-L) aboard Air Force One during a refueling stop at Al-Udeid Air Base on Oct. 25, 2025 in Abu Nakhlah, Qatar. Trump is traveling to Malaysia for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit (ASEAN), Japan, and to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum (APEC). Also pictured is U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio (3rd-R), White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles (2nd-R), and Special Assistant to the President Margo Martin (R). President Trump visits Asia. See the biggest moments from his trip 1 of 9 US President Donald Trump (C) poses for a group photo with (from L - R) Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, East Timor's Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet, Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Philippines' President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah, Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto, and Laos' Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone before the 13th ASEAN - United States Summit during the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Kuala Lumpur on Oct. 26, 2025. Trump has regularly nodded at a third term. He raised the topic at a Black History Month event in February at the White House, where he asked the audience. Should I run again? You tell me." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The audience cheered and began chanting four more years. In a speech to Republican governors that same month, Trump said he's been told he can't run again, but added he's "not sure." The 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states: No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice. Constitutional law experts agree with Trump's assessment that the language is clear. Princeton University constitutional law scholar Deborah Pearlstein told USA TODAY in February that the 22nd Amendment bars Trump from running again, "full stop." President Donald Trump speaks to members of the media next to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on board Air Force One en route to South Korea, October 29, 2025. The legal limits haven't stopped some Trump allies from pushing the idea of a third term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steve Bannon, who served as White House chief strategist during Trumps first administration and now hosts an influential MAGA podcast, told The Economist on Oct. 23 that "Trump is going to be president in '28, and people just ought to get accommodated with that." However, one of Trumps closest allies, House Speaker Mike Johnson, told reporters Oct. 28 that Trump is limited by the Constitution. "There is the 22nd Amendment," Johnson said at a news conference. "I think the president knows. And he and I have talked about the constrictions of the Constitution." Johnson played down the idea of Trump running again, saying he "has a good time" trolling Democrats, "whose hair is on fire at the very prospect." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Trumps bid to overturn the 2020 election have raised questions about what he would do to stay in office. The efforts culminated in the storming of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in an attempt to stop the certification of election results. Among the ideas floated for a third Trump term is for him to get elected as vice president and then have the president resign. Trump dismissed that scenario this week. "I wouldn't do that. I think it's too cute," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Oct. 27 as he was traveling overseas. "Yeah, I would rule that out because it's too cute. I think the people wouldn't like that. It's too cute. It's not it wouldn't be right." Contributing: Zachary Schermele This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump says Constitution is 'pretty clear' he can't seek a third term ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he will speak to Chinese President Xi Jinping about Nvidia's state-of-the-art Blackwell artificial intelligence chip at their expected meeting on Thursday. Sales of the U.S. firm's high-end AI chips to China have been a key sticking point in protracted trade talks between the world's two largest economies this year. Beijing has long been irked by Washington's export controls that ban Nvidia from selling its most advanced AI chips to China. The U.S. has justified these restrictions by alleging the Chinese military would use the chips to increase its capabilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Gyeongju, South Korea, Trump praised Nvidia's Blackwell as the "super-duper chip" and said he might speak to Xi about them, without elaborating. "I think we may be talking about that with President Xi," Trump said, adding he was "very optimistic" about his meeting with Xi, the first since he returned to the White House. Reuters in May reported that Nvidia was preparing a new chip for China that was a scaled-down variant of its most recent state-of-the-art AI Blackwell chips at a significantly lower cost. Nvidia CEO Jesen Huang said on Tuesday his company had not applied for U.S. export licenses to send its newest chips to China because of the Chinese position. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They've made it very clear that they don't want Nvidia to be there right now," he said at a news conference during the company's developers event, adding it needs access to the China market to fund U.S.-based research and development. "I hope that will change in the future because I think China is a very important market." U.S. administrations have swung back and forth on allowing Nvidia's advanced chips into China, vacillating on whether access would make China more dependent on the U.S. technology or give its military and tech companies a competitive boost. Beijing has put pressure on Chinese firms to buy and further develop domestic chips in response to U.S. export controls targeting the sale of Nvidia chips to China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite that pressure, Chinese developers still want Nvidia's chips due to constrained supplies of products from domestic rivals such as Huawei, Reuters has previously reported. (Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt; Writing by Eduardo Baptista; Editing by Miyoung Kim and Stephen Coates) By Trevor Hunnicutt and Eduardo Baptista AIR FORCE ONE/GYEONGJU, South Korea (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he will speak to Chinese President Xi Jinping about Nvidia's state-of-the-art Blackwell artificial intelligence chip at their expected meeting on Thursday. Sales of the U.S. firm's high-end AI chips to China, which accounted for 13% of its revenue in the past financial year, have been a key sticking point in protracted trade talks between the world's two largest economies this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beijing has long been irked by Washington's export controls that ban Nvidia from selling its most advanced AI chips to China. The U.S. has justified these restrictions by alleging the Chinese military would use the chips to increase its capabilities. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Gyeongju, South Korea, Trump praised Nvidia's current flagship Blackwell model as the "super-duper chip" and said he might speak to Xi about it, without elaborating. "I think we may be talking about that with President Xi," Trump said, adding he was "very optimistic" about his meeting with Xi, the first since he returned to the White House. UNCERTAIN CHIP EXPORT CONTROLS Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The second Trump administration has swung back and forth on allowing Nvidia's advanced chips into China, vacillating on whether access would make its superpower rival more dependent on the U.S. technology or give its military and tech companies a competitive boost. In April, it ordered Nvidia to stop sales of the H20 chip, made specifically for the Chinese market, prompting the company to prepare a less powerful version that was nevertheless based on its newest Blackwell architecture. Washington lifted the H20 sales ban three months later as part of negotiations with China on rare earths exports. Trump also said in August he would allow Nvidia to sell its H20 chips to China in exchange for the U.S. government receiving a 15% cut of the company's sales of some advanced chips in that country, opening the door to allowing the firm to sell more powerful chips than the H20 model. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But even after the revenue sharing deal, Nvidia said it has not sent any H20 chips to China, as the U.S. has yet to come up with rules on how to get the payment and China has discouraged domestic firms from purchasing the California-based company's chips. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, who is expected to meet Trump on Wednesday and discuss the Blackwell, said on Tuesday his company had not applied for U.S. export licenses to send its newest chips to China because of the Chinese position. "They've made it very clear that they don't want Nvidia to be there right now," he said during the company's developers' event, adding it needs access to the China market to fund U.S.-based research and development. "I hope that will change in the future because I think China is a very important market." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beijing has put pressure on Chinese firms to buy and further develop domestic chips in response to U.S. export controls targeting the sale of Nvidia chips to China. Despite that pressure, Chinese developers still want Nvidia's chips due to constrained supplies of products from domestic rivals such as Huawei, Reuters has previously reported. (Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt and Eduardo Baptista; Writing by Eduardo Baptista; Editing by Miyoung Kim, Stephen Coates and Muralikumar Anantharaman) President Donald Trump said Wednesday its pretty clear Im not allowed to run for a third term, a move that is prohibited by the Constitution but has been floated by some of his allies and Trump himself. In remarks to reporters on an Air Force One flight to South Korea in the morning, Trump appeared to refer to the Constitutions forbidding presidents from serving more than two terms. "I have the best numbers for any president in many years, any president," he claimed. "And I would say that if you read it, its pretty clear Im not allowed to run. Its too bad. But we have a lot of great people." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has previously mused about a third-term bid, despite the Constitution's 22nd Amendment, which established a two-term limit. His comments about a 2028 run have alarmed critics but have been downplayed by congressional Republicans. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said Tuesday that he did not see "a way to amend the Constitution," pointing to a lengthy timeline and a high bar for state and congressional support. "So I dont, I dont see the path for that, but I can tell you that we are not going to take our foot off the gas pedal," he said. A constitutional amendment would need to be proposed by a two-thirds majority in the House and the Senate or by a constitutional convention called by two-thirds of state legislatures. Then, a proposed amendment would need to be approved by three-fourths of states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has previously gone so far as to have told NBC News in March that there were methods for seeking another term and that he was "not joking." Earlier in his Asia trip, Trump also appeared to rule out running for vice president in a potential scenario in which Vice President JD Vance would run for president and turn power over to him if he is elected. A similar arrangement was made by Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2008, when he was not allowed to run for a third consecutive term but retained ample power when then-President Dmitry Medvedev appointed him prime minister. I think the people wouldnt like that, Trump said of running for vice president. Its too cute. Its not, it wouldnt be right. Trump ally Steve Bannon said last week that Trump is "going to get a third term." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview with The Economist, Bannon said, "Trump is going to be president in '28 and people just ought to get accommodated with that." Asked about the 22nd Amendment, which established a two-term limit, he said, "There's many different alternatives." Asked about Bannon's comments, Trump said Monday, "I haven't really thought about it." He pointed to Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as a potential ticket, adding, "I would love to do it." Just days into Trump's second term, Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., proposed an amendment to allow Trump to seek a third term. The measure has not moved forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump Organization, too, began selling "Trump 2028" hats and shirts this year. The shirts are also emblazoned with the words "rewrite the rules." This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asking him to respond to US President Donald Trump's claim that he brokered a peace deal between India and Pakistan, subsequently stopping Operation Sindoor. Taking to X, Gandhi claimed that Trump is repeatedly insulting PM Modi. "Trump is insulting Modi in country after country. Latest is South Korea. Repeated that he used trade to frighten Modi into stopping Operation Sindoor. Said 7 planes were shot down. Don't be scared Modi ji, find the courage to respond," Rahul Gandhi wrote. This comes after President Trump, while in South Korea, repeated the claim of being involved in the cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan. He described PM Modi as a "nicest-looking guy", and a "father," he also called him a "killer" and "tough as hell", while hinting at an imminent trade deal between the two countries. Trump asserted that his intervention helped de-escalate tensions between the two nuclear-armed nations, claiming that seven planes were shot down during the conflict. "I'm doing a trade deal with India, and I have great respect and love for Prime Minister Modi. We have a great relationship. Likewise, the Prime Minister of Pakistan is a great guy. They have a Field Marshal. You know why he's a Field Marshal? He's a great fighter. And I know them all. I'm reading that seven planes were shot down. These are two nuclear nations. And they're really going at it," Trump said, while delivering his keynote remarks at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEOs Luncheon in Gyeongju. Earlier today, Congress Party's General Secretary in charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh, alleged that the US President is "putting pressure" on PM Modi. "It is exposed that he (Donald Trump) has put pressure on India for a trade agreement. When there was a debate in the parliament, we demanded a discussion on this, but the PM said nothing. He is going for campaigns, but what President Trump is saying, he is not taking the country into confidence... For national interest, we are raising these questions," Jairam Ramesh told ANI. According to the Congress leader, the US President has claimed atleast 56 times that he stopped the hostilities between the two countries, while also praising Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir, and Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif too. Meanwhile, India has refuted Trump's claims, stating that the ceasefire was achieved bilaterally through the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs), without third-party involvement. India has also reiterated its long-standing position that any issues with Pakistan, including those related to Jammu and Kashmir, are to be resolved bilaterally between the two countries. (ANI) After repeatedly raising the prospect of running for a third term, President Donald Trump said Wednesday that doing so would be unconstitutional. If you read it [the Constitution], its pretty clear: Im not allowed to run. Its too bad, Trump told reporters on Air Force One en route to South Korea. But we have a lot of great people. Trump who on Monday said that he would love to do it didnt close the door on the possibility, however. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Based on what I read, I guess Im not allowed to run, he said with a smile. So well see what happens. Trump on Third Term: If you read it, it's pretty clearI'm not allowed to run. Its too bad. pic.twitter.com/R4LKGriv1D Acyn (@Acyn) October 29, 2025 Trumps remarks came a day after House Speaker Mike Johnson told an MSNBC reporter that he does not see the path for a third Trump term. He cited the 22nd Amendment, which says nobody shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice. When asked about a third term in a March interview with NBC News, Trump said there are methods available and that he was not joking. Former White House adviser Steve Bannon told The Economist last week that Trump is going to be president in 28, and people just ought to get accommodated with that. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com President Trump said early Wednesday that the U.S. has pretty much reached a trade deal with South Korea. We reached a deal. We did a lot of different things. Great session, Trump told reporters, according to a White House pool report. We came to a conclusion on a lot of very different items. The White House has not offered any additional information on the deal. South Korean President Lee Jae Myungs chief of staff Kim Yong-beom told reporters the two counties had reached an agreement on details in tariff negotiations, according to The New York Times. The aide said the Trump administrations tariffs on the Asian nation would drop from 25 percent to 15 percent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Korea has been subject to a 25 percent import tax on automobiles, making business difficult for South Korean carmakers such as Hyundai and Kia. A sticking point between Seoul and Washington has been Trumps push for the trading partner to directly invest $350 billion into the U.S. South Korean leaders have expressed trepidations about the demand, pushing instead for loans and loan guarantees. Trump, who is on the final leg of his Asia trip, made the announcement standing alongside Lee at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in the city of Gyeongju. Trumps most anticipated meeting of the trip is set to take place with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday. Trump struck a hopeful tone on a potential trade deal with China ahead of his meeting with Xi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were going to be, I hope, making a deal. I think were going to have a deal, Trump said from South Korea. I think it will be a good deal for both. He added, The world is watching, and I think well have something thats very exciting for everybody. 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. WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump appeared to close the door on seeking a third term in office, acknowledging that the Constitution bars him from running again after his current term ends in January 2029. If you read it, its pretty clear Im not allowed to run. Its too bad, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Wednesday en route to South Korea, signaling a shift from earlier comments in which he declined to definitively rule out another bid. The 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution bars anyone from being elected to the U.S. presidency a third time, but Trump has publicly toyed with the idea since he won a second term in November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson said on Tuesday that he had discussed the issue with Trump and concluded there was no viable path to amend the Constitution in time to allow a third term. Its been a great run, Johnson said. But I think the president knows, and he and I have talked about, the constrictions of the Constitution. Johnson noted that the amendment process would require two-thirds approval in Congress and ratification by three-fourths of the states, a process he estimated could take a decade. I dont see the path for that, he added. Trumps allies, including former strategist Steve Bannon, have floated legal theories challenging the two-term limit established by the 22nd Amendment. Trump has referenced the idea at rallies and sells Trump 2028 merchandise, though Johnson characterized it as political theater. He has a good time with that, trolling the Democrats whose hair is on fire about the very prospect, Johnson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, 79, also pointed earlier this week to Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as potential Republican contenders for the 2028 election. If he were to run again, Trump would be 82, making him the oldest president in U.S. history. (Reporting by Susan Heavey and Trevor Hunnicutt; Editing by Caitlin Webber, Alison Williams, Noeleen Walder and Christian Schmollinger) When previously asked if he would consider running for vice president in 2028, he dismissed the idea as "too cute," despite US law allowing him to do so. United States President Donald Trump appeared to close the door on seeking a third term in office, acknowledging that the Constitution bars him from running again after his current term ends in January 2029. If you read it, its pretty clear, Im not allowed to run. Its too bad, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Wednesday en route to South Korea, signaling a shift from earlier comments in which he declined to definitively rule out another bid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 22nd Amendment to the US Constitution bars anyone from being elected to the US presidency a third time, but Trump has publicly toyed with the idea since he won a second term in November. US House Speaker Mike Johnson said on Tuesday that he had discussed the issue with Trump and concluded there was no viable path to amend the Constitution in time to allow a third term. Its been a great run, Johnson said. But I think the president knows, and he and I have talked about, the constrictions of the Constitution. The amendment process could take a decade Johnson noted that the amendment process would require two-thirds approval in Congress and ratification by three-fourths of the states, a process he estimated could take a decade. I dont see the path for that, he added. US President Donald Trump walks from Marine One to board Air Force One to depart Haneda Airport for South Korea, in Tokyo, Japan, October 29, 2025 (credit: EVELYN HOCKSTEIN/REUTERS) Trumps allies, including former strategist Steve Bannon, have floated legal theories challenging the two-term limit established by the 22nd Amendment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has referenced the idea at rallies and sells Trump 2028 merchandise, though Johnson characterized it as political theater. He has a good time with that, trolling the Democrats whose hair is on fire about the very prospect, Johnson said. Trump also pointed earlier this week to Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as potential Republican contenders for the 2028 election. If he were to run again, Trump would be 82, making him the oldest president in US history. President Trump appeared to concede Wednesday that he's not allowed to run for reelection in 2028 after teasing the idea of running for a third term on and off for months. "It's a very interesting thing. I have the best numbers for any president in many years," the president told reporters aboard Air Force One on his way to South Korea. "And I would say that, if you read it, it's pretty clear I'm not allowed to run. It's too bad." The 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1951, explicitly bars anyone from being elected to more than two terms as president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr. Trump has periodically toyed with the idea of seeking another term. In some cases, he's seemed to bring up the idea in a tongue-in-cheek manner, offering up "Trump 2028" hats to friends and foes alike. But he told NBC News earlier this year he's "not joking" and he believes "there are methods" by which he could run for president again. And Trump ally Steve Bannon said in an interview released last week that "there's a plan" for Mr. Trump to win a third term. President Trump speaks to journalists aboard Air Force One while en route to South Korea on Oct. 29, 2025. / Credit: Andrew Harnik / Getty Images Asked about Bannon's comments on Monday, Mr. Trump said he hadn't given it much thought, but he did not definitively rule out running for a third term. Another close Trump ally, House Speaker Mike Johnson, said Tuesday he doesn't "see a path" to changing the Constitution to permit a third term. "He and I have talked about the constrictions of the Constitution," the Louisiana Republican told reporters. "I don't see a way to amend the Constitution because it takes about 10 years to do that." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some observers have suggested that Mr. Trump could get a third term if he successfully runs for vice president and the sitting president were to step down, enabling him to retake the Oval Office. The idea is constitutionally untested and experts are divided on whether it would work. Mr. Trump seemed to rule out that idea on Monday. "I think that people wouldn't like that," he said. "It's too cute" What to expect from Trump meeting with Xi Jinping Eye Opener: Hurricane Melissa makes landfall in Jamaica Hurricane Melissa expected to bring catastrophic weather to Jamaica The White House is in no rush to mediate a deal to end the government shutdown, lacking any urgency to help lawmakers reach an agreement as pressure increases on both parties to solve the standoff. President Trump has had no direct communication with top Democrats since the shutdown began nearly one month ago. In fact, Trump and his top aides believe Democrats have no good way out and the administration has made no qualms about using agency messaging to politically blame the opposing party for disrupting government operations. Trump, meanwhile, has seen his approval largely hold steady as he pursues his agenda unabated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During past shutdowns, the president would typically look to stay above the fray or help lawmakers reach a deal to reopen the government. But political watchers say Trump has no incentive to do so. If youre the White House, there is zero benefit to bending. Zero. It doesnt make sense for him ever to get involved in this situation, one source close to Trump World said. And while Trump is hardly engaging with lawmakers, congressional leadership on both sides of the aisle also appear to be at a standstill, with most discussions on Capitol Hill happening more among the rank and file. That became apparent again when the Senate failed to reopen the federal government for the 13th time Tuesday, as the shutdown hit the four-week mark. Meanwhile, the House has not been in session for weeks, with Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) insisting lawmakers will only return if the Senate breaks its impasse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House and Republicans, who maintain narrow majorities in the House and Senate, have been adamant that lawmakers should pass a clean continuing resolution that funds the government at current levels into November. Officials note it will only take a handful of Senate Democrats to vote with Republicans and end the shutdown. Democrats have balked at that idea as they push for commitments to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies that are set to expire at the end of the year. Without an extension, health care premiums for millions of Americans will spike. Democrats argue it is up to Republicans to negotiate with the minority party to find a way out of the shutdown. The administration, at the same time, sought to alleviate key pressure points that might otherwise bring lawmakers to the negotiating table. The administration has shifted around funding in the Pentagon budget to pay members of the military, and officials said they would use tariff revenue to help fund a key nutritional program for women and infants. But Trump has shown he is unconcerned with the optics of the shutdown or with whether voters will pin the blame on him for the situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president has devoted much of his attention to the construction of a ballroom at the White House. Trump during the shutdown hosted a dinner for donors who are helping to pay for the ballroom, including leaders from Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Palantir and other major companies. Construction began on the ballroom last week, as the East Wing was demolished. Trump during the shutdown also made two major trips abroad to focus on his foreign policy agenda. He completed a whirlwind trip to the Middle East to tout the onset of a fragile peace agreement to end the fighting in Gaza, and he is in Asia this week seeking to cement key trade agreements. He gets to still run the government, one Republican strategist said. Hes getting to do all the things he wants to do anyway. Deportations havent slowed. The Donald Trump agenda is still being carried out. Hes not hurt by this from an agenda standpoint. Thats also evidence of how staying out of the shutdown fight benefits Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House has no incentive to fold, the source close to Trump World said. Congressional Republicans might. But the White House certainly doesnt. The administration also isnt slowing down despite the shutdown. The Department of Homeland Security has continued with its aggressive deportation efforts and crackdowns in cities like Chicago. Trumps budget chief, Russell Vought, has eliminated or frozen funding for transportation and clean energy projects in New York City, Chicago and states that did not vote for Trump in the 2024 election. Vought has also pressed ahead with layoffs, seeking to slash the size of the federal workforce by thousands of people, though a federal judge has halted the dismissals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement White House officials are confident pressure will increase on Democrats as the shutdown approaches Nov. 1. This week, the American Federation of Government Employees, the largest union representing federal workers, called for Congress to pass a clean continuing resolution to reopen the government. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) told reporters the unions position has a lot of impact, though no Democrats indicated they were prepared to change their position. Lawmakers in both parties have warned that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits will begin to expire Nov. 1, and there is growing concern about increased flight delays at major airports because of the shutdowns strain on air traffic controllers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And the finger-pointing for who is to blame is sure to continue. A Quinnipiac University poll released last week found 45 percent of registered voters viewed congressional Republicans as more responsible for the shutdown, compared to 39 percent who pinned more blame on congressional Democrats. The poll found 11 percent viewed the parties as equally responsible. The same poll showed Trumps approval rating at 40 percent, up slightly from 38 percent in September before the shutdown began. 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. Christine Faltz Grassman has worked in the Education Department since 2019. Her layoff notice says Dec. 9 will be her last day. Photo: Courtesy of Blind Muse Foundation Christine Faltz Grassman was stunned when she received a layoff notice from the Department of Education on Oct. 11, 10 days after being furloughed due to the government shutdown. Grassman, who is blind, helps oversee a federal program that offers government contracting opportunities to blind vendors. She wondered how she would cover her mortgage and bills and who would make sure the government is following a New Deal-era law meant to boost employment among blind Americans. Politics: Trump Pitches Moving Special Education Program From One Shrinking Agency To Another Her shock quickly turned to anger as she thought about the Trump administrations treatment of workers with disabilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mentality of these people is if we have a disability and we have a job, were taking it away from an able-bodied person, said Grassman, 56. Its not enough that I went to an Ivy League school, that I went to law school and can run circles around half the Cabinet It doesnt matter, because were blind. Where is the humanity in so much of what is happening with this administration? she asked. Her two other co-workers who oversee the Randolph-Sheppard vending program at the Education Department also received reduction-in-force, or RIF, notices, she attested in a court declaration. They, too, are blind, she said. The Education Department did not answer questions from HuffPost about the layoffs. An automatic reply from the agency said its press team was furloughed during the shutdown, which the message blamed on Democrats. The Trump administration is trying to eliminate around 4,000 workers from the federal payroll during the lapse in appropriations. President Donald Trump has said expressly that he views the shutdown RIFs as an opportunity to cut Democrat programs and punish Democratic lawmakers for insisting that any funding deal extend health care subsidies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A federal judge on Tuesday granted an injunction blocking the White House from proceeding with the layoffs while a court challenge from labor unions proceeds. But Trump could still prevail in the underlying case, as the Supreme Court has largely paved the way for his job cuts so far. Politics: Democrats Fume After GOP Shuts Them Out Of Briefing On Trump's Military Strikes Grassman is fighting for her job in that lawsuit and wanted to clarify that she was speaking in her personal capacity, not as a federal employee. Her work is part of a larger civil rights employment infrastructure thats been decimated by the Trump administration as it has shed an estimated 200,000 federal jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president has gone after anything that contains a whiff of diversity or affirmative action, which means deep cuts to programs and enforcement efforts designed to aid minority workers and students and people with disabilities. The very word disability is among those the administration has been scrubbing from government websites and other materials. Are you a federal worker impacted by the shutdown? You can contact our reporter on Signal at davejamieson.99 or email him at dave.jamieson@huffpost.com. Politics: Lara Trump Reveals 8-Year-Old Son's Halloween Costume, And It's Very On-Brand The Center for American Progress, a left-leaning think tank, has said the first six months of this Trump administration would be remembered as an all-out war against disabled people. The White House has essentially wiped out civil rights offices at the Education, Justice and Labor departments through layoffs and attrition, leaving fewer staff to help enforce the law, while rolling back disparate impact policies meant to curb discrimination against disabled workers and other groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watching it all unfold has been devastating for Grassman. When I was growing up, my parents had a place to turn to if they needed it. They had a law with teeth. They had federal enforcement they could count on if my school didnt provide me with the accommodations I needed, said Grassman, whos from Brooklyn. That is not now true for kids with disabilities, adults with disabilities, or people who become disabled later in life. Grassman is part of a team that oversees the Randolph-Sheppard program, which provides contracting opportunities to blind workers. Photo: Courtesy of Blind Muse Foundation Blind since birth, Grassman said shes been overcoming doubters her whole life, eventually getting her undergraduate degree from Princeton University and a law degree from Hofstra University. She was well aware of the Randolph-Sheppard program when she took a job in Washington, D.C., in 2019 to help oversee it. Her husband, who is legally blind, had been a vendor through the program for more than three decades. The Randolph-Sheppard Act, signed into law by Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1936, gives blind vendors a contracting preference to run concessions shops and vending machines on federal properties, including military bases. Politics: Trump Sued Over Partisan Out-Of-Office Emails Amid Shutdown: 'Beyond Outrageous' Grassman, a conflict resolution specialist, is part of a small team at the Education Department that helps make sure federal agencies comply with the law and resolves disputes between vendors and the state agencies that issue their licenses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grassman said the programs contracts are sometimes wrongly viewed as handouts or government bloat. Daniel Driscoll, Trumps secretary of the Army, appeared on a recent podcast and suggested that able-bodied vendors were gaming the program and forcing the Defense Department to overpay for chicken. The discussion devolved into laughter. Its been interpreted over the years to basically mean we have to prioritize blind people when we go out for our chicken contracts, Driscoll said. Grassman said she was appalled at the portrayal of the program as wasteful. Complete nonsense, she said. Politics: Trump Asks Pentagon To Immediately Resume Testing U.S. Nuclear Weapons Her husband, Gary Grassman, ran concessions operations on federal properties in New York for years, often rising at 4 a.m. for work, not sitting at home and collecting a check, as his wife put it. Gary Grassman said eliminating those overseeing the program could lead to abuses and shortchange vendors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the oversight is lost, then that gives free rein to the federal agencies and to the states to decide how they want to do things, and they possibly could not be following the law, he said. He closed his vending business during the pandemic and isnt currently working, making his wifes paycheck their only income. She had hoped to work for the government until retirement and worries what the job market will offer a 56-year-old blind woman, especially when its been flooded with other out-of-work feds. She cant waitress or drive for Uber to make ends meet. She is glad her children are grown, but if her layoff stands, she and her husband may have to sell their condo in pricey Northern Virginia and move away from her parents, who both have serious health issues. According to her layoff notice, Grassmans last day of work is supposed to be Dec. 9, though the court challenge may keep her employed longer. Whatever happens, Grassman said, she would not be put in trauma the words Trumps budget director, Russell Vought, used to describe his wish for the federal workforce. She said shes been facing down bullies my whole life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im a veteran of trauma. Russell Vought doesnt scare me, she said. I will always be on top of my game, no matter what Im doing, and he will never take that away from me. This administration can never take that away from me. Related... Read the original on HuffPost Washington President Trump said Wednesday in South Korea that he hoped to emerge from a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping with a U.S.-China trade deal in hand. "We're going to be, I hope, making a deal. I think we're going to have a deal. I think it will be a good deal for both," the president said. "The world is watching, and I think we'll have something that's very exciting for everybody." Mr. Trump made the remarks during a speech to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, the last major scheduled stop of a nearly weeklong swing through Asia. Much of his trip has focused on cementing trade agreements and boosting economic ties with U.S. partners in the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump says U.S. and South Korea deal "pretty much finalized" The president has signed trade and tariff deals with Japan, Malaysia and several other countries during his trip, and after scheduled talks with South Korean officials on Wednesday, he told reporters before a formal state dinner hosted by South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung: "We reached a deal. We had a great session. It's an honor." U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had told reporters ahead of Mr. Trump's visit that he didn't expect a U.S.-South Korea trade agreement to be completely nailed down during the president's trip, but he said he thought it was close. Mr. Trump, speaking later to the leaders gathered for the dinner, indicated there were still some details to nail down, saying the U.S. and South Korea had "pretty much finalized a trade deal," and adding that the negotiating teams "came to a conclusion on a lot of very important items." President Trump stands next to South Korean President Lee Jae Myung ahead of a dinner in honor of Mr. Trump and other leaders, at the Hilton Gyeongju hotel, Oct. 29, 2025, in Gyeongju, South Korea, after an APEC summit in the city. / Credit: Andrew Harnik/Getty/Andy Harnik The two countries announced a framework deal over the summer similar to the one signed earlier in the week with Japan, with 15% tariffs on South Korean goods and investments pledged in the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An end to the U.S.-China trade war? But a direct meeting with China's Xi in South Korea on Thursday is the most hotly anticipated part of his trip. The foreign ministry in Beijing confirmed on Wednesday that a sit-down was planned, saying Xi would meet with Mr. Trump in Busan, "to exchange views on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest." Officials in Beijing have not yet voiced the same optimism publicly over a looming deal to end the trade war, and the meeting could be tense, as China and the U.S. have clashed for months, imposing reciprocal tariffs and restrictions on the import and export of key items. Mr. Trump is expected to press Xi to loosen a set of tough export restrictions on rare earth elements from China, which are essential for everything from computer chips to aerospace. He had threatened to impose 100% tariffs on Chinese goods starting from Saturday unless Beijing backs off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Sunday that the additional 100% tariffs which would boost the total U.S. tariff rate on Chinese imports to 140% were "effectively off the table" after a two-day meeting with a Chinese negotiator. The trade war has led China to halt purchases of U.S. soybeans, causing pain for American farmers, though Bessent said Sunday that he expects Beijing to end its soybean boycott. Mr. Trump also needs Chinese approval for a deal to transfer TikTok's U.S. operations from Beijing-based parent company ByteDance. Mr. Trump predicted earlier this week that the two leaders will reach an agreement by the end of his trip, saying he has "a lot of respect for President Xi" and, "I think we're going to come away with a deal." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nicholas Burns, a Biden-era U.S. ambassador to China, told CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes that Wednesday's meeting is "very important," calling the trade war a "test of wills" between the world's two biggest economies. "China is the most important competitor, adversary of the United States worldwide now. It will be in the future," Burns said. "So the stakes are high, because we have lots of issues where we are competing with China." President Trump speaks at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Gyeongju, South Korea on Wednesday. / Credit: Ng Han Guan/AP Trump addresses U.S. partners in Asia The president also used his speech at the APEC event to tout the other trade deals he's inked in Asia. He highlighted his plans to partner with other countries on key industries including shipbuilding, semiconductors and critical minerals, and framed the trade negotiations as an extension of the U.S. defense alliances in the region, telling audience members that "economic security is national security." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement APEC is a regional economic group with 21 member countries around the Pacific Rim, including China, Mexico, Russia, Singapore, South Korea and Vietnam. Promoting free trade is a major component of the forum, despite Mr. Trump's push for higher tariffs on many member countries, a strategy that the president argues is necessary to rebalance trade. Critics warn his strategy could lead to higher inflation and more sluggish economic growth. The president is looking to cinch a trade agreement with South Korea, the United States' sixth-largest trading partner. Over the summer, Mr. Trump announced a framework deal that involves the U.S. charging 15% tariffs on South Korean goods, while South Korea invests billions in U.S. industry and opens its market to American cars. Bessent told reporters the South Korea deal is unlikely to be resolved this week, but it's close. During his APEC remarks, Mr. Trump called South Korea "a cherished American friend and a close ally." He said he's looking to work with the country on investments in U.S. shipbuilding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before leaving his previous stop in Japan, Mr. Trump signed a trade deal on Tuesday with new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, cementing 15% tariffs on imported Japanese goods, lower than the 25% initially threatened by the president. Japan also pledged $550 billion in investments in U.S. industry. The president announced trade framework agreements with Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand earlier in the trip. President Donald Trump, left, and Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi shake hands during a signing ceremony at Akasaka Palace in Tokyo, Japan, Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. / Credit: Mark Schiefelbein / AP He's also expected to meet at some point with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, as the microchip giant partners with the Department of Energy to build an artificial intelligence supercomputer and presses for more access to China's market. No meeting planned with Kim Jong Un Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr. Trump said repeatedly that he would be open to meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his trip, though no such meeting has been planned. The president said Wednesday that the timing couldn't be worked out for a sit-down with Kim. North Korea's government has made no comment on Mr. Trump's suggestions of another face-to-face meeting between the leaders. During Mr. Trump's first term, he became the first sitting president to visit North Korea, a trip that happened after he put an invitation to Kim on social media. Gyeongju, where Mr. Trump was for the APEC summit, is in southeast South Korea, on the opposite side of the country as the capital Seoul, and far from the border with North Korea. The two Koreas have remained technically at war since 1953, when the Korean War was halted by an armistice rather than a full treaty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr. Trump said Wednesday that he would still see what could be done to get the Korean conflict "straightened out." Hurricane Melissa expected to bring catastrophic weather to Jamaica Judge admonishes ICE leader in Chicago after agents descend on Halloween parade U.S. strikes four more vessels suspected of drug trafficking Russia's oil exports to China and India are a lifeline, fueling Moscow's war effort. Experts say now there is a chance to cut it. Over the past decade, revenues from oil and gas have accounted for 3050% of Russia's budget, roughly equating to the amount Moscow spends on its all-out war against Ukraine. After an exhausted back and forth, U.S. President Donald Trump has been set to change that. His latest move sanctions on Russian oil giants Rosneft and Lukoil has prompted Moscow's top oil buyers to rethink their strategy of buying Russian energy in bulk at a lucrative discount. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Experts told the Kyiv Independent that the sanctions "can certainly be efficient," but the real test lies ahead: Will China and India stop their purchases, and what can actually be done to enforce them? Read also: Trumps Russia sanctions a shock to Moscow, may deal serious blow to oil giants, experts say Oil lifeline The scale of China and India's oil purchases is staggering. New Delhi and Beijing turned to Russian oil after its value plummeted following the Western initial sanctions push in 2022. Last year, China bought over 100 million tons of Russian crude oil, making up nearly 20% of its total energy imports. Oil exports to India, which were marginal before the start of the all-out war, now account for $140 billion. China and India buy majority of Russia's crude exports, Dec. 2022 - Sep. 2025. (Nizar al-Rifai/The Kyiv Independent) From Dec. 5, 2022, until the end of September 2025, China bought 47% of Russia's crude exports, followed by India with 38%, according to an analysis by the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air. Turkey and the EU each bought just 6%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Together, the two Asian giants make up 85% of Russia's total oil exports. Trump's tariff gambit For months, Trump has oscillated between confrontation and caution toward Moscow. In the summer, the U.S. president floated the idea of imposing tariffs on nations purchasing large amounts of Russian oil to pressure Moscow into meaningful negotiations with Ukraine. In simple terms, if countries like India continue buying Russian oil, they could face tariffs of up to 100% on exports to the U.S., which might raise pressure on Indian exporters. In August, the U.S. president followed through with his promise, imposing a 25% tariff on exports from India as a "penalty" for its Russian oil purchases, taking overall duties to 50%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They have always bought a vast majority of their military equipment from Russia, and are Russia's largest buyer of energy, along with China," Trump said on July 30. Just a day after Trump's announcement, Reuters reported that Indian state refiners had halted Russian oil purchases. Bloomberg wrote that the Indian government instructed oil companies to prepare plans for alternative supplies. But by Aug. 20, India's state-owned refiners had quietly resumed purchases of Russian oil. "India buys over one-third of its oil from Russia; before the full-scale invasion, it was buying a fraction of that," said Tom Keatinge, director of the Centre for Finance and Security at RUSI. "So India can clearly reduce its reliance on Russian oil if it wants to." Shifting strategy Although Trump didn't carry out his threat to target China, he increased pressure on Russia's oil industry in October by sanctioning the country's two biggest oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The measures freeze all U.S.-based assets belonging to those companies and, more importantly, open the door to secondary sanctions against foreign institutions handling their transactions. This time, the impact appears more serious. According to Bloomberg, India's largest refineries are now planning to reduce purchases from Rosneft and Lukoil to nearly zero. Reuters reported that Chinese state-owned oil firms have suspended seaborne Russian crude imports over fears of U.S. penalties. U.S. President Donald Trump walks to board Air Force One in Maryland, United States, on Oct. 17, 2025. (Saul Loeb / AFP via Getty Images) On Oct. 27, Russia's Lukoil also announced that it plans to sell its foreign assets. Wojciech Jakobik, an energy security analyst and host of Podcast Energy Drink, told the Kyiv Independent that this move already demonstrates the effectiveness of Trump's latest measures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We can already see that U.S. sanctions are effective when Lukoil announces that it wants to sell all its foreign assets," Jakobik said. "The threat of secondary sanctions needs to be credible, so it depends heavily on actual enforcement." David Goldwyn, a nonresident senior fellow with the Atlantic Council, said that while the Trump administration's statement warns that institutions importing Russian oil "run the risk" of secondary sanctions, its language remains cautious. While the expert noted that India seems prepared to adjust its market strategy, he added that China remains "another matter," suggesting Beijing is less likely to follow. "The (U.S.) administration has not imposed secondary sanctions on China for its importation of Russian or Venezuelan crude," he said. "So far, there has been no mention of Russian crude purchases in U.S.-China trade talks." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Keatinge said the threat may initially serve as a deterrent. "To be truly effective, the U.S. will need to follow up with supplementary designations of entities involved in continued Russian oil trade in order to ensure that the impact is lasting," he added. The expert said he doubts the countries will completely halt Russian oil purchases, but said "certainly in the case of India, it can be hoped that they reduce their buying dramatically." Can the strategy hold? Not all experts are convinced the effort will stick. Ellen Wald, a nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, said that while the sanctions may cause India and China to reassess their purchases, they are unlikely to stop entirely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Some refineries will likely decide to cut back on the total amount of Russian oil they have been importing, but neither of these countries will halt their imports of Russian oil based on a threat," she said. Vladimir Dubrovskiy, a senior economist at the Center for Social and Economic Research Ukraine, said Russia has spent years perfecting ways to hide its oil sales behind intermediaries and the "shadow fleet." "I'm afraid that its impact would, at best, be short-lived," he said. "(Russia) can also easily find numerous smaller buyers who are unconcerned about trading outside the U.S. dollar system." He noted that previous tariffs on Indian exports had "no noticeable effect," while China and Turkey remain unlikely to scale back Russian purchases for geopolitical and economic reasons. Oil tanker trucks are seen outside an oil refinery operated by Bharat Petroleum Corp. Ltd. in Mumbai, India, on April 4, 2025. (Dhiraj Singh / Bloomberg via Getty Images) Trump's tariff threats toward China, Dubrovskiy added, are "largely futile." Beijing, he said, wields too much leverage and higher tariffs would only raise prices for U.S. consumers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Trump has effectively backed away from this approach by insisting that the European Union impose such sanctions first, with the U.S. only following thereafter," he added. Former EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom said the measures "can certainly be efficient" but questioned whether they alone could shift Chinese or Indian behavior. "Whether India or China will stop buying is another issue," she told the Kyiv Independent, noting the matter could arise at Trump's Oct. 30 meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. What the West can do While experts agree that threatening Russia's vital income source makes sense, they argue that tactics need adjustment for the strategy to truly work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If China continues to import Russian seaborne crude, even at a discount, it will undermine the efficacy of the sanctions and, ironically, help subsidize the Chinese economy," Goldwyn said. Western countries need to offer China and India alternatives to Russian oil, Keatinge argued whether through Middle Eastern supply deals or expanded U.S. exports. Wald said for the measures to have a real impact, the U.S. will need to enforce secondary sanctions. "The U.K., EU, and the U.S. would have to levy fines against Indian companies that import Russian oil and bar these companies from doing business with other businesses domiciled in the U.S., U.K., and EU," she told the Kyiv Independent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is the only way to truly show India and China that they are serious about sanctioning Russian oil and cutting off Russia's revenue." Dubrovskiy believes a truly effective solution would be to strengthen the oil price cap, which sets the maximum allowable price for Russian seaborne oil exports, and to close the Baltic straits to Russia's "shadow fleet" tankers on ecological and safety grounds. He suggested restricting insurance coverage to sales made only to a vetted list of buyers not affiliated with Russia. "These buyers would contribute half of their discount to a special fund supporting Ukraine," Dubrovskiy said. "The price cap should then be gradually reduced so that, within a few months, it falls to $30 per barrel or less." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This would keep Russian crude flowing to global markets and prevent price spikes while cutting off key revenue streams feeding Moscow's war budget and covert activities abroad, he said. Some European countries are already moving in that direction. Denmark announced on Oct. 6 that it would tighten controls on tankers passing through its waters focusing on older ships often used by the shadow fleet citing environmental and safety concerns. The current price cap is flexible but is set at $47.60 per barrel. Malmstrom said that individual action won't be enough. Europe and other allies should further coordinate their own sanctions regimes and the monitoring of them, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Gripen jets are coming to Ukraine heres how they can be used against Russia Note from the author: Hi, this is Tim. The author of this article. Thank you for taking the time to read it. At the Kyiv Independent, we speak to top experts to bring you accurate, in-depth reporting. We don't have a wealthy owner or political backing. We rely on readers like you to support our work. If you found this article interesting, consider joining our community today. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The man is an avowed racist and a fascist, and he is using all the tools at his disposal to sow racial discord in this country, Ed Anderson of Common Defense told theGrio. President Donald Trump escalated his threats to send troops to U.S. cities, telling thousands of military service members on Tuesday that he is prepared to send more than the National Guard. We have cities that are troubled; we cant have cities that are troubled, Trump told military troops stationed at a Naval base in Japan. And were sending in our National Guard, and if we need more than the National Guard, well send more than the National Guard, because were going to have safe cities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since taking office for his second term, Trump has deployed the National Guard in mostly cities run by Black mayors and with a majority Black and Brown residents, including Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. Despite opposition from Democratic governors, the president has justified his actions as necessary to quell violent crime and protect federal property amid protests against his mass immigration enforcement. However, federal law places significant restrictions on how a president can legally use the military for domestic law enforcement, which is typically in the event of an insurrection, to suppress rebellions, or to enforce federal law. Trump has also sent guardsmen to Portland, where, like in California and Illinois, he faced pushback from Oregons Democratic governor. However, the Republican governors of Tennessee and Louisiana welcomed Trumps deployment of the National Guard in Memphis and New Orleans, which are also majority Black cities led by Black mayors. Many of Trumps deployments are being slowed by lawsuits being challenged in federal courts. PORTLAND, OREGON OCTOBER 04: Federal agents, including members of the Department of Homeland Security, the Border Patrol, and police, attempt to keep protesters back outside a downtown U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility on October 04, 2025 in Portland, Oregon.(Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) Were not going to have people killed in our cities, Trump told troops on Tuesday. And whether people like that or not, thats what were doing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than disliking Trumps plans, critics see it as a moral failure. What happened in Chicago, wrap repelling down into the apartment building that was occupied by mostly Black people, bringing Black and Brown children out in the dead of night with zip tiesthis speaks directly to what he is trying to do, said Ed Anderson, a military veteran and lead organizer for Common Defense. He told theGrio, The man is an avowed racist and a fascist, and he is using all the tools at his disposal to sow racial discord in this country. Trump has not-so-subtly indicated that sending the military to civilian American cities was his objective, including before his re-election. Anderson pointed to warnings from Trumps former Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman, General Mark Milley. Milley, who called Trump fascist to the core, shared that Trump envisioned having a military that was loyal to him more than the U.S. Constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Milleys commentsseem to be holding true, said Anderson. President Trumps latest remarks increase the potential for trouble, especially for cities with majority Black and Hispanic populations, said the veteran and advocate, particularly National Guardsmen from the South being sent to northern states. Anderson stoically said that sending active duty combat-poised troops to U.S. cities is a further example of the civil war and strife that he is hoping to create that will allow him to run for a third term. Its all a game to him, he said. He doesnt understand what it means to put your life on the line or to lose a friend or life through a hostile action or something. He has no idea what thats about, and its evident in everything that hes doing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marcus W. Robinson, a senior spokesperson for the Democratic National Committee, told theGrio, Donald Trump knows that his second term is an even bigger failure than the first whether its his economic agenda or his cruel immigration policies. He desperately wants to seem strong, even though the American people and other world leaders know the truth: he is a small, weak man, said Robinson. So it is no surprise that on the day his economic approval tanks to the lowest in our nations history, he decides to threaten the illegal use of our armed services in American cities, he continued. We have seen this playbook before, and we know it is going to fail, just like everything else he does. More must-reads: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday interacted with the ITBP personnel in the border region of Munsyari. The Chief Minister joined the ITBP jawans in chanting "Bharat Mata Ki Jai." He also recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visits, especially to border areas, including his visit to Adi Kailash, to "boost the morale" of the security forces. "...You all know that our Prime Minister is the first Prime Minister of the country to visit Adi Kailash, Gunji region, Mana region, Harsil. He is the first Prime Minister of independent India to visit so many border areas. He didn't just visit. He also worked to boost the morale of our army personnel working in these areas, our paramilitary personnel, including the ITBP, and all the security forces," CM Dhami said after interacting with jawans at the ITBP camp in the border area of Milam. PM Modi visited Adi Kailash on October 12, 2023, where he paid obeisance to Adi Kailash at his holy abode Parvatikund, mingled with locals, and interacted with Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel too. The Chief Minister also mentioned that this year, PM Modi celebrated Diwali with personnel of the Indian Navy off the coast of Goa. "And not only this, you must have seen his Holi or Diwali celebrations. This time, he was with the Navy. Sometimes he is in the border region, and sometimes in another region. His every action is aimed at boosting the morale of India's security forces, and he has also boosted the morale of our villagers in this region...," CM Dhami said while addressing the personnel.. Last year, PM Modi celebrated Diwali with the armed forces near the Indo-Pak border in Kutch. Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami also attended the 'Cooperative Fair' in Pithoragarh, on the occasion of the International Year of Cooperatives 2025. Earlier in the day, the Uttarakhand CM was welcomed by locals as he arrived at the border area of Milam. (ANI) By Trevor Hunnicutt, Jihoon Lee and Ju-min Park GYEONGJU, South Korea (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump began the final leg of his Asia trip in South Korea on Wednesday, optimistic about striking a trade war truce with Chinese President Xi Jinping and advancing an unresolved tariff deal with South Korea's Lee Jae Myung. Arriving from Tokyo hours after North Korea test-fired a nuclear-capable cruise missile, Trump was treated to a lavish reception by President Lee on Wednesday in Gyeongju, a sleepy South Korean town hosting this year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, before Thursday's talks with Xi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to South Korea, Trump dismissed the North Korea missile test and said he was squarely focused on his meeting with the leader of the world's second-largest economy. "The relationship with China is very good. So I think we're going to have a very good outcome for our country and for the world, actually," Trump said. He expects to reduce U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods in exchange for Beijing's commitment to curb exports of fentanyl precursor chemicals, he added. The U.S. could halve the 20% levies on Chinese goods it currently charges in retaliation for the export of such chemicals, the Wall Street Journal reported. SOUTH KOREA TRADE TALKS STRUGGLE Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Addressing a summit of APEC CEOs in Gyeongju before his meeting with Lee, Trump said a trade deal with South Korea would be finalised "very soon", though officials on both sides have been downplaying the prospect of a breakthrough this week. The two allies announced a deal in late July under which South Korea would avoid the worst of the tariffs by agreeing to pump $350 billion of new investments into the United States. But talks over the structure of those investments have been deadlocked. Meeting Lee at the nearby National Museum, Trump was presented with a gold crown and the "Grand Order of Mugunghwa", the country's highest decoration worn as an elaborate sash and medal. "I'd like to wear it right now," Trump quipped. At the start of the working lunch, that included a "golden dessert", Lee pledged to spend more on defence - trying to head off a common bugbear of Trump's that allies are not pulling their weight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also requested the U.S. allow it to reprocess nuclear fuel to power submarines. Seoul is prohibited from doing so without U.S. consent under an agreement between the countries. Trump pledged to help "straighten out" South Korea's problems with its nuclear armed northern neighbour. The two Koreas are still technically at war after their 1950-53 war ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty. Trump has made repeated calls for a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during this trip but said on Wednesday the timings would not work out. TAIWAN ON THE AGENDA? Skipping the main APEC summit, Trump plans a dinner with Lee and bilateral meetings with several countries' leaders, including China's Xi, before he departs on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Negotiators from the world's top two economies hashed out a framework on Sunday for a deal to pause steeper American tariffs and Chinese rare earths export controls, U.S. officials said. The news sent stocks soaring to record peaks. Trump said he would speak to Xi about Nvidia's state-of-the-art Blackwell AI chips, with sales to China a key sticking point in trade talks. Since taking office in January, Trump has vacillated on his position towards China-claimed Taiwan as he seeks to strike a trade deal with Beijing. Trump says Xi has told him he will not invade Taiwan while the Republican president is in office, but Trump has yet to approve any new U.S. arms sales to Taipei. Taiwan Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung said on Tuesday he was not worried that Trump would "abandon" the island in his meeting this week with Xi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China said on Wednesday it "absolutely will not" rule out using force over Taiwan. Trump told reporters on Wednesday that he did not know whether he would even discuss Taiwan with Xi. FINAL STOP IN ASIA TRIP Trump's trip to South Korea concludes a whirlwind swing through the region, among the hardest hit by his tariff policies and increased U.S.-China competition. In Malaysia, he announced a slew of trade agreements and oversaw the signing of an expanded truce between Thailand and Cambodia after a border conflict. In Tokyo on Tuesday, Trump lavished praise on Japan's first female Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, welcoming her pledge to accelerate a military buildup and signing deals on trade and rare earths. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. and Japan also released a list of projects in which Japanese companies are eyeing U.S. investments, related to Tokyo's pledge earlier this year of $550 billion in strategic U.S. investments, loans and guarantees in exchange for a tariff reprieve. Washington has pressed South Korea to make a similar arrangement, but Seoul says it cannot afford to pay the $350 billion it pledged upfront. Instead, South Korea has offered a mix of phased investments, loans and other measures. (Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt in Tokyo, Jihoon Lee and Ju-min Park in Gyeongju, South Korea; Writing by Josh Smith and John Geddie; Editing by Jamie Freed and Lincoln Feast.) By Trevor Hunnicutt, Jihoon Lee and Ju-min Park GYEONGJU, South Korea (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump began the final leg of his Asia trip in South Korea on Wednesday, optimistic about advancing an unresolved tariff deal with the country's President Lee Jae Myung and striking a trade war truce with China's Xi Jinping. Arriving from Tokyo hours after North Korea test-fired a nuclear-capable cruise missile, Trump was treated to a lavish reception by Lee in Gyeongju, a sleepy town hosting this year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, before Thursday's talks with Xi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to South Korea earlier, Trump dismissed the North Korea missile test and said he was squarely focused on his meeting with the leader of the world's second-largest economy. "I think we're going to have a very good outcome for our country and for the world, actually," Trump said. He expects to reduce U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods in exchange for Beijing's commitment to curb exports of fentanyl precursor chemicals, he added. The U.S. could halve the 20% levies on Chinese goods it currently charges in retaliation for the export of such chemicals, the Wall Street Journal reported. SOUTH KOREA TRADE TALKS STRUGGLE Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Addressing a summit of APEC CEOs in Gyeongju before his meeting with Lee, Trump said a trade deal with South Korea would be finalised "very soon", though officials on both sides have been downplaying the prospect of a breakthrough this week. The two allies announced a deal in late July under which Seoul would avoid the worst of the tariffs by agreeing to pump $350 billion of new investments into the United States. But talks over the structure of those investments have been deadlocked. Meeting Lee at the nearby Gyeongju National Museum, Trump was presented with a gold crown and the "Grand Order of Mugunghwa", the country's highest decoration worn as an elaborate sash and medal. "I'd like to wear it right now," Trump quipped. At the start of a working lunch that included a "golden dessert", Lee pledged to spend more on defence - trying to head off a common bugbear of Trump's that allies are not pulling their weight militarily. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also requested the U.S. allow it to reprocess nuclear fuel to power submarines. Seoul is prohibited from doing so without U.S. consent under an agreement between the countries. Trump pledged to help "straighten out" South Korea's problems with its nuclear armed northern neighbour. The two Koreas are still technically at war after their 1950-53 war ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty. Trump has made repeated calls for a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during this trip but said on Wednesday the timings would not work out. TAIWAN ON THE AGENDA? Skipping the main APEC summit, Trump plans a dinner with Lee and bilateral meetings with several countries' leaders, including China's Xi, before he departs on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Negotiators from the world's top two economies hashed out a framework on Sunday for a deal to pause steeper American tariffs and Chinese rare earths export controls, U.S. officials said. The news sent stocks soaring to record peaks. Beijing has been more circumspect about the prospect of an agreement, but in a possible sign of thawing, China bought its first cargoes of U.S. soybeans in several months, Reuters exclusively reported on Wednesday. The lack of Chinese buying has cost U.S. farmers, a key support base for Trump, billions of dollars in lost sales. Trump said he would also speak to Xi about Nvidia's state-of-the-art Blackwell AI chips, with sales to China a key sticking point in trade talks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump said he did now know whether Taiwan would be discussed with Xi. Since taking office in January, Trump has vacillated on his position towards the democratic island claimed by China as he seeks to strike a trade deal with Beijing. Trump says Xi has told him he will not invade Taiwan while the Republican president is in office, but Trump has yet to approve any new U.S. arms sales to Taipei. Taiwan Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung said on Tuesday he was not worried that Trump would "abandon" the island in his meeting this week with Xi. FINAL STOP IN ASIA TRIP Trump's trip to South Korea concludes a whirlwind swing through the region, among the hardest hit by his tariff policies and increased U.S.-China competition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Malaysia, he announced a slew of trade agreements and oversaw the signing of an expanded truce between Thailand and Cambodia after a border conflict. In Tokyo on Tuesday, Trump lavished praise on Japan's first female Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, welcoming her pledge to accelerate a military buildup and signing deals on trade and rare earths. The U.S. and Japan also released a list of projects in which Japanese companies are eyeing U.S. investments, related to Tokyo's pledge earlier this year of $550 billion in strategic U.S. investments, loans and guarantees in exchange for a tariff reprieve. Washington has pressed South Korea to make a similar arrangement, but Seoul says it cannot afford to pay the $350 billion it pledged upfront. Instead, South Korea has offered a mix of phased investments, loans and other measures. (Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt, Jihoon Lee and Ju-min Park in Gyeongju, South Korea; Writing by Josh Smith and John Geddie; Editing by Jamie Freed and Lincoln Feast.) By Trevor Hunnicutt, Jihoon Lee and Ju-min Park GYEONGJU, South Korea (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump began the final leg of his Asia trip in South Korea on Wednesday, optimistic about advancing an unresolved tariff deal with President Lee Jae Myung and striking a trade war truce with China's Xi Jinping. Arriving from Tokyo hours after North Korea test-fired a nuclear-capable cruise missile, Trump received a lavish reception from Lee in Gyeongju, a historic city hosting this year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His talks with Xi are set for Thursday in the port city of Busan. Speaking earlier to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to South Korea, Trump dismissed the North Korea missile test and said he was squarely focused on his meeting with the leader of the world's second-largest economy. "I think we're going to have a very good outcome for our country and for the world, actually," Trump said. He expects to reduce U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods in exchange for Beijing's commitment to curb exports of fentanyl precursor chemicals, he added. The United States could halve the levies of 20% on Chinese goods it now charges in retaliation for the export of such chemicals, the Wall Street Journal said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China's foreign ministry said the meeting of the two leaders would "inject new momentum into the development of U.S.-China relations", and Beijing was ready to work together for "positive outcomes". SOUTH KOREA TRADE TALKS STRUGGLE Speaking at a summit of APEC CEOs in Gyeongju before his meeting with Lee, Trump said a trade deal with South Korea would be finalised "very soon", though officials on both sides have been downplaying the prospect of a breakthrough this week. The allies unveiled a deal in late July under which Seoul would avoid the worst of the tariffs by agreeing to pump $350 billion of new investments into the United States. But talks over the structure of those investments have been deadlocked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meeting Lee at the nearby Gyeongju National Museum, Trump was presented with a gold crown and the "Grand Order of Mugunghwa", the country's highest decoration worn as an elaborate sash and medal. "I'd like to wear it right now," Trump quipped. At the start of a working lunch topped off with a "golden dessert", Lee pledged to spend more on defence, as he sought to head off a Trump concern that allies are not pulling their weight militarily. He also asked that the U.S. allow the country to reprocess nuclear fuel to power submarines. Seoul is barred from doing so without U.S. consent, under a pact between the countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump pledged to help "straighten out" South Korea's problems with its nuclear-armed northern neighbour. The two are still technically at war after their 1950-53 war ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty. Trump, who has repeatedly called for a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on this trip, said on Wednesday the timings would not work out. TAIWAN ON THE AGENDA? Skipping the main APEC summit, Trump plans a dinner with Lee and bilateral meetings with several countries' leaders, including China's Xi, before he departs on Thursday. Negotiators from the world's top two economies hashed out a framework on Sunday for a deal to pause steeper American tariffs and Chinese rare earths export controls, U.S. officials said. The news sent stocks to record peaks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beijing has been more circumspect about the prospect of an agreement, but in a possible sign of thawing, China bought its first cargoes of U.S. soybeans in several months, Reuters reported exclusively on Wednesday. The lack of Chinese buying has cost U.S. farmers, a key support base for Trump, billions of dollars in lost sales. Trump said he would also speak to Xi about Nvidia's state-of-the-art Blackwell AI chips, with sales to China a key sticking point in trade talks. Trump said he did not know whether Taiwan would be discussed with Xi. Since taking office in January, Trump has vacillated on his position towards the democratically-governed island claimed by China as he seeks to strike a trade deal with Beijing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump says Xi has told him he will not invade Taiwan while the Republican president is in office, but Trump has yet to approve any new U.S. arms sales to Taipei. Taiwan Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung said on Tuesday he was not worried that Trump would "abandon" the island in his meeting with Xi. FINAL STOP IN ASIA TRIP Trump's trip to South Korea concludes a whirlwind swing through the region, among the hardest hit by his tariff policies and increased U.S.-China competition. In Malaysia, he announced a slew of trade pacts and oversaw the signing of an expanded truce between Thailand and Cambodia after a border conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Tokyo on Tuesday, Trump lavished praise on Japan's first female Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, welcoming her pledge to accelerate a military buildup and signing deals on trade and rare earths. The U.S. and Japan also released a list of projects in which Japanese companies are eyeing U.S. investments, related to Tokyo's pledge this year of $550 billion in strategic U.S. investments, loans and guarantees in exchange for a tariff reprieve. Washington has pressed South Korea for a similar arrangement, but Seoul says it cannot afford to pay the $350 billion it pledged upfront. Instead, South Korea has offered a mix of phased investments, loans and other measures. (Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt, Jihoon Lee and Ju-min Park in Gyeongju, South Korea; Writing by Josh Smith and John Geddie; Editing by Lincoln Feast and Clarence Fernandez) WASHINGTON The Donald Trump administration insists food benefits cant go out next month because of a government shutdown initiated by Democrats. But the last time Trump was in charge during a shutdown, his administration made sure people wouldnt miss their benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which supports more than 40 million Americans in low-income households. Politics: Trump Invents Another Hero Myth, This Time Making His Aides Sound Like Fools In 2019, after the government shut down because Congress refused to fund a border wall, the Department of Agriculture took unprecedented steps to save the food benefits steps a government watchdog later said were actually illegal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That shutdown started in December 2018, presenting no problem for Januarys SNAP benefits. But as the funding impasse approached a second month and there was uncertainty about whether the benefits could be distributed in February, the Trump administration told states to send out Februarys benefits several weeks in advance. We want to ensure states and SNAP recipients that the benefits for February will be provided, Sonny Perdue, then the secretary of agriculture, told reporters at the time. Its a stunning contrast with todays USDA, which has plastered its website with a message warning the well has run dry and that theres no money for Novembers benefits. Politics: Things Are Getting Real For Democrats As Food Cliff For Millions Approaches The Trump administration has pulled a complete 180, David Super, an administrative procedure expert at Georgetown University Law School, told HuffPost. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2019, they bent the law to ensure that no families in need would lose benefits, Super said. Now, with continuing SNAP not only legal but mandatory, they are doing everything they can to prevent families from getting benefits. The other shutdown ended in January 2019, so the early payment wound up being unnecessary. In the fall of 2019, the Government Accountability Office, a congressional agency that reviews federal spending, declared the USDA had no legal basis to alter its pattern of obligations with the early SNAP payments. The GAO also noted the USDA may have had some or all of a $3 billion contingency fund available to pay for SNAP benefits. Politics: Republicans Now Suddenly Care A Lot About Something They Voted Against Democrats in Congress today have blasted the Trump administration for its decision not to pay next months SNAP benefits, pointing to the presence of somewhere around $6 billion in that same contingency fund enough to cover most of one month of SNAP benefits. (The USDA itself suggested it could tap the contingency fund to pay benefits in a shutdown plan it has since deleted from its website.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans are now threatening to weaponize hunger against the American people and withhold funding for nutritional assistance for children and seniors and veterans and women, House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said Tuesday. The shutdown started earlier this month after Senate Democrats demanded a government funding bill include an extension of expiring health insurance subsidies. The Trump administration has found ways to fund salaries for members of the military and certain federal workers, but has said it cant do the SNAP benefits and Democrats are to blame. If Democrats continue to hold Americans hostage, there will not be enough funds to provide SNAP benefits for more than 40 million Americans on Nov. 1, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said last week. Democrats are solely responsible for all of this unnecessary pain. Health: The Trump Admin's Decision Not To Fund SNAP Should Alarm You Whether You Get Benefits Or Not Spokespeople for the USDA and the White House did not immediately respond Wednesday to requests for comment. Political Updates Read the original on HuffPost SEOUL, South Korea (AP) South Korea this week will host leaders from major Pacific Rim economies, including the United States, China and Japan, for an annual summit that has long championed free trade. But this years Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings come as U.S. President Donald Trump continues to send shock waves around the world with his sweeping tariffs and other measures upending the postwar global trade order, unsettling both allies and rivals. The multilateral gathering in Gyeongju is expected to be overshadowed by a sideline event a face-to-face meeting on Thursday between Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping as their intensifying trade war leaves the South Korean hosts in a difficult balancing act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's look at this years APEC meeting: APEC's makeup Established in 1989 as a 12-member forum to promote free trade and economic cooperation, APEC now has 21 members, including the United States, South Korea, China, Japan, Australia and Russia. The members wield significant collective weight, accounting for 37% of the worlds population and more than half of global trade in goods as of 2024, according to South Korean government data. Each year, one of APECs members hosts the annual leaders meeting, serving as its chair. A flurry of high-level bilateral meetings typically take place on the sidelines of APECs main conference, underscoring the forums role as a platform for dialogue and cooperation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This years summit will be held from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1 in the southern city of Gyeongju, a cultural hub home to three UNESCO World Heritage sites. APEC has a narrow focus limited to trade and economic issues and has no military component. Still, experts say APECs strength is its ability to bring together countries that might otherwise compete aggressively or even clash, enabling collaboration on major initiatives, though without binding agreements. In the buildup to the summit, members hold a series of ministerial and other meetings to discuss practical cooperation on various issues, and economists have credited the forum with helping reduce tariffs and other trade barriers in past years. While APEC is inherently a loose organization and has its limitations, it has carried symbolic significance as all the leaders come together, and even if discussions were somewhat vague, they could still gain influence over time, said Kim Tae-hyung, a professor at Seouls Soongsil University. But the atmosphere is completely different this year and we might not see the usual range of discussions or topics that were often addressed at the forum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Different landscape in 2025 Having last chaired APEC in 2005, during the height of postwar globalization, South Korea now faces a far trickier challenge as host, navigating a trade landscape transformed in the months since Trump returned to the White House. Long shaped by the United States and its allies promoting free trade and multilateralism, the forum now faces a stark contrast under Trump, whose steep tariffs and unilateral trade measures have shaken its closest allies. The United States drove the launching of APEC with the goal of expanding global cooperation under a rules-based international order, but now, the Trump administration is precisely rejecting all of that, said Park Won Gon, a professor at Seouls Ewha Womans University. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The situation is likely to force APECs pro-American members particularly host South Korea into a delicate balancing act, calibrating their diplomatic and public messages to advocate free trade without alienating Washington, while trying to prevent China from seizing the stage as a self-styled defender of global order, Park said. Trump and Xi are expected to meet The main event will likely be Thursdays bilateral in Busan between Trump and Xi, their first since the U.S. president began his second term. Trump and Xi in recent months have been locked in an escalating trade war, with Washington imposing high tariffs and tightened technology controls and China retaliating with curbs on rare earth shipments, one of its key sources of leverage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's unclear whether either leader will be willing to make major concessions, but its possible the meeting could ease tensions, said Ban Kil Joo, a professor at South Koreas National Diplomatic Academy. They likely wouldnt meet if they werent confident about reaching some sort of agreement, Ban said. Trump's meeting with Xi will come after his bilateral talks with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in Gyeongju on Wednesday. Trumps trip to South Korea will follow a visit to Japan where he met the countrys new prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, who is also expected to attend the APEC forum. Both Seoul and Tokyo have pledged hundreds of billions in U.S. investments while seeking to avoid the Trump administrations highest tariffs, which they fear would batter their auto industries and other major exports. However, Washington and Seoul have struggled to reach a deal, with South Korean officials rejecting U.S. demands for upfront payments, which they fear could trigger a financial crisis, and proposing loans and loan guarantees instead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Addressing free trade South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun in a radio interview last week said it could be difficult for APEC leaders to issue a joint statement strongly endorsing free trade, given their differing positions. He instead anticipated a broader declaration emphasizing peace and prosperity in the Pacific region. Instead of being caught up in the Washington-Beijing rivalry, South Korean should use its role as chair to convey a message from middle power nations promoting free trade and global cooperation, said Choi Yoon Jung, an analyst at Seoul's Sejong Institute. APECs strength is that we can bring together countries engaged in disputes and let them discuss practical cooperative steps, even when there could be no immediate, substantial breakthroughs, Choi said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Korean officials said this years APEC meeting will also address the rising role of artificial intelligence and demographic challenges faced by developed economies, including low birth rates and aging populations. Different countries have different issues related to population, but artificial intelligence is a crucial issue for the entire world, for which no regulatory norms or standards exist to govern it, said Park, adding that it would be meaningful for technology-savvy South Korea to carve out a role in developing norms and standards for AI. President Donald Trump has been on a multi-day trip in Asia the week of Oct. 27, as the government shutdown in the U.S. stretches to four weeks. Trump has told reporters while jetting between Malaysia, Japan and South Korea that his poll numbers were high as he toyed with the idea of pursuing a third term. Though on Oct. 29, he admitted that the Constitution limits him to two terms. But polls consistently tell a different story: His approval rating is historically low and steady, despite a tumultuous first nine months. Here is what Americans think of Trump's job performance, the "No Kings" protests and the government shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement More: Can Donald Trump have a third term? No, but his comments keep hinting at it US President Donald Trump (C) poses for a group photo with (from L - R) Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, East Timor's Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet, Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Philippines' President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah, Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto, and Laos' Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone before the 13th ASEAN - United States Summit during the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Kuala Lumpur on Oct. 26, 2025. President Donald Trump speaks as he presides over the signing of a Cambodia-Thailand peace deal at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on October 26, 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Trump is in Malaysia for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit, and will next travel to Japan, en route to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. President Donald Trump looks on as Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet (C) and Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul hold up signed documents during a ceremonial signing of a ceasefire agreement on the sidelines of the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Kuala Lumpur on Oct.26, 2025. A Royal Malaysian Air Force F-18 Hornet fighter jet escorts Air Force One with U.S. President Donald Trump aboard en route to Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Oct. 26, 2025 in Malaysia. Trump is in Malaysia for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit, and will next travel to Japan, en route to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. President Donald Trump walks with Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (centre R) as he walks from Air Force One upon arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang on Oct. 26, 2025. US President Donald Trump arrived in Malaysia on October 26 on the first leg of an Asian tour that will include high-stakes trade talks with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. President Donald Trump holds the US and Malaysian national flags at a welcome ceremony upon arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang on Oct. 26, 2025. US President Donald Trump arrived in Malaysia on October 26 on the first leg of an Asian tour that will include high-stakes trade talks with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. President Donald Trump waves from his official vehicle known as "The Beast" as he departs from Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang to attend the ASEAN summit on Oct.26, 2025. US President Donald Trump arrived in Malaysia on October 26 on the first leg of an Asian tour that will include high-stakes trade talks with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. President Donald Trump joins performers for a dance during the welcome ceremony next to Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (L) as he arrives on Air Force One at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang on Oct. 26, 2025. US President Donald Trump arrived in Malaysia on Oct. 26 on the first leg of an Asian tour that will include high-stakes trade talks with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. President Donald Trump welcomes Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim ibn Hamad Al Thani (L) and Prime Minister of Qatar Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani (3rd-L) aboard Air Force One during a refueling stop at Al-Udeid Air Base on Oct. 25, 2025 in Abu Nakhlah, Qatar. Trump is traveling to Malaysia for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit (ASEAN), Japan, and to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum (APEC). Also pictured is U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio (3rd-R), White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles (2nd-R), and Special Assistant to the President Margo Martin (R). President Trump visits Asia. See the biggest moments from his trip 1 of 9 US President Donald Trump (C) poses for a group photo with (from L - R) Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, East Timor's Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet, Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Philippines' President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah, Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto, and Laos' Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone before the 13th ASEAN - United States Summit during the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Kuala Lumpur on Oct. 26, 2025. Economist/YouGov: Approval of 'No Kings' protest grew since June In an Economist/YouGov poll of 1,623 U.S. adult citizens conducted Oct. 24-27, Trump's approval rating slipped to 39%. It also found 58% disapprove, giving a net approval of -19 points, the lowest of his second term, according to the pollster. However, it is only two points worse than the previous week's poll. The poll's margin of error is 3.5 percentage points. The poll also asked about the "No Kings" protest on Oct. 18. It was the second version of the nationwide protest, with the first falling on Trump's 79th birthday on June 14. Most respondents (87%) had heard of the protests, but only 8% said they participated. But Americans warmed on their approval of the protest, according to the Economist/YouGov poll. Forty-nine percent said they approve, compared to 33% who disapprove; that margin grew 12 points since the protest in June, according to the pollster. Reuters/Ipsos: 50% frustrated with shutdown, 20% angry In a Reuters/Ipsos poll released Oct. 28, the president had a 40% approval rating, compared to last week's 42%. Though the three-day poll measures a 2-point drop since the previous survey, the difference is within the margin of error, maintaining the president's steady ratings. Advertisement Advertisement Positive opinions of his job performance have not strayed beyond a percentage point or two from its current 40% for more than five months, according to Reuters/Ipsos polling. However, disapproval has grown over the same period of time, rising from 52% in a May 16-18 poll, to 57% in the latest Oct. 24-26 survey. The poll, which was conducted online, surveyed 1,018 U.S. adults nationwide and had a margin of error of 3 percentage points. The poll also asked respondents about their opinions on the government shutdown, which is now the second-longest in American history. The survey found 50% of Americans were frustrated with the shutdown and another 20% were angry. Some 29% said they either didn't care or were glad about the shutdown, according to Reuters. What is Trump's average approval rating overall? Averages based on RealClearPolitics and New York Times aggregators show Trump's approval rating is net negative but relatively stable over the last few months. Advertisement Advertisement As of Jan. 27, 50.5% approved, giving Trump a net positive rating until March 13, when it flipped to net negative with 47.8% approval, compared to 48.5% disapproval, RealClearPolitics graphics show. The approval rating reached a low on April 29 at 45.1% approval, which fell around Trump's 100-day mark. It reached a new low on Sept. 30, the day before the government shutdown started, at 44.8% approving. The New York Times aggregator showed Trump's approval fell from 52% approval in January to 44% approval in April, and has mostly held steady since. According to the Times, Trump's term low is 43% approval, which he first reached on Aug. 21, about 10 days into Trump's federal takeover of Washington, D.C. As of Oct. 29, Trump's average approval is 45.1%, according to RealClearPolitics, and 43% on average, according to the New York Times. Trump's approval rating is low compared to other presidents In a Gallup poll conducted from Oct 1-16, 41% approved of Trump's job performance, up slightly from the previous month. Advertisement Advertisement A historical analysis by Gallup shows Trump's approval ratings in October of his first years in office both as the 45th and 47th presidents are lower than any other modern president at the same time in their administrations. Here is how his October approval compares to other presidents in October of their first year of their term, according to Gallup: Joe Biden (October 2021) - 42% approve Trump (October 2017) - 37% approve Barack Obama (October 2009) - 53% approve George W. Bush (October 2001) - 88% approve Bill Clinton (October 1993) - 48% approve George H.W. Bush (October 1989) - 68% approve Ronald Reagan (October 1981) - 55% approve Kinsey Crowley is the Trump Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at kcrowley@gannett.com. Follow her on X and TikTok @kinseycrowley or Bluesky at @kinseycrowley.bsky.social. Kathryn Palmer is a politics reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at kapalmer@usatoday.com and on X @KathrynPlmr. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What is Trump's approval rating? See polls on 'No Kings' and shutdown President Ronald Reagan's Strategic Defense Initiative, nicknamed Star Wars, promised to create a missile defense system so effective it would eliminate the threat of nuclear war forever, at a cost of around $70 billion. As it turned out, the technology just wasn't feasible. And the Soviet Union figured out how to overwhelm the missile defense system at five percent of its cost. Reagan's successor, George H.W. Bush, scaled Star Wars down to a much more modest program called Global Protection Against Limited Strikes, emphasis on limited. Now President Donald Trump is promising that, with today's technology, he can create an impenetrable missile shield for $175 billion. But the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated in May 2025 that the program could actually cost up to $542 billion over two decades. And according to independent analysis, the CBO may actually be underestimating the cost sixfold. Todd Harrison, a senior fellow at the conservative American Enterprise Institute, has calculated a $3.6 trillion price over two decades. Harrison and other experts spoke to The Washington Post for a bombshell report published on Wednesday. The Golden Dome is designed as a "multi-layered" system. One layer would be ground-based missile batteries. Another would be a constellation of satellites orbiting the Earth, ready to shoot down incoming missiles from above. That latter part was also part of the Star Wars program. Proponents say that lower launch costs todaythanks, Elon Muskmake it more feasible today, according to The Washington Post. Harrison, however, estimates that it would take 950 satellites per enemy missile. The American Physical Society puts the number at 400 interceptors for a lower-end North Korean missile and 1,600 for a higher-end North Korean missile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North Korea is estimated to have 50 nuclear weapons. And that's the lower end of the threats that the Golden Dome is supposed to counter. China has hundreds of nuclear weapons, and Russia has thousands. "You need so many more interceptors than missiles, it becomes operationally impractical," Harrison told the Post. The Golden Dome program could also scale up ground-based missile defenses. The U.S. military maintains 44 interceptors at a base in Fort Greely, Alaska, designed to launch an "exoatmospheric kill vehicle" that would intercept an incoming ballistic missile in space. But even tests conducted "under scripted conditions and designed for success" show a 55 percent success rate for those interceptors, the American Physical Society reports. The Pentagon has been quite sensitive about that fact. After the recent movie A House of Dynamite depicted U.S. interceptors failing, the Missile Defense Agency wrote up a memo claiming that the system is 100 percent foolproof. Israel's own ballistic missile defenses, Arrow and David's Sling, have shown a higher success rate. (The name "Golden Dome" is a homage to the Iron Dome, the Israeli system for intercepting smaller rockets and artillery, which is often used as a shorthand for all missile defenses.) The few exoatmospheric interceptors that Israel launched against the October 2024 attack from Iran had a 100 percent success rate, while lower-level missile defenses ranged between 65 percent and 80 percent success, according to a report by Sam Lair, a research associate at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies. But the circumstances were not exactly reassuring for U.S. missile defense. Israel was facing "favorable conditions" that the United States would not enjoy in a war with Russia or China, warns Lair. Iran did not use decoys or radar jammers, as Russia or China would be likely to deploy. And Israel had the ability to choose which missiles to intercept and which ones to let fall harmlessly in open areas. Indeed, an intelligence official told NBC News that the effectiveness of Israeli missile defense fell from 90 percent to 65 percent during the later Twelve Day War, which had a sustained back-and-forth combat and gave Iran a chance to adapt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More fundamentally, Israel and America face very different missile defense problems. As The Washington Post points out, the Arrow, David's Sling, and Iron Dome are defending a territory the size of New Jersey against missiles with small conventional warheads. The Golden Dome would have to defend every city in the United States against missiles with multiple nuclear warheads. Even a 90 percent interception rate would not be enough. There is also a question of whether trying to build a missile shield is a good idea to begin with. America's best defense against nuclear war so far has been mutually assured destruction, the principle that any country launching a nuclear attack would be committing suicide. During the Cold War, trying to build a missile defense system was actually considered an escalation, because it would undermine everyone else's ability to retaliate for a first strike. When President Lyndon B. Johnson discovered that the Soviet Union was building a missile defense system around Moscow in 1972, he warned Soviet Premier Alexei Kosygin that the U.S. would have to massively increase its offensive capabilities. "We would thus have incurred on both sides colossal costs without substantially enhancing the security of our own peoples or contributing to the prospects for a stable peace in the world," Johnson wrote. Both sides eventually signed the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, severely limiting their ability to build missile defenses from 1972 to 2002. Today, China and Russia are issuing the same warning in reverse. The Golden Dome "calls into question the effectiveness of efforts to maintain predictability in the nuclear and missile sphere" and "has high potential to provoke a regional and global arms race," the two governments warned in a joint May 2025 statement. And they emphasized a principle that they believed America had forgotten: "a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought." The post Trump's 'Golden Dome' Missile Defense Could Cost $3.6 Trillion: Report appeared first on Reason.com. As US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping attempt to stabilise US-China trade relations on Thursday, a major problem unlikely to go away, no matter what the outcome, is the disjointed signalling and mixed messaging coming out of Washington, undercutting trust and confidence that any deal will even be implemented, say analysts and former officials. While governments worldwide face coordination problems, experts say the Trump administration is particularly prone to this. Also adding to concerns are the very differing approaches of the Trump and Xi administrations, they add. "Nobody knows what the policy will be from day to day, what's true today will not be true tomorrow," said Jeffrey Moon, founder of consultancy China Moon Strategies, formerly with the National Security Council. "How do you negotiate with that?" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Personality is part of the equation. Trump tends to bristle at process, coordination or being "managed", and proudly touts his ability to go with his "gut", often leaving little room for the vetting, debate and reviews that have regularly made past US policy more consistent. Meanwhile, the president's selective focus and quick turnarounds provide latitude for other cabinet members - many with a far more hardline take on China and adjacent issues - to pursue their own agendas. "The president has a short attention span, everyone knows that," said Dennis Wilder, a Georgetown University professor formerly with the CIA. "You're not going to be giving him a detailed briefing." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The president certainly doesn't read stuff," he added. "He's getting his information ad hoc ... It's whoever comes into his office." This can lead to a significant disconnect, analysts said. In September, even as Trump was strong-arming foreign governments to invest billions in the United States, US immigration agents swooped. They detained nearly 500 workers building a Hyundai-LG Energy battery plant in Georgia. This exposed two different versions of Trump's "America first" agenda, the blue-collar job expansion the president promoted and the zero-tolerance, anti-immigrant focus favoured by even as presidential immigration adviser Stephen Miller. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The raid in Georgia is a clear case where the left hand didn't know what the right hand was doing," said Matthew Goodman, a Council on Foreign Relations fellow formerly with the National Security Council. "The lack of coordination in the administration is a real problem." A month earlier, Trump floated the idea of 600,000 Chinese students studying in the United States, a policy at odds with Miller or Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who had threatened to revoke Chinese student visas. Trump has also considered an inbound investment deal with China in the wake of Japan's US$550 billion and South Korea's US$350 billion proposals. This, however, comes shortly after an executive order he signed in February calling for an intensified review of Chinese investment in US technology, critical infrastructure, healthcare and raw materials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another factor is infighting. On September 29, when the US hugely expanded its sanctions on Chinese companies, estimated to increase them nearly 10-fold from 1,000, some wondered whether US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick had briefed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who was negotiating with his counterpart, Chinese Vice Minister He Lifeng. "Not only don't I think they coordinated, they hate each other," said Wilder. "Lutnick wanted the Treasury job; he didn't want Commerce." "There are plenty of China hawks in the administration," added Wilder. "Bessent is trying to negotiate, and all of a sudden these things pop out of nowhere and China reacts again." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much of the machinery designed to foster coordination has been dismantled. The National Security Council, which traditionally protects the president in agency turf battles, has lost up to 160 staffers and two divisions, paving the way for freelancing in areas where the president is not focused. US Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick have not always seen eye to eye in the Trump administration. Photo: AFP alt=US Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick have not always seen eye to eye in the Trump administration. Photo: AFP> "You can disagree with the policy, but where are the people considering this from all angles?" said Moon, who cites a three-level review process when he was in government that allowed an informed president to make the call "as opposed to an emotional decision". With limited trust or communication, problems can quickly compound. After the Commerce Department greatly expanded sanctions on Chinese companies, Beijing tightened exports of strategic rare earth minerals, setting off alarm bells globally, an angry response that analysts say Washington appeared not to anticipate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At one level, the Chinese believe they have figured Trump out, given his love of flattery, pomp, wealth and his tendency to make huge threats that he sometimes relents on relatively quickly. "That's their view of Trump, how Trump's mind works. He's really simplistic, childish, difficult to maintain focus," said Jeremy Chan, analyst with the Eurasia Group. "But the Chinese look at the policymaking process in the US right now with complete bafflement. There are a lot of things happening that Trump does not even seem to be involved in." This can affect the dynamic of negotiations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They have to meet with him because he's the Xi Jinping of the US," added Chan, a former diplomat in the US consulate in Shenyang. "But the Chinese government feels that you can't really take Trump's word for anything." However, analysts also note signs of miscoordination in Beijing as it is tossed out of its comfort zone by the American president. Trump's pace and turnarounds are daunting for Beijing, which much prefers stability, careful preparation and known outcomes planned over time, analysts said. They say that conversations with Chinese counterparts suggest Beijing thinks the US is going through some version of a cultural revolution or societal blow-up, even as they wonder if this is a three-year anomaly or a deeper reordering of global rules. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is also unclear, particularly in China's more opaque system, whether its foreign ministry was consulted by the Ministry of Commerce when it rolled out rare earth restrictions, forcing China to urgently consult scores of trading partners in the middle of the fourth plenum. US President Donald Trump greets Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi upon his arrival at the Akasaka Palace for their Japan-US summit meeting in Tokyo on Tuesday. Photo: EPA alt=US President Donald Trump greets Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi upon his arrival at the Akasaka Palace for their Japan-US summit meeting in Tokyo on Tuesday. Photo: EPA> "Did they actually anticipate what the reaction would be when they wanted to get Trump's attention?" said Bonnie Glaser, managing director with the German Marshall Fund of the US. "Both sides are taking actions where they don't fully understand how the other side is going to respond." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Added Wilder: "The dumbest thing Beijing could do is internationalise the trade to speak with the United States, and that's what this document did." Trump, meanwhile, in another feint, announced last week he was cutting off all trade with Canada. "That's ridiculous," said Moon. "We all know he's going to take a deep breath, that we need to talk to Canada. It's one of our biggest partners. This will cripple the auto industry." Yun Sun, senior fellow at the Stimson Centre, who just returned from China, said Beijing attributes the Washington administration's mixed messaging to internal competition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I heard this repeatedly when I was in Beijing," she said. "Their question is, did Trump even know this? Did Trump even know that Lutnick was going to do this?" But she believes it may be part of a broader US strategy to keep Beijing off balance. "There is a tendency on the US side to explore new areas, to push China, to identify new issues and new pushbacks," she said. "He doesn't really care to know the details; rather, that's different from him not having control over the details by choice." Perhaps the most fundamental issue, analysts said, is that the Trump administration still lacks an overarching vision to guide its approach to the Asian giant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The problem is that the American system has not come to a China policy under Trump," said Wilder. "There are lots of China policies." This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright 2025 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Copyright (c) 2025. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Maybe you won? Tucker Carlson conceded as he kicked off an interview with the avowed white nationalist Nick Fuentes. Then Carlsons phrasing turned definitive as he admitted that Fuentes has successfully wrangled ideological control of the modern conservative movement: You won. Released on Oct. 27, the rumored linkup between the warring right-wing podcasters, which had been anticipated for weeks, nevertheless appears to have shocked many on the right. The two had previously been at loggerheads before Mondays conversation, with Carlson mocking the far-right 27-year-old as a weird little gay kid in his basement who claims the GOP is run by Jews, atheists, and homosexuals. Fuentes has also called out Carlson for saying he only discovered his late fathers work for the CIA after his passing. But the pair finding common cause was inevitable, as the 56-year-old Carlson has been forced to confront Fuentes growing influence with young conservatives. The week before their chat, Carlson was questioned by a young person at a Turning Point USA event in Indiana who echoed Fuentes line of attack. Your dad was in the CIA and I was wondering, does our government even want war to stop? he asked Carlson, who guest-hosted the event in the wake of Charlie Kirks killing last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leave my father out of it, Carlson said, cutting him off. Im gonna have to kick your a***, which I could do, by the way, if you bring him up again because he was a wonderful man, whatever he did for a living. Carlson warning the young man not to test him. Even while filling in for Kirk, who is now seen as a conservative martyr, Carlson managed to upset some on the right. Every single thing about this is the polar opposite of how Charlie Kirk debated people who disagreed with him, Megan McCain complained of Carlsons approach. Megyn Kelly, however, defended Carlson, arguing on X that No one is expecting any of the ppl subbing for Charlie to imitate Charlie. Fuentes famously spent years harassing Kirk and his Turning Point staff at similar college campus events before Kirk banned the provocateur. With antisemitism as its cornerstone, Fuentes so-called Groyper movement seeks to push extremist ideas into the conservative mainstream. In August, Fuentes taunted Kirk, I took your baby Turning Point USA, and I f**ked it.. We own you, we own TPUSA and we own this movement. Even though Kirks assassination was meant to serve as a unifying moment for the right, conservatives have quickly squandered any political capital they attempted to muster after his death with infighting. After Kirks death, Fuentes turned his attention to Kirks widow, Erika. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In retrospect, its become clear that Kirks killing was barely a Band-Aid. For months before the assassination, right-wing media was fracturing. Soon after his death, conservatives devolved into dissension. So its no surprise that, having experienced what it feels like to be on the other side of those trawling the depths of the internet and with some young conservatives now arguing that President Ronald Reagan was too liberal Carlson is eager to get on Fuentes right side. I dont think Fuentes is going away. Ben Shapiro tried to strangle him in the crib in college, and now hes bigger than ever, Carlson told his audience to flatter his guest. Fuentes X account, which reached 500,000 in early 2025 after it was reinstated in May 2024, surpassed one million followers after the interview. 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 interview came at a critical moment for Carlson. Shapiro, head of The Daily Wire, reportedly had planned to denounce Carlson in a speech at a Turning Point USA event before Kirks killing. Text messages published by podcaster Candace Owens, a former friend of both Shapiro and Kirk, revealed that Kirk, an unapologetic supporter of Israel, was grappling with whether to let Carlson, a virulent critic of the country, speak at TPUSAs AmericaFest conference in December. (The exchanges were later confirmed as authentic by TPUSA.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two days before Kirks death, according to the New York Times, top Turning Point donor Robert Shillman, a conservative tech billionaire described as a father figure to Kirk, informed him that he was withdrawing a $2 million pledge to the organization for hosting Carlson. Just lost another huge Jewish donor, Kirk wrote. $2 million a year because we wont cancel Tucker. Carlson is now scheduled to speak at the conference. Right-wing media influencers, meanwhile, continue to bicker over what Kirk would do. Others have followed Owens lead in releasing private text messages with the deceased podcaster to bolster their claims. Im posting two text exchanges with Charlie Kirk where he calls Nick Fuentes vermin and insists even my debating him and defeating his arguments nevertheless amplifies him, Dinesh DSouza wrote on X. One can only imagine what Charlie would say about Tuckers butt-licking interview with Fuentes. While none of this GOP infighting is the least bit surprising, it is revealing. Trumps political strength depends on coalitional unity at least rhetorically of a broad anti-establishment right. Carlson understands that Fuentes mission is Trumpian at its core. But while folding Fuentes into the GOP tent makes sense for short-term peace, its a surefire way to impede any successor to Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats why Vice President JD Vance is so careful not to ostracize any young Republican, no matter how racist and hateful their text messages may be. He knows that Fuentes is attacking him as a race traitor for marrying the daughter of Indian immigrants. Thats why Vance was one of the only prominent GOP politicians who did not send a Happy Diwali message; he is acutely aware that even a simple acknowledgment would further inflame the white nationalist crowd. And thats why Carlson made no mention of Fuentes racist attacks against Vances family while interviewing him. So turns the world where nobody can be cancelled. The post Tucker Carlsons crash out is Charlie Kirks legacy appeared first on Salon.com. Accusing the RJD Chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi of becoming the "Protectors" of infiltrators, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday asserted that if the BJP forms the government, it will remove every infiltrator from Bihar. "Rahul Baba had come here a month and a half ago. Now, after a month, he has come again today. When he came earlier, he had taken out a 'Ghuspaithiya Bachao Yatra'. Today I have come to ask the people of Begusarai, should Bangladeshi infiltrators be included in the Bihar price payer list?" Shah said while addressing a public gathering in Begusarai. He accused RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of supporting such individuals and vowed that if all four BJP candidates win, the party will "select and remove every infiltrator" from Bihar. "Both Lalu and Rahul became protectors of Bangladeshi infiltrators. But today I am leaving with a promise to you that if you elect all four of our candidates, the BJP will do the work of selecting and removing every infiltrator from the land of Bihar..." he added. Shah said that the Popular Front of India (PFI) was "flourishing" in Bihar, aiming to make it an "Islamic state,". The Union Minister said, "Lalu and Rahul are the protectors of infiltrators in the voter list. Tell me whether the infiltrators should be removed or not?... PFI has started flourishing in Bihar. They are working with the aim of making the entire Bihar an Islamic state." Amit Shah said nationwide raids led to arrests of PFI members, calling the group "anti-national" and asking voters in Begusarai if they wanted those detained to be released. "PM Modi made a decision; by conducting raids at 100 places in the country, PFI members were picked up and put behind bars. People of Begusarai, do you want to get the PFI members released from jail? PFI was an organisation with anti-national tendencies. PM Modi banned PFI," he said. "Now Lalu ji is showing them dreams that if we come, we will release you from jail... The work of ending terrorism or Naxalism on the soil of this country has been done by PM Modi. Bihar has become Naxal-free under pm Modi's rule, and on 31st March 2026, we will end Naxalism from the entire country," Shah emphasised. In September 2022, the Ministry of Home Affairs declared Popular Front of India (PFI) and its affiliates an 'Unlawful Association'. The government cited extensive evidence, including video materials and testimony from over 100 witnesses, to justify the ban. It claimed connections between PFI and other proscribed groups such as ISIS, SIMI, and Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), along with involvement in financing terrorism, executing targeted killings, and destabilising public order. Following the crackdown in September 2022, more than 150 individuals reportedly linked to PFI were detained across India. The 2025 Bihar Elections will see a contest between the National Democratic Alliance and the Mahagathbandhan. The NDA comprises the Bharatiya Janata Party, Janata Dal (United), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), and Rashtriya Lok Morcha. Mahagathbandhan, led by RJD, includes the 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 VIP. Additionally, Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj has staked claims to all 243 seats in the state. The assembly elections in Bihar are scheduled to be held on November 6 and 11, respectively, while the results will be declared on November 14. (ANI) Illustration via Getty Images The Tucson Police Department has deployed a controversial AI-powered surveillance tool that is also being used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement to scour social media, track locations and much more, according to documents obtained by the Arizona Mirror. In August 2023, the Tucson Police Department signed a 28-month contract with Cobwebs Technologies for its Tangles Open-Source Intelligence software. The police department then sent a request to the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs to get reimbursed from the states Border Security Fund. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the reimbursement document, which the Electronic Frontier Foundation received in response to a public records request and provided to the Mirror, TPD requested the state reimburse it $277,500.23 for the purchase and installation of the software. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The Border Security Fund allows law enforcement agencies across the state to seek reimbursement for its activities related to border enforcement or security. But TPD didnt use the Cobwebs technology for border-related crimes, according to the documentation it sent to DEMA. While TPD wrote that it intended to use Cobwebs for sex trafficking investigations, the agencys leading example of how it had successfully used the technology to locate a serial robbery suspect. The agency also detailed its use in surveilling the annual Gem and Mineral Show, the 4th Ave Street Fair and a visit by then Vice-President Kamala Harris to Tucson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Tangles Open-Source Intelligence software scours social media for posts by targeted people and can connect them to contacts, locations and events. Some versions of the software also include AI face detection. A leaked user manual given to law enforcement showed how the software could be used to target protesters and journalists. Critics call the technology warrantless surveillance that has largely gone unregulated by lawmakers and judges and should create a larger dialogue about big techs role in government surveillance. These companies like to say they are just packaging open source information or information that is publicly available, but if you look at their offerings, you can see that they are violating peoples privacy and going beyond the information that is already publicly available on social media, Lena Cohen, staff technologist at EFF, told the Mirror. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Mirror asked DEMA, which authorizes the disbursement of Border Security Fund money, if it approved TPDs reimbursement request for Cobwebs. The agency didnt directly answer the question, instead responding that it worked with the Arizona Department of Public Safety and the Arizona Department of Homeland Security to review the reimbursement requests. TPD told the Mirror that its use of the software has been minimal and primarily exploratory and that no significant investigative outcomes have resulted from its use. The agency confirmed that DEMA approved and reimbursed them for the purchase and use of the software, though it acknowledged it hadnt yet used the program for any border-related crimes. The software has not been used for border-related or surveillance purposes. The scope of work submitted in the grant application was for costs related to programs that reduce human trafficking, TPD said in response to the Mirrors question about how the technology fits into the scope of the Border Security Fund. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TPD also said it does not intend to renew the contract at the end of the 28-month period. Photo by Jerod MacDonald-Evoy/Arizona Mirror Several Democratic state legislators from Tucson said they were concerned about TPDs use of the technology. Rep. Betty Villegas said in a statement to the Mirror that she has sought more information from DEMA. Tucson is a community that values transparency, accountability, and the protection of civil rights, and we must ensure that any technology purchased with public funds is used responsibly and within the law, she said. I will continue to seek clarification to ensure that all technology acquired with public funds is used transparently, responsibly, and in a manner that upholds the constitutional rights of our community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And Democratic Sen. Sally Ann Gonzales said she was alarmed that TPD had purchased the surveillance software. Like Villegas, she said that she has been unable to get Tucson police or state officials to answer her questions on its use and procurement. This Tangles technology or software is scary, and it is very upsetting. It seems to be unconstitutional for what it is doing because, normally, in order to surveil people, you need a warrant. So it seems it would be violating the Fourth Amendment, Gonzales told the Mirror. From the standpoint of a lawmaker, our laws really need to catch up with the advancement of these technologies that are out there. Gonzales, who voted against the state budget last year due to an increase in border enforcement money, said she was also concerned about how money meant for border security is being used to purchase software that has been used to spy on just general people in Tucson. Im just flabbergasted, Gonzales said. I for sure dont want anybody surveilling me on the basis of being in the city of Tucson, in my district, just going about my personal business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TPD rejected the assertion that its use of the Tangles software presented constitutional concerns. No warrant, subpoena, or similar legal authorization is required to use the system, as it only collects publicly available information, the department told the Mirror, adding that it does not raise Fourth Amendment concerns. Additionally, TPD told the Mirror that it is able to audit who uses the system to verify it is not being misused, and said an internal audit of it was conducted during the grant application period. What is Cobwebs? In 2021, approximately 50,000 Facebook users were alerted that they may have been targeted by surveillance companies that were abusing the platform. One of those companies was Cobwebs Technologies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meta ultimately banned Cobwebs for platform manipulation because it was creating fake accounts, getting into private Facebook groups and asking people for identifying information. Our investigation identified customers in Bangladesh, Hong Kong, the United States, New Zealand, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Poland, and other countries, a report by Meta says about Cobwebs. In addition to targeting related to law enforcement activities, we also observed frequent targeting of activists, opposition politicians and government officials in Hong Kong and Mexico. The Office of Naval Intelligence awarded the company a contract that same year. The federal contract gives a bit more insight into how the software works, what it does and what it means for Tucson residents who may get caught up in the dragnet. Tangles is one of two pieces of software created by Cobwebs that are known to be used by law enforcement. It allows law enforcement to search and monitor specific individuals online, using AI to do so. However, much of what Tangles does is proprietary, and the company has fought to try to shield itself from public record releases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another tool created by Cobwebs, called WebLoc, can monitor trends of mobile devices that have given data at those locations and how often they have been there, according to a government study first reported on by Forbes. TPD said that they do not have access to WebLoc under their current contract. Stolen cigarettes In its reimbursement request to the state, TPD detailed one of the ways it had already used Tangles to track a suspect. After a string of cigarette thefts totalling thousands of dollars from two Circle K stores, TPD used the software to search advertisement identification numbers to identify unique identifiers of cellphones that were present at each of the crimes that were the same. They found one phone that would frequent a local neighborhood bar, which also had been a burglary victim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case reports for the burglary, which had been unsolved for many months, indicated that one of the female bar employees suspected the burglaries were committed by her ex-boyfriend who had been fired from the bar just prior to the bar burglaries, TPD wrote in its reimbursement narrative. The female bar employee lived at the apartment address that the phone identifiers kept ending up at after each crime at the Circle Ks. At the time of the string of thefts, the female and the suspect were still dating, and he was staying at her apartment. This information was provided to undercover officers and detectives for follow up. The advertisement identification numbers used to track the suspect are part of a larger privacy issue that constitutional experts and technology experts are concerned about. An advertisement identification number is a unique identifier that identifies a person across apps. It is also used by advertisers, developers and surveillance companies. Without an Ad ID, it would be a lot harder for data brokers, and therefore law enforcement buyers, to filter the data for a signal associated with one person, Cohen told the Mirror. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These Ad IDs have gotten better in recent years, with Apple users being able to opt in and out of certain tracking, making it harder for certain companies to harvest location data. This type of location data harvesting was at the heart of an $85 million lawsuit between Arizona and Google. The advertising industry has created a massive surveillance machine that can be co-opted by law enforcement, bad actors and anyone willing to pay, Cohen said. The federal procurement document for Cobwebss Tangles software posted by the Office of Naval Intelligence shows that the program also appears to be able to target IDFV, or identification for vendors. While an individual user may be able to turn off their Ad ID, people cannot turn off the IDFV, which is a unique identifier that is used by a company with multiple apps like Google, Meta and countless others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Using data gathered by advertisers for police surveillance creates new constitutionality issues, as well. It is akin to giving a landlord an envelope of cash to access your apartment instead of getting a search warrant, and I believe, unconstitutional, Don Bell, policy counsel at the Constitution Project at the Project on Government Oversight, told the Mirror. The U.S. Supreme Court in 2018 ruled that historical cell phone data, which includes location information, is something that law enforcement would need a warrant to access, Bell said. But surveillance companies used by police have been using data brokers to largely get around that by purchasing the data instead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our government no matter the party in power cannot circumvent our constitution in employing this tool of warrantless mass surveillance, and still claim to be committed to the rule of law, Bell said. Big data TPD is utilizing that advertising identifier information and sending that information to federal authorities on at least two occasions, according to the document sent to DEMA. On another occasion, the region was experiencing a great number of targeted damages to overhead communication lines owned by Cox Communication. Damage and repairs reached nearly one million dollars, and each damage caused widespread outages for entire neighborhoods of internet and phones, TPD says. Searches for advertisement identifiers were used to locate potential common devices, and this information was turned over to the FBI for follow up. And on Election Day last year, the system identified a male subject who said on X that he was going to show up at Tucson area election sites armed with a rifle and he was tracked through Cobwebs. The person was found to be in Phoenix, and TPD forwarded the information to the appropriate law enforcement agencies, including FBI. The agency also tried to use it to locate a person who was kidnapped, but found the results were minimal. When trying to use the software to look for potential social media posts related to sex trafficking during the 4th Ave Street Fair in Tucson, TPD identified several posts, but they were ruled out after further investigation. TPD also boasted about using the Cobwebs software to surveil protesters during former Vice-President Kamala Harris visit to the region. To date, monitors are turned on to scrub and save posts related to terrorism, sex trafficking and hate and bias crimes, the agency wrote in its reimbursement request. How Cobwebs gets all the data that is fed into its system that TPD uses is also not entirely clear. It is going to be hard to track exactly where Cobwebs is getting their location data because the data broker industry is so opaque, but the way that this data flow works based on reporting we have on similar surveillance tools and data brokers is that, sometimes data brokers directly pay apps for location data of the apps users, Cohen said. Sometimes they can do that by sharing code that app developers can put in their apps, which will send location data when directly available. Data broker X-Mode recently entered into an agreement with the Federal Trade Commission after it was accused of selling the location information of users that included LGBTQ+ dating apps. In 2020, it was reported that the company was selling location information from Muslim prayer apps to the U.S. military. PenLink surveillance tools are made possible by the failures of web developers, judges and lawmakers, Cohen said, referring to the U.S.-based company that merged with PenLink in 2023. She added that even state privacy laws, like Californias, lack teeth as they rely on the government to take action. Mobile platforms like Apple and Google should kill the mobile advertising identifier, because it allows data brokers and other companies to track people across the internet, Cohen said. Despite what some of these surveillance companies might claim, most people are not knowingly consenting to the sharing and use of their location data. While TPD is the only Arizona police agency that is currently known to use the software, other law enforcement agencies across the country are using it and similar tech, and federal agencies have been purchasing it. ICE has spent over $5 million on Cobwebss tools, with $2 million of that being on Tangles alone. ***CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story said that Rep. Betty Villegas sought more information from Tucson Police Department; in fact, she sought information from the Division of Emergency and Military Affairs, which oversees the Border Security Fund. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Oct. 29MOSES LAKE Youth Dynamics' auction Oct. 18 was a record-breaker. "We had 245 people in attendance," said Moses Youth Dynamics Director Sean Sallis. "We took in $70,000. The highest I've (seen) is $50,000, so that's very encouraging." The theme for the night was "Twist and Shout," and attendees came in their best poodle skirts, penny loafers and bobby socks. The Moses Lake Classic Car Club brought some vintage vehicles to add to the atmosphere, and Firehouse BBQ grilled hamburgers served by Youth Dynamics students in red-and-white aprons. Auctioneer Chuck Yarbro Jr. conducted the live auction in a University of Idaho letterman's jacket. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the money raised goes to maintain the Youth Dynamics building on Third Avenue, Sallis said, and some goes to provide meals for the youth who hang out there. Some also go to help students, who otherwise couldn't afford it, go on outdoor adventures with Youth Dynamics. None of the money goes to pay the Youth Dynamics staff, Sallis added; all of them raise their own support from community donors. The auction traditionally includes a paddle raise to add something to the building, and this year's went to build a coffee bar. The goal for that project was $15,000, Sallis said, but the paddle raise brought in $4,000 more, and an anonymous donor kicked in another $10,000. "It's going to have Italian sodas and coffee," Sallis said. "Youth pastors can bring their kids in and have a coffee with them, and ... sit eye-to-eye with those kids." The coffee bar will be called the Lake City Lights Cafe, Sallis said, in memory of his sister-in-law Joy Dame, who led a music ministry in Florida called Lake City Lights until her passing in August. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A staffer who was visiting from Idaho interviewed students about what they were getting out of their time with Youth Dynamics, and Sallis presented the Impact Player of the Year award to Steve Jones. Jones is a former Youth Dynamics staffer who still volunteers for the organization, Sallis said, and recently helped a group for older youth. "We do it every third Thursday of the month," Sallis said. "We have worship and some food and time of prayer with college kids between 18 and 24 years old. He's been really instrumental in that." The evening ended with a prayer from Moses Lake Baptist Church Pastor Dennis Fountain. "He gave a very clear gospel presentation at the end," Sallis said. "Which is why we exist. We're sharing the love of God with students. People were there and they heard the gospel and that's what Youth Dynamics is all about." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The auction exceeded expectations in other ways, Sallis said. "At least 20% of the people were there for the first time," he said. "They hadn't been to our event before and got to hear what we're doing, and that was really cool." The turnout and the giving speak volumes about the sort of community Moses Lake is, Sallis said. "I'm sure every other community has its own things that are special about it," Sallis said. "But I looked out at the crowd and I was like, 'Those of you in this room are part of what makes Moses Lake so special.' It's a big deal ... These people who give up their time and their money and their resources to be there to support it, that's what it's about. We have a really supporting community." ROAMING SHORES Two candidates with significant connections to village leadership are vying for the mayoral position. Jennifer DAmicone is the present mayor of the village, and Duane Helms was a three-year village councilman and serves as village administrator. Prior to that, he was utility supervisor. DAmicones background includes 30 years in the United States Marshal Service, where she says she learned valuable skills in responsibility, teamwork and leadership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have also run a successful business which gives me first-hand understanding of financial management, accountability, and the challenges that local business owners face, she said. Helms said he oversees the daily operations of the village, and has worked to improve efficiency, strengthen services, and support employees. He said he has secured critical grant funding to advance village priorities, including state-required dam safety testing and Environmental Protection Agency-funded equipment to improve both efficiency and safety for utility staff. DAmicone has been mayor for eight years, and said one of her priorities has been to improve the relationship between the village and the RomeRock Association, which she feels she has done. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As mayor, I dedicated over 20 hours a week to serving our community, and will continue building on the progress weve made, DAmicone said. She said she focuses on creating unity, strengthening community ties, and making thoughtful decisions that serve the best interest of all residents. Helms said he is running to provide stable, accountable, and community-focused leadership. He said he feels absentee leadership has led to high staff turnover. This instability has also impacted office and utility workers, creating challenges, he said. Helms said he will be accessible and accountable to every resident, work to stabilize the workforce and end the cycle of turnover. He said he will support employees with the tools, resources, and leadership they need to succeed, as well as modernize utility systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DAmicone said she is running to continue building a foundation for the village on unity and strengthening community ties. I have worked hard to bring the village into the 21st century, she said. There is still work to be done, but I am committed to seeing it through, and we are getting there. If I am reelected mayor as mayor, I will continue leading Roaming Shores in to the 21st century by focusing on a comprehensive 3-5 year infrastructure improvement plan. My goal is to modernize our community while preserving what makes Roaming Shores special. A recall for a pair of popular Halloween candies have been issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In a report published on October 27, the agency announced that Zingermans Candy would be pulling two of its candy bars off its shelves for accidental mislabeling. Specifically, the two products are Zingermans Peanut Butter Crush Full Size Bars and Zingermans Ca$hew Cow Full Size Bars (otherwise known as Cashew Cow), both of have packaging that dont mention specific nut allergens. Parents and consumers should be on the lookout for these two candy bars as Halloween approaches this weekend. Two Zingermans candy bars have the wrong packaging The following are the lot numbers for the affected Zingermans Peanut Butter Crush and Cashew Cow candy bars, per the official FDA report. The company discovered that the Peanut Butter Crush package did not declare cashew as an allergen, while the Cashew Cow did not declare peanut. Zingermans Peanut Butter Crush Yellow and purple 2-oz. boxes Lot Number 174250 Zingermans Cashew Cow Bars Light blue and yellow 2-oz. boxes Lot Number 174250 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those who have allergies or severe sensitivities to cashew and peanut can have serious or life-threatening reactions after consuming the products. The company reports that these recalled candy bars were distributed to retail stores throughout Michigan and New York. After an internal investigation, it was discovered that there was a temporary breakdown in the production and packaging processes for the products, and the company has taken steps to ensure this problem has been resolved. Consumers who have purchased either or both candy bars with the lot numbers above are asked to return the items at their place of purchase for a full refund. They can also call Zingermans for more information regarding the recall. Two other recalls that have been issued this week include a pork product with plastic contamination and makeup wipes with a bacterial contamination. The post Two Halloween Candies Recalled Over Undeclared Allergens appeared first on Mandatory. Voters on opposite sides of the Twin Cities metro will play a critical role in deciding which party controls the Minnesota Senate by casting ballots in two special elections. As it stands, the DFL holds a slim 33-32 advantage over Republicans. The outcome of the two special elections could boost Democratic control of the chamber, or could potentially give Republicans the majority if they win both seats. In District 47, which covers portions of Woodbury and Maplewood, voters will determine who will fill the vacant Senate seat once held by Democratic legislator Nicole Mitchell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mitchell resigned from her seat in July after being found guilty of felony burglary for breaking into her stepmothers home. Voters there will make their choice between Democrat Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger and Republican Dwight Dorau. In 2022, Mitchell defeated Dorau with 58.7% of the vote, but according to FOX 9, races were much closer before redistricting, with a Democrat winning by less than a point in 2016. Further west in Minnesota, voters in District 29 will decide on who should fill the late state senator Bruce Andersons seat. First elected to the state senate in 2012, Anderson died unexpectedly in July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican Michael Holmstrom Jr. and Democrat Louis McNutt will face off in that election. The district, which has traditionally voted heavily Republican, covers parts of Hennepin, Meeker, and Wright counties, and includes cities like Annandale, Buffalo, Maple Lake, and Monticello. This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Oct 29, 2025, where it first appeared in the MN News section. Add Bring Me The News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. An Alaska Air National Guard C-17 Globemaster III, assigned to the 176th Wing, arrives at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, with approximately 300 evacuated residents from western Alaska, Oct. 15, 2025. (Alaska National Guard photo by Alejandro Pena) Hundreds of students displaced by the storm devastation of ex-Typhoon Halong in Western Alaska are entering school in other communities, including Bethel and Anchorage. Deena Bishop, commissioner of the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development, said most displaced students have enrolled in Bethel or Anchorage schools. She estimates 100 students have enrolled in Bethel, remaining in the regional hub of Western Alaska and the Lower Kuskokwim School District. State officials estimate 140 students have enrolled in the Anchorage School District so far, according to an update on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students have also enrolled in other schools across the state, but in smaller numbers, depending on where families have relocated after the storm, Bishop said. Those include the Nenana and Fairbanks areas, the Kenai Peninsula, Matanuska-Susitna Valley Borough, and other rural areas, as well as boarding schools. All the support from the state, including from the Department of Education, has been in support of what the family would like to do, Bishop said. For those in Anchorage, she said the Anchorage School District is coordinating with state, tribal and non-profit partners to provide services to students and families including transportation from emergency shelters to schools, health services, meals, and English translation services for predominantly Yupik families. Alaska Air National Guard C-17 Globemaster III aircrew, assigned to the 176th Wing, arrive at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, with 62 evacuated residents from western Alaska, Oct. 17, 2025. (Alaska National Guard photo by Alejandro Pena) The Anchorage School District said it is trying to keep displaced students together. It has enrolled a number of students in the Yupik immersion program at College Gate Elementary, which provides bilingual classes and cultural activities, as well as the Alaska Native Charter School, Lake Otis Elementary, A.J. Wendler Middle School, Bettye Davis East Anchorage High School and King Tech High School. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bishop said teachers and school communities are welcoming students, and doing an excellent job in just a devastating situation. Anchorage Superintendent Jharrett Bryantt was not available for an interview, but echoed the districts commitment in an update to the school board on Oct. 21. There was one common trend, which is that our teachers, our principals and our community members are standing with Western Alaska, and they were there to greet the students and make them feel as welcome as possible during this difficult time, he said. Many students left their villages in the mass evacuation in the days after the storm devastation, with just one bag they could carry. Bryantt acknowledged the culture shock and trauma of the displacement as families relocate and resettle. Evacuees face challenges like finding housing and replacing clothing and personal belongings. Some are reuniting with family, neighbors and pets. Were not just here to teach them. We need to address the whole child, and in this moment, as strong as these students are, theyre going through trauma and its going to take a lot of work, he said. But were going to put that in, because these kids are worth it, and they deserve a wonderful education that we want to offer them, in ASD, for as long as theyd like to be here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lower Kuskokwim School District Superintendent Andrew Hannibal Anderson said the re-enrollment of their students into other schools in Bethel and Anchorage is going well, and added the districts are working with families through the ongoing logistics of replacing documentation and finding long term housing. Particularly in Anchorage, he said theres an effort to keep Lower Kuskokwim students and classes together. So Anchorage [School District] has really very much been the key in helping our students find places and to find opportunities for more of our students to be together rather than randomly spread throughout the Anchorage community, he said. Anderson said some teachers and paraprofessionals who evacuated from the west coast region have even begun working for ASD, but the majority have stayed in their district and communities where theyre working out new positions. He said as the students flow to different parts of the state, the district is working to reassign the teachers who stay. That involves considering their certifications and any vacant positions that already exist in the district, as well as new positions that have emerged as displaced students enroll. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The primary effort is to support as well as we can the already existing relationships between students and teachers, and then see what we can do with that as time moves forward, Anderson said. Rural schools at center of Typhoon recovery The Lower Kuskokwim School District encompasses most of the region hardest hit by ex-Typhoon Halong. Many of its 22 village schools served as emergency shelters in the days after the storm, and are now centers for the recovery and relief efforts. The region is accessible only by boat and plane. The Lower Kuskokwim School District encompasses the region hardest hit by ex-Typhoon Halong, and includes 22 community schools and five schools in Bethel, all only accessible by boat and plane. (Screenshot) Some 400 people sheltered in the school in Kwigillingok, and more than 500 people in Kipnuk, two of the hardest-hit communities in the first days after the storm, before mass evacuations began. Anderson commended the schools and staff on the frontlines of the disaster for receiving so many of the community members into the shelters and there and taking care of them, providing all they could for the needs of large numbers of people. Residents sort donations at the school in Kipnuk, which provided emergency shelter to the community of nearly 700 in the days after ex-Typhoon Halong devastated the community, and before most residents evacuated. (Photo courtesy of Jacqui Lang) Teachers and students play games at the school in Kipnuk on Oct. 14, 2025, as they shelter from the storm damage of ex-Typhoon Halong and wait for mass evacuations (Photo courtesy of Jacqui Lang) And now he said many school staff are involved in the relief efforts, as schools have utilities and space to serve as central community sites and house emergency crews responding to storm damage. Anderson said schools are often the largest and most stable facilities in their communities, so it is a great contribution to the recovery effort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some schools in the region are still grappling with power outages, including Kipnuk, Kwigillingok, Kotlik, Nightmute and Akiak. Akiak has been without power since a power plant failure in mid September. Others that suffered less storm damage are up and running, Anderson said. Far and away, most of the schools in the district are functioning, he said. Disaster funding for rural schools Bishop said disaster relief is the states immediate priority. But as students and families find more permanent housing and get settled into schools, she said DEED is applying to federal grants so that the state can fund districts extra costs. She said school districts are taking care of students and making sure they dont have to wait for services, so now the state will work with districts to figure out financial support that adheres to statute. She said it was definitely the message of the governor that either receiving schools, as well as the Lower Kuskokwim schools, should be compensated, and we are to work on figuring that out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said districts will also qualify for disaster relief from FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, under the federal disaster declaration. Each of the schools affected could get upwards of a $250,000 grant, she said. Bishop said the long term impacts remain to be seen, and the ultimate goal is to get residents back to their communities. We dont want anyone to get lost in a big city, and we dont want anyone to get lost anywhere. We want to be able to work with the state and those other divisions to restore those communities, to create healthy communities again, where they can live and work and go to school together, she said. State officials estimate more than 1,500 people are displaced by the storm disaster. The state has received 1,104 applications for state individual assistance, according to a statement from the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management on Tuesday. Applications are open on the states website, through Dec. 9. Individual assistance is also available from FEMA and from the American Red Cross. The Kwigillingok school seen on Oct. 18, 2025 served as emergency shelter through ex-Typhoon Halong. Emergency crews are still working to restore power there. (Photo by Nathaniel Herz/Northern Journal and KYUK) SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE MADISON - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has approved permits for construction to start on the contentious Line 5 oil pipeline in northern Wisconsin. The permits for Enbridge Energy's Line 5 reroute were announced on Oct. 29 amid the federal government shutdown, with very little detail. No supporting documents about the approval were issued. A press release from the Army Corps said Enbridge's proposed activities for the reroute were "determined to be compliant with federal Tribal Trust responsibilities and within the public interest." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The approval of the Enbridge Line 5 reroute application is a great success and will advance the Presidents energy dominance agenda for America," Adam Telle, assistant secretary of the Army for Civil Works, said in a press release. "This permit decision demonstrates the Corps of Engineers role in ensuring a balanced approach to infrastructure development and environmental regulation consistent with statutory direction. Enbridge, the Calgary-based pipeline and energy giant, proposed a 41-mile reroute around the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa's land in 2020. Twelve miles of pipeline must be removed from the Bad River Band's land by June 2026, as designated by court order. The new stretch of pipeline would go south of the Bad River Bands land, further inland into Ashland and Iron counties. It would go through Iron County State Forest, around Copper Falls State Park and cross more than 180 Lake Superior tributaries, including the Bad River. It's estimated to cost $450 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reroute project is estimated to have a $135 million economic impact in northern Wisconsin, creating jobs for 700 workers with a total labor income of $27.5 million, according to the oil company. The Army Corp. approval isn't the last hurdle for Enbridge. Last year, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources also issued necessary state permits for the reroute, though those are currently undergoing review as a part of a contested case hearing. Two petitions for a contested case hearing were filed last year after the DNR issued its permits for the Line 5 reroute. EarthJustice filed on behalf of the Bad River Band; Clean Wisconsin and Midwest Environmental Advocates jointly filed a separate petition as well. The groups argue that the project does not meet state water quality standards, and the impact will be irreversible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Bad River Band has long feared how an oil leak or spill could harm its land, water and way of life, as well as the Kakagon Sloughs, home to the largest wild rice bed remaining on the Great Lakes. A decision on the contested case is also expected soon. Environmental advocacy groups decried the Army Corps. decision, calling the issuance of the permit premature. This is a clear violation of the Clean Water Act. It appears the Army Corps is fast-tracking a fossil fuel project at the expense of environmental protection and legal due process," said Rob Lee, a staff attorney at Midwestern Environmental Advocates, in a media release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal law is clear. The Army Corps cant approve this project without final water quality certification from the relevant state authority. The DNRs certification is still being challenged in court, which means its not legally final and that makes this permit premature and unlawful. But members of the Wisconsin Jobs and Energy Coalition, which has been pushing for approvals, said that keeping the pipeline in the state and employing workers on the reroute will be a boon for the state. Todays decision is a huge step towards putting the 700 union men and women who will build the Line 5 relocation project to work, said Kent Miller, President and Business Manager of the Wisconsin Laborers' District Council, in a media release. Were pleased to see the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has agreed with what we have been saying for over five years that the Line 5 relocation can be built safely and in a way that will protect the environment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (This story was updated to add new information.) Laura Schulte can be reached at leschulte@jrn.com and on X @SchulteLaura. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Army Corps approves contentious Enbridge Line 5 oil pipeline reroute NEED TO KNOW Border Patrol officers got aggressive with a 76-year-old U.S. citizen in Chicago over the weekend, allegedly breaking six of his ribs and causing internal bleeding The man's running club shared video and details about the alleged incident, identifying him as one of their members and saying he was driving home from a group jog when he was attacked by officers The Department of Homeland Security shared a statement about the incident, warning protesters, "You will not stop us or slow us down" Shocking footage of Border Patrol agents pinning a 76-year-old U.S. citizen to the ground in Chicago was shared on social media this week. The DWRunning Club posted the clip, identifying the man as one of their members, though they didn't share his name. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In another Instagram Story, the club shared their account of what allegedly happened during the violent arrest, which reportedly took place as a children's Halloween parade was being held in the Old Irving Park neighborhood of the city. One of our athletes was on his way home from a team long run yesterday and as he turned onto his block, found that Border Control had the road blocked, DWRunning Club wrote. The agents threatened to break his window if he didnt move his car. Before he could act, they pulled him out of his car, knelt on his back, and subdued him, though he never resisted. They broke six of his ribs and caused internal bleeding. This really is happening in our country with frightening frequency. Its terrifying and it has to stop. We must keep sharing these stories, calling out these injustices and standing up for those who cant stand up for themselves," they added. In the video, onlookers can be heard asking officers to ease up on the man. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You're f---ing suffocating him!" one says, as another tells them, "He's 76 years old. Be easy on him." The man also appears to be telling the agents that he'll move his car, though another Border Patrol officer can be seen getting behind the wheel. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin shared a statement on the incident to PEOPLE, writing, On October 25, 2025, Border Patrol conducted an operation that resulted in the arrest of a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, who has previously been arrested for assault." "During the operations, Border Patrol agents were surrounded and boxed in by a group of agitators. Federal law enforcement issued multiple lawful commands and verbal warnings, all of which were ignored," she continued, adding that two U.S. citizens were ultimately arrested for allegedly "assaulting and impeding a federal officer." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "To safely clear the area after multiple warnings and the crowd continuing to advance on them, Border Patrol had to deploy crowd control measures," she wrote, justifying the actions by claiming that federal agents are "facing a 1000% increase in assaults against them." "Secretary Noems message to the rioters is clear: you will not stop us or slow us down," McLaughlin continued. "ICE and our federal law enforcement partners will continue to enforce the law. And if you lay a hand on a law enforcement officer, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The Oct. 25 operation was one of several violent incidents in Chicago following President Donald Trump's decision to send federal troops into the city. On Oct. 4, a woman was shot and injured by Border Patrol after a traffic incident. McLaughlin said at the time that agents fired "defensive shots" after their vehicle was boxed in. 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. On Oct. 10, ICE agents were seen on video aggressively detaining a local news producer, also a U.S. citizen, pinning her to the ground as she gave them her information. When an unmarked van peeled off with her inside, it slammed into a bystander's car in the process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DHS said at the time that the producer, who identified herself as Debbie Brockman, allegedly threw objects at a Border Patrol car and was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a federal law enforcement officer. However, an eyewitness, Josh Thomas, disputed this while recounting the events to WGN-TV. They claimed that the WGN employee was obstructing justice, even though she was, like all of us, just standing there, taking video, he told the Chicago TV station. Read the original article on People Update to original story, 10/29/25: As of 3:53 pm Central Time, the Department of Education website has returned online. However, neither the agencys social media accounts nor its spokespeople have issued an explanation of the outage. *** The official website of the U.S. Department of Education went offline on Wednesday morning, leaving users unable to access federal education information. The Dallas Express detected the outage around 11:50 a.m. Dallas time on October 29. The departments homepage, www.ed.gov, had shown no response for more than three hours, according to the website monitoring platform IsItDownRightNow.com. Www.ed.gov is DOWN for everyone. It is not just you. The server is not responding, the monitoring websites interface said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DX reached out to the Department of Education for comment, but a spokesman did not respond. At the time of publication, no major federal student aid deadlines appeared to coincide with the outage. The Medical University of South Carolinas financial aid catalog showed regular FAFSA submission dates and loan-related deadlines stretching into early 2026, with no notable activity listed for October 29. It was unclear whether the outage was related to routine maintenance, a cyberattack, or a technical error. The Department of Education has not released a statement on Facebook or X. Other federal departments, including the Department of War, continued to have functioning websites as of Wednesday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Educations online services are widely used by millions of students and families to complete financial aid forms, access loan information, and manage federal student loan repayment. Some websites related to the Department of Education, such as StudentAid.gov, remained online, although their links back to the Department of Education website did not work. The outage follows recent large-scale service disruptions impacting Amazon Web Services earlier this month, which temporarily interfered with several major platforms, including Facebook, Snapchat, and Coinbase, The Dallas Express reported. The Global Maritime CEO Forum, the flagship event of India Maritime Week 2025, will bring together CEOs of global maritime companies, major investors, policy-makers, innovators, and international partners to deliberate on the future of the global maritime ecosystem. The Forum will serve as a key platform for dialogue on sustainable maritime growth, resilient supply chains, green shipping, and inclusive blue economy strategies. The Prime Minister's participation reflects his deep commitment to an ambitious, future-oriented maritime transformation, aligned with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. This long-term vision, built on four strategic pillars -- port-led development, shipping and shibuilding, seamless logistics, and maritime skill-building -- aims to position India among the world's leading maritime powers. India Maritime Week 2025 serves as the Government of India's premier global platform to translate this vision into action, bringing together leading stakeholders across shipping, ports, shipbuilding, cruise tourism, and blue economy finance. Held from 27th to 31st October 2025 under the theme "Uniting Oceans, One Maritime Vision", IMW 2025 will showcase India's strategic roadmap to emerge as a global maritime hub and a leader in the Blue Economy. IMW 2025 will draw participation from over 85 countries, featuring more than 1,00,000 delegates, 500+ exhibitors and 350+ international speakers. Meanwhile, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Wednesday announced that India is planning a major shift in its energy shipping strategy, building its own fleet of oil tankers to reduce the massive freight costs it currently pays to foreign vessel operators. Speaking at India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai, Puri revealed that India's three major oil marketing companies--Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum--spend approximately USD 8 billion over five years on chartering foreign ships, an amount sufficient to purchase an entirely new fleet of crude-oil tankers. The Minister highlighted a striking imbalance, while the oil and gas sector accounts for nearly 28 per cent of India's total trade by volume, making it the single largest commodity group at Indian ports, only around 20 per cent of this cargo is carried on Indian-flagged or Indian-owned vessels. "This challenge we are now turning into an opportunity," Puri stated, outlining plans to significantly boost India's maritime capabilities in the energy sector. India's energy import dependence remains substantial, with the country meeting nearly 88 per cent of its crude oil and 51 per cent of its natural gas requirements through imports. In the fiscal year 2024-25, the crude import bill alone crossed USD 150 billion. (ANI) The United States Department of State has officially removed the West African nation from its Visa Bond Pilot Program, just days before the requirements were set to take effect. The decision, announced in an updated roster released on October 23, 2025, comes after Mali was initially added to the list on October 8, sparking immediate diplomatic backlash from Bamako, Malis capital. The swift removal represents a notable diplomatic retreat for the U.S., following Malis decisive implementation of reciprocal visa-bond requirements for American travelers. The Visa Bond Program Explained The Visa Bond Pilot Program, authorized under Section 221(g)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, allows U.S. consular officers to require eligible visa applicants to post refundable bonds of up to $15,000 to ensure they return home after visiting the United States. The program specifically targets countries with high visa overstay rates, according to Department of Homeland Security data. Under the program, applicants who are found eligible for B-1/B-2 visas but are subject to the pilot program requirements must pay bonds in amounts of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, depending on their individual circumstances. Despite Malis removal, six African nations remain subject to the visa-bond requirement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the State Departments October 23 update, these include Mauritania, Sao Tome and Principe, Tanzania, The Gambia, Malawi, and Zambia, with implementation dates ranging from August to October 2025. The pilot program will run for 12 months, from August 20, 2025, until August 5, 2026. Malis Retaliatory Measures According to Al Jazeera, Malis Foreign Ministry swiftly responded to its inclusion in the program by implementing identical reciprocal measures against U.S. citizens. Bamako announced earlier this month that American travelers seeking business or tourist visas would be required to post bonds of $5,000 to $10,000, the same amounts imposed on Malian nationals. The Malian government justified this action on the principle of reciprocity, stating that the U.S. program violated a 2005 accord that guaranteed long-term visa access between the two nations. In accordance with the principle of reciprocity, Mali has decided to introduce an identical visa programme, imposing the same conditions and requirements on US nationals as those applied to Malian citizens, Malis foreign ministry said in an official statement released on October 12. The ministry further emphasized that Mali has always collaborated with the United States of America in the fight against irregular immigration, with respect for law and human dignity. The visa bond dispute occurs within a larger context of escalating tensions over U.S. immigration enforcement policies targeting African nations. The Trump administration has deployed visa restrictions as diplomatic leverage to pressure African governments on immigration enforcement and deportation cooperation. The post U.S. Ends Visa Bond Policy For Mali, Signaling Diplomatic Shift appeared first on Travel Noire. Oct. 28 (UPI) -- The U.S. military has evacuated about 1,000 nonessential residents from the U.S. Navy base at Guantanamo Bay in anticipation of the powerful Hurricane Melissa advancing through the Caribbean Tuesday. More than 1,000 non-essential military personnel, along with their families and pets flew to the Naval Air Station Pensacola in the days leading up to the hurricane's arrival, USNI News reported. To prepare for the influx of military personnel, Pensacola's Fleet and Family Support Center opened its Emergency Family Assistance Center on Saturday to connect them with lodging, essential supplies and other resources, according to a Navy press statement. Moving the non-essential personnel to Pensacola will minimize operations during the hurricane and make recovery easier after it passes, according to the statement. . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The sailors and civilian employees here are dedicated and adaptable, making sure they accomplish our Navy mission -and right now that's taking care of our Navy family from Guantanamo Bay," NAS Pensacola Commanding Officer Capt. Chandra Newman said in the statement. The remaining 3,000 residents of the base moved into temporary shelters in a community gym and a new K-12 school, The New York Times reported. Officials instructed residents to bring their own bedding along with coolers full of enough food and water to last three days, the paper reported. Pensacola-area service members and volunteers listen to a safety brief Saturday ahead of the evacuation of non-mission essential personnel from Naval Station Guantanamo Bay. Photo by U.S. Navy Hurricane Melissa is the world's strongest storm seen so far this year. It left at least seven people dead after it made landfall in Jamaica earlier on Tuesday. Although the center of the storm has passed over Jamaica, the National Hurricane Center warned Tuesday evening of heavy rain "catastrophic flash flooding" and numerous landslides. Melissa is expected to move away from western Jamaica Tuesday evening, late moving to southeastern Cuba "as an extremely dangerous major hurricane," according to the center. Melissa is currently a Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds near 145 mph. While candidates filed petitions Monday to run under Illinois existing congressional district lines, U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries brought his redistricting campaign to Illinois, pitching top state Democrats on a new map in a series of closed-door meetings. Dozens of congressional candidates were in Springfield that morning for the biennial spectacle of petition filing for the primary election, which is slated for March 17. At the same time, Jeffries met with members of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus and Black members of the states congressional delegation in Chicago. Later Monday, he traveled to Illinois capital city to meet with House Speaker Emanuel Chris Welch, D-Hillside, and Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, on the matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jeffries told reporters in the Capitol that his talks with Harmon and Welch were positive and focused on the need for us to keep all options on the table and respond decisively. Welch echoed Jeffries sentiment in a statement released after their meeting. State lawmakers return to Springfield for the final three days of their fall veto session on Tuesday likely their last trip to the Capitol until January. Even though dozens of Illinois congressional candidates have already filed their petitions, Jeffries downplayed any urgency for lawmakers to act this week. Were not convinced that this is something that needs to happen in the next two to three days, Jeffries said. Its something that needs to be strongly considered and we can figure out a path forward. Prospective candidates line up outside the Illinois State Board of Elections building in Springfield on Monday, Oct. 27, 2025, to file nominating petitions. Post-veto session action? Gov. JB Pritzker, who has been coy about redrawing Illinois map, echoed Jeffries, telling reporters before he filed his petitions for reelection that redistricting was possible, but doesnt have to happen during veto session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It could happen after that, Pritzker said. But right now, I think theres just a lot of conversation going on. Jeffries push is meant to counter President Donald Trumps mid-decade redistricting project in GOP-led states ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. So far, Texas, Missouri and North Carolina have redrawn their lines to favor Republicans. And Indiana Gov. Mike Braun on Monday called a special session for his states legislature next week to redraw the Hoosier States map. Its clear that Democrats are going to have to respond thoughtfully but forcefully across the nation, Jeffries said, citing the latest GOP remap effort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Jeffries pitch has been met with a cool reception from Illinois Democrats, who note that the states map already has a 14-3 split in favor of the party. Black lawmakers had expressed concerns over the potential dilution of Black voting power in the states three historically Black congressional districts. Im open to listening, but I think Illinois has done our fair share for the Democratic Party, said state Rep. Marcus Evans, D-Chicago, in Springfield filing his petitions for reelection. I think theres some other states that can definitely do more. Jeffries told reporters that the eight to ten Black lawmakers who attended the meeting in Chicago were very open minded about finding a path forward. Our commitment is to make sure that the ability of Black and Hispanic communities to continue to elect the candidates of their choice is not diluted in any way that will prevent that from happening now and into the future, Jeffries said. Illinois partisan map Illinois lawmakers in 2021 enacted one of the most partisan gerrymanders in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans have been relegated to just 18% of the states congressional seats despite President Donald Trump winning 43.5% of the statewide vote in 2024. Democrats achieved this by packing Republicans into as few districts as possible while consolidating Democratic pockets of strength downstate and stretching out their partisan advantage in the Chicago region as far as they possibly could. But with Democrats options to counteract Republican gerrymandering limited outside of California, they are turning to states like Illinois, where the party has unified control of state government and the power to redistrict is in the hands of the state legislature. Harmon, speaking with Capitol News Illinois ahead of his meeting with Jeffries, said everythings on the table, but that he had not yet seen a concrete proposal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jeffries confirmed that he did not show Harmon or Welch any maps during their back-to-back meetings in the legislative leaders Capitol offices. New primary date? If they were to move forward, lawmakers would have to consider moving the primary date or tweaking signature requirements for petitions. Noting the logistical challenges of a remap, Harmon standing outside the Illinois State Board of Elections said theres a whole lot of folks filing for Congress standing behind me in line right now. All things are possible, but timing is not optimal, Harmon said. There are more candidates running for Congress than usual on account of a once-in-a-generation turnover among Democratic elected officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democratic Sen. Dick Durbins retirement set off a domino effect, with two Democratic incumbents Rep. Robin Kelly of Lynwood and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi of Schaumburg giving up their seats in bids to succeed him in the upper chamber. Rep. Danny Davis, D-Chicago, and Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-Evanston, are retiring, thus creating a mad dash for safe Democratic seats that havent been open in decades. State Rep. La Shawn Ford, D-Chicago, one of 10 Democratic candidates who filed to run in Illinois 7th Congressional District, a historically Black seat based on Chicagos West Side, said he would support a remap if it complies with Voting Rights Act provisions protecting majority-minority representation. The goal is to do it right, Ford said. We havent seen a map, so theres no reason to be against something that we havent seen. Fight fire with fire Rep. Nikki Budzinski, D-Springfield, appearing at rally with Gov. JB Pritzker and other top Illinois Democrats later Monday morning, said she was supportive of a new map. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If we can pick up a seat, I think we have to fight fire with fire, Budzinski, whose snaking district connects major Democratic constituencies in central and southern Illinois, said. And I think that theres a path forward to doing it. Budzinski acknowledged her concerns that a new map could dilute Democratic support in her district and thus make her more vulnerable to a Republican challenge. But she said Im ready for a fight. If we dont have a check and balance on this administration after 2026, this country is going to look fundamentally different after 2026, Budzinski said, adding that all options, as unprecedented as they are, should be on the table. Oct. 29 (UPI) -- With a U.S. Navy carrier strike group headed to the Caribbean to augment a naval armada there and President Donald Trump threatening not-so-covert operations and ground strikes against Venezuela, what is new? Americans may not remember history, but U.S. interventions south of the border are almost as old as the nation. These are worth recalling, mainly because most failed or were misguided. One hopes President Trump is listening or at least some of his advisors are. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From 1805 to 1807, a crisis and arrest of former Vice President Aaron Burr unfolded over a lunatic plan he had hatched. Burr wanted to raise a private army with the goals of seizing parts of Texas and Mexico and even creating a breakaway republic in what is now the southwest United States. President Thomas Jefferson regarded Burr's act as treasonous, leading to his arrest and famous trial at which Burr was acquitted. From the 1810s to the 1890s, independence movements in Latin America inspired the U.S. to intervene -- and to some degree, support them. The upshot was the Monroe Doctrine proclaimed by President James Monroe in 1823. Monroe boldly and unilaterally declared the Western Hemisphere off-limits to European colonization. His doctrine became the foundation for rationalizing further U.S. interventions in the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From the1840s through the 1860s, Filibusters -- privately organized military expeditions -- spread throughout the region. In 1855, William Walker invaded Nicaragua. After making himself president and relegalizing slavery, he was overthrown and executed. Other Filibusters targeted Cuba, Honduras and Mexico. The so-called Banana Wars broke out for nearly half a century from 1898 to 1934. In 1898, the United States seized Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam and the Philippines and made Cuba a protectorate. In 1903, the U.S.-backed Panamanian independence for Colombia to build the Panama Canal. U.S. Marines repeatedly occupied Nicaragua, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Honduras and Cuba to protect U.S. companies there. And the United States roomed into Mexico to track down Pancho Villa in 1916. In 1933, after he was elected, President Franklin Roosevelt installed the "Good Neighbor Policy," which would last through the 1950s. FDR renounced the right to intervene and substituted diplomacy for sending in the Marines. One example was the creation of the Organization of American States in 1948. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Cold War changed that philosophy. In 1954, the CIA backed a coup to overthrow President Jacobo Arbenz of Guatemala after he began to appropriate the United Fruit Company two years earlier. Fidel Castro's revolution made Cuba an enemy. The 1961 failed Bay of Pigs invasion and the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis followed. In 1964, the United States supported the coup that overthrew Brazilian President Joao Goulart. In 1973, in the name of defeating communism, the CIA was directed to destabilize Salvador Allende's regime in Chile, installing the Augusto Pinochet dictatorship. Ronald Reagan was nearly impeached over the Iran-Contra scandal and the efforts to overthrow the leftist Sandinistas in Nicaragua in the mid-1980's. Since the Boland Amendments forbade U.S. support of the Contras, a bizarre scheme was contrived to send weapons to Israel, which would then send funds to the Contras. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And during that period, the Unaided right wing groups in Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras operated largely without direct U.S. sponsorship, underscoring the difference between overt support for the Contras and Washington's tacit tolerance of rightwing paramilitaries elsewhere in Central America. In 1983, in Operation Open Fury, the United States invaded Grenada on the concocted grounds of saving U.S. medical students who were in no danger. The invasion was a farce. And the cause celebre, a runway being constructed there by Cuban labor, was in fact paid for by the United Kingdom government to increase tourism. In 1989, Operation Just Cause invaded Panama and deposed dictator Gen. Manuel Noriega and restore a democratically elected government. The United States passed the North American Free Trade Agreement linking the United States Canada and Mexico, and America aided Colombia with Plan Colombia to fight the drug war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tensions with Venezuela and its presidents, Hugo Chavez and now Nikolas Maduro, have now escalated to the point that regime change is no longer out of the question. And while President Barack Obama restored relations with Cuba, relations have deteriorated. The Trump administration has declared an undeclared war with the Southern Hemisphere over illegal immigration and closing the borders to block drugs. It also has impacted trade with Latin America by imposing tariffs. And Donald Trump has supported Argentine President Javier Milei with at least $20 billion in loans. Where this new drug war, which included blowing up alleged drug boats, goes is uncertain. Venezuela is not the drug capital of the world or this hemisphere. Colombia and Mexico are strategic centers of the drug trade. But, U.S. policy south of the border has come full circle. And the Donroe Doctrine may be applicable now. Harlan Ullman is UPI's Arnaud de Borchgrave Distinguished Columnist, senior adviser at Washington's Atlantic Council, chairman of a private company and principal author of the doctrine of shock and awe. His next book, co-written with Field Marshal The Lord David Richards, former U.K. chief of defense and due out next year, is Who Thinks Best Wins: Preventing Strategic Catastrophe. The writer can be reached on X @harlankullman. (WHTM) U.S. Marshals on Tuesday captured a fugitive wanted in connection with a York County murder from years ago. Elieze Guilamo, 24, was apprehended in Revere, Massachusetts, by the U.S. Marshals Middle District of Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force (MPAFTF), U.S. Marshals announced. He is being charged as a fugitive from justice and will be arraigned in Massachusetts before being extradited to Pennsylvania. Authorities said Guilamo was wanted in connection with a September 2022 murder in York County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now abc27 Evening Newsletter York City Police Department worked with the MPAFTF to provide information to U.S. Marshals in Massachusetts. 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. HENDERSON, Ky (WEHT) U.S. Representative from Kentucky Brett Guthrie will host a roundtable discussion on the shutdown Wednesday. The event with community leaders in Radcliff will feature a discussion on the continuing impacts of the ongoing shutdown and the failure so far for both sides to reach a funding agreement. The government has been shut down for 28 days as of October 29. 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). OWENSBORO, Ky. (WEHT) A U.S. Senate candidate from Kentucky hosted a town hall in Owensboro. Lexington native Nate Morris is one of several republicans seeking the seat of U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell. Others include former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron along with Kentucky 6th District Congressman Andy Barr and Kentucky Aviator Michael Faris. I think what people are hungry for theyre hungry for change, says Morris. Theyre hungry for a candidate thats going to stand with President Trump. Theyre hungry for people that are coming from the outside. Theyre not career politicians, and can go to Washington to shake things up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morris says this will be one of many stops in Owensboro he plans to make in order to meet with voters. 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). GYEONGJU, South Korea, Oct. 29 (UPI) -- South Korea and the United States reached a trade deal during U.S. President Donald Trump's visit, Seoul's top policy official said Wednesday, ironing out the details of a $350 billion South Korean investment pledge that will keep tariffs at 15%. Kim Yong-beom, presidential chief of staff for policy, announced the deal after Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Gyeongju. A final agreement has not yet been signed. "The $350 billion includes $200 billion in cash investment and $150 billion in shipbuilding and industrial cooperation," Kim told reporters. "The annual investment cap is set at $20 billion, which is within the capacity of our foreign exchange market. The impact on the market will be minimal." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two sides agreed that South Korea would only invest in projects that had "commercial rationality," Kim added. Under the terms of the deal, Trump's so-called "reciprocal" tariffs on South Korean goods, including automobiles, will drop from 25% to 15% as was initially agreed in July. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung speaks at a dinner for heads of state, including U.S. President Donald Trump at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Gyeongju on Wednesday. Photo by Yonhap Kim said that pharmaceutical and lumber products will receive most-favored-nation status and semiconductors -- a key South Korean export -- will receive tariff rates no less favorable than chief competitor Taiwan. The investment pledge had been a sticking point between the two sides for months, and expectations were low for a deal to be reached during Trump's visit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The outlook was not bright until yesterday evening, but today there was rapid progress," Kim said. Trump arrived in South Korea on Wednesday and was given a lavish welcome. Lee presented him with the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, South Korea's highest honor, and gave him a replica of a golden crown from the Silla Dynasty, which ruled from 57 BC to 935 AD. "We had a tremendous meeting with South Korea today," Trump said during a dinner hosted by Lee. "We pretty much finalized a trade deal." The U.S. president's nearly weeklong trip through Asia has focused on trade and economic cooperation. Earlier this week, he signed an agreement with new Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, and over the weekend, he inked deals with Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Kuala Lumpur. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump is slated to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday before returning to Washington. The meeting, their first since 2019, comes as the two superpowers remain locked in a trade war that has roiled global markets. Speaking at an APEC CEO luncheon earlier on Wednesday, Trump projected optimism ahead of the meeting, saying he believed the two sides would strike a "good deal for both." The U.S. Department of State is warning travelers about vacationing in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa unleashed its wrath on the island nation. On October 28, the government urged people to reconsider travel to Jamaica due to crime, natural disaster, and health risks. Videos showed the damage in Montego Bay, including to the airport. The Category 5 hurricane landed on the island before weakening and heading toward Cuba. "Reconsider Travel to Jamaica due to Crime, Health, and Natural Disaster risks. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory," the State Department wrote. The U.S. Government Urged Its Employees to Leave Jamaica The weather is so severe that government workers are being asked to leave Jamaica. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On October 28, 2025, the Department of State "authorized non-emergency personnel and family members of U.S. government employees to leave Jamaica due to Hurricane Melissa," the travel advisory says. Jamaica. Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images The travel advisory warns travelers to reconsider journeying to Jamaica altogether. "The U.S. Embassy in Kingston has temporarily reduced staffing and may limit routine services for U.S. citizens," the warning says. "Consider rescheduling planned travel to Jamaica at this time. If you intend to travel, confirm availability with your transportation provider and at your destination before you depart." Violent Crime Remains a Concern in Jamaica According to the State Department, it's not only the severe weather that poses a risk to travelers. Crime remains a problem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "While violent crime in Jamaica has decreased since 2024, it remains statistically high throughout the country. The homicide rate reported by the Government of Jamaica is among the highest in the Western Hemisphere," according to the State Department. "Tourist areas generally see lower rates of violent crime than other parts of the country. Armed robberies and sexual assaults are common," the alert warns. "The U.S. Embassy routinely receives reports of sexual assaults, including from U.S. citizen tourists at resorts. U.S. citizens report slow or unsatisfactory response to serious criminal incidents." Added the government, "When arrests are made, cases are infrequently prosecuted to a final verdict and sentence." In fact, the concern is high enough that U.S. government employees working in Jamaica are advised against using buses or driving between cities at night. Travelers are not encouraged to travel in the highest crime areas. Medical Care Is Also a Concern for Travelers to Jamaica Although the travel advisory risk is only a level 3, health care is also a concern. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Basic and specialized medical care may not be available in many parts of Jamaica. This includes slower emergency service response times and less availability of care for illness or injury," the government wrote. "Private hospitals require payment up front before admitting patients and may not have the ability to provide specialized care. Ambulance services are not always staffed with EMTs and are not always readily available, especially in rural areas." According to the State Department, "Do not attempt to bring firearms or ammunition. This includes stray rounds, shells, or empty casings. The penalties for carrying firearms or ammunition, even by mistake, are severe, and can include long prison sentences." Related: U.S. Updates Its Travel Warning to Greece This story was originally reported by Men's Journal on Oct 29, 2025, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here. During his closing argument in a Sonoma County trial that could reverberate throughout America's animal rights movement, Deputy District Attorney Matt Hobson seized several opportunities to stress something that should have seemed obvious: The defendant - not animal agriculture - is on trial here. His need to reiterate that point Tuesday spoke to the unique nature of this case. It's not just that Zoe Rosenberg, a 23-year-old UC Berkeley undergrad and animal rights activist, is facing nearly five years in prison for taking four chickens valued at around $24 from a Petaluma-area poultry processing facility in June 2023. By spurning a plea agreement in favor of a high-stakes trial, she had intended to force an examination of the meat industry's practices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, after more than three weeks of listening to witness testimony and seeing videos of Perdue subsidiary Petaluma Poultry's alleged atrocities against chickens, a 12-person jury must decide whether compassion can override the rule of law. How those jurors view Rosenberg's actions could go a long way in strengthening, or hindering, the animal-rights movement nationwide. "This case is about what was in Zoe Rosenberg's heart," defense attorney Chris Carraway said. Rosenberg is risking prison time with a larger goal in mind: help her controversial Berkeley-based group, Direct Action Everywhere, or DxE, establish a legal right to rescue any creature that activists believe is treated inhumanely. If Rosenberg's defense team can persuade jurors to acquit her of one felony conspiracy charge and four misdemeanors, it would make, perhaps, its strongest case yet that the organization's brazen tactics known as "open rescues" are justifiable. Even a guilty verdict has upside for DxE. If Rosenberg is convicted, her defense team is expected to appeal, which would provide the appellate court an opportunity to set a legal precedent that open rescues are permissible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Throughout his closing statement Tuesday, defense attorney Chris Carraway argued that Rosenberg can't be found guilty of felony conspiracy because she believed that what she was doing was justified. He explained that she views chickens in much the same way most people look at dogs or cats. Carraway also discussed how Rosenberg became convinced that Petaluma Poultry was, among other alleged inhumanities, boiling chickens alive. For the same reason a bystander is legally allowed to break a window to rescue a dog trapped in a hot car, Carraway argued, Rosenberg believed she was within her legal rights when she removed those four chickens she claims were covered in scratches, bruises and parasites. California's animal cruelty laws make it a felony to subject an animal to "unnecessary cruelty" or "needless suffering." During his closing statement, Carraway tried to keep the focus on the four chickens Rosenberg named Poppy, Ivy, Aster and Azalea. "She only took (them) because it was about finding birds that were being treated in a way well beyond what the law allowed," Carraway said. "This was not about trying to save all birds from being slaughtered." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such sound bites offered a stark contrast to Hobson's argument. At the crux of his summation: Rosenberg is an activist so committed to amplifying her message that she orchestrated that June 2023 incursion at Petaluma Poultry more for publicity than for the chickens' wellbeing. After playing a 2018 video in which Rosenberg detailed DxE's decades-long plan to eradicate all factory farms, Hobson questioned why the defense team only showed pictures of two of the four chickens. He went on to stress that each of the defense's witnesses were DxE-affiliated, none of whom were licensed veterinarians who'd assessed the allegedly abused birds. He also raised doubts about the timing of that June 2023 incursion, which came weeks after Rosenberg learned about the alleged abuse, commemorated her 21st birthday and coincided with DxE's annual "Animal Liberation Conference."To support some of his points, Hobson pulled up old tweets in which Rosenberg espoused her beliefs to eradicate the human consumption of animals. "Belief does not shield you from the law," Hobson said. "This was about her organization's ambitious agenda." Complicating matters for Carraway: Judge Kenneth Gnoss had previously ruled against notifying jurors of what constitutes a "necessity defense," which deems that a person's actions were justified if they had exhausted every other option before breaking the law. Gnoss wrote on June 30 that applying that defense to "situations where the harm is to nonhuman beings" would "allow individuals to violate the law whenever" they wanted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though DxE activists have landed favorable verdicts in Merced County and Utah without the necessity defense, Sonoma County presents distinct challenges. Last November, the Bay Area's most agriculturally rich jurisdiction soundly defeated a ballot measure DxE helped write that sought to end factory farming in the area, with 85% of voters rejecting it. Just two years ago, in the same Santa Rosa courthouse where Rosenberg will soon learn her jury's decision, DxE co-founder Wayne Hsiung was sentenced to 90 days in jail and two years of probation for his role in two factory farm protests in Petaluma. Judging by Tuesday's turnout, DxE supporters are well-aware of what now hangs in the balance. The courtroom was nearly filled with spectators wearing coral crepe-paper poppies - a nod to the allegedly abused chicken Rosenberg had named "Poppy." This article originally published at UC Berkeley student's chicken rescue' trial goes to jury, testing animal rights movement. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday expressed optimism about winning the Bihar assembly polls, scheduled to be held in two phases, on November 6 and 11. The Congress MP said she will better understand the ground realities once she hits the campaign trail in Bihar. "Once I go there, I will have a better idea, but I think it will be good, and we are hoping to win the elections," the Wayanad MP briefly told reporters here in response to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launching the campaigning today for the assembly poll. Bharatiya Janata Party Spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari on Wednesday hit back at Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's 'PM Modi will dance for votes' remarks, calling him a "local goon." Bhandari alleged that Rahul Gandhi has "mocked voters" and "insulted" the poor with his remarks. In an X post, the BJP leader wrote, "Rahul Gandhi speaks like a 'Local Goon'. Rahul Gandhi has openly insulted every poor of India, & Bihar who has voted for PM Narendra Modi ji! Rahul Gandhi has mocked voters and Indian democracy." This comes after Rahul Gandhi took a strong jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said, "If you ask him to do a drama for votes, he will. You can make him do anything.If you tell Narendra Modi to dance. He will dance..." Gandhi was addressing a joint rally with the Mahagathbandhan's Chief Ministerial face, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, to open his campaign for the Bihar Assembly elections. He also accused PM Modi of destroying "all the small businesses by implementing demonetisation and Goods and Services Tax." "Tell me what is written on the back of your phone. Made in China. Narendra Modi ji has destroyed all the small businesses by implementing demonetisation and GST. Wherever you look, it is Made in China. We say that it should not be Made in China, it should be Made in Bihar. Mobiles, shirts, pants, all these should be made in Bihar, and the youth of Bihar should get employment in those factories. We want such a Bihar," he said. The assembly elections will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11. The results will be declared on November 14. (ANI) UK-based functional hydration beverages maker Ipro Hydrate is expanding its range with the launch of a protein water later this year. The new product will contain 20g of collagen protein and is enriched with B vitamins. At a RRP of around 2.50 ($3.32) the 500ml bottle Ipro Protein Water will come in two flavours: peach and ginger, and summer fruits. The drinks will be sold in fitness centres and retail in the UK starting from early December, Ipro told Just Drinks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the protein drink will be launched in the UK to start with, Ipro said it had also agreed deals for the product in Germany and Benelux countries from 2026. In a separate statement, the group said the product would target "athletes, gym lovers and anyone ready to level up their wellness routine". Commenting on why the business has decided to head into protein water, iPRO said the move "was a natural next step", after the success of its hydration drink. The group added: "Ipro listened to consumer demand and recognised the growing appetite for protein-rich drinks. More people are looking for tasty and convenient ways to fuel recovery, boost energy, and support overall health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Ipro Protein Water meets this demand by providing clean, functional hydration that tastes great without the mess or chalky texture of traditional protein shakes. "Existing customers are excited about Ipros expansion into protein after already embracing the healthy hydration range. The new product has also attracted fresh consumers who have been waiting for a protein solution that is effective, refreshing, and easy to enjoy." Set up in 2015, Ipro's core product is its Ipro Hydrate hydration drink. The business also makes a smaller format drink for younger consumers called Ipro Student. Its drinks are sold across continental Europe and the business also has a presence in the Middle East in the UAE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group works with co-packers to make its products across the UK and Poland. It's Ipro Protein Water is made at the bottling site of packaged water manufacturer Tarka Springs in Devon in southwest England. "UK-based Ipro Hydrate heads into protein water" was originally created and published by Just Drinks, a GlobalData owned brand. Ukraine has closed its embassy in Havana and is "downgrading" diplomatic ties due to the high number of Cuban citizens recruited to fight Russia's full-scale war, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced Oct. 29. The announcement came the same day that Ukraine voted against a resolution in the United Nations General Assembly to end the U.S. embargo against Cuba. "Our vote is not against the Cuban people we respect their right to live in prosperity. It is against the inaction of Cuba's authorities in response to massive recruitment of Cuban citizens to the Russian occupation army," Sybiha wrote on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Thousands of them have signed contracts, joining the ranks of soldiers directly engaged in combat operations on Ukrainian soil." Sybiha accused Havana of "complicity" with Russia's aggression in Ukraine due to its failure to stop the large-scale participation of Cuban citizens in the war. Earlier in October, the U.S. circulated an unclassified cable sharing details about Cuba's support for Russia's full-scale invasion, in which it claimed an "estimated 1,000 to 5,000 Cubans (are) fighting in Ukraine." Cuba's foreign ministry denied the reports and said the U.S. was making "false accusations." Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR) told the Kyiv Independent on Oct. 15 that at least 1,076 Cuban nationals have fought or are fighting for Russia in Ukraine. These numbers correspond with the lower end of the U.S. estimates, though both Sybiha and Presidential Office Head Andriy Yermak referred to "thousands" of Cuban recruits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Trump takes aim at Putins oil lifeline China and India still hold the key "(T)he Cuban government has become a strategic asset for Russia, actively supporting its war and aggression against a sovereign European state," Yermak said on Oct. 29. "Thousands of Cuban soldiers are fighting against Ukraine as part of the Russian occupying forces, gaining combat experience, while Havana is increasingly involved in military and intelligence activities that pose a threat to international security." Yermak also accused Cuba of helping Russia evade international sanctions. Moscow has been recruiting foreign fighters from countries such as Nepal, Somalia, India, and Cuba since the start of its full-scale invasion in 2022. Last year, Bloomberg reported that Russia was offering generous payments and the promise of citizenship to Cuban fighters, despite Havana's attempts to curb recruitment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HUR's information suggests that some Cuban nationals are lured into traveling to Russia by the promise of lucrative construction work advertised on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. Recruits receive only two weeks of training at the Avangard training center in Moscow Oblast before being sent to the front line, according to HUR. Cuba and Russia have maintained close ties since the Cold War. Most recently, Cuba joined the Russian-led BRICS group as a partner country in October 2024. Read also: Pokrovsk defense deteriorates further as Putin claims encirclement what we know Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The European Union has agreed to allocate about 50 million under its guarantees for a joint project by Ukraine's Ministry of Health and the World Bank to rebuild Ukrainian hospitals. Source: Ukraine's Ministry of Health, as reported by European Pravda Details: The decision has been made at the fifth meeting of the Steering Committee of the Ukraine Investment Framework (UIF). The EU-backed funds will go to the joint Ministry of Health-World Bank project Strengthening the Health System and Saving Lives (HEAL Ukraine). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About 50 million will be directed to the reconstruction of hospitals that have suffered significant damage due to hostilities or are operating under increased pressure. These include, first and foremost, facilities serving internally displaced people. The meeting has also discussed a format for Czech funding under the programme Renovation and Modernization of Hospitals. As of 1 October 2025, damage or total destruction has been confirmed at 2,489 buildings across 804 healthcare facilities. Of these, 2,162 have been partially damaged and 327 have been completely destroyed. The most hits were suffered by Donetsk, Kharkiv, Luhansk, Chernihiv and Mykolaiv oblasts. Background: Earlier, Estonia has said it is ready to host the Ukraine Recovery Conference in 2027. In September, the United States made the first contribution to the reconstruction fund created under the minerals deal. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Ukraine's Special Operations Forces carried out deep-strike attacks overnight on Oct. 29 on two oil refineries and a gas processing facility in Russia, the General Staff and Special Operations Forces Command confirmed. Russian Telegram channels, citing residents, reported earlier in the day a series of overnight attacks on the country's oil and gas infrastructure. One of the attacks targeted an oil refinery in the village of Novospasskoye, Ulyanovsk Oblast. The plant handles around 600,000 tons of oil annually, about 0.2% of Russia's total refining capacity, and produces gasoline, diesel, and fuel oil, according to the General Staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another strike hit an oil refinery in the village of Tabashino, Mari El Republic, where fires and explosions were reported. The facility has a capacity of 1.3 million tons per year, roughly 0.5% of Russia's total refining output, the report said. Ukrainian drones also struck a gas processing plant in Budyonnovsk, Stavropol Krai, targeting the production facilities. The plant has an annual capacity of 2.2 billion cubic meters of gas and supplies several regional enterprises, while also providing raw materials for the petrochemical industry, the General Staff said. The reports of the attacks comes amid a large Ukrainian drone attack on various Russian regions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin reported that at least three Ukrainian drones were downed en-route to the Russian capital. Ukraine routinely launches deep strikes against military and industrial facilities in Russia, primarily relying on domestically developed drones. Read also: Ukraine says it struck 2 Russian radar stations, launch pad for missile system, HUR releases video Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukraine said Wednesday it had assassinated a Russian officer responsible for war crimes, targeting him with a car bomb inside Russia. Veniamin Mazzherin, who died at the weekend, was the deputy commander of a Russian military police unit in Kemerovo, southwest Siberia, according to Ukrainian Defense Intelligence. The Russian Guard special unit he helped lead was allegedly involved in war crimes and genocide against the Ukrainian people in Kyiv during Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the intelligence service said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CNN has asked the Russian Ministry of Defense and the National Guard of Russia for comment. Video issued by the intelligence service shows an unidentified person holding a remote control, then pans to reveal a silver car on a road before the car explodes in a burst of flames. In the video, the Ukrainian Defense Intelligence said it had carried out surveillance on Mazzherin in an operation designed to eliminate the executioner of the Ukrainian people. The reported killing of Mazzherin is the latest in a string of assassinations of Russian figures inside their own territory. In April, Russian General Yaroslav Moskalik was killed in a car explosion outside Moscow. Russian authorities said they charged a Ukrainian special services agent with terrorism, though Ukraine did not claim any responsibility for the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A few months before that, a top Russian general accused of using chemical weapons in Ukraine was killed by a remotely detonated bomb planted in an electric scooter outside an apartment building in Moscow. A source with knowledge of the operation told CNN that Ukraines security services were behind the assassination. In November 2023, Ukraine said it was responsible for the assassination of Mikhail Filiponenko, a lawmaker in a Kremlin-installed assembly in the occupied eastern Ukrainian city of Luhansk. Filiponenko was also killed with a car bomb. Meanwhile, the war continues Elsewhere, on the front line in southern Ukraine, a childrens hospital in Kherson was attacked by Russian forces Wednesday, causing a number of injuries, according to regional authorities. A nine-year-old girl suffered a mine-blast injury and shrapnel wounds to her lower leg, Oleksandr Prokudin, the head of Kherson regional military administration, said in a post on Telegram. Several other children and health care workers were also injured, the Kherson Regional Prosecutors Office said. The aftermath of a Russian strike on a children's hospital in the Dnipro district of Kherson, Ukraine on October 29, 2025. - Kherson Regional Military Admin/Anadolu/Getty Images Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky called the shelling a deliberate Russian attack specifically against children, against medical personnel (and) against basic guarantees of life in the community in a post on X, saying that Russia could not have been unaware of what it was striking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia is now the largest terrorist organization in the world, which is not only dragging out its terrorist war but also trying to do everything possible to ensure that no opportunity to end the war succeeds, the Ukrainian leader continued. Terrorists must be dealt with only as they deserve with strength and just treatment. I thank everyone who helps Ukraine, Zelensky said. Meanwhile, on Ukraines eastern front, Russian forces have infiltrated the city of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region, according to Ukrainian officials. Tens of thousands of troops have amassed in the direction of Pokrovsk, the 7th Corps of the Airborne Forces of Ukraine said in a Telegram post Wednesday. CNN has reached out to the Russian Ministry of Defense for comment on the developments in Pokrovsk and the reported strike in Kherson. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Hi, this is Tania Myronyshena reporting from Kyiv on day 1,343 of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Today's top story so far: Russian President Vladimir Putin is more determined than ever to continue his full-scale war against Ukraine and achieve further military gains, according to a recent U.S. intelligence assessment shared with members of Congress this month, NBC reported on Oct. 28. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The analysis, cited by a senior U.S. official and a senior congressional official, reportedly indicates that Russia shows no willingness to compromise, even as President Donald Trump seeks to launch peace talks. This assessment aligns with long-standing views held by U.S. and Western intelligence agencies since February 2022, when Russia launched its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. However, officials now say Putin appears even more entrenched in his goals. Despite mounting Russian military losses and ongoing economic pressures at home, the intelligence report suggests Putin remains committed to seizing Ukrainian territory in order to justify the immense human and financial costs of the war. The White House declined to comment on the intelligence findings but referred to the presidents public remarks on efforts to reach a peace deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read the full story at NBC. Russian artillery strike hits children's hospital in Kherson, 9 injured Last updated 2:47 p.m. Kyiv time. A Russian artillery strike on a children's hospital in Kherson injured nine people, including four children, on Oct. 29, the Kherson Regional Prosecutor's Office reported. The Russian strike hit the hospital at around 9:20 a.m. local time, when patients, their parents, and medical staff were inside. Among the injured are three medical workers and a 9-year-old girl who sustained a blast-related injury and shrapnel wounds to her lower leg, according to local authorities. Most of the other victims suffered blast-related injuries of varying severity. All are receiving medical care, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attack caused significant damage to the hospital building, and nearby facilities were also affected by the blast. Read also: Russian artillery strike hits childrens hospital in Kherson, 9 injured Ukraines Navy forms full CB90 boat division with aid from Sweden, Norway Last updated 15:20 a.m. Kyiv time. Ukraines Navy has officially formed a complete division of Combat Boat 90 (CB90) vessels, delivered by Sweden and Norway, Navy Commander Oleksii Neizhpapa announced on Oct. 29. The delivery marks a significant step in strengthening Ukraines naval capabilities, particularly in coastal and riverine operations. The CB90 is considered one of the best fast assault boats in the world, widely used by several NATO member states for troop transport, patrol, and special operations missions, Neizhpapa said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The news comes amid growing international support for Ukraines naval capabilities. In June, the Netherlands announced a 400 million euros ($440 million) maritime security aid package, including ships, boats, and maritime drones, aimed at strengthening Ukraines defense at sea. Russia aims to encircle Pokrovsk, military reports Last updated 13:45 a.m. Kyiv time. Russian troops are ramping up their infiltration efforts in the frontline city of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast as part of a broader attempt to encircle Pokrovsk, Ukrainian military sources reported on Oct. 29. The 7th Rapid Reaction Corps of Ukraines Air Assault Forces said that Russia has committed around 11,000 troops specifically to this offensive axis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Enemy units that have infiltrated parts of Pokrovsk are seeking to advance toward the northwest and north of the city," the Corps wrote in an official statement. Journalist Yuliia Kyriienko shared a video on Facebook allegedly showing a Russian flag placed on a city monument. "Our troops just sent me this video. A Russian rag on a Pokrovsk stele. You see it with your own eyes. No more words needed. Strength to our Armed Forces," Kyriienko wrote. Russian forces have been attempting to penetrate Pokrovsks defenses since July, methodically probing for weak points, according to DeepState, an open-source intelligence project. Their tactics reportedly involve a combination of infantry assaults, drone reconnaissance, and targeted strikes on Ukrainian defensive positions and supply lines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Analysis: Pokrovsk on the brink as Russian troops, drones infiltrate deeper into Ukraines fortress city Ukraine attacks 2 oil depots, destroys military equipment in Russian-occupied Crimea, SBU source confirms Last updated 10:29 a.m. Kyiv time. Drones from the Special Operations Center "A" of the Security Service of Ukraine hit two oil depots in the villages of Hvardiiske and Komsomolske in Russian-occupied Crimea overnight on Oct. 29, a source in the agency told the Kyiv Independent. The attack also destroyed a Pantsir-S2 self-propelled anti-aircraft system, valued at an estimated $20 million, along with two radar stations, the source said. Russia's Defense Ministry claimed its air defenses intercepted 105 drones during the night, including eight over Crimea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Ukraine attacks 2 oil depots, destroys military equipment in Russian-occupied Crimea, SBU source confirms At least 7 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day At least seven people were injured in Russian attacks against Ukraine over the past day, local authorities reported on Oct. 29. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 93 out of the 126 Shahed-type attack drones and other drones launched by Russia overnight, according to the Air Force. Thirty two strikes were recorded at ten locations. In Zaporizhzhia Oblast, two people were injured as a result of Russian attacks on several districts, according to Governor Ivan Fedorov. In Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, one person was injured due to Russian strikes, according to Governor Vladyslav Haivanenko. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One person was injured as a result of a Russian attack in Odesa Oblast, according to Governor Oleh Kiper. In Sumy Oblast, three people were injured due to Russian strikes, according to Governor Oleh Hruhorov. Local authorities reported that the transport, civil infrastructure, and energy facilities of Chernihiv Oblast were targeted. No casualties were reported. General Staff: Russia has lost 1,139,900 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022 Russia has lost around 1,139,900 troops in Ukraine since the beginning of its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces reported on Oct. 29. The number includes 1,150 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the report, Russia has also lost 11,303 tanks, 23,511 armored fighting vehicles, 65,865 vehicles and fuel tanks, 34,064 artillery systems, 1,530 multiple launch rocket systems, 1,230 air defense systems, 428 airplanes, 346 helicopters, 75,367 drones, 28 ships and boats, and one submarine. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukraine's East Group of Forces said on Oct. 28 that Russian troops had entered the outskirts of the town of Myrnohrad in Donetsk Oblast, but the claim was denied the following day. Myrnohrad, located in the Pokrovsk district, borders the city of Pokrovsk to the east, which has long been a primary target of Russia's offensive in the region. Hryhorii Shapoval, spokesperson for the communications department of the East Group of Forces, reported on Oct. 28 on national television that Russian troops are on the outskirts of the town, where street fighting is ongoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "At the moment, unfortunately, the enemy has entered the outskirts of Myrnohrad, and is using not only artillery and unmanned systems, but also infantry and technical means," Shapoval said. Ukrainian forces are trying to hold their positions and build fortifications, but "the situation is quite difficult," the spokesperson added. Heavy street fighting continues, making the use of some types of weapons more complicated, according to Shapoval. The East Group of Forces issued a statement on the following day, on Oct. 29, saying Shapoval had misspoken on air and had meant Pokrovsk, not Myrnohrad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The enemy is not in Myrnohrad. The situation in the city and its surroundings is fully controlled by Ukrainian forces,"the statement read. The Kyiv Independent reached out to its on-the-ground sources to verify the situation in Myrnohrad. A map showing Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine's Donetsk Oblast as of 2025. (The Kyiv Independent) After taking control of Avdiivka, a longstanding Ukrainian stronghold roughly 40 kilometers (25 miles) southeast of Pokrovsk in February 2024, Russian forces have been steadily pushing toward Pokrovsk, a former key Ukrainian logistics hub located in a relatively secure part of Donetsk Oblast. Russian troops have now encircled Pokrovsk on three sides, leaving only a roughly 15-kilometer (nine-mile) corridor for Ukrainian forces to bring in reinforcements and supplies, according to the Ukrainian open-source battlefield monitoring group DeepState. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia outnumbers Ukrainian troops eight-to-one in their offensive to capture Pokrovsk, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky. Read also: Analysis: Ukraine learns hard lessons from Russias evolving tactics after clearing Dobropillia breakthrough Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russia attacked Ukraine with 126 loitering munitions of the Shahed, Gerbera and other types on the night of 28-29 October. Ukrainian air defence forces have downed 93 of these drones. Source: Ukraine's Air Force Details: Starting from 19:00 on 28 October, the Russians launched the drones from Kursk and Primorsko-Akhtarsk in Russia, as well as from Donetsk, Chauda and Hvardiiske in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Air Force reported that around 80 of the UAVs were Shaheds. Early reports indicate that as of 09:00, air defence had shot down or jammed 93 Russian drones of the Shahed, Gerbera and other types over the north and east of the country. Thirty-two attack drones hit targets in 10 locations. Quote: "The attack continues; several enemy UAVs remain in the airspace. Follow safety rules!" Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Hitting out at Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's 'PM Modi will dance for votes' remarks, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Nalin Kohli on Wednesday asserted that the leader of the opposition has "no agenda other than abusing the prime minister". Speaking to ANI, the BJP leader said, "Rahul Gandhi often uses inappropriate words, and when it comes to PM Modi, he and many of his Congress party leaders use similar terminology. This clearly shows that they have nothing but abuses for Modi, and the public will decide. The public is consistently voting for PM Modi and his government. Given our double-engine government in the states, the public is voting for it, and Rahul Gandhi has no agenda other than abuses." Critising the Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition (LoP) over Special Intensive Revision (SIR), Kohli asserted that Rahul Gandhi has no faith in the Constitution and is continuously raising questions against the Election Commission's work. "SIR isn't just happening in Bengal; it's happening in many states. The Constitution envisages that the Election Commission works to ensure elections are conducted within the constitutional process. The name of a deceased person may be on a voter list. A person's name appears twice. It could be the name of a fictitious person who doesn't exist, the name of an infiltrator, someone who came from abroad. Should these names remain or be removed?... So how can those who have faith in the Constitution and a fair election process oppose this? The public will ask them if they believe in fair elections or not?," the BJP leader added. The remarks come after Rahul Gandhi took a strong jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said, "If you ask him to do a drama for votes, he will. You can make him do anything if you tell Narendra Modi to dance. He will dance." Lok Sabha LoP was addressing a joint rally with the Mahagathbandhan's Chief Ministerial face, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, in Muzaffarpur to launch his campaign for the Bihar Assembly elections. He also accused PM Modi of destroying "all the small businesses by implementing demonetisation and Goods and Services Tax." "Tell me what is written on the back of your phone. Made in China. Narendra Modi ji has destroyed all the small businesses by implementing demonetisation and GST. Wherever you look, it is Made in China. We say that it should not be Made in China, it should be Made in Bihar. Mobiles, shirts, pants, all these should be made in Bihar, and the youth of Bihar should get employment in those factories. We want such a Bihar," he said. Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party Spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari on Wednesday hit back at Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's 'PM Modi will dance for votes' remarks, calling him a "local goon." Bhandari alleged that Rahul Gandhi has "mocked voters" and "insulted" the poor with his remarks. In an X post, the BJP leader wrote, "Rahul Gandhi speaks like a 'Local Goon'. Rahul Gandhi has openly insulted every poor of India, & Bihar who has voted for PM Narendra Modi ji! Rahul Gandhi has mocked voters and Indian democracy." The 2025 Bihar elections are the main contest between the National Democratic Alliance and the Mahagathbandhan. The assembly elections will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11. The results will be declared on November 14. (ANI) DeepState, a Ukrainian group of military analysts, has reported that Russian troops put up their flag on the entrance sign to Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast, only for Ukraine's defence forces to destroy it an hour later. Source: DeepState ' "" 9:40 10:40 . , . pic.twitter.com/rRBAdoJFzF DeepState UA (@Deepstate_UA) October 29, 2025 Quote: "[The Russian] rag of a flag on the Pokrovsk entrance sign was spotted at about 09:40 and by 10:40 it had been destroyed." Details: The situation in the city remains difficult as Russian forces continue to pull in infantry. For now, the Ukrainian defence forces are making great efforts to inflict maximum losses on the Russians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeepState has reported that the city is essentially a grey zone, "because there are still plenty of our positions south of the railway", while "a significant number of Russian troops have indeed seeped in north of the railway". Background: DeepState has reported that Russian forces are continuing to infiltrate Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast, gradually increasing their infantry presence and expanding sabotage and reconnaissance activities within the city. The 7th Rapid Response Corps of Ukraine's Air Assault Forces has reported that Russia has deployed about 11,000 troops in an effort to encircle the city of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that in recent days Ukrainian troops have gained "more control" in the city of Kupiansk in Kharkiv Oblast. Source: Zelenskyy's evening address Quote: "The situation in Kupiansk remains difficult, but our forces have gained more control in recent days. We continue to defend our positions." Details: Zelenskyy said he had discussed the situation on all fronts in detail with Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and Andrii Hnatov, Chief of the General Staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "The toughest situation is now on the Pokrovsk axis. As in previous weeks, this is where the fighting is most intense and where Russian forces are most concentrated. The occupiers are trying to consolidate their positions by any means, and every invader eliminated right there is an achievement for our entire state." More details: Zelenskyy also reported that "dozens of assault operations take place daily" on the Oleksandrivka front. Background: Earlier on 29 October, Putin falsely claimed that Ukrainian troops in the cities of Kupiansk and Pokrovsk were blocked and encircled. The Kremlin leader said:"Ukraine's political leadership must make a decision regarding the fate of its citizens who are encircled just as they once did at Azovstal." Ukraine's Joint Forces Task Force said heavy fighting continues in the city of Kupiansk and its outskirts, but reports of Ukrainian troops being encircled there are false. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Ukraine launched drone attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, disrupting air traffic across the country and sending several drones towards Moscow for the third night in a row, Russian authorities claimed on Wednesday 29 October. Source: Reuters Quote from Reuters: "Russian air defence units destroyed a total of 100 Ukrainian drones overnight, including six over the Moscow region, and the rest over 11 regions and Crimea, the Russian defence ministry said on the Telegram messaging app." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: A fuel and lubricants storage container in the city of Simferopol in occupied Crimea was hit by a Ukrainian drone and caught fire, the Moscow-installed governor said on Telegram. Russia's aviation watchdog Rosaviatsiya said that three of Moscow's four airports and several others across the country were closed overnight for safety reasons. In the Republic of Mari El in eastern European Russia, around 800 km from Moscow, strikes were recorded near one of the region's industrial sites, although local authorities claimed that there was no destruction. Further south, in Ulyanovsk Oblast, a brief fire broke out at the site where drones were destroyed, regional governor Alexei Russkikh said on Telegram. Unofficial Telegram channels claimed that Kyiv had attempted to hit oil infrastructure in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine also launched several drones targeting the Budyonnovsk industrial zone in Russia's Stavropol Krai. Background: Russian strikes have hit energy infrastructure in Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk and Odesa oblasts. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Ukrainian drones struck an air defense system, radars, and oil depots in Crimea overnight. A Ukrainian security source said the attacks impact Russia's defense and logistics operations. Kyiv has ramped up its deep-strike drone and missile attacks in recent months. Ukrainian drones knocked out a $20 million Russian air defense system and multiple radar stations during an attack on the occupied Crimean peninsula, a security source told Business Insider on Wednesday. The attacks mark Ukraine's latest efforts to hit Russian military and energy targets far beyond the front lines as Kyiv ramps up its long-range drone and missile strikes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A source in the Security Service of Ukraine, the country's internal security agency, said long-range attack drones struck a Pantsir surface-to-air missile system and two radar stations overnight. The SBU source spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive operations. The SBU source called the Pantsir "a key link" in Russia's air defense network and said each system that has been destroyed weakens its ability to defend Crimea, which Moscow illegally annexed from Ukraine in 2014. The peninsula is home to key military facilities that have been used to support the Kremlin's full-scale invasion. Ukrainian drones also targeted two oil depots on the peninsula, the source said. One attack hit a fuel storage facility in Hvardiiske, causing a large fire, and another targeted infrastructure in Komsomolska. It's unclear, exactly, how much damage the drone caused. Russia's defense ministry said it shot down five Ukrainian drones over Crimea earlier on Wednesday. The wreckage of a Pantsir system earlier in the war. AP Photo/Michael Shtekel The SBU source said that the security agency "continues its systematic work to destroy air defense systems that cover Crimea and oil depots that provide fuel to the enemy," according to a translation of their remarks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They said that every deep-strike operation, like the one overnight, hurts Russia's "military and logistical potential." Ukraine has stepped up drone and missile strikes across Russia and its occupied territories, including Crimea, in recent months. Dozens of Ukrainian attacks have targeted Russian oil refineries and key energy facilities amid a push by Ukraine to choke off a major source of revenue funding Moscow's war machine and put additional pressure on the Kremlin as ceasefire talks led by the Trump administration continue to stall. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said this week that the long-range attacks have reduced Russia's refining capacity by 20%, with nearly all the strikes carried out by domestically produced weapons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, the Ukrainian military said that it used British-made Storm Shadow cruise missiles in a massive attack on a chemical plant in Russia's Bryansk region a rare disclosure from Kyiv that it used Western weapons to strike inside Russia. Ukraine long faced restrictions on using Western cruise and ballistic missiles to strike inside Russia. As a workaround to these limitations, Kyiv has invested heavily in the production of its own long-range missiles and drones, some of which have ranges that far exceed those of weapons provided by the US, Britain, and France. Read the original article on Business Insider Deep Strike units from Ukraine's Special Operations Forces (SOF) carried out successful strikes on three targets of Russia's oil and gas infrastructure on the night of 28-29 October. Source: Special Operations Forces; General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Details: The targets were: Mari Oil Refinery in the village of Tabashino, Republic of Mari El, Russia NS-Oil Refinery in the settlement of Novospasskoye, Ulyanovsk Oblast, Russia Budennovsk Gas Processing Plant in the city of Budennovsk, Stavropol Krai, Russia Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Explosions and fires were recorded at the sites. Local residents also confirmed the strikes. The SOF described the Mari Oil Refinery as critical infrastructure for the Republic of Mari El. The plant produces 10 types of petroleum products and has a processing capacity of 1.6 million tonnes of crude per year. NS-Oil Refinery produces the main petroleum products such as diesel, petrol and fuel oil. Its capacity stands at 600,000 tonnes of crude per year. Budennovsk Gas Processing Plant has a design capacity of 2.2 billion cubic metres of gas per year. It supplies gas to the Budennovsk Thermal Power Plant and companies owned by Russian energy giant Lukoil in the oblast and serves as a feedstock source for the petrochemical sector. The Special Operations Forces said they continue to conduct asymmetric actions to stop Russia and accelerate its strategic exhaustion. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Editor's note: The story was updated to include confirmation of the attack from a Security Service of Ukraine source. Drones from the Special Operations Center "A" of the Security Service of Ukraine hit two oil depots in the villages of Hvardiiske and Komsomolske in Russian-occupied Crimea overnight on Oct. 29, a source in the agency told the Kyiv Independent. The attack also destroyed a Pantsir-S2 self-propelled anti-aircraft system, valued at an estimated $20 million, along with two radar stations, the source said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia's Defense Ministry claimed its air defenses intercepted 105 drones during the night, including eight over Crimea. Around 6:30 a.m. local time, residents reported powerful explosions in Hvardiiske, where an oil depot previously struck on Oct. 17 and 22 came under renewed attack. A large fire and thick black smoke were later seen rising from the site, The Crimean Wind Telegram channel reported. The facility belongs to ATAN, Crimea's largest network of fuel stations, operating more than 100 refueling complexes across the occupied peninsula. 0:00 / 1 At about 7:50 a.m., the head of the Russian occupation authorities in Crimea, Sergey Aksyonov, said a Ukrainian drone strike in Simferopol ignited a container of fuel and lubricants. Aksyonov claimed there were no casualties and that emergency services were responding at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The source in SBU clarified that the strike targeted an oil depot in the village of Komsomolsk in the Simferopol district. Local residents also said military fuel trucks covered with camouflage nets had been seen entering and leaving the facility the previous evening, according to Crimean Wind. The targeted depot reportedly supplies fuel to Russian military units stationed in occupied Crimea. Ukraine has routinely targeted oil facilities in Russia and in Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories in an effort to disrupt Moscows military logistics and supply lines. Ukraine's military also reportedly struck the Stavrolen chemical plant in Stavropol Krai and the NS-Oil refinery in the community of Novospasskoye in Ulyanovsk Oblast overnight on Oct. 29. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine's ongoing strikes on Russian oil production and refining facilities have reportedly led to gasoline shortages across parts of Russia. Russian oil product exports dropped by 17.1% in September compared to August, totaling 7.58 million tons, due to ongoing Ukrainian drone attacks, according to Reuters. Read also: Theyre always moving forward Russian troops overrun Kupiansk, Kharkiv Oblasts once-liberated city Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) "eliminated" on Oct. 25 a 45-year-old Russian lieutenant colonel Veniamin Mazzherin, involved in war crimes in Kyiv Oblast, the agency reported on Oct. 29. Mazzherin took part in operations in Kyiv Oblast as a member of a special unit of the Russian National Guard known as Obereg ("Amulet" in English), HUR said. This unit has been implicated in war crimes and acts of genocide committed in Bucha and other cities across the oblast during February and March 2022. As early as April 2022, Ukrainian authorities had identified soldiers from the Obereg unit and reportedly planned measures to eliminate them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The car carrying Mazzherin exploded in Russia's Kemerovo Oblast on Oct. 25, according to HUR. The city of Bucha in Kyiv Oblast became one of the most recognized symbols of Russian brutality and aggression during the early stages of the full-scale invasion. Russian forces occupied Bucha in early March, and the city was liberated on March 31. After Ukrainian troops regained control of the previously occupied territories, evidence of numerous war crimes emerged, including mass killings of civilians. On Yablunska Street alone, around 40 bodies were discovered. A similar situation was documented in the city of Izium in Kharkiv Oblast after the Ukrainian army liberated the area from Russian occupation in September 2022. Four hundred forty-seven unidentified graves of civilians were discovered in the vicinity of the city, some of which showed signs of torture Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine continues to document war crimes committed by the Russian military to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. Read also: From Bucha to Kursk: 1,000 days of Russias full-scale war (Photos) Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukraine's Operational Strategic Group Skhid (East) has issued a clarification regarding the situation in Myrnohrad in Donetsk Oblast, saying that Russian troops are not present in the city and that its spokesperson Hryhorii Shapoval "misspoke during the national joint 24/7 newscast". Source: Operational Strategic Group Skhid (East) on Facebook Quote: "The enemy is not in Myrnohrad. The situation in the city and its outskirts is fully under the control of Ukraine's defence forces. The spokesperson for Operational Strategic Group Skhid misspoke during yesterday's comment on the national joint 24/7 newscast, as he was referring to the situation in Pokrovsk." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: The Ukrainian military asked that this information be taken into account in further coverage of events. Read more: How Pokrovsk is imperceptibly falling: five observations by Ukrainska Pravda Background: On 28 October, Shapoval said during the national joint 24/7 newscast that Russian forces on the Pokrovsk front had "broken through to the outskirts of the city of Myrnohrad, where street fighting continues". The situation around the city of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast remains extremely difficult. The Russians are attempting to capture it at any cost. DeepState, a Ukrainian group of military analysts, has reported that Russian forces continue to infiltrate Pokrovsk, gradually increasing their infantry presence and expanding sabotage and reconnaissance activities within the city. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! UNITED NATIONS (AP) Iran does not appear to be actively enriching uranium, but renewed movement has been detected recently at the countrys nuclear sites, the head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog told The Associated Press on Wednesday. Rafael Mariano Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, said inspectors have been unable to fully access the sites, but have not seen any activity via satellite to indicate that the Islamic Republic has accelerated its production of uranium enriched beyond what it had compiled before the 12-day war with Israel in June. However, the nuclear material enriched at 60% is still in Iran," Grossi said in an interview at the U.N. headquarters in New York. And this is one of the points we are discussing because we need to go back there and to confirm that the material is there and its not being diverted to any other use." He added, This is very, very important. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grossi said, however, that inspectors have seen movement around the sites where the stockpiles are stored. Without additional access, the U.N. has had to rely on satellite imagery, which can only show so much, he said. That stockpile could allow Iran to build as many as 10 nuclear bombs, should it decide to weaponize its program, Grossi warned. He added that it doesnt mean that Iran has such a weapon. Iran long has insisted its program is peaceful, but the U.N. nuclear agency and Western nations say Tehran had an organized atomic bomb program until 2003. The Iranian mission to the United Nations did not immediately return a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iran and the IAEA signed an agreement last month in Cairo to pave the way for resuming cooperation, including on ways of relaunching inspections of Irans nuclear facilities, that has yet to be implemented. The agreement came after Iranian officials suspended all cooperation with the IAEA after the war with Israel in which the U.S. struck several Iranian nuclear sites. After the U.S. intervened, Republican President Donald Trump expressed certainty that the strikes delivered a knockout blow to Irans nuclear program, saying the country's facilities were obliterated. Soon afterward, a preliminary U.S. intelligence report suggested that U.S. strikes did significant damage to Iran's Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan sites but did not destroy them. CIA Director John Ratcliffe later told skeptical U.S. lawmakers that American military strikes destroyed Irans lone metal conversion facility, a setback to the nuclear program that would take years to overcome, and that the intelligence community assessed that the vast majority of Irans amassed enriched uranium most likely remains buried under the rubble at Isfahan and Fordo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel's surprise attack on Tehran came after the IAEA's board of governors voted to censure Iran over its noncooperation with the agency, the first time in 20 years. Iran accused the IAEA, without providing evidence, of aiding Israel and later the U.S. in their attacks. Top Iranian officials and Iranian media then called for Grossi to be arrested and put on trial if he returned to the country. As a result, Grossi had to start receiving protection by the Austrian police Cobra unit. Beyond personal animosity and physical threats, Grossi said the Israel-Iran war set back the IAEA's years of progress with Tehran and happened when the agency was about to be given access to a third enrichment site. He said Wednesday that as of now there is no active operation at the location in Isfahan. Since the Cairo agreement, a series of U.N. sanctions have been reimposed on Iran over what European parties to the 2015 nuclear deal have deemed the country's lack of compliance with the agency and the breakdown of peace negotiations with the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The snapback of U.N. sanctions has complicated the already tenuous relationship between the IAEA and Iran, but Grossi said inspectors are inside the country as of Wednesday and he remains in constant contact with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Does that mean that they are cooperating at the level they should? No, he said. It would be incorrect to say they are denying us access. And it would be equally wrong to assume that everything is fine. Councillors have been criticised for campaigning to become members of parliament in another country while holding office in east London. Several Tower Hamlets councillors have confirmed they intend to seek nominations to run in Bangladeshs national election, scheduled for February 2026. Sabina Khan is running to become a candidate for the Bangladesh National Party (BNP). Ms Khan was elected for Labour in Mile End in 2022 but defected to the boroughs ruling Aspire party last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She holds important roles on Tower Hamlets town halls Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Licensing Committees, but since February she has attended fewer than half of the meetings she was expected at, according to council records. Mile End councillor Sabina Khan (.) Social media posts suggest she has been campaigning in Bangladesh. Mile End resident Mohammed Hussein told the Standard: "I don't believe it is fair. Most of the time she is in Bangladesh. She should resign. We elected her to represent us, not Bangladesh. Another resident, Zakir Hussain, added: "I am not happy with my councillor. There are a lot of not happy people. Five or six months we have not seen her. Any problems [we have] she cannot answer." Independent councillor Ohid Ahmed, who represents Lansbury ward in Poplar, is also understood to have been campaigning to become a BNP candidate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On his social media, he has posted about Bangladeshs economy, education for women and even problems with potholes blighting roads in the countrys northeastern regions. Mr Ahmed was first elected as a Labour councillor in 2002 before defecting to joined Lutfur Rahmans party and being elected for Tower Hamlets First in 2014 and then Aspire in 2022. He left the party last year, becoming an independent councillor and has said he will not stand in the local elections in 2026. At least one other Tower Hamlets councillor has indicated their ambition to run in the upcoming Bangladesh elections, which will be the first polls in the country since student-led protests toppled its former Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, in August 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said: This behaviour is unacceptable. We are clear that councillors must be able to effectively serve the constituents who elected them. All councillors must uphold the Nolan principles including integrity, objectivity, accountability. The Government earlier this year sent ministerial envoys into Tower Hamlets Council to monitor what it described as failing governance. An inspection report in 2024 found that a lack of trust and respect between political parties meant the executive at the town hall remained unchallenged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It concluded the local authoritys decision making was "dominated by an inner circle" around the boroughs controversial executive mayor, Lutfur Rahman, who leads the Aspire party. A spokesperson for the Aspire party said Ms Khan would step down as a councillor if she was elected in Bangladesh. Local elections are taking place in the borough in May next year. A Tower Hamlets Council spokesperson said: UK law does not automatically disqualify a person from being a councillor in Tower Hamlets solely because they are running for or hold an elected office in another country. The other country however may have laws that restrict dual mandates or foreign office-holding. TMC National General Secretary and MP Abhishek Banerjee on Wednesday blamed Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the death of Pradeep Kar, who allegedly took his own life due to anxiety over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the National Register of Citizens (NRC). He said that Kar's suicide note claimed SIR and NRC were responsible for his death, sparking widespread outrage. Banerjee visited Kar's family and demanded action against Shah and Kumar, holding them accountable for his death. "...You all know the incident that happened yesterday in the name of SIR, and you all know about what happened today in Dinhata. If anyone is to be held responsible for this, it is the Chief Election Commissioner. SIR was announced two days ago, and two lives have been lost in the last 48 hours. Today, I have come to Pradeep Kar's house. He has written in the suicide note that SIR and NRC are responsible for my death, so if anyone is responsible for this, it is the Home Minister Amit Shah and the Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar...," said Banerjee. https://x.com/MamataOfficial/status/1983110933905084688 West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in a post on social media on Tuesday said," 57-year-old Pradeep Kar from 4 Mahajyoti Nagar, Panihati, Khardaha (Ward No. 9) has taken his own life, leaving behind a note that says, "NRC is responsible for my death." What greater indictment can there be of the BJP's politics of fear and division? The ruling TMC supremo added, "It shakes me to the very core to imagine how, for years, BJP has tormented innocent citizens with the threat of NRC, spreading lies, stoking panic and weaponising insecurity for votes. They have turned constitutional democracy into a draconian law-regime, where people are made to doubt their own right to exist. This tragic death is the direct consequence of BJP's venomous propaganda. Those who sit in Delhi and preach nationalism have pushed ordinary Indians to such despair that they are dying in their own land, fearing they will be declared 'FOREIGNERS'". She also demanded that the Central Government "stop this heartless game once and for all." "Bengal will never allow NRC, and never allow anyone to strip our people of their dignity or belonging. Our soil belongs to Maa, Mati, Manush, not to those who thrive on hate. Let the Delhi Zamindars hear this loud and clear: Bengal will resist, Bengal will protect, and Bengal will prevail," CM Mamata Banerjee said. The Election Commission of India (ECI) will conduct the second phase of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across 12 States and Union Territories, with the final voter list to be published on February 7, 2026, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar said on Monday. (ANI) Women across the country are receiving more detailed mammogram results thanks to new federal regulations but for many, that report can raise new questions. Since 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has required that mammogram providers include information about breast density in their results. The notice tells women whether they have dense breast tissue, which can make it harder to detect cancer through standard screenings. To help unpack what this means for patients, Boston 25s Kerry Kavanaugh spoke with Dr. Laura Dominici, an associate surgeon at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They talked about whether woman with dense breast tissue need additional screenings and what steps women should take with their providers after receiving one of these notices, as we close out Breast Cancer Awareness month. 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 couple in Virgil, New York, has made a generous gift that will help protect a large stretch of open land forever, according to WXHC. Jim Povero and Sandy Yahner donated a perpetual conservation easement to the Finger Lakes Land Trust, safeguarding 203 acres of meadows, forests, and farmland. That land will now be protected from development, helping keep it natural and open for generations to come. The land sits between two major watersheds in Central New York. One side flows into Cayuga Lake; the other flows to the Susquehanna River and eventually reaches the Chesapeake Bay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The property includes a mix of open fields, leased farmland, and forest. Even though the land is now protected, it will remain in private hands and can be used for activities such as farming, forestry, and hunting. The donation is part of a growing movement in the area. The Land Trust already works with nearby Tuller Hill and James Kennedy State Forests, and this latest gift adds to that patchwork of protected green space. But it's not just about the land. It's also about the people. Jim and Sandy didn't stop at the easement; they partnered with the Upper Susquehanna Coalition on local habitat restoration projects. That includes planting trees and creating vernal pools, temporary ponds that support frogs, salamanders, and other wildlife. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These projects are designed to increase wildlife habitat, protect water quality, and enhance migration corridors," the Finger Lakes Land Trust said in a statement. The project's cost was covered by a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the Upper Susquehanna Coalition, meaning the couple's gift was supported by a broader network of groups working toward conservation. In the end, it's a simple act with lasting impact. Thanks to two dedicated landowners, over 200 acres of Virgil's natural beauty will remain wild, open, and protected. 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. Public response has been full of gratitude and joy, as seen in the comments of a Facebook post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Whenever someone so generously makes a gift like this, it just brings tears of happiness to my eyes!" a commenter remarked. "Thank you for your generous contribution to preserving our green spaces. We appreciate it and our trees and wildlife appreciate!" another wrote. 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 Union Centre Boulevard overpass on I-75 reopened early Oct. 29 after repairs were made following a diesel fire that occurred before noon on Oct. 28. One closure remains in effect. Drivers will not be able to turn left when they take the exit ramp coming from southbound I-75. No structural damage was done to the bridge after the fire involving a tanker carrying diesel, said the Ohio Department of Transportation. However, the pavement was significantly damaged. What roads are open near Union Center Boulevard? Drivers will not be able to turn left when they take the exit ramp coming from southbound I-75. West Chester Township announced early Wednesday that repairs were completed overnight and all other ramps and roads have been reopened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Traffic delays are still expected Wednesday morning, particularly with wet road conditions. Officers will be in the area to monitor and signs will be in place to help direct traffic. Why did Union Centre Boulevard close? A tanker truck, which is designed to carry large volumes of liquid or gas, caught on fire while carrying diesel fuel. It shut down the overpass and all exit and off ramps at Union Centre. Fire departments from neighboring municipalities, including Cincinnati, were called to the scene to assist West Chester police, hazardous waste management and the fire department in responding to the fire. There are no reported injuries at this time. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: West Chester Union Centre overpass reopens after tanker fire repairs LIMA UA Local 776 is hosting an open house from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 11 at the union hall, 1300 Bowman Road, Lima. The event will allow attendees to try virtual welding, witness welding and other plumbing and pipefitting demonstrations and enter a drawing for prizes from multiple vendors. Applications for apprenticeship will also be accepted during the open house. A United Airlines pilot who was fired after refusing to participate in a substance abuse program following a DUI arrest is suing the airline for racial discrimination. John Paul Castillo III, who was an Air Force pilot for 13 years before joining United in January 2023, accused the airline of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and of defamation in a lawsuit filed on October 13 in the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division. The pilot was arrested in July 2023 for suspected DUI after a field sobriety test. While there was no blood alcohol test conducted, and the charges were eventually dismissed, the airline pressured him into enrolling in its substance abuse program, HIMS, according to the lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Castillo refused to take part in the program, citing an independent substance-abuse evaluation that found the incident was a one-off and that he did not have an alcohol-use disorder. However, before he could even share the findings, United fired him over a temporary lapse of his FAA first-class medical certificate, which is mandatory for all airline pilots. Former United pilot John Paul Castillo III is suing the airline claiming he was discriminated against when they fired him (Getty/iStock) In the lawsuit, Castillo accuses United of violating the ADA by perceiving him as having an alcohol-use disorder and retaliating against him. He also contends in the suit that a white probationary pilot facing similar DUI charges remained employed because he joined the HIMS treatment program. Uniteds decision to fire Mr. Castillo while allowing other pilots including those actually diagnosed with alcohol use disorder to remain employed during the FAA review demonstrates disparate treatment based on its mistaken perception that Mr. Castillo was an alcoholic, the lawsuit states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The complaint alleges that Uniteds actions reflect racialized stereotypes about Hispanic men and alcohol use and that the airline acted in violation of Title VII. Castillo also claims he faced retaliation after hiring a lawyer, with the lawsuit claiming his boss, Chief Pilot Ernie Aller, told a union representative that Castillo was fired for lawyering up and not communicating. Allers statement demonstrates that Uniteds decision was motivated not only by its misperception of alcoholism but also by retaliation for Mr. Castillos protected act of retaining counsel to defend his rights. Castillo also claims he faced retaliation after hiring a lawyer following his DUI arrest (AP) Castillo is also suing the airline for defamation after United allegedly told the FAA that his employment was terminated due to pilot performance issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement United knew or should have known that the pilot-performance designation was false when it was submitted, and it unreasonably delayed correcting the record for approximately eighteen months, during which Mr. Castillo incurred legal expense to obtain the correction, the lawsuit states. The lawsuit goes on to claim that Castillo suffered reputational harm and will miss out on employment opportunities due to Uniteds error. Castillo seeks reinstatement or front pay, back pay, compensatory and punitive damages and attorney fees. United did not immediately return a request for comment from The Independent. A United Airlines Boeing 767. MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images A United Airlines flight to Italy returned to Washington, DC, earlier this month. Someone's laptop got stuck down a sidewall of the plane, according to an ATC recording. Airlines take lost or hard-to-access devices like laptops very seriously due to the risk of fire. A plane going from Washington, DC, to Italy became a flight to nowhere after a passenger's laptop went missing on board. United Airlines Flight 126 took off from Washington Dulles International Airport on October 15. It was bound for Rome, usually up to nine hours away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But just one hour into the journey, the Boeing 767 U-turned over the Atlantic Ocean. It was only about 50 miles off Cape Cod, Massachusetts, per data from Flightradar24. An audio recording published by LiveATC.net and uploaded to YouTube appears to show the reason for the diversion. "We have a minor situation here with a passenger who has somehow dropped a laptop down the sidewall into the cargo pit of the airplane," one of the pilots tells air traffic control. "We don't know the status of it, we can't access it, we can't see it," he added. "So our decision is to return to Dulles and find this laptop before we can continue over the ocean." An airline spokesperson told Business Insider the flight diverted "as a precaution to retrieve a customer's laptop that had fallen behind a cabin wall panel and through a small gap leading to the cargo hold." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plane landed back at Washington Dulles shortly after midnight local time, just over two hours after taking off from there. "Maintenance crews retrieved the laptop, inspected the aircraft and the flight later departed for Rome," the spokesperson added. Flightradar24 data shows it took off at 3:23 a.m. and ultimately reached Rome over four hours behind schedule. As laptops contain lithium batteries, they pose a potential fire risk. If overcharged or damaged, it can result in thermal runaway, leading to rapid temperature increase. And because the laptop was inaccessible, the crew might not know if it had been damaged or caught fire until it was too late. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That's the same reason airlines require electronics to be carried in your carry-on rather than your checked luggage. This isn't the first time a trapped device has forced a diversion. In 2024, another transatlantic United Airlines flight diverted to Ireland after a laptop got stuck in a business-class seat. And this April, a Lufthansa flight from Los Angeles to Munich changed course to Boston after a passenger's tablet got stuck in their seat. This year has also seen many airlines tighten their power bank rules. "There has been a significant growth in customers using power banks in recent years, resulting in an increasing number of lithium battery-related incidents on board flights across the wider aviation industry," Emirates said. Read the original article on Business Insider WEST VIRGINIA (WVNS) The loss of funding for programs such as SNAP and WIC will be felt across the state as early as November, 1, 2025. Local organizers have encouraged residents to utilize the 2-1-1 hotline to connect with local resources. WIC benefits at risk as government shutdown continues The free and confidential line can connect users with assistance for food, housing, childcare, and many other issues facing West Virginia residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Executive Director with the United Way of Southern West Virginia, Trena Dacal said 2-1-1 is an especially important resource currently as the ongoing government shutdown leads to continued funding loss nationwide. We know that SNAP recipients will not receive those for November and that will be incredibly taxing for local budgets, said Decal. 2-1-1 information and referral hotline is here all the time. So, for anyone who needs services who is looking for resources, they can call 2-1-1 within our coverage area of southern West Virginia. Longtime community benefactor, Shawn Ball has an ongoing working relationship with the United Way of Southern West Virginia. For years, Ball has made an effort to offer assistance to local programs focused on kids, families, and education. He said the work of United Way organizations across the state is essential to continued growth and prosperity in communities statewide. They see it every day. They have the 2-1-1 phone number which is blowing up right now, Ball said. They can actually go and do resources through them for shoes, coats, and utility bills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those hoping to connect with local resources have been encouraged to dial 2-1-1 or text their zip code to 898-211 to be connected with a specialist and receive information about how best to utilize resources available in the local 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 WVNS. United Way of Lake and Sumter has pledged $235,000 to provide long-term recovery assistance to Sumter County residents affected by disasters. The funding, sourced from grants provided by the American Red Cross, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, and the Volunteer Florida Foundation, will support the newly formed Sumter County Long Term Recovery Group, now an official Community Impact Program of United Way Lake & Sumter. The Sumter County Long Term Recovery Group (LTRG) will focus on addressing the long-term needs of disaster survivors, which include financial assistance, rebuilding homes, and providing mental health and spiritual support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An open house event is planned for next month, where representatives from member agencies will share more about the coalitions work. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. JACKSON, Miss, (WJTV) In response to the growing number of households experiencing financial strain amid the government shutdown, the United Way of the Capital Area (UWCA) launched the United Community Response Fund. Officials said the initiative will provide support to organizations that directly assist in the tri-county area with essential needs, including food, housing, utilities, and other basic living expenses. How to find food if your SNAP benefits are cut off Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recent data shows that approximately 49% of households in Mississippi are either below the federal poverty level or are Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed (ALICE) households. Nearly half of all households in the state face serious financial challenges. United Ways mission has always been to help our neighbors when they need it most, said Nikki K. McCelleis, president & CEO of UWCA. This fund reflects our continued commitment to strengthening families and supporting the overall health of our community. Community members, partners, and organizations are encouraged to contribute to the United Community Response Fund. Officials said the donations will stay local, directly assisting individuals and families in Hinds, Madison and Rankin counties. To learn more or to donate, click here or call 211 to receive information about available resources and services in your area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily 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 WJTV. Speaking to reporters after the Cow Conservation Resolution Meeting, Bharti said, "Cow protection and alcohol prohibition must be linked, because if we tell people not to drink alcohol, we'll be telling them to drink cow milk. We'll have to increase the number of cows." Highlighting the importance of expanding cattle resources, she noted that the current cow population in India stands at roughly one for every seven people. "Today, there's one cow for every seven people in the country," she said. Bharti proposed providing cows to women under the Ladli Behna Yojna to increase their income from 3,000 to 8,000-10,000. "Ladli Behnao should also get a good cow so that their income increases from Rs 3,000 to Rs 8,000- 10,000," she added. Earlier, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, emphasising the importance of cow worship said that Govardhan Puja will be celebrated across the state. Speaking to ANI, CM Yadav said, "Cows should always be worshipped. Govardhan Puja can be celebrated at any time, and it is a blessing from God. As Madhya Pradesh is an agricultural state, our sentiments are deeply connected to it." He further highlighted the state government's efforts to promote animal husbandry to boost milk production and ensure financial benefits for farmers. "To support our farmers, we are promoting animal husbandry, and our government has decided to celebrate Govardhan Puja statewide," Yadav added. (ANI) University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff releases statement addressing refund delays PINE BLUFF, Ark. The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff released a statement Wednesday addressing the delay in some students receiving refunds. School officials said about 270 students experienced delays with their financial aid refunds this semester. Officials said the number has dropped to 90 students, and they are expected to have the remaining funds completed by the end of the week. We understand how important these refunds are to our students and their families, and we deeply regret the frustration and hardship this delay may have caused, the statement said. UAPB is committed to continuous improvement and to provide timely, reliable service to every member of our campus community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UAPB receives record $5 million donation during homecoming week School officials said the delays are a result of several factors, including leadership changes in the schools financial aid office, reduction in staffing and technology processing issues. 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. WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) A student at the University of Arkansas and long-time River Valley resident announced their candidacy for House District 25. Courtney King announced her candidacy for District 25, which represents parts of Washington, Crawford, and Franklin counties. Im running because our communities deserve more than survivalthey deserve joy, opportunity, and a future they can help shape, King said. Ive spent years building programs that empower people through creativity and connection. Now Im ready to bring that same energy to the Capitol. I have lived all throughout this districtfrom the River Valley to the hills of Northwest Arkansasand I know what matters to everyday people. I plan to protect our Natural State and be a voice for those who are too often left out of the conversation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arkansas AG seeks dismissal of Senate District 26 special election lawsuit According to the news release, Kings platform includes: Expanding access to mental health and art therapy services Supporting rural infrastructure and sustainable development Investing in public education, outdoor learning, and youth programming Championing local artists, farmers, and small businesses Preserving and promoting outdoor recreation assets like Devils Den and Lake Fort Smith State Parks, the Ozark Highlands Trail, and the future connection to the Razorback Greenway trail system Protecting Arkansass natural resources including the Ozark National Forest, Lake Fort Smith, Lake Sequoyah, the Mulberry River, and the Arkansas River through conservation, clean water initiatives, and responsible land use Ensuring transparency, equity, and community voice in policymaking Kings website says, Shes not running to represent a party. Shes running to protect our Natural resources and represent people fueled by Homegrown Hope, growing a better future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement King is currently a senior at the University of Arkansas and will graduate with a Bachelor of Studio Arts, with minors in STEM Education and Art History. Along with being a student, King has also served as a paraprofessional teacher in public schools across the River Valley. King is also the founding director of NatureSTEAM, a nonprofit dedicated to inclusive, hands-on education through science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. To officially appear on the ballot, King must collect 200 nomination signatures by Halloween. You can sign 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 KNWA FOX24. One of the largest shares of Baltimores $80 million opioid settlement with Walgreens will go to the Baltimore Comprehensive Overdose Response to End the Epidemic, or BCORE, a nascent collaboration between the city and the University of Maryland School of Medicine. BCORE is set to receive $10 million, one of the top three awards from that lawsuit Established in April 2024 as a collaboration led by University of Maryland School of Medicine in partnership with Baltimore and multiple community health organizations, BCORE is a citywide effort created through a grant from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health, first established by investigators with University of Maryland School of Medicines Institute for Health Computing. Its partners include Maryland universities, the citys health and fire departments and the mayors office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Martha Jurczak, assistant dean for business and economic development at the UMD School of Medicine , said the collaboration aims to connect people with an addiction to already established services. Jurczak is the principal investigator who initiated BCORE. She is also collaborating with Eric Weintraub, a professor of psychiatry at the medical school. What we are working to do is to make that connection from crisis response, acute care in the emergency department, to recovery services, access to medications for opioid use disorder and then social services as well, Jurczak said. BCORE will utilize Goldie Health, an overdose prevention system created by University of North Carolina to address people with substance use disorder. Goldie facilitates care by connecting users who have reached a point of crisis to community outreach teams and other services. If a person is receiving acute care for addiction, their information is entered into Goldie, which connects them to outreach teams, medicine, peer groups and other chances to recover. Patients will be referred via a telemedicine line, emergency services or Baltimore City Fire Department health units who will be using Goldie. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When we encounter patients in these three settings, we can seamlessly connect them to longer term care and services, Jurczak said. [Goldie] facilitates care in traditional settings with features like dropping a pin if youre seeing a patient who is unhoused you can have a patient sign for consent to be treated right on the screen of the mobile app. The Opioid Restitution Fund has earmarked $10 million for BCORE, $2,941,443 of which has already been approved for the program for the 2026 fiscal year, according to a grant agreement with the Baltimore Board of Estimates. The total award amount will be spread out over the course of three years. Jurczak said this round of funding will go toward doubling the Baltimore Fire Department population health team, working with Johns Hopkins University and 11 emergency service departments to help providers become more comfortable prescribing medications for opioid use disorder, and expanding the People Encouraging People outreach team. Weintraub, who is also an associate director for Kahlert Institute for Addiction Medicine at the UMD School of Medicine, has 30 years of experience in addiction medicine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are groups of individuals that are underserved or just dont do well in brick-and-mortar treatment facilities, so our goal is to reach these people, he said. Now well get them started on lifesaving medication, connect them to services they need to build and recover and get housing. Like other organizations receiving money from the Opioid Restitution Fund, BCORE has several goals and metrics it must meet within its yearlong contract, which began Sept. 15. These include reaching target numbers for people engaged, services provided, prescriptions given, encounters had, referrals initiated and workforce engagement. BCORE will also establish an easy-to-access telemedicine line. Were supposed to have our first [telemedicine] call within six months of the contract so were in the process of building the system, Weintraub said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As BCORE begins its work a little over a month after receiving funding, Jurczak said the collaboration could not have come at a better time as technology and information about addiction have improved in recent years. We didnt actually form BCORE in response to the restitution funds that was sort of a happy accident that the restitution funds came as we were developing this program, Jurczak said. Erics been doing this work for so long and know so many people across the city and it just felt like a good time to capitalize on those connections. Have a news tip? Contact Chevall Pryce at cpryce@baltsun.com. Belgium is investigating the appearance of several drones over a military base in the southern part of the country. The Belgian Defence Ministry believes it was a deliberate reconnaissance operation. Source: Belgian news agency Belga, as reported by European Pravda Details: Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken confirmed that unknown drones were observed over a military base in Wallonia on two occasions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our guard post in Marche-en-Famenne noticed multiple drones over crucial parts of the headquarters of our army brigade on Saturday evening for an extended period," the defence minister said. "Last night, multiple drones were spotted again above Marche-en-Famenne. Procedures followed. Police and ADIV (the General Intelligence and Security Service) are conducting an investigation," he added. Francken noted that the origin of the drones is not yet known, but their appearance in such a sensitive location is not believed to be a coincidence. "This was a clearly orchestrated operation against the heart of our army. They were looking for crucial information about the critical infrastructure located on military property," he stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Francken added that he will initiate rapid government-level procurement of systems designed to detect and down drones. Background: Earlier, Belgian defence industry giant Thales Belgium reported an increase in suspicious drone activity over its facilities. The Belgian Defence Ministry is also investigating an incident in which 15 drones appeared over the Elsenborn military base near the German border on the evening of 2 October. The drones reportedly circled the base before flying into German airspace. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! FALL RIVER, Mass. (WPRI) Former Fall River Mayor Will Flanagan is back home from the hospital after being stabbed in the neck earlier this month. Im on the mend, Flanagan told 12 News in a phone interview Wednesday. Ive now been released from the hospital. Im home working with my doctors, getting better, and its just going to take time to get stronger. During the interview, Flanagan recounted the moments before he was stabbed on Hartwell Street near Cosmopolitan Dispensary, which he partially owns. Flanagan said he was walking back to the dispensary after buying Halloween candy at a nearby Walgreens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im about 300 feet from my store and all of a sudden I feel a tremendous whack to the left side of my face, Flanagan recalled. Never heard anybody coming, never saw anybody coming, never provoked anybody this was a unprovoked attack. RELATED: Surveillance video shows moment when former Fall River Mayor was attacked The former mayor said when he turned around he saw a tall man with crazy hair and a beard who was repeatedly stabbing me in my face and my neck. The next morning, Fall River police arrested 31-year-old Corree Gonzales in connection with the stabbing. Current Mayor Paul Coogan previously said he believes Gonzales has severe mental health issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his arraignment, a doctor recommended that Gonzales be held for further evaluation. The judge ordered him held without bail at Bridgewater State Hospital. Flanagan said he has no prior history with Gonzales. He could have easily killed me, Flanagan added. He could have killed somebody. If hes released, he will kill somebody. People like this man cannot be on the streets. MORE: Arrest made in stabbing of former Fall River mayor Surveillance video released last week showed an individual approaching Flanagan from behind and stabbing him multiple times. During the encounter, Flanagan said he fell backward and out of his shoes, then was struck a couple of more times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flanagan said a rush of adrenaline allowed him to get back up on his feet and call 911. Speaking for the first time since the attack, Flanagan shared an emotional message on Facebook on Tuesday, saying he felt the power of love in a way I never thought possible. The former mayor thanked the first responders, doctors and hospital staff who saved his life. Youre angels, Flanagan said. They worked around the clock to make sure that I didnt die. On Wednesday, he spoke more about the outpouring of support from the community, saying it brought him to tears. Flanagan hopes to make a full recovery by the end of the year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive felt the power of love: Former Fall River mayor shares message after stabbing 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. Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup 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 WPRI.com. BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. (WSPA) A Pendleton man was arrested on October 22 after deputies found narcotics inside his car during a traffic stop. According to the Buncombe County Sheriffs Office, the stop occurred on I-40 near Candler. Officials said Jason Andrews Jenkins had trafficking amounts of illegal narcotics in his possession, including 107.7 grams of fentanyl, 80.6 grams of crack cocaine, $5,367.25, 6.6 grams on marijuana and 263.4 grams of mannitol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jenkins was charged with trafficking opium/heroin (fentanyl) by possession, trafficking in opium/heroin (fentanyl) by transportation, trafficking in cocaine by possession, trafficking in cocaine by transportation, maintaining a vehicle/dwelling for controlled substance, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. 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. Federal investigators are calling for Leander school officials to ensure proper use of seat belts on school buses after a review of an Aug. 13 school bus crash found that a small fraction of observable students on board were wearing them. The National Transportation Safety Board, or NTSB, issued a report Tuesday that found the Leander school district did not take sufficient action to ensure passengers were properly belted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement to families, Tracie Franco, the district's senior director of transportation services said Leander "appreciate(s) the NTSBs thorough review, which offers important lessons for school districts nationwide about ensuring consistent seat belt use on school buses." Seventeen people were taken to a hospital following Augusts rollover crash, but all were released by the next day. The Leander bus carried 46 elementary and middle school students just six of whom were observed wearing seat belts along Nameless Road near Palomino Drive when it veered off the road. RELATED: 15 children, 1 adult being treated for injuries after Leander ISD bus crash The driver of the bus showed no signs of impairment but did receive tickets for two traffic violations including one for the failure to drive in a single lane. The driver no longer worked for the district as of August. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leanders 2024 model bus was equipped with seat belts at the time, according to the school district. Texas code requires passengers on equipped school buses to wear seat belts, investigators said. The section of Nameless Road in which the crash occurred is curved and weather conditions at the time were rainy, but investigators in August said the bus left the road for an unknown reason. In the urgent report issued Tuesday, federal investigators detailed the results of video footage review, finding that students who were unbelted or wore only the lap portion of a seat belt were more subject to injury than those who wore a seat belt across their lap and chest. The report found that the Leander district provided limited information online and in its handbook, but did not establish specific procedures to ensure that passengers were properly belted onboard the school buses. The district should require drivers to instruct that students buckle up and provide training for staff, students and parents, according to the report. The federal findings align with changes the Leander school district made after its own investigation into the crash, Franco said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The district updated messaging about seat belt requirements, posted safety signs, added safety training and now requires drivers to confirm that students are properly belted before leaving from campus each afternoon. The federal investigators also called on the state of Texas to make policies, such as audits or training, that require districts ensure students are actually wearing seat belts on school buses. All school buses in Texas must carry seat belts, though many older buses dont. A law passed this year, Senate Bill 546, eliminated an exception for buses built before 2018 and required districts to report by the end of this school year how many buses they operate or contract with that lack seat belts, have only two-point seat belts or have three-point belts. Districts will also have to report the cost of transitioning their bus fleets to three-point safety belts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While two-point belts only cover a riders lap, three-point belts look like a standard car seat belt. By Jan. 1, 2027, the Texas Education Agency must develop a report on the cost to equip all state school buses with seat belts. The state-level conversation about enhancing students transportation safety came after a deadly bus crash in Bastrop County on March 22, 2024, that left a prekindergarten student and 33-year-old man dead. The school bus involved in that crash did not have safety restraints. A November analysis by the American-Statesman revealed that while most school districts have switched to purchasing new buses with seat belts, many districts still use older buses without restraints. All Leander school buses that run daily routes have seat belts as of the fall, according to the district. Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay on Wednesday announced the party's Special General Council Meeting to be held on November 5, at 10:00 am at the Four Points by Sheraton Mahabalipuram Hotel, to decide the future course of activities for the party in the aftermath of the Karur stampede, which killed 41 people. "Since the situation on the ground gives us great encouragement, we must now take our next step with even greater care, deliberation, and foresight. In this context, we must deliberate on the next phase of the party's upcoming programs and activities. Therefore, to make decisions on these matters, we have resolved to convene a special general council meeting..." Vijay said in a statement. TVK is gearing up to resume its party activities ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, likely to be held in 2026. The actor turned politician acknowledged the "silence" post the stampede in Karur during one of his rallies. He noted that the party "broke through" the period with the people's support. "After a period of deep and meaningful silence in our political journey, this letter comes to you to speak with you and to invite you. Even when schemers and slanderers tried to belittle us and speak ill of us, we broke through all of it fearlessly. Now is the moment to rise and raise our voices for the people of our Mother Tamil Nadu," the statement said. Hailing people's support, Vijay took a jibe at his political opponents, accusing them of "deceit and conspiracy." Vijay said in the statement, "With the people of Tamil Nadu standing as our protective shield, no force can ever stop our victorious journey that continues as the voice of our people and the bond that connects us with them. We need not even say this for over the past month, the people of Tamil Nadu themselves have silently borne witness to this truth before the world. Even our adversaries, who dream of defeating us through deceit and conspiracy, have come to realise this." The stampede in Karur district occurred during a political rally held by TVK chief Vijay on September 27 this year. Earlier today, a fact-finding team formed by the All India Democratic Women's Association said in its report that the main reason for the Karur stampede was Vijay's delay in reaching the rally site. The report also recommended that the ex-gratia amount to the affected families should be collected from the TVK. The report will be submitted to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is probing the stampede. "We should see this stampede as a violation of human rights. The main reason for the stampede is Vijay's delay in reaching the rally site. Most people only wanted to catch a glimpse of Vijay, not listen to his speech. It means this was only a fans' show, not a roadshow...We will submit our report to the CBI," advocate U. Nirmala Rani, a member of the fact-finding team, told reporters. "We request the government to provide employment to one member of each family which has lost a loved one. The ex-gratia amount to be given to the affected families should be collected from the TVK party. We suggest that the affected families receive grief counselling," she said. Meanwhile, in the backdrop of the tragedy, the Madras High Court on Monday directed the Tamil Nadu government to frame a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) within 10 days for the conduct of political meetings and rallies in the state. A bench of Justices JK Maheshwari and NV Anjaria also ordered a three-member committee, headed by former Supreme Court Judge Justice Ajay Rastogi, to monitor the CBI probe and ensure that the investigation into the tragedy is independent and impartial. (ANI) By AJ Vicens (Reuters) -Hackers working for an unnamed nation-state breached networks at Ribbon Communications, a key U.S. telecommunications services company, and remained within the firms systems for nearly a year without being detected, a company spokesperson confirmed in a statement on Wednesday. Ribbon Communications, a Texas-based company that provides technology to facilitate voice and data communications between separate tech platforms and environments, said in its October 23 10-Q filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that the company learned early last month that people reportedly associated with a nation-state actor gained access to the companys IT network, with initial access dating to early December 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hack has not been previously reported. It is perhaps the latest example of technology companies that play a critical role in the global telecommunications ecosystem being targeted as part of nation-state hacking campaigns. Ribbon did not identify the nation-state actor, or disclose which of its customers were affected by the breach, but told Reuters in the statement that its investigation has so far revealed three smaller customers impacted. While we do not have evidence at this time that would indicate the threat actor gained access to any material information, we continue to work with our third-party experts to confirm this, a Ribbon spokesperson said in an email. We have also taken steps to further harden our network to prevent any future incidents. The company reported to the SEC that several customer files saved outside of the main network on two laptops do appear to have been accessed by the threat actor. The spokesperson declined to elaborate on customer files but said there were a total of four older files. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is no evidence to date that the incident would give hackers access to customer systems and the company was not aware of any government customers being impacted, the spokesperson said. Ribbons technology facilitates real-time voice and data communications, allowing voice calls to join Web-based conference calls, for example. Chinese-linked hackers had previously targeted a host of U.S. and global telecommunications companies and a U.S. states Army National Guard network in a wide-ranging and years-long cyberespionage campaign tracked as Salt Typhoon, first revealed in September 2024. More recently, it emerged that Chinese hackers had infiltrated cybersecurity company F5, which provides software and products that help customers direct, manage and filter internet traffic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington, told Reuters in an email that he was not familiar with this situation. Cyber operations are difficult to trace and attribute, Pengyu said, and "China opposes hacking and combats it in accordance with the law." Pengyu also pointed to recent allegations aired by the Chinese government of U.S.-linked hacking of China's National Time Service Center, and called the U.S. "the world's No. 1 hacking state." A spokesperson for the U.S. embassy in Beijing did not address the allegations directly when asked about them by Reuters at the time, instead calling China "the most active and persistent cyber threat to U.S. government, private-sector, and critical infrastructure networks." The FBI did not immediately respond to a request for comment, citing the ongoing federal government shutdown. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Director of Public Affairs Marci McCarthy said the agency was aware of Ribbon's disclosure and referred questions to the company. The Defense Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ribbon Communications lists on its website customers around the world including BT, Verizon, CenturyLink , Deutsche Telekom, SoftBank Group , TalkTalk and Tata. Government clients include the U.S. Defense Department, the University of Texas at Austin, the City of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Public Library, according to the website. Unit 42 continues to see advanced nation-state actors increasingly targeting networking and IT service companies that provide key services to government and critical infrastructure organizations, said Pete Renals, director of national security programs for Unit 42 at Palo Alto Networks. In many cases, their primary goal is to establish long-term persistence within these networks to enable global espionage. Ribbon Communications is a prime example of this trend, Renals said, given its relationships with U.S. military and major organizations in the telecommunications and energy sectors in multiple countries. This central role as a supplier to sensitive government and infrastructure clients makes Ribbon a lucrative target for state-aligned actors, particularly from China and Russia," Renals said. (Reporting by AJ Vicens in Detroit; Editing by Matthew Lewis) Bucharest and other NATO members were informed about U.S. plans to reduce troop deployments on Europe's eastern flank, the Romanian Defense Ministry said on Oct. 29. The move comes as part of a broader reassessment of the U.S. military's global presence and reflects Washington's foreign policy U-turn as its allies face their most dire security challenge since the Cold War, with Russia's all-out war against Ukraine fueling concerns about direct attacks on Europe. "The American decision involves halting the rotation in Europe of a brigade that had units in several NATO countries," the statement read. The Romanian ministry described the decision as expected, saying that the U.S. had previously communicated its plans to allied countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the troops affected were scheduled to be stationed at Romania's Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, a major NATO hub on the Black Sea. Around 1,000 U.S. soldiers will remain deployed on Romanian soil. It remains unclear how many U.S. troops will be withdrawn. "The decision also took into account the fact that NATO has consolidated its presence and activity on the eastern flank, allowing the United States to adjust its military posture in the region," the ministry said. The measure will not affect the EU's plans to implement the first part of the Eastern Flank Watch defense program in 2026, European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The project is an initiative to strengthen the bloc's eastern borders against threats from Russia and its main ally, Belarus. It will integrate air defense, surveillance, and maritime security systems. From Kyiv to New York the Kyiv Independent brings stories from democracys front line Get tickets "This doesn't change our plans when it comes to the defense roadmap that we have presented and the four essential flagships that are highlighted there, including the Eastern flank Watch," Regnier said. "Of course, we take note of the announcement, but we have a clear path and a clear vision when it comes to Europe's defense." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The EU aims to launch the Eastern Flank Watch project in the first quarter of 2026 and, by the end of 2026, "first initial services of this Eastern Flank to be already operational," Regnier added. In April, NBC News reported, citing American and European officials, that the U.S. is considering withdrawing up to 10,000 troops from Eastern Europe. This would scale back the temporary surge of 20,000 U.S. troops deployed in 2022 to bolster NATO's eastern flank following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. U.S. forces are currently stationed across Poland, Romania, and the Baltic states to deter further Russian aggression and reassure allies bordering the region. As Russian escalation toward NATO countries has intensified in recent months, with around 20 Russian drones entering Polish airspace in September, Trump promised to help defend the eastern flank's countries if the tensions continue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, he also proposed sending additional American troops to Poland. Read also: Swedens Gripen jets are coming to Ukraine heres how they could impact the war Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. JERUSALEM (AP) Israels intense bombardment of the Gaza Strip this week marked the most serious challenge yet for a fragile, U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal. Over 100 Palestinians were killed, including dozens of civilians, according to Gaza health officials. One Israeli soldier was killed in an attack that helped prompt the fierce Israeli strikes. President Donald Trump defended Israels actions but also made clear that the U.S. expects the broader truce, which began Oct. 10, to hold. By early Wednesday, the ceasefire had been restored almost as quickly as it had unraveled. In another positive sign, Israel said Thursday that Hamas had returned the remains of two dead hostages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chain of events underscored the fragility of the deal between Israel and Hamas, but also showed how intent the U.S. is on keeping it going. Here are some takeaways from a tense three days in the region. Trump will allow Israel to bomb, but won't let deal collapse Trump has staked his personal reputation on the success of this deal and poured diplomatic and military resources into making sure it succeeds. Trump himself flew to the region to usher in the agreement, visiting Israel and then meeting with key Arab and other international leaders in Egypt. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and two senior advisers White House envoy Steve Witkoff and Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner have all visited Israel in recent days, a sign of the deal's importance to the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. is also leading a new international effort meant to coordinate aid shipments into Gaza and to bolster the agreement. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Trump defended Israels actions, saying it should hit back when its troops come under attack. Yet he also signaled that he will keep Israel in check, saying he is confident the ceasefire will stick. Vance also tried to play down the violence, saying Tuesday that the ceasefire is holding. That doesnt mean there arent going to be little skirmishes here and there, he said. Despite ceasefire, Gaza civilians are paying a heavy price The Israeli military has a long history of tough responses to enemy attacks, and Tuesday nights airstrikes were no exception. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel said it struck dozens of Hamas militants and military sites. Palestinian health officials said that scores of women and children, including a 1-year-old, were killed in the attacks. After announcing the ceasefire was back on, the military said it carried out another airstrike in northern Gaza, targeting what it called a site where weapons were being stored for an imminent attack. Shifa Hospital in Gaza City said it received two bodies from the strike. Israel's military continued to strike militant infrastructure in Gaza overnight into Thursday, sending at least 40 injured people to Nasser Hospital in south Gaza, according to Mohammad Saar, head of the nursing department. Israels five wars against Hamas, along with recent conflicts with Lebanons Hezbollah militant group and Hamas, have all been characterized by lopsided death tolls with large numbers of civilian deaths. During the 12-day war between Israel and Iran earlier this year, for instance, Iran said over 1,000 Iranians were killed. Israels government said around 30 Israelis lost their lives in Iranian missile attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel says it complies with international law and only strikes military targets, while accusing its enemies of using civilians as human shields. But human rights groups have repeatedly accused Israel of using disproportionate force. Israel will hold Hamas responsible for any perceived truce violation Since Hamas seized control of Gaza in 2007, Israel has said the Islamic militant group is responsible for all violence emanating from the territory, even when Hamas denies involvement. That still appears to be the case: Hamas said it was not involved in Tuesdays shooting of the Israeli soldier in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Increasing the likelihood of further fighting, Netanyahu also faces intense pressure from hard-liners to issue a punishing response to any perceived violation of the truce. With Israeli critics and media accusing Netanyahu of caving to American pressure, the Israeli leader also has been eager to assert his independence. Vance and other Israeli officials have rejected suggestions that they are controlling Israeli actions. The ceasefire is stuck in its initial phase Trump has presented a 20-point plan for the ceasefire, beginning with the exchange of hostages, both dead and alive, for living and deceased Palestinian prisoners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The details of the next phase of the deal disarming Hamas, installing a new government in Gaza and deploying an international security force -- are yet to be hammered out. For now, the sides remain stuck in phase one. Hamas return of two sets of hostage remains Thursday restored faith in the hostage portion of the fragile ceasefire agreement, especially given that one of the triggers of the deadly Israeli airstrikes on Gaza was Hamas handling of recent turnovers. Prior to Thursday's return, Hamas had returned body parts belonging to a hostage whose remains had been recovered by Israel in late 2023, infuriating Israeli officials. Israeli officials also accused Hamas of staging the discovery of hostage remains on Monday, sharing a 14-minute, edited video from a military drone in Gaza. With mistrust running deep, and the remains of dead hostages still in Gaza, the potential for additional bursts of violence appears to remain high. By Ahmed Aboulenein and Susan Heavey WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday said it is aiming to reduce the number of human clinical studies required for approval of certain biosimilar drugs and cut development costs for the medicines made using living cells. The agency released draft guidance proposing ways to accelerate the availability of less expensive close copies of complex biotech medicines and treat them like generics, enabling doctors to prescribe them more easily. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move is part of a broader push to cut healthcare costs, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in a press conference. "Under this new framework, companies may not always need to conduct large, expensive human trials when advanced testing can already prove that biosimilars work just as effectively and just as safely as the original drug," Kennedy said. Unlike cheap generic versions of simple-to-manufacture pills, medicines made from living cells cannot be exactly copied, so are referred to as biosimilars. Major pharmaceutical companies and industry groups have lobbied against such changes that they argue could hurt innovation and limit treatment options. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kennedy challenged many of the pharmaceutical industry's arguments for not treating biosimilars as equal to the original branded medicines, saying they were tactics to prevent competition. "The lobby invented a fake distinction between biosimilars and interchangeable biosimilars," he said. Biotech drugs are the fastest-growing class of medications in the United States and account for a substantial and growing portion of healthcare costs, the FDA has said. MULTIPLE BARRIERS Biosimilars have faced multiple barriers, including physician hesitancy, reimbursement policies, and complex patent litigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drugmakers such as Eli Lilly, Pfizer, Merck and Bristol Myers Squibb have warned investors about the impact of biosimilar competition in regulatory filings, while makers of generic drugs including Teva, Dr Reddy's and Sandoz have supported reforms. The FDA's move follows recent pricing agreements between U.S. President Donald Trump and drugmakers, which have added pressure on branded drug revenues. Currently, in some circumstances, developers perform "switching studies" to prove their biosimilars should be licensed as interchangeable with the original branded medicine. The FDA said these additional studies can slow development and create public confusion about biosimilar safety. Once deemed interchangeable, the medicines can be readily substituted for the more expensive drug. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're planting a flag saying we want interchangeability. We promote it, we encourage it," said FDA Commissioner Marty Makary. The final guidance is expected to come out in three to six months, Makary said. (Reporting by Ahmed Aboulenein and Susan Heavey; Additional reporting by Siddhi Mahatole in Bengaluru and Deena Beasley in Los Angeles; Editing by Bill Berkrot) When it comes to retirement, there are some longstanding rules of thumb many people rely on. Unfortunately, finance expert Suze Orman has a warning about one of those rules. Orman has urged people to stop following the 4% rule, saying I would not be using the 4% figure on any level. So, what is the ... Suze Orman explains why people have to stop using this old retirement rule as a crutch U.S. lawmakers have tried four times since September last year to close what they called a glaring loophole: China is getting around export bans on the sale of powerful American AI chips by renting them through U.S. cloud services instead. But the proposals prompted a flurry of activity from more than 100 lobbyists from tech companies and their trade associations trying to weigh in, according to disclosure reports. The result: All four times, the proposal failed, including just last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following a long-heralded meeting between leaders Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, the sale of U.S. technology to China remains among the thorniest issues the U.S. faces, with billions of dollars and the future of tech dominance at stake. But the tough talk about China obscures a deeper story: Even while warning about national security and human rights abuse, the U.S. government across five Republican and Democratic administrations has repeatedly allowed and even actively helped American firms to sell technology to Chinese police, government agencies and surveillance companies, an Associated Press investigation has found. And time after time, despite bipartisan attempts, Congress has turned a blind eye to loopholes that allow China to work around its own rules, such as cloud services, third-party resellers, and holes in sanctions passed after the Tiananmen massacre. For example, despite U.S. export rules around advanced chips, China bought $20.7 billion worth of chipmaking equipment from U.S. companies in 2024 to bolster its homegrown industry, a report from a congressional committee this month warned. This reluctance to act reflects the tremendous wealth and power of the tech industry, which is more visible than ever under the Trump administration. And in recent months, the president himself has struck grand deals with Silicon Valley firms that even more closely tie the U.S. economy to tech exports to China, giving taxpayers a direct stake in the profits for the first time. In August, Trump announced a deal with chipmakers Nvidia and AMD to lift export controls on sales of advanced chips to China in exchange for a 15% cut of the revenue, despite concerns from national security experts that such chips will end up in the hands of Chinese military and intelligence services. Trump said after Thursdays meeting with Xi that China would follow up with Nvidia on the sales of chips but did not announce any resolution. Trump also has announced that the U.S. government has taken a 10 percent stake in Intel worth around $11 billion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Longtime Chinese activist Zhou Fengsuo said the U.S. government is letting American companies set the agenda and ignoring how they help Beijing surveil and censor its own people. In 1989, Zhou was a student leader during the Tiananmen protests, where hundreds and possibly thousands were shot and killed by the Chinese government. Zhou was arrested and imprisoned. Now a U.S. citizen, Zhou testified before Congress in 2024, calling on Washington to investigate the involvement of American tech companies in Chinese surveillance. An AP investigation in September found that American companies to a large degree designed and built Chinas surveillance state, playing a far greater role in enabling human rights abuses than previously known. Its driven by profit, and thats why these strategic discussions have been silenced or delayed, Zhou said. Im extremely disappointed. this is a strategic failure by the United States. Hundreds of millions in lobbying Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sale of technology to China is contentious among both Republicans and Democrats, with some arguing for a harder stance. They are fighting a powerful opponent. An AP analysis of lobbying filings showed U.S. tech and telecom companies, as well as their trade associations, spent hundreds of millions of dollars over the past two decades on lobbyists who listed key bills impacting China-related trade on their quarterly disclosure reports, among other issues. Tech companies argue that further export restrictions will push China to develop its own domestic supply and strengthen its position in the global race for leadership in artificial intelligence. Continuing to ban U.S. computing from commercial markets only benefits foreign competition and undercuts President Trumps efforts to create jobs, reduce the trade deficit, and grow the economy, Nvidia said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nvidia has also said that it does not make surveillance systems or software, does not work with police in China and has not designed its H20 AI chip for police surveillance. Intel, which partnered with a Chinese fingerprinting company as recently as last year, has said the company follows export control policies, and did not address details of its deal with the U.S. government. The U.S. governments investment is a passive ownership, with no board representation, governance or information rights, Intel said in a statement. AMD did not respond. The White House and the Commerce and State departments also did not respond to multiple requests for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The AP investigation was based on dozens of open record requests, hundreds of pages of congressional testimony, lobbying disclosures and dozens of interviews with current and former Chinese and American executives, politicians, and former federal officials. Under the cloud services loophole, Chinese companies barred from accessing cutting-edge chips can use Microsoft Azure or Amazon Web Services overseas instead to train their AI models. Microsoft and AWS also both advertise the capacity to store video surveillance footage on their cloud services for Chinese customers. For example, SDIC Contech, a state-owned tech company that works with AI, sought access to AWS and Microsoft Azure big data analytics services, procurement bids show. And Shanghai Qi Zhi Institute, a government-backed research institute working on sensitive technologies such as encryption, sought access to $280,000 worth of Azure OpenAI cloud services from Microsoft. Even sanctioned Chinese companies can use AWS and Microsoft Azure to offer surveillance abilities to customers overseas. For example, despite U.S. sanctions over human rights abuses in Xinjiang in 2019, Dahua and Hikvision, Chinas two largest surveillance companies, use AWS to offer networked surveillance abroad, according to marketing material on the company websites. Hikvision markets a video surveillance platform called HikCentral to private companies overseas, which can be also deployed on Azure, according to a post on Hikvisions website this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Microsoft denied providing services to Hikvision or partnering with them to provide services to others. OpenAI, which provides its advanced AI models through Microsofts Azure cloud platform, said it was subject to Microsofts policies and doesnt support China's access to its services. AWS did not respond on the record to questions about the cloud services loophole. Another enduring loophole is in the restrictions passed after the Tiananmen massacre that didnt include newer policing technologies, such as security cameras, surveillance drives, or facial recognition systems. In 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011 and 2013, lawmakers introduced bills to try and close the loophole. All failed. The U.S. government under both Republican and Democratic presidents has made other attempts to regulate tech surveillance exports to China. In 2008, the Department of Commerce asked for comment on whether to include biometric devices and integrated security systems under controlled exports, but ran out of time before the next administration came in. In 2014 and 2015, it tried to tighten controls on surveillance products, but most fell through. In 2024, it sought to restrict exports of face-recognition systems and bar many more military, police, and intelligence end users from receiving U.S. goods, with no success. Some politicians on both sides of the aisle blame the failures in part on the money and political influence of tech companies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think weve been naive or complicit in the extreme, said New Jersey GOP Rep. Chris Smith. The U.S., he said, has been selling and conveying to a malevolent power the ability to destroy us and destroy like-minded Western democracies. What do all those companies all have in common? A big wallet, said Ron Wyden, a Democratic senator from Oregon. That is as much as anything is whats behind the fact we havent made as much progress. A history of failures to close loopholes The first round of U.S. prohibitions on Chinese police came after the Tiananmen massacre and applied to crime control and detection equipment. They largely stopped U.S. companies from exporting goods to Chinese entities such as restraints, helmets, shields and batons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the controls were narrowly confined to largely low-tech goods, leaving out advanced technologies that could be used by police and leading at times to puzzling priorities. U.S. regulators warned sex shops against shipping novelty gold handcuffs to China. At the same time, they broadly permitted Silicon Valley companies to sell routers, servers, software, and more recently, AI-powered surveillance systems to Chinese police. For example, despite explicit restrictions on fingerprint recognition systems, U.S. companies still were able to sell gear to process, store and compare fingerprints. In 2006, with bipartisan support, Smith introduced the Global Online Freedom Act to curtail the involvement of American tech companies in Chinese surveillance. Smith drew parallels with IBMs sale of computing gear to Nazi Germany, which has been well documented by historians. IBM told AP in a follow-up statement that the claim that IBM knowingly collaborated with Nazi Germany was false and has been rejected by credible historians. Associations representing the tech and telecommunications industries and dozens of companies stepped up their lobbying against Smiths proposal, disclosures show. The companies argued the computers, servers and routers they sold in China were no different from what they sold to other countries. Industry groups and individual companies also submitted hundreds of comments to regulators, hoping to influence China-related export regulations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smiths bill went nowhere. Money talks When they flood certain members on strategic committees with the money, PAC money and the like, how much easier it is to listen to their narrative that somehow theyre part of the reform? said Smith. Tech sales to China continued, sometimes with direct government support. Numerous archived webpages show that the U.S. Commercial Service, the export-promoting arm of the Commerce Department, played a crucial role for more than a decade in connecting U.S. vendors to Chinese security agencies and key government officials, including through its marquee Gold Key Matching service. In 2004, the Commercial Service invited American companies selling security technologies and equipment to show off their products at a Chinese security exposition. Two years later, it advertised opportunities for American firms in the safety and security market, followed by another publication later describing market opportunities for foreign security products such as inspection control and guard communication systems. Archived webpages also show that under both the George W. Bush and Obama administrations, the Commercial Service steadily promoted U.S. participation in policing trade shows, even those that showcased biological identification technologies or were initiated by the Chinese Communist Party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under Bush, the Commerce Department in 2007 hosted a webinar about how to sell to the Chinese security market and promote surveillance tools to Chinas public sector. For just $35, the federal agency could offer attendees market entry-strategies and long-term market penetration plans, an archived webpage shows. Jeanette Chu, who then worked at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing and helped give the 2007 webinar, recalled sometimes having concerns. I used to ask myself all the time, what is the scary potential of each item? said Chu, now a national security and trade expert advising industry. Despite promises to nail shut Washingtons revolving door, President Barack Obama like presidents before and after him gave former industry lobbyists and allies top jobs, including Eric Hirschhorn in the Commerce Department, who represented a trade group that lobbied for tech companies exporting abroad. Hirschhorn wrote that Beijings surveillance abilities were nothing compared to the half-million surveillance cameras blanketing London. He was put in charge of the office that administers U.S. export controls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview, Hirschhorn said export controls alone were an inefficient way to defend human rights. You can use a computer to type an order or type a love note, he told AP. Are you not going to sell computers to China because one out of every 10,000 of them will be used to store data about a dissident? In 2010, the U.S. State Departments human rights report warned of police surveillance, harassment and detentions of activists. Yet U.S. Ambassador Jon Huntsman led a mission to promote American business interests in the far-west region of Xinjiang, where authorities had arrested thousands of ethnic Uyghurs and cut internet access after deadly unrest the year before. Huntsman did not respond to requests for comment. That same year, the Commercial Service spotlighted opportunities for U.S. companies to sell equipment directly to Chinas central government to install a city-wide infrastructure of security, surveillance, and alarm systems" on its website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 2015 State Department draft plan for smart city cooperation obtained by AP proposed that China and the U.S. collaborate on joint research, such as on crime and urban security, and include private sector players such IBM. Additional documents AP obtained via a Freedom of Information Act request show the U.S. government also sought active counter-terrorism cooperation with China, which gave tech companies a chance for closer contact with Chinese authorities even as Beijing broadly labelled protest or dissent among Uyghurs as terrorism. Kevin Wolf, then an assistant secretary in charge of export controls at Commerce, said as news about human rights abuses inside China kept surfacing, he worried about U.S. innovations falling into the wrong hands. Wolf said he began drafting a rule to regulate certain surveillance gear sales in early 2016. The problem I was struggling with was, mass surveillance can involve everyday ordinary common items: its cameras, its software, its facial recognition stuff and 99 percent of all of those applications are perfectly benign, said Wolf, now a compliance attorney for industry. So if you were to say, ban cameras that can read someones face, you blow up international trade. Wolfs colleagues told him the draft rule was too complicated, Wolf said, and it foundered. In 2018, Congress passed the Export Control Reform Act, giving Commerce authority to make export control rules about advanced technologies. In 2019 and 2020, the Trump administration sanctioned some Chinese officials and surveillance firms over atrocities in Xinjiang. But sales of surveillance equipment continued, albeit at a slower pace though references to working with the Chinese police would disappear from annual Commerce Department reports for U.S. industry. In 2021, Joe Biden put out an executive order describing Chinese surveillance tech companies as unusual and extraordinary threats that enabled serious human rights abuses. In his final months in office, Bidens administration drew up sprawling rules for exporting advanced computer chips used to develop AI systems. Commerce also floated an updated version of Wolfs draft rule to keep facial recognition and other mass surveillance tools from reaching military and intelligence agencies and companies, including in China. But once again, Washington lobbyists, lawyers and politicians pushed back. The result would slow business considerably and likely result in the loss of customers that do not present any national security or human rights concerns, said a Chamber of Commerce filing from late last year. The proposed rule, in the end, stalled out. Gulbahar Haitiwaji, an ethnic Uyghur living in France, says little has changed since she testified to Congress in 2023 urging the U.S. government to stop American companies from continuing to be complicit in surveilling our people". Haitiwaji was arrested and detained in internment camps in Xinjiang for more than two years, after policing systems based on U.S. technology led Chinese officers to identify her as a terrorist. She was under constant, excruciating surveillance, with cameras watching her even in the toilet. After she was released in 2019, she still found herself living in what she calls an open-air prison, with every move monitored, until she finally left Xinjiang later that year. She said U.S. tech companies show little accountability. It's truly disappointing that the United States, one of the most powerful countries in the world, would sell such technology to China despite knowing the potential for serious consequences," Haitiwaji said. - Burke reported from San Francisco and Washington, Kang reported from Beijing and Tau reported from Washington. Former AP journalist Trenton Daniel contributed to this report from New York. ___ Contact APs global investigative team at Investigative@ap.org or https://www.ap.org/tips/ WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Donald Trump's top health official on Wednesday said evidence does not show that Kenvue's pain medicine Tylenol definitively causes autism but that it should still be used cautiously, a month after the president said U.S. health officials would recommend limiting its use. U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s comments also come one day after the Republican state of Texas sued the maker of the medicine, also known as acetaminophen and which has been sold widely for decades. "The causative association ... between Tylenol given in pregnancy and the perinatal periods is not sufficient to say it definitely cause autism. But it is very suggestive," Kennedy told reporters, citing animal, blood and observational studies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There should be a cautious approach to it," he added. Trump, who is not a doctor, in September warned pregnant women against taking the medication without citing any scientific evidence. His unproven claim initially hit shares of the consumer health company, which was spun off from Johnson & Johnson in 2023, and prompted pushback from many doctors. Kenvue has repeatedly defended the pain medicine, saying there is no scientific link to autism and warning that such suggestions could endanger maternal health. The company has urged the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to reject the call for an autism warning on Tylenol's label, and has reportedly hired a new marketing chief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Representatives for Kenvue could not be immediately reached for comment on Kennedy's comments. Its shares were down less than 1% in mid-afternoon trading on Wednesday. (Reporting by Susan Heavey and Ahmed Aboulenein in Washington, and Kamal Choudhury in Bengaluru; Editing by Leslie Adler and Deepa Babington) (Reuters) -The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will hold a public conference on Wednesday to outline plans for accelerating the approval of biosimilars or generic versions of complex biological drugs, as part of a broader push to expand access and cut healthcare costs. The move comes despite lobbying efforts from major pharmaceutical companies and industry groups, which have argued that easing requirements could hurt innovation and limit treatment options. The Financial Times, which reported on the news earlier on Wednesday, said the U.S. FDA is expected to reduce the number of human clinical studies required for certain biosimilars and cut development costs for medicines made using living cells. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The HHS event is scheduled to begin at 1:00 pm ET, according to its website. Biological drugs are the fastest-growing class of medications in the United States and account for a substantial and growing portion of health care costs, the FDA has said. Biosimilars have faced multiple barriers to uptake, including physician hesitancy, payer policies, and complex patent litigation. Drugmakers such as Eli Lilly, Pfizer, Merck and Bristol Myers Squibb have warned investors about the impact of biosimilar competition in regulatory filings, while generics makers including Teva, Dr Reddy's and Sandoz have supported reforms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FDA's reported move follows recent pricing agreements between U.S. President Donald Trump and drugmakers, which have added pressure on branded drug revenues. (Reporting by Siddhi Mahatole in Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh Kuber) Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Wednesday took a jibe at Congress MP Rahul Gandhi over his 'dance for votes' remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying "the habit of dancing runs in Gandhi's family." Taking a dig at Rahul Gandhi's motorcycle ride during the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar, Giriraj Singh said, "The people of Bihar will give them a befitting reply. Rahul Gandhi himself was dancing on a motorcycle, and he also knows with whom he was dancing. The habit of dancing runs in Rahul Gandhi's family." This comes after Gandhi launched a staunch attack against PM Modi, alleging he would 'do anything for votes'. Addressing an election rally at Muzaffarpur earlier today, Gandhi reiterated his "vote theft" allegations, accusing PM Modi of attempting to steal votes in the Bihar elections. The Congress leader said, "He (PM Modi) just wants your vote. If you ask him to do a drama for votes, he will. You can make him do anything. If you tell Narendra Modi to dance, he will dance." The "motorcycle" dig was aimed at him, as back in August, Rahul Gandhi, along with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav, rode motorcycles during the 'Yatra' to highlight alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the State. Further, Giriraj Singh slammed the Congress leader for his remarks against PM Modi over Chhath Puja, calling it an "insult" to the Sanatan Dharma. "Rahul Gandhi and Congress have insulted Sanatan by making lewd comments on Chhath Puja. This is an insult to Sanatan and Hindus. Rahul Gandhi himself does not know who he is. Is he a Parsi, a Hindu or a Christian?" he told reporters. In Darbhanga, Gandhi said that the BJP staged a "drama" and built a separate pond for PM Modi to take a dip in during Chhath Puja. "PM Modi said that he will bathe on the Yamuna for Chhath. The Yamuna has dirty water. If someone drank it, they would either get sick or die. No one can go inside. The water is so dirty that if you enter it, you would get sick or get an infection. But Modi staged a drama. He built a small pond there. They will show you anything for elections. A pipe is installed from behind. Clean water is poured into it. The problem arose that someone took a photo of the pipe," he said. Meanwhile, BJP MP Manoj Tiwari also targeted Rahul Gandhi, calling him "Pakistan's spokesperson." He added that the BJP has no hesitation in "bowing before the public." "Rahul Gandhi speaks as if he were a spokesperson for Pakistan. The language of someone who speaks as a spokesperson for India's adversaries will be like this. He insults the Indian army, insults the people. Rahul Gandhi can ask for votes with arrogance. We have no hesitation in bowing before the public. PM Narendra Modi is the 'pradhan sevak' of the people," Tiwari told reporters. Gandhi's remarks have sparked a row in poll-bound Bihar, where the Mahagathbandhan led by the RJD and Congress will take on the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the BJP and JD(U). The assembly elections will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11. The results will be declared on November 14. (ANI) WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Department of Transportation on Tuesday said it has revoked approval for 13 current or planned routes by Mexican carriers into the United States and tentatively canceled all combined passenger and cargo flights by Mexican airlines to the United States from Felipe Angeles International Airport. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy's order cancels current or planned flights by Aeromexico, Volaris and Viva Aerobus and freezes growth of Mexican carriers' combined passenger and cargo services - known as "belly cargo" - between the United States and Benito Juarez International Airport. Duffy said Mexico "illegally canceled and froze U.S. carrier flights for three years without consequences." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DOT said Mexico's continued non-compliance "may impact travel plans for American citizens. Passengers should contact their carrier for specific re-accommodation information." (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Christopher Cushing) The Trump administration lifted sanctions on Serbian leader Milorad Dodik on Wednesday, reversing course after the U.S. accused the pro-Russian ultranationalist of causing instability in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Dodik was removed as president of the Republic of Srpska, a Serb-majority territory in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in August after a court convicted him of defying the international envoy responsible for overseeing the Dayton Accords, a 1995 peace agreement that ended the Bosnian War. The Biden administration imposed sanctions against him in 2022. The separatist, who enjoys close ties to Russian leader Vladimir Putin, has long pushed for the Republic of Srpska to secede from Bosnia and Herzegovina and join neighboring Serbia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decision comes after several close allies of Trumps pushed for a lifting of sanctions, including MAGA influencer Laura Loomer and first-term Trump administration officials Rudy Giuliani and Michael Flynn. The Department of State said in a statement that it had removed 48 individuals and entities from the Western Balkans sanctions program and that it would continue to work with those "from across the political spectrum" on shared priorities. "The constructive actions taken in recent weeks by the Republika Srpska National Assembly should improve stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina and will enable a partnership with the United States based on mutual interests, economic potential, and shared prosperity," the State Department said. Dodik thanked Trump in a social media post for correcting a grave injustice for which he blamed the Obama and Biden administrations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decision to lift the sanctions is not merely a legal correction, but also a moral vindication of the truth about Republika Srpska and all those who have served it with honor, Dodik wrote. The U.S. alleged Dodik used his government position to accumulate personal wealth through graft, bribery, and other forms of corruption and undermined the Dayton Accords. Earlier this year, Dodik hired former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich who received a pardon from Trump in February to lobby on behalf of the Republic of Srpska. New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, the highest-ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, decried the decision as reckless and premature in a statement. "Dodik has undermined the Dayton Peace Agreement, cozied up to Putin and profited from corruptionhardly grounds for relief, Shaheen said. The American people deserve answers." WASHINGTON (AP) The United States on Wednesday lifted sanctions against separatist Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik and his family, turning back financial penalties that were imposed by the Biden administration in 2022. Dodik is staunchly pro-Russian and has called for the Serb-run half of Bosnia to break off and join Serbia. Until recently he was the president of the Bosnian Serb republic in Bosnia, sharing the tripartite presidency with a Bosniak and a Croat. Dodik agreed to step down this month after a Bosnian court banned him from politics over his separatist actions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dodiks separatist threats have stoked fears in the fragile Balkan country, where a 1992-95 war erupted when Bosnian Serbs rebelled against independence from the former Yugoslavia and moved to form a ministate with the aim of uniting it with Serbia. About 100,000 people were killed and millions were displaced. In imposing sanctions on Dodik, the former U.S. administration accused him of corruption and threatening to destabilize the region and undermine the U.S.-brokered peace accord that ended the war. The notification of the lifting of the sanctions was published Wednesday on the website of the Treasury Department's Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence. Officials from the White House and Treasury and State departments did not immediately respond to an Associated Press request for comment on why the sanctions were lifted. Dodik on X thanked President Donald Trump and his associates for correcting a grave injustice by previous administrations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decision to lift sanctions is not merely a legal correction, but also a moral vindication of the truth about Republika Srpska and all those who have served it with honor, Dodik said, referring to the Serb-run entity in Bosnia. Once again it has become clear that the accusations made against us were nothing but lies and propaganda. Included in the list of people and firms subject to lifted sanctions is a media outlet, Alternativna TV, which the U.S. has closely linked to Dodik's family. Dodiks policies have been widely seen as undermining the tense peace in Bosnia between the countrys three ethnic groups Bosniaks, who are mainly Muslim, Serbs and Croats. The Dayton peace accords that ended the war created two regions in Bosnia, Republika Srpska and the Bosniak-Croat Federation, which were given wide autonomy but kept some joint institutions, including the army and the judiciary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dodik has repeatedly clashed with the international envoy overseeing the peace, Christian Schmidt, and declared his decisions illegal in Republika Srpska. ___ Associated Press reporter Amer Cohadzic in Novi Sad, Serbia, contributed to this report. This story was originally published on Supply Chain Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Supply Chain Dive newsletter. Editors note: This story is developing and may be updated. The United States is nearing completion of a trade-related agreement with South Korea, according to President Donald Trump. We made our deal, pretty much finalized a trade deal, and we discussed some other things having to do with national security, etc., Trump said at a dinner with South Korea President Lee Jae Myung and other officials Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neither country has published official documentation of any deal, although multiple reports indicate Wednesdays purported agreement will solidify certain provisions of a proposed framework from July. As part of the framework pact, the U.S. agreed to lower tariffs on imports from South Korea from 25% to 15%. Trump said at the time South Korea would also invest $350 billion into the U.S. Wednesdays meeting between Trump and Lee occurred parallel to this weeks Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Seoul this week. Trump is expected to meet with China President Xi Jinping on Thursday during the summit to discuss a potential trade pact. Over the weekend, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the U.S. and China had established a substantial framework during negotiations in Malaysia, part of a multi-country tour for Trump and other White House officials. However, any agreement requires approval from Trump and Xi. Recommended Reading Washington As the highly anticipated meeting between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping was set to take place in South Korea Thursday, the U.S. military's Indo-Pacific Command quietly issued an order this week to stage a "show of force" against recent Chinese aggression in the South China Sea, CBS News has learned. It's unclear when this operation would occur, if at all, as military operations can easily be canceled at the last minute, but the execute order from Indo-Pacific Command, the Defense Department's oldest and largest combatant unit overseeing operations across half the globe, directed American forces to carry out a precision strike demonstration in response to China's escalating hostilities near disputed waters. Two other sources confirmed that the operation had been prepared as an option, but they said the plan was unlikely to be executed. If launched, it's unclear what the HIMARS would target but the operation is intended to signal Washington's intent to push back against Beijing's expanding presence in the region and defend what U.S. officials describe as Philippine sovereignty and long-standing fishing rights. File: In this photo, taken from video and provided by the Philippine Coast Guard, a damaged Chinese Coast Guard ship, right, is seen beside a Chinese Navy vessel, left, after they accidentally collided while chasing a Philippine fisheries boat near Scarborough Shoal in the disputed South China Sea on Aug. 11, 2025. / Credit: Philippine Coast Guard via AP Contacted by CBS News, no reply has been returned from U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS, delivers its greatest impact against fixed targets that can be located and struck with precision, such as ammunition depots or clusters of troops. Built by defense contractor Lockheed Martin, the system saw extensive use in the post-9/11 Iraq and Afghanistan wars and is prized by Ukraine in its fight against Russia. Scarborough Shoal, known in the Philippines as Bajo de Masinloc, sits within Manila's exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea, but Beijing has controlled access to the reef since a tense 2012 standoff between the two nations who both claim ownership of the shoal. China's presence there has grown steadily as its coast guard and maritime flotilla of ships regularly shadow or harass Philippine vessels and small fishing boats. In Sept. 2024, a "60 Minutes" crew witnessed China's naval aggressiveness while onboard a Philippine Coast Guard ship that was rammed by a Chinese coast guard vessel. The Philippine ship was on a mission to resupply ships and stations in the South China Sea at the time but was forced to abandon its first stop as Chinese vessels surrounded it. Recent high-resolution satellite photos released earlier this month shows what appears to be a floating barrier at the mouth of Scarborough reef. Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Ray Powell, a maritime analyst and director of SeaLight, a Stanford University-affiliated analysis group, posted the photographs captured by Satellogic on X and said China was responsible for installing the barrier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both China and the Philippines have installed and later dismantled temporary barriers around the Scarborough Shoal before. One U.S. official said ideally, the operation by Indo-Pacific Command should occur ahead of the U.S.-China trade negotiations or before China establishes a more permanent barrier at the Scarborough reef. In August, a Chinese Coast Guard ship and a Chinese Navy vessel collided near the reef while pursuing a Philippine Coast Guard cutter. Weeks later, Beijing announced plans to create a "nature reserve" in the area a move that was condemned by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and viewed by officials in Manila as another step toward solidifying Chinese control. "Beijing claiming Scarborough Reef as a nature preserve is yet another coercive attempt to advance sweeping territorial and maritime claims in the South China Sea at the expense of its neighbors, including by preventing Filipino fishermen from accessing these traditional fishing grounds," Rubio said in a statement. "China's actions at Scarborough Reef continue to undermine regional stability." Speaking before fellow leaders of the Association of South East Asian Nations and Mr. Trump on Sunday in Kuala Lumpur, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., echoed Rubio's comments from September and condemned China, without directly naming it, for encroaching on Philippine sovereignty in its push for a "nature reserve" in Scarborough Shoal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The attempt of some actors to establish the so-called 'nature reserve' status over Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal, which is a long-standing and integral part of the Philippines over which it has sovereignty and jurisdiction, clearly violates not only Philippine sovereignty, but also the traditional fishing rights of our people," said Marcos, who added that China is violating international law. He cited the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 Award on the South China Sea arbitration which rejected China's claims of historic rights over the territory. What to expect from Trump meeting with Xi Jinping Eye Opener: Hurricane Melissa makes landfall in Jamaica Hurricane Melissa expected to bring catastrophic weather to Jamaica WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The Republican-led U.S. Senate passed legislation on Tuesday that would overturn President Donald Trump's tariffs against Brazil by terminating the national emergency he declared in July in retaliation for Brazil's prosecution of its former president, Jair Bolsonaro, for an alleged coup attempt. In the first of three tariff bills expected in the Senate this week, lawmakers approved the Brazil measure 52-48, with five Republicans crossing partisan lines to back the measure. Legislative measures to terminate Trump's tariffs on Canada and his tariffs against other countries around the globe are expected to come up for votes later this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vote sent the Brazil measure on to the Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives, where it is expected to be shelved. House Republicans have repeatedly voted to block action on legislation to end Trump's tariffs. The Senate action came while Trump is on a five-day trip to Malaysia, Japan and South Korea and is scheduled to meet with China's Xi Jinping for trade talks on Thursday. Senate Democrats, who contend that Trump has used bogus emergency declarations to justify some of his tariffs, have pledged to force repeated votes to undo the trade actions as prices on affected goods and commodities rise, hurting American consumers. In April, the Senate passed legislation to end Trump's tariffs against Canada but rejected another measure to rein in his global tariffs. Neither went anywhere in the House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brazilian officials have cited a $410 billion U.S. trade surplus with Brazil over 15 years. But Trump's executive order accused the South American country of threatening U.S. national security, foreign policy and the U.S. economy, as well as "politically persecuting" Bolsonaro. (Reporting by David Morgan; Editing by Nia Williams and Sonali Paul) By David Morgan WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The Republican-led U.S. Senate passed legislation on Tuesday that would overturn President Donald Trump's tariffs against Brazil by terminating the national emergency he declared in July in retaliation for Brazil's prosecution of its former president, Jair Bolsonaro, for an alleged coup attempt. In the first of three tariff bills expected in the Senate this week, lawmakers approved the Brazil measure 52-48, with five Republicans crossing partisan lines to back the legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Legislative measures to terminate Trump's tariffs on Canada and his tariffs against other countries around the globe are expected to come up for votes later this week. The vote sent the Brazil measure on to the Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives, where it is expected to be shelved. House Republicans have repeatedly voted to block action on legislation to end Trump's tariffs. The Senate action came while Trump is on a five-day trip to Malaysia, Japan and South Korea and is scheduled to meet with China's Xi Jinping for trade talks on Thursday. Senate Democrats, who contend that Trump has used bogus emergency declarations to justify some of his tariffs, have pledged to force repeated votes to undo the trade actions as prices on affected goods and commodities rise, hurting American consumers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "People are suffering. They're paying more for food, more for clothes, more for healthcare, more for energy, more for building supplies, because of President Trump's tariff policy," Senator Tim Kaine, the Virginia Democrat who authored the resolution, said on the Senate floor. His measure was backed by Republican Senators Susan Collins, Mitch McConnell, Lisa Murkowski, Rand Paul and Thom Tillis. Other Republicans warned the bill could undermine Trump's efforts to negotiate new trade deals with other countries. Brazilian officials have cited a $410 billion U.S. trade surplus with Brazil over 15 years. But Trump's executive order accused the South American country of threatening U.S. national security, foreign policy and the U.S. economy, as well as "politically persecuting" Bolsonaro. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bolsonaro has been convicted of taking part in an armed criminal organization, attempting to violently abolish democracy and organizing a coup, and has been sentenced to 27 years in prison. He has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and appealed his prison sentence to Brazil's Supreme Court. Trump raised tariffs on imports of most Brazilian goods to 50% and sanctioned the Brazilian Supreme Court justice overseeing the Bolsonaro case in July. The judge had levied search warrants and restraining orders against Bolsonaro over allegations that he courted Trump's interference in his criminal case, in which he was accused of plotting to stop President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva from taking office in 2023. Trump said last week he would consider reducing tariffs on Brazil, under the right circumstances. In April, the Senate passed legislation to end Trump's tariffs against Canada but rejected another measure to rein in his global tariffs. Both were voted down in the House. (Reporting by David Morgan; Editing by Sonali Paul and Lincoln Feast.) The State Department is deploying emergency teams to the Caribbean to help in the response to Hurricane Melissa, which has battered Jamaica and nearby island nations. In response to catastrophic damage caused by Hurricane Melissa in many Caribbean countries, @StateDept is deploying a regional Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) and activated US-based Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams to bolster response efforts, the State Department said Wednesday. These teams are working with affected countries and local communities to determine what assistance is needed and with interagency, international, and U.S. military partners to coordinate emergency response efforts, the statement continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration told The Hill it does not have any additional details to provide about the effort. Hurricane Melissa was making its way across Cuba as a Category 3 storm Wednesday, after hitting Jamaica as one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record. The storm reached top sustained winds of 185 mph before weakening as it made its way across land in Jamaica. More than half a million customers on the island were left without power late Tuesday, and officials reported most of the nation saw extensive flooding and damage to trees and power lines. Desmond McKenzie, deputy chairman of Jamaicas Disaster Risk Management Council, said the storm damaged four hospitals and left one without power, forcing 75 patients to evacuate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McKenzie said extensive damage was reported in parts of Clarendon in the south, describing the southwestern parish of St. Elizabeth as under water. Seven people have been reported to have died in the Caribbean as a result of the storm, including three in Jamaica, three in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic. The Jamaican government said its hoping to reopen the islands airports as early as Thursday to allow emergency supplies to enter the country. The Associated Press contributed. 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. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday hit out at Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi over his remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chhath puja during the Bihar election campaign earlier today. In a post on X, Gupta alleged that Rahul Gandhi has insulted the sentiments of Chhath devotees and mocked Indian cultural traditions. "The derogatory remarks made about Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji reflect Rahul Gandhi's political bankruptcy. This proves that the Congress has no agenda for Bihar, and therefore, they are compelled to resort to personal accusations for cheap popularity," she said. CM Gupta also accused the Congress leader of "political immaturity" and said his comments distanced him from the faith of millions. "The manner in which Rahul Gandhi has begun his election campaign in Bihar is not only a symbol of political immaturity but also a gross insult to the faith of millions of Chhath devotees," the Delhi CM said. Gupta further alleged that Gandhi's remarks on the Chhath Mahaparv and the Yamuna River reflected an "insulting mentality" toward Indian culture. "His remarks on the Chhath Mahaparv and the mockery directed at Mother Yamuna clearly demonstrate how distant his thinking is from Indian culture, Sanatan traditions, and public faith," Rekha Gupta added. Her reaction comes after Rahul Gandhi, campaigning in Darbhanga, said that the BJP staged a "drama" and built a separate pond for PM Modi to take a dip in during Chhath Puja. "PM Modi said that he will bathe on the Yamuna for Chhath. The Yamuna has dirty water. If someone drank it, they would either get sick or die. No one can go inside. The water is so dirty that if you enter it, you would get sick or get an infection. But Modi staged a drama. He built a small pond there. They will show you anything for elections. A pipe is installed from behind. Clean water is poured into it. The problem arose that someone took a photo of the pipe," he said. The Delhi CM also claimed that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the Yamuna ghats in the national capital had transformed, enabling devotees to perform rituals with dignity. "Where devotees were once forced to worship amidst foam and filth, today those same ghats are replete with cleanliness, facilities, and beauty. This sensitivity is the culture of the BJP," she said. Calling Gandhi's comments "highly condemnable", Gupta said the people of Bihar and Delhi would not tolerate disrespect toward their faith. She wrote, "Where devotees were once forced to worship amidst foam and filth, today those same ghats are replete with cleanliness, facilities, and beauty. This sensitivity is the culture of the BJP, where respect for faith is always placed above politics. This statement is an insult to the public faith of Chhath devotees in Bihar and Delhi." Meanwhile, speaking to the reporters, the Delhi CM accused the Mahagathbandhan of resorting to personal attacks and misleading voters for electoral gains. "The people of the 'Mahathagbandhan' can do anything for votes during elections. They can belittle the nation. Make personal remarks. Comment on anyone's mother. Their only goal is to get votes and deceive the people," Gupta said. "They think they can deceive the people of Bihar, but a Bihari can be innocent but not naive. The people of Bihar want development. They want the development they have seen under the NDA's rule...," she said. The reaction comes after Rahul Gandhi, addressing an election rally at Muzaffarpur on Wednesday, had said, "He (PM Modi) just wants your vote. If you ask him to do a drama for votes, he will. You can make him do anything. If you tell Narendra Modi to dance, he will dance." Gandhi reiterated his "vote theft" allegations, accusing PM Modi of attempting to steal votes in the Bihar elections. "They are engaged in stealing your votes. Because they want to end this election disease, I am telling you, they stole elections in Maharashtra, they stole elections in Haryana, and they will try their best in Bihar," he added. Gandhi addressed a joint rally with the Mahagathbandhan's Chief Ministerial face and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, opening his campaign for the Bihar Assembly elections. The 2025 Bihar election is 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. Mahagathbandhan, led by Rashtriya Janata Dal, includes 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 staked claims to all 243 seats in the state. The assembly elections will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11. The results will be declared on November 14. (ANI) South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and President Donald Trump finalized a trade agreement on Wednesday during the US leaders final stop on his Asian tour, following months of negotiations. Under the deal, South Korea will invest $350 billion in the US in exchange for Washington reducing tariffs on the Asian nations auto industry from 25% to 15%. We reached a deal, Trump said ahead of a regional leaders banquet in Gyeongju. We did a lot of different things. Great session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Korea had welcomed Trump with gifts and flattery, the latest in a string of Asian nations to resort to a well-worn playbook to curry favor with the American leader. Seoul gave Trump a replica of an ancient gold crown and awarded him its highest civilian honor, days after Tokyo ensured the US president was greeted by the Japanese emperor and was served American rice at a banquet, bucking a historic trend of promoting local produce at high-profile gatherings. And earlier on his trip through Asia, Trump presided over the signing of a peace deal between Cambodia and Thailand, a condition of him attending a regional meeting. By Andrew Chung (Reuters) -The U.S. Supreme Court signaled on Wednesday that it is actively debating how to interpret the wording of a law that limits when a president can use members of the National Guard in a challenge to President Donald Trump's bid to dispatch troops to the Chicago area. The justices ordered the challengers - the state of Illinois and the City of Chicago - as well as Trump's Justice Department, to file written briefs by November 10 answering the question of what the words "regular forces" in the law means. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law at issue lets a president deploy state National Guard troops to suppress a rebellion or if he is "unable with the regular forces to execute the laws of the United States." The Justice Department asked the court in an emergency filing on October 17 to lift Chicago-based U.S. District Judge April Perry's decision to block the Guard deployment while litigation in the challenge continues. Perry ruled that Trump likely violated the law establishing preconditions for federalizing Guard troops, as well as the state's rights under the U.S. Constitution's 10th Amendment. The National Guard serves as state-based militia forces answering to state governors except when called into federal service by the president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case has been characterized by starkly different portrayals of the protests against the administration's aggressive immigration enforcement in and around Chicago. The administration has said that the words "regular forces" mean that the president can call up the National Guard if non-military federal agents who regularly enforce federal laws cannot properly do so. In an October 10 written ruling, Perry said that historical sources indicate that "regular forces" means only members regularly enlisted in the military, including the Army and Navy, as opposed to the National Guard. Perry wrote that "in order for the President to call forth the militia to execute the laws, the President must be incapable with the regular forces - that is, lacking the power and force with the military alone - to execute the law." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's administration "made no attempt to rely on the regular forces before resorting to federalization of the National Guard," Perry said, adding that there are other limits on the use of the military for domestic law enforcement purposes. The Chicago-based 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously upheld Perry's decision. Noting the debate over the meaning of "regular forces," the three-judge panel said that the administration had not met its burden under either standard. "Even applying great deference to the administrations view of the facts ... there is insufficient evidence that protest activity in Illinois has significantly impeded the ability of federal officers to execute federal immigration laws," the appeals court said. Sporadic disruptions during protests "have been quickly contained by local, state, and federal authorities. At the same time, immigration arrests and deportations have proceeded apace," the appeals court added. (Reporting by Andrew Chung; editing by Diane Craft) Editors note: This op-ed was authored by a Department of Defense civilian employee who requested anonymity due to concerns about potential retaliation for expressing dissenting opinions from the Trump administration. Military Times granted anonymity for the author to express their views freely. U.S. service members make considerable personal and professional sacrifices to maintain Americas advantage over its adversaries. Yet many have a blind spot for how the recent U.S. strikes against alleged drug-carrying boats may be setting a precedent that gives a lawfare advantage to those very adversaries. As a Defense Department employee, I have seen this firsthand in colleagues. These actions not only create legal controversy that stands out from those of the war on terror era but also set the stage for China to use this precedent to take control of Taiwan in a fait accompli. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the early days of President Donald Trumps second term, the U.S. declared several Latin American cartels terrorist organizations for the purpose of sanctions. In early September, the U.S. began executing strikes against boats, mostly in the Caribbean, that the Trump administration has claimed are smuggling drugs. As of this writing, the U.S. has disclosed conducting 13 strikes, killing at least 57 people. Trump has defended the strikes by claiming the U.S. is targeting narco-terrorists who are smuggling a deadly weapon poisoning Americans. One month into this military campaign, and after giving various garbled legal justifications, the U.S. declared it is in an armed conflict a legal framework where an armed force can kill enemy combatants without trial against unspecified cartels, citing self-defense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administrations legal framework is nonsense, as has been well explained elsewhere; experts in the law of war have called the strikes patently illegal. One aspect designating the cartels as terrorists stretches the meaning of the term beyond its breaking point, according to one scholar. Moreover, the circumstances simply fail to meet key criteria for an armed conflict: The cartels lack the command structure of an organized armed group that would make their members targetable based on their status, and the cartels have not engaged in intense or protracted armed violence against the U.S. Even if the U.S. could reasonably argue an armed conflict was underway, there is no domestic law authority (such as congressional authorization) for the president to order these strikes. As Georgetown law professor Marty Lederman points out, To be sure, Article II [of the U.S. Constitution] empowers a president to repel an actual attack against the United States. But thats a far cry from authorizing an ongoing series of status-based strikes by the United States against a non-State armed group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is potentially an even graver development appearing on the horizon, meanwhile, as the U.S. has been moving naval forces into the region and Trump has alluded to an intention to begin striking land targets. A sailor assigned to the USS Gerald R. Ford stands by to signal an F/A-18E Super Hornet during routine flight operations. (MCS Gladjimi Balisage/U.S. Navy) Beginning in August, the U.S. deployed several warships to the region and F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico. In recent days, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford to the region. If the U.S. were to begin striking land targets in Latin American countries, it would be a flagrant violation of those countries sovereignty and would add yet another dimension of illegality to U.S. actions. Objections to the Trump administrations actions have come from Democrats and Republicans in Congress, a group of experts appointed by the U.N. Human Rights Council, former military lawyers and, reportedly, lawyers currently serving in DOD. But isnt dissent about U.S. military operations normal? For service members who have spent most of their careers in the GWOT era, controversy over U.S. military action and legal justifications may seem par for the course. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indeed, legal controversies dogged the U.S. during the war on terror, from the Bush administrations decision to go to war in Iraq to the Obama administrations use of drone strikes. Some of these controversies have receded over time and firmly established precedents have emerged, such as the reliance by the U.S. and other militaries on the use of drone strikes. Others remain subject to critical examination for example, the defense bill recently passed by the House of Representatives would repeal one of the authorizations for the use of military force in the Middle East that was, in many cases, used to authorize operations well beyond the original scope of the authority. But the U.S. strikes against the alleged drug boats are problematic in crucial ways that GWOT activities were not. In addition to the fact that the cartels are not engaged in intense or protracted armed violence against the U.S., the Trump administration has reportedly not presented compelling evidence to Congress that the targeted boats were smuggling fentanyl into the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another key difference is that the U.S. had limited options at its disposal when it came to preventing attacks by terrorist groups such as al-Qaida. This is not the situation we are in today. The president has numerous tools at his disposal today to reduce the harm that fentanyl and other illegal drugs are having on Americans many of which would likely be more effective than striking smuggling boats in the Caribbean. These include: Focusing and well-resourcing the efforts of the agencies traditionally tasked with interdicting drug smuggling the Coast Guard and the Department of Homeland Security on the most common routes of entry for illicit drugs to the U.S. This would mean directing a focus on the U.S.-Mexico border and Pacific coast, where the vast majority of illegal drugs enter the U.S., and better resourcing drug detection technologies at legal ports of entry, where most fentanyl seizures occur. Increasing partnerships between federal agencies and local police. Reprioritizing drug enforcement for federal investigations and prosecution. Increasing Americans access to addiction services. How these actions are setting a precedent that could help China achieve dominance Treating international drug smuggling as an armed conflict and drug traffickers as combatants has implications far beyond the legal realm. U.S. adversaries could use this precedent to gain advantage on the global stage. For example, this precedent could be used by China to effectively take control of Taiwan. The U.S. has long been committed to the independence of Taiwan, as Hegseth reiterated earlier this year, stating, America is committed to sustaining robust, ready and credible deterrence in the Indo-Pacific, including across the Taiwan Strait. Philippine resupply vessel Unaizah May 4 is hit by a Chinese Coast Guard water cannon blast in the South China Sea, March 5, 2024. (Aaron Favila/AP) China claims the vast majority of the South China Sea, including exclusive rights to fishing, oil and natural gas in those areas, and attempts to restrict other countries use of the sea. Although the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea has ruled against China, China regularly gets into confrontations with fishing and support vessels from the region while trying to enforce these claims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A central part of this campaign is Chinas assertion that those regional fishing and support vessels are using the South China Sea illegally. Tapping the precedent being set by the U.S. in Latin America, the Chinese government could significantly escalate its response to the presence of, for instance, Philippine fishing boats by launching strikes against them using military aircraft. Building on this, China might begin striking Taiwanese commercial vessels or warships that are conducting activities they claim are illegal in the sea. China could cite a continued pattern of so-called illegal behavior by Taiwanese vessels as an organized illegal campaign threatening Chinese sovereignty by the Taiwanese government. Again, building on the U.S. precedent, China could declare an armed conflict against the government of Taiwan (a group that China, which claims Taiwan, regards as illegitimate) in the name of defending its sovereignty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once China has declared an armed conflict against the government of Taiwan, it could claim legitimacy in targeting Taiwans political leadership. China could then ensure Taiwanese leadership is replaced by supporters of Chinese policies to include the policy of annexing Taiwan. China will have accomplished a fait accompli when it then swiftly implements that annexation. Thus, it is crucial that U.S. service members understand that with its strikes against alleged smugglers in Latin America the U.S. is setting up a dangerous precedent that could, in the long run, hurt the U.S. and advantage adversaries. This risk must inform DODs approaches, decisions and recommendations to military and civilian leadership. For nearly six decades, the CH-53 heavy-lift helicopter the largest operated by the U.S. military has been a mainstay of the Marine Corps, in service since December 1966. The following year, first-generation CH-53A models arrived in Vietnam, thereby initiating the Marine Corps' long-standing reliance on this remarkable and iconic heavy-lift aircraft. Over the next several decades, the fleet evolved. The upgraded CH-53D models entered service in 1969, followed by the CH-53E "Super Stallion" series that arrived in the early 1980s. By August 2012, the then-aging CH-53Ds were retired after their last combat mission in Afghanistan. Today, while the CH-53E remains in service, the Marine Corps started the process of phasing them out in favor of the latest variant of the helicopter: the Sikorsky CH-53K "King Stallion". The latest "K" variant of the CH-53 reached initial operational capability in April 2022, and Sikorsky has been gradually delivering these machines to the Marines since then. Until early 2023, as many as nine helicopters had been delivered, with the count, as of late 2025, standing at 20. In September 2025, Sikorsky secured a five-year contract worth nearly $11 billion ($10.8 billion, to be precise) to build up to 99 CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopters for the Marines. These machines are expected to be delivered between 2029 and 2034, which aligns with the USMC's 2029 target to achieve "full operational capability" for this helicopter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given that the King Stallion is dimensionally similar to its predecessors, what makes it so valuable is not its size, but its substance. This aircraft can lift over 36,000 pounds, nearly a third more than the CH-53E, while flying the same missions farther, safer, and with fewer maintenance hours thanks to its fly-by-wire controls, composite rotor blades, and next-generation GE T408 engines. Read more: 11 Of The Most Iconic Ground Attack Military Planes In History Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion: What it gets over its predecessor A Light Armored Vehicle being transported by a CH-53K King Stallion helicopter. - United States Marine Corps The CH-53K might look nearly identical to the CH-53E from a distance, but under the skin, it's a thoroughly redesigned helicopter. It is now powered by three General Electric T408-GE-400 engines, which generate roughly 57% more power than the older T64 engines used on the Super Stallion, giving the King Stallion a maximum external lift of 36,000 pounds. These numbers mean that the CH-53K can carry a light armored vehicle, an M777 howitzer, or a pair of Humvees in a single sortie (one internally, and the second externally in lift mode). Its ability to haul 27,000 pounds of cargo for over 110 nautical miles in high/hot environments is triple what the CH-53E could move over the same distance. The CH-53K also gets digital fly-by-wire flight controls, which replace mechanical linkages with computer-assisted systems. The U.S. military asserts that this change reduces pilot workload in rough weather conditions, while also improving safety during low-visibility operations. In fact, this addition makes the CH-53K an easier-to-handle helicopter compared to its predecessor in adverse conditions. It should prove safer than its infamous predecessor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maintenance and logistics have also been overhauled. The new design uses composite rotor blades with a low maintenance elastomeric rotor head. It also gets a corrosion-resistant airframe optimized for maritime environments. Improvements to its integrated health and usage monitoring system ensures that the mean time to repair a CH-53K is now 35% shorter compared to its predecessors. Inside, the cockpit now features an improved avionics management system as well as a modular open systems architecture. The latter will let the Marine Corps add features like tactical synthetic vision, weather avoidance systems, and cognitive decision aids as and when required. CH-53K: Capabilities in numbers A Sikorsky CH-53 helicopter on an airport runway - Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo/Getty Images As outlined earlier, the CH-53K is dimensionally similar to its predecessor. It is 99 feet long and 17.5 feet wide, and boasts a maximum design gross weight of 88,000 pounds, which is significantly higher than that of its predecessor (69,750 pounds). It can travel at speeds of up to 170 knots (195 mph), and could fly up to altitudes of 16,200 feet. The customizable internal cabin of the CH-53K measures 30 feet in length, 5.6 feet in width, and 6.4 feet in height. The various flexible configurations in which it can be used include troop transport mode, cargo transport mode, mixed transport (troop/cargo), and medical evacuation mode. In the troop transport mode, the CH-53K can accommodate up to 34 people (two pilots, two crew chiefs, 30 troops). In the medical evacuation mode, the helicopter can quickly evacuate up to 24 patients in a single sortie. In the mixed cargo mode, the helicopter is equipped with folding seats. By choosing to evolve the CH-53 platform instead of replacing it outright, the U.S. Marine Corps has ensured that these heavy-lift giants will continue to be its heavy-lift helicopter of choice for the foreseeable future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Want the latest in tech and auto trends? Subscribe to our free newsletter for the latest headlines, expert guides, and how-to tips, one email at a time. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google. Read the original article on SlashGear. Brigitte Romoleroux proudly wears her I Voted sticker after voting at the Main Library in Salt Lake City on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch) With Election Day approaching next week, Ive been reflecting on womens representation in political leadership. According to the annual Best & Worst States for Womens Equality report, Utah made notable progress in 2025 in the category of Political Empowerment. The state ranked 28th out of 50 up from 42nd in 2022, 49th in 2023, and 41st in 2024. This improvement is largely due to gains in the Disparity in Share of State-Elected Executives metric. Tina Cannon now serves as state auditor alongside Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson, meaning women hold two of Utahs five statewide executive positions. Additionally, Celeste Maloys election to the U.S. House of Representatives has helped narrow the gender gap in Utahs congressional delegation, contributing to a stronger showing in the Disparity in Share of Lawmakers metric. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet, in 2025, RepresentWomens 2025 Gender Parity Index (GPI) assigned Utah a D according to what it stated as its proximity to parity in political offices. GPI was launched in 2013 to help researchers and advocates track progress toward gender-balanced governance. Through the years, Ive had several people ask me why it is so important to pay such close attention to the gender balance in political roles. In fact, one individual stated: We just need good people to serve. It doesnt really matter whether they are men or women. Let me be clear: It does matter! The published research on this topic has exploded the last few decades, and the results are clear. Decision-making is better and more representative of the views of all Utahs when there are more equal numbers of men and women on teams, committees, boards, commissions, councils, legislatures, and basically any decision-making body. In fact, business and political research has found that more gender-balanced governance leads to increased innovation, improved creativity, better team decision-making, greater team problem solving, better team performance on highly complex tasks, increased knowledge formation, and higher social sensitivity and collective intelligence, to name a few. So how is Utah doing according to the RepresentWomen GPI? Although Utah received a D, we are not the worst! In fact, our state ranking on this index is 32nd this year. According to the report, Utah received its first D grade in 2021. Prior to 2021, it consistently received an F grade, with the except of 2015. Of 100 points available, here are the details for Utah: S. Congress (3.3 of 30 points): In 2025, only one of Utahs four representatives in the U.S. House is a woman: Rep. Celeste Maloy (Republican, serving since 2023). Former Rep. Mia Love (Republican, 20152018) made history as both the first Black Republican woman and the first Haitian-American woman elected to the U.S. Congress. To date, Utah has never elected a woman to serve in the U.S. Senate. Statewide Executive (5.0 of 30 points): Of Utahs five statewide elected executive offices, two are currently held by women. As mentioned previously, Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson (Republican, 2021present) and State Auditor Tina Cannon both serve in top leadership roles. Olene S. Walker (Republican) remains the only woman to have served as governor of Utah, appointed in 2003 to complete her predecessors term. She also made history as the first woman to serve as both lieutenant governor (19932003) and governor in the states history. State Legislator (8.0 of 30 points): Womens representation in Utahs state legislature has more than doubled over the past three decades rising from 14% in 1995 to 31% in 2025. Among the women currently serving, 53% are Republicans and 47% are Democrats, reflecting a near-even partisan balance. Cities and Counties (3.7 of 10 points): Among Utahs 36 cities with populations over 30,000, 13 are currently led by women mayors reflecting growing, though still limited, gender diversity in municipal leadership. In 2021, nearly two dozen Utah cities adopted ranked-choice voting for their local elections, including Salt Lake City, the states most populous municipality. At the county level, three of Utahs five largest counties are headed by women executives, signaling incremental progress in womens representation across local government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the 2025 Gender Parity Index, Utah received just 20 out of 100 points earning a D grade alongside 24 other states. Only three states achieved an A (New Hampshire, Oregon, and Maine), while 11 earned a B, 11 a C, and five states Missouri, Idaho, Kentucky, Indiana and Texas ranked at the very bottom. While a D may sound discouraging, Utah is making incremental progress in advancing womens political representation. Even amid turbulent times, more women are stepping forward to lead, vote, and shape the future of our state. That matters. When decision-making power rests solely with men or solely with any one demographic group those decisions inevitably fall short of representing the full diversity of Utahs residents. Gender is just one lens among many, but inclusive leadership is essential to building a government that truly reflects and serves all Utahns. What is best for any state is to have the decision-making bodies truly demographically represent the people they serve. It is important for all of us to remember that American democracy is grounded in the principle of representation not only in elected offices but also within its administrative institutions, a concept known as representative bureaucracy. This theory holds that a government functions more equitably and effectively when its elected officials and workforce reflect the diversity of the population it serves. Utah still has work to do to ensure that the voices and needs of all residents are fully represented in government. One meaningful step toward that goal is increasing both the number and proportion of women serving in elected office across the state. Encouragingly, many impactful initiatives are driving this change including the Political and Civic Representation Spoke of A Bolder Way Forward and its dedicated network of partners working collectively to expand pathways for womens leadership and civic engagement. While gender is never the sole factor in my voting decisions, I do consider it alongside things like competence, experience, integrity, and ethical leadership because I believe our communities deserve decision-makers who reflect the full diversity of Utah and are equipped to serve with excellence and accountability. In Utah and across the country, we need this more today than ever before! EAU CLAIRE With the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents recognizing Xcel Energy and UW-Eau Claire with the Business Partnership Award, Interim Chancellor Mike Carney said it has been a long time coming. Its been a recognition of the many, many, many years of collaboration between the university and Excel Energy, he said. And over that time, it has developed into what I would call a strategic partnership. It often starts out with a guest lecture or someone from an alumni who comes back to campus and participates in a career fair. Thats how these partnerships start, and then they morph into much more strategic initiatives. On Tuesday, both organizations met at Xcel Energys regional headquarters in Eau Claire to be presented the award. The Business Partnership Award, which was first created in 2023, recognizes partnerships between businesses in the community and their collaborations with UW schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Xcel and UW-Eau Claire have been serving this region for more than 100 years, Xcel Regional Vice President Brian Elwood said, and we intersect on lots of different levels in the community, through different business relationships and through the quality of the students that are looking for careers once they graduate. Over the years, weve had hundreds and hundreds of UW-Eau Claire graduates who have come to work for Xcel Energy, many of them spending their entire careers here. Some of them start out as interns, but some of them just find the opportunities in the energy industry after college. So having an organization like UW-Eau Claire who is preparing the workforce of the future is a tremendous benefit for us as we are continually looking for talented individuals to come work for our company. In addition to internships and post graduation employment, Carney said the university also collaborated with the regional energy provider on the Sonnentag Center to help equip the building with clean energy. Both the university and energy provider have set carbon-free goals for their organizations, which Elwood said aligned themselves with the university on top of other entities in the region. Carney said their collaborations go back far as the universitys energy supplier, as Xcel Energy established their regional headquarters in Eau Claire in 1924. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It has morphed into them being a strategic partner for UW-Eau Claire, Carney said. And the Sonnentag Center is a key evidence of that, having them partner with us to make it as sustainable an event center as possible would not have been possible with Xcel Energy coming to the table and saying, This is how we could make this work. In accepting the award, Elwood said, Were incredibly grateful for this recognition. We want to continue that partnership with UW-Eau Claire in finding opportunities to expand our partnership going forward. Members of the Virginia House of Delegates during a special session at the Capitol in Richmond Monday, where lawmakers debated the legitimacy of a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow the General Assembly to modify congressional districts mid-decade a move Republicans and Attorney General Jason Miyares say violates the state Constitution. (Photo by Markus Schmidt/Virginia Mercury) Virginia House Democrats on Tuesday afternoon released the long-awaited text of their proposed constitutional amendment that would allow the General Assembly to modify congressional districts mid-decade if another state redraws its own congressional map for political reasons. The proposal, House Joint Resolution 6007, would amend Article II, Section 6 of the Virginia Constitution to authorize the legislature to modify one or more congressional districts in the event that any state conducts a redistricting of such states congressional districts for any purpose other than completion of the states decennial redistricting or as ordered by a court to remedy an unlawful or unconstitutional district map. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under a separate section added to the constitutional Schedule, that authority would apply only between Jan. 1, 2025, and Oct. 31, 2030, and only in response to actions taken by another state during that period. Democrats call amendment a safeguard, not a power grab Democrats say the measure preserves Virginias 2020 independent redistricting commission while giving the General Assembly a narrow option to respond if GOP-controlled states redraw their maps mid-decade and alter national representation. Del. Rodney Willett (D-Henrico), who is sponsoring the amendment, said the goal is to ensure that Virginians arent left disadvantaged by partisan remapping elsewhere in the country. Speaking to reporters Monday evening nearly 24 hours before the proposal was released Willett said Democrats were responding to a growing national pattern of Republican-led legislatures redrawing maps mid-decade. I think we were absolutely empowered to be here, Willett said. This is an attack on democracy, and our hands been forced here. This is not our choice to be here, but with this kind of attack, weve got to respond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He emphasized that the proposal does not dismantle the states independent redistricting system. We are still going to have a commission, he said. This is going to give us options, and an option that could or could not be exercised that questions actually going to be left to the voters to vote in a referendum as to whether well have redistricting or not. Willett said the amendment would maintain the decennial redistricting schedule spelled out in the state constitution, while giving future lawmakers flexibility to revisit congressional boundaries. Theres a decennial process for that, so we will absolutely stick to that, he said. This is to create, again, not a mandate, but an option, in the interim, in between those decennial redistrictings to do something when theres an extraordinary circumstance. GOP, Miyares say Democrats missed legal window for amendment The amendments release followed hours of heated debate in the state Senate earlier Tuesday, where Democrats and Republicans clashed over the timing and legality of advancing the proposal, introduced after more than a million Virginians have already voted early for next Tuesdays elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans have accused Democrats of trying to ram through a redistricting plan before voters go to the polls, while Democrats insist they are acting within their authority to safeguard fair representation. Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares on Tuesday argued that the Democratic proposal violates the state constitutions intent that voters have a meaningful say before such measures move forward. In a written opinion released Tuesday afternoon, Miyares said the proposed redistricting amendment cannot legally advance during the current election, citing the Virginia Constitutions requirement for an intervening general election before such measures proceed. Miyares said Article XII of the constitution clearly contemplates that there will be an intervening general election between the proposal of the amendment by one General Assembly and the referral of the amendment to the subsequent General Assembly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Del. Bobby Orrock (R-Spotsylvania) made a similar case, arguing on the House floor that Democrats have already missed the legal window to advance a proposed redistricting amendment this year, pointing to a section of Virginia law that governs how constitutional changes must be made public before an election. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Under Code 30-13, the clerk of the House of Delegates is required to distribute proposed constitutional amendments to local courthouses for public posting and inspection no later than three months before the next general election for the House of Delegates. Orrock said that deadline has already passed, meaning the amendment could not be properly advertised in time for this Novembers election. Parties spar over Miyares opinion Jay Jones, the Democratic nominee for attorney general, sharply criticized Miyares opinion in a statement Tuesday, casting it as a partisan effort aligned with the president and proof that when Donald Trump said he could always count on Jason Miyares, this is what he meant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He accused the attorney general of attempting to block a fair, legal process that would return power to Virginians, adding that Miyares was doubling down on his fealty to Donald Trump and his MAGA agenda. And Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell (D-Fairfax) slammed the attorney generals opinion on social media, accusing him of politicizing his office. In a post on X, Surovell wrote that Miyares has committed attorney general malpractice, abused his office for partisan gain and been wrong about dozens of other legal calls in the last four years so why not add more to the list as he wraps up? In contrast, House Minority Leader Terry Kilgore (R-Scott) hailed the opinion as a clear validation of Republican concerns that Democrats are acting outside the bounds of Virginia law. Kilgore, a seasoned lawyer and legislator, said Miyares analysis gives legal weight to the obvious, common-sense reading of Virginia law. He noted in a statement that hundreds of thousands of Virginians have already cast their ballots in this election, as the 45-day early voting period sought by Democrats is ongoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The current general election began on Sept. 19 and will conclude on Nov. 4 at 7 p.m., Kilgore said. The effort to ram through a constitutional amendment during an election flies in the face of Virginias constitutional and code-mandated public notice requirements. Spanberger backs keeping redistricting option open The House Privileges and Elections Committee, chaired by Del. Cia Price (D-Newport News), is expected to take up the amendment Wednesday afternoon. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger said Monday she would not oppose the General Assemblys effort to advance the proposed measure. In an interview on her campaign bus, Spanberger told the Associated Press that she supports Democrats keeping alive the option to respond to other states that redraw their congressional maps for partisan advantage. While I like to plan for everything, on this one, because Im on the bus tour, because we are eight days away [from Election Day], Im like, I will let the General Assembly take this step, and then well talk calendar issues later, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her stance marks a subtle shift from comments she made in August, when she said she had no plans to redistrict Virginia. Republican gubernatorial candidate Winsome Earle-Sears denounced the proposed amendment outside the state Capitol Monday, lambasting it as an attempt to dismantle the very independent redistricting commission that Virginia was voting for in a bipartisan majority. The issue has taken on new urgency for Democrats nationally. If the party were to gain just three more seats in the U.S. House, it could reclaim the majority, while Republican-led legislatures in states such as Texas, Missouri, and North Carolina have already approved new maps expanding GOP advantages. If approved by both chambers, Virginias measure would still need to pass again in the next General Assembly session in 2026 and then win approval from voters in a statewide referendum before taking effect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Senate is scheduled to reconvene Wednesday at 11 a.m. to consider the procedural resolution that opened the door for redistricting-related measures during this special session. Virginia Mercury is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Virginia Mercury maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Samantha Willis for questions: info@virginiamercury.com. Lawmakers look on as Del. Rodney Willett, D-Henrico, presents a resolution for a proposed constitutional amendment regarding redistricting of Virginia's congressional districts before the House Privileges and Elections Committee Wednesday. (Photo by Shannon Heckt/Virginia Mercury) After three days of partisan wrangling in a surprise special session, the Virginia House of Delegates on Wednesday approved a proposed constitutional amendment that would give lawmakers limited power to redraw the states congressional districts mid-decade a move Democrats say is needed to protect the commonwealth if other states manipulate their maps for partisan gain. The measure, House Joint Resolution 6007, sponsored by Del. Rodney Willett, D-Henrico, passed 51-42 along party lines after a tense floor debate that laid bare deep divisions over both timing and intent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Willett said on the House floor that his proposal would create a narrow exception allowing the General Assembly to modify congressional lines if another U.S. state withdraws its congressional districts mid-decade for reasons other than completing the decennial redistricting or complying with a court order. He emphasized the amendment would expire in 2030, leave the states independent redistricting commission intact, and give final authority to voters through a statewide referendum. This resolution is temporary, Willett said. Most importantly, it allows the voters of Virginia to decide whether there is redistricting or not. Our hand has been forced because of events in the country, unprecedented events. GOP decries power grab Republicans argued the measure ignored the two-thirds of Virginians who voted to create an independent redistricting commission in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This resolution is nothing more than a partisan power grab by the majority party to overturn the will of Virginia voters, said Del. Chris Obenshain, R-Montgomery. As we approach Halloween, it is a frightening attempt to resurrect a Frankensteins monster of gerrymandering in our commonwealth. Del. Tim Griffin, R-Bedford, accused Democrats of hypocrisy. We didnt see the language of this until yesterday, he said. Somebody said, well, we dont change the constitution lightly. Bro, you guys have four constitutional amendments right now that were considering. You do it lightly. Republicans also warned the amendment comes in the middle of an active election season, when early voting is well underway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now one million Virginians have already voted in this election, said Del. Israel OQuinn, R-Washington. Are you still going to support this six days from now if the results dont go your way? The proposed amendment wouldnt affect this years election, as constitutional referendums must be approved by two successive General Assemblies before going before the voters for final ratification. Speaker Scott defends process, blasts Trump House Speaker Don Scott, D-Portsmouth, dismissed GOP complaints about secrecy. I dont think it was a secret. We just had a public vote, Scott told reporters after the session. We followed the rules the House has had for 250 years. We got it done. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scott praised Willetts leadership and said Democrats acted responsibly in response to redistricting turmoil in Republican-run states. Virginia cannot afford to sit on the sidelines while Donald Trump tramples on our Constitution, he said. Not one of them said his name today. They are terrified of him. We had to give voters the option to make a change if they so wanted. Committee debate sets the tone Earlier in the day, the Democratic-controlled House Privileges and Elections Committee advanced the amendment on a 12-9 party-line vote after an emotional hearing. Chair Del. Cia Price, D-Newport News, said the measure responds to extraordinary circumstances threatening federal democracy and the Voting Rights Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Five years may sound like a short amount of time, but not when your democracy is directly under attack, she said. As the times have changed, the voters deserve to have their say. Republicans on the committee countered that voters already had their say in the 2020 referendum. I represent no one from Texas, no one from California, said Del. Mike Cherry, R-Colonial Heights. Tying our Constitution to any other state isnt responsible, and it should stay unprecedented. Del. Phillip Scott, R-Spotsylvania, said Virginias existing congressional map reflects how Virginians vote and should not be changed. Virginia should be a beacon of what is right, he said. A public divided Public witnesses were sharply divided. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tram Nguyen, executive director of New Virginia Majority, urged lawmakers to advance the amendment so voters could decide. Virginia is not a ballot-initiative state, she said. We rely on you to give us an opportunity to weigh in. Taking the first step today gives voters a way to participate directly in our democracy, and its critically needed at this time. Jamie Lockhart of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia said Trump-aligned Republicans in other states were attempting an unprecedented power grab to steal congressional seats, rig the 2026 midterm election, and silence voters. Opponents argued that Democrats were undoing the bipartisan redistricting reforms Virginia voters overwhelmingly supported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michael Huffman, executive director of the Virginia Assembly of Independent Baptists, said the amendment threatens to undermine the concerns of local constituents and the broader implications of fair representation. He added, We need to stop talking about Trump, stop talking about other states, and uphold an amendment that was overwhelmingly voted for by 66% of Virginians just five years ago. Spotsylvania Commonwealths Attorney Ryan Mehaffey called the proposal an obvious partisan effort to seize power. He said, If the Constitution is capable of being temporarily bent to the whims of partisan politics, what use is it? This effort severely weakens the integrity of our system of governance. GOP lawsuit challenges session On Tuesday, a group of Republican legislators and a citizen commissioner of the Virginia Redistricting Commission filed suit in Tazewell County Circuit Court, arguing the Democrats effort to amend the Constitution during an ongoing election violates state law and the separation of powers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plaintiffs including Sens. Ryan McDougle, R-Hanover, and Bill Stanley, R-Franklin; House Minority Leader Terry Kilgore, R-Scott; and Commissioner Virginia Trost-Thornton are suing the clerks of the House, Senate, and Tazewell Circuit Court. Their complaint targets House Speaker Scotts Oct. 23 letter reconvening the May 2024 special session, initially called for budget purposes, to consider the redistricting amendment. The suit argues that only the governor can call a special session and that such sessions must be confined to declared topics in this case, fiscal matters. The plaintiffs are asking for a declaratory judgment voiding House Joint Resolution 6006, the procedural step Democrats used Monday to expand the sessions scope, and for an injunction preventing clerks from certifying or posting the amendment. Speaking at the Capitol, Kilgore said the lawsuit is about defending Virginias Constitution and ensuring elections remain fair. He cited Virginia Code 30-13, which requires 90 days public notice before a constitutional amendment appears on a ballot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres clearly a violation, he said. A clerk has no way of posting the 90 days for a constitutional amendment at the courthouse steps. Its just not possible under this rushed process. He noted that more than a million Virginians have already voted. Kilgore warned that Democrats proposal could shift representation toward Northern Virginia. Extraordinary circumstances In closing remarks during the committee meeting, Willett said the proposal was about safeguarding democracy, not seizing power. We dont amend the Constitution lightly, he said. We only do that in the most extraordinary circumstances, and I think those are before us today. There is no disenfranchisement here in fact, theres enfranchisement, because were letting the voters of Virginia have a voice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The measure now heads to the Senate, where Democrats hold a slim majority and where debate has already grown heated. If approved this year and again in early 2026 by the next General Assembly, the proposed amendment would appear on a future statewide ballot for voter approval. Virginia Mercury reporter Shannon Heckt contributed to this story. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Vacations are supposed to be the ultimate escape: a chance to unwind, explore, and make unforgettable memories. But for one woman, her dream getaway turned into a chilling nightmare that now serves as a wake-up call for travelers everywhere. TikTok creator Pauline (@himynamespaul_) was on vacation with friends in Marrakesh, Morocco, staying in what appeared to be a luxurious Airbnb. The property came complete with daily maid service, a cook, and live-in security. But on the third day of their trip, something felt off. When Pauline returned to her bathroom, she noticed a new decorative picture frame with a photo of a Yorkie puppy above the bathtub. The frame hadnt been there before, and it seemed to be pointed directly at the shower. Trusting her instincts, Pauline took a closer look. Using a flashlight, she discovered a tiny lens glinting beneath the plastic. On the back of the frame were signs of a hidden surveillance device: an SD card slot, USB port, and on/off switch. Even more disturbing, Pauline recalled seeing the same frame in another bathroom earlier in the trip, meaning someone had moved it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She immediately alerted her friends, and together they contacted local police. Authorities investigated and ultimately arrested the Airbnb host, who has since been removed from the platform. Pauline, who documented the ordeal on TikTok, says she plans to pursue legal action. Her videos have since gone viral, garnering millions of views and sparking intense discussion about traveler safety and privacy. Unfortunately, Paulines experience isnt as rare as wed like to think. Hidden cameras, often disguised as smoke detectors, alarm clocks, or picture frames, are inexpensive and easy to purchase online. For as little as $30, anyone can buy a so-called spy cam capable of recording high-definition footage and transmitting it remotely. While platforms like Airbnb have strict policies against surveillance devices in private spaces, enforcement cant always prevent bad actors. Thats why travelers should take privacy protection into their own hands. Related: Airbnb had 65 new features for travelers and hosts, including a flexible option users will love How to check for hidden cameras You dont need special equipment to protect yourself, but rather just awareness and a few simple techniques: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 1. Start with a visual sweep. Look carefully at areas where people might want to capture footage: bathrooms, bedrooms, and living areas. Focus on small or out-of-place objects such as smoke detectors, alarm clocks, TV boxes, or wall decorations. If something looks odd, trust your gut and inspect it. 2. Use your phones flashlight. Turn off the lights and shine your flashlight slowly across mirrors, vents, or other surfaces. Hidden camera lenses are typically glass and will reflect light differently than plastic or metal, producing a small blue or white glare. 3. Scan for hidden networks. Use a free app like Fing or Network Analyzer to check for unusual devices connected to the propertys Wi-Fi. Cameras and recording devices often appear under names like IPCam or ESP32. If you see anything suspicious, disconnect the propertys router or your own connection immediately. 4. Use your smartphone camera. In a dark room, open your phones front-facing camera and slowly scan the space. Many infrared camera sensors (used in night vision devices) will appear as small, glowing dots on your screen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 5. Listen carefully. Some hidden cameras emit a faint clicking or buzzing noise, especially when switching modes or transmitting data. What to do if you discover a hidden camera If you find what you believe to be a hidden recording device: Do not tamper with or destroy it. Photograph and video-record the device in place for evidence. Leave the property immediately and find a safe location, such as a nearby cafe or hotel lobby. Contact local authorities to file a police report. Report it to the booking platform (Airbnb, Vrbo, etc.) with your documented evidence. These companies typically suspend or ban hosts under investigation. Related: Step into the Upside Downthis Airbnb served as the home in Stranger Things Paulines experience in Morocco is a sobering reminder that even in spaces marketed as homes away from home, privacy isnt guaranteed. But vigilance and awareness can make all the difference. So before you settle in for your next getaway, take a few extra minutes to scan your surroundings. A little caution can go a long way toward ensuring your peace of mind. This story was originally reported by TravelHost on Oct 29, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here. On October 29 2024, destructive storms hit several areas of the Iberian peninsula, causing the most extreme rainfall recorded in Spain during the 21st century. According to the Spanish State Meteorology Agency (AEMET), they were caused by a mass of cold air at high altitude between the Gulf of Cadiz and the Gibraltar Strait, which pushed very humid air from the Mediterranean towards the coast. Storms formed in chains, which were repeatedly reactivated over the same areas. In Turis, in the Valencia region, the AEMET recorded 185 litres per square metre (l/m) in one hour, and 772 l/m within 24 hours. The combination of extreme intensity and persistence triggered flash floods within a few hours. Leer mas: Valencia floods: Our warming climate is making once-rare weather more common, and more destructive The Jucar Hydrographic Confederation which administers the Jucar river that flows through Castilla La Mancha and Valencia estimated maximum flows of 3,500 cubic meters per second (m/s) at the intersection of Rambla del Poyo and the A-3 motorway, and 2,400 m/s where the Magro River meets the Forata dam. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the 229 deaths in the Valencian Community, there were seven in Castilla-La Mancha (one in Mira, in Cuenca, and six in Letur, in Albacete) and one in Andalusia, in Alhaurin de la Torre, Malaga. 68 of the deceased were found on the ground floors of homes, and 35 in car parks and basements. According to Spains Data Integration Center (CID), more than half of the victims were aged 70 or over, and 15 were aged 90 or over. 24% of deaths were in the 80-89 age bracket, making it the largest group. What caused the tragedy? Construction in river areas intensified during Spains rapid development during the 1960s and 1970s, and also during the property bubble from 1997 to 2008. Indeed, of the 75,000 homes affected by flooding, 31% were built during this second period. The physical vulnerability of the buildings exacerbated the tragedy, as many ground floors became death traps once they were flooded. At 7:36am on 29 October, the AEMET issued a red alert for extreme rainfall. According to the Valencian government, the Jucar Hydrographic Confederation reported that at 12:07pm the Rambla del Poyo had exceeded the pre-alert threshold. By 18:43, the flow had reached 1,686m/s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Valencian government did not activate its Integrated Operational Coordination Centre (CECOPI) until 5pm. The ES Alert public warning system was not activated until 8:28pm, by which time many areas were already underwater. Leer mas: Why it can be hard to warn people about dangers like floods communication researchers explain the role of human behavior Although the central government offered support from the outset, there was controversy over the level of its involvement, as it did not assume full control by declaring a national emergency. The low perception of risk among the general population, together with the delay in the ES Alert warning, were decisive factors. The fact that it was not actually raining in many of the affected towns created an additional false sense of security among residents. This led to risky behaviour, such as going down to garages to rescue vehicles and driving on flooded roads. Preventing future tragedies The good news is that there are actions we can take to prevent similar weather events from having such tragic consequences in the future. They can include the following measures: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Characterise the uncertainty of risk analysis: Maps must be developed that quantify the probability of flooding in different areas as a percentage. This approach enables more effective land use planning areas with a higher likelihood of flooding have greater restrictions, while areas with a lower probability can be used for purposes that entail a certain degree of risk. CC BY-SA Map of flood risk probability. Red is the highest risk, followed by orange and green. Bodoque et al., 2023 Integrate vulnerability and resilience into risk management: Develop indices to identify areas where the population is less able to adapt, as well as unsuitable housing conditions (ground floors, basements), mobility limitations or social isolation. With this information, authorities can design specific evacuation plans for vulnerable populations, establish neighbourhood support networks, and prioritise improvements to the most vulnerable homes. Mitigate risk through structural measures: Among other things, this could include more efficient urban drainage systems, as well as dams at the head of rivers and storm tanks to mitigate flash floods. Self-protection measures in homes should also be promoted. These include permanent automatic water pressure barriers, pneumatic floodgates and watertight doors. Leer mas: Beyond sandbags how to defend your house from flooding Improve risk awareness: Communication plans must be designed to increase public awareness of flood risks. Compulsory risk education programmes should be part of all non-university education, as proposed in the Civil Protection Emergency Training Plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Promote participatory governance : Strengthening social capital is an effective way to improve community resilience. It enables participatory governance by creating spaces for dialogue where stakeholders (civil society, authorities, experts) can engage in decision-making on risk management. Implement a decision support system (DSS): A DSS must be implemented that connects AEMET data with the records of the Jucar Hydrographic Confederation in real time. The DSS would provide continuously updated information on rainfall intensity and water depth, enabling quick decision-making and reducing the need for consultations between administrations. Successful flood risk management demands a profound transformation that combines scientific knowledge, citizen participation and political will. The experience gained must translate into better informed and prepared societies, capable of anticipating and adapting to an increasingly challenging climate context. Este articulo fue publicado originalmente en The Conversation, un sitio de noticias sin fines de lucro dedicado a compartir ideas de expertos academicos. Lee mas: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jose Maria Bodoque no recibe salario, ni ejerce labores de consultoria, ni posee acciones, ni recibe financiacion de ninguna compania u organizacion que pueda obtener beneficio de este articulo, y ha declarado carecer de vinculos relevantes mas alla del cargo academico citado. The Raghopur assembly seat in Bihar's Vaishali district is shaping up to be a battleground for the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, who has held the seat since 2015, faces a tough challenge from BJP's Satish Kumar Yadav, who previously lost to Tejashwi in the 2020 Assembly elections. The incumbent MLA and leader of the opposition in the Bihar Assembly, Tejashwi Yadav, has been a dominant force in Raghopur. He won the seat in 2015 and 2020, defeating Satish Kumar Yadav on both occasions. A member of the Yadhuvanshi community, Satish Kumar Yadav previously represented the Janata Dal (United) and won the Raghopur seat in 2010, defeating Rabri Devi. He later switched to the BJP and lost to Tejashwi Yadav in 2015 and 2020. The first phase of the 2025 Bihar assembly elections is set to commence on November 12, in just 8 days. The Raghopur constituency is emerging once again as one of the most closely watched constituencies in the state. The entry of Chanchal Singh from the Jan Suraaj Party, led by Prashant Kishor, could alter the contest's dynamics. Singh's candidacy may draw votes away from both the NDA and Mahagathbandhan, making the outcome unpredictable. Moreover, his elder brother, Tejpratap Yadav, who flouted the new party Janshakti Janta Dal after his exit from RJD, has fielded Prem Kumar. The Raghopur constituency has long been a stronghold for the Lalu Yadav family. Lalu Prasad himself won the seat in 1995 and 2000, serving as Chief Minister during both terms. His wife, former Chief Minister Rabri Devi, went on to represent Raghopur three times, first in the 2000 by-election and later in two subsequent assembly elections. In 2010, Satish Kumar, then a leader of the Janata Dal (United) [JDU], defeated Rabri Devi from the Raghopur seat, creating a major political upset by a margin of 13,006 votes. In that election, Satish, a member of the Yadhuvanshi community, secured 64,222 votes, while Rabri Devi received 51,216. However, he later lost to Tejashwi Yadav in both the 2015 and 2020 Assembly elections. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has also fielded Raju Kumar to give the uncertain fights to the two strongest alliances in Bihar. The outcome will depend on various factors, including the performance of the Jan Suraaj Party and the ability of the NDA and Mahagathbandhan to mobilise their supporters. The key issues that are likely to dominate the electoral landscape include infrastructure development, flood resilience, youth unemployment, migrant workers' welfare, and caste dynamics. The constituency faces significant infrastructure challenges, including poor road connectivity, inadequate healthcare facilities, and limited access to quality education. Residents are demanding improvements in these areas. Raghopur is prone to annual flooding, and the local population is seeking measures to mitigate its impact. Candidates are likely to be judged on their ability to provide flood relief and develop flood-resistant infrastructure. Unemployment is a major concern in Bihar, and Raghopur is no exception. Candidates who can offer viable solutions to address youth unemployment are likely to garner significant support. Many residents of Raghopur migrate to other parts of India for work. The constituency's development agenda may include measures to support migrant workers and their families. Caste plays a significant role in Bihar's politics, and Raghopur is no exception. Candidates will need to navigate complex caste equations to secure support from diverse communities. The 2025 Bihar Elections will see a 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. The Mahagathbandhan, led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal, includes the 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 staked claims to all 243 seats in the state. The assembly elections in Bihar are scheduled to be held on November 6 and 11, respectively, while the results will be declared on November 14. (ANI) Venezuela has declared Trinidad and Tobagos prime minister a persona non grata, as the two countries continue to feud over United States military activity in the Caribbean Sea. On Tuesday, Venezuelas National Assembly voted in favour of the sanction against Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who has been sparring with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. It designates her as unwelcome in the country and bars her from entering. Asked a day earlier about the prospect, Persad-Bissessar told the news agency AFP: Why would they think I would want to go to Venezuela? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two countries separated by a small bay just 11km (7 miles) wide at its narrowest point have been at loggerheads in recent weeks over the US military activity in the region. Persad-Bissessar is one of the few Caribbean leaders to applaud the build-up of US military forces in the Caribbean as well as its bombing campaign against alleged drug-trafficking boats. I, along with most of the country, am happy that the US naval deployment is having success in their mission, Persad-Bissessar said shortly after the first missile strike was announced on September 2. I have no sympathy for traffickers; the US military should kill them all, violently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But that stance has put her at odds with Maduros government. Just this week, Venezuelan Minister of Foreign Affairs Yvan Gil Pinto told the United Nations General Assembly that the US strikes were an illegal and completely immoral military threat hanging over our heads. Legal experts have compared the bombing campaign with extrajudicial killings, citing likely violations of international law. At least 13 strikes have occurred so far against 14 maritime vessels, most of them small boats. An estimated 57 people have been killed in the US attacks. Their identities are unknown, and no definitive evidence has been provided to the public so far to link them to drug trafficking. Relations frayed over US strikes Labelling Persad-Bissessar a persona non grata is just the latest chapter in the tit-for-tat between the two countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, AFP reported that Trinidad and Tobago was considering a mass deportation of undocumented migrants, most of whom are Venezuelans, from its territory. According to a memorandum reviewed by the news agency, Trinidad and Tobagos homeland security minister, Roger Alexander, ordered a halt to any planned releases of illegal immigrants in detention. Consideration is currently being given to the implementation of a mass deportation exercise, the memo said. That comes after Maduro ordered the immediate suspension of a major gas deal with Trinidad and Tobago on Monday, citing the island nations reception of a US warship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The island is hosting one of several US warships deployed near Venezuelan waters by President Donald Trump. Venezuelan officials have accused the US president of seeking to overturn Maduros government. In cancelling the gas deal, Maduro accused Persad-Bissessar of transforming the Caribbean nation into an aircraft carrier of the American empire against Venezuela. The Pentagon has so far deployed seven warships, a submarine, drones and fighter jets to the Caribbean, as well as another warship to the Gulf of Mexico. The rate of the US bombing campaign has increased in recent weeks, with six strikes announced over the last week alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its scope has also broadened, with strikes taking place this month in the Eastern Pacific Ocean near Colombia, as well as the Caribbean waters off Venezuelas shores. Some observers believe the Trump administration is using the US military to pressure and destabilise Maduro, who was re-elected last year in what the US has dismissed as a fraudulent election. Persad-Bissessar, however, has been steadfast in her support of the US campaign, saying she would rather see drug traffickers blown to pieces than have them contribute to deaths in her country. MONTPELIER, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) Vermonts Attorney General Charity Clark has officially joined a multi-state coalition suing the Trump Administration for suspending SNAP benefits, which the AG describes as illegal and it is cruel. The coalition, which includes three governors and 22 other attorneys general, reportedly argues that suspending SNAP benefits in this manner is both contrary to law and arbitrary and capricious under the Administrative Procedure Act. This announcement comes amid the ongoing Government Shutdown, which began October 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Agencies received a letter from the USDA October, stating that there will be insufficient funds for full November SNAP benefits if the shutdown continues. Last Friday Clark signed a letter alongside over a dozen other Attorneys General, asking the U.S. Department of Agriculture for answers after that announcement. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program reportedly helps over 40 million Americans buy food, including 65,109 Vermonters on average each month. In the state over 600 merchants accept SNAP benefits. AG Clark says that Denying SNAP funding for millions of Americans, when Congress created a contingency plan to ensure no American goes hungry is illegal and it is cruel. SNAP was created to help feed our neighbors in hard times. Im suing the Trump Administration to protect Vermonters so that no one goes hungry. SNAP benefits to be put on pause Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Governor Phil Scott previously announced Monday, October 27 that there is bipartisan support to sue the federal government. Currently the coalition includes attorneys general from Vermont, New York, Maine, California and more. Local foodbanks and organizations will still be available. A comprehensive map of nearby places can be found on the Vermont Foodbank website. 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 ABC22 & FOX44. MONTPELIER, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) The Vermont Emergency Board has reportedly approved a plan that fully finds SNAP (3SquaresVT) and LIHEAP benefits within the state. Officials on the E-Board include Governor Phil Scott, Senator Ann Cummings, Senator Andrew Perchlik, Representative Emilie Kornheiser and Representative Robin Scheu. Their plan will reportedly allocate roughly $6.3 million to fund the first 15 days of November SNAP/3SquaresVT benefits, which will be distributed to current EBT card recipients prior to or on Friday, November 7. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vermonts Department for Children and Families, Economic Services Division will be distributing said funds. Vermont joins coalition of states suing Trump Admin. for SNAP pause Chair of the Senate Committee on Appropriations and member of the E-Board, Senator Andrew Perchlik, says Vermont legislators will continue to do everything we can to support Vermonters in these uncertain times. Roughly $250,000 will also be sent to the Vermont Foodbank, as part of the E-Boards plan for equitable distribution of food to food shelves across the state according to the Office of the President Pro Tempore. That money will fill the gap between November 1 and November 7 when Vermonts Department for Children and Families will be working on their SNAP distribution system to accommodate the new, temporary state funding model. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were making sure Vermonters dont pay the price for Republican cruelty in Washington. No one should have to choose between heating their home and putting food on the table, representatives Scheu and Kornheiser say. Its a lot of money for us, Im not going to debate that. But at the same time, you know, theres 68,000 people who need this benefit, Governor Phil Scott added. If the Government Shutdown continues, the Vermont Emergency Board will meet again, by November 13, to determine possible next steps if needed. 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 ABC22 & FOX44. An Atlantic City police officer rescued an injured stray dog earlier this month by swimming into a bay channel after the animal fled from authorities, officials said. Police responded to the citys Venice Park neighborhood around 12:51 p.m. Oct. 15 after the dog was seen abandoned in a vacant lot at Murray and West Riverside avenues, according to an incident report. An animal control officer at the scene secured a bite pole around the dog, but the animal fled through the neighborhood after the officer lost their grip, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A short time later, the dog was cornered in another lot near the bay and jumped into the water near a dock. Officer Matt Schmidt, one of the first to respond, summoned a rescue boat to try to catch the dog, which had already swum several yards from shore. Fearing for the dogs safety, Schmidt removed his uniform and jumped into the bay, swimming to the animal and helping it back to land. Hes a very, very bad boy, Schmidt can be heard saying in body camera footage released by police. Drone footage shows the officer swimming to the dog, which had drifted about 100 yards from shore. Schmidt used a spare bite pole to guide the dog back to land, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Body camera footage also shows that before the water rescue, Schmidt and the animal control officer had encountered the dog in the vacant lot and noticed an injury to its leg. After running along a fence, the dog dashed past the officer, who managed to secure the pole before the animal escaped. Schmidt and the officer searched the neighborhood by car and eventually found the dog swimming behind a house. Footage shows Schmidt walking onto a dock, leaning against a boat as he removed his uniform, then lowering himself into the water and swimming toward the animal. Once back on land, the dog was led away by other officers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dog was later reported to be in relatively good health and was no longer limping, police said. It was taken to the Atlantic County Animal Shelter. As of the time of the report, no one had claimed ownership. Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. NORMAL, Ill. (WMBD) Heartland Community College will recognize the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps in November. From 11 a.m. to noon on Monday, Nov. 10, the celebration will take place at the atrium of the Workforce Development Center on the Main Campus in Normal, Heartland Community College spokesman Steve Fast said. The college will also honor other veterans and current members of the United States Armed Forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fast said the program will feature a keynote address titled Legacy of Service and Honor for all Veterans, delivered by Retired Major General John L. Borling. General Borling is a Vietnam Veteran with a military career that includes service as Chief of Staff at Headquarters Allied Forces North Europe in Stavanger, Norway. Borling was also stationed at NATOs Supreme Headquarters in Belgium, where he worked directly under the Supreme Allied Commander and Chief of Staff. He also spent 6 1/2 years as a prisoner of war in Hanoi. The event will also feature remarks from Heartland Community College President Keith Cornille and a ceremonial cake-cutting event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fast said after the presentation, veterans and military-connected students will be invited to the Penn Family Student Veterans Center. 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. GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) Education and the military: some say its two sides of the same coin, others argue its not even in the same wallet. But for one Central High School teacher, its the perfect combination to prepare kids for the future. Sergeant First Class Retired John Pennington teaches JROTC at Central High School. For the last decade, his leadership has been a pillar of the up-and-coming military community of District 51. After serving over 20 years in the Army and three deployments to Iraq, SFC Pennington eventually made his way to the western slope. Were trying to set the kids up for success. Whether they join the military, whether they go to college or whether they just go into the workforce, theyre ready. Theyve got a plan and a backup plan, and hopefully can be a thriving, productive member of society once they step across that stage in their 12th grade year, Pennington tells WesternSlopeNow. Being a JROTC teacher is not like a normal teacher. Its not just a program, its not just a class. We look at it as a family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Utilizing his background makes Sergeant Penningtons approach to teaching unique in a way that only being in the military can. One example is how he helps students compartmentalize stress. Were not getting shot at by bullets, you know, Im fine. I think Ive been in enough stressful situations, and this is not that bad. When asked what Veterans day means to him, SFC Pennington explains, When I look at the flag and I think of Veterans Day, I really focus on the red, even though it stands for valor and honor, a lot of people have given a lot, you know, for that flag to be flying. 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 WesternSlopeNow.com. A veterinarian in Ohio discovered that a tick found on one of her patients was an invasive species. What happened? A dog owner in Ohio brought their pet into Oxford Veterinary Hospital after the animal stepped on a nest of ticks while outdoors. Hundreds of ticks were covering the animal, so veterinarian Chantel Raghu removed the parasites before putting the dog on tick prevention medicine. However, according to Local 12, when studying one of the ticks under a microscope, Raghu realized that the tick was not the kind she was used to seeing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Raghu explained to the publication, "I was looking at the tick under the microscope and realized that it was different from what I'd seen before." The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed that the tick was an Asian longhorned tick, an invasive species known for rapidly spreading. Its presence in the United States was first recorded in 2017. Why is this tick species concerning? This is the first tick of its kind seen in the area, which is concerning because the introduction of an invasive species is always damaging for local environments. Invasive species can spread rapidly, and as their populations grow, they can outcompete native species for vital resources, such as food. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They can affect human food supplies, too, given enough time, or even increase the impact of extreme weather, making prioritizing and protecting native species critical to safeguarding food supplies for humans and wildlife and helping to conserve natural resources. Raghu noted that Asian longhorn ticks are asexual, meaning they can lay eggs without the need for a mate. The expert also observed that rising temperatures are leading to an additional problem. Do cats or dogs make for better pets? Cats Dogs Neither I love both Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. "Not only are we having more ticks and different types of ticks, but we're having them year-round," Raghu told Local 12. Invasive species can also introduce and spread new diseases throughout animal and human populations. Ticks, in particular, carry a number of diseases that can be passed to humans and animals via a bite. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the most well-known and common tick-borne diseases is Lyme disease, which can leave afflicted people with long-term issues, like fatigue, arthritis, and memory problems. The introduction of a new tick means this and other diseases could see an increase in cases, leaving communities dealing with long-term health consequences and financial stress from addressing these issues. The protection and prioritization of native species can also help prevent the spread of these diseases. How can I protect my pet and myself from ticks? If you have a pet that goes outdoors, using tick prevention medicine is crucial for protecting them from tick bites. Also, check your pet for ticks every time they come back inside after going outdoors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before you go outside, protect yourself from ticks by using insect repellent and dressing in long pants and long sleeves. Check yourself carefully when returning indoors, as well, to ensure you haven't picked up any of these parasites. 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 BBC journalist has been barred from leaving Vietnam and subjected to multiple days of interrogation, the BBC has said as the countrys top leader arrived in the UK for an official visit. The broadcaster alleges that officials stopped its journalist a Vietnamese citizen who lives and works in Thailand from leaving the country, seized her passport, and subjected her to interrogation. The British government is being urged by friends of the journalist to pressure Vietnams Communist Party general secretary To Lam, who is scheduled to meet prime minister Sir Keir Starmer, to secure her release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Friends hope her case can be raised by the British prime minister during his meeting with the Vietnamese leader. The journalist, who works for the BBCs Vietnamese Service, had returned to her home country in August to renew her passport. One of our journalists has been unable to leave Vietnam for several months as the authorities have withheld their ID card and their renewed passport, the BBC said on Tuesday in a statement. The local police allegedly held her reissued passport and interrogated her for five days over her work. We are deeply concerned about our journalists wellbeing and urge the authorities to allow them to leave immediately, providing them with their renewed passport so they can return to work. The journalist, who does not want to be named, was shaken by the gruelling interrogation and pressured into acknowledging 18 articles that she had published, The Times reported, citing her friends. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During Mr Lams visit, both nations are expected to raise their ties to a strategic comprehensive partnership, according to British officials. However, Mr Lams visit appears to have been eclipsed by yet another glaring example of the clampdown on press freedom in Vietnam. When you undertake that degree of interrogation, and when youre singling out specific articles that theyve forced her to acknowledge, I think theyre preparing for an arrest, said Phil Robertson, a human rights campaigner in Bangkok. To Lam, the general secretary of the Communist Party, is currently visiting the UK (AFP/Getty) It may be right now that theyre not arresting her because they dont want to spoil the visit of the Communist Party of Vietnams secretary general to meet with Keir Starmer and have this special relationship inked between the two countries, he told The Times. A Foreign Office spokesperson told the BBC that the UKs position and track record defending media freedom is clear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We remain concerned by reported harassment of NGOs, journalists, and rights activists and communities in Vietnam and continue to raise these concerns directly with our Vietnamese counterpart, the spokesperson added. Vietnam is one of the most hostile nations for independent journalism and journalists are routinely jailed or censored. The Vietnamese government under Mr Lams leadership has intensified its clampdown on dissent by arresting activists, journalists, lawyers and critics. In May, Vietnam banned the print edition of The Economist, which featured To Lam on the magazines cover with stars painted on his eyes. Rights organisation Reporters Without Borders, which calls Vietnam one of the worlds biggest prisons for journalists, ranked the South Asian country 173rd in its press freedom index of 180 countries. After the Election Commission announced the Phase-two of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in 12 states and Union Territories, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Wednesday that they do not want any divide and rule, asserting that every "genuine voter" should be protected. "... We don't want any divide and rule, and every person's democratic right, every genuine voter, should be properly protected. The biggest pillars of democracy are the judiciary and the media. Keep these strong. This includes Gandhiji's fight, Netaji's fight... I want to say what the greatest religion is: humanity... If all five fingers were together...," CM Mamata Banerjee said in her speech here. Earlier today, TMC National General Secretary and MP Abhishek Banerjee blamed Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the death of Pradeep Kar, who allegedly took his own life due to anxiety over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the National Register of Citizens (NRC). He said that Kar's suicide note claimed SIR and NRC were responsible for his death, sparking widespread outrage. Banerjee visited Kar's family and demanded action against Shah and Kumar, holding them accountable for his death. "...You all know the incident that happened yesterday in the name of SIR, and you all know about what happened today in Dinhata. If anyone is to be held responsible for this, it is the Chief Election Commissioner. SIR was announced two days ago, and two lives have been lost in the last 48 hours. Today, I have come to Pradeep Kar's house. He has written in the suicide note that SIR and NRC are responsible for my death, so if anyone is responsible for this, it is the Home Minister Amit Shah and the Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar...," said Abhishek Banerjee. The Election Commission of India (ECI) will conduct the second phase of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across 12 States and Union Territories, with the final voter list to be published on February 7, 2026, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar said on Monday. (ANI) Editors note: This article first appeared on The War Horse, an award-winning nonprofit news organization educating the public on military service. Subscribe to their newsletter. It was December 13, 1968, and our platoon leaders briefed us before we boarded the trucks: Recent intelligence hinted at increased Viet Cong activity on Monkey Mountain. The trucks rumbled to a halt at the sharp bend in the winding road, marking the trailhead that led up the mountain. As the dust settled, my company disembarked from the trucks and formed a ragged line along the start of the trails edge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I could not shake the feeling that today was going to be a scary day. I am not usually superstitious, but this time it was different. History books never fully capture the reality of day-to-day combat. The horror of living in an active war zone is that death could come at any time and in any way. I faced wild tigers, booby traps, and blood-sucking leeches. A venomous snake once slithered across my legs while I sat on the ground talking with buddies. I was lucky that the snake feared me as much as I feared it. Our mission was to hunt down a small number of VC. We werent enthusiastic. With the holidays near, we were all hoping for a break from the endless cycle of patrols, guard duty, and dangerous helicopter assaults deep into enemy territory. I wasnt the only one feeling the weight of Friday the 13th. Most of the men were superstitious, and our fears were rubbing off on each other. It was contagious. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I Left My Platoon a Day Early. I Listened as the Viet Cong Killed My Replacement I was assigned to the company as an additional forward observer, joining two others already with the unit. My job was to coordinate with the nearby artillery base, helicopter gunships, and even Air Force jets if we needed air support. Monkey Mountain loomed ominously, shrouded in mystery. Its towering heights were hidden by dense early morning fog and the thick jungle foliage that wrapped around the twisting, narrow trail. The fear of a VC ambush haunted us while we ascended the trail. In Vietnam, combat often meant ambushes. Deadly, quick, and chaotic. Many men were killed, wounded, or maimed by booby traps during such attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And then there were monkeys. Monkey Mountain was home to wild, noisy monkeys. Their constant screeches made us jittery. How could we distinguish their raucous cries from the stealthy movements of the VC scouts? War was full of unknowns. Death could arrive at any moment. I usually moved with the point group, the vanguard of our company. I wanted to be near when trouble came so I could help my friends. On this day I was fourth in line. We didnt know how long our mission would last. Our objective was simple: Locate and neutralize the VC. This could take one day or maybe several. We anticipated a minor skirmish. Typically, the VC fled unless they thought they could unleash a successful ambush. Often, they fled after briefly firing at us. Sometimes they set booby traps and ran. We advanced slowly, step by step, every move filled with apprehension, ever-watchful for signs of danger. My radio operator stayed close by, ready to call in artillery support if we walked into an ambush. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Early on we were swarmed by hordes of mosquitoes, Vietnams second enemy after the VC, followed by snakes. Mosquitoes brought diseases, some of them fatal. Many of the snakes were poisonous. Our heavy backpacks slowed us down. We stopped frequently to hydrate and reapply mosquito repellent, which quickly became ineffective once we sweated it off. The bites we had endured were painful reminders of our unforgiving surroundings. As we climbed higher, the air cooled and the mosquitoes disappeared. But not the snakes. They were still with us. Stanley Ross, the companys tallest soldier, with the companys shortest in Vietnam. (Photo courtesy of Stanley Ross via The War Horse) Then the point man stopped abruptly and signaled for caution. Footprints made by sandals, discarded food wrappers, and broken underbrushthese unmistakable signs indicated a recent VC presence. The enemy was near. So was danger. The trail was the only known way up or down the mountain. How many actual VC were there? The enemy always found creative ways to surprise us, like hiding in a tree. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sky darkened and the clouds hinted at rain, a lingering storm hesitant to make way for the dry season. It felt like an ominous warning. Dave, the radio operator, asked me if the day frightened me as much as it scared him. I admitted that it did. This was my first Friday the 13th in combat. Bad things happen in war. And we were hunting an enemy who might be watching us. Move out, came the call. Dave and I grabbed our packs and started up the trail, falling behind the third soldier. We were near the top of the mountain when the rattle of AK-47 shots erupted. We had found the VC. Dave and I moved forward. The noise was deafening from the sound of the AK-47 gunshots along with our M-16s. I ducked behind a thick tree trunk and used my map to pinpoint the enemys position, but I needed to move closer to the VC to ensure the accuracy of the artillery shelling location. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The VC position was a fortified horseshoe of sandbags and logs, with bunkers connected by trenches. Unknown to us, the VC had spider holes, concealed pits for ambushes in front of the trenches. As the first platoon advanced, enemy gunfire intensified. I moved forward to gain a better view. While crouching down, I spotted a VC soldier pop up from a nearby spider hole and toss a hand grenade at me. The grenade bounced past me and exploded. I felt a burning sensation on my back. (Dave later told me I had a hole in the back of my shirt.) I gave Dave the VCs coordinates to pass on to the artillery unit. Within seconds, artillery shells whistled through the air, landing beyond the VC bunkers. I adjusted the artillery fire. The next barrage found its mark, spraying shrapnel through the trees and pounding the VCs position. The artillery fire sent the VC a message: It was time to leave. The AK-47 gunfire stopped. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blood trails revealed that some of the VC were wounded and perhaps killed. Three of us were wounded. The worst injury was the loss of a few toes. Friday the 13th was indeed ominousbut not for us. When we got back to base camp, I changed out of my dirty fatigues and showered. Fortunately, my wound was superficial; infection was my biggest concern, so I had the medic check out and bandage the wound. Afterwards, I laid on my bunk, smoking a Camel cigarette and talking with my buddies. We were lucky that no one was killed or seriously hurt. That 13th had passed but another Friday the 13th was coming. Christmas came and went. So did 1968. I tried to stay optimistic as the new year approached, but in Vietnam, danger lurked everywhere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This War Horse Reflection was edited by Kim Vo, fact-checked by Jess Rohan, and copy-edited by Mollie Turnbull. Hrisanthi Pickett wrote the headlines. Stanley Ross was raised by a single mother in public housing before joining the Army in 1967. He spent two years in Vietnam, starting with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, followed by a year with the Military Assistance Command Vietnam, Pleiku. He later earned multiple degrees, owned and operated several small businesses, worked as a financial advisor for a financial services firm, and was a tenured business college professor at Bridgewater State University until his retirement in 2022. He has written published business articles and three business textbooks. Vietnamese small boat migrants are to be fast-tracked for deportation under a new agreement announced by Sir Keir Starmer on Wednesday. Downing Street claimed the deal struck with the south-east Asian country could result in four times as many Vietnamese nationals with no right to remain in Britain being returned. The deal signed by the Prime Minister and To Lam, the general secretary of the Communist party of Vietnam, will initially reduce the time it takes to process migrants documents by 75 per cent and eventually cut it by as much as 90 per cent, according to Downing Street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It strengthens a previous agreement with Vietnam last year, aimed at reducing the surge in migrants from the country crossing the Channel. In the year to April 2024, they made up a fifth of small boat arrivals a 10-fold increase on the same period in the previous year. The numbers have more than halved to 1,026 crossings by Vietnamese migrants this year, which No 10 claimed was evidence of international agreements with partner countries working. Sir Keir Starmer signed the deal with To Lam, the head of the Vietnamese communist party - Jack Taylor/Reuters The Prime Minister said: This landmark agreement with Vietnam sends a clear message if you come to the UK illegally, you will be swiftly returned. We are cutting through red tape, accelerating removals, and dismantling the criminal networks that profit from illegal migration. This deal delivers on our promise to protect our borders and cut down on migration. The number of illegal arrivals from Vietnam has already been cut by half, but more can be done. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Todays agreement shows that through international co-operation not shouting from the sidelines we can deliver for the UK and for working people. New partnership agreed Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary, also signed the deal alongside her Vietnamese counterpart, and said: For too long, this country has been unable to remove those with no right to be here. This important deal with the Vietnamese will help us ramp up removals of illegal migrants, and I will do whatever it takes to secure our borders. During the Prime Ministers meeting with Vietnams leader, the two also agreed a new comprehensive strategic partnership, aimed at furthering common work on defence, security, trade, climate and growth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sir Keir was invited to visit Vietnam by Mr Lam, who spoke via a translator during the meeting, in order to enrich the bilateral relationship between the two countries. 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. The Wednesday, October 29, episode of The View featured the panel discussing Donald Trumps confusion of a dementia assessment for an IQ test. They say toddlers have passed this with a perfect score, so I dont know if he should brag, Sunny Hostin said after the Montreal Cognitive Assessment was shown onscreen. Sara Haines also pointed out that the scientist who designed this said its in no way indication of IQ because its a cognitive abilities test. All jokes aside, the whole situation was upsetting for Joy Behar, who said, The scary part is that this person who can tell you the difference between a camel and an elephant has the nuclear codes. That is what frightens me and what keeps me up at night and why I woke up this morning at 4 oclock. He cannot pass, really, a cognitive test. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Behar also called out Jake Tapper for writing an entire book about [Joe] Bidens cognitive abilities, but he hasnt written nothing about this situation. Trump talked about his assessment while speaking to reporters recently. He challenged Jasmine Crockett and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to take the same test as him. [The Democrats] have Jasmine Crockett, a low IQ person. AOC is low IQ. You give her an IQ test, have her pass, like, the exams that I decided to take when I was at Walter Reed, Trump said. I took those are very hard. Theyre really aptitude tests, I guess, in a certain way, but theyre cognitive tests. Let AOC go against Trump. Let Jasmine go against Trump. I dont think Jasmine the first couple questions are easy. A tiger, an elephant, a giraffe, you know. When you get up to about fix or six, and when you get up to 10 and 20 and 26, they couldnt come close to answering those questions. The president received a perfect score on the 10-minute test, which is used to identify signs of dementia or Alzheimers, but is not an indicator of IQ, as Trump claimed. As Haines pointed out, Dr. Ziad Nasreddine, who created the test, previously noted, There are no studies showing that this test is correlated to IQ tests. The purpose of it was not to determine persons who have a low IQ level. So, we cannot say that this test reflects somebodys IQ. Alyssa Farah Griffin pointed out that Donald Trump is someone I dont agree with a lot, I think he does a lot of things wrong, has poor moral character, but said shes not convinced hes fading mentally and said Democrats should focus on the issues instead of mental state. Hes giving you an array to attack, she added, to which Hostin replied, Like his lack of cognition! The View, Weekdays, 11a/10c, ABC Read the latest entertainment news on TV Insider. MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) Severe weather may alter some Halloween plans, but it wont dampen the excitement for New York Citys 52nd Annual Village Halloween Parade. The parade will kick off on Sixth Avenue south of Spring Street at 7 p.m. on Friday, rain or shine. More Local News Anyone wearing a costume is welcome to join the parade. The parade will continue up Sixth Avenue to 15th Street. The following streets will be closed at the discretion of the NYPD: Formation: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 6th Avenue between Spring Street and Canal Street Dominick Street between Varick Street and 6th Avenue Sullivan Street between Broome Street and Spring Street Broome Street between Sullivan Street and Varick Street Spring Street between Sullivan Street and Varick Street Route: 6th Avenue between Spring Street and West 18th Street Make PIX11 your preferred news source on Google: Heres how Dispersal: West 16th Street between 5th Avenue and 7th Avenue West 17th Street between 5th Avenue and 7th Avenue West 18th Street between 5th Avenue and 7t Avenue 5th Avenue between 14th Street and 19th Street 7th Avenue between 14th Street and 19th Street Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miscellaneous: West 10th Street between 6th Avenue and Greenwich Avenue Van Dam Street between Varick Street and 5th Avenue Even if you dont have a costume, the Village Halloween Parade is free to watch. Organizers warn that the most crowded viewing area is between Bleecker and 14th Street. The parade ends around 11 p.m. Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. 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. HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) Vincennes has announced a new Sister City relationship with a city in Ukraine. According to officials, Vincennes signed a Sister City agreement with Ovruch, Ukraine on Wednesday. Officials say the partnership celebrates friendship, cultural exchange and a shared commitment to community resilience. Both Vincennes and Ovruch are cities defined by history, strength, and perseverance, said Vincennes Mayor Yochum. Our two communities may be separated by distance, but we are united in spirit in dedication to our citizens, our belief in peace, and our shared hope for a brighter future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The announcement followed another ceremony celebrating the 90th anniversary of a Sister City relationship with a French city, also named Vincennes. 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). NORFOLK A man who police said was shot near a middle school in the Tanners Creek neighborhood early Wednesday morning has died from a gunshot wound. Officers were dispatched at around 1 a.m. to a residence near the 1400 block of East Tanners Creek Road on a report of a gunshot. That address is less than a half mile from Rosemont Middle School. Arriving officers found 26-year-old Malcolm W. Moore of Virginia Beach with life-threatening injuries. He was taken to a hospital where he later died from his injuries, according to a Norfolk Police Department spokesperson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An inquires asking the spokesperson about the shootings motive went unanswered. Neither the police department nor Norfolk Public Schools immediately responded to inquires on how or if the shooting impacted school operations. Police called the killing as a homicide. The investigation was active as of Wednesday afternoon. No additional details have been released. Anyone with information is asked to call 1-888-LOCK-U-UP or submit a tip using the P3Tips mobile app. WASHINGTON (WAVY) Two ranking members of the House Committee on Education & Workforce, including Rep. Bobby Scott (VA-03), have called for a hearing on gun violence in schools, saying it would be a unique opportunity to foster solutions. Rep. Bobby Scott delivers $760K for gun violence prevention in Newport News Reps. Bobby Scott (VA-03) and Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) sent the letter, which references two recent school shootings at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and another outside Evergreen High School in Evergreen, Colorado, to committee chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI). It cites Everytown for Gun Safetys research report, The Long, Shameful List of Gunfire on School Grounds in America, which notes at least 118 incidents of gunfire on school grounds in 2025, which it states has led to 36 deaths and 108 injuries nationally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another report, Safe Schools, Thriving Students, by the Learning Policy Institute, was also cited, expressing students need for a safe learning environment to reduce consequences for mental health and to create an engaging learning environment. Prior to this letter, at a recent full committee markup, Scott had urged Walberg to invite Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to testify regarding the Health and Human Services elimination of mental health programs, including the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration. According to the letter, these cuts move our efforts to address mental health issues and gun violence in the wrong direction, and we hope we will have the opportunity to examine them in depth. 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 WAVY.com. A Florida woman is suing SeaWorld in Orlando, claiming she suffered a permanent injury when a duck flew into her face while riding on one of the theme parks roller coasters. Hillary Martin, a resident of Orange County, Florida, said she was riding the Mako roller coaster at SeaWorld in March when suddenly a duck flew into the rides path, hit her in the face and knocked her out. The incident led to permanent injury, expensive hospital treatments, an inability to enjoy a normal life, disfigurement, loss of wages and other negative consequences, according to the suit filed on Monday in Floridas Ninth Judicial Circuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Martin believes SeaWorld created a zone of danger around the ride by placing it near a body of water where ducks, gulls, geese or other waterfowl birds are likely to be found increasing the risk for bird strikes. She is asking a judge for a jury trial and at least $50,000 in damages for what she believes was SeaWorlds failure to maintain safety on its premises and warn about potential dangers related to the location of the roller coaster. A Florida woman is accusing SeaWorld of failing to maintain safety by placing its well-known roller coaster over a body of water where waterfowl may flock to. She claims she was hit in the face by a duck while on a ride. (Getty Images) The safety of our guests and employees is a top priority and we take these situations seriously. We will not be commenting beyond that as this is pending litigation, a spokesperson for SeaWorld Orlando said. The Mako roller coaster, which opened in 2016, is located next to the theme parks lake. The coaster, which is Orlandos largest and fastest roller coaster, is 200 feet tall and can reach speeds up to 73 mph. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorneys for Martin say the high speed of the roller coaster makes a collision with a flying bird a high-impact event and that the ride is designed in such a way as to disorient waterfowls, thereby increasing the risk of collision. Although the lawsuit does not specify what type of injuries Martin had, it says the injuries she faced have led to permanent damage that has impacted her physical and mental well-being. SeaWorld Orlando is no stranger to lawsuits and controversy. Perhaps most famously, the aquatic-themed park has faced multiple lawsuits alleging mistreatment of animals such as the orca Tilikum, which killed its handler in 2010. Following the release of the 2013 documentary Blackfish, the theme park faced negative press and had to settle a lawsuit with investors for misleading them about the impact of the documentary on park attendance. SeaWorld Orlando ended its orca breeding program in 2016. The video opens mere moments after the initial blast: A towering plume of smoke in all shades of grey rises from a green, flat-top mountain above a quiet lake, punching through low clouds before cascading down in thick sheets of ash that resemble a woolly mammoth's head. The camera stays steady as the person filming jumps into a small boat and speeds away, holding the shot while the mushroom cloud swells. Other small boats scatter across the water. Off-screen, the person holding the camera and the boat's driver verbally react in real time to what looks like a scene straight from "Terminator 2" or "Oppenheimer." Eventually, it seems the boat will get to safety, and nothing more explosive happens just slow-moving ash swelling and settling. This eruption, it turns out, was captured at the deadly Taal Volcano in Batangas Province, Philippines, on October 26, 2025, about 40 miles south of Manila. Taal is part of an active volcanic system and has remained a "permanent danger zone" since a major eruption in 2020, which underscored the risks of volcano tourism, as evidenced in the now-viral TikTok video. According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), three minor eruptions and nine volcanic earthquakes occurred at Taal within 24 hours-- including phreatomagmatic eruptions, when magma interacts with water and explodes into steam and ash and phreatic eruptions, when underground water is heated by lava, magma, or "new volcanic deposits." Earthquakes followed, continuing a pattern of near-daily tremors throughout October, a stark increase from September's tally. Though PHIVOLCS assured the public that Taal's short-lived activity was fairly normal, an Alert Level 1 was maintained, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government mandated local readiness in case of further volcanic activity. Read more: 25 Gorgeous Islands For Vacationing That Won't Break The Bank Taal is a geological phenomenon An aerial view of Taal Volcano and the surrounding volcanic system and Taal Lake - Francis Crisostomo/Getty Images The region's seismic activity is carefully monitored, and PHIVOLCS emphasizes that the eruptions are related to the volcano's hydrothermal system, not a fresh surge of magma. Philippine Airlines, the country's flagship carrier, has said it's avoiding flight paths near Taal, but has not disrupted its service due to eruptions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taal volcano is an island within a freshwater lake, which is itself on an island surrounded by a lake, in a rare geological pattern Atlas Obscura described as "something like nesting dolls." Vulcan Point is technically one of Taal Volcano's cones and is situated within Main Crater Lake the largest crater lake in the world which is on Volcano Island, which is surrounded by Taal Lake, all located on the island of Luzon in the Philippine archipelago. The area's part of the Ring of Fire, or Circum-Pacific Belt, a regional path through the Pacific Ocean where the majority of Earth's active volcanoes and major earthquakes occur. Until the 2020 eruption forced mass evacuations, spread toxins, and claimed nearly 40 lives, the island had been inhabited and frequently visited by tourists for up-close experiences. Metro Manila, where Makati, the so-called "selfie capital of the world," is located, is only about 2 hours away. Although it's now strictly prohibited to live on or visit Taal Volcano, visitors can still get a safe view by taking a boat tour around the lake. You cannot hike it the way you can at Mount Pinatubo, but you can hire a boat or just enjoy distant views from nearby Talisay, or from elevated, scenic viewpoints in Tagaytay City, a popular day-trip destination from Manila. Ready to discover more hidden gems and expert travel tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter and add us as a preferred search source for access to the world's best-kept travel secrets. Read the original article on Islands. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday addressed the Maritime Leaders' Conclave during India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, and chaired the Global Maritime CEO Forum. In his address, the Prime Minister lauded Gujarat's Kandla Port, calling it the pride of the country, a release said. He said that, for the first time, an Indian port has set up a megawatt-scale indigenous green hydrogen facility - and Kandla Port has achieved this remarkable milestone. It is worth mentioning that during his recent visit to Kutch, the foundation stone of a 10 MW green hydrogen plant was laid, out of which a 1 MW unit has already been commissioned. In a very short span, Kandla Port successfully set up the country's first Make-in-India-based 1 MW green hydrogen plant, ushering in a new era for India's port sector. Earlier, the Prime Minister had also praised this initiative of DPA in a post on X, saying, "This is a commendable effort that strengthens sustainable development and advances India's Net Zero vision." This plant will play a significant role in supporting India's mission to reduce carbon emissions. The new facility is the first time in the country that such a futuristic initiative has been taken up by the Government of India port, laying the foundation for transformation in the maritime sector. It is a living example of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, with Gujarat once again playing a leading role in the nation's development journey. This achievement of Deendayal Port Authority, Kandla, has not only brought great pride to Gujarat but also to the entire country. Under the visionary leadership and guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Deendayal Port Authority Kandla, is achieving continuous progress, under the leadership of Sushil Kumar Singh, Chairman, DPA, Kandla. (ANI) SOUTH FORK, Pa. Volunteers from FirstEnergy spent Tuesday planting pine and spruce trees along the Path of the Flood Trail near South Fork as part of a September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance project. Jeffrey McCauley, president of the alliance, said the efforts were grant funded and done in partnership with the Cambria County Conservation & Recreation Authority. Cliff Kitner Cliff Kitner, Cambria County Conservation and Recreation Authority executive director, talks about trail improvements Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cliff Kitner, CCCRA executive director, was thankful for the nine volunteers and the 9/11 trail alliances assistance in beautifying the path. Anything we can do to enhance the trail system, the better, he said. The section of trail receiving new foliage is known as the Stineman area and is the site of a coal refuse removal project. McCauley noted the importance of coal for energy production and regional heritage, but also stated the need to improve land after a reclamation project is completed. Its very important to restore the ecosystem as much as possible, he said. By planting the 30 evergreens from Bruce Nurseries a few feet off the trail, the groups hoped to take another step toward that goal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tree planting September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance President Jeffrey McCauley (left) and FirstEnergy volunteers Alissa Coposky and Marley Crynock plant a tree Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, along the Path of the Flood Trail near South Fork. The volunteers worked in groups of three filling holes CCCRA maintenance specialists prepared with nutrient-rich soil provided by Stuvers Riverside Nursery. The trees was spaced several feet apart and will act as a new foliage line along the trail where there used to be several yards of grasslands. Volunteers said they were glad to be outdoors despite Tuesdays morning temperature hovering around 45 degrees Fahrenheit and were happy to lend a hand with the trails groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sunny scene A sunny scene along the Path of the Flood Trail near South Fork Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. They said FirstEnergy allots them 16 hours of volunteer time per year. Why the Stineman section of the Path of the Flood Trail was chosen is because of its recent reclamation project and because the 9/11 trail uses that path for its 1,500-mile loop that connects the attacks sites from Sept. 11, 2001, in Pennsylvania, New York and Washington, D.C. McCauley said maintaining partnerships with groups such as the CCCRA is important to the alliances work. Other trail maintenance set to take place includes 13 miles of the Ghost Town Trail impacted by Hurricane Debby in August 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Preparation FirstEnergy volunteers Dawn Paul (left) and Jeff McCreery tease a rootball on an evergreen tree they were planting along the Path of the Flood Trail near South Fork Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. The CCCRA announced on its Facebook page recently that the repair project had been fully funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Kitner said the work could cost around $750,000 and will likely begin in the spring because construction season is winding down at this time. Roughly 75% of the total project will be funded by FEMA, with the other 25% coming from the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency after competition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The undertaking could take about two years to complete, Kitner said, but hes pleased to make progress on the repairs. Its not up to our standards, and were finally getting it back up to our standards, he said. Unloading Cambria County Conservation and Recreation Authority maintenance specialist Vincent Heiss unloads evergreen trees to be planted along the Path of the Flood Trail near South Fork Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. Since the storm caused extensive damage to the path, the authority has received concerned comments from trail users, he noted. The majority of the work will take place between Nanty Glo and Vintondale on the Ghost Town Trail and the paths C&I Extension that stretches from Ebensburg to Nanty Glo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Included in the project is replacing storm water pipes with larger conduits to allow more volume of water to be carried and avoid future washouts; repairs to the trail bed; and installation of topcoat on all 13 miles. The authoritys engineers are developing bid documents, after which a contract will be awarded. JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins said next years midterm elections will be loaded with ballot questions for voters to decide on. In an interview with Nexstar on Tuesday, Hoskins said there are more than 100 petitions currently circulating around the state. If any of them are approved, theyll join four proposed constitutional amendments already on the 2026 ballot. Theres going to be quite a few different things on the ballot in 2026, said Hoskins, a Republican serving in the first year of his first term as Missouris top election authority. Preview proposed amendments on next years ballot With more than a hundred petitions still out, Hoskins is warning those who are collecting signatures to follow Missouris election laws or risk being thrown off the ballot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those signatures have to be signed and dated and so we will look at the datethe date of the signature when those are turned in, he said. Petitioners are up against a Dec. 11 deadline to turn in more than 100,000 signatures that are needed to put a question on the ballot. With at least four amendments up for vote and likely more questions to be added to the list, Hoskins said hes confident Missourians will be able to decipher whats going on for any election. I dont think its confusing at all, Hoskins said in response to a question regarding the large number of measures that could be on the ballot. Voters here in the State of Missouri are very smart people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Missourians are very smart and very astute to what exactly is going on, he added. Not only in the legislature, but on the ballot. 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. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Washington state will give food banks $2.2 million per week as they deal with the potential end of food stamp benefits due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. The Trump administration says it cant fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, starting Saturday, despite billions of dollars in reserves. This is expected to send Washingtons SNAP recipients to local food banks and pantries to feed their families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In May, the most recent month for which federal data is available, over 905,000 Washingtonians received a total of $167 million in SNAP benefits. Food banks are already seeing heightened demand and preparing for broader Republican-backed cuts to SNAP that are still to come. Gov. Bob Ferguson on Tuesday directed the state Department of Social and Health Services to transfer nearly $2.2 million each week to the states Department of Agriculture for grants to food banks. The first infusion would come Monday, Nov. 3. If youre able to support your local food bank, either with donations or volunteering, I encourage you to do so, Ferguson, a first-term Democrat, said in a statement. Well keep looking for innovative solutions at the state level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Social and Health Services administers SNAP in Washington, while the federal government funds the program for low-income residents. Fergusons move comes as Democratic attorneys general and governors across the country, including Washingtons Nick Brown, sued the Trump administration Tuesday over its refusal to provide SNAP payments in November. The U.S. Department of Agricultures announcement contradicts earlier statements that said the agencys contingency fund would continue to provide SNAP benefits during the shutdown, which began Oct. 1. Trump is picking and choosing what gets funded and what doesnt during the shutdown, Brown said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The states involved in the lawsuit asked a federal judge in Massachusetts to rule by Friday on their motion to compel the Trump administration to pay SNAP benefits in November. Washingtons separate nutrition program for Women, Infants and Children, or WIC, has enough funding for most of November amid the impasse in Congress. That additional federal funding came from tariff revenue. The editorial board of The Wall Street Journal is urging Republicans in Congress to end health care subsidies introduced as part of ObamaCare as the party tries to negotiate an end to the government shutdown, which has stretched into its fourth week. Despite longtime Democratic political dominance on healthcare, more voters may be noticing for the first time in years that the Affordable Care Act is a debacle that has made care worse and more expensive, the Journal wrote as part of an editorial published Tuesday. The newspaper accused Democrats in Congress of attempting to extort the GOP into extending enriched ObamaCare subsidies that were sold as temporary pandemic support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Do taxpayers many of whom pay for their own coverage at work want to underwrite baby boomer early retirement? Maybe the politics here arent as obvious as Democrats assume, the Journal argued. More than a decade after the former presidents signature health care legislation was signed into law, [I]ts still a product few deem worth buying unless theyre protected from the cost, the Rupert Murdoch-owned outlet added. The political and media ground have changed in the past 10 years, it said. An underappreciated question of the shutdown is whether the GOP will re-enter the debate on healthcare and go on offense on ObamaCares failures. Since President Trump took office in January, the Journal has been sharply critical of the new administration and urged Republicans in Congress to push back on the presidents policies on issues ranging from trade to federal law enforcement and matters of national security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Gov. Tim Walz speaks after the end of the special session in June Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Minnesota State Capitol. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer) Gov. Tim Walz announced Wednesday that his administration will audit payments for 14 Medicaid services and pause them if anomalies are detected. Walzs move comes after fraud schemes in Minnesota public programs have gamed state government and federal programs administered by Minnesota out of hundreds of millions of dollars in recent years. Walz is seeking a third, four-year term as Minnesotas Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party governor, and Republicans are already hammering Walzs record on stopping fraud. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Human Services identified 14 Medicaid service types as high-risk because of vulnerabilities, evidence of fraudulent activity, or data analytics that revealed potentially suspicious patterns, claim anomalies, or outliers, DHS Temporary Commissioner Shireen Gandhi wrote to the federal government. Payments for these programs will be paused for up to 90 days only if anomalies are detected in order to detect suspicious billing activity and scrutinize the use of public funds, the governors office said Wednesday. We cannot effectively deliver programs and services if they dont have the backing of the publics trust. In order to restore that trust we are pumping the brakes on 14 programs that were created to help the most disadvantaged among us, yet have become the target of criminal activity, Walz said in a statement. Minnesotas Medicaid autism treatment program is among the 14. Last month, federal prosecutors charged the first person in what is believed to be a wide-ranging fraud investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The now defunct Housing Stabilization Services program is also among the 14; the state moved to shut down the program in August, citing fraud, and the Justice Department has charged eight people in that probe, with one pleading guilty this month. The governors office said the state has outsourced the audit to Optum, which will analyze Medicaid billing and flag issues for the Department of Human Services to review. (Optum is a division of Minnesota-based UnitedHealth Group. Earlier this year, The Wall Street Journal reported that the Department of Justices health care fraud unit is investigating the health care giants Medicare Advantage billing practices. Also, citing people familiar with the matter, Bloomberg reported in August that the Justice Departments criminal division is digging into UnitedHealth Group Inc.s prescription management services as well as how it reimburses its own doctors under an ongoing probe into the firms operations.) The billing audit means providers may have to wait longer to receive their payments, but the state will still meet federal rules requiring payments within 90 days, the governors office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Association of Residential Resources in Minnesota, which represents 200 organizations that provide disability services, said pausing payments for the Medicaid programs could destabilize an already fragile care network. Pausing payments to legitimate providers for up to 90 days is not an accountability measure, its an existential threat to the care infrastructure that keeps Minnesotans with disabilities safe, housed and supported in their community, ARRM CEO Sue Schettle said in a statement. Among the 14 affected programs: Integrated Community Supports, Nonemergency Medical Transportation, Peer Recovery Services, Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Services, Adult Day Services, Personal Care Assistance/Community First Services and Supports, Recuperative Care, Individualized Home Supports, Adult Companion Services, Night Supervision, Assertive Community Treatment and Intensive Residential Treatment Services. Clarification: A previous version of this article mischaracterized the pause in payments due to incorrect information from the governors office. St. Louis County Commissioner Ashley Grimm poses for a portrait outside the St. Louis County District Courthouse Friday, Oct. 24, 2025 in Duluth, Minnesota. Grimm was shocked when she learned that her colleagues had known about a massive proposed data center six months before the public did, and has since been working to make it illegal for commissioners to sign nondisclosure agreements when big data center projects come to town. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer) Leaders in small Minnesota communities are helping big tech companies dot the state with gigantic computers used to power AI, often under the cloak of code names and nondisclosure agreements which legal experts and residents say is damaging public trust. City councilors, mayors and other elected officials across the state have been aware for months, even years, of various massive AI data center proposals, while sharing little to no information publicly until the projects are set in motion often bound by secrecy agreements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The City of Hermantown, muzzled by nondisclosure agreements, called a proposal Project Loon in early planning documents. If approved, the project would comprise over 200 acres of the wooded Duluth suburb with 1.8 million square feet worth of AI data processors. Power and water consumption and even the identity of the company that will use the campus are still under wraps even as the project reaches the permitting stage. Jane Kirtley, a professor of media law and ethics at the University of Minnesota, said the phenomenon of elected officials signing secrecy agreements isnt entirely surprising: Many of them are willing to sign their lives away in order to lure the businesses to their area. Still, Kirtley said, the non-disclosure agreements are extremely problematic because they compound the problem of opaque local government: In smaller communities where theres often less oversight, where fewer media are paying attention to it and fewer citizens participating, councils can get away with an awful lot of secrecy for a very long time without anybody complaining about it, she said. Young conifers and prairie grasses grow on the land earmarked for a large proposed data center campus in Hermantown, Minnesota, shown Friday, Oct. 24, 2025. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The jurisdictions cooperating with the tech behemoths say theyre in fierce competition with rival cities, counties and states and want to be able to negotiate privately, while the companies say they are guarding proprietary information and need the secrecy that an NDA guarantees. The data centers provide jobs to construction workers who build and maintain them, and piles of property tax money for often cash-starved local governments. Some elected officials have had enough, however, and are refusing to go along, while a state lawmaker wants to make these nondisclosure agreements illegal for elected officials. A total disservice to our office When St. Louis County Commissioner Ashley Grimm heard her colleagues knew about the proposed Hermantown campus a full six months before the public, she said she was shocked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hermantown is in south St. Louis County. To say that we would sign away our rights to talk to our constituents about that (data center project) is a total disservice to our office, she said. Grimm scoffed at the idea that constituents had to file public records requests to get information. Much of the available information related to the Hermantown proposal was made public recently through a Data Practices Act request which is Minnesotas version of a public records request and named after the states open records law filed by Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, or MCEA. The records include hundreds of pages of correspondence between consultants, city staffers and local elected officials regarding Project Loon, some dating back more than a year. (Additional documentation can be found on citizen-led stopthehermantowndatacenter.org.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grimm said the secrecy surrounding Project Loon motivated her to propose a prohibition on commissioners signing nondisclosure agreements when big data center projects come to town. Her proposal was quickly rejected during a heated commission meeting earlier this month. Protest signs stand in a front yard near the land earmarked for a large proposed data center campus in Hermantown, Minnesota, just outside of Duluth, is shown Friday, Oct. 24, 2025. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer) I dont give a s*** what you think The meeting room was packed, but the county commission allotted no time for the public to comment on Grimms proposal. At one point after the meeting, Commissioner Keith Nelson, one of three who signed a nondisclosure agreement, repeatedly told a Duluth Monitor reporter on video I dont give a sh*t what you think about there being no opportunity for public comment. Nelson did not respond to a request for comment on the interaction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, the county provided to the Reformer a statement on NDAs. In the economic development world, this is common practice as developers do their due diligence during their evaluation phase to determine a projects feasibility without tipping their hat to a competitor. St. Louis County signed a non-disclosure agreement so that we could receive information that is considered confidential and proprietary. Should the developer decide to move forward, the public will be provided opportunity to weigh in on any involvement the county may have with this project. MCEA Executive Director Kathryn Hoffman replied, Were just way past the point where that argument makes any sense. MCEA has filed four lawsuits against cities that have advanced data center projects with what MCEA alleges are a lack of transparency and incomplete environmental reviews: Faribault, Pine Island, North Mankato and Lakeville. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hoffman allowed that city staff could conceivably be required to sign a secrecy agreement. If an elected official signs one, however, the NDA could easily become a cover for something else entirely, Hoffman charged: secret lobbying. A legislative response Major AI data center projects campuses known in the industry as hyperscale are planned for Farmington and Rosemount, and both achieved significant momentum before the public knew anything about them. In Farmingtons case, city officials did not speak publicly about the development until Tract the company building the campus presented its project application during a City Council meeting. Farmington City Administrator Lynn Gorski said in a statement that its not uncommon to not speak publicly about any project until an application is received. Gorski emphasized that the application materials like details of the environmental review are public, and that to date the city of Farmington has not approved any data centers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Sen. Erin Maye Quade, DFL-Apple Valley, said she grew concerned as she learned about the Rosemount project, which will host Facebook parent Meta. Construction continues on the sprawling Rosemount Data Center on land bought by Meta near Dakota County Technical College, shown Thursday, May 29, 2025. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer) Like in Hermantown, the proposal was listed in early planning documents under a code name: Project Bigfoot. An employee of the tech giant attended public meetings and corresponded with local officials using the alias Ken Confidential, Maye Quade recalled. Maye Quades district falls on the projects border. Maye Quade proposed a bill earlier this year that would have barred local officials from signing nondisclosure agreements when planning data centers. It failed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im appalled that these large multi-billion dollar international corporations are entering into NDAs with cities where you might not have a full-time mayor or city council, Maye Quade said. The problem, she said, is that secrecy requirement exacerbates the power differential between a tech company and small city mayors. The Legislature should provide citizens the opportunity to be involved. NDAs are taking local communities rights away from being involved; our basic democratic, fundamental right is to participate in the process. Maye Quade said she will try again during next years legislative session, and expects more support and bipartisan support at that. Many of her Republican colleagues are on board, she said: You could sit us all on a panel and ask What are three things you agree upon? and it would be one thing the needed regulation for big tech and AI. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) A wanted burglary suspect is in custody after a foot chase in East Feliciana Parish Wednesday morning. According to the East Feliciana Parish Sheriffs Office (EFPSO), a deputy spotted Derrick McKneely, 50, of Wilson, driving along LA 19 near LA 10 (McManus Crossing) on Oct. 29. When the deputy attempted a traffic stop, McKneely fled on foot into an overgrown area. Deputies established a perimeter and called the Dixon Correctional Institute (DCI) Chase Team, as well as officers from the Jackson Police Department and Zachary Police Department for help. The DCI Chase Team arrived and used tracking dogs to locate McKneely hiding in a nearby gully. He was taken into custody without further incident, EFPSO said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Body found on Old Hammond Highway Wednesday morning, officials say McKneely faces several charges, including speeding (84 in a 55 mph zone), driving under suspension, resisting an officer, simple burglary, and felony theft. The sheriffs office said McKneely became a burglary suspect in August 2025 after deputies posted Ring camera photos of him on Facebook and asked the public for help identifying him. A warrant for his arrest was issued on Aug. 27. Sheriff Jeffrey Travis thanked the public for their help, as well as Warden E. Dustin Bickham, the DCI Chase Team, and officers from Jackson and Zachary for their roles in McKneelys capture. Latest News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. NYPD cops have identified a suspect wanted in the shooting death of a 24-year-old man outside the victims Brooklyn home more than a year ago and are asking the publics help tracking the accused killer down. Jahmal Grant, 38, is wanted for the murder of Maurice Boodie on Strauss St. near Newport St. in Brownsville, police said Wednesday. Grant allegedly shot Boodie in the chest and right leg at about 12:10 a.m. May 12, 2024, before getting away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medics rushed Boodie to Brookdale University Hospital, where he died about an hour later. Friends and family visiting the block after the shooting referred to Boodie as Mo, with one cousin calling him a very good person. Its not clear what sparked the shooting. Grant at the time was living around the corner from the victim. The shooting took place a half-block away from a double murder at a West Indian restaurant on Strauss St. on Oct. 27, 2022. In that incident, workers Eyon Johnson and Damien White were shot. Sawandi Galara, 46, was arrested for the killings in February 2023 and charged with murder. Cops released a photo of Grant on Wednesday and asked anyone with information on his whereabouts to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential. CHAMPION, Ohio (WKBN) The city of Warren and Champion Township have made a deal that will mean extra money for both when Mercy Health opens its new hospital in Champion. The sign is up in Champion, where work has started on the new Mercy Health hospital next to the Kent State Trumbull campus. Four miles away, a committee of the Warren City Council was being briefed on the new Joint Economic District, or JEDD, with Champion. Eventually, half the income tax generated at Mercy Health will go to Warren and half to Champion. Were talking about infrastructure or additional turning lanes because there will be a lot more traffic in and out of Educational Highway around Kent State, said Mike Keys, with Community Development. So, well be doing some infrastructure improvement there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mercy Health will pay no property taxes because its a non-profit. Only cities in Ohio can charge an income tax, so with the JEDD, Champion will get some tax money to work with. Both Warren Council and the Champion Trustees must still approve the JEDD. 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. The former judge of the Supreme Court of India, Justice Abhay S Oka, on Wednesday said that by bursting firecrackers, lakhs of people taking baths in rivers, idol immersion and use of loudspeakers in religious festivals are not essential religious practices guaranteed under Article 25 of the Constitution. Justice Oka further stated that no religion permits or encourages us to destroy the environment; rather, it teaches us to protect the environment and to show compassion to living beings and animals. "Unfortunately, there is a tendency to damage the environment in the name of religion. If we examine the tenets of all the religions in India, we will find the message of protecting the environment and showing compassion to living beings will be found in the tenets of every religion. All religions proceed on that hypothesis. No religion permits us to destroy the environment. The religion teaches us to protect the environment and to show compassion to the living beings and animals. No religion permits us to cause cruelty to animals while celebrating festivals", Justice Oka said. The former Supreme Court judge was speaking at an event "Clean Air, Climate Justice and We -- Together for a Sustainable Future" organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association. Further elaborating on the need to protect the environment, Justice Oka said that pollution of air and water must be regarded as a violation of fundamental rights guaranteed under Article 21. It also encompasses the right to live with human dignity. "I firmly believe that it is impossible to live with human dignity unless you have a healthy atmosphere," he said. Justice Oka flagged that, on the contrary, if we allow degradation or destruction of the environment, we are denying ourselves the Social Justice guaranteed under the preamble of the Constitution. "We degrade the environment, believing that the Earth belongs to us. But on the contrary, we belong to the earth", he said. Stressing further on the drastic effects of environmental degradation, Justice Oka stated that it has far-reaching effects as it severely impacts the poor and the marginalised. From farmers and fishermen suffering due to water contamination to street vendors in Delhi affected by air pollution, Justice Oka stated that the poor and the marginalised are the worst affected by environmental degradation. "Degradation of the environment affects the livelihood of the poor and marginalised. Talking about Delhi pollution, all of us sitting in this hall have air purifiers at our homes and offices. But the majority of the population of Delhi cannot afford these machines", he said. The former top-court judge further observed that it is the fundamental duty of every citizen to protect the environment while developing a scientific temper and spirit of reform. "The duty of developing a scientific temper is not against any religion. The Constitution does not tell you not to keep faith in God or religion. It says that you must initiate reforms and reforms can be initiated only on the basis of science", he said. Additionally, Justice Oka said that, along with other citizens of India, it is all more necessary for judges to become role models to do their fundamental duty of protecting the environment. "They (judges) are much better equipped than any common citizen to perform their fundamental duty because they have judicial power to ensure not only that citizens perform their fundamental duty, but also that the state does it," he said. Justice Oka emphasised that courts are the custodians of fundamental rights guaranteed under Article 21, which includes the right to live in a pollution-free environment, and thus have a duty to safeguard the right to a pollution-free life. He stated that currently, courts are the only institutions capable of effectively protecting the environment. "When we do justice to the environment as judges, we do justice to not only human beings but all living beings. We do justice to planet Earth. It is my personal view, considering today's scenario, the only institution which can protect the environment is the court or the courts of law," he said. (ANI) Hidden cameras captured the moment CNNs chief international correspondent Clarissa Ward came face-to-face with the man long suspected of knowing what happened to her friend, missing journalist Austin Tice, whose disappearance remains one of the most haunting mysteries of the Syrian war. Tice vanished while reporting on the civil war. Once held in a Damascus military compound, he briefly escaped before being recaptured. After the fall of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assads regime, former President Joe Biden vowed to get Tice back. His fate and location, however, has remained unknown. Wards investigation, followed in a new report released on Tuesday, attempts to go far beyond any previous account of Tices disappearance and even includes interviews with former Syrian intelligence officers who said they interrogated the journalist during his captivity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At one point, however, Ward and her team track down Bassam Al-Hassan, a former military general for Assad who once helped create Syrias notorious National Defense Forces. He has long been suspected of overseeing Tices captivity. When they find him in a Beirut apartment, Ward and CNN producer Sarah El Sirgany made the decision to knock on Al-Hassans door in one of the most striking scenes from the report. As the pair knock the door, Ward introduces herself: Hi, how are you? My name is Clarissa Ward, Im a journalist with CNN. Can I ask you a couple of questions? Im looking for more information about my friend Austin Tice. Looking visibly shaken, Al-Hassan invites the journalists and, according to Ward, asks over and over again how we found him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im not going to tell you how we found out where you are. Its not important. Weve been looking for you for a while, she tells him. She continues: We know that youve given multiple different stories. Can you just tell me because he was my friend: Is Austin Tice dead? Of course Austin is dead, the man replies in a low voice. Austin is dead. The man goes on to explain that Assad himself gave him the order to execute Austin but claimed the killing was carried out by a subordinate officer, information he claimed to have shared with the FBI. Ward asks Al-Hassan when Tice died, and he appears to indicate 2013 as he is pressed for an answer. Ward and Sirgany kept hidden cameras rolling as Al-Hassan alternated between defensiveness and remorse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont want to protect Bashar al-Assad because he abandoned and left us, Al-Hassan said. I dont want to protect Russia or Iran This relates to President Bashar only. As the pair leaves, the man pauses at the doorway and speaks about Tices mother, telling Ward: I owe her an apology and it upsets me to remember it. Truly. I wish what happened hadnt happened. Speaking about the encounter to Poynters Tom Jones, she said: Al-Hassan was clearly completely shocked that we found him and that element of surprise played in our favor he invited us into his home and was relatively friendly. We had been warned that he is an incredibly cunning and manipulative man. He went from playing the victim to asking to take our photo to choking up in a space of 20 minutes. Honestly, we were left with the impression that he is not a trustworthy character. At the same time, he seemed sincere when he said that Austin Tice was dead and this was something we heard from almost every single source (and we spoke to dozens of them). CNN found several FBI sources who said that Al-Hassan failed a polygraph test and reported that multiple sources echoed his claim, though no hard evidence has ever emerged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tices mother, Debra Tice, has previously dismissed Al-Hassan as a pathological liar. Austin Tice is alive, the family said in a statement to CNN. We look forward to seeing him walk free. "I know this is a lie My friend Austin Tice is alive, and we need to find him."#CNN's @ErinBurnett talks to Phil Elwood, spokesperson for the family of missing American journalist Austin Tice, after an ex-Syrian general tells CNN 'Austin is dead'.#OutFrontCNN #News pic.twitter.com/gsYLO6Z1Lo Erin Burnett OutFront (@OutFrontCNN) October 29, 2025 For Ward, the investigation remains deeply personal and far from over. My personal relationship with Austin is what has fueled my determination, she said. I still am intent on finding out the precise circumstances around his alleged execution. Watch above via CNN. The post WATCH: CNN Journalist Clarissa Wards Dramatic Confrontation With the Man Who Held Journalist Austin Tice Captive in Syria first appeared on Mediaite. Credit: bestofclaphamldn/Instagram A courier has been sacked after being filmed throwing Lime electric bikes from a delivery van. The video shows the employee who worked for a third party contractor of the transportation company hurling the e-bikes from the back of a van into a cycle hire parking area in south-west London. Parts of the rental bikes were broken off by the impact of the fall as they landed in the zone on Triangle Place, near Clapham Common, last week before the worker drove off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesman for Lime described the action in the footage as unacceptable and told The Telegraph it had received confirmation from the contractor that the individual had been sacked. However, the California-based tech company refused to name the courier involved in the incident. Lime bikes have seen a massive take-off in popularity in London - Maja Smiejkowska/Reuters The video shared on Instagram and Facebook by a local Clapham community page was accompanied by the caption: Several Lime vans were seen on Triangle Place last night, with one worker reportedly throwing bikes from the van into the road, damaging parts and leaving them piled up before driving off. Locals counted at least three vans in the area. Social media users described the incident as outrageous and shocking, with others suggesting it is no wonder they are so battered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The resident who captured the footage said: Do you hear much complaint about Lime bikes vans, the guys who move the bikes around and fill up empty parking spots? Have a video from last night of one [of] their workers launching bikes out the van into the road, breaking parts off the bikes, then just driving off leaving them in a pile. A spokesman for Lime said: This kind of behaviour is totally unacceptable. Our team was alerted to the incident last week and within 24 hours we had confirmation from our third party contractor that the individual involved was permanently dismissed. Lime is the biggest e-bike hire operator in London, with more than 50,000 electric vehicles in the capital. In August, Hounslow council, in west London, ended its two-year association with the e-bike rental company after complaints of antisocial parking on pavements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sir Sadiq Khan, the London Mayor, has previously described the situation with e-bikes in the capital as the Wild West. Lime bikes were first introduced to London in 2018. 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. 29 (UPI) -- A stray dog picked up by a Florida police officer was reunited with his owner 7 years after going missing during a burglary. Gabrielle Hartley said her dog, Luca, was missing from her Tampa apartment when she arrived home from work at 4 a.m. in 2018 and found her front door had been kicked in by a burglar. Hartley was contacted 7 years later by microchip company PetKey and learned Luca had been found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Tampa Police Department said on social media that an officer had found Luca wandering loose in the road. "Officer Bishop spotted this friendly pup wandering alone and as soon as he opened his patrol car door, Luca jumped in knowing he was saved," the post said. Luca was taken to Animal Doctors of South Tampa, where he was scanned for a microchip and Hartley was identified as his owner. Hartley said she suspects Luca was taken to be used for breeding and was abandoned when his health issues started to mount. "He had a UTI, blood infection, broken teeth from probably trying to escape a cage, broken claws, defensive marks all over his body. He's only like 38 pounds for a full-grown male dog, that's not even close to healthy," Hartley told Tampa Bay 28. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said Luca is being treated by veterinarians at Harmony Vet Care. "He still loves his favorite snacks, strawberries and peanut butter," Hartley said. "That moment he crawled up on my bed and he's licking my hand, he's like looking at me, and I could tell he feels comfortable and safe, and it's so worth it." Oct. 29 (UPI) -- A nonprofit taking care of dogs in Ukraine's Chernobyl exclusion zone are trying to solve the mystery of why some of the canines have turned "completely blue." Dogs of Chernobyl, which is affiliated with the Clean Futures Fund charity, said workers were out trying to trap dogs to be spayed and neutered in the Chernobyl area recently when they spotted the unusually colored canines. "We are on the ground now catching dogs for sterilization, and we came across three dogs that were completely blue," the Clean Futures Fund said in an Instagram post. "We are not sure exactly what is going on." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local residents said the dogs had not been blue one week earlier. The approximately 700 dogs living in the Chernobyl exclusion zone are descendants of the pets abandoned when the area was evacuated during the nuclear power plant meltdown in 1986. The Clean Futures Fund said the blue color is unlikely to be a result of any radioactivity. "Most likely they're getting into some sort of chemical," such as the blue liquid from a leaking portable toilet, the charity said. Officials said the dogs appear healthy and active despite their unusual color. Workers are continuing to attempt to capture the blue dogs in the hopes of finding an answer to the mystery. (The Center Square) In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop reviews the prospects of increased taxes and fees expected to come from Illinois legislators in the final days of fall veto session. Democrats are looking to increase taxes to pay for mass transit and an energy bill to support battery storage. Republicans say both policies are bad for Illinois families and businesses. Bishop also airs some of the latest debate between Republicans and Democrats over public safety and immigration reform. Democrats are looking to expand the state's migrant sanctuary policies as Republicans blame such laws for a recent fatal crash involving a county board member, his wife and two illegal immigrants. Subscribe to Illinois in Focus Daily with The Center Square on YouTube. You can also subscribe to the Illinois in Focus podcast to get the entire show uninterrupted. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) will speak with reporters Wednesday afternoon as lawmakers feel pressure to reopen the government. Democrats, who have leaned heavily on their demand for health care concessions in the stopgap funding bill, have blocked the GOP-backed continuing resolution (CR) from crossing the finish line in more than a dozen votes. Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) have advocated for Republicans to bring them to the negotiation table before conceding. Days away from open enrollment, Republicans have floated developing their own alternative to the Affordable Care Acts expiring subsidies that have kept health insurance premiums low for many Americans. Democrats are also weighing bills to pay military and federal workers as well as legislation to fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The press conference is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. EDT. Watch the live 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 The Hill. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Marty Makary will give remarks on the Trump administrations push to lower drug prices. President Trump announced earlier this month plans to launch TrumpRx.com, an online platform that it says will direct Americans to more affordable medicine. The move came as part of Trumps most favored nation pricing plan. At least two big drugmakers Pfizer and AstraZeneca have already agreed to sell their products in the U.S. at the lowest price they sell in other developed countries, establish direct-to-consumer avenues and not sell new medicine at a cheaper cost in other countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The press conference is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. EDT. Watch the live 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 The Hill. Oct. 29 (UPI) -- A pet monkey got loose from its owner at a Spirit Halloween store in Texas and spent more than 30 minutes swinging from rafters and poles. Arlene Pinkston said she and her daughters were shopping at the Halloween store in Plano when they spotted the monkey. "My daughter looked up and she said, 'What in the world?' and she's like, 'Is that a real monkey?' and I looked up and said, 'Well, it's got a diaper on so I guess it is real,'" Pinkston told NBC 5 DFW. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pinkston recorded video of the monkey running -- and swinging -- loose through the store. Spirit Halloween employee Jimmy Harris said the monkey was apparently spooked by an animatronic display and fled from its owner. "It was entertaining," Harris said. "A lot of people just stood and watched it for like 30 minutes, the whole time, they were like, 'monkey,' and we had kids trying to catch it." A Plano police officer responded to the store toward the end of the monkey's time on the loose. "He observed the monkey swinging from the rafters wearing a diaper," police said in a statement. "Eventually, a cookie was offered to the monkey by the owner, and was able to gain control of it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said the monkey was not injured and did not pose any danger to the store's human customers. The Jasper County Sheriff's Department in Missouri said Tuesday that three monkeys are on the loose after a truck carrying Rhesus monkeys from Tulane University was involved in a crash on Interstate 59, outside of Heidelberg. Passengers are one step closer to flying supersonic for the first time since Concordes retirement after Nasa took its sonic thump plane for its first test flight. The X-59 took off on its maiden flight on Tuesday morning, flying in an oval racetrack pattern over Edwards Air Force Base in California before landing at the facility. Although it is capable of flying at 925mph, or 1.4 times the speed of sound, it stayed around the 240mph mark on the hour-long flight. Future tests will see it break subsonic boundaries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plane is capable of breaking the speed of sound without producing a loud sonic boom, instead producing a muffled sonic thump. The aircraft left Palmdale Regional Airport in California shortly after 10am local time on Tuesday morning. Thousands of people followed its progress via online flight trackers. The X-59 only has one seat and is not intended as a prototype for commercial airliners, but will be used to collect data to develop a supersonic passenger aircraft. b' ' Commercial aircraft have been banned from breaking the sound barrier since 1973, after residents filed thousands of complaints in response to sonic boom tests conducted over Oklahoma City. Donald Trump this summer issued an executive order to repeal the rule. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The X-59, designed by Nasa and built by Lockheed Martin, is intended as the first step to allow travellers to travel at supersonic speeds across the US. For decades, this has been restricted to military planes, and even then in rare circumstances. The sleek aircraft, which measures just under 100ft, will eventually be flown above select US communities to collect data from residents responding to the X-59s sonic thump. The experimental X-59 takes off from Palmdale Regional Airport in California - David Swanson/Reuters On Tuesdays flight, Nasa worked to gather data from the X-59s engine response, aerodynamic handling, and air data systems, according to The Aviationist. We record 60 different streams of data with over 20,000 parameters on board, said Shedrick Bessent, a Nasa engineer. Before we even take off, its reassuring to know the system has already seen more than 200 days of work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A commercial aircraft matching the X-59s speeds could, in theory, cover a distance of New York to Los Angeles in under three hours. Currently, commercial flights take around double that time. Likewise, a transatlantic flight from Washington, DC to London could be completed in around four hours, rather than seven hours. Concorde, which could travel at 1,354mph, or more than twice the speed of sound, was retired in 2003. In June, Mr Trump repealed the ban on supersonic travel over the US, declaring advancements in noise reduction made flights safe, sustainable, and commercially viable. For more than 50 years, outdated and overly restrictive regulations have grounded the promise of supersonic flight over land, stifling American ingenuity... and ceding leadership to foreign adversaries, the US president said. 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. (The Center Square) Some Thurston County Democratic candidates are cutting ties with a company hired to do campaign work, after learning that the owner of Seeley Media is a convicted child rapist. Joshua Headley, a former pastor at Northwest Family Church in Auburn, was convicted in 2022 of grooming and raping a 15-year-old girl over the period of about a year between 2017 and 2018. He was sentenced to more than a year behind bars but served just six months, and as reported last week by KIRO News Radios Charlie Harger, Headley quickly rebranded himself by taking on the alias of J. Seeley and starting a media company that was hired by more than a dozen candidates or political campaigns for video work and consulting services, as well as television campaign ads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the groups that hired Headley was Citizens In Support of Yelm Community Schools. The political committee has been working in support of an enrichment levy, which appears on the Nov. 4 ballot. Headley is a Level 2 registered sex offender. There is a social media post showing Headley during a video shoot for Citizens In Support of Yelm Community Schools and a school bus on what appears to be school property. Awesome time with awesome people for a 7hr content shoot to promote a 2025 school levy, wrote Headley on the Seeley Media post. Rep. Travis Couture, R-Allyn, told The Center Square that Thurston County Democrats have been aware of Headley's past for months, with some candidates still not severing ties despite learning of his history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would be one thing if a brand-new local candidate had hired somebody and maybe didn't know their background or was tricked because of an alias change, he said. But on August 25th, the Thurston County Democrat central committee held a meeting in which Joshua Headley was exposed and talked about with many of these candidates in the room. Couture, who posted on his Facebook page, listed individual candidates in Thurston County who hired Seeley Media for campaign work. When you're talking about school board races, where you have individuals running for [the] Tumwater School District, who have employed Joshua Headley through his company, thats not a good look, Couture said. Public Disclosure Commission reports show that Seeley Media has been hired by at least 20 candidates and campaign committees between 2023 and 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to media coverage and subsequent concerns from parents in the district, Yelm Community Schools posted a note on its website Monday: First and foremost: Yelm Community Schools did not grant access to any outside campaign organizers or media producers to film on our campuses. The group referenced in recent coverage, Yes 4 Yelm Schools (organized separately as Citizens in Support of Yelm Schools), is an independent campaign. The district had no role in hiring or recommending any media firm or consultants they may have used, and we did not know who they engaged for promotional materials. Any questions regarding the hiring of media and consultants can be directed to Ashley Brooks, Chair of Citizens in Support of Yelm Schools. The Yelm Community Schools post added a phone number to contact Brooks. The Center Square reached out Tuesday for comment. Brooks said she was not aware the school district would post her contact information. I know emotions are high, and I feel them more than most can understand. These past few days have been personally difficult; holding onto friendships, comforting worried families, and reading things I wish I could unsee, she said. We had zero idea what atrocities this person had committed until very recently. What he did to his victim is beyond words, and I want it to be known that I really, truly f-----g care about the safety of every single one of our children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brooks shared that she is a survivor of sexual assault and said what has transpired has brought up feelings she thought were long gone, but were only buried. With all my power, I will make sure that something like this never happens again, she said. Brooks and the official statement from her campaign committee insist Headley was never on school property and say that law enforcement has been notified. The Center Square reached out to the Yelm Police Department but did not receive a response. The Center Square also reached out to several candidates in Thurston County who hired Headley through Seeley Media to find out if they had severed ties since learning of his conviction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the PDC, Ryan Siu, candidate for Lacey City Council, shows expenditures of $300 to Seeley Media. He did not respond to email questions. Tumwater School Board candidate Julie Watts has paid Seeley Media $975 this year. She also did not respond. Robert Vanderpool, candidate for Olympia City Council, paid Headleys company $2,280. He did not respond to emails requesting comment. Maren Turner, running for Lacey City Council, has spent just under $1,000 with Seeley Media, and has now severed ties. Seeley Media was dismissed by my campaign manager, Rob Richards, Turner emailed The Center Square. He is copied on this email and would be the best person to reply with details to your question. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Center Square did reach out to Richards, but did not get a response. Richards also owns a campaign consulting and media company called Reveille Strategies, which is listed on PDC records as having received tens of thousands of dollars from Democratic candidates in Washington. According to Couture, Richards is the one who brought Headley into the mix for campaign work. Meanwhile, Thurston County Democrats are distancing themselves from Headley and pushing back on claims they scrubbed meeting notes from Aug. 25 when it was publicly shared that Headley was a convicted child rapist. To be clear, we became aware of this contractors criminal history prior to the primary election and took immediate action to investigate and address it, Thurston County Democrats Chair Kait Toompas emailed The Center Square. The Thurston County Democrats have never hired this contractor, and the candidates who had previously worked with him had severed ties by the end of August. Please note that our meeting minutes are not verbatim and generally reflect only the actions taken during the meeting, which is why it was not included; no action was required by the body. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Couture said each of the campaigns and political groups affiliated with Headley should have very publicly announced they were cutting ties as soon as they learned of his past. The last thing the people of Thurston County want to find out after an election is that they hired someone to work on a school board or city council that hired a rapist and then covered it up, said Couture. Speaking to News18, Shah said the alliance will form the next government under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "There is no vacancy for the CM's post in Bihar; Nitish Kumar is the CM. There is no confusion," said Shah, dismissing rumours about the chief minister's health. Shah described a clear "NDA wave" in the state and predicted an "unprecedented increase" in the number of seats won by the coalition this election cycle. Highlighting the achievements of the NDA in Bihar, he credited the "double-engine government" with bringing major transformations in governance, infrastructure, and welfare delivery. Shah further said that in the past 11 years, 85.2 million (8 crore 52 lakh) people have received five kilograms of free food grains, and 6.6 crore Jan Dhan accounts have been opened under the central government's welfare initiatives. "Nitish Kumar has pulled Bihar out of jungle raj in the past 11 years," Shah said, highlighting the transformation under the double-engine government. Earlier in the day, Shah addressed an election rally in Samastipur, Bihar, asserting that the upcoming state assembly elections offer a crucial opportunity for people to reject the "jungle raj" and choose the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) for a stable, developed future. Drawing parallels with the Pandavas from the epic Mahabharata, Shah described the NDA's five-party alliance as a united and formidable force, determined to work together for the progress of Bihar. NDA is led by the Bharatiya Janata Party and Janata Dal (United) and includes Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), and Rashtriya Lok Morcha. "The upcoming elections are an opportunity to make Bihar free from jungle raj. In the NDA, all five allies, like the Pandavas, are contesting the elections together. NDA's victory in the Bihar elections is certain," Amit Shah said while addressing supporters. (ANI) Crews are working to repair multiple water main breaks that caused flooding around the Wedgwood Houston neighborhood. Metro Nashville Water Services reported active water main breaks at two addresses: 1138 4th Ave. S. and at 440 Chestnut St. Sonia Allman, a spokesperson from Metro Water, said crews are waiting to dig up the water main break site that was reported shortly before 1 p.m. Oct. 29. Allman said the break has caused substantial damage to the road. No damages have been reported to area buildings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said the cause of the breaks isn't known. Workers are trying to close valves so they can isolate the location of the breaks and allow water to recede from the area. Chestnut Street is closed in both direction from Humphreys Street to 3rd Avenue South, Allman said. A detour is being established for drivers. Allman said all customers are back in service. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Water main breaks close road around 4th Avenue South. Crews on scene Erin Maidan Paige, center, and her sons Shia, 8, at left, and Ezra, 6, at right, sit in front of the trunk which belonged to Erins grandfather and the boys great-grandfather, Jozef Maidan. Jozef and his wife Sonia were Holocaust survivors and came to Waterloo after World War II. (Photo by Pat Kinney) Iowa Writers 'Collaborative. Linking Iowa readers and writers. WATERLOO Eight-year-old Shia Paige had a history lesson for his classmates from Waterloos Lincoln Elementary School during their Museum School visit to the Grout Museum two weeks ago. On display on the museums lower level is a trunk that belonged to his great-grandfather, Jozef Maidan. Jozef and his wife, Sonia, had operated J&M Tailors in downtown Waterloo for many years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still emblazoned on the top and one end of the trunk in block letters are the words JEWISH RESETTLEMENT SERVICE, WATERLOO IOWA USA. Its the trunk in which Jozef Maidan had placed all his lifes remaining belongings when he came to Waterloo after World War II. He had just been reunited with his wife, Sonia in a displaced persons camp in Germany. The Maidans were Polish Jews and survivors of the Holocaust, also known as The Final Solution the genocide committed against the Jews in Europe by Adolf Hitlers Nazi regime. Jozef was sent to the Nazi death camps at Bergen-Belsen and Dachau; Sonia went to Auschwitz. Miraculously, both survived. Their children they had at the time werent as fortunate. Two young sons and more than 200 extended family members perished. Their granddaughter, Erin Maidan Paige, Shias mom, grew up alongside her grandparents and, from an early age, heard stories about their ordeal also absorbing the Jewish culture and faith. She is careful about sharing the full story with her children Shia, 8, and Ezra, 6. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Shia, like his mother, has taken an interest in history and is inquisitive and he thinks its pretty cool his great-grandpas trunk is at the museum. And he can see a photo there of his great- This photo of Sonia and Jozef Maidan and their daughter Rifka was taken after World War II. (Photo courtesy of Erin Maidan Paige/Grout Museum District) grandparents and his great-aunt Rifka, born in the displaced persons camp after the war. She lives in Florida. Erin is measured in what she shares of Jozefs and Sonias story. It is a story of courage and perseverance in the face of evil. Ive been thinking more about what it means to pass down a beautiful legacy, but a legacy filled with so much trauma too, and how its not so simple to share with the boys at their current ages, Erin said. I do have to pick and choose what is shared, in an effort to not scare them, but to also specifically focus in on the triumph of survival, and the strength of the family they were born into, and the city that saved us Waterloo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her husband and the boys father, Chawne Paige, executive director of the Waterloo Center for the Arts, is a Black American and the son of a career Marine. His side of the family has its own history of resiliency in the face of racism. Chawn Paige is executive director of the Waterloo Center for the Arts. (Photo courtesy of the City of Waterloo) Add to it growing up in Iowa, our Jewish isolation here, and the current climate of rising antisemitism how and when to share what, is half the battle. And their identity will take a lifetime of learning and understanding, Erin said. Theres no clear path, and I endeavor every day to honor my grandparents legacy, but it is truly one that must unfold over time, not in one conversation, but in many. The Jewish community in Waterloo, always small but vibrant and fairly prominent in the years after World War II, has dwindled considerably in recent decades as later generations have moved out of the area. Jozef and Sonia raised three children in Waterloo. In addition to Rifka, Sonias father, Henry, is a retired Cedar Falls financial planner and her uncle Rubin is a cardiologist in Seattle. Rifka, a pre-needs funeral counselor, has been active in the USC Shoah Foundation, founded by movie director Steven Spielberg in 1994 and dedicated to documenting accounts of the Holocaust. Jozef died in 1993 and Sonia then lived with Rifka until Sonias passing in 2009. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The journey of Erins grandparents trunk is a story in itself. It came back to the familys possession in 2012 after having passed through a couple of different owners when Erins grandparents Waterloo clothing store was sold in 1974. The trunk held all of Jozef and Sonias worldly possessions when they emigrated from Europe to America and Waterloo in 1949 after World War II. They had $18 in cash. They were sponsored by Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Waterloo where, decades later, Erin would be a lay leader. After graduating from Waterloo West High School in 1999, she attended Brandeis University in Massachusetts and continued her studies in Europe, including a trip to Auschwitz where she saw her grandmothers bunk in the camp. The trunk was secured and returned to Erin and her family by Bob Neymeyer, a state-renowned historian for the Grout Museum District, and Francesca Soans, a communication arts professor at the University of Northern Iowa. They were working independently of the Grout and UNI on a history of the Waterloo synagogue and its congregation. The address inscription on Jozef Maidans trunk, on display at the Grout Museum, is still legible (Photo by Pat Kinney) Neymeyer heard the story of the trunk from Erin when she worked at the Grout as an intern. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He and Soans learned that local history buff Orrin Miller had bought the Maidans trunk years earlier from the party who had purchased their store. Miller preserved it for years, until approached by Neymeyer and Soans. Soans purchased the trunk and she and Neymeyer gave it to the Maidans, who in turn provided it to the Grout for display. In addition to the three children they raised after liberation, Jozef and Sonias family tree consists of three grandchildren, including Erin, and seven great-grandchildren. Its not as large a family tree as it could have been but for the Holocaust, but the tree continued, nonetheless. The tragedy is the family that could have been. The triumph is the family that endures. Erin agrees its a bittersweet but profound and proud legacy. Patrick Kinneys blog, View from the Cedar Valley, is on Substack. This column is republished through the Iowa Writers Collaborative. Editors note: Please consider subscribing to the collaborative and the authors blogs to support their work. WATSEKA, Ill. (WCIA) Multiple officers with the Watseka Police Department are being investigated by the Illinois State Police, officials confirmed with WCIA on Wednesday. Watseka Police Chief Eric Starkey was unable to confirm the identities of the officers under investigation, or how many are being investigated. But, Starkey was able to share that the officers under investigation have been on leave since July. Rantoul Mayor, family coalition host event to tackle bullying in the village Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WCIA reached out to the Illinois State Police for more information and is awaiting a response. This is a developing story. We will share updates as we learn more. 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 Wisconsin teacher who was fired after criticizing her district's decision to prevent students from singing "Rainbowland" at a school concert says she will appeal her lawsuit. That means Melissa Tempel, the former dual language teacher at Heyer Elementary School in the Waukesha School, will take her case to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. Tempel announced those plans Oct. 28. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I will not stop fighting, Tempel said in a news release. The First Amendment of the United States Constitution gives public employees the right to speak out on matters that affect the people we serve without fear of losing our jobs." More: Were fired Waukesha teacher Melissa Tempel's First Amendment rights violated? Experts weigh in In spring 2023, the Wakesha School District said "Rainbowland," a collaboration between Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton, could not be preformed by students at a spring concert because it violated a district policy against controversial issues. Tempel criticized that decision on Twitter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "My first graders were so excited to sing Rainbowland for our spring concert but it has been vetoed by our administration. When will it end?" the tweet read. In her September 2023 lawsuit, Tempel argued the district acted in retaliation when it ultimately decided to fire her. She also alleged that because she wrote the tweet as a private citizen her words were protected by the First Amendment. The judge disagreed, however, when she dismissed the case last month. Judge Nancy Joseph wrote in the Sept. 29 dismissal that although Tempel was speaking as a private citizen on a matter that concerns the public, the tweet still disrupted district operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tempel's attorney, Summer Murshid, said Oct. 28 that Tempel is being silenced after speaking on an issue of public concern. "That sets a dangerous precedent," Murshid said in announcing the appeal. "The First Amendment protects all of us, and we will press that fight on appeal. Via email on Oct. 28, Waukesha Superintendent James Sebert said the district "is pleased that this matter has been dismissed by the U.S. District Court." "We respect the appellate process and will continue to work with our legal counsel. As always, our focus remains intently on ensuring the academic success, growth and wellbeing of all of our students," Sebert said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cleo Krejci covers education and workforce development as a Report For America corps member based at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Contact her at CKrejci@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @_CleoKrejci. For more information about Report for America, visit jsonline.com/rfa. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Melissa Tempel will appeal to 7th Circuit over 'Rainbowland' firing NEED TO KNOW FOX Weatherman Robert Ray shared a video of the Jamaica home where he and his team are staying to cover Hurricane Melissa Giving the behind-the-scenes look, Ray shared footage of the destruction caused by the powerful winds He added that heard "explosions" while reporting and shared the water damage to the property A FOX weatherman has given viewers a close-up look of the destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa. In a video posted on the FOX Weather TikTok and Instagram accounts, weatherman Robert Ray took viewers behind-the-scenes of the home where he and his team are staying and reporting from in Jamaica as he documented the damage from the storm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday, Oct. 28, as a Category 5 storm, ravaging the Caribbean country. Ray began the video by sharing that he was going to give a tour of the home, which had several missing doors that had been smashed, water all over the floor and glass and debris strewn across the tiles. The tour started with a look at the gaping hole at the back of the home where the porch and its sliding doors once stood. The entire porch and all the sliding doors blown out, thats a pool out there, Ray said as the wind could be heard whistling in the background and furiously blowing the curtains that remained while glass lay shattered all over the floor. Its just been remarkable, the fury, Ray added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The meteorologist then moved to the kitchen, which he said thankfully seems to be intact but had debris from trees all over the floor. Ray went on to introduce the team he was working with and revealed that they had their camera tucked away in a corner in case another gust of wind sent any furniture or debris into the home. Along with another meteorologist, the team also consisted of a photo journalist camera operator and two local security personnel. Weve been through a lot with them today, I cant thank you guys enough, Ray told the two men. And were going to be going through a lot these coming days. The weather forecaster the noted that one of the security team was from Montego Bay and asked how his family was doing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre okay, but Im worried about the damage to property and assets and stuff like that, the man said. We need to get there tomorrow and see whats happening. Glass could then be heard smashing in the background as Ray made his way upstairs. Ray noted that the stairs were very wet and said the team was going to have be very careful ascending them. You can hear the fury still happening, unfortunately, as a loud bang could be heard in the background and Ray pointed out the taped-up windows of the house. FOX Weather/TikTok FOX Weather's Robert Ray shows damage to home in Jamaica where his team is covering Hurricane Melissa. FOX Weather's Robert Ray shows damage to home in Jamaica where his team is covering Hurricane Melissa. Wait until you see this situation, you may not believe your eyes unfortunately, Ray continued. The winds are so strong and came in with such fury that I just want to you understand the explosion of glass and furniture and walls in here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The camera then showed a room on the second floor of the house that had also had its porch glass doors out to a balcony blown out and had left a gaping hole, along with a ceiling fan, glass and water all over the floor. We never thought wed be in a position like this, he added. As Ray tried to near where the doors stood, the wind then furiously picked up, and he was almost struck by a curtain hanging off a damaged rail. My God, this is amazing, he continued. Lets look at this side and get out of this position. FOX Weather/TikTok Home where the FOX Weather team are covering Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica. Home where the FOX Weather team are covering Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica. Moving over to the other side of the house, smashed and damaged furniture filled the landing, and the team then entered a room they hadnt surveyed yet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This room, its like something out of a terrifying horror movie at this point, that we have not been into, he said. My God. I was reporting live on FOX Weather when I heard the explosions in this room and the glass door and now that I see it I understand why there was this kind of sound. The bedroom floor was covered in water and while two beds remained in place, the glass doors were no more and debris was everywhere. We literally have an unraveling of this room as we speak, he added. Ray concluded the video by sharing that the team was going to let the winds die down before they attempted to do anything, adding that they hoped to visit Montego Bay where 25,000 tourists are stuck inside hotels and the conditions are beyond devastating due to it being affected by stronger winds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I just want you to listen to the hiss and the roar that comes through here, it is beyond scary and frightening, he added, noting that Jamaica likely has a "humanitarian crisis" on its hands following the storm. AP Photo/Matias Delacroix House destroyed in Hurricane Melissa in Santa Cruz, Jamaica on Oct. 29. House destroyed in Hurricane Melissa in Santa Cruz, Jamaica on Oct. 29. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared the island a "disaster area," per a Facebook post shared on Tuesday, and warned there could be "devastating impacts" where the hurricane hit during an interview with CNN. 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. After passing through Jamaica, the storm hit Cuba on Wednesday, Oct. 29. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued an update at 5 a.m. ET on Wednesday confirming that the storm, which is believed to be the most powerful tropical cyclone of the year so far, was generating wind speeds of 115 mph, but was traveling at 12 mph. It hit Cuba as a Category 3 storm, per CNN. Read the original article on People On Tuesday, Republican Sen. Rick Scott of Florida blocked Nevada Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosens effort to pass a resolution to condemn Donald Trump for seeking $230 million from the Justice Department as restitution for investigations into his conduct. Rosens resolution came after The New York Times reported that Trump submitted two complaints to the Justice Department, one in 2023 and the other in 2024, seeking damages related to the special counsels probe into Russian interference in the 2016 election and the FBIs 2022 search of his Mar-a-Lago estate. This resolution should have been a layup, frankly, said Symone Sanders Townsend, co-host of The Weeknight, after the senators effort failed. It should be something we can all condemn, especially in the midst of a government shutdown. The president should not be getting $230 million from the taxpayers when many of the taxpayers themselves dont know where their next paycheck is going to come from. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sanders Townsend questioned why Republican senators have repeatedly failed to take a stand against Trump, even in situations she believes are obvious instances of corruption. What is the fear about? Sanders Townsend asked. Maybe we dont want to call it fear. Maybe its hesitancy. ... What do they know that we dont know? What is keeping them from literally doing what a governing party in this country should do, and stand up to somebody that is not going to be here in two years? Michael Steele made it clear he was not surprised by the move and said he believed Trumps status as a lame-duck president was not enough for Republicans to turn their back on him. The MSNBC host theorized that Scott may have been ordered by the partys leadership to oppose the effort. Thats why there was no rationale for the objection, he said. This was a resolution just condemning the act, Steele explained. It didnt call for a full-throated investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alicia Menendez suggested another possible reason behind the objection. According to Menendez, if Republicans started to pull the thread on saying, in essence, these investigations were not improper, it would risk the entire foundation the party built during Trump's campaign, which cast the president as a victim of political prosecution. Thats it at the end of the day, Steele added, they dont want to undermine Trump. You can watch the full discussion between Sanders Townsend, Steele and Menendez in the clip at the top of the page. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com (FOX40.COM) SNAP benefits for millions of Californians will officially come to an end on Nov. 1 if the government shutdown continues. Video Above: Trump Administration announces that SNAP funds will not be distributed SNAP is a government assistance program that aims to help low-income households afford food. Its a federal program. However, state agencies manage it through local offices. Because of the near month-long government shutdown, the issuance of those benefits is coming to a halt. California deadline approaches for new SNAP requirements, do you still qualify? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Democrats have now voted 12 times to not fund the food stamp program, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the United States Department of Agriculture said on its website. Bottom line, the well has run dry. At this time, there will be no benefits issued November 01. According to the USDA, Democrats are holding out to provide healthcare for illegal aliens and gender mutilation procedures instead of reopening the government, so mothers, babies, and the most vulnerable among us can receive critical nutrition assistance. Can pot smokers, drugs users own guns? The US Supreme Court will soon decide As people all over the U.S. are dealing with food uncertainty, Democrats and Republicans are pointing fingers and blaming each other for the shutdown impacting the nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Donald Trump parades around the world trying to repair the economic damage hes done with his incompetence, hes denying food to millions of Americans who will go hungry next month, Newsom said on his website. Its cruel and speaks to his basic lack of humanity. He doesnt care about the people of this country, only himself. On Tuesday, Newsom, in partnership with 20 other states, filed a lawsuit against Trump for putting millions of Americans at risk of hunger and refusing to fund food assistance benefits. SNAP benefits end Nov. 1: Other options for food assistance If the federal government can reach a budget agreement within the next few days, SNAP benefits may continue as usual. In California, Newsom said he fast-tracked $80 million in funds for food banks and deployed National Guard troops to help distribute food. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many local non-profit organizations are preparing for an increase in food demands. The Feeding America site can help people in need find food banks near them. 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. MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY) As an effort to help people connect to nature through mindfulness, a wellness walk featured within an upcoming series was welcomed to Morgantown on Tuesday. West Virginia Land Trust and Trailhead Counseling unveiled Toms Run Preserves newest wellness walk, which features eight prompts throughout the trail that are designed to help benefit walkers mental health and be present while in nature. The front facing sign at the trailhead. (WBOY image) Jessica Spatafore, West Virginia Land Trusts director of marketing and communications, told 12 News about the benefits that come with spending time outdoors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spending time in nature is the easiest way to boost your happiness and health. I mean, even if youre just sitting on a bench outside, youre going to feel some benefits from that, you know, you dont have to go on some strenuous hike, its just being outside, Spatafore said. Monongalia County parents protest long, unsafe walk to school bus stop And if you worry about the turn of the weather affecting your walk, Trailhead Counselings owner, Nathan Altman, said that being outside in cold weather can also benefit your mental health. If you do get out, bundle up, youll warm up as you walk and still engaging in mindfulness is really good for you and it can help kind of break you out of that funk when it starts to get dark and you dont really want to move so much, it can help break that up and bring some life back in, Altman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement West Virginia has nine nature preserves throughout the state, which Spatafore said will eventually join the series with mindful activities for walkers. A free community walk hosted by Altman will be held on Nov. 9 at 2 p.m. at Toms Run Preserve for those interested in attending. 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. WASHINGTON Missouri U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell (D-1st District) warned that a prolonged government shutdown could have wide-ranging impacts on St. Louis-area families, putting healthcare, food stamps and federal employment at risk. The ongoing federal government shutdown is the second-longest in U.S. history, approaching one month with lawmakers from both parties trading blame. Bell spoke one-on-one with Nexstars Washington D.C. correspondents on Wednesday, and was asked How do you see this ending? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I see this ending by us continuing to fight for the American people, said Bell. Bell highlighted looming cuts to Medicaid and their effects on working-class families, particularly the risk of higher healthcare costs. That is impacting regular working-class families because the premiums, if these tax subsidies arent extended, will increase by 75%. Out-of-pocket costs for a regular working-class family? Were talking double. Most Americans cant afford, on top of the already soaring costs, another $1,200 bill per month. So thats what were fighting for. I dont think that thats extreme. I dont think that thats radical. I think thats in line with the overwhelming majority of Americans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bell also discussed November SNAP benefit threats, noting that 48,000 people in his district rely on food assistance programs. He emphasized this issue is non-partisan. This isnt a Democrat or Republican issue. This is an American issue, said Bell. And its time we take care of Americans. Bell also expressed concern for federal workers. More than 10,000 live in his district, and many have already missed one or two scheduled paychecks due to the shutdown. Many of them live check-to-check. They have kids. They have bills like all of us, he said. Bell said Congress members from both parties are ready to negotiate. For Democrats, one sticking point is extending tax credits to prevent higher healthcare premiums. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Millions of Americans could lose their healthcare. I dont think that thats asking enough, and Im an attorney by trait. Ive been in mediations. Ive been in negotiations. Kind of hard to do that when the other side is not here, said Bell. Were here. Were ready to sit down, lock the door until we work this out. And I think this can be worked out easily if we put the American interests first in line as our priority. 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. BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) The West Virginia Virtual Academy students stepped out from behind the screens to take a step into the past. The kids visited the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine to learn about Appalachian Culture and History. We asked two 10th graders what they knew about coal mining beforehand. I dont know much about coal mines, said student Skye. I know about Black Lung, said student Lillie. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement West Virginia Virtual Academy student receives invite to Governors School for Tourism Luckily staff and educators were present to assist in the learning process. The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine opened in 1962, as the first historic site wholly dedicated to educating the public about coal mining. The property also showcases an early 1900s coal camp featuring the superintendents house, school, church, company store, and family dwellings. Every Gold and Blue Nation player-feature story from WVU football summer workouts, fall camp The whole mine was about as high as these cars. Those miners worked on their hands and knees all the time, said Jarrel Lucas, the tour guide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After listening to tour guides and exploring the mines, we checked back in with students to hear what they learned! The houses were really nice, except for the really small one. The shanty, said Lillie. The students visited the coal mine to get a visual for the book they are reading, The Glass Castle, where the family moves to a coal mining town in West Virginia. 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. With the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections set to commence within eight days, Lalganj constituency in Vaishali district, where Bharatiya Janata Party's sitting MLA Sanjay Kumar Singh will look to defend his seat. Mahagathbandhan has seated Rashtriya Janata Dal's Shivani Shukla, the daughter of former Bihar legislator Vijay Kumar Shukla alias Munna Shukla, who was convicted and awarded life imprisonment in connection with the 1998 murder of former minister Brij Bihari. However, there are no criminal cases against Shivani Shukla. Vijay Kumar Shukla had a stronghold on the seat, having won in 2005 and then in the fresh elections held in October 2005, from the Lok Janshakti Party and Janata Dal (United), respectively. In 2010, his wife Annu Shukla won the polls on JD(U)'s ticket. While Shivani Shukla will aim to regain her family's stronghold, there was a delay in RJD giving her a ticket, as she told ANI, "I initially did not get the ticket." Backing Tejashwi Yadav as Mahagathbandhan's Chief Ministerial candidate, she said, "This is not my fight; this is the people's fight. The people of Lalganj are fighting for themselves... When I initially did not get the ticket, I had said that I would fight for Tejashwi because my only aim is to make him the CM. This is not my fight," Shukla said. In recent times, the constituency has witnessed a shift in power at every election over the last 15 years. Janata Dal (United) won the seat in 2010, Lok Janshakti Party in 2015, and the BJP's Sanjay Kumar Singh's victory in the 2020 polls. In 2010, Annu Shukla won with a margin of 16.9 per cent, while Raj Kumar Sah won in 2015 with a margin of 11.5 per cent. In the 2020 Assembly elections, the BJP leader won with a margin of 26,299 votes. With 1,90,532 votes polled in Lalganj, he won with a margin of 13.8 per cent. Singh holds movable assets worth Rs 49,51,599 and immovable assets worth Rs 92,37,000 at market rates. On the other hand, Shukla holds movable assets worth Rs 21,28,654 and an education loan of Rs 36,57,381 in her name. Jan Suraaj has fielded Amar Kumar Singh in Lalganj, who has a pending criminal case with charges framed in 2024. Recurring floods in the Vaishali district, along with road connectivity and infrastructure development, address the election issues in the Lalganj constituency. Caste is a significant poll plank for all parties in Bihar's politics, and Lalganj is no exception. The constituency has a mix of caste groups, including Kushwaha-Koeri and scheduled castes (SCs). The 2025 Bihar election is 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. Mahagathbandhan, led by Rashtriya Janata Dal, includes 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 staked claims to all 243 seats in the state. The assembly elections will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11. The results will be declared on November 14. (ANI) Iran appears to be stepping up the rebuilding of its ballistic missile program, despite the reintroduction last month of United Nations sanctions that ban arms sales to the country and ballistic missile activity. European intelligence sources say several shipments of sodium perchlorate, the main precursor in the production of the solid propellant that powers Irans mid-range conventional missiles, have arrived from China to the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas since the so-called snapback mechanism was triggered at the end of September. Those sources say the shipments, which began arriving on September 29, contain 2,000 tons of sodium perchlorate bought by Iran from Chinese suppliers in the wake of its 12-day conflict with Israel in June. The purchases are believed to be part of a determined effort to rebuild the Islamic Republics depleted missile stocks. Several of the cargo ships and Chinese entities involved are under sanctions from the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deliveries come after more-than-a-decade-old UN sanctions were restored by the snapback mechanism a provision for Iranian breaches of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) deal to monitor its nuclear program. Under the sanctions re-imposed on Tehran last month, Iran shall not undertake any activity related to ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons. UN member states must also prevent the provision to Iran of materials that could contribute to the countrys development of a nuclear weapons delivery system, which experts say could include ballistic missiles. States are also required to prevent the provision to Iran of assistance in the manufacture of arms. China, along with Russia, opposed the reimposition of the sanctions, saying it undermines efforts for a diplomatic settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue. While the shipped substance sodium perchlorate is not specifically named in UN documents on materials banned for export to Iran, it is a direct precursor of ammonium perchlorate, a listed and prohibited oxidizer used in ballistic missiles. However, experts say that the sanctions failure to explicitly prohibit the chemical may leave China room to argue that it is not in violation of any UN ban. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CNN has followed the journeys of several cargo ships identified by the intelligence sources as being involved in the latest deliveries of sodium perchlorate from Chinese ports to Iran, using ship tracking data and the social media of their crew. Many of those vessels appear to have gone back and forth several times between China and Iran since the end of April. The sources say their crew seem to be employed by the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines and their regular social media posts provide a trail of their stops on the China to Iran journey. An aerial view of the Port of Bandar Abbas in the strait of Hormuz, December 10, 2023. - Nicolas Economou/Reuters Among them is the MV Basht, already sanctioned by the US, which left the Chinese port of Zhuhai on September 15, arrived in Bandar Abbas on September 29 and since returned to China. Planet Labs satellite images provided to CNN by the Middlebury Institute of International Studies confirm that the Barzin was being loaded with cargo at Gaolan Port, China, on October 1, before departing for Iran. The images then show the Barzin docked at Rajaei Port in Bandar Abbas, Iran, from October 16 to October 19, where it was being unloaded. The Barzin being loaded with cargo at Gaolan Port, China, on October 1, before leaving for Iran. - Planet Labs The Barzin docked at Rajaei Port, Bandar Abbas, Iran, being unloaded on October 17. - Planet Labs The Elyana left the Chinese port of Changjiangkou on September 18 and arrived in Bandar Abbas on October 12. Finally, the MV Artavand left the Chinese port of Liuheng and arrived in Bandar Abbas on October 12, with its AIS tracking system turned off to deliberately obscure its movements, according to Western intelligence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not clear if the Chinese government is aware of the shipments. In response to a question from CNN about the transactions, a spokesperson for Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that, while he was not familiar with the specific situation, China has consistently implemented export controls on dual-use items in accordance with its international obligations and domestic laws and regulations. We want to emphasize that China is committed to peacefully resolving the Iranian nuclear issue through political and diplomatic means and opposes sanctions and pressure, the spokesperson continued, adding that Beijing viewed the return of sanctions under the snapback mechanism as unconstructive and a serious setback in efforts to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue. Similar shipments had previously been reported, but their intensification since the 12-day war when the Israeli military targeted at least a third of the surface-to-surface launchers that fire Irans medium-range ballistic missiles (MRBMs) suggests a renewed eagerness on the part of the Islamic Republic to arm itself. Iran needs much more sodium perchlorate now to replace the missiles expended in the war and to increase production. I would expect large shipments to Iran as it tries to rearm, just as I would expect Israel and the US to race to replace the interceptors and munitions that were expended, said Jeffrey Lewis, director of the East Asia Nonproliferation Project at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The best way to consider the current moment, he told CNN, is as a pause in hostilities, as each side seeks to rearm. Two thousand tons of sodium perchlorate are only enough for about 500 missiles. Thats a lot, but Iran was planning on producing something like 200 missiles a month before the war and now must replace all the missiles that either Israel destroyed or it used, he said. Long-standing ties China has long been a diplomatic and economic ally for sanctions-hit Iran, decrying unilateral US sanctions against the country and buying up most of Irans oil exports, despite not reporting purchases of Iranian oil for several years. That energy trade relies on a network of vessels that filter Iranian oil to independent refineries in coastal China, often through intermediary countries, according to analysts, who note this practice keeps refinement separate from Chinese state-owned enterprises that would be vulnerable to US sanctions. These so-called teapot refineries are known to work with whats often referred to as a dark fleet of tankers that use concealing tactics to smuggle sanctioned goods. Oil storage tanks at a petrochemical production base on the outskirts of Shanghai, China, in June. - Bloomberg/Getty Images European security sources believe a similarly opaque system, involving front companies that are little more than fake numbers and billing addresses, has been used to keep the sodium perchlorate flowing to Iran. As have more legitimate companies, including two already sanctioned by the US back in April for their part in a network procuring ballistic missile propellant ingredients on behalf of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Most of the companies involved are based in the northeastern Chinese port city of Dalian, according to information from the intelligence sources. Earlier shipments In February, CNN reported the shipment of 1,000 tons of sodium perchlorate to Iran from China. By April, the US had slapped sanctions on several Iranian and Chinese entities, including vessels believed to play a role in a network procuring ballistic missile propellant ingredients on behalf of Irans Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet the shipments continued, the intelligence sources say, with the IRGCs Self Sufficiency Jihad Organization acquiring another 1,000 tons of sodium perchlorate which left Taicang in China aboard the Hamouna on May 22 and arrived in Bandar Abbas on June 14 or 15. It set sail for the Iranian port less than a month after a massive explosion there on April 27, believed to have been caused by sodium perchlorate, killed 70 and wounded hundreds. The latest shipments represent much bigger quantities in a short space of time. The first of the 10 to 12 shipments that European intelligence sources have been tracking arrived in Iran on September 29, two days after the snapback mechanism triggered in August by Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, the European partners to the JCPOA restored UN sanctions. The others all left China after the sanctions were in place. Tong Zhao, a senior fellow with the nuclear policy program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said that Chinas position on the legal status of the reimposition of sanctions may be related to how its authorities would view such shipments. First and foremost, China along with Russia and Iran has denounced the legality of the snapback in a joint letter to the UN issued on October 18, indicating that Beijing likely does not consider itself bound by the reimposed measures, according to Zhao. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Had the snapback not been triggered, October 18 would have marked the official end of the 10-year JCPOA, at which point the option to reimpose previous UN sanctions and restrictions on Irans nuclear program would expire and the Security Council would close Irans nuclear file. Indeed, China joined with Russia in September to push for a six-month extension of the JCPOA, arguing that more time was needed for diplomatic efforts and pointing to what Beijing saw as signs that Iran wanted to engage with the international community on regulating its nuclear program. The UN Security Council voted down the China-backed resolution in September, one day before the snapback came into force. Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, in September. - Yao Dawei/Xinhua/Getty Images Beijing was one of the six countries along with France, Germany, Russia, the UK and the US that signed the JCPOA with Iran in 2015. In a meeting between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in September, Xi reiterated Chinas stance that it attaches importance to Irans repeated pledge that it does not seek to develop nuclear weapons and respects Irans right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Zhao also pointed to the fact that the export of sodium perchlorate is not explicitly banned under the pre-JCPOA sanctions regime that is now back in force. What the reinstated UN resolutions do prohibit, he added, is the provision by member states to Tehran of items, materials, equipment, goods, and technology which could contribute to Irans development of a nuclear weapon delivery system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, while sodium perchlorate is not named, it should fall under the broader catch-all controls on materials used in solid-fuel missile production, he said, but noted that the fact that it is not explicitly prohibited may leave China and other countries with greater room for interpretation. Beijing may be aware that such exports indirectly support Irans missile program, Zhao said, yet it may also view this as a matter of principle asserting Chinas sovereign right to make independent export-control decisions on items not expressly banned by the UN. CNNs Simone McCarthy contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) A social media trend of kicking down the doors of peoples homes is as destructive as it sounds. The sheriff of one western Kansas county warns that it could also be deadly. In a social post on Tuesday, the Meade County Sheriffs Office said it is investigating a series of incidents related to the door kick challenge, a viral social media trend, that occurred over the weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kansas chiropractor stranded in Jamaica with Hurricane Melissa looming Meade County deputies took multiple reports of trespassing, criminal damage and disorderly conduct at residences where individuals were kicking doors of residences while filming themselves, the sheriffs office said in a news release. Many of these incidents resulted in damage to the homeowners screen doors and front entry doors, some of which are possible felonies due to the extent of damage. Sheriff Douglas Ritter warned of the dangers associated with the challenge, saying in the post that homeowners might perceive the door-kicking as a threat and respond accordingly. Any reasonable homeowner may interpret the act of kicking their door as a perceived threat, the sheriff said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law is on the homeowners side, and the sheriff posted the relevant statute as an additional caution to would-be pranksters. The law says people can use force to stop someone from unlawfully entering their home, and it can be deadly force if they fear death or serious injury. I want to advise parents in the community of the inherent, potential life-threatening risks of kicking random doors in any of our communities, the sheriff said. Deputies are investigating the vandalism and ask anyone with information to call 620-873-8765. For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news by downloading our mobile app and signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track 3 Weather app by clicking here. To watch our shows live on our website, click here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 KSN-TV. HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) Some western Kentucky counties received total funds that add up to millions in Rural Secondary (RS) Road funds, which means there will be road work occurring in these areas. Those counties are Webster County, Henderson County, Union County and McLean County. According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), RS funds are used to improve rural secondary state maintained roadways in counties across Kentucky. These are roads that are important to the local community, serving to connect smaller cities to urban areas and functioning as farm-to-market routes for the agriculture community. The RS Program is funded through Kentuckys gas tax. Officials say the money that remains is called Flex Funds. County officials can vote to return those funds to the state to make repairs on other state roads in the county, or they can retain them for local use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KYTC to enhance safety at Muhlenberg County intersection This is what each county plans to use those funds for: Webster County Received a total of $892,000. 80 percent of the RS funding allocated to Webster County, or $572,000, will go to two projects recommended by KYTC and approved by the court. This will include asphalt resurfacing of 2.78 miles of KY 2836, from U.S. 41 to KY 120 2.02 miles of KY 2838 between Caney Creek and KY 857. The remaining 20 percent, or $257,000, are Flex Funds. Henderson County Received a total of $1.02 million. 80 percent of the RS funding allocated to Henderson County, or $713,000, will go to two projects recommended by KYTC and approved by the court. This will include asphalt resurfacing of KY 416 from KY 136 to Middle Delaware Road (2.65 miles) KY 1078 from KY 416 to KY 812 (4.05 miles). The remaining 20 percent, or $311,000, are Flex Funds. Union County Received a total of $850,000. 85 percent of the RS funding allocated to Union County, or $654,000, will go to two projects recommended by KYTC and approved by the court. This will include asphalt resurfacing 1.3 miles of KY 360, from KY 130 to Hodgins Road 1.6 miles of KY 365, from the Crittenden County line to U.S. 60. The remaining 15 percent, or $196,000, are Flex Funds. McLean County Received a total of $666,000. 60 percent of the RS funding allocated to McLean County, or $410,423, will go to one project recommended by KYTC and approved by the court. That is the resurfacing of KY 254 from KY 81 to KY 1155 (2.3 miles). The remaining 40 percent, or $256,407, are Flex Funds. The Magistrates of each county voted unanimously to keep those funds for repairs on county maintained roads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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). SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) The deputy director of Governor Maura Healeys western Massachusetts office, LaMar Cook, was arrested and terminated from his position after several kilograms of suspected cocaine were seized. The Hampden District Attorneys Office told 22News that an ongoing investigation is being conducted after multiple parcels were seized that contained a combined total of approximately 21 kilograms of suspected cocaine. Massachusetts AG sues Trump admin over SNAP benefit cuts Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 22News obtained the court documents that state two packages sent from an address in Atlanta, Georgia, were intercepted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Louisville, Kentucky, on October 8. The packages contained approximately 12 kilograms of cocaine (several imprinted with the word GOLD), were being shipped to a guest under the name Morgan Gordon at Hotel UMass in Amherst. Under law enforcement surveillance, the packages, both weighed approximately 18 pounds each, were ultimately shipped to Hotel UMass, which arrived the following day. Due to the inability to locate a guest with the addressed name, the packages were moved to the mail room and eventually taken in as evidence by the Massachusetts State Police. During the investigation, it was learned that 45-year-old LaMar Cook of Springfield previously served as a director for the state-run facility, Hotel UMass. The court documents allege that he was observed at the mail room retrieving additional UPS packages. In addition, the vehicle he allegedly used was recorded by an automated license plate reader coming to and from Amherst. Since this incident, shipments have been reviewed with UPS that show additional suspicious packages were delivered to Hotel UMass. Two shipments from Winter Haven, Florida, that weighed approximately 18 pounds, addressed to Gary Woods, were delivered on October 3, and two similar delivered on September 26 from Bartow, Florida. Surveillance footage shows Cook allegelly picking up the packages at the loading dock of Hotel UMass. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On October 24, HSI in Louisville seized another suspicious package that contained approximately 7,800 grams of suspected cocaine, imprinted with the word GOLD. Massachusetts law enforcement performed a controlled delivery operation to the addressed location, the State Office Building on Dwight Street in Springfield, the office where Cook works. PHOTOS: LaMar Cook Criminal Complaint Evidence (Springfield District Court) (Springfield District Court) On Saturday afternoon, Cook met with the undercover officer who was posing to deliver the package and was detained. Officers arrived and took the package as evidence. More than 21,000 grams of cocaine was seized in October during this investigation, worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. -Massachusetts State Police report That led investigators to execute a search warrant on Monday for the office where Cook was employed within the Springfield State Office Building. As a result, Cook was arrested on Tuesday during a traffic stop. Court documents obtained by 22News show that Cook was stopped on Cottage Street and provided the officer with a Georgia license. Due to being a resident of Massachusetts for the last three years, he was issued a citation for the unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. During the same time of the traffic stop, officers conducted a search warrant at Cooks home on Lamont Street, where police seized a 9MM Taurus G3 pistol and ammunition. Cook does not have a firearm license. The police also seized an undisclosed amount of cash. VIDEO: LaMar Cook in Court Cook was arrested for the warrant in connection with the following charges: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cocaine, Trafficking in, 200 Grams or More (in relation to the approximately 8 kilograms seized from the Springfield State Office Building operation) Unlawful Possession of a Firearm Unlawful Possession of Ammunition The investigation into the UMass seizure remains ongoing and may result in additional charges related to the prior shipments in Hampshire County, the Hampden DAs Office stated. Photos: LaMar Cook LaMar Cook at Springfield District Court. (WWLP-22News) LaMar Cook (Mugshot) On Wednesday, a spokesperson for the governor told 22News that Cook has been terminated from his position as a state employee. In April 2023, Cook was hired as the Western Massachusetts Deputy Director in Springfield to work together with stakeholders, constituents and local municipalities on issues within the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Governors Office has been made aware of the arrest of an employee, Lamar Cook. The conduct that occurred here is unacceptable and represents a major breach of the public trust. Mr. Cook has been terminated from his position effective immediately. This criminal investigation is ongoing, and our administration will work with law enforcement to assist them in their work, the spokesperson stated. Cook co-founded the Back to School Brighter Initiative, which supports local children with free haircuts, backpacks, and school supplies. He was also a member of the Springfield Community Preservation Committee as a neighborhood representative, which has a role in maintaining the citys historical and cultural resources. His educational background includes a certificate in hospitality and tourism management from Florida Atlantic University and a degree in Political Science and Government from Western New England University. Massachusetts State Police Commonwealth Interstate Narcotics Reduction Enforcement Team (CINRET West), the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Hampden District Attorney, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and other partner agencies, is involved in the investigation. VIDEO: Defense Attorney Kedar Ismail 22News was in Springfield District Court on Wednesday for Cooks arraignment. He pleaded not guilty and is being held without the right to bail pending a hearing scheduled for Friday. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. A group supporting more than a dozen schools in Westmoreland County has made moves to avoid furloughs because of the state budget impasse. The Westmoreland Intermediate Unit approved taking out a $2 million loan during a meeting on Tuesday. The loan will delay more than 120 temporary layoffs until Jan. 2. PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> More than 125 Westmoreland County employees set to be furloughed as state budget impasse continues Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group serves 17 school districts with educational, technical, and support services. Local leaders warn that cutting staff will directly affect students and their progress in school programs. its going to have a huge effect on our students. our students depend on us for their daily needs, said Terri Pajak, president of Teachers Assistance, with WIU. Staff members also wrote letters to state legislators urging them to pass the state budget before layoffs start. Were calling on Senators Kim Ward and Joe Pittman, who both represent Westmoreland County, to take up the House budget bill and end this crisis, said Matt Edgell, PSEA Region Advocacy Coordinator. No one wants to see programs for children disrupted because lawmakers in Harrisburg cant pass a budget. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW Williamson County has continued to rapidly expand with everything from new apartments and housing to retail and new food options. In the latest growth and development news for the county, a popular chain restaurant and a new cafe have both announced plans to open soon in the area. Here's what we know: Truce Truce, a new concept restaurant coming to Franklin in 2026 Truce is a "fine food fast concept focused on organic, chef-created dishes. My wife Beth and I had a dream to create a restaurant unlike anything out there truly putting people first, offering delicious, real food without the harmful ingredients, served in a beautiful setting and convenient for the guest, said Matt Frauenshuh, founder and creator of Truce. As a dad of four always on the go, I know how challenging it is for busy families to find a restaurant that everyone wants to go to. At Truce, we aim to provide something for everyone. Its never a compromise, its a Truce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 4,530-square-foot eatery will feature a comfortable, designed dining room, large community-centered patio, convenient drive-thru and a dedicated mobile app with its own pick-up lane. The flagship restaurant plans to open at 1809 Mallory Lane in Spring 2026. Plans are for Truce to open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For more info, visit EatTruce.com. Paris Baguette Paris Baguette has arrived in Novi with hundreds of treats made fresh daily at the bakery cafe located at 42768 Grand River, Unit 150 (in Sakura Novi). Known as a neighborhood bakery cafe, guests can indulge in a variety of pastries, artisan breads, signature cakes and expertly brewed drinks at this newly announced establishment. Paris Baguette plans to join Culinary Dropout, upscale retailer Oak Hall and Hawkers Asian Street Food (opening in 2026) in McEwen Northsides Block E. The districts newest 300,000-square-foot building celebrated its grand opening in September and is now fully leased, officials say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The building offers a mix of specialty restaurants, retailers and planned amenities for all community members to enjoy. McEwen Northside continues to grow as a vibrant, walkable district for locals and visitors, alike, and were excited to welcome Paris Baguette to the mix, said Grant Kinnett, VP of Retail at Boyle. Its upscale bakery cafe concept will provide another unique dining and shopping experience for the surrounding Williamson County community to enjoy. The location will mark Paris Baguettes first in Franklin and third in Middle Tennessee. Other locations can be found in Nashvilles Gulch neighborhood and in Murfreesboro. An official opening date for the Franklin location has not yet been announced. Be the first to know about Paris Baguettes grand opening date and the latest happenings at McEwen Northside by following @mcewennorthside on Instagram or visiting mcewennorthside.com. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: What's that? New eateries announce 2026 openings for Williamson County Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are due to run out on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, as the government shutdown continues. With no federal funding to fuel SNAP, millions of Americans, including those in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, may struggle to put food on the table. The Enquirer created a list of places where Cincinnati area and Northern Kentucky residents can receive meals or find grocery items for free. We will continue to update the list, but please email bhodges@gannett.com with any additional places that offer food assistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SNAP is the nation's largest food aid program, providing monthly benefits to low-income Americans so they can access healthy food and essentials. The SNAP cut this weekend would impact more than 42 million Americans who relied on the federal benefits every month during fiscal year 2025, according to the USDA. Groceries fill the shelves at the Freestore Foodbank in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood of Cincinnati on Monday, Oct. 27, 2025. Where to get food assistance in Greater Cincinnati Freestore Foodbank Address: 3401 Rosenthal Way, Riverside and 112 East Liberty St., Over-the-Rhine. Hours: Open 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Website: freestorefoodbank.org. Services : Freestore Foodbank distributes 42.7 million meals to children and families in Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and Southeast Indiana. It also supports 579 community partners throughout the tri-state area, including food kitchens, homeless shelters, emergency food pantries, social service centers and program sites. The Freestore Foodbank will distribute holiday meals at several locations in the region starting Nov. 3, per its website. Requirements: Picture ID and household verification (address, birth certificate or medical card.) Table of Hope Meal & Market Ministry Address: New Hope Community Church, 3707 Edgewood Dr., Green Township. Hours: Free food market every first and third Sunday of the month from 12:30-1:30 p.m. (except for announced breaks). Table of Hope serves anyone who is in line by 1:30 p.m. Website: newhopecincinnati.com/table-of-hope-meal-market-ministry. Services: The Table of Hope offers a free food market. The offerings differ each visit, but shoppers will receive a variety of items, including protein, vegetables, canned goods, frozen items, dairy and more. The Table of Hope also provides crockpots and recipes, a representative told The Enquirer. Requirements: Name, address and household count for first-time visitors to the market. Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library Address: Select library locations. See the website link for details. Hours: Times vary by location. See the website link for details. Website: chpl.org/services/meals/. Services: Free meals are available Mondays through Fridays after school for kids and teens at select library locations. Participants must eat their meals at the library. Requirements: No requirements. All children ages 1-18 are eligible to receive free meals. Individuals ages 19-21 who have been identified as having mental or physical disabilities and are following Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) through their current enrollment in educational programs are also eligible for free meals. Where to get food assistance in Northern Kentucky Brighton Center Address: 741 Central Ave., Newport. Hours: Open 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Website: brightoncenter.com. Services : Brighton Center offers a wide array of programs and services, including an Emergency Assistance program, which gives families in need the opportunity to select items from a choice food pantry. It also offers clothing vouchers, personal hygiene items, limited financial assistance and more. Requirements: ID and proof of household members, income and address. Parish Kitchen Address: 1561 Madison Ave., Covington. Hours: Open 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. daily. Website: covingtoncharities.org/parish-kitchen. Services: Since 1974, Parish Kitchen has served a free lunch every day in Covington to anyone who is hungry. Requirements: No requirements. Fairhaven Rescue Mission Address: 260 Pike St., Covington. Hours: Community dinner takes place from 5:45-6:30 p.m. daily. Participants are advised to line up at Fairhaven Rescue Mission's back door no earlier than 5:30 p.m. Website: fairhavenmission.org. Services: Fairhaven Rescue Mission describes itself as a Christ-centered non-profit ministry and mens homeless shelter. It offers a daily community dinner with a drink and a dessert, as well as a nightly chapel service. All are welcome. Women and families can stay until after chapel services end, which is when Fairhaven Rescue Mission transitions to overnight services for men. Restrooms are also available. Requirements: Breathalyzer test upon entry (adults only). Madison Avenue Christian Church Address: 1530 Madison Ave., Covington. Hours: Community dinner takes place from 5:30-6:30 p.m. every Monday and Wednesday. Doors open at 5 p.m. Website: mchurch.com. Services: Madison Avenue Christian Church and community volunteers provide free community meals, health clinics, transitional housing and more. Communion is celebrated every Sunday and is available to everyone. Requirements: No requirements listed.* The Cornerstone Fellowship Address: 918 Madison Ave. Covington. Hours: Community dinners take place every Tuesday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. and every Thursday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. A Saturday Community Lunch takes place on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Hot coffee and a cold breakfast are also available from 8-8:55 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, per their website. Website: cornerstonenky.org. Services: The Cornerstone Fellowship offers contemporary worship and meals. The church provides community dinners, community lunches and cold breakfasts with coffee on select days. The church also hosts Sunday worship, a praise and prayer service as well as Bible study. Requirements: No requirements listed.* Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * Indicates requirements were not found on the organization's website, and the organization hasn't responded to The Enquirer's request for confirmation. The Enquirer will update this story. USA TODAY Network reporter Lori Comstock contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: With SNAP in limbo, here are food banks and churches that can help KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) With government food aid up in the air as the shutdown continues, families have been left wondering where to get their next meal. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits were initially expected to run out on November 1, but on October 31, a judge ruled that President Donald Trumps administration must continue to fund SNAP using contingency funds during the government shutdown. The AP reported that it was not immediately clear how quickly the debit cards that beneficiaries use to buy groceries could be reloaded after the ruling, but the process often takes one to two weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Tennessee, more than 690,000 people rely on SNAP, formerly called the Food Stamp Program, for nutrition assistance. The WIC program, which provides food assistance to low-income pregnant women, mothers and babies, is also poised to run out of money, affecting about 7 million people across the country. Federal SNAP benefits wont be paid in November: What happens next? Multiple charities, businesses and nonprofits are offering free meals in East Tennessee to help as the shutdown continues. Heres where to find them. 6 News plans to add to this list as we learn more. To let us know about a food drive we missed, please email newsroom@wate.com. Also, check out this website launched by the state to connect people with food resources and volunteer opportunities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Food Assistance by County Knox County Anderson County Blount County Loudon County Sevier County Union County Cocke County Jefferson County Hamblen County Grainger County Claiborne County Campbell County Scott County Morgan County Fentress County Cumberland County Roane County Monroe County Also, find upcoming mobile food pantries from Second Harvest Food Bank. Knox County Second Harvest has many pantries available on various dates. Knoxville-and-Knox-Co.-Pantry-List_10.3.25_englishDownload Beardsley Farm plans to distribute food at the L.T. Ross building (2247 Western Avenue) on November 8. Contact the Salvation Army of Knoxville at 865-525-9401 or on their website. Arlington Church of Christ has a small food pantry. Inskip Grill in Fountain City plans to provide free kids meals every Tuesday starting November 4 for families as long as they show EBT and IDs. Pizza Hoss on Clinton Highway plans to offer a free large pizza and knots for families affected by the SNAP lapse, every Thursday starting November 6. St. Vincents Food PantryAll Saints Catholic Parish on 620 N. Cedar Bluff Road has a food pantry on the second Saturday of each month from 2 to 3 p.m. Strawberry Plains Church UMC has a food pantry on the first and third Thursdays of every month from 7 to 8 p.m. Anderson County Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement anderson_10.3.25_englishDownload Blount County Second Harvest has many pantries available on various dates. blount_09.15.2025englishDownload Loudon County Second Harvest has many pantries available on various dates loudon_10.3.25_englishDownload Sevier County Second Harvest has many pantries available on various dates. sevier_03.28.2025-englishDownload Union County Second Harvest has many pantries available on various dates. union_10.3.25_englishDownload Cocke County Cocke County Mayor Rob Mathis released a food distribution schedule for November (Cocke County Mayor Rob Mathis) (Cocke County Mayor Rob Mathis) (Cocke County Mayor Rob Mathis) (Cocke County Mayor Rob Mathis) (Cocke County Mayor Rob Mathis) Second Harvest activates emergency plan during government shutdown Jefferson County Second Harvest has many pantries available on various dates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement jefferson_03.18.2025_englishDownload Hamblen County Second Harvest has many pantries available on various dates. hamblen_10.3.25englishDownload Daily Bread Community Kitchen at 118 S Cumberland Street, Morristown Food on Foot Foundation at One Berkline Dr, Morristown delivers to schools and serves families on Saturdays. Russellville Baptist Church distributes food on the third Saturday of each month from 9 to 11 a.m. for most of the year and from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. in January and February. Grainger County Second Harvest has many pantries available on various dates. Grainger_10.3.25_englishDownload Claiborne County Second Harvest has many pantries available on various dates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement claiborne_10.28.2025_englishDownload Campbell County Mission of Hope, in partnership with Compassion Ministries, will return to Jellico High School in Campbell County on Saturday, November 1, for a food giveaway beginning at 10 a.m. Second Harvest has many pantries available on various dates. campbell_10.3.25_englishDownload Scott County Second Harvest has many pantries available on various dates. scott_10.3.25_englishDownload Morgan County Second Harvest has many pantries available on various dates. morgan_10.3.25_englishDownload Fentress County Second Harvest has many pantries available on various dates. fentress_10.3.25_englishDownload Cumberland County Second Harvest has many pantries available on various dates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement cumberland_03.17.2025_englishDownload Roane County Second Harvest has many pantries available on various dates. roane_03.17.2025_englishDownload Monroe County Second Harvest has many pantries available on various dates. monroe_10.3.25_englishDownload 6 News plans to add to this list as we learn more. To let us know about a food drive we missed, please email newsroom@wate.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 WATE 6 On Your Side. Oct. 28Local restaurants are banding together to supply free meals to children as funds for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program are expected to run dry in the coming days. If Congress doesn't reach a deal to end the U.S. government shutdown by Saturday, and state governments don't intervene with their own funds, millions of people won't receive their monthly food assistance nationwide. In New Mexico, 21% of the population receives SNAP, which costs between $80 million to $90 million each month. The state government, which agreed in a special legislative session to foot the bill for some programs affected by the budget bill, has not announced whether it will step in to cover the hefty federal cost. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With no resolution in sight on Capitol Hill, more than 30 restaurants in and around Albuquerque have announced on social media that they'll step up to supply free meals daily, collect food donations and offer cheaper menu items until SNAP funding is restored. 'We understand the struggle' Rosa Ramirez works in her mother's restaurant, Tacos El Muchacho Alegre, in the South Valley and can remember a time when her own family needed help. "This area, everyone, my neighbors, my friends, they all use food stamps so it's going to affect everyone," Ramirez said. "Us, personally, we've used it as well. So we understand the struggle and we know it's going to impact a lot of families." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beginning Saturday, the taqueria will serve corn dogs with a side of fries and tacos to children for free. Those who bring in food donations will also receive a free order for their generosity, Ramirez said. The movement "spread like wildfire," said Urban Hot Dogs owner Matthew Bernabe, who was one of the first Albuquerque restaurants to post on social media Monday. "This isn't about picking sides," the post reads. "It's about people. It's about our kids, our neighbors and our community. No child should ever go hungry and if we can do a small part to help, we're proud to do it." All parents need to do is bring their children and tell staff they'd like the "Kids Special," Bernabe said. Since his announcement, restaurant owners and customers have been calling "nonstop" to ask how they can help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The outpouring of support was welcome, but not surprising, Bernabe said. "We have such a great culture here of helping one another out," Bernabe said. "...(W)e do have our problems, but we don't want anyone to mess with our own, and we're going to take care of our own." Other businesses have also come forward to help, including farms and grocery stores. Big Jim's Farm offered free "u-pick" of its remaining produce Tuesday and Sam's Butcher's Block will offer a discounted care package that will include 15 pounds of meat, beans and potatoes. Collecting and synthesizing all this information behind the scenes is Bernina Gray, who used her background in technology to create a map of locations for free or discounted food after seeing dozens of posts online. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The online map will be continuously updated as more businesses come forward to help their neighbors, Gray said. Restaurants or other small businesses can put themselves on the map by filling out a submission form. Gray hopes to add multiple layers so that families can easily filter through the map and find the closest locations that offers what they need. Some restaurants are only feeding children, while others will also feed the elderly, veterans or accompanying family members, she said. In a time when the internet has been increasingly scrutinized for misleading and dividing people, Gray said that social media can be a "tool" or a "weapon." "It just depends on the person using it," Gray said. "I think that, in this case, using social media to spread awareness it's just amazing what you can get done." The Trump administration has been signaling that it may have finally reached a deal with China to keep TikTok running in the U.S., with the two countries finalizing it as soon as Thursday. President Donald Trump is visiting South Korea, where he will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping to try to de-escalate a trade war. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CBS's Face the Nation Sunday that the two leaders will consummate that transaction on Thursday in Korea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If it happens, the deal would mark the end of months of uncertainty about the fate of the popular video-sharing platform in the United States. After wide bipartisan majorities in Congress passed and President Joe Biden signed a law that would ban TikTok in the U.S. if it did not find a new owner in the place of China's ByteDance, the platform was set to go dark on the law's January deadline. For a several hours, it did. But on his first day in office, Trump signed an executive order to keep it running while his administration tries to reach an agreement for the sale of the company. Three more executive orders followed, as Trump, without a clear legal basis, continued to extend the deadline for a TikTok deal. The second was in April, when White House officials believed they were nearing a deal to spin off TikTok into a new company with U.S. ownership that fell apart after China backed out following Trumps tariff announcement. The third came in June, then another in September, which Trump said would allow TikTok to continue operating in the United States in a way that meets national security concerns. Trumps order was meant to enable an American-led group of investors to buy the app from Chinas ByteDance, though the deal also requires Chinas approval. However, TikTok deal is not really a big thing for Xi Jinping, said Bonnie Glaser, managing director of the German Marshall Fund's Indo-Pacific program, during a media briefing Tuesday. (China is) happy to let (Trump) declare that they have finally kept a deal. Whether or not that deal will protect the data of Americans is a big question going forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A big question mark for the United States, of course, is whether this is consistent with U.S. law since there was a law passed by Congress, Glaser said. About 43% of U.S. adults under the age of 30 say they regularly get news from TikTok, higher than any other social media app, including YouTube, Facebook and Instagram, according to a Pew Research Center report published in September. Americans are also more closely divided on what to do about TikTok than they were two years ago. A recent Pew Research Center survey found that about one-third of Americans said they supported a TikTok ban, down from 50% in March 2023. Roughly one-third said they would oppose a ban, and a similar percentage said they werent sure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among those who said they supported banning the social media platform, about 8 in 10 cited concerns over users data security being at risk as a major factor in their decision, according to the report. The TikTok recommendation algorithm which has steered millions of users into an endless stream of video shorts has been central in the security debate over the platform. China previously stated the algorithm must remain under Chinese control by law. But a U.S. regulation that Congress passed with bipartisan support said any divestment of TikTok must mean the platform cut ties with ByteDance. American officials have warned the algorithm a complex system of rules and calculations that platforms use to deliver personalized content to your feed is vulnerable to manipulation by Chinese authorities, but no evidence has been presented by U.S. officials proving that China has attempted to do so. Associated Press Writer Fu Ting contributed to this story from Washington. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Wednesday attacked the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), saying the parties had failed Punjab and appealed to people to respond with faith in the SAD ahead of the Tarn Taran bypoll. Recalling the Operation Blue Star under former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984, he attacked Congress State Chief Raja Warring for hailing Gandhi. Addressing public meetings, the SAD president said, "We can never forget or forgive the Congress party for ordering the attack on Sri Darbar Sahib. It is an insult to us that the present Pradesh Congress President, Raja Warring, continues to eulogise Indira Gandhi and proudly calls her his mother. It is this thinking which has resulted in bloodshed in the State and needs to be snubbed resolutely." Operation Blue Star was a 10-day military operation spanning from June 1 to June 10, 1984. June 6, 1984, marked the day when the Indian Army, under Operation Blue Star, stormed into the Golden Temple on orders of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to contain Sikh militancy under the leadership of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale in Punjab. The Operation was heavily criticised. Months later, Indira Gandhi was assassinated by two of her Sikh bodyguards at her New Delhi residence on October 31, 1984. Slamming the AAP government in Punjab, Sukhbir Badal said, "This government is riddled with corruption and lawlessness. You have witnessed the seizure of Rs 7 crore from the residence of DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar. This money had been collected from the sand mafia for onward transportation to Arvind Kejriwal. Other officers are also collecting crores of rupees to fill the coffers of the Delhi high command of AAP. That is why Punjabis are suffering". Badal also spoke on how AAP was becoming desperate and had started registering false cases against party workers and even SAD candidate's daughter Kanchanpreet Kaur. He said AAP candidate Harmeet Sandhu, who was an Akali turncoat, was also intimidating SAD workers. Asserting that Harmeet Sandhu should not feel that he would get away scot free, he said, "The same police who are guarding you will take action against you after one year for the illegal acts being done by you." He also urged officers to beware of filing false cases against Akali workers under pressure from the AAP dispensation. "All officers who file false cases will have to suffer the consequences of their illegal acts as per law," Badal added. The SAD president also urged the people to repose faith in the SAD, which had served them with dedication for more than a century. "None of you can say that the SAD has betrayed you even once. In fact, the SAD has always kept the interests of farmers and the poor at the top of its priority list. That is the party that made the electricity supply to tubewells free of cost for farmers. It is also credited with coming up with innovative social welfare schemes, including old age pension, aata-daal scheme and Shagun scheme. These schemes have helped the poor tremendously," Badal said. "In future, we are committed to taking this momentum forward by ensuring a pucca home for every citizen of the State. We will do our best to make Punjab the number one State of the country. All we seek is your support", the SAD president added. During his tour of villages Baghiari, Kasel, Swargapuri, Adda Jhabal, Jhabal Kham, Panjwar Khurd, the SAD president was accompanied by party candidate and Azad Group's chief, Sukhwinder Kaur Randhawa. The bypoll will be held on November 11, following the seat becoming vacant after AAP MLA Kashmir Singh Sohal passed away on June 27. The counting of votes for the bye-election is scheduled for November 14. (ANI) President Donald Trump ended trade talks with Canada after seeing an ad that used a speech by former President Ronald Reagan to attack his tariff policy. The White House insists the ad was just the latest in a string of problems between the two countries, and that negotiations were going south well before that a view that Canada doesnt share. In fact, Canadian officials believed they were on the brink of progress with the U.S., with Prime Minister Mark Carney telling reporters this week that the country was in intensive negotiations with the U.S. and that he expected to see Trump at the Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea. Instead, Trump told reporters on the flight to Asia that he doesnt have any intention of meeting with Carney during his trip, scrapped trade talks altogether and threatened to slap an additional 10 percent levy on Canadian exports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The blow up is the latest in a relationship that keeps splintering and being patched back together a cycle that underscores the challenge for Carney in navigating Trumps mix of transactional instincts and personal grudges. But it poses perils for the U.S. as well, with Canada a key conduit for the energy, metals and manufacturing inputs central to Trumps push to reinvigorate American manufacturing. Despite a positive meeting in the Oval Office earlier this month, its clear that there are significant differences about both the urgency and substance of a deal, said Everett Eissenstat, deputy director of the National Economic Council during Trump's first term. Since then relations have only soured. A lot of work remains. White House aides contend the presidents frustration shouldnt surprise the Canadians, who they accuse of slow-walking trade talks and failing to make concessions. The White House has taken particular umbrage at exemptions from steel and aluminum tariffs that the Canadians are trying to secure, especially considering Trumps view that he granted too many exceptions during his first term. "Their tariffs preceded the reciprocal tariffs by months, and in that time period we've been able to secure major trade deals with the EU, with Japan, said a White House official, granted anonymity to share the administrations thinking. And here we still are just talking for the sake of talking It's kind of like either put up or shut up." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I guess you can say the ad was the straw that broke the camel's back, the official added. A Canadian parliamentarian with experience in North American relations, granted anonymity to discuss the U.S.-Canada dynamic, pushed back on the White Houses characterization, calling it disingenuous. The U.S. wants a supine adversary in negotiations and that wont happen. There is too much at stake and a handshake agreement as with the U.K. and Japan simply isnt going to work, the person said. We have run ads before and put out positions publicly too. We have a good negotiating team always do and that leads us to be called nasty. Another former Trump administration official said that underneath Trumps frustration is a weird fixation with Canada and an old notion he simply cant forget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He doesn't like Canada. In general, he has this characteristic as a lot of older, successful people do: He gets something in his head, and he will just never get it out, said the official, granted anonymity to speak candidly about their first-hand insights. In this case: The idea that Canada is terrible on trade which is just not true. The ad that sent Trump off on a Truth Social tirade Thursday night used excerpts from a 1987 radio address by Reagan to make the case against U.S. tariffs. Reagan, in the address, justified tariffs on Japanese electronics as a way of just trying to deal with a particular problem, not begin a trade war. Trump pointed to the Reagan Foundations assertion that the ad misrepresents the former presidents radio address in a Truth Social post. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) disagreed, saying in a Tuesday statement that no cross-eyed reading of Reagan would paper over the economic harms of trade wars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tariffs make both building and buying in America more expensive, he said ahead of a vote to end the presidents emergency tariff authority in Canada and other countries. Its not clear what specifically provoked Trump to single out the commercial, given just two days earlier he told reporters that hed seen the ad and that, if I was Canada, I'd take that same ad also. The C$75 million ad, which ran on American TV stations through Monday, was paid for by the province of Ontario, not the federal government of Canada but that distinction hasnt helped Ottawa much. Ontarios premier, Doug Ford, has repeatedly tested Washingtons patience on trade, using nationalist stunts to bolster his political standing at home. Earlier this year, Ford ordered American alcohol pulled off the shelves of Ontarios government-regulated liquor stores until a trade deal was reached. He later threatened a surcharge on U.S. electricity exports, a move he backpedaled on after it infuriated Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ford dismissed the backlash this week, saying that the ad had achieved our goal and that people are talking about it in the U.S. and they werent talking about it before I put the ad on. Still, theres little evidence the ad has shaped Americans public opinion beyond the one who lives at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. In fact, Ford is now calling on the U.S. ambassador to Canada, Pete Hoekstra, to apologize following an expletive-laden confrontation over the tariff ad with Ontario envoy David Paterson at a Monday gala. Carney, taking a measured tone, told reporters in Kuala Lumpur that he hasnt spoken with Trump since the dust-up but stands ready to re-engage with the president when he is ready. Asked whether he was upset with Ford for running the ad, Carney said that unexpected twists and turns can come up in any complicated, high-stakes negotiation. It doesnt pay to be upset, Carney said. Emotions dont carry you very far. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also reiterated that considerable progress had been made on reaching sectoral tariff deals on steel, aluminum and energy, to the point that the two sides were exchanging term sheets. Weve made significant progress, Carney said. We stand by the progress that we had made. British Columbia Premier David Eby, meanwhile, intends to push forward with plans for its anti-tariff ads in the U.S., though its spot will focus on the threat to the province from softwood lumber tariffs from the U.S. It also has echoes of the challenging negotiations over the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement during Trumps first term, when the U.S. slapped tariffs on steel and aluminum because negotiations were taking longer than expected. Administration officials maintain Canada is being equally intransigent this time around. Ive been involved in some of these negotiations, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett recently told reporters, and the Canadians have been very difficult to negotiate with. The White House pressed U.S. Navy officials to launch 2,000-pound live bombs instead of dummy explosives during an elaborate military demonstration for the services 250th anniversary celebration that President Donald Trump attended, two people familiar with planning for the event told The Associated Press. One person familiar with the planning said White House officials insisted to Navy planners that Trump needed to see explosions instead of just a big splash during the Oct. 5 demonstration. Original planning for what the Navy dubbed the Titans of the Sea Presidential Review called for military personnel to use dummies and not live bombs, a third person familiar with the Navys planning said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That person, who like the others was not authorized to speak publicly on the matter and spoke on the condition of anonymity, would not comment on why the Navy decided to switch to live bombs. The White House said no switch was made. Deputy press secretary Anna Kelly in a statement said: Organizers always planned to use live munitions, as is typical in training exercises. The episode is the latest example of the Trump administration turning the military toward the presidents wishes in ways large and small from summoning generals from around the world to Washington for a day of speeches to his lethal strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean. The Navy and other military branches typically use dummy, or inert, bombs for training and demonstrations. Dummies are cheaper than live bombs because they do not contain expensive explosives, fuses and other components. Theyre also safer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, military officials often argue that the use of live ammunition for events like the 250th birthday celebration also fulfills a training purpose and that the ordnance would have been expended anyway at a later date. The Navy declined to comment. The switch required Navy officials to change up detailed plans for the Norfolk military demonstration to ensure safety protocols were met, according to the three people familiar with the planning. The White House pushed forward with the event despite a U.S. government shutdown, which has led nonessential federal workers to be sent home without pay and reduced operation of many non-critical government services. Sailors watch a video board before President Trump speaks during a celebration for the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy at Naval Station Norfolk on Oct. 5. (Steve Helber/AP) A celebration for the Marines also used live artillery Confirmation that the Navy decided to use live bombs instead of dummies at the Naval Base Norfolk event comes as the administration faces scrutiny over an Oct. 18 live fire demonstration at Camp Pendleton, in which a misfire of a live artillery round led to shrapnel spraying onto Interstate 5 in Southern California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No one was injured when shrapnel struck two California Highway Patrol vehicles. That Camp Pendleton event marking the Marines 250th anniversary was attended by Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Last week, 27 members of the California congressional delegation and the states two senators sent a letter to Hegseth asking whose decision it was to shoot live artillery over the busy freeway and how authorities planned for the safety risks. California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat who says hell weigh a 2028 White House run after the midterm elections next year, criticized the decision and closed a section of the roadway connecting San Diego to Los Angeles for hours during the Oct. 18 Marine showcase. The White House criticized him for closing the highway and said the Marines said there were no safety concerns. Trump is a fan of military pomp Trump hasnt been shy about his fondness for pomp and pageantry that celebrates military might. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his second term, he has pushed the U.S. services to hold big parades and demonstrations, an idea inspired by a Bastille Day parade he attended in France early in his first term. He was a guest of honor at the 2017 event, which commemorated the 100th anniversary of the U.S. entry into World War I. The Army included tanks in a June parade in the nations capital, requested by Trump, to mark its 250 years despite concerns from city officials that the heavy vehicles would damage the citys streets. And he appeared to relish the massive military welcome he received last month during his second state visit to the United Kingdom. At the Navy celebration this month in Norfolk, the president and first lady Melania Trump watched the military demonstration from the deck of an aircraft carrier before Trump delivered a speech in which he criticized his political opponents and attacked Democratic lawmakers. At sea, the Navy had seven Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers fire a variety of their guns, including a large 5-inch gun. Four destroyers also launched the Navys Standard Missile 2 (SM-2). Each missile costs approximately $2 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, aircraft from USS Trumans air wing fired missiles and general-purpose bombs and performed a strafing run with their gatling guns. The Navys MH-60S Seahawk helicopters also fired hydra rockets and guns. Trump then spoke on a pier between two towering Navy vessels, an aircraft carrier and an amphibious assault ship. The carrier displayed a Navy fighter jet that had the words President Donald J. Trump 45-47 printed on the fuselage, right under the cockpit window. A Navy spokesperson told the AP shortly after the event that sailors put the presidents name on the aircraft for the visit and this was customary for visits of this type. In addition to the live bomb demonstration, Navy destroyers launched missiles and fired shells into the Atlantic Ocean, and Navy SEALs descended from helicopters and fighter jets catapulted off vessels. The shift to live bombs also required further spreading out of the guided missile destroyers in the waters off Norfolk for the military demonstration. WHEN REPORTS SURFACED that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth was demanding those serving in the U.S. Southern Command area of operations sign nondisclosure agreements as part of the campaign against so-called narcoterrorists, it gave me pause. After nearly four decades in uniformincluding years commanding in combat zones, handling top secret intelligence and being involved in compartmented information programs, and testifying before members of CongressI can say this plainly: Such a move betrays a profound misunderstanding of how secrecy, accountability, and trust work inside the U.S. military. A nondisclosure agreementan NDAis a civilian legal tool. Its a contract, most often used in business, to prevent employees or contractors from sharing proprietary information, or for protecting personal information. It exists to protect a companys competitive advantage or intellectual property, or to provide protection from legal action. But in government service theres already a narrow, formalized version of that type of agreement: the Classified Information Nondisclosure Agreement, known as Standard Form 312. Every person who receives a security clearance is required to sign that form. It acknowledges that the signer understands their obligation to protect classified information and states the penalties for failing to do so. Thats the one legitimate NDA in the federal systemand it already covers every service member who handles classified material. Which is, in effect, every officer with a clearance. Which is, in effect, every officer. The military doesnt rely on contractual secrecy; it relies on law, duty, and discipline. When you hold a clearance, you are already legally bound to protect the nations secrets. The statutes governing that responsibility are unambiguous and severe. Under federal law18 U.S. Code 793 and 798unauthorized disclosure of national-defense information can bring a prison sentence of up to ten years. Those laws apply to everyone in uniform, from the newest private to the most senior general, who holds a clearance to view any classified documents or who is privy to any classified information. No additional NDA is required to make that point. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Join now When I was read on to sensitive programs beyond the normal clearances during my service, the additional process was precise, solemn, andtruthfullyintimidating. You first had to hold the right level of clearanceusually Top Secretand then demonstrate a need to know the compartmented information that you were provided. Inside a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility, or SCIF, you would be briefed on what the program was, how and why it was protected, what you were forbidden to reveal, and the penalties that would come if you violated the trust. In compartmented programs, you arent even allowed to publicly acknowledge the specific programs existence, let alone your access to it. The penalties for violating any of those rules werent theoreticalthey were career-ending and, in most cases, came with criminal indictment. Thats why imposing additional NDAs on personnel in the Southern Command area of operations isnt just unnecessaryits counterproductive and insulting. It signals mistrust in a system that already functions with rigor, gravity, and extreme disciplinary action if violated. Asking for anything additional also risks conflating operational security, which is essential, with overt political control, which is dangerous. The military already has every safeguard it needs to protect classified information: clearance vetting, the need-to-know principle, compartmentalization, and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. What it does not need is an improvised contractual mechanism that could be used to suppress accountability or restrict legitimate oversight. Keep up with all our articles, newsletters, podcasts, and livestreamsand pick which ones show up in your inbox: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senior military officersparticularly three- and four-star commandersoccupy a unique constitutional space. They are responsible for the lawful execution of national policy, but they also have a statutory obligation, when requested, to appear before Congress and report honestly on the state of their forces and their missions. Congressional oversight of the military isnt optional; it is one of the pillars of civilian control. When generals testify before Congress, they do so under oath, not as political appointees defending an administration but as professionals describing the security of the country as they see it. I watched that obligation tested in 2003, when Army Chief of Staff General Eric Shinseki testified before Congress about the number of troops he believed would be required to stabilize Iraq following the invasion. His assessmentbased on his experience, staff analysis, and military judgmentdid not align with the narrative being advanced by Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and his deputies. Shinseki calmly told lawmakers that several hundred thousand troops would be needed for postwar stability operations, which was significantly more than the Bush administration said was necessary. Shinseki was publicly rebuked and then quietly sidelined. Yet history proved him right. His testimony remains a defining example of professional integrity: a senior officer fulfilling his duty to speak truth to power, even when it carried personal cost. That is what the system demands, and what democracy depends upon. If an NDA were to restrict that obligationto limit what a commander can say to Congress or to the American people about operations, readiness, or the use of forceit would cross a constitutional line. It would turn a protective instrument into a political one. The goal of secrecy is to protect the nation, not to protect leaders from scrutiny. Share IVE SERVED UNDER MULTIPLE ADMINISTRATIONS, multiple secretaries of defense, in peace and war. Some of the most sensitive operations Ive been a part ofcounterterrorism and counterinsurgency missions, clandestine intelligence efforts, multinational engagement programswere conducted under strict classification, some using compartmented programs that few knew about. Yet at no time did those classifications prevent us from reporting to Congress, briefing inspectors general, or answering for our actions when oversight was required. The system worked because it was built on trust and law, not on ad hoc paperwork designed to muzzle uniformed officers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If I were a commander today, I would not sign an NDA like the one reportedly being circulated in the Southern Command theater. Not out of defiance, but out of respect for the oath I took to support and defend the Constitution. I would continue to safeguard classified information with the same care I always didbut I would not allow a redundant or politically motivated document to interfere with lawful communication between the armed forces, civilian leaders, and the representatives of the people. Refusing to sign wouldnt be disobedience; it would be fidelity to both law and principle. One more time: Soldiers dont serve individuals; they serve the Constitution. They dont conceal truth from oversight; they protect truth from exploitation. Theres a difference between secrecy that saves lives and secrecy that is based on misplaced loyalty. Our system is designed to tell those apart. I understand why businesses need NDAs, but NDAs have no place in our government. They belong in corporate boardrooms, not command tents. They substitute legal fear for professional trust, and in doing so they erode the very foundation on which military leadership stands. Because, in the end, this isnt about secrecy at allits about trust. Trust in the laws that already govern classified information. Trust in the officers and NCOs who have spent their careers safeguarding it. Trust in the system of checks and balances that keeps our military strong, apolitical, and accountable. Once that trust is brokenonce leaders use the tools of secrecy to silence rather than to secureit cannot be restored by any number of signatures on a form. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats why, if asked to sign such an NDA, Id respectfully decline. Because the duty of a commander or any military officer isnt to protect a narrativeits to protect the truth, the troops, and the Constitution they serve. Pop this article into a friends inbox or post it to social media: Share Palestinians in Gaza have experienced the deadliest 24 hours since the start of the United States-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas went into effect almost three weeks ago. Israel killed more than 100 people, including 46 children, in attacks late on Tuesday and on Wednesday. Medical sources told Al Jazeera the strikes hit all over Gaza. This adds to dozens of previous ceasefire violations with a rocky outlook ahead. Lets take a look at where things stand: Whats the latest? The Israeli military said by noon on Wednesday that it was returning to the ceasefire in line with instructions from the political leadership but remained ready to attack again if necessary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It said it hit more than 30 targets in the besieged enclave, claiming that the targets were terrorists in command positions within terror organisations. But as more residential buildings were flattened by the Israeli bombs, at least 18 members of the same family in central Gaza, including children, parents and grandparents, were among the victims. Civil Defence teams and Palestinians search for people in Gaza Citys Zeitoun neighbourhood after Israeli strikes on October 29, 2025 [Khames Alrefi/Anadolu via Getty Images] Civil Defence teams once again had to use small tools and their hands to dig in the rubble of bombed areas to search for survivors and the dead. Several tents belonging to displaced Palestinian families were also targeted. According to Gazas Ministry of Health, at least 68,643 people have been killed and 170,655 wounded since the start of Israels genocidal war in October 2023. What was Israels justification? On Tuesday, Israel announced that the body of a captive transferred from Gaza by Hamas through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) did not match one of the 13 to be handed over as part of the ceasefire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli forensic analysts determined that the remains belonged to Ofir Tzarfati, who was taken to Gaza during the Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, and whose partial remains were recovered in November of the same year. Israeli officials reacted furiously, especially far-right ministers in the coalition government who are against stopping the war on Gaza and want Hamas destroyed. An organisation run by the families of the captives also expressed outrage and demanded action. A short time later, the Qassam Brigades, Hamass armed wing, said it would hand over the remains of an Israeli captive at 8pm (18:00 GMT), but it held off after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered powerful strikes on Gaza. Heavy gunfire and explosions were also heard in the southern city of Rafah. Israel alleged this was an attack by Hamas fighters, something Hamas rejected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel also accused the Palestinian group of staging the recovery of a captives remains after showing footage purportedly of Hamas fighters burying a body before calling in the ICRC. The ICRC said its personnel were not aware that a deceased person had been placed there prior to their arrival. Palestinian fighters with Hamas search a site for the remains of an Israeli captive in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip on October 28, 2025 [Haseeb Alwazeer/Reuters] Whats in the ceasefire? As part of the agreement, which entered into force on October 10, Hamas handed over all remaining 20 living captives held in Gaza within several days. The group has also handed over the remains of 15 deceased Israeli captives as part of the deal with 13 others remaining unrecovered or undelivered. Israel has allowed some humanitarian aid into Gaza, but supplies have been well below the 600 trucks a day specified in the ceasefire, a level that is required to help the famine-stricken population. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel has also prevented tents and mobile homes from entering the enclave but has let some heavy machinery enter to search for the remains of its captives. After all the remains are handed over, a second phase of the ceasefire could potentially enter into force, allowing the deployment of an international stabilisation force and the reconstruction of Gaza. Israeli officials have repeatedly stressed that they will not allow the formation of a sovereign Palestinian state and have been advancing with a plan to illegally annex the occupied West Bank despite international criticism. What is Hamas saying? Hamas has accused Israel of fabricating false pretexts to renew aggression in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before the attacks over the past day, Hamas said Israel had carried out at least 125 violations. Since October 10, the Health Ministry in Gaza said, at least 211 Palestinians have been killed and 597 wounded in Israeli attacks while 482 bodies have been recovered. (Al Jazeera) Hamas has also accused Israel of obstructing efforts to recover the bodies of the captives while using the same bodies as an excuse to claim noncompliance. It pointed out that Israel has prevented enough heavy machinery from entering Gaza to recover the remains and has prevented search teams from accessing key areas. The Qassam Brigades said its fighters have recovered the bodies of two more deceased captives, Amiram Cooper and Sahar Baruch, during search operations conducted on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas and other Palestinian factions have said they are prepared to hand over administration of Gaza to a technocratic Palestinian body while maintaining that armed resistance is a result of decades-long occupation and apartheid by Israel. What does this mean for Gazas civilians? Since the start of the war, civilians have been the main casualties of Israels war on Gaza. They have been disproportionately targeted, as they were in the latest overnight attacks, and have also seen Gazas infrastructure and means of living destroyed by bombs and invading Israeli forces. Because nowhere in Gaza is fully safe, Palestinians underwent another day of panic that the Israeli attacks could be extended. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli warplanes and reconnaissance aircraft continued to hover over the enclave. What happens now? The US has repeatedly expressed support for Israel despite its ceasefire violations, emphasising Israels right to defend itself. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the ceasefire is not in jeopardy despite the strikes. Mediator Qatar has previously condemned violations of the agreement and accused Israel of undermining its implementation. But along with Egypt, it has worked to ensure the deal stays alive. A small Indiana school district canceled an upcoming play adaptation of author Jodi Picoult's "Between the Lines" after the administration and school board decided the script contained inappropriate language and content. The cancellation comes as social conservatives continue to shine a public light on what children can read and be taught. Supporters say this movement is about protecting children, while critics say it amounts to censorship. After hundreds of hours of rehearsals, Gas City's Mississinewa High School students expected to perform the production this weekend at a local performing arts center. However, in an Oct. 16 letter to students and parents obtained by IndyStar, Superintendent Jeremy Fewell said he was cancelling the show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fewell said in the letter that the script "contains language and content that are not appropriate for a public schoolsponsored performance and do not align with the expectations of our community." Picoult told IndyStar that the cancellation resulted from a single parent's complaint about an LGBTQ character that was not included in this production's script. She said the school licensed a "very benign" version that did not include the character's gender orientation and was written for more conservative communities. Fewell did not respond to a request for comment or a list of questions sent by IndyStar. Does 'Between the Lines' cross a line? Students were slated to perform a theatrical adaptation of the young adult novel "Between the Lines," written by Picoult and her daughter, Samantha van Leer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The book and musical follow Delilah McPhee, who is a social outcast following her parents' divorce and a move to a new school. Spending most of her time in the school library, her reality begins to blend with one fairy tale, as the prince begins speaking to her about feeling trapped to relive the book's narrative over and over. "We were really upset because the message of the show, we think, is a critical one for adolescents, which is to be the architect of your own story and to live the story you want if it's not the story you're in," Picoult said. Fewell said in his letter that, though the production's director made several edits to the script that the licensing company approved, "concerns remained regarding references and themes that are not suitable for a school setting." Picoult said she grew more upset when she learned the school previously put on "Grease." She argues that the show includes themes, such as teen pregnancy and underage drinking, that are much more risque than in "Between the Lines." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I would like to know why he let them perform 'Grease,'" she said. "I can tell you, anything in 'Between the Lines' pales in comparison to what is in 'Grease.'" The Gas City show may not be over The play may find a home outside the school. Picoult said she and the musical's writers felt terrible and are prepared to move the play outside the school's purview. She said they confirmed the script license can be amended, and they could help with additional costs. "If they want to and are willing, we will do anything in our power to allow them to perform," she said. A similar situation occurred two years ago after Fort Wayne's Carroll High School canceled a student production after complaints about the inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters. After raising $80,000, the students put on the production independent of the school. Jodi Picoult also a target of book bans Picoult's novels have routinely been subject to book bans across the country. According to PEN America, she was the fourth-most-banned author during the 2024-2025 school year for her books "Nineteen Minutes," "My Sisters Keeper" and "Picture Perfect." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Similar to the book bans, she said, the play's cancellation misses the point of the work as a whole. Her books have been banned for one page out of 400 that was taken out of context, she said, and the same is happening here. Jules, the non-binary character, emboldens the play's message as a "fierce and unapologetically comfortable in their own skin," she said. She believes the complaint and subsequent cancellation drew from some people's discomfort with LGBTQ representation in art, she said. "Getting rid of that in art does not get rid of those people in the world who are legitimate and alive and absolutely willing to live their lives and should have the freedom to do so," Picoult said. "It's a very sad state of affairs when we start deciding whose stories should be told and who should not, because, at that point, we have already lost freedom of expression." The USA TODAY Network - Indiana's coverage of First Amendment issues is funded through a collaboration between the Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Have a story to tell? Reach Cate Charron by email at ccharron@indystar.com, on X at @CateCharron or Signal at @cate.charron.28. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana school cancels Jodi Picoult play over 'inappropriate' content Halloween is the one time of year when everyone and anyone can dress up like, well, everyone and anyone with nearly no recourse (costume depending). Historically speaking, when homosexuality and cross-dressing was still very not-legal, Halloween gave the queens and queers alike permission to dress to express corseted, contoured, and blended in with everybody else. And that has never changed. For generations of young queer people, Halloween has been the perfect gateway for taking their first step toward queer identity; countless tales of someones first time in drag or first time going to a gay bar happen on Halloween. You might consider Halloween the queer hall pass of holidays. Its no mistake that the UpStairs Lounge opened its doors on Halloween night of 1970, 55 years ago this Friday. The discrete second-floor gay bar quickly became a safe haven in the French Quarter. It was a second home to its regulars, a place for them to be free in a world rampant with discrimination. It was also the only gay bar in the Quarter to have had a dancing license; it was also never raided by police and happily catered to a mix of patrons who were not just gay, but also straight, trans, and people of color. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, less than three years after it opened, on June 24, 1973, someone doused the entrance of the bar in lighter fluid and lit it on fire, causing a blaze that would claim 32 lives. In the hours after the fire, shock spread through the city, but as it became clear the victims were almost entirely queer, the city turned a blind eye. There was no day of mourning, churches refused to hold services for the deceased, and some bodies even went unclaimed by families, for fear and shame of claiming a dead gay son. Thanks to a small, dedicated group of storytellers over the years who have given us a handful of heavily researched books and documentary films, weve been able to get a sense of what kind of a place the UpStairs Lounge was. Because, for decades, this story has all but slipped through the cracks of queer oral storytelling. As Halloween approaches and LGBTQ+ History Month comes to an end, the creators of The Fire UpStairs podcast, Joey Hardy Gray and Ryan Killian Krause, sat down to discuss why they decided to make the show and why two years after its release, theyre more dedicated than ever to amplifying lesser-known queer stories. Joey Hardy Gray Ryan Killian Krause UpStairs Lounge Joey Hardy Gray and Ryan Killian Krause in front of the UpStairs Lounge site in 2025 Ryan Killian Krause Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joey Hardy Gray: When I first learned the story of the UpStairs Lounge and the horrific arson that happened, my first thought was How could I not have known about this? Why hasnt anyone in our community told me before? Why werent more people talking about what happened? Do people even know what happened? Ryan Killian Krause: I mean, I didnt know about this story until you approached me about making this show. And most people Ive told about it since besides the people who have a connection to New Orleans havent known about it. I think thats what drew both of us to this story. JHG: From the first moment I saw the cover of Johnny Townsends book, Let The Faggots Burn, with that hand reaching up, engulfed in flames, I havent been able to shake the compulsion to tell people about it. And since then, weve gotten Clayton Delery Edwardss book The Up Stairs Lounge Arson, [Robert W. Fieselers] book Tinderbox, Robert L. Caminas documentary Upstairs Inferno, and a bunch of other contributions and still, most people I ask have never heard about what happened. RKK: Theres just so much to know and its not like were taught any of it. I still remember the years right after I came out as I started learning more and more about queer history and, frankly, how stupid I felt for how much I didnt know and how much there was to learn. It set me off on a journey of self-education where Ive been trying to learn as much as I can. And here we are 10 years later, and I still feel like theres still so much to learn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement JHG: I didnt realize its been 10 years for you I only stumbled onto the UpStairs Lounge story 10 years ago. And then if it hadnt been for the Pulse shooting a year later and the tragic connection between the historic death toll of the two events that recirculated the UpStairs Lounge in the news cycle, Im sure even fewer people would know about it now. RKK: And how fucked up is it that it took another mass murder for us to dig back into our past and start talking about the Upstairs Lounge again? I mean, this is exactly why were both so passionate about telling queer stories. Its so easy for them to be lost as time goes on. Upstairs Lounge The Upstairs Lounge site in 1974 The Times-Picayune New Orleans JHG: Its true. I think stories can only be passed down so far without being canonized. Thats why Ive been trying to make my feature film about the UpStairs for the last few years. Its like what Dustin Lance Black was able to do with Milk. Everyone knows the story of Harvey Milk now, if not from the documentary that came before, definitely from having seen his movie. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RKK: It makes me think of what Sarah Schulman did with the history of ACT UP. Shes written the definitive history book, of course, but she also sat down and recorded interviews with the pioneers of that fight so that there would be some record of what happened. No one else was doing it and one day everyone who was there would be dead. Its very if you want something done well, do it yourself energy. JHG: Thats exactly what Johnny Townsend was doing when he went around interviewing people about the UpStairs Lounge history. No one asked him to write and self-publish the first book about the fire, but he knew it was important and he took on the responsibility. Im so grateful for the people like them in our community. RKK: Right, thats why I really wanted to make this show with you to contribute to telling our queer stories through our own queer voices. And, you know I hate the phrase now more than ever, its like one of those email blasts from the DNC with the subject line, well, were all going to die unless you give $5, Ryan. But its hard to deny its growing relevance as our world shifts. I think there was a period of time where everyone thought that because we had access to all this information, people would just know what was true and what happened. And thats just not where we are. I mean [the conservative media group] PragerU is approved educational material in multiple states. The truth is out the window. And, on top of that, I just saw a whole discourse on Twitter from younger queers about why they dont need PrEP. Shits bad. Upstairs Lounge Patrons Patrons at the Upstairs Lounge Courtesy of Johnny Townsend Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement JHG: Thats why Im not on Twitter! But before social media and online communities, we had to go find real communities and those were in gay bars. And actually the first time I ever went to a gay bar was Halloween. Shout out The Avalon in Boston. RIP. RKK: Bring it back to the Upstairs Lounge, baby! But actually, I do often think about gay bars and all the people inside of them and all the stories they have to be told. Generations of queer people whove lived these really rich, beautiful lives. And I remember realizing years ago how weird it is that so many of our elders are gone and how sad it is that weve lost their stories. JHG: Absolutely. Theres a passage in Jeremy Atherton Lins Gay Bar: Why We Went Out that really stuck with me since I first read it: Theres not just a gap, but a chasm between generations that AIDS created. Their absence is felt by those of us who are old enough to feel it. But the younger ones are never going to know about them unless we tell them [...] We went out to be told. We went out to feel it. We went out to experience how it used to be. That sentiment was one of the main reasons I wanted to make our show. Because in the absence of gay bars, queer spaces, and physically having places to go out to, we all have a responsibility to keep our histories alive by sharing them with one another, and with younger generations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RKK: No one else will tell our stories if we don't tell them for ourselves. JHG: And thats why we have to keep doing what were doing. Stream The Fire UpStairs wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about the show and contribute to future episodes here. This article originally appeared on Out: Why Halloween is a vital day in gay history RELATED Why influencer marketing is getting a reality check By all appearances, influencer marketing is booming. The sector is projected to hit $32.6 billion in market size by the end of 2025, up from just $1.4 billion in 2014, according to Influencer Marketing Hub. The overall influencer industry is estimated to reach $480 billion by 2027, according to Goldman Sachs research. Yet even as budgets grow, consumers are showing signs of fatigue. A 2025 Business of Fashion and McKinsey survey found that 68% of shoppers are frustrated by the high volume of sponsored content on social media platforms, while 65% follow fewer fashion influencers than they did just a few years ago. Younger audiences in particular are tougher to reach, as Gen Zs attention span for ads averages just 1.3 seconds, according to a Yahoo and OMD Worldwide study. While this figure reflects broader digital ad fatigue, it underscores the pressure on influencer marketing to deliver fast-hitting, authentic content that doesnt feel forced. The paradox is clear: Audiences are wary, but influence still sells. Trust in influencers among U.S. Gen Z and millennials actually rose from 51% in 2019 to 61% in 2023, according to consumer insights platform Morning Consult. Consumers are skeptical of inauthentic promotion, but trust relatable voices that solve real problems. For marketers, the challenge is to channel that trust through the right strategies. Below, Shopify shares how brands can cut through customer fatigue to make influencer marketing effective. Work with nano- and micro-influencers If authenticity and relatability are what audiences value most, then smaller creators can be the best partners. Nano-influencers (1,000 to 10,000 followers) and micro-influencers (10,000 to 100,000 followers) often specialize in a niche. They may not have huge reach, but they typically offer tighter community bonds, higher engagement, and greater subject matter expertise than macro-influencers (100,000 to one million followers). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are often the heartbeat of authentic connections, says Shingly Lee, vice president of marketing at Guru, a natural energy drink company. They bring a level of trust, engagement, and relatability with their audience, and credibility thats hard to replicate with macro and mainstream voices. When Ochuko Akpovbovbo, author of the consumer-culture-focused newsletter As Seen On, was looking for recommended beauty products after moving to a new country, she turned to TikTok creatorsnot mainstream outlets. The algorithm figured out that I have a specific type of dark skin, and it will feed me people sharing these characteristics, Akpovbovbo says. It does not matter how many followers they have, as long as they are solving the problem I want them to solve, which is testing that product for me. Whether a product is part of a paid campaign, gifted, or just casually recommended doesnt make a difference. Trust is what matters. The numbers bear this out: In 2024, nano- and micro-influencers achieved TikTok engagement rates of 10.3% and 8.7%, respectively, while influencers with more than 500,000 followers had a 7.1% engagement rate, per Influencer Marketing Hub. The same trend is observable on Instagram, according to eMarketer, with nano-influencers garnering the highest average engagement rate (6.23%). In the case of skin care brand Jaxon Lane, micro-influencers in the sheet mask niche were instrumental in gaining the first pieces of mainstream editorial coverage. The company sent products to small, niche creators, sometimes with just a few thousand followers, who specialized in sheet mask reviews. Our earliest editorial coverage came from magazine editors following micro-influencers to see whats trending, recalls cofounder Jen Yu. Within a year, The Wall Street Journal interviewed Jaxon Lane about mens grooming habits. Even as the brand has expanded into Saks, Revolve, and Neiman Marcus, it still partners with nano- and micro-influencers such as makeup artists and groomers Shannon Van Horn, Andrea Pezzillo, and Brenna D. Makeup. Use product seeding to build relationships Seedingsending free products to creators with no obligation to postremains one of the most effective ways to spark authentic advocacy. Because there is no payment involved, it feels lower-risk for smaller businesses while giving influencers the freedom to share only what they truly like. Seeding continues to be an important part of our strategy, says Yu. We think of it as a long-term relationship development effort and have found that, over time, it definitely pays off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The data supports that perspective. A strong majority of marketers (92%) say seeding has increased brand awareness, and 76% report it has at least somewhat driven sales, according to influencer marketing software Traackr. This works because it mirrors how recommendations spread naturally, without the filter of a formal contract. Beauty brand Three Ships, for example, treats seeding as relationship-building rather than a transaction. They can post about it if they like the product, or they dont have to post about it, cofounder Laura Thompson says on the Shopify Masters podcast. But youre not paying anythingyoure just giving them free products. Similarly, jewelry brand Nominal began by sending free pieces to influencers who had quoted paid rates that founders Lena Sarsour and Akram Abdallah couldnt afford. Many of these influencers posted anyway because they genuinely loved the products, sparking organic visibility. We build credibility through a famous person wearing our product that we didnt really pay for, aside from just the cost of shipping and the cost of goods, Abdallah says. The lesson for marketers is clear: Seeding isnt about immediate return on investment but about cultivating trust and relationships that grow over time. For brands with lean budgets, its an accessible way to get products into the right hands, build authentic relationships, and open doors to later collaborations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, how do you find those right hands? Gurus Lee endorses manually going through DMs, product reviews, and comments. Thats where you see the raw passion of our consumers and people who are already living and loving the brand, she explains. Transition from seeding to affiliate programs Seeding can spark organic advocacy, but the next step is turning that goodwill into a sustainable partnership. One of the most effective ways to do this is through affiliate programs, which reward influencers or creators with commissions for the sales they help generate. Thompson explains how the Three Ships team makes this transition: People will post about the product if they really love it, and once they post, well then set up an affiliate code for them to start earning commissions. This approach rewards genuine enthusiasm while giving influencers an incentive to keep promoting the brand. High Sport, a fashion brand best known for its pull-on, kick-flare pants, offers a striking example. It first built awareness through seeding to fashion writers and Substack creators, then extended those relationships with an affiliate program that offered up to a 15% kickback, reported The Cut. In one case, a single post sold 40 pairs of pants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not an isolated case. Affiliate marketing overall was valued at $18.5 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow 8% annually through 2031, per Cognitive Market Research. This growth underscores why affiliate programs matter for marketers. They transform one-off seeding wins into scalable, performance-driven partnerships that can directly move the revenue needle. Extend influence into real-world communities Influencer marketing no longer lives only on social mediaits increasingly spilling into real-world experiences where brand fandom becomes community. Deloitte reports that 54% of Gen Z and millennials see fandom as a way to make new friends, while 50% say being part of a community is important. Theres not a lot of natural-forming communities at the moment, says Akpovbovbo, who cites institutions like the YMCA and houses of worship as past examples. What Im seeing is people are rallying around brands as platforms and third places that bring them together. Several beauty brands are already leaning into this shift. Rhode took over a beach club in Mallorca and invited micro-influencers such as stylist Danielle Jinadu to the Rhode Summer Club launch before opening it to the public. Refy skipped the traditional influencer trip in favor of a community getaway, selecting participants from its Instagram Broadcast Channel, which later produced a wave of user-generated content. Topicals took three members of its Spottie Hottie community on a brand trip to the French Alps, turning them into both participants and creators. Creators themselves are also becoming community conveners. Shoe brand Rothys partnered with culture writer and editor Emily Sundberg for a pizza-making night, and with second-hand-shopping expert and author Erika Veurink for a clothing swap. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Akpovbovbo observes, these kinds of events are incredibly useful because they tap into existing ecosystems and create networks that ripple outward. She notes that partnering with different types of creators can shape the outcome: Obviously if you do an event with a beauty influencer as opposed to a culture writer (and vice versa), youre getting a different crowd of people. The key is recognizing that todays communities form around individuals and brands rather than traditional institutions or shared physical spaces. The benefit for brands and marketers is that community-building activities amplify influencer partnerships. Whether through brand-hosted events or creator-led gatherings, these experiences transform one-way influence into two-way engagement, deepening loyalty and sparking organic content that lasts well beyond the event itself. This story was produced by Shopify and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday launched a cashless treatment facility under the Ayushman Asom Mukhya Mantri Lok Sevak Arogya Yojana (AA-MMLSAY) at a function held in Janata Bhawan in Guwahati. According to a release, the new initiative will benefit State Government employees, pensioners and their dependents, enabling them to access medical care without having to bear expenses upfront. With this launch, beneficiaries will now be able to avail cashless medical services not only in select empanelled hospitals within Assam but also in leading corporate hospitals across the country. On the occasion, the Chief Minister also distributed health cards under the scheme and unveiled its digital newsletter. The health card will serve as a gateway for both cashless treatment and reimbursement benefits under the scheme. Speaking on the occasion, CM Sarma said that MMLSAY was launched on October 2, 2023, to end the cumbersome and time-consuming reimbursement process for medical expenses. "Previously, employees and pensioners had to pay from their own and wait years for reimbursements due to bureaucratic delays, sometimes leading to distress and corruption. To ensure that no one faces such hardships again, the Government decided to introduce this cashless facility. Now, employees and pensioners can receive treatment first, without worrying about funds," the Chief Minister said. He further mentioned that to ensure that no employee faced inconvenience during the transition, the Government decided to continue the old reimbursement system in parallel. Informing that 2,23,826 employees and 6,172 pensioners have registered under the scheme so far, the Chief Minister said that registration under this scheme can be done anytime. He added that reimbursements are made as per CGHS rates and the Assam Government adopts the revised CGHS rates as soon as they are updated by the Central Government, ensuring parity in health benefits between Central and State Government employees. The Chief Minister said that in the first phase, the cashless service will be available at all Government Medical Colleges and Hospitals in Assam, all hospitals under the Assam Cancer Care Foundation, Dr. B. Barooah Cancer Institute, CN Centre, GMCH Annex; Medanta - The Medicity, Gurgaon; GNRC Group of Hospitals, Downtown Hospital, Guwahati; Max Healthcare Hospital and Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya Hospital, Guwahati. He also informed that discussions are underway with AIIMS Guwahati, Fortis Group of Hospitals, Narayana Group of Hospitals, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi and several other leading corporate hospitals for inclusion under the cashless module. However, the employees and pensioners can still avail treatment and apply for reimbursement at hospitals not covered under the cashless system, Dr. Sarma added. The Chief Minister pointed out that unlike Ayushman Bharat Jan Arogya Yojana, which depends on government funding, the Mukhya Mantri Lok Sevak Arogya Yojana is self-sustaining, as it is funded through contributions made by employees themselves. He said that since the launch of the scheme, a total of Rs. 65 crore has been reimbursed to employees and pensioners. Earlier, the annual expenditure on medical reimbursement stood at around Rs. 17 to 18 crore. The latest figures, he added, indicate that the expenditure has nearly doubled, reflecting the expanded coverage and improved efficiency of the system. The Chief Minister further informed that besides State Government employees and pensioners, those working under Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, National Health Mission, the three State power companies and other staff of the State Government have also been brought under the scheme. He estimated that the total number of beneficiaries could reach 7 to 8 lakh in due course and assured that the Government would continue to strengthen and upgrade the scheme to better serve employees in times of need. CM Sarma also said that the Assam Government will soon constitute its own Pay Commission, so that State Government employees can start availing the benefits from the same date as those announced by the Central Government. Chief Secretary Dr. Ravi Kota, Principal of Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, Achyut Kumar Baishya, Chairman and Managing Director of GNRC, Nomal Chandra Bora, President of Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya, Dr. Harsha Bhattacharya, several senior government officials, representatives of various hospitals and state government employees were present in the programme. (ANI) ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) For this GRE WHY ROC feature, we look at a bicoastal business expansion from the Pacific Northwest to Rochester. The company is called For Bitter For Worse. The founder and flavor maven, Shelley Elkovich, stopped by our Sunrise studio, as they just had their grand opening here. She says they create complex cocktails made with love, not alcohol. Theyve already won 21 international medals for taste and texture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why Rochester? The business is a Grow NY winner, and she was introduced to this incredible region last year during the competition. Learn more by checking out the interview on this page. 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 RochesterFirst. In 1999, Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sanchez shot one of the definitive horror films of the era on a budget of roughly $60,000. The Blair Witch Project is a study in omission, in the conspicuous absence of the visual effects characteristic to the genre. In lieu of baroque prosthetic gore and over-the-top CGI effects, the movie leans into silence and darkness for much of its 81-minute run time. Watch it on a small screen and much of the magic evaporates, but watch it in a pitch-black theater, as rapt audiences all over the U.S. once did, and the effect is terrifying. Its effective in large part because of the way our brains fill the negative space. In the absence of light, we conjure up the worst. Offscreen, there are good reasons why so many kids (and some grown-ups) are scared of the dark: Our eyes really do play tricks on us. Turn off the lights and youll still see faint colors and flickers of shapes moving. In low light, you might suddenly find yourself more aware of movement at the edge of your peripheral vision. Throw in an overactive imagination and its easy to picture witches, monsters under the bed, or the jumpscare of your choice lurking in the gloom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Popular Science spoke with Dr. Scott E. Brodie, a professor of clinical ophthalmology at the Columbia University Medical Center, about the science behind why we see things in the dark. Dont believe everything you see Its tempting to view the information feed that comes through our retinas as the reality of the world around us. We ordinarily think of our vision as very faithfulwhat we see is what is really there, Brodie says. But thats not always the case. There is neurology, theres biochemistry in itand [our vision] can be fooled. Theres an easy way to witness the limitations of our visual systems. There are so-called optical illusions, which help illustrate that there are actual physical and chemical processes that underlie vision, Brodie says. German vision scientist Michael Bach has a whole host of optical illusions on his website. Scroll through and youll see an illusory color appear out of nowhere in Benhams Top, or chromatic afterimages dot the screen in Hintons Lilac Chaser. For a DIY demonstration, close your eyes, then very gently press your index finger against the upper edge of the bony socket of one eye. Move the pressure down towards your eyeball, then move your finger from side to side. You should see a bright-rimmed black circle moving in the opposite position from where your finger is. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats an example of your eye seeing something visual, something that you would interpret as a light phenomenon when theres no light there at all, Brodie says. Its just the mechanical distortion of the retina, triggering nerve cells in the retina to do things that your brain interprets as that circular pattern. This particular visual phenomenon of seeing light in the absence of a light source is called phosphenes. The term phosphenes is derived from the Greek words for light and to show. Phosphenes are usually a reaction to mechanical pressure or some sort of specific external stimulation. They also crop up in response to physical trauma. If youve ever whacked your head hard and found yourself seeing stars, thats whats really going on Your eyes try to see in the darkwith mixed results Even when the lights go down, your retina never really stops working. In dim lighting, your rod cells, which are highly light-sensitive photoreceptors, become more active. Because theyre clustered more toward the edges of your retina, you may find yourself more aware of your peripheral vision. In the dark, the retina is just as active, more or less as in the light, Brodie says. Its just that more of the activity is dominated by the off cells than by the on cells. And very slight variations or quantum variations in the activation will stimulate the circuitry, even though theres no light around. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In short, theres a lot going on chemically and neurologically, which means you can see things that arent really there. Maybe you even see things (or at least think you do) in the dark. Those seemingly random bits of color and light are really closed-eye hallucinations, also known as closed-eye visualizations (CEV). Unlike phosphenes, you dont need to bang your head to see theseyou dont need to do anything at all. Not quite blackness Contrary to what you might think, when were plunged into total darkness or when we close our eyes, what we see isnt actually blackness, but rather a very specific uniform dark gray known as eigengrau. The word, which comes from the German for intrinsic gray, was invented by physicist Gustav Fechner, who explored the phenomenon in his Method of Limits experiment in the 1800s. In it, he tried reducing variable stimuli (light, in this case) and seeing how it impacted human perception. Related Ask Us Anything Stories Is fear contagious? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why you get goosebumps when youre scaredor inspired Can dogs really smell fear? A vet weighs in. Yes, the moon really can affect your sleep Can dogs sense ghosts? What makes a place seem haunted? The reason why we dont see utter blackness is once again because of that visual noise, which come from signals from our optic nerve that our brain reads as flickers of light. Think of it as a kind of static coming from your own optical system rather than the world around you. The bottom line is that theres noise in the visual system, which becomes a predominant sensation in the absence of light, Brodie says. Thats not to say visual noise only exists in the dark; its just that when our retinas are taking in so much information about the world around us, we cant really see the noise overlaid on top. Turn off everything else though, and all of a sudden its hard to ignore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its worth noting that there are other factors beyond our visual system that may make it feel like theres something out there in the dark. When our retinas arent taking in much information, our other senses kick into high gear, meaning you suddenly hear every little bump in the night. You might also note that you feel more aware of your body itself. You can feel where your hands are even if you cant see them exactly. Thats thanks to proprioception, which allows your brain to keep tabs on movement and spatial location throughout the body. So the next time youre feeling jumpy in the dark, pay close attention to your other senses, try to keep calm, and always remember that your eyes can, in fact, deceive you. This story is part of Popular Sciences Ask Us Anything series, where we answer your most outlandish, mind-burning questions, from the ordinary to the off-the-wall. Have something youve always wanted to know? Ask us. Vice President JD Vance opened up about his relationship with President Donald Trump in a wide-ranging interview released Wednesday. While speaking on The New York Posts Pod Force Once podcast, Vance was asked by host Miranda Devine about whether he finds himself surprised with the president after once calling himself a Never Trump guy in 2016, just before Trump took to the White House for his first term. Vance said he began to know Trump quite well after receiving his endorsement while running for senator in 2022, as well as serving as a surrogate for the presidents 2024 campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I really thought he had shown an ability to stand up to the worst forces in American society with more courage and more grit than anybody else, Vance said, noting that Trump had a robust view of U.S. military power while keeping the country out of foreign conflicts. Since taking office, Vance emphasized he has learned that Trump has a very good heart, particularly with children, including the vice presidents own. I think thats something I didnt appreciate about him, Vance said. He has a way about him. He has a way about him where people are naturally, I think, attracted to him. He has a magnetic personality, and kids in particular are very attracted to him. Vance continued: A friend of mine once said that he has animal instincts. And I was like, What do you mean by that? And he said, Well, like a lion in the savanna, you have to have almost a sixth sense about whats going on behind you. You have to be able to see things that you cant actually see with your eyes. And that is absolutely true about Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vance described Trump as having unbelievable instincts, calling him the hardest working, most energetic person. He automatically understands when somebody is trying to get one over on him, and that makes him such an effective leader because you cant be everywhere at once as president of the United States, Vance said. But so long as you know who to trust and who not to trust, and so long as you have a way of navigating a way around the various pieces of counsel youre getting. Thats what makes him a great president is that instinctive ability to know when somebody has the countrys interest at heart, or when they have some other interest at heart. During the interview, Vance was also pressed about whether a time has emerged in which he had disagreed with Trump over the last nine months since the president returned to the White House. She pointed to how some of Trumps staunch supporters had come out in opposition against U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June. First of all, privately, of course you have disagreements, but I think its really important for the president to be able to rely on my advice and for me to support his agenda once hes made a decision," Vance said. Thats kind of my attitude. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added: I have two real responsibilities here. On the one hand, Ive got to give the president honest counsel. He expects it from me, I owe it to him. But the presidents going to make a decision, and when the president makes a decision, hes in charge of the government. And my attitude is: I salute, I say aye, aye sir and I execute." When asked about the Iranian conflict directly, Vance said he wasnt worried about an escalation, adding that I saw the decisions the president was actually making. I could understand if youre on the outside looking in, you dont understand what the presidents actually saying," he said. You dont understand what the president actually thinks. Devine also asked about Trumps dream ticket for 2028, after he told reporters earlier this week that Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio would be unstoppable. Trump acknowledged on Wednesday that he is prohibited to run for a third term under the Constitution, despite his previous refusal to rule out a bid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So the president probably raised this with me probably six months or so ago, during one of our private lunches, Vance said, adding, And I mentioned it to the secretary... but it feels so premature because were still so early. And what I always say to people is if we take care of business, the politics will take care of itself. Vance said if something else in the offer comes along, then he would handle it then. Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Whats the difference between the flight deck of a mighty US aircraft carrier and a MAGA rally? Not much in the mind of President Donald Trump. The commander in chief used a speech on the USS George Washington, moored in Japan Tuesday, to revive 2020 election falsehoods and to campaign for his constitutionally questionable plan to send troops into US cities. Once, such political activity using the military as a backdrop would have provoked shock back home. But Trump has infringed so many customs of the presidency that it came as no surprise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president recently had service members cheering a deeply partisan speech at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, that troubled many former senior officers. He staged a parade through Washington to mark the Armys 250th anniversary which coincided with his birthday. He rambled in a speech before top brass flown from around the globe in Virginia last month. The generals and admirals were also treated to an anti-woke screed from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Most notoriously, in his first term, Trump enlisted Gen. Mark Milley to march with him after demonstrators were cleared from outside the White House. The then-chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff apologized for being pulled into domestic politics and landed on Trumps forever enemies list. Trump made a spectacular entrance Tuesday before hundreds of sailors and service personnel, descending on a huge elevator with military jets as a backdrop. His speech on the USS George Washington was a classic weave. He claimed to have dreamed of being an admiral and indulged his obsession about the best way to power catapults that carriers use to launch their warplanes into the sky. But he also touched on fiercely political issues in front of nonpartisan officers and enlisted personnel, previewing an expansion of his effort to send troops into US cities in a constitutionally questionable crime and immigration purge. We have cities that are troubled. We cant have cities that are troubled and we are sending in our National Guard, Trump said. And if we need more than the National Guard, well send more than the National Guard because were going to have safe cities. Were not going to have people killed in our cities. And whether people like that or not, thats what were doing, the president said. President Donald Trump looks on toward US Navy sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington, in Yokosuka, on Tuesday. - Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters The timing of his threat to use American troops against Americans was jarring. It came two days before hes due to meet in South Korea with President Xi Jinping, head of the Chinese Communist Party, which turned its military on its own people to break up the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps plans bear no comparison to that historic outrage. But the symbolism of his efforts to use the military to bolster his own strongman image is clear. The military isnt immune from politics but tries to avoid them So far in his second term, Trump has deployed the National Guard to protect federal facilities in Los Angeles; Chicago; and Portland, Oregon, triggering multiple court cases and challenging laws that prevent the deployment of troops on US soil in a law enforcement capacity. He has used reserve troops to back crime crackdowns in Memphis, Tennessee, and Washington, DC. Last week, the president shelved a plan to send troops into San Francisco after an intervention by top tech industry executives. Trumps critics argue, and some judges have ruled, that hes exaggerated conditions in US cities and exceeded his powers under the same Constitution that serving members of the military take an oath to uphold. Every president loves to be cheered by the troops where voters will see. But most take pains not to subject service members to uncomfortable political positions. Trumps presidency, however, is a lesson in trampling decorum. His flouting of convention is one reason hes so popular among his MAGA fans. There are sound reasons for presidents to try to avoid politicizing the military. The integrity of a civilian-led volunteer force depends on not being seen as a tool of either party. This apolitical shield protects personnel as well as Pentagon budget requests, which often benefit from bipartisan support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many in Trumps military audiences might share his politics. But US security depends on them saluting whoever is commander in chief in future. Of course, the military isnt immune from politics. It reflects society, so divisive issues like health care for LGBTQ members or racial and gender equality always ripple through the ranks. Trumps team came to office determined to reverse what they claimed was a progressive slide. A member of the US Navy personnel stands during President Donald Trump's visit to the USS George Washington in Yokosuka on Tuesday. - Philip Fong/AFP/Getty Images Hegseth slashed diversity, equity and inclusion programs and loosened rules of combat designed to protect civilians. He ordered trans people out of the forces, has questioned the fitness of women for active service and relieved high-ranking officers of their duties several of whom are minorities. This administration has done a great deal from day one to remove the social justice, politically correct, and toxic ideological garbage that had infected our department, to rip out the politics, Hegseth told the senior officers at Quantico, Virginia, last month. No more identity months, DEI offices, dudes in dresses. No more climate change worship. No more division, distraction or gender delusions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would be hard to find a more politicized speech from a defense secretary. Senior officers sat in silence, observing regulations that bar them taking part in political activity or partisan campaigning. Presidents always walk a fine political line with the military Trump is not the first president to be accused of politicizing the military. Some Republicans argued that former President Bill Clinton launched air strikes in Iraq to distract from the Monica Lewinsky scandal. Democrats believed President George W. Bushs pre-war speeches to troops were a politicized campaign for what they saw as an illegal invasion of Iraq. In 2022, Republicans criticized President Joe Biden for having two Marines flank him during a speech in Philadelphia, in which he branded Trump a threat to equality and democracy. The Presidents use of active duty Marines as political props undermines the apolitical nature of our servicemembers and erodes trust in our military, several GOP lawmakers wrote to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin at the time. In his nearly 10 months back in office, Trump has staged far greater transgressions but, as is often the case, faced no Republican blowback. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump in Beijing, China in November 2017. Credit - Thomas Peter-PoolGetty Images As President Donald Trump prepares to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping in South Korea on Thursday, Beijing has just concluded its most important political event of the year. Xi emerged triumphant, strengthening his hand ahead of what could be the most consequential diplomatic showdown of 2025. The stakes are enormous. Bilateral trade is nearly $600 billion. Markets continue to remain jittery about the U.S.-China trade spat, even after cabinet officials patched together a series of rolling truces earlier this year as stopgap measures before a presidential sit-down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump is bullish. He told reporters in Washington last week that well make a deal on, I think, everything and echoed that optimism today to a room full of CEOs in South Korea. Read More: Why Any Deal at the Trump-Xi Summit Is Unlikely to Last For months, Trump has pressed Beijing to buy more American soybeans, curb fentanyl precursor exports, release TikToks U.S. business, and guarantee supplies of critical minerals. He has also suggested that a fantastic deal will extend to thorny geopolitical matters. Xi will use his big influence over Vladimir Putin to help end the Russian Presidents war on Ukraine. The two sides will cooperate on maybe even nuclear, elevating Beijings involvement in superpower arms control. Disputes over Taiwan will not interfere because China doesnt want to invade. Such an ambitious agenda assumes a counterpart who is either inclined or compelled to cooperate. Trump may be in for a shock when he sees Xi in Gyeongju, the Korean city hosting this years APEC summit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials from both countries drafted a framework agreement over the weekend that would delay some tariffs and export-control measures and announce progress on fentanyl cooperation, soybean purchases, and TikTok. (Reuters reported that China has already bought its first cargoes of American soybeans.) But Washington has yet to secure Beijings cooperation on major global issues or tackle the deeper economic disputes. The White House seems at times to believe that Xi holds a bad negotiating hand. U.S. officials appeared surprised when Xi declined to call Trump after an initial tariff volley in February. They assumed Beijing would fold after Washington threatened reciprocal tariffs of 145% in April. But the present looks very different from January 2020, when Trumps team clinched the Phase One U.S.-China trade deal. At the time, Xi was still consolidating power and dealing with factional rivals. Moreover, Trumps tariff war took him by surprise, and Beijing had scrambled to respond. Now Xi is firmly in charge. Last week, the Communist Partys top ranks convened in Beijing for the Fourth Plenum. The meeting urged all Chinese to unite more closely around the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, an unmistakable signal of his dominance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This follows mass-firings of senior generals over the last two years that sparked feverish speculation among China watchers and current and former U.S. officials that Xi was losing his grip. The purge surge shows strength, not weakness. Xi can do something his recent predecessors could notremove any official he suspects of corruption or treachery. This is the product of a long, systematic drive to pack the Politburo with loyalists, centralize decision-making in Party commissions he chairs, and fuse his leadership with a patriotic project to bolster Chinas national power. Nearly one in five Central Committee members missed the latest plenum under a political cloud, a record in Chinas post-Mao era. Xi is calling all the shots, and wants China to win the strategic competition with the U.S. The plenum mapped Beijings next five-year economic plan, from 2026 to 2030, and said its priorities are to accelerate self-reliance and self-strengthening in high-level science and technology. Trump should take note. Since Washington shifted to strategic competition with China in his first term, U.S. tariffs, sanctions, and export controls have spurred Xi to double down on indigenous innovation. Beijings strategy is to localize supply chains and make other countries more dependent on China. The signs are promising for Beijing. Many leading economies now trade with China more than ever, while state subsidies and massive R&D spending have established the countrys dominance in critical sectors such as batteries, drones, and solar panels. These investments are paying dividends for Chinese diplomacy with the U.S. A major issue in Gyeongju will be Beijings new export controls on rare earths, which China dominates and both the U.S. and world depend on for advanced manufacturing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chinas vulnerabilities are real. It still relies on U.S. inputs in key areas, including industrial software, where the White House is considering new curbs. But similar restrictions on semiconductors spurred Chinese advances. It also faces demographic headwinds, sluggish consumption, and a property slump. Yet the Chinese economy continues to grow, and Xi views these challenges as long-term issues that can be solved through innovation. His Party declared this week that long-term favorable conditions and trends remain unchanged, pledging to maintain strategic resolve against external shocks. A confident authoritarian can endure more pain than any elected leader. If Trump wants success in South Korea, he should lower expectations. At best, the key takeaways will be Beijing pausing export controls and signing off on TikTok in return for deferred tariffs and greater access to U.S. technology. Trumps long-planned visit to China early next year may yield further deliverables, but a grand bargain is unlikely. For better deals in the future, Trump should study Xis playbook. Washington must cut its dependencies on China by revitalizing domestic manufacturing, investing in STEM talent, and diversifying supply chains with allies and partners. The $8.5 billion rare earths pact with Australia signed last Monday and subsequent deals with Southeast Asian nations are steps in that direction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ulimately, Trump is up against a leader at the height of his power, determined to reshape the global economy and international order on Chinas terms. Xi is neither weak nor worried. That will make any negotiations on Thursday, and in the months to come, that much harder. Contact us at letters@time.com. By Heather Nauert As world leaders prepare for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea on Friday, the United States faces a defining question: Who will help us power the next American century? The answer, forged in war and strengthened by decades of economic partnership, is clear: South Korea. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung hosts President Donald Trump for dinner ahead of the APEC summit in South Korea. Credit: White House Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S.Korea alliance began as a military partnership, sealed on the battlefields of the Korean War. Over 70 years, it has grown into one of the worlds most robust economic relationships, built on trust, shared values, and mutual prosperity. Today, as the U.S. seeks to rebuild its energy infrastructure and secure its economic future, there are few better partners than Korea, especially in the critical field of commercial nuclear energy. The stakes could not be higher. Americas electricity demand is surging, driven by the rapid expansion of AI-powered data centers and the electrification of everything from cars to factories. The International Energy Agency projects that the U.S. will need an additional 100 gigawatts of power generation by 2030. It is an unprecedented challenge. President Trump has responded with bold executive orders: 10 new large-scale nuclear plants by 2030, quadrupling nuclear capacity by 2050, and streamlining regulatory approvals for advanced reactors. Congress, in a rare show of bipartisanship, has preserved and expanded incentives for nuclear energy, recognizing its role in national security and economic growth. But ambition alone is not enough. The U.S. nuclear industry faces daunting obstacles: construction costs that are more than double those of natural gas or renewables, chronic delays, and a looming shortage of skilled workers. The recent Vogtle project in Georgia, for example, ran more than a decade late and 50 percent over budget, costing $16.7 million per megawatt. In contrast, South Koreas nuclear plants are built for $3.4$4.7 million per megawatt, with average construction times of just over eight years, which is among the best in the world. In the 1970s and 1980s, civilian nuclear power became unpopular in the U.S., causing American firms to shift their focus to other construction projects, while Korean firms continued to innovate. The U.S. should leverage its allys expertise, design standardization, and manufacturing know-how techniques that could cut nuclear construction costs by up to 40 percent in the U.S. This is not just about numbers. Its about trust. Nuclear energy is the most sensitive of industries, demanding the highest standards of safety, security, and technical excellence. Companies such as Doosan Enerbility, Hyundai Heavy Industries, and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power have supplied key components for American reactors for decades. Other Korean firms, including Samsung, Hyundai Motor, Kia, SK, and CJ, have invested billions in the U.S., employing tens of thousands of Americans and contributing to local economies from Alabama to Georgia to Texas. These investments accelerate and modernize American manufacturing, shipbuilding, and now, potentially, energy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has already welcomed Korean expertise to help rebuild critical industries like shipbuilding. Energy cooperation, especially in nuclear and gas turbines, is the next logical step. It could create tens of thousands of high-paying, family-supporting jobs many of which are accessible to Americans with a high school diploma. This is not just an economic opportunity; it is a pathway to restoring the American middle class, a goal that President Trump has championed. The benefits go beyond economics. A robust U.S.Korea nuclear partnership would help reinforce supply chains, ensure reliable delivery of critical components, and help the U.S. meet surging power demand. It would also position both countries as global leaders in exporting advanced nuclear technology, capturing a greater share of the international energy market, and providing a counterweight to Chinas growing influence in the region. This is a bipartisan issue. Members of Congress from both parties have called for deeper U.S.Korea nuclear cooperation, recognizing that their constituents stand to gain from new jobs, increased tax revenue, and enhanced national security. President Trump met with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on the sidelines of the APEC Summit on Wednesday, building on the relationship they forged in Lees visit to the White House in August. Some may ask: Why Korea? It is not just an ally; Korea is a trusted friend, a proven partner and a powerhouse of innovation. As we face the twin challenges of energy security and economic renewal, we should look to those who have stood with us through war and peace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The future of American energyand American leadershipdepends on the choices we make today. By deepening our partnership in commercial nuclear energy, we can build a safer, more prosperous and more secure future for both nations. Heather Nauert was the Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State from 2017-19 and Acting Undersecretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs from 2018-19. READ MORE Final Agenda: 5th Palm Beach CorpGov Forum Nov 5-6 with NYSE and Goldman Sachs Register for our weekly newsletter HERE Contact: Exec Edge Editor@executives-edge.com Click HERE to follow us on LinkedIn Highly anticipated talks between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump on the sidelines of the Apec summit are set for Thursday in Busan, South Korea - some 85km (53 miles) from the forum's main events in Gyeongju - and security considerations could explain why as the two seek to make headway on issues that have strained ties. On Wednesday, the Chinese foreign ministry announced that Xi and Trump would meet in Busan to "exchange views on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest". Foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said the two leaders would engage in in-depth discussions on "strategic and long-term issues" concerning bilateral relations, as well as major topics of mutual interest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. "We are willing to work with the US side to ensure positive outcomes from this meeting, providing new guidance and injecting fresh momentum into the stable development of China-US relations," Guo added. Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) and US President Donald Trump last met in person in 2019. Photo: AFP alt=Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) and US President Donald Trump last met in person in 2019. Photo: AFP> The talks would start at 11am local time on Thursday, Reuters reported, quoting the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Wednesday morning, Trump said he expected to discuss fentanyl flows into the US and American farmers with Xi. Trump's remarks followed a Wall Street Journal report on Tuesday suggesting that Washington might halve the 20 per cent fentanyl-related tariffs on Chinese exports in exchange for a crackdown by Beijing on the export of chemicals used to produce fentanyl. "I expect to be lowering that because I believe that they're gonna help us with the fentanyl situation," Trump said on Wednesday. "They're gonna be doing what they could do." Asked about the fentanyl issue, Guo said Beijing had provided help with positive results and was "open to continuing cooperation". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The US should take concrete actions to create the necessary conditions for cooperation," Guo said, calling China's position on the issue consistent and clear. When asked about a possible one-year pause in Beijing's rare earth export controls and whether it could lead to further concessions, Trump said: "We haven't talked about the timing yet, but we're gonna work out something." Speaking to business executives on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, Trump voiced optimism about reaching a "great deal" with China in his talks with Xi. The American president said he believed a deal would benefit both the US and China and be "something very exciting for everybody". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump would fly to Busan and meet his Chinese counterpart there on Thursday before departing for Washington. South Korea is the final leg of Trump's Asia trip, which began on Sunday and took him to Malaysia and Japan. He is expected to leave South Korea on Thursday, while Xi is scheduled to arrive on Thursday and leave on Saturday. Meanwhile, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung was scheduled to hold separate summits with Trump on Wednesday and Xi on Saturday, both in Gyeongju. Trump was to skip the main events of the Apec summit, only delivering keynote remarks at a CEO lunch and attending a working dinner with Apec leaders. As for Busan, the renovated reception hall at the city's Gimhae International Airport, known as Narae Maru, has been mentioned as a possible venue to host the meeting between Xi and Trump, according to South Korean reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Narae Maru is situated within a South Korean air force base that is home to the country's 5th Tactical Airlift Wing. Kang Jun-young, a professor of Chinese studies at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in Seoul, said the airbase might have been chosen as the venue after factoring in security and intelligence considerations. "The air force base is a highly secure location where ordinary personnel cannot easily enter or exit, ensuring a higher level of safety. In fact, the venue also hosted a high-level summit in 2005," Kang said of Narae Maru, site of a 2005 Apec meeting. Narae Maru also served as a reception room during a 2019 summit between South Korea and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, according to local media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kang highlighted concerns about possible anti-China and anti-US protests, suggesting that this also played a role in the airbase being considered for the Xi-Trump talks. Chinese leaders have a recent history of arriving at American airbases en route to attending major meetings. In 2011, for instance, former president Hu Jintao landed at Andrews Air Force Base near Washington for his state visit, while his predecessor, Jiang Zemin, arrived at Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base near Houston for his 2002 trip to the US. That said, there is no precedent of Chinese leaders taking part in a summit at a military base. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But that is not the case for other world leaders. Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, in August. The expected summit between Xi and Trump would be their first since 2019 and come after China-US trade talks in Kuala Lumpur over the weekend that yielded a preliminary framework deal and an agreement to extend their tariff truce. Speaking to reporters after the talks, Chinese trade negotiator Li Chenggang said a "preliminary consensus" had been reached and would be submitted for domestic approval by both sides. On Monday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, telling him that Beijing and Washington should "meet each other halfway" to solve disputes through dialogue instead of exerting pressure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additional reporting by Orange Wang This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright 2025 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Copyright (c) 2025. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Kansas Department for Children and Families secretary Laura Howard, speaking here at a June 10, 2025, hearing before the Senate Committee on Government Efficiency, is in charge of overseeing the state's five foster care contractors, which are subject to the terms of a federal settlement. (Photo by Anna Kaminski/Kansas Reflector) TOPEKA A recent report examining the Kansas foster care agencys performance in 2024 improved from last year, the agency head said, but one region is especially struggling to meet expectations. The agencys annual progress is measured by benchmarks outlined in a 2021 federal court settlement that holds the state to certain promises, including lowering the number of times a child is moved, eliminating overnight stays in offices and offering timely mental health services. A neutral third party released the report analyzing 2024s progress in September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Laura Howard, secretary for the Kansas Department for Children and Families, said at a Monday committee hearing in Topeka that improvement plans look different in each part of the state. We cant just look at the aggregate, she said. We have to look at whats happening in each area in each part of the state. Whats going well? What still needs to improve? Five private foster care providers serve eight areas in Kansas, and those organizations are also bound by the requirements of the settlement agreement. One in four Kansas kids in foster care lives in Sedgwick County, which is now served by EmberHope Connections after it replaced Saint Francis Ministries in 2024. That county, which is home to Wichita, has had the most significant struggles in meeting the settlement requirements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2024, 100 kids experienced more than 200 instances of spending nights in unsuitable places, such as offices. About 83% of those instances were in the Wichita area. It is the only region in the state that continues to have significant issues with placement, Howard said. The state will no longer be monitored for one metric that ensures placements dont exceed a homes licensed capacity. It also improved in decreasing the number of children who had delayed mental health services, but still hasnt met the settlements benchmark. The one outcome the state did not improve upon was the failure to place measure, which refers to a child sleeping in an office, hotel or other unlicensed setting. While were seeing progress, and this is definitely a better report than last years report, where we saw some declines in performance, its just important that we continue to really place the focus on plans for improvement, Howard said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brenda Watkins, president of EmberHope, said her organization is facing three main challenges: high acuity children, the rising cost of liability insurance and struggles to recruit and retain a qualified workforce. Other Kansas organizations said the same thing at Mondays hearing, and Watkins said other states are facing similar issues. In Sedgwick County, EmberHope struggles to find placements for children because, often, no placements are available, Watkins said. Truly, there is no placement, she said. That means either no beds exist or households and facilities are not willing or able to take a child, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One 6-year-old boy spent 48 nights in an EmberHope office and 40 nights in a hospital in a three-month span. He has been wrapped around with community services and supports to meet his needs, Watkins said. The boy, who was eventually diagnosed with a neurological condition, has been living in a residential psychiatric treatment facility and is expected to soon be discharged into a therapeutic foster home, Watkins said. When the system comes together across the shared parts to share the client that we serve, which is the child and the family, we can be very successful, she said. However, that doesnt happen all the time, and we do need to continue to increase our focus on how we can coordinate care (and) achieve better outcomes for kids in care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fiscal year 2025, which stretches from July 2024 to June 2025, EmberHope had 450 total instances of failure to place in Sedgwick County. In the first four months of the 2026 fiscal year, there have been 527 instances among 75 children, Watkins said. Organizations are required under the terms of the settlement agreement to end all instances of failure to place by February 2026. Watkins said the situation in Sedgwick County is at a crisis level. She described pandemonium, staff and child injuries and security troubles. One security company fired EmberHope, and off-duty Wichita Police Department officers now help in place of private security guards. Watkins was among several organization representatives who asked legislators for help in covering the rising cost of liability insurance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cost of liability insurance for Cornerstones of Care, which serves foster children in the Kansas City region, is going up 131% in 2026 compared to 2025, said Justin Horton, the chief programs and innovation officer for the organization. Compared to 2022 costs, it is up 235%. The issue is not unique to Kansas, he said. But, nonetheless, if you license foster homes, if you case manage foster homes, (if) you run a residential facility and I check all three of those boxes its very costly, Horton said. Rep. Susan Ruiz, a Shawnee Democrat, speculated that finding liability insurance carriers willing to cover foster care organizations was also an issue. Horton affirmed. I would hate to see insurance dictate how we serve our kids, Ruiz said, but it seems like in this kind of scenario, thats what were looking at. The Wicomico County Sheriffs Office say their new artificial intelligence [AI] program will boost efficiency, a claim echoed by legal experts who believe it could speed up operations. The ACLU and other opponents are less enthusiastic, concerned that programs like this could overlook key facts or details. This AI service, known as Draft One, links to body cameras. The program then transcribes the audio pulled from the cameras after an incident, allowing the deputy to review the text instead of typing it from scratch. Developed by Axon, this is being tested or used by more than 20 departments nationwide, only counting those who acknowledged working with the material, including some in Colorado, Indiana, California, Florida, Oklahoma and Arizona. In Maryland, multiple departments use AI or plan to use it in a variety of ways. Montgomery County police want to explore using AI to handle non-emergency 911 calls. Baltimore County recently drew attention for its AI-driven weapon detection system, used in public schools. Earlier this month, that system mistook a bag of chips in a students hand for a gun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its accidents like that which have some people concerned. The sheriffs office, meanwhile, points out this is an entirely different system, one that could speed up their work on a regular basis. Wicomico officials say writing a report can take anywhere from 15 minutes to three or more hours. Thats time taken away from responding to calls and helping residents. The idea is to speed up the report writing process for the deputies to get back out there faster, Wicomico Sheriffs Office Capt. Rich Wiersberg said. Some of our guys arent the fastest typist, and this will help speed that process along. How does it work? The way it works, Wiersberg said, is the service takes the audio interaction from body camera footage, and puts it into a paragraph format that can easily be inserted into police reports. It can also take dictation from interviews with a suspect or interaction at a crime scene between deputies. Deputies cant just click and approve it. There are several sections of the report that still have to be typed in manually. They also have to break up text. The transcript comes as one long paragraph. That material has to still be plugged in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deputy cant just click the report and file it through the system, Wiersberg said. The deputy also has to verify the accuracy of the report, and then make any changes. The deputy reviews it, makes any tweaks that need to be made to make it accurate. Then the supervisor will review it, and then forward it up through the chain, he said. Its just basically helping save transcription work to cut to the chase. Axon officials point to early data, testimonials listed on their website. The Fort Collins, Colorado Police Department was labeled as one, stating it reduced the time spent on incident reports by 67%. Another testimonial is labeled as being from the Rowlett, Texas Police, saying the program cut their time spent redacting evidence by 75%. Concerns raised about using AI There are some concerns, both from local and national sources, when it comes to using this program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I always agreed on voting for body cameras, but I was concerned about the AI because I dont full understand the technology, Wicomico County Councilwoman Shanie Shields said. Shields, a black woman, points to studies by the National Institute of Standards and Technology [NIST] and the MIT Gender Shades project, which found that facial recognition systems have higher error rates for people of color, particularly women of color. The NIST study found some algorithms falsely identified African-American and Asian faces 10 to 100 times more often than Caucasian faces. Shields also worried about incorporating the technology into body cameras, where theres the potential for abusing the technology. Thats what Im concerned about, she said. They can take away what they do or [exaggerate] what the person theyre arresting did They can change stuff with AI, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those are some of the same concerns raised by the American Civil Liberties Union [ACLU] in a six-page white paper on the subject. What happens when AI doesnt understand a specific accent and transcribes the event incorrectly? Or how will nonverbal cues such as a head nod or shaking the head no be documented, the ACLU asked. Even if an AI program doesnt make explicit errors or exhibit obvious biases, it could still spin things in subtle ways that an officer doesnt even notice, the ACLU report argues. Also, the ACLU report points out, the AI doesnt know what is truth and what is a lie. Its just transcribing. If the police report is just an AI rehash of the body camera video, it may write over certain facts or details the officer might have otherwise recorded, or even worse, allow officers to lie for example if they see that something illegal they did was not captured by the camera, the ACLUs report argues. Concerns addressed On its website, Axon says Draft One uses a modified version of ChatGPT, adjusted to avoid any randomly generated factual errors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other legal experts feel theres enough safeguards to protect against issues in the police reports. Peter ONeil, a defense attorney in Glen Burnie, says he understands the concerns that AI could generate false information. But he points out in order to hold up in court, the incident report would have to match whats shown on the body camera. You have the ability to compare the written word versus the video and audio that youre watching against the report thats been written, ONeil said. He can write whatever he writes, but it better be backed up by the body-worn camera video. Police would have to understand that if the AI writing doesnt match the video, it will result in an [internal affairs] investigation. Have a news tip? Contact Eastern Shore bureau chief Josh Davis at jdavis@baltsun.com or on X as @JoshDavis4Shore. Four months after the fashion designer Arthur Afa Ah Loo was killed during a No Kings protest in Salt Lake City, his widow Laura is calling on officials for accountability in his death. The former Project Runway star who ran his business from Salt Lake City and also cofounded the nonprofit Creative Pacific Foundation, was fatally struck on June 14 during a march with thousands of people. The 29-year-old was described as an innocent bystander by the Salt Lake City Police Department in its preliminary investigation. After gunfire erupted after 8 p.m. MST, hundreds ran for safety, with some hiding in parking garages or behind barriers, and others went into nearby businesses. After Salt Lake City police officers arrived to secure the scene, they found a man who had been shot and immediately began lifesaving efforts. Ah Loo later died at a local hospital. At the scene, Salt Lake City police officers found 24-year-old Arturo Gamboa on the ground with a gunshot wound and an AR-15 style rifle nearby. He was treated, taken into custody, and later released. In June, SLCPD said they detained two men, who were wearing neon green vests and were carrying handguns. They were said to be part of the peacekeeping movement. One of the men was said to have fired three rounds after Gamboa raised the rifle he was carrying and ran toward the crowd. One round struck Gamboa and another tragically wounded Ah Loo, according to the SLCPD in June. No one has been charged in relation to his death. More from WWD Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Laura Ah Loo and her legal team, which includes Jim McConkle and Brian Stewart of Parker McConkle, held a press conference Wednesday. A photograph of the designer carrying a sign that read The World is Watching was displayed. She said, My husband believed that everyone no matter of their background or their status deserved to be seen, heard and loved. She and her lawyers are calling for an independent investigation and reform to how protests are held in the city. Laura Ah Loo, the mother of two young children, described his death as having been the result of individual, organizational and systemic failures. She said she plans to file a lawsuit. Responsibility means that those who organize and who oversee public areas must prioritize transparency and preparationresponsibility is not just a talking point, it is a premier obligation. Thousands knew the Samoan-born designer for participating in Season 17 of the Bravo show Project Runway. Laura Ah Loo said, Afa always stood for those, who needed justice the most, and now I stand for him now. In response to the press conference, Salt Lake Citys district attorney Sim Gills office issued the following statement Wednesday, We sympathize with the pain and loss suffered by the Ah Loo family. We met with them early in the process and explained that this review would take time. We have been open and available to any reach in from their counsel, since our first meeting and continue to be. We are carefully working through a complex and nuanced legal analysis. We expect to reach a decision soon. Media requests to the Salt Lake City Police Department and to Parker McConkle were not immediately returned on Wednesday. Best of WWD Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. As the Chhath festivities in Bihar ended, the election campaign has taken a dramatic turn with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sparking a heated exchange between the two parties. The BJP hit back at him, terming him "politically immature and bankrupt." During a rally in Muzaffarpur, Rahul Gandhi said, "If you tell Modi ji to dance on stage in return for votes, he would dance." Leaders from both the NDA and Mahagathbandhan in Bihar launched aggressive campaigns to sway voters ahead of the upcoming 2025 Bihar Assembly polls. Bihar's political narrative is now dominated by pressing issues such as unemployment, corruption, education reforms, internal security, and the future of governance. Responding to the NDA's aggressive campaign across Bihar, Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, took centre stage at an election rally in Muzaffarpur. He accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being willing to do anything for votes and ran an emotional attack on what he described as a disregard for the people's real concerns. "He (PM Modi) just wants your vote. If you ask him to do a drama for votes, he will. You can make him do anything. If you tell Narendra Modi to dance, he will dance," Gandhi said amid loud cheers from the crowd. He amplified what he described as "vote theft" by the BJP, reiterating allegations that elections in Maharashtra and Haryana were manipulated, and warning that similar attempts would be made in Bihar. The LoP further alleged that the BJP and the RSS were attacking the Constitution, which he said was the foundation of citizens' rights. He stressed that every right--from the ability to vote to access to education and healthcare--existed due to the Constitution framed by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. "Whatever you have got till date, be it vote, education, or health, is because of the Constitution. Narendra Modi and the RSS are attacking it. When they steal votes, they attack it. They attack Ambedkar's Constitution. When they hollow out any institution of India, when they give the post of Vice Chancellor to an RSS man, they attack the Constitution, and I am telling you that we will protect the Constitution. No one can destroy it," Rahul said. Pointing to PM Modi's symbolic participation in Chhath, Gandhi claimed the Prime Minister's involvement was insincere and staged for political benefit. "He has nothing to do with Chhath Puja. Narendra Modi went to bathe in his swimming pool. He has nothing to do with the Yamuna," he said, taking a dig at the Prime Minister's photo opportunity in Delhi. The Congress leader also targeted the government over the recurring issue of paper leaks impacting students in Bihar, calling it a betrayal of the youth's aspirations. He argued that children of privileged families gain unfair advantages, while hardworking students are left behind. He referred to recent arrests in the NEET-UG paper leak case, reminding the public that Bihar had been at the centre of national controversy. "The youth of Bihar can work as hard as they want, but only those who get the papers first will advance in the exam. Whenever the exam is held, the rich kids with connections get the papers a day before, and the hard work of Bihar's youth, the honesty of Bihar, the truthfulness of Bihar, gets a slap in the face," he said. Asking PM Modi to respond to US President Donald Trump's claim that he brokered a peace deal between India and Pakistan, subsequently stopping Operation Sindoor. "Trump is insulting Modi in country after country. The latest is South Korea. Repeated that he used trade to frighten Modi into stopping Operation Sindoor. Said 7 planes were shot down. Don't be scared, Modi ji, find the courage to respond," Rahul Gandhi wrote on X. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari responded, calling Rahul Gandhi a "local goon" and accusing him of mocking voters and Indian democracy. Bhandari claimed that Rahul Gandhi's remarks insulted the poor people of India and Bihar who have voted for PM Modi. Delhi CM Gupta also accused the Congress leader of "political immaturity" and said his comments distanced him from the faith of millions. "The manner in which Rahul Gandhi has begun his election campaign in Bihar is not only a symbol of political immaturity but also a gross insult to the faith of millions of Chhath devotees," the Delhi CM said. In a post on X, Gupta alleged that Rahul Gandhi has insulted the sentiments of Chhath devotees and mocked Indian cultural traditions. "The derogatory remarks made about Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji reflect Rahul Gandhi's political bankruptcy. This proves that the Congress has no agenda for Bihar, and therefore, they are compelled to resort to personal accusations for cheap popularity," she said. Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, speaking in Samastipur, framed the election as a battle between progress and chaos. He insisted that the return of the RJD-led alliance would plunge the state back into what he and his party have repeatedly branded as "jungle raj." Shah used mythological symbolism to stress alliance unity. "The upcoming elections are an opportunity to make Bihar free from jungle raj. In the NDA, all five allies, like the Pandavas, are contesting the elections together. NDA's victory in the Bihar elections is certain," he asserted. Campaigning in Begusarai, Shah intensified his attack against dynastic politics, accusing Lalu Prasad Yadav and former Congress President Sonia Gandhi of trying to secure top posts for their sons. "Lalu ji wants his son to become the Chief Minister, and Sonia Gandhi wants her son to become the Prime Minister. But Bihar mein na CM pad khali hai, Delhi mein PM pad khali hai. Aapke beto ka number nahi lagne wala hai," he said, claiming that Bihar already has Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and India has Prime Minister Narendra Mod, i who will continue in their roles. The Home Minister also raised concerns about alleged Bangladeshi infiltrators residing in Bihar and appearing on voter lists, alleging that opposition parties protect them to secure votes. He vowed that a strong NDA victory would allow the complete removal of such individuals from the state. "Should Bangladeshi infiltrators be included in the Bihar price payer list?" he asked the crowd. Expanding the security narrative further, Shah accused the Popular Front of India (PFI) of attempting to expand Islamist extremism in Bihar. "PFI has started flourishing in Bihar, aiming to make the entire Bihar an Islamic state," he said. He credited PM Modi for banning PFI nationwide after raids in which several members were arrested. "The work of ending terrorism or Naxalism on the soil of this country has been done by PM Modi. Bihar has become Naxal-free under PM Modi's rule, and on 31st March 2026, we will end Naxalism from the entire country," Shah added. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), questioning whether the people of Bihar feel ashamed of Lalu Prasad Yadav, who has spent several years in jail on corruption charges. The transition from festive calm to political intensity has been swift, marking the beginning of a heated electoral contest. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, while addressing a public rally in Darbhanga on Wednesday, launched a scathing attack on the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and its patriarch Lalu Prasad Yadav. Questioning the legacy of the RJD supremo, Singh asked the people of Bihar whether they felt a sense of shame over the years Lalu Prasad spent in jail for corruption. He asserted that RJD's governance had tarnished Bihar's image not only nationally but globally. "RJD defamed Bihar not only in the nation but throughout the world. There are allegations of corruption against the whole family. A former Chief Minister has to spend years in jail. Doesn't this make every Bihari feel ashamed? You all have to decide whether you want to make a 'Viksit Bihar' or 'jungle raj'," Singh told the gathering. Further slamming the Mahagathbandhan's poll promises, he criticised RJD's claim that it would provide a government job to every household in Bihar, calling it an unrealistic attempt to mislead voters. "RJD released the manifesto for the elections, and they have pledged a government job for every household in Bihar. Is this possible? Can't Rahul Gandhi, Tejashwi Yadav, and Lalu Prasad Yadav practise politics of truth? Why are they lying?" he asked. The battleground for the 2025 Bihar elections is becoming clearer with each passing day. The National Democratic Alliance comprises the Bharatiya Janata Party, Janata Dal (United), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), and Rashtriya Lok Morcha. On the other hand, the Mahagathbandhan features RJD, Congress, CPI-ML, CPI, CPM, and Vikasheel Insaan Party. Additionally, Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj movement has decided to contest all 243 seats, adding a third force to the high-voltage electoral arena. Polling is scheduled to take place in two phases, on November 6 and November 11, with the results to be declared on November 14. (ANI) Elon Musk has officially launched Grokipedia, an online repository meant to rival Wikipedia. Wikipedia appeared to criticize Musk and xAI in a note to users on its website. "It's owned by a nonprofit, not a giant technology company or a billionaire," the note said. Elon Musk, who has repeatedly lambasted Wikipedia, has built his own AI-powered online encyclopedia. But Wikipedia isn't going down without a fight. In a note asking its US users to donate money, Wikipedia said it is a human-run website uninfluenced by ideology. It also said it wasn't owned by a billionaire, an apparent jab at Musk, who has an estimated net worth of $500 billion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "After nearly 25 years, Wikipedia is still the internet we were promisedcreated by people, not by machines. It's not perfect, but it's not here to push a point of view," Wikipedia said. "It's owned by a non-profit, not a giant technology company or a billionaire." Wikipedia has built its vast database from human volunteers who write articles for its site. Musk's Grokipedia, developed under xAI, relies on the Grok large language model to generate and edit articles. It's unclear when this specific note first appeared on Wikipedia's website, but the platform is displaying it the same week Musk launched Grokipedia. Wikipedia often runs fundraising campaigns on its website. Wikipedia displayed a note for US-based users. Wikipedia Version 0.1 of Grokipedia officially launched on Monday, touting access to 885,279 articles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some users have noticed errors on the site. A Grokipedia post viewed on Tuesday by Business Insider reporters said former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy took on a significant role in DOGE after Musk's departure. Ramaswamy left DOGE about four months before Musk's exit in May. Musk's AI chatbot, Grok, has had its own problems responding to user inquiries. In July, Grok shared several antisemitic posts, including at least two that praised Adolf Hitler. xAI later apologized for Grok's "horrific behavior," saying it was caused by a code update. Musk teased Grokipedia in an X post last month, writing that the AI-powered encyclopedia "will be a massive improvement over Wikipedia." "Frankly, it is a necessary step towards the xAI goal of understanding the Universe," Musk wrote. Representatives for Wikimedia, the nonprofit that hosts Wikipedia, did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider. Read the original article on Business Insider The chronic wasting disease case in Pulaski County marks the second case found in a wild deer in Kentucky. (Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources) Kentucky wildlife management officials say a wild deer in Pulaski County has tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD), a fatal neurological disease that impacts deer, elk and other cervids. A Wednesday release from the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources states two independent types of test from a 2.5-year-old white-tailed deer confirmed it had CWD, marking the second case of the disease found in a wild deer in Kentucky. CWD is a fatal prion disorder similar to mad cow disease that much is still unknown about. The deer was harvested by a hunter during deer season. The first case of CWD was detected in a wild deer in Ballard County in 2023, and state officials found nine total cases of the disease at a Breckinridge County farm that was raising the deer behind a fence. More than 100 deer in total at the Breckinridge County farm were killed this summer in part to prevent further spread of the disease. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ben Robinson, the wildlife division director for the department, in a statement said the routine and regular collection of samples has been a key component in monitoring the health of our deer and elk herds. The department states the agency has tested more than 70,000 deer and elk across the state for the disease. While this detection of CWD is not in close proximity to the other detections, we will work with hunters and partners to try to contain it, Robinson said. The department plans to schedule a public meeting in November in Pulaski County to discuss CWD and consider suggested actions at a December meeting of the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission, the board that oversees the department. The commission has previously implemented surveillance zones across counties around where detections have been found in an effort to block the spread of CWD. FARRAGUT, Tenn. (WATE) Wild Wing Cafe is planning a return to Farragut after closing its doors four years ago. McFarland Management Group said Monday they are preparing to open a new Wild Wing Cafe in Farragut following the closure of the Johnson City location, which had been open since 2016. Knoxville businesses stepping up during lapse in SNAP benefits Its a tough decision, owner Dave McFarland told WJHL. We had nine great years in Johnson City, and we want to thank Johnson City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wild Wing Cafe in Farragut closed its doors in 2021. An announcement shared on social media said they plan to bring back the original vision of Wild Wing Cafes founders Cecil and Dianne Crowley. Updates about the reopening will be shared at thewildwingcafe.com, according to the post. See more top stories on WATE.com The group also operates Wild Wing Cafe locations in Powell and Asheville, North Carolina. 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 WATE 6 On Your Side. GARDNER, Wis. (WFRV) A massive wildfire in Door County burned roughly 65 acres Tuesday afternoon, drawing nearly 150 firefighters from four counties. According to Brussels-Union-Gardner Fire Chief Jim Wautier, the blaze began around 3 p.m. in the Town of Gardner near County Highway C between Fox Lane and Gravel Pit Road. The fire reportedly started when an ATV caught fire in a grassy area filled with dead marsh grass standing five to six feet tall. Waushara County deputies find vehicle that crashed into building, fled Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Breezy conditions quickly spread the flames, causing the fire to cross County Highway C. Nineteen fire departments from Door, Kewaunee, Brown, and Manitowoc counties responded, using more than 30,000 gallons of water from a nearby pond to contain the blaze. (B.U.G. Fire Department) (B.U.G. Fire Department) (B.U.G. Fire Department) (B.U.G. Fire Department) (B.U.G. Fire Department) Firefighters spent much of Wednesday monitoring the area and extinguishing hotspots, with about 30 to 45 crew members returning to the scene. One shot during dispute between employees at Oshkosh business, suspect arrested Chief Wautier said the regions extremely dry weather played a major role in fueling the fire. In a normal year, it would be wet enough where this incident wouldnt have been an issue, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No injuries were reported. 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 WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. San Antonio's much anticipated cold front blew through the region on Tuesday, and on Wednesday South Texas is feeling its widespread effects. Most noticeable has been the effect on temperatures: San Antonio's high reached 91 degrees Tuesday afternoon, but Wednesday's highs will only climb to around 67 or 68 degrees - a drop of more than 20 degrees in just 24 hours. More than that, the front has also brought gusty winds and extremely dry air into the region. Together, these factors cause the risk of fast-spreading wildfires to rise and create an environment where wildfires can easily get out of control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because of this high fire danger, the National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for much of South Texas until 7 p.m. Wednesday. The San Antonio metro area is included in the fire weather warning, along with areas along and south of the Interstate 10 corridor. Local officials taking action Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai has declared Wednesday a "Red Flag Day", urging that all residents, businesses, and rural property owners must work together to prevent fires. In addition, two wildland strike teams - one on the east side and one on the west - are on heightened alert, and the county's Emergency Operations Center is partially activated. On Tuesday, Bexar County Commissioners Court approved a 90-day extension to the county's burn ban, which prohibits all outdoor burning. Deputies will patrol for violations, with possible misdemeanor citations for ignoring the ban and felony charges for reckless burning that damages property. "One spark can ignite a devastating fire," Judge Sakai said. "Together, we can protect our homes, our community, and our first responders." What does a red flag warning mean, exactly? A red flag warning is issued when forecasters are confident that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring or expected within 12 to 24 hours. This is the time to finalize wildfire safety plans. such as reviewing evacuation routes and preparing an emergency "go bag." Fire danger is high Wednesday in South-Central Texas because of a combination of dry air, indicated by low dew point temperatures, at left, and strong winds. (Pivotal Weather) The National Weather Service uses specific criteria to determine when to issue a warning. In San Antonio. A warning is issued when relative humidity drops to 20% or lower and sustained winds reach 15 mph or greater for at least three hours. In the Hill Country, wind speeds must hit 20 mph or more for the warning to be issued. What to do during a red flag warning According to the U.S. National Park Service, 85% of wildfires are caused by human activity. A few things you can do to help prevent wildfires from even starting include avoiding outdoor burning, keeping vehicles off of dry ground, and properly disposing of cigarettes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you do encounter a wildfire, the first thing you should do is get to safety. Move away from the fire immediately, especially if you are downwind of the fire or on dry grass. Wildfires can move faster than you can run - sometimes exceeding 10 mph. Once in a safe location, report the fire right away. The sooner it's reported, the quicker the fire can be put out. "If you see smoke, fire, or suspicious activities, note the location as best you can and report it to authorities by calling 911." The U.S. Forest Service states on their website. Wind advisory Oftentimes, red flag warnings are issued alongside wind advisories or high wind warnings. On Wednesday, a wind advisory is in effect throughout South Texas until 7 p.m. Sustained winds of 20-30 mph are possible across the San Antonio area, and some gusts could rise to as high as 50 mph. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wind speeds are expected to decrease significantly after sunset, and by 9 p.m., wind speeds are expected to drop below 10 mph. This will end the fire weather concerns across South-Central Texas. This article originally published at Wildfire risk is heightened today across South Texas. Here's what you should know.. The Town of Windermere has spent $637,000 on its so-far-unsuccessful battle to gain control of five wooden boathouses on the shores of Lake Butler, a town leader disclosed Tuesday and it intends to continue fighting, at least for now. Town Council members met in an hour-long closed-door session Tuesday evening to discuss settlement negotiations and strategy in the long-running legal dispute, and is asking a judge to reconsider his scathing ruling in favor of private property owners who gained use of the aging boathouses when they bought their homes. Outside the private session, a small group of Windermere residents, including some of the boathouse owners, gathered to show their opposition to prolonging the court fight with signs written in Halloween fonts and featuring cartoon bats, ghouls, skeletons and zombies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One read, THE TOWN DRAINED US TO THE BONE. Another tagged the rift as THE LAWSUIT THAT REFUSES TO DIE. Roger Heinz, a Windermere resident, said he didnt object to the towns original court challenge of boathouse ownership, an issue that was murky and seems to be rooted in misunderstanding, but now that a court has ruled against Windermere, We have better things to spend public money on. The towns legal bill to date is more than triple the $175,000 Windermere had budgeted in the last fiscal year for legal expenses. Other critics of the towns stance said they werent sure why the town even wants the old boathouses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And when asked by the Orlando Sentinel, the town manager wouldnt say. Each boathouse has three sides and a roof. They function like a carport for storage of personal watercraft. The structures true value is the access each provides to Lake Butler, a popular space for boating, fishing and other water recreation and the largest of 13 interconnected lakes in southwest Orange County. All but one of the structures, which squat over water on wooden pilings, were built before the town was incorporated in 1925 and the town has never held title to any of them, though a former mayor and a descendant of a founding family, John Palmer Luff Sr., had once owned one, maybe two. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the town has been insisting the users pay rent, and for years they have obliged. Council members made no mention of the towns strategy or intentions at its regular session which followed Tuesdays meeting with lawyers. Town Manager Robert Smith said he could not discuss anything related to the boathouses as the matter was still in on-going litigation. He did reveal the cost of the litigation to date, which the Sentinel had first requested three weeks ago. The town pays attorneys from a prominent private firm, GrayRobinson, for legal representation. Attorney Charles M. Greene, co-counsel with Daniel W. Langley for boathouse owners, urged Circuit Court Judge John Jordan in a filing earlier this month to enter a final judgment in the case, citing Jordans findings of facts and conclusions of law in written decisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Greene argued there are no issues to be tried. Langley, an attorney with Fishback Dominick, told the Orlando Sentinel earlier this month he might seek attorneys fees from the town for his clients, some of whom said Tuesday they had spent in excess of $700,000 in the fight to keep their titles to their boathouses. Judges ruling sinks Windermeres claim to boathouses But lawyers for the town contend they could prove the judges rulings are erroneous on the merits if a trial were held. In their request for a rehearing, filed last week, the lawyers argued the judges legal conclusions were based on disputed issues of fact, a fundamental fallacy, or reliance on a declaration filled with speculation and hearsay making it inapplicable and in violation of Florida law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They want the orders vacated and reconsidered. A key issue is whether state authorities ever conclusively determined that the ordinary high water line of Lake Butler touches the Pine Street and Third Avenue rights-of-way, a required connection for the town to have riparian rights to restrict access to the boathouses. The boathouses sit on a lagoon next to the lake, not the lakeshore itself. The towns lawyers insist the riparian rights issue remains undecided, though the judge concluded otherwise. Although the dispute dates back to the 1980s, Windermere formally sought to evict the owners from their boathouse properties in 2021. shudak@orlandosentinel.com Oct. 28WINONA, Minn. For the first time since 2010, Winona State University is building a new student residence hall as part of consolidating and centralizing student life on its Winona campus, a process that WSU leaders are also weighing for its Rochester sites. The decision to build a $30 million, 340-bed residence hall, approved by the Minnesota State Board of Trustees last week, comes as WSU has started to see enrollment growth after a decade-long decline. WSU's enrollment rose 3% this fall, with a 12.5% jump in freshmen students. That translated into 1,740 new students on its 6,000-student campus, both in terms of freshmen and transfer students. The proposed residence hall, dubbed Foundation Hall, will be built at the corner of Mark and Main streets, across the parking lot of the WSU Integrated Wellness Center. Construction is tentatively slated to being later this year or early next with a July 2027 target opening date. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But student growth is only part of the reason behind WSU's infrastructure expansion. WSU needs more beds because of its decision to close and sell its West Campus, which comprised three residence halls, Lourdes, Tau and Maria a mile-and-a-half away from the main campus. WSU President Kenneth Janz said the decision to close those dorms was intentional and "strategic," as part of centralizing and creating a vibrant campus community. "We wanted to bring all the students back to the main campus," Janz said. "And I think it's done wonders for our campus. The campus feels busy, full. All of our events are very well-attended." WSU officials are also considering whether it would be better to serve its Rochester students at a single location under a new initiative called "Reimagine Rochester." WSU-Rochester currently serves students at two locations: undergraduates at Rochester Community and Technical College and graduate students at the Riverside building along Broadway Avenue. "We have almost 1,000 students in Rochester. That's why we have this whole initiative called Reimagine Rochester: How do we engage the Rochester community," Janz said. "One of the things we've heard from faculty and others is that because our student body is split between two locations, would it make sense to bring them all to one location?" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're discussing that right now," he said. College campuses nationwide have been struggling with plummeting enrollment as a result of fewer high school graduates. But Janz said that the pandemic hurt WSU's Winona campus more than other Minnesota campuses by preventing prospective students from visiting the campus in person. Students instead visited the college "virtually," thus depriving them of an opportunity to experience what Janz said is its best selling point. "We have a very high registration rate once they visit campus," Janz said. "If we can get them to visit campus, they come to Winona State. And then when we hear people, 'Why did you choose Winona State?' 'It's safe, beautiful.'" WSU students will also find themselves living in greater comfort during the sweltering summer weeks in future years. As part of the WSU strategic plan approved by the trustees, WSU will begin providing centralizing air-conditioning to all its residence halls that don't have it seven of 15 buildings. As soon as construction on the new residence dorm is completed, WSU will begin taking its older halls offline to add air a staggered process that will be finished in 2035. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Janz said students' preference for air-conditioned dorms wasn't an issue when WSU started school after Labor Day, when the weather shifted into cooler temps. But years ago, WSU aligned its first day to mid-August, in the thick of summer, with other colleges under Minnesota State. It's a retention issue for WSU, Janz said. The college lost students last year due to the discomfort they felt in dorms without air conditioning. For the last 22 years, WSU has won a spot on the Princeton Review's "Best in the Midwest" list. One reason for that ranking the only university in the Minnesota State system to make the cut is its 97% job placement of its graduates. WSU is the oldest college within Minnesota State. Its original mission when it was founded in 1858 as a normal school was to prepare and educate teachers. But today, WSU's College of Nursing and Health Sciences produces by far the greatest number of graduates. And a majority of its newly pinned nurses are hired by Mayo Clinic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Liberal arts graduates are next in line in terms of undergraduate degrees awarded, followed by business, science and engineering. Teacher education comes in fourth. "Since about 2000, they've been holding pretty steady," Janz said about graduation patterns. A 32-year-old Winston-Salem man was arrested Oct. 21 and charged with two felony counts of obtaining property by false pretense for a $200,000 transaction. David Fitzgerald Bishop Jr. allegedly accepted a wire transfer into a Navy Federal Credit Union checking account knowing the account was frozen. The victim was identified as Gary Leon Jones Jr., according to an arrest warrant. The offenses allegedly occurred on Feb. 6 and March 6, according to eCourts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detective A. Cox of the Sanford Police Department was listed as the complainant. Bishop was given a $100,000 bond, which he posted on Oct. 23 when he and Lima Hudson paid $4,000 and promised to pay $1,000 by Jan. 30, 2026, according to a court document. CHATHAM CASE Bishop was arrested on Nov. 2, 2024 for obtaining property by false pretense and forgery stemming from July 30, 2023 and Jan. 8, 2024 in Chatham County. In that case, Bishop was indicted Feb. 24 for allegedly obtaining $290,483 in delivery jobs from Wilson Brothers Milling Co., located between Bennett and Bear Creek, after presenting a fake $1 million liability insurance certificate from Progressive Southeastern Insurance Co. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bishop was arrested on Nov. 2, 2024, and posted a $5,000 bond the same day, but failed to appear in court on Feb. 17 and May 2, according to eCourts. He was released from the Lee County Jail on Oct. 23 in relation to that case on a written promise to appear. The North Carolina Department of Insurance is prosecuting that case. The river flowing through Wauwatosa's Hart Park overflowing with flood water. (Photo by Isiah Holmes/Wisconsin Examiner) Wisconsin state lawmakers said a pair of bipartisan bills would help to fill existing gaps in aid after a disaster and get businesses and families back on their feet at a public hearing in the Senate Natural Resources, Veteran and Military Affairs committee Tuesday. SB 558 would create a grant program under the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs for people and businesses that are adversely affected by a disaster that is the subject of a state of emergency declared by the governor on or after January 1, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A second bill, SB 557, would provide funding for the grant program, including an initial $10 million meant for individuals and another $20 million meant for businesses. The record-breaking thousand-year storm that hit Wisconsin in August led to flooding and damage across the eastern parts of the state. President Donald Trump approved $29.8 million in federal relief funding in September to provide individual support for flood damage victims in Milwaukee, Washington and Waukesha counties. Other counties that sustained damage, including Door, Grant and Ozaukee, were not included in the federal assistance. Rep. Dan Knodl (R-Germantown) told the committee that many residents and businesses in those counties were left without a safety net without the federal assistance. It isnt about creating a new bureaucracy, it is about ensuring that help doesnt stop at the county line, Knodl added. When a disaster strikes, Wisconsin should be able to stand on its own two feet, helping our families and small businesses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bills received a public hearing just days after the Trump administration denied additional disaster assistance aid to repair parks, government buildings and other public infrastructure in Door, Grant, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington and Waukesha counties. Knodl said the legislation would ensure that Wisconsin can act when Washington cannot or will not. The bills are coauthored by Knodl and Sen. Rob Hutton (R-Brookfield) and have bipartisan support from Sens. Jodi Habush Sinykin (D-Whitefish Bay), Steve Nass (R-Whitewater) and Mark Spreitzer (D-Beloit) as well as Reps. Paul Melotik (R-Grafton), Bob Donovan, Travis Tranel, Jim Piwowarczyk, Robyn Vining (D-Wauwatosa), Deb Andraca (D-Whitefish Bay), Tara Johnson (D-Town of Shelby) and Rob Kreibich (R-New Richmond). Knodl said the bill would be especially helpful in filling the gaps for businesses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, small businesses have no grant options available to them, only loans. Loans can help, but for many small employers already reeling from physical and economic damage, more debt isnt really a viable solution, Knodl said. These businesses are the backbone of our local economies, and when they cant reopen, it affects not just the owners, but their employees, their customers, and really the entire fabric of the community. Susan Quam, executive vice president of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association, told lawmakers that many restaurants sustained large amounts of damage during the floods. She said one of the associations members had over $200,000 in losses just from being at the Wisconsin State Fair. She said that didnt include losses sustained at their brick and mortar location in Wauwatosa. Business insurance that will cover natural disasters is becoming increasingly harder and more expensive for all businesses. We know that many of our members who are in historic buildings, especially those with landmark status, are finding it even more difficult to secure decent coverage for these kinds of disasters. As it becomes riskier to be in business, these types of grants can mean the difference between a business recovering or staying closed for good with substantial personal losses for their owners, Quam said. Its imperative that these types of programs exist. Businesses would be eligible for up to $50,000 for eligible disaster-related expenses incurred to fix or replace damaged property as well as payroll assistance, working capital and business operating expenses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Individuals would be eligible for grants of up to $25,000 for the eligible disaster-related expenses to fix or replace personal property damaged by a disaster, home repair conducted by a contractor approved by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development and temporary housing assistance. Grant applicants would need to provide the agency with receipts for expenses, apply within 90 days after the governor declares an emergency or within 90 days after the date on which the bill becomes law and sign an affidavit committing to return money to the agency if it is duplicated by insurance money or another source of disaster-related assistance that is not a loan awarded directly by the federal government. The DMA would need to process applications within 14 days. The state grants would only be available if the president of the United States has declared a major disaster to exist in this state and federal aid is made available to individuals and businesses. Knodl said they arent looking to appropriate funds on a regular basis, but that funding could be sought in the case of disaster. Under the bill, DMA would have the ability to request supplemental funding from the Legislatures Joint Finance Committee if the agency determines it needs additional funding. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday took a sortie in a Rafale aircraft at Air Force Station Ambala, Haryana, and described the experience as "unforgettable". On the occasion, President Murmu congratulated the Indian Air Force and the entire team of Air Force Station for successfully organising this sortie. She is the first President to have taken sortie in two fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force. Earlier, she took a sortie in a Sukhoi 30 MKI in 2023, the President's Secretariat said in an official statement. Air Force Station, Ambala, is the first Air Force Station where Rafale aircraft arrived from Dassault Aviation Facility, France. The President, who is the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces, flew for approximately 30 minutes covering about 200 kilometers before returning to the Air Force Station. The aircraft was flown by Group Captain Amit Gehani, Commanding Officer of the 17 Squadron. The aircraft flew at a height of about 15000 ft above sea level and at a speed of about 700 kilometers per hour, the statement added. Later in the visitor's book, according to the statement, the President expressed her feelings by writing a brief note in which she said, "I am delighted to visit Air Force Station Ambala for my maiden flight on Rafale aircraft of the Indian Air Force. The sortie on Rafale is an unforgettable experience for me. This first flight on the potent Rafale aircraft has instilled in me a renewed sense of pride in the nation's defence capabilities. I congratulate the Indian Air Force and the entire team of Air Force Station, Ambala for organising this sortie successfully." The official account of the President said on social media later in the day said, Today, while flying in a Rafale aircraft over Ambala-Kurukshetra in Haryana, President Droupadi Murmu shared her experience: 'This flight in the Rafale is an unforgettable experience for me. Today, from this modern aircraft, I am seeing this ancient land and Brahm Sarovar, which is a symbol of our cultural diversity and historical journey. My faith in our military capability is becoming even more firm'. https://x.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/1983532920691188131 The President was also briefed on the operational capabilities of Rafale and the Indian Air Force. Before the sortie, the President was given a guard of honour and briefed on the operational capabilities of the Rafale and the Indian Air Force. The Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces also met with Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, India's first woman pilot who flew a Rafale fighter jet, ahead of her mission. Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh also flew a Rafale fighter jet from the same fleet, leading a formation sortie in coordination with the aircraft carrying the President. Ambala Air Force Station was the first base in India to receive Rafale aircraft from Dassault Aviation's facility in France. The 'Golden Arrows' Squadron, which operates the Rafales, received a Unit Citation from the Chief of Air Staff during the 93rd Air Force Day celebrations for its role in Operation Sindoor. President Murmu had earlier flown in a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet from Tezpur Air Force Station in Assam on April 8, 2023, making her the first President of India to take sorties in two fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force. (ANI) LOMIRA, Wis. (WFRV) A 20-year-old Wisconsin man already charged with two counts of child pornography possession from a February 2024 arrest is now facing additional possession charges in a separate case. Wisconsin man arrested after two alleged sexual assaults within 48 hours According to the Dodge County Sheriffs Office, an Internet Crimes Against Children investigation commenced after a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies investigated the tip, leading them to arrest 20-year-old Kaden Mueller of Lomira, who was booked into the Dodge County Jail. Officials are requesting the following charges against Mueller: Possession of Child Pornography Felony Bail Jumping Resist/Obstruct and Officer One shot during dispute between employees at Oshkosh business, suspect arrested Mueller has open bond conditions, according to the release, due to the child pornography accusations following his arrest in February 2024. Muellers cash bond is set at $10,000 for the recent charges. 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 WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. (WFRV) Authorities in Wisconsin say one man is now in custody for allegedly committing two sexual assaults within a 48-hour time span. According to a release from the Barron County Sheriffs Office, deputies from Barron County, along with Washburn County deputies and officers with the Rice Lake Police Department, arrested Devon Bernstein at 10:38 a.m. on Tuesday. Driver trapped following a crash in Waupaca County dies at the hospital Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials say Bernstein was being arrested for two alleged sexual assault incidents within a time span of 48 hours. When confronted, he tried to evade police, but a deputy was able to successfully use an Electric Control Device (stun gun) to bring him into custody. Bernstein was taken to the Barron County Jail, where he is awaiting potential charges. No other information is available at this time. 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 WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. GLYNN COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV) The Glynn County Police Department (GCPD) has arrested one person in connection with a stabbing that took place Tuesday evening at an Americas Best Value Inn & Suites. GCPD officers responded to reports of a stabbing. Once on the scene, officers located a male who had sustained a single stab wound to the back torso. The victim was transported to Southeast Georgia Health Systems Brunswick Campus for a non-life-threatening injury. Video obtained from the scene showed the victim leaving a room, followed shortly by a woman later identified as the victims fiancee, 34-year-old Leticia Nottingham. Nottingham was found a short time later and transported to the Glynn County Police Department for questioning. It was later determined that the incident was a result of a domestic incident between the victim and Nottingham. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nottingham was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault (Family Violence Act) and Possession of a Firearm or Knife During the Commission of Certain Felonies. This investigation is ongoing. Any person with information on this case is encouraged to contact the Glynn County Police Department Non-Emergency at (912) 554-3645 or anonymously via Silent Witness at (912) 264-1333. 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. CENTREVILLE, Ala. (WIAT) A woman who worked as a Centreville Water Department clerk is charged with first-degree theft of property. According to a criminal complaint filed Monday, Rebecca Abercrombie, 41, is accused of taking $21,000 from the department. The alleged theft happened between June 1 and Oct. 14. Alabama Public Television discusses possible split from PBS after funding loss Abercrombie was arrested Monday, and her bond was set at $5,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) A woman is accused of embezzling over $20,000 from the Midfield Board of Education, according to a criminal complaint. Stephanie Patrice Edwards, a 41-year-old woman living in Hoover, is charged with first-degree theft of property. The complaint alleges Edwards stole $22,838.93 from the board between October 2023 and June 2025, giving herself an extra salary on top of her regular pay. Man charged with drug trafficking in Jefferson County Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Edwards was arrested Thursday. Her bond was set at $15,000. 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 CBS 42. A council has fined a woman 100 after she walked her dog without a waste bag despite the pet not fouling. An enforcement officer who stopped the woman as she walked through Northampton town centre imposed the penalty on the spot because she could not produce a waste bag for her Welsh springer spaniel. The woman, who wanted to be named only as Paula, said she knew it was a legal requirement to clean up after your dog, but not to carry a waste bag, and claimed she had been punished for a poo she [the dog] didnt do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Critics have called the fine overbearing, big state intervention by West Northamptonshire council, which has been under Reform UK control since the local elections in May. Paula told the BBC: Shed [her dog] already been out for her business that day and it was a very short walk through the town centre, so I knew that she wasnt going to do anything. Unusually, I didnt have any bags in any of my pockets, and so I was unable to say that I had a poo bag with me. So what happened? I was fined on the spot, 100 for a poo she didnt do. Reform should hang heads in shame She called on councils to issue warnings before fining residents for breaching lesser-known rules, adding: I honestly thought that I would be given words of advice, told off, told what the law was so that I knew for next time, but there was no movement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dog owner said the enforcement officer was polite, but very firm, but added that she felt she had been seen as an easy target. The council said it was really important for owners to always have the means to pick up after their dogs. But Greg Smith, a Tory shadow minister, said it was utterly absurd to fine someone for something their dog did not do. He added: This is an overbearing, big state intervention that Reform in West Northamptonshire should hang their heads in shame over. West Northamptonshire council received 36,000 from fixed penalty notices in the four years up to last year, according to freedom of information data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A council spokesman said: Dog fouling is a blight and serious health hazard, and its really important that dog walkers always have the means to pick up after their pets. Most dog owners are responsible and pick up after their dogs, but there are some who purposefully dont the risk of a fine if found not to be carrying bags is an effective deterrent. We would always encourage dog walkers to take multiple bags within them on a walk. The Public Space Protection Order [which imposed the rule] received widespread support from local residents. Anyone who is fined can challenge it if they wish to do so. The incident comes a week after a London council fined a woman 150 for pouring her coffee down the drain. Lib Dem-led Richmond upon Thames council fined Burcu Yesilyurt but later apologised and rescinded the fine because she was likely to be successful upon appeal. Fines expanded in recent years Legislation introduced in 2014 allowed councils to bring in Public Spaces Protection Orders to tackle community problems including dog fouling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many councils have expanded their enforcement in recent years to crack down harder on residents. Previously, fines would only be issued for dog fouling, but now many councils penalise residents who cannot produce suitable means of removing dog faeces when asked to do so. Trevor Smith, 80, was handed an 80 fine by City of Wolverhampton council in February for going on a 10-yard walk with his labrador Ted without a waste bag. This month, Nico Toller was stopped in a supermarket car park in Weston-super-Mare and fined 75. His dog had not fouled and he claimed he had waste bags in his car, which was 20 metres away. According to official Government guidance, if a PSPO is in place, dog owners must carry a poop scoop and disposable bags. The guidance also states that councils must let the public know where PSPOs are in place. 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. A 50-year-old woman who died after she was struck by a vehicle in a Saukville Walmart parking lot has been identified by her family as Mailee Xiong Hang. Hangs sister, Mai Xiong, said in a Facebook post that the family is deeply heartbroken. Mailee Xiong Hang with a family dog. I am so deeply heartbroken to share that on Oct. 26, my oldest sister, Mailee Xiong Hangs life was tragically taken away from us, Xiong wrote. Mailee was loved by so many; she lived her life fully, unapologetically, and with so much passion and enthusiasm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The family asked the community for prayers and support as they navigate this difficult time. Hang lived in Laos before coming to America with her family Mai Xiong, left, with her sister Mailee Hang, right. Hang, 50, was originally born in Laos around 1975. She was one of three children who was raised by her parents during the Secret War, a conflict from 1961 to 1975 where the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency recruited Hmong men and boys to fight without informing Congress of the full scale of the American involvement. After the war, her parents fled with their children. Xiong wrote that their father used a rubber tire to help the family cross the Mekong River into Thailand at night. Xiong said she often encouraged Hang to share memories of the war stories she rarely told others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hang later married her husband, Vang, and moved to Detroit in 1994. The couple had four children. She worked full time for a medical billing company and also helped care for their mother and younger siblings, Xiong said. As a second mother to me, Mailee was truly a blessing, Xiong wrote. She was fierce, passionate, and always put her familys needs first. I thank her for everything she has given me and taught me. Im a better sister, daughter, mother, friend, and community leader because of my sister, Mailee. From left, Mai Xiong with her three oldest siblings at the Ban Vinai refugee camp, circa 1985. Mailee Hang is at far right. The family asks the community for support A GoFundMe organized by Hangs husband and four children seeks to honor her memory and cover unexpected expenses after her death, including funeral and memorial costs as well as legal and investigative fees. Mailee Hang was the heart of our family. She was a gentle, selfless woman, always putting others before herself, the family wrote on the GoFundMe page. As we grieve this unthinkable loss, we are also faced with sudden and overwhelming expenses funeral and memorial arrangements, legal and investigative costs, and the challenges of adjusting to life without her. Additional details about incident released by police Saukville police investigators said the fatality occurred when a 74-year-old woman driving a Ford Ranger was attempting to park in a handicapped stall near an entrance to Walmart, 825 E. Green Bay Ave., around 10:50 a.m. Oct. 26. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead of stepping on the brake, the driver pressed the accelerator, according to a Facebook post by the police department on Oct. 28. The vehicle traveled through a walkway and into the next parking island, where it struck Hang, officials said. Despite life-saving efforts, she died at a hospital. Police said multiple witnesses shared statements and video, and the investigation remains ongoing. The driver has cooperated with authorities, and no arrests have been made. Hangs family and police said they cannot release additional information while the investigation is active. Adrienne Davis is a south suburban reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Got any tips or stories to share? Contact Adrienne at amdavis@gannett.com. Follow her on X at @AdriReportss. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Family remembers woman killed in Saukville Walmart parking lot A cruise ship passenger has died after being left on a remote island in Australias Great Barrier Reef region. The woman, in her 80s, was reported missing on Saturday night, hours after the luxury vessel she had been travelling on departed Lizard Island, off the coast of Queensland. Police are now investigating the death of the solo passenger, who was on the first stop of the 40,000 cruise, and why there was a five-hour delay before the alarm was raised. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman, who joined the start of the cruise on Friday as it began its 60-day circumnavigation of Australia, was last seen by other passengers taking part in a hike. b' ' Queensland Police confirmed the womans body was found on Sunday morning but did not comment on the cause of death, other than to say it was sudden and non-suspicious. Her body was believed to have been found by a helicopter about 50m from the hiking path to Lizard Islands highest point, The Australian reports. Sources told the outlet that the woman was struggling on the steep path that allowed visitors to follow in the footsteps of Captain James Cook, the British explorer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group continued on, and boarded the vessel before realising she was not there, a source said. The ship was seen leaving the area at sunset between 6pm and 7pm. Another source said the woman had fallen off a cliff. A helicopter was seen searching Lizard Island on Sunday - Traci Ayris/ABC Mark Fifield, chief executive of the cruise ship operator Coral Expeditions, confirmed the tragic death of a passenger on the Coral Adventurer during an excursion. He added: A search and rescue operation was launched on land and sea. Following the operation, Coral Expeditions was notified by Queensland Police that the woman had been found deceased on Lizard Island. While investigations into the incident are continuing, we are deeply sorry that this has occurred and are offering our full support to the womans family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police were alerted at 11.45pm on Saturday and a helicopter was dispatched to search the island after the crew realised the passenger was missing. The ships crew intially believed she had fallen overboard, according to reports. The boat was turned around and crew members were sent ahead in a smaller boat with torches to search the island. The woman had been travelling on the Coral Adventurer, which carries up to 120 passengers Devastation in their voices Traci Ayris, who was sailing nearby, said she was woken by the sound of a helicopter, and saw it was sweeping the national park with a spotlight. We knew that someone was missing and then we saw the Coral Adventurer heading back to Lizard [the island] on our AIS tracker [which transmits information about ship locations], she told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When it arrived, they sent a crew of seven to shore with torches. They searched until about 3am, then the search was called off until first light, when the chopper would return. Ms Ayris added: You could hear the devastation in their voices [on the radio]. It was very sad in this paradise to have this tragedy occur. It should have been a happy time for that lovely lady. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) confirmed it was investigating and that its officers would meet with the cruise ships crew when it docks in Darwin later this week. Accessible only by private charter, Lizard Island is one of the most exclusive destinations in the region and is home to the Monitor species of reptiles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The island was named by Captain Cook, who said that lizards were the only land animals he saw when he climbed its rocky peaks to help chart a course around nearby reefs during his 1770 voyage around the east coast of Australia. A view from near Cooks Look trail on which the cruise passenger went missing. The hike features steep inclines - darios44/iStockphoto The islands white sandy beaches and national park, which spans more than 2,400 acres, are popular with day visitors for diving expeditions and scenic hikes. The official tourist website for Tropical North Queensland warns that the islands Cooks Look 2.5-mile hike is very steep in places and is recommended to people with medium to high fitness and agility. Coral Expeditions have been contacted for comment. 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. The Department of Sports, Chandigarh Administration, in collaboration with My Bharat Kendra, Chandigarh, is organising a State-level 'Padayatra' on October 31, 2025, to commemorate the 150th Birth Anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India and a visionary nation builder, an official press release said. According to the release, Gulab Chand Kataria, Governor of Punjab and Administrator, UT Chandigarh, will grace the occasion as the Chief Guest. The 8 km Unity March will commence from Sukhna Lake at 6:30 am, proceed via Uttar Marg, Jan Marg, Vigyan Marg, and culminate back at Sukhna Lake. The event aims to celebrate the spirit of 'Ek Bharat, Aatmanirbhar Bharat', promoting unity, self-reliance, and national pride. The march also carries a social message of building a healthier and drug-free India while encouraging citizens to embrace the ideals of Swadeshi and self-dependence. As per the release, all citizens are invited to participate and experience the life, vision, and enduring legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel through discussions organised as part of the event. Our collective participation will be a true tribute to the spirit of a united and self-reliant India, the release said. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday called upon citizens to participate in the 'Run for Unity' on October 31 and celebrate the spirit of togetherness, honouring the legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary. Taking to X, the Prime Minister wrote, "Join the Run for Unity on 31st October and celebrate the spirit of togetherness! Let's honour Sardar Patel's vision of a united India." Earkier, in the monthly radio programme 'Mann ki baat', Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India's first Union Home Minister, describing him as one of the greatest "luminaries" of modern times, saying that the latter made unparalleled efforts for the nation's unity and integrity. Speaking on the 127th episode of his radio programme Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi said, "Sardar Patel was one of the nation's greatest figures in modern times. His towering personality embodied many qualities. He was an exceptionally bright student, excelling in his studies both in India and Britain. He also became one of the most successful lawyers of his time." Sardar Patel was the architect of a united India. When the country was gaining independence, the British conspired to divide India into several parts. Their aim was to ensure that India would never be united. But with his remarkable vision and strong will, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel strengthened national unity by merging 563 princely states into the Republic of India. (ANI) An 80-year-old woman died on a remote island after she was left behind by a luxury cruise ship during its glamorous voyage around Australia, sparking an investigation. The passenger, who has not yet been identified, was first reported missing to authorities Saturday night, after a search revealed she was not onboard the Coral Adventurer cruise ship, BBC News reported. Earlier in day, the vessel docked at Lizard Island, a resort destination with a nature preserve some 20 miles off the Queensland coast. The woman was hiking Cooks Look peak there with other passengers, authorities said, but at some point separated from the group to take a break. She ultimately failed to board the ship, and the cruise liner set off at around sunset as scheduled, the Australian Broadcasting Company reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Queensland Police confirmed the womans body was found early Sunday morning during a subsequent search of the island. They described her death as sudden and non-suspicious, but added that an investigation into the matter is ongoing. No official cause has yet been provided, but news.com.au reported that she may have fallen down a cliff on the island. Also still unclear is why it took hours for the ships crew to realize the woman was missing. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority said its investigation will include the circumstances surrounding why the passenger may not have been accounted for amid the boarding process. The Coral team have been in contact with the womans family, and we will continue to offer support to them through this difficult process, said CEO of Coral Expeditions Mark Fifield said, per news.com.au. We are working closely with Queensland Police and other authorities to support their investigation. According to records cited by CNN, the Coral Adventurer, which boasts a capacity for 120 passengers and 46 crew, had left the port of Cairns just a day earlier on October 24. ______ YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) A city woman facing five counts of misdemeanor child endangering pleaded no contest Wednesday in municipal court. Judge Carla Baldwin found Melissa Kanos guilty on all five counts. She was sentenced to 180 days in jail with credit for 45 days served. The remaining 135 days were suspended. She was also placed on two years of probation. Kanos was charged after police started an investigation on Aug. 15 when two abandoned children, ages 18 months and 3, were found about 11:20 a.m. at a 2325 South Ave. gas station. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reports said Kanos was also outside her home in the 500 block of East Dewey Avenue, a short distance from the gas station, when she told an officer one of her children was missing. Mahoning County Children Services workers and housing code officers were then called to the home, where officials found 11 children, as well as three other people were living at the home. There was animal and human urine, feces and food scattered throughout the home, and it appeared that the children had not showered or bathed in days, reports said. Five pets were also taken by humane agents, and the home was red tagged, or deemed unsuitable for habitation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. UPPER EAST SIDE, Manhattan (PIX11) A woman who yelled F- these cops after intentionally running over an NYPD officer with her car on a Manhattan street last year is headed to prison, authorities said. Sahara Dula, 25, was sentenced to two years in prison on Wednesday in Manhattan Supreme Court, according to court records. She had pleaded guilty to second-degree assault in June. More Local News Dula struck Officer Ruchiran Dias with her Lexus while driving the wrong way near Park Avenue and East 71st Street on the Upper East Side on Jan. 17, 2024. Dias was struck while guarding another vehicle linked to an unrelated high-end retail robbery on Madison Avenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In court documents, Dula told investigators she had just smoked weed and stated, F these cops; he wouldnt move. I told the cop I wanted to go straight, and he would not move, so I hit him. I did it on purpose. In body-worn camera footage obtained by PIX11 News, the Lexus was traveling south in the northbound lanes of Park Avenue when it suddenly accelerated and struck Dias, launching him over the hood and onto the pavement. The cop was hospitalized with a broken leg and other injuries. PBA President Patrick Hendry, who previously said Dula shouldve been charged with attempted murder, said the 2-year sentence was too lenient. The sentence is not nearly enough. This individual tried to run down a New York City police officer. She could have killed him. Were glad she is going behind bars instead of walking free, but our justice system needs to send a message that there will be zero leniency for attacks on police officers. We need to start hearing that message in every courtroom in this city, Hendry said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dulas attorney, Patrica Wright, previously told PIX11 News her client suffers from bipolar disorder, is on medication, and gets mental health help. Wright said officers were caught on the body-worn cameras kicking her client in the head after she was apprehended. Ms. Dula has taken responsibility for her actions on the date in question, pleaded guilty, and has been sentenced according to the law. It is important to note that the NYPD has not yet fully addressed the fact that Ms. Dula was assaulted, specifically, that she was kicked in the head at least twice after she had been subdued and her hands were behind her back. This is visible from multiple angles on the body-worn camera footage of the officers who apprehended her. It is not the job of the NYPD to deliver justice or retribution. Under the constitutions of New York State and the United States of America, it is the job of the judicial system to determine guilt and the subsequent punishment for said guilt. We sincerely hope that the officer involved in the assault on Ms. Dula will be held to a high standard of professionalism in the future and will not have the opportunity to engage in such behavior again, Wright said. The NYPD could not immediately be reached for comment on Wednesday. Mira Wassef is a digital reporter who has covered news and sports in the NYC area for more than a decade. She has been with PIX11 News for two years. See more of her 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. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) A West Side woman who was charged with a federal gun offense has been sentenced to five years of probation. Becky Poyssick, 45, was sentenced Friday in the U.S. Northern District Court of Ohio by U.S. Judge John R. Adams after a guilty plea in June to a count of making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm. She was accused of buying a gun March 6 at an Austintown gun store and saying the gun was for her but the gun was really for her husband, who is barred from having a gun because of a prior criminal conviction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sentencing for her husband, David Poyssick, will be at a later date. He also pleaded guilty to a federal gun charge. 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. One of the people hurt in a fire at the Offshore Rooftop restaurant in Navy Pier has filed a lawsuit. Kira Bond, who lives in New York, was in Chicago for a corporate work trip. Warning: Some of the video can be difficult to watch. She was critically injured with serious and disfiguring burns to her face, chest and torso. Bond said she has had multiple skin grafts and surgery and will need more. The lawsuit claims a worker threw alcohol on a fire, causing serious injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident was captured on video by a security camera. RELATED | 3 women burned, 1 critically injured, in food prep incident at Navy Pier rooftop restaurant: CPD The fire started at a food station to roast marshmallows for s'mores at a private event, according to the complaint filed by Cavanagh Sorich Law Group. People were gathered around the station, attorneys say, and that's when a restaurant employee poured some combustible accelerant on the open flame, causing an immediate and dangerous "flashover." CAVANAGH SORICH LAW GROUP Flames shot into the air and set some of the plaintiffs on fire. Attorneys allege the restaurant's negligence caused the fire, filing four lawsuits on behalf of five plaintiffs Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ABC7 Chicago reached out to Maverick Hotels and Restaurants for a comment but has yet to hear back. At the time of the incident, Maverick Hotels and Restaurants said in a statement, "Our hearts are with the three individuals injured last night and we are staying closely connected to their status. As this is an active investigation, we are unable to provide specifics at this time. We are immensely grateful for the quick response of Emergency Medical Services, Chicago Police Department, Management and nearby guests. The safety and well-being of our guests & employees remain our highest priority, and we will continue reviewing our safety protocols." Police are investigating after a woman was stabbed in the neck with a broken wine glass in Southern California Tuesday night. Officers were sent to the 1300 block of Katherine Road in Simi Valley after receiving a report of the stabbing shortly before 11:30 p.m. The victim was found suffering from a serious neck wound and received medical aid from the responding officers, the Simi Valley Police Department said. Police respond to a stabbing in Simi Valley on Oct. 28, 2025. (KNN News) Authorities later determined that the suspect was the victims sister, identified as Randy Mellin of Acton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Further investigation revealed that the victim had been giving Mellin a haircut inside the residence when, without provocation, Mellin broke a wine glass and stabbed the victim in the neck with the broken glass, police said. The unnamed victim was taken to a local hospital and is expected to survive. Mellin was arrested and booked on suspicion of attempted murder. 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. A developer who tried to bribe a city council president. The former city council president he tried to bribe. A felon whose dishonest business practices hurt Detroiters. A contractor who used dirt that may have endangered Detroiters. And a former elected official who used his strip club to launder money for the murderous gang leader who helped get Detroiters hooked on heroin. Five people with one thing in common: They are all putting money into Mary Sheffield's candidacy for mayor of Detroit. Mary Sheffield addresses a crowd at her mayoral primary election watch party at Cielo inside Cambria Hotel in Detroit on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025. I'll identify these donors and tell you their stories in a minute. First, let's try to tally up all the dough being spent to help elect Detroit's next mayor. (Spoiler alert: It's impossible.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheffield raised nearly $3 million for her campaign as of Oct. 25, according to the most recent campaign finance data available. The Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr., who launched his campaign more than a year after Sheffield declared her candidacy, has raised $790,000 about a quarter of Sheffield's haul. Detroit Next, a pro-Sheffield political action committee, raised another $340,000, as of Aug. 25, which is the most recent data available for PACs. And each candidate has benefited from dark money committees that have spent hundreds of thousands to promote them. Like it or not, it's virtually impossible to win an election without money. Most candidates believe they can never have enough. Campaigns also value symbolism, which is why they carefully craft messages designed to convey the candidate's accomplishments and ambitions. And candidates make statements with their campaign finance policies, particularly if they establish guidelines governing from whom they will and, more tellingly, will not take money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, Councilwoman Gabriela Santiago-Romero, a progressive from southwest Detroit, declared she will not accept donations from corporate political action committees to emphasize her independence and commitment to Detroiters of modest means. When billionaire Dan Gilbert's Rocket State PAC sent her campaign $5,000, she sent it back. Sheffield, who has carefully cultivated an image as a populist since first being elected to council in 2013, in June sent out a fundraising email that said she is "not backed by billionaires or corporate PACs." After I revealed that she actually took a lot of money from billionaires and corporate PACs, the campaign told me the message was an error. They blamed what they called an overly enthusiastic staff member "using standard campaign language ... from previous fundraising campaigns." So, I asked the Sheffield campaign whether they had any guidelines governing campaign contributions. Sheffield spokeswoman Brittni Brown has ignored repeated requests to answer that question. When I asked Kinloch's campaign whether it had any guidelines, spokesman Dan Lijana sent me a statement that said, in part: The Kinloch for Mayor campaign does not accept financial contributions from any individual or corporation with connections to city hall corruption scandals." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I've scrutinized contributions to both campaigns, and did not find any donations from notorious individuals or officials with companies city officials deemed detrimental to Detroiters in Kinloch's reports. It's impossible to say definitively who is backing each candidate, however, because of the fat stacks being donated to the nonprofits paying for their campaign mailings, television, radio and social media advertising. The 13th Congressional District Democratic Party Organization spent more than $241,000 to support Kinloch before the Aug. 5 primary election, while 5Plus1 ponied up more than $220,000 to promote Sheffield. If you've opened your mailbox, driven past a billboard, or turned on your TV, radio or computer, you know these dark money committees have spent hundreds of thousands more since then. The reason these outfits are known as dark money committees is because they can raise loads of dough without disclosing to you and me where they got their money or how they're spending it. The only reason we know anything about the role these groups play in our elections is because they're required to put their name on any mailings or billboards they pay for, the Federal Communications Commission requires broadcasters to reveal who is buying political ads and, in the case of 5Plus1, they made contributions to Detroit Next, which is required to detail its finances under the law governing political action committees. But enough of the mysteries. It's time to identify some of the donors with, er, interesting pasts who donated to Sheffield. Big money player Chris Jackson is a successful developer, treasurer of the Detroit Building Authority, which is the city agency that manages municipal properties, and a prolific fundraiser for Detroit politicians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also runs the Detroit Next PAC which has spent more than $200,000 to support Sheffield for mayor. What Jackson leaves out of his biography is that he admitted under oath in 2010 that he paid $25,000 so then-Detroit City Council President Monica Conyers wouldn't thwart his effort to help open a totally-nude strip club just minutes from city hall. Jackson was given immunity from prosecution to testify against Sam Riddle, a political consultant, who was a Conyers aide and adviser when he told Jackson in 2006 that it would cost $25,000 to get Conyers to vote for a Deja Vu gentlemans club. Jackson was hoping to make some dough by putting ATMs in Deja Vu clubs. Monica Conyers is holding one of her semi-regular town hall meeting at Northwest Activities Center Sam Riddle is standing next to her in Detroit on Thursday, April 17, 2008. Even though Deja Vu's owners told Jackson they didn't want to pay Riddle for Conyers' vote, Jackson decided on his own to give Riddle's company a check for $10,000 and a check for $15,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the prosecutor asked: "Was there any doubt in your mind, Mr. Jackson, you were paying Mr. Riddle for Monica Conyers' vote?" Jackson, under oath, answered: "No." When I asked Riddle in 2015 about Jackson, he told me: "Detroit knows, political insiders in particular know, who and what a Chris Jackson is." "The smart ones smile, even shake his hand and keep steppin'. The problem is when you pause with Chris Jackson. And how long do you pause. And how he pimps your political office for his well-being." Riddle's trial ended with a hung jury. He pleaded guilty in a later public corruption trial, admitting that he sought bribes for Conyers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jackson did not return multiple messages I sent him seeking comment on his role in Sheffield's campaign. Sheffield spokeswoman Brown said in a statement: "Chris Jackson has no official role in our campaign, but like other Detroiters who love our City and believe in Mary's vision, he is a supporter of her candidacy for Mayor." By now you may have guessed that Conyers is the former city council president Jackson tried to bribe, and who also supports Sheffield for mayor. Conyers donated $25 to Sheffield's campaign on Oct. 23. Brown declined to comment on how Sheffield, who is Detroit's current city council president, felt about accepting a contribution from Conyers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regarding the other donors with legal problems I found in Sheffield's campaign finance reports, Brown quoted Sheffield as saying: "I can't personally know the full history of every donor, but I can say this: Many of the individuals you've referenced are tax-paying job creators who employ Detroiters, have invested millions in our city when others turned their backs, or are community leaders with a record of service." It's true that prolific fundraisers like Sheffield can't know everything about everyone who donates to their campaign. But Sheffield absolutely knows Conyers, who resigned from city council in disgrace before pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery in 2010. And she absolutely knows Jackson's history, because I shared it with her 10 years ago when I was working at Fox 2 (WJBK-TV, Channel 2) and asked her: "What should Detroiters think when they see someone who tried to bribe a councilwoman now raising money for a councilwoman?" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said he was a swell guy. And why wouldn't she? I asked her about Jackson because he was hosting what else? a holiday fundraiser for Sheffield. Tiger tales "Taxpaying job creators" doesn't quite describe Keith Stallworth, a former state and county lawmaker who pleaded guilty to a federal financial crime after being charged in 2001 with helping a drug ring launder money through his strip club. I guess you could argue that, as the proprietor of Tiger's Lounge, later known as Xanadu, Stallworth did create jobs for people willing to do the no-pants dance for money. Stallworth donated $1,000 to Sheffield's campaign on Jan. 30, and hosted a fundraiser for her on Feb. 27. Keith Stallworth, in center of stage wearing a cowboy hat, at Michigan Central Depot on Aug. 19, 2025 along with Democrats and Republicans who gathered to endorse Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan's independent bid for govenror. Public records suggest Stallworth is not the most diligent taxpayer, however, as evidenced by the more than $450,000 in unpaid state and federal taxes he and his businesses have racked up since 1995. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stallworth and his business have been the subject of many troubling news reports since 1989, ranging from campaign capers to violations of various state laws, including a ban on lap dancing. In 2001, he got busted for using his brother's identity to obtain a phony driver's license. Stallworth apparently needed it to get into Canada, where he owned a summer home, because he was concerned Canadian officials would not let him into the country after being convicted of domestic violence. Those incidents pale, however, compared to federal prosecutors' allegations that Stallworth used Tiger's Lounge to launder drug money as part of a conspiracy involving 13 others who sold weed, cocaine and heroin. The indictment listed Melvin "Butch" Jones as a ringleader. Jones was the founder of Young Boys Inc., the murderous gang known as YBI and notorious for using underage boys as drug runners to help it dominate Detroit's drug scene in the late 1970s and '80s. Stallworth was charged as a co-conspirator in the drug ring, but not in the killings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the case worked its way through the court, in 2002, Stallworth was elected to the Wayne County Commission. A year later, he resigned after striking a plea deal with Uncle Sam to cooperate in the prosecution of his codefendants. His reward was being allowed to plead guilty to a lesser charge of structuring a financial transaction to evade currency reporting requirements. I ran into the loquacious former lawmaker on Aug. 19 at Michigan Central, where he was one of scores of Democrats and Republicans on hand to endorse Mayor Mike Duggan's bid to become the first independent candidate elected governor of Michigan. "Mary's ready," Stallworth said when I asked him about his involvement in Sheffield's campaign. "So, I endorsed her early." There's no business like tow business Neither Sheffield nor her team would discuss Stallworth's involvement in their campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brown reiterated in one of her last emails to me: "To our knowledge, all other individuals mentioned are upstanding and contributing members of our community with a demonstrated record of serving the City of Detroit and the region in various capacities." The Detroit Police Department and the city's Inspector General don't share that view of Louay Hussein and Nationwide Recovery, the towing company a judge ruled "engaged in an offensive trade that is offensive, hurtful ... and is a public nuisance that interferes with public safety, peace, comfort and convenience" of Detroiters. The Hussein family, Nationwide's attorney and his law firm's political action committee poured more than $85,000 into Sheffield's campaign and Detroit Next. The Deldin Law PAC, run by Nationwide's attorney Marc Deldin, also spent about $3,000 last June to throw a fundraiser for Sheffield. Sheffield also should know about the city's legal battles with Nationwide, since the city's law department briefs councilmembers on litigation, and the council approves payments to law firms hired to represent the city in legal matters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City officials have been battling Nationwide since 2016, when DPD appointed then-Lt. Michael Parish as a towing monitor to clean things up. An investigation found that one tow trucker driver was working with car thieves, and that Hussein got information from a car thief, though cops couldn't determine whether Hussein knew the person was a crook. Parish said an audit revealed that Nationwide was charging exorbitant rates and was operating in a way that made it difficult for police to gather evidence against car thieves. "We couldn't have them in our towing system based on the information we had," Parish said. He said Hussein was in charge of the daily operations of Nationwide, but couldn't own the company because he had a criminal record. Hussein's legal troubles date to 2002, when he pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to bank fraud for writing checks worth tens of thousands of dollars from a closed account and depositing them into a new account. In January 2003, Hussein was sentenced to one month in prison. Later that year, Royal Oak Police busted him for writing a bad check. He was convicted in Oakland County Circuit Court and, because the caper violated the terms of his sentence in the federal case, in 2004 a federal judge sentenced Hussein to seven more months in prison. In 2007, Hussein was back in court, this time in Wayne County, on insurance fraud charges. In 2008, citing a conviction in the Wayne County case, a federal judge sentenced Hussein to eight more months in Club Fed for violating the terms of his sentence agreement from the 2002 case. DPD's decision to yank Nationwide's tow permit prompted the company to sue the city in 2017. Deldin challenged the department's claims about its business practices, and said the company wasn't given a chance to defend itself before losing its piece of the action. Nationwide sought more than $100 million in damages. A federal judge agreed Nationwide was denied its right to a hearing before losing its towing privileges, but awarded the company only $1. Nationwide popped up on the city's radar again this year, when the city's Inspector General learned Nationwide's owner Sam Hussein bought ABA Impounds, which tows cars for Detroit police. The Inspector General, on Sept. 3, issued a report recounting the city's history with Nationwide and explaining that the company was not banned from doing business with Detroit only because the city's debarment ordinance was not in place at the time Detroit police raised concerns about Nationwide's business practices. The ordinance allows city officials to ban or debar disreputable companies and individuals from doing business with Detroit for up to 20 years. The Inspector General concluded its report by advising city officials to think twice before doing business with Nationwide again. "Nationwide, Sam Hussein and Louay Hussein have a history of misconduct that raises questions about their ability to act with business honesty and integrity," the report said, adding, "Nationwide, along with Sam Hussein and Louay Hussein, engaged in improper and unlawful practices that caused harm to Detroit residents." The Husseins and Deldin declined comment when I asked them about their support of Sheffield. I should note that Deldin, who I have known for nearly 20 years, donated $250 to my 2021 city council campaign after I invited him to a fundraiser. Demolition man By now, you may be wondering whether there is anything in a donor's history that would cause Sheffield to return their campaign contribution. There is: A dispute over dirty dirt. Gayanga CEO Brian McKinney donated $1,000 to Sheffield's campaign on Dec. 9, 2024, $5,000 to Detroit Next on July 18, and $8,325 to Sheffield's campaign on Sept. 4. On Sept. 11, the Inspector General suspended Gayanga and McKinney from doing business with the city after it said tests on the dirt used to fill pits left after demolishing homes "failed to meet the state's residential standards." The suspension is for up to 90 days, while the inspector general considers whether to add Gayanga and McKinney to the city's debarment list. Gayanga, a Detroit-based business that prides itself on hiring Detroiters, is challenging the city's findings. "No contractor in the demolition program has created more living wage jobs for Black and brown residents in the city of Detroit," Gayanga spokesman Shaun Wilson told me. "Due to our close proximity to the community, the safety of residents is one of our core beliefs. "We vehemently refute the complaint." Sheffield spokeswoman Brown said: "The donation from Brian McKinney was made prior to his company's suspension. Once our campaign was made aware of the suspension and subsequent appeal, the contribution was returned." (Campaign finance records filed Oct. 24, show a record for a returned payment to McKinney.) We won't know whether Detroit Next returned McKinney's lucre until the PAC files its next campaign report. By then, Detroit will have a new mayor. M.L. Elrick is a Pulitzer Prize- and Emmy Award-winning investigative reporter, director of student investigative reporting program Eye On Michigan, and host of the ML's Soul of Detroit podcast. Contact him at mlelrick@freepress.com or follow him on X at @elrick, Facebook at ML Elrick and Instagram at ml_elrick. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: You won't believe who's making donations to elect Detroit's next mayor WZO Vice Chairman Dr. Yizhar Hess denounced reports that delegates would participate in the protests. Disruptions and road closures due to the haredi IDF draft protests in Jerusalem are forcing the World Zionist Congress to reschedule proceedings from Thursday to Wednesday, and are also sparking tensions between slates over reports that some Haredi delegates are considering participating in the demonstrations. Besides a plenary that had been delayed due to failure to finalize a coalition agreement on National Institution portfolios, Wednesday was only supposed to host resolution committees, but Thursday's expected ultra-Orthodox protests have heavily contributed to the rescheduling of the closing and resolution adoption plenary to Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sound and video technicians could be seen practicing the two final plenaries in the main auditorium on Wednesday. Concern road closures, disruptions would cause missed flights Some WZC delegates have expressed concern that they will be unable to make their flights home on time due to road closures and disruptions in the country's capital. Delegates have shared that some of their ultra-orthodox colleagues are allegedly planning to attend the protests, reigniting tensions about the inclusion of haredi factions into the WZC. Some slats have questioned the legitimacy of the participation of these ultra-Orthodox factions and questioned their commitment to fundamental Zionist principles. The Jerusalem Program, the official platform of the World Zionist Organization and Zionist movement, holds that recruitment to the IDF or national service should be encouraged. Guards remove ultra-Orthodox Jewish protesters from the courtroom during a hearing on the governments draft of ultra-Orthodox Jews into the Israeli military, at the Supreme Court in Jerusalem, October 29, 2025. (credit: Chaim Goldberg/Flash90) The matter of delegate participation in the draft protests was reportedly raised during Wednesday's committee discussions on a resolution supporting an equal draft law in Israel. Proposed by the Masorti Olami slate, the resolution would include financing educational programs that explain the importance of the universal draft, while avoiding partnerships with entities that oppose the agenda. The Zionist institution would tell the Israeli government to adopt legislation that would end discrimination in the obligation to serve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yesh Atid also proposed an amendment to the WZC constitution that would require Israeli delegates to have completed military or national service, unless otherwise exempt. The proposals follow the submission of a Likud plan to draft 50% of the haredi (ultra-Orthodox) population, and mounting protests by segments of the demographic in response to the arrest of draft dodgers. WZO Vice Chairman Dr. Yizhar Hess denounced reports that delegates would participate in the protests. "National service is defined as a core Zionist value in the Jerusalem Platform, and as signatories on that platform, the ultra-Orthodox factions must immediately reject the planned participation of any of their delegates in tomorrows anti-Zionist demonstration," said Hess. "WZO must demand repayment from any delegate who traveled to Israel on the dime of the Zionist Movement and participates in promoting draft dodging. All supermarkets face recalls sooner or later, and Costco is no exception. The bulk retailer has needed to deal with a large number of haunting recalls during its operation, and as you might expect, thanks to the very nature of its business model, it's often forced to chase down a lot of stock. 2025 has been a particularly busy year in the Costco recall department, too; over the year, it's needed to warn its customers about products that could contain Listeria and botulism bacteria, products which have been labeled incorrectly and therefore pose an allergen risk, and products that could literally explode in people's kitchens. Needless to say, these folks have been working hard. In Costco's defense, a lot of its recalls haven't directly concerned its name-brand products. While a few Kirkland Signature items had to be recalled throughout 2025, a lot of its recalls concerned foods from big brands like Ritz and Jimmy Dean. That's no reason for Costco to take them less seriously, though especially when these recalls concerned large amounts of product or caused customers to become ill. Let's take a look at all the storms Costco's had to weather this year. Read more: The Brands Behind 19 Popular Kirkland Products At Costco Tuna packaged by Tri-Union Seafoods was recalled from Costco stores due to botulism concerns Six cans of Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil - Tri-Union Seafoods Although the majority of mass-produced canned food is safe for consumption, now and again a product will pose the potential for serious harm to customers. Costco was reminded of this in full force at the start of 2025, when it discovered that it was stocking canned tuna that could be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, the bacteria that cause botulism. In February, the retailer was involved in a wide-scale recall of tuna produced by Tri-Union Seafoods, and Costco stores in Georgia and Florida had to try and track down fish sold to its shoppers under the Genova brand name. The issue stemmed from a manufacturing issue with the cans, which caused their easy pull lids to potentially be compromised, thereby allowing contamination by bacteria. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's good that Tri-Union Seafoods acted when it did, as botulism is no joke. The illness, which is caused by consuming C. botulinum bacteria, can cause serious damage to the nervous system and, in severe cases, result in death. Costco got off relatively lightly here, too: Other retailers like Trader Joe's were forced to recall stock from a wide swathe of states. However, any recall that involves botulism risk is serious, no matter how contained it was right for Costco to spring into action immediately. A host of prepared foods had to be recalled because of possible Listeria contamination A two-pack of Fresh & Ready Turkey & Cheese Sandwiches on multigrain bread - Fresh & Ready In May 2025, Costco had to deal with a recall that had some pretty tragic consequences. The retailer issued a recall notice for six different pre-prepared items made by Fresh & Ready Foods, including a garlic pesto salad, an egg salad sandwich, and a turkey and cheese croissant,sold in its delis in four different states. It had come to light that these products may have been contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, which has the potential to cause serious illness and death. Prepared foods in supermarkets are a convenient choice when you don't have the energy to cook, but they can also pose a slightly bigger risk than other items. We dig into prepared sandwiches and salads without cooking or heating them, and therefore don't kill off any bacteria that could be contaminating these items. The chances of becoming sick from ready-made foods are relatively low, but being conscious doesn't stop the risk entirely, as this recall showed. Ten individuals became sick after potentially eating Fresh & Ready products in California and Nevada, and ended up needing to be hospitalized. Sadly, one person died. Topo Chico Mineral Water was recalled because of potential Pseudomonas contamination Cases of Topo-Chico bottled water - PJ McDonnell/Shutterstock Generally speaking, when retailers have to deal with recalls because of bacterial contamination, they involve Listeria, Salmonella, or Clostridium botulinum. Contamination from Pseudomonas bacteria is rarer, but no less important to deal with. In June 2025, Costco sprang into action to recall cases of Topo Chico Mineral Water sold in its stores across Texas and Louisiana. The cases, which had been sold over a span of nine days, were found to potentially contain Pseudomonas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the official recall notice issued by Coca-Cola, the company stated that the potential risks from consuming Pseudomonas are "considered to be very low in healthy individuals," and in immunocompromised people it may result in "minor health consequences." Forgive us if we feel as though that's slightly underplaying things. Pseudomonas infection can, in the worst-case scenarios, result in severe illness and even death in people who have weakened immune systems. Even in milder cases, it can create a host of nasty symptoms throughout the entire body, including nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, fever, and abscesses on the skin. It's a good thing that Coca-Cola and Costco acted when they did. A recall was issued for Ritz Cracker Sandwiches after mislabeling prompted allergy concerns Ritz Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwiches - Mondelez Global LLC One of the most common causes of recalls is mislabeling, and it's also one of the riskiest issues that retailers have to deal with. Costco found this out yet again in July 2025, when it discovered that it was stocking Ritz Cracker Sandwiches that had been placed in the wrong packaging. Throughout June and July, Costco had stocked Ritz Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwiches that contained individually wrapped packs of the snack, which were contained in foil for the Cheese variety. Mondelez Global LLC had shipped its incorrectly packaged items in three differently sized boxes and in a 20-count variety pack. Naturally, this created a huge headache for both Mondelez and Costco. While the box that contained the wrongly packaged Ritz cracker flavor had allergen information on it, the wrappers inside did not. Therefore, people who had a nut allergy could have potentially opened and eaten these peanut butter cracker sandwiches assuming they were cheese, and then experienced a serious reaction. Plus, because they were sold in bulk, it's more likely that they could have been decanted from the original box and served individually. The fact that these products had been sold for so long without anyone spotting the issue is also pretty concerning. Dubai Style Chocolate was recalled because of an incorrectly listed allergen Rolling Pin Dubai Style Chocolate - Rolling Pin Dubai Style Chocolate has been all the rage throughout 2025, so it's little surprise that Costco wanted to get in on the action. However, in moving to stock it so quickly, it appears that it may have missed some crucial information on its chosen supplier's packaging that created a subtly serious health risk. Costco had been stocking Rolling Pin Dubai Style Chocolate for almost three months before someone from the manufacturing company realized that the allergen information on its packaging was incorrect. On the back of each pack of chocolate, instead of wheat marked as a potential allergen, gluten was listed. A recall was subsequently issued for the incorrectly labeled product. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although most people who are allergic to wheat will know to check for gluten, any mislabeling when it comes to allergies is always pretty serious. Allergen information should always be as transparent and comprehensive as possible, and the lack of wheat on the label could make things easier to miss. What's even worse is that this product was sold at Costco for such a long time before anybody spotted the mishap. The good news was that nobody had become ill from eating the chocolate at the time of recall. Exploding bottles prompted a Costco prosecco recall Glasses of Prosecco - Moomusician/Shutterstock The pop of the cork from a Prosecco bottle pretty much always indicates that good times are about to happen, but sometimes, there can be a little too much bang for your buck. Costco customers who purchased Kirkland Signature Prosecco Valdobbiadene found this out in a potentially dramatic way in September 2025, when the retailer issued a recall for bottles sold between April and August of that year. In its recall notice, Costco stated that these bottles were at risk of exploding and therefore posed an immediate risk of harm. Yikes! The supermarket said that the offending bottles could shatter even when they weren't being handled, and could explode at any time on people's shelves. Although Costco didn't directly produce the Prosecco, and said that any concerns should be directed towards manufacturer Ethica Wines, there's no doubt that it had to do most of the legwork on the recall. It didn't help that Costco had been stocking these faulty bottles in 12 different states, either. It's a shame, because just like Costco's Kirkland Signature champagne, its Prosecco is a great option and is beloved by customers. We could just do with a little less exploding. Fresh Ahi Wasabi Poke was recalled because of Listeria Kirkland Signature Ahi Tuna Wasabi Poke - costcohotfinds / Instagram A lot of people can be a little squeamish around prepared fish dishes in supermarkets, and to be honest, we kinda get it. Although supermarket fish is normally totally safe to eat, now and again a recall notice gets issued that makes us rethink things. In 2025, that recall notice appeared in September, for Kirkland Signature Fresh Ahi Tuna Wasabi Poke manufactured by Western United Fish Company. The manufacturer had discovered that its poke product may have contained Listeria bacteria, and while no illnesses had been reported at the time of recall, it was clear that it had to act fast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fairness, Western United couldn't necessarily be to blame for the quality of the fish itself, which most people would likely assume might contain the Listeria. Instead, the potential contamination was linked to the green onions used in the product, which were provided by a different supplier. That didn't make the risk any less serious, though. For Costco, this recall was especially annoying. While the affected product had only been sold on one business day, it had been stocked in a whopping 33 different states. In total, it had to try and track down roughly 1.6 tons of prepared fish. We think we'll just make our own poke bowl next time. Costco was forced to recall two of its corn dog products, after major manufacturing issues A plate of corn dogs, with sauces behind them - Froggery/Getty Images There's nothing like a frozen corn dog: They're quick, they last for months, and they taste delicious especially because it's easy to upgrade your corndogs for some extra pizzazz. Well, most of the time, anyway. In 2025, customers who bought their corn dogs at Costco found that they weren't quite as tasty as they normally were, and posed a risk that they weren't quite expecting. Folks who bought corn dogs that were made both by Jimmy Dean and Foster Farms over the course of almost half the year were delivered recall notices after the companies discovered that people were finding pieces of wood embedded into the products' batter. Both companies were alerted to the issue after multiple people complained, saying that eating the compromised corn dogs had caused injury. The impact on Costco of this manufacturing issue was pretty big, especially considering that its customers had been buying the products for so long. However, the overall damage to The Hillshire Brands Company (which distributed the Jimmy Dean items) and Foster Farms was even greater. Both companies had to recall millions of pounds of stock, with Hillshire having to track down 29,000 tons of corn dogs. It's pretty amazing that there weren't more injuries, to be honest. Hungry for more? Sign up for the free Daily Meal newsletter for delicious recipes, cooking tips, kitchen hacks, and more, delivered straight to your inbox. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google. Read the original article on Daily Meal. Questioning the commitment of BJP leaders to Bengaluru city, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said today that they are not concerned with the development of the city. On Tejasvi Surya's opposition to the tunnel road project, speaking at the KPCC office, Shivakumar said, "Neither me nor Tejasvi Surya are technical experts on tunnel road. There is a team of technical experts who are in favour of the tunnel road project. We have no issues in making urban rail project as long as he gets funds from the Centre. He can take the help of Somanna, who is the Union Minister." Asked if the tunnel road project would be dropped like the steel bridge project, he said, "We are doing our work. People are supporting our initiative and I am confident it will be implemented." When asked about discussions about ministers on the change of CM, he said, "I would only appeal not to waste their precious energy by talking about unnecessary things." On whether Rahul Gandhi will be laying the foundation stone for Congress offices this month, Shivakumar replied, "I have requested time; the dates are not finalised yet. High command has asked for a report on which ministers, MLAs, MPs who have supported and not supported the Congress offices. We are preparing the report and we will submit it soon." On Sriramulu's allegation that CM and DCM have given a gift of Rs 300 crore for Bihar election, he said, "Sriramulu has given money to Congress party and we are sending the same money for Bihar elections." Replying to questions on MLC elections, he said, "There are 5-6 aspirants for each of the seats. We will be finalising candidates in about 8-10 days. We will take the opinion of MLAs and district in charge ministers on this." (ANI) MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) Messages in a bottle written by two Australian soldiers a few days into their voyage to the battlefields of France during World War I have been found more than a century later on Australias coast. The Brown family found the Schweppes-brand bottle just above the waterline at Wharton Beach near Esperance in Western Australia state on Oct. 9, Deb Brown said on Tuesday. Her husband Peter and daughter Felicity made the find during one of the familys regular quad bike expeditions to clear the beach of trash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We do a lot of cleaning up on our beaches and so would never go past a piece of rubbish. So this little bottle was lying there waiting to be picked up, Deb Brown said. Inside the clear, thick glass were cheerful letters written in pencil by Privates Malcolm Neville, 27, and William Harley, 37, dated Aug. 15, 1916. Their troop ship HMAT A70 Ballarat had left the South Australia state capital Adelaide to the east on Aug. 12 of that year on the long journey to the other side of the world where its soldiers would reinforce the 48th Australian Infantry Battalion on Europes Western Front. Neville was killed in action a year later. Harley was wounded twice but survived the war, dying in Adelaide in 1934 of a cancer his family say was caused by him being gassed by the Germans in the trenches. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neville requested the bottle's finder deliver his letter to his mother Robertina Neville at Wilkawatt, now a virtual ghost town in South Australia. Harley, whose mother was dead by 1916, was happy for the finder to keep his note. Harley wrote may the finder be as well as we are at present. Neville wrote to his mother he was having a real good time, food is real good so far, with the exception of one meal which we buried at sea. The ship was heaving and rolling, but we are as happy as Larry, Neville wrote, using a now faded Australian colloquialism meaning very happy. Neville wrote that he and his comrades were, Somewhere at Sea. Harley wrote that they were, Somewhere in the Bight, referring to the Great Australian Bight. Thats an enormous open bay that begins east of Adelaide and extends to Esperance on the western edge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deb Brown suspects the bottle didnt travel far. It likely spent more than a century ashore buried in the sand dunes. Extensive erosion of the dunes caused by huge swells along Wharton Beach in recent months probably dislodged it. The paper was wet, but the writing remained legible. Because of that, Deb Brown was able to notify both soldiers relatives of the find. The bottle is in pristine condition. It doesnt have any growth of any barnacles on it. I believe that if it had been at sea or if it had been exposed for that long, the paper wouldve disintegrated from the sun. We wouldnt have been able to read it, she said. Harley's granddaughter Ann Turner said her family was absolutely stunned by the find. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We just cant believe it. It really does feel like a miracle and we do very much feel like our grandfather has reached out for us from the grave, Turner told Australian Broadcasting Corp. Nevilles great nephew Herbie Neville said his family had been brought together by the unbelievable discovery. It sounds as though he was pretty happy to go to the war. Its just so sad what happened. Its so sad that he lost his life, Herbie Neville said. Wow. What a man he was, the great nephew added with pride. Messages in a bottle written by two Australian soldiers a few days into their voyage to the battlefields of France during World War I have been found more than a century later on Australia's coast. The Brown family found the Schweppes-brand bottle just above the waterline at Wharton Beach near Esperance in Western Australia state on Oct. 9, Deb Brown said on Tuesday. Her husband Peter and daughter Felicity made the find during one of the family's regular quad bike expeditions to clear the beach of trash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We do a lot of cleaning up on our beaches and so would never go past a piece of rubbish. So this little bottle was lying there waiting to be picked up," Deb Brown said. Inside the clear, thick glass were cheerful letters written in pencil by Privates Malcolm Neville, 27, and William Harley, 37, dated Aug. 15, 1916. Their troop ship HMAT A70 Ballarat had left the South Australia state capital Adelaide to the east on Aug. 12 of that year on the long journey to the other side of the world where its soldiers would reinforce the 48th Australian Infantry Battalion on Europe's Western Front. Neville was killed in action a year later. Harley was wounded twice but survived the war, dying in Adelaide in 1934 of a cancer his family says was caused by him being gassed by the Germans in the trenches. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neville requested the bottle's finder deliver his letter to his mother Robertina Neville at Wilkawatt, now a virtual ghost town in South Australia. Harley, whose mother was dead by 1916, was happy for the finder to keep his note. Harley wrote "may the finder be as well as we are at present." Neville wrote to his mother he was "having a real good time, food is real good so far, with the exception of one meal which we buried at sea." This photo provided by Deb Brown shows a letter discovered in a bottle in Condingup, Australia, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. / Credit: Deb Brown/AP The ship was "heaving and rolling, but we are as happy as Larry," Neville wrote, using a now faded Australian colloquialism meaning very happy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neville wrote that he and his comrades were, "Somewhere at Sea." Harley wrote that they were, "Somewhere in the Bight," referring to the Great Australian Bight. That's an enormous open bay that begins east of Adelaide and extends to Esperance on the western edge. Soldier's granddaughter "absolutely stunned" Deb Brown suspects the bottle didn't travel far. It likely spent more than a century ashore buried in the sand dunes. Extensive erosion of the dunes caused by huge swells along Wharton Beach in recent months probably dislodged it. The paper was wet, but the writing remained legible. Because of that, Deb Brown was able to notify both soldiers' relatives of the find. This photo provided by Deb Brown shows a bottle with letters inside in Condingup, Australia, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. / Credit: Deb Brown/AP The bottle "is in pristine condition. It doesn't have any growth of any barnacles on it. I believe that if it had been at sea or if it had been exposed for that long, the paper would've disintegrated from the sun. We wouldn't have been able to read it," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brown told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. she was happy the bottle was found by someone with a connection to the area. "We've filled up ute loads and ute loads over the years out here, so we never go past a piece of rubbish," she told the ABC. "We've picked up wine bottles from 10 years ago that might have a message in it, or something random." Harley's granddaughter Ann Turner said her family was "absolutely stunned" by the find. "We just can't believe it. It really does feel like a miracle and we do very much feel like our grandfather has reached out for us from the grave," Turner told Australian Broadcasting Corp. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neville's great nephew Herbie Neville said his family had been brought together by the "unbelievable" discovery. "It sounds as though he was pretty happy to go to the war. It's just so sad what happened. It's so sad that he lost is life," Herbie Neville said. "Wow. What a man he was," the great nephew added with pride. The discovery comes about a year after a message in a bottle written 200 years ago by an archaeologist was found on a French clifftop. This photo provided by Deb Brown shows a letter discovered in a bottle in Condingup, Australia, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. / Credit: Deb Brown/AP House lawmakers told their paychecks are delayed until government reopens What to expect from Trump meeting with Xi Jinping Video shows massive damage in Jamaica from Hurricane Melissa WYOMING, Mich. (WOOD) On Oct. 30, visitors to Mannys Bar and Grill can attend The HaiCuu Experience, an evening of spoken-word poetry and live performances from local musicians, hosted by Joseph Cuu Josama. I wanted people to be able to freely express themselves, Joseph Josama, artist and organizer of The HaiCuu Experience, said. Grand Rapids comedy club hosts Halloween themed show Beginning at 10 p.m., guests can enjoy a live DJ as artists take the stage and present original poems or songs to the crowd. One artist, Dez Durden, recalled an especially important performance for her at The HaiCuu Experience. On Oct. 30, visitors to Mannys Bar and Grill can attend The HaiCuu Experience, an evening of spoken-word poetry and live performances from local musicians, hosted by Joseph Cuu Josama. (Courtesy) On Oct. 30, visitors to Mannys Bar and Grill can attend The HaiCuu Experience, an evening of spoken-word poetry and live performances from local musicians, hosted by Joseph Cuu Josama. My mom was onstage with me, my grandmother was in the audience, Dez Durden, artist and collaborator with The HaiCuu Experience, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As an event organizer, Josama has gotten involved in the Grand Rapids area before, including a comedy night at AllArtWorks Viewing Studio. Josama and Durden hope that poetry fans and artists alike attend the evenings performances and appreciate the hard work of its participating artists. Grand Rapids metal art studio hosts holiday gift market Its a lot deeper than it sounds, Durden said. (Josama) curated an actual experience. Guests are encouraged to wear a Halloween costume during the event, and doors to The HaiCuu Experience open at 9 p.m. The HaiCuu Experience is free to attend. For more information, visit Josamas Facebook page. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. The Mariemont man accused of stabbing a woman and then jumping from the Purple People Bridge worked at a Wyoming elementary school. Victor Greg Nicolas, 39, was arrested on charges of felonious assault and domestic violence on Oct. 24 after Mariemont police said he stabbed a woman in his Homewood Road house multiple times and fled. The woman, 41, was cut on her right arm, according to court documents. Her injuries were not life-threatening, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After fleeing, police from Newport encountered Nicolas on the Newport Southbank Bridge, also known as the Purple People Bridge. Nicolas jumped into the Ohio River and several dozen firefighters rescued him from the water. A view of the Purple People Bridge in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. Nicolas was an intervention specialist at Hilltop Elementary School, according to a copy of an email sent to parents by Wyoming City Schools Superintendent Tim Weber. Wyoming City Schools suspended Nicolas without pay after learning of the incident, Weber said. "We are working to support our students and staff members," Weber said. "If you or your child is in need of support, please dont hesitate to reach out to your childs teacher, counselor, or building administrator." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nicolas appeared to work as an intervention specialist at Wyoming City Schools for seven years, according to a LinkedIn profile matching his description. In his role, he worked with students and parents to develop students' individual education plans. He had spent four years in the same position at Mariemont City Schools before joining Wyoming's district. Nicolas' attorney, Steve Kilburn, did not return a call from The Enquirer requesting comment. Nicolas remains in custody at the Hamilton County Justice Center on no bond, according to court records. He is expected to appear in Hamilton County Municipal Court next on Oct. 31. Latest: 'Don't overlook it.' Domestic violence cases are hard. A change in approach helps victims This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Wyoming school worker faces charges in Mariemont stabbing Moses Loynes, an election officer in Henrico County, leans against a ballot counting machine as voters trickle through the polling place at Charles M. Johnson Elementary School on Election Day 2020. (Ned Oliver/Virginia Mercury) If you are worried about American democracy, you have plenty of company. Who your company is, though, depends on your concern. Progressives worry that people who are entitled to vote might be prevented from doing so. Conservatives worry that some who do vote might not be entitled to. Both worry that the other side is looking for a way to game the counting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fortunately, there is an easy cure for these anxieties: serve as an election officer. As Ive learned from my own experience here in Virginia, volunteering in the service of democracy is both an education in the mechanics of elections and an antidote to conspiracy theories. When I hear rumors and speculation about ballot-stuffing or noncitizens and dead people voting, I know those fearmongers never spent a day working the polls from the inside. I got a start as an election officer in a roundabout way. In 2004, I joined hundreds of Virginia lawyers volunteering for election protection in that years presidential election, trying to ensure that everyone who registered to vote, regardless of party, had the opportunity to cast their ballot in the presidential race. Afterwards, a number of us convened to talk about the problems wed seen and to draw up a wish list of state-level reforms that we took to the General Assembly. We joined forces with a group of cybersecurity experts at Virginia Verified Voting who had a related mission to address the threat to election machines from computer hacking. At the time, most Virginia localities used what were called direct record electronic (DRE) machines. DREs were purpose-built computers with touchscreens. They were mostly easy to use but provided no paper trail, making recounts effectively impossible. Worse, national experts had shown how easily a malicious actor could access the DRE machines to change votes. A hacker would need to change only a small number of votes to alter the outcome of a close election. In the estimation of one expert, the DREs we were using were the worst voting machines in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The solution offered by the reform coalition was to ditch the DREs in favor of paper ballots that voters feed into an optical-scan ballot counter, with the paper ballots securely stored in case a recount is required. Voting machines are a big investment, making many legislators hesitant, so the lobbying effort took years. Eventually, however, the General Assembly told local registrars they had to move to the paper ballots and scanners that our polling stations use today. Since then, our legislature has strengthened security protections further to provide for regular audits. Virginia law now lays out precise instructions covering vote counting, ballot and machine security, data storage and routine audits. As registrars from Norfolk, Henrico, the city of Richmond and Virginia Beach explained to the Virginia Mercurys team recently, these layers of security measures, together with the presence of election officers from both parties at the polls and during the counting, makes it exceptionally difficult to tamper with vote tallies. Other elements of our reform coalitions agenda also made it into law, though that, too, took several more years. Perhaps most important, absentee and early voting have expanded to allow more elderly and disabled citizens to vote, as well as to accommodate workers with inflexible or unpredictable schedules. On the other hand, the battle over whether citizens who lack a government-issued photo ID can vote may never be permanently resolved (currently the answer is yes). By that time, I had decided the best way I could help voters would be to serve as an election officer myself. Under state law, any registered voter can volunteer as a poll worker and believe me, it is work. Election officers must undergo training, show up on Election Day by 5 a.m. and stay until 8 or 9 at night when the counting is over and the machines and ballots have been properly secured. Considering the demands, it is remarkable that the median age of poll workers nationwide is 64. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seeing the process from the inside is especially instructive for anyone convinced that nefarious actors on a mission to destroy American values might be engaged in illegal shenanigans in our precincts, abetted by insiders from the other party. Frankly, that would be hard. Registering to vote requires documentation including a Social Security number, precinct rules require participation from members of both major political parties, and voting procedures make it extremely difficult for anyone other than a registered voter to cast a ballot. The kinds of scenarios that most people worry about, typically involving imposters voting in place of dead people and non-citizens trying to cast votes, are vanishingly rare. That shouldnt be a surprise: casting a fraudulent ballot or voting twice in the same election is a felony offense. The upside potential just isnt worth jail time. This is not to say the system is perfect. Every year, citizens are prevented from voting because their names have been improperly purged from the rolls or they moved homes between elections or they didnt learn that their precinct location changed. I continue to be disappointed by legislators who are more concerned about the theoretical possibility that one person might vote illegally than by the certainty that barriers imposed in the name of election integrity keep actual, legal U.S. citizens from participating. Im also disappointed in my fellow citizens who dont make the effort to vote, especially in the state and local elections where whats at stake are the policies that most affect our day-to-day lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democracy has been a rare and precious privilege through much of human civilization, yet most Americans today have grown up taking our right to vote for granted. Some of our great-grandmothers won the battle for (most) womens suffrage over a hundred years ago, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which finally gave teeth to the 15th Amendment, celebrated its 60th anniversary this year. The right that people marched, fought, were jailed, and even died for is now a bedrock American value. If anyone out there waxes nostalgic for the restrictions in place at our nations founding, when the franchise was restricted to white male landowners, they are just bright enough not to say it publicly. But rights, like muscles, atrophy when they arent exercised. In non-presidential elections such as the one coming up in Virginia on November 4th, turnout among registered voters typically averages below 50%. Even the last presidential election saw turnout in our state below 70%. Turnout in primary elections, which in heavily red or blue areas typically determines the winner of the general election, is usually in the single digits. And turnout numbers dont take into account the more than 25% of voting-age citizens who are unable or dont bother to register. Secure elections and voting rights protections are both critical to our confidence in Election Day outcomes. Just as important, though, is that citizens take their own responsibility seriously. Preserving democracy doesnt mean we all have to serve as election officers, though I recommend it. It does, however, require us to educate ourselves about the issues and the candidates and then show up and vote. Editors note: This column was produced in partnership with Keep Our Republic, a civic education nonprofit. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Yair Netanyahu is expected to receive one of the five senior positions, with a salary similar to that of a government minister, including an office and car. Yesh Atid and the Democrats Party voided a deal with Likud over sharing appointments to the World Zionist Organization. This comes in response to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's son, Yair, being chosen as a World Zionist Organization board member on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As soon as his name was announced, all discussion at the World Zionist Congress stopped. Everyone is shocked by the decision, and the agreement is currently at risk," said a source from Yesh Atid. Yesh Atid said in a statement, "We heard with astonishment the despicable decision to appoint Yair Netanyahu to a senior position in the Zionist institutions. Yesh Atid will not sign any such agreement in the WZO." Yair Netanyahu, son of former Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives for a court hearing in the defamation lawsuit filed by former MK Stav Shafir in Tel Aviv, on November 29, 2022. (credit: Avshalom Sassoni/ Flash90) "This is a corrupt and shameful appointment, and a step in the destruction of Israel's national institutions," a statement from the Democrats Party read. "Yair Netanyahu, a person who has dedicated his life to incitement and division, is unworthy of representing the Jewish people or enjoying public status and funds. We will not cooperate with this disgraceful appointment, and will do everything to block the mafia-like takeover by the Netanyahu family," the Democrats Party added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We've completely lost our minds. The peak of the filth - the appointment of Yair Netanyahu, who fled the country during wartime, to a senior position in the Zionist institutions as part of a deal with opposition parties," Yoaz Hendel's Reservists Party said in a statement. "There's no one there who thinks that after a war like this, it's even symbolically appropriate to appoint reservists, or just someone who did something for the country in the last two years. There's everything here except Zionism," the statement continued. Yair Netanyahu is expected to manage the hasbara department and would receive conditions equivalent to a minister. He would also receive an office and a car. Yisrael Beytenu supported Netanyahu's appointment as part of a deal, in which Yesh Atid received the Finance Department and the chairmanship of the Jewish National Fund for Meir Cohen. WZC technically extended two weeks to vote later to officiate positions The World Zionist Congress voted to technically extend the convention by two weeks to allow delegates to vote to officiate the national institution positions agreed upon in a coalition agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Congress continued voting too late into the night, and the following days programming was cancelled due to expected haredi protests that would disrupt delegates' ability to travel home. Before the vote, Culture and Sport Minister Miki Zohar, on behalf of the Likud, sought to appoint Yair Netanyahu to the World Zionist Organization board, which had been expanded to 24 seats in a constitutional amendment. Zohar was backed by the prime minister in his bid for leadership of World Likud, which had devolved into a power struggle between him and a faction led by WZO chairman Yaakov Hagoel. The coalition agreement would see World Mizrachi CEO Rabbi Doron Perez become the new chairman of the World Zionist Organization. There would be a power-sharing rotation with Yesh Atid in the second half of the term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leadership of Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund is set to be split between Yesh Atid and the Likud, in another rotation. MK Meir Cohen is set to be the chairman of KKL-JNF on behalf of Yesh Atid, ending his service as a member of the Knesset in the coming weeks. Cohen is one of the founders of the Yesh Atid party and is set to be replaced by Oz Haim. Michael Starr contributed to this report. [Source] New York Atty. Gen. Letitia James has opened a Federal Action Reporting Portal to collect photos and videos of possible violations during federal immigration enforcement. What you need to know: The web-based portal enables New Yorkers to submit visual documentation and location details of ICE operations for potential legal review. The platform includes specific fields for uploading images, videos and geographic information about enforcement encounters, and submissions require users to acknowledge that the attorney general may utilize provided materials in public filings, court proceedings or official statements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every New Yorker has the right to live without fear or intimidation, James said in announcing the initiative. She specifically urged witnesses of last weeks raid in Manhattans Chinatown to share footage, saying they are committed to reviewing these reports and assessing any violations of law. Driving the news: The portal emerged after federal agents raided Chinatown and arrested nine immigrants on counterfeiting charges last Wednesday. Officers from ICE, Border Patrol, FBI, DEA and ATF converged on Canal Street in military fatigues and tactical gear, with some armed with long guns. Federal authorities characterized the operation as an intelligence-driven enforcement action targeting counterfeit merchandise sales in an area frequented by tourists. The following day, hundreds gathered outside ICEs New York headquarters to demonstrate. Trending on NextShark: Keke Palmer series sparks backlash for portrayal of Asian student at HBCU Why this matters: For Asian American communities, the aggressive federal presence in a neighborhood developed by Chinese immigrants across generations demonstrates that traditional ethnic enclaves may no longer provide community protection. The concern deepens with evidence of appearance-based enforcement tactics. With Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons pledging an increase in ICE arrests in New York and Apple having removed the ICEBlock tracking app at the Trump administrations request, mixed-status families have lost a key safety tool while facing intensified enforcement. For now, the Immigrant Legal Resource Centers Red Cards offer practical use in asserting legal rights during immediate encounters with ICE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices. Trending on NextShark: Hmong refugee pardoned by Michigan governor still faces deportation to Laos Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what were building, consider becoming a paid member your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community. Subscribe here now! Trending on NextShark: New York AG launches portal to report ICE following Chinatown raid Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today! Crime and public safety are among the key issues in the race for New York City mayor. Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa all sat down with Eyewitness News anchor Bill Ritter, who asked them about their plans to protect New Yorkers. Here's where Cuomo, Sliwa and Mamdani stand on hiring more police officers: All three say "yes" to keeping Jessica Tisch as NYPD commissioner: But they differ on the future of Rikers Island: ---------- * Get Eyewitness News Delivered * More New York City news * Send us a news tip * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts * Follow us on YouTube Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply. YORK COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) A crypto scam message went out through a York County townships notification system Tuesday. Springettsbury Township Police Department shared an image of the message, which it said had no affiliation with the township or the department, urging residents not to respond to it or contact the sender. It came through as a text message from an event notification system the township uses. Close Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News Alerts The message reads in part: Springettsbury Township Important Message: We are inviting you to come invest in Crypto-Trading with us where money works for you and invest in your future today. It included a link and phone number that does not belong to the township. A screen capture shows the scam message sent out through Springettsbury Townships notification system Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. A link and phone number has been obscured. | Springettsbury Township Police Department Police said the townships IT department is working to resolve the issue. 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. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) Youngstown City Council joined other community members on stage Tuesday evening at the Ford Family Recital Hall to discuss how $82.7 million in American Rescue Plan money was spent. Read next: JobsNOW: Lordstown coil maker hiring at all levels All of the money has been spoken for, with a large portion going to neighborhood and economic development. Youngstown Finance Director Kyle Miasek began the town hall session by explaining that the aim of the $82.7 million of American Rescue Plan money was to create legacy projects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That was going to make the community healthier, better, and have the ability to hopefully convince others to see Youngstown in a different light, Miasek said. As of Dec. 31, 2024, $27 million had been allocated to neighborhood and economic development, $10.6 million to parks, $10 million to public health, $7.2 million to public works, $2.8 million to crime prevention and $450,000 to youth and seniors. There are specifications. We cant just spend on anything, said Councilman Mike Ray. Ray expanded on the money spent on parks. We inventoried the parks and what parks we actually had and what needed improvement came up with a standard of what a park should basically have and funded those accordingly, Ray said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Councilman Julius Oliver addressed the critics of how the money was spent, saying that in a city of 60,000 people, only a few gave their input. The things that happened in our specific wards are catered specifically to those citizens who came and spoke to us, who said what they wanted to see, Oliver said. Councilman Jimmy Hughes represents the East Side. He said he spent some of the $2 million allocation on the McGuffey Center and helping businesses trying to survive. What Hughes wants is money to be spent on roads. We take probably six short streets a year, but they want to see more and more of that. I have streets that havent been tended to in decades and decades, Hughes said. Councilwoman Anita Davis said the ARP money was spent on things that will bring people into the city. A thing that says you want to make this your home, and that to me was that these ARP dollars allowed us to do, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though all $82.7 million of ARP money has been allocated, $26.5 million still needs to be spent, and is expected to be by the end of next 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 WKBN.com. In a tit-for tat, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Wednesday called Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma a "third- class crook", days after the latter called the former "first-class idiot" as the two leaders continue to spar amid controversy surrounding the setting up of semi-conductor industries in two BJP-ruled states instead of Bengaluru. Priyank Kharge sparked controversy with remarks questioning the decision to set up semiconductor industries in Assam and Gujarat instead of Bengaluru, asking, "What is there in Gujarat and Assam? Is there talent there?" His comments, made on Sunday, have drawn sharp backlash from political opponents, who accused him of insulting other states. Kharge told reporters, "It shows his class privilege and the privilege that he has got by virtue of the chair. Otherwise, there is nothing to it. Very clearly, he is misinterpreting my statements, making it political. But the fact remains that he himself had tweeted that many people from Assam are coming to Bengaluru for training. We welcome them. Nobody is saying no. Mr Sarma's language shows his desperation. What else can we expect from a third-class crook?" CM Himanta Sarma told reporters on October 27 that junior Kharge "insulted" the youth of Assam by calling them "uneducated". "Priyank Kharge is a first-class idiot. He has insulted Assamese youth, and Congress has not yet condemned this. Perhaps, we might file a case against him because he has said that Assam does not have educated youth. It is an insult to the entire Assamese youth." On the other hand, Assam Minister Pijush Hazarika said, "Serial Assam Abuser Kharge Senior and Junior keep mocking Assam's culture while spineless cowards in @INCAssam keep swallowing these insults. Even Cong allies in Assam have shown some courage to push back, but what can you expect from Paaijaan?"" What the hell do you mean, Thank You? Listen @PriyankKharge - you have ZERO role in the training of our youth in Tata facilities nationwide. All you and your dad have done is abuse and mock Assam's culture and icons. Don't worry, in 2026, Cong will pay for all of this," Assam Minister Pijush Hazarika wrote on X in another post. (ANI) YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) Reports said police Tuesday found a semiautomatic rifle and pistol in a car they chased on the South Side. The driver of the car, Jqwan Talley, 28, was booked into the Mahoning County jail on a third-degree felony count of failure to comply with the order or signal of a police officer, a fourth-degree felony count of improper handling of firearms in a motor vehicle and misdemeanor counts of failure to disclose personal information and resisting arrest. He is expected to be arraigned later Tuesday in municipal court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reports said officers tried to pull over a car Talley was driving about 3:15 p.m. at Market Street and West Hylda Avenue for an illegal turn. Instead of stopping, however, the car used the turning lane to go around traffic, going north on Market Street before turning onto Hillman Street, where it stopped at West Princeton Avenue, according to a police report. Talley told police he had no guns in the car when asked, but after police found the rifle and pistol on the floor in the back, he was charged with improper handling because he lied, reports said. Reports said Talley refused to give his name when asked, and when handcuffed, he tried to move his cuffs from the back to the front. Police found Talleys identification card in the car when they searched it before it was towed, reports said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. NEED TO KNOW In New Zealand, conservationists are looking at new ways to protect the country's native bird species, some of which were believed to be extinct for decades As they attempt to eradicate invasive species that pose a threat to the flightless birds, they are turning to AI The goal is to have the country pest-free by 2050 New Zealand is turning to artificial intelligence to find new ways to protect incredibly rare species of birds that were once thought to be extinct. The country's bird population was decimated when settlers moved in hundreds of years ago, bringing invasive species such as stoats, a relative of ferrets, rats and similar mammals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flightless birds like the takahe, with their distinctive red beak and legs, and the kakapo, a bright green parrot that weighs as much as 8 lbs., were not prepared to adapt to the creatures that came with the settlers. Lei Zhu/Getty A Kakapo parrot A Kakapo parrot In 1898, the takahe was declared extinct, according to The Guardian. However, in 1948 scientists realized that a small population of the creatures still survived, leading to a conservation effort that's ongoing decades later. There are now more than 500 takahe living in New Zealand, according to NPR. Keeping the breed and other native species alive is challenging. New Zealand is currently dedicated to eradicating invasive species that pose a threat to birds by 2050. In the meantime, they have developed ecosanctuaries, which NPR described as "the equivalent of a high-security facility for wildlife, complete with a Jurassic Park-style fence." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Madison Kelly, who works at an ecosanctuary called Orokonui noted that the space is more than a "biodiversity project," saying, "It's also a community project a place where some of our stories, our forests, our species, our taoka our treasures, can be active." These sanctuaries are designed to keep invasive species out, but they aren't foolproof and cannot be the only solution to the problem. That's where the goal of eradicating invasive species comes into play. However, doing so poses a challenge thanks to the sheer size of the country. Efforts to trap and humanely euthanize pests comes with expenses estimated at over $100 million annually. According to NPR, scientists are looking for new, more affordable solutions. For some, that means the use of AI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The outlet noted that new traps are equipped with sensors and mechanisms that allow them to reset and lay bait. Additional technology includes AI-assisted cameras, which help ensure that the trap is only targeting identified species. "Machine learning and artificial intelligence can really help improve our work, save us a lot of time and money and actually make it so much more effective," Jonah Kitto-Verhoef of the Halo Project, a group managing the traps, told NPR. The conservationist reflected on the efforts, saying that he believed that "animals that have been here for millions of years, evolving in isolation, have an intrinsic right to life." To preserve them, he believed it was fair to eliminate invasive species. snoopaya/Getty A takahe bird A takahe bird 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. Brent Beaven, a manager of the Predator Free 2050 program at New Zealand's Department of Conservation, told NPR that the group might realize their 2050 goal is "unrealistic." However, that doesn't mean that they will be unsuccessful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We'll still be in a position where we've created a whole lot of new tools and technology that's going to allow us to better protect our native wildlife," he said. He continued, saying, "We should have thriving native wildlife in areas like we've never had before, so there is no loss to this." According to Beaven, the use of technology can be responsible for "completely step-changing the way we approach conservation in New Zealand." "We want to keep refining and developing new technology to drive that cost down, because trying to achieve eradication over 26 million hectares is going to be quite a pricey exercise," he shared. Read the original article on People President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged Donald Trump to press China to end its support for Russia in its war against Ukraine when the US President meets his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, during a tour of Asia this week. In wide-ranging comments made to reporters that were released on October 28, the Ukrainian leader said he was ready to hold peace talks anywhere except for Russia and its ally Belarus, though Ukraine is not ready to cede territory. "It's absolutely clear that we're approaching diplomacy only from the position where we currently stand. We will not take any steps back and leave one part of our state or another," Zelenskyy said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "And the important result is that the American side finally made this a public signal: President Trump came out with such a message," he added in a reference to Trump recently backing Kyiv's call for an immediate ceasefire on current lines. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told a security conference in Minsk on October 28 that Moscow hopes Trump "remains sincerely committed to resolving the Ukrainian crisis and will uphold the principles that were developed at the summit in Anchorage. Lavrov was referring to an August meeting between Putin and Trump in Alaska in which Moscow has said Putins position was that Russia would agree to end the war only after eliminating the primary causes of the conflict -- namely the disarming of Ukraine and the ceding of territory lost to Russia during the war. It wasn't immediately clear what specifically Lavrov was referring to. The Russians initially portrayed the Anchorage summit as a significant step toward peace, but Russia's continued barrage of Ukrainian cities, and its unwillingness to halt fighting, even along current frontlines, has soured Trump and US negotiators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelenskyy's comments come as Russia appears to be making a breakthrough on the battlefield around the key city of Pokrovsk, which Russian troops have been trying to capture for over a year. The Ukrainian leader admitted "around 200 Russians" have entered the eastern city, which is currently their "main target." Pokrovsk, a city of about 7,000 inhabitants -- down from more than 60,000 prewar -- holds crucial road and rail junctions and has been under threat of encirclement by Russian forces for most of the year. In early October, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that Russian troops had entered the city, but Ukrainian officials at the time denied the report and said Kremlin forces continued to suffer heavy losses in the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukrainian military expert Roman Svitan told Current Time on October 28 that Ukrainian troops have been sent in to stem any further advance. "The situation [in Pokrovsk] is difficult for [Ukraine], but it's just as difficult for the Russians because they're under two-flank attacks," he said. Trump, who last week said he is not going "to be wasting my time by meeting with Putin if the Kremlin leader is not ready to make a deal to end his war on Ukraine, is on a week-long tour of Asia that is expected to culminate with a meeting with Xi on October 30 in South Korea. Related: Venezuela Demands Details on Exxons Trinidad Exploration Zelenskyy said the meeting is an opportunity for Trump to further ratchet up pressure on Russia after his administration sent shockwaves across global energy markets on October 22 by sanctioning state-controlled Rosneft and privately owned LUKoil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two are Russias largest oil companies, whose exports go a long way toward filling the Kremlins coffers used to fund the war. Observers are watching closely to gauge reactions by India and China -- the two biggest buyers of Russian oil exports. China is one of Moscows top allies and trading partners, sourcing much of its Russian energy via Siberian pipelines. "I think this may be one of [Trump's] strong moves, especially if, following this decisive sanctions step, China is ready to reduce imports" from Russia, Zelenskyy said. In the meantime, Zelenskyy said Ukraine's European and Western allies will likely need to continue providing financial support for the coming two or three years if peace talks aren't successful and Ukraine has to continue to repel invading Russian forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement European Union leaders on October 24 stopped short of a deal to use frozen Russian state assets to fund Ukraine, after Belgium -- where most of the money is held -- raised legal and technical concerns about the proposal. "I emphasized this again to all European leaders. I told them that we are not going to fight for decades, but you must show that for some time you will be able to provide stable financial support to Ukraine," Zelenskyy said. "And that is why they have this program in mind -- 2-3 years," Zelensky said, referring to Brussels' plans to tap Russia's frozen assets to help Kyiv. By RFE/RL More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oilprice Intelligence brings you the signals before they become front-page news. This is the same expert analysis read by veteran traders and political advisors. Get it free, twice a week, and you'll always know why the market is moving before everyone else. You get the geopolitical intelligence, the hidden inventory data, and the market whispers that move billions - and we'll send you $389 in premium energy intelligence, on us, just for subscribing. Join 400,000+ readers today. Get access immediately by clicking here. In a groundbreaking development that will connect two of the world's most visited destinations, Japanese low-cost carrier ZIPAIR has announced plans to operate the first-ever nonstop passenger flights between Tokyo and Orlando, marking a historic milestone in aviation and tourism. The airline, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Japan Airlines (JAL), will operate four charter flights between Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) and Orlando International Airport (MCO) from February 23 to March 10, 2026, establishing the first direct air link between Japan and Florida, and indeed, between Florida and the entire Asia-Pacific region. Breaking New Ground The announcement, made Tuesday at the Hotel New Otani in Tokyo before an audience of Disney executives, government representatives, and tourism officials, represents more than just a new route, it's a calculated bet on the potential for regular service between two tourism powerhouses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our partnership with ZIPAIR is more than just a new route. It's history," said Lance Lyttle, CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. "This will be the first-ever nonstop passenger flight between Asia Pacific and the state of Florida. The partnership is a testament to the economic strength we share between our communities." The 7,251-mile route will be served by ZIPAIR's Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, featuring the airline's signature unbundled service model with 18 "ZIP Full-Flat" premium seats and 272 standard economy seats. Flight times are estimated at 13-15 hours depending on wind conditions. Disney Magic Connection Image Credit: Shutterstock The timing and partnership details reveal the strong Disney connection driving this initiative. Disney Destinations International is collaborating on the charter service, offering exclusive promotions for Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, creating a direct link between Tokyo Disney Resort and its Florida counterpart. "Direct connectivity between Orlando and Tokyo brings Disney magic closer than ever," said Faron Kelley, Senior Vice President of Disney Destinations Sales Strategy & Solutions. "Whether it's exploring the wonder of Walt Disney World Resort or enjoying the enchantment of Tokyo Disney Resort, this new nonstop flight opens the door to unforgettable vacations and cherished memories for families and friends on both sides of the globe." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The flights are strategically scheduled during late February and early March, traditionally a slower period for tourism, with departures from Narita in the afternoon arriving in Orlando the same day, and return flights leaving Orlando in the afternoon to arrive in Tokyo the following evening. Testing the Waters While the flights are being marketed as charter services, industry observers recognize this as a classic market-testing exercise. Various authorities are clearly providing financial support for the four roundtrip flights, hoping to demonstrate demand that could justify regular scheduled service. According to booking data, approximately 115,000 passengers traveled between Tokyo and Orlando in 2024, currently requiring connections through hubs like Chicago O'Hare, Toronto, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, or Los Angeles. The journey typically takes 18 hours or longer with current routing options. ZIPAIR President Shingo Nishida called the service "a historic achievement," noting that "Orlando is home to numerous world-class theme parks and by operating these charter flights for travelers from Japan, we hope to meet our customers' expectations when they experience ZIPAIR's new standard in air travel." The ZIPAIR Advantage The route represents ZIPAIR's longest service to date and showcases the airline's unique position in the market. Established in 2018 as JAL's long-haul low-cost subsidiary, ZIPAIR has carved out a niche as what it calls a "NEW BASIC AIRLINE," neither a traditional full-service carrier nor a typical budget airline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The carrier operates an all-Boeing 787 fleet, currently serving ten international destinations from Tokyo Narita, including five U.S. cities: Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, Houston, and Vancouver. Its business model emphasizes low base fares with a la carte pricing for additional services, allowing passengers to customize their travel experience. "ZIPAIR isn't just any airline; it's an entirely new kind of airline that leverages technology to provide an efficient, more accessible travel experience," noted John Aitken, Director of Aviation at San Jose's Mineta International Airport, when ZIPAIR launched service there. Market Potential and Challenges Image Credit: Marianne Paluso The Orlando-Tokyo route faces significant challenges that explain why no airline has previously attempted regular service. At nearly 7,300 miles, it represents an extremely long flight with primarily leisure demand, making it difficult to achieve the load factors and yields necessary for sustainable operations. However, the route connects two of the world's premier tourism destinations. Orlando, anchored by Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and other theme parks, welcomed millions of international visitors annually pre-pandemic. Tokyo, with its Disney Resort, cultural attractions, and business significance, remains one of Asia's top destinations for American travelers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The charter flights will also test ZIPAIR's operational capabilities on such a long route while gauging passenger willingness to endure extended flight times for the convenience of direct service. Tourism and Economic Impact Central Florida tourism leaders have enthusiastically embraced the announcement, viewing it as a potential gateway to the lucrative Asian market. Tokyo had been Orlando's largest unserved Asian market, representing significant untapped potential. "This new direct air service from Tokyo is a landmark moment for Orlando, opening an entirely new gateway and making us the first destination in Florida with connectivity with Asia," said Casandra Matej, President and CEO of Visit Orlando. The route could strengthen economic ties beyond tourism, potentially facilitating business travel and cultural exchange between Central Florida's technology and aerospace industries and Japan's tech sector. Looking to the Future While aviation industry veterans remain skeptical about the long-term viability of regular Tokyo-Orlando service, the charter flights represent an important experiment in connecting underserved markets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Travel and tourism leaders say the charter flights could lay the groundwork for additional service between Orlando and Tokyo," according to industry analysis, though historically such promotional flights rarely lead to permanent service unless airlines were already planning regular operations. The success of these flights could influence other carriers to consider similar experimental routes, particularly as the Boeing 787 and other efficient aircraft make previously unviable routes economically feasible. A Historic Moment Regardless of whether the charter flights lead to regular service, the announcement marks a significant milestone in aviation history. The flights will be remembered as the first passenger service linking Florida directly to North Asia, opening a new chapter in transpacific aviation. For passengers, the flights offer a unique opportunity to experience ZIPAIR's innovative service model on one of the world's longest routes, potentially at a fraction of the cost of traditional carriers' connecting services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As ZIPAIR continues to redefine long-haul low-cost travel, the Tokyo-Orlando charter represents the airline's boldest experiment yet, one that could reshape how travelers think about reaching the world's premier destinations. The flights begin February 23, 2026, marking not just a new route, but a new era of connectivity between East and West, mouse ears and cherry blossoms, and the magic that happens when two iconic destinations finally connect directly through the clouds. A U.S. Air Force Reserve crew from the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, known as the Hurricane Hunters, flies through Hurricane Melissa on Oct. 27, 2025. The photo, taken by Lt. Col. Mark Withee, a navigator with the 53rd WRS, shows the crew making a pass through the storm to collect vital weather data for the National Hurricane Center. (Lt. Col. Mark Withee, U.S. Air Force) After making landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday and a second landfall in Cuba early Wednesday, Hurricane Melissa is now moving north through the Bahamas. As of 5 p.m. ET, Melissa had been downgraded to a Category 1 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 90 mph. It was located around 80 miles southeast of the central Bahamas, moving northeast at 16 mph. As the storm moves north, the National Hurricane Center continues to warn of dangerous winds and extreme rainfall for the Bahamas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "On the forecast track, the core of Melissa is expected to move across the southeastern or central Bahamas this evening, and is forecast to pass near or to the west of Bermuda late Thursday and Thursday night," the NHC said in its latest advisory. In eastern Cuba, heavy rainfall brought "life-threatening and potentially catastrophic flash flooding with numerous landslides," according to meteorologists. The NHC is warning that storm surge of 4 to 7 feet "above normally dry ground is possible in the southeastern Bahamas today, and minor coastal flooding is possible in the Turks and Caicos Islands today." Melissa has been blamed for dozens of deaths across Jamaica, Haiti and the Dominican Republic. In Jamaica, at least eight people have been reported dead, including an infant, according to the Associated Press. The Jamaican government said it could not yet confirm a death toll. At least one person has been reported dead in the Dominican Republic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Haiti, the mayor of Petit-Goave said at least 20 people died after the banks of the La Digue river burst and flooded nearby homes. The total number of confirmed dead in Haiti was 25 as of Wednesday evening, according to the Associated Press. The storm is forecast to maintain its strength as it heads northeast into the Atlantic overnight. It is expected to still be a hurricane when it passes Bermuda late on Thursday. Our live coverage has ended for the day. Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Earth Sciences, and Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office, Dr. Jitendra Singh, arrived in Mizoram on a one-day official visit on Wednesday. During a media interaction at the BJP Mizoram State Office, Dr. Singh said that "the Central Government is taking continuous steps to ensure that Central schemes and welfare programmes reach the grassroots level in Mizoram. He added that special focus is being given to promoting youth participation, innovation, and entrepreneurship through science and technology initiatives." Highlighting the BJP's commitment to the Northeast region, Dr. Singh noted that, "the area has witnessed unprecedented development under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has visited the region over 70 times, more than any previous Prime Minister. He said the transformation of the "Look East Policy" into the "Act East Policy" demonstrates the government's strong focus on strengthening the Northeast's connectivity and development." Dr. Singh described the BJP-led states in the Northeast as successful examples of the "Double Engine Government" model, which strengthens development through close coordination between the Centre and State governments. He asserted that Prime Minister Modi's vision aims to ensure balanced and inclusive growth across all northeastern states, citing Assam and Arunachal Pradesh as examples of rapid progress under BJP governance. Referring to the ongoing Dampa bye-election, Singh said the contest holds significant importance for the BJP. Since the party is determined to secure victory, he himself has joined the campaign. He mentioned that senior BJP leaders from Assam and Nagaland have also come to Mizoram to support the campaign. He further stated that if the "BJP candidate wins, starting November 14, the party will focus on delivering steady and result-oriented governance rather than making repeated announcements." Union Minister reiterated that the Modi Government remains deeply committed to the development of all states in India. However, for the Central schemes to be implemented effectively, there must be strong coordination between State and Central governments, which, he said, is the essence of the Double Engine model of governance. Dr. Singh is scheduled to address a public meeting in Silsuri on Thursday, October 30, before departing for New Delhi later in the evening via Lengpui Airport. (ANI) In this photo illustration, Mifepristone and misoprostol are seen at Wyoming's last abortion clinic, Wellspring Center, on March 10 in Casper, Wyo. Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday (local time) concluded his visit to Brussels, after having "intense but very productive" engagements with Maros Sefcovic, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security of the European Union, on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. The talks have resulted in the creation of a framework that will significantly support businesses on both sides, delivering a "win-win" situation for the EU and India. "Concluded my visit to Brussels, after intense but very productive engagements with Maros Sefcovic, EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, on advancing a comprehensive India-EU FTA. The talks have significantly reduced our outstanding issues and allowed us to create the framework that will help deliver a win-win for our economies," Piyush Goyal said in a post on X. "The negotiations and discussions have laid the foundation for a robust and balanced agreement, which will significantly support businesses on both sides and add to the potential for mutual growth," he added. https://x.com/PiyushGoyal/status/1983190002172367353 The Commerce Minister further expressed his commitment to realise the India-EU FTA. "We are committed to realising the common vision of our leaders, PM Narendra Modi ji and EU President Ursula von der Leyen, for shared prosperity of our people through innovation, trade, investments, and job creation," he said. Goyal was on a two-day October 27-28 official visit to Brussels. Minister Goyal began his visit to Brussels with a meeting with Johann Wadephul, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany, to strengthen discussions on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). On Monday, Goyal shared the details of his meeting on X, saying, "Began my visit to Brussels with a meeting with Johann Wadephul, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, Germany, @AussenMinDE. Our discussions spanned key areas of mutual interest and growth, reaffirming the robust India-Germany strategic partnership and our shared commitment to an early conclusion of the India-EU FTA." According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Minister's trip was aimed at giving political and strategic direction to the ongoing talks, which recently saw progress during the 14th round of negotiations held earlier this month. This visit took place against the backdrop of the India-EU partnership gaining renewed strategic depth following the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen earlier this year. The two leaders had highlighted the importance of a future-ready trade relationship that advances prosperity, sustainability, and innovation on both sides. (ANI) The United States military carried out multiple strikes on four boats in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing 14 people and leaving one survivor, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said. In a post on X, Pete Hegseth stated that the four vessels were transiting along known narco-trafficking routes and carrying narcotics. The strikes are part of President Donald Trump's intensified campaign against suspected drug-smuggling networks operating in international waters. According to Hegseth, Mexican authorities have taken over the search and rescue operation for the sole survivor. The latest operation marked the first time that several strikes were conducted on the same day under the new campaign. "The four vessels were known by our intelligence apparatus, transiting along known narco-trafficking routes, and carrying narcotics. Eight male narco-terrorists were aboard the vessels during the first strike. Four male narco-terrorists were aboard the vessel during the second strike. Three male narco-terrorists were aboard the vessel during the third strike. A total of 14 narco-terrorists were killed during the three strikes, with one survivor. All strikes were in international waters with no U.S. forces harmed," Pete Hegseth said in a post on X. Regarding the survivor, USSOUTHCOM immediately initiated Search and Rescue (SAR) standard protocols; Mexican SAR authorities accepted the case and assumed responsibility for coordinating the rescue," he added. The strikes have brought the total number of U.S. military operations targeting drug-smuggling boats to 13 since early September. In total, 14 vessels have been destroyed and 57 people killed, with three survivors reported so far, CNN reported. The Trump administration last week expanded the scope of its campaign to the eastern Pacific, after earlier strikes targeted vessels in the Caribbean Sea. Earlier this month, two survivors of a similar strike in the Caribbean were detained by the U.S. Navy before being repatriated to Ecuador and Colombia. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said during her daily press briefing that her government had been informed of Monday's operation and the potential survivor. "These events occurred in international waters," she said, adding that she had directed Foreign Minister Juan Ramon de la Fuente to coordinate with U.S. Ambassador Ron Johnson and Mexico's Navy Secretariat for further details, as reported by CNN. CNN earlier reported that the Trump administration had produced a classified legal opinion justifying the use of lethal force against drug traffickers by categorising them as enemy combatants, allowing such strikes without judicial review. (ANI) So far, almost 40 art venues have announced their participation in the Art Weekend Budapest (AWB) event series, which will be held between November 28th and 30th. During the three-day, free event, institutional exhibition spaces, contemporary galleries, studios and alternative exhibition spaces joining the program will open their doors to the general public. This year, 16 venues, including an exhibition space in Pecs, will participate in the event series for the first time, the organizers told MTI. The organized, one and a half to two-hour " tours " will depart from Friday to Sunday, at pre-announced times, on different routes, visiting three or four exhibitions close to each other. This year, the leaders of the walks will again include several well-known personalities who, coming from other branches of art or from business life, are connected to the exhibitions on the current tour route. The organizers are dedicating separate walks to the 14-20 year old age group. This year, a new feature is that corporate collections will also be presented. For the first time, a curatorial selection from the STRABAG ART collection will be coming to Hungary, which those interested can view at the AWB's central exhibition in Brody House. KPMG will also open its doors to the public, so exhibition material from its collection can also be viewed at the company's headquarters. The Colourful Noise - video art show, created by the two founding members of the artis-led collective, Anna Jarai and her partner, Joseph Penn, promises to be a special program. Almost 800 entries were received for the international competition for the Colourful Noise - video art show. The selected material can be viewed by interested parties on November 29th at the Pikszis Culture Center. In 2024, AWB joined The Spider network, which brings together Europe's leading art events, thus the event is now also celebrated internationally. In the spirit of knowledge sharing and networking, AWB's special guest in 2025 will be the main organizer of Prague Art Week (PAW), Lenka Bakes. The event organizers are still looking for committed, art-loving volunteers to help organize and accompany the groups on the art walks. The AWB volunteer program is provided by the VAP platform, and joining is also an opportunity for young people to gain practical experience. More: Continuously updated information about the planned program of the AWB event can be found at https://www.artnesz.hu/art-weekend-budapest/ ********************************************************************************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Showcase Your Business to Expats in the Loop: As an independent portal were grateful to all commercial supporters who help keep you in the loop with fresh insights and inspiration. Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? If so please contact us here. For two weeks, you can view up to 25 exhibitions by almost a hundred artists until November 9, at the 10th Budapest Contemporary Jewelry Week. This year's event will focus on Hungarian jewelry designers, recalling their beginnings. Visitors can enjoy exhibitions, guided tours, and discussions at numerous locations in Budapest. The program also includes professional workshops and lectures. A wide range of jewelry will be on display in the framework of individual or group exhibitions. During the program series, the public can view more than 25 exhibitions by almost 100 artists. Professional workshops and lectures are organized by the participating jewelry designers, who also hold guided tours, classes, and performances on a variety of topics. Among the programs, the FISE Gallery will host an exhibition of the founding members of the Jewelry Week, the Porcelain Palace will showcase the latest porcelain jewelry collection of the Herend Porcelain Manufactory, and the FUGA Architecture Center will host an exhibition examining the relationship between female existence and nature by three jewelry designers - Janka Kreisz, Vero Lazar and Orsi Padanyi. The Fonciere Budapest Studio will be transformed into an international meeting place for the duration of the Jewelry Week: in addition to the Hungarian participants, interested parties will be able to see the works of Taiwanese, French and Italian jewelry designers. The Goldsmiths' Crafts History Collection welcomes visitors with a group jewelry exhibition and a lecture by goldsmith Zoltan Toth, a teacher at MOME. Those interested can also visit a studio apartment, where they can see the jewelry made of special reflective surfaces by the two exhibitors, Eszter Sara Kocsor and the hammered copper objects by Sarolt Sogor, gaining insight into the creative processes. More: Further programs and detailed information can be found at http://www.budapestjewelryweek.com/ ********************************************************************************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Showcase Your Business to Expats in the Loop: As an independent portal were grateful to all commercial supporters who help keep you in the loop with fresh insights and inspiration. Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? If so please contact us here. Lawrence Bishnoi gang has claimed responsibility for two recent attacks in Canada: the murder of Indian-origin businessman Darshan Singh Sahsi and a shooting outside the home of Punjabi singer Channi Nattan. India will repatriate 500 citizens from Thailand after fleeing a Myanmar cybercrime hub raid. The MEA said it is coordinating with Thai authorities to ensure their safe return. India plans to expand its maritime power to over 200 warships and submarines by 2035 to counter rising threats from China and Pakistan. At present, 55 vessels are under construction, and approval has been given for 74 more to be built domestically. Bacchu Kadu, former minister and Prahar Janshakti Party leader, arrived in Nagpur with thousands of farmers and held a protest for the second day. The leader has demanded that if the state government does not have the money to waive farmer loans, the Centre should step in. The Delhi High Court refused to stay the release of The Taj Story, stating that the judiciary cannot function as a Super Censor Board. Efforts to ease tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan suffered a setback after four days of negotiations in Istanbul concluded without any agreement, Tolo News reported, citing sources familiar with the matter. Sources familiar with Tolo News said that Afghanistan reiterated its commitment to preventing the use of Afghan territory against Pakistan but demanded that Islamabad cease violating Afghan airspace and halt U.S. drone operations within Afghan borders. Pakistan, however, refused to accept these conditions, the sources added. The Pakistani delegation reportedly walked out of the talks following disagreements over key demands, leaving discussions stalled. Commenting on the stalemate, former Afghan Ambassador to France Omar Samad questioned Pakistan's intentions, saying, "It's not entirely clear what each side's intentions were. Was Pakistan genuinely seeking practical solutions, or was it trying to appear as if it wanted to resolve the issues?" The impasse deepened after Islamabad reportedly asked Kabul to formally designate Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as a terrorist organisation and take military action against it. Afghanistan's Defense Minister Mawlawi Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid rejected the demand, stating that "Pakistan and other countries use the label of terrorism for political purposes against their opponents," Tolo News reported Ahead of the Istanbul talks, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif had warned that Islamabad could resort to military action if the dialogue failed to produce results. In contrast, Afghanistan emphasised that it remains committed to resolving disputes through diplomatic channels. Mohammad Nabi Omari, First Deputy Minister of Interior for the Islamic Emirate, reaffirmed Kabul's position, saying, "From the highest level to the lowest, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has a policy of non-interference and does not meddle in the internal affairs of other countries." The Istanbul dialogue followed a temporary ceasefire mediated by Qatar and Turkey after Pakistan reportedly violated Afghan airspace earlier this month, triggering a retaliatory response from Kabul. The latest round of talks, which began on October 17, has now ended without tangible progress, dampening hopes for a breakthrough in bilateral relations. (ANI) North Korea said on Wednesday that it test-fired sea-to-surface strategic cruise missiles in the Yellow Sea on Wednesday, ahead of the visit of US President Donald Trump to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) gathering, South Korean media Yonhap news agency reported. Citing Korean Central news Agency (KCNA), Yonhap said that the cruise missiles, improved for ship-based launches, were fired vertically and flew for over 7,800 seconds along a pre-set route above the Yellow Sea to destroy the target. It was further reported that the North Korean leader did not oversee the test firing. State media targeting the domestic audience, such as the Rodong Sinmun newspaper, did not report on the latest missile launch. Pak Jong-chon, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, said the North has achieved important success in putting the country's nuclear forces on a "practical basis." "It is an extension of exercising the war deterrent and an act of exercising it in a more responsible manner to continuously test the reliability of different strategic offensive means and impress their abilities upon the enemies," Pak said as reported by Yonhap. He called for the need to steadily update North Korea's combat capability. As per Yonhap, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said it detected the missile launch at 3 PM the previous day, noting that the details are being further inspected by South Korean and the US intelligence authorities. Citing experts, Yomhap said that the missiles are estimated to be one of the Hwasal-type cruise missiles disclosed during this year's annual defense exhibition held in Pyongyang earlier this month. Hong Min, a senior analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification, said the missiles' flight time suggested they could traverse about 1,500 kilometers, putting both Japan and China within reach if fired from the Yellow Sea, Yonhap reported. The missile launch came amid North Korea's silence about Trump's offer for talks. Yonhap noted that North Korea's missile launch came as Trump expressed his wish to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during his visit to the South from October 29-20 on the occasion of the APEC meetings. (ANI) Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Wednesday took a subtle dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over US President Donald Trump's repeated assertions of stopping the military escalation between India and Pakistan in May, claiming the US leader has made the boast "54 times" across multiple countries. In a post on X, the Congress MP shared a video clip of Trump's latest remarks on the matter, where the US President claimed to have 'stopped' the escalating conflict between India and Pakistan and asserted that "seven brand new beautiful planes were shot down". Ramesh also took a subtle jibe at PM Modi, stating that the Prime Minister "does not want to hug" the US President anymore due to such claims, while calling him Trump's "good friend in New Delhi". "So far he has said it 54 times. He has said it in the US, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UK. He has said it mid-flight and on land. Now President Trump has said it again, while addressing business leaders in Japan last evening. No wonder his good friend in New Delhi does not want to hug him any more," the Congress leader wrote in his post. Ramesh's remarks come hours after Trump, while delivering remarks at a dinner with business leaders during his visit to Japan, asserted that he had stopped the conflict through trade. "A lot of the wars that I stopped were because of tariffs, and frankly, I did a great service to the world but because of tariffs because of trade. If you look at India and Pakistan, they were going at it. Seven planes were shot down. Seven brand-new beautiful planes were shot down and they were going at it - at two big nuclear powers," he said. Trump also called PM Modi a "very nice man" and a "very good man", while claiming that he has called both the Prime Minister and Pakistan's Army Chief Asim Munir to stop the conflict, or the US would not do trade with them. "And I said to Prime Minister Modi - the Prime Minister very nice man, a very good man, and the Field Marshal over in Pakistan. I said, Look, we're not going to do any trade if you're going to be fighting," he said. India has consistently refuted the claims made by the US President, stressing that the decision of "cessation of hostilities" with Pakistan was reached through direct diplomatic engagement between the two nations, and no third party was involved. It was India's long-standing position that any issue with Pakistan, including those related to Jammu and Kashmir, is to be resolved bilaterally between the two countries. India's Operation Sindoor, initiated on May 7, in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians, showcased a calibrated, tri-services response that embodied precision, professionalism, and purpose. Operation Sindoor was conceived as a punitive and targeted campaign to dismantle the terror infrastructure across the Line of Control and deeper inside Pakistan. (ANI) The US Senate has voted 52 to 48 to block US President Donald Trump's 50 per cent tariff imposition on Brazilian goods, rejecting the national emergency declaration he used to impose the measure in July, Politico reported. According to Politico, the voting on Tuesday (local time) saw five Republican Senators--Thom Tillis from North Carolina, Susan Collins from Maine, Lisa Murkowski from Alaska, Mitch McConnell from Kentucky, and Rand Paul from Kentucky--joining Democrats in supporting the resolution. The vote, which comes as part of a series of three expected resolutions targeting Trump's tariffs on Brazil, Canada, and other countries, highlights rising concerns in Congress over the economic impact of the President's trade policies on US farmers and small businesses. Senator Rand Paul, a leading critic of the tariffs, said, "Emergencies are like war, famine [and] tornadoes. Not liking someone's tariffs is not an emergency. It's an abuse of the emergency power and it's Congress abdicating their traditional role in taxes," as quoted by Politico. Democratic Senator Ron Wyden from Oregon, a co-sponsor of resolutions against Canada and global tariffs, said there is growing frustration among lawmakers as constituents complain about higher prices and economic strain caused by the trade measures. "Republican senators who go home and they just feel like they're getting hit by a trade wrecking ball," he said, as quoted by Politico. "People come up and say, 'the tariffs are killing us.' You go to the grocery store, and everybody's up in arms," he added. In July, Trump announced the 50 per cent tariff on Brazilian exports, citing its treatment of former President Jair Bolsonaro, a Trump ally, over his role in attempting to overturn Brazil's 2022 election, as well as Brazil's policies on digital content affecting US social media firms. His national emergency declaration cited Brazil's policies as an "unusual and extraordinary threat" to the US national security, foreign policy, and economy. Several lawmakers, including Senator Tim Kaine from Virginia, also criticised the use of emergency powers to impose tariffs, warning it could set a dangerous precedent. "Don't lie and say there's an energy emergency when there isn't. Don't lie and say Brazil's prosecution of a president is an emergency when it's not. Don't use the lie to increase the price of coffee by 40 per cent in a year. Don't use the lie to punish a country with whom we have a trade surplus. Don't lie and don't hurt my citizens," Kaine said, as quoted by Politico. While the Senate vote signals opposition, the measure remains largely symbolic, as House Republican leaders have delayed a vote on overruling the tariffs until March, shielding lawmakers from backlash from farmers and businesses in their states, as reported by Politico. Meanwhile, next week, the US Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments on whether Trump overstepped his authority by using an emergency declaration to impose tariffs globally. (ANI) Foreign Minister of Cyprus, Constantinos Kombos, arrived in India on Wednesday on his first official visit. His visit would provide an opportunity to review progress in the implementation of the India-Cyprus Action Plan 2025-29. In a post on X, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, "A warm welcome to FM @ckombos of the Republic of Cyprus on his first official visit to India. An opportunity to review progress in implementation of India-Cyprus Action Plan 2025-29 and discuss the Comprehensive Partnership." https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1983404927516078465 During his visit, the Cyprus Minister is scheduled to meet with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and deliver a lecture at Sapru House on Thursday, as per the MEA. Constantinos Kombos will depart from India on Friday. His visit to India comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited earlier in June this year. PM Modi's visit concluded with the adoption of a Joint Declaration outlining a roadmap for deepened strategic cooperation between the two nations, according to a press release issued by the Prime Minister's Office. The Ministry of External Affairs and the Government of Cyprus also released coordinated statements underscoring the breadth of this renewed partnership. The statement also highlighted both sides' shared commitment to strengthening EU-India relations. With Cyprus assuming the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in early 2026, both sides pledged to work towards the timely conclusion of the EU-India Free Trade Agreement by the end of 2025, calling it a move of "significant economic and strategic potential". According to the release, Prime Minister Modi's visit -- the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus in over two decades -- was described as a "historic milestone" that "reaffirms the deep and enduring friendship between the two nations." The visit was seen as a celebration of a shared past and a "forward-looking partnership" rooted in strategic vision and mutual trust. The declaration noted that both leaders held wide-ranging discussions on bilateral, regional, and global issues, acknowledging growing cooperation in economic, technological, and people-to-people domains. Cyprus and India committed to furthering collaboration "as trusted and indispensable partners contributing to regional and global peace, prosperity, and stability." The joint declaration reaffirmed both sides' shared values - democracy, multilateralism, rule of law, and sustainable development - and their support for a rules-based international order grounded in the UN Charter and international law. (ANI) India and China reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace and tranquillity along the border, noting significant progress since last year's disengagement agreements, during the 23rd round of the Corps Commander Level Meeting held at the Chushul-Moldo border point, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement on Wednesday. The talks, which took place on Saturday, marked the first meeting of the General Level Mechanism in the Western Sector since the 24th round of Special Representatives Talks held in August this year. According to the MEA, the discussions were conducted in a "friendly and cordial atmosphere". "The 23rd round of India-China Corps Commander Level Meeting was held at Chushul-Moldo border meeting point on 25th October 2025. This was the first meeting of the General Level Mechanism in the Western Sector since the 24th round of Special Representatives Talks held on 19 August 2025. The talks were held in a friendly and cordial atmosphere," the statement read. Both sides also reviewed progress since the 22nd round of Corps Commander-level talks in October 2024, noting that peace and stability had been largely maintained along the India-China border areas. The statement further added that both delegations agreed to continue using existing mechanisms to address any ground issues along the border and ensure continued stability. "The two sides noted the progress since the 22nd round of Corps Commander Level Meeting held in October 2024 and shared the view that peace and tranquility has been maintained in the India-China border areas," the statement read. "Both sides agreed to continue to use existing mechanisms to resolve any ground issues along the border to maintain stability, " it added. The Chinese Ministry of National Defence also released a statement on the Commander level meeting, noting that both sides held "active and in-depth communication" on the management of the western section of the China-India border and exchanged views on ways to reduce friction in sensitive areas. "On October 25, 2025, the Chinese and Indian militaries held the 23rd round of Corps Commander Level Meeting at the Moldo-Chushul border meeting point on the Indian side. The two sides engaged in active and in-depth communication on the management of the western section of the China-India border," the statement read. The statement from the Chinese side further added that the talks were held under the guidance of the "important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries", with both delegations agreeing to continue engagement through military and diplomatic channels. "They agreed to continue communication and dialogue through military and diplomatic channels under the guidance of the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, and jointly safeguard peace and tranquillity in the China-India border areas," it added. In August, India and China held the 24th round of the Special Representatives' dialogue on the Boundary Question and agreed on a series of measures to improve bilateral ties, including setting up a Working Group, under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC), to advance effective border management to maintain peace and tranquillity in India-China border areas. They agreed to use border management mechanisms at the diplomatic and military levels to advance the process and discuss de-escalation, beginning with the principles and modalities. (ANI) Ahead of the highly awaited meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday, Trump expressed confidence and said that he is expecting a "very good outcome" out of the meeting with Xi. He made the remarks to reporters on Wednesday while he was onboard Air Force One, enroute to South Korea. Speaking about the highly anticipated meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump said, "Tomorrow morning is the one that most people find most interesting, and I think we're going to have a great meeting with President Xi of China and a lot of problems are going to be solved." In his interaction with the press, he said that he is "optimistic" about the meeting. "I know a little bit about what's going on because we have been talking to them. We're not just walking into a meeting cold. The relationship with China is very good. So I think we're going to have a very good outcome for our country and the world. I think it is important for the world," the US President remarked. The South Korea visit of the US President will be watched closely, as he is set to have the highly anticipated summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday, which will be their first meeting since 2019. Yonhap reported that while Trump has repeatedly expressed his openness to reengaging Kim, even if it means extending his stay in South Korea, North Korea is yet to respond to the overtures. Instead, North Korea said on Wednesday that it test-fired sea-to-surface strategic cruise missiles in the Yellow Sea on Tuesday, ahead of the visit of US President Donald Trump to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) gathering, the South Korean media Yonhap news agency reported. (ANI) Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Wednesday took a subtle jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, mocking what he called his "self-styled but now thoroughly shrunken and deeply exposed 56-inch chest" after US President Donald Trump repeated for the 56th time his claim of halting the India-Pakistan conflict in May. Sharing a video clip of Trump's latest remarks, made during his address at the APEC CEO Summit in South Korea, the Congress MP, in a post on X, accused the Prime Minister of remaining silent on Trump's repeated claims of mediating the India-Pakistan conflict. "This is President Trump addressing the APEC CEO Summit in South Korea just a few minutes ago. Much more detailed than before. 56th time that President Trump has spoken about the abrupt halt to Operation Sindoor. But the self-styled but now thoroughly shrunken and deeply exposed 56-inch chest is still quiet," he stated. The Congress MP's remarks came after Trump reiterated his version of events regarding the May escalation between India and Pakistan, claiming to have intervened personally to stop hostilities. While delivering his keynote remarks at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEOs Luncheon in Gyeongju, South Korea, the US President reiterated his disputed claim of personally averting a nuclear war between India and Pakistan. Trump asserted that his intervention helped de-escalate tensions between the two nuclear-armed nations, claiming that seven planes were shot down during the conflict. He said he personally contacted both PM Modi and Pakistan's leadership to halt the hostilities, linking the resolution to trade negotiations. "These are two nuclear nations. And they're really going at it," Trump said. "And I called Prime Minister Modi and said, 'We can't make a trade deal with you.' 'No, no, we must make a trade deal.' I said, 'No, we can't. You're starting a war with Pakistan. We're not going to do it.' And then I called Pakistan and said, 'We're not going to do trade with you because you're fighting with India.' They said, 'No, no, you should let us fight.' They both said that. They're strong people," he added. Trump's comments on the India-Pakistan conflict refer to the escalation in May following India's Operation Sindoor, a series of precision strikes on nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 civilians. The US President had been repeating his claims of playing a key role in helping de-escalate tensions between India and Pakistan, arguing that trade and tariffs were instrumental to the US in preventing conflicts. India has consistently refuted Trump's claims, stating that the ceasefire was achieved bilaterally through the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs), without third-party involvement. India has also reiterated its long-standing position that any issues with Pakistan, including those related to Jammu and Kashmir, are to be resolved bilaterally between the two countries. (ANI) The Pakistan High Commission shared on Wednesday that it has issued over 2100 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India ahead of the birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak. The Pak High Commission said on Wednesday in a post on X, "The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi has issued over 2100 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India to participate in the Birth Celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji, to be held in Pakistan from 04-13 November 2025." https://x.com/PakinIndia/status/1983443188041085025 Earlier on October 3, Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Thursday welcomed the Centre's decision allowing Sikh 'jathas' to visit Pakistan for Guru Nanak Dev Ji's birth anniversary, expressing gratitude to the Prime Minister and Home Minister for their reverence and continuity of faith ties despite strained relations. In a self-made video, Minister Sirsa urged all representative organisations, including the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), to complete the necessary procedures promptly for the visit." The 'jathas' that used to visit Pakistan to commemorate the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji will also visit Pakistan this year. The Home Ministry clarified this today. I urge all representative organisations, whether it's the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, or any other organisations whose 'jathas' are travelling, to complete this process quickly," Sirsa said. Delhi Minister Sirsa expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister of India and the Home Minister, noting their role in maintaining continuity despite tense India-Pakistan relations. Sirsa added, "I express my deepest gratitude to the Prime Minister of India and the Home Minister of the country, who, despite strained relations, opened the Kartarpur shrine on the occasion of Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Prakash Purab in 2019, without any concern. This time, the Prime Minister and the Home Minister have displayed the same sentiment and reverence by issuing a notification allowing Sikh groups to visit Pakistan. I express my gratitude." Previously, India granted permission for Sikh Jathas (groups of pilgrims) to travel to Pakistan to participate in the upcoming celebrations of Prakash Purab. The pilgrimage will be undertaken under the framework of the 1974 bilateral protocol on visits to religious shrines. Every year, Sikh pilgrims travel across the border to mark key religious occasions such as Prakash Purab, Baisakhi, and Martyrdom Day of Guru Arjan Dev Ji. The arrangement is part of the longstanding 1974 India-Pakistan agreement, which allows limited pilgrimages despite tense bilateral relations. In recent years, the Kartarpur Corridor, which opened in 2019 to facilitate visa-free travel of Sikh pilgrims to the Kartarpur Sahib shrine, has become a key channel of religious exchange. However, larger jathas continue to travel under the traditional protocol arrangement. Security and logistical measures for the upcoming pilgrimage are learnt to be closely coordinated by both the Indian and Pakistani governments to ensure the smooth movement of devotees. (ANI) The Indian Navy's indigenously built Stealth Frigate, INS Sahyadri, made a port call at Sasebo and received a warm welcome upon arrival. The visit saw discussions between the two navies on aspects related to enhancing collaboration and interoperability. The Indian Navy noted that INS Sahyadri, the indigenously built Stealth Frigate of the Indian Navy arrived at Sasebo, Japan on 28 October 2025. The ship received a warm welcome from the personnel of JMSDF. Sasebo is the ship's second port of call in Japan during its ongoing long-range operational deployment to the Indo-Pacific. This visit underscores the India-Japan strategic alignment and symbolises the robust Indian Navy - JMSDF relationship. The Indian Navy further noted that during the port call, the Commanding Officer of INS Sahyadri Captain Rajat Kumar, called on VAdm Fukuda Tatsuya, Commandant Sasebo district. Discussions included aspects related to enhancing collaboration and interoperability between the two navies. Through a post on X on Tuesday, the Indian Embassy in Tokyo said, "INS Sahyadri arrived at Sasebo to a warm welcome ceremony by JMSDF Sasebo District. Sahyadri, commanded by Capt Rajat Kumar is participating in the Japan-India Maritime Exercise - JAIMEX 25."As part of the two nations' defence cooperation, INS Sahyadri also made a port call at the Maritime Self-defence Force's Sasebo base in southwest Japan, according to Japan's Kyodo News. After giving its crew a chance to rest and replenish their supplies, the frigate is expected to depart the port in Nagasaki Prefecture on Friday, Kyodo News added in its report. "The improvement of interoperability between the MSDF and the Indian Navy is essential to realise a free and open Indo-Pacific," said Captain Shingo Asari, who welcomed the Indian ship and its crew, Kyodo News reported. The Indian and Japanese navies conducted the harbour phase of the Japan-India Maritime Exercise (JAIMEX-25), featuring a series of activities including cross-deck visits, professional interactions and a combined yoga camp that strengthened camaraderie and cooperation between the two forces, the Indian Navy spokesperson said in an official statement on Saturday. The Indian Navy's indigenously built Shivalik-class guided missile stealth frigate INS Sahyadri participated in the Japan-India Maritime Exercise (JAIMEX-25) held from October 16 to 18 and arrived at Yokosuka Port, Japan, on October 21 for the harbour phase. According to the Ministry of Defence, before arriving at Yokosuka, INS Sahyadri joined Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) ships Asahi, Oumi and the submarine Jinryu for the sea phase. The ships conducted advanced anti-submarine warfare and missile defence drills, as well as flying operations and underway replenishment (refuelling and supply operations at sea). These exercises helped improve coordination between the two navies and strengthened cooperation under the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, established in 2014 to promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Commissioned in 2012, INS Sahyadri showcases India's progress in indigenous defence technology and supports the vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India). The stealth frigate has taken part in several important operational deployments and joint exercises with other countries. (ANI) The earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of 10km, making it susceptible to aftershocks. In a post on X, the NCS said, "EQ of M: 4.3, On: 29/10/2025 14:43:24 IST, Lat: 37.33 N, Long: 69.93 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Afghanistan." https://x.com/NCS_Earthquake/status/1983465317906198856 Shallow earthquakes are generally more dangerous than deep earthquakes. This is because the seismic waves from shallow earthquakes have a shorter distance to travel to the surface, resulting in stronger ground shaking and potentially more damage to structures, as well as greater casualties. Earlier on October 24, another earthquake of magnitude 3.7 struck Afghanistan in the early hours at a depth of 80km. The NCS wrote on X, "EQ of M: 3.7, On: 24/10/2025 06:09:41 IST, Lat: 36.38 N, Long: 71.14 E, Depth: 80 Km, Location: Afghanistan." https://x.com/NCS_Earthquake/status/1981525681684304288 On September 18, India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, reaffirmed India's commitment to promote peace, stability and development in Afghanistan. Addressing the UN Security Council quarterly briefing on Afghanistan, Ambassador Parvathaneni emphasised India's priorities to provide humanitarian assistance and implement capacity-building initiatives for the Afghan people. "India's immediate priorities in Afghanistan include provision of humanitarian assistance and implementation of capacity-building initiatives for the Afghan people," he added. He also reaffirmed India's commitment to the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). Ambassador Parvathaneni expressed gratitude to Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), Roza Otunbayeva, for her briefing. Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northern India lie in one of the most seismically active zones in the world, where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. The region frequently experiences moderate to strong earthquakes, often felt across borders due to the proximity of fault lines. (ANI) Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have brought the country's transport network to a grinding halt, inflicting massive economic and humanitarian losses. According to Imdad Hussain Naqvi, Senior Vice Chairman of the Goods Transport Association, thousands of trucks and trailers loaded with goods bound for Afghanistan and Central Asian states are stuck at ports and highways due to Islamabad's political missteps. Naqvi said that the escalating hostility between the two neighbouring countries has left transporters in a dire state. "Our trucks have stopped near the border with no access to food, water, or security," he explained, adding that drivers are relying on each other for safety in the absence of government support. The stalled convoys are not only disrupting trade but also endangering the livelihoods of thousands of Pakistani workers dependent on cross-border transport. He further stated that the losses run into billions of rupees. "This is not just a loss for transporters; it's a loss for the entire state," Naqvi said, warning that perishable goods, including pharmaceutical and food products meant for Afghanistan and Central Asia, are deteriorating while stuck on roads. He accused the government of mishandling the situation and called for urgent intervention to reopen trade routes and restore stability. Truck driver Haji Khan Zaid voiced his anguish, saying, "When the transport stops, Pakistan stops." He pleaded with authorities to separate politics from trade, warning that thousands of drivers and their families are now on the brink of starvation. Another driver, Zar Meran, shared similar frustration. "All our vehicles are parked, and we have no work. We're just waiting for the Afghan route to reopen," he said, stating the government's silence. As Pakistan continues to clash with Afghanistan, the economic fallout grows deeper. The border closure has exposed Pakistan's fragile economic dependence on regional trade routes and the heavy price ordinary workers pay for political instability. (ANI) Emirates NBD, a leading banking group in the Middle East, North Africa and Turkiye (MENAT) region, has joined forces with the UAE-India CEPA Council to power its landmark UAE-India Start-up Series, an official statement said. The collaboration creates a stronger platform for Indian entrepreneurs to expand globally. The initiative combines India's innovation ecosystem with the UAE's international reach to help high-potential start-ups scale beyond borders. The platform has generated exceptional interest, with more than 10,000 Indian start-ups applying to participate since the initiative launched in June. The partnership was formalised in Dubai with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Marwan Hadi, Group Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management at Emirates NBD, and Ahmed Aljneibi, Director of the CEPA Council. As part of the initiative, Emirates NBD has committed to supporting one of the top five winning start-ups in the series by providing and sponsoring a comprehensive soft-landing package in the UAE. Commenting on this commitment, Marwan Hadi, Group Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management at Emirates NBD, noted: "India's start-ups are among the most dynamic in the world. At Emirates NBD, we are proud to strengthen our role as a launchpad for global scale innovation by supporting this initiative. By combining our financial expertise with the opportunities created under CEPA, we are empowering founders with the support and confidence to take their ideas beyond borders." Remarking on the success of the UAE-India Start-up Series and the significance of Emirates NBD's partnership, Ahmed Aljneibi, Director of the UAE-India CEPA Council, said: "The energy and ambition of Indian founders have been remarkable. This initiative is about transforming that drive into global impact. With Emirates NBD's partnership, we can channel ideas into opportunities and give start-ups a genuine springboard into international markets." This collaboration underscores the shared commitment of the UAE and India to foster innovation and entrepreneurship. Through the Start-up Series, 20 high-potential ventures will be shortlisted to pitch in New Delhi in November 2025, with five selected to establish a presence in the UAE. The initiative offers a launchpad for promising Indian start-ups to connect with partners, access global markets, and scale internationally through the UAE's dynamic business ecosystem, as per the statement. (ANI) Nepali security forces have rescued over 1,500 stranded tourists from the high-altitude areas of Manang following heavy snowfall and adverse weather. As per the Nepal Army's announcement, hundreds of tourists trekking towards Tilicho Lake (4,919 metres) have turned back from the base camp after heavy snowfall blocked trails and made conditions unsafe. "Due to heavy snowfall in various areas of Manang district, a rescue team deployed from the New Bhairavidal Gulm has assisted approximately 1500 people, including more than 200 foreign tourists who were stranded, in reaching a safe place with the cooperation of the local administration, elected representatives, Armed Police Force, Nepal, Nepal Police, and locals," the Nepal Army stated in a post on X. According to local officials, approximately 800 to 900 tourists have returned from Tilicho Base Camp in the past two days. "After the heavy snowfall in the high areas, nearly one thousand tourists have descended to the Khangsar- the last settlement before the Tilicho lake. Many others are descending following the heavy snowfall and adverse weather," Chyolpa Gurung, ward chair of Ngisyang Rural Municipality-9," told ANI over the phone. The District Administration Office of Manang has also stated that attempts are being made to clear the snow along the trails, while an announcement has been made to trekkers to cancel their visit. "Attempts are being made to clear the ways, but the snowfall is intense. We have requested trekkers and tourists who are still in low-lying areas to cancel their plans to visit until the end of this week," Naba Raj Poudyal, chief district officer (CDO) of Manang, confirmed ANI. A district-level security task force has been deployed for road clearance and rescue operations. Security personnel equipped with shovels and excavators are working to clear the blocked sections of the road, and motorcycles have begun moving in some areas. (ANI) A delegation led by MPs Rajkumar Chahar and CN Manjunath from the Lok Sabha and V Sivadasan from the Rajya Sabha represented India at the Asian Parliamentary Assembly Standing Committee on Social and Cultural Affairs in Moscow on Wednesday. In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in Russia said, "An Indian delegation including Honourable Members of Parliament Shri Rajkumar Chahar and CN Manjunath from the Lok Sabha and V Sivadasan from the Rajya Sabha participated in the meeting of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly Standing Committee on Social and Cultural Affairs held today in Moscow." https://x.com/IndEmbMoscow/status/1983511803398332741 The Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA) was born in 2006 at the Seventh Session of the Association of Asian Parliamentary for Peace (AAPP) which was established in 1999. The APA comprises of 44 Member of Parliaments and 14 observers as of 2019. Each Member Parliament has a specific number of votes in the Assembly based on the size of their population. The APA Charter and Tehran Declaration lay out a vision and framework of cooperation among Asian countries, towards an Asian Integration. The Association of Asian Parliaments for Peace grew out of the collective desire and concerted effort of legislators and members of civil society in Asia to promote peace in general and in the Asian region, in particular. The AAPP was established in September 1999 in Dhaka, Bangladesh, to promote unity toward the single purpose of peace and a concrete framework for regional cooperation to strengthen human rights protection and democracy. The AAPP was to cultivate strategies for the realisation of peace and the right to development as well as social, cultural, and environmental rights of the people in Asia. At the first Plenary session of APA, based on Article 11 of the APA Charter, the Speaker of the Parliament of Iran, Haddad Adel was elected as the first President of the APA for a two-year term of office. (ANI) India is working closely with Thai authorities to repatriate Indian nationals detained in Thailand after fleeing a military raid on a cybercrime hub in Myanmar, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Wednesday. In response to media queries, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "We are aware of Indian nationals who have been detained by Thai authorities. They had crossed into Thailand from Myanmar over the past few days. Our Mission in Thailand is working closely with Thai authorities to verify their nationality and to repatriate them, after necessary legal formalities are completed in Thailand." https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1983505182529863845 According to the Bangkok Post, several Indian nationals crossed into Thailand following a raid by the Myanmar military on the KK Park compound, a site notorious for running international cyber scams. The military operation forced hundreds of foreign workers at the compound to flee across the border into the Thai town of Mae Sot. Thai authorities said that as of Friday morning, 1,667 people from at least 10 countries, including India, China, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines, had entered Thailand after the raid, according to the Bangkok Post. This is not the first such incident. Earlier this year, India had repatriated several citizens trapped in scam centres along the Thai-Myanmar border after coordinated regional crackdowns. KK Park, located in Myanmar's Myawaddy region, is well known among global law enforcement agencies for running large-scale online fraud operations. Reports suggest the compound and nearby facilities are controlled by Chinese criminal syndicates and supported by local armed groups allied with Myanmar's military. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, border areas across Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia have become hotspots for cyber fraud and human trafficking. The United Nations has said billions of dollars have been made through forced labour and scam operations in these areas, with thousands of people exploited by organised criminal networks. (ANI) Union Minister for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal represented India at the Twelfth Session of the Justice Ministers' Meeting (JMM) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Member States, held through video conferencing. The meeting brought together Justice Ministers from all SCO Member States to deliberate on strengthening cooperation in the legal sphere, promoting Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, and enhancing digitisation within justice systems. Addressing the session, Meghwal underlined that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has embarked upon a comprehensive transformation of its justice system. He said the government is pursuing the goal of accessible, inclusive, and technology-driven justice, in line with the nation's broader vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. Highlighting India's efforts to ensure affordable access to justice, the Minister noted that the government has introduced several initiatives aimed at empowering citizens and improving legal infrastructure. He cited the launch of E-Lok Adalat as a significant innovation combining technology and ADR tools to resolve disputes efficiently, transparently, and at minimal cost. Meghwal also emphasised that the government is giving high priority to ADR mechanisms and to the framing of business-facilitating laws and rules, including reforms under the Commercial Courts Act and the Arbitration and Conciliation Laws, which aim to make India a global hub for business and investment. The Minister encouraged SCO Member States to use the Justice Ministers' Forum as a platform to exchange ideas, experiences, and best practices, and to broaden the scope of collaborative initiatives under the SCO framework. He reiterated India's commitment to legal cooperation, capacity building, and the development of efficient dispute resolution frameworks across the region. The Twelfth Session, hosted by Russia, was attended by the Ministers of Justice from Belarus, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, along with the Deputy Secretary General of the SCO, Khan Soheil. The deliberations focused on enhancing mutual exchange of legal information, promoting digital transformation in the justice sector, and improving coordination on legal reforms among the member nations. The participants recognised the importance of digitisation of judicial and legal processes, acknowledging that improved digital tools are essential for making justice systems faster and more transparent. They also agreed on the need for greater cooperation in ADR mechanisms, capacity building, and policy harmonisation to meet contemporary legal challenges. At the conclusion of the meeting, a Joint Statement was adopted, affirming the commitment of the Member States to continue cooperation in accordance with the principles of the SCO Charter, the Treaty on Long-Term Good Neighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation, and the SCO Development Strategy until 2035. The Member States resolved to strengthen collaboration in the legal sphere, organize joint conferences, seminars, and forums, and deepen partnerships in justice administration and law reforms. The Indian delegation to the meeting included Anju Rathi Rana, Law Secretary; Alok A Dimri, Additional Secretary (SCO), Ministry of External Affairs; Japan Babu, Joint Secretary and Legal Adviser; SK Jain, Director-cum-Chief Forensic Scientist, Directorate of Forensic Science Services; Renu Sinha, Joint Secretary and Legislative Counsel; Monika Rani, Director, Department of Justice; and Amit Jakhmola, Consultant, Ministry of External Affairs. (ANI) US President Donald Trump said he expected to seal a 'great deal' with China at his high-stakes meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Al Jazeera reported. In a wide-ranging and rambling speech on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit on Wednesday, Trump said the expected trade deal would be good for both countries and "something very exciting for everybody". https://x.com/WhiteHouse/status/1983466898575815083 "That's really a great result. That's better than fighting and going through all sorts of problems," Trump said in an address to a business luncheon on the sidelines of the APEC gathering in Gyeongju, as per Al Jazeera. "No reason for it," he added. Trump is scheduled to meet Xi on Thursday in the coastal city of Busan, about 85 kilometres south of Gyeongju, in their first face-to-face encounter since the US president launched his second trade war with China. Trump, who is on the final leg of a six-day visit to Asia, last met Xi in 2019 on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit in Osaka, Japan. Trump, who arrived in South Korea after stops in Japan and Malaysia, did not provide details of the anticipated agreement. However, speaking on Air Force One earlier on Wednesday, Trump said he expected the agreement to solve "a lot of problems" and include lower tariffs on Chinese goods in exchange for Beijing taking steps to curb the production of fentanyl. Trump has imposed a 20 per cent tariff on Chinese goods over what he claims is Beijing's failure to crack down on the flow of chemicals used in making the deadly opioid, as per Al Jazeera. US officials have previously indicated that a deal is likely to include the deferral of China's planned export controls on rare earth minerals and an additional 100 per cent US tariff on Chinese goods, along with a commitment by Beijing to buy more US agricultural products. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday confirmed that Xi would meet Trump, but did not specifically refer to the deal, as reported by Al Jazeera. "At this meeting, the two leaders will have in-depth communication on strategic, long-term issues related to China-US relations and major issues of common concern," spokesperson Guo Jiakun told a regular media briefing. (ANI) Australian Indigenous fashion took the spotlight in Delhi on Tuesday as the Australian High Commission, in partnership with Kirrikin and the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), hosted a special fashion showcase celebrating the art and culture of Australia's First Nations people. The event marked the Indian debut of Kirrikin, an Indigenous Australian fashion label founded by Amanda Healy, a Wonnarua woman and social entrepreneur. The brand is known for turning hand-painted artworks by Indigenous artists into luxury clothing that reflects the beauty of Australia's land and culture. Kirrikin's designs are made in Noida, India, showing the growing creative and trade partnership between the two countries under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA). The name "Kirrikin" comes from the Wonnarua language and means "Sunday's best clothes." It was originally recorded by missionaries in the 1820s and has now become a symbol of the brand's effort to revive and preserve Indigenous Australian languages. Australian High Commissioner to India, Philip Green OAM, said the event was a celebration of the creativity and cultural richness of First Nations Australians. "This event is a powerful celebration of the creativity, resilience, and cultural richness of Australia's First Nations peoples. Kirrikin's journey exemplifies the strength of trade and cultural exchange under the Australia-India partnership. We are proud to bring their designs to the runway in Delhi in collaboration with the Fashion Design Council of India," he said. Kirrikin's founder, Amanda Healy, said she was honoured to present her work in India. "Celebrating this collaboration with the Australian High Commission and the Fashion Design Council of India is a proud moment for Kirrikin. Bringing First Nations fashion, art, and storytelling to India is an honour, and this showcase highlights the creativity and powerful voices of Indigenous Australian designers," she said. FDCI Chairman Sunil Sethi said that fashion connects cultures. "Fashion has always been a bridge, and this showcase is a beautiful meeting of cultures," he said. The evening also included traditional music and dance performances by First Nations artists, adding to the cultural experience. Australia's Deputy High Commissioner to India, Nick McCaffrey, shared on X, "A powerful evening where culture meets couture, Australian First Nations label Kirrikin weaved stories of connection to country with India's creative community." https://x.com/AusDHCIndia/status/1983247433061806367 Swati Dave, Chair of the Advisory Board at the Centre for Australia-India Relations, said, "The Centre for Australia India Relations is committed to supporting First Nations businesses like Kirrikin to increase trade and investment with India, and we are proud to support this fashion showcase, celebrating First Nations creativity and entrepreneurship. It is also a powerful way to share First Nations stories with Indian audiences through art and design." (ANI) A Parliamentary Delegation from the European Parliament's Committee of International Trade Affairs, led by Cristina Maestre, INTA Standing Rapporteur for India, called on Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha at the Parliament House. Harivansh Narayan Singh said both parties discussed the India-EU FTA. In a post on X, he said, "It was a pleasure to meet the Members of the International Trade Committee, European Parliament in Delhi. India and the EU are two of the largest and most vibrant democracies. We discussed ways to build on the momentum to strengthen our Parliamentary exchanges. Both sides expressed confidence in concluding the India-EU FTA soon." https://x.com/harivansh1956/status/1983518610825134310 Earlier in the day, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday met a delegation of the European Parliament's Committee on International Trade in Delhi. Both parties discussed ways to maximise convergences and deepen cooperation between India and the European Union. Jaishankar, in a post on X, wrote, "Pleased to meet the delegation of the European Parliament's Committee on International Trade INTA today in Delhi. Discussed how India & the European Union can maximize convergences and deepen cooperation. This can stabilize the global economy and strengthen democratic forces. The early conclusion of the India-EU FTA can make a big difference to these objectives." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1983491627655319809 Earlier in the day, the European Union's Ambassador to India, Herve Delphin, hailed the progress made in the India-EU FTA talks held in Brussels and said that they aimed to reach an agreement by the end of the year. Ambassador Delphin said, "Positive momentum in India-EU FTA talks in Brussels. Substantial progress. EU and India in continuous negotiation mode, aiming to reach an agreement by the end of the year." In a post on X, he shared remarks by Maros Sefcovic, the Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, who thanked Minister Piyush Goyal for the discussions. "We share the common objective, that is to deliver on the mandate given to us by President von der Leyen and PM Modi," Sefcovic said. (ANI) US President Donald Trump on Tuesday again claimed that he intervened to stop a potential war between India and Pakistan following India's Operation Sindoor. His remarks, made during a keynote address in South Korea, sparked strong reactions from the Opposition, which accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of staying silent on Trump's repeated assertions. Speaking at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEOs Luncheon in Gyeongju, South Korea, Trump claimed that his mediation had prevented hostilities between the two nuclear-armed nations earlier this year. He said, "I'm doing a trade deal with India, and I have great respect and love for Prime Minister Modi. We have a great relationship. Likewise, the Prime Minister of Pakistan is a great guy. They have a Field Marshal. You know why he's a Field Marshal? He's a great fighter. And I know them all. I'm reading that seven planes were shot down. These are two nuclear nations. And they're really going at it". While describing his role, Trump added that he used trade negotiations to pressure India into halting its military operation. "And I called Prime Minister Modi and said, 'We can't make a trade deal with you.' 'No, no, we must make a trade deal.' I said, 'No, we can't. You're starting a war with Pakistan. We're not going to do it.' And then I called Pakistan and said, 'We're not going to do trade with you because you're fighting with India.' They said, 'No, no, you should let us fight.' They both said that. They're strong people. Prime Minister Modi is the nicest-looking guy. He looks like you'd like to have your father, but he's a killer. He's tough as hell. 'No, we will fight,' [PM Modi said]. I said, 'Whoa, this is the same man that I know". Trump also described PM Modi praising him as a "nicest-looking guy" and "fatherly figure," but also calling him "tough as hell" and a "killer." The US President suggested that his tough trade stance with India gave him the leverage to convince PM Modi to stop Operation Sindoor. This is not the first time Trump has made such claims. He has repeatedly said he brokered peace between India and Pakistan, but Indian officials have previously dismissed the claim. Trump's latest remarks refer to India's Operation Sindoor, a series of precision strikes carried out in May this year on nine terrorist camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The operation came in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians. Following the operation, Pakistan had carried out limited aerial retaliation, leading to heightened tension along the border. According to Trump, this was the moment when his "intervention" helped prevent a wider escalation. Trump's fresh claim drew sharp criticism from the Opposition in India. Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, took a swipe at Prime Minister Modi on X, urging him to respond to Trump's claim that he brokered a peace deal between India and Pakistan, which subsequently led to the end of Operation Sindoor. Taking to X, Gandhi claimed that Trump is repeatedly insulting PM Modi. "Trump is insulting Modi in country after country. Latest is South Korea. Repeated that he used trade to frighten Modi into stopping Operation Sindoor. Said 7 planes were shot down. Don't be scared Modi ji, find the courage to respond," Rahul Gandhi wrote. The Opposition has accused the government of failing to defend India's sovereignty and national image when foreign leaders make such remarks. Earlier today, Congress Party's General Secretary in charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh, alleged that the US President is "putting pressure" on PM Modi. "It is exposed that he (Donald Trump) has put pressure on India for a trade agreement. When there was a debate in the parliament, we demanded a discussion on this, but the PM said nothing. He is going for campaigns, but what President Trump is saying, he is not taking the country into confidence... For national interest, we are raising these questions," Jairam Ramesh told ANI. In another post on X, Ramesh accused PM Modi of remaining silent even as Trump continued to repeat his claims. "This is President Trump addressing the APEC CEO Summit in South Korea just a few minutes ago. Much more detailed than before. 56th time that President Trump has spoken about the abrupt halt to Operation Sindoor. But the self-styled but now thoroughly shrunken and deeply exposed 56-inch chest is still quiet," Ramesh wrote, posting Trump's address. While Opposition leaders have demanded a clarification from the Prime Minister, India's official position remains unchanged. New Delhi has consistently rejected any foreign mediation in bilateral issues with Pakistan. Officials have reiterated that the ceasefire and de-escalation following Operation Sindoor were achieved through direct communication between the Indian and Pakistani military leadership. However, India has repeatedly refuted Trump's version. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has maintained that the ceasefire between India and Pakistan was achieved through established military communication channels between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries, without any third-party involvement. India has also reiterated its long-standing policy that all issues with Pakistan are to be resolved bilaterally. As of now, the Indian government has not issued a fresh response to Trump's latest comments in South Korea. (ANI) Singapore's High Commissioner to India, Simon Wong, on Wednesday thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for highlighting the launch of PSA Mumbai's Phase 2 Terminal Expansion during his address at the India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai. He noted that Singapore is glad to be India's largest foreign investor In a post on X, Wong wrote, "A big thank you to PM @narendramodi for mentioning the launch of PSA Mumbai's Phase 2 Terminal Expansion today at the #IndiaMaritimeWeek2025! is glad to be India's largest foreign investor, including in port infrastructure." In another post, he said Singapore is "proud to be a partner country and looks forward to partnering India as it further grows its maritime industry". In an X post, he wrote, "During the Leaders Conclave at @imw_gov ,Hon. PM @narendramodi highlighted the largest single FDI in India's maritime sector by Singapore's @PSAIndia1. SG is proud to be a partner country for #IMW2025, & looks forward to partnering India as it further grows its maritime industry further!" Speaking at the Maritime Leaders Conclave in Mumbai, Prime Minister Modi said Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) has now become India's biggest container port. He credited this milestone to the largest-ever foreign direct investment (FDI) in India's port sector and expressed special thanks to Singapore for its partnership. He added that another major milestone has been achieved at JNPT, where Phase 2 of the Bharat Mumbai Container Terminal has commenced. "This has doubled the terminal's handling capacity, making it India's largest container port", said the Prime Minister, emphasising that this was made possible due to the largest FDI in India's port infrastructure and expressed special gratitude to partners from Singapore for their contribution. PM Modi addressed the Maritime Leaders Conclave and chaired the Global Maritime CEO Forum, held as part of the India Maritime Week 2025. The event saw participation from over 85 countries, including CEOs of top global shipping companies, policymakers, and innovators. The Prime Minister noted that several major projects and investment agreements were announced at the conclave, reflecting global confidence in India's maritime capabilities. Highlighting India's achievements in the shipping sector, PM Modi said that Vizhinjam Port, India's first deep-water international trans-shipment hub, is now operational. He also announced that major Indian ports handled their highest-ever cargo volumes in 2024-25. "In the 21st century, India's maritime sector is advancing with great speed and energy", emphasised the Prime Minister, highlighting that the year 2025 has been particularly significant for the sector and shared key achievements. He remarked that Vizhinjam Port, India's first deep-water international trans-shipment hub, is now operational, noting that the world's largest container vessel recently arrived at the port, marking a proud moment for every Indian. PM Modi further mentioned that Kandla Port has launched India's first megawatt-scale green hydrogen facility, while JNPT's Phase 2 expansion of the Bharat Mumbai Container Terminal has doubled its handling capacity. The Global Maritime CEO Forum, the highlight of India Maritime Week 2025, brought together top global maritime leaders, investors, and international partners to discuss the future of shipping, green growth, and resilient supply chains. (ANI) The 5th meeting of the Working Group on Military Cooperation under the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military-Technical Cooperation IRIGC-M&MTC took place in Delhi, Integrated Defence Staff said on Wednesday. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to elevating the India-Russia Defence Cooperation. In a post on X, the IDS said, "The 5th meeting of the Working Group on Military Cooperation under the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military & Military-Technical Cooperation IRIGC-M&MTC concluded successfully at New Delhi. Co-chaired by Air Mshl Ashutosh Dixit, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC) and Lt Gen Dylevsky Igor Nikolaevich, Deputy Chief of the Main Operational Directorate Russia, the Working Group reviewed current defence cooperation plans and explored new avenues for collaboration and knowledge-sharing." "Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to elevating the India-Russia Defence Cooperation, paving the way for focused engagements, enhanced training exchanges and new initiatives under the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership," IDS added. https://x.com/HQ_IDS_India/status/1983497986882539824 Earlier, the fourth meeting of the Working Group on Military Cooperation under the India - Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military-Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC), concluded successfully in Moscow, Russia. The meeting marked a significant milestone in advancing the long-standing Strategic Partnership between the two countries. The meeting was co-chaired by Lieutenant General JP Mathew, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff representing India and Lieutenant General Dylevsky Igor Nikolaevich, Deputy Chief of the Main Operational Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Federation Armed Forces. The Working Group emphasised the importance of continued knowledge-sharing and collaboration in areas of strategic interest. It also agreed to expand joint exercises to further solidify the operational synergy between the two forces. Both nations have conducted numerous joint exercises across land, air and sea domains. Exercises such as INDRA, AVIA INDRA and INDRA NAVY, have served as vital platforms for sharing best practices, refining joint operational tactics drills and procedures, and deepening mutual understanding. (ANI) The United Nations has sounded the alarm over what it calls an unfolding catastrophe in El Fasher, North Darfur, following the citys capture by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported on Tuesday, October 28 that health services have collapsed entirely, while food and water supplies are running out. The RSFs takeover last week, after the Sudanese Armed Forces withdrawal, has sparked widespread looting and ethnically targeted violence, further deepening an already critical humanitarian crisis. Hospitals, including the Saudi Hospital the citys main medical centre have ceased operations following attacks and the abduction of medical personnel. Once a refuge for more than half a million displaced people, El Fasher is now gripped by lawlessness, with residents trapped and unable to access essential supplies. Aid agencies are urging the creation of safe humanitarian corridors to evacuate civilians and deliver aid. The ongoing conflict between Sudans military and the RSF, which began in April 2023, has displaced millions and pushed vast areas of the country toward famine, with El Fasher now emerging as one of the most desperate flashpoints of the war. Massad Boulos, a key advisor close to President Donald Trump, delivered a carefully calibrated message during a recent Sky News Arabia interview that appeared to present Algeria with a stark choice regarding the Western Sahara conflict. The seventeen-minute interview deliberately paired two subjects: Moroccos Sahara territory and Sudans ongoing crisis. While Boulos maintained diplomatic language, praising Moroccos constructive role and calling for lasting peace, his omission of any mention of the Polisario Front spoke volumes to regional observers. Behind the measured rhetoric, analysts detected a dual-scenario framework. The first path offers peace through Moroccos autonomy plan, which Washington has supported since Trumps 2020 recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the territory. This solution would involve disarming the Polisario and transforming it into a civilian political movement, while integrating Sahrawi populations into a Moroccan region with substantial administrative powers. The alternative scenario, subtly evoked through references to Sudans civil war and territorial fragmentation, suggests potential consequences if Algeria continues backing armed separatist movements. The comparison is particularly pointed given that Algerias southern Sahara region comprises 80% of its territory but only 10% of its population, with existing tensions over economic inequality and cross-border trafficking. The interview signals that Washingtons recognition of Moroccan sovereignty remains firm, with no policy reversal anticipated. Bouloss appearance on an Emirati Arabic-language channel suggests the message targets not just Algiers, but Arab world opinion-makers and regional elites. By invoking Sudan without explicitly threatening partition, Boulos employed classic diplomatic metaphor: the warning is clear to those meant to understand it, while maintaining plausible deniability for public consumption. Source: https://fr.le360.ma/medias/sahara-le-message-subliminal-de-massad-boulos-a-ladresse-dalger_5FTKTYYIYRHAPK53UFS5YK6CJA/ Morocco Projects 18 Million Tourist Arrivals by Year-End 2025 Moroccos tourism sector is on track to welcome 18 million visitors by the end of 2025, generating an estimated 124 billion dirhams in revenue, according to the Finance Ministrys report accompanying the 2026 budget bill. The projected increases in arrivals, overnight stays, and foreign currency earnings reflect successful efforts to expand air connectivity and promotional campaigns under the 2023-2026 tourism roadmap. The Moroccan National Tourism Office has allocated 2.5 billion dirhams for investments in 2026, building on the 500 million dirhams invested through June 2025. Through the first half of 2025, the tourism office achieved a 60% realization rate on its projected 2 billion dirham investment target. Officials plan to maintain this momentum through 2027-2028 with ambitious programs focused on creating new airline routes and strengthening partnerships with tour operators, online travel agencies, and niche market specialists. The current strategy, branded Light in Action, aligns with the tourism sectors 2023-2026 roadmap priorities. Built around three strategic pillarsmarketing, air transport, and distribution networksthe program aims to position Morocco among the worlds top 15 tourism destinations. The substantial investment in air connectivity represents a cornerstone of the strategy, as improved access from key international markets remains essential for sustained growth. The roadmap also emphasizes digital marketing integration and collaboration with specialized tour operators to capture diverse traveler segments. Moroccos tourism rebound comes as the sector recovers from pandemic-era disruptions and seeks to capitalize on the countrys geographic diversity, from Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines to imperial cities and Saharan landscapes. The government views tourism as a critical economic driver for job creation and foreign exchange earnings. Source: https://h24info.ma/economie/maroc-18-millions-de-touristes-attendus-dici-fin-2025/ Proposed Tax Reform Threatens Moroccos Private Equity Sector Balance Moroccos 2026 Finance Bill introduces controversial changes to taxation of private equity funds that industry leaders warn could undermine the sectors fundamental operating principles. The proposed reform aims to tax distributions from collective investment vehicles (OPCC) based on the nature of incomedividends, interest, or capital gainsrather than maintaining current transparency provisions. Proponents argue the change promotes tax equity, but critics contend it misunderstands how these investment vehicles actually function. Private equity funds arent autonomous taxpayers. They invest in companies already subject to corporate tax, then redistribute proceeds to investors who pay taxes according to their individual status. The existing framework taxes economic flows once, where value is actually createda principle of fiscal coherence rather than preferential treatment. Under the new proposal, dividends distributed by these funds, currently exempt for corporate investors when passing through transparent vehicles, could be reclassified and taxed as financial capital gains at higher rates. The reform ignores that funds bear significant costsmanagement fees, audits, non-recoverable VATyears before any distributions occur, substantially reducing the actual taxable base. Industry representatives point to real estate investment funds (OPCI) as a cautionary precedent. Shortly after that asset class attracted meaningful capital, tax changes disrupted momentum, reducing net returns and competitiveness against unregulated structures. Private equity funds already contribute substantially to national tax revenues through taxes paid by portfolio companies, VAT on management services, and final taxation of investors. A June 2025 study by Moroccos asset management association demonstrated these funds broaden the tax base by promoting formalization and growth among financed businesses. Adding new constraints at the fund level would penalize regulated vehicles while favoring unregulated structures, potentially damaging an ecosystem that supports economic growth and job creation. Industry leaders argue fiscal coherence isnt privilegeits essential for stability and investor confidence. Source : https://www.challenge.ma/plf-2026-la-reforme-qui-menace-lequilibre-du-capital-investissement-312466/ The scale and speed at which solar power has exploded around the world is reshaping energy systems in transformative ways. As the price of solar energy has plummeted over the past decade, solar energy has become a no-brainer for energy capacity addition in contexts around the globe, and its accelerating growth trends show no sign of stopping. At this rate, the world could run on solar much sooner than previously imagined. As of 2024, solar energy provided 7 percent of the worlds electricity a stunning two-fold increase in just two years and has managed to nearly keep pace with total electricity demand growth, powering 83 percent of the worlds total additional capacity in 2025. In fact, when looking at solar and wind together, renewables outpaced global electricity demand growth and generated more electricity than coal for the first time in the planets history. And were just getting started. A recent report from the International Energy Agency projects that the world will add 4.6 terawatts of clean power between now and 2030. This is an astonishing figure, at nearly double the amount built over the previous five-year period, which was in turn more than double the amount built across the five years before that, a Canary Media column detailed last week. Put differently, the growth has essentially been exponential. Although political tides are turning against renewable energies in major economies, including the United States, the solar boom is no longer tied to policy instruments. The economics of solar power have long outgrown government support, and the market will continue to buoy what has become, by far, the cheapest form of new energy installations. The cost of installing solar has plummeted by a mind-blowing 90 percent over the last decade and a half. Right now, silicon panels themselves are the same cost as plywood, Sam Stranks, Professor of Energy Materials & Optoelectronics at the University of Cambridge, recently told NewScientist. As a result, solar adoption has skyrocketed in some of the worlds poorest economies and regions without reliable energy infrastructure. Pakistan, for example, has quickly become an unexpected poster child of solar adoption as residents install rooftop solar and batteries in their residences. "The scale of solar being deployed in such a short period of time has not been seen, I think, anywhere ever before, says Jan Rosenow, who leads the Environmental Change Institutes energy program at the University of Oxford. And that growth trend is set to continue. Solar-plus-battery systems could provide over a quarter of Pakistans peak energy demand and most daytime electricity needs by 2030. In other words, we have a plentiful and cheap source of electricity that can be built quickly, almost anywhere in the world, NewScientist recently posited. Is it fanciful to imagine that solar could one day power everything? The answer to that question depends on the continued advancement of solar power technologies as well as supportive infrastructure such as smart grids and long-term energy storage. Scientists are racing to discover next-gen solar panels that are more energy-efficient than todays silicon panels. Currently, tandem models that pair silicon with another material, such as perovskite, are receiving a great deal of research and development enthusiasm. While its true that silicon is great, tandems are better, Tomas Leijtens, a cofounder and the chief technology officer of next-gen solar startup Swift, told MIT last year. In the fight to tackle climate change, we need to accelerate, not just say, Oh, this is good enoughwere done. Everything can continue to be improved. Achieving solar expansion at a scale that is consistent with global climate goals remains a challenge, however, especially in todays policy environment. But experts contend that even while politics could create significant bottlenecks, the economic momentum of the solar power sector is unstoppable. By the end of this century, says Kingsmill Bond, who works at global energy think tank Ember, it is pretty clear that we will be getting all of our electricity from renewable sources, of which the vast majority will be solar. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Shandong Yulong Petrochemical, Chinas newest refinery, has swiftly become a potent emblem for the unintended effects of Western sanctions. Barely a year after its launch, the 400,000 b/d complex in Shandong province has purchased around 350,000 b/d of Russian crude for November delivery, effectively running almost entirely on discounted Russian oil after losing access to Western supplies following sanctions by the UK and EU. Its rise illustrates how punitive measures meant to isolate Moscow have instead bound together sanctioned Russian producers and sanctioned Chinese refiners, creating a new, self-contained trade in the shadows of the global oil market. In October 2025, Western governments tightened restrictions on Russias energy exports. The United Kingdom designated Shandong Yulong on October 15 as an entity supporting the Russian energy sector, followed by the EUs formal inclusion of the refinery on October 23. A day earlier, the United States sanctioned Rosneft and Lukoil, the two Russian state producers that account for a large share of Moscows oil exports. Rather than isolating these players, the measures effectively linked them: a newly commissioned Chinese refinery searching for stable crude supplies, and Russian producers suddenly shut out of Western markets. Before November, Yulongs sourced its feedstock from a diverse portfolio including Canada, the Middle East, Angola, Brazil and Russia. That pattern has now flipped. For November delivery volumes, the refinery secured roughly 350,000 b/d of Russian crude, compared with only 100,000 b/d in earlier months of the year. With the plant currently operating at about 90% of its 400,000 b/d capacity, Russian deliveries now provide almost all its feedstock. In practice, Yulong has transitioned from a mixed-supply newcomer to a facility almost entirely fueled by Russian oil. Related: US Crude Oil Inventories Continue to Fall Despite Glut Narrative The shift was driven by both necessity and opportunity. Several Canadian cargoes (reported 4 Aframax shipments of high-acid, high-TAN crude) that had been arranged for the December delivery cycle can no longer be sent to the refinery. Those barrels are now being resold on the secondary market, as sanctions make their discharge in China impossible. The result is that Russian crude has become not just the cheapest option for Yulong, but effectively the only one available. Venezuelan oil supplies could also kick in at some point in the future, however, there, payment is even more difficult to organize than in the case of Russian exports. For Moscow, the plant provided a reliable outlet, with Russian exporters effectively tripling their sales to Shandong in a period when many Indian refiners are vacillating between maintaining their pace of Urals imports or to curb them. Operationally, the young refinery is running at full throttle. In September and October, throughput reached roughly 90% of its design capacity of 400,000 b/d, contributing to record-high Chinese crude runs in those two months. In mid-September, Yulong achieved on-specification ethylene output from its new 12 mtpa naphtha cracker, its second such unit after the first (with the same capacity) came online in December 2024. Earlier in the year, four downstream petrochemical plants had begun operation, and by early September the company added another unit producing ethylene oxide and ethylene glycol. Those products are being sold externally into a regional market already awash with supply, deepening the oversupply that has been weighing on chemical prices across Asia. Under normal conditions, that would threaten margins for any producerespecially a newly commissioned one still scaling up. But Yulongs unique position has turned a potential weakness into a competitive edge. Forced by sanctions and trade restrictions to source almost all its feedstock from Russia, the refinery now benefits from some of the cheapest crude available anywhere in the world. The involuntary shift to discounted Russian oil has sharply reduced its operating costs, offsetting the deflation in product prices and keeping the complex profitable even in an oversupplied regional market. With nearly all its crude now arriving from Russia, Yulongs cost base has fallen even as production expandsan inversion of the pressure Western sanctions were intended to create. The reconfiguration of Yulongs crude imports will inevitably require some careful revision of its feedstock strategy to maintain the refinerys targeted product yield. Until recently, Yulong relied on a balanced mix of very heavy and sour Canadian crude and Iraqi Basrah Heavy combined with lighter grades such as Russias Sokol and ESPO to produce the optimal blend for its highly sophisticated distillation units. With Canadian and Middle Eastern barrels now barred, that balance is under pressure. Some analysts remain sceptical about whether Yulong can secure the heavy crude it needs to keep product output steady. However, others note that Russias Urals blend has a similar yield profile to Yulongs previous mix and could substitute for it without major adjustment though that would likely mean curbing purchases of lighter Sokol and ESPO grades further down the line. In any case, Russia alone can meet most of Yulongs requirements: Gazprom Neft could redirect part of its Arctic ARCO crude (24 degrees API) to Yulong, supplying the heavy feedstock needed to maintain the plants efficiency and high-value output. In this newly contorted energy landscape, Shandong Yulong Petrochemical is a symbol of how sanctions can forge new supply chains faster than they dismantle old ones a freshly built Chinese complex running almost exclusively on Russian oil, both sides sustaining each other inside a shadow market of their own making. By Natalia Katona for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com New U.S. sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil have injected fresh uncertainty into global oil markets and could disrupt Russian supply. The OPEC+ group will decide this weekend on production levels for December, in the first meeting since the United States slapped sanctions on the two biggest oil firms in Russia, a key member of the OPEC+ alliance and its second-largest producer after Saudi Arabia. The producer group led by the Kingdom and Russia has been managing supply to the market for nearly a decade, mostly by restricting oil output to ensure market stability in OPEC+ lingo; in other words, to support oil prices or at least put a floor under them. Market Share Lost Since the pandemic price bust and the supply cuts that followed a brief price war, OPEC+ has withheld production at various times at various levels. Not all producers were on board that every member should cut production and take a revenue and market share hit. So two years ago, a group of eight OPEC+ producers, including the biggest OPEC producers in the GulfSaudi Arabia, Iraq, the UAE, and Kuwait, plus Algeriaand the non-OPEC members of the OPEC+ alliance, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Oman, formed a coalition within the coalition to implement voluntary production adjustments. But over the last two years, oil prices were high enough to incentivize U.S. shale growth, which chipped away at the OPEC+ global market share. This spring, Saudi Arabia apparently decided it has had enough of reduced oil income and market share due to the large part of the OPEC+ production cuts it is shouldering. So OPEC+ began to unwind its output cuts in April. So far in 2025, the group has announced month by month the reversal of a total of 2.7 million barrels per day (bpd). Thats the nominal increase in production quotas. The group has actually returned fewer barrels on the market as some producers arent hiking output to compensate for previous overproduction while others simply lack the capacity to boost production. Early this month, OPEC+ proceeded with its cautious strategy of returning modest volumes of supply, a move cemented by the decision on October 5 to implement another 137,000 bpd production hike for November. This measured approach appears to be aimed at avoiding sinking oil prices, as post-summer demand weakens and forecasts warn of an impending glut. Motivating the decision for a modest output boost despite the expected overhang, OPEC+ said it continues to unwind cuts In view of a steady global economic outlook and current healthy market fundamentals, as reflected in the low oil inventories. The group has been saying this each month since April, in every press release announcing monthly production hikes. But in view of the many geopolitical upheavals and uncertain economic impact of U.S. trade policies this year, OPEC+ also always warns that it has adopted a cautious approach and retaining full flexibility to pause or reverse the additional voluntary production adjustments. The group meets on November 2 to decide December production levels. Indications are that the OPEC+ producers are leaning toward another slight increase in total quota, probably by another 137,000 bpd, sources with knowledge of the talks within the alliance told Reuters on Monday. Market Share Regained? It is unlikely that Saudi Arabia, as the OPEC+ leader, would begin pushing for a reversal of the recent production hikes unless Brent Crude prices drop to the low $50s per barrel for a sustained period of time, Bloomberg Opinion columnist Javier Blas argues. If Brent slipped to the low $50s, the U.S. benchmark crude price, WTI, would be below $50 per barrel, effectively triggering a decline in U.S. shale production. In fact, industry executives say that even $60 per barrel WTI is too low for continued growth. Following weeks into the high $50s, WTI only jumped above $60 at the end of last week after the U.S. sanctioned Russias top two producers, Rosneft and Lukoil, as a result of Russias lack of serious commitment to a peace process to end the war in Ukraine. The sanctions, slated to take effect on November 21, roiled the market again and the supply chain and procurement of Russias key buyers, India and China. The uncertainty and unpredictability of the U.S. sanctions against Russia, with the market still uncertain if the sanctions would stick or how much they would disrupt supply out of Russia, introduced a new geopolitical risk in oil prices. The move higher in oil just days ahead of the meeting to decide on December output levels gives OPEC+ ammunition to continue with the reversal of the cuts, even if with a token amount that would benefit mostly Saudi Arabia, which can boost production. Until the Russian sanction situation becomes clearer, OPEC+ is likely to keep adding small volumes to monthly production, at least until the feared glut manifests itself at the key pricing hubs and begins dragging prices lower. There will be a glut, analysts, forecasters, and investment banks concur. But the size of the overhang could become even more difficult to predict and observe if the U.S. sanctions incentivize another major wave of Russian oil moving into the shadow trade. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Russian officials have potentially opened a new revenue stream to help them generate profits from oil exports needed to keep their war effort going in Ukraine. And it runs through Georgia. Moscow is dealing with growing energy isolation and a wave of Ukrainian drone strikes that have crippled its oil infrastructure, reducing refining capacity by roughly 40 percent, according to a Washington Post report. Georgia is now providing a safe haven for Russian oil at a new refinery in Kulevi, situated on the shores of the Black Sea. A tanker, the Kayseri, sailing out of the Russian port of Novorossiysk delivered over 105,000 metric tons of oil to Kulevi on October 6, according to a report published by the Reuters news agency, which cited tracking data and an industry source. A Russian company, RussNeft, reportedly organized the shipment, the Reuters report added. RussNeft is a privately held entity that is not presently subject to sanctions, as is the state-owned entity Rosneft. Critics argue this distinction is cosmetic. RussNefts founder, Mikhail Gutseriev is under EU sanctions, and his family remains influential within the company. Many observers also contend that in Russia's state-controlled economy, no major business operates independently from the Kremlin. Adding to the murkiness, independent monitors tracking Russias so-called shadow fleet of tankers have flagged the Kayseri as a suspected vessel in this opaque system. In response to public scrutiny, Georgias State Revenue Service confirmed the arrival of Russian cargo but stressed that the ship and the ship-owning company, as well as the companies sending and receiving the cargo, are not subject to international sanctions. The agency declined to disclose the name of the receiving company, citing tax secrecy. Other government bodies echoed the same line, emphasizing that while the cargo originated in Russia, the ship sailed under a Panamanian flag. However, the Revenue Service added that the cargo was unloaded at a temporary customs storage facility to undergo further customs inspection procedures. This is the most recent publicly available information regarding the Siberian Light oil shipment that entered Georgia. The Kulevi refinery was inaugurated a year ago with great fanfare. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and then-economy minister Levan Davitashvili hailed it as one of the most important projects for the countrys energy security and independence. The facility is operated by Black Sea Petroleum, owned by Maka Asatiani, a business figure close to the ruling Georgian Dream party. Recently, an independent Russian investigative media outlet reported that Asatianis son is involved in business dealings with the son of the first deputy head of Russias military intelligence service, the GRU. In September, ex-minister Davitashvili became chairman of the refinerys board, a move underscoring the ruling partys growing influence and vested interest in the project. In addition, one of the project's main backers is Cartu Bank, founded by Bidzina Ivanishvili, the billionaire impresario of Georgian Dream. Related: Venezuela Demands Details on Exxons Trinidad Exploration The import of Russian oil into Georgia for processing once again highlights the [Bidzina] Ivanishvili governments support for Russia in its war against Ukraine, security expert and former Georgian parliament member Teona Akubardia said in an interview published by a regional news outlet, Batumelebi. It also raises the countrys risk of future sanctions, especially as Ukraine continues legitimate strikes on Russias energy sector. The refinery began operations earlier this month with an initial processing capacity of 1.2 million tons of oil per year (around 24,000 barrels per day) and plans to expand to 4 million tons by 2028, serving both domestic and export markets. Since fighting a five-day war in 2008, Russia and Georgia have had no formal diplomatic ties. Yet under Georgian Dream, Tbilisis economic links with Moscow have deepened while relations with the United States and European Union have gone into a deep freeze. In 2024, Georgiasourced roughly 40 percent of its oil products from Russia. Political expert Gia Khukhashvili in an interview with RFERL, accused the Georgian Dream government of pursuing a collaborationist policy with the Kremlin. The United States only recently imposed major sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil, Russias two largest oil companies. India and China, Russias top oil buyers, reportedly paused imports, wary of secondary sanctions. Against this backdrop, Georgias new refinery could become a small, sanction-free outlet for Russian oil, though its impact on Moscows exports remains uncertain. Georgian Dream leaders have long sought to justify their geopolitical turn away from the West by claiming without evidence that Washington and Brussels were intent on using Georgia to open a second front against Russia in the Ukraine war. But Georgian Dreams evident tolerance of the acceptance of a Russian oil shipment at Kulevi would appear to do more than any other single development in the country since 2022 to potentially entangle Georgia in the war. By Eurasianet More Top Reads From Oilprice.com President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged Donald Trump to press China to end its support for Russia in its war against Ukraine when the US President meets his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, during a tour of Asia this week. In wide-ranging comments made to reporters that were released on October 28, the Ukrainian leader said he was ready to hold peace talks anywhere except for Russia and its ally Belarus, though Ukraine is not ready to cede territory. "It's absolutely clear that we're approaching diplomacy only from the position where we currently stand. We will not take any steps back and leave one part of our state or another," Zelenskyy said. "And the important result is that the American side finally made this a public signal: President Trump came out with such a message," he added in a reference to Trump recently backing Kyiv's call for an immediate ceasefire on current lines. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told a security conference in Minsk on October 28 that Moscow hopes Trump "remains sincerely committed to resolving the Ukrainian crisis and will uphold the principles that were developed at the summit in Anchorage. Lavrov was referring to an August meeting between Putin and Trump in Alaska in which Moscow has said Putins position was that Russia would agree to end the war only after eliminating the primary causes of the conflict -- namely the disarming of Ukraine and the ceding of territory lost to Russia during the war. It wasn't immediately clear what specifically Lavrov was referring to. The Russians initially portrayed the Anchorage summit as a significant step toward peace, but Russia's continued barrage of Ukrainian cities, and its unwillingness to halt fighting, even along current frontlines, has soured Trump and US negotiators. Zelenskyy's comments come as Russia appears to be making a breakthrough on the battlefield around the key city of Pokrovsk, which Russian troops have been trying to capture for over a year. The Ukrainian leader admitted "around 200 Russians" have entered the eastern city, which is currently their "main target." Pokrovsk, a city of about 7,000 inhabitants -- down from more than 60,000 prewar -- holds crucial road and rail junctions and has been under threat of encirclement by Russian forces for most of the year. In early October, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that Russian troops had entered the city, but Ukrainian officials at the time denied the report and said Kremlin forces continued to suffer heavy losses in the region. Ukrainian military expert Roman Svitan told Current Time on October 28 that Ukrainian troops have been sent in to stem any further advance. "The situation [in Pokrovsk] is difficult for [Ukraine], but it's just as difficult for the Russians because they're under two-flank attacks," he said. Trump, who last week said he is not going "to be wasting my time by meeting with Putin if the Kremlin leader is not ready to make a deal to end his war on Ukraine, is on a week-long tour of Asia that is expected to culminate with a meeting with Xi on October 30 in South Korea. Related: Venezuela Demands Details on Exxons Trinidad Exploration Zelenskyy said the meeting is an opportunity for Trump to further ratchet up pressure on Russia after his administration sent shockwaves across global energy markets on October 22 by sanctioning state-controlled Rosneft and privately owned LUKoil. The two are Russias largest oil companies, whose exports go a long way toward filling the Kremlins coffers used to fund the war. Observers are watching closely to gauge reactions by India and China -- the two biggest buyers of Russian oil exports. China is one of Moscows top allies and trading partners, sourcing much of its Russian energy via Siberian pipelines. "I think this may be one of [Trump's] strong moves, especially if, following this decisive sanctions step, China is ready to reduce imports" from Russia, Zelenskyy said. In the meantime, Zelenskyy said Ukraine's European and Western allies will likely need to continue providing financial support for the coming two or three years if peace talks aren't successful and Ukraine has to continue to repel invading Russian forces. European Union leaders on October 24 stopped short of a deal to use frozen Russian state assets to fund Ukraine, after Belgium -- where most of the money is held -- raised legal and technical concerns about the proposal. "I emphasized this again to all European leaders. I told them that we are not going to fight for decades, but you must show that for some time you will be able to provide stable financial support to Ukraine," Zelenskyy said. "And that is why they have this program in mind -- 2-3 years," Zelensky said, referring to Brussels' plans to tap Russia's frozen assets to help Kyiv. By RFE/RL More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Iraqis head to the polls on November 11 for parliamentary elections, however, surveys predict record-low turnout, which may complicate creation of a government. This election differs from those before: Muqtada al-Sadr has withdrawn from politics; Hadi al-Ameris Badr Organization is contesting the vote independently; and Hezbollah Irans ally in Lebanon is weakened. Though regional unrest persists, Iraq itself is comparatively stable. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudanis tenure was quieter than his predecessors, ending without scandal or disappointment, but electricity shortages have harried his administration which has announced ambitious infrastructure projects. (Iraq currently produces between 24,000 and 28,000 megawatts of electricity, and Iraq recently inked a contract with U.S.-based General Electric to add another 24,000 megawatts by 2028.) Recently, U.S. energy giants Chevron and ExxonMobil signed exploration and development deals. Simon Watkins of OilPrice.com, called ExxonMobils comeback in Iraq a major geopolitical shift, signaling renewed Western engagement. These developments likely please U.S. President Donald Trump, who has yet to meet Sudani formally in Baghdad or Washington, D.C. Related: EIA: Oil, Oil Product Inventories Continue to Plummet in the U.S. Managing the water crisis Iraqs most immediate problem is water scarcity. It depends on Turkey and Iran for nearly 75% of its freshwater through the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which originate upstream. Torhan al-Mufti, Sudanis adviser on water affairs, warns that Iraqs vulnerability stems from these transboundary flows. There is some good news: according to Mufti, water inflows from Turkey to the Tigris have doubled in two years. In October 2025, Baghdad and Ankara reached a draft water-sharing agreement that includes infrastructure rehabilitation, implemented by Turkish companies, and a permanent consultation group to coordinate future water-sharing decisions. Nevertheless, 2025 has been Iraqs driest year since 1933. Rainfall shortages, and Turkish and Iranian dam projects, reduced Tigris, and Euphrates water levels by up to 27%. Reservoirs now hold less than 8 billion cubic meters, their lowest volume in over eight decades. In September, the government suspended wheat planting due to insufficient water. Southern Iraq, particularly Basra, home to 3.5 million people, faces a growing humanitarian crisis as residents rely on trucked-in water. The once-vast Mesopotamian marshes, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are retreating, threatening biodiversity, and displacing communities. Increasing water salinity is hurting farmers and livestock. The International Organization for Migration reports saltwater intrusion is destroying farmland, palm groves, and citrus orchards. This ecological decline risks economic instability and social unrest, especially in rural regions. One solution may be to lease farmland abroad, following the example of Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which cultivate crops in Africa to preserve domestic water. However, this could deepen Iraqs internal dislocation, displacing struggling agricultural communities. Balancing US relations U.S. troops withdrew from Iraq in 2011, but returned in 2014 to fight the Islamic State. Washington pledged to achieve the enduring defeat of ISIS a mission to justify a long-term presence. Under a recent agreement, U.S. combat forces began withdrawing in September 2025, with a full exit expected by September 2026. However, small contingents will remain in Iraqi Kurdistan and at Ain al-Asad Air Base to assist in counterterrorism operations. In October, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Sudani to disarm the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) a 240,000-strong force formed to fight ISIS with an annual budget of roughly $3.5 billion. The U.S. pressured Iraqi lawmakers to withdraw legislation that would place the PMF fully under government control, though internal disagreements also helped doom the bill. Sudani recently declared the armed groups have two options: join the official security institutions or transition to [unarmed] political work. The invasion and occupation of Iraq cost the Americans over 4,400 dead and over $3 trillion. The U.S. now faces the Meddlers Trap a self-inflicted cycle in which intervention creates new problems that policymakers feel compelled to manage indefinitely. Iraq remains caught in this dynamic: Washington wants to leave but cannot bear the risks of doing so. Kuwait Oil Company, the national oil firm of one of OPECs biggest Gulf producers, plans to invest as much as $3.9 billion (1.2 billion Kuwaiti dinars) in exploration drilling by 2030, a senior company executive told Reuters in an interview published on Wednesday. The exploration drilling program is part of a bigger drilling and maintenance program by the end of the decade, with a budget of $32 billion (9.8 billion dinars), Khaled Al-Mulla, Kuwait Oil Companys Deputy CEO for Exploration and Drilling, told Reuters. This is the biggest long-term budget for the Kuwaiti national oil company ever. With it, the firm plans to drill and maintain up to 6,193 wells by 2030. Oil production capacity in Kuwait this year hit a more than decade high of 3.2 million barrels per day (bpd), Tareq Al-Roumi, the Oil Minister of Kuwait, said last month. Kuwait had a similar production capacity in the late 2000s, with capacity hitting the highest on record of 3.3 million bpd in 2010. Kuwaits oil production capacity began to drop after 2010, but the OPEC heavyweight has launched a program in recent years to raise it. Earlier this year, Kuwait said it plans to invest as much as $50 billion to raise its oil production capacity to nearly 4 million bpd over the next five years, Arabian Gulf Business Insight (AGBI) quoted Kuwait Petroleum Corporations deputy chairman and CEO, Shaikh Nawaf Al-Sabah, as saying. Kuwait is planning to invest $9 to $10 billion annually in the next five years to increase its oil production capacity, Al-Sabah said. Kuwait, a founding member of OPEC, is the cartels fifth-largest producer, behind Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Higher oil production capacity could help Kuwait argue for a higher oil production quota in the OPEC+ deal, with which the major Gulf producers and Russia have been managing supply for nearly a decade. By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com An Aframax tanker carrying Russian crude to India has reversed course soon after leaving the Russian coast and is currently idling in the Baltic Sea, Kpler has reported, as cited by Bloomberg. The crude on board comes from Rosneft, which the U.S. sanctioned a week ago. The data, from Kpler and Vortexa, shows that the Furia loaded around 730,000 barrels of Urals crude in Primorsk on October 20 and set off for the Indian port of Sikka, which Reliance Industries and Bharat Petroleum use to receive foreign oil cargos. Arrival time was estimated as mid-November, Bloomberg reported, citing unnamed Indian energy industry executives as saying they expected a wind-down in new Russian oil orders. The latest U.S. sanctions specifically targeted, among other entities, two of Russias biggest oil exporters, Rosneft and Lukoil. Together, the two account for about half of Russias total oil exports or some 2 million barrels daily. Companies doing business with the two have until November 21 to wind that business down. Lukoil, meanwhile, said this week it was going to sell its overseas business following the sanctions. As regards the effectiveness of the sanctions, the general sentiment among industry observers appears to be one of skepticism. Kpler, for instance, said that the sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil would lead to a disruption in oil flows over the short term but would fail to cause structural change in oil markets. A major disruption to Russian crude exports appears unlikely, as the imposed measures are not secondary sanctions. Purchases by non-US entities such as Indian, Turkish, or Chinese refiners directly from Rosneft remain legally permissible, Kpler said. Others noted the potential of effective sanctions to lead to much higher oil prices, which would be bad news for large importers in the West. They are trying to thread a needle. They have clearly been given instructions not to blow up the global economy, so that does mean they are going to be using sanctions against third or fourth league targets, Richard Nephew, a former senior U.S. State Department official, told the Wall Street Journal this week. Based on what we have seen so far, they are basically doing a signaling operation with the hope of inflicting some damage. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The United States has issued a general license allowing limited operations of Rosnefts German subsidiaries, according to a notice posted on the companys website and confirmed by Reuters. The authorization applies to Rosneft Deutschland and RN Refining & Marketing, both under German federal trusteeship since 2022, when Berlin assumed control to maintain refinery continuity and prevent fuel shortages. The license does not lift sanctions on Rosneft. However, it allows maintenance, payments, and service activities necessary to keep assets functioning under non-Russian management. The Schwedt refinery, which supplies roughly 90% of Berlin and Brandenburgs fuel, lies at the center of this legal arrangement. Germany placed Rosnefts 54% under state control through the Federal Network Agency after the EU embargo on Russian crude took effect. Since then, Schwedt has been operating on non-Russian feedstock delivered via the Rostock pipeline and through Polands Gda?sk terminal. The new U.S. license ensures that transactions supporting Schwedts ongoing operations, including service contracts, insurance, and financial clearing, remain compliant under U.S. sanctions law. This coordination essentially signifies that Washington fully intends to maintain energy stability in Central Europe, even as it moves to tighten restrictions on Russian oil and gas revenue. The measure follows a broader sanctions escalation that added Rosneft and Lukoil to new U.S. designations, marking one of Washingtons most extensive enforcement rounds since restrictions on Russian energy began in 2022. The latest package expands coverage to trading houses, insurers, and tanker operators involved in facilitating Russian oil shipments, effectively tightening the compliance perimeter across global supply chains. U.S. officials said the move aims to close loopholes in the so-called shadow fleet system and constrain revenue that Moscow channels through offshore intermediaries. Enforcement moves are already reshaping flows. Indian Reliance Industries will halt imports, and a Russian tanker reversed course under threat of secondary sanctions. The license is time-limited and currently runs to April 29 next year. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Venezuela has formally requested detailed information from neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago regarding first field-tests planned by Exxon Mobil in a newly awarded ultra-deep water exploration block close to the two countries maritime border, three separate sources and a diplomatic note reviewed by Reuters show. The exploration block, awarded to Exxon earlier this year, is situated in ultra-deep water off Trinidads east coast and lies adjacent to the maritime boundary with Venezuela. It is also located northwest of the prolific Stabroek block operated by Exxon in Guyana. Under Article 8 of their delimitation treaty, the two countries must inform one another of planned exploration activity within 500 metres of the boundary line, a point Venezuela cited in demanding the information. Trinidad has indicated its willingness to share a seismic survey plan scheduled for next year, but has declined to disclose detailed operational plans, stating confidentiality provisions prevent disclosure of specific data on Block TTUD 1. A government memo cited by Reuters reads: The Government of Trinidad and Tobago is bound by confidentiality provisions specific and detailed information cannot be disclosed. Notably, this request from Venezuela comes directly after it suspended a wide-ranging energy cooperation agreement with Trinidad over the latter's support for the United States. The implied threat to Trinidad and Tobago's maritime border is part of a broader approach from Venezuela regarding energy projects in neighbouring countries, most famously its tensions with Guyana. For Exxon, the deal marks a return to Trinidad and Tobago's waters after more than two decades. The countrys government recently negotiated an ultra-deepwater block which covers water depths of 2,0003,000 metres and is seen as being comparable to Guyanas Stabroek basin. Industry sources suggest the block may require seismic acquisition and drilling of exploration wells, and could involve a multi-billion-dollar investment if commercially viable. From an energy-industry perspective, the Venezuelan request adds a layer of risk to what might otherwise be seen as a promising deepwater play. On one hand, the proximity to the proven Stabroek acreage gives the block strong geological potential. On the other hand, the political-boundary overlay raises the prospect of diplomatic friction, regulatory delay, or even unilateral injunctions if a discovery straddles the boundary or raises transit/sovereign-entitlement issues. For Exxon, managing both the technical difficulties and geopolitical risk promises to be a trying task. For Trinidad, the government must balance its desire to attract deepwater investment with the need to manage regional tensions and treaty obligations. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com In Mondays online edition, The Oregonian published a story speculating that a 300 mile power line from Idaho into Oregon was likely to be redirected from serving the general public to serving a data storage facility. As the Oregonian noted: This summer, after nearly 20 years of planning, permitting and lawsuits construction finally launched on a new electrical transmission line set to run nearly 300 miles across five Oregon counties and into Idaho one of Oregons largest transmission projects in decades. But Irene Gilbert, a retiree from La Grande who over the years has repeatedly challenged the Boardman-to-Hemmingway project B2H for short wasnt ready to back down. She found what she considered a concerning switcheroo the lines co-owner, investor owned PacificCorp, no longer intends to sell the power to its 805,000 customers but [rather] to a private industrial user, most likely a data center. [Bracketed words provided] Now, I dont know whether there is a word of truth including the articles a, an, and the in this story or just another example of sloppy journalism where rumor or baseless accusations substitute for facts, For my purposes, however, it is replete with the specific reasons why business and industry particularly the high tech industry should be moving rapidly towards individual power sources such as small, modular reactors. Lets take a look at the reasons. The Oregonians articles noted that this power line project has been in the planning, permitting, and lawsuits phase for twenty years and it is yet to turn its first shovel of dirt. Outrageous! Those planning, permitting and lawsuits have focused on virtually everything but the delivery of power to consumers its primary mission. Those reviews will have focused on birds and blades of grass, toads and toad stools and diversity, equity and inclusion as if electrons give a damn about social issues best addressed by the legislature rather than faceless bureaucrats and a public utility commission that knows even less about such issues than it does of generating and delivering power. The nations utility commissions were created as a means to insure that the nations utilities delivered service on a timely basis for reasonable rates the latter being a necessity since the utilities were all monopolies and thus unburdened by the discipline of the free market to do just that delivery of service on a timely basis at reasonable prices. But all of that went out the window when the government intervened to promote its societal goals. So while the regulatory commissions were able to use accounting tricks to keep telephone rates artificially low, those same regulatory commissions drove up the cost of power by requiring utilities to utilize alternate energy sources such as wind, solar, and thermal while simultaneously working to eliminate the most dependable sources nuclear and hydroelectric power. Not only did they drive up prices for electrical energy, they forced those who would use where they could locate by controlling when, where and how the transmission facilities were located. The net result was a closed network that drove investment growth towards the locations of the grid not surprisingly to the metropolitan areas at the expense of rural communities that had plentiful sites but marginal electricity. Given the choice between cheap land and waiting for ten to fifteen ears for power generating facilities to add capacity and transmission facilities, the nations industrialists routinely chose large cities where the electrical power already existed. A classic example of that was the so-called B-to-H transmission facilities twenty years in the making and still not a shovel of dirt turned in furtherance of the project. And finally and this relates back to comments by Gov. Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) in speeches she has made embracing the small modular reactors. Ms. Ayotte noted that most of the SMRs were scalable and could be sized to meet current needs and probable growth. Most importantly she noted that they could be built and deployed much more rapidly than the utilities could under regulatory limitations. As a condition for allowing construction of these SMRs she barred them from connecting to the grid first to prevent unfair competition with the highly regulated power companies and second to ensure that the costs of the SMRs do not fall back on general consumers as is the case with general power investments (included those in the failing alternative energy mandates). So, if in fact the Oregonians article is at all accurate, it should be viewed as a wake-up call to Oregon regulators and legislators to encourage investment in SMR to protect general consumers from bearing the cost of growth in the energy supply and delivery which is destined for a minority of high tech customers and from bearing the risk of diminished service to general customers based on new demand by industry. So maybe, just maybe, the utility regulators and the legislators can turn away from social experiments like DEI and the green energy to focus on the balance between demand and availability of electricity. And do it without imposing the same mindless regulations on the SMR industry as it does no the large power and transmission companies. But dont hold your breath Oregons liberal progressives cant wait to regulate another business into immateriality. Poll Finds Massive Support for Tax Referendum By Right to Vote on Gas Tax PAC Salem- A new Riley Research survey has confirmed what has long been assumed: Oregonians oppose the recent transportation taxes, which were imposed exclusively by Oregon Democrats. Voters degree of opposition to the taxes appears strong and the publics desire to vote on them is even stronger. Key Findings (Riley Research, attached) 67% said they would vote to repeal the taxes 21% said they would vote to keep the taxes 82% oppose the 6-cent gas tax increase 81% oppose the registration fee increase to nearly double the current fee 84% oppose the title fee increase which would nearly triple the current fee 86% of voters would be willing to sign a petition to put the tax and fee increases on the ballot*. <* Note: petitions wont be available until Kotek signs petition> The chief petitioners of Right to Vote weighed in Rep. Ed Diehl (R-Stayton) said: This poll confirms what Ive heard from Oregonians across the state: theyre done being taxed without representation. Voters are rightfully demanding the chance to weigh in directly and to remind Salem that the power belongs to the people, not the politicians. Jason Williams, who is the Executive Director of the Taxpayers Association of Oregon, said: This tax will especially hit hard many seniors on limited income who cannot afford it. Many families with children will be hit with a minimum of $300 in higher costs. Sen. Bruce Starr (R-Dundee) said: Oregonians clearly want to vote on this massive tax increase. Republicans offered alternatives to the tax increases by funding core programs with existing ODOT funds but that was swatted down by the supermajority Democrats and the Governor. Oregonians do not want and can not afford this unnecessary tax. See details on the tax here Summary here. By Taxpayers Association of Oregon OregonWatchdog.com Oregon Governor Tina Kotek once called the $4.3 billion gas tax an emergency urgent matter that required forcing the entire Legislative body to cancel their Labor Day weekend plans in order to have a rushed Session to vote for her tax bill HB 3991. During that weekend, that Kotek forced lawmakers to attend and pass her bill, she herself did not interrupt her vacation plans to speak at the gas tax bill public hearing to make the case for her own bill. The gas tax was passed by the Legislature on September 30th. The Taxpayers Associations Jason Williams, and State Senator Bruce Starr and State Representative Ed Diehl are chief petitioners on a petition referendum campaign to stop the gas tax by forcing a statewide public vote. Yet, we cannot start until Kotek signs the bill. The longer Kotek delays, the shorter-time citizens have to circulate the petition. With the bill on her desk, Kotek has now left the state on a $200,000 taxpayer-paid travel junket to Japan and South Korea. So, the Taxpayers Association of Oregon decided to make full use of her long trip by sending her the gas tax bill to veto or sign*. We sent the gas tax bill to the American embassy in Japan to pass along to Oregons wayward Governor when they see her. With 10-hour long flights across the Pacific, Kotek surely has 60-seconds to sign her own bill that she forced lawmakers to cancel their family vacation over. Since Koteks Japan/Korea trip is costing taxpayers $200,000, surely this trip is considered a work trip on work time. Kotek should be doing work. Help us spread the word. Contribute online at OregonWatchdog.com (learn about a Charitable Tax Deduction or Political Tax Credit options to promote liberty). * = This article is satire, comedy. 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: Enhanced sustainable Green Revolution yield via chromatin loop extrusion-driven transcriptional regulation of RCN2. Credit: IGDB A team of Chinese scientists has uncovered a hidden 3D structure in rice DNA that allows the crop to grow more grain while using less nitrogen fertilizer. The finding, published in Nature Genetics by researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), could guide the next "green revolution" toward higher yields and more sustainable farming. The study reveals that a looping section of DNAa "chromatin loop"controls the activity of a gene called RCN2, which governs how rice plants form their grain-bearing branches. Adjusting this loop boosted both yield and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), two traits that normally conflict with each other. According to Prof. Fu Xiangdong from the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology of CAS, who led the team, boosting crop yields depends on strengthening both the "source" and the "sink" within a plant. The source refers to tissues such as leaves that produce and release sugars through photosynthesis, while the sink includes the growing partsgrains, panicles, young leaves, stems, roots, and fruitsthat store or consume those sugars. Improving both sides of this system simultaneously is essential for increasing yield and NUE. To uncover how this coordination occurs, the researchers identified a major genetic region, or quantitative trait locus, called qINCA2. This locus influences photosynthesis, nitrogen assimilation, and grain numberthree core traits for productivity. Within this region, the researchers pinpointed a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located 8,765 base pairs upstream of a gene known as RCN2, which plays a key role in how rice forms its grain-bearing branches, or inflorescences. That tiny DNA change dramatically increased RCN2 activity. The RCN2 protein then altered how two other moleculesOsSPL14 and DELLAinteract. By loosening their bond, RCN2 effectively freed the OsSPL14 transcription factor to switch on genes responsible for carbonnitrogen metabolism and panicle development. This chain reaction allowed rice plants to produce more grains and use nitrogen more efficientlytwo goals that typically trade off against each other. The team then turned to a deeper question: How does the SNP trigger such a strong effect on gene expression? Their investigation revealed that the region containing the SNP also carries a series of tandem DNA repeatsCCCTC motifsknown in animals to anchor 3D loops in chromatin, the tightly packed form of DNA. In mammals, such loops are controlled by a protein called CTCF, but no plant equivalent had ever been confirmed. FU's group identified OsYY1 as the first plant protein to act in this way. OsYY1 binds to the CCCTC-rich DNA sequences near RCN2 and promotes the extrusion of chromatin loops, reshaping the three-dimensional architecture of the genome. This looping mechanism determines whether RCN2 is turned on or off by bringing distant control elements into contact with its promoter region. By precisely editing these regulatory DNA sequences, the researchers were able to fine-tune chromatin looping at the RCN2 site. The result was enhanced flow of carbon compounds from source tissues to developing grainsthe sinkleading to a higher harvest index (HI), greater yield, and stronger NUE, even under low-nitrogen conditions. This discovery introduces chromatin loop extrusion as a new mechanism for crop improvement. Beyond its immediate implications for rice, it opens the door to next-generation breeding strategies that could help feed a growing global population with fewer environmental costs. More information: Precise control of chromatin loop extrusion enhances sustainable green revolution yield in rice, Nature Genetics (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41588-025-02376-y. Journal information: Nature Genetics 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: Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels Algorithms that threaten worker dignity, autonomy and discretion are quietly reshaping how people are managed at work, warns new research from the University of Surrey. The study, published in the Annals of Tourism Research, finds that artificial intelligence (AI)driven management systems can be made more humanif organizations reintroduce human judgment, transparency and flexibility into how algorithms are designed and used. Drawing on interviews with 30 hospitality professionals and developers, and an analysis of 61 algorithmic management systems used across hotels, restaurants and call centers, the research details how AI does not automatically replace managers but quietly redistributes authority. Algorithms make decisions about tasks, performance and scheduling, but the human managers who interpret, adapt or challenge these outputs determine whether workplaces become more empowering or more oppressive. Dr. Brana Jianu, co-author of the study, Research Fellow at the University of Surrey, said, "Algorithmic management doesn't have to strip work of its humanity. When managers use algorithms as tools for collaboration rather than control, they can protect employee dignity while still improving efficiency. The key is to keep people in the loopexplaining how systems work, encouraging discretion, and giving staff the power to question automated decisions." The research introduces the concept of Modalities of (In)Visibility to describe how algorithms shape what is seen, measured and valued at workand whose interests are prioritized. When algorithms highlight context and allow for human interpretation, staff feel empowered and respected. When the logic behind the system is hidden, workers are more likely to feel surveilled and powerless. Professor Iis Tussyadiah, Dean of Surrey Business School and co-author of the study said, "We need to design dashboards that show not just individual productivity, but team collaboration; allowing employees to challenge or amend automated allocations; and holding transparency sessions that explain how data is used to make scheduling or evaluation decisions. "Humanizing AI at work depends less on the technology itself and more on how organizations use it. As the hospitality sector becomes a testing ground for AI management, the lessons learned could reshape workplaces far beyond hotels and restaurants." More information: Brana Jianu et al, Humanising algorithmic management systems, Annals of Tourism Research (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.annals.2025.104021 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: The centroid shift trajectory of CATs across different historical periods. Credit: PLOS One (2025). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0333485 Tombs scattered across China, built between the 4,000-year old Xia Dynasty and the modern era, reflect the political and social patterns of Chinese history, according to a study published in PLOS One by Quanbao Ma from the Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, China, and colleagues. The research team mapped the location of ancient tombs in China to search for patterns in their distribution across the country and throughout history. They found that both socioeconomic factors and geography may have influenced where these burial sites are located. For example, many of the surviving tombs are from periods of Chinese history with relative political and economic stability, such as the Qin-Han and Yuan-Ming-Qing dynasties. Times of war and instability, like the Five Dynasties era, are not as well represented in the archaeological record of tombs. The researchers note that when people's living standards were high, they could likely spend more time focusing on the afterlife. Population trends might also have influenced where tombs were built. The researchers note, for example, that war was common in northern China from the late Eastern Han dynasty through the Northern and Southern dynasties. This led people to move southward, and tombs from this era are clustered in these southern locations. Both the Chengdu-Chongqing and Central Plains regions have a higher number of surviving tombs. The researchers note that Chengdu-Chongqing has relatively flat land and fertile soil, and the Central Plains have flat land and plenty of water, which would have helped ancient settlements develop in these areas. Both areas are also relatively humid, which likely helped preserve artifacts inside the tombs. Burial sites represent an indispensable source of cultural heritage knowledge, the research team notes, and they hope that this study will help provide some of the scientific foundations needed to preserve these tombs in the future. The authors add, "This study conducted a systematic digital survey and analysis of the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics and influencing factors of ancient tombs in China, revealing their evolution patterns and influencing factors, thus laying an important theoretical foundation for building a scientific and precise protection system." More information: The spatiotemporal distribution characteristics and influencing factors of ancient tombs in China: A study on the conservation of ancient tombs in China, PLOS One (2025). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0333485 Journal information: PLoS ONE 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: CC0 Public Domain On New Year's Eve, 2019, a Domino's Pizza delivery worker sold pizzas for $30 in Times Square, even though the same pizza would normally sell for half that price. When New York City's mayor blasted the chain online, many customers sprang to its defense. They argued the price was reasonable, considering how difficult it was to get through the crowds. "If the $30 was too expensive, then nobody would have bought it," tweeted one customer. The story points to a potentially valuable resource for companies facing attacks, says Wayne Hoyer, professor of marketing and James L. Bayless/W.S. Farrish Fund Chair for Free Enterprise at Texas McCombs. He calls these online customers "brand defenders." "In today's world, everything is a two-way interaction, and consumers get involved in the process," he says. "They make videos and they stand up for the brands. They can be very valuable in offsetting negative communication." In newly published research, Hoyer explores what drives different types of defenders and how companies can appeal to each type. The work is published in the Journal of Interactive Marketing. With a team of marketing researchers from the University of Bern in SwitzerlandClemens Ammann, Andrea Giuffredi-Kahr, Bettina Nyffenegger, and Harley KrohmerHoyer first looked at how often consumers stand up for brands online. The researchers reviewed three months' worth of comments on Facebook pages of eight U.S. brands. On average, one in every 20 comments was a defense against criticism, ranging from 1% of total comments for AT&T to 10% for Tesla. Love, justice, and ego The team contacted 10 of the commenters for interviews, then followed up with an online survey of 570 people who had refuted brand critics within the past six months. Using cluster analysis, they broke the defenders into three groups, each with a distinct set of motivations. Brand promoters are the customers who have the strongest satisfaction with the brand and attachment to it. They feel an altruistic desire to give something back. "People feel emotionally connected," Hoyer says. "So, when the brand is being attacked, they're being attacked as well." Companies can encourage promoters by acknowledging them, he says. "People like to be told, 'We appreciate you.' It's all about building strong relationships. They love the brand, and they love to be recognized by the brand." Justice promoters are not emotionally attached. Its main motivator is a feeling that the brand is being wrongly condemned. "They just believe in fair play," Hoyer says. "They simply want to restore equitynot because they love the brand, but because they think it's unfair it's been attacked." Because they feel less strongly about the brand, he adds, "It's tougher to market to them. You have to appeal to a sense of fairness." Self-promoters are defenders who are motivated as much by ego as by attachment. By speaking up, they present a positive online image. They may also hope to get rewards from the brand. "Those are people that like to get attention on social media," Hoyer says. "They figure if they stand up and say something, they'll get a lot of likes. If they see a brand being attacked and defend it, they can get followers. "It's not about the brand. It's about 'me' in a general sense and wanting attention online and promoting myself." When it comes to mobilizing all three types, the researchers suggest, it can be effective to send private thank-you messages or to acknowledge their comments with likes. Customers could also be treated to rewards such as raising their level in an online game. What companies should avoid is being too obvious about their encouragement. "Publicly praising brand defenders should be approached with caution," the researchers write. "It may give the impression that they are company representatives, potentially harming credibility." More information: Clemens Ammann et al, Beyond Strong Bonds: A Typology of and Motivational Insights into Online Brand Defenders, Journal of Interactive Marketing (2025). DOI: 10.1177/10949968251320615 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: Flooded homes in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. Hurricane Melissa was moving toward Bermuda on Thursday after ripping a path of destruction through the Caribbean that left at least 20 people dead in Haiti, and parts of Jamaica and Cuba in ruins. The Bahamas government discontinued a hurricane warning for its central and southeastern regions, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said in its latest advisory early Thursday. "Follow advice of local officials as you may need to remain sheltered after the storm due to downed power lines and flooding," the NHC warned. Flooding is expected to subside in the Bahamas later on Thursday, although it could persist in Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti and the Dominican Republic, the US weather bureau added. The storm was still 685 miles (1,105 kilometers) southwest of Bermuda as of 5:00 am US Eastern time (0900 GMT), according to the NHC. "Hurricane Melissa is expected to pass Bermuda as a Category 1 Hurricane. While not a direct hit, the system will pass close enough to warrant precautionary safety measures," the Bermuda government posted on social media. After Melissa left Cuban shores, residents started assessing their losses, with President Miguel Diaz-Canel describing the damage as "extensive." In the east of the communist island, which is battling its worst economic crisis in decades, people struggled through flooded and collapsed homes and inundated streets. A home damaged as Melissa passed through Santiago de Cuba, Cuba. The storm smashed windows, downed power cables and mobile communications, and ripped off roofs and tree branches. Cuban authorities said about 735,000 people had been evacuatedmainly in the provinces of Santiago de Cuba, Holguin and Guantanamo. In Santiago de Cuba, homemaker Mariela Reyes, 55, recounted how violent winds lifted the roof off her humble dwelling and dumped it a block away. She managed to save her TV set and a few small appliances from her flooded home. "It's not easy to lose... the little you have," Reyes told AFP. 'Disaster area' Pope Leo offered prayers from the Vatican, while the United States said it was in contact with the governments of Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas. "We have rescue and response teams heading to affected areas along with critical lifesaving supplies," US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on X, without mentioning ideological foe Cuba. A family salvages belongings from the rubble of their home after it collapsed during Hurricane Melissas passage through Santiago de Cuba, Cuba. The UK government announced 2.5 million (about $3.3 million) in emergency funding for the region. In Jamaica, UN resident coordinator Dennis Zulu told reporters Melissa had brought "tremendous, unprecedented devastation of infrastructure, of property, roads, network connectivity." Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared the tropical island famed for tourism a "disaster area"many homes were destroyed and about 25,000 people sought refuge in shelters. Information Minister Dana Morris Dixon told CNN that officials had been unable to confirm reports of deaths "because we have not been able to get to some of the hardest-hit areas." 'Everything is gone' At least 20 people in southern Haiti, including 10 children, were killed in floods caused as the hurricane shaved past earlier in the week, according to civil defense agency head Emmanuel Pierre. Infographic showing the forecast path of Hurricane Melissa as of October 28 at 0920 GMT, and the probability that winds will exceed 120 km/h around its track in the next 5 days. A flooded street in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on October 28, 2025. Ten more were missing. "People have been killed, houses have been swept away by the water," resident Steeve Louissaint told AFP in the coastal town of Petit-Goave, where the Digue River burst its banks. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Hurricane Melissa tied the 1935 record for the most intense storm ever to make landfall when it battered Jamaica on Tuesday, according to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). In Seaford Town, farmer and businessman Christopher Hacker saw his restaurant and nearby banana plantations flattened. "Everything is gone," he told AFP. "It will take a lot to recover from this." The full extent of Melissa's damage is not yet clear. A comprehensive assessment could take days with communications networks disrupted across the region. UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell said such mega-storms "are a brutal reminder of the urgent need to step up climate action on all fronts, as they bring massive human and economic costs in every part of the world, and those costs grow faster and bigger each year." 2025 AFP 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: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain "United we stand, divided we fall" doesn't always work for auditing. Sometimes, it makes sense for an accounting firm to divide the load, such as when a multinational client has subsidiaries in other countries, where local auditors can provide specialized expertise. Sharing part of an audit might also happen if a company has an equity investment in another business that wants to keep its long-standing auditor. Ironically, though, regulations on whether auditors can inform companies and shareholders that they've divided audit responsibility are divided. U.S. standards allow auditors to disclose divided responsibility in the audit report, but international ones don't. When a U.S. auditor discloses divided responsibility, the auditor does not have to supervise the other auditor's work. It simply states that its audit opinion is based on its work and the other auditor's work. But the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) does not allow such disclosure. Instead, it requires the signing auditor to supervise the other contributing auditor. The IAASB contends that disclosing divided responsibility could reduce accountabilityby making others hold the lead auditor less accountable if an audit goes wrong. Which side's right? In new research from Texas McCombs, Jaime Schmidt, a professor of accounting, clarifies the benefits and risks for auditing firms. She renders a split decision, finding that dividing responsibility makes firms less likely to get sued but more likely to get fired. "We're trying to shed light on whether or not rule makers should allow accounting firms to disclose divided audit work, to see whether it really does change people's perceptions and make them less accountable," says Schmidt. A litigation shield With Bethany Courson of the University of Mississippi, Keith Czerney of the University of Missouri-Columbia, and Anne Thompson of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Schmidt examined 6,437 restatements or revisions of a company's previously issued financial statements, announced from 2000 to 2018. Because restatements correct material errors, they're more prone to drawing lawsuits from investors, because inaccurate information often results in investor financial losses. "The Consequences of Dividing Responsibility for an Audit Engagement" is published in Auditing: A Journal of Practice and Theory. The researchers found, however, that both companies and auditors were significantly less likely to get sued when the lead auditor disclosed divided responsibility in the audit report. Only 17% of companies that received audit opinions with division of responsibility language got sued by shareholders after a restatement, compared with 25% of those without division. When litigation did happen, only 5% of auditors who disclosed division of responsibility were named as defendants, versus 14% of those who did not divide. "Dividing work does seem to provide some litigation risk protection and makes lead auditors less accountable," Schmidt says. "So, the evidence suggests that the international regulators were right." Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Downside of disclosing division However, splitting audit work had a potential cost: losing accounts. During the year after an audit, clients dismissed 11% of auditors who divided responsibility, compared with 7% of those who did not divide it. Auditors were more likely to get dismissed if the divided audit involved consolidated subsidiaries. That suggests to Schmidt that clients prefer standard and consistent language for both a company and its subsidiaries, so that they don't stand out in comparison to competitors. That result helps to explain why so few auditors choose to disclose divided responsibility, says Schmidt: only 1.46% of audits she studied. "For auditors, the risk of being dismissed is a big one," she says. "They don't want to lose a client or a source of revenue." But overall, she suggests, firms shouldn't fear splitting responsibility when it otherwise makes accounting sense. "The litigation protection is probably a bigger benefit than risk of dismissal," says Schmidt. "The protection it provides could be worth itthough it probably depends somewhat on the size of the client." More information: Bethany A. Courson et al, The Consequences of Dividing Responsibility for an Audit Engagement, Auditing: A Journal of Practice & Theory (2025). DOI: 10.2308/ajpt-2023-017 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: Sarmatians warriors (reconstruction). Credit: Wikimedia Commons. Costumes of All Nations (1882), public domain In a recent study, Dr. Oszkar Schutz and his colleagues analyzed 156 ancient genomes from the Sarmatian period, spanning the 1st to 5th centuries CE. The aim of the study was to clarify the origins and genetic relationships of the Carpathian Basin (CB) Sarmatians and explore their connections to other populations from the Eurasian steppe and local groups. The work is published in the journal Cell. The Sarmatians were a group of nomadic people who likely originated in the southern Ural region, modern-day Russia, sometime between the 4th and 2nd centuries BCE. From here, they spread across the Pontic steppe into the areas surrounding the Don, Volga, and northern Caucasus, into Romania until they reached the Lower Danube and Carpathian Basin by the 1st century CE. They expanded until they occupied the entire Great Hungarian Plain. The Sarmatians became a formidable enemy to the Romans and formed various alliances with Germanic tribes, including the Marcomanni, Vandals, and Quadi. Some speculate they may also have been an inspiration for the knights of the legend of King Arthur. However, today the Sarmatians are largely a "forgotten people" claimed by no modern nation as ancestors. Dr. Schutz gives possible explanations for the Sarmatians becoming forgotten people: "Based solely on historical sources, written predominantly by Roman authors, we might imagine the Sarmatians as a kind of cultural or ethnic conglomerate. However, this may not have been the case, as the historians of the period were often prone to generalization and frequently projected their own cultural biases when describing certain peoples. "It is possible that the Sarmatians were not politically unified and therefore did not form the kind of cohesive entity capable of exerting a lasting cultural influence on the regions they occupied." Additionally, Dr. Schutz continues, "Their cultural legacy was certainly overshadowed by the arrival of the Huns, who reached the western steppe in the late 3rdearly 4th centuries and took control of the territories formerly held by the Sarmatians. Under Hunnic rule, the political and cultural landscape of the region changed significantly, likely further shaping later perceptions of the Sarmatians." Using 156 samples taken from populations spanning the Great Hungarian Plains and the Romanian Plains, as well as genomes sampled from between the 4th and 5th centuries, the researchers were able to evaluate the potential genetic admixture, reconstruct demographic patterns, familial practices, and biological relationships between groups previously only connected via cultural similarities or historical accounts. Graphical abstract. Credit: Cell (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2025.05.009 The study found that Carpathian Basin Sarmatians descended from steppe Sarmatians originating in the Ural and Kazakhstan regions, with Romanian Sarmatians serving as a genetic bridge between the two groups. Additionally, it was found that the steppe Sarmatian genetic component gradually diminished over time. This pattern suggests a founder effect, in which the Sarmatian population originated from a single migration. This migration was male-driven, as indicated by a sudden influx and a rapid spread of the Y-chromosome haplogroup R1a. Conversely, the maternal genetics indicated a predominantly local European ancestry. This suggested that Sarmatian male warriors likely migrated westward into Europe, where they married local European women and passed on their distinctive paternal genetic signature. Interestingly, early Sarmatian cemeteries, however, have a predominance of female burials. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Furthermore, the researchers confirmed two simultaneous but separate migration waves previously hypothesized based on burial practices and material culture, namely a northwestern European migration and an eastern steppe migration. Meanwhile, during the late period (4th century CE), a migration into the area from the Roman provinces occurred, all of which contributed to a genetically mixed ancestry that would later form the basis of the Medieval Hungarian population. Despite a smaller influx of Asian-origin individuals during the Hunnic period, often thought to have resulted in a population replacement, there was notable continuity of the Sarmatian population into the Hun era. According to written sources, the Sarmatians may have maintained an independent political organization up until around the 470s CE, only assimilating into the Gepid Kingdom after the fall of the Hun Empire. "In this work, we primarily focused on identifying the precise nature of the connections between the Carpathian Basin and the steppe-based Sarmatian groups," explains Dr. Schutz. "However, one of the most crucial questions that remains unanswered concerns the identity of the local populations. As our data showed, the steppe-related ancestry of the Sarmatians declined rapidly following their westward migration. Yet, we still lack a clear genetic picture of the local groups who admixed with the Sarmatians and contributed to this reduction in their steppe ancestry." "Historical sources indicate that Celtic and Germanic groups, as well as the Dacians (likely a branch of the ancient Thracians), inhabited the Carpathian Basin at the time. However, genetic data from these groups remain sparse, preventing us from reconstructing the genetic landscape of the region prior to the arrival of the Sarmatians," Dr. Schutz says. "Another important direction for future research should involve the Roman-occupied territories, which could provide valuable insights into the interactions across the Roman limes. Fortunately, this line of investigation is already in progress." Written for you by our author Sandee Oster, edited by Sadie Harley, and fact-checked and reviewed by Robert Eganthis article is the result of careful human work. We rely on readers like you to keep independent science journalism alive. If this reporting matters to you, please consider a donation (especially monthly). You'll get an ad-free account as a thank-you. More information: Oszkar Schutz et al, Unveiling the origins and genetic makeup of the "forgotten people": A study of the Sarmatian-period population in the Carpathian Basin, Cell (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2025.05.009 Journal information: Cell 2025 Science X Network 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: A man rides his motorbike through flooded waters in the Dominican Republic after Hurricane Melissa. A downgraded Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Cuba early on Wednesday after ripping a path of destruction across Jamaica, which authorities have designated a "disaster area." The National Hurricane Center (NHC) said Melissa, which it described as an "extremely dangerous hurricane," had weakened to a Category 3 storm before it made landfall in Santiago de Cuba province on the island's southern coast. It hit with maximum sustained winds of approximately 120 miles (195 kilometers) per hour, the NHC said, after fluctuating between Category 3 and Category 5, the highest on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Cuban residents fled the coast as it approached, with local authorities declaring a "state of alert" in six eastern provinces. Residents told AFP they had been stockpiling food, candles, and batteries since Monday. "We bought bread, spaghetti, and ground beef. This cyclone is serious, but we'll get through it," Graciela Lamaison told AFP in Santiago de Cuba. Authorities in Haiti, east of Cuba, ordered the closure of schools, businesses and government offices on Wednesday. Cuban authorities reported that some 735,000 people have been evacuated so far. "It will be a very difficult night for all of Cuba, but we will recover," Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said on social media platform X. Floraina Duany, 80, prayed on Tuesday to Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, patron saint of Cuba, asking that Melissa not cause damage. "If you are the mistress of the waters, break up (Hurricane Melissa) so it doesn't do us so much harm," she told AFP near her home in Playa Siboney, a town 25 miles (15 kilometers) from Santiago de Cuba. 'Disaster area' Melissa hit Jamaica as a Category 5 hurricane around midday Tuesday with sustained winds of up to 185 mph (295 km/h), the worst hurricane to hit the island since meteorological records began. It took hours to cross Jamaica before first weakening and then intensifying again. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared the island a "disaster area" and authorities warned residents to remain sheltered because of continued flooding and the risk of landslides. Lisa Sangster, a 30-year-old communications specialist in Kingston, said her home was devastated by the storm. "My sister... explained that parts of our roof was blown off and other parts caved in and the entire house was flooded," she told AFP. The scale of Melissa's damage in Jamaica was not yet clear. A comprehensive assessment could take days because much of the island was still without power, with communications networks badly disrupted. Government minister Desmond McKenzie said several hospitals had been damaged, including in Saint Elizabeth, a coastal district he said was "underwater." "The damage to Saint Elizabeth is extensive, based on what we have seen," he said in a briefing. "Saint Elizabeth is the breadbasket of the country, and that has taken a beating. The entire Jamaica has felt the brunt of Melissa." The hurricane was the worst to strike Jamaica, hitting land with maximum wind speeds more powerful than many of recent history's strongest storms, including 2005's Katrina that ravaged the US city of New Orleans. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. 'Severely damaged' Jamaica's climate change minister told CNN that Melissa's effect was "catastrophic," citing flooded homes and "severely damaged public infrastructure" and hospitals. Mathue Tapper, 31, told AFP from Kingston that those in the capital were "lucky" but feared for fellow Jamaicans in the island's more rural western areas. Broad scientific consensus says human-driven climate change is responsible for intensified storms such as Melissa, which are increasingly frequent in the region and bring higher potential for destruction and deadly flooding. "Human-caused climate change is making all of the worst aspects of Hurricane Melissa even worse," said climate scientist Daniel Gilford. The Jamaican Red Cross, which was distributing drinking water and hygiene kits ahead of infrastructure disruptions, said Melissa's "slow nature" exacerbated the anxiety. The United Nations is planning an airlift of some 2,000 relief kits to Jamaica from a supply station in Barbados once air travel is possible. Assistance is also planned for other affected countries, including Cuba and Haiti, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told journalists. Jamaican officials said around 25,000 tourists were in the country, famed for its normally crystalline waters. 2025 AFP 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: Firing up HENONs engine. Credit: Mars Space Ltd The European Space Agency's upcoming Henon mission will be the first ever CubeSat to independently venture into deep space, communicate with Earth and maneuver to its final destination without relying on a bigger spacecraft. Once in its orbit around the sun, the carry-on luggage-sized CubeSat will observe the sun's emissions to demonstrate technologies capable of providing advanced warnings of solar storms hours before they reach Earth. Henon's firsts ESA's Heliospheric Pioneer for Solar and Interplanetary Threats Defense, Henon for short, is set to be the first ever stand-alone CubeSat to perform significant maneuvers on the way to its far-away destinationan orbit that will take the spacecraft up to 24 million km from Earth, far beyond the 2 million km boundary of where deep space is said to begin. While Henon will not be ESA's first CubeSat to fly so far from EarthHera mission's Juventas and Milani will claim that titleit will be the first to fly alone, without a parent spacecraft. Roger Walker, ESA's Technology CubeSats manager, explains, "Juventas and Milani will communicate with the larger Hera spacecraft via radio-based inter-satellite links, leaving Hera to transmit their findings back to Earth. Henon, on the other hand, will be able to independently communicate with ground stations through ESA's Estrack network, thanks to a new miniaturized deep-space transponder currently under development." There is another reason for the word "pioneer" in Henon's name. To be able to execute the maneuvers that will position it in its orbit, the spacecraft will be sporting a tailor-made electric propulsion system. This first-of-its-kind miniature ion engine, powered by electricity generated from Henon's solar panels, will use charged xenon gas atoms to propel the spacecraft forward, allowing for an unprecedented maneuver capability for such a miniaturized spacecraft. "This new propulsion system, once demonstrated, will open up opportunities for future low-cost missions to the moon, asteroids, and even in Mars orbit," adds Roger. Henon's design completed In March this year, Henon's prime contractor Argotec kicked-off the mission's final implementation phase. Argotec's mission engineers have since designed a detailed model of the spacecraft, which has recently passed an important milestone in the mission development process, the Critical Design Review. Davide Monferrini, Henon Program Manager at Argotec, comments, "This milestone is the result of remarkable teamwork, collaborative spirit, and professionalism from all members of the consortium. "It showcases our collective commitment to achieving technical and programmatic excellence while validating a truly innovative configuration featuring three payloads and multiple miniaturized subsystems, including our Curie Power Suite, the advanced Power Conditioning and Distribution Unit (PCDU) that will serve as Henon's 'electric heart.' Together, we remain committed to maintaining this high standard of excellence as we move forward." Henons final destination will be a Distant Retrograde Orbit (DRO) around the Sun an orbit similar to but more elliptical than that of the Earth, first invented by French astronomer Michel Henon in 1969. The mission Henons namesake will be the first ever spacecraft to fly in this type of orbit, which will take it 12 million km from Earth at its closest point, and 24 million km away at the farthest. As both Earth and Henon will be orbiting the Sun, their relative orbits will make for an interesting situation Henon will appear as if its orbiting Earth in the shape of an ellipse instead. Credit: Argotec With the mission's detailed design finalized and confirmed, the team will now move on to the next stepusing a FlatSat, a prototype of the Henon spacecraft with all the electronic components interlinked and laid out on a table, they will easily access and test both the spacecraft's software and hardware. At the same time, they will build a specialized model of the spacecraft and subject it to rigorous testing to make sure Henon's structure can withstand the vibrations of launch, as well as the vacuum, radiation, and extreme temperature conditions of deep space. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. A very special orbit Henon is expected to piggyback on the launch of a larger spacecraft planned for late 2026. The launcher will take the CubeSat to the sun-Earth Lagrange point 2, some 1.5 million km beyond Earth in the direction away from the sun. From here, the CubeSat will use its new electric propulsion system to fly to a Distant Retrograde Orbit (DRO) around the sunan orbit similar to but more elliptical than that of Earth, first invented by French astronomer Michel Henon in 1969. The missionHenon's namesakewill be the first ever spacecraft to fly in this type of orbit, which will take it 12 million km from Earth at its closest point, and 24 million km away at the farthest. As both Earth and Henon will be orbiting the sun, their relative orbits will make for an interesting situationHenon will appear as if it's orbiting Earth in the shape of an ellipse instead. Advanced solar storms forecast As is the case with the majority of ESA's innovative technology demonstration missions, Henon's purpose will be two-fold: pushing the boundaries of space technology while ensuring it serves real-life applications. Roger clarifies, "The mission will leverage its unique proximity to the sun on the sunward side of the DRO to demonstrate miniaturized-instrument technologies that can confirm the impending arrival of solar storms well before they reach Earth, providing a warning up to 36 hours in advance. This is a considerable improvement compared to the current warning time provided by spacecraft located at sun-Earth Lagrange point 1, which is about 15 to 60 minutes." Juha-Pekka Luntama, Head of ESA's Space Weather Office, concludes, "Demonstrating this warning capability with Henon will open up a new pathway to develop a future constellation of small spacecraft that would operate in the DRO and keep a close watch on the progress of solar storms. This constellation would provide a continuous warning service for operators of critical infrastructure, like electrical power grids, on ground, giving us ten times more time to implement mitigation measures to prevent damage." 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: Moose are one of nine species of large mammals in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem whose behavioral responses to rapidly increasing temperatures were examined in a newly published study co-authored by Justine Becker, an assistant professor of ecology at Montana State University. Credit: Alex Becker A study of nine species of large mammals in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem has revealed that their behavioral responses to summer heat were influenced more by the structure of their environments than by their biological traits or greater temperature increasesa result the Montana State University ecologist who co-authored the study finds encouraging as the region's climate continues to warm. Justine Becker, an assistant professor in the Department of Ecology in the College of Letters and Science, is the co-lead author of the study published in the journal Ecosphere. Becker and a team of researchers from the University of Wyoming, where Becker was a postdoctoral researcher when the study began, collaborated with the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, U.S. Geological Survey, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, and Idaho Department of Fish and Game to synthesize data and conduct the multi-species analysis. Becker studies the ecological factors that cause behavioral variation in wildlife, particularly in animal movement and habitat use decisions. She said the study was designed to determine how different environmental conditions and inborn traits influenced large mammals' responses to rapidly increasing temperaturesin this study, variations in maximum daytime temperatures in summer. The researchers included several species and populations in the study to help them better understand ecological patterns, as well as trends in the specific ecosystem they studied. Becker said the study was motivated by the understanding that rising temperatures due to climate change present an increasingly prevalent stressor to animals. The researchers analyzed GPS location data from populations of herbivorous bison, bighorn sheep, moose, mountain goats, mule deer, pronghorn and elk, as well as two carnivorous species, wolves and cougars. The data were collected between 2001 and 2019 by the collaborating agencies in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The research team narrowed its analysis to annual data from mid-June to the end of August, when the ecosystem experiences its warmest temperatures. While seeking to determine animals' behavioral changes in response to the heat and assess how those responses differed across populations, the researchers also evaluated whether groups that encountered higher temperatures experienced greater degrees of stress, manifested through larger behavioral changes. "As far as we know, this is the first study of this nature that's taken data from a lot of different populations of large mammals and looked at their behavioral plasticity at the same time," Becker said. "We were really interested in seeing whether there was any kind of generality in their responses to increasing temperatures, as well as species-specific responses that might be different from one another." As expected, individuals in all the populations changed their behaviors in response to rapidly increasing temperatures by seeking cooler conditions and moving more slowly. But Becker said the team was surprised to find that populations living in homogeneous environmentsthose with mostly uniform landscape featuresaltered their behavior more dramatically than those living in environments with more varied landscapes. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. For example, across all species studied, pronghorn living on the prairie in Wyoming's Shirley Basin were the most likely to alter their behavior to find shade from trees in response to increasing temperatures. Becker said that may be because animals living in homogeneous environments like the Shirley Basin need to travel farther to find relief from the heat than those living in habitats thatfor exampleencompass both open meadows and areas of tree cover. The researchers also evaluated behavioral responses according to the animals' endogenous traits, such as their sex, physiology and body size. The study did not find any correlation between those traits and the animals' behavioral responses, but the authors state that further study is needed to compare individual characteristics, such as coat color, with behavioral data. Becker said the findings were encouraging because they indicate that large mammals are well equipped to adjust their behaviors to cool themselves down. That's important because they are unable to adapt physically to environmental changes as quickly as smaller animals, due to their longer lifespans and slower generational times. "We often think of climate change as a huge ecological challenge for most species, and it absolutely is, but, at the same time, behavior is this really amazing way that animals are able to buffer themselves against these changes because they can do it right away," Becker said. "They don't need to wait around for the process of evolution to take its course." She said that because the study showed a relationship between environmental structure and the degree to which different mammals adjusted their behavior, the information may influence habitat managers to consider large ecosystems as a whole, rather than focus on species-specific management strategies. "A large part of what management agencies work on is habitat treatment, modification and protection. We're hopeful that this study gives a general sense of the kinds of environmental features needed to help these animals and what types of habitats are going to be important for them in the future," Becker said. University of Wyoming wildlife ecologist Jerod Merkle, who oversaw the study group that included co-lead author Rebecca Thomas-Kuzilik, agreed. "We saw a large variety of responses during hot days across individuals and across species," he said. "This result tells us that animals have options, and maintaining a landscape that is a mosaic of these different habitats is key. Further, landscapes need to be permeable, such that the animals can access all these different habitats when the heat waves come." Becker emphasized that the team was able to conduct this type of study only because many scientists and agencies shared their data. "Such syntheses, collaboration and comparative analysis are invaluable to the production of new ecological knowledge," she said. More information: Rebecca R. ThomasKuzilik et al, Expression and mechanisms of behavioral plasticity in large mammals, Ecosphere (2025). DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.70432 Journal information: Ecosphere 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: CC0 Public Domain Green spaces are a virtue to their surroundings; they improve air quality, reduce extreme temperatures and can mitigate hazards like flooding. Just living near a park is beneficial; nearby residents tend to have lower health care bills, reduced stress and depression levels and lead more active lifestyles. Not all residents have access to such benefits, however. A new study led by the University of Utah found that public parks are unevenly distributed in nearly every community in the United States. "If your city has a Chinatown or Little Italy or any ethnic enclave, chances are that the area doesn't have walkable access to a green space," said Marco Allain, a lecturer at the U and lead author of the study. In addition to analyzing which Americans live walking distance to parks across major race and ethnicity categories, the study is the first to assess different access within those groups based on national and Tribal origin. The findings revealed previously unseen national patterns of unequal access to green spaces. "It's the city or town that decides where public parks should go," Allain said. "We hope that our analysis can be a tool for planners to make sure all people can benefit from a local green space." The study appears in Urban Forestry & Urban Greening. The researchers used restricted-access data housed in the Wasatch Front Research Data Center (WFRDC), one of only 37 centers in the U.S. Census Bureau's national network of Federal Statistical Research Data Centers (RDCs). RDC datasets are the gold standard for research on contemporary America due to their extreme detail. The data have individual-level information gleaned from federal censuses, surveys of businesses and households, linked employeremployee data and records from state and federal agencies and other sources. The Census Bureau implements stringent security protocols due to the sensitivity of personal information in the datasets. Researchers must submit to fingerprinting and background checks and can only interact with the raw data in person, inside the WRFDC facility located on the U's campus. "This project wouldn't have been possible without access to the RDC data," said Tim Collins, professor in the U's School of Environment, Society & Sustainability and co-author of the study. The Census Bureau alters their public datasets by lumping together survey responses into larger area units to avoid identifying individuals, Collins continued. "Honestly, for populations with less common ancestries, the counts are so small that they get lost in the public datasets," he said. The authors identified residential zones that were accessible within a 10-minute walk (half a mile) in more than 11 million census blocksroughly two city blocksin the contiguous 48 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. They established these park service areas using walkable paths from park entrances via sidewalks, bridges and other conditions that enable real-world pedestrian travel. Then, they used the restricted microdata for nearly 25 million Americans to see who lived within a 10-minute walk to the park. The study captured some surprising patterns that hadn't been documented nationally. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Park access disparities Along with white Americans, Native Americans had the highest park area per capita of any group, likely due to the populations living on reservations in proximity to large tracts of public lands. The authors plan to investigate whether the pattern holds for Native Americans living in urban areas. While previous studies have found that Black and Hispanic populations have reduced access to park space relative to white Americans, this study is the first to find that Asian Americans have substantially lower access to park space nationwide. Pacific Islanders had similar access to park space to the white populations, perhaps because most Pacific Islanders live in the western U.S., a region with larger green spaces. Black populations had the poorest park access of all groups across the U.S. Census race categories. When broken down by national origin, people with ancestors from the Dominican Republic and Nigeria had particularly low access. Residents of Dominican and Nigerian descent tend to be concentrated in urban areas, such as Houston, Atlanta and New York City, that have lower park space overall. The U.S. Census Bureau aggregates people of Middle Eastern origin into the white race category. This analysis found that Middle Eastern/Arab subgroups had access to much less park space compared to people of English ancestry. Additionally, people with Polish ancestry also had considerably less access than people of English ancestry. "These groups have historically experienced marginalization, and that may have influenced their access to environmental amenities today," Collins said. Parks for all The study concludes that the U.S. should build more green spaces to ensure that all Americans reap the mental, physical and financial benefits of living near a green space. However, traditional funding models rely on meager sales and property taxes to fund local park departments. City planners should shift from implementing single park projects toward an approach that centers on policy and systems change, the authors assert. Alessandro Rigolon, co-author and associate professor in the Department of City and Metropolitan Planning, noted that promising work has emerged recently. "Cities and states around the country have developed policy tools to address these disparities at scale. For example, bonds that dedicate funding to underserved communities, or developer fees that can be used in park-poor areas. These initiatives show that there's an increasing understanding that park inequities should be addressed holistically rather than building one park at a time." Sara Grineski, professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Utah, was also a co-author. More information: Marco Lorenzo Allain et al, Park inequities between and within racial/ethnic groups in the conterminous United States: A micro-scale, individual-level analysis, Urban Forestry & Urban Greening (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.ufug.2025.129031 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: At the 3rd International Symposium on Quantum Computing and Musical Creativity, Kobe University quantum engineer SOUMA Satofumi presents a newly designed browser interface that expresses concepts such as quantum uncertainty and entanglement as auditory interactions. Credit: Kobe University, created with material from Akshar Dave and Puk Khantho via Unsplash and Nilhope via Wikimedia Commons A new interactive web application allows for a tangible understanding of abstract concepts of quantum game theory. The Kobe University development parallels the emergent dialog found in jazz and improvisational music and aims for a scientific exploration of creativity. For many of us, quantum mechanics, game theory and jazz are difficult concepts by themselves, and it is hard to imagine how they would combine. But Kobe University quantum engineer Souma Satofumi posits that not only can they fruitfully interact, but their combination also provides new avenues to understanding each of them. Through creating the world's first browser-based interactive music system based on quantum game theory, users are able to obtain real-time visual and auditory feedback on how their respective strategies intertwine based on their inputs in what resembles a quantum jam session. Game theory provides a mathematical guideline for choosing optimal strategies based on expected payoffs, and as a framework to analyze how scenarios will play out where actors with different incentives interact, it has been applied in fields from economics to politics. Quantum game theory is an extension where the decisions of two "players" become "superimposed" and "entangled," that is, intrinsically probabilistic and dependent on each other. Souma says, "Quantum game theory and quantum cognitive science represent new trends in modeling psychology and decision-making, yet research remained confined to theoretical and mathematical frameworks, with very few connecting to human and creative activities like music and art." At the 3rd International Symposium on Quantum Computing and Musical Creativity, Souma presents a newly designed browser interface that is based on the prisoner's dilemma, a game in which two players independently decide between cooperation and defection. In Souma's quantum version, rather than a specific path of action, users decide a stance towards the other and then each choose a note on a digital keyboard. However, the note they hear is the outcome calculated based on quantum-mechanical rules also applied in quantum computing, taking into account their respective strategies as well as the note they chose. This represents the first time that concepts such as quantum uncertainty and entanglement have been expressed as auditory interactions, which should allow users to obtain a more tangible understanding of the underlying quantum concepts. Souma says, "Particularly, the structure where unexpected harmony or dissonance emerges from the interference of players' strategies parallels the emergent dialog found in jazz and improvisational music." Moving forward, Souma and his team will enhance this proof-of-concept to encompass even more dimensions, such as multiparty creative decision-making models and higher-dimensional structures handling multiple qubits. "Ultimately," he says, "we aim to connect this work to the scientific exploration of creativityunderstanding the human creative process and applying that model to AI and quantum hardware." More information: Development of an Interactive Sound Generation System Based on Quantum Game Theory. 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: Patrick Scherler With its long wings, the red kite uses updrafts to gain height quickly. Zones where the conditions are particularly favorable for this flying technique are often also ideal locations for wind turbines. So it's no wonder that collisions occur from time to time. A study has analyzed exactly when and where such fatal incidents occur. Their findings can be used for the planning of future installations. For the project, several research teams from Austria, Germany and other European countries tracked close to 3,000 red kites for up to 11 years using GPS trackers. More than 500 of the birds came from Switzerland. Ten years ago, they were fitted with lightweight, solar-powered transmitters by the Swiss Ornithological Institute, mostly as young birds. Since then, the researchers have received roughly one signal per hour about the birds' locations, depending on the battery charge. Recovery and autopsy require enormous effort The team from the Swiss Ornithological Institute is using this large sample to investigate the red kite's migration behavior and its expansion into alpine habitats. "One unresolved question, for example, is why the population in Switzerland has risen sharply in recent decades. In neighboring countries, the numbers fell until recently," says Martin Gruebler, the institute's Head of Ecological Research. For the transnational Life-Eurokite project, the Swiss datasets were combined with tracking data from other European countries. One of the aims of this collaboration is to investigate the causes of death of red kites caused by humans. A recently published analysis of the data for all 3,000 birds revealed that, in 11 years, 41 died as a result of wind turbines. The different research teams follow a standardized protocol to determine the cause of death: GPS data provides information indicating whether the animal died at a turbine's location. If possible, the dead birds are recovered promptly, and an autopsy is performed. The study is published in the journal Biological Conservation. According to Gruebler, recovering the birds requires enormous effort. Sufficient people must always be available throughout Europe, and country-specific regulations must also be observed, such as the involvement of local authorities. The participating researchers from all countries were together able to confirm collisions with wind turbines as a definite cause of death for 25 of the casualties. The remaining 16 were classified as very likely or possible. No fatalities due to wind power in Switzerland Almost half of the collisions occurred in the north of Germany, where the number of wind turbines is particularly high. A further 12 collisions took place in Spain and Franceoften during the red kites' annual southbound migration. Of the Swiss cohort, four birds were killed by wind turbines in France, Spain and Germany. There were no deaths recorded in Switzerland itself. "However, we don't, as yet, have as many turbines as our neighbors," says Gruebler. The team used GPS data to analyze not only collisions, but also near-collisions. These are situations in which red kites flew past wind turbines without being harmed. These observations provided information on the relative dangers of different types and sizes of wind turbines. The researchers concluded that the larger the rotors, the more likely it is that a collision will occur. Increasing the rotor diameter by 25.5 meters increased the probability of a collision fivefold. On the other hand, there was a positive effect when the rotors were mounted as high as possible. Red kites with their low flight altitude are then more likely to fly below them. Different risks for eagles and bats "In future, the number of wind turbines in Europe will increase several times over. This could make this risk more significant," says Gruebler. Another study by the Life-Eurokite project, which has yet to be published, is looking at the importance of other human-related causes of death for the red kite, such as illegal hunting and poisoning. Based on their findings on wind power, the research team recommends building turbines with as much ground clearance as possible to protect the red kite. However, it is not quite that simple. As Gruebler explains, higher rotors could in turn be dangerous for other birds of prey such as various species of eagles or vultures. They could also endanger songbirds during migration as well as bats. This is because preferred flight altitude is very species-specific. For this reason, it is important to find out as much as possible about the habits of various animal species. "The more we know, the better we can plan wind turbines and locations that have the least possible impact on wildlife." More information: Jan Skrabal et al, Red kite (Milvus milvus) collision risk is higher at wind turbines with larger rotors and lower clearance, evidenced by GPS tracking, Biological Conservation (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.biocon.2025.111482 Journal information: Biological Conservation 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: This formation, called Cheyava Falls, is located in the Bright Angel region of Jezero Crater, where Perseverance took a rock sample last year. The corresponding borehole can be seen on the left. Recent studies of the sample provide evidence of past life. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU/MSSS Mars is an inhospitable desert planet. Billions of years ago, things were different. In Jezero Crater, for example, fed by a vast river delta, there was probably a considerable body of water roughly the size of Lake Constance. Conditions conducive to life may have prevailed there. For more than four years now, the long-dry Jezero Crater has been the workplace of Perseverance. The NASA rover not only performs scientific measurements on site, but has already collected 33 rock, soil, and atmospheric samples, some of which have been safely stowed on board. A future mission is to bring them back to Earth. Traces of life? The Jezero crater recently made headlines when researchers discovered small spots resembling a leopard pattern on a rock formation called Cheyava Falls. The structures indicate the presence of two minerals that could be of organic and microbial origin. These minerals are found on Earth in sediments or decaying organic matter. But only when a sample of these structures is analyzed on Earth can it be confirmed or ruled out with a high degree of certainty that they indicate past life on Mars. "Examining rocks and samples of the Martian atmosphere on Earth will open a new chapter in Mars research and help us understand our neighboring planet much better than we can today," says Andreas Pack from the Geosciences Center at the University of Gottingen. Over the past two years, an international team of 21 researchers led by the American and European space agencies NASA and ESA has been exploring how to proceed with Perseverance's samples from a scientific perspective on Earth. The comprehensive study has now been published in the journal Astrobiology. Among the authors selected by NASA and ESA from numerous applicants from the US, Canada, and the 22 ESA member states, Christian Schroder from MPS and Pack from the Geosciences Center at the University of Gottingen are the only representatives of German research institutions. NASA recently honored the team with the NASA Group Achievement Award. In another report in the same journal, researchers explore how the Mars samples can be protected from terrestrial contamination. One of the co-authors is Christoph Burkhardt from MPS. Laboratory tests for final certainty The samples collected by the Mars rover Perseverance contain valuable information about the formation and further development of Mars and can help to answer the question of whether there has ever been life on our neighboring planet. Measurements taken by Perseverance on Mars suggest this, but do not provide certainty. "In order to assess with the greatest possible certainty whether life once existed on Mars, we need to bring samples from Mars back to Earth and examine them here," said Schroder, MPS scientist and co-author of the new study. The relatively small and few scientific instruments that Perseverance carries on board offer only very limited possibilities. Only on Earth can a wide variety of analytical methods be used, and only here can measurements be carried out with the highest sensitivity and precision. For their current report, 21 scientists identified which measurements the Mars samples should undergo in order to fully exploit their potential. The researchers hope to gain new insights into the formation of planets, the geophysical and geochemical evolution of Mars, and astrobiology, as well as valuable information for future, possibly even manned, Mars missions. The report also clarifies practical questions regarding the handling of the samples: which measurements should be carried out as quickly as possible? After all, some properties of the samples could change after the sample tubes are opened. For example, under the influence of humidity and oxygen. And which measurements can prove whether there is life in the samples or rule out a possible biological hazard? Perseverance collects Mars samples in these sample tubes. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Sample Receiving Facility with 18 instruments Once on Earth, the Mars samples will first enter into the Sample Receiving Facility. According to the experts' recommendation, it should be equipped with 18 scientific instruments, including an X-ray tomograph, an electron microscope, and various mass spectrometers. At the Sample Receiving Facility, scientists would first describe and catalog the samples for further use and assess the potential biological hazard they pose. After that, all time-critical investigations can be carried out. An important finding of the report is that most of the scientifically necessary measurements should be carried out later outside the Sample Receiving Facility in specialized laboratories. A kind of application process will decide which laboratories worldwide will receive parts of the invaluable material. This procedure ensures that the samples end up in the most experienced and qualified hands. The Gottingen researchers hope to receive both rock and gas samples from Perseverance. A look at isotopes The researchers led by Pack from the Geosciences Center at the University of Gottingen want to determine the proportions of oxygen isotopes in the Martian atmosphere that were enclosed in the sample tubes together with the rocks. Isotopes are variants of the same element that differ only in the number of neutrons in their nuclei. The oxygen isotope composition of the Martian atmosphere allows conclusions about the exchange of carbon dioxide between the surface and the atmosphere and provides, for example, insights into the climatic development of our neighboring planet. At MPS, the focus is on the metal isotopes in the rock samples. Researchers can use them to obtain information about the age of the material, where in the solar system it originated, and how it has evolved. MPS researchers have already examined samples from the asteroid Ryugu in this way. To do this, the material is first dissolved in acid and then analyzed in highly specialized mass spectrometers. Since this method of analysis destroys the sample material, it is crucial to obtain reliable results even from the smallest amounts of material. "In Gottingen, we have the expertise and infrastructure to analyze Mars samples at the highest international level," said Thorsten Kleine, Director at MPS. The researchers could carry out further investigations at other facilities. Schroder, for example, is focusing on measurements using high-energy gamma radiation generated by particle accelerators. This would allow to trace the interaction of iron minerals in the sample with organic material. Uncertain future Whether and when the Mars samples from Perseverance will travel to Earth as part of a joint NASA and ESA mission is currently unclear. The original schedule targeted the early 2030s, but has been changed several times in the meantime. However, the studies now published are also valuable for the projects of other space agencies. For example, the Chinese space agency is currently preparing its own sample return mission to Mars, which is expected to bring the coveted material back to Earth as early as 2030. More information: Brandi L. Carrier et al, Mars Sample Return Sample Receiving Project Measurement Definition Team Final Report, Astrobiology (2025). DOI: 10.1177/15311074251382248 Journal information: Astrobiology 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: A man walks in Kingston, Jamaica, as Hurricane Melissa approaches, Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Matias Delacroix Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica with record-tying 185 mph winds Tuesday, was a beast that stood out as extreme even in a record number of monster storms spawned over the last decade in a superheated Atlantic Ocean. Melissa somehow shook off at least three different meteorological conditions that normally weaken major hurricanes and was still gaining power as it hit, scientists said, a bit amazed. And while more storms these days are undergoing rapid intensificationgaining 35 mph in wind speed over 24 hoursMelissa did a lot more than that. It achieved what's called extreme rapid intensificationgaining at least 58 mph over 24 hours. In fact, Melissa turbocharged by about 70 mph during a 24-hour period last week, and had an unusual second round of rapid intensification that spun it up to 175 mph, scientists said. "It's been a remarkable, just a beast of a storm," Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach said. Melissa ties records When Melissa came ashore it tied strength records for Atlantic hurricanes making landfall, both in wind speed and barometric pressure, which is a key measurement that meteorologists use, said Klotzbach and University of Miami hurricane researcher Brian McNoldy. The pressure measurement tied the deadly 1935 Labor Day storm in Florida, while the 185 mph wind speed equaled marks set that year and during 2019's Hurricane Dorian. Hurricane Allen reached 190 mph winds in 1980, but not at landfall. People walk along a road during the passing of Hurricane Melissa in Rocky Point, Jamaica, Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Matias Delacroix Usually when major hurricanes brew they get so strong that the wind twirling in the center of the storm gets so intense and warm in places that the eyewall needs to grow, so a small one collapses and a bigger one forms. That's called an eyewall replacement cycle, McNoldy said, and it usually weakens the storm at least temporarily. Melissa showed some signs of being ready to do this, but it never did, McNoldy and Klotzbach said. Another weird thing is that Melissa sat offshore of mountainous Jamaica for awhile before coming inland. Usually mountains, even on islands, tear up storms, but not Melissa. "It was next to a big mountainous island and it doesn't even notice it's there," McNoldy said in amazement. Warm water is the fuel for hurricanes. The hotter and deeper the water, the more a storm can power up. But when storms sit over one area for awhilewhich Melissa did for days on endit usually brings cold water up from the depths, choking off the fuel a bit. But that didn't happen to Melissa, said Bernadette Woods Placky, chief meteorologist for Climate Central, a combination of scientists and journalists who study climate change. "It's wild how almost easily this was allowed to just keep venting," Woods Placky said. "This had enough warm water at such high levels and it just kept going." Waves splash in Kingston, Jamaica, as Hurricane Melissa approaches, Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Matias Delacroix Warm water fuels growth Melissa rapidly intensified during five six-hour periods as it hit the extreme rapid intensification level, McNoldy said. And then it jumped another 35 mph and "that's extraordinary," he said. For meteorologists following it "just your stomach would sink as you'd see these updates coming in," Woods Placky said. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. "We were sitting at work on Monday morning with our team and you just saw the numbers just start jumping again, 175. And then again this morning (Tuesday), 185," Woods Placky said. "It's an explosion," she said. One key factor is warm water. McNoldy said some parts of the ocean under Melissa were 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) warmer than the long-term average for this time of year. Climate Central, using scientifically accepted techniques of comparing what's happening now to a fictional world with no human-caused climate change, estimated the role of global warming in Melissa. It said the water was 500 to 700 times more likely to be warmer than normal because of climate change. A man walks along the coastline during the passing of Hurricane Melissa in Kingston, Jamaica, Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Matias Delacroix A rapid Associated Press analysis of Category 5 hurricanes that brewed, not just hit, in the Atlantic over the past 125 years showed a large recent increase in those top-of-the-scale storms. There have been 13 Category 5 storms from 2016 to 2025, including three this year. Until last year, no other 10-year period even reached double digits. About 29% of the Category 5 hurricanes in the past 125 years have happened since 2016. McNoldy, Klotzbach and Woods Placky said hurricane records before the modern satellite era are not as reliable because some storms out at sea could have been missed. Measuring systems for strength have also improved and changed, which could be a factor. And there was a period between 2008 and 2015 with no Atlantic Category 5 storms, Klotzbach said. Still, climate science generally predicts that a warmer world will have more strong storms, even if there aren't necessarily more storms overall, the scientists said. "We're seeing a direct connection in attribution science with the temperature in the water and a climate change connection, Woods Placky said. "And when we see these storms go over this extremely warm water, it is more fuel for these storms to intensify rapidly and push to new levels." 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. 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: CC0 Public Domain A vast majority of Egyptians surveyed during a study said they supported Islamic-based inheritance rules in which women inherit about half of what men receive. The research survey conducted by Dina Rabie, an assistant professor in economics at Northeastern University in London, found that 70% of respondents would want a son to inherit twice as much as a daughter in the event of a parent's death. The behavioral economist's paper"Attitudes towards Islamic inheritance: religious or patriarchal preferences?"explored whether it is Islamic belief or cultural norms that underpin such attitudes toward gender inequality. The findings are published in the journal Review of Law & Economics. Rabie says the North African nation uses Sharia lawderived from Islam's holy book, the Quran, and teachings of the Prophet Muhammadas the basis of its family legislation. According to Sharia law, a daughter can inherit 50% of what a son receives when a parent dies. If there is no male heir, then the next blood relation of the deceased, such as a brother or sister, would be in line to receive a share of the inheritance along with any daughters. Rabie explains that in Egypt, a Sunni Muslim-majority country, parents who have no male offspring have been known to hand down assets to their daughters during their lifetime to ensure the wealth remains within the immediate family. They do this using gifts rather than wills, as it is harder to legally challenge, she adds. During the research, 231 adult Muslims83% of whom reported holding non-conservative religious beliefstook part in an online experiment. A total of 41% of respondents were women and 90% were university-educated. They were asked whether they were for or against hypothetical inheritance situations in which fathers acted in four different ways to ensure their daughters received a larger share of inheritance than they ordinarily would under Sharia law. In two of the scenarios, Islamic law was circumvented altogether; in the other two, it was followed in part. The results of Rabie's study, which was co-authored with Nora El Bialy from the University of Hamburg in Germany, show that even those who did not regard themselves to be conservative Muslims leaned toward wanting to uphold the patriarchal preference in questions of inheritance. "What I found is that religious people will obey the law no matter what the gender of the offspring was," says Rabie. "They will be happy with the unequal distribution of inheritance according to Sharia law and they will not alter that view based on the gender of the offspring. "However, I found that those who have plural cultural beliefs, rather than religiosity, were the ones who entered into a view on whether or not to obey the law based on the gender composition of the offspring. They were more likely to discriminate against the daughter in favor of the son. But in the absence of the son, they were more likely to want the money to remain inside the household." Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. In a breakdown of the numbers, 20% of participants were pro-gender equality in the scenarios. Half were in favor of Islamic law being followed regardless of the offspring compositions, and another 20% were deemed to be pro-male in all four situations. One-tenth of those surveyed supported daughters receiving more money than sons. "When you look at it," Rabie continues, "we have over 70% who want this distribution that the son gets double over a daughter, while only 10% want the daughter to get more than the son." For Rabie, the results make plain how embedded inequality is in Muslim countries when it comes to inheritance. Along with Saudi Arabia and Iran, Egypt has some of the least gender-equal family laws worldwide due to the strong influence of Sharia in family legislation, according to the paper. Egypt ranks 135th out of 146 countries on the 2024 Global Gender Gap Index. "I'm trying to draw attention," says Rabie, "to the fact that gender discrimination, or gender differences, in Egypt and in Muslim countries are deeply rooted. "They need a comprehensive way of addressing it. No one single legal reform will be effectiveit needs more than that. There is a need to slowly change the perception of women as inferior to men, to change this view that they are not the ones worthy of assets." Such attitudes are not isolated to only Egypt, Rabie's paper points out. Studies have shown that gender inequality is more commonplace in countries where religious affiliation in the population is higher than average. In Kenya and India, when legal reforms created gender equal inheritance rights, Rabie notes that there were cases of parents gifting money to their sons in order to still comply with Sharia law. Her paper concludes that its survey results "show that the religious values promoted by the Islamic revival in Egypt, as well as the pro-male cultural beliefs, represent obstacles for any legal reform allowing for gender equality in inheritance." It adds, "Such pro-male values may result in weak legal enforcement of any potential reform or potentially even blocking such a reform altogether." Being deprived of assets early on in their lives affects women's economic power, Rabie argues. This is exacerbated by the traditional practice in Egypt that parents should, on top of giving them double the inheritance of their sisters, purchase their sons' first home. The same is not the case for daughters. "You can see that labor force participationthe jobs women end up within Egypt is much worse than for men," Rabie adds. "But this gender gap will persist as long as there's a gender gap in asset acquisition like there is at the moment." More information: Dina Rabie et al, Attitudes towards Islamic Inheritance: Religious or Patriarchal Preferences?, Review of Law & Economics (2025). DOI: 10.1515/rle-2024-0066 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: Snakebite envenoming kills the most people out of the total 21 neglected tropical diseases recognized by the WHO. The snake in the photo is a black mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis). Credit: Wolfgang Wuster Snakebite envenoming is among the world's deadliest yet most overlooked tropical diseases. The WHO has classified snakebite envenoming as one of 21 neglected tropical diseases, resulting in between 100,000 and 150,000 deaths worldwide each year. Three times as many survive with serious disabilities, including amputations and permanent tissue damage. Snakebite victims are therefore dependent on antivenom, but the existing types have serious limitations: these include that they do not cover all medically relevant snake species and that they cannot always neutralize all medically relevant toxins found in snake venoms. This makes it difficult to provide correct and optimal treatment. Now, an international team of researchers led by Professor Andreas Hougaard Laustsen-Kiel from DTU Bioengineering has developed a broad-spectrum antivenom against snake venoms, which shows impressive potential in laboratory studies. The antivenom covers a total of 17 different African snake species (including cobras, mambas, and rinkhals), provides better protection against tissue damage, has a lower risk of immune reactions, and, according to the researchers, can be produced at a lower cost than existing antivenoms. The results have just been published in the journal Nature and mark the culmination of several years of intensive research with a clear goal: to develop an antivenom that can make a real difference for snakebite victims. "We have both a moral and global responsibility to contribute to solving this problem. It's great that DTU supports this kind of research and gives us the opportunity to work on some of the challenges facing the worldespecially in Africa, where the problem is really acute," says Hougaard Laustsen-Kiel. In sub-Saharan Africa, more than 300,000 snakebite cases are recorded annually. More than 7,000 people lose their lives, while around 10,000 undergo amputations. The actual extentalso globallyis probably much greater, as many cases go unreported. If all snakes are exterminated, the number of pests such as rats and mice will increase significantly, as snakes play an important role in keeping their populations down. The photo shows an African spitting cobra (Naja mossambica). Credit: Wolfgang Wuster Why is the new antivenom such a major achievement? Existing antivenoms are produced by immunizing horses with snake venom and extracting antibodies from their blood. The result is a large, undefined mixture of antibodies, only a small proportion of which target and neutralize the most dangerous toxins. This method produces a product with great variation in quality and a risk of serious side effects. "The horses' blood is purified slightly and then given to people who have been bitten by a venomous snake. The antivenom works, but can cause harmful side effectsit's similar to a blood transfusion from a horse. At the same time, the quality varies because different horses are used in each production," explains Hougaard Laustsen-Kiel, continuing: "Instead, we have developed an antivenom that does not require us to constantly extract antibodies from animals. Instead, we used phage display technology to develop our antivenom. This method makes it possible to select and copy effective antibody fragments (nanobodies) and later produce them on a large scale and with consistent quality. This means that we would be able to produce the antivenom in large quantities without compromising on quality." There is also no single antivenom that covers all relevant African snake species. This can be particularly problematic if a person is bitten somewhere in Central Africa, where several venomous species live side by side. For example, the venom of the cape cobra and the spitting cobra contain very different toxins: the cape cobra's venom consists primarily of neurotoxins that paralyze the nervous system, while the spitting cobra's venom is rich in cytotoxins, which, among other things, break down tissue and can lead to amputation. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. This great variation means that an antivenom that works against one species does not necessarily work against anotherand therefore, it is crucial to develop an antivenom that covers several species. The researchers have now developed a more effective and broadly effective antivenom by combining eight carefully selected nanobodies into a cocktail that targets venom from 18 medically relevant African snake species. Nanobodies are a special type of antibody that originates from antibodies found in animals in the camel family. Nanobodies are both smaller and more stable than ordinary antibodies. The researchers developed these nanobodies to bind strongly and precisely to many different similar toxins, which enables the antivenom to neutralize venom from multiple species. During in vivo testing, the antivenom has shown promising results and covered a wide spectrum of snake species, increasing its potential for effective treatment in real-life cases. In experiments where the antivenom was mixed directly with the venom before being injected, it successfully neutralized venom from 17 out of 18 tested different snake species, with the exception of one of the green mambas. The new antivenom also shows promising results against local tissue damage. Nanobodies penetrate tissue faster and deeper than the larger antibodies in current antivenoms. Even with delayed treatment, nanobodies appear to effectively reduce tissue damage, whereas current antivenoms have only a limited effect. At the same time, nanobodies carry a much lower risk of serious immune reactions compared to today's antivenoms. This means treatment could be started earlier, without waiting for clear symptomsunlike current practice, where clinicians often delay administration to avoid triggering dangerous side effects. There is no vaccine against snakebites, nor is it possible to develop onetherefore, an effective antivenom is needed as long as venomous snakes exist. In the photo is a yellow Cape cobra (Naja nivea). Credit: Wolfgang Wuster When will the antivenom be available on the market? Although the antivenom shows promising results, it has not yet been tested on humans, and there is still some way to go before it reaches the market. The effectiveness of the antivenom is limited when it's given after venom exposure. The venom from certain species, such as the black mamba and forest cobra, was only partially neutralized. This shows that both the composition of the venom and the timing of treatment are very importantand that the antivenom does not yet provide full protection in all cases. The researchers are still working on fine-tuning and improving the content of the antivenom so that the final version can provide even better protection for snakebite victims and increase the chance of saving lives. "We have already upgraded one of the nanobodies included and are in the process of improving another. We are constantly learning new things along the way, and it may turn out that some minor adjustments will need to be made in the future," explains Hougaard Laustsen-Kiel. Investments in development and production are difficult to attract in Africaespecially because the hardest-hit countries are often poor and have limited purchasing power. Nevertheless, Hougaard Laustsen-Kiel points out that the new antivenom has economic advantages: "We estimate that the antivenom can be produced at less than half the current price. This is partly because less active substance is needed to achieve the same effect. At the same time, nanobodies have very high physical stability, which could lower storage costs." The researchers are working hard to secure the necessary funding so that development of the antivenom can be accelerated. With the right support, the researchers estimate that clinical trials could begin in one to two years, and that a finished product could potentially be ready within three to four yearswith the potential to save thousands of lives. Hougaard Laustsen-Kiel has been in dialogue with several companies, organizations, and partners to find a way forward, but no final decisions have been made yet. However, the antivenom appears to be a very promising candidate for a groundbreaking treatment. "Of course, I have to be careful not to promise too much, but if no other antivenoms emerge that are better, I am quite convinced that our antivenomcompared to those currently on the markethas the broadest coverage of snake species," says Hougaard Laustsen-Kiel. "We are ready to get started and hope that someone will invest in the project. Our antivenom has the potential to fundamentally change how snakebites are treated around the world." More information: Andreas Laustsen, Nanobody-based recombinant antivenom for cobra, mamba and rinkhals bites, Nature (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-09661-0. www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09661-0 Journal information: Nature 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: CC0 Public Domain Digital authoritarianism is a new way governments are trying to control citizens using digital and information technology. It is a growing concern for advocacy groups and those interested in freedom and democracy. It is especially worrying for those who initially heralded digital and information technologies as liberating tools that would spread information more easily for citizens. I have studied the rise of digital authoritarianism in Africa over the last two decades. My most recent study focused on Nigeria, and its turn to digital tools for control after the 2020 #EndSARS Movement protests. I found that local conflict and development needs drive the Nigerian government's demand for digital authoritarianism technologies. Foreign suppliers of these technologies are motivated by both economic gain and influence in the region. The findings are important. Firstly, it signals that the trend of using digital spaces to control populations has reached the African continent. It also shows that the trend is facilitated by foreign actors that provide governments with the technology and expertise. What is digital authoritarianism? One way to understand the concept of digital authoritarianism is as a form of governance or set of actions aimed at undermining accountability. It is the use of digital technologies for this goal. Technology is used to repress voices, keep people under surveillance, and manipulate populations for regime goals and survival. It includes but is not limited to internet and social media shutdowns. It prioritizes the use of spyware to hack and monitor people through their devices. There is mass surveillance using artificial intelligence for facial recognition, and misinformation and disinformation propaganda campaigns. What drives it in Africa In Africa, these actions are popping up in democracies like Nigeria and in autocracies alike. Perhaps the noticeable difference between these two types of governments is the subtlety of their form of digital authoritarianism and the legal recourse when such actions are unearthed. Both governance types make claims of national security and public safety to justify these tactics. For instance, former Nigerian information minister Lai Mohammed claimed the 2020 Twitter ban was due to "the persistent use of the platform for activities that are capable of undermining Nigeria's corporate existence." Autocracies are often cruder with their use of blatant tactics. They employ internet and social media shutdowns. This is often due to their unsophisticated digital authoritarianism apparatuses. Democracies often rely on more subtle surveillance and misinformation campaigns to reach their goals. This all begs the question: what are the drivers of this trend? There are four clear ones: regime survival/political control security and counterterrorism electoral competition and information manipulation modernization agendas (development). On the rise In the African context, digital authoritarianism is on the rise. There's a cohesive relationship between the foreign suppliers of the hardware, expertise and domestic demand. This demand stems from authoritarian regimes as well as regimes accessing digital systems to consolidate and modernize. There are also hybrid regimes, which are countries with a mixture of democratic and authoritarian institutions. States like China, Russia, Israel, France and the US supply both the technology and instruction or best practices to African regimes. Reasons for supply include economic gain and regional influence. On the demand side, African regimes seek out digital authoritarianism tools mainly for development needs and for conflict resolution. Some of the largest consumers are Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Nigeria and Ghana. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. The study I found there was evidence that Nigeria's development goals and efforts to quell conflicts drive the use of technology to repress its people. Using the example of the #EndSARS movement, social media platform shutdowns and efforts to build a firewall akin to China's great firewall serve as evidence for this. In the days following Twitter's removal of a post by President Muhammadu Buhari, Twitter was banned in Nigeria. The administration cited its use to further unrest, instability, and secessionist movements. There were claims that this step was taken to maintain internet sovereignty. However, the ban also undermined social movements that were successfully holding the government accountable. Following domestic and international outcry over the ban, there were reports that the Nigerian government had approached China. The purpose of the contact was to replicate their "Great Firewall" in Nigeria's internet control apparatus. (The focus of China's project is to monitor and censor what can and cannot be seen through an online network in China.) This would allow the state to manage access to certain cities and block unwanted content from reaching Nigerians. On the supply side, China's economic commitments to the country and concerted efforts to cultivate certain norms in the country and region offer insights into the motivations for supply in this case and the broader continent. Again, regime type dictates just how these technologies will be used. Interviews conducted with permanent secretaries and ministers of Nigerian ministries were particularly revealing. They confirmed that repressive government practices in the real world are informing their activity in digital spaces. For instance, they intimated that the repression that occurs during protests in the streets in order to manage "lawlessness" is being replicated online. Its purpose is to ensure peace and stability. For development needs, countries like Nigeria initially seek out foreign suppliers to furnish them with state-of-the-art technology systems. The objective is to establish or refurbish their information and communications technology apparatuses. These include, but are not limited to, national broadband networks) such as fiber optic networks, mobile telecommunications networks and smart city governance systems. Though these are often not repressive in nature, they are capable of dual use. Thus, these developmental needs provide technologies that are then utilized in an authoritarian fashion for state-building goals. There is also evidence that some suppliers provide instruction on how to use these technologies for repression. In some instances, under the guise of development needs, regimes seek out more repressive tools such as spyware alongside these infrastructural development programs. At this stage, the boundary between development and security blurs, as modernization becomes a vehicle for national security, cyber defense, regime protection, and information control. What can be done? I propose a three-pronged approach to address the three drivers. First of all, more has to be done on the international front to curb the sale of repressive tools to states. There must be a conversation about the norms of these technologies and their use for repression in both democracies and autocracies. On the demand side, it appears those practices that have plagued the hopes of freedom and democracy in the real world have to be addressed. Naturally, no movement on the digital front is complete without a real world manifestation. It seems logical that eradicating digital repression necessitates addressing repression in general. Finally, regulatory legal and institutional oversight alongside human rights benchmarks must be achieved. These will accompany digital and privacy rights in cyberspace. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. 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: Treptichnus in the Shibantan assemblage in the Wuhe area. Credit: NIGPAS A research team from the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Paleontology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (NIGPAS) has made progress in studying the Shibantan biota in Yichang, Hubei Province, uncovering the oldest known complex three-dimensional burrow systems to date. Preserved in approximately 550-million-year-old strata, these trace fossils show that complex animal behaviors were modifying the seafloor environment nearly 10 million years earlier than previously thought. The work appears in Science Advances. The EdiacaranCambrian transition, around 539 million years ago, marks one of the most significant ecosystem revolutions in Earth's history. A key driver of this ecological shift was the transition of metazoan behavior from simple two-dimensional surface activities to three-dimensional exploration deep into sediments. This "substrate revolution" transformed the seafloor from a uniform, matground-dominated system into a heterogeneously, bioturbated modern-style seabed, permanently altering the trajectory of Earth's environmental and biological evolution. The researchers conducted a systematic study of trace fossils from the Shibantan biota (approximately 550543 million years old). They identified multiple ichnospecies within the genus Treptichnus and established a new ichnospecies, Treptichnus streptosus. By combining these findings with previously discovered three-dimensional trace fossils such as Lamonte and tadpole-shaped traces from the same biota, the study offers an in-depth analysis of the evolutionary and ecological significance of the emergence of animals' vertical exploration behavior. The findings reveal that complex animal behaviors emerged on the eve of the Cambrian explosion. Schematic illustration of trace fossils in the Shibantan assemblage. Credit: NIGPAS Treptichnus is a landmark trace fossil, representing the first 3D exploration of sediments by animals, and holds importance in evolutionary biology, animal behavior, and ecology. The first appearance of T. pedum, a member of this genus, formally defines the EdiacaranCambrian boundary. The new discovery from the Shibantan biota predates this revolutionary behavior. In addition to reporting the new species T. streptosus, the study identifies other ichnospecies including T. cf. bifurcus, T. rectangularis, and T. pollardi, demonstrating that animal burrowing behaviors had already achieved considerable diversity by this period. Furthermore, the Shibantan biota preserves other three-dimensional burrows, such as Lamonte and tadpole-shaped traces. The concentrated occurrence of these vertical exploration behaviors reflects early sedimentary ecological stratification and complex foraging strategies, indicating a gradually enhanced ability of trace-making organisms to engineer substrates. The study found that Lamonte caused intensive bioturbation within the Shibantan biota. This not only disrupted microbial mats on the sediment surface but also dismantled the ecological environment of Ediacara-type organisms that depended on these mats. This suggests bioturbation may have been a contributing factor to the first extinction event of the Ediacara biota around 550 million years ago. The emergence of these complex behaviors and their cumulative ecological effects intensified toward the end of the Ediacaran Period. This led to the gradual decline of microbial mats, continuously eroding the ecological foundation of Ediacara-type organisms while creating new ecological opportunities for the diversification of other metazoans. Driven by the synergy of various biological and non-biological factors, this process ultimately contributed to the profound ecosystem transformation during the EdiacaranCambrian transition. This research further confirms that the rich and diverse assemblage of trace fossils and body fossils preserved in the Shibantan biota provides a window for studying major ecosystem changes at the transition between the Precambrian and Phanerozoic eons. 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: Tim Cadman A new study has shown areas of state forest in Northern New South Wales, currently zoned as hardwood eucalypt plantation and slated for logging in 20252026, are in fact vital koala habitat. Tuckers Nob State Forest, southwest of Coffs Harbor, was analyzed in the collaborative research project between Griffith University, CQUniversity, conservation organizations and citizen scientists. Published in the journal Wild, the study combined drone technology, historical mapping, and ground surveys to track koala populations in the forest. The team's findings challenged current assumptions that timber plantations lacked conservation value. "Instead, we've shown many plantation areas still contained original, high-quality eucalypt forest that supported our endangered koala populations," said co-author Dr. Timothy Cadman, from Griffith University. Surveys were conducted in December 2024, covering 142 hectares and revealed clear signs of koala activity, including scat evidence and thermal drone imagery identifying 25 individual koalas. This has prompted calls for the reclassification of the surveyed area from plantation to prime koala habitat. "These aren't just plantations; they're home to one of Australia's most iconic and endangered animals," said Dr. Rolf Schlagloth, from CQUniversity's Koala Research-CQ and the Koala History & Sustainability Research Cluster. "We've shown remnants of original forest exist within these zones and are actively used by koalas." Using historical aerial photography, mapping tools such as SIX Maps and Google Earth Pro, and modern drone-mounted thermal imaging, the team pinpointed critical areas of undisturbed habitat within the plantation. These findings suggested excluding areas such as the Tuckers Nob study site from the proposed Great Koala National Park footprint for the sake of logging was both "short-sighted and inconsistent with current conservation strategies." Koalas were listed as endangered across most of their range in eastern Australia, and populations in New South Wales continued to decline due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and climate stress. The authors of the study argued all high-value koala habitatregardless of zoningmust be protected, and future conservation efforts must treat the integrity of the entire reserve system as paramount. "The proposed Great Koala National Park is a key policy initiative aimed at reversing these trends, but ongoing logging within its proposed boundaries threatens to undermine its effectiveness before it is even established," Dr. Cadman said. "The Tuckers Nob site sits outside the proposed Great Koala National Park boundaries, but we've shown when you look closer and reveal evidence that koalas are in fact residing there, the initiative needs to be re-examined and a holistic lens applied to it." The authors also called for World Heritage status to secure long-term protection for koalas and the ecosystems they depended on. More information: Rolf Schlagloth et al, Community and Scientists Work Together to Identify Koalas Within the Plantations Inside the Proposed Great Koala National Park in New South Wales, Australia, Wild (2025). DOI: 10.3390/wild2040042 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: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign information sciences professor Dong Wang and his research team developed Socially Informed Drought Estimation (SIDE) to examine the societal implications of drought. Examining the human side of environmental crises can help communities and policymakers better understand and respond to them, Wang says. Credit: L. Brian Stauffer Much of the Midwest is experiencing drought due to very dry weather in the late summer and early fall. Half of the state of Illinois is in a severe drought, and portions of Central Illinois are in an extreme drought, affecting farmers' yields, particularly for soybeans. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign information sciences professor Dong Wang has developed an artificial intelligence-driven drought estimation framework, called Socially Informed Drought Estimation (SIDE). The tool examines societal implications of drought beyond water availability or agricultural losses and how human behavior and environmental conditions influence one another. In this interview, he discusses these ideas. What are some of the social implications of drought beyond water shortages? When people hear the word "drought," they usually think about dry fields and empty reservoirs. However, drought affects much more than waterit touches nearly every part of daily life. It can hurt local economies, disrupt food production, harm mental health and even change how communities relate to one another. For example, for farmers, drought means lower yields and income uncertainty. For small businesses tied to tourism, recreation or landscaping, it can mean months of lost revenue. We've also seen that prolonged drought brings stress and anxiety, especially in rural areas where livelihoods depend directly on the weather. Beyond that, drought can strain ecosystems, reduce water quality and spark conflicts over limited resources. In short, drought doesn't just dry out the landit also tests the resilience and well-being of communities. How does the SIDE framework measure the societal impacts and human behavior associated with drought? Traditional drought monitors track physical indicators such as rainfall, soil moisture and temperature. Those are essential, but they can't show how people actually are experiencing and responding to drought. That's where our SIDE framework comes in. SIDE combines three kinds of information: 1) physical data such as weather and hydrological records; 2) social media posts, which capture personal experiences and public sentiment; and 3) news coverage, which reflects how drought is reported and discussed by journalists and local institutions. Using artificial intelligence, SIDE brings these data sources together to estimate both drought severity and its societal impact. It organizes social and news discussions into key impact areas defined by the National Integrated Drought Information Systemlike agriculture, ecosystems, water utilities, recreation and public health. By mapping these conversations over time, SIDE can detect where and when people begin to feel the effects of drought and how those social signals relate to changes in physical conditions. It helps connect the human side of the story to the environmental data in real time. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. What issues do you see that are arising from the current Midwestern drought? This year's drought in Illinois and the broader Midwest is a clear example of how fast conditions can change and how deeply communities are affected. After a relatively wet start to the year, soil moisture dropped sharply by late summer. According to the Illinois State Climatologist, 2025 has been the driest year since 1988 in parts of central Illinois, with shrinking rivers, dusty fields and even fire risks during harvest season. Farmers are reporting uneven corn and soybean growth, low yields and tough harvest conditions as dry winds and brittle stalks complicate fieldwork. Local news has captured concerns about water shortages and the stress of unpredictable weather. Even recent rainfall hasn't been enough to reverse the dryness, leading to uncertainty about next year's planting. From a social perspective, we expect an increase in local online discussions about water utilities, crop losses and mental fatiguesigns that people are not only observing the drought but also actively feeling its impact on their lives and livelihoods. These social signals often emerge before official drought reports can capture the full picture. How can this information be useful in times of drought or other environmental crises? By combining environmental data with social awareness, SIDE helps decision-makers see both the physical and human dimensions of a drought. That insight can help water managers, farmers and policymakers respond more quickly and effectively. For instance, if SIDE detects rising public concern or stress in a certain area (e.g., even before water levels hit critical thresholds), it can alert local leaders to step up communication, provide resources or target drought assistance. Similarly, journalists and researchers can use this information to understand how people are adapting, coping and communicating during extreme weather. Beyond droughts, SIDE can be adapted for floods, wildfires or heat waves, any situation where people's experiences offer vital real-time signals. The Wang team has been working on extending SIDE to other types of extreme events. The goal is to make environmental monitoring more human-centered, giving communities a clearer voice in how we understand and respond to crises. More information: Lanyu Shang et al, SIDE: Socially Informed Drought Estimation Toward Understanding Societal Impact Dynamics of Environmental Crisis, arXiv (2024). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2412.12575 Journal information: arXiv By Chiranjivi Sharma Kathmandu , The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation has appointed Ramkrishna Lamichhane as the new Director General of the Department of Tourism. According to ministry sources, Tourism Minister and Prime Minister Sushila Karki made the appointment through a minister level decision. Lamichhane, who also serves as the ministry's spokesperson and joint secretary, has now been given the responsibility to lead the department. He is regarded as a young, capable, and determined administrator with notable experience in the tourism sector. Officials within the ministry describe him as a diligent officer who brings both administrative expertise and sectoral knowledge to the role. The position had remained vacant since October 9, after the transfer of former Director General Dr. Narayan Prasad Regmi to the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA). Dr. Regmi has since been stationed at the commission's Pokhara office. Lamichhane's appointment is expected to give new momentum to the department's efforts in strengthening Nepal's tourism administration and promoting the country's image as a key destination. Kathmandu, Nepal October 29, 2025: The Nepali Army has successfully rescued more than 1,500 individuals, including around 200 foreign tourists, who had been trapped following avalanches in various hilly regions of the country. According to the Army, stranded tourists were rescued from Upper Manang, Humde, Pisang, Tilicho, and Khangsar areas of Manang district. A rescue team from the Nepal Armys Naya Bhairavi Dal Regiment, stationed in Manang, was mobilized for the operation. The Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and local residents also extended their support in the large-scale rescue effort. Environmental authorities disable traps and release captured specimens in illegal turtle poaching Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco Environmental authorities have disabled 12 traps in the nesting areas of the casquito turtle in Puerto Vallarta. The traps were disabled to curb the illegal poaching of turtles. A turtle and baby crocodile were found caught inside the traps during the operation. The Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) disabled 12 illegal traps during an operation carried out jointly with the Ministry of the Navy (Semar) in four nesting areas of the casquito turtle (Kinosternon vogti) in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. The operation was carried out on the night of October 22nd with the intention of countering illegal wildlife trafficking and the plundering of turtles in their natural habitat. As a result, in addition to the disabled traps, two captured specimens were released. At the first site, eight traps were secured and disabled. While at the site, officials reported finding belonging left behind by looters. They also encountered a captured turtle, a Kinosternum integrum turtle, that was found in one of the traps and released. In the second, four traps were found which were also disabled and secured by authorities. In addition, a baby crocodile was found with a trap stuck in its mouth. It was rescued and later released. Finally, at the third and fourth sites, no traps were found in the nesting areas and no species were captured. The Vallarta turtle is a species endemic to Mexico and considered endangered, according to the Mexican Official Standard NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010. It is also listed in CITES Appendix I, which grants it maximum protection against international trade. A total of 12 traps set by poachers were disabled and seized by federal officials. Profepa will continue to protect species whose habitats are threatened by illegal acts through these wildlife operations. Three others missing in Chetumal from Nayarit located Chetumal, Q.R. Three men from a group of nine reported missing in Chetumal from the state of Nayarit have been found. On Tuesday, the State Attorney General reported locating the men who had been missing since September 3. Jack Ivan Ibarra Mendoza, Juan Alejandro Delgado Gonzalez and Roberto Carlos Corona Ramos, who arrived in Quintana Roo for a job offer, but were allegedly victims of illegal deprivation of liberty when they were forcibly removed from the hotel where they were staying, authorities said in a statement. Members of the International Group were the ones who located the three Nayarit residents, who will soon be returned to their families in their home state. Six other men of the nine missing were found near the state capitals bus terminal on September 23. All of them arrived in Quintana Roo in mid-July of this year to work, presumably at the hotel where they were housed. The State Attorney General said they are continuing their investigation to clarify the events that affected the nine Nayarit residents, as well as to find those responsible for their disappearance and bring them to justice. " " Ipe is fantastic for a pool deck, but it barely cracks into the top five when we rank by the Janka hardness scale. Radoslav Cajkovic / Shutterstock You might think oak or hickory is tough, but when it comes to the hardest wood in the world, they dont even come close. Wood hardness is measured using the Janka hardness test, which tells us how much force it takes to embed a steel ball halfway into a wood sample. This Janka hardness rating is the go-to standard for ranking the worlds hardest woods. Advertisement Lets explore the most durable, dense, and downright axe-breaking woods on Earth. Remarks by H.E. Li Qiang Premier of the State Council Of the People's Republic of China At the 28th China-ASEAN Summit Malaysia, October 28, 2025 Honorable Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Colleagues, It is my great pleasure to join you in Kuala Lumpur. I wish to thank Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the Malaysian government for their thoughtful arrangements. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. In September, China held a series of solemn commemorative events, and many ASEAN leaders joined us in Beijing to honor that arduous yet heroic chapter of history. During that war, China and Southeast Asian nations, undeterred by tyranny, rose up in resistance, stood by one another, and fought shoulder to shoulder till we achieved independence and liberation. In the ensuing decades, we continued to stand side by side to promote common development. We inspired one another and pulled together to deliver rapid economic growth. We supported one another and coalesced amid hardships to overcome major challenges like financial crises, tsunamis, and the COVID-19 pandemic. As President Xi Jinping noted during his visit to Southeast Asia in April, "Unity brings strength, and cooperation leads to mutual success." China and ASEAN countries are good neighbors and good brothers, standing close and connected, in kinship and in mutual support. As long as we stay united and independent, we will generate immense strength. No difficulty is too great for us to surmount. Today, we look back with delight on a year of fresh progress in China-ASEAN joint endeavors. Across all areas our cooperation is flourishing. Trade has been growing steadily. The "ASEAN Visa" has brought our peoples even closer. And we have just witnessed the signing of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade Protocol, heralding a new opportunity to expand and enhance our economic and trade cooperation. At the same time, we must pay attention to the new developments on the international landscape. Unilateralism and protectionism are buffeting the international economic and trade order, external interference in our region is on the rise, and many countries are slapped with unwarranted high tariffs. Development today faces greater risks and challenges. In the face of power politics and economic bullying, we will gain nothing from disunity and confrontation, and will only end up divided and conquered by external forces. The more challenging the situation, the more resolute we should be in maintaining unity and self-reliance. We must defend our legitimate rights and interests through mutual support and coordinated action, and promote steady and sound economic growth by leveraging our complementary strengths and deepening our cooperation. China is ready to work with ASEAN countries to build greater synergy, remove external disturbances, address risks and challenges together, and create a brighter future for all of us. Colleagues, Last May, the ASEAN Summit adopted the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. China stands ready to work with ASEAN countries to strengthen the alignment of development strategies, deliver on the Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2026-2030), continue advancing the building of an even closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future, and keep writing new chapters of China-ASEAN unity for strength. First, we should further consolidate strategic mutual trust. China and ASEAN countries share similar values, and equality and harmonious coexistence are our common pursuit. We should strengthen strategic communication and properly handle differences to ensure that trust remains the defining theme of our relations. China will continue to support ASEAN in playing an active role and promoting the peaceful settlement of disputes between Cambodia and Thailand in the ASEAN way. We need to speed up consultations on the COC and strive for its early conclusion to better maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea. Second, we should promote deeper convergence of interests. We should take the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade Protocol as an opportunity to accelerate trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, and strengthen industrial integration and interconnection. China will continue to replenish the China-ASEAN cooperation fund to support practical cooperation between the two sides. China is ready to work with ASEAN countries to establish a China-ASEAN digital academy, a platform for AI cooperation, and a center for maritime development and technological cooperation, and deepen cooperation in transportation, digital economy, green economy, disaster prevention and mitigation, climate change and other areas, with a view to making the pie of mutually beneficial cooperation bigger and better. Third, we should forge stronger people-to-people bonds. We should further expand the breadth and depth of people-to-people exchanges. China will work with ASEAN to hold a successful closing ceremony of the China-ASEAN Year of People-to-People Exchanges, and designate 2026 as the China-ASEAN Year on the Fifth Anniversary of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. We will speed up the establishment of meeting mechanisms of tourism and education ministers of China and ASEAN countries, and make good use of the China-ASEAN Network of Academies on Governance and Public Administration and Think Tanks to enhance our mutual understanding and friendship. Looking forward, China will always be ASEAN's good friend based on mutual trust and good partner for shared development. Let us reaffirm our commitment to unity for strength, march forward together with faster steps, promote the sustained and steady development of China-ASEAN cooperation, and make greater contributions to peace and development of the region and beyond. Thank You. On October 28, 2025, President Xi Jinping exchanged congratulatory messages with Finnish President Alexander Stubb to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Xi Jinping noted that Finland, known as the beautiful "land of a thousand lakes", was one of the first European countries to sign an intergovernmental trade agreement with China. Over the past 75 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Finland, bilateral relations have transcended differences in social systems and ideologies and stood the test of changes in the international landscape. Cooperation in political, economic, trade and cultural fields has continued to deepen. In October last year, President Alexander Stubb paid a successful state visit to China. The two presidents jointly drew a blueprint for the growth of the future-oriented new-type cooperative partnership between China and Finland. Xi Jinping said that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Finland relations and is ready to work with President Alexander Stubb to inherit and carry forward the traditional friendship between the two countries, lead China-Finland cooperation in various fields to break new ground, and jointly advance an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. Alexander Stubb said that Finland-China relations are close and have a solid foundation. Over the past 75 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, bilateral relations have developed steadily with continuously expanding cooperation. Alexander Stubb noted that during his first state visit to China in October last year, the two sides issued the Joint Action Plan between China and Finland on Promoting the Future-oriented New-type Cooperative Partnership 2025-2029. The international community trusts China's role as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. He said he looks forward to continuing dialogue with President Xi Jinping on bilateral and global issues. This article is part of Portrait Mode, a Slate pop-up series about biopics. Martin Scorseses 1997 film Kundun is famous mostly for being unknown, or at least unseen. Kundun is the ne plus ultra of footnotes in the career of one of the most esteemed filmmakers in history, who chose it as his follow-up to 1995s big-budget gangster epic Casino. Universal was originally set to produce the film, which is about the early life of the Dalai Lama up until his 1959 exile from Tibet, but balked when it became clear its subject matter and politics would offend the Chinese government. Disney then picked it up, but ultimately opted to bury its release out of similar concerns. Kundun premiered on Christmas Day in 1997 on only two(!) screens in the United States, and ultimately grossed less than $6 million total on a nearly $30 million budget. In 1998, Disney CEO Michael Eisner apologized to Chinese officials for releasing the film, saying: The bad news is that the film was made; the good news is that nobody watched it. In the decades since, the latter part of that statement has remained largely true: Kunduns biggest pop-cultural footprint is still probably as a Sopranos punch line that plays off both its obscurity and its seeming incongruity in the career of the guy who made Taxi Driver and Goodfellas. Kundun is, in fact, a pretty good movie. Its not top-tier (or even second-tier) Scorsese, but as minor works by great filmmakers go, its certainly not some fiasco on the level of 1941 or Bonfire of the Vanities. (In Rebecca Millers terrific new five-part, career-spanning documentary Mr. Scorsese, Kundun receives, by my count, about two minutes worth of attention, which is probably appropriate.) Kundun is also not as out of step with Scorseses overall filmography as its reputation suggests: Its interest in spiritualitys coexistence with human fallibility is squarely in line with major themes throughout the directors work, and from a formal standpoint, the movies beautiful, fluid imagery (shot by legendary cinematographer Roger Deakins) and propulsive editing style (the handiwork of longtime Scorsese collaborator Thelma Schoonmaker) are unmistakably Scorsesean. And while for the most part Kundun is unapologetically a slow film, an extended middle sequence depicting the 1950 Chinese invasion of Tibet is as taut and foreboding as anything in The Departed or Gangs of New York. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kundun is also a biopic, and as such belongs snugly in another sizable pocket of Scorseses oeuvre. The biopic is such a maligned genre that we often overlook the fact that a generous helping of Scorseses films fit into it, often squarely (as in the case of Kundun) and sometimes more obliquely (Killers of the Flower Moons tribute to the long-forgotten life of Mollie Kyle). Scorsese is often hailed as Americas greatest living filmmaker, an honorific Im certainly not inclined to dispute, but he is almost assuredly our greatest director of biographical pictures. Raging Bull, Goodfellas, The Aviator, The Wolf of Wall Street, The Irishman: All of these films are biopics, without even needing much qualification. So what is it that makes Martin Scorsese so good at a genre that so many other filmmakers flail at, often in the most cloyingly Oscar-baiting fashion? Well, we can start with the obvious fact that Scorsese is simply a better filmmaker than most other directors. But a few more specific reasons stand out. The first is that Scorseses biopics mostly eschew the cradle-to-grave scope thats often a stumbling block for other practitioners of the form. In films like Raging Bull, The Wolf of Wall Street, and The Irishman, for instance, were not given any insights into the subjects childhoods, thus deftly avoiding the sort of facile Freudianism that often bedevils the genre. Second, Scorseses biopics never stray into hagiography: Even when tackling a figure as monumental as Howard Hughes, The Aviator is as unflinching in its depiction of Hughes many demons as it is in his prodigious accomplishments. Even Kundun, a movie about a man considered by many to be literally divine, takes pains to render its protagonist as deeply human, overwhelmed by his spiritual and political responsibilities and often plagued by self-doubt. Advertisement Advertisement Which brings us to the third, and I would argue most important, quality of Scorseses biopics: His best works in this genre tend to take up the lives of people who wouldnt normally be considered worthy of such projects. Henry Hill, Jordan Belfort, Frank Sheeran: Without Scorseses attention, these are people whod barely even warrant Wikipedia pages. Even Jake LaMotta, a great fighter in his day, had slipped into such obscurity by the late 1970s that Scorsese had to be cajoled into making Raging Bull by Robert De Niro. Compounding their questionable historical significance, all of these men are essentially unreliable narrators of their own lives. Hill is a midtier mobster turned self-aggrandizing snitch, Belfort an unrepentant con man and fraud. The ending of Raging Bull finds an aging, bloated, battered LaMotta rehearsing his nightclub act into a mirror, desperately trying to burnish his own fading legend via bad poetry and On the Waterfront monologues. Advertisement This aspect of Scorseses biographical films has sometimes led to controversy. While its now often hailed as one of the greatest films of this century, upon its release The Wolf of Wall Street was widely accused by some of uncritically celebrating the avaricious, debaucherous exploits of Belfort and his cronies. When The Irishman came out in 2019, Slate published a lengthy and quite convincing piece by longtime crime journalist Bill Tonelli that argued that the films source material, Sheerans as-told-to confessional I Heard You Paint Houses, was mostly fabricated. Advertisement Advertisement But such critiques presume the sort of literal-minded approaches to realism that are the province of so many lesser biopics, and that Scorseses films have always deftly subverted. If youve spent any time on the internet in recent years, you may be familiar with the filmgoing phenomenon of audiences not believing that certain, particularly indelible fictional characters arent actually real. The impulse that causes people to fruitlessly Google cinematic creations like Lydia Tar or Laszlo Toth is, of course, a testament to the extraordinary writing and acting that bring these characters to life, and the filmmaking that makes their worlds seem so immediately real. Advertisement Advertisement Scorseses brilliance is for something like the opposite: He takes real-life historical figures and renders them so totally and irresistibly cinematic that we forget were even watching biography, even though most of these films are based on memoirs or, in some cases, actual biographies. I cant imagine anyone watching Goodfellas and coming away wanting to meet the real Henry Hill; in the hands of Ray Liotta and Scorsese, the on-screen character feels as if he exists entirely autonomously. What must it have been like for Jake LaMotta, who died in 2017 at age 95, to have spent the last 37 years of his life with his public self so entirely eclipsed by Robert De Niros performance of him? And as for The Irishman, I dont ultimately care if Frank Sheeran did everything or nothing that he claimed he did, because The Irishman never hides the fact that its a movie about a liar, particularly during its devastating final act. Whether or not Sheeran killed Jimmy Hoffa doesnt really matter: The Irishman is about the kind of person whod brag about murdering someone even if he didnt, the sort of character Scorsese has been drawn to going at least as far back as De Niros own astonishing performance as Johnny Boy in Scorseses 1973 breakthrough, Mean Streets. (Johnny Boy is fictional, although the character is apparently so rooted in a boyhood acquaintance of Scorseses that said acquaintance tells Miller in Mr. Scorsese that he couldnt bring himself to watch the movie.) The fundamental mistake most biopics make is in their presumption that the lives of great people are inherently interesting; Scorsese understands that its the lives of less-than-great people that are often much more so. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. Its hard for most Americans to imagine what it would be like to live in a society without the rule of law protecting them. I spent more than 20 years leading U.S. governmentsponsored justice projects in countries with weak to nonexistent democracies, including Albania, Mongolia, China, Cambodia, Vietnam, the Republic of Georgia, and Armenia. Those of us who have worked in nations like these dont have to imagine what it looks like when a places leaders demonstrate no regard for the rule of law. What weve seen overseas looks a lot like what weve started to watch unfold in this country over the course of the past 10 months. Some of these experiences abroad, when we see them happen here, offer the biggest clues that our own democracy is beginning to slip away. The Government Uses Law and Legal Institutions to Intimidate Critics and Silence Free Speech Rather than passing laws to protect free speech, the government passes new laws and enforces existing ones in such a way as to discourage and punish the exercise of free speech. The states regulatory agencies deny media organizations licenses needed for broadcasting and publishing if those organizations criticize the government. Its security forces and tax authorities use their power and authority to frighten people into silence. This was the case in the former Soviet Union, and it continues to be the case in many post-Soviet countries today. Take, for example, the Republic of Georgia, where I worked from 201025. In the decade after its 2003 Rose Revolution, Georgia made solid progress toward the rule of law with assistance from the U.S. and many European donors. But in recent years, the ruling coalition, the Georgian Dream party, led by a Russian oligarch, has reversed that progress and chipped away at the free speech and assembly rights guaranteed by Georgias Constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2024, when criticized by an active and motivated group of local justice reform and media organizations, the Georgian Dream passed a law restricting the ability of those groups to receive funds necessary for them to function and threatened their leaders with fines and prosecution if they failed to comply. When hundreds of thousands of Georgians took to the streets to protest the legislation, government security forces and groups of thugs allied with those forces beat up protesters and arrested many more, and the courts handed out fines and jail sentences, often without evidence or meaningful due process. Most recently, the countrys prosecutors office froze the bank accounts of some of these civil society organizations and interrogated their leaders, sending the message that if they continue their activities, they are likely to end up in jail. Advertisement The Courts Are Captured by the Government and Operate First and Foremost as Tools of the Government In countries where the rule of law is under attack, courts are still used to resolve disputes between parties, but their main function is to enforce government policy and promote the interests of the powerful. Judges are selected more for their perceived loyalty to those in power than for their legal acumen. They are kept in line by promises of reward, on or off the books, and by threats of punishment such as demotion, transfer, removal, or even prosecution. In cases involving a government interest, the government always, or almost always, wins. As a result, the public distrusts the court system and holds the judicial profession in low regard. Advertisement In the Republic of Georgia, when the ruling party signals how it wants a case decided, the courts are expected to deliver its preferred result. If, for example, the ruling party sues a television station for criticizing one of its officials, the court will almost certainly rule in favor of the ruling party, no matter the strengths of its case, and the station may be forced off the air. If judges fail to rule as those in power desire, they will be harassed by their judicial leadership and may be transferred to provincial backwaters; if they continue to make independent rulings that are faithful to the law but unfavorable to the regime, they will likely be driven out of judicial service altogether. Advertisement Advertisement Corruption Becomes Ordinary and Accepted When people in power do not fear the law or the courts, they feel freer to enrich themselves at the publics expense. They engage in influence peddling, award government contracts to friends and family, hand out government positions based solely on political loyalty, take bribes, and extort favors. Over time, these behaviors become typical features of the countrys political and economic system. Many lawyers in such a system develop expertise not in the law but in determining how much cash should go into the judges white envelope to ensure a preferred outcome. Inevitably, police in such systems find extralegal ways to augment their salariesby taking bribes, exploiting public resources they control, or providing protection to legal or illegal businesses. Advertisement Advertisement During the period it was moving toward the rule of law, Georgia managed to eliminate much of the corruption practiced by the police, the courts, and low-level government officials that had plagued the country during Soviet times. With the rule of law now in retreat, the old corrupt practices are making a comeback. For example, in 2023, the U.S. sanctioned four Georgian judges for significant corruption, and in 2025, the U.K. sanctioned two senior Georgian judges for serious corruption in using their positions to influence judicial appointments and decisions to favor the Georgian Dream party. In Cambodia, where I worked for five years and where the rule of law never put down significant roots, nepotism, cronyism, kickbacks, and bribe taking are standard and, one might claim, generally accepted modes of governmental operation. Advertisement Law Enforcement Operates With Impunity When police are not answerable to the law and the courts, they become a law unto themselves. They regularly violate citizens rights. They ignore citizens complaints. They use their authority to prey on the very people they should be protecting, confident that there will be no repercussions. Advertisement In Cambodia, I observed that police enjoyed near-absolute impunity. There, when a police officer pulls your car over, you understand that you are completely at his mercy. He might suggest you give him tea money to let you go without a ticket. He might arrest you and take you off to jail to be pressured by other officers to pay an even bigger bribe. If you try to complain to a higher authority, like a court, you are probably going to make your situation worse. In Cambodia, the courts and the police are on the same side of things, and it is not your side. Advertisement Advertisement Everyone Is Afraid In a society with a weak rule of law, everyone is a government-victim-in-waiting. People are afraid of judges. They are afraid of police. They are afraid of their neighbors who might inform on them to the police. Those in power are afraid as well, since they know that the consequence of losing power will be retribution, such as the seizing of their assets, exile, imprisonment, or even execution. In every developing country in which I have worked, fear lived just under the collective skin of the people. The depth of the fear depended on how repressive the regime and how weak the rule of law. Less than a year ago, it was impossible to imagine that the U.S. could ever become like the Republic of Georgia or Cambodia. It is not so impossible to imagine now. Since February, our highest court has delivered a series of rulings expanding executive power to a degree previously unimaginable. Even before that, it granted the president near-complete immunity for actions taken in office. Two Supreme Court judges accepted lavish personal gifts from wealthy supporters of the presidents party without suffering meaningful consequences. The president himself has extorted payments of millions of dollars from news organizations to settle transparently meritless defamation claims. He is now demanding that the Justice Department pay him $230 million for the inconvenience he suffered by being prosecuted for serious crimes. He pardoned a number of criminals after they or their families contributed large sums of money to his campaign, as well as over 1,500 Jan. 6 plotters and rioters. He extracted commitments from major law firms to provide free services to his administration in order to avoid punitive measures that could hobble their operations. At the presidents request, Congress increased the Department of Homeland Securitys budget fivefold, and its agencies now routinely ignore court orders and violate the due process rights of immigrants and citizens alike. Accounts of citizens, some entirely innocent, being thrown into vans by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers have become commonplace. Much of America is afraid. Afraid of the government. Afraid of their fellow citizens. Afraid Americas legal and judicial institutions will no longer protect them. If Americans do not wake up, organize, and fight harder to defend the rule of law, we will find ourselves living in an authoritarian system, a system more similar in nature to countries like the Republic of Georgia and Cambodia than any of us could ever have imagined. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. After several months of keeping a relatively low profile, Jack Smith is back in the public eyeor at least, hes asking to be. The former special counsel is seeking permission to testify before Congress about his criminal investigations into Donald Trump, and hed like to share details about the unreleased second volume of his final report. Over the past few weeks, the Trump administration and Republicans have been making moves to investigate Smith for alleged illegal political activity. In a letter to the leaders of the House and Senate Judiciary Committees last week, Smith said he wants to testify publicly in order to correct the many mischaracterizations flying around about his investigations. Smiths classified documents case and election interference case were both dismissed last year following the Supreme Courts bombshell presidential immunity decision and Trumps reelection (Justice Department policy prevents a sitting president from being prosecuted). And though Smith resigned from his role as special counsel weeks before Trump would be inaugurated, Smith has remained on the presidentsand the GOPsenemies list. Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Chuck Grassley responded to Smiths letter with his own questions for the former special counsel, including if Smith or his staff ever communicated with Biden officials during his investigations into Trump.* Grassley also told Politico hes preparing for Smiths testimony. Weve got a lot of document requests, Grassley said. Weve got to have all the information, because Ill tell you Jack Smith and the other people were going to invite, they have all the answers. We got to make sure that their answers are correct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What has Smith been dealing with since he left his job at the Justice Department, and whats he been doing recently? Let us fill you in. Trump DOJ Launches Investigation Into Smith In early August, the Office of Special Counsel told CBS News it had launched an investigation into Smith, alleging he violated the Hatch Act, a federal law banning government employees from certain political activities.* Back in July, Republican Sen. Tom Cotton insisted the DOJ initiate an investigation into Smith, claiming in a series of messages on X that Smith had engaged in political activity on behalf of former President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Cotton accused Smith of wanting a rushed trial for Trump, bypassing normal processes when he went to the Supreme Court over the Jan. 6 case and submitting a procedurally irregular brief too close to Election Day. In December 2023, Smith sought the Supreme Courts opinion because Trumps defense team continuously argued their client was protected from prosecution by absolute presidential immunity. The tactic significantly slowed Smiths case, and so the special counsel took it up with the Supreme Court, acknowledging this is an extraordinary request, but that this is an extraordinary case. The justices ultimately denied Smiths requestonly to take up the very same question weeks later when Trumps lawyers asked. Advertisement In September 2024, shortly after the Supreme Court issued its immunity decision, Smith acknowledged he would be submitting a lengthy brief in the election interference case, but requested he be able to go over the page limit. Thats because this particular brief contained analysis of Trumps actions ahead of the Jan. 6 insurrection and which ones should be considered official or unofficial, in compliance with the Supreme Courts immunity decision. Republicans Reveal Smith Tapped GOP Lawmakers Phone Records In early October, Grassley said that the FBI had requested phone records of eight Republican senators back in September 2023 which were eventually used in Smiths Jan. 6 investigation. BIDEN FBI WEAPONIZATION = WORSE THAN WATERGATE, the 92-year-old Iowa Senator proclaimed on X, alongside a copy of the FBIs request. Advertisement Smiths attorneys defended his use of the phone records, which they said were used only after Smith secured a grand jury subpoena. The lawyers pushed back on assertions that Smith had tapped, spied on, or surveilled Republicans, explaining that the records only revealed incoming and outgoing phone numbers, the time of the calls, and their durations. Wiretapping, by contrast, involves intercepting the telecommunications in real time, which the Special Counsels Office did not do, the lawyers wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smiths lawyers also said its fairly standard for federal investigations to access the phone records of sitting members of Congress. During President Trumps first term, the Justice Department purportedly obtained communications records of two Democratic Members of CongressRep. Eric Swalwell and then-Rep. Adam Schiffand forty-three congressional staffers in connection with an investigation into media leaks, the lawyers wrote. Indeed, in 2021, the New York Times reported that during Trumps first term, federal prosecutors subpoenaed Apple for data on Democrats serving on the House Intelligence Committee after classified information was leaked to the media. Related From Slate Jack Smiths Jan. 6 Trump Report Illuminates One Final Thing Read More Smith Defends His Work and Criticizes Trumps Weaponization of the DOJ Smith emerged for a rare public appearance earlier this month, speaking before a crowd at the University College London about his experience investigating Trump and weighing in on how the president is running the Justice Department. According to CNN, Smith insisted politics played no role during his time at the DOJ. Its absolutely ludicrous and its totally contrary to my experience as a prosecutor, he said. Prosecutors working both the classified documents and Jan. 6 cases were similarly apolitical. These are team players who dont want to do anything but good in the world. Theyre not interested in politics, Smith argued. Advertisement Advertisement But Trumps DOJ, Smith said, is doing the exact opposite. He commented on the recent indictment of former FBI Director James Comey and how charges were brought only after Trumps former personal attorney Lindsey Halligan was appointed. The career prosecutors, the apolitical prosecutors who analyzed this said there wasnt a case, and so they brought somebody in who had never been a criminal prosecutor on days notice to secure an indictment a day before the statute of limitations ended, Smith said. That just reeks of lack of process. Advertisement Smith also offered his candid thoughts on the Supreme Courts immunity decision, which ultimately derailed his Jan. 6 case against Trump. Admitting that he did not agree with the high courts decision, Smith said he was concerned that the message being sent from above was tantamount to saying you can never prosecute powerful, high officials. He also insisted that despite his disagreement with SCOTUS, there was never a question that we were going to follow the law as the Supreme court said the law now was. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. Over the past year, Zohran Mamdanis mayoral run has felt like a breath of fresh air: On the strength of a campaign focused on rent freezes, free public transit, and universal child care, he came out of relative obscurity to unseat an establishment Democrat in the primary over the summer. But at the same time, weve seen a tired old script play out in the attacks on his campaign. To Mamdanis right-wing opponents, none of his proposals to make New Yorkers lives more affordable matter as much as the religion he grew up in. Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, for example, blasted Mamdani as a jihadist and Terrorist Sympathizer in a fundraising email and incendiary tweets. Far-right agitator Laura Loomer, a close ally of Donald Trump, warned her followers Get ready for another 9/11, claiming a pro-Hamas Muslim socialist was about to run New York. Florida lawmaker Randy Fine called Mamdani little more than a Muslim terrorist, saying his U.S. citizenship should be stripped and that he should be deported to the Ugandan shithole he came from. Tellingly, its not just Republicans engaging in this fearmongering. New Yorks own outgoing Democratic mayor, Eric Adams, endorsed Andrew Cuomo, whos running against Mamdani as an independent, with a speech that ominously cited the need to combat Islamic extremism. Its a smear that implies Mamdanis very presence (and by extension, that of Muslim New Yorkers) is a security threat. Earlier this month, Cuomo quipped during a radio appearance, God forbid, another 9/11can you imagine Mamdani in the seat? When the host replied, Hed be cheering, Cuomo laughed and agreed. For Muslim Americans like me, these attacks feel depressingly familiarlike a greatest-hits reel of the past 20 years worst Islamophobic tropes. Weve heard all of this before. Keith Ellison had to defend using Thomas Jeffersons Quran at his 2007 swearing-in, amid baseless claims of Muslim disloyalty. Barack Obamas opponents tried to paint him as a terrorist sympathizer for having the middle name Hussein. Sen. Ted Cruz urged police to patrol and secure Muslim neighborhoods before they become radicalized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If a politician made these kinds of statements about any other faith group, it would be career-defining. Yet when it comes to Muslims, this kind of bigotry can bring in votes. Islamophobia has long been one of the last socially acceptable forms of bigotry in American politics, and continues to rise. (Though in truth, plenty of politicians today seem determined to make other forms acceptable again, too.) When Mamdani recalled in a speech that his own aunt stopped riding the subway after 9/11 out of fear for her safety in hijab, it resonated deeply with Muslims who lived through it, like me. It spoke aloud the quiet trauma so many of us lived. On the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, I was in northern New Jersey, and watched the smoke billow from the World Trade Center. My father, Mohamed Ismail, was a black town-car driver in Manhattan, and like so many families that day, we scrambled desperately for any sign he was alive. My sister and I stayed up all night glued to the news, scanning every street-level shot of crowds trying to escape clouds of debris for only a glimpse of him. Miraculously, he came home days later, covered in dust. There were Muslim families in our community who were not so lucky. Advertisement Advertisement In the days immediately after 9/11, I felt a second wave of dread as our grieving community braced for a backlash. At our Jersey City mosque (which doubled as an Islamic school, where my mother worked), imams handed out boxes of American flags for us to display, hoping patriotism might shield us. But instead, we soon found ourselves surveilled. The New York Police Department launched a covert mapping of Muslim communities as if we were an insurgency, even logging how often we prayed and measuring how long mens beards were. This intelligence dragnet lasted for years, extending into my time at Rutgers University, where I remember spotting undercover NYPD agents who infiltrated Muslim student groups. The program never generated a single terrorism lead or criminal charge. Instead, it poisoned our trust in law enforcement and our faith in government, leaving a lasting sense of fear and alienation in its wake. Advertisement Advertisement In the weeks following 9/11, an unchecked wave of anti-Muslim hatred swept through New York and New Jersey. Arab- and South Asianowned businesses were vandalized or firebombed in apparent revenge. Mosques and Islamic centers from Jersey City to Brooklyn received a barrage of bomb threats, forcing some to temporarily shut their doors. Muslim children were bullied in schools and women in hijab were spat on or even punched in the face on buses and subways. Muslim families reported their houses being egged, their car tires slashed, their children followed by menacing strangers. And civil rights groups widely agree that the real number of attacks was likely far higher, as many incidents went unreported by victims who feared drawing even more attention. Advertisement Advertisement Self-styled vigilantes murdered Balbir Singh Sodhi, and other innocent people they presumed to be Muslim. Meanwhile, federal authorities swept up over 1,000 Muslim menmostly for minor immigration infractionsand detained them for months with no due process. Not a single terrorism charge resulted from these roundups. Advertisement Fueling this frenzy were false rumors that Muslims had cheered as the Twin Towers fella vicious myth later amplified by Donald Trump. Police in Paterson rushed to an area rumored to have street celebrations, only to find local Muslims in prayer instead. Nonetheless, the urban legend of American Muslims rejoicing at 9/11 took on a life of its own, which neatly fit a preexisting narrative casting all Muslims as irredeemable enemies of the West. This paranoid climate was mainstreamed after 9/11, reinforced nightly on cable news segments about Islams supposed hatred of modernity. The myth of Muslim Americans as complicit in 9/11 persisted because it fed a long-standing us-vs.-them narrative going back to the Cold War era, when American politics and pop culture had been laying the groundwork. After the 1979 revolution in Iran, Ayatollah Khomeini became the face of a new global menace. Hollywood locked in the Muslim terrorist as a stock villain, and federal surveillance programs like Operation Boulder targeted Arab Americans years before the NYPDs spying ever began. As journalist Mehdi Hasan has noted, we didnt invent Islamophobia after 9/11; after the Cold War, the Red Scare gave way to a Green Scare, and Muslims became the new ideological enemy. Advertisement Advertisement Whats remarkable today is the emerging resistance to these old tactics. The fact that Mamdani won the Democratic primary defeating heavyweights like Cuomo is itself profound. Voters are, in effect, rebuking the cynical ploy to weaponize 9/11. None of this is to say Islamophobia in U.S. politics will magically vanish overnight if Mamdani wins. Bigots like Fine, Stefanik, and others will only abandon their anti-Muslim playbook when they see it start costing them elections. Were not quite there yet. But the fact that so many New Yorkers are vocally pushing back against the smears, and that a broad multifaith coalition is calling out the bigotry rather than looking away, gives me hope. As Mamdani defiantly declared in a recent speech: I will not change who I am. I will not change how I eat. I will not change the faith that I am proud to belong to. But there is one thing that I will change. I will no longer look for myself in the shadows. I will find myself in the light. For countless American Muslims who have been made to feel like perpetual outsiders in our own home, those words are immensely healing. After finishing off the board for the first time in his 22-race career in this past Saturdays Breeders Crown final for three-year-old male pacers, multiple veterinary examinations determined that Louprint had fractured ribs, co-owner Mark Weaver said on Wednesday, Oct. 29. His connections traced the potential cause of the injuries back to an incident earlier in the week during which Louprint got his front legs caught over his stall gate. Weaver said the horse showed no obvious signs of any harm heading into the Breeders Crown final. We had no idea, said Weaver. There was nothing to indicate the severity of it and it might be something where racing aggravated the situation. If you watch the race, he made a little break in the first turn and thats not him. Obviously, we would not have raced him had we known. We scratched him out of the Meadowlands Pace [in July]. He would have been scratched Saturday, 100 per cent. Following the race, Louprint appeared guarded when trainer Ron Burke examined him, particularly around the chest area. Louprint was sent to the stables regular veterinarian, Dr. Keith Brown at Brown Equine Hospital in Pennsylvania, who after taking x-rays suggested Louprint go to Dr. Kent Allen at Virginia Equine Imaging. A bone scan and ultrasound there confirmed Louprints injury. We now know what it is and its certainly a logical explanation as to why he put in the only bad race of his career, said Weaver. Louprint, the Dan Patch Award winner for best two-year-old male pacer in 2024, has 10 wins and a second in 12 starts this year and $1.4 million in earnings. His victories include two Grade 1 stakes, the North America Cup and Little Brown Jug. He entered the Breeders Crown finals as the No. 1-ranked horse in the Hambletonian Society/Breeders Crown poll, a spot he held unanimously for two weeks and 12 weeks overall. For his career, the son of Sweet Lou-Rockin Racer, has won 17 of 22 races, finished second three times and third once, and banked $2.4 million. He is owned by breeders Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi and Phil Collura, as well as Larry Karr. Hes like my child, said Weaver. Hes had a great career and I hate to see it potentially end this way. Hes had a great run. A decision on Louprints future will be made shortly. (USTA) Alan Richardson (The Iceman) of Dublin, Ireland passed away on Oct. 25, 2025 peacefully but unexpectedly surrounded by his loving wife, sons and family, in the wonderful care of staff at ICU North Beaumont Hospital. He was 54. Beloved husband and soul mate of Amanda and loving father and best pal to Odhran and Fionn, adored son of Tom (Roger) and the late Jean, cherished brother of Rhonda, Lesley, Vivienne, Thomas and Keith, much loved son-in-law of Louise and the late Ian. Alan will be very sadly missed by his wife, sons, dad, brothers and sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, great nephew, best friend Ricky, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, large circle of friends and the wider harness racing community in Ireland, United Kingdom, Canada and France. From the earliest days of his career, Alan showed a rare instinct for horses and a determination to succeed. Whether it was a pacer or a trotter, he could target any race anywhere with precision and confidence. His training yard became synonymous with excellence -- producing a stream of outstanding performers that reflected both his talent and his tireless work ethic. In the early years, names like Tina Image, Indicator and Sticky Two Steps put Alan on the map, while the great trotter Enorm followed in later seasons, cementing his reputation as a master of his craft. More recently, his successes with Galiano and Earned Income demonstrated that Alans touch was as sharp as ever. Of course, his world record with his French trotter Vichy De Moem will forever stand as one of the highlights of his illustrious career -- but it was Rock Of Cashel, his own homebred star, that truly captured his heart. A horse who earned more than $972,000, Rock Of Cashel carried Alan to many memorable victories, none more special than their triumphant win at The Meadowlands, a moment of immense pride and joy for him. Beyond his achievements on the track, Alan will be remembered as a friend to many. His legacy will live on not only in the record books but also in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to know him. Reunited in heaven with his loving mam Jean and all his loved ones gone before him. Funeral arrangements will be announced later. Donations in lieu of flowers to Irish Cancer Society in memory of Alan Richardson. Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Alan Richardson. (With files from Irish Harness Racing Association) 1 min read Wipro has signed a multi-year strategic agreement with HanesBrands Inc., a global player in iconic apparel brands. Leveraging the Wipro Intelligence WINGS platform, Wipro expects to transform HanesBrands IT infrastructure and cybersecurity operations with an AI-first approach. This engagement marks a significant milestone in HanesBrands strategic IT 2.0 transformation initiative, which moves the company to a unified, AI-led managed services model. As part of this first-of-its-kind engagement, Wipro will leverage the WINGS Operations AI platform under Wipro Intelligence a unified suite of AI-powered platforms, solutions and transformative offerings to streamline operations, improve regulatory compliance, and enhance the overall IT experience for HanesBrands consumers, suppliers, and employees, ultimately leading to cost reductions in IT operations. Tech News Of The Day Wipro will also strengthen HanesBrands security posture by enabling AI-powered predictive and preventive operations and automation of security workflows to improve incident resolution times. Additionally, Wipro will help HanesBrands manage regulatory compliance and minimize business disruption through greater operational stability. The engagement with Wipro is a key step in our journey to transform our IT operations and deliver better experiences for our customers and partners, said Scott Pleiman, HanesBrands Chief Strategy, Transformation, Analytics and Technology Officer. Wipros AI-led approach and deep domain expertise will help us drive innovation and achieve measurable business outcomes. As part of this engagement, HanesBrands will also have access to the Wipro Innovation Network- encompassing Innovation Labs, AI native companies, Wipro Ventures, Academia, and technology partnersenabling long-term co-creation of solutions to address specific challenges. HanesBrands will benefit from ongoing innovation with Wipros proven expertise and capabilities. We are proud to be a strategic partner to HanesBrands in their IT transformation journey, said Shiva Jayaraman, SVP and Sector Head Consumer Business, Americas 1, Wipro Limited. Continuing our ongoing relationship, this new engagement will allow us to bring the Wipro Intelligence suite to HanesBrands, increasing their operational agility and resilience through AI-powered platforms, solutions and transformative offerings. Ultimately, Wipros consulting-led, AI-powered approach will drive accelerated innovation in operations, enabling HanesBrands to unlock new value and new growth opportunities. 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: People take a look to Nvidia''s new products during the Computex 2025 exhibition in Taipei, Taiwan, Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying, File Nvidia has become the first $5 trillion company, just three months after the Silicon Valley chipmaker was first to break through the $4 trillion barrier. Hitting the new benchmark puts more emphasis on the upheaval being unleashed by an artificial intelligence craze that's widely viewed as the biggest tectonic shift in technology since Apple cofounder Steve Jobs unveiled the first iPhone 18 years ago. Apple rode the iPhone's success to become the first publicly traded company to be valued at $1 trillion, $2 trillion and eventually, $3 trillion. But there are concerns of a possible AI bubble, with officials at the Bank of England earlier this month flagging the growing risk that tech stock prices pumped up by the AI boom could burst. The head of the International Monetary Fund has raised a similar alarm. The ravenous appetite for Nvidia's chips is the main reason that the company's stock price has increased so rapidly since early 2023. On Wednesday the shares closed at $207.04 with 24.3 billion shares outstanding, putting its market cap at $5.03 trillion. In comparison, Nvidia's value is greater than the GDP of India, Japan and the United Kingdom, according to the International Monetary Fund. Nvidia carved out an early lead in tailoring its chipsets known as graphics processing units, or GPUs, from use in powering video games to helping to train powerful AI systems, like the technology behind ChatGPT and image generators. Demand skyrocketed as more people began using AI chatbots. Tech companies scrambled for more chips to build and run them. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has downplayed concerns of a bubble bursting, saying that the generative AI chatbots that were merely "interesting" when they first took hold a few years ago are now becoming so useful that they will be profitable. Huang was heading to South Korea this week as leaders from major Pacific Rim economies, including the United States, China and Japan, are gathering for the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit that has long championed free trade but is now confronting sweeping U.S. tariffs on technology and other products. The multilateral gathering in Gyeongju is expected to be overshadowed by a sideline eventa face-to-face meeting on Thursday between Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinpingas their intensifying trade war leaves the South Korean hosts in a difficult balancing act. On Tuesday, Huang disclosed $500 billion in chip orders. The company also announced a partnership with Uber on robotaxis and a $1 billion investment in Nokia, with the two planning to work together on 6G technology. In addition, Nvidia is teaming with the Department of Energy to build seven new AI supercomputers. Last month Nvidia announced that it will invest $100 billion in OpenAI as part of a partnership that will add at least 10 gigawatts of Nvidia AI data centers to ramp up the computing power for the owner of the artificial intelligence chatbot ChatGPT. In August, Huang said that Nvidia was discussing a potential new computer chip designed for China with the Trump administration. Trump said on Air Force One that he will speak with Xi about Nvidia's chips on Thursday on the sidelines of the APEC event that Huang is also attending. In August, Trump announced a deal with chipmakers Nvidia and AMD to lift export controls on sales of advanced chips to China in exchange for a 15% cut of the revenue, despite concerns from national security experts that such chips will end up in the hands of Chinese military and intelligence services. That same month, Trump announced that the U.S. government had taken a 10 percent stake in Intel worth around $11 billion. Then, Nvidia announced last month that it's investing $5 billion in Intel and will collaborate with the struggling semiconductor company. 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. 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: Figure outlining the team's evaluation methodology aimed at catching the convergence of simulated personalities toward human personalities. Credit: Bai et al. After the advent of ChatGPT, the use of large language models (LLMs) has become increasingly widespread worldwide. LLMs are artificial intelligence (AI) systems trained on large sets of written texts, which can rapidly process queries in various languages and generate responses that sometimes appear to be written by humans. As these systems become increasingly advanced, they could be used to realize virtual characters that simulate human personalities and behaviors. In addition, several researchers are now conducting psychology and behavioral science research involving LLMs, for instance, testing their performance on specific tasks and comparing it to that of humans. Researchers at Hebei Petroleum University of Technology and Beijing Institute of Technology recently carried out a study aimed at assessing the ability of LLMs to simulate human personality traits and behaviors. Their paper, published on the arXiv preprint server, introduces a new framework to assess the consistency and realism of constructed identities (i.e., personas) or characters expressed by LLMs, while also reporting several important findingsincluding the discovery of a scaling law governing persona realism. "Using LLMs to drive social simulations is clearly a major research frontier," Tianyu Huang, co-author of the paper, told Tech Xplore. "Compared with controlled experiments in natural sciences, social experiments are costlysometimes even historically costly for humankind. Even for much smaller-scale domains like business or public policy, the potential applications are vast. "From the perspective of LLM research itself, these models already exhibit impressive mathematical and logical abilities. Some studies even suggest that they internalize temporal and spatial concepts. Whether LLMs can further infer human attributes and thus engage with the humanities represents another major question." Figure outlining marginal density in the convergence of simulated personalities toward human personalities. Credit: Bai et al. A key challenge in the emulation of human-like traits and abilities using LLMs is the systematic bias often exhibited by existing models. Most earlier works tried to tackle this problem case by case, for instance by adjusting identifiable biases in training datasets or individual outputs produced by models. In contrast, Huang and his colleagues set out to develop a general framework that would address the root causes of LLM biases. "First, we point out a methodological misconception in the current literature, namely that many researchers directly apply psychometric validity testing methods developed for humans to assess LLMs' personality simulation," explained Yuqi Bai, co-author of the paper. "We argue this is a categorical mismatch. Our approach steps back to a broader viewfocusing not on isolated validity metrics but on the overall patterns." As part of their study, the researchers tried to determine if the statistical characteristics of the personalities simulated by LLMs converged with the patterns observed in humans. Rather than trying to pin-point the characteristics that LLM and human personalities currently have in common, the team hoped to outline a path or a set of variables that would lead to the gradual convergence of AI and human personalities. "Our study went through a period of deep confusion," said Bai. "Using LLM-generated persona profiles initially led to strong systematic biases, and prompt engineering showed limited effectjust as others had found. Progress stalled. Then, during a team discussion, we realized that when LLMs generate persona profiles, they often behave as if writing a resumehighlighting positive traits and suppressing negatives." Eventually, Huang, Bai and their colleagues decided to assess the personalities that LLMs would convey in novels. As fictional literary works are often effective in capturing the complexity of human emotions and behavior, they asked LLMs to write their own novels. Figure outlining the age curve in the convergence of simulated personalities toward human personalities. Credit: Bai et al. "This became our third population-level experiment, and the results were remarkable, as the systematic bias was drastically reduced," said Bai. "Later experiments using Wikipedia literary characters showed simulated personality distributions converging much closer to human data. The conclusion was clear: detail and realism can overcome systematic bias." The findings gathered by these researchers suggest that LLMs can partially emulate human personality traits. Moreover, these models' ability to simulate realistic personas was found to improve when they were provided with richer and more detailed descriptions of the 'virtual character' they were expected to be. "Our main contribution is identifying persona detail level as the key variable determining the effectiveness of LLM-driven social simulations," explained Kun Sun, co-author of the paper. "From an application perspective, social platforms and LLM API providers already possess massive, detail-rich user profile dataforming a powerful foundation for social simulation. This presents both tremendous commercial potential and serious ethical and privacy concerns. Preventing manipulative control and safeguarding human autonomy are therefore critical challenges." In the future, this recent study could inform the development of conversational AI agents or virtual characters that realistically simulate specific personas. In addition, it could inspire research exploring the risks of AI-simulated personas and introduce methods to limit or detect the unethical use of LLM-based virtual characters. Meanwhile, the team plans to further investigate the scaling law guiding the LLM simulation of human personalities. For instance, they would like to train models on richer persona datasets or employ more sophisticated data management tools. "We also plan to explore whether similar scaling phenomena appear in other human-like traits such as values," added Sun and Yuting Chen. "Use linear regression-based probing techniques to examine whether LLMs have internalized prior distributions about human attributes within their latent representations. Understanding this implicit world model may reveal the underlying mechanism behind human traits simulation." Written for you by our author Ingrid Fadelli, edited by Gaby Clark, and fact-checked and reviewed by Robert Eganthis article is the result of careful human work. We rely on readers like you to keep independent science journalism alive. If this reporting matters to you, please consider a donation (especially monthly). You'll get an ad-free account as a thank-you. More information: Yuqi Bai et al, Scaling Law in LLM Simulated Personality: More Detailed and Realistic Persona Profile Is All You Need, arXiv (2025). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2510.11734 Journal information: arXiv 2025 Science X Network 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: Even if Mercedes has a car plant in the United States it also has to face stiff US tariffs on imported car parts. German premium carmaker Mercedes-Benz sought to reassure investors Wednesday over a feared shortage of microchips as it reported plunging third-quarter profits. "For the short-term we're covered, and it goes without saying we are scurrying around the world to look for alternatives," Mercedes boss Ola Kaellenius said on a call with analysts and investors. Chip shortage fears were stoked earlier this month after Dutch officials took control of the Netherlands-based but Chinese-owned Nexperia, citing national security concerns. That prompted authorities in Beijing to ban the export of Nexperia chips out of China. Hundreds of the chips are found in a typical car's onboard electronics, and industry players are now scrambling to find new suppliers. Volkswagen last week warned that it could not rule out "short-term" production stoppages following the Chinese export ban. Kaellenius said Wednesday that the crisis required a "political solution" rather than a firms rejigging their supply chains. "The chip crisis is a politically induced shortfall in which the main dispute is between the U.S. and China, with Europe in the middle." For the third quarter, Mercedes reported a 30.8% plunge in net profit to 1.19 billion euros ($1.38 billion), dragged down by US President Donald Trump's tariff blitz as well as slumping sales in China. That nevertheless beat analyst expectations of 1.09 billion euros in a poll by financial data firm FactSet. Mercedes shares opened up 6% in Frankfurt trading. "Our third-quarter results are in line with our full-year guidance," Kaellenius said. In July, the firm lowered its outlook for the year in the wake of Trump's tariff onslaught. It said it expected revenue for 2025 to be "significantly below" the 146 billion euros it took in last year. Car exports from the European Union are subject to a tariff of 15% under an EU-US deal unveiled late July. That is down from 27.5%, but still far higher than the 2.5% in force before Trump launched his trade war in April. Mercedes-Benzwhich has a plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabamaalso has to grapple with US duties of 25% on imports of car parts that come from outside North America. In the key market of China, meanwhile, sales by volume fell 27% in the third quarter, helping drag overall sales down 12%. China, the world's largest car market, has become a battleground for German carmakers amid a brutal price war and fierce competition from local players like BYD. Kaellenius told analysts and investors on the call that Mercedes was working closely with Chinese self-driving software firm Momenta to make cars competitive for the local market. But a turnaround, was "a multi-year task," he added. "Looking ahead, we expect the market environment to remain challenging," he said. "Hyper competition in China is not going away anytime soon." 2025 AFP 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: MTJs for binary neuromorphic computing. Credit: Communications Engineering (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s44172-025-00479-2 Could computers ever learn more like humans do, without relying on artificial intelligence (AI) systems that must undergo extremely expensive training? Neuromorphic computing might be the answer. This emerging technology features brain-inspired computer hardware that could perform AI tasks much more efficiently with far fewer training computations using much less power than conventional systems. Consequently, neuromorphic computers also have the potential to reduce reliance on energy-intensive data centers and bring AI inference and learning to mobile devices. Dr. Joseph S. Friedman, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at The University of Texas at Dallas, and his team of researchers in the NeuroSpinCompute Laboratory have taken an important step forward in building a neuromorphic computer by creating a small-scale prototype that learns patterns and makes predictions using fewer training computations than conventional AI systems. Their next challenge is to scale up the proof-of-concept to larger sizes. "Our work shows a potential new path for building brain-inspired computers that can learn on their own," Friedman said. "Since neuromorphic computers do not need massive amounts of training computations, they could power smart devices without huge energy costs." The team, which included researchers from Everspin Technologies Inc. and Texas Instruments, described the prototype in a study published in Communications Engineering. Conventional computers and graphical processing units keep memory storage separate from the information processing. As a result, they cannot make AI inferences as efficiently as the human brain can. They also require large amounts of labeled data and an enormous number of complex training computations. The costs of these training computations can be hundreds of millions of dollars. Neuromorphic computers integrate memory storage with processing, which allows them to perform AI operations with much greater efficiency and lower costs. Neuromorphic hardware is inspired by the brain, where networks of neurons and synapses process and store information, respectively. The synapses form the connections between neurons, strengthening or weakening based on patterns of activity. This allows the brain to adapt continuously as it learns. Friedman's approach builds on a principle proposed by neuropsychologist Dr. Donald Hebb, referred to as Hebb's law: neurons that fire together, wire together. "The principle that we use for a computer to learn on its own is that if one artificial neuron causes another artificial neuron to fire, the synapse connecting them becomes more conductive," Friedman said. A major innovation in Friedman's design is the use of magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs), nanoscale devices that consist of two layers of magnetic material separated by an insulating layer. Electrons can travel, or tunnel, through this barrier more easily when the magnetizations of the layers are aligned in the same direction and less easily when they are aligned in opposite directions. In neuromorphic systems, MTJs can be connected in networks to mimic the way the brain processes and learns patterns. As signals pass through MTJs in a coordinated manner, their connections adjust to strengthen certain pathways, much as synaptic connections in the brain are reinforced during learning. The MTJs' binary switching makes them reliable for storing information, resolving a challenge that has long impeded alternative neuromorphic approaches. More information: Peng Zhou et al, Neuromorphic Hebbian learning with magnetic tunnel junction synapses, Communications Engineering (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s44172-025-00479-2 Journal information: Communications Engineering 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: This sensor developed by University of Maine researchers can withstand both the in-core radiation levels and the extreme temperatures that exist within these advanced nuclear reactors. Credit: UMaine's Frontier Institute for Research in Sensor Technologies. Nuclear power plants provide 20% of the nation's energy. To ensure they remain functional and safe to operate, plant engineers rely on sensors to provide feedback on a wide range of parameters, including temperature; reactor power, or neutron flux; and strain on vessel walls. A new fleet of advanced reactors are in development to support the U.S.'s expanding nuclear energy infrastructure, but they lack commercial sensors that can withstand the highest temperatures that these new reactors can reach, which range from 5001,000 degrees Celsius. Following two years of testing and development, University of Maine scientists and engineers created a microelectronic sensor that can withstand both the in-core radiation levels and the extreme temperatures that exist within these advanced nuclear reactors. The nanotechnology-based microchip at the heart of this sensor system not only survives the harshest reactor environments, it also provides operational data in real-time. This can help nuclear power plant engineers and operators identify technical issues faster and reduce maintenance costs. "This is the first demonstration of a microchip technology capable of measuring reactor power up to 800 degrees Celsius, or about 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit," said Mauricio Pereira da Cunha, the Roger Clapp Castle and Virginia Averill Castle Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and principal investigator on this project. "Since many advanced reactors currently under development operate at these temperatures, there is a high demand on the sensors to monitor them." Advanced high-temperature reactors, which include microreactor technologies, can generate more energy from the same amount of nuclear fuel as compared to conventional reactors due to the higher thermal efficiencies that are attained at higher temperatures. That's why this sensor technology, which has been refined over nearly two decades by UMaine engineers, can address a critical gap in instrumentation for the next generation nuclear reactors. "The commercially available sensors that measure power in nuclear reactors do not operate up to 800 degrees Celsius," said Pereira da Cunha. "We have now proven that it can be done." The UMaine team's recent accomplishments have also caught the attention of the Advanced Sensors and Instrumentation group at the Department of Energy's Idaho National Laboratory. "Opportunity: that's the word of the day," said the project's senior research scientist and R&D program coordinator, Luke Doucette. "We've got a chance to be a leading institution in this area, but we need to act now." UMaine Ph.D. student Jude Zanoni (standing) and undergraduate Owen Lewis work on a sensor that can withstand both the in-core radiation levels and the extreme temperatures that exist within these advanced nuclear reactors. Credit: UMaine's Frontier Institute for Research in Sensor Technologies. From 20132024, the team installed similar sensors in other power plant environments, such as the UMaine steam plant, the Penobscot Energy Renewable Company power plant in Orrington, Maine and a coal plant in West Virginia to monitor plant operations for three years. The technology has now been retooled to be resilient against high doses of gamma radiation and intense neutron flux for applications in advanced reactors. "In addition to extreme temperatures, we're now also exposing these sensors to intense, in-core levels of nuclear radiation at the same time. This adds an entirely new dimension of difficulty in terms of what types of sensor materials can survive in these conditions and remain functional," said Doucette. The research team, which also includes UMaine's Frontier Institute for Research in Sensor Technologies research scientist Morton Greenslit, has already conducted two week-long tests at the Ohio State University Nuclear Research Laboratory (OSU NRL). This test reactor is part of the Nuclear Science User Facilities network managed by the Idaho National Laboratory. During these preliminary tests, their sensor technology demonstrated the capability to continuously operate for the entire test period with no significant degradation in performance. The UMaine researchers are currently refining their sensor technology to withstand even higher reactor powers and be tested over longer deployments. The team also plans to extend their nuclear sensor technology for wireless connectivity, which requires no batteries, and is powered and operated entirely by the wireless interrogation signal. Both graduate and undergraduate engineering students play an integral role in the project, gaining hands-on experience in one of UMaine's clean rooms. The skills they acquire are highly transferable, preparing them for careers in microelectronics and semiconductor industries. Collaborations with Idaho National Laboratory and testing at OSU NRL have positioned UMaine as a major player, with potential applications including microreactors and commercial energy for high-performance computing and data storage centers. The researchers hope to move beyond shorter trials to simulate years of continuous reactor operation at higher radiation levels. They also aim to work with other Maine-based industrial and academic organizations, and have already initiated planning discussions with some of these parties. Their long-term goal is to establish a formal laboratory dedicated to sensors and materials for microreactor and advanced reactor applications. "The successful development of these sensors will address and alleviate technology barriers that currently hinder the rollout of advanced nuclear reactors," said Pereira da Cunha. "Continued support for our work will enable UMaine to play a major role in this emerging area and help to meet our nation's growing energy needs." Threat actors are actively exploiting multiple security flaws impacting Dassault Systemes DELMIA Apriso and XWiki, according to alerts issued by the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and VulnCheck. The vulnerabilities are listed below - CVE-2025-6204 (CVSS score: 8.0) - A code injection vulnerability in Dassault Systemes DELMIA Apriso that could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code. (CVSS score: 8.0) - A code injection vulnerability in Dassault Systemes DELMIA Apriso that could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code. CVE-2025-6205 (CVSS score: 9.1) - A missing authorization vulnerability in Dassault Systemes DELMIA Apriso that could allow an attacker to gain privileged access to the application. (CVSS score: 9.1) - A missing authorization vulnerability in Dassault Systemes DELMIA Apriso that could allow an attacker to gain privileged access to the application. CVE-2025-24893 (CVSS score: 9.8) - An improper neutralization of input in a dynamic evaluation call (aka eval injection) in XWiki that could allow any guest user to perform arbitrary remote code execution through a request to the "/bin/get/Main/SolrSearch" endpoint. Both CVE-2025-6204 and CVE-2025-6205 affect DELMIA Apriso versions from Release 2020 through Release 2025. They were addressed by Dassault Systemes in early August. According to details shared by ProjectDiscovery researchers Rahul Maini, Harsh Jaiswal, and Parth Malhotra last month, the two security flaws can be fashioned together into an exploit chain to create accounts with elevated privileges and then drop executable files into a web-served directory, resulting in a full application compromise. Interestingly, the addition of the two shortcomings to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog comes a little over a month after CISA flagged the exploitation of another critical flaw in the same product (CVE-2025-5086, CVSS score: 9.0), a week after the SANS Internet Storm Center detected in-the-wild attempts. It's currently not known if these efforts are related. VulnCheck, which first detected exploitation attempts targeting CVE-2025-24893 on October 24, 2025, said the vulnerability is being abused as part of a two-stage attack chain that delivers a cryptocurrency miner. According to CrowdSec and Cyble, the vulnerability is said to have been weaponized in real-world attacks as far back as March 2025. "We observed multiple exploit attempts against our XWiki canaries coming from an attacker geolocated in Vietnam," VulnCheck's Jacob Baines said. "The exploitation proceeds in a two-pass workflow separated by at least 20 minutes: the first pass stages a downloader (writes a file to disk), and the second pass later executes it." The payload uses wget to retrieve a downloader ("x640") from "193.32.208[.]24:8080" and write it to the "/tmp/11909" location. The downloader, in turn, runs shell commands to fetch two additional payloads from the same server - x521, which fetches the cryptocurrency miner located at "193.32.208[.]24:8080/rDuiQRKhs5/tcrond" x522, which kills competing miners such as XMRig and Kinsing, and launches the miner with a c3pool.org configuration The attack traffic, per VulnCheck, originates from an IP address that geolocates to Vietnam ("123.25.249[.]88") and has been flagged as malicious in AbuseIPDB for engaging in brute-force attempts as recently as October 26, 2025. In light of active exploitation, users are advised to apply the necessary updates as soon as possible to safeguard against threats. Several Civilian Executive Branch (FCEB) agencies are required to remediate the DELMIA Apriso flaws by November 18, 2025. You have reached a premium content area of Transitions. To read this entire article please login if you are already a Transitions subscriber. Not a subscriber? Subscribe today for access to: Full access to the website, including premium articles videos, country reports and searchable archives (containing over 25,000 articles). Sturge: We are not at war with anyone Assyrian Democratic Party Condemns Closure of Christian Schools in Syria The Assyrian Democratic Party has issued a forceful condemnation of recent measures taken by the Autonomous Administration in northeastern Syria, describing the closure of Christian schools and imposition of new curricula as a violation of indigenous rights and a threat to the region's cultural diversity. In a strongly worded statement, the Party rejected decrees requiring church-affiliated private schools either to shut down or adopt the Autonomous Administration's unrecognised curriculum. It warned that such actions undermine the Assyrian community's right to officially recognised education and jeopardise the academic future of students across the region. "These unilateral measures cast the educational prospects of Assyrian youth--and all communities--into uncertainty," the Party stated, noting that the mandated curriculum does not align with national or international academic standards, hindering students' access to Syrian universities or study abroad. Until now, the Party had refrained from public comment, hoping dialogue between church officials and the Autonomous Administration would lead to a resolution. However, the failure of a final meeting on 27 October prompted the Party to issue its public denunciation. Exclusion of Indigenous Voices and Erosion of Pluralism The Party decried the Administration's decisions as being made without consultation with Assyrian representatives, despite the cultural and religious significance of church-run schools. It argued that the imposed closures violate the principles of partnership and equality set forth in the Autonomous Administration's own Social Contract. "These measures trample the rights of the indigenous peoples of the Syrian Jazira and endanger the region's rich national and cultural tapestry," the statement read. The Party called for the immediate reversal of school closures and the withdrawal of the unrecognised curriculum, urging that each community be allowed to determine its own educational path in accordance with international norms. Reaffirming its commitment to unity in diversity, the Party declared: "Adhering to a unified Syrian national identity does not contradict the preservation of the cultural heritage of Jazira's ancient peoples." It warned that any attempt to impose a political fait accompli on the region's communities undermines both stability and the social fabric of coexistence. Patriarch Confirms School Closures in Hassakeh The Party's statement followed remarks by Patriarch Mar Ignatius Aphrem II, head of the Syriac Orthodox Church, who confirmed that the Autonomous Administration had closed Christian schools in Hassakeh Province after their refusal to adopt the new curriculum. Speaking earlier this week, the Patriarch said, "The schools were shut down because they declined to implement the Administration's curriculum. The students are now at home, unable to attend classes." He added that officials from the Administration physically locked the schools' doors after the institutions refused to comply. Emphasising the importance of academic linkage to the Syrian state, the Patriarch stated: "Our key concern is maintaining ties with the Ministry of Education in Damascus. We are one nation, one country--and our students must be able to continue their studies at Syrian universities. This is an issue of vital importance." If cockroach have no business in fowl party, politicians should also stay out of police acti In the early years of the sixteenth century, in the small Swiss village of Siegershausen, a man named Jacob Nufer faced a situation of unimaginable desperation. His wife had been in labour for days. The local midwives had exhausted every known method to deliver the child, but nothing worked. In an age before modern obstetrics, such a prolonged labour almost always ended in tragedy. Yet Nufer, a humble pig-gelder by trade, who was accustomed to performing surgical operations on livestock, refused to give up. According to later accounts, Nufer begged the town authorities for permission to attempt what no man had ever done before: to operate on his living wife to deliver the baby. It was a radical request, for in those days a caesarean section was typically performed only after the mothers death, as a last resort to save the infants soul through baptism. The idea of cutting open a living woman was nearly unthinkable. Woodcut by Jonas Arnold made in the 16th century shows a caesarean section being performed. With permission granted and aided by courageous midwives (only two out of the thirteen he approached finally decided to assist this determined man) Nufer performed the operation himself. He made an incision in his wifes abdomen, reached the womb, and drew out the child alive. Against all odds, both mother and baby survived. Even more astonishingly, Nufers wife is said to have recovered fully and later given birth to several more children, including twins, through natural labour. If true, the feat was without precedent. In an era when infection and blood loss made caesarean operations almost universally fatal to the mother, Jacob Nufers intervention would represent the first recorded case in Europe where both mother and infant survived a caesarean section. Yet the tale comes to us not from Nufers lifetime, but from a report written some eighty years later, recorded by the Basel anatomist Caspar Bauhin in the late 16th century. No contemporary documents, medical notes, or parish records have been found to confirm the event. This long gap has led historians to question whether the story might have grown in the telling. Some medical historians have proposed that Nufer may not have performed a true uterine caesarean at all. If his wife later bore multiple children naturally, it seems unlikely that her uterus had been opened in the usual sense, since such an injury would almost certainly have ruptured in later pregnancies. It has been suggested that the child might have been developing in the abdomen rather than the womban extra-uterine pregnancywhich could explain both her survival and later fertility. The story first appeared in the appendix of the Latin translation of French medical writer Francois Roussets treatise Traitte nouveau de Phystirotomotokie, ou enfantement Caesarien , which was translated by Bauhin. In this extraordinary text, Rousset made a very bold and controversial statement: The extraction of the child through a lateral incision of the abdomen and uterus of a pregnant woman who cannot otherwise give birth. And that without endangering the life of the one or the other and without preventing subsequent maternal fertility. Roussets optimism about the possibility of both mother and child surviving a caesarean birth was not shared by his contemporaries, nor did it outlive him. Only in the twentieth century did medicine finally achieve what Rousset had envisioned. Caesarean deliveries in which both mother and child survive are now routine. A baby being removed from its dying mother's womb. Woodcut from 1483. Credit: Wikimedia Commons The idea of delivering a child by caesarean section was already known to ancient physicians, but for centuries it was performed only on the dead. The procedure was intended to save the infant if there was any chance it was still alive after the mothers death. In 1310, the Council of Trier (Treves) formalized this practice, declaring: Should a woman die during childbirth, her body should be opened immediately and the child baptized if it is still alive. If it is already dead, it must be buried outside the cemetery. However, if it can be assumed that the child is already dead in its mothers body, both should be buried in consecrated ground. It was Francois Rousset who first proposed performing the operation on living women. In his 1581 treatise, he argued that a caesarean should be attempted when the child was too large, malformed, or dead, or in cases involving twins or difficult presentation. He also listed conditions affecting the mother if she was too young, too old, too narrow, or too hard, meaning insufficiently elastic as possible indications for the procedure. Rousset supported his argument with a series of reported cases in which mothers and infants had both survived caesarean delivery. One woman, Anne Godart, was said to have given birth by caesarean six times in succession. In another case, Rousset described a young barber who performed the operation on a woman after a prolonged labour. The incision, made on the right side about one finger below the navel, was executed with such skill that little blood was lost. The barber extracted the living child and the afterbirth, then closed the wound with five stitches though he did not suture the uterus. After forty days of bed rest, the woman reportedly recovered fully and later gave birth naturally to a daughter. The dramatic story of Jacob Nufer did not appear in Roussets original treatise but was added by Bauhin when he made a Latin translation of the publication, as already noted. In 2016, obstetrician and medical historian Dr. Antonin Parizek of Charles University published a paper where he put forward evidence for a case of caesarean birth that predates even Jacob Nufer. Beatrice of Bourbon (13181383) was a French noblewoman, daughter of Louis I, Duke of Bourbon, and wife of John of Luxembourg, King of Bohemia. In 1337, she gave birth to their son Wenceslaus (Wenceslas) later Duke of Luxembourg and Brabanzon and according to several chroniclers, the birth was by caesarean section, with both mother and child surviving. Beatrice of Bourbon Beatrice was only fourteen years old when she married the widowed King John of Bohemia. King John spent barely two months with his young bride at the Prague court in 1336, long enough, however, to leave her pregnant. On February 25, 1337, Beatrice gave birth to their son, Wenceslaus. The only contemporary records of the birth that survive are two Latin letters written by Beatrice herself announcing the event. Neither mentions a caesarean section. On the contrary, she makes a striking point of noting that her son was born salva incolumitate nostri corporis, which translates literally as without breaching our body. This phrasing is highly unusual. In similar birth announcements from the fourteenth century among the Luxembourg and Bourbon dynasties, the mothers condition is rarely mentioned; the focus is almost exclusively on the newborn heir. Beatrices insistence on her own physical integrity, historian Parizek suggests, was likely a response to rumours that a surgical procedure had been required to deliver the child. At the time, Beatrice had not yet been crowned Queen of Bohemia, and the idea of a rulers body, which was seen as a sacred vessel chosen by God and a symbol of the Church, being cut open was theologically troubling. A visible wound through which the kings son had been fished out would have clashed with prevailing notions of royal inviolability and divine order. Her careful wording may therefore have been an effort to protect her dignity and legitimacy in the face of gossip surrounding a difficult birth. It is only in later sources that the claim appears that Wenceslaus was born by caesarean section. The earliest known reference comes from the early fifteenth-century Flemish rhyming chronicle Brabantsche Yeesten, written by an anonymous author. In its verses, the chronicler recounts that the boy was taken from his mothers body and that her wound healed. He expresses astonishment at the event, remarking that he had previously heard of such an operation only in the story of Julius Caesar. A 17th century woodcut of a Caesarean section operation, from the works of Johann Schultes, a surgeon. More than a century later, in 1549, Richard de Wassebourg, archdeacon of Verdun Cathedral, included the episode in his Antiquitez de la Gaule Belgique. He wrote that at Wenceslauss birth, his mother Beatrice was opened up without dying. A still later reference appears in 1677, in Mars Moravicus, by Thomas Pesina of Cechorod, Vicar General and Chapter Dean of St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague. Pesina records that John had a son named Wenceslaus, taken from Queen Beatrice of Bourbon, or rather from the maternal womb, without endangering the mother, a rare and fortunate example of recovery and continued fertility. But could such a birth have taken place in the 14th century? Parizek believes it could have. Prague was a center of education, but also of the medical care of the royal family. In light of the health of John of Bohemia, a number of the most educated physicians of the time were present around the king. It can be presumed that they had the skills for the procedure, that is, cutting out a fetus from a dead or dying pregnant woman. Considering what we know, it can be rejected a priori that it was a case of deliberately saving the mother. In fact, the abdominal removal of the child from an apparently dead mother could partly explain the event described. If that is indeed what happened, then with likelihood bordering on certainty Beatrice of Bourbon was considered to be dead when the procedure occurred. One explanation could be seizures as a complication of eclampsia. The cut would have had to be made immediately after the onset of such a state. The pain from the operation may have been the reason for a change in consciousness or awakening, and the stress reaction of the mother could also hypothetically explain why she did not bleed to death. Suturing of wounds, especially of the abdominal wall, was a completely unknown procedure at that time. And that later complications did not arise from the non-sterile environment the operation was performed in push this hypothesis to the edge of reality. On the other hand, there is written evidence that using similar methods, with no anesthesia, surgical hemostasis or antiseptic conditions, the first experiments removing children through the abdomen after labor lasting several days were performed in the 17th to 19th centuries, and almost always in a home setting. It was very rare, but some women survived these operations. References: # Blumenfeld-Kosinski, Renate. Not of Woman Born # Was a 14th c. queen the first to survive a caesarean?, The History Blog # A. Parizek; V. Drska; M. Rihova. Prague 1337, the first successful caesarean section in which both mother and child survived may have occurred in the court of John of Luxembourg, King of Bohemia. Czech Gynaecology House Speaker Mike Johnson insisted that Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva already has all the privileges and access of any House member. The only thing she cant do right now is vote on the floor, he told CNN last week. But the Republican speakers assertion doesnt match up with the long list of perks and powers that will come to Grijalva once he relents and agrees to swear her in. The Tucson Democrat elected five weeks ago in a landslide to fill her late fathers seat now has a key and can use his old office in the Longworth House Office Building. But she has no congressional staff, no district office, no official website, no budget for flying back and forth from the 7th Congressional District and no salary. She cant file or co-sponsor a bill. I can walk into the office, but I cant actually do anything from it, Grijalva told Cronkite News by phone. Its like having the title but none of the job. That jibes with information from the Office of Chief Administrative Officer, which oversees onboarding and logistics for newly elected House members. Until Johnson swears her in which he refuses to do until Senate Democrats accept the House GOP plan to temporarily fund and reopen the federal government Grijalva remains locked out. She has no official House email account, office phone number, official website or cell phone. All of those are assigned only after a member takes the oath. Once shes official, she will also get a Members Representational Allowance, or MAR about $1.9 million annually to pay staff and cover the cost of travel and other expenses. She has been to the Capitol several times since her election Sept. 23, and each time she has had to go through metal detectors like a tourist, lobbyist or journalist because she hasnt been issued a House ID and lapel pin that lets lawmakers bypass security checkpoints. The system is supposed to make sure every district is represented. Right now, mine isnt and thats not how its supposed to work, she said. After five weeks, Grijalva has forfeited $17,000 of the $174,000 annual congressional salary, since she wont go on the payroll until she formally joins the House. Grijalva said the House administrative staffers seem confused by her situation. At one point, someone handed me a bag of cellphones that belonged to my dads old staff. I didnt really know what I was supposed to do with those. Raul Grijalva, elected to 12 terms starting in 2002, died in March from cancer. As far as flights between Arizona and Washington, Grijalva says she has dipped into her personal stash of frequent flyer miles. Johnson says the House will not conduct any business until the shutdown impasse is resolved. He has kept the House out of session since Sept. 19, except for brief pro forma sessions at which he has refused demands from Democrats to swear in Grijalva. She could be on the phone all day long, as the rest of us are, trying to help her constituents navigate through it. Its a bit of a red herring for her to say theres nothing for her to do, he said last week. Its usually aides, not lawmakers themselves, who guide constituents through red tape, and Grijalva has none on the payroll yet. Nor have she and her future staff gotten ethics and constituent-service training yet. I dont feel comfortable engaging with peoples personal information without the proper training on how to do so, she said. It could even expose me legally. New members elected in a November election go through a group orientation within weeks run by the House Administration Committee. The multi-day program covers everything from hiring staff and securing office space to learning House procedures and ethics rules. For those elected in a special election, like Grijalva, theres no established orientation schedule. Republicans, deflecting Democrats complaints about the ongoing delay, have yet to cite an instance of anyone waiting more than 25 days to be sworn in. Grijalva has waited nearly 40. What does my orientation look like? she said. Id love to know. Last week, the state of Arizona filed a lawsuit seeking to compel Johnson to seat Grijalva, hours after Grijalva made a second attempt to take the oath by appearing on the House floor without the speakers invitation. The lawsuit alleges that Johnson is illegally refusing to seat Grijalva, effectively silencing the more than 813,000 residents in her district that stretches along the U.S.-Mexico border and denying the state full representation in Congress. Democrats assert that Johnson is stalling because Grijalva intends to sign a petition that would force a floor vote on the Epstein files. For now, she said shes doing what she can meeting informally with community leaders and waiting. Everyone here assumes I know my way around because of who my dad was, Grijalva said. They treat me like Ive been doing this for years, but Im brand new and right now, I cant do the work people sent me here to do. Ian Hassell quit his job at the Central Intelligence Agency in the fall of 2013 with an audacious goal: dismantling an underground economy of illicit massage parlors engaged in sex trafficking. He and a fellow CIA friend traded covert overseas missions for stakeouts of illicit parlors in strip malls and late-night runs to literally look over the shoulders of the people who were working for the sex-trafficking operations. Their aim, which mirrored their work in intelligence, was to gather data on this secret world and then convince authorities to hold the owners of the businesses accountable. Hassell admits he came from the spy world of the CIA, where "enforcement of laws is, or even the following of laws, perhaps, is not really our main concern, but more like getting results. We just think differently about how you solve hard problems." More than a decade later, Hassell remains confident that his goal of shutting down each illicit spa in the U.S. will become reality even as his research found that these parlors far outnumber McDonald's restaurants nationwide. Hassell created one of the nation's most unique nonprofits to achieve his goal. He calls it The Network, a name that reflects a complex world in which bad actors overseas and domestically work in concert to exploit naive women migrating from countries such as China and South Korea. With most speaking limited English and facing scarce job prospects, these women are funneled into a world where they are often forced to live on-site and perform sex acts. Eventually, Hassell and his companion, Sam Donnelly, who had worked at the anti-terrorism unit Delta Force, scraped information from explicit advertisements on the dark web to assemble a database of what they believed is nearly every illicit parlor in America 16,800 in all. They know that prosecutors can't bring charges against all of them. Sex trafficking cases are challenging to prosecute, so they've come up with a playbook to shut these businesses down through other means. "Everybody knows trafficking thrives because it makes money," Hassell said in an interview. "So what if you could make it unprofitable? Would traffickers voluntarily stop?" How it all began Hassell's quest began when he was shopping for a church in Northern Virginia. Gary Haugen, founder of International Justice Mission, was speaking at one church about human trafficking around the world and his organization's steps to combat it. It was an awakening for Hassell, who had no idea what women were experiencing. "About 20 minutes, I just noticed my body, like physiologically, was reacting to this talk. My heart was pounding out of my shirt. My palms are sweating," he recalls. "I'm incredibly angry. "But I walked out of that church, and I remember saying to my ex (his wife at the time), 'Hey, this is going to sound kind of crazy, but I think that's what I'm going to do for the rest of my life.'" He didn't tell anyone at the CIA the next day, still thinking it might be stupid to leave what he called "the best job in the world," one he held for about nearly a decade. Although Hassell says there's little he can reveal about his time at the CIA, he stated that his duties included utilizing his engineering and networking background to help design and plan operations aimed at attacking or disabling enemy networks. He began researching how to run a nonprofit, and a couple of years later, ran into an old childhood friend, Sam Donnelly. As kids in Roanoke, Virginia, the two used to build forts and play Army. Ironically, Donnelly would later graduate from West Point. When they met again at the CIA, Donnelly was a rising star in an elite Army counterterrorism unit known as Delta Force. Hassell told him about his desire to end sex trafficking, and Donnelly was instantly on board. The pair quit their jobs and started a nonprofit, not really knowing what they were doing. From the start, the two thought the key was to find a way to make life difficult for parlor owners. They also had to raise funds to cover the costs of their work. Initially, Hassell says they were able to scrape together about $100,000 a year. One of their early funders was Glenn Youngkin, now governor of Virginia but who at the time worked for the private-equity firm, The Carlyle Group. They were introduced through a mutual friend. At the time, there was limited knowledge about illicit massage parlors, so Hassell and Donnelly decided to approach it the way they were trained. They became spies. While shifting through online forums of men seeking prostitutes, they noticed a post about a man who supposedly owned multiple parlors. That detail one person linked to several locations suggested a network rather than isolated shops. To test their theory, they headed to New Orleans. They rented a car, parked across the street from dubious massage parlors and watched. Soon, they discovered a pattern. Middle-aged white men would show up, go inside and come back out in about half an hour. This seemed like the pattern of a sex buyer. "One evening, this older Asian guy pulls into the parking lot, Hassell said. He goes inside, but he leaves in under five minutes. And that was out of pattern. So we were like, well, that's interesting. Let's follow him." The man went from spa to spa, an observation that suggested he was an insider. The team dubbed the man "Weasel" and tried to collect as much information as possible. They noticed him going from bank to bank and would even peek over his shoulder at the ATM to see what he was writing on the deposit slip. Weasel went to Western Union to make money transfers and drive women from one location to another, even crossing state lines. Hassell surmised Weasel was part of some interstate network. They ultimately identified 13 locations in the network and managed to force six or seven of them out of business "using some creative means," Hassell said. "We tried a lot of stuff back in those days, which is why I'm reluctant to kind of put out in public and connect me, my face with that," Hassell said, "because there might be some people there that remember me and (wouldn't be) very happy with what we were doing." Sophisticated approach Today, The Network operates sophisticated data collection systems. It harvests ads, scrapes review boards and tracks shell companies. That intelligence forms the basis of "landlord engagement" a strategy of alerting property owners that their tenants are engaged in commercial sex. By pressuring landlords to terminate leases, the group claims that eviction rates average 55 percent nationwide, with some jurisdictions reaching as high as 100 percent. Crucially, the tactic avoids the years-long investigations required for criminal prosecutions. "Kansas had maybe 90 illicit massage businesses," Hassell recounted from a prosecutor there. "He told his boss it would take 12 attorneys 10 years to shut them all down. We can help get it done in six months." Not every state embraces the approach. In Virginia, Attorney General Jason Miyares initially welcomed it enthusiastically, but Hassell said in a May interview that Miyares hasn't followed through on the strategy. A spokesperson for Miyares, however, shared a letter that Miyares sent on August 5th to the landlord of a massage parlor in Falls Church, Virginia. The local prosecutor dropped a prostitution charge related to an investigation of Rose Spa, also known as L Health Inc. However, Miyares asked the landlord to evict the business. Now, Miyares was asking the landlord to evict the parlor leasing the property. "As Attorney General, I have made anti-human trafficking initiatives a priority of my administration," the letter stated. "I therefore ask for your assistance in investigating whether the tenant or the tenant of your property are operating an illicit massage business, and if so, that you take immediate action to end any prostitution activity occurring on your property." The letter worked. The landlord told The Washington Examiner that he evicted the business. Miyares's office said it couldn't comment on any other ongoing investigations. Likewise, Hassell was thrilled by Virginia Gov. Youngkin's reaction in personal conversations. "He's been very, very supportive of combating this issue in the Commonwealth," Hassell said. But Hassell, until recently, said Youngkin's staff didn't seem to be following through. That changed in September, when they reached out to The Network to discuss plans. In larger states like California and Texas, the balance of power between local prosecutors and state attorneys general has complicated efforts, Hassell said. And some in law enforcement remain skeptical. "Old-school policing is about perp walks and prosecution stats," one officer told Hassell in a strategy meeting. "That doesn't match the scale of this problem." Today, The Network has significantly more funding, with $2.4 million in 2023 from donations and grants. Donnelly has left the staff but remains on the board of directors. The staff is small, but it has attracted highly paid specialists, many of whom have backgrounds in intelligence or law enforcement. The group's spokesperson worked until recently as a communications director for the CIA. The Network has built a reputation for being the leading authority on illicit massage parlors. Despite challenges, Hassell says The Network has tested its model in nearly 30 jurisdictions, with durable results: 89 percent of shuttered parlors never reopen under the same ownership. The group is now researching other strategies for eradicating illicit massage parlors. "We're not a replacement for prosecutions or rescues," Hassell insisted. "But we are a complement. Our job is to take away the profits. If we can starve the industry, we can end it." HA NOI Redesigning a modern tax management system integrated with digital infrastructure and data system is a crucial step to improve efficiency and tax compliance. That was the message from Mai Son, Deputy Director of the General Department of Taxation, speaking at a conference on Thursday. "The ultimate goal is to foster a fair and transparent business environment and build a sustainable revenue base that supports the countrys priorities, including social welfare, infrastructure development and national defence," Son said at the event jointly held by the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Lao ong (Labour) newspaper on promoting tax compliance. According to Nguyen Thi Cuc, President of the Tax Consultants Association, the tax system should continue building a comprehensive support ecosystem that reduces compliance costs for both taxpayers and the entire society. Despite significant achievements in digital transformation, the tax system still needs further improvements. A fair system with low compliance costs and convenient payment will promote tax compliance. Nuguchi Daisuke, Chief Advisor of the JICA Tax Project, outlined three recommendations for Viet Nam to increase tax compliance. First, tax agencies should enhance access to information for taxpayers as many non-filers may simply lack awareness rather than intentionally evade taxes. Second, it was necessary to develop a simple and easy-to-use system for taxpayers. Third, he recommended incentives be provided for compliant taxpayers. Globally, businesses were shifting from legal compliance to transparent and responsible tax behaviour, said Bui Ngoc Tuan from Deloitte Viet Nam. Businesses must view tax data as a strategic asset, he said, adding that those that leverage analytics and automation can make faster, more accurate decisions to boost both compliance quality and long-term corporate value. With regards to e-commerce tax, Viet Nam should leverage technology and transparent data-sharing to make e-commerce tax compliance easier and more inclusive, Hoang Duy Chinh, from logistics company Viettel Post told the conference. He said communication should be enhanced to increase awareness and understanding of taxpayers. It was also necessary to develop mechanisms to share transaction data between sellers, tax authorities and e-commerce platforms to enhance transparency, while offering incentives for logistics companies and platforms that actively support tax collection, he said. VNS HA NOI As Viet Nam steps up efforts to deepen international integration, trade authorities and industry experts stress that rules of origin are not just technical requirements but a foundation for transparency and fairness in trade, helping to strengthen partner confidence and boost the competitiveness of Vietnamese goods. Accordingly, the management, determination and certification of origin have become essential for maintaining the trust of trading partners while preventing trade fraud and origin falsification, which are on the rise. Viet Nam has engaged in extensive integration through 17 signed FTAs, which requires enterprises to fully understand and strictly comply with rules of origin in order to maximise tariff preferences offered by agreements such as the CPTPP, EVFTA, and RCEP, Nguyen Anh Son, Director General of the Agency of Foreign Trade, said while addressing a conference held as part of the Golden Autumn Fair 2025 in Ha Noi on Monday. He added that complying with rules of origin would also serve as a passport for Vietnamese goods to enter demanding markets with superior tariff advantages. To meet increasingly strict requirements from importing markets, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has issued a series of directives and inter-sectoral coordination measures to prevent origin fraud and falsification, while strengthening inspection and supervision of certificates of origin (C/O) issued for exports. These efforts help protect the legitimate interests of Vietnamese enterprises and preserve national credibility, avoiding the risk of trade defence actions or anti-fraud investigations from foreign partners. International experience shows that failing to comply with origin rules can cause substantial losses and negatively affect entire industries. Domestically sold products are also now required to meet clear and transparent origin criteria. In response, the Ministry of Industry and Trade is drafting a decree stipulating the criteria for determining Vietnamese origin. This step aims to complete a transparent and consistent legal framework that strengthens consumer trust, protects domestic production, and enhances the reputation of Vietnamese goods. Determining the origin of goods in the domestic market safeguards local industries from foreign products falsely labelled as 'Made in Viet Nam' while ensuring consumers have truthful information about the products they choose. The ministry emphasised that this process would protect genuine domestic manufacturers and promote national brands. Viet Nams foreign trade turnover reached nearly US$800 billion in 2024 and is forecast to soon hit the $1 trillion mark. The country ranks among the worlds top 20 trading nations, but that scale increases the risk of origin-related fraud, trade violations, and illegal transhipment if not carefully controlled. At a 2025 government conference on trade fraud and counterfeit goods, the National Steering Committee 389 (anti-smuggling) reported that escalating USChina trade tensions continued to raise the risk of broader global trade conflict. Against this backdrop, a growing number of foreign enterprises sought to bypass US tariff barriers by falsely labelling their products as 'Made in Viet Nam' for re-export to third countries. Common tactics include importing goods from other countries, repackaging them, attaching 'Made in Viet Nam' labels, and applying for certificates of origin (C/O) for export. Others perform only minimal processing insufficient to qualify for C/O issuance yet still falsify declarations to gain preferential tariffs. Many violators also exploit e-commerce platforms and express delivery services to disguise smuggled goods, legalising fake origin documents through hard-to-trace transactions on social media or unofficial websites. Products most frequently targeted include textiles, wooden furniture, honey, aluminium, steel and seafood, which are easily mislabelled due to loopholes in rules of origin regulations and strong export demand. VNS HCM CITY The Southeast Region Research and Innovation Day 2025 opened with vibrant displays of advanced technology and a strong message about sustainable industrial development at the city High-Tech Park (SHTP) on October 28. The event gathered leaders from the Ministry of Science and Technology, the city Peoples Committee, research institutes, universities, and hundreds of technology enterprises across the country. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Nguyen Van Tho, standing vice chairman of the city Peoples Committee, emphasised that innovation and scientific research are not only the foundation for productivity growth but also a driving force for restructuring the economy towards sustainability. The Southeast region, with HCM City as the nucleus, must pioneer the application of strategic technologies to create high value and reduce environmental pressure, he said. Organised by the Management Board of the city High-Tech Park in collaboration with the municipal Department of Science and Technology, CMC Corporation, the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR Viet Nam) and HUTECH University, the event adopted the theme Strategic Technologies Driving Sustainable Industrial Development. Over 60 booths were set up, displaying more than 100 technological solutions from enterprises, research institutes, and universities in HCM City, ong Nai, Lam ong and Ha Noi. The exhibition featured a wide range of technological products that captured visitors attention, from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and autonomous robots to AIoT-based monitoring systems, smart agricultural drones, hydrogen electrolysis equipment and renewable energy solutions. Several booths demonstrated Made in Viet Nam innovations designed by local research teams and startups, showcasing the rising competence of domestic engineers in fields once dominated by foreign suppliers. Notably, students from HUTECH and Fulbright University Viet Nam introduced practical applications of artificial intelligence and automation in manufacturing and environmental monitoring. Their works illustrated how young innovators are increasingly involved in solving industrial and social challenges. The integration of academic research into real-world projects was highlighted as one of the key strengths of the regions innovation ecosystem. Many participating enterprises shared that they were attracted by the citys policy of encouraging investment in high-tech industries. The city has been allocating about VN1.5 trillion (US$58 million) each year to support innovation and technology development through research grants, start-up incubation, and digital transformation projects. This funding has helped establish a solid foundation for the citys ambition to become the innovation hub of the southern key economic region. CMC Corporation, one of the events main partners, presented its cloud and cybersecurity solutions tailored for manufacturing and logistics enterprises in the region. Meanwhile, several startups introduced technologies supporting the circular economy including waste-to-energy systems, bio-based materials, and carbon-reduction platforms. These innovations, according to experts, will be essential as Viet Nam moves towards its net-zero target by 2050. Representatives from the city Department of Science and Technology remarked that the Southeast region contributes nearly 40 per cent of the nations GDP and 50 per cent of total industrial output. However, to maintain its leading position, the region must quickly shift from labour-intensive manufacturing to technology-driven production. Innovation should be seen as a long-term investment, not a short-term cost, the departments director noted. Visitors to the exhibition were impressed by several prototype demonstrations, including a solar-powered UAV developed by engineers from the High-Tech Park and an autonomous vehicle for warehouse operations created by a young start-up team in Thu uc City. These projects attracted interest from potential investors, who saw both export potential and local market value. The event also included policy dialogues between provincial leaders and technology firms, focusing on mechanisms to enhance regional coordination in research, data sharing, and investment attraction. Delegates agreed that the Southeast region should establish a unified innovation network to link industrial zones, high-tech parks, and universities. Such a network would help streamline research resources and promote cross-border technology transfer. Experts attending the forum underlined that the 2025 Innovation Day marks an important step for the city and the Southeast provinces to demonstrate their collective capability in science and technology. As the countrys economic powerhouse, the region is expected to lead Viet Nams transition towards green and digital industries. VNS By Ly Ly Cao TOKYO Japan is stepping up engagement with ASEAN countries, including Viet Nam, as global trade tensions, protectionist trends and geopolitical shifts reshape regional economic dynamics. Speaking at a luncheon meeting held by the Kaizai Koho Centre on October 29, Masafumi Ishii, former Japanese Ambassador to Indonesia and president of the Resona Research Institute, highlighted that Japan's policy direction is increasingly focused on strengthening cooperation with Southeast Asia, a region he described as having "great potential" for future investment and partnership. "Global uncertainties, escalating geopolitical tensions and Trump's tariff policy are boosting Japan to strengthen ties with ASEAN countries, including Viet Nam," Ishii said. He noted that the Japanese government is preparing new initiatives to deepen engagement with the region. Among ASEAN members, Viet Nam is expected to remain a top priority in Japan's strategy, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI), information technology (IT) and infrastructure development, he told Viet Nam News and Law. According to Ishii, infrastructure development will continue to play a pivotal role in Japans economic cooperation with ASEAN. "There is still a funding gap between the necessity and the amount of capital available," he said, pointing out that Japan sees value in helping bridge this gap. Japan's infrastructure investment in the region, he emphasised, is not merely about economic returns but also about strengthening ASEAN unity through physical connectivity. "Infrastructure building is a good project for strengthening the unity of ASEAN by creating connections between member countries, such as the East-West Corridor and the North-South Corridor," Ishii said. "Connecting ASEAN members serves our purpose of promoting unity. So I think we will continue to do it." These corridors, long-term regional projects that link the Mekong subregion's transport and logistics systems, are viewed by Japan as crucial for enhancing intra-ASEAN trade, supply chain resilience and equitable development. Human resource investment While infrastructure remains a cornerstone of Japan's cooperation, Ishii stressed that human capital development will be the next key area of investment. He underscored the growing importance of vocational training and workforce upskilling in sustaining economic growth for ASEAN nations, particularly Viet Nam. "If you want to grow faster or reach the next level, which I think Viet Nam is trying to do, you need to increase productivity," he said. "To increase productivity, you need more excellent vocational training." He added that much of ASEAN, including Viet Nam, is approaching a growth ceiling where expanding domestic demand or exports alone is insufficient to drive the next stage of economic progress. "If you want to break that limitation, you need more talented labour," Ishii said. Japan, facing a shrinking population and labour shortages, also stands to benefit from such cooperation. Ishii described this as a "win-win situation", one where ASEAN countries can enhance their human resource capabilities while Japan gains access to skilled labour and innovative minds. "For the sake of innovation and increasing productivity in Japan, we need input from the most excellent brains from abroad," he explained. "All the countries in the world are now competing to attract talented people, Indians, Chinese and Americans. We need to compete too." He cautioned that without such international collaboration, Japan could struggle to sustain growth. "If we cannot increase productivity because our population is shrinking, our GDP will decline. To maintain growth, we need much higher productivity, and for that, we need input from abroad," he added. Beyond economic cooperation, Ishii also urged ASEAN countries to strengthen internal cohesion and resolve intra-regional conflicts to maximise their collective potential. "ASEAN countries also need to focus on solving your own conflicts within the member countries," he said, implying that unity is essential for the regions stability and long-term prosperity. Japan's evolving partnership with ASEAN, and particularly Viet Nam, reflects a broader regional trend toward mutual dependency in innovation, talent and technology. BIZHUB/VNS HA NOI Artificial intelligence (AI) and 3D technology are transforming every field of creativity, opening new possibilities for art, including sculpture, a form traditionally tied to manual labour and intuitive emotion. In the digital age, AI and 3D tools are redefining how sculptors create. From modelling and scaling to precise 3D printing, technology has become a powerful creative tool, enabling artists to save effort, materials and experimentation time. Thanks to artificial intelligence, sculptors can enlarge their works to actual size, something that could previously only be done through imagination. AI also assists with perspective, materials, lighting and more, allowing artists to easily experiment with various creative possibilities without excessive material and labour costs, said Professor Dr Nguyen Xuan Tien, chairman of the HCM City Fine Arts Association. Technology is merely a supporting tool, not a saviour. Artists must learn, understand and use technology to avoid losing themselves and their cultural identity. According to sculptor Lam Quang Noi, the emergence of AI and 3D simulation software has helped the process of refining artworks and reduced effort by up to 50 per cent. He added that AI is effectively handling post-production stages, not only in sculpture but also in photography, exhibition and preservation, thereby creating easier access to art for the public. In Viet Nam, the Centre for Preservation of the Ancient Capital of Hue and the Cham Sculpture Museum in a Nang are also applying digital technology in preservation, expanding the potential for promoting heritage to the public. Lecturer Ton Nguyen Tuyet Hoa from Van Lang University noted that technology helps researchers "preserve the physical memory" of ancient statues, bas-reliefs and archaeological sites more accurately and sustainably, laying the groundwork for education and the restoration of traditional culture in the future. However, the specialists are also concerned about the overuse of technology in sculpturing. While technology offers countless conveniences, it also carries the risk of desensitising art when creation becomes too easy, too precise and too perfect. This raises questions among many artists: how can we retain the human essence in a world supported by machines? Hoa asked. According to sculptor Le Lang Bien, head of the Sculpture Department at the HCM City Fine Arts Association and an artist pursuing contemporary sculpture, AI can simulate shapes and personal styles, but it cannot replace human intuition and aesthetic thinking. Sculpture is a dialogue between humans and materials, between breath, emotion and contemplation. If that dialogue is lost, art will become soulless, he said. He believed that todays artists need to coexist with technology rather than let it lead. AI should be a companion that helps expand creative boundaries, not a decision-maker in place of the artist, he added. From an educational perspective, M.A. Le Ngo Quynh an, a young lecturer in sculpture, reckoned that the greatest challenge for the younger generation of sculptors is to harmonise digital techniques with genuine emotion. According to her, art education in the age of AI needs to guide students back to fundamentals, which are human philosophy, cultural identity and the artist's emotions. Experts also agree that in the context of strong urbanisation and globalisation, Vietnamese sculpture needs to pay more attention to public spaces, heritage and urban memory. Each artwork is not only an artistic object but also a visual memory of the community, preserving the culture, spirit and soul of Viet Nam. Sculpture is the memory of the city. When technology helps us recreate and preserve, it offers an opportunity to spread aesthetic values to the community. However, if artists become dependent on technology, they will lose themselves, said Professor Dr Tien, chairman of the HCM City Fine Arts Association. Ultimately, while technology can create perfect shapes, only genuine emotions can breathe life into them. As sculptor Le Lang Bien said: A sculpture truly lives only when the viewer can feel the heartbeat of its creator. VNS HA NOI The Vietnamese Embassy in Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the Light of Asia Centre, hosted a Viet Nam-Sri Lanka tea culture exchange programme to mark Viet Nam Womens Day (October 20) and Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Sri Lanka. The event, which drew numerous female representatives from diplomatic missions, international organisations, Sri Lankan agencies, businesses, and the local Vietnamese community, honoured the role of women in society and served as a cultural diplomacy initiative to enhance mutual understanding between the two countries. Notably, Sarah Salih, wife of the Deputy Speaker of Sri Lankas Parliament, attended as a distinguished guest, alongside the Director of the SAARC Cultural Centre and tea masters from both nations. Their participation underscored tea culture as a symbol of peace, sharing, and connection. In her opening speech, Vietnamese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Trinh Thi Tam highlighted that tea is not just a beverage but a cultural element reflecting hospitality and community. She pointed out that, similar to Sri Lanka, Vietnamese women play a central role in tea cultivation and processing. The Ambassador hoped such cultural exchanges would further strengthen the Vietnam-Sri Lanka relationship. Salih praised the initiative, noting that the event not only celebrated the cultural values of both nations but also honoured women's contributions to society. She also acknowledged the positive impact of the Vietnamese community in Sri Lankas socio-economic development. The programme featured a Vietnamese lotus tea demonstration by artisan Lam Thuy Linh, founder of Viet Link Tea. Linh demonstrated the meticulous process of handcrafting lotus tea, embodying Vietnamese patience and harmony with nature. Guests had the chance to experience this art and learn about traditional tea preparation. Next, tea expert Niranjan Weerasinghe from Jafferjee Brothers introduced Ceylon tea, Sri Lankas pride, known for its rich aroma and bold flavor. Attendees sampled various tea blends and learned about the history of Sri Lankan tea. The event concluded with a Sogetsu flower arrangement demonstration by artist Sreeni Devika De Silva. The artist conveyed the philosophy of balance with nature, and the wives of ambassadors and Vietnamese community members participated in creating floral designs. Guests enjoyed a fusion of Vietnamese and Sri Lankan cuisine, with dishes like banh mi, nem, and nom paired with Sri Lankan tea and pastries, offering a blend of both cultures. This tea exchange was part of the Vietnamese Embassy's broader cultural diplomacy efforts to mark the 55th anniversary of Vietnam-Sri Lanka diplomatic relations (1970-2025), celebrating the long-standing friendship between the two nations. VNA/VNS HA NOI Classical music may often be seen as the preserve of the highly educated or well-versed, but those who attended the two-night concerts by the Tatarstan National Symphony Orchestra (TNSO) in Ha Noi would think otherwise. Under the baton of conductor Alexander Sladkovsky, the orchestra delivered performances that were as electrifying as they were exquisite, leaving the audience in raptures before moving on to their next tour stops across Asia. "It's magnificent to hear Vadim Repin live here in Ha Noi," said a violinist from the Ha Noi Philharmonic Orchestra, referring to the world-class violinist who also granted Viet Nam News a rare exclusive interview before his sole city performance. Repin performed Max Baruch's Violin Concerto in G minor, followed by Camille Saint-Saens's Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso in A minor on a 1733 Stradivari 'Rode.' The evening continued with Tchaikovsky's Romeo and Juliet and Francesca da Rimini, a symphonic fantasy inspired by Dantes tragic tale and immortalised in Divine Comedy. "It's great to bring our orchestra for the first time here in Ha Noi," Sladkovsky told Viet Nam News after rehearsal. "Everywhere we go, in Vienna, Moscow Philharmony, or St Petersburg Philharmony, we always try our best to make our audience happy. Last night, I was very happy with the audience here in Ha Noithey were screaming, applauding, giving a standing ovation. I'm happy we had another chance to conquer a country and a city we had never visited before." Buoyed by the audiences enthusiasm, Sladkovsky led the orchestra through three additional encores, including one where he literally stepped off the podium, allowing the musicians to play alonea move that thrilled the crowd further. By the time he returned, the audience was already on its feet, clapping and cheering. "It's not any less heated than a rock concert," said another spectator. "The orchestra's percussion totally stole the showthey are all so great." Sladkovsky has directed the TNSO for more than a decade, transforming it into the first Russian regional orchestra to be recorded by Medici.tv and Mezzo channels. The orchestra also holds the distinction of being the only regional ensemble with an annual subscription at the Moscow Philharmonic Society, and it has recorded the complete works of Tchaikovsky as well as major compositions by Mahler, Beethoven, and Shostakovich. Their international tours have included Turkey (2015), Slovakia (2016), Switzerland (2016, 2017), Germany (2016), Spain (2017, 2020), Dubai (2022), Oman (2022), China (2018, 2023), and now Viet Nam for the first time in 2025. Looking ahead, Sladkovsky told Viet Nam News that the next phase of his leadership at TNSO will focus on recording significant works by both Russian and German composers, continuing the orchestras ambitious international journey. VNS On October 29, Turkish citizens both at home and around the world will celebrate the 102nd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Turkiye. To mark this significant occasion, Turkiyes Ambassador to Viet Nam, Korhan Kemik, has penned an article reflecting on the nation's rich history and highlighting the growing bilateral relationship between Turkiye and Viet Nam. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1978, Turkiye and Viet Nam have built a relationship grounded in mutual understanding, respect for sovereignty and a shared commitment to sustainable development. Celebrating a century of the Republic On October 29, the Turkish people at home and abroad will celebrate the 102nd anniversary of the Republic of Turkiye with pride and joy. On this special day, we honour Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of our Republic, and all the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for their homeland. Ataturks vision and ideas continue to illuminate the path of our nation, inspiring the Turkish people to uphold the principles of independence and progress. Republic Day stands as a testament to the solidarity, resilience and courage that form the essence of Turkish national identity. These values continue to shape Turkiyes unwavering commitment to cooperation, development and peace across the globe. Shared historical visions Despite the geographical distance between Turkiye and Viet Nam, the two nations share the same patriotic spirit. The leadership and ideals of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and Ho Chi Minh were instrumental in the liberation and nation-building processes of their respective countries. Both founded self-reliant states guided by the ideals of independence and modernisation. Turkiye: a dynamic global actor The Century of Turkiye vision, set forth by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, seeks to guide Turkiye toward a future marked by progress, development and active global engagement. Today, Turkiyesituated at the nexus of Europe and Asiais a dynamic and influential actor on the global stage. With a nominal GDP of around US$1.32 trillion, Turkiye ranks as the 17th-largest economy in the world, according to the World Bank. It also maintains the third-largest diplomatic network globally, with 252 missions across continents. Guided by a principled, multidimensional foreign policy, Turkiye promotes stability and prosperity through dialogue and partnership. The Asia Anew Initiative, launched in 2019, embodies this approach by fostering a comprehensive and forward-looking policy toward Asia, home to the rising powers of the 21st century. Political relations on the rise Over the years, political relations between Turkiye and Viet Nam have deepened, reflecting Turkiyes broader foreign policy that emphasises dialogue, solidarity and mutual respect. Turkiye regards Viet Nam as a key partner in Asia and commends its impressive socio-economic transformation, which has made the country a rising star in its region. Since 1978, cooperation has advanced steadily, gaining particular momentum in recent years. High-level visits and strengthened legal frameworks have fostered a climate of trust and shared purpose. In 2025, Turkiyes Minister of National Defence Yasar Guler, President of Defence Industries Prof Dr Haluk Gorgun and Minister of Justice Ylmaz Tunc visited Viet Nam, while Viet Nams Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Nguyen uc Hai paid a visit to Turkiye. Moreover, Presidents Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Luong Cuong met on the sidelines of the UN 80th General Assembly in New York, reaffirming their shared determination to elevate bilateral relations to new heights. Expanding economic cooperation The dynamic political dialogue has been matched by significant progress in economic relations. Bilateral trade surpassed $3 billion in 2024, a record level and a powerful symbol of deepening mutual trust. Viet Nam has become one of Turkiyes most important trade partners in Southeast Asia, while Turkiye ranks as Viet Nams largest investment partner in the Middle East and Western Asia. A growing number of Turkish companies are actively seeking business and investment opportunities in Viet Nam, particularly in infrastructure, manufacturing, high technology and logisticssectors that embody the two countries shared commitment to sustainable development and innovation. A hallmark of this cooperation is the passenger terminal of Long Thanh International Airport, a flagship project implemented by a Turkish-led consortium. This milestone not only highlights Turkish engineering excellence but also signals vast potential for future collaboration in Viet Nams infrastructure and development agenda. Promising defence collaboration Turkiyes defence industry has undergone a remarkable transformation. Supported by advanced technology, innovative design and strong local production, Turkiye has built a solid foundation for international defence cooperation, particularly in Asia. The defence sector has therefore emerged as a promising frontier of cooperation between Turkiye and Viet Nam. The recent visits of Turkiyes defence leadership to Ha Noi have provided valuable opportunities to explore concrete avenues of partnership. The signing of two key documents in 2025 the Defence Cooperation Agreement in May and the Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Industry Cooperation in July established the necessary institutional framework for sustained dialogue. Furthermore, the opening of military attache offices in Ankara and Ha Noi marks another milestone in strengthening bilateral defence relations. Deepening people-to-people connections Beyond politics and economics, the human dimension of TurkiyeViet Nam relations is flourishing. The two peoples share strong family values, a love of culture and a tradition of hospitalityfoundations that make cultural and educational exchange especially meaningful. The introduction of the e-visa system for Vietnamese citizens in September 2025 and the expansion of Turkish Airlines daily flights between the two countries make travel easier, fostering stronger tourism and cultural linkages. At the same time, Turkiye Scholarships continue to enable talented Vietnamese students to pursue higher education in Turkiye, building bridges of understanding and lifelong friendship. A shared vision for the future As Turkiye celebrates the 102nd anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic and Viet Nam marks the 80th anniversary of its Declaration of Independence alongside the 50th anniversary of national reunification, both nations look to the future with confidence and optimism. Their shared sense of friendship, solidarity and mutual respect will continue to guide cooperation in the years ahead. Turkiye and Viet Nams partnershiprooted in history yet oriented toward the futurewill not only strengthen bilateral ties but also contribute to regional stability, global peace and the prosperity of humankind. VNS LONDON - Party General Secretary To Lam has expressed his hope that British youth, research institutes, universities, innovative enterprises, civil society organisations, and future policymakers will regard Viet Nam as a sincere and trustworthy partner that shares both responsibilities and benefits in a world order that is being reshaped. The Vietnamese leader was delivering a policy address to professors, lecturers, researchers, students and friends of Viet Nam at the University of Oxford on the afternoon of October 28 (local time) as part of his ongoing official visit to the UK. General Secretary Lam observed that the world is changing rapidly, raising not only the question of whose side one stands on but how a nation stands firm and remains self-reliant. For Viet Nam, he said, this is a vital question. Viet Nam has chosen the path of peace, independence, self-reliance, and cooperation for shared development, he stated. As a nation that won its independence through sacrifice and paid dearly for peace, Viet Nam deeply understands its supreme value. President Ho Chi Minhs truth of nothing is more precious than independence and freedom continues to guide the countrys national conduct and international relations, he underscored. The leader emphasised that Viet Nam does not pursue confrontation or conflict-based development, but believes in fair dialogue, respect for international law, and mutual benefit. Sovereignty should not be asserted through guns or coercion, but through mutual respect, agreements that uphold common rules, and the sharing of mutual benefits. This approach, he noted, has enabled Viet Nam to maintain political and social stability while actively integrating into the global economy, joining new-generation free trade agreements, and expanding partnerships worldwide, including with the UK. Highlighting Viet Nams development vision in a new era, General Secretary Lam emphasised that science, technology, innovation, digital transformation and the knowledge economy are set to become the key drivers of growth. Viet Nam is promoting a national digital transformation strategy, developing a green, circular and low-carbon economy, and viewing innovation as the lifeblood of competitiveness and resilience. He stressed that Viet Nam continues to refine its socialist-oriented market economy, which operates on market principles, encourages fair competition, values private enterprises as a key growth engine, while upholding the socialist rule-of-law states guiding and regulatory role under the leadership of the Communist Party of Viet Nam to ensure progress and social justice. Viet Nam regards the private sector as the most important driving force for accelerating economic growth; the State-owned sector as the leading force that ensures macroeconomic stability, economic security, energy security, and food security; and the rule-of-law State, together with integrity in governance and the fight against corruption, wastefulness, and vested interests, as essential conditions for fostering public trust, ensuring the efficient allocation of social resources, and enabling all citizens to fairly enjoy the fruits of development, he said. People are at the heart of all our development strategies, he underlined. Our goal is not mere statistics, but genuinely improving the quality of lifeincome, housing, healthcare, education, social welfare, personal development opportunities, and a safe, clean environment. We seek growth without sacrificing the environment, industrialisation without losing our cultural identity, and urbanisation that leaves no one behind. The General Secretary reaffirmed Viet Nams two strategic objectives: by 2030, to become a developing country with modern industry and upper-middle income, and by 2045, to become a developed, high-income nation with a modern economy, advanced society, high living standards, and adequate international position. Regarding Viet NamUK relations, he said Viet Nam views the UK not only as a trade, education, and science-technology partner but as a long-term strategic partner in shaping 21st-century cooperation norms. He noted that the relationship is built on shared interests in maintaining peace, stability, adherence to international law, maritime freedom, resilient supply chains, fair trade, and sustainable development, as well as joint efforts in climate response and green growth. He called for a new model of cooperation - practical, measurable, and beneficial to the people of both nations, combining the UKs strengths in advanced science, technology, health care, higher education, urban governance, energy transition, and financial services with Viet Nams goals in digital and green transformation, human resources development, innovation, and institutional reform. This not merely means technology transfer, but a process of future shaping together, he emphasised. Oxford, he added, could play a concrete role in this joint creation of the future through collaborative research and training in public health, biotechnology, responsible AI, climate change, and clean energy. He suggested the implementation of exchange programmes between policy research institutes of Viet Nam and policy, public governance, and sustainable development research centres in the UK; cooperation in supporting innovation and technological start-ups for Vietnamese enterprises; and joint pilot initiatives in sustainable urban development, green finance, open education, digital healthcare, and community health - areas of shared interest and urgent need for both sides. Viet Nam, he said, is entering a new phase of development with a strong aspiration to build a prosperous, humane, modern, and green nation, where citizens enjoy comprehensive security and equal opportunities to flourish, pursuing the goal of a wealthy people, strong nation, democracy, equality, and civilisation. He emphasised Viet Nams belief in the power of humanity and morality. The Vietnamese nation has always triumphed through compassion and righteousness, he stated, expressing his belief that true national strength lies not only in military or financial power, but in moral power, unity, and trust. He added, We love peace, yearn for freedom and development, seek equal cooperation, reject imposition, respect international law, and wish for a united, cooperative worldbecause this Earth belongs to us all. We respect international law. We do not wish to see the world divided into opposing blocs, but rather hope for a united world. We wish for a world in which all develop together. In that spirit, General Secretary Lam called for a view of Viet Nam as a sincere, trustworthy partner. He said he believes that building a comprehensive, substantive strategic framework based on mutual respect, shared benefit, and long-term vision would elevate Viet NamUK relations to new heights - becoming a driving force, a model, and a shared success story, not only for the two countries, but also for peace, stability, and sustainable development in the 21st century. On this occasion, the General Secretary and the Vietnamese delegation as well as leaders of the University of Oxford witnessed the signing of several cooperation documents between Vietnamese and British partners. They included a cooperation agreement between Tam Anh Institute of Research and the University of Oxford on healthcare training, research, and innovation, and a research partnership on Net Zero Carbon between Vietjet Air and the University of Oxford, under Vietjets Fly Green campaign for sustainable aviation, involving the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), carbon offsetting, reforestation, renewable energy investment, and AI application in operations to cut emissions by 38 per cent per passenger compared to older aircraft. The deals also comprised the Oxford Pioneer Scholarship Fund, a joint initiative between Sovico Group and the University of Oxford, providing long-term learning and research opportunities for outstanding students, particularly from Viet Nam. To date, 700,000 GBP has been disbursed, funding scholarships for 11 distinguished Vietnamese scholars in education, chemistry, clinical medicine, genomics, and business administration (MBA). VNA/VNS LONDON As part of their official visit to the UK, Party General Secretary To Lam, his spouse, and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation held a cordial meeting with representatives of the Vietnamese community, associations, intellectuals, students, and officials of the Vietnamese Embassy in London on the evening of October 28 (local time). At the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to the UK o Minh Hung expressed his heartfelt gratitude and deep emotion at the fact that the General Secretary and his entourage chose to meet overseas Vietnamese as their first engagement in London. He said this gesture vividly reflects the Party and States profound affection and great attention toward overseas Vietnamese communities, including those in the UK, and reaffirms Viet Nams consistent policy of fostering great national solidarity and mobilising the collective strength of the Vietnamese people for national construction and development. The diplomat noted that the Vietnamese community in the UK now numbers over 100,000, actively integrating into local society while maintaining a strong patriotic spirit, preserving cultural traditions, and fostering mutual support. The dynamic network of Vietnamese entrepreneurs and intellectuals here has become an increasingly important bridge for promoting trade, science, and technology cooperation between the two countries. He also commended the embassys efforts to support the community over the past time, earning their trust and recognition. Representatives of Vietnamese associations, intellectuals, and students in the UK expressed their deep appreciation for the General Secretarys visit, describing it as a source of great encouragement and inspiration for overseas Vietnamese. They voiced their aspiration to contribute to the homelands development, particularly in science, technology, and digital transformation, and proposed that the Party and State establish mechanisms to encourage overseas intellectuals and students to return for national progress. Extending his warm greetings, General Secretary To Lam noted that his visit takes place at a time when Viet Nam-UK relations are flourishing. He said he will call on the UK to continue creating favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community to live stably, develop sustainably, and make meaningful contributions to both nations, serving as a vital bridge of friendship and cooperation. Emphasising that human resources are central to science and technology development, he reaffirmed the State offers special incentives to attract top experts and skilled professionals to create new economic drivers and enhance national resilience and pride. He urged the Vietnamese community in the UK to preserve and promote national culture, particularly by maintaining Vietnamese language teaching for younger generations. The Party leader encouraged Vietnamese students in the UK to continue studying diligently, achieving excellence, contributing to local communities, and maintaining ties with the homeland, affirming that the State always welcomes their return to serve the nation. On this occasion, General Secretary To Lam and his spouse, Ngo Phuong Ly, presented the embassy and the community with meaningful gifts from the homeland, including sets of Vietnamese-language books for children and Vietnamese classes, to help younger generations better understand the nations proud history and cultural heritage, thereby deepening their bonds with the homeland. VNA/VNS HA NOI State President Luong Cuong and a high-ranking delegation of Viet Nam left Ha Noi on Wednesday morning for the 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders Week in Gyeongju city and bilateral activities in the Republic of Korea (RoK). Their trip, from October 29 to November 1, is made at the invitation of RoK President Lee Jae Myung. The delegation accompanying the President includes Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son, Chairman of the Presidential Office Le Khanh Hai, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui The Duy, and Chairman of the An Giang provincial People's Committee Ho Van Mung, among others. Viet Nam officially became a member of APEC at the 10th APEC Ministerial Meeting, held on November 15, 1998 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This marked an important milestone in the implementation of Viet Nam's foreign policy of openness, diversification and multilateralism of external relations, and economic integration into the world. Over the 27 years of its participation in APEC, Viet Nam has made a significant impact on the forums cooperation and always been assessed as a member with positive, responsible, and effective contributions towards realising the goals and cooperation vision as well as enhancing the role of the forum. President Cuong and the Vietnamese delegations presence at the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders Week helps demonstrate the country's strong commitment to the process of economic cooperation and integration in the Asia-Pacific region. It also reaffirms Viet Nam's role as an increasingly active, responsible, and proactive member in shaping the regional cooperation structure, ahead of its hosting of APEC in 2027. Given that the RoK is one of Viet Nams leading economic partners and amid the strong development of Viet Nam RoK relations, the visit also provides an opportunity for the two sides to strengthen their political foundation, effectively implement high-level agreements, and make bilateral cooperation more substantive and result-oriented, thus contributing to each countrys development goals. VNA/VNS HA NOI Chief Justice of the Supreme Peoples Court of Viet Nam Le Minh Tri and his Lao counterpart Viengthong Siphandon agreed to boost cooperation among all court levels of the two countries during their talks in Ha Noi on Tuesday. Tri said Viengthongs working trip helps further strengthen the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Viet Nam and Laos while opening up more practical, effective, and deeper avenues of judicial cooperation between the two countries. The two sides reviewed the positive results of recent cooperation between the Vietnamese and Lao court systems and shared updates on their respective judicial reforms. They also discussed renewing the cooperation agreement between the two Supreme Courts (originally signed in 2008) and strengthening collaboration among local courts following Viet Nams administrative unit reorganisation. They concurred in enhancing ties among all-level courts, promoting online platforms for sharing documents and expertise, and jointly addressing cases involving cross-border factors. On the occasion, the Vietnamese official presented ten laptops to the Supreme Peoples Court of Laos, affirming that the Vietnamese Supreme Peoples Court always stands ready to support its Lao counterpart through sharing judicial reform experiences, training personnel, and advancing IT application and digital transformation. VNA/VNS A NANG The 12th Theory Conference between the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) and the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) took place in the central city of a Nang on Tuesday, focusing on restructuring and organising the political system to meet new development requirements. The event aimed to implement the cooperation agreement between the two Parties on theoretical and practical research. The Vietnamese delegation was led by Nguyen Xuan Thang, Politburo member, President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics and Chairman of the Central Theory Council. The Lao delegation was headed by Politburo member and Deputy Prime Minister Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune. Leaders from both Parties emphasised that amid rapid global and regional changes, Party building and political system development face new demands. They underscored the need for breakthrough measures in organisational restructuring to ensure flexibility, effectiveness and efficiency in leadership and governance, contributing to the successful implementation of each Partys congress resolution and further strengthening the special friendship and comprehensive cooperation between Viet Nam and Laos. Thang said the conference provided a platform for the two Parties to exchange theoretical and practical issues in reorganising the political system. It also enabled scientists from both countries to share information, research approaches and lessons learned in strengthening Party and State institutions. He expressed his hope that the two sides would continue regular exchanges to promote reform and sustainable development in each country. Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune praised the themes relevance, congratulating Viet Nam on achievements in streamlining its central and local apparatuses, which have enhanced efficiency, saved resources and fostered innovation. He said the LPRP is also advancing organisational reforms in line with the Resolution of its eleventh National Congress, aiming to meet national development needs and support international integration. Delegates from both sides presented papers analysing theoretical and practical issues in political system organisation, and discussed challenges related to institutional frameworks, organisational awareness and human resources capacity. The outcomes of the conference are expected to contribute to refining each Partys policies and orientations in the new period. Both sides agreed to hold the thirteenth Theory Conference in Laos, with details to be finalised later. VNA/VNS BUSAN Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong arrived in Busan, the Republic of Korea (RoK), on Wednesday afternoon to attend the 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders Week and take part in bilateral activities at the invitation of Korean President Lee Jae Myung. Welcoming the Vietnamese leader and his delegation at Gimhae Air Base were Choi Hyung Chan, President of the National Diplomatic Academy of the RoK, leaders of Busan city, Vietnamese Ambassador to the RoK Vu Ho, Viet Namese Consul General in Busan oan Phuong Lan, and officials from the Vietnamese Embassy and Consulate General in the RoK. Held under the theme 'Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate, Prosper,' the APEC Leaders Week 2025 is expected to provide a vital platform for APEC economic leaders to maintain dialogue, strengthen trust and promote cooperation in addressing global economic and trade challenges, while fostering inclusive and sustainable growth across the region. Viet Nam has been an active and constructive member of APEC, making significant contributions to maintaining the momentum of cooperation and ensuring the forum remains responsive to new global trends. Through its initiatives, Viet Nam has helped enrich APECs agenda, promote innovation and affirm the forums role as a vital driver of growth and economic integration in the Asia-Pacific and beyond. President Cuongs participation in the event also offers an opportunity for Viet Nam to promote the image of a dynamic economy that is deeply integrated and committed to the regions goals of connection, innovation and prosperity. It also reaffirms Viet Nams role as an active, responsible and increasingly proactive member in shaping the regional cooperation structure, while preparing to host APEC 2027. On the bilateral front, as Viet NamRoK relations continue to flourish, President Cuongs working trip provides a chance for both sides to consolidate and deepen their sound political foundation, promote the effective implementation of high-level commitments and agreements reached in recent years, and ensure bilateral cooperation contributes more substantially and effectively to each countrys development during this crucial period. Within the framework of the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders Week, President Cuong is scheduled to meet with leaders of APEC member economies, as well as heads of major global corporations. These engagements are expected to further strengthen Viet Nams bilateral ties with partners and attract additional resources to support the countrys socio-economic development goals. Notably, the Vietnamese President will attend and deliver a keynote address at the APEC CEO Summit 2025, calling on international partners to continue to accompany, support and stand alongside Viet Nam in its new stage of development. VNA/VNS HCM CITY The Ministries of National Defence of Viet Nam and Cambodia agreed to continue strengthening their trusted, comprehensive, and substantive cooperation at the eighth Viet NamCambodia Defence Policy Dialogue, held in HCM City on Wednesday. The event was co-chaired by Deputy Minister of National Defence Sen. Lt. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien and General Chay Saing Yun, Permanent Secretary of State of the Ministry of National Defence of Cambodia. In his opening remarks, Chien affirmed that the dialogue aimed at practically implementing the outcomes of the meeting between the Politburo of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee and the Standing Board of the Cambodian Peoples Party Central Committee held in February 2025. The dialogue also aims at promoting the second Viet NamCambodia Border Defence Friendship Exchange, the Protocol on Bilateral Defence Cooperation for the 2025-2029 period, and the 2025 Cooperation Plan between the two ministries. Expressing his gratitude for the effective cooperation and support of the Viet Nam Peoples Army, General Chay Saingyun reaffirmed that the ministry remains steadfast in its commitment to consolidating the traditional friendship, solidarity, good neighbourliness, and mutually beneficial cooperation between the armies and people of both nations. The two sides will continue to strengthen trust, comprehensive, and substantive defence cooperation, focusing on enhancing delegation exchanges, high-level and all-level meetings and contacts; improving the effectiveness of existing cooperation mechanisms; and maintaining effective cooperation in training human resources. They will collaborate on border management and protection on land and at sea; continue mutual assistance and support, and promote defence-economic cooperation; while increasing coordination in communications and education for military personnel of both countries on the history, significance, and importance of the friendly relations between the people and armed forces of the two nations. Cooperation between the armed forces of the two countries, as well as between those of Viet Nam, Laos, and Cambodia will be strengthened and deepened. During the dialogue, both sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues of shared concern, and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining the traditional friendship, good neighbourliness, solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations. The two officials signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Vietnamese and Cambodian Ministries of National Defence on cooperation in the field of military and defence law, and the minutes of the dialogue. VNA/VNS GYEONGJU Viet Nam stands ready to cooperate with partners in implementing programmes and projects on energy, digital economy, circular economy, knowledge-based economy, and high-quality human resource training, State President Luong Cuong said at a banquet for APEC leaders, hosted by President of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Lee Jae Myung on Wednesday evening. The banquet marked the first in the series of activities for leaders within the 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders Week. Sharing Viet Nams perspective on sustainable development, President Cuong emphasised the importance of a long-term vision and a comprehensive, balanced approach. The leader stressed that joint efforts should be made to achieve the goals of peace, prosperity, and sustainable development for all economies. He affirmed that Viet Nam stands ready to engage in mediation and reconciliation efforts, help end conflicts, build and preserve peace, and actively contribute to post-conflict reconstruction efforts of the international community. Prosperity for all can only be achieved on the basis of sincere, equal, and mutually beneficial cooperation, grounded in mutual respect, the President said. He said as the host of APEC 2027, Viet Nam will work closely with other member economies to build on APECs achievements and ensure that the Asia-Pacific remains a region of opportunity and success. Viet Nam looks forward to welcoming all APEC leaders to the APEC Economic Leaders Week 2027 on the beautiful island of Phu Quoc, the leader said. In his remarks, President Lee described APEC 2025 as a milestone in efforts to promote regional cooperation for a connected, innovative, and prosperous Asia-Pacific. The RoK wishes to work with other member economies to enhance dialogue, strengthen trust, and take collective action for peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region, he said. VNA/VNS GYEONGJU President Luong Cuong has proposed that Viet Nam and the US soon conclude negotiations on a reciprocal trade agreement on the basis of mutual benefit and the recently issued joint statement, taking into account Viet Nams specific conditions and the importance of bilateral relations. He was speaking during a meeting with US President Donald Trump at a special dinner in honour of State leaders attending the APEC Economic Leaders Week in the Republic of Korea on Wednesday. He also called for stronger bilateral cooperation in politics-diplomacy, economy-trade, science-technology, defence-security, people-to-people exchanges, and war legacy remediation. Viet Nam welcomes the active and responsible contributions by the US in the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions, Cuong said. The two leaders spoke highly of the positive outcomes in the Viet Nam-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the past. They vowed to continue close coordination to further deepen, substantiate, stabilise and sustainably develop bilateral relations in line with the interests of the two countries, contributing positively to peace, cooperation and sustainable development in the region and the world. President Cuong congratulated the US on its achievements under President Trumps leadership and appreciated his role in promoting conflict resolution and restoring peace in several regions of the world. Viet Nam stands ready to act as a bridge and assist in seeking sustainable solutions consistent with international law for ongoing conflicts, Cuong said. President Trump reaffirmed that the US attaches great importance to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Viet Nam and highly valued Viet Nams increasing role and position as well as its vigorous efforts in reform, openness, integration and economic innovation. President Trump also welcomed Viet Nams import of US goods. Both presidents exchanged views on regional and international issues of shared concern. The US leader reaffirmed support for ASEANs centrality and appreciated Viet Nams contributions to regional and global issues. President Cuong conveyed an invitation from Viet Nams senior leaders for President Trump and the First Lady to pay an official visit to Viet Nam. President Trump expressed his memories of his previous visits to Viet Nam in 2017 and 2019, thanked the Vietnamese leaders for their invitation, and said he would arrange to visit Viet Nam in the near future. At the dinner, President Cuong also had brief meetings with the Prime Ministers of Canada, Thailand, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand. During the exchanges, the leaders commended Viet Nams all-round development in recent years and its increasingly important international role. They reaffirmed the importance of further promoting substantive and comprehensive bilateral relations in the future, as well as enhancing coordination and active participation in cooperation processes and multilateral mechanisms and forums, including APEC and ASEAN, to contribute to regional and global stability, peace, cooperation and development. VNS HA NOI The Vietnamese Party, State, and people always value and give the top priority to the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation with Laos, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man told Chief Justice of the Lao Supreme Peoples Court Viengthong Siphandon during a reception in Ha Noi on Wednesday. On the back of the long-standing bond founded by Presidents Ho Chi Minh, Kaysone Phomvihane, and Souphanouvong, he called on the current generations to continue nurturing this friendship to make it everlasting. He congratulated Laos on overcoming challenges to basically meet its 2025 socio-economic targets, successfully realise the resolution of the 11th National Party Congress and the ninth five-year socio-economic development plan, and gear up or the 12th National Party Congress slated for early 2026. The Lao official affirmed that bilateral ties have been growing, marked by frequent exchanges between leaders at bilateral, regional, and international events. She pointed to Lao Party General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisouliths recent visit to Ha Noi for the signing ceremony of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime. Highlighting judicial cooperation as a vivid reflection of political trust and mutual support between the two nations, the Lao Chief Justice said her delegations visit aims to review court-to-court progress, share updates on judicial reforms, and discuss renewal of the 2008 cooperation agreement between the two supreme courts. She also proposed enhancing collaboration among provincial courts, particularly following Viet Nams recent administrative restructuring. She expressed her wish that Chairman Man will continue to steer and support the strengthening of bilateral judicial cooperation. The host, in reply, noted that the Party Central Committees Politburo and Secretariat, under the direction of Party General Secretary To Lam, are advancing Viet Nam- Laos cooperation in economy, national defence-security, science-technology, and education. The two legislatures increased oversight of bilateral investment projects to untangle bottlenecks and accelerate progress. He cited the scheduled inauguration of Wharf No. 3 at the Laos - Viet Nam international port in Vung Ang, Ha Tinh in April as a milestone that will facilitate Laoss maritime trade access and deepen economic linkages between the two neighbours. Chairman Man praised the tangible results of cooperation between the two supreme courts in recent years, especially in personnel exchange and training, experience sharing, judicial assistance, and institutional upgrades. He welcomed the continued rotation of the biennial Viet NamLaosCambodia conference of border provincial courts, which he said underscores their role in upholding justice and citizens rights while strengthening trilateral solidarity. Applauding both sides work to finalise and soon sign a new memorandum of cooperation, he expressed confidence that the document will align with ongoing judicial reforms and the building of socialist rule-of-law states in both countries. The new framework, he said, would serve as a solid foundation to deepen cooperation in personnel training, digital transformation, and interprovincial court connectivity. He also suggested maintaining regular exchanges and mutual learning to help each side better perform duties and further solidify the Viet Nam - Laos ties. VNA/VNS HA NOI Viet Nam has mastered a series of advanced medical techniques between 2020 and 2025, not only improving public health at home but also strengthening the countrys international medical reputation. These techniques include organ transplantation, multiple-organ transplants on a single patient, foetal cardiac interventions, cardiovascular procedures, assisted reproduction (in vitro fertilisation), stem cell transplantation, robotic spinal surgery, artificial heart implantation and the use of autologous haematopoietic stem cells in cancer treatment. In several of these specialised fields, Vietnamese doctors have become mentors, transferring knowledge and skills to colleagues abroad. Within Viet Nam, such advanced techniques are continually being disseminated from central and top-tier hospitals to provincial hospitals across the country. Leading the way are the Viet NamGermany Friendship Hospital, Cho Ray Hospital and Hue Central Hospital pioneers in organ transplantation and modern medical technology. Their work has saved countless critically ill patients and given new life to thousands. With exceptional expertise, state-of-the-art equipment and dedicated medical teams, the three hospitals have become models in the health sectors patriotic emulation movement, helping Vietnamese medicine reach regional and global standards. Their achievements also highlight the power of innovation, creativity and relentless effort in improving healthcare quality and fulfilling the mission of 'caring for, protecting and enhancing peoples health' in a new era. A striking example is the first simultaneous heart-lung transplant in Viet Nam, successfully performed by doctors at the Viet NamGermany Friendship Hospital. During the seven-hour operation, the surgical team used an extracorporeal circulation system to temporarily replace the patients heart and lungs. Doctors limited fluid transfusion, used minimal anaesthetic and employed advanced haemodynamic monitoring equipment to ensure the heart functioned properly while avoiding pulmonary oedema. They also reduced the size of both lungs for a proper fit and, instead of a conventional tracheal connection, joined the two main bronchi to improve blood supply to the anastomoses. Flexible bronchoscopy was performed during surgery to assess the bronchial connections. With this landmark success, surgeons at the Viet NamGermany Friendship Hospital have placed Viet Nam among the few countries capable of performing such complex multi-organ transplants, offering new hope for patients with multiple organ failure. Ha Anh uc, Director of the Medical Service Administration under the Ministry of Health, said the achievement was not just a victory for the Viet NamGermany Friendship Hospital but a source of pride for Viet Nams entire healthcare sector. He added that the feat proved Vietnamese medicine could conquer technical heights once thought impossible, further enhancing the nations standing on the global medical map. Although Viet Nam started years behind the world, we now stand shoulder to shoulder with leading countries in organ transplantation. The expertise, coordination and determination of our doctors have made this success possible, he added. On par with global standards Viet Nam now has more than 70 assisted reproduction centres, nearly 10 of which meet international standards. Among them, two public hospitals, including the National Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, have achieved quality levels comparable to regional and international benchmarks. This is a remarkable result given that Viet Nam entered the field of reproductive medicine decades after many other countries. Today, the National Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and many other centres nationwide have adopted international quality management systems covering clinical processes, laboratory work and administration while integrating digital technologies to monitor and manage quality. Several have also obtained international certification for their quality systems. Director of the National Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Professor Nguyen Duy Anh said: Although assisted reproduction in Viet Nam developed 1520 years later than in other parts of the world, we have rapidly caught up in terms of quality. At the hospital, the success rate of assisted reproduction stands at around 60 per cent, equivalent to regional and global levels. Recently, the IVF My uc Centre (IVFMD) announced a new scientific achievement known as the 'Saigon Protocol' a groundbreaking treatment approach developed by its team, inspired by global advances in natural-cycle in vitro fertilisation (IVF without ovarian stimulation). The results of the new protocol were published in Fertility & Sterility, the official journal of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. It has also been presented at the Asia CORE 2025 Conference in Bali, Indonesia and at several other international scientific events, marking a significant milestone for Viet Nams assisted reproduction field on the global stage. Thanks to Vietnamese doctors mastery of advanced reproductive techniques, many infertile couples have realised their dream of becoming parents. The 'Saigon Protocol' offers multiple benefits. It reduces treatment costs, cutting drug expenses by about 30 per cent and eliminating the need for embryo freezing and thawing; avoids pain from hormone injections, making the process more comfortable and less stressful; and improves safety by eliminating the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation. It also shortens treatment time to a single cycle for both egg retrieval and fresh embryo transfer. Additionally, it improves embryo and endometrial quality since the endometrium is unaffected by excess hormones and embryos are not compromised by freezing, thereby enhancing embryo viability and raising success rates. VNS HA NOI The Ministry of Health aims to implement electronic medical records (EMRs) nationwide in 2025, but progress has lagged behind the September 30 target for various reasons. Trinh Xuan Toan, a resident of Thuan An Commune, has had multiple health check-ups at Gia Lam General Hospital in Ha Noi and often had to double-check to ensure he didnt miss any ultrasound or test results. Holding a stack of papers and medical booklets, he hopes the digitalisation process will be accelerated, as seen in some other hospitals. Look at all these papers! If everything could be stored on my phone, it would be so convenientno need to carry records or risk losing them. I just need my phone to look things up or share information, he told Voice of Vietnam (VOV). In todays digital age, where apps and QR code scanning are part of everyday life, most patients, apart from some elderly people less familiar with technology, support the Ministry of Healths push for EMRs. A patient who declined to be named said: Sometimes I forget my records at home. If everything were stored in the phone, it would be much easier. Doctors could instantly access a patients medical history on a phone or computer, which would really help in diagnosis and treatment. I dont think the infrastructure needs are too demanding for that. The rollout of EMRs is seen as a major breakthrough in the healthcare sectors digital transformation, paving the way for a smart healthcare system aligned with the Fourth Industrial Revolution. However, as of October 3, only 881 out of 1,645 hospitals nationwide had implemented EMRs, equivalent to 53.6 per cent of the prime ministers target. At Binh Phu General Hospital in HCM City, the EMR system was completed ahead of the September 30 deadline. Hospital director Nguyen Khac Vui said the quality management software supported medical staff effectively, storing everything digitally without the need for paper. Doctors can work faster. Patients are happier because their records are clearer and easier to track. This also helps reduce paper costs in the long run, he said. Challenges The digital transition remains slow and faces numerous obstacles at local hospitals. Pham Thanh Binh, director of Ben Tre Lung Hospital in the Mekong Delta province of Vinh Long, said the hospital had begun implementing EMRs but faced financial constraints in upgrading equipment. Many patients were also hesitant to adapt, partly due to reluctance to change and partly because some lack smartphones. The hospital currently operates both paper and electronic records. According to Associate Professor Tran Quy Tuong, chairman of the Vietnam Association for Medical Informatics and former director of the Ministry of Healths Department of Information Technology, the biggest barrier lies in unclear financial mechanisms. High upfront costs force public hospitals to divert funds from other activities, affecting operations. Weak digital infrastructure, from local networks to servers and connectivity, further limits readiness. Transitioning from manual paperwork to digital management requires changing habits, workflows and mindsets across entire hospitals. Uneven leadership commitment and limited IT skills among some staff also slow progress. To successfully implement EMRs and optimise clinical workflows while improving healthcare quality and safety, Tuong highlighted three priorities: stronger leadership from the Ministry of Health, completion of the legal and policy framework and secure financial resources. He also stressed the need for clear incentives, including rewarding hospitals that perform well and factoring EMR progress into annual performance reviews to drive leadership accountability. VNS HA NOI The Ministry of Health and global healthcare company Abbott will collaborate to improve public health, particularly in elder care, diabetes management and managing other non-communicable diseases, as well as initiatives to raise public awareness. The cooperation initiatives came after the recent meeting between Deputy Minister of Health and Chairman of the National Medical Council Prof Dr Tran Van Thuan and Abbotts delegation led by Douglas Kuo, Divisional Vice President and General Manager for Viet Nam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. At the meeting, Prof. Thuan praised Abbotts longstanding partnership with Viet Nam, noting its contributions to improving community health through science-based nutrition and healthcare initiatives. He affirmed that Viet Nam is prioritising comprehensive health management across the life cycle, from prevention and early screening to rehabilitation and long-term care, in line with the Politburo Resolution 72-NQ/TW, which aims to establish a modern, equitable, and sustainable healthcare system by 2045. Douglas Kuo highlighted Abbotts three-decade commitment to Viet Nam and its ongoing partnership in driving the national health strategy and priorities, which aim to raise life expectancy above 80 years and healthy life years beyond 71 by 2045. He also shared Abbotts contributions to tackling malnutrition and non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and cancer. Abbotts initiatives include the AFINS Clinical Nutrition Support Project, which reduced hospital malnutrition rates and trained thousands of healthcare professionals. Building on this, the Quality Improvement Programme has standardised nutrition screening across 82 hospitals, benefiting more than 2.6 million patients since 2016. The company also assisted the National Institute for Food Safety Testing and engaged in international forums like APEC 2017 to highlight Viet Nams leadership in healthcare and improved health outcomes. In addition, Abbott worked closely with the Ministry of Health to develop and implement clinical guidelines, including those for managing Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, contributing to national goals for improving maternal health and the well-being of mothers and babies. The meeting addressed challenges posed by Viet Nams rapidly ageing population, with over 60 per cent of the national disease burden linked to chronic conditions among older adults. Abbott expressed support for the countrys elderly care policies and proposed joint efforts to develop, update comprehensive clinical guidelines and build programmes to improve care for elders, diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases such as cancer. These partnerships and efforts aim for better access to health care, effective prevention and management of age-related health complications and enhancing quality of care. Abbott also pledged its continued delivery of advanced nutrition solutions, medicines, diagnostic systems, and treatment technologies, along with community programmes to support improving Vietnamese stature and public health. Deputy Minister Tran Van Thuan welcomed Abbotts proposals, assigning relevant health departments to collaborate with the company on partnership programmes for elderly care and chronic disease management, as well as public health awareness programmes. Both sides reaffirmed their shared vision of advancing healthcare quality and sustainability, underscoring the importance of science-backed solutions and collaborative action to meet Viet Nams evolving health needs. VNS HA NOI Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired an urgent meeting on Wednesday morning to direct response and recovery efforts in the face of severe and widespread flooding in central localities. The meeting was held in person at the Government headquarters in Ha Noi and online with the frontline command centre based in Hue. Deputy PM Tran Hong Ha attended the meeting from Hue, along with leaders of ministries, agencies and affected localities. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the historic floods have submerged 32 out of 40 communes and wards in Hue, impacting 35,000 households, while a Nang has seen over 75,000 households inundated. Hydropower reservoirs have been working to reduce floodwaters downstream, with the A Vuong Reservoir cutting 451 million cubic metres and the Song Bung 4 Reservoir reducing 327 million cubic metres for downstream areas. The Government and the PM had issued early and urgent directions, demanding localities and agencies take timely and efficient action in response to the floods. Over 7,000 households, or about 21,000 residents, have been evacuated from flooded and landslide-prone areas. However, as heavy rains continue, Chinh urged provinces and cities to stay on high alert and strictly follow instructions outlined in official dispatches. Reporting from Hue, Deputy PM Ha said local authorities have responded promptly, supported by accurate forecasts. The armed forces have played a proactive role in rescue and evacuation operations from the outset. Despite large-scale flooding, local authorities and communities have been working tirelessly to support affected residents. Chinh stressed that this is one of the most severe rain and flood events ever recorded in the central region, with rainfall reaching unprecedented levels in several areas. He commended the early and active response by ministries, sectors and local authorities, but said stronger efforts are needed to ensure timely information, reporting and implementation of measures to protect peoples lives and property. The PM ordered full compliance with official directives, continued emergency response and recovery efforts, and quick assessment and reporting on preliminary damage to the Politburo, the Party Secretariat and authorised agencies. He requested local governments promptly visit and support affected families, especially those with deceased or missing members, and provide all necessary assistance. Evacuation and relief operations must continue to bring people to safety and ensure basic necessities for them, he said. By all means, we must reach isolated areas and ensure people have food, drinking water and essential supplies. No one should be left hungry or cold, the PM added. Noting that local authorities should proactively request food relief when necessary, Chinh also instructed that two tonnes of dry food be delivered immediately to Hue, with Military Region 5 in the area coordinating transportation. The armed forces were ordered to continue relief delivery to flooded and isolated communities. The Ministry of National Defence, Military Region 5 and the Ministry of Public Security were asked to mobilise personnel and equipment for disaster response. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and the Ministry of Health were directed to ensure adequate food, clean water and medical supplies for residents. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Science and Technology were assigned to restore power and telecommunications services as soon as possible to keep people informed. The Government leader also called for immediate planning to restore normal life once floodwaters recede, including reopening schools, hospitals and public service centres. At the same time, relevant forces stand ready with personnel, equipment and supplies to assist with road cleaning, environmental sanitation, disease prevention and the swift restoration of production after the floods. To support recovery, the PM asked ministries and the banking system to implement relief policies on tax, credit and insurance for flood-hit residents and businesses. The Ministry of Finance was tasked with immediately allocating VN150 billion (US$5.7 million) to support Hue. Deputy PM Ha will continue to oversee on-site operations and report directly to the PM. VNA/VNS KIEN GIANG Forty passengers and crew members were safely rescued early Wednesday morning after a passenger ferry caught fire off the coast of Phu Quoc Island in southern Viet Nam, authorities said. According to the Office of the National Civil Defence Steering Committee, the incident occurred at around 3:40am on Wednesday when the Kim Thuy Lam ferry, carrying 40 people, suddenly caught fire about 14 nautical miles east of Phu Quoc Island. All passengers and crew members put on life jackets as the captain sent an emergency distress signal requesting immediate assistance. The Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre (VMRCC) quickly issued a maritime alert, maintained radio contact, provided medical guidance, and directed the ferry to move closer to shore for support. Meanwhile, the An Giang Provincial Civil Defence Command, the Border Guard Command, the Navy, and the Coast Guard deployed vessels operating nearby to assist with the rescue operation. By 5:20am, the Kim Thuy Lam ferry had safely reached Bai Vong Port on Phu Quoc, and all passengers and crew were evacuated without injury, according to a report from the VMRCC. Border Guard forces and other agencies are now working to assess the damage and support post-incident recovery efforts. Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the fire. VNS HCM CITY Viet Nam Coast Guard Region No 3 Command in HCM City on Tuesday (October 28) launched a campaign to strengthen patrol, inspection, and control activities to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. At a conference held in Phuoc Thang Ward, Colonel Nguyen Minh Khanh, Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff of the Coast Guard Region No 3 Command, assigned tasks to forces and vessels participating in the operation. Under the plan, a fleet consisting of three vessels two from the Coast Guard Region No 3 Command and one from Border Guard Flotilla 18 will conduct coordinated patrols and inspections in assigned maritime areas. The forces will apply comprehensive surveillance and reconnaissance measures to ensure no fishing boats are missed, particularly those that have lost connection with their vessel monitoring systems (VMS). All fishing vessels showing signs of violation, operating outside permitted areas, or falling under the three nos category (no registration, no licence, no VMS) will be strictly inspected and handled. Khanh urged all units to uphold a high sense of responsibility, complete preparations in terms of personnel, equipment, and logistics, and carry out missions in line with legal regulations, ensuring absolute safety during operations. He emphasised the need for daily reporting to ensure timely updates and appropriate direction from commanders. The campaign demonstrates the Coast Guards firm commitment to implementing the Prime Ministers directive and the Ministry of National Defences orders, with a determination to put an end to IUU violations before the European Commissions (EC) fifth inspection visit to Viet Nam. The goal is to contribute to the national effort to have the ECs yellow card warning lifted in 2025. During the mission, Coast Guard units will also work closely with local authorities and relevant agencies to handle violations, conduct public outreach to raise fishermens awareness of legal compliance, prevent foreign fishing boats from encroaching on Vietnamese waters, and stand ready for search and rescue and other urgent missions when required. The city has reported no cases of local fishing vessels being seized by foreign authorities since the beginning of 2025 a significant milestone reflecting the citys progress in combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Earlier, the municipal Peoples Committee vice chairman Bui Minh Thanh led a delegation to assess anti-IUU fishing efforts at key coastal areas and ports during a field inspection on October 20. The team visited Cat Lo Fishing Port in Phuoc Thang Ward and Incomap Fishing Port in Vung Tau Ward to review the implementation of monitoring, registration and law enforcement measures. Improved monitoring and traceability have helped sustain exports and enhance product credibility. The city plans to continue strengthening management over both active and inactive vessels, ensure 100 per cent of boats at sea maintain active VMS connections, and promote sustainable fishery development. It also plans to expand education and communication programmes to help fishermen better understand legal obligations and the long-term benefits of responsible fishing. The intensified inspection and enforcement activities form part of Viet Nams broader national effort to have the ECs yellow card on seafood exports lifted, thereby safeguarding the countrys reputation and access to European markets. VNS A NANG More than 1,400 houses and rural roads in four villages in central Duy Vinh Commune have been flooded in up to three metres of water, while 2,100 villagers in the commune lack clean water as the Vu Gia-Thu Bon River has risen up to 1.3m in some places, leading to officials setting an alert to level 3. The latest report from a Nangs Storm and Flood Prevention Centre released at 10am on October 29 states that more than 37 villages and residential areas in lowlands and near river banks are listed in the flood-affected zone. The area is expected to face more difficulties in traffic, logistics and safety for the next several days. Volunteer groups have called for donations of drinking water and non-perishable food for delivery to patients and doctors at ien Ban General Hospital, 30km south of downtown a Nang, where floodwater has limited access for vehicles. Rescue forces, army and police units have been mobilised to support landslide-threatened areas in mountain villages 140-170km southwest of a Nang. The Tra Tan Peoples Committee reports that traffic in Ngoc Giac and ATeep villages is completely blocked by landslides. Authorities also said that Aur Village, situated deep in the jungle, has been isolated, although rescue teams are approaching the area. HA NOI Party General Secretary To Lam on Wednesday sent a letter to extend his heartfelt sympathy and deepest condolences to all people affected by the recent natural disasters in the central region. While working abroad, I have been closely following the situation at home with deep concern and distress, he said, offering sincere condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones in floods and landslides, and warm encouragement to those who are injured, isolated or still struggling without electricity, clean water or safe shelter. He also highly appreciated and commended the sense of responsibility, timeliness, dedication and courage shown by local Party committees and authorities, especially at the grassroots level, as well as by other forces such as police, armed forces, medical workers, youth volunteers, rescue and relief teams, businesses and residents. "Many officers, soldiers and citizens have risked their own safety to evacuate people and deliver food, warm clothes and medicine to flooded and isolated areas. Such compassion and solidarity reflect the Vietnamese tradition of sharing rice and clothing, and embody the enduring strength of the Vietnamese spirit, he said. He called on all Party committees, authorities, the Vietnam Fatherland Front and mass organisations in disaster-hit localities, particularly those from provinces from Ha Tinh to Quang Ngai, to continue giving their utmost focus to the urgent task of rescuing people and protecting lives above all else. He also ordered immediate reviews, warnings and evacuations in areas at risk of flash floods and landslides. No citizen should be left hungry, cold or isolated without timely assistance. Temporary safe shelters, clean water, medicine and special care must be ensured for the elderly, children, pregnant women and other vulnerable groups, he said. VNS KUALA LUMPUR The Vietnamese Embassy in Malaysia has recently conducted a consular visit to 11 Vietnamese fishermen detained for illegal fishing in Sabah state as part of the efforts to protect Vietnamese citizens abroad and lift the European Councils yellow card warning on illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. According to the embassys First Secretary Nguyen Tran Trung, the trip was carried out with the coordination and support of Malaysias federal authorities and Sabah state. The 11 fishermen, on board two unregistered fishing vessels, were arrested by Malaysian maritime authorities on September 15 and are being held in Kota Kinabalu. Embassy representatives met with officials from Sabahs Prison Department, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA)s office in Sabah, and the management of the Kota Kinabalu detention facility to obtain detailed information about the case, the conditions of detention, and the ongoing investigation process. According to the embassy, the fishermen have been in a stable condition. The embassy requested the detention facility to provide them with food and essential supplies, ensuring minimum living condition for the detainees. The fishermen told the embassy that two brokers took them to Malaysia for illegal fishing. The embassy reaffirmed the Vietnamese States consistent policy of building a sustainable and responsible fisheries sector and determination to strictly combat and handle any IUU fishing practice. It also urged the Malaysian authorities to ensure humane treatment of the fishermen and to respect their legitimate rights and interests in accordance with international law and norms. Immediately after the incident, the embassy coordinated closely with Malaysian authorities to implement citizen protection measures. VNA/VNS KUALA LUMPUR Malaysia has officially handed over the ASEAN chairmanship to the Philippines, which will host it in 2026. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim handed over the gavel to the Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr as a symbolic gesture of the handover. In his closing remarks, Anwar said it was a privilege to host leaders in Kuala Lumpur, describing the experience as illuminating. In todays world, where constancy is a rare virtue, Shakespeare warns us against being slaves to passion and urges, and that we should be guided by reason to remain steadfast amidst the stirrings and frenzies of the moment. That must be Aseans way if we are to endure, said Anwar during the closing ceremony of the 47th ASEAN Summit here on Tuesday. We also take quiet satisfaction in seeing conversations unfold among partners and powers beyond these walls. We revive dialogues, build new bridges, and prove that ASEANs missionary, when guided by patience and reason, still works. We recognise that no chairmanship, not even a generation, can right every wrong. Some crisis will persist. Some lives remain shadowed by fear and want. Yet history seldom lives. I therefore thank again, from the bottom of my heart, to every member state, our dialogue partners, and the ASEAN Secretariat for their perseverance, patience, and cooperation. Without their steadfast support, purpose will have spoken loudly but achieved little, he added. The Prime Minister also extended his gratitude to the people of Malaysia for making Malaysias chairmanship a success. Before I conclude, allow me to express my deepest gratitude to the officials, volunteers and partners whose devotion, stamina and professionalism have made this chairmanship possible. I also wish to thank the people of Malaysia for their patience and generosity throughout this demanding year. You, fellow Malaysians, welcome our guests with warmth, he said. Adapted to every disruption. It reminded the region that hospitality is not just our custom, but our character. In your hands, thousands, from the airport to the police on the ground, duty became service, and service became love of the country, he added. He said a new chapter for ASEAN would begin on the first day of 2026, as the Philippines takes on the chairmanship. He also extended his best wishes to Marcos as Manila would be leading ASEAN next year. The Star/ANN This milestone marks a significant achievement for MSB and underscores ACCAs growing influence in driving global professional standards within Vietnams financial sector. The certification ceremony took place on October 27 in Hanoi, as part of the strategic MoU signing between ACCA and MSB, alongside a panel discussion. With this recognition, MSB joins the network of organisations accredited by ACCA for providing a globally standardised environment for professional growth and talent development. MSB and ACCA representatives at the certification ceremony in Hanoi on October 27, marking a new milestone in their strategic partnership to promote global professional standards and sustainable growth in Vietnams financial sector. Photo: ACCA Vietnam According to To Quoc Hung, country manager of ACCA Vietnam and board member of Britcham Vietnam, the certification represents the result of close collaboration and a rigorous evaluation process based on ACCAs global standards. ACCA highly values MSBs people development strategy, particularly its efforts in fostering a culture of continuous learning, nurturing capabilities, and inspiring employees to reach their full potential, Hung said. Partners like MSB not only contribute to enhancing professional standards in Vietnam but also play a key role in shaping the next generation of financial leaders. He further emphasised that ACCA continues to expand strategic partnerships with leading financial institutions in Vietnam to help them develop specialised human resources amid the growing integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into the global financial system. As Vietnamese banks move towards international governance standards, aligning workforce capabilities with globally recognised qualifications such as ACCA is no longer optional, it is essential for integration, Hung noted. For MSB, the certification serves as a strong validation of its long-term investment in people, a core pillar in the banks comprehensive transformation journey. We dont see people as resources but as the lifeblood of our organisation. Each individual brings unique aspirations and values. When we empower them to grow, we are not only developing human capital but also building a better future, said Nguyen Hoang Linh, CEO of MSB. According to MSB representatives, the certification marks a strategic milestone in the banks 2024-2027 human resource development roadmap, aiming to nurture a team of globally competent financial professionals with expertise in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), Basel III/IV, and proficiency in data analytics and automation. Echoing this view, Nguyen Ngoc Cuong, human resources director at MSB, said that embedding ESG principles into their human resource strategy has been a core direction of the bank for over three years. We are integrating ESG principles into our organisational culture, from fair recruitment and transparent training to data-driven governance. The success of every employee must be sustainable, aligned with the balanced growth of both the organisation and society, Cuong shared. With a network of more than 247,000 members and 526,000 students worldwide, ACCA is one of the most influential accounting and finance professional bodies in Vietnam. The growing number of banks attaining ACCA Approved Employer certification reflects an inevitable trend of aligning domestic talent development and professional ethics with international standards. Under the new partnership, ACCA will work closely with MSB to deliver specialised internal training programmes designed to equip finance and accounting teams with international expertise while embedding ESG and digital transformation perspectives into daily practice. Experts exchange insights during the panel discussion. Photo: ACCA Vietnam The panel discussion, held alongside the certification ceremony, brought together leading experts and business leaders to discuss the theme From ESG to Human Resource Strategy - Partnering to Shape Sustainable Growth Standards. Nguyen Thi Nguyet Anh, operations officer, country advisory and economics of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), highlighted that ESG is no longer an academic concept but a strategic compass for sustainable development in the financial and banking sector. When banks invest in human development, foster inclusivity, and empower employees, they are also building trust, their most valuable asset. Putting people at the centre transforms ESG from a declaration into a practical journey towards responsible and human-centric growth. Nguyen Viet Thinh, FCCA and member of the ACCA Vietnam Member Committee, shared that ESG has become inseparable from modern corporate growth strategies. Finance professionals today are not merely record-keepers or controllers, they are strategic enablers of sustainable development, bridging financial data with ESG values, Thinh remarked. He also noted that Vietnam is entering a stage where ESG reporting under IFRS S1 and S2 standards will soon become mandatory. Developing a workforce proficient in green finance, non-financial risk management, and sustainability reporting is vital for maintaining competitiveness, he added. At the same event, Ngo Anh Nguyen, director of MSBs Human Capital Strategy Centre, highlighted that the bank is rolling out a series of ESG-driven initiatives across its human resource and organisational management practices. The S in ESG not only represents people, but also the environment where they live and work. MSBs construction of its new head office, with an open, eco-friendly design, ample green spaces, and dedicated wellness areas, illustrates how the bank translates its values into action, Nguyen said. She further emphasised that being recognised as an ACCA Approved Employer affirms MSBs commitment to nurturing internationally qualified professionals. To pursue sustainable development under the ESG framework, people remain the cornerstone, Nguyen asserted. Hoang Phuong Linh, head of investor relations and secretary of the ESG Committee, added that since 2022, MSB has advanced numerous internationally aligned training programmes on risk management, green project assessment, and sustainable product development, in collaboration with global financial organisations. Many of our staff have participated in advanced training programmes both domestically and abroad, strengthening their expertise and ESG mindset. This foundation allows MSB to build a professional, sustainability-oriented workforce while enhancing its ability to attract and retain talent, Linh said. From a broader perspective, Hung noted that ESG is fundamentally reshaping corporate governance and investment decision-making worldwide. ESG risk management is now integral to financial operations. Integrating sustainability-related risk and opportunity information into financial reporting is a growing demand among international investors, he explained. Vietnam needs to accelerate building a sustainable finance framework aligned with global standards as it advances the IFC initiative. This will boost cross-border capital flows and ESG adoption, while banks aligning their talent strategies with international standards will gain a competitive edge, Hung added. Concluding the session, experts agreed that to make ESG a long-term growth driver, Vietnam must advance on three key fronts: improving the regulatory framework, enhancing corporate governance capacity, and developing a financial workforce equipped with sustainable thinking. Founded in 1991, MSB is among Vietnams largest joint-stock commercial banks. Over more than three decades of development, driven by its pioneering spirit and the collective strength of its founding shareholders, MSB has achieved multiple milestones in Vietnams financial landscape. The bank continues to lead in applying advanced technology and pursuing sustainable growth, while its extensive social initiatives reflect a strong commitment to creating long-term value for the community. Techcom Capital joins ACCAs network of Approved Employers The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and Techcom Capital Management JSC held a ceremony to mark Techcom Capitals official recognition as an ACCA Approved Employer on August 1. ACCA builds new generation of financial leaders in Vietnam The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) celebrated its New Member Ceremony on October 13 and 14 in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, highlighting the theme Legacy of Leadership. Many localities and developers have started shifting towards greener, smarter, and more integrated industrial areas. Could you please elaborate on the significance for the market? Truong Gia Bao, vice chairman and secretary general of the Vietnam Industrial Real Estate Association Next-generation industrial parks (IPs) are an inevitable trend towards sustainable development. Instead of merely focusing on infrastructure for lease, these projects aim to create a comprehensive ecosystem integrating production, living, and service functions. Specifically, this model includes green manufacturing zones, smart factories, logistics hubs, research and development centres, workers housing, social amenities, and especially on-site renewable energy systems such as rooftop solar power. Currently, around 20 green-smart IPs are being piloted in provinces such as Bac Giang, Binh Duong, Dong Nai, and Hung Yen. A typical example is Vietnam-Singapore IP III in Binh Duong, with an investment of $1 billion and a 200 MWp solar power system. The proportion of IPs equipped with renewable energy infrastructure or circular water treatment systems has reached 28 per cent and is expected to rise to 45 per cent by 2030. For overseas investors, these parks clearly demonstrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments. Many global corporations now choose to locate factories only in IPs that meet green standards to ensure their global supply chains comply with international environmental regulations. Therefore, Vietnams adoption of this model will help enhance its national competitiveness. How does this new model differ from traditional ones in terms of planning, infrastructure investment, and operation management? The core difference lies in multi-functional planning and digitalised management. New IPs are not just production zones but also hubs for innovation, logistics, workforce training, and technological advancement. Infrastructure is comprehensively integrated with renewable energy, circular water systems, smart waste management, and real-time environmental monitoring. In particular, operations are digitalised through centralised data platforms, allowing investors to monitor, control, and optimise operational costs. This approach transforms IPs into multi-value economic platforms, rather than merely physical infrastructure as in the past. How will green and digital factors influence the competitiveness and value of industrial real estate in the coming years? These two factors not only influence but reshape the entire market. IPs adopting comprehensive green management and digital transformation models achieve higher operational efficiency, lower energy costs, and easier access to green financing. According to PwC Vietnams 2025 ESG Practice Progress Survey Report, 60 per cent of foreign investors in Vietnam consider ESG criteria a mandatory factor when choosing investment locations. Digitally managed IPs typically reduce operating costs by 15-20 per cent and increase labour productivity by about 10 per cent. At the same time, global investors, especially ESG funds, now prioritise green and smart standards in project evaluations. Hence, in the near future, the market value of industrial real estate will no longer be measured by land area, but by sustainability, automation, and operational efficiency. What policies should be prioritised or introduced to accelerate the development of IPs aligned with new foreign investment trends? We believe a systemic policy framework should focus on several key pillars, including institutional reform in terms of streamlining procedures, and infrastructure planning to synchronise transport, energy, and logistics development. Other aspects include green finance, which offers credit incentives and tax reductions for ventures meeting ESG standards; and human capital, which provide specialised training in IP management, digital technology, and renewable energy. In addition, a pilot mechanism for smart, green, and integrated IPs similar to high-tech zones should be introduced to create exemplary models for nationwide replication. How do you assess the performance of Vietnams industrial real estate market in 2025? 2025 has been a year of adjustment and resilience for Vietnams industrial real estate market. Given the shifting dynamics of global trade and supply chains, it has been a challenging period, particularly as foreign direct investment (FDI) remains the primary growth driver of the market. While growth momentum slowed in the first half of the year amid global economic turbulence, the market is showing clear signs of recovery and stabilisation. Vietnams consistent macroeconomic policy, proactive diplomacy, and stable investment and political environment have played a key role in restoring investor confidence. The back-on-track momentum is increasingly evident, driven by ongoing supply chain diversification, government support for manufacturing and infrastructure development, and sustained interest from multinational corporations seeking long-term production bases in Vietnam. How has SLP navigated Vietnams industrial real estate landscape amid turbulence in the global economy? At SLP, we have remained focused and disciplined in our approach to navigating the current market environment. Our priority is to strengthen relationships with our existing customer base. Most of our tenants have long-term plans in Vietnam, and while short-term macroeconomic headwinds may temporarily affect their operations, their overall strategic commitment to the country remains firm. We continue to support them as they expand their footprint and optimise operations. In parallel, we are diversifying our customer portfolio through new channels and networks, with a particular emphasis on domestic enterprises that are emerging as significant drivers of industrial demand. Additionally, SLP has introduced a range of commercial and operational initiatives designed to enhance customer experience, providing greater certainty, flexibility, and comfort in their partnership with us. This customer-centric approach has helped SLP maintain a resilient performance despite global volatility. Could you tell us about some SLP-invested projects underway and in the pipeline? We are very proud that SLP continues to lead the market in terms of operational performance. Our portfolio has achieved an average lease ratio exceeding 91 per cent, reflecting both the quality of our assets and the confidence of our customers. Building on this strong foundation, SLP plans to commence the construction of several new projects next year. These developments are aligned with our long-term vision to expand in key strategic locations and support both foreign and domestic manufacturers who view Vietnam as a favourable and sustainable investment destination. Our continued pipeline growth underscores our confidence in Vietnams industrial and logistics real estate potential. SLP Park Bac Ninh reached over 95 per cent occupancy in just over 6 months, demonstrating SLPs capability in delivering high-demand industrial and logistics facilities. What are the factors contributing to the success of SLPs projects in Vietnam? Quality, consistency, and customer know-how are the main factors that we focus on. From the outset, SLP has prioritised delivering world-class facilities built to international standards. The quality of our developments has been proven in practice, not only through strong customer satisfaction but also through performance under challenging conditions. Our facilities have demonstrated exceptional resilience during recent extreme weather events in northern Vietnam, ensuring uninterrupted operations for our tenants a critical factor in maintaining supply chain stability. Equally important is the consistency of quality and service across our entire portfolio. SLP applies the same rigorous standards to every project, ensuring that customers experience reliability and excellence at each location. Moreover, our deep industry knowledge and customer understanding enable us to streamline the onboarding and operational processes, reducing lead times, simplifying licensing, and providing comprehensive technical guidance. This integrated approach allows SLP to deliver facilities that not just meet, but anticipate the operational and sustainability needs of our customers. SLP at the forefront of changes in Vietnam's industrial property market As Vietnams industrial property landscape is changing with more institutional players, SLP, a leading industrial and logistic infrastructure developer worldwide, is at the forefront of the changes. Operational efficiency is ensured via SLPs offerings SLP, a part of GLP, is poised to expand its impact on Vietnams industrial and logistics infrastructure with its robust investments in modern warehouses and factory facilities. Edwin Chee, chief operating officer of SLP Vietnam, discussed with VIRs Thanh Van his insights into the emerging trends in the Vietnamese market and the companys strategies to unlock potential. Wrexham army veteran to Join Help for Heroes Delegation at Cenotaph Parade An army veteran from Wrexham will join 10,000 others from the veteran community at the Cenotaph Parade in London on Sunday, 9 November. Chris Jones, 55, has been invited to be part of the Help for Heroes delegation, which will see nearly 50 veterans, along with their carers and support staff, marching to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Chris and his partner Emma know only too well about the personal sacrifices made by so many people. Emmas Great Uncle John Caplen, who was a Gunner in the Royal Artillery Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment, never fully recovered from his time in a Japanese Prisoner of War camp. Her other Great Uncle Major George Lewis was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal and the Burma Star and was with the Royal Signals Regiment at Fawley Court as part of the Special Operations Executive. This is Chris first time at the Cenotaph and he said he will be thinking of John and George and everything they went through while he is there. Chris said: Its difficult to comprehend the horrors that people went through during the First and Second World Wars and in other conflicts since then, to protect us and preserve our freedoms. As the nation remembers the fallen, Im asking the public to join me in making a promise to todays veterans and their families so every person who serves knows they will be supported when their service ends. Chris was serving as a driver with the Royal Corps of Transport, when he suffered a life-changing road accident that left him in a coma for five months. He now lives with chronic pain, along with chronic rheumatoid arthritis and he lost his hearing completely in 1992. His anxiety and PTSD began to spiral down during lockdown, which is when he got in touch with Help for Heroes. Chris added: I think Remembrance is important because its the one time in the year where people stand together in unity, to think about the sacrifices of others. Rob Marston, Services Director for Help for Heroes added: As we join the nation to commemorate the men and women who lost their lives while serving our country, Help for Heroes also remembers those still fighting their own battles today. We remain at the side of veterans like Chris and their families who are struggling with painful injuries, mental trauma, isolation, and more providing life-changing support for as long as it takes. Thats why its more important than ever that the public makes a promise to stand alongside our veterans to ensure they get the support they deserve. Demand for support from charities like Help for Heroes continues to grow. Every day, five people leave the Armed Forces because of injury or illness, and 40 per cent of medically discharged veterans feel unprepared for civilian life. Nearly half of veterans (48.7 per cent) report living with a disability, highlighting the challenges many continue to face after leaving service3. Help for Heroes champions the Armed Forces community and helps people live well after service. The Charity supports veterans and their families with their physical and mental health, as well as welfare and social needs. It has already supported tens of thousands and wont stop until every veteran gets the support they deserve. The Charity supports veterans from any branch of the UK military regulars or reserves irrespective of length or place of service, and locally embedded civilians who worked under the command of UK Armed Forces. A habitual criminal was sentenced to 12.5 years in prison after pleading guilty to several crimes including stealing a car and using someone else's credit card. The Washoe County District Attorney's Office says Philip Mayfield will be eligible for parole after five years. Prosecutors say when police made a traffic stop on Mayfield last November, they saw drugs inside the car and that a subsequent search also turned up multiple stolen credit cards and an ID. Then in July, officers came across a stolen car in a casino parking lot and when Mayfield and someone else went inside, they were detained. When questioned, prosecutors say he gave officers another person's ID and said that he was that person, despite Mayfields actual ID card also being in the wallet. Authorities say a records check also revealed there were three active warrants out for his arrest. Mayfields criminal history includes five prior felonies, 18 misdemeanors, and one gross misdemeanor. (The Washoe County District Attorney's Office contributed to this report.) Carys Zeta Douglas likes to steal her mom Catherine Zeta-Jones' clothes. Catherine Zeta-Jones' daughter loves her clothes Catherine, 56, and her 81-year-old husband, Michael Douglas' 22-year-old daughter, feels she does not need to buy garments because her mom's "wonderful" closet meets her needs. Carys told People: "I feel I love vintage clothes. I don't really like to buy. I'm not really into fast fashion stuff, just for sustainability reasons, so I feel very lucky that I have a wonderful closet that I can pick from." However, she admitted to taking "a little too much" from Catherine's closet. Laughing, Carys said: "She's like, 'Is that my bag?' I'm like, 'I don't know. I don't think so.'" The aspiring actress has a degree in Film and International Relations, and she hopes to follow in her mom and dad's acting footsteps. Carys shared: "I grew up doing theatre, and I didn't study acting in school, but that's why I'm happy to be in such an informative arts space, so hopefully more of that." Catherine previously shared her belief that her kids acting ambitions show the power of genetics. The Wednesday star and her Basic Instinct actor spouse have always encouraged Dylan, 25, and Carys to follow other passions, but their brood want to become actors. In January, Catherine told Britains HELLO! magazine: We never took them on location. If I was working, Michael wasnt and vice versa. "But theyre very smart and they went to great schools and they love to learn. "They both studies politics and history, and international relations. "But they went to summer camp with the drama kids and it really is amazing what the geneaology is These kids are just inherently passionate about the craft. "Michael and I have told them about the percentage of actors who dont work. And with all those negatives, they still want to." The Mask of Zorro actress has lived an incredible life, and she wants her children to also. Catherine said: "Its taken me on a path and a life that was beyond my wildest dreams. "And so I wouldnt deny that to anybody, especially my children. "Do they have an extra hurdle to jump? Yes because theyre the children of Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones and the grandkids of Kirk Douglas. "They may have to work a little bit harder and overcome people who have an idea that theyre privileged. "But I would never quash anyones dreams, especially my children." Connie Nielsen had to wear a costume that "weighed 400 pounds" for her role in new TV series Robin Hood. Connie Nielsen and Sean Bean at Robin Hood screening in London / Credit: Sophie Pettifer The 60-year-old actress plays Eleanor of Aquitaine in the new epic drama about the English folklore hero and she has revealed that the gown and hair she had to wear for her role in the Middle Ages-set series took a physical toll. Speaking at the London screening of MGM+s Robin Hood on Tuesday night (28.10.25), she said: "That costume weighed 400 pounds, and the hair was another 200 pounds - it was so warm on those stages it became a moment of forgetting how your body feels." Connie stars in the series alongside Sean Bean as the Sheriff of Nottingham, Jack Patten as Robin Hood, Lauren McQueen as Marian and Steven Waddington as the Earl of Huntingdon among other castmates. The series was filmed in Serbia and Connie has praised writers and executive producers John Glenn and Jonathan English for making the show historically accurate as well as appearing grandiose on screen. She said: "I had no idea about the actual period that it was placed in and I had no idea just how much work they had done to make it historically interesting. Im very excited for people to see it, I just know theyre going to really love it. I saw the first episode and I never watch anything I do but I saw the first episode in Los Angeles last week and it was spectacular. Its very hard for a TV sized project to be screened on the big screen, so I think everyone was a little nervous about what it would look like, would it translate well, and it did. It was incredible. It looked like a film, it looked amazing." Connie's co-star Sean, 66, brought all his experience of horse riding and sword fighting from his previous performances in Game of Thrones, Sharpe and The Lord of the Rings to his role as the Sheriff of Nottingham. He said: "Its always a joy to ride horses in anything really and I was just on a horse all day on set. "Ive rode a few horses in me time and he was a good one. "We then had the sword fighting; me and Jack had some great fights. I love that aspect to [the job]." Robin Hood will premiere exclusively on MGM+ on 2 November 2025. Laura Suter, Director of Personal Finance at AJ Bell, comments: Labour have already played fast and loose with their commitment not to raise taxes for working people. They hiked national insurance last year but claimed it didnt break the pledge as employers had to foot the bill. They also continued the freeze on income tax bands, started by the Conservatives, which amounted to a tax increase without explicitly hiking income tax. So it wouldnt be a shock if the manifesto pledge was quietly ignored and income tax was hiked. The government is faced with the simple issue of having a fiscal hole to fill and needing to raise money to do so. With an estimated shortfall of 30 billion, its not going to be an easy gap to plug. While tinkering with other taxes may raise small amounts here and there, an increase to income tax raises a big chunk of money in one move approximately 7bn by the Governments own estimates. At the same time there arent the same pesky industry groups or lobbying firms that will voice opposition to the move, like weve seen with the changes to inheritance tax on farms. Make no mistake, a move that hits every income taxpayer in the UK is not going to go down well with the public, with a cost of just over 1 a day for those earning around 50,000. But its unlikely to lead to protests in the street and persistent headlines in the papers, like weve seen with farmers after last years changes to IHT. How much would a 1p rise in income tax cost? If government wanted to change income tax, the most straightforward option would be to add 1p to the basic rate of tax, increasing it from 20% to 21%. That would cost taxpayers up to 377 a year in extra tax, with anyone earning 50,270 or more facing the maximum hit. A more nuclear option would be to add 1 percentage point onto all income tax rates, also taking the higher rate up to 41% and the additional rate to 46%. While its possible income tax rates could be hiked across the board, higher and additional rate taxpayers already account for a disproportionate share of the income tax take. Whats more, increasingly aggressive rates risk discouraging people from taking promotions and progressing their career. An increase to the basic rate is easier to position as a shared burden since it affects almost all workers, as well as pensioners and some savers. Probably more of a motivation for the government is that increasing the higher and additional rates of tax raises far less money than changing the basic rate. Based on HMRC figures increasing the basic rate to 21% would raise 6.9 billion in the next tax year and 23.4 billion over the next three years. In comparison, hiking the higher rate to 41% would raise 1.6 billion next year and increasing the additional rate to 46% would raise a relatively paltry 145 million in extra tax revenue. Are other options available? One option put forward by the Resolution Foundation is raising income tax but offsetting the impact on employees with an equivalent cut to national insurance. That would raise overall tax rates for pensioners, landlords, savers and perhaps those with dividend income too, while offsetting the impact on workers. Given the manifesto pledge focused on workers a definition the government tied itself in knots trying to pin-down the chancellor may be able to argue this policy raises taxes without breaking the spirit of the pre-election promise. It's also quite possible Reeves will extend the current freeze on tax thresholds beyond April 2028. This stealth tax, first initiated under the last government, has already heaped billions onto the nations income tax bills. Keeping it in place helps raise tax revenues without increasing the headline rate of taxation. In fact, its entirely possible we see a double-whammy of an increase in income tax rates and an extension to the threshold freeze. Amit Shah Slams Lalu and Sonia: "Both CM and PM Seats Are Not Vacant" 2 Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a sharp attack on the opposition INDIA bloc on Wednesday, alleging that RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav wants to make his son Tejashwi Yadav the Chief Minister of Bihar, while Congress leader Sonia Gandhi dreams of seeing her son Rahul Gandhi as Prime Minister. But both posts are not vacant, Shah quipped, addressing a massive rally in Darbhanga, Bihar. He described the Mahagathbandhan as a thug bandhan, accusing its leaders of being neck-deep in corruption. Lalu Prasad is involved in fodder, bitumen, and land-for-jobs scams, while the Congress party is responsible for corruption worth 12 lakh crore, Shah alleged. Highlighting the Centres crackdown on radical outfits, Shah said, The NDA government banned the Popular Front of India (PFI) and arrested its members. Do you think RJD will keep them in jail if they return to power? The Home Minister listed several developmental projects initiated by the NDA government in Bihar, including free ration for 8.52 crore beneficiaries, 125 units of free electricity for domestic consumers, the formation of the Makhana Board, and plans to introduce metro rail services in Darbhanga. He further mentioned the construction of an airport and an AIIMS in Darbhanga, along with a temple dedicated to Goddess Sita in Mithila. All the places visited by Sita will be linked under the Ram Circuit, Shah said, adding that Maithili has been granted official language status, the Constitution translated into it, and 500 crore allocated for a manuscript conservation centre in the region. INDIA Bloc Unveils Bihar Manifesto: Promises Govt Jobs for Every Family, Free Power, and Old Pension Scheme 2 The INDIA bloc on Tuesday unveiled its election manifesto for the upcoming Bihar Assembly polls, making a slew of populist promises including a government job for one member of every household, restoration of the old pension scheme, and 200 units of free electricity. Titled Bihar ka Tejashwi Pran (Tejashwis Resolve), the 32-page manifesto was released at a packed press conference in Patna. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav, flanked by alliance partners, called it a blueprint for Bihars development and dignity. The manifesto has 25 key points that assure practical solutions for the people, Yadav said, adding that a new employment guarantee law would be introduced within 20 days if the INDIA bloc forms the government. The alliance also pledged to roll out an employment guarantee scheme across Bihar within 20 months. The manifesto promises to make all contractual government workers permanent, including Jeevika Didis, who will receive a monthly salary of 30,000. It further outlines plans for IT parks, SEZs, dairy and agro-based industries, an education city, and five new expressways across the state. Yadav accused the ruling NDA of failing Bihar and said people now want a government focused on padhai (education), dawai (healthcare), kamai (employment), and sichai (irrigation). He alleged that the BJP had turned Chief Minister Nitish Kumar into a puppet, while Home Minister Amit Shah had already dismissed Kumar as the NDAs CM face. The Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act has failed completely. If voted to power, the INDIA bloc will lift the ban on toddy (tari), Yadav declared. Calling the manifesto a roadmap for Bihars resurgence, Yadav said, Its a resolution to make Bihar number one. All prominent INDIA bloc leaders were present at the release event, including Congress leader Pawan Khera, CPI(ML) Liberation general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya, and VIP party chief Mukesh Sahni. Congress confirmed that Rahul Gandhi will join the INDIA blocs campaign trail in Bihar starting Wednesday. Mumbai EOW Arrests Key Accused in Rs 2.88-Crore Fake Government Job Scam 2 The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police has arrested Ravindra More, one of the key accused in the 2.88-crore fake government job scam that duped dozens of aspirants with false promises of employment. More was taken into custody during questioning at the EOW office and is expected to be produced before the court today. Earlier, on October 10, the EOW had arrested fake IAS officer Nilesh Rathod, 35, a resident of Barshi in Solapur district, for allegedly posing as an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer and cheating 36 job seekers. Rathod had introduced himself as a Deputy Secretary with the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) and lured candidates with promises of high-paying government positions such as Income Tax Inspectors and Assistants. The accused allegedly collected large sums of money from the aspirants under the pretext of facilitating appointments through official channels. The EOW is now investigating the financial trail to trace other individuals involved in the racket and recover the defrauded amount. Image: Twitter Jan Suraaj Party founder and political strategist Prashant Kishor found himself at the centre of a controversy on Tuesday after reports surfaced that he is registered as a voter in both Bihar and West Bengal. According to official records, Kishors name appears on the electoral roll at 121, Kalighat Road in Kolkatas Bhabanipur constituency the address of the Trinamool Congress headquarters and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees seat. His polling station is listed as St Helen School on B Ranishankari Lane. Kishor had earlier worked as a political consultant for the TMC during the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections. Simultaneously, Kishor is also enrolled as a voter at his native village in Kargahar Assembly segment under Sasaram constituency in Bihars Rohtas district, where his polling booth is Madhya Vidyalaya, Konar. A senior poll official cited Section 17 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, which prohibits registration as a voter in more than one constituency. He added that such duplication could occur only if the voter failed to file Form 8, required for transferring registration upon changing residence. Reacting to the development, Jan Suraaj Party spokesperson Kumar Saurabh Singh said the Election Commission must take responsibility for the lapse. The EC had launched the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar with great fanfare, deleting many names. If such an error can occur in the case of a known personality like Prashant Kishor, one can imagine the diligence elsewhere, he remarked. While Singh maintained that Kishor is an educated man who understands his civic responsibilities, he did not clarify whether Kishor had applied to have his name removed from Bengals voter list. If the EC believes theres wrongdoing, our legal team will respond, he added. The revelation triggered sharp political reactions across party lines in Bihar. JD(U) leader Neeraj Kumar said it was amusing that Kishor, a Bihari by origin, was registered in West Bengal. We suspect he sought a Rajya Sabha seat through Mamata Banerjee after the 2021 elections, for which he needed Bengal residency. When that didnt materialize, he dramatically quit consulting, he alleged. BJP spokesperson Neeraj Kumar called it a heinous crime, not a clerical mistake, alleging Kishor was part of a vile conspiracy with the TMC to manipulate Bihar elections. He demanded a rigorous investigation by the Election Commission. RJDs Mrityunjay Tiwari said the episode exposed the farce of the Election Commissions voter roll revision process and accused Kishor of secretly working for the BJP-led NDA. The Election Commission, acknowledging that duplicate voter entries are a recurring issue, said the ongoing Special Intensive Revision exercise has already deleted over 68 lakh duplicate entries nationwide, including around seven lakh cases of voters registered in multiple constituencies. The controversy adds another layer to Kishors political journey from being one of Indias most sought-after poll strategists to leading his own political outfit in Bihar. Weapons and ammunition seized during an investigation of threat against synagogues. Clarke County Sheriff's Office A 33-year-old southwest Alabama man has been identified as a suspect accused of making threats against several synagogues in Alabama and surrounding states. Jeremy Wayne Shoemaker, of Needham in Choctaw County, was taken into custody Sunday night during a search warrant at his home. So far, Shoemaker is charged with resisting arrest and certain persons forbidden to possess a firearm. The investigation is ongoing, and more charges are expected. Last night likely acts of violence were averted before they happened, Clarke County Sheriff DeWayne Smith said Monday. The investigation began over the weekend when the FBI, the 1st Judicial Circuit District Attorney, and the 1st Judicial Circuit Special Response Team were notified of credible threats of violence against unnamed synagogues, Smith said. Shoemaker was identified as the suspect, and investigators obtained a search warrant for Shoemakers home on Turnertown Road. Authorities said they found more than a suitcase full of ammo, body armor and other items related to his alleged violent attacks. The sheriff said Shoemaker was possibly planning attacks on some public figures, and said the suspect had no intention of being taken alive. He had planned to shoot it out with the police but, due to tactics, he was unable to do so, the sheriff told television station WALA. Multiple agencies helped in the investigation and the arrest including the FBI, the Clarke County Sheriffs Office, the Choctaw Sheriffs Office, the Jackson Police Department, the Grove Hill Police Department, the Thomasville Police Department and the Butler Police Department. Shoemaker remains held on a $150,000 cash bond. His first court appearance is set for Nov. 7. A 28-year-old man is under arrest after police say he threatened on social media to kill a Birmingham officer. Ontarius Jemelle Chester, of Birmingham, is charged with second-degree making a terrorist threat. On Sunday, said Sgt. LaQuitta Wade, Chester posted the threat on Facebook. The post read, Ill kill a Birmingham police officer da (expletive) Birmingham Police Department, Alabama. Wade said police launched an immediate investigation and then obtained the misdemeanor warrant. Chester was taken into custody Tuesday by the departments Crime Reduction Team. The arrest was made in the 2600 block of Avenue G in Ensley. Chester is being held at the Birmingham City Jail. The Birmingham Police Department takes all threats against law enforcement and the community seriously, Wade said. Our department remains committed to ensuring the safety of our officers and the citizens we serve. Alabama Public Television is debating whether to sever ties with PBS, cutting off Sesame Street and similar programs. If it did APT would be the first education network in the country to do so. Federal funding cuts are at the heart of the issue. In July, President Donald Trump cut $1.1 billion in funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. On Tuesday, at a public meeting, APT board members and commissioners discussed the possible ramifications, both monetarily and politically, of continuing its longtime partnership with PBS. We have to be very careful about deciding whether to sever that relationship, APT Board Member Johnny Curry said. If you sever it, youve got to come up with 90% of your programming to replace, and that includes all of the educational programming the children watch during the day, which is the main mission of this institution. Most of CPBs funding is distributed to more than 1,500 local public radio and television stations around the country. Wayne Reid, executive director for Alabama Public Television, said APT lost over $2.8 million in grant funding from the CPB, which is about 13% of the total annual budget. The meeting The PBS partnership was not on the meeting agenda, although some board members were eager to discuss it. While some board members had no idea PBS would be discussed, others came with strong arguments and even written plans on steps to disaffiliate from the public media giant. I really wasnt prepared to hear about severing the ties, APT Commissioner Pete Conroy said. Discussions like this need to take place, but they need to have been noticed properlyHad I known what was coming, I would have been better prepared. On the other hand, APT Commissioner Les Barnett Zoomed into the meeting with a five-page document outlining a plan for disaffiliation from PBS, including examples of alternative programming. Barnett and Commissioner William Green argued that continuing APTs partnership with PBS could send a bad message to politicians like Trump, State Gov. Kay Ivey and the Republican majority House and Senate. That needs to be under consideration, PBSs negative impact on Alabama Public Television, and how it affects our ability to get money from the more conservative leaders in this state, Green said. PBS has made themselves the enemy, Barnett said. Conroy and other board members agreed that more discussion is needed before a final decision is voted on. For goodness sake, this is the future of this organization, Conroy said. Why it matters APT is the nations first educational television network. U.S. voters place more trust in public media than media overall, according to a national survey. The survey also found that 53% of U.S. voters are against eliminating all federal funding for public media, compared to 44% in support of doing so. APT is already being affected by the federal funding cuts to public broadcasting. In September, APT laid off 11 employees, about 15% of its staff, after the federal funding cuts. Of all of APTs content, 90% comes from PBS. Without PBS, APT will lose access to hallmark educational and news programming like Sesame Street, Mr. Rogers Neighborhood, Daniel Tigers Neighborhood, and PBS News Hour. One direct effect will be on a religious school in Hoover, where about 300 kids gather in the auditorium to watch Daniel Tigers Neighborhood, based on a character originally from Mr. Rogers Neighborhood, on a projector screen every morning. Church leaders are saying its just the most beautiful way to start the day, and its become a tradition and a pattern, Conroy said. I grew up with Mr. RogersI bet your folks, or your folks folks remember Sesame Street, and its kind of the backbone of the American experience in many ways. Whats next Board Member Bebe Williams suggested the board find out if APT can pick and choose what PBS programming they run before deciding whether to disaffiliate. Some board members also said they will continue looking into alterative programming. The next APT meeting will be on Nov. 18. Conroy said he hopes the public and legislators will voice their opinions about the possible severance from PBS. I would like to think that we would have time to deliberate and really get everyones opinions before we make decisions that cant be undone, Conroy said. Residents can send feedback online or by calling APTs main line and leaving a message at 205-328-8756. Slide Cafe co-owners Chef Raquel Ervin and Angel Lenzie went public this week on the extent of crime and vandalism they've experienced at Five Points South. Slide Cafe The owners of a restaurant in Five Points South say theyve had their window bashed in five times in less than two years, and theyre fed up with vandalism and crime. Slide Cafe co-owners Chef Raquel Ervin and Angel Lenzie posted on Facebook this week that their restaurant has been repeatedly attacked and shut down. They shared pictures of shattered glass. Slide Cafe, which specializes in sliders and wings, sits in Pickwick Place, just above the former Hush Lounge that was the site of a mass shooting that left four dead and 17 wounded on Sept. 21, 2024. Were tired, the owners wrote in a Facebook post. Weve Had Enough. Birmingham City Council member Crystal Smitherman, whose district includes Five Points South, mentioned the repeated vandalism in Tuesdays City Council meeting where three new council members were sworn in: Sonja Smith, Brian Gunn and Josh Vasa. This is now the fifth time in less than two years that our glass has been shattered even after moving across the breezeway to a different space, hoping things would get better, Ervin and Lenzie wrote. We are absolutely exhausted from constantly dealing with damages caused by the negligence and reckless behavior of customers from a nearby nightclub. Last year, Hush Lounge was the scene of one of the citys most heinous crimes. Every incident takes a toll not just emotionally, but financially, the Slide owners wrote. The costs of glass repairs, emergency board-ups, cleanup, and lost time keep adding up. We shouldnt have to keep paying the price, literally and figuratively, just to keep our doors open. The crime has extended to personal assaults, as well, they said. But the glass isnt even the worst of it, they wrote. In addition to several glass breaks, weve had our purse snatched, our moving truck stolen while unloading, our contractors belongings stolen while working, and even bullet holes left in our breezeway after a fight. One of us was assaulted right outside our front door. They also complained of towing misconduct and objectionable behavior by the homeless. Weve had our truck and trailer towed while unloading for a catering event, homeless disrobing inside our dining room, and others urinating, defecating, overdosing, or using drugs right outside our business sometimes in front of our customers, they wrote. We are tired of cleaning up glass in the middle of the night, of getting phone calls about new damage, and still having to show up early the same morning to open our doors and serve the community like nothing happened. Its draining, expensive, unsafe, and unfair. Smitherman called for increased police presence. It seems like theyre being targeted, she said. In December 2023, the Birmingham City Council approved a plan to expand the downtown City Action Partnership to Five Points South because of frequent crime complaints. It seems like a group of men that have been attacking (the restaurant), Smitherman said. Its just a matter of increasing patrol with Birmingham Police Department South Precinct. Whats been happening is CAPS ends at 11 p.m., and CAPS really isnt police. I asked the mayors office to help them see about getting support. Council member Vasa, who was sworn in on Tuesday, taking over the seat held since 2001 by recently retired Valerie Abbott, said public safety remains a top concern in the city. Small business owners have been dealing with a lot of issues related to crime, Vasa said. These are things that are very serious. We want to keep Birmingham a place where businesses feel welcomed and supported, where folks can go and enjoy a coffee shop or a restaurant. The problems for Slide have continued beyond the HUSH Lounge fallout. Weve tried to stay quiet, the Slide owners said. Weve tried to handle this privately and professionally. But we cant stay silent anymore. They added: We love what we do. We love our customers. We just want to operate our business in peace without fear, without damage, without chaos. It took a series of incidents to prompt their public outrage. Its time to bring public attention to whats happening in the Five Points South area, Ervin and Lenzie said. Small businesses like ours shouldnt have to keep suffering, paying, and enduring what weve been through just to survive. Dame Emma Thompson feels intense irritation with the use of AI in Hollywood. Dame Emma Thompson has slammed AI The 66-year-old actress-and-writer still pens scripts by hand before transferring her notes to her computer and she has grown increasingly infuriated when her document processing programme asks her if she wants help with tweaking her screenplays. Appearing on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, she fumed about the use of AI: Intense irritation. I cannot begin to tell you. Because I write long hand on a pad, old script actually, because I believe that there is a connection between the brain and the hand. So its very important to me. And then when Ive written something, I will put it into a Word document. "And recently, the Word document is constantly saying, Would you like me to rewrite that for you? And so I end up just going, I dont need you to rewrite what Ive just written, will you f*** off?! Just f*** off!' Im so annoyed." The host suggested Emma show her computer the Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar she won in 1995 for Sense and Sensibility. She replied: I dont think that it would care." Even before the rise of AI, the Nanny McPhee star has experienced problems with technology when working. She recalled: When I was finishing Sense and Sensibility on the computer, I came back from the bathroom to find that it had changed the entire script into hieroglyphs. The script, completely gone. I panicked. I went to Stephen Frys house because I didnt have another copy, and Steven spent 8 hours and it came out in one long sentence. I had to re-do it. The computer had taken it and hidden it like it had done it on purpose. Emma - who also won a Best Actress Oscar for Howards End in 1992 - recently admitted she never "intended" to become an actress. The Dead of Winter star, whose parents Eric Thompson and Phyllida Law are both actors, told Britain's HELLO! magazine: "I didn't grow up wanting to be an actor at all. It always seemed like a rather precarious job to me and it is! I remember wanting to be a hospital administrator at one point. "But then, somehow, I became a comedian. Acting came to me from that, rather by accident. I never intended to be doing this for a living, but it's worked out rather well." President Donald Trump speaks during an event about the relocation of U.S. Space Command headquarters from Colorado to Alabama in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, in Washington, as Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., smiles. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) AP Colorados attorney general has filed suit against the Trump administration over the White Houses decision to relocate the headquarters of U.S. Space Command from Colorado Springs to Alabama. In the complaint filed in federal court, AG Phil Weiser seeks an injunction to prohibit moving Space Command from Colorado to Huntsvilles Redstone Arsenal, saying the change was based on an illegal decision. The president could not have been clearer about his motivations for moving Space Command. He said Colorados mail-in voting system was a big factor in his decision making, Attorney General Weiser said. The Constitution does not permit the Executive Branch to punish or retaliate against states for lawfully exercising powers reserved for them, such as the power to regulate elections. If we dont take a stand now against this unconstitutional and unlawful decision, Colorado and other states that use mail-in voting will face further pressure or punishment unless they give up their constitutional authority. The complaint names President Trump, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink. The lawsuit is the 41st filed by Weiser since the Trump administration took power in January, according to The Colorado Sun. Trump announced in September he was reversing a Biden-era decision to locate Space Command headquarters in Colorado despite a study that indicated Alabama was the top choice. During the announcement, Trump said Colorados mail-in voting played a big factor in his decision. The problem with Colorado is they have a very corrupt voting system, Trump said. Any time you have mail-in voting, you have corrupt elections, very simple. In a statement, Weiser, a Democratic candidate for governor, said, there is not a shred of evidence that the outcome of any election within Colorado has been altered by fraud. The presidents decision to punish Colorado for its mail-in voting system, therefore, violates both federalism and separation-of-powers principles, the statement said. The suit also alleges the Trump administration failed to comply with federal laws that require the military to follow specific procedures before taking actions regarding the relocation of a major headquarters, including providing the congressional Armed Services Committee with the required seven-day notice related to the change. Weiser had previously indicated his intention to sue to stop the move. At that time, Alabama AG Steve Marshall said the state was ready for the fight. We would attempt to intervene, to aggressively assert Alabamas interest in preserving the decision that we saw coming from the federal government, Marshall said at the time. Were very confident in our ability to defend whatever allegations are made. Alabama Congresspeople have also reacted to the lawsuit. The Air Force implemented a revised, three-phased process at the direction of the then Secretary of Defense, culminating in the selection of Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama as the preferred location. The GAO report speaks for itself," Rep. Barry Moore, R-Enterprise, said in a message posted to X. . A group of residents from a Madison city neighborhood wants school leaders to reconsider some of their proposed zoning changes. Parents in the Oak Stone neighborhood want the school zones to stay as they are. The tight-knit community made it clear that they want their children to stay at Madison Elementary School. That may now happen, however. Madison City School leaders are in the process of rezoning schools. Many existing facilities are at capacity, and the board must make room for the new Russell Branch Elementary school that is set to open for the 2026-2027 school year. Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols and the school board have been seeking feedback for several months on the new zones. He has sent out several surveys and held many community meetings. The rezoning team has tweaked the map several times and has narrowed it down from three to the final one. Compare the possible Madison City School zones to the current zones Madison City Schools On Monday, the Madison City School Board held a public comment hearing to learn about parents concerns about the preliminary zones. The Madison City School Board heard public comments about the preliminary school district map Megan Plotka Oak Stone neighbors like Alina Mitchell said that she doesnt like where her community ended up in the proposal. She said its a small but mighty community made up of 142 homes in northwest Madison. She and many of her neighbors not only send their children to Madison Elementary, but they also contribute to the school in many ways, from volunteering to acting as substitute teachers. I was hoping to address keeping stability among the children in our neighborhood, Mitchell said. They are so used to such a small school at Madison Elementary. We are so ingrained in that school. We all feel like family. All the teachers know all the kids names. I actually substitute at the school. I know all the kids names. I just cannot imagine not being a part of it. One resident even read a statement from Jennifer Daly, the head of the schools Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), who spoke about the importance of the Oak Stone parents and students. The Madison City School Board heard public comments about the preliminary school district map Megan Plotka Our school community has been deeply strengthened by the families within this neighborhood who have consistently demonstrated outstanding commitment to Madison Elementary through their time, energy and financial support, Dalys statement said. Many of our most active volunteers, event organizers and donors, reside in this area. Their involvement has been has been a cornerstone of the PTAs ability to fund important programs, support teachers and enhance the student experience. If this neighborhood were to be rezoned, it would have a significant impact on both the strength and sustainability of our PTA. Beyond the loss of financial contributions, we would also lose the engagement and leadership that make Madison elementary the thriving, collaborative community it is today. Other parents who spoke during the public comment section raised concerns about siblings being forced to go to different schools. The rezoning proposal would allow some students, like rising high school seniors, to finish school with their classmates. However, a sibling going into ninth grade would have to go to a different school after the rezoning. These parents want to see a sibling clause. I will have a ninth grader and a 12th grader that should be going to Bob Jones, but were going to be rezoned for James Clemens, explained one parent during the hearing. We just moved to the Village at Oakland Springs, and its been Bob Jones for 10 years, and its beautiful, and I love it. Im just asking for a siblings clause, or because the senior will be bringing the freshmen to school, and Im very involved with Bob Jones. Approximately 10 people spoke in total. The Madison City School Board heard public comments about the preliminary school district map Megan Plotka Dr. Nichols said they considered a sibling clause four years ago, the last time they rezoned the school districts. His team ultimately turned it down, but said it would be considered. There are two steps left to finalize the new districts. The school board and federal court must both approve the maps. Authorities are searching for family members of a 64-year-old man who was found dead inside his Birmingham home. Sean McLaughlin was found unresponsive inside his residence in the 2600 block of 11th Avenue South on Saturday, Oct. 18. He was pronounced dead on the scene at 11:23 a.m. Jefferson County Chief Deputy Coroner Bill Yates said Birmingham police made the discovery while performing a welfare check at the request of a concerned neighbor. McLaughlin died of natural causes. His body is ready to be released for burial, but coroners officials have not been able to locate and notify his next of kin. Yates said McLaughlin listed previous Alabama addresses in Birmingham and Foley, and in Hoboken and Jersey City in New Jersey. Family members are asked to call the coroners office at 205-930-3603. This is an opinion caption contest cartoon. Got JD Crowes newsletter, Crowe Jam? Sign up for it here. Welp, we were due for a caption contest. Lordy, we got one. On Saturday, October 18, millions of peaceful protesters across America attended No Kings rallies without incident, organizers say. And then, at the rally in Fairhope, Alabama - aka Mayberry by the Bay - a 61-year-old woman in a phallic symbol suit was put on the ground, arrested and handcuffed by three Fairhope policemen. At 1:59 PM last Monday I posted the giant penis costume caption contest. Captions gushed into my email and Facebook page like muddy water in a storm drain for the next week. Theyre still trickling in as I write this. I pulled on some latex gloves, goggles and dove in. After reading over 1200 captions and comments, I can proudly testify: Yall aint right. When the caption contest committee convened to pick the fruits of your labor, it came out with only a handful of precious printable captions. Congratulations to David Morris, for his winning entry featured at the top. Morris had several other clever, fairly clean contenders. Props to Mike Turner, David Roe, Jackie McMillan, John David Mercer, Christy Milliken and Veronica L. Wehby for threading the needle with their clean and clever captions. Here are the Top 5 winning entries: Her reservation for a Peanuts costume went horribly wrong. - David Morris Fairhope has freedom of speech become a phallacy? Mike Turner Free Willy! David Roe, Jackie McMillan and John David Mercer Penal code violation Christy Milliken Cop blocking the First Amendment Veronica L. Wehby Those are the printable winners. You can read many of the sinners captions on my Facebook page and on the AL.com Facebook page here. Thanks to everyone for contributing to this epic caption contest. I had a blast! Hope yall did, too. JD Crowe is the cartoonist for Alabama Media Group andAL.com. He won the RFK Human Rights Award for Editorial Cartoons in 2020. In 2018, he was awarded the Rex Babin Memorial Award for local and state cartoons by the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists. Follow JD on Facebook, Twitter@Crowejam and Instagram @JDCrowepix. Give him a holler @jdcrowe@al.com. Former Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore announces his run for the republican nomination for U.S. Senate Thursday, June 20, 2019, in Montgomery, Ala. (AP Photo/Julie Bennett) AP A judge has dismissed former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moores defamation lawsuit against Beverly Nelson, who accused Moore of sexually assaulting her in Gadsden in the late 1970s when she was a teenager and he was a deputy district attorney. Moore has adamantly denied Nelsons story, which she first told publicly about 40 years after she says it happened. Moore opposed Nelsons motion to dismiss the case, saying the disputed facts should be argued in a trial. Walker County Circuit Judge Gregory M. Williams, in a ruling issued Wednesday, granted Nelsons motion for a summary judgment to dismiss the case. Williams wrote that Moores motion opposing Nelsons request for a dismissal failed to counter her claims with facts. Moores responsive pleading is troublesome, Williams wrote. It does not contain one single statement of fact that Moore did not commit a sexual transgression against Nelson. The Court is flummoxed as to why if Moore wanted to contradict Nelson did he not execute an affidavit denying her statement as to the events in 1977. Attorneys Wendy Crew and Christina Vineyard, who represent Nelson, were delighted by the ruling. Beverly has been truthful all along, Crew said. And as you can read in the order, Judge Moore didnt and couldnt contradict anything that she said. Moore declined to comment about the decision, saying that his defamation claim against another person in the case remains pending. Nelson went public with her accusations against Moore in November 2017, a few days after The Washington Post reported Leigh Corfmans claims that Moore made sexual advances on Corfman when she was 14 and Moore was in his 30s. Several other women said Moore sought to date them when they were in their teens. Moore said Corfmans story was false. The accusations by Corfman and Nelson came about a month before Moore faced Democrat Doug Jones in a special election for the U.S. Senate, a race Moore lost in the wake of the allegations. Moore has said the stories were an attempt to undermine his campaign. Nelson, who first told her story in a news conference with attorney Gloria Allred, repeated it in an affidavit filed in January of this year in Moores defamation case. Nelson said Moore was a regular customer at the Olde Hickory House restaurant in Gadsden, where she worked when she was 16. She said Moore signed her high school yearbook in December 1977. Nelson said about two weeks later, Moore offered to give her a ride home from the restaurant. Nelson said instead of proceeding to drive her home, Moore parked his car behind the restaurant. She said Moore tried to pull her neck toward his groin and tried to reach under her shirt. Nelson said Moore told her no one would believe her if she made allegations against him. She said she fell out or was pushed out of the car. Nelson said she was scared and told no one about the incident until 1984, when she told her then-finance and future mother-in-law. Nelson said her former mother-in-law called her in November 2017 and told her about the allegations in the Washington Post story and urged her to come forward with her own story. After seeing other women come forward, I contacted a lawyer who gave me advice to go public with my story, Nelson said in the affidavit. I became aware of the media reporting and the accusations against Moore. I believed those reports to be true and I knew my account was true. Nelson said she had not met any of the other people Moore sued for defamation until the case was filed. In March of this year, Moores lawyer filed a motion in court opposing Nelsons request to dismiss the case. It says that Moore adamantly denied the allegations in 2017 and continues to do so and questioned why Nelson never spoke out during Moores eight previous political campaigns. It said that Nelson admitted to adding notations to what Nelson claimed was the message Moore wrote in her yearbook in December 1977, an example of the disputed facts that should be heard in a trial. Moore would argue that Nelson made her accusations against him with actual and complete knowledge of the falsity of her claims, that she knew Moore had not assaulted her, and therefore, never came forward with her alleged story until she saw an opportunity for financial gain at the expense of Moore, his motion said. In 2018, Corfman filed a defamation lawsuit against Moore because of Moores claims that she was lying about her accusation. Moore countersued. After an eight-day trial in Montgomery in 2022, the jury found that Corfman did not defame Moore with her allegations of sexual abuse and that Moore did not defame Corfman in his public denials of the abuse. Last year, the Alabama Supreme Court upheld rulings from the Etowah County Circuit Court dismissing Moores defamation claims against Deborah Wesson Gibson and Richard Hagedorn. The lawsuit accused Gibson and Hagedorn of promoting a conspiracy to spread false rumors. The Supreme Court also upheld the lower courts rulings dismissing counterclaims by Hagedorn against Moore, Moores Senate campaign, Janet Porter, a spokeswoman for the campaign, and Herring Networks Inc. This story was updated to add comment from attorney Wendy Crew. This story was edited on Oct. 30 to correct the spelling of Leigh Corfman. Conceptual drawing of the town center of the proposed Westmoore Landing development in the Limestone County portion of Huntsville. City of Huntsville More details emerged Tuesday night about a planned development near the Interstate 65-565 interchange in Limestone County. The project could include as many as 3,000 homes. The Huntsville Planning Commission approved the Planned Development zoning change for the more than 395-acre site annexed earlier this year. The property is located south of Alabama 20 and east of I-65, across from the Decatur city limits. The zoning change paves the way for a Village of Providence-type development that will be called Westmoore Landing. The zoning change must be approved by the City Council at a later date. David Horwath, president of Land Innovations, told the Commission that the build out could take up to 35 years. Land Innovations of Brentwood, Tennessee and Nashvilles Rochford Realty & Construction Co., Inc. are the developers. City Planner Lady Kassama presented plans for various housing types, including single-family homes, townhomes, duplexes, condominiums and apartments. Some units would include accessory dwelling units. Single-family homes include cottage and manor-style homes. Plans for the development include a town center with retail, a road network and open spaces that include playgrounds. Kassama said gathering spaces would be planned for events such as festivals and concerts in the park. Horwath showed commissioners the developers other projects, including Stephens Valley. This planned community is located 15 miles northwest of Franklin, Tenn., near Nashville and the Natchez Trace Parkway, and is currently under construction. Horwath said a tree analysis had been done on the site, which had previously been used for agricultural purposes. He said every effort would be made to preserve wildlife in the area. Horwath said the developers had partnerships with the Singing River Trail and the nearby Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. The Singing River Trail is a planned 220-mile network of trails through north Alabama That could ease concerns of residents and environmental advocates who had raised issues about possible Native American artifacts on the site. They noted the property was home to Chickasaw Indian plum trees and was a former village and orchard site, The development would seem to fit into Huntsvilles master plan for the part of the city in Limestone County. The commission approved an update to the plan on Tuesday after a presentation by Dennis Madsen, the citys manager of urban and long-range planning. The master plan includes housing developments near Huntsvilles major employers in that part of the city. The development is just a few miles down I-565 from Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, Polaris, the Amazon Fulfillment Center and other major employers in the Greenbrier area. Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson poses with wife, Jean, during the Mobile City Council meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, at Government Plaza in downtown Mobile, Ala. The meeting was the final one for Mayor Sandy Stimpson in his position as the top elected official in Mobile. John Sharp Mobile City Council members honored retiring three-term Mayor Sandy Stimpson during his final public meeting Tuesday by officially recognizing Born to Celebrate as the citys official slogan, and the citys iconic M design as its logo. Both the logo and slogan were created during Stimpsons first term, approximately 10 years ago. The council voted unanimously to approve both, codifying in the citys record two images crafted during an era praised at Government Plaza for moving the city forward in growth and financial management. Stimpson praised both recognitions following an emotional meeting that included comments of praise from two former Congressmen Bradley Byrne, the president & CEO with the Mobile Chamber and Jo Bonner, the president at the University of South Alabama and comments from council members. While I was mayor, the city council came up with Born to Celebrate, and I love to say that, Stimpson said after the meeting. Its not just about Mardi Gras. We celebrate Airbus, Austal, and the University of South Alabama College of Medicine. Its a great message to the world to say we come together and support those kinds of things. From my perspective, that helps the image of who we are. Iconic M The Mobile City Council voted on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, to make the iconic "M" logo the official logo for the City of Mobile. City of Mobile The iconic M logo, which is adorned on city vehicles, buildings and office materials, was created approximately 10 years by former Chief of Staff Colby Cooper and Stacy Wellborn, a local marketing entrepreneur and educator. The councils vote makes the M the citys first-ever official logo. It does not replace the city seal, which was altered in 2015 to remove the Confederate flag and the flags of six nations that had, at one point, governed the city. The only flag that remains on the modern-day seal is the American flag. I think the color scheme is great, Stimpson said of the M logo. I think it will hold. There is a future mayor somewhere down the road who probably thinks it needs to be changed. But for the short time, it will be the iconic M. Born to Celebrate The Order of Athena parade was the first to roll in downtown Mobile on Fat Tuesday (March 4) 2025. Lawrence Specker | LSpecker@AL.com Visit Mobile the convention and tourism arm of the city has been utilizing Born to Celebrate for years in its advertising, connecting the citys famed Mardi Gras heritage to its overall culture as a way to increase visitors. David Clark, president & CEO with Visit Mobile, said the councils actions represented brand cohesiveness which he called a smart move in promoting the city. When you are born to celebrate, everything we do to attract visitors here is to celebrate what the city has to offer, Clark said. We have our six brand pillars that include history, the arts, the culture, the culinary, the ecotourism and Mardi Gras. Everything in Mobile wraps around that and is inclusive of that. Clark added, Its good branding when your brand lasts a long time and it continues and will only get stronger with cohesion. Final actions Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson recognizes Councilman Joel Daves with an exceptional citizenship award during the Mobile City Council meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, at Government Plaza in Mobile, Ala. The meeting was the final one for both Daves and Stimpson who are retiring from public office. John Sharp The two council actions came during a meeting in which Stimpson recognized his longtime administrative assistant Karen Williamson as the citys Employee of the Month. He also recognized retiring Councilman Joel Daves with an exceptional citizenship honor. During his final comments at a council meeting, Stimpson said that council members should take pride in the projects that have occurred over the years largely thanks to a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) that has enabled for increased investments into roads, sidewalks, ditches, and other infrastructure. He also thanked the citys employees, calling them among the very best in the nation for showing up and addressing public needs. He recognized national accreditations for a host of city agencies that include police, fire-rescue, parks and recreation, public works and finance. There are just as many superstars in the public sector as there is in the private sector, Stimpson said. Giving you the opportunity to shine is certainly something we take great pride in. Reflections Council members also reflected on the past 12 years, both the good and the sometimes bumpy moments. Council President C.J. Small said that Stimpsons early years were rocky, and Councilwoman Gina Gregory said there were some questionable moments and mentioned the removal of a large tree that was used as a background prop during President Donald Trumps 2016 rally in Mobile. But overall, the council members praised the mayor for his leadership. The last six years, everything has been smooth sailing, Small said, adding that Stimpson has a heart for the City of Mobile and a heart that you were able to reach many people with. Small also asked why Stimpson was retiring and not reconsidering a fourth term with projects still underway like Brookley by the Bay a large waterfront park south of downtown Mobile; the new Mobile International Airport set to open next year; and the new Mobile Civic Center Arena currently under construction and slated to open by January 2027. Stimpson announced last September he was not running for mayor this year. Former Mobile County District Judge Spiro Cheriogotis, who received Stimpsons endorsement during the mayoral campaign, won the election and will be sworn in during a ceremony on Monday. Gregory said Stimpson was a mayor who was unafraid to take on a challenge, stick with it and make it happen. Gregory, who is the longest-serving elected official in the city, urged Cheriogotis and the incoming city administration to not get complacent. We are in a good place, she said. A monkey is seen near the wreckage of an overturned bus in Mississippi on Oct .28, 2025. Jasper County Sheriffs Department Several aggressive monkeys that briefly escaped after a bus overturned in Mississippi Tuesday were captured and destroyed. According to the latest update from the Jasper County Sheriffs Department, only one of the monkeys remains on the loose The driver of the truck told local law enforcement that the monkeys were dangerous and posed a threat to humans, the sheriffs office posted. We took the the appropriate actions after being given that information from the person transporting the monkeys. He also stated that you had (to) wear PPE equipment to handle the monkeys. Tulane University released a statement shared by the sheriff saying that the primates are not infectious. Non-human primates at the Tulane National Biomedical Research Center are provided to other research organizations to advance scientific discovery, the university said. We are actively collaborating with local authorities and will send a team of animal care experts to assist as needed. That statement was shared hours after the sheriffs office posted that the 40-pound monkeys carry hepatitis C, herpes, and COVID. Tulane University has been notified and will send a team to pick up the monkeys. Mike Strecker, Assistant Vice President for News and Media Relations, clarified for AL.com that the monkeys were coming from the university but were not the schools property and were being transported by the research facility. Strecker also reiterated that the monkeys were never exposed to any infectious agent. En route to a research facility in Florida, the truck overturned on Interstate 59 near the 117 mile marker north of Heidelberg, Mississippi, according to WLOX. Efforts by AL.com to reach the sheriffs office were not immediately successful. An investigation is underway after an 11-year-old child, initially found unresponsive in a car outside his familys home, died. On Monday afternoon, employees of Hermitage Place Apartments found the boy in the family vehicle parked on Hermitage Drive in Florence, according to a statement from the Florence Police Department. The workers began lifesaving measures until emergency responders arrived, according to the report. The child was transported by ambulance to North Alabama Medical Center, where he later died. An autopsy is being performed by the Alabama Department of Forensic Science. According to police, the child was enrolled in the Florence City Schools System, but the name of the school was not released. Police said counselors will be made available at the school. No other details were released. Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call the Florence Police Department at 256-760-6557. You can also leave an anonymous tip via the FDP app. Lady Diana Spencer and her sister, Lady Sarah Spencer watch the Ladies' Final match at the Wimbledon Championships, 3rd July 1981. (Photo by Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) Getty Images Prince William and Harrys aunt, the eldest sister of their late mother Princess Diana, is on the mend amid a hospitalization for a really bad fall from her horse last month. Lady Sarah McCorquodale, 70, is still riding and had a really bad fall last month and has been in hospital for a long time, brother Charles Spencer said on last Fridays episode of the Rosebud with Gyles Brandreth podcast. The incident didnt break her spirit though, with 61-year-old Spencer believing his sister to have been quite a handful as a patient, because the lead doctor said to my brother-in-law, Shes quite a character, isnt she? A friend of Lady Sarahs told People that shes on the mend. Despite the royal family feud thats left William, 43, and 41-year-old Harry at odds in recent years, both of Dianas sisters Lady Sarah and 68-year-old Lady Jane Fellowes are on good terms with the princes, according to the outlet. Both aunts were present when Harry and Meghan Markles son Prince Archie was christened in 2019. Two years later, following the couples controversial split from senior royal duties as they decamped to Markles native California, Harry returned home for the unveiling of a 60th birthday tribute statue for Diana. The memorial event, which was announced in 2017, was also attended by William, Lady Sarah, Lady Jane and Charles Spencer. The 36-year-old Peoples Princess was killed in Aug. 1997 during a car crash in a Parisian tunnel as her vehicle tried to evade paparazzi. Dodi Fayed, to whom Diana had been romantically linked that summer, was also killed in the tragedy. Speaking to the Rosebud podcast this weekend, Spencer also recalled writing his sisters eulogy, which held the press and paparazzi accountable for her death and left her the most hunted person of the modern age. _____ 2025 New York Daily News. Visit nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Elijah Wood gatecrashed a Lord of the Rings-themed wedding in New Zealand. Elijah Wood gatecrashed a Lord of the Rings-themed wedding The 44-year-old actor - who played Frodo Baggins in the fantasy film trilogy - returned to Hobbiton, the set in Matamata, used in the films accompanied by a camera crew and the bride and groom were stunned by the arrival of their surprise guest. In a video shared to Hobbiton's official TikTok account, Elijah stepped out from the assembled guests and stood at the end of the aisle, prompting both the bride and groom to exclaim: "Oh my god!" The actor was easy to spot in his jacket, jeans and sneakers - a stark contrast to the other guests. He noted as he joined the couple at the altar: "This is amazing, and everyone is dressed as hobbits!" Elijah posed with the newlyweds for photos and the groom - who wore mid-calf length trousers in keeping with the theme of the setting - enthused: "Thank you so much for coming." The actor posed for one final photograph before leaving the wedding. When the Lord of the Rings films were completed in 2000, there were no plans to preserve the 39 Hobbit Holes which had been dug, and 22 of them were demolished. However, an influx of tourists led to Hobbiton being designated an official attraction and guided tours began in 2002. Director Sir Peter Jackson returned in 2009 to film The Hobbit trilogy on the same set, and tourists can now enjoy an additional 44 reconstructed Hobbit homes as a result. Elijah previously insisted he didn't earn as much money as people may have thought when working on the fantasy franchise. Speaking at the 2025 Texas Film Awards, he said: Because we werent making one movie and then renegotiating a contract for the next, it wasnt the sort of lucrative scenario that you could sort of rest easy for the rest of your life. Cate Blanchett, who portrayed Galadriel in the films, went viral in August 2024 when she said on Watch What Happens Live no one got paid anything to do that movie. She added: I basically got free sandwiches and I got to keep my (elf) ears. Elijah, responding to Cates comments, said to Business Insider: Thats hilarious statements like that are not made with any kind of ire. Its such an honour to have been a part of those films, and they represent some of the best experiences of my life. Orlando Bloom, 48, who played Legolas in the fantasy series, previously revealed in a 2019 interview on The Howard Stern Show he was paid just $175,000 for all three films. And Sean Astin, 54, who starred as Samwise Gamgee, later claimed he earned around $250,000 for the trilogy. When asked if his salary matched Seans, his co-star Elijah declined to confirm, but said it doesnt matter because the value the films had on his career and life was priceless. At the heart of the federal government shutdown, and the suspension of SNAP benefits, is a fight over health care coverage and costs. Democrats in Congress have refused to pass the Republican-sponsored bill to fund the government unless healthcare tax credits are extended, saying its an urgent issue thats helped millions of Americans afford health care. And as the shutdown continues into its fourth week, the United States Department of Agriculture says it cant fund food stamps next month, despite having a $6 billion contingency fund that could allow them to pay out partial benefits. We are being put in a position where we are being forced to choose between health care and food and that is an unfair choice to put on the American people, said Carol Gundlach, senior policy analyst at Alabama Arise, a nonprofit that advocates for policies to improve poverty in the state. Congress is perfectly capable of solving both the health care, tax credit issue and the availability of food. The enhanced tax credits being debated are available through the Affordable Care Act and are set to expire at the end of the year. Those credits cover more costs for people who were already eligible for ACA subsidies and also removed the eligibility income cap, which was at 400% of the federal poverty line. Thats $62,600 for an individual or $128,600 for a family of four, according to the federal government. Since the enhanced tax credits were first passed by the American Rescue Plan in 2021, the number of people with health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace in Alabama has nearly tripled, helping to bring down the states uninsured rate. In 2020, 160,429 Alabamians were signed up for subsidized health insurance through the Affordable Care Act. By 2025, that number reached 477,838 people, according to KFF. Thats nearly 10% of the states population. If they arent extended, about 130,000 people in Alabama are expected to lose their coverage, and premiums for individuals enrolled in the ACA marketplace could rise by an average of 93%, according to KFF, a health policy research nonprofit. Republicans say the issue doesnt need to be litigated in the funding bill, and can wait to the end of the year. U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-AL), called the tax credit program deeply flawed and suggested Democrats should not shutdown the government over the issue. It makes no sense to continue to allow the most wealthy among us to access these credits, which is exactly what the Democrats are fighting for, Britts office said in a statement to AL.com Now, Democrats have shut down the government over a mess they created, and because Republicans refused to cave to their $1.5 trillion partisan wish list. I want to see Alabamians in need receive quality healthcare, and do not believe holding the government hostage is conducive to having important conversations. But Democrats in the state maintain that they cannot vote on the current funding bill because of whats at stake for healthcare. Families in Alabama and across the country are at risk of losing their healthcare, and healthcare costs for millions of Americans will skyrocket if the Affordable Care Act premium subsidies are allowed to expire, United States Rep. Shomari Figures (D-AL 2) said in a statement posted to X. More hospitals are at risk of closing in our rural communities, and costs for everyday people keep rising. Our families and neighbors deserve better than this chaos. Republicans should join Democrats to negotiate in good faith and do whats best for Alabama and America, Figures said. The Alabama Hospital Association echoed Figures concerns. If the ACA Enhanced Premium Tax Credits are not extended, we anticipate the states uninsured population could increase by more than 100,000, as working Alabamians will likely be unable to afford health coverage without premium assistance. Hospital emergency departments will become the only place they can turn for medical care, said Danne Howard, director of the Alabama Hospital Association. So long as the standstill continues, more than 750,000 Alabamians will lose their food assistance in November. According to the Alabama Department of Human Resources, the USDA issued guidance that told them SNAP benefits, commonly known food stamps, would be suspended effective Nov. 1 until federal funding is provided or until states are directed otherwise. SNAP benefits are 100% federally funded; therefore USDA (FNS) controls the issuance of these benefits on EBT cards, said Alabama DHR Commissioner Nancy Buckner. We know SNAP benefits are vitally important to the more than 750,000 Alabamians who depend on the more than $140 million in support each month. Alabama DHR, along with many others, hopes Congress will come to a quick resolution on the federal government shutdown. On Friday, the United States Department of Agriculture announced they will not use their contingency fund to pay for SNAP in November. The fund has about $6 billion in it, while it costs about $8 billion a month to administer the food assistance program, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. The contingency fund is not available to support FY 2026 regular benefits, because the appropriation for regular benefits no longer exists, a USDA letter obtained by USA Today read. According to national outlets, after the government shutdown on Oct. 1, USDA said they had enough funds to cover state administrative expenses during a federal government shutdown, which is what was done during shutdowns in 2018 and 2019. However, the page detailing that plan was removed from the USDAs website. About 25 states are suing the Trump administration to release the contingency funds, arguing that the federal government has a legal obligation to maintain funding for food stamps. Alabama is not one of those states, and the Alabama Attorney Generals Office did not respond to a request from AL.com about whether they would join the lawsuit. The USDA is using SNAP as a bargaining chip in the debate over the federal budget, Gundlach wrote in a recent post. Withholding these benefits will increase hunger and hardship across our state. It also could be financially devastating for grocery stores and other retailers, especially those serving large numbers of SNAP participants. If you need food assistance during this SNAP suspension, Feeding Alabama, the coalition of food banks across the state, is urging Alabamians to visit their Food Finder online to locate a nearby pantry. The Food Bank of North Alabama is planning a drive-thru pantry for furloughed federal workers and their families on Wednesday at Joe Davis Stadium. Food Bank of North Alabama The Food Bank of North Alabama will be distributing food boxes to families of furloughed federal workers Wednesday at Joe Davis Stadium in Huntsville. The distribution will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Were bringing enough to serve about 300 families, Food Bank Development Director Bobby Bozeman said. If we run out of boxes that we take to that mobile pantry, we will be doing more. A lot of our partners that source food from us will be doing more, as well. The boxes will consist mostly of pantry staples: rice, beans, pasta, pasta sauce and chicken. The boxes are going to be about 30 pounds, which may provide about 25 meals per family, according to Feeding America metrics. Bozeman said the food bank is planning on doing at least one mobile pantry a week while the government is shut down. People can go to our website and use our Food Finder tool and that lists all of our different partner agencies, Bozeman said. Bozeman said the food bank is also making plans for mobile pantries for residents losing SNAP benefits. Weve made some food purchases to help us get through this gap, he said. Were scaling up. Bozeman said the food bank also has a pantry open every Friday at 2000B Vernon Avenue near downtown Huntsville from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. People are always welcome to go there, he said. The pantry has fresh fruit, vegetables and other pantry items. Unlike with mobile pantries, Bozeman said residents would be able to pick the food items they want. Its a slower process than the drive thru pantry, but it is one that will meet the individual needs of the families we serve, Bozeman said. He said the organization works with about 100 grocery stores, the USDA and other programs to source food. This is already the time of year where we are gearing up for the holidays, Bozeman said. Pretty much every grocery store in our area participates in our food rescue program. Weve got USDA food, which is the second biggest source of our food supply. Well have that until the end of the calendar year. The USDA made all of their food purchases for the calendar year before the shutdown. Roxy, a beloved fox, on Dauphin Island. A judge will decide if the town of Dauphin Island can proceed with trapping and removing some red foxes, in an effort to protect migratory birds and sea turtles. Provided courtesy of Spence Harrison Mobile County Circuit Court Judge Michael Youngpeter will decide whether some red foxes on Dauphin Island can be trapped and removed, in the name of protecting endangered migratory birds and sea turtles. Once the animals are destroyed, they cannot be returned, and the ecological balance of the island will be disrupted, reads the complaint from two county residents seeking to stop the fox trapping. Last month, the town of Dauphin Island authorized a contract to trap and remove red foxes and other predators from the west end of Dauphin Island. Residents and visitors were outraged by the move, which they said was unnecessarily cruel. Duane Wood, a resident of Dauphin Island, and Spence Harrison, a photographer who made one red fox, Roxy, a star on social media, sued the town, Mayor Jeff Collier and the town council in an effort to prevent the trapping. Youngpeter halted the trapping until a hearing could be held. On Thursday (Oct. 30), both sides will present their plans to the judges for what to do about the foxes. This lawsuit is without merit, said Patrick Dungan, an attorney for Dauphin Island, in an email. The town has acted lawfully and responsibly in coordinating limited, science-based wildlife management activities on town-owned property in partnership with state and federal conservation agencies...Plaintiffs repeated claims that the town intends to eradicate the islands fox population are simply false." Attorneys for Wood and Harrison did not respond to a request for comment in time for publication. The townand the state department of conservation, which joined the lawsuit laterargue that the fox population is overpopulated and poses a threat to the migratory birds and sea turtles that use the land. They absolutely are a nuisance predator, Amy Hunter, science coordinator with the state department of conservation, told AL.com last month. Theyve lost all fear of humans from people feeding them over the years. Around 838 acres of the West End of Dauphin Island is owned by the town of Dauphin Island and dedicated as habitat for birds and other creatures, many of whom are endangered. The land was purchased using settlement funds from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, and the town is required to carry out conservation measures, like thinning the foxes, lawyers for the state argue. Unfortunately, the plaintiffs are more interested in creating publicity for their social media posts and to drive engagement with their personal hobby photography, commercial endeavors, and GoFundMe links rather than addressing the legal and statutory framework controlling the issues in this case, reads the state conservation departments petition to join the case. Fox footprints pepper the sand churned and scattered by a sea turtle as she laid her eggs on the west end of Dauphin Island. Lawrence Specker | LSpecker@AL.com Wood and Harrison argue that they will lose out on the benefits of having the foxes around. In particular, Harrison would lose out on subjects for his wildlife photography business. The foxes are a key part of the ecosystem, they argue, and taking them away could jeopardize the health of Dauphin Island. There are other ways to prevent the foxes from hunting and eating bird and turtle eggs without trapping and killing them, they argue. Such practices are inherently unreasonable, unscientific, and contrary to accepted standards of wildlife management, Wood and Harrisons complaint states. Court documents show Wood and Harrison intend to present other methods of controlling predators. The red foxes have captured the imagination of many residents. A petition started last month to save the foxes has more than 2,400 signatures. Foxes are not a protected species and are classified as a game animal under state law. Hunters can kill any number of foxes, with minimal restrictions, according to court documents. The town of Dauphin Island contracted with the U.S. Department of Agricultures Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to do the removal. Hunter told AL.com last month that she believes the foxes will be humanely euthanized. The court hearing begins at 10 a.m. on the eighth floor of the Mobile County Courthouse in downtown Mobile. Joy was in the air Wednesday morning, as Mobile leaders broke ground on a project that invests in historic neighborhoods, bolsters efforts to develop a Civil Rights and Cultural Heritage District and that will connect the Three Mile Creek Greenway to downtown. The citys latest complete streets project will provide an $11.2 million makeover for the stretch of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue from Broad Street westward to Butchers Lane, a point just west of Three Mile Creek. As Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson told listeners at the groundbreaking ceremony, itll include not just new asphalt but new infrastructure: New utilities, new drainage, new sidewalks and bicycle lanes. Its just going to be a whole new look for one of the most culturally important areas that we have in the city, he said. District 2 Councilman William Carroll was ebullient. Mobile City Council member William Carroll speaks at the groundbreaking for a project that will make over a stretch of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. Lawrence Specker | LSpecker@AL.com For so many of you in the neighborhood that asked me, Well, when are we going to redo the sidewalks on MLK? And I said, Its coming, said Carroll. And for the feedback that said, Well, its taking too long: Well, sometimes change takes a mighty big effort to get it all right, so it is completed from one end to the other. Carroll referenced the way that nearby streets and neighborhoods were personal touchstones for him. Ive said to you so many times that my father came off of Menas Avenue and my mother came off of Pine Street, he said. This street has been a part of my life since the day that I was born. Now we have a chance to effect change from Broad to Butchers Alley, which creates a catalyst for both The Campground and for The Bottom, to encourage additional change and revitalization, but [also] to anchor the people that have stayed here throughout the history. In the early and mid-1900s, when the street was known as Jefferson Davis Avenue (for the president of the conederacy), it served as a thriving Black business district. But the corridor entered a long period of decline after desegregation. In recent years, Mobile County Commissioner Merceria Ludgood has quietly spearheaded an effort, one involving many partners, to preserve and revitalize historic properties and to celebrate those significant to the advancement of civil rights in Mobile. Examples include a segregation-era library remade as the Historic Avenue Cultural Center; Isom Clemon Civil Rights Memorial Park, which honors a pioneering union leader; and plans to renovate the Ace Theatre as another anchor of a planned civil rights heritage district. Mobile County Commissioner Merceria Ludgood speaks at the groundbreaking for a project that will make over a stretch of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. in Mobile. In the background is the building that once housed the offices of the Vernon Z. Crawford Law Firm. Lawrence Specker | LSpecker@AL.com Wednesdays ceremony was held a short distance to the east of Lafayette Street, directly in front of another Avenue landmark with great personal significance to Ludgood: The former office of the Vernon Z. Crawford Law Firm. A historic marker, part of the Dora Franklin Finley African-American Heritage Trail, spelled out the importance of the site: Crawford established the first African-American law firm in Mobile and argued the case that desegregated the countys public schools as well as one that reformed the citys governmental structure. When I came back to Mobile in 1981 from law school with a brand-new license to practice, he gave me that little space where that picture window is, said Ludgood, gesturing at the small building. It sits behind the reception area. And that was what Mr. Crawford did when young lawyers came back with nowhere to practice. Hed just bring you in, find a desk for you and put you there and hope and help you build your practice from there. Every morning, every day we were at work, I would leave the office, walk down the street to Finley Pharmacy and get a 25 cent cup of coffee, she said. Yeah, thats old. That was a while ago. But when people ask me why this is so important, it is because I know what this corridor has meant to so many people, including myself. And I first want to thank the people who live in this area for your patience, because youve been waiting a long time to start seeing some things happen. Ludgood stressed that every step forward had been a partnership, with everybody bringing to the table whatever resources they had. Aside from county, community and city support, she said, thered been another big factor: The RESTORE Act, which allocated money from the Deepwater Horizon Disaster to projects such as the MLK Avenue renewal. I told someone yesterday, the stars kind of aligned where we had some really big ideas and for a period of time we also had some resources, she said. And so I thank you, for you being here. I ask your continued patience. Its going to take a minute, but youre going to slowly see things happening on the avenue. Amy Hunter, the states Deepwater Horizon restoration coordinator, praised the city administration for being a good partner on such projects. I just could not be happier getting to be out to see you all, she said. To see what a difference these projects make, really makes the work we do at the state, at the Department of Conservation, worth it. So on behalf of the state and my boss, Commissioner Chris Blankenship in the Department of Conservation, thank you, mayor, and thank you to the city. And thank you all to the citizens of District 2. According to information provided by the city, the MLK Avenue project was paid for, in part, with federal funding from the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council (RESTORE Council) under the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012 (RESTORE Act). Additional funding and support is being provided by the Alabama Department of Transportation, the Mobile Metropolitan Planning Organization, the Mobile Area Water and Sewer System (MAWSS), and the City of Mobile. For more information, visit mapformobile.org/broad-street. U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged the Constitution does not allow him to run for a third term. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) AP President Donald Trump on Wednesday acknowledged the Constitution bars him from seeking a third term but didnt appear to completely close the door on running again. Its a very interesting thing. I have the best numbers for any president in many years any president. And I would say if you read it [the Constitution], its pretty clear. Im not allowed to run. But we have a lot of great people," Trump told reporters Wednesday on Air Force One. But the president hinted that the Constitution may not be the final word. Well see what happens, he said. Last week, Steve Bannon, the CEO of Trumps 2016 campaign and a former White House adviser, was adamant that Trump would get a third term. [H]es gonna get a third term. So, Trump 2028. Trump is gonna be president in 28. And people just ought to get accommodated with that," Bannon said in an interview with The Economist released Thursday night. Theres many different alternatives. At the appropriate time well lay out what he plan is. But theres a plan, and President Trump will be president in 2028, Bannon said. Trumps comments on Wednesday appear to contradict his remarks from Monday, when he claimed he would be able to run as vice president and then assume the presidency if the president resigns. While the president said he would be allowed to run on the 2028 GOP ticket as vice president and then ascend to the presidency when the head of the ticket resigns from office, Trump said he would not go down that path. Nevertheless, Trump shot down that possible path to the White House in 2028. Yeah, Id be allowed to do that. But I wouldnt do that. I think its too cute. Yeah, Id rule that out because its too cute. I think people wouldnt like that. Its too cute. It wouldnt be right, he told reporters aboard Air Force One on Monday en route to Japan. Despite Trumps claims, polling shows the president does not in fact have the best numbers for any president in many years. On Tuesday, Trump tied his lowest approval rating in his second term in the Reuters/Ipsos poll. And in the Real Clear Politics polling average over the last two weeks, Trump is underwater by nearly 7 percentage points. You know, the sad thing is I have my highest numbers Ive ever had, as I should, Trump said on Air Force One. I ended eight wars and we have the greatest economy in history and, you know, based on what I read, I guess Im not allowed to run." On Monday, Trump suggested that Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio would dominate the 2028 election if they ran on the same ticket. Well, we have great people. I dont have to get into that. But we have one of them standing here. We have JD, obviously. The vice president is great. I think Marcos great. Im not sure if anybody would run against those two. I think if they formed a group, they would be unstoppable, Trump said. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks to senior military leaders at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025 in Quantico, Va. (Andrew Harnik/Pool via AP) AP Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth wont meet with any beardos serving in South Korea. Service members stationed in the Pacific recently received notice that enlistees with shaving waivers will not be allowed to attend Hegseths upcoming Camp Humphreys rally, according to military site Task & Purpose. The former Fox News host arrived in Hawaii on Monday for a trip that will later take him to Japan, Malaysia and Vietnam. Korean station KBS World Radio said Hegseth is scheduled to spend two days in South Korea beginning next Monday. He recently summoned the nations top military officials to Virginia, where they heard their boss deliver a speech deriding soldiers with beards. No more beardos, Hegseth said during his late September address. The era of rampant and ridiculous shaving profiles is done. He told military brass that ignoring seemingly small matters like lax shaving habits can lead to bigger problems. Hegseth also issued a Sept. 30 memo stating the military would only issue facial hair waivers for troops with certain medical issues such as pseudofolliculitis barbae, a painful skin condition thats made worse by shaving. The 45-year-old Pentagon boss served in the Army National Guard from 2003 to 2021 where he earned the rank of major. He joined Fox News in 2014 and participated in a 2018 television skit that featured a barber shaving his vacation beard. A letter from one viewer read during that segment contended that a man without a beard is like a lion without a mane. Thats how I feel! Hegseth agreed. The Minnesota native said that he wanted to keep his facial hair, but his TV bosses insisted it had to go. _____ 2025 New York Daily News. Visit nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. President Donald Trump shakes hands with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Oval Office of the White House, Feb. 13, 2025, in Washington. (Photo/Alex Brandon, File) AP President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he was taken aback by the aggressiveness of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi when the United States was mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan in May. They said, no, no, no. You should let us fight. They both said that. You know, theyre warring theyre strong people," Trump said Wednesday at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea. Trump appeared to mimic an Indian accent while impersonating Modi. Ill tell ya what: Prime Minister Modi is the nicest looking guy. He looks like hed like to have your father. Like, hes a killer. Hes tough as hell. No, we will fight. I said, whoa. Is this the same man that I know? Trump said. Trump: Prime minister Modi is the nicest looking guy. He looks like he would like to have your father -- like, he's a killer. NO WE WILL FIGHT pic.twitter.com/OWkepBDOMN Acyn (@Acyn) October 29, 2025 The American president then criticized his predecessor, Joe Biden, claiming Biden would not have been able to mediate the ceasefire. But after a little while and theyre good people. And after literally two days they called up and they said, we understand. And they stopped fighting. How is that? Isnt that amazing? You think Biden wouldve done that? I dont think so. Most people wouldnt have thought of it," Trump said. The president has claimed the tensions between India and Pakistan is among several wars that he has stopped in his quest for the Nobel Peace Prize. Halloween temperatures will be on the chilly side for trick-or-treaters. Above is the temperature forecast for 7 p.m. CDT on Friday, Oct. 31. Expect the mercury to fall through the rest of the evening. National Weather Service Its looking like there will be a chill in the air on Halloween night across Alabama. The National Weather Service is forecasting temperatures to be mostly in the 50s during prime trick-or-treating hours on Friday, Oct. 31. According to the weather service, temperatures around 7 p.m. Friday will be in the lower 50s in north Alabama, the mid-50s in central Alabama and the upper 50s in south Alabama. (See the statewide forecast map at the top of this post.) High temperatures on Friday will be in the 50s and 60s statewide, with most areas topping out in the 60s: Here are the forecast highs on Friday. NWS Expect temperatures to drop from there, and overnight lows will be quite cold, with frost a distinct possibility in north and parts of central Alabama. Here is the forecast for low temperatures on Friday night into Saturday morning: Here are the expected low temperatures from Friday night into Saturday morning. NWS Overnight lows will range from the mid-30s in north Alabama to the upper 30s in central Alabama. Even south Alabama will be cold, with lows ranging from the upper 30s to the low 40s expected. There is some good news: Its expected to be dry on Halloween night. According to the weather service rain chances will be at zero during the day on Halloween, and also all night. Here is the probability of precipitation forecast for 7 a.m. through 7 p.m. Friday: Forecasters are not expecting any rain on Halloween. The probability of precipitation forecast from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday is above. NWS Just to complete the Halloween aesthetic, will there be moonlight to trick-or-treat by? There will be some. The moon will be in whats called a waxing gibbous phase -- which NASA describes as being somewhere in between a half-moon and a full moon -- and is working toward becoming a full moon. However, a fully moon wont happen until Nov. 5. The moon will rise around 3 p.m. on Friday and will set around 2:30 a.m. Saturday. Hurricane Melissa was bringing hurricane conditions to the Bahamas on Wednesday afternoon. Melissa's path could take it close to Bermuda by Thursday and Friday. National Hurricane Center Hurricane Melissa made its second landfall overnight in Cuba and was bringing wind, rain and surge to the Bahamas on Wednesday afternoon. The National Hurricane Center said Melissa made its second landfall around 2:10 a.m. CDT Wednesday in the Cuban province of Santiago de Cuba near the city of Chivirico with maximum sustained winds near 120 mph (Category 3). Melissa made its first landfall on Tuesday in southwest Jamaica as a powerful Category 5 hurricane with 185 mph winds. The hurricane center said Melissa was a Category 1 storm on Wednesday afternoon while it was in the vicinity of the central Bahamas. A man watches the coastline in Kingston, Jamaica, as Hurricane Melissa closes in, Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix) AP The official forecast track has Melissa moving across the southeastern and central Bahamas through this evening, and passing near or to the west of Bermuda late Thursday and Thursday night. Melissa was expected to remain a hurricane through that period. As of 4 p.m. CDT Wednesday, the center of Hurricane Melissa was located about 80 miles southeast of the central Bahamas and was tracking to the northeast at 16 mph. Melissa was a Category 1 hurricane with 90 mph winds. Forecasters said Melissa could get a little stronger tonight into tomorrow but will weaken thereafter. Melissa is not expected to become a major hurricane again. A hurricane warning remained in effect for the southeastern and central Bahamas, and a hurricane warning is now also in effect for Bermuda. A tropical storm warning remained in effect for the Turks and Caicos islands. All warnings have been dropped for Cuba and Jamaica. The hurricane center said Melissa could bring 5 to 10 inches of rain to the Bahamas through Thursday morning. Heavy rain may begin to affect Bermuda on Thursday or Thursday night. Melissa remained the only storm in the tropical Atlantic on Wednesday. The Atlantic hurricane season has about a month to go, with the last day coming on Nov. 30. An Assyrian Prisoner During the Iran-Iraq War Iraqi prisoners of war held at gunpoint by a teenage-looking Iranian soldier. ( Amir Ali Javadian) The bells of war rang throughout Iraq, and with each clang, Iraqis grew terrified of what their futures held. It was the summer of 1980. Saddam Hussein began assembling an army of over 200,000 soldiers -- at the time the second largest army in the Middle East -- its ranks filled with people from all regions of Iraq, Assyrians included. My father, Binyamin Youkhana, stood among them. He joined the army at 18 years old, part of a mandatory service if you couldn't read. As a shepherd on his family's farm, he hadn't gone to school. When the war broke out, my father shipped to the front lines, and the Assyrians of Iraq became pitted against their Assyrian brothers from Iran. Iraq made progress in the early months of the war and expected a fast victory; but as Christmas neared, their advance stalled. They didn't know it at the time but they stood at the dawn of what would become one of the deadliest wars in recent centuries. My father recalled that early in the fighting a shell fell next to him and didn't explode. Perhaps, he said, it was a sign that God lived with him through this hell on earth. Two years into the war, Iranian forces captured my father and more than one hundred Assyrians in east Basra, shuttled them across the border to Ahvaz, then to a prison in Tehran, and finally to a prison camp in Karaj. In prison, on top of the torture endured by the captured Iraqi soldiers, my father spoke about the discrimination Assyrians faced for their ethnicity and religion. Iranian guards pressed them to convert to Islam, he said, but they held steadfast in their faith. To pass the time, Assyrians taught each other to read and write in Syriac. My father began learning the letters, pronouncing the vowels, writing his name, and finally reading. But life in the prison was brutal, he said. Food and medical care was prioritized for Iranian soldiers, so the prisoners faced severe starvation and unchecked illness. Beatings became regular. Iranian guards later deployed psychological torture -- spreading false information about the war like claiming Iraq had fallen and the prisoners families killed. Through this hardship, my father told me, Assyrians in the prison camp formed a close-knit community that steered them through these hard times. The men shared stories of their families and traditions, like teaching each other new songs to keep their spirits up. My father said the Assyrian culture breathed alive as the men held private prayers, celebrating their faith in secret to avoid more beatings. Meanwhile, the war dragged on. Conditions in the prison camp diminished. Harsh winters added to their misery. My father described enduring freezing temperatures with little clothing and improper shelter. Hypothermia took many lives. The prisoners faced increasing health issues. The years of malnutrition, hard labor, and relentless stress had taken their toll. The small hope of eventual freedom, my father said, kept them going. Rumors of a possible prisoner exchange began to circulate through the camp in late 1989. Outside the prison walls, the International Red Cross was negotiating with the Iraqi and Iranian governments for a mass exchange. It was a glimmer of hope after unyielding physical and psychological suffering. In September 1990, after eight years of captivity, my father and just a few other Assyrians were released in an exchange. In total, over 70,000 prisoners from both sides returned home. It was a moment of mixed emotions -- joy for the freedom, but sorrow for those who left behind or that had perished. My father was transported to an exchange point inside Iraq and handed over to Iraqi officials. The journey back home felt surreal, my father said. He had grown emaciated and couldn't understand the feeling of finally being free. And though the countryside was destroyed by war, as my father approached Iraq he said it was a welcome sight and he longed to see his family, to hold them, and to assure them he was alive. Tears and deep embraces of love greeted my father on his return home as he found his family alive. The war had left its mark on everyone in different ways, he said, but the joy of the reunion provided a temporary relief from their collective suffering. Assyrian communities in both Iraq and Iran suffered during the war -- and they're still recovering. Many families lost loved ones, their homes and villages destroyed, and many others fled overseas, never to return to their ancestral homeland. Those that remained banded together to rebuild what was lost. Destruction also lingered under the surface. The war left deep psychological scars as former prisoners struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Nightmares, flashbacks, and anxiety became a daily part of life, and the few avenues for mental health support amplified those challenges. As I grew older, my father shared his stories with us, not for pity but to give a sense of history and identity. His experience is not just a string of personal memories but part of a collective history that shapes our community's identity and guides our future. My father speaks most of the importance of education -- the suffering in the camp taught him the power of knowledge, faith, and community. And despite my father's release from the prison camp over three decades ago, many Assyrian families still live without knowledge of the fate of their loved ones who were captured during the war. A lack of consistent record keeping at the time complicates their search. My father is one of the lucky ones. The memory of his fellow prisoners lives on through his stories. But will these families ever discover their own truth? Jacob Elordi has reportedly split from Olivia Jade Giannulli. Jacob Elordi is single once again The 28-year-old actor and the 26-year-old YouTuber called it quits back in August, before briefly rekindling their romance in September - but the celebrity duo have now broken up again. A source told People: "Its fully over. They are not getting back together." Jacob and Olivia have been on and off since 2021, but there appears to be little hope of another reconciliation. Olivia is said to be focused on her own family life, following the recent separation of her parents, Lori Loughlin and Mossimo Giannulli. The insider explained: "Shes fine about the Jacob split, shes more upset about whats going on with her father." Jacob reignited his romance with Olivia in September, with a source revealing that they'd "remained close friends" following their break-up. The insider told People at the time: "Even though theyve been on and off, they still talk all the time and remained close friends." Olivia's family were said to be fond of the Euphoria actor and they were keen to see him rekindle their relationship. The source explained: "Her family really likes him and they have the same circle of friends." News of their decision to rekindle came after Olivia supported Jacob at the Toronto International Film Festival. Jacob and Olivia were seen walking together at the premiere of his movie Frankenstein. The sight sparked speculation that they'd reconciled their differences and were dating once again. Jacob and Olivia always made a concerted effort to keep their romance out of the spotlight. On the other hand, the actor was previously much more transparent about his relationship with Kaia Gerber, posting photos of them together on his Instagram account. Kaia, 24 - who is the daughter of Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber - also discussed their romance during an interview with Vogue in 2021. The brunette beauty said at the time: "Being able to be with someone I trust, where we dont want anything from each other, having a safe, steady relationship like that, has really opened my eyes to the possibilities of love and what it feels like to love without conditions. "Lust is touching other people or wanting them, but love is really seeing someone." Jamie Lee Curtis says her tearful reaction to Charlie Kirk's death was "mistranslated". Jamie Lee Curtis has defended her emotional response to the murder of Charlie Kirk The 66-year-old actress became emotional as she appeared on the WTF with Marc Maron podcast in the aftermath of the US conservative activist's murder last month but has denied that she was supporting Kirk's controversial views. Jamie told Variety: "An excerpt of it mistranslated what I was saying as I wished him well like I was talking about him in a very positive way, which I wasn't; I was simply talking about his faith in God. And so it was a mistranslation, which is a pun, but not. "In the binary world today, you cannot hold two ideas at the same time: I cannot be Jewish and totally believe in Israel's right to exsit and at the same time reject the destruction of Gaza. "You can't say that, because you get vilified for having a mind that says, 'I can hold both those thoughts. I can be contradictory in that way.'" The Halloween actress explained that she is happy to be outspoken and doesn't intend to be "careful" when expressing her views. She said: "I don't have to be careful. "If I was careful, I wouldn't have told you any of what I just told you. I would have just said, 'Hi, welcome. I baked you banana bread. Here's my dog. Here's my house, blah, blah, blah. What do you want to know?' I can't not be who I am in the moment I am." Jamie is the daughter of Hollywood great Tony Curtis and Psycho actress Janet Leigh but admits that acting was an accidental career for her. The Freakier Friday star said of her teenage years: "I was kind of a weirdo. I was this girl at 16, full of energy and personality. But I had no intelligence. You know, I wasn't an athlete, I wasn't in the plays. And I became an actor by accident." Jamie's role as Laurie Strode in the Halloween franchise has defined her career but she only secured the part after being fired from the short-lived comedy series Operation Petticoat. She recalled: "If I hadn't gotten fired, I would never have auditioned for Halloween, which then became something important, right? And then the rest of my life happened." A major conflict is brewing in the Android ecosystem over the future of app distribution. Google is about to tighten the security check for installing external APKs on Android. However, the company recently assured users that sideloadingthe ability to install apps from sources other than the Google Play Storeisnt going anywhere. That said, the alternative app repository F-Droid has publicly challenged that statement, calling Googles assurances about Androids upcoming app sideloading verification rules clear, concise, and false. F-Droid Says Googles promise about Android app sideloading staying is false The core of the dispute lies in Googles new developer verification system. This policy requires every app developer worldwide to verify their identity using government documentation and link apps to a registered Google account. F-Droid argues that while this process might technically keep sideloading alive, it fundamentally strips away the freedom and openness of the process. F-Droid warns that this new requirement effectively puts all independent app developers and alternative stores under Googles unilateral control. If Google doesnt approve an app, users wont be able to install it, regardless of where they obtained the file. As F-Droid puts it, consumers purchased Android devices believing they were an open computing platform where they could choose their software. Starting next year, an OS update could irrevocably block this right. This will leave users at the mercy of their judgment over what software you are permitted to trust. A name problem and safety concerns The F-Droid community also takes issue with the very term sideloading. They argue that installing software should simply be called installing, regardless of the source. They also state that the term sideloading was coined to imply the process is inherently risky or sinister. Google claims the new policy is necessary to enhance security. The company cited an analysis that allegedly found over 50 times more malware from internet-sideloaded sources than on apps available through Google Play. F-Droid counters this security argument by pointing to recent news of large-scale malware campaigns and malicious apps being removed from the Google Play Store itself. They argue that instead, Google should focus on improving its own safeguards. What this means for users and creators This policy applies to virtually every Android Certified device globally. We are talking about basically over 95% of the market outside of China. It affects everyone, even those who use competing marketplaces like the Samsung Galaxy Store. For creators, the promise of Androids opennessa key historical advantage over the iPhone ecosystemis vanishing. Developers can no longer create and share an app directly with their community without first submitting it for Googles approval. F-Droid warns regulators that this system centralizes too much power. It could cede digital sovereignty to a single unaccountable corporation. The platform urges both consumers and developers to advocate for keeping the Android ecosystem open to maintain user choice and market competition. Samsungs tri-fold phone has been popping up in some way, shape, or form more recently of late, and now its being referenced in Googles Android app, which is possibly hinting at the launch date for the upcoming device. Its worth noting that so far, Samsung has not formally announced any sort of launch date for the phone, and its not even clear what the phone looks like officially, at least in its entirety. Its also not clear where Samsung plans to launch the phone. However, recent rumors suggest that Samsung may be looking to launch the phone before the end of October, which means it would have to happen within the next few days. Thats still possible, but time is certainly dwindling. According to this weeks earlier rumor, Samsung wouldnt be looking to launch the phone in the US at this time. That doesnt mean Samsung wont launch the phone in the US at all. That being said, the reference to the phone in Googles app seems to suggest the phone may end up in the US at some point. It would just be a matter of when. The presence of the phones tri-fold label alongside the 2025 timeframe points to a launch sometime in 2025, and since theres only about two months of the year left, a launch is probably not far off. That leaves a question of whether or not Samsung plans to launch the phone in the US at the same time as other regions, and if not, where the company plans to launch first. For the latter, Samsung could be aiming to launch the phone in South Korea first, and this would make sense. Samsung is a Korean company, after all. In fact, the phone may launch in South Korea, the greater Chinese market, and the UAE, with Samsung unveiling the phone on October 31. The official name for the device hasnt been revealed yet, but it seems likely that tri-fold will be part of the name. Every other Samsung mobile device has the Galaxy moniker as well, so it wouldnt be surprising to see that with this device. About a decade ago, many of us tech geeks were very excited for a new project that Google was working on, with Motorola (before Google sold Motorola off to Lenovo, and spun off Motorola Solutions). And that was Project Ara. This project was shown off at Google I/O, in fact, I vividly remember sitting in a session about Project Ara at Moscone West in San Francisco before Google moved it to Mountain View. It was a pretty cool concept. Where it would let you hot-swap different components like cameras, batteries, speakers, and much more. The device was being beta tested back in 2014, but ended up getting delayed before Google decided to shelve it entirely. Now, were seeing some prototypes pop up from 2014 and Project Ara, to show us what Google was actually working on. Even though the project was killed off nearly a decade ago TikToker posts prototypes of Project Ara, a decade later A decade after the project was shelved, a TikToker by the name of Racoondetecionsquad ended up with three Project Ara prototypes and several modules for these prototypes. He also has a video showing the process of removing the modules and popping in a new one. Another module has a switch of some kind included. These modules are definitely different from the ones that had leaked in 2016, its likely that this could have been a later prototype as well. This definitely would not work in todays smartphone world, as companies want you to buy new phones every few years thats mostly how they make their money. And being able to replace batteries, cameras, and other components with ease, would not be great for their bottom line. Still, Project Ara was a really cool pipedream that would have been cool if it came to fruition. We finally have some good news when it comes to the Samsung Galaxy S26 series, they may not be more expensive than their predecessors. While many other companies raised prices for their flagship phones, Samsung may not do it with the Galaxy S26 series. The Galaxy S26 series phones may not get a price hike, unlike the competition The information comes from a South Korean publication, Newdaily, which claims that Samsung is not under pressure to bump prices. Why? Samsung makes its own memory for smartphones. So, even though DRAM prices are expected to jump up 30% in Q4, that wont affect Samsung as much. On top of that, the Exynos 2600 chip is tipped to fuel at least half devices from the Galaxy S26 seires. The Exynos 2600 is Samsungs very own processor, so that will cushion the blow as well. In other words, Samsungs lack of reliance on external manufacturers could help the company keep the prices of the Galaxy S26 phones in check. An industry insider said: Samsung may be able to maintain prices in the short term thanks to its vertical integration structure and inventory security. Recently, another publication, Hankyung, said that Samsung is considering raising prices. Well, Newdaily disagrees, obviously. The publication also added that solid sales of the Galaxy S25 are another reason why Samsung will keep prices unchanged. The three devices are coming in Q1 next year, but the may arrive later than expected The Samsung Galaxy S26 series was expected to arrive in January next year. Recent reports are saying that Samsung will postone the launch of the devices, though. Late February or early March are mentioned as launch timeframes. Samsung is allegedly making some last-minute changes, and/or is having problems ensuring enough Exynos 2600 chips to use with these phones. Either way, the launch could be later than we expected. Popular social media platform, Twitter, saw a change in branding to X in 2023 after the billionaire entrepreneur, Elon Musk, took over. The social networks core systems were fully transitioned to X.com last year, leaving no trace of the bird logo. The platform is now moving a step closer to completely retiring Twitter. If youre a former Twitter user whos still using X and uses hardware security keys for your two-factor authentication (2FA) method, you need to re-enroll them before November 10th. X users need to re-enroll security keys Xs Safety account notified users of the deadline in a post last week, as spotted by The Verge. Re-enrolling your security keys will associate them with the X domain, allowing the company to retire the Twitter domain eventually. If you enroll a new security key, any other security keys will no longer work, the Safety account clarified. You will receive a prompt automatically if this relates to you. By November 10, were asking all accounts that use a security key as their two-factor authentication (2FA) method to re-enroll their key to continue accessing X. You can re-enroll your existing security key, or enroll a new one. A reminder: if you enroll a new security key, any other security keys will stop working (unless also re-enrolled), the account said. The change doesnt apply to 2FA authenticator apps The tech giant clarified that the change only applies to YubiKeys and passkeys, and not 2FA authenticator apps. Failing to re-enroll their affected keys before the deadline (November 10th) will have repercussions. You wont have access to your account until you either complete the re-enrollment process or choose a different 2FA method. You can also decide not to use 2FA altogether, but X advises against it. The process of re-enrolling your hardware key or adding a new one is quite simple. Head to Settings in the X app, then click Security and account access and Manage Passkeys within the Security section. Westlife paid tribute to missing bandmate Mark Feehily as they celebrated their 25th anniversary at the Royal Albert Hall in London on Monday night (27.10.25). Westlife performing at the Royal Albert Hall The Irish boy band played the first of two sold out nights at the iconic venue in the UK capital but took to the stage as a trio - Shane Filan, Nicky Bryne and Kian Egan - following Mark's decision last year to pull out of Westlife's touring commitments due to a number of serious health issues which have included surgery, sepsis and an incisional hernia. Halfway through the two-hour gig, Shane, 46, took a moment to remember Mark, 45, and tell fans that despite his absence from the stage Mark features on the group's upcoming album. Shane told the crowd: I want to take a little moment now to speak about Mark who is unfortunately not with us tonight. But we love him, we miss him and we cannot wait to have him back on this stage with us. "The good news is hes obviously on the new music which you've heard already. And the next album obviously as well. We have a new album coming out in February. Shane and his bandmates then dedicated Flying Without Wings to Mark, citing it as his favourite song. That wasn't the only moment the Westlife boys took to speak with their loyal fans in attendance. Nicky, 47, admitted he would never have believed when they started out 25 years ago that two guys from Dublin and three from Sligo would make it on stage at the Royal Albert Hall which has hosted music legends like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones in the past. Nicky said: "We were just five lads from Ireland - two from Dublin and three from Sligo - and now we are here. "I was looking to see the legends and the people of notoriety, the list is endless, from kings and queens that have been standing on this stage to bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones ... Frank Sinatra stood on this stage and now its Westlife. "All our families are over here for a couple of days, the Irish are in town!" Westlife's set was packed with greatest hits from their two-and-a-half decade spanning career and highlights included World of Our Own, Queen of My Heart and I Have a Dream as well as swing classics Ain't That A Kick in the Head and Mack the Knife. Last year, Mark announced via his Instagram account that he was withdrawing from Westlife's first tour of America and other dates after undergoing hernia surgery in the wake of other serious health issues. He posted: "It's Mark here... Most of you are aware that I have had some health challenges over the past while. "It actually all started 3.5 years ago in August 2020 when I had surgery. Within a few days of this surgery I was in severe pain and was rushed into A+E. "I eventually ended that awful day in ICU (Intensive Care Unit) where I was informed that due to a complication with the surgery, I had developed severe 'Sepsis', a life-threatening infection that would require immediate emergency surgery to rectify the problem and basically save my life. "I spent the next few months in hospital. It was during lockdown. For months, due to strict Covid restrictions, I was not allowed any visitors including my fiance and my then 10-month-old daughter. It was physically and mentally a very difficult time, not to mention traumatic having to spend so long in ICU. "In late 2021, I became very ill in Newcastle before a concert and ended up back in A+E, this time being told I had pneumonia. I was told I had to go straight home to recover and regrettably miss the rest of the concerts that December. "I was referred to a consultant who told me I needed more surgery which I went ahead with in May 2022 meaning I was forced to miss more of The Wild Dreams tour. "Three months after that surgery, I tried my best to soldier on for you guys and to go back on tour but unfortunately the physical demands of the concerts and extensive travel were proving too much for me. "I developed a very large 'incisional hernia' and I was told that I needed further surgery to fix it. This would be my fourth major surgery since the start of it all, but I had no option. "'It is with the upmost level of regret that I must now temporarily stand down from all Westlife touring until a time that I have had the chance to fully recover from the turbulent journey I have been through as an individual. "Believe me, I wish things could be different! I would like to thank you so very much for your support and understanding of me and my health over the past few years. Tickets for Westlife 25: The Anniversary World Tour are on sale this Friday (31.10.25) at 10am and their album The Ultimate Collection is out 13 February 2026. Homemade soup is nutritious, low-cost, and surprisingly easy to make. (Getty Images) (Cris Canton via Getty Images) The dark, wintry evenings may be upon us, but the idea of curling up with a good book or some great telly Celebrity Traitors, anyone? can help brighten up the shorter days. And that scene could be made even cosier with a big bowl of warming soup that's chock full of nutritious vegetables and protein. Sipping on a steaming bowl of soup isn't just the height of comfort; it's also a great way to get warm and toasty as the temperatures continue to drop. The beauty of making soup from scratch is that it's an easy, affordable meal that is versatile to boot. Scaling up a soup recipe for meal prepping is simple to do, and you can also swap out or add vegetables and proteins according to whatever you already have on hand. Here are six super-easy soup recipes that anyone can cook. Leek and potato soup Leek and potato soup is a winter classic, as it makes use of seasonal leeks and is simple to make. (Getty Images) (Anne DEL SOCORRO via Getty Images) Leeks are in season from autumn through to winter, and making leek and potato soup is the perfect way to use them. Like onions and garlic, leeks are part of the allium family. They're inexpensive, easy to prepare and cook, and create a delicious creamy soup when blitzed with potatoes. Try this Good Food recipe that includes: Onion Potatoes Leeks Vegetable stock Double cream or creme fraiche Heat vegetable oil and add the diced onions, potatoes and leeks to cook for three to four minutes until they start to soften. Add the vegetable stock and bring to the boil, then simmer for 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender. With a hand blender, whizz the soup until smooth. Heat again in the pan and stir in the cream or creme fraiche. Serve hot. Minestrone Minestrone soup is packed with vegetables and pasta, perfect for filling hungry bellies in the winter. (Getty Images) (arina7 via Getty Images) If you have lots of smaller pieces of vegetables that need using up in your fridge, a chunky minestrone soup is a great way to get the most out of them. This Italian soup is packed with beans, vegetables and pasta, all swimming in a rich tomato base that will leave you and your family feeling satisfied. If you've got some very hungry mouths to feed, add a side of crusty bread. Try Jamie Oliver's recipe that includes: Garlic Onions Bay leaves Carrots Celery Any greens you have on hand, such as cabbage, chard or kale Vegetable stock cube Tinned plum tomatoes Cannellini or butter beans Dried pasta Finely chop the garlic and onions and cook in olive oil alongside the bay leaves. Chop your carrots, celery and the tough stalks of your leafy greens, and add to the pan to cook for 10 to 15 minutes, until soft. Crumble the vegetable stock cube in, pour in the tinned tomatoes and refill the same tin with water, pouring that in too. Add the beans, including any liquid they come with, and season. Shred the leaves from your greens and add those in too, then top up with boiled water and add the dried pasta. Simmer until the pasta is cooked, then season and serve with grated parmesan if desired. Chicken and vegetable soup Chicken soup delivers plenty of nutrients and healthy calories while still being easy to digest. (Getty Images) (Andrei Ifrim / 500px via Getty Images) Chicken soup is well-known for being nourishing and comforting, particularly when you're recovering from an illness. It's a good source of protein, fibre and vitamins that are also easily digestible, which helps when you're under the weather and don't really feel like eating. Try this recipe by The British Heart Foundation that includes: Chicken thigh fillets Onion Leek Celery Carrots White or brown rice Chicken or vegetable stock cubes Dried mixed herbs Heat oil in a large saucepan and add the onion, leek and celery to cook for about five minutes or until softened. Add the cubed chicken, carrots and rice and stir frequently for two to three minutes to ensure the chicken is sealed all over. Add the herbs and season with black pepper, then add water and the stock cube. Bring to the boil, then simmer for for 20 to 25 minutes until the chicken and rice are cooked and the carrots are tender. Butternut squash soup Autumnal squashes and pumpkins are delicious in soups, particularly as they benefit from being cooked for a longer period of time to tenderise them. (Getty Images) (thesomegirl via Getty Images) Squashes and pumpkins are an autumn and winter staple, and you can find butternut squash easily throughout the cold months. Butternut squash, which is high in fibre, vitamin A and C, and potassium, lends sweetness to any dish and is particularly delicious in a cosy soup. Try Mary Berry's recipe that includes: Butternut squash, peeled, deseeded and cubed Onion Carrots Red pepper Honey (optional) Ginger Vegetable stock Preheat your oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6. While it is heating up, toss the squash, onions, carrots, red pepper, and olive oil into a large bowl, season and toss everything until they are evenly coated. Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a large roasting tin, and roast for 40 to 45 minutes. If using the honey, drizzle it over the vegetables five minutes before the timer goes off and allow to roast for the final five minutes. In a saucepan, add olive oil and ginger and fry for a minute, then pour in the stock and bring to the boil. Stir in the roasted vegetables and season. Remove the pan from the heat and use a hand blender to blitz the vegetables until smooth. Serve hot. Read more pumpkin soup recipes here. Tomato soup Tomato soups are one of the UK's favourite soups. (Getty Images) (MonicaNinker via Getty Images) Tomato soup is a deeply nostalgic dish that makes use of inexpensive ingredients, which are readily available in most supermarkets. It is healthy to boot, using very little fat and no dairy unless you like your tomato soup with a side of cheese toastie, of course. Some people might prefer to make croutons for texture, while others might enjoy a garnish of creme fraiche and basil, as recommended in Delia Smith's recipe. Try Delia Smith's recipe that includes: Ripe red tomatoes Onion Garlic Potato Vegetable stock Olive oil Salt and pepper Cook the onions and potatoes slowly and on a gentle heat in a pan with olive oil so they soften without browning. Then add the tomatoes and allow to cook for a minute before adding the stock, garlic and seasoning. Allow everything to simmer for 25 minutes. Once the soup has simmered, put everything in a blender and blitz into a smooth liquid. ABC chicken soup Clear brothy chicken soup is a staple in Southeast Asia. (Getty Images) (alvarez via Getty Images) This Southeast Asian favourite is a variation on chicken and vegetable soup, but with even fewer ingredients. Mostly popular in Malaysia, it is named ABC soup for how simple it is to make. It is usually cooked on a low heat over a long period of time, and results in a delicious, cloudy broth with chunks of potatoes, carrots and tomatoes, and very tender chicken. Try this recipe by Spruce Eats that includes: Bone-in chicken pieces Carrot Tomato Onion Potatoes Crushed black peppercorns Place the chicken pieces in a pot of clean water and bring to the boil. Discard the water and rinse the chicken under the tap this will result in a clearer soup and helps get rid of scum and excess fat. Fill a clean pot with water again and add the chicken, then bring to the boil again. Add the carrot, tomato, onion and peppercorns and simmer over a low heat for 1.5 hours. Peel, cube and add the potatoes and continue to simmer the soup for another 2.5 hours over a low heat. You may wish to use a slow cooker instead. Season to taste and serve. Shop for soup-making essentials Ukrainian artillerymen fire a howitzer near Pokrovsk in Donetsk. Up to 100,000 Ukrainian troops are believed to have been killed since the start of the war - Anatolii Stepanov/REUTERS Almost 100,000 fighting-age Ukrainian men have left the country in the past two months after Volodymyr Zelensky eased departure rules, new figures show. Polands border guard said 99,000 Ukrainian men aged between 18 and 22 had crossed the frontier the primary route out of the country since regulations to ensure that Kyiv had enough soldiers were relaxed at the end of August. In comparison, the entire British Army has around 70,000 personnel. When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, martial law blocked Ukrainian men aged from 18 to 60 even if they were not eligible to be drafted into the armed forces from leaving the country. After three years of fighting, Mr Zelensky enacted a new rule allowing Ukrainian men to travel abroad before they reach 23. The move was part of a shift in conscription policy, which lowered the age at which men were obliged to fight from 27 to 25 because of mounting concerns over manpower shortages on the front lines. By granting young Ukrainians more freedoms to leave, it was hoped more would return and volunteer to fight at a later date. It was also hoped that it would stop families from sending their teenage children overseas before their 18th birthday to avoid them being drafted in the future, which Mr Zelensky warned in August was severing ties between Ukrainian youngsters and their country. A woman visits a memorial to fallen Ukrainian soldiers and international volunteers in Kyiv - SERGEY DOLZHENKO/EPA/Shutterstock American generals and politicians had complained that Mr Zelenskys refusal to draft any men of fighting age was hurting Ukraines hopes of resisting Russias invasion or pressing home advantages. On the battlefield, for much of this year, Russia has seen 1,000 men killed or injured every day. It is believed that between 60,000 and 100,000 Ukrainian troops have been killed since the start of the war, according to the Washington-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies. This fear has been echoed among European officials, who are concerned that Kyiv has not done enough to plug manpower shortages. But while Ukraines president had hoped his tweaks would increase the number of volunteers seeking to join the military, the policy shift has encouraged more young citizens to travel to Europe at a time when tensions are high over migration. Some 45,300 Ukrainian men aged between 18 and 22 entered Poland from January to just before the rule change at the end of August, according to Polands border guards. In the next two months, that number more than doubled to 98,500, or 1,600 a day. In Germany, where Friedrich Merz, the chancellor, is attempting to crack down on lax migration rules, the number of Ukrainian men aged 18 to 22 arriving each week jumped from 19 to more than 1,000 by the middle of September. By October, it had grown to between 1,400 and 1,800 per week, BR24, a Bavarian news outlet, reported. The new entries were part of a first phase of increased migration after the entry into force of the regulation decided by Ukraine in the summer, a German interior ministry spokesman said. Germany must address Ukrainian influx The rising number of Ukrainians will pile pressure on Mr Merz to cut support for refugees from the war-torn country sheltering in Germany. The far-Right AfD, which is polling in first place, has called for Berlin to suspend aid payments to Ukrainians, as well as voicing opposition to military support for Kyiv. Jurgen Hardt, the Right-wing CDU partys foreign affairs foreign policy chief, told Politico: We have no interest in young Ukrainian men spending their time in Germany instead of defending their country. Ukraine makes its own decisions, but the recent change in the law has led to a trend of emigration that we must address. Meanwhile, the US said on Wednesday that it would reduce its troop presence on Natos borders with Ukraine, adding to fears of a withdrawal. Nearly 85,000 US military personnel are based in Europe, but Donald Trump has repeatedly criticised Nato and called on European leaders to ramp up their defence spending. This is not an American withdrawal from Europe or a signal of lessened commitment to Nato and Article 5, the US Army in Europe and Africa, said in a statement. A judge has determined that Bill Essayli, a top federal prosecutor for a district serving Los Angeles, has been illegally serving since July. (REUTERS) The top U.S. attorney in one of the largest districts in the country has been serving illegally since July, according to a federal judge. The ruling marks the third time that a court has disqualified one of Donald Trumps loyalists for a top prosecutor role, as the Department of Justice faces intense legal scrutiny over a series of maneuvers to keep the presidents allies in office to get around legal limits on how long they can stay there. In his Tuesday order, District Judge J. Michael Seabright determined that Bill Essayli was unlawfully serving beyond a 120-day expiration date for a temporary position leading the U.S. attorneys office in the Central District of California. He should have left his post as acting U.S. attorney for the district July 31, according to the judge. But Seabright said Essayli could remain on the job with the title of first assistant U.S. attorney, allowing him to continue overseeing prosecutions if no one else is appointed to the role which the judge acknowledged, in practical terms, wouldnt change much in terms of who is leading the office in the most populous district in the nation. Nothing is changing, Essayli wrote on X, declaring victory in the case. I continue serving as the top federal prosecutor in the Central District of California. A judge has determined that Bill Essayli, a top federal prosecutor for a district serving Los Angeles, has been illegally serving since July. (REUTERS) However, Seabrights decision is the latest in a string of legal blows for the presidents loyalists who have held on to critical law enforcement roles through a complex set of bureaucratic maneuvers that have allowed them to evade a Senate confirmation process. Judges have disqualified Trumps personal attorney Alina Habba from serving as U.S. attorney in New Jersey as well as Sigal Chattah, Trumps nominee for top prosecutor in Nevada. Both of those decisions have been temporarily frozen to allow the Justice Department time to appeal. Trumps acting U.S. attorney for New Mexico, Ryan Ellison, is also expected to face a similar legal challenge. Attorneys for former FBI director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James are similarly calling on judges to throw out the politically charged criminal indictments against them by arguing that Lindsey Halligan another one of Trumps personal attorneys is illegally serving as the acting U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. In April, Attorney General Pam Bondi appointed Essayli to lead the U.S. attorneys office in Los Angeles, covering an area with roughly 20 million people. By law, he was serving on an interim basis for up to 120 days. Without Senate confirmation by the end of that period, federal judges can then appoint their own acting prosecutor. But Essayli was signaling that he didnt have any plans to leave the office. Weve got some tricks up our sleeves, he told right-wing media personality Glenn Beck at the time. Trump's former personal attorneys Alina Habba and Lindsey Halligan now serving as temporary U.S. attorneys in New Jersey and Virginia, respectively are also facing legal challenges over their appointments. (GETTY IMAGES) Days before his deadline, Essayli resigned only for Bondi to appoint him as the offices No. 2 position, following a similar strategy the Trump administration deployed to keep other top prosecutors in office. The administration has argued they could essentially inherit the top role of U.S. attorney on an acting basis because they were no longer serving in them. Seabright, echoing other judges presiding over similar challenges, rejected that argument. Simply stated: Essayli unlawfully assumed the role of Acting United States Attorney for the Central District of California, Seabright concluded. Essayli may not perform the functions and duties of the United States Attorney He is disqualified from serving in that role. But the cases brought by Essaylis office while he was illegally serving wont be dismissed, according to Seabright. Those indictments were signed by other, legally appointed prosecutors, the judge determined. But if that reasoning holds up in other cases, it could spell doom for the criminal cases against Comey and James, whose indictments were signed off by Halligan. She presented evidence to grand juries by herself to secure those indictments. A judge is scheduled to hear arguments over attempts to disqualify Halligan from office November 13. Luxury car maker Aston Martin has cut its investment plans amid efforts to bring down costs in the face of widening losses. The UK firm also said it is reviewing its strategy for future models as sales tumbled further in the face of pressure from US tariffs and weak demand in China. Aston Martin Lagonda told shareholders it will cut its five-year investment commitment from 2 billion to 1.7 billion as it launched a review into costs and capital expenditure. The car company, known for its association with the James Bond franchise, said it is also investing 350 million into its operations this year, in the latest cut to its spending plans. Earlier this month the company said it was on track for 375 million of investment, having already pulled back from a previous 400 million target. The company reported revenues had slid by 27% to 285.2 million for the quarter to September 30, compared with a year earlier. The drop was driven by weaker wholesale volumes, which fell by 13% to 1,430 vehicles for the quarter. The weakness was driven by heightened challenges in the global macroeconomic environment which weighed down on demand, as well as pressure from US tariffs. Sales volumes were weaker than expected across most regions during the quarter, as it reported that UK sales volumes slid by 32%. Aston Martin said its quarterly operating loss more than doubled to 56.1 million for the period. The firm pointed towards an improvement in performance for the final quarter of the year but stressed that there are continued challenges, including supply chain pressures linked to the cyber incident on rival Jaguar Land Rover. Adrian Hallmark, Aston Martin chief executive, said: This year has been marked by significant macroeconomic headwinds, particularly the sustained impact of US tariffs and weak demand in China. In response to these market dynamics, we have taken, and continue to take, proactive steps to strengthen our overall position. Work is under way to review our future product cycle plan with the aim of optimising costs and capital investment whilst continuing to deliver innovative, class leading products to meet customer demands and regulatory requirements. Major shareholder and executive chairman Lawrence Stroll said his commitment and confidence in the long-term prospects of the business are unwavering. With the long-expected Paramount layoffs hitting the CBS newsroom Wednesday morning, new editor-in-chief Bari Weiss told the reporters and journalists impacted by the brutal cuts that she was there to offer support to anyone who needed it. This is just such an enormously difficult day for so many people who have given years of their lives to this company, she said during the morning editorial call, according to audio reviewed by The Independent. And Im sorry, and I want to support everyone in whatever way I can, she added. My door is open, whether Im sitting up here or downstairs. The networks cuts, meanwhile, have led to the cancellation of two digital shows and the gutting of CBS News Saturday morning offering. On top of that, The Independent has learned that the networks race and culture unit has also been shuttered. This really is a bloodbath, one CBS News staffer said, adding that the cuts expanded across the entire newsroom. Im sorry, and I want to support everyone in whatever way I can, CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss told staff on Wednesday as layoffs were announced. (Paramount) Weeks after Paramount Skydance chief David Ellison paid $150 million to purchase Weiss anti-woke digital outlet The Free Press, and amid his ongoing spending spree to build up a burgeoning media empire, Ellison announced that he was axing roughly 10 percent of the companys workforce. Of the approximately 1,000 Paramount employees let go as part of Ellisons restructuring of the media giant, sources tell The Independent that about 100 came from CBS News. A network spokesperson declined to comment on the layoffs and their impact on CBS News. In some areas, we are addressing redundancies that have emerged across the organization, Ellison wrote in a memo sent to staff on Wednesday morning. In others, we are phasing out roles that are no longer aligned with our evolving priorities and the new structure designed to strengthen our focus on growth. Ultimately, these steps are necessary to position Paramount for long-term success. We are deeply grateful for your hard work, professionalism, and resilience during this period of transition, he added. We remain confident that Paramounts best days are ahead, and were committed to building a strong foundation for the future. Following these steep cuts the first at Paramount since the politically fraught merger with Ellisons Skydance in August the company is expected to eventually let go of at least another 1,000 employees over the coming months. Following his purchase of Paramount, Ellison stated that he intended to trim $2 billion from the companys ledger. Meanwhile, Ellison with the backing of his father, Oracle founder and close Trump ally Larry Ellison has been aggressively pursuing a takeover of rival media conglomerate Warner Bros. Discovery. Besides looking to combine the two companies' massive movie studios and streaming operations, a merger which Donald Trump has reportedly already greenlit could potentially combine CBS News with CNN. A network source familiar with the matter stressed to The Independent that the cuts to the newsroom were already in the works before Weiss was installed as the networks top editor and before Ellison bought The Free Press. Days after she took over as editor-in-chief, Weiss urged all newsroom employees to send her a memo describing their workday hours. As part of the network-wide cost-cutting, CBS News is closing its Johannesburg bureau in South Africa. The layoffs also impacted multiple staffers in the London bureau. Additionally, the CBS Race and Culture Unit was completely gutted, and the entire team has been laid off. This also comes just two weeks after Claudia Milne, the networks head of standards, handed in her resignation. Days before the Paramount merger was approved by the Trump administration, Skydance promised Trumps handpicked Federal Communications Commission chairman Brendan Carr that the new Paramount would eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion policies across the company. We are deeply grateful for your hard work, professionalism, and resilience during this period of transition, Paramount chief David Ellison said in a Wednesday memo. (AFP/Getty) Beyond that, the network is also eliminating its streaming shows CBS Mornings Plus and CBS News Evenings Plus, along with their entire teams. That also includes the evening shows executive producer Alturo Rhymes. CBS News Evenings Plus had been anchored by John Dickerson, who currently co-anchors the companion broadcast version of the show. Dickerson, who has been with CBS for 16 years, announced this week that he was leaving both the network and CBSs flagship evening news show in December. While it hasnt been canceled yet, CBS Saturday Morning is losing about two-thirds of its staff, including co-hosts Dana Jacobson and Michelle Miller, as well as executive producer Brian Applegate. The program will now be overseen by CBS Mornings executive producer Shawna Thomas, and much of the weekday morning shows staff will now also work on CBS Saturday Morning. It hasnt yet been determined who will host the weekend program. The layoffs come as the radically centrist contrarian Weiss is looking to make a splash during her first weeks on the job, including courting high-profile on-air talent to jump to the network, such as Fox News Bret Baier and CNNs Anderson Cooper. Baier has already noted that he is locked up in his Fox News contract through 2028, while Cooper has told others that he is not interested in anchoring CBS Evening News. Shes also been seen as the networks chief booker, playing a key role in snagging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for an exclusive interview with morning show host Tony Dokoupil. Her push to bring on big-name guests has also led to some puzzling moments during editorial calls. During a morning meeting earlier this month, as first reported by Breaker, Weiss suggested the network book The Da Vinci Code author Dan Brown to discuss the recent Louvre heist. Staffers on the call told The Independent that other editors explained to Weiss that there was no robbery in The Da Vinci Code, and that perhaps she was thinking of The Thomas Crown Affair. This prompted further jokes that they should get actor Pierce Brosnan instead of Brown. Cardiff have been handed a dream home Carabao Cup quarter-final tie against Chelsea. The Sky Bet League One club are the lowest ranked team left in the competition, having won 2-1 at Welsh rivals Wrexham on Tuesday night. Chelsea came through 4-3 against Wolves at Molinuex, holding off a second-half fightback from the home side to secure their place in the last eight. Elsewhere in the draw, holders Newcastle will be at home to Fulham. Eddie Howes side saw off Tottenham 2-0 at St James Park on Wednesday night, while Fulham had edged past League One Wycombe on penalties on Tuesday evening. Crystal Palace who beat Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield will head to Premier League leaders Arsenal. The #CarabaoCup Quarter-Final draw has now been confirmed #EFL Carabao Cup (@Carabao_Cup) October 29, 2025 The Gunners beat Brighton 2-0 on Wednesday night and had battled to a 1-0 win over the Eagles on Sunday to keep themselves top of the table. Manchester City, who came from behind to win 3-1 at Swansea, will be at home against Brentford. The Bees coasted to a 5-0 victory at Grimsby on Tuesday night. The quarter-final ties will take place in the week commencing December 15. Celtic fans continued their on-going protest against the clubs board outside Parkhead ahead of the William Hill Premiership game against Falkirk. The gathering was led by Celtic Fans Collective, an umbrella group of supporters formed in the wake of discontent over summer transfer business and failure to qualify for the Champions League. Hundreds of fans chanted against Celtics major shareholder Dermot Desmond, chief executive Michael Nicholson and chairman Peter Lawwell with several flares lit to add some colour to the dark October night. The protest took place as the interim management team of Martin ONeill a former Celtic boss and ex-Hoops player Shaun Maloney prepared for their first game in the technical area after Brendan Rodgers sensationally resigned on Monday night. The Northern Irishman departed along with assistant John Kennedy and the move was followed by a scathing assessment of Rodgers by the influential Desmond. Desmond blamed recent failings on one individuals desire for self-preservation at the expense of others and accused Rodgers of divisive, misleading, and self-serving behaviour which contributed to a toxic atmosphere and fuelled hostility towards board members. The number of children living in long-term workless households in the UK has risen to its highest level in nearly a decade, figures suggest. Some 1.22 million children were in households last year where no adult had worked for at least 12 months, according to estimates from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This is up from 1.06 million the previous year and is the highest total since 1.23 million in 2015. The proportion of children in the UK who live in long-term workless households stood at 9.4% in 2024, up from 9.2% in 2023 and again the highest figure since 2015, when it stood at 10.1%. The ONS defines a household as containing at least one person aged 16 to 64. There is considerable regional variation in the data, with the proportion of children in long-term workless households in 2024 ranging from highs of 16.6% in north-east England and 12.4% in the North West to 6.8% in the South East and 6.6% in the South West. Most regions saw a year-on-year increase in the percentage of children in long-term workless households, with only the South West and Yorkshire/Humber recording a slight fall. In Scotland the figure is estimated at 11.3%, up year on year from 9.8%; for Wales it is 10.4%, up from 8.4%; and Northern Ireland is 11.9%, down from 12.7%. ONS data on workless households begins in 2006 and suggests levels were higher in the late 2000s and early 2010s than in recent years. The overall proportion of children in the UK in long-term workless households peaked at 14.0% in 2010, or 1.65 million, before falling to 10.1% by 2015 and 7.9% in 2020. It has since resumed an upwards trend, reaching 9.4% last year. David Finch of the Health Foundation charity said the data paints a deeply concerning picture, adding: Long-term worklessness often stems from poor health, the main cause of economic inactivity, and has risen since the pandemic. Children growing up in workless households are at greater risk of poverty and poorer physical and mental health, which can limit their chances of future employment, creating a cycle that is difficult to break. The Governments ambition to tackle economic inactivity must be led by action to prevent people leaving work in the first place. Government should set the conditions for employers to create healthier, more supportive workplaces that enable people with health conditions to remain and thrive in work. The ONS said its estimates are based on the Household Annual Population Survey and are defined as statistics in development, which means they are likely to contain some uncertainty and could be revised in the future. They are also based on 2021 population totals, which are different to the estimates used for the Labour Force Survey that forms the basis for the ONSs monthly unemployment figures. Colorado woman who vanished in 2018 is found dead on her own property seven years later The remains of a Colorado woman reported missing in 2018 have been found on her property, according to police. The Weld County Coroner's Office issued a statement last week identifying the human remains found at a home in Lochbuie, Colorado, as those of Terri Ackerman, 56, who was reported missing seven years ago, according to 9 News. Ackerman was last seen on August 24, 2018, by her husband. On September 10, 2025, police in Lochbuie were alerted to the discovery of human remains at the home where Ackerman once lived. Lochbuie Police Public Information Officer Lieutenant Stephanie Southard did not confirm who made the original call to police regarding the remains, as the situation is still under active investigation. Terri Ackerman, 56, went missing in Lochbuie, Colorado in 2018. Her remains were discovered on her property in September 2025 by the Lochbuie Police Department (Lochbuie Police Department) After Ackerman disappeared, police conducted several searches at the property with cadaver dogs and drones and the assistance of Rampart Search and Rescue as well as other law enforcement agencies. Investigators conducted numerous interviews with those close to Ackerman and others who may have had information, but were only able to obtain limited information about the woman, according to the department. At the time of her disappearance, Ackerman's daughter told Denver7 that her mother suffered from bipolar disorder as well as other mental health issues. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation is continuing to assist the police department with its investigation into the woman's disappearance. Joey Weiner, the chief deputy coroner of the Weld County Coroner's Office, said in the news release that the cause and manner of Ackerman's death are still being investigated and will be revealed when the full autopsy report is completed. Anyone with information about Ackerman's disappearance or death is asked to call the Lochubuie Police Department. Residents of a Rio de Janeiro favela spent all night collecting bodies in trucks and laying them down in a central square, after a huge police raid on a notorious drug gang. After what is being criticized as Brazils latest example of the excessive use of force, at least 50 bodies of mostly topless young men lay on the ground in Penha on early Wednesday morning. Penha was one of two sites targeted in Rios deadliest ever police operation. According to an AP journalist at the scene, hundreds of residents and family members of victims surrounded the bodies, some crying while others screamed massacre and later chanted justice. The massive raid, involving 2,500 police and soldiers in helicopters, armored vehicles and on foot, has left at 132 people dead, including 60 suspected gang members and four policemen, according to officials. The tally from the Rio public defender's office was more than double the death toll released on Tuesday, when state authorities reported at least 64 dead, including four police officers. The raids were targeting a major drug gang, the state government said. Residents stand next to lined-up bodies in front of a morgue truck on Sao Lucas Square of the Vila Cruzeiro favela at the Penha complex in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (AFP via Getty Images) Rio Governor Claudio Castro said the initial tally had only counted bodies processed in the public morgue. Many bodies were found in a wooded ridge near the urban community. Local activist Raull Santiago said he was part of a team that found about 15 bodies before dawn. We saw executed people: shot in the back, shots to the head, stab wounds, people tied up. This level of brutality, the hatred spread - theres no other way to describe it except as a massacre, Santiago said. Castro said on Tuesday that Rio was at war against narco-terrorism, a term that echoed the Trump administration in its campaign against drug smuggling in Latin America. Rios state government said that those who had been killed had resisted police action. Rio has been the scene of lethal police raids for decades. In March 2005, some 29 people were killed in Rios Baixada Fluminense region, while in May 2021, 28 were killed in the Jacarezinho favela. But the scale and lethality of Tuesdays operation are unprecedented. Non-governmental organizations and the U.N. human rights body quickly raised concerns over the high number of reported fatalities and called for investigations. Firefighters carry a body on Sao Lucas Square of the Vila Cruzeiro favela at the Penha complex in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (AFP via Getty Images) The operation's stated objectives were capturing leaders and limiting the territorial expansion of the Red Command criminal gang, which has increased its control over favelas in recent years. Some 81 suspects were arrested, while 93 rifles and more than half a ton of drugs were seized, the state government said. The police raid drew gunfire and other retaliation from gang members, causing scenes of chaos across the city. Schools in the affected areas shuttered, a local university canceled classes, and roads were blocked with buses used as barricades. Gang members allegedly targeted police with at least one drone. Rio de Janeiros state government shared a video on X of what appeared to show a drone firing a projectile from the sky. Gov. Castro, from the conservative opposition Liberal Party, said Tuesday that Rio was alone in this war. He said the federal government should be providing more support to combat crime in a swipe at the administration of leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. His comments were challenged by the Justice Ministry, which said it had responded to requests from Rios state government to deploy national forces in the state, renewing their presence 11 times. Mourners react as people gather around bodies, the day after a deadly police operation against drug trafficking at the favela do Penha, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (REUTERS) Gleisi Hoffmann, the Lula administrations liaison with the parliament, agreed that more coordinated action was needed but pointed to a recent crackdown on money laundering as an example of the federal governments action on organized crime. Lula's chief of staff, Rui Costa, requested an emergency meeting Wednesday in Rio with local authorities and Justice Minister Ricardo Lewandowski. Criminal gangs have expanded their presence across Brazil in recent years, including in the Amazon rainforest. Filipe dos Anjos, secretary general of favela rights organization FAFERJ, said that these kind of police operations dont solve the problem as those who were killed are easily replaceable. In about thirty days, organized crime will already be reorganized in the territory, doing what it always does: selling drugs, stealing cargo, collecting payments and fees, he said. In terms of concrete results for the population, for society, this kind of operation achieves practically nothing, he added. Additional reporting by Reuters. Scarlett Johansson's daughter once asked her for a custom Marie Antoinette gown. Scarlett Johansson has an 11-year-old daughter The 40-year-old actress has Rose, 11, with her ex-husband Romain Dauriac, and Scarlett has recalled the most outrageous gift her daughter has ever asked her for. During an appearance on the Busy This Week podcast, Scarlett shared: "My daughter ... asked for a Marie Antoinette gown. And this woman, who was an amazing dressmaker who made all the costumes for all these operas in Ukraine, made a two-measure full opera like Marie Antoinette dress with a hoop skirt and corset for my daughter. "It was outrageous. You can let it [out] so that she'll wear it over [the] years and she still puts it on and she looks so cute." Scarlett revealed that Rose actually wore the dress for a very special occasion. The blonde beauty - who married comedy star Colin Jost in 2020 - said: "She actually wore it to my wedding, which was really spectacular. "She had like her little dress on, then she was like, 'Change me now.' And I was like, in the middle of the wedding, I'm like, 'We'll be right back. We have a costume change for Rose.'" Meanwhile, Scarlett previously insisted that motherhood hasn't changed her work life. The Hollywood star told OK! magazine: "I have a job that's very advantageous in that way. I can parent and then go do the scene and go back and parent. "There's a bit of back and forth, but it works. "[Has it changed what work I do?] It hasn't but it might in a few years. Again, it's a job that works with you. "I have a freedom that others don't, so I'm grateful." Scarlett is also determined to set a good example for her daughter. The actress said: "I'm not sure how much of an impact it's making right now, but absolutely, in the future, I want her to know and absorb the lesson of working hard, going for your dreams and making it happen." Police launched their biggest ever raid on drug traffickers in northern Rio de Janeiro - MAURO PIMENTEL/AFP Gang members in Rio de Janeiro bombed police with drones in retaliation for their deadliest raid on the citys drug traffickers. In scenes akin to a war zone, residents of the citys poorest northern neighbourhoods scrambled for cover as 2,500 armed officers engaged in an exchange of fire with Comando Vermelho, or Red Command, one of Brazils most powerful crime groups. Few could have anticipated the scale of the operation: at least 132 people killed, more than 80 arrested and 12 hours of gunfire. Members of Red Command responded to police with gunfire, barricading roads with burning cars and dropping grenades using drones, officials said. At least four police officers were killed and 15 more were injured. Credit: Social Media Residents of favelas poor and densely populated neighbourhoods often ruled by criminal gangs may have sensed that a police raid was coming. Brazilian authorities have a history of launching major operations ahead of international events, and the city is set to host the C40 World Mayors Summit next week. Just before dawn, armed police stormed into the suburbs of Alemao and Penha with 32 armoured vehicles, two helicopters, 12 demolition vehicles and drones as part of Operation Containment. The goal of the largest raid in the states history, police said, was to capture criminal leaders and counter the territorial expansion of Red Command. A police officer lifts a backpack that is part of a street barricade placed by alleged drug traffickers - Silvia Izquierdo/AP More than 80 people have been arrested in Operation Containment However, gang members had quickly shown signs of resistance using drones to drop explosives on the advancing police forces, in what Claudio Castro, the state governor of Rio de Janeiro, described as an act of narco-terrorism. Mr Castro, a staunch ally of Jair Bolsonaro, the former Right-wing president who is currently in prison, posted a video of what appeared to be a gang-controlled drone launching a projectile from the sky. He said: This is how the Rio police are treated by criminals: with bombs dropped by drones. This is the scale of the challenge we face. This is not ordinary crime, but narco-terrorism. Credit: Governo do Rio A Penha resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, added: This is the first time weve seen drones [from criminals] dropping bombs in the community. She added: Everyone is terrified because theres so much gunfire. During the raid, members of Red Command focused on blocking access to local communities and closing main highways throughout the city, police said. Over 50 city buses were commandeered and turned into barricades, and some were set on fire. Shocked residents look on as the raid unfolds in the favela - Aline Massuca/Reuters Thousands of officer took part in Operation Containment - Mauro Pimentel/AFP An unknown number of people were wounded in the violence, with videos showing lifeless bodies stripped to their underwear and covered by tarpaulin laid out on the street. Rios civil police said in a statement: The cowardly attacks by criminals against our agents will not go unpunished. The city was brought to a near-standstill by traffic jams caused by the barricades, universities and schools closed for the day and restaurants and bars across the city shut their doors. Getulio Vargas Hospital workers help an injured person from a police truck - Silvia Izquierdo/The Associated Press Raids are common in the favelas but this was the deadliest one yet. Until now, the highest death toll came during a 2021 raid that left 28 people dead. Red Command, Brazils oldest criminal gang, is known throughout Brazil for carrying out drug and arms trafficking, hijackings and kidnappings for ransom. It has been expanding its control of favelas in recent years. The United Nations said it was horrified by the deadly police operation and called for effective investigations. Henrique Vieira, an evangelical pastor and member of Brazils congress, accused the state government of treating the favela as enemy territory, with a license to shoot and kill. Last year, approximately 700 people died during police operations in Rio, amounting to almost two a day. Police officers escort a suspect arrested during the operation - Mauro Pimentel/AFP Experts and human rights organisations have criticised such operations by the security forces, deeming them ineffective against criminal groups. In an apparent admission that Rio state officials had not anticipated the response from the criminal group, Mr Castro said in a press conference that the fight against drug trafficking had exceeded the capacity of the state of Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro state officials had undertaken the operation without federal assistance or the armed forces, which Mr Castro said had been denied. One policeman patrolled the area with a monkey sitting on his head - ANTONIO LACERDA/EPA/Shutterstock At least one leader of the Red Command was arrested in the raid and at least 93 rifles confiscated, according to Mr Castro. The operation had been in planning for over a year, he added. While there were still threats of retaliation by the criminal group, the governor expected public services to operate as normal on Wednesday. The further cases underline the strain the prison service is under, according to the Prison Officers Association. Photograph: Antonio Olmos/The Observer Five other prisoners have also been released by mistake in the same week a convicted Ethiopian sex offender was allowed to walk free from an Essex jail, says the prison officers union. The disclosure of further mistakes highlights the intense pressure on prison staff, according to the Prison Officers Association (POA). Last Friday, Hadush Kebatu was mistakenly released from HMP Chelmsford after being sentenced to 12 months in jail in September for sexually assaulting a woman and a 14-year-old girl while living in an asylum hotel in Epping. Related: Ministers warned not to scapegoat prison staff over mistaken release of Hadush Kebatu After a two-day manhunt he was tracked down in north London and returned to detention. His mistaken release inflamed public anger, given his case had already caused unrest across England and Wales over the summer, with many demonstrators rallying against asylum accommodation and voicing anti-immigration sentiments. On Tuesday, the POA chair, Mark Fairhurst, told the BBC there had been five other mistaken releases in the past seven days from five separate prisons. One of the prisoners is still at large, PA reported. The mistaken releases took place at HMP Pentonville, HMP Durham, HMP the Mount in Hertfordshire and from Reading crown court, according to PA. The Ministry of Justice has acknowledged that more prisoners were mistakenly released this week, but disputed the number. Fairhurst said prison authorities knew the erroneous releases had been a regular occurrence for the past year. He blamed inadequate staff training and said the early release schemes, brought in by the government to tackle jail overcrowding last year, had created a confusing time for everyone. He defended prison staff and said the union was supporting the officer involved in Kebatus case, who he said had been unfairly suspended. Fairhurst said an error in the paperwork had led to Kebatus release: Somewhere on that paperwork, its been missed that we should have held this person in reception until the immigration service picked him up for deportation. David Lammy, the justice secretary, told MPs on Monday that he had been freed in what appears to have been a human error. Lammy said the government was immediately putting stronger checks in place at prisons across the country. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice said: Releases in error have been increasing for several years and are another symptom of the prison system crisis inherited by this government. According to government figures published in July, 262 prisoners were released in error in the year to March 2025 a 128% increase on 115 in the previous 12 months. France's Senate is expected to grant final approval on Wednesday to a bill redefining rape and sexual assault as any non-consensual sexual act. This crucial legislation emerges directly from the landmark drugging and rape trial that profoundly shook France, turning Gisele Pelicot into a global icon. The bill, introduced in January, followed just weeks after 51 men were convicted for Ms Pelicot's rape and abuse, a case that ignited a nationwide reckoning over France's rape culture. Marie-Charlotte Garin and Veronique Riotton, lawmakers for the Greens and President Emmanuel Macron's centrist party respectively, who championed the bill, wrote, It's time to take action and take a new step forward in the fight against sexual violence. The bill follows the conviction of 51 men for the rape and assault of Ms Pelicot, pictured (AFP/Getty) The bill states that any non-consensual sexual act constitutes sexual assault. Consent is defined as freely given, informed, specific, prior and revocable and assessed in the light of the circumstances. The text says it cannot be inferred solely from the silence or the lack of reaction of the victim. The bill also specifies that there is no consent if the sexual act is committed with violence, coercion, threat or surprise. Last week, it was widely approved by lawmakers from almost all ranks at the National Assembly, Frances lower house of parliament. The far right voted against it. The Senate is expected to give its final approval later Wednesday, the last step before the bill becomes law via official publication. Once approved, France will join many other European nations that have similar consent-based laws on rape, including neighboring Germany, Belgium and Spain. In December, Pelicots ex-husband and 50 other men were convicted of sexually assaulting her between 2011 and 2020 while she was under chemical submission. Dominique Pelicot was sentenced to 20 years in prison, while sentences for other defendants ranged from three to 15 years imprisonment. An appeals court handed a stiffer 10-year sentence earlier this month to the only man who challenged his conviction. The harrowing and unprecedented trial in France exposed how pornography, chatrooms and mens disdain for or hazy understanding of consent is fueling rape culture. Gisele Pelicot has since become a symbol of the fight against sexual violence. A happy moment for one dog mama is so bittersweet. People at Lancaster Animal Care Center in Lancaster, California mustve been so happy when a gaggle of German Shepherd puppies were adopted. What a feat! But that left Mom all by her lonesome. And now the poor mama has to wait at the shelter until someone gives her her forever home too. Evelyn showed a heartbreaking before-and-after that unfortunately happens all too often. There was the German Shepherd mama with her puppies then there was the mom all on her own. Like so many adult dogs, Gladice was left behind while her pups were rushed off to their new homes. Related: German Shepherds Perfect Spot to Lie Is Right on Top of Mom & Its Too Perfect All four of the German Shepherd puppies were adopted out of the shelter. Which is good news! But that means the mom was separated from her babies. Whats worse, she didnt have a loving forever home. Which means she was stuck at the shelter and was cleared for euthanasia, Evelyn wrote. Luckily, this story has a happy ending. Someone saw Gladices story online and ran to her rescue. UPDATE: RESCUED BY Promise4paws rescue! Evelyn exclaimed. A second video from the woman shared the good news. This was too close for comfort. People in the comments section were so upset. Theres no way I could have adopted the last puppy and left the mom behind They both would have went home with me, wrote one person. WHY DID THEY SEPARATE HER FROM HER BABIES? another commenter wondered. Imagine being ripped away from your babies and being alone, with zero hope! Praying she finds a home, chimed in another person. Oh noooo. She watched all her babies go. She needs a forever home ASAP, added someone else. Adopting From the Lancaster Animal Care Center Gladice is just one of so many animals that need someone to come and save them. You can be that person. Just head to the Lancaster Animal Care Center website and look through all of the animals waiting for adoption. Today is the day that you can change an animals life! Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips. This story was originally reported by PetHelpful on Oct 29, 2025, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here. A study has identified the hospice sector is in crisis due to cuts and a lack of funding (Alamy/PA) Hospices are cutting vital services for dying patients due to multimillion-pound funding deficits, a new report reveals. Hospice leaders describe the sector as being in 'crisis', with a National Audit Office (NAO) review showing nearly two-thirds of independent hospices in England reported a deficit in 2023/24. The NAO found that overall expenditure for independent adult hospices exceeded income by 78 million. Consequently, services have been cut and hospices have reduced beds for dying people or those with life-limiting conditions. At the end of 2024, around 300 inpatient beds were deregistered or withdrawn from operation, the report states, though some of these could have been due to a preference for being cared for at home. Due to the cuts, hospices have been forced to cut back on staff numbers (Getty Images) Hospices have also been forced to cut back on staff caring for these people, the NAO report said. This is despite the fact that demand for palliative and end-of-life care is due to rise in coming years. The NAO review also highlights variation in where hospices are situated across England due to the unplanned way hospices have developed over the last few decades. Experts said the report highlights the inconsistency and insufficiency in how hospices are funded. In 2023/24 around 29 per cent of income for hospices was through Government funding. Most income for independent adult hospices is generated from charitable sources, such as charity shops and donations, according to the NAO report. Meanwhile the NAO said that the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and NHS England (NHSE) do not know how reliant they are on the sector because they do not know what proportion of the total amount of palliative and end-of-life care provided in England is delivered by the independent adult hospice sector. It is not always clear what services are being commissioned or whether local demand is being met, the NAO report states. Gareth Davies, head of the NAO, said: It is crucial that the sector is financially resilient. DHSC and NHSE should assess how they would meet increased demand for palliative and end-of-life care should services delivered by independent adult hospices be insufficient. Commenting on the report, Sam Royston, executive director for research and policy at Marie Curie, says: The NAO report echoes what we witness every day: palliative and end-of-life care is in crisis. Toby Porter, chief executive of Hospice UK, said: We welcome this important report, which lays bare the inconsistency and insufficiency in how hospices are funded. Palliative and end-of-life care is not prioritised across England. Hospice UK said it is calling for full funding of specialist palliative care provided by hospices along with other measures to ensure that no-one misses out on the expert, compassionate care they deserve at the end of life. James Sanderson, chief executive of Sue Ryder, said: This report demonstrates the need to reform how palliative care is delivered across the UK. A DHSC spokesperson said: Hospices do incredible work to support people and families when they need it most, and we recognise the incredibly tough pressures they are facing. The NAO report covers a period under the previous administration. Since then, weve made the biggest investment in a generation 100 million to improve hospice facilities and have committed to 80 million for childrens and young peoples hospices over three years. We recognise there is more to do, and we are exploring how we can improve the access, quality and sustainability of all-age palliative care and end-of-life care in line with the 10-Year Health Plan. Satellite images show objects on the ground outside the Saudi Maternity Hospital in El Fasher believed to be bodies - Airbus DS 2025 via AP Paramilitary forces turned the last functioning hospital in El Fasher into a human slaughterhouse, massacring hundreds of people as they stormed the city in northern Sudan, aid workers and local officials said. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the World Health Organization (WHO) chief, said 460 patients and companions were killed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) at the Saudi Maternity Hospital in El Fasher, the capital of Sudans North Darfur State. A video filmed by RSF fighters and uploaded to social media shows armed soldiers in a ransacked hospital ward strewn with scores of bodies. One wounded man is shot at close range before the camera pans to a courtyard filled with corpses. The Sudan Doctors Network, a medical group tracking the war, said the Rapid Support Forces on Tuesday cold-bloodedly killed everyone they found inside the Saudi Hospital, including patients, their companions, and anyone else present in the wards. Six medical workers, including four doctors, a pharmacist, and a nurse, were also abducted from the hospital, the group said. The RSF had demanded a ransom of 100 million Sudanese pounds ($42,000) for each doctor, it added. b' 2810 Sudan SAF and the RSF map ' El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur and the last major stronghold of government forces in the region, had been under siege for 18 months before it finally fell earlier this week. Over 2,000 people are believed to have died in the ensuing mass killings. In a report published late on Tuesday, the Yale School of Public Healths Humanitarian Research Lab (HRL) said that RSF fighters have continued to carry out massacres after taking the city. The report analysed satellite imagery collected on Oct 28 which HRL said corroborated alleged executions and mass killing by the RSF around the Saudi Hospital, and at a detention centre at the former Childrens Hospital in the eastern part of the city. The images show clusters of body-sized objects and patches of reddish discolouration around hospital buildings consistent with pools of blood and human remains. The HRL also reported what it said were targeted attacks by the RSF on health facilities, health workers, patients and humanitarian aid workers, which it said amounted to war crimes. A communications blackout has made it difficult to verify reports coming out of the city. HRL said satellite imagery cant show the true scale of the mass killings, and that it is highly likely that any estimates of the total number of people who RSF has killed are undercounted. Prior to this latest attack, the WHO had verified 185 attacks on health care in Sudan since fighting broke out in April 2023, with over 1,200 deaths and more than 400 injuries among health workers and patients. Forty-nine of these attacks occurred this year alone, killing 966 people, the WHO said. All attacks on health care must stop immediately and unconditionally, said Dr Tedros, the WHO Secretary General. All patients, health personnel and health facilities must be protected under International Humanitarian Law. Both the RSF and the Sudanese military have been accused of war crimes and have faced sanctions imposed by the United States and other Western powers. The United States in January said the RSF have committed genocide during the countrys ongoing civil war, which has spiralled into what the UN called the worlds worst humanitarian crisis. b' Battle Lines x Global Health Security article banner ' Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security Hurricane Melissa has torn through the Caribbean, slamming into Cuba while leaving parts of neighbouring Jamaica broken and reeling from ferocious winds and extreme rainfall. The effects of the colossal hurricane were felt across the region, even in countries that were not directly in its path. In nearby Haiti, residents of a small town were mourning the death of 25 people swept away in floods. The most intense tropical cyclone to hit Jamaica in nearly two centuries, Melissa is one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes observed since record-keeping began. Climate scientists say human-caused global heating has contributed to the rapid intensification of modern-day storms. Many Jamaicans woke up on Wednesday without power, with reports of whole neighbourhoods submerged. The prime minister, Andrew Holness, has declared the country a disaster area, giving authorities extra powers such as issuing mandatory evacuation orders for flooded regions and preventing price gouging. Massive damage was reported across the island, much of it in the westernmost parts, where the category 5 cyclonic storm moved diagonally across ground at a slow pace, ripping roofs from buildings and flipping over cars. Photos showed a tree ripped out of the ground by the roots and roads submerged by gravel and earth. Jamaicas minister of local government, Desmond McKenzie, said the hurricane was one of the worst experiences that [Jamaica] has ever encountered. Our infrastructure has been severely compromised, he said. The entire [Island of] Jamaica has felt the brunt of Melissa. There are close to 15,000 people in shelters and more than 530,000 without electricity, in a country of 2.8 million. In Mandeville, the capital and largest town in the parish of Manchester, residents were thankful that they were not as badly hit as other parts of the island, even if serious damage was visible. The citys streets were strewn with the detritus the hurricane left in its wake fallen trees blocked roads, some homes had their roofs missing and power lines had been downed. One resident, Jack Gardner, 43, said the hurricane was very deadly but that his home had stayed up. I wasnt scared, he said. I get used to the storms. Gardner said he had lived through storm Gilbert in 1988 as a child, storm Ivan in 2004, and storm Beryl, which hit Jamaica last year. Storms are named only when they are expected to have a severe impact. Another resident of Mandeville, Lisa Henry, also said she had not been scared. I was mostly praying, said the 35-year-old. I just passed the school, Manchester High, and the top [had been] ripped up, she said. Yes, its going to take back the country. Henry works as a carer for an elderly woman, but said the woman was not much aware of what was really going on, what was taking place. Janet Lewis, a shop owner from the parish of Clarendon, which neighbours the hard-hit parish of St Elizabeth, appealed for help for Jamaica. The roof of her shop and adjoining house was blown off. It was terrible, terrible, very terrible. The rain and the constant, constant, strong, strong breeze just took the roof off from above me and dropped it on the side of the house In one of the rooms everything caved in. It has affected my business. Jamaica needs help, she said. Jamaicas government was still assessing the extent of the damage on Wednesday, but the UNs resident coordinator in the country said there was tremendous, unprecedented devastation. We have people living in shelters across the country, said Dennis Zulu in a press briefing, and at the moment, what we are seeing in preliminary assessments is a country thats been devastated to levels never seen before. Alexander Pendry, the global response manager at the British Red Cross, also said early indications suggested Melissa was an unprecedented catastrophe for the island. The priority of the Jamaica Red Cross, he said, was to bring aid to people as soon as possible. Tragically, experience tells us that the impact on communities and individuals will be shattering and long lasting, he added. Jamaicas transport minister, Daryl Vaz, said authorities were rushing to make sure airports could reopen as soon as it was safe and practical to get aid into the country. During a visit to Norman Manley international airport in the capital city, Kingston, the minister said he was aiming for relief flights to be able to land as early as Thursday. The devastation is unimaginable, he said. Every hour is an hour lost, and we dont have the time. Despite not being hit directly by the hurricane, other Caribbean countries have been affected. Authorities in Haiti said 25 people had been killed in floods. La Digue River, in the coastal town of Petit-Goave, overflowed its banks, flooding homes and sweeping away adults and children. Jean Bertrand Subreme, the mayor of Petit-Goave, said dozens of homes had collapsed and people were still trapped. I am overwhelmed by the situation, he added, as he pleaded with the government to help rescue victims. Four deaths have been reported in Jamaica and one in the Dominican Republic, where another person remains missing. A category 5 hurricane is the highest on the Saffir-Simpson scale, with sustained winds exceeding 157mph (250km/h), but the US National Hurricane Center reported that Melissa carried sustained wind speeds of 185mph (298km/h) when it hit Jamaica. Even after losing some power and being downgraded to a category 3 storm, Melissa could be catastrophic for Cuba. Related: Hurricane Melissa: a visual guide to the storm devastating Jamaica and Cuba Cubas president, Miguel Diaz-Canel, said on Wednesday that Melissa had wreaked extensive damage after it made landfall overnight on the island countrys southern coast. It has been a very difficult early morning, Diaz-Canel said on social media. Extensive damage and Hurricane Melissa is still over Cuban territory. I urge our people not to let their guard down, to maintain discipline and to remain safely sheltered. More than 735,000 people have been evacuated from their homes after forecasters warned the low-pressure system would unleash catastrophic damage in Santiago de Cuba, the islands second-largest city. A major hotel in the city had its windows shattered, and roof parts brought down. Melissa is expected to cross the island throughout the morning and move into the Bahamas later on Wednesday. It is now a category 2 hurricane, although it remains extremely dangerous, with 100mph winds that can cause serious damage to even well-constructed frame homes and cause nationwide power cuts. Climate scientists have said the intensification of Hurricane Melissa with winds doubling from 70mph to 140mph in just a day is probably a symptom of the rapid heating of the worlds oceans, part of the human-driven climate crisis. Many Caribbean leaders have called on rich, heavy-polluting governments to provide reparations in the form of aid or debt relief to tropical island countries. The Associated Press and Agence France-Presse contributed to this report ICE deported an Alabama man who claims US citizenship. DHS says it wasnt a mistake and dont want him back A man living in Alabama who claims to have U.S. citizenship was deported to Laos despite a federal court order blocking his removal from the country. But Homeland Security officials told The Independent there was no mistake, labeling him a criminal illegal alien who was stripped of his green card and merely sought a last-ditch Hail Mary attempt to claim citizenship after he had previously been ordered out of the country. Chanthila Souvannarath, 44, was born in a Thai refugee camp but has lived in the United States since he was an infant. He gained citizenship as a child when his father was naturalized, making him eligible for derivative citizenship under immigration law at the time, according to his attorneys. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers arrested Souvannarath on June 18 in Alabama, where he had been living, and moved him to a newly launched detention facility inside Louisiana State Penitentiary, the notorious state prison known as Angola. On October 23, a federal judge blocked ICE from deporting him while he challenged his arrest and detention, but he was put on a plane for Laos the next day. ICE deported a man who claims US citizenship to Laos one day after a federal judge blocked his removal, warning the inherent and obvious harm of deporting a citizen. (AP) This should shock the nation, said Nora Ahmed, legal director of the ACLU of Louisiana, which is representing Souvannarath in court. The deportation of an individual with a substantial claim to U.S. citizenship represents a catastrophic failure of the immigration system and a flagrant violation of constitutional rights. His legal team is now exploring all legal options for his return, according to attorneys with the ACLU, the National Immigration Project and Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights. The restraining order blocking ICE from deporting him was not served to the agency until after he was already on a plane for Laos, according to Homeland Security assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin. Souvannarath was convicted of assault and unlawful possession of a firearm in King County, Washington, in 2004, according to records reviewed by The Independent. McLaughlin said in a statement to The Independent that Souvannarath had no right to be in this country. An immigration court judge ordered his removal in 2006, according to McLaughlin. 20 years later, he tried a Hail Mary attempt to remain in our country by claiming he was a U.S. citizen. I know its shocking to the media but criminal illegal aliens lie all the time, she said. Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, if you break the law, you will face the consequences, McLaughlin added. Criminal illegal aliens are not welcome in the U.S. Souvannarath was jailed inside an immigration detention center at Louisianas notorious Angola prison as he fought for his release following his June arrest by ICE agents. (POOL/AFP via Getty Images) But citizens, regardless of criminal history, cannot be deported. Court records reviewed by The Independent show Souvannarath filed a petition for his release shortly after his June arrest but he did not pay the filing fee before the deadline. That case was dismissed and he refiled October 16. In her order blocking his removal, Louisiana District Judge Shelly Dick said his substantial claim of citizenship means he cannot be deported or held in immigration detention. He lays out the legal framework for his derivation of citizenship through his naturalized father and demonstrates how each prong of the requirements was met, she wrote. This presents serious questions regarding the legality of his detention and imminent deportation. The judge noted the inherent and obvious harm in deporting a U.S. citizen. His removal raises urgent questions about just how many other people, potentially including other U.S. citizens, have been wrongfully deported because our immigration system does not require legal representation of individuals placed behind bars at jails masquerading as immigration detention centers, according to the ACLUs Nora Ahmed. Louisiana is at the center of the Trump administrations mass deportation agenda, with thousands of detainees inside ICEs nine facilities in the state. (AFP via Getty Images) Homeland Securitys refusal to return Souvannarath from Laos, where he has never lived, echoes other high-profile immigration cases at the center of Donald Trumps mass deportation agenda. The administration is embroiled in several major cases involving the abrupt removal of immigrants in federal custody despite prior court rulings that prevented their deportation, including the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who government attorneys fought to keep in his native El Salvador despite admitting was deported in error. Louisiana, which holds thousands of ICE detainees, has been central to the Trump administrations mass deportation plans. ICE runs nine detention centers in the state, with capacity to hold as many as 7,000 people at any given time. The administration also is seeking to expand deportations to so-called third countries where immigrants have no claim of citizenship or connections. Laos now appears to join several African nations including Eswatini, Ghana, Liberia, South Sudan and Uganda where immigration officials are sending detainees. The Israeli military says it has carried out a fresh strike on Gaza, in a move that will further raise concerns about the fragility of its ceasefire with Hamas. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said it conducted the strike on what it called "terrorist infrastructure" in the area of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip. It said the site was being used to store weapons that it claimed were "intended to be used for the execution of an imminent terror attack against IDF soldiers". "IDF soldiers in the southern command remain deployed in accordance with the ceasefire agreement and will continue to operate to remove any immediate threat," a spokesperson said. People living in Gaza City said they heard an explosion in Gaza and saw a column of smoke. It comes after hospital officials said at least 104 people, including 46 children, had been killed overnight in Gaza after Israel launched new strikes. Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the strikes after an Israeli official reported that troops had come under fire in southern Gaza. Israel claimed a soldier was killed on Tuesday afternoon by "enemy fire" in the southern city of Rafah. Read more: Trump defends Israeli strikes in Gaza Israel says one of its soldiers killed in Gaza The decision also followed Hamas's handover on Monday of body parts that Israel said belonged to a hostage whose remains were partly recovered earlier in the conflict. Hamas has denied any role in the Rafah shooting and reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire. 'Nothing is going to jeopardise the ceasefire' US President Donald Trump had said the ceasefire was not at risk, telling reporters: "As I understand it, they took out an Israeli soldier." He added: "So the Israelis hit back and they should hit back. When that happens, they should hit back. Nothing is going to jeopardise [the ceasefire]. "You have to understand Hamas is a very small part of peace in the Middle East, and they have to behave." Following the latest strikes, the Israeli military said it would continue to uphold the ceasefire agreement. It added that it would respond firmly to "any violation". 'Very disappointing and frustrating' Qatar's Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, said on Wednesday that the attack on the Israeli soldier and the following airstrikes had been "very disappointing and frustrating for us". Qatar had been leading peace efforts in Gaza, along with the US and Egypt. At the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, al-Thani said Hamas militants had been clear they were prepared to give up governance of the enclave, which they have run since 2007. He added that Qatar had been pushing them to acknowledge that they need to disarm. Authorities in Indonesia's capital are preparing to issue a new law to ban the consumption and trade of dog and cat meat to curb rabies and advance animal welfare. Jakarta governor Pramono Anung announced earlier this month the law will make it illegal to sell or serve dog and cat meat in the capital, a move which has been widely welcomed by animal rights activists. While cat meat is consumed in some parts of Indonesia, it is far less compared to the scale of consumption of dog meat, according to reports. But demand for dog meat, which is also locally known as Scooby Doo, after the mystery-solving Great Dane from the popular cartoon series of the same name, has declined in recent years due to the younger generation's penchant for keeping dogs as pets. Last week, the governor told reporters, The dog meat trade situation in Jakarta is very concerning and urgent action is needed to ban it, after meeting representatives of the Dog Meat Free Indonesia (DMFI) organisation. "As a global city, Jakarta should not accommodate such practices," he said. An estimated 9,500 dogs are slaughtered per month in Jakarta for consumption, according to DMFI. Almost 97 per cent of these dogs are transported illegally from West Java, where rabies remains endemic, it added. This picture taken on January 6, 2024 shows activists from Animals Hope Shelter Indonesia checking a truck containing hundreds of dogs intended for consumption after it was seized by police in Semarang (AFP via Getty Images) Veterinarian Merry Ferdinandez, the chief operating officer of Jakarta Animal Aid Network, told The Straits Times that of Indonesias 38 provinces, only 11, including Jakarta, are free of rabies cases. If the trade in dog meat is not curbed, the country may not have any more rabies-free provinces, she added. We are confident Jakartas decision would be replicated by other regions across Indonesia because Jakarta is very influential and a bellwether for the country as it is the capital city, she said. The DMFI said the trafficked dogs, many of them pets, are packed tightly into cages and transported long distances without food or water, then slaughtered in unregulated facilities. These dogs are "often beaten to death or burned alive", according to the organisation. But Mr Anungs action has also sparked outrage among a small community of people in Jakarta who sell and consume dishes made out of dog meat. While the decision has mostly received praise, some restaurateurs and customers have called the proposed ban unfair. Consumers argue that the dog meat is part of the local tradition and is often consumed by patients suffering from dengue, with the popular but unfounded belief that it would boost platelet levels. In January last year, the South Korean parliament passed a bill banning the sale of dog meat, outlawing the fading centuries-old practice. The law will take effect after a three-year grace period to phase out the industry, effectively ending the trade by 2027. Queen Camilla's son believes there would be a "revolution" if he was named prince. Queen Camilla and her son Tom Parker Bowles Tom Parker Bowles insisted it would be an "appalling" move if he had gained a title when his stepfather King Charles took the throne in 2023 and would "put back" the institution of the monarchy by decades. Asked about the possibility, Tom joked he would keep his "original name" and told the Good Food Podcast: I tell you, that would be the quickest way to revolution. I think were a fairly balanced and sober and sensible country on the whole. But if I suddenly became prince, I think that Buckingham Palace gates would be stormed. It would be appalling. I think that would put back the long and glorious cause of the monarchy in Britain by many years. The 50-year-old food writer - who is the eldest child of the queen and her ex-husband Andrew Parker Bowles - praised the king as a "fountain of knowledge" and a "hero of British farmers". He added: "He has forgotten more than I will ever know. Tom also discussed the "incredible" thrill of getting to hold the Crown Jewels when Charles and Camilla were preparing for the coronation ceremony. He said: They had some of the Crown Jewels, because the King and my mother had to practise carrying [them] ... and it was just, I think it was the sceptre, or the diadem, I cant remember. Anyway, just to hold it briefly was youre holding history, youre holding 800 or 900 years of history, its incredible. The restaurant critic and his sister Laura Lopes had a "very traditional" upbringing in Wiltshire and Tom praised Camilla as a great "natural" cook. He said: I had a very traditional albeit very happy and privileged upbringing. It was a classic comfortable English upbringing. Discussing the queens cooking, he added: Shes a great cook, a natural cook, and there werent many spices it was very, very traditional. I grew up in Wiltshire in the 70s and early 80s. Wed have English food. Tom was asked if being around the royal family had "changed his tastes". He replied: Not really, no. A tree was ripped from its roots in St Catherine, Jamaica - RICARDO MAKYN/AFP Jamaicas prime minister has warned that his island is a disaster area after Hurricane Melissa ripped a path of destruction on Tuesday. The storm, one of the most powerful hurricanes on record, made landfall on Tuesday afternoon and lashed the island nation with brutal winds and torrential rain. Authorities warned residents to remain sheltered amid severe risks of floods and landslides. It is not known if anyone has been killed but Andrew Holness, Jamaicas prime minister, said casualties are likely. Reports that we have had so far would include damage to hospitals, significant damage to residential property, housing and commercial property as well, Mr Holness told CNN. Credit: Jamaica Constabulary Force He said the government has not received reports of storm-related deaths but said he is expecting that there would be some loss of life. The scale of Melissas damage in Jamaica was not yet clear, as a comprehensive assessment could take days and much of the island was still without power, with communications networks badly disrupted. The damage is extensive At its peak, the storm which has moved north and is set to hit Cuba on Wednesday packed ferocious sustained winds of 185 mph. Desmond McKenzie, a government minister, said several hospitals had been damaged, including in the hard-hit southwestern district of Saint Elizabeth, a coastal area he said was underwater. The damage to Saint Elizabeth is extensive, based on what we have seen, he told a briefing. Saint Elizabeth is the bread basket of the country, and that has taken a beating. The entire Jamaica has felt the brunt of Melissa. The hurricane was the worst to ever strike Jamaica, hitting land with maximum wind speeds even more potent than most of recent historys most brutal storms, including 2005s Katrina, which ravaged the US city of New Orleans. b' ' The storm took hours to cross over the Caribbean nation, a passage over land that diminished its winds, dropping by Tuesday evening down to a Category 3 storm from the top-level of 5. But the still-powerful Melissa was set to hit Cuba as soon as Tuesday night and later the Bahamas. Even before Melissa slammed into Jamaica, seven deaths three in Jamaica, three in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic had been blamed on the deteriorating conditions. Jamaicas climate change minister told CNN that Hurricane Melissas effect was catastrophic, citing flooded homes and severely damaged public infrastructure and hospitals. Health authorities were also urging vigilance against crocodiles displaced by the torrential rains. Rising water levels in rivers, gullies, and swamps could cause crocodiles to move into residential areas, the South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA) posted in a public service announcement on Instagram. 04:15am Follow the latest You can follow the latest coverage of Hurricane Melissa in Wednesdays live blog. 03:27am Donald Trump says US ready to assist Jamaica US President Donald Trump says he is ready to assist Jamaica in its recovery from Hurricane Melissa. On a humanitarian basis, we have to, so were watching it closely, and were prepared to move. Its doing tremendous damages as we speak, Mr Trump told reporters accompanying him on his flight from Japan to South Korea. The US president also addressed the fierceness of the hurricane, which is one of the strongest storms on record in the Atlantic Ocean and has overtaken Hurricane Katrina in intensity. Ive never seen that before, Mr Trump said of a Category 5 hurricane. Its literally just... knocking down everything in front of it. Its just, its a stage five. What can I say? You dont see stages like that. You dont see fives. You see fours and threes. The hurricane made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 storm, but had weakened to a Category 3 before re-strengthening to a Category 4. 03:23am Melissa strengthens again to Category 4 Hurricane Melissa has intensified to become a Category 4 storm again, just hours after weakening. The hurricane had decreased in strength to a Category 3 as it left Jamaica, but on its approach to Cuba, where it is expected to make landfall within the hour, it regained power. An advisory from the US National Hurricane Center warns that Melissa is advancing on the island as an extremely dangerous major hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 130mph. 03:08am Bermuda braces for hurricane impact Hurricane Melissa is currently wreaking havoc in Jamaica, but more than 1,200 miles north, Bermuda is already bracing for the storms destruction. Like other Caribbean islands, the self-governing British Overseas Territory, located 650 miles east of the US state of North Carolina, has a hurricane season each year, but the storms rarely cause significant damage. However, Bermudian authorities say that this one is different. Michael Weeks, the territorys minister of national security, told The Royal Gazette that Bermuda cannot afford to take this lightly. It is strong, it is moving our way and if we let our guard down, it could catch us off-guard like storms have done before, Mr Weeks said. The hurricane weakened to a Category 3 on Tuesday night as it approached Cuba, and is expected to further decrease in strength to a Category 2 before passing 70 miles to the west of Bermuda early on Friday morning. There is still a possibility, though, that the hurricane could intensify again as it moves toward Bermuda. The Bermuda Weather Service issued a hurricane watch and said conditions are expected to deteriorate late Thursday night into Friday morning, with a likelihood of rip currents and hazardous surf. 02:48am Life-threatening floods possible in Cuba Cuba is set to be doused by more than a foot of rain and could see life-threatening floods when the hurricane makes landfall in a matter of hours. Although the storm weakened to a Category 3 overnight, that still means violent winds up to 125mph which could cause widespread damage to infrastructure. The country will see between 10 and 20 inches of rainfall, with some localised mountainous areas receiving 25 inches, CNN reported. It is those more elevated regions that are of most cause for concern. The large amounts of rain could cause dangerous landslides and flash flooding even after the hurricane passes over the island. The torrents will be made worse by an expected storm surge of 8-12 inches higher than normal, accompanied by large waves. 02:36am Watch: Residents rescued from damaged homes by police in south-west Jamaica Credit: Jamaica Constabulary Force 02:05am Cuban president urges citizens to act responsibly Cubas president has urged citizens to act responsibly as Hurricane Melissa barrels toward the country. Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez, who leads Cubas autocratic Communist Party, ordered mass evacuations on Tuesday afternoon, warning of the storms destructive potential. More than 735,000 people have been evacuated so far, the president said on social media. The most important thing is that we all act responsibly, Mr Diaz-Canel Bermudez said in Cubas state newspaper, Granma. It is essential that no one venture to bathe in swollen rivers. No one should return from evacuation sites to their homes or residences until instructions have been given to return or enter the recovery phase in each of the territories. He added on social media: It will be a very difficult night for all of Cuba, but we will recover. The Cuban president said he has mobilised the countrys civil defence to aid recovery efforts and restore water, communications and electricity. 01:35am Shelters to remain open across Jamaica Shelters will remain open in Jamaica for as long as it is necessary, a Jamaican official said in a press briefing. The official shelters operated by the government have seen increased numbers, and are harbouring approximately 15,000 people across the country, said Desmond McKenzie, the deputy chairman of Jamaicas disaster risk management council. Many more have created makeshift refuges. The government was able to reach most of those shelters and provide the people there with supplies, Mr McKenzie said. Images have emerged of people sleeping on cots in schools as heavy rains and violent winds lashed the island. People take shelter in a school ahead of the hurricanes arrival in Old Harbour, Jamaica, on Monday - Matias Delacroix/AP Mr McKenzie, who also serves as minister for local government, said shelters cannot be closed unless instructed by himself or the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management. Cubans were also seen dragging mattresses and wagons as they began evacuating to shelters ahead of the hurricanes approach on Tuesday night. People take their belongings to shelters ahead of Hurricane Melissas landfall in Caleta Blanca, Cuba - Alexandre Meneghini/Reuters 12:48am In pictures: Cuba residents brace for hurricanes arrival People covered their car in preparation for the arrival of Melissa - Norlys Perez A man secures part of a roof in the city of Santiago de Cuba, southeast Cuba - YAMIL LAGE Soldiers helped evacuate residents of Canizo - Ramon Espinosa 12:19am Hurricane weakens to Category 3 Hurricane Melissa has weakened to a Category 3 storm as it approaches Cuba. Wind speeds have decreased to 125 miles per hour, and conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly over the next few hours, according to an advisory from the US National Hurricane Center. The hurricane is expected to make landfall in Cuba sometime between late Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. 12:10am Health systems already hit by repeated crises The damage to health systems across the Caribbean will be severe, aid groups have warned, and will be compounded by years of shocks from natural disasters and violence. Ciro Ugarte, the director of health emergencies at the Pan American Health Organisation, told The New York Times that Jamaicas health system is facing one of its most severe crises in recent memory. Parts of Jamaica and Cuba are still recovering from a pair of powerful hurricanes in 2024, one of which was the strongest Category 5. Although Jamaicas health system is relatively strong compared to some other countries, no amount of preparation is sufficient in the face of a Category 5 hurricane, Mr Ugarte said. Hospitals have already been affected. Black River Hospital in St. Elizabeth Parish is without power and has been breached by floodwaters, necessitating the evacuation of 75 patients. Other hospitals across the country are bracing for impact and have activated emergency measures, in some cases suspending all but essential care. The hurricane is threatening communities already made vulnerable by repeated crises, a statement from the American Red Cross said. The damage to health services will be very high, Mr. Ugarte said. The situation is tense. Haiti, although not in the direct path of the hurricane, is still set to see heavy rain from the outer edges of the storm. The country has been wracked by gang violence and over a million people have been displaced from their homes. The airport in Kingston, Jamaicas capital, has reportedly been spared a significant impact by the storm, easing the ability of humanitarian organisations to coordinate relief efforts. Thats like Gods gift in the middle of this situation, Mr Ugarte said. 11:58pm Evacuations under way in Cuba An estimated 281,000 people have been evacuated in eastern Cuba, a provincial official has said. Many low-lying and coastal communities have been completely evacuated except for officials in charge of safety, said Beatriz Johnson Urrutia, the president of the Provincial Defense Council and first secretary of the Cuban Communist Party in Santiago de Cuba. Heavy rains have battered parts of the province and more than 100 people have been rescued, Ms Urrutia said. The province has opened 101 evacuation centres and has adapted clinics to accommodate people in rural areas. 11:16pm Pictured: Hurricane begins to lash more countries A man next to a house on a flooded street in the Las Cucarachas neighbourhood of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic - Danny Polanco/AFP Residents drive a car through flooded areas before Hurricane Melissa hits the city of Santiago de Cuba, Cuba - Yamil Lage/AFP A street vendor covers up in plastic in the Petion-Ville neighborhood of Port-au-Prince, Haiti - Odelyn Joseph/AP 11:01pm Aid cuts hamper UN response to hurricane Aid cuts have created a big gap in the ability of the UNs food agency to respond to Hurricane Melissa. The World Food Programme (WFP) was only able to position 15 per cent of the supplies it normally has on hand in the wake of a natural disaster, said Wilfred Nkwambi, the WFPs head of programmes in Haiti. You can see there is a big gap in terms of our response, Mr Nkwambi told The New York Times. Since Donald Trump returned to office, the US has slashed aid to the WFP, which is expecting a funding shortfall of $622m (469m) in the next six months. Access to islands hit by the hurricane will be extremely difficult because the storm surge is almost like a tsunami, the WFP said in a statement. Infrastructure will have been damaged, and humanitarian staff will be working under the increased risk of landslides and flash flooding. Access will be a major challenge. If the storm surge hits hard, it will be difficult to get humanitarian staff in and move food and relief supplies alternative airstrips are being prepared, the statement said. 10:39pm Phone service down Phone service has been severely compromised in western Jamaica, a telecommunications company has said. We are seeing fibre breaks and downed power lines, with the most significant impact concentrated in western Jamaica, where damage to infrastructure has been considerable, according to a statement from Digicel Group given to CNN. These conditions have affected connectivity for many customers in that region. Marcelo Cataldo, Digicels chief executive officer, told CNN that the situation remains highly fluid. 10:28pm Families trapped in their homes in hard-hit western Jamaica At least three families have been trapped in their homes by floodwaters and are unable to be rescued due to deteriorating conditions. Rescue crews could not reach the families in the town of Black River in the south-west of Jamaica, where Hurricane Melissa has hit hardest, said Desmond McKenzie, the deputy chairman of Jamaicas disaster risk management council. Roofs were flying off, Mr McKenzie said. We are hoping and praying that the situation will ease so that some attempt can be made to get to those persons. 10:00pm Half a million Jamaicans without power Some 530,000 people are without power following the destruction waged by Hurricane Melissa, Jamaican officials have said. An estimated 15,000 are currently in shelters. 09:48pm British family let down by government David Rowe was forced to cut short his family holiday to Jamaica and pay 3,500 ($4,647) for last-minute flights home before airports shut. Mr Rowe, who is British, claimed he had been completely let down by the Foreign Office failing to issue a warning against travel sooner. Its all too late, their reaction and their response to the storm has been too late, he claimed. David Rowe with his wife Abby, daughter Cora, 8, and son Ethan, 12, during their holiday in Jamaica - David Rowe /PA Wire 09:05pm Melissa leaving Jamaica Melissa is starting to leave Jamaica, after making landfall earlier today. The US National Hurricane Centre said in a statement that the eye of Melissa was emerging from the northern coast of western Jamaica. Nevertheless, it added, a life-threatening storm surge continues in Jamaica. 08:23pm Extensive damage in south-west Jamaica Melissa has inflicted extensive damage on south-west Jamaica, including the parish of St Elizabeth, an official has said. There is extensive, extensive damage in the southwestern areas, in St Elizabeth, major damage in St Elizabeth, Richard Thompson, director general of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), told CNN. He added that schools, hospitals and homes had been hit by a lot of flooding and extensive damage. 08:15pm Melissa now Category 4 hurricane Melissa has now been downgraded to a Category 4 Hurricane, according to the US National Hurricane Centre. It nevertheless still powerful and life-threatening, the agency said, reiterating its call for residents to stay in shelter. People evacuate before the the arrival of Hurricane Melissa in Canizo - AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa 08:13pm Residents advised to wear helmets for extra protection Jamaicans have been advised to cover themselves in mattresses and wear a helmet for added protection. The US National Hurricane Centre, issuing an alert at 4pm EDT (8pm GMT) said Melissa was around 10 miles south of Montego Bay in Jamaica, and moving north-northeast at 8mph. The storms maximum sustained winds reach 150mph, it added. Residents should not leave their shelter and should remain in place through the passage of these life-threatening conditions. To protect yourself from wind, the best thing you can do is put as many walls as possible between you and the outside, the agency said in a statement. An interior room without windows, ideally one where you can also avoid falling trees, is the safest place you can be in a building. You can cover yourself with a mattress and wear a helmet for added protection. 07:47pm Jamaicans warned about wandering crocodiles Jamaican health authorities have urged residents across the island to be vigilant for crocodiles displaced by Hurricane Melissa. Rising water levels in rivers, gullies, and swamps could cause crocodiles to move into residential areas, posted the South East Regional Health Authority (Serha) in a public service announcement on Instagram. Residents living near these areas are therefore advised to remain vigilant and avoid floodwaters. Serha - which serves residents across Kingston, St. Andrew, St. Catherine and St. Thomas - warned families to keep children and pets away from flooded areas. 07:26pm 8,000 Britons in Jamaica As many as 8,000 British citizens are in the Jamaica, where residents are hunkering down to avoid Hurricane Melissa. A Briton on holiday there said he had been ordered to stay in his hotel bathroom until the storm passes. Andrew Tracey had been due to fly home on Monday before his flight was cancelled. Volunteers fill up boxes with essential goods at the Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) headquarters in Miami, Florida - CRISTOBAL HERRERA-ULASHKEVICH/EPA/Shutterstock He told Sky News food packages were being delivered to guests, with deck chairs removed from the beach and swimming pools drained where he was staying at the Negril hotel. The balcony and walls do feel as though they are vibrating just due to the strength of the wind, he told the broadcaster. Im very nervous, its hard to comprehend what we are likely to expect. 06:55pm Melissas slow movement makes destruction worse The slow movement of Hurricane Melissa across Jamaica is one of the reasons it is so dangerous to those on the island. It means rainfall will have more time to accumulate, triggering flash flooding and mudslides. Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica with ferocious winds and torrential rain - AFP 06:30pm Melissa losing strength but remains Category 5 Hurricane Melissa is losing some strength but remains in Category 5 as it continues its path across Jamaica, the US National Hurricane Centre has said. In a recent update, it said Melissa was moving across western Jamaica after making landfall near New Hope. Maximum sustained winds are at around 165mph, 20mph lower than when Melissa made landfall. A statement reads: Continued weakening is expected while the centre is over Jamaica. However, Melissa is expected to reach southeastern Cuba as an extremely dangerous major hurricane, and it will still be a strong hurricane when it moves across the southeastern Bahamas. Hurricane #Melissa Advisory 29A: Extremely Dangerous Category 5 Melissa Crossing Western Jamaica. Catastrophic Winds, Flash Flooding, and Storm Surge Occurring On The Island. https://t.co/tW4KeGdBFb National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 28, 2025 06:14pm Residents evacuate in Cuba Melissa was expected to make its way towards Cuba late Tuesday or early Wednesday as a category three hurricane. Authorities there said they had evacuated upwards of 500,000 people from areas vulnerable to winds and flooding. There are no half measures, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said, urging residents in areas vulnerable to flooding, strong winds, and storm surges to evacuate and accept help. Melissa will arrive with force, and theres great concern about what it could destroy in its wake, he added. Residents self-evacuate under pouring rain from Playa Siboney to safe locations ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Melissa - AFP A resident of Playa Canizo sticks out his hand to hitch a ride to evacuate to a safe location - AFP 05:59pm Strongest hurricane to hit Jamaica Melissa has been declared one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record and the most powerful to ever hit Jamaica. It is ranked first in terms of the strongest landfall with winds of 185 mph, matching the Labor Day Hurricane in the US in 1935 and Hurricane Dorian, which struck the Bahamas in 2019. 05:18pm Storm extremely dangerous and life-threatening Hurricane Melissa is extremely dangerous and life-threatening, the National Hurricane Centre warned after it made landfall in Jamaica. Residents were warned not to leave their shelter as the eye of the storm passes across the island. Winds will quickly and rapidly increase on the other side of the eye, a statement from the NHC reads. Men remove a loose section of roof in Kingston, Jamaica, as Hurricane Melissa approaches earlier on Tuesday - AP 05:06pm Hurricane Melissa makes landfall in Jamaica Hurricane Melissa has made landfall at New Hope, southwestern Jamaica, hitting the island with winds of up to 185mph. It is one of the most powerful hurricane landfalls on record in the Atlantic basin, the US National Hurricane Centre said. 04:18pm Hurricane could reshape coastline Hurricane Melissa could reshape the Jamaican coastline once it makes landfall, one weather expert has warned. Alex DaSilva, AccuWeathers lead hurricane expert, told Sky News the hurricane could potentially change the way of life down there for many months and perhaps even years to come. Theres going to be catastrophic damage...thats going to reshape the coastline, he said. 03:39pm Winds reach 185mph Winds are moving at 185mph as Hurricane Melissa prepares to make landfall in Jamaica. Melissa will remain a category five storm - the strongest possible level - as it hits the island. There is no infrastructure in the region that can withstand a Category 5, Andrew Holness, the Jamaican prime minister, said. The question now is the speed of recovery. Thats the challenge. 03:12pm Situation to get significantly worse, warn authorities The situation in Jamaica is expected to get significantly worse than what residents are experiencing right now, authorities have warned. You might be saying that this system does not seem to be packing much of a punch, Evan Thompson said. The truth is it is still some distance from the coast. 02:52pm Storm expected to weaken as it crosses Jamaica Melissa is expected to make its entry on the south-west coastline as a category five storm, before gradually weakening to category four as it crosses Jamaica. Evan Thompson, from the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, said it could weaken to category three as it leaves the island. 02:17pm This is the last chance to protect your life! Jamaicans have been given a final warning to protect your life as Hurricane Melissa prepares to make landfall. The US National Hurricane Centre said catastrophic winds were moving onshore southern Jamaica and said Melissa was continuing to strengthen. This is the last chance to protect your life! an ominous statement posted just after 2pm UK time reads. 10AM #Melissa Update: @53rdWRS and @NOAA_HurrHunter Hurricane Hunter aircraft find that Melissa continues to strengthen. Catastrophic winds are moving onshore southern Jamaica. THIS IS THE LAST CHANCE TO PROTECT YOUR LIFE! For more updates visit https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJ pic.twitter.com/3jr34vkzrZ National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 28, 2025 02:10pm UK mobilising resources, Yvette Cooper confirms The Foreign Secretary has confirmed that the UK is mobilising resources to help Jamaica deal with the devastating effects of Hurricane Melissa. Yvette Cooper told MPs: Many people will be thinking of family and friends in Jamaica and in the region. I spoke with the Jamaican foreign minister yesterday to offer the UKs full support and solidarity. We are prepared to mobilise resources at their request and the Foreign Office stands ready to help British nationals 24/7. 01:54pm In pictures: Jamaicans brace for Hurricane Melissa A man walks in Kingston, Jamaica, as Hurricane Melissa approaches - AP A man walks along the coastline in Kingston, Jamaica - AP 01:31pm Why slow-moving storms are worse Melissa had been moving at 2mph but it has now picked up to near 7mph, according to weather forecasts. Slow-moving storms are worse because they last longer. The slow movement of the hurricane also does not mean winds are slower, with Melissa sustaining speeds of 175mph as it prepares to make landfall. 01:07pm Where will the hurricane hit? Hurricane Melissa is expected to slice diagonally across the island, entering near St Elizabeth parish in the south and exiting around St Ann parish in the north, before heading for Cuba. A life-threatening storm surge of up to 13 feet (4 meters) is expected across southern Jamaica. Palm trees sway as Hurricane Melissa is expected to make landfall in Kingston, Jamaica - REUTERS 12:46pm Hurricane-force winds to hit Jamaica in coming hours Hurricane-force winds are expected to hit Jamaica in the coming hours, according to the US National Hurricane Centre. The island has already faced tropical storm conditions, with Hurricane Melissa expected to make landfall during the next several hours. Melissa is still classified as a category five hurricane with maximum sustained winds near 175 mph. The hurricane is 55 miles (90 km) away from the island but hurricane-force winds will be felt up to 30 miles (45 km) from the centre, according to the NHC. 12:34pm British holidaymaker in full lockdown after flight cancelled b' ' A British holidaymaker has described being trapped in his hotel room on the island as a very nerve-wracking experience. Andrew Tracey, 32, travelled to Jamaica for a week-long holiday with his friend on Oct 20. He said TUI informed them that their flight home, which was supposed to take off yesterday, had been cancelled. The company has extended holidaymakers stay at the hotel and they remain on full lockdown in their rooms. Mr Tracey, from Folkestone, Kent, said: Its a very nerve-wracking experience. The winds have got up quite considerably over the last few hours, there are some trees that have fallen that I can see from my balcony. And we are yet to get the full force of the storm yet. Food packages have been arriving when its been safe for staff to get to us we are on full lockdown. We were told to put mattresses on the windows as the windows could fail, and to potentially consider locking ourselves in the bathroom for added safety. They have drained the pools, tied down ceiling fans, and the staff have been proactive with removing the bins and all sorts so its less of a threat. We actually had a really nice time out here until Sunday when the hotel started winding down and they stopped selling alcohol. But people were still arriving even with the hurricane warning in place which is just crazy. 12:21pm Pictured: Eye of the storm approaches Jamaica Hurricane Melissa is expected to make landfall soon and slice diagonally across the island 11:54am 5,000 Britons in Jamaica told to prepare for Melissa Britons in Jamaica have been told to prepare as the islands strongest storm on record closes in. The UK Foreign Office has set up a crisis centre ready to help the 5,000 Britons reported to be on the Caribbean island and the Royal Navy ship HMS Trent is already in the region on stand-by. All of Jamaicas international airports have been closed until further notice. An FCDO spokesperson said: We are closely tracking Hurricane Melissa and have updated our travel advice for countries and territories across the region. In Jamaica, we are urging British nationals there to follow the guidance of the local authorities - especially in the event of any evacuation orders. They added: We stand ready to support our partners and British nationals in the region. 11:33am Storm set to make landfall close to major urban centres The storm is predicted to be Jamaicas most destructive on record as the island nation hasnt taken a direct hit from a hurricane in over a decade and never from a Category 5. Dr Steve Godby, an expert in natural hazards at Nottingham Trent University, told The Telegraph: It is the kind of storm few Jamaicans will have witnessed. He continued: In 2007 I travelled to Jamaica with MapAction, a UK based NGO, to assist with the humanitarian response to Hurricane Dean. As a Category 5 storm, Dean had grazed the southern coast of the island and we saw informal housing in coastal districts levelled, trees stripped of leaves and branches and even concrete electricity pylons snapped. Unlike Dean, Melissa is heading for a landfall close to major population centres and will bring severe threats to people at the coast and inland this time. 11:27am What time will Melissa make landfall? It is not clear exactly when Hurricane Melissa will make landfall on Jamaica. The eye of the Category 5 storm had been forecast to hit the south-west of the island at 7am local time (12pm GMT). It is expected to move north-east towards Cuba by 7pm this evening (12am GMT) as a reduced Category 4 storm, before heading towards the Bahamas around 7pm (12am GMT) on Wednesday as a Category 2. 10:57am Watch: Strong gusts, big waves and fear on the Caribbean island Credit: CSU/CIRA & NOAA 10:54am The storm of the century for Jamaica The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) warned on Tuesday of a catastrophic situation expected in Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa makes landfall, bringing 180mph winds, flash floods and landslides. For Jamaica, it will be the storm of the century for sure, WMO cyclone specialist Anne-Claire Fontan said at a Geneva press briefing. She said that storm surges of up to four meters were expected during the day and that rainfall was set to exceed 70 centimetres or about twice the amount expected normal the entire rainy season. It means there will be catastrophic flash flooding and landslides, she said. Its a catastrophic situation expected in Jamaica, she added. 10:23am Storm could impact 1.5 million people in Jamaica alone Hurricane Melissa could affect 1.5 million people in Jamaica alone, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said Tuesday, warning of a massive impact. 1.5 million people may be impacted, Necephor Mghendi, the IFRCs head of delegation for the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean, told reporters, warning that number could be an underestimate. Roofs will be tested, floodwaters will rise, isolation will become a harsh reality for many. Over 800 shelters have been set up for evacuees from the worst-hit areas, he added. The main priority was to get people out of harms way to reduce the number of casualties. 10:02am Hurricane Melissa bears down on Jamaica track live 09:52am In pictures: Jamaicans wait for the storm A woman video chats with a friend in an underground room ahead of the hurricanes arrival - ap Craig Brown wraps a gas pump as Melissa approaches - REUTERS 09:30am Why is Melissa set to be so devastating? Hurricane Melissa, the strongest storm of 2025, is a large and slow-moving hurricane fuelled by unusually hot ocean temperatures in the Caribbean. Slow-moving The hurricane is crawling west towards Jamaica at speeds of around 3mph. Its slow pace means it will subject places in its path to longer stretches of torrential rain, destructive winds and heightened storm surge. Its this repetitive or continuous threat and existence in a dangerous situation, Jill Trepanier, a hurricane climatology expert at Louisiana State University, said. Its slow path also allowed it to strengthen substantially over the warm Caribbean waters through the weekend. Warm waters Ocean surface temperatures in the Caribbean are unusually high two to three degrees above normal and tropical storms are fuelled by the top layer of water. The warm waters injected energy into Melissa, allowing it to rapidly intensify from a tropical storm into a Category 5 hurricane. Warmer oceans also mean wetter storms because warm air can hold more moisture, threatening more torrential rain and flash floods. Climate change Melissa is the third storm this hurricane season to strengthen into Category 5, the second-highest total for any season on record, part of a trend of more intense Atlantic storms. Scientists warn that storms are becoming stronger faster as a result of climate change warming ocean waters, piling up fuel for seasonal storms. We havent had that many hurricanes in the Atlantic this season, but an unusual proportion of them went through a phase of intensifying quite rapidly, meteorologist and climate scientist Kerry Emanuel of MIT said. This may very well be collectively a signature of climate change, he said. 09:02am Catastrophic flooding, 175mph winds and 3ft of rain expected The US National Hurricane Center late on Monday warned that the winds at the eye of Hurricane Melissa are so strong they could cause total structural failure. The NHC warned of catastrophic flash flooding, landslides and destructive winds. Some parts of Jamaica were already cut off by Monday evening. In the NHC latest warning, it said: Conditions deteriorating on Jamaica as extremely dangerous Category 5 Melissa slowly approaches... catastrophic winds, flash flooding and storm surge expected on the island today... 08:38am Foreign Office urges Brits to reach shelters The Foreign Office has urged British nationals to head to their nearest hurricane shelter. Yvette Cooper, the Foreign Secretary, said she had spoken to her Jamaican counterpart, Kamina Smith, to offer our support and was monitoring the path of the hurricane. The US embassy in Jamaica has advised American citizens to be ready to shelter in place throughout the dangerous storm. The UK is closely monitoring Hurricane Melissa as it approaches Jamaica. I have spoken to @kaminajsmith to offer our support. The FCDO stands ready to help British nationals 24/7. Follow our travel advice and the advice of Jamaican authorities. https://t.co/KLbHzukqls Yvette Cooper (@YvetteCooperMP) October 27, 2025 08:32am Mapped: Melissas expected path 08:30am 52,000 Jamaicans lose power before storm lands Up to 52,000 people in Jamaica have already lost power before the one of the strongest storms recorded in the Atlantic makes landfall. Jamaica Public Service said that power had already been restored to more than 30,000 of those affected. We are working to connect the remaining customers, however, in some areas, heavy rain and difficult terrain are creating access challenges, it added. We stand with you. Please stay safe and stay indoors. 08:22am Weather is getting a bit wild, says British holidaymaker A British holidaymaker has told how the weather is getting a bit wild in Jamaica, writes Robert White. Rebecca Chapman, who arrived at a hotel half an hour away from Montego Bay in the north of the island on Thursday, said it had been turned into a ghost town ahead of the hurricane. The hotel had boarded its windows and strapped chandeliers to columns throughout the hotel, removing light bulbs and outside furniture to minimise damage. Speaking to BBC Radio 4s Today programme, Mrs Chapman said: We arrived very late on Thursday and almost as soon as we got here, things were starting to be put in place, so some of the restaurants were closed as soon as we arrived, the beaches were closed when we arrived. As the days have gone on, theyve shut down more and more of the hotel. Most of it is now boarded up, she said, adding that anything that can be moved has gone. Ms Chapman described the sea looking looks like a stormy Norfolk Sea with 6ft waves crashing on the beach, she added. Theres lots of debris already in the sea, and the beaches, and theres a weird rumbling noise that feels like its coming from the horizon which is really ominous. 08:03am Watch: Satellite footage shows Hurricane Melissa strengthening Credit: CSU/CIRA & NOAA 07:53am Jamaican PM: Ive been on my knees in prayer Andrew Holness, the Jamaican prime minister, said: I have been on my knees in prayer. Mr Holness told CNN that should the hurricane make landfall, recovery efforts will take far more resources than Jamaica has and that he anticipates major damage to our road infrastructure, bridges, drains, and possible some damage to ports and airports. The west of the island is expected to bear the brunt of the storm. I dont believe there is any infrastructure within this region that could withstand a Category 5 storm, so there could be significant dislocation, Mr Holness added. Towns and cities may be left without power and communications for days after the storm passes. 07:50am In pictures: Jamaica starts to feel the effects of Hurricane Mellisa A man walks by a house damaged by the preliminary winds of Hurricane Melissa - Shutterstock Editorial A fallen light pole blocks the road near Portmore - AFP High winds and heavy rain has started to batter the island before the storm makes landfall - REUTERS 07:43am Watch: Hurricane Hunters fly into eye of storm A US Air Force Reserve crew, known as the Hurricane Hunters, flew into the eye of Hurricane Melissa on Monday to collect data for the US National Hurricane Center. 07:40am Officials urge public to seek shelter now Authorities are concerned that locals are ignoring the warnings to seek shelter and deciding to stay put. By Monday evening, fewer than 1,000 people were in the islands 880 hurricane shelters. They should be seeing people now, Desmond McKenzie, a government minister said. I want to urge persons in these parishes to get to high ground as quickly as possible. Daryl Vaz, the Jamaican transport minister, said: Its way, way below what is required for a Category 5 hurricane. If you are not [smart], unfortunately, you will pay the consequences, he warned. 07:37am Three dead as Jamaica braces for mass destruction At least three people have died in Jamaica as the island braces for the worlds strongest storm this year to make landfall this morning. Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, has been increasing in strength as it barrels towards the Caribbean nation, threatening to bring catastrophic and life-threatening conditions. Three people died and 13 were injured while preparing for the hurricane by cutting down trees and working on ladders, officials said. Melissa, one of the strongest storms ever recorded in the Atlantic, has also killed at least three people in Haiti and a fourth person in the Dominican Republic. Hurricane Melissas centre is forecast to move over Jamaica on Tuesday, dumping up to a metre of rain in some parts, before striking south-east Cuba on Tuesday night and the Bahamas on Wednesday. The capital of Kingston has been ordered to evacuation along with other low-lying, flood-prone areas. The actor Jennifer Lawrence asked ChatGPT for breastfeeding advice, according to a profile in The New Yorker (Getty) Robots are telling us how to live. It was only a matter of time; after all, around 700 million of us are now using ChatGPT on a weekly basis. And, according to data released by the chatbots parent company, OpenAI, around 70 per cent of consumer usage is not related to work. In recent months, there have been increasing reports of people forming intimate relationships with their ChatGPT bots. And earlier this month, OpenAI announced plans to allow erotic content on the service. I know people who use it for everything from medical advice and legal information to helping with Hinge prompts and drafting texts to romantic partners. Now even artists, the very same group whose livelihood is threatened by the broader technology, are fessing up to using the service, with Jennifer Lawrence telling The New Yorker that she used ChatGPT for breastfeeding advice while she was crying. Youre doing the most amazing thing for your baby, the bot told her in response, adding, Youre such a loving mother. The interviewer, Jia Tolentino, adds that Lawrence, who has two sons with her husband, Cooke Maroney, found the response called into question the sincerity of anyone else who said the same. But Tolentino doesnt ask Lawrence why she asked ChatGPT anything in the first place, which, frankly, was the thing I found most alarming, because it indicates just how normalised this behaviour has become, when the act of asking a robot for help and emotional support should surely be anything but. Bear in mind that AI has hardly been kind to celebrities thus far. OpenAI came under fire just a few weeks ago for how its Sora app was recreating videos of dead public figures who have no ability to consent to opt in or out of the service. And yet, Sora can generate very convincing clips of deceased famous people in circumstances they were never in within seconds. Please, just stop sending me AI videos of Dad, wrote Zelda Williams on her Instagram stories with regards to videos of her late father, Robin Williams. Stop believing I wanna see it or that Ill understand, I dont and I wont. If youre just trying to troll me, Ive seen way worse. Ill restrict and move on. Elsewhere, there are other concerns around celebrity deepfakes, as well as those surrounding so-called AI actors, such as Tilly Norwood, the viral creation of an artificial intelligence talent studio called Xicoia. And yet, here is Lawrence passing a comment about ChatGPT without apparent concerns around any of this. Im aware I might be in the minority when I confess that I do not use ChatGPT. Despite almost all of my friends evangelising its benefits to me, Ive remained stubbornly abstinent. I dont care that it might make me do things faster Im already quite happy with my speed! nor do I trust it for help with research. Id rather ask friends for advice, and I find ChatGPTs known penchant for sycophancy rather nauseating and unhelpful. To me, it all sounds like a giant exercise in getting ones ego stroked; even the platforms response to Lawrence illustrates that, offering a series of platitudes that surely amount to the same lowly substance as youre doing great, sweetie. Jennifer Lawrence in Lynne Ramsays new psychodrama Die My Love (Mubi) Im also concerned about how many people are relying on it for support with their mental health again, without questioning the potential dangers of leaning on a robot for psychological aid. According to a new report, more than a million people express suicidal intent every week while using ChatGPT. The data, released by OpenAI, followed the case of a teenage boy, Adam Raine, who took his own life after engaging in months of conversations with the service. The company subsequently revealed new parental control features that will allow parents and teenagers to connect their accounts, while a team of human reviewers will be notified if a teenager enters a prompt relating to self-harm. New features or not, Im still terrified by the proliferation of ChatGPT. But what terrifies me more is that I feel like not many other people are. How quickly it has been accepted, normalised. At least, thats how it feels when my friends are flippantly referring to their respective bots, referencing advice and tips they offered them in casual conversation: My therapist says has quickly been replaced by Chat says yes, people are abbreviating it to that, which I also find stomach-curling. Where will all of this lead? To a world in which therapists, partners, and friends have been rendered redundant by effusive AI-generated computer systems? One where, in just a few years, I reckon those systems will become walking, talking, effusive monstrosities? Will we all have robot companions? Will there be AI marriages? And children that are mere projections, so people can experience the feelings of nurturing without actually having to do any nasty nappy changes? And how long until those robots are running companies, governments, and countries? What will remain of humanity as it begins to peter into slow, declining significance? These might sound like extreme predictions or the premise of a new season of Black Mirror but the way were talking about AI now makes me worry that they arent. Because if celebrities like Lawrence are able to slip into conversation that they asked ChatGPT for medical support during a moment of vulnerability without acknowledging the strangeness of that well, I fear we may all be doomed. And theres nothing ChatGPT can say to save us though I doubt that will stop people from hoping that it might. Harry Pitman, 16, was fatally stabbed on New Years Eve (PA Media) A teenager has been found guilty by an Old Bailey jury of murdering 16-year-old Harry Pitman in a stabbing on Primrose Hill during the New Year fireworks. Harry Pitman had gone to the London beauty spot on December 31, 2023 with friends to celebrate New Year and watch the capitals annual fireworks show. He was stabbed in the blink of an eye by Areece Lloyd-Hall, now 18, after a row broke out when Harry accidentally bumping into another teenager while playing a game. Jurors in a first trial could not decide on the murder charge, but a second jury found Lloyd-Hall guilty on Wednesday. The teenager, who had brought a knife with him to Primrose Hill that night, now faces a life sentence. Every year, large numbers of members of the public gather on Primrose Hill to celebrate the turning of the New Year, prosecutor Jocelyn Ledward KC told the trial. But on New Years Eve, 31 December 2023, revelry turned to tragedy in the blink of an eye. Harry Pitman, aged 16, was stabbed once to the neck. He died almost immediately as a result of that single but deadly injury. Lloyd-Hall, then also 16, admitted possessing the knife, but claimed that he had not taken the blade out of its sheath when he swung it towards Harry. The court heard how Spurs fan Harry and friends had gone to Primrose Hill together and had been in high spirits, drinking and smoking cigarettes. Before the attack, Harry had been speaking to random members of the public and a police officer on duty in the park. But frivolity turned swiftly to tragedy when Harry was playing a game with a friend by trying to see how high he could kick. He was aiming at the hand of one of the girls nearby which she was holding up in the air, said Ms Ledward. He became unbalanced, and knocked into one of the group behind them. The teenager who had been bumped into reacted angrily, and his friend, Lloyd-Hall then waded into the fight that broke out. Video captured the moment he swung at Harry with the knife, inflicting the fatal neck injury. The streets of Primrose Hill were filled with cars and pedestrians on the night, as Londoners of all ages came out to mark New Year. Harry, who grew up in Tottenham and was a pupil at St Thomas More Catholic School in Wood Green, had stepped in as a peacemaker earlier in the evening when one of his friends - who was drunk - got into an altercation with another person. Lloyd-Hall, from Westminster, will remain in custody until he is sentenced on November 10. He had discarded the knife, his clothes and his phone after the stabbing, but left behind at the scene the sheath for the blade which had his DNA on it. The Old Bailey jury found him guilty of murder by a majority of 11 to one, and Lloyd-Hall had earlier pleaded guilty to possession of an offensive weapon. Vice President JD Vance says relations between the US and Ukraine are now much more productive since his February Oval Office clash with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, calling the confrontation that shocked the world one of the most memorable moments of his vice presidency. On Wednesdays episode of the New York Posts Pod Force One, Vance described the viral confrontation as probably the most famous thing Ive ever done, or maybe ever will do. That was six [eight] months ago, Vance told Post columnist Miranda Devine. We have turned over a new leaf. Were trying to have productive relationships with both the Ukrainians and the Russians, because we want to end this conflict, and I think the president has a very good working relationship and so do I with all the parties involved, Vance added. Zelenskys February 28 White House visit began cordially to discuss a minerals deal with President Donald Trump, but tensions flared when Vance called for Ukraine and Russia to pursue a diplomatic resolution. Vice President JD Vance called his confrontation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky 'probably the most famous thing Ive ever done, or maybe ever will do' (Getty Images) In front of the world media, Zelensky questioned Russian President Vladimir Putins willingness to negotiate, sparking a public shouting match. Vance scolded Zelensky for supposedly not thanking the U.S. often enough for past aid, mostly provided by the Biden administration, with Trump backing him and warning Kyiv it was risking World War III by not making peace with the invading Russians. Trump shouted at his guest that you dont have the cards right now. The Vice President told Zelensky: I think it's disrespectful for you to come to the Oval Office and try to litigate this in front of the American media ... you should be thanking the president for trying to bring an end to this conflict. A visibly shocked Zelensky invited Vance to visit Ukraine and see the situation for himself. Reflecting on the confrontation, Vance told Devine: If you go back to that moment, I was getting frustrated because I perceived some rudeness. I think the takeaway from that for me, but also I think for any foreign leader who comes to the Oval Office, in particular you try to basically respect the rules of the house that youre in, he continued. If youre going to disagree you can do it in a particularly productive way, or you can do it in an unproductive way. Laughing as the subject of the meeting was brought up by Devine, Vance denied that his and Trumps reaction to Zelensky had been coordinated, despite a widespread perception that it appeared to have been a deliberate ambush. Not at all, not at all, no. Trump has repeatedly shifted his approach to the Ukraine war in recent months, at one point calling Russia a paper tiger and suggesting Ukraine could reclaim lost territory. However, after an October 16 call with Putin, Trump expressed a more pessimistic view during a meeting with Zelensky. Zelensky requested approval to buy long-range Tomahawk missiles, but Trump has so far withheld them. Then, last week, Trump put sanctions on Russias two biggest oil companies. I actually think airing everything out, doing it in public, actually articulating where there were disagreements and where there were common interests, actually was pretty productive, Vance reflected on the podcast. Vance, however, declined to forecast what lies ahead in Europes deadliest conflict since World War II. If you asked me six months or so ago, I would have said, Theyre never going to stop fighting. This is going to be like Russias Vietnam, Vance said. Fifteen years later, theyre still going to be fighting. If you asked me a month ago, I would have said were making incredible progress [toward peace]. Its hard to venture a prediction, but I do think that we have reached the point of diminishing returns for both sides, he said. Before the 2024 election, Trump repeatedly promised that he would fix the Ukraine war on day one or even before he had taken office. Despite repeated talks between the U.S. president and, separately, his Ukrainian and Russian counterparts even giving Putin the red-carpet treatment on his visit to Alaska there has been no end to the fighting. Challenged on his promises to end the war on his first day in office, Trump said he had been speaking in jest. Lee Anderson claimed he could have got the fittest man in Ashfield on benefits when he worked for the Citizens Advice Bureau - Lucy North/PA Wire Lee Anderson, the Reform MP, said on Wednesday that it was so easy to game the welfare system he could get the fittest man in his home town on benefits. The MP for Ashfield told a press conference he was the first point of contact for disability claimants when he worked for the Citizens Advice Bureau before entering politics. He made the admission as Reform announced proposals to restrict Personal Independence Payments (PIP), which are claimed by 3.8 million Britons, by abolishing the benefit for people with anxiety unless their case is severe. The PIP system has largely replaced the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) scheme, which was the main such benefit in place when Mr Anderson worked for Citizens Advice. The Reform chief whip told reporters: I could take the fittest man in Ashfield and we could get him a 100 per cent claim on DLA. Thats how skilful the advisers were at filling these forms out. It has to stop. We were gaming the system. It was a competition between the adviser, the person who was filling the form out, and the DWP [Department for Work and Pensions]. Zia Yusuf, Reforms head of policy, said the partys shake-up of PIP could save 9bn a year by 2029. Under the proposal, only those with serious anxiety could claim the benefit. In July 2025, there were 487,621 people claiming PIP for mixed anxiety and depressive disorders, generalised anxiety disorder or other forms of anxiety around one in eight of all those receiving the benefit. This included 104,886 people receiving the enhanced payment for both mobility and daily living adjustments, equivalent to 9,794 a year. The combined bill would equate to almost 3.2bn a year. Reform would mandate face-to-face assessments for all sickness benefit seekers. At present, 77 per cent of assessments for PIP are carried out remotely, with a much higher approval rate for benefits. Anxiety generation just stay at home all day Mr Anderson said he joined advisers who were gaming the system when he worked for the Citizens Advice Bureau in Ashfield, Notts. We were the first point of contact for people who wanted to claim PIP, or DLA as it was at the time, and we used to fill the forms out for clients before that application form came in. And I can tell you, I know people who work for the CAB that got a 100 per cent hit rate on a benefit form. Mr Anderson told The Telegraph that the experience politicised him, adding: It becomes a game, getting claimants their benefits, and you forget what youre doing. Its the same with asylum claims, Id bet my life on it. Eventually, I took a long look at myself and said, this is wrong, I was wrong, and it was wrong what we were doing. I wasnt being kind to people the way you get people out of poverty is you get them back into work. Reform would also consider introducing mystery shopper checks to institutions that help claimants fill out benefits forms, Mr Anderson said. The checkers should be checked of course they should. Make sure advisers arent being blase and ticking claims off. The MP went on to hit out at the anxiety generation of under-25s, who Reform said were seeing the fastest growth of PIP claims. Mr Anderson said: Im part of the alarm clock generation, people who actually got up in the morning, listened to their parents alarms go off. It was my dads alarm, he got up at five in the morning and he went to his shift at the local pit. For me, this was the best education a young man could get. It taught me that if you want to live a good life in a great country, you must do your bit. The alarm clock generation is now being replaced by an anxiety generation a generation of young people that can forget about getting up in the morning and going to work, and instead stay at home all day, courtesy of the taxpayer-funded employment support, loans and personal independent payments. He added: The people bearing the brunt of this cost are the very same people who still use an alarm clock and get up for work in the morning. Earlier this year, Rachel Reeves attempted to reduce the size of the benefits bill by tightening access to PIP. But she had to back down in the face of a major backbench rebellion, and has put off major welfare reform until next year. The Chancellor decided against tightening eligibility for the Motability scheme, which gives tax breaks for disability claimants who qualify for a brand new car, earlier this week. The move could have saved taxpayers up to 1bn. But on Monday, Sir Stephen Timms, the social security minister, said there would be no changes to the PIP eligibility criteria until next year. A Labour spokesman said: Like all of Reforms policies, their latest plan is already falling apart. Its no surprise Reform dont seem to know what their own plan is on face-to-face assessments, given their welfare chief Lee Anderson was a cheerleader for the Tories when they slashed the number by over 90 per cent. Labour is increasing them. Lord Hermer, the Attorney General, is facing questions from MPs on the China spy scandal - Jaimi Joy Criticising the Government over the collapse of the China spying trial damages Britains national security, Lord Hermer has said. The Attorney General claimed that trying to insinuate bad faith in the decision-making sought to undermine public confidence and was very dangerous. Appearing before a committee of MPs on Wednesday, Lord Hermer took issue with suggestions that politicians had somehow improperly interfered in this case to stop a prosecution against two Britons accused of spying for China. Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry were charged in April 2024 with collecting sensitive intelligence from Parliament and passing it to the top of the Chinese government. The case collapsed last month after the deputy national security adviser refused to give evidence to the CPS to establish that China was a threat to Britain at the time. Christopher Berry, left, and former parliamentary researcher Christopher Cash - PA In his first public remarks about the case since its collapse, Lord Hermer said: Trying to insinuate bad faith into our national security making decision [sic] does nothing to increase public confidence in it, it simply seeks to undermine and that is very dangerous where, as here, it is baseless. The Attorney General defended Jonathan Powell, the National Security Adviser, and his deputy (DSNA) Matthew Collins. It previously emerged they had attended a meeting where consequences of the China spy trial going ahead were discussed, two days before it collapsed on Sept 3. In a grilling by the joint committee on the national security strategy, Lord Hermer said: There was a meeting that amongst other things considered the handling of a trial that everybody at that meeting proceeded on the basis was going to commence in November. That is what you would expect a responsible system to anticipate in a case such as this, the handling of questions. There is nothing improper. The Conservatives were blocked by Labour MPs on Tuesday night from passing a motion urging the Government to publish the minutes of the meeting, and other meetings in which it was discussed. Dan Jarvis, the security minister, said the information could not be released due to the sensitive nature of the contents. Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, said Labour MPs had voted to carry on the cover-up and conceal the truth from the public. The Attorney General added that it was unwise to call the handling of the fiasco by government officials and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) farcical because both sides were doing their best. He went on to deprecate accusations against Mr Powell and Sir Keir Starmer after it was announced the prosecution would be dropped last month. He said critics were seeking to suggest politicians had somehow improperly interfered in this case to stop a prosecution, effectively allegations that they were perverting the course of justice against the national security interests of this country. The peer added: Now those are disgraceful allegations to make without evidence. They were baseless. Lord Hermer blamed the previous governments delays in updating national security laws, and said the 1911 Official Secrets Act was one very significant problem in the case. He went on to cite remarks by Kemi Badenoch, the Tory leader, while she was in Cabinet in which she said China could not be described as a foe. Lord Hermer suggested that the remark would probably have been used by the defence to show that China could not be described as an enemy, the threshold set out by the Official Secrets Act. Jonathan Powell was allegedly at a meeting where consequences of the China spy trial were discussed, shorlty before it collapsed - Leon Neal/Getty Lord Hermer had earlier praised Mr Collins as a superb public servant but expressed concern at the impact of the case on public trust. I am extremely concerned about the impact that this case has on public faith in our national security structures and in our criminal justice system insofar as it intersects with that. He said he was not involved in the case nor its collapse, and was only informed of the outcome on Sept 3 by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Im told the next day that as a result of the conversation with the Cabinet Secretary theres going to be further discussion with the witness, Mr Collins. Im told I think a few days after that, that that has taken place but the decision remained. He added: I did not consider it appropriate, I did not think it constitutionally appropriate, I didnt think it permitted by my role as defined in the framework to be anything other than informed at that stage. Mr Cash and Mr Berry both deny any wrongdoing. 11:58am Thanks for joining Thank you for joining The Telegraphs live coverage of Lord Hermers appearance in front of the joint committee on the national security strategy about the collapsed China case. Here is a summary of what we learned: The Attorney General has said that it is unwise to call the handling of the collapsed China spying case a catastrophic failure. He said the 1911 Official Secrets Act was one very significant problem in the prosecution of the collapsed China spying trial. He referred to Kemi Badenoch refusing to call China a foe while she was trade secretary. Lord Hermer has defended the civil servant at the heart of the China spy scandal as a superb public servant. He described allegations made against Jonathan Powell and Sir Keir Starmer over the collapse of the China spying case as disgraceful. Lord Hermer received monthly updates from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) about the most serious cases, including the China spying case. 11:52am Committee chairman: Sense of opacity surrounding China policy The Governments approach to China is surrounded by a real sense of opacity, the chairman of the the joint committee on the national security strategy said. Concluding the session, Matt Western, the Labour MP, told Lord Hermer and Darren Jones:Youd accept that the China audit, for whatever reason, this committee has not been able to have access to that entire document. So theres a real sense of opacity at the heart of this government that they dont want us to know, they dont want the public to know, and therefore there is a perception of concern about how the government is operating with its relationship to China. Mr Jones responded: Im sorry the committee feels that way. Thats certainly not the case. 11:44am Hermer: Badenoch did not call China a foe when she was in government b' ' The Attorney General has argued that if the case had proceeded to trial, Kemi Badenochs past comment that China should not be described as a foe could have helped the two men accused get off. Lord Hermer points out that the jury would have to have been convinced that China was an enemy, the threshold set out by the Official Secrets Act. The Government of the day was not neutral on that point, he said, and demonstrated the challenges Matt Collins would have faced in representing the Governments view as a key witness. Lord Hermer said: I anticipate that in the event this case proceeded to trial, a skilled defence would have made much of a Mansion House speech by the then Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, in which he said it was unwise to simply brand China a threat. He added that the defence would also likely have pointed to Ms Badenochs comments while in the Cabinet, when she said: We certainly should not be describing China as a foe - but we can describe it as a challenge. 11:40am Downing Street defends appointment of Powell as national security adviser There is no inherent problem in the appointment of Jonathan Powell, a special adviser and political appointee, to the role of national security adviser, Darren Jones has said. The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster defended the appointment of Mr Powell and praised him as one of the best people we have in our country to perform this role. Asked whether the appointment of a special adviser, rather than a civil servant, to the role caused issues, Mr Jones said: If you think about Jonathan Powell I think everybody would say he is one of the best people we have in our country to perform this role so the Prime Minister wanted to appoint him to do it. We are very grateful to have Jonathans expertise and skills available to us as a government and hes added enormous value to our work. He added: I dont think theres any suggestion here that Jonathan Powells appointment as the national security adviser or the Cabinet Secretary not coming from the national security background is an inherent problem in this case and therefore should be considered differently in the future. 11:32am Attorney General received monthly updates from CPS on spying case Lord Hermer received monthly updates from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) about the most serious cases, including the China spying case, the Attorney General has said. Asked about what he knew about the prosecution and when, he told the committee: I was aware the case was proceeding, I receive a list of the most serious cases from the CPS on a monthly basis for information. Thats normally just a few lines about each of the top cases so I knew about this case proceeding. It had been brought to my attention that there had been some historical difficulties in getting timely witness evidence but at the time of each of those reviews steps were underway either with assurances that it was about to come or received. 11:25am Hermer accuses critics of trying to insinuate bad faith in handling of case Lord Hermer has clashed with Sir Gavin Williamson, the former Conservative defence secretary, over the meeting on Sep 1 attended by Jonathan Powell and Matthew Collins. The national security adviser and his deputy were at a meeting last month at which the case was discussed. Asked about the meeting, the Attorney General said: What happened on Sep 1 that there was a meeting that amongst other things considered the handling of a trial that everybody at that meeting proceeded on the basis was going to commence in November. That is what you would expect a responsible system to anticipate in a case such as this, the handling questions. Asked further about the meeting by Sir Gavin, Lord Hermer replied: There is nothing improper, and if I may say so, trying to insinuate bad faith into our national security making decision [sic] does nothing to increase public confidence in it, it simply seeks to undermine and that is very dangerous where as here it is baseless. 11:15am DPP did not approach me for assistance getting evidence in case, says Hermer The director of public prosecutions did not approach Lord Hermer for assistance to obtain the necessary evidence for the China spying case. He told the committee: It provides a means for the director of public prosecutions to approach me if it is felt that I could be of assistance in unblocking any evidential enquiries and no such approach was made to me. The Attorney General said that the CPS received evidence from the Cabinet Office, adding: It was not a question of not receiving the evidence that led to this prosecution not proceeding. It was the contents of those witness statements that led the CPS to reach the views that they met. He added: Obviously even if I had been contacted by the director to try and unblock any difficulties in obtaining evidence I couldnt possibly have intervened to have any influence over the contents of any witness evidence. But in any event I received no request. 11:07am Hermer reveals timeline of conversations with DPP around collapsed case Lord Hermer has explained the timeline of conversations he had with the director of public prosecutions (DPP) about the collapse of the China spying case last month. He told the committee: When Im informed, which is in the late morning of Sep 3, it was conveyed to me as a decision has been taken. I am told that the DPP would also inform the Cabinet Secretary that day. Im asked to keep that information confidential, theres nothing unusual in that in terms of information thats provided to me by the DPP. He added: Im told the next day that as a result of the conversation with the Cabinet Secretary theres going to be further discussion with the witness Mr Collins. Im told I think a few days after that, that that has taken place but the decision remained. He told the committee: I did not consider it appropriate, I did not think it constitutionally appropriate, I didnt think it permitted by my role as defined in the framework to be anything other than informed at that stage. 10:51am Hermer condemns disgraceful allegations against Starmer and Powell over collapsed case Lord Hermer has described allegations made against Jonathan Powell and Sir Keir Starmer over the collapse of the China spying case as disgraceful. The Attorney General said he was extremely concerned about the impact of the case on public trust on national security. He told the committee: I am extremely concerned about the impact that this case has on public faith in our national security structures and in our criminal justice system insofar as it intersects with that. He added: Its also why I may say why I deprecate some of the baseless accusations that were levelled against the Prime Minister and against our national security adviser Mr Powell when the decision of the prosecution was announced that seek to suggest that politicians had somehow improperly interfered in this case to stop a prosecution. Effectively allegations that they were perverting the course of justice against the national security interests of this country. Now those are disgraceful allegations to make without evidence. They were baseless. 10:41am Analysis: Hermer goes further on condemnation of Official Secrets Act b' ' There has been a clear and consistent theme in the testimony from all the officials weve heard from in the committees hearings. One thing they all agree on is the real culprit in this case is the Official Secrets Act. We know Britains intelligence community has long been frustrated with the limitations of the 1911 legislation and the curb it has placed on its ability to protect the state. Lord Hermer appears to be going further than the other officials being grilled by the JCNSS when he questions why the not fit for purpose statute was not replaced sooner. He points out that even during the passage of the Official Secrets Act, there were concerns about it. In 2017, he notes the Law Commission flagged that the Act was deeply problematic and would give rise to difficulties in future prosecutions. Speaking frankly, I dont understand why it took Parliament so long to pass that, he tells the committee. Had that Act been in force at the relevant time for this case, between 2021-2023, I have no doubt that the prosecution would have proceeded to trial. 10:39am Hermer: I didnt ask to see case papers as it would have been interference Lord Hermer said that he did not ask to see case papers or speak to witnesses because he would have been interfering with the case. He told the committee that he was surprised and disappointed that the case collapsed, and confirmed he asked the director of public prosecutions about why it happened. He added: Im informed after the decision has been made by the director as you can imagine, I want to understand the rationale for that. That doesnt allow me to say, right I want to see all the case papers, I want to call in the witnesses, I want to test it for myself because that would be interfering with the prosecution decision and it would be seeking to interfere in the prosecution. I believe that would be contrary not only to the framework but actually basic constitutional principle. 10:29am Hermer: Its unwise to call China spy case collapse a catastrophic failure The Attorney General has said that it is unwise to call the handling of the collapsed China spying case a catastrophic failure. He told MPs: We need to look at it really carefully to see if lessons can be learnt, thats why I welcome this committee investigation. But he added: What I am saying is it is unwise to rush and say its farcical or its a catastrophic failure. What I can see at the moment are people on both sides are doing their best within their lanes. 10:21am Law officers believed Collins would call China an enemy, suggests Hermer Lord Hermer has suggested that law officers believed Matthew Collins, the deputy national security adviser, would say that China was an enemy for the purposes of the case. Asked why a decision was first made to prosecute, Lord Hermer said: When the law officers were asked to consent, they were provided with the witness statements of Mr Collins. I dont think at that stage there was anything to indicate that he would not say they were not an enemy. He added: I dont think he is clear in his statement that he would not say they were an enemy. He sets out in those statements the range of threats they pose, and I think on that basis the law officers decision to consent was not an unreasonable one. 10:15am Lord Hermer defends superb civil servant blamed for spies scandal Lord Hermer has defended the civil servant at the heart of the China spy scandal as a superb public servant. The Attorney General referred to Matthew Collins, the deputy national security adviser who refused to give evidence to the CPS to establish that China was a threat to the UK at the time. He told MPs: What I see are, on both sides, really quite extraordinary public servants doing their absolute best. Youve got Matt Collins, who I know very well, who is a superb, a superb public servant. Youve got the CPS, staffed with dedicated people. 10:06am 1911 Official Secrets Act one very significant problem in case The 1911 Official Secrets Act was one very significant problem in the prosecution of the collapsed China spying trial, the Attorney General has said. Lord Hermer told MPs: Im clear in my mind that certainly one very significant problem here was the Act and the Act wasnt fit for purpose, it was out of date. The legislation uses the term enemy as a test that needs to be met, and Lord Hermer said that what has played out during this prosecution exemplifies and highlights the difficulties with that term. He added: That is why Parliament was right to pass the National Security Act 2023 that takes away the problems that were faced by the CPS [Crown Prosecution Service] in this case. 09:59am Law officers told after decision taken that case was dropped Government law officers were informed that the case had been dropped only after the decision was made, the Attorney General has said. Lord Hermer told MPs: Where a decision is taken on evidential grounds not to proceed with a prosecution, then the obligation is to inform, not consult, to inform law officers after the decision has been taken, and that is what occurred here. But he added: I do not think the law officer who made the decision to consent at the time of the prosecution reached in any sense an erroneous decision. 09:56am Politicians dont get involved in prosecution decisions, says Hermer Lord Hermer has begun giving evidence to the committee about the collapsed China spying case. He told MPs that politicians do not, save where expressly mandated by government, do not get involved in prosecution decisions. The Attorney General said: In this case, under the previous government, a law officer considered the materials provided to him by the CPS and reached the decision to consent to the prosecution going ahead. That is the end of a law officers engagement in a prosecution. Quite rightly, under our constitutional framework, politicians do not, save where expressly mandated by government, do not get involved in prosecution decisions. 09:35am Labour still refusing to publish China spy files Labour on Monday refused to publish details of meetings during which Jonathan Powell discussed the consequences of the China spy trial going ahead. The case collapsed after Matthew Collins, the deputy national security adviser, refused to give evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to establish that China was a threat to the UK at the time. Labour, which has sought to deepen ties with Beijing since taking office, has been accused of deliberately allowing the case to collapse. It has now emerged that Mr Powell, the national security adviser, and Mr Collins had discussed the consequences of the trial going ahead at a meeting just two days before the case collapsed, on Sept 1. You can read the full story here 09:30am Good morning Lord Hermer will appear before the joint committee on the national security strategy this morning to answer questions about the China spy case. Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry, who denied any wrongdoing, had been charged with collecting sensitive intelligence from Parliament and passing it to the top of the Chinese government. It has prompted a blame game between Downing Street and the Crown Prosecution Service over how the case was allowed to collapse. The Attorney General and Darren Jones, the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, both face questions from MPs from 9.45pm. A national battle for partisan advantage in next year's congressional elections is intensifying, with Republican lawmakers in Louisiana and Democrats in Virginia advancing plans that could enable mid-decade redistricting. In Louisiana, legislators have passed a bill to delay the state's 2026 primary elections by a month. This strategic move aims to provide sufficient time for lawmakers to redraw the state's U.S. House districts, should the Supreme Court invalidate the existing boundaries. Concurrently, Virginia's lawmakers are deliberating a proposed constitutional amendment. If ultimately approved by voters, this measure would grant them the temporary authority to bypass a bipartisan redistricting commission and redraw congressional districts, a response to similar initiatives seen elsewhere. This surge in redistricting efforts was sparked earlier this summer when President Donald Trump urged Republican-led states to undertake the unusual step of redrawing House districts to their benefit before the upcoming midterm elections. Redistricting typically occurs once a decade, immediately after a census. (Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Redistricting typically occurs once a decade, immediately after a census. But Trump hopes that redistricting now can help Republicans in next year's midterm elections hold on to the House, where Democrats need to gain just three seats to win control and impede Trump's agenda. Republicans in Texas, Missouri and North Carolina already have revised districts at Trump's urging, and Republican-led Indiana is to begin a special legislative session Monday on redistricting. So far, California is the only Democratic-led state to counter with a new congressional map, which is going before voters in a special election that concludes Tuesday. Louisiana delays elections for potential redistricting Legislation delaying Louisiana's congressional primary from April 18 to May 16 passed along party lines Wednesday during a special session and is expected to be signed into law by Republican Gov. Jeff Landry. While Louisiana's election dates have been adjusted before due to hurricanes, this particular change is in anticipation of a Supreme Court ruling in a potentially far-reaching redistricting case. At issue is Louisiana's six-district congressional map, where lawmakers created a second majority-Black district in response to a previous court ruling, ultimately flipping a reliably Republican seat to Democrats. Proponents of the current map say it offers the opportunity for fair representation in a state where Black residents account for one-third of the population. Opponents argue that the state's second Black majority congressional district was unconstitutionally gerrymandered based on race. During arguments earlier this month, the Supreme Court's six conservative justices appeared inclined to effectively overturn the district boundaries. It's unclear when a ruling will come. Legislation delaying Louisiana's congressional primary from April 18 to May 16 is expected to be signed into law by Gov. Jeff Landy (Hilary Scheinuk/The Advocate via AP) Virginia Democrats eye a path to more House seats Democrats hold a 6-5 edge over Republicans in Virginia's U.S. House delegation. A new map could allow them to expand that advantage. But it requires a multistep process because a voter-approved constitutional amendment places redistricting in the hands of a bipartisan commission. After the 2020 census, that commission deadlocked, so a court imposed districts that remain in use. The Virginia House on Wednesday was considering a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow the legislature to draw new congressional districts in response to mid-decade redistricting done in other states. But lawmakers must approve that amendment in two separate legislative sessions before it can be placed on a statewide ballot. So far, Democrats haven't unveiled plans for how those new districts would be shaped. A lawsuit brought by Republicans contends the special session on redistricting violates the state constitution. Maryland's Senate refuses to take up redistricting Democratic Senate President Bill Ferguson said his chamber won't move forward with congressional redistricting, even though Democratic Gov. Wes Moore and the state's Democratic House speaker have expressed interest in it. Maryland Democrats already hold a 7-1 edge over Republicans in the U.S. House. Democratic Senate President Bill Ferguson said his chamber won't move forward with congressional redistricting, (AP Photo/Brian Witte) Ferguson wrote in a letter Tuesday night to Senate Democrats that a redistricting effort aimed at picking up the seat held by Republican U.S. Rep. Andy Harris could jeopardize other seats now held by Democrats and prompt even more Republican-led states to retaliate with their own redistricting. "In short, the risk of redrawing the congressional map in Maryland is too high, making the unlikely possibility that we gain a seat not worth pursuing," Ferguson wrote. He noted that a congressional map adopted in 2021 was ruled unconstitutional by a judge who described it as "a product of extreme partisan gerrymandering." Maryland passed another map in 2022, and the parties dropped their legal fight before the new map was reviewed by the court. Redrawing districts again "could reopen the ability for someone to challenge the current map and give the court the opportunity to strike it down, or even worse, redraw the map itself," Ferguson wrote. Five of the judges on the seven-member Maryland Supreme Court were appointed by Republican former Gov. Larry Hogan. Illinois lawmakers remain reluctant to redistrict Though national Democrats are pressing Illinois to redraw its U.S. House districts, Democrats in the state General Assembly say they won't take up the topic while in session this week. They left open the possibility to do so later. Democrats hold 14 of the state's 17 U.S. House districts, which already were drawn to favor Democrats after the 2020 census. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee said it provided a proposed new map to legislative leaders last week that could allow Democrats to win an additional seat. U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries traveled to Illinois on Monday to meet with Democratic state lawmakers about redistricting, and the state's Democratic Congress members released a statement Tuesday urging state lawmakers to seriously consider a new map. But some state lawmakers remain concerned that redrawing districts could weaken the representation of Black voters. "We can't casually talk about redrawing maps," Democratic state Rep. Kam Buckner said Wednesday. "We have to remind folks that those lines aren't just political boundaries. They are the visible record of invisible battles; they represent neighborhoods that finally got a voice after a century of being spoken for instead of behind heard." The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has become the latest major international institution to announce plans to close its headquarters in the UK because of Brexit. The group, which represents the global private sector in travel and tourism and has been based in the UK since it was founded, is set to relocate to mainland Europe to benefit from lower operational costs and EU single market access, its chairman has said. Manfredi Lefebvre added, Brexit is one of the main factors in our decision to potentially move our headquarters beyond the UK. The benefits of a European head office include lower operational costs, EU single market access and recruitment flexibility of a multilingual talent pool. The high standard of research services our members, governments and the stakeholders around the world receive will continue to be at the forefront of our work and we are confident we will attract high-quality talent in the wider European market, for all of our services to members globally. The decision comes after the board of the WTTC endorsed a plan to move, with Switzerland, Italy and Spain among the likely destinations. The move comes after chancellor Rachel Reeves blamed the countrys latest economic woes on the ongoing impact of the decision to leave the EU. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has already calculated that Brexit will have a long-term reduction in GDP by 4 per cent to the UK. WTTC chairman Manfredi Lefebvre (WTTC) The WTTC is not the first institution to turn its back on the UK because of Brexit. Previously, Bank of America Merrill Lynch made Dublin its new European headquarters as a result of the UK leaving the EU. P&O shifted its ship restoration from the UK to Cyprus in the wake of Brexit; Panasonic shifted its European HQ to the Netherlands; MoneyGram moved its HQ from London to Brussels; and the European Medicines Agency and European Bank Authority both left the UK. Dr Mike Galsworthy, chair of European Movement UK, said: "If they do undertake this move, then they can be added to a depressing list of HQs that have departed the UK for Europe over Brexit. Such as the European Medicines Agency, which was based in London with its over 300m taxable annual revenue, or the European Banking Authority, or the European headquarters of Sony and Panasonic, or the moves of Lloyds and Barclays over Brexits loss of passporting rights. By 2019, in the wake of the Brexit vote but before it was even implemented, a report found 900bn in financial firms' assets had been moved out of the UK. Brexit will continue to strip assets from the UK something politicians now seem ready to admit publicly, after years of staring at their shoes and shifting the subject at any mention of the blatant damage leaving the EU has wreaked on the UKs economy." The UK government has been asked for a response. However, Sir Keir Starmer has ruled out rejoining the EU, single market or customs union but has negotiated a reset deal with Brussels to help remove economic barriers caused by Brexit. A man, 41, and a woman, 26 remain in custody following the death of a one-year-old girl (PA Archive) A man and a woman have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after a one-year-old girl died following a suspected chemical incident in a Newham flat. A 41-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman were arrested on Wednesday and remain in custody, the Met Police said. The pair are not known to the victim, the force added. Firefighters rushed to a flat on Barking Road in Upton Park at 1.18pm on Tuesday after two adults and two children attended the hospital complaining about a smell of chemicals in a flat. The London Fire Brigade confirmed one of the children later died in hospital while receiving treatment. The adults and other child, aged six, were treated at hospital. The police said it is believed the child died after coming into contact with chemicals. Their injuries were confirmed as not life-threatening or life-changing. The girls next of kin are being supported by specialist officers and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident continues. It is understood that the incident is not being treated as terrorism. Around 12 people were evacuated from surrounding homes as a precaution while the LFB responded to the incident. Specially trained firefighters carried out a systematic sweep of the affected property, working to see if there were any hazardous materials present and ventilated the scene. A Newham Council spokesperson previously said: "First of all, our thoughts are with the family of the young child who has so tragically lost their life in this terrible incident."Details about the exact nature of the incident are not yet clear and the Metropolitan Police will remain on the scene as the investigation progresses. "As a council we have taken speedy measures to ensure those residents who were evacuated are being cared for in a warm, safe environment." Adrian Daulby, 53, who along with Melvin Cravitz, 66, died during the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue attack in Crumpsall, Manchester. Photograph: Family Handout/PA A victim of the Manchester synagogue attack died from a single police gunshot wound as he held the buildings doors shut against a terrorist, an inquest has heard. Adrian Daulby, 53, was described at his funeral as a quiet man who became a tremendously strong hero. On Wednesday, an inquest opened into his death and that of fellow worshipper Melvin Cravitz, 66, who died as a result of multiple knife wounds inflicted by Jihad al-Shamie. Daulby and Cravitz were worshipping at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester, as it came under attack on 2 October during Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish religious calendar. The hearing heard that Shamie, a Syrian-born UK citizen, began his attack on the synagogue by driving his Kia Picanto at security staff and the external gates at about 9.30am. After getting out of the car he attacked Cravitz with a knife, inflicting wounds that were fatal. The inquest heard Daulby had leaped from his seat to block the doors of the synagogue as it came under attack. Ch Supt Lewis Hughes, of Greater Manchester police, (GMP) told the hearing two armed officers had responded to the attack. He said: On arrival at the synagogue officers discharged several rounds at the suspected terrorist Jihad al-Shamie as he ran towards them aggressively while carrying a knife and wearing what presented as a suicide vest. A single bullet penetrated the synagogue doors and fatally struck Mr Daulby in the chest. Mr Daulby attended that morning as a worshipper. He was actively holding the main synagogue doors shut for approximately two minutes as the offender attempted to force entry. At 9.38 he appears to be struck by a bullet from an armed officer outside the premises. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 10.15am, Hughes said. A Home Office postmortem examination concluded the cause of death as a single gunshot wound to the chest. Giving details about the second death, Hughes said Shamie got out of his car armed with a knife and immediately made stabbing motions to Cravitzs upper torso, head and neck area. Members of the public and CST [Community Security Trust] arrived to administer first aid, trauma care and CPR. Mr Cravitz was placed on a stretcher and into an awaiting ambulance. Hughes said Cravitz was taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary but died from his injuries. He was pronounced dead at 10.45am. Judge Alexia Durran, the chief coroner of England and Wales, presiding over the hearing, said her provisional findings were that Cravitz died of stab wounds and Daulby died of a gunshot wound. Durran began the hearing by extending her condolences to the families and friends of Cravitz and Daulby. The coroner said representatives from a number of other organisations were either present in court or via a live link, including GMP, Counter Terrorism Policing North West, the CST and the government legal department. The coroner said Wednesdays hearing would lead to only provisional findings, not final conclusions. The hearing, lasting about 45 minutes, was adjourned for a pre-inquest review on 18 February next year. An inquest into the death of Shamie, 35, who was shot dead by police, is scheduled to open on Friday. Gavin and Stacey star Robert Wilfort has jokingly called for a "grassroots campaign" to get him cast as the next Doctor Who Time Lord. A Gavin and Stacey star wants to be the next Doctor Who Time Lord Following Disney+'s exit from its partnership with the BBC on the next season of Doctor Who, the 48-year-old actor said the long-running sci-fi drama's bosses should ditch "sexy young" Doctors for "middle-aged" Time Lords. Immediately responding to the corporation's announcement on Tuesday (28.10.25) that a Christmas 2026 special is happening, with plans for the next series being confirmed in due course, Robert said on Instagram: "Right, come on everyone, I want a grassroots campaign to get me cast as the next Doctor. "No more sexy young ones. Back to weird middle aged Doctors please. (sic)" Many of Robert's followers backed the idea of him becoming the Sixteenth Doctor in the post's comments section. His Gavin and Stacey co-star Laura Aikman (Sonia) wrote: "Behind you all the way." A fan of Robert - who played Jason West in Gavin and Stacey - called on Doctor Who's showrunner, 62 year old Russell T Davies: "Im down for this, we need a Welsh doctor!! Make it happen @russelltdavies63 (sic)." And another of the actor's supporters penned: "I'd love to see you as the next doctor be cool (sic)." However, one person said they would also be thrilled to see Gavin and Stacey writer and star Ruth Jones, 59, become the Doctor one day - especially because she played Nikki Bevan in the BBC sci-fi series Torchwood. They said: "I'd absolutely love to see you in the role, I think you'd be brilliant! "I know she was in Torchwood, but I'd love to see @ruthjonesgenuine as the Doctor as well, I think she'd be brilliant. "So much talent in Cymru, and we are so overdue a Cymraeg actor to play the Doctor." At the end of the most recent episode of Doctor Who, titled The Reality War - aired earlier this year - Billie Piper (Rose Tyler) made a shock return as the Fifteenth Doctor, Ncuti Gatwa, 33, regenerated into Tenth Time Lord David Tennant's companion. Whovians - the nickname given to fans of Doctor Who - were left wondering if Billie will be the Sixteenth Doctor in the new series. And the 43-year-old star said at the time that she could not resist the opportunity to return to the TARDIS. Billie added: "It's no secret how much I love this show, and I have always said I would love to return to the Whoniverse as I have some of my best memories there, so to be given the opportunity to step back on that TARDIS one more time was just something I couldn't refuse!" A guest views Vincent van Goghs Women Picking Olives (1889, middle), another painting from his olive trees series, at the Met in New York. Photograph: Bjanka Kadic/Alamy The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York is being sued by the heirs of a Jewish couple over a Vincent van Gogh oil painting they say was looted by the Nazis. The suit alleges the couple, Hedwig and Frederick Stern, bought the painting, Olive Picking, in 1935, the year before they were forced to flee their home in Munich. It argues that the Met, which bought the artwork in 1956 for $125,000 before selling it to a Greek shipping magnate in 1972, knew, or should have known, the painting was probably looted. The Stern heirs are now seeking the paintings return and damages. In the decades since the end of world war two, this Nazi-looted painting has been repeatedly and secretly trafficked, purchased and sold in and through New York, alleges the suit filed this week in federal district court in Manhattan, which was first reported by the New York Times. The Stern family fled Munich and went to California with their six children in 1936 as a result of Nazi persecution, but were prevented from taking the artwork, painted by the Dutch post-impressionist in 1889, according to the complaint. Before the familys emigration, the Nazi government declared the painting to be German cultural property and prohibited the Sterns from bringing the painting (and others in their collection) with them abroad. After obtaining permission from a Nazi official, a trustee appointed by the Nazis sold the painting in Germany on the Sterns behalf, but the proceeds of the sale were deposited in a blocked account, which the Nazis later confiscated, lawyers for the heirs said in the filing. In 1948, or shortly after, the painting arrived in New York and was bought by Vincent Astor, one of Americas wealthiest people, whose wife, Brooke Astor, served on the board of trustees of the Met from 1964 until 1983. It was later sold through a gallery to the Met, which sold it to Basil Goulandris and his wife, Elise, in 1972. The Greek couple established in 1979 the Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation (BEG), which operates a museum in Athens where the painting is on display. The foundation and a surviving nephew of Basil Goulandris are named as defendants in the lawsuit, which alleges the family and its related entities have hidden and obscured the paintings ownership and location from plaintiff. To this day, the Goulandris defendants continue to conceal how and when the BEG came into possession of the painting; the Stern familys ownership of the painting from 1935 to 1938; and the facts that the Nazis looted the painting from the Stern family, coerced the Sterns into selling it via a Nazi-appointed agent, and confiscated the proceeds of the sale, according to the court papers. The Stern heirs filed a similar complaint in California in 2022 but it was dismissed in 2024. An appeal was dismissed in May. Related: Tattoo fixers on removing Nazi symbols: You dont know if theyre changing or hiding The lawsuit argues the Mets purchase of the painting was approved by Theodore Rousseau Jr, the museums curator of European paintings and one of the worlds foremost experts on Nazi art looting. Rousseau and the Met knew or should have known that the painting had probably been looted by Nazis, the court filing alleges. The Met said in a statement that it takes seriously its longstanding commitment to address Nazi-era claims. At no time during the Mets ownership of the painting was there any record that it had once belonged to the Stern family indeed, that information did not become available until several decades after the painting left the museums collection, a spokesperson said. The Mets sale of the Olive Picking met the museums strict criteria for deaccessioning specifically, it was recorded that the work was deemed to be of lesser quality than other works of the same type in the collection. While the Met respectfully stands by its position that this work entered the collection and was deaccessioned legally and well within all guidelines and policies, the museum welcomes and will consider any new information that comes to light. William Charron, a lawyer representing the BEG, said: The Goulandris Foundation is a highly prestigious organization in Athens. The attempt to sue and smear the foundation and the Goulandris family in the US upon misleadingly incomplete allegations was previously dismissed, twice. We are confident it will be again. This grim-looking Victorian edifice was built for, and for most of its life housed, soldiers - Magnus Manske/Creative Commons If Cameron Barracks in Inverness are as freezing cold in winter as the digs I endured a few decades ago in a nearby guest house, then by housing hundreds of asylum seekers there Keir Starmer may be right in thinking that the inmates wont ever want to return to such basic accommodation. However, two more immediate problems would immediately arise... how to keep these 300 refugees, who are mostly from sunnier climes, warm, and how to stop them getting as far away as possible to escape the barracks and the cold. Let nobody be in any doubt that the proposed new but temporary billet for those seeking asylum in the UK is no five-star, or even one-star, hotel. This grim-looking Victorian edifice was built for, and for most of its life housed, soldiers; Highland regiment soldiers men not exactly strangers to cold weather. And, lest anyone forget, they would have been wearing kilts. They served in such famous outfits as the Cameron Highlanders, from where the barracks got its name and, after amalgamation with the Seaforth Highlanders, the Queens Own Highlanders. One man who knows what lifes like in this famous regimental headquarters is Angus MacDonald, now the local Liberal Democrat MP, but back in his army days he was a second lieutenant in the Queens Own Highlanders. He took listeners of the BBC Today programme by surprise when he said that while he believed that redundant military bases should be used to house asylum seekers, he didnt think that his constituency was a suitable location. Cameron Barracks will be housing hundreds of asylum seekers However, dismissing any suggestion of nimbyism, he described the choice of Inverness as a bit odd. He added: I very much thought the idea of putting them in army camps was to have them out of town, and make them less of an issue for the local population. He also warned of a lack of security around the barracks, as it was surrounded by housing and secured only by a modest fence. And he asked whether refugees would just up sticks and leave and whether security would be maintained by the Army. But the fact is that they wouldnt be prisoners; they could leave when they like. However, a retired senior officer with intimate knowledge of the barracks, was much more critical of the Governments decision. He thought it absolutely daft to use the barracks to house asylum seekers and wondered aloud how they could be kept warm. There used to be several squads of soldiers shovelling coal to keep the fires going. I assume thats not the case nowadays but these are very old buildings, he said. And if families were to be among the 300 asylum seekers, who are expected to begin arriving in Inverness in December, he wondered aloud about what they find in their accommodation. I cant imagine what the present facilities will be like and what there is to occupy the new occupants. After all, it is quite a long walk into the centre of town. Inverness, long known as the Highland capital, is a beautiful city and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there as a young reporter. But to call it cold in winter is a gross understatement and at least when I lived near the barracks there were the products of a local distillery to keep me warm. Sadly, however, it closed 40 years ago. The Government might well be moving in the right direction as regards its treatment of asylum seekers, but I hope that wiser counsel will prevail and that this form of forced admission to these Victorian barracks will be delayed at least until the worst of the winter is past. The Government is being urged to go further and faster to protect the car industry from energy costs. The TUC said high energy bills in the UK meant car makers were struggling in the face of competition from abroad. On a visit to the Jaguar Land Rover factory in Solihull, the TUC general secretary Paul Nowak called on the Government to put its foot on the accelerator and speed up support for the UK car industry. TUC general secretary Paul Nowak made the call during a visit to the Jaguar Land Rover factory in Solihull (PA) He said: Car making is one of the jewels in the crown of British industry, and British classics like Range Rover and Jaguar are iconic around the world. But sky-high energy costs mean we risk losing out to competition from abroad. The Government has set out welcome support in the industrial strategy, but must go further and faster to bring down energy bills for British businesses. Its time for the Government to put its foot on the accelerator, and act now to protect jobs and manufacturing in the UK. Approvals for house purchases rose to a nine-month high in September, as borrowing costs continued to ease and buyers shrugged off concerns about a potential property tax overhaul. Some 65,940 mortgages for house purchases were approved in September, about 1,000 more than in August. It comes as the effective interest rate, referring to actual interest paid, on new mortgages decreased to 4.19% in September the lowest level since the beginning of January. The level of mortgage lending also increased by 3.2% last month the fastest rate since the start of 2023, according to new data from the Bank of England. The total amount of mortgage debt borrowed by individuals in September, on net, reached 5.5 billion, the highest since March. There was a surge of borrowing in March as home buyers rushed to take advantage of stamp duty discounts before a deadline at the beginning of April. There is growing speculation that Rachel Reeves could overhaul property taxes in the upcoming autumn Budget (Stefan Rousseau/PA) But the latest data points to resilience in the housing market, with buyer activity continuing to grow. Nevertheless, there were around 600 fewer remortgage approvals during September, the report showed. The figures only capture remortgaging with a different lender. Furthermore, the total amount of consumer credit borrowed by individuals in September, on net, fell to 1.5 billion from 1.7 billion in August. Sarah Coles, head of personal finance for Hargreaves Lansdown, said that six months of falling mortgage rates have played a key role in approvals rising. But she added that there were many hopeful buyers who were playing the waiting game. Potential movers are still worried about what the future holds, as more weakness creeps into the jobs market, and the Budget looms, she said. Alice Haine, personal finance analyst for Bestinvest by Evelyn Partners, said there was growing speculation that Chancellor Rachel Reeves will target property taxes in her autumn Budget on November 26. The housing market has been under pressure following the end of the stamp duty tax break in the spring, which saw thresholds returned to their previous lower levels increasing purchase costs for buyers. With fears mounting that the Chancellor may introduce further property tax reforms, the market is stuttering as buyers and sellers pause moving plans and wait to see what unfolds. She pointed to some estate agents reporting a drop in buyer demand and even abandoning sales in some cases. However, Elliott Jordan-Doak, senior UK economist for Pantheon Macroeconomics, said the latest lending data showed few signs of pre-Budget worries creeping into activity as consumers and businesses appear confident. We still think that the risks to the housing market for the rest of this year lay to the downside, however, as buyers take a wait-and-see approach to the Budget, he said. But the solid mortgage approvals numbers provide further indications that fundamental demand is holding firm despite the pessimism shown in the housing market surveys, so house prices should continue to rise over the next few months, if only slowly. The latest radar image of Hurricane Melissa, almost the size of Texas, as it tears through Cuba - NOAA At least 30 people are dead and all of Jamaica has been declared a disaster area after Hurricane Melissa ripped down power lines and caused widespread flooding across the Caribbean. The slow-moving category 5 hurricane, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes in history, made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday with 185mph winds. Five people died on the island and more than 77 per cent of homes were without power on Wednesday evening. Children were among 25 people killed in Haiti where dozens of homes destroyed when a river overflowed in Petit-Goave. The storm did not directly hit the island, but it hurled days of rain over the nation. Several Jamaican hospitals and homes, particularly in Saint Elizabeth and Montego Bay, have sustained significant damage, as three mothers gave birth to Melissa babies during the hurricane. A drone view shows streets covered with mud, after Hurricane Melissa passed through Montego Bay, Jamaica - Reuters Up to 8,000 British citizens are currently on the island, either living there temporarily or visiting on holiday. All airports are closed, leaving many stranded. King Charles said he and the Queen were deeply concerned and profoundly saddened to see the catastrophic damage caused by the ferocity of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica and across the Caribbean. As we continue to follow the situation closely, our anxious thoughts are with all those who have been so cruelly affected by this awful storm, he said in a statement. Above all, our most heartfelt sympathy is with the families, friends and loved ones of those who have tragically lost their lives. A person and their goat cross a flooded street in Haiti - Reuters The King said he had the greatest affection for Jamaica since he first visited the island while serving in the Royal Navy on the West Indies station over fifty years ago. I know that no disaster can break her peoples enduring spirit of strength, solidarity and steadfastness, he said. The King added: This most dreadful of record-breaking storms reminds us of the increasingly urgent need to restore the balance and harmony of Nature for the sake of all those whose lives and livelihoods may have been shattered by this heartbreaking disaster. The UK Government has provided 2.5 million in emergency humanitarian funding to support the Caribbean regions recovery. The aid package includes the rapid delivery of shelter kits, water filters and blankets to help prevent injury and disease outbreaks, the government said. People carry empty coffins through the streets of Haiti - Reuters In Haiti, at least 10 children were killed and 12 people remain missing in Haiti, the countrys disaster management agency said. Jean Bertrand Subreme, the mayor of coastal town Petit-Goave, said dozens of homes collapsed when La Digue River burst its banks, and that people remained trapped under rubble. Meanwhile, Cuba has been hit with 120mph winds, forcing the evacuation of over 735,000 people, with the government warning of a very difficult night and urging citizens to remain sheltered. As of 3am GMT on Thursday, Melissa was a category 1 hurricane moving north-east through the Bahamas. Melissa is expected to again intensify into a Category 2 hurricane before moving towards Bermuda on Thursday night, according to the National Hurricane Center. A man rides a motorcycle outside a hospital after heavy rains flooded parts of Les Cayes, Haiti - Reuters Andrew Holness, Jamaicas prime minister, on Wednesday reassured citizens that the government was fully mobilised to respond to the devastation, adding that there were still no confirmed reports of deaths. And we are thankful for that, he wrote on social media, acknowledging the scale of destruction across the island, particularly in the west. We know many of you are hurting, uncertain, and anxious after Hurricane Melissa, but please know that you are not alone. Our teams are on the ground working tirelessly to rescue, restore, and bring relief where its needed most. 06:14pm Thats all for now Thank you for following todays live coverage. 05:44pm Jamaican PM: We will rebuild, we will recover Andrew Holness, Jamaicas prime minister, has issued a new statement reassuring citizens that the government is fully mobilised to respond to the devastation left by Hurricane Melissa. Holness said there are still no confirmed reports of deaths. And we are thankful for that, he wrote on social media. He acknowledged, however, the scale of destruction across the island, particularly in the west. We know many of you are hurting, uncertain, and anxious after Hurricane Melissa, but please know that you are not alone. Our teams are on the ground working tirelessly to rescue, restore, and bring relief where its needed most. Holness said relief supplies are being prepared and that efforts to restore power and communication are ongoing. To every Jamaican, hold strong. We will rebuild, we will recover, he said. We are reassuring every Jamaican, especially those in the western parishes, that your Government stands firmly with you. We know many of you are hurting, uncertain, and anxious after Hurricane Melissa, but please know that you are not alone. So far, there have been no confirmed pic.twitter.com/F4tFMdSUms Andrew Holness (@AndrewHolnessJM) October 29, 2025 05:06pm Pictured: Much of Jamaica without power or phone service Residents walk through Santa Cruz, Jamaica, after Hurricane Melissa passed and left a trail of devastation - AP 04:54pm US Sends Rescue Teams to Caribbean After Hurricane Melissa American rescue and response teams are heading to the Caribbean, along with critical lifesaving supplies, after Hurricane Melissa struck the region, said the US Secretary of state. Marco Rubio said the US has been in close contact with Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and The Bahamas as they face the storms devastating impacts. We have rescue and response teams heading to affected areas along with critical lifesaving supplies, he wrote on X. Our prayers are with the people of the Caribbean, he added. The United States is in close contact with the governments of Jamaica, Haiti, Dominican Republic and The Bahamas as they confront the devastating impacts of Hurricane Melissa. We have rescue and response teams heading to affected areas along with critical lifesaving supplies. Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) October 29, 2025 04:29pm Pictures: Residents clear fallen trees and restore power in Jamaica Hurricane Melissa tore through Jamaica on Tuesday, uprooting trees, knocking out power, and inundating the island with heavy rains that threaten flash floods and landslides - AFP 03:53pm Hurricane weakens after battering Cuba and Jamaica Hurricane Melissa has moved offshore of eastern Cuba into the southwestern Atlantic, the US National Hurricane Centre has said. Maximum sustained winds have dropped to 100mph. When Melissa struck Jamaica yesterday, it brought winds of 185mph, making it one of the strongest tropical cyclones ever recorded in the Atlantic basin. The storm is now forecast to head toward the Bahamas, with authorities there preparing for impact. 03:28pm More than 77 per cent of Jamaica without power More than two thirds of Jamaica remains without electricity following Hurricane Melissa, the countrys information minister has said. The least affected areas include St Thomas, St Catherine, and parts of Kingston and St Andrew, Dr Dana Morris Dixon told a news conference, adding that Montego Bay, which suffered a direct hit, has been particularly difficult to assess due to slow communication. Significant damage has been reported across the island. Authorities are working to restore operations at airports, with hopes of reopening Norman Manley International Airport near Kingston by Wednesday, said Dr Dixon. There is currently no update on conditions at the airport in Montego Bay. 03:16pm Three Melissa babies delivered during storm Several mothers in Jamaica gave birth as Hurricane Melissa swept across the island, a local government minister has said. There is a Melissa baby. A Melissa baby. We want to commend the team who responded to that, Desmond McKenzie told a news conference. He added that two other deliveries also took place, with one mother resting comfortably and another remaining under observation. We are a great country and despite our challenges, we rise to the occasion, he said. 03:04pm 25 people killed by flooded river in southern Haiti The mayor of a southern Haitian coastal town told The Associated Press that 25 people died after a river burst its banks and flooded nearby homes. Jean Bertrand Subreme said dozens of homes in Petit-Goave collapsed, and people were still trapped under rubble as of Wednesday morning. I am overwhelmed by the situation, said Mr Subreme, as he pleaded with the government to help rescue victims. Only one official from Haitis Civil Protection Agency was in the area, with residents struggling to evacuate amid heavy floodwaters unleashed by Hurricane Melissa in recent days. 02:42pm Hurricane Melissa leaves considerable damage in Cuba, says president Hurricane Melissa struck Cuba on Thursday morning with winds of 115mph and heavy rain, before moving across the island and making its way into the southwestern Atlantic. Miguel Diaz-Canel, Cubas president, said the storm caused considerable damage but praised the countrys preparedness for a worst-case scenario. I ask our people not to let their guard down, to maintain discipline and continue well protected, wrote on X. Authorities continue to assess the impact as recovery efforts get underway. Ha sido una madrugada muy compleja. Danos cuantiosos, y aun el huracan #Melisa sigue sobre territorio cubano. Pido a nuestro pueblo no confiarse, mantener la disciplina y continuar a buen resguardado. En cuanto las condiciones lo permitan vamos a la recuperacion. Estamos listos. pic.twitter.com/lFKksrUgk1 Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez (@DiazCanelB) October 29, 2025 02:15pm Watch: Severe flooding hits Jamaica 01:54pm UK to send 2.5 million to Caribbean The UK Government is mobilising 2.5m in emergency humanitarian funding to support the Caribbean regions recovery from the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. The aid package includes the rapid delivery of shelter kits, water filters, and blankets to help prevent injury and disease outbreaks, the government said. Emergency supplies had been positioned in Antigua to allow swift deployment to affected areas, it said, adding that British humanitarian and technical experts were being deployed to the region to assist with the coordination and delivery of aid. 01:23pm Cuba suffers extensive damage from hurricane, says president Miguel Diaz-Canel, Cubas president, said that Hurricane Melissa had wrought extensive damage after it made landfall overnight on the island nations southern coast. It has been a very difficult early morning, Mr Diaz-Canel said on social media. Extensive damage, and Hurricane Melissa is still over Cuban territory. I urge our people not to let their guard down, to maintain discipline, and to remain safely sheltered. The hurricane weakened to a category 2 storm as it passed through the island after pummelling Jamaica as one of the strongest Atlantic storms on record. It is forecast to soon move away from Cuba five hours after making landfall this morning towards the islands of the central Bahamas. 01:14pm Pictured: Locals survey the damage to roads in Jamaica A police officer inspects a car damaged by a fallen tree after the passage of Hurricane Melissa in Manchester, Jamaica - AFP The hurricane swept slowly across Jamaica on Tuesday, battering the island with torrential rain and wind - REUTERS 12:31pm Melissa most powerful hurricane to make landfall in 90 years Hurricane Melissa tied the 1935 record for the most intense storm ever to make landfall when it battered Jamaica on Tuesday, according to meteorological data. The Labor Day Hurricane devastated the Florida Keys 90 years ago with winds approaching 186mph and an atmospheric pressure of 892 millibars a record combination equalled by Melissa, according to the data analysed by AFP. 12:14pm Scenes of destruction are shocking, says Starmer as UK sends warship b' ' Sir Keir Starmer said HMS Trent and rapid deployment teams have been deployed to Jamaica and are standing ready to help. He said: The scenes of destruction emerging from Jamaica are truly shocking. Both the Foreign Secretary and I have been in close contact with our Jamaican counterpart in recent days to offer the UKs full support. 12:01pm Dawn has broken in Jamaica, damage to become clearer Dawn has broken in Jamaica where it is now 7am and the true scale of damage from Hurricane Melissa is about to become clearer. Information overnight has been fairly scarce and casualty numbers are unknown. 11:23am Watch: Flooding cripples rescue efforts in Jamaica 11:07am Red Cross: Melissa is an unprecedented catastrophe The full extent of the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica is still unknown, however the Red Cross has said early reports suggest it is an unprecedented catastrophe. Many of the worst-hit communities are still cut off from the outside world due to dangerous conditions hampering rescue efforts and a loss of power and communications. Alexander Pendry, British Red Cross Global Response Manager, said: Were waiting for dawn to break in Jamaica so that teams can assess the full extent of the damage, but early indications are that Hurricane Melissa was a disaster of unprecedented catastrophe for the island. News is already coming through that whole communities are under water and that the damage left by the strong winds has been devastating. He added that the impact of the storm, one of the worst to ever hit the Caribbean, is expected to be shattering and long lasting. Andrew Holness, Jamaicas prime minister, earlier said that the loss of life was likely. 10:49am Melissa churns through the Caribbean follow live tracker 10:46am State of alert across Cuba Hurricane Melissa hit the island with winds of up to 120mph, after fluctuating between category 3 and category 5, the highest on the scale. Cuban residents fled the coast as it approached, with local authorities declaring a state of alert in six eastern provinces. Residents said they had been stockpiling food, candles, and batteries since Monday. We bought bread, spaghetti, and ground beef. This cyclone is serious, but well get through it, Graciela Lamaison told AFP in Santiago de Cuba. Authorities in Haiti, east of Cuba, ordered the closure of schools, businesses and government offices on Wednesday. Cuban authorities reported that some 735,000 people have been evacuated so far. It will be a very difficult night for all of Cuba, but we will recover, Miguel Diaz-Canel, Cubas president, told the population. 10:09am Pictured: Damage in the Dominican Republic People fix a roof in Barahona, Dominican Republic after days of strong winds and torrential rain - AFP A man rides his motorbike through flooded waters in Barahona - AFP 09:34am Bahamas evacuates as it braces for Melissa Hurricane Melissa is crawling closer to the central and southeastern Bahamas, with conditions forecast to deteriorate rapidly. Evacuation orders have been issued for six islands, with widespread flooding and possible eight foot storm surge, the statement said. The time for preparation has now come to an end, Leon Lundy, s state minister, said in a news conference on Tuesday, as he urged the public to seek shelter immediately. 09:07am Pictured: Communities underwater in Jamaica In southwestern Jamaica, the parish of St Elizabeth was left underwater, an official said, with more than 500,000 residents without power. A a number of families are trapped in their homes, a government minister reported, with rescue workers struggling to reach those in need because of dangerous conditions. The flooded streets of St Elizabeth where families are reportedly trapped in their homes - X / @DaRealBigDon 09:02am Melissa brings damaging winds and dangerous storm surge Melissa is bringing damaging winds, flooding rains, and dangerous storm surge as it moves over eastern Cuba, US forecasters said. The continuing intense rain could cause life-threatening flooding with numerous landslides, according to the National Hurricane Center. Hundreds of thousands were evacuated to shelters ahead of its arrival. 08:14am Roads run with water after Hurricane Melissa swept across Jamaica Credit: Social Media 08:06am Melissa to batter Cuba for the next six hours Hurricane Melissa is currently battering the east coast of Cuba with strong winds after making landfall just after 3am local time (7am GMT). Extremely dangerous hurricane Melissa makes landfall on southern coast of eastern Cuba, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said in an updated advisory. Forecasts estimate it will take the storm around six hours to pass over the country, subjecting it to torrential rains and storm surge before heading up towards the Bahamas and near Bermuda. 07:44am Watch: Melissas path of destruction in Jamaica 07:24am Melissa makes landfall in Cuba with 120mph winds Hurricane Melissa makes landfall on south coast of eastern Cuba as a Category 3 storm. Melissa was located about 60 miles southwest of Guantanamo with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph, the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said in its latest advisory. Cuban authorities said some 500,000 people had been ordered to move to higher ground prior to the storms arrival. 07:15am What is the latest? After making landfall in Jamaica as one of the most powerful hurricanes on record and bringing widespread destruction, Melissa started to weaken. Yet, once it cleared the north coast of the island overnight, it was once again fuelled by the energy of the unusually warm Caribbean waters and re-intensified into a category 4 hurricane. As it curved to the north-east on a trajectory toward Santiago de Cuba, Cubas second-most populous city, it reduced into a category 3 storm with sustained winds of 125mph making it one of the worst storms to hit the nation since Irma in 2017. Cubans have been told to prepare for the worst after US meteorologists warned Melissa will make landfall as anextremely dangerous major hurricane. After ripping through Cuba, the storm is expected to pick up speed but lose strength as it churns towards the Bahamas later today and then Bermuda on Thursday as a category 1 hurricane. 06:58am Melissa weakens to category 3 before reaching Cuba Hurricane Melissa weakened to a category 3 storm before reaching Cuba this morning. Melissa is expected to remain a powerful hurricane when it moves across Cuba and the Bahamas and passes near Bermuda, the US National Hurricane Center said in its latest advisory. It is bringing up to 125mph winds and inching closer to Cubas east coast. A woman walks in a rain-soaked street before Hurricane Melissa hits the city of Santiago de Cuba - YAMIL LAGE / AFP 06:46am Prepare for the worst, Cubans warned Hurricane Melissa is now barrelling towards Cuba, where it was expected to make landfall as a major storm this morning Miguel Diaz-Canel, the countrys president, has warned the public it is a hurricane of great magnitude. It is considered right now by its characteristics as one of the most severe hurricanes or perhaps the strongest that has passed through the national territory, he told the nation. 05:02am Hurricane Melissa upgraded to category 4 hurricane again Hurricane Melissa has re-strengthened to a Category 4 hurricane as it approaches eastern Cuba, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said in its latest advisory. It is expected to make landfall in Cuba at 2am, local time, on Wednesday. The storm took hours to cross over Jamaica, a passage over land that diminished its winds, dropping down to a Category 3 from Category 5, before ramping back up. At its peak, the storm packed ferocious sustained winds of 185 miles per hour. Melissa is expected to remain a powerful hurricane when it moves across Cuba, the Bahamas, and near Bermuda, the NHC said, adding Melissa is expected to make landfall in Cuba as an extremely dangerous major hurricane in the next few hours. Waves batter the shoreline in Santiago de Cuba - Norlys Perez Bermuda is already bracing for the storms destruction. Like other Caribbean islands, the self-governing British Overseas Territory, located 650 miles east of the US state of North Carolina, has a hurricane season each year, but the storms rarely cause significant damage. However, Bermudian authorities say that this one is different. Michael Weeks, the territorys minister of national security, told The Royal Gazette that Bermuda cannot afford to take this lightly. It is strong, it is moving our way and if we let our guard down, it could catch us off-guard like storms have done before, Mr Weeks said. 04:40am Jamaicas prime minister declares island a disaster area Jamaicas prime minister has warned that his island is a disaster area after Hurricane Melissa ripped a path of destruction on Tuesday. The storm, one of the most powerful hurricanes on record, made landfall on Tuesday afternoon and lashed the island nation with brutal winds and torrential rain. Authorities warned residents to remain sheltered amid severe risks of floods and landslides. It is not known if anyone has been killed but Andrew Holness, Jamaicas prime minister, said casualties are likely. Reports that we have had so far would include damage to hospitals, significant damage to residential property, housing and commercial property as well, Mr Holness told CNN. Credit: Jamaica Constabulary Force He said the government has not received reports of storm-related deaths but said he is expecting that there would be some loss of life. The scale of Melissas damage in Jamaica was not yet clear, as a comprehensive assessment could take days and much of the island was still without power, with communications networks badly disrupted. The damage is extensive At its peak, the storm which has moved north and is set to hit Cuba on Wednesday packed ferocious sustained winds of 185 mph. Desmond McKenzie, a government minister, said several hospitals had been damaged, including in the hard-hit southwestern district of Saint Elizabeth, a coastal area he said was underwater. The damage to Saint Elizabeth is extensive, based on what we have seen, he told a briefing. Saint Elizabeth is the bread basket of the country, and that has taken a beating. The entire Jamaica has felt the brunt of Melissa. The hurricane was the worst to ever strike Jamaica, hitting land with maximum wind speeds even more potent than most of recent historys most brutal storms, including 2005s Katrina, which ravaged the US city of New Orleans. 04:28am In pictures: Cuba residents brace for hurricanes arrival People gather at a school turned shelter - Patrice Noel People carry their belongings to shelters ahead of Hurricane Melissa in Cuba - Alexandre Meneghini Residents are evacuated and taken to safe locations in Santiago, Cuba - Yamil Lage 04:18am Cuban president urges citizens to act responsibly Cubas president Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez has urged citizens to act responsibly as Hurricane Melissa barrels toward the country. It is essential that no one venture to bathe in swollen rivers. No one should return from evacuation sites to their homes or residences until instructions have been given to return or enter the recovery phase in each of the territories, he told Cubas state newspaper, Granma. The Cuban president said he has mobilised the countrys civil defence to aid recovery efforts and restore water, communications and electricity. 03:54am Cuba braces for impact Cubans are bracing for a strengthening Hurricane Melissa which is due to make landfall on the island. The storm, one of the largest in history, has battered Jamaica overnight, causing extensive damage and forcing thousands of people to evacuate their homes. Cubas president has warned of a difficult night ahead for his country. President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez said on X that more than 735,000 people have been evacuated due to the storm. It will be a very difficult night for all of Cuba, but we will recover, always with the faith in victory that Fidel and Raul instilled in us, he said. Messiah Robb, 20, died on Benin Street, Lewisham (Metropolitan Police ) The distraught mother of a bubbly young man stabbed to death in southeast London paid tribute as his killer remains at large. Messiah Robb, 20, was described as having a contagious smile that would light up the room. A murder investigation is under way after Mr Robb collapsed during a senseless attack in Benin Street, Lewisham, at around 3.20pm on Tuesday. London Ambulance Service called the Metropolitan Police to a serious knife assault on the junction with Hither Green Lane. Paramedics treated him at the scene before taking him to hospital where he sadly died. In a statement released by the Metropolitan Police, Mr Robbs mother said: The loss of Messiah has left a hole in our hearts which will never be filled. Messiah was a son, a brother, a grandson, a nephew, a cousin and a friend. His family and friends have been left devastated. He was a bubbly young man with a contagious smile that would light up the room. Medics called the Metropolitan Police to Hither Green Lane (Google Maps) Mr Robbs next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers, the force said. Formal identification and a post-mortem examination will take place in due course. Detective Chief Inspector Craig Magee, from the Mets Specialist Crime unit, added: Yesterday, a senseless attack took a much-loved man away from his family, friends and community. Our thoughts are with them at this unimaginably difficult time. There is no place for knife crime on our streets. Id again like to reassure local residents that myself and my team are working meticulously to find those responsible. This attack took place in broad daylight. There were witnesses. If you happen to have been around Hither Green Lane between 3pm and 3.30pm or know anything about the incident please do not hesitate to contact us. At this early stage, there have been no arrests. A post-mortem examination will take place in due course. Messiah Robb, 20, is described as having a contagious smile (Metropolitan Police) LAS said: We were called at 3.25pm on October 28 to reports of a stabbing at the junction of Benin Street and Hither Green Lane, Hither Green. We sent resources to the scene, including an ambulance crew, paramedics in fast response cars and an incident response officer. Our first paramedic arrived on scene in five minutes. We treated a patient for a stab wound and took them to hospital as a priority. Anyone with information is asked to call police via 101, quoting 4648/28OCT, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Lost and helpless in a foreign country, Abu Omar* was grateful to be given a place to stay in a hotel after arriving in the UK last year. After fleeing a refugee camp in Jordan, he and his young family were offered a room in a London hotel, which had been designated for asylum seekers by the goverment. Abu and his wife Sarah* live there with their two young children, packed together into a tired and bleak single room. Living day to day inside the four walls, they survive on a diet of bread, cheese and fruit. They said they decided to stop eating the hotel food after their children, a daughter aged 4 and a son aged 6, both contracted food poisoning from uncooked chicken served there. Abu had little with him when he arrived in Britain and, after his pair of trousers got torn, he was left with only one outfit - the tracksuit he had arrived in. Once a week, Sarah would hand-wash his tracksuit in the sink of their hotel room. With nothing else to wear, he would remain there for a day or two in his underwear until his clothes had dried. St Georges flag hung outside of a Home Office hotel (Getty Images) Abus basic existence is a far cry from the life of luxury for migrants that the government described this week as ministers dicussed a plan to move migrants to military barracks. Instead, campaigners say migrants can be squeezed 11 to a room, in rooms devoid of even the most basic of facilities and food so bad it has been seen to cause diabetes. They were cleaning the bathroom with the pillow case we slept on Wiping the tears from her eyes, Sarah, 26, told The Independent that their living conditions inside the hotel made her feel disgusted. I witnessed the hotel staff cleaning the toilet and windows with the pillow cases we slept on, she said. Although the cleaners brought fresh pillow cases for the family, Sarah said she was unable to sleep, knowing the bed linen could have been used to clean toilets. Abu and Sarah are telling their stories as the prime minister comes under renewed pressure over the governments use of hotels after a bombshell report found the Home Office was squandering billions of pounds on the accommodation due to incompentence. Since the pandemic, hotels have been predominantly used to house asylum seekers, with latest figures showing around 32,000 are being housed in this type of accommodation. The Labour government has vowed to end use of asylum hotels by 2029, but now wants to speed this up after a wave of anti-migrant protests during the summer, some of which led to violent disorder. Some protesters appeared outraged at the idea of asylum seekers taking up spaces in luxury hotels. Yet campaigners, and those living inside the hotels, say this perception is totally wrong. Refugee Action insists this accommodation is hotels in name only and lack everything that makes a hotel a comfortable or desirable place to be. Steve Smith, CEO of Care4Calais, added: Nothing screams luxury like overcrowded rooms, inadequate food, filthy conditions, stained mattresses, leaking plumbing, damp, and infestations of rodents and bugs. Its clear that the people who create policy are detached from reality. These are not luxury hotels. These are former hotels that are now being milked for private profit. A typical hotel lunch in a migrant hotel (Care4Calais) I stayed in my room for a whole week out of fear Khalla Mohamed*, 39, who fled Iraq to escape militias who put threats on her and her familys lives, lives in a Home Office hotel in south London. Mould inside Ms Mohameds bathroom (Khalla Mohamed) Working as a school librarian, she left behind her family, her home and her job to seek safety in the UK. She told The Independent that her life away from her family is hard. I have anxiety, depression and nightmares. I cant sleep at night thinking about my family and my husband. If they find him they will kill him. She now lives on a basement level of a hotel where there is mould on the ceiling, bathroom and behind her bed, which she says makes her sick and unable to breathe. Her mattress is also very old, smelly and turning yellow. In a bid to make it more comfortable, she covers the mattress with three or four layers - and it still smells bad. As a woman living alone, she feels unsafe in the hotel. As expected from a hotel housing some people who have suffered high levels of trauma, there are people with mental health issues, as well as regular incidents involving aggressions and fighting - with one woman even throwing around hot water during an outburst. Ms Mohamed says she can feel every movement of the neighbouring rooms, including slamming doors and loud noises in the early hours of the morning. There are no basic essentials like shampoo or hand wash - meaning she spends some of her 8 a week government allowance on it. Once, Ms Mohamed says, she found a slug in the bathroom on the toilet seat and shower and complained to the reception: They told me it was okay because it is not harmful, she said, adding that she was given the impression by hotel staff that this is a free hotel so you should accept any circumstance you are in. She found slugs in her bathroom on the toilet seat and in the shower of her Home Office hotel (Khalla Mohamed) The kettles and ironing board have been removed from the rooms and hotel staff regularly search rooms and belongings in case the residents are breaking the rules, such as a ban on cooking, she said. Ms Mohamed said the hotel security warned them recently that three dangerous strangers had entered the hotel and that they shouldnt open their room doors to them. In fear of her safety, she stayed in her room for a whole week. The hotel room was full of mice Laila Sharifs*, 22, said her life was threatened in Jordan because she married her husband against her familys wishes. She applied for asylum in the UK for a better and safer life for her children. Now in the UK, she is squeezed into one room of an asylum hotel with her husband and children. I lived through the worst days in the hotel and I was begging them to move me. My husband and I had a psychological breakdown in the room, and my child didn't have enough space to play in the room. There wasn't a closet for my child's and our clothes. They also suffered from a rodent infestation. The hotel was full of mice, even in my room, she said. I was completely and psychologically devastated, especially as I was pregnant. When we complained the hotel staff begged us not to complain and that they would do something about it, she said. The hotel staff did deal with the mice problem eventually, but she said it was a stressful time for her family. Reflecting on the protests, she said: I heard the protesters were saying that we the asylum seekers were living better that them and that we were enjoying the happy life. But they don't know the reality of an asylum seeker. I share my room with a total stranger Rami Khalil* was forced to flee Kurdistan as a student after a government crackdown on protests made it too dangerous for him to stay. After experiencing widespread poverty and starvation, he covertly came to Britain in 2017 in a lorry. Now, far from living in luxury, he is financially struggling, isolated and unable to plan for the future. Rami, 29, described how life in the hotel in the north of England feels lonely, unsafe and without privacy. He shares a small room and bathroom with a total stranger, who speaks a different language to him. The conditions are dirty, crowded and he has nowhere to take confidential phone calls, leading him to feel constantly on edge, he said. Pictures from inside his hotel show a ripped and unsanitary ironing board and a broken bin. Rami shared this picture of the ironing board at his Home Office hotel (Rami Khalil) Rami said he has now been locked in the asylum system for years - likening the hotel to prison - and is still awaiting a government decision. He described how he struggled to find a space to call home after being moved from a government-sanctioned hostel to various hotels over the years. In his latest accommodation, Rami has witnessed weekly protests: I see protesters standing outside and shouting, swearing sometimes with kids alongside them, and it is really scary. I dont understand why they believe the lies about us, instead of seeing the reality of our lives. We are here to seek safety, rebuild our lives that we couldnt continue in our country. Through all the trials and tribulations, Ramis story is a powerful one of resilience. He uses his time to volunteer extensively for charity - helping others with translation, casework, language teaching and more. He hopes to work in the UK eventually, using his skills to give back to society, and pay taxes in the future if he is given the legal opportunity to work. This photo depicts a broken bin with a hole in it that was located in the hotel room (Rami Khalil) Nazek Ramadan, director at charity Migrant Voice, said: These are not five-star hotels. We have witnessed people being forced 11 to a room, sharing bathrooms and toilets across floors among 30 or more people. Rooms devoid of even the most basic of facilities, right down to kettles, and food so bad it has been seen to cause diabetes. Nobody comes to this country having fled war and persecution and chooses to be placed in these conditions. A Home Office spokesperson told The Independent it did not recognise the claims being made. Where concerns are raised about any aspect of the service delivered in a hotel, we work with the provider to ensure these concerns are swiftly addressed, they said. This government has taken urgent action to fix the asylum system by doubling the rate of asylum decision-making this year, reducing spending on hotels by over half a billion pounds and committing to closing every hotel by the end of this Parliament. They said none of the claims had been reported to them or their providers, but that any allegations would be investigated. They claim to conduct assurance inspections of initial accommodation properties at least every six months. We are not here to fight Abu and Sarahs journey to this country began with a love story. They met in Jordan where Abu, 40, was born in a refugee camp. Originally from Palestinian heritage, his parents were displaced from Gaza in 1948. He fell in love with Sarah, who is of Jordanian heritage, but their families did not approve of the relationship. After getting married, they fled, along with their two kids, searching for a new life outside of a refugee camp. Police presence outside of the Bell Hotel in Epping (PA Wire) As a United Nations-recognised Palestinian, Abu secured a tourist visa and flew by plane to the UK in 2024. He described experiencing a "whirlwind" of emotions when he first arrived, completely homeless. In the beginning, I was near a mental breakdown because I didnt know what to do. I didnt know the language. I was nervous and anxious for my family, speaking in Arabic to a translator he told The Independent. Having fled halfway around the world to escape harassment for being Palestinian, Abus experience in the UK is one of being sworn at, verbally abused and scared for his safety as protests raged outside his accommodation. Still, he is happier to be in a safer country away from threats to his life and no longer homeless out in the cold, while he waits for a verdict from the Home Office on whether he can stay. He added: We are only peaceful people who come to seek refuge in this country. We are not here to fight or do anything bad. We want to get help and help others. *All names featured in this article are pseudonyms which have been given to protect the identity and safeguarding of the asylum seekers featured in this story. Nobel Prize-winning author Wole Soyinka has said his non-resident visa to enter the US has been rejected, adding that he believes it may be because he recently criticised President Donald Trump. The Nigerian author, 91, won the Nobel Prize in literature in 1986, becoming the first African to do so. Speaking to the press, Soyinka said he believed it had little to do with him and was instead a product of the United States immigration policies. The author said he was told to reapply if he wished to enter again. Its not about me, Im not really interested in going back to the United States, he said. But a principle is involved. Human beings deserve to be treated decently wherever they are. Soyinka, who has taught in the US and previously held a green card, joked that his green card had an accident eight years ago and fell between a pair of scissors. In 2017, he destroyed his green card in protest over President Trumps first inauguration. The letter he received informing him of his visa revocation cites additional information became available after the visa was issued, as the reason for its revocation, but does not describe what that information was. Soyinka believes it may be because he recently referred to Mr Trump as a white version of Idi Amin, a reference to the dictator who ruled Uganda from 1971 until 1979. The US consulate in Nigerias commercial hub, Lagos, directed all questions to the State Department press office in Washington DC, which did not respond to immediate requests for comment. Soyinka jokingly referred to it as a love letter and said that while he did not blame the officials, he would not be applying for another visa. He said: I have no visa. I am banned, obviously, from the United States, and if you want to see me, you know where to find me. 30 seconds composite: Buildings are seen under construction in the new capital city of Nusantara in East Kalimantan, Indonesia, 29 July 2024. Indonesian President Joko Widodo started office activities in Nusantara, a major transition that shifted the center of the Indonesian government from Jakarta to the new capital city of Nusantara. EPA/ADI WEDA Composite: EPA Indonesia is moving its capital from rapidly sinking Jakarta to Nusantara a new city under construction in the jungles of Borneo. But the ambitious $32bn project has been stunted by logistical and financial challenges since it was announced by then-president Joko Widodo in 2019, with inauguration originally slated for 2024. Debate reignited in September when a new government regulation was publicised downgrading Nusantaras status from national capital to political capital. Officials insist it is a commitment to support the realisation of Nusantara as the political capital in 2028, but the budget has also been substantially cut by Indonesias new president, Prabowo Subianto. Critics have dubbed Nusantara a white elephant, citing failure to attract the private foreign investment needed for 80% of the estimated bill. Construction remains limited. By mid-2025, only 800ha of the planned 6,600ha core government area had been developed, including a presidential palace shaped like the mythical bird Garuda. Authorities say the project is in its second phase with public transport, housing for civil servants, legislative and judicial buildings under construction. They aim to have 20% of government buildings and half of housing complete with core infrastructure at 50% capacity by 2028. With mounting concerns for Borneos Indigenous communities and biodiversity due to deforestation, the citys long term future remains uncertain. It is due to be fully completed by 2045, with a population goal of two million. Arne Slot saw much-changed Liverpool fall to a sixth loss in seven matches as Ismaila Sarrs clinical brace helped Crystal Palace reach the Carabao Cup quarter-finals. Oliver Glasners Eagles got the better of the Reds for the third time this season as they followed their Community Shield shoot-out triumph and last months Premier League victory at Selhurst Park with an Anfield win. Sarrs first-half brace and a late Yeremy Pino strike secured FA Cup holders Palace a 3-0 fourth round victory as increasingly scrutinised Liverpool boss Slots bold decision to make 10 changes backfired in front of a full house. We exit the Carabao Cup. pic.twitter.com/2DQGbJkZcM Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 29, 2025 The result continues the reigning Premier League champions ruinous run that started with their Selhurst Park setback 32 days ago, whereas Glasners side can dream of adding another trophy to their cabinet. Slots men had started Wednesdays tie brightly, only for familiar foe Sarr to score twice at the end of the opening period to make it seven goals in nine matches against Liverpool. Palace continued to cruise through the second half. The tie was over by the time teenage Reds substitute Amara Nallo was sent off in the 79th minute, with Pino adding extra gloss late on. Glasner made five changes compared to the 10 of Liverpool, whose debutant Kieran Morrison headed over early on before teenager Rio Ngumoha confidently cut in from the left flank and bent an effort wide. Federico Chiesa led the line for the home side and wasted a decent opening midway through the first half, before seeing a cross-shot thwarted by Walter Benitez after more good work by 17-year-old Ngumoha. Freddie Woodman, the boyhood Palace fan making his Liverpool bow, held Will Hughes and Sarr efforts as the visitors began to pose more problems. Crystal Palaces Ismaila Sarr (right) celebrates his opener (Peter Byrne/PA) That pressure, and a slice of luck, brought a 41st minute breakthrough. A heavy Daniel Munoz touch was cut out in the box by Joe Gomez, but he inadvertently teed up Sarr to slam low past Woodman in front of the Kop. That gut punch was followed by another blow four minutes later. Sarr met a low ball through the middle with a flick to Pino, who smartly played back for the Senegal international to take a touch and guide past Woodman. There was a defiant roar from the Liverpool faithful when the sides returned from the break, but Palace kept the hotchpotch hosts at bay. Sarr made it 2-0 (Peter Byrne/PA) Sarr saw an attempt at a hat-trick denied by Woodman and was replaced just after the hour mark, perhaps with Glasner expecting a tougher challenge against Brentford on Saturday. Palaces bench was far stronger than the Reds, with Slot introducing Wellity Lucky for his debut as part of an inexperienced triple change that saw Andy Robertson, Alexis Mac Allister and Morrison withdrawn. Nallo was among those brought on but would not finish the match after bringing down Justin Devenny as the Palace replacement ran through. It was the 18-year-olds second red card on just his second Liverpool appearance. More pain was to follow from a Liverpool perspective as summer singing Pino showed his quality when shifting the ball onto his right and rifling home his first Palace goal in the 88th minute. The popular Korean revenge series "Taxi Driver" is officially returning. Following a peak national viewership of 21%, the show comes back for its third season with even bigger scale and intensity. SBS confirmed, as reported by Allkpop, that "Taxi Driver Season 3" will air on November 21, continuing the tale of the vigilante group from Rainbow Taxi Company who bring justice to where the system has failed. In the just-released teaser, old themes of revenge and redemption come out. A strong line from CEO Jang, an actor played by Kim Eui Sung, is heard once more: "Don't die. Let's take revenge together." The line heralds the return of Rainbow Transport's quest to restore victims' dignity. As reported by Wikitree, the new season expands its narrative beyond Korea. The trailer hints at a collaboration with Interpol, with Kim Do Gi (Lee Jae Hoon) seen participating in an international joint operation. The story will focus on tackling global human trafficking and illegal private loan organizations, showing the team's evolution into a worldwide force against injustice. READ MORE: 'Taxi Driver' Cast Update 2024: Who Will Return in Season 3? One teaser scene also showcases the series' high production level. Having busted an illegal gambling syndicate in Vietnam earlier, "Taxi Driver 3" goes further into cross-border crimes, delving into topics such as illegal loan sharks, human trafficking, and foreign job scams. At the heart of the narrative is still Lee Jae Hoon, whose acting of Kim Do Gi continues to define the franchise. He is back with his signature bare-fisted fighting and high-speed car chases, assuring enhanced action scenes and more complex undercover operations. Returning with him are veteran cast members Kim Eui Sung, Pyo Ye Jin, Jang Hyuk Jin, and Bae Yoo Ram. The Rainbow Transport team must endure its riskiest mission yet one that will challenge their loyalty and reveal secrets about their company. The teaser concludes with a poignant phrase: "The beginning and the end of Taxi Driver." The statement is intentionally ambiguous, suggesting possible climactic developments or possibly signalling the end of Kim Do Gi and his team's story. The show, known for portraying relevant, real-world social issues such as school violence, cults, and cyber sex crimes, still holds appeal for younger audiences, as it is exciting and imbued with a moral force and social justice. While we wait, "Taxi Driver 3" is again set to be the preeminent revenge drama in Korea, combining social issues, sensational action, and emotive drama into one captivating narrative. READ MORE: 'Taxi Driver 2' Episode 15: Lee Je Hoon Goes Head-to-Head With Shin Jae Ha Reform UKs Lee Anderson says he gamed benefits system in former job Reform UKs Lee Anderson has admitted he used to game the system to help people get on benefits and accused Citizens Advice of continuing to do so. The Ashfield MP told a press conference in central London on Wednesday that he worked at the advice organisation before entering politics. Before I came into politics, I worked for the Citizens Advice Bureau, the Ashfield MP told a press conference. We used to fill the form out for clients I can tell you now, we were gaming system. He said it was a competition between the adviser and the Department for Work and Pensions. He said he knew advisers at the organisation who had a 100% hit rate on benefits applications and could get the fittest man in Ashfield onto personal independence payment (Pip). Reform says it wants to stop people exploiting the system as part of its welfare cut proposals. Head of policy Zia Yusuf said incredibly, the assessment handbook is online as he compared applying for sickness benefits to doing your driving theory test and having the answers online for you. He said the vast majority of remote interviews, deemed more generous, would be replaced by face-to-face ones under a Reform government. More regular reassessments would be introduced for those who qualify. Head of policy Zia Yusuf and Lee Anderson setting out Reform UKs welfare plans (Lucy North/PA) Mr Yusuf told a central London press conference: The caseload for new claims for under-25s in this country on Pip have tripled in five years. So we are betraying our young people. Reassessments are basically not happening anymore. These young people are being basically tossed onto a scrap heap for the rest of their lives. Mr Anderson, the partys welfare spokesman, said: The alarm clock generation is now being replaced by an anxiety generation. Instead of going to work, they are staying at home all day, courtesy of taxpayer-funded employment support, loans and personal independence payments, he said. Lee Anderson: "Our young people are being thrown on the scrapheap. pic.twitter.com/flzSenAF0O Reform UK (@reformparty_uk) October 29, 2025 Mr Anderson also hit back at Baron Heseltine over the Tory grandees criticism of Nigel Farages party. The Conservative peer, who served as deputy prime minister to John Major, had told The Times Reform UK was a reincarnation of Oswald Mosley and his fascists in the 30s when it was the Jews (who were the target), and of Enoch Powell with immigrants in the 60s. Former Tory Mr Anderson said it was deeply unpleasant of Lord Heseltine to say these things about Reform UK. He just needs to shut up and go away, he added. The Labour Government sought to restrict eligibility to Pip earlier this year, but its welfare reforms were watered down after a backbench revolt. Asked if the Government agreed with Reform UKs Pip plans, Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said ministers want to make sure that this absolutely vital benefit goes to the people who most need it. Ms Kendall, who was work and pensions secretary before the recent Cabinet reshuffle, added: Thats why we have Sir Stephen Timms conducting a thorough review of that benefit. While some disabled people want and need that extra support, others wants the opportunity to work, she added. Ms Kendall continued: What my message is, is that this Labour Government is here to support those who need that help the most, to provide opportunities to work, and that I believe is the right approach in dealing with this issue. A Labour Party spokesperson said: Like all of Reforms policies, their latest plan is already falling apart. Its no surprise Reform dont seem to know what their own plan is on face-to-face assessments, given their welfare chief Lee Anderson was a cheerleader for the Tories when they slashed the number by over 90%. Labour is increasing them. This Labour Government is determined to offer young people hope and real opportunities. Our youth guarantee will ensure that 18 to 21-year-olds have a real chance of either learning or earning. A Liberal Democrats source said: Anyone living under the leadership of a Reform-led council right now, as they prepare to hike up council tax despite promising the opposite, will know firsthand that their sums simply do not add up. Reform do not know what they are doing. Citizens Advice has been contacted for comment. Israeli warplanes struck Gaza on Tuesday night, shortly after Israels prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, ordered the military to carry out powerful strikes in Gaza, in the most serious test of the increasingly shaky US-brokered ceasefire. Witnesses reported seeing Israeli planes launch strikes on Gaza City, as well as explosions across the strip shortly after Netanyahus announcement. At least seven people were killed in separate strikes in Gaza City and Khan Younis, including two children, medical sources said. The sudden outbreak of violence was the most significant challenge of the 18-day ceasefire in Gaza. Speaking to reporters on Air Force One on Wednesday, US president Donald Trump said nothing would jeopardise the ceasefire, but added Israel should hit back if its soldiers were killed. They killed an Israeli soldier. So the Israelis hit back. And they should hit back, said Trump. The Israeli military confirmed a soldiers death on Wednesday. Netanyahu ordered the strikes after a firefight between Palestinian militants and Israeli troops, and amid growing fury over Hamas turning over body parts of a hostage whose remains Israeli troops had recovered two years before. The Israeli prime minister called an emergency meeting to discuss what he called Hamas violations of the ceasefire, amid clamour for a return to the war by far-right figures in the Israeli government. The bombardment prompted Hamas to delay a planned handover of a hostages remains, which had been scheduled for Tuesday night. Israeli media said Hamas militants had attacked Israeli troops in southern Gaza with an anti-tank missile and guns earlier on Tuesday. Hamas denied responsibility for the attack and said in a statement that it remained committed to the ceasefire deal. An Israeli military official told Reuters that the attack violated the ceasefire because it was carried out east of the agreed withdrawal line of Israeli forces. Israel Katz, Israels defence minister, said that Hamas would pay many times over for attacking Israeli soldiers and for failing to turn over hostages remains. The attack on IDF soldiers in Gaza today by the Hamas terror organisation crosses a glaring red line to which the IDF will respond with great force, Katz said in a statement. Israel notified the US before launching the strikes, two US officials told the Associated Press. The ceasefire, which started on 10 October, has held up until now, despite similar incidents of violence in recent weeks. US officials have made it clear they do not want a return to fighting in Gaza and have sent a series of officials to Israel over the past week, in what Israeli media has sardonically dubbed Bibisitting. The US vice-president, JD Vance, said that he thought the ceasefire would hold despite Tuesdays fighting. Thats doesnt mean there arent going to be little skirmishes here and there, Vance told reporters. Earlier on Tuesday, Netanyahu accused Hamas of a clear violation of the US-brokered Gaza ceasefire, saying the militant group had returned body parts of a hostage whose remains Israeli troops had recovered two years before. Under the terms of the ceasefire, Hamas is required to return the remains of all Israeli hostages as soon as possible. In exchange, Israel has agreed to hand over 15 Palestinian bodies for each Israeli. Hamas has yet to return 13 bodies. In a statement on Tuesday, Hamas said that the latest order to strike Gaza would further delay efforts to recover hostages remains. Hamas has also accused Israel of violating the ceasefire, with the Gaza media office saying Israel has violated the deal more than 80 times, killing at least 80 people since the truce came into effect. On Monday, the International Committee of the Red Cross accompanied members of Hamas inside areas of Gaza under the control of the Israeli military to facilitate the search for the bodies, after Donald Trump on Saturday issued a 48-hour ultimatum to return the remains of the dead Israeli hostages quickly, or the other countries involved in this great peace will take action. In the evening, Hamass military wing, the al-Qassam brigades, said it had returned the body of an Israeli captive, with the Israeli government later confirming it had received it from the Red Cross. However, on Tuesday, the Israeli health ministrys National Forensic Institute said there was no match with any of the 13 missing bodies, saying the remains belonged to Ofir Tzarfati, whose body was recovered by the IDF in the Gaza Strip in December 2023, less than two months after his abduction. The Israeli military published footage of what it said were members of Hamas reburying a body in order to stage a false discovery for the ICRC, which it said was the group attempting to create a false impression of efforts to locate the bodies. Hamas has yet to comment on the claims. The news has enraged Israelis, with the far-right ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich lashing out at Hamas and calling on Netanyahu to resume the war. The fact that Hamas continues to play games and does not immediately transfer all the bodies of our fallen, is in itself evidence that the terror organisation is still standing, said Ben-Gvir, the security minister. Now we dont need to extract a price from Hamas for the violations. We need to exact from it its very existence and destroy it completely, once and for all, in accordance with the central goal defined for the war of revival [war in Gaza], he said, adding: Mr prime minister, enough hesitation. Give the order. Smotrich, the finance minister, wrote to Netanyahu calling for forceful responses to Hamass violations and called for the destruction of Hamas and the removal of the threat emanating from Gaza toward the citizens of Israel. It was unclear if the strikes ordered on Gaza would be accompanied by further punitive measures. The Times of Israel said the prime minister was considering moving the yellow line dividing Gaza in two to place more territory under IDF control, or halting the entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Hamas has so far returned the remains of 15 hostages, with 13 bodies still in the territory. The militant group says it does not know the precise whereabouts of all the bodies, saying it has lost contact with several of its units that had been holding the captives and were reportedly killed during Israeli bombardments. In a separate development on Tuesday, police said Israeli forces had killed three Palestinians they described as members of a terrorist cell during a raid near the occupied West Bank city of Jenin. Members of the national guard patrol the National Mall near the Washington Monument in Washington DC on Monday. Photograph: Kylie Cooper/Reuters A top US military official has ordered the national guards of all 50 US states, the District of Columbia and US territories to form quick reaction forces trained in riot control, including use of batons, body shields, Tasers and pepper spray, according to an internal Pentagon directive reviewed by the Guardian. The memo, signed on 8 October by Maj Gen Ronald Burkett, the director of operations for the Pentagons national guard bureau, sets thresholds for the size of the quick reaction force to be trained in each state, with most states required to train 500 national guard members, for a total of 23,500 troops nationwide. As authority, Burkett cited Donald Trumps August executive order that deployed the guard to fight crime in Washington DC. The same order required the secretary of defense to create a standing National Guard quick reaction force available for rapid nationwide deployment in quelling civil disturbances. Janessa Goldbeck, a former US Marine Corps captain and chief executive of the Vet Voice Foundation, a non-profit advocacy group, said the order represented an attempt by the president to normalize a national, militarized police force. She predicted that force would be used to send troops to states led by Democratic governors without their permission and could be used to suppress turnout and disrupt the fair operation of elections. In a worst-case scenario, she said, the president could declare a state of emergency and say that elections are rigged and use allegations of voter fraud to seize the ballots of secure voting centers. The Pentagon did not respond to repeated requests for comment. A spokesperson for the national guard bureau declined to comment on concerns that Trump is seeking to normalize a national militarized police force or could potentially use the force to seize ballot boxes. Abigail Jackson, a White House spokesperson, said: The president has lawfully deployed the national guard to several cities either in response to violent riots that local leaders have refused to quell, or by invitation to assist local law enforcement as appropriate. President Trump and the entire administration is working to make America safe again. She added: The tremendous results from cities like Memphis and DC, where crime has significantly dropped following national guard deployments, debunk all of the fearmongering and lies from the Guardian. The 8 October memo says the Pentagon will deploy military trainers to every state and US territories as far away as Guam with the goal of making the quick reaction forces operational by 1 January 2026. Each state will also be provided 100 sets of crowd control equipment to be used to support this requirement. Among other things, the troops are to be trained how to form Squad-sized Riot Control Formation, how to employ a Riot Baton as a Member of a Riot Control Formation, and how to Supervise a Riot/Crowd Control Operation. National guard members are also to be trained in de-escalation of force techniques. Each state is to report monthly on its progress. Another Pentagon document reviewed by the Guardian, dated 24 September, mandates the creation of a specialized military police battalion within the District of Columbia National Guard that is dedicated to ensuring safety and public order in the Nations capital as the circumstances may necessitate. The order requires that a 50-person full-time element of this unit be trained and ready for utilization within 90 days and reach full strength by 2027. While creation of national quick reaction forces was not unprecedented, they typically occurred after a serious emergency, according to Christopher Purdy, a national guard veteran of the war in Iraq. In 2005, Purdy noted, more than 50,000 national guard troops were deployed after Hurricane Katrina destroyed much of New Orleans. Purdy is chief executive of the Chamberlain Network, which this week filed an amicus brief at the supreme court opposing Trumps deployment of national guard troops to Illinois. Military experts said the Trump administrations moves hearken back to an earlier era when national guard troops were frequently deployed to quell protests and disturbances, such as the 1970 Kent State shooting in which four unarmed college students were killed by the Ohio national guard. The bus once used by Robert F. Kennedy Jrs presidential campaign has been popping up all over the country but no one seems to know who has been behind the wheel. The patriotically-colored converted RV, featuring the current Health Secretarys face and Kennedy 2024, has been seen in Santa Monica, California, Reno, Nevada, and Washington, D.C., amongst other seemingly random locations, The Boston Globe reported. When it was spotted in Reno, the bus had bicycles mounted on the back. It was later spotted at the week-long desert community and art festival, Burning Man. Most recently, it was in Washington, D.C., where it may have gotten a parking ticket last week, according to the report. It remains unclear who has been driving the bus on its apparent cross-country road trip. Kennedys campaign and his office at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services both said they were no longer affiliated with the vehicle. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s old campaign bus has been making appearances across the country, though no one knows who has been operating the massive, converted RV (X/@@PeterHamby) The bus was purchased in Florida in 2023 for about $191,000, according to campaign finance records. It was later sold in March 2025 for $165,000 to advocacy group, MAHA Action, which supports RFK Jr.s Make America Healthy Again initiative, the Globe reported. The same day the nonprofit bought the bus, the group also bought podcasting equipment, website addresses and email lists from the campaign for about $1.2 million, according to the report. The group said they do not currently own the vehicle. The bus still had an active title as of October 21, according to the report. However, its Florida registration expired in June. A Carfax report also revealed there had been no change in ownership since RFK Jrs campaign had been using it. A Washington, D.C. resident who spotted the bus last week told the Globe it didnt have license plates and was parked illegally. However, when it was reported, the city closed the request, saying that the bus had not committed any violations because it was a Director of Health Kennedy Jr. health tour bus, according to the report. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Department of Public Works told the outlet that if no citation was issued, it was either because the bus was in compliance with street signage or because it was no longer there when law enforcement arrived to give a ticket. The Department of Health and Human Services, which Kennedy now leads under President Donald Trump, has no affiliation with the bus, the Republican National Committee told the outlet. HHS had also referred the Globe to the RNC for questions, though the RNC said it did not know who currently owns the bus. Robert F. Kennedy, who ran as an Independent in the past presidential race, was appointed as HHS secretary by President Donald Trump (REUTERS) HHS said in a statement to The Independent, The bus has no connection to HHS or to Secretary Kennedy, including in his personal capacity. Campaigns typically do not purchase their own bus, as they cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. However, campaigns are allowed to purchase their vehicles under specific rules, according to FEC guidance, which states that any personal use beyond a de minimis amount is supposed to be reimbursed to the campaign. Kennedy, who ran for president in the last election as an Independent before endorsing Trump in August 2024, campaigned under the slogan to Make America Healthy Again. Even after dropping out the race, his campaign remained active to fundraise under MAHA and to support Trump, according to the report. A campaign spokesperson told the Globe their operations are set to conclude by the end of the year, having officially paid off Kennedys campaign debt this spring. What are your rights as Eastern Airways ceases operations? Simon Calder explains UK regional airline Eastern Airways has suspended operations, with passengers who had booked with the airline being told not to travel to airports. The airline, which was founded in 1997, operated scheduled flights from London Gatwick, Humberside, Teesside International, Aberdeen, Wick and Newquay airports. On Monday (27 October), the carrier filed a notice of intention to appoint an administrator, which gives it protection from creditors for 10 business days while it seeks an alternative to liquidation. The Independents travel correspondent Simon Calder explains your passenger rights as the airline appears to be on the brink of collapse. Rosie ODonnell has asked fans for their support after her daughter, Chelsea, was sentenced to time in prison for allegedly violating the terms of her probation. ODonnell, who adopted Chelsea as a baby in 1997, has been open about her daughters struggles with addiction, which led to three back-to-back arrests last year. Chelsea was first arrested in September 2024 on charges of child neglect and drug possession, and again in October and November of that year over drug-related offenses. The 28-year-olds consecutive arrests led to a six-year probation sentence in January. However, a judge has since revoked that sentence, instead ruling that she will now have to spend time in prison after she allegedly violated her probation, according to October 22 court documents obtained by People. In the wake of the news, ODonnell posted an old picture on Instagram of Chelsea from the 2006 annual Salute to Women in Sports Awards Dinner. In the photo, Chelsea is wearing a pink sweater over a pink, striped turtleneck. My child chelsea belle before addiction took over her life i loved her then i love her now as she faces a scary future- prayers welcomed- #addiction awareness, the comedian wrote in the caption. Rosie O'Donnell has five children, including Chelsea, whom she adopted in 1997 (AFP/Getty) ODonnell, 63, further shared her thoughts in a statement with People, saying: I have compassion for those struggling with addiction Chelsea was born into addiction and it has been a painful journey for her and her four young children. We continue to love and support her through these horrible times. Prayers welcomed. Chelsea is the second oldest of ODonnells four adopted children with her first ex-wife, Kelli Carpenter. The two also share Parker, 30, Blake, 25, and Vivienne, 22. The A League of Their Own actor later adopted Clay, 12, in 2013 with her second ex-wife, Michelle Rounds. ODonnell, who now lives in Ireland with her youngest, has frequently addressed her daughters drug addiction, previously writing on Instagram, Sadly this is not new for our family Chelsea has struggled with drug addiction for a decade we r all hopeful she will find her way out of this deadly disease [sic]. Following Chelseas third arrest in December, the former The View host confirmed the news, saying on Instagram at the time: So yes this is true after being bailed out by her birth mother Chelsea was arrested again and is facing many charges related to her drug addiction. We all hope she is able to get the help she needs to turn her life around. After her first September 2024 arrest in Marinette County, Wisconsin, Chelsea was charged with neglecting a child, possession of methamphetamine, maintaining a drug trafficking place, and several other misdemeanor drug charges. The next month, she was arrested and faced new felony charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of narcotic drugs and bail jumping, in addition to misdemeanor counts of resisting or obstructing an officer and possession of drug paraphernalia. Finally, in November 2024, she was arrested on two felony counts of possession of methamphetamine, one felony count of possession of narcotic drugs, and two felony counts of bail jumping. If you or someone you know is suffering from drug addiction, you can seek confidential help and support 24-7 from Frank, by calling 0300 123 6600, texting 82111, sending an email or visiting their website here. In the US, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration can be reached at 1-800-662-HELP Europes biggest nuclear reactor has become a battlefield in Ukraines defence against Russian invaders as they risk a catastrophic meltdown in its efforts to connect it to Moscows national grid. The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant (ZNPP), which has six reactors, was captured by Russian troops early in the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. It has remained a dangerous potential flashpoint for a nuclear disaster ever since. Fighting and bombardments by both sides of the complex and the power station itself, which has been entirely occupied by Russian forces who base troops in its buildings, have forced the cold shutdown of the reactors. This means that its nuclear material is not used to generate power but needs to be constantly cooled. The fighting cut electricity from Ukraine, meaning that the cooling system had to rely entirely on diesel generators and a skeleton staff for a month. Regular power was only restored in the last week, after the longest period the ZNPP had been disconnected from electricity to drive its cooling systems. Russia needs to cut the Ukrainian power link in order to install its connection into the Russian network a long-stated ambition. A Russian serviceman patrols outside the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station (AFP/Getty) The Russian Federation is putting in its power line, but elements of it have been successfully damaged by Ukraine, explained Mykhailo Shuster, nuclear expert and former director of procurement at Energoatom Ukraines nuclear power agency. Russia is now at a high level of readiness, and to connect it, the power supply from Ukraine must be interrupted. It is unclear whether Russia has been able to connect the Ukrainian plant to its own network during the 30-day outage. If it did so, it would then have to install converter stations to synchronise the two grids. But the power cuts to the cooling systems, combined with the near collapse of the water supplies there after Russia blew up the Kakhova Dam the main water source for the ZNPP is causing jitters among local leaders. The exiled mayor of the now-occupied Enerhodar, the town next to Zaporizhzhia, told The Independent he fears nuclear fallout could melt into the groundwater around the plant, contaminate the Dnipro River and eventually the Black Sea. Fire at a cooling tower of the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Energodar, southern Ukraine (AFP/Getty) Kakhovka Dam is destroyed; there is nothing to cool it with even if they miraculously restore the equipment in the future, he said. Worst case scenario: the water will eventually evaporate from the cooling pond, and there will be nothing to cool nuclear fuel. It can melt the concrete and go into the groundwater, Dmytro Orlov added from his office in Zaporizhzhia. Mayor Orlov runs humanitarian programmes for the thousands of people, mostly nuclear power workers, who fled the advancing Russians from his town to safety here. The mayor recalled the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, which remains the worst nuclear disaster in history. Firefighters in Zaporizhzhia put out a blaze caused by Russian strikes in June (Reuters) The estimated amount of nuclear fuel there is about 10 times more than in Chernobyl, he warned. A small team of inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Authority regularly inspects the power station and has reported military training and explosions in and around the facility. Russian artillery and mortars have been seen shelling and bombing Ukrainian towns and villages on the opposite bank of the Dnipro. After power was restored, IAEA director general Mario Grossi said: What was once virtually unimaginable a nuclear power plant regularly losing off-site power has unfortunately become a common occurrence during this devastating war. However, this was the most challenging loss of power event we have experienced so far. There is still much work to do to further reduce the risks of a nuclear accident. Donald Trump has said his demolition of the White House East Wing to make way for a $300m ballroom is being financed by private donors. Photograph: Andrew Leyden/Reuters Senate Democrats, led by Adam Schiff of California, are calling for full disclosure on how Donald Trumps planned White House ballroom is being financed. The effort follows the release of a donor list showing that wealthy individuals and corporations, many with business before the federal government, have contributed to the project. Democrats argue that without transparency, the financing of the ballroom could become a channel for improper influence within the administration. Major companies in the tech, defense and crypto industries are helping Trump fund his $300m ballroom, for which the entire East Wing of the White House has recently been demolished. The list of donors includes tech companies Apple, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft and Google; the defense contractors Booz Allen Hamilton, Lockheed Martin and Palantir; and the communication companies T-Mobile and Comcast. Billionaire Trump supporters who were major donors to his campaign last year are also featured on the list. In a letter sent to the White House chief of staff, Susie Wiles, Schiff and his colleagues warned that the Trump administrations approach raises troubling questions about the potential for influence peddling and other forms of corruption. Related: Trumps ballroom blitz sparks chorus of disgust: The perfect symbol To assess possible conflicts of interest and violations of law and ethics obligations, Congress and the American public deserve meaningful transparency. We, therefore, request a complete accounting of all donations to the White House ballroom construction project, including the conditions under which contributions were made, wrote the senators. The senators are seeking a detailed breakdown of donations, including amounts and dates and whether donors have ties to federal contracts, regulatory approvals or litigation involving the government. They also want to know if the administration sought ethics guidance before accepting private funding and what safeguards, if any, exist to prevent donors from gaining special access to the president. Among these donors are corporations recently awarded federal contracts worth millions of dollars in revenue, many with close ties to administration officials. These circumstances risk blatant corruption as these companies and their stakeholders seek to position themselves in the governments good graces, the letter continued. The letter, signed by senators including Alex Padilla, Richard Blumenthal, Chris Van Hollen, Tammy Duckworth, Jon Ossoff, Bernie Sanders and others, requests that the White House provide the information by 5 November. The specific items sought include a full list of all donors, individual and corporate, including contributions to the Trust for the National Mall or indirect channels, and details of any terms tied to donations. The letter also requests identification of donors with federal contracts, regulatory matters or pending litigation; correspondence between Trump or administration officials and donors referencing the ballroom project; and records of any ethics advice or approvals related to the solicitation or acceptance of private donations. The dead laid in Vila Cruzeiros square, where residents look on some looking for missing loved ones. Photograph: Alan Lima/The Guardian Day had yet to break over Vila Cruzeiro but already dozens of corpses were splayed out along the favelas main drag after more than 130 people were killed during the deadliest police operation in Rios history: grotesquely disfigured, blood-smeared bodies that had been dragged out of nearby forests and dumped on blue tarpaulins and black plastic sheets covering the street. Ive brought 53 down myself there must be another 12 or 15 up there in the bush, said Erivelton Vidal Correia, the head of the local residents association, bleary-eyed from a sleepless night spent hauling bullet-riddled local men down from the hills. Correia broke down as he described his relentless nocturnal hunt for the dead after Rio suffered what is being called one of the biggest police massacres in modern Brazilian history. Ive never seen anything like this in my life, brother not even in the Gaza Strip does this happen I cant bear to see any more corpses, he wept, covering his face with the surgical gloves he was using to handle the deceased. Rio officials said on Tuesday that at least 64 people, including four police officers, had been killed after a force of 2,500 launched a pre-dawn assault on Alemao and Penha, the vast patchwork of favelas of which Vila Cruzeiro is part. By the early hours of Wednesday the public prosecutor said the death toll had risen to 132 higher than during Sao Paulos notorious Carandiru prison massacre in 1992, when 111 prisoners lost their lives. Between 4.15am and 9am, when government body collectors finally arrived, the Guardian witnessed pickup trucks delivering dozens of corpses to a square in Vila Cruzeiro named after Saint Luke the Evangelist. Ive never seen anything like this I still havent managed to comprehend what has happened. I feel empty. I have no words, said Raull Santiago, a favela activist, as another cargo of corpses arrived, sending local women scrambling in search of their missing husbands, brothers or sons. Many, perhaps all of the dead men most seemingly in their late teens, 20s and 30s are likely to have been members of the local drug faction, the Red Command, which Tuesdays operation was intended to target. Most of the corpses were unclothed but a few wore ghillie suits, camouflage clothing used by snipers, hunters and nature photographers to conceal themselves in foliage. But there was fury among the scores of people who had flocked to the plaza and who claimed police had summarily executed the young men instead of detaining them. Irrespective of whether these people were involved in the local drug trade or not, we dont have the death penalty in Brazil They should have been arrested, Santiago said. Murderers! Murderers! cried Elieci Santana, 58, recalling how her son, Fabio, had messaged her at about 3pm on Tuesday to tell her he had been shot in the foot and was trying to surrender to police. Sixteen hours later, Fabios corpse was shrouded under a blood-stained floral rug with what looked like knife wounds to his chest. My God! Work a miracle, God! Santana begged, as she collapsed on to the ground beside her child. But there was to be no resurrection for Santanas son, nor for the dozens of other bodies lined up beside him outside a sushi restaurant with bullet wounds to their limbs, torsos and heads. One had been decapitated, the persons head stashed inside an olive green pouch that was placed on the ground. Several of the men had badly broken bones or what looked like puncture wounds in their flesh. At times, as pickup trucks continued to deliver the dead, a stunned silence fell over the throng. No one not the veteran crime reporters, nor the gangland preachers, nor the battle-weary favela residents had ever seen bloodshed on this scale. Until this week, Rios deadliest police operation had been a 2021 raid on another Red Command stronghold, Jacarezinho, when 28 people were killed. Its surreal, said Antonio Carlos Costa, a church leader and human rights campaigner, calling for the immediate removal of Rios governor, Claudio Castro, who is an ally of Brazils former far-right president, Jair Bolsonaro. Costa called the killings a historic humiliation for Brazil on the eve of next months Cop climate summit in the Amazon city of Belem. At other moments, onlookers exploded in rage as they took in the nightmarish scene. Shell-shocked friends and relatives of the deceased ripped off the sheets covering their mangled bodies and demanded that journalists film the butchery to show the world. Help us, please! implored Claudia Silva, 53, shaking with rage as she denounced what she and others called a genocide. When they come in here, they kill even the rats, she said of the police. This was a slaughter, not an operation. They came here to kill, said Santana as she sat on a blood-covered bin liner next to her sons corpse. In 30 years working [in the favelas] this is the greatest act of savagery, the biggest massacre I have seen, said Flavia Pinheiro Froes, a lawyer who had come to support the families of the dead. Castro continued to defend the operation amid a growing chorus of outrage, including from the UNs human rights office which said it was horrified by the killings. Rios governor celebrated a harsh blow to the heavily-armed drug traffickers who have seized control of many of Rios hundreds of favelas over the past 40 years. The only victims yesterday were the police, Castro said of the four officers killed during Tuesdays intense gun battles with criminals he called narco-terrorists. As the governor spoke, Edmar Augusto, a priest with a purple stole draped over his shoulders, sprinkled holy water on the more than 50 bodies that had accumulated at the entrance to the favela. We dont want war. We want peace, Augusto, 50, told the favelas mourners, his voice breaking with emotion. So many families are crying. And I want to cry with them. Society cannot stay silent, the priest bellowed, staring skywards to recite the Lords prayer. As he waited for another car-load of bodies to arrive, Correia, the community leader, recalled how two decades earlier a group of local evangelical missionaries had warned that the favela would one day suffer a momentous bloodbath. We didnt believe them. We never believed it would happen, he said. [But] they prophesised this, and today it has come to pass. Teenage Halloween pranksters in masks were almost shot by a scared relative, Virginia police say A terrifying Halloween prank could have ended with a Virginia womans teenage relatives being gunned down on her front porch, police warned. Earlier this month, frightening video images of people dressed in Halloween masks peering into a front-door camera and making threats caused a stir on social media and in news headlines. Police in Alexandria, Virginia, spent over 100 hours investigating the incident, only to discover that it was a prank. "They were absolutely terrified when this happened and occurred," Alexandria Police Chief Tarrick McGuire told reporters. After the images of the incident went viral, "multiple community tips" helped lead investigators to a group of teenage boys who were the sons and a nephew of the victim's cousin, who allegedly planned the prank, NBC News reports. A frightening encounter involving masked individuals making threats to a woman in Alexandria, Virginia turned out to be her family members pranking her (Shayla Whiteside/WUSA) McGuire said police eventually made contact with the mother of one of the masked boys and questioned her about the prank, after which she gave a "full confession." Before calling 911, the woman inside the house called her brother, who rushed to the scene with a gun. "Her brother responded with a firearm," McGuire said. "So absolutely it could have resulted in deadly consequences. McGuire said that in addition to the three boys in masks, there were also two other adults standing at a distance and filming the prank, according to police. At the end of the day, parents should be responsible for their children, McGuire said, according to Inside NOVA. Whats very disheartening about this situation is that you had adults that were engaging in this behavior, but also encouraging this behavior. The victim has asked prosecutors not to pursue charges against the pranksters, officials said. McGuire confirmed that the police would not pursue charges, which could have included burglary. While the victim had to shoulder the bulk of the terror brought on by the incident, the residents of Alexandria had to foot the bill while they waited to learn if a group of masked weirdoes was on the loose. Police "dedicated more than 100 hours to identifying those involved," the department said. While this incident may not result in a criminal prosecution, for me, my team and for this community, it represents a moral failure, McGuire said. We have seen this type of behavior around the country, where people have done pranks, and they have resulted in people being seriously injured or losing their lives. Harry Pitmans death was described as a tragic loss of such a bright and promising young life by the Met police. Photograph: Family Handout/PA A teenager has been found guilty of murder after stabbing Harry Pitman, 16, in a central London park during New Years Eve celebrations two years ago. Areece Lloyd-Hall, now 18, stabbed Pitman in the neck after a fight broke out between the two strangers at a midnight gathering in Primrose Hill, a famous viewpoint for the citys fireworks displays. A jury in a retrial handed down a 11-1 majority verdict, convicting him of murder. He will be sentenced on 10 November. An earlier trial had fallen apart after jurors were unable to come to an assessment on the murder charge. The jury deliberated for eight hours before returning with the guilty verdict on Wednesday. Lloyd-Hall had pleaded not guilty to the murder charge, saying he had not intended to kill Pitman. The prosecutor Jocelyn Ledward KC had earlier told the Old Bailey how revelry turned to tragedy in the blink of an eye on 31 December 2023. The court heard how the two boys had gone with their own groups of friends to the hill to watch the fireworks that evening, but 20 minutes before midnight, the boys had clashed after Pitman bumped into one of Lloyd-Halls friends. Pitman had been playfighting and kicking when he lost his balance and fell into the boy behind him. That led to shoving and a confrontation, with Lloyd-Hall getting involved and threatening Pitman. Mobile phone footage shown to the court showed Lloyd-Hall pulling a knife from his waistband and swinging the knife down on to Pitmans neck, as Pitman swung a punch. Video footage from a police bodycam then showed Pitman stumbling through the crowd and holding his neck, seeking help from nearby police officers. He collapsed shortly after and despite first aid efforts by police died a few minutes before midnight. Lloyd-Hall ran away from the scene after the stabbing and only turned himself in to a police station, with his father in attendance, after police released images for his search. Related: Were in a crisis: Idris Elba calls for more action on youth violence in UK He said he thought he had only hit Pitman with the sheath of his blade, and it was an attempt to get away from him. I did not want him to lose his life, he told the court. I feel horrible for what I caused. It was not my intention. The court had earlier heard Pitman described as a lively college student. He was one of 18 teenagers stabbed to death in London in 2023. The Metropolitan police released a statement on Tuesday marking the tragedy. Harry was only 16 years old when he was stabbed. He had spent the evening with friends enjoying the fireworks before an altercation with a complete stranger led to him tragically losing his life, said DI Daniel Catmull, from the Mets specialist crime command. While justice has been served, the tragic loss of such a bright and promising young life, whose vibrant spirit touched so many, is a profound tragedy that will forever be felt by all who knew and loved him. Harry Pitman was fatally stabbed in 2023 (Family Handout) A teenager has been found guilty of fatally stabbing 16-year-old Harry Pitman at a New Years Eve fireworks event. Pitman, who was described as lively and boisterous, had been playfighting before he was attacked by Areece Lloyd-Hall on Primrose Hill, north London, on December 31, 2023. The incident happened in front of a crowd of revellers who had gathered to watch fireworks over the River Thames. Lloyd-Hall, now aged 18, pushed forward and lunged at Harry with a pointed dagger, metres from where uniformed police officers were stationed. In shocking mobile phone footage played in court, a knife sheath is seen to fly through the air during the fast-paced incident. Harry holds his neck, his white T-shirt covered in blood, as he pushes through crowds calling to officers for help. He collapsed and died minutes later, shortly before midnight. College student Lloyd-Hall, who was 16 at the time, claimed he thought he had only hit Harry with the sheath in an attempt to get Harry away from him. The incident happened in front of a crowd of revellers who had gathered to watch fireworks over the River Thames (PA) He said: I did not want him to lose his life. I feel horrible for what I caused. It was not my intention. He said he ran off not realising what had happened because he was holding a knife and knew there were police officers nearby. Jurors were told Lloyd-Hall was suffering from cannabis-induced paranoia and may have suffered post-traumatic stress disorder triggered by witnessing the aftermath of an earlier stabbing and the loss of a friend to knife crime in June 2023. After a retrial at the Old Bailey, Lloyd-Hall, from Westminster, was found guilty of murder by a majority of 11 to one after a jury deliberated for nearly eight hours. At a trial in October last year, a jury found Lloyd-Hall guilty of possession of an offensive weapon but failed to agree on other charges, it can now be reported. There were gasps from Harrys family sitting in court as Lloyd-Hall was convicted of murder. The teenager will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on November 10. At his retrial, prosecutor Jocelyn Ledward KC had described how revelry turned to tragedy in the blink of an eye on New Years Eve 2023. Harry and Lloyd-Hall were strangers to each other and had gone to watch the fireworks with difference groups of friends. Earlier in the evening special constable David Smith said Harry seemed excitable and had physically bounced up to him to engage in friendly chat. Areece Lloyd-Hall will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on November 10 (PA) He went on to fist bump another man who had gone to watch the fireworks with his family. The fatal incident appeared to have been sparked by a scuffle between Harry and one of the defendants friends shortly after 11.30pm. Playfighting, Harry lost his balance while seeing how high he could kick and bumped into the boy standing behind. In return, Harry was shoved and slapped on the back of the head, causing him to say: Dont touch me, because I didnt touch you. Lloyd-Hall pushed his way towards Harry, holding his trousers and saying: Wot, wot, wot, wot, wot. In mobile phone footage, a girl warns mindi, the Somalian word for knife, as the defendant produces a blade from his waistband. Harry can be seen swinging a punch before Lloyd-Hall swings the knife upwards in an arc and down on to Harrys neck. Police body-worn camera footage shows Harry moving through the crowd seeking help before he collapsed. The defendant made off, discarding the knife, his clothes and mobile phone. The knife scabbard was left at the scene and was found to have the defendants DNA on it. After a media appeal, Lloyd-Hall went to Hammersmith police station with his father on January 4, 2024. The court was told the defendant had no previous convictions and had been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Police investigating the scene at Midhurst Gardens in Uxbridge, west London, where a man was stabbed to death and two others were injured - Ben Whitley/PA Wire How could any decent human being possibly object to mass immigration? That, it would seem, is the mystery puzzling the BBC. Yes, even after all these years. Because earlier this week it sent reporters to Buxton in Derbyshire to ask residents the following question: why are you people all saying youll vote Reform, when practically everyone in your town is white British? Buxton, noted the BBCs reporters, has experienced very little immigration, is a good 250 miles from Dover (where the small boats arrive), and has no hotels housing asylum seekers. Yet almost everyone they spoke to, apart from some wonderfully compassionate teenagers at a local school, viewed the small boats, and mass immigration in general, as a major source of concern. How baffling. If you work for the BBC, anyway. Well, since our friends in W1A seem to be struggling, perhaps we should offer them a helpful hint. The people of Buxton may indeed have experienced very little immigration. Nonetheless, Im reasonably sure that they do have access to newspapers, TV and the internet. And as a result, theyre probably aware of certain things that have happened in towns with very high levels of immigration. Perhaps, for example, theyve heard about something called the grooming gangs scandal. Or the terrorist attack on a Manchester synagogue earlier this month. Or the march through Tower Hamlets, east London, last Saturday by masked men chanting, Zionist scum off our streets. And perhaps, having heard such stories plus a fair few others the people of Buxton are thinking, Wed quite like to prevent that sort of thing from happening in our own little town, if thats all right. So dont ask, Why are you voting Reform? You dont have a migrant hotel! Because its like asking, Why are you buying a fire extinguisher? Your house isnt on fire! Anyway, if that is indeed what theyve been thinking, I suspect that their resolve is now even stronger for a reason that should be obvious, even to the BBC. On Tuesday, in Uxbridge, west London, a dog-walker was stabbed to death in the street. Two other passers-by were stabbed, too. Police swiftly arrested a suspect. Hes an Afghan national who, in 2020, entered this country illegally on a lorry, and was subsequently granted asylum and leave to remain. This story would be horrifying enough if it were an isolated incident. But its not. On Friday, an asylum seeker in Walsall was convicted of murdering a female member of staff from the migrant hotel in which he was staying. On Friday, Sudanese asylum seeker Deng Chol Majek was found guilty of the murder of hotel worker Rhiannon Whyte, whom he stabbed more than 20 times - British Transport Police On Monday, an asylum seeker in Bournemouth was jailed for chasing hotel workers with a knife because he was unhappy with the free food he was being given. On Wednesday, a small-boat migrant in Derby was jailed for life for stabbing a bank customer to death. And this is just in the past week. If we go back to the start of the month, a gang of small-boat migrants in Dorset was jailed for committing roaming street violence armed with machetes. We really shouldnt have to live like this. Responding to the news from Uxbridge, the former Tory MP Nadhim Zahawi spoke for millions when he asked: How many more people need to lose their lives before we take this threat seriously?, and thundered: Anywhere else in the world it would be a national emergency. Well, hes right. This is a national emergency. And its time for Sir Keir Starmer to admit it and act accordingly. That means detaining and deporting anyone who enters the country by illegal means (whether small boat or lorry). It means no more migrant hotels. And it means telling the leaders of other Western nations, in case they havent noticed yet, that existing refugee treaties are no longer fit for purpose and must be scrapped. Far too many dangerous men are exploiting them, and its got to end. Of course, Im not completely delusional. Obviously a Starmer administration isnt going to do any of this. We all know that. At the very least, however, it would be nice if our national broadcaster could finally grasp why, even in areas of low immigration, people want proper border controls. So, if nothing else comes from this weeks horror, please can the BBC get the following concept into its collective head. This country produces quite enough violent criminals of its own. We really dont need to import more. Boss Tom Cleverley admitted Plymouth are in a relegation battle after a third successive defeat in a 2-0 loss at Mansfield left them third-bottom of League One. Brendan Galloway and Brendan Wiredu, between them, failed to clear a goal kick after six minutes and Will Evans stole in for the opener. Liam Roberts did make a crucial save to deny Tegan Finn after 77 minutes before Jordan Bowery sealed a fifth league game unbeaten for the Stags after 84 minutes. Cleverley said: We are in a relegation battle. I dont think there is any part of our performances or consistency to suggest otherwise, so lets face the situation were in head on. This is not something that is going to fix itself overnight. No one has a magic wand to make this issue go away. We are putting in performances that mean we deserve to be where we are at. Its never been a sacking club and its been hurt by managers leaving at the first bit of success. However, that does not give me the right to have nine lives and I have to turn things round really quickly. I have never seen a team concede so many from direct play and its worrying. There were boos from the 704 travelling fans and Cleverley added: The fans have a right to be frustrated its their club. We have to acknowledge how far they travel and how much money they spend to support us. I have told the players what doesnt kill you makes you stronger I have been there as a player when your own fans turn and I will certainly help the players through that. I can take it I have thick skin. Stags squandered several good chances to double their lead before a huge moment after 77 minutes when Deji Oshilaja was robbed on the byline by Jamie Paterson and Roberts had to deny Finn from close range. Then, when Nathan Moriah-Welsh miskicked his finish from Joe Gardners cross, the ball rolled to Bowery for an easy finish. Mansfield manager Nigel Clough said: I thought it was a very good, professional, solid performance more than anything. We worked hard without the ball and restricted Plymouth to very few opportunities and the only thing was we didnt score more goals. We had three incredibly good chances to double our lead and we should be taking one of them to have a bit more comfort before Deji, unlike him, made an error and Liam Roberts has got us out the cart again with a brilliant save. He has done that a few times this season and deserved his clean sheet. Moments like that are fine margins. If that goes in it could have been a different game. We cant afford to give people these chances. Our work-rate was outstanding and there are relationships developing on the pitch. Donald Trump will be holding a summit with Xi Jinping on Thursday - Fred Dufour/AFP While Donald Trumps primary objective during Thursdays summit with Xi Jinping was to negotiate a favourable trade deal, there is also the tantalising prospect that it could help to achieve a breakthrough in his efforts to end the war in Ukraine. Russias ability to maintain its military campaign in the Ukraine conflict owes much to the support it has received from Beijing, not least Chinas willingness to continue buying large quantities of Russian oil in spite of the Western sanctions imposed at the start of the conflict. Together with India, China is responsible for importing between 3.5 and 4.5 million barrels of Russian oil daily, with the profits being used to fund Vladimir Putins war effort in Ukraine. In addition, the Chinese have been providing Moscow with a range of technological support, including drones and missile systems, that have enabled the Russian military to overcome the potentially catastrophic setbacks it has suffered on the battlefield. Ending the so-called no limits strategic partnership between the autocratic regimes in Moscow and Beijing has therefore become one of the Trump administrations key objectives, and helps to explain why Trump has been so keen to curry favour with Putin. This is despite the very obvious evidence that the Russian leader shows no inclination of responding positively to Trumps efforts to bring hostilities to an end in Ukraine. Now that it has dawned on the American president that Putin has little intention of developing a constructive relationship with Washington, this is an opportune moment for Trump to try another tack in his efforts to implement a ceasefire by persuading Xi that Chinas interests would be better served by scaling down its partnership with Moscow. Trumps belated realisation that Putin has no genuine interest in accepting a ceasefire in Ukraine was the reason the US leader opted to abandon his plans to hold another face-to-face summit with his Russian opposite number in Budapest, conceding that to do so would be a waste of time. Since then, Trump has turned his attention to targeting Russias lucrative oil trade, a move that poses a direct challenge to Beijings existing partnership with Moscow. Trumps announcement of his latest round of tremendous sanctions against Rosneft and Lukoil, Russias two main oil companies, has forced both China and India to radically review their existing trading ties with Moscow. b' 1010 Russian oil output is in free fall ' The fresh round of sanctions have already had an impact on Moscows oil shipments, with Chinas state-owned oil companies reported to have suspended purchases of Russian oil shipments. India, which had previously been hit with 25 per cent tariffs for continuing to buy Russian oil, has similarly followed suit, with Indian companies sharply reducing their crude imports from Moscow. If maintained, the sharp reductions in Russian oil exports to these and other countries, such as Turkey, that are keen to avoid further trade tensions with the US, could have a significant impact on Putins ability to fund his war machine in Ukraine. The fact that China has already reacted to the imposition of Trumps oil sanctions on Russia certainly suggests that, despite Xis public rhetoric, Beijings strategic partnership with Moscow has been forged more out of expediency than genuine shared interests. Relations between the two countries have always had their difficulties, not least over historical territorial disputes in areas such as Manchuria, which brought the countries to the brink of all-out war as recently as the 1960s. Even though Beijing and Moscow officially resolved their differences in 2003, Moscow remains wary of Chinas long-term intentions regarding the dispute. Russian matryoshka dolls with portraits of Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping at a street souvenir shop in Moscow, Russia Another notable consequence of the unease between Moscow and Beijing has been evident from Chinas reluctance to officially recognise Russian control over Ukrainian territory seized since Putins initial assault on Ukraines sovereignty back in 2014. This suggests that, while Xi is prepared to offer limited support for Russias war effort in Ukraine, he has no intention of being drawn into a direct conflict with the US. In such circumstances, therefore, it is entirely feasible that Trumps latest summit with Xi in South Korea could have a significant bearing on Chinas willingness to continue supporting Putins war effort in Ukraine. Having failed to persuade the Russian leader through direct negotiations to accept a ceasefire, Trump could achieve the same objective by agreeing a new trade deal with Beijing. Trumps enthusiastic comments following his latest meeting with Xi the two leaders first face-to-face encounter since the US president launched his second trade war with China certainly suggests that it might be possible for Washington and Beijing to forge a closer partnership on key global issues, including ending the war in Ukraine. Trumps main objective during the talks was to resolve what he described as a lot of problems between the two countries, ranging from Beijings planned export controls on rare earth minerals to the Trump administrations demand that the Chinese do more to curb the flow of deadly opioids into the US. The positive comments made by both the US and Chinese delegations following Trumps meeting with Xi certainly indicate there is every prospect of a strong improvement in relations between Washington and Beijing, one that could ultimately be at Moscows expense, certainly so far as maintaining the lucrative oil trade with China is concerned. Any collapse in Russias remaining oil exports will leave Putin without the ability to fund his special military operation in Ukraine, leaving him with little option but to accept Trumps ceasefire terms. Donald Trump holds a rendering of the planned White House Ballroom extension - Aaron Schwartz Donald Trump has sacked the team of arts commissioners who were reviewing his White House ballroom. On Tuesday, the US president, who has been sensitive to criticism of the new building, sacked all six members of the Commission of Fine Arts. The independent agency was expected to examine several of Mr Trumps controversial plans, including the new ballroom, for which the White House East Wing was destroyed, and a planned triumphal arch, according to The Washington Post. It was set up as an advisory body, and any attempt to block the $300 million (227 million) construction of the ballroom would have been highly unlikely. However, Mr Trump, a former real estate titan, has sought to limit criticism of the new building amid polling that shows the demolition of the East Wing to make way for the structure, is widely unpopular. The public has been blocked from most nearby vantage points, while employees at the Treasury, which sits opposite, have been instructed not to take photos of the site. Photos obtained by The Telegraph last week showed the front of the wing had been almost entirely caved in. An email sent to the fine arts panel read: On behalf of President Donald J. Trump, I am writing to inform you that your position as a member of the Commission of Fine Arts is terminated, effective immediately. A White House official told the newspaper the administration was preparing to appoint members to the commission who are more aligned with President Trumps America First policies. Pictures obtained by The Telegraph show how the work has progressed since the initial demolition began All six commissioners had been appointed by former president Joe Biden. Under the legislation setting up the commission in 1910, the president has the authority to fill vacancies with well-qualified judges of the fine arts. The White House has said it will soon send Mr Trumps ballroom plans to the National Capital Planning Commission, which will decide whether to approve the building. Critics say the new structure will leave the White House lopsided - Aaron Schwartz Half of the commissions personnel are members of his administration or appointed directly by the president, while the remainder are senior congressmen or drawn from Washington, DCs council, including Muriel Bowser, DCs mayor. Mr Trump has sought to stamp his legacy on the capital since his return to office in January, deploying the National Guard onto the streets and declaring the start of a beautification project to restore its parks. In February, he declared an end to woke performances at the Kennedy Centre, one of the US leading cultural institutions, replacing its board with loyalists who promptly elected him chairman. In June, he attended a performance of Les Miserables, a musical he said he had watched several times in the past. Mr Trump has also redecorated the Oval Office with gold trimmings and ornaments. Portraits of former presidents selected include those of Andrew Jackson, a populist with whom Mr Trump frequently identifies, and James Polk, who oversaw the largest territorial expansion in American history. Trump says US-South Korea trade deal pretty much finalised after hours of talks Donald Trump said the U.S. has pretty much finalised the details of a fraught trade deal with South Korea as he marked the last pitstop on his whirlwind Asia tour Wednesday. The U.S. President confirmed the highly anticipated deal and almost off-the-table agreement as he sat down for a dinner with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in the southeastern city of Gyeongju. Trump is on his five-day diplomacy tour of Asia and has also visited Malaysia and Japan, before arriving in South Korea. He will departs for Washington Thursday. On being asked by a reporter whether he and the South Korean President had reached a deal, Trump said: We made our deal, pretty much finalised it. South Korea is hosting Trump at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum in the coastal city ahead of his talks with Chinese president Xi Jinping Thursday. He was treated to a lavish reception after he wrapped up the Tokyo leg of his whirlwind tour. Trumps comments came at a time hopes were dim for a trade deal with its East Asian ally as the U.S. leader was still thawing tensions created by his trade war with China. Washington pressed South Korea to make a similar trade arrangement as signed with Japan of strategic investments, loans and guarantees worth $550bn (416bn) in exchange for a tariff relief. President Donald Trump toasts with state leaders including South Korean president Lee Jae Myung during a dinner event in Gyeongju (AP) But Seoul says it cannot afford a payment of $350bn (264bn) pledged upfront. Instead, it has offered a mix of phased investments, loans and other measures. This has remained a strain point of trade talks between the two sides. It has finally been agreed that Seoul can split its promised $350bn investment fund into $200bn in cash to be paid in instalments of $20bn, Lee's aides said. The other $150bn is to be spent on investments in shipbuilding, which South Korea has promised to help Trump restore. Earlier during the day, Trump announced that a trade deal with South Korea would be finalised very soon as he addressed a summit of APEC CEOs in Gyeongju before sitting down with the South Korean president for dinner. However, officials on both sides expressed skepticism of the prospect of a breakthrough. U.S. and South Korea had announced a trade deal in late July, allowing Seoul to avoid the worst of the tariffs by pushing them to pump new investments worth at least $350bn (264bn) into America. Both sides hit a stalemate after the structure of those investments remained unclear. Trumps visit to the Asian ally nations, who are among the hardest hit by his tariff policies and increased U.S.-China trade war, is aimed at building better ties. Donald Trump speaks at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO summit in Gyeongju (AP) Attempts were also made by South Korean President Lee to woo him. Lee's office said that in recognition of Trump's role as a "peacemaker" on the Korean peninsula, he was awarded the replica crown of "Grand Order of Mugunghwa", which is named after South Korea's national flower, a pink hibiscus also known as the Rose of Sharon in English. "I'd like to wear it right now," Trump said when presented with the glittering award. South Korean officials said he is the first U.S. president to receive the honour. The meal included "mini beef patties with ketchup", a "Korean Platter of Sincerity" featuring U.S. beef and local rice and soybean paste, and grilled fish with a glaze of ketchup and gochujang, a red chilli paste. A brownie adorned with gold called Peacemakers Dessert was served at the start of a working lunch. Lee also requested the U.S. to allow it to reprocess nuclear fuel to power submarines as South Korea is banned from doing so without Americas consent, owing to a bilateral agreement. In response, the U.S. president said he will help straighten out South Koreas problems with North Korea. Both Korean nations have been facing a war-like crisis amid Pyongyangs repeated test-launches of missiles. He has invited Lee back to the White House, the South Korean presidential advisor said after the dinner. Trump was also expected to meet with North Koreas Kim Jong Un, with several public wishes to do so, during this trip but the brief window of Wednesday did not work out. In order to ease trade woes of the region, Trump said he expected to reduce U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods in exchange for Beijings commitment to curtail exports of fentanyl precursor chemicals. The U.S. could cut down the 20 per cent levies on Chinese goods by half it currently charges in retaliation for the export of such chemicals, the Wall Street Journal reported. In his final high-level meeting, Trump is scheduled to hold talks with Xi on Thursday in the port city of Busan, which he expects to be at least three to four hours long. Trump said he expects the talks with his Chinese counterpart to go well. A babysitter went on a bloody rampage leaving a grandfather dead and a toddler wounded, cops say. No one knows why What began as a quiet night at a suburban Michigan home ended with the brutal slaying of an 83-year-old man who had simply showed up to check on his three-year-old granddaughter. Police say the toddler was in the care of 35-year-old Samantha Booth last week when the shocking attack unfolded in the Royal Oak neighborhood. Booth wasnt a stranger. The family had known her for two years. She had watched the little girl many times before always without incident, according to the Oakland County Prosecutors Office. But now Booth, a woman the family trusted, is accused of carrying out a gruesome murder and attacking the toddler she was meant to be caring for as well as an uncle who had come to investigate. An absolutely horrific crime Around 7:50 p.m. on October 24, the toddlers mother, who was out of town, called her father, David Ong, and asked him to stop by her house after she could not reach Booth to check on her daughter, police said. Ong, a devoted grandfather, agreed to check in. He drove over to the home that evening and went inside. But when he failed to update his daughter, she began to worry. When she couldnt reach her father or Booth, she called her brother-in-law for help. Samantha Booth, 35, was charged with first degree murder after allegedly attacking the grandfather of the child she was babysitting (Royal Oak Police Department) A short time later, the childs uncle arrived at the house and heard noises coming from the basement. He called out to Booth, but she didnt respond. Moments later, she allegedly came at him in what police described as a manic state, and covered in blood. On the floor nearby was Ong, gravely injured and unresponsive. She attacked the victim repeatedly with a screwdriver, Royal Oak Police Chief Michael Moore said. An absolutely horrific crime. A desperate escape The uncle grabbed the child and tried to flee. But Booth lunged at him, attempting to stab him with the screwdriver, police said, adding that he fended off multiple attacks. Police said the uncle was finally able to get away and found a place to hide at a neighbors house where they called 911. She was actually chasing him down the street as he was screaming for help, and some neighbors heard it and ushered him and the child inside, Chief Moore said. Meanwhile, Booth had stopped running, dropped the screwdriver, stripped off all her clothing, and ran down the street naked, screaming, and covered in blood, police said. When officers arrived minutes later, they followed the trail of chaos back to the home. Inside the basement, they found Ong bleeding heavily from multiple stab wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene. David Ong, 83, was fatally stabbed with a screwdriver when he went to his daughters house to check on his granddaughter who was in the care of Samantha Booth (Desmond Funeral Home) Police confronted Booth, who had fled only a short distance before she was caught after a brief chase. The child and her uncle were treated at a local hospital for minor injuries and released later that night. Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald charged Booth with first-degree murder, second-degree child abuse, felony assault, and three counts of resisting and obstructing. We should all be grateful for the brave actions by her uncle to rescue the two-year-old from this horrific and dangerous situation, McDonald said. David Ongs murder is a shocking tragedy and the person responsible will be held accountable. A chilling confession Booth had spent the day behaving normally before she reportedly went into a manic state, investigators said. When police searched her belongings, they found suspected psychedelic mushrooms and marijuana in her purse. We've been asking ourselves why? Chief Moore said. We aren't sure why this happened, but there probably is a component with some drug usage. During her arrest, Booth allegedly made chilling statements, telling police: I did it, according to their report. Later, while being transported to the station, she allegedly said, I f*** him the f*** up and yes, I did it God, it was too easy. Booth was arraigned on October 28 but refused to appear on camera during the Zoom hearing. Instead, she stripped off her clothes, lay down in her holding cell, and refused to cooperate, according to Corrections officers. After discussions between the judge, defense, and prosecution, Booth agreed to hear her charges through her attorney, who entered a not guilty plea on her behalf. The judge denied bond, calling Booth a present danger to society and a possible flight risk. Her next court appearance is scheduled for November 7, 2025. Unanswered questions Investigators are still working to determine what may have prompted Booths sudden, violent outburst. Police have not officially said whether drugs played a role, though the discovery of suspected hallucinogens in her purse raises questions about her mental state. In a statement following the arraignment, Chief Moore offered condolences to Ongs family. We extend our deepest condolences to the victims family as they cope with this tragic and senseless act of violence, he said. No family should ever have to endure such loss, and we are keeping them in our thoughts. For the Ong family, the loss is almost too much to comprehend. The man they called Dad and Grandpa was described in his obituary as deeply caring, a true friend and a steady source of encouragement and support whose favorite hobby was his family. Ongs daughter, Kelley, shared a statement on Facebook Sunday, calling him her hero. My father, David Ong, died tragically on Friday evening while protecting his cherished 3 year old granddaughter. The loss is immeasurable. Anyone who knows my dad knows that he is a gentle giant a man of incredible kindness, love and faith. Ive often said he is simply the best man I know, she wrote. He was a hero on Friday, but to me, hes always been my hero. Ukraine sent drones towards Moscow for the third consecutive night, closing airports, Russian authorities said late on Tuesday. Rosaviatsiya, the air transport watchdog, said Moscows Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo and Zhukovsky airports had flights halted or restricted. Russia usually says all incoming drones were destroyed, regardless of the outcome, and typically gives limited details about the effects of Ukrainian strikes unless civilians or civilian infrastructure are hit. Over the previous two nights, Russias defence ministry said there were 35 Ukrainian drones destroyed over the Moscow region. Ukraine says its long-range drone strikes of recent months on Moscow and other Russian regions are aimed at hitting military and industrial assets, damaging Russias war economy and bringing the conflict home to Russians. Ukraine also launched several drones targeting the Budyonnovsk industrial zone in Russias Stavropol oblast, said its governor, Vladimir Vladimirov. Online reporting suggested the drones targeted a petrochemical and plastics plant, with videos showing a fire. The European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, and leaders of Nordic countries said on Tuesday that they were confident that using frozen Russian assets for Ukraines benefit would be approved by December. EU leaders last week stopped short of approving a mammoth reparations loan backed by the assets, because Belgium, where the bulk of the 200bn pot is held, fears facing any legal consequences alone. Instead, they told the European Commission to move ahead with options for funding Ukraine for two more years, leaving the door open for a 140bn reparations loan using frozen Russian assets. Its legally a sound proposal, not trivial, but a sound proposal, said von der Leyen. Russia is poised to enforce year-long military conscription, rather than just in the spring and autumn. Russian conscripts are theoretically not liable to be sent to Ukraine, but human rights groups and media reports say many have been coerced into signing contracts as volunteers for the war. The Russian parliament is in the process of approving a permanent draft. Putin has ordered the number of active troops to be increased by 180,000, to 1.5 million. He said in September that the military has over 700,000 troops fighting in Ukraine. Putin in 2022 ordered a partial mobilisation of 300,000 reservists into the war but was forced to abandon the hugely unpopular programme after protests erupted, recruiting stations were burned and many thousands of men fled to other countries. Russia has since relied on recruiting volunteers with the promise of relatively high wages and other benefits. Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukrainian and European officials would meet at the end of the week to discuss the details of a ceasefire plan, Reuters reported. It is not a plan to end the war. First of all, a ceasefire is needed, said the Ukrainian president. This is a plan to begin diplomacy Our advisers will meet in the coming days, we agreed on Friday or Saturday. They will discuss the details of this plan. Ukraine plans to begin limited exports of weapons next month, Zelenskyy said. During his meeting with a government team, Zelenskyy also ordered a continued increase in drone production and sought to ensure that domestically produced weapons and ammunition cover about 50% of the armys needs. Democrat Tim Kaine, who introduced the resolution in the Senate. Photograph: Nathan Howard/Reuters The US Senate on Tuesday approved a measure that would terminate Donald Trumps sweeping tariffs on Brazilian imports, including coffee, beef and other products, in a rare bipartisan show of opposition to the presidents trade war. The legislation passed in a 52-48 vote, with five Republicans Senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine, Rand Paul of Kentucky, Thom Tillis of North Carolina and the former Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky joining all Democrats in favor. The vote took place on day 28 of the federal government shutdown with both sides at loggerheads over spending legislation. The resolution, led by Senator Tim Kaine, a Democrat of Virginia, would overturn the national emergency that Trump has declared to justify the levies, though it is all but certain to stall in the US House, where the Republican-controlled chamber acted to pre-emptively shut down any attempt to block the presidents tariffs. In the unlikely event the measure were to reach the presidents desk, it would meet Trumps veto. Tariffs are a tax on American consumers. Tariffs are a tax on American businesses. And they are a tax that is imposed by a single person: Donald J Trump, Kaine said in a floor speech. While congressional Republicans have largely declined to rein in the president, Tuesdays vote revealed an underlying discontent with Trumps tariffs. Tariffs make both building and buying in America more expensive. The economic harms of trade wars are not the exception to history, but the rule, McConnell said in a statement on Tuesday. And no cross-eyed reading of Reagan will reveal otherwise. Paul, the sole Republican co-sponsor of the legislation, told reporters on Capitol Hill: Emergencies are like war, famine, tornado. Not liking someones tariffs is not an emergency, its an abuse of the emergency power and it is Congress abdicating their traditional role in taxes. Trump has imposed 50% tariffs on Brazil, tying them to what he has called a witch-hunt prosecution of his far-right ally, the former president, Jair Bolsonaro. In July, he declared a national emergency with respect to recent policies, practices, and actions of the Government of Brazil that he said amounts to an unusual and extraordinary threat. Bolsonaro was convicted in September and sentenced to 27 years in prison for attempting a military coup in 2022. This president has said that their prosecution of a disgraced former politician is a national emergency for the United States. How could that be? Kaine said in advance of the vote, accusing Trump of attempting an end-run around Congress. If this is a national emergency for the United States, any president of any party could say that anything is a national emergency for the United States. Kaine also noted that the US ran a trade surplus of nearly $7bn with Brazil last year. Trump has argued that the US has been exploited by foreign countries for far too long and that aggressive protectionist policies will benefit US workers and consumers. Most Senate Republicans are not yet willing to cross Trump, and on Tuesday Vice-President JD Vance visited their weekly lunch to emphasize that the administrations trade policy was very successful, according to Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri. Hawley pointed to Trumps Asia tour, which has resulted in a flurry of trade deals, including an agreed upon framework that would de-escalate tariff tensions between the US and China, the worlds two largest economies. On Monday, Brazils president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, spoke with Trump on the sidelines of a regional summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysias capital, with both leaders emerging optimistic that the two countries were on track to reach a trade deal. The president is overseas now, Hawley said. Hes pursuing trade deals. Hes getting good results. Hes bringing in a lot of revenue, and, you know, its been very successful. Related: US and China agree framework for trade deal ahead of Xi-Trump meeting Dont undermine his positions so he can get these trade deals and then a lot of these problems are resolved, Senator Ron Johnson, Republican of Wisconsin, said of Trumps expected meeting with the Chinese president, Xi Jinping, this week. The supreme court is set to consider a case challenging Trumps authority to impose broad global tariffs, brought in through an emergency economic powers act. Lower courts have found that the president does not have the legal authority to enact the levies. Some Republicans have said they are waiting for the justices decision before voting against the president. I dont see a need to do that right now, Senator Kevin Cramer, a Republican of North Dakota, told reporters. Theres a case in front of the supreme court, well see how that case plays out. The renewed push in the Senate comes on the heels of an April vote, when four Republicans sided with Democrats to back a measure that would have rolled back tariffs on Canada. However, a subsequent attempt to block Trumps Liberation Day tariffs fell short, with two supporters of the effort absent from the vote, which needed a simple majority to pass. The best public interest journalism relies on first-hand accounts from people in the know. If you have something to share on this subject, you can contact us confidentially using the following methods. Secure Messaging in the Guardian app The Guardian app has a tool to send tips about stories. Messages are end to end encrypted and concealed within the routine activity that every Guardian mobile app performs. This prevents an observer from knowing that you are communicating with us at all, let alone what is being said. If you don't already have the Guardian app, download it (iOS/Android) and go to the menu. Select Secure Messaging. SecureDrop, instant messengers, email, telephone and post If you can safely use the Tor network without being observed or monitored, you can send messages and documents to the Guardian via our SecureDrop platform. Finally, our guide at theguardian.com/tips lists several ways to contact us securely, and discusses the pros and cons of each. Port Sudan, Sudan (PANA) - After 500 days of siege, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia have taken control of the key Sudanese city of El-Fasher in Darfur, triggering widespread fear among families, and forcing thousands of civilians to flee Passengers are one step closer to flying supersonic for the first time since Concordes retirement after Nasa took its sonic thump plane for its first test flight. The X-59 took off on its maiden flight on Tuesday morning, flying in an oval racetrack pattern over Edwards Air Force Base in California before landing at the facility. Although it is capable of flying at 925mph, or 1.4 times the speed of sound, it stayed around the 240mph mark on the hour-long flight. Future tests will see it break subsonic boundaries. The plane is capable of breaking the speed of sound without producing a loud sonic boom, instead producing a muffled sonic thump. The aircraft left Palmdale Regional Airport in California shortly after 10am local time on Tuesday morning. Thousands of people followed its progress via online flight trackers. The X-59 only has one seat and is not intended as a prototype for commercial airliners, but will be used to collect data to develop a supersonic passenger aircraft. b' ' Commercial aircraft have been banned from breaking the sound barrier since 1973, after residents filed thousands of complaints in response to sonic boom tests conducted over Oklahoma City. Donald Trump this summer issued an executive order to repeal the rule. The X-59, designed by Nasa and built by Lockheed Martin, is intended as the first step to allow travellers to travel at supersonic speeds across the US. For decades, this has been restricted to military planes, and even then in rare circumstances. The sleek aircraft, which measures just under 100ft, will eventually be flown above select US communities to collect data from residents responding to the X-59s sonic thump. The experimental X-59 takes off from Palmdale Regional Airport in California - David Swanson/Reuters On Tuesdays flight, Nasa worked to gather data from the X-59s engine response, aerodynamic handling, and air data systems, according to The Aviationist. We record 60 different streams of data with over 20,000 parameters on board, said Shedrick Bessent, a Nasa engineer. Before we even take off, its reassuring to know the system has already seen more than 200 days of work. A commercial aircraft matching the X-59s speeds could, in theory, cover a distance of New York to Los Angeles in under three hours. Currently, commercial flights take around double that time. Likewise, a transatlantic flight from Washington, DC to London could be completed in around four hours, rather than seven hours. Concorde, which could travel at 1,354mph, or more than twice the speed of sound, was retired in 2003. In June, Mr Trump repealed the ban on supersonic travel over the US, declaring advancements in noise reduction made flights safe, sustainable, and commercially viable. For more than 50 years, outdated and overly restrictive regulations have grounded the promise of supersonic flight over land, stifling American ingenuity... and ceding leadership to foreign adversaries, the US president said. Santander has urged the Government to step in over proposals that will see lenders pay out billions of pounds to consumers unfairly sold a car loan. It raises the bar among motor finance lenders after others raised concerns about the Financial Conduct Authoritys (FCA) plans for compensation. Here, the PA news agency looks at what banks have said about the proposed scheme and what could happen next. What is the motor finance compensation scheme? The FCA has set out proposals for an industry-wide scheme to compensate motorists who were unfairly sold a car loan between 2007 and 2024. The regulator believes around 14 million deals are eligible for compensation, with people estimated to get an average of 700 per agreement. This is because many customers were not properly informed about commission paid to brokers, including car dealers, and so were unable to negotiate the best deal on their loan. Why is Santander challenging it? Santanders UK chief executive said adjusting the FCAs proposals ought to be an active consideration for the UK Government. He warned that the scheme in its current form could significantly impact jobs, growth and the broader UK economy and risks causing significant detriment to the consumer. This is because of concerns that the payouts will have an impact on the supply of credit to consumers who need a loan on their car. It marks some of the strongest criticism of the watchdogs plans and directly calls on the Government to intervene before it goes ahead. What have other car finance lenders said? Santanders views build on those of other car finance lenders who have expressed concerns and said they would challenge the regulator. Lloyds, which is a major motor finance lender through its firm Black Horse, said it does not think the FCAs calculations reflect the amount lost by customers. Lloyds said customers could end up getting more than 100% of the commission back. Close Brothers, another prominent player in the industry, said it does not believe the FCAs methodology appropriately reflects actual customer loss or achieves a proportionate outcome. Under the FCAs plans, consumers will be compensated the average of what it estimates they overpaid, and the commission paid, plus interest. How has the FCA responded? The watchdog says said its free scheme is the quickest and simplest way for consumers to access compensation and for lenders to administer payouts. Alternatives would cost more and take longer, a spokesman said. Its vital we draw a line under the issue so a trusted motor finance market can continue to serve millions of families every year. Alex Neill, co-founder of consumer rights group Consumer Voice, said compensation for millions of motorists is long overdue. We urge everyone who has had car finance since 2007 to check if theyre affected and to make a free complaint, she said. What could happen next? Despite raising concerns, the lenders have stressed they are committed to getting a fair outcome for consumers and compensating those who lost out. But they are challenging the watchdogs way of assessing who was missold and how much they get back. Lloyds said it would make representations to the FCA and that it was hoping to have a constructive dialogue about the proposals. It refused to say whether it could proceed with a potential legal challenge. Earlier this month, The Times reported that car maker BMW was seeking a meeting with the Treasury to discuss its concerns. Greg Huitson-Little, a partner at business advisory firm Menzies, said it was anticipating some changes to the FCAs proposals following industry consultation, and some pushback from the banks as they seek to limit the amounts theyll need to pay. Wholesale changes to the FCAs framework would seem unlikely but expect some fine tuning, he said. The FCA said it welcomes considered feedback to its proposals. The scheme is expected to launch early next year. A migrant sex offender who was mistakenly released from prison claims that he tried to hand himself in to police. Appearing on Sky News on Wednesday (29 October), Hadush Kebatu, who was wrongly freed from HMS Chelmsford last Friday, said that he tried to hand himself in the morning after he was released, but he was ignored. The error triggered a two-day manhunt, which ended when he was re-arrested in London on Sunday. Kebatu, who was forcibly sent back to Ethiopia on Tuesday night, claimed he told officers: I will give you my hand. Please help me, where is the police station? Take me, I am wanted. Sky News said the Metropolitan Police stated it was not aware of any evidence that would support Kebatus claims. It added that his actions on the morning of his re-arrest were more like those of someone trying to avoid officers, not trying to hand himself in. A discovery on an Australian beach has unearthed a poignant connection to the First World War. Messages in a bottle, penned by two soldiers en route to the French battlefields, were found more than a century after they were cast into the sea. The find was made by the Brown family on 9 October. While on one of their regular quad bike expeditions to clear rubbish from Wharton Beach, near Esperance in Western Australia, Peter and his daughter Felicity spotted a Schweppes-brand bottle just above the waterline. We do a lot of cleaning up on our beaches and so would never go past a piece of rubbish. So this little bottle was lying there waiting to be picked up, Deb Brown said. Inside the clear, thick glass, cheerful letters, dated 15 August 15 1916, were found. They were written in pencil by Privates Malcolm Neville, 27, and William Harley, 37. The Brown family found a Schweppes-brand bottle on Wharton Beach (Deb Brown) Their troop ship, HMAT A70 Ballarat, had left the South Australia state capital, Adelaide, to the east on 12 August of that year on the long journey to the other side of the world, where its soldiers would reinforce the 48th Australian Infantry Battalion on Europes Western Front. Mr Neville was killed in action a year later. Mr Harley was wounded twice but survived the war, dying in Adelaide in 1934 of cancer; his family says it was caused by him being gassed by the Germans in the trenches. Mr Neville requested the bottle's finder deliver his letter to his mother, Robertina Neville, at Wilkawatt, now a virtual ghost town in South Australia. Mr Harley, whose mother was dead by 1916, was happy for the finder to keep his note. Mr Harley wrote, may the finder be as well as we are at present. Mr Neville wrote that he was Somewhere at Sea (Deb Brown) Mr Neville wrote to his mother that he was having a real good time, food is real good so far, with the exception of one meal, which we buried at sea. The ship was heaving and rolling, but we are as happy as Larry, Mr Neville wrote. He wrote that he and his comrades were Somewhere at Sea. Mr Harley wrote that they were Somewhere in the Bight, referring to the Great Australian Bight. That is an enormous open bay that begins east of Adelaide and extends to Esperance on the western edge. Deb Brown suspects the bottle did not travel far. It likely spent more than a century ashore, buried in the sand dunes. Extensive erosion of the dunes caused by huge swells along Wharton Beach in recent months probably dislodged it. The paper was wet, but the writing remained legible. Because of that, Deb Brown was able to notify both soldiers relatives of the find. The paper was wet, but the writing was still legible (Deb Brown) (The bottle is) is in pristine condition. It doesnt have any growth of any barnacles on it. I believe that if it had been at sea or if it had been exposed for that long, the paper wouldve disintegrated from the sun. We wouldnt have been able to read it, she said. Mr Harley's granddaughter, Ann Turner, said her family was absolutely stunned by the find. We just cant believe it. It really does feel like a miracle and we do very much feel like our grandfather has reached out for us from the grave, Turner told Australian Broadcasting Corp. Mr Nevilles great nephew, Herbie Neville, said his family had been brought together by the unbelievable discovery. It sounds as though he was pretty happy to go to the war. Its just so sad what happened. Its so sad that he lost his life, Herbie Neville said. Wow. What a man he was. Adrian Daulby, 53, was pronounced dead at the scene of the attack on Oct 2 - PA Wire A Jewish worshipper killed in the Manchester synagogue terror attack died from a single police bullet, a coroner has heard. Adrian Daulby, 53, was shot in the chest by armed officers as they fired at Jihad al-Shamie earlier this month, Manchester coroners court was told on Wednesday. The Islamist terrorist was shot dead by police after he attacked the Heaton Park synagogue on Yom Kippur, killing one and injuring three others. Mr Daulby had leapt from his seat in the synagogue to help block its three front doors and prevent al-Shamie, 35, gaining entry. He was hit by the police bullet and pronounced dead at the scene at 10.15am, Ch Supt Lewis Hughes of Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said. On arrival at the synagogue, officers discharged several rounds at the suspected terrorist Jihad al-Shamie as he ran towards them aggressively while carrying a knife and wearing what presented as a suicide vest, Mr Hughes added. A single bullet penetrated the synagogue doors and fatally struck Mr Daulby in the chest. He was actively holding the main synagogue doors shut for approximately two minutes as the offender attempted to force entry. Jihad al-Shamie, 35, killed one and injured three others while attempting to storm the synagogue Mr Daulbys family said his final act was one of profound courage in a statement following the attack. Melvin Cravitz, 66, who was working as a volunteer security guard at the shul, died from several stab wounds inflicted by al-Shamie, the coroner heard. Mr Cravitz was stabbed by the Syrian-born British citizen after he drove his Kia Picanto at the synagogues metal gates at 9.30am. The offender exited the vehicle armed with a knife and immediately made stabbing motions to Mr Cravitzs upper torso, head and neck area, Mr Hughes said. Members of the public and the Community Security Trust, a Jewish security charity, administered first aid to Mr Cravitz and attempted resuscitation before he was taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary, where he was pronounced dead at 10.45am, the coroner heard. b' ' Judge Alexia Durran, the chief coroner of England and Wales, presiding over the hearing, said her provisional findings were that Mr Cravitz died of stab wounds and Mr Daulby was killed by the gunshot wound. The hearing, which lasted around 45 minutes, was then adjourned until a pre-inquest review on February 18 next year. Al-Shamie also wounded security guards Bernard Agyemang and Andrew Franks and worshipper Yoni Finlay, 39, was injured by a police bullet during the attack on Oct 2. The terrorist, who is reported to have had three wives, phoned police to claim responsibility for the atrocity and pledge allegiance to Islamic State. He was accused of rape by two different women, first in December 2024 and again in September this year, according to GMP. Two more women have since made allegations of rape against al-Shamie, including one of his wives and another woman who claimed he had groomed her after they met on a Muslim dating app. Elizabeth Davis, a white Muslim convert who married him in 2024, said he raped her during their marriage and complained that her adult children from previous relationships were too Westernised. Al-Shamies neighbours said they reported members of the family to GMP in 2021 following concerns that they were being radicalised. A former neighbour said al-Shamie had tried to preach the Koran to two Afghan children she had fostered. GMP has denied that the terrorist was known to counter-terror police or the security services. Jihad al-Shamie was shot dead by armed officers from Greater Manchester Police - Peter Byrne/PA Wire Masjid Sunnah Nelson, the mosque where he worshipped, has been reported to police after The Telegraph revealed its imam had made a series of anti-Semitic and anti-Israel remarks in sermons. These included labelling Jews treacherous and calling Israel a murderous Zionist regime. Labour Against Anti-Semitism, a campaign group, said the remarks had incited racial hatred. The imam has not commented and the mosque has denied playing a part in al-Shamies radicalisation, going on to condemn the terror attack. A hoax bomb call was made to a synagogue in Leeds just days after al-Shamies Manchester attack, a court also heard on Wednesday. Markel Ible, 32, intended to sow panic and fear when he called Sinai Synagogue in Roundhay on Oct 6, claiming to have planted a bomb there set to go off the following day. He was jailed for 10 months at Leeds Crown Court after pleading guilty. Ann Graham, the senior crown prosecutor for Yorkshire and Humberside, said the timing of the offence in the wake of the Manchester attack made it all the more disturbing. Supporters display posters backing the nurses case outside the tribunal in Newcastle - Iain Masterton/Alamy Live News An executive at an NHS hospital where a transgender nurse was allowed to use a female changing room warned the policy was politically correct nonsense, it has been claimed. Noel Scanlon, then the executive director of nursing at the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, also said it was wrong that nurses opposed to the policy had to use alternative facilities. Eight nurses are bringing a claim against the NHS for permitting Rose Henderson, who was born male but identifies as a woman, to use a womens changing room at Darlington Memorial Hospital. An employment tribunal in Newcastle has heard allegations that Henderson, who was bearded, intimidated female colleagues and repeatedly asked one if she was going to get changed. On Wednesday, the tribunal was told that in May last year Mr Scanlon sent an email, which said allowing Henderson who has not legally changed gender to use female-only facilities was politically correct nonsense. This strikes me as entirely self-inflicted politically correct nonsense, which will end up in the tabloids, the email read. If the individual is not respectful of his/her/their female colleagues, then I think we do need to take management action as opposed to asking the majority of the female staff to make alternative changing arrangements, which I believe is the advice Tracey and Andrea have given based upon our current policies. The recipient of the email, Andrew Thacker, the director of workforce and organisational development at the trust, did not reply to it, the tribunal heard. Mr Scanlon retired later that year and no longer works for the trust. The nurses filed their tribunal case five days after the email was sent. Five of the nurses involved in the case, from left, Annice Grundy, Lisa Lockey, Karen Danson, Bethany Hutchison, and Tracey Hooper - Owen Humphreys/PA Wire Tracy Atkinson, head of workforce and organisation development at the trust, said in a witness statement on Wednesday that the trust had attempted to sensitively balance the needs of Henderson and the other nurses. The workforce team who have been responding to the concerns have done so with the best intentions throughout and have at all times sought to sensitively balance the interests of all the individuals concerned, and to do so in accordance with the trusts legal obligations and its values, she said. On Tuesday, Mr Thacker was asked by Niazi Fetto KC, the nurses lawyer, whether female nurses sharing a changing room with a larger biological male might find the situation aggravating. For me, it would depend on whether or not [Henderson] was threatening in any way toward the female employees, and thats not my understanding of the situation, he said. I have got no reason to believe that Rose being Rose and presenting the way that Rose is, is any different to having anybody larger than any individual in the changing room. The nurses have filed the claim against the trust on the grounds of sexual harassment, discrimination, victimisation and breaches of the right to a private life, under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The nurses outside the tribunal with some of their supporters - Iain Masterton/Alamy Live News The tribunal has heard that nurses started to raise concerns about Henderson using the changing rooms in September 2023. In March last year, 26 nurses signed a letter to the trusts HR department raising their concerns. Henderson then lodged a formal grievance in response to the letter. The nurses have since used a temporary changing room. The trusts trans-inclusive transitioning in the workplace policy, which allowed Henderson to use the changing room, was withdrawn following the Supreme Courts ruling on sex in April. The tribunal continues. Axel Rudakubana was 17 when he murdered three young girls at a dance class, prompting protests and riots - Elizabeth Cook/PA The Southport killer ranted to social services about the Taliban, an inquiry heard. Axel Rudakubana spoke about the Islamist terror group to two social workers from Lancashire county council in 2021, three years before he murdered three children. After the meeting at Rudakubanas family home, one of the social workers speculated that the teenager was at risk of becoming a Left-wing extremist. Rudakubana killed three young girls and attempted to kill 10 other people at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in the Lancs town on 29 July last year. The Southport Inquiry, sitting at Liverpool Town Hall, is examining whether the attack could have been prevented. It heard evidence this week from Louise Lewis, a family support worker for the councils Child and Family Wellbeing Service. Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, Bebe King, six and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, were all murdered by Rudakubana, who attempted to kill 10 other people - Merseyside Police The hearing was shown an assessment Ms Lewis wrote after visiting Rudakubana with her line manager, dated Nov 1 2021. Ms Lewis wrote: There have also been concerns in relation to Axels extreme thoughts around what is going on in the world and politics which could put Axel at risk of being involved in Left-wing extremist behaviours and his thoughts being said in the wrong environment may make him vulnerable. Vocal about politics Ms Lewis and Sharon Barrett, her supervisor, visited Rudakubanas family home in Banks, Lancs, on Oct 4 2021. Rudakubana was said to become vocal about politics, the American government and the Taliban. Ms Lewis told the inquiry she could not remember how the Taliban had come up in conversation. Nicholas Moss KC, counsel to the inquiry, asked: Were you using Left-wing extremist to refer to the Taliban or is that something different? Ms Lewis replied: I cant remember. The inquiry heard that on Oct 12 2021 an email was sent to staff at Lancashire county council giving an update on proscribed terrorist groups. Ms Barrett forwarded it to Ms Lewis with the note: I think we need to look at this with Axels parents. Ms Lewis said she had no recollection of that email. The inquiry was shown an email from Ms Barrett to Deb Cardwell, supervisor for the Targeted Youth Support team, sent on Oct 14 2021 which said: There are some concerns about how extreme some of Axels views are and the risk that this could pose so may also need to refer to Prevent. Ms Lewis could not remember why Rudakubana was not referred to Prevent, the Government anti-radicalisation programme, or why information from the meeting on Oct 4 had not been shared with other agencies. In her note of the home visit, she also recorded that Rudakubana spoke about not attending school. She wrote: When asked why, he wouldnt share, only saying: Not until Alphonse does what Ive asked him. When Alphonse Rudakubana, the teenagers father, was asked to explain, Rudakubana told his father: You dont need to tell them, you dont have my permission. The note stated: It was clear Alphonse wanted to share this, however mum also didnt want him to say anything, saying eh, eh, eh, waving her arms and indicating a zip action across her mouth. Ms Lewis told the inquiry this was nothing out of the ordinary, as families could often be unforthcoming. Elsie Dot Stancombes funeral was held in Birkdale on Aug 23 2024 - Christopher Furlong/Getty Ms Lewis and Ms Barrett spoke to Rudakubana about the consequences of his truancy from school, warning him that his parents could be fined. Ms Lewiss note recorded that Rudakubana didnt seem bothered and told the social workers that he makes his own money via the internet. When he was asked to share what he was doing to make money, Rudakubana refused, saying you dont need to know and then added: Its fine, its not illegal. Ms Lewis recorded that Rudakubana spoke about what was going on politically in the world but came across as one-sided. She noted: [Rudakubana] didnt seem to understand that his opinions and thoughts may cause upset to other people. She told the inquiry she could no longer remember what these opinions were. Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, Bebe King, six and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, were murdered by Rudakubana, at the dance studio on Hart Street, Southport. Line manager gives evidence On Wednesday, Ms Barrett told the inquiry Rudakubana had spoken about politics when she visited his home with Ms Lewis. Ms Barrett said: He was very sporadic in what he was saying but he was talking about why different governments dont get punished for things when certain governments do, how governments work, why do certain governments affiliate with other countries, why do people have a really bad vision of the Taliban when there are other governments, like the American government, who go into countries and can hurt people. He was basically talking about lots of different policies and procedures around what the governments were doing within England. There were all sorts of things coming out but it was very, sort of, scattergun and sporadic in what he was saying. Rudakbuana carried out his attack with a kitchen knife he bought online - James Speakman/PA Ms Barrett said Rudakubana was not being extremist but was asking questions. Mr Moss asked: He was showing no criticism of the Taliban and comparing them to the situation of the US and saying it was unfair? Ms Barrett said: I would say it was more questioning at that point. The inquiry has heard Rudakubana was referred to the Governments ant-terror programme Prevent on three occasions, with the cases closed every time, but was not referred following this discussion. Terror groups email Ms Barrett was asked if the email she had sent to Ms Lewis about the proscription of terror groups had arisen following the home visit, but said it was based on Rudakubanas history. She was also asked about an email she sent to a manager from the Targeted Youth Service on Oct 14 2021 in which she said: There are some concerns about how extreme some of Axels views are and the risk that this could pose so we may also need to refer to Prevent. Ms Barrett said she was making sure those who would be working with Rudakubana were aware of how not extremist, but extreme some of his views were and how that might be a risk factor in future work. Mr Moss said: Isnt the reality that the simple position is this is information that should have been shared with the counter-terrorism police. It could have been a useful piece of the jigsaw? Ms Barrett said: It could have. Mr Moss added: And as the supervisor it was your duty to ensure that it happened? She replied: Yeah. The inquiry was adjourned until Monday. Areece Lloyd-Hall killed Harry Pitman with a dagger A teenager suffering from cannabis-induced psychosis has been found guilty of the murder of 16-year-old Harry Pitman, who was stabbed to death on New Years Eve. Areece Lloyd-Hall, now aged 18, attacked the boy in front of revellers who had gathered on Primrose Hill in London to watch fireworks on December 31, 2023. Jurors were told Lloyd-Hall was suffering from cannabis-induced paranoia and may have suffered post-traumatic stress disorder triggered by witnessing the aftermath of a previous stabbing and the loss of a friend to knife crime in June 2023. Lloyd-Hall lunged at Harry with a pointed dagger, metres from where uniformed police officers were stationed. In shocking mobile phone footage played in court, a knife sheath is seen flying through the air during the fast-paced incident. Harry held his neck, his white T-shirt covered in blood, as he pushed through crowds calling to officers for help. He collapsed and died minutes later, shortly before midnight. Harry Pitman had gone to Primrose Hill with a group of friends to celebrate the start of 2024 - PA Wire Lloyd-Hall, who was a 16-year-old student at the time, claimed he thought he had only hit him with the sheath in an attempt to get Harry away from him. He said he ran off without realising what had happened because he was holding a knife and knew there were police officers nearby. Carrying a knife just in case After a retrial at the Old Bailey, Lloyd-Hall, from Westminster, was found guilty of murder by a majority of 11 to one after a jury deliberated for nearly eight hours. At a trial in October last year, a jury found Lloyd-Hall guilty of possession of an offensive weapon but failed to agree on other charges, it can now be reported. Prosecutors in his original trial told jurors that this was not the Middle Ages and Londoners were not permitted to carry a sword, knife, or dagger just in case. The knife recovered from the scene Giving evidence, the defendant told the court his older brother was stabbed when he was aged five or six, and he had attended counselling sessions for anxiety during his childhood. Members of Harrys family gasped in court as Lloyd-Hall received his conviction. At his retrial, Jocelyn Ledward KC, prosecuting, had described how revelry turned to tragedy in the blink of an eye on New Years Eve 2023. Strangers to each other Harry and Lloyd-Hall were strangers to each other and had gone to watch the fireworks with different groups of friends. The fatal incident appeared to have been sparked by a scuffle between Harry and one of the defendants friends shortly after 11.30pm. While playfighting, Harry lost his balance while seeing how high he could kick and bumped into a boy standing behind him. In return, Harry was shoved and slapped on the back of the head, causing him to say: Dont touch me, because I didnt touch you. Lloyd-Hall pushed his way towards Harry, holding his trousers and repeatedly saying what. Lloyd-Hall as soon on bodycam at his arrest In mobile phone footage, a girl says mindi, the Somalian word for knife, as the defendant produces a blade from his waistband. Harry can be seen swinging a punch before Lloyd-Hall swings the knife upwards in an arc and down onto Harrys neck. Police body-worn camera footage shows Harry moving through the crowd, seeking help before he collapsed. After a media appeal, Lloyd-Hall went to Hammersmith police station with his father on January 4 2024. The court was told the defendant had no previous convictions and had been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Boeing (BA) posted a third quarter revenue beat and an improving cash-flow burn rate before the bell on Wednesday, as CEO Kelly Ortberg's turnaround of the troubled aviation giant rolled on. The planemaker reported Q3 revenue of $23.27 billion compared with the $22.29 billion expected, per Bloomberg consensus higher than last quarter's $21.68 billion and a 30% jump compared with a year ago. It posted an adjusted loss per share (core loss per share) of $7.47 versus the $4.92 estimated, but that was attributed to a one-time charge related to the program for Boeing's latest wide-body jet, the 777X. Boeing's adjusted free cash flow came in at negative $238 million, compared to the negative $884.1 million estimated, a major improvement for the company. A year ago, Boeing reported a staggering net loss of $6.17 billion and negative free cash flow of $1.34 billion. Operating cash flow also improved, coming in at $1.12 billion in Q3 vs. estimates of negative $197 million. Boeing stock wavered in premarket trading and opened down around 2% in early trade. "With a sustained focus on safety and quality, we achieved important milestones in our recovery as we generated positive free cash flow in the quarter," Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg said in a statement. Boeing's 777X remains behind schedule and has not yet been certified by regulators, leading to the company taking a $4.9 billion charge due to the delay. That contributed to its core loss per share this quarter, it said. "It's obviously a disappointment, but we just need more time to complete the certification," Ortberg said during the earnings call. Earlier this month, Boeing announced Q3 commercial deliveries hit 160 jets versus the 150 delivered last quarter and 116 delivered in the same quarter a year ago. Of Q3 deliveries, 121 were 737 Max jets (compared to 92 delivered a year ago), 24 were 787 jets (14 last year), nine were 777s (four last year), and six were 767s (six last year). Selling like hotcakes? A Boeing 737 MAX aircraft is assembled at the company's plant in Renton, Wash., on June 25, 2024. (Jennifer Buchanan/Pool via Reuters/File Photo) (via REUTERS / Reuters) Read more: Best travel rewards credit cards for 2025 As for cranking up sales of its bestselling 737 Max, the FAA recently approved Boeing to raise its 737 Max production rate from 38 to 42 aircraft per month after the plane maker met certain milestones for manufacturing and safety. Boeing noted in its Q3 release that 737 Max production has stabilized at 38 planes per month but has not yet reached the 42 planes per month rate. Ortberg's longer-term goal for 737 Max production is 47 planes per month. Ortberg said on the call that he sees certification of the 737 Max 7 and Max 9 derivatives occuring sometime in 2026. One hiccup in Boeing's future performance could be its defense business. Boeing defense workers at its plant in St. Louis rejected the company's latest contract proposal on Sunday, sending the strike into its 13th week. International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 said Boeing failed to meet the demands of the nearly 3,200 union members on strike. As for future commercial deliveries, Boeing snagged a number of big deals in Q3 with Norwegian Group, Turkish Airlines, WestJet, and Korean Air, among others. Boeing's main rival, Airbus (AIR.PA), surpassed Boeing in global deliveries in 2019, right before the pandemic, and has kept its crown ever since. Though the company did reaffirm its forecast for the year, engine supply issues are headwinds for the France-based company. StockStory aims to help individual investors beat the market. Pras Subramanian is the Lead Transportation Reporter for Yahoo Finance. You can follow him on X and on Instagram. For the latest earnings reports and analysis, earnings whispers and expectations, and company earnings news, click here Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance For generations, UFO enthusiasts have longed for claims of aliens visiting Earth to be seriously investigated by scientists. Now they are getting their wish. This month prominent peer-reviewed journals have published two papers that link apparent flashes of light seen by a telescope 70 years ago to potential artificial objects in space. But there are many simpler explanations, providing an opportunity for UFO enthusiasts to see how extraordinary claims are testedand often undoneby ordinary science. I think there are many in the UFO community who really want to know whats going on, says Adam Frank, an astrophysicist at the University of Rochester, who has written frequently about the prospects of alien life. I think it is worthwhile for us to have these open, transparent investigations. This is a great way to show people how science works. Beatriz Villarroel, an astronomer and theoretical physicist at the Nordic Institute for Theoretical Physics in Sweden, is the driving force behind both papers. The first was published in the Nature journal Scientific Reports on October 20, after a six-month peer review process, and the second was published in the Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific on October 17, after a shorter review process. Both concern data gathered at the Palomar Observatory in California from 1949 to 1958 for a project called the Palomar Sky Survey, which was one of the first detailed astronomical surveys of the sky. [Sign up for Today in Science, a free daily newsletter] About 2,000 photographic plates were used as part of the survey. Each was a glass sheet coated in an emulsion, or a layer of chemicals, that reacted to incoming light, mostly from stars across the sky. This was the main method of recording astronomical images before the advent of digital cameras. Each photographic plate was the size of a vinyl record cover and was physically lifted into and removed from the telescope that conducted the survey, the 1.2-meter Palomar Schmidt telescope, later renamed the Samuel Oschin Telescope. The plates were digitized in the 1990s and 2000s. Villarroel and her team used the digitized scans to study the night sky as it was before the 1957 launch of the first artificial satellite, the Soviet Unions Sputnik 1, to eliminate the possibility of seeing space-based interference from human activity. They used image processing software to look for transientsshort-lived celestial events, such as stars flaring in brightness or fading from view, that are often associated with extreme astrophysics. Under the auspices of Villarroels Vanishing & Appearing Sources during a Century of Observations (VASCO) project, they identified more than 107,000 transients. In principle, besides fluctuating stars transients can be associated with other things, too, such as extreme space weather events impinging on the upper atmosphere, sunlight glinting off reflective objects near Earth, as well as flaws in the telescope or the imaging process. Among the events that the researchers identified, they noted several examples where multiple transients appeared aligned in a straight line across a single photographic plate, a configuration that Villarroel argues is unlikely to occur by any known natural phenomenon. (Other experts, such as Princeton University astrophysicist Robert Lupton, say that finding several such patterns in thousands of star-spangled plates could easily be mere coincidence.) In the Scientific Reports paper, Villarroel and Stephen Bruehl, a Vanderbilt University Medical Center anesthesiologist with an interest in UFOs, found that many of the transients occurred on or near dates of nuclear testing, with multiple nuclear test sites known to be near the Palomar Observatory at the time. They wrote that transients appeared to be 45 percent more likely on dates within 24 hours of a nuclear test. On days when there was no nuclear test, you saw transients on 11 percent of those days, says Bruehl, the papers lead author. On the day after a nuclear test, you saw transients on almost 19 percent of those days. From the 2,718 days of observations made by the Palomar Sky Survey, Villarroels team identified transients occurring on 310 days, with the most being 4,528 transients in one day. In their paper, Bruehl and Villarroel linked these transients to global reports of UFO sightings and found a small association, with transients being identified on the same day as a UFO, or UAP (unidentified anomalous phenomenon), sighting. They claimed an 8.5 percent increase in the number of transients identified on days with UAP reports and suggested this might mean the two were linked, referencing a well-known strand of UAP lore suggesting that nuclear weapons may attract UAP to observe the events. The link to nuclear weapons can be simpler, says Michael Wiescher, a nuclear astrophysicist at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. Nuclear tests obviously have an impact on the atmosphere, he says. For example, the first telecommunications satellite, NASAs Telstar 1, was knocked out by an electromagnetic pulse from the American high-altitude nuclear test Starfish Prime in November 1962. Nuclear tests can also leave a lot of junk in the outer atmosphere, Wiescher says, such as bits of metal and radioactive dust, that could appear briefly as starlike bursts of radiance to a telescope. In their Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific paper, Villarroel and her team suggested that the number of transients dropped by about 30 percent in regions of the overhead sky that would have fallen within Earths umbral shadow, directly in line with the sun. This pattern could be explained if the transients were caused by sunlight-reflecting objects that were orbiting Earth, they wrote. It looks like we are dealing with something that looks pretty artificial in a time when there shouldnt be anything there, Villarroel says. Each photographic plate took a 50-minute exposure of the sky, leading Villarroel to suggest that these putative objects were stationary in space, possibly in geostationary orbit some 22,000 miles (35,000 kilometers) above Earth. Bright objects in lower orbitsor other less sensational possibilities such as meteorswould have left a streak instead of a starlike dot of light, she says. Frank says that the two papers are a chance for scientists to have something tangible to scrutinize regarding UFOs. Often, he says, evidence has been little more than fuzzy blob photos or hearsay. Whats interesting about these two papers is: they played by the rules by which science can evaluate evidence, he adds, referencing Carl Sagans famous adage that extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. Whether there is extraordinary evidence here is up for some debate. The papers were not accepted by arXiv.org, an online preprint server where nonpaywalled scientific papers are often uploaded, with the website noting to Villarroel that the Scientific Reports paper in particular does not contain sufficient or substantive scholarly research. There are also a host of simpler explanations for Villaroels transientswhich have drawn previous scrutiny from skeptical astronomersthat dont require the extraordinary claim of UFOs. Sean Kirkpatrick, who was head of the Pentagons UFO-investigating All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) from July 2022 to December 2023, says he thinks the link to nuclear testing and Earths shadow is key. Taken together, that tells me that these transients have both a solar and nuclear overlap, he says. The first thing that comes to mind is solar flare radiation or ionized particle radiation from nuclear testing, split-second bursts of light in the upper atmosphere that would manifest as a point source rather than a streak. Another possible explanation is high-altitude balloons, which were used to do nuclear monitoring. Youre going to have a lot of those around nuclear testing, and so if people see them, a lot of people are going to report them, he says. Kirkpatrick says Villarroel and her team could use todays geostationary satellites to see if they could reproduce the transients seen by Palomar, building a replica photographic plate and determining if it produces similar transients from known orbiting objects. What they have not done is prove this technique works on todays geostationary objects, he says. If it does, that could open the avenue to other non-UAP explanations to explore, such as pieces of sunlight-catching ice or rock lingering in trapped orbits far above Earth. There are things that get captured up there and just kind of float around, Kirkpatrick says. There are astronomical explanations, too, Lupton says, because things go bang and vary all over the place. He points to the example of gamma-ray bursts, extremely bright cosmic explosions that were discovered serendipitously by nuclear-monitoring satellites in the 1960s. We were trying to see if the Russians were [secretly] blowing up nuclear weapons, and it turned out to be stars destroying themselves on the other side of the universe, he says. The Vera C. Rubin Telescope in Chile is expected to find millions of transients from supernovaeexploding starsalone, among many other types of transients, when it begins a 10-year survey of the sky later this year. The most prosaic explanation is that Villarroels transients are simply artifacts in the photographic plates such as speckles of dust, blobs in the emulsion or even radioactive particles. Nigel Hambly, an astronomer at the University of Edinburgh, who has previously analyzed Villarroels work and who has extensive experience with photographic plates from Palomar and other observatories, says one way to check would be to study the original plates themselves rather than using digital copies. Ive been caught out many times by apparently real things turning up in my data, he says, especially when working with plates that werent stored in pristine conditions. When you actually physically examine the plates under a microscope, you begin to get a feeling for whats real and whats spurious, he says. Theres no shame in being wrong. Eliot Gillum, director of optical SETI (search for extraterrestrial intelligence) at the SETI Institute in California, says that whatever the transients really are, it will be interesting to apply the scientific process to them. Its wonderful to take a set of phenomena we dont understand and study them, he says. He adds that Villarroel and her team could test their same methodology on other photographic plate archives to see if the transients show up elsewhere. There are plenty of other sets of digitized plates, Gillum says. Its quite possible that there are multiple causes here. It would be great to figure them out. He says that another possibility could be meteors that flew straight down into the telescopes view rather than across it; that would make the objects appear as dots of light instead of streaks. Villarroel says that she welcomes alternative ideas for what these transients might be. Even if this turns out to be some new physical phenomenon, thats super exciting, she says. That would mean we have discovered something new that nobody knew existed. If that does turn out to be the case, there are plenty of other searches for extraterrestrialssuch as NASAs upcoming Habitable Worlds Observatorythat can whet the appetite of those longing for signs of life elsewhere in the cosmos. Its one of the most important scientific questions that we have, Frank says. The great thing is: we now finally have the capacity to start answering this. Port Sudan, Sudan (PANA) - The Sudanese government on Tuesday expelled two top officials from the UNs World Food Programme (WFP) in the troubled country, declaring them personae non grata amid tensions over reports of widespread hunger, the local media reported (Corrects 2nd subhead and paragraphs 14 and 15 to show that the Teacher Retirement System of Texas has not yet disclosed how it will vote at Tesla, instead of saying that the TRS had supported the CEO compensation.) By Ross Kerber (Reuters) - Tesla critics hope to block the stratospheric compensation proposed for CEO Elon Musk but face an uphill fight. Investors in the electric vehicle maker will decide on November 6 whether to approve the pay package that is potentially worth $1 trillion - likely the largest-ever CEO compensation agreement. Tesla's board is pushing for shareholders to approve the plan, with Chair Robyn Denholm warning on Monday that Musk could leave if the deal is rejected. Meanwhile, longtime skeptics of the company's corporate governance, including Democratic U.S. state leaders and union officials, have launched a campaign to vote down the offer. Several have tried and failed to block earlier record payouts to Musk, including his $56 billion compensation plan for 2018 that investors reapproved last year amid legal challenges that remain. The critics hope the results this time will be different, and also aim to reject all three Tesla directors who are up for reelection. "The idea that another massive equity award will somehow refocus a man who is distracted is both illogical and contrary to the evidence," Democratic New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, a frequent doubter of Musk, said on Monday. DiNapoli controls the vote of 3.3 million shares in Tesla through the state's pension retirement system, or 0.1% of the company. "This is not pay for performance. It is pay for unchecked power," he said. He and others also worry that the deal would consolidate Musk's control of the automaker and revive what New York City Comptroller Brad Lander called "the era of robber barons." Lander spoke with DiNapoli on a webinar about Tesla's shareholder meeting on Monday. New York City's retirement plans held around 5 million Tesla shares as of April. "Tesla is basically asking shareholders to relinquish having a meaningful voice in the company," said Tejal Patel, executive director of the union-affiliated SOC Investment Group. It advises union pension plans that it said together hold fewer than 1% of the EV maker. Although top proxy advisers recommend voting against the pay, even Tesla skeptics say they face a tough battle as U.S. Republican politicians shift power from investors to corporate leaders. Ann Lipton, a University of Colorado law professor, said that many investors also will want to keep Musk happy. "Asset managers that believe they may have opportunities to invest in his other ventures like xAI or SpaceX may also want to stay in his good graces," she said. A Tesla representative declined to comment for this article. POLITICAL DIVIDE OVER MUSK PAY ISSUE Two of Tesla's three largest outside investors, BlackRock and State Street, both declined to comment through their press teams. A Vanguard representative did not respond to questions. Musk's new pay plan, Item 4 on the ballot, must win a majority of shares entitled to vote on the proposal, including his own, in order to be approved. A relatively high percentage of Tesla shares are held by retail investors, who tend to back management but often do not vote. Musk has the backing of legions of fans on his social media platform X, like Alexandra Merz, a self-described "Fangirl of Elon" and "Fierce Tesla retail shareholder advocate" who posts as @TeslaBoomerMama to her 209,000 followers. Merz said via text message that she supports Musk's pay package, which she said "challenges Elon to grow Tesla's capitalization by nearly $7.5 trillion and achieve ambitious operational milestones" such as delivering robotaxis and AI robots, "ensuring that his compensation is tied to transformative value creation." To some extent, arguments about Musk's pay may divide along political lines. Democrats DiNapoli, Lander, Massachusetts Treasurer Deb Goldberg and others have come out swinging against the compensation while the largest pension fund in Florida, which is run by Republicans, has said it will support the plan. The largest plan in another Republican-led state, the Texas Teacher Retirement System, has not yet disclosed how it will vote at Tesla. Asked about its vote, an official for the Florida State Board of Administration cited a recent securities filing that states Musk's new award aligns pay with "ambitious, measurable milestones that benefit all shareowners" and contains governance safeguards. Interested in this story? You can read more of our corporate governance coverage and related topics in the Reuters Sustainable Finance Newsletter, which you can sign up for here. (Reporting by Ross Kerber in Boston; Editing by Dawn Kopecki and Matthew Lewis) Vehicles drive past an office building of Rosneft, one of Russia's major oil companies, in Moscow, Russia, October 23, 2025. REUTERS/Ramil Sitdikov By John O'Donnell and Christoph Steitz BERLIN/FRANKFURT (Reuters) -U.S. sanctions on Russian oil producer Rosneft have rekindled discussions in Germany about nationalising the company's business there, including a refinery that Berlin depends on for most of its fuel, two sources familiar with the talks told Reuters. The situation highlights the complex web linking Germany with Russia, which supplied Europe's industrial powerhouse with energy in the decades leading up to the war in Ukraine. The U.S. Treasury said on Wednesday it had issued a licence exempting Rosneft's German arm from the U.S. sanctions until April 2026. Securing a permanent exemption remains Berlin's preferred option, but German officials are also examining potentially seizing the operations and selling them to a foreign investor, the two people said. A spokesperson for the economy ministry said it had received a letter from the United States that would serve as a "temporary solution". Rosneft's German arm owns a controlling stake in the Schwedt oil refinery which supplies most of Berlin's fuel, including to its airport, petrol to pumps across eastern Germany and key ingredients to the local chemicals industry. It also has stakes in the MiRo and Bayernoil refineries. These assets were placed in a trusteeship giving the German government control in 2022 following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, which rocked Germany's decades-long energy ties with Russia. The trusteeship arrangement is renewed every six months but could be overturned in court because, with each renewal, the legal basis for what was supposed to be a temporary, emergency measure is examined. So far, Berlin has shied away from seizing Rosneft's local assets due to concerns about having to pay compensation to Moscow. MULTI-BILLION-DOLLAR BUSINESS Russian media have put the value of Rosneft's German assets at around $7 billion, though one of the two sources said the true value may be less than half of that.Moscow has warned Europe against any seizure of its property. German companies with factories and other investments in Russia could bear the brunt of any response from the Kremlin. Rosneft has been trying to sell the business since March 2024, to no avail. It did not respond to a request for comment on Wednesday. Michael Kellner, a Green Party lawmaker in Germany's parliament who worked in the last coalition government, overseeing Rosneft, urged the government to nationalise the business. "It is systemically important for Germany," Kellner told Reuters. "The government needs to nationalise Rosneft's business in Germany in order to have certainty over its future." Kellner said he had wanted to nationalise the business while in government and that Qatar and Kazakhstan had signaled interest in buying it in 2024. It is unclear, however, whether those countries were still interested. Germany used to buy oil directly from Russia. Rosneft in Germany now buys oil from Kazakhstan. However, Russia controls the pipeline used to deliver it. (Reporting by John O'Donnell and Christoph Steitz. Additional reporting by Holger Hansen in Berlin; Editing by Elisa Martinuzzi and Emelia Sithole-Matarise) All 43 Democratic state legislators in Florida have asked Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis to declare a state of emergency as nearly three million Floridians are set to lose their access to SNAP food assistance benefits when funding for the program expires Saturday amid the federal government shutdown. In a letter to the governor dated Oct. 28, the legislators ask him to "declare a State of Emergency on Food Insecurity to unlock state emergency resources" to make available resources that will allow various state agencies to acquire extra food and funding and to expand school meal programs until SNAP benefits are restored. "Under Section 252.36 of the Florida Statutes, the Governor has clear authority to declare a State of Emergency when 'the occurrence or threat thereof is imminent.' Hunger is both," the letter states. Scott Heins/Getty Images - PHOTO: A sign alerting customers about SNAP food stamps benefits is displayed at a Brooklyn grocery store, Dec. 5, 2019, in New York. MORE: Some Americans prepare for halt in SNAP benefits: 'Im going to have hungry kids' "For families already struggling under record food and housing costs, the loss of this critical support would be catastrophic. Local food banks and pantries have already reported overwhelming demand and depleted supplies," the letter states. "Food insecurity is also increasing for federal employees and our military families as the shutdown continues. This is not speculation; its reality." "We are days away from a full-blown hunger emergency that will leave families without food during the holiday season. The state cannot stand by," the letter further states, adding "No child should go hungry because politicians in Washington cant agree." Joe Raedle/Getty Images, FILE - PHOTO: In this May 1, 2025, file photo, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during a press conference held at the ICE-Enforcement and Removal Operation office in Miramar, Fla. An ABC News request for comment sent to the office of Gov. DeSantis did not immediately receive a response. However, when asked for a reaction to the letter during an unrelated press conference Wednesday at the University of South Florida, DeSantis responded, "Did those Democrats write a letter to Chuck Schumer asking him to stop filibustering the spending?" referring to the Democratic Senate minority leader. Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries have been at the center of an impasse with Republican leadership, Senate Majority Leader Tom Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson, since the shutdown began on Oct. 1. Nearly 42 million Americans were receiving SNAP benefits as of May 2025, the most recent data available, according to the USDA, which funds the state-administered program. Just over 2.9 million Floridians receive SNAP benefits, making Florida the fourth-highest SNAP recipient, according to the latest USDA data, after California, Texas and New York. MORE: Could halt in SNAP benefits, paychecks pressure lawmakers to strike shutdown deal? There have been thirteen failed votes in the Senate to reopen the government, with the most recent on Tuesday. Democrats have refused to vote on a short-term funding bill that doesn't address the issue of extending subsidies for the Affordable Care Act, which expire Dec. 31, and Republicans have said they will not address the issue without Democrats first voting on a bill to re-open the government. On Tuesday, 25 states and the District of Columbia sued the Trump administration over the impending loss of SNAP benefits amid the federal government shutdown, which is now the second-longest in U.S. history. Groceries including beef, milk, mushrooms, and other food products are displayed. Photo: Christina Lengyel / The Center Square (The Center Square) - An estimated 5 million Californians are at risk of losing federally-funded food benefits through CalFresh, the states version of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. The federal government shutdown, now in its 28th day, brings families who rely on CalFresh one day closer to losing what, for many, is their only source of food. Current funding for CalFresh benefits run out on Saturday, according to the Department of Social Services. Our families are going to go hungry, Assemblymember David Tangipa, R-Fresno, told The Center Square. [Democrats] are saying, Its finally worth it to let families starve, when weve got to create a cohesive plan that figures out compromise in the state because families depend on their action. Right now were getting inaction. The shutdown was exacerbated by Senate Democrats on Tuesday blocking Republican efforts to vote on a continuing resolution, which would reopen and fund the federal government, The Center Square reported. The ongoing shutdown is the second longest in U.S. history. The Center Squares Therese Boudreaux reported Tuesday that Senate Democrats in Washington, D.C. wont agree to a deal to fund and reopen the federal government without extending a pandemic-era expansion of the Obamacare Premium Tax Credit, which will expire on Dec. 31. Approximately $1.1 billion in federal money is distributed in CalFresh benefits each month to eligible Californians, according to a report from the California Department of Social Services, the department that administers the CalFresh program. The report also states that 5.5 million Californians depend on CalFresh benefits every month. The Center Square previously reported that 42 million Americans rely on SNAP benefits, formerly known as food stamps. Some funding is still available through the remaining days of October, according to the Department of Social Services website. Congressional leaders in Washington, D.C. have requested that funding for the SNAP program nationwide continue to be funded by federal emergency contingency funds, which the Department of Agriculture, which administers the SNAP program, refused to grant. The department issued a memo on Oct. 24 stating the disbursement of contingency funds for regular SNAP funding is illegal. This funding freeze and the federal shutdown threatens to erase nearly $70 million annually in local food support, and thats just in Alameda County alone, said Assemblymember Mia Bonta, D-Alameda. The federal government refusing to release the $6 billion contingency funding is incorrigible and, Im certain, illegal. No funding, no food In response to the continued shutdown, a notice was posted on the USDAs website in recent days blaming Congressional Democrats for voting against a funding package that would continue to fund the government and its programs, including SNAP. Bottom line, the well has run dry, the notice reads. They can continue to hold out for healthcare for illegal aliens and gender mutilation procedures or reopen the government so mothers, babies, and the most vulnerable among us can receive critical nutrition assistance. But California's Democrats are pushing back. California Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas criticized the Trump Administration and the Republican party in a press release issued on Oct. 23, saying that millions of Californians will lose their food benefits without Congress moving to pass a budget that will open the government back up. This is not a drill. Trumps government shutdown is literally taking food away from our kids, said Rivas, D-Salinas. But when Republicans fail to lead, Assembly Democrats will do everything in our power to help parents and seniors pay for groceries and celebrate the holidays, because its our job to fight for programs that put food on the table. Tangipa, the Republican assemblyman from Fresno, told The Center Square that he grew up in a family that relied on CalFresh benefits, which some know as EBT, or electronic benefit transfer. With their EBT card, he and his family were able to buy food. They had to ration their what they got to make it through the month. Without those types of benefits, it makes it very hard. Families are just trying to survive and eat, Tangipa told The Center Square. I was one of those kids where the first time I had consistent meals was whenever I would go back to school. When you grow up in extreme poverty like that, those are the only options you have. How the state is stepping in As the federally-funded CalFresh program faces a complete emptying of its coffers, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced California is filing a lawsuit against the federal government to ensure the state can continue to feed families in the most need. Attorneys general from 23 other states and the governors of Kansas, Kentucky and Pennsylvania also signed on to the lawsuit filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Massachusetts. In abruptly suspending SNAP, Trump and Rollins have broken the law, Bonta said during a press conference announcing the lawsuit on Tuesday. They have forced states to scramble to try to clean up the federal governments mess, and worst of all, they have left 41 million Americans unsure of where their next meal will come from. Rollins was referring to Brooke Rollins, the U.S. secretary of agriculture. Legislators are expediting efforts to mitigate the loss of food benefits in California. According to Rivas office, $80 million already allocated in this years state budget for food banks throughout the state are being fast-tracked, and National Guard troops are being deployed to food banks to assist in alleviating the crisis. Troops will be sent out in a non-law enforcement capacity, Rivas said. With the holiday season around the corner, the stakes couldnt be higher for families trying to put food on their tables, Rivas said in the press release. Trumps attack on CalFresh benefits will adversely impact children living in poverty, older adults living on fixed incomes and veterans who rely on federal support to pay for groceries. Hurricane Melissa turned its focus toward Bermuda after leaving a trail of destruction across Jamaica and Cuba, and inundating the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos. Residents in low-lying areas of Turks and Caicos were ordered to shelter in place overnight Wednesday. In Jamaica, recovery efforts were just beginning. 77% of the island remained without power, though commercial flights were expected to resume in some areas by Thursday. After surveying the hardest-hit communities, the Prime Minister called the destruction heartbreaking, but said the resilience and unity of the Jamaican people were unbroken. Melissa was on track to reach Bermuda Thursday morning, bringing damaging winds and flooding rain. Check here for Melissas full forecast, and here for the path of the storm as we track it. Read on for are our updates as we followed Melissa throughout the day Wednesday: (05:47 p.m. EDT) Where Melissa Is Going Next From meteorologist Sara Tonks: Once Hurricane Melissa moves out of the southeastern Bahamas, it will be back over open water for the first time since its devastating landfall over Jamaica on Tuesday. Overall, the region ahead of Melissa could support a small amount of strengthening overnight by Thursday morning, thanks to lower amounts of wind shear and a lack of disruptive terrain. However, Melissa will also be moving into cooler waters, so any strengthening will be moderate (likely 5 to 10 mph). The storm is still expected to pass near Bermuda late Thursday morning or early Friday as a Category 2 or strong Category 1 hurricane, and any strengthening is not likely to have a significant impact on the magnitude of threats for the archipelago. (05:29 p.m. EDT) Will Melissa Be Retired? After its catastrophic impact in Jamaica, its almost certain that the name Melissa will be retired from future hurricane name lists. The World Meteorological Organizations Hurricane Committee will meet in the spring of 2026 to decide which storm names from 2025 were too deadly or destructive to be used again, and Melissas impact seemingly makes that decision an easy one. Just like wed never reuse names like Andrew, Katrina, or Sandy, it would feel confusing and insensitive to face another Hurricane Melissa years from now. Read more on our case against another Melissa, from senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman. (05:16 p.m. EDT) The Latest On Jamaicas Major Airports From meteorologist Sara Tonks: Jamaicas Minister of Energy, Telecommunications & Transport says two of the island nations airports will reopen for commercial flights tomorrow. The first relief flight was scheduled for today. Norman Manley International Airport (Kingston) Relief Flights: 4 p.m., Oct. 29 Commercial Flights: 7 a.m., Oct. 30 Ian Fleming International Airport (Boscobel) Commercial Flights: 7 a.m., Oct. 30 Sangster International Airport (Montego Bay) Relief Flights: 10 a.m., Oct. 30 Commercial Flights: TBA (following completion of assessment) (04:59 p.m. EDT) Homes In Jamaicas Black River Torn Apart Black River, a town that sits on the islands southwestern coast, was in the direct path of Melissas strongest winds. The damage to homes in this clip is genuinely shocking. Jamaicas Prime Minister shared in a post on social media that The devastation is truly heartbreaking, yet the spirit of the people remains unbroken. The strength, resilience and determination of the people of St. Elizabeth are already shining through as they focus on recovery. (04:42 p.m. EDT) Did Climate Change Make Melissa More Powerful? Scientists say yes, absolutely. According to experts, record-breaking heat in the Atlantic fueled by climate change, helped Melissa to rapidly intensify, causing the storms wind speeds to jump an incredible 70 mph in just one day. Warmer waters also drove heavier rain and higher storm surge. Since our seas have absorbed more than 90% of the planets excess heat, each small increase makes hurricanes like Melissa even more destructive. Click here for more on how a changing climate could be making hurricane season that much more dangerous, from meteorologist Jennifer Gray. (04:25 p.m. EDT) Most Of Jamaica Is Without Power Right now, about 77% of Jamaica is without electricity. Officials say power restoration will begin in the areas that were least affected by the storm: Kingston, St. Andrew, St. Catherine and St. Thomas. If youre having difficulty reaching loved ones on the island, power outages may be the culprit. Internet provider Starlink has stepped in to help, offering free service to people in Jamaica and the Bahamas who were impacted by the storm through the end of November. (04:14 p.m. EDT) Cubans Begin To Pick Up The Pieces As Hurricane Melissa continues to track north through the Caribbean, weve got a glimpse into the aftermath on the southern coast of Cuba. Footage from this morning in the historic city of Santiago de Cuba, founded more than 500 years ago, shows collapsed homes, roofs torn open, and flooded streets. More than 700,000 residents were evacuated from Cubas eastern region. Authorities have yet to report any casualties from the storm. (03:57 p.m. EDT) Damage In Westmoreland Parish Drone footage captures a haunting scene across Westmoreland Parish, on Jamaicas west coast. Splintered wood, roofless homes and a widespread debris field now blanket the landscape. The devastation in Westmoreland is especially severe, as its only miles from where Melissa made its catastrophic landfall. (03:41 p.m. EDT) Travel Delays From Melissa Unsurprisingly, the hurricane has triggered widespread travel chaos across much of the Caribbean. In Jamaica, hundreds of flights have been canceled as the country works to clean up and reopen its airports. Cruise ports in Jamaica are also closed, prompting several cruise lines to cancel stops or reroute ships to other islands. In Cuba and the Bahamas, airports are closed or operating under heavy disruptions, with some airlines offering flexible rebooking options through November 1. Neighboring countries, including Haiti and the Dominican Republic, also experienced significant flooding and landslides, causing additional travel problems. Flights between Florida and other parts of the Caribbean have been delayed or forced to take longer routes to avoid the storm. (03:27 p.m. EDT) Further Risks For Jamaicans From digital meteorologist Rob Shackelford: Hurricane Melissa has largely moved on from Jamaica, but the threat to residents isnt done yet. The highs across Jamaica are largely in the mid to upper 80s at least through the weekend. Combined with the high humidity, heat exhaustion is a major risk as cleanup and recovery are underway. Drinking plenty of water and wearing light, loose-fitting clothing will help to mitigate some of the risks of heat exhaustion for people on then ground. Scattered showers are still possible, which is not ideal for the waterlogged nation. Localized bands of rain could still cause flooding as soils remain saturated. As numerous people are still without power, the National Hurricane Center warns, ensure generators are properly ventilated and placed outside at least 20 feet away from dwellings and garages to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. (03:04 p.m. EDT) Seasonal Activity Now Above Average By meteorologist Jonathan Belles: After a rather slow peak of hurricane season, Hurricane Melissa has ticked this season into the slightly above-average category by one metric. The metric, called Accumulated Cyclone Energy, measures each storm and the season as a whole by quality and quantity. Longer-lasting storms and those storms that are very strong rack up more ACE. While Melissa wasnt particularly long-lasting, it was a Category 5. You can see the red line go nearly vertical at the end on the chart below when Melissa rapidly intensified and then held Category 5 status for 34 hours. The other places where the line was nearly vertical were Category 5 hurricanes Erin and Humberto in August and September. Nearly 70% of the ACE from this season has come from these three storms. (02:42 p.m. EDT) Dolphins Ride Out Hurricane In Local Pools Heres a heartwarming story out of Jamaica: Several dolphins got to ride out the hurricane at an apartment complex. As the storm approached, staff at a popular marine park in Ocho Rios temporarily moved the dolphins into residential pools to keep them safe. Check out our full video here to see the dolphins splashing their way around their temporary home. (02:19 p.m. EDT) Jamaican Airport Poised To Reopen Jamaicas Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston has been spared major damage. The Minister of Energy, Telecommunications & Transport reported no issues after aerial and on-site inspections. Government officials have already received several requests for humanitarian relief flights, and authorities are working to reopen the airport as quickly as possible, potentially even later today. Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay suffered extensive damage, and will remain closed. (01:56 p.m. EDT) Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Displays Jamaican Colors From meteorologist Tiffany Savona: South Florida was showing its support for Jamaica on Tuesday - the iconic guitar at The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino was glowing in green and yellow as category 5 Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica. (01:32 p.m. EDT) Police Clear Debris In Kingston From content writer Patrick Griffin: Jamaican police are working to clear some of the wreckage left behind by Hurricane Melissa. Police in Kingston used saws and axes to clear fallen trees from the driveway at police headquarters. (01:11 p.m. EDT) Where Is Melissa Right Now? Hurricane Melissa is located just off the northern coast of Cuba and has entered the Atlantic Ocean, moving toward the Bahamas. The storm is expected to pass between or over Long Island and Crooked Island later today. Melissa is now a Category 2 hurricane following its landfall on Cuba. It previously hit Jamaica as a historically strong Category 5. Damaging winds, flooding rains and a dangerous storm surge are still expected to affect Cuba and the Bahamas throughout the day today. (12:48 p.m. EDT) Images Of Melissa's Aftermath Are 'Really Devastating' From senior editor Ron Brackett: At a news conference Wednesday morning, Jamaica's information minister Dana Morris Dixon, said, "It looks really, really difficult in many parts of Jamaica and it is very difficult. The images we're getting are really devastating. But as always, I've always said it, we're a strong people. We're a resilient people. And we will get through this together. Morris Dixon gave these updates: 77% of the country is without electricity The country's water systems held up "quite well." Telecommunications are going to take longer to restore. A damage estimate will take time, too. (12:23 p.m. EDT) Utter Devastation At Montego Bay Hotel Melissa left widespread destruction across popular tourist destination Montego Bay. Video from the Hotel Catalonia shows mangled trees, shredded roofs and debris scattered as far as the eye can see. One hotel guest posted a sobering reflection to social media: All I can say is total destruction Jamaica will never be the same. (12:04 p.m. EDT) No Official Reports Of Post-Storm Deaths In Jamaica From senior editor Ron Brackett: "We are not in a position to speak of any deaths because we have not had any reports of any deaths so far," said Desmond McKenzie, Jamaica's minister of local government and community development. "So we cannot presume that there are deaths. ... We are not in a position to make an official statement on deaths because we have not received any such information." According to the Associated Press, the storm has already been blamed for seven deaths in the Caribbean, including three in Jamaica during hurricane preparations, three in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic, where another person remains missing. (11:44 a.m. EDT) Additional Deaths Reported At least 22 people were killed in Petit-Goave, Haiti, after flooding caused the La Digue River to burst its banks, sending water surging through nearby homes, according to the towns mayor. At least 10 people from the area have been reported missing. (11:22 a.m. EDT) Unthinkable Destruction In Southern Jamaica This is one of the first visuals we've seen that shows the scope of the widespread damage in Saint Elizabeth Parish in southern Jamaica, closest to where Melissa made landfall: The destroyed buildings. The defoliation of all the trees as far as you can see. This is what a Category 5 hurricane does to the land and everything that's built on it. (11:12 a.m. EDT) New Hurricane Warning Issued From senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman: A hurricane warning has just been issued by the Meteorological Service of Bermuda. This means hurricane conditions are now expected in Bermuda late Thursday night, and tropical-storm-force winds could move in prior to that Thursday evening. Bermuda was struck by Category 2 Hurricane Imelda to kick off the month on the night of Oct. 1. A swipe from Melissa late Thursday night could be at roughly the same intensity as Imelda. (10:57 a.m. EDT) Melissa Leaving Cuba From senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman: The center of Hurricane Melissa has now emerged off the coast of Cuba into the southwest Atlantic Ocean. Bands of heavy rain and strong winds will continue over eastern Cuba for a few more hours, but will diminish by late afternoon or evening as Melissa moves away. Meanwhile, conditions are deteriorating quickly in the southeast Bahamas and Turks and Caicos, with bands of heavy rain and tropical-storm-force winds at times. The core of Melissas hurricane-force winds appears to be headed toward Acklins and Crooked islands, in the southeast Bahamas, later this afternoon into early this evening. (10:42 a.m. EDT) US State Department Sending Response To Caribbean In a post on X, the U.S. State Department said Wednesday that it is "deploying a regional Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) and activated US-based Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams to bolster response efforts." (10:09 a.m. EDT) Cuba's President Reports 'Extensive Damage' View of part of Santiago de Cuba city after the passage of Hurricane Melissa on Oct. 29, 2025. (Photo by LUIS ALEJANDRO PIREZ/AFP via Getty Images) From senior editor Ron Brackett: Cuba's President Miguel Diaz-Canel said the island has seen "extensive damage" from Melissa. "It has been a very difficult early morning. Extensive damage, and Hurricane Melissa is still over Cuban territory. I urge our people not to let their guard down, to maintain discipline, and to remain safely sheltered. As soon as conditions allow, we will begin the recovery effort. We are ready," he wrote on X. "The situation remains under control. We have prepared for the worst-case scenario, and the measures have been effective." (09:45 a.m. EDT) Thousands Of Tourists Stuck In Jamaica AP Photo/Matias Delacroix From senior editor Ron Brackett: About 25,000 tourists were on the island of Jamaica when Melissa hit. Dana Morris Dixon, a government minister, said the Ministry of Tourism has indicated that it is coordinating with all the hotels. There is no need to worry. The Ministry of Tourism, (which) has its center that is in constant communication with all of the hotels, has been providing support, and so we are keeping those tourists as safe as we possibly can, she said. (09:20 a.m. EDT) 'Black River Is Gone' As I mentioned earlier, the first information we've received out of the town of Black River, Jamaica, was that there was extreme damage in the area that experienced a Category 5 hurricane's eyewall yesterday. We're now seeing more from this area, and it is so devastating. Black River is the capital of Saint Elizabeth Parish and has about 4,200 residents. (08:59 a.m. EDT) The Latest From Cuba AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa As Hurricane Melissa continues to rake across eastern Cuba, there are widespread reports of flash flooding in the areas hit hardest. The National Hurricane Center also warned of life-threatening storm surge along the coast and landslides inland. You can use our maps tracker page to follow the storm as it eventually emerges over open waters and moves toward the Bahamas later today. (08:32 a.m. EDT) Government Relief Website Launched In Jamaica Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images Jamaica's government has launched a really informative website that will help hundreds of thousands get what they need in the aftermath of this storm. It's at this link, and on that website, there are resources for residents to find shelters and report missing persons. They're also accepting donations. (08:21 a.m. EDT) An Update On Jamaica's Largest Airports From meteorologist Tiffany Savona: Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, the busiest airport in Jamaica, will remain closed due to damage. However, Norman Manley International Airport, located in the capital city of Kingston, could open for relief efforts as early as Thursday. (07:58 a.m. EDT) An 'Unprecedented Catastrophe' From senior editor Ron Brackett: "Early indications are that Hurricane Melissa was a disaster of unprecedented catastrophe for the island" of Jamaica, Alexander Pendry, the British Red Cross Global Response Manager, says. "News is already coming through that whole communities are under water and that the damage left by the strong winds has been devastating," Pendry told media organizations Wednesday. "Tragically, experience tells us that the impact on communities and individuals will be shattering and long lasting. We will be here for as long as people need us." (07:26 a.m. EDT) Historic Church Destroyed By Melissa Heartbreaking news out of Black River, Jamaica: It appears that the historic St. John Parish Anglican Church was destroyed by the storm. The church is reportedly a national heritage site and dates back to 1837, though some say it may actually be 100 years older than that. (07:00 a.m. EDT) Melissa Moving Away From Jamaica, But Impacts Far From Over From meteorologist Tiffany Savona: Catastrophic flooding and landslides will continue across the island of Jamaica today as an additional 3-6 inches of rain is in the forecast. Expect higher amounts in the mountains. The National Hurricane Center is now concerned about people experiencing heat exhaustion as they clean up across the island. The latest forecast has highs in the mid- to upper 80s and lows near 80 degrees over the next seven days. Per the NHC: "Jamaica: You may need to remain sheltered after the storm due to downed power lines and flooded areas. Ensure generators are properly ventilated and placed outside at least 20 feet away from dwellings and garages to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. During clean up, be careful when using chainsaws and power tools. Drink plenty of water to avoid heat exhaustion." (06:39 a.m. EDT) Melissas Category 5 Footprint These tracks are the 45 hurricanes that reached Category 5 status in the Atlantic Basin from 1925 through Hurricane Melissa. The parts of the tracks during which each hurricane was a Cat 5 are shown by the red segments. (Data: NOAA/NHC) From senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman: The map above shows all the segments (in red) of the 45 known Category 5 hurricanes in the Atlantic Basin over the last 101 years. Highlighted by the box is the 36-hour-long Cat 5 path of Melissa. According to WPLG-TV hurricane expert Michael Lowry, only four of those previous hurricanes lasted as long or longer at Cat 5 intensity than Melissa. The line for Melissa is shorter than many others, but that's a symptom of how slowly it was moving for much of its Cat 5 journey. Usually, most Cat 5s only stay at that intensity for less than 24 hours, typically undergoing an eyewall replacement cycle during which the hurricane loses a little intensity, but becomes larger. Melissa didnt do that, and that will likely be investigated by hurricane researchers. For more on Category 5 hurricanes, check out our full breakdown. (06:29 a.m. EDT) More Scenes Of Damage Emerge From Jamaica Black River, Jamaica Sangster International Airport, Montego Bay, Jamaica (06:12 a.m. EDT) Melissas Next Stop: The Bahamas From meteorologist Jennifer Gray: Melissa is far from over. This major hurricane will continue to unleash fierce winds and torrential rain across Cuba before, yet again, entering the warm Caribbean waters on its path to the Bahamas. Melissa will bring hurricane-force winds, life-threatening storm surge and flooding rainfall. The southeastern Bahamas could face storm surge as high as 5 to 8 feet; Turks and Caicos could experience storm surge as high as 2 to 4 feet. Rainfall amounts up to a foot are possible across some islands. (05:56 a.m. EDT) Awful Scenes Out Of Black River, Jamaica On Jamaica's southwestern coast, the town of Black River bore the eyewall of Hurricane Melissa as it made landfall on Tuesday afternoon. This video shared by the Jamaica Constabulary Force shows the severe damage we feared had happened in the area: (05:35 a.m. EDT) What We Know About Jamaica So Far A satellite view shows Major Hurricane Melissa making its historic landfall near New Hope, Jamaica, on Oct. 28, 2025. (Photo by CSU/CIRA and NOAA/Anadolu via Getty Images) As we mentioned yesterday, it's typical for news to emerge slowly from the hardest-hit areas after a Category 5 landfall. Such is the case in southwestern Jamaica, but here are some things that have been reported by the Associated Press: - Damage is extensive in parts of southern and southwestern Jamaica - Four hospitals are among the likely hundreds of damaged structures - More than half a million customers have lost power We will keep you updated on any news that emerges from these parts of the island. (05:22 a.m. EDT) Rain Refuses To Relent Over Haiti Meanwhile, it is still raining heavily in outer bands over parts of Haiti. It appears to be the eighth day in a row of at least locally heavy rain somewhere in Hispaniola. (05:00 a.m. EDT) Melissa Makes Landfall In Cuba AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa We have a second landfall. Melissa came ashore near the city of Chivirico this morning as a Category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds near 120 mph. The storm briefly restrengthened to a Category 4 after emerging in the open waters north of Jamaica but weakened again when it began its interaction with Cuba. Still, it remains a formidable storm and a significant concern for Cuba. Todd Lasance/Instagram ; Kim Landy/Getty Todd Lasance and his wife Jordan Lasance ; Josh McKenzie and Mavournee Hazel attend the BYD SEALION 6 Launch on May 16, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. NEED TO KNOW The stars of NCIS: Sydney have reunited for season 3, which premiered on Oct. 14 NCIS: Sydney, which is the first international version of NCIS, stars Olivia Swann, Todd Lasance, Sean Sagar, Tuuli Narkle, Mavournee Hazel and Bert LaBonte Although many of the actors portray intense investigators, in reality, their love lives appear far less dramatic As NCIS: Sydney season 3 plays out, there has already been no shortage of drama and heartfelt moments. The Australian military police procedural, which is the first international version of the NCIS franchise, follows a team of Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) agents and Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers as they investigate various military activity. While the series primarily centers around the dramatic incidents, it also features love among its characters including a potential budding romance between Special Agent DeShawn Jackson (Sean Sagar) and AFP Liaison Officer Constable Evie Cooper (Tuuli Narkle). "Whether that becomes something more, I guess time will tell, but it is interesting to note that theres a huge portion of the readership whos kind of shipping that," executive producer Morgan ONeill told TV Insider in March 2025. "So I guess well see." Although there's plenty of drama on NCIS: Sydney, the cast members' lives look different away from the cameras. Though actors Sagar and Narkle have chemistry on the show, they both appear to be single. Meanwhile, a few other stars are in long-term relationships, like Todd Lasance, who has been with his wife Jordan Wilcox since 2015, and Bert LaBonte, who married his wife, Amanda LaBonte, in 2002. Heres everything to know about the real-life partners of the NCIS: Sydney cast. Olivia Swann Karwai Tang/WireImag Olivia Swannattends the EE British Academy Film Awards 2022 at Royal Albert Hall on March 13, 2022 in London, England. Swann plays NCIS Special Agent Captain Michelle Mackey on the international spinoff. Her character might be American, but Swann is actually British, having been born in London. Though it is unknown if Swann is dating anyone, she has fallen head over heels for the city of Sydney while filming the procedural. "I have fallen completely in love with this place. I don't want to leave," she told InStyle Australia in December 2023. Todd Lasance and Jordan Wilcox Todd Lasance/Instagram Todd Lasance and his wife Jordan Lasance. Lasance keeps Sydney streets safe as Sergeant Jim "JD" Dempsey, a member of the Australian Federal Police. On the series, JD and Michelle have grown closer, but in real life, Todd is married to Jordan Wilcox Lasance. The couple crossed paths in 2015 and married five years later. "Before we met I had always been a long-term-relationship kind of guy. I wasn't looking for her when she came into my world," Lasance told The Sydney Morning Herald in June 2017. "She is a selfless human who has a calming nature which balances out my over-hyperactivity. I am in awe of her generosity and empathy." Lasance and Jordan share two children: a daughter, Charlie Rose, born in 2016, and a son, Beau, born in 2023. Sean Sagar Arturo Holmes/WireImage Sean Sagar attends the Netflix's "Mea Culpa" New York Premiere at Paris Theater on February 15, 2024 in New York City. Sagar plays Special Agent Jackson. While his relationship status might be private, he has love for his NCIS: Sydney costars. "Still doesnt feel real. Just glad the world will now get to see what these incredible individuals next to me and off-camera have created. What a moment in my life, one I will never forget," he wrote on Instagram in November 2023, sharing images of the NCIS: Sydney cast at the series' global launch event. Sagar previously dated Little Mix member Jesy Nelson in 2020, and they broke up the following year. Tuuli Narkle Tuuli Narkle/Instagram Tuuli Narkle. Fans might be shipping Narkle's character, Constable Cooper, and Sager's Jackson, but her relationship status off-screen is currently unclear. "I know deep down its all love," Tuuli told Parade about Cooper's relationship with Jackson. "I know she loves DeShawn Jackson. So, in my head, Im like, 'Its such a beautiful dynamic that we have on and off-screen that allows us to bring those characters to life for the audience.' " Mavournee Hazel and Josh McKenzie Sam Tabone/WireImage Mavournee Hazel and Josh McKenzie attend a celebration event on October 12, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. Hazel plays forensic scientist Bluebird "Blue" Gleeson. On the series, her character prioritizes lab work over love, but in real life, the former Neighbours star is dating fellow actor Josh McKenzie. In a January 2019 interview with Sportsgirl, Mavournee came out as demisexual, someone who feels a sexual attraction toward a person only after they've developed an emotional relationship with them first, per PFLAG. "I used to think there was something wrong with me or that I was broken because I wasnt into the dating game, but as I got older I realized there is a whole spectrum," she revealed. "Dating isnt a massive priority and it never has been." "My definition of love is very different of other peoples," Hazel added. Bert LaBonte and Amanda LaBonte Bert LaBonte/Instagram Bert LaBonte and Amanda LaBonte. LaBonte plays Special Agent Ken Carter on NCIS: Sydney. In real life, he is married to actress Amanda LaBonte. They wed in 2002 and share two sons. "Photo taken 22 years to the day in the same spot we got our wedding pics. Happy anniversary babe! Couldnt feel luckier than to do life with you," he wrote on Instagram in April 2024. Read the original article on People Israel said Wednesday that the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip was back on after it carried out intense strikes across the Palestinian enclave that killed 100 people, including children, according to local health officials. The Israeli military said it had "begun the renewed enforcement" of the fragile ceasefire after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered powerful strikes on the territory as Israel and Hamas traded accusations of ceasefire violations. Dozens of targets were struck in the attack, it said, the most serious threat yet to the truce partly brokered by President Donald Trump. Dr. Khalil Al-Daqran, a spokesperson for the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza, told NBC News that more than 104 people had been killed, including more than 40 children and 20 women, since Tuesday night in the deadly strikes. He said more than 250 people, including more than 70 children, were also injured. Dr. Muhammad Abu Salmiya, director of Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, reported the same death toll. Wounded Palestinian children in an ambulance after an Israeli strike on the Al-Mawasi tent area sheltering displaced families Wednesday. (Abdallah F.s. Alattar / Anadolu via Getty Images) Destruction following Israeli attacks on Bureij camp in Gaza City on Wednesday. (Moiz Salhi / Anadolu via Getty Images) Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for Gaza's Civil Defense agency, said the strikes "targeted homes, tents and gatherings in various cities," with heavy shelling He added that the assault had continued into the morning, with the death toll "expected to rise." An official from the Israel Defense Forces told NBC News that the command to carry out the strikes was a result of Hamas allegedly attacking soldiers in the southern Gaza area of Rafah in an Israeli-controlled area. NBC News could not independently verify the claim. The IDF announced that an Israeli reservist soldier identified as Master Sgt. (Reserve) Yona Efraim Feldbaum had been killed in Rafah. Hanan Greenwood, a spokesperson for the Binyamin regional council, told NBC News on Wednesday that Feldbaum, 37, held an American passport. Hamas denied any involvement in the incident, calling Israel's strikes a "flagrant violation" of the ceasefire deal as the group urged mediators to step in and pressure Israel to halt its attacks. Israel had previously accused Hamas of a similar attack in Rafah that saw two soldiers killed earlier this month, with the militant group also denying involvement at the time. President Donald Trump voiced support for Israel's actions, telling reporters on Air Force One, the Israelis hit back, and they should hit back when that happens." Still, he maintained that the truce in Gaza was not at risk, adding that Hamas was a "very small part" of peace in the Middle East. They said they would be good, and if theyre good theyre going to be happy, he said. And if theyre not good, theyre going to be terminated. Vice President JD Vance similarly maintained that the "ceasefire is holding," adding: " That doesnt mean that there arent going to be little skirmishes here and there." Tensions have also been mounting over the return of hostage remains. The militant group returned all living hostages who remained held in Gaza but has failed so far to return the remains of all the deceased hostages in the enclave. Both Hamas and the International Committee of the Red Cross, which has helped facilitate the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners and detainees held by Israel, had warned it would be difficult to locate bodies under the Gaza rubble. But Tuesday Hamas was accused by Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement after returning body parts that were identified to belong to Ofir Tzarfati, whose remains were already returned to Israel about two years ago in a military operation. The Israeli military also released footage that it said showed Hamas staging the recovery of hostage remains, with the footage appearing to show people carrying what appeared to be a white shroud from a building and covering it with dirt before then uncovering the area in front of a recovery team. In a statement Wednesday, the ICRC addressed the incident, saying its teams were not aware that a deceased person had been placed there prior to their arrival, as seen in the footage and that it was unacceptable for a fake recovery to be staged. Hamas has yet to publicly address the matter. Eric Charbonneau/Apple TV+ via Getty; OLIVIER TOURON/AFP via Getty Jamie Lee Curtis; Charlie Kirk NEED TO KNOW Jamie Lee Curtis addressed the viral commentary surrounding her tear-filled remarks about Charlie Kirk's assassination in September The actress said an excerpt of the podcast appearance "mistranslated what I was saying as I wished him well" Curtis said she "wasnt" intending to speak about Kirk "in a very positive way" but was talking about his "faith" Jamie Lee Curtis is clarifying her remarks about Charlie Kirk's death that generated backlash online. Last month, the Oscar winner was a guest on the WTF with Marc Maron podcast for an episode recorded two days after 31-year-old Kirk, a right-wing media personality who founded conservative advocacy group Turning Point USA, was shot and killed in front of a crowd during a public speaking event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10. "Im going to bring something up with you just because its front of mind," Curtis, 66, said during the wide-ranging podcast, adding through tears at the time: "I disagreed with him on almost every point I ever heard him say, but I believe he was a man of faith, and I hope in that moment when he died that he felt connected to his faith." "Even though his ideas were abhorrent to me," she continued, "I still believe hes a father and a husband and a man of faith. And I hope whatever connection to God means that he felt it. Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic Jamie Lee Curtis on Oct. 26, 2025 While some on social media commended Curtis for having empathy toward someone with vastly different political views, others criticized her for appearing to excuse Kirk's controversial messaging, particularly his rejection of transgender people. (One of Curtis' daughters, 29-year-old Ruby, is trans.) In a new interview with Variety published Tuesday, Oct. 28, Curtis addressed the backlash to her comments for the first time, saying, "An excerpt of it mistranslated what I was saying as I wished him well, like I was talking about him in a very positive way, which I wasnt. I was simply talking about his faith in God." "So it was a mistranslation, which is a pun, but not," she continued. "In the binary world today, you cannot hold two ideas at the same time: I cannot be Jewish and totally believe in Israels right to exist and at the same time reject the destruction of Gaza. You cant say that, because you get vilified for having a mind that says, I can hold both those thoughts. I can be contradictory in that way.' " Andrew Harnik/Getty Charlie Kirk on May 28, 2025 The Lost Bus producer Curtis will be being honored at Variety's 2025 Power of Women event in Los Angeles on Oct. 29, highlighting her philanthropic efforts with Children's Hospital Los Angeles. Curtis, who next stars in the film Ella McCay, told the outlet she doesn't set out to be "careful" in her outspokenness as a Hollywood star. "If I was careful," she said, "I wouldnt have told you any of what I just told you. I would have just said, Hi, welcome. I baked you banana bread. Heres my dog. Heres my house, blah, blah, blah. What do you want to know? I cant not be who I am in the moment I am." Curtis explained the importance of her own activism in a July interview with The Guardian. Im an outspoken advocate for the right of human beings to be who they are," said the Freakier Friday actress. "And if a governmental organization tries to claim theyre not allowed to be who they are, I will fight against that." "Im a John Steinbeck student hes my favorite writer and theres a beautiful piece of writing from East of Eden about the freedom of people to be who they are," she continued. "Any government, religion, institution trying to limit that freedom is what I need to fight against." Read the original article on People Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson, a Democrat, said his chamber would not move forward with a redistricting effort. (Bryan Woolston / AP file) Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson dashed Democrats' hopes the state would join the national redistricting battle, telling colleagues that the chamber would not try to redraw the state's congressional map. The Senate is choosing not to move forward with mid-cycle congressional redistricting, Ferguson said in a three-page letter to state Democratic lawmakers that was shared with NBC News. In short, the risk of redrawing the congressional map in Maryland is too high, making the unlikely possibility that we gain a seat not worth pursuing. Maryland is among the Democratic-led states the party has been eyeing to respond to Republicans enacting new gerrymandered maps in three states at President Donald Trump's urging ahead of next year's midterm elections. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., has held discussions with members of the Maryland delegation and Gov. Wes Moore, and state Sen. Clarence Lam introduced a bill to draw new district lines. Jeffries was informed Tuesday that Ferguson planned to announce the decision not to move forward with new maps, according to a source familiar with the conversation. On Wednesday, Jeffries appeared to push back on Ferguson's stance. Its my expectation, based on my conversations with Gov. Moore, my conversations with leadership in the Maryland General Assembly and my conversations, certainly, with the Maryland congressional delegation, that the state of Maryland knows what the stakes are, understands the assignment, and as we are seeing in multiple other states will respond aggressively and appropriately in short order, Jeffries said. In a lengthy statement, Moore said in part that he believed: "That Maryland needs to stand up. That Maryland needs to have a voice, and Maryland needs to have a backbone." He continued: "And so I will work with anyone to include not just Bill Ferguson, but everybody in the Maryland State Senate and everybody in the House of Delegates to make sure that in this moment, Maryland does not cow down. And Maryland understands the assignment is ensuring that we can have fair maps that people can vote on next November. Ferguson did not respond to a request for comment and Lam declined to comment. In the letter, Ferguson acknowledged the pressure lawmakers face to boost the Democratic Party nationally. But he said he believes any redistricting effort could open the state up to a court-ordered map that might give Republicans another seat. Currently, Democrats control seven of Maryland's eight congressional districts. Ferguson said he hoped Marylands refusal to enter the fray would give cover to other Republican states resisting pressure from Trump to redraw their maps, while adding that the effort could result in racial gerrymandering, too. It is hypocritical to say that it is abhorrent to tactically shift voters based on race, but not to do so based on party affiliation. As we weigh the risk and grounds for mid-cycle redistricting in Maryland, it is important to acknowledge the jurisprudence and work of many to create racially fair maps. Ferguson's letter comes as the redistricting arms race continues to expand nationally. Earlier this week, Indiana Republican Gov. Mike Braun called for a special legislative session on redistricting, though support for such a measure among GOP lawmakers remains uncertain. Elsewhere, Louisiana Republicans are expected to pass legislation this week to move back the date of their spring elections to prepare for the possibility that a Supreme Court ruling could allow them to enact new maps. In Virginia, Democrats are working to modify their redistricting commission to allow them to pursue a mid-decade redistricting effort. Republicans in North Carolina, Missouri and Texas have enacted new maps this year aimed at helping the party shore up its narrow House majority in the 2026 elections. California voters will decide next week whether to allow a new map that could net Democrats five House seats. And Jeffries visited with Democrats in Illinois earlier this week to discuss a possible redistricting push.